n the faith of the populace. That's why I wanted to
do something as set-off against those mourning demonstrations which the
Pope has appointed."

"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 Santita 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 th