Two large tears escaped from the eyes of the old priest, rolled slowly down his cheeks, and were lost in the furrows of his face.
However, the Cure was obliged to explain to Jean that, though he was his father's heir, he had not the right of disposing of his heritage as he would.

There would be a family council, and a guardian would be appointed.
"You, no doubt, godfather ?" "No, not I, my child; a priest has not the right of exercising the functions of a guardian.

They will, I think, choose Monsieur Lenient, the lawyer in Souvigny, who was one of your father's best friends.

You can speak to him and tell him what you wish." M.Lenient was eventually appointed guardian, and Jean urged his wishes so eagerly and touchingly that the lawyer consented to deduct from the income a sum of 2,400 francs, which, every year till Jean came of age, was divided between old Clemence and little Rosalie.
Under these circumstances, Madame de Lavardens was perfect.

She went to the Abbe and said: "Give Jean to me, give him to me entirely till he has finished his studies.