The ignorant priest still retained the remembrance of Luna's great triumphs obtained in the seminary, and though he saw him so poor and ailing, taking refuge in the Cathedral almost on charity, his "tuteo" of superiority was not free from admiration.
Gabriel, on his side, feared Silver Stick, knowing his intolerant fanaticism.

For this reason he confined himself to listening to him, careful in their conversation that not a single word should slip in which could betray his past.

He would be the first to demand his expulsion from the Cathedral, where he wished to live unknown and silent.
On meeting each other in the cloister, the two men began with the same questions every morning: "How is your health to-day ?" Gabriel showed himself an optimist.

He knew that his illness had no remedy; still, that quiet life free from all emotions, and his brother's care, feeding him at all hours, like a bird and almost by force, had arrested the decay of his health.

The course of the illness was slower--death was meeting with obstacles.
"I am better, Don Antolin.