It was already thronged with members of the congregation from remote farms, for the Canadian priest not only has the consciences of his flock in charge, but is their counsellor in all affairs, and the composer of their disputes; the solitary individual of different station to whom they can resort for the solving of their difficulties.
The cure of St.Henri sent none away empty who asked his advice; some he dealt with in a few swift words amidst a general conversation where he bore his cheerful part; others at greater length in the privacy of an adjoining room.

When the turn of the Chapdelaines came he looked at his watch.
"We shall have dinner first.

What say you, my good friends?
You must have found an appetite on the road.

As for myself, singing mass makes me hungry beyond anything you could believe." He laughed heartily, more tickled than anyone at his own joke, and led his guests into the dining-room.

Another priest was there from a neighbouring parish, and two or three farmers.