“Thanks, thanks, generous Benoit; St. Augustine will remember the favor, and thy fruitful vines will be none the poorer for thy generosity.  We ask only that we may give, and on none do we bestow more willingly than on the honest Vaudois whom may the saints keep in mind for their kindness and good-will!”

“Nay, I will have none of thy saints; thou knowest we are St. Calvin’s men in Vaud, if there must be any canonized.  But what is it to us that thou hearest mass, while we love the simple worship!  Are we not equally men?  Does not the frost nip the members of Catholic and Protestant the same? or does the avalanche respect one more than the other?  I never knew thee, or any of thy convent, question the frozen traveller of his faith, but all are fed, and warmed, and, at need, administered to from the pharmacy, with brotherly care, and as Christians merit.  Whatever thou mayest think of the state of our souls, thou on thy mountain there, no one will deny thy tender services to our bodies.  Say I well, neighbors, or is this only the foolish gossip of old Benoit, who has crossed the Col so often, that he has forgotten that out churches have quarrelled, and that the learned will have us go to heaven by different roads?”

A general movement among the people, and a tossing of hands, appeared in support of the truth and popularity of the honest peasant’s sentiments, for in that age the hospice of St. Bernard, more exclusively a refuge for the real and poor traveller than at present, enjoyed a merited reputation in all the country round.

“Thou shalt always be welcome on the pass, thou and thy friends, and all others in the shape of men, without other interference in thy opinions than secret prayers;” returned the good-humored and happy-looking clavier, whose round contented face shone partly in habitual joy, partly in gratification at this public testimonial in favor of the brotherhood, and a little in satisfaction perhaps at the promise of an ample addition to the convent’s stores; for the community of St. Bernard, while so much was going out, had a natural and justifiable desire to see some return for its incessant and unwearied liberality.  “Thou wilt not deny us the happiness of praying for those we love, though it happen to be in a manner different from that in which they ask blessings for themselves.”

“Have it thine own way, good canon; I am none of those who are ready to refuse a favor because it savors of Rome.  But what has become of our friend Uberto?  He rarely comes into the valleys, that we are not anxious to see his glossy coat.”