He therefore took refuge in turning
brusquely away as before and was about to address himself to Bonpre,
but stopped short, as he perceived Manuel, who had entered while the
conversation was going on, and who now stood quietly by the
Cardinal's chair in an attitude of composed attention. Moretti
glanced at him with a vexed sense of irritation and reluctant
wonder;--then moistening his dry lips he began,
"I am bound to regret deeply that your Eminence has allowed this
painful discussion to take place in your presence without reproof.
But I presume you are aware of the responsibility incurred?"
The Cardinal slowly inclined his head in grave assent.
"In relating the scene of to-day to His Holiness, I shall be
compelled to mention the attitude you have maintained throughout the
conversation."
"You are at perfect liberty to do so, my son," said Bonpre with
unruffled gentleness.
Moretti hesitated. His eyes again rested on Manuel.
"Pardon me," he said suddenly and irrelevantly, "This boy . . ."
"Is a foundling," said the Cardinal, "He stays with me till I can
place him well in the world. He has no friends."
"He took some part in the affair of this morning, I believe?"
queried Moretti, with a doubtful air.
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