"'What is it?' count Oclau asked, turning round."
"'Pardon, my lord,' the servant respectfully replied, 'but a person desires to speak to your Excellency.'"
"'Speak to me at this hour?' he said, in surprise, 'It is impossible; I have hardly arrived ere my coming is known: tell the man to return tomorrow, it is too late tonight.'"
"'I told him so, my lord, and he replied that tomorrow would be too late.'"
"'This is extraordinary! Who is the man?'"
"'A priest, my lord, and he added, that what he has to tell your Excellency is most serious, and that he earnestly implores you to receive him.'"
"The young man, greatly perplexed at a visit at so late an hour, repaired the disorder in his dress, and wandered to the dining room, curious about the solution of this enigma."
"A priest was standing in the centre of the room. He was a very aged man, his hair, white as snow, fell in long masses on his shoulders, and gave him a venerable appearance, which was completed by the expression of goodness and calm grandeur spread over his face."
"The count bowed to him respectfully, and begged him to be seated."
"'Excuse me, my lord,' he replied with a bow, and still remained on his feet, 'I am the prison chaplain: you have doubtless heard of the arrest of certain malefactors?'"