They went in by the broad entry-way, as far as a dark colonnaded court, paved with big flags which had grass between them.
In the middle of the court a fountain shot up a little way and fell into a stone basin covered with moss.
Kennedy and Cæsar mounted the wide monumental stairway; on the first floor a handsome glassed-in gallery ran around the court. The whole house had an air of solemnity and sadness. They entered the Cardinal’s office, which was a large, sad, severe room.
Monsignor Spada was a vigorous man, despite his age. He looked frank and intelligent, but one guessed that there was a hidden bitterness and desolation in him. He wore a black cassock with red edges and buttons.
Kennedy went close and was about to kneel to the Cardinal, but he prevented him.
Cæsar explained his ideas to the Cardinal with modesty. He felt that this man was worthy of all his respect.
Monsignor Spada listened attentively, and then said that he understood nothing about financial matters, but that on principle he was in favour of having the administration of all the Church’s property kept entirely at home, as in the time of Pius IX. Leo XIII had preferred to replace this paternal method by a trained bureaucracy, but the Church had not gained anything by it, and they had lost credit through unfortunate negotiations, buying land and taking mortgages.
Cæsar realized that it was useless to attempt to convince a man of the intelligence and austerity of the Cardinal, and he listened to him respectfully.
Monsignor Spada conversed amiably, he escorted them as far as the door, and shook hands when they said good-bye.
THE ABBÉ TARDIEU