Faith had dried his eyes, his soul had become strong and submissive, exempt from all human weakness.

He had placed himself in the hands of God, and had resolved that he himself would administer extreme unction to Dario.

With a gesture he summoned Don Vigilio and led him into the little room which served as a chapel, and the key of which he always carried.

A cupboard had been contrived behind the altar of painted wood, and the Cardinal went to it to take both stole and surplice.

The coffer containing the Holy Oils was likewise there, a very ancient silver coffer bearing the Boccanera arms.