Far away the priest could see a hawk,
circling and circling in the summer sky. Now and then a dove flashed
by, and a golden bumblebee blundered into the chamber.
"I will fetch Sister Benie," Brother Jacques said at length. He
dreaded to remain with this fierce-eyed old man from whom nothing
seemed hidden, not even secret thought. "She is an excellent nurse."
"She will please me better than Monsieur le Comte."
The title stirred Brother Jacques strangely.
"But give her to understand," added the marquis, "that I want no
canting Loyola. Who is this Sister Benie?"
"She is of the Ursulines."
"No, no; I mean, what does she look like and of what family."
"I have never studied her visual beauty," coldly. Brother Jacques was
anxious to be gone.
"I have known priests who were otherwise inclined. I suppose you can
see her soul. That is interesting."
"I will go at once in quest of her;" and Brother Jacques went forth.
The marquis turned a cheek to his pillow. "Jehan!"
"Yes, Monsieur," answered the old lackey from his corner.
"I do not like that young priest. He is all eyes; and he makes me
cold.
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