I will have a word with Giovanni here before I go down-stairs." He extended his hand to Frangipani, who lifted it respectfully to his lips and withdrew, seeing that he was not wanted.

He and many others speculated long upon the business which engaged his Eminence in close conversation with Giovanni Saracinesca, keeping him for more than a quarter of an hour in the cold ante-chamber, where the night wind blew in unhindered from the vast staircase of the palace.

As a matter of fact, Giovanni was as much surprised as any one.
"Where have you been, my friend ?" inquired the Cardinal, when they were alone.
"To Saracinesca, your Eminence." "And what have you been doing in Saracinesca at this time of year?
I hope you are attending to the woods there--you have not been cutting timber ?" "No one can be more anxious than we to see the woods grow thick upon our hills," replied Giovanni.

"Your Eminence need have no fear." "Not for your estates," said the great Cardinal, his small keen black eyes resting searchingly on Giovanni's face.

"But I confess I have some fears for yourself." "For me, Eminence ?" repeated Giovanni, in some astonishment.
"For you.