"But is it worth fighting-for?"
"Of course, Holy Father, the possession would confer a certain status," put in Saviolli.
The Pope smiled. "'Certain'—and 'status'? Oh really!"
Talacryn was annoyed. He considered the query too sarcastic.
"His Holiness perhaps leans upon the theory that the Church never was more powerful than She is now," della Volta ventured.
"I calculate that's fact, not theory!" exclaimed Grace.
"Well then?"
"I see. In these thirty-odd years without the Temporal Power, the Church has increased in power. It might be argued on that that Temporal Power is not essential."
"Prosecute that argument, and——"
"Has anyone a theory as to what precisely is the chief obstacle in Our way here in Italy?" the Pope interpolated.