—You are really too good. And if she comes and kneels in the little box?
—Then the will of God will be stronger than the paternal will.
—That is no answer.
—Well! what can I do? humbly replied Marcel.
—Allow me, sir; I ask you what you would do in such a case.
—I make you the judge of it; can I treat your daughter differently to the other ladies of the parish?
—That is to say that you will receive her confession?
—That will be my duty, Captain. I am frank also, you see.
—But, Monsieur le Curé, the first of your duties is not to encourage the disobedience of children, and not to place yourself between a father and his daughter.
—I place myself on no side, Captain. I confine myself, as far as I can, to the very obscure and modest character of a poor priest. I am charged with an office; is it possible, I ask you yourself, for me to repel those who address themselves to that office?