“Stop, please.  I shall get bewildered.  What about the religion?”

“Well, the Empire of Mexico——­”

“Eh?”

“The Empire of Mexico.”

“Who’s Emperor?”

“The King of Spain, Monsignor,” said the priest patiently.  “Well, that used to be called South America.  It’s all the Empire of Mexico now, and belongs to Spain.  That’s solidly Catholic, of course.  And the American Colonies—­old North America—­that’s like England.  It’s practically Catholic, of course; but there are a few infidels and Socialists.”

“Australia?”

“Australia’s entirely Irish, and Catholic.”

“And Ireland itself?”

“Oh!  Ireland developed enormously as soon as she had gained independence, but emigration continued, and the Irish strength really lies abroad.  Then an odd thing happened.  Ireland continued to empty, obeying some social law we don’t even yet understand properly; and the Religious began to get possession of the country in an extraordinary way, until they owned all the large estates, and even most of the towns.  You may say that Ireland is practically one Religious Enclosure now.  Of course, she’s a part of the British Empire; but her real social life lies in her colonies.  Australia succeeded in getting Home Rule from Ireland about twenty-five years ago.”

Monsignor pressed his hands to his head.

“It sounds like the wildest dream,” he said.

“Hadn’t I better—–?”

“No; go on.  I only want an outline.  What about the East?”

“Well, old superstitions still linger on in the East, especially in China.  But the end is quite certain.  It is simply a matter of time——­”

“But . . . but I don’t understand.  If the whole world is practically Christian, what is there left to do?”

The priest smiled.

“Ah! but you must remember Germany.  There are great forces in Germany.  It’s there that the danger lies.  And you must remember too that there is no Universal Arbitrator yet.  Nationalism is still pretty strong.  There might easily be another big European war.”

“Then you hope——­”

“Yes.  We’re all working for the recognition of the Pope as Universal Arbitrator, as he was practically in Europe in the Middle Ages.  Of course, as soon as the sovereigns acknowledge officially that they hold all their rights at the will of Rome, the thing will be done.  But it’s not done yet, except——­”

“Good God!”

“Look here, Monsignor, you’ve had enough,” said the priest, rising.  “Though I must say you have followed it closely enough.  Are you certain that it is quite new to you?  Don’t you remember—–­”

“It’s not only new; it’s inconceivable!  I understand it perfectly; but——­”

“Well, you’ve had enough.  Now what about coming to see the Cardinal?  I feel sure he’ll insist upon your taking a rest instantly.  I feel rather guilty——­”

“Stop.  Tell me about languages.  Why did you talk to me in Latin this morning?”