However bitter might be the vials of wrath he must encounter them.

So he knocked at the outer door and, after his custom, walked into the passage.

Then he knocked again at the door of the one sitting-room,--the door which hitherto he had always passed with the conviction that he should bring delight,--and for a moment there was no answer.

He heard no voice and he knocked again.

The door was opened for him, and as he entered he met Father Marty.