When his Holiness is a little tired and people say that he is very ill, he often lets them do so, for it gives him a rest and enables him to judge certain ambitions and manifestations of impatience around him." Pierre, however, was too upset to listen attentively.

"No, it's all over," he continued, "I'm in despair.

You spoke to me of the possibility of a miracle, but I am no great believer in miracles.

Since I am defeated here at Rome, I shall go away, I shall return to Paris, and continue the struggle there.

Oh! I cannot resign myself, my hope in salvation by the practice of love cannot die, and I shall answer my denouncers in a new book, in which I shall tell in what new soil the new religion will grow up!" Silence fell.