'But are you sure of him?'
Guarini smiled.
'He shall be dependent upon us; should he attempt to betray us, he would fall to-morrow; we have plenty of means to accomplish that.'
'I cannot deny that the plan is excellent,' said the stranger after a moment of thought, 'but the execution of it seems to me doubtful.'
'Yes, just at present,' said Padre Guarini, 'it may take us one or perchance two years' work, using all possible means, but with God's help victory is certain as far as in human affairs one can be certain of anything.'
'Do you count on the Prince's character?'
'Yes,' answered Guarini, 'having been his confessor for so many years I know him well.'
'What about the Princess?' asked the guest.
'She is a worthy lady and a saint, but God has not endowed her with any feminine charm. She will not satisfy the Prince.'
'For God's sake! I hope you will not persuade him to lead the lascivious life that his father did!'