Assuredly the world's future was being prepared behind that bronze portal; assuredly it was that future which would issue forth.
But all at once Pierre was amazed to find himself face to face with Monsignor Nani, who had just left the Vatican on his way to the neighbouring Palace of the Inquisition, where, as Assessor, he had his residence.
"Ah! Monsignor," said Pierre, "I am very pleased.

My friend Monsieur Habert is going to present me to his cousin, Monsignor Gamba del Zoppo, and I think I shall obtain the audience I so greatly desire." Monsignor Nani smiled with his usual amiable yet keen expression.

"Yes, yes, I know." But, correcting himself as it were, he added: "I share your satisfaction, my dear son.

Only, you must be prudent." And then, as if fearing that the young priest might have understood by his first words that he had just seen Monsignor Gamba, the most easily terrified prelate of the whole prudent pontifical family, he related that he had been running about since an early hour on behalf of two French ladies, who likewise were dying of a desire to see the Pope.

However, he greatly feared that the help he was giving them would not prove successful.
"I will confess to you, Monsignor," replied Pierre, "that I myself was getting very discouraged.