Before he went to church they offered him his part to peruse, but he did not even look at it.

This Gasconade surprised Le Maitre -- "You'll see," said he, whispering to me, "that he does not know a single note."-- I replied: "I am very much afraid of him." I followed them into the church; but was extremely uneasy, and when they began, my heart beat violently, so much was I interested in his behalf.
I was presently out of pain: he sung his two recitatives with all imaginable taste and judgment; and what was yet more, with a very agreeable voice.

I never enjoyed a more pleasing surprise.

After mass, M.Venture received the highest compliments from the canons and musicians, which he answered jokingly, though with great grace.

M.le Maitre embraced him heartily; I did the same; he saw I was rejoiced at his success, and appeared pleased at my satisfaction.
It will easily be surmised, that after having been delighted with M.
Bacle, who had little to attract my admiration, I should be infatuated with M.Venture, who had education, wit, talents, and a knowledge of the world, and might be called an agreeable rake.