ome small
'Nunciate' abroad, he devoted himself to the service of the Cardinal
Caraffa, a man of immense wealth, high family, overweening pretensions,
but of an intellect the very weakest, and so assailable by flattery, as
to be the slave of those who had access to him. His Eminence saw all the
advantages to be derived from such a connection. Whatever the point that
occupied the Consulta, he was sure to be thoroughly informed upon it
by his secret adviser; and so faithfully and so adroitly was he served,
that the mystery of their intimacy was unfathomed by his brother
cardinals. Caraffa spoke of Massoni as a person of whom 'he had heard,
indeed'; a man trustworthy, and of some attainments, but that was all;
'he had seen him, too, and spoken with him occasionally!'

As for the Pere, the name of his Eminence never passed his lips, except
in company with those of other cardinals. In fact, he knew few great
people; their ways and habits little suited his humble mode of life, and
he never frequented the grand receptions of the princes of the Church,
nor showed himself at their salons. Such, in brief, was the Jesuit
father, who now walked up and down the little study, in a state of
feverish impatience it was rarely his lot to suffer. At last the
heavy roll of a carriage resounded in the court beneath, the clank of
descending steps was heard, and soon after the sound of approaching feet
along the corridor.

'Are they come? is it Carrol?' cried the Pere, flinging wide the door of
his chamber.

'Yes, most reverend rector,' said a full, rich voice; and a short,
rosy-faced little man, in the prime of life, entered and obsequiously
kissed Massoni's extended hand.

'What an anxious time you have given me, Carrol!' said the Pere hastily.
'Have you brought him? Is he with you?

'Yes; he's in the carriage below at this moment, but so wearied and
exhausted that it were better you should not see him to-night.' Massoni
paused to reflect, and after a moment said--'We have no time, not even
an hour, to throw away, Carrol; the sooner I see this youth, the better
prepared shall I be to speak of him to his Eminence. A few words to
welcome him will be enough for me. Yes, let him come; it is for the
best.'

Carrol left the room, and after some delay, was heard returning, his
slow steps being accompanied by the wearied foot-falls of one who walked
with difficulty. Massoni threw the door wide, and as the light
streamed out he almost starte