“I saw you not in the Church this evening, Rosario.”
“Yet I was present, Father. I am too grateful for your protection to lose an opportunity of witnessing your Triumph.”
“Alas! Rosario, I have but little cause to triumph: The Saint spoke by my mouth; To him belongs all the merit. It seems then you were contented with my discourse?”
“Contented, say you? Oh! you surpassed yourself! Never did I hear such eloquence ... save once!”
Here the Novice heaved an involuntary sigh.
“When was that once?” demanded the Abbot.
“When you preached upon the sudden indisposition of our late Superior.”
“I remember it: That is more than two years ago. And were you present? I knew you not at that time, Rosario.”
“’Tis true, Father; and would to God! I had expired, ere I beheld that day! What sufferings, what sorrows should I have escaped!”
“Sufferings at your age, Rosario?”