"I suppose, therefore, that he was a great friend of yours." "Not at all.

The Bishop does the same for all the seminarists who wish to be ordained: it is an important part of his pastoral duties." "Indeed!" I exclaimed in astonishment.

"Surely that is carrying the system of paternal government a little too far.

Why should his Reverence meddle with things that don't concern him ?" "But these matters do concern him.

He is the natural protector of widows and orphans, especially among the clergy of his own diocese.