In his former character of an abbe, and a man of wit, he had gained admittance into Madame de Fleury's society.

There he attempted to dictate both as a literary and religious despot.

Accidentally discovering that Madame de Fleury had a little school for poor children, he thought proper to be offended, because he had not been consulted respecting the regulations, and because he was not permitted, as he said, to take the charge of this little flock.

He made many objections to Sister Frances, as being an improper person to have the spiritual guidance of these young people; but as he was unable to give any just reason for his dislike, Madame de Fleury persisted in her choice, and was at last obliged to assert, in opposition to the domineering abbe, her right to judge and decide in her own affairs.

With seeming politeness, he begged ten thousand pardons for his conscientious interference.