Catechism in the "Zone". Paris, about 1930
.
Source:
Paris en Images, copyright Roger-Viollet (FA-7350 DETB):
Click here to view source.

Gaito Gazdanov's Paris / 42

The old priest

That evening, I remember, my first fare was an old priest with a wrinkled face and tiny eyes. I saw him from a distance and at first I took him to be a nurse: in his hand was a bag identical to the ones they use.

The wind blew at his large cassock, which he grasped with his other hand as a woman would have done. I realized my mistake when I got closer.

He was going to the gare d�Orsay. Getting out of the cab, he paid me and added a 50-centime tip. I couldn�t help but smile.

�Come come, Father, is this how the Church taught you generosity? Imagine St. Francis in your place. Do you think he would only have given me 50 centimes?�

The old man smiled, shook his head, and replied as quickly as if he�d rehearsed his answer:

�No, my son, no. If St. Francis had to go to the railway station, he would have gone there on foot.�

�You�re right, Father,� I said, laughing. �I wish you bon voyage!� [96]