‘Why indeed?’ echoed Brother Raphe, staring sideways at the floor, as was his bashful habit. ‘It has a charitable sound, your project. But God looks not only to the act, my son: He reads the heart whence it came. And even I, the least of His servants, can see an inch beyond the end of my nose, Jack. Let me see if I cannot tell you your true motive. It is in your mind, perhaps, that by means of what the world will count disgrace you may revenge yourself upon Miss Humphrey. Hearing of this she will know, you tell yourself, to what a pass she has brought you, and in that knowledge will suffer. So argue those weak souls who, in such a case as yours, lay impious hands upon their own lives. By dying thus, they say, I shall force the world to see how much I have suffered, and shall make those that wronged me writhe in remorse. That is the sad logic that seduces ’em; and I think it is this arrogant self-pity and this malice, more than the fatal act itself, that earns damnation of heaven.’
Marden shrugged his shoulders. ‘You have shrewd eyesight, sir, and cool judgement. But, with all respect, you are a stranger to love. I have suffered a gross humiliation. I am humbled to the dust, and there’s nothing left me but to make a meal of it.’
‘The remedy for humiliation is humility, Jack. Or so I read the matter. A truly humble soul knows its own worth, whether in good fortune or bad. It is your proud man alone that can suffer humiliation; for pride is the cloak of a fearful heart. Forgive me if I am sententious: I speak only in love of you.’ Marden answered nothing, and after a long silence the priest said shyly: ‘Are you still inclined to marry Tisha Bailey?’
Marden was already ashamed of that intention, and wished to forget that he had entertained it. ‘Then is there nothing I can do but sheepishly kiss the rod?’
‘Alas, how can I advise you, Jack? I am, as you say, a stranger to love,’ said Brother Raphe, his eyes twinkling. ‘But if you would indeed have counsel of this stranger, I would humbly suggest that you marry Miss Humphrey.’
Marden stared in indignation. ‘You are pleased to joke about it.’
‘Do you not love Miss Humphrey?’ persisted the priest.
‘What has that got to do with it?’ asked Marden sulkily. ‘She does not love me. That would seem to settle the affair once and for all.’
‘Forgive me, Jack, and be patient. Remember that I am speaking of something that lies outside my province. I cannot advise you in this difficult matter.’ His voice trailed off into silence. But presently, as if gaining hope, he remarked casually: ‘All I dare say is this: that if I were a young man in love, and my lady had first taken me to her heart and then for a seeming trifle cast me out, I should not believe too readily that she no longer loved me. And if I found myself, one fine February morning, within a day’s ride of her, I should not waste time discussing her with a prosy old priest, who, of necessity, could know nothing of the ways of women.’
Having blandly addressed these remarks to a particular square-inch of carpet, Brother Raphe slowly raised his eyes and smiled at his young friend with an air of apology. His innocent gaiety of heart was infectious, and Marden, with sudden emotion, ran to him like a boy and clasped his arm. ‘Sir, you are goodness itself. You make me ashamed. And I believe you may be right in this. I do indeed. She loved me two days ago, and if I can prove myself innocent she may love me again, why not?’
‘Resolve that she shall,’ said Brother Raphe, ‘and I’ll wager she will. But never mind about proving your innocence, Jack. That can come later if come it must. Ask her forgiveness first; and if she loves you, as I believe she does, all will be well. Woman is a sealed mystery to me, as to all men; but I remember to have heard it said that a woman will forgive a man anything except his being in the right when they quarrel. Be ardent, Jack, ardent and sudden. And if she deny you, do not hear her. As for your innocence, that can wait till after the wedding.’
‘Heaven bless you,’ cried Marden fervently, ‘I’ll go now and bid her name the day. No, I won’t. I have a better plan still. I’ll name it for her and take no denial.’
Brother Raphe’s eyes widened in wonder, and his plump face became rosy with admiration and goodwill. ‘Why, what a resourceful fellow you are, upon my word!’ he exclaimed. ‘I wager she’ll never resist you.’
But Marden did not hear this prophecy, for he was already gone.