Page:Leskov - The Sentry and other Stories.djvu/209

 Rh sorrows of the Church no less than you do, but justice would be offended if I decided to agree with you that in Russia our Lord Christ is understood less well than in Tübingen, London, or Geneva."

"About that, Vladyko, one can argue too."

The Archbishop smiled again and said:

"I see you are fond of arguing. What are we to do with you? We can talk, but avoid argument."

With these words he took from the table a large album, richly bound and ornamented with carved ivory, and opening it, said:

"Here is our Lord. Come and see. I have collected in this book many representations of His face. Here He is sitting at the well with the Woman of Samaria—the workmanship is wonderful; it is evident that the artist understood the face and the moment."

"Yes, Vladyko, I also think it is executed with understanding," answered B.

"But is there not here in this Godly face too much softness? Does it not appear to you, that He is too indifferent as to how many husbands this woman has had, and does not mind that her present husband is not her husband?"

All remained silent; the Archbishop noticed this and continued:

"I think that here a little more seriousness in the expression would not have been amiss."