So, when you see him, don't plead your cause; it would be of no avail, and might even irritate him." Pierre was not particularly distressed by this news, for at his first interview with the Cardinal, and on the few subsequent occasions when he had respectfully visited him, he had fully understood that his Eminence would never be other than an adversary.

"Well," said he, "I will wait on him to thank him for his neutrality." But at this all Don Vigilio's terrors returned.

"No, no, don't do that; he would perhaps realise that I have spoken to you, and then what a disaster--my position would be compromised.

I've said nothing, nothing! See the cardinals to begin with, see all the cardinals.

Let it be understood between us that I've said nothing more." And, on that occasion at any rate, Don Vigilio would speak no further, but left the room shuddering and darting fiery, suspicious glances on either side of the corridor.
Pierre at once went out to call on Cardinal Sanguinetti.