Prior. Father Michael, say you? he wishes to see father Michael?
Jeronymo. Wishes? nay, he insists upon seeing him.
Prior. What business can he have with father Michael? what connexion can possibly subsist between them? how should it be even known to the viceroy, that such a being as father Michael exists?
Jer. On these points I can give you no information—yet now I recollect, that this very morning I observed a friar, whose air greatly resembled father Michael’s loitering about the viceroy’s palace.
Prior. Indeed! Jeronymo, I have long suspected this Michael to be a false brother; there is an affectation of rigid principles about him—of philosophical abstinence—of reserve respecting his own conduct and of vigilance respecting that of others, which make me look on him as a dangerous inmate of our house. However, he has not yet encountered the viceroy?
Jer. Fortunately, it was to me that count Benvolio expressed his wish to see this friar. I promised to go in search of him, and instantly commanded father Michael, in your name, not to presume till further orders to set his foot beyond the precincts of his cell. I then returned, to inform the viceroy, with pretended regret, that the person whom he desired to see was not at that time to be found in the monastery.
Prior. Good!
Jer. He appeared much disappointed, and announced his intention of waiting the friar’s return. I was compelled to promise, that as soon as he should re-enter these walls, father Michael should be sent to him.
Prior. The viceroy then is still here?
Jer. He is: I left him in the garden parlour adjoining the refectory.