'Dangerous to say those things before Miss Foster.'
'Does Miss Foster know anything about it?'—he said coolly.
Lucy hastily disclaimed any knowledge of Father Benecke and his affairs.
'They're very simple'—said Manisty. 'Father Benecke is a priest, but also a Professor. He published last year a rather Liberal book—very mildly liberal—some evolution—some Biblical criticism—just a touch! And a good deal of protest against the way in which the Jesuits are ruining Catholic University education in Germany. Lord! more than enough. They put his book on the Index within a month; he has had a year's grace to submit in; and now, if the submission is not made within a week or so, he will be first suspended, and then—excommunicated.'
'Who's "they"? 'said Lucy.
'Oh! the Congregation of the Index—or the people who set them on.'
'Is the book a bad book?'
'Quite the contrary.'
'And you're pleased?'
'I think the Papacy is keeping up discipline—and is not likely to go under just yet.'