In the evening everyone in our circle, being well aware of what had happened, complimented me, and assured me that nothing could be handsomer than my new head-dress.

I was delighted, and was still more gratified when, after a fortnight had elapsed, I found that M.de Malipiero did not broach the subject of my returning to my godfather's church.

My grandmother alone constantly urged me to return.
But this calm was the harbinger of a storm.

When my mind was thoroughly at rest on that subject, M.de Malipiero threw me into the greatest astonishment by suddenly telling me that an excellent opportunity offered itself for me to reappear in the church and to secure ample satisfaction from the abbe.
"It is my province," added the senator, "as president of the Confraternity of the Holy Sacrament, to choose the preacher who is to deliver the sermon on the fourth Sunday of this month, which happens to be the second Christmas holiday.

I mean to appoint you, and I am certain that the abbe will not dare to reject my choice.