“It will be best. Think what a peculiar appeal it have for those poor doomed creatures! They are cut off from the world by a terrible affliction, but you will be cut off by the graciousness of a Christ-fed purity. They are lepers made of disease; you will be as a leper for the kingdom of heaven's sake.”
“But, Father—if that be so—how much greater the appeal will be if—if a woman goes out also! Say she is young and beautiful and of great gifts?”
“Brother Andrew may go with you, my son.”
“Yes, Brother Andrew as well. But holy men in all ages have been bound by ties of intimacy and affection to good women who have lived and worked beside them.”
“Sisters, my son, elder sisters always.”
“And why not? Sister, indeed, and united to me by a great and spiritual love.”
“We are none of us invincible, my son; let us not despise danger.”
“Danger, Father! What is the worth of my religion if it does not enable me to defy that?”
“Well, well—do not decide too soon. I'll come to you at Soho this evening.”
“Do. It's our last night there. I must tell my poor people what my plans are to be. Good-bye for the present, Father, good-bye.”