Don Paolo looked at her in astonishment.

At that moment Marzio caught sight of him over the girl's shoulder, in the dusky entrance.
"Come in, Paolo," he called out "I have something to show you.

Go home, Lucia, my child." Not knowing what to expect, and marvelling at the softened tone of his brother's voice, Don Paolo entered the room, waited till Lucia was out of the passage, and then closed the door behind him.

He stood in the middle of the floor, grasping his umbrella in his hand and wondering upon what new phase the business was entering.
"I have something to show you," Marzio repeated, as though to check any question which the priest might be going to put to him.

"You asked me for a crucifix last night.