'For knowing it is the Lord?'
'For one thing, sir--for not knowing that on such matters Holy Church pronounces. Did they teach you so badly at Louvain that you have still to learn that in the presence of authority it is the business of a little seminary priest to preserve a reverent silence? It is not for you to oppose your variations of the creed upon your spiritual superiors, but to receive, with a discreet meekness, and in silence, your articles of faith from them.'
'If the Lord proclaims Himself, are His children to refuse Him recognition until the Church commands?'
'You had better return to your seminary, my son--and shall--to receive instruction in the rudiments of the Catholic faith.'
'If for any cause the Church withholds its command, is the Lord to depart unrecognised?'
'Say nothing further, sir, till you have been with your confessor. I command you to be silent until then.'
'Is, then, the Church against the Lord? It cannot be--it cannot be!' The young priest turned to the Stranger with on his face surprise, fear, wonder. 'Lord, of those that are here are You known to me alone?'
Ada came forward with her sisters.
'We also know the Lord.'
The Stranger said: