the Revolution," said Benassis,
interrupting Genestas; "but only twenty years later, in 1814, our
patriotism was extinct; while, in former times, a religious impulse
moved France and Europe to fling themselves upon Asia a dozen times in
the course of a century."

"Maybe it is easier for two nations to come to terms when the strife has
arisen out of some question of material interests," said the justice of
the peace; "while wars undertaken with the idea of supporting dogmas
are bound to be interminable, because the object can never be clearly
defined."

"Well, sir, you are not helping any one to fish!" put in Jacquotte, who
had removed the soup with Nicolle's assistance. Faithful to her custom,
Jacquotte herself always brought in every dish one after another, a plan
which had its drawbacks, for it compelled gluttonous folk to over-eat
themselves, and the more abstemious, having satisfied their hunger at
an early stage, were obliged to leave the best part of the dinner
untouched.

"Gentlemen," said the cure, with a glance at the justice of the peace,
"how can you allege that religious wars have had no definite aim?
Religion in olden times was such a powerful binding force, that material
interests and religious questions were inseparable. Every soldier,
therefore, knew quite well what he was fighting for."

"If there has been so much fighting about religion," said Genestas, "God
must have built up the system very perfunctorily. Should not a divine
institution impress men at once by the truth that is in it?"

All the guests looked at the cure.

"Gentlemen," said M. Janvier, "religion is something that is felt and
that cannot be defined. We cannot know the purpose of the Almighty; we
are no judges of the means He employs."

"Then, according to you, we are to believe in all your rigmaroles," said
Genestas, with the easy good-humor of a soldier who has never given a
thought to these things.

"The Catholic religion, better than any other, resolves men's doubts and
fears; but even were it otherwise, I might ask you if you run any risks
by believing in its truths."

"None worth speaking of," answered Genestas.

"Good! and what risks do you not run by not believing? But let us talk
of the worldly aspect of the matter, which most appeals to you. The
finger of God is visible in human affairs; see how He directs them by
the hand of His vicar on earth. How much men have lost by leaving the
path traced out for them by Chr