But the question why his superiors sent him there, was still one that might suggest itself, though it was little likely ever to be answered.

And the absence of all answer to such question was supplied by the gossips of Ravenna, by tales of some terrible crime against ecclesiastical discipline of which the Padre Fabiano had been guilty some sixty years or so ago.

Certain it was that he had occupied his dreary position for many years; and it was wonderful that fever and ague and the marsh pestilence had not long since dismissed him to the reward of his long penitence on earth.
He rose from his knees as Paolina approached him, and gravely bent his cowled head to her in salutation.
"You are early, Signora," he said.

"I suppose you are the person for whom yonder scaffold has been prepared." "Yes, father, I am the artist for whom leave has been obtained to copy some of your mosaics." "You will find it cold work, daughter.

The church is damp somewhat.