The woman recognized him at once, came forward and kissed his hand, he having long been her parish priest.

Then she led the way out.

Don Teodoro turned at the door and bowed again, and Veronica, standing by the fire, nodded and smiled kindly to him.

She was sorry for him.

She had never seen him before, and he seemed to be devoted to her, and yet she was sure that his mind was feeble and unsettled.