He did not recollect that he could see the Cardinal alone whenever he pleased, by merely asking for an interview.
Fate had thrust the Cardinal in his path, and fate was responsible.
"If your Eminence will allow me, I would like a word with you," he said suddenly.
"As many as you please," answered the statesman, blandly.

"Let us sit down in that corner--no one will disturb us for a while." He seemed unusually affable, as he sat himself down by Saracinesca's side, gathering the skirt of his scarlet mantle across his knee, and folding his delicate hands together in an attitude of restful attention.
"You know, I daresay, a certain Del Ferice, Eminence ?" began the Prince.
"Very well--the _deus ex machina_ who has appeared to carry off Donna Tullia Mayer.

Yes, I know him." "Precisely, and they will match very well together; the world cannot help applauding the union of the flesh and the devil." The Cardinal smiled.
"The metaphor is apt," he said; "but what about them ?" "I will tell you in two words," replied Saracinesca.

"Del Ferice is a scoundrel of the first water--" "A jewel among scoundrels," interrupted the Cardinal, "for being a scoundrel he is yet harmless--a stage villain." "I believe your Eminence is deceived in him." "That may easily be," answered the statesman.

"I am much more often deceived than people imagine." He spoke very mildly, but his small black eyes turned keenly upon Saracinesca.