Benediction

A young girl, Lois, is on her way to a tryst with her lover, Howard. She stops to meet her much older brother, Kieth [sic], who is in a seminary and about to be ordained as a priest. Lois sends a telegram upon her arrival in Baltimore. She wires Howard that she will meet him after her visit to a seminary. She arrives by bus and is welcomed by Kieth. He takes her on a tour of the grounds. They have not seen each other for many years. He informs her that he anticipated the meeting between them. They discuss their pasts. She informs him that she is not a devout Catholic. She tells him: "It really doesn't seem to apply anymore." Lois participates in a benediction or blessing in the chapel with her brother. She is overcome by the experience and collapses into his arms. She undergoes an emotional catharsis. Kieth bids her farewell and sees her off as she departs by bus. After her departure, he prays before the pietà. When she arrives back at the station, she tears up a telegram she meant to send. The clerks read the discarded message: "This is in the way of a permanent goodbye. I should suggest Italy. Lois."