At length he arrived at Ancona, where the thought occurred to him of visiting the Holy House of Loretto, and of applying for succor of the Holy Virgin.

Patience, Monsieur; only a moment more." The marquis, leaning on his cane, was distorting his lips and wrinkling his eyebrows.
"The lad's hopes were not disappointed.

He had reached the renowned shrine, knelt, paid his devotions, when, as he issued from the chapel door, he was accosted by an elegant cavalier, who was having some difficulty with a stirrup.

He asked the wretched boy to hold the horse, and for this service gave him five Spanish pistoles of gold." The expression on the marquis's face was now one of animation.
"Is it possible! I recall the episode distinctly.

I was on the way to my marriage." "Well, Monsieur le Marquis, I have never forgotten that service.