The
matter is simple."
Fra Paolo's searching gaze noted the flush of feeling in the face of his
friend, which was his only response.
"And thus will the Senate vote when the question shall come before
them?" Fra Francesco had asked, after a pause; for this conversation had
taken place in the earlier days of the struggle, while in many quarters
opinions were forming.
"There can be no accurate recital of the manner of a happening before it
hath taken place," the Teologo Consultore replied so placidly that his
tone conveyed as little reproach as information; yet Fra Francesco could
not again have put his question in any form.
Still he lingered, as if something more must be spoken, although Fra
Paolo had already sent to summon his secretary. "I also," he said,
asserting himself, with an effort which was always painful to his gentle
soul, "I also would be faithful to my conscience and my vow; that which
I believe--I can teach no other."
"More can one not ask of thee," Fra Paolo answered, suddenly unbending
from the stilted mood of his last words.
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