to administer the last consolations of Holy Church to our departing brother."
The friends and relations slowly withdraw; the holy father watches them quit the chamber with a cunning sparkle in his eyes, and when he is alone with the dying man; thus addresses him:—
"It is the will of Heaven, my son; that the Angel of Death should set his mark upon thy brow! Ave Maria! Thou desirest the last beneficent and most consoling offices of the church. Are the supports and ministrations of our holy office precious to thee now?"
"Sacraments of the church—pains of purgatory—masses—charities—settlement of my affairs—provision for my family," are the only words audible from the lips of the dying man.
"In what frame of mind dost thou find thyself, my son; towards our holy religion?" resumes the reverend father.
"I desire to receive the holy sacrament at thine hand, holy father; and to secure thy powerful intercession with our Lady for—ah!—the release of my soul from purgatory!"
"Thou hast been a great sinner, my son; but the power of the church is great. Thou
