Some time elapsed, perhaps an hour, perhaps more.

The church grew lighter; the rain seemed to be stopping.

It struck four o'clock.

Don Clemente entered the church, followed by Maria and Giovanni who were glad to find Noemi there, for they had not known where she was.

The sacristan, who knew Don Clemente, came forward.
"_Dunque_?
The viaticum ?" The viaticum?
Alas, the man was dead; they had thought of the viaticum too late! The Padre inquired for Benedetto, and Noemi pointed to where he sat.