“Father, give me your advice what to do.”
He detailed the history of his quarrel with the adjutant, and concluded by saying:
“What less could I do, sir, than put under arrest the young insolent, who insulted her and me alike? Is it just, sir, for mademoiselle to visit this on me as a crime?”
Father Gibault took a pinch of snuff, and was silent.
“Why do you not answer, monsieur?” said Clark, pettishly.
“Monsieur le colonel,” said Gibault, dryly, “it is obvious to me that your experience of women is limited. I never expect from them such a cold and severe article as justice.”
“Then what am I to do, in heaven’s name, sir?” asked the colonel, in a tone of desperation.
Gibault once more took snuff, and reflected a little.
“I think,” he said, at last, “that if I were you, (while I am not, for I am a priest in orders, bound to celibacy) I should take the hint the lady gave me, and—”
“Release the adjutant?” asked Clark, as the priest paused.