Was there
ever a great thinker left unmartyred? Or a great writer that has not
been misunderstood and condemned? You wish to help and serve
humanity! Enthusiast! You would do far better to help and serve the
Church! For the Church rewards; humanity has cursed and killed every
great benefactor it ever had INCLUDING CHRIST!"
The terrible words beat on Aubrey's ears like the brazen clang of a
tocsin, for he knew they were true. But he held his ground.
"There are worse things than death," he said simply.
Gherardi smiled kindly.
"And there are worse things than life!" he said,
"Life holds a good many harmless enjoyments, which I am afraid you
are putting away from you in your prime, for the sake of a mere
chimera. But--after all, what does it matter! One must have a hobby!
Some men like horse-racing, others book-collecting,--others
pictures,--and so forth--you like the religious question! Well, no
doubt it affords you a great many opportunities of studying
character. I shall be very happy--" here he extended his hand
cordially, "to show you anything that may be of interest to you in
Rome, and to present you to any of our brethren that may assist you
in your researches. I can give you a letter to Rampolla--"
Aubrey declined the offered introduction with a decided negative
shake of his head.
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