D’Artagnan and the curate appeared pleased. The Jesuit persisted in his opinion. “Beware of a profane taste in your theological style. What says Augustine on this subject: ‘ Severus sit clericorum verbo .’ ”

“Yes, let the sermon be clear,” said the curate.

“Now,” hastily interrupted the Jesuit, on seeing that his acolyte was going astray, “now, your thesis would please the ladies; it would have the success of one of M. Patru’s pleadings.”

“Please God!” cried Aramis, transported.

“There it is,” cried the Jesuit; “the world still speaks within you in a loud voice, altisimmâ voce . You follow the world, my young friend, and I tremble lest grace prove not efficacious.”