“Can you guess why I have sent for you, Monsignor?”

“No, your Eminence.”

“I am leaving for Berlin myself to-night.  The Holy Father kindly allows me to do so.  I wish to leave some instructions about English affairs before I go.”

For a moment the priest’s mind was unable to take in all the significance of this.  The Cardinal’s air was of one who announces that he is going into the country for a few days.  There was not the faintest sign even of excitement in his manner or voice.  Before the priest could speak the Cardinal went on.

“Your Eminence, I have told you what confidence I rest in Monsignor Masterman.  He has all the affairs of the English Church in his hands.  And I desire that, if possible, he should be appointed Vicar-Capitular in the event of my death.”

The Secretary of State bowed.

“I am sure——­” he began.

“Your Eminence,” cried the priest suddenly, “it’s impossible . . . it’s impossible.”

The Englishman looked at him sharply.

“It is what I wish,” he said.

Monsignor collected himself with a violent effort.  He could not, even afterwards, trace the exact process by which he had arrived so swiftly at his determination.  He supposed it was partly the drama of the situation—­the sense that big demands were in the air; partly nervous excitement; partly a certain distaste with life that was growing on him; but chiefly and foremost a passionate and devoted affection for his chief, which he had never till this instant suspected in himself.  He only perceived, as clearly as in a vision, that this gallant old man must not be allowed to go alone, and that he—­he who had criticized and rebelled against the brutality of the world—­must go with him.

“Your Eminence,” he said, “it is impossible, because I must come with you to Berlin.”

The Cardinal smiled and lifted his hand, as if to an impetuous child.

“My dear fellow——­”

Monsignor turned to the other.  He felt cool and positive, as if a breeze had fanned away his excitement.

“You understand, your Eminence, do you not?  It is impossible that the Cardinal should go alone.  I am his secretary.  I can arrange everything with . . . with the Rector of the English College here, if there is no one else.  That is right, is it not, your Eminence?”

The Italian hesitated.

“Prince Otteone went alone——­” he began.

“Exactly.  And there were no witnesses.  That must not happen again.”

There was an obvious answer, but no one made it.  Cardinal Bellairs stood up, lifting himself with his stick.

“It is very good of you,” he said quietly.  “I understand why you make the offer.  But it is impossible.  Monsignor, will you talk with His Eminence a little?  There are one or two things he wishes to tell you.  I have to see the Holy Father, but I will be with you again soon.”