Cardinal Bellairs ?" "I've never heard of him." "Nor what he looks like ?" "I haven't a notion." The priest again was silent.
"Look here, Monsignor," he said suddenly, "I'd better take you straight up to your rooms as soon as we arrive; and I'll have a notice put up on your confessional that you are unable to attend there to-day.

You'll have the whole afternoon--after four at least--to yourself, and the rest of the evening.

We needn't tell a soul until we're certain that it can't be helped, not even the Cardinal.

But I'm afraid you'll have to preside at lunch to-day." "Eh ?" "Mr.Manners is coming, you know, to consult with the Cardinal; and I think if you weren't there to entertain him----" Monsignor nodded sharply, with compressed lips.
"I understand.

But just tell me who Mr.Manners is ?" The priest answered without any sign of discomposure.
"He's a member of the Government.