ly 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.

"Dear lady, what do you know of my vocation?" he asked--"Will you teach
it to me? No!--I am sure you will not try! Listen now!--as you all give
me permission--let me tell you of certain people who once 'went with
the time'--and decided to stop en route, and are still at the
stopping-place. Perhaps some of you who travel far and often, have
heard of the Brazen City?"

Each one looked at the other enquiringly, but with no responsive result.

"Those who visit the East know of it"--went on Aloysius--"And some say
they have seen a glimpse of its shining towers and cupolas in the far
distance. However this may be, tradition declares that it exists, and
that it was founded by St. John, the 'beloved disciple.' You will
recall that when Our Lord was asked when and how John should die He
answered--'If I