—To-morrow morning, Mademoiselle, after Mass.
—For ever?
—Perhaps.
—You are leaving Althausen so, without saying good-bye to your parishioners, to your friends!
—I have no friends, Mademoiselle, I have only you, who are willing to hear me some … friendship; only you, who have sometimes thought of the poor solitary at the parsonage, therefore I thank you for it from the bottom of my heart, and I wanted to bid you … farewell.
—But why this sudden and unexpected departure?
—A more important cure is offered me, Mademoiselle, and I have, like others, a little grain of ambition.
—Oh, I understand, Monsieur, and let me congratulate you on this change in your fortune. Is it far?
—Nancy, Mademoiselle.
—Nancy! I am glad of it on your account. You will have distractions there which you have not here. I almost envy you.