The Equinox (Volume I, Number IX)

THE EQUINOX possibly be. You want much, but you imagine more, and as you confide your imaginations to nobody, they might attain proportions which would make them veritable enemies for yourself. Your habits are contemplative and rather easy- going, but it is a somnolence whose awakenings are perhaps to be dreaded. You are carried away by a passion which your state of life—— But pardon, reverend sir, I fear that I am over-stepping the boundaries of discretion.” “ Say everything, sir; I am willing to hear all, I wish to know everything.” “Oh, well! If, as I do not doubt to be the case, you turn to the profit of charity all the restless activities with which the passions of your heart furnish you, you must often be blessed for your good works.” The Abbé once more smiled that dubious and fatal smile which gave so singular an expression to his pallid counte- nance. He rose and took his leave without having given his name, and without any one having thought to ask him for it. Eliphas and Desbarrolles reconducted him as far as the staircase, in token of respect for his dignity as a priest. Near the staircase he turned and said slowly : “Before long, you will hear something. . .. You will hear me spoken of,” he added, emphasizing each word. Then he saluted with head and hand, turned without adding a single word, and descended the staircase. The two friends returned to Mme. A——’s room. “There is a singular personage,” said Eliphas; “I think I have seen Pierrot of the Funambules playing the part of a traitor. What he said to us on his departure seemed to me very much like a threat.” 164