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"Indeed," replied the doctor, brandishing his fork in the

air-"indeed I cannot understand how the Father Christopher should

not remember that his judgment, though of just weight in the

pulpit, is worth nothing-I speak with great submission-on a

question of knighthood. But perhaps he has been merely jesting,

to relieve himself from embarrassment."

The father not replying to this, Don Roderick made an effort to

change the subject.

"Apropos," said he, "I understand there is a report at Milan of

an accommodation."