vision: was it a Saint or an Angel that appeared to the Senior Brother?
Prior. (pointing to Jerome.)
He will answer for himself, and (pointing to Paul) this man saw it also.
Jer. It was neither Angel nor Saint, noble Count, but a mortal form wonderfully noble.
Ost. And it appeared to you in the usual manner of a dream?
Jer. It did; at least I know no sensible distinction. A wavy envelopement of darkness preceded it, from which appearances seemed dimly to wake into form, till all was presented before me in the full strength of reality.
Paul. Nay, Brother, it broke upon me at once; a vivid distinct apparition.
Ost. Well, be that as it may; what did appear to you? A mortal man, and very noble?
Jer. Yes, General. Methought I was returning from mass, through the cloisters that lead from the chapel, when a figure, as I have said, appeared to me, and beckoned me to follow it. I did follow it; for at first I was neither afraid, nor even surprised; but so wonderfully it rose in stature and dignity as it strode before me, that, ere it reached the door of the stranger's burying vault, I was struck with unaccountable awe.
Ost. The stranger's burying vault!
Prior. Does any sudden thought strike you, Count?
