Don Clemente had heard him coming, and had set his door ajar. Benedetto
entered, and offered him the Abbot's letter. "I must leave the
monastery," he said, very calmly. "At once, and for ever."
Don Clemente did not answer, but opened the letter. When he had read
it he observed, smiling, that Benedetto's departure for Jenne had been
decided upon the night before. True, but the Abbot had said never to
return, Don Clemente's eyes were full of tears, but he still smiled.
"You are glad?" said Benedetto, almost plaintively,
Oh, glad! How could the master explain what he felt? His beloved
disciple was leaving him, leaving him for ever, after three years of
spiritual union; but then the hidden Will had made itself manifest; God
was taking him from the monastery, setting his feet in other ways. Glad!
Yes; afflicted and glad, but he could not communicate the cause of his
gladness to Benedetto, The Divine Word would have no value for Benedetto
did he not interpret it for himself.
"Not glad," he said, "but at peace. We understand each other, do we not?
And now prepare yourself to listen to my last words, which I hope you
will cherish.
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