"And among women," he went on bravely; "and--and"--

"And you have discovered the meaning of a certain text in Genesis which
declares that 'male and female created He them,'" concluded Strathmore.

Wynne felt the tone like a caress. He seemed to be understood without
need of more speech. His condition, which had seemed to him so
intricate and so unique, began to appear possible and human. He was not
so completely cut off from human sympathy as he had felt.

"Yes," he assented; "I will be frank about it. I did not think that
Father Frontford would understand what it meant to feel that life is
given to us to be glorified by the love of a woman."

"If this is all that is troubling you," Strathmore remarked, "it seems
to me that your position, though it may not be pleasant, is not very
tragical. Our bishops are generally willing to absolve from vows of
celibacy."

"I doubt if Father Frontford would be," Maurice commented
involuntarily.

"That is perhaps one of his virtues in the eyes of his supporters,"
Strathmore suggested with a twinkle.

"I have not taken the vows, however," Maurice responded hastily,
flushing, and ignoring the thrust.

"Then what is your trouble?"