Very probably a large number of pious and cultured people in the Catholic world feel as we do; and I believe it would afford the greatest assistance in the spreading of our opinions if we could, at least, know one another.

To-night a few of us are to meet together for a first discussion." While Giovanni spoke, the others kept their eyes fixed on the Genevese.
The Abbe gazed steadily as his plate.

A brief silence followed, and Giovanni was the first to break it.
"Has Professor Dane not told you this ?" he asked.
"Yes, yes," replied the Abbe, raising his eyes from his plate at last; "he has told me something similar." The tone was that of one who only half approves.

But, why, then, had he come?
Don Paolo looked displeased; the others were silent.

An embarrassing pause ensued.