“If I were to tell you I have just seen her, and, notwithstanding your want of faith in her, she has still faith in you…”
The deep lines of despair began to pass from Ross’s face, and he made a cry of joy.
“If I were to say that she loves you, and would give her life for you…”
“Is it possible? Do you tell me that? In spite of everything? And she—where is she? Let me go to her. Holy Father, if you only knew! I’ll go and beg her pardon. I cursed her! Yes, it is true that in my blind, mad passion, I … But let me go back to her on my knees…”
“Stay, my son. You shall see her presently.”
“Can it be possible that I shall see her?… Is she at home still?”
“She is only a few paces from this place, my son.”
“Only a few paces! Oh, let me not lose a moment more. Where is she?”
“In the Castle of St Angelo,” said the Pope.
A dark cloud crossed Rossi’s beaming face and his mouth opened as if to emit a startled cry.