"It would be better, if you were absent for a time."
A look of exultation passed over the face of the questioner. This was better still, he thought. They wished to deprive him at once of a portion of his property, and to get rid of him, into the bargain. He looked at Pranken with an expression of great friendliness, and said,—
"Excellent! Does the priest of this parish know of this?"
"No. I have won over the Dean of the cathedral, though?"
"Will you allow me to send for the Priest?"
"Certainly, I will bring him myself."
"No! Remain here."
He gave through the speaking-tube an order that the Priest should be requested to come to him; then, turning again to Pranken, said,—
"And so you second the request? Most excellent! They sell blacks, buying whites instead, and the whites become snow-white. They even become saints."
"I do not understand you."