the first symptoms of his nervous complaint appeared a short time after the
abominable scandal which Louise Morel caused in this house."

The notary shuddered.

"You know of the crime of this unhappy girl, sir?" demanded the astonished
priest; "I thought you had arrived but a few days since at Paris?"

"Without doubt, M. l'Abbe; but Jacques has related everything to me, as his
friend--as his physician; for he attributes these nervous attacks almost
entirely to the indignation which the crime of Louise Morel caused him.
This is nothing, as yet; my poor friend, alas! had new trials to endure,
which, you see, have ruined his health. An old servant, who for many years
was attached to him by the ties of gratitude--"

"Madame Seraphin?" said the cure, interrupting Polidori. "I have heard of
the death of this unfortunate, drowned by her own imprudence, and I
comprehend the grief of M. Ferrand. It is not easy to forget ten years of
faithful services; such regrets do credit to the master as well as to the
servant."

"M. l'Abbe," said the notary, "I entreat you, do not speak of my
virtues--you confuse me--it is painful."

"And who will speak of them, then--will it be yourself?" answered Polidori
affectionately; "but you will be obliged to praise him still more, M.
l'Abbe: you perhaps do not know who is the servant that took the place of
Louise Morel and Madame Seraphin. You do not know what he has done for this
poor Cecily, M. l'Abbe, for so she is named."