On perceiving the Benedictine they spoke together rapidly, in an undertone, and then one of their number, a very fashionably dressed young man, screwed his eyeglass into his eye, and came towards Don Clemente, at whom the ladies were looking with admiration, and also with disappointment, their guide having informed them that he was not the Saint.
These people also wished for an interview with Benedetto.

The ladies were especially anxious to speak with him.

The young man added, with a derisive smile, that for his part, he did not consider himself worthy, Don Clemente answered very shortly, that for the present it was impossible to speak with Benedetto and he walked away.

The young man informed the ladies that the Saint was in the tabernacle, under lock and key! In the meantime Benedetto--although the distracted mother implored him not to use medicines, but to perform a miracle--was comforting the prostrate man with a few mouthfuls of the cordial Giovanni Selva had brought, but still more comforting were his gentle caresses, and the promise of other saving words, which would soon be brought to him.

And the pitying voice, tender and grave, worked a miracle of peace.