ened, and which, though they did not speak, shone in the eager eyes
of the two ladies.

"The other day," he continued, "Cardinal----'s secretary, a young German
priest, went to Sant' Anselmo to confer with the monks. In consequence
of this visit Benedetto was summoned to Sant' Anselmo, where the
Benedictines hold him in great affection and esteem. He was asked if he
did not intend to pay homage to His Holiness, and beg for an audience.
He replied that he had come to Rome with this desire in his heart; that
he had waited for a sign from Divine Providence, and that now the sign
had come. Then he was informed that His Holiness would certainly receive
him most willingly, and he asked for an audience. This was disclosed to
Giovanni Selva by a German Benedictine."

"And when is he to go?" Signora Albacina asked.

"The day after to-morrow in the evening."

The Professor added that the Vatican was maintaining the strictest
secrecy in regard to this matter, that Benedetto had been forbidden to
mention it to any one, and that nothing would have transpired had it not
been for the German monk's indiscretion. Benedetto's friends hoped much
good would come of this visit. Signora Albacina asked what Benedetto
intended to say to the Pontiff. The Professor smiled. Benedetto had not
taken any one into his confidence, and no one had ventured to question
him. The Professor fancied he would speak in favour of Selva, would beg
that his books might not be placed on the Index.

"That would be very little," said Signora Albacina in a low tone.

Jeanne uttered a low murmur of assent.

"Very little indeed!" she exclaimed, almost as if the Professor were to
blame. He appeared much surprised at this sudden outburst, after such a
long silence. He apologised, saying he had not intended to assert that
Benedetto would not speak to the Pope of other matters. He had simply
meant to say that he believed he would certainly mention that subject.
Signora Albacina could not understand this desire of the Pope's to see
Benedetto. How did his friends explain it? What did Selva think about
it? Ah! no one could explain it, neither Selva nor any one else.

"I can explain it!" said Jeanne eagerly, pleased to be able to
understand what puzzled all others. "Was not the Pope once Bishop of
Brescia?"

Guarnacci's smile was half admiring, half ironical, as he answered. Ah!
the Signora was well informed concerning Benedetto's past. The Signora
knew certain thing