"Probably--if however you will call the beast to one side, I would like to discuss my business with you, cavaliere."
"Shut the door, and sit down there," he replied, "Pluto will not disturb us--you can put back your sword. It would avail you little," he grinned.
It cost me an effort, but I did as I was bidden, and Baglioni sank back into his lounge, the bear still standing, and keeping its fierce eyes on me. Its master however kept running his hand up and down its shaggy coat, whilst he asked in his measured voice--
"Well, and to what do I owe the honour of this visit?"
"You would prefer no beating about the bush?"
"It is my way."
"Well, then, cavaliere, I have come from Rome with a special object, and that is to ask you to change sides, and to use your influence with your cousin, Count Carlo, to do likewise."
"I follow the head of my house."
"Exactly. You are aware that His Holiness is now over seventy years of age."
"The lambkin of God, Alexander--yes."