Now, Reine is living, as one may say, alone and unprotected.

It behooves me, therefore, as her pastor, to defend her against her own weakness.

That is the reason why I have taken upon myself to beg you to be more circumspect, and not trifle with her reputation." "Her reputation ?" repeated Julien, with irritation.

"I do not understand you, Monsieur le Cure!" "You don't, hey! Why, I explain my meaning pretty clearly.

Human beings are weak; it is easy to injure a girl's reputation, when you try to make yourself agreeable, knowing you can not marry her." "And why could I not marry her ?" inquired Julien, coloring deeply.
"Because she is not in your own class, and you would not love her enough to overlook the disparity, if marriage became necessary." "What do you know about it ?" returned Julien, with violence.