"It will be better to say the masses for a female," he said at length, without meeting the monk's eyes.
"Very well," the latter answered.

"I will say the first mass to-morrow." "Thank you," said Ercole.

"My respects!" He made a sort of bow and hurried away, followed by Nino.

The old monk watched him thoughtfully, and shook his head once or twice, for he guessed something of the truth, though by no means all..