_]
[_Enter_ MADAME, _excited, with bread._]
MADAME. Such news as I have heard! The whole town is talking
about it! We should have locks put on our doors at once!
MLLE. What is it, Madame? What have you heard?
MADAME. They say there is a suspicious vagabond in the town.
The inn-keeper refused to take him in. They say he is a released convict
who once committed an awful crime.
[_The Bishop is looking into the fire, paying no attention to Madame._]
MLLE. Do you hear what Madame is saying, brother?
BISHOP. Only a little. Are we in danger, Madame?
MADAME. There is a convict in town, your Reverence!
BISHOP. Do you fear we shall be robbed?
MADAME. I do, indeed!
BISHOP. Of what?
MADAME. There are the six silver plates and the silver
soup-ladle and the two silver candlesticks.
BISHOP. All of which we could do without.
MADAME. Do without!
MLLE. 'Twould be a great loss, brother. We could not treat a
guest as is our wont.
BISHOP. Ah, there you have me, sister. I love to see the silver
laid out for every guest who comes here. And I like the candles lighted,
too; it makes a brighter welcome.
MLLE. A bishop's house should show some state.
BISHOP. Aye--to every stranger! Henceforth, I should like every
one of our six plates on the table whenever we have a guest here.
MLLE. All of them?
MADAME. For one guest?
BISHOP. Yes--we have no right to hide treasures. Each guest
shall enjoy all that we have.
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