From time to time Benedetto said a word of dismissal, in a tired voice: "_Addio_."-- "Farewell!"-- "We shall meet in Paradise."-- Some in passing silently bent the knee, others touched the bed and then made the sign of the cross.

Some begged him to pray for them or for their dear ones, while others called down blessings upon him.

One asked to be forgiven because he had believed the slanderers, and at that a series of "Forgive me also, me also!" sounded.

The hunchback from Via della Marmorata was there, and began telling him amidst her tears that the old priest had confessed; and would have liked to tell him all her gratitude, had not those behind her pushed her away, and taken her from the sight of him for ever.

Many passed thus before him for the last time, and, weeping, went from him, forever,--many he had comforted, in body and in mind.