Then, with a wave of his long thin hand to indicate Agne, he asked: "What does this girl want ?" "A freeborn girl--parents Christian--comes from Antioch..." replied Irenaeus.

"Sold to a heathen master--commanded to serve idols--has run away and now has doubts..." "You have told her to which Lord her service is due ?" interrupted the Bishop.

Then, turning to Agne, he said: "And why did you come here instead of going to the deacon of your own church ?" "We have only been here a few days," replied the girl timidly, as she ventured to raise her eyes to the handsome face of this princely prelate, whose fine, pale features looked as if they had been carved out of marble.
"Then go to partake of the sacred Eucharist in the basilica of Mary," replied the Bishop.

"It is just now the hour--but no, stop.

You are a stranger here you say; you have run away from your master--and you are young, very young and very....