Now I am going to prove to you that I
take an interest in you also. I regret to say, you are in a critical
position, my dear Signor Maironi, or Signor Benedetto, at your choice.
An accusation of a really serious nature has been lodged against you
with the judicial authorities, and I see that not only your reputation
for saintliness is in danger, but also your personal liberty, and hence
your preaching, at least for several years."
A flame spread over Benedetto's face, and his eyes flashed.
"Leave the saintliness and the reputation alone," said he.
The august functionary of the State continued, unmoved:
"I have wounded you. But you must know that your reputation for
saintliness is threatened by other dangers. Other things are said about
you which have nothing to do with the penal code,--you may be quite
easy on that score--but which are not in perfect harmony with Catholic
morals. I assure you these things are believed by many. I am simply
stating the facts; it is really no business of mine. After all,
saintliness is never a reality; it is always more or less an
idealisation of the image by the mirror.
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