"They will change all the more suddenly when he is tired of them. Those ideas are morbid, like the ravings of a man in a fever. When the fever has worn itself out, there comes a great sense of lassitude, and a desire for peace."
"Provided it ever really does wear itself out," said Don Paolo, sadly.
"Eh! it will, some day. With such political ideas, I suppose your brother is an atheist, is he not?"
"I hope he believes in something," replied the priest evasively.
"And yet he makes a good living by manufacturing vessels for the service of the Church," continued the Cardinal, with a smile. "Why did you never tell me about your brother's peculiar views, Don Paolo?"
"Why should I trouble you with such matters? I am sorry I have said so much, for no one can understand exactly what Marzio is, who does not know him. It is an injury to him to let your Eminence know that he is a freethinker. And yet he is not a bad man, I believe. He has no vices that I know of, except a sharp tongue. He is sober and works hard. That is much in these days. Though he is mistaken, he will doubtless come to his senses, as you say. I do not hate him; I would not injure him."
"Why do you think it can harm him to let me about him? Do you think that I, or others, would not employ him if we knew all about him?"
"It would seem natural that your Eminence should hesitate to do so."
"Let us see, Don Paolo. There are some bad priests in the world, I suppose; are there not?"
"It is to be feared—"