The suit was gained; but when the moment came for execution, the priest had vanished with all his goods.

The woman came to thank her protector, and to regret the loss he had suffered.

"As she chatted, she pulled a shabby snuff-box out of her pocket, and gathered up with the tip of her finger what little snuff remained at the bottom: her benefactor says to her 'Ah, ah! you have no more snuff; give me your box, and I will fill it.' He took the box and put into it a couple of louis, which he covered up with snuff.

Now there's an action thoroughly to my taste, and to yours too! Give, but, if you can, spare to the poor the shame of holding out a hand."[9] And the important thing, as we have said, is that Diderot was as good as his sentiment.

Unlike most of the fine talkers of that day, to him these homely and considerate emotions were the most real part of life.