In Rome

The son of Duke Karl Frederick, Max (Prince Bishop of Roskilde, ambassador to the Holy See and Cardinal) is once more in Rome. Having fallen out of favour with the previous occupier of the throne of St Peter, Max kept a low profile and busiest himself in vital yet obscure tasks - for example being the chief procurer of salted herring for the Swiss guard.

Today Cardinal Max finds himself summoned to meet the new Pope in his apartments. Max is waiting in the vast corridor outside and has been doing so for hours. At last a functionary opens the door and asks Cardinal Max to enter. The wait is at last over...