“He lived in sorrow for two years, after which he learnt that his niece was leading a bad life. Acting with discretion, he begged one of his friends to go to the town and find out what had become of her. The friend’s report was, that, in very deed, Mary was leading a bad life. At this news the holy man begged his friend to lend him a riding-dress and bring him a horse, and putting on his head a big hat which hid his face, so as not to be recognised, he presented himself at the hostelry where they had told him his niece was lodged. He looked on all sides to see if he could not see her, but, as she did not appear, he said to the innkeeper, feigning to smile: “‘Mine host, they tell me you have a pretty girl here. Can I not see her?’ “The innkeeper, an obliging man, had her called and Mary appeared in a costume, which, according to the words of St. Ephraim himself, sufficed to reveal her mode of life. The holy man was pierced with sorrow. “He affected gaiety nevertheless, and ordered a good meal. Mary was in a sober mood that day. In giving pleasure one does not always taste it, and the sight of this old man whom she did not recognise, for he had not removed his hat, in no way inclined her to joyousness. The innkeeper cried shame upon her for such naughty behaviour so opposed to the duties of her profession, but she said with a sigh: ‘Would to God that I had died three years ago!’ “The holy man Abraham was careful to adopt the language, as he had taken the coat, of a gallant cavalier: “‘My child,’ said he, ‘I have come here not to bewail your sins but to partake of your affection.’ “But when the innkeeper left him alone with Mary he feigned no more, but raising his hat, he said weeping: “‘Mary, my child, do you not know me? Am I not that Abraham who has been a father to you?’ “He took her by the hand and all the night long he exhorted her to repentance and penance. Above all he was careful not to drive her to despair. He repeated incessantly ‘My child, it is only God who is without sin.’ “Mary was naturally a sweet soul. She consented to go back to him. At daybreak they set out. She would have taken her robes and jewels. But the holy man made her understand that it would be more fitting to leave them. He mounted her on his horse and led her back to their cells, where they both took up their past life. Only this time the good man took care that Mary’s room did not communicate with the outside world, and that there was no going out without passing through the room that he himself occupied. By which means and by the grace of God, he kept his ewe lamb. Such is the history of St. Abraham,” said my good master, drinking his cup of wine. “It is quite beautiful,” said my father, “and the misfortunes of poor Mary have brought tears to my eyes.” III MINISTERS OF STATE (_concluded_)