Lind regarded him; and said, slowly,
"You know, Calabressa, that some seventeen years ago I was on the point of being elected a member of the Council."
"I know it," said the other, with a little embarrassment.
"You know why—though you do not know the right or the wrong of it—all that became impossible."
Calabressa nodded. It was delicate ground, and he was afraid to speak.
"Well," said Lind, "I ask you boldly—do you not think I have done enough in these sixteen or seventeen years to reinstate myself? Who else has done a tithe of the work I have done?"
"Friend Lind, I think that is well understood at head-quarters."
"Very well, then, Calabressa, what do you think? Consider what I have done; consider what I have now to do—what I may yet do. There is this Zaccatelli business. I do not approve of it myself. I think it is a mistake, as far as England is concerned. The English will not hear of assassination, even though it is such a criminal as the cardinale
affamatore who is to be punished. But though I do not approve, I obey. Some one from the English section will fulfil that duty: it is something to be considered. Then money; think of the money I have contributed. Without English money what would have been done? when there is any new levy wanted, it is to England—to me—they apply first; and at the present moment their cry for money is more urgent than ever. Very well, then, my Calabressa; what do you think of all this?"
Calabressa seemed somewhat embarrassed.