"It took us a long time to find sanctuary," Priest said gravely. "We had to avoid groups of outlaws as well as army patrols run amok, but God eventually guided us to safety. We were weary but resolute."
He decided not to tell her that some of their number had died on the trek to Oregon, that he should uplift rather than depress. At least she was still listening to him. "It sounds as if I'll be seeing less of the white stuff this year, in that case. Perhaps it will snow for Christmas, though."
One of his fellow Chets approached to congratulate him on giving such a good sermon, and the cleric dealt with him politely before turning back to the girl. She was comely in her own way, and he wondered if this would cause problems if she continued to come to his services. He knew there were loose women in Cascade Locks, and he'd have petitioned Saga to see to their removal if he didn't believe it would cause a mass protest, but surely this was a good Christian girl.