The youth wore a tunic under a surcoat embroidered round the neck, and he stood motionless, a sceptre in his hand.

He might be a very young monk, humble, simple, and so far advanced in the mystic road that he was unconscious of it.

This statue was undoubtedly a portrait, and it seemed certain that some refined and innocent novice had served as a model to the artist.

It was the work of a chastened and happy soul superior to the crowd.

"This one, even more than the St.John, is a perfect dream," said Durtal to the Abbe, who assented with a nod, and went on,-- "The sculptures over the arches are practically invisible, for you must dislocate your neck to see them.