"You see I am an old man and a priest.

Where do you live, my child ?" "I?
I..." stammered Agne, and a torrent of scalding tears fell down her cheeks.

"My God! my God! where, where am I to go ?" "You have no home, no one belonging to you ?" asked the old man.

"Come, child, pluck up your courage and tell me truly what it is that troubles you; perhaps I may be able to help you." "You ?" she said with bitter melancholy.

"Are not you one of the Bishop's priests ?" "I am a deacon, and Theophilus is the head of my church; but for that very reason..." "No," said Agne sharply, "I will deceive no one.