"He is away; he has not replied to my letter."
"Has there been time?"
"More than time, your Holiness, but still I hear nothing."
"And what is your conclusion?"
"That my letter has awakened some pity, but now that he knows I am the wife I spoke about and he is the husband intended, he cannot forgive me as he said the husband would forgive, and his generous soul is in distress."
"My daughter, could you wish me to speak to him?"
The cloud fled from her face. "It is more than I deserve, far more, but if the Holy Father would do that...."
"Then I must know the names—you must tell me everything."
"Yes, yes!"
"Who is your father, my child?"