“My children,” the priest ended by saying, “you set a bad example. The greatest of crimes is to pervert one’s neighbor, and to bring the house where one lives into disrepute. Yes, you live in a disorderly way, whieh, unfortunately, is no longer a secret to any one, for you have been fighting together for a week past.”
He blushed; a modest hesitation caused him to choose his words.
Meanwhile the two servants had sighed with relief. They smiled now and strutted about in quite a happy manner. It was only that! really, there was no occasion to be so frightened!
“But it’s all over, sir,” declared Clémence, glancing at Hippolyte in the fondest manner. “We have made it up. Yes, he explained everything to me.”
The priest in his turn exhibited an astonishment full of sadness.
“You do not understand me, my children. You cannot continue to live together; you sin against God and man. You must get married.”
At this, their amazement returned. Get married! whatever for?
“I don’t want to,” said Clémence. “I’ve quite another idea.”
Then the Abbé Mauduit tried to convince Hippolyte.
“Come, my fine fellow, you who are a man, use your influence with her, talk to her of her honor. It will change nothing in your mode of living. Be married.”