steps at the lady's silent
invitation, he stopped to listen to what she had to tell him.

She spoke hastily of her three guests, particularly of the Abbe
Marinier, saying she was much annoyed on account of her husband, who
had such faith in this cherished idea of a Catholic association, and
who would now find himself confronted with an unexpected opposition. She
wished Don Clemente to know this that he might be prepared. She herself
had come to explain to him, because her husband could not leave his
guests at that moment. At the same time she would say good-night to Don
Clemente, as she did not intend to be present at the meeting, being a
woman and so ignorant. Perhaps she should meet him at the monastery in a
few days. Was not he the Padre who received visitors? She would probably
be going to Santa Scolastica in three or four days, with her sister--

At this point Signora Selva involuntarily raised the light to observe
her companion's face more narrowly, but she at once repented of the
action, as if she had failed in respect towards that soul which was
surely holy, surely in harmony with the manly and virginal beauty of
the tall slender person, with the head habitually held erect, in a pose
almost military in its frank modesty; with the face so noble in its
spacious forehead, in its clear blue eyes, expressing at the same time
womanly sweetness and manly fire.

"There will also be an intimate friend of my sister's, a certain Signora
Dessalle," she added, in a low voice, as if ashamed.

Don Clemente turned his head away, starting violently, and Maria,
feeling the counter-shock, trembled. Then it was he? He at once turned
towards her again, his face slightly flushed, but composed.

"Pardon me," said he, "what is the lady's name?"

"Whose, Signora Dessalle's?"

"Yes."

"Her name is Jeanne."

"About what age is she?"

"I do not know. I should say from thirty to thirty-five."

Maria was now completely at a loss to understand. The Padre put these
questions with such indifference, such calmness! She herself risked a
question.

"Do you know her, Padre?"

Don Clemente made no answer. At this point poor, gouty Dane arrived,
having dragged himself up from the gate with great difficulty, leaning
on Professor Minucci's arm. They were both intimate friends, and Signora
Selva welcomed them kindly, but in a somewhat absent manner.

* * * * *

The meeting was held in Giovanni's little s