_Padre mio_, you will understand now.

It is on account of Signor Selva, and of your friendship for him, that I am leaving Jenne thus.

I have never loved you as I love you now.
I do not know whither I shall wander, but wherever the Lord may send me, be it far or near, do not let your soul forsake me!" As he spoke these words, his voice shaking with sorrow and love, Benedetto again threw himself into the arms of his master, who--himself torn by a tempest of conflicting emotions--knew not whether to ask his forgiveness, or promise him glory, the true glory, and could only say, with laboured breath: "You do not know it, but I, too, have need that your soul should not forsake me!" Touching it with careful, reverent hands; Don Clemente made the habit his disciple had laid aside into a bundle.

When it was folded he told Benedetto that he could not offer him the hospitality of Santa Scolastica; he had intended asking Signor Selva to take him in, but he now doubted if it would be opportune and in the interests of his mission for Benedetto to put himself so openly under the protection of Signor Giovanni.
Benedetto smiled.
"Oh! certainly not!" said he.

"Shall we fear the darkness more than we love the light?
But I must pray God to make His will known to me, if it be possible.