"The people? Why, they're the ruled, aren't they?"
"But—er—democracy——"
"Democracy? Why, no one believes in that, of course. How could they?"
"Go on, father."
"But, Monsignor, you must get that clear. You must remember we're really educated people, not half-educated."
Monsignor twitched with irritation. He could not understand even yet.
"Father, do you mean that the people won't resent this sudden change of front on the part of the Emperor? Certainly, if they're really liberally-minded they'll tolerate his following his own conscience. But how can they justify his suddenly dictating to them?"
The priest leaned forward a little. His old manner came back, and once more he spoke to Monsignor as to a child.
"Monsignor, listen carefully, please. I assure you you're completely out of date. What the German people will say now is this: 'Up to now the Emperor has been agnostic, and therefore he has not allowed any laws against heresy. Now he is a Catholic, and therefore he will cause laws to be passed against heresy.'"
"And they won't resent that?" snapped the prelate, now thoroughly irritated.