and accommodates itself to
my caprices? Are there no higher objects than my pleasure or my
convenience? Is the great fabric of society of less account than my
likings or dislikings? Am I the judge, too, of the influence I may exert
over others, or how my actions may sway the destinies of mankind? None
should be more able to apply these facts than yourself,--you that in
a rank of which you were, I must say unjustly, ashamed, and yet
were oftentimes in possession of secrets on which thrones rested and
dynasties endured."

He said much more in the same strain; some of his observations being
true and incontestable, and others the mere outpouring of his crafty and
subtle intellect. They both alike fell unheeded by me now. Enough for
me that I had detected, or fancied I had detected, him. I listened only,
from curiosity, and as one listens for the last time.

Yes! I vowed to myself that this should be our last meeting. I could not
descend to the meanness of dissimulation, and affect a friendship I did
not feel; nor could I expose myself to the chances of a temptation which
assailed me in so many shapes and forms. I resolved, therefore, that I
would not again visit the Abbe; and my only doubt was, whether I should
not formally declare my determination.

He had ceased to speak; and I sat, silently pondering this question in
my own mind. I forgot that I was not alone, and was only conscious of my
error when I looked up and saw his small and deep-set eyes firmly fixed
upon me.

"Well, be it so, Gervois," said he, calmly; "but let us part friends."

I started, and felt my face and forehead burning with a sudden flush
of shame. There are impulses that sway us sometimes stronger than our
reason; but they are hurricanes that pass away quickly, and leave the
bark of our destiny to sail on its course unswervingly.

"You 'll come back to me one of these days, and I will be just as ready
to say, 'Welcome!' as I now say 'Good-bye! good-bye!'" and, sorrowfully
repeating the last word as he went, he waved his hand to me, and
withdrew.

For a moment I wished to follow him, to say I know not what; but calmer
thoughts prevailed, and I left the house and wandered homewards. That
same evening I sent in my demand of resignation, and the next morning
came the reply according it. My first thought was a joyful sense of
liberty and freedom from a bondage I had long rebelled against; my next
was a dreary consciousness of my helpless and friend