The old man observed the movement, and said, in a tone of some emotion:
"But what, my little girls; are you afraid of?"
"No," answered David; "Monsieur has always been kind, but he must know—"
"I know, I know!" said the priest, as David paused. "But fear nothing from me. I shall not harm you. But, oh, my children, if you would but return to the bosom of our Holy Mother! Now, tell me, my son—just as a friend, you know—why will you not invoke the mediation of the blessed saints?"
"Because, monsieur, it is contrary to the Holy Scriptures," answered David respectfully.
"But the example of the holy saints of old, my son—the teachings of the earliest church—consider!"
"Monsieur," replied David, "as to the earliest teachings of the church, I suppose they are to be found in the Gospels, and I read there that when certain women would have brought their children to our dear Lord, the disciples, instead of interceding for them, forbade them."
"Oh, the Scriptures—always the Scriptures!" said the priest, pettishly enough.
"They are the words of God, monsieur!"
"True, my child, but you may see by their effects that they are not fit for every one to read. And yet I don't know how it is," he added musingly; "they certainly are the words of God, and meant to do people good, but no sooner do they begin to study than they become heretics."