“Your sister would probably be pleased with the change; a gayer place, more life, more movement.”

“I suspect my sister reconciles herself to dulness even better than myself.”

“Girls do that occasionally; patience is a female virtue.”

There was a slight pause; and now L'Estrange, drawing a long breath, as if preparing himself for a great effort, said,—

“It was to speak to you, sir, about that very matter, and to ask your assistance, that I came up here this day.”

“I wish I were a bishop, for your sake, my dear friend.”

“I know well, sir, I can count upon your kind interest in me, and I believe that an opportunity now offers—”

“What is it? where is it?”

“At Rome, sir; or rather near Rome,—a place called Albano. They want a chaplain there.”

“But you're not a Catholic priest, L'Estrange.”