Let us
summon the servants of the Republic, and inform them that their errand
is useless."
"Be not of haste, good father. The night is gentle, and these hirelings
sleep on their oars, like gulls in the Lagunes. The youth will have more
time for repentance, should he be undisturbed."
The Carmelite, who had risen, instantly reseated himself, like one
actuated by a strong impulse.
"I thought he had already been far beyond pursuit," he muttered,
unconsciously apologizing for his apparent haste.
"He is over bold, and I fear he will row back to the canals, in which
case you might meet nearer to the city--or there may be more gondolas
of the state out--in short, father, thou wilt be more certain to escape
hearing the confession of a Bravo, by listening to that of a fisherman,
who has long wanted an occasion to acknowledge his sins."
Men who ardently wish the same result, require few words to understand
each other. The Carmelite took, intuitively, the meaning of his
companion, and throwing back his cowl, a movement that exposed the
countenance of Father Anselmo, he prepared to listen to the confession
of the old man.
"Thou art a Christian, and one of thy years hath not to learn the state
of mind that becometh a penitent," said the monk, when each was ready.
"I am a sinner, father; give me counsel and absolution, that I may have
hope."
"Thy will be done--thy prayer is heard--approach and kneel.
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