"Brother Gabriel," interrupted Dolores, "why will you not taste my potatoes?"
"It is a fast-day," replied Brother Gabriel.
"Nonsense! There is no longer convent, nor rules, nor fasts," cavalierly said Manuel, to induce the poor old man to participate in the general repast. "Besides, you have accomplished sixty years: put away these scruples, and you will not be damned for having eaten our potatoes."
"Pardon me," replied Brother Gabriel, "but I ought to fast as formerly, inasmuch as the Father Prior has not given me a dispensation."
"Well done, Brother Gabriel!" added Maria; "Manuel shall not be the demon tempter with his rebellious spirit, to incite you to gormandize."
Upon this, the good old woman rose up and locked up in a closet the plate which Dolores had served to the monk.
"I will keep it here for you until to-morrow morning, Brother Gabriel."
Supper finished, the men, whose habit was always to keep their hats on in the house, uncovered, and Maria said grace.