第557页 / 共1118页

The father provincial had expected this conclusion from the

commencement of the conversation. "I perceive," thought he,

"where you would lead me; when a poor friar gives one of you the

least umbrage, the superior must make him march, right or wrong."

When the count had finished, the provincial said aloud, "I

understand what the signor count would say; but before taking a

step--"

"It is a step, and it is not a step, very reverend father: it is

only a natural event, such as might happen in the ordinary course

of affairs; and if we do not do it quickly, I foresee a deluge of

disorders, a mountain of grievances. If we do not put a stop to

the affair between ourselves, it is not possible it should remain

a secret. And then it is not only my nephew-you raise a wasp's

nest, very reverend father. We are a powerful house-we have

adherents."