"Will you not also suffer? But you never
think of yourself at all!--and it is because you do not think of
yourself that I know you will come with me to-night!--even through a
thousand storms!--through all danger and darkness and pain and
trouble,--you will come with me! You have been my friend for many
days--you will not leave me now?"
"Neither now nor at any time," answered Bonpre firmly and tenderly.
"I will go with you where you will! Is it to some sad home you are
taking me?--some stricken soul to whom we may give comfort?"
Manuel answered not,--but merely waved his small hand beckoningly,
and passed along up the street through the drifting rain, lightly
and aerially as though he were a spirit,--and the Cardinal possessed
by some strange emotion that gave swiftness to his movements and
strength to his will, followed. They met scarcely a soul. One or two
forlorn wayfarers crossed their path--a girl in rags,--then a man
half-drunk and reeling foolishly from side to side. Manuel paused,
looking at them.
"Poor sad souls!" he said. "If we could see all the history of their
lives we should pity them and not condemn!"
"Who is it that condemns?" murmured Bonpre gently.
"No one save Man!" responded Manuel.
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