But not in one who aims at a life of humility and self-forgetfulness such as the priesthood imposes." "And yet," said I, "I heard you tell my mother below stairs that I was nearer sainthood than either of you." He smiled sadly, and shook his head.

"They were rash words, Agostino.

I mistook ignorance for purity--a common error.

I have pondered it since, and my reflection brings me to utter what in this household amounts to treason." "I do not understand," I confessed.
"My duty to your mother I have discharged more faithfully perhaps than I had the right to do.

My duty to my God I am discharging now, although to you I may rather appear as an advocatus diaboli.