n imposture. The bailiff, without wasting his time
arguing with the sister, asked to see Barre, who soon appeared arrayed in
his priestly vestments, and surrounded by several persons, among whom was
the queen's chaplain. The bailiff complained that admittance had been
refused to him and those with him, although he had been authorised to
visit the convent by the Bishop of Poitiers. Barre' replied that he
would not hinder their coming in, as far as it concerned him.

"We are here with the intention of entering," said the bailiff, "and also
for the purpose of requesting you to put one or two questions to the
demon which we have drawn up in terms which are in accordance with what
is prescribed in the ritual. I am sure you will not refuse," he added,
turning with a bow to Marescot, "to make this experiment in the presence
of the queen's chaplain, since by that means all those suspicions of
imposture can be removed which are unfortunately so rife concerning this
business."

"In that respect I shall do as I please, and not as you order me," was
the insolent reply of the exorcist.

"It is, however, your duty to follow legal methods in your procedure,"
returned the bailiff, "if you sincerely desire the truth; for it would be
an affront to God to perform a spurious miracle in His honour, and a
wrong to the Catholic faith, whose power is in its truth, to attempt to
give adventitious lustre to its doctrines by the aid of fraud and
deception."

"Sir," said Barre, "I am a man of honour, I know my duty and I shall
discharge it; but as to yourself, I must recall to your recollection that
the last time you were here you left the chapel in anger and excitement,
which is an attitude of mind most unbecoming in one whose duty it is to
administer justice."

Seeing that these recriminations would have no practical result, the
magistrates cut them short by reiterating their demand for admittance;
and on this being refused, they reminded the exorcists that they were
expressly prohibited from asking any questions tending to cast a slur on
the character of any person or persons whatever, under pain of being
treated as disturbers of the public peace. At this warning Barre, saying
that he did not acknowledge the bailiff's jurisdiction, shut the door in
the faces of the two magistrates.

As there was no time to lose if the machinations of his enemies were to
be brought to nought, the bailiff and the civil lieutenant advised
Grandier to w