others, that a person well known and greatly beloved is under watch for
the highest of religious crimes. Pause now, O Princess, and consider the
obligations inseparable from the relation and trust here disclosed....
Look then to this other circumstance. The person accused condescended to
be the friend and patron of the same neophyte, and by vouching for him
to the head of the Church, put him on the road to favor and quick
promotion. Briefly, O Princess, to which is obligation first owing? The
father superior or the patron in danger?"

The Princess replied calmly, but with feeling: "It is not a supposition,
Sergius."

Though surprised, he returned: "Without it I could not have your
decision first."

"Thou, Sergius, art the distressed neophyte."

He held his hands out to her: "Give me thy judgment."

"The Hegumen of the St. James' is the accuser."

"Be just, O Princess! To which is the obligation first owing?"

"I am the accused," she continued, in the same tone.

He would have fallen on his knees. "No, keep thy feet. A watchman may be
behind me now."

He had scarcely resumed his position before she asked, still in the
quiet searching manner: "What is the highest religious crime? Or rather,