(Lifting his hand.)
My son, I now absolve you from all—
Father Benedict— (Turning quickly.)
Hold!
(He pulls his cloak around so as to hide his right hand, then comes forward.)
Your haste to wash his heart is evidence—
Abbot—You tacitly admit your charge is false
By the eagerness—
Father Benedict—What are you talking of?
Abbot—Your eagerness to get out in the dark.
Father Benedict—Who said that I was going?