Indeed, there is nothing to say, beyond the fact that he is,
according to our religion, a heretic--but he is a brilliant and
intellectual heretic,--WELL WORTH REDEEMING!" He emphasised the
words, and shot a meaning glance at her; but she did not appear to
take his hint or fathom his intention. She walked on steadily, her
eyes downcast,--her tiny feet, shod in charming little French
walking shoes, peeping in and out with a flash of steel on their
embroidered points, from under the mysterious gleam of silk flounces
that gave a soft "swish," as she moved,--her golden hair escaping in
one or two silky waves from under a picturesque black hat, fastened
on by velvet ribbons, which were tied in a captivating knot under
the sweetest of little white chins, a chin whose firm contour almost
contradicted the sensitive lines of the kissable mouth above it. A
curious, dull sense of anger teased the astute brain of Domenico
Gherardi, as with all the dignified deportment of the stately
churchman, he walked on by her side. What was all his scheming
worth, he began to think, if this slight feminine creature proved
herself more than a match for him? The utmost he could do with his
life and ambitions was to sway the ignorant, cram his coffers with
gold, and purchase a change of mistresses for his villa at Frascati.
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