Observing that M.de Rosny smiled but answered nothing, I explained myself farther.
'I am surprised,' I said, 'because I have always heard it maintained that clerkly men, becoming lost in the mazes of theology, seldom find any sure footing; that not one in a hundred returns to his old faith, or finds grace to accept a new one.

I am speaking only of such, of course, as I believe this lad to be--eager, excitable brains, learning much, and without judgment to digest what they learn.' 'Of such I also believe it to be true,' M.de Rosny answered, still smiling.

'But even on them a little influence, applied at the right moment, has much effect, M.de Marsac.' 'I allow that,' I said.

'But my mother, of whom I have spoken to you, saw much of this youth.

His fidelity to her was beyond praise.