Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/87

 to an established law, a child born of parents, one Catholic and the other Protestant, is not considered legitimate. If this girl is not legitimated by law this snug little fortune would revert to the State. Why should not the government profit as well as the Church?”

The Superior regarded his companion with a look of pitying contempt.

“Do you not see that there is a serious flaw in your reasoning? Madame La Tour is a Catholic. It we ignore her claims entirely, this will afford her a fitting excuse for joining the heretics. If she should do this, the commissioners in Amsterdam, who have the will in charge, will dispose of the property otherwise, and neither Church nor State will profit thereby. If my plan is adhered to, you may rest assured that your services will be amply compensated. The Church never fails to reward her loyal children.”

“As you wish, Father. I am willing to let the matter proceed as you have stated. I only hope you will not meet with opposition.”

“I am used to opposition,” replied the Jesuit, “but our resources are infinite. I have yet to meet the man or woman who has been subjected to the discipline of our Order who could not by some means be reduced to submission. My success is foreordained.”

“There is one other matter, Monseigneur, about