"But Antonia was not satisfied. She fell back upon all the monks in general, and, as there were very few who had not sinned as deeply as the poor prior, she visited them all one after another during the night, roughly awaking them, and crying in an awe-inspiring voice: 'I am Antonia! I am Antonia, who loves thee!'
"Hence the name of the ghostly monk.
"When you are walking through the streets at night, and a figure with a gray or white hood dogs your steps, hasten home; it is the ghostly monk in quest of prey.
"When the convent was demolished to make room for the château, they hoped to be rid of the spectre, but it seems that he is fond of the spot. At various times he has reappeared. And now, God forgive us our sins! the unhappy wretch has appeared again. May God preserve us from his wicked designs!"
"Amen!" said Dame Ruperta, crossing herself.
"Amen!" said Hermann, with a shudder.
"Amen!" said Jacques Aubry, laughing.
And each of the others repeated the word with an inflection corresponding to the impression produced upon him.