We
ask no questions here and be he who or what he may, he is welcome to come,
and welcome to depart, in peace."
"Ay, this is well enough for an Augustine on the top of the Alps,--he
hath attendants?"
"A menial and a friend; the latter, however, left the convent for Italy,
when the noble Genoese determined to remain until this inquiry was over
There was something said of heavy affairs which required that some
explanations of the delay should be sent to others."
Peterchen again looked steadily at the Prior, smiling, as in pity, of his
ignorance.
"Look thou, good Prior, much as I love thee and thy convent, and Melchior
von Willading and his daughter, I would have spared myself this journey,
but for that same Genoese. Let there be no questions, however, between us:
the proper time to speak will come, and God forbid that I should be
precipitate! Thou shalt then see in what manner a bailiff of the great
canton can acquit himself! At present we will trust to thy prudence. The
friend hath gone to Italy in haste, that the delay may not create
surprise! Well, each one to his humor on the highway: it is mine to
journey in honor and security, though others may have a different taste.
Pages:
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636