He bestowed his morning benediction on her, and then they walked silently side by side on the gravel; and from the dining-room window it looked like anything but what it was,—a fencing match.
Father Francis was the first to break silence. He congratulated her on her good fortune, and on the advantage it might prove to the true Church.
Kate waited quietly till he had quite done, and then said, "What, I may go into a convent now that I can bribe the door open?"
The scratch was feline, feminine, sudden, and sharp. But, alas! Father Francis only smiled at it. Though not what we call spiritually-minded, he was a man of a Christian temper. "Not with my good-will, my daughter," said he; "I am of the same mind still, and more than ever. You must marry forthwith, and rear children in the true faith."
"What a hurry you are in."
"Your own conduct has made it necessary."
"Why, what have I done now?"
"No harm. It was a good and humane action to prevent bloodshed, but the world is not always worthy of good actions. People are beginning to make free with your name for your interfering in the duel."
Kate fired up. "Why can't people mind their own business?"
"I do not exactly know," said the priest, coolly, "nor is it worth inquiring. We must take human nature as it is, and do for the best. You must marry him, and stop their tongues."