“I know nothing, and they have told me nothing,” said the priest with some asperity. “And even if I knew....”
“Oh! you need not be afraid that in case of their attempting to fly, I should go in for high tragedy, and make a scene. I do not challenge or kill. I am more philosophical than all your philosophers put together.”
“I can only repeat that I know nothing and want to know nothing.”
“It is impossible that such a man as you should have come to the house two days in succession and not know everything that goes on in it.”
“But I am not a friend in this house—I am a foe.”
“Then as you cannot satisfy my curiosity,” said the intruder sadly, “you cannot help me I suppose?”
“In what?”
“To see the child.”
“It is vain to ask me a favour which is altogether out of my sphere. Nothing on earth would induce me to take a step beyond this room. Apply to the servants.”
“No one will do a thing for me for fear of Fúcar. My affectionate father-in-law has given strict orders that I am not to be admitted. All the way from the gate I only found one servant who would take a bribe. Even the dogs hate me here.”