"This old and well-worn phrase is the saying of our Master,"
answered the Cardinal firmly, "And it is as true as the truth of the
sunshine which, in its old and well-worn way, lights up this world
gloriously every morning! I would stake my very life on the depth
and the truth of Vergniaud's penitence! Who, seeing and knowing the
brand of disgrace he has voluntarily burnt into his own social name
and honour, could doubt his sincerity, or refuse to raise him up,
even as our Lord would have done, saying, 'Thy sins be forgiven
thee! Go, and sin no more!'?"
Moretti's furtive eyes disappeared for a moment under his
discoloured eyelids, which quivered rapidly like the throbbings in
the throat of an angry snake. Before he could speak again however,
Vergniaud interposed.
"Why trouble His Eminence with my crimes or heresies?" he said
quietly, "I am grateful to him from my soul for his gentleness and
charity of judgment--but I need no defence--not even from him. I am
answerable to God alone!--neither to Church nor Creed! It was
needful that I should speak as I spoke to-day--"
"Needful to scandalize the Church?" demanded Moretti sharply.
"The Church is not scandalized by a man who confesses himself an
unworthy member of it!" returned Vergniaud, "It is better to tell
the truth and go out of the Church than to remain in it as a liar
and a hypocrite.
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