The thing he makes is not at all less worthy if lie is
bad. Are there not in many of our churches pillars
that stood in Eoman temples ? Is not the canopy over
the high altar in Saint Peter's made of the bronze roof
of the Pantheon ? And besides, what is goodness ?
We are all bad, but some are worse than others.
It is not our business to judge, or to distribute com-
missions for works of art to those whom we think the
best among men, as one gives medals and prizes to
industrious and well-behaved children."

" That is very clear, and very true," answered the
priest.
He did not really want to discuss the question
of Marzio's belief or unbelief. Perhaps, if he had not
been disturbed in mind by the events of the morning
he would have avoided the subject, as he had often
done before when the Cardinal had questioned him.
But to-day he was not quite himself, and being unable



204 MARZIO'S CRUCIFIX chap, ix

to tell a falsehood of any kind lie had spoken more of
the truth than he had wished. He felt that he had
perhaps been unjust to his brother. He looked ill at
ease, and the Cardinal noticed it, for ho was a kindly-
man and very fond of his secretary.
"You must not let the matter trouble you," said
the prelate, after a pause. " I am an inquisitive old
man, as you know, and I like to be acquainted with
my friends' affairs. But I am afraid I have annoyed
you "

" Oh ! Your Eminence could never "

" Never intentionally," interrupted the Cardinal.
