The angry gleam faded from his eyes, and a dreamy look came into them as he let the heavy lids droop a little, and remained silent, apparently lost in thought.

The women ceased sobbing, and watched his altered face, while Gianbattista sank down into a chair and absently fingered the pencil that had fallen across the drawing-board.
"Will you do it ?" asked Don Paolo, at last.
"A crucifix," mused the artist.

"Yes, I will make a crucifix.

I have made many, but I have never made one to my mind.

Yes, tell the Cardinal that I will make it for him, if he will give me time." "I do not think he will need it in less than three or four months," answered Don Paolo.
"Four months--that is not a long time for such a work.