"Is nothing to be exempted from this sale?" Sterling thoughtfully asked.
"There will be some exemptions." The Pope turned to Cardinal della Volta. "You will reserve one silver-gilt chalice and paten for every priest in the palace: one silver-gilt pyx for every tabernacle; and one plain set of pontifical regalia which We will indicate to you. Nothing more. Hereafter, the court can use ornaments which are the private possessions of individuals."
"I must say that I think the pontifical regalia deserves a better fate than conversion into bullion and gems," said Gentilotto.
"Nonsense," the Pope sharply retorted. "The pontifical regalia is not sacrosanct like the Carthaginian zaïmph." The frayed edges of His nerves shewed themselves.
"I concede it," the cardinal admitted.
Hadrian rose. "We have summoned the Sacred Consistory for to-morrow morning, when We will issue Our decrees in this matter."
Semphill no longer could contain himself. He exploded with "Of course Your Holiness has seen the Catholic Hour?"
Hadrian thought that He particularly liked this cardinal to-day for some reason. Yes of course, His Eminency looked better during Advent. The ordinary vermilion made his chubby rubicundity appear too blue. That was the reason.
"Oh, yes:" the Pontiff replied.