When calamity befell their innocent parishioners, when leprosy descended and took root in the Eight Islands, a _quid pro quo_ was to be looked for.

To that prosperous mission, and to you, as one of its adornments, God had sent at last an opportunity.

I know I am touching here upon a nerve acutely sensitive.

I know that others of your colleagues look back on the inertia of your Church, and the intrusive and decisive heroism of Damien, with something almost to be called remorse.

I am sure it is so with yourself; I am persuaded your letter was inspired by a certain envy, not essentially ignoble, and the one human trait to be espied in that performance.