Alas, I have lied about holy things, sinning, I fear me, beyond forgiveness, though indeed I did it, meaning to do well.

May I tell you all, Reverend Father, that you may judge whether in that which I did, I acted according to our blessed Lady's will and intention, or whether the deceitfulness of mine own heart has led me into mortal sin ?" The Bishop looked anxiously at the sun dipping slowly in the west.

The effect of the drug he had given should last an hour, if care were taken of this spurious strength.

He judged a quarter of that time to have already sped.
"Tell me from the beginning, without reserve, dear Antony," he said.
"But speak low, for my ear only.

Remember possible listeners outside the door." So presently the whole tale was told, with many a quaint twist of old Antony's.