If necessary, at the supreme moment, Heaven will know how to crush Antichrist." Then, for the first time, Pierre distinctly heard the voice of Santobono, who, gruffly, with a sort of savage decision, responded: "Oh! if Heaven is tardy it shall be helped." That was all; the young man heard nothing further save a confused murmur of voices.

The speakers quitted the balcony, and his spell of waiting began afresh in the sunlit _salon_ so peaceful and delightful in its brightness.

But all at once the door of his Eminence's private room was thrown wide open and a servant ushered him in; and he was surprised to find the Cardinal alone, for he had not witnessed the departure of the two priests, who had gone off by another door.

The Cardinal, with his highly coloured face, big nose, thick lips, square-set, vigorous figure, which still looked young despite his sixty years, was standing near a window in the bright golden light.

He had put on the paternal smile with which he greeted even the humblest from motives of good policy, and as soon as Pierre had knelt and kissed his ring, he motioned him to a chair.
"Sit down, dear son, sit down.