The notary's nose;

140 THE NOTARY'S NOSE.
suicide was the most shameful of all
crimes; and that one must be very cowardly, voluntarily to choose death. He
even ventured upon a metaphor as new as
it was bold, comparing the suicide to the
deserter who abandons his post without
the permission of his corporal.
The Auvergnat, who had not swallowed
anything for twenty-four hours, seemed
bent on his idea. He held himself steady
and stubborn before death, like a jackass
before a bridge. To the closest argument
he responded with imperturbable sweetness:
" It'sh not worth while, Moshoo l'Ambert; there'sh too much mizhery in thish
world."
" But, my dear friend, misery is a divine
institution; it is created expressly to develop charity among the rich, and resignation among the poor."
"Richesh! I ashked for work, and