'"You know, also, that the Empress did not say where the treasure was. Was not this well considered, citizens? There is one who has it in his keeping, but only, when all are agreed upon dividing it, will he who keeps the treasure come forward and reveal where it is. Therefore one is certain that neither now nor in the future will it be unfairly divided. It is the same for all. Everyone knows that the Empress thinks as much of him as of his neighbour. There can be no strife or envy amongst the people of the dunes as there is amongst other men, for they all share alike in the treasure."'
The Bishop interrupted Father Verneau.
'That is enough,' he said. 'How did you continue?'
'I said,' continued the monk, 'that it was very bad the good Empress had not also come to Charleroi. I pitied them because they did not own her money-chest. Considering the great things they had to accomplish, considering the sea which they had to tame, the quicksands which they had to bind, considering all this, I said to them surely there was nothing they needed so much.'
'And then?' asked the Bishop.
'One or two cabbages, your Eminence, a little hissing; but then I was already out of the pulpit. That was all.'
'They had understood that you had spoken to them about the providence of God?'
The monk bowed.
'They had understood that you would show them that the power which they deride because they do not see it must be kept hidden? that it will be abused immediately it assumes a visible form? I congratulate you, Father Verneau.'
The monk retired towards the door, bowing. The Bishop followed him, beaming benevolently.