You do not address me as thou? `Get out of here, you dog!' is what people always say to me.
I felt sure that you would expel me, so I told you at once who I am.
Oh, what a good woman that was who directed me hither!
I am going to sup! A bed with a mattress and sheets, like the rest of the world! a bed! It is nineteen years since I have slept in a bed!
You actually do not want me to go!
You are good people.
Besides, I have money. I will pay well.
Pardon me, monsieur the inn-keeper, but what is your name?
I will pay anything you ask.
You are a fine man. You are an inn-keeper, are you not?"
"I am," replied the Bishop, "a priest who lives here."
"A priest!" said the man.
"Oh, what a fine priest!
Then you are not going to demand any money of me?
You are the cure, are you not? the cure of this big church?
Well!
I am a fool, truly! I had not perceived your skull-cap."
As he spoke, he deposited his knapsack and his cudgel in a corner, replaced his passport in his pocket, and seated himself. Mademoiselle Baptistine gazed mildly at him.
He continued:
"You are humane, Monsieur le Cure; you have not scorned me. A good priest is a very good thing.