Page:The Saint (1906, G. P. Putnam's Sons).djvu/93

Rh which embraced the air, brought them together on his breast. 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 Faré 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. The Benedictine drew back, startled, his face aflame.

"And we shall not enthrone Christ within us," said Giovanni, much moved, and pleased with