Roma laughed. The soldier laughed. "Shall we go?" she said.
A carriage was waiting for them, and they drove by the Tor di Nona, a narrow lane which skirts the banks of the Tiber, across the bridge of St. Angelo, and up the Borgo.
Roma was nervous and preoccupied. Why had she been sent for? What could the Pope have to say to her?
"Isn't it unusual," she asked, "for the Pope to send for any one—especially a woman, and a non-Catholic?"
"Most unusual. But perhaps Father Pifferi...."
"Father Pifferi?"
"He is the Holy Father's confessor."
"Is he a Capuchin?"
"Yes. The General at San Lorenzo."
"Ah, now I understand," said Roma. Light had dawned on her and her spirits began to rise.