"You're a Christian and a Catholic. And yet, because these conclusions of yours are condemned—not answered, mind you, or refuted by other scientists—but just condemned—condemned by ecclesiastics as contrary to what they assume to be true—you . . . you care——"
He broke off, struggling again with fierce emotion. He felt a hand on his arm.
"Monsignor, you're too excited. May I ask you some questions instead?"
Monsignor nodded.
"Well, don't take my case only. Take the system, as you said just now. I really want to know…. You think that the Socialists ought not to be repressed—that every man ought to be free to utter his opinions, whatever they may be. Is that it?"
"Yes."
"However revolutionary they may be?"
Monsignor hesitated. He had considered this point before. He felt his answer was not wholly satisfactory. But the monk went on.
"Suppose these opinions were subversive of all law and order. Suppose there were men who preached murder and adultery—doctrines that meant the destruction of society. Would you allow these, too, to publish their opinions broadcast?"
"Of course, you must draw the line somewhere," began
Monsignor. "Of course——"