Danilo Kvekvic came at once; the young girl brought the clothes and the wreaths, and everything being ready, the lugubrious marriage service was performed; still, it was to be gone through once more, when Uros should have recovered, if he ever did recover. The monks crowded at the door, looking on wonderingly at the whole affair, for in their quiet, humdrum life, such a ceremony was an unheard of thing, and an event affording them endless gossip.
The emotion Uros had undergone weakened him in such a way that he fell back fainting. His pulse grew so feeble that it could not be felt any more; his breathing had evidently stopped, a cold perspiration gathered on his brow; his features acquired not only the rigidity, but also the pinched look and livid tint of death.
"I am afraid that it is the beginning of the end."
He began once more reciting the prayers for the dying. Danilo Kvekvic sprinkled him with holy water. All the rest sank on their knees by the bed. A convulsive sob was heard. Milenko, unable to bear the scene any longer, rushed out of the room.
Whilst he was sobbing, and the friars outside were trying to comfort him, the old monk came out.
"Well, father?" said the young man, with a terror-stricken face.
"It is all over," said the old man, shaking his head gravely.
Milenko uttered a deep groan; then he sank on his knees, kissing the monk's hand devoutly.
"Thank you, father, for all that you have done for my brother. If earthly skill could have recalled him to life, yours would have done so. Thank you for your kindness to me and to all of us. Now my task begins; nor do I rest until it is accomplished."
Unable to keep back the tears that were blinding him, nor the sobs rising to his throat, he rose and ran out of the convent.