‘Have you questioned her, then, as to this young man’s chances?’
‘She will not speak of them,’ was the abrupt reply.
‘Have they met?’
‘Once, and only once; and of the meeting his memory preserves no trace whatever, since it was during his fever, and when his mind was wandering and incoherent.’
‘Could I see her, without being known? could I speak with her myself?’
Massoni shook his head doubtingly, ‘No disguise would avail against her craft.’
Caraffa pondered long over his thoughts, and at last said—‘I have a strong desire to see her, even though I should not speak to her. What say you, Massoni?’
‘It shall be as pleases your Eminence,’ was the meek answer.
‘So much I know, sir; but it is your counsel that I am now asking; what would you advise?’
‘So far as I can guess,’ answered the Père cautiously, ‘it is her marvellous gift to exert influence over those with whom she comes in contact—a direct palpable sway. Even I, cold, impassive, as I am, unused to feel, and long beyond the reach of such fascination—even I have known what it is to confront a nature thus strangely endowed,’