That I will swear to! Not even Don Clemente, who is most holy! Still he is not equal to Benedetto.

No, no!" The beggar's words suddenly sounded in Jeanne's heart.

Benedetto a monk! But why?
It was discouraging to have them thus return, without a reason, to her heart.

Had not the two men said it was nonsense; that the cripple was a fool?
Yes, nonsense, she could see that herself; yes, a fool, he had impressed her as such; but still the stupid words beat and throbbed in her heart, as gruesome as masqueraders in comic masks would be should they knock at your door at any other time save during Carnival! "If you will wait, signora, in less than half an hour he is sure to be here.

_Che_! What am I saying?
In a quarter of an hour.