Then, on the other hand, Claudet deserves what you have done for him.

He is a good fellow, a little too quick-tempered and violent perhaps, but he has a heart of gold.

Ah! it would have been no use for the deceased to deny it--the blood of de Buxieres runs in his veins!" "If public rumor is to be believed," said Julien timidly, rising to go, "my deceased cousin Claude was very much addicted to profane pleasures." "Yes, yes, indeed!" sighed the Abbe, "he was a devil incarnate--but what a magnificent man! What a wonderful huntsman! Notwithstanding his backslidings, there was a great deal of good in him, and I am fain to believe that God has taken him under His protecting mercy." Julien took his leave, and returned to the chateau, very much discouraged.

"This priest," thought he to himself, "is a man of expediency.

He allows himself certain indulgences which are to be regretted, and his mind is becoming clogged by continual association with carnal-minded men.