Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 03.djvu/146

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124
The Huron.

the archbishop's door; the prelate was shut up with the beautiful Mademoiselle de Lesdiguieres about church matters. He flew to the country house of the bishop of Meaux; he was engaged in a close examination with Mademoiselle de Mauleon, of the mystery relating to Mademoiselle Guyon. At length, however, he gained access to these two prelates; they both declared they could not interfere with regard to his nephew, as he was not a subdeacon.

He at length saw the Jesuit, who received him with open arms, protesting he had always entertained the greatest private esteem for him, though he had never known him. He swore that his society had always been attached to the inhabitants of Lower Brittany.

"But," said he, "has not your nephew the misfortune of being a Huguenot?"

"No, certainly, reverend father."

"May he not be a Jansenist?"

"I can assure your reverence that he is scarce a Christian. It is about eleven months since he was christened."

"This is very well; we will take care of him. Is your benefice considerable?"

"No, a very trifle; and our nephew costs us a great deal."

"Are there any Jansenists in your neighborhood? Take great care, my dear prior; they are more dangerous than Huguenots, or even atheists."

"My reverend father, we have none; it is not