While Rosario dispersed the contents of his basket in small vases placed for that purpose in various parts of the room, the abbot thus continued the conversation.

“I saw you not in the church this evening, Rosario.”

“Yet I was present, father. I am too grateful for your protection to lose an opportunity of witnessing your triumph.”

“Alas! Rosario, I have but little cause to triumph: the saint spoke by my mouth; to him belongs all the merit. It seems then you were contented with my discourse?”

“Contented, say you? Oh! you surpassed yourself! Never did I hear such eloquence⁠ ⁠… save once!”

Here the novice heaved an involuntary sigh.

“When was that once?” demanded the abbot.

“When you preached upon the sudden indisposition of our late superior.”