"I am afraid you are indulging in very unorthodox ideas," he said
with impatience--"In fact I consider you altogether mistake your
calling and position."

These were the words which had reached the attentive ears of the
Patoux children on their way up to bed, and had caused Henri to
declare that the Archbishop and the Cardinal were quarrelling. Felix
Bonpre took the somewhat violent remark, however, with perfect
equanimity.

"Possibly I may do so," he responded peaceably. "We are all subject
to error. My calling, as I take it, is that of a servant of Christ,
whose instructions for work are plainly set down in His own words.
It is for me to follow these instructions as literally and exactly
as I can. With regard to my position, I am placed as the spiritual
head of a very small diocese, where the people for the most part
lead very innocent and harmless lives. But I should be selfish and
narrow in spirit if I allowed myself to limit my views to my own
circle of influence. My flock are mere rustics in intellectual
capacity, and have no conception of the manner in which the larger
tide of human events is flowing. Now and then one or two of the
people grow weary of their quiet pastures and woodlands,--and being
young, hopeful, and ardent, start forth into the great world, there
to seek fairer fortunes. Sometimes they come back to their old
homes. Far more frequently they never return. But those who do come
back are changed utterly. I recognise no more the young men and
maidens whom I confirmed in their faith, and laid my hands on in
blessing ere they fared forth to other lives and scenes. The men are
grown callous and worldly; without a heart,--without a thought,--