Trusting to hear from you with all possible speed that Your Eminence
is in readiness to obey the Holy Father's paternal wish and high
command, I am,
"Your Eminence's obedient servant in Christ,
"Lorenzo Moretti."
The Cardinal read this letter through once--twice--then the paper
dropped from his hands.
"My God, my God! why hast Thou forsaken me!" he murmured. "What have
I done in these few months! What must I do!"
A light touch on his arm roused him. Manuel confronted him.
"Why are you sorrowful, dear friend? Have you sad news?"
"Yes, my child! Sad news indeed! I am commanded by the Pope to give
up all I have in the world! If it were to give to my Master Christ I
would give it gladly,--but to the Church--I cannot!"
"What does the Pope ask you to resign?" said Manuel.
"My niece Angela and all her love for me!--my friendship with this
brave man Aubrey Leigh who works among the outcast and the poor,--
but more than all this,--he asks me to give You up--you! My child, I
cannot!"
He stretched his thin withered hands out to the slight boyish figure
in front of him.
"I cannot! I am an old man, near--very near--to the grave--and I
love you! I need you!--without you the world is dark! I found you
all alone--I have cared for you and guarded you and served you--I
cannot let you go!" The tears filled his.
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