"But all the same," continued Majeste, "I ask you if it is proper.

To think of nuns selling victuals! Besides, I must tell you that the lady superior is really a clever woman, and as soon as she saw the stream of fortune rolling in, she wanted to keep it all for her own community and resolutely parted with the Fathers of the Grotto who wanted to lay their hands on it.

Yes, Monsieur l'Abbe, she even went to Rome and gained her cause there, so that now she pockets all the money that her bills bring in.

Think of it, nuns, yes nuns, _mon Dieu_! letting furnished rooms and keeping a _table d'hote_!" He raised his arms to heaven, he was stifling with envy and vexation.
"But as your house is crammed," Pierre gently objected, "as you no longer have either a bed or a plate at anybody's disposal, where would you put any additional visitors who might arrive here ?" Majeste at once began protesting.

"Ah! Monsieur l'Abbe!" said he, "one can see very well that you don't know the place.