They spoke of the interview which Noemi desired.

Don Clemente blushed and hesitated, but could not refuse to ask for it, and he went to join Benedetto.
While the two conversed, Giovanni and Maria related to Noemi all that had taken place.

After the arrival of the parish priest, the sick man had not spoken again.

Confession had not been possible.

Meanwhile the storm had burst with such violence as to render it impossible for the priest to go for the holy oil.