“What of the figures?” put in Oliver.

“A stone image is impossible, of course.  It must be clay for the present.  Mr. Markenheim is to set to work immediately.  If the figures are approved they can then be executed in marble.”

Again Mabel spoke with a soft gravity.

“It seems to me,” she said, “that this is the last thing that we needed.  It is so hard to keep our principles clear—­we must have a body for them—­some kind of expression—–­”

She paused.

“Yes, Mabel?”

“I do not mean,” she went on, “that some cannot live without it, but many cannot.  The unimaginative need concrete images.  There must be some channel for their aspirations to flow through—–­ Ah!  I cannot express myself!”

Oliver nodded slowly.  He, too, seemed to be in a meditative mood.

“Yes,” he said.  “And this, I suppose, will mould men’s thoughts too:  it will keep out all danger of superstition.”

Mr. Francis turned on him abruptly.

“What do you think of the Pope’s new Religious Order, sir?”

Oliver’s face took on it a tinge of grimness.

“I think it is the worst step he ever took—­for himself, I mean.  Either it is a real effort, in which case it will provoke immense indignation—­or it is a sham, and will discredit him.  Why do you ask?”

“I was wondering whether any disturbance will be made in the abbey.”

“I should be sorry for the brawler.”

A bell rang sharply from the row of telephone labels.  Oliver rose and went to it.  Mabel watched him as he touched a button—­mentioned his name, and put his ear to the opening.

“It is Snowford’s secretary,” he said abruptly to the two expectant faces.  “Snowford wants to—­ah!”

Again he mentioned his name and listened.  They heard a sentence or two from him that seemed significant.

“Ah! that is certain, is it?  I am sorry....  Yes....  Oh! but that is better than nothing....  Yes; he is here....  Indeed.  Very well; we will be with you directly.”

He looked on the tube, touched the button again, and came back to them.

“I am sorry,” he said.  “The President will take no part at the Feast.  But it is uncertain whether he will not be present.  Mr. Snowford wants to see us both at once, Mr. Francis.  Markenheim is with him.”

But though Mabel was herself disappointed, she thought he looked graver than the disappointment warranted.

CHAPTER V

I

Percy Franklin, the new Cardinal-Protector of England, came slowly along the passage leading from the Pope’s apartments, with Hans Steinmann, Cardinal-Protector of Germany, blowing at his side.  They entered the lift, still in silence, and passed out, two splendid vivid figures, one erect and virile, the other bent, fat, and very German from spectacles to flat buckled feet.