His position is now stronger than it was, affairs at the Vatican being guided at present by those who look upon him with favour." "Yes, I know that," said Manasseh.
"How do you know it, may I ask ?" "Oh, I have wide-reaching connections.

My landlord is a cobbler.
'Messere Scalcagnato' lounges about the _piazza_ by the hour, is therefore well instructed in political matters, and keeps me duly informed of all that takes place at the Vatican." The princess gave a merry laugh at the thought of Manasseh's taking lessons in politics from the professor of shoemaking.

A little feeling of satisfaction contributed also to her display of good humour: she was assured by Manasseh's words that his address was still the same that she had noted in her sketch-book.

But her laugh was immediately followed by a sigh, and she folded her hands in her lap.
"I wage war with nobody, Heaven knows!" she exclaimed, sadly.

"I have merely sued for mercy, and it has been promised me." "Princess," interposed the young man, gently, "I cannot intervene between you and your enemies, but I can arm you with a weapon of defence against their assaults.