This evening he finds no pleasure in placing his bony hand on his Christian nose that he may slip it down dissemblingly (as Dona Consolacion has observed) over the bosom of the attractive young woman who may have bent over to receive his blessing.

Some important matter must be engaging his attention when he thus forgets his own interests and those of the Church! In fact, he rushes headlong up the stairway and knocks impatiently at the alferez's door.

The latter puts in his appearance, scowling, followed by his better half, who smiles like one of the damned.
"Ah, Padre, I was just going over to see you.

That old goat of yours--" "I have a very important matter--" "I can't stand for his running about and breaking down the fence.

I'll shoot him if he comes back!" "That is, if you are alive tomorrow!" exclaimed the panting curate as he made his way toward the sala.
"What, do you think that puny doll will kill me?
I'll bust him with a kick!" Padre Salvi stepped backward with an involuntary glance toward the alferez's feet.