"I am going to die," he said.
"What is your religion?" asked the priest.
"The religion of my own country, the Greek Orthodox Church."
"That is a heresy which you must instantly abjure. There is only one true religion, the Roman Catholic religion. Confess now. I will absolve you and baptise you."
The other did not reply.
"Tell me what sins you have committed. You will repent and everything will be forgiven you."
"My sins?"
"Try to remember. Shall I help you?" He nodded toward the door. "Who is that person?"
"My—wife," said the man with slight hesitation, which did not escape the priest, who was leaning over him with ears pricked. He smelt a rat.
"How long has she been your wife?"