The Cardinal was seated at a table; he was dressed as a monk and had the air of being in a bad humour. Laura went promptly to him and kissed his hand. Cæsar bowed, and as the Cardinal did not deign to look at him, remained standing, at some distance from the table.
Laura, after having saluted her uncle as a pillar of the Church, talked to him as a relative. The Cardinal cast a rapid glance at Cæsar, and then, scowling somewhat less, asked him if his mother was well and if he expected to be long in Rome.
Cæsar, vexed by this frigid reception, answered shortly in a few cold words, that all of them were well.
The Cardinal’s secretary, who was by the window assisting at the interview, shot angry looks at Cæsar.
After a brief audience, which could not have lasted over five minutes, the Cardinal said, addressing Laura:
“Pardon me, my daughter, but I must go on with my work”; and immediately, without a look at his nephew or his niece, he called the secretary, who brought him a portfolio of papers.
Cæsar opened the glass door for Laura to pass.
“Would you like to see the palace?” Preciozi asked them. “There are some antique statues, magnificent marbles, and a chapel where Saint Aniceto’s body is preserved.”
“Let’s leave Saint Aniceto’s body for another day,” Cæsar replied sardonically.
Laura and Cæsar went down the stairway.