conversion four years before, by a new privilege placed and withdrew the cushion, as his Lord kneeled before the Lord of them both.  So movement by movement the gorgeous drama was enacted; the murmuring of the crowds died to a stillness that was but one wordless prayer as the tiny White Disc rose between the white hands, and the thin angelic music pealed in the dome.  For here was the one hope of these thousands, as mighty and as little as once within the Manger.  There was none other that fought for them but only God.  Surely then, if the blood of men and the tears of women could not avail to move the Judge and Observer of all from His silence, surely at least here the bloodless Death of His only Son, that once on Calvary had darkened heaven and rent the earth, pleaded now with such sorrowful splendour upon this island of faith amid a sea of laughter and hatred—­this at least must avail!  How could it not?

* * * * *

Percy had just sat down, tired out with the long ceremonies, when the door opened abruptly, and the Cardinal, still in his robes, came in swiftly, shutting the door behind him.

“Father Franklin,” he said, in a strange breathless voice, “there is the worst of news.  Felsenburgh is appointed President of Europe.”

II

It was late that night before Percy returned, completely exhausted by his labours.  For hour after hour he had sat with the Cardinal, opening despatches that poured into the electric receivers from all over Europe, and were brought in one by one into the quiet sitting-room.  Three times in the afternoon the Cardinal had been sent for, once by the Pope and twice to the Quirinal.

There was no doubt at all that the news was true; and it seemed that Felsenburgh must have waited deliberately for the offer.  All others he had refused.  There had been a Convention of the Powers, each of whom had been anxious to secure him, and each of whom had severally failed; these private claims had been withdrawn, and an united message sent.  The new proposal was to the effect that Felsenburgh should assume a position hitherto undreamed of in democracy; that he should receive a House of Government in every capital of Europe; that his veto of any measure should be final for three years; that any measure he chose to introduce three times in three consecutive years should become law; that his title should be that of President of Europe.  From his side practically nothing was asked, except that he should refuse any other official position offered him that did not receive the sanction of all the Powers.  And all this, Percy saw very well, involved the danger of an united Europe increased tenfold.  It involved all the stupendous force of Socialism directed by a brilliant individual.  It was the combination of the strongest characteristics of the two methods of government.  The offer had been accepted by Felsenburgh after eight hours’ silence.