attempts at rebellion who were not the
organising and directing minds. That is also written. Here it is. But
his Majesty has not yet signed it."

The Prefect took a second paper from the Baron's hand, glanced his eyes
over it, and read certain passages. "'Seeing that on a day of public
rejoicing we could not restrain an emotion of grief ... turning a
pitying eye upon the inexperienced youths drawn into a vortex of
political disorder ... we therefore decree and command the following
acts of sovereign clemency....' May I expect to receive this in the
course of the day, your Excellency?"

"Yes. And now for your own part of the enterprise, dear Senator. You
will order all mayors of towns to assemble in Rome to complete the
preparations. You will arrange a procession to the Quirinal, when the
people will call the King on to the balcony and sing the National Hymn.
You will order banners to be made bearing suitable watchwords, such as
'Long live the King,' 'May he govern as well as reign,' 'Long live the
Crown,' the 'Flag,' and (perhaps) the 'Army.' You will oppose these
generating ideas to 'Atheism' and 'Anarchy.' The essential point is
that the people must be caused by festivals, songs, bands of music, and
processions to think of the throne as their bulwark and the King as
their saviour, and to take advantage of every opportunity to attest
their gratitude to both. You follow me?"

"Perfectly."

"Then lose no time, Senator.... One moment."

The Prefect had risen and reached the door.

"If you can double the King's guard and change the company every day
until the festival is over...."

"Easily, your Excellency. But wait; the Vatican Chief of Police has
asked for help on Holy Thursday."

"Give it him. Let the timid old man of the Sacred College have no excuse
for saying we take more care of the King than of the Pope."

The Minister of Justice was the next of the Baron's visitors. He was a
short man with a smiling and rubicund face, and he wore yellow kid
gloves.

"All goes well and wisdom is justified of her children," said the Baron,
rising again and promenading the hearthrug. "The national sentiment,
dear colleague, is a sword, and either we must use it on behalf of the
Government and the King, or stand by and see it used by the hostile
factions."

"Men like Rossi are not slow to use it, sir," said the little Minister.

"Tut! It's not Rossi I'm thinking of now. It's the Church, the clergy,
rich in money and i