The Pope darted a rapid glance round the hall. The King of Portugal was talking to the Japanese Emperor; and the Basil of the Hellenes was listening to the Prince of Montenegro-and-New-Servia. The Ninefold King, with one arm paternally resting on the shoulder of the young King of Spain, was telling (as his own) an extremely funny story, (which he had heard five minutes before from Cardinal Semphill), to the President of America. Cardinals and sovereigns clustered round them, ploding with laughter at each admirably detailed jocosity. "We can escape this way;" the Pope said to the Emperor. Outside the hall, a pontifical page ran for the white three-cornered hat; and the two descended the Scala Regia, with its Ionic columns flanked by pontifical guards, and made their way into the Square of St. Peter's. There was a cleared roadway; and they quickly walked between long lines of magnificent Italian soldiery. Rome occupied the side-walks; and sank to its knees as the Supreme Pontiff, shedding benedictions, went swinging lightly and swiftly by. The German Gentleman made no attempt to take salutes until Hadrian said, "Oh do notice these dear Romans. They will be pleased. And you know that you profoundly admire the bersaglieri." The Emperor responded, "I am as proud to salute the Romans as I am to salute the noblest Roman of them all,--to use the words of Your Holiness's divine Shakespeare." And he strode on, saluting, while the Pontiff blessed. As they passed the Palazzo Venezia, Hadrian said, "Victor Emanuel really behaves extremely well. Three-quarters of his army are in the field; and here is a parcel of foreign sovereigns practically occupying his capital in--no, not homage--in courtesy to Us.----" "And also out of respect, Holiness." "Out of respect then and courtesy to Our Apostolature. It is no affair of his; and yet he lines the streets with troops, while he himself----oh, it's really very decent of him!" "Victor Emanuel is a truly great man;" the Emperor commented. The Pope assented. They entered the Palace of the Quirinale; and went straight through the ambassador's hall to the Southern Emperor's study. William remained in the antechamber. Victor Emanuel in a light-grey flannel suit was reading proofs of his numismatic catalogue. He stood up pale and stiff, when his groom-of-the-chambers came in and whispered a word. Hadrian followed on the instant, entering with candid gentle dignity, extending an English hand. Not a word was said. Victor Emanuel, shining with the light of the purple which he had not yet worn, took the outstretched hand: held it: felt his own gripped and held. He bent his head--then his knee. Reconciliation was complete. "May I have the honour and the happiness of presenting my wife to Your Holiness?" he said, a minute later. He went along the corridor and gave two raps on a further door. "Darling," he cried; "please come."