"I trust," he replied in all simplicity, "that his Holiness still has many long years to live for the triumph of the Church." "So you had good news this morning when you called on your bishop, Cardinal Sanguinetti ?" This time the priest was unable to restrain a slight start.

Had he been seen, then?
In his haste he had failed to notice the two men following the road behind him.

However, he at once regained self-possession, and replied: "Oh! one can never tell exactly whether news is good or bad.

It seems that his Holiness passed a somewhat painful night, but I devoutly hope that the next will be a better one." Then he seemed to meditate for a moment, and added: "Moreover, if God should have deemed it time to call his Holiness to Himself, He would not leave His flock without a shepherd.
He would have already chosen and designated the Sovereign Pontiff of to-morrow." This superb answer increased Prada's gaiety.

"You are really extraordinary, Abbe," he said.