The Dermott news., 1915-06-17


 me, that is to say, that he formerly held d commission under the holy father.
 True. remember the name. But the count is entirely mistaken. He is perfectly at liberty to come here when ever he pleases.'
 T thanked the good father for his permission. which I did not fail to communicate to Vescaro the next time I was in his house.
 He appeared somewhat surprised at it
 Thank you for your kind inten- tions. he said stitIly, but all the same l do not propose to avail myself of Mensignor Perratt's permission. At least l will think it over.
 There was nothing moro to be done. and l did not refer to the sub lect again Mousignor Perratti was good enough to ask me. when he found me in the museum few days after, why my friend had not come with me, but put him off with an excuse.
 Some weeks had passed, and had forgotten all about the incident. when, as l entered the museum one after, noon, was met by the worthy Jesuit in d state of great excitement
 Ah, ExcelIency, he exclaimed. as soon as he caught sight of me, l have something to tell you which will give vcu the greatest delight A new treas ure has just arrived; it is collection of ancient seals, some of them most exquisitely engraved which Cardinal Salyatierra has presented to the pope You must positively come and see them at once
 Charmed by his intelligence, l hastened to place myself at his dis posal He led me long way into a part ot the building where had never before penetrated After going through innumerabie rooms, all filled with val uable curiositics of dinereut kinds We arrived at last in long deserted sal lcry with bare walls. 10 winch ight was admitted by means of l skylight overhead The obscurity of the gallery was further relieved bg the entire end wall beng made a mirror. which fe- tiected back the light from the roof. All down this gallery were ranged tables. supporting the cases with glass lids usually seen in museums and in these cases were displayed sets of coins and other interesting objects.
 But my conductor would not let me pause to examine them At the far end of the gallery apparent length Vas increased by tAe m3rrer have described-I perceived a man standing Ill front of one of the cases. the contents of which he appeared to be setting in order.
 Tt Is the cardinal himself ex- claimed Monsignor Perratti. We are fortunate. He is just arranging the seals
 His Eminence. with whom was already acquainted, turned around 10 greet me as came up, and kindly offered to show me his famous col lection But how can l describe these things to you? They were indeed price less. One in particular, an onyx en- grayed with the head Of Nespasian, was one of those objects for the sake of which one commits murders
 T thought I should never have torn myself away from the gallery But the cardinal who was all goodness. prom ised 10 meet me there again, and to renew his lecture on these fascinating gems At the same time Mnnsiguor Perratti remarked.
 You ought really to bring that poor count of yours to inspect these seals. Without doubt they would in terest him as much as they do you
 "The Count; who is that? inquired Salyatierra. turning to me. explained the allusion His Eminence at once became interested
 "I remember Count Vescaro very we'll indeed he said in tone of marked cordiality. He is indeed a man to whom these gems ought to be shown There is no more accomplished judge of such things in Rome. l should like you to assure him that such is my opinion. and that l shall feel it particular favor II he VIII honor my little collection with visit
 "I will give him your kind mes sage, Cardinal, l replied, Without doubt it will remove his last scruples.
 Very good; shall expect to see him here within the next few days.
 "I bowed and took my leave, feeling, perhaps, little chagrin at the i'm portance which appeared to be at tached to Vescaro's opinion.
 However. found myself at his house that night. and just before came away finally repeated the fiat tering messages with which had been charged by Cardinal Salvatierra. Yes caro listened with a certain preoccu- patton.
 'Salvatierra?' he murmured, thoughtfully. That is not name which l remember
 "'The cardinal did Rot say that you were known to him personally, but merely that he had heard of your reputation. l explained.