—The Abbé Fortin! the Abbé Braqueminet! God of heaven! and who besides?
—The Abbé Marcel!
—Yes, it is true, I also … I have been on the point of transgressing. Ah! temptation is sometimes very strong, Veronica, my good Veronica; the noble thing is to resist.
The greatest saints have succumbed. St. Origen was obliged to employ a grand means, you know what, my daughter?
—Monsieur Fortin has told me. But you must not act like that saint; that would be a pity, it would be better to succumb, dear Monsieur Marcel. How I like your name, Marcel, Marcel, it is so soft to the mouth.
—To resist temptation like Jesus on the mountain….
—There was but one Jesus.
—Like St. Antony in the desert….
—That is rubbish; in the desert no one could tempt him.
—Leave the room, Veronica; since you have talked to me, I understand the fault of your former masters; leave the room.