In a word you will be in the diplomatic service of the Holy See, though without direct office or commission beyond that which I now give you myself.

You will have full liberty to make a career for yourself in the English or French Courts, so long as this comes always second to your service to ourselves.

If you acquit yourself well--in the way which will be explained to you later--you may make a career with us too, and will have rewards if you want them: but for the present there must be no talk of that.

As you must be in the world yet not of it; so you must be of the Court of Rome yet not in it.

It is a delicate position that you will hold; and, to compensate for the informality of it, you will have the more liberty on your side, to make a career, as I have said, or to marry, if God calls you to that, or in any other way....