‘He knew of this youth’s birth and station ere I did myself: he was the confessor of the Fitzgerald family, and attended Grace on her deathbed.’
‘Hussey, then, believes this story?’
‘He would swear to its truth, your Eminence.’
‘He is a crafty fellow, and one not easily to be deceived,’ said Caraffa, musing. ‘Let me see his letter.’
He took the letter from the Père, and perused it carefully.
‘I see little in this,’ said he, handing it back, ‘that you have not already told me.’
‘I have endeavoured to make your Eminence acquainted with everything that occurred,’ said Massoni with downcast eyes, but yet contriving to watch the countenance of the other attentively.
‘Monsignor Hussey, then, recommends in case of any backwardness—such is his phrase—that you yourself should reveal to this youth the story of his descent. Have you thought over this counsel?’
‘I have, your Eminence.’
‘Well, and to what conclusion has it led you?’