— 9 — POPE AND EMPRESSThe Pope walked in the garden of the Vatican, behind him Cardinal Orsini and Cardinal Colonna. Both talked of the horrible state of Rome, of the unending storm hanging over the capital, of the army that had gone forth three days ago to crush the excommunicated Emperor. Michael II. was silent. He wore a white robe, his soft heavy red hair showing a brilliant colour above it; his dark eyes were thoughtful, his pale mouth resolutely set. The Cardinals fell further behind and conversed with the greater ease. Suddenly the Pope paused and stood waiting, for Paolo Orsini, with a sprig of pink flower at his chin, was coming across the lawn. Michael II. tapped his gold-shod foot on the marble path. “What is it, Orsini?”
“Your Holiness, a lady, who will neither unveil nor give
