enerosity, far from repenting of
his gifts, consecrated them once more by a pious movement of gratitude
to Providence--for M. Notary will doubtless remember, that, after
embracing the Abbe Gabriel with transport, and telling him that he was
a second Vincent de Paul in charity, I took him by the hand, and we both
knelt down together to thank heaven for having inspired him with the
thought too offer these immense riches to the Greater Glory of the
Lord."

"That is true, also," said Gabriel, honestly; "so long as myself was
concerned, though I might be astounded for a moment by the revelation of
so enormous a fortune, I did not think for an instant of cancelling the
donation I had freely made."

"Under these circumstances," resumed Father d'Aigrigny, "the hour fixed
for the settlement of the inheritance having struck, and Abbe Gabriel
being the only heir that presented himself, he became necessarily
the only legitimate possessor of this immense wealth--enormous, no
doubt--and charity makes me rejoice that it is enormous, for, thanks to
it, many miseries will be relieved and many tears wiped away. But,
all on a sudden, here comes this gentleman," said Father d'Aigrigny,
pointing to Dagobert; "and, under some delusion, which I forgive from
the bottom of my soul, and which I am sure he will himself regret,
accuses me, with insults and threats, with having carried off (I know
not where) some persons (I know not whom), in order to prevent their
being here at the proper time--"

"Yes, I accuse you of this infamy!" cried the soldier exasperated by the
calmness and audacity of the reverend father: "yes--and I will--"

"Once again, sir, I conjure you to be so good as to let me finish; you
can reply afterwards," said Father d'Aigrigny, humbly, in the softest
and most honeyed accents.

"Yes, I will reply, and confound you!" cried Dagobert.

"Let him finish, father. You can speak presently," said Agricola.

The soldier was silent as Father d'Aigrigny continued with new
assurance: "Doubtless, if there should really be any other heirs,
besides the Abbe Gabriel, it is unfortunate for them that they have not
appeared in proper time. And if, instead of defending the cause of the
poor and needy, I had only to look to my own interest, I should be far
from availing myself of this advantage, due only to chance; but, as a
trustee for the great family of the poor, I am obliged to maintain my
absolute right to this inheritance; and I do n