And besides, if only one single old man died of cold and hunger, did not the social edifice, raised on the theory of charity, collapse?
But one victim, and society was condemned, thought Pierre.
He now felt such bitterness of heart that he could remain no longer in that church where the shadows ever slowly fell, blurring the sanctuaries and the large pale images of Christ nailed upon the Cross.

All was about to sink into darkness, and he could hear nothing beyond an expiring murmur of prayers, a plaint from the women who were praying on their knees, in the depths of the shrouding gloom.
At the same time he hardly liked to go off without saying a word to Abbe Rose, who in his entreaties born of simple faith left the happiness and peace of mankind to the good pleasure of the Invisible.

However, fearing that he might disturb him, Pierre was making up his mind to retire, when the old priest of his own accord raised his head.

"Ah, my child," said he, "how difficult it is to be good in a reasonable manner.

Monseigneur Martha has scolded me again, and but for the forgiveness of God I should fear for my salvation." For a moment Pierre paused under the porticus of the Madeleine, on the summit of the great flight of steps which, rising above the railings, dominates the Place.