"Yes; for a part of the way there is a path along the border of the
wood. Then you must fall back into the road. The way lies by the
gate of the farm-house."

"I think I will go back to the city now, father. This scaffold is
just where it will suit me. And tomorrow, a little later perhaps
than this, I hope to come and begin my work. I shall have to come in
a carriage, at all events, the first time, because of bringing my
things. I am so much obliged to you, father, for your kindness. And
I am so glad that you are a Venetian. I little thought to find a
fellow-countryman here."

"Or I to see this morning a Venetian--much less--but we will speak
more of that another time--if you will permit an old man sometimes
to speak to you when you are at your work?"

"Ma come--I can talk while I work. It will be a real pleasure to me
to hear the dear home tongue. I will go down the ladder first. I am
not the least afraid."

So Paolina left the church, and the monk stood at the yawning ever-
open western door, looking after her as she took the path he had
indicated to her towards the forest.



CHAPTER V

"The Hours passed, and still she came not"