The man had refused to be persuaded to allow the priest to choose some
institution to which Jeemsie might safely be sent--merely because it
was a priest who wished to have a voice in the matter, Val was inclined
to think; for the Protestant Home which Gowan favored was in no way
superior. They discussed the question in all its bearings, and
eventually Gowan lost his temper and showed his hand. He meant to
bring up all the children Protestants! He had learned by experience
what a hindrance it was to have to submit in everything to the
dictation of priests, and he was determined to have no more of it!

It was at that stage that Christian interposed. Very quietly but
firmly she spoke her mind.

"If you expect me to risk the loss of my children's souls as well as my
own for the sake of worldly advantages, Cousin Aleck, I may as well
speak plainly. I would rather stay here and work myself to death than
take your money."

This produced a terrific storm of abuse from Gowan. He called her
"priest-ridden" and every kind of fool and idiot. She would soon learn
to repent of her folly, for he would go straightway to a lawyer and
change his will! Not a penny would she get--now or later--from him, as
she would find one day to her cost! Then he dashed away without
further discussion.

"The fellow is a brute!" was Val's conclusion. "They are well rid of
him! What a blessing he showed himself in his true colors before it
was too late!"