As they waited Grant talked conventionally of the Order and its rules and learned that no member could own any worldly property or have communication for worldly purposes with human beings. Such trivial worldlinesses as newspapers were, of course, not even thought of. He also learned that the principal intended in about a month's time to take over a new Mission in Mexico, which they had built out of their funds, and that the privilege of electing his successor lay entirely with him.
A thought occurred to Grant.
"I don't want to be impertinent — please don't think this idle curiosity — but would you tell me whether you have decided in your mind on any particular person?"
"I have practically decided."
"May I know who it is?"
"I really do not know why I should tell to a stranger what I am not prepared to tell to the brothers of my own Order, but there is no reason to conceal it if I may trust your secrecy." Grant gave his word. "My successor is likely to be the man you have asked to see."
"But he is a newcomer!" Grant said before he thought.
"I am at a loss to know how you knew that," the Reverend Father said sharply. "It is true Brother Aloysius has been with us only a few months, but the qualities necessary for the priorship" (so he was a prior!) "are not developed with length of service."
Grant murmured agreement, and then asked which of their community had been on an errand in the streets this evening.
None of them, the prior said firmly; and the conversation was brought to an end by the entrance of the man Grant wanted.