But Giovanni's eyes did not follow her; the door had opened quietly, and Monsignor Saracinesca was there and had heard the last words.
The prelate's face expressed neither displeasure nor reproach; it was only very thoughtful.
Giovanni was in no humour to receive a visit from a priest just then, even though the latter was an old acquaintance and had once been a friend. Moreover, the last time they had been together, they had parted on anything but good terms. Giovanni spoke first.
'Have you come, like the others, to accuse me of committing suicide?' he asked.
The answer was unexpected and uncompromising.
'No.'
Sister Giovanna, still half-stunned and steadying herself against the wall, turned wondering eyes to the speaker. The angry look in Severi's face changed to one of inquiry. He strongly suspected that the churchman had come to 'convert' him, as the phrase goes, and he was curious to see what line of argument a man of such intelligence and integrity would take.
'No,' repeated Monsignor Saracinesca, 'I have come for quite another purpose, which I hope to accomplish if you will listen to reason.'
The nun stood erect now, though still leaning back against the wall, and she had hidden her hands under her scapular.
'I do not think I am unreasonable,' Giovanni answered quietly. 'My position is this——'