s desired
the appointment, so that their own plans might have time to mature
during the few remaining days which a malady, now become chronic, might
allow him. Far from offering the same hopes to rivals, Birotteau's
triple chin showed to all who wanted his coveted canonry an evidence of
the soundest health; even his gout seemed to them, in accordance with
the proverb, an assurance of longevity.

The Abbe Chapeloud, a man of great good sense, whose amiability had made
the leaders of the diocese and the members of the best society in Tours
seek his company, had steadily opposed, though secretly and with much
judgment, the elevation of the Abbe Troubert. He had even adroitly
managed to prevent his access to the salons of the best society.
Nevertheless, during Chapeloud's lifetime Troubert treated him
invariably with great respect, and showed him on all occasions the
utmost deference. This constant submission did not, however, change the
opinion of the late canon, who said to Birotteau during the last walk
they took together: "Distrust that lean stick of a Troubert,--Sixtus the
Fifth reduced to the limits of a bishopric!"

Such was the friend, the abiding guest of Mademoiselle Gamard, who
now came, the morning after the old maid had, as it were, declared war
against the poor vicar, to pay his brother a visit and show him marks of
friendship.

"You must excuse Marianne," said the canon, as the woman entered. "I
suppose she went first to my rooms. They are very damp, and I coughed
all night. You are most healthily situated here," he added, looking up
at the cornice.

"Yes; I am lodged like a canon," replied Birotteau.

"And I like a vicar," said the other, humbly.

"But you will soon be settled in the archbishop's palace," said the
kindly vicar, who wanted everybody to be happy.

"Yes, or in the cemetery, but God's will be done!" and Troubert raised
his eyes to heaven resignedly. "I came," he said, "to ask you to lend me
the 'Register of Bishops.' You are the only man in Tours I know who has
a copy."

"Take it out of my library," replied Birotteau, reminded by the canon's
words of the greatest happiness of his life.

The canon passed into the library and stayed there while the vicar
dressed. Presently the breakfast bell rang, and the gouty vicar
reflected that if it had not been for Troubert's visit he would have had
no fire to dress by. "He's a kind man," thought he.

The two priests went downstairs together, ea