"But I was going to tell you why I'm deaf in the left ear.
"In one of the seminaries was a student--he's a canonicus in the Rhine country, and will get to be a cardinal, perhaps pope, for--he was very sly! I will tell you, his name was--Rake; but, you understand, his name was really something else. This Rake was a mean rascal; but he was never punished, because he was careful. See if he doesn't get to be a cardinal, or pope! You ought to hear him quote from the Vulgate. He could rattle away for three hours and never made a mistake." * *
"Are you perfectly crazy, boy, or what is the matter with you? Walking with a priest! What in the name of the Lord are you thinking about? Go in the house--quick! Jesu, what troubles I have with that child!"
With these words Juffrouw Pieterse broke off Walter's acquaintance with Father Jansen for this time.
The way that the father and Walter had taken led them directly by Walter's home. Juffrouw Pieterse, who was haggling with a Jew over the price of a basket of potatoes, narrowly escaped a stroke of apoplexy when she saw them together.
"With a priest!--Stoffel! Come down quick--that boy is walking with a priest!"
Tears rose in Walter's eyes. He had found Father Jansen a good man, and was grieved that that gentleman should meet with such a reception.
It is to be hoped that those rude words were received by his left ear. In fact, this seemed to be the case, for when Walter said that he was at home now and that his mother was calling him, Father Jansen answered kindly:
"So? You live there? Then I will tell you the next time why I am so deaf in my left ear--entirely deaf, you understand!"
Thank God, Walter thought, and wiped away his tears. In his eyes his mother had committed a sin so grave that about fifty "confiteors" would be necessary for its expiation.
With these words Father Jansen turned around again. He continued: "The flower-pot of the old lady, Juffrouw Dungelaar, you know--it wasn't for the flowers, you understand, nor for the pot, but only because I could climb so well. Otherwise--one mustn't take anything away, even if it is so high up. Adieu, young man!"
After giving Juffrouw Pieterse a friendly greeting that she did not deserve, the man continued on his way.