"God condemns nothing--because
in everything there is a portion of Himself. And when man presumes
to condemn and persecute his fellow-men, he is guilty of likewise
condemning and persecuting his Maker, and outraging that Maker in
his own perverted soul!"
The boy's voice rang out solemn and clear,--and the heavy fog
drifting densely through the street, seemed to the Cardinal's keenly
awakened and perturbed senses as though it brightened into a golden
vapour round that childish figure, and illumined it with a radiation
of concealed light. But having thus spoken, Manuel turned and went
on once more,--and faithfully, in a mental ravishment which to
himself was inexplicable, the venerable Felix followed. And
presently they came to the plain and uncomely wooden edifice where
Aubrey Leigh and his bride had plighted their vows that morning. The
door was open--Aubrey would always have it so, lest any poor
suffering creature might need a moment's rest, and resting
thankfully, might see the Cross and perchance find help in prayer.
"Do you remember," said Manuel then, "when you found me outside the
great Cathedral, how the doors were barred against me? This door is
always open!"
He entered the building, and the Cardinal followed, wondering and
deeply agitated.
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