The
glistening eyes of the dying man were full of supplication. Benedetto
said to him:
"My son, do you long for Christ?"
With an indescribable groan, he bowed his head feebly in assent.
Benedetto kissed him and kissed him again, tenderly.
"Christ tells me that your sins are forgiven, and that you may depart in
peace."
The glistening eyes lighted up with joy. Benedetto called the mother,
who, escaping from Maria's open arms, threw herself upon her son. At
that moment Don Clemente entered, looking exhausted; Giovanni and the
parish priest were with him.
* * * * *
At the priest's house Don Clemente had found an ecclesiastic whom he did
not know, arguing with the parish priest. According to what he said, a
crowd of fanatics were about to carry the girl who had been healed by a
miracle to the church of Sant' Andrea, to return thanks to God. It was
the priest's duty to prevent such a scandal. If the healing of this
girl were not an imposture, neither was it a fact. The would-be
miracle-worker had also preached much rank heresy concerning miracles
and eternal salvation.
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