صفحة 159 من 1118

His censures did not reach his master's ears unaccompanied by a

relation of the raillery bestowed upon them, so that he became an

object of general ridicule. On the days of formal entertainment,

therefore, the old man was a person of great importance.

Father Christopher bowed to him as he passed by him, and pursued

his way; but the old man approached him with a mysterious air,

and made a sign that he should follow him into a dark passage,

where, speaking in an under tone, he said, "Father! I have heard

all, and I want to speak to you."

"Speak at once, then, good man."

"Here! oh no! Woe be to us if the master suspect it! But I shall

be able to discover much, and I will endeavour to come to-morrow

to the convent."

"Is there any base plot?"

"There is something hatching, certainly; I have long suspected

it; but now I shall be on the look out, and I will come at the

truth. These are strange doings-I live in a house where--But I

wish to save my soul."