Pagina 133 de 1118

"It must be to do good," continued he, murmuring between his

teeth; "good can be done every where." He then guided him through

two or three dark halls, and led the way to the banqueting room:

here was heard a confused noise of plates, and knives and forks,

and discordant voices. Whilst Father Christopher was urging the

domestic to suffer him to remain in some other apartment until

the dinner should be finished, the door opened. A certain Count

Attilio, a cousin of the noble host, (of whom we have already

spoken, without giving his name,) was seated opposite: when he

saw the bald head and habit of the father, and perceived his

motion to withdraw, "Ho! father," cried he, "you sha'n't escape

us; reverend father, forward, forward!" Don Roderick seconded

somewhat unwillingly this boisterous command, as he felt some

presentiment of the object of his visit. "Come, father, come in,"

said he. Seeing there was no retreating, Father Christopher

advanced, saluting the nobleman and his guests.