"I was there until a fortnight ago; and then,--well, you are said to be an expert in the annals of conclaves, Mr. Rose, so it will interest you to know that we stand adjourned." "For the removal of the Conclave from Rome?" "Oh dear no! There is no need for removal. The Piedmontese usurpers treat us with profound respect, I'm bound to say. No. We simply stand adjourned." "But this is extremely interesting!" George exclaimed. "Surely it's unique? And may I ask,--no, I would not venture to inquire the cause: but, is this generally known? I have seen nothing of it in the papers; and I am not on speaking terms with any Roman Catholics except the----" "No. It is not generally known; and it is not intended to make an official announcement, for reasons which you will understand, and which, I believe, you will respect." "I am much honoured by Your Eminency's confidence," George purred. "Certain affairs required my personal presence in England;" the cardinal continued. He was a feeble aged man, almost senile sometimes. He hesitated. He stumbled. But he maintained the progression of the conversation on its hands and knees, as it were, with "These are very pregnant times, Mr. Rose." George went to the door: admitted his cat who was mewing outside; and resumed his seat. Flavio brushed by cardinalitial and episcopal gaiters turn by turn: bounded to his friend's knee: couched; and became still, save for twinkling ears. The prelates exchanged glances. "But perhaps you will let me say no more on that subject, and come directly to the point I wished to consult you upon." The cardinal now seemed to have cleared the obstacles; and he archiepiscopally pranced along. "It has recently been brought very forcibly to my remembrance that you were at one time a candidate for Holy Orders, Mr. Rose. I am cognizant of all the unpleasantness which attended that portion of your career: but it is only lately that I have realised the fact that you yourself have never accepted, acquiesced in, the adverse verdict of your superiors." "I never have accepted it. I never have acquiesced in it. I never will accept it. I never will acquiesce in it." "Would you mind telling me your reasons?" "I should have to say very disagreeable things, Eminency." "Never mind. Tell me all the truth. Try to feel that you are confiding in your spiritual father, whose only desire is to do justice--I may even say to do justice at the eleventh hour." "I am inclined indeed to believe that, because you yourself have condescended to come to me. I wish, in fact, to believe that. But--is it advisable to rake up old grievances? Is it desirable to scarify half-healed wounds? And, how did Your Eminency find me after all these years?" The feline temper of him produced dalliance. "It certainly was a difficult matter at first. You had completely disappeared----"