Thus we must expect to suffer."
"Then he who is called the visible Head of Christianity objects to
the truth, and is capable of vengeance!" said Manuel, "That is a
strange contradiction! But I will suffer whatever he pleases to
inflict upon me. You shall suffer nothing!"
The Cardinal smiled gravely.
"My child, I am old, and whatever trouble is in store for me cannot
last long. But I must guard you from harm with all the remaining
powers of my life. Having constituted myself your protector and
defender, I must continue to protect and defend. And so, Manuel,
tomorrow or the next day I shall take you away to England. So far,
at least, I will defy the powers of Rome!"
His eyes flashed, and his whole person seemed to be invested with
sudden strength, dignity and command. He pointed to the crucifix on
the table before him.
"He, the Holy One of the Heavens, was crucified for speaking the
truth,--I can do no better than follow His divine example! If my
soul is stretched on the crossbeams of injustice--if every tender
emotion of my heart is tortured and slain--if I am stripped of
honour and exposed to contempt, what matter! My glorious Master
suffered likewise."
Manuel was silent. He stood near the great chimney where the wood
fire burned and crackled, casting a ruddy glow through the room.
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