A tall monk, whose cowl partly concealed his pale, but resolute features, stood at my side--one of those heroes who, for the love of Christ, came forth at that terrible time and faced the pestilence fearlessly, where the blatant boasters of no-religion scurried away like frightened hares from the very scent of danger.

I greeted him with an obeisance, and explained my errand.
"I will go at once," he said, with an accent of pity in his voice.

"But I fear the worst.

I have remedies with me; I may not be too late." "I will accompany you," I said, eagerly.

"One would not let a dog die unaided; much less this poor lad, who seems friendless." The monk looked at me attentively as we walked on together.
"You are not residing in Naples ?" he asked.
I gave him my name, which he knew by repute, and described the position of my villa.
"Up on that height we enjoy perfect health," I added.