"
Mary was on the way before Mrs. Dolan fully finished. She went to
the priest's residence and asked his housekeeper to inquire if he
would see her. He would, and Mary entered his presence strangely
calm and self-possessed. This was the last fight she knew of that
she could make for happiness, and if she lost, happiness was over
for her. She had need of all her wit and she knew it. Father
Michael began laughing as he shook hands.
"Now look here, Mary," he said, "I've been expecting you. I warn
you before you begin that I cannot sanction your marriage to a
Protestant."
"Oh, but I'm going to convart him!" cried Mary so quickly that
the priest laughed harder than ever.
"So that's the lay of the land!" he chuckled. "Well, if you'll
guarantee that, I'll give in. When shall I read the banns?"
"Not until we get Dannie's consint," answered Mary, and for the
first her voice wavered.
Father Michael looked his surprise. "Tut! Tut!" he said. "And is
Dannie dilatory?"
"Dannie is the finest man that will ever live in this world,"
said Mary, "but he don't want to marry me."
"To my certain knowledge Dannie has loved you all your life,"
said Father Michael. "He wants nothing here or hereafter as he
wants to marry you."
"Thin why don't he till me so?" sobbed Mary, burying her burning
face in her hands.
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