"Well . . ." he paused again. "Well, I take it that we have laid our finger upon what it is that troubles you. You admit that the Christian States have a right to punish all who attack the very foundations of their stability——"
"No-I——"
"By your reason, I mean, Monsignor."
"Yes," said Monsignor slowly. "By my reason."
"But that you are not satisfied that the Church can still suffer; that it seems to you she has lost that which is of her very essence. If you saw that, you would be content."
"I suppose so," said the other hesitatingly.
The monk rose abruptly.
"We have talked enough for to-day," he said. "You will kindly spend the rest of the day as yesterday. Do not say Mass in the morning. I will be with you at the same time."
(VII)
It was on the last morning of their stay at Thurles that Monsignor had an opportunity of seeing something of the real character of the place.