Only a few, however, so it is probably eleven o'clock! Presently a dark corner of the inclosure of Santa Scolastica looms before the wayfarers.

Benedetto is thinking by what a mysterious way God has led him from the _logge_ at Praglia, where Jeanne tempted and conquered him, to this toilsome ascent amidst the gloom towards another holy spot, with Jeanne near, and his heart anchored in Christ.
In the meantime, the reasons for practical prudence which pressed upon Don Clemente at this time of distress, and the reasons for ideal holiness which in calmer moments he had taught his beloved disciple, were contending for supremacy over Benedetto's will, no longer so steadfast as in the beginning; the first striving at close quarters, and with imperious violence; the second, from a distance and by means only of their stern and sad beauty.

It seemed to him the two "holy lights" high above the dark angle of the inclosure were watching him sternly and sadly.

Oh! unholy earth, he thought; oh! sad earth! And, perhaps, unholy prudence, sad prudence--earthly prudence! Upon reaching the corner, the two wayfarers turned to the left, leaving the deep roar of the Anio behind them.

They passed the great gate of the monastery, and having turned the other corner of the inclosure, and traversed the long, dark passage which runs beneath the library, reached a low door.