It was from the Vicar-
General of the Society of Jesus, expressing surprise and indignation
that the King should have refused the Society's request for such land
as was required to be devoted to religious and educational purposes,
and begging that the Premier would exert his influence with the monarch
to persuade him to withdraw or mitigate his refusal.
"I can do nothing;" said the Marquis irritably,--"the lands they want
belong to the Crown. The King can dispose of them as he thinks best."
The secretary set the letter aside.
"Shall I reply to that effect?" he enquired.
The Marquis nodded.
"I know," said Silvano presently with a slight hesitation, "that you
never pay any attention to anonymous communications. Otherwise, there
is one here which might merit consideration."
"What does it concern?"
"A revolutionary meeting," replied Silvano, "where it appears the
woman, Lotys, is to speak."
The Premier shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "You must enlighten me!
Who is the woman Lotys?"
"Ah, that no one exactly knows!" replied the secretary. "A strange
character, without doubt, but--" He paused and spoke more
emphatically--"She has power!"
Lutera gave a gesture of irritation.
"Bah! Over whom does she exercise it. Over one man or many?"
"Over one half the population at least," responded Silvano, quietly,
turning over a few papers without looking up.
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