"Matrimony or Purgatory?"

A Roman Catholic bishop was visiting one of the churches in his diocese for the purpose of administering confirmation, and, with the priest of the parish at his side, was examining a little girl candidate. Naturally, the priest was especially anxious to have his charges make a good showing, and also, the candidates were nervous in the presence of the great man.

The bishop said to the girl, “What is matrimony?” She replied, “Matrimony is a state of terrible torment which those who enter it are compelled to undergo for a time to prepare them for a better and brighter world.”

“Oh, no, no,” broke in the priest, “that is purgatory, not matrimony.”

“Let the child alone, Father,” said the bishop. “What do you or I know about it?”