PUNISHMENT.
We will conduct the reader again to the office of the notary, Jacques Ferrand. Thanks to the habitual loquacity of the clerks, almost constantly occupied with the increasing caprices of their patron, we can learn the events that occurred since the disappearance of Cecily.
"A hundred to ten, if the present state of his health continues, before a month the governor will be as dead as a doornail."
"The fact is, that since the servant who had the air of an Alsatian has left the house, he has had nothing but skin on his bones."
"And what skin!"
"I'll wager he was in love with this Alsatian, for it is since her departure that he has shriveled up so!"
"He in love? what nonsense! on the contrary, he sees the priests more than ever; and the parish curé, a very respectable man (one must be just), went away yesterday, saying (I overheard him) to another priest who accompanied him,' This is admirable! M. Ferrand is the personification of Charity and Generosity.'"
"The curé said that? of himself? without prompting?"
"Yes! I heard him."
"Then, I can't understand it at all. The curé has the reputation, and deserves it, of being what is called a right good pastor."