"To that I would reply," said the abbe, with enthusiasm, "that during fifteen years he lived like a beggar, in order one day to console those in distress most gloriously." "But be at least proud and joyful at the good you do," cried Polidori, addressing Jacques Ferrand, who, gloomy, beaten, and with his eye fixed, seemed absorbed in painful meditation. "Alas!" said the abbe, in a tone of sorrow, "it is not in this world that one receives the recompense of so many virtues! There is a higher ambition." "Jacques," said Polidori, lightly touching the notary's shoulder, "finish reading your prospectus." The notary started, passed his hand across his forehead, and addressing himself to the priest, "Your pardon, M. l'Abbe," said he, "but I was lost in thought; I felt myself involuntarily carried away by the idea of how immensely the funds of this 'Bank for the Poor' might be augmented if the sums lent out were, when repaid, allowed to accumulate only for a year. At the end of four years, the institution would be in a condition to afford loans, either wholly gratuitously, or upon security, to the amount of fifty thousand crowns! Enormous! And I am delighted to find it so," continued he, as he reflected, with concealed rage, on the value of the sacrifice he was compelled to make. He then added, "A revenue of ten thousand francs will be secured for the expenses and management of the 'Bank for unemployed Workmen,' whose perpetual director shall be Francois Germain; and the housekeeper, the present porter in the place, an individual named Pipelet. M. l'Abbe Dumont, in whose hands the necessary funds for carrying out the undertaking will be placed, will establish a board of superintendence, composed of the magistrate of the district and other legal functionaries, in addition to all such influential personages whose patronage and support may be likely to advance the interests of the 'Poor Man's Bank;' for the founder would esteem himself more than paid for the little he has done, should his example induce other charitable persons to come forward in aid of his work." "The opening of 'the bank' will be duly announced by every channel calculated to give publicity." "In conclusion, the founder has only to disclaim any desire to attract notoriety or draw down applause, his sole motive being an earnest wish to reecho the divine precept of 'Love ye one another!'"