All eyes were fixed on that noble face, the face of an archangel: Don Clemente's colour deepened, but he held his head erect.

After a moment of hesitation he spoke in his soft, modest voice.

"The Abbe Marinier made an observation which seemed to me very just.

He said that we need a saint.

I also believe this, I do not despair of finding one, for perhaps, even now, he exists.