ast part of each year. I
heard him say that he would try to influence you to become his
intendent."

"Well, that sounds pretty big, Father. But what does an intendent
intend to do? It's a new one on me."

"An intendent, my dear Mr. Saunders," said Father Murray, "is quite a
personage on the other side. He is the man who runs the business
affairs of a castle. He has charge of all the property. It is quite a
good position; better, in fact, than that of a private detective.
Then, you see, his care of the servants and continued watchfulness over
the property makes detective experience somewhat valuable. If the
salary suits you, by all means I would advise you to accept the offer.
Besides, you know, Mr. Saunders, we have all gotten to like you very
much. Apart from the fact that you are what Mrs. O'Leary would call 'a
black Protestant,' I look upon you as one of my own."

Saunders laughed. "'A black Protestant' indeed! A lot of difference
that makes with you. Why, you were 'a black Protestant' yourself,
Father Murray, and in some ways I believe they only whitewashed you."

"Now, Mr. Saunders," reproved Father Murray, "that is not very
complimentary. There is no whitewash or veneer about my Catholicity."

Despite the quizzical good-humor of the priest, there was a touch of
seriousness in his voice, and Saunders hastened to explain.

"I didn't mean it quite that way, Father--only it strikes me that there
is always a difference between what I call the 'simon-pure Catholic'
and the one that wasn't born a Catholic."

"Well, Mr. Wise Man," said the priest, "perhaps you'll explain the
difference."

Saunders looked puzzled. "It is a hard thing to explain, Father," he
said, and then hesitated; "but I'll try to do it. In the first
place--but this doesn't go for you--I think that the convert is more
bigoted than the other kind. Now, honestly, don't you?"

Father Murray was amused. "I am glad, Mr. Saunders," he replied, "that
you leave me out of it. That is a _real_ compliment. Now, let us put
it this way: If you had been the possessor of a million dollars from
the time of your birth, it would be a matter of course with you, would
it not?"

"Certainly."

"But if you should suddenly acquire a million dollars, you would
naturally feel very much elated about it. Is that not true?"

"Yes--but what then?"

"That is the way it is with converts to anything. They suddenly
acquire what to them is very preciou