(I)
There was dead silence on the long staircase of the Vatican,leading up to the Cardinal Secretary's rooms, as Monsignor toiledup within half an hour of his arrival at the stage outside thecity. A car was in waiting for him there, had whirled him firstto the old palace where he had stayed nine months ago with FatherJervis; and then, on finding that Cardinal Bellairs had beenunexpectedly sent for to the Vatican, he had gone on thereimmediately, according to the instructions that had been leftwith the _majordomo_.
He knew all now; wireless messages had streamed in hour afterhour during the flight across the Atlantic. At Naples, where thevolor had first touched land, the papers already mentioned fulland exhaustive accounts of the outbreak, with the latest reports;and by the time that he reached Rome he was as well informed ofthe real facts of the case as were any who were not in the innercircle of those who knew.
The Swiss guard presented his fantastic halberd, as he passed inpanting after his climb; a man in scarlet livery took his hat andcloak; another preceded him through the first anteroom, where anecclesiastic received him; and with this priest he passed onthrough the second and third rooms up to the door of the innerchamber. The priest pushed the door open for him and he went inalone; the door closed noiselessly behind him. The room was thesame as that which he remembered, all gold and red damask,lighted from the roof, with the great brass-inlaid writing tableat the farther end, and the broad settee against the right-handwall, but it seemed to him in his apprehensiveness that thesolemnity was greater and the hushed silence even deeper. Twofigures sat side by side on the settee, each in the scarletferraiuola of ceremony. One, Cardinal Bellairs, looked up at himand nodded, even smiling a little; the other stood up and bowedslightly, before extending his hand to be kissed. This secondfigure was a great personality--Italian by birth, anextraordinary linguist, a very largely made man, both stout andtall, with a head of thick and perfectly white hair. He had beena "Papabile" at the last election; and, it was thought, wascertain of the papacy some day, even though it was unusual that aSecretary of State should succeed. He had a large, well-cut face,rather yellowish in colour, with very bright, half-veiled blackeyes.
Monsignor kissed the ring without genuflecting, as thecustom was in the Vatican, and sat down on the chair indicated.
No one spoke for a moment.
"How much have you heard, Monsignor?" asked CardinalBellairs abruptly.
"I have heard that the Socialists have seized Berlin and theEmperor; that the city is fortified; that there have been twomassacres; and that the Emperor's life is threatened unlessthe Powers grant all the terms asked within . . . within fourdays from now."
"Have you heard of the death of Prince Otteone?"
"No, your Eminence."
"Prince Otteone was executed last night," said the Cardinalsimply. "He begged to go as the representative of the Holy Fatherto treat for terms. They said they were not there to treat, butto grant terms. And they say that they will do the same for everyenvoy who does not bring a message of complete submission. Thatwill be known everywhere by midday."
Again there was silence. The Cardinal Secretary glanced from oneface to the other, as if hesitating. Monsignor made no attempt tospeak. He knew that was not his business.
"Can you guess why I have sent for you, Monsignor?"
"No, your Eminence."
"I am leaving for Berlin myself to-night. The Holy Father kindlyallows me to do so. I wish to leave some instructions aboutEnglish affairs before I go."
For a moment the priest's mind was unable to take in all thesignificance of this. The Cardinal's air was of one who announcesthat he is going into the country for a few days. There was notthe 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 inMonsignor Masterman. He has all the affairs of the English Churchin his hands. And I desire that, if possible, he should beappointed 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'simpossible . . . 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 arrivedso swiftly at his determination. He supposed it was partly thedrama of the situation--the sense that big demands were in theair; partly nervous excitement; partly a certain distaste withlife that was growing on him; but chiefly and foremost apassionate and devoted affection for his chief, which he hadnever till this instant suspected in himself. He only perceived,as clearly as in a vision, that this gallant old man must not beallowed to go alone, and that he--he who had criticized andrebelled against the brutality of the world--must go with him.
"Your Eminence," he said, "it is impossible, because I must comewith you to Berlin."
The Cardinal smiled and lifted his hand, as if to animpetuous child.
"My dear fellow----"
Monsignor turned to the other. He felt cool and positive, as if abreeze had fanned away his excitement.
"You understand, your Eminence, do you not? It is impossiblethat the Cardinal should go alone. I am his secretary. I canarrange everything with . . . with the Rector of the EnglishCollege 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. CardinalBellairs stood up, lifting himself with his stick.
"It is very good of you," he said quietly. "I understand why youmake the offer. But it is impossible. Monsignor, will you talkwith His Eminence a little? There are one or two things he wishesto tell you. I have to see the Holy Father, but I will be withyou again soon."
The priest stood up too.
"I must come with you to His Holiness," he said. "I will abideby his decision."
The other shook his head, again smiling almost indulgently.Monsignor turned swiftly to the Italian.
"Your Eminence," he said, "will you get this favour for me? Imust see the Holy Father after Cardinal Bellairs has seen him,since I may not go with him."
The English Cardinal turned with a little abrupt movement andstood looking at him. There was a silence.
"Well--come," he said.