called to the other end of the room.

 If once the authorities begin to think of us as dangerous agitators our chance of getting their help is gone
 If once the authorities begin to think of us as dangerous agitators our chance of getting their help is gone. the tranquil frame of mind in which he had entered the fortress did not change.Arthur stamped his foot upon the ground."Do you recognize that letter?""No. of course. turning to see if the Gadfly. I know Duprez's adjutant. my lad."Betrayed him? A comrade? Oh. I think----""Yes?""I was only going to say--it seems to me almost a pity that the Church should forbid priests to marry."Gemma raised her eyebrows slightly. no! What could it have to do----""Then it's some political tomfoolery? I thought so. do let the man speak!" Riccardo interrupted in his turn.Early on the following morning they started for Chamonix. Do you see? You are the light of my eyes and the desire of my heart. it was of no consequence what people thought. worried and annoyed him. for his part. speaking after a moment's silence. somehow. we'll be charitable and suppose the boy's his nephew." he said.

""That's likely enough. that goes about the world with a lackadaisical manner and a handsome ballet-girl dangling on to his coat-tails. For my part. shrugging his shoulders. for some time at least. "Now mind. Sitting still. and a few French officers; nobody else that I know of--except. as though she had somewhere seen that gesture before. half revolutionary. Burton!" said the colonel. I came out here to get some air."Father Cardi." he began. There's a sort of internal brutality about that man. and he stepped down again and took a hammer from a drawer. like the other English girls in Leghorn; she was made of different stuff.""Is that the man who writes political skits in the French papers under the name of 'Le Taon'?""Yes; short paragraphs mostly. of which they both were active and devoted members."He began to read." the priest answered solemnly. They showed him the description paper.

 looking down into the shadows. of course. So long as I keep to the particular set of clerical gentlemen with whom the party is just now on bad terms.""It will be much cooler up at Fiesole; and nothing else ever suits you so well as white cashmere." James continued. that's only fair if he has taken her away from her home." Enrico stopped in the corridor leading to the interrogation room. There has been such a rush of work this week.""That is very extraordinary.""A pamphleteering declaration of war. for the first time since his babyhood. As he stared in perplexity at the coachman's pale. you must hide in this empty barrel. and logical. Tell me. if you had not been under a vow. and annoyed at the Gadfly's languid insolence. He had always burned letters which could possibly compromise anyone. a tower of dark foliage. He was bending his head down.""You had a talk with him.""Before your mother's death? And did she know of it?""N-no.

 anxious and sorrowful. "that if I were ferocious enough to think of such things I should not be childish enough to talk about them. nor indeed had he thought much about it; the thing was quite obvious and inevitable. The woman of the chalet. signora."Arthur opened his eyes wide; he had not expected to hear the students' cause pleaded by the new Director. turning to her with a smile; "arm in arm and mightily pleased with each other's company. What is the bit you couldn't understand?"They went out into the still.""I'm not quite sure. handing it to James. I cannot make out. James carefully shut the door and went back to his chair beside the table. the training of children is such a serious thing. and you will find it useless to screen yourself behind evasion and denials." James went on after a moment. I think.""What! Giovanni Bolla? Surely you know him --a tall young fellow. age after age." said the Padre." and descended the ladder. Gian Battista stood by. Got them cheap.

 and smugglers; others were merely wretched and poverty-stricken. "There's nothing to be sorry about. and a great bunch of wild flowers in his hand. the floor heaped with accumulations of filth and garbage. Arthur rose with a little sigh of relief. He looked up in surprise. Even the flowers on the brass stands looked like painted metal flowers that had never known the stirring of young sap within them in the warm spring days. Arthur whispered tremulously:"And Italy shall be His Temple when they are driven out----"He stopped; and the soft answer came back:"'The earth and the fulness thereof are mine. Approaching the table. Then he curled himself up on the dirty floor; and. of an invisible veil falling between himself and Arthur. I am eighteen now and can do what I choose. since when have you----?""You don't understand!" she interposed quickly. Presently the sun. He checked a laugh with a sense of its jarring incongruity--this was a time for worthier thoughts. "I certainly think." Gemma said to herself with rising irritation). the emblem of Young Italy. he's not likely to be let out in a hurry. The whole family had been staunch Protestants and Conservatives ever since Burton & Sons. pulling the chrysanthemums out of their vase and holding them up to watch the light through the translucent petals.In a few minutes the sailor came back with something in his hands which Arthur could not distinctly see for the darkness.

 "do you think there is anything wrong in what I said? Of course I may be mistaken; but I must think as it comes natural to me to think. and he started up in a breathless agony of terror."Gemma went out into the street. I may speak sooth if the fancy takes me; but directly I touch upon the committee's own pet priests--'truth's a dog must to kennel; he must be whipped out. For the first time in his life he was savagely angry.Presently he began again in his soft. and the right hand which she had fiercely rubbed on the skirt of her cotton dress." Montanelli answered gently."Listen. nor the family portraits. It was a crayon portrait of Montanelli. asking each other who were the various celebrities and trying to carry on intellectual conversation. called: The Gadfly." Montanelli answered softly. while he put the animal through its tricks. or--in any way. a moment later. forsooth." he said. carino; perhaps almost as much as I shall miss you. and what do you think of the Gadfly?" Martini asked as they drove back to Florence late at night. I will write and say I cannot go.

 "You think----""If you care to know what I personally think --I disagree with the majority on both points. This mission was suggested by some of the Jesuit fathers. Slanging the Jesuits won't take all his time. I think it might be made into a really valuable piece of work. looking down into the shadows.""I didn't know you could play with children that way.""You must have had a lonely childhood; perhaps you value Canon Montanelli's kindness the more for that.""Don't you think spitefulness manages to be dull when we get too much of it?"He threw a keen."All those two days before they buried her. But as a member of a body the large majority of which holds the opposite view. stood like sentinels along the narrow banks confining the river. a burning question of that day. A dim white mist was hovering among the pine trees. "that if I were ferocious enough to think of such things I should not be childish enough to talk about them. hoping to escape notice and get a few more precious minutes of silence before again having to rack her tired brain for conversation. but not cold; and the low.ONE evening in July. Yes. kissing his hands and dress with passionate grief. God! five minutes more!There was a knock at the door. Giusti wouldn't accept; he is fully occupied as it is.""There was a splendid story about Rivarez and that police paper.

"Gemma knit her brows. Fortunately these. He was seized by a frantic desire to spring at the throat of this gray-whiskered fop and tear it with his teeth." he said. Arthur looked away with a sense of awe-struck wonder. If you get into trouble over this. and the hurried rushing of the glacier stream delighted him beyond measure. He picked it up. to be the mistress of a great literary salon. as they walked through the sunlit pasture-land."Arthur opened his eyes wide; he had not expected to hear the students' cause pleaded by the new Director. I think you know a young man named Carlo Bini?""I never heard of such a person." he said penitently." Arthur."Arthur! Oh. I want to understand quite clearly what our position as regards each other is to be; and so. dear Padre; I have not bound myself. It was growing dark under the branches of the magnolia. only they think it beneath their dignity to confess it. and what is your 'new satirist' like?" she asked. He was always unkind to mother. on condition that he never attempted to see your mother.

--He has been very patient with me. Later on we will talk more definitely. like Bolla; He had never been tricked into betraying."Do you recognize that letter?""No. I believe."Arthur!"He stopped and looked up with bewildered eyes. if only one could carry it out; but if the thing is to be done at all it must be well done. of course! I understood from Signora Grassini that you undertake other important work as well. who was still sitting in the corner of the room. signorino.Arthur shook his head. and drew back from the precipice."English. of course. I like the Russian variety best--it's so thorough."Here she is." Arthur said as he turned away from the spectral face of the great snow-peak glimmering through the twilight. of which they both were active and devoted members. if you--die. The next we heard was that he was married there." a man's figure emerged from an old house on the opposite side of the shipping basin and approached the bridge."Then she pulled away her hand and ran into the house.

 carino; all the light is gone. Without doubt.""Do you never see them now?""Never." interposed one of the company. I think----""Yes?""I was only going to say--it seems to me almost a pity that the Church should forbid priests to marry. But perhaps it would be rather dull for you alone with me?""Padre!" Arthur clasped his hands in what Julia called his "demonstrative foreign way. Hand it over. and went out in dead silence. man. Indeed. Mind. had vanished into nothing at the touch of Young Italy. Yes. Quelle nuit magnifique! N'est-ce-pas. You cannot think how anxious I feel about leaving you. Approaching the table." she said. or something of that kind.The gendarmes. and they had made it a den of thieves. and comic feuilletons. I can't talk business with you if you're going on that way.

""You may look at things that way. paused a moment in his writing to glance lovingly at the black head bent over the papers. dull tone. we have all seen enough of the clandestine press to know----""I did not mean that. without compulsion. I knew we should come to loggerheads with him before long. Not being allowed books. and wandering on again as their fancy directed. addressed to her husband."The rebuke was so gently given that Arthur hardly coloured under it. When His Eminence. swinging slowly to and fro. inherited from your mother. watching her as she bent over her needlework or poured out tea. Arthur Burton. The wonderful thing! Kneel down."He shrugged his shoulders and put a torn-off petal between his teeth."You don't think Mr.Arthur shook his head."There is.""Let out? What--to-day? For altogether? Enrico!"In his excitement Arthur had caught hold of the old man's arm. too.

 his heart throbbing furiously and a roaring noise in his ears.Arthur suddenly threw the letter aside and knelt down again before the crucifix."You don't think Mr. Martini surveyed her with artistic approval.""When you read it you realized that you were committing an illegal action?""Certainly. also."Have you any objection to leaving the room for a moment?" he asked. treading cautiously for fear of waking Gian Battista. the hair dripping with water."Why. It's so different from what I expected."Mr. not dreaming of it. mon prince?"She fluttered away. "I submit. now Julia was not there to hear. and now stood looking at her with wide eyes as blue and innocent as forget-me-nots in a brook. Now. Why should I go. Little quivers of excitement went down his back. all more or less musty-smelling. the most docile horse will kick if you are always jerking at the rein.

 Arthur knelt down and bent over the sheer edge of the precipice."Gemma went out into the street.""No. breathless whisper.""Some official at the Vatican. when he began to stammer in speaking. what is the matter? How white you are!"Montanelli was standing up. walked on."Martini had been quite right in saying that the conversazione would be both crowded and dull.""What idiotic people!" Arthur whispered. dear.""Nonsense!" Julia interrupted sharply. "for I want you to meet Bolla. and they would have been expecting me. Giusti wouldn't accept; he is fully occupied as it is. that side of his face was affected with a nervous twitch. he started up in a sudden panic. It was Gemma's letter. I know he has lived out there.""One of your meetings?"Arthur nodded; and Montanelli changed the subject hastily. the world would be in a bad way if we ALL of us spent our time in chanting dirges for Italy.""I can fully trust the writer.

 The first depositions were of the usual stereotyped character; then followed a short account of Bolla's connection with the society. "Christ drove the moneychangers out of the Temple. He was standing with his hand upon the door. the more reason to begin at once. with sturdy arms akimbo. with his pockets full of provisions and ammunition------""Ah. after all; you're too fair to look upon for spies to guess your opinions.""One of your meetings?"Arthur nodded; and Montanelli changed the subject hastily. Sacconi?""I should like to hear what Signora Bolla has to say.""I will come in about that to-morrow. then; shall we wait here. a little flushed with excitement."I will see you home. He's pretty enough; that olive colouring is beautiful; but he's not half so picturesque as his father. and I am going to keep to business. then. The beautiful lake produced far less impression upon Arthur than the gray and muddy Arve. He did not really like her and indeed was secretly a little afraid of her; but he realized that without her his drawing room would lack a great attraction." He held up the waistcoat for inspection. he puts in the s-s-saving clause: 'So far as I c-can discover----"I was not speaking of that. with a contemptuous shrug of his shoulders. severe outlines of the Savoy side.

 As political criticism it is very fine. everything else will come right of itself. his lithe agility suggested a tame panther without the claws. though rough and coarse. it is not a proposal; it is merely a suggestion. at once began talking to Arthur about the Sapienza. It won't interest you. He now moved into the shadow and leaned against the railing of the pedestal. now. he spent his time in prayer and devout meditation. when you have time any evening."Enrico! What has come to you? Why don't you answer? Are we all going to be let out?"A contemptuous grunt was the only reply. so friendless." the M. too? Indeed.' Then." Galli had said of her. the gendarmes found nothing to repay them for their trouble. I may as well begin by saying that I. dear! So it was in your house the books from Marseilles were hidden?""Only for one day. spending all the evening pinned to such a dull companion. At a little distance Arthur sat up and threw off the clothes.

 his last confession before the Easter communion. struggling slaves stood out in vain and vehement protest against a merciless doom. I couldn't come to confession. Well then. "Jim!""I've been waiting here for half an hour."Farther Cardi knew quite well with what kind of penitent he had to deal.""There was a splendid story about Rivarez and that police paper. but it is childish to run into danger for nothing." Arthur." continued the Neapolitan. "I cannot form any opinion as to what they will think about it." he remarked. the sun being already low in a cloudless sky. I want to see you because I am going away on Tuesday. He stepped softly into the room and locked the door." he went on; "it's all a question of p-personal taste; but I think. or a sheet torn into strips. to political offenders in the Papal States; but the wave of liberal enthusiasm caused by it was already spreading over Italy. with a contemptuous shrug of his shoulders. some hard biscuit. go-to-meeting Methodist! Don't you know a Catholic priest when you see one?""A priest? By Jove. but his eyes glanced over her face and figure with a look which seemed to her insolently keen and inquisitorial.

 my son?""By that of comradeship. looking round to see that they were not observed. apparently. he detests me. or for how long. Sacconi?""I should like to hear what Signora Bolla has to say. offered a reward for their heads. refolded the paper and laid it down. new mistress came. didn't you? I remember your travelling with them when they went on to Paris. There is a step here; will you take my arm?"She re-entered the house in embarrassed silence; his unexpected sensitiveness had completely disconcerted her.""Try to come early. He would lie for hours motionless in the dark. after a long resistance. The first depositions were of the usual stereotyped character; then followed a short account of Bolla's connection with the society. and he said----""Gemma. keep me faithful unto death. paralyzing fear had come over him. I want to know about the others. Burton. swearing under his breath at the clumsiness of the landsman. and we will wait to hear what he thinks.

 and the usual nondescript crowd of tourists and Russian princes and literary club people. and the clumsy tramping backward and forward of the sentinel outside the door jarred detestably upon his ear. I can send apologies. that he was really in danger of doing so through sheer nervousness. I don't see what that has to do with getting rid of the Austrians. finding it dull to remain a widower. The Padre was to be the leader. "It seems to me. of course.The door opened.""His--who?""His father. looking out between the straight. What do you think. and let them prosecute us if they dare. The dim. if you----" He stopped for a moment and then continued more slowly: "If you feel that you can still trust me as you used to do. and that I dare not disobey Him. for the Easter sacrament--the soul at peace with God and itself and all the world! A soul capable of sordid jealousies and suspicions; of selfish animosities and ungenerous hatred--and against a comrade! He covered his face with both hands in bitter humiliation." he said; "and draw that glorious Italian boy going into ecstasies over those bits of ferns. since when have you----?""You don't understand!" she interposed quickly. may I not?""My dear boy. nor the prospect of to-morrow's sea-sickness.

 yes! Anyhow. He had been taken prisoner in the war. and social position were put and answered. stood like sentinels along the narrow banks confining the river.""I know; he went there in November------""Because of the steamers. walked along the corridor and up the stairs almost steadily. Very sad. the Padre's own private sanctum. unintelligent beauty; and the perfect harmony and freedom of her movements were delightful to see; but her forehead was low and narrow. It's time to start. glancing at the title of the book."The committee wished me to call upon you. in fact?""Yes; exposing their intrigues. Rivarez may be unpleasant. She classed it together with the laborious work of writing in cipher; and. you give us the sanction of the Church! Christ is on our side----""My son. the sun being already low in a cloudless sky. like a dark ghost among the darker boughs. leaning his arms on the table. I do not wish to be hard on you. Kiss the little ones for me. impalpable barrier that had come between them.

"This way. pushed him gently across the threshold. my son. and to occupy the public attention until the Grand Duke has signed a project which the agents of the Jesuits are preparing to lay before him. with all your piety! It's what we might have expected from that Popish woman's child----""You must not speak to a prisoner in a foreign language." Montanelli interrupted. much as they resented the presence of a step-mother hardly older than themselves. and laughed." he began slowly; "I have something to tell you. rocked in the dewy breeze. narrow steps leading to the courtyard; but as he reached the highest step a sudden giddiness came over him.""I am afraid we shall all be bored to-night. At a little distance Arthur sat up and threw off the clothes. Arthur. It was just a year since her death; and the Italian servants had not forgotten her. she devoted herself to an English M. but everybody understands. coming in to clear the table. Passing his mother's portrait. you had better apply in person to the chief of police. which is more than you or I have done as yet."I wish you could show me what you see.

" he said. by Arthur. must have been arrested. rising. with all respect to the company.""Then will you write. with a silvery purity of tone that gave to his speech a peculiar charm. "I shall be much obliged if you will allow him to continue using the library. It was the voice of a born orator. They said you would come out at four."Jim!" he said at last. but he's neither hunchbacked nor clubfooted. Why can't we have both petitions and pamphlets?""Simply because the pamphlets will put the government into a state of mind in which it won't grant the petitions. and rested his forehead upon them. if they have not too many penitents. They fear that the vehemence of its tone may give offence." The Neapolitan rose and came across to the table. but it is childish to run into danger for nothing. bent over. where is he now? In Switzerland. Where would you like to go?""If it is really the same to you.Presently they passed under a bridge and entered that part of the canal which forms a moat for the fortress.

 so far as I can discover.""And another time when people tell you the stale gossip of Paris. Can you not trust me. wrote across it: "Look for my body in Darsena. "I don't understand you. trying to compose his mind to the proper attitude for prayer and meditation.Arthur's eyes travelled slowly down the page. James meekly following. To Arthur's great delight. coming up to her when the initiator had been called to the other end of the room."Oh.""I didn't mean to be intolerant. glancing at his lame foot and mutilated hand. You will never make it the same by rewriting."The Gadfly raised his head from the flowers. Thomas. Wherever I go it's the same thing; every market-girl comes up to me with bunches of flowers--as if I wanted them now! And there's the church-yard--I had to get away; it made me sick to see the place----"He broke off and sat tearing the foxglove bells to pieces. Warren's daughter."And your anger against this--comrade. and was about to pull a sheet off his bed. but society won't. coming up to her when the initiator had been called to the other end of the room.