The Bishop of Lisieux rose to the occasion. As he took the place of the late president a smile illumined his face--a smile full of good humour, which was at once reflected from every face in the saloon. ‘Be quiet, you babies!’ he said, stretching his right hand towards the ranks of discontented priests; and then he laughed a bright, ringing laugh, full of freshness. Instantly it was echoed from every part of the room. ‘I was once in Spain,’ began Monseigneur de la Ferronnais;--Monseigneur de Narbonne winced;--‘I was once in Spain, at the city of Pampeluna. I found a crowd of people hurrying to the great square before the principal church. What did they rush there for? To see a bull baited. I returned to France. I stayed a day or two in the cathedral town of Bayonne. I found the city assembled on the quay of the Adour. Wherefore? To enjoy the sport of bear-baiting. Gentlemen! I have seen a bull baited, I have seen a bear baited, but never till this day have I witnessed the baiting of a bishop.’ He spoke with emphasis, and with that ease of gesture which a Frenchman knows so well how to make good use of. His words raised a storm of laughter and cheers. The Bishop of Évreux writhed in his chair. His suffragan turned towards him, extended his arms as though to embrace him, laid his head on one side, and in a tone full of commiseration said: ‘He is down! shall we spare him? In the arena of ancient Rome, the gladiator who fell elevated the index of his right hand to ask pity of the spectators---- I see--’ Monseigneur de Narbonne had his hand up to stop his colleague, but at the allusion, he instantly withdrew it with a frown. ‘Now, my good spectators, who are also his assailants, do you stand _presso_ or _verso pollice_? That is right! You are spared, my Lord Bishop of Évreux.’ He seated himself with rapid motion, and crossed his legs; then, composing his face, he said: ‘I suppose I need not have voting-papers upon M. Lindet. It is hardly necessary for me to put his name before you again, but we must proceed formally. M. Lindet has been proposed by the Abbé Lecerf, and seconded by M. Rigaud. Those in favour of M. Lindet, hold up their hands.’ He counted the raised palms, collectedly, rank by rank, requesting each row when counted to lower their hands. ‘Those opposed to M. Lindet, hold up their hands.’ In a minute, he declared Thomas Lindet elected delegate to the National Assembly. ‘Now, gentlemen,’ said the president, ‘I wish in no way to influence your votes in other ways than that of sobriety and consideration. You must remember that the Church will not be fairly represented at the States-General, if those in the enjoyment of benefices be wholly excluded. Choose for your second delegate one as liberal, nay, as revolutionary in his views as you please, but pray choose one who may represent the moneyed interests of the Church. I leave it to your sense of justice and propriety.’ This little speech was received with hearty applause.