The dumb sense
of stupefaction that had before possessed Gherardi and Moretti in
the presence of this child, seized them again now,--and slow tears
welled up into the Cardinal's eyes, as, clasping his withered hands,
he waited in fear and awe, listening and wondering,--overwhelmed by
the strangeness of the scene. Like a shrunken white mummy set in a
gilded sarcophagus, the representative of St. Peter huddled himself
together, reflections of the daylight on the crimson hangings around
him casting occasional gleams of crimson athwart his bony hands and
cadaverous features;--while on the first step of his throne the
aerial form of the beautiful boy, with his fair face, full flashing
eyes, and radiant hair, stood like an Angel suddenly descended at
the portal of the mummy's tomb.
"Faith must surely be weaker in these days than in the days of
Christ," continued Manuel, "The disciples were not always wise or
brave; but they believed in the power of their Master! You,--with so
many centuries of prayer behind you,--will surely not say as John
did--'Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name, and he
followeth not us!' Because this miracle is unexpected and
exceptional, do you say of your good Cardinal, 'He followeth not
us'? Remember how Christ answered,--'Forbid him not, for there is no
man which shall do a miracle in my name that can speak evil of me!'"
Still the same silence reigned.
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