He went to the seminary in the evening, where he saw Montagneri entertaining the new dean, and he seemed tired and bored. Pen @ fun @ pavilion wWw. ｂｉｑUｇE。 infoPadre didn't look happy as usual, and his expression became even more gloomy.

"That's what I'm talking about to you," he said, introducing Arthur in a stiff manner, "and I'd appreciate it if you would allow him to continue using the library." ”

Father Cardi was an elderly priest with a kind eye. He immediately began to talk to Arthur about Sabincha University. He spoke with ease, and it was clear that he was very familiar with university life. They soon turned to discussing university rules, which was a hot topic at the time. The new dean strongly objected to the restrictive measures taken by the university authorities, which he considered meaningless and irritating to the students. Arthur was extremely pleased with this.

"I have a lot of experience in mentoring young people," he said, "and I have a rule that you should never ban anything without a good reason." If proper attention is given to them and their personality is respected, then it is rare for a student to get in trouble. But, of course, if you always pull the reins, the most docile horses will kick too. ”

Arthur's eyes widened, not expecting the new dean to defend the student. Montagneri did not interject, he was clearly not interested in the subject. His face showed indescribable despair and boredom, so Father Cardi abruptly interrupted the conversation.

"I'm afraid I've overworked you, Father. You'll have to forgive me for talking so much. I'm so passionate about this topic that I forget that people may not be interested in it. ”

"On the contrary, I was interested. Montagneri was not accustomed to this conventional politeness, and his tone sounded uncomfortable to Arthur.

When Father Cardi walked back to his room, Montagneri turned to Arthur.

Throughout the night, he had an anxious and worried look on his face.

"Arthur, my dear child," he said slowly, "I have something to tell you. ”

"He must have gotten some bad news. Arthur looked anxiously at the haggard face, and the thought crossed his mind. For a long time, neither of them spoke.

"What do you think of the new dean?" asked Montanieri suddenly.

The question came a little suddenly, and Arthur didn't know how to answer it all at once.

"I- I like him, I think, at least, no, I don't really know I like him. But it's hard to say anything after meeting once. ”

Montaniri sat down and tapped gently on the arm of his chair. Whenever he was anxious or confused, he had this habit.

"As for the trip to Rome," he spoke again, "if you think there is anything -- uh - if you wish I not to go, I may write to say that I cannot go. ”

"Padre!, but the Vatican—"

"The Vatican can find someone else. I can write to apologize. ”

"But why? I don't understand. ”

Montaniri brushed his forehead with his hand.

"I'm worried about you. My mind was thinking about this and that—after all, I didn't have to—"

"But the bishop—"

"Oh, Arthur, what's the benefit of the bishopric if I lose—"

He stopped. Arthur had never seen him like this before, so he was flustered.

"I don't understand," he said, "Padre, if you could explain to me more - more clearly what you think-"

"I didn't want anything, I was haunted by a sense of terror. Tell me, is there any particular danger?"

"He heard something. Arthur remembered all the rumors about the preparation of an uprising, but he could not divulge the secret. So he just asked, "What's the special danger?"

"Don't ask me—answer my questions!" Montagneri's voice was a little rough. "Are you in danger? I don't want to know your secret, I just want you to answer the question!"

"Our destiny is in God's hands, Padre. Anything can happen. But I don't know what the reason is, I shouldn't be here in peace and quiet when you return. ”

"When I come back—listen, dear. I'll let you decide. You don't have to tell me any reason, just say 'stay' and I'll give up on the trip." It doesn't hurt anyone, and I feel like you're safer with me by your side. ”

This morbid whimsy did not match Montagneri's personality at all, so Arthur looked at him with great anxiety.

"Padre, you're definitely not feeling well. Of course, you'll have to go to Rome and try to get a complete break to cure your insomnia and headaches. ”

"Good. Montagneri interrupted him, as if he was tired of the subject. "I'll leave early tomorrow morning in a stagecoach. ”

Arthur looked at him, wondering.

"Do you have anything to tell me?" he said.

"No, no. Nothing - nothing matters. There was a look of consternation, almost fear, on his face.

A few days after Montanieri left, Arthur went to the seminary library to pick up a book.

While ascending the stairs, he met Father Caldi.

"Ah, Mr. Burton!" said the dean. "I just wanted to see you. Please come in and help me solve a puzzle. ”

He opened the door to the study, and Arthur followed him into the room, a nameless resentment welling up in his heart. Seeing Padre's beloved private study occupied by a stranger made him feel that something was not quite right.

"I'm a bookish person. "The first thing I did when I got here was to check the library. It's an interesting library, but I don't understand how books are classified. ”

"The classification method is not perfect, and a lot of rare books have been added recently. ”

"Can you spend half an hour explaining to me how to catalog?"

They walked into the library, and Arthur carefully explained the classification of the books. When he got up to get his hat, the dean stopped him with a smile.

"No, no! I can't let you walk away in such a hurry. It's Saturday, so I have a lot of time, so I can leave my homework until Monday. Since I've delayed you for so long, why don't you just have a meal with me. I'm bored by myself, and I'd be honored to have you as my company. ”

His speech and demeanor were cheerful and pleasant, and Arthur immediately felt that he was free from being with him. After they had talked for a while, the dean asked him how long he had known Montagneri.