第46段(2 / 3)

Everything here is yours.

What need have I to know your name?

Besides, before you told me you had one which I knew."

The man opened his eyes in astonishment.

"Really?

You knew what I was called?"

"Yes," replied the Bishop, "you are called my brother."

"Stop, Monsieur le Cure," exclaimed the man.

"I was very hungry when I entered here; but you are so good, that I no longer know what has happened to me."

The Bishop looked at him, and said,--

"You have suffered much?"

"Oh, the red coat, the ball on the ankle, a plank to sleep on, heat, cold, toil, the convicts, the thrashings, the double chain for nothing, the cell for one word; even sick and in bed, still the chain!

Dogs, dogs are happier!

Nineteen years!

I am forty-six. Now there is the yellow passport.

That is what it is like."

"Yes," resumed the Bishop, "you have come from a very sad place. Listen.

There will be more joy in heaven over the tear-bathed face of a repentant sinner than over the white robes of a hundred just men. If you emerge from that sad place with thoughts of hatred and of wrath against mankind, you are deserving of pity; if you emerge with thoughts of good-will and of peace, you are more worthy than any one of us."