And he could not restrain himself any longer, but let his secret escape him: "It's settled, you know," said he.

"My audience is for this evening." Benedetta did not understand at first.

"What audience ?" she asked.
"Oh! Monsignor Nani was good enough to tell me at the ball this morning, that the Holy Father has read my book and desires to see me.

I shall be received this evening at nine o'clock." At this the Contessina flushed with pleasure, participating in the delight of the young priest to whom she had grown much attached.

And this success of his, coming in the midst of her own felicity, acquired extraordinary importance in her eyes as if it were an augury of complete success for one and all.