‘Why, that on these grounds you have approached the Church of Rome through her chief representative here, as being the body most fitted to accept and act upon that view of the future of human religion, the one most competent and able to carry it into effect if she will.’
‘Yes; what then?’
‘Why, then I think it is time you followed up your first interview with the cardinal by another. If this revolution is going to shake society to pieces, the endurance of even his Church will be tried, the more especially if the rumours mentioned by the correspondent of the Daily Twaddler this morning should prove true, that an Italian woman of influence and position is getting up an agitation against the Church in Rome itself, which may end in a regular persecution,’
‘Look here, then, Fri; if I go and call on the cardinal again, will you go with me?’
‘I! Do you think that would be of any use, Lesbia? I sympathise with your aims as heartily as your uncle can, but my talents are not equal to his; in fact I am no orator, though I study a good deal.’
‘I think it might be of service, Fri. The world’s the world, and its motives are not always those of pure reason. Your father has lately been in a prominent position before it, while my uncle is only an obscure clever man.’
‘My father!’ said Friga, laughing. ‘Yes; he has been in a prominent position before the world of late; very. More prominent than successful. However, if you think I might be useful to bait your hook, as a possible convert to Romanism, I’ll go through the ceremony of calling with you, at all events.’
‘That’s settled then; we must arrange an opportunity. Now, how are you going home?’
‘Direct. The wagonette will drop me at the park gate,
