第132页 / 共1118页

"Father, father, come on," said one, "we do not make the

capuchins wait here; we are the friends of the convent; I have

been within its walls when the air on the outside of them was not

very wholesome for me; it was well the fathers did not refuse me

admittance." So saying, he gave two strokes with the knocker: at

the sound, the howls of mastiffs were heard from within; and in a

few moments there appeared an aged domestic. On seeing the

father, he bowed reverently, quieted the animals with his voice,

introduced the guest into a narrow court, and closed the gate.

Then escorting him into a saloon, and regarding him with an

astonished and respectful look, said, "Is not this-the Father

Christopher of Pescarenico?"

"The same."

"And here!"

"As you see, good man."