"Then I found that my enemy was one of my father's friends, and a true and noble man. Holy Father, I had begun in hate, but I could not hate him. The darkness faded away from my soul, and something bright and beautiful came in its place. I loved him, and he loved me. With all our hearts we loved each other."
"And then?"
"Then he came back to me. I knew all the secrets I had set out to learn, but I could not give them up, and when I refused he threatened me."
"And what did you do?"
"I married my husband and withstood every temptation. It wasn't so very hard, for I cared nothing for wealth and luxury now. I only wanted to be good. God Himself should see how good I could be."
The Pope's eyes were moist. He was patting the young woman's trembling hand.
"My blessing rest on you, my daughter, and may the man you have married be worthy of your love and trust."
"Indeed, indeed he is," said Roma.
"He was your father's friend, you tell me?"
"Yes, your Holiness, and although we met again so recently, I had known him in England when I was a child."