Bishop. Stop, Persomé. The candlesticks were mine, they are his now. It is better so. He has more need of them than I. My mother would have wished it so had she been here.
Persomé. But (great knocking without).
Sergeant (without) Monseigneur, Monseigneur, we have something for you, may we enter?
Bishop. Enter, my son.
(Enter Sergeant and three Gendarmes with
Convict bound. The Sergeant carries the candlesticks)
Persomé. Ah so they have caught you, villain, have they?
Sergeant. Yes, madam, we found this scoundrel slinking along the road, and as he wouldn't give any account of himself we arrested him on suspicion. Holy Virgin, isn't he strong and didn't he struggle? While we were securing him these candlesticks fell out of his pockets.
Persomé seizes them, goes to table and brushes them with her apron lovingly.)
I remembered the candlesticks of Monseigneur the Bishop, so we brought him here that you might identify them and then we'll lock him up. (The Bishop and the Convict have been looking at each other. The Convict with dogged defiance.)
Bishop. But, but I don't understand, this gentleman is my very good friend.
Sergeant. Your friend, Monseigneur!! Holy Virgin! Well!!!
Bishop. Yes, my friend, he did me the honour to sup with me to-night and I—I have given him the candlesticks.
Sergeant (incredulously) You gave him, him your candlesticks? Holy Virgin!
Bishop (severely) Remember, my son, that she is Holy.
