第83章

Colombe, he would do more good than any one else, because he is full of zeal and patience; and then it is clear he would reap some little advantages, by which his old mother might profit--there you see is the secret of this mighty scheme.When I knew that this lady was disposed to buy an estate in the neighborhood of our friend's parish, I wrote about it to the marquis; and he, remembering you, desired me to ask you to render him this small service, which, as you see, will not remain without a recompense.For I tell you once more, and I will prove it, that I have the power to keep you in your place as bailiff."

"Well, sir," replied Dupont, after a moment's reflection, "you are so frank and obliging, that I will imitate your sincerity.In the same degree that the curate of Danicourt is respected and loved in this country, the curate of Roiville, whom you wish me to prefer to him, is dreaded for his intolerance--and, moreover--"

"Well, and what more?"

"Why, then, they say--"

"Come, what do they say?"

"They say--he is a Jesuit."

Upon these words, M.Rodin burst into so hearty a laugh that the bailiff was quite struck dumb with amazement--for the countenance of M.Rodin took a singular expression when he laughed."A Jesuit!" he repeated, with redoubled hilarity; "a Jesuit!--Now really, my dear M.Dupont, for a man of sense, experience, and intelligence, how can you believe such idle stories?--A Jesuit--are there such people as Jesuits?--in our time, above all, can you believe such romance of the Jacobins, hobgoblins of the old freedom lovers?--Come, come; I wager, you have read about them in the Constitutionnel!"

"And yet, sir, they say--"

"Good heavens! what will they not say?--But wise men, prudent men like you, do not meddle with what is said--they manage their own little matters, without doing injury to any one, and they never sacrifice, for the sake of nonsense, a good place, which secures them a comfortable provision for the rest of their days.I tell you frankly, however much I may regret it, that should you not succeed in getting the preference for my man, you will not remain bailiff here.

"But, sir," said poor Dupont, "it will not be my fault, if this lady, hearing a great deal in praise of the other curate, should prefer him to your friend."

"Ah! but if, on the other hand, persons who have long lived in the neighborhood--persons worthy of confidence, whom she will see every day--

tell Madame de la Sainte-Colombe a great deal of good of my friend, and a great deal of harm of the other curate, she will prefer the former, and you will continue bailiff."

"But, sir--that would be calumny!" cried Dupont.

"Pshaw, my dear M.Dupont!" said Rodin, with an air of sorrowful and affectionate reproach, "how can you think me capable of giving you evil counsel?--I was only making a supposition.You wish to remain bailiff on this estate.I offer you the certainty of doing so--it is for you to consider and decide."

"But, sir--"

"One word more--or rather one more condition--as important as the other.

Unfortunately, we have seen clergymen take advantage of the age and weakness of their penitents, unfairly to benefit either themselves or others: I believe our protege incapable of any such baseness--but, in order to discharge my responsibility--and yours also, as you will have contributed to his appointment--I must request that you will write to me twice a week, giving the most exact detail of all that you have remarked in the character, habits, connections, pursuits, of Madame de la Sainte-