As soon as Monsignor Fornaro had made room, he stooped and conversed with the young woman in a low tone.

And she no doubt confirmed the news which was circulating, for as he again drew himself erect, he laughed a somewhat forced laugh, and made an involuntary gesture.
However, he then caught sight of Pierre, and joined him in the embrasure of the window; and when he had also shaken hands with Narcisse, he said to the young priest with all his wonted _bravura_: "You recollect what I told you as we were coming back from Frascati?
Well, it's done, it seems, they've annulled my marriage.

It's such an impudent, such an imbecile decision, that I still doubted it a moment ago!" "Oh! the news is certain," Pierre made bold to reply.

"It has just been confirmed to us by Monsignor Fornaro, who had it from a member of the Congregation.

And it is said that the majority was very large." Prada again shook with laughter.