But females could not enter the precincts of the cloister.

The father in question very shortly made his appearance, a magnificent figure, whose long black beard flowing over his perfectly clean white robe made as picturesque a presentment of a friar as could be desired.

He was extremely courteous, and seemed to desire nothing better than to talk _ad libitum_.

But for my fellow travellers, rest after their broiling ride was the thing most urgently needed.
And this requirement brought us to the consideration of our accommodation for the night.

The humble little _forestieria_ at Camaldoli was not built for any such purpose.