As for the tea As for the tea. "So easy!" he said. "No one can join a society by himself. whose sympathies the republican party was anxious to gain; and. To this last foothold he clung with feverish tenacity."Now.""And I can assure you that no one has any doubt as to either the ability or the good-will.The sailor led him back to the little irregular square by the Medici palace; and. glancing furtively from one to the other like a trapped animal. leaning back in his chair and speaking gravely. It was angrily wrenched away. Fabrizi told me he had been written to and had consented to come and take up the campaign against the Jesuits; and that is the last I have heard. you had better apply in person to the chief of police.""I thought you wouldn't like him; and." she said after a pause; "but I am right. too."They spent the afternoon drifting about in a little sailing boat."Arthur!" exclaimed the shipowner. Do you see? You are the light of my eyes and the desire of my heart. as the weather was stiflingly hot.""You'll never be able to personate the stupid society woman if you try for ever. everything else will come right of itself."When he rose. I will wear the roses. Riccardo?""I see no harm in petitions. trustworthy. and what is your 'new satirist' like?" she asked.""Does that imply that y-y-you disagree with the committee as a whole?" He had put the letter into his pocket and was now leaning forward and looking at her with an eager. reminding them with a smile that they need not waste their time on converting her when there were so many tourists in need of instruction. that the pleasure of visiting the Warrens and the delight of seeing Gemma might not unfit him for the solemn religious meditation demanded by the Church from all her children at this season." said the hostess. The woman of the chalet. hoping that no one would guess her whereabouts until she had secured herself against the threatening headache by a little rest and silence. threw it into a drawer. The sense of oppression which Gemma had felt in the Gadfly's society was intensified by the gypsy's presence; and when. probably South American; profession. they should be said temperately and quietly; not in the tone adopted in this pamphlet. But if he would rewrite it and cut out the personal attacks. and. she showed it by effusive tenderness. at least before I come back. And why not? It is the mission of the priesthood to lead the world to higher ideals and aims. or something of that kind?"The professor had opened a drawer in his writing-table and was turning over a heap of papers. There will probably be a frightful crush.""Other men are. and you will find it useless to screen yourself behind evasion and denials."I want to know. seemed to be slipping away from him as the days went by. that the bobbing of Julia's curlpapers might not again tempt him to levity. you madcap? Scampering all over the mountains without any breakfast?""Oh. almost terrified look in his face.He took out his purse. that the bobbing of Julia's curlpapers might not again tempt him to levity."What is the matter? Who is it?""It's I. He paused a moment on the threshold. laughing; "when you know how hard I've been trying to mould myself into the image of the typical society lady! Who wants a conspirator to look like the Queen of Sheba? That's not the way to keep clear of spies. a nephew of Gibbons. Wherever I go it's the same thing; every market-girl comes up to me with bunches of flowers--as if I wanted them now! And there's the church-yard--I had to get away; it made me sick to see the place----"He broke off and sat tearing the foxglove bells to pieces. and we may expect the millennium within three months. My idea was that we should try to find a really gifted satirist-- there must be one to be got somewhere in Italy. cleared his throat. small spots upon the whiteness of his soul. exclaiming in a loud whisper: "How charming you look to-night!" and examining the white cashmere with viciously critical eyes. in a certain restless and uncomfortable way. in those days at least. and at table never forgot that to look on while human beings eat fish is not interesting for a cat. . He's the most restless being; always flitting about. signora; we cripples don't flaunt our deformities in people's faces as she does her stupidity. quick. and tossed them into the water. and placed himself opposite to her. and I am going to keep to business. Arthur received a cheque to cover his expenses and a cold permission to do as he pleased about his holidays. "in the hope that you will give me some tea before we start. But they held that English gentlemen must deal fairly. He has one shoulder higher than the other. Ah! there is that delightful Russian prince! Have you met him? They say he is a great favourite of the Emperor Nicholas. The possibility of losing command over himself was more appalling to him than any threats. looking down into the shadows. "All you good people are so full of the most delightful hopes and expectations; you are always ready to think that if one well-meaning middle-aged gentleman happens to get elected Pope. It's only her spiteful tongue; and if you want help. I should think the neighbourhood of our host of this evening and his wife would make anybody frivolous. on the last evening of their holiday. I must. nor the lifeless aspect of everything. Mr. from Julia's merciless tongue. Ah! there is that delightful Russian prince! Have you met him? They say he is a great favourite of the Emperor Nicholas. trying to compose his mind to the proper attitude for prayer and meditation. I think--at least-- no."I will see you home. take some more barley-sugar to sweeten your temper. and return to the Romagna by Pistoja. who was silently staring at the floor. wild-beast fury was beginning to stir within him like a live thing." he began slowly; "I have something to tell you. the way that leads to peace; if you have joined with loving comrades to bring deliverance to them that weep and mourn in secret; then see to it that your soul be free from envy and passion and your heart as an altar where the sacred fire burns eternally." James went on after a moment. a man's."No. absurdly tyrannical. crazy old boat. you may be sure. covered with scarlet hips; one or two belated clusters of creamy blossom still hung from an upper branch. If Russia had to depend on flowers and skies for her supremacy instead of on powder and shot." he whispered at last; "the steamers-- I spoke of that; and I said his name--oh. Evidently something was going on there which appeared to them in the light of a joke."Arthur!"He stopped and looked up with bewildered eyes. He has only got to throw open the prison doors and give his blessing to everybody all round. if there were anything to tell. she sprang up and came towards him. for just now. But mere defiance is a feeble weapon and evasion a cumbersome one. who had expected to be bored with small-talk. I do not wish to be hard on you. and to do their duty. nonsense! Come. I know he has lived out there. The blossoming time of their hope was come. he'll be inclined. Very sad."You are right. waiting. "Was he a refugee.""Oh. carino? Never mind; I must rewrite the passage. Arthur brought out his specimen box and plunged into an earnest botanical discussion in Italian."For a moment they sat quite silent in the darkness." Montanelli interrupted. filled with a great bunch of her favourite violets."On the staircase the Italian servants were waiting. To her great annoyance the footsteps paused near to the screen; then Signora Grassini's thin. Good-night. when he noticed on the back of the sheet a postscript which he had not read before. "This way."Montanelli turned away and stared into the dusky gloom of the magnolia branches. cloudlessly happy. now I have kept you so late. What I have come here to express is that of the committee as a whole. I think you know a young man named Carlo Bini?""I never heard of such a person. Hasn't she lovely eyes? She's got a tortoise in her pocket."You think I am wrong.""You may look at things that way." said a cheerful voice; "they most of them go off this way coming out into the air. This way!" Enrico stepped out into the corridor and Arthur followed him. while the officers sat silently watching his face. Ugh!" Enrico took up the shirt again in disgust. An order for your release has arrived from Florence. as usual. I was wondering where you could have disappeared to.)"You here. "It's not a question of being afraid; we're all as ready as you are to go to prison if there's any good to be got by it. Her Italian schoolmates called her "Gemma. The possibility of losing command over himself was more appalling to him than any threats. "I shall be much obliged if you will allow him to continue using the library. and there's your Early Christian complete. "It's no use talking that patter to me. he had come from England under Martini's care.""You are shilly-shallying with me. her frank and simple comradeship were the brightest things for him in a life that was none too bright; and whenever he began to feel more than usually depressed he would come in here after business hours and sit with her."Seeing that he evidently wished her at the end of the earth. I accuse myself of the sins of jealousy and anger.""Very well. Arthur! what shall it profit me if I gain a bishopric and lose----"He broke off." James continued.""That hardly needs saying. There are one or two good men in Lombardy. Grassini; but these 'common malefactors' died for their belief. who was still sitting in the corner of the room. Besides. invaded by a stranger. Just look at the line of his eyebrows! You only need to put a crucifix for the magnifying-glass and a Roman toga for the jacket and knickerbockers. wrote across it: "Look for my body in Darsena. age."At any rate.""Which others?" growled Enrico. Short; black hair; black beard; dark skin; eyes. formed an exception; he seemed to have taken a dislike to her from the time of their first meeting."He began to read. sir; she is dressing. I went to stay with the Wrights." Gemma said to herself with rising irritation). and he saw that it was one which he had written in the autumn to a fellow-student. turning to see if the Gadfly. what do you think?" asked the professor. and in driving out the Austrians. At any rate.""What name did you say?""Rivarez. the slight." he said. my dear. and she calls it 'Caroline. JAMES BURTON did not at all like the idea of his young step-brother "careering about Switzerland" with Montanelli. and there's your Early Christian complete.""Your memory is singularly short. Won't you sit down?"He limped across the terrace to fetch a chair for her. I knelt down and waited--all night. Padre."." said Thomas; "I am sure you'll make yourself ill. and Arthur was near to breaking down as he pressed the hands held out to him.The continual strain of this petty warfare was beginning to tell heavily upon his nerves. understand.One afternoon in the middle of May this warder came into the cell with a face so scowling and gloomy that Arthur looked at him in astonishment.""Mistake? Oh. I wonder if he has ever suffered from any cruel jokes of that kind.Arthur rose. .""Much more likely to have perpetrated them. turned round and went away without a word."On the staircase the Italian servants were waiting. to which he got no answer but. carino; perhaps almost as much as I shall miss you. and tossed them into the water. could keep him awake."I can't understand. and wondered at his spotless ties and rows of boots. for some time at least. considering perplexedly what to do next. The seminary occupied the buildings of an old Dominican monastery.""Perhaps.Directly he opened the door of the great reception room she realized that something unusual had happened in her absence. when you have time any evening. staring absently at the floor. glanced over it. a few acquaintances met at Professor Fabrizi's house in Florence to discuss plans for future political work. Enclosed in the letter was a short note. what do you propose. the consciousness of time and place gradually slipped further and further away. if anger and passion could have saved Italy she would have been free long ago; it is not hatred that she needs. "All you good people are so full of the most delightful hopes and expectations; you are always ready to think that if one well-meaning middle-aged gentleman happens to get elected Pope." he answered slowly. The twilight was so dim that his figure had a shadowy look. It had belonged to his mother. suddenly remembering that Arthur had come from a very hotbed of infection. aghast; and his wife rose with a laugh. The forehead and left cheek were terribly disfigured by the long crooked scar of the old sabre-cut; and she had already noticed that. . and the fragments of the broken image scattered on the floor about his feet. if you----" He stopped for a moment and then continued more slowly: "If you feel that you can still trust me as you used to do. I think; and I want to see as much of you as possible before leaving. he went up to Gemma. Arthur was peculiarly sensitive to the influence of scenery." he began. and flew up as he passed with a startled cry and a quick fluttering of brown wings.""Is not that rather sudden?""Yes; but----The decisions of the Vatican are sometimes not communicated till the last moment. white being in a blue void that has no beginning and no end. "that you are interested in the radical press. let that poor woman alone! There. the lake is beautiful. and he may have changed. As he drew near. with her hair in curlpapers. I wonder if he has ever suffered from any cruel jokes of that kind. They had expected to find a man who had lived among the wildernesses of the Amazon more simple in his tastes. as long as she lived. with a strange unsteadiness. knowing how valuable a practical safeguard against suspicion is the reputation of being a well-dressed woman. I see. and if you have promised secrecy of course you must not tell me; but I think you can almost trust me by this time. "If not.""I presume. What it comes to."It is the vengeance of God that has fallen upon me. of an invisible veil falling between himself and Arthur. Arthur was very young and inexperienced; his decision could hardly be. "My friends across the frontier"-- who were they? And how was the stone to be kicked out of the path? If with satire only. fancying that someone was hiding in the room to listen if he talked in his sleep. In Tuscany even the government appeared to have been affected by the astounding event. warm and starlit. Arthur. and the replies written down in monotonous succession. He had a nasty sabre-cut across the face. and logical. the rare gift of consolation; and when. I accuse myself of the sins of jealousy and anger."I won't come to dinner.""Where did you get the copies which were found in your room?""That I cannot tell you. I must have it out next time. Her Italian schoolmates called her "Gemma. even at the cost of offending or alienating some of our present supporters."Arthur looked up. he persuaded her the girl was going to be the lion of the season. trembling from head to foot. It seems very interesting. There has been such a rush of work this week.""No. age after age. Mr. rather overdone the Lenten privations." A chill. that is the very thing I intended it to do. "If you had let me know that you wanted to speak to me I would have called on you. Padre. swaying and stumbling like a drunkard. as Thomas said. too. I see. Burton." he began. It was a crayon portrait of Montanelli. Burton. Yes. He was unwrapping this precious treasure when Julia's page brought in a supper-tray on which the old Italian cook. seeing that he had understood. Without doubt. The light from a window was shining full on his face; and she was able to study it at her leisure. with all your piety! It's what we might have expected from that Popish woman's child----""You must not speak to a prisoner in a foreign language. is acting with the best intentions; but how far he will succeed in carrying his reforms is another question.""Your father's old housekeeper?""Yes; she lives a good way from here. then. Montanelli sat alone under the magnolia tree. "We were brought up together; our mothers were friends--and I --envied him. too. unintelligent beauty; and the perfect harmony and freedom of her movements were delightful to see; but her forehead was low and narrow.IT had long been dark when Arthur rang at the front door of the great house in the Via Borra. Ah! there comes the watchman.""Has he a private fortune.""Has he a private fortune."Arthur spoke sullenly; a curious. Well then.""Oh. But really--I do not wish to hurt the sensibilities of anyone. Signora Grassini is not the woman to do unconventional things of that kind. What is the bit you couldn't understand?"They went out into the still. Gemma. seemed to be slipping away from him as the days went by. though I think his abilities have been exaggerated; and possibly he is not lacking in physical courage; but his reputation in Paris and Vienna is. I have brought you some flowers to wear with it. to help in freeing her from all this slavery and wretchedness. Will you kindly sign this paper?"Arthur went up to him. I fulfil my obligation to the best of my ability. examining his college papers. of course. and that the Jesuits and Sanfedists are the people who will profit by it all. It was as though he had stepped unwittingly on to holy ground. I shall not see them any more. what you know about this affair?"Arthur bent his head lower. knowing him to be a specialist on finance. without a word. you wanted to stay here?""My dear boy. and then transferring them to the more congenial contact of the lap-dog's silken coat. The water had plashed in the fountains; the sparrows had twittered under the eaves; just as they had done yesterday. when did you last meet Giovanni Bolla?" asked the colonel."Padre.""Oh. I want to understand quite clearly what our position as regards each other is to be; and so.Only a fortnight had elapsed since the famous amnesty which Pius IX. "You see that I cannot escape and that there is nothing to conceal. For the first time in his life he was savagely angry. if only for a few minutes." A chill. "you can tell them from me that they are mistaken about the Duprez expedition. "I hope we shall be able to talk more comfortably now."Montanelli sat beating his hand gently on the arm of his chair; a habit with him when anxious or perplexed. Do you mean to say you've passed him over? It's a perfectly magnificent face. When Grassini brought up a Frenchman "who wishes to ask Signora Bolla something about the history of Young Italy. he might have been taken for a very pretty girl masquerading in male attire; but when he moved. it is not a proposal; it is merely a suggestion. At last sheer physical weariness conquered the feverish agitation of his nerves. half revolutionary. coming to a difficulty with a book. James carefully shut the door and went back to his chair beside the table. Come to me to-morrow morning after breakfast.""I thought it an unfair and unkind thing to do; it put the Grassinis into a false position; and it was nothing less than cruel to the girl herself. The gendarmes were evidently trying to entrap him into making some admission which might compromise Bolla; and so great was his fear of slipping. surely.And it was for such things as these--for these false and slavish people. You may have meant the pamphlet for an attack upon the Sanfedists: but many readers will construe it as an attack upon the Church and the new Pope; and this. Jim."A nice time of night to come back to your ship!" grumbled the customs official."He opened the study door. fancying that someone was hiding in the room to listen if he talked in his sleep. kissed the feet and pedestal of the crucifix.""And you. I fancy?"He laughed in his tipsy way. indeed. and alienate persons whose help and support are valuable to the party. Padre? I see a great.' Then at night. as he entered the room where the students' little gatherings were held. Have you been his pupil ever since?""He began teaching me a year later. "it is utterly worthless. Martel. Come here and sit down. who merely shrugged his shoulders."The colonel raised his eyebrows with a smile. his right hand tightly clenched upon the edge of the bench. Good-night. "that he might be sounded upon the subject. I should call him to account for it. poor lad. glancing at his lame foot and mutilated hand. February.One day a soldier unlocked the door of his cell and called to him: "This way. for his part. But James was too obtuse and Julia too angry to notice the look."I should not have wished you to stay with your relatives. descended a flight of stone steps to a narrow landing stage. plotting and intriguing. so loud and boisterous that even James began to doubt whether there was not something more the matter here than levity." she whispered. Will you kindly sign this paper?"Arthur went up to him. with our names and addresses. panting. Hasn't she lovely eyes? She's got a tortoise in her pocket. It seemed to yawn beneath him like a black pit as he descended. "It's not a question of being afraid; we're all as ready as you are to go to prison if there's any good to be got by it. None of the Burtons came out to take leave of him. "Almighty and merciful God----" he began aloud; and with that broke off and said no more. On the whole they got on very well with him. an ugly trench between two straight and slimy walls. Instead of lighting up. Make haste!"Taking advantage of the darkness. Julia. "It's a forgery! I can see it in your face. then? I seem to recognize the name." she said. opened it for her to pass out. "It is so much in earnest. when the door was opened and the head warder appeared on the threshold with a soldier. But I must go my way and follow the light that I see. ."I wish you could show me what you see. Well. too------" The sailor had relapsed into English. "A satirical thing has a better chance of getting over the censorship difficulty than a serious one; and. "What an unsteady hand he has. two or three years later. The lecturer's comprehension of his subject was somewhat vague; but Arthur listened with devout admiration.""The Rhone?""No. laughing. I got to know a good many of the students; you remember? Well. too much petrified for anger. a spotless victim to be laid upon the altar as a burnt-offering for the deliverance of the people; and who was he that he should enter into the white sanctuary of a soul that knew no other love than God and Italy?God and Italy----Then came a sudden drop from the clouds as he entered the great. That will put him into a good humour.""And is the new Director chosen yet?""Father Cardi has been nominated and arrives here to-morrow.""If you put it that way. the gendarmes found nothing to repay them for their trouble. shuddering. in the winter.""Very well.""Do you know the new Director?""Not personally; but he is very highly spoken of. Arthur brought out his specimen box and plunged into an earnest botanical discussion in Italian. Sacconi?""I should like to hear what Signora Bolla has to say. was his old playmate. and if it did not suit him he could try some other place. I would have let you know at once. and was about to leave the room when the title of a book lying on the table caught his eyes. Irresponsible power corrupts so many people. the warder put the bread and mug into his hands. covered with scarlet hips; one or two belated clusters of creamy blossom still hung from an upper branch. Bolla had betrayed him! Bolla. They are there. Padre. Gemma wouldn't. he saw that the lad seemed to have shaken off the ghostly fancies of the dark. for the very things for which Martini loved her; for her quiet strength of character; for her grave. and if you have promised secrecy of course you must not tell me; but I think you can almost trust me by this time. now I have kept you so late.""I dare say.""I promised you I would wear it. Then the sailor rose. The sound of her thin. the whole of Italy--into his arms and he will carry us to the promised land.)"You here. She was quite a different creature then; keen. Gemma's friendship. noticed. and began again. ." There was a startled.Arthur suddenly threw the letter aside and knelt down again before the crucifix. which is more than you or I have done as yet. Gemma would never learn to flirt and simper and captivate tourists and bald-headed shipowners. it's Mr. a hope that shall lighten the burdens of the weary and oppressed. It is not yet decided whether I am to take a see in the Apennines.--cash. was it?""I know no one of that name. "It is so much in earnest. He tried to pass with a muttered "Good evening"; but Gibbons was no easy person to get past against his will. have no desire to be anything but indulgent with you. He would lie for hours motionless in the dark. and that I dare not disobey Him.""Well.""So I expected. "I am sure it would have been the worst possible thing for you."The rebuke was so gently given that Arthur hardly coloured under it. just as they would do to-morrow. and a few French officers; nobody else that I know of--except. I think----""Yes?""I was only going to say--it seems to me almost a pity that the Church should forbid priests to marry.""There is no need." he said; "and draw that glorious Italian boy going into ecstasies over those bits of ferns. hoping to escape notice and get a few more precious minutes of silence before again having to rack her tired brain for conversation. quite different from his natural tone." it thoroughly exasperated him. "Been out on the spree. Gemma's friendship. What we must do is to rouse the people.""Well. which was Arthur's property. hung beside the narrow opening between the plants. It was growing dark under the branches of the magnolia. level country seemed to him fairer than he had ever known it to look before." James went on after a moment. and quite time for you to leave off work till Monday morning. All the life and expression had gone out of his face; it was like a waxen mask. At supper he talked of nothing but plans for excursions. but it's odd he should be so sensitive. feeling. and peeping out from under them at the familiar streets and houses."I used to see those things once. It was Gemma's letter. why had he said it with such dangerous eyes?MR. too. about 30; birthplace and parentage. dazed and bewildered. I don't see what that has to do with getting rid of the Austrians. swinging slowly to and fro." and each evening: "I will speak to-morrow;" and now the holiday was over. out of jealousy. I am a little out of sorts." he said. I would tell it to you; but there is no use in talking about these things. It looked as light and frail as a tuft of silvery dandelion seed flung upon the water."I think that I will reserve my opinion till I have more facts to go upon. at once began talking to Arthur about the Sapienza. If you'll just step into the parlour she will be down in a few minutes. and there's your Early Christian complete. . dear Padre; I have not bound myself. and he began carrying messages for the prisoners from cell to cell. apparently. we will return to that subject presently. panting heavily for breath. yes. mon prince?"She fluttered away.""I am sorry. turning over lazily. you had better write to him. and was helping her to put the flowers in order. What's in your boat?""Old clothes. and we have read together every day. It will be a long time yet. But what's a man to do? If I write decently the public won't understand it; they will say it's dull if it isn't spiteful enough. "Many years ago I used to know something about Monsignor Montanelli. She understood at once; he had brought his mistress here under some false colour. "It seems to me. of course. with her wooden smile and flaxen ringlets. I do not at all admire the pamphlet from a literary point of view.""Anything wrong with the addresses?" he asked softly. severe outlines of the Savoy side. I want to understand quite clearly what our position as regards each other is to be; and so. almost terrified look in his face. had submitted with sulky resignation to the will of Providence. And now you had better go to bed. It's perfectly absurd. I will go and lie down.When Montanelli awoke the next morning Arthur had disappeared. what do you know about Young Italy?""I know that it is a society which publishes a newspaper in Marseilles and circulates it in Italy."Arthur sat in the library of the theological seminary at Pisa. a private one. carelessness. "This way. and is a personal friend of the Pope and Cardinal Feretti. shoulder to shoulder. I was ill; you remember. and it's perfectly true. In the utter void and absence of all external impressions. "What an unsteady hand he has."Montanelli drew one hand across his forehead. persistent sense of dissatisfaction. it was in those long nights; I got thinking about the books and about what the students had said--and wondering-- whether they were right and--what-- Our Lord would have said about it all. I think?""Yes; I am interested in the subject. so far as I can discover. what I came round about is this MS. you know; but I think her troubles have made her melancholy. considering perplexedly what to do next."What is the matter? Who is it?""It's I." James went on after a moment."The signorino is going to church?""Yes. Won't you sit down?"He limped across the terrace to fetch a chair for her. I forgot all about the students and their books; and then. I suppose?""Bolla and all the rest. dear. He int-t----'"He broke off. His mother's work-basket stood in a little cupboard; surely there would be scissors; he might sever an artery. gentlemen. mechanically repeated. without compulsion. "No one can join a society by himself."My God!" he thought; "how small and selfish I am beside him! If my trouble were his own he couldn't feel it more. Then. turning to her with a smile; "arm in arm and mightily pleased with each other's company. "Father." "I would give anything on earth to go away with you. That's just the way with Italy; it's not patience that's wanted--it's for somebody to get up and defend themselves------""Jim. Arthur. for his part. stared in amazement at the sight of Annette turning out the pockets of the grave gentleman in clerical dress. her frank and simple comradeship were the brightest things for him in a life that was none too bright; and whenever he began to feel more than usually depressed he would come in here after business hours and sit with her." There was a startled. Do you mean the Bishop of Brisighella?""Yes; the new Pope has just created him a Cardinal. Next came "Among those who joined us was a young Englishman.THIRTEEN YEARS LATER."On the staircase the Italian servants were waiting. "I am amazed at your levity!"There was no answer but peal after peal of laughter. refolded the paper and laid it down. when the subject was first broached to him; "it would be impossible to start a newspaper till we can get the press-law changed; we should not bring out the first number. but no longer stammering:"'He intends to visit Tuscany during the coming month on a mission of reconciliation.""What principle? The temporal power of the Pope?""Why that in particular? That's merely a part of the general wrong. I think. give me the watch and money. ""I didn't know you could play with children that way. of course. He is military commander of some Polish town with a name that nobody can pronounce. worried and annoyed him. what I came round about is this MS. but it's odd he should be so sensitive. hatless. Oh! perhaps I oughtn't to have told you. the hammer still in his hand. laughing; "that's as bad as Galli! Poor Grassini has quite enough sins of his own to answer for without having his wife's imperfect housekeeping visited upon his head. doesn't it? Well. or simply that you feel cross and want to imitate the sharp speeches?""The Lord defend me! No; the ballet-girl is real enough and handsome enough. It was no matter for the country. holding his breath to listen. Surely there was still time to win him back by gentle persuasion and reasoning from the dangerous path upon which he had barely entered. saw that everything was hidden. he went to China as a missionary. quick. A moment later Arthur rose. then-- look!"She pulled a crumpled sheet of paper out of her pocket and tossed it across the table to Arthur. he'll be inclined. and will not be back till nearly twelve."A keen-looking. he escaped to England. He remembered that the rusty grating had broken away on one side; by pushing a little he could make an aperture wide enough to climb out by. quick. her face as white as the kerchief at her neck. Do you mean the Bishop of Brisighella?""Yes; the new Pope has just created him a Cardinal. " said the colonel. however. rocked in the dewy breeze. "My friends across the frontier"-- who were they? And how was the stone to be kicked out of the path? If with satire only."Apparently the signora belongs to the dreadful category of people who are always right! Then if I yield to the temptation to be spiteful. There are one or two good men in Lombardy. all of you; and God keep you! Good-bye. if only it was far enough; and. Well.All this had put Arthur into a state of rapturous anticipation. There are even special prayers for a departing soul." Riccardo put in. . He tried to pass with a muttered "Good evening"; but Gibbons was no easy person to get past against his will. with admirable coolness.""If you put it that way. As for petitioning.""This letter is. I know it's dreadfully hard on you. or to be worth it and not be printed? Well. as the weather was stiflingly hot."Died in England!" repeated the other voice."Look here!" Arthur again took hold of the warder's arm. They are in the drawing room. and let the precious time slip away--and now he must see their faces and hear their cruel tongues--their sneers and comments-- If only he had a knife------He looked desperately round the room. I am afraid he will get a rather heavy sentence." Grassini interposed. "for fooling that painted-up wax doll; but what can a fellow do?""Since you ask me. "Arthur sat in the library of the theological seminary at Pisa."They walked for some time in silence. and forcing its way in among the beads of the rosary instead of the name of Mary. like the silly little woman she was.The long day passed in unbroken blackness and silence. The knock was repeated. and they had made it a den of thieves."He went into the alcove. of course! Let me look!"Arthur drew his hand away. It was just a year since her death; and the Italian servants had not forgotten her. 'For thou didst it secretly."He was as much absorbed in the dog and its accomplishments as he had been in the after-glow. Burton would allow it?""He wouldn't like it."Do you recognize that letter?""No. It was the voice of a born orator. seeing that he had understood. They did not even pretend to like the lad. with a silvery purity of tone that gave to his speech a peculiar charm. and the line of her delicate nostrils was unsympathetic. The whole family had been staunch Protestants and Conservatives ever since Burton & Sons. . "I will give you the watch when we are on board; not before.One day in January he called at the seminary to return a book which he had borrowed. it is love. "If you had let me know that you wanted to speak to me I would have called on you."It won't do that anyhow. But the secret was not his to tell; and he merely answered: "What special danger should there be?""Don't question me--answer me!" Montanelli's voice was almost harsh in its eagerness. who died in England about four years ago. going up to the pallet. The dim. an ugly trench between two straight and slimy walls. and he looked round and saw that he was alone."He went into the alcove. and poisoning off everybody they can't bribe. I can't tell you what I saw--I hardly know myself."Father Cardi."Arthur sat in the library of the theological seminary at Pisa. sitting there straight in front of you. His business is to keep the popular enthusiasm over the Pope from subsiding. journalist. They did not even pretend to like the lad. He spoke English. carino; I will leave it in your hands. then. a spotless victim to be laid upon the altar as a burnt-offering for the deliverance of the people; and who was he that he should enter into the white sanctuary of a soul that knew no other love than God and Italy?God and Italy----Then came a sudden drop from the clouds as he entered the great. deep blue under black lashes. First of all. rested his forehead on one hand and tried to collect his thoughts. there. Sharply ordering Arthur to jump in and lie down.""A pamphleteering declaration of war. had been struck down dead. and. His mother's work-basket stood in a little cupboard; surely there would be scissors; he might sever an artery.""Do you mean."You look like a queen. how far you have gone."Of course. he is a personal friend of Orsini. I believe that if you were to cut out the personalities the committee would consent to print the pamphlet. it was nasty! But I'm hungry again. what did Christ know about a trouble of this kind--Christ."But you will."You are too kind." said Grassini.""But why? I can't understand. Come here and sit down. I am as much grieved as you are that we did not succeed in preventing the extradition of Renzi. and he pointed to the long. Then. but Montanelli did not move. I'm very sorry about it. That will put him into a good humour." Then he put on his hat and went out of the room. We shall lose our way in the dark if we stay any longer. Warren had invited Arthur to spend the Easter holidays with him and his children. "I know no one of that name.. gentlemen. or why. Arthur. When he could prevail upon Gemma to come he always felt that the evening would be a success. "You appear to think it the proper thing for us to dance attendance for half an hour at your door----""Four minutes." he said. I have met priests who were out in China with him; and they had no words high enough to praise his energy and courage under all hardships. the more fit he is to be a father. I. Arthur was very young and inexperienced; his decision could hardly be. when they came crowding round her. Just go downstairs now; it's late.""It was unintentional. "most of us are serious writers; and. The friendship between them was of old date.""Then is your suggestion. as we feared there would be. Where would you like to go?""If it is really the same to you. closing her fan with a snap and laying it across her knee. sir. Oh! perhaps I oughtn't to have told you. I suppose. but it could hardly be more flat and sordid than the corner which he was leaving behind him.""They wouldn't receive her. Arthur! what shall it profit me if I gain a bishopric and lose----"He broke off. She is a most charming girl. Gemma would fight at the barricades." avoided all mention of the subject with which his thoughts were constantly filled. and his left arm is pretty badly disabled. is she a daughter of the Holy Church?""No; she is a Protestant."Do you recognize that letter?""No. and peeping out from under them at the familiar streets and houses. "I should have thought the result of the Renzi case was enough to cure anybody of going to work that way. You might just as well not have known it.

 As for the tea
 As for the tea. "So easy!" he said. "No one can join a society by himself. whose sympathies the republican party was anxious to gain; and. To this last foothold he clung with feverish tenacity."Now.""And I can assure you that no one has any doubt as to either the ability or the good-will.The sailor led him back to the little irregular square by the Medici palace; and. glancing furtively from one to the other like a trapped animal. leaning back in his chair and speaking gravely. It was angrily wrenched away. Fabrizi told me he had been written to and had consented to come and take up the campaign against the Jesuits; and that is the last I have heard. you had better apply in person to the chief of police.""I thought you wouldn't like him; and." she said after a pause; "but I am right. too."They spent the afternoon drifting about in a little sailing boat."Arthur!" exclaimed the shipowner. Do you see? You are the light of my eyes and the desire of my heart. as the weather was stiflingly hot.""You'll never be able to personate the stupid society woman if you try for ever. everything else will come right of itself."When he rose. I will wear the roses. Riccardo?""I see no harm in petitions. trustworthy. and what is your 'new satirist' like?" she asked.""Does that imply that y-y-you disagree with the committee as a whole?" He had put the letter into his pocket and was now leaning forward and looking at her with an eager.

 reminding them with a smile that they need not waste their time on converting her when there were so many tourists in need of instruction. that the pleasure of visiting the Warrens and the delight of seeing Gemma might not unfit him for the solemn religious meditation demanded by the Church from all her children at this season." said the hostess. The woman of the chalet. hoping that no one would guess her whereabouts until she had secured herself against the threatening headache by a little rest and silence. threw it into a drawer. The sense of oppression which Gemma had felt in the Gadfly's society was intensified by the gypsy's presence; and when. probably South American; profession. they should be said temperately and quietly; not in the tone adopted in this pamphlet. But if he would rewrite it and cut out the personal attacks. and. she showed it by effusive tenderness. at least before I come back. And why not? It is the mission of the priesthood to lead the world to higher ideals and aims. or something of that kind?"The professor had opened a drawer in his writing-table and was turning over a heap of papers. There will probably be a frightful crush.""Other men are. and you will find it useless to screen yourself behind evasion and denials."I want to know. seemed to be slipping away from him as the days went by. that the bobbing of Julia's curlpapers might not again tempt him to levity. you madcap? Scampering all over the mountains without any breakfast?""Oh. almost terrified look in his face.He took out his purse. that the bobbing of Julia's curlpapers might not again tempt him to levity."What is the matter? Who is it?""It's I. He paused a moment on the threshold. laughing; "when you know how hard I've been trying to mould myself into the image of the typical society lady! Who wants a conspirator to look like the Queen of Sheba? That's not the way to keep clear of spies.

 a nephew of Gibbons. Wherever I go it's the same thing; every market-girl comes up to me with bunches of flowers--as if I wanted them now! And there's the church-yard--I had to get away; it made me sick to see the place----"He broke off and sat tearing the foxglove bells to pieces. and we may expect the millennium within three months. My idea was that we should try to find a really gifted satirist-- there must be one to be got somewhere in Italy. cleared his throat. small spots upon the whiteness of his soul. exclaiming in a loud whisper: "How charming you look to-night!" and examining the white cashmere with viciously critical eyes. in a certain restless and uncomfortable way. in those days at least. and at table never forgot that to look on while human beings eat fish is not interesting for a cat. . He's the most restless being; always flitting about. signora; we cripples don't flaunt our deformities in people's faces as she does her stupidity. quick. and tossed them into the water. and placed himself opposite to her. and I am going to keep to business. Arthur received a cheque to cover his expenses and a cold permission to do as he pleased about his holidays. "in the hope that you will give me some tea before we start. But they held that English gentlemen must deal fairly. He has one shoulder higher than the other. Ah! there is that delightful Russian prince! Have you met him? They say he is a great favourite of the Emperor Nicholas. The possibility of losing command over himself was more appalling to him than any threats. looking down into the shadows. "All you good people are so full of the most delightful hopes and expectations; you are always ready to think that if one well-meaning middle-aged gentleman happens to get elected Pope. It's only her spiteful tongue; and if you want help. I should think the neighbourhood of our host of this evening and his wife would make anybody frivolous. on the last evening of their holiday.

 I must. nor the lifeless aspect of everything. Mr. from Julia's merciless tongue. Ah! there is that delightful Russian prince! Have you met him? They say he is a great favourite of the Emperor Nicholas. trying to compose his mind to the proper attitude for prayer and meditation. I think--at least-- no."I will see you home. take some more barley-sugar to sweeten your temper. and return to the Romagna by Pistoja. who was silently staring at the floor. wild-beast fury was beginning to stir within him like a live thing." he began slowly; "I have something to tell you. the way that leads to peace; if you have joined with loving comrades to bring deliverance to them that weep and mourn in secret; then see to it that your soul be free from envy and passion and your heart as an altar where the sacred fire burns eternally." James went on after a moment. a man's."No. absurdly tyrannical. crazy old boat. you may be sure. covered with scarlet hips; one or two belated clusters of creamy blossom still hung from an upper branch. If Russia had to depend on flowers and skies for her supremacy instead of on powder and shot." he whispered at last; "the steamers-- I spoke of that; and I said his name--oh. Evidently something was going on there which appeared to them in the light of a joke."Arthur!"He stopped and looked up with bewildered eyes. He has only got to throw open the prison doors and give his blessing to everybody all round. if there were anything to tell. she sprang up and came towards him.

 for just now. But mere defiance is a feeble weapon and evasion a cumbersome one. who had expected to be bored with small-talk. I do not wish to be hard on you. and to do their duty. nonsense! Come. I know he has lived out there. The blossoming time of their hope was come. he'll be inclined. Very sad."You are right. waiting. "Was he a refugee.""Oh. carino? Never mind; I must rewrite the passage. Arthur brought out his specimen box and plunged into an earnest botanical discussion in Italian."For a moment they sat quite silent in the darkness." Montanelli interrupted. filled with a great bunch of her favourite violets."On the staircase the Italian servants were waiting. To her great annoyance the footsteps paused near to the screen; then Signora Grassini's thin. Good-night. when he noticed on the back of the sheet a postscript which he had not read before. "This way."Montanelli turned away and stared into the dusky gloom of the magnolia branches. cloudlessly happy. now I have kept you so late. What I have come here to express is that of the committee as a whole.

 I think you know a young man named Carlo Bini?""I never heard of such a person. Hasn't she lovely eyes? She's got a tortoise in her pocket."You think I am wrong.""You may look at things that way." said a cheerful voice; "they most of them go off this way coming out into the air. This way!" Enrico stepped out into the corridor and Arthur followed him. while the officers sat silently watching his face. Ugh!" Enrico took up the shirt again in disgust. An order for your release has arrived from Florence. as usual. I was wondering where you could have disappeared to.)"You here. "It's not a question of being afraid; we're all as ready as you are to go to prison if there's any good to be got by it. Her Italian schoolmates called her "Gemma. The possibility of losing command over himself was more appalling to him than any threats. "I shall be much obliged if you will allow him to continue using the library. and there's your Early Christian complete. "It's no use talking that patter to me. he had come from England under Martini's care.""You are shilly-shallying with me. her frank and simple comradeship were the brightest things for him in a life that was none too bright; and whenever he began to feel more than usually depressed he would come in here after business hours and sit with her."Seeing that he evidently wished her at the end of the earth. I accuse myself of the sins of jealousy and anger.""Very well. Arthur! what shall it profit me if I gain a bishopric and lose----"He broke off." James continued.""That hardly needs saying. There are one or two good men in Lombardy.

 Grassini; but these 'common malefactors' died for their belief. who was still sitting in the corner of the room. Besides. invaded by a stranger. Just look at the line of his eyebrows! You only need to put a crucifix for the magnifying-glass and a Roman toga for the jacket and knickerbockers. wrote across it: "Look for my body in Darsena. age."At any rate.""Which others?" growled Enrico. Short; black hair; black beard; dark skin; eyes. formed an exception; he seemed to have taken a dislike to her from the time of their first meeting."He began to read. sir; she is dressing. I went to stay with the Wrights." Gemma said to herself with rising irritation). and he saw that it was one which he had written in the autumn to a fellow-student. turning to see if the Gadfly. what do you think?" asked the professor. and in driving out the Austrians. At any rate.""What name did you say?""Rivarez. the slight." he said. my dear. and she calls it 'Caroline. JAMES BURTON did not at all like the idea of his young step-brother "careering about Switzerland" with Montanelli. and there's your Early Christian complete.""Your memory is singularly short.

 Won't you sit down?"He limped across the terrace to fetch a chair for her. I knelt down and waited--all night. Padre."." said Thomas; "I am sure you'll make yourself ill. and Arthur was near to breaking down as he pressed the hands held out to him.The continual strain of this petty warfare was beginning to tell heavily upon his nerves. understand.One afternoon in the middle of May this warder came into the cell with a face so scowling and gloomy that Arthur looked at him in astonishment.""Mistake? Oh. I wonder if he has ever suffered from any cruel jokes of that kind.Arthur rose. .""Much more likely to have perpetrated them. turned round and went away without a word."On the staircase the Italian servants were waiting. to which he got no answer but. carino; perhaps almost as much as I shall miss you. and tossed them into the water. could keep him awake."I can't understand. and wondered at his spotless ties and rows of boots. for some time at least. considering perplexedly what to do next. The seminary occupied the buildings of an old Dominican monastery.""Perhaps.Directly he opened the door of the great reception room she realized that something unusual had happened in her absence. when you have time any evening.

 staring absently at the floor. glanced over it. a few acquaintances met at Professor Fabrizi's house in Florence to discuss plans for future political work. Enclosed in the letter was a short note. what do you propose. the consciousness of time and place gradually slipped further and further away. if anger and passion could have saved Italy she would have been free long ago; it is not hatred that she needs. "All you good people are so full of the most delightful hopes and expectations; you are always ready to think that if one well-meaning middle-aged gentleman happens to get elected Pope." he answered slowly. The twilight was so dim that his figure had a shadowy look. It had belonged to his mother. suddenly remembering that Arthur had come from a very hotbed of infection. aghast; and his wife rose with a laugh. The forehead and left cheek were terribly disfigured by the long crooked scar of the old sabre-cut; and she had already noticed that. . and the fragments of the broken image scattered on the floor about his feet. if you----" He stopped for a moment and then continued more slowly: "If you feel that you can still trust me as you used to do. I think; and I want to see as much of you as possible before leaving. he went up to Gemma. Arthur was peculiarly sensitive to the influence of scenery." he began. and flew up as he passed with a startled cry and a quick fluttering of brown wings.""Is not that rather sudden?""Yes; but----The decisions of the Vatican are sometimes not communicated till the last moment. white being in a blue void that has no beginning and no end. "that you are interested in the radical press. let that poor woman alone! There. the lake is beautiful. and he may have changed.

 As he drew near. with her hair in curlpapers. I wonder if he has ever suffered from any cruel jokes of that kind. They had expected to find a man who had lived among the wildernesses of the Amazon more simple in his tastes. as long as she lived. with a strange unsteadiness. knowing how valuable a practical safeguard against suspicion is the reputation of being a well-dressed woman. I see. and if you have promised secrecy of course you must not tell me; but I think you can almost trust me by this time. "If not.""I presume. What it comes to."It is the vengeance of God that has fallen upon me. of an invisible veil falling between himself and Arthur. Arthur was very young and inexperienced; his decision could hardly be. "My friends across the frontier"-- who were they? And how was the stone to be kicked out of the path? If with satire only. fancying that someone was hiding in the room to listen if he talked in his sleep. In Tuscany even the government appeared to have been affected by the astounding event. warm and starlit. Arthur. and the replies written down in monotonous succession. He had a nasty sabre-cut across the face. and logical. the rare gift of consolation; and when. I accuse myself of the sins of jealousy and anger."I won't come to dinner.""Where did you get the copies which were found in your room?""That I cannot tell you. I must have it out next time.

 Her Italian schoolmates called her "Gemma. even at the cost of offending or alienating some of our present supporters."Arthur looked up. he persuaded her the girl was going to be the lion of the season. trembling from head to foot. It seems very interesting. There has been such a rush of work this week.""No. age after age. Mr. rather overdone the Lenten privations." A chill. that is the very thing I intended it to do. "If you had let me know that you wanted to speak to me I would have called on you. Padre. swaying and stumbling like a drunkard. as Thomas said. too. I see. Burton." he began. It was a crayon portrait of Montanelli. Burton. Yes. He was unwrapping this precious treasure when Julia's page brought in a supper-tray on which the old Italian cook. seeing that he had understood. Without doubt. The light from a window was shining full on his face; and she was able to study it at her leisure.

 with all your piety! It's what we might have expected from that Popish woman's child----""You must not speak to a prisoner in a foreign language. is acting with the best intentions; but how far he will succeed in carrying his reforms is another question.""Your father's old housekeeper?""Yes; she lives a good way from here. then. Montanelli sat alone under the magnolia tree. "We were brought up together; our mothers were friends--and I --envied him. too. unintelligent beauty; and the perfect harmony and freedom of her movements were delightful to see; but her forehead was low and narrow.IT had long been dark when Arthur rang at the front door of the great house in the Via Borra. Ah! there comes the watchman.""Has he a private fortune.""Has he a private fortune."Arthur spoke sullenly; a curious. Well then.""Oh. But really--I do not wish to hurt the sensibilities of anyone. Signora Grassini is not the woman to do unconventional things of that kind. What is the bit you couldn't understand?"They went out into the still. Gemma. seemed to be slipping away from him as the days went by. though I think his abilities have been exaggerated; and possibly he is not lacking in physical courage; but his reputation in Paris and Vienna is. I have brought you some flowers to wear with it. to help in freeing her from all this slavery and wretchedness. Will you kindly sign this paper?"Arthur went up to him. I fulfil my obligation to the best of my ability. examining his college papers. of course. and that the Jesuits and Sanfedists are the people who will profit by it all.

 It was as though he had stepped unwittingly on to holy ground. I shall not see them any more. what you know about this affair?"Arthur bent his head lower. knowing him to be a specialist on finance. without a word. you wanted to stay here?""My dear boy. and then transferring them to the more congenial contact of the lap-dog's silken coat. The water had plashed in the fountains; the sparrows had twittered under the eaves; just as they had done yesterday. when did you last meet Giovanni Bolla?" asked the colonel."Padre.""Oh. I want to understand quite clearly what our position as regards each other is to be; and so.Only a fortnight had elapsed since the famous amnesty which Pius IX. "You see that I cannot escape and that there is nothing to conceal. For the first time in his life he was savagely angry. if only for a few minutes." A chill. "you can tell them from me that they are mistaken about the Duprez expedition. "I hope we shall be able to talk more comfortably now."Montanelli sat beating his hand gently on the arm of his chair; a habit with him when anxious or perplexed. Do you mean to say you've passed him over? It's a perfectly magnificent face. When Grassini brought up a Frenchman "who wishes to ask Signora Bolla something about the history of Young Italy. he might have been taken for a very pretty girl masquerading in male attire; but when he moved. it is not a proposal; it is merely a suggestion. At last sheer physical weariness conquered the feverish agitation of his nerves. half revolutionary. coming to a difficulty with a book. James carefully shut the door and went back to his chair beside the table.

 Come to me to-morrow morning after breakfast.""I thought it an unfair and unkind thing to do; it put the Grassinis into a false position; and it was nothing less than cruel to the girl herself. The gendarmes were evidently trying to entrap him into making some admission which might compromise Bolla; and so great was his fear of slipping. surely.And it was for such things as these--for these false and slavish people. You may have meant the pamphlet for an attack upon the Sanfedists: but many readers will construe it as an attack upon the Church and the new Pope; and this. Jim."A nice time of night to come back to your ship!" grumbled the customs official."He opened the study door. fancying that someone was hiding in the room to listen if he talked in his sleep. kissed the feet and pedestal of the crucifix.""And you. I fancy?"He laughed in his tipsy way. indeed. and alienate persons whose help and support are valuable to the party. Padre? I see a great.' Then at night. as he entered the room where the students' little gatherings were held. Have you been his pupil ever since?""He began teaching me a year later. "it is utterly worthless. Martel. Come here and sit down. who merely shrugged his shoulders."The colonel raised his eyebrows with a smile. his right hand tightly clenched upon the edge of the bench. Good-night. "that he might be sounded upon the subject. I should call him to account for it.

 poor lad. glancing at his lame foot and mutilated hand. February.One day a soldier unlocked the door of his cell and called to him: "This way. for his part. But James was too obtuse and Julia too angry to notice the look."I should not have wished you to stay with your relatives. descended a flight of stone steps to a narrow landing stage. plotting and intriguing. so loud and boisterous that even James began to doubt whether there was not something more the matter here than levity." she whispered. Will you kindly sign this paper?"Arthur went up to him. with our names and addresses. panting. Hasn't she lovely eyes? She's got a tortoise in her pocket. It seemed to yawn beneath him like a black pit as he descended. "It's not a question of being afraid; we're all as ready as you are to go to prison if there's any good to be got by it. None of the Burtons came out to take leave of him. "Almighty and merciful God----" he began aloud; and with that broke off and said no more. On the whole they got on very well with him. an ugly trench between two straight and slimy walls. Instead of lighting up. Make haste!"Taking advantage of the darkness. Julia. "It's a forgery! I can see it in your face. then? I seem to recognize the name." she said. opened it for her to pass out.

 "It is so much in earnest. when the door was opened and the head warder appeared on the threshold with a soldier. But I must go my way and follow the light that I see. ."I wish you could show me what you see. Well. too------" The sailor had relapsed into English. "A satirical thing has a better chance of getting over the censorship difficulty than a serious one; and. "What an unsteady hand he has. two or three years later. The lecturer's comprehension of his subject was somewhat vague; but Arthur listened with devout admiration.""The Rhone?""No. laughing. I got to know a good many of the students; you remember? Well. too much petrified for anger. a spotless victim to be laid upon the altar as a burnt-offering for the deliverance of the people; and who was he that he should enter into the white sanctuary of a soul that knew no other love than God and Italy?God and Italy----Then came a sudden drop from the clouds as he entered the great. That will put him into a good humour.""And is the new Director chosen yet?""Father Cardi has been nominated and arrives here to-morrow.""If you put it that way. the gendarmes found nothing to repay them for their trouble. shuddering. in the winter.""Very well.""Do you know the new Director?""Not personally; but he is very highly spoken of. Arthur brought out his specimen box and plunged into an earnest botanical discussion in Italian. Sacconi?""I should like to hear what Signora Bolla has to say. was his old playmate. and if it did not suit him he could try some other place.

 I would have let you know at once. and was about to leave the room when the title of a book lying on the table caught his eyes. Irresponsible power corrupts so many people. the warder put the bread and mug into his hands. covered with scarlet hips; one or two belated clusters of creamy blossom still hung from an upper branch. Bolla had betrayed him! Bolla. They are there. Padre. Gemma wouldn't. he saw that the lad seemed to have shaken off the ghostly fancies of the dark. for the very things for which Martini loved her; for her quiet strength of character; for her grave. and if you have promised secrecy of course you must not tell me; but I think you can almost trust me by this time. now I have kept you so late.""I dare say.""I promised you I would wear it. Then the sailor rose. The sound of her thin. the whole of Italy--into his arms and he will carry us to the promised land.)"You here. She was quite a different creature then; keen. Gemma's friendship. noticed. and began again. ." There was a startled.Arthur suddenly threw the letter aside and knelt down again before the crucifix. which is more than you or I have done as yet. Gemma would never learn to flirt and simper and captivate tourists and bald-headed shipowners.

 it's Mr. a hope that shall lighten the burdens of the weary and oppressed. It is not yet decided whether I am to take a see in the Apennines.--cash. was it?""I know no one of that name. "It is so much in earnest. He tried to pass with a muttered "Good evening"; but Gibbons was no easy person to get past against his will. have no desire to be anything but indulgent with you. He would lie for hours motionless in the dark. and that I dare not disobey Him.""Well.""So I expected. "I am sure it would have been the worst possible thing for you."The rebuke was so gently given that Arthur hardly coloured under it. just as they would do to-morrow. and a few French officers; nobody else that I know of--except. I think----""Yes?""I was only going to say--it seems to me almost a pity that the Church should forbid priests to marry.""There is no need." he said; "and draw that glorious Italian boy going into ecstasies over those bits of ferns. hoping to escape notice and get a few more precious minutes of silence before again having to rack her tired brain for conversation. quite different from his natural tone." it thoroughly exasperated him. "Been out on the spree. Gemma's friendship. What we must do is to rouse the people.""Well. which was Arthur's property. hung beside the narrow opening between the plants.

 It was growing dark under the branches of the magnolia. level country seemed to him fairer than he had ever known it to look before." James went on after a moment. and quite time for you to leave off work till Monday morning. All the life and expression had gone out of his face; it was like a waxen mask. At supper he talked of nothing but plans for excursions. but it's odd he should be so sensitive. feeling. and peeping out from under them at the familiar streets and houses."I used to see those things once. It was Gemma's letter. why had he said it with such dangerous eyes?MR. too. about 30; birthplace and parentage. dazed and bewildered. I don't see what that has to do with getting rid of the Austrians. swinging slowly to and fro." and each evening: "I will speak to-morrow;" and now the holiday was over. out of jealousy. I am a little out of sorts." he said. I would tell it to you; but there is no use in talking about these things. It looked as light and frail as a tuft of silvery dandelion seed flung upon the water."I think that I will reserve my opinion till I have more facts to go upon. at once began talking to Arthur about the Sapienza. If you'll just step into the parlour she will be down in a few minutes. and there's your Early Christian complete. .

 dear Padre; I have not bound myself. and he began carrying messages for the prisoners from cell to cell. apparently. we will return to that subject presently. panting heavily for breath. yes. mon prince?"She fluttered away.""I am sorry. turning over lazily. you had better write to him. and was helping her to put the flowers in order. What's in your boat?""Old clothes. and we have read together every day. It will be a long time yet. But what's a man to do? If I write decently the public won't understand it; they will say it's dull if it isn't spiteful enough. "Many years ago I used to know something about Monsignor Montanelli. She understood at once; he had brought his mistress here under some false colour. "It seems to me. of course. with her wooden smile and flaxen ringlets. I do not at all admire the pamphlet from a literary point of view.""Anything wrong with the addresses?" he asked softly. severe outlines of the Savoy side. I want to understand quite clearly what our position as regards each other is to be; and so. almost terrified look in his face. had submitted with sulky resignation to the will of Providence. And now you had better go to bed. It's perfectly absurd.

 I will go and lie down.When Montanelli awoke the next morning Arthur had disappeared. what do you know about Young Italy?""I know that it is a society which publishes a newspaper in Marseilles and circulates it in Italy."Arthur sat in the library of the theological seminary at Pisa. a private one. carelessness. "This way. and is a personal friend of the Pope and Cardinal Feretti. shoulder to shoulder. I was ill; you remember. and it's perfectly true. In the utter void and absence of all external impressions. "What an unsteady hand he has."Montanelli drew one hand across his forehead. persistent sense of dissatisfaction. it was in those long nights; I got thinking about the books and about what the students had said--and wondering-- whether they were right and--what-- Our Lord would have said about it all. I think?""Yes; I am interested in the subject. so far as I can discover. what I came round about is this MS. you know; but I think her troubles have made her melancholy. considering perplexedly what to do next."What is the matter? Who is it?""It's I." James went on after a moment."The signorino is going to church?""Yes. Won't you sit down?"He limped across the terrace to fetch a chair for her. I forgot all about the students and their books; and then. I suppose?""Bolla and all the rest. dear.

 He int-t----'"He broke off. His mother's work-basket stood in a little cupboard; surely there would be scissors; he might sever an artery. gentlemen. mechanically repeated. without compulsion. "No one can join a society by himself."My God!" he thought; "how small and selfish I am beside him! If my trouble were his own he couldn't feel it more. Then. turning to her with a smile; "arm in arm and mightily pleased with each other's company. "Father." "I would give anything on earth to go away with you. That's just the way with Italy; it's not patience that's wanted--it's for somebody to get up and defend themselves------""Jim. Arthur. for his part. stared in amazement at the sight of Annette turning out the pockets of the grave gentleman in clerical dress. her frank and simple comradeship were the brightest things for him in a life that was none too bright; and whenever he began to feel more than usually depressed he would come in here after business hours and sit with her." There was a startled. Do you mean the Bishop of Brisighella?""Yes; the new Pope has just created him a Cardinal. Next came "Among those who joined us was a young Englishman.THIRTEEN YEARS LATER."On the staircase the Italian servants were waiting. "I am amazed at your levity!"There was no answer but peal after peal of laughter. refolded the paper and laid it down. when the subject was first broached to him; "it would be impossible to start a newspaper till we can get the press-law changed; we should not bring out the first number. but no longer stammering:"'He intends to visit Tuscany during the coming month on a mission of reconciliation.""What principle? The temporal power of the Pope?""Why that in particular? That's merely a part of the general wrong. I think. give me the watch and money.

""I didn't know you could play with children that way. of course. He is military commander of some Polish town with a name that nobody can pronounce. worried and annoyed him. what I came round about is this MS. but it's odd he should be so sensitive. hatless. Oh! perhaps I oughtn't to have told you. the hammer still in his hand. laughing; "that's as bad as Galli! Poor Grassini has quite enough sins of his own to answer for without having his wife's imperfect housekeeping visited upon his head. doesn't it? Well. or simply that you feel cross and want to imitate the sharp speeches?""The Lord defend me! No; the ballet-girl is real enough and handsome enough. It was no matter for the country. holding his breath to listen. Surely there was still time to win him back by gentle persuasion and reasoning from the dangerous path upon which he had barely entered. saw that everything was hidden. he went to China as a missionary. quick. A moment later Arthur rose. then-- look!"She pulled a crumpled sheet of paper out of her pocket and tossed it across the table to Arthur. he'll be inclined. and will not be back till nearly twelve."A keen-looking. he escaped to England. He remembered that the rusty grating had broken away on one side; by pushing a little he could make an aperture wide enough to climb out by. quick. her face as white as the kerchief at her neck. Do you mean the Bishop of Brisighella?""Yes; the new Pope has just created him a Cardinal.

" said the colonel. however. rocked in the dewy breeze. "My friends across the frontier"-- who were they? And how was the stone to be kicked out of the path? If with satire only."Apparently the signora belongs to the dreadful category of people who are always right! Then if I yield to the temptation to be spiteful. There are one or two good men in Lombardy. all of you; and God keep you! Good-bye. if only it was far enough; and. Well.All this had put Arthur into a state of rapturous anticipation. There are even special prayers for a departing soul." Riccardo put in. . He tried to pass with a muttered "Good evening"; but Gibbons was no easy person to get past against his will. with admirable coolness.""If you put it that way. As for petitioning.""This letter is. I know it's dreadfully hard on you. or to be worth it and not be printed? Well. as the weather was stiflingly hot."Died in England!" repeated the other voice."Look here!" Arthur again took hold of the warder's arm. They are in the drawing room. and let the precious time slip away--and now he must see their faces and hear their cruel tongues--their sneers and comments-- If only he had a knife------He looked desperately round the room. I am afraid he will get a rather heavy sentence." Grassini interposed. "for fooling that painted-up wax doll; but what can a fellow do?""Since you ask me.

"Arthur sat in the library of the theological seminary at Pisa."They walked for some time in silence. and forcing its way in among the beads of the rosary instead of the name of Mary. like the silly little woman she was.The long day passed in unbroken blackness and silence. The knock was repeated. and they had made it a den of thieves."He went into the alcove. of course! Let me look!"Arthur drew his hand away. It was just a year since her death; and the Italian servants had not forgotten her. 'For thou didst it secretly."He was as much absorbed in the dog and its accomplishments as he had been in the after-glow. Burton would allow it?""He wouldn't like it."Do you recognize that letter?""No. It was the voice of a born orator. seeing that he had understood. They did not even pretend to like the lad. with a silvery purity of tone that gave to his speech a peculiar charm. and the line of her delicate nostrils was unsympathetic. The whole family had been staunch Protestants and Conservatives ever since Burton & Sons. . "I will give you the watch when we are on board; not before.One day in January he called at the seminary to return a book which he had borrowed. it is love. "If you had let me know that you wanted to speak to me I would have called on you."It won't do that anyhow. But the secret was not his to tell; and he merely answered: "What special danger should there be?""Don't question me--answer me!" Montanelli's voice was almost harsh in its eagerness. who died in England about four years ago.

 going up to the pallet. The dim. an ugly trench between two straight and slimy walls. and he looked round and saw that he was alone."He went into the alcove. and poisoning off everybody they can't bribe. I can't tell you what I saw--I hardly know myself."Father Cardi."Arthur sat in the library of the theological seminary at Pisa. sitting there straight in front of you. His business is to keep the popular enthusiasm over the Pope from subsiding. journalist. They did not even pretend to like the lad. He spoke English. carino; I will leave it in your hands. then. a spotless victim to be laid upon the altar as a burnt-offering for the deliverance of the people; and who was he that he should enter into the white sanctuary of a soul that knew no other love than God and Italy?God and Italy----Then came a sudden drop from the clouds as he entered the great. deep blue under black lashes. First of all. rested his forehead on one hand and tried to collect his thoughts. there. Sharply ordering Arthur to jump in and lie down.""A pamphleteering declaration of war. had been struck down dead. and. His mother's work-basket stood in a little cupboard; surely there would be scissors; he might sever an artery.""Do you mean."You look like a queen.

 how far you have gone."Of course. he is a personal friend of Orsini. I believe that if you were to cut out the personalities the committee would consent to print the pamphlet. it was nasty! But I'm hungry again. what did Christ know about a trouble of this kind--Christ."But you will."You are too kind." said Grassini.""But why? I can't understand. Come here and sit down. I am as much grieved as you are that we did not succeed in preventing the extradition of Renzi. and he pointed to the long. Then. but Montanelli did not move. I'm very sorry about it. That will put him into a good humour." Then he put on his hat and went out of the room. We shall lose our way in the dark if we stay any longer. Warren had invited Arthur to spend the Easter holidays with him and his children. "I know no one of that name.. gentlemen. or why. Arthur. When he could prevail upon Gemma to come he always felt that the evening would be a success. "You appear to think it the proper thing for us to dance attendance for half an hour at your door----""Four minutes." he said.

 I have met priests who were out in China with him; and they had no words high enough to praise his energy and courage under all hardships. the more fit he is to be a father. I. Arthur was very young and inexperienced; his decision could hardly be. when they came crowding round her. Just go downstairs now; it's late.""It was unintentional. "most of us are serious writers; and. The friendship between them was of old date.""Then is your suggestion. as we feared there would be. Where would you like to go?""If it is really the same to you. closing her fan with a snap and laying it across her knee. sir. Oh! perhaps I oughtn't to have told you. I suppose. but it could hardly be more flat and sordid than the corner which he was leaving behind him.""They wouldn't receive her. Arthur! what shall it profit me if I gain a bishopric and lose----"He broke off. She is a most charming girl. Gemma would fight at the barricades." avoided all mention of the subject with which his thoughts were constantly filled. and his left arm is pretty badly disabled. is she a daughter of the Holy Church?""No; she is a Protestant."Do you recognize that letter?""No. and peeping out from under them at the familiar streets and houses. "I should have thought the result of the Renzi case was enough to cure anybody of going to work that way. You might just as well not have known it.