"I ask your pardon," he said, "for having disturbed you to no purpose, but I simply deferred to the kind advice of Monsignor Nani, who has condescended to show me some interest." The effect of these words was unexpected.

Again did Father Dangelis's thin face brighten into a smile, but with a twist of the lips, sharp with ironical contempt.

He had become yet paler, and his keen intelligent eyes were flaming.

"Ah! it was Monsignor Nani who sent you!" he said.

"Well, if you think you need a protector, it is useless for you to apply to any other than himself.