of imposing silence, traversed in its turn the Piazza of St.
Peter's: this was the dinner procession. The people received it with the
usual bursts of laughter, without suspecting, for all their irreverence,
that this procession, more efficacious than the former, had just settled
the election of the new pope.

The hour of the Ave Maria came as on the evening before; but, as on the
evening before, the waiting of the whole day was lost; for, as half-past
eight struck, the daily smoke reappeared at the top of the chimney. But
when at the same moment rumours which came from the inside of the Vatican
were spread abroad, announcing that, in all probability, the election
would take place the next day, the good people preserved their patience.
Besides, it had been very hot that day, and they were so broken with
fatigue and roasted by the sun, these dwellers in shade and idleness,
that they had no strength left to complain.

The morning of the next day, which was the 11th of August, 1492, arose
stormy and dark; this did not hinder the multitude from thronging the
piazzas, streets, doors, houses, churches. Moreover, this disposition of
the weather was a real blessing from Heaven; for if there were heat, at
least there would be no sun. Towards nine o'clock threatening
storm-clouds were heaped up over all the Trastevere; but to this crowd
what mattered rain, lightning, or thunder? They were preoccupied with a
concern of a very different nature; they were waiting for their pope: a
promise had been made them for to-day, and it could be seen by the manner
of all, that if the day should pass without any election taking place,
the end of it might very well be a riot; therefore, in proportion as the
time advanced, the agitation grew greater. Nine o'clock, half-past nine,
a quarter to ten struck, without anything happening to confirm or destroy
their hopes. At last the first stroke of ten was heard; all eyes turned
towards the chimney: ten o'clock struck slowly, each stroke vibrating in
the heart of the multitude. At last the tenth stroke trembled, then
vanished shuddering into space, and, a great cry breaking simultaneously
frog a hundred thousand breasts followed the silence "Non v'e fumo!
There is no smoke!" In other words, "We have a pope."

At this moment the rain began to fall; but no one paid any attention to
it, so great were the transports of joy and impatience among all the
people. At last a little stone was detached f