Now is the time to recompense us.

Take this seat and we will all listen to you." The worthy cure took the seat, unfolded his manuscript, and began his discourse, which we shall not here report: profiting by the example of our friend Sterne, not to mingle the sacred with the profane.
The sermon met with general approval, though some persons, M.des Rameures among them, thought it above the comprehension of the humble class for whom it was intended.

M.de Tecle, however, backed by republican Durocher, insisted that the intelligence of the people was underrated; that they were frequently debased by those who pretended to speak only up to their level--and the passages in dispute were retained.
How they passed from the sermon on superstition to the approaching marriage of the General, I can not say; but it was only natural after all, for the whole country, for twenty miles around, was ringing with it.

This theme excited Camors's attention at once, especially when the sub-prefect intimated with much reserve that the General, busied with his new surroundings, would probably resign his office as deputy.
"But that would be embarrassing," exclaimed Des Rameures.

"Who the deuce would replace him?
I give you warning, Monsieur Prefect, if you intend imposing on us some Parisian with a flower in his buttonhole, I shall pack him back to his club--him, his flower, and his buttonhole! You may set that down for a sure thing--" "Dear uncle!" said Madame de Tecle, indicating Camors with a glance.
"I understand you, Elise," laughingly rejoined M.des Rameures, "but I must beg Monsieur de Camors to believe that I do not in any case intend to offend him.