Every one has cast me out.
Are you willing to receive me?
Is this an inn?
Will you give me something to eat and a bed?
Have you a stable?”
“Madame Magloire,” said the Bishop, “you will put white sheets on the bed in the alcove.”
We have already explained the character of the two women’s obedience.
Madame Magloire retired to execute these orders.
The Bishop turned to the man.
“Sit down, sir, and warm yourself.
We are going to sup in a few moments, and your bed will be prepared while you are supping.”
At this point the man suddenly comprehended.
The expression of his face, up to that time sombre and harsh, bore the imprint of stupefaction, of doubt, of joy, and became extraordinary.
He began stammering like a crazy man:—
“Really?
What!
You will keep me?
You do not drive me forth?
A convict!
You call me sir! You do not address me as thou?
‘Get out of here, you dog!’ is what people always say to me.
I felt sure that you would expel me, so I told you at once who I am.
Oh, what a good woman that was who directed me hither!
I am going to sup!
A bed with a mattress and sheets, like the rest of the world! a bed!
It is nineteen years since I have slept in a bed!
You actually do not want me to go!
You are good people.
Besides, I have money.
I will pay well.
Pardon me, monsieur the inn-keeper, but what is your name?
I will pay anything you ask.
You are a fine man.
You are an inn-keeper, are you not?”
“I am,” replied the Bishop, “a priest who lives here.”
“A priest!” said the man.
“Oh, what a fine priest!
Then you are not going to demand any money of me?
You are the cure, are you not? the cure of this big church?
Well! I am a fool, truly!
I had not perceived your skull-cap.”
As he spoke, he deposited his knapsack and his cudgel in a corner, replaced his passport in his pocket, and seated himself.
Mademoiselle Baptistine gazed mildly at him.
He continued:
“You are humane, Monsieur le Cure; you have not scorned me.
A good priest is a very good thing.
Then you do not require me to pay?”
“No,” said the Bishop; “keep your money.
How much have you?
Did you not tell me one hundred and nine francs?”