When they see
a torchlight procession being formed, you will obtain a sufficient
quantity, I feel sure, to carry the Holy Image of the Saint; and some
to spare. Also, I see no reason why the priests should be present in
full strength. Toll the bells, parroco! You will get your men."
His Reverence was thinking hard. At last he said:
"Your project appeals to me. It does credit to your heart. It would do
credit to our island. I will try to arrange it. But if--"
"You mean, don't you, if the ashes continue to fall, notwithstanding
our expiatory demonstration? Let me see. There was that disgraceful
tumult in the town yesterday. Saint Dodekanus is perhaps too deeply
vexed against his people to concede them a grace under such
circumstances. I imagine him to be very displeased with us just now.
That being the case, the fall of ashes might well be permitted to
continue for our castigation, despite the penitential act. What do you
think?"
Nobody knows what the parroco thought. It was not his habit to think
aloud, much less to express opinions on ticklish arguments such as
these.
Pages:
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475