It was not Satan by any means, but Pablo, the majordomo, who, not having answered the two calls of the bell, was running precipitately, and thus produced the noise that the superstitious imagination of the canon transformed into something mysterious and supernatural.
The majordomo, struck with the attitude of the canon, approached him, and said:
"Ah, my God, what is the matter with you, my lord?"
At the voice of Pablo, Dom Diégo dropped his fat hands, which covered his face, and his servant saw the terror depicted in the master's countenance.
"My lord, my lord, what has happened?"
"Nothing, poor Pablo,—a foolish idea, which I am ashamed of now. But why are you so late?"
"Sir, it is not my fault."
"How is that?"
"I wished, sir, from curiosity, to enter this kitchen to see the work of this famous cook."
"Very well, Pablo?"