And later on came another meeting which caused him some emotion.

He perceived an ecclesiastic, a tall old man, in a black cassock, edged and girt with red; and was surprised to recognise Cardinal Boccanera, who had quitted the roadway, and was slowly strolling along the band of grass, among the tall thistles and sulphur-wort.

With his head lowered and his feet brushing against the fragments of the tombs, the Cardinal did not even see Pierre.

The young priest courteously turned aside, surprised to find him so far from home and alone.

Then, on perceiving a heavy coach, drawn by two black horses, behind a building, he understood matters.