'Ah! has there been some disagreement between them!' exclaimed Madame Rougon, who was looking out of her drawing-room window.
'Didn't you know about it?' asked Madame Paloque, who was leaning over by the old lady's side. 'It has been the talk of the town since yesterday. Abbé Fenil has been restored to favour.'
[Pg 159]
Monsieur de Condamin, who was standing4 behind the ladies, began to laugh. He had made his escape from his own house, saying that it smelt5 like a church.
'Do you attach any importance to such trifles?' said he. 'The Bishop is merely an old weathercock, turning one way or the other according as Faujas or Fenil blows against him; to-day it is one of them, to-morrow it will be the other. They have quarrelled and made it up again half a score times already. Before three days are over, you will see that Faujas will be the pet again.'
'I don't believe it,' exclaimed Madame Paloque; 'it is serious this time. It seems that Abbé Faujas has caused his lordship a great deal of worry. It appears that he formerly7 preached some sermons which excited great displeasure at Rome. I can't explain the matter quite clearly, but I know that the Bishop has received reproachful letters from Rome, in which he is recommended to be on his guard. It is said that Abbé Faujas is simply a political agent.'
'Who says so?' asked Madame Rougon, blinking her eyes as though to see the procession, which was then passing through the Rue8 de la Banne, more distinctly.
'I heard it said, but I really don't remember by whom,' the judge's wife replied carelessly.
Then she retired9, saying that one would be able to get a better view from the side-window. Monsieur de Condamin, however, took the vacant place by Madame Rougon, and whispered in the old lady's ear:
'I have already twice seen her going to Abbé Fenil's. They have some plot or other in hand, I'm sure. Abbé Faujas must have trodden somehow or other on that viper10 of a woman, and she's trying to bite him. If she were not so ugly I would do her the service of telling her that her husband will never be presiding judge.'
'Why? I don't understand,' murmured the old lady, with a guileless expression.
Monsieur de Condamin looked at her curiously11, and then began to smile.
The last two gendarmes12 in the procession had just disappeared round the corner of the Cours Sauvaire, and the few guests whom Madame Rougon had invited to witness the blessing13 of the altar returned into the drawing-room, where they chatted for a moment about the Bishop's graciousness and the new banners of the different congregations, and[Pg 160] especially the one belonging to the girls of the Home of the Virgin14, which had attracted much attention. The ladies were loud in their praises, and Abbé Faujas's name was mentioned every moment in the most eulogistic15 terms.
'He is clearly a saint!' sniggered Madame Paloque to Monsieur de Condamin, who had taken a seat near her.
Then, bending forward towards him, she added:
'I could not speak openly before Madame Rougon, you know, but there is a great deal of talk about Abbé Faujas and Madame Mouret. I dare say those unpleasant reports have reached the Bishop's ears.'
'Madame Mouret is a charming woman, and extremely winning notwithstanding her forty years,' was all that Monsieur de Condamin said in reply.
'Oh, yes! she is very charming, very charming, indeed,' murmured Madame Paloque, whose face turned quite green with spleen.
'Extremely charming,' persisted the conservator of rivers and forests. 'She is at the age of genuine passion and great happiness. You ladies are given to judging each other unfavourably.'
Thereupon he left the drawing-room, chuckling16 over Madame Paloque's suppressed rage.
The town was now indeed taking an absorbing interest in the continual struggle that went on between Abbé Faujas and Abbé Fenil for influence over the Bishop. It was a ceaseless combat, like the struggles of a couple of buxom17 housekeepers18 for the affection of an old dotard. The Bishop smiled knowingly; he had discovered how to maintain a kind of equilibrium19 between these opposing forces which he pitted one against the other, amused at seeing them overthrown20 in turn, and securing peace for himself by accepting the services of the one who temporarily gained the upper hand. To the dreadful stories which were told him to the detriment21 of his favourites, he paid but little attention, for he knew that the rival Abbés were capable of accusing each other of murder.
'They are getting worse, my child,' the Bishop said, in one of his expansive moments to Abbé Surin. 'I fancy that in the end Paris will carry the day, and Rome will get the worst of it; but I am not quite sure, and I shall leave them to wear each other out. When one has made an end of the other, things will be settled——By the way, just read me[Pg 161] the third Ode of Horace; I'm afraid I've translated one of the lines rather badly.'
On the Tuesday after the public procession the weather was lovely. Laughter was heard both in the garden of the Rastoils and in that of the Sub-Prefect, and numerous guests were sitting under the trees. Abbé Faujas read his breviary in the Mourets' garden after his usual custom, while slowly walking up and down beside the tall hedges of box. For some days past he had kept the little door that led to the lane bolted; he was indeed coquetting with his neighbours and keeping aloof22, in order that he might make them more anxious to see him. Possibly too he had noticed a slight coldness in their manner after his last misunderstanding with the Bishop, and the abominable23 reports that his enemies had circulated against him.
About five o'clock, just as the sun was sinking, Abbé Surin proposed a game of shuttlecock to Monsieur Rastoil's daughters. He was very clever at it himself; and, notwithstanding the approach of their thirtieth year, both Angéline and Aurélie were immensely fond of games. When the servant brought the battledores, Abbé Surin, looking about him for a shady spot, for the garden was still bright with the last rays of the sun, was struck with an idea of which the young ladies cordially approved.
'Shall we go and play in the Impasse24 des Chevillottes?' he asked. 'We shall be shaded by the chestnut-trees there, and have more room.'
They left the garden and started a most delightful25 game in the lane. The two girls began, and Angéline was the first who failed to keep the shuttlecock going. Abbé Surin, who took her place, handed his battledore with professional skill and ease. Having tucked his cassock between his legs, he sprang backwards27 and forwards and sideways without cessation. His battledore caught the shuttlecock as it reached the ground and sent it flying, now to a surprising height, and now straight ahead like a bullet; and at times made it describe the most graceful28 curves. As a rule he preferred to be pitted against poor players, who, as they struck the shuttlecock at random29, or, to use his own phrase, without any rhythm, brought all the skilful30 agility31 of his own play into exercise. Mademoiselle Aurélie, however, played a fair game. She vented32 a little cry like a swallow's every time she struck a blow with the battledore, and she laughed distractedly when the[Pg 162] shuttlecock alighted on the young Abbé's nose. Gathering33 up her skirts, she waited for its return, or leaped backward with a great rustling34 of petticoats when he vengefully gave it a smarter blow than usual. At last the shuttlecock fell into her hair, and she almost toppled over upon her back. This greatly amused them all. Angéline now took her sister's place; and every time that Abbé Faujas raised his eyes from his breviary as he paced the Mourets' garden, he saw the white feathers of the shuttlecock skimming above the wall like a big butterfly.
'Are you there, your reverence35?' all at once cried Angéline, at the little door. 'Our shuttlecock has fallen into your garden.'
The Abbé picked up the shuttlecock, which had dropped at his feet, and made up his mind to open the door.
'Oh, thank you! your reverence,' said Aurélie, who had already taken the battledore. 'Only Angéline would ever make such a stroke. The other day when papa was watching us she sent the shuttlecock right against his ear with such a bang that he was quite deaf till the next day.'
There was more laughter at this; and Abbé Surin, as rosy36 as a girl, delicately dabbed37 his brow with a handkerchief of fine texture38. He pushed his fair hair behind his ears, and stood there with glistening39 eyes and flexible figure, using his battledore as a fan. In the excitement of the game his bands had got slightly displaced.
'Monsieur le Curé,' said he, as he took up his position again, 'you shall be umpire.'
Abbé Faujas, holding his breviary under his arm and smiling paternally40, stood on the threshold of the little doorway41. Through the cart-entrance of the Sub-Prefecture, which was half open, he could see Monsieur Péqueur des Saulaies seated in front of the cascade42 amidst his friends. The priest looked straight in front of him, however, and counted the points of the game, while complimenting Abbé Surin and consoling the young ladies.
'I tell you what, Péqueur,' said Monsieur de Condamin, in a whisper, in the sub-prefect's ear, 'you make a mistake in not inviting43 that little Abbé to your parties. He is a great favourite with the ladies, and he looks as though he could waltz to perfection.'
Monsieur Péqueur des Saulaies, who was talking to Monsieur Delangre with much animation44, did not however appear[Pg 163] to hear the other, but went on with his conversation with the mayor.
'Really, my dear sir,' he said, 'I don't know where you see all the merits that you profess26 to find in him. On the contrary, indeed, Abbé Faujas appears to me to be of very doubtful character. There is considerable suspicion attached to his past career, and strange things are said about him here. I really don't see why I should go down on my knees to this priest, especially as the clergy45 of Plassans are hostile to us. I should gain no advantage by doing so.'
Monsieur Delangre and Monsieur de Condamin exchanged glances of intelligence, and then, by way of reply, nodded their heads.
'None, whatever,' continued the sub-prefect. 'It is no use pretending to look mysterious; I may tell you that I have myself written to Paris. I was a good deal bothered, and I wanted to be quite certain about this Faujas, whom you seem to look upon as a sort of prince in disguise. Well! do you know what reply I got? They told me that they did not know him and could tell me nothing about him, and that I must carefully avoid mixing myself up with clerical matters. They are grumpy enough in Paris as it is, since the election of that jackass Lagrifoul, and I have to be prudent46, you understand.'
The mayor exchanged another glance with the conservator of rivers and forests. He even slightly shrugged47 his shoulders before the correctly twirled moustaches of Monsieur Péqueur des Saulaies.
'Just listen to me,' he said to him after a moment's silence; 'you would like to be a prefect, wouldn't you?'
The sub-prefect smiled as he rocked himself in his chair.
'Well, then, go at once, and shake hands with Abbé Faujas, who is waiting for you down there, while he is watching them play at shuttlecock.'
Monsieur Péqueur des Saulaies was silent with astonishment48. He seemed quite puzzled, turned towards Monsieur de Condamin, and asked, with some show of uneasiness:
'Is that your advice also?'
'Certainly; go and offer him your hand,' replied the conservator of rivers and forests.
Then, with a slight touch of irony49, he added:
'Consult my wife, if you like; I know you have perfect confidence in her.'
Madame de Condamin was just approaching them. She[Pg 164] was wearing a lovely pink and pearl-grey dress. When they spoke50 to her of the Abbé she said graciously to the sub-prefect:
'It is very wrong of you to neglect your religious duties; one never sees you at church except perhaps when there is some official ceremony. It really distresses51 me very much, and I must try to convert you. What sort of opinion do you expect people will have of the government you represent, if they see you are not on the side of religion?—Leave us, gentlemen; I am going to confess Monsieur Péqueur.'
She took a seat, smiling playfully.
'Octavie,' said the sub-prefect, in an undertone, when they were alone together, 'don't make fun of me. You weren't a very pious53 person in the Rue du Helder in Paris. It's all I can do to keep from laughing when I see you worshipping in Saint-Saturnin's.'
'You are too flippant, my friend,' she replied, 'and your flippancy54 will play you a bad turn one of these days. Seriously, you quite distress52 me. I gave you credit for having more intelligence. Are you so blind that you cannot see that you are tottering55 in your position? Let me tell you that it is only from fear of alarming the Legitimists at Plassans that you haven't already been recalled. If the Legitimists saw a new sub-prefect arriving here, they would take alarm, whereas so long as you remain here they will continue quietly sleeping, feeling certain of victory at the next election. All this is not very flattering for you; I am aware of that, and the more so as I know positively56 that the authorities are acting57 without taking you into their confidence. Listen to me, my friend; I tell you that you are ruined if you don't divine certain things.'
He looked at her with unfeigned alarm.
'Has "the great man" been writing to you?' he asked, referring to a personage whom they thus designated between themselves.
'No; he has broken entirely58 with me. I am not a fool, and I saw, before he did, the necessity of the separation. And I have nothing at all to complain of. He has shown me the greatest kindness. He found me a husband and gave me some excellent advice, which has proved extremely useful to me. But I have retained friends in Paris; and I swear to you that you have only just got time left to cling on to the branches if you don't want to fall. Don't be a pagan any[Pg 165] longer, but go and offer your hand to Abbé Faujas. You will understand why later on, even if you can't guess it to-day.'
Monsieur Péqueur des Saulaies lowered his eyes and seemed a little humiliated59 by the lesson he was receiving. He was very conceited60, and, showing his white teeth, he tried to re-assert himself by murmuring tenderly:
'Ah! if you had only been willing, Octavie, we might have governed Plassans between us. I asked you to resume that delightful life—'
'Really now, you are a great idiot!' she interrupted in a tone of vexation. 'You annoy me with your "Octavie." I am Madame de Condamin to everyone, my friend. Can't you understand anything? I have an income of thirty thousand francs; I am queen of a whole Sub-Prefecture; I go everywhere; I am respected everywhere, bowed to and liked. What in the world should I do with you? You would only inconvenience me. I am a respectable woman, my friend.'
She rose from her seat and walked towards Doctor Porquier, who, according to his custom, had come to spend an hour in the garden chatting to his fair patients, after a round of visits.
'Oh, doctor!' she exclaimed, with one of her pretty grimaces61, 'I have got such a headache. It pains me just here, under the left eyebrow62.'
'That is the side of the heart, madame,' said the doctor, gallantly63.
Madame de Condamin smiled and did not carry the consultation64 any further. Madame Paloque, who was present, bent65, however, towards her husband, whom she brought with her every time she came, in order that she might recommend him to the sub-prefect's influence, and whispered in his ear:
'That's the only way Porquier has of curing them.'
When Monsieur Péqueur des Saulaies had joined Monsieur de Condamin and Monsieur Delangre he man?uvred cleverly in such wise as to draw them towards the gateway66. When he was within a few yards of it, he stopped and appeared to be interested in the game of shuttlecock which was still going on in the lane. Abbé Surin, with his hair blown about by the wind, the sleeves of his cassock rolled up, and his slender, white, womanly wrists displayed, had just stepped backwards, putting some twenty yards between himself and Mademoiselle Aurélie. He felt that he was being watched, and he quite surpassed himself. Mademoiselle[Pg 166] Aurélie was also playing extremely well, spurred on, as it were, by the skill of her partner. Thus the shuttlecock described long gentle curves with such regularity67 that it seemed to light of its own accord upon the battledores, going from one to the other player without either of them having to stir from their places. Abbé Surin, inclined slightly backwards, displayed his well-shaped bust68 to advantage.
'Excellent! excellent!' cried the sub-prefect. 'Ah! Monsieur l'Abbé, I must compliment you upon your skill.'
Then, turning towards Madame de Condamin, Doctor Porquier and the Paloques, he exclaimed:
'I've really never seen anything like it before. You will allow us to admire your play, I hope, Monsieur l'Abbé?'
The whole set of the Sub-Prefecture now formed into a group at the far end of the lane. Abbé Faujas had not moved from the position he had taken up. Having acknowledged with a nod the salutations of Monsieur Delangre and Monsieur de Condamin, he went on counting the points of the game. When Aurélie at last missed the shuttlecock, he said good-naturedly:
'That makes you three hundred and ten points, for the distance was altered; your sister has only forty-seven.'
However, while he appeared to follow the flight of the shuttlecock with all-absorbing interest, he every now and then glanced at the door of the Rastoils' garden, which still remained open. Monsieur Maffre was as yet the only person who had shown himself there; but at last a voice called from inside the garden:
'What is amusing them so much out there?' It was Monsieur Rastoil, who was chatting with Monsieur de Bourdeu beside the rustic69 table, that asked the question.
'His lordship's secretary is playing at shuttlecock,' Monsieur Maffre replied. 'He is making some wonderful strokes and everybody is watching him. His reverence the Curé is there, and seems quite amazed.'
Monsieur de Bourdeu took a big pinch of snuff as he exclaimed:
'Ah! Monsieur l'Abbé Faujas is there, is he?'
He glanced at Monsieur Rastoil, and they both seemed ill at ease.
'I have heard,' remarked the presiding judge, 'that the Curé has been restored to the Bishop's favour.'
'Yes, indeed; this very morning,' said Monsieur Maffre.[Pg 167] 'There has been a complete reconciliation70, and I have heard some touching71 particulars about it. His lordship shed tears. Ah, there can be no doubt that Abbé Fenil has cause for self-reproach.'
'I thought that you were the grand-vicar's friend,' observed Monsieur de Bourdeu.
'So I am, but I am also the Curé's friend,' replied the justice of the peace. 'Thank goodness! he is a man of sufficient piety72 to be able to despise all the calumnies73 of his enemies. They haven't even hesitated to question his morality! It is disgraceful!'
The ex-prefect again glanced at the presiding judge with a singular expression.
'And they've tried to compromise him in political matters,' continued Monsieur Maffre. 'They said that he had come here to overturn everything, to bestow74 places right and left and bring about the triumph of the Paris clique75. Why, if he had been the chief of a band of brigands76 folks couldn't have said worse things about him than they have done. A pack of lies, all of them!'
Monsieur de Bourdeu was drawing a face on the gravel77 of the walk with the tip of his walking-stick.
'Yes,' he said, carelessly, 'I have heard these things mentioned. But it is very unlikely that a minister of religion would allow himself to play such a part; and besides, to the honour of Plassans, I think it may be said that he would have failed completely. There is no one here who could be bought.'
'Oh! it's all stuff and nonsense, that!' cried the presiding judge, shrugging his shoulders. 'A town can't be turned inside out like an old coat. Paris may send us as many spies and agents as she likes, but Plassans will always keep Legitimist. Look at that little Péqueur now! We've only made a single mouthful of him! Folks must be very stupid to believe in mysterious personages running about the provinces offering places and appointments. I should be very curious to see one of those gentlemen.'
He seemed to be getting a little angry, and Monsieur Maffre, with some show of uneasiness, appeared to think it necessary to defend himself.
'Pardon me,' he exclaimed. 'I have never asserted that Abbé Faujas was a Bonapartist agent; on the contrary, I have always considered the accusation78 a most absurd one.'
'Oh! it's not a question of Abbé Faujas. My remarks[Pg 168] are quite general. People don't sell themselves in that way! Abbé Faujas is above all suspicion.'
There was an interval79 of silence. Monsieur de Bourdeu finished the face he was drawing on the gravel by adding a long pointed80 beard to it.
'Abbé Faujas has no political views,' he at last said in his dry voice.
'Evidently,' replied Monsieur Rastoil; 'we found fault with him for his indifference81, but now I approve of it. With all this gossip in the air, it would have had a prejudicial effect upon religion. You know as well as I do, Bourdeu, that he can't be accused of the slightest suspicious step. He has never been seen at the Sub-Prefecture, has he? He kept with great propriety82 in his fitting place. If he were a Bonapartist, he wouldn't be likely to conceal83 it, would he?'
'Certainly not.'
'Then, too, he leads a most exemplary life. My wife and my son have told me things about him which have affected84 me very much.'
The merriment in the little lane was now louder than ever. Abbé Faujas could be heard complimenting Mademoiselle Aurélie on some wonderful stroke of her battledore. Monsieur Rastoil, who had checked himself for a moment, continued, with a smile:
'Just listen to them! What can they find in it to amuse them so much? It makes one quite long to be young again!'
Then, in a more serious tone, he added:
'Yes, my wife and my son have made me feel a strong liking85 for Abbé Faujas; and we are very sorry that his discreet86 reserve keeps him from joining our circle.'
As Monsieur Bourdeu nodded his head approvingly, shouts of applause were heard in the alley87. There was a perfect uproar88 of hand-clapping, laughter and shouts, as though some troop of school-boys had just rushed out to play. Monsieur Rastoil rose from his rustic chair.
'Good gracious!' he said, with a smile; 'let us go and see what they are up to. My legs are beginning to feel a little cramped89.'
The others followed him, and they all three went and stood by the little door. It was the first time that the presiding judge and the ex-prefect had ventured so far. When they saw the group formed by the sub-prefect's guests at the end of the lane, their faces assumed a serious expression.[Pg 169] Monsieur Péqueur des Saulaies, for his part, drew himself up and put on an official attitude. Madame de Condamin went flitting to and fro along the lane laughing and smiling and filling the place with the rustle90 of her pink and grey dress. The two sets of guests kept glancing at one another, neither being willing to retire, while Abbé Faujas still maintained his position between them at Mouret's door, quietly enjoying himself without seeming in the least degree conscious of the delicacy91 of the situation.
All the spectators held their breath; for Abbé Surin, seeing that their number had increased, was desirous of winning their applause by a last exhibition of skill. He brought all his science into play, created difficulties for himself on purpose to overcome them, turned round and struck at the shuttlecock without looking at it, but seemingly divining its position, and thus sending it back over his head to Mademoiselle Aurélie with mathematical precision. He was very much flushed and was perspiring92 freely. He had thrown his hat off, and his bands were now hanging over his right shoulder. But he was the victor, and he looked as he always did, amiable93 and charming. The two groups of guests lingered there admiring him, and Madame de Condamin had to repress the applause, which burst out prematurely94 and inopportunely, by shaking her lace handkerchief. Then the young Abbé, introducing still further refinements95 into his play, began to skip about first to right and then to left, each time receiving the shuttlecock in a fresh position. This was the grand final flourish. He accelerated the rapidity of his play, and at last, just as he was jumping aside, his foot slipped and he nearly fell upon the bosom96 of Madame de Condamin, who had stretched out her arms with a little cry. The spectators, thinking he was hurt, rushed up, but the Abbé, who was pressing the ground with his hands and knees, sprang up again by a strong effort, and sent the shuttlecock, which had not yet fallen, spinning back to Mademoiselle Aurélie. Then, flourishing his battledore, he triumphed.
'Bravo! bravo!' cried Monsieur Péqueur des Saulaies, stepping up to him.
'Bravo! it was a magnificent stroke!' exclaimed Monsieur Rastoil, who also came up.
The game was interrupted, for the two sets of guests had now invaded the lane, and were mingled97 with each other, crowding around Abbé Surin, who leant, quite out of breath,[Pg 170] against the wall by Abbé Faujas's side. Everybody began talking at once.
'I was afraid that he had split his skull,' said Doctor Porquier to Monsieur Maffre, in a voice full of emotion.
'Yes, these games generally have a bad ending,' remarked Monsieur de Bourdeu, addressing himself to Monsieur Delangre and the Paloques, while he received a shake of the hand from Monsieur de Condamin, whom he always tried to avoid in the streets, so that he might not have to bow to him.
Madame de Condamin went from the sub-prefect to the presiding judge, bringing them face to face, and exclaiming:
'But really, I am more upset than he is! I thought that we were going to fall together. There is a big stone there; did you notice it?'
'Yes, I see it there,' said Monsieur Rastoil; 'it must have caught against his heel.'
'Was it this round stone, do you think?' asked Monsieur Péqueur des Saulaies, picking up a pebble98.
They had never spoken to each other before, except at official ceremonies. Now, however, they began to examine the stone, and passed it from one to the other, remarking that it was very sharp, and must have cut the Abbé's shoe. Madame de Condamin stood smiling between them, and assured them that she was beginning to feel better.
'Oh! the Abbé is feeling ill!' suddenly cried Monsieur Rastoil's daughters.
Abbé Surin had, indeed, turned very pale at hearing of the danger he had run. He was reeling with faintness, when Abbé Faujas, who had kept aloof, took him in his powerful arms, and carried him into Mouret's garden, where he seated him upon a chair. The two sets of guests soon swarmed99 into the arbour, where the young Abbé completely fainted away.
'Get some water and some vinegar, Rose!' cried Abbé Faujas, running towards the steps.
Mouret, who was in the dining-room, came to the window, but, on seeing all those people in his garden, he recoiled100 as though he were struck with fear, and kept himself out of sight. Rose soon came up with a collection of drugs, muttering, as she hastened along:
'If only madame were here! But she has gone to the Seminary to see the lad. I am all alone, and I can't do[Pg 171] impossibilities, can I? The master won't stir an inch; anybody might die for all he cared. There he is in the dining-room, hiding himself! He would let you die, before he would get you even a glass of water.'
By the time she had got through this grumble101, she had reached Abbé Surin, who was lying in a swoon. 'Oh! the cherub102!' she exclaimed, overcome with womanly pity.
The young Abbé, with his closed eyes and his pale brow wreathed with long, fair hair, looked like one of the sweet-faced martyrs103 that one sees expiring in sacred pictures. The elder of the Rastoil girls was supporting his head, which lay back, allowing his delicate, white neck to be seen. They were all in great excitement over him. Madame de Condamin gently dabbed his brow with a rag soaked in vinegar and water, and the others stood anxiously looking at her. At last the young Abbé opened his eyes, but closed them again immediately. He had two more swoons before he recovered.
'You have given me a terrible fright!' at last said Doctor Porquier, who had kept his hand fast in his own.
Abbé Surin, still sitting on the chair, stammered104 out confused thanks, and assured them all that it was a mere6 nothing. Then he saw that his cassock had been unbuttoned, and he smiled as he buttoned it and readjusted his bands. To prove that he was all right again, when the company advised him to keep quiet, he went back to the lane with the Rastoil girls in order to finish the game.
'You have a very nice place here,' said Monsieur Rastoil to Abbé Faujas, whose side he had not quitted.
'The air on this slope is delightful,' added Monsieur Péqueur des Saulaies, in his charming manner.
Then both sets of guests began looking with curiosity at Mouret's house.
'Perhaps the ladies and gentlemen would like to stay in the garden a little while,' exclaimed Rose; 'I will go and get some chairs.'
She made three journeys in quest of them, in spite of the protestations of the company. Then, after glancing at each other for a moment, the two sets of guests felt constrained105 by courtesy to seat themselves. The sub-prefect installed himself on Abbé Faujas's right hand, while the presiding judge took a chair on his left, and a friendly conversation at once began.
'You are a very quiet neighbour, Monsieur le Curé,' said[Pg 172] Monsieur Péqueur des Saulaies very graciously; 'you can't imagine what pleasure it gives me to see you every day at the same hour in this little paradise. It seems to bring me a feeling of restfulness, after all the noise and worry I have.'
'A pleasant neighbour is a very rare thing,' observed Monsieur Rastoil.
'Quite true,' said Monsieur de Bourdeu. 'But his reverence seems to have filled this spot with the peaceful tranquillity106 of a cloister107.'
While the Abbé was smiling and acknowledging these complimentary108 remarks, Monsieur de Condamin, who had not yet seated himself, stooped and whispered in Monsieur Delangre's ear:
'There's Rastoil, hoping to get that lout109 of a son of his made assessor to the public prosecutor110.'
Monsieur Delangre, however, gave him an angry glance, trembling at the thought that this incorrigible111 chatterer might spoil everything. But this did not prevent the conservator of rivers and forests from adding:
'And Bourdeu, too, is flattering himself that he has already won back his prefecture.'
Meantime, Madame de Condamin had caused a great sensation by saying, in a meaning way:
'What I like about this garden is the tender charm it seems to possess, which makes it a nook apart from all the cares and wretchedness of the world. It is a spot where even Cain and Abel might have become reconciled.'
She emphasized her last words and gave two glances, one to the right and the other to the left, towards the neighbouring gardens. Monsieur Maffre and Doctor Porquier nodded approvingly; while the Paloques looked at each other inquisitively112, feeling uneasy and fearing to compromise themselves should they open their mouths.
At the end of a quarter of an hour Monsieur Rastoil rose from his seat.
'My wife will be wondering where we have got to,' said he.
And thereupon the whole company rose, feeling somewhat embarrassed as to the manner of their leave-taking. But Abbé Faujas spread out his hands and said, with the pleasantest possible smile:
'My paradise is always open to you.'
The presiding judge then promised to come and see the[Pg 173] Curé every now and then, and the sub-prefect, with more effusiveness113, declared that he would do the same. For another five minutes they all lingered there, exchanging compliments, while, out in the lane, the laughter of the Rastoil girls and Abbé Surin was again heard. A fresh game was going on with all the animation of the previous one, and the shuttlecock could be seen passing backwards and forwards in its regular flight above the garden wall.
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generosity
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| n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为 | |
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bishop
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| n.主教，（国际象棋）象 | |
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abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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smelt
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| v.熔解，熔炼；n.银白鱼，胡瓜鱼 | |
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mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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7
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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8
rue
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| n.懊悔，芸香，后悔；v.后悔，悲伤，懊悔 | |
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retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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10
viper
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| n.毒蛇；危险的人 | |
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curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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12
gendarmes
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| n.宪兵，警官( gendarme的名词复数 ) | |
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13
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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14
virgin
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| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
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15
eulogistic
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| adj.颂扬的，颂词的 | |
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16
chuckling
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的现在分词 ) | |
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17
buxom
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| adj.（妇女）丰满的，有健康美的 | |
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18
housekeepers
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| n.（女）管家( housekeeper的名词复数 ) | |
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19
equilibrium
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| n.平衡，均衡，相称，均势，平静 | |
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20
overthrown
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| adj. 打翻的，推倒的，倾覆的 动词overthrow的过去分词 | |
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21
detriment
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| n.损害；损害物，造成损害的根源 | |
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22
aloof
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| adj.远离的；冷淡的，漠不关心的 | |
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23
abominable
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| adj.可厌的，令人憎恶的 | |
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24
impasse
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| n.僵局；死路 | |
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25
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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26
profess
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| v.声称，冒称，以...为业，正式接受入教，表明信仰 | |
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27
backwards
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| adv.往回地，向原处，倒，相反，前后倒置地 | |
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28
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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29
random
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| adj.随机的；任意的；n.偶然的(或随便的)行动 | |
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30
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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31
agility
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| n.敏捷，活泼 | |
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32
vented
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| 表达，发泄（感情，尤指愤怒）( vent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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33
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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34
rustling
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| n. 瑟瑟声，沙沙声 adj. 发沙沙声的 | |
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35
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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36
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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37
dabbed
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| （用某物）轻触( dab的过去式和过去分词 )； 轻而快地擦掉（或抹掉）； 快速擦拭； （用某物）轻而快地涂上（或点上）… | |
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38
texture
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| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
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39
glistening
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| adj.闪耀的，反光的v.湿物闪耀，闪亮( glisten的现在分词 ) | |
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40
paternally
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| adv.父亲似地；父亲一般地 | |
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41
doorway
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| n.门口，(喻)入门；门路，途径 | |
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42
cascade
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| n.小瀑布，喷流；层叠；vi.成瀑布落下 | |
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43
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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44
animation
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| n.活泼，兴奋，卡通片／动画片的制作 | |
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45
clergy
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| n.[总称]牧师，神职人员 | |
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46
prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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47
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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48
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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49
irony
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| n.反语，冷嘲；具有讽刺意味的事，嘲弄 | |
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50
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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51
distresses
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| n.悲痛( distress的名词复数 )；痛苦；贫困；危险 | |
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52
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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53
pious
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| adj.虔诚的；道貌岸然的 | |
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54
flippancy
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| n.轻率；浮躁；无礼的行动 | |
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55
tottering
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| adj.蹒跚的，动摇的v.走得或动得不稳( totter的现在分词 )；踉跄；蹒跚；摇摇欲坠 | |
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56
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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57
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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58
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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59
humiliated
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| 感到羞愧的 | |
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60
conceited
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| adj.自负的，骄傲自满的 | |
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61
grimaces
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| n.（表蔑视、厌恶等）面部扭曲，鬼脸( grimace的名词复数 )v.扮鬼相，做鬼脸( grimace的第三人称单数 ) | |
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62
eyebrow
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| n.眉毛，眉 | |
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63
gallantly
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| adv. 漂亮地，勇敢地，献殷勤地 | |
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64
consultation
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| n.咨询；商量；商议；会议 | |
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65
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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66
gateway
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| n.大门口，出入口，途径，方法 | |
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67
regularity
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| n.规律性，规则性；匀称，整齐 | |
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68
bust
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| vt.打破；vi.爆裂；n.半身像；胸部 | |
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69
rustic
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| adj.乡村的，有乡村特色的；n.乡下人，乡巴佬 | |
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70
reconciliation
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| n.和解，和谐，一致 | |
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71
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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72
piety
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| n.虔诚，虔敬 | |
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73
calumnies
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| n.诬蔑，诽谤，中伤（的话）( calumny的名词复数 ) | |
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74
bestow
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| v.把…赠与，把…授予；花费 | |
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75
clique
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| n.朋党派系，小集团 | |
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76
brigands
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| n.土匪，强盗( brigand的名词复数 ) | |
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77
gravel
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| n.砂跞；砂砾层；结石 | |
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78
accusation
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| n.控告，指责，谴责 | |
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79
interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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80
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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81
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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82
propriety
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| n.正当行为；正当；适当 | |
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83
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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84
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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85
liking
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| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
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86
discreet
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| adj.(言行)谨慎的；慎重的；有判断力的 | |
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87
alley
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| n.小巷，胡同；小径，小路 | |
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88
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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89
cramped
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| a.狭窄的 | |
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90
rustle
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| v.沙沙作响；偷盗(牛、马等)；n.沙沙声声 | |
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91
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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92
perspiring
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| v.出汗，流汗( perspire的现在分词 ) | |
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93
amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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94
prematurely
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| adv.过早地，贸然地 | |
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95
refinements
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| n.（生活）风雅；精炼( refinement的名词复数 )；改良品；细微的改良；优雅或高贵的动作 | |
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96
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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97
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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98
pebble
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| n.卵石，小圆石 | |
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99
swarmed
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| 密集( swarm的过去式和过去分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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100
recoiled
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| v.畏缩( recoil的过去式和过去分词 )；退缩；报应；返回 | |
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101
grumble
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| vi.抱怨；咕哝；n.抱怨，牢骚；咕哝，隆隆声 | |
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102
cherub
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| n.小天使，胖娃娃 | |
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103
martyrs
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| n.martyr的复数形式；烈士( martyr的名词复数 )；殉道者；殉教者；乞怜者（向人诉苦以博取同情） | |
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104
stammered
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| v.结巴地说出( stammer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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105
constrained
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| adj.束缚的,节制的 | |
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106
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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107
cloister
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| n.修道院；v.隐退，使与世隔绝 | |
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108
complimentary
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| adj.赠送的，免费的，赞美的，恭维的 | |
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109
lout
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| n.粗鄙的人；举止粗鲁的人 | |
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110
prosecutor
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| n.起诉人；检察官，公诉人 | |
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111
incorrigible
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| adj.难以纠正的，屡教不改的 | |
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112
inquisitively
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| 过分好奇地； 好问地 | |
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113
effusiveness
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| n.吐露，唠叨 | |
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