So saying.
he pulled out a purse of ten guineas, which the Capuchin observing,
turned his head another way, and, lifting up his arm, displayed
a pocket almost as high as his collar-bone, in which he deposited
the money.
This proof of affection for the order produced a sudden and surprising
effect upon the friar. In the transport of his zeal he wrung this
semi-convert's hand, showered a thousand benedictions upon his
head, and exhorted him, with the tears flowing from his eyes, to
perfect the great work which the finger of God had begun in his
heart; and, as an instance of his concern for the welfare of his
precious soul, the holy brother promised to recommend him strenuously
to the pious admonitions of the young woman under his care, who
was a perfect saint upon earth, and endowed with a peculiar gift
of mollifying the hearts of obdurate sinners. "0 father!" cried the
hypocritical projector, who by this time perceived that his money
was not thrown away, "if I could be favoured but for one half hour
with the private instruction of that inspired devotee, my mind
presages, that I should be a strayed sheep brought back into the
fold, and that I should find easy entrance at the gates of heaven!
There is something supernatural in her aspect: I gaze upon her with
the most pious fervour, and my whole soul is agitated with tumults
of hope and despair!"
Having pronounced this rhapsody with transport half natural and half
affected, the priest assured him, that these were the operations of
the Spirit, which must not be repressed; and comforted him with the
hope of enjoying the blessed interview which he desired, protesting,
that, as far as his influence extended, his wish should be that very
evening indulged.
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