and Richard de Fournival. Only you would
have to go to Paris to procure them in the public libraries."

"And that would not help me much," replied Durtal. "I have, ere now,
looked through many of these works, and they contain no information that
can be of use from the point of view of symbolism. They are mere
fabulous descriptions of animals, legends as to their origin and habits.
The _Spicilegium Solesmense_ and the _Analectae_ of Dom Pitra are far
more instructive. By his help, with that of Saint Isidor, Saint
Epiphanius, and Hugh of Saint Victor, we can decipher the figurative
meaning of monsters.

"They are all alike; there has been no complete or serious work produced
on symbolism since the Middle Ages, for the Abbe Auber's work on the
subject is a delusion. In vain will you seek for a treatise on flowers
which even alludes to the Catholic significance of plants. I do not, of
course, mean those silly books compiled for lovers, and called the
Language of Flowers, which you may find on the bookstalls with old
cookery-books and dream-books. It is the same with regard to colours;
nothing proven or authentic has been written concerning infernal or
celestial hues; for in fact the treatise by Frederic Portal is
worthless. To explain Angelico's work I had to hunt here and there
through the Mystics, to discover where I might the meanings they ascribe
to colours; and I see plainly that I must do the same for my article on
the emblematical fauna. There is, on the whole, nothing to be found in
technical works; it is in the Bible and in the Liturgy, the
fountain-head of symbolical lore, that I must cast my net. By the way,
Monsieur l'Abbe, had you not some remarks to communicate on the zoology
of the Scriptures?"

"Yes, we will go--"

"To dinner, if you please," said Madame Bavoil.

The Abbe Gevresin said grace, and when they had eaten the soup the
housekeeper served the beef.

It was strengthening, tender, savoury to its inmost fibre, penetrated by
the rich and highly-flavoured sauce.

"You don't get the like at La Trappe, our friend, eh?" said Madame
Bavoil.

"Nor will he get anything so good at any other religious retreat," said
the Abbe Plomb.

"Do not discourage me beforehand," said Durtal, laughing; "let me enjoy
this without a pang--there is a time for all things."

"Then you are fully determined," said the Abbe Gevresin, "to write a
paper for your _Review_ on allegorical beasts?"

"Yes, Monsieur l'Abbe."