Jeanne did not answer; she was vexed with herself, and mortified at having so nearly betrayed her secret.
Signora Albacina wished to know what opinion Benedetto had of the Pope.
"Oh, in the Pope he sees and venerates the office alone," said the Professor.

"At least, I believe so.

I have never heard him speak of the man, but I have heard him speak of the office.

He made it the subject of a magnificent discourse one evening, comparing Catholicism and Protestantism, and exposing his ideal of the government of the Church: a principality and just liberty.

As to the new Pope, little is known of him as yet.