He carried a bit of wax taper, which he held low to the steps, frequently stopping and warning the Prince to be careful.

It was night when they went out.

The air was sharp and cold, and Saracinesca buttoned his greatcoat to his throat as he strode by the side of the old priest.

The two walked on in silence for ten minutes, keeping straight down the Corso Vittorio Emmanuele.

At last the curate stopped before a clean, new house, from the windows of which the bright light streamed into the street.