‘This would be indeed fatal to us,’ said Caraflfa despondingly.
‘And yet it is what will assuredly happen if we do not intervene.’
‘But can we prevent it?’
‘I believe we can. I believe there is even yet time to make the struggle our own. But if there is not—if it be too late—we shall have a great game to play. A Protestant rising must never have our support! Better far for us to turn to the government and by this ostentatious show of our allegiance, lay foundation for future demands and concessions.’
The Cardinal bent his head twice in approval.
‘All these things, however, combine to show that we must be up and stirring. Many who would be with us, if they were sure of our going forward, will take service with Tone and his party, if we delay. Carrol himself was pledged to report in person to the secret committee at Waterford by the eighth of the month, and we are now at the seventeenth. These delays are serious! This letter from Hussey, which only reached me last night, will show your Eminence how eagerly our answer is awaited.’
The Cardinal made a gesture of impatience, as he declined the proffered letter.
‘It is not,’ said he, ‘by such considerations we are to be swayed, Massoni.’
‘Hussey insists on knowing whether or not your Eminence is with them,’ said the Père boldly, ‘and if you have recognised the young Prince.’
‘So, then, he knows of your secret,’ said the Cardinal with a sly malice.