"
"They would find it difficult to display any thing but tinsel," said
Cranfield. "It is two years since the golden crucifix, the silver
candlestick, and the saintly jewelry, mounted on horseback and
traveled into France."
"But the saints," said L'Isle, "knowing that the air of France would
not agree with them, wisely staid behind."
As they were coming out of the cathedral, Mrs. Shortridge asked L'Isle
the meaning of the words on a tablet near them: "_Oy se sacca
animas_."
"They give us notice," said L'Isle, "that to-day souls are released
from Purgatory. But surely the notice is incomplete, not specifying
whose souls they are. Their friends may go on spending money in masses
for them after they are in Paradise."
"That would be throwing away their cash," said Mrs. Shortridge. "I
have known good folks in London exercise their charity by releasing
small debtors from prison. But their bounty bears little fruit,
compared with that of the Papist, who, by opening his purse, rescues
sinful souls from purgatory. But our works, as our faith, fall far
short of theirs."
"And the Spaniards are foremost among the faithful," said L'Isle.
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