Dear old man! I dare say he will die soon most old people do and then, sir, you Can be bishop you know, and wear-- "Gently, Marie, gently: bishoprics are for old gentlemen; and this is a young gentleman." "Mamma! he is not so very young.
"Not compared with you, Marie, eh ?" "He is a good birth dear mamma; and I am sure he is good enough for a bishop.
"Alas! mademoiselle, you are mistaken" "I know not that, Monsieur Gerard; but I am a little puzzled to know on what grounds mademoiselle there pronounces your character so boldly." "Alas! mamma," said the Princess, "you have not looked at his face, then;" and she raised her eyebrows at her mother's simplicity.
"I beg your pardon," said the Countess, "I have.

Well, sir, if I cannot go quite so fast as my daughter, attribute it to my age, not to a want of interest in your welfare.

A benefice will do to begin your Career with; and I must take care it is not too far from--what call you the place ?" "Tergou, madam "A priest gives up much," continued the Countess; "often, I fear, he learns too late how much;" and her woman's eye rested a moment on Gerard with mild pity and half surprise at his resigning her sex and all the heaven they can bestow, and the great parental joys: "at least you shall be near your friends.

Have you a mother ?" "Yes, madam, thanks be to God!" "Good! You shall have a church near Tergou.

She will thank me.