So why not leave me alone, since I'm fond of my employers and attend properly to my duties ?" She burst into a frank laugh.

"Ah!" she resumed, "when I was told that another priest was coming, just as if we hadn't enough already, I couldn't help growling to myself.

But you look like a good young man, Monsieur l'Abbe, and I feel sure we shall get on well together....

I really don't know why I'm telling you all this--probably it's because you've come from yonder, and because the Contessina takes an interest in you.

At all events, you'll excuse me, won't you, Monsieur l'Abbe?
And take my advice, stay here and rest to-day; don't be so foolish as to go running about their tiring city.