Unconscious collaborators of Him who governs the universe, these heroes of supreme renunciation imagine that only through their sacrifice are they honouring Him, while in reality they incarnate, according to the Divine design, the progressive energy of the species, strengthening their own spiritual element, that it may have the power to create for itself a superior corporeal form, more in the likeness of the Master; thus their purity is human perfection, is the elevation on which our human nature culminates, and touches the nebulous beginnings of an unknown superhuman nature.
"When I think of incarnate purity," said Giovanni, "I see! Don Clemente before me.

Did I tell you he is coming to the meeting to-night?
He will come down directly after supper." Maria started.

"Oh!" said she, "I almost forgot to tell you Noemi has written to me.

She was to leave Milan yesterday with the Dessalles, They are going to stay in Rome a day or two, and then they are coming here." "You recalled this because I mentioned Don Clemente," said Giovanni smiling.

"Yes," replied his wife; "nevertheless, you know I do not believe." How could Don Clemente's lofty forehead, his blue eyes, so serene and pure, have known passion?
In the soft, submissive, almost timid voice of the young Benedictine there was--to Maria's mind--a chastity too delicate, a purity too virginal.
"You do not believe," Giovanni answered, "and perhaps, after all, you are right; perhaps, after all, he is not Maironi.