CHAPTER XVI. THE LUNCHEON.
The morning after the doomed traveller, descending the heights ofMontmartre, had entered the walls of Paris, great activity reigned inSt. Dizier House. Though it was hardly noon, the Princess de St. Dizier,without being exactly in full dress (she had too much taste for that),was yet arrayed with more care than usual. Her light hair, instead ofbeing merely banded, was arranged in two bunches of curls, which suitedvery well with her full and florid cheeks. Her cap was trimmed withbright rose-colored ribbon, and whoever had seen the lady in her tightfitting dress of gray-watered silk would have easily guessed thatMrs. Grivois, her tirewoman, must have required the assistance and theefforts of another of the princess's women to achieve so remarkable areduction in the ample figure of their mistress.
We shall explain the edifying cause of this partial return to thevanities of the world. The princess, attended by Mrs. Grivois, whoacted as housekeeper, was giving her final orders with regard to somepreparations that were going on in a vast parlor. In the midst of thisroom was a large round table, covered with crimson velvet, and near itstood several chairs, amongst which, in the place of honor, was an armchair of gilded wood. In one corner, not far from the chimney, in whichburned an excellent fire, was a buffet. On it were the divers materialsfor a most dainty and exquisite collation. Upon silver dishes were piledpyramids of sandwiches composed of the roes of carp and anchovy paste,with slices of pickled tunny-fish and Lenigord truffles (it was inLent); on silver dishes, placed over burning spirits of wine, so as tokeep them very hot, tails of Meuse crawfish boiled in cream, smoked ingolden colored pastry, and seemed to challenge comparison with deliciouslittle Marennes oyster-patties, stewed in Madeira, and flavored with aseasoning of spiced sturgeon. By the side of these substantialdishes were some of a lighter character, such as pineapple tarts,strawberry-creams (it was early for such fruit), and orange-jelly servedin the peel, which had been artistically emptied for that purpose.Bordeaux, Madeira, and Alicant sparkled like rubies and topazes in largeglass decanters, while two Sevres ewers were filled, one with coffeea la creme, the other with vanilla chocolate, almost in the state ofsherbet, from being plunged in a large cooler of chiselled silver,containing ice.
But what gave to this dainty collation a singularly apostolic andpapal character were sundry symbols of religious worship carefullyrepresented. Thus there were charming little Calvaries in apricot paste,sacerdotal mitres in burnt almonds, episcopal croziers in sweet cake,to which the princess added, as a mark of delicate attention, a littlecardinal's hat in cherry sweetmeat, ornamented with bands in burntsugar. The most important, however, of these Catholic delicacies, themasterpiece of the cook, was a superb crucifix in angelica, with a crownof candied berries. These are strange profanations, which scandalizeeven the least devout. But, from the impudent juggle of the coat ofTriers, down to the shameless jest of the shrine at Argenteuil, people,who are pious after the fashion of the princess, seem to take delight inbringing ridicule upon the most respectable traditions.
After glancing with an air of satisfaction at these preparations for thecollation, the lady said to Mrs. Grivois, as she pointed to the gildedarm-chair, which seemed destined for the president of the meeting: "Isthere a cushion under the table, for his Eminence to rest his feet on?He always complains of cold."
"Yes, your highness," said Mrs. Grivois, when she had looked under thetable; "the cushion is there."
"Let also a pewter bottle be filled with boiling water, in case hisEminence should not find the cushion enough to keep his feet warm."
"Yes, my lady."
"And put some more wood on the fire."
"But, my lady, it is already a very furnace. And if his Eminence isalways too cold, my lord the Bishop of Halfagen is always too hot. Heperspires dreadfully."
The princess shrugged her shoulders, and said to Mrs. Grivois: "Is nothis Eminence Cardinal Malipieri the superior of his Lordship the Bishopof Halfagen?"
"Yes, your highness."
"Then, according to the rules of the hierarchy, it is for his Lordshipto suffer from the heat, rather than his Eminence from the cold.Therefore, do as I tell you, and put more wood on the fire. Nothing ismore natural; his Eminence being an Italian, and his Lordshipcoming from the north of Belgium, they are accustomed to differenttemperatures."
"Just as your highness pleases," said Mrs. Grivois, as she placed twoenormous logs on the fire; "but in such a heat as there is here hisLordship might really be suffocated."
"I also find it too warm; but does not our holy religion teach uslessons of self-sacrifice and mortification?" said the princess, with atouching expression of devotion.
We have now explained the cause of the rather gay attire of theprincess. She was preparing for a reception of prelates, who, along withFather d'Aigrigny and other dignitaries of the Church, had already heldat the princely house a sort of council on a small scale. A young bridewho gives her first ball, an emancipated minor who gives his firstbachelor's dinner, a woman of talent who reads aloud for the first timeher first unpublished work, are not more joyous and proud, and, at thesame time, more attentive to their guests, than was this lady with herprelates. To behold great interests discussed in her house, and inher presence, to hear men of acknowledged ability ask her adviceupon certain practical matters relating to the influence of femalecongregations, filled the princess with pride, as her claims toconsideration were thus sanctioned by Lordships and Eminences, and shetook the position, as it were, of a mother of the Church. Therefore, towin these prelates, whether native or foreign, she had recourse to noend of saintly flatteries and sanctified coaxing. Nor could anything bemore logical than these successive transfigurations of this heartlesswoman, who only loved sincerely and passionately the pursuit of intrigueand domination. With the progress of age, she passed naturally from theintrigues of love to those of politics, and from the latter to those ofreligion.
At the moment she finished inspecting her preparations, the sound ofcoaches was heard in the courtyard, apprising her of the arrival of thepersons she had been expecting. Doubtless, these persons were of thehighest rank, for contrary to all custom, she went to receive them atthe door of her outer saloon. It was, indeed, Cardinal Malipieri, whowas always cold, with the Belgian Bishop of Halfagen, who was alwayshot. They were accompanied by Father d'Aigrigny. The Roman cardinal wasa tall man, rather bony than thin, with a yellowish puffy countenance,haughty and full of craft; he squinted a good deal, and his black eyeswere surrounded by a deep brown circle. The Belgian Bishop was short,thick, and fat, with a prominent abdomen, an apoplectic complexion, aslow, deliberate look, and a soft, dimpled, delicate hand.
The company soon assembled in the great saloon. The cardinal instantlycrept close to the fire, whilst the bishop, beginning to sweat and blow,cast longing glances at the iced chocolate and coffee, which were to aidhim in sustaining the oppressive heat of the artificial dog-day. Fatherd'Aigrigny, approaching the princess, said to her in a low voice: "Willyou give orders for the admittance of Abbe Gabriel de Rennepont, when hearrives?"
"Is that young priest then here?" asked the princess, with extremesurprise.
"Since the day before yesterday. We had him sent for to Paris, by hissuperiors. You shall know all. As for Father Rodin, let Mrs. Grivoisadmit him, as the other day, by the little door of the back stairs."
"He will come to-day?"
"He has very important matters to communicate. He desires that both thecardinal and the bishop should be present for they have been informedof everything at Rome by the Superior General, in their quality ofassociates."
The princess rang the bell, gave the necessary orders, and, returningtowards the cardinal, said to him, in a tone of the most earnestsolicitude: "Does your Eminence begin to feel a little warmer? Wouldyour Eminence like a bottle of hot water to your feet? Shall we make alarger fire for your Eminence?"
At this proposition, the Belgian bishop, who was wiping the perspirationfrom his forehead, heaved a despairing sigh.
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nbsp; "A thousand thanks, princess," answered the cardinal to her, in verygood French, but with an intolerable Italian accent; "I am reallyovercome with so much kindness."
"Will not your Lordship take some refreshment?" said the princess to thebishop, as she turned towards the sideboard.
"With your permission, madame, I will take a little iced coffee," saidthe prelate, making a prudent circuit to approach the dishes withoutpassing before the fire.
"And will not your Eminence try one of these little oyster-patties? Theyare quite hot," said the princess.
"I know them already, princess," said the cardinal, with the airand look of an epicure; "they are delicious, and I cannot resist thetemptation."
"What wine shall I have the honor to offer your Eminence?" resumed theprincess, graciously.
"A little claret, if you please, madame;" and as Father d'Aigrignyprepared to fill the cardinal's glass, the princess disputed with himthat pleasure.
"Your Eminence will doubtless approve what I have done," said Fatherd'Aigrigny to the cardinal, whilst the latter was gravely despatchingthe oyster-patties, "in not summoning for to-day the Bishop ofMogador, the Archbishop of Nanterre, and our holy Mother Perpetue, thelady-superior of St. Mary Convent, the interview we are about to havewith his Reverence Father Rodin and Abbe Gabriel being altogetherprivate and confidential."
"Our good father was perfectly right," said the cardinal; "for, thoughthe possible consequences of this Rennepont affair may interest thewhole Church, there are some things that are as well kept secret."
"Then I must seize this opportunity to thank your Eminence for havingdeigned to make an exception in favor of a very obscure and humbleservant of the Church," said the princess to the cardinal, with a verydeep and respectful curtsey.
"It is only just and right, madame," replied the cardinal, bowing as hereplaced his empty glass upon the table; "we know how much the Churchis indebted to you for the salutary direction you give to the religiousinstitutions of which you are the patroness."
"With regard to that, your Eminence may be assured that I always refuseassistance to any poor person who cannot produce a certificate from theconfessional."
"And it is only thus, madame," resumed the cardinal, this time allowinghimself to be tempted by the attractions of the crawfish's tails, "itis only thus that charity has any meaning. I care little that theirreligious should feel hunger, but with the pious it is different;" andthe prelate gayly swallowed a mouthful. "Moreover," resumed he, "it iswell known with what ardent zeal you pursue the impious, and those whoare rebels against the authority of our Holy Father."
"Your Eminence may feel convinced that I am Roman in heart and soul;I see no difference between a Gallican and a Turk," said the princess,bravely.
"The princess is right," said the Belgian bishop: "I will go further,and assert that a Gallican should be more odious to the church than apagan. In this respect I am of the opinion of Louis XIV. They asked hima favor for a man about the court. 'Never,' said the great king; 'thisperson is a Jansenist.'--'No, sire; he is an atheist.'--'Oh! that isdifferent; I will grant what he asks,' said the King."
This little episcopal jest made them all laugh. After which Fatherd'Aigrigny resumed seriously, addressing the cardinal: "Unfortunately,as I was about to observe to your Eminence with regard to the AbbeGabriel, unless they are very narrowly watched, the lower clergy havea tendency to become infected with dissenting views, and with ideas ofrebellion against what they call the despotism of the bishops."
"This young man must be a Catholic Luther!" said the bishop. And,walking on tip-toe, he went to pour himself out a glorious glass ofMadeira, in which he soaked some sweet cake, made in the form of acrozier.
Led by his example, the Cardinal, under pretence of warming his feet bydrawing still closer to the fire, helped himself to an excellent glassof old Malaga, which he swallowed by mouthfuls, with an air of profoundmeditation; after which he resumed: "So this Abbe Gabriel starts as areformer. He must be an ambitious man. Is he dangerous?"
"By our advice his superiors have judged him to be so. They have orderedhim to come hither. He will soon be here, and I will tell your Eminencewhy I have sent for him. But first, I have a note on the dangeroustendencies of the Abbe Gabriel. Certain questions were addressed tohim, with regard to some of his acts, and it was in consequence of hisanswers that his superiors recalled him."
So saying, Father d'Aigrigny, took from his pocket-book a paper, whichhe read as follows:
"'Question.--Is it true that you performed religious rites for aninhabitant of your parish who died in final impenitence of the mostdetestable kind, since he had committed suicide?
"'Answer of Abbe Gabriel.--I paid him the last duties, because, morethan any one else, because of his guilty end, he required the prayers ofthe church. During the night which followed his interment I continuallyimplored for him the divine mercy.
"'Q.--Is it true that you refused a set of silver-gilt sacramentalvessels, and other ornaments, with which one of the faithful, in piouszeal, wished to endow your parish?
"'A.--I refused the vessels and embellishments, because the house of theLord should be plain and without ornament, so as to remind the faithfulthat the divine Saviour was born in a stable. I advised the person whowished to make these useless presents to my parish to employ the moneyin judicious almsgiving, assuring him it would be more agreeable to theLord.'"
"What a bitter and violent declamation against the adorning of ourtemples!" cried the cardinal. "This young priest is most dangerous.Continue, my good father."
And, in his indignation, his Eminence swallowed several mouthfuls ofstrawberry-cream. Father d'Aigrigny continued.
"'Q.--Is it true that you received in your parsonage, and kept there forsome days, an inhabitant of the village, by birth a Swiss, belonging tothe Protestant communion? Is it true that not only you did not attemptto convert him to the one Catholic and Apostolic faith, but that youcarried so far the neglect of your sacred duties as to inter thisheretic in the ground consecrated for the repose of true believers?
"'A.--One of my brethren was houseless. His life had been honest andlaborious. In his old age his strength had failed him, and sickness hadcome at the back of it; almost in a dying state, he had been driven fromhis humble dwelling by a pitiless landlord, to whom he owed a year'srent. I received the old man in my house, and soothed his last days. Thepoor creature had toiled and suffered all his life; dying, he uttered noword of bitterness at his hard fate; he recommended his soul to God andpiously kissed the crucifix. His pure and simple spirit returned to thebosom of its Creator. I closed his eyes with respect, I buried him, Iprayed for him; and, though he died in the Protestant faith, I thoughthim worthy of a place in consecrated ground.'"
"Worse and worse!" said the cardinal. "This tolerance is monstrous. Itis a horrible attack on that maxim of Catholicism: 'Out of the pale ofthe Church there is no salvation.'"
"And all this is the more serious, my lord," resumed Father d'Aigrigny,"because the mildness, charity, and Christian devotion of Abbe Gabrielhave excited, not only in his parish, but in all the surroundingdistricts, the greatest enthusiasm. The priests of the neighboringparishes have yielded to the general impulse, and it must be confessedthat but for his moderation a wide-spread schism would have commenced."
"But what do you hope will result from bringing him here?" said theprelate.
"The position of Abbe Gabriel is complicated; first of all, he is theheir of the Rennepont family."
"But has he not ceded his rights?" asked the cardinal.
"Yes, my lord; and this cession, which was at first informal, haslately, with his free consent, been made perfectly regular in law; forhe had sworn, happen what might, to renounce his part of the inheritancein favor of the Society of Jesus. Nevertheless, his Reverence FatherRodin thinks, that if your Eminence, after explaining to Abbe Gabrielthat he was about to be recalled by his superiors, were to propose tohim some eminent position at Rome, he might be induced to leave
France,and we might succeed in arousing within him those sentiments of ambitionwhich are doubtless only sleeping for the present; your Eminence, havingobserved, very judiciously, that every reformer must be ambitious."
"I approve of this idea," said the cardinal, after a moment'sreflection; "with his merit and power of acting on other men, AbbeGabriel may rise very high, if he is docile; and if he should not be so,it is better for the safety of the Church that he should be at Romethan here--for you know, my good father, we have securities that areunfortunately wanting in France."(36)
After some moments of silence, the cardinal said suddenly to Fatherd'Aigrigny: "As we were talking of Father Rodin, tell me frankly whatyou think of him."
"Your Eminence knows his capacity," said Father d'Aigrigny, with aconstrained and suspicious air; "our reverend Father-General--"
"Commissioned him to take your place," said the cardinal; "I know that.He told me so at Rome. But what do you think of the character of FatherRodin? Can one have full confidence in him?"
"He has so complete, so original, so secret, and so impenetrable amind," said Father d'Aigrigny, with hesitation, "that it is difficult toform any certain judgment with respect to him."
"Do you think him ambitious?" said the cardinal, after another moment'spause. "Do you not suppose him capable of having other views than thoseof the greater glory of his Order?--Come, I have reasons for speakingthus," added the prelate, with emphasis.
"Why," resumed Father d'Aigrigny, not without suspicion, for the gameis played cautiously between people of the same craft, "what should yourEminence think of him, either from your own observation, or from thereport of the Father-General?"
"I think--that if his apparent devotion to his Order really concealedsome after-thought--it would be well to discover it--for, with theinfluence that he has obtained at Rome (as I have found out), he mightone day, and that shortly, become very formidable."
"Well!" cried Father d'Aigrigny, impelled by his jealousy of Rodin; "Iam, in this respect, of the same opinion as your Eminence; for I havesometimes perceived in him flashes of ambition, that were as alarming asthey were extraordinary--and since I must tell all to your Eminence--"
Father d'Aigrigny was unable to continue; at this moment Mrs. Grivois,who had been knocking at the door, half-opened it, and made a sign toher mistress. The princess answered by bowing her head, and Mrs. Grivoisagain withdrew. A second afterwards Rodin entered the room.
(36) It is known that, in 1845, the Inquisition, solitary confinement,etc., still existed at Rome.