I repeat that to a mere civilian and
socialistic writer like yourself, that is impossible!"
Aubrey sat unmoved.
"I suppose if I were a prince of the blood-royal I should not be
refused an audience?" he said.
Gherardi's thick dark eyebrows went up with a movement of surprise
at such an irrational remark.
"That would make a difference certainly," he answered smiling, "The
claims of diplomacy have to be considered!"
"If a prince of the blood-royal whose private life was a scandal to
the world"--went on Aubrey, "who was guilty of every vice known in
the calendar,--who was neither intelligent nor sympathetic,--whose
whole career was one of self and self-indulgence,--I say if he were
to seek a private audience of the man who is declared to be the
representative of Christ in Christendom, he would obtain it! On the
other hand, if a man who had denied himself every personal
gratification, and had sacrificed his whole life in working for his
fellow men, and to the following of the teachings of the Gospel as
far as it was possible,--but who yet had got no further in world's
wealth than to be earning from his writings a few hundreds a year,
he could NOT be received! Monsignor, this may be diplomacy, but it
is not Christianity!"
"I cannot enter into these matters with you--" began Gherardi
impatiently.
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