"You know, Jacques, that from me you must be resigned to here everything," said Polidori, looking fixedly at the notary, who cast down his eyes, and remained silent. Polidori continued: "You perhaps remarked, M. l'Abbé, that the first symptoms of his nervous complaint appeared a short time after the abominable scandal which Louise Morel caused in this house." The notary shuddered. "You know of the crime of this unhappy girl, sir?" demanded the astonished priest; "I thought you had arrived but a few days since at Paris?" "Without doubt, M. l'Abbé; but Jacques has related everything to me, as his friend--as his physician; for he attributes these nervous attacks almost entirely to the indignation which the crime of Louise Morel caused him. This is nothing, as yet; my poor friend, alas! had new trials to endure, which, you see, have ruined his health. An old servant, who for many years was attached to him by the ties of gratitude--" "Madame Séraphin?" said the curé, interrupting Polidori. "I have heard of the death of this unfortunate, drowned by her own imprudence, and I comprehend the grief of M. Ferrand. It is not easy to forget ten years of faithful services; such regrets do credit to the master as well as to the servant." "M. l'Abbé," said the notary, "I entreat you, do not speak of my virtues--you confuse me--it is painful." "And who will speak of them, then--will it be yourself?" answered Polidori affectionately; "but you will be obliged to praise him still more, M. l'Abbé: you perhaps do not know who is the servant that took the place of Louise Morel and Madame Séraphin. You do not know what he has done for this poor Cecily, M. l'Abbé, for so she is named." The notary started from his seat, his eyes sparkling under his spectacles, a burning red diffused over his livid face. "Hush! be silent!" he cried; "not a word more. I forbid it!" "Come, come, calm yourself," said the abbé, smiling benevolently; "another good action to reveal? As for myself, I strongly approve of the generous indiscretion of your friend. I did not know this servant, for it was just after her arrival that my worthy friend, overwhelmed with business, was obliged momentarily, to my great regret, to interrupt our relations." "It was to conceal from you this new good action he meditated, M. l'Abbé; thus, although his modesty revolts at the mention of it, he must hear me, and you shall know all," said Polidori, smiling. Jacques Ferrand was silent; he leaned on his desk, and concealed his face in his hands. CHAPTER XIII. THE BANK FOR THE POOR.