Hadrian walked that afternoon with Cardinal Semphill on Nomentana, as far as St. Agnes beyond-the-Walls. It was one of those deliberately lovely Roman autumn afternoons, when walking is a climax of crisp joy with the thought of a cup of tea as the fine finial. They talked of books, especially of novels; and His Eminency asserted that the novels of Anthony Trollope gave him on the whole the keenest satisfaction. There was a great deal more in them than generally was supposed, he said. The Pope agreed that they were very pleasant easy reading, deliciously anodynic. His Own preference was for Thackeray's Esmond. He, however, would not commit Himself to approval of all the works of any one writer, simply because no man was capable of being always at his best. As they passed through Porta Pia into Venti Settembre, Hadrian pointed to the palace on the left of the gate, saying, "Have you ever been there?" "No, Holiness. At least, not since I've been wearing this." He indicated his vermilion ferraiuola. "Don't you think if we asked them very nicely they would give us a cup of tea?" The cardinal mischievously chuckled. "I am of opinion that the English Ambassador would be very pleased to make Your Holiness's acquaintance over a cup of tea." Hadrian rang the bell. "Semphill," He said as they waited at the gate, "if there be any ladies about, will you kindly talk to them and leave the Ambassador to Us." Sir Francis was at home. And much honoured. So were two secretaries. And no ladies. And there was tea. Cardinal Semphill devoted himself to the secretaries; and told them funny stories about clergymen. They laughed hugely at the tales, (which were witty), and at the wittier clergyman who told them. The Pope mentioned to the Ambassador that He had had a call from the Duke of Königsberg that morning; and drifted-off into an inquiry as to where reliable maps were to be procured. Sir Francis named Stanford of Longacre; and was much interested. Was there any map in particular which His Holiness desired to consult. They were fairly well-off for maps at the embassy. Perhaps the Holy Father would condescend---- "No thank you, Sir Francis. They would ask questions about you in parliament if We were to borrow your maps. Why, Lady Wimborne will have a fit as it is, when she hears that you have entertained the Ten-horned Beast with tea." "I am not afraid of that, Holiness." "No, of course not. But Stanford will give Us all the information which We need,--unless you will tell Us" (the interest concentrated) "what England is going to do in the present crisis?" "I can tell Your Holiness one thing which She has done; and which will appear in to-morrow morning's _Times_. England and Turkey, the two great Muhammedan Powers, have entered into an offensive and defensive alliance to-day." "Which means that England's interests lie in Asia and Africa; and not in Europe." The Ambassador slightly started. "May I know why Your Holiness thinks that?"