“Well, it is that admirable alimentary harmony sustained by the Church. During the whole year we are authorized to eat terrestrial animals, and in Lent aquatic ones only. Promiscuous as we are, we are undoing the equilibrium between the maritime and the land forces, we are attacking the peaceful rotation of meat and fish.”
“He is a child,” said Preciozi, “we must leave him alone.”
“Yes, but that will not impede my Spaniard’s heart, my Cardinal’s nephew’s heart from bleeding grievously.... Shall we go to the café, Abbé?”
“Yes, let us go.”
THE MARVELLOUS BIRD OF ROME
They left the hotel and entered a café in the Piazza Esedra. Preciozi made a vague move to pay, but Cæsar would not permit him to.
“What do you wish to do?” said the abbé.
“Whatever you like.”
“I have to go to the Altemps palace a moment.”
“To see my uncle?”