purpose on the
part of the architect?"

"Yes; but I must at once confess that the key to these religious
calculations is lost. Those archaeologists who have racked their brains
to find it have vainly added together the measurements of naves and
clerestories; they have not yet succeeded in formulating the idea they
expected to see emerge from the sums total.

"In this matter we must confess ourselves ignorant. Besides, have not
the standards of measurement been different at different times? As with
the value of coins in the Middle Ages, we know nothing about them. So,
in spite of some very interesting investigations carried out from this
point of view by the Abbe Crosnier at the Priory of Saint Gilles, and
the Abbe Devoucoux at the Cathedral of Autun, I remain sceptical as to
their conclusions, which I regard as very ingenious, but far from
trustworthy.

"The method of numbers is to be seen in perfection only in the details,
such as the pillars of which I spoke just now; it is no less evident
when we find the same number prevailing throughout the edifice, as for
instance at Paray-le-Monial, where all things are in threes. There the
designer has not been content to reproduce the sacred number in the
general scheme of the structure; he has applied it in every part. The
church has, in fact, three aisles; each aisle has three compartments;
each compartment is formed by three arches surmounted by three windows.
In short, it is the principle of the Trinity, the primary Three, applied
to every part."

"Well, but do you not think, Monsieur l'Abbe, that, apart from such
instances of indisputable meaning, there are in such symbolism some very
fine-drawn and obscure similitudes?"

The Abbe smiled.

"Do you know," said he, "the theories of Honorius of Autun as to the
symbolism of the censer?"

"No."

"Well, then, after having pointed out the natural and very proper
interpretation that may be applied to this vessel, as representing the
Body of Our Lord, while the incense signifies His Divinity, and the fire
is the Holy Spirit within Him; and after having defined the various
interpretations of the metal of which it is made--if of gold, it answers
to the perfection of His Divinity; if of silver, to the matchless
excellence of His Humility; if of copper, to the frailty of the flesh He
assumed for our salvation; if of iron, to the Resurrection of that Body
which conquered death--the scholiast comes to the chains.

"And then,