"Sanctity, You are quoting the rector."
The Pope abruptly laughed. "Have they ever put a snake—a snake—in your water-cans?"
"No they have not done that."
"They did in Ours."
The distance between the two now became considerably lessened. The fastidious person began to feel more at ease. His fastidy evidently was only a chevaux de frise for the discomfiture of intruders; and this delicate tender inquisitor was no intruder, but a very welcome—Apostle.
The Pope continued. "Isn't it very absurd?"
"It is very absurd. Also, it is very disconcerting."
"Of course you try not to let it disconcert you?"
"I try: but I fail. My heart always is on my sleeve; and the daws peck it. At present, I am trying to contain myself and to use myself in isolation."
"That they call 'sulkiness'?"