"The tomb," said he, "is again about to enclose the remains of a distinguished citizen." He stopped for a moment, and inquired, in a low voice, the name of the deceased. He was answered, "Augustin Leger."
"Augustin Leger," he resumed, "was a man, grave and austere. His long life was but a continued series of virtuous and benevolent acts. He was entirely devoted to the holy, the legitimate cause of——"
He was a regicide!
"The rights of the sovereign people. His disinterestedness——"
He was a usurer!
"His laudable economy, his aversion to luxury, his unassuming and modest deportment, had gained for him universal esteem. But still more worthy of admiration were his virtues in private life—his patience, his humility, and his devoted and unchangeable attachment to the wife of his bosom, the lady of his choice."
He had been divorced!
"For his children he cherished the most affectionate and tender regard."
He had driven them from his house!
"Virtuous friend! May the earth rest lightly on thy coffin!"