allowed pleasures and pastimes, let them wear that spiritual hauberk
which is invulnerable to the darts of the wicked; let them steadfastly
set their faces against whatever thy word disallows; and, should fiery
trial and temptation beset them, enable them, having done all, to stand."

I am confident that these were as nearly as possible the very words of
my father; for they made an impression on me that I could hardly account
for: and as he had recently been explaining to the children the nature
of a hauberk, as a coat of defensive armor, and remarking on its pliancy
and being often worn out of sight, the metaphor fixed itself in my
memory.

We had a substantial breakfast of soup and bread before we started; and
then drove in state to M. Bourdinave's door, where I sprang out to help
the smiling girls into the char-a-banc. I would gladly have had
Madeleine next me, but, as ill-luck would have it, M. Bourdinave placed
himself at my side, and my father just behind; so that I was completely
shut out from her, to my great chagrin. However, if I could not see her,
unless by looking round, I knew she could see me; so I carried myself my
best, and flourished my whip in fine style.

And thus we went to the Fair of Beaucaire. As we passed Les Arènes, that
famous Roman amphitheatre in the centre of our city, I heard my father
and his old friend allude to its former uses, without paying much heed
to them. I believe they reminded one another that not only wild beasts
but Christians had formerly been put to death there, for the recreation
of those who were wild beasts themselves; and my father said how he
hated the Sunday bull-fights that took place there still, and never
would let me go near them; on which I put in soberly, "I never want to,
father."