CHAPTER 9"Oh Monsieur," I replied with the vehemence a good causeinspires, "there are a thousand; but must this life be man's uniqueconcern? Is this existence other than a passage each of whosestages ought only, if he is reasonable, to conduct him to thateternal felicity, the prize vouchsafed by Virtue? I supposetogether with you (but this, however, is rare, it conflicts withall reason's informations, but never mind), I will for an instantgrant you that the villain who abandons himself to crime may berendered happy by it in this world, but do you imagine God'sjustice does not await that dishonest man, that he will not have topay in another world for what he does in this? Ah! think not thecontrary, Monsieur, believe it not," I added, tears in my eyes, "'tis the misfortunate one's sole conso
