Roma's fingers were clasped convulsively in her lap. She lifted her timid but passionate face and said:
"I know nothing about that, your Holiness. I only know that whatever he is doing his heart laid it upon him as a duty, and his heart is pure and noble."
"My daughter, your husband may be the greatest of patriots in spirit and intention, but nevertheless he is one of the criminal and visionary teachers of this unhappy time who are deluding the ignorant crowd with promises that can never be realised. Anarchy, chaos, the uprooting of religion and morality, of justice, human dignity, and the purity of domestic life—these are the only possible fruits of the seed he is sowing."
The timid eyes began to flash. "I did not come here to hear this, your Holiness." The Pope put his hand tenderly on her hands.
"Remember, my child, what you said yourself on your former visit."
Roma dropped her head.
"The authorities know all about it."
"Holy Father!"
"It was necessary."
"Then ... then somebody must have told them."