"Well, you see, it can't be May; because the people have a foolish superstition about May; though I should _so_ like to be--to be--married under our Lady's auspices. But the first day in June. Won't that be delightful? And it must be right under the statue of the Sacred Heart; and I shall put there such a mass of roses that day; and we shall both go to Holy Communion, and you'll say the nuptial Mass, Father Dan--" "I?" "Yes, of course. Who else, I should like to know?" "I thought you would be bringing down an Archbishop or even a Cardinal--" "Now, you're jesting as usual. I'll have no one but you--you--you--to marry me; and perhaps, if I were not asking too much, the choir might sing--" "Certainly! They _must_. But I won't promise you that wedding-march by that German fellow--" "Mendelssohn?" "Yes. That's his name, I believe. Nor that other march of that other fellow, whom we see on the papers." "I know. You mean the grand march in 'Lohengrin.' Why, Father Dan, what a musician you are! Who would ever think it?" "Ah, my dear, I'm not understood at all. But I'll promise you one thing, my little child, such an ovation from the poor of Kilronan as will make the angels cry with envy." Here Bittra was silent. "One word more, Father Dan," she said, wiping away a happy tear, "I must be running back. Rex is waiting. But he doesn't speak enthusiastically about this sewing business. You know he has great experience of the world--" I nodded "Of course." "And he has seen all kinds of things, and he is awfully shrewd and clever, and he knows people so well, and he understands business matters so thoroughly--" "Go on," I said, admiringly. "Well," she continued, with a laugh, "he does not like this affair at all, nor the boat business at all. He's afraid that Father Letheby, for whom he has the greatest admiration, will become embarrassed in money matters, and that there will be trouble--" "Don't let this imaginary shadow darken your sunshine, Bittra. It will be all right. Trust Father Letheby. He is very far-seeing." "Well, good-by, Father Dan. Pray for me. And won't you go see our little saint, and tell her? I have no time to-day." "Good-by, and God bless you!" I said fervently. It is these white souls that brighten the gray landscapes of life, and make death desirable; for shall we not meet their sisters and compeers in Heaven? CHAPTER XXII THE MAY CONFERENCE