"Francesco—do you remember our converse at Avellino?"
The youth nodded. He seemed to have anticipated a similar preliminary.
"You were not born in wedlock," the old man continued.
"So you told me," came the whispered reply.
"It was a grievous sin!"—
Francesco bowed his head.
There was a brief pause, then the elder Villani continued:
"You are my child, Francesco, the single evidence of my swerving from the narrow path of righteousness. For years have I tried to atone for my guilt. Yet, neither priest nor pontiff would grant me absolution!"—
He paused and looked searchingly into Francesco's eyes.
The youth's face showed no expression, save that of earnest attention. Taking breath again, the old man continued: