No compromise was possible.

If examination once began it must go on, and must, fatally, conduct to doubt.
Pierre's greatest sufferings, however, came from the extraordinary conversations which he heard around him.

There were some believers present who spoke of the miracles with the most amazing ease and tranquillity.

The most stupefying stories left their serenity entire.
Another miracle, and yet another! And with smiles on their faces, their reason never protesting, they went on relating such imaginings as could only have come from diseased brains.

They were evidently living in such a state of visionary fever that nothing henceforth could astonish them.