THE attitude of energy assumed by the Curé of Lourdes, who was known to be incapable of giving way when what he considered to be his duty was at stake, introduced into the question an element hitherto overlooked, though it might very easily have been foreseen.
In the case of any measure emanating from the Administration, the intervention of the Procureur Impérial was not required, and it was only from friendly motives that M. Dutour had accompanied M. Lacadé to the residence of the Abbé Peyramale. All the onus of the decision to be taken weighed, therefore on the Mayor.
M. Lacadé was perfectly certain that the Curé of Lourdes would infallibly act as he had said. As to attempting a surprise and arresting Bernadette suddenly, without the knowledge of the Pastor, it was not to be thought of, now that the Abbé Peyramale was forewarned and had his eyes open. We have already mentioned the impressions which the Mayor experienced in presence of the Supernatural rising all at once before him. The present state of affairs did but mask the excessive anxiety and agitation of the real man.
He communicated to the Prefect the conversation which M. Dutour and he himself had just had with the Curé-doyen, as also the behavior and words of the man of God. The arrest of Bernadette, he added, might, further, in the then state of public feeling, rouse the town and provoke an indignant revolt against the constituted authorities. As to himself, in consequence of the determination so formally expressed by the Curé, and fearing the terrible consequences which might ensure, he regretted to find himself forced to refuse―even if he were obliged to resign the honors of the Mayoralty―to take any personal part in the execution of such a measure. It was for the Prefect, if he saw good, to act himself, and to have the arrest effected by a direct order to the Gendarmerie.
M. Lacadé was perfectly certain that the Curé of Lourdes would infallibly act as he had said. As to attempting a surprise and arresting Bernadette suddenly, without the knowledge of the Pastor, it was not to be thought of, now that the Abbé Peyramale was forewarned and had his eyes open. We have already mentioned the impressions which the Mayor experienced in presence of the Supernatural rising all at once before him. The present state of affairs did but mask the excessive anxiety and agitation of the real man.
He communicated to the Prefect the conversation which M. Dutour and he himself had just had with the Curé-doyen, as also the behavior and words of the man of God. The arrest of Bernadette, he added, might, further, in the then state of public feeling, rouse the town and provoke an indignant revolt against the constituted authorities. As to himself, in consequence of the determination so formally expressed by the Curé, and fearing the terrible consequences which might ensure, he regretted to find himself forced to refuse―even if he were obliged to resign the honors of the Mayoralty―to take any personal part in the execution of such a measure. It was for the Prefect, if he saw good, to act himself, and to have the arrest effected by a direct order to the Gendarmerie.
