say, and if I were now as well off as I was, I know
not how many years ago, he would not still be unmarried; for there is
nothing in the world I desire more than to see him settled, but want
of money has prevented it, and so he must have patience until the Lord
sends us more wealth than we have at present."

"Then," said the cure, "if I understand you aright, it is only money
that is wanting."

"Faith! that is so," said the old man. "If I had now as much as I had
formerly, I should soon seek a wife for him."

"I have concerned myself," said the cure, "because I desire the welfare
and prosperity of your son, and find that the daughter of such an one
(that is to say his ladylove) would exactly suit him. She is pretty and
virtuous, and her father is well off, and, as I know, would give
some assistance, and--which is no small matter--is a wise man of good
counsel, and a friend to whom you and your son could have recourse. What
do you say?"

"Certainly," said the good man, "if it please God that my son should be
fortunate enough to be allied to such a good family; and if I thought
that he could anyhow succeed in that, I would get together what money I
could, and would go round to all my friends, for I am sure that he could
never find anyone more suitable."

"I have not chosen badly then," said the cure. "And what would you say
if I spoke about this matter to her father, and conducted it to its
desired end, and, moreover, lent you twenty francs for a certain period
that we could arrange?"

"By my oath, monsieur le cure," said the good man, "you offer me more
than I deserve. If you did this, you would render a great service to me
and mine."

"Truly," answered the cure, "I have not said anything that I do not mean
to perform; so be of good cheer, for I hope to see this matter at an
end."

To shorten matters, the cure, hoping to have the woman when once she
was married, arranged the matter so well that, with the twenty francs he
lent, the marriage was settled, and the wedding day arrived.

Now it is the custom that the bride and bridegroom confess on that day.
The bridegroom came first, and when he had finished, he withdrew to a
little distance saying his orisons and his paternosters. Then came the
bride, who knelt down before the cure and confessed. When she had said
all she had to say, he spoke to her in turn, and so loudly, that the
bridegroom, who was not far off, heard every word, and said,

"My dear, I beg you