"The halo of a Saint."
"What of your conscience's peace?"
"May not a man and his conscience, like ill-mated consorts, be on something less than speaking terms?"
"They kill by the decalogue at San Zeno."
"Exitus acta probat!" returned the monk solemnly.
Benilo raised his hand warningly.
"Let him disappear quietly—ecclesiastically."
"What is gained by caution when one stands on an earthquake?" asked the monk.
"You deem not, then, that Heaven might take so strong an interest in Gerbert's affairs, as to send some of the blessed to his deliverance?" queried Benilo suavely.
The Chamberlain's visitor betrayed impatience.