But his rascality overshot its mark; the Marquise, obedient to his priestly casuistry, displayed too fierce a zeal in the execution of his commands.  And he took to flight, hoping to lose in the larger world of Paris the notoriety which his prowess won him among the poor despised Berrichons.  He left behind for our consolation a snatch of philosophy which helps to explain his last and greatest achievement.  ’Those who have money exist only to be fleeced.’  Thus he spake with a reckless revelation of self.  Yet the mystery of his being is still unpierced.  He is traitor, schemer, spy; but is he an Abbe?  Perhaps not.  At any rate, he once attended the ‘Messe des Morts,’ and was heard to mumble a ‘Credo,’ which, as every good Catholic remembers, has no place in that solemn service.

*****

Printed by T. and A. CONSTABLE, Printers to His Majesty at the Edinburgh University Press