And I have already told you that we are here on neutral ground, for Prince Buongiovanni was one of the first to realise the necessity of conciliation.

He feels that his fortune is perishing, he does not care to risk it either in industry or in speculation, and already sees it portioned out among his five children, by whose descendants it will be yet further divided; and this is why he prudently makes advances to the King without, however, breaking with the Pope.

In this _salon_, therefore, you see a perfect picture of the _debacle_, the confusion which reigns in the Prince's ideas and opinions." Narcisse paused, and then began to name some of the persons who were coming in.

"There's a general," said he, "who has become very popular since his last campaign in Africa.

There will be a great many military men here this evening, for all Attilio's superiors have been invited, so as to give the young man an _entourage_ of glory.