But before the man could get back, the king sent to inform the duke, by persons fitted to console him, of the great loss he had sustained.
"I leave learned men to discuss the cause of this event, which I have frequently heard the Duc de Montmorency relate: I think that the truth and singularity of the fact itself ought to be recorded and preserved." "If all this is so," said Ursula, "what ought I do do ?" "My child," said the abbe, "it concerns matters so important, and which may prove so profitable to you, that you ought to keep absolutely silent about it.

Now that you have confided to me the secret of these apparitions perhaps they may not return.

Besides, you are now strong enough to come to church; well, then, come to-morrow and thank God and pray to him for the repose of your godfather's soul.

Feel quite sure that you have entrusted your secret to prudent hands." "If you knew how afraid I am to go to sleep,--what glances my godfather gives me! The last time he caught hold of my dress--I awoke with my face all covered with tears." "Be at peace; he will not come again," said the priest.
Without losing a moment the Abbe Chaperon went straight to Minoret and asked for a few moments interview in the Chinese pagoda, requesting that they might be entirely alone.
"Can any one hear us ?" he asked.
"No one," replied Minoret.
"Monsieur, my character must be known to you," said the abbe, fastening a gentle but attentive look on Minoret's face.

"I have to speak to you of serious and extraordinary matters, which concern you, and about which you may be sure that I shall keep the profoundest secrecy; but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than give you this information.