Sealed Lips — page 184: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

176 | SEALED LIPS. “T think that I understand you,” sighed he. “JI have been in Algeria for twelve years, and I have learned that a young man of your age and station does not come here unless he has a fault to expiate or a love to fight against. JI can readin your eyes that it is no shortcoming that brings you here. Thank God for it, and may He soon grant you for- cetfulness.” Patrice suspected at once that Pere Chrysostome had a secret in his life. He felt still more attracted toward him. The priest, who consoles, encourages, and absolves mankind, knows how to find the quickest way to the heart when he understands the weakness of men. “One can see,” said the young colonist, “that this - dress has not always been yours.” “T have lived in the world and fled from it.” “Like myself,” said O’Farrell, smiling. “Would to God that I had fled from it when as young as you!” responded the monk, with touching humility. Patrice made no reply. For the time being he seemed absorbed in himself. The priest was accus- tomed to long silences, and seemed also to be lost in thought. Suddenly the young man seemed to have reached a decision. He asked: “Father, will you enlighten me? Forgive me if I open my heart to you so quickly, but when vou came I was suffering the martyrdom of doubt. Per- haps you know what that is?”