This kindness of a heart truly charitable had more effect on good Pierrette than reproaches or scolding. She did her best to reply to the _curé_, but her eyes were wet against her will, and soon she became so absent-minded the _curé_ with difficulty repressed his mirth, seeing that he had gained ground by the ell, without seeming to do it intentionally. "You see," said he, "by often hearing the bells ring, one becomes a bell-ringer; and as I love all my parishioners, like a true pastor, I go everywhere, inquiring and advising, so that I may be useful in case of need. In that way, Mme. Ragaud, without ever having driven a plough or taken care of cattle, God has given me the grace of being able to advise on all rural subjects, as well as the first master-farmer in the neighborhood. Thus, I will say to you: 'When there are more pears than apples, keep your wine, good man.' This is a country proverb hundreds of years old. Now, as this year there are more pears than they know what to do with, believe me, keep your vintage, and you will have news to tell me of it by next Easter." "I do not know how Ragaud will decide," replied Pierrette; "he is always afraid when the cellar is full...." "The proverb never fails, my good woman; and that is easily understood when one reflects how and why proverbs have obtained credit." "But, M. le Curé," interrupted La Ragaude, "if you knew where this poor abandoned child came from, it seems to me...." "What child?" said the _curé_, taking a pinch of snuff, so as to appear indifferent. "Oh! yes, the little one of this morning. What, do you still think of it? Bah! let it pass; after all, the hospital is not a place where one dies from want of care." "I know it; but it is sad, monsieur, very sad, for one of those little innocents to say afterwards, 'I was in a hospital'; that always gives a bad idea." "What can be done, Mme. Ragaud? One becomes accustomed to everything. Come, come, don't make yourself uneasy. We were saying, then, ... what were we saying? Ah! I remember now. I was telling you that proverbs must be believed, and for the reason that these little village-sayings are only repeated after they have been verified by the great and long experience of our fathers. Thus, you will see that the last part of the one I just quoted is equally curious: 'When there are more apples than pears, then, good man, you can drink.' Well, wasn't it a fact last year? There were so many apples that a jug of cider was only worth two farthings; there was enough for everybody, and the wine was so abundant that--you are not listening to me, Pierrette Ragaud?" "Excuse me, M. le Curé, I am listening attentively; but I was thinking perhaps my husband would not return; and, nevertheless, he should have a little talk with you." "About the vintage? We have time enough until then for that," replied the _curé_ with a spice of malice.