Doubtless the Vatican was unable to subscribe to this marriage which seemed to unite old Rome with the young Kingdom of Italy, but on the other hand it did not desire people to think that it abandoned old and faithful supporters and took no interest in what befell them.
"But come, my dear son," the prelate resumed, "it is you who are now in question.

I told you that although the Congregation of the Index had pronounced itself for the condemnation of your book, the sentence would only be submitted to the Holy Father and signed by him on the day after to-morrow.

So you still have a whole day before you." At this Pierre could not refrain from a dolorous and vivacious interruption.
"Alas! Monseigneur, what can I do ?" said he; "I have thought it all over, and I see no means, no opportunity of defending myself.

How could I even see his Holiness now that he is so ill ?" "Oh! ill, ill!" muttered Nani with his shrewd expression.

"His Holiness is ever so much better, for this very day, like every other Wednesday, I had the honour to be received by him.