The priest dropped Johannes' hand, and pressed his own fleshy palms together, while he slowly and sorrowfully shook his great head, gave a deep sigh, and continued to look at Countess Dolores with a very serious face.
"Poor boy!" said he then. "Poor, poor boy!"
Then, lifting his head and looking Johannes straight in the eyes, he said: "No, Johannes, they were not good guides. I do not know them, and I shall not judge them, but I assure you positively that with such teaching, such guidance, you are bound to be lost unless granted extraordinary grace."
A long silence ensued. Johannes was touched, and even startled.
"What do you mean?" he finally stammered with trembling lips.
"Listen, Johannes," said Countess Dolores. "Father Canisius is very wise—a man of large experience in life."
"Do you believe in God, Johannes?" asked the priest.
"I know that I have a Father who understands me," said Johannes, slowly.
"Do you mean a heavenly Father? Very well; so far, so good. But you must have observed also that there is an evil one—Satan—who goes about deceiving us."
"Yes," said Johannes, promptly, thinking of his many disappointments. "That is so. I have observed it."