But as soon as Luke was ready with a truth question of his own, Joe came out to the porch in a very hurried manner.  "Uh, Father Luke, Hope ... I have a third guest for you, may I present Bishop Donald of the Cityville Diocese."  What!?  Father Luke realized he had given Hope his collar; things were not looking well at all.<br/><br/>Sure enough, Father Luke's Bishop emerged from the doorway dressed in black with a single crucifix hanging down his royal robes.  He paused; Father Luke stood to attention and gently bowed, kissing the Bishop's ring, and saying, "You excellency.  What means this unexpected pleasure?"<br/><br/>Bishop motioned Father Luke and Hope to sit down while a third chair was provided for him.  Turning to Joe, Bishop indicated, "Whatever they want for lunch, it's on the diocese."  Joe already knew what everyone wanted as they were regulars.  "And for you Bishop?"  Donald replied, "Just a small bowl of your house soup, please."<br/><br/>After the waiter left them alone, Bishop turned to Hope.  "Hmmm, I don't remember ordaining you a priestess in our diocese".  The Bishop chuckled.  "Father Luke; I have to say your church is very nice and very quaint.  The diocese is taking special attention to your Parish; I've heard of some of your struggles.  Methinks if we send a few more brother priests to do even some menial tasks, we can get you back up on your feet in no time.  Now ... about Hope.  I think she's a lovely woman; and I know you care about her, Father, and her spiritual well being.  Let's just say some of your Brothers have noticed too.  Sometimes when we are lonely, we find comfort in friendships, even ones that appeal ... shall we say ... to the flesh?<br/><br/>"But I know you care about her and I'm about to make an offer to you that I think will make everybody happy.  First, Father Luke - the diocese will start paying double your salary so the parish money can be used just for the church.  And for Hope - I think we can find a permanent job at the diocese for her with a substantial raise.  You see Father Luke, Hope ... I'm sure you want all purity in your friendship and what better way then to have the Bishops office ensure both of you are working for God."  The Bishop smiled.  The waiter had returned with their food.<br/><br/>"Think about my offer" he said as he slowly sipped some soup.  Then he put down some cash on the table, enough to cover a week's worth of meals.  "I'd hate to have to end your friendship all together."  But the Bishop was taking a chance; he had heard only good things from the parishoners of the church, so he didn't want to remove Father Luke all together.  But if he couldn't have a friend who was a girl, he didn't think his parish priests should be able to have any girl friends either.  The Bishop did not wait for a response; he simply rose and said, "I hope you two enjoy the rest of the afternoon together."  Oddly though, he did stick out his hand expecting Hope to kiss his ring.