He was even obliged to take to the profession of model, for he _enjoyed_, as they say, a fine physique.

When public worship was restored, he took up his beadle's staff once more; but in 1816 he was dismissed, as much on account of his immorality as for his political opinions.

Nevertheless, he was allowed to stay about the door of the church and distribute the holy water.
Later, an unfortunate affair, which we shall presently mention, made him lose even that position; but, still finding means to keep to the sanctuary, he obtained permission to be allowed as a pauper in the porch.

At this period of life, being then seventy-two years of age, he made himself ninety-six, and began the profession of centenarian.
In all Paris it was impossible to find another such beard and head of hair as Toupillier's.

As he walked he appeared bent double; he held a stick in his shaking hand,--a hand that was covered with lichen, like a granite rock, and with the other he held out the classic hat with a broad brim, filthy and battered, into which, however, there fell abundant alms.