"What a foolish thing for me to say," Ashe broke out; then surprised at
the querulousness of his tone he stopped abruptly.

"Mr. Ashe," Candish said gravely, "if there is anything I can do for
you will you tell me what it is?"

Philip rose quickly, and took a step towards him, leaning down over the
thin, homely face.

"I have found you out!" he cried with exultation. "I came to confess my
sin to you, and I find that you love her too!"

"Don't be hysterical and melodramatic," was the cool response. "Sit
down, and let us talk rationally if we are to talk at all."

The manner of Candish recalled Philip to himself. He sat down heavily.

"I beg your pardon," he said. "Since that fight I have been half beside
myself. I am like a hysterical girl."

The other regarded him compassionately.

"Mr. Ashe," responded he, "there is no good in my pretending that I
didn't understand what you meant just now. You and I are both given to
the priesthood. If we both love a woman"--

"I love her," burst in Philip, half defiantly, half remorsefully, "and
I have told her so! I have condemned myself"--