"It was a fortunate thing that he afforded you such an interesting disclosure," said Fouché, who vainly endeavoured to resume his gravity; "but, in fact, Michel, did you not come to me, stating that you were dying of hunger, and that you were resolved to do anything to provide the means of supporting life?"
"Certainly; I would have agreed to sweep your apartments, to carry the fuel for your stoves, to do everything that might be done without forfeiting reputation and losing self-respect." And, in saying these words, the poor pastor raised his fine head, which fretting and privation had already covered with snowy locks.
Honor exercises an influence even upon those who have tampered with their own. Fouché discontinued his laughter, and approaching his class-fellow—
"There has been a misunderstanding, Michel," said he, taking his hand; "let us forget this, and continue good friends, especially," he added, "as I have most delightful news for you: it is that they are about to restore your parish to you."
"Another hoax," said Michel Perrin, shrugging his shoulders, with an air of incredulity.
"No; on my faith. Public worship is re-established. You know, or perhaps you do not know, that Cardinal Gonsalvi was here for a considerable time, to arrange the basis of a concordat with the Pope. This concordat is signed; the First Consul communicated it yesterday to his Council of State."
"Ah! if I again saw my good peasants! If I returned to my manse with Madeleine!" cried the good pastor, his eyes sparkling with joy; "but," added he, "perhaps the parish will be given to another?"
"I shall take special care that it shall not," replied the minister. "Your parish was in Burgundy, I believe?"
"Just beside Dijon. I had it for a year."
"You shall receive news from me very soon; but, in the meantime, I advise you to return to your sister. Paris is full of people too crafty for you; and as you must live," continued Fouché, "take this rouleau of twenty-five louis."