Page:The life and writings of Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) (IA lifewritingsofal00spurrich).pdf/205

 general was very scornful on the subject, wondering how people could trouble to discuss such trifles.

"For my part," he added, "I can't conceive of the existence of this mysterious being whom they call 'the good God.

"General," replied Dumas, "I have two hunting-dogs, two monkeys and a parrot at home, who are of your opinion exactly."

Dumas fils has examined his father's religious sentiments and analysed them, in the introduction to the "Mousquetaires" before quoted. He finds that his father was too sane, too busy in good work, to dwell much on the hereafter; but believes that the kind, charitable soul need not be blamed very severely for living for this life, without considering its own precious self too closely—and most of us will agree with him.

Even in the last darkening hours of his mind Dumas was capable, at brief intervals, of something like his old wit. We quote his last mot from M. Ferry's "Dernières Années d'A. Dumas":

"When they took him away from Paris he had twenty francs on him. That louis was the total fortune of this man, who had earned millions.

"On arriving at Puys, Dumas placed the coin on his bedroom chimney-piece, and there it remained all through his illness.

"One day he was seated in his chair near the