Winter will be soon upon us." I agreed with the old man, and dismissed him.

So soon as he was gone, I quitted my chamber, and all dust staineded as I was I made my way down to the garden.

A turn in one of the boxwood-bordered alleys brought me suddenly face to face with Madonna Paola.
A moment we stood looking at each other, my heart swelling within me until I thought that it must burst.

Then I advanced a step and sank on one knee before her.
"You sent for me, Madonna.

I am here." There was a pause, and when presently I looked up into her blessed face I saw a smile of infinite sorrow on her lips, blending oddly with the gladness that shone from her sweet eyes.
"You faithful one," she murmured at last.