'The people here wouldn't trouble their heads, only--But you understand, Signorina'-- he dropped his voice a little--'the priests have much power--_molto, molto_! Don Teodoro, the _parroco_ there,--it was he founded the _cassa rurale_.
If a _contadino_ wants some money for his seed-corn--or to marry his daughter--or to buy himself a new team of oxen--he must go to the _parroco_.

Since these new banks began, it is the priests that have the money--_capisce ?_ If you want it you must ask them! So you understand, Signorina, it doesn't profit to fall out with them.

You must love their friends, and--' His grin and gesture finished the sentence.
'But what's the matter ?' said Lucy, wondering.

'Has he committed any crime ?' And she looked curiously at the figure in the convent window.
'_E un prete spretato, Signorina._' '_Spretato_ ?' (unpriested--unfrocked).

The word was unfamiliar to her.