the Marquis. He knew that the
society was strong enough to keep its promises. He knew that as Prime
Minister all his dreams of power and wealth would be realized.

"You spoke also of a service and a guarantee," he said, quietly.

"The service is the greatest that can be rendered by any man to the
Catholic world and to his Holiness the Pope."

Fernando lowered his voice.

"You are aware, sir, that by a Royal Edict of 1764 the Jesuits were
expelled from France. Two years since, in 1822, His Majesty, unable to
elevate in its integrity the standard of Catholicism, contented himself
with authorizing the sojourn in France of the Fathers of the Faith. The
time has now come to arrest these persecutions entailed on the Society
of Jesus. We are resolved that they shall be solemnly re-established
under their own name, with all their rights and privileges, and this not
by virtue of a royal edict, but by a legal measure emanating from the
Chamber of Peers. This is a bold act and one full of danger. We are
fully aware of it, and do not propose to deny it. To carry out this plan
successfully would require great dexterity and astuteness, as well as
profound faith in the justice of the cause you defend. The reward would
be the dazzling recompense I have named. Monsieur de Fongereues, are
you--can you be this man?"

Fongereues started to his feet.

"Yes--I can!" he cried.

"We will assist you," said the Jesuit. "We are certain of the support of
a respectable minority. It is for you to scatter rewards, and warm
lukewarm consciences, and I repeat, sir--a work like this is
magnificent."

"I belong to you, heart and soul," said Fongereues, "and to-morrow--"

"Wait," said Vellebri, laying his hand on the arm of the Marquis, thus
forcing him back to his seat. "I spoke of a guarantee."

"Ah! yes," answered Fongereues, "my word of honor, I presume, is
enough?"

Fernando did not seem to think a reply incumbent upon him. He continued:

"The man in whom the Society places enough confidence to entrust him
with arms which will ensure his victory, should be bound to them by
strong ties."

Fongereues listened with interest and curiosity.

"And the strongest ties are those of gold," said the Jesuit, slowly and
distinctly. "You questioned me as to my claim to my dress. I am the
Secretary of the General of the Society, and I am required to ask, if
you are willing to aid in the establishment of houses like those of
Montrouge and Saint-Ac