OneeveningMadameGraslinlookedattherectorwitheyesalmostglazedwiththatfatalindecisionoftenobservableinpersonswhoarecherishingthethoughtofdeath。FromthatmomentMonsieurBonnethesitatednolonger;hesetbeforehimthedutyofarrestingtheprogressofthiscruelmoralmalady。
AtfirsttherewasabriefstruggleofemptywordsbetweenthepriestandVeronique，inwhichtheybothsoughttoveiltheirrealthoughts。
Inspiteofthecold，VeroniquewassittingonthegranitebenchholdingFrancisonherknee。MadameSauviatwasstandingatthecorneroftheterrace，purposelysoplacedastohidethecemetery。Alinewaswaitingtotakethechildaway。
\"Ihadsupposed，madame，\"saidtherector，whowasnowpayinghisseventhvisit，\"thatyouwereonlymelancholy;butIsee，\"sinkinghisvoicetoawhisper，\"thatyoursoulisindespair。ThatfeelingisneitherChristiannorCatholic。\"
\"But，\"shereplied，lookingtoheavenwithpiercingeyesandlettingabittersmileflickeronherlips，\"whatotherfeelingdoestheChurchleavetoalostsoulunlessitbedespair？\"