"Listen, and I will tell you all my story." He composed himself, and his face took on a warm light, giving it a look of happiness almost.
"The very first thing I remember was sitting on the sands of the sea-shore, near some woman who put her arms round me and drew me to her heart.

I seem even to recall her face now, though I never could before--do we see things clearer when we come to die, I wonder?
I never saw her again.

I was brought up by my parents, who were humble peasants, on an estate near Viterbo, in Italy.

I was taught in the schools, and I made friends among my school-fellows; but that was all the happiness I had; for my parents were strict and hard with me, and showed me no love.
At twelve years of age I was taken to Rome, and there I entered the house of Prince Lucien Bonaparte, as page.

I was always near the person of His Highness." He paused, at sight of a sudden pain in the Cure's face.