“Sacristi! convert a heretic!� de Baudri laughed; “how many are ever converted?�
“Large numbers—in some circumstances,� Père Ambroise said, with a broad smile; “’tis said that Du Chayla had a basement full of converts when their misguided friends arose and murdered him at Pont-de-Montvert; a poor requital for his zeal, monsieur. As for myself,�—he waved his fat hands,—“I am a man of peace, and I have ever labored to save these misguided people from violence.�
M. de Baudri was leaning his elbow on the table, staring gloomily at the floor.
“Mère de Dieu!� he said bitterly; “they are all only fit for hanging.�
“Perhaps you would prefer to hang mademoiselle,� his companion remarked, refilling his glass cautiously, for he did not wish to disturb his brain with the fumes of liquor.
M. de Baudri looked at him darkly.
“I do her great honor in offering to marry her,� he said harshly.
Père Ambroise nodded his head approvingly, and took a sip of wine.
“Assuredly,� he said; “so great an honor that I am inclined to prevent you. A true son of the Church should not wed a heretic. The proper destination for her is a convent.�
The younger man swore under his breath.