"Yes, the old gentleman of the Vatican knows the instincts and cravings

of our people, doesn't he, sir? He knows they like a show, and the

seasoning of their pleasures with a little religion."

"It's the rustiest old weapon in the Pope's arsenal, dear colleague, but

it may serve unless we do something. If the people can be persuaded that

the Pope is their one friend in adversity, there couldn't be a better

feather in the Papal cap. Happily our people love to sing and to dance

as well as to weep and to pray. So we needn't throw up the sponge yet."

Both laughed, and the little Minister said, "Besides, it is so easy to

change religious processions into political ones. And then the Vatican

is always intriguing with the powers of rebellion and preaching

obedience to the Pope alone."

The creaking of the Baron's patent-leather boots stopped, and he drew up

before his colleague.

"Watch that sharply," he said, "and if you see any sign on the part of

the Vatican of intriguing with men like Rossi, any complicity with

conspiracy, or any knowledge of plots pointing to revolution and

regicide, let the Council hear of it immediately."

The Baron's face had suddenly whitened with passion, and his little

colleague looked at him in alarm. A secretary entered the room and

handed the Baron a card. The Baron fixed his eye-glasses and read:

"MONSIGNOR MARIO, Cameriere Segreto Partecipante di Sua Santità Pio X.

Vaticano."

"St. Anthony! Talk of the angels...." muttered the little Minister.

"Will you perhaps...."

"Certainly," said the Minister, and he left the room.

"Show the Monsignor in," said the Baron.

VII The Monsignor was young, tall, slight, almost fragile, and had thin

black hair and large spiritual eyes. As he entered in the long black

overcoat, which covered his cassock, he bowed and looked slowly round

the room. His subdued expression was that of a sheep going through a

gate where the dogs may be, and his manner suggested that he would fly

at the first alarm.

The Baron looked over his eye-glasses and measured his man in a moment.

"Pray sit," he said, and at the next moment the young Monsignor and the

Baron were seated at opposite sides of the table.

"I am sent to you by a venerable and illustrious personage...."

"Let us say the Pope," said the Baron.

The young Monsignor bowed and continued, "to offer on his behalf a word

of counsel and of warning."




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