Arthur nodded; and Montanelli changed the
subject hastily.

"I want to speak to you about yourself," he
said. "You will need another confessor in my
absence."

"When you come back I may go on confessing
to you, may I not?"

"My dear boy, how can you ask? Of course I
am speaking only of the three or four months that
I shall be away. Will you go to one of the
Fathers of Santa Caterina?"

"Very well."

They talked of other matters for a little while;
then Arthur rose.

"I must go, Padre; the students will be waiting
for me."

The haggard look came back to Montanelli's
face.

"Already? You had almost charmed away
my black mood. Well, good-bye."