of his studies, that His Eminency might decide whether to have him examined in those or to submit him to a fresh course. "Quite unnecessary, Mr. Rose. And now touching the matter of ceremonial." He had made a point of mastering Martinucci, practice as well as theory. It was astonishing what a lot could be done with a guide-book, a few household-implements, and imagination. He was aware that he had practised under difficulties: but a few rehearsals beneath the eye of an expert---- "And Canon Law?" "Nothing at all." "Well, well, just those few treatises in Dogmatic and Moral Theology in particular, and a large amount of random reading in general. Of course the Grace of God can supply all our deficiencies. I myself---- Things which are hidden from the wise and prudent oft-times are revealed unto--oh yes! Well, Mr. Rose, it is not a large, or, humanly speaking, an adequate equipment for--for the priesthood, certainly. But we must consider the years which you have waited. Yes. Well, perhaps we had better waste no more time now. Go home and pack your bag: and come and stay with me for a little till we can settle on your future. I shall give you the subdiaconate to-morrow morning; and you can arrange to say your first Mass on Sunday in the cathedral." "My first Mass must be a black mass, Eminency." The cardinalitial eyebrows would go up. "It is a long-planned intention, Eminency: it is all I can do." "I quite understand, Mr. Rose. You would wish to say your first mass quietly and alone. You shall say it in the private chapel. The Bishop of Caerleon would like to be your assistant; and--ha--I shall be very glad if you will allow me to serve you." George looked from the cardinal to the bishop; and back again. After storm, this was calm and peace, with a vengeance. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 1: This onomatopoiia presents the English Catholic pronunciation of "His Eminency."] [Footnote 2: This onomatopoiia presents the English Catholic pronunciation of "Your Eminency."] CHAPTER I What was causing the special correspondents in Rome to exude the subterfuges, with which (as a pis-aller) they are accustomed to gain their daily bread, was no such recondite matter after all.