The two ladies also rose, and though they doubted for a moment what to do, they both advanced to the rude steps of the little altar, at which Father Jerome was again kneeling.

He had not seen them as yet, nor had he noticed the entrance of any one, but the ordinary congregation of the chapel; and so absorbed was he, either in his thoughts or his devotions, that he did not even observe them till they were standing close to his elbow.
"Father Jerome," said Madame de Lescure in a low voice, laying her hand on the threadbare sleeve of the old grey coat, which he still wore.

"If you could guess the comfort I have in finding you here!" The priest sprang from his knees at hearing her voice, and gazed at her as though she had been a ghost.
"Is it possible," said he, "Madame de Lescure and Mademoiselle here in the chapel of Genet!" and then turning to the gaping peasants, he said, "go home, my children, go home! I have business to speak of to these ladies." "Oh, Father Jerome," said Madame de Lescure, as soon as they were alone, "for heaven's sake tell me something of M.de Lescure.

You have heard of what happened at Cholet ?" "Yes, Madame, I was there," said the priest.
"You were there! then you can tell me of my husband.

For God's sake, speak, Father Jerome! Tell me the worst at once.