down into his straggling beard because he is afraid of
being late with his present — a carved plaque depict-
ing the Chalice and Host surrounded by a choir of
birds and much glory. Marie lighting candles to the
Mother of God: 'O Mother of God, make our
Christophe worthy.5 Jouse also saying a prayer at
her side, and near-by quite a handful of other parents.
Jan as pale as a wraith with his dark burning eyes —
Jan looking as though his eyes must consume him. He
kneels in front of the shrine of Saint Loup, and his
face is turned up to the warrior-bishop. Madame
Roustan, diligently beating her breast, as always,
for the sins she would like to commit but which, alas,
she has never committed. Goundran passing the
church and deciding to look in — why not? might as
well say a prayer for one's godson. And the Cure
galvanized into activity by what is going to take place
on the morrow, the Cure goes padding around the
church, counting the hassocks, fidgeting with chairs,
pinching the wicks of the votive candles. He looks
worried — that paternal address is not ready, he will
have to stick at it all night if need be; and meanwhile
his handsome aquiline nose is somewhat inflamed
by excessive snuff-taking, and his prominent eyes look
distinctly moist —he has grown much addicted to
snuff just lately.
At la Tarasque Mere Melanie feels sentimental. It
is only, as yet, early afternoon, so the stained marble
tables boast very few clients; this gives her a great
deal of time for thought and she sits behind her bar-
counter thinking. Madame Roustan has been in for a
Sirop-de-menthe, and has talked about Jan and his
First Communion. Jouse has stopped to buy cigar-
ettes, and has talked about Christophe and his First
Communion. Madame Perron's young brother, an
artist from the north, has drunk more than one petit
verre already; he is now rather sleepy but before his