puissant of our foes. Of course he would take refuge in sophistry;
and science, you know, they deny.'

"'Cardinal Grandison is giving some lectures on science,' said the
Vice-Chancellor's lady, quietly.

"'It is remorse,' said Apollonia. 'Their clever men can never
forget that unfortunate affair of Galileo, and think they can
divert the indignation of the nineteenth century by mock zeal about
red sandstone or the origin of species.'

"'And are you afraid of the Gulf Stream?' inquired Lothair of his
calmer neighbour.

"'I think we want more evidence of a change. The Vice-Chancellor
and I went down to a place we have near town on Saturday, where
there is a very nice piece of water; indeed, some people call it a
lake; it was quite frozen, and my boys wanted to skate, but that I
would not permit.'

"'You believe in the Gulf Stream to that extent,' said Lothair; 'no
skating.'

"The Cardinal came early; the ladies had not long left the
dining-room. They were agitated when his name was announced; even
Apollonia's heart beat; but then that might be accounted for by the
inopportune recollection of an occasional correspondence with
Caprera.

"Nothing could exceed the simple suavity with which the Cardinal