I could not help being amused at his awkwardness, but I had not yet seen the best part of the comedy.

As soon as he had somehow or other finished his mass he went to the confessional, and after hearing in confession every member of the family he took it into his head to refuse absolution to the daughter of his hostess, a girl of twelve or thirteen, pretty and quite charming.

He gave his refusal publicly, scolding her and threatening her with the torments of hell.

The poor girl, overwhelmed with shame, left the church crying bitterly, and I, feeling real sympathy for her, could not help saying aloud to Stephano that he was a madman.

I ran after the girl to offer her my consolations, but she had disappeared, and could not be induced to join us at dinner.