red to carry the disagreement further it might
result in a serious fratricidal struggle."

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 overwhel