I said, "There is a text, 'With all thy getting, get understanding.' There is another, 'For God so loved the world'-- that He wished to impart understanding." She sat quiet, seeming to listen to the fountain.

Then she said, "Are you ready to avow when they ask you that in every particular to which the Grand Inquisitor may point you are wrong, and that all that Holy Church through mouth of Holy Office says is right ?" I said, "No, Madam! Present Church is not as large as Truth, nor as fair as Beauty." "You may think that, but will you say the other ?" "Say that church or kingdom exactly matches Truth and Beauty ?" "That is what I am sure you will have to say." "Then, no!" "I do not see," she said, "that I can do anything for you." There was a chair beside her.

She sat down, her chin on her hand and her eyes lowered.

Silence held save for the fountain plashing.

Don Enrique stood by the railing, and Jayme de Marchena felt his concern.