"A bigger one, if anything, supposing that was possible at all," said the Reverend, "for you mustn't forget, Bridge Farmer, that the school in Rome is right near the Holy Father."
"Well, but I wonder if they require Greek there, too, and such like gammon."
"Only for the sake of appearances. Nobody will flunk on that account if he's all right in his faith, and pays his money correctly and in due season. But here in Germany Matthew Fottner can't be ordained."
"Well, I'd like to know why not?"
"Because those scoundrelly Prussians have made a law against it."
"Well now, aren't they a bad lot?"
"Right you are; and a lot worse than you think for. Probably Fottner would simply have to become a missionary. That ought to fill you with joy, for that's actually more deserving than to become priest here."
"Oh, but are you quite sure of that? I wouldn't want to have all those big expenses again and then have it turn out only a half-way business."
"It is certain and indisputable, for the messengers of the faith were always most highly honored."
The Bridge Farmer was happy, and went home from Sintshausen with his tail in the air.