lves.

--That is my opinion also, said the Comtesse, looking tenderly with her
little eyes, still brilliant in spite of their long service, at the young
priest, for whom she felt that vague unfruitful passion which old
courtesans have for every young and handsome man; and she made him relate
minutely all the details of the interview.

--Bravo! bravo, she cried. It is more than I hoped. But do not alarm
yourself at the difficulties of the task. Monseigneur wishes to prove you.
I am acquainted with the parish. The Radicals have no influence there. One
of them the other day took it into his head to die _civilly_ and, in spite
of the protestations of some low scoundrels, he has been buried in the
early morning without drum or trumpet in the criminals' hole. Two primary
schools are in our hands, and with a little skill we shall have the third.

--How?

--By taking away all the means of work from the workmen who send their
children there. It is a task, Monsieur le Cure, which is incumbent upon
you.

--And so, said Marcel bitterly, I must try to take away their bread from
the fathers.

--I suppose, said Ridoux severely, that when the interest of religion is in
question, there is no reason to hesitate. Madame la Comtesse, pardon this
young priest, he comes out from his village and he is still imbued with
certain prejudices.

--Which we will root out, said the old lady smiling; that shall be the task
for us women.

LXXXVIII.

THE FAIR ONE.

"Pretty to paint! as graceful as an
ear of corn, slender and yet robust,
never was seen a morsel of flesh so
delicate, or better rounded. Her hair,
a wonderful fleece, smelt as sweet and
fresh as the grass, and shone red like
the sun."

LEON CLADEL (_L'Homme de la Croix-aux-Boeufs_).

It was with a great feeling of relief that, in the evening, after supper,
Marcel retired to the room which, in spite of his protests, the Countess
had caused to be made ready for him.

He had need to be alone. Events had hurried on in such an astounding and
rapid manner, and he had had no time to think about them.

His resolution was fully taken. He would refuse the new core. The odious
part which he was called upon to play there, decided him. He was about to
shatter his future. It meant a disagreement with his uncle, the hatred of
this influential woman, the formidable persecution of the Bishop; but what
was all that? He saw Suzanne again, amiable, gracious, smiling,