Then, in obedience to a gesture, the priest sat down upon one of the high-backed chairs.
"What weather have we to-day ?" asked the Cardinal after a pause.
"Scirocco, Eminence." "Ah, I thought so--especially this morning, very early.

It is very disagreeable.

Since Padre Secchi found that the scirocco really brings the sand of the desert with it, I dislike it more than ever.

And what have you been doing, Don Paolo?
Have you been to see about the crucifix ?" "I spoke to my brother about it last night, Eminence.

He said he would do his best to make it in the time, but that he would have preferred to have a little longer." "He is a good artist, your brother," said the Cardinal, nodding his head slowly and joining his hands, while the newspaper slipped to the floor.
"A good artist," repeated Don Paolo, stooping to pick up the sheet.