maxims of that philosopher? He pushes atheism to a joyous frenzy,
which makes me wonder. But this indeed renders him almost innocent,
for being apart from all belief, he cannot tear up the Holy Church
like those who remain attached to her by some half-severed, still
bleeding limb. Such, my son, are the Lutherans and the Calvinists,
who mortify the Church till a separation occurs. On the contrary,
atheists damn themselves alone, and one may dine with them without
committing a sin. That's to say, that we need not have any scruple
about living with M. d'Asterac, who believes neither in God nor
devil. But did you see, Tournebroche, my boy, the handful of little
diamonds at the bottom of the wooden bowl?--the number of which
apparently he did not know, and which seemed to be of pure water. I
have my doubts about the opal and the sapphires, but those diamonds
looked genuine." When we reached our chambers we wished each other a
very good-night.




CHAPTER XI

The Advent of Spring and its Effects--We visit Mosaide


Up till springtime my tutor and myself led a regular and secluded
life. All the mornings we were at work shut up in the gallery, and
came back here after dinner as if to the theatre. Not as M. Jerome
Coignard used to say, to give ourselves in the manner of gentlemen
and valets a paltry spectacle, but to listen to the sublime, if
contradictory, dialogues of the ancient authors.