Could the deacon help him?
Leander seemed to meditate profoundly.

The subject of his thought was what seemed to him a glaring omission in this testament of Maximus.

He breathed an intimate inquiry: Was the sick man at peace with his own soul?
Had he sought strength and solace from the reverend presbyter of Surrentum, his spiritual father in this district?
Maximus replied that he had neglected no ordinary means of grace.

Whilst speaking, he met the deacon's eye; its significance was not to be mistaken.
'I should have mentioned,' he said, averting his look, 'that the presbyter Andreas and his poor will not be forgotten.

Moreover, many of my slaves will receive their freedom.' Leander murmured approvingly.