At the same moment the Abb^ Constantia
was tite-d'tete with old Pauline, they were
making up their accounts. The financial
situation is admirable; more than two thousand
francs in hand I And the wishes of Susie-
and Bettina are accomplished, there are no
more poor in the neighbourhood. The old



THE abb£ oonstantin. 251



^ »



Pauline has even occasional scruples of con-
science,*

** You see, Monsieur le Curd," said she^
•" perhaps we give them a little too much.
Then it will be spread about in other parishes
that here they can always find charity. And
do you know what will happen then one of
these days ? Poor people will come and settle
at Lougueval.''

The Curd gave fifty francs to Pauline.
She went away to take them to a poor man
who had broken his arm by f aUing from the
top of a hay-cart.
The Abbd Constantin remained alone in
the vicarge. He is rather anxious. He has
watched for the passing of the regiment;
but Jean only stopped for a moment, he
looked sad. For some time the Abbd had
noticed that Jean had no longer the flow
of good humour and gaiety he once
possessed.
252 THE ABBt OOIfSTANinN.
The Cut^ did not disturb lui&self too much
about it, believing it to be one of these little
joutM ul troubles wihioh did not concern a
poor old priest. But on this occasion Jean^is
disturbance was very perceptible.
