priest was frightened, and reported what had occurred to the bishop.
The bishop was at a loss what to do. At last he resolved to send the
archimandrite Missael to the village, the one who had formerly been
Mitia Smokovnikov's teacher of religion.


XIX

ASKING Father Missael on his arrival to take a seat, the bishop told him
what had happened in his diocese.

"It all comes from weakness of spirit and from ignorance. You are a
learned man, and I rely on you. Go to the village, call the parishioners
together, and convince them of their error."

"If your Grace bids me go, and you give me your blessing, I will do my
best," said Father Missael. He was very pleased with the task entrusted
to him. Every opportunity he could find to demonstrate the firmness of
his faith was a boon to him. In trying to convince others he was chiefly
intent on persuading himself that he was really a firm believer.

"Do your best. I am greatly distressed about my flock," said the bishop,
leisurely taking a cup with his white plump hands from the servant who
brought in the tea.

"Why is there only one kind of jam? Bring another," he said to the
servant. "I am greatly distressed," he went on, turning to Father
Missael.

Missael earnestly desired to prove his zeal; but, being a man of small