He had become imperious and difficult to deal with; and was no longer liked by the cardinals of the commission, who were merely called together to approve such transactions as he chose to entrust to them.

So, when the crisis came, a plot was laid; the cardinals terrified the Pope by telling him of all the evil rumours which were current, and then forced Monsignor Folchi to render a full account of his speculations.

The situation proved to be very bad; it was no longer possible to avoid heavy losses.

And so Monsignor Folchi was disgraced, and since then has vainly solicited an audience of Leo XIII, who has always refused to receive him, as if determined to punish him for their common fault--that passion for lucre which blinded them both.

Very pious and submissive, however, Monsignor Folchi has never complained, but has kept his secrets and bowed to fate.