Wolsey was regarding Dalaber with great intensity of interest, whilst a fine smile played in shadowy fashion over his thin lips.
"Is that what you have come hither to tell me, my son ?" "In part it is," answered Dalaber, "for I have felt like a hypocrite and renegade all these days.

I love the church; I hold her doctrines; I trow that I would die for the truth which she teaches: but I hold also that men should not be condemned for the reading and free discussion of the Word of God; and if those who did persuade me to submit to discipline and penance for disobedience believe that I repent me of holding and spreading that doctrine, then must I ever live with the sense of having been a traitor to the cause of my Lord and my God." "And you wish to tell me this ?" "Yes; that your Eminence may send me back to prison, or to the stake, if it be your will." The same slight smile played round the cardinal's lips.

He looked once more at his papers.
"It is said here, Anthony Dalaber, that you have given up the study of divinity, and have taken up that of the law ?" "That is true," he answered freely.

"I am not made for the priesthood; of that I am well assured.

I will seek to serve God in the lesser calling, and do my duty there to Him and to the brethren." "A laudable resolve," answered the great man, "in which I wish you all success.