It is also good for the angels, who, Jesus has told
us, feel immense joy at the healing of a soul. Joy enhances their power;
and do you think their power is for the darkness or for the light, for
death or for life? Ask with faith, first for the healing of the soul,
and then for the healing of the body!" From the steep hillside a sea of
faces looked down on him; those highest up, where only the sound of his
voice could be heard, were eager, and tear-stained. Of those nearest
him, some were astonished, some enthusiastic, some doubtful. The tears
were pouring down Noemi's pale face also. The students had put off their
air of raillery. When Benedetto ceased, one of them came forward to
speak, resolute and serious. At the same moment the old man exclaimed:
"Heal our souls, heal our souls!"
Other voices repeated anxiously:
"Heal our souls, heal our souls!"
In an instant the contagion had spread throughout the vanguard; they
flung themselves on their knees, stretching out imploring arms:
"Heal our souls, heal our souls!"
Benedetto sprang forward, his hands clenched in his hair, exclaiming:
"What are you doing again? What are you doing again?"
A shout rang out from above: _"La miracolata!_ The girl who is healed!"
The girl who had felt health returning to her, as she lay on Benedetto's
bed, was coming down in search of him, leaning on the arm of an elder
sister.
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