cidedly to remove this infant from his house on the spot, and to give it in charge to some one at a distance—the farther away the better—so that it may be out of both sight and mind of the people here, and that the scandal has so frivolously raised may be put an end to. If he should object, or refuse to do so, tell him quite plainly that I shall observe no more consideration towards him, but shall take steps against him with the ecclesiastical authorities.”
Ledecký listened to the baroness as quietly as a statue, and even when she ceased speaking, he was in no hurry to answer. At last he began—
“I would not advise your ladyship to carry out this intention, even though it may spring from the very best motives. I am an experienced priest, and know what our rights are thoroughly. So does my colleague Cvok. It does not belong to the patron of a living to proceed against a duly appointed parish priest, as your ladyship has just proposed doing. That power is only in the hands of the Church authorities, and even they will not pronounce such a sentence till the questionable affair has been impartially inquired into and duly considered, and the inculpated person himself heard. I am quite sure that Father Cvok has all the necessary proofs and documents—as, for instance, the baptismal certificate of the child—in his possession, and will surely obtain justice from the authorities set over him. I have not the least doubt that he will come forth from any inquiries pure and uninjured, like gold, and that, instead of being blamed, he will be commended for having acted a godly, charitable part towards the forlorn, helpless child. If we—your ladyship, or I in your name—were to take such measures with him, we might involve ourselves in a very disagree-
