The Pope cast a slight look round upon his cardinals. They returned it. "You are demanding that We should pay you forty thousand pounds," He said to the expectant Jerry.
"That's correct."
"Why do you demand this sum of Us?"
"Why? Why because we've run into all these expenses on your account. If Ye hadna have been here, neither would we have come and have had all this fuss and bother. Who's to indemnify us for that but Yersel', I'm asking Ye. I'll let Ye know we've fair ruined oursels——"
The Bald She interrupted. "If I could have a private word with Your Holiness."
The motive did not escape Hadrian's notice. "Daughter, your conduct and your notorious proclivities debar you from a private interview with any clergyman, except in the open confessional."
"Then in the confessional."
The Pope rose and beckoned her to follow. He beckoned Sir John to stop the machines and remain: the others to follow. They descended into St. Peter's. There, He turned out the English Confessor; and took his place, while the woman kneeled at the left side. Just out of earshot, the four cardinals stayed with Sant, who fumed in his inward parts. Fhat blathers was this going on under their very noses? The half-door and the window both were open: only the lateral partition divided the priest from the penitent. The grating was between their faces; and, though they were perfectly visible, they were visible apart and separate.
Hadrian in a low tone recited "May the Lord be in thine heart and on thy lips"—; and put Himself to listen.