"And, Marie, remember I make this promise in your name as well as my own.""Fear not, mamma: I will not forget.But if he will take my advice, what he will be is Bishop of Liege.The Bishop of Liege is a beautiful bishop.What! do you not remember him, mamma, that day we were at Liege? he was braver than grandpapa himself.He had on a crown, a high one, and it was cut in the middle, and it was full of oh! such beautiful jewels; and his gown stiff with gold; and his mantle, too; and it had a broad border, all pictures; but, above all, his gloves; you have no such gloves, mamma.They were embroidered and covered with jewels, and scented with such lovely scent; I smelt them all the time he was giving me his blessing on my head with them.Dear old man! I dare say he will die soon most old people do and then, sir, you Can be bishop.you know, and wear -"Gently, Marie, gently: bishoprics are for old gentlemen; and this is a young gentleman.""Mamma! he is not so very young.
"Not compared with you, Marie, eh?"
"He is a good bigth.dear mamma; and I am sure he is good enough for a bishop.
"Alas! mademoiselle, you are mistaken"
"I know not that, Monsieur Gerard; but I am a little puzzled to know on what grounds mademoiselle there pronounces your character so boldly.""Alas! mamma, said the Princess, "you have not looked at his face, then; "and she raised her eyebrows at her mother's simplicity.
"I beg your pardon," said the Countess, "I have.Well, sir, if Icannot go quite so fast as my daughter, attribute it to my age, not to a want of interest in your welfare.A benefice will do to begin your Career with; and I must take care it is not too far from - what call you the place?""Tergou, madam"A priest gives up much," continued the Countess; "often, I fear, he learns too late how much;" and her woman's eye rested a moment on Gerard with mild pity and half surprise at his resigning her sex and all the heaven they can bestow, and the great parental joys: "at least you shall be near your friends.Have you a mother?""Yes, madam, thanks be to God!"
"Good! You shall have a church near Tergou.She will thank me.And now, sir, we must not detain you too long from those who have a better claim on your society than we have.Duchess, oblige me by bidding one of the pages conduct him to the hall of banquet; the way is hard to find."Gerard bowed low to the Countess and the Princess, and backed towards the door.
