The Basilica rose up in front of them, and the Vatican on the right, above the majestic curve of the colonnade.

Just as the waiter was bringing the _hors-d'oeuvre_, some _finocchio_* and anchovies, the young priest, who had fixed his eyes on the Vatican, raised an exclamation to attract Narcisse's attention: "Look, my friend, at that window, which I am told is the Holy Father's.
Can't you distinguish a pale figure standing there, quite motionless ?" * Fennel-root, eaten raw, a favourite "appetiser" in Rome during the spring and autumn .-- Trans.
The young man began to laugh.

"Oh! well," said he, "it must be the Holy Father in person.

You are so anxious to see him that your very anxiety conjures him into your presence." "But I assure you," repeated Pierre, "that he is over there behind the window-pane.

There is a white figure looking this way." Narcisse, who was very hungry, began to eat whilst still indulging in banter.