Discovering an error in one of the documents he was
examining, he called Moretti's attention to it, and the conversation
drifted to everyday trivial subjects. But the thoughts of both men
were elsewhere, and not even the news received that morning of the
bequest of one hundred thousand pounds to the Shrine of Lourdes from
a deluded believer in the miraculous Virgin there, absorbed so much
of their reflective brain powers as the imminent trial--for it was
little else--of Cardinal Bonpre, in the presence of the boy to whom
he so openly gave his confidence and protection.
Meanwhile, the good Felix himself was very sorely troubled. During
his sojourn in Rome, he had grown thinner and paler, and the fine,
spiritual delicacy of his features had become more intensified,
while his clear blue eyes shone from under their deeply arched brows
with a flashing luminance that was almost unearthly. Often, when
about to enter his room with unthinking haste, his brother-in-law,
Prince Pietro, would see him kneeling before his crucifix absorbed,
one might almost say entranced, in prayer. And he would softly move
away again with a deep sense of awe, and a feeling that some higher
power than any on earth, sustained the venerable prelate, and
inspired both his words and actions.
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