"I don't understand you," said the Dean. "Do you find yourself overburdened in your conscience, because you, although you knew what the man is, still endeavored successfully to procure for him an honorable and distinguished preferment? in a word, his elevation to the rank of noble?"
"Yes and no," replied Pranken, "I am not clear on that point. I could say that I am innocent, for I have never been asked my opinion on the matter, and still-—-"
"Go on, I think you are on the right path; 'and still'—you were going to say."
Pranken resumed his speech like a pupil in examination, and collecting his thoughts said:—
"Thank Heaven that there are living beings sent into the world; to whom we can and must tell what we do not acknowledge to ourselves. I must still, however, confess that my open and undisguised relation to Herr Sonnenkamp is perhaps something more than an expression of an opinion."
"Right, quite right! You have come to me then, to learn, at the very last hour, what you ought to do?"
"To tell the honest truth, no. I simply wished to have you give me something, an injunction of some sort to ease this constant torment and fear of discovery."
"Wonderful world!" rejoined the Priest. "Wonderful world! You would like to live in sinful enjoyment, and still, at the same time receive an 'absolving benediction.'"
Pranken's thoughts wandered involuntarily to Nelly's house near by, but with a powerful effort he called back his thoughts.
Both men said nothing for a short time; then the Dean asked:—