But the Veni Creator was just coming to an end, and he was quite scared on hearing the sound of his own voice. Moreover, Duveyrier, very much annoyed by the incident, tried to make him understand that the time was badly chosen for an explanation. The ceremony had now begun before the altar. After addressing an affecting exhortation to the bride and bridegroom, the priest took the wedding-ring to bless it.
“Benedic, Domine Deus noster, annulum nuptialem hunc, quem nos in tuo nomine benedieimus——”
Then Théophile plucked up courage to repeat his words in a low voice:
“Sir, you were in this church yesterday with my wife.”
Octave, still bewildered by what Madame Josserand had said to him, and without having thoroughly understood her, related the little story, however, in an easy sort of way.
“Yes, I did indeed meet Madame Vabre, and we went and looked at the repairing of the Calvary which my friend Campardon is directing.”
“You admit it,” stammered the husband, again overcome with fury, “you admit it——”
Duveyrier was obliged to slap him on the shoulder to calm him. The shrill voice of one of the boy choristers was responding:
“Amen.”
“And you no doubt recognize this letter,” continued Théophile, offering a piece of paper to Octave.