“There’s been courting enough,” the priest said. “If you aren’t going to be married you must give up keeping company. I see Paddy Boyle outside the door. Go home with him. Do you hear what I’m saying, Pat? Go straight home, and no stopping about the roads. Just do as I bid you; go straight home to your mother.”
Pat did not move at the bidding of the priest. He stood watching Kate as if he were waiting for a sign from her, but Kate did not look at him.
“Do you hear what I’m saying to you?” said the priest.
“Yes, I hear,” said Pat.
“And aren’t you going?” said the priest.
Everyone was afraid Pat would raise his hand against the priest, and they looked such strong men, both of them, that everyone wondered which would get the better of the other.
“You won’t go home when I tell you to do
