“I have sewn a blessed medal up in his overcoat.” This was said more boldly, though still with some timidity.
“And have you noticed any result?”
“In certain things he is better, yes, father, but as regards abstinence he is still intractable,” she said with embarrassment.
“Do not be discouraged. We are in the holy period of Lent. Make use of pious subterfuges, prepare him some admissible viands, but pleasant to the taste.”
“Yes, father, I have thought of that. The day before yesterday I gave him one of these salmon pasties that resemble ham.”
“Yes, yes, I know them. Well?”
“Well, he ate the salmon, but he had a cutlet cooked afterward.”
“Deplorable!” I exclaimed, almost in spite of myself, so excessive did the perversity of this man seem to me. “Patience, my child, offer up to Heaven the sufferings which your husband’s impiety causes you, and remember that your efforts will be set down to you. You have nothing more to tell me?”
“No, father.”
“Collect yourself, then. I will give you absolution.”