The young ecclesiastic lost himself utterly. "The Pope," he said, "knows nothing more than I have told you."
"Yes, Monsignor, the Pope knows one thing more. He knows who was his informant and authority. It is necessary that the Government should know that also, in order that it may judge for itself of the nature of the conspiracy and the source from which it may be expected."
The Monsignor was quivering like a limed bird. "I have delivered my message, and have only to add that in sending me here his Holiness desired to prevent crime, not to help you to apprehend criminals."
The Baron's eye-glasses dropped from his nose, and he spoke sharply and incisively. "The Government must at least know who the lady was who visited his Holiness at the Vatican yesterday morning, and led him to believe that a serious insurrection was impending."
"That your Excellency never will, or can, or shall know."
The Monsignor was bowing himself out of the room when the Baron's secretary opened the door and announced another visitor.
"Donna Roma, your Excellency."
The Monsignor betrayed fresh agitation, and tried to go.
"Bring her in," said the Baron. "One moment, Monsignor."
"I have said all I am authorised to say, sir, and I feel warned that I must say no more."