"Such were the words of the man of the Rock; his authority was too great, his wisdom too deep, not to obey him."
CHATEAUBRIAND (Atala).
Marcel had not heard these last words. At Gaudinet's first word, he had quickly vanished, foreseeing that a terrible tempest would burst upon his head, if the Bishop should suspect that he had been a witness of his way of hearing little girls' confessions, the usual way however of nearly all priests; I appeal to the memories of the Lord's sheep.
—Monsieur le Curé!… cried Gaudinet, opening the door. Ah, he is no longer there. He has gone away, Monseigneur. I had told him, in fact, that your Lordship was very busy, and, no doubt, he wished not to trouble you.
—I was, in fact, expecting him. He will return to-morrow. But, for God's sake, Gaudinet, never let anybody enter that room without warning me beforehand.
Marcel was already at the bottom of the stairs. A valet called him back, and Gaudinet, after bringing out the little girl, introduced him to Monseigneur's presence.
—Ah, there you are, said the latter in a harsh tone, looking him straight in the face. Why did you go away?
—I was told that Monseigneur was engaged, and I feared to disturb your
Lordship.
—Who told you that?
—The Abbé Gaudinet.