Two of the Parisian theologians are disputing _De Ecclesia_.

The thesis of the adversary, who opens, is that the Church is merely the representative of God on earth--a Society that must, of course, be obeyed; but that Infallibility is not necessary to her efficiency." Father Jervis' eyes twinkled.
"Isn't that a little too pointed?
Why, that's the Emperor's one difficulty! I understand that he allows, politically speaking, the need for the Church, but denies her divinity." "I assure you," said the French priest solemnly, "that the thesis is his own selection.

You see, he's sick of these Socialists.

He understands perfectly that the one sanction of human authority must come from God, or from the people; and he's entirely on God's side! But he cannot see the infallibility, and therefore, as he's a sincere man---!" he ended with an eloquent shrug.
"Well," said Father Jervis, "if the Cardinal's not here----" "Alas! He is back in Paris by now.

But give me your letters! I'll see that they are presented properly; and you shall receive a royal command for the disputation in plenty of time." They handed over their letters; they exchanged compliments once more; they were escorted as far as the door of the room by the prelate, across the next ante-chamber by an imposing man in black velvet with a chain, across the third by a cuirassier, and across the hall to the bottom of the steps by two tremendous footmen in the ancient royal livery.
Monsignor was silent for a few yards.
"Aren't you afraid of an anti-clerical reaction ?" he asked suddenly.
"How do you mean?
I don't understand." Then Monsignor launched out.