Honor exercises an influence even upon those who have tampered with their own. Fouché discontinued his laughter, and approaching his class-fellow-- "There has been a misunderstanding, Michel," said he, taking his hand; "let us forget this, and continue good friends, especially," he added, "as I have most delightful news for you: it is that they are about to restore your parish to you." "Another hoax," said Michel Perrin, shrugging his shoulders, with an air of incredulity. "No; on my faith. Public worship is re-established. You know, or perhaps you do not know, that Cardinal Gonsalvi was here for a considerable time, to arrange the basis of a concordat with the Pope. This concordat is signed; the First Consul communicated it yesterday to his Council of State." "Ah! if I again saw my good peasants! If I returned to my manse with Madeleine!" cried the good pastor, his eyes sparkling with joy; "but," added he, "perhaps the parish will be given to another?" "I shall take special care that it shall not," replied the minister. "Your parish was in Burgundy, I believe?" "Just beside Dijon. I had it for a year." "You shall receive news from me very soon; but, in the meantime, I advise you to return to your sister. Paris is full of people too crafty for you; and as you must live," continued Fouché, "take this rouleau of twenty-five louis." "No, no; I shall take no more money," said the good pastor, pushing aside the hand of the minister. "You must take it. You do not imagine, I hope, that this would be a recompense for the services you have rendered," said Fouché, laughing heartily. "It is given to you by me for yourself, for your sister." "Well, be it so," replied Michel, greatly softened. "I cannot reject the gift of an honest man." Fouché stifled a sigh. "Adieu," said he; "return to Dijon." The following year, Michel Perrin had resumed his clerical functions; and Madeleine again became the lady and mistress of the manse. The peace, the comfort, the security for the future which they enjoyed, seemed to be enhanced by the recollection of past sufferings. If Madeleine, in whom there was a little vanity, remarked to her brother, when returning from church, that all the peasants took off their hats-- "Yes, yes," the pastor answered in a low voice, and with a smile, "THE WORTHY FELLOWS ARE NOT AT ALL AWARE THAT FOR FIFTEEN DAYS I WAS A POLICE SPY." FOOTNOTES: [13] I was informed by M. Turpin that Fouché frequently related the incidents of this narrative which were subsequent to the interview, but without naming his old class-fellow.--F. T. P. [14] The word in the original is "badaud." CHAPTER XXIII. THE COUNT OR CONVICT, WHICH?--THE FAWN'S ESCAPE. I now proceed to the narration of the other case which I received from M. Hubert, the facts of which are far more extraordinary than any of the exuberant fictions presented in the pages of romance.