And if she went with Miriam, Pelagia must know her--she may be in that very house at this moment!' Arsenius had his reasons for suspecting that Philammon was but too right.

But he contented himself with yielding to the boy's excitement, and set off with him in the direction of the dancer's house.
They were within a few yards of the gate, when hurried footsteps behind them, and voices calling them by name, made them turn; and behold, evidently to the disgust of Arsenius as much as Philammon himself, Peter the Reader and a large party of monks! Philammon's first impulse was to escape; Arsenius himself caught him by the arm, and seemed inclined to hurry on.
'No!' thought the youth, 'am I not a free man, and a philosopher ?' and facing round, he awaited the enemy.
'Ah, young apostate! So you have found him, reverend and ill-used sir.
Praised be Heaven for this rapid success!' 'My good friend,' asked Arsenius, in a trembling voice, 'what brings you here ?' 'Heaven forbid that I should have allowed your sanctity and age to go forth without some guard against the insults and violence of this wretched youth and his profligate companions.

We have been following you afar off all the morning, with hearts full of filial solicitude.' 'Many thanks; but indeed your kindness has been superfluous.

My son here, from whom I have met with nothing but affection, and whom, indeed, I believe far more innocent than report declared him, is about to return peaceably with me.

Are you not, Philammon ?' 'Alas! my father'' said Philammon, with an effort, 'how can I find courage to say it' ?--but I cannot return with you.' 'Cannot return ?' 'I vowed that I would never again cross that threshold till--' 'And Cyril does.