Three young men stood before him.
He had not heard them enter.

The one who appeared to be the eldest, a fine-looking young fellow, short of stature, dark, with eyes speaking knowledge of many things, asked him boldly why he had laid aside the clerical dress.

Benedetto did not reply.
"You do not wish to say ?" the other exclaimed.
"It does not matter, but listen to us.

We are students from the University of Rome, men of little faith, that I confess openly and at once.

We are enjoying and making the most of our youth, that I will also confess at once." One of his companions pulled a fold of the spokesman's coat.
"Be quiet!" said the leader.