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diff --git a/13896-h/13896-h.htm b/13896-h/13896-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a0712ca --- /dev/null +++ b/13896-h/13896-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4054 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Jacques Bonneval, by Anne Manning</title> +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; } + p { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 100%; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { text-align: center; } + hr { width: 50%; } + hr.full { width: 100%; } + .foot { margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 85%; } + .poem { margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left; } + .poem .stanza { margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em; } + .poem p { margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em; } + .poem p.i2 { margin-left: 1em; } + .toc { margin-left: 15%; font-size: 80%; margin-bottom: 0em; text-indent: 0em;} + center { padding: 0.8em;} + hr.pg { width: 100%; + height: 5px; } + a:link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:red} + pre {font-size: 8pt; + margin-left: 5%; } + // --> +</style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13896 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Jacques Bonneval, by Anne Manning</h1> +<hr class="pg" noshade> +<br><br><br><br> + +<h1> + JACQUES BONNEVAL; +</h1> +<center><small> + OR, THE +</small></center> +<h2> + DAYS OF THE DRAGONNADES. +</h2> + +<center> + <small>BY THE AUTHOR OF</small><br> <i>MARY POWELL</i><br> <i>THE FAIRE GOSPELLER</i><br> ETC., ETC. +</center> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<hr> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CONTENTS. +</h2> + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0001"> +CHAPTER I.<br>THE FAIR OF BEAUCAIRE</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0002"> +CHAPTER II.<br>THE FEAST OF ST. MAGDALEN</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0003"> +CHAPTER III.<br>LES ARÈNES</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0004"> +CHAPTER IV.<br>MY UNCLE CHAMBRUN</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0005"> +CHAPTER V.<br>THE PASSPORT</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0006"> +CHAPTER VI.<br>TRIAL BY FIRE</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0007"> +CHAPTER VII.<br>LA CROISSETTE</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0008"> +CHAPTER VIII.<br>PERSECUTED, YET NOT FORSAKEN</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0009"> +CHAPTER IX.<br>CAST DOWN, BUT NOT DESTROYED</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0010"> +CHAPTER X.<br>"MY NATIVE LAND, GOOD-NIGHT"</a></p> +<hr> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<center> +<img src="images/image-1.png" width="100%" +alt="(Decorative Capital)"> +</center> + +<h2> + JACQUES BONNEVAL: +</h2> +<h3> + OR, THE DAYS OF THE DRAGONNADES +</h3> +<a name="2HCH0001"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER I. +</h2> +<h3> + THE FAIR OF BEAUCAIRE. +</h3> +<p> + There was magic, to my young ears, in the very name of the Fair of + Beaucaire. Beaucaire is only ten miles from Nismes, therefore no wonder + I heard plenty about it. It is true, that in my time, the world-famous + fair did not exercise so vast an influence on commercial affairs in + general, as in the old days, when it was the great market of France; and + not only France, but of all civilized countries. With what enjoyment + would I hear my grandfather relate how great caravans of wealthy + merchants would assemble for mutual protection, because of the audacious + outlaws, often headed by some powerful baron, who lay in wait for them + to despoil them of their merchandise, and often to carry them off + prisoners and extort heavy ransom. My grandfather would tell hew long + files of mules, laden with rich silks, cloths, serges, camlets, and + furs, from Montpelier, from Narbonne, from Toulouse, from Carcassonne, + and other places, would wend towards Beaucaire, as the day called the + Feast of St. Magdalene approached, on which the fair was opened. The + roads were then thronged with travelers; the city was choke-full of + strangers; not a bed to be had, unless long preëngaged, for love or + money. The shops exhibited the utmost profusion of rich goods; + hospitality was exercised without grudging; old friends met from year to + year; matches between their children were frequently concerted; bargains + were struck, and commercial bills were commonly made payable at the Fair + of Beaucaire. The crowd was immense while it lasted; a hundred thousand + strangers being generally present. +</p> +<p> + Thus, you can easily conceive what charms such a lively scene had for + the young; while to the old it was the crown of their industry during + the year. Those at a distance, finding communications difficult and + journeys expensive, were glad to make an annual pilgrimage serve their + turn, when they were certain of meeting their fellow-traders, and of + having under their notice goods from all parts of the world. +</p> +<p> + It was with great glee, therefore, that I, a youth of nineteen, started + with my family for the Fair of Beaucaire on the 21st of July, 1685. + Accommodation was promised us by my uncle Nicolas, and we went the day + before the festival in order to see it from the beginning. I drove a + large and commodious char-a-banc, in which were my father and mother, my + younger brothers and sisters, Monsieur Bourdinave, my father's partner, + his two fair daughters, Madeleine and Gabrielle, and their old servant + Alice, who was also their kinswoman in a distant degree. +</p> +<p> + I was held to be a smart youth in those days, by my family and friends, + and certainly I had made myself as fine as I could, in the hope of + pleasing Madeleine, who, to my mind, was the most charming girl in the + world. Nor was she behindhand in the way of ornament, for she and her + sister were dressed in their best, and looked as fresh as daisies. In + fact, we were, one and all, in holiday attire; even the horse being + tricked out with ribbons, tassels, fringes, and flowers, till he was + quite a sight. +</p> +<p> + My father opened the day with family worship, which always seemed to put + us in tune for the morning, and spread a balmy influence over us. I well + remember the portion of Scripture he read was the seventeenth chapter of + St. John's Gospel, which, I need not remind you, contains this verse—"I + pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou + shouldest keep them from the evil." My father dwelt on this in his + prayer, and said, "Lord, I know that these dear young people cannot pass + through life without hearing and seeing much of evil: but, oh, keep them + unspotted by it! Let an atmosphere of sanctity and safety surround them + even in the midst of the fires, that they receive no hurt. In their + allowed pleasures and pastimes, let them wear that spiritual hauberk + which is invulnerable to the darts of the wicked; let them steadfastly + set their faces against whatever thy word disallows; and, should fiery + trial and temptation beset them, enable them, having done all, to stand." +</p> +<p> + I am confident that these were as nearly as possible the very words of + my father; for they made an impression on me that I could hardly account + for: and as he had recently been explaining to the children the nature + of a hauberk, as a coat of defensive armor, and remarking on its pliancy + and being often worn out of sight, the metaphor fixed itself in my + memory. +</p> +<p> + We had a substantial breakfast of soup and bread before we started; and + then drove in state to M. Bourdinave's door, where I sprang out to help + the smiling girls into the char-a-banc. I would gladly have had + Madeleine next me, but, as ill-luck would have it, M. Bourdinave placed + himself at my side, and my father just behind; so that I was completely + shut out from her, to my great chagrin. However, if I could not see her, + unless by looking round, I knew she could see me; so I carried myself my + best, and flourished my whip in fine style. +</p> +<p> + And thus we went to the Fair of Beaucaire. As we passed Les Arènes, that + famous Roman amphitheatre in the centre of our city, I heard my father + and his old friend allude to its former uses, without paying much heed + to them. I believe they reminded one another that not only wild beasts + but Christians had formerly been put to death there, for the recreation + of those who were wild beasts themselves; and my father said how he + hated the Sunday bull-fights that took place there still, and never + would let me go near them; on which I put in soberly, "I never want to, + father." +</p> +<p> + "Thou art a steady lad, I'll warrant thee," said M. Bourdinave, + approvingly. "Hold fast the form of sound words which hath been given + thee in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." +</p> +<p> + "Ay, ay, sir," said I, whipping old Réné smartly. And in another minute + we were thumping and bumping over great paving-stones, too noisily for + conversation to be carried on, and getting into a mêlée of carts, + wagons, and horsemen, all bound for Beaucaire. The women were now in + great delight, looking from side to side, commenting on the dress of + one, the equipage of another, nodding to acquaintance, and crying "O, + look!" to each other, when they saw anything beyond common. I had enough + to do, I assure you, to steer a straight course; and M. Bourdinave + observing it, remarked that he hoped I should be equally vigilant in + steering a straight course through life, which made me cry "Ay, ay, + sir," and set me thinking. +</p> +<p> + When the road became a little quieter, I heard him and my father + discussing the price of cocoons, the superiority of good cocoons to + cocalons, dupions, and soufflons; which last, I need not tell you, are + very imperfect cocoons; dupions have two threads, and confuse one with + another; and pointed cocoons are apt to break in the winding. But all + these, as you know, are turned to account by the silk-spinner, and + worked up into stockings, sewing-silk, and handkerchiefs. But the good + cocoons that yield a strong, thick, compact filament, are appropriated + by the silk-throwsters. +</p> +<p> + But this trade-talk was interrupted by cries of amused delight from + the women, and on looking about to see what tickled their fancies, they + pointed out to us a most extraordinary figure, standing bolt upright + in a cart. He was tall and meagre, and wore a long black robe and tall + pointed cap, both of which appeared spangled with silver; instead of + which, they were studded with steel buttons, needles, and pins, of which + he was an itinerant vendor. I believe the women would have purchased + largely of him, had my father let me stop. +</p> +<p> + Next we came up with a little house upon wheels, drawn by a sorry horse, + and on the wooden wall of the said house was depicted, many sizes larger + than life, a great human tooth, with bleeding fangs. Beneath was an + inscription that the owner of the cart was a traveling dentist, who drew + teeth without the least pain. +</p> +<p> + Alice, the maid, had instantly a great desire to let him draw a + troublesome tooth of hers which, she took pains to assure us, was not + impaired by natural decay, but only accidentally broken in cracking + a cherry-stone. "The edge is so rough," said she, "that it hurts my + tongue; and since this honest gentleman can extract it painlessly, + I have a great mind to try his hand." +</p> +<p> + "Plenty of time for that when we get to Beaucaire," said M. Bourdinave. + "Sure, you would not have a tooth drawn in the middle of the high road?" +</p> +<p> + "Truly, I should not mind it, inside that nice little wooden house," + said she. +</p> +<p> + But no, she was not allowed to do so; and, to console her, Madeleine + uncovered a little basket she carried on her arm, and discovered + cherries as red as her own lips, nestling in dark green leaves. "Here," + said she, cheerfully, "are some stones to take your revenge on." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, what beauties," cried Alice, taking a few; and the basket being + handed round, we were soon all eating cherries; and Gabrielle asked me + if I did not wish she had the gift of St. Marguerite. +</p> +<p> + "I do not know what gift you mean," said I, turning half round, and + looking full at her. +</p> +<p> + "Once on a time," said the lively girl, "the foolish story goes, that + two saints, who were brother and sister, lived in separate monasteries; + but the brother was frequently visited by his sister, on the pretence + of seeking spiritual advice. Their names were St. Honorat and St. + Marguerite. At length the brother grew rather tired of his sister's + visits, and called them a waste of time. 'Henceforth, let it suffice + that I shall visit you occasionally, said he. 'When?' said St. + Marguerite. 'When the cherry-trees blossom,' said St Honorat. Thereupon, + St. Marguerite prayed that the cherry-trees might blossom once a month, + which they did; so her brother acknowledged himself outwitted." +</p> +<p> + "Fie for shame, daughter," said M. Bourdinave, with displeasure. "I am + grieved that you should remember and repeat such lying legends." +</p> +<p> + "Dear father, they exercise the fancy—" +</p> +<p> + "Exercise the fancy, indeed! Let fancy confine herself to her own + province. She is a good servant, but a bad mistress. The Jews exercised + their fancies in the wild Talmudical fables. What said our Saviour of + them? 'Ye make the word of God of none effect through your traditions. + Let me hear no more papistical fables." +</p> +<p> + Gabrielle hung her head, and stealing a glance that way, I saw Madeleine + pass her arm round her sister's waist, and look sweetly at her, which + made me think Madeleine more attractive than ever. M. Bourdinave did not + immediately recover his equanimity, but addressing my father, said it + more than ever behooved good Reformers to walk warily, and not give in + to any of the ensnaring practices of the surrounding Catholics. "Little + by little they are stealing in on us already," said he, "and, if our + sagacious men are to be believed, a time of trouble is preparing for us + that may perhaps not fall very short of the massacre on the day of St. + Bartholomew." +</p> +<p> + "Still," said my father, "we are under the protection of the Edict of + Nantes." +</p> +<p> + "Edicts may be set aside," said M. Bourdinave, in a lowered voice, which + yet I heard, being next him. "Only think how we have been annoyed and + injured the last two or three years, by edicts differing greatly from + the Edict of Nantes. That one, for instance, which rendered us liable to + the intrusion of Catholics into our temples, to spy at our observances, + pick up scraps of our sermons, and report them incorrectly. What + advantage the rabble have taken of it!" +</p> +<p> + "Too true," said my father, gravely. +</p> +<p> + "Last year," pursued M. Bourdinave, "that attempted confederacy for + mutual protection, when all our closed meetinghouses were reopened for + worship, showed what temper our adversaries were of." +</p> +<p> + "It was an ill-considered measure," said my father, slowly. +</p> +<p> + "Ill-conducted, rather," said M. Bourdinave. "The act should have been + simultaneous; whereas the want of concert among our people betrayed + their weakness, and laid them open to attack. The military at Bordeaux + acted with shocking barbarity." +</p> +<p> + "I do not like to think upon it," said my father. "I trust there will be + no recurrence of such lamentable scenes." +</p> +<p> + "I much fear there will be, though," said M. Bourdinave, gloomily. + "Satan desires to have us, that he may sift us like wheat. Let us hope + to abide the trial." +</p> +<p> + At this moment a burst of noisy music, drowned their voices; and the + needle-seller's horse, which was just before us, making a sudden start, + the poor needle-vendor was thrown off his balance, and jerked out of his + cart on to a heap of flints by the road-side, while his horse began to + kick. Giving the reins to my father, I jumped out, and ran to his + assistance; but he was so prickly all over, that it was difficult to lay + hold of him. His needles and pins ran into my fingers in a dozen places. + To make matters worse, his nose began to bleed, so that he was in a + pitiable plight. However, I picked him up at last, found he was not + seriously injured, gave him a clean handkerchief (which he promised to + return), and started him off again in his cart, in a sitting position + this time, and much crestfallen. +</p> +<p> + The throng increased as we approached Beaucaire, and when we got into + the streets there was frequently a complete stoppage. Oh, what a lively + scene it was! and what a noise! Music playing, bells ringing, people + talking at the top of their voices. What joyous meetings! what hearty + welcomes! what various smells of fried fish, hot soups, and roast meats! + Truly, the Fair of Beaucaire exceeded my liveliest imaginings, and yours + will certainly never come up to it. +</p> +<p> + The fair, you have perhaps heard, is held on a wide open ground between + the Rhone and the castle rock. This space was covered with streets of + booths and sheds, in which all kinds of merchandise were displayed. + The river was choked with heavily-freighted barges. As for the streets, + they were hung from their upper windows with the richest tapestries; + silks, damasks, velvets, and goldsmiths' work were displayed in the + richest abundance; the most costly valuables exposed, almost at the + mercy of jostling wayfarers; banners flaunting overhead, and casting + fleeting shadows beneath. Languages of all nations mingled in strange + medley—German, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Arabic, Russian. Ah, it was + like a dream! +</p> +<p> + My uncle Nicolas received us most heartily; and, while my father and + M. Bourdinave went about their affairs, I had the pleasing charge of the + women, and showing them what was to be seen. My mother, with a child + in each hand, Madeleine and I, each with another child, Gabrielle and + old Alice close behind us, formed such a phalanx that we made way for + ourselves, or had it made for us, wherever we went, and saw everything + we wanted to see. We even saw the dentist, and Alice would not be foiled + this time, but almost thrust herself on his notice. He made her sit on + the ground, put her head between his knees and dragged out the tooth by + main force. She screamed horribly, and said, "You engaged to give no + pain!" "To myself," said he, "but I could not engage for you." So there + was the laugh against her. However, the tooth was out, and he generously + gave it to her; so we walked away laughing. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0002"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER II. +</h2> +<h3> + THE FEAST OF ST. MAGDALEN. +</h3> +<p> + We looked about us till dinner, and after dinner we looked about us + again; for the women and children seemed as though they would never be + sated with sightseeing; and as for me, I was never sated of going about + with Madeleine. All at once she cried out in a frightened voice, "Where + is Gabrielle?" +</p> +<p> + We looked about and could see neither her nor Alice; and as it was + nearly the hour they call vesper, though the days were still pretty + long, we were greatly alarmed at their disappearance. Little Louison, + however, plucked my sleeve, and said, "I think they went in there," + pointing to a church-door; so, although my father specially objected to + my setting foot within a Catholic place of worship, Madeleine and I went + in to look for her sister; but my mother kept the children outside. As + soon as we entered we found ourselves almost in darkness, what little + light there was proceeding from great wax candles; and there was a good + deal of tawdry finery and trumpery all about, and a strong smell of + incense. I was looking about me with curiosity and interest, mixed with + a certain repulsion, when Madeleine, in an eager undertone, exclaimed, + "There she is!" and pressed forward, I close following, to a little + side-altar, where Gabrielle and Alice were listening, with amused + wonder, to a priest, who was telling a group of people about him that + what he was exhibiting to them was one of Mary Magdalen's bones; and + that she and Lazarus, and Martha his sister, had put to sea in an old + boat, and in process of time, after being sorely buffeted by winds and + waves, had been cast ashore at Marseilles, where they preached the + gospel to the natives, and converted them all. +</p> +<p> + I did not believe one word of this, nor did Madeleine, who drew her + reluctant sister away; and when we got her into the open air, rebuked + her for doing what their father would not approve. Gabrielle looked + inclined to defend herself, and make a joke of it. However, a great bell + began to clang so near us as to drown her voice; people were pushing + past us into church, and we found ourselves going against the stream, + and made the best of our way out of it, and back to our quarters. + My father and M. Bourdinave were standing at the door, conversing with + my uncle, and when they saw us they smiled, and my father said, with + unwonted softness in his tone, "Well, children, are you come back? Have + you enjoyed yourselves?" and looked earnestly at Madeleine, whose eyes + sank under his. +</p> +<p> + My uncle Nicolas kept a mercer's shop, and his shelves and counters were + now so laden with goods that it was difficult to steer our way through + them to the steep stair which led to the floor above; and that, too, was + converted, for the time, into a kind of warehouse; but above that was + the living-room, and above that, again, numerous bedrooms with sloping + sides, and small windows piercing the steep roof. My aunt Jeanne was + good and hospitable to excess. She would not let M. Bourdinave and his + family return to their lodging till they had supped with her, though + there were other guests; so we were jammed rather closely around the + table with little elbow-room. Then ensued clinking of glasses, clatter + of plates, dishes, knives, forks, the buzzing of many tongues, savory + smells of hot viands, and much helping and pressing of one another; much + talk of the price of silks, velvets, and serges; of the credit of such + and such a house; of the state of trade; of the court; and of the + country. I, wedged between Madeleine and her sister, had the opportunity + of giving her many tender looks, though few words passed between us. + Among the strangers at table was a strangely unpleasant Englishman, who + prefaced every speech with "I want to know—" and would not be satisfied + with a short answer. At length my father mildly said— +</p> +<p> + "Sir, you seek to know trade secrets. You know there are secrets in all + trades." +</p> +<p> + "That is precisely why I want to know them," said he, laughing. +</p> +<p> + "But a good reason why we should not tell them," said my father; who + then turned from him, and addressed some one else. Gabrielle whispered, + "I shall call that man Monsieur I-want-to-know." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, well, I know already what I chiefly want," pursued the Englishman, + who, had he not been drinking more freely than was good for him, would + probably have been less communicative. "I've been to Italy, and have + seen the Italian machinery for throwing silk, and shall carry back a + pretty good idea of the process." +</p> +<p> + "That man shall never carry anything back," whispered a + vindictive-looking Italian, whose eyes glittered like fire. +</p> +<p> + "Hush! he is only an empty boaster." +</p> +<p> + "We want no empty boasters. We will not let him steal our trade + secrets." +</p> +<p> + That night, going home to his lodging, the Englishman was set upon by + the Italian, and pricked with his stiletto, narrowly escaping with his + life. He gave him what he called "a good English black-eye," and bawled + loudly for justice. The Italian ran off, and was no more seen; and the + Englishman, whose ugly name was Hogg, talked big about applying to his + ambassador, Sir William Trumbull, but was induced to let the matter + drop. The ambassador shortly had worse things to complain of. +</p> +<p> + The next day was the Catholic Feast of St. Magdalen, which, though we + Huguenots felt no manner of respect for, we were obliged to conform to + outwardly, by not selling or working in open shops, till the services + of the day were over. We made up to ourselves for it by having a + prayer-service of our own in-doors, followed by a long exposition and + exhortation from a godly minister named Brignolles, who warned us of + times of trial that should soon be revealed, and adjured us to put on + the whole armor of God, that we might be able to withstand in the evil + day, and having done all, to stand. Then, after our mid-day meal, we + went forth to see the show. +</p> +<p> + This time I had the care of Gabrielle, and wished I had not, for she was + in her giddiest humor, and a young man, whose appearance I did not like, + continually hung about us, and looked attentively at her, which I + resented, but she was evidently pleased with. At length, some waxwork + attracting our notice, a change took place in the disposition of our + party. I shifted the charge of Gabrielle to her father, and got + Madeleine instead. My memories of the rest of the day are more about + Madeleine than anything else. +</p> +<p> + I remember, though, that we fell in with our neighbors the Lefevres at + a waxwork stall, and while Madeleine and I were admiring some fruit that + exactly imitated nature, little Jules Lefevre stretched out his hand to + touch a little waxen boy with a lamb, saying, "Pretty, pretty!" +</p> +<p> + "Dear child, you shall have it!" cried a honeyed voice behind; and a + lady nicely dressed put the image into his hand, and stooped down to + kiss him. When Marie Lefevre turned round, and saw what her little boy + held, she looked displeased, and made him lay it on the stall again, for + it was one of those papistical images which we hold in detestation. +</p> +<p> + At night, when all had dispersed but our own immediate party, there was + a pause, and I saw that the elders had something on their minds that + they were about to unfold. I felt a strange emotion that presaged what + was coming, for not a hint had been dropped. +</p> +<p> + "Son," said my father—and I looked towards him with awe—"you are now + on the confines of manhood, and it behooves us to consider your future. + At your time of life I was betrothed to your mother, and a share was + promised me of my father's business. What are your own views respecting + your course in life?" +</p> +<p> + All the elder people fixed their eyes on me with gravity, and Madeleine + afterwards told me her heart stopped beating; while Gabrielle struggled + with a disposition to laugh. +</p> +<p> + "My views are," returned I, boldly, "to follow my honored father, + step by step, and, his concurrence obtained, to get betrothed as fast + as I can." +</p> +<p> + "Well said, my boy," said my father, heartily, while every face wore + a broad smile but one, which was mantling with blushes. +</p> +<p> + "Provided," continued I, "that I may choose the young lady." +</p> +<p> + "Let us know where your choice will fall," said my father, trying to + keep the corners of his mouth in order, while M. Bourdinave scarcely + suppressed a chuckle. +</p> +<p> + I stepped across the room, and took Madeleine's hand. "Here is my + choice," said I, "if she will have me. We have known each other from + childhood." +</p> +<p> + Madeleine instantly snatched her hand away, and covered her face. + However, the next moment her father joined our hands, and gave us his + blessing; and then we were bewildered with congratulations and good + auguries; and Master Brignolles gave us a world of good advice, and + offered a prayer; and my father gave me a ring of betrothal to put on + her finger, and thus we became plighted to one another. +</p> +<p> + The rest of our stay at Beaucaire passed like a dream, and its + brightness yet remained while we pursued our homeward journey. Madeleine + sat close behind me this time, and on her knee was little Jules Lefevre, + whom we had taken in charge of because his father's wagon was over-full. + He had something clasped tight in his hand, which he unclosed for a + moment at Madeleine's request, and gave her a glimpse of a little "Agnus + Dei," which he said had been given him by "the pretty lady." How or when + she had done so, we never made out. Madeleine tried to get it from him; + but he resisted with all his might, saying it was "his own." +</p> +<p> + "It must be confessed," said Gabrielle, "that the Catholic churches have + much more in them to attract the eye than our plain temples." +</p> +<p> + "Who denies it?" said I. "Their appeals are to the outward senses, which + never influence the heart." +</p> +<p> + "I think my heart would be very much influenced by them," said + Gabrielle, "if I had not been brought up to think them wrong." +</p> +<p> + "I cannot bear to hear you talk in that way, sister," said Madeleine. + "Pray, do not seem indifferent to the blessings of a purer faith." +</p> +<p> + Gabrielle pouted, and said, "Indifferent? no; but perhaps if you and I + had been brought up Catholics, we might have been as positive we held + the purer faith as we are now that we are of the Reformed." +</p> +<p> + "A very good thing, then, that you were not so brought up," said I, + "for then I should not have been betrothed to Madeleine;" and to prevent + her pursuing so unpleasant a subject, I lifted up my voice and sang. + Little Jules presently dropped asleep in Madeleine's arms, and his + little fat fingers unclosing, the dangerous bauble dropped from them, + and, by a dexterous touch of my whip, I flicked it into the road. + By-and-by, awaking, he cried for it, and beat Madeleine with his tiny + fists; nor was pacified till his attention was diverted by an almost + interminable file of mules, with their five or six olive-faced muleteers + in brown jackets and red sashes. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0003"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER III. +</h2> +<h3> + LES ARÈNES. +</h3> +<p> + When we got back, we found my uncle Chambrun, my mother's only brother, + standing at the door. He was the minister of a small town near Avignon, + and did not care to go to the Fair; nevertheless he was very glad to + hear all about it from those who had been there. We were well pleased + to have so ready a listener; and when we had said our say, he fell into + grave talk with my father and mother of the signs of the times, which + he thought very threatening. +</p> +<p> + "What can we expect otherwise," said he, "with Louis the Fourteenth + for king and Louvois for his minister, and Père la Chaise for his + confessor, and Madame de Maintenon for his confidante and adviser? + A storm is gathering overhead, but never mind—there is a heaven higher + than all." These words checked us; but youthful spirits soon rise, and + the impression did not last long. I now seemed walking on air, for I + loved and was loved by Madeleine. +</p> +<p> + A few days after our return from Beaucaire, Marie Lefevre burst in on us + with troubled looks, and exclaimed, +</p> +<p> + "Have you seen my boy?" +</p> +<p> + "No!" exclaimed we all. +</p> +<p> + "Then something has befallen him," cried she, wringing her hands. "We + have lost sight of him." +</p> +<p> + We gathered about her, full of pity, and asked where he had last been + seen. +</p> +<p> + "Near Les Arènes." +</p> +<p> + "He may have fallen into some pit, or lost himself among the dungeons," + said my mother. "We will go and help you to find him." +</p> +<p> + So she and I accompanied Marie, who was crying bitterly, and made + frequent inquiries for him by the way. +</p> +<p> + When we got inside that vast, circular inclosure, we agreed that Marie + should explore one side and we the other, and thus meet at the other + end. This took us some time, for you must know that it consists of two + stories, each of sixty arcades, seventy feet high; and under its great + arches and pillars are many vaulted chambers and passages, wherein good + Christians have been confined; and again, wherein other good Christians + have found asylums in time of hot persecution. Within the amphitheatre + were originally thirty-two rows of seats, which would accommodate at + least twenty thousand spectators that had a mind to feast their eyes on + scenes of blood in the central arena. I looked with curiosity at this + place, which I had never so thoroughly visited before. Some of the dens + were still in use for the bulls that were baited on Sundays, and others + seemed lairs for rogues and vagabonds; but there was many a corner + which, as I said to my mother, would afford a good hiding-place in time + of danger, and one, especially, in which I thought a fugitive might defy + detection (though <i>I</i> had detected it). +</p> +<p> + Well, we hunted high and low, but could not find little Jules. His + mother was distracted: we feared she would lose her reason altogether. + Madeleine devoted herself to her like an angel; neighbors were full of + compassion—those of our own persuasion, I mean; for the Catholics + mocked her and said, "Go seek him in the Jews' quarter. The Jew baker's + daughter has, doubtless, made him into pies. Go seek him in their secret + assemblies—in their cellars—in their slaughter-houses—doubtless they + are fattening him for their Passover." Conceive the anguish of the + mother. +</p> +<p> + At length she found he was not dead. Her heart leaped for joy. But + when she found how the case stood with him, she was ready to wish + him dead and numbered among the little children that follow the Lamb + whithersoever he goeth. Jules had been kidnapped and tampered with by + the Catholics. The little apostate had been taught to curse his parents. +</p> +<p> + The case occasioned a great deal of talk in Nismes at the time; + unhappily, similar kidnappings made it soon forgotten, except by the + family. +</p> +<p> + One day, when I had been hunting for him, I came suddenly on the young + man who had stared so rudely at Gabrielle at Beaucaire. I was sorry to + see him in Nismes. I did not like the look of him, with his narrow head, + low forehead, and eyes too near his nose, though otherwise he was well + enough. Returning to our factory, I found him just coming out of it. + I said to my father, "Who is that?" He said, "A troublesome fellow, + I think, but he brought a message from your uncle Nicolas. He is called + Martin Prunevaux. He asked me all manner of impertinent questions, and, + if he fall in with you, may ask you as many; but remember Jaques Coeur's + motto, +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> "'En close bouche</p> +<p> N'entre mouche—'</p> +</div></div> +<p> + "And again, 'Dire, faire, taire.'" +</p> +<p> + "Ay, ay, father, you may depend on me," said I, heartily. +</p> +<p> + Sometimes, before I went to bed, I stepped out to get a glimpse of the + light in Madeleine's window. I should observe, it was also Gabrielle's, + for the sisters shared the same room. The moon cast strong lights and + shadows, and I kept in the shade till close to the house, when what was + my disgust to hear the wretched tinkle of a guitar under the window! + Serenades might be all very well for Italy, but we did not favor them + in Nismes; and stepping briskly up to the musician, I said abruptly, + "We want none of this miserable noise!" +</p> +<p> + He started as if shot, saying, "Pardon, monsieur," evidently taking + me for one of the family; a mistake which I favored by knocking at the + door. As I was in deep shadow he did not recognize me, but the moonlight + fell full on his face, and I saw it was Martin Prunevaux. I felt + exceedingly inclined to fall on him and beat him for daring to tune his + wretched pipes under Madeleine's window; but a second thought assured me + that Gabrielle must be his object; the more so that I was sure I saw her + shadow (which was shorter than her sister's) fall on the curtain, and + I could even fancy her making merry behind it. Still, I liked not such a + fellow to come prowling about either of the sisters. I stood my ground, + that I might not be guilty of a runaway knock, and when Alice came to + the door I made a bungling speech and said, "Oh, I suppose the family + are all gone to bed. I am late tonight." She said, "They are so, sir," + and looked surprised. I said, "There was a street musician of some sort + before the house when I came up. I think I have chased him away." She + said, "All the better, sir; we are much obliged to you; we never + encourage such people." +</p> +<p> + When I rallied Madeleine, next day, on having been serenaded, tears + sprang into her eyes, and she assured me it was not her fault, adding + that she feared Gabrielle, in her thoughtlessness, must have given some + encouragement to a presumptuous young man. "However, when my father + returns, he will take measures," she added, "to prevent our being + further troubled with him." Monsieur Bourdinave was at this time + traveling on business. +</p> +<p> + The sisters spent that evening at our house as was not unusual. On these + occasions we often sang hymns; and I had just set the tune of "Chantez + de Dieu le renom"— +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> "Chantez de Dieu le renom,</p> +<p> Vous serviteurs du Seigneur!</p> +<p> Venez pour lui faire honneur,</p> +<p> Vous qui avez eu ce don"—</p> +</div></div> +<p> + and was lifting up my voice on high, followed by the sweet treble of the + girls, when a shower of stones rattled against the casement, and a flint + passed close to Madeleine and hit my father on the cheekbone. Hot with + anger, I rushed into the street, and found a group of unmannerly fellows + outside, who, instead of taking to their heels, gathered round me with + defiant looks. +</p> +<p> + "What is the meaning of this?" cried I in anger. +</p> +<p> + "What is the meaning of your disturbing the neighborhood with your + uproar?" cried one of them, saucily. +</p> +<p> + "Uproar! We were singing to the praise and glory of God. Do you know + that you have hurt my father?" +</p> +<p> + "We neither know nor care; and if you don't keep a quiet tongue in your + head, will slit it as soon as not." +</p> +<p> + "Come in, son, come in," said my father, whose cheek was covered with + blood. "As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men"—drawing + me indoors as he spoke. +</p> +<p> + "Excellent advice! Take care that he follows it," cried they, + tauntingly, as my father shut-to the door. I was burning with rage; + Madeleine was in tears; the children, with scared looks, were gathered + round my mother. My father, with gentle force, drew me into the little + circle, and made me sit down beside him. +</p> +<p> + "My children," said he, "we have been warned that evil times are coming, + and this may be the beginning. If it prove otherwise, we shall have the + more reason to praise the Lord; but if it please Him to try and to prove + us, let us not be found unprepared. Our strength lies in prayer, in not + giving offence, and in not being easily offended." +</p> +<p> + "We gave no offence, father," said I. +</p> +<p> + "But you were too easily offended. If any one had cause of complaint, it + was I; but I do not take it up." +</p> +<p> + My mother was meanwhile bathing his cut cheek and applying a plaster. +</p> +<p> + "Sure, it would make any son's blood boil, to see his father hit!" cried + I; and I saw that Madeleine sympathized with me. +</p> +<p> + "Why, then, let his blood cool again," said my father, jocularly. "Tush, + many a school-boy gets a worse hurt than this, and makes no moan. There! + your mother has made all right, and I feel no smart. Let us say no more + about it." +</p> +<p> + I thought he strikingly acted on our Lord's axiom of "If thine enemy + smite thee on the one cheek, offer him the other," but could not just + then enter into it. I longed to give those rascals a good beating. +</p> +<p> + "Now, then, I'll set the tune again," said I, affecting composure. +</p> +<p> + But, "No, no," said the girls simultaneously; and "No, no," said my dear + mother. "Don't you see," she continued, "I have all this broken glass to + pick up? If you will do me a real kindness, you will step round to the + glazier, the first thing in the morning, and get him to mend the window + before breakfast." +</p> +<p> + "I'll go at once," said I; but "No, no," was again the word. My father + laid his hand firmly on my right arm, and Madeleine hers on my left. + Though her touch was as light as a snow-flake, I would not have shaken + it off for the world. +</p> +<p> + "The streets are unquiet to-night," said my father, "and I mean no one + to go forth till the girls return home, when we will see them safely to + their door; going out the back way." +</p> +<p> + So we spent the next hour in a sober, subdued manner. Madeleine shyly + let me steal her hand and hold it some minutes, as though she knew it + would calm me. And so it did; there was much sweetness in that hour, + after all. +</p> +<p> + At length it was time to see them home; my mother kissed and blessed + them as if they were going further than into the next street. We went + out the back way, my father taking Gabrielle and I Madeleine, and we met + with no evil by the way. Being rather high-wrought, I would willingly + have faced a little danger for Madeleine's sake. +</p> +<p> + I kissed her soft cheek unrebuked, and followed my father through the + dark with a happy heart Mechanically, rather than from either devotion + or defiance, I began to hum "Chantez de Dieu," when my father's warning + hand plucked my sleeve, and, at the same instant, a rough voice beside + me said, "Hold your peace! Have you not heard of the <i>arrêt?</i>" and + passed on. +</p> +<p> + We had heard nothing of any <i>arrêt</i>; but next morning, when I went + to the glazier's, he told me that an order had been issued forbidding + the Reformed to sing psalms in the streets and public walks, or even + within their own houses loud enough to be heard outside. And he told + me he was so full of work that he hardly knew which way to turn, in + consequence of the many windows broken over night by evil-disposed men + suborned to interrupt psalmody. I asked him, half jesting, if he thought + any of the suborned men were glaziers; but it hurt him, for he was as + good a Huguenot as any in Nismes. +</p> +<p> + Going home with him, I saw a horrid sight—a dead body that had been + some time buried, torn from the grave, stripped of its shroud, and lying + in the gutter. I shuddered, and asked the glazier if we had not better + tell the authorities; but he hurried on, saying, "Better let it be. The + authorities doubtless know all about it." So there had we to leave the + ghastly object, though its remaining there was equally prejudicial to + decency and to health. +</p> +<p> + Men's tongues were very busy that day; every one foreboding calamity and + nobody knowing how to meet it. +</p> +<p> + My mother sent me, after breakfast, to visit my uncle Chambrun, who had + fallen sick; and as the distance was about seven leagues, I went to him + on a small but active horse. On my arrival, I found him in bed, with a + royal commissioner seated beside him, who was talking to him with great + show of courtesy, while my uncle looked much wearied. The bishop of + Valence was on the other side of his bed. Finding myself in such high + company, I fell back, and awaited a better opportunity of presenting + myself. +</p> +<p> + The commissioner was inquiring very sedulously after my uncle's health, + and assuring him he respected him greatly, and wished to show him favor. +</p> +<p> + "We have been constrained," said he, "to subject several of your + colleagues to temporary confinement, but I have great hope that nothing + of the kind will be necessary in your case, if you are a man of wisdom + who know how to comply with exigencies as they arise, and thereby set an + example to those around you. To this end the bishop has come to put a + few easy interrogations. It is a mere form, and I am sure you will make + no difficulty." +</p> +<p> + My uncle thanked him for his kind expressions, but said he had a Master + in heaven to whom he owed his first duty. +</p> +<p> + "So have we all," interposed the bishop. And that he should make answer + with that end in view and nothing else. +</p> +<p> + The bishop then took up the word, and very little can I remember of what + he said, so hampered was I by his presence; but it was plain that he + sought to entangle my uncle in his talk. That was no easy thing to do, + my uncle was so temperate and logical, and so much more conversant with + the Holy Scriptures than the bishop was. +</p> +<p> + The commissioner, perceiving that the bishop was getting the worst of + it, broke in with— +</p> +<p> + "All this is beside the mark. The king is determined that you, Monsieur + Chambrun, should be a good Catholic; so it is no good begging off. You + had much better accept the good offer made you, which I trust you will + do on thinking it over." +</p> +<p> + "The only offer I desire," replied my uncle, "is of a passport, to + enable me, as soon as I am well enough, to follow my brother ministers + to Holland. My reason tells me—" +</p> +<p> + "A truce with your reason," interrupted the bishop, rising to go away. + "You have too much rhetoric by half. I advise you to reflect and to + obey." +</p> +<p> + "Monseigneur, I am sure you think you are giving me the best advice," + said my uncle, feebly. "Nephew, see the noble and reverend gentlemen + out." +</p> +<a name="2HCH0004"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER IV. +</h2> +<h3> + MY UNCLE CHAMBRUN. +</h3> +<p> + Having done so, I returned to my uncle, and said to him,—"Uncle, the + bishop has gone away in great wrath, vowing that you shall repent of + your conduct." +</p> +<p> + "And when I would have made way for him," said my aunt, indignantly, + "he called me a bad name, and looked as if I were the very scum of + the earth." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, he does not recognize marriages among the clergy," said my uncle, + calmly. "Never mind him, my good Dorothée; he'd be glad enough to have a + wife of his own, and seeing me so much better off than he is, makes him + captious and querulous. Come and shake up my pillow, for my poor head + aches sadly. I will try to get a little sleep." +</p> +<p> + At that instant, a loud trampling of horses' feet was heard, together + with the jingling of spurs and the clanking of armor. +</p> +<p> + "What's that?" cried Aunt Dorothée, running from the bed to the window, + and pulling back the little curtain, "Ah, le beau spectacle! Look out, + Jacques!" +</p> +<p> + It was indeed a fine spectacle, as far as mere outward splendor went, + to see a troup of cavalry in blue and burnished steel, on powerful black + horses, ride proudly by, making the very earth shake under them; and + many children, attracted by the sight, ran towards them, shouting and + throwing up their caps; but when I looked at the ferocious faces of + these men, seamed with many an ugly scar—their lowering brows, their + terrible eyes, their sour aspect—I felt they might be as dreadful to + face in peace as in war. I watched them out of sight, and then placed + myself beside my uncle, who, with closed eyes and folded hands, was + endeavoring to sleep. My aunt went below to baste the poulet for his + dinner. The house was very still; nothing was to be heard but the + ticking of the clock. +</p> +<p> + All at once I heard heavy feet tramping towards the house, and a + confused medley of rough voices. The next instant, the house door was + battered as if to break it in, which, being of solid oak, was no easy + matter. The door being opened, I heard a faint cry of terror from my + aunt, and a brawling and trampling impossible to describe. I looked down + from the stair-head and counted forty-two dragoons, trampling in one + after another, till, the house being of moderate size, there was hardly + room for them to stand. Yet they continued to pour in, jostling, + pushing, and elbowing one another, each trying to shout louder than his + comrades, "Holà! holà! House! house!—Give us to eat! Give us to drink!" + with frightful oaths and curses. +</p> +<p> + "Good sirs, a moment's patience, and you shall be waited on," cried my + terrified aunt. +</p> +<p> + "To Jericho with your patience! We wait for nobody. I decide for this + poulet," said one, taking it up hot in his hands, and bawling because + they were burnt; "dress two dozen more—cook all you have in the + poultry-yard, or we will cook you." +</p> +<p> + "I claim my share of that poulet," says one. +</p> +<p> + "Why not have one apiece?" said another. "Who would make two bites of a + cherry? He has gnawn off all the best mouthfuls already. Come, be quick, + mistress housewife! Where are the cellar keys?" +</p> +<p> + "I've mislaid them, good sirs," said the poor terrified woman. +</p> +<p> + "We'll kick the door open, then. Here's a ham! here are two hams! Ha! + ha! ham is good—we will heat the copper and boil them." +</p> +<p> + "No, slice them and fry them," says another; "they take too long to + boil. Bread!—where's the bread? Where's the oven? If it were big + enough, goody, we'd put you into it." +</p> +<p> + "Ha! ha! what have I found here!—a bag of money." +</p> +<p> + "Divide! divide!" shouted two dozen voices. +</p> +<p> + "It's mine, I found it!" cried the first. Then they fell to blows, + and some of them fell sprawling to the ground, and were kicked, the bag + was snatched from the finder, and the money scattered on the floor; + then they scrambled for it, as many as could get near it, laughing and + cursing; while others ransacked drawers, cupboards, and shelves, and + others broke open the cellar door, and began to drink. +</p> +<p> + Terrified beyond expression, I went back to my uncle, and saw, to my + surprise and relief, that he had fallen into a heavy sleep, which was + a restorative he particularly needed. On looking from the window, + I say my aunt, almost incapacitated by her fears, attempting to catch + the poultry, in which the dragoons alternately helped and hindered her, + roaring with laughter when a hen flew shrieking over their heads, and + then abusing my aunt. They were quickly caught and plucked, and set, + some to roast, some to broil, according to their capricious mandates; + and then, when everything was in as fair train for their disorderly + feast as it well could be (two or three additional fires having been + kindled), one of them said, "Let us divert the time with a little good + music;" and began to beat a drum. +</p> +<p> + "Louder! louder!" cried his comrades. "Let's have a chorus of drums!" + How they came to have so many, I know not, except that they were brought + for the special purpose of tormenting; but they produced six or eight, + slung them round their necks, and began to beat them, crying,— +</p> +<p> + "Now for the tour of the house!" +</p> +<p> + "Sure my uncle must be dead!" thought I, leaning over him anxiously. But + no, his breath came and went, though inaudibly, and had he been allowed + to finish his sleep in peace it might have been for his healing. +</p> +<p> + Instead of this, I heard the dragoons come stamping upstairs, producing + a muffled roll on their drums that sounded like muttering thunder. They + went into one room after another, and speedily reached that of my uncle, + on catching sight of whom they triumphantly exclaimed, "Hah! ha! v'lâ + notre ami! Here is he whom we seek, and for whom we prepare the + reveille." And ranging themselves round his bed in a moment of time, in + spite of a warning gesture from me, it being impossible for my voice to + be heard, they simultaneously beat their drums with a clangor that might + have waked the dead. No wonder, therefore, that my poor uncle started + from his sleep bewildered, terrified, and looking as if he believed + himself in some horrid dream. In vain he moved his lips, in vain he + raised his clasped hands to one and another, as if in supplication; the + more distress he showed the more noise they made, till it seemed to me + as if my eardrums would split. In the midst of it all up came my aunt, + whose fortitude and presence of mind at that moment I can never + sufficiently admire; and with forced smiles and courteous gestures made + them to understand, in dumb show, that the first course of their meal + was served. Instantly the drums ceased; one of them seized her by the + shoulders, and hurried her down stairs before him, the others clattering + after him. I turned, and saw my uncle raise his eyes and hands to + heaven, and fall back on his pillow. +</p> +<p> + There was now a lull, while the viands were being consumed; but soon a + new uproar arose—the supply was inadequate for the demand: every morsel + of food in the house was consumed at one sitting, and yet there was not + nearly enough. The dragoons were furious: they gathered about my aunt, + pulling her hair, threatening her with their fists, threatening to boil + her in her own copper, and set fire to the house, with her sick husband + in it, if she did not procure an ample supply. With matchless patience + she looked one after another in the face, said, "Attendez, attendez, + messieurs, s'il vous plait;" and then, calling me down, bid me go forth + and beg of my neighbors as much food as I could. +</p> +<p> + When wondering much at my aunt's fortitude and self-possession, she + afterwards told me that she lifted her heart to God in earnest prayer, + and there came to her the comforting remembrance of these words. + "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for + theirs is the kingdom of heaven." +</p> +<p> + Alas! what a scene presented itself out of doors. The people were + running up and down in despair; a woman rushed wildly out of her house, + and seized me by the arm, crying, "They are batooning my husband!" + Another shrieked from a window, 'Help, help, they are killing my + father!' Children ran about the streets, crying, "Oh, my father!—oh, + my mother!" It seemed a heartless task to be going from one to another + begging something to eat under such piteous circumstances; and yet how + knew I that as bad or worse a tragedy might be acted at my uncle's if + I failed to supply what was wanted? +</p> +<p> + At length I returned, staggering under the weight of a huge cheese and a + bag of chestnuts. And though I was reviled for not bringing them better + cheer, yet I pacified them by smiling like my aunt, and echoing her + "Attendez, messieurs, s'il vous plait;" and started forth again on my + foraging expedition, though very doubtful of having anything to bring + back. +</p> +<p> + How long were these horrible men going to stay? How could we go on + supplying their wants at this rate? If their orders were to eat my uncle + out of house and home, and drive him and my aunt to distraction, would + it not be just as well to let them do so at once, and have done with it? +</p> +<p> + One and another to whom I applied were so full of their own griefs that + I had to listen to what they had to say before they would or could hear + a word from me in return. One had been hung up by his feet over a + chimney; another had a knife held to his throat; one had seen her little + infant nearly strangled; another had been dragged along the ground by + her hair. I could not help pitying them sincerely, but not so much as + I should have done, but for the sad plight of my uncle. When I, with a + kind of wrench, forced the talk into the subject of what was going on at + his house, they, through their great love for him, forgot for a moment + their own trials in thinking of his; and those who had anything to + contribute brought it out, and those who had nothing to spare made up + for it in pity. All this consumed so much time that when I got back it + was nearly dark, and the house was all in a blaze with lights, for the + dragoons had lighted candles all over the house; and some of them were + stupid with drink, and lying in heaps; others were rendered quarrelsome + by it, and fighting and abusing one another; but as for the drummers, + they never ceased. They were at it when I set forth, they were at it + while I was away, they were at it when I came back again, and stared at + the good things I spread out before them without once staying their + drumsticks. I was so sick of it by this time, and so unable to disguise + my disgust and anger, that I persuaded myself I might as well return + home, for that I could do no good where I was, and things could get no + worse without me. So I went up to my aunt, who was then sitting like + a stone image, without seeming able to hear or see anything, and made + signs of leave-taking. She grasped my hand in both hers, and looked up + so piteously at me, her lips moving as if with the words "do not go," + that I felt I must stay by her, come what would. For was she not my + mother's sister-in-law? and was not my uncle my mother's brother? I made + a sign I would remain, on which she kissed my hands; and then I patted + her on the shoulder, and could not help letting fall a tear. Then she + got up, and bestirred herself for the men, hoping, no doubt, they would + intermit their drumming if she could but conciliate them. But as soon + as one relay ceased drumming another took it up; and thus, shameful to + relate, they continued the whole night without intermission, crowding + round my uncle's bed, making his room intolerably hot and close, and + pushing in and out of the room and up and down the stairs. +</p> +<p> + My uncle now lay in a kind of torpor; the expression of his face painful + to witness; his wan hands lying outside the counterpane, and now and + then slightly moving, which showed me he still lived. Towards daybreak + I was so worn out that I dropped asleep as I sat beside him with my + face on the edge of his pillow—such deep sleep that I neither heard + nor dreamed of the drumming. When I woke, with a strangely confused, + unrefreshed feeling, the daylight was faintly making its way into the + room, which had no one in it but my uncle, my aunt, and me. She seemed + to have crawled with difficulty to the foot of his bed, and there sunk + and fallen asleep I went out on the landing—candles were burning in + their sockets with a vile smell—the house was full of vile smells + and of confusion and disorder—the house-door stood ajar—one or two + dragoons lay sleeping heavily on the ground. I went up again to tell + my aunt, and found her straightening my uncle like a corpse. At the + same moment a dragoon came up behind me. He was going to recommence the + disturbance, when I pointed to the bed, and said, sternly, "See what you + have done. You may now go away satisfied with having made this lately + peaceful family completely wretched. God grant you forgiveness ere you + are laid out like those cold remains." +</p> +<p> + The dragoon looked confounded. He muttered something, turned on his + heel, said something to his companions below, and we presently saw them + run out of the house. I went and shut the door. On returning I saw my + uncle was not dead. Their thinking him so was a mercy, since it gave + him a little respite. He was too weak to be moved, but he begged me to + return home and tell what had happened to my parents: adding, as I left + him, "Do not make the affair worse than it is." I thought it would be + difficult to do that. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0005"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER V. +</h2> +<h3> + THE PASSPORT. +</h3> +<p> + When I reached home it was some hours after sunrise. The dragoons, just + recalled from the Spanish frontier, where they were no longer wanted, + were spreading themselves over the country with the express commission + to harass the Huguenot inhabitants as much as possible, short of death, + but had not yet reached Nismes. +</p> +<p> + I entered my father's house. Contrary to custom, he was not at the + factory, but awaiting my return. He rose when I appeared, and stood + silently looking at me, while my mother put her hands on my shoulders, + and looked piteously in my face. +</p> +<p> + "Son, thou hast been out all night." +</p> +<p> + "At my uncle's, mother. He was ill in bed; the dragoons were there; and + my aunt begged me to stay as a safeguard." +</p> +<p> + "You did quite right to comply, my boy," said my father, heartily. + "I trust the dragoons did not misuse thy good uncle." +</p> +<p> + "I know not what you call misusing," replied I, "if beating their + drums round his bed all night did not deserve that term. They almost + killed him with their clamor—ate everything in the house—called for + more—reviled my aunt—scrambled for her money—broke open the cellar, + and drank every drop it contained." +</p> +<p> + I spoke this so fast as to be almost unintelligible; they listened in + silent dismay. My father, then bidding me be seated, desired me to go + over the whole matter from the beginning, with composure and method. + Having drunk a cup of water, I did so; and we then held a family + council, in which it was decided that my uncle, in his precarious + health, would probably sink under a similar attack of the dragoons, + and that it would be expedient for me to return to him at dusk with a + covered cart, well supplied with hay, and to place him thereon and bring + him back with me, to be kept at our house, in secresy and safety, till + he should be able to escape from the kingdom—"though this would have + been an easier matter to effect," observed my father, "before he had + made himself personally obnoxious to the bishop." +</p> +<p> + My father then went to his daily business at the silk-factory, while I + remained behind awhile with my mother, to assist her in clearing out a + loft for my uncle's reception, the entrance to which could be concealed. +</p> +<p> + I then paid a hasty visit to Madeleine, whom I found bathed in tears, + as she had learnt from my mother that I had been away all night; and + though this at another time would have occasioned no alarm, yet at + a season of so much uneasiness she had foreboded some sad calamity. + My sudden appearance caused a fresh flow of tears, but they were of + thankfulness for my safety. A few tender words reassured her. I then + gave her a short account of what had passed, taking care, as my uncle + desired me, not to make things worse than they were. But still it was + evident that he was marked for the victim of a persecution he was not + in a condition to support; and as Madeleine had a sincere regard for + him, which his character justly merited, she commended me for standing + by him, and rejoiced that I was going to fetch him to our house. +</p> +<p> + "We have not been quite undisturbed, even during your short absence," + said she. "Our evening service was yesterday interrupted, just as the + congregation were in the middle of a psalm, by several officials rudely + entering the temple, and commanding us to desist, because the Host was + being carried by." +</p> +<p> + "In the temper in which those in authority seem to be at present," said + I, "it is to be feared that things will grow worse before they mend." +</p> +<p> + "Meanwhile, remember your father's admonition, I entreat you," said + Madeleine; "and, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." +</p> +<p> + "Rely on it, sweet Madeleine," said I. "I am a man of peace, not of war." +</p> +<p> + Cheered by my little interview with her, I proceeded to my usual work, + and, after supping with my family, stole quietly forth on my mission. +</p> +<p> + I reached the neighboring town without misadventure, and, leaving the + cart out of sight, raised my uncle's latch and went in. He and my aunt + had the house to themselves (for their only servant had gone to her + friends); and she was sitting on the bed, supporting his head on her + shoulder. +</p> +<p> + "Here's Jacques," said she, looking up. +</p> +<p> + "Jacques, my good lad," said my uncle, holding out his feeble hand, + "I thank you for this visit, and yet more for staying with us last + night." +</p> +<p> + "You have not noticed any of the dragoons lurking about outside, + I hope?" said my aunt, anxiously. +</p> +<p> + "No," said I, "all seems quiet at present; but there is no knowing + when they will return, and my parents have sent me to fetch you away. + My mother declares she shall know no peace till she has you under her + roof." +</p> +<p> + "My good boy, I can no more go to her than I can fly," said my uncle. +</p> +<p> + "Oh yes, uncle, you can. I have brought you a nice covered cart, filled + with hay, on which you will lie quite easily, and I will carry you down + to it on my back." +</p> +<p> + My uncle and aunt were most thankful for this, and, after very little + preparation, closed the shutters of the little dwelling, and turned the + key on it. My uncle was made tolerably comfortable, with my aunt seated + beside him; and in this way we stealthily quitted the neighborhood. + I could hear uproarious voices in the distance, and occasionally a faint + scream or wail, but gradually left these painful sounds behind. To say + truth, I was by no means sure of our performing this journey in safety, + and had many alarms by the way; and as for my uncle, my aunt afterwards + told me he was in prayer the whole of the way, to which might probably + be ascribed our safety; for ours is a God that heareth prayer, not + when it is a mere babble of words, in a language we do not understand, + repeated over and over again, and made a merit of; but His ears are + attent unto the cry of the contrite heart, and the prayer of them that + are sorrowful. +</p> +<p> + It was far into the night, or rather near morning, when we reached our + journey's end. My father cautiously admitted us; my mother received the + fugitives with the tenderest affection. A hot supper awaited them, after + partaking which they were thankful to retire to the loft; and not even + the children were to know they were there, and the youngest of our two + servants had been sent to her home; for my father told me that the + dragoons were expected to pay us a visit shortly, when the premises + would doubtless be ransacked; "and since your uncle has borne the + journey better than might have been expected," said he, "the sooner + we can get him out of the country the better." +</p> +<p> + He then told me what plans he had been devising for this purpose, and + that if my uncle were equal to it on the morrow, I should set him and my + aunt on their way to a certain point, which, if they reached in safety, + they would then be cared for. +</p> +<p> + "The greatest difficulty," said he, "is about a passport; but that may + possibly be procured on the frontier, for the great object of government + seems to be to chase all our godly ministers out of the kingdom, that + their flocks, deprived of their strengthening exhortations, may fall an + easier prey." +</p> +<p> + While he thus spoke, a noise at the door, as if some one were hammering + on it with his fist, made us start. +</p> +<p> + "Who's there?" said my father, without withdrawing the bolt. +</p> +<p> + "Your neighbor Romilly," returned the other; and we, knowing his voice, + let him in. +</p> +<p> + "Neighbor, I have traveled far and fast," said he, "and would not go + home without looking in to tell you the bad news. They are carrying + things hardly at Arles and Uséz, and you had better warn M. Chambrun + he is in danger." +</p> +<p> + My father changed countenance. +</p> +<p> + "He and his wife are with us at this moment," said he. +</p> +<p> + "They must depart, then," said Romilly, "and without loss of time, or + she will not be allowed to go with him. See, here is a passport," said + he, dubiously smiling, "which will do for him as well as the person for + whom it was intended. He shall have it." +</p> +<p> + We thanked him warmly, and after a little more eager talk, he hurried + homeward. Day was now breaking, and I threw myself on my bed for a short + sleep. When I awoke, my dear mother was beside me. +</p> +<p> + "Your uncle is awake, and talking to your father," said she, softly. "He + refuses the passport, because it was not made out for himself, saying he + will not do an evil that good may come." +</p> +<p> + "This is sheer madness," said I, springing up. +</p> +<p> + "It is consistency," said my mother. "We are now on the brink of a great + struggle between the powers of light and darkness. Those who feel they + have no strength of their own to meet it with, and do not care to seek + it from above, will probably give in at the very first word—certainly + do so sooner or later; but those whose adhesion to God's cause is of any + worth, will brace themselves for the encounter, knowing that He can and + will arm them for the fight." +</p> +<p> + "You approve my uncle's making a point of conscience, then, of this?" +</p> +<p> + "I must say I do, though your father is angry with him for it. Perhaps, + during the day, we may yet get him a proper passport; for if the + authorities are so anxious to get rid of our godly ministers, surely + they will not hinder their departure. However that may be, you are to + convey your uncle and aunt towards the coast tonight." +</p> +<p> + "She goes with him, then?" +</p> +<p> + "She will not leave him. They have lost all their money, but we have + made a little purse for them. Oh, my child, what times are these! You + have scarcely had any rest these two nights; but do not forget to say + your morning prayers." +</p> +<p> + And kissing my forhead, she left me, that I might obey her injunction. +</p> +<p> + It may be said that trade was at a standstill that day. The weaver at + his loom, the jeweler behind his counter, the baker at his + kneading-trough, all thought and talked but of one subject, the expected + visitation of the dragoons. +</p> +<p> + My father, with vexation, gave me back the passport, saying, "Your uncle + will not use it, so you must return it to Romilly." +</p> +<p> + Romilly raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders when I did so, + saying, "What will he do, then?" +</p> +<p> + "I know not. Take his chance, I suppose." +</p> +<p> + "Here, take you it," said he, thrusting it into my pocket "He may be + glad of it at the end." +</p> +<p> + It was a sad day. Mothers were weeping over their new-born infants; men + were talking to one another in anger and sorrow. The Catholics were + already carrying their heads high, and smiling scornfully as we passed + them. I thought, "Oh that we were in a desert, all to ourselves, with + none to impugn our faith!" But then I called to mind that without + needing to be in a desert, people might dwell in happy countries where + each man's faith is respected and tolerated. I hoped my uncle would + safely reach one of these happy countries; but yet one's native land is + very dear after all! +</p> +<p> + Twilight came; the parting took place amid tears and embraces and + benedictions; and soon I was driving my good uncle and aunt towards the + coast. We had gone some miles, when a man, scarcely distinguishable in + the dark, emerged from a corner and said, "Who goes there?" +</p> +<p> + I was greatly alarmed, but my uncle, recognizing the voice, said, "Oh, + Joseph, is it thou? Whither art thou bound?" +</p> +<p> + "Fleeing for my life," said Joseph, "as I take it you are doing. It is + well you have escaped, though I cannot make out how you come to be so + far on the road. I have just left your neighborhood; the dragoons are + turning your house out of window." +</p> +<p> + "Give him a lift, Jacques," said my uncle to me; "the poor man is + weary." Finding him to be one of my uncle's flock, I readily did so; + the more that his tone and words betokened honesty. +</p> +<p> + "Sir, you are doubtless going to join your brother-ministers," said + Joseph. "Have you a passport?" +</p> +<p> + "I have not, but I hope to get one on the frontier, or find some other + path open to me," said my uncle. +</p> +<p> + "Let us trust the 'other path' may open, then," said Joseph, "for most + vexatious obstacles are being thrown in the way of our ministers on the + frontier; they are either refused passports altogether, or such as they + are provided with are declared worthless." +</p> +<p> + "Romilly's passport, then, will be no good," thought I, and I was musing + on the moral advantage to my uncle of his having refused to use it from + the first, when Joseph in alarm cried— +</p> +<p> + "Hist—I hear some one galloping hard after us. Let us whip on as fast + as we can." +</p> +<p> + But we had just reached the foot of a heavy ascent, and the pursuer + gained upon us, and presently came up panting. +</p> +<p> + "Is Minister Chambrun here?" cried he, breathlessly. +</p> +<p> + "Who are you that ask?" returned I. At the same instant my uncle cried— +</p> +<p> + "Yes, here I am. What is it?" +</p> +<p> + "What a dance you have led me!" cried the messenger. "I come from the + commissioner, who sends you a passport, and desires you to go to + Bordeaux as fast as you can." +</p> +<p> + What a smile broke over my uncle's face! +</p> +<p> + "Said I not," cried he, joyfully, "that a path would doubtless open for + me? Henceforth, my children, never distrust the Lord." +</p> +<p> + His course was now altered. Instead of making for the nearest coast, + now within a few miles, on the borders of the Mediterranean, he decided + to proceed with all convenient speed to Montauban, where my aunt had + friends, thence down the Garonne, and so to Bordeaux. I could but set + him on his way and trust his future course to the same good Providence + that had hitherto protected him. My aunt was decided to follow his + fortunes, happen what would. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0006"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER VI. +</h2> +<h3> + TRIAL BY FIRE. +</h3> +<p> + Day was far spent before I got back, my horse having gone lame. There + seemed unusual disturbance in the town; I distinguished a distant hum of + many voices, and all at once a shrill cry that made me shudder, followed + by the passionate wailing of children, and the incessant barking of + dogs. I took the back way to our house, where lay our stable, and + entering the little yard, saw to my dismay six or eight cavalry horses + standing in it. I sprang from my cart and hurried into the house, on the + threshold of which my little brother Charles met me all in tears, and + cried, "Oh, they're burning mamma!" +</p> +<p> + I burst into the kitchen; there was a roaring fire on the hearth, which + a dragoon was feeding with handfuls of paper torn from our great family + Bible; but there were also great billets of wood burning, which threw + out intense heat, and close in front of it was placed my mother, penned + in with heavy pieces of furniture, while two dragoons in front of her + were thrusting their clenched fists in her face, saying, "Now then, you + obstinate woman! will you roast like a pig, or say where he is gone?" +</p> +<p> + My mother looked immovable as stone, but directly I entered, I saw her + change countenance a little. My father lay on the ground, bound hand and + foot, while a dragoon was preparing to beat him with a heavy bridle. +</p> +<p> + "Ah, ah, here is the young cub," cried they as I entered; "here is the + young fellow that was attending on his uncle!" Then, with more bad + language than I choose to repeat, they bade me tell where I had carried + him, unless I would see my mother roasted alive. +</p> +<p> + "Out of your reach," said I, boldly; "so now let my mother go free," and + springing towards her, I released her before they could throw themselves + upon me. The next minute, we were rolling on the ground, but, as my + mother for the moment was safe, I did not mind the blows I was getting, + but returned them with a fire-iron that lay within reach. I dealt blows + with such a will that for a time I had the advantage, never ceasing to + shout, "Never fear, mother! All's safe! he's on the wide sea. Fly with + the children and leave me to deal with these gentry." +</p> +<p> + This so enraged them that they redoubled their violence; no wonder, + then, that I was got down at last, bound hand and foot, and my feet made + bare to receive the bastinado. Before they laid it on, they put the + question to me: +</p> +<p> + "Wilt thou now, then, recant thine accursed doctrines?" +</p> +<p> + "What doctrines?" said I, to gain time. +</p> +<p> + "Those that are falsely called reformed." +</p> +<p> + "Oh yes, all that are falsely called reformed." +</p> +<p> + They stood at pause on this, and looked at one another. +</p> +<p> + "He gives in," muttered one. +</p> +<p> + "Not a bit," replied another. "He is only lying." +</p> +<p> + "Well but, mark you, that's no matter of ours," said the first. +</p> +<p> + "I tell you it is!" roared the second, pushing him aside. "Let me take + him in hand. You don't know how to question him." Then accosting me, in + a defiant sort of way (he was far from sober), he said, +</p> +<p> + "Hark ye, young man. Now answer for your life. Give us no double + meanings. What is your religion?" +</p> +<p> + "That which was brought us and taught us by our Lord Jesus Christ." +</p> +<p> + "Do you believe in St. Peter?" +</p> +<p> + "Of course." +</p> +<p> + "And in the Virgin Mother of God?" +</p> +<p> + "The angel Gabriel called her blessed among women." +</p> +<p> + "But do you worship her?" +</p> +<p> + "I reverence her, and worship her Divine Son." +</p> +<p> + "Do you worship her, I say?" threatening me with the stirrup-leather. +</p> +<p> + "Son, son," put in my father. +</p> +<p> + "Silence, old man!" and they hit him on the mouth. +</p> +<p> + "Do you worship her?" +</p> +<p> + "I do not." +</p> +<p> + Then they beat the soles of my feet, till my father in anguish cried, + "Oh, I cannot bear this—" but had to bear it. And so had I. But on + their burning my soles with a red-hot iron, a merciful Providence took + me out of their hands, by bringing me insensibility. How long they + pursued their barbarities after I fainted, I know not; but when I came + to myself, it was in cold and darkness, lying in the open street, where + I suppose they had cast me, thinking me dead. How long a time must have + passed! for the stars were shining above me. Where were my parents, my + brothers and sisters? I tried to raise myself a little and look around, + but was beaten and bruised so that I was in agonies of pain, and sank + back on the ground. The cold made my wounded feet smart indescribably; + but while, with closed eyes, I was inwardly murmuring, "Lord, help thy + poor servant, for I cannot help myself;" something that made me wince + with pain, but the next moment gave exquisite relief, was applied to + the soles of my feet, and the next instant I heard the hushed voices of + those who were dearest to me on earth, my mother and Madeleine "Can it + be that we are too late?" said Madeleine. "No, his pulse yet beats, + though as feebly as possible. Oh, what he must have suffered, and how + I love him for not having given in!" +</p> +<p> + In pain though I was, a smile of joy broke over my face on this, and + I opened my eyes. +</p> +<p> + "Praise the Lord, he revives!" said my mother. "How art thou, my son?" +</p> +<p> + "I shall do well, my mother—," but I could not speak another word. + I closed my eyes, and felt about to faint. +</p> +<p> + "Jacques, dear Jacques," said Madeleine, whispering energetically and + distinctly, close to my ear, "be of good courage, and God will help + thee. I have found a place of safety in the vaults of Les Arènes, + whither Gabrielle has already taken the children; and now, if you can + but master the pain enough to get there with such help as we can give + you, before the dragoons return, we shall all be safe." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, most certainly I will," said I, trying to rise; but when I + attempted to set my feet to the ground, I was in such anguish that + I nearly fell down; but what will not "needs must" effect? The poor + galley-slaves at Marseilles and Dunkirk can tell how, when it seems + impossible for them to pull another stroke, the taskmaster's whip, + mercilessly applied, proves that they not only can pull still, but pull + well too. I am ashamed to say how these two beloved women had almost to + carry me, a stout youth; and even all their strength might have been + insufficient but for the potent spur of the dragoons' return. With an + arm round the neck of each, and resting almost my entire weight on their + shoulders, I managed to scuffle along, very slowly and with fearful + pain, towards Les Arènes. We paused now and then, under the deep shadow + of a wall, for me to regain my strength. I was astonished at my mother's + utter forgetfulness of herself in her care for me; and said, "Were you + much burnt, my mother?" +</p> +<p> + "No, my son; no," she answered, cheerfully; but in truth she was sadly + seared and blistered, and her heroism under suffering might be likened + to that of the martyrs of old. +</p> +<p> + "What took place after I fainted?" said I. +</p> +<p> + "They believed you were dead, and threw you into the road," said my + mother, "saying they hoped the dogs would come and lick your blood like + Ahab's. After that a trumpet was blown, and there seemed something going + on in the town, and they all ran off. The children had meanwhile taken + refuge with Madeleine; and I then took the opportunity of raising your + father, after cutting his bonds, and sending him off to the factory, + whence he was to return with men to carry you away, but they have never + come, and I fear some mischief may have befallen him. I would fain have + gone to see, but you were my first object. I could not carry you, and + went to Madeleine for help. She had just gone with Gabrielle and the + children to Les Arènes; but while I was preparing bandages and a + liniment for your poor feet, she returned and accompanied me back." +</p> +<p> + "Madeleine is a good angel," said I, pressing my arm more closely to + her. +</p> +<p> + "What is your case to-day, may be ours to-morrow," said she. +</p> +<p> + We continued our painful and tedious course, "lurking in the thievish + corners of the streets," like evil-doers, if we saw any one coming. The + moon was dangerously bright, but the shadows were proportionately dark, + and at length we reached Les Arènes, with their depths of mysterious + shadow, and solemn pillars and arches silvered by the white beams. + Though the amphitheatre is in the heart of the city, the neighborhood + seemed unusually deserted. People had fled, or were cowering in + hiding-places, or were flocking to see what was going on elsewhere. + I cannot otherwise account for it. Only that as we passed near the + house of good old Monsieur de Laccassagne, we could hear the abominable + uproar of drums within it, and it would seem as if all the drummers in + Nismes must have been congregated to drive the poor old gentleman to + distraction. We had also seen in the distance, floods of light streaming + from the windows of the cathedral, and heard a strange murmur of cries, + and we afterwards learnt that multitudes of poor people of the baser + sort had been driven like oxen or silly sheep into the church, pricked + on by the dragoons' swords and shouts of "Kill! kill!" to be present + at mass. +</p> +<p> + But now, as we gained a spot where, at the end of a street, we could + gain a distant glimpse of our factory, we perceived the sky red with + flurid flames bursting from it. +</p> +<p> + "The factory is on fire!" I exclaimed. +</p> +<p> + Then my mother wrung her hands, crying, "Oh, my husband! you are ruined, + perhaps sacrificed! I must go in quest of thee, and leave my son with a + faithful friend." +</p> +<p> + Then she hastened off towards the factory, and I could not blame her + nor wonder at her, though my heart misgave me that she might fall into + mischief. +</p> +<p> + Madeleine's support was insufficient for me now; but I set my teeth like + a flint, and commanded the pain I was in every time I set foot to the + ground. Was it not alleviation enough to have her dear arm for my stay, + and her tender hand wiping from my brow the drops forced forth by my + suffering? +</p> +<p> + Then we came to some steps. These gave me much trouble to descend, + especially as we were so nearly in the dark, but Madeleine seemed to + know them pretty well. +</p> +<p> + "I have often been here already," whispered she, "only not after dark, + and have laid in stores of many things necessary for our subsistence." +</p> +<p> + We were now groping along a chill stone passage, and were presently + brought up by a wall right in front, against which we violently hit + our heads. +</p> +<p> + "I fear I have missed the way," said Madeleine, in alarm. "Hark! I hear + the children laughing. Nothing damps the spirits at their age." +</p> +<p> + The next turn brought us to the entrance of a chamber, or rather den, + for it had probably been built for wild beasts, and formerly tenanted + by them. A ruddy fire burned in the middle, and circles of smoke escaped + through crannies and fissures, for of course there was no chimney. + A savory steam arose from a large black pot suspended over this fire, + and round it was gathered a motley and unruly group, not Gabrielle and + the children, but of tramps, gipsies, peddlers, and very likely thieves. + Swarthy Morescoes, Basques, I know not how many nations, were there + represented. They were singing, carousing, and making much noise. +</p> +<p> + "Here's a pretty lady," cried a gipsy woman, as Madeleine shrank back + affrighted. +</p> +<p> + "Welcome, welcome!" cried one or two voices. "Come and make one of us." +</p> +<p> + "Not so fast," said a dissentient voice. "There's a young man with her. + How do we know he is not a spy?" +</p> +<p> + "Good sir, I am lame on both feet," said I, and was turning away with + Madeleine, both of us anxious to plunge into the darkness, out of their + sight, when a threatening, swarthy man, of great strength, prevented our + departure. +</p> +<p> + "You are neither of you going," said he, defiantly, "till you give some + account of yourselves and your object." +</p> +<p> + "We are harmless people; we have only mistaken our way," interposed + Madeleine. +</p> +<p> + "Soho! Only mistaken your way? And how come harmless people to be abroad + at this time of night, groping about among the vaults of Les Arènes?" +</p> +<p> + Before there was time to answer, a tall, lean man in black, with a + bottle in his hand, which he had just removed from his lips, came + forward from a corner, and said. "Hold, there, enough has been said. + I know this young man, and, I dare say, this young maiden. We are + very good friends. Don't you remember me?" looking sharply at me. +</p> +<p> + "Not exactly," said I, straining my memory. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, come, don't deny it. Last time you had the best of it; this time + I have. Don't you remember the Fair of Beaucaire?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, of course, sir," said Madeleine, readily, "and your beautiful + needles and pins and pretty equipage." +</p> +<p> + The needle-vender looked pleased, and said, "You have a better memory + than the young fellow; however, I owe him a good turn. You saved me from + the hoofs of le Docteur Jameray's horse, and lent me your handkerchief. + I have had it in keeping for you ever since," drawing it from his + breast. Then, turning to his companions, he said, "Excuse me; I attend + these young persons a little way. They are friends, and the young man + is ill." +</p> +<p> + In fact, my head swam round, and I swooned again, and have no + remembrance but of a confused babble of sounds. When I came to, + Madeleine and the needle-seller, whose name was La Croissette, were + conveying me between them; or, in fact, he was chiefly carrying me, and + she supporting my feet. I said, "Set me down, I'll try to walk," but + found I could not. Then she said, "Wait here; I'll run on a little, and + find where Gabrielle is." +</p> +<p> + I would have stayed her, but she was gone. La Croissette said, "You seem + in trouble; what is it?" +</p> +<p> + I said, "Don't you know the dragoons are in Nismes? They have tried to + burn my mother, have bound and beaten my father, destroyed our property, + and cudgelled and burnt me till I cannot stand." +</p> +<p> + He drew in his breath, and said, "Any one of those things is trouble + enough. Is that pretty girl your sister?" +</p> +<p> + "No; my affianced wife." +</p> +<p> + "And you have taken to Les Arènes for safety, and left your father and + mother behind?" +</p> +<p> + "Not willingly, you may be sure. My mother and Madeleine half carried me + hither. Then we saw my father's silk factory in flames, and she ran to + find him." +</p> +<p> + Madeleine here returned, and said, encouragingly, "I have found where + they are; it is a very little way, and they look so comfortable!" +</p> +<p> + With her help and La Croissette's I dragged myself along, and though it + seemed a long way off, we got there at last; and very snug did the old + vault look, with the little brazier and the lamp, and the curtain to + keep off the draught, and food and bedding on the floor. I sank down on + the straw they had prepared for me, and never was couch of down more + grateful to a luxurious man than this poor pallet to me. La Croissette + viewed the whole party with keenness, then, putting his bottle to my + lips, said, "Take this; there's a little left." Whatever it was, it + revived me; and then he nodded, said "Bon soir," and went away. +</p> +<p> + I now became anxious for my parents, though Madeleine assured me they + knew the way to our retreat. A long time passed; the children fell + asleep; we remained in anxious suspense. At length we heard footsteps. + Were they of friend or foe? Madeleine went out to see. I could not bear + her taking on herself every office that ought to devolve upon me, but + could not help it. In a few instants she guided my father and mother + into our dungeon, holding a hand of each. As they entered, the red + fire-light leaped up and showed their grave faces. The first thing my + father did, after taking us in at a glance, was to say, "Children, let + us pray!" +</p> +<p> + Even the little ones, roused from their slumber, and but half awake, + put up their hands. My mother and the girls knelt; my father stood. + His prayer began with earnest thanksgiving that we were all together + again, and that, though his worldly substance had been taken from him, + there was no loss of life or limb. Then he returned hearty thanks that, + in this our day of spiritual trial and temptation, there had been no + apostacy, no temporizing cowardice, no falling short. But, he added, + he knew, and we all knew, that this was but the beginning of sorrows; + that many a sore trial and temptation remained behind; that we had + no strength of our own wherewith to meet it; but that there was + all-sufficient strength in the great Captain of our salvation. Then + he prayed the Lord to give us his strength, sufficient for our day, + whatever it might be, even as He had strengthened Daniel in the lions' + den, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, and Peter + and Paul and Silas in prison, and John in Patmos; and that we might have + grace to rejoice at being accounted worthy to suffer for his name's + sake, and be strengthened to bear testimony even before kings if need + were; and to cast all our burden upon Him, not caring much for the + things of this life, knowing that he could reduplicate them if it + were his will, at any time, as he had done to Job. +</p> +<p> + While he thus prayed, an ineffable calm and sweetness took possession of + me, my eyes involuntarily closed, or, if opened at intervals, only saw + vague, uncertain forms, and thus a deep, deep sleep fell on me, without + even a dream, that lulled all sense of pain, and loss, and fear, and + sorrow, until morning. +</p> +<p> + "For so he giveth his beloved sleep." Words how beautiful, and true, and + reassuring! They that expend all their little strength for him, and lay + their little substance at his feet, are his beloved. There is no need + to be afraid we are not; we know it; we feel it; we have the witness in + ourselves, just as the child, nestling in his father's arms, knows that + he loves and is beloved. I have heard persons say, "Have you the faith + of assurance?" Yes, thank God, I have it, and have had it ever since He + was first graciously pleased to call me to Him, and that was long, long + ago. But all have not this faith; just as a man, wanting to go to + Bordeaux, may not be assured he is on the road to Bordeaux, and yet he + may be on the way thither nevertheless. Then if you have not the faith + of assurance, practise at least the faith of adherence. That, at least, + is in your own power. Cleave to God exactly as if you were certain of + being accepted by Him at last; and thus, fulfilling his own conditions, + you will be accepted by Him whether you are assured of it beforehand or + not. "Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out." +</p> +<a name="2HCH0007"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER VII. +</h2> +<h3> + LA CROISSETTE. +</h3> +<p> + How chill and painful was my awaking! The soles of my feet were raw + with so much walking after they were blistered, and the inflammation + irritated my whole frame, which was likewise stiffened with so much + beating. When I opened my eyes, I saw the anxious face of my dear + mother, as she examined my wounds, and prepared with light hand to dress + them. Nor would anybody have guessed she herself was terribly burnt, had + not one of the children, inadvertently running against her, caused a + sudden wince, but without any audible expression of pain. The thought + of what she was enduring with such stoicism, or rather, let me say, + with such Christianity, enabled me, better than any stimulant would + have done, to endure without murmuring; and she said to me, with strong + approval in her kind eyes, "Your wounds tell me, my poor boy, how much + you have to bear; therefore there is no need to cry out. Our light + affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more + exceeding and eternal weight of glory." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, that is true indeed," said my father, "and things might have gone + much worse with us." +</p> +<p> + "Can you say that, my father," said I, "when you have lost all?" +</p> +<p> + "I have not lost all," replied he. "Before the factory was attacked, + I had time to disperse the workmen, dispatch a hasty line to an English + correspondent, and secrete certain bills of exchange; so that if we can + but find our way to England we shall, indeed, have to begin life again, + but with God's blessing, shall not fare badly. And with that blessing, + my son, we shall not fare badly even here." +</p> +<p> + "No, indeed, father." And as I spoke I looked towards where the + lamp-light (for we had no other) fell on the bending head of Madeleine, + as she talked in a low voice to the children, and kept them amused. + Not a glimpse of the sun's light could penetrate our refuge, and thus + it always seemed night with us when, in fact, it was bright day. + Doubtless this was tedious to all; but no one, even the children, so + much as murmured at it, except Gabrielle, who was inexpressibly wearied, + and now and then gave a long yawn, which set others yawning, and + procured her a good-humored rebuke. +</p> +<p> + "How long is this to last?" said she. +</p> +<p> + "Till the dragoons find us out, perhaps," said my father, gravely; which + silenced her for a little while. +</p> +<p> + "Our provisions will not last long," said she presently. +</p> +<p> + "Then we must procure more," said my mother. "We have enough for the + present." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, we have cheese and wine and flour; but what good is flour unless + it is cooked?" +</p> +<p> + "Do not make mountains of molehills, Gabrielle," said Madeleine, aside; + "it is such a bad example for the children." +</p> +<p> + "Well, but they are not molehills," returned Gabrielle, in rather a + lower tone, which, however, we could hear well enough. "I suppose we + cannot starve." +</p> +<p> + "Has your endurance so soon ceased, my dear girl?" said my father. + "Think of the believers of old. They had trials of cruel mockings and + scourgings, yea, moreover, of bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned; + they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they + wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, + tormented (of whom the world was not worthy); they wandered in deserts + and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And yet none of + these, though they obtained a good report in God's own word for their + faith, had received the explicit promises through Christ, God having + provided those better things for us; wherefore we surely should be + ashamed to show less constancy than they did." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, of course," said Gabrielle. +</p> +<p> + "Think of what Jacques is bearing without a murmur," said Madeleine. + "I'm sure he sets an example to us all." +</p> +<p> + "And as to minding what we eat," said little Charles, "I'm sure I don't + mind it a bit. Do I, mamma?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh, if you are all going to be against me, I shall say no more," said + Gabrielle. +</p> +<p> + "That's right," said my mother. "Put a brave heart on it, my dear; + I know you have it in you." +</p> +<p> + Gabrielle bit her lip, but took out a comb, and began to arrange little + Louison's hair. "Now," she whispered, "I'll make you as smart as the + young lady we saw with Madame de Laccassagne;" and in this way she + amused herself and the child, talking nonsense with her, and inventing + imaginary scenes and people, all in a hushed voice, that my father might + not hear. +</p> +<p> + Suddenly, some one at the entrance of our dungeon wishing us "Bon jour," + made us start violently and look towards him in alarm. +</p> +<p> + "You need not shrink from me," said La Croissette, advancing among us + when he had looked around. "I may not be as good as yourselves, or I + may be—that's neither here nor there. I'm not quite a bad fellow, I + believe, though at times I am driven to keep indifferent company. Still, + I am not very fond of those I'm among at present, so I thought I'd look + in on you. Your servant, sir," to my father. "A votre service, madame," + very politely to my mother. "You were not here last night, when your son + and that young lady rather unexpectedly looked in on us. To speak the + truth, there are reasons why some of us don't relish being looked in + on unexpectedly." +</p> +<p> + "Quite natural," said my father; "no more do we." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, but you need not be afraid of me," said La Croissette, "I'm no + traitor, I! It might be rash, though, to say as much of some of my + companions, and therefore I advise you not to be too familiar with + them." +</p> +<p> + "My good friend, we have not the least intention of being so." +</p> +<p> + "Age is wary, and youth is full of trust," said La Croissette. "Not + knowing that you, respected sir, and you, madame, were here to look + after the younger persons, I ventured to do so myself, to bid them + beware of their neighbors." +</p> +<p> + "That was very friendly, and I thank you heartily for it," said my + father. +</p> +<p> + "Shall you remain here long?" said La Croissette. +</p> +<p> + "That depends entirely on circumstances." +</p> +<p> + "Doubtless you are hiding from the dragoons." +</p> +<p> + "Is it necessary to tell you?" +</p> +<p> + "Why, no; but you might do so without fear. I have no love for them + myself, but nothing to fear; I am certainly not a Huguenot; but neither + would I betray one. Come, I see you would rather I went away. I am going + into town. There is nothing I can do for you, then?" +</p> +<p> + "Nothing; we thank you very much." +</p> +<p> + When he was gone, Gabrielle exclaimed, "Now that is what I call an + opportunity wasted." +</p> +<p> + "We must beware, my child, who we trust," said my mother. +</p> +<p> + "Of course; but he was so evidently a harmless, good sort of man." +</p> +<p> + "We had no occasion to trouble him." +</p> +<p> + Gabrielle plainly thought there was a good deal of occasion. Indeed, + had she known she was actually doomed to spend a few days in the + vaults of Les Arènes, I am persuaded she would have fitted them up + with upholstery and eatables, even to pickles and preserves. Meanwhile + Madeleine was beguiling the time to the children by setting them easy + sums on the wall, scratched with a nail, and drawing pictures for them + with the same implement, accompanied with stories, as thus:—"Once on a + time there was a poor Christian captive in this very dungeon—here he is + (drawing his picture)—sentenced to be thrown to the lions (picture). + Once he had been a little boy like this (picture), fond of playing with + other little boys (picture), and ready to carry his mother's pitcher to + the well (picture), or sweep her floor (picture), or make himself useful + to her in any way whatever. One day,"—and so forth. Gabrielle's fancy + was tickled with this, and when Madeleine desisted she continued it, + though now and then with a furtive yawn. Meanwhile my father was + pondering over the papers he had about him, and sitting immersed in + thought, or now and then saying a little to my mother. By-and-by he + ventured out a little without quitting the precincts of the + amphitheatre, and returned, saying several tramps were loitering about, + whose attention it would not be prudent to attract. The day, which + seemed the longest I ever knew, at length drew to a close, which we only + learnt by my father's watch, for we were out of hearing of the town + clocks. He said it would make time pass less heavily if we divided it + methodically, and had our set hours for meals, rest, prayer, and mutual + improvement, whether by exhortation, discussion, or general discourse, + We followed his lead as well as we could, but our thoughts were chiefly + with the outer world. +</p> +<p> + Just after the women and children had retired for the night to a little + inner dungeon, La Croissette once more presented himself uninvited. +</p> +<p> + "I thought, messieurs, you might like to hear the news of the day," + said he. +</p> +<p> + "Most certainly," said my father. "Pray be seated. I wish I had a better + seat to offer you. What is stirring?" +</p> +<p> + "The news, then, is, that Nismes is being converted as fast as + possible," said La Croissette. "No persuader, sirs, like fire and sword. + Dragoons are quartered on every Protestant. They are destroying whatever + they cannot make booty of. Some are littering their fine black horses + with bales of broadcloth, silk, and cotton; others with fine Holland + cloths. The common people are being driven to church at the sword's + point, and conforming by shoals. The gentry give more trouble, but end + by coming round." +</p> +<p> + "Some may—some weak-hearted persons," said my father, reluctantly. +</p> +<p> + "Well, they may be weak-hearted; I'm sure I should be, in their place," + said La Croissette. "In fact, what is it?—a mere form. They just slur + over a few words—cross themselves—kiss a relic, or some little matter + of that sort. No more is required; the bishop lets them off easy." +</p> +<p> + "Will the Lord let them off easy?" said my father. "Christianity admits + of no such temporizing. The early Christians might have saved their + lives by burning a handful of incense before the Roman Emperor's statue; + but they did not hold it a mere form. And the Romanists admit in + principle what they dissent from in practice; for they almost deify + those early martyrs for their constancy to the truth, and yet would + martyr us for doing the very same thing." +</p> +<p> + "Well, I don't mean them to martyr me," said La Croissette, "I've an + elastic creed, I!—it stretches or collapses like an easy stocking." +</p> +<p> + "Beware, beware, my friend, of fancying a creed like that of any worth + at all." +</p> +<p> + "Sir, we all have our weak points and our strong ones. I'm no polemic, + I!—I prefer meddling with things that will not bring me into trouble. + There was a factory burnt down last night—" +</p> +<p> + "Ah!" groaned my father. +</p> +<p> + "Some say both the partners were burnt; others that one of them is at a + distance. Some think the factory was set on fire on purpose; others that + it was an accident. Nothing remains of it but the outer walls and a + smoking heap of ruins." +</p> +<p> + My father covered his face with his hand. +</p> +<p> + "Then, again," pursued La Croissette, "that worthy old Monsieur + Laccassagne, unable to stand the deprivation of sleep any longer, has + conformed—" +</p> +<p> + "Has he, though!" cried my father, with a start. "Oh, how sad a fall!" +</p> +<p> + "Outwardly, only outwardly," said La Croissette. "The poor old gentleman + was driven almost out of his senses by that deafening drumming. 'You + shall have rest now,' said the bishop. 'Alas!' replied he, 'I look for + no rest on this side heaven; and may God grant that its doors may not be + closed against me by this act.'" +</p> +<p> + "Poor old man! poor Monsieur Laccassagne!" ejaculated my father. "Well + might he say so." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, but what reasonable person can suppose the doors of heaven will + be closed against him by it?" said La Croissette. "The Lord is a God of + mercy—" +</p> +<p> + "But will by no means clear the guilty," said my father. +</p> +<p> + "And He looketh not to the outward appearance, but to the heart," said + La Croissette. +</p> +<p> + "That expression applies to the personal, bodily appearance, which none + of us can help," said my father, "not to the pretence of believing one + thing, when we believe, its opposite. I mourn over the backsliding of + my old friend. Better had it been to suffer affliction for a season. +</p> +<p> + "So the virtuous lady his wife thought," said La Croissette. "She + escaped in the disguise of a servant, and is now wandering in the open + fields." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, what sorrow! May the good Lord support her under it!" +</p> +<p> + "Ay, and the many other women who are in similar case. Numbers of them + are at this instant cowering in the cold and darkness in ditches and + under hedges." +</p> +<p> + "Monsieur Laccassagne might well say he could hope for no rest on this + side heaven," said my father, bitterly. "How can he rest, knowing that + his excellent wife, accustomed to every comfort, is now an outcast for + her faith—the faith which he has denied?" +</p> +<p> + "Well, I wish I could have brought you more cheerful news," said La + Croissette, rising. "In truth, you need it, in this dismal hole, to keep + up your spirits. Tell me, now, good sir, how long do you expect to be + able, you and yours, to hold out?" +</p> +<p> + "Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof," said my father. "Thanks be + to God, He does not require us to dwell on what may be in store for our + chastening. He says explicitly, 'Take no thought for the morrow—the + morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.' Words how kind and + how wise!" +</p> +<p> + This seemed to strike La Croissette a good deal. He remained in thought + a few minutes, and then said, "Well, it is time I should take my leave. + I respect you very much." Then, resuming his bantering tone, "Since + you are so willing to hazard the disturbance which poor old Monsieur + Laccassagne found it so hard to bear, I advise you to sleep day and + night while you are here, and lay in a good stock of repose against + the time when you will be deprived of it." +</p> +<p> + Stepping back again, just as he seemed going, he said, "You fancy + yourselves very safe here; and, indeed, the dragoons unless with a guide + to you, might possibly take some time to find you out; but depend on it, + Les Arènes will be well searched some day—perhaps very soon; it is too + well known as having been an old hiding-place. Every corner—this among + the rest—is known to outcasts, many of them of bad reputation, who, for + a morsel of bread, would give up St. Paul or St. Peter. All are not so, + however, and those I am now among have a kind of the honor which exists + among thieves. Do not depend too much on it, however." +</p> +<p> + And with this very unsatisfactory speech, he left us. My father, after + brooding on what he had said for some time, knelt down, and was long in + prayer: then he murmured, "I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: + for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety." And I knew soon, by + his breathing, that he had indeed found rest in sleep. For me, I could + not close my eyes: the text that dwelt in my mind was, "My soul is + among lions." I thought of Madame Laccassagne and the other poor + women wandering in the fields, and pictured a thousand distressing + circumstances. Our solitary oil-lamp was beginning to languish for want + of trimming, and I thought, "What if it should leave us in darkness + altogether, and we should never know when it is day?" and dwelt on the + Egyptians in the plague of darkness, when none of them rose from his + place for three days. I was so feverish that it seemed to me a darkness + like that would madden me—I must dash my head against the wall, or do + something desperate; and I thought of Jonah in the whale's belly, when + the waters compassed him round about, and his soul fainted in that + hideous darkness; and again it was "three days." Then I thought, "Why + three days?" Was it because the Son of Man was three days in the heart + of the earth? And shall we remain here in this subterranean darkness + three days? +</p> +<p> + Just as the lamp seemed going out my loved mother stole out of the inner + dungeon, and trimmed it; then noiselessly stole to my side, and, seeing + my eyes open, smiled on me and kissed me, and then lay down beside my + father. Oh, the peace, the security of her presence! I sank into + dreamless sleep. +</p> +<p> + I was awakened by the most horrid noise I ever heard in my life. It + seemed like the roar of a lion close to my ear, and I started up in wild + affright, fancying myself a Christian prisoner about to be thrown to the + wild beasts. All around was dark as pitch—the lamp had gone out! The + frightful bellowing continued without intermission; and, besides, there + were sobs and screams, brutal laughter and cursing. Dreadful moment! + Presently a spark of light momentarily illumined our cell, and showed + the anxious face of my mother, as she re-kindled the lamp, surrounded by + the terrified children and girls, roused from their sleep by the hideous + uproar. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, what is it?—what is it?" cried I. My mother's lips moved, but she + could not make herself heard. Having succeeded in lighting the lamp, she + came close to me, and said— +</p> +<p> + "They seem to have put one of the bulls of La Camargue into the + adjoining den for the next bull-baiting, and to have lashed it to frenzy + with their goads. The noise is terrific, but I do not suppose the animal + can break loose." +</p> +<p> + La Croissette now appeared among us, suffocating with laughter. "Are you + frightened out of your lives?" said he. "'Tis nothing." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, sir," said my mother, "'tis something, I think, to be raised up in + the middle of the night by such a dreadful noise." +</p> +<p> + "Night? 'tis broad daylight! No wonder you were frightened. I can hardly + hear myself speak; but I felt impelled to come and see how you took it. + They have put an enormous bull in the adjoining den; and if you don't + like his company, you will have to change your quarters, which I advise + you to do at any rate; for the Basques who have him in charge are brutal + fellows, whose jargon I don't understand. Ten to one they will discover + you before the day's out; and then what will you do?" +</p> +<p> + "Truly, our case is hard," said my mother, looking wistfully at my + father. +</p> +<p> + "It is so, my dear wife," replied he; "and I do not see my way clearly. + Let us ask God to make it a little clearer to us." +</p> +<p> + La Croissette looked amazed when he saw the whole family kneel down, + and made a movement to go, but paused at the entrance and looked back + on us. Though the bellowing still continued, it was neither so loud nor + so frequent; but still only snatches of my father's voice could be + heard. But his very look and attitude was a prayer; and there were the + two sweet sisters, with their clasped hands and bent heads, and the + little ones crowded about my mother. Now and then such broken sentences + were heard as—"Lord, thou hast been our refuge from one generation to + another—Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in + the light of thy countenance—The dead bodies of thy servants have they + given to be meat unto the fowls of the air, and the flesh of thy saints + to the beasts of the land—We are become an open shame to our enemies, + and a very scorn to them that hate us. Return, O Lord! how long? and let + it repent thee concerning thy servants—Oh, satisfy us with thy mercy, + and that soon; so will we rejoice, and give thanks to thee all the days + of our life—Make thy way plain before us, O Lord, because of our + enemies." +</p> +<p> + I could not help furtively watching the workings of La Croissette's + face as he listened to these words of the Psalmist, so appropriate and + pathetic. He started as if shot when touched by some one behind; and + the next instant M. Bourdinave stood among us. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0008"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER VIII. +</h2> +<h3> + PERSECUTED, YET NOT FORSAKEN. +</h3> +<p> + "My father!" exclaimed the girls, and flew into his arms. The next + instant the bellowing recommenced. +</p> +<p> + "What is that?" cried M. Bourdinave, starting. +</p> +<p> + "One of the bulls intended for baiting," said my father. +</p> +<p> + "Ah, what a vicinity to find you in?" said M. Bourdinave. +</p> +<p> + "Better, my dear friend, than the captives of old had in this very + dungeon. And now, what news? Where have you been?" +</p> +<p> + "I'd better go; I'm not wanted." muttered La Croissette, heard only by + me, and then retiring. +</p> +<p> + "I bring the worst of news," returned M. Bourdinave, sitting down. "The + Edict of Nantes is revoked." +</p> +<p> + "Ah!" and a general cry broke from us. +</p> +<p> + "What signifies it," said my mother, bitterly, "when already its + provisions have been set at nought? Are we any the better for it?" +</p> +<p> + "We may be yet worse for losing it," said M. Bourdinave. "Every Reformed + meeting-house in France is to be demolished; no private assemblages for + devotional purposes are to be allowed on any pretext whatever. All + Huguenot schools are to be suppressed; all children born of Huguenot + parents to be baptized and educated as Catholics; all non-conforming + ministers to quit the country within fifteen days, on pain of the + galleys." +</p> +<p> + "Let us rise, my children," cried my father in great agitation, "and + leave this country, which is no longer a mother to us, shaking the dust + off our feet. Alas, what am I saying? Whither can we go?" +</p> +<p> + "To England," replied M. Bourdinave. "I have already taken measures for + it." +</p> +<p> + "Heaven be praised!" cried we simultaneously. +</p> +<p> + "But it will be under circumstances of great hardship, difficulty, and + danger." +</p> +<p> + "Never mind; we willingly encounter them. Yes, yes," said one after + another. +</p> +<p> + "Have you the courage, my daughters?" looking earnestly at them. +</p> +<p> + Madeleine threw herself into his arms. +</p> +<p> + "I knew what your answer would be," said he, fondly kissing her; "but + my little Gabrielle—" +</p> +<p> + "Oh, fear me not, father," cried Gabrielle, hastily. "Anything to get + out of this horrid place. I believe I have seemed too impatient of it + to those around me, but that was because inaction is always so trying + to me." +</p> +<p> + "My love, you may yet be exposed to it. I have known one of our brethren + put into a chest, with very few air-holes, and lowered into the hold of + a merchant-vessel, with considerable roughness, where he was left many + hours before he could be released." +</p> +<p> + Gabrielle changed color. "Never mind," said she, in a low voice, and + pressing her father's hand. "What man has done man may do, though I am + but a woman who say it." +</p> +<p> + "That's my brave girl!" fondly kissing her. "Well, my friends, if we + can but get to Bordeaux, we shall escape; that is provided for. It was + this which kept me from you so long. And what a return has been mine! + I got no answers from you to my letters; I heard the persecution here + was raging with fury; I came to snatch you from it, and found my home + deserted, the factory burnt, the workmen scattered, no tidings of you + to be found. At length I got news of you from one of the men, who told + me of your retreat, and that he, under cover of night, brought you + bread. We planned how to remove you hence to-night, but it must be in + detachments. At a place agreed on there will be a small cart that will + convey the children and perhaps their mother." +</p> +<p> + "I prefer walking," interposed my mother. "Jacques is unable to do so." +</p> +<p> + "Impossible! I am sure you have not the strength for it," said we all. +</p> +<p> + "Never fear," said she, stoutly. +</p> +<p> + "No, no; it must not be," said I. +</p> +<p> + "And you, my son?" +</p> +<p> + "I will undertake for him," said La Croissette, who, it now appeared, + had been listening behind the doorway all this time. +</p> +<p> + "Who are you, my man?" said M. Bourdinave, in surprise and some + distrust. +</p> +<p> + "An honest fellow, though I say it that shouldn't," was his answer. + "I am one of those who deal in deeds more than words. I cannot patter + Ave Marias with a Catholic, nor sing interminable psalms like a + Huguenot, but neither can I endure the ways the Catholics are taking to + compel the Huguenots to submission. I take my own way, d'ye see, and am + fettered by nobody. No one would molest La Croissette the needle-seller, + not even a dragoon. And I have learnt to esteem you all; I admire the + young ladies, and respect the old lady and gentleman. Therefore, there's + my hand; you may take it or not. 'Tis not over soft; but there's no + blood on it, and it never took a bribe. Let those say so who can. + And what I say next is this: Dr. Jameray has fallen sick, and I've + undertaken to drive his little wagon, with the sign of the bleeding + tooth, from hence to Montauban. As far as that I'll give my young friend + here a cast, and he may thence easily take boat down the Garonne to + Bordeaux. At least, if he cannot of himself, I'll manage it for him." +</p> +<p> + How grateful we were to the worthy La Croissette! Not one of us + distrusted him in the least; at any rate, if M. Bourdinave did so at + first, he was soon reassured by us, and took the honest fellow heartily + by the hand. A good deal more was now said than I have space to recount + or memory to recall. Indeed, my head was in a confused state, and I was + conscious of little but of the tender pressure of dear Madeleine's hand, + from whom I must so soon part. +</p> +<p> + We were to start as soon as night afforded us its friendly cover; but + some hours of daylight remained. My father and M. Bourdinave had many + business affairs to discuss, and Madeleine kept the children quiet, + that they might not interrupt them. I never thought Gabrielle so pretty + as now that she had spoken with resolution, and seemed strengthening + herself to keep up to it. Nevertheless, we have no real strength + of our own; it all comes from God; but He gives it to all who ask it + faithfully. Madeleine whispered to me, "Let us pray that strength for + her duty may be given her." I nodded and smiled. +</p> +<p> + Meanwhile my mother went out to the appointed place where, it seems, + Raoul had daily placed a loaf. We, who were not in the secret, had much + wondered where our bread came from, and how it lasted out. This time she + returned with a large sausage as well; so we ate our meal with gladness + and thankfulness of heart, La Croissette insisting on passing round his + bottle, which, somehow, he always kept well filled. And had this man had + a mind to betray us, how easily he might have done so! He overheard our + plans, might have drugged our wine, and stretched us all powerless; + might have told his comrades to make sport of us, and kept out of sight + himself; or might openly have led the dragoons to our hiding-place with + torches and weapons. Our blessed Lord had more reason, humanly speaking, + to trust Judas, than we to trust La Croissette; but you see this man was + honest; you could not have tempted him to sell us for thirty pieces of + silver. +</p> +<p> + When he went forth, though, after supper, my mind misgave me for a + while, thinking, "What if he be gone to betray us?" I wronged his worthy + heart. So many people are worse than we think them, that it is a comfort + when some prove better than we think them. Worthy La Croissette! I have + thy tall, meagre form and lantern jaws now before me. Many a showy + professor might be bettered by having as true a heart. +</p> +<p> + When he was gone, my father said, "Let us join once more in family + worship, and then get a little sleep before our night-journey begins." +</p> +<p> + I think he and M. Bourdinave and the children actually did sleep, but + not my mother or the girls. I certainly did not. My mother dressed and + bandaged my wounded feet for the last time. They were healing, but too + tender for walking or standing without injury to the newly-formed skin. + Then she sat beside me, with looks of love, and was presently joined + by Madeleine. We knew so well what was passing in each other's minds, + that we did not need to say much. Then my father awoke, with all his + faculties about him, looked at his watch, and said it was time to start. + M. Bourdinave went out, and after what seemed to our impatience rather a + long time, returned, and said Raoul reported unusual disturbance in the + city, but that now all was ready. We took leave of one another, agreed + on places of rendezvous (if we were ever enabled to reach them), and had + a valedictory prayer. Still they did not like to go and leave me without + La Croissette. At length he appeared, and, addressing my father, said: +</p> +<p> + "You had better avoid the precincts of your famous temple, La Calade: it + has been completely demolished, and crowds are yet hanging about their + beloved place of worship, regardless of danger, but the military will + presently disperse them." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, what desecration!" exclaimed my mother. +</p> +<p> + "Keep your regrets for the sufferings of living people, my good lady," + said La Croissette. "Stones have no feeling, and are not prone to + revenge insult. 'Tis said, walls have ears. The walls of La Calade have, + at all events, a tongue; for on the summit of the ruins lies a stone + with these words on it, 'Lo, this is the house of God; this is the gate + of heaven!'" +</p> +<p> + Then addressing my father, he said. "The very fact of the public + attention being drawn to this point makes other parts of the city + comparatively deserted, and therefore favors your escape. Lose no time, + I advise you, in availing yourselves of it." +</p> +<p> + We exchanged our last embraces in tears, and they went forth, he + following them. I felt inexpressibly lonely and sad. +</p> +<p> + Just as I was beginning to get uneasy at his absence, and to think, + "What if he should never come back?" he returned. +</p> +<p> + "They are safely off now," said he, "and little know what peril they + have been in here. Another twelve hours, and they would all have been + taken. Now, then, let us bestir ourselves, young man. They call you + Jacques; but I shall call you Jean, after my younger brother." +</p> +<p> + Helped on by him, I hobbled along, though in pain. How chill, but how + fresh and pleasant, felt the open air! It seemed the breath of life to + me, and revived me like a potent medicine. There was a distant, sullen + murmur in the city, but around us all was still. Above us were bright + stars, but no moon. +</p> +<p> + At length we got among low dwellings, some of which had twinkling + lights. We entered a dark, narrow passage, smelling powerfully of fried + fish and onions. Some one from above said cautiously, "Who goes there?" +</p> +<p> + "La Croissette." +</p> +<p> + "Who else?" +</p> +<p> + "My brother Jean." +</p> +<p> + "Advance, brothers La Croissette." +</p> +<p> + We ascended a mean staircase and entered a room where we found a man and + woman standing beside a large basket. +</p> +<p> + "Now get you into this," said La Croissette to me, "and we will lower + you from the window. Stay, I will go first; it will give you + confidence." +</p> +<p> + Twisting his long frame into the basket, he clasped his arms round his + knees, and the others began to raise him by well-secured pulleys. The + woman grew quite red in the face with the exertion of getting him over + the window-ledge, and I own I trembled for him. +</p> +<p> + "All is right, he is safely down," said she, at length, and helped to + pull up the basket. "Now, young man; you're not afraid?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh no; only don't let me down too fast." +</p> +<p> + "That must depend on how heavy you are. We can't keep dangling you + between sky and earth all night. Come; you are not nearly as heavy as + your brother. Adieu, mon cher; bon voyage!" +</p> +<p> + "Adieu, madame; mille remerciments." +</p> +<p> + I thought of St. Paul in the basket, and the two Israelitish spies. + La Croissette eased my descent a good deal, by steadying the basket, + and helped me out of it to our mutual satisfaction. It was then swiftly + drawn up, and taken in. +</p> +<p> + "Thank heaven, we are safe!" said I. "That was very cleverly managed." +</p> +<p> + "Do you suppose it the first time?" said La Croissette. "Far from it, I + can tell you. Many things are done in Nismes that the authorities know + nothing of, for all their vigilance. Now we are fairly outside the city, + and, with ordinary good luck, shall perform our night-journey in safety." +</p> +<p> + "With God's blessing we may," said I. +</p> +<p> + "Make that proviso with all my heart," said La Croissette. "some trust + in Providence and some in luck. I have nothing to say against either. + Now get into the cart." +</p> +<p> + He led the horse a little out of the shadow as he spoke, and helped me + inside the little house on wheels, where I found a mattress that proved + a most acceptable rest; and then we drove slowly and quietly off, and + gradually got among fields and hedges. +</p> +<p> + "How are you getting on?" said La Croissette, at length. "Do you mind + the shaking?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh," said I, "I have so many things on my mind that I take no thought + for the body." +</p> +<p> + "All the better; though some say that pain of the mind is the worst to + bear of the two." +</p> +<p> + "I have little doubt of it," said I, "though each are bad enough. But + all I meant was that my mind is preoccupied and anxious, and prevents + my noticing any mere discomforts; for I cannot say I am miserable." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed I think you ought not to be, for you have had an escape from + that troubled city that many would rejoice at." +</p> +<p> + "Tell me truly; do you think I have actually escaped?" +</p> +<p> + "What know I? You have escaped from the evils behind; you may not + escape from the evils before. Yesterday was cloudy, to-morrow may be + rainy, the day after may be fine; none of us knows. At least there is a + weather-prophet at Arles whom some of the fools believe in; but he broke + his leg a little while ago, and his spirit of prophecy did not enable + him to foresee that, therefore I doubt his knowing about the weather." +</p> +<p> + "There have always been those who dealt in lying signs and wonders," + said I, "from the days of Moses, when the magicians feigned to change + their rods into serpents, which of course they could not do really." +</p> +<p> + "They were clever at sleight-of-hand, I suppose," said La Croissette. + "So is Doctor Jameray. He can do many wonderful things. I can do some + of them myself. You see, some of his conjuring tricks require a second + person, who must not be known for his assistant; so that when he sets + out on his tours through the provinces, I generally do the same, and + contrive to cross his path, as if by accident. Then we play off on a + new set of people the tricks we have played twenty times before in + other places." +</p> +<p> + "Then needle-selling is only a blind?" said I. +</p> +<p> + "I turn a little money by it; the more, that I am careful always to sell + the best needles and pins. Thus I have acquired a name—the housewives + trust me; I have a character to support. And my character supports me." +</p> +<p> + "A good character always does so in the long run," said I. +</p> +<p> + "Well, I don't know what to say about that. You are too young to have + any authority of weight. It must be your father's wisdom, and I am not + sure it will stand the test." +</p> +<p> + "I feel sure of it," said I. +</p> +<p> + 'What, when you are this very moment a houseless wanderer, without + having done any wrong? How does your good character support you now?" +</p> +<p> + "For example, it has secured me your good offices," said I. "You would + not have given me this good turn if I had been a worthless villain." +</p> +<p> + "Well, perhaps not; supposing I had known you for such—though worthless + villains often escape deserved punishment, and sometimes are very + plausible, and pay very well. And sometimes not"—reflectively. +</p> +<p> + "You seem to remember a case in point," said I, smiling. +</p> +<p> + "Well, I do," said La Croissette. "There was a young lord who led a sad + course, and nearly fell into the hands of justice. He had a dashing, + off-hand manner, that made friends till he was found out for what he + was; and partly because he talked me over, and partly for high pay, + I smuggled him beyond the reach of his enemies. But the pay never came. + He won't get me to help him another time." +</p> +<p> + "He'll miss the want of a good character in the long run, then," said I. +</p> +<p> + "Oh, he has done so already; he lies in prison now. But so do many of + you Huguenots, who have done nothing amiss. It seems to me there is one + event to the good and to the wicked." +</p> +<p> + "Oh no, do not believe it," said I. "In the first place, none of us + are righteous; no, not one; our merits only comparative. Thus, there is + something in every one of us to punish; and sometimes the Lord sees fit + to chasten His best-loved servants so severely, that it is difficult to + distinguish their chastisement from His judgments on the wicked." +</p> +<p> + "That comes to what I was saying," said La Croissette; "that there is + but one event to the good and to the bad." +</p> +<p> + "It seems so, though it is not so," said I. "But don't you perceive in + this a grand argument in favor of a future life?" +</p> +<p> + "I am no scholar, I;—you must explain it to me," said La Croissette. +</p> +<p> + "If the Lord lets his dear children fall into the same afflictions here + as the rebellious and impenitent, it is because He knows that in the + long run, it will be to their advantage rather than otherwise: that they + will turn their trials to such good account as actually to be the better + for them; and that their light affliction, which is but for a moment, + will work for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. + So that hereafter they shall look back on their present pains, not only + with indifference but with thankfulness. But ah! where shall then the + unrighteous and sinner appear?" +</p> +<p> + "You seem to have a natural gift for preaching," said La Croissette, + after a pause. "Where will they appear, say you? Why, if our priests + are to be believed, those of them, even the very worst, who have money + enough to pay for masses and indulgences, may buy themselves off from + purgatory, and shine in glory with the best." +</p> +<p> + "Does not that carry incredibility and absurdity on the very face of + it?" +</p> +<p> + "It seems very hard on the poor man who can't buy himself off," said La + Croissette. "You Huguenots, then, don't believe in it?" +</p> +<p> + "Most assuredly not. God accepts no prayers that do not spring from a + lowly and contrite heart: and they may be offered by a poor man as well + as a rich one." +</p> +<p> + "But does not a poor man's soul require those purgatorial fires?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh no, my dear La Croissette! The Son of God told of no purgatory—only + of heaven and hell. And He was so truthful that He would not have told + of a hell if there had not been one—nor have failed to tell of a + purgatory if there had been one. The end would not have been + commensurate with the means, had He laid down his life to save us from + anything short of condign punishment, or to save us only incompletely. + If there were a purgatory to endure at any rate, where would be the + all-sufficiency of his sacrifice once offered?" +</p> +<p> + He bade us believe in him and be saved. He did not say, 'believe also in + my mother, and my brethren, and my apostles, and ask them to ask me to + save you.' He said, 'Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, + and I will give you rest.'" +</p> +<p> + "No! did he, though?" said La Croissette, suddenly checking his horse. +</p> +<p> + At the same moment, a woman sprang from the hedge and laid her hand on + the shaft, saying: +</p> +<p> + "Good sir, save us! we perish!" +</p> +<p> + "What is the matter?" said he, starting. +</p> +<p> + "We are fugitives from Nismes; we were beaten, we were burnt, we were + pillaged." +</p> +<p> + "My poor good woman, there are numbers in like case." +</p> +<p> + "But we starve," said she, bursting into tears. "My aged mother and my + little ones." +</p> +<p> + "I am very sorry for you, but I am a poor man myself—here, take this + trifle." +</p> +<p> + "Alas, we cannot eat money!" in a tone of such mournful reproach. +</p> +<p> + "No, true; it will buy a little bread—but there are no shops. Jean," in + a lower voice to me, "I've a loaf in the cart, shall we part with it?" +</p> +<p> + "Give it to her by all means," said I. +</p> +<p> + Before he did so, he said to her, "True, you cannot eat money, but money + will buy you bread in Nismes. Why not return there? The authorities are + welcoming all that conform." +</p> +<p> + "Death rather than that!" said she, clasping her hands to her heart, and + turning away. +</p> +<p> + "Stay, stay. Here is bread for you. It is all we have." +</p> +<p> + "Ah! bless—." She could say no more, but sobbed bitterly. La Croissette + turned his face away. +</p> +<p> + "There are many of us, many!" sobbed she. "We shall so bless you. We + will pray for you." +</p> +<p> + "Do so; do," said he, affecting composure, and whipping on. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0009"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER IX. +</h2> +<h3> + CAST DOWN, BUT NOT DESTROYED. +</h3> +<p> + The moon had now risen, and shone full on our road, which was completely + exposed; but happily we met with no hindrance. The motion of the cart + now made me very drowsy, and I fell into deep dreamless sleep. When I + woke, feeling stiff and chilled, I wondered where I was. The cart had + stopped, I was alone, the gray light of morning was forcing its way + through the chinks of my little lodging-house, but the door was locked. + I thought my position a curious one, and wondered whether La Croissette + was going to give me up after all, to my enemies, but could not readily + distrust a fellow apparently so kind-hearted. I lay still and listened + to the sounds about me; the clucking of hens, gobbling of turkeys, + stamping of horses, and lowing of calves, told me I was in a farm-yard. + Then I heard voices, including that of La Croissette, and presently a + sharp cry and then a laugh. By-and-by, the key turned in the lock and + he looked in on me. +</p> +<p> + "So ho, you are awake after a famous long nap," said he. "Do you want + your breakfast?" +</p> +<p> + "If I do, want must be my master," said I, returning his smile. "We gave + away our only loaf." +</p> +<p> + "But what if I have earned another, and a good bowl of milk?" rejoined + La Croissette, producing both as he spoke. "There, sit up and eat your + fill; I've had my share in the house." +</p> +<p> + "Where are we?" said I, readily obeying his instructions. +</p> +<p> + "At a wayside farm-house, where the honest people have given my horse + a good feed, and you and me a good breakfast." +</p> +<p> + "How did you earn it, then?" +</p> +<p> + "By pulling out a tooth for a great lubberly boy, whose cheek had + swollen enormously with toothache. Did you not hear him cry out? You + might almost have heard him from here to Nismes." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, I heard him cry and then laugh." +</p> +<p> + "Because he was so glad to have got rid of it." +</p> +<p> + "Can you draw teeth, then?" +</p> +<p> + "I never drew one before, but I went at it as if it was a regular thing + with me." +</p> +<p> + "How could you venture?" +</p> +<p> + "Psha! it is good to show confidence; and every one must have a + beginning. Which of us would let a doctor try his hand on us, if we knew + it was for the first time?" +</p> +<p> + I smiled and shook my head at him, but said no more. When I had + swallowed the delicious milk, he said, +</p> +<p> + "Now I will return the bowl, and bring out my horse. I told them I had a + sick brother in the cart, recovering from a burning fever, or you would + have had some visitors. To make doubly sure, I locked you up." +</p> +<p> + "Would not that have been enough without the other?" I said, grieved at + his want of truth. +</p> +<p> + "No, I think not, and I'm not as particular as you are." +</p> +<p> + Presently we were driving off again, and for a mile or so in silence. + Then La Croissette, looking back at me, said, +</p> +<p> + "There are certainly good people on both sides. That poor wretch to + whom we gave the loaf was undoubtedly a good Huguenot; she would rather + starve and die than abjure her faith. But here, again, are a family of + Catholics, who are good, too, and believed every word I said, and + liberally supplied my wants." +</p> +<p> + "Doubtless there are good people on both sides," said I; "and if the + Catholics would believe it of us, we might yet live in peace and + quietness together. We have not harmed them—it is they who harm us." +</p> +<p> + "For your good, they will tell you." +</p> +<p> + "They may tell us, but we cannot believe it. Their compulsions are not + in the spirit of love." +</p> +<p> + La Croissette softly whistled, and presently talked of other things. + By-and-by he said, +</p> +<p> + "Now we are coming to a town, and you shall see some fun." +</p> +<p> + "Will it be quite safe?" +</p> +<p> + "Safer than anything else. It is a fair-day; I shall drive straight + into the market-place, blow my horn, and play the quack doctor. Nay, + you shall be my accomplice and blow the horn. Let me put you in costume + at once." +</p> +<p> + Saying which, he fished out a soiled scarlet cloak, gaily spangled, + which he threw over my shoulders, produced a half-mask with an enormous + red nose, with which he concealed the upper part of my face, covered my + head with a Spanish hat and feather, and gave me a horn. +</p> +<p> + "Now blow as much as you like," said he; "be as brazen as your trumpet." +</p> +<p> + I laughed, and entered into the joke; no one would suspect me for a + Huguenot. +</p> +<p> + La Croissette then disguised himself in Dr. Jameray's long black gown, + and added a pair of green spectacles, which certainly heightened the + effect. Having driven into the market-place, he placed a little table + before him and spread it with boxes and phials, I blowing the horn from + time to time in a way which he called quite original, and which speedily + drew people about us. Then, with wonderful self-possession, he harangued + them on the merits of his medicines. For instance, taking up a phial + which contained a pink-colored fluid, he descanted on its virtues in + this style: +</p> +<p> + "My friends, this small bottle contains a famous specific, for those who + know how to use it prudently. When I say prudently, I mean that there + are certain things it will do and others it will not. This remedy is for + increasing the strength, improving the appetite, and clearing the head. + Will it, therefore, set a broken arm or draw a tooth? Most certainly + not. I can draw a tooth for you, if you like it (by-the-by, some think + I have a gift that way, but self-praise is no recommendation); I can + draw a tooth, I say, no matter with how many fangs; but this medicine + cannot. Does it follow, then, that it will cure a cough or sore throat? + Not at all. Here, if you like (taking up another bottle) is something + that will, but what is that to the purpose? Will it cure sore eyes? No; + or sprains? Far from it. No, no, my most excellent ladies and gentlemen, + let us not form unreasonable expectations; day is not night; summer is + not winter; nor is a horse-medicine a febrifuge. It is useless to assert + such trash to sensible, well-informed people, Here is an opportunity, + such as most of you may possibly never have again, of buying a most + delightful and effectual medicine, sweet, not nauseous (strongly + reminding one of cherry-brandy), gently exhilarating, and very difficult + to be procured; indeed, I have only three small doses of it—three, did + I say? I'm afraid I have only two—let me see—Oh, yes, here are three; + and the price is merely nominal—" +</p> +<p> + The extreme frankness and moderation of this harangue of course met with + great success; and purchasers speedily bought, not only his three pink + bottles, but his green ones, his blue ones, his pills, his pomades, and + his perfumed medicinal soaps that were to soften the skin, strengthen + the joints, and promote longevity. After this, he sang a comic song of + innumerable verses (with horn obligato) and delivered a discourse, in + which he said there had never been more than three great men in the + world, Louis the Fourteenth, Alexander the Great, and Hippocrates, the + father of physic. +</p> +<p> + It was surprising to me how he carried on this game hour after hour, + apparently without fatigue, and always to the delight of his audience, + new-comers continually pressing around him, and old ones lingering in + the distance with broad smiles on their faces. A little of it was well + enough, but I thought that to be always at it must be harder work than + the hardest handywork trade I knew. At last the day closed in, the + people departed, we supplied ourselves with food, and departed like + the rest. +</p> +<p> + "Now, then, have I not come off with flying colors?" said La Croissette, + complacently. +</p> +<p> + "Assuredly you have: but you must be very tired." +</p> +<p> + "Tired as can be—you know I had no sleep last night—we are coming to + a little thicket where we will roost for the night." +</p> +<p> + We had scarcely drawn up under the trees, which were thinning of leaves, + when we heard a distant hollow sound gradually growing louder as it + approached. "The dragoons," said La Croissette, in a low voice. "I trust + we shall escape their notice." +</p> +<p> + They passed by like a whirlwind, taking the direction we had just left, + and we congratulated ourselves on having quitted their path. +</p> +<p> + "These wretches, look you," said La Croissette, "know neither mercy + nor justice; they know they are let loose on the country to do all the + mischief they can, and if they find a Paradise, they leave it a howling + wilderness." +</p> +<p> + Of this we had proof next day, when we came on their track, and found + wretched women and children in tears and lamentations impossible for us + to assuage: men that had been cudgelled within an inch of their lives, + or hung up by their wrists or their heels till they swooned, lying on + the ground uncared for and dying. Ah, what wickedness! and all under + pretence of doing God service! I cannot dwell on the terrible scenes we + saw in crossing the country. Sometimes La Croissette did some trifling + act of kindness, but the evils demanded more potent remedies. +</p> +<p> + "This unfits me for my calling," said he, one day, as he scrambled into + the cart and drove off. "How can one play the merry-andrew under such + circumstances? What will become of these poor creatures as winter comes + on, even if they can last till then? It is impossible they should all + escape from the country—they will have to conform after all, and had + they not better do so now?" +</p> +<p> + I replied, "It is written, 'Fear not, little flock; for it is the + Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.'" +</p> +<p> + "The kingdom of France?" +</p> +<p> + "No, the kingdom of heaven." +</p> +<p> + "To whom were the words spoken?" +</p> +<p> + "To the early Christians, whose praise is in all the churches—whom the + Catholics not only reverence but worship." +</p> +<p> + "Hum. Well, if they weathered such persecution as this, perhaps these + may; but I could not stand it, I!—Do you know (with great awe) there + are dungeons called Hippocrates' Sleeves, the walls of which slope like + the inside of a funnel tapering to a point, so that those who are put + inside them can neither lie, sit, nor stand? They are let down into them + with cords, and drawn up every day to be whipped." +</p> +<p> + "And have any come forth alive from such places?" +</p> +<p> + "I grant you; but sometimes without teeth or hair." +</p> +<p> + "O, what glorious faith, to survive such a test!" exclaimed I. +</p> +<p> + "But some don't survive." +</p> +<p> + "O, what hallelujahs their freed spirits must sing as they find + themselves suddenly released and soaring upward with myriads of + rejoicing angels, to receive their welcome at the throne of God!" +</p> +<p> + "Jean, I never knew anything like you!" said La Croissette. "The worse + the stories I tell you, the greater the triumph and exultation you cap + them with." +</p> +<p> + I answered, "They overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of + their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Rev. + xii. II. +</p> +<p> + "Do you think you could bear being put into a Hippocrates' Sleeve?" +</p> +<p> + "I am not called on to think what I could bear: only to bear what is put + on me." +</p> +<p> + "Your father, every word! As the old cock crows, so does the young one. + But after all, 'tis a fearful thing to lie at the mercy of those that + can devise and carry out such tortures." +</p> +<p> + "It is written, 'I say unto you, my friends, Be not afraid of them that + kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do; but I will + forewarn you whom ye shall fear. Fear Him which after He hath killed, + hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, fear Him.'" +</p> +<p> + "You seem to have all the texts on this particular head at the tips of + your fingers. Did you learn them for this particular purpose?" +</p> +<p> + "My dear mother used to repeat to me a text every night, and expect me + to repeat it to her the next day." +</p> +<p> + "An excellent plan," said La Croissette, whipping his horse. And he + hummed a tune. +</p> +<p> + When we reached Montauban, he said, +</p> +<p> + "I must now begin my old tricks, to earn a little money;" and he drew + up in the market-place. But the people had been as heavily visited as + at Nismes, and were in no mood for jesting. When he began to vend his + nostrums, an old man of severe aspect held up his hand, and said: +</p> +<p> + "Peace, unfeeling man—you bring your senseless ribaldry to the wrong + market. Here are only lamentations, and mourning, and woe." +</p> +<p> + "My good sir, one must live," said La Croisette. +</p> +<p> + "And how? tell me that!" retorted the old man, indignantly. "They that + fed delicately are desolate in the streets; they that were clad in + scarlet are cast on dunghills; the tongue of the suckling child cleaves + to the roof of its mouth for thirst; the young children ask for bread, + and no man giveth unto them." +</p> +<p> + Then, with a wail that was almost like a howl, he tore his hair and + cried, "For this, for this mine eyes run down with water and mine + eyelids take no rest. Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?" +</p> +<p> + "Jean, I cannot stand this," said La Croissette, as the old man hurried + away. "All the people seem with broken hearts—it takes all spirit out + of me. I cannot even hawk needles and pins among the starving—who would + buy?" +</p> +<p> + I could only say, "How dreadful is this place! The Lord seems to have + forsaken his sanctuary." +</p> +<p> + "Let us seek another place as soon as we can—" +</p> +<p> + "You forget: I am to be met here by an agent of my father's at La Boule + d'Or." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, well, we will go thither." +</p> +<p> + When we drove into the inn-yard, however, we could hear unruly voices in + the house, and feared we might fall into bad company. A man immediately + came up to us, and said to me, in a low voice: +</p> +<p> + "Are you M. Jacques Bonneval?" +</p> +<p> + "I am. Are you Antoine Leroux?" +</p> +<p> + "Hist!—yes. There are ill-disposed people in the inn; you had better + not go in-doors. Can you walk a little way?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes." +</p> +<p> + "Come with me, then." +</p> +<p> + "I must bid my companion farewell." Turning to La Croissette, I took his + hand in both mine, and pressed it fervently, saying: +</p> +<p> + "My dear La Croissette, adieu. May God bless you in this world and the + next. I wish I could make some return for your exceeding kindness, but, + unfortunately, can give you nothing but my prayers." +</p> +<p> + "Pray say nothing of it," said he, cordially. "Your prayers are the very + thing I should like to have, for, unfortunately, I am not good at them + myself. As I pass a Calvary by the roadside I pull off my hat, in token + of respect, you know, for what it represents; and had I had a bringing + up like yours I might have had as pretty a turn for psalmody; but as the + matter stands, why, you will be Jacques Bonneval, and I Bartholomé La + Croissette to the end of the chapter. As for what I have done for you, + why, it's nothing! I was coming this way, at any rate, and I've given + you a lift; that's all." +</p> +<p> + "You may make light of it, if you will," said I, "but I know you have + continually run risks for me; and depend on it, I shall never forget + you. Adieu, my friend." +</p> +<p> + "Farewell, then," said he, "and take my best wishes with you. I hope you + will now slip safely out of the country, but a good piece of it remains + before you yet. Nor are your feet in good condition for walking." +</p> +<p> + "That has been provided for," said Antoine. "As soon as we get to the + waterside we shall find a boat awaiting us, which will carry us to + Bordeaux." +</p> +<p> + "But you are some way from the water.' +</p> +<p> + "Yes, but I have a cart." +</p> +<p> + We then parted, La Croissette kissing me on both cheeks with the utmost + kindness; and I turned away with Antoine. Looking round as we quitted + the court, I had my last glimpse of his tall, meagre figure, as he stood + with his hand on his hip, looking after me; and I thought how strange + and disproportionate a return his kindness to me had been for mine to + him, in lifting him up and saving him from a kicking horse on the way + to Beaucaire. The whole scene at once started up before me—our family + party in the wagon—the girls' blooming faces and gay dresses—the + crowded road—the music—the bustle. Then my thoughts flew on to what + followed—the humors of the fair—the crowded table at my uncle's—my + betrothal to Madeleine. What a different future then seemed to lie + before us to what awaited us now! Where was she? Should we meet soon? + Might we not be separated for ever? I cannot tell how many thoughts like + these passed through my mind as I limped after Antoine, who was himself + somewhat awkward in his gait, like many of the silk-weavers from sitting + so constantly at the loom. +</p> +<p> + Thus we passed through some of the by-ways of Montauban, and entered a + small house. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0010"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER X. +</h2> +<h3> + "MY NATIVE LAND, GOOD-NIGHT" +</h3> +<p> + The room we entered was destitute of furniture and blackened with smoke. + Heaps of broken fragments impeded our entrance and lay on the floor. + A man sitting on the ground was restlessly taking up one piece after + another, and laying them down again, muttering to himself, without + noticing us. +</p> +<p> + "I know not why they should have done so," he said hurriedly; "the poor + chairs and tables could not hurt. And, after all, when they hung me up + I gave in, and kissed the cross made by their swords; and they knocked + me about after that. If that was justice, I don't know what justice is. + They hurt my wife, too, or she would not have shrieked out so. And her + word always had been—'Hold out; pain may be borne; and they dare not + kill us!' But when she saw them tie me up, she cried out, 'Oh, Pierre, + Pierre, give in—give in!' So what was I to do? Answer me that." +</p> +<p> + "This poor fellow has lost his senses," said Antoine, softly. "Wait here + a minute. I will soon return." +</p> +<p> + I stood where I was. It seemed to me from the charred remains that the + furniture had been just broken up and then partially burnt. There was + a great beam across the ceiling, with large iron hooks on which to hang + bacon, onions, and such-like. From one of these hooks dangled a strong + chain. +</p> +<p> + "They drew me up with that," said he, turning his dull eyes on me, and + the next instant looking away. "They passed the chain under one of my + armpits, and so suspended me; and then beat me. I was not going to stand + that, you know. My wife ran away, calling on me to give in; so what + could I do? Could I help it? Am I a renegade?" +</p> +<p> + I said, "Let us remember David's words—'Have mercy on me, O Lord, for + my sin is great.' He did not say, 'for my sin is little—a very little + one—the first I ever sinned;' but 'my sin is great;' and therefore have + mercy on me. Say it after me. 'Have mercy on me, for my sin is great.'" +</p> +<p> + —"For my sin is great," repeated he, melting into tears. And again and + again he repeated, weeping, "For my sin is great—my sin is great. Have + mercy on me, O Lord, for my sin is great." +</p> +<p> + "He also hath forgiven the wickedness of thy sin," said I. "Let us turn + unto the Lord, for he will heal us, and not be angry with us for ever." +</p> +<p> + Antoine drew me away. We left the poor man in tears, and went into the + yard, where stood a cart, with a sorry horse in it, and a heap of loose + fagots and pieces of broken furniture beside it. +</p> +<p> + "Get you in here, sir, and lie down," said he. "I will pile the wood + over you as lightly as I can." +</p> +<p> + I did as he desired. He bestowed the wood over me as carefully as he + could, and then led the horse out. +</p> +<p> + "Whither away?" said somebody, passing. +</p> +<p> + "To dispose of this rubbish," said he, carelessly. "Poor Pierre's + chattels have been reduced to mere firewood. If a trifle can be got + for them, it may buy him bread." +</p> +<p> + I thought of the two messengers to King David, whom a woman concealed + in a well at Bahurim, spreading a covering over the well's mouth, and + spreading ground corn thereon. I was startled when the man said, +</p> +<p> + "I have a mind to buy it of you: it will do to heat my oven." +</p> +<p> + "But this load is engaged already," said Antoine. +</p> +<p> + "Why did you not say so at first? You said you were going to see if you + could get a trifle for it." +</p> +<p> + "I confess I expressed myself badly. My poor brother's sad state has + bewildered me. Go you, and look in on him, and see what a pitiable + object he is." +</p> +<p> + "Well, I think I will. What is the value of this load, as it stands?" +</p> +<p> + Antoine seemed so disposed to haggle for it that I confess I quaked; + however, he set such a high value on it that the other demurred. +</p> +<p> + Happily we got out of the town without further molestation. I was very + much cramped, but that was no matter. The church-bells began to ring; + and Antoine said, in a low voice, "How pitiable are the poor people who + are now going to vespers on compulsion! Where will all this end? Can it + be that he who now goeth forth weeping, and bearing good seed, shall + return again in joy, bringing his sheaves with him?" +</p> +<p> + I said, "The Lord's hand is not straitened, that he cannot save. What + is impossible with man is possible with God." +</p> +<p> + "Oh that we may live to see it, sir." +</p> +<p> + We came up with a wagon, with the driver of which Antoine fell into + conversation for some time, but what they said I could not well hear. + At length we reached the water-side, at a landing-place where a boat + laden with kitchen stuff was awaiting us. Here Antoine saw me safely + placed in charge of the boatman, who bade me never fear, for he would + safely carry me to Bordeaux. We pushed off: the moon shone cold and + bright; the air on the river felt fresh and chill. The boatman threw a + warm covering on me, bade me sleep, and began a monotonous boat-song. + I soon slept. +</p> +<p> + When I awoke it was late in the morning, for the bright October sun + overhead was making the rapid Garonne quiver in a sheen of golden light. + I found we had made good progress, and were not many hours from our + destination. I found it inexpressibly pleasant to float down that + bright river, as it carried me to new scenes, which love, hope, and + inexperience painted in pleasing colors. My feet were sufficiently + painful for me to be glad to lie idly among the piles of cabbages and + while the time in day-dreams. Aged confessors might go forth sighing, + "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" but to the young + and buoyant, change of occupation and foreign travel have great + allurement, even when rudely come by. +</p> +<p> + The boatman seemed an honest poor fellow. Sometimes he exchanged + greetings and jokes with other boatmen; sometimes he sang snatches + of plaintive songs, such as +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<p> "N'erount très frères</p> +<p> N'erount très frères</p> +<p class="i2"> N'haut qu'une soeur à marida:"</p> +</div></div> +<p><br> + for his mother was from Languedoc. At other times he talked to me + quietly. +</p> +<p> + "Yours seems a contented, merry life, said I. +</p> +<p> + "Well, I make it so," said he. "Where is the good of picking up + troubles? they come sure enough. Once I was foolish enough to think + 'What a poor lot is this, to be pulling a market-boat up and down + stream, with greens for the seafaring men, while others go riding on + horseback or in carriages, wear fine clothes, feast every day, and go to + theatres at night.' But when the dragoons came I was thankful to be what + I was. Did you hear what happened to Collette at our place? Collette was + the prettiest girl of our village, and a good girl, but a thought too + vain. Perhaps it is too much to expect a woman not to be vain when she + is pretty, but all are not. Collette's skin was like lilies and roses. + When the dragoons were let loose on us they burnt her father's + furniture, and beat him within an inch of his life. They asked Collette + if she would go to mass: she said, 'I will not.' They pulled her hair, + beat her, pinched her, but she only said the more, 'I will not.' Then a + dragoon said, 'This girl is too pert, her conceit must be lowered a + little.' And he took a comb off her toilette, and drew it down her face + two or three times, quite hard, till it was scratched and scored all + over. Conceive how the poor thing was cut up! She burst into tears, and + said, 'Take me to a convent; I don't care where I go now, so that I am + not seen. I shall never be worth looking at again.'" +</p> +<p> + "But what an unworthy motive for an unworthy act!" cried I. +</p> +<p> + "But only think how she was goaded to it!" said he. "Women think so much + of their looks. I am told the dragoons have tried that trick with many + ladies of quality." +</p> +<p> + "If they deserved the name of men they would be ashamed of it." +</p> +<p> + "Well, I think so too; but see how they treat the men! Have you seen + a chain of galley-slaves on their way to Marseilles? Certainly no + treatment can be too bad for the infamous, but that nobles and gentlemen + should be fettered along with felons, forgers, murderers, and + such-like—ah, 'tis too bad!"<a href="#note-1" name="ref1"><small>1</small></a>... +</p> +<p> + "But now we come to Bordeaux," said he, at length; and in fact, the + increase of traffic on the water was sufficient of itself to tell us + that we were approaching an important commercial city, while in the + distance were seen the masts of ships of many nations. Nearer at hand + the richly-wooded heights were studded with the country seats of opulent + merchants, many of whom either were Huguenots or had made their fortunes + by Huguenots. It was to be supposed, therefore, that we had many friends + here; and, indeed, many were favoring our escape as much as they could + without compromising themselves; but such jealous watch was being kept + on the port that this was extremely difficult. Soon my companion ran his + boat in between two others similarly laden—as far as vegetables when, + that is, for I know not they held any fugitives; and a great war of + words ensued, in which it was difficult to know whether they were really + quarrelling or not. +</p> +<p> + At length I got ashore, and found my way to the counting-house of my + father's correspondent, Monsieur Bort. He was a very business-looking + man, with a short, hard, dry way of speaking. I found him immersed in + his books. Directly he saw me, he said, abruptly. +</p> +<p> + "You are young Bonneval. You come too late. The others are gone." +</p> +<p> + "Oh" And I dropped into a seat, quite stunned by this reverse. +</p> +<p> + "Mais que voulez-vous?" said he. "They could not wait. The opportunity + would have been lost." +</p> +<p> + "Are they really off, and safe?" +</p> +<p> + "Off they are, but whether safe—." He shrugged his shoulders and raised + his eyebrows. However, seeing my chagrin, he added, "I imagine they are + in the river Thames by this time." +</p> +<p> + "Do you mean they are ascending the river to London?" +</p> +<p> + "Precisely. It may not be so, but we may hope the best. And + you?"—eyeing me inquiringly. +</p> +<p> + "What am I to do, sir? Did my father leave me no word of direction?" +</p> +<p> + "He left you his blessing, and bade you be a good boy, and submit + yourself to my direction." +</p> +<p> + "That I will gladly do, if you will direct me." +</p> +<p> + "Well, I am pledged to do the best I can for you. But, unhappily, the + surveillance is now so strict that I know not how to smuggle you on + board." +</p> +<p> + "In a box—in a cask," said I, desperately. +</p> +<p> + "Have you really courage to be packed in that manner?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, if there is no alternative." +</p> +<p> + "Come, you are un brave garçon! I respect you for your resolution. There + is a vessel of mine being loaded now, and if you will really go on board + in such a way as you propose I think we can manage it, and your durance + will not last more than a few hours. You will be a Regulus without the + nails." +</p> +<p> + Smiling grimly at this allusion, he went out, and left me to meditate + on what lay before me. It was not pleasant, certainly; but then the + incentive was so great!—to join all whom I held dear, in a free land! + The light affliction would be but for a moment. +</p> +<p> + Monsieur Bort returned. "All is arranged," said he complacently. + "I have taken the porter who will roll you into the secret. He promises + to be as careful of you as he can. An officer on board is likewise in my + confidence: he engages you shall be released as soon as the vessel is + fairly under weigh. So take heart; it will be but a short trial compared + with what many Huguenots are put to. Take this money and these papers—" +</p> +<p> + After some business directions he accompanied me to the warehouse, where + the cask awaited me, with some hay to soften my journey in it. +</p> +<p> + "You are a pipe of Bordeaux, going as a present to my particular friend + in London," said he, smiling. "Now, behave yourself as a good pipe of + wine should; and don't cry out even if you are hurt. See, there are some + air-holes. You won't stifle." +</p> +<p> + "They are very small—" +</p> +<p> + "How can that be helped? Who would have doors and windows in a + wine-cask? You will get on board alive, will be released when well + to sea, and must not mind a little discomfort." +</p> +<p> + We shook hands, and I stepped in and settled myself as well as I could, + with my mouth close to one of the air-holes; and the cask was closed + upon me. The next minute I was rolled slowly off; and a most odd + sensation it was! I advise you to try it, if you would like something + perfectly new; but have bigger air-holes if you can; and even then let + your experiment be short. +</p> +<p> + I verily believe the porter did his best for me; but how slowly + he rolled: and even then what bumps and jolts I had when we came to + uneven ground! Now and then he stopped, to wipe his face and rest, + seemingly—then on we trundled again Meanwhile I was getting exceedingly + hot; all the blood in my body seemed mounting into my head: and + unpleasant ideas of smothering obtruded themselves. The noises around me + told me we were on the wharf; then the jolting and bumping became worse + than before: I fancied I could tell we passed up a sloping plank and + were on shipboard. Then, without the least warning, I was rolled over + and over, and then set upon my head! but a loud cry outside drowned a + smothered cry within; and I was placed in a horizontal position again, + with feelings impossible to describe. +</p> +<p> + I think I became sleepy after that; or else in a painless state of + insensibility. When I woke I was numb all over, and had to rub my + dazzled eyes as the bright daylight broke in on them. +</p> +<p> + "He seems to like his quarters so well as to have no mind to turn out," + said a rough voice. +</p> +<p> + "He wants assistance," said some one, in a kinder tone; and a handsome, + frank-looking man laid hold of my arm, and helped me to rise. Above me + were the sails and cordage of a ship; all around me the sparkling blue + waves, leaping in freedom. I clasped my hands, and raised them to + heaven. +</p> +<p> + "You do well to give thanks where thanks are due," said the mate. "Now + come into the cabin." +</p> +<p> + Seeing me stagger, he took me by the arm, and kindly assisted me into + the presence of the captain, saying, "Here is one of the noble army of + martyrs." +</p> +<p> + The captain gave me a most kind reception, made me dine with him, and + asked me a great many questions. He then told me many moving stories of + other Huguenots who had escaped or tried to escape to England; and he + related such instances of the kindness of the English to the fugitives + that my heart warmed towards them with gratitude and hope. +</p> +<p> + After this I suffered much from seasickness, and lay two or three days + in my cot, where we were buffeted of the winds, and tossed. We were + chased by a strange ship, and had to put on all the sail we could to + escape being overhauled; and this led to our being driven out of our + course; so that, what with one thing and another, we we did not reach + Gravesend till the 8th of November. Then the captain went ashore with + his ship's papers, and, after transacting business, started for London, + and took me with him. +</p> +<p> + What a day it was for forming one's first impressions of that + much-longed-for capital! There was a thick November fog, through which + street-lamps sent an imperfect light; and shops were lighted up with + candles. Vehicles ran against one another in the streets, in spite of + link-boys darting between the horses, fearless of danger, and scattering + sparks from their fiery torches. The noise, the unknown language, + the strange streets and lanes bewildered me. The captain called a + hackney-coach, and in this we made our way to Fenchurch street, + where lived his shipping agent, Mr. Smith. We went upstairs to his + counting-house, and found him talking to some one, who turned round + as we entered. +</p> +<p> + I exclaimed "Oh, my father!" and precipitated myself into his arms. + He embraced me with transport. +</p> +<p> + "Where is my mother? Where is Madeline?" +</p> +<p> + "Safe and well, at the country-house of our esteemed friend Mr. Smith. + Thither I will speedily take you, my dear boy. I came here to gather + tidings of you." +</p> +<p> + "How long it seems since we lost sight of one another!" +</p> +<p> + "Long, indeed! And how much we have to tell each other! But we are + in smooth water now. In this free, happy land people are no longer + persecuted for their faith. We must begin the world again, my son; but + what does that signify? You have youth and energy; I have experience + and patience." +</p> +<p> + The captain and Mr. Smith looked on with sympathy at our mutual + felicitations. Soon I was with my father in a stage-coach on our way to + Walthamstow. There, in an old-fashioned red-brick mansion, I found my + mother, brothers and sisters, my Madeleine, and Gabrielle. What joy! + What affection! +</p> +<p> + In short, we were all, without one exception, among the four hundred + thousand persons who forsook France rather than renounce their faith. + Of that number, a very great many perished of famine, hardships, and + fatigue; but we were among the many who safely reached this hospitable + country and commenced life anew. Many of us settled without the city + walls in the open ground of Spital Fields, which we gradually covered + with houses and silk-factories. Here we spoke our own language, sang our + own songs, had our own places of worship, and built our dwellings in the + old French style, with porticoes and seats at the doors, where our old + men sat and smoked on summer evenings, and conversed with one another + in their own tongue. +</p> +<p> + At first our starving refugees were relieved by a Parliamentary grant of + £15,000 a year; but, God prospering our industry our trade went on + steadily increasing till that, now, in 1713, three hundred thousand of + us are maintained by it in England. And many others of us in friendly + countries abroad, where we have been driven. Prosperity to those among + whom we have settled has followed. The native land that cast us forth + has been impoverished. Happy are the people whom the Lord hath blessed. + Yea, happy are they who have the Lord for their God. +</p> + + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<hr class="full"> + +<h2>Footnotes</h2> + +<a name="note-1"><!--Note--></a> +<p class="foot"> +<u>1</u> See "Autobiography of a French Protestant." Religious +Tract Society. A thrilling narrative, of which the Quarterly Review +says:—"The facts are more interesting than fiction, and the incidents +not less strange." <a href="#ref1"><small>(return)</small></a> +</p> + +<br><br><br><br> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13896 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/13896-h/images/image-1.png b/13896-h/images/image-1.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..20772b2 --- /dev/null +++ b/13896-h/images/image-1.png |
