The sacristan, who was dozing, seated on the steps of an altar, heard them enter, and, rising, went towards Benedetto.

But he belonged to the Roman priest's party, and, recognising the heretic, turned back, and asked the foreign signorina if she could tell him anything about the sick man from Arcinazzo, who had been brought to the church that morning, when the sacristan had also seen her there.
He added that his reason for inquiring was, that he had been ordered to wait for the parish priest, who was going to carry the viaticum to the man.

Noemi knew that the young man from Arcinazzo was dying, but that was all.
"I see," said the sacristan, raising his voice intentionally.

"He probably does not wish for Christ.

These are their fine miracles! Thank God for the thunder and lightning, for had it not been for the storm, they would have brought the girl here!" Then he went back to rest and doze on the steps.
Noemi could not turn her eyes away from Benedetto.