It's true though that his Eminence is so fond of them." "My brother won't do them much honour to-day," remarked the Princess.

"He is slightly indisposed.

He passed a bad night." The repeated mention of Abbe Paparelli had made the old lady somewhat thoughtful.

She had regarded the train-bearer with displeasure ever since she had noticed the extraordinary influence he was gaining over the Cardinal, despite all his apparent humility and self-effacement.

He was but a servant and apparently a very insignificant one, yet he governed, and she could feel that he combated her own influence, often undoing things which she had done to further her brother's interests.