“This time you shall not only enter Paradise, but you shall behold the Beatific Vision,” laughed Armstrong.
Passing by the main entrance of the library at the head of the stone stairs, Armstrong led the way along the upper cloister to a small door, where he pressed a little electric button—an accessory not included in Michelangelo’s original plans for the building. A moment later they heard the sound of descending footsteps, and presently a bearded face looked out at them through the small grated window. The inspection was evidently satisfactory, for the heavy iron bar on the inside was released and the door opened.
“Good-morning, Maritelli,” said Armstrong in Italian. “Is the direttore disengaged?”
“He is in his study, signore, awaiting your arrival.”
Maritelli dropped the iron bar back into place with a loud clang and then led the way up the short flight of stone steps to the librarian’s study. Armstrong detained Inez a moment at the top.
“I brought you in this way because I want you to see Cerini in his frame. It is a picture worthy the brush of an old master.”
Maritelli knocked gently on the door and placed his ear against it to hear the response. Then he opened it quietly and bowed as Armstrong and his companion entered.
“Buon’ giorno, padre.” Armstrong gravely saluted the old man as he looked up. “I have brought to you another seeker after the gold in your treasure-house.”
Cerini’s face showed genuine delight as he rose and extended both hands to Inez. “Your wife!” he exclaimed; “I am glad indeed to greet her.”
Armstrong flushed. “No, padre, not my wife, but her dearest friend, Miss Thayer.”