第465章

"Yes, my lord; here is the note, as your Eminence commanded." So saying Rousselet delivered a paper to the prelate.We will inform the reader that this part of the conversation between Rousselet and the cardinal was carried on at a distance from the partition, so that Rodin could hear nothing of it, whilst that which related to the embalming had been perfectly audible to him.

The cardinal, having received the note from Rousselet, perused it with an expression of lively curiosity.When he had finished, he crumpled it in his hand, and said, without attempting to dissemble his vexation, "Always nothing but incoherent expression.Not two words together, from which you can draw any reasonable conclusion.One would really think this man had the power to control himself even in his delirium, and to rave about insignificant matters only."

Then, addressing Rousselet, "You are sure that you have reported everything that escaped from him during his delirium?"

"With the exception of the same phrases, that he repeated over and over again, your Eminence may be assured that I have not omitted a single word, however unmeaning."

"Show me into Father Rodin's room," said the prelate, after a moment's silence.

"But, my lord," answered the young doctor, with some hesitation, "the fit has only left him about an hour, and the reverend father is still very weak."

"The more the reason," replied the prelate, somewhat indiscreetly.

Then, recollecting himself, he added, "He will the better appreciate the consolations I have to offer.Should he be asleep, awake him, and announce my visit."

"I have only orders to receive from your Eminence," said Rousselet, bowing, and entering the next room.

Left alone, the cardinal said to himself, with a pensive air, "I always come back to that.When he was suddenly attacked by the cholera, Father Rodin believed himself poisoned by order of the Holy See.He must then have been plotting something very formidable against Rome, to entertain so abominable a fear.Can our suspicions be well founded? Is he acting secretly and powerfully on the Sacred College? But then for what end?

This it has been impossible to penetrate, so faithfully has the secret been kept by his accomplices.I had hoped that, during his delirium, he would let slip some word that would put us on the trace of what we are so much interested to discover.With so restless and active a mind, delirium is often the exaggeration of some dominant idea; yet here I have the report of five different fits--and nothing--no, nothing but vague, unconnected phrases."

The return of Rousselet put an end to these reflections."I am sorry to inform my lord that the reverend father obstinately refuses to see any one.He says that he requires absolute repose.Though very weak, he has a savage and angry look, and I should not be surprised if he overheard your Eminence talk about embalming him."

The cardinal, interrupting Rousselet, said to him, "Did Father Rodin have his last fit of delirium in the night?"

"Between three and half-past five this morning, my lord."

"Between three and half-past five," repeated the prelate, as if he wished to impress this circumstance on his memory, "the attack presented no particular symptoms?"

"No, my lord; it consisted of rambling, incoherent talk, as your Eminence may see by this note."

Then, as he perceived the prelate approaching Father Rodin's door, Rousselet added, "The reverend father will positively see no one, my lord; he requires rest, to prepare for the operation; it might be dangerous--"