"You honour me very highly, and indeed I know something of your Italian hospitality, but there are so many points upon which I find myself at variance with the Church that I should hesitate to accept it under false pretences."
Cardinal Pescara gazed at him mildly. "You find yourself at variance with the Church, Mr. Mario? Frankly, your words surprise me. In which of your works have you expressed these dissensions?"
"Notably in The Gates."
"In that event I have misunderstood your purpose in writing that fine and unusual book. I do not recall that his Holiness has banned it."
Paul met the questioning glance of the hazel eyes and knew himself foiled. "I must confess that I have not expressly inquired into that matter," he said; "but it was only because I had taken inclusion in the Index for granted."
"But why should you do so, Mr. Mario? Have you advocated the destruction of the Papal power?"
"Emphatically no. An organisation such as that of Rome and resting upon such authority is not lightly destroyed."
"Have you denied the mission of the heir of St. Peter to preach the Word of the Messiah?"
"I have not."
"Have you denied the divinity of Christ or the existence of Almighty God?"