The citizen, of Jenne was beside himself with satisfaction; on that day he was in a truly ducal state of graciousness and magnificence! Therefore, when Don Clemente--following the parish priest's advice--appealed to him, he had no difficulty in obtaining from him the promise of an old suit of black, a black tie, and a broad brimmed black hat, for Benedetto.
In the room where the secular clothes were spread out, the disciple, having removed his habit, began to put them on in silence, and his master, who was standing at the window, could not repress a sob.
Presently Benedetto called softly to him.
"_Padre mio_," said he, "look at me!" Arrayed in the new clothes, which were too long and too large for him, he smiled, showing himself at peace.

The Padre seized his hand, intending to kiss it, but Benedetto caught it hastily away, and opening his arms, pressed to his breast the man who now seemed the younger, the son, the penitent instrument of shameful human persecutions, which, upon that heart, beating with divine fire, turned to dust, to ashes, and vanished! They stood a long time thus, locked in a silent embrace.
"I did it, for your sake," Don Clemente murmured at last.

"I myself brought the humiliating message, that I might see the grace of the Lord shine, in this humble dress, even brighter than in the habit." Benedetto interrupted him.

"No, no!" said he.

"Do not tempt me, do not tempt me! Let us rather thank God, who is chastening me for that presumptuous joy I experienced at Santa Scolastica, when you offered me the Benedictine habit, and I reflected that in my vision, I had seen myself dying in that dress.