"My dear child, do not lean upon your pretty theories in the hope that
they will open the door of heaven for you. There is no salvation
outside of the Church."

"Monsignor," said Carmen gently, "such talk is very foolish. Can you
prove to me that your Church ever sent any one to heaven? Have you any
but a very mediaeval and material concept of heaven? To me, heaven is
right here. It is the consciousness of good only, without a trace of
materiality or evil. And I enter into that consciousness by means of
the Christ-principle, which Jesus gave to the world. It is very
simple, is it not? And it makes all your pomp and ceremony, and your
penance and rites quite unnecessary."

Lafelle eyed her narrowly. He had certain suspicions, but he was not
ready to voice them. Carmen went on:

"Monsignor, I love my fellow-men, oh, _so_ much! I want to see every
one work out his salvation, as Jesus bade us all do, and without any
hindrance from others. And I ask but that same privilege from every
one, yourself included. Let me work out my salvation as my Father has
directed."

Lafelle smiled paternally. "I have no wish to hinder you, child. On
the contrary, I offer you the assistance and infallible guidance of
the Church. You are very young. We are very old. Beginning nineteen
centuries ago, when we were divinely appointed custodian of the
world's morals, our history has been a glorious one. We have in that
time changed a pagan world into one that fears God and follows His
Christ."

"But for nineteen hundred years, Monsignor, the various so-called
Christian sects of the world have been persecuting and slaying one
another over their foolish beliefs, basing their religious theories
upon their interpretations of the Bible. Surely that is not a glorious
history!"

"Ah! You unwittingly argue directly for our cause, my child. The
result which you have just cited proves conclusively that the
Scriptures can not be correctly interpreted by every one. That is
perfectly patent to you, I see. Thus you acknowledge the necessity of
an infallible guide. That is to be found only in the spiritual
Fathers, and in the Pope, the holy Head of the Church of Rome, the
present Vicegerent of Christ on earth."

"Then your interpretation of the Bible is the only correct one?"

"Absolutely!"

"And you Catholics are the only true followers of Christ? The only
_real_ Christians?"

"We are."

She rose. "Come, Monsignor, I will get my coat and hat. We