The Abbe
knows me well, and--" he added with a slight sneer, "he is likely to
know me better!"
Without further words he signed to Angela to retire, and passing
through the antechamber, he opened the door of the Cardinal's room
and entered abruptly.
XV.
The Cardinal was seated,--he rose as Moretti appeared.
"I beg your Eminence to spare yourself!" said Moretti suavely, with
a deep salutation, "And to pardon me for thus coming unannounced
into the presence of one so highly esteemed by the Holy Father as
Cardinal Bonpre!"
The Cardinal gave a gesture of courteous deprecation; and Monsignor
Moretti, lifting his, till then, partially lowered eyelids, flashed
an angry regard upon the Abbe Vergniaud, who resting his back
against the book-case behind him, met his glance with the most
perfect composure. Close to him stood his son and would-be murderer
Cyrillon,--his dark handsome face rendered even handsomer by the
wistful and softened expression of his eyes, which ever and anon
rested upon his father with a look of mingled wonder and respect.
There was a brief silence--of a few seconds at most,--and then
Moretti spoke again in a voice which thrilled with pent-up
indignation, but which he endeavoured to render calm and clear as he
addressed the Cardinal.
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