All is well
wherever we hear His Voice;--all things work for the best when we
are able to perceive His command clearly, and have strength and
resolution enough to forsake our sins and follow Him."
As he spoke, a tranquil smile brightened his venerable features, and
seeing the fine small hand of Manuel resting on his chair, he laid
his own wrinkled palm over it and clasped it tenderly. Cyrillon
Vergniaud, moved by a quick impulse, suddenly advanced towards him.
"Monseigneur," he said, with unaffected deference, "You are much
more than a Cardinal,--you are a good and honest man! And that you
serve Christ purely is plainly evidenced in your look and bearing.
Do me one favour! Extend your pardon to me for my almost committed
crime of to-day,--and give me your blessing! I will try to be worthy
of it!"
The Cardinal was silent for a few minutes looking at him earnestly.
"My blessing is of small value," he said, "And yet I do not think
you would ask it for mere mockery of an old man's faith. I should
like,--" here he paused--then slowly went on again, "I should like
to say a few words to you if I might--to ask you one or two
questions concerning yourself--"
"Ask anything you please, Monseigneur," replied Cyrillon, "I will
answer you frankly and fully.
Pages:
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359