"We always get civility and good
pennyworths at the Golden Dog. Some of the lying cheats of the
Friponne talked in my hearing one day about his being a Huguenot.
But how can that be, Jean, when he gives the best weight and the
longest measure of any merchant in Quebec? Religion is a just yard
wand, that is my belief, Jean!"
Jean rubbed his head with a perplexed air. "I do not know whether
he be a Huguenot, nor what a Huguenot is. The Cure one day said he
was a Jansenist on all fours, which I suppose is the same thing,
Babet--and it does not concern either you or me. But a merchant who
is a gentleman and kind to poor folk, and gives just measure and
honest weight, speaks truth and harms nobody, is Christian enough
for me. A bishop could not trade more honestly; and the word of the
Bourgeois is as reliable as a king's."
"The Cure may call the Bourgeois what he likes," replied Babet, "but
there is not another Christian in the city if the good Bourgeois be
not one; and next the Church there is not a house in Quebec better
known or better liked by all the habitans, than the Golden Dog; and
such bargains too, as one gets there!"
"Ay, Babet! a good bargain settles many a knotty point with a
woman.
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