"So they've appointed you my father confessor, eh?"
Pataky wept bitterly, but Banfi only smiled.
The jailer conducted Banfi up the steps with every demonstration of respect.
Banfi turned round to him.
"I hope you will let Reverend Master Pataky remain with me all the time?" said he.
Pataky was understood to say through his sobs—
"Truly your Excellency will find far better company awaiting you than any my poor self can offer."
Banfi, not knowing what to say to this, only shrugged his shoulders and hastened towards the door of his prison, but remained standing on the threshold transfixed with astonishment. In the room was a lady in deep mourning, who turned very pale on perceiving him, and clung to the table unable to utter a word.
Banfi felt all his blood rush to his heart. The next moment he darted impetuously forward and cried—
"My wife! Margaret!"