Conversation was being carried on in low tones.

The room was full of whisperings, like the murmur of tiny rivulets and falling drops in a cave.

When the two priests had entered the young host said: "We are ready!" Those forming, the central group fell back in a circle, and Benedetto appeared in their midst.

A small table with two candles upon it, and a chair, had been prepared for his use.

He begged that the candles might be removed.