The Monsignor was trying to regain his self-possession, and he remained

silent.

"But whatever those relations, it cannot be the wish of the Holy Father

to cover with his mantle the upsetters of order who are cutting at the

roots of the Church as well as the State."

"Therefore I am here now, sir, thus early and thus openly," said the

Monsignor.

"Monsignor," said the Baron, "if anything should occur to--for

example--the person of the King, it cannot be the wish of his Holiness

that anybody--myself, for instance--should be in a position to say to

Parliament and to the Governments of Europe, 'The Pope knew everything

beforehand, and therefore, not having revealed the particulars of the

plot, the venerable Father of the Vatican is an accomplice of

murderers.'"

The young ecclesiastic lost himself utterly. "The Pope," he said, "knows

nothing more than I have told you."

"Yes, Monsignor, the Pope knows one thing more. He knows who was his

informant and authority. It is necessary that the Government should know

that also, in order that it may judge for itself of the nature of the

conspiracy and the source from which it may be expected."

The Monsignor was quivering like a limed bird. "I have delivered my

message, and have only to add that in sending me here his Holiness

desired to prevent crime, not to help you to apprehend criminals."

The Baron's eye-glasses dropped from his nose, and he spoke sharply and

incisively. "The Government must at least know who the lady was who

visited his Holiness at the Vatican yesterday morning, and led him to

believe that a serious insurrection was impending."

"That your Excellency never will, or can, or shall know."

The Monsignor was bowing himself out of the room when the Baron's

secretary opened the door and announced another visitor.

"Donna Roma, your Excellency."

The Monsignor betrayed fresh agitation, and tried to go.

"Bring her in," said the Baron. "One moment, Monsignor."

"I have said all I am authorised to say, sir, and I feel warned that I

must say no more."

"Don't say that, Monsignor.... Ah, Donna Roma!"

Roma, who had entered the room, replied with reserve and dignity.

"Allow me, Donna Roma, to present Monsignor Mario of the Vatican," said

the Baron.

"It is unnecessary," said Roma. "I met the Monsignor yesterday morning."

The young ecclesiastic was overwhelmed with confusion.

"My respectful reverence to his Holiness," said the Baron, smiling, "and

pray tell him that the Government will do its duty to the country and to

the civilised world, and count on the support of the Pope."




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