Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 03.djvu/145

Rh our poor nephew. He is our brother's son, and it is our duty to assist him. Who knows? we may perhaps at length prevail upon him to become a subdeacon when the fire of youth is somewhat abated. He was much inclined to the sciences. Do you recollect how he reasoned upon the Old and New Testaments? We are answerable for his soul. He was baptized at our instigation. His dear mistress, Miss St. Yves, does nothing but weep incessantly. Indeed, we must go to Paris. If he is concealed in any of those infamous houses of pleasure, of which I have often heard, we will get him out."

The prior was affected at his sister's discourse. He went in search of the bishop of St. Malo, who had baptized the Huron, and requested his protection and advice. The prelate approved of the journey. He gave the prior letters of recommendation to Father la Chaise, the king's confessor, who was invested with the first dignity of the kingdom; to Harlai, the archbishop of Paris, and to Bossuet, bishop of Meaux.

At length the brother and sister set out; but when they came to Paris they found themselves bewildered in a great labyrinth without clew or end. Their fortune was but middling, and they had occasion every day for carriages to pursue their discovery, which they could not accomplish.

The prior waited upon the Reverend Father la Chaise; he was with Mademoiselle du Tron, and could not give audience to priors. He went to