Father Benedict—If it be heathen.
Abbot— Benedict, before you came
Louis and I were talking of the things
That late have happened.
Father Benedict— The dream.
Abbot— Oswald's fall
And his unnatural rescue from the gulch.
Father Benedict—'Twas supernatural, not unnatural.
Abbot—A nice discrimination, Benedict.
I do not see as you do. You were trained
By masters who, no doubt, had they heard this
Distinction, would have said: "Benissime!"
Father Benedict— (Superciliously.)
Well done is optime.
Abbot—(With mock humility.) Just so—just so—
My master would have said—yes, optime.
A boon it is that words cannot change things.
(Pierre, who has climbed the steps slowly, listening the while, enters the chapel.)
Father Benedict—You feared that I would shrink to play my part?