This suffices to remind the world that we exist and defend ourselves without abandoning aught of our rights or duties." "But my book, my book," exclaimed Pierre, "why these proceedings against my book ?" "I am explaining that to you as far as it is allowable for me to do, my dear Monsieur Froment.

You are a priest, your book is a success, you have published a cheap edition of it which sells very readily; and I don't speak of its literary merit, which is remarkable, for it contains a breath of real poetry which transported me, and on which I must really compliment you.

However, under the circumstances which I have enumerated, how could we close our eyes to such a work as yours, in which the conclusion arrived at is the annihilation of our holy religion and the destruction of Rome ?" Pierre remained open-mouthed, suffocating with surprise.

"The destruction of Rome!" he at last exclaimed; "but I desire to see Rome rejuvenated, eternal, again the queen of the world." And, once more mastered by his glowing enthusiasm, he defended himself and confessed his faith: Catholicism reverting to the principles and practices of the primitive Church, drawing the blood of regeneration from the fraternal Christianity of Jesus; the Pope, freed from all terrestrial royalty, governing the whole of humanity with charity and love, and saving the world from the frightful social cataclysm that threatens it by leading it to the real Kingdom of God: the Christian communion of all nations united in one nation only.

"And can the Holy Father disavow me ?" he continued.