There was a brief pause during which Benilo gazed into space. The monk heard him mutter the word "Dying—dying" as if therein lay condensed the essence of all his life.
Reseating himself the Chamberlain seemed at last to remember the presence of his visitor, who scrutinized him stealthily from under his cowl. Pointing to a parchment on the table before him, he said dismissing the subject:
"You are reported as one in whom I may place full trust, in whom I may implicitly confide. I hate the black cassocks. A monk and misfortune are seldom apart. You see I dissemble not."
The Grand Chamberlain's visitor nodded.
"A viper's friend must needs be a viper,—like to like!"
"'Tis not the devil's policy to show the cloven hoof."
"Yet an eavesdropper is best equipped for a prophet."
Again the Chamberlain started.
Straining his gaze towards the monk, who stood immobile as a phantom, he said:
"It is reported that you are about to render a great service to Rome."