1916 by Morgan Llywelyn

Author:Morgan Llywelyn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Published: 1998-06-14T16:00:00+00:00

ALTHOUGH Alexander suspected his wife was infatuated with Father Paul, he did not think she was unfaithful. From his own experience he knew she was not a sensual woman. And, of course, she was Catholic, and the Catholics looked upon their priests as saints rather than men.

Masons were encouraged to confide in one another to tighten the bonds of brotherhood, so Alexander mentioned the situation to the Grand Master of his lodge, including a delicate reference to Kathleen’s disinterest in sex. “Under the circumstances I would see that as a virtue,” the man replied. “Your wife is suffering a variant of papist idolatry, Sandy. If you don’t make an issue of it, she’s not likely to allow the relationship to go any farther. It’s just the pastime of a bored woman. They all have them, I assure you, and many are much worse.”

Alexander was reassured. As long as Kathleen did not betray him physically, the marriage was not threatened. When he had the time he would give her more of what she so obviously needed: a strong husband who would tolerate no foolishness. Then there would be babies to keep her busy and she would forget about priests and piety.

He was unprepared for the shock he received one Sunday afternoon in May. He was returning home from Long Island, and had just stepped out of a cab in front of his house when an elderly woman in a black dress and bonnet confronted him on the sidewalk.

“Are you Mr. Campbell?”

“I am, madam. How may I help you?”

“I’m not one to gossip, but…”

“Neither am I,” he said shortly. “If that’s all, I hope you will excuse me?” He lifted his hat and started to pass by her, but she took a step sideways and stationed herself in front of him again.

“You must listen to me.” Her eyes were darting from side to side as if she was afraid of being overheard. “There’s something you should know. Not to help me, but someone else.”

“Tell me then if you must, but make it quick. My wife is expecting me.”

“Is she?” Mrs. Flanagan peered up into his face. “Is she indeed?”

“What do you mean by that?”

Mrs. Flanagan clenched her fists against the sides of her skirt. Never in her life had she done anything like this. She had no way of predicting how this stern, rather intimidating man would react when she said, “Your wife is breaking God’s law.”

Alexander stared at her. “What?”

It was hard to shape the words. Fear and anger combined to make her lips tremble. “Thou shalt not commit adultery. Your wife is.”

“What?” he repeated numbly.

“Committing adultery. With a priest. I’m his housekeeper and I know. You have to stop her. She’s endangering his immortal soul!”

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.