And in finally yielding to Celia, he must have been guided by the idea of rallying to the new _regime_ through his daughter, so as to have one foot firmly set at the Quirinal, without withdrawing the other from the Vatican.

It was galling, no doubt; his pride must have bled at the idea of allying his name with that of such low folks as the Saccos.

But then Sacco was a minister, and had sped so quickly from success to success that it seemed likely he would rise yet higher, and, after the portfolio of Agriculture, secure that of Finances, which he had long coveted.

And an alliance with Sacco meant the certain favour of the King, an assured retreat in that direction should the papacy some day collapse.

Then, too, the Prince had made inquiries respecting the son, and was somewhat disarmed by the good looks, bravery, and rectitude of young Attilio, who represented the future, and possibly the glorious Italy of to-morrow.