First discuss
the question, and then, if the proposal be accepted we will examine the
means of promoting it."
Don Paolo exclaimed impetuously, that the principle needed no
discussion; and Minucci observed, in a submissive tone, that the object
of the meeting was known to all before they came; therefore, by their
presence, they had implied their approval and their willingness to bind
themselves together in a common action; the question of ways and means
remaning still undecided. Abbe Marinier asked permission to speak. "I am
really very sorry," he said smiling, "but I have not brought even the
smallest thread with which to bind myself. I also am one of those who
see many things going wrong in the Church. Still, when Signor Selva
carefully explained his views to me (first at supper and then here),
views which I had not clearly understood from my friend Professor Dane's
explanation, certain objections, which I consider serious, forced
themselves upon me."
"Exactly," thought Minucci, who had heard how ambitious Marinier was;
"if you look for promotion, you must not join us;" and he added aloud:
"Let us hear them.
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