第2章

Whatthedevil，indeed!ButthereIwas。

"Thegreatthing，"saidI，"istomakeanendofit"；andoncemoreproposedthatheshouldhelpmetofindaguide。

"C"ESTQUE，"hesaidagain，"C"ESTQUE-ILFAITNOIR。"

"Verywell，"saidI；"takeoneofyourlanterns。"

"No，"hecried，drawingathoughtbackward，andagainintrenchinghimselfbehindoneofhisformerphrases；"Iwillnotcrossthedoor。"

Ilookedathim。Isawunaffectedterrorstrugglingonhisfacewithunaffectedshame；hewassmilingpitifullyandwettinghislipwithhistongue，likeadetectedschoolboy。Idrewabriefpictureofmystate，andaskedhimwhatIwastodo。

"Idon"tknow，"hesaid；"Iwillnotcrossthedoor。"

HerewastheBeastofGevaudan，andnomistake。

"Sir，"saidI，withmymostcommandingmanners，"youareacoward。"

AndwiththatIturnedmybackuponthefamilyparty，whohastenedtoretirewithintheirfortifications；andthefamousdoorwasclosedagain，butnottillIhadoverheardthesoundoflaughter。

FILIABARBARAPATERBARBARIOR。Letmesayitintheplural:theBeastsofGevaudan。

Thelanternshadsomewhatdazzledme，andIplougheddistressfullyamongstonesandrubbish-heaps。Alltheotherhousesinthevillagewerebothdarkandsilent；andthoughIknockedathereandthereadoor，myknockingwasunanswered。Itwasabadbusiness；I

gaveupFouzilhacwithmycurses。Therainhadstopped，andthewind，whichstillkeptrising，begantodrymycoatandtrousers。

"Verywell，"thoughtI，"waterornowater，Imustcamp。"ButthefirstthingwastoreturntoModestine。IamprettysureIwastwentyminutesgropingformyladyinthedark；andifithadnotbeenfortheunkindlyservicesofthebog，intowhichIoncemorestumbled，Imighthavestillbeengropingforheratthedawn。Mynextbusinesswastogaintheshelterofawood，forthewindwascoldaswellasboisterous。How，inthiswell-woodeddistrict，I

shouldhavebeensolonginfindingone，isanotheroftheinsolublemysteriesofthisday"sadventures；butIwilltakemyoaththatIputnearanhourtothediscovery。

Atlastblacktreesbegantoshowuponmyleft，and，suddenlycrossingtheroad，madeacaveofunmitigatedblacknessrightinfront。Icallitacavewithoutexaggeration；topassbelowthatarchofleaveswaslikeenteringadungeon。Ifeltaboutuntilmyhandencounteredastoutbranch，andtothisItiedModestine，ahaggard，drenched，despondingdonkey。ThenIloweredmypack，laiditalongthewallonthemarginoftheroad，andunbuckledthestraps。Iknewwellenoughwherethelanternwas；butwherewerethecandles？Igropedandgropedamongthetumbledarticles，and，whileIwasthusgroping，suddenlyItouchedthespirit-lamp。

Salvation!Thiswouldservemyturnaswell。Thewindroaredunwearyinglyamongthetrees；Icouldheartheboughstossingandtheleaveschurningthroughhalfamileofforest；yetthesceneofmyencampmentwasnotonlyasblackasthepit，butadmirablysheltered。Atthesecondmatchthewickcaughtflame。Thelightwasbothlividandshifting；butitcutmeofffromtheuniverse，anddoubledthedarknessofthesurroundingnight。

ItiedModestinemoreconvenientlyforherself，andbrokeuphalftheblackbreadforhersupper，reservingtheotherhalfagainstthemorning。ThenIgatheredwhatIshouldwantwithinreach，tookoffmywetbootsandgaiters，whichIwrappedinmywaterproof，arrangedmyknapsackforapillowundertheflapofmysleeping-

bag，insinuatedmylimbsintotheinterior，andbuckledmyselfinlikeabambino。IopenedatinofBolognasausageandbrokeacakeofchocolate，andthatwasallIhadtoeat。Itmaysoundoffensive，butIatethemtogether，bitebybite，bywayofbreadandmeat。AllIhadtowashdownthisrevoltingmixturewasneatbrandy:arevoltingbeverageinitself。ButIwasrareandhungry；atewell，andsmokedoneofthebestcigarettesinmyexperience。ThenIputastoneinmystrawhat，pulledtheflapofmyfurcapovermyneckandeyes，putmyrevolverreadytomyhand，andsnuggledwelldownamongthesheepskins。

IquestionedatfirstifIweresleepy，forIfeltmyheartbeatingfasterthanusual，asifwithanagreeableexcitementtowhichmymindremainedastranger。Butassoonasmyeyelidstouched，thatsubtleglueleapedbetweenthem，andtheywouldnomorecomeseparate。Thewindamongthetreeswasmylullaby。Sometimesitsoundedforminutestogetherwithasteady，evenrush，notrisingnorabating；andagainitwouldswellandburstlikeagreatcrashingbreaker，andthetreeswouldpattermealloverwithbigdropsfromtherainoftheafternoon。Nightafternight，inmyownbedroominthecountry，Ihavegiveneartothisperturbingconcertofthewindamongthewoods；butwhetheritwasadifferenceinthetrees，orthelieoftheground，orbecauseIwasmyselfoutsideandinthemidstofit，thefactremainsthatthewindsangtoadifferenttuneamongthesewoodsofGevaudan。Ihearkenedandhearkened；andmeanwhilesleeptookgradualpossessionofmybodyandsubduedmythoughtsandsenses；butstillmylastwakingeffortwastolistenanddistinguish，andmylastconsciousstatewasoneofwonderattheforeignclamourinmyears。

Twiceinthecourseofthedarkhours-oncewhenastonegalledmeunderneaththesack，andagainwhenthepoorpatientModestine，growingangry，pawedandstampedupontheroad-Iwasrecalledforabriefwhiletoconsciousness，andsawastarortwooverhead，andthelace-likeedgeofthefoliageagainstthesky。WhenIawokeforthethirdtime(Wednesday，September25th)，theworldwasfloodedwithabluelight，themotherofthedawn。Isawtheleaveslabouringinthewindandtheribbonoftheroad；and，onturningmyhead，therewasModestinetiedtoabeech，andstandinghalfacrossthepathinanattitudeofinimitablepatience。I

closedmyeyesagain，andsettothinkingovertheexperienceofthenight。Iwassurprisedtofindhoweasyandpleasantithadbeen，eveninthistempestuousweather。Thestonewhichannoyedmewouldnothavebeenthere，hadInotbeenforcedtocampblindfoldintheopaquenight；andIhadfeltnootherinconvenience，exceptwhenmyfeetencounteredthelanternorthesecondvolumeofPeyrat"sPASTORSOFTHEDESERTamongthemixedcontentsofmysleeping-bag；nay，more，Ihadfeltnotatouchofcold，andawakenedwithunusuallylightsomeandclearsensations。

Withthat，Ishookmyself，gotoncemoreintomybootsandgaiters，and，breakinguptherestofthebreadforModestine，strolledabouttoseeinwhatpartoftheworldIhadawakened。Ulysses，leftonIthaca，andwithamindunsettledbythegoddess，wasnotmorepleasantlyastray。Ihavebeenafteranadventureallmylife，apuredispassionateadventure，suchasbefellearlyandheroicvoyagers；andthustobefoundbymorninginarandomwoodsidenookinGevaudan-notknowingnorthfromsouth，asstrangetomysurroundingsasthefirstmanupontheearth，aninlandcastaway-wastofindafractionofmyday-dreamsrealised。

Iwasontheskirtsofalittlewoodofbirch，sprinkledwithafewbeeches；behind，itadjoinedanotherwoodoffir；andinfront，itbrokeupandwentdowninopenorderintoashallowandmeadowydale。Allaroundtherewerebarehilltops，somenear，somefaraway，astheperspectiveclosedoropened，butnoneapparentlymuchhigherthantherest。Thewindhuddledthetrees。Thegoldenspecksofautumninthebirchestossedshiveringly。Overheadtheskywasfullofstringsandshredsofvapour，flying，vanishing，reappearing，andturningaboutanaxisliketumblers，asthewindhoundedthemthroughheaven。Itwaswildweatherandfamishingcold。Iatesomechocolate，swallowedamouthfulofbrandy，andsmokedacigarettebeforethecoldshouldhavetimetodisablemyfingers。AndbythetimeIhadgotallthisdone，andhadmademypackandbounditonthepack-saddle，thedaywastiptoeonthethresholdoftheeast。Wehadnotgonemanystepsalongthelane，beforethesun，stillinvisibletome，sentaglowofgoldoversomecloudmountainsthatlayrangedalongtheeasternsky。

Thewindhadusonthestern，andhurriedusbitinglyforward。I

buttonedmyselfintomycoat，andwalkedoninapleasantframeofmindwithallmen，whensuddenly，atacorner，therewasFouzilhiconcemoreinfrontofme。Noronlythat，buttherewastheoldgentlemanwhohadescortedmesofarthenightbefore，runningoutofhishouseatsightofme，withhandsupraisedinhorror。

"Mypoorboy!"hecried，"whatdoesthismean？"

Itoldhimwhathadhappened。Hebeathisoldhandslikeclappersinamill，tothinkhowlightlyhehadletmego；butwhenheheardofthemanofFouzilhac，angeranddepressionseizeduponhismind。

"Thistime，atleast，"saidhe，"thereshallbenomistake。"

Andhelimpedalong，forhewasveryrheumatic，forabouthalfamile，anduntilIwasalmostwithinsightofCheylard，thedestinationIhadhuntedforsolong。

CHEYLARDANDLUC

CANDIDLY，itseemedlittleworthyofallthissearching。Afewbrokenendsofvillage，withnoparticularstreet，butasuccessionofopenplacesheapedwithlogsandfagots；acoupleoftiltedcrosses，ashrinetoOurLadyofallGracesonthesummitofalittlehill；andallthis，uponarattlinghighlandriver，inthecornerofanakedvalley。Whatwentyeoutfortosee？thoughtI

tomyself。Buttheplacehadalifeofitsown。Ifoundaboard，commemoratingtheliberalitiesofCheylardforthepastyear，hungup，likeabanner，inthediminutiveandtotteringchurch。In1877，itappeared，theinhabitantssubscribedforty-eightfrancstencentimesforthe"WorkofthePropagationoftheFaith。"Someofthis，Icouldnothelphoping，wouldbeappliedtomynativeland。CheylardscrapestogetherhalfpenceforthedarkenedsoulsinEdinburgh；whileBalquhidderandDunrossnessbemoantheignoranceofRome。Thus，tothehighentertainmentoftheangels，dowepelteachotherwithevangelists，likeschoolboysbickeringinthesnow。

Theinnwasagainsingularlyunpretentious。Thewholefurnitureofanotill-to-dofamilywasinthekitchen:thebeds，thecradle，theclothes，theplate-rack，themeal-chest，andthephotographoftheparishpriest。Therewerefivechildren，oneofwhomwassettoitsmorningprayersatthestair-footsoonaftermyarrival，andasixthwoulderelongbeforthcoming。Iwaskindlyreceivedbythesegoodfolk。Theyweremuchinterestedinmymisadventure。

ThewoodinwhichIhadsleptbelongedtothem；themanofFouzilhactheythoughtamonsterofiniquity，andcounselledmewarmlytosummonhimatlaw-"becauseImighthavedied。"Thegoodwifewashorror-strickentoseemedrinkoverapintofuncreamedmilk。

"Youwilldoyourselfanevil，"shesaid。"Permitmetoboilitforyou。"

AfterIhadbegunthemorningonthisdelightfulliquor，shehavinganinfinityofthingstoarrange，Iwaspermitted，nayrequested，tomakeabowlofchocolateformyself。Mybootsandgaiterswerehunguptodry，and，seeingmetryingtowritemyjournalonmyknee，theeldestdaughterletdownahingedtableinthechimney-

cornerformyconvenience。HereIwrote，drankmychocolate，andfinallyateanomelettebeforeIleft。Thetablewasthickwithdust；for，astheyexplained，itwasnotusedexceptinwinterweather。Ihadaclearlookupthevent，throughbrownagglomerationsofsootandbluevapour，tothesky；andwheneverahandfuloftwigswasthrownontothefire，mylegswerescorchedbytheblaze。

Thehusbandhadbegunlifeasamuleteer，andwhenIcametochargeModestineshowedhimselffulloftheprudenceofhisart。"Youwillhavetochangethispackage，"saidhe；"itoughttobeintwoparts，andthenyoumighthavedoubletheweight。"

IexplainedthatIwantednomoreweight；andfornodonkeyhithertocreatedwouldIcutmysleeping-bagintwo。

"Itfatiguesher，however，"saidtheinnkeeper；"itfatigueshergreatlyonthemarch。Look。"

Alas，therewerehertwoforelegsnobetterthanrawbeefontheinside，andbloodwasrunningfromunderhertail。TheytoldmewhenIstarted，andIwasreadytobelieveit，thatbeforeafewdaysIshouldcometoloveModestinelikeadog。Threedayshadpassed，wehadsharedsomemisadventures，andmyheartwasstillascoldasapotatotowardsmybeastofburden。Shewasprettyenoughtolookat；butthenshehadgivenproofofdeadstupidity，redeemedindeedbypatience，butaggravatedbyflashesofsorryandill-judgedlight-heartedness。AndIownthisnewdiscoveryseemedanotherpointagainsther。Whatthedevilwasthegoodofashe-

assifshecouldnotcarryasleeping-bagandafewnecessaries？I

sawtheendofthefablerapidlyapproaching，whenIshouldhavetocarryModestine。AEsopwasthemantoknowtheworld!IassureyouIsetoutwithheavythoughtsuponmyshortday"smarch。

ItwasnotonlyheavythoughtsaboutModestinethatweightedmeupontheway；itwasaleadenbusinessaltogether。Forfirst，thewindblewsorudelythatIhadtoholdonthepackwithonehandfromCheylardtoLuc；andsecond，myroadlaythroughoneofthemostbeggarlycountriesintheworld。ItwasliketheworstoftheScottishHighlands，onlyworse；cold，naked，andignoble，scantofwood，scantofheather，scantoflife。Aroadandsomefencesbroketheunvaryingwaste，andthelineoftheroadwasmarkedbyuprightpillars，toserveintimeofsnow。

WhyanyoneshoulddesiretovisiteitherLucorCheylardismorethanmymuch-inventingspiritcansuppose。Formypart，Itravelnottogoanywhere，buttogo。Itravelfortravel"ssake。Thegreataffairistomove；tofeeltheneedsandhitchesofourlifemorenearly；tocomedownoffthisfeather-bedofcivilisation，andfindtheglobegraniteunderfootandstrewnwithcuttingflints。

Alas，aswegetupinlife，andaremorepreoccupiedwithouraffairs，evenaholidayisathingthatmustbeworkedfor。Toholdapackuponapack-saddleagainstagaleoutofthefreezingnorthisnohighindustry，butitisonethatservestooccupyandcomposethemind。Andwhenthepresentissoexacting，whocanannoyhimselfaboutthefuture？

IcameoutatlengthabovetheAllier。

Amoreunsightlyprospectatthisseasonoftheyearitwouldbehardtofancy。Shelvinghillsroserounditonallsides，heredabbledwithwoodandfields，thererisingtopeaksalternatelynakedandhairywithpines。Thecolourthroughoutwasblackorashen，andcametoapointintheruinsofthecastleofLuc，whichprickedupimpudentlyfrombelowmyfeet，carryingonapinnacleatallwhitestatueofOurLady，which，Iheardwithinterest，weighedfiftyquintals，andwastobededicatedonthe6thofOctober。ThroughthissorrylandscapetrickledtheAllierandatributaryofnearlyequalsize，whichcamedowntojoinitthroughabroadnudevalleyinVivarais。Theweatherhadsomewhatlightened，andthecloudsmassedinsquadron；butthefiercewindstillhuntedthemthroughheaven，andcastgreatungainlysplashesofshadowandsunlightoverthescene。

Lucitselfwasastragglingdoublefileofhouseswedgedbetweenhillandriver。Ithadnobeauty，norwasthereanynotablefeature，savetheoldcastleoverheadwithitsfiftyquintalsofbrand-newMadonna。Buttheinnwascleanandlarge。Thekitchen，withitstwobox-bedshungwithcleancheckcurtains，withitswidestonechimney，itschimney-shelffouryardslongandgarnishedwithlanternsandreligiousstatuettes，itsarrayofchestsandpairoftickingclocks，wastheverymodelofwhatakitchenoughttobe；amelodramakitchen，suitableforbanditsornoblemenindisguise。

Norwasthescenedisgracedbythelandlady，ahandsome，silent，darkoldwoman，clothedandhoodedinblacklikeanun。Eventhepublicbedroomhadacharacterofitsown，withthelongdealtablesandbenches，wherefiftymighthavedined，setoutasforaharvest-home，andthethreebox-bedsalongthewall。Inoneofthese，lyingonstrawandcoveredwithapairoftable-napkins，didIdopenanceallnightlongingoose-fleshandchatteringteeth，andsigh，fromtimetotimeasIawakened，formysheepskinsackandtheleeofsomegreatwood。

OURLADYOFTHESNOWS

"IbeholdTheHouse，theBrotherhoodaustere-

AndwhatamI，thatIamhere？"

MATTHEWARNOLD。

FATHERAPOLLINARIS

NEXTmorning(Thursday，20thSeptember)Itooktheroadinaneworder。Thesackwasnolongerdoubled，buthungatfulllengthacrossthesaddle，agreensausagesixfeetlongwithatuftofbluewoolhangingoutofeitherend。Itwasmorepicturesque，itsparedthedonkey，and，asIbegantosee，itwouldensurestability，blowhigh，blowlow。ButitwasnotwithoutapangthatIhadsodecided。ForalthoughIhadpurchasedanewcord，andmadeallasfastasIwasable，Iwasyetjealouslyuneasylesttheflapsshouldtumbleoutandscattermyeffectsalongthelineofmarch。

Mywaylayupthebaldvalleyoftheriver，alongthemarchofVivaraisandGevaudan。ThehillsofGevaudanontherightwerealittlemorenaked，ifanything，thanthoseofVivaraisupontheleft，andtheformerhadamonopolyofalowdottyunderwoodthatgrewthicklyinthegorgesanddiedoutinsolitaryburrsupontheshouldersandthesummits。Blackbricksoffir-woodwereplasteredhereandthereuponbothsides，andhereandtherewerecultivatedfields。Arailwayranbesidetheriver；theonlybitofrailwayinGevaudan，althoughtherearemanyproposalsafootandsurveysbeingmade，andeven，astheytellme，astationstandingreadybuiltinMende。Ayearortwohenceandthismaybeanotherworld。Thedesertisbeleaguered。NowmaysomeLanguedocianWordsworthturnthesonnetintoPATOIS:"Mountainsandvalesandfloods，heardYE

thatwhistle？"

AtaplacecalledLaBastideIwasdirectedtoleavetheriver，andfollowaroadthatmountedontheleftamongthehillsofVivarais，themodernArdeche；forIwasnowcomewithinalittlewayofmystrangedestination，theTrappistmonasteryofOurLadyoftheSnows。ThesuncameoutasIlefttheshelterofapine-wood，andIbeheldsuddenlyafinewildlandscapetothesouth。Highrockyhills，asblueassapphire，closedtheview，andbetweentheselayridgeuponridge，heathery，craggy，thesunglitteringonveinsofrock，theunderwoodclamberinginthehollows，asrudeasGodmadethematthefirst。Therewasnotasignofman"shandinalltheprospect；andindeednotatraceofhispassage，savewheregenerationaftergenerationhadwalkedintwistedfootpaths，inandoutamongthebeeches，andupanddownuponthechannelledslopes。

Themists，whichhadhithertobesetme，werenowbrokenintoclouds，andfledswiftlyandshonebrightlyinthesun。Idrewalongbreath。Itwasgratefultocome，aftersolong，uponasceneofsomeattractionforthehumanheart。IownIlikedefiniteforminwhatmyeyesaretorestupon；andiflandscapesweresold，likethesheetsofcharactersofmyboyhood，onepennyplainandtwopencecoloured，Ishouldgothelengthoftwopenceeverydayofmylife。

Butifthingshadgrownbettertothesouth，itwasstilldesolateandinclementnearathand。Aspiderycrossoneveryhill-topmarkedtheneighbourhoodofareligioushouse；andaquarterofamilebeyond，theoutlooksouthwardopeningoutandgrowingbolderwitheverystep，awhitestatueoftheVirginatthecornerofayoungplantationdirectedthetravellertoOurLadyoftheSnows。

Here，then，Istruckleftward，andpursuedmyway，drivingmyseculardonkeybeforeme，andcreakinginmysecularbootsandgaiters，towardstheasylumofsilence。

Ihadnotgoneveryfarerethewindbroughttometheclangingofabell，andsomehow，Icanscarcetellwhy，myheartsankwithinmeatthesound。IhaverarelyapproachedanythingwithmoreunaffectedterrorthanthemonasteryofOurLadyoftheSnows。

ThisitistohavehadaProtestanteducation。Andsuddenly，onturningacorner，feartookholdonmefromheadtofoot-slavish，superstitiousfear；andthoughIdidnotstopinmyadvance，yetI

wentonslowly，likeamanwhoshouldhavepassedabourneunnoticed，andstrayedintothecountryofthedead。Forthere，uponthenarrownew-maderoad，betweenthestriplingpines，wasamediaevalfriar，fightingwithabarrowfulofturfs。EverySundayofmychildhoodIusedtostudytheHermitsofMarcoSadeler-

enchantingprints，fullofwoodandfieldandmediaevallandscapes，aslargeasacounty，fortheimaginationtogoa-travellingin；

andhere，sureenough，wasoneofMarcoSadeler"sheroes。Hewasrobedinwhitelikeanyspectre，andthehoodfallingback，intheinstancyofhiscontentionwiththebarrow，disclosedapateasbaldandyellowasaskull。Hemighthavebeenburiedanytimethesethousandyears，andallthelivelypartsofhimresolvedintoearthandbrokenupwiththefarmer"sharrow。

Iwastroubledbesidesinmymindastoetiquette。DurstIaddressapersonwhowasunderavowofsilence？Clearlynot。Butdrawingnear，Idoffedmycaptohimwithafar-awaysuperstitiousreverence。Henoddedback，andcheerfullyaddressedme。WasI

goingtothemonastery？WhowasI？AnEnglishman？Ah，anIrishman，then？

"No，"Isaid，"aScotsman。"

AScotsman？Ah，hehadneverseenaScotsmanbefore。Andhelookedmeallover，hisgood，honest，brawnycountenanceshiningwithinterest，asaboymightlookuponalionoranalligator。

FromhimIlearnedwithdisgustthatIcouldnotbereceivedatOurLadyoftheSnows；Imightgetameal，perhaps，butthatwasall。

Andthen，asourtalkranon，anditturnedoutthatIwasnotapedlar，butaliteraryman，whodrewlandscapesandwasgoingtowriteabook，hechangedhismannerofthinkingastomyreception(forIfeartheyrespectpersonseveninaTrappistmonastery)，andtoldmeImustbesuretoaskfortheFatherPrior，andstatemycasetohiminfull。Onsecondthoughtshedeterminedtogodownwithmehimself；hethoughthecouldmanageformebetter。MighthesaythatIwasageographer？

No；Ithought，intheinterestsoftruth，hepositivelymightnot。

"Verywell，then"(withdisappointment)，"anauthor。"

ItappearedhehadbeeninaseminarywithsixyoungIrishmen，allpriestslongsince，whohadreceivednewspapersandkepthiminformedofthestateofecclesiasticalaffairsinEngland。AndheaskedmeeagerlyafterDr。Pusey，forwhoseconversionthegoodmanhadcontinuedeversincetopraynightandmorning。

"Ithoughthewasverynearthetruth，"hesaid；"andhewillreachityet；thereissomuchvirtueinprayer。"

Hemustbeastiff，ungodlyProtestantwhocantakeanythingbutpleasureinthiskindandhopefulstory。Whilehewasthusnearthesubject，thegoodfatheraskedmeifIwereaChristian；andwhenhefoundIwasnot，ornotafterhisway，heglosseditoverwithgreatgood-will。

Theroadwhichwewerefollowing，andwhichthisstalwartfatherhadmadewithhisowntwohandswithinthespaceofayear，cametoacorner，andshowedussomewhitebuildingsalittlefartheronbeyondthewood。Atthesametime，thebelloncemoresoundedabroad。Wewereharduponthemonastery。FatherApollinaris(forthatwasmycompanion"sname)stoppedme。

"Imustnotspeaktoyoudownthere，"hesaid。"AskfortheBrotherPorter，andallwillbewell。Buttrytoseemeasyougooutagainthroughthewood，whereImayspeaktoyou。Iamcharmedtohavemadeyouracquaintance。"

Andthensuddenlyraisinghisarms，flappinghisfingers，andcryingouttwice，"Imustnotspeak，Imustnotspeak!"heranawayinfrontofme，anddisappearedintothemonasterydoor。

Iownthissomewhatghastlyeccentricitywentagoodwaytorevivemyterrors。Butwhereonewassogoodandsimple，whyshouldnotallbealike？Itookheartofgrace，andwentforwardtothegateasfastasModestine，whoseemedtohaveadisaffectionformonasteries，wouldpermit。Itwasthefirstdoor，inmyacquaintanceofher，whichshehadnotshownanindecenthastetoenter。Isummonedtheplaceinform，thoughwithaquakingheart。

FatherMichael，theFatherHospitaller，andapairofbrown-robedbrotherscametothegateandspokewithmeawhile。Ithinkmysackwasthegreatattraction；ithadalreadybeguiledtheheartofpoorApollinaris，whohadchargedmeonmylifetoshowittotheFatherPrior，Butwhetheritwasmyaddress，orthesack，ortheideaspeedilypublishedamongthatpartofthebrotherhoodwhoattendonstrangersthatIwasnotapedlarafterall，Ifoundnodifficultyastomyreception。Modestinewasledawaybyalaymantothestables，andIandmypackwerereceivedintoOurLadyoftheSnows。

THEMONKS

FATHERMICHAEL，apleasant，fresh-faced，smilingman，perhapsofthirty-five，tookmetothepantry，andgavemeaglassofliqueurtostaymeuntildinner。Wehadsometalk，orratherIshouldsayhelistenedtomyprattleindulgentlyenough，butwithanabstractedair，likeaspiritwithathingofclay。Andtruly，whenIrememberthatIdescantedprincipallyonmyappetite，andthatitmusthavebeenbythattimemorethaneighteenhourssinceFatherMichaelhadsomuchasbrokenbread，Icanwellunderstandthathewouldfindanearthlysavourinmyconversation。Buthismanner，thoughsuperior，wasexquisitelygracious；andIfindI

havealurkingcuriosityastoFatherMichael"spast。

Thewhetadministered，Iwasleftaloneforalittleinthemonasterygarden。Thisisnomorethanthemaincourt，laidoutinsandypathsandbedsofparti-coloureddahlias，andwithafountainandablackstatueoftheVirgininthecentre。Thebuildingsstandarounditfour-square，bleak，asyetunseasonedbytheyearsandweather，andwithnootherfeaturesthanabelfryandapairofslatedgables。Brothersinwhite，brothersinbrown，passedsilentlyalongthesandedalleys；andwhenIfirstcameout，threehoodedmonkswerekneelingontheterraceattheirprayers。A

nakedhillcommandsthemonasteryupononeside，andthewoodcommandsitontheother。Itliesexposedtowind；thesnowfallsoffandonfromOctobertoMay，andsometimesliessixweeksonend；butiftheystoodinEden，withaclimatelikeheaven"s，thebuildingsthemselveswouldofferthesamewintryandcheerlessaspect；andformypart，onthiswildSeptemberday，beforeIwascalledtodinner，Ifeltchillyinandout。

WhenIhadeatenwellandheartily，BrotherAmbrose，aheartyconversibleFrenchman(forallthosewhowaitonstrangershavethelibertytospeak)，ledmetoalittleroominthatpartofthebuildingwhichissetapartforMM。LESRETRAITANTS。Itwascleanandwhitewashed，andfurnishedwithstrictnecessaries，acrucifix，abustofthelatePope，theIMITATIONinFrench，abookofreligiousmeditations，andtheLIFEOFELIZABETHSETON，evangelist，itwouldappear，ofNorthAmericaandofNewEnglandinparticular。

Asfarasmyexperiencegoes，thereisafairfieldforsomemoreevangelisationinthesequarters；butthinkofCottonMather!I

shouldliketogivehimareadingofthislittleworkinheaven，whereIhopehedwells；butperhapsheknowsallthatalready，andmuchmore；andperhapsheandMrs。Setonarethedearestfriends，andgladlyunitetheirvoicesintheeverlastingpsalm。Overthetable，toconcludetheinventoryoftheroom，hungasetofregulationsforMM。LESRETRAITANTS:whatservicestheyshouldattend，whentheyweretotelltheirbeadsormeditate，andwhentheyweretoriseandgotorest。AtthefootwasanotableN。B。:

"LETEMPSLIBREESTEMPLOYEAL"EXAMENDECONSCIENCE，ALA

CONFESSION，AFAIREDEBONNESRESOLUTIONS，ETC。"Tomakegoodresolutions，indeed!Youmighttalkasfruitfullyofmakingthehairgrowonyourhead。

IhadscarceexploredmynichewhenBrotherAmbrosereturned。AnEnglishboarder，itappeared，wouldliketospeakwithme。I

professedmywillingness，andthefriarusheredinafresh，young，littleIrishmanoffifty，adeaconoftheChurch，arrayedinstrictcanonicals，andwearingonhisheadwhat，indefaultofknowledge，Icanonlycalltheecclesiasticalshako。HehadlivedsevenyearsinretreatataconventofnunsinBelgium，andnowfiveatOurLadyoftheSnows；heneversawanEnglishnewspaper；hespokeFrenchimperfectly，andhadhespokenitlikeanative，therewasnotmuchchanceofconversationwherehedwelt。Withthis，hewasamaneminentlysociable，greedyofnews，andsimple-mindedlikeachild。IfIwaspleasedtohaveaguideaboutthemonastery，hewasnolessdelightedtoseeanEnglishfaceandhearanEnglishtongue。

Heshowedmehisownroom，wherehepassedhistimeamongbreviaries，HebrewBibles，andtheWaverleyNovels。Thenceheledmetothecloisters，intothechapter-house，throughthevestry，wherethebrothers"gownsandbroadstrawhatswerehangingup，eachwithhisreligiousnameuponaboard-namesfulloflegendarysuavityandinterest，suchasBasil，Hilarion，Raphael，orPacifique；intothelibrary，wherewerealltheworksofVeuillotandChateaubriand，andtheODESETBALLADES，ifyouplease，andevenMoliere，tosaynothingofinnumerablefathersandagreatvarietyoflocalandgeneralhistorians。ThencemygoodIrishmantookmeroundtheworkshops，wherebrothersbakebread，andmakecartwheels，andtakephotographs；whereonesuperintendsacollectionofcuriosities，andanotheragalleryofrabbits。ForinaTrappistmonasteryeachmonkhasanoccupationofhisownchoice，apartfromhisreligiousdutiesandthegenerallaboursofthehouse。Eachmustsinginthechoir，ifhehasavoiceandear，andjoininthehaymakingifhehasahandtostir；butinhisprivatehours，althoughhemustbeoccupied，hemaybeoccupiedonwhathelikes。ThusIwastoldthatonebrotherwasengagedwithliterature；whileFatherApollinarisbusieshimselfinmakingroads，andtheAbbotemployshimselfinbindingbooks。ItisnotsolongsincethisAbbotwasconsecrated，bytheway；andonthatoccasion，byaspecialgrace，hismotherwaspermittedtoenterthechapelandwitnesstheceremonyofconsecration。Aprouddayforhertohaveasonamitredabbot；itmakesyougladtothinktheyletherin。

Inallthesejourneyingstoandfro，manysilentfathersandbrethrenfellinourway。Usuallytheypaidnomoreregardtoourpassagethanifwehadbeenacloud；butsometimesthegooddeaconhadapermissiontoaskofthem，anditwasgrantedbyapeculiarmovementofthehands，almostlikethatofadog"spawsinswimming，orrefusedbytheusualnegativesigns，andineithercasewithloweredeyelidsandacertainairofcontrition，asofamanwhowassteeringveryclosetoevil。

Themonks，byspecialgraceoftheirAbbot，werestilltakingtwomealsaday；butitwasalreadytimefortheirgrandfast，whichbeginssomewhereinSeptemberandlaststillEaster，andduringwhichtheyeatbutonceinthetwenty-fourhours，andthatattwointheafternoon，twelvehoursaftertheyhavebegunthetoilandvigiloftheday。Theirmealsarescanty，butevenofthesetheyeatsparingly；andthougheachisallowedasmallcarafeofwine，manyrefrainfromthisindulgence。Withoutdoubt，themostofmankindgrosslyovereatthemselves；ourmealsservenotonlyforsupport，butasaheartyandnaturaldiversionfromthelabouroflife。Yet，thoughexcessmaybehurtful，IshouldhavethoughtthisTrappistregimendefective。AndIamastonished，asIlookback，atthefreshnessoffaceandcheerfulnessofmannerofallwhomIbeheld。AhappiernorahealthiercompanyIshouldscarcesupposethatIhaveeverseen。Asamatteroffact，onthisbleakupland，andwiththeincessantoccupationofthemonks，lifeisofanuncertaintenure，anddeathnoinfrequentvisitor，atOurLadyoftheSnows。This，atleast，waswhatwastoldme。Butiftheydieeasily，theymustlivehealthilyinthemeantime，fortheyseemedallfirmoffleshandhighincolour；andtheonlymorbidsignthatIcouldobserve，anunusualbrilliancyofeye，wasonethatservedrathertoincreasethegeneralimpressionofvivacityandstrength。

ThosewithwhomIspokeweresingularlysweet-tempered，withwhatI

canonlycallaholycheerfulnessinairandconversation。Thereisanote，inthedirectiontovisitors，tellingthemnottobeoffendedatthecurtspeechofthosewhowaituponthem，sinceitispropertomonkstospeaklittle。Thenotemighthavebeenspared；toamanthehospitallerswereallbrimmingwithinnocenttalk，and，inmyexperienceofthemonastery，itwaseasiertobeginthantobreakoffaconversation。WiththeexceptionofFatherMichael，whowasamanoftheworld，theyshowedthemselvesfullofkindandhealthyinterestinallsortsofsubjects-inpolitics，invoyages，inmysleeping-sack-andnotwithoutacertainpleasureinthesoundoftheirownvoices。

Asforthosewhoarerestrictedtosilence，Icanonlywonderhowtheybeartheirsolemnandcheerlessisolation。Andyet，apartfromanyviewofmortification，Icanseeacertainpolicy，notonlyintheexclusionofwomen，butinthisvowofsilence。Ihavehadsomeexperienceoflayphalansteries，ofanartistic，nottosayabacchanaliancharacter；andseenmorethanoneassociationeasilyformedandyetmoreeasilydispersed。WithaCistercianrule，perhapstheymighthavelastedlonger。Intheneighbourhoodofwomenitisbutatouch-and-goassociationthatcanbeformedamongdefencelessmen；thestrongerelectricityissuretotriumph；

thedreamsofboyhood，theschemesofyouth，areabandonedafteraninterviewoftenminutes，andtheartsandsciences，andprofessionalmalejollity，desertedatoncefortwosweeteyesandacaressingaccent。Andnextafterthis，thetongueisthegreatdivider。

Iamalmostashamedtopursuethisworldlycriticismofareligiousrule；butthereisyetanotherpointinwhichtheTrappistorderappealstomeasamodelofwisdom。Bytwointhemorningtheclappergoesuponthebell，andsoon，hourbyhour，andsometimesquarterbyquarter，tilleight，thehourofrest；soinfinitesimallyisthedaydividedamongdifferentoccupations。

Themanwhokeepsrabbits，forexample，hurriesfromhishutchestothechapel，thechapter-room，ortherefectory，alldaylong:

everyhourhehasanofficetosing，adutytoperform；fromtwo，whenherisesinthedark，tilleight，whenhereturnstoreceivethecomfortablegiftofsleep，heisuponhisfeetandoccupiedwithmanifoldandchangingbusiness。Iknowmanypersons，worthseveralthousandsintheyear，whoarenotsofortunateinthedisposaloftheirlives。Intohowmanyhouseswouldnotthenoteofthemonasterybell，dividingthedayintomanageableportions，bringpeaceofmindandhealthfulactivityofbody!Wespeakofhardships，butthetruehardshipistobeadullfool，andpermittedtomismanagelifeinourowndullandfoolishmanner。

Fromthispointofview，wemayperhapsbetterunderstandthemonk"sexistence。Alongnovitiateandeveryproofofconstancyofmindandstrengthofbodyisrequiredbeforeadmissiontotheorder；butIcouldnotfindthatmanywerediscouraged。Inthephotographer"sstudio，whichfiguressostrangelyamongtheoutbuildings，myeyewasattractedbytheportraitofayoungfellowintheuniformofaprivateoffoot。Thiswasoneofthenovices，whocameoftheageforservice，andmarchedanddrilledandmountedguardforthepropertimeamongthegarrisonofAlgiers。Herewasamanwhohadsurelyseenbothsidesoflifebeforedeciding；yetassoonashewassetfreefromservicehereturnedtofinishhisnovitiate。

Thisaustereruleentitlesamantoheavenasbyright。WhentheTrappistsickens，hequitsnothishabit；heliesinthebedofdeathashehasprayedandlabouredinhisfrugalandsilentexistence；andwhentheLiberatorcomes，attheverymoment，evenbeforetheyhavecarriedhiminhisrobetoliehislittlelastinthechapelamongcontinualchantings，joy-bellsbreakforth，asifforamarriage，fromtheslatedbelfry，andproclaimthroughouttheneighbourhoodthatanothersoulhasgonetoGod。

Atnight，undertheconductofmykindIrishman，ItookmyplaceinthegallerytohearcomplineandSALVEREGINA，withwhichtheCisterciansbringeverydaytoaconclusion。TherewerenoneofthosecircumstanceswhichstriketheProtestantaschildishorastawdryinthepublicofficesofRome。Asternsimplicity，heightenedbytheromanceofthesurroundings，spokedirectlytotheheart。Irecallthewhitewashedchapel，thehoodedfiguresinthechoir，thelightsalternatelyoccludedandrevealed，thestrongmanlysinging，thesilencethatensued，thesightofcowledheadsbowedinprayer，andthenthecleartrenchantbeatingofthebell，breakingintoshowthatthelastofficewasoverandthehourofsleephadcome；andwhenIremember，IamnotsurprisedthatImademyescapeintothecourtwithsomewhatwhirlingfancies，andstoodlikeamanbewilderedinthewindystarrynight。

ButIwasweary；andwhenIhadquietedmyspiritswithElizabethSeton"smemoirs-adullwork-thecoldandtheravingofthewindamongthepines(formyroomwasonthatsideofthemonasterywhichadjoinsthewoods)disposedmereadilytoslumber。Iwaswakenedatblackmidnight，asitseemed，thoughitwasreallytwointhemorning，bythefirststrokeuponthebell。Allthebrotherswerethenhurryingtothechapel；thedeadinlife，atthisuntimelyhour，werealreadybeginningtheuncomfortedlaboursoftheirday。Thedeadinlife-therewasachillreflection。

AndthewordsofaFrenchsongcamebackintomymemory，tellingofthebestofourmixedexistence:

"Quet"asdebellesfilles，Girofle!

Girofla!

Quet"asdebellesfilles，L"AMOURLETCOMPTERA!"

AndIblessedGodthatIwasfreetowander，freetohope，andfreetolove。

THEBOARDERS

BUTtherewasanothersidetomyresidenceatOurLadyoftheSnows。Atthislateseasontherewerenotmanyboarders；andyetI

wasnotaloneinthepublicpartofthemonastery。Thisitselfishardbythegate，withasmalldining-roomontheground-floorandawholecorridorofcellssimilartomineupstairs。IhavestupidlyforgottentheboardforaregularRETRAITANT；butitwassomewherebetweenthreeandfivefrancsaday，andIthinkmostprobablythefirst。Chancevisitorslikemyselfmightgivewhattheychoseasafree-willoffering，butnothingwasdemanded。I

maymentionthatwhenIwasgoingaway，FatherMichaelrefusedtwentyfrancsasexcessive。Iexplainedthereasoningwhichledmetoofferhimsomuch；buteventhen，fromacuriouspointofhonour，hewouldnotacceptitwithhisownhand。"Ihavenorighttorefuseforthemonastery，"heexplained，"butIshouldpreferifyouwouldgiveittooneofthebrothers。"

Ihaddinedalone，becauseIarrivedlate；butatsupperIfoundtwootherguests。Onewasacountryparishpriest，whohadwalkedoverthatmorningfromtheseatofhiscurenearMendetoenjoyfourdaysofsolitudeandprayer。Hewasagrenadierinperson，withthehalecolourandcircularwrinklesofapeasant；andashecomplainedmuchofhowhehadbeenimpededbyhisskirtsuponthemarch，Ihaveavividfancyportraitofhim，stridingalong，upright，big-boned，withkiltedcassock，throughthebleakhillsofGevaudan。Theotherwasashort，grizzling，thick-setman，fromforty-fivetofifty，dressedintweedwithaknittedspencer，andtheredribbonofadecorationinhisbutton-hole。Thislastwasahardpersontoclassify。Hewasanoldsoldier，whohadseenserviceandrisentotherankofcommandant；andheretainedsomeofthebriskdecisivemannersofthecamp。Ontheotherhand，assoonashisresignationwasaccepted，hehadcometoOurLadyoftheSnowsasaboarder，and，afterabriefexperienceofitsways，haddecidedtoremainasanovice。Alreadythenewlifewasbeginningtomodifyhisappearance；alreadyhehadacquiredsomewhatofthequietandsmilingairofthebrethren；andhewasasyetneitheranofficernoraTrappist，butpartookofthecharacterofeach。Andcertainlyherewasamaninaninterestingnickoflife。Outofthenoiseofcannonandtrumpets，hewasintheactofpassingintothisstillcountryborderingonthegrave，wheremensleepnightlyintheirgrave-clothes，and，likephantoms，communicatebysigns。

Atsupperwetalkedpolitics。Imakeitmybusiness，whenIaminFrance，topreachpoliticalgood-willandmoderation，andtodwellontheexampleofPoland，muchassomealarmistsinEnglanddwellontheexampleofCarthage。ThepriestandthecommandantassuredmeoftheirsympathywithallIsaid，andmadeaheavysighingoverthebitternessofcontemporaryfeeling。

"Why，youcannotsayanythingtoamanwithwhichhedoesnotabsolutelyagree，"saidI，"buthefliesupatyouinatemper。"

Theybothdeclaredthatsuchastateofthingswasantichristian。

Whilewewerethusagreeing，whatshouldmytonguestumbleuponbutawordinpraiseofGambetta"smoderation。Theoldsoldier"scountenancewasinstantlysuffusedwithblood；withthepalmsofhishandshebeatthetablelikeanaughtychild。

"COMMENT，MONSIEUR？"heshouted。"COMMENT？Gambettamoderate？

Willyoudaretojustifythesewords？"

Butthepriesthadnotforgottenthetenorofourtalk。Andsuddenly，intheheightofhisfury，theoldsoldierfoundawarninglookdirectedonhisface；theabsurdityofhisbehaviourwasbroughthometohiminaflash；andthestormcametoanabruptend，withoutanotherword。

Itwasonlyinthemorning，overourcoffee(Friday，September27th)，thatthiscouplefoundoutIwasaheretic。IsupposeIhadmisledthembysomeadmiringexpressionsastothemonasticlifearoundus；anditwasonlybyapoint-blankquestionthatthetruthcameout。IhadbeentolerantlyusedbothbysimpleFatherApollinarisandastuteFatherMichael；andthegoodIrishdeacon，whenheheardofmyreligiousweakness，hadonlypattedmeupontheshoulderandsaid，"YoumustbeaCatholicandcometoheaven。"

ButIwasnowamongadifferentsectoforthodox。Thesetwomenwerebitteranduprightandnarrow，liketheworstofScotsmen，andindeed，uponmyheart，Ifancytheywereworse。Thepriestsnortedaloudlikeabattle-horse。

"ETVOUSPRETENDEZMOURIRDANSCETTEESPECEDECROYANCE？"hedemanded；andthereisnotypeusedbymortalprinterslargeenoughtoqualifyhisaccent。

IhumblyindicatedthatIhadnodesignofchanging。

Buthecouldnotawaywithsuchamonstrousattitude。"No，no，"hecried；"youmustchange。Youhavecomehere，Godhasledyouhere，andyoumustembracetheopportunity。"

Imadeaslipinpolicy；Iappealedtothefamilyaffections，thoughIwasspeakingtoapriestandasoldier，twoclassesofmencircumstantiallydivorcedfromthekindandhomelytiesoflife。

"Yourfatherandmother？"criedthepriest。"Verywell；youwillconvertthemintheirturnwhenyougohome。"

IthinkIseemyfather"sface!IwouldrathertackletheGaetulianlioninhisdenthanembarkonsuchanenterpriseagainstthefamilytheologian。

Butnowthehuntwasup；priestandsoldierwereinfullcryformyconversion；andtheWorkofthePropagationoftheFaith，forwhichthepeopleofCheylardsubscribedforty-eightfrancstencentimesduring1877，wasbeinggallantlypursuedagainstmyself。Itwasanoddbutmosteffectiveproselytising。Theyneversoughttoconvincemeinargument，whereImighthaveattemptedsomedefence；

buttookitforgrantedthatIwasbothashamedandterrifiedatmyposition，andurgedmesolelyonthepointoftime。Now，theysaid，whenGodhadledmetoOurLadyoftheSnows，nowwastheappointedhour。

"Donotbewithheldbyfalseshame，"observedthepriest，formyencouragement。

Foronewhofeelsverysimilarlytoallsectsofreligion，andwhohasneverbeenable，evenforamoment，toweighseriouslythemeritofthisorthatcreedontheeternalsideofthings，howevermuchhemayseetopraiseorblameuponthesecularandtemporalside，thesituationthuscreatedwasbothunfairandpainful。I

committedmysecondfaultintact，andtriedtopleadthatitwasallthesamethingintheend，andwewerealldrawingnearbydifferentsidestothesamekindandundiscriminatingFriendandFather。That，asitseemstolayspirits，wouldbetheonlygospelworthyofthename。Butdifferentmenthinkdifferently；andthisrevolutionaryaspirationbroughtdownthepriestwithalltheterrorsofthelaw。Helaunchedintoharrowingdetailsofhell。

Thedamned，hesaid-ontheauthorityofalittlebookwhichhehadreadnotaweekbefore，andwhich，toaddconvictiontoconviction，hehadfullyintendedtobringalongwithhiminhispocket-weretooccupythesameattitudethroughalleternityinthemidstofdismaltortures。Andashethusexpatiated，hegrewinnobilityofaspectwithhisenthusiasm。

AsaresultthepairconcludedthatIshouldseekoutthePrior，sincetheAbbotwasfromhome，andlaymycaseimmediatelybeforehim。

"C"ESTMONCONSEILCOMMEANCIENMILITAIRE，"observedthecommandant；"ETCELUIDEMONSIEURCOMMEPRETRE。"

"OUI，"addedtheCURE，sententiouslynodding；"COMMEANCIEN

MILITAIRE-ETCOMMEPRETRE。"

Atthismoment，whilstIwassomewhatembarrassedhowtoanswer，incameoneofthemonks，alittlebrownfellow，aslivelyasagrig，andwithanItalianaccent，whothrewhimselfatonceintothecontention，butinamilderandmorepersuasivevein，asbefittedoneofthesepleasantbrethren。LookatHIM，hesaid。Therulewasveryhard；hewouldhavedearlylikedtostayinhisowncountry，Italy-itwaswellknownhowbeautifulitwas，thebeautifulItaly；butthentherewerenoTrappistsinItaly；andhehadasoultosave；andherehewas。

IamafraidImustbeatbottom，whatacheerfulIndiancritichasdubbedme，"afaddlinghedonist，"forthisdescriptionofthebrother"smotivesgavemesomewhatofashock。Ishouldhavepreferredtothinkhehadchosenthelifeforitsownsake，andnotforulteriorpurposes；andthisshowshowprofoundlyIwasoutofsympathywiththesegoodTrappists，evenwhenIwasdoingmybesttosympathise。ButtotheCUREtheargumentseemeddecisive。

"Hearthat!"hecried。"AndIhaveseenamarquishere，amarquis，amarquis"-herepeatedtheholywordthreetimesover-"andotherpersonshighinsociety；andgenerals。Andhere，atyourside，isthisgentleman，whohasbeensomanyyearsinarmies-

decorated，anoldwarrior。Andhereheis，readytodedicatehimselftoGod。"

IwasbythistimesothoroughlyembarrassedthatIpledcoldfeet，andmademyescapefromtheapartment。Itwasafuriouswindymorning，withaskymuchcleared，andlongandpotentintervalsofsunshine；andIwandereduntildinnerinthewildcountrytowardstheeast，sorelystaggeredandbeatenuponbythegale，butrewardedwithsomestrikingviews。

AtdinnertheWorkofthePropagationoftheFaithwasrecommenced，andonthisoccasionstillmoredistastefullytome。Thepriestaskedmemanyquestionsastothecontemptiblefaithofmyfathers，andreceivedmyreplieswithakindofecclesiasticaltitter。

"Yoursect，"hesaidonce；"forIthinkyouwilladmititwouldbedoingittoomuchhonourtocallitareligion。"

"Asyouplease，monsieur，"saidI。"LAPAROLEESTAVOUS。"

AtlengthIgrewannoyedbeyondendurance；andalthoughhewasonhisowngroundand，whatismoretothepurpose，anoldman，andsoholdingaclaimuponmytoleration，Icouldnotavoidaprotestagainstthisuncivilusage。Hewassadlydiscountenanced。

"Iassureyou。"hesaid，"Ihavenoinclinationtolaughinmyheart。Ihavenootherfeelingbutinterestinyoursoul。"

Andthereendedmyconversion。Honestman!hewasnodangerousdeceiver；butacountryparson，fullofzealandfaith。LongmayhetreadGevaudanwithhiskiltedskirts-amanstrongtowalkandstrongtocomforthisparishionersindeath!Idaresayhewouldbeatbravelythroughasnowstormwherehisdutycalledhim；anditisnotalwaysthemostfaithfulbelieverwhomakesthecunningestapostle。