The cardinal listened with attention, and a dark cloud gradually
gathered upon his thoughtful brow.
"That is a very unfortunate occurrence," said he, shaking his head, as
Brunelli ended.
"But at least it was an occurrence in which France triumphed, your
excellency," responded Brunelli.
"I much fear the Duke of Grimaldi will do as you have done," said the
cardinal; "he will confound my cook with France, and in his cook see all
Spain insulted."
"Then your excellency is not satisfied?" asked Brunelli, with
consternation. "The whole palace is full of jubilation; all the servants
and lackeys and even the secretary of the legation are delighted with
this divine affair!"
The cardinal paid no attention to these panegyrics of his major-domo,
but thoughtfully paced the room with long strides.
"And you think Gianettino had the right of it?" at length he asked.
"He was entirely in the right, your excellency. Nothing had been paid
for the fish, and Gianettino's right to purchase was perfect, and nobody
could dispute it!"
"Well, when we are in the right, we must maintain our right," said the
cardinal, after a pause, "and as the affair is known to all Rome, it
must be fought through with _eclat_! The fish, in all its pride of
greatness shall grace our table to-morrow!"
"We have no dish of sufficient size in which to serve it.
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