But he thought he had better be cautious.
"I'm afraid I shall give a lot of trouble," he murmured, looking doubtfully at this sparkling-eyed, blue-chinned young man, who spoke with such rapidity.
"Not in the least, I assure you." He turned to the older priest.
"The Cardinal left here only half an hour ago.

How unfortunate! He came over to arrange the final details of the disputation.
You've heard of that ?" "Not a word." The young prelate beamed.
"Well, you'll hear the finest wit in France! It's for this afternoon." (His face fell.) "But it's Latin.

Perhaps Monsignor ought not----" "Ah! so long as he doesn't talk---!" (Father Jervis turned to his friend.) "I was telling Monsignor here that the doctor ordered you to engage in no business that did not interest you; and that Latin was rather a strain to you just now----" This seemed adroit enough.

But Monsignor was determined to miss no new experience.
"It will simply delight me," he said.

"And what is the subject ?" "Well," said the Frenchman, "it's for the benefit of the Emperor.