jolly companion; such a
clever shot!"

Finally, not being naturally of a melancholy turn of mind, nor able
to remain long in a mournful mood, he consoled himself with one of the
pious commonplaces which he was in the habit of using for the benefit
of others: "The Lord is just in all His dealings, and holy in all His
works; He reckons the hairs of our heads, and our destinies are in His
hands. We shall celebrate a fine high mass for the repose of Claudet's
soul."

He coughed, and raised his eyes toward Julien.

"I wished," continued he, "to see you for two reasons, Monsieur de
Buxieres: first of all, to hear about Claudet, and secondly, to speak to
you on a matter--a very delicate matter--which concerns you, but
which also affects the safety of another person and the dignity of the
parish."

Julien was gazing at him with a bewildered air. The cure pushed open the
little park gate, and passing through, added:

"Let us go into your place; we shall be better able to talk over the
matter."

When they were underneath the trees, the Abbe resumed:

"Monsieur de Buxieres, do you know that you are at this present time
giving occasion for the tongues of my parishioners to wag more than
is at all reasonable? Oh!" continued he, replying to a remonstrating
gesture of his companion, "it is unpremeditated on your part, I am sure,
but, all the same, they talk about you--and about Reine."

"About Mademoiselle Vincart?" exclaimed Julien, indignantly, "what can
they say about her?"

"A great many things which are displeasing to me. They speak of your
having sprained your ankle while in the company of Reine Vincart; of
your return home in her wagon; of your frequent visits to La Thuiliere,
and I don't know what besides. And as mankind, especially the female
portion, is more disposed to discover evil than good, they say you are
compromising this young person. Now, Reine is living, as one may say,
alone and unprotected. It behooves me, therefore, as her pastor, to
defend her against her own weakness. That is the reason why I have taken
upon myself to beg you to be more circumspect, and not trifle with her
reputation."

"Her reputation?" repeated Julien, with irritation. "I do not understand
you, Monsieur le Cure!"

"You don't, hey! Why, I explain my meaning pretty clearly. Human beings
are weak; it is easy to injure a girl's reputation, when you try to make
yourself agreeable, knowing you can not marry her."

"And why could