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the bells of san pasquale.
91
more. Now at last I have succeeded in procuring
silk and satin for an altar-cloth : " You ought to
understand ! "
But Gaetano, who associated with saints every day,
and knew how they who compelled God to grant
their prayers were carried away with frenzy and
enthusiasm, smiled derisively at Donna Micaela, who
believed she could compel the Madonna with wax
candles and altar-cloths.
He answered her that he understood very well. It
was always so with the poor saints. The whole
world implored their aid, but few knew how they
should act in order to be heard. And afterwards it
was said that the saints had no power. All who
knew how to pray were helped.
Donna Micaela looked up in lively expectation.
There was so much power and conviction in
Gaetano’s words, that she began to believe that he
would teach her the right and saving word.
But Gaetano took the candle, lying before her on
the counter, and threw it back into the drawer and
told her what she ought to do. He forbade her to
give gifts to the Madonna, or to pray to her, or do
anything for the poor. He said he would tear her
altar-cloth to pieces if she sewed another stitch on it.
" Show her, Donna Micaela, that it really concerns
you," and he riveted his penetrating eyes upon her.
" Good Heavens, you ought to be able to contrive
to do something which will show her that you are in
earnest. You ought to be able to show her that
without succor you will not live.
" Do you intend to remain faithful to Don
Ferrante if he sends your father away ? I suppose you
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