Part 52 (1/2)

'So much I know, sir; but it is your counsel that I am now asking; what would you advise?'

'So far as I can guess,' answered the Pere cautiously, 'it is her marvellous gift to exert influence over those with whom she comes in contact--a direct palpable sway. Even I, cold, impa.s.sive, as I am, unused to feel, and long beyond the reach of such fascination--even _I_ have known what it is to confront a nature thus strangely endowed,'

'These are mere fancies, Ma.s.soni.'

'Fancies that have the force of convictions. For my own part, depositary as I am of much that the world need not, should not, know, I would not willingly expose my heart to one like her.'

'Were it even as you say, Ma.s.soni, of what could the knowledge avail her? Bethink you for a moment of what strange mysteries of the human heart every village curate is the keeper; how he has probed recesses, dived into secret clefts, of which, till revealed by strict search, the very possessor knew not the existence; and yet how valueless, how inert, how inoperative in the great game of life does not this knowledge prove.

If this were power, the men who possessed it would sway the universe.'

'And so they might,' burst in Ma.s.soni, 'if they would adapt to the great events of life the knowledge which they now dissipate in the small circle of family existence. If they would apply to statecraft the same springs by which they now awaken jealousies, kindle pa.s.sions, lull just suspicions, and excite distrusts! With powder enough to blow up a fortress, they are contented to spend it in fireworks! The order of which I am an unworthy member alone conceived a different estimate of the duty.'

'The world gives credit to your zeal,' said the Cardinal slyly.

'The world is an ungrateful taskmaster. It would have its work done, and be free to disparage those who have laboured for it.'

A certain tone of defiance in this speech left an awkward pause for several minutes. At last Caraffa said carelessly--

'Of what were we speaking a while ago? Let us return to it.'

'It was of the Count Delia Rocca and his mission, your Eminence.'

'True. You said that he wished to see the Chevalier, to present his letters. There can be no objection to that. The road to Orvieto is an excellent one, and my poor house there is quite capable of affording hospitality for even a visitor so distinguished.' With all his efforts to appear tranquil, the Cardinal spoke in a broken, abrupt way, that betrayed a mind very ill at ease.

'I am not aware, Ma.s.soni,' resumed he, 'that the affair concerns _me_, nor is there occasion to consult me upon it.' This address provoked no reply from the Pere, who continued patiently to scan the speaker, and mark the agitation that more and more disturbed him.

'I conclude, of course,' said the Cardinal again, 'that the Chevalier's health is so firmly re-established this interview cannot be hurtful to him; that he is fully equal to discuss questions touching his gravest interests. You who hear frequently from him can give me a.s.surance on this point.'

'I am in almost daily correspondence----''

'I know it,' broke in Caraffa.

'I am in almost daily correspondence with the Chevalier, and can answer for it that he is in the enjoyment of perfect health and spirits.'

'They who speculated on his being inferior to his destiny will perhaps feel disappointed!' said Caraffa, in a low, searching accent.

'They acknowledge as much already, your Eminence. In the very last despatches Sir Horace Mann sent home there is a gloomy prediction of what trouble a youth so gifted and so ambitious may one day occasion them in England.'

'Your friend the Marchesa Balbi, then, still wields her influence at the British legation?' said Caraffa, smiling cunningly; 'or you had never known these sentiments of the Minister.'

'Your Eminence reads all secrets,' was the submissive reply, as the Pere bowed his head.

'Has she also told you what they think of the youth in England?'

'No further than that there is a great anxiety to see him, and a.s.sure themselves that he resembles the House of Stuart.'

'Of that there is no doubt,' broke in Caraffa; 'there is not a look, a gesture, a trait of manner, or a tone of the voice, he has not inherited.'

'These may seem trifles in the days of exile and adversity, but they are t.i.tle-deeds fortune never fails to adduce when better times come round.'

'And do you really still believe in such, Ma.s.soni? Tell me, in the sincerity of man to man, without disguise, and, if you can, without prejudice--do you continue to cherish hopes of this youth's fortune?'