"The word is perhaps very ambitious, but the matter is this—Father Pelagio wishes you to give him an interview for a few minutes in this room."
"Did I not see him just now, and did we not have a conversation?"
"That is true; but at the moment he was among too many persons to be able to have an explanation with your Excellency, as he would have probably desired."
"I do not know whether my instructions permit me to grant a confidential interview to the person to whom you allude; still, not to disoblige you, my dear Don Aníbal, and prove to you how anxious I am to maintain the public tranquillity, I consent to the interview Father Pelagio asks, on the condition, however, that you are present."
"Your Excellency anticipates my wish," the priest said as he entered the room.
"You were listening to us, señor," the count remarked haughtily.
"Not at all, caballero; but, as I opened the door, I involuntary overheard your last sentence, and I did not think that I committed any indiscretion in proving to you that I heard it."
"Very good, I am ready to listen to you; but pray be brief."
"I have only a few words to say to you," Father Pelagio replied with a bow.
"What is their nature?"