Only Paolo had seen it.
The absurd want of logic in the conclusion did not strike him.

He had not pledged himself to his brother to give this particular crucifix to the Cardinal, and if he had, he could easily have found a reason for keeping it back.

But he was too much accustomed to think that Paolo was always in the way of his wishes, to look at so simple a matter in such a simple light.
"It is strange," he said to himself.

"The smallest things seem to point to it.

If he would only come!" Again his mind returned to the contemplation of the deed, and again he reviewed all the circumstances necessary for its safe execution.