After having believed in the miracle, she would not now believe that her son had been reduced to this desperate condition by natural causes; at one moment she wept for him, and at the next cursed the medicines Benedetto had given him, although the Selvas assured her they were not medicines.

Maria had put her arms round her, partly to comfort her and partly to hold her.

She signed to Giovanni to go for the priest and Giovanni hurried away.

The glistening eyes of the dying man were full of supplication.

Benedetto said to him: "My son, do you long for Christ ?" With an indescribable groan, he bowed his head feebly in assent.
Benedetto kissed him and kissed him again, tenderly.
"Christ tells me that your sins are forgiven, and that you may depart in peace." The glistening eyes lighted up with joy.