Finally, a clerical periodical had published three articles on Giovanni's complete works, summing up some partial and grudging praise, and some equally partial and biting censure in a very severe judgment on the character of the works themselves, which the critic pronounced rationalistic, and on the intolerable audacity of the author, who, equipped solely with worldly learning, had dared to publish writings in which the lack of theological knowledge was painfully evident.

In substance these three articles were a terrible and prohibitive condemnation of the very book Giovanni was then engaged upon, dealing with the rational foundations of Christian morality, and, in the opinion of the initiated, it predicted the Index for his other works.
"Are you in doubt concerning your own views ?" Maria asked.
The question was insincere.

Notwithstanding her great love for him, she had a deep and clear knowledge of her husband's soul.

She believed he was, in his heart, suffering from the presentiment of an ecclesiastical condemnation.

Giovanni might speak lightly of certain sentences passed by the Congregation of the Index, but his conscience, more respectful towards the authorities than he himself realised, was troubled, so Maria thought, more deeply than he wished it to be by the threatened blow.
And Maria, fearing to wound him by the question, "Are you afraid ?" had insinuated this other doubt, in order to prepare the way for a spontaneous confession of the truth.