(I)
The scheme had been in the air for nearly two years, asMonsignor learned from his papers; and for the last month or twohad come more to the front than ever. But he had not realizedhow close it was.
* * * * *
It was at the end of October that the Cardinal sent for him andrevealed two more facts. The first was that it was the intentionof His Majesty's Government to appoint a Commission to consideronce more the Establishment of Catholicism as the State religionof England; and the second was that secret negotiations had beenproceeding now for the last eight months between China, Japan,the Persian Empire, and Russia, as to the formal recognition ofthe Pope as Arbitrator of the East.
"Both points," said the Cardinal, "are absolutely _sub sigillo_until you hear of them from other sources. And I need not tell you,Monsignor, that they have the very strongest mutual effects."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Think it over," said the Cardinal, and waved him pleasantly away.
* * * * *
From that time forward, as week followed week, the work becameenormous. He was present at interviews of which he understood notmore than one half of the allusions; yet with that extraordinaryskill of which he was made aware by the compliments of theCardinal and of his own friends, he showed never a sign of hisignorance. Papers constantly passed under his hands, disclosingto him the elaborate preparations that had already been made onthe part of the State authorities; and questions on variouspoints of discipline were continually submitted to him, at thebearing of which he could only guess.
It seemed to him remarkable that so much fuss should be made uponwhat was by now almost entirely a matter of form, since by therestoration of Catholic property, recognition of Church courts,and a hundred other details, as well as by the affection of thepeople, the Church already enjoyed supreme power.
He put this once, lightly, to Father Jervis.
"The public is affected by forms much more than by principles,"said that priest, smiling. "They have already accepted theprinciples; but even at the eleventh hour they might takefright at the forms."
"Do you mean it is possible that a Bill, if it was broughtforward, might not pass?"
"Certainly it's possible. Otherwise, why haven't we had aCommission appointed? The Socialists aren't beaten yet. But it'snot likely; or the Bill wouldn't be brought forward at all."
The prelate said nothing.