“‘The Sermons of Massillon’?” said Oushakoff, rubbing his cold hands, and looking at the book of celebrated sermons lying on Father Peter’s table. “Then I suppose you know the French language well?”
“I understand it a little,” said the priest, thinking within himself, “What can he want with me at this late hour?”
“Very probably, Batiushka, you understand German also; and, who knows, perhaps Italian?”
“I learnt German, and of course Italian resembles Latin very closely.”
“Consequently,” continued the stranger, “you know a little of those languages?”
“Well! here’s a Preceptor come to examine me,” thought the priest.
“Yes! a little,” he answered.
“Is it not strange, Father Peter, such questions; especially in the middle of the night?” said the stranger. “Now, confess; you do find it strange?”
“Yes! it is rather late,” said the priest, gaping and looking at him.