humble servant of the Church like myself. But in this
case intimacy with my brother's family affords me data which may be
serviceable in bringing this matter to a conclusion. If I may be
permitted--"

The Archbishop nodded an unctuous and patronizing appreciation of his
elderly secretary's position, and the latter continued--

"Your Eminence, Holy Week is approaching, and we are beset with fears
lest the spirit of heresy which, alas! is abroad in our fair city,
shall manifest itself in such disturbances as may force us to abandon
these religious exercises in future. I need not point out the serious
nature of these demonstrations. Nor need I suggest that their relative
unimportance last year was due solely to lack of strong leadership.
Already our soldiers begin to refuse to kneel during the Mass. The
Holy Church is not yet called upon to display her weapons. But who
shall say to what measures she may not be forced when an able and
fearless leader shall arise among the heretics? To-day there has stood
before Your Eminence a lad possessing, in my opinion, the latent
qualifications for such leadership. I say, latent. I use the term
advisedly, for I know that he appears to manifest the Rincon lack of
decision. But so did I at his age. And who can say when the unfolding
of his other powers, now so markedly indicated, may not force the
development of those certain traits of character in which he now seems
deficient, but which, developed, would make him a power in the world?
Shall the Church permit this promising lad to stray from her, possibly
later to join issue with her enemies and use his great gifts to
propagate heresy and assault her foundations? Are we faithful to our
beloved Mother if we do not employ every means, foul or fair, to
destroy her enemies, even in the cradle? Remember, 'He who gains the
youth, possesses the future,' as the saying goes."

"Loyally spoken, faithful son," replied the Archbishop, shifting into
a more comfortable position. "And you suggest--?"

"This: that we wisely avail ourselves of his salient characteristics--his
weaknesses, if you wish--and secure him now to the Church."

"And, more specifically--?" with increasing animation.

"Your Eminence is already aware of the custom in our family of
consecrating the first-born son to the service of God. This boy has
been so consecrated from birth. It is the dearest hope of his parents.
At present their wishes are still his law. Their judgments