第82章

Rodin, having listened complacently to the bailiff, said to him: "You doubtless know that, after a fierce duel he had with a furious Bonapartist, one General Simon, the Marquis d'Aigrigny (whose private secretary I have now the honor to be) left the world for the church."

"No, sir! is it possible? That fine officer!"

"That fine officer--brave, noble, rich, esteemed, and flattered--

abandoned all those advantages for the sorry black gown; and, notwithstanding his name, position, high connections, his reputation as a great preacher, he is still what he was fourteen years ago--a plain abbe --whilst so many, who have neither his merit nor his virtues, are archbishops and cardinals."

M.Rodin expressed himself with so much goodness, with such an air of conviction, and the facts he cited appeared to be so incontestable, that M.Dupont could not help exclaiming: "Well, sir, that is splendid conduct!"

"Splendid? Oh, no!" said M.Rodin, with an inimitable expression of simplicity; "it is quite a matter of course when one has a heart like M.

d'Aigrigny's.But amongst all his good qualities, he has particularly that of never forgetting worthy people--people of integrity, honor, conscience--and therefore, my dear M.Dupont, he has not forgotten you."

"What, the most noble marquis deigns to remember--"

"Three days ago, I received a letter from him, in which he mentions your name."

"Is he then at Paris?"

"He will be there soon, if not there now.He went to Italy about three months ago, and, during his absence, he received a very sad piece of news--the death of his mother, who was passing the autumn on one of the estates of the Princess de Saint-Dizier."

"Oh, indeed! I was not aware of it."

"Yes, it was a cruel grief to him; but we must all resign ourselves to the will of Providence!"

"And with regard to what subject did the marquis do me the honor to mention my name?"

"I am going to tell you.First of all, you must know that this house is sold.The bill of sale was signed the day before my departure from Paris."

"Oh, sir! that renews all my uneasiness."

"Pray, why?"

"I am afraid that the new proprietors may not choose to keep me as their bailiff."

"Now see what a lucky chance! It is just on that subject that I am going to speak to you."

"Is it possible?"

"Certainly.Knowing the interest which the marquis feels for you, I am particularly desirous that you should keep this place, and I will do all in my power to serve you, if--"

"Ah, sir!" cried Dupont, interrupting Rodin; "what gratitude do I not owe you! It is Heaven that sends you to me!'

"Now, my dear sir, you flatter me in your turn; but I ought to tell you, that I'm obliged to annex a small condition to my support."

"Oh, by all means! Only name it, sir--name it!"

"The person who is about to inhabit this mansion, is an old lady in every way worthy of veneration; Madame de la Sainte-Colombe is the name of this respectable--"

"What, sir?" said the bailiff, interrupting Rodin; "Madame de la Sainte-

Colombe the lady who has bought us out?"

"Do you know her?"

"Yes, sir, she came last week to see the estate.My wife persists that she is a great lady; but--between ourselves--judging by certain words that I heard her speak--"

"You are full of penetration, my dear M.Dupont.Madame de la Sainte-

Colombe is far from being a great lady.I believe she was neither more nor less than a milliner, under one of the wooden porticoes of the Palais Royal.You see, that I deal openly with you."

"And she boasted of all the noblemen, French and foreign, who used to visit her!"

"No doubt, they came to buy bonnets for their wives! However, the fact is, that, having gained a large fortune and, after being in youth and middle age--indifferent--alas! more than indifferent to the salvation of her soul--Madame de la Sainte-Colombe is now in a likely way to experience grace--which renders her, as I told you, worthy of veneration, because nothing is so respectable as a sincere repentance--always providing it to be lasting.Now to make the good work sure and effectual, we shall need your assistance, my dear M.Dupont."

"Mine, sir! what can I do in it?"

"A great deal; and I will explain to you how.There is no church in this village, which stands at an equal distance from either of two parishes.

Madame de la Sainte-Colombe, wishing to make choice of one of the two clergymen, will naturally apply to you and Madame Dupont, who have long lived in these parts, for information respecting them."

"Oh! in that case the choice will soon be made.The incumbent of Danicourt is one of the best of men."

"Now that is precisely what you must not say to Madame de la Sainte-

Colombe."

"How so?"

"You must, on the contrary, much praise, without ceasing, the curate of Roiville, the other parish, so as to decide this good lady to trust herself to his care."

"And why, sir, to him rather than to the other?"

"Why?--because, if you and Madame Dupont succeed in persuading Madame de la Sainte-Colombe to make the choice I wish, you will be certain to keep your place as bailiff.I give you my word of it, and what I promise I perform."

"I do not doubt, sir, that you have this power," said Dupont, convinced by Rodin's manner, and the authority of his words; "but I should like to know--"

"One word more," said Rodin, interrupting him; "I will deal openly with you, and tell you why I insist on the preference which I beg you to support.I should be grieved if you saw in all this the shadow of an intrigue.It is only for the purpose of doing a good action.The curate of Roiville, for whom I ask your influence, is a man for whom M.

d'Aigrigny feels a deep interest.Though very poor, he has to support an aged mother.Now, if he had the spiritual care of Madame de la Sainte-