Pagina 552 de 1118

"I pray your reverence to tell me, frankly, as a friend,-this

man-this father-I have no personal acquaintance with him, 'tis

true; I know many fervent, prudent, humble capuchins, who are

worth their weight in gold; I have been the friend of the order

from infancy; but in a numerous family there is always some

individual--And I have reason to think that Friar Christopher is

a man-a little fond of quarrelling-who has not all the prudence

he might have: I imagine he has caused your reverence much

anxiety."

"I perceive there is some intrigue," thought the father

provincial; "it is my fault; I knew that this holy man should

have been sent from pulpit to pulpit, and not have been suffered

to remain six months in a convent in the country.-Oh," said he,

aloud, "I am truly sorry that your excellency has conceived such

an opinion of Father Christopher; for I know that his conduct in

the convent is exemplary, and that he is esteemed by every body."