They put his book on the Index within a month; he has had a year's grace to submit in; and now, if the submission is not made within a week or so, he will be first suspended, and then--excommunicated.' 'Who's "they"?
'said Lucy.
'Oh! the Congregation of the Index--or the people who set them on.' 'Is the book a bad book ?' 'Quite the contrary.' 'And you're pleased ?' 'I think the Papacy is keeping up discipline--and is not likely to go under just yet.' He turned to her with his teasing laugh and was suddenly conscious of her new elegance.

Where was the 'Sunday school teacher'?
Transformed!--in five weeks--into this vision that was sitting opposite to him?
Really, women were too wonderful! His male sense felt a kind of scorn for the plasticity of the sex.
'He has asked your opinion ?' said Lucy, pursuing the subject.
'Yes.

I told him the book was excellent--and his condemnation certain.' Lucy bit her lip.
'Who did it ?' 'The Jesuits--probably.' 'And you defend them ?' 'Of course!--They're the only gentlemen in Europe who thoroughly understand their own business.' 'What a business!' said Lucy, breathing quick.--'To rush on every little bit of truth they see and stamp it out!' 'Like any other dangerous firework,--your simile is excellent.' 'Dangerous!' She threw back her head.--'To the blind and the cripples.' 'Who are the larger half of mankind.

Precisely.' She hesitated, then could not restrain herself.
'But _you're_ not concerned ?' 'I?
Oh dear no.

I can be trusted with fireworks.