"I hope that this water will do me good," he said, striving to prolong the interview.
"Do not doubt it, brother."
And the sister porter looked at Crevel in a way which made him comprehend that nothing need detain him now that he had what he came to seek. The banian understood it and prepared to rise.
"Now, sister, I will ask your permission to retire, in spite of the charm which your conversation has for me; but business before everything."
"That is true," the sister porter replied; "hence I will not keep you; you know that you will always be welcome to the convent."
"Thanks, sister, thanks. And now I am off."
"Farewell, my brother."
He walked a few steps toward the door, but then hurriedly turned back.
"By the bye," he said, as if remembering something which he had forgotten, "I trust that the accident which happened to one of your sisters during the procession had no serious consequences."
"No, thanks to Heaven, brother."