The supposed delinquent was simply seized (usually in the dead of the night, to avoid scandal), and hurried off to durance vile, to undergo, as it was phrased _prigione ed altre pene a nostro arbitrio_.

One day C---- brought the Pope particulars of what was at once pronounced by his Holiness a most flagrant case.

The wife of the highly respected and able _Avocato_ B---- (a stout lady of fifty), who was at the same time legal adviser to the French Embassy, was in the habit of driving out daily in the carriage, and by the side of the old bachelor Duke C----, Exempt of the Noble Guard.

The Papal decision on the case was instant.

The act was of such frequent occurrence, so audaciously, so unblushingly public, that public morality demanded the strongest measures.