"Do not doubt of it," said I. "It is quite evident that she loves
you, and you alone."

"Without flattering myself," he replied, "I have somehow attracted
her attachment. But she is coquettish and fickle."

"Give me something to drink," said the abbe.

M. d'Anquetil passed him the demijohn and exclaimed:

"By gad! abbe, you who belong to the Church, you'll tell us why
women love Capuchins."

M. Coignard wiped his lips and said:

"The reason is that Capuchins love humbly, and never refuse
anything. Another reason is that neither reflection nor courtesy
weakens their natural instincts. Sir, yours is a generous wine."

"You do me too much honour," replied M. d'Anquetil. "It is M. de la
Gueritude's. I have taken his mistress. I may as well take his
bottles."

"Nothing is more equitable," said my tutor. "I see, with pleasure,
that you rise above prejudices."

"Do not praise me, abbe, more than I deserve. My birth renders easy
to me what may be difficult for the vulgar. A commoner is compelled
to have some restraint in all his doings. He is tied down to rigid
probity; but a gentleman enjoys the honour of fighting for his king