XIX.
“WHEN DO YOU THINK OF LEAVING?”
“It was a most fortunate turn of affairs that led her to the extremes she went,” said the Jesuit, in reporting Ambrosia’s visit to her father. “Had she stopped short of where she did, an investigation would have been ordered, I feel sure of that.”
“I wish it had been,” commented Lonzello. “You deserve punishment for the wrong you did her.”
“Don’t be unreasonable,” gently expostulated the Jesuit. “Her accusation was against you also, and the same drag net that caught me would have caught you, too.”
The passionate Lonzello walked the floor nervously, cursing under his breath.
“When do you think of leaving?” persisted the Jesuit, quietly.
“When you leave, beast,” hissed the priest.
“No, you will have to leave soon. The people demand it, and your successor is in the harbor. But I have other work to do.”
“The mob will have you, too,” returned the bishop.
“Oh, no. I am under the protection of my good humor, but you have no such guardian. Have you much money?”
“You know I haven’t anything.”
“Would you like to know how you can get away full-handed, feared and honored by all?”
“It wouldn’t be bad.”
“Well, I will tell you. That daughter of yours will tell her story through town and she will be believed by hundreds there. The way to silence these rumors, and to turn the tide toward us is to perform a miracle.”
“A miracle?”
“Yes, think of the honor of being Saint Lonzello, the miracle worker, and having hundreds come to your shrine seeking the efficacy of your sanctimonious bones! You may go from the archipelago honored and rich and feared, or you may go from the end of a rope. Which shall it be?”
The two men drew chairs close together and talked earnestly in low tones.