The frowning impatience of his aspect attracted the attention of the group round the Ambassador.

As he reached them, he said to the priest beside him-- 'You know that he has withdrawn his recantation ?' 'Ah! yes'-- said the Monsignore, raising his eyebrows, 'poor fellow!'-- The mingled indifference and compassion of the tone made the words bite.
Manisty flushed.
'I hear he was promised consideration,' he said quickly.
'Then he got it,' was the priest's smiling reply.
'He was told that his letter was not for publication.

Next morning it appeared in the _Osservatore Romano_.' 'Oh no!--impossible! Your facts are incorrect.' The Monsignore laughed, in unperturbed good humour.

But after the laugh, the face reappeared, hard and a little menacing, like a rock that has been masked by a wave.

He watched Manisty for a moment silently.
'Where is he ?' said Manisty abruptly.
'Are you talking of Father Benecke' ?' said the Ambassador.