But he has so much courage; he nowadays only lives by force of soul." Then Nani's smile came back with its almost imperceptible touch of derision as he resumed: "Impatient ones ought to find a great example in him, my dear son.

I heard that Monsignor Gamba del Zoppo had been unable to help you.

But you must not be too much distressed on that account.

This long delay is assuredly a grace of Providence in order that you may instruct yourself and come to understand certain things which you French priests do not, unfortunately, realise when you arrive in Rome.

And perhaps it will prevent you from making certain mistakes.