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]