This attack of Amine’s upon the reputation of the old priest was too severe.  Father Mathias immediately quitted the room, saying, as he went out, “May God forgive you for your false suspicions and great injustice!  I came here for the cause I have stated, and no more.”

“Yes!” soliloquised Amine, as the door closed, “I know you did; but I must rid myself of your unwelcome company.  I will have no spy upon my actions—­no meddler to thwart me in my will.  In your zeal you have committed yourself, and I will take the advantage you have given me.  Is not the privacy of a woman’s chamber to be held sacred by you sacred men?  In return for assistance in distress—­for food and shelter—­you would become a spy.  How grateful, and how worthy of the creed which you profess!” Amine opened her door as soon as she had removed the censer, and summoned one of the women of the house to stay that night in her room, stating that the priest had entered her chamber, and she did not like the intrusion.

“Holy father! is it possible?” replied the woman.

Amine made no reply, but went to bed; but Father Mathias heard all that passed as he paced the room below.  The next day he called upon Father Seysen, and communicated to him what had occurred, and the false suspicions of Amine.

“You have acted hastily,” replied Father Seysen, “to visit a woman’s chamber at such an hour of the night.”

“I had my suspicions, good Father Seysen.”

“And she will have hers.  She is young and beautiful.”

“Now, by the Blessed Virgin—­”

“I absolve you, good Mathias,” replied Father Seysen; “but still, if known, it would occasion much scandal to our church.”

And known it soon was; for the woman who had been summoned by Amine did not fail to mention the circumstance; and Father Mathias found himself everywhere so coldly received, and, besides, so ill at ease with himself, that he very soon afterwards quitted the country, and returned to Lisbon; angry with himself for his imprudence, but still more angry with Amine for her unjust suspicions.

Chapter XXI

The cargo of the Dort was soon ready, and Philip sailed and arrived at Amsterdam without any further adventure.  That he reached his cottage, and was received with delight by Amine, need hardly be said.  She had been expecting him; for the two ships of the squadron, which had sailed on his arrival at Batavia, and which had charge of his despatches, had, of course, carried letters to her from Philip, the first letters she had ever received from him during his voyages.  Six weeks after the letters Philip himself made his appearance, and Amine was happy.  The directors were, of course, highly satisfied with Philip’s conduct, and he was appointed to the command of a large armed ship, which was to proceed to India in the spring, and one-third of which, according to agreement, was purchased by Philip out of the funds which he had in the hands of the Company.  He had now five months of quiet and repose to pass away, previous to his once more trusting to the elements; and this time, as it was agreed, he had to make arrangements on board for the reception of Amine.