I threw such hindrances as I could in your way, and made much
of the risks you must run, and the impossibility of your task. Now you
know why."

Never was a man more confused than Wogan at this story of the
Cardinal's. "It makes me out a mere meddlesome fool," he cried, and sat
stunned.

"It is an unprofitable question at this time of day," said the Cardinal,
with a smile. "Matters have gone so far that they can no longer be
remedied. This marriage must take place."

"True," said Wogan.

"The King, indeed, is firmly inclined to it."

"Yet he lingers in Spain."

"That I cannot explain to you, but he has been most loyal. That you must
take my word for, so must your Princess."

"Yet this winter when I was at Schlestadt preparing the expedition to
Innspruck," Wogan said with a certain timidity, for he no longer felt
that it was within his right to make reproaches, "the King was in Rome
visiting Mlle. de Caprara."

The Cardinal flushed with some anger at Wogan's persistence.

"Come, sir," said he, "what has soured you with suspicions? Upon my
word, here is a man sitting with me who bears your name, but few of
those good qualities the name is linked with in my memories. Your King
saw Mlle. de Caprara once in Rome, once only. Major Gaydon had come at
your request to Rome to fetch a letter in the King's hand, bidding her
Highness entrust herself to you. Up to that moment the issue of your
exploit was in the balance. But your request was to the King a very
certain sign that you would indeed succeed. So the night before he wrote
the letter he went to the Caprara Palace and took his farewell of the
woman he loved. So much may be pardoned to any man, even by you, who, it
seems, stand pinnacled above these earthly affections."

The blood rushed into Wogan's face at the sneer, but he bowed his head
to it, being much humbled by Origo's disclosures.

"This story I have told you," continued the Cardinal, "I will make bold
to tell to-morrow to her Highness."

"But you must also explain why the King lingers in Spain," Wogan
objected. "I am very certain of it. The Princess has her pride; she
will not marry a reluctant man."

"Well, that I cannot do," cried the Cardinal, now fairly exasperated.
"Pride! She has her pride! Is it to ruin a cause, this pride of hers? Is
it to wreck a policy?"

"No," cried Wogan, starting up. "I have a fortnight. I beg your Eminence
not to speak one word to her Highness until this fortnight is