Did they hit you, Father ?' She paused, arrested by the priest's face.
'They ?' he said hoarsely.

'Did you mean the children?
Oh! no, they did no harm ?' What had happened to him since they met last at the villa?
No doubt he had been in conflict with his superiors and his Church.

Was he already suspended ?--excommunicate?
But he still wore the soutane?
Then panic for herself swept in upon and silenced all else.

All was over with their plans.

Father Benecke either was, or might at any moment be, in communication with Manisty.