was accosted by an elegant cavalier, who was having some
difficulty with a stirrup. He asked the wretched boy to hold the
horse, and for this service gave him five Spanish pistoles of gold."

The expression on the marquis's face was now one of animation.

"Is it possible! I recall the episode distinctly. I was on the way to
my marriage."

"Well, Monsieur le Marquis, I have never forgotten that service. I
have always treasured that act of kindness. For those five pistoles
renewed life, took me to my journey's end, and eventually led me into
the Society of Jesus. I have always desired the pleasure of meeting
you and thanking you personally." Chaumonot's face beamed.

"Be not hasty with your thanks. I have forgotten the purpose I had in
mind when I gave you those pistoles. Ah well, I will leave you with
the illusion that it was an act of generosity. And as I remember, you
were a pitiful looking young beggar." Turning to Brother Jacques, the
marquis said: "Have I ever done you a service?"

"No, Monsieur le Marquis; you have never done me a service." There was
a strange irony beneath the surface of these words. Chaumonot did not
notice it, but the marquis, who was a perfect judge of all those
subtile phases of conversation, caught the jangling note; and it caused
him to draw together his brows in a puzzled frown.

"Have I ever met you till now?" he asked.

"Not that I know of, Monsieur." The tone was gentle, respectful.

"There is something familiar about your face;" and the marquis stared
into space; but he could not conjure up the memory he sought. He had
seen this handsome priestly face before. Where?

Brother Jacques's features were without definite expression.

Presently the marquis roused himself from the past. "I received your
letter in regard to funds. How is it that you came to me?"

"You have gained the reputation of being liberal."

"I have several reputations," said the marquis dryly. "But why should
I give you a thousand livres? That is a good many."

"Oh, Monsieur, give what you like; only that sum was suggested by me
because it is the exact amount needed in our work."

"But I am out of sympathy with your projects and your religion,
especially your religion. I am neither a Catholic nor a Huguenot.
Religion which seeks political domination is not a religion, but a
party. And what are Catholicity and Huguenotism but political
factions, with a different set of prayers? Next t