"It has not been unlawful. Cousins have always among us been allowed to marry. No nearer blood relations; and the rule of affinity has never extended beyond a wife's sister. As to spiritual relationship as a bar, it is a device of man. Why! to inquire into such matters is to pry into every family, to introduce trouble into consciences, to offer opportunity for all kinds of license."
"I care not. It is our Canon law."
"But we are not, we never have been, subject to your Canon law."
"You are so now. I, your head, have taken oath of allegiance to Canterbury. Thereby I have bound you all."
Pabo's cheek darkened.
"I rely on you," proceeded the bishop. "You, as you say, have lived here always. You can furnish me with particulars as to all the marriages that have been contracted for the last fifty years."
"What! does the rule act retrospectively?"
"Ay. What is unlawful now was unlawful always."
"I will not give up—betray my people."
"You will be obedient to your bishop!"