demands more reasonable
fare than that which sufficed for its needs in the nursery."

"That you honestly suppose this to be so I cannot question; but what you
term 'open-mindedness'--implying a state of receptivity--is in fact an
utter rejection of all established spiritual truths. The open-minded and
the atheistical draw dangerously closer day by day. The only thing of
which they are sure is that they are sure of nothing and their _credo_
is 'I do not believe.' Broadly speaking, Mr. Mario, our differences may
be said to revolve around one point. Of the construction which you place
upon the Word of the Messiah I shall say nothing, but it is your
projected second book in which, if I understand your purpose, you
propose to lay bare the 'arcana of the initiates' (the words are your
own) which, if it ever be published, will indisputably occasion action
by the Holy See. Let me endeavour to bring home to you the fact that I
believe you are about to make a dreadful and irrevocable mistake."

The hazel eyes momentarily lost their softness and the Cardinal's
expression grew gravely imperious. Paul felt again the shock of this
man's powerful will and braced himself for combat.

"I shall always listen to your Eminence with respect."

"Respect, Mr. Mario, is due to any man who is sincere in his efforts to
promote the well-being of his fellows, even though his efforts be
mistaken. In the symbolism of the Church and even in the form of the
Papal crown you have recognised the outward form of an inner truth. You
have applauded the ritual of the Mass and the traditions of the Catholic
priesthood because they approach so nearly to that mystic ideal which
gave potency to the great hierarchies of the past, notably to that of
Ancient Egypt. I shall venture to ask you a question. Outside the sacred
colleges of the Egyptian priesthood what was known in those days of the
truth underlying the symbols, Isis, Osiris and Amen-Ra?"

"Nothing."

"Then why did you admire a system diametrically opposed to that which
you would set up?"

"Because it was ideally suited to the age of the Pharaohs. The world has
advanced since those days but religion has tried to stand still."

"The world has advanced, and in _The Gates_ we hear the tap of the
cripple's crutch upon the pavements of our enlightened cities. The world
has advanced, Mr. Mario, and is filled with sad-eyed mothers and with
widows who have scarcely known wifehood. Where is your evidence