Whatthedevil，indeed!ButthereIwas。
\'Thegreatthing，\'saidI，\'istomakeanendofit\'；andoncemoreproposedthatheshouldhelpmetofindaguide。
\'C\'ESTQUE，\'hesaidagain，\'C\'ESTQUE-ILFAITNOIR。\'
\'Verywell，\'saidI；\'takeoneofyourlanterns。\'
\'No，\'hecried，drawingathoughtbackward，andagainintrenchinghimselfbehindoneofhisformerphrases；\'Iwillnotcrossthedoor。\'
Ilookedathim。Isawunaffectedterrorstrugglingonhisfacewithunaffectedshame；hewassmilingpitifullyandwettinghislipwithhistongue，likeadetectedschoolboy。Idrewabriefpictureofmystate，andaskedhimwhatIwastodo。
\'Idon\'tknow，\'hesaid；\'Iwillnotcrossthedoor。\'
HerewastheBeastofGevaudan，andnomistake。
\'Sir，\'saidI，withmymostcommandingmanners，\'youareacoward。\'
AndwiththatIturnedmybackuponthefamilyparty，whohastenedtoretirewithintheirfortifications；andthefamousdoorwasclosedagain，butnottillIhadoverheardthesoundoflaughter。
FILIABARBARAPATERBARBARIOR。Letmesayitintheplural:theBeastsofGevaudan。
Thelanternshadsomewhatdazzledme，andIplougheddistressfullyamongstonesandrubbish-heaps。Alltheotherhousesinthevillagewerebothdarkandsilent；andthoughIknockedathereandthereadoor，myknockingwasunanswered。Itwasabadbusiness；I
gaveupFouzilhacwithmycurses。Therainhadstopped，andthewind，whichstillkeptrising，begantodrymycoatandtrousers。
\'Verywell，\'thoughtI，\'waterornowater，Imustcamp。\'ButthefirstthingwastoreturntoModestine。IamprettysureIwastwentyminutesgropingformyladyinthedark；andifithadnotbeenfortheunkindlyservicesofthebog，intowhichIoncemorestumbled，Imighthavestillbeengropingforheratthedawn。Mynextbusinesswastogaintheshelterofawood，forthewindwascoldaswellasboisterous。How，inthiswell-woodeddistrict，I
shouldhavebeensolonginfindingone，isanotheroftheinsolublemysteriesofthisday\'sadventures；butIwilltakemyoaththatIputnearanhourtothediscovery。
Atlastblacktreesbegantoshowuponmyleft，and，suddenlycrossingtheroad，madeacaveofunmitigatedblacknessrightinfront。Icallitacavewithoutexaggeration；topassbelowthatarchofleaveswaslikeenteringadungeon。Ifeltaboutuntilmyhandencounteredastoutbranch，andtothisItiedModestine，ahaggard，drenched，despondingdonkey。ThenIloweredmypack，laiditalongthewallonthemarginoftheroad，andunbuckledthestraps。Iknewwellenoughwherethelanternwas；butwherewerethecandles？Igropedandgropedamongthetumbledarticles，and，whileIwasthusgroping，suddenlyItouchedthespirit-lamp。
Salvation!Thiswouldservemyturnaswell。Thewindroaredunwearyinglyamongthetrees；Icouldheartheboughstossingandtheleaveschurningthroughhalfamileofforest；yetthesceneofmyencampmentwasnotonlyasblackasthepit，butadmirablysheltered。Atthesecondmatchthewickcaughtflame。Thelightwasbothlividandshifting；butitcutmeofffromtheuniverse，anddoubledthedarknessofthesurroundingnight。
ItiedModestinemoreconvenientlyforherself，andbrokeuphalftheblackbreadforhersupper，reservingtheotherhalfagainstthemorning。ThenIgatheredwhatIshouldwantwithinreach，tookoffmywetbootsandgaiters，whichIwrappedinmywaterproof，arrangedmyknapsackforapillowundertheflapofmysleeping-
bag，insinuatedmylimbsintotheinterior，andbuckledmyselfinlikeabambino。IopenedatinofBolognasausageandbrokeacakeofchocolate，andthatwasallIhadtoeat。Itmaysoundoffensive，butIatethemtogether，bitebybite，bywayofbreadandmeat。AllIhadtowashdownthisrevoltingmixturewasneatbrandy:arevoltingbeverageinitself。ButIwasrareandhungry；atewell，andsmokedoneofthebestcigarettesinmyexperience。ThenIputastoneinmystrawhat，pulledtheflapofmyfurcapovermyneckandeyes，putmyrevolverreadytomyhand，andsnuggledwelldownamongthesheepskins。
IquestionedatfirstifIweresleepy，forIfeltmyheartbeatingfasterthanusual，asifwithanagreeableexcitementtowhichmymindremainedastranger。Butassoonasmyeyelidstouched，thatsubtleglueleapedbetweenthem，andtheywouldnomorecomeseparate。Thewindamongthetreeswasmylullaby。Sometimesitsoundedforminutestogetherwithasteady，evenrush，notrisingnorabating；andagainitwouldswellandburstlikeagreatcrashingbreaker，andthetreeswouldpattermealloverwithbigdropsfromtherainoftheafternoon。Nightafternight，inmyownbedroominthecountry，Ihavegiveneartothisperturbingconcertofthewindamongthewoods；butwhetheritwasadifferenceinthetrees，orthelieoftheground，orbecauseIwasmyselfoutsideandinthemidstofit，thefactremainsthatthewindsangtoadifferenttuneamongthesewoodsofGevaudan。Ihearkenedandhearkened；andmeanwhilesleeptookgradualpossessionofmybodyandsubduedmythoughtsandsenses；butstillmylastwakingeffortwastolistenanddistinguish，andmylastconsciousstatewasoneofwonderattheforeignclamourinmyears。
Twiceinthecourseofthedarkhours-oncewhenastonegalledmeunderneaththesack，andagainwhenthepoorpatientModestine，growingangry，pawedandstampedupontheroad-Iwasrecalledforabriefwhiletoconsciousness，andsawastarortwooverhead，andthelace-likeedgeofthefoliageagainstthesky。WhenIawokeforthethirdtimeWednesday，September25th，theworldwasfloodedwithabluelight，themotherofthedawn。Isawtheleaveslabouringinthewindandtheribbonoftheroad；and，onturningmyhead，therewasModestinetiedtoabeech，andstandinghalfacrossthepathinanattitudeofinimitablepatience。I
closedmyeyesagain，andsettothinkingovertheexperienceofthenight。Iwassurprisedtofindhoweasyandpleasantithadbeen，eveninthistempestuousweather。Thestonewhichannoyedmewouldnothavebeenthere，hadInotbeenforcedtocampblindfoldintheopaquenight；andIhadfeltnootherinconvenience，exceptwhenmyfeetencounteredthelanternorthesecondvolumeofPeyrat\'sPASTORSOFTHEDESERTamongthemixedcontentsofmysleeping-bag；nay，more，Ihadfeltnotatouchofcold，andawakenedwithunusuallylightsomeandclearsensations。
Withthat，Ishookmyself，gotoncemoreintomybootsandgaiters，and，breakinguptherestofthebreadforModestine，strolledabouttoseeinwhatpartoftheworldIhadawakened。Ulysses，leftonIthaca，andwithamindunsettledbythegoddess，wasnotmorepleasantlyastray。Ihavebeenafteranadventureallmylife，apuredispassionateadventure，suchasbefellearlyandheroicvoyagers；andthustobefoundbymorninginarandomwoodsidenookinGevaudan-notknowingnorthfromsouth，asstrangetomysurroundingsasthefirstmanupontheearth，aninlandcastaway-wastofindafractionofmyday-dreamsrealised。
Iwasontheskirtsofalittlewoodofbirch，sprinkledwithafewbeeches；behind，itadjoinedanotherwoodoffir；andinfront，itbrokeupandwentdowninopenorderintoashallowandmeadowydale。Allaroundtherewerebarehilltops，somenear，somefaraway，astheperspectiveclosedoropened，butnoneapparentlymuchhigherthantherest。Thewindhuddledthetrees。Thegoldenspecksofautumninthebirchestossedshiveringly。Overheadtheskywasfullofstringsandshredsofvapour，flying，vanishing，reappearing，andturningaboutanaxisliketumblers，asthewindhoundedthemthroughheaven。Itwaswildweatherandfamishingcold。Iatesomechocolate，swallowedamouthfulofbrandy，andsmokedacigarettebeforethecoldshouldhavetimetodisablemyfingers。AndbythetimeIhadgotallthisdone，andhadmademypackandbounditonthepack-saddle，thedaywastiptoeonthethresholdoftheeast。Wehadnotgonemanystepsalongthelane，beforethesun，stillinvisibletome，sentaglowofgoldoversomecloudmountainsthatlayrangedalongtheeasternsky。
Thewindhadusonthestern，andhurriedusbitinglyforward。I
buttonedmyselfintomycoat，andwalkedoninapleasantframeofmindwithallmen，whensuddenly，atacorner，therewasFouzilhiconcemoreinfrontofme。Noronlythat，buttherewastheoldgentlemanwhohadescortedmesofarthenightbefore，runningoutofhishouseatsightofme，withhandsupraisedinhorror。
\'Mypoorboy!\'hecried，\'whatdoesthismean？\'
Itoldhimwhathadhappened。Hebeathisoldhandslikeclappersinamill，tothinkhowlightlyhehadletmego；butwhenheheardofthemanofFouzilhac，angeranddepressionseizeduponhismind。
\'Thistime，atleast，\'saidhe，\'thereshallbenomistake。\'
Andhelimpedalong，forhewasveryrheumatic，forabouthalfamile，anduntilIwasalmostwithinsightofCheylard，thedestinationIhadhuntedforsolong。
CHEYLARDANDLUC
CANDIDLY，itseemedlittleworthyofallthissearching。Afewbrokenendsofvillage，withnoparticularstreet，butasuccessionofopenplacesheapedwithlogsandfagots；acoupleoftiltedcrosses，ashrinetoOurLadyofallGracesonthesummitofalittlehill；andallthis，uponarattlinghighlandriver，inthecornerofanakedvalley。Whatwentyeoutfortosee？thoughtI
tomyself。Buttheplacehadalifeofitsown。Ifoundaboard，commemoratingtheliberalitiesofCheylardforthepastyear，hungup，likeabanner，inthediminutiveandtotteringchurch。In1877，itappeared，theinhabitantssubscribedforty-eightfrancstencentimesforthe\'WorkofthePropagationoftheFaith。\'Someofthis，Icouldnothelphoping，wouldbeappliedtomynativeland。CheylardscrapestogetherhalfpenceforthedarkenedsoulsinEdinburgh；whileBalquhidderandDunrossnessbemoantheignoranceofRome。Thus，tothehighentertainmentoftheangels，dowepelteachotherwithevangelists，likeschoolboysbickeringinthesnow。
Theinnwasagainsingularlyunpretentious。Thewholefurnitureofanotill-to-dofamilywasinthekitchen:thebeds，thecradle，theclothes，theplate-rack，themeal-chest，andthephotographoftheparishpriest。Therewerefivechildren，oneofwhomwassettoitsmorningprayersatthestair-footsoonaftermyarrival，andasixthwoulderelongbeforthcoming。Iwaskindlyreceivedbythesegoodfolk。Theyweremuchinterestedinmymisadventure。
ThewoodinwhichIhadsleptbelongedtothem；themanofFouzilhactheythoughtamonsterofiniquity，andcounselledmewarmlytosummonhimatlaw-\'becauseImighthavedied。\'Thegoodwifewashorror-strickentoseemedrinkoverapintofuncreamedmilk。
\'Youwilldoyourselfanevil，\'shesaid。\'Permitmetoboilitforyou。\'
AfterIhadbegunthemorningonthisdelightfulliquor，shehavinganinfinityofthingstoarrange，Iwaspermitted，nayrequested，tomakeabowlofchocolateformyself。Mybootsandgaiterswerehunguptodry，and，seeingmetryingtowritemyjournalonmyknee，theeldestdaughterletdownahingedtableinthechimney-
cornerformyconvenience。HereIwrote，drankmychocolate，andfinallyateanomelettebeforeIleft。Thetablewasthickwithdust；for，astheyexplained，itwasnotusedexceptinwinterweather。Ihadaclearlookupthevent，throughbrownagglomerationsofsootandbluevapour，tothesky；andwheneverahandfuloftwigswasthrownontothefire，mylegswerescorchedbytheblaze。
Thehusbandhadbegunlifeasamuleteer，andwhenIcametochargeModestineshowedhimselffulloftheprudenceofhisart。\'Youwillhavetochangethispackage，\'saidhe；\'itoughttobeintwoparts，andthenyoumighthavedoubletheweight。\'
IexplainedthatIwantednomoreweight；andfornodonkeyhithertocreatedwouldIcutmysleeping-bagintwo。
\'Itfatiguesher，however，\'saidtheinnkeeper；\'itfatigueshergreatlyonthemarch。Look。\'
Alas，therewerehertwoforelegsnobetterthanrawbeefontheinside，andbloodwasrunningfromunderhertail。TheytoldmewhenIstarted，andIwasreadytobelieveit，thatbeforeafewdaysIshouldcometoloveModestinelikeadog。Threedayshadpassed，wehadsharedsomemisadventures，andmyheartwasstillascoldasapotatotowardsmybeastofburden。Shewasprettyenoughtolookat；butthenshehadgivenproofofdeadstupidity，redeemedindeedbypatience，butaggravatedbyflashesofsorryandill-judgedlight-heartedness。AndIownthisnewdiscoveryseemedanotherpointagainsther。Whatthedevilwasthegoodofashe-
assifshecouldnotcarryasleeping-bagandafewnecessaries？I
sawtheendofthefablerapidlyapproaching，whenIshouldhavetocarryModestine。AEsopwasthemantoknowtheworld!IassureyouIsetoutwithheavythoughtsuponmyshortday\'smarch。
ItwasnotonlyheavythoughtsaboutModestinethatweightedmeupontheway；itwasaleadenbusinessaltogether。Forfirst，thewindblewsorudelythatIhadtoholdonthepackwithonehandfromCheylardtoLuc；andsecond，myroadlaythroughoneofthemostbeggarlycountriesintheworld。ItwasliketheworstoftheScottishHighlands，onlyworse；cold，naked，andignoble，scantofwood，scantofheather，scantoflife。Aroadandsomefencesbroketheunvaryingwaste，andthelineoftheroadwasmarkedbyuprightpillars，toserveintimeofsnow。
WhyanyoneshoulddesiretovisiteitherLucorCheylardismorethanmymuch-inventingspiritcansuppose。Formypart，Itravelnottogoanywhere，buttogo。Itravelfortravel\'ssake。Thegreataffairistomove；tofeeltheneedsandhitchesofourlifemorenearly；tocomedownoffthisfeather-bedofcivilisation，andfindtheglobegraniteunderfootandstrewnwithcuttingflints。
Alas，aswegetupinlife，andaremorepreoccupiedwithouraffairs，evenaholidayisathingthatmustbeworkedfor。Toholdapackuponapack-saddleagainstagaleoutofthefreezingnorthisnohighindustry，butitisonethatservestooccupyandcomposethemind。Andwhenthepresentissoexacting，whocanannoyhimselfaboutthefuture？
IcameoutatlengthabovetheAllier。
Amoreunsightlyprospectatthisseasonoftheyearitwouldbehardtofancy。Shelvinghillsroserounditonallsides，heredabbledwithwoodandfields，thererisingtopeaksalternatelynakedandhairywithpines。Thecolourthroughoutwasblackorashen，andcametoapointintheruinsofthecastleofLuc，whichprickedupimpudentlyfrombelowmyfeet，carryingonapinnacleatallwhitestatueofOurLady，which，Iheardwithinterest，weighedfiftyquintals，andwastobededicatedonthe6thofOctober。ThroughthissorrylandscapetrickledtheAllierandatributaryofnearlyequalsize，whichcamedowntojoinitthroughabroadnudevalleyinVivarais。Theweatherhadsomewhatlightened，andthecloudsmassedinsquadron；butthefiercewindstillhuntedthemthroughheaven，andcastgreatungainlysplashesofshadowandsunlightoverthescene。
Lucitselfwasastragglingdoublefileofhouseswedgedbetweenhillandriver。Ithadnobeauty，norwasthereanynotablefeature，savetheoldcastleoverheadwithitsfiftyquintalsofbrand-newMadonna。Buttheinnwascleanandlarge。Thekitchen，withitstwobox-bedshungwithcleancheckcurtains，withitswidestonechimney，itschimney-shelffouryardslongandgarnishedwithlanternsandreligiousstatuettes，itsarrayofchestsandpairoftickingclocks，wastheverymodelofwhatakitchenoughttobe；amelodramakitchen，suitableforbanditsornoblemenindisguise。
Norwasthescenedisgracedbythelandlady，ahandsome，silent，darkoldwoman，clothedandhoodedinblacklikeanun。Eventhepublicbedroomhadacharacterofitsown，withthelongdealtablesandbenches，wherefiftymighthavedined，setoutasforaharvest-home，andthethreebox-bedsalongthewall。Inoneofthese，lyingonstrawandcoveredwithapairoftable-napkins，didIdopenanceallnightlongingoose-fleshandchatteringteeth，andsigh，fromtimetotimeasIawakened，formysheepskinsackandtheleeofsomegreatwood。
OURLADYOFTHESNOWS
\'IbeholdTheHouse，theBrotherhoodaustere-
AndwhatamI，thatIamhere？\'
MATTHEWARNOLD。
FATHERAPOLLINARIS
NEXTmorningThursday，20thSeptemberItooktheroadinaneworder。Thesackwasnolongerdoubled，buthungatfulllengthacrossthesaddle，agreensausagesixfeetlongwithatuftofbluewoolhangingoutofeitherend。Itwasmorepicturesque，itsparedthedonkey，and，asIbegantosee，itwouldensurestability，blowhigh，blowlow。ButitwasnotwithoutapangthatIhadsodecided。ForalthoughIhadpurchasedanewcord，andmadeallasfastasIwasable，Iwasyetjealouslyuneasylesttheflapsshouldtumbleoutandscattermyeffectsalongthelineofmarch。
Mywaylayupthebaldvalleyoftheriver，alongthemarchofVivaraisandGevaudan。ThehillsofGevaudanontherightwerealittlemorenaked，ifanything，thanthoseofVivaraisupontheleft，andtheformerhadamonopolyofalowdottyunderwoodthatgrewthicklyinthegorgesanddiedoutinsolitaryburrsupontheshouldersandthesummits。Blackbricksoffir-woodwereplasteredhereandthereuponbothsides，andhereandtherewerecultivatedfields。Arailwayranbesidetheriver；theonlybitofrailwayinGevaudan，althoughtherearemanyproposalsafootandsurveysbeingmade，andeven，astheytellme，astationstandingreadybuiltinMende。Ayearortwohenceandthismaybeanotherworld。Thedesertisbeleaguered。NowmaysomeLanguedocianWordsworthturnthesonnetintoPATOIS:\'Mountainsandvalesandfloods，heardYE
thatwhistle？\'
AtaplacecalledLaBastideIwasdirectedtoleavetheriver，andfollowaroadthatmountedontheleftamongthehillsofVivarais，themodernArdeche；forIwasnowcomewithinalittlewayofmystrangedestination，theTrappistmonasteryofOurLadyoftheSnows。ThesuncameoutasIlefttheshelterofapine-wood，andIbeheldsuddenlyafinewildlandscapetothesouth。Highrockyhills，asblueassapphire，closedtheview，andbetweentheselayridgeuponridge，heathery，craggy，thesunglitteringonveinsofrock，theunderwoodclamberinginthehollows，asrudeasGodmadethematthefirst。Therewasnotasignofman\'shandinalltheprospect；andindeednotatraceofhispassage，savewheregenerationaftergenerationhadwalkedintwistedfootpaths，inandoutamongthebeeches，andupanddownuponthechannelledslopes。
Themists，whichhadhithertobesetme，werenowbrokenintoclouds，andfledswiftlyandshonebrightlyinthesun。Idrewalongbreath。Itwasgratefultocome，aftersolong，uponasceneofsomeattractionforthehumanheart。IownIlikedefiniteforminwhatmyeyesaretorestupon；andiflandscapesweresold，likethesheetsofcharactersofmyboyhood，onepennyplainandtwopencecoloured，Ishouldgothelengthoftwopenceeverydayofmylife。
Butifthingshadgrownbettertothesouth，itwasstilldesolateandinclementnearathand。Aspiderycrossoneveryhill-topmarkedtheneighbourhoodofareligioushouse；andaquarterofamilebeyond，theoutlooksouthwardopeningoutandgrowingbolderwitheverystep，awhitestatueoftheVirginatthecornerofayoungplantationdirectedthetravellertoOurLadyoftheSnows。
Here，then，Istruckleftward，andpursuedmyway，drivingmyseculardonkeybeforeme，andcreakinginmysecularbootsandgaiters，towardstheasylumofsilence。
Ihadnotgoneveryfarerethewindbroughttometheclangingofabell，andsomehow，Icanscarcetellwhy，myheartsankwithinmeatthesound。IhaverarelyapproachedanythingwithmoreunaffectedterrorthanthemonasteryofOurLadyoftheSnows。
ThisitistohavehadaProtestanteducation。Andsuddenly，onturningacorner，feartookholdonmefromheadtofoot-slavish，superstitiousfear；andthoughIdidnotstopinmyadvance，yetI
wentonslowly，likeamanwhoshouldhavepassedabourneunnoticed，andstrayedintothecountryofthedead。Forthere，uponthenarrownew-maderoad，betweenthestriplingpines，wasamediaevalfriar，fightingwithabarrowfulofturfs。EverySundayofmychildhoodIusedtostudytheHermitsofMarcoSadeler-
enchantingprints，fullofwoodandfieldandmediaevallandscapes，aslargeasacounty，fortheimaginationtogoa-travellingin；
andhere，sureenough，wasoneofMarcoSadeler\'sheroes。Hewasrobedinwhitelikeanyspectre，andthehoodfallingback，intheinstancyofhiscontentionwiththebarrow，disclosedapateasbaldandyellowasaskull。Hemighthavebeenburiedanytimethesethousandyears，andallthelivelypartsofhimresolvedintoearthandbrokenupwiththefarmer\'sharrow。
Iwastroubledbesidesinmymindastoetiquette。DurstIaddressapersonwhowasunderavowofsilence？Clearlynot。Butdrawingnear，Idoffedmycaptohimwithafar-awaysuperstitiousreverence。Henoddedback，andcheerfullyaddressedme。WasI
goingtothemonastery？WhowasI？AnEnglishman？Ah，anIrishman，then？
\'No，\'Isaid，\'aScotsman。\'
AScotsman？Ah，hehadneverseenaScotsmanbefore。Andhelookedmeallover，hisgood，honest，brawnycountenanceshiningwithinterest，asaboymightlookuponalionoranalligator。
FromhimIlearnedwithdisgustthatIcouldnotbereceivedatOurLadyoftheSnows；Imightgetameal，perhaps，butthatwasall。
Andthen，asourtalkranon，anditturnedoutthatIwasnotapedlar，butaliteraryman，whodrewlandscapesandwasgoingtowriteabook，hechangedhismannerofthinkingastomyreceptionforIfeartheyrespectpersonseveninaTrappistmonastery，andtoldmeImustbesuretoaskfortheFatherPrior，andstatemycasetohiminfull。Onsecondthoughtshedeterminedtogodownwithmehimself；hethoughthecouldmanageformebetter。MighthesaythatIwasageographer？
No；Ithought，intheinterestsoftruth，hepositivelymightnot。
\'Verywell，then\'withdisappointment，\'anauthor。\'
ItappearedhehadbeeninaseminarywithsixyoungIrishmen，allpriestslongsince，whohadreceivednewspapersandkepthiminformedofthestateofecclesiasticalaffairsinEngland。AndheaskedmeeagerlyafterDr。Pusey，forwhoseconversionthegoodmanhadcontinuedeversincetopraynightandmorning。
\'Ithoughthewasverynearthetruth，\'hesaid；\'andhewillreachityet；thereissomuchvirtueinprayer。\'
Hemustbeastiff，ungodlyProtestantwhocantakeanythingbutpleasureinthiskindandhopefulstory。Whilehewasthusnearthesubject，thegoodfatheraskedmeifIwereaChristian；andwhenhefoundIwasnot，ornotafterhisway，heglosseditoverwithgreatgood-will。
Theroadwhichwewerefollowing，andwhichthisstalwartfatherhadmadewithhisowntwohandswithinthespaceofayear，cametoacorner，andshowedussomewhitebuildingsalittlefartheronbeyondthewood。Atthesametime，thebelloncemoresoundedabroad。Wewereharduponthemonastery。FatherApollinarisforthatwasmycompanion\'snamestoppedme。
\'Imustnotspeaktoyoudownthere，\'hesaid。\'AskfortheBrotherPorter，andallwillbewell。Buttrytoseemeasyougooutagainthroughthewood，whereImayspeaktoyou。Iamcharmedtohavemadeyouracquaintance。\'
Andthensuddenlyraisinghisarms，flappinghisfingers，andcryingouttwice，\'Imustnotspeak，Imustnotspeak!\'heranawayinfrontofme，anddisappearedintothemonasterydoor。
Iownthissomewhatghastlyeccentricitywentagoodwaytorevivemyterrors。Butwhereonewassogoodandsimple，whyshouldnotallbealike？Itookheartofgrace，andwentforwardtothegateasfastasModestine，whoseemedtohaveadisaffectionformonasteries，wouldpermit。Itwasthefirstdoor，inmyacquaintanceofher，whichshehadnotshownanindecenthastetoenter。Isummonedtheplaceinform，thoughwithaquakingheart。
FatherMichael，theFatherHospitaller，andapairofbrown-robedbrotherscametothegateandspokewithmeawhile。Ithinkmysackwasthegreatattraction；ithadalreadybeguiledtheheartofpoorApollinaris，whohadchargedmeonmylifetoshowittotheFatherPrior，Butwhetheritwasmyaddress，orthesack，ortheideaspeedilypublishedamongthatpartofthebrotherhoodwhoattendonstrangersthatIwasnotapedlarafterall，Ifoundnodifficultyastomyreception。Modestinewasledawaybyalaymantothestables，andIandmypackwerereceivedintoOurLadyoftheSnows。
THEMONKS
FATHERMICHAEL，apleasant，fresh-faced，smilingman，perhapsofthirty-five，tookmetothepantry，andgavemeaglassofliqueurtostaymeuntildinner。Wehadsometalk，orratherIshouldsayhelistenedtomyprattleindulgentlyenough，butwithanabstractedair，likeaspiritwithathingofclay。Andtruly，whenIrememberthatIdescantedprincipallyonmyappetite，andthatitmusthavebeenbythattimemorethaneighteenhourssinceFatherMichaelhadsomuchasbrokenbread，Icanwellunderstandthathewouldfindanearthlysavourinmyconversation。Buthismanner，thoughsuperior，wasexquisitelygracious；andIfindI
havealurkingcuriosityastoFatherMichael\'spast。
Thewhetadministered，Iwasleftaloneforalittleinthemonasterygarden。Thisisnomorethanthemaincourt，laidoutinsandypathsandbedsofparti-coloureddahlias，andwithafountainandablackstatueoftheVirgininthecentre。Thebuildingsstandarounditfour-square，bleak，asyetunseasonedbytheyearsandweather，andwithnootherfeaturesthanabelfryandapairofslatedgables。Brothersinwhite，brothersinbrown，passedsilentlyalongthesandedalleys；andwhenIfirstcameout，threehoodedmonkswerekneelingontheterraceattheirprayers。A
nakedhillcommandsthemonasteryupononeside，andthewoodcommandsitontheother。Itliesexposedtowind；thesnowfallsoffandonfromOctobertoMay，andsometimesliessixweeksonend；butiftheystoodinEden，withaclimatelikeheaven\'s，thebuildingsthemselveswouldofferthesamewintryandcheerlessaspect；andformypart，onthiswildSeptemberday，beforeIwascalledtodinner，Ifeltchillyinandout。
WhenIhadeatenwellandheartily，BrotherAmbrose，aheartyconversibleFrenchmanforallthosewhowaitonstrangershavethelibertytospeak，ledmetoalittleroominthatpartofthebuildingwhichissetapartforMM。LESRETRAITANTS。Itwascleanandwhitewashed，andfurnishedwithstrictnecessaries，acrucifix，abustofthelatePope，theIMITATIONinFrench，abookofreligiousmeditations，andtheLIFEOFELIZABETHSETON，evangelist，itwouldappear，ofNorthAmericaandofNewEnglandinparticular。
Asfarasmyexperiencegoes，thereisafairfieldforsomemoreevangelisationinthesequarters；butthinkofCottonMather!I
shouldliketogivehimareadingofthislittleworkinheaven，whereIhopehedwells；butperhapsheknowsallthatalready，andmuchmore；andperhapsheandMrs。Setonarethedearestfriends，andgladlyunitetheirvoicesintheeverlastingpsalm。Overthetable，toconcludetheinventoryoftheroom，hungasetofregulationsforMM。LESRETRAITANTS:whatservicestheyshouldattend，whentheyweretotelltheirbeadsormeditate，andwhentheyweretoriseandgotorest。AtthefootwasanotableN。B。:
\'LETEMPSLIBREESTEMPLOYEAL\'EXAMENDECONSCIENCE，ALA
CONFESSION，AFAIREDEBONNESRESOLUTIONS，ETC。\'Tomakegoodresolutions，indeed!Youmighttalkasfruitfullyofmakingthehairgrowonyourhead。
IhadscarceexploredmynichewhenBrotherAmbrosereturned。AnEnglishboarder，itappeared，wouldliketospeakwithme。I
professedmywillingness，andthefriarusheredinafresh，young，littleIrishmanoffifty，adeaconoftheChurch，arrayedinstrictcanonicals，andwearingonhisheadwhat，indefaultofknowledge，Icanonlycalltheecclesiasticalshako。HehadlivedsevenyearsinretreatataconventofnunsinBelgium，andnowfiveatOurLadyoftheSnows；heneversawanEnglishnewspaper；hespokeFrenchimperfectly，andhadhespokenitlikeanative，therewasnotmuchchanceofconversationwherehedwelt。Withthis，hewasamaneminentlysociable，greedyofnews，andsimple-mindedlikeachild。IfIwaspleasedtohaveaguideaboutthemonastery，hewasnolessdelightedtoseeanEnglishfaceandhearanEnglishtongue。
Heshowedmehisownroom，wherehepassedhistimeamongbreviaries，HebrewBibles，andtheWaverleyNovels。Thenceheledmetothecloisters，intothechapter-house，throughthevestry，wherethebrothers\'gownsandbroadstrawhatswerehangingup，eachwithhisreligiousnameuponaboard-namesfulloflegendarysuavityandinterest，suchasBasil，Hilarion，Raphael，orPacifique；intothelibrary，wherewerealltheworksofVeuillotandChateaubriand，andtheODESETBALLADES，ifyouplease，andevenMoliere，tosaynothingofinnumerablefathersandagreatvarietyoflocalandgeneralhistorians。ThencemygoodIrishmantookmeroundtheworkshops，wherebrothersbakebread，andmakecartwheels，andtakephotographs；whereonesuperintendsacollectionofcuriosities，andanotheragalleryofrabbits。ForinaTrappistmonasteryeachmonkhasanoccupationofhisownchoice，apartfromhisreligiousdutiesandthegenerallaboursofthehouse。Eachmustsinginthechoir，ifhehasavoiceandear，andjoininthehaymakingifhehasahandtostir；butinhisprivatehours，althoughhemustbeoccupied，hemaybeoccupiedonwhathelikes。ThusIwastoldthatonebrotherwasengagedwithliterature；whileFatherApollinarisbusieshimselfinmakingroads，andtheAbbotemployshimselfinbindingbooks。ItisnotsolongsincethisAbbotwasconsecrated，bytheway；andonthatoccasion，byaspecialgrace，hismotherwaspermittedtoenterthechapelandwitnesstheceremonyofconsecration。Aprouddayforhertohaveasonamitredabbot；itmakesyougladtothinktheyletherin。
Inallthesejourneyingstoandfro，manysilentfathersandbrethrenfellinourway。Usuallytheypaidnomoreregardtoourpassagethanifwehadbeenacloud；butsometimesthegooddeaconhadapermissiontoaskofthem，anditwasgrantedbyapeculiarmovementofthehands，almostlikethatofadog\'spawsinswimming，orrefusedbytheusualnegativesigns，andineithercasewithloweredeyelidsandacertainairofcontrition，asofamanwhowassteeringveryclosetoevil。
Themonks，byspecialgraceoftheirAbbot，werestilltakingtwomealsaday；butitwasalreadytimefortheirgrandfast，whichbeginssomewhereinSeptemberandlaststillEaster，andduringwhichtheyeatbutonceinthetwenty-fourhours，andthatattwointheafternoon，twelvehoursaftertheyhavebegunthetoilandvigiloftheday。Theirmealsarescanty，butevenofthesetheyeatsparingly；andthougheachisallowedasmallcarafeofwine，manyrefrainfromthisindulgence。Withoutdoubt，themostofmankindgrosslyovereatthemselves；ourmealsservenotonlyforsupport，butasaheartyandnaturaldiversionfromthelabouroflife。Yet，thoughexcessmaybehurtful，IshouldhavethoughtthisTrappistregimendefective。AndIamastonished，asIlookback，atthefreshnessoffaceandcheerfulnessofmannerofallwhomIbeheld。AhappiernorahealthiercompanyIshouldscarcesupposethatIhaveeverseen。Asamatteroffact，onthisbleakupland，andwiththeincessantoccupationofthemonks，lifeisofanuncertaintenure，anddeathnoinfrequentvisitor，atOurLadyoftheSnows。This，atleast，waswhatwastoldme。Butiftheydieeasily，theymustlivehealthilyinthemeantime，fortheyseemedallfirmoffleshandhighincolour；andtheonlymorbidsignthatIcouldobserve，anunusualbrilliancyofeye，wasonethatservedrathertoincreasethegeneralimpressionofvivacityandstrength。
ThosewithwhomIspokeweresingularlysweet-tempered，withwhatI
canonlycallaholycheerfulnessinairandconversation。Thereisanote，inthedirectiontovisitors，tellingthemnottobeoffendedatthecurtspeechofthosewhowaituponthem，sinceitispropertomonkstospeaklittle。Thenotemighthavebeenspared；toamanthehospitallerswereallbrimmingwithinnocenttalk，and，inmyexperienceofthemonastery，itwaseasiertobeginthantobreakoffaconversation。WiththeexceptionofFatherMichael，whowasamanoftheworld，theyshowedthemselvesfullofkindandhealthyinterestinallsortsofsubjects-inpolitics，invoyages，inmysleeping-sack-andnotwithoutacertainpleasureinthesoundoftheirownvoices。
Asforthosewhoarerestrictedtosilence，Icanonlywonderhowtheybeartheirsolemnandcheerlessisolation。Andyet，apartfromanyviewofmortification，Icanseeacertainpolicy，notonlyintheexclusionofwomen，butinthisvowofsilence。Ihavehadsomeexperienceoflayphalansteries，ofanartistic，nottosayabacchanaliancharacter；andseenmorethanoneassociationeasilyformedandyetmoreeasilydispersed。WithaCistercianrule，perhapstheymighthavelastedlonger。Intheneighbourhoodofwomenitisbutatouch-and-goassociationthatcanbeformedamongdefencelessmen；thestrongerelectricityissuretotriumph；
thedreamsofboyhood，theschemesofyouth，areabandonedafteraninterviewoftenminutes，andtheartsandsciences，andprofessionalmalejollity，desertedatoncefortwosweeteyesandacaressingaccent。Andnextafterthis，thetongueisthegreatdivider。
Iamalmostashamedtopursuethisworldlycriticismofareligiousrule；butthereisyetanotherpointinwhichtheTrappistorderappealstomeasamodelofwisdom。Bytwointhemorningtheclappergoesuponthebell，andsoon，hourbyhour，andsometimesquarterbyquarter，tilleight，thehourofrest；soinfinitesimallyisthedaydividedamongdifferentoccupations。
Themanwhokeepsrabbits，forexample，hurriesfromhishutchestothechapel，thechapter-room，ortherefectory，alldaylong:
everyhourhehasanofficetosing，adutytoperform；fromtwo，whenherisesinthedark，tilleight，whenhereturnstoreceivethecomfortablegiftofsleep，heisuponhisfeetandoccupiedwithmanifoldandchangingbusiness。Iknowmanypersons，worthseveralthousandsintheyear，whoarenotsofortunateinthedisposaloftheirlives。Intohowmanyhouseswouldnotthenoteofthemonasterybell，dividingthedayintomanageableportions，bringpeaceofmindandhealthfulactivityofbody!Wespeakofhardships，butthetruehardshipistobeadullfool，andpermittedtomismanagelifeinourowndullandfoolishmanner。
Fromthispointofview，wemayperhapsbetterunderstandthemonk\'sexistence。Alongnovitiateandeveryproofofconstancyofmindandstrengthofbodyisrequiredbeforeadmissiontotheorder；butIcouldnotfindthatmanywerediscouraged。Inthephotographer\'sstudio，whichfiguressostrangelyamongtheoutbuildings，myeyewasattractedbytheportraitofayoungfellowintheuniformofaprivateoffoot。Thiswasoneofthenovices，whocameoftheageforservice，andmarchedanddrilledandmountedguardforthepropertimeamongthegarrisonofAlgiers。Herewasamanwhohadsurelyseenbothsidesoflifebeforedeciding；yetassoonashewassetfreefromservicehereturnedtofinishhisnovitiate。
Thisaustereruleentitlesamantoheavenasbyright。WhentheTrappistsickens，hequitsnothishabit；heliesinthebedofdeathashehasprayedandlabouredinhisfrugalandsilentexistence；andwhentheLiberatorcomes，attheverymoment，evenbeforetheyhavecarriedhiminhisrobetoliehislittlelastinthechapelamongcontinualchantings，joy-bellsbreakforth，asifforamarriage，fromtheslatedbelfry，andproclaimthroughouttheneighbourhoodthatanothersoulhasgonetoGod。
Atnight，undertheconductofmykindIrishman，ItookmyplaceinthegallerytohearcomplineandSALVEREGINA，withwhichtheCisterciansbringeverydaytoaconclusion。TherewerenoneofthosecircumstanceswhichstriketheProtestantaschildishorastawdryinthepublicofficesofRome。Asternsimplicity，heightenedbytheromanceofthesurroundings，spokedirectlytotheheart。Irecallthewhitewashedchapel，thehoodedfiguresinthechoir，thelightsalternatelyoccludedandrevealed，thestrongmanlysinging，thesilencethatensued，thesightofcowledheadsbowedinprayer，andthenthecleartrenchantbeatingofthebell，breakingintoshowthatthelastofficewasoverandthehourofsleephadcome；andwhenIremember，IamnotsurprisedthatImademyescapeintothecourtwithsomewhatwhirlingfancies，andstoodlikeamanbewilderedinthewindystarrynight。
ButIwasweary；andwhenIhadquietedmyspiritswithElizabethSeton\'smemoirs-adullwork-thecoldandtheravingofthewindamongthepinesformyroomwasonthatsideofthemonasterywhichadjoinsthewoodsdisposedmereadilytoslumber。Iwaswakenedatblackmidnight，asitseemed，thoughitwasreallytwointhemorning，bythefirststrokeuponthebell。Allthebrotherswerethenhurryingtothechapel；thedeadinlife，atthisuntimelyhour，werealreadybeginningtheuncomfortedlaboursoftheirday。Thedeadinlife-therewasachillreflection。
AndthewordsofaFrenchsongcamebackintomymemory，tellingofthebestofourmixedexistence:
\'Quet\'asdebellesfilles，Girofle!
Girofla!
Quet\'asdebellesfilles，L\'AMOURLETCOMPTERA!\'
AndIblessedGodthatIwasfreetowander，freetohope，andfreetolove。
THEBOARDERS
BUTtherewasanothersidetomyresidenceatOurLadyoftheSnows。Atthislateseasontherewerenotmanyboarders；andyetI
wasnotaloneinthepublicpartofthemonastery。Thisitselfishardbythegate，withasmalldining-roomontheground-floorandawholecorridorofcellssimilartomineupstairs。IhavestupidlyforgottentheboardforaregularRETRAITANT；butitwassomewherebetweenthreeandfivefrancsaday，andIthinkmostprobablythefirst。Chancevisitorslikemyselfmightgivewhattheychoseasafree-willoffering，butnothingwasdemanded。I
maymentionthatwhenIwasgoingaway，FatherMichaelrefusedtwentyfrancsasexcessive。Iexplainedthereasoningwhichledmetoofferhimsomuch；buteventhen，fromacuriouspointofhonour，hewouldnotacceptitwithhisownhand。\'Ihavenorighttorefuseforthemonastery，\'heexplained，\'butIshouldpreferifyouwouldgiveittooneofthebrothers。\'
Ihaddinedalone，becauseIarrivedlate；butatsupperIfoundtwootherguests。Onewasacountryparishpriest，whohadwalkedoverthatmorningfromtheseatofhiscurenearMendetoenjoyfourdaysofsolitudeandprayer。Hewasagrenadierinperson，withthehalecolourandcircularwrinklesofapeasant；andashecomplainedmuchofhowhehadbeenimpededbyhisskirtsuponthemarch，Ihaveavividfancyportraitofhim，stridingalong，upright，big-boned，withkiltedcassock，throughthebleakhillsofGevaudan。Theotherwasashort，grizzling，thick-setman，fromforty-fivetofifty，dressedintweedwithaknittedspencer，andtheredribbonofadecorationinhisbutton-hole。Thislastwasahardpersontoclassify。Hewasanoldsoldier，whohadseenserviceandrisentotherankofcommandant；andheretainedsomeofthebriskdecisivemannersofthecamp。Ontheotherhand，assoonashisresignationwasaccepted，hehadcometoOurLadyoftheSnowsasaboarder，and，afterabriefexperienceofitsways，haddecidedtoremainasanovice。Alreadythenewlifewasbeginningtomodifyhisappearance；alreadyhehadacquiredsomewhatofthequietandsmilingairofthebrethren；andhewasasyetneitheranofficernoraTrappist，butpartookofthecharacterofeach。Andcertainlyherewasamaninaninterestingnickoflife。Outofthenoiseofcannonandtrumpets，hewasintheactofpassingintothisstillcountryborderingonthegrave，wheremensleepnightlyintheirgrave-clothes，and，likephantoms，communicatebysigns。
Atsupperwetalkedpolitics。Imakeitmybusiness，whenIaminFrance，topreachpoliticalgood-willandmoderation，andtodwellontheexampleofPoland，muchassomealarmistsinEnglanddwellontheexampleofCarthage。ThepriestandthecommandantassuredmeoftheirsympathywithallIsaid，andmadeaheavysighingoverthebitternessofcontemporaryfeeling。
\'Why，youcannotsayanythingtoamanwithwhichhedoesnotabsolutelyagree，\'saidI，\'buthefliesupatyouinatemper。\'
Theybothdeclaredthatsuchastateofthingswasantichristian。
Whilewewerethusagreeing，whatshouldmytonguestumbleuponbutawordinpraiseofGambetta\'smoderation。Theoldsoldier\'scountenancewasinstantlysuffusedwithblood；withthepalmsofhishandshebeatthetablelikeanaughtychild。
\'COMMENT，MONSIEUR？\'heshouted。\'COMMENT？Gambettamoderate？
Willyoudaretojustifythesewords？\'
Butthepriesthadnotforgottenthetenorofourtalk。Andsuddenly，intheheightofhisfury，theoldsoldierfoundawarninglookdirectedonhisface；theabsurdityofhisbehaviourwasbroughthometohiminaflash；andthestormcametoanabruptend，withoutanotherword。
Itwasonlyinthemorning，overourcoffeeFriday，September27th，thatthiscouplefoundoutIwasaheretic。IsupposeIhadmisledthembysomeadmiringexpressionsastothemonasticlifearoundus；anditwasonlybyapoint-blankquestionthatthetruthcameout。IhadbeentolerantlyusedbothbysimpleFatherApollinarisandastuteFatherMichael；andthegoodIrishdeacon，whenheheardofmyreligiousweakness，hadonlypattedmeupontheshoulderandsaid，\'YoumustbeaCatholicandcometoheaven。\'
ButIwasnowamongadifferentsectoforthodox。Thesetwomenwerebitteranduprightandnarrow，liketheworstofScotsmen，andindeed，uponmyheart，Ifancytheywereworse。Thepriestsnortedaloudlikeabattle-horse。
\'ETVOUSPRETENDEZMOURIRDANSCETTEESPECEDECROYANCE？\'hedemanded；andthereisnotypeusedbymortalprinterslargeenoughtoqualifyhisaccent。
IhumblyindicatedthatIhadnodesignofchanging。
Buthecouldnotawaywithsuchamonstrousattitude。\'No，no，\'hecried；\'youmustchange。Youhavecomehere，Godhasledyouhere，andyoumustembracetheopportunity。\'
Imadeaslipinpolicy；Iappealedtothefamilyaffections，thoughIwasspeakingtoapriestandasoldier，twoclassesofmencircumstantiallydivorcedfromthekindandhomelytiesoflife。
\'Yourfatherandmother？\'criedthepriest。\'Verywell；youwillconvertthemintheirturnwhenyougohome。\'
IthinkIseemyfather\'sface!IwouldrathertackletheGaetulianlioninhisdenthanembarkonsuchanenterpriseagainstthefamilytheologian。
Butnowthehuntwasup；priestandsoldierwereinfullcryformyconversion；andtheWorkofthePropagationoftheFaith，forwhichthepeopleofCheylardsubscribedforty-eightfrancstencentimesduring1877，wasbeinggallantlypursuedagainstmyself。Itwasanoddbutmosteffectiveproselytising。Theyneversoughttoconvincemeinargument，whereImighthaveattemptedsomedefence；
buttookitforgrantedthatIwasbothashamedandterrifiedatmyposition，andurgedmesolelyonthepointoftime。Now，theysaid，whenGodhadledmetoOurLadyoftheSnows，nowwastheappointedhour。
\'Donotbewithheldbyfalseshame，\'observedthepriest，formyencouragement。
Foronewhofeelsverysimilarlytoallsectsofreligion，andwhohasneverbeenable，evenforamoment，toweighseriouslythemeritofthisorthatcreedontheeternalsideofthings，howevermuchhemayseetopraiseorblameuponthesecularandtemporalside，thesituationthuscreatedwasbothunfairandpainful。I
committedmysecondfaultintact，andtriedtopleadthatitwasallthesamethingintheend，andwewerealldrawingnearbydifferentsidestothesamekindandundiscriminatingFriendandFather。That，asitseemstolayspirits，wouldbetheonlygospelworthyofthename。Butdifferentmenthinkdifferently；andthisrevolutionaryaspirationbroughtdownthepriestwithalltheterrorsofthelaw。Helaunchedintoharrowingdetailsofhell。
Thedamned，hesaid-ontheauthorityofalittlebookwhichhehadreadnotaweekbefore，andwhich，toaddconvictiontoconviction，hehadfullyintendedtobringalongwithhiminhispocket-weretooccupythesameattitudethroughalleternityinthemidstofdismaltortures。Andashethusexpatiated，hegrewinnobilityofaspectwithhisenthusiasm。
AsaresultthepairconcludedthatIshouldseekoutthePrior，sincetheAbbotwasfromhome，andlaymycaseimmediatelybeforehim。
\'C\'ESTMONCONSEILCOMMEANCIENMILITAIRE，\'observedthecommandant；\'ETCELUIDEMONSIEURCOMMEPRETRE。\'
\'OUI，\'addedtheCURE，sententiouslynodding；\'COMMEANCIEN
MILITAIRE-ETCOMMEPRETRE。\'
Atthismoment，whilstIwassomewhatembarrassedhowtoanswer，incameoneofthemonks，alittlebrownfellow，aslivelyasagrig，andwithanItalianaccent，whothrewhimselfatonceintothecontention，butinamilderandmorepersuasivevein，asbefittedoneofthesepleasantbrethren。LookatHIM，hesaid。Therulewasveryhard；hewouldhavedearlylikedtostayinhisowncountry，Italy-itwaswellknownhowbeautifulitwas，thebeautifulItaly；butthentherewerenoTrappistsinItaly；andhehadasoultosave；andherehewas。
IamafraidImustbeatbottom，whatacheerfulIndiancritichasdubbedme，\'afaddlinghedonist，\'forthisdescriptionofthebrother\'smotivesgavemesomewhatofashock。Ishouldhavepreferredtothinkhehadchosenthelifeforitsownsake，andnotforulteriorpurposes；andthisshowshowprofoundlyIwasoutofsympathywiththesegoodTrappists，evenwhenIwasdoingmybesttosympathise。ButtotheCUREtheargumentseemeddecisive。
\'Hearthat!\'hecried。\'AndIhaveseenamarquishere，amarquis，amarquis\'-herepeatedtheholywordthreetimesover-\'andotherpersonshighinsociety；andgenerals。Andhere，atyourside，isthisgentleman，whohasbeensomanyyearsinarmies-
decorated，anoldwarrior。Andhereheis，readytodedicatehimselftoGod。\'
IwasbythistimesothoroughlyembarrassedthatIpledcoldfeet，andmademyescapefromtheapartment。Itwasafuriouswindymorning，withaskymuchcleared，andlongandpotentintervalsofsunshine；andIwandereduntildinnerinthewildcountrytowardstheeast，sorelystaggeredandbeatenuponbythegale，butrewardedwithsomestrikingviews。
AtdinnertheWorkofthePropagationoftheFaithwasrecommenced，andonthisoccasionstillmoredistastefullytome。Thepriestaskedmemanyquestionsastothecontemptiblefaithofmyfathers，andreceivedmyreplieswithakindofecclesiasticaltitter。
\'Yoursect，\'hesaidonce；\'forIthinkyouwilladmititwouldbedoingittoomuchhonourtocallitareligion。\'
\'Asyouplease，monsieur，\'saidI。\'LAPAROLEESTAVOUS。\'
AtlengthIgrewannoyedbeyondendurance；andalthoughhewasonhisowngroundand，whatismoretothepurpose，anoldman，andsoholdingaclaimuponmytoleration，Icouldnotavoidaprotestagainstthisuncivilusage。Hewassadlydiscountenanced。
\'Iassureyou。\'hesaid，\'Ihavenoinclinationtolaughinmyheart。Ihavenootherfeelingbutinterestinyoursoul。\'
Andthereendedmyconversion。Honestman!hewasnodangerousdeceiver；butacountryparson，fullofzealandfaith。LongmayhetreadGevaudanwithhiskiltedskirts-amanstrongtowalkandstrongtocomforthisparishionersindeath!Idaresayhewouldbeatbravelythroughasnowstormwherehisdutycalledhim；anditisnotalwaysthemostfaithfulbelieverwhomakesthecunningestapostle。