Aloysius raised a deprecating hand.
"My child, there is no science that can upset the Source of all science! The greatest mathematician that lives did not institute mathematics--he only copies the existing Divine law."
"That is perfectly true"--said the Marchese Rivardi--"But la Signora Royal means that the dogma of the Church is in opposition to scientific discovery--"
"I have not found it so"--said Don Aloysius, tranquilly--"We have believed in what you call your 'wireless telephony'--for centuries;--when the Sanctus bell rings at Mass, we think and hope a message from Our Lord comes to every worshipper whose soul is 'in tune' with the heavenly current; that is one of your 'scientific discoveries'--and there are hundreds of others which the Church has incorporated through a mystic fore-knowledge and prophetic instinct. No--I find nothing upsetting in science,--the only students who are truly upset both physically and morally, are they who seek to discover God while denying His existence."
There followed a silence. The group in the loggia seemed for the moment mesmerised by the priest's suave calm voice, steady eyes and noble expression, A bell rang slowly and sweetly--a call to prayer in some not far distant monastery, and the first glimmer of the stars began to sparkle faintly in the darkening heavens. A little sigh from Morgana stirred the stillness.
"If one could always live in this sort of mood!" she suddenly exclaimed--"This lovely peace in the glow of the sunset and the perfume of the flowers!--and you, Don Aloysius, talking beautiful things!--why then, one would be perpetually happy and good! But such living would not be life!--one must go with the time--"
Don Aloysius smiled indulgently.
"Must one? Is it so vitally necessary? If I might take the liberty to go on speaking I would tell you a story--a mere tradition--but it might weary you--"
A general chorus of protest from all present assured him of their eagerness to hear.
"As if YOU could weary anybody!" Morgana said. "You never do--only you have an effect upon ME which is not very flattering to my self-love!--you make me feel so small!"
You ARE small, physically"--said Don Aloysius--Do you mind that? Small things are always sweetest!"
She flushed, and turned her head away as she caught the Marchese Rivardi's eyes fixed upon her.
"You should not make pretty compliments to a woman, reverend father!" she said, lightly--"It is not your vocation!"
His grave face brightened and he laughed with real heartiness.