Madeline laughed. "Mother! As if Paul would be a Roman Catholic priest!"
"Why not? Father says he would not be surprised."
"Well, I should. Paul! He's so very evangelical."
"I know. But——" (There was a little pause.) "Madeline, does he see much of that girl, Edith Thornton?"
The girl put down her work and looked into the fire. She was silent. "Oh, I don't know," she exclaimed suddenly.
"Well, dear, I've thought once or twice he looked at her rather as if he liked her. I'm sure I don't know what he can see in her. But of course if he's a priest, he won't be able to marry at all."
"No, mother, I suppose not."
"Well, my dear, I think it would be terrible for the Kesterns, Paul doing so well and all. Just too terrible. I am sure all their friends ought to try and prevent it. And if he becomes an author too, he's not likely to be a missionary after all. He ought to be a great preacher one day, and if he writes as well, I suppose it would help a great deal."
"Yes, I suppose it would." The girl propped her head on her hands, and stared into the flames.
Mrs. Ernest finished her sock. "What's the time?" she asked.