"
"You must be a great man to have Domenico Gherardi for a friend!"
said the lay-brother wistfully.
Here Ambrosio suddenly burst into a loud laugh.
"You are right! He is a great man!--one of the greatest in Rome, or
for that matter in the world! And he means to be yet greater!" And
with that he turned on his heel and left the cell abruptly.
Varillo, languidly sipping the wine that had been brought to him
with his food, looked after him with a pitying smile.
"Poor soul!" he said gently.
"He was famous once," said the lay-brother, lowering his voice as he
spoke. "One of the most famous sculptors in Europe. But something
went wrong with his life, and he came here. It is difficult to make
him understand orders, or obey them, but the Superior allows him to
remain on account of his great skill in music. On that point at
least he is sane."
"Indeed!" said Varillo indifferently. He was beginning to weary of
the conversation, and wished to be alone. "It is well for him that
he is useful to you in some regard. And now, my friend, will you
leave me to rest awhile? If it be possible I shall try to sleep now
till morning."
"One of us will come to you at daybreak," said the lay-brother. "You
are still very weak--you will need assistance to dress.
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