"And then its windows are matchless, superior even to those of Bourges, where, again, the sanctuary blossoms with
glorious clumps of holy persons. And finally, the sculpture of the west front, the Royal Portal, is the most beautiful, the most superterrestrial statuary ever wrought by the hand of man.
"And it is almost unique in having none of the woeful and threatening solemnity of its noble sisters. Scarce a demon is to be seen watching and grinning on its walls to torture souls; in a few small figures it shows indeed the variety of penance, but that is all; and within, the Virgin is above all else the Mother of Bethlehem. Jesus, too, is more or less Her Child; He yields to Her when she entreats Him.
"It proclaims the plenitude of Her patience and charity by the length of the crypt and the breadth of the nave, which are greater than those of other churches.
"In fact, it is the mystical cathedral—that where the Madonna is most graciously ready to receive the sinner.
"Now," said Durtal, looking at his watch, "the Abbé Gévresin must have finished his breakfast. It is time to take leave of him before joining the Abbé Plomb at the station."
He crossed the forecourt of the palace and rang at the priest's door.
"So you are sure you are going!" said Madame Bavoil, who opened the door, and admitted him to her master.
"Well, yes—"
"I envy you," sighed the Abbé, "for you will be present at wonderful services and hear admirable music."