The Austrian, despite his nervousness, had shown an intellectual interest in Stainton's exposition, but the interest was only intellectual.
"It makes no matter what they said the Church should do," he insisted; "it is what the Church has done. The Church has made marriage a sacrament."
"Doesn't the Church rule that a marriage can be consummated only by an act of the flesh?"
"Yes."
"Then how can what is done by the flesh be a sacrament?"
"I do not know. I know that it is. The Church, whether early or late, has spoken and it has said that marriage is a sacrament indissoluble save by the death of the husband or the wife."
Stainton put down his cigar.
"Captain," he said, "you are in earnest, aren't you?"
The Austrian flushed, but did not flinch.
"I am," said he.