—Yes, Veronica, it was said long ago: "The scandal of the world is what causes the offence. And 'tis not sinning to sin in silence."
—Those are words of wisdom; who is it who said so?
—A very clever man, called Monsieur Tartuffe.
—I see that. Be must have been a priest, at least?
—He was not an ecclesiastic, but he was somewhat of a churchman.
—That is just as I thought. Certainly we must hide our faults. Who would believe in us without that? I say us, for I am also somewhat a church-woman.
—Undoubtedly.
—I have spent my life among ecclesiastics. My father was beadle at St.
Eprive's and my mother the Curé's housekeeper.
—That is your title.
—Is it not? Then I have the honour to be your maid-servant, and I am the head of the association of the Holy Virgin.