'The last, no longer ago than yestereve, ere he went to compline.

You would have seen him on the day of your arrival, ere yet you became distraught, but that a heaviness lay upon him because of the loss of a precious manuscript on its way hither from Rome--a manuscript which had been procured for him after much searching, only to be lost by the folly of one to whom it was intrusted; if, indeed, it was not rather whisked away by the Evil One, who, powerless for graver ill against our holy father, at times seeks to discomfort him by small practice of spite.

Sorrow for this loss brought on a distemper to which his age is subject.' Reminded all at once that he had no time to lose, Marcus threw open the shutter, extinguished the lamp, and slipped away, leaving his patient with eyes turned to the pale glimmer of dawn at the tiny window.

Now only did there stir in Basil clear recollection of the events which had preceded his coming hither.

Marcus's sly word in regard to the locket had awakened his mind, and in a few moments he thought connectedly.