of instruction that then obtained.
Theology was taught under two faculties--that of Theology properly so
called, and that of Canon Law. The faculty of Theology, again, had three
sections--Scholastic, Canonical, and Mystic. It would be wearisome to
give an account of the attributes of each section of the science, since
one only, namely, Mystic, is the subject of this _Etude_.

Mystical Theology included the whole of Divine Revelation and the
elucidation of the Mysteries. And this branch of ancient theology has
been secretly preserved with reverence even to our own day; Jacob Boehm,
Swendenborg, Martinez Pasqualis, Saint-Martin, Molinos, Madame Guyon,
Madame Bourignon, and Madame Krudener, the extensive sect of the
Ecstatics, and that of the Illuminati, have at different periods duly
treasured the doctrines of this science, of which the aim is indeed
truly startling and portentous. In Doctor Sigier's day, as in our own,
man has striven to gain wings to fly into the sanctuary where God hides
from our gaze.

This digression was necessary to give a clue to the scene at which the
old man and the youth from the island under Notre-Dame had come to be
audience; it will also protect this narrative from all blame on the
score of falsehood and hyperbole, of which certain persons of hasty
judgment might perhaps suspect me.

Doctor Sigier was a tall man in the prime of life. His face, rescued
from oblivion by the archives of the University, had singular analogies
with that of Mirabeau. It was stamped with the seal of fierce, swift,
and terrible eloquence. But the Doctor bore on his brow the expression
of religious faith that his modern double had not. His voice, too, was
of persuasive sweetness, with a clear and pleasing ring in it.

At this moment the daylight, that was stintingly diffused through the
small, heavily-leaded window-panes, tinted the assembly with capricious
tones and powerful contrasts from the chequered light and shade. Here,
in a dark corner, eyes shone brightly, their dark heads under the
sunbeams gleamed light above faces in shadow, and various bald heads,
with only a circlet of white hair, were distinguished among the crowd
like battlements silvered by moonlight. Every face was turned towards
the Doctor, mute but impatient. The drowsy voices of other lecturers
in the adjoining schools were audible in the silent street like the
murmuring of the sea; and the steps of the two strangers, as they now
came in, att