"What do they offer me?"
"The position of Prime Minister."
The Marquis started.
"I do not understand you," he said.
"The position of Prime Minister."
Beads of sweat broke out on the brow of the Marquis. He knew that the society was strong enough to keep its promises. He knew that as Prime Minister all his dreams of power and wealth would be realized.
"You spoke also of a service and a guarantee," he said, quietly.
"The service is the greatest that can be rendered by any man to the Catholic world and to his Holiness the Pope."
Fernando lowered his voice.