Perhaps he has ended by taking his fine judge-like airs in earnest, and really believes that he is saving the people and helping the cause of virtue.

What astonishes me is his fertility in the arts of denunciation and scandalmongering.

Never a morning comes but he discovers some fresh horror, and delivers fresh culprits over to the hatred of the masses.

No! the stream of mud never ceases; there is an incessant, unexpected spurt of infamy, an increase of monstrous fancies each time that the disgusted public shows any sign of weariness.

And, do you know, there's genius in that, Monsieur l'Abbe; for he is well aware that his circulation goes up as soon as he threatens to speak out and publish a list of traitors and bribe-takers.