Well, besides the regular income from the invested money, a few hundred thousand francs are derived every year from chancellery dues, patents of nobility, and all sorts of little fees paid to the Congregations.

However, as the annual expenses exceed seven millions, it has been necessary to find quite six millions every year; and certainly it is the Peter's Pence Fund that has supplied, not the six millions, perhaps, but three or four of them, and with these the Holy See has speculated in the hope of doubling them and making both ends meet.

It would take me too long just now to relate the whole story of these speculations, the first huge gains, then the catastrophe which almost swept everything away, and finally the stubborn perseverance which is gradually supplying all deficiencies.

However, if you are anxious on the subject, I will one day tell you all about it." Pierre had listened with deep interest.

"Six millions--even four!" he exclaimed, "what does the Peter's Pence Fund bring in, then ?" "Oh! I can only repeat that nobody has ever known the exact figures.