full of holes as a sieve, as flimsy as a tissue-paper balloon,
and as unstable as a pyramid upside down, but nevertheless perfectly
satisfactory.

"Of course," says humanity, "I know nothing about it. But I am perfectly
sure."

And so forth. And moreover, if humanity were not frequently quite sure
of things concerning which it knows nothing, the world would soon come
to a standstill, and never move again; like the ass in the fable, that
died of hunger in its stall between two bundles of hay, unable to decide
which to eat first. That also was an instance of stable equilibrium.

Don Nicola avoided all questions of religion in general conversation,
and tried to make other people avoid them when he was the only clergyman
present, because he did not like to be asked his opinion about them. But
when the Princess Anatolie and Monsieur Leroy gravely declared their
belief in the communications of departed persons by means of rappings,
not to say by touch, and by strains of music, and perfumes, and even, on
rare occasions, by actual apparition, then Don Nicola felt that it was
his duty to protest, and he accordingly protested with considerable
energy. He said that spiritualism was the devil.

"The chief object of the devil's existence," observed Monsieur Leroy,
"is to bear responsibility."

The Princess laughed and nodded her approval, as she always did when
Monsieur Leroy said anything which she thought clever. Don Nicola was
too wise to discuss the matter, if, indeed, it admitted of discussion;
for the devil was certainly responsible for a good deal.

"Your definition of spiritualism is so very liberal," Monsieur Leroy
added, with a fine supercilious smile on his red lips.

"It is not mine," answered Don Nicola, modestly.

"No. I suppose it is the opinion of the Church. At all events, you do
not doubt the possibility of communicating with the spirits of dead
persons, do you?"

"I have never examined the matter, my dear sir."

"It seems to me," said Monsieur Leroy, with airy superiority, "that it
is rather rash to attribute to Satan everything which you will not take
the trouble to examine."

"Hush, Doudou!" cried the Princess. "You are very rude!"

"Not at all, not at all, your Highness!" protested Don Nicola, rising.
"I should be very much surprised if Monsieur Leroy expressed himself
differently."

Monsieur Leroy had no retort ready, and tried to smile.

"It will give me the greatest pleasure to be your guid