Alarmed at the idea of being in a similar predicament, and feeling extremely weak and troubled, such was the impression of the monk`s oratory, that she was just on the point of yielding her consent and calling for her will; but still balancing between the opposite interests of her soul and of her family, she declared that she would make up her mind before he should return again on the morrow. The good priest, shaking his head, reminded her of the danger of delay in a case of such paramount importance, and, under pain of great future suffering, hinted at the propriety of the alteration being made before his return the next day.
Fra Serafino
In the meanwhile, the widow`s second son, Agabio, having in some way got scent of this negotiation, communicated his fears to his brothers, who agreed with him that it was of the utmost consequence to overhear what should take place on the priest`s return. So when Fra Serafino, the superior, arrived the next day, with the intention of concluding the bargain, Agabio took a station which enabled him to hear every word that passed; and such, he found, was the effect of the monk`s eloquence, and so dreadful his denunciations of purgatory, that the poor lady was glad to receive absolution upon condition of leaving the sum of two hundred ducats for the purpose of endowing and ornamenting a chapel.
Another hundred was to be appropriated to the purchase of the sacred vessels and other articles requisite to the celebration of mass in proper style, besides an annual festival and a service for the souls of the dead. To these was be to added a small farm, situated very conveniently for the use of the poor brotherhood, at Camigliano, worth at least three thousand ducats; in consideration of which, having arranged everything necessary respecting the title, and that the whole should be drawn up by a regular notary as soon as possible, the happy monk absolved the good widow and took his leave.
Agabio, who had heard all that passed, lost no time in acquainting his brothers, all of whom were of opinion that it was not an affair to be trifled with. So, after consulting some of their friends, they proceeded to their mother`s chamber, and with some difficulty, by help of a less fastidious confessor, who absolved her on easier terms, they prevailed upon her to leave her will as it was.
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