CHAPTER 27One morning, quite unexpectedly, Antonin appeared in our chamberand announced that the Reverend Father Severino, allied to the Popeand his protege, had just been named General of the BenedictineOrder by His Holiness. The next day that monk did in effect depart,without taking his leave of us; 'twas said another was expected toreplace him, and he would be far superior in debauch to all whoremained; additional reasons to hasten ahead with my plans. The dayfollowing Severino's departure, the monks decided to retrench onemore of my companions; I chose for my escape the very day whensentence was pronounced against the wretched girl, so that themonks, preoccupied with her, would pay less attention to me. It wasthe beginning of spring; the length of the nights still somewhatfavored my de
