The priest looked towards Claire with another courtly doffing of his hat.
"And you, Signora, and you, Signor, will add to my felicity by sharing both with me?"
She looked at him gravely.
"They have not starved us; we had food a couple of hours ago," she said. "But your company, here and to the mainland, is a boon straight from the hand of God."
He inclined his head in assent.
"I am His servant, Signora," he said. "I thank Him for permitting me to serve Him, in serving you. Shall we make our way to the house? The hour must be close on midnight."
He made a motion towards the path. He looked imperturbably at Landon, who, with Muhammed, still stood astride it.
"You appear to be blocking the lady's way, Signor," he said. "Not intentionally, I dare to hope."
Landon shrugged his shoulders and drew aside.
"On the contrary, your reverence. Not for worlds would I stand between you and refreshment—and sleep."