to clear his son's soul from the thirst for vengeance that is consuming it.
On one occasion Vergniaud declares that Paris is hopelessly pagan, that Christ is there made the subject of public caricature, that His reign is over—in Paris at least.
"If these things be true," Cardinal Bonpré indignantly
cries, "then shame upon you and upon all
the clergy of this unhappy city to stand by and let
such disgrace to yourselves, and blasphemy to our
Master, exist without protest."
The Abbé is inclined to resent the rebuke, but
only for a moment. The next, abashed, he admits
its justice, and craves pardon. The incident is the
turning point in Vergniaud's life. He shortly afterwards
writes to the Cardinal that he is moved to
say things that he has never said before, and that it
is possible he may astonish and perchance scandalize
Paris.
"What inspires me I do not know,—perhaps
your well-deserved reproach of the other day,—perhaps
the beautiful smile of the angel that dwells in
Donna Sovrani's eyes,—perhaps the chance meeting
with your Rouen foundling on the stairs as I was
flying away from your just wrath."
He concludes by requesting the Cardinal to come
two days later to hear him preach at Notre Dame
de Lorette.
