The soft complaining of
the lamp, a step on the floor below could be distinctly heard. Marinier
was the first to glance up furtively, to ascertain if the others still
prayed. Dane raised his head, and said:
"Amen."
"The second thing!" he added. "We propose to ourselves to obey in all
things the legitimate ecclesiastical authority--"
Don Paolo Fare burst out, exclaiming: "That must depend!"
The vibration of sudden thought, the muffled rumbling of unspoken words,
shook all present. Dane said slowly: "Exercised according to just
principles." The movement shrunk to a murmur of assent, and then ceased.
Dane went on: "And now one thing more! Let there never be hatred of any
one on our lips nor in our hearts!"
Don Paolo burst out again: "No, not hatred but indignation!
'_Circumspiciens eos cum ira_!'"
"Yes," said Don Clemente in his sweet, soft voice; "when we shall have
enthroned Christ within us; when we shall feel the wrath of pure love."
Don Paolo, who was near him, made no answer; he looked at him, his eyes
suffused with tears, and, seizing his hand, carried it to his lips.
Pages:
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107