Take it, and perform your duty." He laid down the parchment provided with the papal seal upon her shoulder, and drawing the veil over her made the sign of the cross, saying, "I bless you, and give you absolution for your sins." "Bless me also, lord and master," cried Cagliostro, kneeling upon the lowest step to the throne.
"I bless you in the name of Loyola.

Remain upon your knees, and follow me not." He extended his hands over him, and blessed him, then slowly withdrew.
The first beams of the morning sun shone through the great window-panes, lighting up with its golden rays Cagliostro's kneeling form.

He remained with his head bowed until the General had passed out.

"He is gone; Heaven be praised, he is gone!" "Yes, he is gone," repeated Lorenza, springing from the couch.

"Is it true, has he given you half a million ?" Cagliostro held up with triumphant air the letters.