"When I left my father's side, his sickness was in nowise lessened," responded Francesco laconically.
"Not lessened!" exclaimed the Viceroy. "Then how came you here?"
"At my father's command I am here!"
"For what purpose?"
"To acquaint you of my choice—of the Church!"
He spoke the words in a hard and dry tone.
Count Capecé had arisen. He was hardly less pale than Francesco, but there was a light in his eyes that burnt into the very soul of the youth.
"You said, your choice?"
"My choice!"
"Ingrate! Renegade!"