But deeply and strenuously had I expiated, and the
heaviest burden of my expiation had been that endured in the past year at
Pagliano beside my gentle Bianca who was another's wedded wife. That cross
of penitence--so singularly condign to my sin--I had borne with fortitude,
heartened by the confidence that thus should I win to pardon and that the
burden would be mercifully lifted when the expiation was complete. In the
lifting of that burden from me I should see a sign that pardon was mine at
last, that at last I was accounted worthy of this pure maid through whom I
should have won to grace, through whom I had come to learn that Love--God's
greatest gift--is the great sanctifier of man.
That the stroke of that ardently awaited hour was even now impending I did
not for a moment doubt.
Behind us, the door opened and steps clanked upon the granite floor.
Fra Gervasio rose very tall and gaunt, his gaze anxious.
He looked, and the anxiety passed. Thankfulness overspread his face. He
smiled serenely, tears in his deep-set eyes. Seeing this, I, too, dared to
look at last.
Up the aisle came my father very erect and solemn, and behind him followed
Falcone with eyes a-twinkle in his weather-beaten face.
"Let the will of Heaven be done," said my father. And Gervasio came down
to pronounce the nuptial blessing over us.
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