No one had seen that afternoon Ferdinand Konti troubled and uncertain up the stairs of the Convent of the Vincentians have recognized him at the time of down after a long conference with the parent Manrique. It would seem that the boy had lived ten years during those six hours. His face bore the melancholy peace and firmness of those who have reached the summit from there age and covers the whole horizon of his life, and the border is on the other side of death.
Across the plateau of the staircase, lighted by two lanterns had in front of a Virgin, and go near the holy water that he did not dare in the afternoon to dip their fingers, stopped a moment too …
That was a short stack shell beige marble, which stood out from the wall like a helping hand, giving the water of Jordan …
The young man suppressed this time the impulses of his heart, and, after looking around themselves and see that I was alone, he walked slowly to the humble cup, and looked out to her as a pilgrim of the desert to the tank you plan to drink …
Perhaps she had conceived a fear … or hope … (Doubt, after all), whether the battery would be dry … But found the eternal dew was swollen …-¡ Look if it exists! Then the young man murmured, looking up at the sky. My limited reason recuse himself at the mere possibility that you are watching me, and my spirit, which is another mystery, I gladly anticipate this proof of love, gratitude and humility …
And so saying, he plunged into the holy water the thumb and forefinger to form a cross, and crossed himself reverently.
– Who would recognize me as Ferdinand Konti! Then he added, smiling. Oh! If Jack had seen me cross myself alone with this longing for faith, and would not hesitate in my innocence! …
– Do not fear anything! … Cried