y cool, and the shadows of the
leaves that clustered round the lattice played in the glow of sunshine
on the floor. Brian was standing as the Prior entered the room; his
wasted figure, worn face, and grey hairs made him a striking sight in
that abode of peace and solitary quietness. It was as though some
unquiet visitant from another world had strayed into an Italian Arcadia.
But, as a matter of fact, Brian was probably less worldly in thought and
aspiration at that moment than the serene-browed priest who stood before
him and looked him in the face with such benignant friendly, interest.

"You wished to see me, my son?" he began, gently.

"I am ashamed to trouble you," said Brian. "But I felt that I ought to
speak to you as soon as possible. I am growing strong enough to continue
my journey--and I must not trespass on your hospitality any longer."

"Your strength is not very great as yet," said the Prior, courteously.
"Pray take a seat, Mr. Stretton. We are only too pleased to keep you
with us as long as you will do us the honour to remain, and I think it
is decidedly against your own interests to travel at present."

Brian stammered out an acknowledgment of the Prior's kindness. He was
evidently embarrassed, even painfully so; and Padre Cristoforo found
himself watching the young man with some surprise and curiosity. What
was it that troubled this young Englishman?

Brian at last uttered the words that he had wished to say.

"If I remained here," he said, colouring vividly with a sensitiveness
springing from the reduced physical condition to which he had been
brought by his long illness; "if I remained here I should ask you
whether I could do any work for you--whether I could teach any of your
pupils English or music. I am a poor man; I have no prospects. I would
as soon live in Italy as in England--at any rate for a time."

The Prior looked at him steadily; his deeply-veined hand grasped the arm
of his wooden chair, a slight flush rose to his forehead. It was in a
perfectly calm and unconstrained voice, however, that he made answer.

"It is quite possible that we might find work of the kind you mention,
signor--if you require it."

There was a subdued accent of inquiry in the last four words. Brian
laughed a little, and put his hand in his pocket, whence he drew out
four gold pieces and a few little Swiss and Italian coins.

"You see these, Father?" he said, holding them out in the palm of his
hand. "They c