Notwithstanding M. de Pontverre's
pedigree, I certainly possessed most learning; but I rather sought
to be a good companion than an expert theologian; and his Frangi wine,
which I thought delicious, argued so powerfully on his side, that I
should have blushed at silencing so kind a host; I, therefore, yielded
him the victory, or rather declined the contest. Any one who had
observed my precaution, would certainly have pronounced me a
dissembler, though, in fact, I was only courteous.
Flattery, or rather condescension, is not always a vice in young
people; 'tis oftener a virtue. When treated with kindness, it is
natural to feel an attachment for the person who confers the
obligation: we do not acquiesce because we wish to deceive, but from
dread of giving uneasiness, or because we wish to avoid the
ingratitude of rendering evil for good. What interest had M. de
Pontverre in entertaining, treating with respect, and endeavoring to
convince me? None but mine; my young heart told me this, and I was
penetrated with gratitude and respect for the generous priest; I was
sensible of my superiority, but scorned to repay his hospitality by
taking advantage of it. I had no conception of hypocrisy in this
forbearance, or thought of changing my religion, nay, so far was the
idea from being familiar to me, that I looked on it with a degree of
horror which seemed to exclude the possibility of such an event; I
only wished to avoid giving offense to those I was sensible caressed
me from that motive; I wished to cultivate their good opinion, and
meantime leave them the hope of success by seeming less on my guard
than I really was.
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