A shaft of sunlight falling through
the high oriel window, touched the boy's hair with a Pentecostal
flame of glory.
"You sent for me," he went on, "and I have come! They say I must be
taught. Will you teach me? I would know many things! Tell me for
one, why are You here, shut away from the cities, and the people?
Should you not be among them? Why do you stay here all alone? You
must be very unhappy!"
A sudden quivering light illumined the jewel-like dark eyes of the
seeming mummy in the chair--its lips moved--but no sound came from
them.
"To be here all alone!" went on Manuel, "And a whole world outside
waiting to be comforted! To have vast wealth lying about you unused-
-with millions and millions of poor, starving, struggling, dying
creatures, near at hand, cursing the God whom they have never been
taught to know or to bless! To be safely sheltered while others are
in danger! To know that even kings and emperors are trembling on
their thrones because of the evil days that are drawing near in
punishment for evil deeds!--to feel the great pulsating ache of the
world's heart beating through every hour of time, and never to
stretch forth a hand of consolation! Surely this must make you very
sad! WILL YOU NOT COME OUT WITH ME?"
With a strong effort the Pope raised himself and looked into the
pleading Angel-face.
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