And on receiving a negative reply, he added: "Well, come and see him for a moment.

He has a great future before him.

You'll see an angel of his which has been declined." Then, as Francois began to praise the angel in question, Pierre agreed to accompany them.

On the summit of the height, among all the sheds which the building of the basilica necessitated, Jahan had been able to set up a glazed workshop large enough for the huge angel ordered of him.

His three visitors found him there in a blouse, watching a couple of assistants, who were rough-hewing the block of stone whence the angel was to emerge.