Benedetto's friends hoped much good would come of this visit.

Signora Albacina asked what Benedetto intended to say to the Pontiff.

The Professor smiled.

Benedetto had not taken any one into his confidence, and no one had ventured to question him.

The Professor fancied he would speak in favour of Selva, would beg that his books might not be placed on the Index.
"That would be very little," said Signora Albacina in a low tone.
Jeanne uttered a low murmur of assent.
"Very little indeed!" she exclaimed, almost as if the Professor were to blame.