"Briefly, the Conclave found no Pope by the ordinary means; and committed the task to certain Cardinal-Compromissaries. These chose Your Holiness."
"But why?"
"Cardinal Courtleigh——"
"Was he a Compromissary? How many were there?"
"He was one of nine. The others were——"
"Never mind their names for the moment. Now We take it that these nine cardinals are well-disposed toward Us?"
"Most assuredly, Holy Father."
"Good! Nine! The names please?"
"Courtleigh, Grace——"
"Archbishop of Baltimore. Yes?"