Finally the last window reflections were extinguished, the glow of the heavens departed, and nothing remained but the vague, fading roundness of the dome of St.
Peter's amidst the all-invading night.
And, by some subtle connection of ideas, Pierre at that moment once again saw rising before him the lofty, sad, declining figures of Cardinal Boccanera and old Orlando.

On the evening of that day when he had learnt to know them, one after the other, both so great in the obstinacy of their hope, they seemed to be there, erect on the horizon above their annihilated city, on the fringe of the heavens which death apparently was about to seize.

Was everything then to crumble with them?
was everything to fade away and disappear in the falling night following upon accomplished Time?
V.
ON the following day Narcisse Habert came in great worry to tell Pierre that Monsignor Gamba del Zoppo complained of being unwell, and asked for a delay of two or three days before receiving the young priest and considering the matter of his audience.

Pierre was thus reduced to inaction, for he dared not make any attempt elsewhere in view of seeing the Pope.

He had been so frightened by Nani and others that he feared he might jeopardise everything by inconsiderate endeavours.