Several of the brothers viewed Gabriella with consternation, embarrassment, or even shock. However, Don Marco greeted both of us with his usual congeniality. He shook my hand warmly and bowed to Gabriella.

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, good lady, Don Marco said.

It is an honor to make yours, good sir, Gabriella replied.

Come, let me show you to your quarters, he said, accepting us as lodgers without further inquiry.

Don Marco led us to a building beyond the dormitory where I had never before ventured. He opened the door to a small room that bore only a bed and a chamber pot, but the floors were swept and the wall was free of cobwebs.

I apologize, dear lady, but we are a simple abbey and this is the best accommodation I have to offer you, he said.

It exceeds my wants or expectations, she said. Your hospitality is most generous, Don Marco. Thank you.

Any friend of Doctor Pasqua’s is welcome at San Giovanni. Now let me show you to your quarters, Don Marco said to me with an expression that made it clear I would not be dwelling in the same vicinity as Gabriella.

Don Marco led me back to the dormitory. He showed me to an open room where there were several unoccupied beds.

I wish it were not so, but, in the wake of the affliction, we have an abundance of empty beds, he said.

Thank you, Don Marco, you are an honorable man and a noble abbot.

I am nothing of the sort, he said with a laugh. I am a humble monk, nothing more.

We will have to disagree on that score. But, Don Marco, I do need to impose upon you for yet another favor.

I cannot allow you to lodge any nearer to your charming lady friend, he said with palms held open. The brothers would be apoplectic. It is most unorthodox to have a woman staying among us. Many of the brothers will be distressed over her mere presence.

I would never dream of asking. No, I am requesting a few more of the rats before the crypt is sealed.

Doctor Pasqua, we have discussed this. I cannot abide such experimentation. We consider these animals to be blessed, and our sacred mission is to protect them.

I understand. However, Don Marco, I fear that both Gabriella’s and my life might depend on those rats.

Why? he asked with concern. Is one of you afflicted?

I told Don Marco the truth of how I had misled the Archbishop and what I had promised to provide him.

When will you ever learn? Don Marco said as he clasped his hands in front of him. The Archbishop is not a man to trifle with.

I could only hang my head in shame.

In the end, the abbot granted me my request. He introduced me to Brother Piero, who was the current keeper of the rats. Unlike other monks at San Giovanni who wore simple black robes and sandals, Piero was covered from head to toe, including a veil over his mouth and nose to protect him from the pestilence. He led me to a room full of cages where the brothers were housing the rats until the crypt was completed. I was astounded by the sheer quantity of the creatures. The cages were teeming with them. In one, they were packed so tightly that when they crawled over one another it created the effect of a blanket moving of its own accord.