"Ah, my dear son!" he said to Pierre, "I am very pleased to see you! Well, and what do you think of our Rome when she makes up her mind to give _fetes_ ?" "Why, it is superb, Monseigneur." Then, in an emotional manner, Nani spoke of Celia's lofty piety; and, in order to give the Vatican the credit of this sumptuous _gala_, affected to regard the Prince and Princess as staunch adherents of the Church, as if he were altogether unaware that the King and Queen were presently coming.

And afterwards he abruptly exclaimed: "I have been thinking of you all day, my dear son.

Yes, I heard that you had gone to see his Eminence Cardinal Sanguinetti.

Well, and how did he receive you ?" "Oh! in a most paternal manner," Pierre replied.

"At first he made me understand the embarrassment in which he was placed by his position as protector of Lourdes; but just as I was going off he showed himself charming, and promised me his help with a delicacy which deeply touched me." "Did he indeed, my dear son?
But it doesn't surprise me, his Eminence is so good-hearted!" "And I must add, Monseigneur, that I came back with a light and hopeful heart.