[Footnote 1: They are still called sisters agapetae or subintroduced women. Perhaps it is not unnecessary to recall the fact that Gregory VII was the first of the popes to impose celibacy on the clergy. He nullified acts performed by married priests and compelled them to choose between their wives and the priesthood. In spite of this, and in spite of excommunication with which he threatened them, many kept their wives secretly, the rest contented themselves with concubines. Besides, the majority of the bishops, who lived after the same manner, tolerated for bribes infractions of the rule by the lower and higher clergy. The Council of Paris, in 1212, forbade them to receive money, proceeding from this source. At the present time, however, the Catholic priests of the Greeks-United, those of Libar and different Oriental communions, all under papal authority, not only may, but must take wives.
St. Paul said: "Choose for priest him who shall have but one wife." Would he find many of them at the present time?]
LI.
CHAMBER MORALITY.
"Practise moderation and prudence with regard to certain virtues which may ruin the health of the body."
THE REV. FATHER LAURENT SCUPOLI (Le Combat Spirituel).
—What a strange story, said Marcel. Oh, Veronica. But did you not make more resistance?
—Resistance! I was lame from it for more than a fortnight. I walked like a duck. People said to me: "What is the matter with you, Mademoiselle Veronica? They say you have broken something!" Ah, if they had suspected what it was.
—What a scandal! Monsieur Fortin!
—He was stronger than I; but I don't give him all the blame. We must be just. It was my fault too. That is what comes of playing with fire.