"Francesco Villani," came the reply, given with bated breath.
Clement stared into space as one endeavoring to recall a memory.
"Villani,—Villani—" he muttered to himself with an absent air. "Where have we heard the name before?"
The Cardinal of Cosenza leaned forward, his lips at Clement's ear.
The Pontiff nodded.
"We remember,—we remember,—the illegitimate offspring of Gregorio Villani, Grand Master of the Knights of the Hospital!"
The words had been spoken with intent of being heard by all present.
Francesco straightened himself to his full height.
His eyes blazed as he faced the Pontiff.
"Your Holiness need not proclaim my father's shame to the ears of Christendom! Let it suffice, that I am atoning for his fault,—if fault it was!"