Clementina

"But," stammered Wogan, "I do remember that evening. I remember that the

King was pale, discouraged--"

"And why?" said Origo. "Because her Highness's journey had been

interrupted, because the marriage now seemed impossible? No, but because

Mr. Charles Wogan was back in Bologna, because Mr. Charles Wogan had

sought for a private interview, because the King had no more doubt than

I as to what Mr. Charles Wogan intended to propose, and because the King

knew that what Mr. Wogan set his hand to was as good as done. You

remember I threw such hindrances as I could in your way, and made much

of the risks you must run, and the impossibility of your task. Now you

know why."

Never was a man more confused than Wogan at this story of the

Cardinal's. "It makes me out a mere meddlesome fool," he cried, and sat

stunned.

"It is an unprofitable question at this time of day," said the Cardinal,

with a smile. "Matters have gone so far that they can no longer be

remedied. This marriage must take place."

"True," said Wogan.

"The King, indeed, is firmly inclined to it."

"Yet he lingers in Spain."

"That I cannot explain to you, but he has been most loyal. That you must

take my word for, so must your Princess."

"Yet this winter when I was at Schlestadt preparing the expedition to

Innspruck," Wogan said with a certain timidity, for he no longer felt

that it was within his right to make reproaches, "the King was in Rome

visiting Mlle. de Caprara."

The Cardinal flushed with some anger at Wogan's persistence.

"Come, sir," said he, "what has soured you with suspicions? Upon my

word, here is a man sitting with me who bears your name, but few of

those good qualities the name is linked with in my memories. Your King

saw Mlle. de Caprara once in Rome, once only. Major Gaydon had come at

your request to Rome to fetch a letter in the King's hand, bidding her

Highness entrust herself to you. Up to that moment the issue of your

exploit was in the balance. But your request was to the King a very

certain sign that you would indeed succeed. So the night before he wrote

the letter he went to the Caprara Palace and took his farewell of the

woman he loved. So much may be pardoned to any man, even by you, who, it

seems, stand pinnacled above these earthly affections."