She was not pleased, but I persisted; yet I was not sorry when Montebello made the discussion general again by proposing a new attack at the old question,--how many angels (infinitely compressible) could dance upon the point of a needle (infinitely small). Upon this merry whetstone, we sharpened our wits right valiantly until the boat touched the shore near Primaporta. Here, under some noble ilexes, the bishop’s servants spread us a delightful collation,--everything choice, from the roasted thrushes to the cool Frascati. The luncheon ended, it was then time to pull back Romewards.... I accompanied Marianna to the Forli palace near the Ponte San Angelo. The streets were crowded: five bandits had just been hanged by the police upon the bridge, and everybody had turned out to see the execution. The recent rains had left the ways very muddy, and pigs and goats were running loose among the people, who treated them with characteristic Roman indifference. The shadows were advancing; already numerous gay-robed cavaliers and ladies of the merrier sort,--all masked, were out for the evening pleasures, and mingling with the ubiquitous water vendors and the Swiss guards off duty. Our servants made us a path through the crowds, and we soon gained the palazzo. In the courtyard I found Forli, a little apart, taking leave of some elegantly clad personage, with a golden chain, a jewelled hilt, and a delicately trimmed little red beard. Thinking him a gentleman-in-waiting with whom I was acquainted, I drew near, but their conversation soon undeceived me. “So you intend to fulfil my little commission promptly?” urged the cardinal. The stranger pressed one hand upon his heart, while he swept the pavement with his black hat-feather in salutation. “Your Magnificence--I have been overwhelmed with the honor of fulfilling your august desires. Is not my word given? Have I not sworn by the Holy Mother of Loretto? Eccellenza--you deal with a man of virtue and honor, who has but one and the same word for promise and performance.” “Then I may hope soon to hear of your dealings with Monsignore di B----”? with a glance lest the servants be within ear-shot. “Eccellenza--to-night: to-morrow at the latest. I know the gentleman’s haunts and habits. I pledge to your service the skill of Orosi, Ettore Orosi the valiant, the incomparable.” “Very good; you already understand your honorarium.” “I do, Eminenza: but in addition to the small gratification for myself which you named, you will, I am sure, have a due number of masses said for the soul of the unfortunate Monsignore. For as a Christian”--he crossed himself devoutly,--“I profess, I would not have his damnation upon my conscience. The more as the event does not admit his being rightly shriven.” “I pledge you they shall be most ample. I will even persuade the Holy Father to perform one in person. Therefore report quickly. Addio!” Thus with a wave of the hand Forli sent the bravo out; then turned to me.