The words of the priest made us almost uncomfortable. We aspired to no undue influence over any one, much less a stranger. Confidences are not always desirable; but then we reflected that confidences need not be confessions. The experiences even of a simple life must always be of use, how much more those of an active man of the world--thoughtful, observing, retentive and philosophical.
There was something unusually attractive about our priest. He possessed great refinement of face; a profile that reminded us of the fine outlines of Père Hyacinthe as we had many a time watched him in a Paris pulpit preaching with so much earnestness, fire and conviction, raising a crusade against the errors and shams both within and without the Church. When our present neighbour was a bishop, would he too uphold the good and condemn the evil?
We looked closely and thought Nature had not been unmindful of her power. As already stated, his long flowing hair was white; the head was splendidly developed; there was a ring and richness in the subdued voice that would reach the farthest corners of Notre Dame. We asked ourselves the question but could not answer it. The future holds her own secrets and makes no confidences. But strangely interested in Père Delormais--to make a slight but sufficient change in his name--we promised him an hour, two hours if he would, and even found ourselves awaiting the interview with curiosity and impatience. And this was the result of black coffee and brandy.
But all this took place on the second day. On the first night of our arrival we had needed neither one nor the other. The priest sat on the opposite side of the table, and we noticed nothing about him but his distinguished appearance and Benjamin's portions. Yet he evidently had been closely studying us. The Silent Enigma had occupied a little of our attention and wonder, but this soon passed away. The remainder of the scattered guests called for no remark whatever.
Wrong turnings--H. C.'s gifts and graces--Out at night--The arcades of Gerona--At the fair--Ancient outlines--Demons at work--In the dry bed of the river--Roasting chestnuts--Medieval outlines--In the vortex--Clairvoyantes and lion-tamers--Clown's despair--Deserted streets--Vision of the night--Haunted staircase--Dark and dangerous--A small grievance--The reeds by the river--Cry of the watchmen--Hare and hounds--Fair Rosamund--Jacob's ladder--New rendering to old proverbs--Cathedral by night--H. C. oblivious--Scent fails--Return to earth--Romantic story--Last of a long line--_El Sereno!_--The witching hour--H. C. unserenaded--Next morning--Grey skies--A false prophet--Magic picture--Cathedral by day--Mediæval dreams.