Christian and a hathen?"

"Between a Christian an' a hathen? Why aren't hathens all sinners?"

"Very right. Faith, Susan, you would have shone at the classics. You see
_dilecta cordis mei,_ or, _cordi meo,_ for either is good grammar--you
see, Susan, the difference between a Christian and a hathen is this:--
a Christian bears disappointments, with fortitude--with what is
denominated Christian fortitude; whereas, on the contrary, a hathen
doesn't bear disappointments at all. Now, Susan, it would cut me to the
heart to find that you would become a hathen on this touching and trying
occasion."

"I'll pray to God, Denis. Isn't that the way to act under afflictions?"

"Decidedly. There is no other legitimate mode of quelling a heart-ache.
And, Susan, when you go to supplication you are at liberty to mention my
name--no, not yet; but if I were once consecrated you might. However, it
is better to sink this; say nothing about me when you pray, for, to
tell you I truth, I believe you have as much influence above--_super
astra_--as I have. There is one argument which I am anxious to press
upon you. It is a very simple but a very respectable one after all. I
am not all Ireland. You will find excellent good husbands even in this
parish. There is, as the old proverb says, as good fish in the say as
ever were caught. Do you catch one of them. For me, Susan, the
vineyard claims me; I must, as I said, cultivate the grape. We must,
consequently--hem!--we must--hem!--hem!--consequently strive to
forget--hem!--I say, to forget each other. It is a trial--I know--a
desperte visitation, poor fawn, upon your feelings; but, as I said,
destiny will be triumphant. What is decreed, is decreed--I must go to