John,--and each gate was composed of one pearl! Truly do the
scoffers say that never did any planetary sea provide such pearls as
these! No,--for they were but prophetic emblems of the then
undiscovered Sciences. Ah, Monsignor!--and what of the psychic
senses and forces?--forces which we are just beginning to discover
and to use,--forces which enable me to read your mind at this
present moment and to see how willingly you would send me to the
burning, Christian as you call yourself, for my thoughts and
opinions!--as your long-ago predecessors did with all men who dared
to reason for themselves! But that time has passed, Monsignor; the
Spirit of Christ in the world has conquered the Church THERE!"
The words rushed from his lips with a fervid eloquence that was
absolutely startling,--his eyes were aglow with feeling--his face so
animated and inspired, that it seemed as though a flame behind it
illumined every feature. Abbe Vergniaud, astonished and overcome,
laid a trembling hand on the arm of the passionate speaker with a
gesture more of appeal than restraint, and the young man caught that
hand within his own and held it fast. Moretti for a moment fixed his
eyes upon father and son with an expression of intense hatred that
darkened his face with a deep shadow as of a black mask,--and then
without a word deliberately turned his back upon both.
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