“Mrs. Parflete and Castrillon are cut out for each other,” said he, “but Orange has no business in that galère. He is reserved for a greater fate.”
“What do you mean?” said Sara.
“All now depends on you.”
“On me?”
“Plainly. Reckage wishes Orange to get out of his way and become a Religious. Can this be permitted?”
“It would be outrageous. It would be a crime.”
“Ah, worse than that. It might prove a success. We don't want any more strong men in the Church just now.”
Sara agreed. She, too, was opposed to the Church. And she was glad of the excuse this thought offered for the pains she would take to save Orange from the Vatican grasp.
“Then we are allies,” said His Excellency. “You will help me.”
“Gladly, and what is more, as a duty. But how?”