The prior was aware how stainless was Barnaby’s soul, but he concluded that he had been seized with madness. They were all three preparing to lead him swiftly from the chapel, when they saw the Blessed Virgin descend the steps of the altar and advance to wipe away with a fold of her azure robe the sweat which was dropping from her juggler’s forehead.
Then the prior, falling upon his face upon the pavement, uttered these words—
“Blessed are the simple-hearted, for they shall see God.”
“Amen!” responded the old brethren, and kissed the ground.
MASS OF SHADOWS
TO MONSIEUR JEAN FRANÇOIS BLADÉ,
OF AGEN,
THE “PIOUS CHRONICLER” WHO HAS COLLECTED THE
POPULAR TALES OF GASCONY