"No," he said, "I know Cardinal Bonpre; that is enough!"
"But there is a great difference between Rampolla and Bonpre," said
Gherardi, with twinkling eyes, "Bonpre is scarcely ever in Rome. He
lives a life apart--and has for a long while been considered as a
kind of saint from the privacy and austerity of his life. But he has
heralded his arrival in the Eternal City triumphantly--by the
performance of a miracle! What do you say to this?--you who would do
away with things miraculous?"
"I say nothing till I hear," answered Aubrey, "I must know what the
nature of the so-called miracle is. I am a believer in soul-forces,
and in the exhalation of spiritual qualities affecting or
influencing others: but in this there is no miracle, it is simply
natural law."
"Well, you must interview the Cardinal yourself," said Gherardi
indulgently, "and tell me afterwards what you think about it, if
indeed you think anything. But you will not find him at home this
morning. He is summoned to the Vatican."
"On account of the miracle?--or the scandal affecting the Abbe
Vergniaud?" asked Aubrey.
"Both matters are under discussion, I believe," replied Gherardi
evasively, "But they are not in my province. Now, can I be of any
further service to you, Mr.
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