The whole thing⁠—the Abbot’s red, smiling face amid its fringe of grey, the general’s words, his well-cared-for face with its self-satisfied smile and the smell of wine from his breath and of cigars from his whiskers⁠—revolted Father Sergius. He bowed again to the Abbot and said:

“Your reverence deigned to send for me?”⁠—and stopped, the whole expression of his face and eyes asking why.

“Yes, to meet the General,” replied the Abbot.

“Your reverence, I left the world to save myself from temptation,” said Father Sergius, turning pale and with quivering lips. “Why do you expose me to it during prayers and in God’s house?”

“You may go! Go!” said the Abbot, flaring up and frowning.