He conceives the idea what this may mean.
"Madame, I am ready to do what I can for the good of your order if you will bring about this long anticipated meeting."
"Your word shall be your bond. We need five hundred dollars to endow another bed in the hospital at Rome."
"It shall be yours; I swear it."
"Hush, impious man! Your word is enough. On my part I promise that ere an hour goes by you shall be in a fair way to look upon the face of one who loves you more dearly than if you had never been lost to her."
John hears and believes; he is not suspicious enough to put a double meaning upon the words.
"An hour—so soon? What am I to do in order to gain this consummation of my hopes?" he asks, in deep surprise.
"Nothing, only be content to remain here as my guests."
John looks at Philander and the latter nods, for it all seems clear and above board.
"We agree, madame," says the young doctor.