CHAPTER V.THE SAINT.
I.The moon had already set, and in the wind of late evening the Anio discoursed, now noisily, now softly, as one who in animated conversation, from time to time, reminds his interlocutor of something which others must not hear.

Perhaps the only person who, in all the lovely shell in which Subiaco lies, was listening to this discourse, was Giovanni Selva.

Seated on the terrace, near the parapet, on which he rested his elbows, he was gazing silently into the sounding darkness.
Maria and Noemi, who had also come out to enjoy the freshness and the wild odours of the night wind, stood at a little distance.

Maria whispered a word in her sister's ear, and Noemi withdrew.

When she was alone, Maria approached her husband very softly, and dropped a kiss upon his hair.
"Giovanni," said she.