o the prior. Your worship will surely not ask me
to break my oath?"

The prior made no answer, but nodded to the two monks, who silently left
the room.

"And now, sir, show your treasures," said the prior, as the door closed
behind them.

"Your worship," said the stranger, rapidly, "I have nothing but a letter
from the Abbe Bastiani, which I was to give to your own hands." He drew
a letter from his bosom, which he handed to the prior, who received
it with anxious haste and hid it in his robe; then, with quick but
noiseless steps he passed hastily through the room, and with a rapid
movement dashed open the door; a low cry was heard, and a black figure
tumbled back upon the floor.

"Ah! is that you, father guardian?" said the prior, in a tone of
sympathy. "I fear that I hurt you."

"Not so, your worship; I only returned to say to you that it is the hour
for dinner, and the pious brothers are already assembled in the hall."

"And I opened the door to call after you, father, and entreat you to
take my place at the table. As I am in the act of looking at these holy
relics, and touching them, I dare not soil my hands so soon afterward
with earthly food. You will, therefore, kindly take my place, and I will
not appear till the evening meal. Go, then, worthy brother, and may God
bless you richly." He bowed and raising his right hand, made the sign of
the cross, while the father guardian slowly, and with a frowning brow,
passed through the room. Having reached the opposite door, he paused and
looked back; but seeing the prior still standing upon the threshold of
his room, and gazing after him, he dashed open the door and disappeared.
"Now, sir," said the prior, entering and closing the door carefully, "we
are alone, and I am ready to listen to you."

"I pray your worship to read first the letter of your brother, the Abbe
Bastiani."

"Ah! he has told you that I am his brother?" said the prior, eagerly.
"He trusts you then, fully? Well, I will read the letter." He opened and
read it impatiently. "This is a very laconic and enigmatical letter,"
said he. "My brother refers me wholly to you; he assures me I can
confide entirely in your silence and discretion, and entreats me to
assist you in the attainment of your object. Make known to me then,
signor, in what way I can serve you, and what aim you have in view."

"First, I will give your worship a proof that I trust you fully and
unconditionally. I will tell you who I am,