And such a 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.