"No, no; I shall take no more money," said the good pastor, pushing aside the hand of the minister.
"You must take it. You do not imagine, I hope, that this would be a recompense for the services you have rendered," said Fouché, laughing heartily. "It is given to you by me for yourself, for your sister."
"Well, be it so," replied Michel, greatly softened. "I cannot reject the gift of an honest man."
Fouché stifled a sigh. "Adieu," said he; "return to Dijon."
The following year, Michel Perrin had resumed his clerical functions; and Madeleine again became the lady and mistress of the manse. The peace, the comfort, the security for the future which they enjoyed, seemed to be enhanced by the recollection of past sufferings.
If Madeleine, in whom there was a little vanity, remarked to her brother, when returning from church, that all the peasants took off their hats—
"Yes, yes," the pastor answered in a low voice, and with a smile, "The worthy fellows are not at all aware that for fifteen days I was a Police Spy."
FOOTNOTES:
[13] I was informed by M. Turpin that Fouché frequently related the incidents of this narrative which were subsequent to the interview, but without naming his old class-fellow.—F. T. P.
[14] The word in the original is "badaud."