At that moment Countess Dolores passed by.
"Johannes," said she, "I am having a talk with Father Canisius. If you wish you may come, too."
Johannes questioned Marjon with a look; but there fell before her eyes that impenetrable veil which always completely hid her inmost self from every stranger.
Father Canisius was in the parlor, seated in a low chair. His black soutane fitted tightly over his robust body, and his heavy feet in their buckled shoes were planted wide apart. He was polishing his spectacles with a handkerchief, and as Johannes entered the room he put them quickly in place, and turned his large eyes, full of interest, toward the door.
When Johannes came forward he took his hand in a kindly way and drew him nearer. Johannes looked into the broad, smooth-shaven face with its flat nose and sagacious eyes.
"Have you never had good guidance, my boy? Without it life is difficult and dangerous."
"I have indeed had good guidance, Mijnheer," said Johannes, "but I have more than once preferred to go my own way; and then I disregarded my guidance."
"But was it good guidance?" asked the priest.
"I had a good father; later, I found a dear, good friend. But I left them both."
"Why did you do that? Were you not satisfied with what they taught you? What was it that took you from them?"