Now, however, we are greatly encouraged by a fresh incident, of which it would not be wise to speak to many, without discriminating, but which is most important." The Professor paused a moment, enjoying the lively curiosity he had awakened, and which, though they did not speak, shone in the eager eyes of the two ladies.
"The other day," he continued, "Cardinal----'s secretary, a young German priest, went to Sant' Anselmo to confer with the monks.

In consequence of this visit Benedetto was summoned to Sant' Anselmo, where the Benedictines hold him in great affection and esteem.

He was asked if he did not intend to pay homage to His Holiness, and beg for an audience.
He replied that he had come to Rome with this desire in his heart; that he had waited for a sign from Divine Providence, and that now the sign had come.

Then he was informed that His Holiness would certainly receive him most willingly, and he asked for an audience.

This was disclosed to Giovanni Selva by a German Benedictine." "And when is he to go ?" Signora Albacina asked.
"The day after to-morrow in the evening." The Professor added that the Vatican was maintaining the strictest secrecy in regard to this matter, that Benedetto had been forbidden to mention it to any one, and that nothing would have transpired had it not been for the German monk's indiscretion.