Many would have liked to break the silence, but no one ventured to do so.

When Benedetto rose, and all gathered round him in a respectful circle, the old gentleman with the red face and the white hair rose also, and said, his voice shaking with emotion.
"You will suffer insult and blows; you will be crowned with thorns and given gall to drink; you will be derided by the Pharisees and the heathen; you will not see the future you long for, but the future is yours; the disciples of your disciples will see it!" He embraced Benedetto and kissed him on the brow.

Two or three of those nearest him clapped their hands timidly, and then a burst of applause swept through the room.

Benedetto, greatly agitated, signed to a fair-haired young man, who had come to the house with him, and who now hastened to his side, his face radiant with emotion and joy.

Some one whispered: "A disciple!" Some one else added, softly: "Yes, and the favourite!" The master of the house almost prostrated himself before Benedetto, pouring out words of deference and gratitude.