that resemble that noble soul espouse
so ardently the impressions, miseries, passions, sufferings of those
in whom they are interested, that they actually feel them, and in a
horrible manner, too; for they are able to measure their extent,--a
knowledge which escapes others who are blinded by selfishness of heart
or the paroxysm of grief. It is here that a priest like Monsieur Bonnet
becomes an artist who feels, rather than an artist who judges.

When the rector entered the bishop's salon and found there the two
grand-vicars, the Abbe de Rastignac, Monsieur de Grandville, and the
_procureur-general_, he felt convinced that something more was expected
of him.

"Monsieur," said the bishop, "have you obtained any facts which you
can, without violating your duty, confide to the officers of the law for
their guidance?"

"Monseigneur, in order to give absolution to that poor, wandering child,
I waited not only till his repentance was as sincere and as complete as
the Church could wish, but I have also exacted from him the restitution
of the money."

"This restitution," said the _procureur-general_, "brings me here
to-night; it will, of course, be made in such a way as to throw light
on the mysterious parts of this affair. The criminal certainly had
accomplices."

"The interests of human justice," said the rector, "are not those for
which I act. I am ignorant of how the restitution will be made, but
I know it will take place. In sending for me to minister to my
parishioner, Monseigneur placed me under the conditions which give to
rectors in their parishes the same powers which Monseigneur exercises
in his diocese,--barring, of course, all questions of discipline and
ecclesiastical obedience."

"That is true," said the bishop. "But the question here is how to
obtain from the condemned man voluntary information which may enlighten
justice."

"My mission is to win souls to God," said Monsieur Bonnet.

Monsieur de Grancour shrugged his shoulders slightly, but his colleague,
the Abbe Dutheil nodded his head in sign of approval.

"Tascheron is no doubt endeavoring to shield some one, whom the
restitution will no doubt bring to light," said the _procureur-general_.

"Monsieur," replied the rector, "I know absolutely nothing which would
either confute or justify your suspicion. Besides, the secrets of
confession are inviolable."

"Will the restitution really take place?" asked the man of law.

"Yes, monsieur," replied