CHAPTER VII.
BROTHER ST. ERNEST-MARTYR.
The moment the Franc-Taupin left the house the stranger said to Christian:
"Your brother-in-law's story is a revelation to me. The past life of Ignatius Loyola explains to me his present life."
"But who is that man? Whence the interest, curiosity and even alarm that he seems to inspire you with?"
Christian was saying these words when his wife descended from the floor above. The sight of her reminded him it was urgent that the stranger be taken to the garret before the return of Josephin. "Bridget," he accordingly said to his wife, "has Hena gone to bed?"
"Yes; both the dear children have retired for the night."
"Master Robert Estienne has confided a secret to me and asked of me a service, dear Bridget. For two or three days we are to hide Monsieur John, our guest of this evening, in this house. The garret seems to me to offer a safe retreat. I have temporarily got your brother out of the way. Take our refugee upstairs; I shall remain here to wait for Josephin."
Bridget took up again the lamp that she had deposited upon the table, and said to the stranger as she prepared to lead the way upstairs:
"Come, monsieur; your secret will remain with Christian and myself; you may rely upon our discretion."