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+Project Gutenberg's The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 6 of 6, by Eugène Sue
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 6 of 6
+
+Author: Eugène Sue
+
+Illustrators: G. Mercier
+              Bicknell
+              Léon Poiteau
+              Adrian Marcel
+
+Release Date: September 22, 2010 [EBook #33805]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERIES OF PARIS, V.6 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Christine Aldridge and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+(Stanford University, SUL Books in the Public Domain)
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+1. Passages in italics are surrounded by _underscores_.
+
+2. Passages in Gothic Bold are surrounded by +plus+ signs.
+
+3. Other transcription notes appear at the end of this e-text.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "_Kneeling Down, Placed It on the Ground_"
+Original Etching by Mercier]
+
+
+
+
++The Mysteries of Paris.+
+
+  _ILLUSTRATED WITH ETCHINGS
+  BY MERCIER, BICKNELL, POITEAU,
+  AND ADRIAN MARCEL._
+
+                 _BY EUGENE SUE_
+
+
+      _IN SIX VOLUMES
+         VOLUME VI._
+
+
+       _PRINTED FOR
+  FRANCIS A. NICCOLLS & CO.
+          BOSTON_
+
+
+     +Edition de Luxe+
+
+_This edition is limited to one thousand copies,
+of which this is_
+
+          No.____
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+      CHAPTER                                             PAGE
+         I. PUNISHMENT                                      11
+        II. RODOLPH AND SARAH                               44
+       III. LOVE'S FRENZY                                   68
+        IV. THE HOSPITAL                                    80
+         V. HOPE                                           108
+        VI. THE FATHER AND DAUGHTER                        122
+       VII. THE MARRIAGE                                   141
+      VIII. BICÊTRE                                        152
+        IX. THE TOILET                                     183
+         X. MARTIAL AND THE CHOURINEUR                     195
+        XI. THE FINGER OF PROVIDENCE                       201
+
+
+      EPILOGUE.
+
+         I. GEROLSTEIN                                     215
+        II. THE PRINCESS AMELIE                            236
+       III. THE VOWS                                       262
+        IV. THE THIRTEENTH OF JANUARY                      267
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+                                                          PAGE
+      "KNEELING DOWN PLACED IT ON THE GROUND"   _Frontispiece_
+      "WAS LOOKING AT HERSELF IN A MIRROR"                  44
+      "THEY TOOK HER TO THEIR GUILTY HAUNTS"                65
+      "THE SCHOOLMASTER WAS SITTING ON A BENCH"            172
+      "IN THE CHURCH IN PRAYER"                            264
+
+
+
+
+THE MYSTERIES OF PARIS.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+PUNISHMENT.
+
+
+We will again conduct the reader into the study of Jacques Ferrand.
+Availing ourselves of the loquacity of the clerks, we shall endeavour,
+through their instrumentality, to narrate the events that had occurred
+since the disappearance of Cecily.
+
+"A hundred sous to ten, if his present state continues, that in less
+than a month our governor will go off with a pop."
+
+"The fact is, since Cecily left, he is only skin and bones."
+
+"And now he takes to the priests again more than ever."
+
+"The curé of the parish is a most respectable man, and I overheard him
+say yesterday, to another priest who accompanied him, 'It is admirable!
+M. Jacques Ferrand is the personification of charity.'"
+
+"Well, then, when the curé declares a thing one must credit it; and yet
+to believe that the governor is charitable is almost beyond my belief."
+
+"Remember the forty sous for our breakfast."
+
+"Yes, but then the head clerk says that three days ago the governor
+realised a large sum in the funds, and that he is about to sell his
+business."
+
+"Well, no doubt he has the means to retire."
+
+"He has speculated on the Bourse, and gained lots of money."
+
+"What astonishes me is this friend who follows him like his shadow."
+
+"Yes, he does not leave M. Ferrand for a moment; they eat together, and
+seem as if they were inseparable."
+
+"It seems to me as if I had seen this intruder somewhere!"
+
+"Have you not remarked that every two hours there comes a man with large
+light moustaches, with a military air, who inquires for the intruder of
+the porter? This friend then goes down-stairs, discourses for a moment
+with the hero with moustaches, after which the military gent turns on
+his heel, goes away, and returns two hours afterwards."
+
+"Yes, I have remarked it. It appears to me that, as I go and come, I see
+in the street men who appear to be watching the house."
+
+"Perhaps the head clerk knows more of this than we do. By the way, where
+is he?"
+
+"At the house of the Countess Macgregor, who has been assassinated, and
+is now despaired of. They sent for the governor to-day, but the head
+clerk was despatched in his stead."
+
+"He has plenty in his hands, then, for I suppose he will fill Germain's
+place as cashier."
+
+"Talking of Germain, an odd thing has occurred. The governor, in order
+to free him from prison, has declared that he made a mistake in his
+accounts, and that he has found the money he accused Germain of taking."
+
+"I do not see anything odd in that,--it is but justice. I was sure that
+Germain was incapable of theft."
+
+"Ah, here's a coach, gents!" said Chalamel, looking out of the window;
+"it is not a spicy turn-out like that of the famous vicomte, the gay
+Saint-Remy, but a hack concern."
+
+"Who is coming out of it?"
+
+"Only the curé,--a very worthy man he is, too."
+
+"Silence! Some one comes in! To your work, my boys!"
+
+And all the clerks, leaning over their desks, began to scrawl away with
+much apparent industry, and as if their attention had not been taken off
+their business for a single instant.
+
+The pale features of the priest expressed at once a gentle melancholy
+combined with an air of intelligence and venerable serenity. A small
+black cap covered the crown of his head, while his long gray locks hung
+down over the collar of his greatcoat. Let us merely add to this hasty
+sketch, that owing to the worthy priest's implicit confidence in the
+words and actions of others, he was, and ever had been, completely
+blinded by the deep and well-practised hypocrisy of Jacques Ferrand.
+
+"Is your worthy employer in his room, my children?" inquired the curé.
+
+"Yes, M. l'Abbé, he is," answered Chalamel, as, rising respectfully, he
+opened the door of an adjoining study, and waited for the priest to
+enter.
+
+Hearing loud voices in the apartment, and unwilling to overhear words
+not intended for his ears, the abbé walked rapidly forwards, and tapped
+briskly at the door.
+
+"Come in," said a voice with a strong Italian accent; and, entering, the
+priest found himself in the presence of Polidori and Jacques Ferrand.
+
+The clerks did not appear to have erred in calculating upon the
+approaching end of their employer. He was, indeed, scarcely to be
+recognised. Spite of the almost spectral thinness and pallor of his
+sharpened features, a deep red fever-spot burned and scorched upon his
+projecting cheek-bones; a sort of incessant tremor, amounting
+occasionally to convulsive spasms and starts, shook his attenuated
+frame. His coarse but wasted hands seemed parched with feverish heat,
+while his bloodshot eyes were shrouded from view by the large green
+glasses he wore. Altogether his face was a fearful index of the internal
+ravages of a fast consuming disease.
+
+The physiognomy of Polidori offered a strong contrast to that of the
+notary. Nothing could express a more bitter irony, a more biting
+contempt, than the features of this hardened villain, surrounded as they
+were by a mass of red hair, slightly mingled with gray, hanging in wild
+disorder over his pale, wrinkled brow, and partially hiding his sharp,
+penetrating eyes, which, green and transparent as the stone known as the
+_aqua marine_, were placed very close to his hooked nose, and imparted a
+still more sinister character to the look of sarcastic malevolence that
+dwelt on his thin, compressed lips. Such was Polidori, as, attired in a
+suit of entire black, he sat beside the desk of Jacques Ferrand. At the
+sight of the priest both rose.
+
+"And how do you find yourself, my good M. Ferrand?" inquired the abbé,
+in a tone of deep solicitude; "let me hope you are better."
+
+"Much the same as you last saw me, M. l'Abbé," replied the notary. "No
+sleep, no rest, and constantly devoured by fever; but God's will be
+done!"
+
+"Alas, M. l'Abbé!" interposed Polidori, "my poor friend is no better;
+but what a blessed spirit he is in! What resignation! Finding no other
+relief from his suffering than in doing good!"
+
+"Have the goodness to cease these praises, which I am far from
+meriting," said the notary, in a short, dry tone, as though struggling
+hard to restrain his feelings of rage and resentment; "to the Lord alone
+belongs the right of judging what is good and what evil,--I am but a
+miserable sinner!"
+
+"We are all sinners," replied the abbé, mildly; "but all have not the
+extreme charity by which you are distinguished, my worthy friend. Few,
+indeed, like you, are capable of weaning their affections from their
+earthly goods, that they may be employed only as a means of leading a
+more Christianlike life. Are you still determined upon retiring from
+your profession, the better to devote yourself to religious duties?"
+
+"I disposed of my practice a day or two ago, for a large and handsome
+sum. This money, united with other property, will enable me to found the
+institution I was speaking to you of, and of which I have entirely
+sketched out the plan. I am about to lay it before you, and to ask your
+assistance in improving it where necessary."
+
+"My noble-minded friend," exclaimed the abbé, with the deepest and
+holiest admiration, "how naturally and unostentatiously you do these
+things! Ah, well might I say there were but few who resembled you; and
+upon the heads of such too many blessings can scarcely be prayed for and
+wished."
+
+"Few persons, like my friend Jacques here," said Polidori, with an
+ironical smile, which wholly escaped the abbé, "are fortunate enough to
+possess both piety and riches, charity and discrimination as to the
+right channel into which to pour their wealth, in order that it may work
+well for the good of their soul."
+
+At this repetition of sarcastic eulogium, the notary's hand became
+clenched with internal emotion, while, through his spectacles, he darted
+a look of deadly hatred on Polidori.
+
+"Do you perceive, M. l'Abbé," said the dear friend of Jacques Ferrand,
+hastily, "he has these convulsive twitchings of the limbs
+continually?--and yet he will not have any advice. He really makes me
+quite wretched to see him, as it were, killing himself! Nay, my
+excellent friend, spite of those displeased looks, I will persist in
+declaring, in the presence of M. l'Abbé, that you are destroying
+yourself by refusing all succour as you do."
+
+As Polidori uttered these words, a convulsive shudder shook the
+notary's whole frame; but in another instant he had regained the mastery
+over himself, and was calm as before. A less simple-minded man than the
+abbé might have perceived, both during this conversation and in that
+which followed, a something unnatural in the language and forced actions
+of Jacques Ferrand, for it is scarcely necessary to state that his
+present proceedings were dictated to him by a will and authority he was
+powerless to resist, and that it was by the command of Rodolph the
+wretched man was compelled to adopt words and conduct diametrically the
+reverse of his own sentiments or inclinations. And so it was that, when
+sore pressed, the notary seemed half inclined to resist the arbitrary
+and invisible power he found himself obliged to obey. But a glance at
+Polidori soon put an end to his indecision, and, restraining all his
+rage and impotent fury, Jacques Ferrand forbore any further
+manifestation of futile rage, and bent beneath the yoke he could neither
+shake off nor break.
+
+"Alas, M. l'Abbé!" resumed Polidori, as though taking an infernal
+pleasure in thus torturing the miserable notary, "my poor friend wholly
+neglects his health. Let me entreat of you to join your request to mine,
+that he will be more careful of his precious self, if not for himself or
+his friends, at least for the sake of the poor and needy, whose hope and
+support he is."
+
+"Enough! Enough!" murmured the notary, in a deep, guttural voice.
+
+"No," said the priest, much moved, "'tis not enough! You can never be
+reminded too frequently that you belong not to yourself, and that you
+are to blame for neglecting your health. During the ten years I have
+known you I cannot recollect your ever being ill before the present
+time, but really the last month has so changed you that you are scarcely
+like the same person. And I am the more struck with the alteration in
+your appearance, since for some little time I have not seen you. You
+may recollect that when you sent for me the other day, I could not
+conceal my surprise on finding you so changed; during the short space of
+time that has elapsed since that visit, I find you even more rapidly
+altered for the worse. You are visibly wasting away, and occasion us all
+very serious uneasiness. I therefore most earnestly entreat of you to
+consider and attend to your health."
+
+"Believe me, M. l'Abbé, I feel most grateful for the kind interest you
+express, but that I cannot bring myself to believe my situation as
+dangerous as you do."
+
+"Nay," said Polidori, "since you are thus obstinate, M. l'Abbé shall
+know all. He greatly loves, esteems, and honours you; but how will those
+feelings be increased when he learns the real cause of your languishing
+condition, with the fresh claims your additional merits give you to his
+regard and veneration!"
+
+"M. l'Abbé," said the notary, impatiently, "I sent to beg your company
+that I might confer with you on a matter of importance, and not to take
+up your time in listening to the absurd and exaggerated eulogiums of my
+friend!"
+
+"You know, Jacques," said Polidori, fixing a piercing glance of fearful
+meaning on the notary, "that it is useless attempting to escape from me,
+and that you must hear all I have got to say."
+
+The person so addressed cast down his eyes, and durst not reply.
+Polidori continued:
+
+"You may probably have remarked, M. l'Abbé, that the first symptoms of
+our friend's illness manifested themselves in a sort of nervous attack,
+which followed the abominable scandal raised by the affair of Louise
+Morel, while in his service."
+
+A sort of aguish shivering ran over the notary.
+
+"Is it possible that you, sir, are acquainted with that unfortunate
+girl's story?" inquired the priest, greatly astonished. "I imagined you
+had only been in Paris a few days."
+
+"And you were correctly informed; but my good friend Jacques told me all
+about it, as a man would relate such a circumstance to his friend and
+physician, since he attributed the nervous shock under which he is now
+labouring to the excessive indignation awakened in his mind by the
+discovery of his servant's crime. But that is not all. My poor friend's
+sympathies have been still more painfully awakened by a fresh blow,
+which, as you perceive, has had a very serious effect on his health. An
+old and faithful servant, attached to him by many years of well-requited
+service--"
+
+"You allude to the untimely end of Madame Séraphin, I presume," said the
+curé, interrupting Polidori. "I heard of the melancholy affair; she was
+drowned, I believe, from some carelessness or imprudence manifested by
+her while making one in a party of pleasure. I can quite understand the
+distress such a circumstance must have occasioned M. Ferrand, whose kind
+heart would be unable to forget that she who was thus snatched from life
+had, for ten long years, been his faithful, zealous domestic; far from
+blaming such regrets, I think them but natural, and reflecting as much
+honour on the survivor as the deceased."
+
+"M. l'Abbé," said the notary, "let me beseech of you to cease commending
+my virtues; you confuse--you make me really uncomfortable."
+
+"And who, then, shall speak of them as they deserve?" asked Polidori,
+with feigned affection. "Will you? Oh, no! But, M. l'Abbé, you shall
+have a fresh opportunity of praising him as he deserves. Listen! You
+are, perhaps, ignorant that Jacques took a third servant, to replace
+Louise Morel and Madame Séraphin? If you are not aware of that fact, you
+have still to learn all his goodness towards poor Cecily; for that was
+the name of the new domestic, M. l'Abbé."
+
+Involuntarily the notary sprung from his seat, and with eyes glaring
+with rage and madness, even in spite of the glasses he wore, he cried,
+while a deep, fiery glow overspread his before livid countenance:
+
+"Silence! I command! I insist! I forbid another word on this subject!"
+
+"Come, come!" said the abbé, soothingly, "compose yourself. It seems
+there is still some generous action I have not yet been told of. I
+really must plead guilty to admiring the candour of your friend, however
+his love of truth may offend your modesty. I was not acquainted with the
+servant you alluded to, as, unfortunately, just about the time she
+entered the service of our worthy M. Ferrand, he became so overwhelmed
+with cares and business as to be obliged temporarily to interrupt our
+frequent friendly meetings."
+
+"That was merely a pretext to conceal the fresh act of goodness he
+meditated, M. l'Abbé, and, at the risk of paining his modesty, I am
+determined you shall know all about it," said Polidori, with a malignant
+smile, while Jacques Ferrand, in mute rage, leaned his elbows on his
+desk, while he concealed his face with his hands. "Imagine, then, M.
+l'Abbé," resumed Polidori, feigning to address himself to the curé, but
+at each phrase contriving to direct an ironical glance towards Jacques
+Ferrand, "imagine that my kind-hearted friend here found his new
+domestic possessed of the purest and rarest qualifications, the most
+perfect modesty, with the gentleness and piety of an angel; nor was this
+all. The quick penetration of my friend Jacques soon discovered that the
+female in question (who, by the way, was both young and beautiful) had
+never been accustomed to a servant's life, and that, to the most austere
+virtue, she added great and varied information, with first-rate talents,
+which had received the highest cultivation."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed the abbé, much interested in the recital. "I was
+not aware of this. But what ails you, my good M. Ferrand? You seem ill
+and disturbed!"
+
+"A slight headache," answered the notary, wiping the cold, clammy drops
+from his brow, for the restraint he imposed upon himself was most
+severe,--"nothing more! It will soon pass off."
+
+Polidori shrugged up his shoulders, smiled maliciously, and said:
+
+"Observe, M. l'Abbé, that Jacques is always seized with the same
+symptoms directly any of his good actions are brought forward. But never
+mind,--I am determined that his light shall no longer be hid under a
+bushel, and it is my firm intention to reveal all his hidden charities.
+But first let me go on with the history of his generous exertions in
+favour of Cecily, who, on her side, had quickly discovered the
+excellency of Jacques's heart, and, when questioned by him touching the
+past, she candidly confessed that, left a stranger and wholly destitute
+in a foreign land, by the imprudence of her husband, she considered
+herself particularly fortunate in being able to obtain a shelter under
+so sanctified a roof as M. Ferrand's as a most singular interposition of
+Providence. The sight of so much misfortune, united to so much heavenly
+resignation, banished all hesitation from the mind of Jacques, and he
+wrote to the birthplace of the unfortunate girl for further information
+respecting her. The reply to his inquiries was most satisfactory, as
+well as confirmatory of all the young person had previously stated.
+Then, assured of rightly dispensing his benevolence, Jacques bestowed
+the most paternal kindness on Cecily, whom he sent back to her own
+country, with a sum of money to support her till better days should
+dawn, or she be enabled to obtain some suitable employment. Now I will
+not utter one word in Jacques's praise for doing all this,--let the
+facts speak for themselves."
+
+"Excellent! Most excellent!" exclaimed the deeply affected curé.
+
+"M. l'Abbé," said Jacques Ferrand, in a hoarse and abrupt tone, "I do
+not desire to take up your valuable time in discoursing of myself, but
+of the project respecting which I requested your presence, and for the
+furtherance of which I wished to obtain your valuable concurrence."
+
+"I can well understand that the praises so justly bestowed on you by
+your friend are painful to one of your extreme modesty; let us, then,
+merely speak of your good works as though you were not the author of
+them. But, first of all, let me give an account of my own proceedings in
+the matters you confided to me. According to your desire, I have
+deposited the sum of one hundred thousand crowns in the Bank of France,
+in my own name, with the intention of employing that amount in the act
+of restitution of which you are the medium, and which I am to effect.
+You preferred the money being lodged in the bank, although, in my
+opinion, it would have been in equal safety with you."
+
+"And in so doing, M. l'Abbé, I only acted in concurrence with the wishes
+of the person making this restitution for the sake of his conscience.
+His request to me was to place the sum mentioned by you in your hands,
+and to entreat of you to forward it to the widow lady, Madame Fermont,
+whose maiden name was Renneville (the notary's voice trembled as he
+pronounced these two names), whenever that person should present herself
+to you. I fully substantiate her claims."
+
+"Be assured," replied the priest, "I will with pleasure discharge the
+trust committed to me."
+
+"But that is not the only matter in which your assistance is solicited."
+
+"So much the better, if the others resemble this, for, without seeking
+the motives which dictate it, a voluntary restitution is always
+calculated to excite a deep interest; these rigid decrees of an
+awakened conscience are always the harbingers of a deep and sincere
+repentance, and such an expiation cannot fail to bring forth good
+fruits."
+
+"True, M. l'Abbé, the soul must indeed be in a perilous state when such
+a sum as one hundred thousand crowns is voluntarily refunded. For my
+part, I confess to having felt more inquisitive on the subject than
+yourself; but what chance had my curiosity against the firm and unshaken
+discretion of my friend Jacques? I am, therefore, still in ignorance of
+the name of the individual who thus restores such immense wealth for
+their conscience' sake."
+
+"But," continued Polidori, eyeing Jacques Ferrand with a keen,
+significant glance, "you will hear to what an extent are carried the
+generous scruples of the author of this restitution; and, to tell the
+truth, I strongly suspect that our right-minded friend here was the
+first to awaken the slumbering feelings of the guilty person, as well as
+to point out the surest and fittest way of tranquillising them."
+
+"How so?" inquired the priest.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked the notary.
+
+"Why, remember the Morels, those honest, deserving people."
+
+"True, true!" interposed Jacques Ferrand, in a hasty tone, "I had
+forgotten them."
+
+"Imagine, M. l'Abbé, that the author of this restitution, doubtless
+influenced by Jacques, not contented with the restitution of this large
+sum, wishes also--But my worthy friend shall speak for himself--I will
+not deprive him of the pleasure of relating so fine an action."
+
+"Pray let me hear all about it, my dear M. Ferrand," said the priest.
+
+"You are aware," replied Jacques Ferrand, with affected sympathy,
+strangely mingled with the deep repugnance he entertained at being
+compelled to play a part so opposite to his inclinations, and which
+betrayed itself in the alteration his voice and manner exhibited, even
+in spite of all his attempts to be on his guard,--"you are aware, I say,
+M. l'Abbé, that the misconduct of that unhappy girl, Louise Morel, took
+so deep an effect on her father as to deprive him of his senses, and to
+reduce his numerous family to the very verge of destitution, thus bereft
+of their sole support and prop. Happily Providence interposed in their
+behalf, and the person whose voluntary restitution you have so kindly
+undertaken to arrange, not satisfied with this step, believed his abuse
+of confidence required still further expiation, and, therefore, inquired
+of me if I knew any genuine case of real and unmerited distress. I
+immediately thought of the Morel family, and recommended them so warmly
+that the unknown personage begged me to hand over to you (as I shall do)
+the necessary funds for purchasing an annuity of eighty pounds a year
+for the joint lives of Morel, his wife, and children."
+
+"Truly," said the abbé, "such conduct is beyond my poor praise. Most
+gladly will I add this commission to the former; still permit me to
+express my surprise that you were not yourself selected to arrange an
+affair of this nature, the proceedings of which must be so much more
+familiar to you than to me."
+
+"The reason for your being preferred, M. l'Abbé, was because the
+individual in question believed that his expiatory acts would go forth
+even in greater sanctity if they passed through hands as pure and pious
+as your own."
+
+"Then be it so! And I will at once proceed to arrange for an annuity to
+Morel, the worthy but unfortunate parent of Louise. Still I am inclined
+to think, with your friend, that you are not altogether a stranger to
+the motives which dictated this additional expiation."
+
+"Nay, M. l'Abbé, let me beg of you to believe that all I did was to
+recommend the Morel family as a deserving case upon which to exercise
+charitable sympathy; I had no further share in the good work," said
+Jacques Ferrand.
+
+"Now, then," said Polidori, "you are next to be gratified, M. l'Abbé,
+with seeing to what an extent my worthy friend there has carried his
+philanthropic views, as manifested in the foundation of such an
+establishment as that we have already discussed. He will read to you the
+plan definitely decided on. The necessary money for its endowment is
+ready, and all is prepared for immediate action; but since yesterday a
+doubt has crossed his mind, and if he does not like to state it himself
+I will do so for him."
+
+"There is no occasion for your taking that trouble," said Jacques, who
+seemed to find a relief in talking himself rather than be compelled to
+sit in silence and listen to the ironical praises of his accomplice.
+"The fact is this, M. l'Abbé, I have reflected upon our purposed
+undertaking, and it occurs to me that it would be more in accordance
+with a right spirit of humility and Christian meekness if the projected
+establishment were instituted in your name, and not in mine."
+
+"Nay, nay!" exclaimed the abbé, "such humility is exaggerated beyond all
+reasonable scruples. You may fairly pride yourself upon having
+originated so noble a charity, and it becomes your just right, as well
+as your duty, to give it your own name."
+
+"Pardon me for insisting in this instance on having my own way. I have
+thought the matter well over, and am resolved upon preserving a strict
+_incognito_ as to being the founder of the undertaking. I therefore
+venture to hope you will do me the favour to act for me, and carry the
+scheme into execution, selecting the various functionaries requisite for
+its several departments. I merely desire to have the nomination of the
+chief clerk and one of the doorkeepers. To this kindness you must add
+the most inviolable secrecy as regards myself."
+
+"Independently of the pleasure it would afford me to coöperate in such a
+work as yours, my duty to my fellow creatures would not permit me to do
+otherwise than accede to your wishes; you may therefore reckon upon me
+in every way you desire."
+
+"Then, with your permission, M. l'Abbé, my friend will read you the plan
+he has decided on adopting."
+
+"Perhaps," said Jacques Ferrand, bitterly, "you will spare me the
+fatigue of reading it, by taking that office on yourself? You will
+oblige me by so doing, will you not?"
+
+"By no means!" answered Polidori. "The pure philanthropy which dictated
+the scheme will sound far better from your lips than mine."
+
+"Enough!" interrupted the notary; "I will read it myself."
+
+Polidori, so long the accomplice of Jacques Ferrand, and consequently
+well acquainted with the black catalogue of his crimes, could not
+restrain a fiendish smile as he saw the notary compelled in his own
+despite to read aloud and adopt as his own the words and sentiments so
+arbitrarily dictated by Rodolph.
+
+    "ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BANK FOR WORKMEN OUT OF EMPLOY.
+
+    "We are instructed to 'Love one another!' These divine words
+    contain the germ of all charities. They have inspired the humble
+    founder of this institution. Limited as to the means of action,
+    the founder has desired at least to enable as many as possible
+    to participate in what he offers. In the first place, he
+    addresses himself to the honest, hard-working workmen, burdened
+    with families, whom the want of employment frequently reduces to
+    the most cruel extremities. It is not a degrading alms which he
+    offers to his brethren, but a gratuitous loan he begs them to
+    accept. And he hopes that this loan may frequently prevent them
+    from involving their future by distressing loans, which they are
+    forced to make in order to await a return of work, their only
+    resource for a family of whom they are the sole support. As a
+    guarantee of this loan he only requires from his brethren an
+    undertaking on honour, and a keeping of the word pledged. He
+    invests a sum producing an annual income of twelve thousand
+    francs, and to this amount loans of twenty to forty francs,
+    without interest, will be advanced to married men out of work.
+    These loans will only be made to workmen or workwomen with
+    certificates of good conduct given by the last employer, who
+    will mention the cause and date of the suspension from labour.
+    These loans to be repaid monthly by one-sixths' or one-tenths',
+    at the option of the borrower, beginning from the day when he
+    again procures employment. He must sign a simple engagement, on
+    his honour, to return the loan at the periods fixed. This
+    engagement must be also signed by two fellow workmen as
+    guarantees, in order to develop and extend by their conjunction
+    the sacredness of the promise sworn to. The workman and his two
+    sureties who do not return the sum borrowed must never again
+    have another loan, having forfeited his sacred engagement, and,
+    especially, having deprived so many of his brethren of the
+    advantage he has enjoyed, as the sum he has not repaid is for
+    ever lost to the Bank for the Poor. The sums lent being, on the
+    contrary, scrupulously repaid, the loans will augment from year
+    to year. Not to degrade man by a loan, not to encourage idleness
+    by an unprofitable gift, to increase the sentiments of honour
+    and probity natural to the labouring classes, to come paternally
+    to the aid of the workman, who, already living with difficulty
+    from day to day, owing to the insufficiency of wages, cannot,
+    when work stops, suspend the wants of himself and family because
+    his labour is suspended,--these are the thoughts which have
+    presided over this institution. May His Holy Name who has said
+    'Love one another!' be alone glorified!"
+
+"Ah, sir," exclaimed the abbé, "what a charitable idea! Now I understand
+your emotion on reading these lines of such touching simplicity."
+
+In truth, as he concluded the reading, the voice of Jacques Ferrand had
+faltered, his patience and courage were at an end; but, watched by
+Polidori, he dared not infringe Rodolph's slightest order.
+
+"M. l'Abbé, is not Jacques's idea excellent?" asked Polidori.
+
+"Ah, sir, I, who know all the wretchedness of the city, can more easily
+comprehend of what importance may be for poor workmen out of employ a
+loan which may seem so trifling to the happy in this world! Ah, what
+good may be done if persons but knew that with thirty or forty francs,
+which would be scrupulously repaid, if without interest, they might
+often save the future, and sometimes the honour of a family, whom the
+want of work places in the grasp of misery and want!"
+
+"Jacques values your praises, Monsieur l'Abbé," replied Polidori. "And
+you will have still more to say to him when you hear of his institution
+of a gratuitous Mont-de-Piété (pawnbroking establishment), for Jacques
+has not forgotten this, but made it an adjunct to his Bank for the
+Poor."
+
+"Can it be true?" exclaimed the priest, clasping his hands in
+admiration.
+
+The notary contrived to read with a rapid voice the other details, which
+referred to loans to workmen whose labour was suspended by fatigue or
+illness, and his intention to establish a Bank for the Poor producing
+twenty-five thousand francs a year for advances on pledges, which were
+never to go beyond ten francs for each pledge, without any charges for
+interest. The management and office of the loans in the Bank for the
+Poor was to be in the Rue du Temple, Number 17, in a house bought for
+the purpose. An income of ten thousand francs a year was to be devoted
+to the costs and management of the Bank for the Poor, whose manager was
+to be--
+
+Polidori here interrupted the notary, and said to the priest:
+
+"You will see, sir, by the choice of the manager, that Jacques knows how
+to repair an involuntary error. You know that by a mistake, which he
+deeply deplores, he had falsely accused his cashier of embezzling a sum
+which he afterwards found. Well, it is this honest fellow, François
+Germain by name, that Jacques has named as manager of the institution,
+with four thousand francs a year salary. Is it not admirable, Monsieur
+l'Abbé?"
+
+"Nothing now can astonish me, or rather nothing ever astonished me so
+much before," the priest replied; "the fervent piety, the virtues of our
+worthy friend, could only have such a result sooner or later. To devote
+his whole fortune to so admirable an institution is most excellent!"
+
+"More than a million of francs (40,000_l._), M. l'Abbé," said Polidori;
+"more than a million, amassed by order, economy, and probity! And there
+were so many wretches who accused Jacques of avarice! By what they said,
+his business brings him in fifty or sixty thousand francs a year, and
+yet he leads a life of privations!"
+
+"To that I would reply," said the abbé, with enthusiasm, "that during
+fifteen years he lived like a beggar, in order one day to console those
+in distress most gloriously."
+
+"But be at least proud and joyful at the good you do," cried Polidori,
+addressing Jacques Ferrand, who, gloomy, beaten, and with his eye fixed,
+seemed absorbed in painful meditation.
+
+"Alas!" said the abbé, in a tone of sorrow, "it is not in this world
+that one receives the recompense of so many virtues! There is a higher
+ambition."
+
+"Jacques," said Polidori, lightly touching the notary's shoulder,
+"finish reading your prospectus."
+
+The notary started, passed his hand across his forehead, and addressing
+himself to the priest, "Your pardon, M. l'Abbé," said he, "but I was
+lost in thought; I felt myself involuntarily carried away by the idea of
+how immensely the funds of this 'Bank for the Poor' might be augmented
+if the sums lent out were, when repaid, allowed to accumulate only for a
+year. At the end of four years, the institution would be in a condition
+to afford loans, either wholly gratuitously, or upon security, to the
+amount of fifty thousand crowns! Enormous! And I am delighted to find it
+so," continued he, as he reflected, with concealed rage, on the value of
+the sacrifice he was compelled to make. He then added, "A revenue of ten
+thousand francs will be secured for the expenses and management of the
+'Bank for unemployed Workmen,' whose perpetual director shall be
+François Germain; and the housekeeper, the present porter in the place,
+an individual named Pipelet. M. l'Abbé Dumont, in whose hands the
+necessary funds for carrying out the undertaking will be placed, will
+establish a board of superintendence, composed of the magistrate of the
+district and other legal functionaries, in addition to all such
+influential personages whose patronage and support may be likely to
+advance the interests of the 'Poor Man's Bank;' for the founder would
+esteem himself more than paid for the little he has done, should his
+example induce other charitable persons to come forward in aid of his
+work."
+
+"The opening of 'the bank' will be duly announced by every channel
+calculated to give publicity."
+
+"In conclusion, the founder has only to disclaim any desire to attract
+notoriety or draw down applause, his sole motive being an earnest wish
+to reëcho the divine precept of 'Love ye one another!'"
+
+The notary had now concluded; and without making any reply to the
+congratulations of the abbé, he proceeded to furnish him with the cash
+and notes requisite for the very considerable outlay required in
+carrying out the institution just described, and purchasing the annuity
+for Morel; after which he said, "Let me hope, M. l'Abbé, that you will
+not refuse the fresh mission confided to your charity. There is, indeed,
+a stranger, one Sir Walter Murphy, who has given me the benefit of his
+advice in drawing up the plan I have lately read to you, who will in
+some degree relieve you of the entire burden of this affair; and this
+very day he purposes conversing with you on the best means of bringing
+our schemes to bear, as well as to place himself at your disposal
+whenever he can render you the slightest service. To him you may speak
+freely and without any reserve, but to all others I pray of you to
+preserve the strictest secrecy as regards myself."
+
+"You may rely on me. But you are surely ill! Tell me, my excellent
+friend, is it bodily or mental pain that thus blanches your cheek? Are
+you ill?"
+
+"Somewhat indisposed, M. l'Abbé; the fatigue of reading that long paper,
+added to the emotions called up by your gratifying praises, have
+combined to overcome me; and, indeed, I have been a great sufferer
+during the last few days. Pray excuse me," said Jacques Ferrand, as he
+threw himself back languidly in his chair; "I do not apprehend any
+serious consequences from my present weakness, but must own I do feel
+quite exhausted."
+
+"Perhaps," said the priest, kindly, "your best plan would be to retire
+to bed, and allow your physician to see you."
+
+"I am a physician, M. l'Abbé," said Polidori; "the condition of my
+friend Jacques requires the greatest care, and I shall immediately do my
+best to relieve his present symptoms."
+
+The notary shuddered.
+
+"Well, well," said the curé, "let us hope that a little rest is all you
+require to set you to rights! I will now take my leave; but first let me
+give you an acknowledgment for the money I have received."
+
+While the priest was writing the receipt, a look wholly impossible to
+describe passed between Jacques Ferrand and Polidori.
+
+"Come, come," said the priest, as he handed the paper he had written to
+Jacques Ferrand, "be of good cheer! Depend upon it, it will be long ere
+so faithful and devout a servant is suffered to quit a life so usefully
+and religiously employed. I will come again to-morrow, and inquire how
+you are. Adieu, monsieur! Farewell, my good, my holy, and excellent
+friend!"
+
+And with these words the priest quitted the apartment, leaving Jacques
+Ferrand and Polidori alone there. No sooner was the door closed than a
+fearful imprecation burst from the lips of Jacques Ferrand, whose rage
+and despair, so long and forcibly repressed, now broke forth with
+redoubled fury. Breathless and excited, he continued, with wild and
+haggard looks, to pace to and fro like a furious tiger going the length
+of his chain, and then again retracing his infuriated march; while
+Polidori, preserving the most imperturbable look and manner, gazed on
+him with insulting calmness.
+
+"Damnation!" exclaimed Jacques Ferrand, at last, in a voice of
+concentrated wrath and violence; "the idea of my fortune being thus
+swallowed up in founding these humbugging philanthropic institutions,
+and to be obliged to give away my riches in such absurdities as building
+banks for other people! Your master must be the fiend himself to torture
+a man as he is doing me!"
+
+"I have no master," replied Polidori, coldly; "only, like yourself, I
+have a judge whose decrees there is no escaping!"
+
+"But thus blindly and idiotically to follow the most trifling order of
+this man!" continued Jacques Ferrand, with redoubled rage. "To compel
+me, constrain me, to the very actions most galling and hateful to me!"
+
+"Nay, you have your chance between obedience and the scaffold!"
+
+"And to think that there should be no way to escape this accursed
+domination! To be obliged to part with such a sum as that I lately
+handed over to that old proser,--a million sterling! The very extent of
+all my earthly possessions are now this house and about one hundred
+thousand francs. What more can he want with me?"
+
+"Oh, but you have not done yet! The prince has learned, through Badinot,
+that your man of straw, 'Petit Jean,' was only your own assumed title,
+under which you made so many usurious loans to the Count de Remy, whom
+you so roughly took to task for his forgeries. The sums repaid by
+Saint-Remy were supplied him by a lady of high rank; and you may, very
+probably, be called upon to make a second restitution in that case, as
+well as the former; however, you may escape that in consequence of the
+fear entertained of wounding the delicacy of the noble lender, were the
+facts brought before the public."
+
+"And fixed, chained here!"
+
+"As firmly as though bound by an iron cable!"
+
+"With such a wretch as you for my gaoler!"
+
+"Why, it is the prince's system to punish crime by crime,--the guilty by
+the hand of his accomplice. So how can you object to me?"
+
+"Oh, rage!"
+
+"But, unhappily, powerless rage; for until he sends me his orders to
+permit you to leave this house, I shall follow you like your shadow! I,
+like yourself, have placed my head in danger of falling on the scaffold;
+and should I fail to perform my prescribed task of gaoler, there it
+would quickly fall. So that, you perceive, my integrity as your keeper
+is necessarily incorruptible. And as for our both attempting to free
+ourselves by flight, that is wholly impossible. Not a step could we take
+without immediately falling into the hands of those who, day and night,
+keep vigilant watch around and at each door of this house."
+
+"Death and fury! I know it."
+
+"Then resign yourself to what is inevitable; for if even flight were
+practicable, what would it do for our ultimate safety? We should be
+hunted down by the officers of justice, and speedily overtaken, with
+certain death before us; while, on the contrary, by your submitting and
+my superintending your obedience, we are quite sure to keep our heads on
+our shoulders."
+
+"Do not exasperate me by this cool irony, or--"
+
+"Well, go on--or what? Oh, bless you, I am not afraid of you or your
+anger; but I know you too well not to adopt every precaution. I am well
+armed, I can tell you; and though you may have possessed yourself of the
+celebrated poisoned stiletto carried by Cecily, it would not be worth
+your while to try its power on me. You are aware that I am obliged,
+every two hours, to send to him who has a right to demand it a bulletin
+of your precious health! Should I not present myself with the required
+document, murder would be suspected, and you be taken into custody. But
+I wrong you in supposing you capable of such a crime. Is it likely that,
+after sacrificing more than a million of money to save your life, you
+would place it in danger for the poor satisfaction of avenging yourself
+on me by taking my life? No, no! You are not quite such a fool as that,
+at any rate!"
+
+"Oh, misery, misery! Endless and inextricable! Whichever way I turn, I
+see nothing but death or disgrace! My curse be on you--on all mankind!"
+
+"Your misanthropy, then, exceeds your philanthropy; for while the former
+embraces the whole world, the latter merely relates to a small part of
+Paris."
+
+"Go on, go on, monster! Mock as you will!"
+
+"Would you rather I should overwhelm you with reproaches? Whose fault is
+it but yours that we are placed in our present position? Why would you
+persist in hanging to that letter of mine relative to the murder I
+assisted you in, which gained you one hundred thousand crowns, although
+you contrived to make it appear the man had fallen by his own hand? Why,
+I say, did you keep that letter of mine suspended around your neck, as
+though it had been a holy relic, instead of the confession of a crime?"
+
+"Why, you contemptible being! Why, because having handed over to you
+fifty thousand francs for your share and assistance in the deed, I
+exacted from you that letter containing an admission of your
+participation in the affair, in order that I might have that security
+for your playing me fair; for with that document in existence, to betray
+me would have been to denounce yourself. That letter was the security,
+both for my life and fortune. Now are you answered as to my reasons for
+keeping it so carefully about me?"
+
+"I see! It was skilfully devised on your part, for by betraying you I
+gained nothing but the certainty of perishing with you on the same
+scaffold; and yet your cleverness has ruined us, while mine has assured
+our safety, up to the present moment."
+
+"Great safety, certainly, if our present situation is taken into
+consideration!"
+
+"Who could foresee the turn things have taken? But according to the
+ordinary course of events, our crime would have remained for ever under
+the same veil of concealment my management had thrown over it."
+
+"Your management?"
+
+"Even so! Why, do you not recollect that, after we had killed the man,
+you were for merely counterfeiting his writing, in order to despatch a
+letter as if from himself to his sister, stating his intention of
+committing suicide in consequence of having utterly ruined himself by
+losses at play? You believed it a great stroke of policy not to make any
+mention, in this letter, of the money entrusted to your charge. This was
+absurd because the sister, being aware of the deposit left in your
+hands, would be sure to claim it; it was wiser to take the contrary
+path, and make mention, as we did, of the money deposited with you; so
+that, should any suspicions arise as to the manner in which the murdered
+man met his death, you would be the very last on whom suspicion could
+fall; for how could it be supposed for an instant that you would first
+kill a man to obtain possession of the treasure placed under your care,
+and then write to inform the sister of the fact of the money having been
+lodged with you? And what was the consequence of this skilful suggestion
+on my part? Every one believed the dead man had destroyed himself. Your
+high reputation for probity enabled you successfully to deny the
+circumstance of any such sum of money as that claimed ever having been
+placed in your hands; and the general impression was, that the
+unprincipled brother had first dissipated his sister's fortune, and then
+committed suicide."
+
+"But what does all this matter now, since the crime is discovered?"
+
+"And who is to be thanked for its discovery? Is it my fault if my letter
+has become a sort of two-edged sword? Why were you so weak, so silly, as
+to surrender so formidable a weapon to--that infernal Cecily?"
+
+"Silence!" exclaimed Jacques Ferrand, with a fearful expression of
+countenance; "name her not!"
+
+"With all my heart! I don't want to bring on an attack of epilepsy. You
+see plainly enough that, as regards the common course of ordinary
+justice, our mutual precautions were quite sufficient to ensure our
+safety; but he who now holds us in his formidable power goes to work
+differently; he believes that cutting off the heads of criminals is not
+a sufficient reparation for the wrongs they have done. With the proofs
+he has against us, he might give you and myself up to the laws of our
+country; but what would be got by that? Merely a couple of dead bodies,
+to help to enrich the churchyard."
+
+"True, true! This prince, devil, or demon--whichever he is--requires
+tears, groans, wringings of the heart, ere he is satisfied. And yet 'tis
+strange he should work so much woe for me, who know him not, neither
+have ever done him the least harm. Why, then, is he so bitter against
+me?"
+
+"In the first place, because he professes to sympathise with the
+sufferings of other men, whom he calls, simply enough, his brethren;
+and, secondly, because he knows those you have injured, and he punishes
+you according to his ideas."
+
+"But what right has he to exercise any such power over me?"
+
+"Why, look you, Jacques! Between ourselves it is not worth while to
+question the right of a man who might legally consign us to a scaffold.
+But what would be the result? Your two only relations are both dead;
+consequently government would profit by your wealth, to the injury of
+those you have wronged. On the other hand, by making your fortune the
+price of your life, Morel (the father of the unhappy girl you
+dishonoured), with his numerous family, may be placed beyond the reach
+of want; Madame de Fermont, the sister of the pretended self-murderer,
+Renneville, will get back her one hundred thousand crowns; Germain,
+falsely accused by you of robbery, will be reinstated in life, and
+placed at the head of the 'Bank for distressed Workmen,' which you are
+compelled to found and endow as an expiation for your many offences
+against society. And, candidly looking at the thing in the same point of
+view as he who now holds us in his clutches, it must be owned that,
+though mankind would have gained nothing by your death, they will be
+considerably advantaged by your life."
+
+"And this it is excites my rage, that forms my greatest torture!"
+
+"The prince knows that as well as you do. And what is he going to do
+with us, after all? I know not. He promised us our lives, if we would
+blindly comply with all his orders; but if he should not consider our
+past offences sufficiently expiated, he will find means to make death
+itself preferable a thousand times to the existence he grants us. You
+don't know him. When he believes himself called upon to be stern, no
+executioner can be more inexorable and unpitying to the criminal his
+hand must deprive of life. He must have had some fiend at his elbow, to
+discover what I went into Normandy for. However, he has more than one
+demon at his command; for that Cecily, whom may the descending lightning
+strike to the earth--"
+
+"Again I say, silence! Name her not! Utter not the word Cecily!"
+
+"I tell you I wish that every curse may light upon her! And have I not
+good reason for hating one who has placed us in our present situation?
+But for her, our heads would be safe on our shoulders, and likely to
+remain so. To what has your besotted passion for that creature brought
+us!"
+
+Instead of breaking out into a fresh rage, Jacques Ferrand replied, with
+the most extreme dejection, "Do you know the person you are speaking of?
+Tell me, have you ever seen her?"
+
+"Never; but I am aware she is reported to be very beautiful."
+
+"Beautiful!" exclaimed the notary, emphatically; then, with an
+expression of bitter despair, he added, "Cease to speak of that you know
+not. What I did you would have done if similarly tempted."
+
+"What, endanger my life for the love of a woman?"
+
+"For such a one as Cecily; and I tell you candidly I would do the same
+thing again, for the same hopes as then led me on."
+
+"By all the devils in hell," cried Polidori, in utter amazement, "he is
+bewitched!"
+
+"Hearken to me," resumed the notary, in a low, calm tone, occasionally
+rendered more energetic by the bursts of uncontrollable despair which
+possessed his mind. "Listen! You know how much I love gold, as well as
+all I have ventured to acquire it. To count over in my thoughts the
+sums I possessed, to see them doubled by my avarice, to know myself
+master of immense wealth, was at once my joy, my happiness; to possess,
+not for the sake of expending or enjoying, but to hoard, to gloat over,
+was my life, my delight. A month ago, had I been told to choose between
+my fortune and my head, I should certainly have sacrificed the latter to
+save the former."
+
+"But what would be the use of possessing all this wealth, if you must
+die?"
+
+"The ecstasy of dying in the consciousness of its possession; to enjoy
+till the last moment the dear delightful feeling of being the owner of
+those riches for which you have braved everything, privations, disgrace,
+infamy, the scaffold itself, to be able to say, even as you lay your
+head on the fatal block,'Those vast treasures are mine!' Oh, death is
+far sweeter than to endure the living agonies I suffer at seeing the
+riches accumulated with so much pain, difficulties, and dangers torn
+from me! Dreadful, dreadful! 'Tis not dying daily, but each minute in
+the day; and this dreadful state of misery may be protracted for years!
+Oh, how greatly should I prefer being struck down by that sudden and
+rapid death that carries you off ere one fragment of your beloved riches
+is taken from you! For still, with your dying breath, you might sigh
+forth, 'Those treasures are mine,--all, all mine! None but me can or
+dare approach them!'"
+
+Polidori gazed on his accomplice with profound astonishment. "I do not
+understand you," said he, at last; "if such be the case, why have you
+obeyed the commands of him whose denunciation of you would bring you to
+a scaffold? Why, if life be so horrible to you, have you chosen to
+accept it at his hands, and pay the heavy price you are doing for it?"
+
+"Because," answered the notary, in a voice that sunk so low as to be
+scarcely audible, "because death brings
+forgetfulness--annihilation--and then, too, Cecily--"
+
+"What!" said Polidori, "do you still hope?"
+
+"No," said the notary, "I possess--"
+
+"What?"
+
+"The fond impassioned remembrance of her."
+
+"But what folly is this when you are sure never to see her more, and
+when she has brought you to a scaffold!"
+
+"That matters not; I love her even more ardently, more frantically than
+ever!" exclaimed Jacques Ferrand, amid a torrent of sighs and sobs that
+contrasted strongly with the previous gloomy dejection of his last
+remark. "Yes," continued he, with fearful wildness, "I love her too well
+to be willing to die, while I can feast my senses upon the recollection
+only of that night--that memorable night in which I saw her so lovely,
+so loving, so fascinating! Never is her image, as I then beheld her,
+absent from my brain; waking or sleeping, she is ever before me, decked
+in all the intoxicating beauty that was displayed to my impassioned
+gaze! Still do her large, lustrous eyes seem to dart forth their fiery
+glances, and I almost fancy I can feel her warm breath on my cheek,
+while her clear, melodious voice seems ringing its full sounds into my
+ear with promises of bliss, alas, never to be mine! Yet, though to live
+thus is torturing--horrible--yet would I prefer it to the apathy, the
+still nothingness of the grave. No, no, no; let me live, poor, wretched,
+despised,--a branded galley-slave, if you will,--but give me yet the
+means of doting in secret on the recollection of this wonderful being;
+whether she be fiend or angel, yet does she engross my every thought!"
+
+"Jacques," said Polidori, in a voice and manner contrasting strongly
+with his habitual tone of cool, provoking sarcasm, "I have witnessed
+almost every description of bodily and mental suffering, but certainly
+nothing that equalled what you endure. He who holds us in his power
+could not have devised more cruel torture than that you are compelled to
+endure. You are condemned to live, to await death through a vista of
+long, wasting torments, for your description of your feelings fully
+explains to me the many alarming symptoms I have observed in you from
+day to day, and of which I have hitherto vainly sought to find the
+cause."
+
+"But the symptoms you speak of as alarming are nothing but exhaustion, a
+sort of reaction of the bodily and mental powers; do you not think so?
+Tell me! I am not surely in any danger of dying?"
+
+"There is no immediate danger, but your situation is precarious; and
+there are some thoughts you must cease to dwell on--nay, banish from
+your memory--or your danger is imminent."
+
+"I will do whatever you bid me, so that my life be preserved,--for I
+will not die. Oh, let priests talk of the sufferings of the damned, but
+what are their tortures compared to mine? Tormented alike by passion and
+avarice, I have two open wounds rankling in my heart, each occasioning
+mortal agony. The loss of my fortune is dreadful, but the fear of death
+is even still more so. I have desired to live; and though my existence
+may probably be but one protracted scene of endless wretchedness, it is
+preferable to death and annihilation; for it would be the termination of
+my fatal happiness,--the power of recalling each word and look of
+Cecily!"
+
+"You have at least one vast consolation," said Polidori, resuming his
+accustomed _sang-froid_, "in the recollection of the good actions by
+which you have sought to expiate your crimes!"
+
+"Rail on! Mock my misery! Turn me on the hot coals on which my ill
+fortune has placed me! But you well know, mean and contemptible being
+that you are, how I hate, how I loathe all mankind, and that these
+forced expiations to which I am condemned only serve to increase my
+detestation of those who compel me to make them, and those who profit by
+them. By all that is sacred, it passes human malice to condemn me to
+live in endless misery, such as would dismay the stoutest nature, while
+my fellow creatures, as they are called, have all their griefs assuaged
+at the cost of my dearly prized treasures! Oh, that priest who but now
+quitted us, loading me with blessings while my heart seemed like one
+vast ocean of fiery gall and bitterness against himself and all
+mankind--oh, how I longed to plunge a dagger in his breast! 'Tis too
+much--too much for endurance!" cried he, pressing his clenched hands to
+his forehead; "my brain burns, my ideas become confused, I shall not be
+able much longer to resist these violent attacks of impotent, futile
+rage,--these unending tortures; and all through you, Cecily,--fatal,
+adored Cecily! Will you ever know all the agonies I have borne on your
+account, and will you still haunt me with that mocking smile? Cecily,
+Cecily! Back to the fiends from whom you sprung, and drive me not to
+destruction!"
+
+All at once a hasty knock was heard at the door of the apartment.
+Polidori immediately opened it, and perceived the principal clerk in the
+notary's office, who, pale and much agitated, exclaimed, "I must speak
+with M. Ferrand directly!"
+
+"Hush!" answered Polidori, in a low tone, as he came forth from the room
+and shut the door after him; "he is very ill just now, and cannot be
+disturbed on any account."
+
+"Then do you, sir, who are M. Ferrand's best and most intimate friend,
+step forward to help and assist him; but come quickly, for there is not
+an instant to be lost!"
+
+"What has happened?"
+
+"By M. Ferrand's orders, I went to-day to the house of the Countess
+Macgregor, to say that he was unable to wait on her to-day, according to
+her request. This lady, who seems quite out of danger at present, sent
+for me to her chamber; when I went in, she exclaimed, in an angry,
+threatening manner,'Go back to M. Ferrand, and say to him that if he is
+not here in half an hour, or at least before the close of the day, he
+shall be arrested for felony. The child he passed off as dead is still
+living; I know into whose hands he gave her up, and I also know where
+she is at this present minute.'"
+
+"This lady must be out of her senses," cried Polidori, shrugging up his
+shoulders. "Poor thing!"
+
+"I should have thought so myself, but for the confident manner in which
+the countess spoke."
+
+"I have no doubt but that her illness has affected her head; and persons
+labouring under any delusion are always impressed with the most perfect
+conviction of the truth of their fancies."
+
+"I ought also to state that, just as I was leaving the room, one of the
+countess's female attendants entered all in a hurry, and said, 'His
+highness will be here in an hour's time!'"
+
+"You are sure you heard those words?" asked Polidori.
+
+"Quite, quite sure, sir! And I remember it the more, because I
+immediately began wondering in my own mind what highness she could
+mean."
+
+"It is quite clear," said Polidori, mentally, "she expects the prince;
+but how comes that about? What strange course of events can have induced
+him to visit one he ought never again to meet? I know not why, but I
+greatly mistrust this renewal of intimacy. Our position, bad as it is,
+may even be rendered still worse by it." Then, addressing himself to the
+clerk, he added, "Depend upon it there is nothing of any consequence in
+the message you have brought; 'tis merely the effects of a wandering
+imagination on the part of the countess; but, to prevent your feeling
+any uneasiness, I promise to acquaint M. Ferrand with it directly he is
+well enough to converse upon any matter of business."
+
+We shall now conduct the reader to the house of the Countess Sarah
+Macgregor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+RODOLPH AND SARAH.
+
+
+A salutary crisis had occurred, which relieved the Countess Macgregor
+from the delirium and suffering under which, for several days, her life
+had been despaired of.
+
+The day had begun to break when Sarah, seated in a large easy chair, and
+supported by her brother, Thomas Seyton, was looking at herself in a
+mirror which one of her woman on her knees held up before her. This was
+in the apartment where La Chouette had made the attempt to murder.
+
+The countess was as pale as marble, and her pallor made her dark eyes,
+hair, and eyebrows even more striking; and she was attired in a
+dressing-gown of white muslin. "Give me my bandeau of coral," she said
+to one of her women, in a voice which, although weak, was imperious and
+abrupt.
+
+"Betty will fasten it on for you," said Seyton; "you will exhaust
+yourself; you are already very imprudent."
+
+"The bandeau,--the bandeau!" repeated Sarah, impatiently, who took this
+jewel and arranged it on her brow. "Now fasten it, and leave me!" she
+said to the women.
+
+The instant they were retiring, she said, "Let M. Ferrand be shown into
+the little blue salon." Then she added, with ill-dissembled pride, "As
+soon as his royal highness the Grand Duke of Gerolstein comes, let him
+be introduced instantly to this apartment."
+
+[Illustration: "_Was Looking at Herself in a Mirror_"
+Original Etching by Adrian Marcel]
+
+"At length," said Sarah, as soon as she was alone with her brother, "at
+length I trust this crown--the dream of my life: the prediction is on
+the eve of fulfilment!"
+
+"Sarah, calm your excitement!" said her brother to her; "yesterday your
+life was despaired of, and to be again disappointed would deal you a
+mortal blow!"
+
+"You are right, Thomas; the fall would be fearful, for my hopes were
+never nearer realisation! Of this I feel assured, for it was my constant
+thought of profiting by the overwhelming revelation which this woman
+made me at the moment of her assassination that prevented me from
+sinking under my sufferings."
+
+"Again, Sarah, let me counsel you to beware of such insensate
+dreams,--the awaking would be terrible!"
+
+"Insensate dreams! What, when Rodolph learns that this young girl, who
+is now locked up in St. Lazare, and formerly confided to the notary, who
+has passed her off for dead, is our child! Do you suppose that--"
+
+Seyton interrupted his sister. "I believe," he said, bitterly, "that
+princes place reasons of state, political conveniences, before natural
+duties."
+
+"Do you then rely so little on my address?"
+
+"The prince is no longer the ingenuous and impassioned youth whom you
+attracted and swayed in other days; that time is long ago, both for him
+and for you, sister."
+
+Sarah shrugged her shoulders, and said, "Do you know why I was desirous
+of placing this bandeau of coral in my hair,--why I put on this white
+dress? It is because the first time Rodolph saw me at the court of
+Gerolstein I was dressed in white, and wore this very bandeau of coral
+in my hair."
+
+"What!" said Seyton, "you would awake those remembrances? Do you not
+rather fear their influence?"
+
+"I know Rodolph better than you do. No doubt my features, changed by
+time and sufferings, are no longer those of the young girl of sixteen,
+whom he so madly loved,--only loved, for I was his first love; and that
+love, unique in the life of man, always leaves ineffaceable traces in
+the heart. Thus, then, brother, trust me that the sight of this ornament
+will awaken in Rodolph not only the recollection of his love, but those
+of his youth also; and for men these souvenirs are always sweet and
+precious."
+
+"But these sweet and precious souvenirs will be united with others so
+terrible: the sinister _dénouement_ of your love, the detestable
+behaviour of the prince's father to you, your obstinate silence to
+Rodolph. After your marriage with the Count Macgregor, he demanded his
+daughter, then an infant,--your child,--of whose death, ten years since,
+you informed him so coldly in your letter. Do you forget that from that
+period the prince has felt nothing but contempt and hatred for you?"
+
+"Pity has replaced his hatred. Since he has learned that I am dying, he
+has sent the Baron de Graün every day to inquire after me; and just now
+he has promised to come here; and that is an immense concession,
+brother."
+
+"He believes you dying,--that you desire a last adieu,--and so he comes.
+You were wrong not to write to him of the discovery you are about to
+disclose to him."
+
+"I know why I do so. This discovery will fill him with surprise, joy,
+and I shall be present to profit by his first burst of softened feeling.
+To-day or never he will say to me, 'A marriage must legitimise the birth
+of our child!' If he says so, his word is sacred, and then will the hope
+of my life be realised!"
+
+"Yes, if he makes you the promise."
+
+"And that he may do so, nothing must be neglected under these decisive
+circumstances. I know Rodolph; and once having found his daughter, he
+will overcome his aversion for me, and will not retreat from any
+sacrifice to assure her the most enviable lot, to make her as entirely
+happy as she has been until now wretched."
+
+"However brilliant the destiny he may assure to your daughter, there is,
+between the reparation to her and the resolution to marry you in order
+to legitimise the birth of this child, a very wide abyss."
+
+"Her father will pass over this abyss."
+
+"But this unfortunate child has, perhaps, been so vitiated by the misery
+in which she has lived that the prince, instead of feeling attracted
+towards her--"
+
+"What are you saying?" cried Sarah, interrupting her brother. "Is she
+not as handsome, as a young girl, as she was a lovely infant? Rodolph,
+without knowing her, was so deeply interested in her as to take charge
+of her future destiny, and sent her to his farm at Bouqueval, whence we
+carried her off."
+
+"Yes, thanks to your obstinacy in desiring to break all the ties of the
+prince's affection, in the foolish hope of one day leading him back to
+yourself!"
+
+"And yet, but for this foolish hope, I should not have discovered, at
+the price of my life, the secret of my daughter's existence. Is it not
+through this woman, who had carried her off from the farm, that I have
+learned the infamous deceit of the notary, Ferrand?"
+
+"It would have been better to have awaited the young creature's coming
+out of prison, before you sent to request the Grand Duke to come here."
+
+"Awaited! And do I know that the salutary crisis in which I now am will
+last until to-morrow? Perhaps I am but momentarily sustained by my
+ambition only."
+
+"What proofs have you for the prince, and will he believe you?"
+
+"He will believe me when he reads the commencement of, the disclosure
+which I wrote from the dictation of that woman who stabbed me,--a
+disclosure of which I have, fortunately, forgotten no circumstance. He
+will believe me when he reads your correspondence with Madame Séraphin
+and Jacques Ferrand, as to the supposed death of the child; he will
+believe me when he hears the confession of the notary, who, alarmed at
+my threats, will come here immediately; he will believe me when he sees
+the portrait of my daughter at six years of age, a portrait which the
+woman told me was still a striking resemblance. So many proofs will
+suffice to convince the prince that I speak the truth, and to decide him
+as to his first impulse, which will make me almost a queen. Oh, if it
+were but for a day, I could die content!"
+
+At this moment a carriage was heard to enter the courtyard.
+
+"It is he! It is Rodolph!" exclaimed Sarah.
+
+Thomas Seyton drew a curtain hastily aside, and replied, "Yes, it is the
+prince; he is just alighting from the carriage."
+
+"Leave me! This is the decisive moment!" said Sarah, with unshaken
+coolness; for a monstrous ambition, a pitiless selfishness, had always
+been and still was the only moving spring of this woman. Even in the
+almost miraculous reappearance of her daughter, she only saw a means of
+at last arriving at the one end and aim of her whole existence.
+
+Seyton said to her, "I will tell the prince how your daughter, believed
+dead, was saved. This conversation would be too dangerous for you,--a
+too violent emotion would kill you; and after so long a separation, the
+sight of the prince, the recollection of bygone times--"
+
+"Your hand, brother!" replied Sarah. Then, placing on her impassive
+heart Tom Seyton's hand, she added, with an icy smile, "Am I excited?"
+
+"No, no; not even a hurried pulsation," said Seyton, amazed. "I know not
+what control you have over yourself; but at such a moment, when it is
+for a crown or a coffin you play, your calmness amazes me!"
+
+"And wherefore, brother? Till now, you know, nothing has made my heart
+beat hastily; and it will only throb when I feel the sovereign crown
+upon my brow. I hear Rodolph--leave me!"
+
+When Rodolph entered the apartment, his look expressed pity; but, seeing
+Sarah seated in her armchair, and, as it were, full dressed, he recoiled
+in surprise, and his features became gloomy and mistrustful. The
+countess, guessing his thoughts, said to him, in a low and faint voice,
+"You thought to find me dying! You came to receive my last adieu!"
+
+"I have always considered the last wishes of the dead as sacred, but it
+appears now as if there were some sacrilegious deceit--"
+
+"Be assured," said Sarah, interrupting Rodolph, "be assured that I have
+not deceived you! I believe that I have but very few hours to live.
+Pardon me a last display of coquetry! I wished to spare you the gloomy
+symptoms that usually attend the dying hour, and to die attired as I was
+the first time I saw you. Alas, after ten years of separation, I see you
+once again! Thanks, oh, thanks! But in your turn give thanks to God for
+having inspired you with the thought of hearing my last prayer! If you
+had refused me, I should have carried my secret with me to the grave,
+which will now cause the joy, the happiness of your life,--joy, mingled
+with some sadness, happiness, mingled with some tears, like all human
+felicity; but this felicity you would yet purchase at the price of half
+the remainder of your existence!"
+
+"What do you mean?" asked the prince, with great amazement.
+
+"Yes, Rodolph, if you had not come, this secret would have followed me
+to the tomb! That would have been my sole vengeance. And yet, no, no! I
+shall not have the courage. Although you have made me suffer deeply, I
+yet must have shared with you that supreme happiness which you, more
+blessed than myself, will, I hope, long enjoy!"
+
+"Madame, what does this mean?"
+
+"When you know, you will be able to comprehend my slowness in informing
+you, for you will view it as a miracle from heaven; but, strange to say,
+I, who with a word can cause you pleasure greater than you have ever
+experienced, I experience, although the minutes of my life are counted,
+I experience an indefinable satisfaction at prolonging your expectation.
+And then, I know your heart; and in spite of the fierceness of your
+character, I fear, without preparation, to reveal to you so incredible a
+discovery. The emotions of overwhelming joy have also their dangers."
+
+"Your paleness increases, you can scarcely repress your violent
+agitation," said Rodolph; "all this indicates something grave and
+solemn."
+
+"Grave and solemn!" replied Sarah, in an agitated voice; for, in spite
+of her habitual impassiveness, when she reflected on the immense effect
+of the disclosure she was about to make to Rodolph, she was more
+troubled than she believed possible; and, unable any longer to restrain
+herself, she exclaimed, "Rodolph, our daughter lives!"
+
+"Our daughter!"
+
+"Lives, I say!"
+
+These words, the accents of truth in which they were pronounced, shook
+the prince to his very heart. "Our child!" he repeated, going hurriedly
+to the chair in which Sarah was, "our child--my daughter!"
+
+"Is not dead, I have irresistible proof; I know where she is; to-morrow
+you shall see her."
+
+"My daughter! My daughter!" repeated Rodolph, with amazement. "Can it be
+that she lives?" Then, suddenly reflecting on the improbability of such
+an event, and fearing to be the dupe of some fresh treachery on Sarah's
+part, he cried, "No, no, it is a dream! Impossible! I know your
+ambition--of what you are capable--and I see through the drift of this
+proposed treachery!"
+
+"Yes, you say truly; I am capable of all--everything! Yes, I desired to
+abuse you; some days before the mortal blow was struck, I sought to find
+out some young girl that I might present to you as our daughter. After
+this confession, you will perhaps believe me, or, rather, you will be
+compelled to credit irresistible evidence. Yes, Rodolph, I repeat I
+desired to substitute a young and obscure girl for her whom we both
+deplore; but God willed that at the moment when I was arranging this
+sacrilegious bargain, I should be almost fatally stabbed!"
+
+"You--at this moment!"
+
+"God so willed it that they should propose to me to play the part of
+falsehood--imagine whom? Our daughter!"
+
+"Are you delirious, in heaven's name?"
+
+"Oh, no, I am not delirious! In this casket, containing some papers and
+a portrait, which will prove to you the truth of what I say, you will
+find a paper stained with my blood!"
+
+"Your blood!"
+
+"The woman who told me that our daughter was still living declared to me
+this disclosure when she stabbed me with her dagger."
+
+"And who was she? How did she know?"
+
+"It was she to whom the child was confided when very young, after she
+had been declared dead."
+
+"But this woman? Can she be believed? How did you know her?"
+
+"I tell you, Rodolph, that this is all fated--providential! Some months
+ago you snatched a young girl from misery, to send her to the country.
+Jealousy and hatred possessed me. I had her carried off by the woman of
+whom I have been speaking."
+
+"And they took the poor girl to St. Lazare?"
+
+"Where she is still."
+
+"She is there no longer. Ah, you do not know, madame, the fearful evil
+you have occasioned me by snatching the unfortunate girl away from the
+retreat in which I had placed her; but--"
+
+"The young girl is no longer at St. Lazare!" cried Sarah, with dismay;
+"ah, what fearful news is this!"
+
+"A monster of avarice had an interest in her destruction. They have
+drowned her, madame! But answer! You say that--"
+
+"My daughter!" exclaimed Sarah, interrupting Rodolph, and standing
+erect, as straight and motionless as a statue of marble.
+
+"What does she say? Good heaven!" cried Rodolph.
+
+"My daughter!" repeated Sarah, whose features became livid and frightful
+in their despair. "They have murdered my daughter!"
+
+"The Goualeuse your daughter!" uttered Rodolph, retreating with horror.
+
+"The Goualeuse! Yes, that was the name which the woman they call the
+Chouette used. Dead--dead!" repeated Sarah, still motionless, with her
+eyes fixed. "They have killed her!"
+
+"Sarah!" said Rodolph, as pale and as fearful to look upon as the
+countess; "be calm,--recover yourself,--answer me! The Goualeuse,--the
+young girl whom you had carried off by the Chouette from Bouqueval,--was
+she our daughter?"
+
+"Yes. And they have killed her!"
+
+"Oh, no, no; you are mad! It cannot be! You do not know! No, no; you
+cannot tell how fearful this would be! Sarah, be firm,--speak to me
+calmly,--sit down,--compose yourself! There are often resemblances,
+appearances which deceive if we are inclined to believe what we desire.
+I do not reproach you; but explain yourself to me, tell me all the
+reasons which induced you to think this; for it cannot be,--no, no, it
+cannot be,--it is not so!"
+
+After a moment's pause, the countess collected her thoughts, and said to
+Rodolph, in a faltering voice, "Learning your marriage, and thinking of
+marrying myself, I could not keep our child with me; she was then four
+years of age."
+
+"But at that time I begged her of you with prayers, entreaties," cried
+Rodolph, in a heartrending tone, "and my letters were unanswered; the
+only one you wrote to me announced her death!"
+
+"I was desirous of avenging myself of your contempt by refusing your
+child. It was shameful; but hear me! I feel my life ebbs from me; this
+last blow has overcome me!"
+
+"No, no, I do not believe you; I will not believe you! The Goualeuse my
+daughter! Oh, _mon Dieu_! You would not have this so!"
+
+"Listen to me! When she was four years old, my brother charged Madame
+Séraphin, the widow of an old servant, to bring the child up until she
+was old enough to go to school. The sum destined to support our child
+was deposited by my brother with a notary, celebrated for his honesty.
+The letters of this man and Madame Séraphin, addressed at the time to me
+and my brother, are there, in the casket. At the end of a year they
+wrote me word that my daughter's health was failing,--eight months
+afterwards that she was dead, and they sent the register of her decease.
+At this time Madame Séraphin had entered the service of Jacques Ferrand,
+after having given our daughter over to the Chouette, through the medium
+of a wretch who is now at the galleys at Rochefort. I was writing down
+all this when the Chouette stabbed me. This paper is there also, with a
+portrait of our daughter when four years of age. Examine all,--letters,
+declaration, portrait,--and you who have seen her, the unhappy child,
+will judge--"
+
+These words exhausted Sarah, and she fell fainting into her armchair.
+
+Rodolph was thunderstruck at this disclosure. There are misfortunes so
+unforeseen, so horrible, that we try not to believe them until the
+overwhelming evidence compels us. Rodolph, persuaded of the death of
+Fleur-de-Marie, had but one hope,--that of convincing himself that she
+was not his daughter. With a frightful calmness that alarmed Sarah, he
+approached the table, opened the casket, and began to read the letters,
+examining with scrupulous attention the papers which accompanied them.
+
+These letters, bearing the postmark, and dated, written to Sarah and her
+brother by the notary and Madame Séraphin, related to the infancy of
+Fleur-de-Marie, and the investment of the money destined for her.
+Rodolph could not doubt the authenticity of this correspondence.
+
+The Chouette's declaration was confirmed by the particulars collected at
+Rodolph's desire, in which a felon named Pierre Tournemine, then at
+Rochefort, was described as the individual who had received
+Fleur-de-Marie from the hands of Madame Séraphin, for the purpose of
+giving her up to the Chouette,--the relentless tormentor of her early
+years,--and whom she afterwards so unexpectedly recognised when in
+company with Rodolph at the _tapis-franc_ of the ogress.
+
+The attestation of the child's death was duly drawn up and attested, but
+Ferrand himself had confessed to Cecily that it had merely been employed
+to obtain possession of a considerable sum of money due to the
+unfortunate infant, whose decease it so falsely recorded, and who had
+subsequently been drowned by his order while crossing to the Isle du
+Ravageur.
+
+It was, therefore, with appalling conviction Rodolph learnt at once the
+double facts of the Goualeuse being his long-lost daughter, and of her
+having perished by a violent death. Unfortunately, everything seemed to
+give greater certitude to his belief, and to render further doubt
+impossible. Ere the prince could bring himself to place implicit
+credence in the self-condemnation of Jacques Ferrand, as conveyed in the
+notes furnished by him to Cecily, he had made the closest inquiries at
+Asnières, and had ascertained that two females, one old, the other
+young, dressed in the garb of countrywomen, had been drowned while
+crossing the river to the Isle du Ravageur, and that Martial was openly
+accused of having committed this fresh crime.
+
+Let us add, in conclusion, that, despite the utmost care and attention
+on the part of Doctor Griffon, Count de Saint-Remy, and La Louve,
+Fleur-de-Marie was long ere she could be pronounced out of danger, and
+then so extreme was her exhaustion, both of body and mind, that she had
+been unfit for the least conversation, and wholly unequal to making any
+effort to apprise Madame Georges of her situation.
+
+This coincidence of circumstances left the prince without the smallest
+shadow of hope; but had such even remained, it was doomed to disappear
+before a last and fatal proof of the reality of his misfortune. He, for
+the first time, ventured to cast his eyes towards the miniature he had
+received. The blow fell with stunning conviction on his heart; for in
+the exquisitely beautiful features it revealed, rich in all the
+infantine loveliness ascribed to cherubic innocence, he recognised the
+striking portrait of Fleur-de-Marie,--her finely chiselled nose, the
+lofty forehead, with the small, delicately formed mouth, even then
+wearing an expression of sorrowing tenderness. Alas! Had not Madame
+Séraphin well accounted for this somewhat uncommon peculiarity in an
+infant's face by saying, in a letter written by her to Sarah, which
+Rodolph had just perused, "The child is continually inquiring for its
+mother, and seems to grieve very much at not seeing her." There were
+also those large, soft, blue eyes, "the colour of a blue-bell," as the
+Chouette observed to Sarah, upon recognising in this miniature the
+features of the unfortunate creature she had so ruthlessly tormented as
+Pegriotte, and as a young girl under the appellation of La Goualeuse. At
+the sight of this picture the violent and tumultuous emotions of the
+prince were lost amid a flood of mingled tears and sighs.
+
+While Rodolph thus indulged his bitter grief, the countenance of Sarah
+become powerfully agitated; she saw the last hope which had hitherto
+sustained her of realising the ambitious dreams of her life fade away at
+the very moment when she had expected their full accomplishment.
+
+All at once Rodolph raised his head, dashed away his tears, and, rising
+from his chair, advanced towards Sarah with folded arms and dignified,
+determined air. After silently gazing on her for some moments, he said:
+
+"'Tis fair and right it should be so! I raised my sword against my
+father's life, and I am stricken through my own child! The parricide is
+worthily punished for his sin! Then, listen to me, madame! 'Tis fit you
+should learn in this agonising moment all the evils which have been
+brought about by your insatiate ambition, your unprincipled selfishness!
+Listen, then, heartless and unfeeling wife, base and unnatural mother!"
+
+"Mercy, mercy! Rodolph, pity me, and spare me!"
+
+"There is no pity, there can be no pardon for such as you, who coldly
+trafficked in a love pure and sincere as was mine, with the assumed
+pretext of sharing a passion generous and devoted as was my own for you.
+There can be no pity for her who excites the son against the father, no
+pardon for the unnatural parent who, instead of carefully watching over
+the infancy of her child, abandons it to the care of vile mercenaries,
+in order to satisfy her grasping avarice by a rich marriage, as you
+formerly gratified your inordinate ambition by espousing me. No! There
+is no mercy, pity, or pardon for one who, like yourself, first refuses
+my child to all my prayers and entreaties, and afterwards, by a series
+of profane and vile machinations, causes her death! May Heaven's curse
+light on you, as mine does, thou evil genius of myself and all belonging
+to me!"
+
+"He has no relenting pity in his heart! He is deaf to all my appeals!
+Wretched woman that I am! Oh, leave me--leave me--I beseech!"
+
+"Nay, you shall hear me out! Do you remember our last meeting, now
+seventeen years ago? You were unable longer to conceal the consequences
+of our secret marriage, which, like you, I believed indissoluble. I well
+knew the inflexible character of my father, as well as the political
+marriage he wished me to form; but braving alike his displeasure and its
+results, I boldly declared to him that you were my wife before God and
+man, and that ere long you would bring into the world a proof of our
+love. My father's rage was terrible; he refused to believe in our union.
+Such startling opposition to his will appeared to him impossible; and he
+threatened me with his heaviest displeasure if I presumed again to
+insult his ear by the mention of such folly. I then loved you with a
+passion bordering on madness. Led away by your wiles and artifices, I
+believed your cold, stony heart felt a reciprocity of tenderness for me,
+and I therefore unhesitatingly replied that I never would call any woman
+wife but yourself. At these words his fury knew no bounds. He heaped on
+you the most insulting epithets, exclaiming that the marriage I talked
+of was null and void, and that to punish you for your presumption in
+daring even to think of such a thing, he would have you publicly exposed
+in the pillory of the city. Yielding alike to the violence of my mad
+passion, and the impetuosity of my disposition, I presumed to forbid
+him, who was at once my parent and my sovereign, speaking thus
+disrespectfully of one I loved far beyond my own life, and I even went
+so far as to threaten him if he persisted in so doing. Exasperated at
+my conduct, my father struck me. Blinded by rage, I drew my sword, and
+threw myself on him with deadly fury. Happily the intervention of Murphy
+turned away the blow, and saved me from being as much a parricide in
+deed as I was in intention. Do you hear me, madame? A parricide! And in
+your defence!"
+
+"Alas! I knew not this misfortune."
+
+"In vain have I sought to expiate my crime. This blow to-day is sent by
+Heaven's avenging hand to repay my heavy crime."
+
+"But have I not sufficiently suffered from the inveterate enmity of your
+father, who dissolved our marriage? Wherefore add to my misery by doubts
+of the sincerity of my affection for you?"
+
+"Wherefore?" exclaimed Rodolph, darting on her looks of the most
+withering contempt. "Learn now my reasons, and cease to wonder at the
+loathing horror with which you inspire me. After the fatal scene in
+which I had threatened the life of my father, I surrendered my sword,
+and was kept in the closest confinement. Polidori, through whose
+instrumentality our union had been effected, was arrested; and he
+distinctly proved that our marriage had never been legally contracted,
+the minister, as well as the other persons concerned in its
+solemnisation, being merely creatures tutored and bribed by him; so that
+both you, your brother, and myself, were equally deceived. The more
+effectually to turn away my father's wrath from himself, Polidori did
+still more; he gave up one of your letters to your brother, which he had
+managed to intercept during a journey taken by Seyton."
+
+"Heavens! Can it be possible?"
+
+"Can you now account for my contempt and aversion towards you?"
+
+"Too, too well!"
+
+"In this letter you developed your ambitious projects with unblushing
+effrontery. Me you spoke of with the utmost indifference, treating me
+but as the blind instrument by which you should arrive at the princely
+station predicted for you. You expressed your opinion that my father had
+already lived long enough,--perhaps too long; and hinted at
+probabilities and possibilities too horrible to repeat!"
+
+"Alas! All is now but too apparent. I am lost for ever!"
+
+"And yet to protect you, I had even menaced my father's existence!"
+
+"When he next visited me, and, without uttering one word of reproach,
+put into my hands your letter, every line of which more clearly revealed
+the black enormity of your nature, I could but kneel before him and
+entreat his pardon. But from that hour I have been a prey to the
+deepest, the most acute remorse. I immediately quitted Germany for the
+purpose of travelling, with the intent, if possible, of expiating my
+guilt; and this self-imposed task I shall continue while I live. To
+reward the good, to punish the evil-doer, relieve those who suffer,
+penetrate into every hideous corner where vice holds her court, for the
+purpose of rescuing some unfortunate creatures from the destruction into
+which they have fallen,--such is the employment I have marked out for
+myself."
+
+"It is a noble and holy task,--one worthy of being performed by you."
+
+"If I speak of this sacred vow," said Rodolph, disdainfully, "it is not
+to draw down your approbation or praise. But hearken to what remains to
+be told; I have lately arrived in France, and I wished not to let my
+great purpose of continual expiatory acts stand still during my sojourn
+in this country. While I sought then to succour those of good
+reputation, who were in unmerited distress, I was also desirous of
+knowing that class of miserable beings who are beaten down, trampled
+under feet, and brutalised by want and wretchedness, well knowing that
+timely help, a few kind and encouraging words, may frequently have
+power to save a lost creature from the abyss into which he is falling.
+In order to be an eye-witness of the circumstances under which my work
+of expiation would be useful, I assumed the dress and appearance of
+those I wished to mix with. It was during one of these exploring
+adventures that I first encountered--" Then, as though shuddering at the
+idea of so terrible a disclosure, Rodolph, after a momentary hesitation,
+added, "No, no; I have not courage to finish the dreadful story!"
+
+"For the love of heaven, tell me what horror have you now to unfold?"
+
+"You will hear it but too soon! But," added he, with sarcastic
+bitterness, "you seem to take so lively an interest in past events that
+I cannot refrain from relating to you a few events which preceded my
+return to France. After passing some time in my travels, I returned to
+Germany, filled with a spirit of obedience to my father, by whose desire
+I espoused a princess of Prussia. During my absence you had been
+banished from the Grand Duchy. Subsequently, learning your marriage with
+Count Macgregor, I again entreated you to allow me to have my child. To
+this earnest request no answer was returned; nor could my strictest
+inquiries ever discover whither you had sent the unfortunate infant, for
+whom my father had made a handsome provision. About ten years ago I
+received a letter from you, stating that our child was dead. Would to
+God your information had been correct, and that she had indeed rendered
+up her innocent life at that tender age! I should then have been spared
+the deep, incurable anguish which must for ever embitter my life!"
+
+"I cease now to wonder," said Sarah, in a feeble voice, "at the disgust
+and aversion with which I seem to have inspired you; and I feel, too
+surely, that I shall not survive this last blow. You are right; pride
+and ambition have been my ruin. Ignorant of the just causes you had to
+hate and despise me, my former hopes returned with greater force than
+ever. Our mutual widowhood inspired me with a still stronger belief in
+the prediction which promised me a crown; and when, by singular chance,
+I again found my daughter, it appeared to me as though the hand of
+Providence had bestowed this unhoped-for good fortune on me to further
+my so long cherished plans. Yes, I will confess that I went so far as to
+persuade myself that, spite of the aversion you entertained for me, you
+would bestow on me your name, and that, out of regard for your child,
+you would accept me as your wife, if but to elevate her to the rank to
+which she is entitled."
+
+"Then let your execrable ambition be satisfied, and punished as it
+deserves; for, spite of the abhorrence I now hold you in, I would, out
+of love for my child, or, rather, from a deep pity for its early
+sorrows,--I would, although firmly determined always to live apart from
+you, by a marriage which should have legitimised my daughter, have
+rendered her future lot as brilliant and exalted as her past life has
+been wretched."
+
+"I had not, then, deceived myself? Oh, misery! To think it is now too
+late!"
+
+"Oh, I am well aware it is not your child you regret, but the loss of
+that rank you have so eagerly and obstinately striven to obtain. May
+your unfeeling and disgraceful regrets pursue you to your grave!"
+
+"Then they will not long torment me; for I feel I shall not long survive
+this final ending of all my ambitious schemes."
+
+"But ere your existence closes, it is but fair and just you should be
+made aware what sort of life your poor deserted child's has been. Do you
+recollect the night on which you and your brother followed me into a den
+in the Cité?"
+
+"Perfectly! But why this question? It freezes me with horror; your looks
+fill me with dread!"
+
+"As you approached this low haunt of vice, you saw--did you
+not?--standing at the corners of the low streets with which that
+neighbourhood abounds, groups of poor, unfortunate, guilty creatures,
+who--who--But I cannot finish the dreadful tale!" cried Rodolph,
+concealing his face with his hands. "I dare not proceed; my own words
+affright me!"
+
+"As they do me! What more have I to learn?"
+
+"You saw them, I ask,--did you not?" resumed Rodolph, making a powerful
+struggle to overcome his emotion. "You observed these base and degraded
+creatures, the shame and disgrace of their own sex? But did you remark
+among them a young girl of about sixteen years of age, lovely as an
+angel,--a poor child, who, amid the infamy in which she had lived during
+the last few weeks, still retained a look so pure, so innocent, and good
+that even the ruffians by whom she was surrounded called her
+Fleur-de-Marie? Did you observe this,--this fair, this interesting
+being? Answer,--answer,--tender, exemplary mother!"
+
+"No!" answered Sarah, almost mechanically; "I did not observe the young
+person you speak of." But the teeth rattled in Sarah's head as she
+spoke, and her whole frame seemed oppressed with a vague though fearful
+dread of coming evil.
+
+"Indeed!" cried Rodolph, with a sardonic smile. "Indeed! I am surprised
+at that! Well, I did remark, and upon the following occasion. Listen
+attentively to what I am about to relate! During one of the exploring
+excursions I before spoke of, I found myself in the Cité, not far from
+the den to which you followed me. A man was just going to beat one of
+the unfortunate creatures who herd together there; I interposed, and
+saved her from his brutal rage. Now then, careful, kind, and anxious
+mother, tell me, if you can, whom it was I saved! Can you not guess?
+Speak! Say your heart whispers to you who was the miserable being I
+found in this sink of wickedness and pollution! You know, do you not,
+without my assistance?"
+
+"No, no,--I cannot say! I beseech you to go--and leave me to my
+thoughts!"
+
+"Then I will tell you who the wretched, trembling creature I thus saved
+from brutal violence was. Her name was Fleur-de-Marie!"
+
+"Merciful powers!"
+
+"And is it possible that you, most irreproachable of mothers, that you
+cannot divine who Fleur-de-Marie was?"
+
+"Be merciful, and kill me; but torture me not thus!"
+
+"She was your daughter--known as the Goualeuse!" cried Rodolph, with
+almost frantic violence. "Yes, the helpless girl I rescued from the
+hands of a felon was my own, my lost child!--the offspring of Rodolph of
+Gerolstein! Oh, there was in this meeting with a daughter I
+unconsciously saved a visible interposition of the hand of Providence!
+It brought a blessing to the man who had striven so earnestly to succour
+his fellow men, and it conveyed a well-merited chastisement for the
+impious wretch who had dared to aim at his father's life!"
+
+"Alas!" murmured Sarah, falling back in her armchair, and concealing her
+face with her hands, "my destiny is accomplished! I die, carrying with
+me out of the world the curse both of God and man!"
+
+"And when," continued Rodolph, with much difficulty restraining his
+resentment, and vainly striving to repress the sobs which from time to
+time interrupted his voice, "when I had released her from the ill-usage
+with which she was menaced, struck with the indescribable sweetness of
+her voice and manner, as well as by the angelic expression of her lovely
+countenance, I found it impossible to abandon the interest she excited
+in me. I led her on to tell me the history of her life, made up of
+neglect, grief, and misery. With what simple eloquence did she express
+the yearnings of a heart that had never expanded into virtue beneath a
+mother's fostering care after a life of innocence, and how touchingly
+did she dwell on the the destitution which had led her where she was!
+Ah, madame, to have brought down your pride and haughtiness, you should
+have listened as I did while your daughter described her early years as
+passed in shivering beggary, soliciting charity in the streets all day,
+and at night, when the cold winter's wind pierced through the few rags
+she wore, creeping to her bed of straw strewn in the corner of a
+wretched garret; and when the horrible old hag who tortured her had
+exhausted every other means of inflicting pain on her, what do you think
+she did, madame? Why, wrenched out her teeth! And all this starving and
+desolation was experienced by your own child, while you were revelling
+in every sort of luxury, and indulging in ambitious dreams of sharing a
+crown!"
+
+"Oh, that I could die, and so escape the direful agony I suffer!"
+
+"Nay you have more to hear! Escaping from the hands of the Chouette,
+wandering about, penniless and starving, at the tender age of only ten
+years she was taken up as a vagabond, and as such thrown into prison.
+And yet, madame, that period was the happiest your poor deserted child
+had ever known. And each night, though surrounded by her prison walls,
+she gratefully thanked God that she no longer suffered from hunger,
+thirst, or blows. It was in a prison she passed those years so precious
+to the well-being of a young female, those years over which a good and
+affectionate mother so carefully and anxiously watches. As her sixteenth
+year commenced, your daughter, instead of being surrounded by the tender
+solicitude of loving relatives, and enriched with all the gifts of
+education, had seen and known nothing more edifying or elevated than the
+brutal indifference of her gaolers. Yet this naturally pure-minded,
+beautiful, and ingenuous creature was at that dangerous moment sent
+forth from her safe asylum--a gaol--and left to wander unaided and
+unprotected in a world of which she knew so little! Unfortunate,
+deserted, friendless child!" continued Rodolph, giving free vent to the
+swelling sobs which had continually impeded his voice, "yours was,
+indeed, a bitter lot, thrown thus young and helpless amid the mire and
+pollution of a great city!
+
+[Illustration: "_They Took Her to Their Guilty Haunts_"
+Original Etching by Mercier]
+
+"Ah, madame!" cried he, addressing Sarah, "however cold, hard, and
+selfish your heart may be, you could not have refrained from weeping at
+the recital of your poor, neglected child's misery and privations! Poor,
+hapless girl! Sullied, but not corrupted; chaste in heart even amid the
+degradation into which she had fallen; for each word she uttered
+breathed the most unfeigned horror and disgust at the mode of life to
+which she was so fatally condemned. Oh, could you but have known what
+delicate thoughts, what noble, high-minded inspirations were betrayed in
+her every word and action! How good, how feeling, how innately
+charitable was her nature! For it was to relieve a degree of misery even
+greater than her own that she exhausted the small sum of money she had
+received on quitting her prison, and which, while it lasted, formed her
+only defence from the abyss of infamy into which she was afterwards
+plunged; for there came a time,--a hideous time, when, without
+employment, food, or shelter, some horrible women found her almost
+perishing from weakness and want of support. Under pretence of aiding
+her, they took her to their guilty haunts, administered intoxicating
+drugs, and--and--"
+
+Rodolph could proceed no further. He uttered a distracting cry, and
+exclaimed, "And this was my child!"
+
+"May Heaven's punishment be on me for what I have done!" said Sarah,
+hiding her face as though she feared to meet the light of day.
+
+"Ay!" exclaimed Rodolph. "And it will assuredly cling to you all your
+life, and haunt even your dying pillow; for it is your neglect and
+abandonment of all a mother's most sacred duties which have led to all
+these horrors. Accursed may you ever be for your double wickedness
+towards your unoffending child! For even after I had succeeded in
+removing her from the guilt and pollution by which she was surrounded,
+and had placed her in a safe and peaceful asylum, you set your vile
+accomplices on to tear her thence! My curse be for ever on you! For it
+was owing to your causing her to be forcibly carried off which threw her
+back into the power of Jacques Ferrand."
+
+As Rodolph pronounced this name he suddenly stopped and shuddered. The
+features of the prince assumed an expression of concentrated rage and
+hatred impossible to describe; mute and motionless he stood, as though
+crushed to the earth by the reflection that the murderer of his child
+was still in existence.
+
+Spite of the increasing weakness of Sarah and the agitation caused by
+this interview with Rodolph, she was so much struck with his threatening
+aspect that she faintly exclaimed:
+
+"In mercy say what fresh idea has taken possession of your mind?"
+
+"No, no," responded Rodolph, as though speaking to himself; "till now I
+thought to spare this monster, believing a life of enforced charity
+would be to him one of never ending torment. Now I must revenge my
+infant child, delivered up by him to want and misery! I have to wash out
+the stain of my daughter's infamy, caused by his diabolical villainy and
+cupidity; and his blood alone will serve to wipe out that foul wrong!
+Yes, he dies--and by my hand!" And, with these words, the prince sprang
+forward to the door.
+
+"Whither are you going?" cried Sarah, extending her supplicating hands
+towards Rodolph. "Oh, leave me not to die alone--"
+
+"Alone? Oh, no! Fear not to die alone! The spectre of the innocent
+child, doomed by you to an early grave, will bear you company."
+
+Exhausted and alarmed, Sarah uttered a scream, as though she really
+beheld the phantom of her child, exclaiming, "Forgive me! I am dying!"
+
+"Die then, accursed woman!" shouted Rodolph, wild with fury. "Now I must
+have the life of your accomplice, for it was you who delivered your
+child to this monster!"
+
+And hastening from the apartment, Rodolph ordered himself to be rapidly
+driven to the residence of Jacques Ferrand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+LOVE'S FRENZY.
+
+
+It was nightfall when Rodolph went to the notary's. The pavilion
+occupied by Jacques Ferrand was plunged in the deepest obscurity; the
+wind roared and the rain fell as it did on the terrible night when
+Cecily, before she quitted the notary's abode for ever, had excited the
+passions of that man to frenzy. Extended on his bed, feebly lighted up
+by a lamp, Jacques Ferrand was dressed in a black coat and waistcoat.
+One of the sleeves of his shirt was tucked up and spotted with blood; a
+ligature of red cloth, which was to be seen on his nervous arm,
+announced that he had been bled by Polidori, who, standing near his bed,
+leaned one hand on the couch, and seemed to watch his accomplice's
+features with uneasiness. Nothing could be more frightfully hideous than
+was Jacques Ferrand, whilst plunged in that somnolent torpor which
+usually succeeds violent crises. Of an ashy paleness, his face was
+bedewed with a cold sweat, and his closed eyelids were so swollen, so
+injected with blood, that they appeared like two red balls in the centre
+of his cadaverous countenance.
+
+"Another such an attack and he is a dead man!" exclaimed Polidori, in a
+low voice. "All the writers on this subject have agreed that all who are
+attacked by this strange and frightful malady usually sink under it on
+the seventh day, and it is now six days since that infernal creole
+kindled the inextinguishable flame which is consuming this man." After
+some minutes of further meditation, Polidori left the bedside and
+walked slowly up and down the chamber.
+
+The tempest was still raging without, and fell with such fury on this
+dilapidated house as to shake it to its centre. Despite his audacity and
+wickedness, Polidori was superstitious, and dark forebodings came over
+him; he felt an undefinable uneasiness. In order to dissipate his gloomy
+thoughts, he again examined Ferrand's features.
+
+"Now," he said, leaning over him, "his eyelids are injected. It would
+seem as though his blood flowed thither and stagnated. No doubt his
+sight will now present, as his hearing did just now, some remarkable
+appearance! What agonies now they endure! How they vary! Oh," he added,
+with a bitter smile, "when nature determines on being cruel and playing
+the part of a tormentor, she defies all the efforts of man; and thus in
+this illness, caused by an erotic frenzy, she submits every sense to
+unheard-of, superhuman tortures."
+
+The storm still howled without, and Polidori, throwing himself into an
+armchair, exclaimed, "What a night! What a night! Nothing could be worse
+for Jacques's present state. Yes," he continued, "the prince is
+pitiless, and it would have been a thousand times better for Ferrand to
+have allowed his head to fall upon a scaffold; better fire, the wheel,
+molten lead, which burns and eats into the flesh, than the miserable
+punishment he endures! As I see him suffer I begin to feel affright for
+my own fate! What will become of me? What is in reserve for me as the
+accomplice of Jacques? To be his gaoler will not suffice for the
+prince's vengeance. Perhaps a perpetual imprisonment in the prisons of
+Germany awaits me! But that is better than death! Yet I know that the
+prince's word is sacred! But I, who have so often violated all laws,
+human and divine, dare I invoke a sworn promise? Inasmuch as it was to
+my interest that Jacques should not escape, so will it be equally my
+interest to prolong his days. But his symptoms grow worse and worse;
+nothing but a miracle can save him. What is to be done? What is to be
+done?"
+
+At this moment, a crash without, occasioned by the fall of a stack of
+chimneys, roused Jacques Ferrand, and he turned on his bed.
+
+Polidori became more and more under the influence of the vague terror
+which had seized on him. "It is folly to believe in presentments," he
+said, in a troubled voice; "but the night seems to me very appalling!"
+
+A heavy groan from the notary attracted Polidori's attention. "He is
+awaking from his torpor," he said, approaching his bed very quietly;
+"perhaps another crisis may ensue!"
+
+"Polidori!" muttered Jacques Ferrand, still extended on the bed, and
+with his eyes closed. "Polidori, what noise was that?"
+
+"A chimney that fell," replied Polidori, in a low voice, fearing to
+strike too loudly on the hearing of his accomplice. "A fearful tempest
+shakes the house to its foundation; it is a horrible night!"
+
+The notary did not hear, and replied, turning away his head, "Polidori,
+you are not there, then?"
+
+"Yes, yes, I am here," said Polidori, in a louder voice; "but I answered
+gently for fear of giving you pain."
+
+"No; I hear you now without any pain such as I had just now, for then it
+seemed as if the least noise burst like thunder on my brain. And yet in
+the midst of it all,--of these horrible sufferings,--I distinguish the
+thrilling voice of Cecily, who was calling to me--"
+
+"Still that infernal woman! But drive away these thoughts,--they will
+kill you."
+
+"These thoughts are life to me, and, like my life, they resist all
+tortures."
+
+"Madman that you are, it is these thoughts that cause your tortures!
+Your illness is your sensual frenzy, which has attained its utmost
+height. Once again, drive from your brain these thoughts or you will
+die."
+
+"Drive away these thoughts!" cried Ferrand. "Oh, never, never! When my
+pains give me one moment's repose, Cecily, the demon whom I cherish and
+curse, rises before my eyes!"
+
+"What incredible fury! It frightens me!"
+
+"There,--now!" said the notary, with a harsh voice, and his eyes fixed
+on a dark corner of the room. "I see now the outline of an obscure and
+white form; there--there!" and he extended his hairy and bony finger in
+the direction of his sight. "There,--there she is!"
+
+"Jacques, this is death to you!"
+
+"Yes, I see her!" continued Ferrand, with his teeth clenched, and not
+replying to Polidori. "There she is! And how beautiful! How her black
+hair floats gracefully down her shoulders, and her small white teeth,
+shining between her half opened lips,--her lips so red and humid! What
+pearls! And how her black eyes sparkle and die! Cecily," he added, with
+inexpressible excitement, "I adore you!"
+
+"Jacques, do not excite yourself with such visions!"
+
+"It is not a vision."
+
+"Mind, mind! Just now, you know, you imagined you heard this woman's
+love-songs, and your hearing was suddenly smitten with horrible agony.
+Mind, I say!"
+
+"Leave me,--leave me! What is the use of hearing but to hear, of seeing
+but to see?"
+
+"But the tortures which follow, miserable wretch!"
+
+"I will brave them all for a deceit, as I have braved death for a
+reality; and to me this burning image is reality. Ah, Cecily, you are
+beautiful! Yet why torture me thus? Would you kill me? Ah, execrable
+fury, cease,--cease, or I will strangle thee!" cried the notary, in
+delirium.
+
+"You kill yourself, unhappy man!" exclaimed Polidori, shaking the
+notary violently, in order to rouse him from his excitement. In vain;
+Jacques continued:
+
+"Oh, beloved queen, demon of delight, never did I see--" The notary
+could not finish; he uttered a sudden cry of pain and threw himself
+back.
+
+"What is it?" inquired Polidori, with astonishment.
+
+"Put out that candle--it shines too brightly. I cannot endure it--it
+blinds me!"
+
+"What!" said Polidori, more and more surprised. "There is but one lamp
+covered with its shade, and that shines very feebly."
+
+"I tell you, the light increases here. Now, again--again! Oh, it is too
+much; it is intolerable!" added Jacques Ferrand, closing his eyes with
+an expression of increasing suffering.
+
+"You are mad--the room is scarcely lighted. I tell you, open your eyes
+and you will see."
+
+"Open my eyes! Why, I shall be blinded by torrents of burning light,
+with which this room is filled. Here! There! On all sides, there are
+rays of fire--millions of dazzling scintillations!" cried the notary,
+sitting up. And then again shrieking, he lifted both his hands to his
+eyes: "But I am blind; this burning fire is through my closed lids,--it
+burns--devours me! Ah, now my hands shield me a little! But put out the
+light, for it throws an infernal flame!"
+
+"It is beyond doubt now!" said Polidori. "His sight is struck with the
+same excess of sensitiveness as his hearing was; he is a dead man! To
+bleed him in this state would at once destroy him."
+
+A fresh cry ensued, sharp and terrible, from Jacques Ferrand, which
+resounded in the chamber.
+
+"Villain, put out that lamp! Its glaring beams penetrate through my
+hands, which they make transparent. I see the blood circulate in the net
+of my veins, and I try in vain to close my eyelids, for the burning lava
+will flow in. Oh, what torture! There are gushes as dazzling as if some
+one were thrusting a red-hot iron into my eyes. Help, help!" he
+shrieked, twisting himself on his bed, a prey to the horrible
+convulsions of his extreme agony.
+
+Polidori, alarmed at the excess of this fresh fit, suddenly extinguished
+the lamp, and they were both in perfect darkness. At this moment the
+noise of a carriage was heard at the door in the street. When the
+chamber had been rendered entirely dark in which Polidori and Ferrand
+were, the latter was somewhat relieved from his extreme pains.
+
+"Where are you going?" said Polidori, suddenly, when he heard Jacques
+Ferrand rise, for the deepest obscurity reigned in the apartment.
+
+"I am going to find Cecily!"
+
+"You shall not go; the sight of that room would kill you!"
+
+"Cecily awaits me up there!"
+
+"You shall not go--I will prevent you!" said Polidori, seizing the
+notary by the arm.
+
+Jacques Ferrand having reached the extremity of exhaustion, was unable
+to contend with Polidori, who grasped him with a powerful clutch. "What,
+would you prevent me from seeking Cecily?"
+
+"Yes; and besides, there is a lamp in the next room, and you know what
+an effect light so recently produced on your sight!"
+
+"Cecily is up above; she is waiting for me, and I would cross a red-hot
+furnace to rejoin her. Let me go! She called me her old tiger; mind you,
+then, for my claws are sharp!"
+
+"You shall not go! I will sooner tie you down to your bed like a furious
+madman!"
+
+"Listen, Polidori! I am not mad--I am perfectly in my senses. I know
+that Cecily is not really up there; but to me the phantoms of my
+imagination are equal to realities."
+
+"Silence!" cried Polidori, suddenly, and listening. "I just now thought
+I heard a carriage stop at the door--and I was not mistaken! Now I hear
+a sound of voices in the courtyard."
+
+"You want to deceive me," said Jacques; "but I am not so easily
+deceived."
+
+"But, unhappy man, listen--listen! Don't you hear?"
+
+"Let me go! Cecily is up-stairs; she calls me. Do not make me furious!
+And now I say to you, mind--beware!"
+
+"You shall not go out!"
+
+"Take care!"
+
+"You shall not go out. It is for my interest that you should remain."
+
+"You would hinder me from seeking Cecily, and it is my interest that you
+should die. There--there!" said the notary, in a gloomy tone.
+
+Polidori uttered a cry. "Wretch! You have stabbed me in the arm. But
+your hand was weak--the wound is slight--and you shall not escape me."
+
+"Your wound is mortal, for it was given by the poisoned stiletto of
+Cecily, which I always carried about me. Await the effects of its
+poison--Ah! You release me! Then now you are about to die! I was not to
+be hindered from going up above to find Cecily!" added Jacques,
+endeavouring to grope his way in darkness to the door.
+
+"Oh," murmured Polidori, "my arm becomes benumbed--a deathlike coldness
+seizes on me--my knees tremble under me--my blood freezes in my
+veins--my head whirls around. Help, help! I die!" And he fainted.
+
+The crash of glass doors, opened with so much violence that several
+panes of glass were broken to atoms, the resounding voice of Rodolph,
+and the noise of hastily approaching steps, seemed to reply to
+Polidori's cry of anguish.
+
+Jacques Ferrand having at length discovered the lock of the door, opened
+it suddenly, with his dangerous stiletto in his hand. At the same
+instant, as menacing and formidable as the genius of vengeance, the
+prince entered the apartment from the other side.
+
+"Monster!" he exclaimed, advancing towards Jacques Ferrand, "it was my
+daughter whom you have killed! You are going--" The prince could not
+conclude, but recoiled in amazement.
+
+It would seem as if his words had been a thunderbolt to Ferrand, for,
+casting away his dagger, and raising both his hands to his eyes, the
+unhappy wretch fell with his face to the ground, uttering a cry that was
+scarcely human.
+
+To complete the phenomenon which we have attempted to describe, and the
+action which profound obscurity had suspended, when Jacques Ferrand
+entered the apartment so brilliantly lighted up, he was struck with an
+overwhelming vertigo, just as though he had been suddenly cast into the
+midst of a torrent of light as blazing as the disk of the sun. It was a
+fearful spectacle to see the agony of this man, who was twisting in
+convulsions, tearing the floor with his nails, as if he would have dug
+himself a hole to escape from the atrocious tortures occasioned by this
+powerful light. Rodolph, one of his servants, and the porter of the
+house, who had been compelled to guide the prince hither, were struck
+with horror.
+
+In spite of his just hatred, Rodolph felt a pity for the unheard-of
+sufferings of Jacques Ferrand, and desired that he should be laid on the
+sofa. This was not effected without difficulty, for, from fear of being
+subjected to the direst influence of the lamp, the notary struggled
+violently; and when his face was covered with the full glare of the
+light, he uttered another shriek,--a shriek which chilled Rodolph with
+terror. After fresh and long torture, the phenomenon ceased by its very
+violence. Having reached the last bounds of suffering without death
+following, the visual torment ceased; but, according to the regular
+course of the malady, a delirious excitement followed the crisis.
+Jacques Ferrand became suddenly as stiffened in frame as an epileptic;
+his eyelids, until then obstinately closed, suddenly opened, and,
+instead of avoiding the light, his eyes fixed themselves on it
+immovably, the pupils, in a state of extraordinary dilation and
+fixedness, seeming phosphorescent and internally lighted up. He appeared
+plunged in a kind of ecstatic contemplation; his body and limbs remained
+at first in a state of complete immobility, his features being agitated
+by nervous twitches and spasms. His hideous countenance, thus contracted
+and twisted, had no longer any human appearance; and it appeared as if
+the appetites of the animal, by stifling the intelligence of the man,
+impressed on the features of this wretch a character absolutely bestial.
+Having attained the mortal point of his madness, he remembered in his
+delirium the words of Cecily, who had called him her tiger; gradually
+his reason forsook him, and he imagined he was a tiger. His half
+uttered, breathless words displayed the disorder of his brain, and the
+singular aberration that had seized on him. Gradually his limbs, until
+then stiff and motionless, extended; he fell from the sofa, and tried to
+rise and walk, but his strength failed him; and he was compelled now to
+crawl like a reptile, and now to drag himself along on his hands and
+knees,--going, coming, this way and that way, as his visions impelled or
+obtained possession of him. Crouched in one of the corners of the room,
+like a tiger in his den, his hoarse and furious cries, his grinding of
+teeth, the convulsive twistings of the muscles of his face and brows,
+and his ardent gaze, gave him a wild and frightful resemblance to this
+ferocious brute.
+
+"Tiger--tiger--tiger--that I am!" he said, in a harsh voice, and
+gathering himself into a heap. "Yes, tiger! What blood! In my cavern
+what rent carcasses--La Goualeuse--the brother of this widow--a small
+child, Louise's baby,--these are the carcasses, and my tigress Cecily
+will have her share." Then looking at his torn fingers, the nails of
+which had grown immensely during his illness, he added, in broken
+language, "Oh, my sharp nails--sharp and keen! An old tiger I am, but
+agile, strong, and bold; no one dares dispute my tigress Cecily with me.
+Ah, she calls--she calls!" he said, advancing his hideous visage and
+listening.
+
+After a moment's silence he huddled himself against the wall again and
+continued: "No! I thought I had heard her; but she is not there. Yet I
+see her; oh, yes, always--always! Ah, there she is! She calls me; she
+roars--roars down there! I'm here--I'm here!" and Ferrand dragged
+himself towards the centre of the room on his hands and knees. Although
+his strength was exhausted, he made a convulsive leap from time to time,
+then paused, and listened attentively. "Where is she? I approach--she
+goes away. Cecily, here is your old tiger!" he cried, as, with a last
+effort, he arose and balanced himself on his knees. Suddenly falling
+back with affright, his body bending on his heels, his hair on end, his
+look haggard, his mouth twisted with terror, his two hands extended, he
+seemed to struggle with desperation with some invisible object, uttering
+incoherent words, and exclaiming, in broken tones, "What a bite! Help!
+My hands are powerless; I cannot drive away these sharp teeth! No, no!
+Oh! Not such eyes! Help! A serpent--a black snake--with its flat head
+and fiery eyes. How it looks at me! It is the fiend! Ah, he knows
+me--Jacques Ferrand--at church--the pious man--always at church! Go,
+go--cross yourself!" And the notary, raising himself a little, and
+leaning with one hand on the floor, endeavoured to cross himself with
+the other. His livid brow was bathed in cold sweat, his eyes began to
+lose their transparency and become dim, all the symptoms of approaching
+death manifested themselves.
+
+Rodolph and the other witnesses of the scene remained as motionless and
+mute as if they had been under the effect of a frightful dream.
+
+"Oh!" continued Jacques Ferrand, still half stretched on the floor, and
+supporting himself by one hand, "the demon vanishes. I am going to
+church--I am a holy man--I pray! What, no one will know it? Do you think
+so? No, no, tempter--be quite sure! Well, let them come--these
+women--all! Yes, all--if no one finds it out! But the secret!" he
+continued, in a tone of exhaustion, "the secret! Ah, here they are!
+Three! What says this one?--I am Louise Morel! Oh, yes--Louise Morel; I
+know it! I am only one of the people! You think me handsome? Here--take
+her! What does she bring me?--her head cut off by the executioner! It
+looks at me, that head of death! It speaks! The livid lips move and say,
+'Come--come--come!' I will not--I will not! Demon, leave me! Go--go--go!
+And this other woman?--ah, beautiful, beautiful!--Jacques, I am the
+Duchesse de Lucenay. See my angelic figure,--my smile,--my bold glance!
+Come, come! Yes, I come. But wait! And who is this one who turns away
+her face? Oh, Cecily--Cecily! Yes, Jacques, 'tis Cecily! You see the
+three Graces,--Louise, the duchess, and myself. Choose! Beauty of the
+people, patrician beauty, the savage beauty of the tropics,--and hell
+with us! Come--come! Hell with you? Yes!" shrieked Jacques Ferrand,
+again rising on his knees, and extending his arms to seize these
+phantoms.
+
+This last effort was followed by a mortal throe, and he fell back again
+stiff and lifeless; his eyes starting from their orbits, whilst fierce
+convulsions were visible on his features, unnaturally distorted; a
+bloody foam on his lips; his voice hoarse and strangling, like that of
+a person in hydrophobia, for, in its last paroxysm, this fearful malady
+shows the same symptoms as madness. The breath of this monster was
+extinguished in the midst of a final and horrible vision, for he
+stammered forth these words, "Black night!--black spectres!--skeletons
+of brass, red-hot with fire! Unfold me! Their burning fingers make my
+flesh smoke; my marrow is scorched! Fleshless, horrid spectre! No--no!
+Cecily--fire--flame--agony--Cecily!"
+
+These were Jacques Ferrand's last words, and Rodolph left the place
+overcome with horror.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE HOSPITAL.
+
+
+It will be remembered that Fleur-de-Marie, saved by La Louve, had been
+conveyed not far from the Isle du Ravageur to the country-house of
+Doctor Griffon, one of the surgeons of the hospital, to whom we shall
+now introduce the reader. This learned doctor, who had obtained from
+high influence his position in the hospital, considered the wards as a
+kind of school of experiments, where he tried on the poor the remedies
+and applications which he afterwards used with his rich clients.
+
+These terrible experiments were, indeed, a human sacrifice made on the
+altar of science; but Doctor Griffon did not think of that. In the eyes
+of this prince of science, as they say in our days, the hospital
+patients were only a matter of study and experiment; and as, after all,
+there resulted from his essays occasionally a useful fact or a discovery
+acquired by science, the doctor showed himself as ingenuously satisfied
+and triumphant as a general after a victory which has been costly in
+soldiers.
+
+Nothing could be more melancholy than the sombre appearance of the vast
+ward of the hospital, into which we now introduce the reader. The length
+of its high, dark walls, pierced here and there with grated windows like
+those of a prison, was filled with two rows of beds parallel, and
+faintly lighted by the sepulchral glare of a lamp hanging from the
+ceiling. The atmosphere is so nauseous, so heavy, that the fresh
+patients frequently did not become accustomed to it without danger, and
+this increase of suffering is a sort of tax which every newcomer
+invariably pays for his miserable sojourn in the hospital. In one of the
+beds was the corpse of a patient who had just died.
+
+Amongst the females who did not sleep, and who had been present whilst
+the priest performed the last rites with the dying woman, were three
+persons whose names have been already mentioned in this history,--Mlle.
+de Fermont, the daughter of the unfortunate widow ruined by the cupidity
+of Jacques Ferrand; La Lorraine, the poor laundress, to whom
+Fleur-de-Marie had formerly given the small sum of money she had left;
+and Jeanne Duport, the sister of Pique-Vinaigre.
+
+La Lorraine was a woman about twenty, with mild and regular features,
+but extremely pale and thin; she was consumptive to the last degree, and
+there was no hope of saving her. She was aware of her condition, and was
+slowly dying.
+
+"There is another gone!" said La Lorraine, in a faint voice, and
+speaking to herself. "She will suffer no more; she is very happy!"
+
+"She is very happy if she has no children!" added Jeanne.
+
+"Aren't you asleep, neighbour?" asked La Lorraine. "How are you after
+your first night here? Last night, when you came in, they made you go to
+bed directly, and I dared not speak to you, because I heard you sob so."
+
+"Yes, I cried a good deal; but I went to sleep at last, and only awoke
+when the noise of the doors roused me; and when the priest and the
+sisters came in and knelt down; I saw it was some woman who was dying,
+and I said a _Pater_ and _Ave_ for her."
+
+"And so did I; and, as I am ill with the same complaint as she had, I
+could not help crying out, 'There is one who suffers no more; she is
+very happy!'"
+
+"Yes, as I said, if she has no children."
+
+"Then you have children?"
+
+"Three!" said Pique-Vinaigre's sister with a sigh. "And you?"
+
+"I had a little girl, but I did not keep her long. The poor babe was
+injured before she was born,--and I was so wretched during my pregnancy!
+I am a washerwoman in the boats, and worked as long as I could. But
+everything has an end, and when my strength failed me, bread failed me
+also. They turned me out of my lodging; and I do not know what would
+have become of me if a poor woman had not taken me into a cellar, where
+she was hiding from her husband, who had sworn he would kill her. There
+I was brought to bed on the straw; but, thanks to goodness, the good
+woman knew a young girl as good and charitable as an angel from heaven.
+This young girl had a little money, and took me from the cellar, and put
+me in a furnished room, where she paid a month in advance, and gave me,
+besides, a wicker cradle for my baby, and forty francs, with a little
+linen besides. Thanks to her, I was enabled to resume my work."
+
+"Kind girl! Well, and I, also, met by chance with such another, a young,
+hard-working sempstress. I was going to see my poor brother, who is a
+prisoner," said Jeanne, after a moment's hesitation, "and met this
+work-girl in the prison; and when she heard me tell my brother that I
+was not happy, she came to me and offered me all in her power, poor
+girl! I accepted her offer, and she gave me her address; and two days
+afterwards dear little Mlle. Rigolette--she is called Rigolette--sent me
+an order."
+
+"Rigolette!" exclaimed Lorraine; "how strange! The young girl who was so
+generous to me often mentioned the name of Mlle. Rigolette in my
+hearing; they were great friends."
+
+"Well, then," said Jeanne, smiling sadly, "since we are neighbours in
+bed, we should be friends like our two benefactresses."
+
+"With all my heart! My name is Annette Gerbier, called La Lorraine, a
+washerwoman."
+
+"And I am Jeanne Duport, a fringe-maker. Oh, it is so fortunate to find
+in this melancholy place some one not quite a stranger to you,
+especially when you come for the first time, and are very full of
+trouble. But don't let us talk of that! Tell me, Lorraine, what was the
+name of the young girl who was so kind to you?"
+
+"She was called Goualeuse, and was exceedingly handsome, with light
+brown hair and blue eyes, so soft--oh, so soft! Unfortunately, in spite
+of her assistance, my poor babe died at two months old. It was so puny,
+it could hardly breathe!" and La Lorraine wiped a tear from her eye.
+
+"And your husband?"
+
+"I am not married. I washed by the day at a rich tradesman's in my
+country, and had always been prudent; but the master's son whispered his
+tales in my ear, and then--When I found in what a state I was, I dared
+not remain any longer in the country, and M. Jules gave me fifty francs
+to take me to Paris, assuring me that he would send me twenty francs
+every month for my lying-in; but since I left I have not had one sou,
+not even a message. I wrote to him once, but he sent me no answer; and I
+was afraid to write again, as I saw he did not wish to hear any more of
+me."
+
+"At least he ought not to have forgotten you, if it was only for the
+sake of the child!"
+
+"That was the reason; he was angry with me for being in the family way,
+because it embarrassed him. I regret my child for myself, but not on its
+own account, poor little darling! It must have been miserable, and have
+been an orphan very early, for I have not long to live."
+
+"Oh, you ought not to have such ideas at your age. Have you been long
+ill?"
+
+"Nearly three months. Why, when I had to work for myself and my child, I
+began too soon. The winter was very cold; I was attacked with a cold on
+my chest. I lost my child at this time, too; and nursing her, I
+neglected myself, and then my sorrow; so that I fell into a
+consumption--decided--like the actress who has just died."
+
+"There's always hope at your age!"
+
+"The actress was only two years older than I am."
+
+"What, was she an actress who is just dead?"
+
+"Yes. And see what fate is! She had been as beautiful as daylight, and
+had money, carriages, diamonds; but, unfortunately, the smallpox
+disfigured her, and then came want and misery, and, at last, death in a
+hospital. No one ever came to see her; and yet, four or five days ago,
+she told me, she had written to a gentleman whom she had formerly known
+in her gay days, and who had been much in love with her. She wrote to
+him to beg him to claim her dead body, because she was wretched at the
+idea of thinking she would be dissected--cut in pieces."
+
+"And did the gentleman come?"
+
+"No. Every moment she was asking for him and perpetually saying, 'Oh,
+he'll come! Oh, he'll be sure to come!' And yet she died without any one
+coming, and what she so much dreaded will befall her poor frame. After
+having been rich and happy, to die so is very terrible! We, at least,
+only change our miseries!"
+
+"I wish," said Lorraine, after a moment's hesitation, "I wish you would
+render me a service!"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"If I die, as is probable, before you go from here, will you claim my
+body? I have the same dread as the actress, and have laid aside the
+small sum of money necessary to bury me."
+
+"Oh, do not have such ideas!"
+
+"Still promise me, all the same!"
+
+"But let us hope the case will not happen!"
+
+"Yes; but if it does happen--thanks to you, I shall not have the same
+misery as the actress."
+
+"Poor woman! After having been rich to come to such an end!"
+
+"The actress is not the only one in this room who has been rich."
+
+"Who else?"
+
+"A young girl of about fifteen or so, brought here yesterday evening.
+She was so weak that they were obliged to support her. The sister said
+that the young lady and her mother were very reputable persons, who had
+been ruined."
+
+"And is her mother here, too?"
+
+"No, the mother was too ill to be moved. The poor girl would not leave,
+so they took advantage of her fainting to convey her. The proprietor of
+a wretched lodging-house, for fear they should die in his rooms, made
+the report at the police station. She is there--in the bed opposite
+you."
+
+"And she is fifteen? The age of my eldest girl!" And Jeanne Duport wept
+bitterly.
+
+"Pardon me," said La Lorraine, "if I have given you pain unconsciously
+in speaking of your children! Are they, too, ill?"
+
+"Alas! I do not know. What will become of them if I remain here for a
+week?"
+
+"And your husband?"
+
+"As we are friends together, Lorraine, I will tell you my troubles, as
+you have told me yours, and that will comfort me. My husband was an
+excellent workman, but became dissipated, and forsook me and my
+children, after having sold everything we possessed. I went to work;
+some good souls aided me, and I began to get easy again, and was
+bringing up my little family as well as I could, when my husband
+returned with a vile creature, his mistress, and again stripped me of
+everything; and so I had to begin all over again."
+
+"Poor Jeanne! You could not help it."
+
+"I ought to have separated myself from him in law,--but, as my brother
+says, the law is too dear! I went to see my brother one day, and he gave
+me three francs, which he had collected amongst the prisoners on telling
+his tales. So I took courage, believing my husband would not return for
+a very long time, as he had taken all he could from us. But I was
+mistaken," added the poor creature, with a shudder; "there was my poor
+Catherine still to take!"
+
+"Your daughter?"
+
+"You will hear--you will hear! Three days ago, as I was at work with my
+children around me, my husband came in. I saw by his look that he had
+been drinking. 'I have come for Catherine,' says he. I took my
+daughter's arm, and I said to Duport, 'Where do you want to take her
+to?' 'What's that to you? She's my daughter. Let her make up her bundle
+and come along with me.' At these words my blood ran cold in my veins;
+for you must know, Lorraine, that that bad woman is still with my
+husband, and it makes me shudder all over to say it. But so it was; she
+had long been urging him to earn something by our daughter, who is young
+and pretty. 'Take away Catherine?' said I to Duport; 'Never! I know what
+that wicked woman would do with her.' 'I say,' said my husband, whose
+lips were white with rage, 'do not oppose me or I'll kill you!' and then
+he seized my daughter by the arm, saying, 'Come along, Catherine!' The
+poor child threw her arms around my neck, and burst into tears,
+exclaiming, 'I will stay with mother!' When he saw this, Duport became
+furious, tore my daughter from me, and hit me a blow in my stomach,
+which knocked me down; and when I was on the ground--he was very drunk,
+you may be sure--he trampled on me and hurt me dreadfully. My poor
+children begged for mercy on their knees,--Catherine, too; and then he
+said to her, swearing like a lunatic, 'If you will not come with me I'll
+do for your mother!' I was spitting blood; I felt half dead, and could
+not move an inch. But I cried to Catherine, 'Let him kill me first!'
+'What, you won't be quiet?' said Duport, giving me another kick, which
+deprived me of all consciousness; and when I returned to myself, I found
+my two little boys crying bitterly."
+
+"And your daughter?"
+
+"Gone!" exclaimed the unhappy mother, with convulsive sobs. "Yes; gone.
+My other children told me that their father had beaten them and
+threatened to finish me. Then the poor girl was quite distracted and
+embraced me and her brothers, weeping dreadfully; and then my husband
+dragged her away. Ah, that bad woman was waiting for him on the stairs,
+I know!"
+
+"And didn't you complain to the police?"
+
+"At first I felt only grief at Catherine's departure; but I felt soon
+great pain in all my limbs,--I could not walk. Alas, what I had so long
+dreaded had happened! Yes, I told my brother that one day my husband
+would beat me so that I should be obliged to go to the hospital,--and
+then what would become of my children? And now here I am in the
+hospital, and what, indeed, will become of my children? The neighbours
+went for the commissary, who came. I didn't like to denounce Duport, but
+I was obliged, in consequence of my daughter; only I said that in our
+quarrel about our daughter he had pushed me, that it was nothing, but I
+wanted my daughter Catherine because I feared the bad woman with whom my
+husband lived would be the ruin of her."
+
+"Well, and what did the commissary say?"
+
+"Why, that my husband had a right to take away his daughter, as we were
+not separated; that it would be a misfortune if my daughter turned out
+badly from evil counsels, but that they were only suppositions, after
+all, and that was not sufficient for a complaint against my husband.
+'You have but one way--plead in the courts, demand a separation--and
+then the beatings your husband has given you, his behaviour with a vile
+woman, will be in your favour, and they will force him to restore your
+daughter to you; but, otherwise, he has a right to keep her with him.'
+'But how can I plead when I have my children to feed?' 'What can be
+done?' said the clerk; 'that's the only way!'" and poor Jeanne sobbed
+bitterly, adding, "And he is right--that is the only way! And so, in
+three months, my daughter may be walking the streets, whilst if I could
+plead and be separated it would not happen. Alas, poor Catherine, so
+gentle and so affectionate!"
+
+"Oh, you have, indeed, a bitter sorrow; and yet I was complaining!" said
+La Lorraine, drying her eyes. "And your other children?"
+
+"Why, on their account, I did all I could to bear the pains I was
+suffering, and not go to the hospital; but I could not go on. I vomited
+blood three or four times a day, and a fever took away the use of my
+arms and legs, and I was at last unable to work. If I am quickly cured I
+may return to my children, if they are not first dead from hunger or
+locked up as beggars. Who will maintain them whilst I am here?"
+
+"Oh, it is very terrible! Have you no kind neighbours?"
+
+"They are as poor as myself, and have five children already. It is very
+hard, but they promised to do a little something for them for a week;
+that is all they could do. And so, cured or not cured, I must go out in
+a week."
+
+"But your friend, Mademoiselle Rigolette?"
+
+"Unfortunately, she is in the country, and going to be married, the
+porter said. No, I must be cured in eight days; and I asked all the
+doctors who spoke to me yesterday, but they laughed as they replied,
+'You must ask the principal surgeon.' When will he come, Lorraine?"
+
+"Hush! I think I hear him now. And no one is allowed to speak during his
+visit," replied Lorraine, in a low voice.
+
+The daylight had appeared during the conversation of the two women. A
+bustle announced the arrival of Doctor Griffon, who entered the room
+accompanied by his friend, the Comte de Saint-Remy, who took so warm an
+interest in Madame de Fermont and her daughter, but was very far from
+expecting to find the unfortunate young lady in the hospital. As he
+entered the ward, the cold and harsh features of Doctor Griffon seemed
+to expand. Casting around him a look of satisfaction and authority, he
+answered the obsequious reception of the sisters by a protecting nod.
+The coarse and austere countenance of the old Comte de Saint-Remy was
+imprinted with the deepest sorrow. His ineffective attempts to find any
+traces of Madame de Fermont, and the ignominious baseness of the
+vicomte, who had preferred a life of infamy to death, overwhelmed him
+with grief.
+
+"Well," said Doctor Griffon to him, with an air of triumph, "what do you
+think of my hospital?"
+
+"Really," replied M. de Saint-Remy, "I do not know why I yielded to your
+desire; nothing is more harrowing than the sight of rooms filled with
+sick persons. Since I entered, my feelings have been severely
+distressed."
+
+"Bah, bah! In a quarter of an hour you will think no more of it. You,
+who are a philosopher, will find here ample matter for observation; and
+besides, it would have been a shame for you, one of my oldest friends,
+not to have known the theatre of my glory, my labours, and seen me at
+work. I take pride in my profession--is that wrong?"
+
+"No, certainly; and after your excellent care of Fleur-de-Marie, whom
+you have saved, I could refuse you nothing."
+
+"Well, have you ascertained anything as to the fate of Madame de Fermont
+and her daughter?"
+
+"Nothing!" replied M. de Saint-Remy, with a sigh. "And my last hope is
+in Madame d'Harville, who takes such deep interest in these two
+unfortunates; she may find some traces of them. Madame d'Harville, I
+hear, is expected daily at her house; and I have written to her on the
+subject, begging her to reply as soon as possible."
+
+During the conversation between M. de Saint-Remy and Doctor Griffon,
+several groups were formed gradually around a large table in the middle
+of the apartment, on which was a register in which the pupils of the
+hospital (who were to be recognised by their long white aprons) came in
+their turns to sign the attendance-sheet.
+
+"You see, my dear Saint-Remy, that my staff is pretty considerable."
+
+"It is indeed! But all these beds are occupied by women, and the
+presence of so many men must inspire them with painful confusion!"
+
+"All these fine feelings must be left at the door, my dear Alcestis.
+Here we begin on the living those experiments and studies which we
+complete on the dead body in the amphitheatre."
+
+"Doctor, you are one of the best and worthiest of men, and I owe you my
+life, and I recognise all your excellent qualities; but the practice and
+love of your art makes you take views of certain questions which are
+most revolting to me. I leave you. These are things which disgust and
+pain me; and I foresee that it would be a real punishment to me to be
+present at your visit. I will wait for you here at the table."
+
+"What a strange person you are with these scruples! But I will not let
+you have quite your own way. So remain here till I come for you."
+
+"Now, then, gentlemen," said Doctor Griffon; and he began his round,
+followed by his numerous auditory.
+
+On reaching the first bed on the right hand, the curtains of which were
+closed, the sister said to the doctor:
+
+"Sir, No. 1 died at half past four o'clock this morning."
+
+"So late? It astonishes me. Yesterday morning I would not have given her
+the day through. Has her body been claimed?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"So much the better. It is a very fine one; we will not dissect it, but
+I will make a man happy." Then turning to one of the pupils, "My dear
+Dunoyer, you have long desired a subject; your name is down for the
+first, and it is yours."
+
+"Oh, sir, you are too good."
+
+"I am only desirous of rewarding your zeal, my dear fellow; but mark the
+subject--take possession; there are so many who covet it."
+
+As the doctor passed onwards, the pupil, with his scalpel, incised very
+delicately an F. and D. (his initials) on the arm of the defunct
+actress, in order "to take possession," as the doctor termed it. And the
+round continued.
+
+"Lorraine," said Jeanne Duport, in a low voice, to her neighbour, "who
+is all this crowd of people with the surgeon?"
+
+"It is pupils and students."
+
+"Oh, will all these young men look on whilst the doctor asks me
+questions and examines me?"
+
+"Alas, yes!"
+
+"But it is in my chest that I am ill; will they examine me before all
+these men?"
+
+"Yes--yes--it must be so. I cried bitterly the first time, and thought
+I should have died of shame. I resisted, and they threatened to send me
+away, and that made me so ill. Only imagine, almost naked before
+everybody! It is very painful."
+
+"Before the doctor alone I can easily comprehend it is necessary, and
+even that is a great deal to submit to; but why before all these young
+men?"
+
+"They learn and practise on us; that is why we are here,--why they admit
+us into the hospital."
+
+"Ah, I understand," said Jeanne Duport, with bitterness; "they give us
+nothing for nothing. Yet still there are times when even that could not
+be. Suppose my poor girl Catherine, who is only fifteen, were to come to
+the hospital, would they dare with her, before so many young men,
+to--Oh, no! I would rather see her die at home!"
+
+"Oh, if she came here she must make up her mind to do as the others
+do,--as you and I. But hold your tongue; if the poor young lady in front
+hears you--they say she was rich, and, perhaps, has never left her
+mother before,--and yet her turn comes now. Only think how confused and
+distressed she will be."
+
+"I shudder when I think of her! Poor child!"
+
+"Hush, Jeanne! Here is the doctor!" said Lorraine.
+
+After having quickly visited several patients who presented nothing
+remarkable in their cases, the doctor at last came to Jeanne. At the
+sight of this crowd coming around her bed, anxious to see and learn, the
+poor creature, overcome with fear and shame, pulled the bed-clothes
+tightly around her. The severe and meditative countenance of the doctor,
+his penetrating glance, his eyebrows, always drawn down by his
+reflective habit, his abrupt mode of speech, impatient and quick,
+increased the alarm of poor Jeanne.
+
+"A new subject!" said the doctor, as he read the placard in which was
+inscribed the nature of the patient's malady, and throwing on Jeanne a
+lengthened look of scrutiny. There was a profound silence amongst the
+assistants, who, in imitation of the prince of science, fixed a
+scrutinising glance on the patient. After an examination of several
+minutes, the doctor, remarking something wrong in the yellow tint of the
+patient's eyeball, approached her more closely, and, raising the lid
+with his finger, examined it silently. Then several of the students,
+responding to the kind of mute invitation of their professor, drew near,
+and gazed at Jeanne's eye with attention. The doctor then began:
+
+"Your name?"
+
+"Jeanne Duport," she murmured, more and more alarmed.
+
+"Are you married?"
+
+"Alas, yes, sir!" with a profound sigh.
+
+"Have you any children?"
+
+Here, instead of replying, the poor mother gave way to a flood of tears.
+
+"It is no use crying,--answer! Have you any children?"
+
+"Yes, sir,--two little boys, and a girl of sixteen."
+
+Then followed a string of questions impossible to repeat, but to which
+Jeanne could only reply in stammering, and after many severe rebukes
+from the doctor. The poor woman was overwhelmed with shame, compelled as
+she was to reply aloud to such questions before such a numerous
+auditory.
+
+The doctor, completely absorbed by scientific feelings, did not give the
+smallest heed to Jeanne's distress, and continued:
+
+"How long have you been ill?"
+
+"Four days, sir," replied Jeanne, drying her tears.
+
+"Tell us how your illness first disclosed itself."
+
+"Sir,--why,--there are so many persons here, that I dare not."
+
+"Pooh! Where do you come from, my dear woman?" inquired the doctor,
+impatiently; "would you like to have a confessional brought? Come, come,
+make haste!"
+
+"Sir, these are family matters."
+
+"Oh, be easy, we are all family men here; a large family, too, as you
+see," added the prince of science, who was in very high spirits that
+day. "Come, come, let us have an end of this."
+
+More and more alarmed, Jeanne, stammering and hesitating at each moment,
+said:
+
+"I had--a quarrel with my husband--about the children; I mean my eldest
+daughter, that he wanted to take away; and I wouldn't agree, because of
+a wicked woman he lived with, and who might give bad advice to my
+daughter. So then, my husband, who was tipsy,--yes, sir,--for if not,
+he'd never have done it,--my husband gave me a very hard push, and I
+fell; and then, soon after, I began to vomit blood."
+
+"Pooh, pooh, pooh! Your husband pushed you, and you fell; you describe
+it very nicely! Why, he did more than push you; he must have struck you
+in the stomach; perhaps trampled on you, or kicked you? Come,
+answer,--let's have the truth."
+
+"Oh, sir, I assure you that he was tipsy; but for that he would never
+have been so wicked."
+
+"Good or wicked, drunk or sober, it is not to the purpose, my good
+woman. I am not a public officer, and only want a fact accurately
+described. Now, were you not knocked down, and trampled under foot?"
+
+"Yes!" said Jeanne, weeping; "and yet I never gave him any cause of
+complaint. I worked as long as I could, and--"
+
+"The epigastrium must be very painful. Don't you feel great heat around
+that region?--uneasiness, lassitude, nausea?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I was quite worn out when I gave up, if not, I should never
+have left my children; and then, my Catherine! Oh, if you--"
+
+"Put out your tongue," said the doctor, again interrupting the patient.
+
+This appeared so strange to Jeanne, who thought to excite the doctor's
+pity, that she did not reply immediately, but looked at him with alarm.
+
+"Show me your tongue, which you know so well how to use," said the
+doctor, with a smile; and he pushed down Jeanne's lower jaw with the end
+of his finger. After having had his pupils successively, and for some
+time, feel and examine the subject's tongue, in order to ascertain its
+colour and dryness, Jeanne, overcoming her fear for a moment, said, in a
+tremulous voice:
+
+"Sir, I was going to say to you, my neighbours, who are as poor as
+myself, have been so kind as to take care of my children for a week
+only, which is a great deal; so at the end of that time I must be back
+home again. So I beg of you, in God's name, to cure me as quickly as you
+can, or nearly so, that I may return to work; and I have but a week
+before me,--for--"
+
+"Discoloured face,--complete state of prostration,--yet the pulse
+strong, quick, and regular," said the doctor, imperturbably, and
+pointing to Jeanne. "Remark her well, gentlemen: oppression, heat in the
+epigastric regions. All these symptoms certainly betoken hæmatemesis,
+probably complicated by hepatitis, caused by domestic troubles, as is
+indicated by the yellow discoloration of the eyeball. The subject has
+had violent blows in the regions of the epigastrium and abdomen; the
+vomiting blood is the necessary consequence of some organic injury to
+the viscera. On this point let me call your attention to a very curious,
+remarkably curious, feature. The post-mortem appearances of those who
+die of the injuries under which the subject is suffering frequently
+present remarkable appearances; frequently the malady, very severe and
+very dangerous, carries off the patient in a few days, and then no trace
+of it is found."
+
+Doctor Griffon then, throwing off the bed-clothes, nearly denuded poor
+Jeanne. It would be repugnant to describe the struggle of the
+unfortunate creature, who, in her shame, implored the doctor and his
+auditory. But at the threat, "You will be turned out of the hospital, if
+you do not submit to the established usages,"--a threat so terrible for
+those to whom the hospital is the sole and last refuge,--Jeanne
+submitted to a public scrutiny, which lasted a long time, very long, for
+Doctor Griffon analysed and explained every symptom; and then the most
+studious of the pupils declared their wish to unite practice with
+theory, and also examine the patient. The end of this scene was that
+poor Jeanne felt such extreme emotion that she fell into a nervous
+crisis, for which Doctor Griffon gave an extra prescription.
+
+The round continued, and the doctor soon reached the bed of Mlle. Claire
+de Fermont, a victim, like her mother, to the cupidity of Jacques
+Ferrand.
+
+Mlle, de Fermont, dressed in a cap of the hospital, was leaning her head
+languidly on the bolster of the bed. In spite of the ravages of her
+malady, there might be detected on her open and sweet countenance the
+traces of a beauty full of distinction. After a night of keen anguish,
+the poor girl had fallen into a kind of feverish stupor, and when the
+doctor and his scientific train entered the ward she was not aroused by
+the noise.
+
+"Another first subject, gentlemen," said the prince of science.
+"Disease, a slow nervous fever; if the receiving surgeon is not mistaken
+in the symptoms, this is a real godsend. For a long time I have desired
+a slow nervous fever, for that is not an ordinary complaint amongst the
+poor. These affections are usually produced after severe trouble in the
+social position of the subject, and I need hardly add that the higher
+the position of the patient, the more deep is the disease. It is,
+moreover, a complaint the more remarkable from its peculiar
+characteristics. It is traced to the very remotest antiquity, and the
+writings of Hippocrates have no doubt reference to it. This fever, I
+repeat, has almost always been produced from the most violent grief, and
+grief is as old as the world. Yet, strange to say, before the eighteenth
+century, this disease was never accurately described by any author; it
+was Huxham, whom the science of medicine of the age so highly
+honours,--Huxham, I say, who first defined accurately nervous fever; and
+yet it is a malady of the olden time," added the doctor, jocosely. "Eh,
+eh, eh! It belongs to the great, antique, and illustrious family of
+_febris_, whose origin is lost in the darkness of ages. But we may be
+rejoicing too soon; let us see if really we have the good fortune to
+possess here a sample of this curious affection; it would be doubly
+desirable, inasmuch as, for a very long time, I have been anxious to try
+the effect of the internal use of phosphorus. Yes, gentlemen," continued
+the doctor, hearing amongst his auditory a kind of shudder of
+curiosity,--"yes, gentlemen, of phosphorus; it is a singular experiment
+that I wish to try, and a bold one, and but _audaces fortuna juvat_, and
+the opportunity would be excellent. We will first try if the subject
+offers in all parts of the body, and particularly in the chest, that
+miliary eruption, so symptomatic according to Huxham, and you will
+assure yourselves, by feeling the subject, of the kind of uneven surface
+which this eruption produces. But do not let us sell the skin of our
+bear before we have killed it," added the prince of science, who was
+decidedly in very high spirits. And he shook Mlle. de Fermont's shoulder
+very gently, in order to wake her.
+
+The young girl started and opened her large eyes, hollowed by the
+malady. It is impossible to describe her amaze and alarm. Whilst a crowd
+of men surrounded her bed, all fixing their eyes upon her, she felt the
+doctor's hand gliding under the quilt into her bed, in order to take
+her hand and feel her pulse. Mlle. de Fermont, collecting all her
+strength, in a cry of anguish, exclaimed:
+
+"Mother! Help! Mother! Mother!"
+
+By an almost providential chance, at the moment when the cries of Mlle.
+de Fermont made the old Count de Saint-Remy spring from his chair, for
+he recognised the voice, the door of the apartment opened, and a young
+lady, dressed in mourning, entered very hastily, accompanied by the
+governor of the hospital; this lady was the Marquise d'Harville.
+
+"I beg of you, sir," she said to him, "to lead me to Mlle. de Fermont."
+
+"Be so kind as to follow me," he replied, respectfully; "the young lady
+is in No. 17."
+
+"Unhappy girl! Here--here!" said Madame d'Harville, drying her tears.
+"Ah, this is really frightful!"
+
+The marquise, preceded by the governor, rapidly approached the group
+assembled beside the bed of Mlle. de Fermont, when they heard these
+words uttered with indignation:
+
+"I tell you it is infamous murder; you will kill her, sir!"
+
+"But, my dear Saint-Remy, do pray hear me!"
+
+"I repeat, sir, that your conduct is atrocious! I consider Mlle. de
+Fermont as my daughter, and I forbid you going near her; I will have her
+immediately removed hence."
+
+"But, my dear friend, it is a case of slow nervous fever, very rare; I
+am desirous of trying phosphorus. It is a unique occasion. Promise me,
+at least, that I shall have the care of her, and take her where you
+like, since you are determined to deprive us of so valuable a clinical
+subject."
+
+"If you were not a madman, you would be a monster!" replied the count.
+
+Clémence listened to these words with increasing anguish, but the crowd
+was so dense around the bed that the governor was obliged to say, in a
+loud voice:
+
+"Make way, if you please, for the Marquise d'Harville, who has come to
+see No. 17."
+
+At these words, the pupils made way with equal haste and respectful
+admiration when they saw Clémence's lovely face, which was radiant with
+so much emotion.
+
+"Madame d'Harville!" exclaimed the Count de Saint-Remy, pushing the
+doctor rudely aside, and going hastily towards Clémence. "Ah, it is God
+who sends one of his angels here! Madame, I knew you took an interest in
+these two unfortunate beings, and, more happy than me, you have found
+them, whilst it was chance only that led me hither, to be present at a
+scene of unparalleled barbarity. Unhappy child! See, madame; and you,
+gentlemen, in the name of your sisters and daughters, have pity, I
+entreat, on a girl of sixteen, and leave her alone with madame and these
+good sisters; when she recovers her senses, I will have her conveyed
+hence."
+
+"Very well, let it be so; I will sign her discharge!" exclaimed the
+doctor; "but I will not lose sight of her; she is a subject of mine, and
+I will attend her, do what you will. I'll not risk the phosphorus, I
+promise that; but I will pass my nights, if needs be, as I passed them
+with you, ungrateful Saint-Remy, for this fever is as curious as yours
+was; they are two sisters, who have an equal right to my interest."
+
+"Confound the man! Why has he so much science?" said the count, knowing
+that he could not confide the young girl to more able hands.
+
+"Eh! It is simple enough," said the doctor, in a whisper. "I have a
+great deal of science because I study, because I experimentalise,
+because I risk and practise a great deal on my subjects; and so, old
+fellow, I shall still have my slow nervous fever,--eh?"
+
+"Yes; but is it safe to move this young girl?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Then, for the love of heaven, disappear with your train!"
+
+"Come, gentlemen," said the prince of science, "we shall be deprived of
+a precious study; but I will make my reports on it to you." And Doctor
+Griffon, with his suite, continued his round, leaving M. de Saint-Remy
+and Madame d'Harville with Mlle. de Fermont.
+
+During this scene, Mlle. de Fermont, still in a swoon, had been attended
+to by Clémence and the two nuns. Saint-Remy said in a low tone to
+Clémence:
+
+"And the mother of this unhappy girl, madame?"
+
+The marchioness replied, in a voice deeply affected:
+
+"She has no longer a mother, sir. I learnt yesterday only, on my return,
+the address of Madame de Fermont, and her dying condition; at one
+o'clock in the morning I went to her with a medical man. Ah, sir, what a
+fiction! It was misery in all its horror! And no hope of saving the poor
+mother, whose last words were, 'My daughter!'"
+
+"What a death! Good heaven! And she so tender, so devoted a mother,--it
+is frightful!"
+
+"I will watch her until she can be moved," said Clémence, "and, when she
+can be removed, I will take her with me."
+
+"Ah, madame, bless you for what you say and do!" said M. de Saint-Remy.
+"But excuse me for not having before mentioned my name to you, I am the
+Comte de Saint-Remy; Madame de Fermont's husband was my most intimate
+friend. I live at Angers, and left that city from uneasiness at not
+receiving any news of these two noble and excellent women; they had
+until then lived in that city, and were said to be completely ruined,
+which was the more terrible as until then they had lived in ease and
+plenty."
+
+"Ah, sir! you do not know all; Madame de Fermont was shamefully robbed."
+
+"By her notary, perhaps? I had my suspicions."
+
+"That man was a monster, sir! Alas! that was not the only crime he
+committed; but fortunately," said Clémence, with excitement, as she
+thought of Rodolph, "a providential genius had compelled him to do
+justice, and I was enabled to close Madame de Fermont's eyes, assuring
+her as to the future provision for her daughter; thus her death was
+rendered less cruel."
+
+"I understand; knowing her daughter to have your support henceforth, my
+poor friend died more tranquil."
+
+"Not only is my interest excited for ever towards Mlle. de Fermont, but
+her fortune will be restored to her."
+
+"Her fortune! The notary--"
+
+"Has been compelled to refund the money. This man had caused the
+assassination of Madame de Fermont's brother, in order to make it appear
+that the unhappy man had committed suicide, after having dissipated his
+sister's fortune; but he has now placed the sum in the hands of the
+worthy curé of Bonne-Nouvelle, and it will be given to Mlle. de Fermont.
+The infamous wretch has committed another murder equally infamous!"
+
+"What mean you, madame?"
+
+"But a few days since he got rid of an unfortunate young girl, whom he
+had an interest in drowning, assured that her death would be attributed
+to accident."
+
+M. de Saint-Remy started, looked at Madame d'Harville with surprise, as
+he recollected Fleur-de-Marie, and exclaimed:
+
+"Ah, madame, what a singular coincidence! This young girl they sought to
+drown--"
+
+"In the Seine, near Asnières, as I am told."
+
+"'Tis she! 'Tis she!" cried Saint-Remy.
+
+"Of whom do you speak, sir?"
+
+"Of the young girl whom this monster sought to drown. Do you know her,
+madame?"
+
+"Poor dear! I love her tenderly. Ah, if you knew, sir, how lovely, how
+prepossessing she was! But tell me what you mean."
+
+"Doctor Griffon and I gave her the first assistance."
+
+"First assistance to her! And in what way?"
+
+"At the Isle du Ravageur, where she was saved."
+
+"Saved! Fleur-de-Marie saved?"
+
+"By a worthy creature, who, at the risk of her life, saved her from the
+Seine. But what ails you, madame?"
+
+"Ah, sir, I fear to believe in such good fortune; but, I pray of you,
+tell me what is the appearance of this young girl?"
+
+"Singularly beautiful!"
+
+"Large, blue eyes,--light brown hair?"
+
+"Yes, madame."
+
+"And when she was drowned, there was an elderly woman with her?"
+
+"It was only yesterday she was well enough to speak, and she is still
+very weak; she said an elderly woman accompanied her."
+
+"Praised be Heaven!" said Clémence, clasping her hands with fervour; "I
+can now tell him that his protégée still lives! What joy for him who, in
+his last letter, spoke to me of this poor child with such bitter
+regrets! Excuse me, sir, but you know not how happy your intelligence
+renders me, and will make a person who, more than myself, has loved and
+protected Fleur-de-Marie. But, for mercy's sake, tell me, where is she
+at this moment?"
+
+"Near Asnières, in the house of one of the surgeons of this hospital,
+Doctor Griffon; she was taken there, and has had every attention."
+
+"And is she out of danger?"
+
+"Yes, madame, but only during the last two or three days, and to-day she
+will be permitted to write to her protector."
+
+"Oh, I will undertake to do that, sir; or, rather, I shall have the
+pleasure of taking her to those who, believing her dead, regret her so
+bitterly!"
+
+"I can understand those regrets, madame, for it is impossible to see
+Fleur-de-Marie without being charmed with her grace and sweetness. The
+woman who saved her, and has since watched her night and day as she
+would an infant, is a courageous and devoted person, but of a
+disposition so excitable that she has been called La Louve."
+
+"I know La Louve," said the marquise, smiling as she thought of the
+pleasure she had in store for the prince. What would have been her
+ecstasy, had she known she was the daughter he believed dead that she
+was about to restore to Rodolph! Then, addressing the nun who had given
+some spoonfuls of a draught to Mlle. de Fermont, she said, "Well,
+sister, is she recovering?"
+
+"Not yet, madame, she is so weak. Poor, young thing! One can scarcely
+feel her pulse beat."
+
+"I will wait, then, until she is sufficiently restored to be put into my
+carriage; but tell me, sister, amongst these unfortunate patients, do
+you know any who particularly deserve interest and pity, and to whom I
+could be useful before I leave the hospital?"
+
+"Ah, madame, Heaven has sent you here!" said the sister. "There," and
+she pointed to the bed of Pique-Vinaigre's sister, "is a poor woman much
+to be pitied, and very bad; she only came in when quite exhausted, and
+is past all comfort, because she has been obliged to abandon her two
+small children, who have no other support in the world. She said just
+now to the doctor that she must go out, cured or not, in a week, because
+her neighbours had promised to take care of her children for that time
+only and no longer."
+
+"Take me to her bed, I beg of you, sister," said Madame d'Harville,
+rising and following the nun.
+
+Jeanne Duport, who had scarcely recovered from the violent shock which
+the investigations of Doctor Griffon had caused her, had not remarked
+the entrance of Madame d'Harville; what, then, was her astonishment,
+when the marquise, lifting up the curtains of her bed, and looking at
+her with great pity and kindness, said:
+
+"My good woman, do not be uneasy about your children, I will take care
+of them; so only think of getting well, that you may go to them."
+
+Poor Jeanne thought she was in a dream, she could only clasp her hands
+in speechless gratitude, and gaze on her unknown benefactress.
+
+"Once again assure yourself, my worthy woman, and have no uneasiness,"
+said the marquise, pressing in her small and delicate white hands the
+burning hand of Jeanne Duport; "and, if you prefer it, you shall leave
+the hospital this very day and be nursed at home; everything shall be
+done for you, so that you need not leave your children; and, if your
+lodging is unhealthy or too small, you shall have one found that is more
+convenient and suitable, so that you may be in one room and your
+children in another; you shall have a good nurse, who will watch them
+whilst she attends to you, and when you entirely recover, if you are out
+of work, I will take care that you are provided for until work comes,
+and I will also take care of your children for the future."
+
+"Ah, what do I hear?" said Jeanne Duport, all trembling and hardly
+daring to look her benefactress in the face. "Why are so many kindnesses
+showered on me? It is not possible! I leave the hospital, where I have
+wept and suffered so much, and not leave my children again! Have a
+nurse! Why, it is a miracle!"
+
+"It is no miracle, my good woman," said Clémence, much affected. "What I
+do for you," she added, blushing slightly at the remembrance of Rodolph,
+"is inspired by a generous spirit, who has taught me to sympathise with
+misfortune, and it is he whom you should thank."
+
+"Ah, madame, I shall ever bless you!" said Jeanne, weeping.
+
+"Well, then, you see, Jeanne," said Lorraine, much affected, "there are
+also amongst the rich Rigolettes and Goualeuses with good hearts."
+
+Madame d'Harville turned with much surprise towards Lorraine when she
+heard her mention the two names.
+
+"Do you know La Goualeuse and a young workwoman called Rigolette?" she
+inquired of Lorraine.
+
+"Yes, madame; La Goualeuse--good little angel!--did for me last year,
+according to her small means, what you are going to do for Jeanne. Yes,
+madame, and it does me good to say and repeat it to everybody, La
+Goualeuse took me from a cellar in which I had been brought to bed on
+the straw, and--dear, good girl!--placed me and my child in a room where
+there was a good bed and a cradle; La Goualeuse spent the money from
+pure charity, for she scarcely knew me, and was poor herself. But how
+good it was! Was it not, madame?" said Lorraine.
+
+"Yes, yes; charity from the poor to the poor is great and holy!" said
+Clémence, with her eyes moistened by soft tears.
+
+"It was the same with Mademoiselle Rigolette, who, according to her
+little means as a sempstress," said Lorraine, "some days ago offered her
+kind services to Jeanne."
+
+"How singular!" said Clémence to herself, more and more affected, for
+each of these two names, Goualeuse and Rigolette, reminded her of a
+noble action of Rodolph. "And you, my child, what can I do for you?" she
+said to Lorraine; "I could wish that the names you pronounce with so
+much gratitude should also bring you good fortune."
+
+"Thank you, madame," said Lorraine, with a smile of bitter resignation.
+"I had a child, it is dead; I am in a decline and past all hope."
+
+"What a gloomy idea! At your age there is always hope."
+
+"Oh, no, madame, I saw a consumptive patient die last night. Yet as you
+are so good, a great lady like you must be able to do anything."
+
+"Tell me, what do you wish?"
+
+"Since I have seen the actress who is dead so distressed at the idea of
+being cut in pieces after her death, I have the same fear. Jeanne had
+promised to claim my body, and have me buried."
+
+"Ah, this is horrible!" said Clémence, shuddering. "Be tranquil,
+although I hope the time is far distant, yet, when it comes, be assured
+that your body shall rest in holy ground."
+
+"Oh, thank you--thank you, madame!" exclaimed Lorraine. "Might I beg to
+kiss your hand?"
+
+Clémence presented her hand to the parched lips of Lorraine.
+
+Half an hour afterwards, Madame d'Harville, who had been painfully
+affected by Lorraine's condition, accompanied by M. de Saint-Remy, took
+with her the young orphan, from whom she concealed her mother's death.
+
+The same day, Madame d'Harville's man of business, after having obtained
+favourable particulars respecting Jeanne Duport's character, hired for
+her some large and airy rooms, and the same evening she was conveyed to
+her new residence, where she found her children and a nurse. The same
+individual was instructed to claim and inter the body of Lorraine when
+she died. After having conveyed Mlle. de Fermont to her own house,
+Madame d'Harville started for Asnières with M. de Saint-Remy, in order
+to go to Fleur-de-Marie, and take her to Rodolph.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+HOPE.
+
+
+Spring was approaching, and already the sun darted a more genial warmth,
+the sky was blue and clear, while the balmy air seemed to bring life and
+breath upon its invigorating wings. Among the many sick and suffering
+who rejoiced in its cheering presence was Fleur-de-Marie, who, leaning
+on the arm of La Louve, ventured to take gentle exercise in the little
+garden belonging to Doctor Griffon's house; the vivifying rays of the
+sun, added to the exertion of walking, tinged the pale, wasted
+countenance of La Goualeuse with a faint glow that spoke of returning
+convalescence. The dress she had worn when rescued from a watery grave
+had been destroyed in the haste with which the requisite attempts had
+been made for her resuscitation, and she now appeared in a loose
+wrapping dress of dark blue merino, fastened around her slender waist by
+worsted cord of the same colour as the robe.
+
+"How cheering the sun shines!" said she to La Louve, as she stopped
+beneath a thick row of trees, planted beside a high gravelled walk
+facing the south, and on which was a stone bench. "Shall we sit down and
+rest ourselves here a few minutes?"
+
+"Why do you ask me?" replied La Louve, almost angrily; then taking off
+her nice warm shawl, she folded it in four, and, kneeling down, placed
+it on the ground, which was somewhat moist from the extreme shelter
+afforded by the overhanging trees, saying, as she did so, "Here, put
+your feet on this."
+
+"Oh, but La Louve!" said Fleur-de-Marie, perceiving too late the kind
+intention of her companion, "I cannot suffer you to spoil your beautiful
+shawl in that way."
+
+"Don't make a fuss about nothing; I tell you the ground is cold and
+moist. There, that will do." And, taking the tiny feet of
+Fleur-de-Marie, she forcibly placed them on her shawl.
+
+"You spoil me terribly, La Louve."
+
+"It is not for your good behaviour, if I do; always trying to oppose me
+in everything I try to do for your good. Are you not very much tired? We
+have been walking more than half an hour; I heard twelve o'clock just
+strike from Asnières."
+
+"I do feel rather weary, but still the walk has done me good."
+
+"There now--you were tired, and yet could not tell me so!"
+
+"Pray don't scold me; I assure you I was not conscious of my weariness
+until I spoke. It is so delightful to be able to walk out in the air,
+after being confined by sickness to your bed, to see the trees, the
+green fields, and the beautiful country again, when you had given up all
+hope of ever enjoying that happiness, or of feeling the warm beams of
+the sun fill you with strength and hope!"
+
+"Certainly, you were desperately ill, and for two days we despaired of
+your life. I don't mind telling you, now the danger is over."
+
+"Only imagine, La Louve, that, when I found myself in the water, I could
+not help thinking of a very bad, wicked woman, who used to torment me
+when I was young, and frighten me by threatening to throw me to the
+fishes that they might eat me, and, even after I had grown up, she
+wanted to drown me; and I kept thinking that it was my destiny to be
+devoured by fishes, and that it was no use to try and escape from it."
+
+"Was that really your last idea when you believed yourself perishing?"
+
+"Oh, no!" replied Fleur-de-Marie, with enthusiasm; "when I believed I
+was dying, my last thought was for him whom I so reverence, and to whom
+I owe so much, and, when I came to myself after you had saved me, my
+first thought was of him likewise."
+
+"It is a pleasure to render you any service, you think so much of it."
+
+"No, La Louve; the pleasure consists in falling asleep with our grateful
+recollection of kind acts, and remembering them upon waking!"
+
+"Ah, you would induce people to go through fire and water to serve you!
+I'm sure I would, for one."
+
+"I can assure you that one of the causes which made me thankful for life
+was the hope of being able to advance your happiness. Do you recollect
+the castles in the air we used to build at St. Lazare?"
+
+"Oh, as for that, there is time enough to think about that."
+
+"How delighted I should be, if the doctor would only allow me to write a
+few lines to Madame Georges, I am sure she must be so very uneasy; and
+so must M. Rodolph, too," added Fleur-de-Marie, pensively sighing.
+"Perhaps they think me dead."
+
+"As those wretches do who were set on to murder you!"
+
+"Then you still believe my falling into the water was not an accident?"
+
+"Accident! Yes, one of the Martial family's accidents;--mind, when I say
+that, you must bear in mind that my Martial is not at all like the rest
+of his relations, any more than François and Amandine."
+
+"But what interest could they have had in my death?"
+
+"I don't care for that; the Martials are such a vile set that they would
+murder any one, provided they were well paid for it. A few words the
+mother let drop when my man went to see her in prison prove that."
+
+"Has he really been to see that dreadful woman?"
+
+"Yes; and he tells me there is no hope of pardon for herself, Calabash,
+or Nicholas. A great many things have been discovered against them; and
+all the judges and those kind of people say they want to make a public
+example of them, to frighten others from doing such things."
+
+"How very shocking for nearly a whole family to perish in this way."
+
+"And they certainly will, unless, indeed, Nicholas manages to make his
+escape; he is in the same prison with a monstrous ruffian whom they call
+the Skeleton, and this man is getting up a plot to escape with several
+of his companions. Nicholas sent to tell Martial of this, by a prisoner
+who was discharged from prison the other day, for I must tell you, my
+man had been weak enough to go and see his brother in La Force; so,
+encouraged by this visit, that hateful wretch Nicholas sent to tell my
+man that he might effect his escape at any minute, and that his brother
+was to send money and clothes to disguise himself in, ready for him, to
+Father Micou's."
+
+"Ah, your Martial is so kind-hearted, I'm sure he will do it!"
+
+"A fig for such kind-heartedness! I call it downright foolery to help
+the very man who tried to take his life. No, no, Martial shall do no
+such thing; quite enough if he does not tell of the scheme for breaking
+out of prison, without furnishing clothes and money, indeed. Besides,
+now you are out of danger, myself, Martial, and the two children are
+about to start on our rambles over France in search of work, and, depend
+upon it, we never mean to set our feet in Paris again. Martial found it
+quite galling enough to be called the son of a man who was guillotined;
+how, then, could he endure being taunted with the disgraceful ends of
+all his family?"
+
+"Well, but, at least, you will defer your departure till I have been
+enabled to see and speak with M. Rodolph; you have returned to virtue,
+and I promised you a reward if you would but forsake evil ways, and I
+wish to keep my word. You saved me from death, and, not satisfied with
+that, have nursed me with the tenderest care during my severe illness."
+
+"Suppose I did; well, it would seem as though I had done the little good
+in my power for the sake of gain, were I to allow you to ask your
+friends for anything for me! No, no; I say again, I am more than repaid
+in seeing you safe and likely to do well."
+
+"My kind Louve, make yourself perfectly easy; it shall not be said that
+you were influenced by interested motives, but that I was desirous of
+proving my gratitude to you."
+
+"Hark!" said La Louve, hastily rising, "I fancy I hear the sound of a
+carriage coming this way; yes--yes, there it is! Did you observe the
+lady who was in it?"
+
+"Dear me!" exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie, "I fancy I recognised a young and
+beautiful lady I saw at St. Lazare."
+
+"Then she knows you are here, does she?"
+
+"I cannot tell you whether she does or no, but one thing is very
+certain, that she is acquainted with the person I have so often
+mentioned to you, who, if he pleases, and I hope that he will please,
+can realise all those schemes of happiness we used to build when in
+prison."
+
+"What about getting a gamekeeper's place for my man?" asked La Louve,
+with a sigh; "and a cottage in the middle of the woods for us all to
+live in? Oh, no! That is too much like what we read of in fairy tales,
+and quite impossible ever to happen to a poor creature like myself."
+
+Quick steps were heard advancing rapidly from behind the trees, and in a
+minute François and Amandine (who, thanks to the kind consideration of
+the Count de Saint-Remy, had been permitted to remain with La Louve,
+during her attendance on La Goualeuse) presented themselves, quite out
+of breath, exclaiming:
+
+"La Louve, here is a beautiful lady come along with M. de Saint-Remy to
+see Fleur-de-Marie, and they want to see her directly!"
+
+At the same moment, Madame d'Harville, accompanied by M. de Saint-Remy,
+appeared from the side of the walk, the impatience of the former not
+allowing her to wait the arrival of Fleur-de-Marie. Directly the
+marquise saw her, she ran and embraced her, exclaiming:
+
+"My poor dear child! What happiness does it not afford me to find you
+thus in life and safety, when I believed you dead!"
+
+"Be assured, madame," answered Fleur-de-Marie, as she gracefully and
+modestly returned the affectionate pressure of Madame d'Harville, "that
+I have equal pleasure in seeing again one whose former kindness has made
+so deep an impression on my heart!"
+
+"Ah, you little imagine the joy and rapture with which the intelligence
+of your existence will be welcomed by those who have so bitterly
+bewailed your supposed loss!"
+
+Fleur-de-Marie, taking La Louve, who had withdrawn to a distance from
+the affecting scene, by the hand, and presenting her to Madame
+d'Harville, said:
+
+"Since, madame, my benefactors are good enough to take so lively an
+interest in my welfare and preservation, permit me to solicit their
+kindness and favour for my companion, who saved my life at the expense
+of her own."
+
+"Make yourself perfectly easy on that score, my child; your friends will
+amply testify to the worthy La Louve how fully they appreciate the
+service they well know she has rendered you, and that 'tis to her they
+owe the delight of seeing you again."
+
+Confused and blushing, La Louve ventured neither to reply nor raise her
+eyes towards Madame d'Harville, so completely did the presence of that
+dignified person abash and overpower her. Yet, at hearing her very name
+pronounced, La Louve could not restrain an exclamation of astonishment.
+
+"But we have not a minute to lose," resumed the marquise. "I am dying
+with impatience to carry off Fleur-de-Marie, and I have a cloak and warm
+shawl for her in the carriage. So come, my child, come!" Then,
+addressing the count, she said, "May I beg of you to give my address to
+this brave woman, that she may be enabled to come to-morrow to say
+good-bye to Fleur-de-Marie? That will oblige you to pay us a visit,"
+continued Madame d'Harville, speaking to La Louve.
+
+"Depend upon my coming, madame," replied the person addressed. "Since it
+is to bid adieu to La Goualeuse, I should be grieved, indeed, if I were
+to miss that last pleasure."
+
+A few minutes after this conversation, Madame d'Harville and La
+Goualeuse were on the road to Paris.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After witnessing the frightful death by which Jacques Ferrand atoned for
+the heinous offences of his past life, Rodolph had returned home deeply
+agitated and affected. After passing a long and sleepless night, he sent
+to summon Sir Walter Murphy, in order to relieve his overcharged heart
+by confiding to this tried and trusty friend the overwhelmingly painful
+discovery of the preceding evening relative to Fleur-de-Marie. The
+honest squire was speechless with astonishment; he could well understand
+the death-blow this must be to the prince's best affections, and as he
+contemplated the pale, careworn countenance of his unhappy friend, whose
+red, swollen eyes and convulsed features amply bespoke the agony of his
+mind, he ransacked his brain for some gleam of comfort, and his
+invention for words of hope and comfort.
+
+"Take courage, my lord," said he at last, drying his eyes, which, spite
+of all his accustomed coolness, he had not been able to prevent from
+overflowing, "take courage; yours is indeed an infliction, one that
+mocks at all vain attempts at consolation; it is deep, lasting, and
+incurable!"
+
+"You are right; what I felt yesterday seems as nothing to my sense of
+misery to-day."
+
+"Yesterday, my lord, you were stunned by the blow that fell on you, but
+as your mind dwells more calmly on it, so does the future seem more dark
+and dispiriting. I can but say, rouse yourself, my lord, to bear it with
+courage, for it is beyond all attempts at consolation."
+
+"Yesterday the contempt and horror I felt for that woman,--whom may the
+Great Being pardon, before whose tribunal she now stands,--mingled with
+surprise, disgust, and terror, occasioned by her hideous conduct,
+repressed those bursts of despairing tenderness I can no longer restrain
+in your sympathising presence, my faithful friend. I fear not to indulge
+the natural emotions of my heart, and my hitherto pent-up tears may now
+freely vent themselves. Forgive my weakness, and excuse my thus cowardly
+shrinking from the trial I am called upon to endure, but it seems to
+have riven my very heart-strings, and to have left me feeble as an
+infant! Oh, my child! My loved, my lost child! Long must these scalding
+tears flow ere I can forget you!"
+
+"Ah, my lord, weep on, for your loss is indeed irreparable!"
+
+"What joy to have atoned to her for all the wretchedness with which her
+young days have been clouded! What bliss to have unfolded to her the
+happy destiny that was to recompense her for all her past sorrows! And,
+then, I should have used so much care and precaution in opening her eyes
+to the brilliant lot that was to succeed her miserable youth, for the
+tale, if told too abruptly, might have been too much for her delicate
+nerves to sustain; but, no, I would by degrees have revealed to her the
+history of her birth, and prepared her to receive me as her father!"
+
+Then, again bursting into an agony of despair, Rodolph continued: "But
+what avails all that I would have done, when I am tortured by the cruel
+reflection that, when I had my child all to myself during the ill-fated
+day I conducted her to the farm, when she so innocently displayed the
+rich treasures of her pure and heavenly nature, no secret voice
+whispered to me that in her I beheld my cherished and lamented daughter?
+I might have prevented this dreadful calamity by keeping her with me
+instead of sending her to Madame Georges. Oh, if I had, I should have
+been spared my present sufferings, and needed only to have opened my
+arms and folded her to my heart as my newly found treasure,--more really
+great and noble by the beauty of her heart and mind, and perhaps more
+worthy to fill the station to which I should raise her, than if she had
+always been reared in opulence and with a knowledge of her rank! I alone
+am to blame for her death; but mine is an accursed existence. I seem
+fated to trample on every duty,--a bad son and a bad father!"
+
+Murphy felt that grief such as Rodolph's admitted of no ordinary
+consolation. He did not therefore attempt to interrupt its violence by
+any hackneyed phrases or promises of comfort he well knew could never be
+realised.
+
+After a long silence, Rodolph resumed, in an agitated voice:
+
+"I cannot stay here after what has happened. Paris is hateful to me; I
+will quit it to-morrow."
+
+"You are quite right in so doing, my lord."
+
+"We will go by a circuitous route, and I will stop at Bouqueval as I
+pass, that I may spend some few hours alone with my sad thoughts, in the
+chamber where my poor child enjoyed the only peaceful days she was ever
+permitted to taste. All that was hers shall be carefully collected
+together,--the books from which she studied, her writings, clothes, even
+the very articles of furniture and hangings of the chamber; I will make
+a careful sketch of the whole, and when I return to Gerolstein I will
+construct a small building containing the fac-simile of my poor child's
+apartment, with all that it contained, to be erected in the private
+ground in which stands the monument built by me in memory of my outraged
+parent; there I will go and bewail my daughter. These two funeral
+mementos will for ever remind me of my crime towards my father, and the
+punishment inflicted on me through my own child."
+
+After a fresh silence, Rodolph said, "Let all be got ready for my
+departure to-morrow."
+
+Anxious, if possible, to create if but a momentary change of ideas in
+the prince's mind, Murphy said, "All shall be prepared, my lord,
+according to your desire; only you appear to have forgotten that
+to-morrow is fixed for the celebration of the marriage of Rigolette with
+the son of Madame Georges, and that the ceremony was to take place at
+Bouqueval. Not contented with providing for Germain as long as he lives,
+and liberally endowing his bride, you also promised to be present to
+bestow the hand of your young protégée on her lover."
+
+"True, true,--I did engage to do so; but I confess I have not sufficient
+courage to venture in a scene of gaiety. I cannot, therefore, visit the
+farm to-morrow, for to join in the wedding festivities is impossible."
+
+"Perhaps the scene might serve to calm your wounded feelings, with the
+thought that, if miserable yourself, you have made others happy."
+
+"No, my friend, no! Grief is ever selfish, and loves to indulge itself
+in solitude. You shall supply my place to-morrow; and beg of Madame
+Georges to collect together all my poor child's possessions; then when
+the room is fitly arranged, you will have an exact copy taken of it, and
+cause it to be sent to me in Germany."
+
+"And will you not even see Madame d'Harville, my lord, ere you set out
+on your journey?"
+
+At the recollection of Clémence, Rodolph started; his affection for her
+burned as steadfastly and sincerely as ever, but, for the moment, it
+seemed buried beneath the overwhelming grief which oppressed him. The
+tender sympathy of Madame d'Harville appeared to him the only source of
+consolation; but, the next instant, he rejected the idea of seeking
+consolation in the love of another as unworthy his paternal sorrow.
+
+"No, my kind friend, I shall not see Madame d'Harville previously to
+quitting Paris. I wrote to her a few days since, telling her of the
+death of Fleur-de-Marie, and the pain it had caused me. When she learns
+that the ill-fated girl was my long-lost daughter, she will readily
+understand that there are some griefs, or rather fatal punishments, it
+is requisite to endure alone."
+
+A gentle knock was heard at the door at this minute. Rodolph, with
+displeasure at the interruption, signed for Murphy to ascertain who it
+was. The faithful squire immediately rose, and, partly opening the door,
+perceived one of the prince's aides-de-camp, who said a few words in a
+low tone, to which Murphy replied by a motion of the head, and,
+returning to Rodolph, said, "Have the goodness, my lord, to excuse me
+for an instant! A person wishes to see me directly on business that
+concerns your royal highness."
+
+"Go!" replied the prince.
+
+Scarcely had the door closed on Murphy, than Rodolph, covering his face
+with his hands, uttered a heavy groan.
+
+"What horrible feelings possess me!" cried he. "My mind seems one vast
+ocean of gall and bitterness; the presence of my best and most faithful
+friend is painful to me; and the recollection of a love pure and
+elevated as mine distresses and embarrasses me. Last night, too, I was
+cowardly enough to learn the death of Sarah with savage joy. I
+felicitated myself on being free from an unnatural being like her, who
+had caused the destruction of my child; I promised myself the horrible
+satisfaction of witnessing the mortal agonies of the wretch who deprived
+my child of life. But I was baffled of my dear revenge. Another cruel
+punishment!" exclaimed he, starting with rage from his chair. "Yet
+although I knew yesterday as well as to-day that my child was dead, I
+did not experience such a whirlwind of despairing, self-accusing agony
+as now rends my soul; because I did not then recall to mind the one
+torturing fact that will for ever step in between me and consolation. I
+did not then recall the circumstance of my having seen and known my
+beloved child, and, moreover, discovered in her untold treasures of
+goodness and nobleness of character. Yet how little did I profit by her
+being at the farm! Merely saw her three times--yes, three times--no
+more! when I might have beheld her each day--nay, have kept her ever
+beside me. Oh, that will be my unceasing punishment, my never-ending
+reproach and torture,--to think I had my daughter near me, and actually
+sent her from me! Nor, though I felt how deserving she was of every fond
+care, did I even admit her into my presence but three poor distant
+times."
+
+While the unhappy prince thus continued to torment himself with these
+and similar reflections, the door of the apartment suddenly opened and
+Murphy entered, looking so pale and agitated that even Rodolph could not
+help remarking it; and rising hastily, he exclaimed:
+
+"For heaven's sake, Murphy, what has happened to you?"
+
+"Nothing, my lord."
+
+"Yet you are pale!"
+
+"'Tis with astonishment."
+
+"Astonishment at what?"
+
+"Madame d'Harville."
+
+"Madame d'Harville! Gracious heaven! Some fresh misfortune?"
+
+"No, no, my lord--indeed, nothing unfortunate has occurred. Pray compose
+yourself! She is--in the drawing-room--"
+
+"Here--in my house? Madame d'Harville here? Impossible!"
+
+"My lord, I told you the surprise had quite overpowered me!"
+
+"Tell me what has induced her to take such a step! Speak, I conjure you!
+In heaven's name, explain the reason for her acting so contrary to her
+usually rigid notions!"
+
+"Indeed, my lord, I know nothing. But I cannot even account to myself
+for the strange feelings that come over me."
+
+"You are concealing something from me!"
+
+"No, indeed, my lord; on the honour of a man, I know only what the
+marquise said to me."
+
+"And what did she say?"
+
+"'Sir Walter,' said she, with an unsteady voice, though her countenance
+shone with joy, 'no doubt you are surprised at my presence here; but
+there are some circumstances so imperative as to leave no time to
+consider the strict rules of etiquette. Beg of his royal highness to
+grant me an immediate interview of a few minutes only in your presence,
+for I know well that the prince has not a better friend than yourself. I
+might certainly have requested him to call on me, but that would have
+caused at least an hour's delay; and when the prince has learned the
+occasion of my coming, I am sure he will feel grateful to me for not
+delaying the interview I seek for a single instant.' And as she uttered
+these words, her countenance wore an expression that made me tremble all
+over."
+
+"But," returned Rodolph, in an agitated tone, and, spite of all his
+attempts at retaining his composure, being even paler than Murphy
+himself, "I cannot guess what caused your emotion; there must be
+something beyond those words of Madame d'Harville's to occasion it."
+
+"I pledge you my honour if there be I am wholly ignorant of it; but I
+confess those few words from Madame la Marquise seemed quite to bewilder
+me. But even you, my lord, are paler than you were."
+
+"Am I?" said Rodolph, supporting himself on the back of his chair, for
+he felt his knees tremble under him.
+
+"Nay, but, my lord, you are quite as much overcome as I was. What ails
+you?"
+
+"Though I die in making the effort," exclaimed the prince, "it shall be
+done. Beg of Madame d'Harville to do me the honour to walk in."
+
+By a singular and sympathetic feeling this extraordinary and wholly
+unexpected visit of Madame d'Harville had awakened in the breasts of
+Murphy and Rodolph the same vague and groundless hope, but so senseless
+did it seem that neither was willing to confess it to the other.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Madame d'Harville, conducted by Murphy, entered the apartment in which
+was the prince.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE FATHER AND DAUGHTER.
+
+
+Ignorant of Fleur-de-Marie's being the prince's daughter, Madame
+d'Harville, in the fullness of her delight at restoring to him his
+protégée, had not reckoned upon its being necessary to observe any
+particular precaution in presenting her young companion, whom she merely
+left in the carriage until she had ascertained whether Rodolph chose to
+make known his real name and rank to the object of his bounty, and to
+receive her at his own house; but perceiving the deep alteration in his
+features, and struck with the visible gloom which overspread them, as
+well as the marks of recent tears so evident in his sunken eye, Clémence
+became alarmed with the idea that some fresh misfortune, greater than
+the loss of La Goualeuse would be considered, had suddenly occurred.
+Wholly losing sight, therefore, of the original cause of her visit, she
+anxiously exclaimed:
+
+"For heaven's sake, my lord, what has happened?"
+
+"Do you not know, madame? Then all hope is at an end! Alas! your earnest
+manner, the interview so unexpectedly sought by you, all made me
+believe--"
+
+"Let me entreat of you not to think for a moment of the cause of my
+visit; but, in the name of that parent whose life you have preserved, I
+adjure you to explain to me the cause of the deep affliction in which I
+find you plunged. Your paleness, your dejection, terrify me. Oh, be
+generous, my lord, and relieve the cruel anxiety I suffer."
+
+"Wherefore should I burden your kind heart with the relation of woes
+that admit of no relief?"
+
+"Your words, your hesitation, but increase my apprehensions. Oh, my
+lord, I beseech you tell me all! Sir Walter, will you not take pity on
+my fears? For the love of heaven explain the meaning of all this! What
+has befallen the prince?"
+
+"Nay," interrupted Rodolph, in a voice that vainly struggled for
+firmness, "since you desire it, madame, learn that since I acquainted
+you with the death of Fleur-de-Marie I have learned she was my own
+daughter."
+
+"Your daughter!" exclaimed Clémence, in a tone impossible to describe.
+"Fleur-de-Marie your daughter!"
+
+"And when just now you desired to see me, to communicate tidings that
+would fill me with joy,--pardon and pity the weakness of a parent half
+distracted at the loss of his newly-found treasure!--I ventured to
+hope--But no,--no,--I see too plainly I was mistaken! Forgive me, my
+brain seems wandering, and I scarce know what I say or do."
+
+And then sinking under the failure of this last fond imagination of his
+heart, and unable longer to struggle with his black despair, Rodolph
+threw himself back in his chair and covered his face with his hands,
+while Madame d'Harville, astonished at what she had just heard, remained
+motionless and silent, scarcely able to breathe amid the conflicting
+emotions which took possession of her mind; at one instant glowing with
+delight at the thoughts of the joy she had it in her power to impart,
+then trembling for the consequences her explanation might produce on the
+overexcited mind of the prince.
+
+Both these reflections were, however, swallowed up in the enthusiastic
+gratitude which she felt in the consideration that to her had been
+deputed the happiness not only of announcing to the grief-stricken
+father that his child still lived, but that the unspeakable rapture of
+placing that daughter in her parent's arms was likewise vouchsafed to
+her.
+
+Carried away by a burst of pious thankfulness, and wholly forgetting the
+presence of Rodolph and Murphy, Madame d'Harville threw herself on her
+knees, and, clasping her hands, exclaimed, in a tone of fervent piety
+and ineffable gratitude:
+
+"Thanks, thanks, my God, for this exceeding goodness! Ever blessed be
+thy gracious name for having permitted me to be the happy bearer of such
+joyful tidings,--to wipe away a father's tears by telling him his child
+lives to reward his tenderness!"
+
+Although these words, pronounced with the sincerest fervour and holy
+ecstasy, were uttered almost in a whisper, yet they reached the
+listening ears of Rodolph and his faithful squire; and as Clémence rose
+from her knees, the prince gazed on her lovely countenance, irradiated
+as it was with celestial happiness and beaming with more than earthly
+beauty, with an expression almost amounting to adoration.
+
+Supporting herself with one hand, while with the other she sought to
+still the rapid beating of her heart, Madame d'Harville replied by a
+sweet smile and an affirmative inclination of the head to the eager,
+soul-searching look of Rodolph, a look wholly beyond our poor powers to
+describe.
+
+"And where is she?" exclaimed the prince, trembling like a leaf.
+
+"In my carriage."
+
+But for the intervention of Murphy, who threw himself before Rodolph
+with the quickness of lightning, the latter would have rushed to the
+vehicle.
+
+"Would you kill her, my lord?" exclaimed the squire, forcibly retaining
+the prince.
+
+"She was merely pronounced convalescent yesterday," added Clémence;
+"therefore, as you value her safety, do not venture to try the poor
+girl's strength too far."
+
+"You are right," said Rodolph, scarcely able to restrain himself
+sufficiently to follow this prudent advice, "you are quite right. Yes, I
+will be calm,--I will not see her at present; I will wait until her
+first emotions have subsided. Oh, 'tis too much to endure in so short a
+space of time!" Then addressing Madame d'Harville, he said, in an
+agitated tone, while he extended to her his hand, "I feel that I am
+pardoned, and that you are the angel of forgiveness who brings me the
+glad tidings of my remission."
+
+"Nay, my lord, we do but mutually requite our several obligations. You
+preserved to me my father, and Heaven permits me to restore your
+daughter at a time you bewailed her as lost. But I, too, must beg to be
+excused for the weakness which resists all my endeavours to control it;
+the sudden and unexpected news you have communicated to me has quite
+overcome me, and I confess I should not have sufficient command over
+myself to go in quest of Fleur-de-Marie,--my emotion would terrify her."
+
+"And by what means was she preserved?" exclaimed Rodolph; "and whose
+hand snatched her from death? I am most ungrateful not to have put these
+questions to you earlier."
+
+"She was rescued from drowning by a courageous female, who snatched her
+from a watery grave just as she was sinking."
+
+"Do you know who this female was?"
+
+"I do; and to-morrow she will be at my house."
+
+"The debt is immense!" rejoined the prince; "but I will endeavour to
+repay it."
+
+"Heaven must have inspired me with the idea of leaving Fleur-de-Marie in
+the carriage," said the marquise. "Had I brought her in with me the
+shock must have killed her."
+
+"Now, then," said the prince, who had been for some minutes occupied in
+endeavouring to subdue his extreme agitation, "I can promise you, my
+kind friends, that I have my feelings sufficiently under control to
+venture to meet my--my--daughter. Go, Murphy, and fetch her to my
+longing arms."
+
+Rodolph pronounced the word daughter with a tenderness of voice and
+manner impossible to describe.
+
+"Are you quite sure you are equal to the trying scene, my lord?"
+inquired Clémence; "for we must run no risks with one in
+Fleur-de-Marie's delicate state."
+
+"Oh, yes,--yes! Be under no alarm! I am too well aware of the dangerous
+consequences any undue emotion would occasion my child; be assured I
+will not expose her to anything of the sort. But go--go--my good Murphy;
+I beseech you hasten to bring her hither."
+
+"Don't be alarmed, madame," said the squire, who had attentively
+scrutinised the countenance of the prince; "she may come now without
+danger. I am quite sure that his royal highness will sufficiently
+command himself."
+
+"Then go--go--my faithful friend; you are keeping me in torments."
+
+"Just give me one minute, my lord," said the excellent creature, drying
+the moisture from his eyes; "I must not let the poor thing see I have
+been crying. There, there--that will do! I should not like to cross the
+antechamber looking like a weeping Magdalen." So saying, the squire
+proceeded towards the door, but suddenly turning back, he said, "But, my
+lord, what am I to say to her?"
+
+"Yes, what had he better say?" inquired the prince of Clémence.
+
+"That M. Rodolph wishes to see her,--nothing more."
+
+"Oh, to be sure! How stupid of me not to think of that! M. Rodolph
+wishes to see her,--capital, excellent!" repeated the squire, who
+evidently partook of Madame d'Harville's nervousness, and sought to
+defer the moment of his embassy by one little pretext and the other.
+"That will not give her the least suspicion, not the shadow of a notion
+what she is wanted for. Nothing better could have been suggested."
+
+But still Murphy stirred not.
+
+"Sir Walter," said Clémence, smiling, "you are afraid!"
+
+"Well, I won't deny it!" said the squire. "And, spite of my standing six
+feet high, I feel and know I am trembling like a child."
+
+"Then take care, my good fellow!" said Rodolph. "You had better wait a
+little longer if you do not feel quite sure of yourself."
+
+"No, no, my lord; I have got the upper hand of my fears this time!"
+replied Murphy, pressing his two herculean fists to his eyes. "I know
+very well that at my time of life it is ridiculous for me to show such
+weakness! I'm going, my lord, don't you be uneasy!" So saying, Murphy
+left the room with a firm step and composed countenance.
+
+A momentary silence followed his departure, and then, for the first
+time, Clémence remembered she was alone with the prince, and under his
+roof. Rodolph drew near to her, and said, with an almost timid voice and
+manner:
+
+"If I select this day--this hour--to divulge to you the dearest secret
+of my heart, it is that the solemnity of the present moment may give
+greater weight to that I would impart, and persuade you to believe me
+sincere, when I assure you I have loved you almost from the hour I first
+beheld you. While obstacles stood in the way of my love I studiously
+concealed it; but you are now free to hear me declare my affection, and
+to ask you to become a mother to the daughter you restore to me."
+
+"My lord," cried Madame d'Harville, "what words are these?"
+
+"Oh, refuse me not," said Rodolph, tenderly; "let this day decide the
+happiness of my future life."
+
+Clémence had also nourished a deep and sincere passion for the prince;
+and his open, manly avowal of a similar feeling towards herself, made
+under such peculiar circumstances, transported her with joy, and she
+could but falter out in a hesitating voice:
+
+"My lord, 'tis for me to remind you of the difference of our stations,
+and the interests of your sovereignty."
+
+"Permit me first to consider the interest of my own heart, and that of
+my beloved child. Oh, make us both happy by consenting to be mine! So
+that I who, but a short time since, owned no blessed tie, may now
+proudly indulge in the idea of having both a wife and daughter; and give
+to the sorrowing child who is just restored to my arms the delight of
+saying, 'My father--my mother--my sister!'--for your sweet girl would
+become mine also."
+
+"Ah, my lord," exclaimed Clémence, "my grateful tears alone can speak my
+sense of such noble conduct!" Then suddenly checking herself, she added,
+"I hear persons approaching, my lord; your daughter comes."
+
+"Refuse me not, I conjure you!" responded Rodolph, in an agitated and
+suppliant tone. "By the love I bear you, I beseech you to make me happy
+by saying, 'Our daughter comes!'"
+
+"Then be it _our_ daughter, if such is your sincere wish," murmured
+Clémence, as Murphy, throwing open the door, introduced Fleur-de-Marie
+into the salon.
+
+The astonished girl had, upon entering the immense hôtel from the
+spacious portico under which she alighted from the marquise's carriage,
+first crossed an anteroom filled with servants dressed in rich liveries;
+then a waiting-room, in which were other domestics belonging to the
+establishment, also wearing the magnificent livery of the house of
+Gerolstein; and lastly, the apartment in which the chamberlain and
+aides-de-camp of the prince attended his orders.
+
+The surprise and wonder of the poor Goualeuse, whose ideas of splendour
+were based on the recollection of the farm at Bouqueval, as she
+traversed those princely chambers glittering with gold, silver,
+paintings, and mirrors, may easily be imagined.
+
+Directly she appeared, Madame d'Harville ran towards her, kindly took
+her hand, and throwing her arm around her waist, as though to support
+her, led her towards Rodolph, who remained supporting himself by leaning
+one arm on the chimneypiece, wholly incapable of advancing a single
+step.
+
+Having consigned Fleur-de-Marie to the care of Madame d'Harville, Murphy
+hastily retreated behind one of the large window curtains, not feeling
+too sure of his own self-command.
+
+At the sight of him who was, in the eyes of Fleur-de-Marie, not only her
+benefactor but the worshipped idol of her heart, the poor girl, whose
+delicate frame had been so severely tried by illness, became seized with
+a universal trembling.
+
+"Compose yourself, my child!" said Madame d'Harville. "See, there is
+your kind M. Rodolph, who has been extremely uneasy on your account, and
+is most anxious to see you."
+
+"Oh, yes--uneasy, indeed!" stammered forth Rodolph, whose breast was
+wrung with anguish at the sight of his child's pale, suffering looks,
+and, spite of his previous resolution, the prince found himself
+compelled to turn away his head to conceal his deep emotion.
+
+"My poor child!" said Madame d'Harville, striving to divert the
+attention of Fleur-de-Marie, "you are still very weak!" and, leading her
+to a large gilded armchair, she made her sit down, while the astonished
+Goualeuse seemed almost to shrink from touching the elegant cushions
+with which it was lined. But she did not recover herself; on the
+contrary, she seemed oppressed. She strove to speak, but her voice
+failed her, and her heart reproached her with not having said one word
+to her venerated benefactor of the deep gratitude which filled her whole
+soul.
+
+At length, at a sign from Madame d'Harville, who, leaning over
+Fleur-de-Marie, held one of the poor girl's thin, wasted hands in hers,
+the prince gently approached the side of the chair, and now, more
+collected, he said to Fleur-de-Marie, as she turned her sweet face to
+welcome him:
+
+"At last, my child, your friends have recovered you, and be sure it is
+not their intention ever to part with you again. One thing you must
+endeavour to do, and that is to banish for ever from your mind all your
+past sufferings."
+
+"Yes, my dear girl," said Clémence, "you can in no way so effectually
+prove your affection for your friends as by forgetting the past."
+
+"Ah, M. Rodolph, and you, too, madame, pray believe that if, spite of
+myself, my thoughts do revert to the past, it will be but to remind me
+that but for you that wretched past would still be my lot."
+
+"But we shall take pains to prevent such mournful reminiscences ever
+crossing your mind. Our tenderness will not allow you time to look back,
+my dear Marie," said Rodolph; "you know I gave you that name at the
+farm."
+
+"Oh, yes, M. Rodolph, I well remember you did. And Madame Georges, who
+was so good as even to permit me to call her mother, is she quite well?"
+
+"Perfectly so, my child; but I have some most important news for you.
+Since I last saw you some great discoveries have been made respecting
+your birth. We have found out who were your parents, and your father is
+known to us."
+
+The voice of Rodolph trembled so much while pronouncing these words
+that Fleur-de-Marie, herself deeply affected, turned quickly towards
+him, but, fortunately, he managed to conceal his countenance from her.
+
+A somewhat ridiculous occurrence also served at this instant to call off
+the attention of the Goualeuse from too closely observing the prince's
+emotion,--the worthy squire, who still remained behind the curtain,
+feigning to be very busily occupied in gazing upon the garden belonging
+to the hôtel, suddenly blew his nose with a twanging sound that reëchoed
+through the salon; for, in truth, the worthy man was crying like a
+child.
+
+"Yes, my dear Marie," said Clémence, hastily, "your father is known to
+us--he is still living."
+
+"My father!" cried La Goualeuse, in a tone of tender delight, that
+subjected the firmness of Rodolph to another difficult test.
+
+"And some day," continued Clémence,--"perhaps very shortly, you will see
+him. But what will, no doubt, greatly astonish you, is that he is of
+high rank and noble birth."
+
+"And my mother, shall I not see her, too, madame?"
+
+"That is a question your father will answer, my dear child. But tell me,
+shall you not be delighted to see him?"
+
+"Oh, yes, madame," answered Fleur-de-Marie, casting down her eyes.
+
+"How much you will love him when you know him!" said Clémence.
+
+"A new existence will commence for you from that very day, will it not,
+Marie?" asked the prince.
+
+"Oh, no, M. Rodolph," replied Fleur-de-Marie, artlessly; "my new
+existence began when you took pity on me, and sent me to the farm."
+
+"But your father loves you fondly--dearly!" said the prince.
+
+"I know nothing of my father, M. Rodolph; but to you I owe everything in
+this world and the next."
+
+"Then you love me better, perhaps, than you would your father?"
+
+"Oh, M. Rodolph, I revere and bless you with all my heart! For you have
+been a saviour and preserver to me both of body and soul," replied La
+Goualeuse, with a degree of fervour and enthusiasm that overcame her
+natural diffidence.
+
+"When this kind lady was so good as to visit me in prison, I said to
+her, as I did to every one else, 'Oh, if you have any trouble, only let
+M. Rodolph know it, and he will be sure to relieve you.' And when I saw
+any person hesitating between good and evil, I used to advise them to
+try and be virtuous, telling them M. Rodolph always found a way to
+punish the wicked. And to such as were far gone in sin, I said, 'Take
+care, M. Rodolph will recompense you as you deserve.' And even when I
+thought myself dying, I felt comfort in persuading myself that God would
+pity and pardon me, since M. Rodolph had deigned to do so."
+
+Carried away by her intense feelings of gratitude and reverence for her
+benefactor, Fleur-de-Marie broke through her habitual timidity; while
+thus expressing herself a bright flush coloured her pale cheeks, while
+her soft blue eyes, raised towards heaven as though in earnest prayer,
+shone with unusual brilliancy.
+
+A silence of some seconds succeeded to this burst of enthusiasm, while
+the spectators of the scene were too deeply affected to attempt a reply.
+
+"It seems, then, my dear child," said Rodolph, at length, "that I have
+almost usurped your parent's place in your affections?"
+
+"Indeed, M. Rodolph, I cannot help it! Perhaps it is very wrong in me to
+prefer you as I do, but I know you, and my father is a stranger to me."
+Then letting her head fall on her bosom, she added, in a low, confused
+manner, "And besides, M. Rodolph, though you are acquainted with the
+past, you have loaded me with kindness; while my father is ignorant
+of--of--my shame,--and may, probably, regret, when he does know, having
+found an unfortunate creature like myself. And then, too," continued the
+poor girl, with a shudder, "madame tells me he is of high birth; how,
+then, can he look upon me without shame and aversion?"
+
+"Shame!" exclaimed Rodolph, drawing himself up with proud dignity; "no,
+no, my poor child, your grateful, happy father will raise you to a
+position so great, so brilliant, that the richest and highest in the
+land shall behold you with respect. Despise and blush for you!--never!
+You shall take your place among the first princesses of Europe, and
+prove yourself worthy of the blood of queens which flows in your veins."
+
+"My lord! My lord!" cried Clémence and Murphy at the same time, equally
+alarmed at the excited manner of Rodolph, and the increasing paleness of
+Fleur-de-Marie, who gazed on her father in silent amazement.
+
+"Ashamed of you!" continued he. "Oh, if ever I rejoiced in my princely
+rank it is now that it affords me the means of raising you from the
+depths to which the wickedness of others consigned you. Yes, my child!
+My long-lost, idolised child! In me behold your father!" And utterly
+unable longer to repress his feelings, the prince threw himself at the
+feet of Fleur-de-Marie, and covered her hand with tears and caresses.
+
+"Thanks, my God," exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie, passionately clasping her
+hands, "for permitting me to indulge that love for my benefactor with
+which my heart was filled. My father! Oh, blessed title, that enables me
+to love him even as I--" And unable to bear up against the suddenness of
+the disclosure, Fleur-de-Marie fell fainting in the prince's arms.
+
+Murphy rushed to the waiting-room, and shouted vehemently:
+
+"Send for Doctor David directly! Directly, do you hear? For his royal
+highness,--no--no, for some one who is suddenly taken ill here."
+
+"Wretch that I am!" exclaimed Rodolph, sobbing almost hysterically at
+his daughter's feet, "I have killed her! Marie, my child, look up! It is
+your father calls you! Forgive--oh, forgive my precipitancy--my want of
+caution in disclosing to you this happy news! She is dead! God of
+heaven! Have I then but found her to see her torn from me for ever?"
+
+"Calm yourself, my lord," said Clémence, "there is no danger, depend
+upon it. The colour returns to her cheeks; the surprise overcame her."
+
+"But so recently risen from a bed of sickness that surprise may kill
+her! Unhappy man that I am, doomed for ever to misery and suffering!"
+
+At this moment the negro doctor, David, entered the room in great haste,
+holding in one hand a small case filled with phials, and in the other a
+paper he handed to Murphy.
+
+"David!" exclaimed Rodolph, "my child is dying! I once saved your life,
+repay me now by saving that of my daughter."
+
+Although amazed at hearing the prince speak thus, David hurried to
+Fleur-de-Marie, whom Madame d'Harville was supporting in her arms,
+examined her pulse and the veins of her temples, then turning towards
+Rodolph, who in speechless agony was awaiting his decree, he said:
+
+"Your royal highness has no cause for alarm; there is no danger."
+
+"Can it be true? Are you quite sure she will recover?"
+
+"Perfectly so, my lord; a few drops of ether administered in a glass of
+water is all that is requisite to restore consciousness."
+
+"Thanks, thanks, my good, my excellent David!" cried the prince, in an
+ecstasy of joy. Then addressing Clémence, Rodolph added, "Our daughter
+will be spared to us."
+
+Murphy had just glanced over the paper given him by David; suddenly he
+started, and gazed with looks of terror at the prince.
+
+"Yes, my old and faithful friend," cried Rodolph, misinterpreting the
+expression of Murphy's features, "ere long my daughter will enjoy the
+happiness of calling the Marquise d'Harville mother."
+
+"Yesterday's news," said Murphy, trembling violently, "was false."
+
+"What say you?"
+
+"The report of the death of the Countess Macgregor, my lord, is
+unfounded; her ladyship had undergone a severe crisis of her illness,
+and had fallen into a state of insensibility, which was mistaken by
+those around her for death itself, and from hence originated the account
+of her having expired; but to-day hopes are entertained of her ultimate
+recovery."
+
+"Merciful heavens! Can this be possible?" exclaimed the prince, filled
+with sudden alarm; while Clémence, who understood nothing of all this,
+looked on with undisguised astonishment.
+
+"My lord," said David, still occupied with Fleur-de-Marie, "there is no
+need of the slightest apprehension respecting this young lady, but it is
+absolutely necessary she should be in the open air; this chair might be
+easily rolled out on the terrace, by opening the door leading to the
+garden; she would then immediately recover consciousness."
+
+Murphy instantly ran to open the glass door, which led to a broad
+terrace, then, aided by David, he gently rolled the armchair on to it.
+
+"Alas!" cried Rodolph, as soon as Murphy and David were at a distance,
+"you have yet to learn that the Countess Sarah is the mother of
+Fleur-de-Marie; and I believed her dead."
+
+A few moments of profound silence followed; Madame d'Harville became
+deadly pale, while an icy coldness seemed to chill her heart.
+
+"Let me briefly explain," continued Rodolph, in extreme agitation,
+mingled with bitter sarcasm, "that this ambitious and selfish woman,
+caring for nothing but my rank and title, contrived, during my extreme
+youth, to draw me into a secret marriage, which was afterwards annulled.
+Being desirous of contracting a second marriage, the countess occasioned
+all the misfortunes of her unhappy child, by abandoning her to the care
+of mercenary and unprincipled people."
+
+"Now I can account for the repugnance you manifested towards her."
+
+"And you may likewise understand why she so bitterly pursued you, and
+had twice so nearly effected your destruction by her infamous slanders.
+Still a prey to her insatiate ambition, she hoped, by separating me from
+any other attachment, to draw me a second time within her snares. And
+this heartless woman still exists."
+
+"Nay, nay, my lord, that tone of bitter regret is not worthy of you, any
+more than the feeling which dictated it."
+
+"You do not know the wretchedness she has already caused me; and even
+now that I had dared to dream of happiness, and looked forward to
+obtaining in you the comfort and solace of my life, as well as a mother
+for my newly recovered child, this woman again crosses my path, and,
+like the spirit of evil, dashes the cup from my lips ere it is tasted."
+
+"Come, come, my lord," said poor Clémence, striving to look cheerful,
+though her tears flowed fast, spite of all her efforts to restrain them,
+"take courage, you have a great and holy duty to perform. But just now,
+when impelled by a natural burst of paternal affection, you said that
+the future destiny of your daughter should be happy and prosperous as
+her past life had been the reverse, that you would elevate her in the
+eyes of the world even more than she had been sunken and depressed. To
+do this you must legitimise her birth, and the only means by which that
+can be achieved is by espousing the Countess Macgregor."
+
+"Never, never! That would be to reward the perjury, selfishness, and
+unbridled ambition of the unnatural mother of my poor child. But Marie
+shall not suffer by my resolution. I will publicly acknowledge her, you
+will kindly take her under your protection, and, I venture to hope,
+afford her a truly maternal shelter."
+
+"No, my lord, you will not act thus! You will not permit the cloud of
+doubt or mystery to hang over the birth of your daughter. The Countess
+Sarah is descended from an ancient and noble family; such an alliance
+is, certainly, disproportionate for you, but still is an honourable one;
+it will effectually legitimise your daughter, and whatever may be her
+future destiny, she will have cause to boast of her father, and openly
+declare who was her mother."
+
+"But think not I can or will resign you! It were easier to lay down my
+life than surrender the blessed hope of dividing my time and affection
+between two beings I so dearly love as yourself and my daughter."
+
+"Your child will still remain to you, my lord. Providence has
+miraculously restored her to you; it would be sore ingratitude on your
+part to deem your happiness incomplete."
+
+"You could not argue thus if you loved as I love."
+
+"I will not undeceive you, great as is your error; on the contrary, I
+would have you persist in that belief, it will make the task I recommend
+less painful to you."
+
+"But if you really loved me,--if you suffered as bitterly and severely
+as I do at the thoughts of my marrying another, you would be wretched as
+I am. What will console you for our separation?"
+
+"My lord, I shall try to find solace in the discharge of my charitable
+duties,--duties I first learned to love and practise from your counsels
+and suggestions, and which have already afforded me so much consolation
+and sweet occupation."
+
+"Hear me, I beseech you,--since you tell me it is right, I will marry
+this woman; but the sacrifice once accomplished, think not I will remain
+a single hour with her, or suffer her to behold my child; thus
+Fleur-de-Marie will lose in you the best and tenderest of mothers."
+
+"But she will still retain the best and tenderest of fathers. By your
+marriage with the Countess Sarah she will be the legitimate daughter of
+one of Europe's sovereign princes, and, as you but just now observed, my
+lord, her position will be as great and splendid as it has been
+miserable and obscure."
+
+"You are then pitilessly determined to shut out all hope from me?
+Unhappy being that I am!"
+
+"Dare you style yourself unhappy,--you so good, so just, so elevated in
+rank, as well as in mind and feeling? Who so well and nobly understand
+the duty of self-denial and self-sacrifice? When but a short time since
+you bewailed your child's death with such heartfelt agony, had any one
+said to you, 'Utter the dearest wish of your soul and it shall be
+accomplished,' you would have cried, 'My child--my daughter! Restore her
+to me in life and health!' This unexpected blessing is granted you, your
+daughter is given to your longing arms, and yet you style yourself
+miserable! Ah, my lord, let not Fleur-de-Marie hear you, I beseech you!"
+
+"You are right," said Rodolph, after a long silence, "such happiness as
+I aspired to would have been too much for this world, and far beyond my
+right even to dream of. Be satisfied your words have prevailed,--I will
+act according to my duty to my daughter, and forget the bleeding wound
+it inflicts on my own heart. But I am not sorry I hesitated in my
+resolution, since I owe to it a fresh proof of the perfection of your
+character."
+
+"And is it not to you I owe the power of struggling with personal
+feelings and devoting myself to the good of others? Was it not you who
+raised and comforted my poor depressed mind, and encouraged me to look
+for comfort where only it could be found? To you, then, be all the merit
+of the little virtue I may now be practising, as well as all the good I
+may hereafter achieve. But take courage, my lord, bear up, as becomes
+one of your firm, right-minded nature. Directly Fleur-de-Marie is equal
+to the journey, remove her to Germany; once there, she will benefit so
+greatly by the grave tranquillity of the country that her mind and
+feelings will be soothed and calmed down to a placidity and gentle
+enjoyment of the present, while the past will seem but as a troubled
+dream."
+
+"But you--you?"
+
+"Ah, I may now confess with joy and pride that my love for you will be,
+as it were, a shield of defence from all snares and temptations,--a
+guardian angel that will preserve me from all that could assail me in
+body or mind. Then I shall write to you daily. Pardon me this weakness,
+'tis the only one I shall allow myself; you, my lord, will also write to
+me occasionally, if but to give me intelligence of her whom once, at
+least, I called my daughter," said Clémence, melting into tears at the
+thoughts of all she was giving up, "and who will ever be fondly
+cherished in my heart as such; and when advancing years shall permit me
+fearlessly and openly to avow the regard which binds us to each other,
+then, my lord, I vow by your daughter that, if you desire it, I will
+establish myself in Germany, in the same city you yourself inhabit,
+never again to quit you, but so to end a life which might have been
+passed more agreeably, as far as our earthly feelings were concerned,
+but which shall, at least, have been spent in the practice of every
+noble and virtuous feeling."
+
+"My lord," exclaimed Murphy, entering with eagerness, "she whom Heaven
+has restored to you has regained her senses. Her first word upon
+recovering consciousness was to call for you. 'My father!--my beloved
+father!' she cried, 'oh, do not take me from him!' Come to her, my lord,
+she is all impatience again to behold you!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A few minutes after this Madame d'Harville quitted the prince's hôtel,
+while the latter repaired in all haste to the house of the Countess
+Macgregor, accompanied by Murphy, Baron de Graün, and an aide-de-camp.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE MARRIAGE.
+
+
+From the moment in which she had learnt from Rodolph the violent death
+of Fleur-de-Marie, Sarah had felt crushed and borne down by a disclosure
+so fatal to all her ambitious hopes. Tortured equally by a too late
+repentance, she had fallen into a fearful nervous attack, attended even
+by delirium; her partially healed wound opened afresh, and a long
+continuation of fainting fits gave rise to the supposition of her death.
+Yet still the natural strength of her constitution sustained her even
+amid this severe shock, and life seemed to struggle vigorously against
+death.
+
+Seated in an easy chair, the better to relieve herself from the sense of
+suffocation which oppressed her, Sarah had remained for some time
+plunged in bitter reflections, almost amounting to regrets, that she had
+been permitted to escape from almost certain death.
+
+Suddenly the door of the invalid's chamber opened, and Thomas Seyton
+entered, evidently struggling to restrain some powerful emotion. Hastily
+waving his hand for the countess's attendants to retire, he approached
+his sister, who seemed scarcely to perceive her brother's presence.
+
+"How are you now?" inquired he.
+
+"Much the same; I feel very weak, and have at times a most painful
+sensation of being suffocated. Why was I not permitted to quit this
+world during my late attack?"
+
+"Sarah," replied Thomas Seyton, after a momentary silence, "you are
+hovering between life and death,--any violent emotion might destroy you
+or recall your feeble powers and restore you to health."
+
+"There can be no further trial for me, brother!"
+
+"You know not that--"
+
+"I could now even hear that Rodolph were dead without a shock. The pale
+spectre of my murdered child--murdered through my instrumentality, is
+ever before me. It creates not mere emotion, but a bitter and ceaseless
+remorse. Oh, brother, I have known the feelings of a mother only since I
+have become childless."
+
+"I own I liked better to find in you that cold, calculating ambition,
+that made you regard your daughter but as a means of realising the dream
+of your whole existence."
+
+"That ambition fell to the ground, crushed for ever beneath the
+overwhelming force of the prince's reproaches. And the picture drawn by
+him of the horrors to which my child had been exposed awakened in my
+breast all a mother's tenderness."
+
+"And how," said Seyton, hesitatingly and laying deep emphasis on each
+word he uttered, "if by a miracle, a chance, an almost impossibility,
+your daughter were still living, tell me how you would support such a
+discovery."
+
+"I should expire of shame and despair!"
+
+"No such thing! You would be but too delighted at the triumph such a
+circumstance would afford to your ambition; for had your daughter
+survived, the prince would, beyond a doubt, have married you."
+
+"And admitting the miracle you speak of could happen, I should have no
+right to live; but so soon as the prince had bestowed on me the title of
+his consort, my duty would have been to deliver him from an unworthy
+spouse, and my daughter from an unnatural mother."
+
+The perplexity of Thomas Seyton momentarily increased. Commissioned by
+Rodolph, who was waiting in an adjoining room, to acquaint Sarah that
+Fleur-de-Marie still lived, he knew not how to proceed. So feeble was
+the state of the countess's health, that an instant might extinguish the
+faint spark that still animated her frame; and he saw that any delay in
+performing the nuptial rite between herself and the prince might be
+fatal to every hope. Determined to legitimise the birth of
+Fleur-de-Marie by giving every necessary formality to the ceremony, the
+prince had brought with him a clergyman to perform the sacred service,
+and two witnesses in the persons of Murphy and Baron de Graün. The Duc
+de Lucenay and Lord Douglas, hastily summoned by Seyton, had arrived to
+act as attesting witnesses on the part of the countess.
+
+Each moment became important, but the remorse of Sarah, mingled as it
+was with a maternal tenderness that had entirely replaced the fiery
+ambition that once held sway in her breast, rendered the task of Seyton
+still more difficult. He could but hope that his sister deceived either
+herself or him, and that her pride and vanity would rekindle in all
+their former brightness at the prospect of the crown so long and
+ardently coveted.
+
+"Sister," resumed Seyton, in a grave and solemn voice, "I am placed in a
+situation of cruel perplexity. I could utter one word of such deep
+importance that it might save your life or stretch you a corpse at my
+feet."
+
+"I have already told you nothing in this world can move me more."
+
+"Yes, one--one event, my sister."
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"Your daughter's welfare."
+
+"I have no longer a child,--she is dead!"
+
+"But if she were not?"
+
+"Cease, brother, such useless suppositions,--we exhausted that subject
+some minutes since. Leave me to unavailing regrets!"
+
+"Nay, but I cannot so easily persuade myself that if, by some almost
+incredible chance, some unhoped-for aid, your daughter had been snatched
+from death, and still lived--"
+
+"I beseech you talk not thus to me,--you know not what I suffer."
+
+"Then listen to me, sister, while I declare that, as the Almighty shall
+judge you and pardon me, your daughter lives!"
+
+"Lives! said you? My child lives?"
+
+"I did, and truly so; the prince, with a clergyman and the necessary
+witnesses, awaits in the adjoining chamber; I have summoned two of our
+friends to act as our witnesses. The desire of your life is at length
+accomplished, the prediction fulfilled, and you are wedded to royalty!"
+
+As Thomas Seyton slowly uttered the concluding part of his speech, he
+observed, with indescribable uneasiness, the want of all expression in
+his sister's countenance, the marble features remained calm and
+imperturbable, and her only sign of attending to her brother's words was
+a sudden pressure of both hands to her heart, as if to still its
+throbbing, or as though under the influence of some acute pain, while a
+stifled cry escaped her trembling lips as she fell back in her chair.
+But the feeling, whatever it was, soon passed away, and Sarah became
+fixed, rigid, and tranquil, as before.
+
+"Sister!" cried Seyton, "what ails you? Shall I call for assistance?"
+
+"'Tis nothing! Merely the result of surprise and joy at the unhoped-for
+tidings you have communicated to me. At last, then, the dearest wish of
+my heart is accomplished!"
+
+"I was not mistaken," thought Seyton, "ambition still reigns paramount
+in her heart, and will carry her in safety through this trial. Well,
+sister," said he, aloud, "what did I tell you?"
+
+"You were right," replied she, with a bitter smile, as she penetrated
+the workings of her brother's thoughts, "ambition has again stifled the
+voice of maternal tenderness within me!"
+
+"You will live long and happily to cherish and delight in your
+daughter."
+
+"Doubtless I shall, brother. See how calm I am!"
+
+"Ah, but is your tranquillity real or assumed?"
+
+"Feeble and exhausted, can you imagine it possible for me to feign?"
+
+"You can now understand the difficulty I felt in breaking this news to
+you?"
+
+"Nay, I marvel at it, knowing as you did the extent of my ambition.
+Where is the prince?"
+
+"He is here."
+
+"I would fain see and speak with him before the ceremony." Then, with
+affected indifference, she added, "And my daughter is also here, as a
+matter of course?"
+
+"She is not here at present; you will see her by and by."
+
+"True, there is no hurry; but send for the prince, I entreat of you."
+
+"Sister, I know not why, but your manner alarms me, and there is a
+strangeness in your very looks as well as words!"
+
+And Seyton spoke truly. The very absence of all emotion in Sarah
+inspired him with a vague and indefinable uneasiness; he even fancied he
+saw her eyes filled with tears she hastily repressed. But unable to
+account for his own suspicions, he at once quitted the chamber.
+
+"Now, then," said Sarah, "if I may but see and embrace my daughter, I
+shall be satisfied. I fear there will be considerable difficulty in
+obtaining that happiness; Rodolph will refuse me, as a punishment for
+the past. But I must and will accomplish my longing desire! Oh, yes! I
+cannot--will not be denied! But the prince comes!"
+
+Rodolph entered, and carefully closed the door after him. Addressing
+Sarah in a cold, constrained manner, he said:
+
+"I presume your brother has told you all?"
+
+"He has!"
+
+"And your ambition is satisfied."
+
+"Quite--quite satisfied?"
+
+"Every needful preparation for our marriage has been made; the minister
+and attesting witnesses are in the next room."
+
+"I know it."
+
+"They may enter, may they not, madame?"
+
+"One word, my lord. I wish to see my daughter."
+
+"That is impossible!"
+
+"I repeat, my lord, that I earnestly desire to see my child."
+
+"She is but just recovering from a severe illness, and she has undergone
+one violent shock to-day; the interview you ask might be fatal to her."
+
+"Nay, my lord, she may be permitted to embrace her mother without danger
+to herself."
+
+"Why should she run the risk? You are now a sovereign princess!"
+
+"Not yet, my lord; nor do I intend to be until I have embraced my
+daughter!"
+
+Rodolph gazed on the countess with unfeigned astonishment.
+
+"Is it possible," cried he, "that you can bring yourself to defer the
+gratification of your pride and ambition?"
+
+"Till I have indulged the greater gratification of a mother's feelings.
+Does that surprise you, my lord?"
+
+"It does indeed!"
+
+"And shall I see my daughter?"
+
+"I repeat--"
+
+"Have a care, my lord,--the moments are precious,--mine are possibly
+numbered! As my brother said, the present trial may kill or cure me. I
+am now struggling, with all my power, with all the energy I possess,
+against the exhaustion occasioned by the discovery just made to me. I
+demand to see my daughter, or otherwise I refuse the hand you offer me,
+and, if I die before the performance of the marriage ceremony, her birth
+can never be legitimised!"
+
+"But Fleur-de-Marie is not here; I must send for her."
+
+"Then do so instantly, and I consent to everything you may propose; and
+as, I repeat, my minutes are probably numbered, the marriage can take
+place while they are conducting my child hither."
+
+"Although 'tis a matter of surprise to hear such sentiments from you,
+yet they are too praiseworthy to be treated with indifference. You shall
+see Fleur-de-Marie; I will write to her to come directly."
+
+"Write there--on that desk--where I received my death-blow!"
+
+While Rodolph hastily penned a few lines, the countess wiped from her
+brows the cold damps that had gathered there, while her hitherto calm
+and unmovable features were contracted by a sudden spasmodic agony,
+which had increased in violence from having been so long concealed. The
+letter finished, Rodolph arose and said to the countess:
+
+"I will despatch this letter by one of my aides-de-camp; she will be
+here in half an hour from the time my messenger departs. Shall I, upon
+my return to you, bring the clergyman and persons chosen to witness our
+marriage, that we may at once proceed?"
+
+"You may,--but no, let me beg of you to ring the bell; do not leave me
+by myself; let Sir Walter despatch the letter, and then return with the
+clergyman."
+
+Rodolph rang; one of Sarah's attendants answered the summons.
+
+"Request my brother to send Sir Walter Murphy here," said the countess,
+in a faint voice. The woman went to perform her mistress's bidding.
+"This marriage is a melancholy affair, Rodolph," said the countess,
+bitterly, "I mean as far as I am concerned; to you it will be productive
+of happiness." The prince started at the idea. "Nay, be not astonished
+at my prophesying happiness to you from such a union; but I shall not
+live to mar your joys."
+
+At this moment Murphy entered.
+
+"My good friend," said the prince, "send this letter off to my daughter.
+Colonel ---- will be the bearer of it, and he can bring her back in my
+carriage; then desire the minister and all concerned in witnessing the
+marriage ceremony to assemble in the adjoining room."
+
+"God of mercy!" cried Sarah, fervently clasping her hands as the squire
+disappeared, "grant me strength to fold my child to my heart! Let me not
+die ere she arrives!"
+
+"Alas! why were you not always the tender mother you now are?"
+
+"Thanks to you, at least, for awakening in me a sincere repentance for
+the past, and a hearty desire to devote myself to the good of those
+whose happiness I have so fearfully disturbed! Yes, when my brother told
+me, a short time since, of our child's preservation,--let me say our
+child, it will not be for long I shall require your indulgence,--I felt
+all the agony of knowing myself irrecoverably ill, yet overjoyed to
+think that the birth of our child would be legitimised; that done, I
+shall die happy!"
+
+"Do not talk thus."
+
+"You will see I shall not deceive you again; my death is certain."
+
+"And you will die without one particle of that insatiate ambition which
+has been your return! By what fatality has your repentance been delayed
+till now?"
+
+"Though tardy, it is sincere; and I call Heaven to witness that, at
+this awful moment, I bless God for removing me from this world, and that
+I am spared the additional misery of living, as I am aware I should have
+been a weight and burden to you, as well as a bar to your happiness
+elsewhere. But can you pardon me? For mercy's sake, say you do! Do not
+delay to speak forgiveness and peace to my troubled spirit until the
+arrival of my child, for in her presence you would not choose to
+pronounce the pardon of her guilty mother. It would be to tell her a
+tale I would fain she never knew. You will not refuse me the hope that,
+when I am gone, my memory may be dear to her?"
+
+"Tranquillise yourself, she shall know nothing of the past."
+
+"Rodolph, do you too say I am forgiven! Oh, forgive me--forgive me! Can
+you not pity a creature brought low as I am? Alas, my sufferings might
+well move your heart to pity and to pardon!"
+
+"I do forgive you from my innermost soul!" said the prince, deeply
+affected.
+
+The scene was most heartrending. Rodolph opened the folding-doors, and
+beckoned in the clergyman with the company assembled there, that is to
+say, Murphy and Baron de Graün as witnesses on the part of Rodolph, and
+the Duc de Lucenay and Lord Douglas on the part of the countess; Thomas
+Seyton followed close behind. All were impressed with the awful
+solemnity of the melancholy transaction, and even M. de Lucenay seemed
+to have lost his usual petulance and folly.
+
+The contract of marriage between the most high and powerful Prince
+Gustave Rodolph, fifth reigning Duke of Gerolstein, and Sarah Seyton of
+Halsburg, Countess Macgregor, which legitimised the birth of
+Fleur-de-Marie, had been previously drawn up by Baron de Graün, and,
+being read by him, was signed by the parties mentioned therein, as well
+as duly attested by the signature of their witnesses.
+
+Spite of the countess's repentance, when the clergyman, in a deep solemn
+voice, inquired of Rodolph whether his royal highness was willing to
+take Sarah Seyton of Halsburg, Countess Macgregor, for his wife, and the
+prince had replied in a firm, distinct voice, "I will," the dying eyes
+of Sarah shone with unearthly brilliancy, an expression of haughty
+triumph passed over her livid features,--the last flash of expiring
+ambition.
+
+Not a word was spoken by any of the spectators of this mournful
+ceremony, at the conclusion of which the four witnesses, bowing with
+deep but silent respect to the prince, quitted the room.
+
+"Brother," said Sarah, in a low voice, "request the clergyman to
+accompany you to the adjoining room, and to have the goodness to wait
+there a moment."
+
+"How are you now, my dear sister?" asked Seyton. "You look very pale."
+
+"Nay," replied she, with a haggard smile, "fear not for me; am I not
+Grand Duchess of Gerolstein?" Left alone with Rodolph, Sarah murmured in
+a feeble and expiring voice, while her features underwent a frightful
+change, "I am dying; my powers are exhausted! I shall not live to kiss
+and bless my child!"
+
+"Yes, yes, you will. Calm yourself; she will soon be here."
+
+"It will not be! In vain I struggle against the approach of Death. I
+feel too surely his icy hand upon me; my sight grows dim; I can scarcely
+discern even you."
+
+"Sarah!" cried the prince, chafing her damp, cold hands with his. "Take
+courage, she will soon be here; she cannot delay much longer!"
+
+"The Almighty has not deemed me worthy of so great a consolation as the
+presence of my child!"
+
+"Hark, Sarah! Methinks I hear the sound of wheels. Yes, 'tis she,--your
+daughter comes!"
+
+"Promise me, Rodolph, she shall never know the unnatural conduct of her
+wretched but repentant mother," murmured the countess, in almost
+inarticulate accents.
+
+The sound of a carriage rolling over the paved court was distinctly
+heard, but the countess had already ceased to recognise what was passing
+around her, her words became more indistinct and incoherent. Rodolph
+bent over her with anxious looks; he saw the rising films of death veil
+those beautiful eyes, and the exquisite features grow sharp and rigid
+beneath the touch of the king of terrors.
+
+"Forgive me,--my child! Let me--see--my--child! Pardon--at least!
+And--after--death--the honours--due--to my--rank--" she faintly said,
+and these were the last articulate words she uttered,--the one, fixed,
+dominant passion of her life mingled, even in her last moments, with the
+sincere repentance she expressed and, doubtless, felt. Just at that
+awful moment Murphy entered.
+
+"My lord," cried he, "the Princess Marie is arrived!"
+
+"Let her not enter this sad apartment. Desire Seyton to bring the
+clergyman hither." Then pointing to Sarah, who was slowly sinking into
+her last moments, Rodolph added, "Heaven has refused her the
+gratification of seeing her child!"
+
+Shortly after that the Countess Sarah Macgregor breathed her last.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+BICÊTRE.
+
+
+A fortnight had elapsed since Sarah's death, and it was mid-Lent Sunday.
+This date established, we will conduct the reader to Bicêtre, an immense
+building, which, though originally designed for the reception of insane
+persons, is equally adapted as an asylum for seven or eight hundred poor
+old men, who are admitted into this species of civil invalid hospital
+when they have reached the age of seventy years, or are afflicted with
+severe infirmities.
+
+The entrance to Bicêtre is by a large court, planted with high trees,
+and covered in the centre by a mossy turf, intersected with flower beds
+duly cultivated. Nothing can be imagined more healthful, calm, or
+cheerful than the promenade thus devoted to the indigent old beings we
+have before alluded to. Around this square are the spacious and airy
+dormitories, containing clean, comfortable beds; these chambers form the
+first floor of the building, and immediately beneath them are the neatly
+kept and admirably arranged refectories, where the assembled community
+of Bicêtre partake of their common meal, excellent and abundant in its
+kind, and served with a care and attention that reflects the highest
+praise on the directors of this fine institution.
+
+In conclusion of this short notice of Bicêtre, we will just add that at
+the period at which we write the building also served as the abode of
+condemned criminals, who there awaited the period of their execution.
+
+It was in one of the cells belonging to the prison that the Widow
+Martial and Calabash were left to count the hours till the following
+day, on which they were to suffer the extreme penalty of the law.
+
+Nicholas, the Skeleton, and several of the same description of ruffians
+had contrived to escape from La Force the very night previous to the day
+on which they were to have been transferred to Bicêtre.
+
+Eleven o'clock had just struck as two _fiacres_ drew up before the outer
+gate; from the first of which descended Madame Georges, Germain, and
+Rigolette, and from the second Louise Morel and her mother. Germain and
+Rigolette had now been married for some fifteen days.
+
+We must leave the reader to imagine the glow of happiness that
+irradiated the fair face of the grisette, whose rosy lips parted but to
+smile, or to lavish fond words upon Madame Georges, whom she took every
+occasion of calling "her dear mother." The countenance of Germain
+expressed a more calm and settled delight. With his sincere affection
+for the merry-hearted being to whom he was united was mingled a deep and
+grateful sense of the kind and disinterested conduct of Rigolette
+towards him when in prison, although the charming girl herself seemed to
+have completely forgotten all about it, and even when Germain spoke of
+those days she would entreat him to change the subject, upon the plea of
+finding all such recollections so very dull and dispiriting. Neither
+would the pretty grisette substitute a bonnet for the smart little cap
+worn before her marriage, and certainly never was humility and avoidance
+of pretension better rewarded; for nothing could have been invented more
+becoming to the piquant style of Rigolette's beauty than the simple cap
+_à la paysanne_, trimmed with a large orange-coloured rosette at each
+side, contrasting so tastefully with the long tresses of her rich dark
+hair, now worn in long hanging curls; for, as she said, "she could now
+allow herself to take a little pains with her appearance."
+
+The fair bride wore a handsome worked muslin collar, while a scarf, of
+similar colour to the trimmings of her cap, half concealed her graceful,
+pliant figure, which, notwithstanding her having leisure to adorn
+herself, was still unfettered by the artificial restraints of stays;
+although the tight gray silk dress she wore fitted without a fold or a
+crease over her lightly rounded bosom, resembling the beautiful statue
+of Galatea in marble. Madame Georges beheld the happiness of the newly
+married pair with a delight almost equal to their own.
+
+As for Louise Morel, she had been set at liberty after undergoing a most
+searching investigation, and when a post-mortem examination of her
+infant had proved that it had come to its death by natural means; but
+the countenance of the poor victim of another's villainy had lost all
+the freshness of youth, and bore the impress of deep sorrow, now
+softened and subdued by gentleness and resignation. Thanks to Rodolph,
+and the excellent care that had been taken of her through his means, the
+mother of Louise, who accompanied her, had entirely recovered her
+health.
+
+Madame Georges having informed the porter at the lodge that she had
+called by the desire of one of the medical officers of the
+establishment, who had appointed to meet herself and the friends by whom
+she was accompanied at half past eleven o'clock, she was requested to
+choose whether she would await the doctor within doors or in the large
+square before the building; determining to do the latter, and supporting
+herself on the arm of her son, while the wife of Morel walked beside
+her, she sauntered along the shady alleys that bordered this delightful
+spot, Louise and Rigolette following them.
+
+"How very glad I am to see you again, dear Louise," said the bride.
+"When we came to fetch you on our arrival from Bouqueval, I wanted to
+run up-stairs to you, but my husband would not let me; he said I should
+tire myself, so I stayed in the coach, and that is the reason why we
+meet now for the first time since--"
+
+"You so kindly came to console me in prison, Mlle. Rigolette," cried
+Louise, deeply affected. "You are so feeling for all in trouble, whether
+of body or mind!"
+
+"In the first place, my dear Louise," replied the grisette, hastily
+interrupting praises that were to her oppressive, "I am not Mlle.
+Rigolette any longer, but Madame Germain. I do not know whether you
+heard--"
+
+"That you were married? Oh, yes, I did. But pray let me thank you as you
+deserve."
+
+"Ah, but Louise," persisted Madame Germain, "I am quite sure you have
+not learnt all the particulars; how my marriage is all owing to the
+generosity of him who was at once the protector and benefactor of
+yourself and family, Germain, his mother, and my own self."
+
+"Ah, yes, M. Rodolph,--we bless his name morning and evening. When I
+came out of prison the lawyer who had been to see me from time to time,
+by M. Rodolph's order, told me that, thanks to the same kind friend who
+had already interested himself so much for us, M. Ferrand (and here at
+the very mention of the name an involuntary shudder passed over the poor
+girl's frame) had settled an annuity on my poor father and myself,--some
+little reparation for the wrongs he had done us. You are aware that my
+poor dear father is still confined here, though still improving in
+health."
+
+"And I also know that the kind doctor who has appointed our being here
+to-day even hopes your dear parent may be enabled to return with you to
+Paris; he thinks that it will be better to take some decided steps to
+throw off this malady, and that the unexpected presence of persons your
+father was in the daily habit of seeing may produce the most favourable
+effects,--perhaps cure him; and that is what I think will be the case."
+
+"Ah, mademoiselle, I dare not hope for so much happiness."
+
+"Madame Germain, my dear Louise, if it is all the same to you; but to go
+on with what I was telling you, you have no idea, I am sure, who M.
+Rodolph really is?"
+
+"Yes, I have,--the friend and protector of all who are unhappy."
+
+"True, but that is not all. Well, as I see you really are ignorant of
+many things concerning our benefactor, I will tell you all about it."
+
+Then addressing her husband, who was walking before her with Madame
+Georges, she said, "Don't walk so very fast, Germain, you will tire our
+mother!" And, with a look of proud satisfaction, she said, turning to
+Louise, "Does not he deserve to have a good wife? See how attentive he
+is to his mother! He certainly is very handsome, too,--a thousand times
+more so than Cabrion, or M. Girandeau, the travelling clerk! You
+remember him, don't you, Louise?
+
+"Talking of Cabrion puts me in mind to ask you whether M. Pipelet and
+his wife have arrived yet? The doctor wished them to come here to-day
+with us, because your father has talked much about them during his
+wanderings."
+
+"No, they are not here at present, but they will not be long. When we
+called for them they had already set out."
+
+"And then as for being punctual in keeping an appointment, M. Pipelet is
+as exact as a clock to the hour and minute! But let me tell you a little
+more about my marriage and M. Rodolph. Only think, Louise, it was he who
+sent me with the order for Germain's liberation! You can imagine our
+delight at quitting that horrid prison. Well, we went home to my room,
+and there Germain and I together prepared a nice little bit of dinner;
+but, bless you! we might just as well have spared ourselves the trouble,
+for, after it was ready, neither of us could eat a bit for joy. When
+evening came Germain left me, promising to return the next day.
+
+"Well, at five o'clock next morning, I got up and sat down to my work,
+for I was terribly behindhand with it. As eight o'clock struck some one
+knocked at the door; who should it be but M. Rodolph! Directly I saw
+him, I began to thank him from the bottom of my heart for all he had
+done for Germain and myself. He would not allow me to proceed. 'My kind
+neighbour,' said he, 'I wish you to give this letter to Germain, who
+will soon be here. Then you will take a _fiacre_, and proceed without
+delay to a small village, near Ecouen, called Bouqueval. Once there,
+inquire for Madame Georges; and I wish you all imaginable pleasure from
+your trip.' 'M. Rodolph,' I said, 'pray excuse me, but that will make me
+lose another day's work and I have already got two to make up for.'
+'Make yourself perfectly easy, my pretty neighbour,' said he, you will
+find plenty of work at Madame Georges's, I promise you; she will prove
+an excellent customer, I have no doubt, and I have particularly
+recommended you to her.' 'Oh, that alters the case, M. Rodolph, then I'm
+sure I shall be but too glad to go.' 'Adieu, neighbour,' said M.
+Rodolph. 'Good-bye,' cried I, 'and many thanks for so kindly
+recommending me.'
+
+"When Germain came, I told him all about it; so as we were quite sure M.
+Rodolph would not send us upon any foolish errand, we set off as blithe
+as birds. Only imagine, Louise, what a surprise awaited us on our
+arrival! I declare I can scarcely think of it without tears of happiness
+coming into my eyes. We went to the very Madame Georges you see walking
+before us, and who should she turn out to be but the mother of Germain!"
+
+"His mother?"
+
+"Yes, his own very mother, from whom he had been taken when quite a
+baby! You must try to fancy their mutual joy! Well, when Madame Georges
+had wept over her son, and embraced and gazed at him a hundred times, my
+turn came to be noticed.
+
+"No doubt M. Rodolph had written something very favourable about me,
+for, clasping me in her arms, she said, 'She was acquainted with my
+conduct towards her son.' 'Then, mother,' interposed Germain, 'it only
+rests with you to ask her, and Rigolette will be your child as well as
+I.' 'And I do ask her to be my daughter with all my heart,' replied his
+mother, 'for you will never find a better or a prettier creature to love
+as your wife.'
+
+"So there I was quite at home, in such a sweet farm, along with Germain,
+his mother, and my birds; for I had taken the poor, little, dear things
+with me, just to hear how delightedly they would sing when they found
+themselves in the country. The days passed like a dream. I did only just
+what I liked,--helped Madame Georges, walked about with Germain, and
+danced and sung like a wild thing.
+
+"Well, our marriage was fixed to take place on yesterday fortnight; the
+evening before, who should arrive but a tall, elderly, bald-headed
+gentleman, who looked so kind; and he brought me a _corbeille de
+mariage_ from M. Rodolph. Only think, Louise, what a beauty it must have
+been,--made like a large rosewood box, with these words written in
+letters of gold, on medallion of blue china, 'Industry and
+Prudence--Love and Happiness.' And what do you suppose this charming box
+contained? Why, a number of lace caps similar to the one I have now on,
+pieces for gowns, gloves, ornaments, a beautiful shawl, and this pretty
+scarf. Oh, I thought I should lose my senses with delight! But that is
+not all. At the bottom of the box I found a handsome pocketbook, with
+these words written on a bit of paper affixed to it, 'From a friend to a
+friend.' Inside were two folded papers, one addressed to Germain, and
+the other to me. In that addressed to Germain was an order for his
+appointment as director of a bank for the poor with a salary of four
+thousand francs a year; while he found under the envelope, directed to
+me, a money order for forty thousand francs on the treasury,--yes,
+that's the word; it was called my marriage portion.
+
+"I did not like to take so large a sum, but Madame Georges said to me,
+'My dear child, you both can and must accept it, as a recompense for
+your prudence, industry, and devotion to those who were in misfortune;
+for did you not run the risk of injuring your health, and probably
+deprive yourself of your only means of support, by sitting up all night
+at work, in order to make up for the time you spent in attending to
+others?'"
+
+"Oh, that is quite true," exclaimed Louise, with fervour. "I do not
+think there is any one upon earth who would have done all that you have
+done, Mademoi--Madame Germain!"
+
+"There's a good girl, she has learned her lesson at last! Well, I said
+to the elderly gentleman that I did not merit such a reward, that what
+little I had done was purely because it afforded me pleasure. To which
+he answered, 'That makes no difference; M. Rodolph is immensely rich,
+and he sends you this dowry as a mark of his friendship and esteem, and
+your refusal of it would pain him very much indeed. He will himself be
+present at your marriage, and then he will compel you to take it.'"
+
+"What a blessing that so charitable a person as M. Rodolph should be
+possessed of such riches!"
+
+"Of course it is! But I haven't told you all yet. Oh, Louise, you never
+can guess who and what M. Rodolph turns out to be; and to think of my
+making him carry large parcels for me! But have a little patience, you
+will hear about it directly.
+
+"The night before the marriage the elderly gentleman came again very
+late, and in great haste,--it was to tell us that M. Rodolph was ill,
+and could not attend the wedding, but that his friend, the bald-headed
+gentleman, would take his place. And then only, my dear Louise, did we
+learn that our benefactor was--guess what--a prince! A prince, do I say?
+Bless you, ever so much higher than that! A royal highness!--a reigning
+duke!--a sort of a second-rate king! Germain explained all about his
+rank to me!"
+
+"M. Rodolph a prince!--a duke!--almost a king!"
+
+"Just think of that, Louise! And imagine my having asked him to help me
+to clean my room! A pretty state of confusion it threw me into when I
+recollected all that, and how free I had spoken to him! So of course you
+know when I found that he was as good as a king, I did not dare refuse
+his gracious wedding present.
+
+"Well, my dear, when we had been married about a week, M. Rodolph sent
+us word that he should be glad if Germain, his mother, and myself would
+pay him a wedding visit; so we did. I can tell you my heart beat as
+though it would come through my side! Well, we stopped at a fine palace
+in the Rue Plumet, and were ushered into a number of splendid
+apartments, filled with servants in liveries, all covered with gold
+lace, gentlemen in black, with silver chains around their necks and
+swords by their sides, officers in rich uniforms, and all sorts of gay
+looking people. The rooms we passed through were all gilt, and filled
+with such beautiful things they quite dazzled my eyesight only to look
+at them.
+
+"At last we got to the apartment where the bald-headed old gentleman was
+sitting, with a quantity of grand folks, all covered with gold lace and
+embroidery. Well, when our elderly friend saw us, he rose and conducted
+us to an adjoining room, where we found M. Rodolph--I mean the
+prince--dressed so simply, and looking so good and kind--just like the
+M. Rodolph we first knew--that I did not feel at all frightened at the
+recollection of how I had set him to pin my shawl for me, mend my pens,
+and walked with him arm in arm in the street, just like two equals, as,
+certainly, then I thought we were."
+
+"Oh, I should have trembled like a leaf if I had been you!"
+
+"Well, I did not mind it at all, he smiled so encouragingly; and, after
+kindly welcoming Madame Georges, he held out his hand to Germain, and
+then said, smilingly, to me, 'Well, neighbour, and how are "Papa Crétu"
+and "Ramonette?"' (Those were the names I called my birds by. Was it not
+kind of him to recollect them?)
+
+"'I feel quite sure,' added he, 'that yourself and Germain can sing as
+merry songs as your birds.' 'Yes, indeed, my lord,' replied I (Madame
+Georges had taught me as we came along how I was to address the prince),
+'we are as happy as it is possible to be, and our happiness is the
+greater because we owe it to you.'
+
+"'Nay, nay, my good child,' said he, 'you may thank your own excellent
+qualities and that of Germain for the felicity you enjoy,' etc. I need
+not go on with that part of the story, Louise, because it would oblige
+me to repeat all the charming praises I received; and, certainly, I
+cannot recollect ever doing more than my strict duty, though the prince
+was pleased to think differently.
+
+"Well, we all came away more sorrowful than we went, for we found it was
+to be our farewell visit to our benefactor, he being about to return to
+Germany. Whether or not he has gone I cannot tell you, but, absent or
+present, our most grateful remembrance and respectful esteem will ever
+attend him.
+
+"I forgot to tell you that a dear, good girl I knew when we were both in
+prison together had been living at the farm with Madame Georges; it
+seems my young friend had, fortunately, found a friend in M. Rodolph,
+who had placed her there. But Madame Georges particularly cautioned me
+not to say a word on the subject to the prince, who had some reason for
+desiring it should not be talked about,--no doubt because he could not
+bear his benevolent deeds should be known. However, I learnt one thing
+that gave me extreme pleasure, that my sweet Goualeuse had found her
+parents, and that they had taken her a great, great way from Paris; I
+could not help feeling grieved, too, that I had not been able to wish
+her good-bye before she went.
+
+"But forgive me, dear Louise, for being so selfish as to keep talking to
+you of every one's happiness when you have so much reason to be
+sorrowful yourself."
+
+"Had my child but been spared to me," said poor Louise, sadly, "it would
+have been some consolation to me; for how can I ever hope to find any
+honest man who would make me his wife, although I have got money enough
+to tempt any one."
+
+"For my part, Louise, I feel quite sure that one of these days I shall
+see you happily married to a good and worthy partner, who will pity you
+for your past troubles, and love and esteem you for the patience with
+which you endured them."
+
+"Ah, Madame Germain, you only say so to try and comfort me; but whether
+you really believe what you say or no, I gratefully feel and thank you
+for your kindness. But who are these? I declare, M. and Madame Pipelet!
+How very gay he looks; so different from the sad, dejected appearance he
+always wore, while M. Cabrion was tormenting him as he did!"
+
+Louise was right. Pipelet advanced in high spirits, and as though
+treading on air; on his head he wore the well-known bell-crowned hat, a
+superb grass-green coat adorned his person, while a white cravat, with
+embroidered ends, was folded around his throat, in such a manner as to
+permit the display of an enormous collar, reaching nearly up to his
+eyes, and quite concealing his cheeks. A large, loose waistcoat, of
+bright buff, with broad maroon-coloured stripes, black trousers,
+somewhat short for the wearer, snowy white stockings, and highly
+polished shoes completed his equipment.
+
+Anastasie displayed a robe of violet-coloured merino, tastefully
+contrasted with a dark blue shawl. She proudly exhibited her freshly
+curled Brutus wig to the gaze of all she met, while her cap was slung on
+her arm by its bright green strings, after the manner of a reticule.
+
+The physiognomy of Alfred--ordinarily so grave, thoughtful, and
+dejected--was now mirthful, jocund, and hilarious. The moment he caught
+a glimpse of Rigolette and Louise, he ran towards them, exclaiming in
+his deep, sonorous voice, "Delivered! Gone!"
+
+"How unusually joyful you seem, M. Pipelet," said Rigolette. "Do pray
+tell us what has occasioned such a change in your appearance!"
+
+"Gone! I tell you, mademoiselle,--or, rather, madame, as I may, do, and
+ought to say, now that, like my Anastasie, you are tied up for life."
+
+"You are very polite, M. Pipelet; but please to tell me who has gone?"
+
+"Cabrion!" responded M. Pipelet, inspiring and respiring the air with a
+look of indescribable delight, as though relieved of an enormous weight;
+"he has quitted France for ever--for a perpetuity! At length he has
+departed, and I am myself again."
+
+"Are you quite sure he has gone?"
+
+"I saw him with my eyes ascend the diligence, en route for Strasburg
+with all his luggage and baggage; that is to say, a hat-case, a
+maul-stick, and a box of colours."
+
+"What is my old dear chattering about?" cried Anastasie, as she came
+puffing and panting to the spot where the little group were assembled;
+"I'll be bound he was giving you the history of Cabrion's going off--I'm
+sure he has talked of nothing else all the way we came."
+
+"Because I'm half wild with delight; I seem to have got into another
+world,--such a lightness has come over me. A little while ago my hat
+used to seem as though loaded with lead, and as if it pressed forwards
+in spite of me; now I seem as though borne on the breeze towards the
+firmament, to think that he is gone--actually set out--and never to
+return!"
+
+"Yes, the blackguard is off at last!" chimed in Madame Pipelet.
+
+"Anastasie," cried her husband, "spare the absent! Happiness calls for
+mercy and forbearance on our parts. I will obey its dictates, and merely
+allow myself to remark that Cabrion was a--a--worthless scoundrel!"
+
+"But how do you know that he has gone to Germany?" inquired Rigolette.
+
+"By a friend of our 'king of lodgers.' Talking of that dear man, you
+haven't heard that, owing to the handsome manner in which he recommended
+us, Alfred has been appointed house-porter to a sort of charitable bank,
+established in our house by a worthy Christian, who wishes, like M.
+Rodolph, to do all the good he can?"
+
+"Ah!" replied Rigolette. "And, perhaps, you don't know, either, that my
+dear Germain is appointed manager of this same bank? All owing to the
+kind intervention of M. Rodolph."
+
+"Well, I never!" exclaimed Madame Pipelet, "all our good luck comes
+together; and I'm sure I'm heartily glad we shall keep old friends and
+acquaintances around us. I hate fresh faces, for my part. I'm certain I
+would not change my old duck of a husband even for your young handsome
+one, Madame Germain.
+
+"But to go back to Cabrion. Only imagine a bald-headed, stout, elderly
+gentleman, coming to tell us of Alfred's new situation, and at the same
+time inquiring if a talented artist of the name of Cabrion did not once
+lodge in the house with us. Oh, my poor darling! Directly Cabrion's name
+was mentioned down went the boot he was mending, and if I had not
+caught him he would have swooned away. But, fortunately, the bald
+gentleman added, 'This young painter has been engaged by a very wealthy
+person to do some work, which will occupy him for years, and he may,
+very probably, establish himself in another country.' In confirmation of
+which the old gentleman gave my Alfred the date of Cabrion's departure,
+with the address of the office from which he started."
+
+"And I had the unhoped-for satisfaction of reading on the ticket, 'M.
+Cabrion, artist in painting, departs for Strasburg, and further, by the
+company's diligence.' The hour named was for this morning. I need not
+say I was in the inn yard with my wife."
+
+"And there we saw the rascal take his seat on the box beside the
+driver."
+
+"Just as the vehicle was set in motion Cabrion perceived me, turned
+around, and cried,'Yours for ever! I go to return no more.' Thank
+heaven! The loud blast of the guard's horn nearly drowned these familiar
+and insulting words, as well as any others he might have intended to
+utter. But I pity and forgive the wretched man,--I can afford to be
+generous, for I am delivered from the bane and misery of my life."
+
+"Depend upon it, M. Pipelet," said Rigolette, endeavouring to restrain a
+loud fit of laughter,--"depend upon it, you will see him no more. But
+listen to me, and I will tell you something I am sure you are ignorant
+of and which it will be almost difficult for you to credit. What do you
+think of our M. Rodolph not being what we took him for, but a prince in
+disguise,--a royal highness!"
+
+"Go along with you!" said Anastasie. "That is a joke!"
+
+"Oh, but really," cried Rigolette, "I am not joking; it is as true
+as--as--that I am married to my dear Germain."
+
+"Goodness gracious me!" exclaimed Anastasie. "My king of lodgers a royal
+highness! Oh, dear, here's a pretty go! And I asked him to mind the
+lodge for me. Oh, pardon! Pardon! Pardon!" And then, carried away by the
+excess of her reverence and regret for having so undervalued a prince,
+though a disguised one, Madame Pipelet placed her cap on her head, as
+though she imagined herself in the presence of royalty.
+
+Alfred, on the contrary, manifested his respect for royalty in a manner
+diametrically the reverse of the form adopted by his wife. Snatching off
+his hat, that hat which had never before been seen to quit his head, he
+commenced bowing to empty space, as though standing in the presence of
+the august personage he apostrophised, while he exclaimed, "Have I,
+then, been honoured by a visit from royalty? Has my poor lodge been so
+far favoured? And to think of his illustrious eyes having seen me in my
+bed, when driven thither by the vile conduct of Cabrion!"
+
+At this moment Madame Georges, turning around, cried out:
+
+"My children, the doctor comes."
+
+Doctor Herbin, the individual alluded to, was a man of about the middle
+age, with a countenance expressive of great kindness and benevolence,
+united to extreme skill and penetration in discovering the extent of
+malady with which his unfortunate patients were affected. His voice,
+naturally harmonious, assumed a tone of gentle suavity when he spoke to
+the poor lunatics; who, however bereft of reason, seemed always to
+listen with peculiar delight to his soft, soothing words, which
+frequently had the effect of subduing the invariable irritability
+attendant on this fearful complaint. M. Herbin had been among the first
+to substitute, in his treatment of madness, sympathy and commiseration
+for the frightful remedies ordinarily employed. He abandoned the
+coercive system, so repugnant to every principle of humanity, for kind
+words, conciliating looks, and a ready attention to every request that
+could reasonably be granted. He banished chains, whips, drenching with
+cold water, and even solitary confinement, except in cases of urgent
+necessity.
+
+"Monsieur," said Madame Georges, addressing the doctor, "I have ventured
+hither with my son and daughter, although personally unknown to M.
+Morel; but my interest in his unfortunate state made me desirous of
+witnessing the experiment you are about to make to restore his reason.
+You have every hope of succeeding, have you not?"
+
+"I certainly reckon much, madame, on the good effects likely to be
+produced by the sight of his daughter and the persons he has been in the
+constant habit of seeing."
+
+"When my husband was arrested," said Morel's wife, pointing to
+Rigolette, "our kind young friend here was nursing me and my children."
+
+"And my father knew M. Germain quite well," said Louise; then directing
+the attention of M. Herbin to Alfred and Anastasie, she added, "Monsieur
+and madame here were porters at the house, and assisted our family to
+the utmost of their ability."
+
+"I am greatly obliged to you, my worthy friend," said the doctor,
+addressing Alfred, "for quitting your occupation to come hither; but I
+see by your amiable countenance that you have cheerfully sacrificed your
+time to visit your poor lodger here."
+
+"Sir-r!" replied Pipelet, gravely bowing. "Men should help each other in
+this sublunary world, and remember that all are brothers; added to which
+your unfortunate patient was the very cream and essence of an honest
+man, and therefore do I respect him."
+
+"If you are not afraid, madame," said Doctor Herbin to Madame Georges,
+"of the sight of the poor creatures here, we will cross some of the
+yards leading to that part of the building where I have deemed it
+advisable to remove Morel, instead of allowing him to accompany the
+others to the farm as usual."
+
+"The farm!" exclaimed Madame Georges. "Have you a farm here?"
+
+"Your surprise is perfectly natural, madame. Yes, we have a farm, the
+produce of which is most serviceable to the establishment, although
+entirely worked by the patients."
+
+"Is it possible? Can you make these lunatics work, and allow them to be
+at liberty while they do so?"
+
+"Certainly; exercise, the calm tranquillity of the fields, with the
+aspect of nature, are among our most certain means of cure. Only one
+keeper goes with them, and we have rarely had an instance of any patient
+endeavouring to get away; they are delighted to be employed, and the
+trifling reward they gain serves still to improve their condition, by
+enabling them to purchase different little indulgences. But we have
+reached the gate conducting to one of these courts." Then perceiving a
+slight appearance of alarm on the countenance of Madame Georges, the
+doctor added, "Lay aside all apprehension, madame; in a very few minutes
+you will feel as tranquil as I do myself."
+
+"I follow you, sir. Come, my children."
+
+"Anastasie," whispered Pipelet, "when I think that, had the persecutions
+of that odious Cabrion continued, your poor dear Alfred might have
+become mad, like the unhappy wretches we are about to behold, clad in
+the most wild and singular state, chained up by the middle, or confined
+in dens like the wild beasts in the 'Jardin des Plantes--'"
+
+"Oh, bless your dear old heart, don't talk of such a thing! La! I've
+heard say that them as has gone mad for love are for all the world like
+born devils directly they see a woman; dashing against the bars of their
+dens, and making all sorts of horrid noises, till the keepers are
+forced to flog them till they drop, or else turn great taps of water on
+their heads before they can quiet them."
+
+"Anastasie," rejoined Pipelet, gravely, "I desire you will not go too
+close to these dreadful creatures, an accident so soon happens."
+
+"Besides," answered Anastasie, with a tone of sentimental melancholy,
+"poor things, I have no business to show myself just for the sake of
+tantalising them. 'Tis woman's beauty and fascination reduces them to
+this horrid state. I declare I feel a cold shudder creep over me as I
+reflect that, perhaps, if I had refused to make you a happy man, Alfred,
+you might at this very minute be raving mad for love, and shut up in one
+of these dens, roaring out the moment you caught sight of a woman; while
+as it is, my poor old duck is glad to get out of the way of the naughty
+females that will be trying to make him notice them."
+
+"'Tis true, my modesty is easily alarmed. But, Anastasie, the door
+opens, I tremble with dread of what we are about to witness; no doubt
+the most hideous looking people, and all sorts of dreadful noises,
+rattling of chains, and grinding of teeth."
+
+The door being opened admitted them into a long courtyard, planted with
+rows of trees, under which benches were placed. On each side was a
+well-constructed and spacious portico, or covered stone terrace, with
+which a range of large, airy cells communicated. A number of men, all
+alike clad in a gray dress, were walking, talking, or conversing in this
+pleasant retreat, while others were seated on the benches, enjoying the
+refreshing shade and fresh open air.
+
+At the sight of Doctor Herbin a number of the unfortunate lunatics
+pressed around him, with every manifestation of joy and delight,
+extending to him their hands with an expression of grateful confidence,
+to which he cordially responded, by saying:
+
+"Good day--good day, my worthy fellows! I am glad to see you all so well
+and happy."
+
+Some of the poor lunatics, too far from the doctor to be able to seize
+his hand, ventured, with a sort of timid hesitation, to offer theirs to
+the persons who were with him.
+
+"Good morning, friends," said Germain, shaking hands in a manner so
+cordial as to fill the unfortunate beings with happiness.
+
+"Are these the mad patients?" inquired Madame Georges.
+
+"Nearly the worst belonging to the establishment," answered the doctor,
+smiling; "they are permitted to be together during the day, but at night
+they are locked up in the cells you see there."
+
+"Can it be possible that these men are really mad! But when are they
+violent?"
+
+"Generally at the first outbreak of their malady, when they are brought
+here. After a short time the soothing treatment they experience, with
+the society of their companions, calms and amuses them, so that their
+paroxysms become milder and less frequent, until at length, by the
+blessing of God, they recover their senses."
+
+"What are those individuals talking so earnestly about?" inquired Madame
+Georges. "One of them seems referring to a blind man, who, in addition
+to the loss of sight, seems likewise deprived of speech and reason. Have
+you such a one among your patients, or is the existence of this person
+but a mere coinage of the brain?"
+
+"Unhappily, madame, it is a fact but too true, and the history connected
+with it is a most singular one. The blind man concerning whom you
+inquire was found in a low haunt in the Champs Elysées, in which a gang
+of robbers and murderers of the worst description were apprehended; this
+wretched object was discovered, chained in the midst of an underground
+cave, and beside him lay stretched the dead body of a woman, so
+horribly mutilated that it was wholly impossible to attempt to identify
+it. The man himself was hideously ugly, his features being quite
+destroyed by the application of vitriol. He has never uttered a single
+word since he came hither; whether his dumbness be real or affected I
+know not, for, strange to say, his paroxysms always occur during the
+night, and when I am absent, so as to baffle all conjecture as to his
+real situation; but his madness seems occasioned by violent rage, the
+cause of which we cannot find out, for, as I before observed, he never
+speaks or utters an articulate sound. But here he is."
+
+The whole of the party accompanying the doctor started with horror at
+the sight of the Schoolmaster, for he it was, who merely feigned being
+dumb and mad to procure his own safety. The dead body found beside him
+was that of the Chouette, whom he had murdered, not during a paroxysm of
+madness, but while under the influence of such a burning fever of the
+brain as had produced the fearful dream he had dreamed the night he
+passed at the farm of Bouqueval.
+
+After his apprehension in the vaults of the tavern in the Champs
+Elysées, the Schoolmaster had awakened from his delirium to find himself
+a prisoner in one of the cells of the Conciergerie, where mad persons
+are temporarily placed under restraint. Hearing all about him speak of
+him as a raving and dangerous lunatic, he resolved to continue to enact
+the part, and even feigned absolute dumbness for the purpose of avoiding
+the chance of any questions being attempted to be put to him.
+
+His scheme succeeded. When removed to Bicêtre he affected occasional
+fits of furious madness, taking care always to select the night for
+these outrageous bursts, the better to escape the vigilant eye of the
+head surgeon; the house doctor, hastily summoned, never arriving in time
+to witness either the beginning or ending of these attacks.
+
+The few of his accomplices who knew either his name, or the fact of his
+having escaped from the galleys at Rochefort, were ignorant of what had
+become of him; and even if they did, what interest could they have in
+denouncing him? Neither would it have been possible to establish his
+identity--burnt and mutilated as he was--with the daring felon of
+Rochefort. He hoped, therefore, by continuing to act the part of a
+madman, to be permitted to abide permanently at Bicêtre; such was now
+the only desire of the wretch, unable longer to indulge his appetite for
+sinful and violent deeds.
+
+During the solitude in which he lived in Bras Rouge's cellar, remorse
+gradually insinuated itself into his strong heart; and, cut off from all
+communication with the outer world, his thoughts fled inwards, and
+presented him with ghastly images of those he had destroyed, till his
+brain burned with its own excited torture.
+
+And thus this miserable creature, still in the full vigour and strength
+of manhood, before whom were, doubtless, long years of life, and
+enjoying the undisturbed possession of his reason, was condemned to
+linger out the remainder of his days as a self-imposed mute, and in the
+company of fools and madmen; or if his imposition was discovered, his
+murderous deeds would conduct him to a scaffold, or condemn him to
+perpetual banishment among a set of villains, for whom his newly
+awakened penitence made him feel the utmost horror.
+
+The Schoolmaster was sitting on a bench; a mass of grizzled, tangled
+locks hung around his huge and hideous head; leaning his elbow on his
+knee, he supported his cheek in his hand. Spite of his sightless eyes
+and mutilated features, the revolting countenance still expressed the
+most bitter and overwhelming despair.
+
+"Dear mother," observed Germain, "what a wretched looking object is this
+unfortunate blind man!"
+
+[Illustration: "The Schoolmaster Was Sitting on a Bench"
+Original Etching by Porteau]
+
+"Oh, yes, my son!" answered Madame Georges; "it makes one's heart ache
+to behold a fellow creature so heavily afflicted. I know not when
+anything has so completely shocked me as the sight of this deplorable
+being."
+
+Scarcely had Madame Georges given utterance to these words than the
+Schoolmaster started, and his countenance, even despite its cicatrised
+and disfigured state, became of an ashy paleness. He rose and turned his
+head in the direction of Madame Georges so suddenly that she could not
+refrain from faintly screaming, though wholly unsuspicious of who the
+frightful creature really was; but the Schoolmaster's ear had readily
+detected the voice of his wife, and her words told him she was
+addressing her son.
+
+"Mother!" inquired Germain, "what ails you? Are you ill?"
+
+"Nothing, my son; but the sudden movement made by that man terrified me.
+Indeed, sir," continued she, addressing the doctor, "I begin to feel
+sorry I allowed my curiosity to bring me hither."
+
+"Nay, dear mother, just for once to see such a place cannot hurt you!"
+
+"I tell you what, Germain," interposed Rigolette, "I don't feel very
+comfortable myself; and I promise you neither your mother nor I will
+desire to come here again--it is too affecting!"
+
+"Nonsense! You are a little coward! Is she not, M. le Docteur?"
+
+"Why, really," answered M. Herbin, "I must confess that the sight of
+this blind lunatic affects even me, who am accustomed to such things."
+
+"What a scarecrow, old ducky! Isn't he?" whispered Anastasie; "but, la!
+to my eyes every man looks as hideous as this dreadful blind creature in
+comparison with you, and that is why no one can ever boast of my having
+granted him the least liberty,--don't you see, Alfred?"
+
+"I tell you what, Anastasie," replied Pipelet, "I shall dream of this
+frightful figure. I know he will give me an attack of nightmare. I
+won't eat tripe for supper till I have quite forgot him."
+
+"And how do you find yourself now, friend?" asked the doctor of the
+Schoolmaster; but he asked in vain, no attempt was made to reply. "Come,
+come!" continued the doctor, tapping him lightly on the shoulder, "I am
+sure you hear what I say; try to make me a sign at least, or
+speak,--something tells me you can if you will!"
+
+But the only answer made to this address was by the Schoolmaster
+suddenly drooping his head, while from the sightless eyes rolled a tear.
+
+"He weeps!" exclaimed the doctor.
+
+"Poor creature!" murmured Germain, in a compassionate tone.
+
+The Schoolmaster shuddered; again he heard the voice of his son,
+breathing forth commiseration for his wretched, though unknown parent.
+
+"What is the matter?" inquired the doctor; "what is it grieves you?"
+
+But, without taking any notice of him, the Schoolmaster hid his face
+with his hands.
+
+"We shall make nothing of him," said the doctor. Then, perceiving how
+painfully this scene appeared to affect Madame Georges, he added, "Now,
+then, madame, we will go to Morel, and, if my expectations are
+fulfilled, you will be amply rewarded for the pain you have felt
+hitherto, in witnessing the joy of so good a husband and father in being
+restored to his family."
+
+With these words the doctor, followed by the party that had accompanied
+him, proceeded on his way, leaving the Schoolmaster a prey to his own
+distracting thoughts, the most bitter of which was the certainty of
+having heard his son's voice, and that of his wife, for the last time.
+Aware of the just horror with which he inspired them, the misery, shame,
+and affright with which they would have heard the disclosure of his name
+made him prefer a thousand deaths to such a revelation. One only, but
+great, consolation remained in the certainty of having awakened the pity
+of his son; and, with this thought to comfort him, the miserable being
+determined to endure his sufferings with repentance and submission.
+
+"We are now about to pass by the yard appropriated to the use of the
+idiot patients," said the doctor, stopping before a large grated door,
+through which the poor idiotic beings might be seen huddled together,
+with every appearance of the most distressing imbecility.
+
+Spite of Madame Georges's recent agitation, she could not refrain from
+casting a glance through the railing.
+
+"Poor creatures!" said she, in a gentle, pitying voice; "how dreadful to
+think their sufferings are hopeless! for I presume there is no remedy
+for such an affliction as theirs?"
+
+"Alas, none, madame!" replied the doctor. "But I must not allow you to
+dwell too long on this mournful picture of human misery. We have now
+arrived at the place where I expect to find Morel, whom I desired should
+be left entirely alone, in order to produce a more startling effect in
+the little project on which I build my hopes for his restoration to
+reason."
+
+"What idea principally occupies his mind?" asked Madame Georges.
+
+"He believes that if he cannot earn thirteen hundred francs by his day's
+work, in order to pay off a debt contracted with one Ferrand, a notary,
+his daughter will perish on a scaffold."
+
+"That man Ferrand was, indeed, a monster!" exclaimed Madame Georges;
+"poor Louise Morel and her father were not the only victims to his
+villainy, he has persecuted my son with the bitterest animosity."
+
+"I have heard the whole story from Louise," replied the doctor. "Happily
+the wretch can no more wring your hearts with agony. But be so good as
+to await me here while I go to ascertain the state of Morel." Then,
+addressing Louise, he added, "You must carefully watch for my calling
+out 'Come!' Appear instantly; but let it be alone. When I call out
+'Come!' for the second time, the rest of the party may make their
+appearance."
+
+"Alas, sir, my heart begins to fail me!" replied Louise, endeavouring to
+suppress her tears. "My poor father! What if the present trial fail!"
+
+"Nay, nay, keep up your courage! I am most sanguine of success in the
+scheme I have long meditated for the restoration of your father's
+reason. Now, then, all you have to do for the present is carefully to
+attend to my directions." So saying, the doctor, quitting his party,
+entered a small chamber, whose grated window looked into the garden.
+
+Thanks to rest, care, sufficiency of nourishing diet, Morel was no
+longer the pale, careworn, haggard creature that had entered those
+walls; the tinge of health began to colour his before jaundiced cheek,
+but a melancholy smile, a fixed, motionless gaze, as though on some
+object for ever present to his mental view, proved too plainly that
+Reason had not entirely resumed her empire over him.
+
+When the doctor entered, Morel was sitting at a table, imitating the
+movements of a lapidary at his wheel.
+
+"I must work," murmured he, "and hard, too. Thirteen hundred francs! Ay,
+thirteen hundred is the sum required, or poor Louise will be dragged to
+a scaffold! That must not be! No, no, her father will work--work--work!
+Thirteen hundred francs! Right!"
+
+"Morel, my good fellow," said the doctor, gently advancing towards him,
+"don't work so very hard; there is no occasion now, you know that you
+have earned the thirteen hundred francs you required to free Louise.
+See, here they are!" and with these words the doctor laid a handful of
+gold on the table.
+
+"Saved! Louise saved!" exclaimed the lapidary, catching up the money,
+and hurrying towards the door; "then I will carry it at once to the
+notary."
+
+"Come!" called out the doctor, in considerable trepidation, for well he
+knew the success of his experiment depended on the manner in which the
+mind of the lapidary received its first shock.
+
+Scarcely had the doctor pronounced the signal than Louise sprang
+forwards, and presented herself at the door just as her father reached
+it. Bewildered and amazed, Morel let fall the gold he clutched in his
+hands, and retreated in visible surprise. For some minutes he continued
+gazing on his daughter with a stupefied and vacant stare, but by degrees
+his memory seemed to awaken, and, cautiously approaching her, he
+examined her features with a timid and restless curiosity.
+
+Poor Louise, trembling with emotion, could scarcely restrain her tears;
+but a sign from the doctor made her exert herself to repress any
+manifestation of feeling calculated to disturb the progress of her
+parent's thoughts.
+
+Meanwhile Morel, bending over his daughter, and peering, with uneasy
+scrutiny, into her countenance, became very pale, pressed his hands to
+his brows, and then wiped away the large damp drops that had gathered
+there. Drawing closer and closer to the agitated girl, he strove to
+speak to her, but the words expired on his lips. His paleness increased,
+and he gazed around him with the bewildered air of a person awakening
+from a troubled dream.
+
+"Good, good!" whispered the doctor to Louise; "now, when I say 'Come,'
+throw yourself into his arms and call him 'father!'"
+
+The lapidary, pressing his two hands on his breast, again commenced
+examining the individual before him from head to foot, as if determined
+to satisfy his mind as to her identity. His features expressed a painful
+uncertainty, and, instead of continuing to watch the features of his
+daughter, he seemed as if trying to hide himself from her sight, saying,
+in a low, murmuring, broken tone:
+
+"No, no! It is a dream! Where am I? It is impossible! I dream,--it
+cannot be she!" Then, observing the gold strewed on the floor, he cried,
+"And this gold! I do not remember,--am I then awake? Oh, my head is
+dizzy! I dare not look,--I am ashamed! She is not my Louise!"
+
+"Come!" cried the doctor, in a loud voice.
+
+"Father! Dearest father!" exclaimed Louise. "Do you not know your
+child,--your poor Louise?" And as she said these words she threw herself
+on the lapidary's neck, while the doctor motioned for the rest of the
+group to advance.
+
+"Gracious heavens!" exclaimed Morel, while Louise loaded him with
+caresses. "Where am I? What has happened to me? Who are all these
+persons? Oh, I cannot--dare not believe the reality of what I see!"
+
+Then, after a short silence, he abruptly took the head of Louise between
+his two hands, gazed earnestly and searchingly at her for some moments,
+then cried, in a voice tremulous with emotion, "Louise?"
+
+"He is saved!" said the doctor.
+
+"My dear Morel,--my dear husband!" exclaimed the lapidary's wife,
+mingling her caresses with those of her daughter.
+
+"My wife! My child and wife both here!" cried Morel.
+
+"Pray don't overlook the rest of your friends, M. Morel," said
+Rigolette, advancing; "see, we have all come to visit you at once!"
+
+"I for one am delighted to renew my acquaintance with the worthy M.
+Morel," said Germain, coming forward and extending his hand.
+
+"And your old acquaintances at the lodge beg that they may not be
+overlooked," chimed in Anastasie, leading Alfred up to the astonished
+and delighted lapidary. "You know us, don't you, M. Morel,--the
+Pipelets--the hearty old Pipelets, and your everlasting friends? Come,
+pluck up courage, and look about you, M. Morel! Hang it all, Daddy
+Morel, here's a happy meeting! May we see many such! _Ail-l-l-l-ez
+donc!_"
+
+"M. Pipelet and his wife! Everybody here! It seems to me so long
+since--but--but no matter--'tis you, Louise, my child--'tis you, is it
+not?" exclaimed he, joyfully pressing his daughter in his arms.
+
+"Oh, yes, my dearest father, 'tis your own poor Louise! And there is my
+mother; here are all our kind friends. You will never quit us more,
+never know sorrow or care again, and henceforward we shall all be happy
+and prosperous!"
+
+"Happy? Let me try and recollect a little of past things. I seem to have
+a faint recollection of your being taken to prison--and--and then,
+Louise, all seems a blank and confusion here," continued Morel, pressing
+his hand to his temples.
+
+"Never mind all that, dearest father! I am here and innocent,--let that
+comfort and console you."
+
+"Stay, stay! That note of hand I gave! Ah, now I remember it all!" cried
+the lapidary, with shuddering horror. Then, in a voice of assumed
+calmness, he said, "And what has become of the notary?"
+
+"He is dead, dearest father," murmured Louise.
+
+"Dead? He dead? Then indeed I may hope for happiness! But where am I?
+How came I here? How long have I left my home, and wherefore was I
+brought hither? I have no recollection of any of these things!"
+
+"You were extremely ill," said the doctor, "and you were brought here
+for air and good nursing. You have had a severe fever, and been at times
+a little lightheaded."
+
+"Yes, yes, I recollect now; and when I was taken ill I remember I was
+talking with my daughter, and some other person,--who could it be? Ah,
+now I know!--a kind, good man, named M. Rodolph, who saved me from being
+arrested. Afterwards, strange to say, I cannot recall a single
+circumstance."
+
+"Your illness was attended with an entire absence of memory," said the
+doctor.
+
+"And in whose house am I now?"
+
+"In that of your friend, M. Rodolph," interposed Germain, hastily; "it
+was thought that country air would be serviceable to you, and promote
+your recovery."
+
+"Excellent!" said the doctor, in a low tone; then speaking to a keeper
+who stood near him, he said, "Send the coach around to the garden-gate
+to prevent the necessity of taking our recovered patient through the
+different courts, filled with those less fortunate than himself."
+
+As frequently occurs in cases of madness, Morel had not the least idea
+or recollection of the aberration of intellect under which he had
+suffered.
+
+Shortly afterwards, Morel, with his wife and daughter, ascended the
+_fiacre_, attended also by a surgeon of the establishment, who, for
+precaution's sake, was charged to see him comfortably settled in his
+abode ere he left him; and in this order, and followed by a second
+carriage, conveying their friends, the lapidary quitted Bicêtre without
+entertaining the most remote suspicion of ever having entered it.
+
+"And do you consider this poor man effectually cured?" asked Madame
+Georges of the doctor, as he led her to the coach.
+
+"I hope so, at least; and I wished to leave him wholly to the beneficial
+effects of rejoining his family, from whom it would now be almost
+dangerous to attempt to separate him; added to which, one of my pupils
+will remain with him and give the necessary directions for his regimen
+and treatment. I shall visit him myself daily, until his cure is
+confirmed, for not only do I feel much interested in him, but he was
+most particularly recommended to me when he first came here by the
+_chargé d'affaires_ of the Grand Duke of Gerolstein."
+
+A look of intelligence was exchanged between Germain and his mother.
+
+Much affected with all they had seen and heard, the party now took leave
+of the doctor, reiterating their gratification at having been present
+during so gratifying a scene, and their grateful acknowledgments for the
+politeness he had shown them in conducting them over the establishment.
+
+As the doctor was reëntering the house, he was met by one of the
+superior officers of the place, who said to him,--
+
+"Ah, my dear M. Herbin, you cannot imagine the scene I have just
+witnessed; it would have afforded an inexhaustible fund of reflection
+for so skilful an observer as yourself."
+
+"To what do you allude?"
+
+"You are aware that we have here two females, a mother and a daughter,
+who are condemned to death, and that their execution is fixed for
+to-morrow. Well, in my life, I never witnessed such a cool indifference
+as that displayed by the mother; she must be a female fiend!"
+
+"You allude to the Widow Martial, I presume; what fresh act of daring
+has she committed?"
+
+"You shall hear. She had requested permission to share her daughter's
+cell until the final moment arrived; her wish was complied with. Her
+daughter, far less hardened than her parent, appeared to feel contrition
+as the hour of execution approached, while the diabolical assurance of
+the old woman seemed, if possible, to augment. Just now the venerable
+chaplain of the prison entered their dungeon to offer to them the
+consolations of religion. The daughter was about to accept them, when
+the mother, without for one instant losing her coolness or frigid
+self-possession, began to assail the chaplain with such insulting and
+derisive language that the venerable priest was compelled to quit the
+cell, after trying in vain to induce the violent and unmanageable woman
+to listen to one word he said.
+
+"It is a fearful fact connected with this family that a sort of
+depravity seems to pervade it. The father was executed, a son is now in
+the galleys, a second has only escaped a public and disgraceful end by
+flight; while the eldest son and two young children have alone been able
+to resist this atmosphere of moral contagion.
+
+"What a singular circumstance connected with this double execution it is
+that the day of mid-Lent should have been selected. At seven o'clock
+to-morrow, the hour fixed, the streets will be filled with groups of
+masqueraders, who, having passed the night at the different balls and
+places of entertainment beyond the barriers, will be just returning
+home; added to which, at the place of execution, the Barrière St.
+Jacques, the noise of the revels still being kept up in honour of the
+carnival can be distinctly heard."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following morning's sun rose bright and cloudless. At four o'clock
+in the morning various troops of soldiers surrounded the approaches to
+Bicêtre.
+
+We shall now return to Calabash and her mother in their dungeon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE TOILET.
+
+
+The condemned cell of Bicêtre was situated at the end of a gloomy
+passage, into which a trifling portion of light and air was admitted by
+means of small gratings let into the lower part of the wall. The cell
+itself would have been wholly dark but for a kind of wicket, let into
+the upper part of the door, which opened into the corridor before
+mentioned.
+
+In this wretched dungeon, whose crumbling ceiling, damp, mouldy walls,
+and stone-paved floor struck a death-chill like that of the grave, were
+confined the Widow Martial, and her daughter Calabash.
+
+The harsh, angular features of the widow stood out amidst the imperfect
+light of the place, cold, pale, and immovable as those of a marble
+statue. Deprived of the use of her hands, which were fastened beneath
+her black dress by the strait-waistcoat of the prison, formed of coarse
+gray cloth and tightly secured behind her, she requested her cap might
+be taken off, complaining of an oppression and burning sensation in her
+head; this done, a mass of long, grizzled hair fell over her shoulders.
+
+Seated at the side of her bed, she gazed earnestly and fixedly at her
+daughter, who was separated from her by the width of the dungeon, and,
+wearing like her mother the customary strait-waistcoat, was partly
+reclining and partly supporting herself against the wall, her head bent
+forward on her breast, her eye dull and motionless, and her breathing
+quick and irregular. From time to time a convulsive tremor rattled her
+lower jaw, while her features, spite of their livid hue, remained
+comparatively calm and tranquil.
+
+Within the cell, and immediately beneath the wicket of the entrance
+door, was seated an old, gray-headed soldier, whose rough, sunburnt
+features betokened his having felt the scorch of many climes, and borne
+his part in numerous campaigns. His duty was to keep constant watch over
+the condemned prisoners.
+
+"How piercing cold it is here!" exclaimed Calabash; "yet my eyes burn in
+my head, and I have a burning, quenchless thirst!" Then addressing the
+bald-headed veteran, she said, "Water! Pray give me a drink of water!"
+
+The old soldier filled a cup of water from a pitcher placed near him,
+and held it to her lips. Eagerly swallowing the draught, she bowed her
+head in token of thankfulness, and the soldier proceeded to offer the
+same beverage to the mother.
+
+"Would you not like to moisten your lips?" asked he, kindly.
+
+With a rough, repulsive gesture, she intimated her disinclination, and
+the old man sat down again.
+
+"What's o'clock?" inquired Calabash.
+
+"Nearly half past four," replied the soldier.
+
+"Only three hours!" replied Calabash, with a sinister and gloomy smile.
+"Three hours more! And then--" She could proceed no further.
+
+The widow shrugged up her shoulders. Her daughter divined her meaning,
+and said, "Ah, mother, you have so much more courage than I have,--you
+never give way, you don't."
+
+"Never!"
+
+"I see it, and I know you too well to expect it. You look at this moment
+as calm and collected as if we were sitting sewing by our own fireside.
+Ah! those happy days are gone,--gone forever!"
+
+"Folly! Why prate thus?"
+
+"Nay, mother, I cannot bear to rest shut up with my own wretched
+thoughts! It relieves my heart to talk of bygone times, when I little
+expected to come to this."
+
+"Mean, cowardly creature!"
+
+"I know I am a coward, mother. I am afraid to die! Every one cannot
+boast of your resolution. I do not possess it. I have tried as much as I
+could to imitate you. I refused to listen to the priest because you did
+not like it. Still I may have been wrong in sending the holy man away;
+for," added the wretched creature, with a shudder, "who can tell what is
+after death? Mother, do you hear me? After, I say! And it only wants--"
+
+"Exactly three hours, and you will know all about it!"
+
+"How can you speak so indifferently on such a dreadful subject? Yet true
+enough; in three short hours, we who now sit talking to each other, who,
+if at liberty, should ail nothing, but be ready to enjoy life, must die.
+Oh, mother, can you not say one word to comfort me?"
+
+"Be bold, girl, and die as you have lived, a true Martial!"
+
+"You should not talk thus to your daughter," interposed the old soldier,
+with a serious air; "you would have acted more like a parent had you
+allowed her to listen to the priest when he came."
+
+Again the widow contemptuously shrugged her shoulders, and, without
+deigning to notice the soldier further than by bestowing on him a look
+of withering contempt, she repeated to Calabash:
+
+"Pluck up your courage, my girl, and let the world see that women have
+more courage than men, with their priests and cowardly nonsense!"
+
+"General Leblond was one of the bravest officers of the regiment he
+belonged to. Well, this dauntless man fell at the siege of Saragossa,
+covered with wounds, and his last expiring act was to sign himself with
+the cross," said the veteran. "I served under him. I only tell you this
+to prove that to die with a prayer on our lips is no sign of cowardice!"
+
+Calabash eyed the bronzed features of the speaker with deep attention.
+The scarred and weather-beaten countenance of the old man told of a life
+passed in scenes of danger and of death, encountered with calm bravery.
+To hear those wrinkled lips urging the necessity of prayer, and
+associating religion with the memory of the good and valiant, made the
+miserable, vacillating culprit think that, after all, there could be no
+cowardice in recommending one's soul to the God who gave it, and
+breathing a repentant supplication for the past.
+
+"Alas, alas!" cried she. "Why did I not attend to what the priest had to
+say to me? It could not have done me any harm, and it might have given
+me courage to face that dreadful afterwards, that makes death so
+terrible."
+
+"What! Again?" exclaimed the widow, with bitter contempt. "'Tis a pity
+time does not permit of your becoming a nun! The arrival of your brother
+Martial will complete your conversion; but that honest man and excellent
+son will think it sinful to come and receive the last wishes of his
+dying mother!"
+
+As the widow uttered these last words, the huge lock of the prison was
+heard to turn with a loud sound, and then the door to open.
+
+"So soon!" shrieked Calabash, with a convulsive bound. "Surely the time
+here is wrong,--it cannot be the hour we were told! Oh, mother! Mother!
+Must we die at least two hours before we expected?"
+
+"So much the better if the executioner's watch deceives me! It will put
+an end to your whining folly, which disgraces the name you bear!"
+
+"Madame," said an officer of the prison, gently opening the door, "your
+son is here,--will you see him?"
+
+"Yes," replied the widow, without turning her head.
+
+Martial entered the cell, the door of which was left open that those
+without in the corridor might be within hearing, if summoned by the old
+soldier, who still remained with the prisoners.
+
+Through the gloom of the corridor, lighted only by the faint beams of
+the early morning, and the dubious twinkling of a single lamp, several
+soldiers and gaolers might be seen, the former standing in due military
+order, the later sitting on benches.
+
+Martial looked as pale and ghastly as his mother, while his features
+betrayed the mental agony he suffered at witnessing so afflicting a
+sight. Still, spite of all it cost him, as well as the recollection of
+his mother's crimes and openly expressed aversion for himself, he had
+felt it imperatively his duty to come and receive her last commands. No
+sooner was he in the dungeon than the widow, fixing on him a sharp,
+penetrating look, said, in a tone of concentrated wrath and bitterness,
+with a view to rouse all the evil passions of her son's mind:
+
+"Well, you see what the good people are going to do with your mother and
+sister!"
+
+"Ah, mother, how dreadful! Alas, alas! Have I not warned you that such
+would be the end--"
+
+Interrupting him, while her lips became blanched with rage, the widow
+exclaimed:
+
+"Enough! 'Tis sufficient that your mother and sister are about to be
+murdered, as your father was!"
+
+"Merciful God!" cried Martial. "And to think that I have no power to
+prevent it! 'Tis past all human interference. What would you have me do?
+Alas! Had you or my sister attended to what I said, you would not now
+have been here."
+
+"Oh, no doubt!" returned the widow, with her usual tone of savage irony.
+"To you the spectacle of mine and your sister's sufferings is a matter
+of delight to your proud heart; you can now tell the world without a
+lie that your mother is dead,--you will have to blush for her no more!"
+
+"Had I been wanting in my duty as a son," answered Martial, indignant at
+the unjust sarcasms of his mother, "I should not now be here."
+
+"You came but from curiosity! Own the truth if you dare!"
+
+"No, mother! You desired to see me, and I obeyed your wish."
+
+"Ah, Martial," cried Calabash, unable longer to struggle against the
+agonising terror she endured, "had I but listened to your advice,
+instead of being led by my mother, I should not be here!" Then losing
+all further control of herself, she exclaimed, "'Tis all your fault,
+accursed mother! Your bad example and evil counsel have brought me to
+what I am!"
+
+"Do you hear her?" said the widow, bursting into a fiendish laugh.
+"Come, this will repay you for the trouble of paying us a last visit!
+Your excellent sister has turned pious, repents of her own sins, and
+curses her mother!"
+
+Without making any reply to this unnatural speech, Martial approached
+Calabash, whose dying agonies seemed to have commenced, and, regarding
+her with deep compassion, said:
+
+"My poor sister! Alas, it is now too late to recall the past!"
+
+"It is never too late to turn coward, it seems!" cried the widow, with
+savage excitement. "Oh, what a race you are! Happily Nicholas has
+escaped; François and Amandine will slip through your fingers; they have
+already imbibed vice enough, and want and misery will finish them!"
+
+"Oh, Martial," groaned forth Calabash, "for the love of God, take care
+of those two poor children, lest they come to such an end as mother's
+and mine!"
+
+"He may watch over them as much as he likes," cried the widow, with
+settled hatred in her looks, "vice and destitution will have greater
+effect than his words, and some of these days they will avenge their
+father, mother, and sister!"
+
+"Your horrible expectations, mother, will never be fulfilled," replied
+the indignant Martial; "neither my young brother, sister, nor self have
+anything to fear from want. La Louve saved the life of the young girl
+Nicholas tried to drown, and the relations of the young person offered
+us either a large sum of money or a smaller sum and some land at
+Algiers; we preferred the latter, and to-morrow we quit Europe, with the
+children, for ever."
+
+"Is that absolutely true?" asked the widow of Martial, in a tone of
+angry surprise.
+
+"Mother, when did I ever tell you a falsehood?"
+
+"You are doing so now to try and put me into a passion!"
+
+"What, displeased to learn that your children are provided for?"
+
+"Yes, to find that my young wolves are to be turned into lambs, and to
+hear that the blood of father, mother, and sister have no prospect of
+being avenged!"
+
+"Do not talk so--at a moment like this!"
+
+"I have murdered, and am murdered in my turn,--the account is even, at
+any rate."
+
+"Mother, mother, let me beseech you to repent ere you die!"
+
+Again a peal of fiendish laughter burst from the pallid lips of the
+condemned woman.
+
+"For thirty years," cried she, "have I lived in crime; would you have me
+believe that thirty years' guilt is to be repented of in three days,
+with the mind disturbed and distracted by the near approach of death?
+No, no, three days cannot effect such wonders; and I tell you, when my
+head falls its last expression will be rage and hatred!"
+
+"Brother, brother," ejaculated Calabash, whose brain began to wander,
+"help, help! Take me from hence," moaned she in an expiring voice; "they
+are coming to fetch me--to kill me! Oh, hide me, dear brother, hide me,
+and I will love you ever more!"
+
+"Will you hold your tongue?" cried the widow, exasperated at the
+weakness betrayed by her daughter. "Will you be silent? Oh, you base,
+you disgraceful creature! And to think that I should be obliged to call
+myself your parent!"
+
+"Mother," exclaimed Martial, nearly distracted by this horrid scene,
+"will you tell me why you sent for me?"
+
+"Because I thought to give you heart and hatred; but he who has not the
+one cannot entertain the other. Go, coward, go!"
+
+At this moment a loud sound of many footsteps was heard in the corridor;
+the old soldier looked at his watch.
+
+A rich ray of the golden brightness, which marked the rising of that
+day's sun, found its way through the loopholes in the walls, and shed a
+flood of light into the very midst of the wretched cell, rendered now
+completely illumined by means of the opening of the door at the opposite
+end of the passage to that in which the condemned cell was situated. In
+the midst of this blaze of day appeared two gaolers, each bearing a
+chair; an officer also made his appearance, saying to the widow in a
+voice of sympathy:
+
+"Madame, the hour has arrived."
+
+The mother arose on the instant, erect and immovable, while Calabash
+uttered the most piercing cries. Then four more persons entered the
+cell; four of the number, who were very shabbily dressed, bore in their
+hands packets of fine but very strong cord. The taller man of the party
+was dressed in black, with a large cravat; he handed a paper to the
+officer. This individual was the executioner, and the paper a receipt
+signifying his having received two females for the purpose of
+guillotining them. The man then took sole charge of these unhappy
+creatures, and, from that moment, was responsible for them.
+
+To the wild terror and despair which had first seized Calabash, now
+succeeded a kind of stupefaction; and so nearly insensible was she that
+the assistant executioners were compelled to seat her on her bed, and to
+support her when there; her firmly closed jaws scarcely enabled her to
+utter a sound, but her hollow eyes rolled vacantly in their sockets, her
+chin fell listlessly on her breast, and, but for the support of the two
+men, she would have fallen forwards a lifeless, senseless mass.
+
+After having bestowed a last embrace on his wretched sister, Martial
+stood petrified with terror, unable to speak or move, and as though
+perfectly spellbound by the horrible scene before him.
+
+The cool audacity of the widow did not for an instant forsake her; with
+head erect, and firm, collected manner, she assisted in taking off the
+strait-waistcoat she had worn, and which had hitherto fettered her
+movements; this removed, she appeared in an old black stuff dress.
+
+"Where shall I place myself?" asked she, in a clear, steady voice.
+
+"Be good enough to sit down upon one of those chairs," said the
+executioner, pointing to the seats arranged at the entrance of the
+dungeon.
+
+With unfaltering step, the widow prepared to follow the directions given
+her, but as she passed her daughter she said, in a voice that betokened
+some little emotion:
+
+"Kiss me, my child!"
+
+But as the sound of her mother's voice reached her ear, Calabash seemed
+suddenly to wake up from her lethargy, she raised her head, and, with a
+wild and almost frenzied cry, exclaimed:
+
+"Away! Leave me! And if there be a hell, may it receive you!"
+
+"My child," repeated the widow, "let us embrace for the last time!"
+
+"Do not approach me!" cried the distracted girl, violently repulsing her
+mother; "you have been my ruin in this world and the next!"
+
+"Then forgive me, ere I die!"
+
+"Never, never!" exclaimed Calabash; and then, totally exhausted by the
+effort she had made, she sank back in the arms of the assistants.
+
+A cloud passed over the hitherto stern features of the widow, and a
+moisture was momentarily visible on her glowing eyeballs. At this
+instant she encountered the pitying looks of her son. After a trifling
+hesitation, during which she seemed to be undergoing some powerful
+internal conflict, she said:
+
+"And you?"
+
+Sobbing violently, Martial threw himself into his mother's arms.
+
+"Enough!" said the widow, conquering her emotion, and withdrawing
+herself from the close embrace of her son; "I am keeping this gentleman
+waiting," pointing to the executioner; then, hurrying towards a chair,
+she resolutely seated herself, and the gleam of maternal sensibility she
+had exhibited was for ever extinguished.
+
+"Do not stay here," said the old soldier, approaching Martial with an
+air of kindness. "Come this way," continued he, leading him, while
+Martial, stupefied by horror, followed him mechanically.
+
+The almost expiring Calabash having been supported to a chair by the two
+assistants, one sustained her all but inanimate form, while the other
+tied her hands behind with fine but excessively strong whipcord, knotted
+into the most inextricable meshes, while with a cord of the same
+description he secured her feet, allowing her just so much liberty as
+would enable her to proceed slowly to her last destination. The widow
+having borne a similar pinioning with the most imperturbable composure,
+the executioner, drawing from his pocket a pair of huge scissors, said
+to her with considerable civility:
+
+"Be good enough to stoop your head, madame."
+
+Yielding immediate obedience to the request, the widow said:
+
+"We have been good customers to you; you have had my husband in your
+hands, and now you have his wife and daughter!"
+
+Without making any reply, the executioner began to cut the long gray
+hairs of the prisoner very close, especially at the nape of the neck.
+
+"This makes the third time in my life," continued the widow, with a
+dismal smile, "that I have had my head dressed by a professor: when I
+took my first communion the white veil was arranged; then on my
+marriage, when the orange-flowers were placed there; and upon the
+present occasion; upon my word, I hardly know which became me most. You
+cannot guess what I am thinking of?" resumed the widow, addressing the
+executioner, after having again contemplated her daughter.
+
+But the man made her no sort of answer, and no sound was heard but that
+of the scissors, and the sort of convulsive and hysterical sob that
+occasionally escaped from Calabash.
+
+At this moment a venerable priest approached the governor, and addressed
+him in a low, earnest voice, the import of which was to express his
+desire to make another effort to rescue the souls of the condemned.
+
+"I was thinking that at five years old my daughter, whose head you are
+going to cut off, was the prettiest child I ever saw, with her fair hair
+and red cheeks. Who that saw her then would have said that--" She was
+silent for a moment, and then said, with a burst of indescribable
+laughter, "What a farce is destiny!"
+
+At this moment the last of her hair was cut off.
+
+"I have done, madame," said the executioner, politely.
+
+"Many thanks; and I recommend my son Nicholas to you," said the widow;
+"you will cut off his hair some day." A turnkey came in and said a few
+words to her in a low tone. "No,--I have already said no!" she answered,
+angrily.
+
+The priest hearing these words, and seeing any further interference
+useless, immediately withdrew.
+
+"Madame, we are all ready to go. Will you take anything?" inquired the
+executioner, civilly.
+
+"No, I thank you; this evening I shall take a mouthful of earth." And
+after this remark the widow rose firmly. Her hands were tied behind her
+back, and a rope was also attached to each ankle, allowing her
+sufficient liberty to walk. Although her step was firm and resolute, the
+executioner and his assistant offered to support her; but she turned to
+them disdainfully, and said, "Do not touch me, I have a steady eye and a
+firm foot, and they will hear on the scaffold whether or not I have a
+good voice." Calabash was carried away in a dying state.
+
+After having traversed the long corridor, the funereal cortège ascended
+a stone staircase, which led to an exterior court, where was a picquet
+of _gens-d'armes_, a hackney-coach, and a long, narrow carriage with a
+yellow body, drawn by three post-horses, who were neighing loudly.
+
+"We shall not be full inside," said the widow, as she took her seat.
+
+The two vehicles, preceded and followed by the picquet of
+_gens-d'armes_, then quitted the outer gate of Bicêtre, and went quickly
+towards the Boulevard St. Jacques.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+MARTIAL AND THE CHOURINEUR.
+
+
+Before we proceed we have a few words to say as to the acquaintance
+recently established between the Chourineur and Martial.
+
+When Germain had left the prison, the Chourineur proved very easily that
+he had robbed himself; and making a statement of his motive for this
+singular mystification to the magistrate, he was set at liberty, after
+having been severely admonished.
+
+Desirous of recompensing the Chourineur for this fresh act of devotion,
+Rodolph, in order to realise the wishes of his rough protégé, had lodged
+him in the hôtel of the Rue Plumet, promising that he should accompany
+him on his return to Germany.
+
+The Chourineur's blind attachment to Rodolph was like that of a dog for
+his master. When, however, the prince had found his daughter, all was
+changed, and, in spite of his warm gratitude for the man who had saved
+his life, he could not make up his mind to take with him to Germany the
+witness of Fleur-de-Marie's fallen state; yet, determined to carry out
+the Chourineur's wishes, he sent for him, and told him that he had still
+another service to ask of him. At this the Chourineur's countenance
+brightened up; but he was greatly distressed when he learned that he
+must quit the hôtel that very day, and would not accompany the prince to
+Germany.
+
+It is useless to mention the munificent compensations which Rodolph
+offered to the Chourineur,--the money he intended for him, the farm in
+Algeria, anything he could desire. The Chourineur was wounded to the
+heart, refused, and (perhaps for the first time in his life) wept.
+Rodolph was compelled to force his presents on him.
+
+Next day the prince sent for La Louve and Martial, and inquired what he
+could do for them. Remembering what Fleur-de-Marie had told him of the
+wild taste of La Louve and her husband, he proposed to the hardy couple
+either a considerable sum of money, or half the sum and land in full
+cultivation adjoining the farm he had bought for the Chourineur,
+believing that by bringing them together they would sympathise, from
+their desire to seek solitude, the one in consequence of the past, and
+the other from the crimes of his family.
+
+He was not mistaken. Martial and La Louve accepted joyfully; and then,
+talking the matter over with the Chourineur, they all three rejoiced in
+the prospects held out to them in Algeria. A sincere good feeling soon
+united the future colonists. Persons of their class judge quickly of
+each other, and like one another as speedily.
+
+The Chourineur accompanied his new friend Martial to the Bicêtre and
+awaited him in the hackney-coach, which conducted them back to Paris
+after Martial, horror-struck, had left the dungeon of his mother and
+sister.
+
+The countenance of the Chourineur had completely changed; the bold
+expression and jovial humour which usually characterised his harsh
+features had given way to extreme dejection; his voice had lost
+something of its coarseness; a grief of heart, until then unknown to
+him, had broken down his energetic temperament. He looked kindly at
+Martial, and said:
+
+"Courage! You have done all that good intentions could do; it is ended.
+Think now of your wife, and the children whom you have prevented from
+becoming criminals like their father and mother. To-night we leave Paris
+never to return to it, and you will never again hear of what so much
+distresses you now."
+
+"True--true! But, after all, they are my sister and mother!"
+
+"Yes; but when things must be, we must submit!" said the Chourineur,
+checking a deep sigh.
+
+After a moment's silence, Martial said, kindly, "And I ought, in my
+turn, to try and console you who are so sad. My wife and I hope that
+when we have left Paris this will cease."
+
+"Yes," said the Chourineur, with a shudder, "if I leave Paris!"
+
+"Why, we go this evening!"
+
+"Yes,--you do; you go this evening!"
+
+"And have you changed your intention, then?"
+
+"No! Yet, Martial, you'll laugh at me; but yet I will tell you all. If
+anything happens to me it will prove that I am not deceived. When M.
+Rodolph asked if we would go to Algeria together, I told you my mind at
+once, and also what I had been."
+
+"Yes, you did; let us mention it no more. You underwent your punishment,
+and are now as good as any one. But, like myself, I can imagine you
+would like to go and live a long way off, instead of living here, where,
+however honest we may be, they might at times fling in your teeth a
+misdeed you have atoned for and repented, and, in mine, my parents'
+crimes, for which I am by no means responsible. The past is the past
+between us, and we shall never reproach each other."
+
+"With you and me, Martial, the past is the past; but, you see, Martial,
+there is something above,--I have killed a man!"
+
+"A great misfortune, assuredly; but, at the moment, you were out of
+your senses,--mad. And besides, you have since saved the lives of other
+persons, and that will count in your favour."
+
+"I'll tell you why I refer to my misdeed. I used to have a dream, in
+which I saw the sergeant I killed. I have not had it for a long time
+until last night, and that foretells some misfortune for to-day. I have
+a foreboding that I shall not quit Paris."
+
+"Oh, you regret at leaving our benefactor! The thought of coming with me
+to the Bicêtre agitated you; and so your dream recurred to you."
+
+The Chourineur shook his head sorrowfully and said, "It has come to me
+just as M. Rodolph is going to start,--for he goes to-day. Yesterday I
+sent a messenger to his hôtel, not daring to go myself. They sent me
+word that he went this morning at eleven o'clock by the barrier of
+Charenton, and I mean to go and station myself there to try and see him
+once more,--for the last time!"
+
+"He seems so good that I easily understand your love for him."
+
+"Love for him!" said the Chourineur, with deep and concentrated emotion.
+"Yes, yes, Martial,--to lie on the earth, eat black bread, be his dog,
+to be where he was, I asked no more. But that was too much,--he would
+not consent."
+
+"He has been very generous towards you!"
+
+"Yet it is not for that I love him, but because he told me I had heart
+and honour. Yes, and that at a time when I was as fierce as a brute
+beast. And he made me understand what was good in me, and that I had
+repented, and, after suffering great misery, had worked hard for an
+honest livelihood, although all the world considered me as a thorough
+ruffian,--and so, when M. Rodolph said these words to me, my heart beat
+high and proudly, and from this time I would go through fire and water
+to serve him."
+
+"Why, it is because you are better than you were that you ought not to
+have any of those forebodings. Your dream is nothing."
+
+"We shall see. I shall not try and get into any mischief, for I cannot
+have any worse misfortune than not to see again M. Rodolph, whom I hoped
+never again to leave. I should have been in my way, you see, always with
+him, body and soul,--always ready. Never mind, perhaps he was wrong,--I
+am only a worm at his feet; but sometimes, Martial, the smallest may be
+useful to the greatest."
+
+"One day, perhaps, you may see him."
+
+"Oh, no; he said to me, 'My good fellow, you must promise never to seek
+nor see me,--that will be doing me a service.' So, of course, Martial, I
+promised; and I'll keep my word, though it is very hard."
+
+"Once at Algeria, you will forget all your vexations."
+
+"Yes, yes; I'm an old trooper, Martial, and will face the Bedouins."
+
+"Come, come, you'll soon recover your spirits. We'll farm and hunt
+together, and live together, or separate, just as you like. We'll bring
+up the children like honest people, and you shall be their uncle,--for
+we are brothers, and my wife is good at heart; and so we'll be happy,
+eh?" And Martial extended his hand to the Chourineur.
+
+"So we will, Martial," was the reply; "and my sorrow will kill me, or I
+shall kill my sorrow."
+
+"It will not kill you. We shall pass our days together; and every
+evening we will say, 'brother, thanks to M. Rodolph,'--that shall be our
+prayer to, him."
+
+"Martial, you comfort me."
+
+"Well, then, that is all right; and as to that stupid-dream, you will
+think no more of it, I hope?"
+
+"I'll try."
+
+"Well, then, you'll come to us at four o'clock; the diligence goes at
+five."
+
+"Agreed. But I will get out here and walk to the barrier at Charenton,
+where I will await M. Rodolph, that I may see him pass."
+
+The coach stopped, and the Chourineur alighted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE FINGER OF PROVIDENCE.
+
+
+The Chourineur had forgotten that it was the day after mid-Lent, and was
+consequently greatly surprised at the sight, at once hideous and
+singular, which presented itself to his view when he arrived at the
+exterior boulevard, which he was traversing to reach the barrier of
+Charenton.
+
+He found himself suddenly in the thickest of a dense throng of people,
+who were coming out of the cabarets of the Faubourg de la Glacière, in
+order to reach the Boulevard St. Jacques, where the execution was to
+take place.
+
+Although it was broad daylight, there was still heard the noisy music of
+the public-houses, whence issued particularly the loud echoes of the
+cornets-à-piston. The pencil of Callot, of Rembrandt, or of Goya is
+requisite to limn the strange, hideous, and fantastical appearance of
+this multitude.
+
+Almost all of them, men, women, and children, were attired in old
+masquerade costumes. Those who could not afford this expense had on
+their clothes rags of bright colours. Some young men were dressed in
+women's clothes, half torn and soiled with mud. All their countenances,
+haggard from debauchery and vice, and furrowed by intoxication, sparkled
+with savage delight at the idea that, after a night of filthy orgies,
+they should see two women executed on the scaffold prepared for them.
+
+The foul and fetid scum of the population of Paris,--this vast mob--was
+formed of thieves and abandoned women, who every day tax crime for their
+daily bread, and every evening return to their lairs with their vicious
+spoils.[1]
+
+  [1] It is calculated that there are in Paris 30,000 persons who
+  have no other means of existence but theft.
+
+The crowd entirely choked up the means of circulation, and, in spite of
+his gigantic strength, the Chourineur was compelled to remain almost
+motionless in the midst of this compact throng. He was, however, willing
+to remain so, as the prince would not pass the barrier of Charenton
+until eleven o'clock, and it was not yet seven; and he had a singular
+spectacle before him.
+
+In a large, low apartment, occupied at one end by musicians, surrounded
+by benches and tables laden with the fragments of a repast, broken
+plates, empty bottles, etc., a dozen men and women, in various disguises
+and half drunk, were dancing with the utmost excitement that frantic and
+obscene dance called _La Chahut_.
+
+Amongst the dissipated revellers who figured in this saturnalia, the
+Chourineur remarked two couples who obtained the most overwhelming
+applause, from the revolting grossness of their attitudes, their
+gesticulations, and their language. The first couple consisted of a man
+disguised as a bear, and nearly covered with a waistcoat and trousers of
+black sheepskin. The head of the animal, being too troublesome to carry,
+had been replaced by a kind of hood with long hair, which entirely
+covered his features; two holes for his eyes, and a long one for his
+mouth, allowed him to see, speak, and breathe.
+
+This man--one of the prisoners escaped from La Force (amongst whom were
+Barbillon and the two murderers arrested at the ogress's at the
+_tapis-franc_, at the beginning of this recital)--this man so masked was
+Nicholas Martial, the son and brother of the two women for whom the
+scaffold was prepared but a few paces distant.
+
+Induced into this act of atrocious insensibility and infamous audacity
+by one of his associates, this wretch had dared with this disguise to
+join in the last revels of the carnival. The woman who danced with him,
+dressed as a _vivandière_, wore a round leather cap with ragged ribands,
+a kind of bodice of threadbare red cloth, ornamented with three rows of
+brass buttons, a green skirt, and trousers of white calico. Her black
+hair fell in disorder all about her head, and her haggard and swollen
+features evinced the utmost effrontery and immodesty. The _vis-à-vis_ of
+these dancers were no less disgusting.
+
+The man, who was very tall, and disguised as Robert Macaire, had so
+begrimed his features with soot that it was impossible to recognise him,
+and, besides, a large bandage covered his left eye; the white of the
+right eye being thus the more heightened, rendered him still more
+hideous. The lower part of the Skeleton's countenance (for it was he)
+disappeared in a high neckcloth made of an old red shawl.
+
+Wearing an old, white, napless hat with a crushed side, dirty, and
+without a crown, a green coat in rags, and tight mulberry-coloured
+pantaloons, patched in every direction, and tied around the instep with
+pieces of packthread, this assassin outraged the most _outré_ and
+revolting attitudes of the _Chahut_, darting from right to left, before
+and behind, his lanky limbs as hard as steel, and twisting and twining,
+and springing and bounding with such vigour and elasticity, that he
+seemed set in motion by steel springs.
+
+A worthy coryphée of this filthy saturnalia, his lady partner, a tall
+and active creature with impudent and flushed features, attired _en
+débardeur_, wore a flat cap on one side of a powdered wig with a thick
+pigtail, a waistcoat and trousers of worn green velvet, adjusted to her
+shape by an orange scarf, with long ends flowing down her back.
+
+A fat, vulgar, coarse woman, the brutal ogress of the _tapis-franc_, was
+seated on one of the benches, holding on her knees the plaid cloaks of
+this creature and the _vivandière_, whilst they were rivalling the
+bounds, and jumps, and gross postures of the Skeleton and Nicholas
+Martial.
+
+Amongst the other dancers there was a lame boy, dressed like a devil, by
+means of a black net vest, much too large for him, red drawers, and a
+green mask hideous and grotesque. In spite of his infirmity, this little
+monster was wonderfully agile, and his precocious depravity equalled, if
+it could not exceed, that of his detestable companions, and he gambolled
+as impudently as any of them before a fat woman, dressed as a
+shepherdess, who excited her partner the more by her shouts of laughter.
+
+No charge having been raised against Tortillard (our readers have
+recognised him), and Bras Rouge having been for the while left in
+prison, the boy, at his father's request, was reclaimed by Micou, the
+receiver of the passage of the Brasserie, who had not been denounced by
+his accomplices.
+
+As secondary figures in this picture, let imagination conceive all there
+is of the lowest, most shameful, and most monstrous, in this idle,
+wanton, insolent, rapacious, atheistical, sanguinary assemblage of
+infamy, which is most hostile to social order, and to which we would
+call the attention of all thinking persons as our recital draws to a
+close.
+
+Excited by the shouts of laughter and the cheers of the mob assembled
+around the windows, the actors in the infamous dance cried to the
+orchestra for a finale galop. The musicians, delighted to reach the end
+of their labours, complied with the general wish, and played a galoppade
+with the utmost energy and rapidity. At this the excitement redoubled;
+the couples encircled each other and dashed away, following the Skeleton
+and his partner, who led off their infernal round amidst the wildest
+cries and acclamations.
+
+The crowd was so thick, so dense, and the evolutions so multiplied and
+rapid, that these creatures, inflamed with wine, exercise, and noise,
+their intoxication became delirious frenzy, and they soon ceased to have
+space for their movements. The Skeleton then cried, in a breathless
+voice, "Look out at the door! We will go out on to the boulevard."
+
+"Yes, yes!" cried the mob at the windows; "a galop as far as the
+Barrière St. Jacques!"
+
+"The two 'mots' will soon be here."
+
+"The headsman cuts double! How funny!"
+
+"Yes, with a cornet-à-piston accompaniment."
+
+"I'll ask the widow to be my partner."
+
+"And I the daughter."
+
+"Death to the informers!"
+
+"Long live the prigs and lads of steel!" cried the Skeleton in a voice
+of thunder, as he and the dancers, forcing their way in the midst of the
+mass, set the whole body in motion; and then were heard cries, and
+imprecations, and shouts of laughter, which had nothing human in their
+sound.
+
+Suddenly this uproar reached its height by two fresh incidents. The
+vehicle which contained the criminals, accompanied by its escort of
+cavalry, appeared at the angle of the boulevard, and then all the mob
+rushed in that direction, shouting and roaring with ferocious delight.
+
+At this moment, also, the crowd was met by a courier coming from the
+Boulevard des Invalides, and galloping towards the Barrière de
+Charenton. He was dressed in a light blue jacket with yellow collar,
+with a double row of silver lace down the seams, but, as a mark of deep
+mourning, he wore black breeches and high boots; his cap also, with a
+broad band of silver, was encircled with crape, and on the winkers of
+his horse were the arms of Gerolstein.
+
+He walked his horse, his advance becoming every moment more difficult,
+and he was almost obliged to stop when he found himself in the midst of
+the sea of people we have described. Although he called to them, and
+moved his horse with the greatest caution, cries, abuse, and threats
+were soon directed against him.
+
+"Does he want to ride us down, that vagabond?"
+
+"He's got lots o' silver on his precious body!" cried Tortillard.
+
+"If he comes against us we'll make him alight and strip the 'tin' off
+his jacket to go to the melter's," said Nicholas.
+
+"And we'll take the seams out of your carcase if you are not careful,
+you cursed jockey!" added the Skeleton, addressing the courier and
+seizing the bridle of his horse,--for the crowd was so dense that the
+ruffian had given up his idea of dancing to the barrier.
+
+The courier, who was a powerful and resolute fellow, said to the
+Skeleton, lifting the handle of his whip, "If you do not let go my
+bridle I'll lay my whip over you. Let me pass; my lord's carriage is
+coming close behind. Let me go forward, I say."
+
+"Your lord!" said the Skeleton; "what is your lord to me? I'll slit his
+weasand if I like! I never did for a lord; I should like to try my
+hand."
+
+"There are no more lords now. _Vive la Charte!_" shouted Tortillard; and
+as he said so he whistled a verse of the "Parisienne," and clinging to
+one of the courier's legs nearly drew him out of his saddle. A blow with
+the handle of his whip on Tortillard's head punished his insolence; but
+the populace instantly attacked the courier, who in vain spurred his
+horse,--he could not advance a step.
+
+Dismounted, amidst the shouts of the mob, he would have been murdered
+but for the arrival of Rodolph's carriage, which took off the attention
+of these wretches.
+
+The prince's travelling carriage, drawn by four horses, had for some
+time past advanced at only a foot pace, and one of the two footmen had
+got down from the rumble and was walking by the side of the door, which
+was very low; the postilions kept crying out to the people, and went
+forward very cautiously.
+
+Rodolph was dressed in deep mourning, as was also his daughter, one of
+whose hands he held in his own, looking at her with affection. The
+gentle and lovely face of Fleur-de-Marie was enclosed in a small capot
+of black crape, which heightened the dazzling brilliancy of her skin and
+the beautiful hue of her lovely brown hair; and the azure of this bright
+day was reflected in her large eyes, which had never been of more
+transparent and softened blue. Although her features wore a gentle
+smile, and expressed calmness and happiness when she looked at her
+father, yet a tinge of melancholy, and sometimes of undefinable sadness,
+threw its shadow over her countenance when her eyes were not fixed on
+her father.
+
+At this moment the carriage came amongst the crowd and began to slacken
+its pace. Rodolph lowered the window, and said in German to the lackey
+who was walking by the window, "Well, Frantz, what is the meaning of
+this?"
+
+"Monseigneur, there is such a crowd that the horses cannot move."
+
+"What has this assemblage collected for?"
+
+"Monseigneur, there is an execution going on."
+
+"Ah, frightful!" said Rodolph, throwing himself back in his carriage.
+
+"What is it, my dear father?" asked Fleur-de-Marie with uneasiness.
+
+"Nothing--nothing, dearest."
+
+"Only listen,--these threatening cries approach us! What can it be?"
+
+"Desire them to reach Charenton by another road," said Rodolph.
+
+"Monseigneur, it is too late, the crowd has stopped the horses."
+
+The footman could say no more. The mob, excited by the savage
+encouragement of the Skeleton and Nicholas, suddenly surrounded the
+carriage, and, in spite of the threats of the postilions, stopped the
+horses, and Rodolph saw on all sides threatening, furious countenances,
+and above them all the Skeleton, who came to the door of the carriage.
+
+"Take care, my dear father!" exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie, throwing her arms
+around Rodolph's neck.
+
+"Oh, you are the 'my lord,' are you?" said the Skeleton, thrusting his
+hideous head into the carriage.
+
+Had it not been for his daughter's presence, Rodolph would have given
+way to the natural impetuosity of his character at this insolence; but
+he controlled himself, and coolly replied:
+
+"What do you want, and why do you stop my carriage?"
+
+"Because we choose," said the Skeleton. "Each in his turn. Yesterday you
+trampled on the mob, and to-day the mob will crush you if you stir."
+
+"Father, we are lost!" murmured Fleur-de-Marie.
+
+"Take courage, love! I understand," replied the prince; "it is the last
+day of the carnival,--these fellows are tipsy; I will get rid of them."
+
+"I say, my 'covey,' come, get out, and your 'mot' with you!" cried
+Nicholas; "why should you trample upon a parcel of poor people!"
+
+"You seem to have drunk a good deal, and to desire to drink more," said
+Rodolph; "here, take this, and do not delay my carriage any longer," and
+he threw out his purse, which Tortillard caught.
+
+"Oh, what, you are going to travel, eh? Well, then, you've got your
+pockets well lined, no doubt. Come, shell out, my blade, or I'll have
+your life." And he opened the door suddenly.
+
+Rodolph's patience was exhausted. Alarmed for Fleur-de-Marie, whose
+alarm increased every moment, and believing that a display of vigour
+would daunt the wretch, whom he believed to be only drunk, he sprung
+from the carriage, intending to seize the Skeleton by the throat. The
+latter suddenly receded, and then, drawing a long knife-dirk from his
+pocket, rushed at Rodolph. Fleur-de-Marie, seeing the dirk raised to
+stab her father, gave a shriek, sprung from the carriage, and threw her
+arms around him.
+
+Her father's life must have been sacrificed but for the Chourineur, who
+at the commencement of this tumult, having recognised the livery of the
+prince, had contrived, by superhuman efforts, to reach the Skeleton; and
+at the moment when that ruffian menaced the prince with his knife the
+Chourineur seized on his arm with one hand, and, with the other grasping
+his collar, threw him backwards.
+
+Although surprised, and from behind too, the Skeleton turned around,
+and, recognising the Chourineur, cried, "What! the man in the gray
+blouse from La Force? This time, then, I'll do for you!" and rushing
+furiously at the Chourineur, he plunged his knife in his breast. The
+Chourineur staggered, but did not fall. The crowd kept him on his legs.
+
+"The guard! Here come the guard!" exclaimed several voices in alarm.
+
+At these words, and at the sight of the murder of the Chourineur, all
+this dense crowd, fearing to be compromised in the assassination,
+dispersed as if by magic, and fled in every direction; the Skeleton,
+Nicholas, Martial, and Tortillard amongst the earliest.
+
+When the guard came up, guided by the courier (who had escaped when the
+crowd had let him go to surround the prince's carriage), there only
+remained in this sad scene, Rodolph, his daughter, and the Chourineur,
+bathed in his blood. The two servants of the prince had seated him on
+the ground, with his back to a tree.
+
+All this passed more quickly than it can be described, and at a few
+paces from the _guinguette_ from which the Skeleton and his band had
+issued.
+
+The prince, pale and agitated, held in his arms Fleur-de-Marie, half
+fainting, whilst the postilions were repairing the harness broken in the
+scuffle.
+
+"Quick!" said the prince to his servants engaged in aiding the
+Chourineur, "convey this poor fellow to the cabaret; and you," he added,
+turning to the courier, "get on the box, and gallop back for Doctor
+David at the hôtel; you will find him there, as he does not leave until
+eleven o'clock."
+
+The carriage went away at a great speed, and the two servants conveyed
+the Chourineur to the low apartment in which the orgies had taken place;
+several of the women were still there.
+
+"My poor, dear child!" said Rodolph, to his daughter, "let me take you
+to some room in this place where you can await me, for I cannot abandon
+this brave fellow, who has again saved my life."
+
+"Oh, my dearest father, I entreat you do not leave me!" exclaimed
+Fleur-de-Marie, with alarm, and seizing Rodolph's arm. "Do not leave me
+alone! I should die with fright! Where you go I will go!"
+
+"But this frightful spectacle?"
+
+"Yes, thanks to this worthy man, you still live for me, my father, and
+therefore allow me to join you in thanking and consoling him."
+
+The prince's perplexity was very great. His daughter evinced so much
+just fear of remaining alone in a room in this low haunt that he made up
+his mind to allow her to enter with him into the apartment, where they
+found the Chourineur.
+
+The mistress of the tavern and many of the women who had remained (and
+amongst whom was the ogress of the _tapis-franc_) had hastily laid the
+wounded man on a mattress, and then stanched and bound his wound with
+napkins. The Chourineur opened his eyes as Rodolph entered. At the sight
+of the prince his features, pale with approaching death, became
+animated. He smiled painfully, and said in a low voice:
+
+"Ah, M. Rodolph, it was very fortunate I was there!"
+
+"Brave and devoted as ever!" said the prince, in an accent of despair.
+"Again you have saved my life!"
+
+"I was going to the barrier of--Charenton--to try and see you go by--see
+you for the last time. Fortunately--I was unable to get in for the
+crowd--besides--it was--to happen--I told Martial so--I had a
+presentiment."
+
+"A presentiment?"
+
+"Yes, M. Rodolph--the dream--of the sergeant--last night."
+
+"Oh, try and forget such ideas! Let us hope the wound is not mortal."
+
+"Oh, yes, the Skeleton struck home! Never mind--I told Martial that a
+worm of the earth like me--might sometimes be useful--to a great
+lord--like you."
+
+"But my life--I owe my life again to you!"
+
+"We are quits, M. Rodolph. You told me--that I had--heart and honour.
+That word, you see--oh, I am choking! Sir, without--my asking--do me the
+honour--to give me your hand--I feel I am sinking."
+
+"No, no! Impossible!" exclaimed the prince, bending towards the
+Chourineur, and clasping in his hands the icy hand of the dying man,
+"no--you will live--you will live!"
+
+"M. Rodolph, there is something, you see, above--I killed--with a blow
+of a knife--I die from the blow of a knife!" said the Chourineur, who
+was sinking fast.
+
+At this moment his eyes turned towards Fleur-de-Marie, whom he had not
+before perceived. Amazement was depicted on his dying features; he made
+a movement, and said:
+
+"Ah!--the Goualeuse!"
+
+"Yes, my daughter, who blesses you for having preserved her father!"
+
+"She--your daughter--here? That reminds me of how our acquaintance
+began--M. Rodolph--and the blows--with the fist; but this blow with a
+knife will be the last--last blow. I slashed--and in my turn am
+slashed--stabbed. It is just." He heaved a deep sigh--his head fell
+back--he was dead.
+
+The sound of horses without was heard; Rodolph's carriage had met that
+of Murphy and David, who, in their desire to rejoin the prince, had
+anticipated the hour fixed for their departure.
+
+"David," said Rodolph, wiping his eyes, and pointing to the Chourineur,
+"is there no hope?"
+
+"None, monseigneur," replied the doctor, after a moment's examination.
+
+During this moment there passed a mute and terrible scene between
+Fleur-de-Marie and the ogress, whom Rodolph had not observed. When the
+Chourineur had uttered the name of La Goualeuse, the ogress had raised
+her head and looked at Fleur-de-Marie. The horrid hag had already
+recognised Rodolph; he was called monseigneur--he called La Goualeuse
+his daughter. Such a metamorphosis astounded the ogress, who obstinately
+fixed her stupid, wondering eyes on her former victim.
+
+Fleur-de-Marie, pale and overcome, seemed fascinated by her gaze. The
+death of the Chourineur, the unexpected appearance of the ogress, which
+came to awaken more painfully than ever the remembrance of her former
+degradation, appeared to her a sinister presage. From this moment,
+Fleur-de-Marie was struck with one of those presentiments which, in
+dispositions like hers, have most frequently an irresistible influence.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A few days after these events and Rodolph and his daughter quitted Paris
+for ever.
+
+
+
+
+EPILOGUE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+GEROLSTEIN.
+
+
+    _Prince Henry of Herkaüsen-Oldenzaal to the Count Maximilian
+    Kaminetz._
+
+                                 OLDENZAAL, 25th August, 1840.
+
+    I am just arrived from Gerolstein, where I have passed three
+    months with the grand duke and his family. I expected to find a
+    letter announcing your arrival at Oldenzaal, my dear Maximilian.
+    Judge of my surprise--of my regret, on hearing that you will be
+    detained in Hungary for several weeks.
+
+    For more than four months I have been unable to write to you,
+    not knowing where to direct my letters, thanks to your original
+    and adventurous manner of travelling. You had, however, formally
+    promised me at Vienna that you would be at Oldenzaal the first
+    of August; I must then give up the pleasure of seeing you, and
+    yet I have never had greater need of pouring forth my sorrows to
+    you, Maximilian, my oldest friend, for although we are both of
+    us still very young, our friendship is of long standing, as it
+    dates from our childhood.
+
+    What shall I say to you? During the last three months a complete
+    revolution has taken place in me. I am at one of those moments
+    that decide the existence of a man. Judge, then, how necessary
+    your presence and your advice are to me. But you will not long
+    be wanting, whatever motives you have for remaining in Hungary.
+    Come! Come! I entreat of you, Maximilian, for I stand in need of
+    you to console me, and I cannot go to seek you. My father, whose
+    health is daily declining, has summoned me from Gerolstein. Each
+    day makes so great an alteration in him that it is impossible
+    for me to leave him.
+
+    I have so much to say that I shall become tedious, but I must
+    relate to you the most important--the most romantic incident of
+    my life. Why were you not there, my friend? Why were you not
+    there? For three months my heart has been a prey to emotions
+    equally sweet and sorrowful, and I was alone--I was alone.
+    Sympathise with me, you who know the sensibility of my heart,
+    you who have seen my eyes filled with tears at the simple
+    recital of a noble or generous action, at the simple sight of a
+    splendid sunset--of the sky studded with bright stars.
+
+    Do you recollect last year, on our excursion to the ruins of
+    Oppenfeld, on the shore of the vast lake, our reveries during
+    that evening, so full of calm, of poesy, and of peace? Strange
+    contrast! It was three days before that bloody duel, in which I
+    would not accept you for my second, for I should have suffered
+    too much for you had I been wounded before your eyes,--the duel
+    in which, for a dispute at play, my second unhappily killed the
+    young Frenchman, the Comte de Saint-Remy.
+
+    Apropos, do you know what has become of the dangerous siren whom
+    M. de Saint-Remy brought with him to Oppenfeld, and whose name
+    was, I think, Cecily David?
+
+    You will doubtless, my friend, smile with pity at seeing me thus
+    losing myself amongst idle recollections of the past, instead of
+    coming at once to the grave disclosures that I have announced my
+    intention of making; but, in spite of myself, I delay the time
+    from moment to moment. I know how severe you are, and I am
+    fearful of being blamed. Yes, blamed; because, instead of acting
+    with reflection and prudence (prudence of one and twenty,
+    alas!), I have acted foolishly, or, rather, I have not acted at
+    all as--I have suffered myself to be carried away by the stream
+    that urged me on, and it is only since my return from Gerolstein
+    that I have been awakened from the enchanting vision that has
+    lulled me to sleep for the last three months, and this awaking
+    has been a sorrowful one.
+
+    Now, my friend, my dear Maximilian, I take courage. Hear me
+    indulgently; I begin with fear and trembling--I dare not look at
+    you, for when you read these lines, how grave and stern will
+    your face become, stoic that you are!
+
+    After having obtained leave of absence for six months, I left
+    Vienna, and remained some time with my father. His health was
+    then good, and he advised me to visit my aunt, the Princess
+    Juliana, superior of the abbey of Gerolstein. I think I have
+    already told you that my grandfather was cousin-german to the
+    present duke's grandfather, and the Duke Gustavus Rodolph,
+    thanks to this relationship, had always treated my father and
+    myself as his cousins.
+
+    You also know, I think, that during a long stay the prince made
+    recently in France my father was left at the head of the affairs
+    of the duchy. It is not any feeling of ostentatious pride, as
+    you well know, Maximilian, that makes me recapitulate all these
+    circumstances, but to explain to you the causes of the extreme
+    intimacy that existed between the grand duke and myself during
+    my stay at Gerolstein.
+
+    Do you recollect that last year, after our voyage on the banks
+    of the Rhine, we heard that the prince had found and married,
+    _in extremis_, the Countess Macgregor, in order to legitimise
+    the daughter he had had by her by a previous and secret
+    marriage, afterwards annulled, because it had been contracted
+    against the consent of the late grand duke?
+
+    This young girl, thus formally recognised, this charming
+    Princess Amelie, of whom Lord Dudley, who had seen her at
+    Gerolstein about a year ago, spoke to us with an enthusiasm that
+    we suspected of exaggeration, strange chance! who would have
+    said then--
+
+    But although you have doubtless penetrated my secret, let me
+    pursue the progress of events.
+
+    The convent of Ste. Hermangeld, of which my aunt is abbess, is
+    scarcely a quarter of a league from Gerolstein, for the gardens
+    of the abbey touch the outskirts of the town. A charming house,
+    perfectly isolated from the cloisters, had been placed at my
+    disposal by my aunt, who has, as you know, the affection of a
+    mother for me. The day of my arrival she informed me a grand
+    drawing-room would be held the next day, as the grand duke was
+    going formally to announce his intended marriage with La
+    Marquise d'Harville, who had just arrived at Gerolstein with her
+    father, the Comte d'Orbigny.
+
+    The duke was blamed by some for not having sought an alliance
+    with some royal house, but others, and amongst them my aunt,
+    congratulated him on having chosen, instead of a marriage of
+    ambition, a young and lovely woman to whom he was deeply
+    attached, and who belonged to one of the first families in
+    France. You know, too, that my aunt has always had the greatest
+    regard for the grand duke, and has always appreciated his fine
+    qualities.
+
+    "My dear child," said she to me, speaking of the drawing-room,
+    to which I was going the next day,--"my dear child, the most
+    astonishing sight you will see to-morrow will be the pearl of
+    Gerolstein."
+
+    "Of whom are you talking, my dear aunt?"
+
+    "Of the Princess Amelie."
+
+    "The grand duke's daughter? Lord Dudley spoke of her at Vienna
+    with warmth we suspected of exaggeration."
+
+    "At my age and in my position," replied my aunt, "people do not
+    exaggerate, so you can trust to my judgment, and I assure you I
+    never knew any one more enchanting than the Princess Amelie. I
+    would speak of her beauty were it not for an indefinable charm
+    she possesses, superior even to her beauty. From the first day
+    that the grand duke presented me to her, I felt myself
+    irresistibly drawn towards her; and I am not the only person.
+    The Archduchess Sophia is at Gerolstein, and is the most proud
+    and haughty princess I know."
+
+    "Very true, aunt; her irony is terrible, very few persons escape
+    from her sarcasms; at Vienna every one dreaded her. Can the
+    Princess Amelie have found favour in her eyes?"
+
+    "The other day she came here after visiting the asylum placed
+    under the princess's direction. 'Do you know,' said this
+    redoubtable archduchess to me, 'that if I resided long with the
+    grand duke's daughter I should become quite harmless, so
+    contagious is her goodness!'"
+
+    "Why, my cousin must be an enchantress!" said I, laughing, to my
+    aunt.
+
+    "Her most powerful charm, at least in my eyes," replied my aunt,
+    "is the mixture of sweetness, modesty, and dignity that I have
+    told you of, and which gives a most touching expression to her
+    face."
+
+    "Indeed, aunt, modesty is a rare quality in a princess so young,
+    so beautiful, and so happy."
+
+    "Reflect that the princess is still more deserving of praise for
+    her modesty, as her elevation is so very recent."
+
+    "In her interview with you, aunt, did the princess make any
+    reference to her early life?"
+
+    "No; but when, notwithstanding my advanced age, I addressed her
+    with the respect due to her rank, since her royal highness is
+    the grand duke's daughter, her ingenuous confusion, mingled with
+    gratitude and veneration for me, quite overpowered me; for her
+    reserve, full of dignity and affability, proved to me that her
+    present elevation did not make her forget her past life, and
+    that she accorded to my age what I accorded to her rank."
+
+    "It must require," said I, "the most perfect tact to observe
+    those nice differences."
+
+    "My dear boy, the more I see of the princess, the more I
+    congratulate myself on my first impression. Since she has been
+    here the number of charitable acts she has done is incredible,
+    and that with a reflection and a judgment that in a person of
+    her age quite surprises me. Judge yourself. At her request the
+    grand duke has founded at Gerolstein an establishment for
+    orphans of five or six years, and for young girls (who are
+    either orphans or abandoned by their parents) of the age of
+    sixteen, that age so fatal to those who are not protected
+    against the temptations of vice or the pressure of want.
+
+    "The good sisters of my convent teach and direct the children of
+    this asylum. During my visits there I have had ample
+    opportunities of judging of the adoration that these poor,
+    unfortunate creatures have for the princess. Every day she
+    spends several hours at this place, which is placed under her
+    protection, and I repeat that it is not merely gratitude and
+    respect that the children and nuns feel towards the princess, it
+    almost amounts to fanaticism."
+
+    "The princess must be an angel," said I to my aunt.
+
+    "An angel, indeed!" replied she, "for you cannot conceive with
+    what touching kindness she treats her young protégées. I have
+    never seen the susceptibility of misfortune meet with more
+    delicate sympathy. You would think some irresistible attraction
+    drew the princess towards this class of unfortunates. Will you
+    believe it? she, the daughter of a sovereign, only addresses
+    these poor children as 'my sisters!'"
+
+    At these last words of my aunt I confess I felt my eyes fill
+    with tears. Do you not also admire the admirable and pious
+    conduct of this young princess?
+
+    "Since the princess," said I, "is so marvellously gifted, I
+    shall be greatly embarrassed when I am presented to her
+    to-morrow. You know how timid I am; you know, also, that
+    elevation of character imposes upon me more than high birth, so
+    that I am certain to appear both stupid and embarrassed
+    to-morrow; so I make up my mind to that beforehand."
+
+    "Come, come!" said my aunt, smiling, "she will take pity upon
+    you, the more readily as you are not quite a stranger to her."
+
+    "I am not a stranger to her, aunt?"
+
+    "Certainly not."
+
+    "How so?"
+
+    "You recollect that when at the age of sixteen you left
+    Oldenzaal, to travel with your father through Russia and
+    England, I had your portrait painted in the costume you wore at
+    the first _bal costumé_ the late duchess gave?"
+
+    "Yes, aunt, the costume of a German page of the sixteenth
+    century."
+
+    "Our famous painter, Fritz Mocker, whilst he painted a faithful
+    likeness of you, not only produced a page of that century, but
+    even the style of the pictures of that time.
+
+    "Some days after her arrival at Gerolstein, the Princess Amelie,
+    who had come with her father to visit me, remarked your
+    portrait, and asked what was that charming picture of olden
+    times. Her father smiled, and said, 'This is the portrait of a
+    cousin of ours, who would be, were he now alive (as you see by
+    his dress), some three hundred years old, but who, although very
+    young, made himself remarkable for his courage and goodness of
+    heart; has he not bravery in his eyes and goodness in his
+    smile?'"
+
+    Do not, I entreat you, Maximilian, shrug your shoulders with
+    disdain at seeing me write these puerile details of myself,
+    which are, alas, necessary to my story.
+
+    "The Princess Amelie," continued my aunt, "deceived by this
+    innocent pleasantry, after a long examination of your portrait,
+    joined with her father in praising the amiable and determined
+    expression of your face. Some time after, when I went to
+    Gerolstein, she questioned me playfully about 'her cousin of the
+    olden time.'
+
+    "I then explained the trick to her, and told her that the
+    handsome page of the sixteenth century was really the Prince
+    Henry d'Herkaüsen-Oldenzaal, a young man of one and twenty,
+    captain in the guards of his majesty the Emperor of Austria, and
+    in every other respect than the costume very like his picture.
+    At these words the princess," continued my aunt, "blushed and
+    became serious, and has never since spoken of the picture.
+    However, you see that you are not quite a stranger to your
+    cousin; so take courage, and maintain the reputation of your
+    portrait."
+
+    This conversation took place, as I have already told you, the
+    evening previous to the day on which I was to be presented to
+    the princess my cousin. I left my aunt, and returned to my own
+    apartments.
+
+    You have often told me, my dear Maximilian, that I was totally
+    free from vanity; I must therefore trust to that to prevent my
+    appearing vain during this recital.
+
+    As soon as I was alone I reflected with a secret satisfaction
+    that the Princess Amelie, after seeing my portrait, painted five
+    or six years ago, had inquired after "her cousin of the olden
+    time."
+
+    Nothing could be more absurd than to build the slightest hope on
+    so trivial a circumstance, I acknowledge; but I always treat you
+    with the most perfect confidence, and I acknowledge that this
+    trifling circumstance delighted me.
+
+    No doubt the praise I had just heard bestowed on the princess by
+    so grave and austere a person as my aunt, by raising her in my
+    estimation, rendered this circumstance more agreeable.
+
+    Why should I tell you? The hopes I conceived from this trifling
+    event were so mad that, now that I look back more calmly on the
+    past, I ask myself how I could have indulged in ideas that must
+    have ended in my destruction.
+
+    Although related to the grand duke, and always treated by him
+    with the greatest kindness, yet it was impossible to entertain
+    the slightest hope of a marriage with the princess; even had she
+    returned my affection it would still have been impossible. Our
+    family holds an honourable position, but it is poor when
+    compared with the grand duke, the richest prince of the German
+    confederation; and besides, I was only one and twenty, a simple
+    captain in the guards, without any reputation or any position.
+    Never could the grand duke think of me as a suitor for his
+    daughter.
+
+    All these reflections ought to have saved me from a passion I
+    did not as yet feel, but of which I had a strange presentiment.
+
+    Alas! I rather gave way to fresh puerilities; I wore on my
+    finger a ring that Thecla (the countess of whom I have so often
+    spoken) had given me, although this souvenir of a boyish love
+    could not have much embarrassed me. I sacrificed it to my new
+    flame, and, opening the window, I cast the ring into the waves
+    of the river that flowed beneath.
+
+    I have no need to tell you what a night I passed, you can
+    imagine; I knew the princess was very beautiful; I sought to
+    picture to myself her features, her air, her manner, her figure,
+    the sound of her voice; and thinking of my portrait which she
+    had noticed I recollected that the artist had flattered me
+    excessively, and I contrasted the picturesque dress of a page of
+    the sixteenth century with the simple uniform of a captain of
+    the Austrian guards.
+
+    But amidst all these absurd ideas some generous thoughts crossed
+    my mind, and I was overcome,--yes, overcome by the recollection
+    of the tenderness of the princess for those poor girls whom she
+    always terms "my sisters."
+
+    The next day the hour for the reception came. I tried on several
+    uniforms one after another, found them all to fit me very ill,
+    and departed very dissatisfied with myself.
+
+    Although Gerolstein is only a quarter of a league from Ste.
+    Hermangeld, during the short journey all the childish ideas that
+    had so occupied me during the night had given place to one sad
+    and grave thought.
+
+    An invincible presentiment told me I was approaching one of the
+    crises of my life. A magical inspiration revealed to me that I
+    was about to love, to love as a man loves but once in his life;
+    and, as if to complete my misfortunes, this love, as loftily as
+    deservedly bestowed, was doomed to be unhappy.
+
+    You do not know the grand ducal palace of Gerolstein. In the
+    opinion of every one who has visited the capitals of Europe,
+    there is, with the exception of Versailles, no royal residence
+    that has a more regal and imposing appearance.
+
+    If at this time I speak of this, it is because, thinking over
+    them, I wonder how they did not recall me to myself; for the
+    Princess Amelie was the daughter of the sovereign of this
+    palace, these guards, and of these riches.
+
+    You arrived at the palace by the marble court; so called,
+    because, with the exception of a drive for the carriages, it is
+    paved with variegated marble, forming the most magnificent
+    mosaics, in the centre of which is a basin of breccia antique,
+    into which a stream of water flows from a porphyry vase.
+
+    This court of honour is surrounded by a row of beautiful marble
+    statues, holding candelabras of gilt bronze, from which sprung
+    brilliant jets of gas. Alternately with these statues are the
+    Medicean vases, raised on richly sculptured pedestals, and
+    filled with rose laurels, whose leaves shine in the lights with
+    a metallic lustre.
+
+    The carriages stopped at the foot of the double staircase
+    leading to the peristyle of the palace. At the foot of this
+    staircase were stationed on guard, mounted on their black
+    horses, two soldiers of the regiment of the guards of the grand
+    duke. You would have been struck with the stern and warlike
+    appearance of these two giants, whose cuirasses and helmets,
+    made like those of the ancients, without crest or plume,
+    sparkled in the sun.
+
+    These soldiers wore blue coats with yellow collars, buckskin
+    breeches, and jack-boots. To please you who are so fond of
+    military details, I add, that at the top landing of the
+    staircase were stationed, as sentinels, two grenadiers of the
+    foot-guards of the duke. Their uniform, with the exception of
+    the colour of the coat and facings, resembles, I am told, that
+    of Napoleon's grenadiers.
+
+    After traversing the vestibule, where the porters of the duke
+    were stationed, halberd in hand, I ascended a splendid staircase
+    of white marble, which opened upon a portico, ornamented with
+    jasper columns, and surmounted by a painted and gilt cupola.
+    There were two long files of domestics.
+
+    I then entered the guard-room, at the door of which I found a
+    chamberlain and an aide-de-camp, whose duty it was to present to
+    his royal highness those persons who were entitled to this
+    honour. My relationship, though distant, procured me a special
+    presentation. An aide-de-camp preceded me into a long gallery,
+    filled with gentlemen in full court dress or uniform, and
+    splendidly attired ladies.
+
+    Whilst I passed through this brilliant assembly, I heard here
+    and there remarks that augmented my embarrassment. Every one
+    admired the angelic beauty of the Princess Amelie, the charming
+    appearance of the Marquise d'Harville, and the imperial air of
+    the Archduchess Sophia, who, recently arrived from Munich with
+    the Archduke Stanislaus, was about to depart for Warsaw; but
+    whilst rendering their just tribute of admiration to the lofty
+    bearing of the duchess and to the charms of the Marquise
+    d'Harville, every one agreed that nothing could exceed the
+    loveliness of the Princess Amelie.
+
+    As I approached the spot where the grand duke and the princess
+    were I felt my heart beat more and more violently. At the moment
+    that I entered the salon (I forgot to tell you there was a
+    concert and ball at court) the famous Liszt sat down to the
+    piano, and instantly the most profound silence succeeded to the
+    conversation that was going on. I waited in the embrasure of a
+    door until Liszt had finished the piece he was playing with his
+    accustomed taste.
+
+    It was then that I saw the Princess Amelie for the first time.
+
+    I must tell you all that passed, for I feel an indescribable
+    pleasure in writing it.
+
+    Picture to yourself a large salon furnished with regal
+    splendour, brilliantly lighted up, and hung with crimson silk,
+    embroidered with wreaths of flowers in gold. In the first row,
+    on large gilt chairs, sat the Archduchess Sophia with Madame
+    d'Harville on her left, and the Princess Amelie on her right.
+    Behind them stood the duke in the uniform of colonel of the
+    guards. He seemed scarcely thirty, and the military uniform set
+    off his fine figure and noble features. Beside him was the
+    Archduke Stanislaus in the uniform of a field-marshal; then came
+    the princess's maids of honour, the ladies of the grand
+    dignitaries of the court, and then the dignitaries themselves.
+
+    I need scarcely tell you that the Princess Amelie was less
+    conspicuous by her rank than by her extraordinary beauty. Do not
+    condemn me without reading this description of her. Although it
+    falls far short of the reality, you will understand my
+    adoration. You will understand that as soon as I saw her I loved
+    her; and that the suddenness of my passion can only be equalled
+    by its violence and its eternity.
+
+    The Princess Amelie was dressed in a plain white watered silk
+    dress, and wore, like the archduchess, the riband of the
+    imperial order of St. Nepomucenus recently sent to her by the
+    empress. A diadem of pearls surrounded her head, and harmonised
+    admirably with two splendid braids of fair hair that shaded her
+    delicate cheeks. Her arms, whiter than the lace that ornamented
+    them, were half hidden in long gloves, reaching nearly to her
+    elbow.
+
+    Nothing could be more perfect than her figure, nothing more
+    charming than her foot in its satin slipper. At the moment when
+    I saw her her beaming blue eyes wore a pensive expression. I do
+    not know whether some serious thought came over her, or whether
+    she was impressed with the grave melody of the piece Liszt was
+    playing; but the expression of her countenance seemed to me full
+    of sweetness and melancholy.
+
+    Never can I express my feelings at that moment. All that my aunt
+    had related of her goodness crossed my mind.
+
+    Smile if you will, but my eyes became full of tears when I saw
+    this young girl, so beautiful and so idolised by such a father,
+    seem so melancholy and pensive.
+
+    You know how scrupulously etiquette and the privileges of rank
+    are observed by us. Thanks to my title and my relationship to
+    the grand duke, the crowd in the midst of which I stood
+    gradually fell back, and I found myself left almost alone in the
+    embrasure of the door. It was, no doubt, owing to this
+    circumstance that the princess, awaking from her reverie,
+    perceived, and no doubt recognised me, for she started and
+    blushed.
+
+    She had seen my portrait at my aunt's, and recognised me;
+    nothing could be more simple. The princess's eyes did not rest
+    upon me an instant, but that look threw me into the most violent
+    confusion. I felt my cheeks glow, I cast down my eyes, and did
+    not venture to raise them for some time. When I dared at last to
+    steal a glance at the princess she was speaking in a low tone to
+    the archduchess, who seemed to listen to her with the most
+    affectionate interest.
+
+    Liszt having paused for a few moments between the pieces he was
+    playing, the grand duke took the opportunity of expressing his
+    admiration. On returning to his place he perceived me, nodded
+    kindly to me, and said something to the archduchess, fixing his
+    eyes on me at the same time. The duchess, after looking at me a
+    moment, turned to the duke, who smiled and said something to his
+    daughter that seemed to embarrass her, for she blushed again. I
+    was on thorns; but, unfortunately, etiquette forbade my leaving
+    my place until the concert was over.
+
+    As soon as the concert was finished I followed the aide-de-camp;
+    he conducted me to the grand duke, who deigned to advance a few
+    steps towards me, took me by the arm, and said to the
+    Archduchess Sophia:
+
+    "Permit me to present to your royal highness my cousin, Prince
+    Henry of Herkaüsen-Oldenzaal."
+
+    "I have seen the prince at Vienna, and meet him here with
+    pleasure," replied the duchess, before whom I inclined myself
+    respectfully.
+
+    "My dear Amelie," continued the prince, addressing his daughter,
+    "this is Prince Henry, your cousin, the son of one of my most
+    valued friends, Prince Paul, whom I greatly lament not seeing
+    here to-day."
+
+    "Pray, monseigneur, inform the prince that I equally regret his
+    absence, for I am always delighted to know any of my father's
+    friends."
+
+    I had not until then heard the princess's voice, and I was
+    struck with its intense sweetness.
+
+    "I hope, my dear Henry, you will stay some time with your aunt,"
+    said the grand duke. "Come and see us often about three o'clock
+    _en famille_; and if we ride out you must accompany us. You know
+    how great an affection I have always felt for you, for your
+    noble qualities."
+
+    "I cannot express my gratitude for your royal highness's
+    kindness."
+
+    "Well, to prove it," said the grand duke, smiling, "engage your
+    cousin for the second quadrille; the first belongs to the
+    archduke."
+
+    "Will your royal highness do me the honour?" said I to my
+    cousin.
+
+    "Oh, call each other cousin, as in the good old times," replied
+    the duke, laughing. "There should be no ceremony between
+    relations."
+
+    "Will you dance with me, cousin?"
+
+    "Yes, cousin," replied the princess.
+
+    I cannot tell how much I felt the touching kindness of the grand
+    duke, and how bitterly I reproached myself for yielding to an
+    affection the prince would never authorise.
+
+    I vowed inwardly that nothing should induce me to acquaint my
+    cousin with my affection, but I feared my emotion would betray
+    me.
+
+    I had leisure for these reflections whilst my cousin danced the
+    first quadrille with the Archduke Stanislaus. Nothing was more
+    suited to display the graces of the princess's person than the
+    slow movements of the dance. I anxiously awaited my turn; and I
+    succeeded in concealing my emotion when I led her to the
+    quadrille.
+
+    "Does your royal highness sanction my calling you cousin?" said
+    I.
+
+    "Oh, yes, cousin, I am always delighted to obey my father."
+
+    "I rejoice in this familiarity, since I have learnt from my aunt
+    to know you."
+
+    "My father has often spoken of you, cousin; and what may,
+    perhaps, astonish you," added she, timidly, "I also knew you by
+    sight; for one day the Abbess of Ste. Hermangeld, your aunt, for
+    whom I have the greatest respect, showed me your picture."
+
+    "As a page of the sixteenth century?"
+
+    "Yes, cousin; and my father was malicious enough to tell me that
+    it was an ancestor of ours, and spoke so highly of his courage
+    and his other qualities that our family ought to be proud of
+    their descent from him."
+
+    "Alas, cousin, I fear my resemblance to my portrait is not
+    great!"
+
+    "You are mistaken, cousin," said the princess. "For at the end
+    of the concert I recognised you immediately, in spite of the
+    difference of costume." Then, wishing to change the
+    conversation, she added, "How charmingly M. Liszt plays!--does
+    he not?"
+
+    "Yes. How attentively you listened to him!"
+
+    "Because there is to me a double charm in music without words.
+    Not only you hear the execution, but you can adapt your thoughts
+    to the melody. Do you understand me?"
+
+    "Perfectly; your own thoughts become words to the air."
+
+    "Yes, you quite comprehend me," said she, with a gesture of
+    satisfaction. "I feared I could not express what I felt just
+    now."
+
+    "I thank God, cousin," said I, smiling, "you can have no words
+    to set to so sad an air."
+
+    I know not whether my question was indiscreet or whether she had
+    not heard me, but suddenly she exclaimed, pointing out to me the
+    grand duke, who crossed the room with the archduchess on his
+    arm, "Cousin, look at my father, how handsome he is! how noble!
+    how good! Every one looks at him as if they loved him more than
+    they feared him."
+
+    "Ah," cried I, "it is not only here he is beloved. If the
+    blessing of his people be transmitted to their posterity, the
+    name of Rodolph of Gerolstein will be immortal."
+
+    "To speak thus is to be, indeed, worthy of his attachment."
+
+    "I do but give utterance to the feelings of all present; see how
+    they all hasten to pay their respects to Madame d'Harville!"
+
+    "No one in the world is more worthy of my father's affections
+    than Madame d'Harville."
+
+    "You are more capable than any one of appreciating her, as you
+    have been in France."
+
+    Scarcely had I pronounced these words than the princess cast
+    down her eyes, and her features assumed an air of melancholy;
+    and when I led her back to her seat the expression of them was
+    still the same. I suppose that my allusion to her stay in France
+    recalled the death of her mother.
+
+    In the course of the evening a circumstance occurred which you
+    may think too trivial to mention, perhaps, but which evinces the
+    extraordinary influence this young girl universally inspires.
+    Her bandeau of pearls having become disarranged, the Archduchess
+    Sophia, who was leaning on her arm, kindly readjusted the
+    ornament upon her brow. Knowing, as we do, the hauteur of the
+    archduchess, such condescension is almost inconceivable.
+
+    The next morning I was invited, together with a few other
+    persons, to be present at the marriage of the grand duke with
+    Madame la Marquise d'Harville. I had never seen the princess so
+    radiant and happy.
+
+    Some days after the duke's marriage I had a long interview with
+    him. He questioned me about my past life, my future career. He
+    gave me the most admirable advice, the kindest encouragement. So
+    much so that the idea crossed my mind that he had perceived my
+    love and wished to bring me to confess it.
+
+    But this idea was soon dispelled. The prince concluded by
+    telling me that the great wars were over, that I ought to avail
+    myself of my name, my connections, the education I had received,
+    and my father's friendship with the Prince de M----, prime
+    minister of the emperor, in order to follow a diplomatic instead
+    of a military career. In a word, he offered me his sovereign
+    protection to facilitate my entry in the career he proposed to
+    me.
+
+    I thanked him for his offers with gratitude, and added that I
+    felt the weight of his advice and would follow it.
+
+    I at first visited the palace very seldom; but, thanks to the
+    duke's reiterated invitations, I was soon there almost every
+    day. We lived in the peaceful retirement resembling that of some
+    English mansions. When the weather permitted we rode out with
+    the duke, the duchess, and the grand personages of the court.
+
+    When we were forced to remain at home we sang, and I accompanied
+    the grand duchess and my cousin, who had the sweetest and most
+    expressive voice I ever heard. At other times we inspected the
+    magnificent picture galleries and museums, and the library of
+    the prince, who is one of the most accomplished men in Europe. I
+    often dined at the palace, and on the opera nights I accompanied
+    the duke's family to the theatre.
+
+    Could this intimacy have lasted for ever I should have been
+    happy, perhaps, but I reflected that I should be summoned to
+    Vienna by my duties. I reflected, also, that the duke would soon
+    think of finding a suitable alliance for his daughter.
+
+    My cousin remarked this change in me. The evening before I
+    quitted Gerolstein she told me she had for several days remarked
+    my abstracted manner. I endeavoured to evade this question,
+    saying that my approaching departure was the cause.
+
+    "I can scarcely believe it," replied she. "My father treats you
+    like a son; every one loves you. It would be ingratitude if you
+    were unhappy."
+
+    "Alas!" said I, unable to restrain my emotion, "it is grief I am
+    a prey to!"
+
+    "Why, what has happened?"
+
+    "Just now, cousin, you have told me your father treated me like
+    a son, and that every one loved me; and yet, ere long, I must
+    quit Gerolstein. It is this that grieves me."
+
+    "And are the recollections of those you have left as nothing?"
+
+    "Doubtless; but time brings so many changes."
+
+    "There are affections, at least, that are unchangeable; such as
+    that of my father for you, such as that I feel for you. When you
+    are once brother and sister you never forget each other," added
+    she, looking up, her large blue eyes full of tears.
+
+    I was on the point of betraying myself; however, I controlled my
+    feelings in time.
+
+    "Do you think then, cousin," said I, "that when I return in a
+    few years this affection will continue?"
+
+    "Why should it not?"
+
+    "Because you will be probably married; you will have other
+    duties to perform, and you will forget your poor brother."
+
+    This was all that passed; I know not if she was offended at
+    these words, or whether she was like myself grieved at the
+    changes the future must bring; but, instead of answering me, she
+    was silent for a moment, then, rising hastily from her seat, her
+    face pale and altered, she left the room, after having looked
+    for a few seconds at the embroidery of the young Countess
+    d'Oppenheim, one of her maids of honour.
+
+    The same evening I received a second letter from my father,
+    urging me to return. The next morning I took leave of the grand
+    duke. He told me my cousin was unwell, but that he would make
+    my adieux; he then embraced me tenderly, renewed his promises of
+    assistance, and added that, whenever I had leave of absence,
+    nothing would give him greater pleasure than to see me at
+    Gerolstein.
+
+    Happily, on my arrival, I found my father better; still confined
+    to his bed, and very weak, it is true, but out of danger. Now
+    that you know all, Maximilian, tell me, what can I do?
+
+    Just as I finished this letter, my door opened, and, to my great
+    surprise, my father, whom I believed to be in bed, entered; he
+    saw the letter on the table.
+
+    "To whom are you writing so long a letter?" said he, smiling.
+
+    "To Maximilian, father."
+
+    "Oh," said he, with an expression of affectionate reproach, "he
+    has all your confidence! He is very happy!"
+
+    He pronounced these last words in so sorrowful a tone that I
+    held out the letter to him, almost without reflection, saying:
+
+    "Read it, father."
+
+    My friend, he has read all! After having remained musing some
+    time he said to me:
+
+    "Henry, I shall write and inform the grand duke of all that
+    passed during your stay at Gerolstein."
+
+    "Father, I entreat you not!"
+
+    "Is what you have written to Maximilian scrupulously true?"
+
+    "Yes."
+
+    "Do you love your cousin?"
+
+    "I adore her; but--"
+
+    My father interrupted me.
+
+    "Then, in that case, I shall write to the grand duke and demand
+    her hand for you."
+
+    "But, father, such a demand will be madness on my part!"
+
+    "It is true; but still, in making this demand, I shall acquaint
+    the prince with my reasons for making it. He has received you
+    with the greatest kindness, and it would be unworthy of me to
+    deceive him. He will be touched at the frankness of my demand,
+    and, though he refuse it, as he certainly will, he will yet know
+    that, should you ever again visit Gerolstein, you cannot be on
+    the same familiar terms with the princess."
+
+    You know that, although so tenderly attached to me, my father is
+    inflexible in whatever concerns his duty; judge, then, of my
+    fears, of my anxiety.
+
+    I hastily terminate this long letter, but I will soon write
+    again. Sympathise with me, for I fear I shall go mad if the
+    fever that preys on me does not soon abate. Adieu, adieu! Ever
+    yours,
+
+                                                 HENRY D'H.-O.
+
+We will now conduct the reader to the palace of Gerolstein, inhabited by
+Fleur-de-Marie since her return from France.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE PRINCESS AMELIE.
+
+
+The apartment of Fleur-de-Marie (we only call her the Princess Amelie
+officially) had been by Rodolph's orders splendidly furnished. From the
+balcony of the oratory the two towers of the Convent of Ste. Hermangeld
+were visible, which, embosomed in the woods, were in their turn
+overtopped by a high hill, at the foot of which the abbey was built.
+
+One fine summer's morning Fleur-de-Marie gazed listlessly at this
+splendid landscape; her hair was plainly braided, and she wore a high,
+white dress with blue stripes; a large muslin collar was fastened around
+her throat by a small blue silk handkerchief, of the same hue as her
+sash.
+
+Seated in a large armchair of carved ebony, she leant her head on her
+small and delicately white hand. Fleur-de-Marie's attitude and the
+expression of her face showed that she was a prey to the deepest
+melancholy.
+
+At this instant a female of a grave and distinguished appearance entered
+the room, and coughed gently to attract Fleur-de-Marie's attention. She
+started from her reverie, and, gracefully acknowledging the salutation
+of the newcomer, said:
+
+"What is it, my dear countess?"
+
+"I come to inform your royal highness that the grand duke will be here
+in a few minutes, and, also, to ask a favour of you."
+
+"Ask it, you know how happy I am to oblige you."
+
+"It concerns an unhappy creature who had unfortunately quitted
+Gerolstein before your royal highness had founded the asylum for orphans
+and children abandoned by their parents."
+
+"What do you wish I should do for her?"
+
+"The father went to seek his fortune in America, leaving his wife and
+daughter to gain a precarious subsistence. The mother died, and this
+poor girl, then only sixteen, was seduced and abandoned. She fell lower
+and lower, until at length she became, like so many others, the
+opprobrium of her sex."
+
+Fleur-de-Marie turned red and shuddered. The countess, fearing she had
+wounded the delicacy of the princess by the mention of this girl's
+condition, replied:
+
+"I pray your royal highness to pardon me; I have, doubtless, shocked you
+by speaking of this wretched creature, but her repentance seemed so
+sincere that I ventured to plead for her."
+
+"You were quite right. Pray continue," said Fleur-de-Marie, subduing her
+emotion. "Every fault is worthy of pity when followed by repentance."
+
+"After two years passed in this wretched mode of existence she repented
+sincerely, and came back to Gerolstein. She chanced to lodge in the
+house of a good and pious widow; encouraged by her kindness, the poor
+creature told her all her sad story, adding that she bitterly regretted
+the faults of her early life, and that all she desired was to enter some
+religious house, where by prayer and penitence she might atone for her
+sins. She is only eighteen, very beautiful, and possesses a considerable
+sum of money, which she wishes to bestow on the convent she enters."
+
+"I undertake to provide for her," said Fleur-de-Marie; "since she
+repents, she is worthy of compassion; her remorse must be more bitter in
+proportion as it is sincere."
+
+"I hear the grand duke," said the lady in waiting, without remarking
+Fleur-de-Marie's agitation; and, as she spoke, Rodolph entered, holding
+a large bouquet of roses in his hand.
+
+At the sight of the prince the countess retired, and scarcely had she
+left the apartment than Fleur-de-Marie threw herself into her father's
+arms, and leant her head on his shoulder.
+
+"Good morning, love," said Rodolph, pressing her to his heart. "See what
+beautiful roses; I never saw finer ones." And the prince made a slight
+motion as if to disengage himself from her and look at her, when, seeing
+her weeping, he threw down the bouquet, and, taking her hands, cried:
+
+"You are weeping! What is the matter?"
+
+"Nothing, dear father," said Fleur-de-Marie, striving to smile.
+
+"My child," replied Rodolph, "you are concealing something from me; tell
+me, I entreat you, what thus distresses you. Never mind the bouquet."
+
+"Oh, you know how fond I am of roses; I always was! Do you recollect,"
+added she, "my poor little rose-tree? I have preserved the pieces of it
+so carefully!"
+
+At this terrible allusion, Rodolph cried:
+
+"Unhappy child! Is it possible that, in the midst of all the splendour
+that surrounds you, you think of the past? Alas! I hoped my tenderness
+had made you forget it."
+
+"Forgive me, dear father; I did not mean what I said. I grieve you."
+
+"I grieve, my child, because I know how painful it is for you thus to
+ponder over the past."
+
+"Dear father, it is the first time since I have been here."
+
+"The first time you have mentioned it, but not the first time you have
+thought of it; I have for a long time noticed your sadness, and was
+unable to account for it. My position was so delicate, though I never
+told you anything, I thought of you constantly. When I contracted my
+marriage, I thought it would increase your happiness. I did not venture
+to hope you would quite forget the past; but I hoped that, cherished and
+supported by the amiable woman whom I had chosen for my wife, you would
+look upon the past as amply atoned for by your sufferings. No matter
+what faults you had committed, they have been a thousand times expiated
+by the good you have done since you have been here."
+
+"Father!"
+
+"Oh, let me tell you all, since a providential chance has brought about
+this conversation I at once desired and dreaded! I would, to secure your
+happiness, have sacrificed my affection for Madame d'Harville and my
+friendship for Murphy, had I thought they recalled the past to you."
+
+"Oh, their presence, when they know what I was, and yet love me so
+tenderly, seems a proof of pardon and oblivion to me! I should have been
+miserable if for my sake you had renounced Madame d'Harville's hand."
+
+"Oh, you know not what sacrifice Clémence herself would have made, for
+she was aware of the full extent of my duties to you!"
+
+"Duties to me! What have I done to deserve so much goodness?"
+
+"Until the moment that Heaven restored you to me, your life had been one
+of sorrow and misery, and I reproach myself with your sufferings as if I
+had caused them, and when I see you happy, it seems to me I am forgiven.
+My only wish, my sole aim, is to render you as happy as you were before
+unhappy, to exalt you as you have been abased, for the last trace of
+your humiliation must disappear when you see the noblest in the land vie
+with each other who shall show you most respect."
+
+"Respect to me! Oh, no! It is to my rank and not to myself they show
+respect."
+
+"It is to you, dear child,--it is to you!"
+
+"You love me so much, dear father, that every one thinks to please you
+by showing me respect."
+
+"Oh, naughty child!" cried Rodolph, tenderly kissing his daughter; "she
+will not cede anything to my paternal pride."
+
+"Is not your pride satisfied at my attributing the kindness I receive to
+you only?"
+
+"No, that is not the same thing; I cannot be proud of myself, but of
+you. You are ignorant of your own merits; in fifteen months your
+education has been so perfected that the most enthusiastic mother would
+be proud of you."
+
+At this moment the door of the salon opened, and Clémence, grand duchess
+of Gerolstein, entered, holding a letter in her hand.
+
+"Here, love, is a letter from France," said she to Rodolph; "I brought
+it myself, because I wished to bid good-morrow to my dear child, whom I
+have not yet seen to-day."
+
+"This letter arrives most opportunely," said Rodolph. "We were speaking
+of the Past; that monster we must destroy, since he threatens the repose
+of our child."
+
+"Is it possible that these fits of melancholy we have so often
+remarked--"
+
+"Were occasioned by unhappy recollections; but now that we know the
+enemy we shall destroy him."
+
+"From whom is this letter?" asked Clémence.
+
+"From Rigolette, Germain's wife."
+
+"Rigolette?" cried Fleur-de-Marie. "Oh, I am so glad!"
+
+"Do you not fear that this letter may serve to awaken fresh
+recollections?" said Clémence, in a low tone to Rodolph.
+
+"On the contrary, I wish to destroy these recollections, and I shall,
+doubtless, find arms in this letter, for Rigolette is a worthy creature,
+who appreciated and adored our child."
+
+Rodolph then read the following letter aloud:
+
+                             "BOUQUEVAL FARM, August 15, 1841.
+
+      "_Monseigneur_:--I take the liberty of writing to you to
+    communicate a great happiness which has occurred to us, and to
+    ask of you another favour,--of you, to whom we already owe so
+    much, or rather to whom we owe the real paradise in which we
+    live, myself, my dear Germain, and his good mother. It is this,
+    monseigneur: For the last ten days I have been crazy with joy,
+    for ten days ago I was confined with such a love of a little
+    girl, which I say is the image of Germain, he says it is exactly
+    like me, and our dear mother says it is like us both; the fact
+    is, it has beautiful blue eyes like Germain, and black curly
+    hair like mine."
+
+"Good, worthy people, they deserve to be happy!" said Rodolph. "If ever
+there was a couple well matched it is they."
+
+    "But really, monseigneur, I must ask your pardon for this
+    chatter. Your ears must often tingle, monseigneur, for the day
+    never passes that we do not talk of you, when we say to each
+    other how happy we are, how happy we were, for then your name
+    naturally occurs. Excuse this blot, monseigneur; but, without
+    thinking of it, I had written Monsieur Rodolph, as I used to say
+    formerly, and then I scratched it out. I hope you will find my
+    writing improved as well as my spelling, for Germain gives me
+    lessons, and I do not make those long ugly scrawls I used to do
+    when you mended my pens."
+
+"I must confess," said Rodolph, with a smile, "that my little protégée
+makes a mistake, and I am sure Germain is more frequently employed in
+kissing the hand of his scholar than in directing it."
+
+"My dear duke, you are unjust," said Clémence, looking at the letter;
+"it is rather a very large hand, but very legible."
+
+"Why, yes, she has really improved," observed Rodolph; "it would in
+former days have taken eight pages to contain what she now writes in
+two." And he continued:
+
+    "It is quite true, you know, monseigneur, that you used to mend
+    my pens, and when we think of it, we two Germains, we feel quite
+    ashamed when we recollect how free from pride you were. Ah, I am
+    again chattering instead of saying what we wish to ask of you,
+    monseigneur; for my husband unites with me, and it is very
+    important, for we attach a great deal to it, as you will see. We
+    entreat of you, monseigneur, to have the goodness to choose for
+    us and give us a name for our dear little daughter; this has
+    been the wish of the godfather and godmother,--and who do you
+    think they are, monseigneur? Two persons whom you and the
+    Marquise d'Harville have taken from misery and made very happy,
+    as happy as we are. They are Morel, the lapidary, and Jeanne
+    Duport, a worthy creature whom I met in prison when I went there
+    to visit my dear Germain, and whom the marquise afterwards took
+    out of the hospital.
+
+    "And now, monseigneur, you must know why we have chosen M. Morel
+    for godfather, and Jeanne Duport for godmother. We said it would
+    be one way of again thanking M. Rodolph for all his kindness, to
+    have, as godfather and godmother for our little one, worthy
+    persons who owe everything to him and the marchioness; whilst,
+    at the same time, Morel and Jeanne Duport are the worthiest
+    people breathing, they are of our own class in life, and
+    besides, as we say with Germain, they are our kinsfolk in
+    happiness, for, like us, they are of the family of your
+    protégés."
+
+"Really, my dear father, this idea is most delightful and excellent!"
+said Fleur-de-Marie; "to take for godfather and godmother persons who
+owe everything to you and my dear second mother!"
+
+"Yes, indeed, dearest," said Clémence; "and I am deeply touched at their
+remembrance."
+
+"And I am very happy to find that my favours have been so well
+bestowed," said Rodolph, continuing his letter.
+
+    "With the money you gave him, Morel has now become a jewel
+    broker, and earns enough to bring up his family very
+    respectably. Poor Louise, who is a very good girl, is going, I
+    believe, to be married to a very worthy young man, who loves and
+    respects her as he ought to do, for she has been unfortunate,
+    but not guilty, and Louise's husband that is to be is perfectly
+    sensible of this."
+
+Rodolph laid great stress on these last words, looked at his daughter
+for a moment, and then continued:
+
+    "I must add, monseigneur, that Jeanne Duport, through the
+    generosity of the marquise, has been separated from her husband,
+    that bad man who beat her and took everything from her; she has
+    now her eldest daughter with her: they keep a small trimming
+    shop, and are doing very well. Germain writes to you regularly,
+    monseigneur, every month, on the subject of the Bank for
+    Mechanics out of Work and Gratuitous Loans; there are scarcely
+    any sums in arrear, and we find already the good effects of it
+    in this quarter. Nine, at least, poor families can support
+    themselves in the dead season of work without sending their
+    clothes and bedding to the pawnbroker's. And when work comes
+    in, it does one's heart good to see the haste with which they
+    return the money lent, and they bless you for the loans so
+    serviceably advanced.
+
+    "Yes, monseigneur, they bless you; for, although you say you did
+    nothing in this but appoint Germain, and that an unknown did
+    this great benefit, we must always, suppose it was you who
+    founded it, as it appears to us the most natural idea. There is,
+    besides, a most famous trumpet to repeat that it is you who are
+    the real benefactor. This trumpet is Madame Pipelet, who repeats
+    to every one that it could be no one but her king of lodgers
+    (excuse her, M. Rodolph, but she always calls you so) who
+    established such a charitable institution, and her old darling
+    Alfred is of the same opinion; he is so proud and contented with
+    his post as porter to the bank that he says all the tricks of M.
+    Cabrion would not have the slightest effect on him now.
+
+    "Germain has read in the newspapers that Martial, a colonist of
+    Algeria, has been mentioned with great praise for the courage he
+    had shown in repulsing, at the head of the settlers, an attack
+    of plundering Arabs, and that his wife, as intrepid as himself,
+    had been slightly wounded by his side, where she handled her
+    musket like a real grenadier; since this time, says the
+    newspaper, she has been called Madame Carabine.
+
+    "Excuse this long letter, monseigneur, but I think you will not
+    be displeased to hear from us news of all those whose benefactor
+    you have been. I write to you from the farm at Bouqueval, where
+    we have been since the spring with our good mother. Germain
+    leaves us in the morning for his business, and returns in the
+    evening. In the autumn we shall return to Paris.
+
+    "It is so strange, M. Rodolph, that I, who could never endure
+    the country, am now so fond of it; I suppose it is because
+    Germain likes it so very much.
+
+    "As to the farm, M. Rodolph, you who know, no doubt, where the
+    good little Goualeuse is, will perhaps tell her that we very
+    often think of her as one of the dearest and gentlest creatures
+    in the world; and that, for myself, I never think of my own
+    happy condition without saying to myself, since M. Rodolph was
+    also the M. Rodolph of dear Fleur-de-Marie, that, no doubt, she
+    is by his kindness as happy as we are, and that makes one feel
+    still more happy. Ah, how I chatter! What will you say to all
+    this? But you are so good, and then, you know, it is your fault
+    if I go on as long and as merrily as Papa Crétu and Ramonette,
+    who no longer have a chance with me in singing. You will not
+    refuse our request, will you, monseigneur? If you will give a
+    name to our dear little child, it will seem to us that it will
+    bring her good fortune, like a lucky star.
+
+    "If I conclude by saying to you, M. Rodolph, that we try to give
+    every assistance in our power to the poor, it is not to boast,
+    but that you may know that we do not keep to ourselves all the
+    happiness you have given to us; besides, we always say to those
+    we succour: 'It is not us whom you should thank and bless; it is
+    M. Rodolph, the best, most generous person in the world.'
+
+    "Adieu, monseigneur! And pray believe that when our dear little
+    child begins to lisp, the first word she shall utter will be
+    your name, M. Rodolph, and the next those you wrote on the
+    basket which contained your generous wedding presents to me,
+    'Labour and discretion, honour and happiness.' Thanks to these
+    four words, our love and our care, we hope, monseigneur, that
+    our child will be always worthy to pronounce the name of him who
+    has been our benefactor, and that of all the unfortunates he
+    ever knew--Forgive me, monseigneur, but I cannot finish without
+    the big tears in my eyes, but they are tears of happiness.
+    Excuse all errors, if you please; it is not my fault, but I
+    cannot see very clearly, and I scribble.
+
+    "I have the honour to be, monseigneur, your respectful and most
+    grateful servant,
+
+                                           "RIGOLETTE GERMAIN.
+
+    "P.S. Ah, monseigneur, in reading my letter over again, I see I
+    have often written M. Rodolph, but you will excuse me, for you
+    know, monseigneur, that under any and every name we respect and
+    bless you alike."
+
+"Dear little Rigolette!" said Clémence, affected by the letter; "how
+full of good and right feeling is her letter!"
+
+"It is, indeed!" replied Rodolph. "She has an admirable disposition, her
+heart is all that is good; and our dear daughter appreciates her as we
+do," he added, addressing Fleur-de-Marie, when, struck by her pale
+countenance, he exclaimed, "But what ails you, dearest?"
+
+"Alas! what a painful contrast between my position and that of
+Rigolette. 'Labour and discretion, honour and happiness,' these four
+words declare all that my life has been, all that it ought to have
+been,--a young, industrious, and discreet girl, a beloved wife, a happy
+mother, an honoured woman, such is her destiny; whilst I--"
+
+"What do you say?"
+
+"Forgive me, my dear father; do not accuse me of ingratitude. But in
+spite of your unspeakable tenderness and that of my second mother, in
+spite of the splendour with which I am surrounded, in spite of your
+sovereign power, my shame is incurable. Nothing can destroy the past.
+Forgive me, dear father. Until now I have concealed this from you; but
+the recollection of my original degradation drives me to despair--kills
+me--"
+
+"Clémence, do you hear?" cried Rodolph, in extreme distress. "Oh,
+fatality--fatality! Now I curse my fears, my silence. This sad idea, so
+long and deeply rooted in her mind, has, unknown to us, made fearful
+ravages; and it is too late to contend against this sad error. Oh, I am
+indeed wretched!"
+
+"Courage, my dearest!" said Clémence to Rodolph. "You said but now that
+it is best to know the enemy that threatens us. We know now the cause of
+our child's sorrow, and will triumph over it, because we shall have with
+us reason, justice, and our excessive love for her."
+
+"And then she will see, too, that her affliction, if it be, indeed,
+incurable, will render ours incurable," said Rodolph.
+
+After a protracted silence, during which Fleur-de-Marie appeared to
+recover herself, she took Rodolph's and Clémence's hands in her own, and
+said in a voice deeply affected, "Hear me, beloved father, and you my
+best of mothers. God has willed it, and I thank him for it, that I
+should no longer conceal from you all that I feel. I must have done so
+shortly, and told you what I will now avow, for I could not longer have
+kept it concealed."
+
+"Ah, now I comprehend!" ejaculated Rodolph, "and there is no longer any
+hope for her."
+
+"I hope in the future, my dear father, and this hope gives me strength
+to speak thus to you."
+
+"And what can you hope for the future, poor child, since your present
+fate only causes you grief and torment?"
+
+"I will tell you; but before I do so let me recall to you the past, and
+confess before God, who hears me, what I have felt to this time."
+
+"Speak--speak--we listen!" was Rodolph's reply.
+
+"As long as I was in Paris with you, my dearest father, I was so happy
+that such days of bliss cannot be paid for too dearly by years of
+suffering. You see I have at least known happiness."
+
+"For some days, perhaps."
+
+"Yes, but what pure and unmingled happiness! The future dazzled me,--a
+father to adore, a second mother to cherish doubly, for she replaced
+mine, whom I never knew. Then--for I will confess all--my pride was
+roused in spite of myself. So greatly did I rejoice in belonging to you.
+If then I sometimes thought vaguely of the past, it was to say to
+myself, 'I, formerly so debased, am the beloved daughter of a sovereign
+prince, whom everybody blesses and reveres; I, formerly so wretched, now
+enjoy all the splendours of luxury, and an existence almost royal.'
+Alas! my father, my good fortune was so unlooked for, your power
+surrounded me with so much brilliancy, that I was, perhaps, excusable in
+allowing myself to be thus blinded."
+
+"Excusable! Nothing could be more natural, my angelic girl. What was
+there wrong in being proud of a rank which was your own, in enjoying the
+advantages of a position to which I had restored you? I remember at this
+time you were so delightfully gay, and said to me in accents I never can
+again hope to hear, 'Dearest father, this is too, too much happiness!'
+Unfortunately it was these recollections that begat in me this deceitful
+security."
+
+"Do you remember, my father," said Fleur-de-Marie, unable to overcome a
+shudder of horror, "do you remember the terrible scene that preceded our
+departure from Paris when your carriage was stopped?"
+
+"Yes," answered Rodolph; in a tone of melancholy. "Brave Chourineur!
+after having once more saved my life--he died--there, before our eyes."
+
+"Well, my father, at the moment when that unhappy man expired, do you
+know whom I saw looking steadfastly at me? Ah, that look--that look! it
+has haunted me ever since!" added Fleur-de-Marie, with a shudder.
+
+"What look? Of whom do you speak?" cried Rodolph.
+
+"Of the ogress of the _tapis-franc_!" answered Fleur-de-Marie.
+
+"That monster! You saw her!--and where?"
+
+"Did you not see her in the tavern where the Chourineur died? She was
+amongst the women who surrounded us."
+
+"Ah, now," said Rodolph, in a tone of despair, "I understand. Struck
+with horror as you were at the murder of the Chourineur, you must have
+imagined that you saw something prophetic in the sinister rencontre!"
+
+"Yes, indeed, father, it was so. At the sight of the ogress I felt a
+death-like shiver, and it seemed that under her scowl my heart, which,
+until then, had been light, joyous, bounding, was instantly chilled to
+ice. Yes, to meet that woman at the very instant when the Chourineur
+died, saying, 'Heaven is just!' it seemed to me as a rebuke from
+Providence for my proud forgetfulness of the past, which I was hereafter
+to expiate by humility and repentance."
+
+"But the past was forced on you, and you are not responsible for that in
+the sight of God!"
+
+"You were driven to it--overcome--my poor child!"
+
+"Once precipitated into the abyss in spite of yourself, and unable to
+quit it in spite of your remorse and despair, through the atrocious
+recklessness of the society of which you were a victim, you saw yourself
+for ever chained to this den, and it required that chance should throw
+you in my way to rescue you from such thraldom."
+
+"Then, too, my child, your father says you were the victim and not the
+accomplice of this infamy," said Clémence.
+
+"But yet, my mother, I have known this infamy!" replied Fleur-de-Marie,
+in a tone of deepest grief. "Nothing can destroy these fearful
+recollections,--they pursue me incessantly, not as formerly, in the
+midst of the peaceful inhabitants of the farm, or the fallen women who
+were my companions in St. Lazare, but they pursue me even in this
+palace, filled with the élite of Germany; they pursue me even to my
+father's arms, even to the steps of his throne!" And Fleur-de-Marie
+burst into an agony of tears.
+
+Rodolph and Clémence remained silent in presence of this fearful
+expression of unextinguishable remorse; they wept, too, for they
+perceived that their consolations were vain.
+
+"Since then," continued Fleur-de-Marie, drying her tears, "I say to
+myself every moment in the day, with bitter shame, 'I am honoured,
+revered, and the most eminent and venerated persons surround me with
+respect and attention. In the eyes of a whole court the sister of an
+emperor has deigned to fasten my bandeau on my forehead, and I have
+lived in the mire of the Cité, familiar with thieves and murderers.'
+Forgive me, dearest father, but the more elevated my position, the more
+deeply sensitive have I been to the deep degradation into which I had
+fallen; and at every homage paid me I feel myself guilty of profanation,
+and think it sacrilege to receive such attentions, knowing what I have
+been; and then I say to myself, 'If God should please that the past were
+all known, with what deserved scorn would she be treated whom now they
+elevate so high! What a just and fearful punishment!'"
+
+"But, poor girl, my wife and I know the past; we are worthy of our rank,
+and yet we cherish you."
+
+"Because you feel for me the tenderness of a father and mother."
+
+"But remember all the good you have done since your residence here, and
+the excellent and holy institution you have founded for orphans and poor
+forsaken girls! Then, too, the affection which the worthy abbess of Ste.
+Hermangeld evinces towards you, ought not that to be attributed to your
+unfeigned piety?"
+
+"Whilst the praises of the abbess of Ste. Hermangeld refer only to my
+present conduct, I accept it without scruple; but when she cites my
+example to the noble young ladies who have taken vows in the abbey, I
+feel as if I were the accomplice of an infamous falsehood."
+
+After a long silence Rodolph resumed, with deep melancholy:
+
+"I see it is unavailing to persuade you! Reasoning is impotent against a
+conviction the more steadfast as it is derived from a noble and generous
+feeling. The contrast of your past and present position must be a
+perpetual punishment; forgive me for saying so, my beloved one!"
+
+"Forgive you! And for what, my dear father?"
+
+"For not having foreseen your excessive susceptibility, which, from the
+delicacy of your heart, I should have anticipated. And yet what could I
+have done? It was my duty solemnly to recognise you as my daughter; yet
+I was wrong--wrong to be too proud of you! I should have concealed my
+treasure, and lived in retirement with Clémence and you, instead of
+raising you high, so high that the past would disappear as I hoped from
+your eyes."
+
+Several knocks were heard at this moment, which interrupted the
+conversation. Rodolph opened the door, and saw Murphy, who said:
+
+"I beg your your royal highness's pardon for thus disturbing you, but a
+courier from the Prince of Herkaüsen-Oldenzaal has just arrived with
+this letter, which he says is very important, and must be delivered
+immediately to your royal highness."
+
+"Thanks, good Murphy. Do not go away," said Rodolph, with a sigh, "I
+shall want you presently." And the prince, closing the door, remained a
+moment in the ante-room to read the letter which Murphy had brought him,
+and which was as follows:
+
+      "_My Lord_:--Trusting that the bonds of relationship existing
+    between us, as well as the friendship with which you have ever
+    honoured me, will excuse the boldness of the step I am about to
+    take, I will at once enter upon the purport of my letter,
+    dictated as it is by a conscientious desire to act as becomes
+    the man your highness deigns to style his friend.
+
+    "Fifteen months have now elapsed since you returned from France,
+    bringing with you your long-lost daughter, whom you so happily
+    discovered living with that mother from whom she had never been
+    parted, and whom you espoused when _in extremis_, in order to
+    legitimise the Princess Amelie.
+
+    "Thus ennobled, of matchless beauty, and, as I learn from my
+    sister, the abbess of Ste. Hermangeld, endowed with a character
+    pure and elevated as the princely race from which she springs,
+    who would not envy your happiness in possessing such a treasure?
+
+    "I will now candidly state the purport of my letter, although I
+    should certainly have been the bearer of the request it
+    contains, were it not that a severe indisposition detains me at
+    Oldenzaal.
+
+    "During the time my son passed at Gerolstein he had frequent
+    opportunities of seeing the Princess Amelie, whom he loves with
+    a passionate but carefully concealed affection. This fact I have
+    considered it right to acquaint you with, the more especially
+    as, after having received and entertained my son as
+    affectionately as though he had been your own, you added to your
+    kindness by inviting him to return, as quickly as his duties
+    would allow, to enjoy that sweet companionship so precious to
+    his heart; and it is probable that my apprising you of this
+    circumstance may induce you to withdraw your intended
+    hospitality to one who has presumed to aspire to the affections
+    of your peerless child.
+
+    "I am perfectly well aware that the daughter of whom you are so
+    justly proud might aspire to the first alliance in Europe, but I
+    also know that so tender and devoted a parent as yourself would
+    not hesitate to bestow the hand of the Princess Amelie on my
+    son, if you believed by so doing her happiness would be secured.
+
+    "It is not for me to dwell upon Henry's merits,--you have been
+    graciously pleased to bestow your approval on his conduct thus
+    far, and I venture to hope he will never give you cause to
+    change the favourable opinion you have deigned to express
+    concerning him.
+
+    "Of this be assured, that whatever may be your determination, we
+    shall bow in respectful and implicit submission to it, and that
+    I shall never be otherwise than your royal highness's most
+    humble and obedient servant,
+
+                                          "GUSTAVE PAUL,
+                            "_Prince of Herkaüsen-Oldenzaal_."
+
+After the perusal of this letter Rodolph remained for some time sad and
+pensive; then a gleam of hope darting across his mind, he returned to
+his daughter, whom Clémence was most tenderly consoling.
+
+"My dear child," said he, as he entered, "you yourself observed that
+this day seemed destined to be one of important discoveries and solemn
+explanations, but I did not then think your words would be so strikingly
+verified as they seem likely to be."
+
+"Dear father, what has happened?"
+
+"Fresh sources of uneasiness have arisen."
+
+"On whose account?"
+
+"On yours, my child. I fear you have only revealed to us a portion of
+your griefs."
+
+"Be kind enough to explain yourself," said Fleur-de-Marie, blushing.
+
+"Then hearken to me, my beloved child. You have, perhaps, good cause to
+fancy yourself unhappy. When, at the commencement of our conversation,
+you spoke of the hopes you still entertained, I understood your meaning,
+and my heart seemed broken by the blow with which I was menaced, for I
+read but too clearly that you desired to quit me for ever, and to bury
+yourself in the eternal seclusion of a cloister. My child, say, have I
+not divined your intentions?"
+
+"If you would consent," murmured forth Fleur-de-Marie, in a faint,
+gasping voice.
+
+"Would you, then, quit us?" exclaimed Clémence.
+
+"The abbey of Ste. Hermangeld is in the immediate neighbourhood of
+Gerolstein, and I should frequently see yourself and my father."
+
+"Remember, my child, that vows such as you would take are not to be
+recalled. You are scarcely eighteen years of age, and one day you
+may--possibly--"
+
+"Oh, think not I should ever regret my choice! There is no rest or peace
+for me save in the solitude of a cloister. There I may be happy, if you
+and my second mother will but continue to me your affection."
+
+"The duties and consolations of a religious life," said Rodolph, "might,
+certainly, if not cure, at least alleviate the anguish of your lacerated
+and desponding mind, and although your resolution will cost me dear, I
+cannot but approve of it."
+
+"Rodolph!" cried the astonished Clémence, "do I hear aright? Is it
+possible you--"
+
+"Allow me more fully to explain myself," replied Rodolph. Then
+addressing his daughter, he said, "But before an irrevocable decision is
+pronounced, it would be well to ascertain if nothing more suitable, both
+to your inclinations and our own, could be found for you than the life
+of a nun."
+
+Fleur-de-Marie and Clémence started at Rodolph's words and manner,
+while, fixing an earnest gaze on his daughter, the prince said,
+abruptly:
+
+"What think you, my child, of your cousin, Prince Henry?"
+
+The brightest blush spread over the fair face of Fleur-de-Marie, who,
+after a momentary hesitation, threw herself weeping in her father's
+arms.
+
+"Then you love him, do you not, my darling child?" cried Rodolph,
+tenderly pressing her hands. "Fear not to confide the truth to your best
+friends."
+
+"Alas!" replied Fleur-de-Marie, "you know not what it has cost me to
+conceal from you the state of my heart! Had you questioned me on the
+subject, I would gladly have told you all, but shame closed my lips, and
+would still have done so, but for your inquiry into the nature of my
+feelings."
+
+"And have you any suspicion that Henry is aware of your love?"
+
+"Gracious heavens, dearest father!" exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie, shrinking
+back in terror, "I trust not!"
+
+"Do you believe he returns your affection?"
+
+"Oh, no, no! I trust he does not! He would suffer too deeply."
+
+"And what gave rise to the love you entertained for your cousin?"
+
+"Alas, I know not! It grew upon me almost unconsciously. Do you remember
+a portrait of a youth dressed as a page, in the apartments of the Abbess
+de Ste. Hermangeld?"
+
+"I know; it was the portrait of Henry."
+
+"Believing the picture to be of distant date, I one day in your presence
+remarked upon the extreme beauty of the countenance, when you jestingly
+replied that it was the likeness of an ancestor who, in his youth, had
+displayed an extraordinary share of sense, courage, and every estimable
+quality; this strengthened my first impression, and frequently after
+that day I used to delight in recalling to my mind the fine countenance
+and noble features of one I believed to have been long numbered with the
+dead. By degrees these reveries began to form one of my greatest
+pleasures, and many an hour have I passed gazing, amid smiles and tears,
+on one I fondly hoped I might be permitted to know and to love in
+another world. For in this," continued poor Fleur-de-Marie, with a most
+touching expression, "I well know I am unworthy to aspire to the love of
+any one but you, my kind, indulgent parents."
+
+"I can now understand the nature of the reproof you once gave me for
+having misled you on the subject of the portrait."
+
+"Conceive, dearest father, what was my confusion when I learnt from the
+superior that the portrait was a living subject,--that of her nephew! My
+trouble was extreme, and earnestly did I endeavour to erase from my
+heart all the fond associations connected with that picture. In vain!
+the pertinacity with which I strove to forget but riveted the impression
+I had received; and, unfortunately, dear father, you rendered the task
+of forgetting more difficult, by continually eulogising the heart,
+disposition, and principles of Prince Henry."
+
+"You loved him, then, my child, from merely seeing his likeness and
+hearing his praises?"
+
+"Without positively loving him, I felt myself attracted towards him by
+an irresistible impulse, for which I bitterly reproached myself; my only
+consolation was the thought that no person knew my fatal secret. For how
+could I presume to love? How excuse my ingratitude in not contenting
+myself with the tenderness bestowed on me by you, my father, and you,
+also, dearest mother? In the midst of all these conflicting feelings I
+met my cousin, for the first time, at a ball given by you to the
+Archduchess Sophia; his resemblance to the portrait too well assured me
+it was he; and your introducing Prince Henry to me as a near relative
+afforded me ample opportunities of discovering that his manners were as
+captivating as his mind was cultivated."
+
+"It is easy to conceive, then, that a mutual passion sprung up between
+you! Indeed, he won upon my regard ere I was aware of the ground he had
+gained; he spoke of you so admiringly, yet so respectfully."
+
+"You had yourself praised him so highly."
+
+"Not more than he deserved. It is impossible to possess a more noble
+nature, or a more generous and elevated character."
+
+"I beseech you, dearest father, to spare me the fresh trial of hearing
+him thus praised by you. Alas! I am already wretched enough."
+
+"Go on, my child. I have a reason in thus extolling your cousin--I will
+explain hereafter. Proceed."
+
+"Though aware of the danger of thus daily associating with my cousin, I
+felt unable to withdraw myself from the pleasure his society afforded
+me; nor, spite of my implicit reliance on your indulgence, dear father,
+durst I disclose my fears to you. I could then only redouble my efforts
+to conceal my unfortunate attachment, and--shall I confess?--there were
+moments when, forgetting the past, I gave myself up to all the dear
+delights of a friendship hitherto unknown to me. But the departure of
+Prince Henry from your court tore the veil from my eyes, and showed me
+how truly and ardently I loved him, though not with a sister's love, as
+I had made myself believe. I had resolved to open my heart entirely to
+you on this subject," continued Fleur-de-Marie, whose strength seemed
+utterly exhausted by her long confession, "and then to ask you what
+remained for one so every way unfortunate but to seek the repose of a
+cloister."
+
+"Then, dearest daughter, let me answer the question ere you have put it,
+by saying there is a prospect as bright and smiling awaits your
+acceptance, as that you propose is cheerless and gloomy."
+
+"What mean you?"
+
+"Now, then, listen to me. It was impossible for an affection as great as
+mine to be blinded to the mutual affection subsisting between yourself
+and your cousin; my penetration also quickly discovered that his passion
+for you amounted to idolatry; that he had but one hope, one desire on
+earth,--that of being loved by you. At the time I played off that little
+joke respecting the portrait, I had not the least expectation of Henry's
+visiting Gerolstein. When, however, he did come, I saw no reason for
+changing the manner in which I had always treated him, and I therefore
+invited him to visit us on the same terms of friendly relationship he
+had hitherto done. A very little time had elapsed ere Clémence and
+myself saw plainly enough the cause of his frequent visits, or the
+mutual delight you felt in each other's society. Then mine became a
+difficult task.
+
+"On the one hand, I rejoiced as a father that one so every way worthy of
+you should have won your affection; then on the other hand, my poor dear
+child, your past misfortunes forbade me to encourage the idea of uniting
+you to your cousin, to whom I several times spoke in a manner very
+different to the tone I should have adopted, had I contemplated
+bestowing on him your hand.
+
+"Thus placed in a position so delicate, I endeavoured to preserve a
+strict neutrality, discouraging Prince Henry's attentions by every means
+in my power, and yet manifesting towards himself the same paternal
+kindness with which I had always treated him; and besides, my poor girl,
+after a life of so much unhappiness as yours, I could not bring myself
+suddenly to tear away the innocent pleasure you appeared to feel in the
+company of your cousin. It was something to see you even temporarily
+happy and cheerful, and even now your acquaintance with Prince Henry may
+be the means of securing your future tranquillity."
+
+"Dear father, I understand you not."
+
+"Prince Paul, Henry's father, has just sent me this letter. While
+considering such an alliance as an honour too great to aspire to, he
+solicits your hand for his son, who, he states, is inspired with a
+passion for you."
+
+"Dearest father!" cried Fleur-de-Marie, concealing her face with her
+hands, "do you forget?"
+
+"I forget nothing,--not even that to-morrow you enter a convent, where,
+besides, being for ever lost to me, you will pass the remainder of your
+days in tears and austerity. If I must part with you, let it be to give
+you to a husband who will love you almost as tenderly as your father."
+
+"Married!--and to him, father! You cannot mean it!"
+
+"Indeed I do; but on one condition: that directly after your marriage
+has been celebrated here, without pomp or parade, you shall depart with
+your husband for some tranquil retreat in Italy or Switzerland, where
+you may live unknown, and merely pass for opulent persons of middle
+rank. And my reason for attaching this proviso to my consent is because
+I feel assured that, in the bosom of simple and unostentatious
+happiness, you would by degrees forget the hateful past, which is now
+only more painfully contrasted with the pomp and ceremony by which you
+are surrounded."
+
+"Rodolph is right," said Clémence. "With Henry for your companion, and
+happy in each other's affection, past sorrows will soon be forgotten."
+
+"And as I could not wholly part with you, Clémence and I would pay you a
+visit each year. Then when time shall have healed your wounded spirit,
+my poor child, and present felicity shall have effaced all recollections
+of the past, you will return to dwell among us, never more to part."
+
+"Forget the past in present happiness!" murmured Fleur-de-Marie.
+
+"Even so, my child," replied Rodolph, scarcely able to restrain his
+emotion at seeing his daughter's scruples thus shaken.
+
+"Can it be possible," cried Fleur-de-Marie, "that such unspeakable
+felicity is reserved for me? The wife of Henry. And one day to pass my
+life between him--yourself--and my second mother!" continued she, more
+subdued by the ineffable delight such a picture created in her mind.
+
+"All--all that happiness shall be yours, my precious child!" exclaimed
+Rodolph, fondly embracing Fleur-de-Marie. "I will reply at once to
+Henry's father that I consent to the marriage. Comfort yourself with the
+certainty that our separation will be but short; the fresh duties you
+will take upon yourself in a wedded life will serve to drive away all
+past retrospections and painful reminiscences; and should you yourself
+be a mother, you will know and feel how readily a parent sacrifices her
+own regrets and griefs to promote the happiness of her child."
+
+"A mother! I a mother!" exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie, with bitter despair,
+awakening at that word from the sweet illusion in which her memory
+seemed temporarily lulled. "Oh, no! I am unworthy to bear that sacred
+name! I should expire of shame in the presence of my own child, if
+indeed I could survive the horrible disclosures I must necessarily make
+to its father of my past life! Oh, never--never!"
+
+"My child, for pity's sake, listen to me!"
+
+Pale and beautiful amidst her deep distress, Fleur-de-Marie arose with
+all the majesty of incurable sorrow, and, looking earnestly at Rodolph,
+she said, "We forget that, ere Prince Henry made me his wife, he should
+be acquainted with the past!"
+
+"No, no, my daughter," replied Rodolph, "I had by no means forgotten
+what he both ought to know and shall learn of the melancholy tale."
+
+"Think you not that I should die, were I thus degraded in his eyes?"
+
+"And he will also admit and feel," added Clémence, "that if I style you
+my daughter, he may, without fear or shame, safely call you his wife."
+
+"Nay, dearest mother, I love Prince Henry too truly to bestow on him a
+hand that has been polluted by the touch of the ruffians of the Cité."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A short time after this painful scene, the following announcement
+appeared in the Official Gazette of Gerolstein:
+
+"The taking of the veil by the most high and mighty Princess Amelie of
+Gerolstein took place yesterday in the Abbey of Ste. Hermangeld, in the
+presence of the reigning grand duke and all his court. The vows of the
+novice were received by the right reverend and illustrious Lord Charles
+Maximus, Archbishop of Oppenheim; Monseigneur Annibal André, one of the
+princes of Delphes and Bishop of Ceuta, _in partibus infidelium_, and
+apostolic nuncio, bestowed the salutation and papal benediction. The
+sermon was preached by the most reverend Seigneur Pierre d'Asfeld, canon
+of the Chapter of Cologne, and count of the Holy Roman Empire. _Veni
+Creator Optime!_"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE VOWS.
+
+
+    _Rodolph to Clémence._
+
+                               GEROLSTEIN, 12th January, 1842.
+
+      Your assurance that your father is better induces me to hope
+    you will be enabled to return here with him shortly. I dreaded
+    that at Rosenfeld, situated in the midst of the woods, he would
+    be exposed to the piercing cold of our rigorous winters, but,
+    unfortunately, his fondness for hunting rendered all our advice
+    useless.
+
+    I entreat you, Clémence, as soon as your father can bear the
+    motion of the carriage, quit that country and this habitation,
+    only fit for those Germans of an iron frame whose race has now
+    disappeared.
+
+    The ceremony of our poor child's taking the vows is fixed for
+    to-morrow, the thirteenth of January, the fatal day on which I
+    drew my sword on my father! Alas! I thought too soon I was
+    forgiven! The hope of passing my life with you and my child made
+    me forget that it was she who had been punished up to the
+    present time, and that my punishment was to come. And it is
+    come, when, six months ago, she disclosed the double torture she
+    suffered,--her incurable shame for the past, and her hopeless
+    passion for Henry.
+
+    These two sentiments became, by a fatal logic, the cause of her
+    fixed resolve to take the veil. You know that we could not
+    conceal from her that, had we been in her place, we should have
+    pursued the same noble and courageous course she has adopted.
+    How could we answer those humble words, "I love Prince Henry too
+    much to give him a hand that has been touched by the bandits of
+    the Cité!"
+
+    I have seen her this morning, and though she seemed less pale
+    than usual, though she said she did not suffer, yet her health
+    gives me the most mortal alarm.
+
+    Alas! This morning, when I saw beneath the veil those noble
+    features, I could not refrain from thinking how beautiful she
+    looked the day of our marriage; it seemed that our happiness was
+    reflected on her face.
+
+    As I told you, I saw her this morning. She does not know that
+    to-morrow the Princess Juliana resigns her abbatical dignity,
+    and that she has been unanimously chosen to succeed her.
+
+    Since the beginning of her novitiate there has been but one
+    opinion of her piety, her charity, and the exactitude with which
+    she fulfils all the rules of the order; she even exaggerates
+    their austerity. She exercises in the convent that authority she
+    exercised everywhere, but of which she herself is ignorant. She
+    confessed to me this morning that she is not so absorbed by her
+    religious duties as to forget the past.
+
+    "I accuse myself, dear father," said she, "because I cannot help
+    reflecting that, had Heaven pleased to spare me the degradation
+    that has stained my life, I might have lived happily with you
+    and my husband. Spite of myself, I reflect on this, and on what
+    passed in the Cité. In vain I beseech Heaven to deliver me from
+    these temptations,--to fill my heart with himself; but he does
+    not hear my prayers, doubtless because my life has rendered me
+    unworthy of communion with him."
+
+    "But," cried I, clinging to this faint glimmer of hope, "it is
+    not yet too late; your novitiate is only over to-day; you are
+    yet free. Renounce this austere life, dwell again with us, and
+    our tenderness shall soften your grief."
+
+    Shaking her head sorrowfully, she replied:
+
+    "The cloister is, indeed, solitary for me, accustomed as I have
+    been to your tender care; doubtless cruel recollections come
+    over me, but I am consoled by the knowledge that I am performing
+    my duty. I know that everywhere else I should be liable to be
+    placed in that position in which I have already suffered so
+    much. Your daughter shall do what she ought to do, suffer what
+    she ought to suffer."
+
+    Without founding any great hopes on this interview, I yet said
+    to myself, "She can renounce the cloister. But as she is
+    determined, I can but repeat her words, 'God alone can offer me
+    a refuge worthy of himself.'" Adieu, dear Clémence! It consoles
+    me to see you grieve with me, for I can say 'our' child without
+    egotism in my sufferings. Often this thought lightens my sorrow,
+    for you are left to me, and what is left to Fleur-de-Marie?
+    Adieu again; return soon.
+
+                                                            R.
+
+
+                                    ABBEY OF STE. HERMANGELD.
+                                  Four o'clock in the morning.
+
+    Reassure yourself, Clémence! Thank God, the danger is over, but
+    the crisis was terrible!
+
+    Last evening, agitated by my thoughts, I recollected the
+    paleness and languor of my poor child, and that she was obliged
+    to pass almost all the night in the church in prayer.
+
+    I sent Murphy and David to demand the Princess Juliana's
+    permission to remain until the morrow in the mansion that Henry
+    occupied usually; thus my child would have prompt assistance,
+    and I prompt intelligence, in case that her strength failed
+    under this rigorous, I will not say cruel, obligation to pass
+    the whole of a cold winter's night in the church.
+
+[Illustration: "In the Church in Prayer"
+Original Etching by Mercier]
+
+    I wrote to Fleur-de-Marie that, whilst I respected her religious
+    exercises, I besought her to watch in her cell and not in the
+    church. This was her reply:
+
+       "_My dear Father_:--I thank you for this fresh proof of
+       your tenderness, but be not alarmed, I am sufficiently
+       strong to perform my duty. Your daughter must be guilty
+       of no weakness. The rule orders it, I must submit. Should
+       it cause me some physical sufferings, how joyfully shall
+       I offer them to God! Adieu, dear father! I cannot say I
+       pray for you, because whenever I pray to Heaven I cannot
+       help remembering you in my prayers. You have been to me
+       on earth what God will be, if I merit it, in heaven.
+       Bless your child, who will be to-morrow the spouse of
+       Heaven.
+
+                                              "SISTER AMELIE."
+
+    This letter, in some measure, reassured me; however I had, also,
+    a vigil to keep. At nightfall I went to a pavilion I had built,
+    near my father's monument, in expiation of this fatal night.
+
+    About one o'clock I heard Murphy's voice. He came from the
+    convent in order to inform me that, as I had feared, my unhappy
+    child, spite of her resolution, had not had sufficient strength
+    to accomplish this barbarous custom.
+
+    At eight o'clock in the evening Fleur-de-Marie knelt and prayed
+    until midnight, but, overpowered by her emotion and the intense
+    cold, she fainted; two nuns instantly raised her, and bore her
+    to her cell. David was instantly summoned, and Murphy came to
+    me. I hastened to the convent, where the abbess assured me that
+    my daughter's swoon, from which she had recovered, had been
+    caused only by her weakness, but that David feared that my
+    presence might seriously affect her. I feared they were
+    preparing me for something more dreadful, but the superior said:
+
+    "I assure you, monseigneur, the princess is in no danger; the
+    restorative the doctor has given her has greatly recruited her
+    strength."
+
+    David soon returned. She was better, but had insisted upon
+    continuing her vigil, consenting only to kneel upon a cushion.
+
+    "She is in the church, then?" cried I.
+
+    "Yes, monseigneur, but she will quit it in a quarter of an
+    hour."
+
+    I entered the church, and, by the faint light of a lamp, I saw
+    her kneeling and praying fervently. Three o'clock struck; two
+    sisters, seated in the stalls, advanced and spoke to her; she
+    crossed herself, rose, and traversed the choir with a firm step,
+    and yet as she passed the lamp she seemed to me deathly pale. I
+    remain at the abbey until the ceremony be over. I think now it
+    is useless to send this letter incomplete. I will forward it
+    to-morrow, with all the details of this sad day. Adieu,
+    dearest!--I am heart-broken--pity!
+
+                                                            R.
+
+
+
+
+THE LAST CHAPTER.
+
+THE THIRTEENTH OF JANUARY.
+
+
+    _Rodolph to Clémence._
+
+      The thirteenth of January! Now a doubly sinister anniversary!
+    Dearest, we have lost her for ever! All is over,--ended all. It
+    is true, then, that there is a horrid pleasure in relating a
+    terrible grief.
+
+    Yesterday I was complaining of the necessity that kept you from
+    me; to-day, Clémence, I congratulate myself that you are not
+    here,--you would have suffered too much. This morning I was in a
+    light slumber, and was awakened by the sound of bells. I started
+    in affright; it seemed to me a funereal sound,--a knell! In
+    fact, our daughter is dead,--dead to us! And from to-day,
+    Clémence, you must begin to wear her mourning in your heart, a
+    heart always so maternally disposed towards her. Whether our
+    child be buried beneath the marble of the tomb or the vault of
+    the cloister, what is the difference to us? Hardly eighteen
+    years of age, yet dead to the world!
+
+    At noon the profession took place, with solemn pomp, and I was
+    present, concealed behind the curtains of our pew. I felt, but
+    even with greater intensity, all the poignant emotion we
+    underwent at her novitiate. How strange! She is adored! And they
+    believe, universally, that she was attracted to a religious life
+    by an irresistible vocation; and yet whilst they believed it was
+    a happy event for her, an overwhelming sadness weighed down the
+    spectators. There appeared in the very air, as it were, a
+    doleful foreboding, and it was founded, if only half realised.
+
+    The profession terminated, they led our child into the
+    chapter-room, where the nomination of the new abbess was to take
+    place, and, thanks to my sovereign privilege, I went into this
+    room to await Fleur-de-Marie's return to the choir. She soon
+    entered; her emotion and weakness were so excessive that two of
+    the sisters supported her. I was alarmed, less at her paleness
+    and the great change in her features, than at the peculiar
+    expression of her smile, which seemed to me imprinted with a
+    kind of secret satisfaction.
+
+    Clémence, I say to you, perhaps we may very soon require all our
+    courage,--I feel within myself that our child is mortally
+    smitten. May Heaven grant that I am deceived, and may my
+    presentiments arise only from the despairing sadness which this
+    melancholy spectacle has inspired!
+
+    Fleur-de-Marie entered the chapter-room, all the stalls were
+    filled by the nuns. She went modestly to place herself last on
+    the left-hand side, still leaning on the arm of one of the
+    sisters, for she yet appeared very weak.
+
+    The Princess Juliana was seated at the end of the apartment,
+    with the grand prioress on one side and another dignitary on the
+    other, holding in her hand the golden crozier, the symbol of
+    abbatial authority. There was profound silence; and then the
+    lady abbess rose, took the crozier in her hand, and said, in a
+    voice of great emotion:
+
+    "My dear daughters, my great age compels me to confide to
+    younger hands this emblem of my spiritual power," and she
+    pointed to the crozier. "I am authorised by a bull of our holy
+    father; I will, therefore, present to the benediction of
+    monseigneur the Archbishop of Oppenheim, and to the approbation
+    of his royal highness the grand duke our sovereign, whosoever of
+    my dear daughters shall be pointed out by you to succeed me.
+    Our grand prioress will inform you of the result of the
+    election, and she who has been chosen will receive my crozier
+    and ring."
+
+    I did not take my eyes off my daughter. Standing up in her
+    stall, her two hands folded over her bosom, her eyes cast down,
+    and half covered by her white veil and the long folds of her
+    black gown, she was pensive and motionless, not supposing for a
+    moment that she would herself be elected, as this fact had been
+    communicated by the abbess to no one but myself.
+
+    The grand prioress took a book and read:
+
+    "Each of our dear sisters having been, according to the rule,
+    requested a week since to place her vote in the hands of our
+    holy mother, and keep her choice secret until this moment, in
+    the name of our holy mother I declare to you, my dear, dear
+    sisters, that one of you has, by her exemplary piety, merited
+    the unanimous suffrages of the community, and that she is our
+    sister Amelie, the most noble and puissant Princess of
+    Gerolstein."
+
+    At these words a murmur of pleased surprise and satisfaction
+    went around the apartment; the eyes of all the nuns were fixed
+    on my daughter with an expression of tender sympathy, and, in
+    spite of my painful forebodings, I was myself deeply touched at
+    this nomination, which, done isolatedly and secretly, had yet
+    presented such an affecting unanimity.
+
+    The abbess continued, in a serious and loud voice:
+
+    "My dear daughters, if it be, indeed, Sister Amelie whom you
+    think the most worthy and most deserving of you all,--if it be
+    she whom you recognise as your spiritual superior, let each of
+    you reply to me in turn, my dear daughters."
+
+    And each nun replied in a clear voice:
+
+    "Freely and voluntarily I have chosen, and I do choose, Sister
+    Amelie for my holy mother and superior."
+
+    Overcome by inexpressible emotion, my poor child fell on her
+    knees, clasped her hands, and remained so until each vote was
+    declared. Then the abbess, placing the crozier and the ring in
+    the hands of the grand prioress, advanced towards my daughter to
+    take her hand and conduct her to the abbatial seat.
+
+    "Rise, my dear daughter," said the abbess; "come and assume the
+    place that belongs to you. Your virtues, and not your rank, have
+    obtained for you the position you have gained."
+
+    Fleur-de-Marie, trembling, advanced a few steps, and said:
+
+    "Pardon me, holy mother, but I would speak to my sisters."
+
+    "Then first place yourself, my dear child, in your abbatial
+    seat," said the princess; "it is from thence your voice shall be
+    heard."
+
+    "That place, holy mother, never can be mine!" replied
+    Fleur-de-Marie, in a low and tremulous voice.
+
+    "What mean you, my dear daughter?"
+
+    "So high a dignity was not made for me, holy mother."
+
+    "But the wishes of all your sisters call you to it."
+
+    "Permit me, holy mother, to make here, on my knees, a solemn
+    confession; and my sisters will see, and you, also, holy mother,
+    that the humblest condition is not humble enough for me."
+
+    "This arises from your modesty, my dear child," said the
+    superior, with kindness, believing that the unhappy girl was
+    giving way to a feeling of overdelicacy.
+
+    But I divined the confession Fleur-de-Marie was about to make,
+    and, greatly alarmed, I exclaimed, in a voice of entreaty:
+
+    "My child, I conjure thee--"
+
+    It is impossible, my dearest Clémence, to describe the look
+    which Fleur-de-Marie gave me. In an instant she understood all,
+    and saw how deeply I should share in the shame of this horrible
+    revelation. She comprehended that after such a confession they
+    might accuse me of falsehood, for I had always made it out that
+    Fleur-de-Marie had never left her mother. At this reflection the
+    poor dear child thought she would be guilty of the blackest
+    ingratitude towards me; she had not power to continue, but bowed
+    down her head, overcome--overwhelmed.
+
+    "Again I assure you, my dear child," said the abbess, "your
+    modesty deceives you. The unanimity of the choice of your
+    sisters proves how worthy you are to replace me. It is not the
+    princess--it is Sister Amelie who is elected. For us your life
+    began on the day when you first put foot in this house of the
+    Lord, and it is this exemplary and holy life that we recompense.
+    I will say more, my dear daughter; if before you entered this
+    retreat your life had been as wrong as it has been, on the
+    contrary, pure and praiseworthy, the heavenly virtues of which
+    you have given me an example since your abode here would expiate
+    and ransom, in the eyes of the Lord, any past life, however
+    culpable. And now, my dear daughter, judge if your modesty ought
+    not to be reassured."
+
+    These words of the abbess were, as you may think, my Clémence,
+    the more precious for Fleur-de-Marie, as she believed the past
+    ineffaceable. Unfortunately, this scene had deeply moved her,
+    and, although she affected calmness and serenity, I saw that her
+    features altered in a most distressing manner.
+
+    "I believe I have convinced you, my dear daughter," said the
+    Princess Juliana; "and you will not cause so great a grief to
+    your sisters as to refuse this mark of their confidence and
+    affection?"
+
+    "No, holy mother," she said, with an expression which struck me,
+    and in a voice more and more feeble, "I think now I may accept;
+    but as I feel myself fatigued and in pain, if you will permit
+    it, holy mother, the ceremony of the consecration shall not
+    take place for a few days."
+
+    "As you wish, my dear daughter; but in the meanwhile, until your
+    dignity is blessed and consecrated, take this ring, come to your
+    place, and our dear sisters will do you homage according to our
+    rules."
+
+    And the superior, putting the pastoral ring on Fleur-de-Marie's
+    finger, led her to the abbatial seat. It was a simple and
+    touching sight. Supported on one side by the grand prioress,
+    bearing the golden crozier, and on the other by the Princess
+    Juliana, each of the sisters, as she passed by, made obeisance
+    to our child, and respectfully kissed her hand. But judge of my
+    affright when she swooned before the procession of the sisters
+    was terminated. David had not quitted the convent, and he
+    hastened to the abbess's apartment, whither we had conveyed her,
+    and then attended to her.
+
+    The superior having returned to close the sitting of the
+    chapter, I remained alone with my daughter. After looking at me
+    for some time, she said:
+
+    "My dear father, can you forget my ingratitude? Can you forget
+    that at the moment when I was about to make my painful
+    confession--when you implored me--"
+
+    "Silence! I beseech you!"
+
+    "And I did not reflect," she continued, with bitterness, "that,
+    in telling in the face of all the world from what an abyss of
+    depravity you had rescued me, I revealed a secret which you had
+    preserved out of tenderness to me! It would have been to accuse
+    you publicly--you, my father--of a dissimulation, which you only
+    resigned yourself to to assure me a brilliant and honoured
+    existence! Can you ever forgive me?"
+
+    Instead of replying, I pressed my lips on her forehead; she felt
+    my tears flow. Having kissed my hands many times, she said:
+
+    "Now I feel better, and, as now I am dead to the world, I should
+    like to make a few bequests in favour of several persons; but as
+    all I have comes from you, do you authorise me, dearest father?"
+
+    "Say, dearest, and I will do all you desire."
+
+    "I should wish my beloved mother to keep always in the little
+    boudoir in which she usually sits my embroidery-frame, with the
+    work I began."
+
+    "It shall be so, love; your apartment is as when you left it.
+    Clémence will be deeply touched by your thought of her."
+
+    "As for you, dear father, take, I pray, my large ebony armchair,
+    in which I have thought of--reflected upon so much."
+
+    "I will put it beside my own, in my own private closet, and will
+    imagine I see you in it every day, where you have so often sat,"
+    I said, unable to repress my tears.
+
+    "And now I would leave some souvenirs to those who took so much
+    interest in me when I was unhappy. To Madame Georges I would
+    give the writing-desk I have lately used; she taught me to write
+    originally, so the gift will be very appropriate," she said,
+    with her sweet smile. "As to the venerable curé of Bouqueval,
+    who instructed me in religion, I intend for him the beautiful
+    crucifix in my oratory."
+
+    "Very well, my dearest child."
+
+    "I should like to send my bandeau of pearls to my good little
+    Rigolette; it is a simple ornament which she may wear in her
+    beautiful black hair. And as you know where Martial and La Louve
+    are in Algeria, I should like to send to the brave woman who
+    saved my life my gold enamelled cross. These different
+    keepsakes, dearest father, I would have sent to them 'from
+    Fleur-de-Marie.'"
+
+    "I will do all you wish,--I will not forget one."
+
+    "I am sure you will not, dearest father."
+
+    "Is there no other person present to your memory?"
+
+    The dear child understood me, and pressed my hand, whilst a
+    slight blush tinged her pale cheeks as I said, "He is
+    better--out of danger."
+
+    "And his father?"
+
+    "Better as his son is better. And what will you give to Henry? A
+    souvenir from you will be a consolation so dear and precious!"
+
+    "My father, offer him my _prie-Dieu_. Alas! I have often watered
+    it with my tears when begging from Heaven for strength to forget
+    Henry, as I was unworthy of his love."
+
+    "How happy it will make him to see that you have had one thought
+    of him!"
+
+    "As to the asylum for the orphans and young girls abandoned by
+    their parents, I should wish, my dear father, that--"
+
+    Here Rodolph's letter was broken off by these words, almost
+    illegible:
+
+    "Clémence, Murphy will conclude this letter! I am lost,--bereft
+    of sense! Ah, the thirteenth of January!"
+
+At the end of this letter Murphy had written as follows:
+
+      _Madame_:--By the order of his royal highness I complete this
+    sorrowful recital. The two letters of monseigneur will have
+    prepared your royal highness for the overwhelming news I have to
+    communicate. Three hours since, whilst monseigneur was writing
+    to your royal highness, I was waiting in the antechamber for a
+    letter to be despatched by a courier, when suddenly I saw the
+    Princess Juliana enter in the greatest consternation.
+
+    "Where is his royal highness?" she said to me, in an agitated
+    voice.
+
+    "Writing to the grand duchess," I replied.
+
+    "Sir Walter," she said, "you must inform monseigneur of a
+    terrible event. You are his friend,--you should tell him; from
+    you the blow may be less terrible!"
+
+    I understood all, and thought it most prudent to charge myself
+    with the distressing intelligence. The superior having added
+    that the Princess Amelie was sinking gradually, and that
+    monseigneur must hasten to receive his daughter's last sigh, I
+    went into the duke's room, who saw how pale I was.
+
+    "You have some bad news for me?"
+
+    "Terrible, monseigneur! But courage! Courage!"
+
+    "Ah, my forebodings!" he exclaimed; and, without adding a word,
+    he ran to the cloisters. I followed him.
+
+    From the apartment of the superior, the Princess Amelie had been
+    conveyed to her cell, after her last interview with monseigneur.
+    One of the sisters watched over her, and at the end of an hour
+    she perceived that the Princess Amelie's voice, who spoke to her
+    at intervals, was weaker, and more and more oppressed. The
+    sister hastened to inform the superior, who sent for Doctor
+    David, who administered a cordial; but it was useless, the pulse
+    was scarcely perceptible. He saw with despair that the
+    reiterated emotions having probably exhausted the little
+    strength of the Princess Amelie, there was not a hope of saving
+    her left. Monseigneur arrived at this moment. The Princess
+    Amelie had just received the last sacrament; a slight degree of
+    consciousness remained. In one hand, crossed over her chest, she
+    held the remains of her little rose-tree.
+
+    Monseigneur fell on his knees at the foot of the bed, and
+    sobbed, "My child! My beloved child!" in a voice of piercing
+    agony. The Princess Amelie heard him, turned her head a little
+    towards him, opened her eyes, tried to smile, and said, in a
+    faint voice, "My dearest father, pardon!--Henry, too!--and my
+    beloved mother!--pardon!"
+
+    These were her last words. After a slight struggle of one hour,
+    she rendered her soul to God.
+
+    When his daughter had breathed her last sigh, monseigneur did
+    not say a word; his calmness and silence were frightful. He
+    closed the eyelids of the princess, kissed her forehead several
+    times, took piously from her hands the relics of the little
+    rose-tree, and left the cell. I followed him, and he returned to
+    the house outside the cloister, when, showing me the letter he
+    had commenced writing to your royal highness, and to which he in
+    vain endeavoured to add a few words, for his hand trembled too
+    convulsively, he said to me, "I cannot write! I am crushed! My
+    senses are gone! Write to the grand duchess that I have no
+    longer a daughter!"
+
+    I have executed the orders of monseigneur. May I be allowed, as
+    his old servant, to entreat your royal highness to hasten your
+    return as soon as the health of M. d'Orbigny will permit?
+    Nothing but the presence of your royal highness can calm
+    monseigneur's despair. He will watch his daughter's remains
+    every night until the day when she is to be buried in the
+    grand-ducal chapel.
+
+    I have accomplished my sad task, madame. Deign, to excuse the
+    incoherence of this letter, and to receive the expression of
+    respectful devotion with which I have the honour to be
+
+                Your royal highness's most obedient servant,
+                                                WALTER MURPHY.
+
+On the evening before the funeral of the Princess Amelie, Clémence
+arrived at Gerolstein with her father. Rodolph was not alone on the day
+of Fleur-de-Marie's interment.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+
+This e-text was prepared from numbered edition 505 of the 1000 printed.
+
+Minor punctuation and capitalization corrections have been made without
+comment.
+
+Minor typographical errors of single words, otherwise spelled correctly
+throughout the text have been made without comment.
+
+Word Variations appearing in the original text which have been retained:
+
+"ante-room" (1) and "anteroom" (1)
+"death-like" (1) and "deathlike" (1)
+"for ever" (1) and "forever" (1)
+"protégés" (1) and "protégées" (1)
+"work-girl" (1) and "workwoman" (1)
+
+Throughout the text, illustrations and their captions were placed on
+facing pages. For the purpose of this e-text these pages have been
+combined into one entry.
+
+Footnotes, originally at the bottom of a printed page, have been placed
+directly below the paragraph in which their anchor symbol appears.
+
+
+
+
+
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+Eugène Sue
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+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mysteries of Paris, by Eugene Sue.
+(In Six Volumes, Volume VI.)
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+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 6 of 6, by Eugène Sue
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 6 of 6
+
+Author: Eugène Sue
+
+Illustrators: G. Mercier
+              Bicknell
+              Léon Poiteau
+              Adrian Marcel
+
+Release Date: September 22, 2010 [EBook #33805]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERIES OF PARIS, V.6 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Christine Aldridge and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+(Stanford University, SUL Books in the Public Domain)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 320px;"><a name="frontispiece" id="frontispiece"></a>
+<img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="320" height="500" alt="&quot;Kneeling Down, Placed It on the Ground&quot;
+Original Etching by Mercier" title="&quot;Kneeling Down, Placed It on the Ground&quot;
+Original Etching by Mercier" />
+<span class="caption">&quot;<i>Kneeling Down, Placed It on the Ground</i>&quot;<br />
+<span class="artist">Original Etching by Mercier</span></span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="frontmatter">
+<h1>The Mysteries of Paris.</h1>
+
+<p class="title"><i>ILLUSTRATED WITH ETCHINGS<br />
+BY MERCIER, BICKNELL, POITEAU,<br />
+AND ADRIAN MARCEL.</i><br />
+<span class="pad8"><span class="smcap"><i>By</i></span> <i>EUGENE SUE</i></span></p>
+
+
+<p class="volume"><i>IN SIX VOLUMES<br />
+VOLUME VI.</i></p>
+
+
+<p class="center"><i>PRINTED FOR<br />
+FRANCIS A. NICCOLLS &amp; CO.<br />
+BOSTON</i></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p class="edition"><i>Edition De Luxe.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>This edition is limited to one thousand copies,
+of which this is</i></p>
+
+<p class="edition">No.______</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td class="tcol1"><span class="allcaps">CHAPTER</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td class="tcol3"><span class="allcaps">PAGE</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">I.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">Punishment</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_11">11</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">II.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">Rodolph and Sarah</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_44">44</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">III.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">Love's Frenzy</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_68">68</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">IV.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">The Hospital</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_80">80</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">V.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">Hope</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">VI.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">The Father and Daughter</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_122">122</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">VII.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">The Marriage</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">VIII.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">Bicêtre</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">IX.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">The Toilet</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_183">183</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">X.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">Martial and the Chourineur</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_195">195</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">XI.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">The Finger of Providence</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">&nbsp;</td><td class="epi">EPILOGUE.</td><td class="tcol3">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">I.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">Gerolstein</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">II.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">The Princess Amelie</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_236">236</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">III.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">The Vows</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_262">262</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol1">IV.</td><td class="tcol2"><span class="smcap">The Thirteenth of January</span></td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#Page_267">267</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td class="tcol2">&nbsp;</td><td class="tcol3"><span class="allcaps">PAGE</span></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol2">"<span class="smcap">Kneeling down placed it on the ground</span>"</td><td class="tcol3"><i><a href="#frontispiece">Frontispiece</a></i></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol2">"<span class="smcap">Was looking at herself in a mirror</span>"</td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#image44">44</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol2">"<span class="smcap">They took her to their guilty haunts</span>"</td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#image65">65</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol2">"<span class="smcap">The Schoolmaster was sitting on a bench</span>"</td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#image172">172</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td class="tcol2">"<span class="smcap">In the church in prayer</span>"</td><td class="tcol3"><a href="#image264">264</a></td></tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p>
+<h2>THE MYSTERIES OF PARIS.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 10%;" />
+<h3>CHAPTER I.</h3>
+
+<h5>PUNISHMENT.</h5>
+
+
+<p>We will again conduct the reader into the study of
+Jacques Ferrand. Availing ourselves of the loquacity
+of the clerks, we shall endeavour, through their instrumentality,
+to narrate the events that had occurred since
+the disappearance of Cecily.</p>
+
+<p>"A hundred sous to ten, if his present state continues,
+that in less than a month our governor will go off with a
+pop."</p>
+
+<p>"The fact is, since Cecily left, he is only skin and
+bones."</p>
+
+<p>"And now he takes to the priests again more than
+ever."</p>
+
+<p>"The curé of the parish is a most respectable man,
+and I overheard him say yesterday, to another priest
+who accompanied him, 'It is admirable! M. Jacques
+Ferrand is the personification of charity.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, when the curé declares a thing one must
+credit it; and yet to believe that the governor is charitable
+is almost beyond my belief."</p>
+
+<p>"Remember the forty sous for our breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but then the head clerk says that three days
+ago the governor realised a large sum in the funds, and
+that he is about to sell his business."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well, no doubt he has the means to retire."</p>
+
+<p>"He has speculated on the Bourse, and gained lots of
+money."</p>
+
+<p>"What astonishes me is this friend who follows him
+like his shadow."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he does not leave M. Ferrand for a moment;
+they eat together, and seem as if they were inseparable."</p>
+
+<p>"It seems to me as if I had seen this intruder somewhere!"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you not remarked that every two hours there
+comes a man with large light moustaches, with a military
+air, who inquires for the intruder of the porter?
+This friend then goes down-stairs, discourses for a
+moment with the hero with moustaches, after which
+the military gent turns on his heel, goes away, and
+returns two hours afterwards."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I have remarked it. It appears to me that, as
+I go and come, I see in the street men who appear to
+be watching the house."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps the head clerk knows more of this than we
+do. By the way, where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"At the house of the Countess Macgregor, who has
+been assassinated, and is now despaired of. They sent
+for the governor to-day, but the head clerk was despatched
+in his stead."</p>
+
+<p>"He has plenty in his hands, then, for I suppose he will
+fill Germain's place as cashier."</p>
+
+<p>"Talking of Germain, an odd thing has occurred. The
+governor, in order to free him from prison, has declared
+that he made a mistake in his accounts, and that he has
+found the money he accused Germain of taking."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not see anything odd in that,&mdash;it is but justice.
+I was sure that Germain was incapable of theft."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, here's a coach, gents!" said Chalamel, looking
+out of the window; "it is not a spicy turn-out like that
+of the famous vicomte, the gay Saint-Remy, but a hack
+concern."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Who is coming out of it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only the curé,&mdash;a very worthy man he is, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Silence! Some one comes in! To your work, my
+boys!"</p>
+
+<p>And all the clerks, leaning over their desks, began to
+scrawl away with much apparent industry, and as if their
+attention had not been taken off their business for a
+single instant.</p>
+
+<p>The pale features of the priest expressed at once a
+gentle melancholy combined with an air of intelligence
+and venerable serenity. A small black cap covered the
+crown of his head, while his long gray locks hung down
+over the collar of his greatcoat. Let us merely add to
+this hasty sketch, that owing to the worthy priest's implicit
+confidence in the words and actions of others, he
+was, and ever had been, completely blinded by the deep
+and well-practised hypocrisy of Jacques Ferrand.</p>
+
+<p>"Is your worthy employer in his room, my children?"
+inquired the curé.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, M. l'Abbé, he is," answered Chalamel, as, rising
+respectfully, he opened the door of an adjoining
+study, and waited for the priest to enter.</p>
+
+<p>Hearing loud voices in the apartment, and unwilling
+to overhear words not intended for his ears, the abbé
+walked rapidly forwards, and tapped briskly at the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in," said a voice with a strong Italian accent;
+and, entering, the priest found himself in the presence of
+Polidori and Jacques Ferrand.</p>
+
+<p>The clerks did not appear to have erred in calculating
+upon the approaching end of their employer. He was,
+indeed, scarcely to be recognised. Spite of the almost
+spectral thinness and pallor of his sharpened features, a
+deep red fever-spot burned and scorched upon his projecting
+cheek-bones; a sort of incessant tremor, amounting
+occasionally to convulsive spasms and starts, shook his
+attenuated frame. His coarse but wasted hands seemed
+parched with feverish heat, while his bloodshot eyes were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>
+shrouded from view by the large green glasses he wore.
+Altogether his face was a fearful index of the internal
+ravages of a fast consuming disease.</p>
+
+<p>The physiognomy of Polidori offered a strong contrast
+to that of the notary. Nothing could express a more
+bitter irony, a more biting contempt, than the features
+of this hardened villain, surrounded as they were by a
+mass of red hair, slightly mingled with gray, hanging in
+wild disorder over his pale, wrinkled brow, and partially
+hiding his sharp, penetrating eyes, which, green and
+transparent as the stone known as the <i>aqua marine</i>,
+were placed very close to his hooked nose, and imparted
+a still more sinister character to the look of sarcastic
+malevolence that dwelt on his thin, compressed lips.
+Such was Polidori, as, attired in a suit of entire black,
+he sat beside the desk of Jacques Ferrand. At the sight
+of the priest both rose.</p>
+
+<p>"And how do you find yourself, my good M. Ferrand?"
+inquired the abbé, in a tone of deep solicitude; "let me
+hope you are better."</p>
+
+<p>"Much the same as you last saw me, M. l'Abbé,"
+replied the notary. "No sleep, no rest, and constantly
+devoured by fever; but God's will be done!"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, M. l'Abbé!" interposed Polidori, "my poor
+friend is no better; but what a blessed spirit he is in!
+What resignation! Finding no other relief from his
+suffering than in doing good!"</p>
+
+<p>"Have the goodness to cease these praises, which I
+am far from meriting," said the notary, in a short, dry
+tone, as though struggling hard to restrain his feelings
+of rage and resentment; "to the Lord alone belongs the
+right of judging what is good and what evil,&mdash;I am
+but a miserable sinner!"</p>
+
+<p>"We are all sinners," replied the abbé, mildly; "but
+all have not the extreme charity by which you are distinguished,
+my worthy friend. Few, indeed, like you,
+are capable of weaning their affections from their earthly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>
+goods, that they may be employed only as a means of
+leading a more Christianlike life. Are you still determined
+upon retiring from your profession, the better to
+devote yourself to religious duties?"</p>
+
+<p>"I disposed of my practice a day or two ago, for a
+large and handsome sum. This money, united with
+other property, will enable me to found the institution
+I was speaking to you of, and of which I have entirely
+sketched out the plan. I am about to lay it before
+you, and to ask your assistance in improving it where
+necessary."</p>
+
+<p>"My noble-minded friend," exclaimed the abbé, with
+the deepest and holiest admiration, "how naturally and
+unostentatiously you do these things! Ah, well might
+I say there were but few who resembled you; and upon
+the heads of such too many blessings can scarcely be
+prayed for and wished."</p>
+
+<p>"Few persons, like my friend Jacques here," said
+Polidori, with an ironical smile, which wholly escaped
+the abbé, "are fortunate enough to possess both piety
+and riches, charity and discrimination as to the right
+channel into which to pour their wealth, in order that it
+may work well for the good of their soul."</p>
+
+<p>At this repetition of sarcastic eulogium, the notary's
+hand became clenched with internal emotion, while,
+through his spectacles, he darted a look of deadly
+hatred on Polidori.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you perceive, M. l'Abbé," said the dear friend of
+Jacques Ferrand, hastily, "he has these convulsive
+twitchings of the limbs continually?&mdash;and yet he will
+not have any advice. He really makes me quite
+wretched to see him, as it were, killing himself! Nay,
+my excellent friend, spite of those displeased looks, I
+will persist in declaring, in the presence of M. l'Abbé,
+that you are destroying yourself by refusing all succour
+as you do."</p>
+
+<p>As Polidori uttered these words, a convulsive shudder<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>
+shook the notary's whole frame; but in another instant
+he had regained the mastery over himself, and was calm
+as before. A less simple-minded man than the abbé
+might have perceived, both during this conversation
+and in that which followed, a something unnatural in
+the language and forced actions of Jacques Ferrand, for
+it is scarcely necessary to state that his present proceedings
+were dictated to him by a will and authority he was
+powerless to resist, and that it was by the command of
+Rodolph the wretched man was compelled to adopt words
+and conduct diametrically the reverse of his own sentiments
+or inclinations. And so it was that, when sore
+pressed, the notary seemed half inclined to resist the
+arbitrary and invisible power he found himself obliged
+to obey. But a glance at Polidori soon put an end to
+his indecision, and, restraining all his rage and impotent
+fury, Jacques Ferrand forbore any further manifestation
+of futile rage, and bent beneath the yoke he could neither
+shake off nor break.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, M. l'Abbé!" resumed Polidori, as though taking
+an infernal pleasure in thus torturing the miserable
+notary, "my poor friend wholly neglects his health. Let
+me entreat of you to join your request to mine, that he
+will be more careful of his precious self, if not for himself
+or his friends, at least for the sake of the poor and
+needy, whose hope and support he is."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough! Enough!" murmured the notary, in a
+deep, guttural voice.</p>
+
+<p>"No," said the priest, much moved, "'tis not enough!
+You can never be reminded too frequently that you belong
+not to yourself, and that you are to blame for
+neglecting your health. During the ten years I have
+known you I cannot recollect your ever being ill before
+the present time, but really the last month has so
+changed you that you are scarcely like the same person.
+And I am the more struck with the alteration in your
+appearance, since for some little time I have not seen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>
+you. You may recollect that when you sent for me the
+other day, I could not conceal my surprise on finding
+you so changed; during the short space of time that has
+elapsed since that visit, I find you even more rapidly
+altered for the worse. You are visibly wasting away,
+and occasion us all very serious uneasiness. I therefore
+most earnestly entreat of you to consider and attend to
+your health."</p>
+
+<p>"Believe me, M. l'Abbé, I feel most grateful for the
+kind interest you express, but that I cannot bring
+myself to believe my situation as dangerous as you
+do."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said Polidori, "since you are thus obstinate,
+M. l'Abbé shall know all. He greatly loves, esteems,
+and honours you; but how will those feelings be increased
+when he learns the real cause of your languishing
+condition, with the fresh claims your additional
+merits give you to his regard and veneration!"</p>
+
+<p>"M. l'Abbé," said the notary, impatiently, "I sent to
+beg your company that I might confer with you on a
+matter of importance, and not to take up your time in
+listening to the absurd and exaggerated eulogiums of
+my friend!"</p>
+
+<p>"You know, Jacques," said Polidori, fixing a piercing
+glance of fearful meaning on the notary, "that it is
+useless attempting to escape from me, and that you
+must hear all I have got to say."</p>
+
+<p>The person so addressed cast down his eyes, and durst
+not reply. Polidori continued:</p>
+
+<p>"You may probably have remarked, M. l'Abbé, that
+the first symptoms of our friend's illness manifested
+themselves in a sort of nervous attack, which followed
+the abominable scandal raised by the affair of Louise
+Morel, while in his service."</p>
+
+<p>A sort of aguish shivering ran over the notary.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible that you, sir, are acquainted with that
+unfortunate girl's story?" inquired the priest, greatly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>
+astonished. "I imagined you had only been in Paris a
+few days."</p>
+
+<p>"And you were correctly informed; but my good
+friend Jacques told me all about it, as a man would
+relate such a circumstance to his friend and physician,
+since he attributed the nervous shock under which he
+is now labouring to the excessive indignation awakened
+in his mind by the discovery of his servant's crime.
+But that is not all. My poor friend's sympathies have
+been still more painfully awakened by a fresh blow,
+which, as you perceive, has had a very serious effect on
+his health. An old and faithful servant, attached to
+him by many years of well-requited service&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You allude to the untimely end of Madame Séraphin,
+I presume," said the curé, interrupting Polidori. "I
+heard of the melancholy affair; she was drowned, I
+believe, from some carelessness or imprudence manifested
+by her while making one in a party of pleasure.
+I can quite understand the distress such a circumstance
+must have occasioned M. Ferrand, whose kind heart
+would be unable to forget that she who was thus
+snatched from life had, for ten long years, been his
+faithful, zealous domestic; far from blaming such regrets,
+I think them but natural, and reflecting as much
+honour on the survivor as the deceased."</p>
+
+<p>"M. l'Abbé," said the notary, "let me beseech of you
+to cease commending my virtues; you confuse&mdash;you
+make me really uncomfortable."</p>
+
+<p>"And who, then, shall speak of them as they deserve?"
+asked Polidori, with feigned affection. "Will you? Oh,
+no! But, M. l'Abbé, you shall have a fresh opportunity
+of praising him as he deserves. Listen! You are,
+perhaps, ignorant that Jacques took a third servant,
+to replace Louise Morel and Madame Séraphin? If
+you are not aware of that fact, you have still to learn
+all his goodness towards poor Cecily; for that was the
+name of the new domestic, M. l'Abbé."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Involuntarily the notary sprung from his seat, and
+with eyes glaring with rage and madness, even in spite
+of the glasses he wore, he cried, while a deep, fiery glow
+overspread his before livid countenance:</p>
+
+<p>"Silence! I command! I insist! I forbid another
+word on this subject!"</p>
+
+<p>"Come, come!" said the abbé, soothingly, "compose
+yourself. It seems there is still some generous action I
+have not yet been told of. I really must plead guilty
+to admiring the candour of your friend, however his
+love of truth may offend your modesty. I was not
+acquainted with the servant you alluded to, as, unfortunately,
+just about the time she entered the service of our
+worthy M. Ferrand, he became so overwhelmed with
+cares and business as to be obliged temporarily to
+interrupt our frequent friendly meetings."</p>
+
+<p>"That was merely a pretext to conceal the fresh act
+of goodness he meditated, M. l'Abbé, and, at the risk of
+paining his modesty, I am determined you shall know
+all about it," said Polidori, with a malignant smile,
+while Jacques Ferrand, in mute rage, leaned his elbows
+on his desk, while he concealed his face with his hands.
+"Imagine, then, M. l'Abbé," resumed Polidori, feigning
+to address himself to the curé, but at each phrase contriving
+to direct an ironical glance towards Jacques
+Ferrand, "imagine that my kind-hearted friend here
+found his new domestic possessed of the purest and
+rarest qualifications, the most perfect modesty, with the
+gentleness and piety of an angel; nor was this all.
+The quick penetration of my friend Jacques soon discovered
+that the female in question (who, by the way,
+was both young and beautiful) had never been accustomed
+to a servant's life, and that, to the most austere
+virtue, she added great and varied information, with
+first-rate talents, which had received the highest
+cultivation."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed!" exclaimed the abbé, much interested in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>
+the recital. "I was not aware of this. But what ails
+you, my good M. Ferrand? You seem ill and disturbed!"</p>
+
+<p>"A slight headache," answered the notary, wiping
+the cold, clammy drops from his brow, for the restraint
+he imposed upon himself was most severe,&mdash;"nothing
+more! It will soon pass off."</p>
+
+<p>Polidori shrugged up his shoulders, smiled maliciously,
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Observe, M. l'Abbé, that Jacques is always seized
+with the same symptoms directly any of his good actions
+are brought forward. But never mind,&mdash;I am determined
+that his light shall no longer be hid under a
+bushel, and it is my firm intention to reveal all his
+hidden charities. But first let me go on with the history
+of his generous exertions in favour of Cecily, who, on
+her side, had quickly discovered the excellency of
+Jacques's heart, and, when questioned by him touching
+the past, she candidly confessed that, left a stranger
+and wholly destitute in a foreign land, by the imprudence
+of her husband, she considered herself particularly
+fortunate in being able to obtain a shelter under so
+sanctified a roof as M. Ferrand's as a most singular
+interposition of Providence. The sight of so much
+misfortune, united to so much heavenly resignation,
+banished all hesitation from the mind of Jacques, and
+he wrote to the birthplace of the unfortunate girl for
+further information respecting her. The reply to his
+inquiries was most satisfactory, as well as confirmatory
+of all the young person had previously stated. Then,
+assured of rightly dispensing his benevolence, Jacques
+bestowed the most paternal kindness on Cecily, whom
+he sent back to her own country, with a sum of money
+to support her till better days should dawn, or she be
+enabled to obtain some suitable employment. Now I
+will not utter one word in Jacques's praise for doing all
+this,&mdash;let the facts speak for themselves."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Excellent! Most excellent!" exclaimed the deeply
+affected curé.</p>
+
+<p>"M. l'Abbé," said Jacques Ferrand, in a hoarse and
+abrupt tone, "I do not desire to take up your valuable
+time in discoursing of myself, but of the project respecting
+which I requested your presence, and for the furtherance
+of which I wished to obtain your valuable
+concurrence."</p>
+
+<p>"I can well understand that the praises so justly
+bestowed on you by your friend are painful to one of
+your extreme modesty; let us, then, merely speak of
+your good works as though you were not the author
+of them. But, first of all, let me give an account of my
+own proceedings in the matters you confided to me.
+According to your desire, I have deposited the sum of
+one hundred thousand crowns in the Bank of France,
+in my own name, with the intention of employing that
+amount in the act of restitution of which you are the
+medium, and which I am to effect. You preferred
+the money being lodged in the bank, although, in my
+opinion, it would have been in equal safety with you."</p>
+
+<p>"And in so doing, M. l'Abbé, I only acted in concurrence
+with the wishes of the person making this restitution
+for the sake of his conscience. His request to me
+was to place the sum mentioned by you in your hands,
+and to entreat of you to forward it to the widow lady,
+Madame Fermont, whose maiden name was Renneville
+(the notary's voice trembled as he pronounced these
+two names), whenever that person should present herself
+to you. I fully substantiate her claims."</p>
+
+<p>"Be assured," replied the priest, "I will with pleasure
+discharge the trust committed to me."</p>
+
+<p>"But that is not the only matter in which your
+assistance is solicited."</p>
+
+<p>"So much the better, if the others resemble this, for,
+without seeking the motives which dictate it, a voluntary
+restitution is always calculated to excite a deep interest;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>
+these rigid decrees of an awakened conscience are always
+the harbingers of a deep and sincere repentance, and
+such an expiation cannot fail to bring forth good fruits."</p>
+
+<p>"True, M. l'Abbé, the soul must indeed be in a perilous
+state when such a sum as one hundred thousand crowns
+is voluntarily refunded. For my part, I confess to having
+felt more inquisitive on the subject than yourself; but
+what chance had my curiosity against the firm and
+unshaken discretion of my friend Jacques? I am, therefore,
+still in ignorance of the name of the individual
+who thus restores such immense wealth for their conscience'
+sake."</p>
+
+<p>"But," continued Polidori, eyeing Jacques Ferrand
+with a keen, significant glance, "you will hear to what
+an extent are carried the generous scruples of the author
+of this restitution; and, to tell the truth, I strongly
+suspect that our right-minded friend here was the first
+to awaken the slumbering feelings of the guilty person,
+as well as to point out the surest and fittest way of
+tranquillising them."</p>
+
+<p>"How so?" inquired the priest.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" asked the notary.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, remember the Morels, those honest, deserving
+people."</p>
+
+<p>"True, true!" interposed Jacques Ferrand, in a hasty
+tone, "I had forgotten them."</p>
+
+<p>"Imagine, M. l'Abbé, that the author of this restitution,
+doubtless influenced by Jacques, not contented with
+the restitution of this large sum, wishes also&mdash;But
+my worthy friend shall speak for himself&mdash;I will not
+deprive him of the pleasure of relating so fine an
+action."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray let me hear all about it, my dear M. Ferrand,"
+said the priest.</p>
+
+<p>"You are aware," replied Jacques Ferrand, with
+affected sympathy, strangely mingled with the deep repugnance
+he entertained at being compelled to play a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>
+part so opposite to his inclinations, and which betrayed
+itself in the alteration his voice and manner exhibited,
+even in spite of all his attempts to be on his guard,&mdash;"you
+are aware, I say, M. l'Abbé, that the misconduct
+of that unhappy girl, Louise Morel, took so deep an effect
+on her father as to deprive him of his senses, and to
+reduce his numerous family to the very verge of destitution,
+thus bereft of their sole support and prop.
+Happily Providence interposed in their behalf, and the
+person whose voluntary restitution you have so kindly
+undertaken to arrange, not satisfied with this step,
+believed his abuse of confidence required still further
+expiation, and, therefore, inquired of me if I knew any
+genuine case of real and unmerited distress. I immediately
+thought of the Morel family, and recommended
+them so warmly that the unknown personage begged me
+to hand over to you (as I shall do) the necessary funds
+for purchasing an annuity of eighty pounds a year for
+the joint lives of Morel, his wife, and children."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly," said the abbé, "such conduct is beyond my
+poor praise. Most gladly will I add this commission to
+the former; still permit me to express my surprise that
+you were not yourself selected to arrange an affair of
+this nature, the proceedings of which must be so much
+more familiar to you than to me."</p>
+
+<p>"The reason for your being preferred, M. l'Abbé, was
+because the individual in question believed that his
+expiatory acts would go forth even in greater sanctity if
+they passed through hands as pure and pious as your
+own."</p>
+
+<p>"Then be it so! And I will at once proceed to
+arrange for an annuity to Morel, the worthy but unfortunate
+parent of Louise. Still I am inclined to think,
+with your friend, that you are not altogether a stranger
+to the motives which dictated this additional expiation."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, M. l'Abbé, let me beg of you to believe that all
+I did was to recommend the Morel family as a deserving<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>
+case upon which to exercise charitable sympathy; I had
+no further share in the good work," said Jacques
+Ferrand.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then," said Polidori, "you are next to be gratified,
+M. l'Abbé, with seeing to what an extent my worthy
+friend there has carried his philanthropic views, as manifested
+in the foundation of such an establishment as that
+we have already discussed. He will read to you the
+plan definitely decided on. The necessary money for
+its endowment is ready, and all is prepared for immediate
+action; but since yesterday a doubt has crossed his mind,
+and if he does not like to state it himself I will do so for
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no occasion for your taking that trouble,"
+said Jacques, who seemed to find a relief in talking himself
+rather than be compelled to sit in silence and listen
+to the ironical praises of his accomplice. "The fact is
+this, M. l'Abbé, I have reflected upon our purposed undertaking,
+and it occurs to me that it would be more in accordance
+with a right spirit of humility and Christian
+meekness if the projected establishment were instituted
+in your name, and not in mine."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, nay!" exclaimed the abbé, "such humility is
+exaggerated beyond all reasonable scruples. You may
+fairly pride yourself upon having originated so noble a
+charity, and it becomes your just right, as well as your
+duty, to give it your own name."</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me for insisting in this instance on having
+my own way. I have thought the matter well over, and
+am resolved upon preserving a strict <i>incognito</i> as to
+being the founder of the undertaking. I therefore venture
+to hope you will do me the favour to act for me,
+and carry the scheme into execution, selecting the various
+functionaries requisite for its several departments.
+I merely desire to have the nomination of the chief
+clerk and one of the doorkeepers. To this kindness you
+must add the most inviolable secrecy as regards myself."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Independently of the pleasure it would afford me to
+coöperate in such a work as yours, my duty to my fellow
+creatures would not permit me to do otherwise than
+accede to your wishes; you may therefore reckon upon
+me in every way you desire."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, with your permission, M. l'Abbé, my friend
+will read you the plan he has decided on adopting."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps," said Jacques Ferrand, bitterly, "you will
+spare me the fatigue of reading it, by taking that office
+on yourself? You will oblige me by so doing, will
+you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"By no means!" answered Polidori. "The pure
+philanthropy which dictated the scheme will sound far
+better from your lips than mine."</p>
+
+<p>"Enough!" interrupted the notary; "I will read it
+myself."</p>
+
+<p>Polidori, so long the accomplice of Jacques Ferrand,
+and consequently well acquainted with the black catalogue
+of his crimes, could not restrain a fiendish smile
+as he saw the notary compelled in his own despite
+to read aloud and adopt as his own the words and
+sentiments so arbitrarily dictated by Rodolph.</p>
+
+<p class="center">"ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BANK FOR WORKMEN OUT OF EMPLOY.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"We are instructed to 'Love one another!' These divine
+words contain the germ of all charities. They have inspired the
+humble founder of this institution. Limited as to the means of
+action, the founder has desired at least to enable as many as
+possible to participate in what he offers. In the first place, he
+addresses himself to the honest, hard-working workmen, burdened
+with families, whom the want of employment frequently reduces
+to the most cruel extremities. It is not a degrading alms which
+he offers to his brethren, but a gratuitous loan he begs them to
+accept. And he hopes that this loan may frequently prevent
+them from involving their future by distressing loans, which they
+are forced to make in order to await a return of work, their only
+resource for a family of whom they are the sole support. As a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>
+guarantee of this loan he only requires from his brethren an
+undertaking on honour, and a keeping of the word pledged. He
+invests a sum producing an annual income of twelve thousand
+francs, and to this amount loans of twenty to forty francs, without
+interest, will be advanced to married men out of work.
+These loans will only be made to workmen or workwomen with
+certificates of good conduct given by the last employer, who will
+mention the cause and date of the suspension from labour.
+These loans to be repaid monthly by one-sixths' or one-tenths',
+at the option of the borrower, beginning from the day when he
+again procures employment. He must sign a simple engagement,
+on his honour, to return the loan at the periods fixed.
+This engagement must be also signed by two fellow workmen as
+guarantees, in order to develop and extend by their conjunction
+the sacredness of the promise sworn to. The workman and his
+two sureties who do not return the sum borrowed must never
+again have another loan, having forfeited his sacred engagement,
+and, especially, having deprived so many of his brethren of the
+advantage he has enjoyed, as the sum he has not repaid is for
+ever lost to the Bank for the Poor. The sums lent being, on the
+contrary, scrupulously repaid, the loans will augment from year
+to year. Not to degrade man by a loan, not to encourage idleness
+by an unprofitable gift, to increase the sentiments of honour
+and probity natural to the labouring classes, to come paternally
+to the aid of the workman, who, already living with difficulty
+from day to day, owing to the insufficiency of wages, cannot,
+when work stops, suspend the wants of himself and family
+because his labour is suspended,&mdash;these are the thoughts which
+have presided over this institution. May His Holy Name who
+has said 'Love one another!' be alone glorified!"</p></div>
+
+<p>"Ah, sir," exclaimed the abbé, "what a charitable
+idea! Now I understand your emotion on reading these
+lines of such touching simplicity."</p>
+
+<p>In truth, as he concluded the reading, the voice of
+Jacques Ferrand had faltered, his patience and courage
+were at an end; but, watched by Polidori, he dared not
+infringe Rodolph's slightest order.</p>
+
+<p>"M. l'Abbé, is not Jacques's idea excellent?" asked
+Polidori.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, sir, I, who know all the wretchedness of the
+city, can more easily comprehend of what importance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>
+may be for poor workmen out of employ a loan which
+may seem so trifling to the happy in this world! Ah,
+what good may be done if persons but knew that with
+thirty or forty francs, which would be scrupulously
+repaid, if without interest, they might often save the
+future, and sometimes the honour of a family, whom
+the want of work places in the grasp of misery and
+want!"</p>
+
+<p>"Jacques values your praises, Monsieur l'Abbé," replied
+Polidori. "And you will have still more to say
+to him when you hear of his institution of a gratuitous
+Mont-de-Piété (pawnbroking establishment), for Jacques
+has not forgotten this, but made it an adjunct to his
+Bank for the Poor."</p>
+
+<p>"Can it be true?" exclaimed the priest, clasping his
+hands in admiration.</p>
+
+<p>The notary contrived to read with a rapid voice
+the other details, which referred to loans to workmen
+whose labour was suspended by fatigue or illness, and
+his intention to establish a Bank for the Poor producing
+twenty-five thousand francs a year for advances on
+pledges, which were never to go beyond ten francs for
+each pledge, without any charges for interest. The
+management and office of the loans in the Bank for
+the Poor was to be in the Rue du Temple, Number 17,
+in a house bought for the purpose. An income of ten
+thousand francs a year was to be devoted to the costs
+and management of the Bank for the Poor, whose
+manager was to be&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Polidori here interrupted the notary, and said to the
+priest:</p>
+
+<p>"You will see, sir, by the choice of the manager, that
+Jacques knows how to repair an involuntary error. You
+know that by a mistake, which he deeply deplores, he
+had falsely accused his cashier of embezzling a sum
+which he afterwards found. Well, it is this honest
+fellow, François Germain by name, that Jacques has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>
+named as manager of the institution, with four thousand
+francs a year salary. Is it not admirable,
+Monsieur l'Abbé?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing now can astonish me, or rather nothing
+ever astonished me so much before," the priest replied;
+"the fervent piety, the virtues of our worthy friend,
+could only have such a result sooner or later. To devote
+his whole fortune to so admirable an institution is most
+excellent!"</p>
+
+<p>"More than a million of francs (40,000<i>l.</i>), M. l'Abbé,"
+said Polidori; "more than a million, amassed by order,
+economy, and probity! And there were so many wretches
+who accused Jacques of avarice! By what they said,
+his business brings him in fifty or sixty thousand francs
+a year, and yet he leads a life of privations!"</p>
+
+<p>"To that I would reply," said the abbé, with enthusiasm,
+"that during fifteen years he lived like a beggar,
+in order one day to console those in distress most
+gloriously."</p>
+
+<p>"But be at least proud and joyful at the good you
+do," cried Polidori, addressing Jacques Ferrand, who,
+gloomy, beaten, and with his eye fixed, seemed absorbed
+in painful meditation.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" said the abbé, in a tone of sorrow, "it is not
+in this world that one receives the recompense of so
+many virtues! There is a higher ambition."</p>
+
+<p>"Jacques," said Polidori, lightly touching the notary's
+shoulder, "finish reading your prospectus."</p>
+
+<p>The notary started, passed his hand across his forehead,
+and addressing himself to the priest, "Your pardon,
+M. l'Abbé," said he, "but I was lost in thought; I
+felt myself involuntarily carried away by the idea of how
+immensely the funds of this 'Bank for the Poor' might
+be augmented if the sums lent out were, when repaid,
+allowed to accumulate only for a year. At the end of
+four years, the institution would be in a condition to
+afford loans, either wholly gratuitously, or upon security,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>
+to the amount of fifty thousand crowns! Enormous!
+And I am delighted to find it so," continued he, as he
+reflected, with concealed rage, on the value of the sacrifice
+he was compelled to make. He then added, "A
+revenue of ten thousand francs will be secured for the
+expenses and management of the 'Bank for unemployed
+Workmen,' whose perpetual director shall be François
+Germain; and the housekeeper, the present porter in
+the place, an individual named Pipelet. M. l'Abbé
+Dumont, in whose hands the necessary funds for carrying
+out the undertaking will be placed, will establish a
+board of superintendence, composed of the magistrate of
+the district and other legal functionaries, in addition to
+all such influential personages whose patronage and support
+may be likely to advance the interests of the 'Poor
+Man's Bank;' for the founder would esteem himself
+more than paid for the little he has done, should his
+example induce other charitable persons to come forward
+in aid of his work."</p>
+
+<p>"The opening of 'the bank' will be duly announced
+by every channel calculated to give publicity."</p>
+
+<p>"In conclusion, the founder has only to disclaim any
+desire to attract notoriety or draw down applause, his
+sole motive being an earnest wish to reëcho the divine
+precept of 'Love ye one another!'"</p>
+
+<p>The notary had now concluded; and without making
+any reply to the congratulations of the abbé, he proceeded
+to furnish him with the cash and notes requisite
+for the very considerable outlay required in carrying out
+the institution just described, and purchasing the annuity
+for Morel; after which he said, "Let me hope, M. l'Abbé,
+that you will not refuse the fresh mission confided to
+your charity. There is, indeed, a stranger, one Sir
+Walter Murphy, who has given me the benefit of his
+advice in drawing up the plan I have lately read to you,
+who will in some degree relieve you of the entire burden
+of this affair; and this very day he purposes conversing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>
+with you on the best means of bringing our schemes to
+bear, as well as to place himself at your disposal whenever
+he can render you the slightest service. To him
+you may speak freely and without any reserve, but to all
+others I pray of you to preserve the strictest secrecy as
+regards myself."</p>
+
+<p>"You may rely on me. But you are surely ill! Tell
+me, my excellent friend, is it bodily or mental pain that
+thus blanches your cheek? Are you ill?"</p>
+
+<p>"Somewhat indisposed, M. l'Abbé; the fatigue of
+reading that long paper, added to the emotions called up
+by your gratifying praises, have combined to overcome
+me; and, indeed, I have been a great sufferer during
+the last few days. Pray excuse me," said Jacques Ferrand,
+as he threw himself back languidly in his chair;
+"I do not apprehend any serious consequences from
+my present weakness, but must own I do feel quite
+exhausted."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps," said the priest, kindly, "your best plan
+would be to retire to bed, and allow your physician to
+see you."</p>
+
+<p>"I am a physician, M. l'Abbé," said Polidori; "the
+condition of my friend Jacques requires the greatest
+care, and I shall immediately do my best to relieve his
+present symptoms."</p>
+
+<p>The notary shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well," said the curé, "let us hope that a
+little rest is all you require to set you to rights! I
+will now take my leave; but first let me give you
+an acknowledgment for the money I have received."</p>
+
+<p>While the priest was writing the receipt, a look
+wholly impossible to describe passed between Jacques
+Ferrand and Polidori.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, come," said the priest, as he handed the
+paper he had written to Jacques Ferrand, "be of good
+cheer! Depend upon it, it will be long ere so faithful
+and devout a servant is suffered to quit a life so usefully<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>
+and religiously employed. I will come again to-morrow,
+and inquire how you are. Adieu, monsieur!
+Farewell, my good, my holy, and excellent friend!"</p>
+
+<p>And with these words the priest quitted the apartment,
+leaving Jacques Ferrand and Polidori alone there.
+No sooner was the door closed than a fearful imprecation
+burst from the lips of Jacques Ferrand, whose rage
+and despair, so long and forcibly repressed, now broke
+forth with redoubled fury. Breathless and excited, he
+continued, with wild and haggard looks, to pace to and
+fro like a furious tiger going the length of his chain,
+and then again retracing his infuriated march; while
+Polidori, preserving the most imperturbable look and
+manner, gazed on him with insulting calmness.</p>
+
+<p>"Damnation!" exclaimed Jacques Ferrand, at last, in
+a voice of concentrated wrath and violence; "the idea
+of my fortune being thus swallowed up in founding these
+humbugging philanthropic institutions, and to be obliged
+to give away my riches in such absurdities as building
+banks for other people! Your master must be the fiend
+himself to torture a man as he is doing me!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have no master," replied Polidori, coldly; "only,
+like yourself, I have a judge whose decrees there is no
+escaping!"</p>
+
+<p>"But thus blindly and idiotically to follow the most
+trifling order of this man!" continued Jacques Ferrand,
+with redoubled rage. "To compel me, constrain me, to
+the very actions most galling and hateful to me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, you have your chance between obedience and
+the scaffold!"</p>
+
+<p>"And to think that there should be no way to escape
+this accursed domination! To be obliged to part with
+such a sum as that I lately handed over to that old
+proser,&mdash;a million sterling! The very extent of all my
+earthly possessions are now this house and about one
+hundred thousand francs. What more can he want
+with me?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, but you have not done yet! The prince has
+learned, through Badinot, that your man of straw, 'Petit
+Jean,' was only your own assumed title, under which
+you made so many usurious loans to the Count de Remy,
+whom you so roughly took to task for his forgeries.
+The sums repaid by Saint-Remy were supplied him by a
+lady of high rank; and you may, very probably, be called
+upon to make a second restitution in that case, as well
+as the former; however, you may escape that in consequence
+of the fear entertained of wounding the delicacy
+of the noble lender, were the facts brought before the
+public."</p>
+
+<p>"And fixed, chained here!"</p>
+
+<p>"As firmly as though bound by an iron cable!"</p>
+
+<p>"With such a wretch as you for my gaoler!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, it is the prince's system to punish crime by
+crime,&mdash;the guilty by the hand of his accomplice. So
+how can you object to me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, rage!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, unhappily, powerless rage; for until he sends
+me his orders to permit you to leave this house, I shall
+follow you like your shadow! I, like yourself, have
+placed my head in danger of falling on the scaffold; and
+should I fail to perform my prescribed task of gaoler,
+there it would quickly fall. So that, you perceive, my
+integrity as your keeper is necessarily incorruptible.
+And as for our both attempting to free ourselves by
+flight, that is wholly impossible. Not a step could we
+take without immediately falling into the hands of those
+who, day and night, keep vigilant watch around and at
+each door of this house."</p>
+
+<p>"Death and fury! I know it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then resign yourself to what is inevitable; for if
+even flight were practicable, what would it do for our
+ultimate safety? We should be hunted down by the
+officers of justice, and speedily overtaken, with certain
+death before us; while, on the contrary, by your submitting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>
+and my superintending your obedience, we are
+quite sure to keep our heads on our shoulders."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not exasperate me by this cool irony, or&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, go on&mdash;or what? Oh, bless you, I am not
+afraid of you or your anger; but I know you too well
+not to adopt every precaution. I am well armed, I can
+tell you; and though you may have possessed yourself
+of the celebrated poisoned stiletto carried by Cecily, it
+would not be worth your while to try its power on me.
+You are aware that I am obliged, every two hours, to
+send to him who has a right to demand it a bulletin of
+your precious health! Should I not present myself
+with the required document, murder would be suspected,
+and you be taken into custody. But I wrong you in
+supposing you capable of such a crime. Is it likely that,
+after sacrificing more than a million of money to save
+your life, you would place it in danger for the poor
+satisfaction of avenging yourself on me by taking my life?
+No, no! You are not quite such a fool as that, at any
+rate!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, misery, misery! Endless and inextricable!
+Whichever way I turn, I see nothing but death or disgrace!
+My curse be on you&mdash;on all mankind!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your misanthropy, then, exceeds your philanthropy;
+for while the former embraces the whole world, the
+latter merely relates to a small part of Paris."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, go on, monster! Mock as you will!"</p>
+
+<p>"Would you rather I should overwhelm you with
+reproaches? Whose fault is it but yours that we are
+placed in our present position? Why would you persist
+in hanging to that letter of mine relative to the murder I
+assisted you in, which gained you one hundred thousand
+crowns, although you contrived to make it appear the
+man had fallen by his own hand? Why, I say, did you
+keep that letter of mine suspended around your neck,
+as though it had been a holy relic, instead of the
+confession of a crime?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Why, you contemptible being! Why, because having
+handed over to you fifty thousand francs for your
+share and assistance in the deed, I exacted from you that
+letter containing an admission of your participation in
+the affair, in order that I might have that security for your
+playing me fair; for with that document in existence, to
+betray me would have been to denounce yourself. That
+letter was the security, both for my life and fortune.
+Now are you answered as to my reasons for keeping it so
+carefully about me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I see! It was skilfully devised on your part, for
+by betraying you I gained nothing but the certainty of
+perishing with you on the same scaffold; and yet your
+cleverness has ruined us, while mine has assured our
+safety, up to the present moment."</p>
+
+<p>"Great safety, certainly, if our present situation is
+taken into consideration!"</p>
+
+<p>"Who could foresee the turn things have taken?
+But according to the ordinary course of events, our
+crime would have remained for ever under the same
+veil of concealment my management had thrown over
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"Your management?"</p>
+
+<p>"Even so! Why, do you not recollect that, after we
+had killed the man, you were for merely counterfeiting
+his writing, in order to despatch a letter as if from himself
+to his sister, stating his intention of committing
+suicide in consequence of having utterly ruined himself
+by losses at play? You believed it a great stroke of
+policy not to make any mention, in this letter, of the
+money entrusted to your charge. This was absurd
+because the sister, being aware of the deposit left in your
+hands, would be sure to claim it; it was wiser to take
+the contrary path, and make mention, as we did, of the
+money deposited with you; so that, should any suspicions
+arise as to the manner in which the murdered man met
+his death, you would be the very last on whom suspicion<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>
+could fall; for how could it be supposed for an instant
+that you would first kill a man to obtain possession of
+the treasure placed under your care, and then write to
+inform the sister of the fact of the money having been
+lodged with you? And what was the consequence of
+this skilful suggestion on my part? Every one believed
+the dead man had destroyed himself. Your high reputation
+for probity enabled you successfully to deny the circumstance
+of any such sum of money as that claimed
+ever having been placed in your hands; and the general
+impression was, that the unprincipled brother had first
+dissipated his sister's fortune, and then committed
+suicide."</p>
+
+<p>"But what does all this matter now, since the crime
+is discovered?"</p>
+
+<p>"And who is to be thanked for its discovery? Is it
+my fault if my letter has become a sort of two-edged
+sword? Why were you so weak, so silly, as to surrender
+so formidable a weapon to&mdash;that infernal Cecily?"</p>
+
+<p>"Silence!" exclaimed Jacques Ferrand, with a fearful
+expression of countenance; "name her not!"</p>
+
+<p>"With all my heart! I don't want to bring on an
+attack of epilepsy. You see plainly enough that, as
+regards the common course of ordinary justice, our
+mutual precautions were quite sufficient to ensure our
+safety; but he who now holds us in his formidable
+power goes to work differently; he believes that cutting
+off the heads of criminals is not a sufficient reparation
+for the wrongs they have done. With the proofs he has
+against us, he might give you and myself up to the laws
+of our country; but what would be got by that? Merely
+a couple of dead bodies, to help to enrich the churchyard."</p>
+
+<p>"True, true! This prince, devil, or demon&mdash;whichever
+he is&mdash;requires tears, groans, wringings of the
+heart, ere he is satisfied. And yet 'tis strange he
+should work so much woe for me, who know him not,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>
+neither have ever done him the least harm. Why, then,
+is he so bitter against me?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the first place, because he professes to sympathise
+with the sufferings of other men, whom he calls, simply
+enough, his brethren; and, secondly, because he knows
+those you have injured, and he punishes you according to
+his ideas."</p>
+
+<p>"But what right has he to exercise any such power
+over me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, look you, Jacques! Between ourselves it is
+not worth while to question the right of a man who
+might legally consign us to a scaffold. But what would
+be the result? Your two only relations are both dead;
+consequently government would profit by your wealth, to
+the injury of those you have wronged. On the other
+hand, by making your fortune the price of your life,
+Morel (the father of the unhappy girl you dishonoured),
+with his numerous family, may be placed beyond the
+reach of want; Madame de Fermont, the sister of the
+pretended self-murderer, Renneville, will get back her
+one hundred thousand crowns; Germain, falsely accused
+by you of robbery, will be reinstated in life, and placed
+at the head of the 'Bank for distressed Workmen,' which
+you are compelled to found and endow as an expiation for
+your many offences against society. And, candidly looking
+at the thing in the same point of view as he who now
+holds us in his clutches, it must be owned that, though
+mankind would have gained nothing by your death, they
+will be considerably advantaged by your life."</p>
+
+<p>"And this it is excites my rage, that forms my
+greatest torture!"</p>
+
+<p>"The prince knows that as well as you do. And
+what is he going to do with us, after all? I know not.
+He promised us our lives, if we would blindly comply
+with all his orders; but if he should not consider our
+past offences sufficiently expiated, he will find means to
+make death itself preferable a thousand times to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>
+existence he grants us. You don't know him. When
+he believes himself called upon to be stern, no executioner
+can be more inexorable and unpitying to the
+criminal his hand must deprive of life. He must have
+had some fiend at his elbow, to discover what I went
+into Normandy for. However, he has more than one
+demon at his command; for that Cecily, whom may the
+descending lightning strike to the earth&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Again I say, silence! Name her not! Utter not
+the word Cecily!"</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you I wish that every curse may light upon
+her! And have I not good reason for hating one who
+has placed us in our present situation? But for her,
+our heads would be safe on our shoulders, and likely to
+remain so. To what has your besotted passion for that
+creature brought us!"</p>
+
+<p>Instead of breaking out into a fresh rage, Jacques
+Ferrand replied, with the most extreme dejection, "Do
+you know the person you are speaking of? Tell me,
+have you ever seen her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never; but I am aware she is reported to be very
+beautiful."</p>
+
+<p>"Beautiful!" exclaimed the notary, emphatically;
+then, with an expression of bitter despair, he added,
+"Cease to speak of that you know not. What I did
+you would have done if similarly tempted."</p>
+
+<p>"What, endanger my life for the love of a woman?"</p>
+
+<p>"For such a one as Cecily; and I tell you candidly
+I would do the same thing again, for the same hopes as
+then led me on."</p>
+
+<p>"By all the devils in hell," cried Polidori, in utter
+amazement, "he is bewitched!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hearken to me," resumed the notary, in a low, calm
+tone, occasionally rendered more energetic by the bursts
+of uncontrollable despair which possessed his mind.
+"Listen! You know how much I love gold, as well as
+all I have ventured to acquire it. To count over in my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>
+thoughts the sums I possessed, to see them doubled by
+my avarice, to know myself master of immense wealth,
+was at once my joy, my happiness; to possess, not
+for the sake of expending or enjoying, but to hoard, to
+gloat over, was my life, my delight. A month ago, had
+I been told to choose between my fortune and my head,
+I should certainly have sacrificed the latter to save the
+former."</p>
+
+<p>"But what would be the use of possessing all this
+wealth, if you must die?"</p>
+
+<p>"The ecstasy of dying in the consciousness of its
+possession; to enjoy till the last moment the dear
+delightful feeling of being the owner of those riches for
+which you have braved everything, privations, disgrace,
+infamy, the scaffold itself, to be able to say, even as
+you lay your head on the fatal block,'Those vast treasures
+are mine!' Oh, death is far sweeter than to endure
+the living agonies I suffer at seeing the riches accumulated
+with so much pain, difficulties, and dangers torn
+from me! Dreadful, dreadful! 'Tis not dying daily,
+but each minute in the day; and this dreadful state of
+misery may be protracted for years! Oh, how greatly
+should I prefer being struck down by that sudden and
+rapid death that carries you off ere one fragment of your
+beloved riches is taken from you! For still, with your
+dying breath, you might sigh forth, 'Those treasures
+are mine,&mdash;all, all mine! None but me can or dare
+approach them!'"</p>
+
+<p>Polidori gazed on his accomplice with profound astonishment.
+"I do not understand you," said he, at last;
+"if such be the case, why have you obeyed the commands
+of him whose denunciation of you would bring
+you to a scaffold? Why, if life be so horrible to you,
+have you chosen to accept it at his hands, and pay the
+heavy price you are doing for it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because," answered the notary, in a voice that
+sunk so low as to be scarcely audible, "because death<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>
+brings forgetfulness&mdash;annihilation&mdash;and then, too,
+Cecily&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What!" said Polidori, "do you still hope?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," said the notary, "I possess&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What?"</p>
+
+<p>"The fond impassioned remembrance of her."</p>
+
+<p>"But what folly is this when you are sure never to
+see her more, and when she has brought you to a
+scaffold!"</p>
+
+<p>"That matters not; I love her even more ardently,
+more frantically than ever!" exclaimed Jacques Ferrand,
+amid a torrent of sighs and sobs that contrasted
+strongly with the previous gloomy dejection of his last
+remark. "Yes," continued he, with fearful wildness,
+"I love her too well to be willing to die, while I can
+feast my senses upon the recollection only of that night&mdash;that
+memorable night in which I saw her so lovely, so
+loving, so fascinating! Never is her image, as I then
+beheld her, absent from my brain; waking or sleeping,
+she is ever before me, decked in all the intoxicating
+beauty that was displayed to my impassioned gaze!
+Still do her large, lustrous eyes seem to dart forth their
+fiery glances, and I almost fancy I can feel her warm
+breath on my cheek, while her clear, melodious voice
+seems ringing its full sounds into my ear with promises
+of bliss, alas, never to be mine! Yet, though to live thus
+is torturing&mdash;horrible&mdash;yet would I prefer it to the
+apathy, the still nothingness of the grave. No, no, no;
+let me live, poor, wretched, despised,&mdash;a branded galley-slave,
+if you will,&mdash;but give me yet the means of doting
+in secret on the recollection of this wonderful being;
+whether she be fiend or angel, yet does she engross my
+every thought!"</p>
+
+<p>"Jacques," said Polidori, in a voice and manner contrasting
+strongly with his habitual tone of cool, provoking
+sarcasm, "I have witnessed almost every description
+of bodily and mental suffering, but certainly nothing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>
+that equalled what you endure. He who holds us in his
+power could not have devised more cruel torture than
+that you are compelled to endure. You are condemned
+to live, to await death through a vista of long, wasting
+torments, for your description of your feelings fully
+explains to me the many alarming symptoms I have
+observed in you from day to day, and of which I
+have hitherto vainly sought to find the cause."</p>
+
+<p>"But the symptoms you speak of as alarming are
+nothing but exhaustion, a sort of reaction of the bodily
+and mental powers; do you not think so? Tell me! I
+am not surely in any danger of dying?"</p>
+
+<p>"There is no immediate danger, but your situation is
+precarious; and there are some thoughts you must
+cease to dwell on&mdash;nay, banish from your memory&mdash;or
+your danger is imminent."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do whatever you bid me, so that my life be
+preserved,&mdash;for I will not die. Oh, let priests talk of
+the sufferings of the damned, but what are their tortures
+compared to mine? Tormented alike by passion and
+avarice, I have two open wounds rankling in my heart,
+each occasioning mortal agony. The loss of my fortune
+is dreadful, but the fear of death is even still more so.
+I have desired to live; and though my existence may
+probably be but one protracted scene of endless wretchedness,
+it is preferable to death and annihilation;
+for it would be the termination of my fatal happiness,&mdash;the
+power of recalling each word and look of
+Cecily!"</p>
+
+<p>"You have at least one vast consolation," said Polidori,
+resuming his accustomed <i>sang-froid</i>, "in the recollection
+of the good actions by which you have sought to
+expiate your crimes!"</p>
+
+<p>"Rail on! Mock my misery! Turn me on the hot
+coals on which my ill fortune has placed me! But you
+well know, mean and contemptible being that you are,
+how I hate, how I loathe all mankind, and that these<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>
+forced expiations to which I am condemned only serve
+to increase my detestation of those who compel me to
+make them, and those who profit by them. By all that
+is sacred, it passes human malice to condemn me to live
+in endless misery, such as would dismay the stoutest
+nature, while my fellow creatures, as they are called,
+have all their griefs assuaged at the cost of my dearly
+prized treasures! Oh, that priest who but now quitted
+us, loading me with blessings while my heart seemed
+like one vast ocean of fiery gall and bitterness against
+himself and all mankind&mdash;oh, how I longed to plunge a
+dagger in his breast! 'Tis too much&mdash;too much for
+endurance!" cried he, pressing his clenched hands to
+his forehead; "my brain burns, my ideas become confused,
+I shall not be able much longer to resist these
+violent attacks of impotent, futile rage,&mdash;these unending
+tortures; and all through you, Cecily,&mdash;fatal,
+adored Cecily! Will you ever know all the agonies I
+have borne on your account, and will you still haunt me
+with that mocking smile? Cecily, Cecily! Back to the
+fiends from whom you sprung, and drive me not to
+destruction!"</p>
+
+<p>All at once a hasty knock was heard at the door of
+the apartment. Polidori immediately opened it, and
+perceived the principal clerk in the notary's office, who,
+pale and much agitated, exclaimed, "I must speak with
+M. Ferrand directly!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" answered Polidori, in a low tone, as he
+came forth from the room and shut the door after him;
+"he is very ill just now, and cannot be disturbed on any
+account."</p>
+
+<p>"Then do you, sir, who are M. Ferrand's best and
+most intimate friend, step forward to help and assist
+him; but come quickly, for there is not an instant to
+be lost!"</p>
+
+<p>"What has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"By M. Ferrand's orders, I went to-day to the house<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>
+of the Countess Macgregor, to say that he was unable to
+wait on her to-day, according to her request. This lady,
+who seems quite out of danger at present, sent for me to
+her chamber; when I went in, she exclaimed, in an angry,
+threatening manner,'Go back to M. Ferrand, and say to
+him that if he is not here in half an hour, or at least
+before the close of the day, he shall be arrested for
+felony. The child he passed off as dead is still living;
+I know into whose hands he gave her up, and I also
+know where she is at this present minute.'"</p>
+
+<p>"This lady must be out of her senses," cried Polidori,
+shrugging up his shoulders. "Poor thing!"</p>
+
+<p>"I should have thought so myself, but for the confident
+manner in which the countess spoke."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no doubt but that her illness has affected her
+head; and persons labouring under any delusion are
+always impressed with the most perfect conviction of
+the truth of their fancies."</p>
+
+<p>"I ought also to state that, just as I was leaving the
+room, one of the countess's female attendants entered all
+in a hurry, and said, 'His highness will be here in an
+hour's time!'"</p>
+
+<p>"You are sure you heard those words?" asked
+Polidori.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite, quite sure, sir! And I remember it the more,
+because I immediately began wondering in my own mind
+what highness she could mean."</p>
+
+<p>"It is quite clear," said Polidori, mentally, "she expects
+the prince; but how comes that about? What
+strange course of events can have induced him to visit
+one he ought never again to meet? I know not why,
+but I greatly mistrust this renewal of intimacy. Our
+position, bad as it is, may even be rendered still worse
+by it." Then, addressing himself to the clerk, he added,
+"Depend upon it there is nothing of any consequence in
+the message you have brought; 'tis merely the effects
+of a wandering imagination on the part of the countess;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>
+but, to prevent your feeling any uneasiness, I promise to
+acquaint M. Ferrand with it directly he is well enough
+to converse upon any matter of business."</p>
+
+<p>We shall now conduct the reader to the house of the
+Countess Sarah Macgregor.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p>
+<h3>CHAPTER II.</h3>
+
+<h5>RODOLPH AND SARAH.</h5>
+
+
+<p>A salutary crisis had occurred, which relieved the
+Countess Macgregor from the delirium and suffering
+under which, for several days, her life had been
+despaired of.</p>
+
+<p>The day had begun to break when Sarah, seated in a
+large easy chair, and supported by her brother, Thomas
+Seyton, was looking at herself in a mirror which one of
+her woman on her knees held up before her. This was
+in the apartment where La Chouette had made the
+attempt to murder.</p>
+
+<p>The countess was as pale as marble, and her pallor
+made her dark eyes, hair, and eyebrows even more
+striking; and she was attired in a dressing-gown of
+white muslin. "Give me my bandeau of coral," she
+said to one of her women, in a voice which, although
+weak, was imperious and abrupt.</p>
+
+<p>"Betty will fasten it on for you," said Seyton; "you
+will exhaust yourself; you are already very imprudent."</p>
+
+<p>"The bandeau,&mdash;the bandeau!" repeated Sarah,
+impatiently, who took this jewel and arranged it on
+her brow. "Now fasten it, and leave me!" she said
+to the women.</p>
+
+<p>The instant they were retiring, she said, "Let
+M. Ferrand be shown into the little blue salon." Then
+she added, with ill-dissembled pride, "As soon as his
+royal highness the Grand Duke of Gerolstein comes, let
+him be introduced instantly to this apartment."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 318px;"><a name="image44" id="image44"></a>
+<img src="images/i044.jpg" width="318" height="500" alt="&quot;Was Looking at Herself in a Mirror&quot;
+Original Etching by Adrian Marcel" title="&quot;Was Looking at Herself in a Mirror&quot;
+Original Etching by Adrian Marcel" />
+<span class="caption">&quot;<i>Was Looking at Herself in a Mirror</i>&quot;<br />
+<span class="artist">Original Etching by Adrian Marcel</span></span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"At length," said Sarah, as soon as she was alone
+with her brother, "at length I trust this crown&mdash;the
+dream of my life: the prediction is on the eve of
+fulfilment!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sarah, calm your excitement!" said her brother to
+her; "yesterday your life was despaired of, and to be
+again disappointed would deal you a mortal blow!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are right, Thomas; the fall would be fearful,
+for my hopes were never nearer realisation! Of this
+I feel assured, for it was my constant thought of profiting
+by the overwhelming revelation which this woman
+made me at the moment of her assassination that prevented
+me from sinking under my sufferings."</p>
+
+<p>"Again, Sarah, let me counsel you to beware of such
+insensate dreams,&mdash;the awaking would be terrible!"</p>
+
+<p>"Insensate dreams! What, when Rodolph learns that
+this young girl, who is now locked up in St. Lazare,
+and formerly confided to the notary, who has passed her
+off for dead, is our child! Do you suppose that&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Seyton interrupted his sister. "I believe," he said,
+bitterly, "that princes place reasons of state, political
+conveniences, before natural duties."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you then rely so little on my address?"</p>
+
+<p>"The prince is no longer the ingenuous and impassioned
+youth whom you attracted and swayed in other
+days; that time is long ago, both for him and for you,
+sister."</p>
+
+<p>Sarah shrugged her shoulders, and said, "Do you
+know why I was desirous of placing this bandeau of
+coral in my hair,&mdash;why I put on this white dress? It
+is because the first time Rodolph saw me at the court
+of Gerolstein I was dressed in white, and wore this very
+bandeau of coral in my hair."</p>
+
+<p>"What!" said Seyton, "you would awake those
+remembrances? Do you not rather fear their influence?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know Rodolph better than you do. No doubt my
+features, changed by time and sufferings, are no longer<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>
+those of the young girl of sixteen, whom he so madly
+loved,&mdash;only loved, for I was his first love; and that
+love, unique in the life of man, always leaves ineffaceable
+traces in the heart. Thus, then, brother, trust me
+that the sight of this ornament will awaken in Rodolph
+not only the recollection of his love, but those of his
+youth also; and for men these souvenirs are always
+sweet and precious."</p>
+
+<p>"But these sweet and precious souvenirs will be united
+with others so terrible: the sinister <i>dénouement</i> of your
+love, the detestable behaviour of the prince's father to
+you, your obstinate silence to Rodolph. After your
+marriage with the Count Macgregor, he demanded his
+daughter, then an infant,&mdash;your child,&mdash;of whose death,
+ten years since, you informed him so coldly in your
+letter. Do you forget that from that period the prince
+has felt nothing but contempt and hatred for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Pity has replaced his hatred. Since he has learned
+that I am dying, he has sent the Baron de Graün every
+day to inquire after me; and just now he has promised
+to come here; and that is an immense concession,
+brother."</p>
+
+<p>"He believes you dying,&mdash;that you desire a last
+adieu,&mdash;and so he comes. You were wrong not to
+write to him of the discovery you are about to disclose
+to him."</p>
+
+<p>"I know why I do so. This discovery will fill him
+with surprise, joy, and I shall be present to profit by
+his first burst of softened feeling. To-day or never
+he will say to me, 'A marriage must legitimise the birth
+of our child!' If he says so, his word is sacred, and
+then will the hope of my life be realised!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if he makes you the promise."</p>
+
+<p>"And that he may do so, nothing must be neglected
+under these decisive circumstances. I know Rodolph;
+and once having found his daughter, he will overcome
+his aversion for me, and will not retreat from any sacrifice<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>
+to assure her the most enviable lot, to make her as
+entirely happy as she has been until now wretched."</p>
+
+<p>"However brilliant the destiny he may assure to your
+daughter, there is, between the reparation to her and
+the resolution to marry you in order to legitimise the
+birth of this child, a very wide abyss."</p>
+
+<p>"Her father will pass over this abyss."</p>
+
+<p>"But this unfortunate child has, perhaps, been so
+vitiated by the misery in which she has lived that the
+prince, instead of feeling attracted towards her&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What are you saying?" cried Sarah, interrupting
+her brother. "Is she not as handsome, as a young girl,
+as she was a lovely infant? Rodolph, without knowing
+her, was so deeply interested in her as to take charge of
+her future destiny, and sent her to his farm at Bouqueval,
+whence we carried her off."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, thanks to your obstinacy in desiring to break
+all the ties of the prince's affection, in the foolish hope
+of one day leading him back to yourself!"</p>
+
+<p>"And yet, but for this foolish hope, I should not have
+discovered, at the price of my life, the secret of my
+daughter's existence. Is it not through this woman,
+who had carried her off from the farm, that I have
+learned the infamous deceit of the notary, Ferrand?"</p>
+
+<p>"It would have been better to have awaited the young
+creature's coming out of prison, before you sent to
+request the Grand Duke to come here."</p>
+
+<p>"Awaited! And do I know that the salutary crisis
+in which I now am will last until to-morrow? Perhaps
+I am but momentarily sustained by my ambition
+only."</p>
+
+<p>"What proofs have you for the prince, and will he
+believe you?"</p>
+
+<p>"He will believe me when he reads the commencement
+of, the disclosure which I wrote from the dictation
+of that woman who stabbed me,&mdash;a disclosure of which
+I have, fortunately, forgotten no circumstance. He will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span>
+believe me when he reads your correspondence with
+Madame Séraphin and Jacques Ferrand, as to the supposed
+death of the child; he will believe me when he
+hears the confession of the notary, who, alarmed at my
+threats, will come here immediately; he will believe
+me when he sees the portrait of my daughter at six
+years of age, a portrait which the woman told me was
+still a striking resemblance. So many proofs will suffice
+to convince the prince that I speak the truth, and to
+decide him as to his first impulse, which will make me
+almost a queen. Oh, if it were but for a day, I could die
+content!"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a carriage was heard to enter the
+courtyard.</p>
+
+<p>"It is he! It is Rodolph!" exclaimed Sarah.</p>
+
+<p>Thomas Seyton drew a curtain hastily aside, and
+replied, "Yes, it is the prince; he is just alighting from
+the carriage."</p>
+
+<p>"Leave me! This is the decisive moment!" said
+Sarah, with unshaken coolness; for a monstrous ambition,
+a pitiless selfishness, had always been and still was
+the only moving spring of this woman. Even in the
+almost miraculous reappearance of her daughter, she
+only saw a means of at last arriving at the one end and
+aim of her whole existence.</p>
+
+<p>Seyton said to her, "I will tell the prince how your
+daughter, believed dead, was saved. This conversation
+would be too dangerous for you,&mdash;a too violent emotion
+would kill you; and after so long a separation, the sight
+of the prince, the recollection of bygone times&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Your hand, brother!" replied Sarah. Then, placing
+on her impassive heart Tom Seyton's hand, she
+added, with an icy smile, "Am I excited?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no; not even a hurried pulsation," said Seyton,
+amazed. "I know not what control you have over yourself;
+but at such a moment, when it is for a crown or a
+coffin you play, your calmness amazes me!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And wherefore, brother? Till now, you know,
+nothing has made my heart beat hastily; and it will
+only throb when I feel the sovereign crown upon my
+brow. I hear Rodolph&mdash;leave me!"</p>
+
+<p>When Rodolph entered the apartment, his look expressed
+pity; but, seeing Sarah seated in her armchair,
+and, as it were, full dressed, he recoiled in surprise, and
+his features became gloomy and mistrustful. The countess,
+guessing his thoughts, said to him, in a low and
+faint voice, "You thought to find me dying! You
+came to receive my last adieu!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have always considered the last wishes of the dead
+as sacred, but it appears now as if there were some
+sacrilegious deceit&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Be assured," said Sarah, interrupting Rodolph,
+"be assured that I have not deceived you! I believe
+that I have but very few hours to live. Pardon me a
+last display of coquetry! I wished to spare you the
+gloomy symptoms that usually attend the dying hour,
+and to die attired as I was the first time I saw you.
+Alas, after ten years of separation, I see you once
+again! Thanks, oh, thanks! But in your turn give
+thanks to God for having inspired you with the thought
+of hearing my last prayer! If you had refused me, I
+should have carried my secret with me to the grave,
+which will now cause the joy, the happiness of your life,&mdash;joy,
+mingled with some sadness, happiness, mingled
+with some tears, like all human felicity; but this felicity
+you would yet purchase at the price of half the remainder
+of your existence!"</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" asked the prince, with great
+amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Rodolph, if you had not come, this secret
+would have followed me to the tomb! That would have
+been my sole vengeance. And yet, no, no! I shall
+not have the courage. Although you have made me
+suffer deeply, I yet must have shared with you that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>
+supreme happiness which you, more blessed than myself,
+will, I hope, long enjoy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Madame, what does this mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"When you know, you will be able to comprehend
+my slowness in informing you, for you will view it as a
+miracle from heaven; but, strange to say, I, who with a
+word can cause you pleasure greater than you have ever
+experienced, I experience, although the minutes of my
+life are counted, I experience an indefinable satisfaction
+at prolonging your expectation. And then, I know
+your heart; and in spite of the fierceness of your character,
+I fear, without preparation, to reveal to you so
+incredible a discovery. The emotions of overwhelming
+joy have also their dangers."</p>
+
+<p>"Your paleness increases, you can scarcely repress
+your violent agitation," said Rodolph; "all this indicates
+something grave and solemn."</p>
+
+<p>"Grave and solemn!" replied Sarah, in an agitated
+voice; for, in spite of her habitual impassiveness, when
+she reflected on the immense effect of the disclosure she
+was about to make to Rodolph, she was more troubled
+than she believed possible; and, unable any longer to
+restrain herself, she exclaimed, "Rodolph, our daughter
+lives!"</p>
+
+<p>"Our daughter!"</p>
+
+<p>"Lives, I say!"</p>
+
+<p>These words, the accents of truth in which they were
+pronounced, shook the prince to his very heart. "Our
+child!" he repeated, going hurriedly to the chair in
+which Sarah was, "our child&mdash;my daughter!"</p>
+
+<p>"Is not dead, I have irresistible proof; I know where
+she is; to-morrow you shall see her."</p>
+
+<p>"My daughter! My daughter!" repeated Rodolph,
+with amazement. "Can it be that she lives?" Then,
+suddenly reflecting on the improbability of such an
+event, and fearing to be the dupe of some fresh treachery
+on Sarah's part, he cried, "No, no, it is a dream!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>
+Impossible! I know your ambition&mdash;of what you are
+capable&mdash;and I see through the drift of this proposed
+treachery!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you say truly; I am capable of all&mdash;everything!
+Yes, I desired to abuse you; some days before
+the mortal blow was struck, I sought to find out some
+young girl that I might present to you as our daughter.
+After this confession, you will perhaps believe me, or,
+rather, you will be compelled to credit irresistible
+evidence. Yes, Rodolph, I repeat I desired to substitute
+a young and obscure girl for her whom we both deplore;
+but God willed that at the moment when I was arranging
+this sacrilegious bargain, I should be almost fatally
+stabbed!"</p>
+
+<p>"You&mdash;at this moment!"</p>
+
+<p>"God so willed it that they should propose to me to
+play the part of falsehood&mdash;imagine whom? Our
+daughter!"</p>
+
+<p>"Are you delirious, in heaven's name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, I am not delirious! In this casket, containing
+some papers and a portrait, which will prove to you
+the truth of what I say, you will find a paper stained
+with my blood!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your blood!"</p>
+
+<p>"The woman who told me that our daughter was still
+living declared to me this disclosure when she stabbed
+me with her dagger."</p>
+
+<p>"And who was she? How did she know?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was she to whom the child was confided when
+very young, after she had been declared dead."</p>
+
+<p>"But this woman? Can she be believed? How did
+you know her?"</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you, Rodolph, that this is all fated&mdash;providential!
+Some months ago you snatched a young girl from
+misery, to send her to the country. Jealousy and hatred
+possessed me. I had her carried off by the woman of
+whom I have been speaking."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And they took the poor girl to St. Lazare?"</p>
+
+<p>"Where she is still."</p>
+
+<p>"She is there no longer. Ah, you do not know,
+madame, the fearful evil you have occasioned me by
+snatching the unfortunate girl away from the retreat in
+which I had placed her; but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The young girl is no longer at St. Lazare!" cried
+Sarah, with dismay; "ah, what fearful news is this!"</p>
+
+<p>"A monster of avarice had an interest in her destruction.
+They have drowned her, madame! But answer!
+You say that&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"My daughter!" exclaimed Sarah, interrupting Rodolph,
+and standing erect, as straight and motionless as
+a statue of marble.</p>
+
+<p>"What does she say? Good heaven!" cried Rodolph.</p>
+
+<p>"My daughter!" repeated Sarah, whose features
+became livid and frightful in their despair. "They
+have murdered my daughter!"</p>
+
+<p>"The Goualeuse your daughter!" uttered Rodolph,
+retreating with horror.</p>
+
+<p>"The Goualeuse! Yes, that was the name which the
+woman they call the Chouette used. Dead&mdash;dead!"
+repeated Sarah, still motionless, with her eyes fixed.
+"They have killed her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sarah!" said Rodolph, as pale and as fearful to look
+upon as the countess; "be calm,&mdash;recover yourself,&mdash;answer
+me! The Goualeuse,&mdash;the young girl whom
+you had carried off by the Chouette from Bouqueval,&mdash;was
+she our daughter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. And they have killed her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, no; you are mad! It cannot be! You
+do not know! No, no; you cannot tell how fearful
+this would be! Sarah, be firm,&mdash;speak to me calmly,&mdash;sit
+down,&mdash;compose yourself! There are often resemblances,
+appearances which deceive if we are inclined
+to believe what we desire. I do not reproach you; but
+explain yourself to me, tell me all the reasons which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>
+induced you to think this; for it cannot be,&mdash;no, no, it
+cannot be,&mdash;it is not so!"</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's pause, the countess collected her
+thoughts, and said to Rodolph, in a faltering voice,
+"Learning your marriage, and thinking of marrying
+myself, I could not keep our child with me; she was
+then four years of age."</p>
+
+<p>"But at that time I begged her of you with prayers,
+entreaties," cried Rodolph, in a heartrending tone,
+"and my letters were unanswered; the only one you
+wrote to me announced her death!"</p>
+
+<p>"I was desirous of avenging myself of your contempt
+by refusing your child. It was shameful; but hear me!
+I feel my life ebbs from me; this last blow has overcome
+me!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, I do not believe you; I will not believe you!
+The Goualeuse my daughter! Oh, <i>mon Dieu</i>! You
+would not have this so!"</p>
+
+<p>"Listen to me! When she was four years old, my
+brother charged Madame Séraphin, the widow of an old
+servant, to bring the child up until she was old enough to
+go to school. The sum destined to support our child was
+deposited by my brother with a notary, celebrated for his
+honesty. The letters of this man and Madame Séraphin,
+addressed at the time to me and my brother, are there,
+in the casket. At the end of a year they wrote me word
+that my daughter's health was failing,&mdash;eight months
+afterwards that she was dead, and they sent the register
+of her decease. At this time Madame Séraphin had entered
+the service of Jacques Ferrand, after having given
+our daughter over to the Chouette, through the medium
+of a wretch who is now at the galleys at Rochefort. I
+was writing down all this when the Chouette stabbed me.
+This paper is there also, with a portrait of our daughter
+when four years of age. Examine all,&mdash;letters, declaration,
+portrait,&mdash;and you who have seen her, the unhappy
+child, will judge&mdash;"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>These words exhausted Sarah, and she fell fainting
+into her armchair.</p>
+
+<p>Rodolph was thunderstruck at this disclosure. There
+are misfortunes so unforeseen, so horrible, that we try not
+to believe them until the overwhelming evidence compels
+us. Rodolph, persuaded of the death of Fleur-de-Marie,
+had but one hope,&mdash;that of convincing himself that she
+was not his daughter. With a frightful calmness that
+alarmed Sarah, he approached the table, opened the
+casket, and began to read the letters, examining with
+scrupulous attention the papers which accompanied
+them.</p>
+
+<p>These letters, bearing the postmark, and dated, written
+to Sarah and her brother by the notary and Madame
+Séraphin, related to the infancy of Fleur-de-Marie, and
+the investment of the money destined for her. Rodolph
+could not doubt the authenticity of this correspondence.</p>
+
+<p>The Chouette's declaration was confirmed by the particulars
+collected at Rodolph's desire, in which a felon
+named Pierre Tournemine, then at Rochefort, was
+described as the individual who had received Fleur-de-Marie
+from the hands of Madame Séraphin, for the purpose
+of giving her up to the Chouette,&mdash;the relentless
+tormentor of her early years,&mdash;and whom she afterwards
+so unexpectedly recognised when in company with
+Rodolph at the <i>tapis-franc</i> of the ogress.</p>
+
+<p>The attestation of the child's death was duly drawn
+up and attested, but Ferrand himself had confessed to
+Cecily that it had merely been employed to obtain possession
+of a considerable sum of money due to the unfortunate
+infant, whose decease it so falsely recorded, and
+who had subsequently been drowned by his order while
+crossing to the Isle du Ravageur.</p>
+
+<p>It was, therefore, with appalling conviction Rodolph
+learnt at once the double facts of the Goualeuse being
+his long-lost daughter, and of her having perished by a
+violent death. Unfortunately, everything seemed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>
+give greater certitude to his belief, and to render further
+doubt impossible. Ere the prince could bring himself
+to place implicit credence in the self-condemnation of
+Jacques Ferrand, as conveyed in the notes furnished by
+him to Cecily, he had made the closest inquiries at
+Asnières, and had ascertained that two females, one old,
+the other young, dressed in the garb of countrywomen,
+had been drowned while crossing the river to the Isle du
+Ravageur, and that Martial was openly accused of having
+committed this fresh crime.</p>
+
+<p>Let us add, in conclusion, that, despite the utmost care
+and attention on the part of Doctor Griffon, Count de
+Saint-Remy, and La Louve, Fleur-de-Marie was long ere
+she could be pronounced out of danger, and then so
+extreme was her exhaustion, both of body and mind,
+that she had been unfit for the least conversation, and
+wholly unequal to making any effort to apprise Madame
+Georges of her situation.</p>
+
+<p>This coincidence of circumstances left the prince
+without the smallest shadow of hope; but had such
+even remained, it was doomed to disappear before a
+last and fatal proof of the reality of his misfortune.
+He, for the first time, ventured to cast his eyes towards
+the miniature he had received. The blow fell with
+stunning conviction on his heart; for in the exquisitely
+beautiful features it revealed, rich in all the infantine
+loveliness ascribed to cherubic innocence, he recognised
+the striking portrait of Fleur-de-Marie,&mdash;her finely
+chiselled nose, the lofty forehead, with the small, delicately
+formed mouth, even then wearing an expression
+of sorrowing tenderness. Alas! Had not Madame
+Séraphin well accounted for this somewhat uncommon
+peculiarity in an infant's face by saying, in a letter
+written by her to Sarah, which Rodolph had just
+perused, "The child is continually inquiring for its
+mother, and seems to grieve very much at not seeing
+her." There were also those large, soft, blue eyes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>
+"the colour of a blue-bell," as the Chouette observed
+to Sarah, upon recognising in this miniature the features
+of the unfortunate creature she had so ruthlessly tormented
+as Pegriotte, and as a young girl under the
+appellation of La Goualeuse. At the sight of this picture
+the violent and tumultuous emotions of the prince
+were lost amid a flood of mingled tears and sighs.</p>
+
+<p>While Rodolph thus indulged his bitter grief, the
+countenance of Sarah become powerfully agitated; she
+saw the last hope which had hitherto sustained her of
+realising the ambitious dreams of her life fade away at
+the very moment when she had expected their full
+accomplishment.</p>
+
+<p>All at once Rodolph raised his head, dashed away his
+tears, and, rising from his chair, advanced towards Sarah
+with folded arms and dignified, determined air. After
+silently gazing on her for some moments, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis fair and right it should be so! I raised my
+sword against my father's life, and I am stricken through
+my own child! The parricide is worthily punished for
+his sin! Then, listen to me, madame! 'Tis fit you
+should learn in this agonising moment all the evils
+which have been brought about by your insatiate ambition,
+your unprincipled selfishness! Listen, then, heartless
+and unfeeling wife, base and unnatural mother!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mercy, mercy! Rodolph, pity me, and spare me!"</p>
+
+<p>"There is no pity, there can be no pardon for such as
+you, who coldly trafficked in a love pure and sincere
+as was mine, with the assumed pretext of sharing a
+passion generous and devoted as was my own for you.
+There can be no pity for her who excites the son against
+the father, no pardon for the unnatural parent who,
+instead of carefully watching over the infancy of her
+child, abandons it to the care of vile mercenaries, in
+order to satisfy her grasping avarice by a rich marriage,
+as you formerly gratified your inordinate ambition by
+espousing me. No! There is no mercy, pity, or pardon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>
+for one who, like yourself, first refuses my child to all
+my prayers and entreaties, and afterwards, by a series
+of profane and vile machinations, causes her death!
+May Heaven's curse light on you, as mine does, thou
+evil genius of myself and all belonging to me!"</p>
+
+<p>"He has no relenting pity in his heart! He is deaf
+to all my appeals! Wretched woman that I am! Oh,
+leave me&mdash;leave me&mdash;I beseech!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, you shall hear me out! Do you remember our
+last meeting, now seventeen years ago? You were
+unable longer to conceal the consequences of our secret
+marriage, which, like you, I believed indissoluble. I
+well knew the inflexible character of my father, as well
+as the political marriage he wished me to form; but
+braving alike his displeasure and its results, I boldly
+declared to him that you were my wife before God and
+man, and that ere long you would bring into the world
+a proof of our love. My father's rage was terrible; he
+refused to believe in our union. Such startling opposition
+to his will appeared to him impossible; and he
+threatened me with his heaviest displeasure if I presumed
+again to insult his ear by the mention of such
+folly. I then loved you with a passion bordering on
+madness. Led away by your wiles and artifices, I believed
+your cold, stony heart felt a reciprocity of tenderness
+for me, and I therefore unhesitatingly replied that
+I never would call any woman wife but yourself. At
+these words his fury knew no bounds. He heaped on
+you the most insulting epithets, exclaiming that the
+marriage I talked of was null and void, and that to
+punish you for your presumption in daring even to think
+of such a thing, he would have you publicly exposed in
+the pillory of the city. Yielding alike to the violence of
+my mad passion, and the impetuosity of my disposition,
+I presumed to forbid him, who was at once my parent
+and my sovereign, speaking thus disrespectfully of one I
+loved far beyond my own life, and I even went so far as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>
+to threaten him if he persisted in so doing. Exasperated
+at my conduct, my father struck me. Blinded by rage,
+I drew my sword, and threw myself on him with deadly
+fury. Happily the intervention of Murphy turned away
+the blow, and saved me from being as much a parricide
+in deed as I was in intention. Do you hear me,
+madame? A parricide! And in your defence!"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! I knew not this misfortune."</p>
+
+<p>"In vain have I sought to expiate my crime. This
+blow to-day is sent by Heaven's avenging hand to repay
+my heavy crime."</p>
+
+<p>"But have I not sufficiently suffered from the inveterate
+enmity of your father, who dissolved our marriage?
+Wherefore add to my misery by doubts of the sincerity
+of my affection for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wherefore?" exclaimed Rodolph, darting on her
+looks of the most withering contempt. "Learn now my
+reasons, and cease to wonder at the loathing horror with
+which you inspire me. After the fatal scene in which I
+had threatened the life of my father, I surrendered my
+sword, and was kept in the closest confinement. Polidori,
+through whose instrumentality our union had been
+effected, was arrested; and he distinctly proved that our
+marriage had never been legally contracted, the minister,
+as well as the other persons concerned in its solemnisation,
+being merely creatures tutored and bribed by him;
+so that both you, your brother, and myself, were equally
+deceived. The more effectually to turn away my father's
+wrath from himself, Polidori did still more; he gave up
+one of your letters to your brother, which he had managed
+to intercept during a journey taken by Seyton."</p>
+
+<p>"Heavens! Can it be possible?"</p>
+
+<p>"Can you now account for my contempt and aversion
+towards you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Too, too well!"</p>
+
+<p>"In this letter you developed your ambitious projects
+with unblushing effrontery. Me you spoke of with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>
+utmost indifference, treating me but as the blind instrument
+by which you should arrive at the princely station
+predicted for you. You expressed your opinion that my
+father had already lived long enough,&mdash;perhaps too long;
+and hinted at probabilities and possibilities too horrible
+to repeat!"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! All is now but too apparent. I am lost for
+ever!"</p>
+
+<p>"And yet to protect you, I had even menaced my
+father's existence!"</p>
+
+<p>"When he next visited me, and, without uttering one
+word of reproach, put into my hands your letter, every
+line of which more clearly revealed the black enormity
+of your nature, I could but kneel before him and entreat
+his pardon. But from that hour I have been a prey to
+the deepest, the most acute remorse. I immediately
+quitted Germany for the purpose of travelling, with the
+intent, if possible, of expiating my guilt; and this self-imposed
+task I shall continue while I live. To reward
+the good, to punish the evil-doer, relieve those who suffer,
+penetrate into every hideous corner where vice holds her
+court, for the purpose of rescuing some unfortunate creatures
+from the destruction into which they have fallen,&mdash;such
+is the employment I have marked out for myself."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a noble and holy task,&mdash;one worthy of being
+performed by you."</p>
+
+<p>"If I speak of this sacred vow," said Rodolph, disdainfully,
+"it is not to draw down your approbation or
+praise. But hearken to what remains to be told; I have
+lately arrived in France, and I wished not to let my
+great purpose of continual expiatory acts stand still during
+my sojourn in this country. While I sought then
+to succour those of good reputation, who were in unmerited
+distress, I was also desirous of knowing that
+class of miserable beings who are beaten down, trampled
+under feet, and brutalised by want and wretchedness,
+well knowing that timely help, a few kind and encouraging<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>
+words, may frequently have power to save a lost
+creature from the abyss into which he is falling. In
+order to be an eye-witness of the circumstances under
+which my work of expiation would be useful, I assumed
+the dress and appearance of those I wished to mix with.
+It was during one of these exploring adventures that I
+first encountered&mdash;" Then, as though shuddering at
+the idea of so terrible a disclosure, Rodolph, after a
+momentary hesitation, added, "No, no; I have not
+courage to finish the dreadful story!"</p>
+
+<p>"For the love of heaven, tell me what horror have
+you now to unfold?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will hear it but too soon! But," added he, with
+sarcastic bitterness, "you seem to take so lively an interest
+in past events that I cannot refrain from relating to
+you a few events which preceded my return to France.
+After passing some time in my travels, I returned to
+Germany, filled with a spirit of obedience to my father,
+by whose desire I espoused a princess of Prussia. During
+my absence you had been banished from the Grand
+Duchy. Subsequently, learning your marriage with Count
+Macgregor, I again entreated you to allow me to have
+my child. To this earnest request no answer was
+returned; nor could my strictest inquiries ever discover
+whither you had sent the unfortunate infant, for whom
+my father had made a handsome provision. About ten
+years ago I received a letter from you, stating that our
+child was dead. Would to God your information had
+been correct, and that she had indeed rendered up her
+innocent life at that tender age! I should then have been
+spared the deep, incurable anguish which must for ever
+embitter my life!"</p>
+
+<p>"I cease now to wonder," said Sarah, in a feeble
+voice, "at the disgust and aversion with which I seem
+to have inspired you; and I feel, too surely, that I shall
+not survive this last blow. You are right; pride and
+ambition have been my ruin. Ignorant of the just causes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>
+you had to hate and despise me, my former hopes returned
+with greater force than ever. Our mutual widowhood
+inspired me with a still stronger belief in the
+prediction which promised me a crown; and when, by
+singular chance, I again found my daughter, it appeared
+to me as though the hand of Providence had bestowed
+this unhoped-for good fortune on me to further my so
+long cherished plans. Yes, I will confess that I went
+so far as to persuade myself that, spite of the aversion
+you entertained for me, you would bestow on me your
+name, and that, out of regard for your child, you would
+accept me as your wife, if but to elevate her to the rank
+to which she is entitled."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let your execrable ambition be satisfied, and
+punished as it deserves; for, spite of the abhorrence I
+now hold you in, I would, out of love for my child, or,
+rather, from a deep pity for its early sorrows,&mdash;I would,
+although firmly determined always to live apart from
+you, by a marriage which should have legitimised my
+daughter, have rendered her future lot as brilliant and
+exalted as her past life has been wretched."</p>
+
+<p>"I had not, then, deceived myself? Oh, misery!
+To think it is now too late!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I am well aware it is not your child you regret,
+but the loss of that rank you have so eagerly and obstinately
+striven to obtain. May your unfeeling and disgraceful
+regrets pursue you to your grave!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then they will not long torment me; for I feel I
+shall not long survive this final ending of all my
+ambitious schemes."</p>
+
+<p>"But ere your existence closes, it is but fair and just
+you should be made aware what sort of life your poor
+deserted child's has been. Do you recollect the night on
+which you and your brother followed me into a den in
+the Cité?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly! But why this question? It freezes me
+with horror; your looks fill me with dread!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"As you approached this low haunt of vice, you saw&mdash;did
+you not?&mdash;standing at the corners of the low streets
+with which that neighbourhood abounds, groups of poor,
+unfortunate, guilty creatures, who&mdash;who&mdash;But I cannot
+finish the dreadful tale!" cried Rodolph, concealing
+his face with his hands. "I dare not proceed; my own
+words affright me!"</p>
+
+<p>"As they do me! What more have I to learn?"</p>
+
+<p>"You saw them, I ask,&mdash;did you not?" resumed
+Rodolph, making a powerful struggle to overcome his
+emotion. "You observed these base and degraded creatures,
+the shame and disgrace of their own sex? But
+did you remark among them a young girl of about sixteen
+years of age, lovely as an angel,&mdash;a poor child,
+who, amid the infamy in which she had lived during the
+last few weeks, still retained a look so pure, so innocent,
+and good that even the ruffians by whom she was surrounded
+called her Fleur-de-Marie? Did you observe
+this,&mdash;this fair, this interesting being? Answer,&mdash;answer,&mdash;tender,
+exemplary mother!"</p>
+
+<p>"No!" answered Sarah, almost mechanically; "I
+did not observe the young person you speak of." But
+the teeth rattled in Sarah's head as she spoke, and her
+whole frame seemed oppressed with a vague though
+fearful dread of coming evil.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed!" cried Rodolph, with a sardonic smile.
+"Indeed! I am surprised at that! Well, I did remark,
+and upon the following occasion. Listen attentively to
+what I am about to relate! During one of the exploring
+excursions I before spoke of, I found myself in the Cité,
+not far from the den to which you followed me. A
+man was just going to beat one of the unfortunate
+creatures who herd together there; I interposed, and
+saved her from his brutal rage. Now then, careful,
+kind, and anxious mother, tell me, if you can, whom it
+was I saved! Can you not guess? Speak! Say your
+heart whispers to you who was the miserable being I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>
+found in this sink of wickedness and pollution! You
+know, do you not, without my assistance?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no,&mdash;I cannot say! I beseech you to go&mdash;and
+leave me to my thoughts!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will tell you who the wretched, trembling
+creature I thus saved from brutal violence was. Her
+name was Fleur-de-Marie!"</p>
+
+<p>"Merciful powers!"</p>
+
+<p>"And is it possible that you, most irreproachable
+of mothers, that you cannot divine who Fleur-de-Marie
+was?"</p>
+
+<p>"Be merciful, and kill me; but torture me not
+thus!"</p>
+
+<p>"She was your daughter&mdash;known as the Goualeuse!"
+cried Rodolph, with almost frantic violence. "Yes, the
+helpless girl I rescued from the hands of a felon was
+my own, my lost child!&mdash;the offspring of Rodolph of
+Gerolstein! Oh, there was in this meeting with a
+daughter I unconsciously saved a visible interposition of
+the hand of Providence! It brought a blessing to the
+man who had striven so earnestly to succour his fellow
+men, and it conveyed a well-merited chastisement for
+the impious wretch who had dared to aim at his father's
+life!"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" murmured Sarah, falling back in her armchair,
+and concealing her face with her hands, "my
+destiny is accomplished! I die, carrying with me out
+of the world the curse both of God and man!"</p>
+
+<p>"And when," continued Rodolph, with much difficulty
+restraining his resentment, and vainly striving to repress
+the sobs which from time to time interrupted his voice,
+"when I had released her from the ill-usage with which
+she was menaced, struck with the indescribable sweetness
+of her voice and manner, as well as by the angelic
+expression of her lovely countenance, I found it impossible
+to abandon the interest she excited in me. I led her
+on to tell me the history of her life, made up of neglect,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>
+grief, and misery. With what simple eloquence did she
+express the yearnings of a heart that had never expanded
+into virtue beneath a mother's fostering care after a life
+of innocence, and how touchingly did she dwell on the
+the destitution which had led her where she was! Ah,
+madame, to have brought down your pride and haughtiness,
+you should have listened as I did while your
+daughter described her early years as passed in shivering
+beggary, soliciting charity in the streets all day, and at
+night, when the cold winter's wind pierced through the
+few rags she wore, creeping to her bed of straw strewn
+in the corner of a wretched garret; and when the horrible
+old hag who tortured her had exhausted every other
+means of inflicting pain on her, what do you think she
+did, madame? Why, wrenched out her teeth! And
+all this starving and desolation was experienced by your
+own child, while you were revelling in every sort of
+luxury, and indulging in ambitious dreams of sharing a
+crown!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that I could die, and so escape the direful agony
+I suffer!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay you have more to hear! Escaping from the
+hands of the Chouette, wandering about, penniless and
+starving, at the tender age of only ten years she was
+taken up as a vagabond, and as such thrown into prison.
+And yet, madame, that period was the happiest your
+poor deserted child had ever known. And each night,
+though surrounded by her prison walls, she gratefully
+thanked God that she no longer suffered from hunger,
+thirst, or blows. It was in a prison she passed those
+years so precious to the well-being of a young female,
+those years over which a good and affectionate mother
+so carefully and anxiously watches. As her sixteenth
+year commenced, your daughter, instead of being surrounded
+by the tender solicitude of loving relatives, and
+enriched with all the gifts of education, had seen and
+known nothing more edifying or elevated than the brutal
+indifference of her gaolers. Yet this naturally pure-minded,
+beautiful, and ingenuous creature was at that
+dangerous moment sent forth from her safe asylum&mdash;a
+gaol&mdash;and left to wander unaided and unprotected in
+a world of which she knew so little! Unfortunate,
+deserted, friendless child!" continued Rodolph, giving
+free vent to the swelling sobs which had continually
+impeded his voice, "yours was, indeed, a bitter lot,
+thrown thus young and helpless amid the mire and
+pollution of a great city!</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 319px;"><a name="image65" id="image65"></a>
+<img src="images/i066.jpg" width="319" height="500" alt="&quot;They Took Her to Their Guilty Haunts&quot;
+Original Etching by Mercier" title="&quot;They Took Her to Their Guilty Haunts&quot;
+Original Etching by Mercier" />
+<span class="caption">&quot;<i>They Took Her to Their Guilty Haunts</i>&quot;<br />
+<span class="artist">Original Etching by Mercier</span></span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ah, madame!" cried he, addressing Sarah, "however
+cold, hard, and selfish your heart may be, you could not
+have refrained from weeping at the recital of your poor,
+neglected child's misery and privations! Poor, hapless
+girl! Sullied, but not corrupted; chaste in heart even
+amid the degradation into which she had fallen; for
+each word she uttered breathed the most unfeigned
+horror and disgust at the mode of life to which she was
+so fatally condemned. Oh, could you but have known
+what delicate thoughts, what noble, high-minded inspirations
+were betrayed in her every word and action! How
+good, how feeling, how innately charitable was her nature!
+For it was to relieve a degree of misery even greater
+than her own that she exhausted the small sum of money
+she had received on quitting her prison, and which, while
+it lasted, formed her only defence from the abyss of
+infamy into which she was afterwards plunged; for there
+came a time,&mdash;a hideous time, when, without employment,
+food, or shelter, some horrible women found her
+almost perishing from weakness and want of support.
+Under pretence of aiding her, they took her to their
+guilty haunts, administered intoxicating drugs, and&mdash;and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Rodolph could proceed no further. He uttered a
+distracting cry, and exclaimed, "And this was my
+child!"</p>
+
+<p>"May Heaven's punishment be on me for what I have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>
+done!" said Sarah, hiding her face as though she feared
+to meet the light of day.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay!" exclaimed Rodolph. "And it will assuredly
+cling to you all your life, and haunt even your dying
+pillow; for it is your neglect and abandonment of all a
+mother's most sacred duties which have led to all these
+horrors. Accursed may you ever be for your double
+wickedness towards your unoffending child! For even
+after I had succeeded in removing her from the guilt
+and pollution by which she was surrounded, and had
+placed her in a safe and peaceful asylum, you set your
+vile accomplices on to tear her thence! My curse be
+for ever on you! For it was owing to your causing her
+to be forcibly carried off which threw her back into the
+power of Jacques Ferrand."</p>
+
+<p>As Rodolph pronounced this name he suddenly stopped
+and shuddered. The features of the prince assumed an
+expression of concentrated rage and hatred impossible
+to describe; mute and motionless he stood, as though
+crushed to the earth by the reflection that the murderer
+of his child was still in existence.</p>
+
+<p>Spite of the increasing weakness of Sarah and the
+agitation caused by this interview with Rodolph, she
+was so much struck with his threatening aspect that
+she faintly exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"In mercy say what fresh idea has taken possession
+of your mind?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no," responded Rodolph, as though speaking to
+himself; "till now I thought to spare this monster,
+believing a life of enforced charity would be to him one
+of never ending torment. Now I must revenge my
+infant child, delivered up by him to want and misery!
+I have to wash out the stain of my daughter's infamy,
+caused by his diabolical villainy and cupidity; and his
+blood alone will serve to wipe out that foul wrong!
+Yes, he dies&mdash;and by my hand!" And, with these
+words, the prince sprang forward to the door.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Whither are you going?" cried Sarah, extending
+her supplicating hands towards Rodolph. "Oh, leave
+me not to die alone&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Alone? Oh, no! Fear not to die alone! The
+spectre of the innocent child, doomed by you to an early
+grave, will bear you company."</p>
+
+<p>Exhausted and alarmed, Sarah uttered a scream, as
+though she really beheld the phantom of her child,
+exclaiming, "Forgive me! I am dying!"</p>
+
+<p>"Die then, accursed woman!" shouted Rodolph, wild
+with fury. "Now I must have the life of your accomplice,
+for it was you who delivered your child to this
+monster!"</p>
+
+<p>And hastening from the apartment, Rodolph ordered
+himself to be rapidly driven to the residence of Jacques
+Ferrand.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p>
+<h3>CHAPTER III.</h3>
+
+<h5>LOVE'S FRENZY.</h5>
+
+
+<p>It was nightfall when Rodolph went to the notary's.
+The pavilion occupied by Jacques Ferrand was plunged
+in the deepest obscurity; the wind roared and the rain
+fell as it did on the terrible night when Cecily, before
+she quitted the notary's abode for ever, had excited the
+passions of that man to frenzy. Extended on his bed,
+feebly lighted up by a lamp, Jacques Ferrand was dressed
+in a black coat and waistcoat. One of the sleeves of
+his shirt was tucked up and spotted with blood; a ligature
+of red cloth, which was to be seen on his nervous
+arm, announced that he had been bled by Polidori, who,
+standing near his bed, leaned one hand on the couch,
+and seemed to watch his accomplice's features with
+uneasiness. Nothing could be more frightfully hideous
+than was Jacques Ferrand, whilst plunged in that somnolent
+torpor which usually succeeds violent crises. Of
+an ashy paleness, his face was bedewed with a cold
+sweat, and his closed eyelids were so swollen, so injected
+with blood, that they appeared like two red balls in the
+centre of his cadaverous countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"Another such an attack and he is a dead man!"
+exclaimed Polidori, in a low voice. "All the writers
+on this subject have agreed that all who are attacked by
+this strange and frightful malady usually sink under it on
+the seventh day, and it is now six days since that infernal
+creole kindled the inextinguishable flame which is consuming
+this man." After some minutes of further meditation,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>
+Polidori left the bedside and walked slowly up
+and down the chamber.</p>
+
+<p>The tempest was still raging without, and fell with
+such fury on this dilapidated house as to shake it to its
+centre. Despite his audacity and wickedness, Polidori
+was superstitious, and dark forebodings came over him;
+he felt an undefinable uneasiness. In order to dissipate
+his gloomy thoughts, he again examined Ferrand's
+features.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," he said, leaning over him, "his eyelids are
+injected. It would seem as though his blood flowed
+thither and stagnated. No doubt his sight will now
+present, as his hearing did just now, some remarkable
+appearance! What agonies now they endure! How
+they vary! Oh," he added, with a bitter smile, "when
+nature determines on being cruel and playing the part
+of a tormentor, she defies all the efforts of man; and
+thus in this illness, caused by an erotic frenzy, she
+submits every sense to unheard-of, superhuman tortures."</p>
+
+<p>The storm still howled without, and Polidori, throwing
+himself into an armchair, exclaimed, "What a
+night! What a night! Nothing could be worse for
+Jacques's present state. Yes," he continued, "the prince
+is pitiless, and it would have been a thousand times
+better for Ferrand to have allowed his head to fall upon
+a scaffold; better fire, the wheel, molten lead, which
+burns and eats into the flesh, than the miserable punishment
+he endures! As I see him suffer I begin to feel
+affright for my own fate! What will become of me?
+What is in reserve for me as the accomplice of Jacques?
+To be his gaoler will not suffice for the prince's vengeance.
+Perhaps a perpetual imprisonment in the
+prisons of Germany awaits me! But that is better
+than death! Yet I know that the prince's word is
+sacred! But I, who have so often violated all laws,
+human and divine, dare I invoke a sworn promise?
+Inasmuch as it was to my interest that Jacques should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>
+not escape, so will it be equally my interest to prolong
+his days. But his symptoms grow worse and worse;
+nothing but a miracle can save him. What is to be
+done? What is to be done?"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, a crash without, occasioned by the
+fall of a stack of chimneys, roused Jacques Ferrand, and
+he turned on his bed.</p>
+
+<p>Polidori became more and more under the influence
+of the vague terror which had seized on him. "It is
+folly to believe in presentments," he said, in a troubled
+voice; "but the night seems to me very appalling!"</p>
+
+<p>A heavy groan from the notary attracted Polidori's
+attention. "He is awaking from his torpor," he said,
+approaching his bed very quietly; "perhaps another
+crisis may ensue!"</p>
+
+<p>"Polidori!" muttered Jacques Ferrand, still extended
+on the bed, and with his eyes closed. "Polidori, what
+noise was that?"</p>
+
+<p>"A chimney that fell," replied Polidori, in a low
+voice, fearing to strike too loudly on the hearing of his
+accomplice. "A fearful tempest shakes the house to its
+foundation; it is a horrible night!"</p>
+
+<p>The notary did not hear, and replied, turning away
+his head, "Polidori, you are not there, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, I am here," said Polidori, in a louder voice;
+"but I answered gently for fear of giving you pain."</p>
+
+<p>"No; I hear you now without any pain such as I had
+just now, for then it seemed as if the least noise burst
+like thunder on my brain. And yet in the midst of it
+all,&mdash;of these horrible sufferings,&mdash;I distinguish the
+thrilling voice of Cecily, who was calling to me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Still that infernal woman! But drive away these
+thoughts,&mdash;they will kill you."</p>
+
+<p>"These thoughts are life to me, and, like my life, they
+resist all tortures."</p>
+
+<p>"Madman that you are, it is these thoughts that cause
+your tortures! Your illness is your sensual frenzy, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>
+has attained its utmost height. Once again, drive from
+your brain these thoughts or you will die."</p>
+
+<p>"Drive away these thoughts!" cried Ferrand. "Oh,
+never, never! When my pains give me one moment's
+repose, Cecily, the demon whom I cherish and curse,
+rises before my eyes!"</p>
+
+<p>"What incredible fury! It frightens me!"</p>
+
+<p>"There,&mdash;now!" said the notary, with a harsh voice,
+and his eyes fixed on a dark corner of the room. "I
+see now the outline of an obscure and white form; there&mdash;there!"
+and he extended his hairy and bony finger
+in the direction of his sight. "There,&mdash;there she is!"</p>
+
+<p>"Jacques, this is death to you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I see her!" continued Ferrand, with his teeth
+clenched, and not replying to Polidori. "There she is!
+And how beautiful! How her black hair floats gracefully
+down her shoulders, and her small white teeth,
+shining between her half opened lips,&mdash;her lips so red
+and humid! What pearls! And how her black eyes
+sparkle and die! Cecily," he added, with inexpressible
+excitement, "I adore you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Jacques, do not excite yourself with such visions!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is not a vision."</p>
+
+<p>"Mind, mind! Just now, you know, you imagined
+you heard this woman's love-songs, and your hearing
+was suddenly smitten with horrible agony. Mind, I
+say!"</p>
+
+<p>"Leave me,&mdash;leave me! What is the use of hearing
+but to hear, of seeing but to see?"</p>
+
+<p>"But the tortures which follow, miserable wretch!"</p>
+
+<p>"I will brave them all for a deceit, as I have braved
+death for a reality; and to me this burning image is
+reality. Ah, Cecily, you are beautiful! Yet why torture
+me thus? Would you kill me? Ah, execrable
+fury, cease,&mdash;cease, or I will strangle thee!" cried
+the notary, in delirium.</p>
+
+<p>"You kill yourself, unhappy man!" exclaimed Polidori,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span>
+shaking the notary violently, in order to rouse him
+from his excitement. In vain; Jacques continued:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, beloved queen, demon of delight, never did
+I see&mdash;" The notary could not finish; he uttered a
+sudden cry of pain and threw himself back.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" inquired Polidori, with astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"Put out that candle&mdash;it shines too brightly. I
+cannot endure it&mdash;it blinds me!"</p>
+
+<p>"What!" said Polidori, more and more surprised.
+"There is but one lamp covered with its shade, and
+that shines very feebly."</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you, the light increases here. Now, again&mdash;again!
+Oh, it is too much; it is intolerable!" added
+Jacques Ferrand, closing his eyes with an expression of
+increasing suffering.</p>
+
+<p>"You are mad&mdash;the room is scarcely lighted. I tell
+you, open your eyes and you will see."</p>
+
+<p>"Open my eyes! Why, I shall be blinded by torrents
+of burning light, with which this room is filled. Here!
+There! On all sides, there are rays of fire&mdash;millions
+of dazzling scintillations!" cried the notary, sitting up.
+And then again shrieking, he lifted both his hands to his
+eyes: "But I am blind; this burning fire is through my
+closed lids,&mdash;it burns&mdash;devours me! Ah, now my hands
+shield me a little! But put out the light, for it throws
+an infernal flame!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is beyond doubt now!" said Polidori. "His sight
+is struck with the same excess of sensitiveness as his
+hearing was; he is a dead man! To bleed him in this
+state would at once destroy him."</p>
+
+<p>A fresh cry ensued, sharp and terrible, from Jacques
+Ferrand, which resounded in the chamber.</p>
+
+<p>"Villain, put out that lamp! Its glaring beams penetrate
+through my hands, which they make transparent.
+I see the blood circulate in the net of my veins, and I try
+in vain to close my eyelids, for the burning lava will flow
+in. Oh, what torture! There are gushes as dazzling as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>
+if some one were thrusting a red-hot iron into my eyes.
+Help, help!" he shrieked, twisting himself on his bed,
+a prey to the horrible convulsions of his extreme agony.</p>
+
+<p>Polidori, alarmed at the excess of this fresh fit, suddenly
+extinguished the lamp, and they were both in
+perfect darkness. At this moment the noise of a carriage
+was heard at the door in the street. When the
+chamber had been rendered entirely dark in which
+Polidori and Ferrand were, the latter was somewhat
+relieved from his extreme pains.</p>
+
+<p>"Where are you going?" said Polidori, suddenly, when
+he heard Jacques Ferrand rise, for the deepest obscurity
+reigned in the apartment.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to find Cecily!"</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not go; the sight of that room would kill
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Cecily awaits me up there!"</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not go&mdash;I will prevent you!" said
+Polidori, seizing the notary by the arm.</p>
+
+<p>Jacques Ferrand having reached the extremity of
+exhaustion, was unable to contend with Polidori, who
+grasped him with a powerful clutch. "What, would
+you prevent me from seeking Cecily?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and besides, there is a lamp in the next room,
+and you know what an effect light so recently produced
+on your sight!"</p>
+
+<p>"Cecily is up above; she is waiting for me, and I
+would cross a red-hot furnace to rejoin her. Let me
+go! She called me her old tiger; mind you, then, for
+my claws are sharp!"</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not go! I will sooner tie you down to
+your bed like a furious madman!"</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, Polidori! I am not mad&mdash;I am perfectly
+in my senses. I know that Cecily is not really up there;
+but to me the phantoms of my imagination are equal to
+realities."</p>
+
+<p>"Silence!" cried Polidori, suddenly, and listening.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>
+"I just now thought I heard a carriage stop at the door&mdash;and
+I was not mistaken! Now I hear a sound of
+voices in the courtyard."</p>
+
+<p>"You want to deceive me," said Jacques; "but I am
+not so easily deceived."</p>
+
+<p>"But, unhappy man, listen&mdash;listen! Don't you
+hear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Let me go! Cecily is up-stairs; she calls me. Do
+not make me furious! And now I say to you, mind&mdash;beware!"</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not go out!"</p>
+
+<p>"Take care!"</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not go out. It is for my interest that you
+should remain."</p>
+
+<p>"You would hinder me from seeking Cecily, and it is
+my interest that you should die. There&mdash;there!" said
+the notary, in a gloomy tone.</p>
+
+<p>Polidori uttered a cry. "Wretch! You have stabbed
+me in the arm. But your hand was weak&mdash;the wound
+is slight&mdash;and you shall not escape me."</p>
+
+<p>"Your wound is mortal, for it was given by the poisoned
+stiletto of Cecily, which I always carried about
+me. Await the effects of its poison&mdash;Ah! You
+release me! Then now you are about to die! I was
+not to be hindered from going up above to find Cecily!"
+added Jacques, endeavouring to grope his way in darkness
+to the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh," murmured Polidori, "my arm becomes benumbed&mdash;a
+deathlike coldness seizes on me&mdash;my
+knees tremble under me&mdash;my blood freezes in my
+veins&mdash;my head whirls around. Help, help! I die!"
+And he fainted.</p>
+
+<p>The crash of glass doors, opened with so much violence
+that several panes of glass were broken to atoms,
+the resounding voice of Rodolph, and the noise of hastily
+approaching steps, seemed to reply to Polidori's cry of
+anguish.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Jacques Ferrand having at length discovered the lock
+of the door, opened it suddenly, with his dangerous
+stiletto in his hand. At the same instant, as menacing
+and formidable as the genius of vengeance, the prince
+entered the apartment from the other side.</p>
+
+<p>"Monster!" he exclaimed, advancing towards Jacques
+Ferrand, "it was my daughter whom you have killed!
+You are going&mdash;" The prince could not conclude, but
+recoiled in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>It would seem as if his words had been a thunderbolt
+to Ferrand, for, casting away his dagger, and raising both
+his hands to his eyes, the unhappy wretch fell with his
+face to the ground, uttering a cry that was scarcely
+human.</p>
+
+<p>To complete the phenomenon which we have attempted
+to describe, and the action which profound obscurity had
+suspended, when Jacques Ferrand entered the apartment
+so brilliantly lighted up, he was struck with an
+overwhelming vertigo, just as though he had been suddenly
+cast into the midst of a torrent of light as blazing
+as the disk of the sun. It was a fearful spectacle to see
+the agony of this man, who was twisting in convulsions,
+tearing the floor with his nails, as if he would have
+dug himself a hole to escape from the atrocious tortures
+occasioned by this powerful light. Rodolph, one of his
+servants, and the porter of the house, who had been
+compelled to guide the prince hither, were struck with
+horror.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of his just hatred, Rodolph felt a pity for the
+unheard-of sufferings of Jacques Ferrand, and desired
+that he should be laid on the sofa. This was not
+effected without difficulty, for, from fear of being subjected
+to the direst influence of the lamp, the notary
+struggled violently; and when his face was covered with
+the full glare of the light, he uttered another shriek,&mdash;a
+shriek which chilled Rodolph with terror. After fresh
+and long torture, the phenomenon ceased by its very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>
+violence. Having reached the last bounds of suffering
+without death following, the visual torment ceased;
+but, according to the regular course of the malady, a
+delirious excitement followed the crisis. Jacques Ferrand
+became suddenly as stiffened in frame as an
+epileptic; his eyelids, until then obstinately closed,
+suddenly opened, and, instead of avoiding the light,
+his eyes fixed themselves on it immovably, the pupils,
+in a state of extraordinary dilation and fixedness,
+seeming phosphorescent and internally lighted up. He
+appeared plunged in a kind of ecstatic contemplation;
+his body and limbs remained at first in a state of complete
+immobility, his features being agitated by nervous
+twitches and spasms. His hideous countenance, thus
+contracted and twisted, had no longer any human appearance;
+and it appeared as if the appetites of the animal,
+by stifling the intelligence of the man, impressed on the
+features of this wretch a character absolutely bestial.
+Having attained the mortal point of his madness, he
+remembered in his delirium the words of Cecily, who
+had called him her tiger; gradually his reason forsook
+him, and he imagined he was a tiger. His half uttered,
+breathless words displayed the disorder of his brain, and
+the singular aberration that had seized on him. Gradually
+his limbs, until then stiff and motionless, extended;
+he fell from the sofa, and tried to rise and walk, but his
+strength failed him; and he was compelled now to crawl
+like a reptile, and now to drag himself along on his
+hands and knees,&mdash;going, coming, this way and that
+way, as his visions impelled or obtained possession of
+him. Crouched in one of the corners of the room, like
+a tiger in his den, his hoarse and furious cries, his grinding
+of teeth, the convulsive twistings of the muscles of
+his face and brows, and his ardent gaze, gave him a
+wild and frightful resemblance to this ferocious brute.</p>
+
+<p>"Tiger&mdash;tiger&mdash;tiger&mdash;that I am!" he said, in a
+harsh voice, and gathering himself into a heap. "Yes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>
+tiger! What blood! In my cavern what rent carcasses&mdash;La
+Goualeuse&mdash;the brother of this widow&mdash;a small
+child, Louise's baby,&mdash;these are the carcasses, and my
+tigress Cecily will have her share." Then looking at his
+torn fingers, the nails of which had grown immensely
+during his illness, he added, in broken language, "Oh,
+my sharp nails&mdash;sharp and keen! An old tiger I am,
+but agile, strong, and bold; no one dares dispute my
+tigress Cecily with me. Ah, she calls&mdash;she calls!" he
+said, advancing his hideous visage and listening.</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's silence he huddled himself against
+the wall again and continued: "No! I thought I had
+heard her; but she is not there. Yet I see her; oh, yes,
+always&mdash;always! Ah, there she is! She calls me;
+she roars&mdash;roars down there! I'm here&mdash;I'm here!"
+and Ferrand dragged himself towards the centre of the
+room on his hands and knees. Although his strength
+was exhausted, he made a convulsive leap from time to
+time, then paused, and listened attentively. "Where is
+she? I approach&mdash;she goes away. Cecily, here is your
+old tiger!" he cried, as, with a last effort, he arose and
+balanced himself on his knees. Suddenly falling back
+with affright, his body bending on his heels, his hair on
+end, his look haggard, his mouth twisted with terror, his
+two hands extended, he seemed to struggle with desperation
+with some invisible object, uttering incoherent
+words, and exclaiming, in broken tones, "What a bite!
+Help! My hands are powerless; I cannot drive away
+these sharp teeth! No, no! Oh! Not such eyes!
+Help! A serpent&mdash;a black snake&mdash;with its flat
+head and fiery eyes. How it looks at me! It is the
+fiend! Ah, he knows me&mdash;Jacques Ferrand&mdash;at
+church&mdash;the pious man&mdash;always at church! Go, go&mdash;cross
+yourself!" And the notary, raising himself a
+little, and leaning with one hand on the floor, endeavoured
+to cross himself with the other. His livid brow
+was bathed in cold sweat, his eyes began to lose their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>
+transparency and become dim, all the symptoms of
+approaching death manifested themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Rodolph and the other witnesses of the scene remained
+as motionless and mute as if they had been under the
+effect of a frightful dream.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh!" continued Jacques Ferrand, still half stretched
+on the floor, and supporting himself by one hand, "the
+demon vanishes. I am going to church&mdash;I am a holy
+man&mdash;I pray! What, no one will know it? Do
+you think so? No, no, tempter&mdash;be quite sure! Well,
+let them come&mdash;these women&mdash;all! Yes, all&mdash;if no
+one finds it out! But the secret!" he continued, in a
+tone of exhaustion, "the secret! Ah, here they are!
+Three! What says this one?&mdash;I am Louise Morel!
+Oh, yes&mdash;Louise Morel; I know it! I am only one
+of the people! You think me handsome? Here&mdash;take
+her! What does she bring me?&mdash;her head cut off by
+the executioner! It looks at me, that head of death!
+It speaks! The livid lips move and say, 'Come&mdash;come&mdash;come!'
+I will not&mdash;I will not! Demon, leave me!
+Go&mdash;go&mdash;go! And this other woman?&mdash;ah, beautiful,
+beautiful!&mdash;Jacques, I am the Duchesse de
+Lucenay. See my angelic figure,&mdash;my smile,&mdash;my
+bold glance! Come, come! Yes, I come. But wait!
+And who is this one who turns away her face? Oh,
+Cecily&mdash;Cecily! Yes, Jacques, 'tis Cecily! You see
+the three Graces,&mdash;Louise, the duchess, and myself.
+Choose! Beauty of the people, patrician beauty, the
+savage beauty of the tropics,&mdash;and hell with us!
+Come&mdash;come! Hell with you? Yes!" shrieked
+Jacques Ferrand, again rising on his knees, and
+extending his arms to seize these phantoms.</p>
+
+<p>This last effort was followed by a mortal throe, and
+he fell back again stiff and lifeless; his eyes starting
+from their orbits, whilst fierce convulsions were visible
+on his features, unnaturally distorted; a bloody foam on
+his lips; his voice hoarse and strangling, like that of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>
+person in hydrophobia, for, in its last paroxysm, this
+fearful malady shows the same symptoms as madness.
+The breath of this monster was extinguished in the
+midst of a final and horrible vision, for he stammered
+forth these words, "Black night!&mdash;black spectres!&mdash;skeletons
+of brass, red-hot with fire! Unfold me! Their
+burning fingers make my flesh smoke; my marrow is
+scorched! Fleshless, horrid spectre! No&mdash;no!
+Cecily&mdash;fire&mdash;flame&mdash;agony&mdash;Cecily!"</p>
+
+<p>These were Jacques Ferrand's last words, and Rodolph
+left the place overcome with horror.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span></p>
+<h3>CHAPTER IV.</h3>
+
+<h5>THE HOSPITAL.</h5>
+
+
+<p>It will be remembered that Fleur-de-Marie, saved by
+La Louve, had been conveyed not far from the Isle du
+Ravageur to the country-house of Doctor Griffon, one of
+the surgeons of the hospital, to whom we shall now
+introduce the reader. This learned doctor, who had
+obtained from high influence his position in the hospital,
+considered the wards as a kind of school of experiments,
+where he tried on the poor the remedies and applications
+which he afterwards used with his rich clients.</p>
+
+<p>These terrible experiments were, indeed, a human
+sacrifice made on the altar of science; but Doctor
+Griffon did not think of that. In the eyes of this
+prince of science, as they say in our days, the hospital
+patients were only a matter of study and experiment;
+and as, after all, there resulted from his essays occasionally
+a useful fact or a discovery acquired by science, the
+doctor showed himself as ingenuously satisfied and triumphant
+as a general after a victory which has been
+costly in soldiers.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be more melancholy than the sombre
+appearance of the vast ward of the hospital, into which
+we now introduce the reader. The length of its high,
+dark walls, pierced here and there with grated windows
+like those of a prison, was filled with two rows of beds
+parallel, and faintly lighted by the sepulchral glare of a
+lamp hanging from the ceiling. The atmosphere is so
+nauseous, so heavy, that the fresh patients frequently did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>
+not become accustomed to it without danger, and this
+increase of suffering is a sort of tax which every newcomer
+invariably pays for his miserable sojourn in the
+hospital. In one of the beds was the corpse of a patient
+who had just died.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst the females who did not sleep, and who had
+been present whilst the priest performed the last rites
+with the dying woman, were three persons whose names
+have been already mentioned in this history,&mdash;Mlle. de
+Fermont, the daughter of the unfortunate widow ruined
+by the cupidity of Jacques Ferrand; La Lorraine, the
+poor laundress, to whom Fleur-de-Marie had formerly
+given the small sum of money she had left; and Jeanne
+Duport, the sister of Pique-Vinaigre.</p>
+
+<p>La Lorraine was a woman about twenty, with mild
+and regular features, but extremely pale and thin; she
+was consumptive to the last degree, and there was no
+hope of saving her. She was aware of her condition,
+and was slowly dying.</p>
+
+<p>"There is another gone!" said La Lorraine, in a faint
+voice, and speaking to herself. "She will suffer no
+more; she is very happy!"</p>
+
+<p>"She is very happy if she has no children!" added
+Jeanne.</p>
+
+<p>"Aren't you asleep, neighbour?" asked La Lorraine.
+"How are you after your first night here? Last night,
+when you came in, they made you go to bed directly,
+and I dared not speak to you, because I heard you
+sob so."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I cried a good deal; but I went to sleep at
+last, and only awoke when the noise of the doors roused
+me; and when the priest and the sisters came in and
+knelt down; I saw it was some woman who was dying,
+and I said a <i>Pater</i> and <i>Ave</i> for her."</p>
+
+<p>"And so did I; and, as I am ill with the same complaint
+as she had, I could not help crying out, 'There is
+one who suffers no more; she is very happy!'"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, as I said, if she has no children."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you have children?"</p>
+
+<p>"Three!" said Pique-Vinaigre's sister with a sigh.
+"And you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I had a little girl, but I did not keep her long. The
+poor babe was injured before she was born,&mdash;and I was
+so wretched during my pregnancy! I am a washerwoman
+in the boats, and worked as long as I could. But everything
+has an end, and when my strength failed me,
+bread failed me also. They turned me out of my lodging;
+and I do not know what would have become of me
+if a poor woman had not taken me into a cellar, where
+she was hiding from her husband, who had sworn he
+would kill her. There I was brought to bed on the
+straw; but, thanks to goodness, the good woman knew
+a young girl as good and charitable as an angel from
+heaven. This young girl had a little money, and took
+me from the cellar, and put me in a furnished room,
+where she paid a month in advance, and gave me, besides,
+a wicker cradle for my baby, and forty francs,
+with a little linen besides. Thanks to her, I was enabled
+to resume my work."</p>
+
+<p>"Kind girl! Well, and I, also, met by chance with
+such another, a young, hard-working sempstress. I was
+going to see my poor brother, who is a prisoner," said
+Jeanne, after a moment's hesitation, "and met this
+work-girl in the prison; and when she heard me tell
+my brother that I was not happy, she came to me and
+offered me all in her power, poor girl! I accepted her
+offer, and she gave me her address; and two days
+afterwards dear little Mlle. Rigolette&mdash;she is called
+Rigolette&mdash;sent me an order."</p>
+
+<p>"Rigolette!" exclaimed Lorraine; "how strange!
+The young girl who was so generous to me often mentioned
+the name of Mlle. Rigolette in my hearing; they
+were great friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then," said Jeanne, smiling sadly, "since we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>
+are neighbours in bed, we should be friends like our
+two benefactresses."</p>
+
+<p>"With all my heart! My name is Annette Gerbier,
+called La Lorraine, a washerwoman."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am Jeanne Duport, a fringe-maker. Oh, it is
+so fortunate to find in this melancholy place some one
+not quite a stranger to you, especially when you come
+for the first time, and are very full of trouble. But
+don't let us talk of that! Tell me, Lorraine, what
+was the name of the young girl who was so kind to
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"She was called Goualeuse, and was exceedingly
+handsome, with light brown hair and blue eyes, so soft&mdash;oh,
+so soft! Unfortunately, in spite of her assistance,
+my poor babe died at two months old. It was so
+puny, it could hardly breathe!" and La Lorraine wiped
+a tear from her eye.</p>
+
+<p>"And your husband?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not married. I washed by the day at a rich
+tradesman's in my country, and had always been prudent;
+but the master's son whispered his tales in my
+ear, and then&mdash;When I found in what a state I was,
+I dared not remain any longer in the country, and M.
+Jules gave me fifty francs to take me to Paris, assuring
+me that he would send me twenty francs every month
+for my lying-in; but since I left I have not had one
+sou, not even a message. I wrote to him once, but he
+sent me no answer; and I was afraid to write again, as
+I saw he did not wish to hear any more of me."</p>
+
+<p>"At least he ought not to have forgotten you, if it was
+only for the sake of the child!"</p>
+
+<p>"That was the reason; he was angry with me for
+being in the family way, because it embarrassed him.
+I regret my child for myself, but not on its own account,
+poor little darling! It must have been miserable, and
+have been an orphan very early, for I have not long to
+live."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you ought not to have such ideas at your age.
+Have you been long ill?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nearly three months. Why, when I had to work
+for myself and my child, I began too soon. The winter
+was very cold; I was attacked with a cold on my chest.
+I lost my child at this time, too; and nursing her, I
+neglected myself, and then my sorrow; so that I fell
+into a consumption&mdash;decided&mdash;like the actress who has
+just died."</p>
+
+<p>"There's always hope at your age!"</p>
+
+<p>"The actress was only two years older than I am."</p>
+
+<p>"What, was she an actress who is just dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. And see what fate is! She had been as
+beautiful as daylight, and had money, carriages, diamonds;
+but, unfortunately, the smallpox disfigured her,
+and then came want and misery, and, at last, death in
+a hospital. No one ever came to see her; and yet,
+four or five days ago, she told me, she had written to a
+gentleman whom she had formerly known in her gay
+days, and who had been much in love with her. She
+wrote to him to beg him to claim her dead body, because
+she was wretched at the idea of thinking she would be
+dissected&mdash;cut in pieces."</p>
+
+<p>"And did the gentleman come?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. Every moment she was asking for him and
+perpetually saying, 'Oh, he'll come! Oh, he'll be sure
+to come!' And yet she died without any one coming,
+and what she so much dreaded will befall her poor
+frame. After having been rich and happy, to die so is
+very terrible! We, at least, only change our miseries!"</p>
+
+<p>"I wish," said Lorraine, after a moment's hesitation,
+"I wish you would render me a service!"</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"If I die, as is probable, before you go from here,
+will you claim my body? I have the same dread as the
+actress, and have laid aside the small sum of money
+necessary to bury me."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, do not have such ideas!"</p>
+
+<p>"Still promise me, all the same!"</p>
+
+<p>"But let us hope the case will not happen!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but if it does happen&mdash;thanks to you, I shall
+not have the same misery as the actress."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor woman! After having been rich to come to
+such an end!"</p>
+
+<p>"The actress is not the only one in this room who has
+been rich."</p>
+
+<p>"Who else?"</p>
+
+<p>"A young girl of about fifteen or so, brought here
+yesterday evening. She was so weak that they were
+obliged to support her. The sister said that the young
+lady and her mother were very reputable persons, who
+had been ruined."</p>
+
+<p>"And is her mother here, too?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, the mother was too ill to be moved. The poor
+girl would not leave, so they took advantage of her
+fainting to convey her. The proprietor of a wretched
+lodging-house, for fear they should die in his rooms,
+made the report at the police station. She is there&mdash;in
+the bed opposite you."</p>
+
+<p>"And she is fifteen? The age of my eldest girl!"
+And Jeanne Duport wept bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me," said La Lorraine, "if I have given you
+pain unconsciously in speaking of your children! Are
+they, too, ill?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! I do not know. What will become of them
+if I remain here for a week?"</p>
+
+<p>"And your husband?"</p>
+
+<p>"As we are friends together, Lorraine, I will tell you
+my troubles, as you have told me yours, and that will
+comfort me. My husband was an excellent workman,
+but became dissipated, and forsook me and my children,
+after having sold everything we possessed. I went to
+work; some good souls aided me, and I began to get
+easy again, and was bringing up my little family as well<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>
+as I could, when my husband returned with a vile creature,
+his mistress, and again stripped me of everything;
+and so I had to begin all over again."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Jeanne! You could not help it."</p>
+
+<p>"I ought to have separated myself from him in law,&mdash;but,
+as my brother says, the law is too dear! I went to
+see my brother one day, and he gave me three francs,
+which he had collected amongst the prisoners on telling
+his tales. So I took courage, believing my husband
+would not return for a very long time, as he had taken
+all he could from us. But I was mistaken," added the
+poor creature, with a shudder; "there was my poor
+Catherine still to take!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your daughter?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will hear&mdash;you will hear! Three days ago, as
+I was at work with my children around me, my husband
+came in. I saw by his look that he had been drinking.
+'I have come for Catherine,' says he. I took my
+daughter's arm, and I said to Duport, 'Where do you
+want to take her to?' 'What's that to you? She's
+my daughter. Let her make up her bundle and come
+along with me.' At these words my blood ran cold in
+my veins; for you must know, Lorraine, that that bad
+woman is still with my husband, and it makes me
+shudder all over to say it. But so it was; she had long
+been urging him to earn something by our daughter, who
+is young and pretty. 'Take away Catherine?' said I to
+Duport; 'Never! I know what that wicked woman
+would do with her.' 'I say,' said my husband, whose
+lips were white with rage, 'do not oppose me or I'll kill
+you!' and then he seized my daughter by the arm, saying,
+'Come along, Catherine!' The poor child threw
+her arms around my neck, and burst into tears, exclaiming,
+'I will stay with mother!' When he saw this,
+Duport became furious, tore my daughter from me, and
+hit me a blow in my stomach, which knocked me down;
+and when I was on the ground&mdash;he was very drunk,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>
+you may be sure&mdash;he trampled on me and hurt me
+dreadfully. My poor children begged for mercy on
+their knees,&mdash;Catherine, too; and then he said to her,
+swearing like a lunatic, 'If you will not come with me
+I'll do for your mother!' I was spitting blood; I felt
+half dead, and could not move an inch. But I cried
+to Catherine, 'Let him kill me first!' 'What, you
+won't be quiet?' said Duport, giving me another kick,
+which deprived me of all consciousness; and when I
+returned to myself, I found my two little boys crying
+bitterly."</p>
+
+<p>"And your daughter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Gone!" exclaimed the unhappy mother, with convulsive
+sobs. "Yes; gone. My other children told
+me that their father had beaten them and threatened to
+finish me. Then the poor girl was quite distracted and
+embraced me and her brothers, weeping dreadfully; and
+then my husband dragged her away. Ah, that bad
+woman was waiting for him on the stairs, I know!"</p>
+
+<p>"And didn't you complain to the police?"</p>
+
+<p>"At first I felt only grief at Catherine's departure;
+but I felt soon great pain in all my limbs,&mdash;I could not
+walk. Alas, what I had so long dreaded had happened!
+Yes, I told my brother that one day my husband would
+beat me so that I should be obliged to go to the hospital,&mdash;and
+then what would become of my children? And
+now here I am in the hospital, and what, indeed, will
+become of my children? The neighbours went for the
+commissary, who came. I didn't like to denounce Duport,
+but I was obliged, in consequence of my daughter;
+only I said that in our quarrel about our daughter he
+had pushed me, that it was nothing, but I wanted my
+daughter Catherine because I feared the bad woman
+with whom my husband lived would be the ruin of
+her."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, and what did the commissary say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that my husband had a right to take away his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>
+daughter, as we were not separated; that it would be a
+misfortune if my daughter turned out badly from evil
+counsels, but that they were only suppositions, after all,
+and that was not sufficient for a complaint against my
+husband. 'You have but one way&mdash;plead in the courts,
+demand a separation&mdash;and then the beatings your husband
+has given you, his behaviour with a vile woman,
+will be in your favour, and they will force him to restore
+your daughter to you; but, otherwise, he has a right to
+keep her with him.' 'But how can I plead when I have
+my children to feed?' 'What can be done?' said the
+clerk; 'that's the only way!'" and poor Jeanne sobbed
+bitterly, adding, "And he is right&mdash;that is the only
+way! And so, in three months, my daughter may be
+walking the streets, whilst if I could plead and be separated
+it would not happen. Alas, poor Catherine, so
+gentle and so affectionate!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you have, indeed, a bitter sorrow; and yet I
+was complaining!" said La Lorraine, drying her eyes.
+"And your other children?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, on their account, I did all I could to bear the
+pains I was suffering, and not go to the hospital; but
+I could not go on. I vomited blood three or four times
+a day, and a fever took away the use of my arms and
+legs, and I was at last unable to work. If I am quickly
+cured I may return to my children, if they are not first
+dead from hunger or locked up as beggars. Who will
+maintain them whilst I am here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it is very terrible! Have you no kind neighbours?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are as poor as myself, and have five children
+already. It is very hard, but they promised to do a
+little something for them for a week; that is all they
+could do. And so, cured or not cured, I must go out in
+a week."</p>
+
+<p>"But your friend, Mademoiselle Rigolette?"</p>
+
+<p>"Unfortunately, she is in the country, and going to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>
+be married, the porter said. No, I must be cured in
+eight days; and I asked all the doctors who spoke to
+me yesterday, but they laughed as they replied, 'You
+must ask the principal surgeon.' When will he come,
+Lorraine?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush! I think I hear him now. And no one is
+allowed to speak during his visit," replied Lorraine, in a
+low voice.</p>
+
+<p>The daylight had appeared during the conversation of
+the two women. A bustle announced the arrival of Doctor
+Griffon, who entered the room accompanied by his
+friend, the Comte de Saint-Remy, who took so warm an
+interest in Madame de Fermont and her daughter, but
+was very far from expecting to find the unfortunate
+young lady in the hospital. As he entered the ward,
+the cold and harsh features of Doctor Griffon seemed to
+expand. Casting around him a look of satisfaction and
+authority, he answered the obsequious reception of the
+sisters by a protecting nod. The coarse and austere
+countenance of the old Comte de Saint-Remy was
+imprinted with the deepest sorrow. His ineffective
+attempts to find any traces of Madame de Fermont, and
+the ignominious baseness of the vicomte, who had preferred
+a life of infamy to death, overwhelmed him with
+grief.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Doctor Griffon to him, with an air of
+triumph, "what do you think of my hospital?"</p>
+
+<p>"Really," replied M. de Saint-Remy, "I do not
+know why I yielded to your desire; nothing is more
+harrowing than the sight of rooms filled with sick persons.
+Since I entered, my feelings have been severely
+distressed."</p>
+
+<p>"Bah, bah! In a quarter of an hour you will think no
+more of it. You, who are a philosopher, will find here
+ample matter for observation; and besides, it would
+have been a shame for you, one of my oldest friends,
+not to have known the theatre of my glory, my labours,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>
+and seen me at work. I take pride in my profession&mdash;is
+that wrong?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, certainly; and after your excellent care of
+Fleur-de-Marie, whom you have saved, I could refuse
+you nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, have you ascertained anything as to the fate
+of Madame de Fermont and her daughter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing!" replied M. de Saint-Remy, with a sigh.
+"And my last hope is in Madame d'Harville, who takes
+such deep interest in these two unfortunates; she may
+find some traces of them. Madame d'Harville, I hear,
+is expected daily at her house; and I have written to
+her on the subject, begging her to reply as soon as
+possible."</p>
+
+<p>During the conversation between M. de Saint-Remy
+and Doctor Griffon, several groups were formed gradually
+around a large table in the middle of the apartment, on
+which was a register in which the pupils of the hospital
+(who were to be recognised by their long white aprons)
+came in their turns to sign the attendance-sheet.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, my dear Saint-Remy, that my staff is pretty
+considerable."</p>
+
+<p>"It is indeed! But all these beds are occupied by
+women, and the presence of so many men must inspire
+them with painful confusion!"</p>
+
+<p>"All these fine feelings must be left at the door, my
+dear Alcestis. Here we begin on the living those experiments
+and studies which we complete on the dead
+body in the amphitheatre."</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor, you are one of the best and worthiest of
+men, and I owe you my life, and I recognise all your
+excellent qualities; but the practice and love of your art
+makes you take views of certain questions which are
+most revolting to me. I leave you. These are things
+which disgust and pain me; and I foresee that it would
+be a real punishment to me to be present at your visit.
+I will wait for you here at the table."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What a strange person you are with these scruples!
+But I will not let you have quite your own way. So
+remain here till I come for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then, gentlemen," said Doctor Griffon; and he
+began his round, followed by his numerous auditory.</p>
+
+<p>On reaching the first bed on the right hand, the curtains
+of which were closed, the sister said to the doctor:</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, No. 1 died at half past four o'clock this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"So late? It astonishes me. Yesterday morning
+I would not have given her the day through. Has her
+body been claimed?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"So much the better. It is a very fine one; we will
+not dissect it, but I will make a man happy." Then
+turning to one of the pupils, "My dear Dunoyer, you
+have long desired a subject; your name is down for the
+first, and it is yours."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, sir, you are too good."</p>
+
+<p>"I am only desirous of rewarding your zeal, my dear
+fellow; but mark the subject&mdash;take possession; there
+are so many who covet it."</p>
+
+<p>As the doctor passed onwards, the pupil, with his
+scalpel, incised very delicately an F. and D. (his initials)
+on the arm of the defunct actress, in order "to take
+possession," as the doctor termed it. And the round
+continued.</p>
+
+<p>"Lorraine," said Jeanne Duport, in a low voice, to
+her neighbour, "who is all this crowd of people with the
+surgeon?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is pupils and students."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, will all these young men look on whilst the
+doctor asks me questions and examines me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, yes!"</p>
+
+<p>"But it is in my chest that I am ill; will they examine
+me before all these men?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;yes&mdash;it must be so. I cried bitterly the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>
+first time, and thought I should have died of shame.
+I resisted, and they threatened to send me away, and
+that made me so ill. Only imagine, almost naked before
+everybody! It is very painful."</p>
+
+<p>"Before the doctor alone I can easily comprehend it
+is necessary, and even that is a great deal to submit to;
+but why before all these young men?"</p>
+
+<p>"They learn and practise on us; that is why we are
+here,&mdash;why they admit us into the hospital."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, I understand," said Jeanne Duport, with bitterness;
+"they give us nothing for nothing. Yet still
+there are times when even that could not be. Suppose
+my poor girl Catherine, who is only fifteen, were to
+come to the hospital, would they dare with her, before
+so many young men, to&mdash;Oh, no! I would rather see
+her die at home!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, if she came here she must make up her mind
+to do as the others do,&mdash;as you and I. But hold
+your tongue; if the poor young lady in front hears
+you&mdash;they say she was rich, and, perhaps, has never
+left her mother before,&mdash;and yet her turn comes
+now. Only think how confused and distressed she
+will be."</p>
+
+<p>"I shudder when I think of her! Poor child!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, Jeanne! Here is the doctor!" said Lorraine.</p>
+
+<p>After having quickly visited several patients who presented
+nothing remarkable in their cases, the doctor at
+last came to Jeanne. At the sight of this crowd coming
+around her bed, anxious to see and learn, the poor creature,
+overcome with fear and shame, pulled the bed-clothes
+tightly around her. The severe and meditative
+countenance of the doctor, his penetrating glance, his
+eyebrows, always drawn down by his reflective habit, his
+abrupt mode of speech, impatient and quick, increased
+the alarm of poor Jeanne.</p>
+
+<p>"A new subject!" said the doctor, as he read the
+placard in which was inscribed the nature of the patient's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>
+malady, and throwing on Jeanne a lengthened look of
+scrutiny. There was a profound silence amongst the
+assistants, who, in imitation of the prince of science,
+fixed a scrutinising glance on the patient. After an
+examination of several minutes, the doctor, remarking
+something wrong in the yellow tint of the patient's eyeball,
+approached her more closely, and, raising the lid
+with his finger, examined it silently. Then several of
+the students, responding to the kind of mute invitation
+of their professor, drew near, and gazed at Jeanne's eye
+with attention. The doctor then began:</p>
+
+<p>"Your name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Jeanne Duport," she murmured, more and more
+alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you married?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, yes, sir!" with a profound sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you any children?"</p>
+
+<p>Here, instead of replying, the poor mother gave way
+to a flood of tears.</p>
+
+<p>"It is no use crying,&mdash;answer! Have you any
+children?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir,&mdash;two little boys, and a girl of sixteen."</p>
+
+<p>Then followed a string of questions impossible to
+repeat, but to which Jeanne could only reply in stammering,
+and after many severe rebukes from the doctor.
+The poor woman was overwhelmed with shame, compelled
+as she was to reply aloud to such questions before such a
+numerous auditory.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor, completely absorbed by scientific feelings,
+did not give the smallest heed to Jeanne's distress, and
+continued:</p>
+
+<p>"How long have you been ill?"</p>
+
+<p>"Four days, sir," replied Jeanne, drying her tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell us how your illness first disclosed itself."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir,&mdash;why,&mdash;there are so many persons here, that
+I dare not."</p>
+
+<p>"Pooh! Where do you come from, my dear woman?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>
+inquired the doctor, impatiently; "would you like to
+have a confessional brought? Come, come, make haste!"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, these are family matters."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, be easy, we are all family men here; a large
+family, too, as you see," added the prince of science, who
+was in very high spirits that day. "Come, come, let us
+have an end of this."</p>
+
+<p>More and more alarmed, Jeanne, stammering and
+hesitating at each moment, said:</p>
+
+<p>"I had&mdash;a quarrel with my husband&mdash;about the
+children; I mean my eldest daughter, that he wanted
+to take away; and I wouldn't agree, because of a wicked
+woman he lived with, and who might give bad advice to
+my daughter. So then, my husband, who was tipsy,&mdash;yes,
+sir,&mdash;for if not, he'd never have done it,&mdash;my
+husband gave me a very hard push, and I fell; and then,
+soon after, I began to vomit blood."</p>
+
+<p>"Pooh, pooh, pooh! Your husband pushed you, and
+you fell; you describe it very nicely! Why, he did
+more than push you; he must have struck you in the
+stomach; perhaps trampled on you, or kicked you?
+Come, answer,&mdash;let's have the truth."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, sir, I assure you that he was tipsy; but for that
+he would never have been so wicked."</p>
+
+<p>"Good or wicked, drunk or sober, it is not to the purpose,
+my good woman. I am not a public officer, and
+only want a fact accurately described. Now, were you
+not knocked down, and trampled under foot?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes!" said Jeanne, weeping; "and yet I never gave
+him any cause of complaint. I worked as long as I
+could, and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The epigastrium must be very painful. Don't you
+feel great heat around that region?&mdash;uneasiness, lassitude,
+nausea?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. I was quite worn out when I gave up, if
+not, I should never have left my children; and then, my
+Catherine! Oh, if you&mdash;"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Put out your tongue," said the doctor, again
+interrupting the patient.</p>
+
+<p>This appeared so strange to Jeanne, who thought
+to excite the doctor's pity, that she did not reply
+immediately, but looked at him with alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Show me your tongue, which you know so well how
+to use," said the doctor, with a smile; and he pushed
+down Jeanne's lower jaw with the end of his finger.
+After having had his pupils successively, and for some
+time, feel and examine the subject's tongue, in order to
+ascertain its colour and dryness, Jeanne, overcoming her
+fear for a moment, said, in a tremulous voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I was going to say to you, my neighbours, who
+are as poor as myself, have been so kind as to take care
+of my children for a week only, which is a great deal;
+so at the end of that time I must be back home again.
+So I beg of you, in God's name, to cure me as quickly as
+you can, or nearly so, that I may return to work; and I
+have but a week before me,&mdash;for&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Discoloured face,&mdash;complete state of prostration,&mdash;yet
+the pulse strong, quick, and regular," said the doctor,
+imperturbably, and pointing to Jeanne. "Remark her
+well, gentlemen: oppression, heat in the epigastric
+regions. All these symptoms certainly betoken hæmatemesis,
+probably complicated by hepatitis, caused by
+domestic troubles, as is indicated by the yellow discoloration
+of the eyeball. The subject has had violent blows
+in the regions of the epigastrium and abdomen; the
+vomiting blood is the necessary consequence of some
+organic injury to the viscera. On this point let me call
+your attention to a very curious, remarkably curious,
+feature. The post-mortem appearances of those who
+die of the injuries under which the subject is suffering
+frequently present remarkable appearances; frequently
+the malady, very severe and very dangerous, carries off
+the patient in a few days, and then no trace of it is
+found."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Doctor Griffon then, throwing off the bed-clothes,
+nearly denuded poor Jeanne. It would be repugnant to
+describe the struggle of the unfortunate creature, who,
+in her shame, implored the doctor and his auditory.
+But at the threat, "You will be turned out of the hospital,
+if you do not submit to the established usages,"&mdash;a
+threat so terrible for those to whom the hospital is the
+sole and last refuge,&mdash;Jeanne submitted to a public
+scrutiny, which lasted a long time, very long, for Doctor
+Griffon analysed and explained every symptom; and
+then the most studious of the pupils declared their wish
+to unite practice with theory, and also examine the
+patient. The end of this scene was that poor Jeanne
+felt such extreme emotion that she fell into a nervous
+crisis, for which Doctor Griffon gave an extra
+prescription.</p>
+
+<p>The round continued, and the doctor soon reached
+the bed of Mlle. Claire de Fermont, a victim, like her
+mother, to the cupidity of Jacques Ferrand.</p>
+
+<p>Mlle, de Fermont, dressed in a cap of the hospital,
+was leaning her head languidly on the bolster of the
+bed. In spite of the ravages of her malady, there might
+be detected on her open and sweet countenance the
+traces of a beauty full of distinction. After a night of
+keen anguish, the poor girl had fallen into a kind of
+feverish stupor, and when the doctor and his scientific
+train entered the ward she was not aroused by the
+noise.</p>
+
+<p>"Another first subject, gentlemen," said the prince of
+science. "Disease, a slow nervous fever; if the receiving
+surgeon is not mistaken in the symptoms, this is a
+real godsend. For a long time I have desired a slow nervous
+fever, for that is not an ordinary complaint amongst
+the poor. These affections are usually produced after
+severe trouble in the social position of the subject, and
+I need hardly add that the higher the position of the
+patient, the more deep is the disease. It is, moreover,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>
+a complaint the more remarkable from its peculiar characteristics.
+It is traced to the very remotest antiquity,
+and the writings of Hippocrates have no doubt reference
+to it. This fever, I repeat, has almost always been produced
+from the most violent grief, and grief is as old as
+the world. Yet, strange to say, before the eighteenth century,
+this disease was never accurately described by any
+author; it was Huxham, whom the science of medicine
+of the age so highly honours,&mdash;Huxham, I say, who
+first defined accurately nervous fever; and yet it is a
+malady of the olden time," added the doctor, jocosely.
+"Eh, eh, eh! It belongs to the great, antique, and
+illustrious family of <i>febris</i>, whose origin is lost in the
+darkness of ages. But we may be rejoicing too soon; let
+us see if really we have the good fortune to possess here
+a sample of this curious affection; it would be doubly
+desirable, inasmuch as, for a very long time, I have been
+anxious to try the effect of the internal use of phosphorus.
+Yes, gentlemen," continued the doctor, hearing amongst
+his auditory a kind of shudder of curiosity,&mdash;"yes,
+gentlemen, of phosphorus; it is a singular experiment
+that I wish to try, and a bold one, and but <i>audaces fortuna
+juvat</i>, and the opportunity would be excellent. We
+will first try if the subject offers in all parts of the body,
+and particularly in the chest, that miliary eruption, so
+symptomatic according to Huxham, and you will assure
+yourselves, by feeling the subject, of the kind of uneven
+surface which this eruption produces. But do not let us
+sell the skin of our bear before we have killed it," added
+the prince of science, who was decidedly in very high
+spirits. And he shook Mlle. de Fermont's shoulder very
+gently, in order to wake her.</p>
+
+<p>The young girl started and opened her large eyes, hollowed
+by the malady. It is impossible to describe her
+amaze and alarm. Whilst a crowd of men surrounded
+her bed, all fixing their eyes upon her, she felt the
+doctor's hand gliding under the quilt into her bed, in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>
+order to take her hand and feel her pulse. Mlle. de
+Fermont, collecting all her strength, in a cry of anguish,
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Mother! Help! Mother! Mother!"</p>
+
+<p>By an almost providential chance, at the moment when
+the cries of Mlle. de Fermont made the old Count de Saint-Remy
+spring from his chair, for he recognised the voice,
+the door of the apartment opened, and a young lady,
+dressed in mourning, entered very hastily, accompanied
+by the governor of the hospital; this lady was the
+Marquise d'Harville.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg of you, sir," she said to him, "to lead me to
+Mlle. de Fermont."</p>
+
+<p>"Be so kind as to follow me," he replied, respectfully;
+"the young lady is in No. 17."</p>
+
+<p>"Unhappy girl! Here&mdash;here!" said Madame
+d'Harville, drying her tears. "Ah, this is really
+frightful!"</p>
+
+<p>The marquise, preceded by the governor, rapidly approached
+the group assembled beside the bed of Mlle. de
+Fermont, when they heard these words uttered with
+indignation:</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you it is infamous murder; you will kill her,
+sir!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, my dear Saint-Remy, do pray hear me!"</p>
+
+<p>"I repeat, sir, that your conduct is atrocious! I consider
+Mlle. de Fermont as my daughter, and I forbid you
+going near her; I will have her immediately removed
+hence."</p>
+
+<p>"But, my dear friend, it is a case of slow nervous
+fever, very rare; I am desirous of trying phosphorus.
+It is a unique occasion. Promise me, at least, that
+I shall have the care of her, and take her where you
+like, since you are determined to deprive us of so
+valuable a clinical subject."</p>
+
+<p>"If you were not a madman, you would be a monster!"
+replied the count.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Clémence listened to these words with increasing
+anguish, but the crowd was so dense around the bed
+that the governor was obliged to say, in a loud voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Make way, if you please, for the Marquise d'Harville,
+who has come to see No. 17."</p>
+
+<p>At these words, the pupils made way with equal haste
+and respectful admiration when they saw Clémence's
+lovely face, which was radiant with so much emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"Madame d'Harville!" exclaimed the Count de Saint-Remy,
+pushing the doctor rudely aside, and going hastily
+towards Clémence. "Ah, it is God who sends one of
+his angels here! Madame, I knew you took an interest
+in these two unfortunate beings, and, more happy than
+me, you have found them, whilst it was chance only
+that led me hither, to be present at a scene of unparalleled
+barbarity. Unhappy child! See, madame; and
+you, gentlemen, in the name of your sisters and
+daughters, have pity, I entreat, on a girl of sixteen,
+and leave her alone with madame and these good
+sisters; when she recovers her senses, I will have her
+conveyed hence."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, let it be so; I will sign her discharge!"
+exclaimed the doctor; "but I will not lose sight of
+her; she is a subject of mine, and I will attend her, do
+what you will. I'll not risk the phosphorus, I promise
+that; but I will pass my nights, if needs be, as I passed
+them with you, ungrateful Saint-Remy, for this fever is
+as curious as yours was; they are two sisters, who have
+an equal right to my interest."</p>
+
+<p>"Confound the man! Why has he so much science?"
+said the count, knowing that he could not confide the
+young girl to more able hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Eh! It is simple enough," said the doctor, in a
+whisper. "I have a great deal of science because I
+study, because I experimentalise, because I risk and
+practise a great deal on my subjects; and so, old fellow,
+I shall still have my slow nervous fever,&mdash;eh?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but is it safe to move this young girl?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, for the love of heaven, disappear with your
+train!"</p>
+
+<p>"Come, gentlemen," said the prince of science,
+"we shall be deprived of a precious study; but I will
+make my reports on it to you." And Doctor
+Griffon, with his suite, continued his round, leaving
+M. de Saint-Remy and Madame d'Harville with Mlle.
+de Fermont.</p>
+
+<p>During this scene, Mlle. de Fermont, still in a swoon,
+had been attended to by Clémence and the two nuns.
+Saint-Remy said in a low tone to Clémence:</p>
+
+<p>"And the mother of this unhappy girl, madame?"</p>
+
+<p>The marchioness replied, in a voice deeply affected:</p>
+
+<p>"She has no longer a mother, sir. I learnt yesterday
+only, on my return, the address of Madame de Fermont,
+and her dying condition; at one o'clock in the morning
+I went to her with a medical man. Ah, sir, what a
+fiction! It was misery in all its horror! And no hope
+of saving the poor mother, whose last words were, 'My
+daughter!'"</p>
+
+<p>"What a death! Good heaven! And she so tender,
+so devoted a mother,&mdash;it is frightful!"</p>
+
+<p>"I will watch her until she can be moved," said Clémence,
+"and, when she can be removed, I will take her
+with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, madame, bless you for what you say and do!"
+said M. de Saint-Remy. "But excuse me for not having
+before mentioned my name to you, I am the Comte de
+Saint-Remy; Madame de Fermont's husband was my
+most intimate friend. I live at Angers, and left that
+city from uneasiness at not receiving any news of these
+two noble and excellent women; they had until then
+lived in that city, and were said to be completely ruined,
+which was the more terrible as until then they had lived
+in ease and plenty."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ah, sir! you do not know all; Madame de Fermont
+was shamefully robbed."</p>
+
+<p>"By her notary, perhaps? I had my suspicions."</p>
+
+<p>"That man was a monster, sir! Alas! that was not
+the only crime he committed; but fortunately," said
+Clémence, with excitement, as she thought of Rodolph,
+"a providential genius had compelled him to do justice,
+and I was enabled to close Madame de Fermont's eyes,
+assuring her as to the future provision for her daughter;
+thus her death was rendered less cruel."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand; knowing her daughter to have your
+support henceforth, my poor friend died more tranquil."</p>
+
+<p>"Not only is my interest excited for ever towards
+Mlle. de Fermont, but her fortune will be restored to
+her."</p>
+
+<p>"Her fortune! The notary&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Has been compelled to refund the money. This
+man had caused the assassination of Madame de Fermont's
+brother, in order to make it appear that the
+unhappy man had committed suicide, after having dissipated
+his sister's fortune; but he has now placed the
+sum in the hands of the worthy curé of Bonne-Nouvelle,
+and it will be given to Mlle. de Fermont. The infamous
+wretch has committed another murder equally
+infamous!"</p>
+
+<p>"What mean you, madame?"</p>
+
+<p>"But a few days since he got rid of an unfortunate
+young girl, whom he had an interest in drowning,
+assured that her death would be attributed to
+accident."</p>
+
+<p>M. de Saint-Remy started, looked at Madame d'Harville
+with surprise, as he recollected Fleur-de-Marie, and
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, madame, what a singular coincidence! This
+young girl they sought to drown&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"In the Seine, near Asnières, as I am told."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"'Tis she! 'Tis she!" cried Saint-Remy.</p>
+
+<p>"Of whom do you speak, sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of the young girl whom this monster sought to
+drown. Do you know her, madame?"</p>
+
+<p>"Poor dear! I love her tenderly. Ah, if you knew,
+sir, how lovely, how prepossessing she was! But tell
+me what you mean."</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor Griffon and I gave her the first assistance."</p>
+
+<p>"First assistance to her! And in what way?"</p>
+
+<p>"At the Isle du Ravageur, where she was saved."</p>
+
+<p>"Saved! Fleur-de-Marie saved?"</p>
+
+<p>"By a worthy creature, who, at the risk of her
+life, saved her from the Seine. But what ails you,
+madame?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, sir, I fear to believe in such good fortune; but,
+I pray of you, tell me what is the appearance of this
+young girl?"</p>
+
+<p>"Singularly beautiful!"</p>
+
+<p>"Large, blue eyes,&mdash;light brown hair?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madame."</p>
+
+<p>"And when she was drowned, there was an elderly
+woman with her?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was only yesterday she was well enough to speak,
+and she is still very weak; she said an elderly woman
+accompanied her."</p>
+
+<p>"Praised be Heaven!" said Clémence, clasping her
+hands with fervour; "I can now tell him that his
+protégée still lives! What joy for him who, in his last
+letter, spoke to me of this poor child with such bitter
+regrets! Excuse me, sir, but you know not how happy
+your intelligence renders me, and will make a person
+who, more than myself, has loved and protected Fleur-de-Marie.
+But, for mercy's sake, tell me, where is she
+at this moment?"</p>
+
+<p>"Near Asnières, in the house of one of the surgeons
+of this hospital, Doctor Griffon; she was taken there,
+and has had every attention."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And is she out of danger?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madame, but only during the last two or three
+days, and to-day she will be permitted to write to her
+protector."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I will undertake to do that, sir; or, rather, I
+shall have the pleasure of taking her to those who,
+believing her dead, regret her so bitterly!"</p>
+
+<p>"I can understand those regrets, madame, for it is
+impossible to see Fleur-de-Marie without being charmed
+with her grace and sweetness. The woman who saved
+her, and has since watched her night and day as she
+would an infant, is a courageous and devoted person, but
+of a disposition so excitable that she has been called La
+Louve."</p>
+
+<p>"I know La Louve," said the marquise, smiling as
+she thought of the pleasure she had in store for the
+prince. What would have been her ecstasy, had she
+known she was the daughter he believed dead that
+she was about to restore to Rodolph! Then, addressing
+the nun who had given some spoonfuls of a draught
+to Mlle. de Fermont, she said, "Well, sister, is she
+recovering?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet, madame, she is so weak. Poor, young
+thing! One can scarcely feel her pulse beat."</p>
+
+<p>"I will wait, then, until she is sufficiently restored to
+be put into my carriage; but tell me, sister, amongst
+these unfortunate patients, do you know any who particularly
+deserve interest and pity, and to whom I could
+be useful before I leave the hospital?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, madame, Heaven has sent you here!" said the
+sister. "There," and she pointed to the bed of Pique-Vinaigre's
+sister, "is a poor woman much to be pitied,
+and very bad; she only came in when quite exhausted,
+and is past all comfort, because she has been obliged to
+abandon her two small children, who have no other support
+in the world. She said just now to the doctor that
+she must go out, cured or not, in a week, because her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>
+neighbours had promised to take care of her children
+for that time only and no longer."</p>
+
+<p>"Take me to her bed, I beg of you, sister," said
+Madame d'Harville, rising and following the nun.</p>
+
+<p>Jeanne Duport, who had scarcely recovered from the
+violent shock which the investigations of Doctor Griffon
+had caused her, had not remarked the entrance of
+Madame d'Harville; what, then, was her astonishment,
+when the marquise, lifting up the curtains of
+her bed, and looking at her with great pity and kindness,
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"My good woman, do not be uneasy about your
+children, I will take care of them; so only think of
+getting well, that you may go to them."</p>
+
+<p>Poor Jeanne thought she was in a dream, she could
+only clasp her hands in speechless gratitude, and gaze
+on her unknown benefactress.</p>
+
+<p>"Once again assure yourself, my worthy woman, and
+have no uneasiness," said the marquise, pressing in her
+small and delicate white hands the burning hand of
+Jeanne Duport; "and, if you prefer it, you shall leave
+the hospital this very day and be nursed at home; everything
+shall be done for you, so that you need not leave
+your children; and, if your lodging is unhealthy or too
+small, you shall have one found that is more convenient
+and suitable, so that you may be in one room and
+your children in another; you shall have a good nurse,
+who will watch them whilst she attends to you, and
+when you entirely recover, if you are out of work, I
+will take care that you are provided for until work
+comes, and I will also take care of your children for
+the future."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, what do I hear?" said Jeanne Duport, all
+trembling and hardly daring to look her benefactress
+in the face. "Why are so many kindnesses
+showered on me? It is not possible! I leave the hospital,
+where I have wept and suffered so much, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>
+not leave my children again! Have a nurse! Why, it
+is a miracle!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is no miracle, my good woman," said Clémence,
+much affected. "What I do for you," she added,
+blushing slightly at the remembrance of Rodolph, "is
+inspired by a generous spirit, who has taught me to
+sympathise with misfortune, and it is he whom you
+should thank."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, madame, I shall ever bless you!" said Jeanne,
+weeping.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, you see, Jeanne," said Lorraine, much
+affected, "there are also amongst the rich Rigolettes
+and Goualeuses with good hearts."</p>
+
+<p>Madame d'Harville turned with much surprise towards
+Lorraine when she heard her mention the two names.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know La Goualeuse and a young workwoman
+called Rigolette?" she inquired of Lorraine.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madame; La Goualeuse&mdash;good little angel!&mdash;did
+for me last year, according to her small means,
+what you are going to do for Jeanne. Yes, madame,
+and it does me good to say and repeat it to everybody,
+La Goualeuse took me from a cellar in which I had been
+brought to bed on the straw, and&mdash;dear, good girl!&mdash;placed
+me and my child in a room where there was a
+good bed and a cradle; La Goualeuse spent the money
+from pure charity, for she scarcely knew me, and was
+poor herself. But how good it was! Was it not,
+madame?" said Lorraine.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes; charity from the poor to the poor is great
+and holy!" said Clémence, with her eyes moistened by
+soft tears.</p>
+
+<p>"It was the same with Mademoiselle Rigolette, who,
+according to her little means as a sempstress," said
+Lorraine, "some days ago offered her kind services to
+Jeanne."</p>
+
+<p>"How singular!" said Clémence to herself, more and
+more affected, for each of these two names, Goualeuse<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>
+and Rigolette, reminded her of a noble action of Rodolph.
+"And you, my child, what can I do for you?"
+she said to Lorraine; "I could wish that the names you
+pronounce with so much gratitude should also bring
+you good fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, madame," said Lorraine, with a smile
+of bitter resignation. "I had a child, it is dead; I am
+in a decline and past all hope."</p>
+
+<p>"What a gloomy idea! At your age there is always
+hope."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, madame, I saw a consumptive patient die
+last night. Yet as you are so good, a great lady like
+you must be able to do anything."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me, what do you wish?"</p>
+
+<p>"Since I have seen the actress who is dead so distressed
+at the idea of being cut in pieces after her death,
+I have the same fear. Jeanne had promised to claim
+my body, and have me buried."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, this is horrible!" said Clémence, shuddering.
+"Be tranquil, although I hope the time is far distant,
+yet, when it comes, be assured that your body shall rest
+in holy ground."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, thank you&mdash;thank you, madame!" exclaimed
+Lorraine. "Might I beg to kiss your hand?"</p>
+
+<p>Clémence presented her hand to the parched lips of
+Lorraine.</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour afterwards, Madame d'Harville, who
+had been painfully affected by Lorraine's condition,
+accompanied by M. de Saint-Remy, took with her the
+young orphan, from whom she concealed her mother's
+death.</p>
+
+<p>The same day, Madame d'Harville's man of business,
+after having obtained favourable particulars respecting
+Jeanne Duport's character, hired for her some large and
+airy rooms, and the same evening she was conveyed to
+her new residence, where she found her children and a
+nurse. The same individual was instructed to claim<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>
+and inter the body of Lorraine when she died. After
+having conveyed Mlle. de Fermont to her own house,
+Madame d'Harville started for Asnières with M. de
+Saint-Remy, in order to go to Fleur-de-Marie, and take
+her to Rodolph.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p>
+<h3>CHAPTER V.</h3>
+
+<h5>HOPE.</h5>
+
+
+<p>Spring was approaching, and already the sun darted
+a more genial warmth, the sky was blue and clear, while
+the balmy air seemed to bring life and breath upon its
+invigorating wings. Among the many sick and suffering
+who rejoiced in its cheering presence was Fleur-de-Marie,
+who, leaning on the arm of La Louve, ventured
+to take gentle exercise in the little garden belonging to
+Doctor Griffon's house; the vivifying rays of the sun,
+added to the exertion of walking, tinged the pale, wasted
+countenance of La Goualeuse with a faint glow that
+spoke of returning convalescence. The dress she had
+worn when rescued from a watery grave had been
+destroyed in the haste with which the requisite attempts
+had been made for her resuscitation, and she now
+appeared in a loose wrapping dress of dark blue merino,
+fastened around her slender waist by worsted cord of
+the same colour as the robe.</p>
+
+<p>"How cheering the sun shines!" said she to La
+Louve, as she stopped beneath a thick row of trees,
+planted beside a high gravelled walk facing the south,
+and on which was a stone bench. "Shall we sit down
+and rest ourselves here a few minutes?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you ask me?" replied La Louve, almost
+angrily; then taking off her nice warm shawl, she
+folded it in four, and, kneeling down, placed it on the
+ground, which was somewhat moist from the extreme<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>
+shelter afforded by the overhanging trees, saying, as she
+did so, "Here, put your feet on this."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, but La Louve!" said Fleur-de-Marie, perceiving
+too late the kind intention of her companion, "I
+cannot suffer you to spoil your beautiful shawl in that
+way."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't make a fuss about nothing; I tell you the
+ground is cold and moist. There, that will do." And,
+taking the tiny feet of Fleur-de-Marie, she forcibly
+placed them on her shawl.</p>
+
+<p>"You spoil me terribly, La Louve."</p>
+
+<p>"It is not for your good behaviour, if I do; always
+trying to oppose me in everything I try to do for your
+good. Are you not very much tired? We have been
+walking more than half an hour; I heard twelve o'clock
+just strike from Asnières."</p>
+
+<p>"I do feel rather weary, but still the walk has done
+me good."</p>
+
+<p>"There now&mdash;you were tired, and yet could not tell
+me so!"</p>
+
+<p>"Pray don't scold me; I assure you I was not conscious
+of my weariness until I spoke. It is so delightful
+to be able to walk out in the air, after being confined by
+sickness to your bed, to see the trees, the green fields,
+and the beautiful country again, when you had given up
+all hope of ever enjoying that happiness, or of feeling
+the warm beams of the sun fill you with strength and
+hope!"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, you were desperately ill, and for two days
+we despaired of your life. I don't mind telling you, now
+the danger is over."</p>
+
+<p>"Only imagine, La Louve, that, when I found myself
+in the water, I could not help thinking of a very bad,
+wicked woman, who used to torment me when I was
+young, and frighten me by threatening to throw me to
+the fishes that they might eat me, and, even after I had
+grown up, she wanted to drown me; and I kept thinking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>
+that it was my destiny to be devoured by fishes, and that
+it was no use to try and escape from it."</p>
+
+<p>"Was that really your last idea when you believed
+yourself perishing?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no!" replied Fleur-de-Marie, with enthusiasm;
+"when I believed I was dying, my last thought was for
+him whom I so reverence, and to whom I owe so much,
+and, when I came to myself after you had saved me, my
+first thought was of him likewise."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a pleasure to render you any service, you think
+so much of it."</p>
+
+<p>"No, La Louve; the pleasure consists in falling
+asleep with our grateful recollection of kind acts, and
+remembering them upon waking!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, you would induce people to go through fire and
+water to serve you! I'm sure I would, for one."</p>
+
+<p>"I can assure you that one of the causes which made
+me thankful for life was the hope of being able to
+advance your happiness. Do you recollect the castles
+in the air we used to build at St. Lazare?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, as for that, there is time enough to think about
+that."</p>
+
+<p>"How delighted I should be, if the doctor would only
+allow me to write a few lines to Madame Georges, I am
+sure she must be so very uneasy; and so must M.
+Rodolph, too," added Fleur-de-Marie, pensively sighing.
+"Perhaps they think me dead."</p>
+
+<p>"As those wretches do who were set on to murder
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then you still believe my falling into the water was
+not an accident?"</p>
+
+<p>"Accident! Yes, one of the Martial family's accidents;&mdash;mind,
+when I say that, you must bear in mind
+that my Martial is not at all like the rest of his relations,
+any more than François and Amandine."</p>
+
+<p>"But what interest could they have had in my
+death?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I don't care for that; the Martials are such a vile
+set that they would murder any one, provided they were
+well paid for it. A few words the mother let drop when
+my man went to see her in prison prove that."</p>
+
+<p>"Has he really been to see that dreadful woman?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and he tells me there is no hope of pardon for
+herself, Calabash, or Nicholas. A great many things
+have been discovered against them; and all the judges
+and those kind of people say they want to make a public
+example of them, to frighten others from doing such
+things."</p>
+
+<p>"How very shocking for nearly a whole family to
+perish in this way."</p>
+
+<p>"And they certainly will, unless, indeed, Nicholas
+manages to make his escape; he is in the same prison
+with a monstrous ruffian whom they call the Skeleton,
+and this man is getting up a plot to escape with several
+of his companions. Nicholas sent to tell Martial of this,
+by a prisoner who was discharged from prison the other
+day, for I must tell you, my man had been weak enough
+to go and see his brother in La Force; so, encouraged
+by this visit, that hateful wretch Nicholas sent to tell
+my man that he might effect his escape at any minute,
+and that his brother was to send money and clothes to
+disguise himself in, ready for him, to Father Micou's."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, your Martial is so kind-hearted, I'm sure he
+will do it!"</p>
+
+<p>"A fig for such kind-heartedness! I call it downright
+foolery to help the very man who tried to take
+his life. No, no, Martial shall do no such thing; quite
+enough if he does not tell of the scheme for breaking
+out of prison, without furnishing clothes and money,
+indeed. Besides, now you are out of danger, myself,
+Martial, and the two children are about to start on our
+rambles over France in search of work, and, depend
+upon it, we never mean to set our feet in Paris again.
+Martial found it quite galling enough to be called the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>
+son of a man who was guillotined; how, then, could he
+endure being taunted with the disgraceful ends of all his
+family?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, but, at least, you will defer your departure till
+I have been enabled to see and speak with M. Rodolph;
+you have returned to virtue, and I promised you a
+reward if you would but forsake evil ways, and I wish
+to keep my word. You saved me from death, and, not
+satisfied with that, have nursed me with the tenderest
+care during my severe illness."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose I did; well, it would seem as though I had
+done the little good in my power for the sake of gain,
+were I to allow you to ask your friends for anything for
+me! No, no; I say again, I am more than repaid in
+seeing you safe and likely to do well."</p>
+
+<p>"My kind Louve, make yourself perfectly easy; it
+shall not be said that you were influenced by interested
+motives, but that I was desirous of proving my gratitude
+to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Hark!" said La Louve, hastily rising, "I fancy I
+hear the sound of a carriage coming this way; yes&mdash;yes,
+there it is! Did you observe the lady who was
+in it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me!" exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie, "I fancy I
+recognised a young and beautiful lady I saw at St.
+Lazare."</p>
+
+<p>"Then she knows you are here, does she?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot tell you whether she does or no, but one
+thing is very certain, that she is acquainted with the
+person I have so often mentioned to you, who, if he
+pleases, and I hope that he will please, can realise all
+those schemes of happiness we used to build when in
+prison."</p>
+
+<p>"What about getting a gamekeeper's place for my
+man?" asked La Louve, with a sigh; "and a cottage
+in the middle of the woods for us all to live in? Oh,
+no! That is too much like what we read of in fairy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>
+tales, and quite impossible ever to happen to a poor
+creature like myself."</p>
+
+<p>Quick steps were heard advancing rapidly from behind
+the trees, and in a minute François and Amandine
+(who, thanks to the kind consideration of the Count de
+Saint-Remy, had been permitted to remain with La
+Louve, during her attendance on La Goualeuse) presented
+themselves, quite out of breath, exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>"La Louve, here is a beautiful lady come along with
+M. de Saint-Remy to see Fleur-de-Marie, and they want
+to see her directly!"</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment, Madame d'Harville, accompanied
+by M. de Saint-Remy, appeared from the side
+of the walk, the impatience of the former not allowing
+her to wait the arrival of Fleur-de-Marie. Directly
+the marquise saw her, she ran and embraced her, exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>"My poor dear child! What happiness does it not
+afford me to find you thus in life and safety, when I
+believed you dead!"</p>
+
+<p>"Be assured, madame," answered Fleur-de-Marie, as
+she gracefully and modestly returned the affectionate
+pressure of Madame d'Harville, "that I have equal
+pleasure in seeing again one whose former kindness
+has made so deep an impression on my heart!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, you little imagine the joy and rapture with
+which the intelligence of your existence will be welcomed
+by those who have so bitterly bewailed your
+supposed loss!"</p>
+
+<p>Fleur-de-Marie, taking La Louve, who had withdrawn
+to a distance from the affecting scene, by the
+hand, and presenting her to Madame d'Harville, said:</p>
+
+<p>"Since, madame, my benefactors are good enough to
+take so lively an interest in my welfare and preservation,
+permit me to solicit their kindness and favour for
+my companion, who saved my life at the expense of her
+own."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Make yourself perfectly easy on that score, my
+child; your friends will amply testify to the worthy
+La Louve how fully they appreciate the service they
+well know she has rendered you, and that 'tis to her
+they owe the delight of seeing you again."</p>
+
+<p>Confused and blushing, La Louve ventured neither to
+reply nor raise her eyes towards Madame d'Harville, so
+completely did the presence of that dignified person
+abash and overpower her. Yet, at hearing her very
+name pronounced, La Louve could not restrain an
+exclamation of astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"But we have not a minute to lose," resumed the
+marquise. "I am dying with impatience to carry off
+Fleur-de-Marie, and I have a cloak and warm shawl for
+her in the carriage. So come, my child, come!" Then,
+addressing the count, she said, "May I beg of you to
+give my address to this brave woman, that she may be
+enabled to come to-morrow to say good-bye to Fleur-de-Marie?
+That will oblige you to pay us a visit," continued
+Madame d'Harville, speaking to La Louve.</p>
+
+<p>"Depend upon my coming, madame," replied the
+person addressed. "Since it is to bid adieu to La
+Goualeuse, I should be grieved, indeed, if I were to miss
+that last pleasure."</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes after this conversation, Madame
+d'Harville and La Goualeuse were on the road to Paris.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>After witnessing the frightful death by which Jacques
+Ferrand atoned for the heinous offences of his past life,
+Rodolph had returned home deeply agitated and affected.
+After passing a long and sleepless night, he sent to
+summon Sir Walter Murphy, in order to relieve his
+overcharged heart by confiding to this tried and trusty
+friend the overwhelmingly painful discovery of the
+preceding evening relative to Fleur-de-Marie. The
+honest squire was speechless with astonishment; he
+could well understand the death-blow this must be to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>
+the prince's best affections, and as he contemplated the
+pale, careworn countenance of his unhappy friend, whose
+red, swollen eyes and convulsed features amply bespoke
+the agony of his mind, he ransacked his brain for some
+gleam of comfort, and his invention for words of hope
+and comfort.</p>
+
+<p>"Take courage, my lord," said he at last, drying his
+eyes, which, spite of all his accustomed coolness, he
+had not been able to prevent from overflowing, "take
+courage; yours is indeed an infliction, one that mocks
+at all vain attempts at consolation; it is deep, lasting,
+and incurable!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are right; what I felt yesterday seems as
+nothing to my sense of misery to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Yesterday, my lord, you were stunned by the blow
+that fell on you, but as your mind dwells more calmly
+on it, so does the future seem more dark and dispiriting.
+I can but say, rouse yourself, my lord, to bear it with
+courage, for it is beyond all attempts at consolation."</p>
+
+<p>"Yesterday the contempt and horror I felt for that
+woman,&mdash;whom may the Great Being pardon, before
+whose tribunal she now stands,&mdash;mingled with surprise,
+disgust, and terror, occasioned by her hideous conduct,
+repressed those bursts of despairing tenderness I can
+no longer restrain in your sympathising presence, my
+faithful friend. I fear not to indulge the natural emotions
+of my heart, and my hitherto pent-up tears may
+now freely vent themselves. Forgive my weakness, and
+excuse my thus cowardly shrinking from the trial I am
+called upon to endure, but it seems to have riven my
+very heart-strings, and to have left me feeble as an infant!
+Oh, my child! My loved, my lost child! Long
+must these scalding tears flow ere I can forget you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, my lord, weep on, for your loss is indeed
+irreparable!"</p>
+
+<p>"What joy to have atoned to her for all the wretchedness
+with which her young days have been clouded!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>
+What bliss to have unfolded to her the happy destiny
+that was to recompense her for all her past sorrows!
+And, then, I should have used so much care and precaution
+in opening her eyes to the brilliant lot that was to
+succeed her miserable youth, for the tale, if told too
+abruptly, might have been too much for her delicate
+nerves to sustain; but, no, I would by degrees have
+revealed to her the history of her birth, and prepared
+her to receive me as her father!"</p>
+
+<p>Then, again bursting into an agony of despair, Rodolph
+continued: "But what avails all that I would have done,
+when I am tortured by the cruel reflection that, when I
+had my child all to myself during the ill-fated day
+I conducted her to the farm, when she so innocently
+displayed the rich treasures of her pure and heavenly
+nature, no secret voice whispered to me that in her I
+beheld my cherished and lamented daughter? I might
+have prevented this dreadful calamity by keeping her
+with me instead of sending her to Madame Georges.
+Oh, if I had, I should have been spared my present
+sufferings, and needed only to have opened my arms
+and folded her to my heart as my newly found treasure,&mdash;more
+really great and noble by the beauty of her
+heart and mind, and perhaps more worthy to fill the
+station to which I should raise her, than if she had
+always been reared in opulence and with a knowledge
+of her rank! I alone am to blame for her death; but
+mine is an accursed existence. I seem fated to trample
+on every duty,&mdash;a bad son and a bad father!"</p>
+
+<p>Murphy felt that grief such as Rodolph's admitted of no
+ordinary consolation. He did not therefore attempt to interrupt
+its violence by any hackneyed phrases or promises
+of comfort he well knew could never be realised.</p>
+
+<p>After a long silence, Rodolph resumed, in an agitated
+voice:</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot stay here after what has happened. Paris
+is hateful to me; I will quit it to-morrow."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You are quite right in so doing, my lord."</p>
+
+<p>"We will go by a circuitous route, and I will stop at
+Bouqueval as I pass, that I may spend some few hours
+alone with my sad thoughts, in the chamber where my
+poor child enjoyed the only peaceful days she was ever
+permitted to taste. All that was hers shall be carefully
+collected together,&mdash;the books from which she studied,
+her writings, clothes, even the very articles of furniture
+and hangings of the chamber; I will make a careful
+sketch of the whole, and when I return to Gerolstein I
+will construct a small building containing the fac-simile
+of my poor child's apartment, with all that it contained,
+to be erected in the private ground in which stands the
+monument built by me in memory of my outraged
+parent; there I will go and bewail my daughter. These
+two funeral mementos will for ever remind me of my
+crime towards my father, and the punishment inflicted
+on me through my own child."</p>
+
+<p>After a fresh silence, Rodolph said, "Let all be got
+ready for my departure to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>Anxious, if possible, to create if but a momentary
+change of ideas in the prince's mind, Murphy said, "All
+shall be prepared, my lord, according to your desire;
+only you appear to have forgotten that to-morrow is fixed
+for the celebration of the marriage of Rigolette with the
+son of Madame Georges, and that the ceremony was to
+take place at Bouqueval. Not contented with providing
+for Germain as long as he lives, and liberally endowing
+his bride, you also promised to be present to bestow the
+hand of your young protégée on her lover."</p>
+
+<p>"True, true,&mdash;I did engage to do so; but I confess I
+have not sufficient courage to venture in a scene of gaiety.
+I cannot, therefore, visit the farm to-morrow, for to join
+in the wedding festivities is impossible."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps the scene might serve to calm your wounded
+feelings, with the thought that, if miserable yourself,
+you have made others happy."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No, my friend, no! Grief is ever selfish, and loves
+to indulge itself in solitude. You shall supply my place
+to-morrow; and beg of Madame Georges to collect
+together all my poor child's possessions; then when the
+room is fitly arranged, you will have an exact copy
+taken of it, and cause it to be sent to me in Germany."</p>
+
+<p>"And will you not even see Madame d'Harville, my
+lord, ere you set out on your journey?"</p>
+
+<p>At the recollection of Clémence, Rodolph started; his
+affection for her burned as steadfastly and sincerely as
+ever, but, for the moment, it seemed buried beneath the
+overwhelming grief which oppressed him. The tender
+sympathy of Madame d'Harville appeared to him the
+only source of consolation; but, the next instant, he
+rejected the idea of seeking consolation in the love of
+another as unworthy his paternal sorrow.</p>
+
+<p>"No, my kind friend, I shall not see Madame d'Harville
+previously to quitting Paris. I wrote to her a
+few days since, telling her of the death of Fleur-de-Marie,
+and the pain it had caused me. When she learns
+that the ill-fated girl was my long-lost daughter, she
+will readily understand that there are some griefs, or
+rather fatal punishments, it is requisite to endure
+alone."</p>
+
+<p>A gentle knock was heard at the door at this minute.
+Rodolph, with displeasure at the interruption, signed for
+Murphy to ascertain who it was. The faithful squire
+immediately rose, and, partly opening the door, perceived
+one of the prince's aides-de-camp, who said a few words
+in a low tone, to which Murphy replied by a motion of
+the head, and, returning to Rodolph, said, "Have the
+goodness, my lord, to excuse me for an instant! A
+person wishes to see me directly on business that
+concerns your royal highness."</p>
+
+<p>"Go!" replied the prince.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had the door closed on Murphy, than Rodolph,
+covering his face with his hands, uttered a heavy groan.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What horrible feelings possess me!" cried he. "My
+mind seems one vast ocean of gall and bitterness; the
+presence of my best and most faithful friend is painful
+to me; and the recollection of a love pure and elevated
+as mine distresses and embarrasses me. Last night, too,
+I was cowardly enough to learn the death of Sarah with
+savage joy. I felicitated myself on being free from an
+unnatural being like her, who had caused the destruction
+of my child; I promised myself the horrible satisfaction
+of witnessing the mortal agonies of the wretch who deprived
+my child of life. But I was baffled of my dear
+revenge. Another cruel punishment!" exclaimed he,
+starting with rage from his chair. "Yet although I
+knew yesterday as well as to-day that my child was dead,
+I did not experience such a whirlwind of despairing,
+self-accusing agony as now rends my soul; because I did
+not then recall to mind the one torturing fact that will
+for ever step in between me and consolation. I did not
+then recall the circumstance of my having seen and
+known my beloved child, and, moreover, discovered in
+her untold treasures of goodness and nobleness of character.
+Yet how little did I profit by her being at the
+farm! Merely saw her three times&mdash;yes, three times&mdash;no
+more! when I might have beheld her each day&mdash;nay,
+have kept her ever beside me. Oh, that will be my
+unceasing punishment, my never-ending reproach and
+torture,&mdash;to think I had my daughter near me, and
+actually sent her from me! Nor, though I felt how
+deserving she was of every fond care, did I even admit
+her into my presence but three poor distant times."</p>
+
+<p>While the unhappy prince thus continued to torment
+himself with these and similar reflections, the door of the
+apartment suddenly opened and Murphy entered, looking
+so pale and agitated that even Rodolph could not help
+remarking it; and rising hastily, he exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"For heaven's sake, Murphy, what has happened to
+you?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, my lord."</p>
+
+<p>"Yet you are pale!"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis with astonishment."</p>
+
+<p>"Astonishment at what?"</p>
+
+<p>"Madame d'Harville."</p>
+
+<p>"Madame d'Harville! Gracious heaven! Some fresh
+misfortune?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, my lord&mdash;indeed, nothing unfortunate has
+occurred. Pray compose yourself! She is&mdash;in the
+drawing-room&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Here&mdash;in my house? Madame d'Harville here?
+Impossible!"</p>
+
+<p>"My lord, I told you the surprise had quite overpowered
+me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me what has induced her to take such a step!
+Speak, I conjure you! In heaven's name, explain the
+reason for her acting so contrary to her usually rigid
+notions!"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, my lord, I know nothing. But I cannot
+even account to myself for the strange feelings that
+come over me."</p>
+
+<p>"You are concealing something from me!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed, my lord; on the honour of a man, I
+know only what the marquise said to me."</p>
+
+<p>"And what did she say?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Sir Walter,' said she, with an unsteady voice,
+though her countenance shone with joy, 'no doubt you
+are surprised at my presence here; but there are some
+circumstances so imperative as to leave no time to consider
+the strict rules of etiquette. Beg of his royal
+highness to grant me an immediate interview of a few
+minutes only in your presence, for I know well that the
+prince has not a better friend than yourself. I might
+certainly have requested him to call on me, but that
+would have caused at least an hour's delay; and when
+the prince has learned the occasion of my coming, I am
+sure he will feel grateful to me for not delaying the interview<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>
+I seek for a single instant.' And as she uttered
+these words, her countenance wore an expression that
+made me tremble all over."</p>
+
+<p>"But," returned Rodolph, in an agitated tone, and,
+spite of all his attempts at retaining his composure, being
+even paler than Murphy himself, "I cannot guess what
+caused your emotion; there must be something beyond
+those words of Madame d'Harville's to occasion it."</p>
+
+<p>"I pledge you my honour if there be I am wholly
+ignorant of it; but I confess those few words from
+Madame la Marquise seemed quite to bewilder me. But
+even you, my lord, are paler than you were."</p>
+
+<p>"Am I?" said Rodolph, supporting himself on the
+back of his chair, for he felt his knees tremble under
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, but, my lord, you are quite as much overcome
+as I was. What ails you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Though I die in making the effort," exclaimed the
+prince, "it shall be done. Beg of Madame d'Harville to
+do me the honour to walk in."</p>
+
+<p>By a singular and sympathetic feeling this extraordinary
+and wholly unexpected visit of Madame d'Harville
+had awakened in the breasts of Murphy and Rodolph
+the same vague and groundless hope, but so senseless
+did it seem that neither was willing to confess it to the
+other.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Madame d'Harville, conducted by Murphy, entered
+the apartment in which was the prince.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p>
+<h3>CHAPTER VI.</h3>
+
+<h5>THE FATHER AND DAUGHTER.</h5>
+
+
+<p>Ignorant of Fleur-de-Marie's being the prince's daughter,
+Madame d'Harville, in the fullness of her delight at
+restoring to him his protégée, had not reckoned upon its
+being necessary to observe any particular precaution in
+presenting her young companion, whom she merely left
+in the carriage until she had ascertained whether
+Rodolph chose to make known his real name and rank
+to the object of his bounty, and to receive her at his own
+house; but perceiving the deep alteration in his features,
+and struck with the visible gloom which overspread
+them, as well as the marks of recent tears so evident in
+his sunken eye, Clémence became alarmed with the idea
+that some fresh misfortune, greater than the loss of La
+Goualeuse would be considered, had suddenly occurred.
+Wholly losing sight, therefore, of the original cause of
+her visit, she anxiously exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"For heaven's sake, my lord, what has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you not know, madame? Then all hope is at
+an end! Alas! your earnest manner, the interview so
+unexpectedly sought by you, all made me believe&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Let me entreat of you not to think for a moment
+of the cause of my visit; but, in the name of that parent
+whose life you have preserved, I adjure you to explain to
+me the cause of the deep affliction in which I find you
+plunged. Your paleness, your dejection, terrify me. Oh,
+be generous, my lord, and relieve the cruel anxiety I
+suffer."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Wherefore should I burden your kind heart with the
+relation of woes that admit of no relief?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your words, your hesitation, but increase my apprehensions.
+Oh, my lord, I beseech you tell me all!
+Sir Walter, will you not take pity on my fears? For
+the love of heaven explain the meaning of all this!
+What has befallen the prince?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," interrupted Rodolph, in a voice that vainly
+struggled for firmness, "since you desire it, madame,
+learn that since I acquainted you with the death of
+Fleur-de-Marie I have learned she was my own
+daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"Your daughter!" exclaimed Clémence, in a tone
+impossible to describe. "Fleur-de-Marie your daughter!"</p>
+
+<p>"And when just now you desired to see me, to communicate
+tidings that would fill me with joy,&mdash;pardon
+and pity the weakness of a parent half distracted at the
+loss of his newly-found treasure!&mdash;I ventured to hope&mdash;But
+no,&mdash;no,&mdash;I see too plainly I was mistaken! Forgive
+me, my brain seems wandering, and I scarce know
+what I say or do."</p>
+
+<p>And then sinking under the failure of this last fond
+imagination of his heart, and unable longer to struggle
+with his black despair, Rodolph threw himself back in
+his chair and covered his face with his hands, while
+Madame d'Harville, astonished at what she had just
+heard, remained motionless and silent, scarcely able to
+breathe amid the conflicting emotions which took possession
+of her mind; at one instant glowing with delight at
+the thoughts of the joy she had it in her power to impart,
+then trembling for the consequences her explanation
+might produce on the overexcited mind of the prince.</p>
+
+<p>Both these reflections were, however, swallowed up
+in the enthusiastic gratitude which she felt in the consideration
+that to her had been deputed the happiness
+not only of announcing to the grief-stricken father that
+his child still lived, but that the unspeakable rapture<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>
+of placing that daughter in her parent's arms was likewise
+vouchsafed to her.</p>
+
+<p>Carried away by a burst of pious thankfulness, and
+wholly forgetting the presence of Rodolph and Murphy,
+Madame d'Harville threw herself on her knees, and,
+clasping her hands, exclaimed, in a tone of fervent piety
+and ineffable gratitude:</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, thanks, my God, for this exceeding goodness!
+Ever blessed be thy gracious name for having
+permitted me to be the happy bearer of such joyful
+tidings,&mdash;to wipe away a father's tears by telling him
+his child lives to reward his tenderness!"</p>
+
+<p>Although these words, pronounced with the sincerest
+fervour and holy ecstasy, were uttered almost in a whisper,
+yet they reached the listening ears of Rodolph and
+his faithful squire; and as Clémence rose from her
+knees, the prince gazed on her lovely countenance, irradiated
+as it was with celestial happiness and beaming
+with more than earthly beauty, with an expression
+almost amounting to adoration.</p>
+
+<p>Supporting herself with one hand, while with the
+other she sought to still the rapid beating of her heart,
+Madame d'Harville replied by a sweet smile and an
+affirmative inclination of the head to the eager, soul-searching
+look of Rodolph, a look wholly beyond our
+poor powers to describe.</p>
+
+<p>"And where is she?" exclaimed the prince, trembling
+like a leaf.</p>
+
+<p>"In my carriage."</p>
+
+<p>But for the intervention of Murphy, who threw himself
+before Rodolph with the quickness of lightning, the
+latter would have rushed to the vehicle.</p>
+
+<p>"Would you kill her, my lord?" exclaimed the
+squire, forcibly retaining the prince.</p>
+
+<p>"She was merely pronounced convalescent yesterday,"
+added Clémence; "therefore, as you value her safety,
+do not venture to try the poor girl's strength too far."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You are right," said Rodolph, scarcely able to
+restrain himself sufficiently to follow this prudent advice,
+"you are quite right. Yes, I will be calm,&mdash;I will not
+see her at present; I will wait until her first emotions
+have subsided. Oh, 'tis too much to endure in so
+short a space of time!" Then addressing Madame
+d'Harville, he said, in an agitated tone, while he extended
+to her his hand, "I feel that I am pardoned, and that
+you are the angel of forgiveness who brings me the glad
+tidings of my remission."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, my lord, we do but mutually requite our several
+obligations. You preserved to me my father,
+and Heaven permits me to restore your daughter at
+a time you bewailed her as lost. But I, too, must
+beg to be excused for the weakness which resists all
+my endeavours to control it; the sudden and unexpected
+news you have communicated to me has quite overcome
+me, and I confess I should not have sufficient command
+over myself to go in quest of Fleur-de-Marie,&mdash;my
+emotion would terrify her."</p>
+
+<p>"And by what means was she preserved?" exclaimed
+Rodolph; "and whose hand snatched her from death?
+I am most ungrateful not to have put these questions to
+you earlier."</p>
+
+<p>"She was rescued from drowning by a courageous
+female, who snatched her from a watery grave just as
+she was sinking."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know who this female was?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do; and to-morrow she will be at my house."</p>
+
+<p>"The debt is immense!" rejoined the prince; "but I
+will endeavour to repay it."</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven must have inspired me with the idea of
+leaving Fleur-de-Marie in the carriage," said the marquise.
+"Had I brought her in with me the shock must
+have killed her."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then," said the prince, who had been for some
+minutes occupied in endeavouring to subdue his extreme<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>
+agitation, "I can promise you, my kind friends, that I
+have my feelings sufficiently under control to venture to
+meet my&mdash;my&mdash;daughter. Go, Murphy, and fetch her
+to my longing arms."</p>
+
+<p>Rodolph pronounced the word daughter with a tenderness
+of voice and manner impossible to describe.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you quite sure you are equal to the trying
+scene, my lord?" inquired Clémence; "for we must
+run no risks with one in Fleur-de-Marie's delicate state."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes,&mdash;yes! Be under no alarm! I am too
+well aware of the dangerous consequences any undue
+emotion would occasion my child; be assured I will not
+expose her to anything of the sort. But go&mdash;go&mdash;my
+good Murphy; I beseech you hasten to bring her
+hither."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be alarmed, madame," said the squire, who
+had attentively scrutinised the countenance of the prince;
+"she may come now without danger. I am quite sure
+that his royal highness will sufficiently command himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Then go&mdash;go&mdash;my faithful friend; you are keeping
+me in torments."</p>
+
+<p>"Just give me one minute, my lord," said the excellent
+creature, drying the moisture from his eyes; "I
+must not let the poor thing see I have been crying.
+There, there&mdash;that will do! I should not like to cross
+the antechamber looking like a weeping Magdalen." So
+saying, the squire proceeded towards the door, but suddenly
+turning back, he said, "But, my lord, what am I
+to say to her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, what had he better say?" inquired the prince
+of Clémence.</p>
+
+<p>"That M. Rodolph wishes to see her,&mdash;nothing
+more."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, to be sure! How stupid of me not to think of
+that! M. Rodolph wishes to see her,&mdash;capital, excellent!"
+repeated the squire, who evidently partook of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>
+Madame d'Harville's nervousness, and sought to defer
+the moment of his embassy by one little pretext and the
+other. "That will not give her the least suspicion, not
+the shadow of a notion what she is wanted for. Nothing
+better could have been suggested."</p>
+
+<p>But still Murphy stirred not.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Walter," said Clémence, smiling, "you are
+afraid!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I won't deny it!" said the squire. "And,
+spite of my standing six feet high, I feel and know I
+am trembling like a child."</p>
+
+<p>"Then take care, my good fellow!" said Rodolph.
+"You had better wait a little longer if you do not feel
+quite sure of yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, my lord; I have got the upper hand of my
+fears this time!" replied Murphy, pressing his two herculean
+fists to his eyes. "I know very well that at my
+time of life it is ridiculous for me to show such weakness!
+I'm going, my lord, don't you be uneasy!" So
+saying, Murphy left the room with a firm step and
+composed countenance.</p>
+
+<p>A momentary silence followed his departure, and then,
+for the first time, Clémence remembered she was alone
+with the prince, and under his roof. Rodolph drew
+near to her, and said, with an almost timid voice and
+manner:</p>
+
+<p>"If I select this day&mdash;this hour&mdash;to divulge to you
+the dearest secret of my heart, it is that the solemnity
+of the present moment may give greater weight to that
+I would impart, and persuade you to believe me sincere,
+when I assure you I have loved you almost from the
+hour I first beheld you. While obstacles stood in the way
+of my love I studiously concealed it; but you are now free
+to hear me declare my affection, and to ask you to
+become a mother to the daughter you restore to me."</p>
+
+<p>"My lord," cried Madame d'Harville, "what words are
+these?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, refuse me not," said Rodolph, tenderly; "let
+this day decide the happiness of my future life."</p>
+
+<p>Clémence had also nourished a deep and sincere
+passion for the prince; and his open, manly avowal of a
+similar feeling towards herself, made under such peculiar
+circumstances, transported her with joy, and she could
+but falter out in a hesitating voice:</p>
+
+<p>"My lord, 'tis for me to remind you of the difference
+of our stations, and the interests of your sovereignty."</p>
+
+<p>"Permit me first to consider the interest of my own
+heart, and that of my beloved child. Oh, make us both
+happy by consenting to be mine! So that I who, but a
+short time since, owned no blessed tie, may now proudly
+indulge in the idea of having both a wife and daughter;
+and give to the sorrowing child who is just restored
+to my arms the delight of saying, 'My father&mdash;my
+mother&mdash;my sister!'&mdash;for your sweet girl would become
+mine also."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, my lord," exclaimed Clémence, "my grateful
+tears alone can speak my sense of such noble conduct!"
+Then suddenly checking herself, she added,
+"I hear persons approaching, my lord; your daughter
+comes."</p>
+
+<p>"Refuse me not, I conjure you!" responded Rodolph,
+in an agitated and suppliant tone. "By the love I bear
+you, I beseech you to make me happy by saying, 'Our
+daughter comes!'"</p>
+
+<p>"Then be it <i>our</i> daughter, if such is your sincere
+wish," murmured Clémence, as Murphy, throwing open
+the door, introduced Fleur-de-Marie into the salon.</p>
+
+<p>The astonished girl had, upon entering the immense
+hôtel from the spacious portico under which she alighted
+from the marquise's carriage, first crossed an anteroom
+filled with servants dressed in rich liveries; then a waiting-room,
+in which were other domestics belonging to
+the establishment, also wearing the magnificent livery of
+the house of Gerolstein; and lastly, the apartment in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>
+which the chamberlain and aides-de-camp of the prince
+attended his orders.</p>
+
+<p>The surprise and wonder of the poor Goualeuse, whose
+ideas of splendour were based on the recollection of the
+farm at Bouqueval, as she traversed those princely
+chambers glittering with gold, silver, paintings, and
+mirrors, may easily be imagined.</p>
+
+<p>Directly she appeared, Madame d'Harville ran towards
+her, kindly took her hand, and throwing her arm
+around her waist, as though to support her, led her
+towards Rodolph, who remained supporting himself by
+leaning one arm on the chimneypiece, wholly incapable
+of advancing a single step.</p>
+
+<p>Having consigned Fleur-de-Marie to the care of
+Madame d'Harville, Murphy hastily retreated behind
+one of the large window curtains, not feeling too sure of
+his own self-command.</p>
+
+<p>At the sight of him who was, in the eyes of Fleur-de-Marie,
+not only her benefactor but the worshipped idol
+of her heart, the poor girl, whose delicate frame had
+been so severely tried by illness, became seized with a
+universal trembling.</p>
+
+<p>"Compose yourself, my child!" said Madame d'Harville.
+"See, there is your kind M. Rodolph, who has
+been extremely uneasy on your account, and is most
+anxious to see you."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes&mdash;uneasy, indeed!" stammered forth Rodolph,
+whose breast was wrung with anguish at the
+sight of his child's pale, suffering looks, and, spite of
+his previous resolution, the prince found himself compelled
+to turn away his head to conceal his deep emotion.</p>
+
+<p>"My poor child!" said Madame d'Harville, striving
+to divert the attention of Fleur-de-Marie, "you are still
+very weak!" and, leading her to a large gilded armchair,
+she made her sit down, while the astonished Goualeuse
+seemed almost to shrink from touching the elegant
+cushions with which it was lined. But she did not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>
+recover herself; on the contrary, she seemed oppressed.
+She strove to speak, but her voice failed her, and her
+heart reproached her with not having said one word to
+her venerated benefactor of the deep gratitude which
+filled her whole soul.</p>
+
+<p>At length, at a sign from Madame d'Harville, who,
+leaning over Fleur-de-Marie, held one of the poor girl's
+thin, wasted hands in hers, the prince gently approached
+the side of the chair, and now, more collected, he said to
+Fleur-de-Marie, as she turned her sweet face to welcome
+him:</p>
+
+<p>"At last, my child, your friends have recovered you,
+and be sure it is not their intention ever to part with
+you again. One thing you must endeavour to do, and
+that is to banish for ever from your mind all your past
+sufferings."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my dear girl," said Clémence, "you can in no
+way so effectually prove your affection for your friends
+as by forgetting the past."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, M. Rodolph, and you, too, madame, pray believe
+that if, spite of myself, my thoughts do revert to the
+past, it will be but to remind me that but for you that
+wretched past would still be my lot."</p>
+
+<p>"But we shall take pains to prevent such mournful
+reminiscences ever crossing your mind. Our tenderness
+will not allow you time to look back, my dear Marie,"
+said Rodolph; "you know I gave you that name at the
+farm."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, M. Rodolph, I well remember you did.
+And Madame Georges, who was so good as even to
+permit me to call her mother, is she quite well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly so, my child; but I have some most important
+news for you. Since I last saw you some great
+discoveries have been made respecting your birth. We
+have found out who were your parents, and your father
+is known to us."</p>
+
+<p>The voice of Rodolph trembled so much while pronouncing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>
+these words that Fleur-de-Marie, herself deeply
+affected, turned quickly towards him, but, fortunately,
+he managed to conceal his countenance from her.</p>
+
+<p>A somewhat ridiculous occurrence also served at this
+instant to call off the attention of the Goualeuse from
+too closely observing the prince's emotion,&mdash;the worthy
+squire, who still remained behind the curtain, feigning
+to be very busily occupied in gazing upon the garden
+belonging to the hôtel, suddenly blew his nose with a
+twanging sound that reëchoed through the salon; for,
+in truth, the worthy man was crying like a child.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my dear Marie," said Clémence, hastily, "your
+father is known to us&mdash;he is still living."</p>
+
+<p>"My father!" cried La Goualeuse, in a tone of tender
+delight, that subjected the firmness of Rodolph to
+another difficult test.</p>
+
+<p>"And some day," continued Clémence,&mdash;"perhaps
+very shortly, you will see him. But what will, no doubt,
+greatly astonish you, is that he is of high rank and
+noble birth."</p>
+
+<p>"And my mother, shall I not see her, too, madame?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is a question your father will answer, my dear
+child. But tell me, shall you not be delighted to see
+him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, madame," answered Fleur-de-Marie, casting
+down her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"How much you will love him when you know him!"
+said Clémence.</p>
+
+<p>"A new existence will commence for you from that
+very day, will it not, Marie?" asked the prince.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, M. Rodolph," replied Fleur-de-Marie, artlessly;
+"my new existence began when you took pity
+on me, and sent me to the farm."</p>
+
+<p>"But your father loves you fondly&mdash;dearly!" said
+the prince.</p>
+
+<p>"I know nothing of my father, M. Rodolph; but to
+you I owe everything in this world and the next."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Then you love me better, perhaps, than you would
+your father?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, M. Rodolph, I revere and bless you with all my
+heart! For you have been a saviour and preserver to
+me both of body and soul," replied La Goualeuse, with a
+degree of fervour and enthusiasm that overcame her
+natural diffidence.</p>
+
+<p>"When this kind lady was so good as to visit me in
+prison, I said to her, as I did to every one else, 'Oh, if
+you have any trouble, only let M. Rodolph know it, and
+he will be sure to relieve you.' And when I saw any
+person hesitating between good and evil, I used to
+advise them to try and be virtuous, telling them
+M. Rodolph always found a way to punish the wicked.
+And to such as were far gone in sin, I said, 'Take care,
+M. Rodolph will recompense you as you deserve.' And
+even when I thought myself dying, I felt comfort in persuading
+myself that God would pity and pardon me,
+since M. Rodolph had deigned to do so."</p>
+
+<p>Carried away by her intense feelings of gratitude
+and reverence for her benefactor, Fleur-de-Marie broke
+through her habitual timidity; while thus expressing
+herself a bright flush coloured her pale cheeks, while
+her soft blue eyes, raised towards heaven as though in
+earnest prayer, shone with unusual brilliancy.</p>
+
+<p>A silence of some seconds succeeded to this burst of
+enthusiasm, while the spectators of the scene were too
+deeply affected to attempt a reply.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems, then, my dear child," said Rodolph, at
+length, "that I have almost usurped your parent's place
+in your affections?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, M. Rodolph, I cannot help it! Perhaps it
+is very wrong in me to prefer you as I do, but I know
+you, and my father is a stranger to me." Then letting
+her head fall on her bosom, she added, in a low, confused
+manner, "And besides, M. Rodolph, though you
+are acquainted with the past, you have loaded me with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>
+kindness; while my father is ignorant of&mdash;of&mdash;my
+shame,&mdash;and may, probably, regret, when he does know,
+having found an unfortunate creature like myself. And
+then, too," continued the poor girl, with a shudder,
+"madame tells me he is of high birth; how, then, can
+he look upon me without shame and aversion?"</p>
+
+<p>"Shame!" exclaimed Rodolph, drawing himself up
+with proud dignity; "no, no, my poor child, your grateful,
+happy father will raise you to a position so great, so
+brilliant, that the richest and highest in the land shall
+behold you with respect. Despise and blush for you!&mdash;never!
+You shall take your place among the first
+princesses of Europe, and prove yourself worthy of the
+blood of queens which flows in your veins."</p>
+
+<p>"My lord! My lord!" cried Clémence and Murphy
+at the same time, equally alarmed at the excited manner
+of Rodolph, and the increasing paleness of Fleur-de-Marie,
+who gazed on her father in silent amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"Ashamed of you!" continued he. "Oh, if ever I
+rejoiced in my princely rank it is now that it affords me
+the means of raising you from the depths to which the
+wickedness of others consigned you. Yes, my child!
+My long-lost, idolised child! In me behold your
+father!" And utterly unable longer to repress his
+feelings, the prince threw himself at the feet of
+Fleur-de-Marie, and covered her hand with tears and
+caresses.</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, my God," exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie, passionately
+clasping her hands, "for permitting me to
+indulge that love for my benefactor with which my heart
+was filled. My father! Oh, blessed title, that enables
+me to love him even as I&mdash;" And unable to bear up
+against the suddenness of the disclosure, Fleur-de-Marie
+fell fainting in the prince's arms.</p>
+
+<p>Murphy rushed to the waiting-room, and shouted
+vehemently:</p>
+
+<p>"Send for Doctor David directly! Directly, do you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>
+hear? For his royal highness,&mdash;no&mdash;no, for some one
+who is suddenly taken ill here."</p>
+
+<p>"Wretch that I am!" exclaimed Rodolph, sobbing
+almost hysterically at his daughter's feet, "I have
+killed her! Marie, my child, look up! It is your father
+calls you! Forgive&mdash;oh, forgive my precipitancy&mdash;my
+want of caution in disclosing to you this happy news!
+She is dead! God of heaven! Have I then but found her
+to see her torn from me for ever?"</p>
+
+<p>"Calm yourself, my lord," said Clémence, "there is
+no danger, depend upon it. The colour returns to her
+cheeks; the surprise overcame her."</p>
+
+<p>"But so recently risen from a bed of sickness that
+surprise may kill her! Unhappy man that I am, doomed
+for ever to misery and suffering!"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the negro doctor, David, entered the
+room in great haste, holding in one hand a small case
+filled with phials, and in the other a paper he handed to
+Murphy.</p>
+
+<p>"David!" exclaimed Rodolph, "my child is dying!
+I once saved your life, repay me now by saving that of
+my daughter."</p>
+
+<p>Although amazed at hearing the prince speak thus,
+David hurried to Fleur-de-Marie, whom Madame d'Harville
+was supporting in her arms, examined her pulse and
+the veins of her temples, then turning towards Rodolph,
+who in speechless agony was awaiting his decree, he
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"Your royal highness has no cause for alarm; there
+is no danger."</p>
+
+<p>"Can it be true? Are you quite sure she will
+recover?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly so, my lord; a few drops of ether administered
+in a glass of water is all that is requisite to
+restore consciousness."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, thanks, my good, my excellent David!"
+cried the prince, in an ecstasy of joy. Then addressing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span>
+Clémence, Rodolph added, "Our daughter will
+be spared to us."</p>
+
+<p>Murphy had just glanced over the paper given him
+by David; suddenly he started, and gazed with looks of
+terror at the prince.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my old and faithful friend," cried Rodolph, misinterpreting
+the expression of Murphy's features, "ere
+long my daughter will enjoy the happiness of calling the
+Marquise d'Harville mother."</p>
+
+<p>"Yesterday's news," said Murphy, trembling violently,
+"was false."</p>
+
+<p>"What say you?"</p>
+
+<p>"The report of the death of the Countess Macgregor,
+my lord, is unfounded; her ladyship had undergone a
+severe crisis of her illness, and had fallen into a state of
+insensibility, which was mistaken by those around her
+for death itself, and from hence originated the account of
+her having expired; but to-day hopes are entertained
+of her ultimate recovery."</p>
+
+<p>"Merciful heavens! Can this be possible?" exclaimed
+the prince, filled with sudden alarm; while Clémence,
+who understood nothing of all this, looked on with
+undisguised astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"My lord," said David, still occupied with Fleur-de-Marie,
+"there is no need of the slightest apprehension
+respecting this young lady, but it is absolutely necessary
+she should be in the open air; this chair might be easily
+rolled out on the terrace, by opening the door leading
+to the garden; she would then immediately recover
+consciousness."</p>
+
+<p>Murphy instantly ran to open the glass door, which
+led to a broad terrace, then, aided by David, he gently
+rolled the armchair on to it.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" cried Rodolph, as soon as Murphy and David
+were at a distance, "you have yet to learn that the
+Countess Sarah is the mother of Fleur-de-Marie; and I
+believed her dead."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>A few moments of profound silence followed; Madame
+d'Harville became deadly pale, while an icy coldness
+seemed to chill her heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me briefly explain," continued Rodolph, in extreme
+agitation, mingled with bitter sarcasm, "that this
+ambitious and selfish woman, caring for nothing but my
+rank and title, contrived, during my extreme youth, to
+draw me into a secret marriage, which was afterwards
+annulled. Being desirous of contracting a second marriage,
+the countess occasioned all the misfortunes of
+her unhappy child, by abandoning her to the care of
+mercenary and unprincipled people."</p>
+
+<p>"Now I can account for the repugnance you manifested
+towards her."</p>
+
+<p>"And you may likewise understand why she so
+bitterly pursued you, and had twice so nearly effected
+your destruction by her infamous slanders. Still a
+prey to her insatiate ambition, she hoped, by separating
+me from any other attachment, to draw me a second
+time within her snares. And this heartless woman still
+exists."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, nay, my lord, that tone of bitter regret is not
+worthy of you, any more than the feeling which dictated
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"You do not know the wretchedness she has already
+caused me; and even now that I had dared to dream of
+happiness, and looked forward to obtaining in you the
+comfort and solace of my life, as well as a mother for
+my newly recovered child, this woman again crosses my
+path, and, like the spirit of evil, dashes the cup from
+my lips ere it is tasted."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, come, my lord," said poor Clémence, striving to
+look cheerful, though her tears flowed fast, spite of all her
+efforts to restrain them, "take courage, you have a great
+and holy duty to perform. But just now, when impelled
+by a natural burst of paternal affection, you said that
+the future destiny of your daughter should be happy and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>
+prosperous as her past life had been the reverse, that
+you would elevate her in the eyes of the world even
+more than she had been sunken and depressed. To do
+this you must legitimise her birth, and the only means
+by which that can be achieved is by espousing the
+Countess Macgregor."</p>
+
+<p>"Never, never! That would be to reward the perjury,
+selfishness, and unbridled ambition of the unnatural
+mother of my poor child. But Marie shall not suffer by
+my resolution. I will publicly acknowledge her, you will
+kindly take her under your protection, and, I venture to
+hope, afford her a truly maternal shelter."</p>
+
+<p>"No, my lord, you will not act thus! You will not
+permit the cloud of doubt or mystery to hang over the
+birth of your daughter. The Countess Sarah is descended
+from an ancient and noble family; such an alliance is,
+certainly, disproportionate for you, but still is an
+honourable one; it will effectually legitimise your daughter,
+and whatever may be her future destiny, she will
+have cause to boast of her father, and openly declare
+who was her mother."</p>
+
+<p>"But think not I can or will resign you! It were
+easier to lay down my life than surrender the blessed
+hope of dividing my time and affection between two
+beings I so dearly love as yourself and my daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"Your child will still remain to you, my lord. Providence
+has miraculously restored her to you; it would be
+sore ingratitude on your part to deem your happiness
+incomplete."</p>
+
+<p>"You could not argue thus if you loved as I love."</p>
+
+<p>"I will not undeceive you, great as is your error; on
+the contrary, I would have you persist in that belief, it
+will make the task I recommend less painful to you."</p>
+
+<p>"But if you really loved me,&mdash;if you suffered as bitterly
+and severely as I do at the thoughts of my marrying
+another, you would be wretched as I am. What will
+console you for our separation?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"My lord, I shall try to find solace in the discharge of
+my charitable duties,&mdash;duties I first learned to love and
+practise from your counsels and suggestions, and which
+have already afforded me so much consolation and sweet
+occupation."</p>
+
+<p>"Hear me, I beseech you,&mdash;since you tell me it is
+right, I will marry this woman; but the sacrifice once
+accomplished, think not I will remain a single hour
+with her, or suffer her to behold my child; thus
+Fleur-de-Marie will lose in you the best and tenderest
+of mothers."</p>
+
+<p>"But she will still retain the best and tenderest of
+fathers. By your marriage with the Countess Sarah
+she will be the legitimate daughter of one of Europe's
+sovereign princes, and, as you but just now observed, my
+lord, her position will be as great and splendid as it has
+been miserable and obscure."</p>
+
+<p>"You are then pitilessly determined to shut out all
+hope from me? Unhappy being that I am!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dare you style yourself unhappy,&mdash;you so good, so
+just, so elevated in rank, as well as in mind and feeling?
+Who so well and nobly understand the duty of self-denial
+and self-sacrifice? When but a short time since you
+bewailed your child's death with such heartfelt agony,
+had any one said to you, 'Utter the dearest wish of your
+soul and it shall be accomplished,' you would have cried,
+'My child&mdash;my daughter! Restore her to me in life
+and health!' This unexpected blessing is granted you,
+your daughter is given to your longing arms, and yet
+you style yourself miserable! Ah, my lord, let not Fleur-de-Marie
+hear you, I beseech you!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are right," said Rodolph, after a long silence,
+"such happiness as I aspired to would have been too
+much for this world, and far beyond my right even to
+dream of. Be satisfied your words have prevailed,&mdash;I
+will act according to my duty to my daughter, and
+forget the bleeding wound it inflicts on my own heart.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>
+But I am not sorry I hesitated in my resolution,
+since I owe to it a fresh proof of the perfection of your
+character."</p>
+
+<p>"And is it not to you I owe the power of struggling
+with personal feelings and devoting myself to the good
+of others? Was it not you who raised and comforted
+my poor depressed mind, and encouraged me to look for
+comfort where only it could be found? To you, then, be
+all the merit of the little virtue I may now be practising,
+as well as all the good I may hereafter achieve. But take
+courage, my lord, bear up, as becomes one of your firm,
+right-minded nature. Directly Fleur-de-Marie is equal
+to the journey, remove her to Germany; once there, she
+will benefit so greatly by the grave tranquillity of the
+country that her mind and feelings will be soothed and
+calmed down to a placidity and gentle enjoyment of the
+present, while the past will seem but as a troubled
+dream."</p>
+
+<p>"But you&mdash;you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, I may now confess with joy and pride that my
+love for you will be, as it were, a shield of defence from
+all snares and temptations,&mdash;a guardian angel that will
+preserve me from all that could assail me in body or
+mind. Then I shall write to you daily. Pardon me
+this weakness, 'tis the only one I shall allow myself;
+you, my lord, will also write to me occasionally, if but
+to give me intelligence of her whom once, at least, I
+called my daughter," said Clémence, melting into tears
+at the thoughts of all she was giving up, "and who will
+ever be fondly cherished in my heart as such; and when
+advancing years shall permit me fearlessly and openly to
+avow the regard which binds us to each other, then, my
+lord, I vow by your daughter that, if you desire it, I will
+establish myself in Germany, in the same city you yourself
+inhabit, never again to quit you, but so to end a life
+which might have been passed more agreeably, as far as
+our earthly feelings were concerned, but which shall, at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>
+least, have been spent in the practice of every noble and
+virtuous feeling."</p>
+
+<p>"My lord," exclaimed Murphy, entering with eagerness,
+"she whom Heaven has restored to you has
+regained her senses. Her first word upon recovering
+consciousness was to call for you. 'My father!&mdash;my
+beloved father!' she cried, 'oh, do not take me from
+him!' Come to her, my lord, she is all impatience
+again to behold you!"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>A few minutes after this Madame d'Harville quitted
+the prince's hôtel, while the latter repaired in all haste
+to the house of the Countess Macgregor, accompanied by
+Murphy, Baron de Graün, and an aide-de-camp.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span></p>
+<h3>CHAPTER VII.</h3>
+
+<h5>THE MARRIAGE.</h5>
+
+
+<p>From the moment in which she had learnt from
+Rodolph the violent death of Fleur-de-Marie, Sarah
+had felt crushed and borne down by a disclosure so
+fatal to all her ambitious hopes. Tortured equally by
+a too late repentance, she had fallen into a fearful nervous
+attack, attended even by delirium; her partially
+healed wound opened afresh, and a long continuation of
+fainting fits gave rise to the supposition of her death.
+Yet still the natural strength of her constitution sustained
+her even amid this severe shock, and life seemed
+to struggle vigorously against death.</p>
+
+<p>Seated in an easy chair, the better to relieve herself
+from the sense of suffocation which oppressed her, Sarah
+had remained for some time plunged in bitter reflections,
+almost amounting to regrets, that she had been permitted
+to escape from almost certain death.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the door of the invalid's chamber opened,
+and Thomas Seyton entered, evidently struggling to
+restrain some powerful emotion. Hastily waving his
+hand for the countess's attendants to retire, he approached
+his sister, who seemed scarcely to perceive
+her brother's presence.</p>
+
+<p>"How are you now?" inquired he.</p>
+
+<p>"Much the same; I feel very weak, and have at
+times a most painful sensation of being suffocated.
+Why was I not permitted to quit this world during my
+late attack?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Sarah," replied Thomas Seyton, after a momentary
+silence, "you are hovering between life and death,&mdash;any
+violent emotion might destroy you or recall your feeble
+powers and restore you to health."</p>
+
+<p>"There can be no further trial for me, brother!"</p>
+
+<p>"You know not that&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I could now even hear that Rodolph were dead without
+a shock. The pale spectre of my murdered child&mdash;murdered
+through my instrumentality, is ever before me.
+It creates not mere emotion, but a bitter and ceaseless
+remorse. Oh, brother, I have known the feelings of a
+mother only since I have become childless."</p>
+
+<p>"I own I liked better to find in you that cold, calculating
+ambition, that made you regard your daughter but as
+a means of realising the dream of your whole existence."</p>
+
+<p>"That ambition fell to the ground, crushed for ever
+beneath the overwhelming force of the prince's reproaches.
+And the picture drawn by him of the horrors
+to which my child had been exposed awakened in
+my breast all a mother's tenderness."</p>
+
+<p>"And how," said Seyton, hesitatingly and laying deep
+emphasis on each word he uttered, "if by a miracle, a
+chance, an almost impossibility, your daughter were still
+living, tell me how you would support such a discovery."</p>
+
+<p>"I should expire of shame and despair!"</p>
+
+<p>"No such thing! You would be but too delighted at
+the triumph such a circumstance would afford to your
+ambition; for had your daughter survived, the prince
+would, beyond a doubt, have married you."</p>
+
+<p>"And admitting the miracle you speak of could happen,
+I should have no right to live; but so soon as the prince
+had bestowed on me the title of his consort, my duty
+would have been to deliver him from an unworthy spouse,
+and my daughter from an unnatural mother."</p>
+
+<p>The perplexity of Thomas Seyton momentarily increased.
+Commissioned by Rodolph, who was waiting
+in an adjoining room, to acquaint Sarah that Fleur-de-Marie<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>
+still lived, he knew not how to proceed. So feeble
+was the state of the countess's health, that an instant
+might extinguish the faint spark that still animated her
+frame; and he saw that any delay in performing the
+nuptial rite between herself and the prince might be
+fatal to every hope. Determined to legitimise the birth
+of Fleur-de-Marie by giving every necessary formality to
+the ceremony, the prince had brought with him a clergyman
+to perform the sacred service, and two witnesses in
+the persons of Murphy and Baron de Graün. The Duc
+de Lucenay and Lord Douglas, hastily summoned by
+Seyton, had arrived to act as attesting witnesses on the
+part of the countess.</p>
+
+<p>Each moment became important, but the remorse of
+Sarah, mingled as it was with a maternal tenderness
+that had entirely replaced the fiery ambition that once
+held sway in her breast, rendered the task of Seyton
+still more difficult. He could but hope that his sister
+deceived either herself or him, and that her pride and
+vanity would rekindle in all their former brightness
+at the prospect of the crown so long and ardently
+coveted.</p>
+
+<p>"Sister," resumed Seyton, in a grave and solemn
+voice, "I am placed in a situation of cruel perplexity.
+I could utter one word of such deep importance that it
+might save your life or stretch you a corpse at my
+feet."</p>
+
+<p>"I have already told you nothing in this world can
+move me more."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, one&mdash;one event, my sister."</p>
+
+<p>"And what is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your daughter's welfare."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no longer a child,&mdash;she is dead!"</p>
+
+<p>"But if she were not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Cease, brother, such useless suppositions,&mdash;we exhausted
+that subject some minutes since. Leave me to
+unavailing regrets!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Nay, but I cannot so easily persuade myself that if,
+by some almost incredible chance, some unhoped-for aid,
+your daughter had been snatched from death, and still
+lived&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I beseech you talk not thus to me,&mdash;you know not
+what I suffer."</p>
+
+<p>"Then listen to me, sister, while I declare that, as the
+Almighty shall judge you and pardon me, your daughter
+lives!"</p>
+
+<p>"Lives! said you? My child lives?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did, and truly so; the prince, with a clergyman
+and the necessary witnesses, awaits in the adjoining
+chamber; I have summoned two of our friends to act as
+our witnesses. The desire of your life is at length
+accomplished, the prediction fulfilled, and you are
+wedded to royalty!"</p>
+
+<p>As Thomas Seyton slowly uttered the concluding part
+of his speech, he observed, with indescribable uneasiness,
+the want of all expression in his sister's countenance,
+the marble features remained calm and imperturbable,
+and her only sign of attending to her brother's words
+was a sudden pressure of both hands to her heart, as if
+to still its throbbing, or as though under the influence of
+some acute pain, while a stifled cry escaped her trembling
+lips as she fell back in her chair. But the feeling,
+whatever it was, soon passed away, and Sarah became
+fixed, rigid, and tranquil, as before.</p>
+
+<p>"Sister!" cried Seyton, "what ails you? Shall I
+call for assistance?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis nothing! Merely the result of surprise and
+joy at the unhoped-for tidings you have communicated
+to me. At last, then, the dearest wish of my heart is
+accomplished!"</p>
+
+<p>"I was not mistaken," thought Seyton, "ambition
+still reigns paramount in her heart, and will carry her
+in safety through this trial. Well, sister," said he,
+aloud, "what did I tell you?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You were right," replied she, with a bitter smile, as
+she penetrated the workings of her brother's thoughts,
+"ambition has again stifled the voice of maternal tenderness
+within me!"</p>
+
+<p>"You will live long and happily to cherish and delight
+in your daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"Doubtless I shall, brother. See how calm I am!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, but is your tranquillity real or assumed?"</p>
+
+<p>"Feeble and exhausted, can you imagine it possible
+for me to feign?"</p>
+
+<p>"You can now understand the difficulty I felt in
+breaking this news to you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, I marvel at it, knowing as you did the extent
+of my ambition. Where is the prince?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is here."</p>
+
+<p>"I would fain see and speak with him before the
+ceremony." Then, with affected indifference, she
+added, "And my daughter is also here, as a matter of
+course?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is not here at present; you will see her by and
+by."</p>
+
+<p>"True, there is no hurry; but send for the prince,
+I entreat of you."</p>
+
+<p>"Sister, I know not why, but your manner alarms me,
+and there is a strangeness in your very looks as well as
+words!"</p>
+
+<p>And Seyton spoke truly. The very absence of all
+emotion in Sarah inspired him with a vague and indefinable
+uneasiness; he even fancied he saw her eyes
+filled with tears she hastily repressed. But unable to
+account for his own suspicions, he at once quitted the
+chamber.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then," said Sarah, "if I may but see and embrace
+my daughter, I shall be satisfied. I fear there
+will be considerable difficulty in obtaining that happiness;
+Rodolph will refuse me, as a punishment for the
+past. But I must and will accomplish my longing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>
+desire! Oh, yes! I cannot&mdash;will not be denied! But
+the prince comes!"</p>
+
+<p>Rodolph entered, and carefully closed the door after him.
+Addressing Sarah in a cold, constrained manner, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"I presume your brother has told you all?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has!"</p>
+
+<p>"And your ambition is satisfied."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite&mdash;quite satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Every needful preparation for our marriage has been
+made; the minister and attesting witnesses are in the
+next room."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it."</p>
+
+<p>"They may enter, may they not, madame?"</p>
+
+<p>"One word, my lord. I wish to see my daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"That is impossible!"</p>
+
+<p>"I repeat, my lord, that I earnestly desire to see my
+child."</p>
+
+<p>"She is but just recovering from a severe illness, and
+she has undergone one violent shock to-day; the interview
+you ask might be fatal to her."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, my lord, she may be permitted to embrace her
+mother without danger to herself."</p>
+
+<p>"Why should she run the risk? You are now a
+sovereign princess!"</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet, my lord; nor do I intend to be until I have
+embraced my daughter!"</p>
+
+<p>Rodolph gazed on the countess with unfeigned astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible," cried he, "that you can bring yourself
+to defer the gratification of your pride and ambition?"</p>
+
+<p>"Till I have indulged the greater gratification of a
+mother's feelings. Does that surprise you, my lord?"</p>
+
+<p>"It does indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"And shall I see my daughter?"</p>
+
+<p>"I repeat&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Have a care, my lord,&mdash;the moments are precious,&mdash;mine
+are possibly numbered! As my brother said,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>
+the present trial may kill or cure me. I am now
+struggling, with all my power, with all the energy I
+possess, against the exhaustion occasioned by the discovery
+just made to me. I demand to see my daughter,
+or otherwise I refuse the hand you offer me, and, if I
+die before the performance of the marriage ceremony,
+her birth can never be legitimised!"</p>
+
+<p>"But Fleur-de-Marie is not here; I must send for her."</p>
+
+<p>"Then do so instantly, and I consent to everything
+you may propose; and as, I repeat, my minutes are
+probably numbered, the marriage can take place while
+they are conducting my child hither."</p>
+
+<p>"Although 'tis a matter of surprise to hear such
+sentiments from you, yet they are too praiseworthy to
+be treated with indifference. You shall see Fleur-de-Marie;
+I will write to her to come directly."</p>
+
+<p>"Write there&mdash;on that desk&mdash;where I received my
+death-blow!"</p>
+
+<p>While Rodolph hastily penned a few lines, the countess
+wiped from her brows the cold damps that had gathered
+there, while her hitherto calm and unmovable features
+were contracted by a sudden spasmodic agony, which
+had increased in violence from having been so long
+concealed. The letter finished, Rodolph arose and said
+to the countess:</p>
+
+<p>"I will despatch this letter by one of my aides-de-camp;
+she will be here in half an hour from the time
+my messenger departs. Shall I, upon my return to you,
+bring the clergyman and persons chosen to witness our
+marriage, that we may at once proceed?"</p>
+
+<p>"You may,&mdash;but no, let me beg of you to ring the
+bell; do not leave me by myself; let Sir Walter despatch
+the letter, and then return with the clergyman."</p>
+
+<p>Rodolph rang; one of Sarah's attendants answered
+the summons.</p>
+
+<p>"Request my brother to send Sir Walter Murphy
+here," said the countess, in a faint voice. The woman<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>
+went to perform her mistress's bidding. "This marriage
+is a melancholy affair, Rodolph," said the countess,
+bitterly, "I mean as far as I am concerned; to you it
+will be productive of happiness." The prince started at
+the idea. "Nay, be not astonished at my prophesying
+happiness to you from such a union; but I shall not live
+to mar your joys."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Murphy entered.</p>
+
+<p>"My good friend," said the prince, "send this letter
+off to my daughter. Colonel &mdash;&mdash; will be the bearer of
+it, and he can bring her back in my carriage; then
+desire the minister and all concerned in witnessing
+the marriage ceremony to assemble in the adjoining
+room."</p>
+
+<p>"God of mercy!" cried Sarah, fervently clasping her
+hands as the squire disappeared, "grant me strength to
+fold my child to my heart! Let me not die ere she
+arrives!"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! why were you not always the tender mother
+you now are?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks to you, at least, for awakening in me a
+sincere repentance for the past, and a hearty desire to
+devote myself to the good of those whose happiness I
+have so fearfully disturbed! Yes, when my brother
+told me, a short time since, of our child's preservation,&mdash;let
+me say our child, it will not be for long I shall
+require your indulgence,&mdash;I felt all the agony of knowing
+myself irrecoverably ill, yet overjoyed to think that
+the birth of our child would be legitimised; that done,
+I shall die happy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do not talk thus."</p>
+
+<p>"You will see I shall not deceive you again; my
+death is certain."</p>
+
+<p>"And you will die without one particle of that insatiate
+ambition which has been your return! By what
+fatality has your repentance been delayed till now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Though tardy, it is sincere; and I call Heaven to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>
+witness that, at this awful moment, I bless God for
+removing me from this world, and that I am spared the
+additional misery of living, as I am aware I should have
+been a weight and burden to you, as well as a bar to
+your happiness elsewhere. But can you pardon me?
+For mercy's sake, say you do! Do not delay to speak
+forgiveness and peace to my troubled spirit until the
+arrival of my child, for in her presence you would not
+choose to pronounce the pardon of her guilty mother.
+It would be to tell her a tale I would fain she never
+knew. You will not refuse me the hope that, when I
+am gone, my memory may be dear to her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tranquillise yourself, she shall know nothing of the
+past."</p>
+
+<p>"Rodolph, do you too say I am forgiven! Oh, forgive
+me&mdash;forgive me! Can you not pity a creature
+brought low as I am? Alas, my sufferings might well
+move your heart to pity and to pardon!"</p>
+
+<p>"I do forgive you from my innermost soul!" said the
+prince, deeply affected.</p>
+
+<p>The scene was most heartrending. Rodolph opened
+the folding-doors, and beckoned in the clergyman with
+the company assembled there, that is to say, Murphy and
+Baron de Graün as witnesses on the part of Rodolph,
+and the Duc de Lucenay and Lord Douglas on the part
+of the countess; Thomas Seyton followed close behind.
+All were impressed with the awful solemnity of the
+melancholy transaction, and even M. de Lucenay seemed
+to have lost his usual petulance and folly.</p>
+
+<p>The contract of marriage between the most high and
+powerful Prince Gustave Rodolph, fifth reigning Duke of
+Gerolstein, and Sarah Seyton of Halsburg, Countess Macgregor,
+which legitimised the birth of Fleur-de-Marie,
+had been previously drawn up by Baron de Graün, and,
+being read by him, was signed by the parties mentioned
+therein, as well as duly attested by the signature of their
+witnesses.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Spite of the countess's repentance, when the clergyman,
+in a deep solemn voice, inquired of Rodolph
+whether his royal highness was willing to take Sarah
+Seyton of Halsburg, Countess Macgregor, for his wife,
+and the prince had replied in a firm, distinct voice,
+"I will," the dying eyes of Sarah shone with unearthly
+brilliancy, an expression of haughty triumph passed
+over her livid features,&mdash;the last flash of expiring
+ambition.</p>
+
+<p>Not a word was spoken by any of the spectators of
+this mournful ceremony, at the conclusion of which the
+four witnesses, bowing with deep but silent respect to
+the prince, quitted the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Brother," said Sarah, in a low voice, "request the
+clergyman to accompany you to the adjoining room, and
+to have the goodness to wait there a moment."</p>
+
+<p>"How are you now, my dear sister?" asked Seyton.
+"You look very pale."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," replied she, with a haggard smile, "fear not
+for me; am I not Grand Duchess of Gerolstein?" Left
+alone with Rodolph, Sarah murmured in a feeble and
+expiring voice, while her features underwent a frightful
+change, "I am dying; my powers are exhausted! I
+shall not live to kiss and bless my child!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, you will. Calm yourself; she will soon
+be here."</p>
+
+<p>"It will not be! In vain I struggle against the approach
+of Death. I feel too surely his icy hand upon
+me; my sight grows dim; I can scarcely discern even
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"Sarah!" cried the prince, chafing her damp, cold
+hands with his. "Take courage, she will soon be here;
+she cannot delay much longer!"</p>
+
+<p>"The Almighty has not deemed me worthy of so
+great a consolation as the presence of my child!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hark, Sarah! Methinks I hear the sound of wheels.
+Yes, 'tis she,&mdash;your daughter comes!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Promise me, Rodolph, she shall never know the unnatural
+conduct of her wretched but repentant mother,"
+murmured the countess, in almost inarticulate accents.</p>
+
+<p>The sound of a carriage rolling over the paved court
+was distinctly heard, but the countess had already ceased
+to recognise what was passing around her, her words became
+more indistinct and incoherent. Rodolph bent over
+her with anxious looks; he saw the rising films of death
+veil those beautiful eyes, and the exquisite features grow
+sharp and rigid beneath the touch of the king of terrors.</p>
+
+<p>"Forgive me,&mdash;my child! Let me&mdash;see&mdash;my&mdash;child!
+Pardon&mdash;at least! And&mdash;after&mdash;death&mdash;the
+honours&mdash;due&mdash;to my&mdash;rank&mdash;" she faintly
+said, and these were the last articulate words she
+uttered,&mdash;the one, fixed, dominant passion of her
+life mingled, even in her last moments, with the
+sincere repentance she expressed and, doubtless, felt.
+Just at that awful moment Murphy entered.</p>
+
+<p>"My lord," cried he, "the Princess Marie is arrived!"</p>
+
+<p>"Let her not enter this sad apartment. Desire Seyton
+to bring the clergyman hither." Then pointing to
+Sarah, who was slowly sinking into her last moments,
+Rodolph added, "Heaven has refused her the gratification
+of seeing her child!"</p>
+
+<p>Shortly after that the Countess Sarah Macgregor
+breathed her last.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p>
+<h3>CHAPTER VIII.</h3>
+
+<h5>BICÊTRE.</h5>
+
+
+<p>A fortnight had elapsed since Sarah's death, and it
+was mid-Lent Sunday. This date established, we will
+conduct the reader to Bicêtre, an immense building,
+which, though originally designed for the reception
+of insane persons, is equally adapted as an asylum
+for seven or eight hundred poor old men, who are
+admitted into this species of civil invalid hospital when
+they have reached the age of seventy years, or are
+afflicted with severe infirmities.</p>
+
+<p>The entrance to Bicêtre is by a large court, planted
+with high trees, and covered in the centre by a mossy
+turf, intersected with flower beds duly cultivated. Nothing
+can be imagined more healthful, calm, or cheerful
+than the promenade thus devoted to the indigent old
+beings we have before alluded to. Around this square
+are the spacious and airy dormitories, containing clean,
+comfortable beds; these chambers form the first floor of
+the building, and immediately beneath them are the
+neatly kept and admirably arranged refectories, where
+the assembled community of Bicêtre partake of their
+common meal, excellent and abundant in its kind, and
+served with a care and attention that reflects the highest
+praise on the directors of this fine institution.</p>
+
+<p>In conclusion of this short notice of Bicêtre, we will
+just add that at the period at which we write the building
+also served as the abode of condemned criminals,
+who there awaited the period of their execution.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It was in one of the cells belonging to the prison that
+the Widow Martial and Calabash were left to count the
+hours till the following day, on which they were to suffer
+the extreme penalty of the law.</p>
+
+<p>Nicholas, the Skeleton, and several of the same description
+of ruffians had contrived to escape from La Force
+the very night previous to the day on which they were to
+have been transferred to Bicêtre.</p>
+
+<p>Eleven o'clock had just struck as two <i>fiacres</i> drew
+up before the outer gate; from the first of which descended
+Madame Georges, Germain, and Rigolette, and
+from the second Louise Morel and her mother. Germain
+and Rigolette had now been married for some
+fifteen days.</p>
+
+<p>We must leave the reader to imagine the glow of happiness
+that irradiated the fair face of the grisette, whose
+rosy lips parted but to smile, or to lavish fond words
+upon Madame Georges, whom she took every occasion of
+calling "her dear mother." The countenance of Germain
+expressed a more calm and settled delight. With
+his sincere affection for the merry-hearted being to whom
+he was united was mingled a deep and grateful sense of
+the kind and disinterested conduct of Rigolette towards
+him when in prison, although the charming girl herself
+seemed to have completely forgotten all about it, and
+even when Germain spoke of those days she would
+entreat him to change the subject, upon the plea of
+finding all such recollections so very dull and dispiriting.
+Neither would the pretty grisette substitute a bonnet
+for the smart little cap worn before her marriage,
+and certainly never was humility and avoidance of pretension
+better rewarded; for nothing could have been
+invented more becoming to the piquant style of Rigolette's
+beauty than the simple cap <i>à la paysanne</i>, trimmed
+with a large orange-coloured rosette at each side, contrasting
+so tastefully with the long tresses of her rich
+dark hair, now worn in long hanging curls; for, as she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>
+said, "she could now allow herself to take a little pains
+with her appearance."</p>
+
+<p>The fair bride wore a handsome worked muslin collar,
+while a scarf, of similar colour to the trimmings of her
+cap, half concealed her graceful, pliant figure, which,
+notwithstanding her having leisure to adorn herself, was
+still unfettered by the artificial restraints of stays; although
+the tight gray silk dress she wore fitted without
+a fold or a crease over her lightly rounded bosom, resembling
+the beautiful statue of Galatea in marble. Madame
+Georges beheld the happiness of the newly married pair
+with a delight almost equal to their own.</p>
+
+<p>As for Louise Morel, she had been set at liberty after
+undergoing a most searching investigation, and when a
+post-mortem examination of her infant had proved that
+it had come to its death by natural means; but the
+countenance of the poor victim of another's villainy had
+lost all the freshness of youth, and bore the impress of
+deep sorrow, now softened and subdued by gentleness
+and resignation. Thanks to Rodolph, and the excellent
+care that had been taken of her through his means, the
+mother of Louise, who accompanied her, had entirely
+recovered her health.</p>
+
+<p>Madame Georges having informed the porter at the
+lodge that she had called by the desire of one of the
+medical officers of the establishment, who had appointed
+to meet herself and the friends by whom she was accompanied
+at half past eleven o'clock, she was requested to
+choose whether she would await the doctor within doors
+or in the large square before the building; determining
+to do the latter, and supporting herself on the arm of
+her son, while the wife of Morel walked beside her, she
+sauntered along the shady alleys that bordered this
+delightful spot, Louise and Rigolette following them.</p>
+
+<p>"How very glad I am to see you again, dear Louise,"
+said the bride. "When we came to fetch you on our
+arrival from Bouqueval, I wanted to run up-stairs to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>
+you, but my husband would not let me; he said I should
+tire myself, so I stayed in the coach, and that is the
+reason why we meet now for the first time since&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You so kindly came to console me in prison, Mlle.
+Rigolette," cried Louise, deeply affected. "You are so
+feeling for all in trouble, whether of body or mind!"</p>
+
+<p>"In the first place, my dear Louise," replied the
+grisette, hastily interrupting praises that were to her
+oppressive, "I am not Mlle. Rigolette any longer, but
+Madame Germain. I do not know whether you heard&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That you were married? Oh, yes, I did. But pray
+let me thank you as you deserve."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, but Louise," persisted Madame Germain, "I am
+quite sure you have not learnt all the particulars; how
+my marriage is all owing to the generosity of him who
+was at once the protector and benefactor of yourself and
+family, Germain, his mother, and my own self."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, M. Rodolph,&mdash;we bless his name morning
+and evening. When I came out of prison the lawyer
+who had been to see me from time to time, by
+M. Rodolph's order, told me that, thanks to the same
+kind friend who had already interested himself so much
+for us, M. Ferrand (and here at the very mention of the
+name an involuntary shudder passed over the poor
+girl's frame) had settled an annuity on my poor father
+and myself,&mdash;some little reparation for the wrongs
+he had done us. You are aware that my poor dear
+father is still confined here, though still improving in
+health."</p>
+
+<p>"And I also know that the kind doctor who has
+appointed our being here to-day even hopes your dear
+parent may be enabled to return with you to Paris; he
+thinks that it will be better to take some decided steps
+to throw off this malady, and that the unexpected presence
+of persons your father was in the daily habit of seeing
+may produce the most favourable effects,&mdash;perhaps
+cure him; and that is what I think will be the case."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ah, mademoiselle, I dare not hope for so much
+happiness."</p>
+
+<p>"Madame Germain, my dear Louise, if it is all the
+same to you; but to go on with what I was telling you,
+you have no idea, I am sure, who M. Rodolph really is?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I have,&mdash;the friend and protector of all who
+are unhappy."</p>
+
+<p>"True, but that is not all. Well, as I see you really
+are ignorant of many things concerning our benefactor,
+I will tell you all about it."</p>
+
+<p>Then addressing her husband, who was walking before
+her with Madame Georges, she said, "Don't walk so very
+fast, Germain, you will tire our mother!" And, with a
+look of proud satisfaction, she said, turning to Louise,
+"Does not he deserve to have a good wife? See how
+attentive he is to his mother! He certainly is very
+handsome, too,&mdash;a thousand times more so than Cabrion,
+or M. Girandeau, the travelling clerk! You
+remember him, don't you, Louise?</p>
+
+<p>"Talking of Cabrion puts me in mind to ask you
+whether M. Pipelet and his wife have arrived yet? The
+doctor wished them to come here to-day with us, because
+your father has talked much about them during his
+wanderings."</p>
+
+<p>"No, they are not here at present, but they will not
+be long. When we called for them they had already
+set out."</p>
+
+<p>"And then as for being punctual in keeping an
+appointment, M. Pipelet is as exact as a clock to the
+hour and minute! But let me tell you a little more
+about my marriage and M. Rodolph. Only think, Louise,
+it was he who sent me with the order for Germain's
+liberation! You can imagine our delight at quitting
+that horrid prison. Well, we went home to my room,
+and there Germain and I together prepared a nice little
+bit of dinner; but, bless you! we might just as well
+have spared ourselves the trouble, for, after it was ready,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>
+neither of us could eat a bit for joy. When evening
+came Germain left me, promising to return the next
+day.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, at five o'clock next morning, I got up and sat
+down to my work, for I was terribly behindhand with it.
+As eight o'clock struck some one knocked at the door;
+who should it be but M. Rodolph! Directly I saw him,
+I began to thank him from the bottom of my heart for
+all he had done for Germain and myself. He would not
+allow me to proceed. 'My kind neighbour,' said he,
+'I wish you to give this letter to Germain, who will soon
+be here. Then you will take a <i>fiacre</i>, and proceed without
+delay to a small village, near Ecouen, called Bouqueval.
+Once there, inquire for Madame Georges; and I
+wish you all imaginable pleasure from your trip.' 'M.
+Rodolph,' I said, 'pray excuse me, but that will make
+me lose another day's work and I have already got two
+to make up for.' 'Make yourself perfectly easy, my
+pretty neighbour,' said he, you will find plenty of work at
+Madame Georges's, I promise you; she will prove an excellent
+customer, I have no doubt, and I have particularly
+recommended you to her.' 'Oh, that alters the case,
+M. Rodolph, then I'm sure I shall be but too glad to
+go.' 'Adieu, neighbour,' said M. Rodolph. 'Good-bye,'
+cried I, 'and many thanks for so kindly recommending
+me.'</p>
+
+<p>"When Germain came, I told him all about it; so as
+we were quite sure M. Rodolph would not send us upon
+any foolish errand, we set off as blithe as birds. Only
+imagine, Louise, what a surprise awaited us on our arrival!
+I declare I can scarcely think of it without tears
+of happiness coming into my eyes. We went to the very
+Madame Georges you see walking before us, and who
+should she turn out to be but the mother of Germain!"</p>
+
+<p>"His mother?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, his own very mother, from whom he had been
+taken when quite a baby! You must try to fancy their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>
+mutual joy! Well, when Madame Georges had wept
+over her son, and embraced and gazed at him a hundred
+times, my turn came to be noticed.</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt M. Rodolph had written something very
+favourable about me, for, clasping me in her arms, she
+said, 'She was acquainted with my conduct towards her
+son.' 'Then, mother,' interposed Germain, 'it only rests
+with you to ask her, and Rigolette will be your child as
+well as I.' 'And I do ask her to be my daughter with
+all my heart,' replied his mother, 'for you will never
+find a better or a prettier creature to love as your wife.'</p>
+
+<p>"So there I was quite at home, in such a sweet farm,
+along with Germain, his mother, and my birds; for I
+had taken the poor, little, dear things with me, just to
+hear how delightedly they would sing when they found
+themselves in the country. The days passed like a dream.
+I did only just what I liked,&mdash;helped Madame Georges,
+walked about with Germain, and danced and sung like a
+wild thing.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, our marriage was fixed to take place on yesterday
+fortnight; the evening before, who should arrive but
+a tall, elderly, bald-headed gentleman, who looked so kind;
+and he brought me a <i>corbeille de mariage</i> from M. Rodolph.
+Only think, Louise, what a beauty it must have been,&mdash;made
+like a large rosewood box, with these words written
+in letters of gold, on medallion of blue china, 'Industry
+and Prudence&mdash;Love and Happiness.' And what
+do you suppose this charming box contained? Why, a
+number of lace caps similar to the one I have now on,
+pieces for gowns, gloves, ornaments, a beautiful shawl,
+and this pretty scarf. Oh, I thought I should lose my
+senses with delight! But that is not all. At the bottom
+of the box I found a handsome pocketbook, with these
+words written on a bit of paper affixed to it, 'From a
+friend to a friend.' Inside were two folded papers, one
+addressed to Germain, and the other to me. In that
+addressed to Germain was an order for his appointment<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>
+as director of a bank for the poor with a salary of four
+thousand francs a year; while he found under the
+envelope, directed to me, a money order for forty thousand
+francs on the treasury,&mdash;yes, that's the word;
+it was called my marriage portion.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not like to take so large a sum, but Madame
+Georges said to me, 'My dear child, you both can and
+must accept it, as a recompense for your prudence,
+industry, and devotion to those who were in misfortune;
+for did you not run the risk of injuring your health,
+and probably deprive yourself of your only means of
+support, by sitting up all night at work, in order to make
+up for the time you spent in attending to others?'"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that is quite true," exclaimed Louise, with
+fervour. "I do not think there is any one upon earth
+who would have done all that you have done, Mademoi&mdash;Madame
+Germain!"</p>
+
+<p>"There's a good girl, she has learned her lesson at
+last! Well, I said to the elderly gentleman that I did
+not merit such a reward, that what little I had done was
+purely because it afforded me pleasure. To which he
+answered, 'That makes no difference; M. Rodolph is
+immensely rich, and he sends you this dowry as a mark
+of his friendship and esteem, and your refusal of it
+would pain him very much indeed. He will himself be
+present at your marriage, and then he will compel you
+to take it.'"</p>
+
+<p>"What a blessing that so charitable a person as M.
+Rodolph should be possessed of such riches!"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course it is! But I haven't told you all yet.
+Oh, Louise, you never can guess who and what M.
+Rodolph turns out to be; and to think of my making
+him carry large parcels for me! But have a little
+patience, you will hear about it directly.</p>
+
+<p>"The night before the marriage the elderly gentleman
+came again very late, and in great haste,&mdash;it was to
+tell us that M. Rodolph was ill, and could not attend<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>
+the wedding, but that his friend, the bald-headed gentleman,
+would take his place. And then only, my dear
+Louise, did we learn that our benefactor was&mdash;guess
+what&mdash;a prince! A prince, do I say? Bless you,
+ever so much higher than that! A royal highness!&mdash;a
+reigning duke!&mdash;a sort of a second-rate king!
+Germain explained all about his rank to me!"</p>
+
+<p>"M. Rodolph a prince!&mdash;a duke!&mdash;almost a king!"</p>
+
+<p>"Just think of that, Louise! And imagine my having
+asked him to help me to clean my room! A pretty
+state of confusion it threw me into when I recollected
+all that, and how free I had spoken to him! So of
+course you know when I found that he was as good
+as a king, I did not dare refuse his gracious wedding
+present.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my dear, when we had been married about a
+week, M. Rodolph sent us word that he should be glad
+if Germain, his mother, and myself would pay him a
+wedding visit; so we did. I can tell you my heart beat
+as though it would come through my side! Well, we
+stopped at a fine palace in the Rue Plumet, and were
+ushered into a number of splendid apartments, filled
+with servants in liveries, all covered with gold lace,
+gentlemen in black, with silver chains around their necks
+and swords by their sides, officers in rich uniforms, and
+all sorts of gay looking people. The rooms we passed
+through were all gilt, and filled with such beautiful
+things they quite dazzled my eyesight only to look at
+them.</p>
+
+<p>"At last we got to the apartment where the bald-headed
+old gentleman was sitting, with a quantity of
+grand folks, all covered with gold lace and embroidery.
+Well, when our elderly friend saw us, he rose and
+conducted us to an adjoining room, where we found
+M. Rodolph&mdash;I mean the prince&mdash;dressed so simply,
+and looking so good and kind&mdash;just like the M. Rodolph
+we first knew&mdash;that I did not feel at all frightened at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>
+the recollection of how I had set him to pin my shawl
+for me, mend my pens, and walked with him arm in
+arm in the street, just like two equals, as, certainly, then
+I thought we were."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I should have trembled like a leaf if I had been
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I did not mind it at all, he smiled so encouragingly;
+and, after kindly welcoming Madame Georges, he
+held out his hand to Germain, and then said, smilingly,
+to me, 'Well, neighbour, and how are "Papa Crétu" and
+"Ramonette?"' (Those were the names I called my birds
+by. Was it not kind of him to recollect them?)</p>
+
+<p>"'I feel quite sure,' added he, 'that yourself and
+Germain can sing as merry songs as your birds.' 'Yes,
+indeed, my lord,' replied I (Madame Georges had taught
+me as we came along how I was to address the prince),
+'we are as happy as it is possible to be, and our
+happiness is the greater because we owe it to you.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Nay, nay, my good child,' said he, 'you may thank
+your own excellent qualities and that of Germain for the
+felicity you enjoy,' etc. I need not go on with that part
+of the story, Louise, because it would oblige me to
+repeat all the charming praises I received; and, certainly,
+I cannot recollect ever doing more than my
+strict duty, though the prince was pleased to think
+differently.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we all came away more sorrowful than we
+went, for we found it was to be our farewell visit to
+our benefactor, he being about to return to Germany.
+Whether or not he has gone I cannot tell you, but,
+absent or present, our most grateful remembrance and
+respectful esteem will ever attend him.</p>
+
+<p>"I forgot to tell you that a dear, good girl I knew
+when we were both in prison together had been living
+at the farm with Madame Georges; it seems my young
+friend had, fortunately, found a friend in M. Rodolph,
+who had placed her there. But Madame Georges particularly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>
+cautioned me not to say a word on the subject
+to the prince, who had some reason for desiring it
+should not be talked about,&mdash;no doubt because he
+could not bear his benevolent deeds should be known.
+However, I learnt one thing that gave me extreme pleasure,
+that my sweet Goualeuse had found her parents,
+and that they had taken her a great, great way from
+Paris; I could not help feeling grieved, too, that I had
+not been able to wish her good-bye before she went.</p>
+
+<p>"But forgive me, dear Louise, for being so selfish as
+to keep talking to you of every one's happiness when
+you have so much reason to be sorrowful yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Had my child but been spared to me," said poor
+Louise, sadly, "it would have been some consolation to
+me; for how can I ever hope to find any honest man
+who would make me his wife, although I have got
+money enough to tempt any one."</p>
+
+<p>"For my part, Louise, I feel quite sure that one of
+these days I shall see you happily married to a good and
+worthy partner, who will pity you for your past troubles,
+and love and esteem you for the patience with which
+you endured them."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Madame Germain, you only say so to try and
+comfort me; but whether you really believe what you
+say or no, I gratefully feel and thank you for your kindness.
+But who are these? I declare, M. and Madame
+Pipelet! How very gay he looks; so different from
+the sad, dejected appearance he always wore, while M.
+Cabrion was tormenting him as he did!"</p>
+
+<p>Louise was right. Pipelet advanced in high spirits,
+and as though treading on air; on his head he wore the
+well-known bell-crowned hat, a superb grass-green coat
+adorned his person, while a white cravat, with embroidered
+ends, was folded around his throat, in such a manner
+as to permit the display of an enormous collar, reaching
+nearly up to his eyes, and quite concealing his cheeks.
+A large, loose waistcoat, of bright buff, with broad<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>
+maroon-coloured stripes, black trousers, somewhat short
+for the wearer, snowy white stockings, and highly polished
+shoes completed his equipment.</p>
+
+<p>Anastasie displayed a robe of violet-coloured merino,
+tastefully contrasted with a dark blue shawl. She
+proudly exhibited her freshly curled Brutus wig to the
+gaze of all she met, while her cap was slung on her
+arm by its bright green strings, after the manner of a
+reticule.</p>
+
+<p>The physiognomy of Alfred&mdash;ordinarily so grave,
+thoughtful, and dejected&mdash;was now mirthful, jocund,
+and hilarious. The moment he caught a glimpse of
+Rigolette and Louise, he ran towards them, exclaiming
+in his deep, sonorous voice, "Delivered! Gone!"</p>
+
+<p>"How unusually joyful you seem, M. Pipelet," said
+Rigolette. "Do pray tell us what has occasioned such
+a change in your appearance!"</p>
+
+<p>"Gone! I tell you, mademoiselle,&mdash;or, rather, madame,
+as I may, do, and ought to say, now that, like
+my Anastasie, you are tied up for life."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very polite, M. Pipelet; but please to tell
+me who has gone?"</p>
+
+<p>"Cabrion!" responded M. Pipelet, inspiring and respiring
+the air with a look of indescribable delight, as
+though relieved of an enormous weight; "he has quitted
+France for ever&mdash;for a perpetuity! At length he has
+departed, and I am myself again."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you quite sure he has gone?"</p>
+
+<p>"I saw him with my eyes ascend the diligence, en
+route for Strasburg with all his luggage and baggage;
+that is to say, a hat-case, a maul-stick, and a box of
+colours."</p>
+
+<p>"What is my old dear chattering about?" cried Anastasie,
+as she came puffing and panting to the spot where
+the little group were assembled; "I'll be bound he was
+giving you the history of Cabrion's going off&mdash;I'm sure
+he has talked of nothing else all the way we came."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Because I'm half wild with delight; I seem to have
+got into another world,&mdash;such a lightness has come
+over me. A little while ago my hat used to seem as
+though loaded with lead, and as if it pressed forwards in
+spite of me; now I seem as though borne on the breeze
+towards the firmament, to think that he is gone&mdash;actually
+set out&mdash;and never to return!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, the blackguard is off at last!" chimed in
+Madame Pipelet.</p>
+
+<p>"Anastasie," cried her husband, "spare the absent!
+Happiness calls for mercy and forbearance on our parts.
+I will obey its dictates, and merely allow myself to remark
+that Cabrion was a&mdash;a&mdash;worthless scoundrel!"</p>
+
+<p>"But how do you know that he has gone to Germany?"
+inquired Rigolette.</p>
+
+<p>"By a friend of our 'king of lodgers.' Talking of
+that dear man, you haven't heard that, owing to the
+handsome manner in which he recommended us, Alfred
+has been appointed house-porter to a sort of charitable
+bank, established in our house by a worthy Christian, who
+wishes, like M. Rodolph, to do all the good he can?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" replied Rigolette. "And, perhaps, you don't
+know, either, that my dear Germain is appointed manager
+of this same bank? All owing to the kind intervention
+of M. Rodolph."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I never!" exclaimed Madame Pipelet, "all
+our good luck comes together; and I'm sure I'm heartily
+glad we shall keep old friends and acquaintances around
+us. I hate fresh faces, for my part. I'm certain I would
+not change my old duck of a husband even for your young
+handsome one, Madame Germain.</p>
+
+<p>"But to go back to Cabrion. Only imagine a bald-headed,
+stout, elderly gentleman, coming to tell us of
+Alfred's new situation, and at the same time inquiring
+if a talented artist of the name of Cabrion did not once
+lodge in the house with us. Oh, my poor darling!
+Directly Cabrion's name was mentioned down went<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>
+the boot he was mending, and if I had not caught him
+he would have swooned away. But, fortunately, the
+bald gentleman added, 'This young painter has been engaged
+by a very wealthy person to do some work, which
+will occupy him for years, and he may, very probably,
+establish himself in another country.' In confirmation
+of which the old gentleman gave my Alfred the date of
+Cabrion's departure, with the address of the office from
+which he started."</p>
+
+<p>"And I had the unhoped-for satisfaction of reading on
+the ticket, 'M. Cabrion, artist in painting, departs for
+Strasburg, and further, by the company's diligence.'
+The hour named was for this morning. I need not
+say I was in the inn yard with my wife."</p>
+
+<p>"And there we saw the rascal take his seat on the
+box beside the driver."</p>
+
+<p>"Just as the vehicle was set in motion Cabrion perceived
+me, turned around, and cried,'Yours for ever! I
+go to return no more.' Thank heaven! The loud blast
+of the guard's horn nearly drowned these familiar and
+insulting words, as well as any others he might have
+intended to utter. But I pity and forgive the wretched
+man,&mdash;I can afford to be generous, for I am delivered
+from the bane and misery of my life."</p>
+
+<p>"Depend upon it, M. Pipelet," said Rigolette, endeavouring
+to restrain a loud fit of laughter,&mdash;"depend upon
+it, you will see him no more. But listen to me, and I
+will tell you something I am sure you are ignorant of
+and which it will be almost difficult for you to credit.
+What do you think of our M. Rodolph not being what
+we took him for, but a prince in disguise,&mdash;a royal
+highness!"</p>
+
+<p>"Go along with you!" said Anastasie. "That is a
+joke!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, but really," cried Rigolette, "I am not joking;
+it is as true as&mdash;as&mdash;that I am married to my dear
+Germain."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Goodness gracious me!" exclaimed Anastasie. "My
+king of lodgers a royal highness! Oh, dear, here's a
+pretty go! And I asked him to mind the lodge for me.
+Oh, pardon! Pardon! Pardon!" And then, carried
+away by the excess of her reverence and regret for
+having so undervalued a prince, though a disguised one,
+Madame Pipelet placed her cap on her head, as though
+she imagined herself in the presence of royalty.</p>
+
+<p>Alfred, on the contrary, manifested his respect for
+royalty in a manner diametrically the reverse of the
+form adopted by his wife. Snatching off his hat,
+that hat which had never before been seen to quit his
+head, he commenced bowing to empty space, as though
+standing in the presence of the august personage he
+apostrophised, while he exclaimed, "Have I, then, been
+honoured by a visit from royalty? Has my poor lodge
+been so far favoured? And to think of his illustrious
+eyes having seen me in my bed, when driven thither by
+the vile conduct of Cabrion!"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Madame Georges, turning around,
+cried out:</p>
+
+<p>"My children, the doctor comes."</p>
+
+<p>Doctor Herbin, the individual alluded to, was a man
+of about the middle age, with a countenance expressive
+of great kindness and benevolence, united to extreme
+skill and penetration in discovering the extent of malady
+with which his unfortunate patients were affected. His
+voice, naturally harmonious, assumed a tone of gentle
+suavity when he spoke to the poor lunatics; who, however
+bereft of reason, seemed always to listen with peculiar
+delight to his soft, soothing words, which frequently
+had the effect of subduing the invariable irritability attendant
+on this fearful complaint. M. Herbin had been
+among the first to substitute, in his treatment of madness,
+sympathy and commiseration for the frightful remedies
+ordinarily employed. He abandoned the coercive system,
+so repugnant to every principle of humanity, for kind<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>
+words, conciliating looks, and a ready attention to every
+request that could reasonably be granted. He banished
+chains, whips, drenching with cold water, and even
+solitary confinement, except in cases of urgent
+necessity.</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur," said Madame Georges, addressing the
+doctor, "I have ventured hither with my son and
+daughter, although personally unknown to M. Morel;
+but my interest in his unfortunate state made me desirous
+of witnessing the experiment you are about to make
+to restore his reason. You have every hope of succeeding,
+have you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly reckon much, madame, on the good
+effects likely to be produced by the sight of his daughter
+and the persons he has been in the constant habit of
+seeing."</p>
+
+<p>"When my husband was arrested," said Morel's wife,
+pointing to Rigolette, "our kind young friend here was
+nursing me and my children."</p>
+
+<p>"And my father knew M. Germain quite well," said
+Louise; then directing the attention of M. Herbin to
+Alfred and Anastasie, she added, "Monsieur and madame
+here were porters at the house, and assisted our family
+to the utmost of their ability."</p>
+
+<p>"I am greatly obliged to you, my worthy friend," said
+the doctor, addressing Alfred, "for quitting your occupation
+to come hither; but I see by your amiable countenance
+that you have cheerfully sacrificed your time to
+visit your poor lodger here."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir-r!" replied Pipelet, gravely bowing. "Men
+should help each other in this sublunary world, and
+remember that all are brothers; added to which your
+unfortunate patient was the very cream and essence of
+an honest man, and therefore do I respect him."</p>
+
+<p>"If you are not afraid, madame," said Doctor Herbin
+to Madame Georges, "of the sight of the poor creatures
+here, we will cross some of the yards leading to that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>
+part of the building where I have deemed it advisable to
+remove Morel, instead of allowing him to accompany the
+others to the farm as usual."</p>
+
+<p>"The farm!" exclaimed Madame Georges. "Have
+you a farm here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your surprise is perfectly natural, madame. Yes,
+we have a farm, the produce of which is most serviceable
+to the establishment, although entirely worked by the
+patients."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible? Can you make these lunatics work,
+and allow them to be at liberty while they do so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly; exercise, the calm tranquillity of the
+fields, with the aspect of nature, are among our most
+certain means of cure. Only one keeper goes with them,
+and we have rarely had an instance of any patient endeavouring
+to get away; they are delighted to be
+employed, and the trifling reward they gain serves
+still to improve their condition, by enabling them to
+purchase different little indulgences. But we have
+reached the gate conducting to one of these courts."
+Then perceiving a slight appearance of alarm on the
+countenance of Madame Georges, the doctor added, "Lay
+aside all apprehension, madame; in a very few minutes
+you will feel as tranquil as I do myself."</p>
+
+<p>"I follow you, sir. Come, my children."</p>
+
+<p>"Anastasie," whispered Pipelet, "when I think that,
+had the persecutions of that odious Cabrion continued,
+your poor dear Alfred might have become mad, like the
+unhappy wretches we are about to behold, clad in the
+most wild and singular state, chained up by the middle,
+or confined in dens like the wild beasts in the 'Jardin
+des Plantes&mdash;'"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, bless your dear old heart, don't talk of such
+a thing! La! I've heard say that them as has gone
+mad for love are for all the world like born devils
+directly they see a woman; dashing against the bars
+of their dens, and making all sorts of horrid noises, till<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>
+the keepers are forced to flog them till they drop, or else
+turn great taps of water on their heads before they can
+quiet them."</p>
+
+<p>"Anastasie," rejoined Pipelet, gravely, "I desire you
+will not go too close to these dreadful creatures, an
+accident so soon happens."</p>
+
+<p>"Besides," answered Anastasie, with a tone of sentimental
+melancholy, "poor things, I have no business to
+show myself just for the sake of tantalising them. 'Tis
+woman's beauty and fascination reduces them to this
+horrid state. I declare I feel a cold shudder creep over
+me as I reflect that, perhaps, if I had refused to make
+you a happy man, Alfred, you might at this very minute
+be raving mad for love, and shut up in one of these
+dens, roaring out the moment you caught sight of a
+woman; while as it is, my poor old duck is glad to get
+out of the way of the naughty females that will be trying
+to make him notice them."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tis true, my modesty is easily alarmed. But, Anastasie,
+the door opens, I tremble with dread of what we
+are about to witness; no doubt the most hideous looking
+people, and all sorts of dreadful noises, rattling of chains,
+and grinding of teeth."</p>
+
+<p>The door being opened admitted them into a long
+courtyard, planted with rows of trees, under which
+benches were placed. On each side was a well-constructed
+and spacious portico, or covered stone terrace,
+with which a range of large, airy cells communicated.
+A number of men, all alike clad in a gray dress, were
+walking, talking, or conversing in this pleasant retreat,
+while others were seated on the benches, enjoying the
+refreshing shade and fresh open air.</p>
+
+<p>At the sight of Doctor Herbin a number of the unfortunate
+lunatics pressed around him, with every manifestation
+of joy and delight, extending to him their hands
+with an expression of grateful confidence, to which he
+cordially responded, by saying:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Good day&mdash;good day, my worthy fellows! I am
+glad to see you all so well and happy."</p>
+
+<p>Some of the poor lunatics, too far from the doctor to
+be able to seize his hand, ventured, with a sort of timid
+hesitation, to offer theirs to the persons who were with
+him.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, friends," said Germain, shaking
+hands in a manner so cordial as to fill the unfortunate
+beings with happiness.</p>
+
+<p>"Are these the mad patients?" inquired Madame
+Georges.</p>
+
+<p>"Nearly the worst belonging to the establishment,"
+answered the doctor, smiling; "they are permitted to
+be together during the day, but at night they are locked
+up in the cells you see there."</p>
+
+<p>"Can it be possible that these men are really mad!
+But when are they violent?"</p>
+
+<p>"Generally at the first outbreak of their malady, when
+they are brought here. After a short time the soothing
+treatment they experience, with the society of their companions,
+calms and amuses them, so that their paroxysms
+become milder and less frequent, until at length, by the
+blessing of God, they recover their senses."</p>
+
+<p>"What are those individuals talking so earnestly
+about?" inquired Madame Georges. "One of them
+seems referring to a blind man, who, in addition to
+the loss of sight, seems likewise deprived of speech
+and reason. Have you such a one among your patients,
+or is the existence of this person but a mere coinage of
+the brain?"</p>
+
+<p>"Unhappily, madame, it is a fact but too true, and
+the history connected with it is a most singular one.
+The blind man concerning whom you inquire was found
+in a low haunt in the Champs Elysées, in which a gang
+of robbers and murderers of the worst description were
+apprehended; this wretched object was discovered,
+chained in the midst of an underground cave, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>
+beside him lay stretched the dead body of a woman,
+so horribly mutilated that it was wholly impossible
+to attempt to identify it. The man himself was hideously
+ugly, his features being quite destroyed by the
+application of vitriol. He has never uttered a single
+word since he came hither; whether his dumbness be
+real or affected I know not, for, strange to say, his paroxysms
+always occur during the night, and when I am
+absent, so as to baffle all conjecture as to his real situation;
+but his madness seems occasioned by violent rage,
+the cause of which we cannot find out, for, as I before
+observed, he never speaks or utters an articulate sound.
+But here he is."</p>
+
+<p>The whole of the party accompanying the doctor
+started with horror at the sight of the Schoolmaster,
+for he it was, who merely feigned being dumb and mad
+to procure his own safety. The dead body found beside
+him was that of the Chouette, whom he had murdered,
+not during a paroxysm of madness, but while under the
+influence of such a burning fever of the brain as had
+produced the fearful dream he had dreamed the night he
+passed at the farm of Bouqueval.</p>
+
+<p>After his apprehension in the vaults of the tavern in
+the Champs Elysées, the Schoolmaster had awakened
+from his delirium to find himself a prisoner in one of
+the cells of the Conciergerie, where mad persons are
+temporarily placed under restraint. Hearing all about
+him speak of him as a raving and dangerous lunatic, he
+resolved to continue to enact the part, and even feigned
+absolute dumbness for the purpose of avoiding the chance
+of any questions being attempted to be put to him.</p>
+
+<p>His scheme succeeded. When removed to Bicêtre he
+affected occasional fits of furious madness, taking care always
+to select the night for these outrageous bursts, the
+better to escape the vigilant eye of the head surgeon; the
+house doctor, hastily summoned, never arriving in time
+to witness either the beginning or ending of these attacks.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The few of his accomplices who knew either his name,
+or the fact of his having escaped from the galleys at
+Rochefort, were ignorant of what had become of him;
+and even if they did, what interest could they have in
+denouncing him? Neither would it have been possible
+to establish his identity&mdash;burnt and mutilated as he
+was&mdash;with the daring felon of Rochefort. He hoped,
+therefore, by continuing to act the part of a madman, to
+be permitted to abide permanently at Bicêtre; such was
+now the only desire of the wretch, unable longer to
+indulge his appetite for sinful and violent deeds.</p>
+
+<p>During the solitude in which he lived in Bras Rouge's
+cellar, remorse gradually insinuated itself into his strong
+heart; and, cut off from all communication with the
+outer world, his thoughts fled inwards, and presented
+him with ghastly images of those he had destroyed, till
+his brain burned with its own excited torture.</p>
+
+<p>And thus this miserable creature, still in the full
+vigour and strength of manhood, before whom were,
+doubtless, long years of life, and enjoying the undisturbed
+possession of his reason, was condemned to linger out
+the remainder of his days as a self-imposed mute, and
+in the company of fools and madmen; or if his imposition
+was discovered, his murderous deeds would conduct
+him to a scaffold, or condemn him to perpetual banishment
+among a set of villains, for whom his newly
+awakened penitence made him feel the utmost horror.</p>
+
+<p>The Schoolmaster was sitting on a bench; a mass of
+grizzled, tangled locks hung around his huge and hideous
+head; leaning his elbow on his knee, he supported his
+cheek in his hand. Spite of his sightless eyes and mutilated
+features, the revolting countenance still expressed
+the most bitter and overwhelming despair.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear mother," observed Germain, "what a wretched
+looking object is this unfortunate blind man!"</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 328px;"><a name="image172" id="image172"></a>
+<img src="images/i176.jpg" width="328" height="500" alt="&quot;The Schoolmaster Was Sitting on a Bench&quot;
+Original Etching by Porteau" title="&quot;The Schoolmaster Was Sitting on a Bench&quot;
+Original Etching by Porteau" />
+<span class="caption">&quot;<i>The Schoolmaster Was Sitting on a Bench</i>&quot;<br />
+<span class="artist">Original Etching by Porteau</span></span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, my son!" answered Madame Georges; "it
+makes one's heart ache to behold a fellow creature so
+heavily afflicted. I know not when anything has so completely
+shocked me as the sight of this deplorable being."</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had Madame Georges given utterance to
+these words than the Schoolmaster started, and his
+countenance, even despite its cicatrised and disfigured
+state, became of an ashy paleness. He rose and turned
+his head in the direction of Madame Georges so suddenly
+that she could not refrain from faintly screaming, though
+wholly unsuspicious of who the frightful creature really
+was; but the Schoolmaster's ear had readily detected
+the voice of his wife, and her words told him she was
+addressing her son.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother!" inquired Germain, "what ails you? Are
+you ill?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, my son; but the sudden movement made
+by that man terrified me. Indeed, sir," continued she,
+addressing the doctor, "I begin to feel sorry I allowed
+my curiosity to bring me hither."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, dear mother, just for once to see such a place
+cannot hurt you!"</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you what, Germain," interposed Rigolette, "I
+don't feel very comfortable myself; and I promise you
+neither your mother nor I will desire to come here again&mdash;it
+is too affecting!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nonsense! You are a little coward! Is she not, M.
+le Docteur?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, really," answered M. Herbin, "I must confess
+that the sight of this blind lunatic affects even me, who
+am accustomed to such things."</p>
+
+<p>"What a scarecrow, old ducky! Isn't he?" whispered
+Anastasie; "but, la! to my eyes every man looks
+as hideous as this dreadful blind creature in comparison
+with you, and that is why no one can ever boast of my
+having granted him the least liberty,&mdash;don't you see,
+Alfred?"</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you what, Anastasie," replied Pipelet, "I shall
+dream of this frightful figure. I know he will give me<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>
+an attack of nightmare. I won't eat tripe for supper
+till I have quite forgot him."</p>
+
+<p>"And how do you find yourself now, friend?" asked
+the doctor of the Schoolmaster; but he asked in vain,
+no attempt was made to reply. "Come, come!" continued
+the doctor, tapping him lightly on the shoulder, "I
+am sure you hear what I say; try to make me a sign at
+least, or speak,&mdash;something tells me you can if you
+will!"</p>
+
+<p>But the only answer made to this address was by the
+Schoolmaster suddenly drooping his head, while from
+the sightless eyes rolled a tear.</p>
+
+<p>"He weeps!" exclaimed the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor creature!" murmured Germain, in a compassionate
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>The Schoolmaster shuddered; again he heard the
+voice of his son, breathing forth commiseration for his
+wretched, though unknown parent.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" inquired the doctor; "what
+is it grieves you?"</p>
+
+<p>But, without taking any notice of him, the Schoolmaster
+hid his face with his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall make nothing of him," said the doctor.
+Then, perceiving how painfully this scene appeared to
+affect Madame Georges, he added, "Now, then, madame,
+we will go to Morel, and, if my expectations are fulfilled,
+you will be amply rewarded for the pain you have felt
+hitherto, in witnessing the joy of so good a husband and
+father in being restored to his family."</p>
+
+<p>With these words the doctor, followed by the party
+that had accompanied him, proceeded on his way, leaving
+the Schoolmaster a prey to his own distracting thoughts,
+the most bitter of which was the certainty of having
+heard his son's voice, and that of his wife, for the last
+time. Aware of the just horror with which he inspired
+them, the misery, shame, and affright with which they
+would have heard the disclosure of his name made him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>
+prefer a thousand deaths to such a revelation. One only,
+but great, consolation remained in the certainty of having
+awakened the pity of his son; and, with this thought to
+comfort him, the miserable being determined to endure
+his sufferings with repentance and submission.</p>
+
+<p>"We are now about to pass by the yard appropriated
+to the use of the idiot patients," said the doctor, stopping
+before a large grated door, through which the poor idiotic
+beings might be seen huddled together, with every
+appearance of the most distressing imbecility.</p>
+
+<p>Spite of Madame Georges's recent agitation, she could
+not refrain from casting a glance through the railing.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor creatures!" said she, in a gentle, pitying voice;
+"how dreadful to think their sufferings are hopeless!
+for I presume there is no remedy for such an affliction
+as theirs?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, none, madame!" replied the doctor. "But I
+must not allow you to dwell too long on this mournful
+picture of human misery. We have now arrived at the
+place where I expect to find Morel, whom I desired
+should be left entirely alone, in order to produce a more
+startling effect in the little project on which I build my
+hopes for his restoration to reason."</p>
+
+<p>"What idea principally occupies his mind?" asked
+Madame Georges.</p>
+
+<p>"He believes that if he cannot earn thirteen hundred
+francs by his day's work, in order to pay off a debt
+contracted with one Ferrand, a notary, his daughter will
+perish on a scaffold."</p>
+
+<p>"That man Ferrand was, indeed, a monster!" exclaimed
+Madame Georges; "poor Louise Morel and her
+father were not the only victims to his villainy, he has
+persecuted my son with the bitterest animosity."</p>
+
+<p>"I have heard the whole story from Louise," replied
+the doctor. "Happily the wretch can no more wring
+your hearts with agony. But be so good as to await me
+here while I go to ascertain the state of Morel." Then,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>
+addressing Louise, he added, "You must carefully watch
+for my calling out 'Come!' Appear instantly; but let
+it be alone. When I call out 'Come!' for the second
+time, the rest of the party may make their appearance."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, sir, my heart begins to fail me!" replied
+Louise, endeavouring to suppress her tears. "My poor
+father! What if the present trial fail!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, nay, keep up your courage! I am most sanguine
+of success in the scheme I have long meditated for
+the restoration of your father's reason. Now, then, all
+you have to do for the present is carefully to attend to
+my directions." So saying, the doctor, quitting his party,
+entered a small chamber, whose grated window looked
+into the garden.</p>
+
+<p>Thanks to rest, care, sufficiency of nourishing diet,
+Morel was no longer the pale, careworn, haggard creature
+that had entered those walls; the tinge of health
+began to colour his before jaundiced cheek, but a melancholy
+smile, a fixed, motionless gaze, as though on some
+object for ever present to his mental view, proved too
+plainly that Reason had not entirely resumed her empire
+over him.</p>
+
+<p>When the doctor entered, Morel was sitting at a table,
+imitating the movements of a lapidary at his wheel.</p>
+
+<p>"I must work," murmured he, "and hard, too.
+Thirteen hundred francs! Ay, thirteen hundred is
+the sum required, or poor Louise will be dragged to a
+scaffold! That must not be! No, no, her father
+will work&mdash;work&mdash;work! Thirteen hundred francs!
+Right!"</p>
+
+<p>"Morel, my good fellow," said the doctor, gently advancing
+towards him, "don't work so very hard; there
+is no occasion now, you know that you have earned the
+thirteen hundred francs you required to free Louise.
+See, here they are!" and with these words the doctor
+laid a handful of gold on the table.</p>
+
+<p>"Saved! Louise saved!" exclaimed the lapidary,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>
+catching up the money, and hurrying towards the
+door; "then I will carry it at once to the notary."</p>
+
+<p>"Come!" called out the doctor, in considerable trepidation,
+for well he knew the success of his experiment
+depended on the manner in which the mind of the
+lapidary received its first shock.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had the doctor pronounced the signal than
+Louise sprang forwards, and presented herself at the
+door just as her father reached it. Bewildered and
+amazed, Morel let fall the gold he clutched in his hands,
+and retreated in visible surprise. For some minutes he
+continued gazing on his daughter with a stupefied and
+vacant stare, but by degrees his memory seemed to
+awaken, and, cautiously approaching her, he examined
+her features with a timid and restless curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>Poor Louise, trembling with emotion, could scarcely
+restrain her tears; but a sign from the doctor made her
+exert herself to repress any manifestation of feeling
+calculated to disturb the progress of her parent's
+thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Morel, bending over his daughter, and
+peering, with uneasy scrutiny, into her countenance,
+became very pale, pressed his hands to his brows, and
+then wiped away the large damp drops that had
+gathered there. Drawing closer and closer to the
+agitated girl, he strove to speak to her, but the
+words expired on his lips. His paleness increased,
+and he gazed around him with the bewildered air of
+a person awakening from a troubled dream.</p>
+
+<p>"Good, good!" whispered the doctor to Louise; "now,
+when I say 'Come,' throw yourself into his arms and
+call him 'father!'"</p>
+
+<p>The lapidary, pressing his two hands on his breast,
+again commenced examining the individual before him
+from head to foot, as if determined to satisfy his mind as
+to her identity. His features expressed a painful uncertainty,
+and, instead of continuing to watch the features of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>
+his daughter, he seemed as if trying to hide himself from
+her sight, saying, in a low, murmuring, broken tone:</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! It is a dream! Where am I? It is impossible!
+I dream,&mdash;it cannot be she!" Then, observing
+the gold strewed on the floor, he cried, "And this
+gold! I do not remember,&mdash;am I then awake? Oh,
+my head is dizzy! I dare not look,&mdash;I am ashamed!
+She is not my Louise!"</p>
+
+<p>"Come!" cried the doctor, in a loud voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Father! Dearest father!" exclaimed Louise. "Do
+you not know your child,&mdash;your poor Louise?" And
+as she said these words she threw herself on the lapidary's
+neck, while the doctor motioned for the rest of
+the group to advance.</p>
+
+<p>"Gracious heavens!" exclaimed Morel, while Louise
+loaded him with caresses. "Where am I? What has
+happened to me? Who are all these persons? Oh, I
+cannot&mdash;dare not believe the reality of what I see!"</p>
+
+<p>Then, after a short silence, he abruptly took the head
+of Louise between his two hands, gazed earnestly and
+searchingly at her for some moments, then cried, in a
+voice tremulous with emotion, "Louise?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is saved!" said the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Morel,&mdash;my dear husband!" exclaimed
+the lapidary's wife, mingling her caresses with those
+of her daughter.</p>
+
+<p>"My wife! My child and wife both here!" cried
+Morel.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray don't overlook the rest of your friends, M.
+Morel," said Rigolette, advancing; "see, we have all
+come to visit you at once!"</p>
+
+<p>"I for one am delighted to renew my acquaintance
+with the worthy M. Morel," said Germain, coming
+forward and extending his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"And your old acquaintances at the lodge beg that
+they may not be overlooked," chimed in Anastasie, leading
+Alfred up to the astonished and delighted lapidary.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>
+"You know us, don't you, M. Morel,&mdash;the Pipelets&mdash;the
+hearty old Pipelets, and your everlasting friends?
+Come, pluck up courage, and look about you, M. Morel!
+Hang it all, Daddy Morel, here's a happy meeting! May
+we see many such! <i>Ail-l-l-l-ez donc!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"M. Pipelet and his wife! Everybody here! It seems
+to me so long since&mdash;but&mdash;but no matter&mdash;'tis you,
+Louise, my child&mdash;'tis you, is it not?" exclaimed he,
+joyfully pressing his daughter in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, my dearest father, 'tis your own poor
+Louise! And there is my mother; here are all our
+kind friends. You will never quit us more, never
+know sorrow or care again, and henceforward we shall
+all be happy and prosperous!"</p>
+
+<p>"Happy? Let me try and recollect a little of past
+things. I seem to have a faint recollection of your
+being taken to prison&mdash;and&mdash;and then, Louise, all
+seems a blank and confusion here," continued Morel,
+pressing his hand to his temples.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind all that, dearest father! I am here and
+innocent,&mdash;let that comfort and console you."</p>
+
+<p>"Stay, stay! That note of hand I gave! Ah, now
+I remember it all!" cried the lapidary, with shuddering
+horror. Then, in a voice of assumed calmness, he said,
+"And what has become of the notary?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is dead, dearest father," murmured Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"Dead? He dead? Then indeed I may hope for
+happiness! But where am I? How came I here?
+How long have I left my home, and wherefore was I
+brought hither? I have no recollection of any of these
+things!"</p>
+
+<p>"You were extremely ill," said the doctor, "and you
+were brought here for air and good nursing. You have
+had a severe fever, and been at times a little lightheaded."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, I recollect now; and when I was taken
+ill I remember I was talking with my daughter, and some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>
+other person,&mdash;who could it be? Ah, now I know!&mdash;a
+kind, good man, named M. Rodolph, who saved me
+from being arrested. Afterwards, strange to say, I
+cannot recall a single circumstance."</p>
+
+<p>"Your illness was attended with an entire absence of
+memory," said the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"And in whose house am I now?"</p>
+
+<p>"In that of your friend, M. Rodolph," interposed
+Germain, hastily; "it was thought that country air
+would be serviceable to you, and promote your recovery."</p>
+
+<p>"Excellent!" said the doctor, in a low tone; then
+speaking to a keeper who stood near him, he said, "Send
+the coach around to the garden-gate to prevent the necessity
+of taking our recovered patient through the different
+courts, filled with those less fortunate than himself."</p>
+
+<p>As frequently occurs in cases of madness, Morel had
+not the least idea or recollection of the aberration of
+intellect under which he had suffered.</p>
+
+<p>Shortly afterwards, Morel, with his wife and daughter,
+ascended the <i>fiacre</i>, attended also by a surgeon of the
+establishment, who, for precaution's sake, was charged
+to see him comfortably settled in his abode ere he left
+him; and in this order, and followed by a second carriage,
+conveying their friends, the lapidary quitted
+Bicêtre without entertaining the most remote suspicion
+of ever having entered it.</p>
+
+<p>"And do you consider this poor man effectually
+cured?" asked Madame Georges of the doctor, as he
+led her to the coach.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, at least; and I wished to leave him wholly
+to the beneficial effects of rejoining his family, from
+whom it would now be almost dangerous to attempt to
+separate him; added to which, one of my pupils will remain
+with him and give the necessary directions for his
+regimen and treatment. I shall visit him myself daily,
+until his cure is confirmed, for not only do I feel much
+interested in him, but he was most particularly recommended<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>
+to me when he first came here by the <i>chargé
+d'affaires</i> of the Grand Duke of Gerolstein."</p>
+
+<p>A look of intelligence was exchanged between Germain
+and his mother.</p>
+
+<p>Much affected with all they had seen and heard, the
+party now took leave of the doctor, reiterating their
+gratification at having been present during so gratifying
+a scene, and their grateful acknowledgments for the
+politeness he had shown them in conducting them over
+the establishment.</p>
+
+<p>As the doctor was reëntering the house, he was met
+by one of the superior officers of the place, who said to
+him,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, my dear M. Herbin, you cannot imagine the
+scene I have just witnessed; it would have afforded an
+inexhaustible fund of reflection for so skilful an observer
+as yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"To what do you allude?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are aware that we have here two females, a
+mother and a daughter, who are condemned to death,
+and that their execution is fixed for to-morrow. Well,
+in my life, I never witnessed such a cool indifference as
+that displayed by the mother; she must be a female
+fiend!"</p>
+
+<p>"You allude to the Widow Martial, I presume; what
+fresh act of daring has she committed?"</p>
+
+<p>"You shall hear. She had requested permission to
+share her daughter's cell until the final moment arrived;
+her wish was complied with. Her daughter, far less
+hardened than her parent, appeared to feel contrition as
+the hour of execution approached, while the diabolical
+assurance of the old woman seemed, if possible, to augment.
+Just now the venerable chaplain of the prison
+entered their dungeon to offer to them the consolations
+of religion. The daughter was about to accept them,
+when the mother, without for one instant losing her coolness
+or frigid self-possession, began to assail the chaplain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>
+with such insulting and derisive language that the venerable
+priest was compelled to quit the cell, after trying
+in vain to induce the violent and unmanageable woman
+to listen to one word he said.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a fearful fact connected with this family that
+a sort of depravity seems to pervade it. The father was
+executed, a son is now in the galleys, a second has only
+escaped a public and disgraceful end by flight; while
+the eldest son and two young children have alone been
+able to resist this atmosphere of moral contagion.</p>
+
+<p>"What a singular circumstance connected with this
+double execution it is that the day of mid-Lent should
+have been selected. At seven o'clock to-morrow, the
+hour fixed, the streets will be filled with groups of masqueraders,
+who, having passed the night at the different
+balls and places of entertainment beyond the barriers,
+will be just returning home; added to which, at the
+place of execution, the Barrière St. Jacques, the noise
+of the revels still being kept up in honour of the carnival
+can be distinctly heard."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>The following morning's sun rose bright and cloudless.
+At four o'clock in the morning various troops of
+soldiers surrounded the approaches to Bicêtre.</p>
+
+<p>We shall now return to Calabash and her mother in
+their dungeon.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p>
+<h3>CHAPTER IX.</h3>
+
+<h5>THE TOILET.</h5>
+
+
+<p>The condemned cell of Bicêtre was situated at the end
+of a gloomy passage, into which a trifling portion of
+light and air was admitted by means of small gratings
+let into the lower part of the wall. The cell itself would
+have been wholly dark but for a kind of wicket, let into
+the upper part of the door, which opened into the corridor
+before mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>In this wretched dungeon, whose crumbling ceiling,
+damp, mouldy walls, and stone-paved floor struck a death-chill
+like that of the grave, were confined the Widow
+Martial, and her daughter Calabash.</p>
+
+<p>The harsh, angular features of the widow stood out
+amidst the imperfect light of the place, cold, pale, and
+immovable as those of a marble statue. Deprived of
+the use of her hands, which were fastened beneath her
+black dress by the strait-waistcoat of the prison, formed
+of coarse gray cloth and tightly secured behind her, she
+requested her cap might be taken off, complaining of an
+oppression and burning sensation in her head; this done,
+a mass of long, grizzled hair fell over her shoulders.</p>
+
+<p>Seated at the side of her bed, she gazed earnestly and
+fixedly at her daughter, who was separated from her by
+the width of the dungeon, and, wearing like her mother
+the customary strait-waistcoat, was partly reclining and
+partly supporting herself against the wall, her head bent
+forward on her breast, her eye dull and motionless, and
+her breathing quick and irregular. From time to time<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>
+a convulsive tremor rattled her lower jaw, while her
+features, spite of their livid hue, remained comparatively
+calm and tranquil.</p>
+
+<p>Within the cell, and immediately beneath the wicket
+of the entrance door, was seated an old, gray-headed
+soldier, whose rough, sunburnt features betokened his
+having felt the scorch of many climes, and borne his part
+in numerous campaigns. His duty was to keep constant
+watch over the condemned prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>"How piercing cold it is here!" exclaimed Calabash;
+"yet my eyes burn in my head, and I have a burning,
+quenchless thirst!" Then addressing the bald-headed
+veteran, she said, "Water! Pray give me a drink of
+water!"</p>
+
+<p>The old soldier filled a cup of water from a pitcher
+placed near him, and held it to her lips. Eagerly swallowing
+the draught, she bowed her head in token of thankfulness,
+and the soldier proceeded to offer the same
+beverage to the mother.</p>
+
+<p>"Would you not like to moisten your lips?" asked he,
+kindly.</p>
+
+<p>With a rough, repulsive gesture, she intimated her
+disinclination, and the old man sat down again.</p>
+
+<p>"What's o'clock?" inquired Calabash.</p>
+
+<p>"Nearly half past four," replied the soldier.</p>
+
+<p>"Only three hours!" replied Calabash, with a sinister
+and gloomy smile. "Three hours more! And then&mdash;"
+She could proceed no further.</p>
+
+<p>The widow shrugged up her shoulders. Her daughter
+divined her meaning, and said, "Ah, mother, you have
+so much more courage than I have,&mdash;you never give
+way, you don't."</p>
+
+<p>"Never!"</p>
+
+<p>"I see it, and I know you too well to expect it. You
+look at this moment as calm and collected as if we were
+sitting sewing by our own fireside. Ah! those happy
+days are gone,&mdash;gone forever!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Folly! Why prate thus?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, mother, I cannot bear to rest shut up with my
+own wretched thoughts! It relieves my heart to talk
+of bygone times, when I little expected to come to this."</p>
+
+<p>"Mean, cowardly creature!"</p>
+
+<p>"I know I am a coward, mother. I am afraid to die!
+Every one cannot boast of your resolution. I do not
+possess it. I have tried as much as I could to imitate
+you. I refused to listen to the priest because you did
+not like it. Still I may have been wrong in sending the
+holy man away; for," added the wretched creature, with
+a shudder, "who can tell what is after death? Mother,
+do you hear me? After, I say! And it only wants&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Exactly three hours, and you will know all about
+it!"</p>
+
+<p>"How can you speak so indifferently on such a dreadful
+subject? Yet true enough; in three short hours, we
+who now sit talking to each other, who, if at liberty,
+should ail nothing, but be ready to enjoy life, must die.
+Oh, mother, can you not say one word to comfort me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Be bold, girl, and die as you have lived, a true
+Martial!"</p>
+
+<p>"You should not talk thus to your daughter," interposed
+the old soldier, with a serious air; "you would
+have acted more like a parent had you allowed her to
+listen to the priest when he came."</p>
+
+<p>Again the widow contemptuously shrugged her
+shoulders, and, without deigning to notice the soldier
+further than by bestowing on him a look of withering
+contempt, she repeated to Calabash:</p>
+
+<p>"Pluck up your courage, my girl, and let the world
+see that women have more courage than men, with their
+priests and cowardly nonsense!"</p>
+
+<p>"General Leblond was one of the bravest officers of
+the regiment he belonged to. Well, this dauntless man
+fell at the siege of Saragossa, covered with wounds, and
+his last expiring act was to sign himself with the cross,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>
+said the veteran. "I served under him. I only tell
+you this to prove that to die with a prayer on our lips is
+no sign of cowardice!"</p>
+
+<p>Calabash eyed the bronzed features of the speaker
+with deep attention. The scarred and weather-beaten
+countenance of the old man told of a life passed in
+scenes of danger and of death, encountered with calm
+bravery. To hear those wrinkled lips urging the necessity
+of prayer, and associating religion with the memory
+of the good and valiant, made the miserable, vacillating
+culprit think that, after all, there could be no cowardice
+in recommending one's soul to the God who gave it, and
+breathing a repentant supplication for the past.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, alas!" cried she. "Why did I not attend to
+what the priest had to say to me? It could not have
+done me any harm, and it might have given me courage
+to face that dreadful afterwards, that makes death so
+terrible."</p>
+
+<p>"What! Again?" exclaimed the widow, with bitter
+contempt. "'Tis a pity time does not permit of your
+becoming a nun! The arrival of your brother Martial
+will complete your conversion; but that honest man and
+excellent son will think it sinful to come and receive the
+last wishes of his dying mother!"</p>
+
+<p>As the widow uttered these last words, the huge lock of
+the prison was heard to turn with a loud sound, and then
+the door to open.</p>
+
+<p>"So soon!" shrieked Calabash, with a convulsive
+bound. "Surely the time here is wrong,&mdash;it cannot
+be the hour we were told! Oh, mother! Mother!
+Must we die at least two hours before we expected?"</p>
+
+<p>"So much the better if the executioner's watch deceives
+me! It will put an end to your whining folly,
+which disgraces the name you bear!"</p>
+
+<p>"Madame," said an officer of the prison, gently
+opening the door, "your son is here,&mdash;will you see
+him?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied the widow, without turning her head.</p>
+
+<p>Martial entered the cell, the door of which was left
+open that those without in the corridor might be
+within hearing, if summoned by the old soldier, who
+still remained with the prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>Through the gloom of the corridor, lighted only by
+the faint beams of the early morning, and the dubious
+twinkling of a single lamp, several soldiers and gaolers
+might be seen, the former standing in due military
+order, the later sitting on benches.</p>
+
+<p>Martial looked as pale and ghastly as his mother,
+while his features betrayed the mental agony he suffered
+at witnessing so afflicting a sight. Still, spite of
+all it cost him, as well as the recollection of his mother's
+crimes and openly expressed aversion for himself, he had
+felt it imperatively his duty to come and receive her last
+commands. No sooner was he in the dungeon than the
+widow, fixing on him a sharp, penetrating look, said, in
+a tone of concentrated wrath and bitterness, with a view
+to rouse all the evil passions of her son's mind:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see what the good people are going to do
+with your mother and sister!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, mother, how dreadful! Alas, alas! Have I
+not warned you that such would be the end&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Interrupting him, while her lips became blanched with
+rage, the widow exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Enough! 'Tis sufficient that your mother and sister
+are about to be murdered, as your father was!"</p>
+
+<p>"Merciful God!" cried Martial. "And to think that
+I have no power to prevent it! 'Tis past all human
+interference. What would you have me do? Alas!
+Had you or my sister attended to what I said, you
+would not now have been here."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no doubt!" returned the widow, with her usual
+tone of savage irony. "To you the spectacle of mine
+and your sister's sufferings is a matter of delight to your
+proud heart; you can now tell the world without a lie<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>
+that your mother is dead,&mdash;you will have to blush for
+her no more!"</p>
+
+<p>"Had I been wanting in my duty as a son," answered
+Martial, indignant at the unjust sarcasms of his mother,
+"I should not now be here."</p>
+
+<p>"You came but from curiosity! Own the truth if you
+dare!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, mother! You desired to see me, and I obeyed
+your wish."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Martial," cried Calabash, unable longer to
+struggle against the agonising terror she endured,
+"had I but listened to your advice, instead of being
+led by my mother, I should not be here!" Then losing
+all further control of herself, she exclaimed, "'Tis all
+your fault, accursed mother! Your bad example and
+evil counsel have brought me to what I am!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you hear her?" said the widow, bursting into a
+fiendish laugh. "Come, this will repay you for the
+trouble of paying us a last visit! Your excellent sister
+has turned pious, repents of her own sins, and curses her
+mother!"</p>
+
+<p>Without making any reply to this unnatural speech,
+Martial approached Calabash, whose dying agonies seemed
+to have commenced, and, regarding her with deep compassion,
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"My poor sister! Alas, it is now too late to recall
+the past!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is never too late to turn coward, it seems!" cried
+the widow, with savage excitement. "Oh, what a race
+you are! Happily Nicholas has escaped; François and
+Amandine will slip through your fingers; they have
+already imbibed vice enough, and want and misery will
+finish them!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Martial," groaned forth Calabash, "for the love
+of God, take care of those two poor children, lest they
+come to such an end as mother's and mine!"</p>
+
+<p>"He may watch over them as much as he likes," cried<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>
+the widow, with settled hatred in her looks, "vice and
+destitution will have greater effect than his words, and
+some of these days they will avenge their father, mother,
+and sister!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your horrible expectations, mother, will never be
+fulfilled," replied the indignant Martial; "neither my
+young brother, sister, nor self have anything to fear
+from want. La Louve saved the life of the young girl
+Nicholas tried to drown, and the relations of the young
+person offered us either a large sum of money or a
+smaller sum and some land at Algiers; we preferred the
+latter, and to-morrow we quit Europe, with the children,
+for ever."</p>
+
+<p>"Is that absolutely true?" asked the widow of
+Martial, in a tone of angry surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, when did I ever tell you a falsehood?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are doing so now to try and put me into a
+passion!"</p>
+
+<p>"What, displeased to learn that your children are
+provided for?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, to find that my young wolves are to be turned
+into lambs, and to hear that the blood of father, mother,
+and sister have no prospect of being avenged!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do not talk so&mdash;at a moment like this!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have murdered, and am murdered in my turn,&mdash;the
+account is even, at any rate."</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, mother, let me beseech you to repent ere
+you die!"</p>
+
+<p>Again a peal of fiendish laughter burst from the
+pallid lips of the condemned woman.</p>
+
+<p>"For thirty years," cried she, "have I lived in crime;
+would you have me believe that thirty years' guilt is to
+be repented of in three days, with the mind disturbed
+and distracted by the near approach of death? No, no,
+three days cannot effect such wonders; and I tell you,
+when my head falls its last expression will be rage and
+hatred!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Brother, brother," ejaculated Calabash, whose brain
+began to wander, "help, help! Take me from hence,"
+moaned she in an expiring voice; "they are coming to
+fetch me&mdash;to kill me! Oh, hide me, dear brother, hide
+me, and I will love you ever more!"</p>
+
+<p>"Will you hold your tongue?" cried the widow,
+exasperated at the weakness betrayed by her daughter.
+"Will you be silent? Oh, you base, you disgraceful
+creature! And to think that I should be obliged to call
+myself your parent!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mother," exclaimed Martial, nearly distracted by
+this horrid scene, "will you tell me why you sent for
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I thought to give you heart and hatred; but
+he who has not the one cannot entertain the other. Go,
+coward, go!"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a loud sound of many footsteps was
+heard in the corridor; the old soldier looked at his
+watch.</p>
+
+<p>A rich ray of the golden brightness, which marked the
+rising of that day's sun, found its way through the loopholes
+in the walls, and shed a flood of light into the very
+midst of the wretched cell, rendered now completely
+illumined by means of the opening of the door at the
+opposite end of the passage to that in which the condemned
+cell was situated. In the midst of this blaze of
+day appeared two gaolers, each bearing a chair; an
+officer also made his appearance, saying to the widow in
+a voice of sympathy:</p>
+
+<p>"Madame, the hour has arrived."</p>
+
+<p>The mother arose on the instant, erect and immovable,
+while Calabash uttered the most piercing cries. Then
+four more persons entered the cell; four of the number,
+who were very shabbily dressed, bore in their hands
+packets of fine but very strong cord. The taller man
+of the party was dressed in black, with a large cravat;
+he handed a paper to the officer. This individual was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>
+the executioner, and the paper a receipt signifying his
+having received two females for the purpose of guillotining
+them. The man then took sole charge of these
+unhappy creatures, and, from that moment, was responsible
+for them.</p>
+
+<p>To the wild terror and despair which had first seized
+Calabash, now succeeded a kind of stupefaction; and so
+nearly insensible was she that the assistant executioners
+were compelled to seat her on her bed, and to support
+her when there; her firmly closed jaws scarcely enabled
+her to utter a sound, but her hollow eyes rolled vacantly
+in their sockets, her chin fell listlessly on her breast, and,
+but for the support of the two men, she would have fallen
+forwards a lifeless, senseless mass.</p>
+
+<p>After having bestowed a last embrace on his wretched
+sister, Martial stood petrified with terror, unable to
+speak or move, and as though perfectly spellbound by
+the horrible scene before him.</p>
+
+<p>The cool audacity of the widow did not for an instant
+forsake her; with head erect, and firm, collected manner,
+she assisted in taking off the strait-waistcoat
+she had worn, and which had hitherto fettered her
+movements; this removed, she appeared in an old black
+stuff dress.</p>
+
+<p>"Where shall I place myself?" asked she, in a clear,
+steady voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Be good enough to sit down upon one of those
+chairs," said the executioner, pointing to the seats
+arranged at the entrance of the dungeon.</p>
+
+<p>With unfaltering step, the widow prepared to follow
+the directions given her, but as she passed her daughter
+she said, in a voice that betokened some little emotion:</p>
+
+<p>"Kiss me, my child!"</p>
+
+<p>But as the sound of her mother's voice reached her
+ear, Calabash seemed suddenly to wake up from her
+lethargy, she raised her head, and, with a wild and
+almost frenzied cry, exclaimed:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Away! Leave me! And if there be a hell, may it
+receive you!"</p>
+
+<p>"My child," repeated the widow, "let us embrace
+for the last time!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do not approach me!" cried the distracted girl,
+violently repulsing her mother; "you have been my
+ruin in this world and the next!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then forgive me, ere I die!"</p>
+
+<p>"Never, never!" exclaimed Calabash; and then,
+totally exhausted by the effort she had made, she sank
+back in the arms of the assistants.</p>
+
+<p>A cloud passed over the hitherto stern features of
+the widow, and a moisture was momentarily visible on
+her glowing eyeballs. At this instant she encountered
+the pitying looks of her son. After a trifling hesitation,
+during which she seemed to be undergoing some powerful
+internal conflict, she said:</p>
+
+<p>"And you?"</p>
+
+<p>Sobbing violently, Martial threw himself into his
+mother's arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Enough!" said the widow, conquering her emotion,
+and withdrawing herself from the close embrace of her
+son; "I am keeping this gentleman waiting," pointing
+to the executioner; then, hurrying towards a chair, she
+resolutely seated herself, and the gleam of maternal
+sensibility she had exhibited was for ever extinguished.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not stay here," said the old soldier, approaching
+Martial with an air of kindness. "Come this way,"
+continued he, leading him, while Martial, stupefied by
+horror, followed him mechanically.</p>
+
+<p>The almost expiring Calabash having been supported
+to a chair by the two assistants, one sustained her all
+but inanimate form, while the other tied her hands
+behind with fine but excessively strong whipcord,
+knotted into the most inextricable meshes, while with a
+cord of the same description he secured her feet, allowing
+her just so much liberty as would enable her to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>
+proceed slowly to her last destination. The widow having
+borne a similar pinioning with the most imperturbable
+composure, the executioner, drawing from his pocket a
+pair of huge scissors, said to her with considerable
+civility:</p>
+
+<p>"Be good enough to stoop your head, madame."</p>
+
+<p>Yielding immediate obedience to the request, the
+widow said:</p>
+
+<p>"We have been good customers to you; you have had
+my husband in your hands, and now you have his wife
+and daughter!"</p>
+
+<p>Without making any reply, the executioner began to
+cut the long gray hairs of the prisoner very close,
+especially at the nape of the neck.</p>
+
+<p>"This makes the third time in my life," continued the
+widow, with a dismal smile, "that I have had my head
+dressed by a professor: when I took my first communion
+the white veil was arranged; then on my marriage,
+when the orange-flowers were placed there; and
+upon the present occasion; upon my word, I hardly
+know which became me most. You cannot guess what
+I am thinking of?" resumed the widow, addressing
+the executioner, after having again contemplated her
+daughter.</p>
+
+<p>But the man made her no sort of answer, and no
+sound was heard but that of the scissors, and the sort of
+convulsive and hysterical sob that occasionally escaped
+from Calabash.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a venerable priest approached the
+governor, and addressed him in a low, earnest voice,
+the import of which was to express his desire to
+make another effort to rescue the souls of the condemned.</p>
+
+<p>"I was thinking that at five years old my daughter,
+whose head you are going to cut off, was the prettiest
+child I ever saw, with her fair hair and red cheeks.
+Who that saw her then would have said that&mdash;" She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>
+was silent for a moment, and then said, with a burst of
+indescribable laughter, "What a farce is destiny!"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the last of her hair was cut off.</p>
+
+<p>"I have done, madame," said the executioner, politely.</p>
+
+<p>"Many thanks; and I recommend my son Nicholas to
+you," said the widow; "you will cut off his hair some
+day." A turnkey came in and said a few words to her
+in a low tone. "No,&mdash;I have already said no!" she
+answered, angrily.</p>
+
+<p>The priest hearing these words, and seeing any further
+interference useless, immediately withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>"Madame, we are all ready to go. Will you take
+anything?" inquired the executioner, civilly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I thank you; this evening I shall take a mouthful
+of earth." And after this remark the widow rose
+firmly. Her hands were tied behind her back, and a
+rope was also attached to each ankle, allowing her
+sufficient liberty to walk. Although her step was firm
+and resolute, the executioner and his assistant offered to
+support her; but she turned to them disdainfully, and
+said, "Do not touch me, I have a steady eye and a firm
+foot, and they will hear on the scaffold whether or not
+I have a good voice." Calabash was carried away in a
+dying state.</p>
+
+<p>After having traversed the long corridor, the funereal
+cortège ascended a stone staircase, which led to an
+exterior court, where was a picquet of <i>gens-d'armes</i>,
+a hackney-coach, and a long, narrow carriage with a
+yellow body, drawn by three post-horses, who were
+neighing loudly.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall not be full inside," said the widow, as she
+took her seat.</p>
+
+<p>The two vehicles, preceded and followed by the
+picquet of <i>gens-d'armes</i>, then quitted the outer gate of
+Bicêtre, and went quickly towards the Boulevard St.
+Jacques.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p>
+<h3>CHAPTER X.</h3>
+
+<h5>MARTIAL AND THE CHOURINEUR.</h5>
+
+
+<p>Before we proceed we have a few words to say as to
+the acquaintance recently established between the Chourineur
+and Martial.</p>
+
+<p>When Germain had left the prison, the Chourineur
+proved very easily that he had robbed himself; and
+making a statement of his motive for this singular
+mystification to the magistrate, he was set at liberty,
+after having been severely admonished.</p>
+
+<p>Desirous of recompensing the Chourineur for this fresh
+act of devotion, Rodolph, in order to realise the wishes
+of his rough protégé, had lodged him in the hôtel of the
+Rue Plumet, promising that he should accompany him
+on his return to Germany.</p>
+
+<p>The Chourineur's blind attachment to Rodolph was
+like that of a dog for his master. When, however, the
+prince had found his daughter, all was changed, and, in
+spite of his warm gratitude for the man who had saved
+his life, he could not make up his mind to take with him
+to Germany the witness of Fleur-de-Marie's fallen state;
+yet, determined to carry out the Chourineur's wishes, he
+sent for him, and told him that he had still another
+service to ask of him. At this the Chourineur's countenance
+brightened up; but he was greatly distressed
+when he learned that he must quit the hôtel that
+very day, and would not accompany the prince to
+Germany.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>It is useless to mention the munificent compensations
+which Rodolph offered to the Chourineur,&mdash;the money
+he intended for him, the farm in Algeria, anything he
+could desire. The Chourineur was wounded to the
+heart, refused, and (perhaps for the first time in his
+life) wept. Rodolph was compelled to force his presents
+on him.</p>
+
+<p>Next day the prince sent for La Louve and Martial,
+and inquired what he could do for them. Remembering
+what Fleur-de-Marie had told him of the wild taste of
+La Louve and her husband, he proposed to the hardy
+couple either a considerable sum of money, or half the
+sum and land in full cultivation adjoining the farm he
+had bought for the Chourineur, believing that by bringing
+them together they would sympathise, from their desire
+to seek solitude, the one in consequence of the past,
+and the other from the crimes of his family.</p>
+
+<p>He was not mistaken. Martial and La Louve accepted
+joyfully; and then, talking the matter over with the
+Chourineur, they all three rejoiced in the prospects
+held out to them in Algeria. A sincere good feeling
+soon united the future colonists. Persons of their class
+judge quickly of each other, and like one another as
+speedily.</p>
+
+<p>The Chourineur accompanied his new friend Martial
+to the Bicêtre and awaited him in the hackney-coach,
+which conducted them back to Paris after Martial,
+horror-struck, had left the dungeon of his mother and
+sister.</p>
+
+<p>The countenance of the Chourineur had completely
+changed; the bold expression and jovial humour which
+usually characterised his harsh features had given way
+to extreme dejection; his voice had lost something
+of its coarseness; a grief of heart, until then unknown
+to him, had broken down his energetic temperament. He
+looked kindly at Martial, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Courage! You have done all that good intentions<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>
+could do; it is ended. Think now of your wife, and the
+children whom you have prevented from becoming criminals
+like their father and mother. To-night we leave
+Paris never to return to it, and you will never again hear
+of what so much distresses you now."</p>
+
+<p>"True&mdash;true! But, after all, they are my sister and
+mother!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but when things must be, we must submit!"
+said the Chourineur, checking a deep sigh.</p>
+
+<p>After a moment's silence, Martial said, kindly, "And
+I ought, in my turn, to try and console you who are so
+sad. My wife and I hope that when we have left Paris
+this will cease."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the Chourineur, with a shudder, "if I
+leave Paris!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, we go this evening!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes,&mdash;you do; you go this evening!"</p>
+
+<p>"And have you changed your intention, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"No! Yet, Martial, you'll laugh at me; but yet I
+will tell you all. If anything happens to me it will
+prove that I am not deceived. When M. Rodolph asked
+if we would go to Algeria together, I told you my mind
+at once, and also what I had been."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you did; let us mention it no more. You
+underwent your punishment, and are now as good as
+any one. But, like myself, I can imagine you would
+like to go and live a long way off, instead of living
+here, where, however honest we may be, they might at
+times fling in your teeth a misdeed you have atoned
+for and repented, and, in mine, my parents' crimes,
+for which I am by no means responsible. The past is
+the past between us, and we shall never reproach each
+other."</p>
+
+<p>"With you and me, Martial, the past is the past; but,
+you see, Martial, there is something above,&mdash;I have
+killed a man!"</p>
+
+<p>"A great misfortune, assuredly; but, at the moment,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>
+you were out of your senses,&mdash;mad. And besides, you
+have since saved the lives of other persons, and that will
+count in your favour."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you why I refer to my misdeed. I used to
+have a dream, in which I saw the sergeant I killed. I
+have not had it for a long time until last night, and
+that foretells some misfortune for to-day. I have a
+foreboding that I shall not quit Paris."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you regret at leaving our benefactor! The
+thought of coming with me to the Bicêtre agitated you;
+and so your dream recurred to you."</p>
+
+<p>The Chourineur shook his head sorrowfully and said,
+"It has come to me just as M. Rodolph is going to start,&mdash;for
+he goes to-day. Yesterday I sent a messenger
+to his hôtel, not daring to go myself. They sent me
+word that he went this morning at eleven o'clock by the
+barrier of Charenton, and I mean to go and station myself
+there to try and see him once more,&mdash;for the last
+time!"</p>
+
+<p>"He seems so good that I easily understand your love
+for him."</p>
+
+<p>"Love for him!" said the Chourineur, with deep and
+concentrated emotion. "Yes, yes, Martial,&mdash;to lie on
+the earth, eat black bread, be his dog, to be where he
+was, I asked no more. But that was too much,&mdash;he
+would not consent."</p>
+
+<p>"He has been very generous towards you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yet it is not for that I love him, but because he told
+me I had heart and honour. Yes, and that at a time
+when I was as fierce as a brute beast. And he made me
+understand what was good in me, and that I had repented,
+and, after suffering great misery, had worked hard for an
+honest livelihood, although all the world considered me
+as a thorough ruffian,&mdash;and so, when M. Rodolph said
+these words to me, my heart beat high and proudly, and
+from this time I would go through fire and water to
+serve him."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Why, it is because you are better than you were that
+you ought not to have any of those forebodings. Your
+dream is nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall see. I shall not try and get into any mischief,
+for I cannot have any worse misfortune than not
+to see again M. Rodolph, whom I hoped never again to
+leave. I should have been in my way, you see, always
+with him, body and soul,&mdash;always ready. Never mind,
+perhaps he was wrong,&mdash;I am only a worm at his feet;
+but sometimes, Martial, the smallest may be useful to
+the greatest."</p>
+
+<p>"One day, perhaps, you may see him."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no; he said to me, 'My good fellow, you must
+promise never to seek nor see me,&mdash;that will be doing
+me a service.' So, of course, Martial, I promised; and
+I'll keep my word, though it is very hard."</p>
+
+<p>"Once at Algeria, you will forget all your vexations."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes; I'm an old trooper, Martial, and will face
+the Bedouins."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, come, you'll soon recover your spirits.
+We'll farm and hunt together, and live together, or separate,
+just as you like. We'll bring up the children like
+honest people, and you shall be their uncle,&mdash;for we are
+brothers, and my wife is good at heart; and so we'll be
+happy, eh?" And Martial extended his hand to the
+Chourineur.</p>
+
+<p>"So we will, Martial," was the reply; "and my sorrow
+will kill me, or I shall kill my sorrow."</p>
+
+<p>"It will not kill you. We shall pass our days
+together; and every evening we will say, 'brother,
+thanks to M. Rodolph,'&mdash;that shall be our prayer to,
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Martial, you comfort me."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, that is all right; and as to that stupid-dream,
+you will think no more of it, I hope?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll try."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, you'll come to us at four o'clock; the
+diligence goes at five."</p>
+
+<p>"Agreed. But I will get out here and walk to the
+barrier at Charenton, where I will await M. Rodolph,
+that I may see him pass."</p>
+
+<p>The coach stopped, and the Chourineur alighted.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p>
+<h3>CHAPTER XI.</h3>
+
+<h5>THE FINGER OF PROVIDENCE.</h5>
+
+
+<p>The Chourineur had forgotten that it was the day after
+mid-Lent, and was consequently greatly surprised at the
+sight, at once hideous and singular, which presented
+itself to his view when he arrived at the exterior boulevard,
+which he was traversing to reach the barrier of
+Charenton.</p>
+
+<p>He found himself suddenly in the thickest of a dense
+throng of people, who were coming out of the cabarets
+of the Faubourg de la Glacière, in order to reach the
+Boulevard St. Jacques, where the execution was to
+take place.</p>
+
+<p>Although it was broad daylight, there was still heard
+the noisy music of the public-houses, whence issued particularly
+the loud echoes of the cornets-à-piston. The
+pencil of Callot, of Rembrandt, or of Goya is requisite
+to limn the strange, hideous, and fantastical appearance
+of this multitude.</p>
+
+<p>Almost all of them, men, women, and children, were
+attired in old masquerade costumes. Those who could
+not afford this expense had on their clothes rags of bright
+colours. Some young men were dressed in women's
+clothes, half torn and soiled with mud. All their countenances,
+haggard from debauchery and vice, and furrowed
+by intoxication, sparkled with savage delight at
+the idea that, after a night of filthy orgies, they should
+see two women executed on the scaffold prepared for
+them.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The foul and fetid scum of the population of Paris,&mdash;this
+vast mob&mdash;was formed of thieves and abandoned
+women, who every day tax crime for their daily bread,
+and every evening return to their lairs with their vicious
+spoils.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p>
+
+<div class="footnotes">
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> It is calculated that there are in Paris 30,000 persons who have no other
+means of existence but theft.</p></div></div>
+
+<p>The crowd entirely choked up the means of circulation,
+and, in spite of his gigantic strength, the Chourineur
+was compelled to remain almost motionless in the
+midst of this compact throng. He was, however, willing
+to remain so, as the prince would not pass the barrier
+of Charenton until eleven o'clock, and it was not yet
+seven; and he had a singular spectacle before him.</p>
+
+<p>In a large, low apartment, occupied at one end by
+musicians, surrounded by benches and tables laden with
+the fragments of a repast, broken plates, empty bottles,
+etc., a dozen men and women, in various disguises and
+half drunk, were dancing with the utmost excitement
+that frantic and obscene dance called <i>La Chahut</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst the dissipated revellers who figured in this
+saturnalia, the Chourineur remarked two couples who
+obtained the most overwhelming applause, from the
+revolting grossness of their attitudes, their gesticulations,
+and their language. The first couple consisted
+of a man disguised as a bear, and nearly covered with
+a waistcoat and trousers of black sheepskin. The head
+of the animal, being too troublesome to carry, had been
+replaced by a kind of hood with long hair, which entirely
+covered his features; two holes for his eyes, and
+a long one for his mouth, allowed him to see, speak,
+and breathe.</p>
+
+<p>This man&mdash;one of the prisoners escaped from La
+Force (amongst whom were Barbillon and the two
+murderers arrested at the ogress's at the <i>tapis-franc</i>,
+at the beginning of this recital)&mdash;this man so masked
+was Nicholas Martial, the son and brother of the two<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>
+women for whom the scaffold was prepared but a few
+paces distant.</p>
+
+<p>Induced into this act of atrocious insensibility and
+infamous audacity by one of his associates, this wretch
+had dared with this disguise to join in the last revels of
+the carnival. The woman who danced with him, dressed
+as a <i>vivandière</i>, wore a round leather cap with ragged
+ribands, a kind of bodice of threadbare red cloth, ornamented
+with three rows of brass buttons, a green skirt,
+and trousers of white calico. Her black hair fell in
+disorder all about her head, and her haggard and
+swollen features evinced the utmost effrontery and
+immodesty. The <i>vis-à-vis</i> of these dancers were no less
+disgusting.</p>
+
+<p>The man, who was very tall, and disguised as Robert
+Macaire, had so begrimed his features with soot that it
+was impossible to recognise him, and, besides, a large
+bandage covered his left eye; the white of the right eye
+being thus the more heightened, rendered him still more
+hideous. The lower part of the Skeleton's countenance
+(for it was he) disappeared in a high neckcloth made of
+an old red shawl.</p>
+
+<p>Wearing an old, white, napless hat with a crushed
+side, dirty, and without a crown, a green coat in rags,
+and tight mulberry-coloured pantaloons, patched in every
+direction, and tied around the instep with pieces of packthread,
+this assassin outraged the most <i>outré</i> and revolting
+attitudes of the <i>Chahut</i>, darting from right to left,
+before and behind, his lanky limbs as hard as steel, and
+twisting and twining, and springing and bounding with
+such vigour and elasticity, that he seemed set in motion
+by steel springs.</p>
+
+<p>A worthy coryphée of this filthy saturnalia, his lady
+partner, a tall and active creature with impudent and
+flushed features, attired <i>en débardeur</i>, wore a flat cap
+on one side of a powdered wig with a thick pigtail, a
+waistcoat and trousers of worn green velvet, adjusted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>
+to her shape by an orange scarf, with long ends flowing
+down her back.</p>
+
+<p>A fat, vulgar, coarse woman, the brutal ogress of the
+<i>tapis-franc</i>, was seated on one of the benches, holding
+on her knees the plaid cloaks of this creature and the
+<i>vivandière</i>, whilst they were rivalling the bounds, and
+jumps, and gross postures of the Skeleton and Nicholas
+Martial.</p>
+
+<p>Amongst the other dancers there was a lame boy,
+dressed like a devil, by means of a black net vest, much
+too large for him, red drawers, and a green mask hideous
+and grotesque. In spite of his infirmity, this little monster
+was wonderfully agile, and his precocious depravity
+equalled, if it could not exceed, that of his detestable
+companions, and he gambolled as impudently as any
+of them before a fat woman, dressed as a shepherdess,
+who excited her partner the more by her shouts of
+laughter.</p>
+
+<p>No charge having been raised against Tortillard (our
+readers have recognised him), and Bras Rouge having
+been for the while left in prison, the boy, at his father's
+request, was reclaimed by Micou, the receiver of the
+passage of the Brasserie, who had not been denounced
+by his accomplices.</p>
+
+<p>As secondary figures in this picture, let imagination
+conceive all there is of the lowest, most shameful, and
+most monstrous, in this idle, wanton, insolent, rapacious,
+atheistical, sanguinary assemblage of infamy, which is
+most hostile to social order, and to which we would call
+the attention of all thinking persons as our recital
+draws to a close.</p>
+
+<p>Excited by the shouts of laughter and the cheers of
+the mob assembled around the windows, the actors in
+the infamous dance cried to the orchestra for a finale
+galop. The musicians, delighted to reach the end of
+their labours, complied with the general wish, and played
+a galoppade with the utmost energy and rapidity. At<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>
+this the excitement redoubled; the couples encircled
+each other and dashed away, following the Skeleton and
+his partner, who led off their infernal round amidst the
+wildest cries and acclamations.</p>
+
+<p>The crowd was so thick, so dense, and the evolutions
+so multiplied and rapid, that these creatures, inflamed
+with wine, exercise, and noise, their intoxication became
+delirious frenzy, and they soon ceased to have space for
+their movements. The Skeleton then cried, in a breathless
+voice, "Look out at the door! We will go out on
+to the boulevard."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes!" cried the mob at the windows; "a galop
+as far as the Barrière St. Jacques!"</p>
+
+<p>"The two 'mots' will soon be here."</p>
+
+<p>"The headsman cuts double! How funny!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, with a cornet-à-piston accompaniment."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll ask the widow to be my partner."</p>
+
+<p>"And I the daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"Death to the informers!"</p>
+
+<p>"Long live the prigs and lads of steel!" cried the
+Skeleton in a voice of thunder, as he and the dancers,
+forcing their way in the midst of the mass, set the whole
+body in motion; and then were heard cries, and imprecations,
+and shouts of laughter, which had nothing
+human in their sound.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly this uproar reached its height by two fresh
+incidents. The vehicle which contained the criminals,
+accompanied by its escort of cavalry, appeared at the
+angle of the boulevard, and then all the mob rushed in
+that direction, shouting and roaring with ferocious
+delight.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, also, the crowd was met by a courier
+coming from the Boulevard des Invalides, and galloping
+towards the Barrière de Charenton. He was dressed in
+a light blue jacket with yellow collar, with a double row
+of silver lace down the seams, but, as a mark of deep
+mourning, he wore black breeches and high boots; his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>
+cap also, with a broad band of silver, was encircled
+with crape, and on the winkers of his horse were the
+arms of Gerolstein.</p>
+
+<p>He walked his horse, his advance becoming every
+moment more difficult, and he was almost obliged to stop
+when he found himself in the midst of the sea of people
+we have described. Although he called to them, and
+moved his horse with the greatest caution, cries, abuse,
+and threats were soon directed against him.</p>
+
+<p>"Does he want to ride us down, that vagabond?"</p>
+
+<p>"He's got lots o' silver on his precious body!" cried
+Tortillard.</p>
+
+<p>"If he comes against us we'll make him alight and
+strip the 'tin' off his jacket to go to the melter's," said
+Nicholas.</p>
+
+<p>"And we'll take the seams out of your carcase if you
+are not careful, you cursed jockey!" added the Skeleton,
+addressing the courier and seizing the bridle of his horse,&mdash;for
+the crowd was so dense that the ruffian had given
+up his idea of dancing to the barrier.</p>
+
+<p>The courier, who was a powerful and resolute fellow,
+said to the Skeleton, lifting the handle of his whip, "If
+you do not let go my bridle I'll lay my whip over you.
+Let me pass; my lord's carriage is coming close behind.
+Let me go forward, I say."</p>
+
+<p>"Your lord!" said the Skeleton; "what is your lord
+to me? I'll slit his weasand if I like! I never did for
+a lord; I should like to try my hand."</p>
+
+<p>"There are no more lords now. <i>Vive la Charte!</i>"
+shouted Tortillard; and as he said so he whistled a
+verse of the "Parisienne," and clinging to one of the
+courier's legs nearly drew him out of his saddle. A blow
+with the handle of his whip on Tortillard's head punished
+his insolence; but the populace instantly attacked the
+courier, who in vain spurred his horse,&mdash;he could not
+advance a step.</p>
+
+<p>Dismounted, amidst the shouts of the mob, he would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>
+have been murdered but for the arrival of Rodolph's
+carriage, which took off the attention of these
+wretches.</p>
+
+<p>The prince's travelling carriage, drawn by four horses,
+had for some time past advanced at only a foot pace, and
+one of the two footmen had got down from the rumble
+and was walking by the side of the door, which was very
+low; the postilions kept crying out to the people, and
+went forward very cautiously.</p>
+
+<p>Rodolph was dressed in deep mourning, as was also
+his daughter, one of whose hands he held in his own,
+looking at her with affection. The gentle and lovely
+face of Fleur-de-Marie was enclosed in a small capot of
+black crape, which heightened the dazzling brilliancy
+of her skin and the beautiful hue of her lovely brown
+hair; and the azure of this bright day was reflected in
+her large eyes, which had never been of more transparent
+and softened blue. Although her features wore
+a gentle smile, and expressed calmness and happiness
+when she looked at her father, yet a tinge of melancholy,
+and sometimes of undefinable sadness, threw its
+shadow over her countenance when her eyes were not
+fixed on her father.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the carriage came amongst the crowd
+and began to slacken its pace. Rodolph lowered the
+window, and said in German to the lackey who was
+walking by the window, "Well, Frantz, what is the
+meaning of this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Monseigneur, there is such a crowd that the horses
+cannot move."</p>
+
+<p>"What has this assemblage collected for?"</p>
+
+<p>"Monseigneur, there is an execution going on."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, frightful!" said Rodolph, throwing himself
+back in his carriage.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, my dear father?" asked Fleur-de-Marie
+with uneasiness.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing&mdash;nothing, dearest."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Only listen,&mdash;these threatening cries approach us!
+What can it be?"</p>
+
+<p>"Desire them to reach Charenton by another road,"
+said Rodolph.</p>
+
+<p>"Monseigneur, it is too late, the crowd has stopped
+the horses."</p>
+
+<p>The footman could say no more. The mob, excited
+by the savage encouragement of the Skeleton and Nicholas,
+suddenly surrounded the carriage, and, in spite of
+the threats of the postilions, stopped the horses, and
+Rodolph saw on all sides threatening, furious countenances,
+and above them all the Skeleton, who came to
+the door of the carriage.</p>
+
+<p>"Take care, my dear father!" exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie,
+throwing her arms around Rodolph's neck.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you are the 'my lord,' are you?" said the
+Skeleton, thrusting his hideous head into the carriage.</p>
+
+<p>Had it not been for his daughter's presence, Rodolph
+would have given way to the natural impetuosity of his
+character at this insolence; but he controlled himself,
+and coolly replied:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want, and why do you stop my
+carriage?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because we choose," said the Skeleton. "Each in
+his turn. Yesterday you trampled on the mob, and
+to-day the mob will crush you if you stir."</p>
+
+<p>"Father, we are lost!" murmured Fleur-de-Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"Take courage, love! I understand," replied the
+prince; "it is the last day of the carnival,&mdash;these
+fellows are tipsy; I will get rid of them."</p>
+
+<p>"I say, my 'covey,' come, get out, and your 'mot' with
+you!" cried Nicholas; "why should you trample upon a
+parcel of poor people!"</p>
+
+<p>"You seem to have drunk a good deal, and to desire
+to drink more," said Rodolph; "here, take this, and do
+not delay my carriage any longer," and he threw out
+his purse, which Tortillard caught.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what, you are going to travel, eh? Well, then,
+you've got your pockets well lined, no doubt. Come,
+shell out, my blade, or I'll have your life." And he
+opened the door suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>Rodolph's patience was exhausted. Alarmed for
+Fleur-de-Marie, whose alarm increased every moment,
+and believing that a display of vigour would daunt
+the wretch, whom he believed to be only drunk, he
+sprung from the carriage, intending to seize the Skeleton
+by the throat. The latter suddenly receded, and
+then, drawing a long knife-dirk from his pocket, rushed
+at Rodolph. Fleur-de-Marie, seeing the dirk raised to
+stab her father, gave a shriek, sprung from the carriage,
+and threw her arms around him.</p>
+
+<p>Her father's life must have been sacrificed but for the
+Chourineur, who at the commencement of this tumult,
+having recognised the livery of the prince, had contrived,
+by superhuman efforts, to reach the Skeleton; and at the
+moment when that ruffian menaced the prince with his
+knife the Chourineur seized on his arm with one hand,
+and, with the other grasping his collar, threw him
+backwards.</p>
+
+<p>Although surprised, and from behind too, the Skeleton
+turned around, and, recognising the Chourineur, cried,
+"What! the man in the gray blouse from La Force?
+This time, then, I'll do for you!" and rushing furiously
+at the Chourineur, he plunged his knife in his breast.
+The Chourineur staggered, but did not fall. The crowd
+kept him on his legs.</p>
+
+<p>"The guard! Here come the guard!" exclaimed
+several voices in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>At these words, and at the sight of the murder
+of the Chourineur, all this dense crowd, fearing
+to be compromised in the assassination, dispersed
+as if by magic, and fled in every direction; the Skeleton,
+Nicholas, Martial, and Tortillard amongst the
+earliest.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When the guard came up, guided by the courier (who
+had escaped when the crowd had let him go to surround
+the prince's carriage), there only remained in this sad
+scene, Rodolph, his daughter, and the Chourineur, bathed
+in his blood. The two servants of the prince had seated
+him on the ground, with his back to a tree.</p>
+
+<p>All this passed more quickly than it can be described,
+and at a few paces from the <i>guinguette</i> from which the
+Skeleton and his band had issued.</p>
+
+<p>The prince, pale and agitated, held in his arms Fleur-de-Marie,
+half fainting, whilst the postilions were repairing
+the harness broken in the scuffle.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick!" said the prince to his servants engaged in
+aiding the Chourineur, "convey this poor fellow to the
+cabaret; and you," he added, turning to the courier,
+"get on the box, and gallop back for Doctor David at the
+hôtel; you will find him there, as he does not leave
+until eleven o'clock."</p>
+
+<p>The carriage went away at a great speed, and the two
+servants conveyed the Chourineur to the low apartment
+in which the orgies had taken place; several of the
+women were still there.</p>
+
+<p>"My poor, dear child!" said Rodolph, to his daughter,
+"let me take you to some room in this place where
+you can await me, for I cannot abandon this brave fellow,
+who has again saved my life."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my dearest father, I entreat you do not leave
+me!" exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie, with alarm, and seizing
+Rodolph's arm. "Do not leave me alone! I
+should die with fright! Where you go I will go!"</p>
+
+<p>"But this frightful spectacle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, thanks to this worthy man, you still live for
+me, my father, and therefore allow me to join you in
+thanking and consoling him."</p>
+
+<p>The prince's perplexity was very great. His daughter
+evinced so much just fear of remaining alone in a room
+in this low haunt that he made up his mind to allow her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>
+to enter with him into the apartment, where they found
+the Chourineur.</p>
+
+<p>The mistress of the tavern and many of the women
+who had remained (and amongst whom was the ogress
+of the <i>tapis-franc</i>) had hastily laid the wounded man
+on a mattress, and then stanched and bound his wound
+with napkins. The Chourineur opened his eyes as
+Rodolph entered. At the sight of the prince his features,
+pale with approaching death, became animated. He
+smiled painfully, and said in a low voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, M. Rodolph, it was very fortunate I was
+there!"</p>
+
+<p>"Brave and devoted as ever!" said the prince, in an
+accent of despair. "Again you have saved my life!"</p>
+
+<p>"I was going to the barrier of&mdash;Charenton&mdash;to try
+and see you go by&mdash;see you for the last time. Fortunately&mdash;I
+was unable to get in for the crowd&mdash;besides&mdash;it
+was&mdash;to happen&mdash;I told Martial so&mdash;I had a
+presentiment."</p>
+
+<p>"A presentiment?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, M. Rodolph&mdash;the dream&mdash;of the sergeant&mdash;last
+night."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, try and forget such ideas! Let us hope the
+wound is not mortal."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, the Skeleton struck home! Never mind&mdash;I
+told Martial that a worm of the earth like me&mdash;might
+sometimes be useful&mdash;to a great lord&mdash;like you."</p>
+
+<p>"But my life&mdash;I owe my life again to you!"</p>
+
+<p>"We are quits, M. Rodolph. You told me&mdash;that
+I had&mdash;heart and honour. That word, you see&mdash;oh,
+I am choking! Sir, without&mdash;my asking&mdash;do
+me the honour&mdash;to give me your hand&mdash;I feel I am
+sinking."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! Impossible!" exclaimed the prince, bending
+towards the Chourineur, and clasping in his hands
+the icy hand of the dying man, "no&mdash;you will live&mdash;you
+will live!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"M. Rodolph, there is something, you see, above&mdash;I
+killed&mdash;with a blow of a knife&mdash;I die from the blow of
+a knife!" said the Chourineur, who was sinking fast.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment his eyes turned towards Fleur-de-Marie,
+whom he had not before perceived. Amazement
+was depicted on his dying features; he made a movement,
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!&mdash;the Goualeuse!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my daughter, who blesses you for having preserved
+her father!"</p>
+
+<p>"She&mdash;your daughter&mdash;here? That reminds me
+of how our acquaintance began&mdash;M. Rodolph&mdash;and
+the blows&mdash;with the fist; but this blow with a knife
+will be the last&mdash;last blow. I slashed&mdash;and in my
+turn am slashed&mdash;stabbed. It is just." He heaved a
+deep sigh&mdash;his head fell back&mdash;he was dead.</p>
+
+<p>The sound of horses without was heard; Rodolph's
+carriage had met that of Murphy and David, who, in
+their desire to rejoin the prince, had anticipated the hour
+fixed for their departure.</p>
+
+<p>"David," said Rodolph, wiping his eyes, and pointing
+to the Chourineur, "is there no hope?"</p>
+
+<p>"None, monseigneur," replied the doctor, after a
+moment's examination.</p>
+
+<p>During this moment there passed a mute and terrible
+scene between Fleur-de-Marie and the ogress, whom
+Rodolph had not observed. When the Chourineur had
+uttered the name of La Goualeuse, the ogress had raised
+her head and looked at Fleur-de-Marie. The horrid
+hag had already recognised Rodolph; he was called
+monseigneur&mdash;he called La Goualeuse his daughter.
+Such a metamorphosis astounded the ogress, who obstinately
+fixed her stupid, wondering eyes on her former
+victim.</p>
+
+<p>Fleur-de-Marie, pale and overcome, seemed fascinated
+by her gaze. The death of the Chourineur, the unexpected
+appearance of the ogress, which came to awaken<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>
+more painfully than ever the remembrance of her former
+degradation, appeared to her a sinister presage. From
+this moment, Fleur-de-Marie was struck with one of
+those presentiments which, in dispositions like hers,
+have most frequently an irresistible influence.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>A few days after these events and Rodolph and his
+daughter quitted Paris for ever.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p>
+<h2>EPILOGUE.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 10%;" />
+<h3>CHAPTER I.</h3>
+
+<h5>GEROLSTEIN.</h5>
+
+
+<p class="center"><i>Prince Henry of Herkaüsen-Oldenzaal to the Count
+Maximilian Kaminetz.</i></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="sigs"><span class="smcap">Oldenzaal</span>, 25th August, 1840.</p>
+
+<p>I am just arrived from Gerolstein, where I have passed
+three months with the grand duke and his family. I
+expected to find a letter announcing your arrival at
+Oldenzaal, my dear Maximilian. Judge of my surprise&mdash;of
+my regret, on hearing that you will be detained in
+Hungary for several weeks.</p>
+
+<p>For more than four months I have been unable to
+write to you, not knowing where to direct my letters,
+thanks to your original and adventurous manner of
+travelling. You had, however, formally promised me
+at Vienna that you would be at Oldenzaal the first of
+August; I must then give up the pleasure of seeing you,
+and yet I have never had greater need of pouring forth
+my sorrows to you, Maximilian, my oldest friend, for
+although we are both of us still very young, our friendship
+is of long standing, as it dates from our childhood.</p>
+
+<p>What shall I say to you? During the last three
+months a complete revolution has taken place in me. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>
+am at one of those moments that decide the existence
+of a man. Judge, then, how necessary your presence
+and your advice are to me. But you will not long be
+wanting, whatever motives you have for remaining in
+Hungary. Come! Come! I entreat of you, Maximilian,
+for I stand in need of you to console me, and
+I cannot go to seek you. My father, whose health is
+daily declining, has summoned me from Gerolstein.
+Each day makes so great an alteration in him that it
+is impossible for me to leave him.</p>
+
+<p>I have so much to say that I shall become tedious,
+but I must relate to you the most important&mdash;the most
+romantic incident of my life. Why were you not there,
+my friend? Why were you not there? For three months
+my heart has been a prey to emotions equally sweet and
+sorrowful, and I was alone&mdash;I was alone. Sympathise
+with me, you who know the sensibility of my heart,
+you who have seen my eyes filled with tears at the
+simple recital of a noble or generous action, at the simple
+sight of a splendid sunset&mdash;of the sky studded with
+bright stars.</p>
+
+<p>Do you recollect last year, on our excursion to the
+ruins of Oppenfeld, on the shore of the vast lake, our
+reveries during that evening, so full of calm, of poesy,
+and of peace? Strange contrast! It was three days
+before that bloody duel, in which I would not accept
+you for my second, for I should have suffered too much
+for you had I been wounded before your eyes,&mdash;the duel
+in which, for a dispute at play, my second unhappily
+killed the young Frenchman, the Comte de Saint-Remy.</p>
+
+<p>Apropos, do you know what has become of the dangerous
+siren whom M. de Saint-Remy brought with him to
+Oppenfeld, and whose name was, I think, Cecily David?</p>
+
+<p>You will doubtless, my friend, smile with pity at
+seeing me thus losing myself amongst idle recollections
+of the past, instead of coming at once to the grave
+disclosures that I have announced my intention of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>
+making; but, in spite of myself, I delay the time from
+moment to moment. I know how severe you are, and
+I am fearful of being blamed. Yes, blamed; because,
+instead of acting with reflection and prudence (prudence
+of one and twenty, alas!), I have acted foolishly, or,
+rather, I have not acted at all as&mdash;I have suffered
+myself to be carried away by the stream that urged me
+on, and it is only since my return from Gerolstein that
+I have been awakened from the enchanting vision that
+has lulled me to sleep for the last three months, and
+this awaking has been a sorrowful one.</p>
+
+<p>Now, my friend, my dear Maximilian, I take courage.
+Hear me indulgently; I begin with fear and trembling&mdash;I
+dare not look at you, for when you read these lines,
+how grave and stern will your face become, stoic that
+you are!</p>
+
+<p>After having obtained leave of absence for six months,
+I left Vienna, and remained some time with my father.
+His health was then good, and he advised me to visit
+my aunt, the Princess Juliana, superior of the abbey of
+Gerolstein. I think I have already told you that my
+grandfather was cousin-german to the present duke's
+grandfather, and the Duke Gustavus Rodolph, thanks
+to this relationship, had always treated my father and
+myself as his cousins.</p>
+
+<p>You also know, I think, that during a long stay the
+prince made recently in France my father was left at
+the head of the affairs of the duchy. It is not any
+feeling of ostentatious pride, as you well know, Maximilian,
+that makes me recapitulate all these circumstances,
+but to explain to you the causes of the extreme
+intimacy that existed between the grand duke and myself
+during my stay at Gerolstein.</p>
+
+<p>Do you recollect that last year, after our voyage on
+the banks of the Rhine, we heard that the prince had
+found and married, <i>in extremis</i>, the Countess Macgregor,
+in order to legitimise the daughter he had had by her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>
+by a previous and secret marriage, afterwards annulled,
+because it had been contracted against the consent of
+the late grand duke?</p>
+
+<p>This young girl, thus formally recognised, this charming
+Princess Amelie, of whom Lord Dudley, who had
+seen her at Gerolstein about a year ago, spoke to us
+with an enthusiasm that we suspected of exaggeration,
+strange chance! who would have said then&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>But although you have doubtless penetrated my
+secret, let me pursue the progress of events.</p>
+
+<p>The convent of Ste. Hermangeld, of which my aunt is
+abbess, is scarcely a quarter of a league from Gerolstein,
+for the gardens of the abbey touch the outskirts of the
+town. A charming house, perfectly isolated from the
+cloisters, had been placed at my disposal by my aunt,
+who has, as you know, the affection of a mother for
+me. The day of my arrival she informed me a grand
+drawing-room would be held the next day, as the grand
+duke was going formally to announce his intended
+marriage with La Marquise d'Harville, who had just
+arrived at Gerolstein with her father, the Comte
+d'Orbigny.</p>
+
+<p>The duke was blamed by some for not having sought
+an alliance with some royal house, but others, and
+amongst them my aunt, congratulated him on having
+chosen, instead of a marriage of ambition, a young and
+lovely woman to whom he was deeply attached, and who
+belonged to one of the first families in France. You
+know, too, that my aunt has always had the greatest
+regard for the grand duke, and has always appreciated
+his fine qualities.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear child," said she to me, speaking of the
+drawing-room, to which I was going the next day,&mdash;"my
+dear child, the most astonishing sight you will see
+to-morrow will be the pearl of Gerolstein."</p>
+
+<p>"Of whom are you talking, my dear aunt?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of the Princess Amelie."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The grand duke's daughter? Lord Dudley spoke
+of her at Vienna with warmth we suspected of exaggeration."</p>
+
+<p>"At my age and in my position," replied my aunt,
+"people do not exaggerate, so you can trust to my judgment,
+and I assure you I never knew any one more enchanting
+than the Princess Amelie. I would speak of her
+beauty were it not for an indefinable charm she possesses,
+superior even to her beauty. From the first day that the
+grand duke presented me to her, I felt myself irresistibly
+drawn towards her; and I am not the only person. The
+Archduchess Sophia is at Gerolstein, and is the most
+proud and haughty princess I know."</p>
+
+<p>"Very true, aunt; her irony is terrible, very few persons
+escape from her sarcasms; at Vienna every one
+dreaded her. Can the Princess Amelie have found
+favour in her eyes?"</p>
+
+<p>"The other day she came here after visiting the
+asylum placed under the princess's direction. 'Do you
+know,' said this redoubtable archduchess to me, 'that if
+I resided long with the grand duke's daughter I should
+become quite harmless, so contagious is her goodness!'"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, my cousin must be an enchantress!" said I,
+laughing, to my aunt.</p>
+
+<p>"Her most powerful charm, at least in my eyes,"
+replied my aunt, "is the mixture of sweetness, modesty,
+and dignity that I have told you of, and which gives a
+most touching expression to her face."</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, aunt, modesty is a rare quality in a princess
+so young, so beautiful, and so happy."</p>
+
+<p>"Reflect that the princess is still more deserving of
+praise for her modesty, as her elevation is so very
+recent."</p>
+
+<p>"In her interview with you, aunt, did the princess
+make any reference to her early life?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; but when, notwithstanding my advanced age,
+I addressed her with the respect due to her rank, since<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>
+her royal highness is the grand duke's daughter, her
+ingenuous confusion, mingled with gratitude and veneration
+for me, quite overpowered me; for her reserve,
+full of dignity and affability, proved to me that her
+present elevation did not make her forget her past life,
+and that she accorded to my age what I accorded to her
+rank."</p>
+
+<p>"It must require," said I, "the most perfect tact to
+observe those nice differences."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear boy, the more I see of the princess, the
+more I congratulate myself on my first impression.
+Since she has been here the number of charitable acts
+she has done is incredible, and that with a reflection and
+a judgment that in a person of her age quite surprises
+me. Judge yourself. At her request the grand duke
+has founded at Gerolstein an establishment for orphans
+of five or six years, and for young girls (who are either
+orphans or abandoned by their parents) of the age of
+sixteen, that age so fatal to those who are not protected
+against the temptations of vice or the pressure of
+want.</p>
+
+<p>"The good sisters of my convent teach and direct the
+children of this asylum. During my visits there I have
+had ample opportunities of judging of the adoration that
+these poor, unfortunate creatures have for the princess.
+Every day she spends several hours at this place, which
+is placed under her protection, and I repeat that it is
+not merely gratitude and respect that the children and
+nuns feel towards the princess, it almost amounts to
+fanaticism."</p>
+
+<p>"The princess must be an angel," said I to my aunt.</p>
+
+<p>"An angel, indeed!" replied she, "for you cannot
+conceive with what touching kindness she treats her
+young protégées. I have never seen the susceptibility
+of misfortune meet with more delicate sympathy. You
+would think some irresistible attraction drew the princess
+towards this class of unfortunates. Will you believe<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>
+it? she, the daughter of a sovereign, only addresses
+these poor children as 'my sisters!'"</p>
+
+<p>At these last words of my aunt I confess I felt my
+eyes fill with tears. Do you not also admire the admirable
+and pious conduct of this young princess?</p>
+
+<p>"Since the princess," said I, "is so marvellously gifted,
+I shall be greatly embarrassed when I am presented to
+her to-morrow. You know how timid I am; you know,
+also, that elevation of character imposes upon me more
+than high birth, so that I am certain to appear both
+stupid and embarrassed to-morrow; so I make up my
+mind to that beforehand."</p>
+
+<p>"Come, come!" said my aunt, smiling, "she will
+take pity upon you, the more readily as you are not
+quite a stranger to her."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not a stranger to her, aunt?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not."</p>
+
+<p>"How so?"</p>
+
+<p>"You recollect that when at the age of sixteen you
+left Oldenzaal, to travel with your father through Russia
+and England, I had your portrait painted in the costume
+you wore at the first <i>bal costumé</i> the late duchess gave?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, aunt, the costume of a German page of the
+sixteenth century."</p>
+
+<p>"Our famous painter, Fritz Mocker, whilst he painted a
+faithful likeness of you, not only produced a page of that
+century, but even the style of the pictures of that time.</p>
+
+<p>"Some days after her arrival at Gerolstein, the Princess
+Amelie, who had come with her father to visit me,
+remarked your portrait, and asked what was that charming
+picture of olden times. Her father smiled, and said,
+'This is the portrait of a cousin of ours, who would be,
+were he now alive (as you see by his dress), some three
+hundred years old, but who, although very young, made
+himself remarkable for his courage and goodness of
+heart; has he not bravery in his eyes and goodness
+in his smile?'"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Do not, I entreat you, Maximilian, shrug your
+shoulders with disdain at seeing me write these
+puerile details of myself, which are, alas, necessary
+to my story.</p>
+
+<p>"The Princess Amelie," continued my aunt, "deceived
+by this innocent pleasantry, after a long examination
+of your portrait, joined with her father in praising
+the amiable and determined expression of your face.
+Some time after, when I went to Gerolstein, she questioned
+me playfully about 'her cousin of the olden time.'</p>
+
+<p>"I then explained the trick to her, and told her that
+the handsome page of the sixteenth century was really
+the Prince Henry d'Herkaüsen-Oldenzaal, a young man of
+one and twenty, captain in the guards of his majesty the
+Emperor of Austria, and in every other respect than
+the costume very like his picture. At these words the
+princess," continued my aunt, "blushed and became serious,
+and has never since spoken of the picture. However,
+you see that you are not quite a stranger to your
+cousin; so take courage, and maintain the reputation of
+your portrait."</p>
+
+<p>This conversation took place, as I have already told
+you, the evening previous to the day on which I was to
+be presented to the princess my cousin. I left my aunt,
+and returned to my own apartments.</p>
+
+<p>You have often told me, my dear Maximilian, that I
+was totally free from vanity; I must therefore trust to
+that to prevent my appearing vain during this recital.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as I was alone I reflected with a secret satisfaction
+that the Princess Amelie, after seeing my portrait,
+painted five or six years ago, had inquired after
+"her cousin of the olden time."</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be more absurd than to build the slightest
+hope on so trivial a circumstance, I acknowledge; but
+I always treat you with the most perfect confidence, and
+I acknowledge that this trifling circumstance delighted
+me.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>No doubt the praise I had just heard bestowed on the
+princess by so grave and austere a person as my aunt, by
+raising her in my estimation, rendered this circumstance
+more agreeable.</p>
+
+<p>Why should I tell you? The hopes I conceived from
+this trifling event were so mad that, now that I look back
+more calmly on the past, I ask myself how I could
+have indulged in ideas that must have ended in my
+destruction.</p>
+
+<p>Although related to the grand duke, and always
+treated by him with the greatest kindness, yet it was
+impossible to entertain the slightest hope of a marriage
+with the princess; even had she returned my affection
+it would still have been impossible. Our family holds
+an honourable position, but it is poor when compared
+with the grand duke, the richest prince of the German
+confederation; and besides, I was only one and twenty,
+a simple captain in the guards, without any reputation
+or any position. Never could the grand duke think of
+me as a suitor for his daughter.</p>
+
+<p>All these reflections ought to have saved me from
+a passion I did not as yet feel, but of which I had a
+strange presentiment.</p>
+
+<p>Alas! I rather gave way to fresh puerilities; I wore
+on my finger a ring that Thecla (the countess of whom I
+have so often spoken) had given me, although this souvenir
+of a boyish love could not have much embarrassed
+me. I sacrificed it to my new flame, and, opening the
+window, I cast the ring into the waves of the river that
+flowed beneath.</p>
+
+<p>I have no need to tell you what a night I passed, you
+can imagine; I knew the princess was very beautiful; I
+sought to picture to myself her features, her air, her
+manner, her figure, the sound of her voice; and thinking
+of my portrait which she had noticed I recollected
+that the artist had flattered me excessively, and I
+contrasted the picturesque dress of a page of the sixteenth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>
+century with the simple uniform of a captain
+of the Austrian guards.</p>
+
+<p>But amidst all these absurd ideas some generous
+thoughts crossed my mind, and I was overcome,&mdash;yes,
+overcome by the recollection of the tenderness of the
+princess for those poor girls whom she always terms
+"my sisters."</p>
+
+<p>The next day the hour for the reception came. I tried
+on several uniforms one after another, found them all
+to fit me very ill, and departed very dissatisfied with
+myself.</p>
+
+<p>Although Gerolstein is only a quarter of a league
+from Ste. Hermangeld, during the short journey all the
+childish ideas that had so occupied me during the night
+had given place to one sad and grave thought.</p>
+
+<p>An invincible presentiment told me I was approaching
+one of the crises of my life. A magical inspiration
+revealed to me that I was about to love, to love as a
+man loves but once in his life; and, as if to complete
+my misfortunes, this love, as loftily as deservedly
+bestowed, was doomed to be unhappy.</p>
+
+<p>You do not know the grand ducal palace of Gerolstein.
+In the opinion of every one who has visited the
+capitals of Europe, there is, with the exception of
+Versailles, no royal residence that has a more regal
+and imposing appearance.</p>
+
+<p>If at this time I speak of this, it is because, thinking
+over them, I wonder how they did not recall me to myself;
+for the Princess Amelie was the daughter of the
+sovereign of this palace, these guards, and of these
+riches.</p>
+
+<p>You arrived at the palace by the marble court; so
+called, because, with the exception of a drive for the
+carriages, it is paved with variegated marble, forming
+the most magnificent mosaics, in the centre of which is
+a basin of breccia antique, into which a stream of water
+flows from a porphyry vase.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>This court of honour is surrounded by a row of beautiful
+marble statues, holding candelabras of gilt bronze,
+from which sprung brilliant jets of gas. Alternately
+with these statues are the Medicean vases, raised on
+richly sculptured pedestals, and filled with rose laurels,
+whose leaves shine in the lights with a metallic lustre.</p>
+
+<p>The carriages stopped at the foot of the double staircase
+leading to the peristyle of the palace. At the foot
+of this staircase were stationed on guard, mounted on
+their black horses, two soldiers of the regiment of the
+guards of the grand duke. You would have been struck
+with the stern and warlike appearance of these two
+giants, whose cuirasses and helmets, made like those of
+the ancients, without crest or plume, sparkled in the
+sun.</p>
+
+<p>These soldiers wore blue coats with yellow collars,
+buckskin breeches, and jack-boots. To please you who
+are so fond of military details, I add, that at the top
+landing of the staircase were stationed, as sentinels, two
+grenadiers of the foot-guards of the duke. Their uniform,
+with the exception of the colour of the coat
+and facings, resembles, I am told, that of Napoleon's
+grenadiers.</p>
+
+<p>After traversing the vestibule, where the porters of
+the duke were stationed, halberd in hand, I ascended a
+splendid staircase of white marble, which opened upon
+a portico, ornamented with jasper columns, and surmounted
+by a painted and gilt cupola. There were
+two long files of domestics.</p>
+
+<p>I then entered the guard-room, at the door of which I
+found a chamberlain and an aide-de-camp, whose duty it
+was to present to his royal highness those persons who
+were entitled to this honour. My relationship, though
+distant, procured me a special presentation. An aide-de-camp
+preceded me into a long gallery, filled with
+gentlemen in full court dress or uniform, and splendidly
+attired ladies.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Whilst I passed through this brilliant assembly, I
+heard here and there remarks that augmented my
+embarrassment. Every one admired the angelic beauty
+of the Princess Amelie, the charming appearance of the
+Marquise d'Harville, and the imperial air of the Archduchess
+Sophia, who, recently arrived from Munich with
+the Archduke Stanislaus, was about to depart for Warsaw;
+but whilst rendering their just tribute of admiration
+to the lofty bearing of the duchess and to the charms of
+the Marquise d'Harville, every one agreed that nothing
+could exceed the loveliness of the Princess Amelie.</p>
+
+<p>As I approached the spot where the grand duke and
+the princess were I felt my heart beat more and more
+violently. At the moment that I entered the salon (I
+forgot to tell you there was a concert and ball at court)
+the famous Liszt sat down to the piano, and instantly
+the most profound silence succeeded to the conversation
+that was going on. I waited in the embrasure of a door
+until Liszt had finished the piece he was playing with
+his accustomed taste.</p>
+
+<p>It was then that I saw the Princess Amelie for the
+first time.</p>
+
+<p>I must tell you all that passed, for I feel an indescribable
+pleasure in writing it.</p>
+
+<p>Picture to yourself a large salon furnished with regal
+splendour, brilliantly lighted up, and hung with crimson
+silk, embroidered with wreaths of flowers in gold. In
+the first row, on large gilt chairs, sat the Archduchess
+Sophia with Madame d'Harville on her left, and the
+Princess Amelie on her right. Behind them stood the
+duke in the uniform of colonel of the guards. He seemed
+scarcely thirty, and the military uniform set off his fine
+figure and noble features. Beside him was the Archduke
+Stanislaus in the uniform of a field-marshal; then came
+the princess's maids of honour, the ladies of the grand
+dignitaries of the court, and then the dignitaries themselves.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>I need scarcely tell you that the Princess Amelie was
+less conspicuous by her rank than by her extraordinary
+beauty. Do not condemn me without reading this description
+of her. Although it falls far short of the
+reality, you will understand my adoration. You will
+understand that as soon as I saw her I loved her; and
+that the suddenness of my passion can only be equalled
+by its violence and its eternity.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess Amelie was dressed in a plain white
+watered silk dress, and wore, like the archduchess, the
+riband of the imperial order of St. Nepomucenus recently
+sent to her by the empress. A diadem of pearls
+surrounded her head, and harmonised admirably with
+two splendid braids of fair hair that shaded her delicate
+cheeks. Her arms, whiter than the lace that ornamented
+them, were half hidden in long gloves, reaching nearly
+to her elbow.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be more perfect than her figure, nothing
+more charming than her foot in its satin slipper. At
+the moment when I saw her her beaming blue eyes wore
+a pensive expression. I do not know whether some
+serious thought came over her, or whether she was impressed
+with the grave melody of the piece Liszt was
+playing; but the expression of her countenance seemed
+to me full of sweetness and melancholy.</p>
+
+<p>Never can I express my feelings at that moment. All
+that my aunt had related of her goodness crossed my
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>Smile if you will, but my eyes became full of tears
+when I saw this young girl, so beautiful and so idolised
+by such a father, seem so melancholy and pensive.</p>
+
+<p>You know how scrupulously etiquette and the privileges
+of rank are observed by us. Thanks to my title
+and my relationship to the grand duke, the crowd in the
+midst of which I stood gradually fell back, and I found
+myself left almost alone in the embrasure of the door. It
+was, no doubt, owing to this circumstance that the princess,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>
+awaking from her reverie, perceived, and no doubt
+recognised me, for she started and blushed.</p>
+
+<p>She had seen my portrait at my aunt's, and recognised
+me; nothing could be more simple. The princess's
+eyes did not rest upon me an instant, but that
+look threw me into the most violent confusion. I felt
+my cheeks glow, I cast down my eyes, and did not venture
+to raise them for some time. When I dared at last
+to steal a glance at the princess she was speaking in a
+low tone to the archduchess, who seemed to listen to her
+with the most affectionate interest.</p>
+
+<p>Liszt having paused for a few moments between the
+pieces he was playing, the grand duke took the opportunity
+of expressing his admiration. On returning to his place he
+perceived me, nodded kindly to me, and said something to
+the archduchess, fixing his eyes on me at the same time.
+The duchess, after looking at me a moment, turned to
+the duke, who smiled and said something to his daughter
+that seemed to embarrass her, for she blushed again. I
+was on thorns; but, unfortunately, etiquette forbade my
+leaving my place until the concert was over.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the concert was finished I followed the
+aide-de-camp; he conducted me to the grand duke, who
+deigned to advance a few steps towards me, took me by
+the arm, and said to the Archduchess Sophia:</p>
+
+<p>"Permit me to present to your royal highness my
+cousin, Prince Henry of Herkaüsen-Oldenzaal."</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen the prince at Vienna, and meet him here
+with pleasure," replied the duchess, before whom I inclined
+myself respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear Amelie," continued the prince, addressing
+his daughter, "this is Prince Henry, your cousin, the
+son of one of my most valued friends, Prince Paul, whom
+I greatly lament not seeing here to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, monseigneur, inform the prince that I equally
+regret his absence, for I am always delighted to know
+any of my father's friends."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>I had not until then heard the princess's voice, and I
+was struck with its intense sweetness.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope, my dear Henry, you will stay some time
+with your aunt," said the grand duke. "Come and see
+us often about three o'clock <i>en famille</i>; and if we ride
+out you must accompany us. You know how great an
+affection I have always felt for you, for your noble
+qualities."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot express my gratitude for your royal highness's
+kindness."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, to prove it," said the grand duke, smiling,
+"engage your cousin for the second quadrille; the first
+belongs to the archduke."</p>
+
+<p>"Will your royal highness do me the honour?" said I
+to my cousin.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, call each other cousin, as in the good old times,"
+replied the duke, laughing. "There should be no ceremony
+between relations."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you dance with me, cousin?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, cousin," replied the princess.</p>
+
+<p>I cannot tell how much I felt the touching kindness
+of the grand duke, and how bitterly I reproached myself
+for yielding to an affection the prince would never
+authorise.</p>
+
+<p>I vowed inwardly that nothing should induce me to
+acquaint my cousin with my affection, but I feared my
+emotion would betray me.</p>
+
+<p>I had leisure for these reflections whilst my cousin
+danced the first quadrille with the Archduke Stanislaus.
+Nothing was more suited to display the graces of the
+princess's person than the slow movements of the dance.
+I anxiously awaited my turn; and I succeeded in concealing
+my emotion when I led her to the quadrille.</p>
+
+<p>"Does your royal highness sanction my calling you
+cousin?" said I.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, cousin, I am always delighted to obey my
+father."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I rejoice in this familiarity, since I have learnt from
+my aunt to know you."</p>
+
+<p>"My father has often spoken of you, cousin; and what
+may, perhaps, astonish you," added she, timidly, "I also
+knew you by sight; for one day the Abbess of Ste.
+Hermangeld, your aunt, for whom I have the greatest
+respect, showed me your picture."</p>
+
+<p>"As a page of the sixteenth century?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, cousin; and my father was malicious enough
+to tell me that it was an ancestor of ours, and spoke
+so highly of his courage and his other qualities that
+our family ought to be proud of their descent from
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, cousin, I fear my resemblance to my portrait
+is not great!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are mistaken, cousin," said the princess. "For
+at the end of the concert I recognised you immediately,
+in spite of the difference of costume." Then, wishing
+to change the conversation, she added, "How charmingly
+M. Liszt plays!&mdash;does he not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. How attentively you listened to him!"</p>
+
+<p>"Because there is to me a double charm in music
+without words. Not only you hear the execution, but
+you can adapt your thoughts to the melody. Do you
+understand me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly; your own thoughts become words to the
+air."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you quite comprehend me," said she, with a
+gesture of satisfaction. "I feared I could not express
+what I felt just now."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank God, cousin," said I, smiling, "you can have
+no words to set to so sad an air."</p>
+
+<p>I know not whether my question was indiscreet or
+whether she had not heard me, but suddenly she exclaimed,
+pointing out to me the grand duke, who crossed
+the room with the archduchess on his arm, "Cousin,
+look at my father, how handsome he is! how noble!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span>
+how good! Every one looks at him as if they loved
+him more than they feared him."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah," cried I, "it is not only here he is beloved.
+If the blessing of his people be transmitted to their
+posterity, the name of Rodolph of Gerolstein will be
+immortal."</p>
+
+<p>"To speak thus is to be, indeed, worthy of his
+attachment."</p>
+
+<p>"I do but give utterance to the feelings of all present;
+see how they all hasten to pay their respects to Madame
+d'Harville!"</p>
+
+<p>"No one in the world is more worthy of my father's
+affections than Madame d'Harville."</p>
+
+<p>"You are more capable than any one of appreciating
+her, as you have been in France."</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had I pronounced these words than the
+princess cast down her eyes, and her features assumed
+an air of melancholy; and when I led her back to her
+seat the expression of them was still the same. I suppose
+that my allusion to her stay in France recalled the
+death of her mother.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of the evening a circumstance occurred
+which you may think too trivial to mention, perhaps,
+but which evinces the extraordinary influence this young
+girl universally inspires. Her bandeau of pearls having
+become disarranged, the Archduchess Sophia, who was
+leaning on her arm, kindly readjusted the ornament
+upon her brow. Knowing, as we do, the hauteur of the
+archduchess, such condescension is almost inconceivable.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning I was invited, together with a few
+other persons, to be present at the marriage of the grand
+duke with Madame la Marquise d'Harville. I had never
+seen the princess so radiant and happy.</p>
+
+<p>Some days after the duke's marriage I had a long
+interview with him. He questioned me about my past
+life, my future career. He gave me the most admirable
+advice, the kindest encouragement. So much so that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>
+the idea crossed my mind that he had perceived my love
+and wished to bring me to confess it.</p>
+
+<p>But this idea was soon dispelled. The prince concluded
+by telling me that the great wars were over, that
+I ought to avail myself of my name, my connections,
+the education I had received, and my father's friendship
+with the Prince de M&mdash;&mdash;, prime minister of the emperor,
+in order to follow a diplomatic instead of a military
+career. In a word, he offered me his sovereign protection
+to facilitate my entry in the career he proposed
+to me.</p>
+
+<p>I thanked him for his offers with gratitude, and added
+that I felt the weight of his advice and would follow it.</p>
+
+<p>I at first visited the palace very seldom; but, thanks
+to the duke's reiterated invitations, I was soon there
+almost every day. We lived in the peaceful retirement
+resembling that of some English mansions. When the
+weather permitted we rode out with the duke, the
+duchess, and the grand personages of the court.</p>
+
+<p>When we were forced to remain at home we sang,
+and I accompanied the grand duchess and my cousin,
+who had the sweetest and most expressive voice I ever
+heard. At other times we inspected the magnificent
+picture galleries and museums, and the library of the
+prince, who is one of the most accomplished men in
+Europe. I often dined at the palace, and on the opera
+nights I accompanied the duke's family to the theatre.</p>
+
+<p>Could this intimacy have lasted for ever I should have
+been happy, perhaps, but I reflected that I should be
+summoned to Vienna by my duties. I reflected, also,
+that the duke would soon think of finding a suitable
+alliance for his daughter.</p>
+
+<p>My cousin remarked this change in me. The evening
+before I quitted Gerolstein she told me she had
+for several days remarked my abstracted manner. I
+endeavoured to evade this question, saying that my
+approaching departure was the cause.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I can scarcely believe it," replied she. "My father
+treats you like a son; every one loves you. It would be
+ingratitude if you were unhappy."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" said I, unable to restrain my emotion, "it is
+grief I am a prey to!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, what has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just now, cousin, you have told me your father
+treated me like a son, and that every one loved me; and
+yet, ere long, I must quit Gerolstein. It is this that
+grieves me."</p>
+
+<p>"And are the recollections of those you have left as
+nothing?"</p>
+
+<p>"Doubtless; but time brings so many changes."</p>
+
+<p>"There are affections, at least, that are unchangeable;
+such as that of my father for you, such as that I feel for
+you. When you are once brother and sister you never
+forget each other," added she, looking up, her large blue
+eyes full of tears.</p>
+
+<p>I was on the point of betraying myself; however, I
+controlled my feelings in time.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think then, cousin," said I, "that when I
+return in a few years this affection will continue?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why should it not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because you will be probably married; you will
+have other duties to perform, and you will forget your
+poor brother."</p>
+
+<p>This was all that passed; I know not if she was
+offended at these words, or whether she was like myself
+grieved at the changes the future must bring; but,
+instead of answering me, she was silent for a moment,
+then, rising hastily from her seat, her face pale and
+altered, she left the room, after having looked for a
+few seconds at the embroidery of the young Countess
+d'Oppenheim, one of her maids of honour.</p>
+
+<p>The same evening I received a second letter from my
+father, urging me to return. The next morning I took
+leave of the grand duke. He told me my cousin was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>
+unwell, but that he would make my adieux; he then
+embraced me tenderly, renewed his promises of assistance,
+and added that, whenever I had leave of absence,
+nothing would give him greater pleasure than to see me
+at Gerolstein.</p>
+
+<p>Happily, on my arrival, I found my father better;
+still confined to his bed, and very weak, it is true, but
+out of danger. Now that you know all, Maximilian, tell
+me, what can I do?</p>
+
+<p>Just as I finished this letter, my door opened, and, to
+my great surprise, my father, whom I believed to be in
+bed, entered; he saw the letter on the table.</p>
+
+<p>"To whom are you writing so long a letter?" said
+he, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"To Maximilian, father."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh," said he, with an expression of affectionate
+reproach, "he has all your confidence! He is very
+happy!"</p>
+
+<p>He pronounced these last words in so sorrowful a
+tone that I held out the letter to him, almost without
+reflection, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Read it, father."</p>
+
+<p>My friend, he has read all! After having remained
+musing some time he said to me:</p>
+
+<p>"Henry, I shall write and inform the grand duke of
+all that passed during your stay at Gerolstein."</p>
+
+<p>"Father, I entreat you not!"</p>
+
+<p>"Is what you have written to Maximilian scrupulously
+true?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you love your cousin?"</p>
+
+<p>"I adore her; but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>My father interrupted me.</p>
+
+<p>"Then, in that case, I shall write to the grand duke
+and demand her hand for you."</p>
+
+<p>"But, father, such a demand will be madness on my
+part!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It is true; but still, in making this demand, I shall
+acquaint the prince with my reasons for making it. He
+has received you with the greatest kindness, and it would
+be unworthy of me to deceive him. He will be touched
+at the frankness of my demand, and, though he refuse it,
+as he certainly will, he will yet know that, should you
+ever again visit Gerolstein, you cannot be on the same
+familiar terms with the princess."</p>
+
+<p>You know that, although so tenderly attached to me,
+my father is inflexible in whatever concerns his duty;
+judge, then, of my fears, of my anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>I hastily terminate this long letter, but I will soon
+write again. Sympathise with me, for I fear I shall go
+mad if the fever that preys on me does not soon abate.
+Adieu, adieu! Ever yours,</p>
+
+<p class="sigs"><span class="smcap">Henry d'H.-O.</span></p></div>
+
+<p>We will now conduct the reader to the palace of
+Gerolstein, inhabited by Fleur-de-Marie since her return
+from France.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p>
+<h3>CHAPTER II.</h3>
+
+<h5>THE PRINCESS AMELIE.</h5>
+
+
+<p>The apartment of Fleur-de-Marie (we only call her
+the Princess Amelie officially) had been by Rodolph's
+orders splendidly furnished. From the balcony of the
+oratory the two towers of the Convent of Ste. Hermangeld
+were visible, which, embosomed in the woods, were
+in their turn overtopped by a high hill, at the foot of
+which the abbey was built.</p>
+
+<p>One fine summer's morning Fleur-de-Marie gazed listlessly
+at this splendid landscape; her hair was plainly
+braided, and she wore a high, white dress with blue
+stripes; a large muslin collar was fastened around her
+throat by a small blue silk handkerchief, of the same
+hue as her sash.</p>
+
+<p>Seated in a large armchair of carved ebony, she leant
+her head on her small and delicately white hand. Fleur-de-Marie's
+attitude and the expression of her face showed
+that she was a prey to the deepest melancholy.</p>
+
+<p>At this instant a female of a grave and distinguished
+appearance entered the room, and coughed gently to
+attract Fleur-de-Marie's attention. She started from her
+reverie, and, gracefully acknowledging the salutation
+of the newcomer, said:</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, my dear countess?"</p>
+
+<p>"I come to inform your royal highness that the
+grand duke will be here in a few minutes, and, also,
+to ask a favour of you."</p>
+
+<p>"Ask it, you know how happy I am to oblige you."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It concerns an unhappy creature who had unfortunately
+quitted Gerolstein before your royal highness
+had founded the asylum for orphans and children
+abandoned by their parents."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you wish I should do for her?"</p>
+
+<p>"The father went to seek his fortune in America,
+leaving his wife and daughter to gain a precarious
+subsistence. The mother died, and this poor girl,
+then only sixteen, was seduced and abandoned. She
+fell lower and lower, until at length she became, like
+so many others, the opprobrium of her sex."</p>
+
+<p>Fleur-de-Marie turned red and shuddered. The
+countess, fearing she had wounded the delicacy of
+the princess by the mention of this girl's condition,
+replied:</p>
+
+<p>"I pray your royal highness to pardon me; I have,
+doubtless, shocked you by speaking of this wretched
+creature, but her repentance seemed so sincere that I
+ventured to plead for her."</p>
+
+<p>"You were quite right. Pray continue," said Fleur-de-Marie,
+subduing her emotion. "Every fault is worthy
+of pity when followed by repentance."</p>
+
+<p>"After two years passed in this wretched mode of
+existence she repented sincerely, and came back to
+Gerolstein. She chanced to lodge in the house of a
+good and pious widow; encouraged by her kindness,
+the poor creature told her all her sad story, adding
+that she bitterly regretted the faults of her early life,
+and that all she desired was to enter some religious
+house, where by prayer and penitence she might atone
+for her sins. She is only eighteen, very beautiful, and
+possesses a considerable sum of money, which she wishes
+to bestow on the convent she enters."</p>
+
+<p>"I undertake to provide for her," said Fleur-de-Marie;
+"since she repents, she is worthy of compassion;
+her remorse must be more bitter in proportion as
+it is sincere."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I hear the grand duke," said the lady in waiting,
+without remarking Fleur-de-Marie's agitation; and, as
+she spoke, Rodolph entered, holding a large bouquet of
+roses in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>At the sight of the prince the countess retired, and
+scarcely had she left the apartment than Fleur-de-Marie
+threw herself into her father's arms, and leant
+her head on his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, love," said Rodolph, pressing her to
+his heart. "See what beautiful roses; I never saw
+finer ones." And the prince made a slight motion as
+if to disengage himself from her and look at her, when,
+seeing her weeping, he threw down the bouquet, and,
+taking her hands, cried:</p>
+
+<p>"You are weeping! What is the matter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, dear father," said Fleur-de-Marie, striving
+to smile.</p>
+
+<p>"My child," replied Rodolph, "you are concealing
+something from me; tell me, I entreat you, what thus
+distresses you. Never mind the bouquet."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you know how fond I am of roses; I always
+was! Do you recollect," added she, "my poor little
+rose-tree? I have preserved the pieces of it so carefully!"</p>
+
+<p>At this terrible allusion, Rodolph cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Unhappy child! Is it possible that, in the midst of
+all the splendour that surrounds you, you think of the
+past? Alas! I hoped my tenderness had made you
+forget it."</p>
+
+<p>"Forgive me, dear father; I did not mean what I
+said. I grieve you."</p>
+
+<p>"I grieve, my child, because I know how painful it is
+for you thus to ponder over the past."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear father, it is the first time since I have been
+here."</p>
+
+<p>"The first time you have mentioned it, but not the
+first time you have thought of it; I have for a long time<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>
+noticed your sadness, and was unable to account for it.
+My position was so delicate, though I never told you anything,
+I thought of you constantly. When I contracted
+my marriage, I thought it would increase your happiness.
+I did not venture to hope you would quite forget the
+past; but I hoped that, cherished and supported by the
+amiable woman whom I had chosen for my wife, you
+would look upon the past as amply atoned for by your
+sufferings. No matter what faults you had committed,
+they have been a thousand times expiated by the good
+you have done since you have been here."</p>
+
+<p>"Father!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, let me tell you all, since a providential chance
+has brought about this conversation I at once desired
+and dreaded! I would, to secure your happiness, have
+sacrificed my affection for Madame d'Harville and my
+friendship for Murphy, had I thought they recalled the
+past to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, their presence, when they know what I was, and
+yet love me so tenderly, seems a proof of pardon and
+oblivion to me! I should have been miserable if for my
+sake you had renounced Madame d'Harville's hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you know not what sacrifice Clémence herself
+would have made, for she was aware of the full extent
+of my duties to you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Duties to me! What have I done to deserve so
+much goodness?"</p>
+
+<p>"Until the moment that Heaven restored you to me,
+your life had been one of sorrow and misery, and I
+reproach myself with your sufferings as if I had caused
+them, and when I see you happy, it seems to me I am
+forgiven. My only wish, my sole aim, is to render you
+as happy as you were before unhappy, to exalt you
+as you have been abased, for the last trace of your
+humiliation must disappear when you see the noblest in
+the land vie with each other who shall show you most
+respect."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Respect to me! Oh, no! It is to my rank and not
+to myself they show respect."</p>
+
+<p>"It is to you, dear child,&mdash;it is to you!"</p>
+
+<p>"You love me so much, dear father, that every one
+thinks to please you by showing me respect."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, naughty child!" cried Rodolph, tenderly kissing
+his daughter; "she will not cede anything to my
+paternal pride."</p>
+
+<p>"Is not your pride satisfied at my attributing the
+kindness I receive to you only?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, that is not the same thing; I cannot be proud
+of myself, but of you. You are ignorant of your own
+merits; in fifteen months your education has been so
+perfected that the most enthusiastic mother would be
+proud of you."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the door of the salon opened, and
+Clémence, grand duchess of Gerolstein, entered, holding
+a letter in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, love, is a letter from France," said she to
+Rodolph; "I brought it myself, because I wished to bid
+good-morrow to my dear child, whom I have not yet
+seen to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"This letter arrives most opportunely," said Rodolph.
+"We were speaking of the Past; that monster we must
+destroy, since he threatens the repose of our child."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible that these fits of melancholy we have
+so often remarked&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Were occasioned by unhappy recollections; but now
+that we know the enemy we shall destroy him."</p>
+
+<p>"From whom is this letter?" asked Clémence.</p>
+
+<p>"From Rigolette, Germain's wife."</p>
+
+<p>"Rigolette?" cried Fleur-de-Marie. "Oh, I am so
+glad!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you not fear that this letter may serve to awaken
+fresh recollections?" said Clémence, in a low tone to
+Rodolph.</p>
+
+<p>"On the contrary, I wish to destroy these recollections,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>
+and I shall, doubtless, find arms in this letter,
+for Rigolette is a worthy creature, who appreciated and
+adored our child."</p>
+
+<p>Rodolph then read the following letter aloud:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="sigs">"<span class="smcap">Bouqueval Farm</span>, August 15, 1841.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Monseigneur</i>:&mdash;I take the liberty of writing to you
+to communicate a great happiness which has occurred to
+us, and to ask of you another favour,&mdash;of you, to whom
+we already owe so much, or rather to whom we owe the
+real paradise in which we live, myself, my dear Germain,
+and his good mother. It is this, monseigneur: For the
+last ten days I have been crazy with joy, for ten days ago
+I was confined with such a love of a little girl, which I say
+is the image of Germain, he says it is exactly like me,
+and our dear mother says it is like us both; the fact is,
+it has beautiful blue eyes like Germain, and black curly
+hair like mine."</p></div>
+
+<p>"Good, worthy people, they deserve to be happy!"
+said Rodolph. "If ever there was a couple well matched
+it is they."</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"But really, monseigneur, I must ask your pardon for
+this chatter. Your ears must often tingle, monseigneur,
+for the day never passes that we do not talk of you,
+when we say to each other how happy we are, how
+happy we were, for then your name naturally occurs.
+Excuse this blot, monseigneur; but, without thinking of
+it, I had written Monsieur Rodolph, as I used to say
+formerly, and then I scratched it out. I hope you will
+find my writing improved as well as my spelling, for
+Germain gives me lessons, and I do not make those long
+ugly scrawls I used to do when you mended my pens."</p></div>
+
+<p>"I must confess," said Rodolph, with a smile, "that
+my little protégée makes a mistake, and I am sure Germain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>
+is more frequently employed in kissing the hand of
+his scholar than in directing it."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear duke, you are unjust," said Clémence, looking
+at the letter; "it is rather a very large hand, but
+very legible."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes, she has really improved," observed Rodolph;
+"it would in former days have taken eight pages
+to contain what she now writes in two." And he continued:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"It is quite true, you know, monseigneur, that you
+used to mend my pens, and when we think of it, we two
+Germains, we feel quite ashamed when we recollect how
+free from pride you were. Ah, I am again chattering
+instead of saying what we wish to ask of you, monseigneur;
+for my husband unites with me, and it is very
+important, for we attach a great deal to it, as you will
+see. We entreat of you, monseigneur, to have the goodness
+to choose for us and give us a name for our dear
+little daughter; this has been the wish of the godfather
+and godmother,&mdash;and who do you think they are, monseigneur?
+Two persons whom you and the Marquise
+d'Harville have taken from misery and made very
+happy, as happy as we are. They are Morel, the lapidary,
+and Jeanne Duport, a worthy creature whom I
+met in prison when I went there to visit my dear Germain,
+and whom the marquise afterwards took out of
+the hospital.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, monseigneur, you must know why we have
+chosen M. Morel for godfather, and Jeanne Duport for
+godmother. We said it would be one way of again
+thanking M. Rodolph for all his kindness, to have, as
+godfather and godmother for our little one, worthy
+persons who owe everything to him and the marchioness;
+whilst, at the same time, Morel and Jeanne Duport are
+the worthiest people breathing, they are of our own
+class in life, and besides, as we say with Germain, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>
+are our kinsfolk in happiness, for, like us, they are of
+the family of your protégés."</p></div>
+
+<p>"Really, my dear father, this idea is most delightful
+and excellent!" said Fleur-de-Marie; "to take for godfather
+and godmother persons who owe everything to
+you and my dear second mother!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, indeed, dearest," said Clémence; "and I am
+deeply touched at their remembrance."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am very happy to find that my favours have
+been so well bestowed," said Rodolph, continuing his
+letter.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"With the money you gave him, Morel has now
+become a jewel broker, and earns enough to bring up
+his family very respectably. Poor Louise, who is a very
+good girl, is going, I believe, to be married to a very
+worthy young man, who loves and respects her as he
+ought to do, for she has been unfortunate, but not
+guilty, and Louise's husband that is to be is perfectly
+sensible of this."</p></div>
+
+<p>Rodolph laid great stress on these last words, looked
+at his daughter for a moment, and then continued:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"I must add, monseigneur, that Jeanne Duport,
+through the generosity of the marquise, has been separated
+from her husband, that bad man who beat her and
+took everything from her; she has now her eldest daughter
+with her: they keep a small trimming shop, and are
+doing very well. Germain writes to you regularly,
+monseigneur, every month, on the subject of the Bank
+for Mechanics out of Work and Gratuitous Loans; there
+are scarcely any sums in arrear, and we find already the
+good effects of it in this quarter. Nine, at least, poor
+families can support themselves in the dead season of
+work without sending their clothes and bedding to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>
+pawnbroker's. And when work comes in, it does one's
+heart good to see the haste with which they return the
+money lent, and they bless you for the loans so serviceably
+advanced.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, monseigneur, they bless you; for, although you
+say you did nothing in this but appoint Germain, and
+that an unknown did this great benefit, we must always,
+suppose it was you who founded it, as it appears to us
+the most natural idea. There is, besides, a most famous
+trumpet to repeat that it is you who are the real benefactor.
+This trumpet is Madame Pipelet, who repeats to
+every one that it could be no one but her king of lodgers
+(excuse her, M. Rodolph, but she always calls you
+so) who established such a charitable institution, and
+her old darling Alfred is of the same opinion; he is so
+proud and contented with his post as porter to the bank
+that he says all the tricks of M. Cabrion would not have
+the slightest effect on him now.</p>
+
+<p>"Germain has read in the newspapers that Martial, a
+colonist of Algeria, has been mentioned with great
+praise for the courage he had shown in repulsing, at the
+head of the settlers, an attack of plundering Arabs, and
+that his wife, as intrepid as himself, had been slightly
+wounded by his side, where she handled her musket like
+a real grenadier; since this time, says the newspaper,
+she has been called Madame Carabine.</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse this long letter, monseigneur, but I think
+you will not be displeased to hear from us news of
+all those whose benefactor you have been. I write
+to you from the farm at Bouqueval, where we have
+been since the spring with our good mother. Germain
+leaves us in the morning for his business, and
+returns in the evening. In the autumn we shall return
+to Paris.</p>
+
+<p>"It is so strange, M. Rodolph, that I, who could never
+endure the country, am now so fond of it; I suppose it
+is because Germain likes it so very much.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"As to the farm, M. Rodolph, you who know, no
+doubt, where the good little Goualeuse is, will perhaps
+tell her that we very often think of her as one of the
+dearest and gentlest creatures in the world; and that,
+for myself, I never think of my own happy condition
+without saying to myself, since M. Rodolph was also the
+M. Rodolph of dear Fleur-de-Marie, that, no doubt, she
+is by his kindness as happy as we are, and that makes
+one feel still more happy. Ah, how I chatter! What
+will you say to all this? But you are so good, and then,
+you know, it is your fault if I go on as long and as merrily
+as Papa Crétu and Ramonette, who no longer have
+a chance with me in singing. You will not refuse our
+request, will you, monseigneur? If you will give a
+name to our dear little child, it will seem to us that it
+will bring her good fortune, like a lucky star.</p>
+
+<p>"If I conclude by saying to you, M. Rodolph, that we
+try to give every assistance in our power to the poor, it
+is not to boast, but that you may know that we do not
+keep to ourselves all the happiness you have given to us;
+besides, we always say to those we succour: 'It is not
+us whom you should thank and bless; it is M. Rodolph,
+the best, most generous person in the world.'</p>
+
+<p>"Adieu, monseigneur! And pray believe that when
+our dear little child begins to lisp, the first word she
+shall utter will be your name, M. Rodolph, and the next
+those you wrote on the basket which contained your
+generous wedding presents to me, 'Labour and discretion,
+honour and happiness.' Thanks to these four words, our
+love and our care, we hope, monseigneur, that our child
+will be always worthy to pronounce the name of him
+who has been our benefactor, and that of all the unfortunates
+he ever knew&mdash;Forgive me, monseigneur, but
+I cannot finish without the big tears in my eyes, but they
+are tears of happiness. Excuse all errors, if you please;
+it is not my fault, but I cannot see very clearly, and I
+scribble.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have the honour to be, monseigneur, your respectful
+and most grateful servant,</p>
+
+<p class="sigs">"<span class="smcap">Rigolette Germain.</span></p>
+
+<p>"P.S. Ah, monseigneur, in reading my letter over
+again, I see I have often written M. Rodolph, but you
+will excuse me, for you know, monseigneur, that under
+any and every name we respect and bless you alike."</p></div>
+
+<p>"Dear little Rigolette!" said Clémence, affected by
+the letter; "how full of good and right feeling is her
+letter!"</p>
+
+<p>"It is, indeed!" replied Rodolph. "She has an admirable
+disposition, her heart is all that is good; and our
+dear daughter appreciates her as we do," he added, addressing
+Fleur-de-Marie, when, struck by her pale countenance,
+he exclaimed, "But what ails you, dearest?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! what a painful contrast between my position
+and that of Rigolette. 'Labour and discretion, honour
+and happiness,' these four words declare all that my life
+has been, all that it ought to have been,&mdash;a young,
+industrious, and discreet girl, a beloved wife, a happy
+mother, an honoured woman, such is her destiny;
+whilst I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What do you say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Forgive me, my dear father; do not accuse me of
+ingratitude. But in spite of your unspeakable tenderness
+and that of my second mother, in spite of the
+splendour with which I am surrounded, in spite of your
+sovereign power, my shame is incurable. Nothing can
+destroy the past. Forgive me, dear father. Until now
+I have concealed this from you; but the recollection of
+my original degradation drives me to despair&mdash;kills
+me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Clémence, do you hear?" cried Rodolph, in extreme
+distress. "Oh, fatality&mdash;fatality! Now I curse my
+fears, my silence. This sad idea, so long and deeply<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>
+rooted in her mind, has, unknown to us, made fearful
+ravages; and it is too late to contend against this sad
+error. Oh, I am indeed wretched!"</p>
+
+<p>"Courage, my dearest!" said Clémence to Rodolph.
+"You said but now that it is best to know the enemy
+that threatens us. We know now the cause of our child's
+sorrow, and will triumph over it, because we shall have
+with us reason, justice, and our excessive love for her."</p>
+
+<p>"And then she will see, too, that her affliction, if it
+be, indeed, incurable, will render ours incurable," said
+Rodolph.</p>
+
+<p>After a protracted silence, during which Fleur-de-Marie
+appeared to recover herself, she took Rodolph's and
+Clémence's hands in her own, and said in a voice deeply
+affected, "Hear me, beloved father, and you my best of
+mothers. God has willed it, and I thank him for it,
+that I should no longer conceal from you all that I feel.
+I must have done so shortly, and told you what I will
+now avow, for I could not longer have kept it concealed."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, now I comprehend!" ejaculated Rodolph, "and
+there is no longer any hope for her."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope in the future, my dear father, and this hope
+gives me strength to speak thus to you."</p>
+
+<p>"And what can you hope for the future, poor child,
+since your present fate only causes you grief and
+torment?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you; but before I do so let me recall to
+you the past, and confess before God, who hears me,
+what I have felt to this time."</p>
+
+<p>"Speak&mdash;speak&mdash;we listen!" was Rodolph's reply.</p>
+
+<p>"As long as I was in Paris with you, my dearest
+father, I was so happy that such days of bliss cannot be
+paid for too dearly by years of suffering. You see I
+have at least known happiness."</p>
+
+<p>"For some days, perhaps."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but what pure and unmingled happiness! The
+future dazzled me,&mdash;a father to adore, a second mother<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>
+to cherish doubly, for she replaced mine, whom I never
+knew. Then&mdash;for I will confess all&mdash;my pride was
+roused in spite of myself. So greatly did I rejoice in
+belonging to you. If then I sometimes thought vaguely
+of the past, it was to say to myself, 'I, formerly so
+debased, am the beloved daughter of a sovereign prince,
+whom everybody blesses and reveres; I, formerly so
+wretched, now enjoy all the splendours of luxury, and
+an existence almost royal.' Alas! my father, my good
+fortune was so unlooked for, your power surrounded me
+with so much brilliancy, that I was, perhaps, excusable
+in allowing myself to be thus blinded."</p>
+
+<p>"Excusable! Nothing could be more natural, my
+angelic girl. What was there wrong in being proud of
+a rank which was your own, in enjoying the advantages
+of a position to which I had restored you? I remember
+at this time you were so delightfully gay, and said to
+me in accents I never can again hope to hear, 'Dearest
+father, this is too, too much happiness!' Unfortunately
+it was these recollections that begat in me this deceitful
+security."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you remember, my father," said Fleur-de-Marie,
+unable to overcome a shudder of horror, "do you remember
+the terrible scene that preceded our departure
+from Paris when your carriage was stopped?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered Rodolph; in a tone of melancholy.
+"Brave Chourineur! after having once more saved my
+life&mdash;he died&mdash;there, before our eyes."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my father, at the moment when that unhappy
+man expired, do you know whom I saw looking steadfastly
+at me? Ah, that look&mdash;that look! it has
+haunted me ever since!" added Fleur-de-Marie, with
+a shudder.</p>
+
+<p>"What look? Of whom do you speak?" cried
+Rodolph.</p>
+
+<p>"Of the ogress of the <i>tapis-franc</i>!" answered Fleur-de-Marie.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That monster! You saw her!&mdash;and where?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did you not see her in the tavern where the
+Chourineur died? She was amongst the women who
+surrounded us."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, now," said Rodolph, in a tone of despair, "I
+understand. Struck with horror as you were at the
+murder of the Chourineur, you must have imagined that
+you saw something prophetic in the sinister rencontre!"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, indeed, father, it was so. At the sight of the
+ogress I felt a death-like shiver, and it seemed that
+under her scowl my heart, which, until then, had been
+light, joyous, bounding, was instantly chilled to ice.
+Yes, to meet that woman at the very instant when
+the Chourineur died, saying, 'Heaven is just!' it
+seemed to me as a rebuke from Providence for my
+proud forgetfulness of the past, which I was hereafter
+to expiate by humility and repentance."</p>
+
+<p>"But the past was forced on you, and you are not
+responsible for that in the sight of God!"</p>
+
+<p>"You were driven to it&mdash;overcome&mdash;my poor child!"</p>
+
+<p>"Once precipitated into the abyss in spite of yourself,
+and unable to quit it in spite of your remorse and
+despair, through the atrocious recklessness of the society
+of which you were a victim, you saw yourself for
+ever chained to this den, and it required that chance
+should throw you in my way to rescue you from such
+thraldom."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, too, my child, your father says you were the
+victim and not the accomplice of this infamy," said
+Clémence.</p>
+
+<p>"But yet, my mother, I have known this infamy!"
+replied Fleur-de-Marie, in a tone of deepest grief.
+"Nothing can destroy these fearful recollections,&mdash;they
+pursue me incessantly, not as formerly, in the
+midst of the peaceful inhabitants of the farm, or
+the fallen women who were my companions in St.
+Lazare, but they pursue me even in this palace, filled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>
+with the élite of Germany; they pursue me even to my
+father's arms, even to the steps of his throne!" And
+Fleur-de-Marie burst into an agony of tears.</p>
+
+<p>Rodolph and Clémence remained silent in presence of
+this fearful expression of unextinguishable remorse; they
+wept, too, for they perceived that their consolations were
+vain.</p>
+
+<p>"Since then," continued Fleur-de-Marie, drying her
+tears, "I say to myself every moment in the day, with
+bitter shame, 'I am honoured, revered, and the most
+eminent and venerated persons surround me with respect
+and attention. In the eyes of a whole court the sister
+of an emperor has deigned to fasten my bandeau on my
+forehead, and I have lived in the mire of the Cité,
+familiar with thieves and murderers.' Forgive me,
+dearest father, but the more elevated my position, the
+more deeply sensitive have I been to the deep degradation
+into which I had fallen; and at every homage paid
+me I feel myself guilty of profanation, and think it
+sacrilege to receive such attentions, knowing what I
+have been; and then I say to myself, 'If God should
+please that the past were all known, with what deserved
+scorn would she be treated whom now they elevate so
+high! What a just and fearful punishment!'"</p>
+
+<p>"But, poor girl, my wife and I know the past; we are
+worthy of our rank, and yet we cherish you."</p>
+
+<p>"Because you feel for me the tenderness of a father
+and mother."</p>
+
+<p>"But remember all the good you have done since your
+residence here, and the excellent and holy institution
+you have founded for orphans and poor forsaken girls!
+Then, too, the affection which the worthy abbess of Ste.
+Hermangeld evinces towards you, ought not that to be
+attributed to your unfeigned piety?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whilst the praises of the abbess of Ste. Hermangeld
+refer only to my present conduct, I accept it without
+scruple; but when she cites my example to the noble<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>
+young ladies who have taken vows in the abbey, I
+feel as if I were the accomplice of an infamous falsehood."</p>
+
+<p>After a long silence Rodolph resumed, with deep
+melancholy:</p>
+
+<p>"I see it is unavailing to persuade you! Reasoning
+is impotent against a conviction the more steadfast as
+it is derived from a noble and generous feeling. The
+contrast of your past and present position must be a
+perpetual punishment; forgive me for saying so, my
+beloved one!"</p>
+
+<p>"Forgive you! And for what, my dear father?"</p>
+
+<p>"For not having foreseen your excessive susceptibility,
+which, from the delicacy of your heart, I should have
+anticipated. And yet what could I have done? It was
+my duty solemnly to recognise you as my daughter; yet
+I was wrong&mdash;wrong to be too proud of you! I should
+have concealed my treasure, and lived in retirement
+with Clémence and you, instead of raising you high, so
+high that the past would disappear as I hoped from your
+eyes."</p>
+
+<p>Several knocks were heard at this moment, which
+interrupted the conversation. Rodolph opened the door,
+and saw Murphy, who said:</p>
+
+<p>"I beg your your royal highness's pardon for thus
+disturbing you, but a courier from the Prince of
+Herkaüsen-Oldenzaal has just arrived with this letter,
+which he says is very important, and must be delivered
+immediately to your royal highness."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, good Murphy. Do not go away," said
+Rodolph, with a sigh, "I shall want you presently."
+And the prince, closing the door, remained a moment
+in the ante-room to read the letter which Murphy had
+brought him, and which was as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"<i>My Lord</i>:&mdash;Trusting that the bonds of relationship
+existing between us, as well as the friendship with which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>
+you have ever honoured me, will excuse the boldness of
+the step I am about to take, I will at once enter upon
+the purport of my letter, dictated as it is by a conscientious
+desire to act as becomes the man your highness
+deigns to style his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"Fifteen months have now elapsed since you returned
+from France, bringing with you your long-lost daughter,
+whom you so happily discovered living with that mother
+from whom she had never been parted, and whom you
+espoused when <i>in extremis</i>, in order to legitimise the
+Princess Amelie.</p>
+
+<p>"Thus ennobled, of matchless beauty, and, as I learn
+from my sister, the abbess of Ste. Hermangeld, endowed
+with a character pure and elevated as the princely
+race from which she springs, who would not envy your
+happiness in possessing such a treasure?</p>
+
+<p>"I will now candidly state the purport of my letter,
+although I should certainly have been the bearer of the
+request it contains, were it not that a severe indisposition
+detains me at Oldenzaal.</p>
+
+<p>"During the time my son passed at Gerolstein he had
+frequent opportunities of seeing the Princess Amelie,
+whom he loves with a passionate but carefully concealed
+affection. This fact I have considered it right to acquaint
+you with, the more especially as, after having received
+and entertained my son as affectionately as though he
+had been your own, you added to your kindness by
+inviting him to return, as quickly as his duties would
+allow, to enjoy that sweet companionship so precious to
+his heart; and it is probable that my apprising you of
+this circumstance may induce you to withdraw your
+intended hospitality to one who has presumed to aspire
+to the affections of your peerless child.</p>
+
+<p>"I am perfectly well aware that the daughter of whom
+you are so justly proud might aspire to the first alliance
+in Europe, but I also know that so tender and devoted
+a parent as yourself would not hesitate to bestow the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>
+hand of the Princess Amelie on my son, if you believed
+by so doing her happiness would be secured.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not for me to dwell upon Henry's merits,&mdash;you
+have been graciously pleased to bestow your approval
+on his conduct thus far, and I venture to hope he will
+never give you cause to change the favourable opinion
+you have deigned to express concerning him.</p>
+
+<p>"Of this be assured, that whatever may be your
+determination, we shall bow in respectful and implicit
+submission to it, and that I shall never be otherwise
+than your royal highness's most humble and obedient
+servant,</p>
+
+<p class="sigs"><span style="padding-right: 2em;">"<span class="smcap">Gustave Paul,</span></span><br />
+"<i>Prince of Herkaüsen-Oldenzaal</i>."</p></div>
+
+<p>After the perusal of this letter Rodolph remained
+for some time sad and pensive; then a gleam of hope
+darting across his mind, he returned to his daughter,
+whom Clémence was most tenderly consoling.</p>
+
+<p>"My dear child," said he, as he entered, "you yourself
+observed that this day seemed destined to be one of
+important discoveries and solemn explanations, but I
+did not then think your words would be so strikingly
+verified as they seem likely to be."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear father, what has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"Fresh sources of uneasiness have arisen."</p>
+
+<p>"On whose account?"</p>
+
+<p>"On yours, my child. I fear you have only revealed
+to us a portion of your griefs."</p>
+
+<p>"Be kind enough to explain yourself," said Fleur-de-Marie,
+blushing.</p>
+
+<p>"Then hearken to me, my beloved child. You have,
+perhaps, good cause to fancy yourself unhappy. When,
+at the commencement of our conversation, you spoke of
+the hopes you still entertained, I understood your meaning,
+and my heart seemed broken by the blow with
+which I was menaced, for I read but too clearly that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>
+you desired to quit me for ever, and to bury yourself in
+the eternal seclusion of a cloister. My child, say, have
+I not divined your intentions?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you would consent," murmured forth Fleur-de-Marie,
+in a faint, gasping voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Would you, then, quit us?" exclaimed Clémence.</p>
+
+<p>"The abbey of Ste. Hermangeld is in the immediate
+neighbourhood of Gerolstein, and I should frequently
+see yourself and my father."</p>
+
+<p>"Remember, my child, that vows such as you would
+take are not to be recalled. You are scarcely eighteen
+years of age, and one day you may&mdash;possibly&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, think not I should ever regret my choice!
+There is no rest or peace for me save in the solitude of
+a cloister. There I may be happy, if you and my second
+mother will but continue to me your affection."</p>
+
+<p>"The duties and consolations of a religious life," said
+Rodolph, "might, certainly, if not cure, at least alleviate
+the anguish of your lacerated and desponding mind, and
+although your resolution will cost me dear, I cannot but
+approve of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Rodolph!" cried the astonished Clémence, "do I
+hear aright? Is it possible you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me more fully to explain myself," replied
+Rodolph. Then addressing his daughter, he said, "But
+before an irrevocable decision is pronounced, it would
+be well to ascertain if nothing more suitable, both to
+your inclinations and our own, could be found for you
+than the life of a nun."</p>
+
+<p>Fleur-de-Marie and Clémence started at Rodolph's
+words and manner, while, fixing an earnest gaze on his
+daughter, the prince said, abruptly:</p>
+
+<p>"What think you, my child, of your cousin, Prince
+Henry?"</p>
+
+<p>The brightest blush spread over the fair face of Fleur-de-Marie,
+who, after a momentary hesitation, threw
+herself weeping in her father's arms.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Then you love him, do you not, my darling child?"
+cried Rodolph, tenderly pressing her hands. "Fear not
+to confide the truth to your best friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" replied Fleur-de-Marie, "you know not what
+it has cost me to conceal from you the state of my heart!
+Had you questioned me on the subject, I would gladly
+have told you all, but shame closed my lips, and would
+still have done so, but for your inquiry into the nature
+of my feelings."</p>
+
+<p>"And have you any suspicion that Henry is aware of
+your love?"</p>
+
+<p>"Gracious heavens, dearest father!" exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie,
+shrinking back in terror, "I trust not!"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you believe he returns your affection?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, no! I trust he does not! He would suffer
+too deeply."</p>
+
+<p>"And what gave rise to the love you entertained for
+your cousin?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, I know not! It grew upon me almost unconsciously.
+Do you remember a portrait of a youth dressed
+as a page, in the apartments of the Abbess de Ste.
+Hermangeld?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know; it was the portrait of Henry."</p>
+
+<p>"Believing the picture to be of distant date, I one
+day in your presence remarked upon the extreme beauty
+of the countenance, when you jestingly replied that it
+was the likeness of an ancestor who, in his youth, had
+displayed an extraordinary share of sense, courage, and
+every estimable quality; this strengthened my first impression,
+and frequently after that day I used to delight
+in recalling to my mind the fine countenance and noble
+features of one I believed to have been long numbered
+with the dead. By degrees these reveries began to form
+one of my greatest pleasures, and many an hour have I
+passed gazing, amid smiles and tears, on one I fondly
+hoped I might be permitted to know and to love in
+another world. For in this," continued poor Fleur-de-Marie,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>
+with a most touching expression, "I well know I
+am unworthy to aspire to the love of any one but you,
+my kind, indulgent parents."</p>
+
+<p>"I can now understand the nature of the reproof you
+once gave me for having misled you on the subject of
+the portrait."</p>
+
+<p>"Conceive, dearest father, what was my confusion
+when I learnt from the superior that the portrait was a
+living subject,&mdash;that of her nephew! My trouble was
+extreme, and earnestly did I endeavour to erase from
+my heart all the fond associations connected with that
+picture. In vain! the pertinacity with which I strove
+to forget but riveted the impression I had received;
+and, unfortunately, dear father, you rendered the task
+of forgetting more difficult, by continually eulogising the
+heart, disposition, and principles of Prince Henry."</p>
+
+<p>"You loved him, then, my child, from merely seeing
+his likeness and hearing his praises?"</p>
+
+<p>"Without positively loving him, I felt myself attracted
+towards him by an irresistible impulse, for
+which I bitterly reproached myself; my only consolation
+was the thought that no person knew my fatal secret.
+For how could I presume to love? How excuse my
+ingratitude in not contenting myself with the tenderness
+bestowed on me by you, my father, and you, also, dearest
+mother? In the midst of all these conflicting feelings I
+met my cousin, for the first time, at a ball given by you
+to the Archduchess Sophia; his resemblance to the portrait
+too well assured me it was he; and your introducing
+Prince Henry to me as a near relative afforded me ample
+opportunities of discovering that his manners were as
+captivating as his mind was cultivated."</p>
+
+<p>"It is easy to conceive, then, that a mutual passion
+sprung up between you! Indeed, he won
+upon my regard ere I was aware of the ground he
+had gained; he spoke of you so admiringly, yet so
+respectfully."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You had yourself praised him so highly."</p>
+
+<p>"Not more than he deserved. It is impossible to
+possess a more noble nature, or a more generous and
+elevated character."</p>
+
+<p>"I beseech you, dearest father, to spare me the fresh
+trial of hearing him thus praised by you. Alas! I am
+already wretched enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, my child. I have a reason in thus extolling
+your cousin&mdash;I will explain hereafter. Proceed."</p>
+
+<p>"Though aware of the danger of thus daily associating
+with my cousin, I felt unable to withdraw myself from
+the pleasure his society afforded me; nor, spite of my
+implicit reliance on your indulgence, dear father, durst
+I disclose my fears to you. I could then only redouble
+my efforts to conceal my unfortunate attachment, and&mdash;shall
+I confess?&mdash;there were moments when, forgetting
+the past, I gave myself up to all the dear delights of a
+friendship hitherto unknown to me. But the departure
+of Prince Henry from your court tore the veil from my
+eyes, and showed me how truly and ardently I loved
+him, though not with a sister's love, as I had made
+myself believe. I had resolved to open my heart entirely
+to you on this subject," continued Fleur-de-Marie, whose
+strength seemed utterly exhausted by her long confession,
+"and then to ask you what remained for one so
+every way unfortunate but to seek the repose of a
+cloister."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, dearest daughter, let me answer the question
+ere you have put it, by saying there is a prospect as
+bright and smiling awaits your acceptance, as that you
+propose is cheerless and gloomy."</p>
+
+<p>"What mean you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Now, then, listen to me. It was impossible for an
+affection as great as mine to be blinded to the mutual
+affection subsisting between yourself and your cousin;
+my penetration also quickly discovered that his passion
+for you amounted to idolatry; that he had but one hope,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span>
+one desire on earth,&mdash;that of being loved by you. At
+the time I played off that little joke respecting the portrait,
+I had not the least expectation of Henry's visiting
+Gerolstein. When, however, he did come, I saw no
+reason for changing the manner in which I had always
+treated him, and I therefore invited him to visit us on the
+same terms of friendly relationship he had hitherto done.
+A very little time had elapsed ere Clémence and myself
+saw plainly enough the cause of his frequent visits, or
+the mutual delight you felt in each other's society.
+Then mine became a difficult task.</p>
+
+<p>"On the one hand, I rejoiced as a father that one so
+every way worthy of you should have won your affection;
+then on the other hand, my poor dear child, your
+past misfortunes forbade me to encourage the idea of
+uniting you to your cousin, to whom I several times
+spoke in a manner very different to the tone I should
+have adopted, had I contemplated bestowing on him your
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Thus placed in a position so delicate, I endeavoured
+to preserve a strict neutrality, discouraging Prince
+Henry's attentions by every means in my power, and
+yet manifesting towards himself the same paternal kindness
+with which I had always treated him; and besides,
+my poor girl, after a life of so much unhappiness as
+yours, I could not bring myself suddenly to tear away
+the innocent pleasure you appeared to feel in the company
+of your cousin. It was something to see you even
+temporarily happy and cheerful, and even now your
+acquaintance with Prince Henry may be the means of
+securing your future tranquillity."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear father, I understand you not."</p>
+
+<p>"Prince Paul, Henry's father, has just sent me
+this letter. While considering such an alliance as an
+honour too great to aspire to, he solicits your hand for
+his son, who, he states, is inspired with a passion for
+you."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Dearest father!" cried Fleur-de-Marie, concealing her
+face with her hands, "do you forget?"</p>
+
+<p>"I forget nothing,&mdash;not even that to-morrow you
+enter a convent, where, besides, being for ever lost to
+me, you will pass the remainder of your days in tears
+and austerity. If I must part with you, let it be to give
+you to a husband who will love you almost as tenderly
+as your father."</p>
+
+<p>"Married!&mdash;and to him, father! You cannot mean
+it!"</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed I do; but on one condition: that directly
+after your marriage has been celebrated here, without
+pomp or parade, you shall depart with your husband for
+some tranquil retreat in Italy or Switzerland, where you
+may live unknown, and merely pass for opulent persons
+of middle rank. And my reason for attaching this
+proviso to my consent is because I feel assured that, in
+the bosom of simple and unostentatious happiness, you
+would by degrees forget the hateful past, which is now
+only more painfully contrasted with the pomp and ceremony
+by which you are surrounded."</p>
+
+<p>"Rodolph is right," said Clémence. "With Henry for
+your companion, and happy in each other's affection, past
+sorrows will soon be forgotten."</p>
+
+<p>"And as I could not wholly part with you, Clémence
+and I would pay you a visit each year. Then when time
+shall have healed your wounded spirit, my poor child,
+and present felicity shall have effaced all recollections of
+the past, you will return to dwell among us, never more
+to part."</p>
+
+<p>"Forget the past in present happiness!" murmured
+Fleur-de-Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"Even so, my child," replied Rodolph, scarcely able
+to restrain his emotion at seeing his daughter's scruples
+thus shaken.</p>
+
+<p>"Can it be possible," cried Fleur-de-Marie, "that such
+unspeakable felicity is reserved for me? The wife of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>
+Henry. And one day to pass my life between him&mdash;yourself&mdash;and
+my second mother!" continued she,
+more subdued by the ineffable delight such a picture
+created in her mind.</p>
+
+<p>"All&mdash;all that happiness shall be yours, my precious
+child!" exclaimed Rodolph, fondly embracing Fleur-de-Marie.
+"I will reply at once to Henry's father that
+I consent to the marriage. Comfort yourself with the
+certainty that our separation will be but short; the
+fresh duties you will take upon yourself in a wedded life
+will serve to drive away all past retrospections and
+painful reminiscences; and should you yourself be a
+mother, you will know and feel how readily a parent
+sacrifices her own regrets and griefs to promote the
+happiness of her child."</p>
+
+<p>"A mother! I a mother!" exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie,
+with bitter despair, awakening at that word from
+the sweet illusion in which her memory seemed temporarily
+lulled. "Oh, no! I am unworthy to bear that
+sacred name! I should expire of shame in the presence
+of my own child, if indeed I could survive the horrible
+disclosures I must necessarily make to its father of my
+past life! Oh, never&mdash;never!"</p>
+
+<p>"My child, for pity's sake, listen to me!"</p>
+
+<p>Pale and beautiful amidst her deep distress, Fleur-de-Marie
+arose with all the majesty of incurable sorrow,
+and, looking earnestly at Rodolph, she said, "We forget
+that, ere Prince Henry made me his wife, he should be
+acquainted with the past!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, my daughter," replied Rodolph, "I had by
+no means forgotten what he both ought to know and
+shall learn of the melancholy tale."</p>
+
+<p>"Think you not that I should die, were I thus degraded
+in his eyes?"</p>
+
+<p>"And he will also admit and feel," added Clémence,
+"that if I style you my daughter, he may, without fear
+or shame, safely call you his wife."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Nay, dearest mother, I love Prince Henry too truly
+to bestow on him a hand that has been polluted by the
+touch of the ruffians of the Cité."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>A short time after this painful scene, the following
+announcement appeared in the Official Gazette of Gerolstein:</p>
+
+<p>"The taking of the veil by the most high and mighty
+Princess Amelie of Gerolstein took place yesterday in
+the Abbey of Ste. Hermangeld, in the presence of the
+reigning grand duke and all his court. The vows of the
+novice were received by the right reverend and illustrious
+Lord Charles Maximus, Archbishop of Oppenheim; Monseigneur
+Annibal André, one of the princes of Delphes
+and Bishop of Ceuta, <i>in partibus infidelium</i>, and apostolic
+nuncio, bestowed the salutation and papal benediction.
+The sermon was preached by the most reverend Seigneur
+Pierre d'Asfeld, canon of the Chapter of Cologne,
+and count of the Holy Roman Empire. <i>Veni Creator
+Optime!</i>"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p>
+<h3>CHAPTER III.</h3>
+
+<h5>THE VOWS.</h5>
+
+
+<p class="center"><i>Rodolph to Clémence.</i></p>
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p class="sigs"><span class="smcap">Gerolstein</span>, 12th January, 1842.</p>
+
+<p>Your assurance that your father is better induces me
+to hope you will be enabled to return here with him
+shortly. I dreaded that at Rosenfeld, situated in the
+midst of the woods, he would be exposed to the piercing
+cold of our rigorous winters, but, unfortunately, his
+fondness for hunting rendered all our advice useless.</p>
+
+<p>I entreat you, Clémence, as soon as your father can
+bear the motion of the carriage, quit that country and
+this habitation, only fit for those Germans of an iron
+frame whose race has now disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>The ceremony of our poor child's taking the vows is
+fixed for to-morrow, the thirteenth of January, the fatal
+day on which I drew my sword on my father! Alas!
+I thought too soon I was forgiven! The hope of passing
+my life with you and my child made me forget that
+it was she who had been punished up to the present
+time, and that my punishment was to come. And it is
+come, when, six months ago, she disclosed the double
+torture she suffered,&mdash;her incurable shame for the past,
+and her hopeless passion for Henry.</p>
+
+<p>These two sentiments became, by a fatal logic, the
+cause of her fixed resolve to take the veil. You know
+that we could not conceal from her that, had we been in
+her place, we should have pursued the same noble and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span>
+courageous course she has adopted. How could we
+answer those humble words, "I love Prince Henry too
+much to give him a hand that has been touched by the
+bandits of the Cité!"</p>
+
+<p>I have seen her this morning, and though she seemed
+less pale than usual, though she said she did not suffer,
+yet her health gives me the most mortal alarm.</p>
+
+<p>Alas! This morning, when I saw beneath the veil
+those noble features, I could not refrain from thinking
+how beautiful she looked the day of our marriage; it
+seemed that our happiness was reflected on her face.</p>
+
+<p>As I told you, I saw her this morning. She does not
+know that to-morrow the Princess Juliana resigns her
+abbatical dignity, and that she has been unanimously
+chosen to succeed her.</p>
+
+<p>Since the beginning of her novitiate there has been
+but one opinion of her piety, her charity, and the exactitude
+with which she fulfils all the rules of the order;
+she even exaggerates their austerity. She exercises in
+the convent that authority she exercised everywhere, but
+of which she herself is ignorant. She confessed to me
+this morning that she is not so absorbed by her religious
+duties as to forget the past.</p>
+
+<p>"I accuse myself, dear father," said she, "because I
+cannot help reflecting that, had Heaven pleased to spare
+me the degradation that has stained my life, I might
+have lived happily with you and my husband. Spite of
+myself, I reflect on this, and on what passed in the Cité.
+In vain I beseech Heaven to deliver me from these
+temptations,&mdash;to fill my heart with himself; but he
+does not hear my prayers, doubtless because my life has
+rendered me unworthy of communion with him."</p>
+
+<p>"But," cried I, clinging to this faint glimmer of hope,
+"it is not yet too late; your novitiate is only over
+to-day; you are yet free. Renounce this austere life,
+dwell again with us, and our tenderness shall soften
+your grief."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Shaking her head sorrowfully, she replied:</p>
+
+<p>"The cloister is, indeed, solitary for me, accustomed
+as I have been to your tender care; doubtless cruel
+recollections come over me, but I am consoled by the
+knowledge that I am performing my duty. I know
+that everywhere else I should be liable to be placed in
+that position in which I have already suffered so much.
+Your daughter shall do what she ought to do, suffer
+what she ought to suffer."</p>
+
+<p>Without founding any great hopes on this interview,
+I yet said to myself, "She can renounce the cloister.
+But as she is determined, I can but repeat her words,
+'God alone can offer me a refuge worthy of himself.'"
+Adieu, dear Clémence! It consoles me to see you grieve
+with me, for I can say 'our' child without egotism in my
+sufferings. Often this thought lightens my sorrow, for
+you are left to me, and what is left to Fleur-de-Marie?
+Adieu again; return soon.</p>
+
+<p class="sigs">R.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 10%;" />
+<p class="sigs"><span style="padding-right: 1em;"><span class="smcap">Abbey of Ste. Hermangeld.</span></span><br />
+Four o'clock in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>Reassure yourself, Clémence! Thank God, the danger
+is over, but the crisis was terrible!</p>
+
+<p>Last evening, agitated by my thoughts, I recollected
+the paleness and languor of my poor child, and that she
+was obliged to pass almost all the night in the church
+in prayer.</p>
+
+<p>I sent Murphy and David to demand the Princess
+Juliana's permission to remain until the morrow in the
+mansion that Henry occupied usually; thus my child
+would have prompt assistance, and I prompt intelligence,
+in case that her strength failed under this rigorous, I
+will not say cruel, obligation to pass the whole of a cold
+winter's night in the church.</p></div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 315px;"><a name="image264" id="image264"></a>
+<img src="images/i270.jpg" width="315" height="500" alt="&quot;In the Church in Prayer&quot;
+Original Etching by Mercier" title="&quot;In the Church in Prayer&quot;
+Original Etching by Mercier" />
+<span class="caption">&quot;<i>In the Church in Prayer</i>&quot;<br />
+<span class="artist">Original Etching by Mercier</span></span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>I wrote to Fleur-de-Marie that, whilst I respected
+her religious exercises, I besought her to watch in her
+cell and not in the church. This was her reply:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>"<i>My dear Father</i>:&mdash;I thank you for this fresh proof of
+your tenderness, but be not alarmed, I am sufficiently strong to
+perform my duty. Your daughter must be guilty of no weakness.
+The rule orders it, I must submit. Should it cause me
+some physical sufferings, how joyfully shall I offer them to God!
+Adieu, dear father! I cannot say I pray for you, because whenever
+I pray to Heaven I cannot help remembering you in my
+prayers. You have been to me on earth what God will be, if I
+merit it, in heaven. Bless your child, who will be to-morrow the
+spouse of Heaven.</p>
+
+<p class="sigs">"<span class="smcap">Sister Amelie</span>."</p></div>
+
+<p>This letter, in some measure, reassured me; however
+I had, also, a vigil to keep. At nightfall I went to a
+pavilion I had built, near my father's monument, in
+expiation of this fatal night.</p>
+
+<p>About one o'clock I heard Murphy's voice. He came
+from the convent in order to inform me that, as I had
+feared, my unhappy child, spite of her resolution, had
+not had sufficient strength to accomplish this barbarous
+custom.</p>
+
+<p>At eight o'clock in the evening Fleur-de-Marie knelt
+and prayed until midnight, but, overpowered by her emotion
+and the intense cold, she fainted; two nuns instantly
+raised her, and bore her to her cell. David was instantly
+summoned, and Murphy came to me. I hastened to the
+convent, where the abbess assured me that my daughter's
+swoon, from which she had recovered, had been caused
+only by her weakness, but that David feared that my
+presence might seriously affect her. I feared they
+were preparing me for something more dreadful, but the
+superior said:</p>
+
+<p>"I assure you, monseigneur, the princess is in no
+danger; the restorative the doctor has given her has
+greatly recruited her strength."</p>
+
+<p>David soon returned. She was better, but had insisted
+upon continuing her vigil, consenting only to
+kneel upon a cushion.</p>
+
+<p>"She is in the church, then?" cried I.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, monseigneur, but she will quit it in a quarter
+of an hour."</p>
+
+<p>I entered the church, and, by the faint light of a lamp,
+I saw her kneeling and praying fervently. Three o'clock
+struck; two sisters, seated in the stalls, advanced and
+spoke to her; she crossed herself, rose, and traversed
+the choir with a firm step, and yet as she passed the
+lamp she seemed to me deathly pale. I remain at the
+abbey until the ceremony be over. I think now it is
+useless to send this letter incomplete. I will forward it
+to-morrow, with all the details of this sad day. Adieu,
+dearest!&mdash;I am heart-broken&mdash;pity!</p>
+
+<p class="sigs">R.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span></p>
+<h3>THE LAST CHAPTER.</h3>
+
+<h5>THE THIRTEENTH OF JANUARY.</h5>
+
+
+<p class="center"><i>Rodolph to Clémence.</i></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p>The thirteenth of January! Now a doubly sinister
+anniversary! Dearest, we have lost her for ever! All
+is over,&mdash;ended all. It is true, then, that there is a
+horrid pleasure in relating a terrible grief.</p>
+
+<p>Yesterday I was complaining of the necessity that
+kept you from me; to-day, Clémence, I congratulate
+myself that you are not here,&mdash;you would have suffered
+too much. This morning I was in a light slumber, and
+was awakened by the sound of bells. I started in affright;
+it seemed to me a funereal sound,&mdash;a knell! In fact,
+our daughter is dead,&mdash;dead to us! And from to-day,
+Clémence, you must begin to wear her mourning in your
+heart, a heart always so maternally disposed towards her.
+Whether our child be buried beneath the marble of the
+tomb or the vault of the cloister, what is the difference
+to us? Hardly eighteen years of age, yet dead to the
+world!</p>
+
+<p>At noon the profession took place, with solemn pomp,
+and I was present, concealed behind the curtains of our
+pew. I felt, but even with greater intensity, all the
+poignant emotion we underwent at her novitiate. How
+strange! She is adored! And they believe, universally,
+that she was attracted to a religious life by an irresistible
+vocation; and yet whilst they believed it was a happy
+event for her, an overwhelming sadness weighed down<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span>
+the spectators. There appeared in the very air, as it
+were, a doleful foreboding, and it was founded, if only
+half realised.</p>
+
+<p>The profession terminated, they led our child into the
+chapter-room, where the nomination of the new abbess
+was to take place, and, thanks to my sovereign privilege,
+I went into this room to await Fleur-de-Marie's
+return to the choir. She soon entered; her emotion
+and weakness were so excessive that two of the sisters
+supported her. I was alarmed, less at her paleness and
+the great change in her features, than at the peculiar
+expression of her smile, which seemed to me imprinted
+with a kind of secret satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>Clémence, I say to you, perhaps we may very soon
+require all our courage,&mdash;I feel within myself that our
+child is mortally smitten. May Heaven grant that I am
+deceived, and may my presentiments arise only from the
+despairing sadness which this melancholy spectacle has
+inspired!</p>
+
+<p>Fleur-de-Marie entered the chapter-room, all the stalls
+were filled by the nuns. She went modestly to place herself
+last on the left-hand side, still leaning on the arm of
+one of the sisters, for she yet appeared very weak.</p>
+
+<p>The Princess Juliana was seated at the end of the
+apartment, with the grand prioress on one side and
+another dignitary on the other, holding in her hand
+the golden crozier, the symbol of abbatial authority.
+There was profound silence; and then the lady abbess
+rose, took the crozier in her hand, and said, in a voice of
+great emotion:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear daughters, my great age compels me to
+confide to younger hands this emblem of my spiritual
+power," and she pointed to the crozier. "I am authorised
+by a bull of our holy father; I will, therefore, present
+to the benediction of monseigneur the Archbishop
+of Oppenheim, and to the approbation of his royal highness
+the grand duke our sovereign, whosoever of my dear<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span>
+daughters shall be pointed out by you to succeed me.
+Our grand prioress will inform you of the result of the
+election, and she who has been chosen will receive my
+crozier and ring."</p>
+
+<p>I did not take my eyes off my daughter. Standing up
+in her stall, her two hands folded over her bosom, her
+eyes cast down, and half covered by her white veil and
+the long folds of her black gown, she was pensive and
+motionless, not supposing for a moment that she would
+herself be elected, as this fact had been communicated
+by the abbess to no one but myself.</p>
+
+<p>The grand prioress took a book and read:</p>
+
+<p>"Each of our dear sisters having been, according to
+the rule, requested a week since to place her vote in the
+hands of our holy mother, and keep her choice secret
+until this moment, in the name of our holy mother I
+declare to you, my dear, dear sisters, that one of you
+has, by her exemplary piety, merited the unanimous
+suffrages of the community, and that she is our sister
+Amelie, the most noble and puissant Princess of
+Gerolstein."</p>
+
+<p>At these words a murmur of pleased surprise and
+satisfaction went around the apartment; the eyes of all
+the nuns were fixed on my daughter with an expression
+of tender sympathy, and, in spite of my painful forebodings,
+I was myself deeply touched at this nomination,
+which, done isolatedly and secretly, had yet presented
+such an affecting unanimity.</p>
+
+<p>The abbess continued, in a serious and loud voice:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear daughters, if it be, indeed, Sister Amelie
+whom you think the most worthy and most deserving of
+you all,&mdash;if it be she whom you recognise as your
+spiritual superior, let each of you reply to me in turn,
+my dear daughters."</p>
+
+<p>And each nun replied in a clear voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Freely and voluntarily I have chosen, and I do
+choose, Sister Amelie for my holy mother and superior."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Overcome by inexpressible emotion, my poor child fell
+on her knees, clasped her hands, and remained so until
+each vote was declared. Then the abbess, placing the
+crozier and the ring in the hands of the grand prioress,
+advanced towards my daughter to take her hand and
+conduct her to the abbatial seat.</p>
+
+<p>"Rise, my dear daughter," said the abbess; "come
+and assume the place that belongs to you. Your virtues,
+and not your rank, have obtained for you the position
+you have gained."</p>
+
+<p>Fleur-de-Marie, trembling, advanced a few steps, and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, holy mother, but I would speak to my
+sisters."</p>
+
+<p>"Then first place yourself, my dear child, in your
+abbatial seat," said the princess; "it is from thence
+your voice shall be heard."</p>
+
+<p>"That place, holy mother, never can be mine!"
+replied Fleur-de-Marie, in a low and tremulous voice.</p>
+
+<p>"What mean you, my dear daughter?"</p>
+
+<p>"So high a dignity was not made for me, holy
+mother."</p>
+
+<p>"But the wishes of all your sisters call you to it."</p>
+
+<p>"Permit me, holy mother, to make here, on my knees,
+a solemn confession; and my sisters will see, and you,
+also, holy mother, that the humblest condition is not
+humble enough for me."</p>
+
+<p>"This arises from your modesty, my dear child," said
+the superior, with kindness, believing that the unhappy
+girl was giving way to a feeling of overdelicacy.</p>
+
+<p>But I divined the confession Fleur-de-Marie was about
+to make, and, greatly alarmed, I exclaimed, in a voice
+of entreaty:</p>
+
+<p>"My child, I conjure thee&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>It is impossible, my dearest Clémence, to describe the
+look which Fleur-de-Marie gave me. In an instant she
+understood all, and saw how deeply I should share in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span>
+the shame of this horrible revelation. She comprehended
+that after such a confession they might accuse me of
+falsehood, for I had always made it out that Fleur-de-Marie
+had never left her mother. At this reflection
+the poor dear child thought she would be guilty of the
+blackest ingratitude towards me; she had not power
+to continue, but bowed down her head, overcome&mdash;overwhelmed.</p>
+
+<p>"Again I assure you, my dear child," said the abbess,
+"your modesty deceives you. The unanimity of the
+choice of your sisters proves how worthy you are to
+replace me. It is not the princess&mdash;it is Sister Amelie
+who is elected. For us your life began on the day when
+you first put foot in this house of the Lord, and it is this
+exemplary and holy life that we recompense. I will say
+more, my dear daughter; if before you entered this
+retreat your life had been as wrong as it has been, on
+the contrary, pure and praiseworthy, the heavenly virtues
+of which you have given me an example since your
+abode here would expiate and ransom, in the eyes of the
+Lord, any past life, however culpable. And now, my
+dear daughter, judge if your modesty ought not to be
+reassured."</p>
+
+<p>These words of the abbess were, as you may think, my
+Clémence, the more precious for Fleur-de-Marie, as she
+believed the past ineffaceable. Unfortunately, this scene
+had deeply moved her, and, although she affected calmness
+and serenity, I saw that her features altered in a
+most distressing manner.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe I have convinced you, my dear daughter,"
+said the Princess Juliana; "and you will not cause so
+great a grief to your sisters as to refuse this mark of
+their confidence and affection?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, holy mother," she said, with an expression which
+struck me, and in a voice more and more feeble, "I
+think now I may accept; but as I feel myself fatigued
+and in pain, if you will permit it, holy mother, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span>
+ceremony of the consecration shall not take place for
+a few days."</p>
+
+<p>"As you wish, my dear daughter; but in the meanwhile,
+until your dignity is blessed and consecrated, take
+this ring, come to your place, and our dear sisters will
+do you homage according to our rules."</p>
+
+<p>And the superior, putting the pastoral ring on Fleur-de-Marie's
+finger, led her to the abbatial seat. It was
+a simple and touching sight. Supported on one side
+by the grand prioress, bearing the golden crozier, and on
+the other by the Princess Juliana, each of the sisters, as
+she passed by, made obeisance to our child, and respectfully
+kissed her hand. But judge of my affright when
+she swooned before the procession of the sisters was terminated.
+David had not quitted the convent, and he
+hastened to the abbess's apartment, whither we had
+conveyed her, and then attended to her.</p>
+
+<p>The superior having returned to close the sitting of
+the chapter, I remained alone with my daughter. After
+looking at me for some time, she said:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear father, can you forget my ingratitude?
+Can you forget that at the moment when I was about
+to make my painful confession&mdash;when you implored
+me&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Silence! I beseech you!"</p>
+
+<p>"And I did not reflect," she continued, with bitterness,
+"that, in telling in the face of all the world
+from what an abyss of depravity you had rescued me,
+I revealed a secret which you had preserved out of
+tenderness to me! It would have been to accuse
+you publicly&mdash;you, my father&mdash;of a dissimulation,
+which you only resigned yourself to to assure me a
+brilliant and honoured existence! Can you ever forgive
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>Instead of replying, I pressed my lips on her forehead;
+she felt my tears flow. Having kissed my hands
+many times, she said:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Now I feel better, and, as now I am dead to the
+world, I should like to make a few bequests in favour of
+several persons; but as all I have comes from you, do
+you authorise me, dearest father?"</p>
+
+<p>"Say, dearest, and I will do all you desire."</p>
+
+<p>"I should wish my beloved mother to keep always in
+the little boudoir in which she usually sits my embroidery-frame,
+with the work I began."</p>
+
+<p>"It shall be so, love; your apartment is as when
+you left it. Clémence will be deeply touched by your
+thought of her."</p>
+
+<p>"As for you, dear father, take, I pray, my large
+ebony armchair, in which I have thought of&mdash;reflected
+upon so much."</p>
+
+<p>"I will put it beside my own, in my own private
+closet, and will imagine I see you in it every day, where
+you have so often sat," I said, unable to repress my
+tears.</p>
+
+<p>"And now I would leave some souvenirs to those who
+took so much interest in me when I was unhappy. To
+Madame Georges I would give the writing-desk I have
+lately used; she taught me to write originally, so the
+gift will be very appropriate," she said, with her sweet
+smile. "As to the venerable curé of Bouqueval, who
+instructed me in religion, I intend for him the beautiful
+crucifix in my oratory."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, my dearest child."</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to send my bandeau of pearls to my
+good little Rigolette; it is a simple ornament which she
+may wear in her beautiful black hair. And as you know
+where Martial and La Louve are in Algeria, I should
+like to send to the brave woman who saved my life my
+gold enamelled cross. These different keepsakes, dearest
+father, I would have sent to them 'from Fleur-de-Marie.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I will do all you wish,&mdash;I will not forget one."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure you will not, dearest father."</p>
+
+<p>"Is there no other person present to your memory?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The dear child understood me, and pressed my hand,
+whilst a slight blush tinged her pale cheeks as I said,
+"He is better&mdash;out of danger."</p>
+
+<p>"And his father?"</p>
+
+<p>"Better as his son is better. And what will you
+give to Henry? A souvenir from you will be a consolation
+so dear and precious!"</p>
+
+<p>"My father, offer him my <i>prie-Dieu</i>. Alas! I have
+often watered it with my tears when begging from
+Heaven for strength to forget Henry, as I was unworthy
+of his love."</p>
+
+<p>"How happy it will make him to see that you have
+had one thought of him!"</p>
+
+<p>"As to the asylum for the orphans and young girls
+abandoned by their parents, I should wish, my dear
+father, that&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Here Rodolph's letter was broken off by these words,
+almost illegible:</p>
+
+<p>"Clémence, Murphy will conclude this letter! I
+am lost,&mdash;bereft of sense! Ah, the thirteenth of
+January!"</p></div>
+
+<p>At the end of this letter Murphy had written as
+follows:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+<p><i>Madame</i>:&mdash;By the order of his royal highness I complete
+this sorrowful recital. The two letters of monseigneur
+will have prepared your royal highness for the
+overwhelming news I have to communicate. Three
+hours since, whilst monseigneur was writing to your
+royal highness, I was waiting in the antechamber for a
+letter to be despatched by a courier, when suddenly I saw
+the Princess Juliana enter in the greatest consternation.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is his royal highness?" she said to me, in an
+agitated voice.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Writing to the grand duchess," I replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Walter," she said, "you must inform monseigneur
+of a terrible event. You are his friend,&mdash;you
+should tell him; from you the blow may be less
+terrible!"</p>
+
+<p>I understood all, and thought it most prudent to
+charge myself with the distressing intelligence. The
+superior having added that the Princess Amelie was
+sinking gradually, and that monseigneur must hasten
+to receive his daughter's last sigh, I went into the duke's
+room, who saw how pale I was.</p>
+
+<p>"You have some bad news for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Terrible, monseigneur! But courage! Courage!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, my forebodings!" he exclaimed; and, without
+adding a word, he ran to the cloisters. I followed
+him.</p>
+
+<p>From the apartment of the superior, the Princess
+Amelie had been conveyed to her cell, after her last
+interview with monseigneur. One of the sisters watched
+over her, and at the end of an hour she perceived that
+the Princess Amelie's voice, who spoke to her at intervals,
+was weaker, and more and more oppressed. The
+sister hastened to inform the superior, who sent for
+Doctor David, who administered a cordial; but it was
+useless, the pulse was scarcely perceptible. He saw
+with despair that the reiterated emotions having probably
+exhausted the little strength of the Princess
+Amelie, there was not a hope of saving her left. Monseigneur
+arrived at this moment. The Princess Amelie
+had just received the last sacrament; a slight degree of
+consciousness remained. In one hand, crossed over her
+chest, she held the remains of her little rose-tree.</p>
+
+<p>Monseigneur fell on his knees at the foot of the bed,
+and sobbed, "My child! My beloved child!" in a voice
+of piercing agony. The Princess Amelie heard him,
+turned her head a little towards him, opened her eyes,
+tried to smile, and said, in a faint voice, "My dearest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span>
+father, pardon!&mdash;Henry, too!&mdash;and my beloved mother!&mdash;pardon!"</p>
+
+<p>These were her last words. After a slight struggle
+of one hour, she rendered her soul to God.</p>
+
+<p>When his daughter had breathed her last sigh, monseigneur
+did not say a word; his calmness and silence
+were frightful. He closed the eyelids of the princess,
+kissed her forehead several times, took piously from her
+hands the relics of the little rose-tree, and left the cell.
+I followed him, and he returned to the house outside the
+cloister, when, showing me the letter he had commenced
+writing to your royal highness, and to which he in vain
+endeavoured to add a few words, for his hand trembled
+too convulsively, he said to me, "I cannot write! I
+am crushed! My senses are gone! Write to the
+grand duchess that I have no longer a daughter!"</p>
+
+<p>I have executed the orders of monseigneur. May I
+be allowed, as his old servant, to entreat your royal
+highness to hasten your return as soon as the health of
+M. d'Orbigny will permit? Nothing but the presence
+of your royal highness can calm monseigneur's despair.
+He will watch his daughter's remains every night until
+the day when she is to be buried in the grand-ducal
+chapel.</p>
+
+<p>I have accomplished my sad task, madame. Deign, to
+excuse the incoherence of this letter, and to receive the
+expression of respectful devotion with which I have the
+honour to be</p>
+
+<p class="sigs"><span style="padding-right: 1em;">Your royal highness's most obedient servant,</span><br />
+<span class="smcap">Walter Murphy</span>.</p></div>
+
+<p>On the evening before the funeral of the Princess
+Amelie, Clémence arrived at Gerolstein with her father.
+Rodolph was not alone on the day of Fleur-de-Marie's
+interment.</p>
+
+
+<p class="ending">THE END.</p>
+
+
+<div class="tr">
+<h4>Transcriber's Notes:</h4>
+
+<p>This e-text was prepared from numbered edition 505 of the 1000 printed.</p>
+
+<p>Minor punctuation and capitalization corrections have been made without
+comment.</p>
+
+<p>Minor typographical errors of single words, otherwise spelled correctly
+throughout the text have been made without comment.</p>
+
+<p>Word Variations appearing in the original text which have been retained:</p>
+
+<div class="tns">
+<p>"ante-room" (1) and "anteroom" (1)<br />
+"death-like" (1) and "deathlike" (1)<br />
+"for ever" (1) and "forever" (1)<br />
+"protégés" (1) and "protégées" (1)<br />
+"work-girl" (1) and "workwoman" (1)</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Throughout the text, illustrations and their captions were placed on
+facing pages. For the purpose of this e-text these pages have been
+combined into one entry.</p>
+
+<p>Footnotes, originally at the bottom of a printed page, have been placed
+directly below the paragraph in which their anchor symbol appears.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 6 of 6, by 
+Eugène Sue
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+</body>
+</html>
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+Project Gutenberg's The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 6 of 6, by Eugene Sue
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 6 of 6
+
+Author: Eugene Sue
+
+Illustrators: G. Mercier
+              Bicknell
+              Leon Poiteau
+              Adrian Marcel
+
+Release Date: September 22, 2010 [EBook #33805]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MYSTERIES OF PARIS, V.6 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Christine Aldridge and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+(Stanford University, SUL Books in the Public Domain)
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+1. Passages in italics are surrounded by _underscores_.
+
+2. Passages in Gothic Bold are surrounded by +plus+ signs.
+
+3. Other transcription notes appear at the end of this e-text.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: "_Kneeling Down, Placed It on the Ground_"
+Original Etching by Mercier]
+
+
+
+
++The Mysteries of Paris.+
+
+  _ILLUSTRATED WITH ETCHINGS
+  BY MERCIER, BICKNELL, POITEAU,
+  AND ADRIAN MARCEL._
+
+                 _BY EUGENE SUE_
+
+
+      _IN SIX VOLUMES
+         VOLUME VI._
+
+
+       _PRINTED FOR
+  FRANCIS A. NICCOLLS & CO.
+          BOSTON_
+
+
+     +Edition de Luxe+
+
+_This edition is limited to one thousand copies,
+of which this is_
+
+          No.____
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+      CHAPTER                                             PAGE
+         I. PUNISHMENT                                      11
+        II. RODOLPH AND SARAH                               44
+       III. LOVE'S FRENZY                                   68
+        IV. THE HOSPITAL                                    80
+         V. HOPE                                           108
+        VI. THE FATHER AND DAUGHTER                        122
+       VII. THE MARRIAGE                                   141
+      VIII. BICETRE                                        152
+        IX. THE TOILET                                     183
+         X. MARTIAL AND THE CHOURINEUR                     195
+        XI. THE FINGER OF PROVIDENCE                       201
+
+
+      EPILOGUE.
+
+         I. GEROLSTEIN                                     215
+        II. THE PRINCESS AMELIE                            236
+       III. THE VOWS                                       262
+        IV. THE THIRTEENTH OF JANUARY                      267
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+                                                          PAGE
+      "KNEELING DOWN PLACED IT ON THE GROUND"   _Frontispiece_
+      "WAS LOOKING AT HERSELF IN A MIRROR"                  44
+      "THEY TOOK HER TO THEIR GUILTY HAUNTS"                65
+      "THE SCHOOLMASTER WAS SITTING ON A BENCH"            172
+      "IN THE CHURCH IN PRAYER"                            264
+
+
+
+
+THE MYSTERIES OF PARIS.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+PUNISHMENT.
+
+
+We will again conduct the reader into the study of Jacques Ferrand.
+Availing ourselves of the loquacity of the clerks, we shall endeavour,
+through their instrumentality, to narrate the events that had occurred
+since the disappearance of Cecily.
+
+"A hundred sous to ten, if his present state continues, that in less
+than a month our governor will go off with a pop."
+
+"The fact is, since Cecily left, he is only skin and bones."
+
+"And now he takes to the priests again more than ever."
+
+"The cure of the parish is a most respectable man, and I overheard him
+say yesterday, to another priest who accompanied him, 'It is admirable!
+M. Jacques Ferrand is the personification of charity.'"
+
+"Well, then, when the cure declares a thing one must credit it; and yet
+to believe that the governor is charitable is almost beyond my belief."
+
+"Remember the forty sous for our breakfast."
+
+"Yes, but then the head clerk says that three days ago the governor
+realised a large sum in the funds, and that he is about to sell his
+business."
+
+"Well, no doubt he has the means to retire."
+
+"He has speculated on the Bourse, and gained lots of money."
+
+"What astonishes me is this friend who follows him like his shadow."
+
+"Yes, he does not leave M. Ferrand for a moment; they eat together, and
+seem as if they were inseparable."
+
+"It seems to me as if I had seen this intruder somewhere!"
+
+"Have you not remarked that every two hours there comes a man with large
+light moustaches, with a military air, who inquires for the intruder of
+the porter? This friend then goes down-stairs, discourses for a moment
+with the hero with moustaches, after which the military gent turns on
+his heel, goes away, and returns two hours afterwards."
+
+"Yes, I have remarked it. It appears to me that, as I go and come, I see
+in the street men who appear to be watching the house."
+
+"Perhaps the head clerk knows more of this than we do. By the way, where
+is he?"
+
+"At the house of the Countess Macgregor, who has been assassinated, and
+is now despaired of. They sent for the governor to-day, but the head
+clerk was despatched in his stead."
+
+"He has plenty in his hands, then, for I suppose he will fill Germain's
+place as cashier."
+
+"Talking of Germain, an odd thing has occurred. The governor, in order
+to free him from prison, has declared that he made a mistake in his
+accounts, and that he has found the money he accused Germain of taking."
+
+"I do not see anything odd in that,--it is but justice. I was sure that
+Germain was incapable of theft."
+
+"Ah, here's a coach, gents!" said Chalamel, looking out of the window;
+"it is not a spicy turn-out like that of the famous vicomte, the gay
+Saint-Remy, but a hack concern."
+
+"Who is coming out of it?"
+
+"Only the cure,--a very worthy man he is, too."
+
+"Silence! Some one comes in! To your work, my boys!"
+
+And all the clerks, leaning over their desks, began to scrawl away with
+much apparent industry, and as if their attention had not been taken off
+their business for a single instant.
+
+The pale features of the priest expressed at once a gentle melancholy
+combined with an air of intelligence and venerable serenity. A small
+black cap covered the crown of his head, while his long gray locks hung
+down over the collar of his greatcoat. Let us merely add to this hasty
+sketch, that owing to the worthy priest's implicit confidence in the
+words and actions of others, he was, and ever had been, completely
+blinded by the deep and well-practised hypocrisy of Jacques Ferrand.
+
+"Is your worthy employer in his room, my children?" inquired the cure.
+
+"Yes, M. l'Abbe, he is," answered Chalamel, as, rising respectfully, he
+opened the door of an adjoining study, and waited for the priest to
+enter.
+
+Hearing loud voices in the apartment, and unwilling to overhear words
+not intended for his ears, the abbe walked rapidly forwards, and tapped
+briskly at the door.
+
+"Come in," said a voice with a strong Italian accent; and, entering, the
+priest found himself in the presence of Polidori and Jacques Ferrand.
+
+The clerks did not appear to have erred in calculating upon the
+approaching end of their employer. He was, indeed, scarcely to be
+recognised. Spite of the almost spectral thinness and pallor of his
+sharpened features, a deep red fever-spot burned and scorched upon his
+projecting cheek-bones; a sort of incessant tremor, amounting
+occasionally to convulsive spasms and starts, shook his attenuated
+frame. His coarse but wasted hands seemed parched with feverish heat,
+while his bloodshot eyes were shrouded from view by the large green
+glasses he wore. Altogether his face was a fearful index of the internal
+ravages of a fast consuming disease.
+
+The physiognomy of Polidori offered a strong contrast to that of the
+notary. Nothing could express a more bitter irony, a more biting
+contempt, than the features of this hardened villain, surrounded as they
+were by a mass of red hair, slightly mingled with gray, hanging in wild
+disorder over his pale, wrinkled brow, and partially hiding his sharp,
+penetrating eyes, which, green and transparent as the stone known as the
+_aqua marine_, were placed very close to his hooked nose, and imparted a
+still more sinister character to the look of sarcastic malevolence that
+dwelt on his thin, compressed lips. Such was Polidori, as, attired in a
+suit of entire black, he sat beside the desk of Jacques Ferrand. At the
+sight of the priest both rose.
+
+"And how do you find yourself, my good M. Ferrand?" inquired the abbe,
+in a tone of deep solicitude; "let me hope you are better."
+
+"Much the same as you last saw me, M. l'Abbe," replied the notary. "No
+sleep, no rest, and constantly devoured by fever; but God's will be
+done!"
+
+"Alas, M. l'Abbe!" interposed Polidori, "my poor friend is no better;
+but what a blessed spirit he is in! What resignation! Finding no other
+relief from his suffering than in doing good!"
+
+"Have the goodness to cease these praises, which I am far from
+meriting," said the notary, in a short, dry tone, as though struggling
+hard to restrain his feelings of rage and resentment; "to the Lord alone
+belongs the right of judging what is good and what evil,--I am but a
+miserable sinner!"
+
+"We are all sinners," replied the abbe, mildly; "but all have not the
+extreme charity by which you are distinguished, my worthy friend. Few,
+indeed, like you, are capable of weaning their affections from their
+earthly goods, that they may be employed only as a means of leading a
+more Christianlike life. Are you still determined upon retiring from
+your profession, the better to devote yourself to religious duties?"
+
+"I disposed of my practice a day or two ago, for a large and handsome
+sum. This money, united with other property, will enable me to found the
+institution I was speaking to you of, and of which I have entirely
+sketched out the plan. I am about to lay it before you, and to ask your
+assistance in improving it where necessary."
+
+"My noble-minded friend," exclaimed the abbe, with the deepest and
+holiest admiration, "how naturally and unostentatiously you do these
+things! Ah, well might I say there were but few who resembled you; and
+upon the heads of such too many blessings can scarcely be prayed for and
+wished."
+
+"Few persons, like my friend Jacques here," said Polidori, with an
+ironical smile, which wholly escaped the abbe, "are fortunate enough to
+possess both piety and riches, charity and discrimination as to the
+right channel into which to pour their wealth, in order that it may work
+well for the good of their soul."
+
+At this repetition of sarcastic eulogium, the notary's hand became
+clenched with internal emotion, while, through his spectacles, he darted
+a look of deadly hatred on Polidori.
+
+"Do you perceive, M. l'Abbe," said the dear friend of Jacques Ferrand,
+hastily, "he has these convulsive twitchings of the limbs
+continually?--and yet he will not have any advice. He really makes me
+quite wretched to see him, as it were, killing himself! Nay, my
+excellent friend, spite of those displeased looks, I will persist in
+declaring, in the presence of M. l'Abbe, that you are destroying
+yourself by refusing all succour as you do."
+
+As Polidori uttered these words, a convulsive shudder shook the
+notary's whole frame; but in another instant he had regained the mastery
+over himself, and was calm as before. A less simple-minded man than the
+abbe might have perceived, both during this conversation and in that
+which followed, a something unnatural in the language and forced actions
+of Jacques Ferrand, for it is scarcely necessary to state that his
+present proceedings were dictated to him by a will and authority he was
+powerless to resist, and that it was by the command of Rodolph the
+wretched man was compelled to adopt words and conduct diametrically the
+reverse of his own sentiments or inclinations. And so it was that, when
+sore pressed, the notary seemed half inclined to resist the arbitrary
+and invisible power he found himself obliged to obey. But a glance at
+Polidori soon put an end to his indecision, and, restraining all his
+rage and impotent fury, Jacques Ferrand forbore any further
+manifestation of futile rage, and bent beneath the yoke he could neither
+shake off nor break.
+
+"Alas, M. l'Abbe!" resumed Polidori, as though taking an infernal
+pleasure in thus torturing the miserable notary, "my poor friend wholly
+neglects his health. Let me entreat of you to join your request to mine,
+that he will be more careful of his precious self, if not for himself or
+his friends, at least for the sake of the poor and needy, whose hope and
+support he is."
+
+"Enough! Enough!" murmured the notary, in a deep, guttural voice.
+
+"No," said the priest, much moved, "'tis not enough! You can never be
+reminded too frequently that you belong not to yourself, and that you
+are to blame for neglecting your health. During the ten years I have
+known you I cannot recollect your ever being ill before the present
+time, but really the last month has so changed you that you are scarcely
+like the same person. And I am the more struck with the alteration in
+your appearance, since for some little time I have not seen you. You
+may recollect that when you sent for me the other day, I could not
+conceal my surprise on finding you so changed; during the short space of
+time that has elapsed since that visit, I find you even more rapidly
+altered for the worse. You are visibly wasting away, and occasion us all
+very serious uneasiness. I therefore most earnestly entreat of you to
+consider and attend to your health."
+
+"Believe me, M. l'Abbe, I feel most grateful for the kind interest you
+express, but that I cannot bring myself to believe my situation as
+dangerous as you do."
+
+"Nay," said Polidori, "since you are thus obstinate, M. l'Abbe shall
+know all. He greatly loves, esteems, and honours you; but how will those
+feelings be increased when he learns the real cause of your languishing
+condition, with the fresh claims your additional merits give you to his
+regard and veneration!"
+
+"M. l'Abbe," said the notary, impatiently, "I sent to beg your company
+that I might confer with you on a matter of importance, and not to take
+up your time in listening to the absurd and exaggerated eulogiums of my
+friend!"
+
+"You know, Jacques," said Polidori, fixing a piercing glance of fearful
+meaning on the notary, "that it is useless attempting to escape from me,
+and that you must hear all I have got to say."
+
+The person so addressed cast down his eyes, and durst not reply.
+Polidori continued:
+
+"You may probably have remarked, M. l'Abbe, that the first symptoms of
+our friend's illness manifested themselves in a sort of nervous attack,
+which followed the abominable scandal raised by the affair of Louise
+Morel, while in his service."
+
+A sort of aguish shivering ran over the notary.
+
+"Is it possible that you, sir, are acquainted with that unfortunate
+girl's story?" inquired the priest, greatly astonished. "I imagined you
+had only been in Paris a few days."
+
+"And you were correctly informed; but my good friend Jacques told me all
+about it, as a man would relate such a circumstance to his friend and
+physician, since he attributed the nervous shock under which he is now
+labouring to the excessive indignation awakened in his mind by the
+discovery of his servant's crime. But that is not all. My poor friend's
+sympathies have been still more painfully awakened by a fresh blow,
+which, as you perceive, has had a very serious effect on his health. An
+old and faithful servant, attached to him by many years of well-requited
+service--"
+
+"You allude to the untimely end of Madame Seraphin, I presume," said the
+cure, interrupting Polidori. "I heard of the melancholy affair; she was
+drowned, I believe, from some carelessness or imprudence manifested by
+her while making one in a party of pleasure. I can quite understand the
+distress such a circumstance must have occasioned M. Ferrand, whose kind
+heart would be unable to forget that she who was thus snatched from life
+had, for ten long years, been his faithful, zealous domestic; far from
+blaming such regrets, I think them but natural, and reflecting as much
+honour on the survivor as the deceased."
+
+"M. l'Abbe," said the notary, "let me beseech of you to cease commending
+my virtues; you confuse--you make me really uncomfortable."
+
+"And who, then, shall speak of them as they deserve?" asked Polidori,
+with feigned affection. "Will you? Oh, no! But, M. l'Abbe, you shall
+have a fresh opportunity of praising him as he deserves. Listen! You
+are, perhaps, ignorant that Jacques took a third servant, to replace
+Louise Morel and Madame Seraphin? If you are not aware of that fact, you
+have still to learn all his goodness towards poor Cecily; for that was
+the name of the new domestic, M. l'Abbe."
+
+Involuntarily the notary sprung from his seat, and with eyes glaring
+with rage and madness, even in spite of the glasses he wore, he cried,
+while a deep, fiery glow overspread his before livid countenance:
+
+"Silence! I command! I insist! I forbid another word on this subject!"
+
+"Come, come!" said the abbe, soothingly, "compose yourself. It seems
+there is still some generous action I have not yet been told of. I
+really must plead guilty to admiring the candour of your friend, however
+his love of truth may offend your modesty. I was not acquainted with the
+servant you alluded to, as, unfortunately, just about the time she
+entered the service of our worthy M. Ferrand, he became so overwhelmed
+with cares and business as to be obliged temporarily to interrupt our
+frequent friendly meetings."
+
+"That was merely a pretext to conceal the fresh act of goodness he
+meditated, M. l'Abbe, and, at the risk of paining his modesty, I am
+determined you shall know all about it," said Polidori, with a malignant
+smile, while Jacques Ferrand, in mute rage, leaned his elbows on his
+desk, while he concealed his face with his hands. "Imagine, then, M.
+l'Abbe," resumed Polidori, feigning to address himself to the cure, but
+at each phrase contriving to direct an ironical glance towards Jacques
+Ferrand, "imagine that my kind-hearted friend here found his new
+domestic possessed of the purest and rarest qualifications, the most
+perfect modesty, with the gentleness and piety of an angel; nor was this
+all. The quick penetration of my friend Jacques soon discovered that the
+female in question (who, by the way, was both young and beautiful) had
+never been accustomed to a servant's life, and that, to the most austere
+virtue, she added great and varied information, with first-rate talents,
+which had received the highest cultivation."
+
+"Indeed!" exclaimed the abbe, much interested in the recital. "I was
+not aware of this. But what ails you, my good M. Ferrand? You seem ill
+and disturbed!"
+
+"A slight headache," answered the notary, wiping the cold, clammy drops
+from his brow, for the restraint he imposed upon himself was most
+severe,--"nothing more! It will soon pass off."
+
+Polidori shrugged up his shoulders, smiled maliciously, and said:
+
+"Observe, M. l'Abbe, that Jacques is always seized with the same
+symptoms directly any of his good actions are brought forward. But never
+mind,--I am determined that his light shall no longer be hid under a
+bushel, and it is my firm intention to reveal all his hidden charities.
+But first let me go on with the history of his generous exertions in
+favour of Cecily, who, on her side, had quickly discovered the
+excellency of Jacques's heart, and, when questioned by him touching the
+past, she candidly confessed that, left a stranger and wholly destitute
+in a foreign land, by the imprudence of her husband, she considered
+herself particularly fortunate in being able to obtain a shelter under
+so sanctified a roof as M. Ferrand's as a most singular interposition of
+Providence. The sight of so much misfortune, united to so much heavenly
+resignation, banished all hesitation from the mind of Jacques, and he
+wrote to the birthplace of the unfortunate girl for further information
+respecting her. The reply to his inquiries was most satisfactory, as
+well as confirmatory of all the young person had previously stated.
+Then, assured of rightly dispensing his benevolence, Jacques bestowed
+the most paternal kindness on Cecily, whom he sent back to her own
+country, with a sum of money to support her till better days should
+dawn, or she be enabled to obtain some suitable employment. Now I will
+not utter one word in Jacques's praise for doing all this,--let the
+facts speak for themselves."
+
+"Excellent! Most excellent!" exclaimed the deeply affected cure.
+
+"M. l'Abbe," said Jacques Ferrand, in a hoarse and abrupt tone, "I do
+not desire to take up your valuable time in discoursing of myself, but
+of the project respecting which I requested your presence, and for the
+furtherance of which I wished to obtain your valuable concurrence."
+
+"I can well understand that the praises so justly bestowed on you by
+your friend are painful to one of your extreme modesty; let us, then,
+merely speak of your good works as though you were not the author of
+them. But, first of all, let me give an account of my own proceedings in
+the matters you confided to me. According to your desire, I have
+deposited the sum of one hundred thousand crowns in the Bank of France,
+in my own name, with the intention of employing that amount in the act
+of restitution of which you are the medium, and which I am to effect.
+You preferred the money being lodged in the bank, although, in my
+opinion, it would have been in equal safety with you."
+
+"And in so doing, M. l'Abbe, I only acted in concurrence with the wishes
+of the person making this restitution for the sake of his conscience.
+His request to me was to place the sum mentioned by you in your hands,
+and to entreat of you to forward it to the widow lady, Madame Fermont,
+whose maiden name was Renneville (the notary's voice trembled as he
+pronounced these two names), whenever that person should present herself
+to you. I fully substantiate her claims."
+
+"Be assured," replied the priest, "I will with pleasure discharge the
+trust committed to me."
+
+"But that is not the only matter in which your assistance is solicited."
+
+"So much the better, if the others resemble this, for, without seeking
+the motives which dictate it, a voluntary restitution is always
+calculated to excite a deep interest; these rigid decrees of an
+awakened conscience are always the harbingers of a deep and sincere
+repentance, and such an expiation cannot fail to bring forth good
+fruits."
+
+"True, M. l'Abbe, the soul must indeed be in a perilous state when such
+a sum as one hundred thousand crowns is voluntarily refunded. For my
+part, I confess to having felt more inquisitive on the subject than
+yourself; but what chance had my curiosity against the firm and unshaken
+discretion of my friend Jacques? I am, therefore, still in ignorance of
+the name of the individual who thus restores such immense wealth for
+their conscience' sake."
+
+"But," continued Polidori, eyeing Jacques Ferrand with a keen,
+significant glance, "you will hear to what an extent are carried the
+generous scruples of the author of this restitution; and, to tell the
+truth, I strongly suspect that our right-minded friend here was the
+first to awaken the slumbering feelings of the guilty person, as well as
+to point out the surest and fittest way of tranquillising them."
+
+"How so?" inquired the priest.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked the notary.
+
+"Why, remember the Morels, those honest, deserving people."
+
+"True, true!" interposed Jacques Ferrand, in a hasty tone, "I had
+forgotten them."
+
+"Imagine, M. l'Abbe, that the author of this restitution, doubtless
+influenced by Jacques, not contented with the restitution of this large
+sum, wishes also--But my worthy friend shall speak for himself--I will
+not deprive him of the pleasure of relating so fine an action."
+
+"Pray let me hear all about it, my dear M. Ferrand," said the priest.
+
+"You are aware," replied Jacques Ferrand, with affected sympathy,
+strangely mingled with the deep repugnance he entertained at being
+compelled to play a part so opposite to his inclinations, and which
+betrayed itself in the alteration his voice and manner exhibited, even
+in spite of all his attempts to be on his guard,--"you are aware, I say,
+M. l'Abbe, that the misconduct of that unhappy girl, Louise Morel, took
+so deep an effect on her father as to deprive him of his senses, and to
+reduce his numerous family to the very verge of destitution, thus bereft
+of their sole support and prop. Happily Providence interposed in their
+behalf, and the person whose voluntary restitution you have so kindly
+undertaken to arrange, not satisfied with this step, believed his abuse
+of confidence required still further expiation, and, therefore, inquired
+of me if I knew any genuine case of real and unmerited distress. I
+immediately thought of the Morel family, and recommended them so warmly
+that the unknown personage begged me to hand over to you (as I shall do)
+the necessary funds for purchasing an annuity of eighty pounds a year
+for the joint lives of Morel, his wife, and children."
+
+"Truly," said the abbe, "such conduct is beyond my poor praise. Most
+gladly will I add this commission to the former; still permit me to
+express my surprise that you were not yourself selected to arrange an
+affair of this nature, the proceedings of which must be so much more
+familiar to you than to me."
+
+"The reason for your being preferred, M. l'Abbe, was because the
+individual in question believed that his expiatory acts would go forth
+even in greater sanctity if they passed through hands as pure and pious
+as your own."
+
+"Then be it so! And I will at once proceed to arrange for an annuity to
+Morel, the worthy but unfortunate parent of Louise. Still I am inclined
+to think, with your friend, that you are not altogether a stranger to
+the motives which dictated this additional expiation."
+
+"Nay, M. l'Abbe, let me beg of you to believe that all I did was to
+recommend the Morel family as a deserving case upon which to exercise
+charitable sympathy; I had no further share in the good work," said
+Jacques Ferrand.
+
+"Now, then," said Polidori, "you are next to be gratified, M. l'Abbe,
+with seeing to what an extent my worthy friend there has carried his
+philanthropic views, as manifested in the foundation of such an
+establishment as that we have already discussed. He will read to you the
+plan definitely decided on. The necessary money for its endowment is
+ready, and all is prepared for immediate action; but since yesterday a
+doubt has crossed his mind, and if he does not like to state it himself
+I will do so for him."
+
+"There is no occasion for your taking that trouble," said Jacques, who
+seemed to find a relief in talking himself rather than be compelled to
+sit in silence and listen to the ironical praises of his accomplice.
+"The fact is this, M. l'Abbe, I have reflected upon our purposed
+undertaking, and it occurs to me that it would be more in accordance
+with a right spirit of humility and Christian meekness if the projected
+establishment were instituted in your name, and not in mine."
+
+"Nay, nay!" exclaimed the abbe, "such humility is exaggerated beyond all
+reasonable scruples. You may fairly pride yourself upon having
+originated so noble a charity, and it becomes your just right, as well
+as your duty, to give it your own name."
+
+"Pardon me for insisting in this instance on having my own way. I have
+thought the matter well over, and am resolved upon preserving a strict
+_incognito_ as to being the founder of the undertaking. I therefore
+venture to hope you will do me the favour to act for me, and carry the
+scheme into execution, selecting the various functionaries requisite for
+its several departments. I merely desire to have the nomination of the
+chief clerk and one of the doorkeepers. To this kindness you must add
+the most inviolable secrecy as regards myself."
+
+"Independently of the pleasure it would afford me to cooperate in such a
+work as yours, my duty to my fellow creatures would not permit me to do
+otherwise than accede to your wishes; you may therefore reckon upon me
+in every way you desire."
+
+"Then, with your permission, M. l'Abbe, my friend will read you the plan
+he has decided on adopting."
+
+"Perhaps," said Jacques Ferrand, bitterly, "you will spare me the
+fatigue of reading it, by taking that office on yourself? You will
+oblige me by so doing, will you not?"
+
+"By no means!" answered Polidori. "The pure philanthropy which dictated
+the scheme will sound far better from your lips than mine."
+
+"Enough!" interrupted the notary; "I will read it myself."
+
+Polidori, so long the accomplice of Jacques Ferrand, and consequently
+well acquainted with the black catalogue of his crimes, could not
+restrain a fiendish smile as he saw the notary compelled in his own
+despite to read aloud and adopt as his own the words and sentiments so
+arbitrarily dictated by Rodolph.
+
+    "ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BANK FOR WORKMEN OUT OF EMPLOY.
+
+    "We are instructed to 'Love one another!' These divine words
+    contain the germ of all charities. They have inspired the humble
+    founder of this institution. Limited as to the means of action,
+    the founder has desired at least to enable as many as possible
+    to participate in what he offers. In the first place, he
+    addresses himself to the honest, hard-working workmen, burdened
+    with families, whom the want of employment frequently reduces to
+    the most cruel extremities. It is not a degrading alms which he
+    offers to his brethren, but a gratuitous loan he begs them to
+    accept. And he hopes that this loan may frequently prevent them
+    from involving their future by distressing loans, which they are
+    forced to make in order to await a return of work, their only
+    resource for a family of whom they are the sole support. As a
+    guarantee of this loan he only requires from his brethren an
+    undertaking on honour, and a keeping of the word pledged. He
+    invests a sum producing an annual income of twelve thousand
+    francs, and to this amount loans of twenty to forty francs,
+    without interest, will be advanced to married men out of work.
+    These loans will only be made to workmen or workwomen with
+    certificates of good conduct given by the last employer, who
+    will mention the cause and date of the suspension from labour.
+    These loans to be repaid monthly by one-sixths' or one-tenths',
+    at the option of the borrower, beginning from the day when he
+    again procures employment. He must sign a simple engagement, on
+    his honour, to return the loan at the periods fixed. This
+    engagement must be also signed by two fellow workmen as
+    guarantees, in order to develop and extend by their conjunction
+    the sacredness of the promise sworn to. The workman and his two
+    sureties who do not return the sum borrowed must never again
+    have another loan, having forfeited his sacred engagement, and,
+    especially, having deprived so many of his brethren of the
+    advantage he has enjoyed, as the sum he has not repaid is for
+    ever lost to the Bank for the Poor. The sums lent being, on the
+    contrary, scrupulously repaid, the loans will augment from year
+    to year. Not to degrade man by a loan, not to encourage idleness
+    by an unprofitable gift, to increase the sentiments of honour
+    and probity natural to the labouring classes, to come paternally
+    to the aid of the workman, who, already living with difficulty
+    from day to day, owing to the insufficiency of wages, cannot,
+    when work stops, suspend the wants of himself and family because
+    his labour is suspended,--these are the thoughts which have
+    presided over this institution. May His Holy Name who has said
+    'Love one another!' be alone glorified!"
+
+"Ah, sir," exclaimed the abbe, "what a charitable idea! Now I understand
+your emotion on reading these lines of such touching simplicity."
+
+In truth, as he concluded the reading, the voice of Jacques Ferrand had
+faltered, his patience and courage were at an end; but, watched by
+Polidori, he dared not infringe Rodolph's slightest order.
+
+"M. l'Abbe, is not Jacques's idea excellent?" asked Polidori.
+
+"Ah, sir, I, who know all the wretchedness of the city, can more easily
+comprehend of what importance may be for poor workmen out of employ a
+loan which may seem so trifling to the happy in this world! Ah, what
+good may be done if persons but knew that with thirty or forty francs,
+which would be scrupulously repaid, if without interest, they might
+often save the future, and sometimes the honour of a family, whom the
+want of work places in the grasp of misery and want!"
+
+"Jacques values your praises, Monsieur l'Abbe," replied Polidori. "And
+you will have still more to say to him when you hear of his institution
+of a gratuitous Mont-de-Piete (pawnbroking establishment), for Jacques
+has not forgotten this, but made it an adjunct to his Bank for the
+Poor."
+
+"Can it be true?" exclaimed the priest, clasping his hands in
+admiration.
+
+The notary contrived to read with a rapid voice the other details, which
+referred to loans to workmen whose labour was suspended by fatigue or
+illness, and his intention to establish a Bank for the Poor producing
+twenty-five thousand francs a year for advances on pledges, which were
+never to go beyond ten francs for each pledge, without any charges for
+interest. The management and office of the loans in the Bank for the
+Poor was to be in the Rue du Temple, Number 17, in a house bought for
+the purpose. An income of ten thousand francs a year was to be devoted
+to the costs and management of the Bank for the Poor, whose manager was
+to be--
+
+Polidori here interrupted the notary, and said to the priest:
+
+"You will see, sir, by the choice of the manager, that Jacques knows how
+to repair an involuntary error. You know that by a mistake, which he
+deeply deplores, he had falsely accused his cashier of embezzling a sum
+which he afterwards found. Well, it is this honest fellow, Francois
+Germain by name, that Jacques has named as manager of the institution,
+with four thousand francs a year salary. Is it not admirable, Monsieur
+l'Abbe?"
+
+"Nothing now can astonish me, or rather nothing ever astonished me so
+much before," the priest replied; "the fervent piety, the virtues of our
+worthy friend, could only have such a result sooner or later. To devote
+his whole fortune to so admirable an institution is most excellent!"
+
+"More than a million of francs (40,000_l._), M. l'Abbe," said Polidori;
+"more than a million, amassed by order, economy, and probity! And there
+were so many wretches who accused Jacques of avarice! By what they said,
+his business brings him in fifty or sixty thousand francs a year, and
+yet he leads a life of privations!"
+
+"To that I would reply," said the abbe, with enthusiasm, "that during
+fifteen years he lived like a beggar, in order one day to console those
+in distress most gloriously."
+
+"But be at least proud and joyful at the good you do," cried Polidori,
+addressing Jacques Ferrand, who, gloomy, beaten, and with his eye fixed,
+seemed absorbed in painful meditation.
+
+"Alas!" said the abbe, in a tone of sorrow, "it is not in this world
+that one receives the recompense of so many virtues! There is a higher
+ambition."
+
+"Jacques," said Polidori, lightly touching the notary's shoulder,
+"finish reading your prospectus."
+
+The notary started, passed his hand across his forehead, and addressing
+himself to the priest, "Your pardon, M. l'Abbe," said he, "but I was
+lost in thought; I felt myself involuntarily carried away by the idea of
+how immensely the funds of this 'Bank for the Poor' might be augmented
+if the sums lent out were, when repaid, allowed to accumulate only for a
+year. At the end of four years, the institution would be in a condition
+to afford loans, either wholly gratuitously, or upon security, to the
+amount of fifty thousand crowns! Enormous! And I am delighted to find it
+so," continued he, as he reflected, with concealed rage, on the value of
+the sacrifice he was compelled to make. He then added, "A revenue of ten
+thousand francs will be secured for the expenses and management of the
+'Bank for unemployed Workmen,' whose perpetual director shall be
+Francois Germain; and the housekeeper, the present porter in the place,
+an individual named Pipelet. M. l'Abbe Dumont, in whose hands the
+necessary funds for carrying out the undertaking will be placed, will
+establish a board of superintendence, composed of the magistrate of the
+district and other legal functionaries, in addition to all such
+influential personages whose patronage and support may be likely to
+advance the interests of the 'Poor Man's Bank;' for the founder would
+esteem himself more than paid for the little he has done, should his
+example induce other charitable persons to come forward in aid of his
+work."
+
+"The opening of 'the bank' will be duly announced by every channel
+calculated to give publicity."
+
+"In conclusion, the founder has only to disclaim any desire to attract
+notoriety or draw down applause, his sole motive being an earnest wish
+to reecho the divine precept of 'Love ye one another!'"
+
+The notary had now concluded; and without making any reply to the
+congratulations of the abbe, he proceeded to furnish him with the cash
+and notes requisite for the very considerable outlay required in
+carrying out the institution just described, and purchasing the annuity
+for Morel; after which he said, "Let me hope, M. l'Abbe, that you will
+not refuse the fresh mission confided to your charity. There is, indeed,
+a stranger, one Sir Walter Murphy, who has given me the benefit of his
+advice in drawing up the plan I have lately read to you, who will in
+some degree relieve you of the entire burden of this affair; and this
+very day he purposes conversing with you on the best means of bringing
+our schemes to bear, as well as to place himself at your disposal
+whenever he can render you the slightest service. To him you may speak
+freely and without any reserve, but to all others I pray of you to
+preserve the strictest secrecy as regards myself."
+
+"You may rely on me. But you are surely ill! Tell me, my excellent
+friend, is it bodily or mental pain that thus blanches your cheek? Are
+you ill?"
+
+"Somewhat indisposed, M. l'Abbe; the fatigue of reading that long paper,
+added to the emotions called up by your gratifying praises, have
+combined to overcome me; and, indeed, I have been a great sufferer
+during the last few days. Pray excuse me," said Jacques Ferrand, as he
+threw himself back languidly in his chair; "I do not apprehend any
+serious consequences from my present weakness, but must own I do feel
+quite exhausted."
+
+"Perhaps," said the priest, kindly, "your best plan would be to retire
+to bed, and allow your physician to see you."
+
+"I am a physician, M. l'Abbe," said Polidori; "the condition of my
+friend Jacques requires the greatest care, and I shall immediately do my
+best to relieve his present symptoms."
+
+The notary shuddered.
+
+"Well, well," said the cure, "let us hope that a little rest is all you
+require to set you to rights! I will now take my leave; but first let me
+give you an acknowledgment for the money I have received."
+
+While the priest was writing the receipt, a look wholly impossible to
+describe passed between Jacques Ferrand and Polidori.
+
+"Come, come," said the priest, as he handed the paper he had written to
+Jacques Ferrand, "be of good cheer! Depend upon it, it will be long ere
+so faithful and devout a servant is suffered to quit a life so usefully
+and religiously employed. I will come again to-morrow, and inquire how
+you are. Adieu, monsieur! Farewell, my good, my holy, and excellent
+friend!"
+
+And with these words the priest quitted the apartment, leaving Jacques
+Ferrand and Polidori alone there. No sooner was the door closed than a
+fearful imprecation burst from the lips of Jacques Ferrand, whose rage
+and despair, so long and forcibly repressed, now broke forth with
+redoubled fury. Breathless and excited, he continued, with wild and
+haggard looks, to pace to and fro like a furious tiger going the length
+of his chain, and then again retracing his infuriated march; while
+Polidori, preserving the most imperturbable look and manner, gazed on
+him with insulting calmness.
+
+"Damnation!" exclaimed Jacques Ferrand, at last, in a voice of
+concentrated wrath and violence; "the idea of my fortune being thus
+swallowed up in founding these humbugging philanthropic institutions,
+and to be obliged to give away my riches in such absurdities as building
+banks for other people! Your master must be the fiend himself to torture
+a man as he is doing me!"
+
+"I have no master," replied Polidori, coldly; "only, like yourself, I
+have a judge whose decrees there is no escaping!"
+
+"But thus blindly and idiotically to follow the most trifling order of
+this man!" continued Jacques Ferrand, with redoubled rage. "To compel
+me, constrain me, to the very actions most galling and hateful to me!"
+
+"Nay, you have your chance between obedience and the scaffold!"
+
+"And to think that there should be no way to escape this accursed
+domination! To be obliged to part with such a sum as that I lately
+handed over to that old proser,--a million sterling! The very extent of
+all my earthly possessions are now this house and about one hundred
+thousand francs. What more can he want with me?"
+
+"Oh, but you have not done yet! The prince has learned, through Badinot,
+that your man of straw, 'Petit Jean,' was only your own assumed title,
+under which you made so many usurious loans to the Count de Remy, whom
+you so roughly took to task for his forgeries. The sums repaid by
+Saint-Remy were supplied him by a lady of high rank; and you may, very
+probably, be called upon to make a second restitution in that case, as
+well as the former; however, you may escape that in consequence of the
+fear entertained of wounding the delicacy of the noble lender, were the
+facts brought before the public."
+
+"And fixed, chained here!"
+
+"As firmly as though bound by an iron cable!"
+
+"With such a wretch as you for my gaoler!"
+
+"Why, it is the prince's system to punish crime by crime,--the guilty by
+the hand of his accomplice. So how can you object to me?"
+
+"Oh, rage!"
+
+"But, unhappily, powerless rage; for until he sends me his orders to
+permit you to leave this house, I shall follow you like your shadow! I,
+like yourself, have placed my head in danger of falling on the scaffold;
+and should I fail to perform my prescribed task of gaoler, there it
+would quickly fall. So that, you perceive, my integrity as your keeper
+is necessarily incorruptible. And as for our both attempting to free
+ourselves by flight, that is wholly impossible. Not a step could we take
+without immediately falling into the hands of those who, day and night,
+keep vigilant watch around and at each door of this house."
+
+"Death and fury! I know it."
+
+"Then resign yourself to what is inevitable; for if even flight were
+practicable, what would it do for our ultimate safety? We should be
+hunted down by the officers of justice, and speedily overtaken, with
+certain death before us; while, on the contrary, by your submitting and
+my superintending your obedience, we are quite sure to keep our heads on
+our shoulders."
+
+"Do not exasperate me by this cool irony, or--"
+
+"Well, go on--or what? Oh, bless you, I am not afraid of you or your
+anger; but I know you too well not to adopt every precaution. I am well
+armed, I can tell you; and though you may have possessed yourself of the
+celebrated poisoned stiletto carried by Cecily, it would not be worth
+your while to try its power on me. You are aware that I am obliged,
+every two hours, to send to him who has a right to demand it a bulletin
+of your precious health! Should I not present myself with the required
+document, murder would be suspected, and you be taken into custody. But
+I wrong you in supposing you capable of such a crime. Is it likely that,
+after sacrificing more than a million of money to save your life, you
+would place it in danger for the poor satisfaction of avenging yourself
+on me by taking my life? No, no! You are not quite such a fool as that,
+at any rate!"
+
+"Oh, misery, misery! Endless and inextricable! Whichever way I turn, I
+see nothing but death or disgrace! My curse be on you--on all mankind!"
+
+"Your misanthropy, then, exceeds your philanthropy; for while the former
+embraces the whole world, the latter merely relates to a small part of
+Paris."
+
+"Go on, go on, monster! Mock as you will!"
+
+"Would you rather I should overwhelm you with reproaches? Whose fault is
+it but yours that we are placed in our present position? Why would you
+persist in hanging to that letter of mine relative to the murder I
+assisted you in, which gained you one hundred thousand crowns, although
+you contrived to make it appear the man had fallen by his own hand? Why,
+I say, did you keep that letter of mine suspended around your neck, as
+though it had been a holy relic, instead of the confession of a crime?"
+
+"Why, you contemptible being! Why, because having handed over to you
+fifty thousand francs for your share and assistance in the deed, I
+exacted from you that letter containing an admission of your
+participation in the affair, in order that I might have that security
+for your playing me fair; for with that document in existence, to betray
+me would have been to denounce yourself. That letter was the security,
+both for my life and fortune. Now are you answered as to my reasons for
+keeping it so carefully about me?"
+
+"I see! It was skilfully devised on your part, for by betraying you I
+gained nothing but the certainty of perishing with you on the same
+scaffold; and yet your cleverness has ruined us, while mine has assured
+our safety, up to the present moment."
+
+"Great safety, certainly, if our present situation is taken into
+consideration!"
+
+"Who could foresee the turn things have taken? But according to the
+ordinary course of events, our crime would have remained for ever under
+the same veil of concealment my management had thrown over it."
+
+"Your management?"
+
+"Even so! Why, do you not recollect that, after we had killed the man,
+you were for merely counterfeiting his writing, in order to despatch a
+letter as if from himself to his sister, stating his intention of
+committing suicide in consequence of having utterly ruined himself by
+losses at play? You believed it a great stroke of policy not to make any
+mention, in this letter, of the money entrusted to your charge. This was
+absurd because the sister, being aware of the deposit left in your
+hands, would be sure to claim it; it was wiser to take the contrary
+path, and make mention, as we did, of the money deposited with you; so
+that, should any suspicions arise as to the manner in which the murdered
+man met his death, you would be the very last on whom suspicion could
+fall; for how could it be supposed for an instant that you would first
+kill a man to obtain possession of the treasure placed under your care,
+and then write to inform the sister of the fact of the money having been
+lodged with you? And what was the consequence of this skilful suggestion
+on my part? Every one believed the dead man had destroyed himself. Your
+high reputation for probity enabled you successfully to deny the
+circumstance of any such sum of money as that claimed ever having been
+placed in your hands; and the general impression was, that the
+unprincipled brother had first dissipated his sister's fortune, and then
+committed suicide."
+
+"But what does all this matter now, since the crime is discovered?"
+
+"And who is to be thanked for its discovery? Is it my fault if my letter
+has become a sort of two-edged sword? Why were you so weak, so silly, as
+to surrender so formidable a weapon to--that infernal Cecily?"
+
+"Silence!" exclaimed Jacques Ferrand, with a fearful expression of
+countenance; "name her not!"
+
+"With all my heart! I don't want to bring on an attack of epilepsy. You
+see plainly enough that, as regards the common course of ordinary
+justice, our mutual precautions were quite sufficient to ensure our
+safety; but he who now holds us in his formidable power goes to work
+differently; he believes that cutting off the heads of criminals is not
+a sufficient reparation for the wrongs they have done. With the proofs
+he has against us, he might give you and myself up to the laws of our
+country; but what would be got by that? Merely a couple of dead bodies,
+to help to enrich the churchyard."
+
+"True, true! This prince, devil, or demon--whichever he is--requires
+tears, groans, wringings of the heart, ere he is satisfied. And yet 'tis
+strange he should work so much woe for me, who know him not, neither
+have ever done him the least harm. Why, then, is he so bitter against
+me?"
+
+"In the first place, because he professes to sympathise with the
+sufferings of other men, whom he calls, simply enough, his brethren;
+and, secondly, because he knows those you have injured, and he punishes
+you according to his ideas."
+
+"But what right has he to exercise any such power over me?"
+
+"Why, look you, Jacques! Between ourselves it is not worth while to
+question the right of a man who might legally consign us to a scaffold.
+But what would be the result? Your two only relations are both dead;
+consequently government would profit by your wealth, to the injury of
+those you have wronged. On the other hand, by making your fortune the
+price of your life, Morel (the father of the unhappy girl you
+dishonoured), with his numerous family, may be placed beyond the reach
+of want; Madame de Fermont, the sister of the pretended self-murderer,
+Renneville, will get back her one hundred thousand crowns; Germain,
+falsely accused by you of robbery, will be reinstated in life, and
+placed at the head of the 'Bank for distressed Workmen,' which you are
+compelled to found and endow as an expiation for your many offences
+against society. And, candidly looking at the thing in the same point of
+view as he who now holds us in his clutches, it must be owned that,
+though mankind would have gained nothing by your death, they will be
+considerably advantaged by your life."
+
+"And this it is excites my rage, that forms my greatest torture!"
+
+"The prince knows that as well as you do. And what is he going to do
+with us, after all? I know not. He promised us our lives, if we would
+blindly comply with all his orders; but if he should not consider our
+past offences sufficiently expiated, he will find means to make death
+itself preferable a thousand times to the existence he grants us. You
+don't know him. When he believes himself called upon to be stern, no
+executioner can be more inexorable and unpitying to the criminal his
+hand must deprive of life. He must have had some fiend at his elbow, to
+discover what I went into Normandy for. However, he has more than one
+demon at his command; for that Cecily, whom may the descending lightning
+strike to the earth--"
+
+"Again I say, silence! Name her not! Utter not the word Cecily!"
+
+"I tell you I wish that every curse may light upon her! And have I not
+good reason for hating one who has placed us in our present situation?
+But for her, our heads would be safe on our shoulders, and likely to
+remain so. To what has your besotted passion for that creature brought
+us!"
+
+Instead of breaking out into a fresh rage, Jacques Ferrand replied, with
+the most extreme dejection, "Do you know the person you are speaking of?
+Tell me, have you ever seen her?"
+
+"Never; but I am aware she is reported to be very beautiful."
+
+"Beautiful!" exclaimed the notary, emphatically; then, with an
+expression of bitter despair, he added, "Cease to speak of that you know
+not. What I did you would have done if similarly tempted."
+
+"What, endanger my life for the love of a woman?"
+
+"For such a one as Cecily; and I tell you candidly I would do the same
+thing again, for the same hopes as then led me on."
+
+"By all the devils in hell," cried Polidori, in utter amazement, "he is
+bewitched!"
+
+"Hearken to me," resumed the notary, in a low, calm tone, occasionally
+rendered more energetic by the bursts of uncontrollable despair which
+possessed his mind. "Listen! You know how much I love gold, as well as
+all I have ventured to acquire it. To count over in my thoughts the
+sums I possessed, to see them doubled by my avarice, to know myself
+master of immense wealth, was at once my joy, my happiness; to possess,
+not for the sake of expending or enjoying, but to hoard, to gloat over,
+was my life, my delight. A month ago, had I been told to choose between
+my fortune and my head, I should certainly have sacrificed the latter to
+save the former."
+
+"But what would be the use of possessing all this wealth, if you must
+die?"
+
+"The ecstasy of dying in the consciousness of its possession; to enjoy
+till the last moment the dear delightful feeling of being the owner of
+those riches for which you have braved everything, privations, disgrace,
+infamy, the scaffold itself, to be able to say, even as you lay your
+head on the fatal block,'Those vast treasures are mine!' Oh, death is
+far sweeter than to endure the living agonies I suffer at seeing the
+riches accumulated with so much pain, difficulties, and dangers torn
+from me! Dreadful, dreadful! 'Tis not dying daily, but each minute in
+the day; and this dreadful state of misery may be protracted for years!
+Oh, how greatly should I prefer being struck down by that sudden and
+rapid death that carries you off ere one fragment of your beloved riches
+is taken from you! For still, with your dying breath, you might sigh
+forth, 'Those treasures are mine,--all, all mine! None but me can or
+dare approach them!'"
+
+Polidori gazed on his accomplice with profound astonishment. "I do not
+understand you," said he, at last; "if such be the case, why have you
+obeyed the commands of him whose denunciation of you would bring you to
+a scaffold? Why, if life be so horrible to you, have you chosen to
+accept it at his hands, and pay the heavy price you are doing for it?"
+
+"Because," answered the notary, in a voice that sunk so low as to be
+scarcely audible, "because death brings
+forgetfulness--annihilation--and then, too, Cecily--"
+
+"What!" said Polidori, "do you still hope?"
+
+"No," said the notary, "I possess--"
+
+"What?"
+
+"The fond impassioned remembrance of her."
+
+"But what folly is this when you are sure never to see her more, and
+when she has brought you to a scaffold!"
+
+"That matters not; I love her even more ardently, more frantically than
+ever!" exclaimed Jacques Ferrand, amid a torrent of sighs and sobs that
+contrasted strongly with the previous gloomy dejection of his last
+remark. "Yes," continued he, with fearful wildness, "I love her too well
+to be willing to die, while I can feast my senses upon the recollection
+only of that night--that memorable night in which I saw her so lovely,
+so loving, so fascinating! Never is her image, as I then beheld her,
+absent from my brain; waking or sleeping, she is ever before me, decked
+in all the intoxicating beauty that was displayed to my impassioned
+gaze! Still do her large, lustrous eyes seem to dart forth their fiery
+glances, and I almost fancy I can feel her warm breath on my cheek,
+while her clear, melodious voice seems ringing its full sounds into my
+ear with promises of bliss, alas, never to be mine! Yet, though to live
+thus is torturing--horrible--yet would I prefer it to the apathy, the
+still nothingness of the grave. No, no, no; let me live, poor, wretched,
+despised,--a branded galley-slave, if you will,--but give me yet the
+means of doting in secret on the recollection of this wonderful being;
+whether she be fiend or angel, yet does she engross my every thought!"
+
+"Jacques," said Polidori, in a voice and manner contrasting strongly
+with his habitual tone of cool, provoking sarcasm, "I have witnessed
+almost every description of bodily and mental suffering, but certainly
+nothing that equalled what you endure. He who holds us in his power
+could not have devised more cruel torture than that you are compelled to
+endure. You are condemned to live, to await death through a vista of
+long, wasting torments, for your description of your feelings fully
+explains to me the many alarming symptoms I have observed in you from
+day to day, and of which I have hitherto vainly sought to find the
+cause."
+
+"But the symptoms you speak of as alarming are nothing but exhaustion, a
+sort of reaction of the bodily and mental powers; do you not think so?
+Tell me! I am not surely in any danger of dying?"
+
+"There is no immediate danger, but your situation is precarious; and
+there are some thoughts you must cease to dwell on--nay, banish from
+your memory--or your danger is imminent."
+
+"I will do whatever you bid me, so that my life be preserved,--for I
+will not die. Oh, let priests talk of the sufferings of the damned, but
+what are their tortures compared to mine? Tormented alike by passion and
+avarice, I have two open wounds rankling in my heart, each occasioning
+mortal agony. The loss of my fortune is dreadful, but the fear of death
+is even still more so. I have desired to live; and though my existence
+may probably be but one protracted scene of endless wretchedness, it is
+preferable to death and annihilation; for it would be the termination of
+my fatal happiness,--the power of recalling each word and look of
+Cecily!"
+
+"You have at least one vast consolation," said Polidori, resuming his
+accustomed _sang-froid_, "in the recollection of the good actions by
+which you have sought to expiate your crimes!"
+
+"Rail on! Mock my misery! Turn me on the hot coals on which my ill
+fortune has placed me! But you well know, mean and contemptible being
+that you are, how I hate, how I loathe all mankind, and that these
+forced expiations to which I am condemned only serve to increase my
+detestation of those who compel me to make them, and those who profit by
+them. By all that is sacred, it passes human malice to condemn me to
+live in endless misery, such as would dismay the stoutest nature, while
+my fellow creatures, as they are called, have all their griefs assuaged
+at the cost of my dearly prized treasures! Oh, that priest who but now
+quitted us, loading me with blessings while my heart seemed like one
+vast ocean of fiery gall and bitterness against himself and all
+mankind--oh, how I longed to plunge a dagger in his breast! 'Tis too
+much--too much for endurance!" cried he, pressing his clenched hands to
+his forehead; "my brain burns, my ideas become confused, I shall not be
+able much longer to resist these violent attacks of impotent, futile
+rage,--these unending tortures; and all through you, Cecily,--fatal,
+adored Cecily! Will you ever know all the agonies I have borne on your
+account, and will you still haunt me with that mocking smile? Cecily,
+Cecily! Back to the fiends from whom you sprung, and drive me not to
+destruction!"
+
+All at once a hasty knock was heard at the door of the apartment.
+Polidori immediately opened it, and perceived the principal clerk in the
+notary's office, who, pale and much agitated, exclaimed, "I must speak
+with M. Ferrand directly!"
+
+"Hush!" answered Polidori, in a low tone, as he came forth from the room
+and shut the door after him; "he is very ill just now, and cannot be
+disturbed on any account."
+
+"Then do you, sir, who are M. Ferrand's best and most intimate friend,
+step forward to help and assist him; but come quickly, for there is not
+an instant to be lost!"
+
+"What has happened?"
+
+"By M. Ferrand's orders, I went to-day to the house of the Countess
+Macgregor, to say that he was unable to wait on her to-day, according to
+her request. This lady, who seems quite out of danger at present, sent
+for me to her chamber; when I went in, she exclaimed, in an angry,
+threatening manner,'Go back to M. Ferrand, and say to him that if he is
+not here in half an hour, or at least before the close of the day, he
+shall be arrested for felony. The child he passed off as dead is still
+living; I know into whose hands he gave her up, and I also know where
+she is at this present minute.'"
+
+"This lady must be out of her senses," cried Polidori, shrugging up his
+shoulders. "Poor thing!"
+
+"I should have thought so myself, but for the confident manner in which
+the countess spoke."
+
+"I have no doubt but that her illness has affected her head; and persons
+labouring under any delusion are always impressed with the most perfect
+conviction of the truth of their fancies."
+
+"I ought also to state that, just as I was leaving the room, one of the
+countess's female attendants entered all in a hurry, and said, 'His
+highness will be here in an hour's time!'"
+
+"You are sure you heard those words?" asked Polidori.
+
+"Quite, quite sure, sir! And I remember it the more, because I
+immediately began wondering in my own mind what highness she could
+mean."
+
+"It is quite clear," said Polidori, mentally, "she expects the prince;
+but how comes that about? What strange course of events can have induced
+him to visit one he ought never again to meet? I know not why, but I
+greatly mistrust this renewal of intimacy. Our position, bad as it is,
+may even be rendered still worse by it." Then, addressing himself to the
+clerk, he added, "Depend upon it there is nothing of any consequence in
+the message you have brought; 'tis merely the effects of a wandering
+imagination on the part of the countess; but, to prevent your feeling
+any uneasiness, I promise to acquaint M. Ferrand with it directly he is
+well enough to converse upon any matter of business."
+
+We shall now conduct the reader to the house of the Countess Sarah
+Macgregor.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+RODOLPH AND SARAH.
+
+
+A salutary crisis had occurred, which relieved the Countess Macgregor
+from the delirium and suffering under which, for several days, her life
+had been despaired of.
+
+The day had begun to break when Sarah, seated in a large easy chair, and
+supported by her brother, Thomas Seyton, was looking at herself in a
+mirror which one of her woman on her knees held up before her. This was
+in the apartment where La Chouette had made the attempt to murder.
+
+The countess was as pale as marble, and her pallor made her dark eyes,
+hair, and eyebrows even more striking; and she was attired in a
+dressing-gown of white muslin. "Give me my bandeau of coral," she said
+to one of her women, in a voice which, although weak, was imperious and
+abrupt.
+
+"Betty will fasten it on for you," said Seyton; "you will exhaust
+yourself; you are already very imprudent."
+
+"The bandeau,--the bandeau!" repeated Sarah, impatiently, who took this
+jewel and arranged it on her brow. "Now fasten it, and leave me!" she
+said to the women.
+
+The instant they were retiring, she said, "Let M. Ferrand be shown into
+the little blue salon." Then she added, with ill-dissembled pride, "As
+soon as his royal highness the Grand Duke of Gerolstein comes, let him
+be introduced instantly to this apartment."
+
+[Illustration: "_Was Looking at Herself in a Mirror_"
+Original Etching by Adrian Marcel]
+
+"At length," said Sarah, as soon as she was alone with her brother, "at
+length I trust this crown--the dream of my life: the prediction is on
+the eve of fulfilment!"
+
+"Sarah, calm your excitement!" said her brother to her; "yesterday your
+life was despaired of, and to be again disappointed would deal you a
+mortal blow!"
+
+"You are right, Thomas; the fall would be fearful, for my hopes were
+never nearer realisation! Of this I feel assured, for it was my constant
+thought of profiting by the overwhelming revelation which this woman
+made me at the moment of her assassination that prevented me from
+sinking under my sufferings."
+
+"Again, Sarah, let me counsel you to beware of such insensate
+dreams,--the awaking would be terrible!"
+
+"Insensate dreams! What, when Rodolph learns that this young girl, who
+is now locked up in St. Lazare, and formerly confided to the notary, who
+has passed her off for dead, is our child! Do you suppose that--"
+
+Seyton interrupted his sister. "I believe," he said, bitterly, "that
+princes place reasons of state, political conveniences, before natural
+duties."
+
+"Do you then rely so little on my address?"
+
+"The prince is no longer the ingenuous and impassioned youth whom you
+attracted and swayed in other days; that time is long ago, both for him
+and for you, sister."
+
+Sarah shrugged her shoulders, and said, "Do you know why I was desirous
+of placing this bandeau of coral in my hair,--why I put on this white
+dress? It is because the first time Rodolph saw me at the court of
+Gerolstein I was dressed in white, and wore this very bandeau of coral
+in my hair."
+
+"What!" said Seyton, "you would awake those remembrances? Do you not
+rather fear their influence?"
+
+"I know Rodolph better than you do. No doubt my features, changed by
+time and sufferings, are no longer those of the young girl of sixteen,
+whom he so madly loved,--only loved, for I was his first love; and that
+love, unique in the life of man, always leaves ineffaceable traces in
+the heart. Thus, then, brother, trust me that the sight of this ornament
+will awaken in Rodolph not only the recollection of his love, but those
+of his youth also; and for men these souvenirs are always sweet and
+precious."
+
+"But these sweet and precious souvenirs will be united with others so
+terrible: the sinister _denouement_ of your love, the detestable
+behaviour of the prince's father to you, your obstinate silence to
+Rodolph. After your marriage with the Count Macgregor, he demanded his
+daughter, then an infant,--your child,--of whose death, ten years since,
+you informed him so coldly in your letter. Do you forget that from that
+period the prince has felt nothing but contempt and hatred for you?"
+
+"Pity has replaced his hatred. Since he has learned that I am dying, he
+has sent the Baron de Grauen every day to inquire after me; and just now
+he has promised to come here; and that is an immense concession,
+brother."
+
+"He believes you dying,--that you desire a last adieu,--and so he comes.
+You were wrong not to write to him of the discovery you are about to
+disclose to him."
+
+"I know why I do so. This discovery will fill him with surprise, joy,
+and I shall be present to profit by his first burst of softened feeling.
+To-day or never he will say to me, 'A marriage must legitimise the birth
+of our child!' If he says so, his word is sacred, and then will the hope
+of my life be realised!"
+
+"Yes, if he makes you the promise."
+
+"And that he may do so, nothing must be neglected under these decisive
+circumstances. I know Rodolph; and once having found his daughter, he
+will overcome his aversion for me, and will not retreat from any
+sacrifice to assure her the most enviable lot, to make her as entirely
+happy as she has been until now wretched."
+
+"However brilliant the destiny he may assure to your daughter, there is,
+between the reparation to her and the resolution to marry you in order
+to legitimise the birth of this child, a very wide abyss."
+
+"Her father will pass over this abyss."
+
+"But this unfortunate child has, perhaps, been so vitiated by the misery
+in which she has lived that the prince, instead of feeling attracted
+towards her--"
+
+"What are you saying?" cried Sarah, interrupting her brother. "Is she
+not as handsome, as a young girl, as she was a lovely infant? Rodolph,
+without knowing her, was so deeply interested in her as to take charge
+of her future destiny, and sent her to his farm at Bouqueval, whence we
+carried her off."
+
+"Yes, thanks to your obstinacy in desiring to break all the ties of the
+prince's affection, in the foolish hope of one day leading him back to
+yourself!"
+
+"And yet, but for this foolish hope, I should not have discovered, at
+the price of my life, the secret of my daughter's existence. Is it not
+through this woman, who had carried her off from the farm, that I have
+learned the infamous deceit of the notary, Ferrand?"
+
+"It would have been better to have awaited the young creature's coming
+out of prison, before you sent to request the Grand Duke to come here."
+
+"Awaited! And do I know that the salutary crisis in which I now am will
+last until to-morrow? Perhaps I am but momentarily sustained by my
+ambition only."
+
+"What proofs have you for the prince, and will he believe you?"
+
+"He will believe me when he reads the commencement of, the disclosure
+which I wrote from the dictation of that woman who stabbed me,--a
+disclosure of which I have, fortunately, forgotten no circumstance. He
+will believe me when he reads your correspondence with Madame Seraphin
+and Jacques Ferrand, as to the supposed death of the child; he will
+believe me when he hears the confession of the notary, who, alarmed at
+my threats, will come here immediately; he will believe me when he sees
+the portrait of my daughter at six years of age, a portrait which the
+woman told me was still a striking resemblance. So many proofs will
+suffice to convince the prince that I speak the truth, and to decide him
+as to his first impulse, which will make me almost a queen. Oh, if it
+were but for a day, I could die content!"
+
+At this moment a carriage was heard to enter the courtyard.
+
+"It is he! It is Rodolph!" exclaimed Sarah.
+
+Thomas Seyton drew a curtain hastily aside, and replied, "Yes, it is the
+prince; he is just alighting from the carriage."
+
+"Leave me! This is the decisive moment!" said Sarah, with unshaken
+coolness; for a monstrous ambition, a pitiless selfishness, had always
+been and still was the only moving spring of this woman. Even in the
+almost miraculous reappearance of her daughter, she only saw a means of
+at last arriving at the one end and aim of her whole existence.
+
+Seyton said to her, "I will tell the prince how your daughter, believed
+dead, was saved. This conversation would be too dangerous for you,--a
+too violent emotion would kill you; and after so long a separation, the
+sight of the prince, the recollection of bygone times--"
+
+"Your hand, brother!" replied Sarah. Then, placing on her impassive
+heart Tom Seyton's hand, she added, with an icy smile, "Am I excited?"
+
+"No, no; not even a hurried pulsation," said Seyton, amazed. "I know not
+what control you have over yourself; but at such a moment, when it is
+for a crown or a coffin you play, your calmness amazes me!"
+
+"And wherefore, brother? Till now, you know, nothing has made my heart
+beat hastily; and it will only throb when I feel the sovereign crown
+upon my brow. I hear Rodolph--leave me!"
+
+When Rodolph entered the apartment, his look expressed pity; but, seeing
+Sarah seated in her armchair, and, as it were, full dressed, he recoiled
+in surprise, and his features became gloomy and mistrustful. The
+countess, guessing his thoughts, said to him, in a low and faint voice,
+"You thought to find me dying! You came to receive my last adieu!"
+
+"I have always considered the last wishes of the dead as sacred, but it
+appears now as if there were some sacrilegious deceit--"
+
+"Be assured," said Sarah, interrupting Rodolph, "be assured that I have
+not deceived you! I believe that I have but very few hours to live.
+Pardon me a last display of coquetry! I wished to spare you the gloomy
+symptoms that usually attend the dying hour, and to die attired as I was
+the first time I saw you. Alas, after ten years of separation, I see you
+once again! Thanks, oh, thanks! But in your turn give thanks to God for
+having inspired you with the thought of hearing my last prayer! If you
+had refused me, I should have carried my secret with me to the grave,
+which will now cause the joy, the happiness of your life,--joy, mingled
+with some sadness, happiness, mingled with some tears, like all human
+felicity; but this felicity you would yet purchase at the price of half
+the remainder of your existence!"
+
+"What do you mean?" asked the prince, with great amazement.
+
+"Yes, Rodolph, if you had not come, this secret would have followed me
+to the tomb! That would have been my sole vengeance. And yet, no, no! I
+shall not have the courage. Although you have made me suffer deeply, I
+yet must have shared with you that supreme happiness which you, more
+blessed than myself, will, I hope, long enjoy!"
+
+"Madame, what does this mean?"
+
+"When you know, you will be able to comprehend my slowness in informing
+you, for you will view it as a miracle from heaven; but, strange to say,
+I, who with a word can cause you pleasure greater than you have ever
+experienced, I experience, although the minutes of my life are counted,
+I experience an indefinable satisfaction at prolonging your expectation.
+And then, I know your heart; and in spite of the fierceness of your
+character, I fear, without preparation, to reveal to you so incredible a
+discovery. The emotions of overwhelming joy have also their dangers."
+
+"Your paleness increases, you can scarcely repress your violent
+agitation," said Rodolph; "all this indicates something grave and
+solemn."
+
+"Grave and solemn!" replied Sarah, in an agitated voice; for, in spite
+of her habitual impassiveness, when she reflected on the immense effect
+of the disclosure she was about to make to Rodolph, she was more
+troubled than she believed possible; and, unable any longer to restrain
+herself, she exclaimed, "Rodolph, our daughter lives!"
+
+"Our daughter!"
+
+"Lives, I say!"
+
+These words, the accents of truth in which they were pronounced, shook
+the prince to his very heart. "Our child!" he repeated, going hurriedly
+to the chair in which Sarah was, "our child--my daughter!"
+
+"Is not dead, I have irresistible proof; I know where she is; to-morrow
+you shall see her."
+
+"My daughter! My daughter!" repeated Rodolph, with amazement. "Can it be
+that she lives?" Then, suddenly reflecting on the improbability of such
+an event, and fearing to be the dupe of some fresh treachery on Sarah's
+part, he cried, "No, no, it is a dream! Impossible! I know your
+ambition--of what you are capable--and I see through the drift of this
+proposed treachery!"
+
+"Yes, you say truly; I am capable of all--everything! Yes, I desired to
+abuse you; some days before the mortal blow was struck, I sought to find
+out some young girl that I might present to you as our daughter. After
+this confession, you will perhaps believe me, or, rather, you will be
+compelled to credit irresistible evidence. Yes, Rodolph, I repeat I
+desired to substitute a young and obscure girl for her whom we both
+deplore; but God willed that at the moment when I was arranging this
+sacrilegious bargain, I should be almost fatally stabbed!"
+
+"You--at this moment!"
+
+"God so willed it that they should propose to me to play the part of
+falsehood--imagine whom? Our daughter!"
+
+"Are you delirious, in heaven's name?"
+
+"Oh, no, I am not delirious! In this casket, containing some papers and
+a portrait, which will prove to you the truth of what I say, you will
+find a paper stained with my blood!"
+
+"Your blood!"
+
+"The woman who told me that our daughter was still living declared to me
+this disclosure when she stabbed me with her dagger."
+
+"And who was she? How did she know?"
+
+"It was she to whom the child was confided when very young, after she
+had been declared dead."
+
+"But this woman? Can she be believed? How did you know her?"
+
+"I tell you, Rodolph, that this is all fated--providential! Some months
+ago you snatched a young girl from misery, to send her to the country.
+Jealousy and hatred possessed me. I had her carried off by the woman of
+whom I have been speaking."
+
+"And they took the poor girl to St. Lazare?"
+
+"Where she is still."
+
+"She is there no longer. Ah, you do not know, madame, the fearful evil
+you have occasioned me by snatching the unfortunate girl away from the
+retreat in which I had placed her; but--"
+
+"The young girl is no longer at St. Lazare!" cried Sarah, with dismay;
+"ah, what fearful news is this!"
+
+"A monster of avarice had an interest in her destruction. They have
+drowned her, madame! But answer! You say that--"
+
+"My daughter!" exclaimed Sarah, interrupting Rodolph, and standing
+erect, as straight and motionless as a statue of marble.
+
+"What does she say? Good heaven!" cried Rodolph.
+
+"My daughter!" repeated Sarah, whose features became livid and frightful
+in their despair. "They have murdered my daughter!"
+
+"The Goualeuse your daughter!" uttered Rodolph, retreating with horror.
+
+"The Goualeuse! Yes, that was the name which the woman they call the
+Chouette used. Dead--dead!" repeated Sarah, still motionless, with her
+eyes fixed. "They have killed her!"
+
+"Sarah!" said Rodolph, as pale and as fearful to look upon as the
+countess; "be calm,--recover yourself,--answer me! The Goualeuse,--the
+young girl whom you had carried off by the Chouette from Bouqueval,--was
+she our daughter?"
+
+"Yes. And they have killed her!"
+
+"Oh, no, no; you are mad! It cannot be! You do not know! No, no; you
+cannot tell how fearful this would be! Sarah, be firm,--speak to me
+calmly,--sit down,--compose yourself! There are often resemblances,
+appearances which deceive if we are inclined to believe what we desire.
+I do not reproach you; but explain yourself to me, tell me all the
+reasons which induced you to think this; for it cannot be,--no, no, it
+cannot be,--it is not so!"
+
+After a moment's pause, the countess collected her thoughts, and said to
+Rodolph, in a faltering voice, "Learning your marriage, and thinking of
+marrying myself, I could not keep our child with me; she was then four
+years of age."
+
+"But at that time I begged her of you with prayers, entreaties," cried
+Rodolph, in a heartrending tone, "and my letters were unanswered; the
+only one you wrote to me announced her death!"
+
+"I was desirous of avenging myself of your contempt by refusing your
+child. It was shameful; but hear me! I feel my life ebbs from me; this
+last blow has overcome me!"
+
+"No, no, I do not believe you; I will not believe you! The Goualeuse my
+daughter! Oh, _mon Dieu_! You would not have this so!"
+
+"Listen to me! When she was four years old, my brother charged Madame
+Seraphin, the widow of an old servant, to bring the child up until she
+was old enough to go to school. The sum destined to support our child
+was deposited by my brother with a notary, celebrated for his honesty.
+The letters of this man and Madame Seraphin, addressed at the time to me
+and my brother, are there, in the casket. At the end of a year they
+wrote me word that my daughter's health was failing,--eight months
+afterwards that she was dead, and they sent the register of her decease.
+At this time Madame Seraphin had entered the service of Jacques Ferrand,
+after having given our daughter over to the Chouette, through the medium
+of a wretch who is now at the galleys at Rochefort. I was writing down
+all this when the Chouette stabbed me. This paper is there also, with a
+portrait of our daughter when four years of age. Examine all,--letters,
+declaration, portrait,--and you who have seen her, the unhappy child,
+will judge--"
+
+These words exhausted Sarah, and she fell fainting into her armchair.
+
+Rodolph was thunderstruck at this disclosure. There are misfortunes so
+unforeseen, so horrible, that we try not to believe them until the
+overwhelming evidence compels us. Rodolph, persuaded of the death of
+Fleur-de-Marie, had but one hope,--that of convincing himself that she
+was not his daughter. With a frightful calmness that alarmed Sarah, he
+approached the table, opened the casket, and began to read the letters,
+examining with scrupulous attention the papers which accompanied them.
+
+These letters, bearing the postmark, and dated, written to Sarah and her
+brother by the notary and Madame Seraphin, related to the infancy of
+Fleur-de-Marie, and the investment of the money destined for her.
+Rodolph could not doubt the authenticity of this correspondence.
+
+The Chouette's declaration was confirmed by the particulars collected at
+Rodolph's desire, in which a felon named Pierre Tournemine, then at
+Rochefort, was described as the individual who had received
+Fleur-de-Marie from the hands of Madame Seraphin, for the purpose of
+giving her up to the Chouette,--the relentless tormentor of her early
+years,--and whom she afterwards so unexpectedly recognised when in
+company with Rodolph at the _tapis-franc_ of the ogress.
+
+The attestation of the child's death was duly drawn up and attested, but
+Ferrand himself had confessed to Cecily that it had merely been employed
+to obtain possession of a considerable sum of money due to the
+unfortunate infant, whose decease it so falsely recorded, and who had
+subsequently been drowned by his order while crossing to the Isle du
+Ravageur.
+
+It was, therefore, with appalling conviction Rodolph learnt at once the
+double facts of the Goualeuse being his long-lost daughter, and of her
+having perished by a violent death. Unfortunately, everything seemed to
+give greater certitude to his belief, and to render further doubt
+impossible. Ere the prince could bring himself to place implicit
+credence in the self-condemnation of Jacques Ferrand, as conveyed in the
+notes furnished by him to Cecily, he had made the closest inquiries at
+Asnieres, and had ascertained that two females, one old, the other
+young, dressed in the garb of countrywomen, had been drowned while
+crossing the river to the Isle du Ravageur, and that Martial was openly
+accused of having committed this fresh crime.
+
+Let us add, in conclusion, that, despite the utmost care and attention
+on the part of Doctor Griffon, Count de Saint-Remy, and La Louve,
+Fleur-de-Marie was long ere she could be pronounced out of danger, and
+then so extreme was her exhaustion, both of body and mind, that she had
+been unfit for the least conversation, and wholly unequal to making any
+effort to apprise Madame Georges of her situation.
+
+This coincidence of circumstances left the prince without the smallest
+shadow of hope; but had such even remained, it was doomed to disappear
+before a last and fatal proof of the reality of his misfortune. He, for
+the first time, ventured to cast his eyes towards the miniature he had
+received. The blow fell with stunning conviction on his heart; for in
+the exquisitely beautiful features it revealed, rich in all the
+infantine loveliness ascribed to cherubic innocence, he recognised the
+striking portrait of Fleur-de-Marie,--her finely chiselled nose, the
+lofty forehead, with the small, delicately formed mouth, even then
+wearing an expression of sorrowing tenderness. Alas! Had not Madame
+Seraphin well accounted for this somewhat uncommon peculiarity in an
+infant's face by saying, in a letter written by her to Sarah, which
+Rodolph had just perused, "The child is continually inquiring for its
+mother, and seems to grieve very much at not seeing her." There were
+also those large, soft, blue eyes, "the colour of a blue-bell," as the
+Chouette observed to Sarah, upon recognising in this miniature the
+features of the unfortunate creature she had so ruthlessly tormented as
+Pegriotte, and as a young girl under the appellation of La Goualeuse. At
+the sight of this picture the violent and tumultuous emotions of the
+prince were lost amid a flood of mingled tears and sighs.
+
+While Rodolph thus indulged his bitter grief, the countenance of Sarah
+become powerfully agitated; she saw the last hope which had hitherto
+sustained her of realising the ambitious dreams of her life fade away at
+the very moment when she had expected their full accomplishment.
+
+All at once Rodolph raised his head, dashed away his tears, and, rising
+from his chair, advanced towards Sarah with folded arms and dignified,
+determined air. After silently gazing on her for some moments, he said:
+
+"'Tis fair and right it should be so! I raised my sword against my
+father's life, and I am stricken through my own child! The parricide is
+worthily punished for his sin! Then, listen to me, madame! 'Tis fit you
+should learn in this agonising moment all the evils which have been
+brought about by your insatiate ambition, your unprincipled selfishness!
+Listen, then, heartless and unfeeling wife, base and unnatural mother!"
+
+"Mercy, mercy! Rodolph, pity me, and spare me!"
+
+"There is no pity, there can be no pardon for such as you, who coldly
+trafficked in a love pure and sincere as was mine, with the assumed
+pretext of sharing a passion generous and devoted as was my own for you.
+There can be no pity for her who excites the son against the father, no
+pardon for the unnatural parent who, instead of carefully watching over
+the infancy of her child, abandons it to the care of vile mercenaries,
+in order to satisfy her grasping avarice by a rich marriage, as you
+formerly gratified your inordinate ambition by espousing me. No! There
+is no mercy, pity, or pardon for one who, like yourself, first refuses
+my child to all my prayers and entreaties, and afterwards, by a series
+of profane and vile machinations, causes her death! May Heaven's curse
+light on you, as mine does, thou evil genius of myself and all belonging
+to me!"
+
+"He has no relenting pity in his heart! He is deaf to all my appeals!
+Wretched woman that I am! Oh, leave me--leave me--I beseech!"
+
+"Nay, you shall hear me out! Do you remember our last meeting, now
+seventeen years ago? You were unable longer to conceal the consequences
+of our secret marriage, which, like you, I believed indissoluble. I well
+knew the inflexible character of my father, as well as the political
+marriage he wished me to form; but braving alike his displeasure and its
+results, I boldly declared to him that you were my wife before God and
+man, and that ere long you would bring into the world a proof of our
+love. My father's rage was terrible; he refused to believe in our union.
+Such startling opposition to his will appeared to him impossible; and he
+threatened me with his heaviest displeasure if I presumed again to
+insult his ear by the mention of such folly. I then loved you with a
+passion bordering on madness. Led away by your wiles and artifices, I
+believed your cold, stony heart felt a reciprocity of tenderness for me,
+and I therefore unhesitatingly replied that I never would call any woman
+wife but yourself. At these words his fury knew no bounds. He heaped on
+you the most insulting epithets, exclaiming that the marriage I talked
+of was null and void, and that to punish you for your presumption in
+daring even to think of such a thing, he would have you publicly exposed
+in the pillory of the city. Yielding alike to the violence of my mad
+passion, and the impetuosity of my disposition, I presumed to forbid
+him, who was at once my parent and my sovereign, speaking thus
+disrespectfully of one I loved far beyond my own life, and I even went
+so far as to threaten him if he persisted in so doing. Exasperated at
+my conduct, my father struck me. Blinded by rage, I drew my sword, and
+threw myself on him with deadly fury. Happily the intervention of Murphy
+turned away the blow, and saved me from being as much a parricide in
+deed as I was in intention. Do you hear me, madame? A parricide! And in
+your defence!"
+
+"Alas! I knew not this misfortune."
+
+"In vain have I sought to expiate my crime. This blow to-day is sent by
+Heaven's avenging hand to repay my heavy crime."
+
+"But have I not sufficiently suffered from the inveterate enmity of your
+father, who dissolved our marriage? Wherefore add to my misery by doubts
+of the sincerity of my affection for you?"
+
+"Wherefore?" exclaimed Rodolph, darting on her looks of the most
+withering contempt. "Learn now my reasons, and cease to wonder at the
+loathing horror with which you inspire me. After the fatal scene in
+which I had threatened the life of my father, I surrendered my sword,
+and was kept in the closest confinement. Polidori, through whose
+instrumentality our union had been effected, was arrested; and he
+distinctly proved that our marriage had never been legally contracted,
+the minister, as well as the other persons concerned in its
+solemnisation, being merely creatures tutored and bribed by him; so that
+both you, your brother, and myself, were equally deceived. The more
+effectually to turn away my father's wrath from himself, Polidori did
+still more; he gave up one of your letters to your brother, which he had
+managed to intercept during a journey taken by Seyton."
+
+"Heavens! Can it be possible?"
+
+"Can you now account for my contempt and aversion towards you?"
+
+"Too, too well!"
+
+"In this letter you developed your ambitious projects with unblushing
+effrontery. Me you spoke of with the utmost indifference, treating me
+but as the blind instrument by which you should arrive at the princely
+station predicted for you. You expressed your opinion that my father had
+already lived long enough,--perhaps too long; and hinted at
+probabilities and possibilities too horrible to repeat!"
+
+"Alas! All is now but too apparent. I am lost for ever!"
+
+"And yet to protect you, I had even menaced my father's existence!"
+
+"When he next visited me, and, without uttering one word of reproach,
+put into my hands your letter, every line of which more clearly revealed
+the black enormity of your nature, I could but kneel before him and
+entreat his pardon. But from that hour I have been a prey to the
+deepest, the most acute remorse. I immediately quitted Germany for the
+purpose of travelling, with the intent, if possible, of expiating my
+guilt; and this self-imposed task I shall continue while I live. To
+reward the good, to punish the evil-doer, relieve those who suffer,
+penetrate into every hideous corner where vice holds her court, for the
+purpose of rescuing some unfortunate creatures from the destruction into
+which they have fallen,--such is the employment I have marked out for
+myself."
+
+"It is a noble and holy task,--one worthy of being performed by you."
+
+"If I speak of this sacred vow," said Rodolph, disdainfully, "it is not
+to draw down your approbation or praise. But hearken to what remains to
+be told; I have lately arrived in France, and I wished not to let my
+great purpose of continual expiatory acts stand still during my sojourn
+in this country. While I sought then to succour those of good
+reputation, who were in unmerited distress, I was also desirous of
+knowing that class of miserable beings who are beaten down, trampled
+under feet, and brutalised by want and wretchedness, well knowing that
+timely help, a few kind and encouraging words, may frequently have
+power to save a lost creature from the abyss into which he is falling.
+In order to be an eye-witness of the circumstances under which my work
+of expiation would be useful, I assumed the dress and appearance of
+those I wished to mix with. It was during one of these exploring
+adventures that I first encountered--" Then, as though shuddering at the
+idea of so terrible a disclosure, Rodolph, after a momentary hesitation,
+added, "No, no; I have not courage to finish the dreadful story!"
+
+"For the love of heaven, tell me what horror have you now to unfold?"
+
+"You will hear it but too soon! But," added he, with sarcastic
+bitterness, "you seem to take so lively an interest in past events that
+I cannot refrain from relating to you a few events which preceded my
+return to France. After passing some time in my travels, I returned to
+Germany, filled with a spirit of obedience to my father, by whose desire
+I espoused a princess of Prussia. During my absence you had been
+banished from the Grand Duchy. Subsequently, learning your marriage with
+Count Macgregor, I again entreated you to allow me to have my child. To
+this earnest request no answer was returned; nor could my strictest
+inquiries ever discover whither you had sent the unfortunate infant, for
+whom my father had made a handsome provision. About ten years ago I
+received a letter from you, stating that our child was dead. Would to
+God your information had been correct, and that she had indeed rendered
+up her innocent life at that tender age! I should then have been spared
+the deep, incurable anguish which must for ever embitter my life!"
+
+"I cease now to wonder," said Sarah, in a feeble voice, "at the disgust
+and aversion with which I seem to have inspired you; and I feel, too
+surely, that I shall not survive this last blow. You are right; pride
+and ambition have been my ruin. Ignorant of the just causes you had to
+hate and despise me, my former hopes returned with greater force than
+ever. Our mutual widowhood inspired me with a still stronger belief in
+the prediction which promised me a crown; and when, by singular chance,
+I again found my daughter, it appeared to me as though the hand of
+Providence had bestowed this unhoped-for good fortune on me to further
+my so long cherished plans. Yes, I will confess that I went so far as to
+persuade myself that, spite of the aversion you entertained for me, you
+would bestow on me your name, and that, out of regard for your child,
+you would accept me as your wife, if but to elevate her to the rank to
+which she is entitled."
+
+"Then let your execrable ambition be satisfied, and punished as it
+deserves; for, spite of the abhorrence I now hold you in, I would, out
+of love for my child, or, rather, from a deep pity for its early
+sorrows,--I would, although firmly determined always to live apart from
+you, by a marriage which should have legitimised my daughter, have
+rendered her future lot as brilliant and exalted as her past life has
+been wretched."
+
+"I had not, then, deceived myself? Oh, misery! To think it is now too
+late!"
+
+"Oh, I am well aware it is not your child you regret, but the loss of
+that rank you have so eagerly and obstinately striven to obtain. May
+your unfeeling and disgraceful regrets pursue you to your grave!"
+
+"Then they will not long torment me; for I feel I shall not long survive
+this final ending of all my ambitious schemes."
+
+"But ere your existence closes, it is but fair and just you should be
+made aware what sort of life your poor deserted child's has been. Do you
+recollect the night on which you and your brother followed me into a den
+in the Cite?"
+
+"Perfectly! But why this question? It freezes me with horror; your looks
+fill me with dread!"
+
+"As you approached this low haunt of vice, you saw--did you
+not?--standing at the corners of the low streets with which that
+neighbourhood abounds, groups of poor, unfortunate, guilty creatures,
+who--who--But I cannot finish the dreadful tale!" cried Rodolph,
+concealing his face with his hands. "I dare not proceed; my own words
+affright me!"
+
+"As they do me! What more have I to learn?"
+
+"You saw them, I ask,--did you not?" resumed Rodolph, making a powerful
+struggle to overcome his emotion. "You observed these base and degraded
+creatures, the shame and disgrace of their own sex? But did you remark
+among them a young girl of about sixteen years of age, lovely as an
+angel,--a poor child, who, amid the infamy in which she had lived during
+the last few weeks, still retained a look so pure, so innocent, and good
+that even the ruffians by whom she was surrounded called her
+Fleur-de-Marie? Did you observe this,--this fair, this interesting
+being? Answer,--answer,--tender, exemplary mother!"
+
+"No!" answered Sarah, almost mechanically; "I did not observe the young
+person you speak of." But the teeth rattled in Sarah's head as she
+spoke, and her whole frame seemed oppressed with a vague though fearful
+dread of coming evil.
+
+"Indeed!" cried Rodolph, with a sardonic smile. "Indeed! I am surprised
+at that! Well, I did remark, and upon the following occasion. Listen
+attentively to what I am about to relate! During one of the exploring
+excursions I before spoke of, I found myself in the Cite, not far from
+the den to which you followed me. A man was just going to beat one of
+the unfortunate creatures who herd together there; I interposed, and
+saved her from his brutal rage. Now then, careful, kind, and anxious
+mother, tell me, if you can, whom it was I saved! Can you not guess?
+Speak! Say your heart whispers to you who was the miserable being I
+found in this sink of wickedness and pollution! You know, do you not,
+without my assistance?"
+
+"No, no,--I cannot say! I beseech you to go--and leave me to my
+thoughts!"
+
+"Then I will tell you who the wretched, trembling creature I thus saved
+from brutal violence was. Her name was Fleur-de-Marie!"
+
+"Merciful powers!"
+
+"And is it possible that you, most irreproachable of mothers, that you
+cannot divine who Fleur-de-Marie was?"
+
+"Be merciful, and kill me; but torture me not thus!"
+
+"She was your daughter--known as the Goualeuse!" cried Rodolph, with
+almost frantic violence. "Yes, the helpless girl I rescued from the
+hands of a felon was my own, my lost child!--the offspring of Rodolph of
+Gerolstein! Oh, there was in this meeting with a daughter I
+unconsciously saved a visible interposition of the hand of Providence!
+It brought a blessing to the man who had striven so earnestly to succour
+his fellow men, and it conveyed a well-merited chastisement for the
+impious wretch who had dared to aim at his father's life!"
+
+"Alas!" murmured Sarah, falling back in her armchair, and concealing her
+face with her hands, "my destiny is accomplished! I die, carrying with
+me out of the world the curse both of God and man!"
+
+"And when," continued Rodolph, with much difficulty restraining his
+resentment, and vainly striving to repress the sobs which from time to
+time interrupted his voice, "when I had released her from the ill-usage
+with which she was menaced, struck with the indescribable sweetness of
+her voice and manner, as well as by the angelic expression of her lovely
+countenance, I found it impossible to abandon the interest she excited
+in me. I led her on to tell me the history of her life, made up of
+neglect, grief, and misery. With what simple eloquence did she express
+the yearnings of a heart that had never expanded into virtue beneath a
+mother's fostering care after a life of innocence, and how touchingly
+did she dwell on the the destitution which had led her where she was!
+Ah, madame, to have brought down your pride and haughtiness, you should
+have listened as I did while your daughter described her early years as
+passed in shivering beggary, soliciting charity in the streets all day,
+and at night, when the cold winter's wind pierced through the few rags
+she wore, creeping to her bed of straw strewn in the corner of a
+wretched garret; and when the horrible old hag who tortured her had
+exhausted every other means of inflicting pain on her, what do you think
+she did, madame? Why, wrenched out her teeth! And all this starving and
+desolation was experienced by your own child, while you were revelling
+in every sort of luxury, and indulging in ambitious dreams of sharing a
+crown!"
+
+"Oh, that I could die, and so escape the direful agony I suffer!"
+
+"Nay you have more to hear! Escaping from the hands of the Chouette,
+wandering about, penniless and starving, at the tender age of only ten
+years she was taken up as a vagabond, and as such thrown into prison.
+And yet, madame, that period was the happiest your poor deserted child
+had ever known. And each night, though surrounded by her prison walls,
+she gratefully thanked God that she no longer suffered from hunger,
+thirst, or blows. It was in a prison she passed those years so precious
+to the well-being of a young female, those years over which a good and
+affectionate mother so carefully and anxiously watches. As her sixteenth
+year commenced, your daughter, instead of being surrounded by the tender
+solicitude of loving relatives, and enriched with all the gifts of
+education, had seen and known nothing more edifying or elevated than the
+brutal indifference of her gaolers. Yet this naturally pure-minded,
+beautiful, and ingenuous creature was at that dangerous moment sent
+forth from her safe asylum--a gaol--and left to wander unaided and
+unprotected in a world of which she knew so little! Unfortunate,
+deserted, friendless child!" continued Rodolph, giving free vent to the
+swelling sobs which had continually impeded his voice, "yours was,
+indeed, a bitter lot, thrown thus young and helpless amid the mire and
+pollution of a great city!
+
+[Illustration: "_They Took Her to Their Guilty Haunts_"
+Original Etching by Mercier]
+
+"Ah, madame!" cried he, addressing Sarah, "however cold, hard, and
+selfish your heart may be, you could not have refrained from weeping at
+the recital of your poor, neglected child's misery and privations! Poor,
+hapless girl! Sullied, but not corrupted; chaste in heart even amid the
+degradation into which she had fallen; for each word she uttered
+breathed the most unfeigned horror and disgust at the mode of life to
+which she was so fatally condemned. Oh, could you but have known what
+delicate thoughts, what noble, high-minded inspirations were betrayed in
+her every word and action! How good, how feeling, how innately
+charitable was her nature! For it was to relieve a degree of misery even
+greater than her own that she exhausted the small sum of money she had
+received on quitting her prison, and which, while it lasted, formed her
+only defence from the abyss of infamy into which she was afterwards
+plunged; for there came a time,--a hideous time, when, without
+employment, food, or shelter, some horrible women found her almost
+perishing from weakness and want of support. Under pretence of aiding
+her, they took her to their guilty haunts, administered intoxicating
+drugs, and--and--"
+
+Rodolph could proceed no further. He uttered a distracting cry, and
+exclaimed, "And this was my child!"
+
+"May Heaven's punishment be on me for what I have done!" said Sarah,
+hiding her face as though she feared to meet the light of day.
+
+"Ay!" exclaimed Rodolph. "And it will assuredly cling to you all your
+life, and haunt even your dying pillow; for it is your neglect and
+abandonment of all a mother's most sacred duties which have led to all
+these horrors. Accursed may you ever be for your double wickedness
+towards your unoffending child! For even after I had succeeded in
+removing her from the guilt and pollution by which she was surrounded,
+and had placed her in a safe and peaceful asylum, you set your vile
+accomplices on to tear her thence! My curse be for ever on you! For it
+was owing to your causing her to be forcibly carried off which threw her
+back into the power of Jacques Ferrand."
+
+As Rodolph pronounced this name he suddenly stopped and shuddered. The
+features of the prince assumed an expression of concentrated rage and
+hatred impossible to describe; mute and motionless he stood, as though
+crushed to the earth by the reflection that the murderer of his child
+was still in existence.
+
+Spite of the increasing weakness of Sarah and the agitation caused by
+this interview with Rodolph, she was so much struck with his threatening
+aspect that she faintly exclaimed:
+
+"In mercy say what fresh idea has taken possession of your mind?"
+
+"No, no," responded Rodolph, as though speaking to himself; "till now I
+thought to spare this monster, believing a life of enforced charity
+would be to him one of never ending torment. Now I must revenge my
+infant child, delivered up by him to want and misery! I have to wash out
+the stain of my daughter's infamy, caused by his diabolical villainy and
+cupidity; and his blood alone will serve to wipe out that foul wrong!
+Yes, he dies--and by my hand!" And, with these words, the prince sprang
+forward to the door.
+
+"Whither are you going?" cried Sarah, extending her supplicating hands
+towards Rodolph. "Oh, leave me not to die alone--"
+
+"Alone? Oh, no! Fear not to die alone! The spectre of the innocent
+child, doomed by you to an early grave, will bear you company."
+
+Exhausted and alarmed, Sarah uttered a scream, as though she really
+beheld the phantom of her child, exclaiming, "Forgive me! I am dying!"
+
+"Die then, accursed woman!" shouted Rodolph, wild with fury. "Now I must
+have the life of your accomplice, for it was you who delivered your
+child to this monster!"
+
+And hastening from the apartment, Rodolph ordered himself to be rapidly
+driven to the residence of Jacques Ferrand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+LOVE'S FRENZY.
+
+
+It was nightfall when Rodolph went to the notary's. The pavilion
+occupied by Jacques Ferrand was plunged in the deepest obscurity; the
+wind roared and the rain fell as it did on the terrible night when
+Cecily, before she quitted the notary's abode for ever, had excited the
+passions of that man to frenzy. Extended on his bed, feebly lighted up
+by a lamp, Jacques Ferrand was dressed in a black coat and waistcoat.
+One of the sleeves of his shirt was tucked up and spotted with blood; a
+ligature of red cloth, which was to be seen on his nervous arm,
+announced that he had been bled by Polidori, who, standing near his bed,
+leaned one hand on the couch, and seemed to watch his accomplice's
+features with uneasiness. Nothing could be more frightfully hideous than
+was Jacques Ferrand, whilst plunged in that somnolent torpor which
+usually succeeds violent crises. Of an ashy paleness, his face was
+bedewed with a cold sweat, and his closed eyelids were so swollen, so
+injected with blood, that they appeared like two red balls in the centre
+of his cadaverous countenance.
+
+"Another such an attack and he is a dead man!" exclaimed Polidori, in a
+low voice. "All the writers on this subject have agreed that all who are
+attacked by this strange and frightful malady usually sink under it on
+the seventh day, and it is now six days since that infernal creole
+kindled the inextinguishable flame which is consuming this man." After
+some minutes of further meditation, Polidori left the bedside and
+walked slowly up and down the chamber.
+
+The tempest was still raging without, and fell with such fury on this
+dilapidated house as to shake it to its centre. Despite his audacity and
+wickedness, Polidori was superstitious, and dark forebodings came over
+him; he felt an undefinable uneasiness. In order to dissipate his gloomy
+thoughts, he again examined Ferrand's features.
+
+"Now," he said, leaning over him, "his eyelids are injected. It would
+seem as though his blood flowed thither and stagnated. No doubt his
+sight will now present, as his hearing did just now, some remarkable
+appearance! What agonies now they endure! How they vary! Oh," he added,
+with a bitter smile, "when nature determines on being cruel and playing
+the part of a tormentor, she defies all the efforts of man; and thus in
+this illness, caused by an erotic frenzy, she submits every sense to
+unheard-of, superhuman tortures."
+
+The storm still howled without, and Polidori, throwing himself into an
+armchair, exclaimed, "What a night! What a night! Nothing could be worse
+for Jacques's present state. Yes," he continued, "the prince is
+pitiless, and it would have been a thousand times better for Ferrand to
+have allowed his head to fall upon a scaffold; better fire, the wheel,
+molten lead, which burns and eats into the flesh, than the miserable
+punishment he endures! As I see him suffer I begin to feel affright for
+my own fate! What will become of me? What is in reserve for me as the
+accomplice of Jacques? To be his gaoler will not suffice for the
+prince's vengeance. Perhaps a perpetual imprisonment in the prisons of
+Germany awaits me! But that is better than death! Yet I know that the
+prince's word is sacred! But I, who have so often violated all laws,
+human and divine, dare I invoke a sworn promise? Inasmuch as it was to
+my interest that Jacques should not escape, so will it be equally my
+interest to prolong his days. But his symptoms grow worse and worse;
+nothing but a miracle can save him. What is to be done? What is to be
+done?"
+
+At this moment, a crash without, occasioned by the fall of a stack of
+chimneys, roused Jacques Ferrand, and he turned on his bed.
+
+Polidori became more and more under the influence of the vague terror
+which had seized on him. "It is folly to believe in presentments," he
+said, in a troubled voice; "but the night seems to me very appalling!"
+
+A heavy groan from the notary attracted Polidori's attention. "He is
+awaking from his torpor," he said, approaching his bed very quietly;
+"perhaps another crisis may ensue!"
+
+"Polidori!" muttered Jacques Ferrand, still extended on the bed, and
+with his eyes closed. "Polidori, what noise was that?"
+
+"A chimney that fell," replied Polidori, in a low voice, fearing to
+strike too loudly on the hearing of his accomplice. "A fearful tempest
+shakes the house to its foundation; it is a horrible night!"
+
+The notary did not hear, and replied, turning away his head, "Polidori,
+you are not there, then?"
+
+"Yes, yes, I am here," said Polidori, in a louder voice; "but I answered
+gently for fear of giving you pain."
+
+"No; I hear you now without any pain such as I had just now, for then it
+seemed as if the least noise burst like thunder on my brain. And yet in
+the midst of it all,--of these horrible sufferings,--I distinguish the
+thrilling voice of Cecily, who was calling to me--"
+
+"Still that infernal woman! But drive away these thoughts,--they will
+kill you."
+
+"These thoughts are life to me, and, like my life, they resist all
+tortures."
+
+"Madman that you are, it is these thoughts that cause your tortures!
+Your illness is your sensual frenzy, which has attained its utmost
+height. Once again, drive from your brain these thoughts or you will
+die."
+
+"Drive away these thoughts!" cried Ferrand. "Oh, never, never! When my
+pains give me one moment's repose, Cecily, the demon whom I cherish and
+curse, rises before my eyes!"
+
+"What incredible fury! It frightens me!"
+
+"There,--now!" said the notary, with a harsh voice, and his eyes fixed
+on a dark corner of the room. "I see now the outline of an obscure and
+white form; there--there!" and he extended his hairy and bony finger in
+the direction of his sight. "There,--there she is!"
+
+"Jacques, this is death to you!"
+
+"Yes, I see her!" continued Ferrand, with his teeth clenched, and not
+replying to Polidori. "There she is! And how beautiful! How her black
+hair floats gracefully down her shoulders, and her small white teeth,
+shining between her half opened lips,--her lips so red and humid! What
+pearls! And how her black eyes sparkle and die! Cecily," he added, with
+inexpressible excitement, "I adore you!"
+
+"Jacques, do not excite yourself with such visions!"
+
+"It is not a vision."
+
+"Mind, mind! Just now, you know, you imagined you heard this woman's
+love-songs, and your hearing was suddenly smitten with horrible agony.
+Mind, I say!"
+
+"Leave me,--leave me! What is the use of hearing but to hear, of seeing
+but to see?"
+
+"But the tortures which follow, miserable wretch!"
+
+"I will brave them all for a deceit, as I have braved death for a
+reality; and to me this burning image is reality. Ah, Cecily, you are
+beautiful! Yet why torture me thus? Would you kill me? Ah, execrable
+fury, cease,--cease, or I will strangle thee!" cried the notary, in
+delirium.
+
+"You kill yourself, unhappy man!" exclaimed Polidori, shaking the
+notary violently, in order to rouse him from his excitement. In vain;
+Jacques continued:
+
+"Oh, beloved queen, demon of delight, never did I see--" The notary
+could not finish; he uttered a sudden cry of pain and threw himself
+back.
+
+"What is it?" inquired Polidori, with astonishment.
+
+"Put out that candle--it shines too brightly. I cannot endure it--it
+blinds me!"
+
+"What!" said Polidori, more and more surprised. "There is but one lamp
+covered with its shade, and that shines very feebly."
+
+"I tell you, the light increases here. Now, again--again! Oh, it is too
+much; it is intolerable!" added Jacques Ferrand, closing his eyes with
+an expression of increasing suffering.
+
+"You are mad--the room is scarcely lighted. I tell you, open your eyes
+and you will see."
+
+"Open my eyes! Why, I shall be blinded by torrents of burning light,
+with which this room is filled. Here! There! On all sides, there are
+rays of fire--millions of dazzling scintillations!" cried the notary,
+sitting up. And then again shrieking, he lifted both his hands to his
+eyes: "But I am blind; this burning fire is through my closed lids,--it
+burns--devours me! Ah, now my hands shield me a little! But put out the
+light, for it throws an infernal flame!"
+
+"It is beyond doubt now!" said Polidori. "His sight is struck with the
+same excess of sensitiveness as his hearing was; he is a dead man! To
+bleed him in this state would at once destroy him."
+
+A fresh cry ensued, sharp and terrible, from Jacques Ferrand, which
+resounded in the chamber.
+
+"Villain, put out that lamp! Its glaring beams penetrate through my
+hands, which they make transparent. I see the blood circulate in the net
+of my veins, and I try in vain to close my eyelids, for the burning lava
+will flow in. Oh, what torture! There are gushes as dazzling as if some
+one were thrusting a red-hot iron into my eyes. Help, help!" he
+shrieked, twisting himself on his bed, a prey to the horrible
+convulsions of his extreme agony.
+
+Polidori, alarmed at the excess of this fresh fit, suddenly extinguished
+the lamp, and they were both in perfect darkness. At this moment the
+noise of a carriage was heard at the door in the street. When the
+chamber had been rendered entirely dark in which Polidori and Ferrand
+were, the latter was somewhat relieved from his extreme pains.
+
+"Where are you going?" said Polidori, suddenly, when he heard Jacques
+Ferrand rise, for the deepest obscurity reigned in the apartment.
+
+"I am going to find Cecily!"
+
+"You shall not go; the sight of that room would kill you!"
+
+"Cecily awaits me up there!"
+
+"You shall not go--I will prevent you!" said Polidori, seizing the
+notary by the arm.
+
+Jacques Ferrand having reached the extremity of exhaustion, was unable
+to contend with Polidori, who grasped him with a powerful clutch. "What,
+would you prevent me from seeking Cecily?"
+
+"Yes; and besides, there is a lamp in the next room, and you know what
+an effect light so recently produced on your sight!"
+
+"Cecily is up above; she is waiting for me, and I would cross a red-hot
+furnace to rejoin her. Let me go! She called me her old tiger; mind you,
+then, for my claws are sharp!"
+
+"You shall not go! I will sooner tie you down to your bed like a furious
+madman!"
+
+"Listen, Polidori! I am not mad--I am perfectly in my senses. I know
+that Cecily is not really up there; but to me the phantoms of my
+imagination are equal to realities."
+
+"Silence!" cried Polidori, suddenly, and listening. "I just now thought
+I heard a carriage stop at the door--and I was not mistaken! Now I hear
+a sound of voices in the courtyard."
+
+"You want to deceive me," said Jacques; "but I am not so easily
+deceived."
+
+"But, unhappy man, listen--listen! Don't you hear?"
+
+"Let me go! Cecily is up-stairs; she calls me. Do not make me furious!
+And now I say to you, mind--beware!"
+
+"You shall not go out!"
+
+"Take care!"
+
+"You shall not go out. It is for my interest that you should remain."
+
+"You would hinder me from seeking Cecily, and it is my interest that you
+should die. There--there!" said the notary, in a gloomy tone.
+
+Polidori uttered a cry. "Wretch! You have stabbed me in the arm. But
+your hand was weak--the wound is slight--and you shall not escape me."
+
+"Your wound is mortal, for it was given by the poisoned stiletto of
+Cecily, which I always carried about me. Await the effects of its
+poison--Ah! You release me! Then now you are about to die! I was not to
+be hindered from going up above to find Cecily!" added Jacques,
+endeavouring to grope his way in darkness to the door.
+
+"Oh," murmured Polidori, "my arm becomes benumbed--a deathlike coldness
+seizes on me--my knees tremble under me--my blood freezes in my
+veins--my head whirls around. Help, help! I die!" And he fainted.
+
+The crash of glass doors, opened with so much violence that several
+panes of glass were broken to atoms, the resounding voice of Rodolph,
+and the noise of hastily approaching steps, seemed to reply to
+Polidori's cry of anguish.
+
+Jacques Ferrand having at length discovered the lock of the door, opened
+it suddenly, with his dangerous stiletto in his hand. At the same
+instant, as menacing and formidable as the genius of vengeance, the
+prince entered the apartment from the other side.
+
+"Monster!" he exclaimed, advancing towards Jacques Ferrand, "it was my
+daughter whom you have killed! You are going--" The prince could not
+conclude, but recoiled in amazement.
+
+It would seem as if his words had been a thunderbolt to Ferrand, for,
+casting away his dagger, and raising both his hands to his eyes, the
+unhappy wretch fell with his face to the ground, uttering a cry that was
+scarcely human.
+
+To complete the phenomenon which we have attempted to describe, and the
+action which profound obscurity had suspended, when Jacques Ferrand
+entered the apartment so brilliantly lighted up, he was struck with an
+overwhelming vertigo, just as though he had been suddenly cast into the
+midst of a torrent of light as blazing as the disk of the sun. It was a
+fearful spectacle to see the agony of this man, who was twisting in
+convulsions, tearing the floor with his nails, as if he would have dug
+himself a hole to escape from the atrocious tortures occasioned by this
+powerful light. Rodolph, one of his servants, and the porter of the
+house, who had been compelled to guide the prince hither, were struck
+with horror.
+
+In spite of his just hatred, Rodolph felt a pity for the unheard-of
+sufferings of Jacques Ferrand, and desired that he should be laid on the
+sofa. This was not effected without difficulty, for, from fear of being
+subjected to the direst influence of the lamp, the notary struggled
+violently; and when his face was covered with the full glare of the
+light, he uttered another shriek,--a shriek which chilled Rodolph with
+terror. After fresh and long torture, the phenomenon ceased by its very
+violence. Having reached the last bounds of suffering without death
+following, the visual torment ceased; but, according to the regular
+course of the malady, a delirious excitement followed the crisis.
+Jacques Ferrand became suddenly as stiffened in frame as an epileptic;
+his eyelids, until then obstinately closed, suddenly opened, and,
+instead of avoiding the light, his eyes fixed themselves on it
+immovably, the pupils, in a state of extraordinary dilation and
+fixedness, seeming phosphorescent and internally lighted up. He appeared
+plunged in a kind of ecstatic contemplation; his body and limbs remained
+at first in a state of complete immobility, his features being agitated
+by nervous twitches and spasms. His hideous countenance, thus contracted
+and twisted, had no longer any human appearance; and it appeared as if
+the appetites of the animal, by stifling the intelligence of the man,
+impressed on the features of this wretch a character absolutely bestial.
+Having attained the mortal point of his madness, he remembered in his
+delirium the words of Cecily, who had called him her tiger; gradually
+his reason forsook him, and he imagined he was a tiger. His half
+uttered, breathless words displayed the disorder of his brain, and the
+singular aberration that had seized on him. Gradually his limbs, until
+then stiff and motionless, extended; he fell from the sofa, and tried to
+rise and walk, but his strength failed him; and he was compelled now to
+crawl like a reptile, and now to drag himself along on his hands and
+knees,--going, coming, this way and that way, as his visions impelled or
+obtained possession of him. Crouched in one of the corners of the room,
+like a tiger in his den, his hoarse and furious cries, his grinding of
+teeth, the convulsive twistings of the muscles of his face and brows,
+and his ardent gaze, gave him a wild and frightful resemblance to this
+ferocious brute.
+
+"Tiger--tiger--tiger--that I am!" he said, in a harsh voice, and
+gathering himself into a heap. "Yes, tiger! What blood! In my cavern
+what rent carcasses--La Goualeuse--the brother of this widow--a small
+child, Louise's baby,--these are the carcasses, and my tigress Cecily
+will have her share." Then looking at his torn fingers, the nails of
+which had grown immensely during his illness, he added, in broken
+language, "Oh, my sharp nails--sharp and keen! An old tiger I am, but
+agile, strong, and bold; no one dares dispute my tigress Cecily with me.
+Ah, she calls--she calls!" he said, advancing his hideous visage and
+listening.
+
+After a moment's silence he huddled himself against the wall again and
+continued: "No! I thought I had heard her; but she is not there. Yet I
+see her; oh, yes, always--always! Ah, there she is! She calls me; she
+roars--roars down there! I'm here--I'm here!" and Ferrand dragged
+himself towards the centre of the room on his hands and knees. Although
+his strength was exhausted, he made a convulsive leap from time to time,
+then paused, and listened attentively. "Where is she? I approach--she
+goes away. Cecily, here is your old tiger!" he cried, as, with a last
+effort, he arose and balanced himself on his knees. Suddenly falling
+back with affright, his body bending on his heels, his hair on end, his
+look haggard, his mouth twisted with terror, his two hands extended, he
+seemed to struggle with desperation with some invisible object, uttering
+incoherent words, and exclaiming, in broken tones, "What a bite! Help!
+My hands are powerless; I cannot drive away these sharp teeth! No, no!
+Oh! Not such eyes! Help! A serpent--a black snake--with its flat head
+and fiery eyes. How it looks at me! It is the fiend! Ah, he knows
+me--Jacques Ferrand--at church--the pious man--always at church! Go,
+go--cross yourself!" And the notary, raising himself a little, and
+leaning with one hand on the floor, endeavoured to cross himself with
+the other. His livid brow was bathed in cold sweat, his eyes began to
+lose their transparency and become dim, all the symptoms of approaching
+death manifested themselves.
+
+Rodolph and the other witnesses of the scene remained as motionless and
+mute as if they had been under the effect of a frightful dream.
+
+"Oh!" continued Jacques Ferrand, still half stretched on the floor, and
+supporting himself by one hand, "the demon vanishes. I am going to
+church--I am a holy man--I pray! What, no one will know it? Do you think
+so? No, no, tempter--be quite sure! Well, let them come--these
+women--all! Yes, all--if no one finds it out! But the secret!" he
+continued, in a tone of exhaustion, "the secret! Ah, here they are!
+Three! What says this one?--I am Louise Morel! Oh, yes--Louise Morel; I
+know it! I am only one of the people! You think me handsome? Here--take
+her! What does she bring me?--her head cut off by the executioner! It
+looks at me, that head of death! It speaks! The livid lips move and say,
+'Come--come--come!' I will not--I will not! Demon, leave me! Go--go--go!
+And this other woman?--ah, beautiful, beautiful!--Jacques, I am the
+Duchesse de Lucenay. See my angelic figure,--my smile,--my bold glance!
+Come, come! Yes, I come. But wait! And who is this one who turns away
+her face? Oh, Cecily--Cecily! Yes, Jacques, 'tis Cecily! You see the
+three Graces,--Louise, the duchess, and myself. Choose! Beauty of the
+people, patrician beauty, the savage beauty of the tropics,--and hell
+with us! Come--come! Hell with you? Yes!" shrieked Jacques Ferrand,
+again rising on his knees, and extending his arms to seize these
+phantoms.
+
+This last effort was followed by a mortal throe, and he fell back again
+stiff and lifeless; his eyes starting from their orbits, whilst fierce
+convulsions were visible on his features, unnaturally distorted; a
+bloody foam on his lips; his voice hoarse and strangling, like that of
+a person in hydrophobia, for, in its last paroxysm, this fearful malady
+shows the same symptoms as madness. The breath of this monster was
+extinguished in the midst of a final and horrible vision, for he
+stammered forth these words, "Black night!--black spectres!--skeletons
+of brass, red-hot with fire! Unfold me! Their burning fingers make my
+flesh smoke; my marrow is scorched! Fleshless, horrid spectre! No--no!
+Cecily--fire--flame--agony--Cecily!"
+
+These were Jacques Ferrand's last words, and Rodolph left the place
+overcome with horror.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE HOSPITAL.
+
+
+It will be remembered that Fleur-de-Marie, saved by La Louve, had been
+conveyed not far from the Isle du Ravageur to the country-house of
+Doctor Griffon, one of the surgeons of the hospital, to whom we shall
+now introduce the reader. This learned doctor, who had obtained from
+high influence his position in the hospital, considered the wards as a
+kind of school of experiments, where he tried on the poor the remedies
+and applications which he afterwards used with his rich clients.
+
+These terrible experiments were, indeed, a human sacrifice made on the
+altar of science; but Doctor Griffon did not think of that. In the eyes
+of this prince of science, as they say in our days, the hospital
+patients were only a matter of study and experiment; and as, after all,
+there resulted from his essays occasionally a useful fact or a discovery
+acquired by science, the doctor showed himself as ingenuously satisfied
+and triumphant as a general after a victory which has been costly in
+soldiers.
+
+Nothing could be more melancholy than the sombre appearance of the vast
+ward of the hospital, into which we now introduce the reader. The length
+of its high, dark walls, pierced here and there with grated windows like
+those of a prison, was filled with two rows of beds parallel, and
+faintly lighted by the sepulchral glare of a lamp hanging from the
+ceiling. The atmosphere is so nauseous, so heavy, that the fresh
+patients frequently did not become accustomed to it without danger, and
+this increase of suffering is a sort of tax which every newcomer
+invariably pays for his miserable sojourn in the hospital. In one of the
+beds was the corpse of a patient who had just died.
+
+Amongst the females who did not sleep, and who had been present whilst
+the priest performed the last rites with the dying woman, were three
+persons whose names have been already mentioned in this history,--Mlle.
+de Fermont, the daughter of the unfortunate widow ruined by the cupidity
+of Jacques Ferrand; La Lorraine, the poor laundress, to whom
+Fleur-de-Marie had formerly given the small sum of money she had left;
+and Jeanne Duport, the sister of Pique-Vinaigre.
+
+La Lorraine was a woman about twenty, with mild and regular features,
+but extremely pale and thin; she was consumptive to the last degree, and
+there was no hope of saving her. She was aware of her condition, and was
+slowly dying.
+
+"There is another gone!" said La Lorraine, in a faint voice, and
+speaking to herself. "She will suffer no more; she is very happy!"
+
+"She is very happy if she has no children!" added Jeanne.
+
+"Aren't you asleep, neighbour?" asked La Lorraine. "How are you after
+your first night here? Last night, when you came in, they made you go to
+bed directly, and I dared not speak to you, because I heard you sob so."
+
+"Yes, I cried a good deal; but I went to sleep at last, and only awoke
+when the noise of the doors roused me; and when the priest and the
+sisters came in and knelt down; I saw it was some woman who was dying,
+and I said a _Pater_ and _Ave_ for her."
+
+"And so did I; and, as I am ill with the same complaint as she had, I
+could not help crying out, 'There is one who suffers no more; she is
+very happy!'"
+
+"Yes, as I said, if she has no children."
+
+"Then you have children?"
+
+"Three!" said Pique-Vinaigre's sister with a sigh. "And you?"
+
+"I had a little girl, but I did not keep her long. The poor babe was
+injured before she was born,--and I was so wretched during my pregnancy!
+I am a washerwoman in the boats, and worked as long as I could. But
+everything has an end, and when my strength failed me, bread failed me
+also. They turned me out of my lodging; and I do not know what would
+have become of me if a poor woman had not taken me into a cellar, where
+she was hiding from her husband, who had sworn he would kill her. There
+I was brought to bed on the straw; but, thanks to goodness, the good
+woman knew a young girl as good and charitable as an angel from heaven.
+This young girl had a little money, and took me from the cellar, and put
+me in a furnished room, where she paid a month in advance, and gave me,
+besides, a wicker cradle for my baby, and forty francs, with a little
+linen besides. Thanks to her, I was enabled to resume my work."
+
+"Kind girl! Well, and I, also, met by chance with such another, a young,
+hard-working sempstress. I was going to see my poor brother, who is a
+prisoner," said Jeanne, after a moment's hesitation, "and met this
+work-girl in the prison; and when she heard me tell my brother that I
+was not happy, she came to me and offered me all in her power, poor
+girl! I accepted her offer, and she gave me her address; and two days
+afterwards dear little Mlle. Rigolette--she is called Rigolette--sent me
+an order."
+
+"Rigolette!" exclaimed Lorraine; "how strange! The young girl who was so
+generous to me often mentioned the name of Mlle. Rigolette in my
+hearing; they were great friends."
+
+"Well, then," said Jeanne, smiling sadly, "since we are neighbours in
+bed, we should be friends like our two benefactresses."
+
+"With all my heart! My name is Annette Gerbier, called La Lorraine, a
+washerwoman."
+
+"And I am Jeanne Duport, a fringe-maker. Oh, it is so fortunate to find
+in this melancholy place some one not quite a stranger to you,
+especially when you come for the first time, and are very full of
+trouble. But don't let us talk of that! Tell me, Lorraine, what was the
+name of the young girl who was so kind to you?"
+
+"She was called Goualeuse, and was exceedingly handsome, with light
+brown hair and blue eyes, so soft--oh, so soft! Unfortunately, in spite
+of her assistance, my poor babe died at two months old. It was so puny,
+it could hardly breathe!" and La Lorraine wiped a tear from her eye.
+
+"And your husband?"
+
+"I am not married. I washed by the day at a rich tradesman's in my
+country, and had always been prudent; but the master's son whispered his
+tales in my ear, and then--When I found in what a state I was, I dared
+not remain any longer in the country, and M. Jules gave me fifty francs
+to take me to Paris, assuring me that he would send me twenty francs
+every month for my lying-in; but since I left I have not had one sou,
+not even a message. I wrote to him once, but he sent me no answer; and I
+was afraid to write again, as I saw he did not wish to hear any more of
+me."
+
+"At least he ought not to have forgotten you, if it was only for the
+sake of the child!"
+
+"That was the reason; he was angry with me for being in the family way,
+because it embarrassed him. I regret my child for myself, but not on its
+own account, poor little darling! It must have been miserable, and have
+been an orphan very early, for I have not long to live."
+
+"Oh, you ought not to have such ideas at your age. Have you been long
+ill?"
+
+"Nearly three months. Why, when I had to work for myself and my child, I
+began too soon. The winter was very cold; I was attacked with a cold on
+my chest. I lost my child at this time, too; and nursing her, I
+neglected myself, and then my sorrow; so that I fell into a
+consumption--decided--like the actress who has just died."
+
+"There's always hope at your age!"
+
+"The actress was only two years older than I am."
+
+"What, was she an actress who is just dead?"
+
+"Yes. And see what fate is! She had been as beautiful as daylight, and
+had money, carriages, diamonds; but, unfortunately, the smallpox
+disfigured her, and then came want and misery, and, at last, death in a
+hospital. No one ever came to see her; and yet, four or five days ago,
+she told me, she had written to a gentleman whom she had formerly known
+in her gay days, and who had been much in love with her. She wrote to
+him to beg him to claim her dead body, because she was wretched at the
+idea of thinking she would be dissected--cut in pieces."
+
+"And did the gentleman come?"
+
+"No. Every moment she was asking for him and perpetually saying, 'Oh,
+he'll come! Oh, he'll be sure to come!' And yet she died without any one
+coming, and what she so much dreaded will befall her poor frame. After
+having been rich and happy, to die so is very terrible! We, at least,
+only change our miseries!"
+
+"I wish," said Lorraine, after a moment's hesitation, "I wish you would
+render me a service!"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"If I die, as is probable, before you go from here, will you claim my
+body? I have the same dread as the actress, and have laid aside the
+small sum of money necessary to bury me."
+
+"Oh, do not have such ideas!"
+
+"Still promise me, all the same!"
+
+"But let us hope the case will not happen!"
+
+"Yes; but if it does happen--thanks to you, I shall not have the same
+misery as the actress."
+
+"Poor woman! After having been rich to come to such an end!"
+
+"The actress is not the only one in this room who has been rich."
+
+"Who else?"
+
+"A young girl of about fifteen or so, brought here yesterday evening.
+She was so weak that they were obliged to support her. The sister said
+that the young lady and her mother were very reputable persons, who had
+been ruined."
+
+"And is her mother here, too?"
+
+"No, the mother was too ill to be moved. The poor girl would not leave,
+so they took advantage of her fainting to convey her. The proprietor of
+a wretched lodging-house, for fear they should die in his rooms, made
+the report at the police station. She is there--in the bed opposite
+you."
+
+"And she is fifteen? The age of my eldest girl!" And Jeanne Duport wept
+bitterly.
+
+"Pardon me," said La Lorraine, "if I have given you pain unconsciously
+in speaking of your children! Are they, too, ill?"
+
+"Alas! I do not know. What will become of them if I remain here for a
+week?"
+
+"And your husband?"
+
+"As we are friends together, Lorraine, I will tell you my troubles, as
+you have told me yours, and that will comfort me. My husband was an
+excellent workman, but became dissipated, and forsook me and my
+children, after having sold everything we possessed. I went to work;
+some good souls aided me, and I began to get easy again, and was
+bringing up my little family as well as I could, when my husband
+returned with a vile creature, his mistress, and again stripped me of
+everything; and so I had to begin all over again."
+
+"Poor Jeanne! You could not help it."
+
+"I ought to have separated myself from him in law,--but, as my brother
+says, the law is too dear! I went to see my brother one day, and he gave
+me three francs, which he had collected amongst the prisoners on telling
+his tales. So I took courage, believing my husband would not return for
+a very long time, as he had taken all he could from us. But I was
+mistaken," added the poor creature, with a shudder; "there was my poor
+Catherine still to take!"
+
+"Your daughter?"
+
+"You will hear--you will hear! Three days ago, as I was at work with my
+children around me, my husband came in. I saw by his look that he had
+been drinking. 'I have come for Catherine,' says he. I took my
+daughter's arm, and I said to Duport, 'Where do you want to take her
+to?' 'What's that to you? She's my daughter. Let her make up her bundle
+and come along with me.' At these words my blood ran cold in my veins;
+for you must know, Lorraine, that that bad woman is still with my
+husband, and it makes me shudder all over to say it. But so it was; she
+had long been urging him to earn something by our daughter, who is young
+and pretty. 'Take away Catherine?' said I to Duport; 'Never! I know what
+that wicked woman would do with her.' 'I say,' said my husband, whose
+lips were white with rage, 'do not oppose me or I'll kill you!' and then
+he seized my daughter by the arm, saying, 'Come along, Catherine!' The
+poor child threw her arms around my neck, and burst into tears,
+exclaiming, 'I will stay with mother!' When he saw this, Duport became
+furious, tore my daughter from me, and hit me a blow in my stomach,
+which knocked me down; and when I was on the ground--he was very drunk,
+you may be sure--he trampled on me and hurt me dreadfully. My poor
+children begged for mercy on their knees,--Catherine, too; and then he
+said to her, swearing like a lunatic, 'If you will not come with me I'll
+do for your mother!' I was spitting blood; I felt half dead, and could
+not move an inch. But I cried to Catherine, 'Let him kill me first!'
+'What, you won't be quiet?' said Duport, giving me another kick, which
+deprived me of all consciousness; and when I returned to myself, I found
+my two little boys crying bitterly."
+
+"And your daughter?"
+
+"Gone!" exclaimed the unhappy mother, with convulsive sobs. "Yes; gone.
+My other children told me that their father had beaten them and
+threatened to finish me. Then the poor girl was quite distracted and
+embraced me and her brothers, weeping dreadfully; and then my husband
+dragged her away. Ah, that bad woman was waiting for him on the stairs,
+I know!"
+
+"And didn't you complain to the police?"
+
+"At first I felt only grief at Catherine's departure; but I felt soon
+great pain in all my limbs,--I could not walk. Alas, what I had so long
+dreaded had happened! Yes, I told my brother that one day my husband
+would beat me so that I should be obliged to go to the hospital,--and
+then what would become of my children? And now here I am in the
+hospital, and what, indeed, will become of my children? The neighbours
+went for the commissary, who came. I didn't like to denounce Duport, but
+I was obliged, in consequence of my daughter; only I said that in our
+quarrel about our daughter he had pushed me, that it was nothing, but I
+wanted my daughter Catherine because I feared the bad woman with whom my
+husband lived would be the ruin of her."
+
+"Well, and what did the commissary say?"
+
+"Why, that my husband had a right to take away his daughter, as we were
+not separated; that it would be a misfortune if my daughter turned out
+badly from evil counsels, but that they were only suppositions, after
+all, and that was not sufficient for a complaint against my husband.
+'You have but one way--plead in the courts, demand a separation--and
+then the beatings your husband has given you, his behaviour with a vile
+woman, will be in your favour, and they will force him to restore your
+daughter to you; but, otherwise, he has a right to keep her with him.'
+'But how can I plead when I have my children to feed?' 'What can be
+done?' said the clerk; 'that's the only way!'" and poor Jeanne sobbed
+bitterly, adding, "And he is right--that is the only way! And so, in
+three months, my daughter may be walking the streets, whilst if I could
+plead and be separated it would not happen. Alas, poor Catherine, so
+gentle and so affectionate!"
+
+"Oh, you have, indeed, a bitter sorrow; and yet I was complaining!" said
+La Lorraine, drying her eyes. "And your other children?"
+
+"Why, on their account, I did all I could to bear the pains I was
+suffering, and not go to the hospital; but I could not go on. I vomited
+blood three or four times a day, and a fever took away the use of my
+arms and legs, and I was at last unable to work. If I am quickly cured I
+may return to my children, if they are not first dead from hunger or
+locked up as beggars. Who will maintain them whilst I am here?"
+
+"Oh, it is very terrible! Have you no kind neighbours?"
+
+"They are as poor as myself, and have five children already. It is very
+hard, but they promised to do a little something for them for a week;
+that is all they could do. And so, cured or not cured, I must go out in
+a week."
+
+"But your friend, Mademoiselle Rigolette?"
+
+"Unfortunately, she is in the country, and going to be married, the
+porter said. No, I must be cured in eight days; and I asked all the
+doctors who spoke to me yesterday, but they laughed as they replied,
+'You must ask the principal surgeon.' When will he come, Lorraine?"
+
+"Hush! I think I hear him now. And no one is allowed to speak during his
+visit," replied Lorraine, in a low voice.
+
+The daylight had appeared during the conversation of the two women. A
+bustle announced the arrival of Doctor Griffon, who entered the room
+accompanied by his friend, the Comte de Saint-Remy, who took so warm an
+interest in Madame de Fermont and her daughter, but was very far from
+expecting to find the unfortunate young lady in the hospital. As he
+entered the ward, the cold and harsh features of Doctor Griffon seemed
+to expand. Casting around him a look of satisfaction and authority, he
+answered the obsequious reception of the sisters by a protecting nod.
+The coarse and austere countenance of the old Comte de Saint-Remy was
+imprinted with the deepest sorrow. His ineffective attempts to find any
+traces of Madame de Fermont, and the ignominious baseness of the
+vicomte, who had preferred a life of infamy to death, overwhelmed him
+with grief.
+
+"Well," said Doctor Griffon to him, with an air of triumph, "what do you
+think of my hospital?"
+
+"Really," replied M. de Saint-Remy, "I do not know why I yielded to your
+desire; nothing is more harrowing than the sight of rooms filled with
+sick persons. Since I entered, my feelings have been severely
+distressed."
+
+"Bah, bah! In a quarter of an hour you will think no more of it. You,
+who are a philosopher, will find here ample matter for observation; and
+besides, it would have been a shame for you, one of my oldest friends,
+not to have known the theatre of my glory, my labours, and seen me at
+work. I take pride in my profession--is that wrong?"
+
+"No, certainly; and after your excellent care of Fleur-de-Marie, whom
+you have saved, I could refuse you nothing."
+
+"Well, have you ascertained anything as to the fate of Madame de Fermont
+and her daughter?"
+
+"Nothing!" replied M. de Saint-Remy, with a sigh. "And my last hope is
+in Madame d'Harville, who takes such deep interest in these two
+unfortunates; she may find some traces of them. Madame d'Harville, I
+hear, is expected daily at her house; and I have written to her on the
+subject, begging her to reply as soon as possible."
+
+During the conversation between M. de Saint-Remy and Doctor Griffon,
+several groups were formed gradually around a large table in the middle
+of the apartment, on which was a register in which the pupils of the
+hospital (who were to be recognised by their long white aprons) came in
+their turns to sign the attendance-sheet.
+
+"You see, my dear Saint-Remy, that my staff is pretty considerable."
+
+"It is indeed! But all these beds are occupied by women, and the
+presence of so many men must inspire them with painful confusion!"
+
+"All these fine feelings must be left at the door, my dear Alcestis.
+Here we begin on the living those experiments and studies which we
+complete on the dead body in the amphitheatre."
+
+"Doctor, you are one of the best and worthiest of men, and I owe you my
+life, and I recognise all your excellent qualities; but the practice and
+love of your art makes you take views of certain questions which are
+most revolting to me. I leave you. These are things which disgust and
+pain me; and I foresee that it would be a real punishment to me to be
+present at your visit. I will wait for you here at the table."
+
+"What a strange person you are with these scruples! But I will not let
+you have quite your own way. So remain here till I come for you."
+
+"Now, then, gentlemen," said Doctor Griffon; and he began his round,
+followed by his numerous auditory.
+
+On reaching the first bed on the right hand, the curtains of which were
+closed, the sister said to the doctor:
+
+"Sir, No. 1 died at half past four o'clock this morning."
+
+"So late? It astonishes me. Yesterday morning I would not have given her
+the day through. Has her body been claimed?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"So much the better. It is a very fine one; we will not dissect it, but
+I will make a man happy." Then turning to one of the pupils, "My dear
+Dunoyer, you have long desired a subject; your name is down for the
+first, and it is yours."
+
+"Oh, sir, you are too good."
+
+"I am only desirous of rewarding your zeal, my dear fellow; but mark the
+subject--take possession; there are so many who covet it."
+
+As the doctor passed onwards, the pupil, with his scalpel, incised very
+delicately an F. and D. (his initials) on the arm of the defunct
+actress, in order "to take possession," as the doctor termed it. And the
+round continued.
+
+"Lorraine," said Jeanne Duport, in a low voice, to her neighbour, "who
+is all this crowd of people with the surgeon?"
+
+"It is pupils and students."
+
+"Oh, will all these young men look on whilst the doctor asks me
+questions and examines me?"
+
+"Alas, yes!"
+
+"But it is in my chest that I am ill; will they examine me before all
+these men?"
+
+"Yes--yes--it must be so. I cried bitterly the first time, and thought
+I should have died of shame. I resisted, and they threatened to send me
+away, and that made me so ill. Only imagine, almost naked before
+everybody! It is very painful."
+
+"Before the doctor alone I can easily comprehend it is necessary, and
+even that is a great deal to submit to; but why before all these young
+men?"
+
+"They learn and practise on us; that is why we are here,--why they admit
+us into the hospital."
+
+"Ah, I understand," said Jeanne Duport, with bitterness; "they give us
+nothing for nothing. Yet still there are times when even that could not
+be. Suppose my poor girl Catherine, who is only fifteen, were to come to
+the hospital, would they dare with her, before so many young men,
+to--Oh, no! I would rather see her die at home!"
+
+"Oh, if she came here she must make up her mind to do as the others
+do,--as you and I. But hold your tongue; if the poor young lady in front
+hears you--they say she was rich, and, perhaps, has never left her
+mother before,--and yet her turn comes now. Only think how confused and
+distressed she will be."
+
+"I shudder when I think of her! Poor child!"
+
+"Hush, Jeanne! Here is the doctor!" said Lorraine.
+
+After having quickly visited several patients who presented nothing
+remarkable in their cases, the doctor at last came to Jeanne. At the
+sight of this crowd coming around her bed, anxious to see and learn, the
+poor creature, overcome with fear and shame, pulled the bed-clothes
+tightly around her. The severe and meditative countenance of the doctor,
+his penetrating glance, his eyebrows, always drawn down by his
+reflective habit, his abrupt mode of speech, impatient and quick,
+increased the alarm of poor Jeanne.
+
+"A new subject!" said the doctor, as he read the placard in which was
+inscribed the nature of the patient's malady, and throwing on Jeanne a
+lengthened look of scrutiny. There was a profound silence amongst the
+assistants, who, in imitation of the prince of science, fixed a
+scrutinising glance on the patient. After an examination of several
+minutes, the doctor, remarking something wrong in the yellow tint of the
+patient's eyeball, approached her more closely, and, raising the lid
+with his finger, examined it silently. Then several of the students,
+responding to the kind of mute invitation of their professor, drew near,
+and gazed at Jeanne's eye with attention. The doctor then began:
+
+"Your name?"
+
+"Jeanne Duport," she murmured, more and more alarmed.
+
+"Are you married?"
+
+"Alas, yes, sir!" with a profound sigh.
+
+"Have you any children?"
+
+Here, instead of replying, the poor mother gave way to a flood of tears.
+
+"It is no use crying,--answer! Have you any children?"
+
+"Yes, sir,--two little boys, and a girl of sixteen."
+
+Then followed a string of questions impossible to repeat, but to which
+Jeanne could only reply in stammering, and after many severe rebukes
+from the doctor. The poor woman was overwhelmed with shame, compelled as
+she was to reply aloud to such questions before such a numerous
+auditory.
+
+The doctor, completely absorbed by scientific feelings, did not give the
+smallest heed to Jeanne's distress, and continued:
+
+"How long have you been ill?"
+
+"Four days, sir," replied Jeanne, drying her tears.
+
+"Tell us how your illness first disclosed itself."
+
+"Sir,--why,--there are so many persons here, that I dare not."
+
+"Pooh! Where do you come from, my dear woman?" inquired the doctor,
+impatiently; "would you like to have a confessional brought? Come, come,
+make haste!"
+
+"Sir, these are family matters."
+
+"Oh, be easy, we are all family men here; a large family, too, as you
+see," added the prince of science, who was in very high spirits that
+day. "Come, come, let us have an end of this."
+
+More and more alarmed, Jeanne, stammering and hesitating at each moment,
+said:
+
+"I had--a quarrel with my husband--about the children; I mean my eldest
+daughter, that he wanted to take away; and I wouldn't agree, because of
+a wicked woman he lived with, and who might give bad advice to my
+daughter. So then, my husband, who was tipsy,--yes, sir,--for if not,
+he'd never have done it,--my husband gave me a very hard push, and I
+fell; and then, soon after, I began to vomit blood."
+
+"Pooh, pooh, pooh! Your husband pushed you, and you fell; you describe
+it very nicely! Why, he did more than push you; he must have struck you
+in the stomach; perhaps trampled on you, or kicked you? Come,
+answer,--let's have the truth."
+
+"Oh, sir, I assure you that he was tipsy; but for that he would never
+have been so wicked."
+
+"Good or wicked, drunk or sober, it is not to the purpose, my good
+woman. I am not a public officer, and only want a fact accurately
+described. Now, were you not knocked down, and trampled under foot?"
+
+"Yes!" said Jeanne, weeping; "and yet I never gave him any cause of
+complaint. I worked as long as I could, and--"
+
+"The epigastrium must be very painful. Don't you feel great heat around
+that region?--uneasiness, lassitude, nausea?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I was quite worn out when I gave up, if not, I should never
+have left my children; and then, my Catherine! Oh, if you--"
+
+"Put out your tongue," said the doctor, again interrupting the patient.
+
+This appeared so strange to Jeanne, who thought to excite the doctor's
+pity, that she did not reply immediately, but looked at him with alarm.
+
+"Show me your tongue, which you know so well how to use," said the
+doctor, with a smile; and he pushed down Jeanne's lower jaw with the end
+of his finger. After having had his pupils successively, and for some
+time, feel and examine the subject's tongue, in order to ascertain its
+colour and dryness, Jeanne, overcoming her fear for a moment, said, in a
+tremulous voice:
+
+"Sir, I was going to say to you, my neighbours, who are as poor as
+myself, have been so kind as to take care of my children for a week
+only, which is a great deal; so at the end of that time I must be back
+home again. So I beg of you, in God's name, to cure me as quickly as you
+can, or nearly so, that I may return to work; and I have but a week
+before me,--for--"
+
+"Discoloured face,--complete state of prostration,--yet the pulse
+strong, quick, and regular," said the doctor, imperturbably, and
+pointing to Jeanne. "Remark her well, gentlemen: oppression, heat in the
+epigastric regions. All these symptoms certainly betoken haematemesis,
+probably complicated by hepatitis, caused by domestic troubles, as is
+indicated by the yellow discoloration of the eyeball. The subject has
+had violent blows in the regions of the epigastrium and abdomen; the
+vomiting blood is the necessary consequence of some organic injury to
+the viscera. On this point let me call your attention to a very curious,
+remarkably curious, feature. The post-mortem appearances of those who
+die of the injuries under which the subject is suffering frequently
+present remarkable appearances; frequently the malady, very severe and
+very dangerous, carries off the patient in a few days, and then no trace
+of it is found."
+
+Doctor Griffon then, throwing off the bed-clothes, nearly denuded poor
+Jeanne. It would be repugnant to describe the struggle of the
+unfortunate creature, who, in her shame, implored the doctor and his
+auditory. But at the threat, "You will be turned out of the hospital, if
+you do not submit to the established usages,"--a threat so terrible for
+those to whom the hospital is the sole and last refuge,--Jeanne
+submitted to a public scrutiny, which lasted a long time, very long, for
+Doctor Griffon analysed and explained every symptom; and then the most
+studious of the pupils declared their wish to unite practice with
+theory, and also examine the patient. The end of this scene was that
+poor Jeanne felt such extreme emotion that she fell into a nervous
+crisis, for which Doctor Griffon gave an extra prescription.
+
+The round continued, and the doctor soon reached the bed of Mlle. Claire
+de Fermont, a victim, like her mother, to the cupidity of Jacques
+Ferrand.
+
+Mlle, de Fermont, dressed in a cap of the hospital, was leaning her head
+languidly on the bolster of the bed. In spite of the ravages of her
+malady, there might be detected on her open and sweet countenance the
+traces of a beauty full of distinction. After a night of keen anguish,
+the poor girl had fallen into a kind of feverish stupor, and when the
+doctor and his scientific train entered the ward she was not aroused by
+the noise.
+
+"Another first subject, gentlemen," said the prince of science.
+"Disease, a slow nervous fever; if the receiving surgeon is not mistaken
+in the symptoms, this is a real godsend. For a long time I have desired
+a slow nervous fever, for that is not an ordinary complaint amongst the
+poor. These affections are usually produced after severe trouble in the
+social position of the subject, and I need hardly add that the higher
+the position of the patient, the more deep is the disease. It is,
+moreover, a complaint the more remarkable from its peculiar
+characteristics. It is traced to the very remotest antiquity, and the
+writings of Hippocrates have no doubt reference to it. This fever, I
+repeat, has almost always been produced from the most violent grief, and
+grief is as old as the world. Yet, strange to say, before the eighteenth
+century, this disease was never accurately described by any author; it
+was Huxham, whom the science of medicine of the age so highly
+honours,--Huxham, I say, who first defined accurately nervous fever; and
+yet it is a malady of the olden time," added the doctor, jocosely. "Eh,
+eh, eh! It belongs to the great, antique, and illustrious family of
+_febris_, whose origin is lost in the darkness of ages. But we may be
+rejoicing too soon; let us see if really we have the good fortune to
+possess here a sample of this curious affection; it would be doubly
+desirable, inasmuch as, for a very long time, I have been anxious to try
+the effect of the internal use of phosphorus. Yes, gentlemen," continued
+the doctor, hearing amongst his auditory a kind of shudder of
+curiosity,--"yes, gentlemen, of phosphorus; it is a singular experiment
+that I wish to try, and a bold one, and but _audaces fortuna juvat_, and
+the opportunity would be excellent. We will first try if the subject
+offers in all parts of the body, and particularly in the chest, that
+miliary eruption, so symptomatic according to Huxham, and you will
+assure yourselves, by feeling the subject, of the kind of uneven surface
+which this eruption produces. But do not let us sell the skin of our
+bear before we have killed it," added the prince of science, who was
+decidedly in very high spirits. And he shook Mlle. de Fermont's shoulder
+very gently, in order to wake her.
+
+The young girl started and opened her large eyes, hollowed by the
+malady. It is impossible to describe her amaze and alarm. Whilst a crowd
+of men surrounded her bed, all fixing their eyes upon her, she felt the
+doctor's hand gliding under the quilt into her bed, in order to take
+her hand and feel her pulse. Mlle. de Fermont, collecting all her
+strength, in a cry of anguish, exclaimed:
+
+"Mother! Help! Mother! Mother!"
+
+By an almost providential chance, at the moment when the cries of Mlle.
+de Fermont made the old Count de Saint-Remy spring from his chair, for
+he recognised the voice, the door of the apartment opened, and a young
+lady, dressed in mourning, entered very hastily, accompanied by the
+governor of the hospital; this lady was the Marquise d'Harville.
+
+"I beg of you, sir," she said to him, "to lead me to Mlle. de Fermont."
+
+"Be so kind as to follow me," he replied, respectfully; "the young lady
+is in No. 17."
+
+"Unhappy girl! Here--here!" said Madame d'Harville, drying her tears.
+"Ah, this is really frightful!"
+
+The marquise, preceded by the governor, rapidly approached the group
+assembled beside the bed of Mlle. de Fermont, when they heard these
+words uttered with indignation:
+
+"I tell you it is infamous murder; you will kill her, sir!"
+
+"But, my dear Saint-Remy, do pray hear me!"
+
+"I repeat, sir, that your conduct is atrocious! I consider Mlle. de
+Fermont as my daughter, and I forbid you going near her; I will have her
+immediately removed hence."
+
+"But, my dear friend, it is a case of slow nervous fever, very rare; I
+am desirous of trying phosphorus. It is a unique occasion. Promise me,
+at least, that I shall have the care of her, and take her where you
+like, since you are determined to deprive us of so valuable a clinical
+subject."
+
+"If you were not a madman, you would be a monster!" replied the count.
+
+Clemence listened to these words with increasing anguish, but the crowd
+was so dense around the bed that the governor was obliged to say, in a
+loud voice:
+
+"Make way, if you please, for the Marquise d'Harville, who has come to
+see No. 17."
+
+At these words, the pupils made way with equal haste and respectful
+admiration when they saw Clemence's lovely face, which was radiant with
+so much emotion.
+
+"Madame d'Harville!" exclaimed the Count de Saint-Remy, pushing the
+doctor rudely aside, and going hastily towards Clemence. "Ah, it is God
+who sends one of his angels here! Madame, I knew you took an interest in
+these two unfortunate beings, and, more happy than me, you have found
+them, whilst it was chance only that led me hither, to be present at a
+scene of unparalleled barbarity. Unhappy child! See, madame; and you,
+gentlemen, in the name of your sisters and daughters, have pity, I
+entreat, on a girl of sixteen, and leave her alone with madame and these
+good sisters; when she recovers her senses, I will have her conveyed
+hence."
+
+"Very well, let it be so; I will sign her discharge!" exclaimed the
+doctor; "but I will not lose sight of her; she is a subject of mine, and
+I will attend her, do what you will. I'll not risk the phosphorus, I
+promise that; but I will pass my nights, if needs be, as I passed them
+with you, ungrateful Saint-Remy, for this fever is as curious as yours
+was; they are two sisters, who have an equal right to my interest."
+
+"Confound the man! Why has he so much science?" said the count, knowing
+that he could not confide the young girl to more able hands.
+
+"Eh! It is simple enough," said the doctor, in a whisper. "I have a
+great deal of science because I study, because I experimentalise,
+because I risk and practise a great deal on my subjects; and so, old
+fellow, I shall still have my slow nervous fever,--eh?"
+
+"Yes; but is it safe to move this young girl?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Then, for the love of heaven, disappear with your train!"
+
+"Come, gentlemen," said the prince of science, "we shall be deprived of
+a precious study; but I will make my reports on it to you." And Doctor
+Griffon, with his suite, continued his round, leaving M. de Saint-Remy
+and Madame d'Harville with Mlle. de Fermont.
+
+During this scene, Mlle. de Fermont, still in a swoon, had been attended
+to by Clemence and the two nuns. Saint-Remy said in a low tone to
+Clemence:
+
+"And the mother of this unhappy girl, madame?"
+
+The marchioness replied, in a voice deeply affected:
+
+"She has no longer a mother, sir. I learnt yesterday only, on my return,
+the address of Madame de Fermont, and her dying condition; at one
+o'clock in the morning I went to her with a medical man. Ah, sir, what a
+fiction! It was misery in all its horror! And no hope of saving the poor
+mother, whose last words were, 'My daughter!'"
+
+"What a death! Good heaven! And she so tender, so devoted a mother,--it
+is frightful!"
+
+"I will watch her until she can be moved," said Clemence, "and, when she
+can be removed, I will take her with me."
+
+"Ah, madame, bless you for what you say and do!" said M. de Saint-Remy.
+"But excuse me for not having before mentioned my name to you, I am the
+Comte de Saint-Remy; Madame de Fermont's husband was my most intimate
+friend. I live at Angers, and left that city from uneasiness at not
+receiving any news of these two noble and excellent women; they had
+until then lived in that city, and were said to be completely ruined,
+which was the more terrible as until then they had lived in ease and
+plenty."
+
+"Ah, sir! you do not know all; Madame de Fermont was shamefully robbed."
+
+"By her notary, perhaps? I had my suspicions."
+
+"That man was a monster, sir! Alas! that was not the only crime he
+committed; but fortunately," said Clemence, with excitement, as she
+thought of Rodolph, "a providential genius had compelled him to do
+justice, and I was enabled to close Madame de Fermont's eyes, assuring
+her as to the future provision for her daughter; thus her death was
+rendered less cruel."
+
+"I understand; knowing her daughter to have your support henceforth, my
+poor friend died more tranquil."
+
+"Not only is my interest excited for ever towards Mlle. de Fermont, but
+her fortune will be restored to her."
+
+"Her fortune! The notary--"
+
+"Has been compelled to refund the money. This man had caused the
+assassination of Madame de Fermont's brother, in order to make it appear
+that the unhappy man had committed suicide, after having dissipated his
+sister's fortune; but he has now placed the sum in the hands of the
+worthy cure of Bonne-Nouvelle, and it will be given to Mlle. de Fermont.
+The infamous wretch has committed another murder equally infamous!"
+
+"What mean you, madame?"
+
+"But a few days since he got rid of an unfortunate young girl, whom he
+had an interest in drowning, assured that her death would be attributed
+to accident."
+
+M. de Saint-Remy started, looked at Madame d'Harville with surprise, as
+he recollected Fleur-de-Marie, and exclaimed:
+
+"Ah, madame, what a singular coincidence! This young girl they sought to
+drown--"
+
+"In the Seine, near Asnieres, as I am told."
+
+"'Tis she! 'Tis she!" cried Saint-Remy.
+
+"Of whom do you speak, sir?"
+
+"Of the young girl whom this monster sought to drown. Do you know her,
+madame?"
+
+"Poor dear! I love her tenderly. Ah, if you knew, sir, how lovely, how
+prepossessing she was! But tell me what you mean."
+
+"Doctor Griffon and I gave her the first assistance."
+
+"First assistance to her! And in what way?"
+
+"At the Isle du Ravageur, where she was saved."
+
+"Saved! Fleur-de-Marie saved?"
+
+"By a worthy creature, who, at the risk of her life, saved her from the
+Seine. But what ails you, madame?"
+
+"Ah, sir, I fear to believe in such good fortune; but, I pray of you,
+tell me what is the appearance of this young girl?"
+
+"Singularly beautiful!"
+
+"Large, blue eyes,--light brown hair?"
+
+"Yes, madame."
+
+"And when she was drowned, there was an elderly woman with her?"
+
+"It was only yesterday she was well enough to speak, and she is still
+very weak; she said an elderly woman accompanied her."
+
+"Praised be Heaven!" said Clemence, clasping her hands with fervour; "I
+can now tell him that his protegee still lives! What joy for him who, in
+his last letter, spoke to me of this poor child with such bitter
+regrets! Excuse me, sir, but you know not how happy your intelligence
+renders me, and will make a person who, more than myself, has loved and
+protected Fleur-de-Marie. But, for mercy's sake, tell me, where is she
+at this moment?"
+
+"Near Asnieres, in the house of one of the surgeons of this hospital,
+Doctor Griffon; she was taken there, and has had every attention."
+
+"And is she out of danger?"
+
+"Yes, madame, but only during the last two or three days, and to-day she
+will be permitted to write to her protector."
+
+"Oh, I will undertake to do that, sir; or, rather, I shall have the
+pleasure of taking her to those who, believing her dead, regret her so
+bitterly!"
+
+"I can understand those regrets, madame, for it is impossible to see
+Fleur-de-Marie without being charmed with her grace and sweetness. The
+woman who saved her, and has since watched her night and day as she
+would an infant, is a courageous and devoted person, but of a
+disposition so excitable that she has been called La Louve."
+
+"I know La Louve," said the marquise, smiling as she thought of the
+pleasure she had in store for the prince. What would have been her
+ecstasy, had she known she was the daughter he believed dead that she
+was about to restore to Rodolph! Then, addressing the nun who had given
+some spoonfuls of a draught to Mlle. de Fermont, she said, "Well,
+sister, is she recovering?"
+
+"Not yet, madame, she is so weak. Poor, young thing! One can scarcely
+feel her pulse beat."
+
+"I will wait, then, until she is sufficiently restored to be put into my
+carriage; but tell me, sister, amongst these unfortunate patients, do
+you know any who particularly deserve interest and pity, and to whom I
+could be useful before I leave the hospital?"
+
+"Ah, madame, Heaven has sent you here!" said the sister. "There," and
+she pointed to the bed of Pique-Vinaigre's sister, "is a poor woman much
+to be pitied, and very bad; she only came in when quite exhausted, and
+is past all comfort, because she has been obliged to abandon her two
+small children, who have no other support in the world. She said just
+now to the doctor that she must go out, cured or not, in a week, because
+her neighbours had promised to take care of her children for that time
+only and no longer."
+
+"Take me to her bed, I beg of you, sister," said Madame d'Harville,
+rising and following the nun.
+
+Jeanne Duport, who had scarcely recovered from the violent shock which
+the investigations of Doctor Griffon had caused her, had not remarked
+the entrance of Madame d'Harville; what, then, was her astonishment,
+when the marquise, lifting up the curtains of her bed, and looking at
+her with great pity and kindness, said:
+
+"My good woman, do not be uneasy about your children, I will take care
+of them; so only think of getting well, that you may go to them."
+
+Poor Jeanne thought she was in a dream, she could only clasp her hands
+in speechless gratitude, and gaze on her unknown benefactress.
+
+"Once again assure yourself, my worthy woman, and have no uneasiness,"
+said the marquise, pressing in her small and delicate white hands the
+burning hand of Jeanne Duport; "and, if you prefer it, you shall leave
+the hospital this very day and be nursed at home; everything shall be
+done for you, so that you need not leave your children; and, if your
+lodging is unhealthy or too small, you shall have one found that is more
+convenient and suitable, so that you may be in one room and your
+children in another; you shall have a good nurse, who will watch them
+whilst she attends to you, and when you entirely recover, if you are out
+of work, I will take care that you are provided for until work comes,
+and I will also take care of your children for the future."
+
+"Ah, what do I hear?" said Jeanne Duport, all trembling and hardly
+daring to look her benefactress in the face. "Why are so many kindnesses
+showered on me? It is not possible! I leave the hospital, where I have
+wept and suffered so much, and not leave my children again! Have a
+nurse! Why, it is a miracle!"
+
+"It is no miracle, my good woman," said Clemence, much affected. "What I
+do for you," she added, blushing slightly at the remembrance of Rodolph,
+"is inspired by a generous spirit, who has taught me to sympathise with
+misfortune, and it is he whom you should thank."
+
+"Ah, madame, I shall ever bless you!" said Jeanne, weeping.
+
+"Well, then, you see, Jeanne," said Lorraine, much affected, "there are
+also amongst the rich Rigolettes and Goualeuses with good hearts."
+
+Madame d'Harville turned with much surprise towards Lorraine when she
+heard her mention the two names.
+
+"Do you know La Goualeuse and a young workwoman called Rigolette?" she
+inquired of Lorraine.
+
+"Yes, madame; La Goualeuse--good little angel!--did for me last year,
+according to her small means, what you are going to do for Jeanne. Yes,
+madame, and it does me good to say and repeat it to everybody, La
+Goualeuse took me from a cellar in which I had been brought to bed on
+the straw, and--dear, good girl!--placed me and my child in a room where
+there was a good bed and a cradle; La Goualeuse spent the money from
+pure charity, for she scarcely knew me, and was poor herself. But how
+good it was! Was it not, madame?" said Lorraine.
+
+"Yes, yes; charity from the poor to the poor is great and holy!" said
+Clemence, with her eyes moistened by soft tears.
+
+"It was the same with Mademoiselle Rigolette, who, according to her
+little means as a sempstress," said Lorraine, "some days ago offered her
+kind services to Jeanne."
+
+"How singular!" said Clemence to herself, more and more affected, for
+each of these two names, Goualeuse and Rigolette, reminded her of a
+noble action of Rodolph. "And you, my child, what can I do for you?" she
+said to Lorraine; "I could wish that the names you pronounce with so
+much gratitude should also bring you good fortune."
+
+"Thank you, madame," said Lorraine, with a smile of bitter resignation.
+"I had a child, it is dead; I am in a decline and past all hope."
+
+"What a gloomy idea! At your age there is always hope."
+
+"Oh, no, madame, I saw a consumptive patient die last night. Yet as you
+are so good, a great lady like you must be able to do anything."
+
+"Tell me, what do you wish?"
+
+"Since I have seen the actress who is dead so distressed at the idea of
+being cut in pieces after her death, I have the same fear. Jeanne had
+promised to claim my body, and have me buried."
+
+"Ah, this is horrible!" said Clemence, shuddering. "Be tranquil,
+although I hope the time is far distant, yet, when it comes, be assured
+that your body shall rest in holy ground."
+
+"Oh, thank you--thank you, madame!" exclaimed Lorraine. "Might I beg to
+kiss your hand?"
+
+Clemence presented her hand to the parched lips of Lorraine.
+
+Half an hour afterwards, Madame d'Harville, who had been painfully
+affected by Lorraine's condition, accompanied by M. de Saint-Remy, took
+with her the young orphan, from whom she concealed her mother's death.
+
+The same day, Madame d'Harville's man of business, after having obtained
+favourable particulars respecting Jeanne Duport's character, hired for
+her some large and airy rooms, and the same evening she was conveyed to
+her new residence, where she found her children and a nurse. The same
+individual was instructed to claim and inter the body of Lorraine when
+she died. After having conveyed Mlle. de Fermont to her own house,
+Madame d'Harville started for Asnieres with M. de Saint-Remy, in order
+to go to Fleur-de-Marie, and take her to Rodolph.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+HOPE.
+
+
+Spring was approaching, and already the sun darted a more genial warmth,
+the sky was blue and clear, while the balmy air seemed to bring life and
+breath upon its invigorating wings. Among the many sick and suffering
+who rejoiced in its cheering presence was Fleur-de-Marie, who, leaning
+on the arm of La Louve, ventured to take gentle exercise in the little
+garden belonging to Doctor Griffon's house; the vivifying rays of the
+sun, added to the exertion of walking, tinged the pale, wasted
+countenance of La Goualeuse with a faint glow that spoke of returning
+convalescence. The dress she had worn when rescued from a watery grave
+had been destroyed in the haste with which the requisite attempts had
+been made for her resuscitation, and she now appeared in a loose
+wrapping dress of dark blue merino, fastened around her slender waist by
+worsted cord of the same colour as the robe.
+
+"How cheering the sun shines!" said she to La Louve, as she stopped
+beneath a thick row of trees, planted beside a high gravelled walk
+facing the south, and on which was a stone bench. "Shall we sit down and
+rest ourselves here a few minutes?"
+
+"Why do you ask me?" replied La Louve, almost angrily; then taking off
+her nice warm shawl, she folded it in four, and, kneeling down, placed
+it on the ground, which was somewhat moist from the extreme shelter
+afforded by the overhanging trees, saying, as she did so, "Here, put
+your feet on this."
+
+"Oh, but La Louve!" said Fleur-de-Marie, perceiving too late the kind
+intention of her companion, "I cannot suffer you to spoil your beautiful
+shawl in that way."
+
+"Don't make a fuss about nothing; I tell you the ground is cold and
+moist. There, that will do." And, taking the tiny feet of
+Fleur-de-Marie, she forcibly placed them on her shawl.
+
+"You spoil me terribly, La Louve."
+
+"It is not for your good behaviour, if I do; always trying to oppose me
+in everything I try to do for your good. Are you not very much tired? We
+have been walking more than half an hour; I heard twelve o'clock just
+strike from Asnieres."
+
+"I do feel rather weary, but still the walk has done me good."
+
+"There now--you were tired, and yet could not tell me so!"
+
+"Pray don't scold me; I assure you I was not conscious of my weariness
+until I spoke. It is so delightful to be able to walk out in the air,
+after being confined by sickness to your bed, to see the trees, the
+green fields, and the beautiful country again, when you had given up all
+hope of ever enjoying that happiness, or of feeling the warm beams of
+the sun fill you with strength and hope!"
+
+"Certainly, you were desperately ill, and for two days we despaired of
+your life. I don't mind telling you, now the danger is over."
+
+"Only imagine, La Louve, that, when I found myself in the water, I could
+not help thinking of a very bad, wicked woman, who used to torment me
+when I was young, and frighten me by threatening to throw me to the
+fishes that they might eat me, and, even after I had grown up, she
+wanted to drown me; and I kept thinking that it was my destiny to be
+devoured by fishes, and that it was no use to try and escape from it."
+
+"Was that really your last idea when you believed yourself perishing?"
+
+"Oh, no!" replied Fleur-de-Marie, with enthusiasm; "when I believed I
+was dying, my last thought was for him whom I so reverence, and to whom
+I owe so much, and, when I came to myself after you had saved me, my
+first thought was of him likewise."
+
+"It is a pleasure to render you any service, you think so much of it."
+
+"No, La Louve; the pleasure consists in falling asleep with our grateful
+recollection of kind acts, and remembering them upon waking!"
+
+"Ah, you would induce people to go through fire and water to serve you!
+I'm sure I would, for one."
+
+"I can assure you that one of the causes which made me thankful for life
+was the hope of being able to advance your happiness. Do you recollect
+the castles in the air we used to build at St. Lazare?"
+
+"Oh, as for that, there is time enough to think about that."
+
+"How delighted I should be, if the doctor would only allow me to write a
+few lines to Madame Georges, I am sure she must be so very uneasy; and
+so must M. Rodolph, too," added Fleur-de-Marie, pensively sighing.
+"Perhaps they think me dead."
+
+"As those wretches do who were set on to murder you!"
+
+"Then you still believe my falling into the water was not an accident?"
+
+"Accident! Yes, one of the Martial family's accidents;--mind, when I say
+that, you must bear in mind that my Martial is not at all like the rest
+of his relations, any more than Francois and Amandine."
+
+"But what interest could they have had in my death?"
+
+"I don't care for that; the Martials are such a vile set that they would
+murder any one, provided they were well paid for it. A few words the
+mother let drop when my man went to see her in prison prove that."
+
+"Has he really been to see that dreadful woman?"
+
+"Yes; and he tells me there is no hope of pardon for herself, Calabash,
+or Nicholas. A great many things have been discovered against them; and
+all the judges and those kind of people say they want to make a public
+example of them, to frighten others from doing such things."
+
+"How very shocking for nearly a whole family to perish in this way."
+
+"And they certainly will, unless, indeed, Nicholas manages to make his
+escape; he is in the same prison with a monstrous ruffian whom they call
+the Skeleton, and this man is getting up a plot to escape with several
+of his companions. Nicholas sent to tell Martial of this, by a prisoner
+who was discharged from prison the other day, for I must tell you, my
+man had been weak enough to go and see his brother in La Force; so,
+encouraged by this visit, that hateful wretch Nicholas sent to tell my
+man that he might effect his escape at any minute, and that his brother
+was to send money and clothes to disguise himself in, ready for him, to
+Father Micou's."
+
+"Ah, your Martial is so kind-hearted, I'm sure he will do it!"
+
+"A fig for such kind-heartedness! I call it downright foolery to help
+the very man who tried to take his life. No, no, Martial shall do no
+such thing; quite enough if he does not tell of the scheme for breaking
+out of prison, without furnishing clothes and money, indeed. Besides,
+now you are out of danger, myself, Martial, and the two children are
+about to start on our rambles over France in search of work, and, depend
+upon it, we never mean to set our feet in Paris again. Martial found it
+quite galling enough to be called the son of a man who was guillotined;
+how, then, could he endure being taunted with the disgraceful ends of
+all his family?"
+
+"Well, but, at least, you will defer your departure till I have been
+enabled to see and speak with M. Rodolph; you have returned to virtue,
+and I promised you a reward if you would but forsake evil ways, and I
+wish to keep my word. You saved me from death, and, not satisfied with
+that, have nursed me with the tenderest care during my severe illness."
+
+"Suppose I did; well, it would seem as though I had done the little good
+in my power for the sake of gain, were I to allow you to ask your
+friends for anything for me! No, no; I say again, I am more than repaid
+in seeing you safe and likely to do well."
+
+"My kind Louve, make yourself perfectly easy; it shall not be said that
+you were influenced by interested motives, but that I was desirous of
+proving my gratitude to you."
+
+"Hark!" said La Louve, hastily rising, "I fancy I hear the sound of a
+carriage coming this way; yes--yes, there it is! Did you observe the
+lady who was in it?"
+
+"Dear me!" exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie, "I fancy I recognised a young and
+beautiful lady I saw at St. Lazare."
+
+"Then she knows you are here, does she?"
+
+"I cannot tell you whether she does or no, but one thing is very
+certain, that she is acquainted with the person I have so often
+mentioned to you, who, if he pleases, and I hope that he will please,
+can realise all those schemes of happiness we used to build when in
+prison."
+
+"What about getting a gamekeeper's place for my man?" asked La Louve,
+with a sigh; "and a cottage in the middle of the woods for us all to
+live in? Oh, no! That is too much like what we read of in fairy tales,
+and quite impossible ever to happen to a poor creature like myself."
+
+Quick steps were heard advancing rapidly from behind the trees, and in a
+minute Francois and Amandine (who, thanks to the kind consideration of
+the Count de Saint-Remy, had been permitted to remain with La Louve,
+during her attendance on La Goualeuse) presented themselves, quite out
+of breath, exclaiming:
+
+"La Louve, here is a beautiful lady come along with M. de Saint-Remy to
+see Fleur-de-Marie, and they want to see her directly!"
+
+At the same moment, Madame d'Harville, accompanied by M. de Saint-Remy,
+appeared from the side of the walk, the impatience of the former not
+allowing her to wait the arrival of Fleur-de-Marie. Directly the
+marquise saw her, she ran and embraced her, exclaiming:
+
+"My poor dear child! What happiness does it not afford me to find you
+thus in life and safety, when I believed you dead!"
+
+"Be assured, madame," answered Fleur-de-Marie, as she gracefully and
+modestly returned the affectionate pressure of Madame d'Harville, "that
+I have equal pleasure in seeing again one whose former kindness has made
+so deep an impression on my heart!"
+
+"Ah, you little imagine the joy and rapture with which the intelligence
+of your existence will be welcomed by those who have so bitterly
+bewailed your supposed loss!"
+
+Fleur-de-Marie, taking La Louve, who had withdrawn to a distance from
+the affecting scene, by the hand, and presenting her to Madame
+d'Harville, said:
+
+"Since, madame, my benefactors are good enough to take so lively an
+interest in my welfare and preservation, permit me to solicit their
+kindness and favour for my companion, who saved my life at the expense
+of her own."
+
+"Make yourself perfectly easy on that score, my child; your friends will
+amply testify to the worthy La Louve how fully they appreciate the
+service they well know she has rendered you, and that 'tis to her they
+owe the delight of seeing you again."
+
+Confused and blushing, La Louve ventured neither to reply nor raise her
+eyes towards Madame d'Harville, so completely did the presence of that
+dignified person abash and overpower her. Yet, at hearing her very name
+pronounced, La Louve could not restrain an exclamation of astonishment.
+
+"But we have not a minute to lose," resumed the marquise. "I am dying
+with impatience to carry off Fleur-de-Marie, and I have a cloak and warm
+shawl for her in the carriage. So come, my child, come!" Then,
+addressing the count, she said, "May I beg of you to give my address to
+this brave woman, that she may be enabled to come to-morrow to say
+good-bye to Fleur-de-Marie? That will oblige you to pay us a visit,"
+continued Madame d'Harville, speaking to La Louve.
+
+"Depend upon my coming, madame," replied the person addressed. "Since it
+is to bid adieu to La Goualeuse, I should be grieved, indeed, if I were
+to miss that last pleasure."
+
+A few minutes after this conversation, Madame d'Harville and La
+Goualeuse were on the road to Paris.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After witnessing the frightful death by which Jacques Ferrand atoned for
+the heinous offences of his past life, Rodolph had returned home deeply
+agitated and affected. After passing a long and sleepless night, he sent
+to summon Sir Walter Murphy, in order to relieve his overcharged heart
+by confiding to this tried and trusty friend the overwhelmingly painful
+discovery of the preceding evening relative to Fleur-de-Marie. The
+honest squire was speechless with astonishment; he could well understand
+the death-blow this must be to the prince's best affections, and as he
+contemplated the pale, careworn countenance of his unhappy friend, whose
+red, swollen eyes and convulsed features amply bespoke the agony of his
+mind, he ransacked his brain for some gleam of comfort, and his
+invention for words of hope and comfort.
+
+"Take courage, my lord," said he at last, drying his eyes, which, spite
+of all his accustomed coolness, he had not been able to prevent from
+overflowing, "take courage; yours is indeed an infliction, one that
+mocks at all vain attempts at consolation; it is deep, lasting, and
+incurable!"
+
+"You are right; what I felt yesterday seems as nothing to my sense of
+misery to-day."
+
+"Yesterday, my lord, you were stunned by the blow that fell on you, but
+as your mind dwells more calmly on it, so does the future seem more dark
+and dispiriting. I can but say, rouse yourself, my lord, to bear it with
+courage, for it is beyond all attempts at consolation."
+
+"Yesterday the contempt and horror I felt for that woman,--whom may the
+Great Being pardon, before whose tribunal she now stands,--mingled with
+surprise, disgust, and terror, occasioned by her hideous conduct,
+repressed those bursts of despairing tenderness I can no longer restrain
+in your sympathising presence, my faithful friend. I fear not to indulge
+the natural emotions of my heart, and my hitherto pent-up tears may now
+freely vent themselves. Forgive my weakness, and excuse my thus cowardly
+shrinking from the trial I am called upon to endure, but it seems to
+have riven my very heart-strings, and to have left me feeble as an
+infant! Oh, my child! My loved, my lost child! Long must these scalding
+tears flow ere I can forget you!"
+
+"Ah, my lord, weep on, for your loss is indeed irreparable!"
+
+"What joy to have atoned to her for all the wretchedness with which her
+young days have been clouded! What bliss to have unfolded to her the
+happy destiny that was to recompense her for all her past sorrows! And,
+then, I should have used so much care and precaution in opening her eyes
+to the brilliant lot that was to succeed her miserable youth, for the
+tale, if told too abruptly, might have been too much for her delicate
+nerves to sustain; but, no, I would by degrees have revealed to her the
+history of her birth, and prepared her to receive me as her father!"
+
+Then, again bursting into an agony of despair, Rodolph continued: "But
+what avails all that I would have done, when I am tortured by the cruel
+reflection that, when I had my child all to myself during the ill-fated
+day I conducted her to the farm, when she so innocently displayed the
+rich treasures of her pure and heavenly nature, no secret voice
+whispered to me that in her I beheld my cherished and lamented daughter?
+I might have prevented this dreadful calamity by keeping her with me
+instead of sending her to Madame Georges. Oh, if I had, I should have
+been spared my present sufferings, and needed only to have opened my
+arms and folded her to my heart as my newly found treasure,--more really
+great and noble by the beauty of her heart and mind, and perhaps more
+worthy to fill the station to which I should raise her, than if she had
+always been reared in opulence and with a knowledge of her rank! I alone
+am to blame for her death; but mine is an accursed existence. I seem
+fated to trample on every duty,--a bad son and a bad father!"
+
+Murphy felt that grief such as Rodolph's admitted of no ordinary
+consolation. He did not therefore attempt to interrupt its violence by
+any hackneyed phrases or promises of comfort he well knew could never be
+realised.
+
+After a long silence, Rodolph resumed, in an agitated voice:
+
+"I cannot stay here after what has happened. Paris is hateful to me; I
+will quit it to-morrow."
+
+"You are quite right in so doing, my lord."
+
+"We will go by a circuitous route, and I will stop at Bouqueval as I
+pass, that I may spend some few hours alone with my sad thoughts, in the
+chamber where my poor child enjoyed the only peaceful days she was ever
+permitted to taste. All that was hers shall be carefully collected
+together,--the books from which she studied, her writings, clothes, even
+the very articles of furniture and hangings of the chamber; I will make
+a careful sketch of the whole, and when I return to Gerolstein I will
+construct a small building containing the fac-simile of my poor child's
+apartment, with all that it contained, to be erected in the private
+ground in which stands the monument built by me in memory of my outraged
+parent; there I will go and bewail my daughter. These two funeral
+mementos will for ever remind me of my crime towards my father, and the
+punishment inflicted on me through my own child."
+
+After a fresh silence, Rodolph said, "Let all be got ready for my
+departure to-morrow."
+
+Anxious, if possible, to create if but a momentary change of ideas in
+the prince's mind, Murphy said, "All shall be prepared, my lord,
+according to your desire; only you appear to have forgotten that
+to-morrow is fixed for the celebration of the marriage of Rigolette with
+the son of Madame Georges, and that the ceremony was to take place at
+Bouqueval. Not contented with providing for Germain as long as he lives,
+and liberally endowing his bride, you also promised to be present to
+bestow the hand of your young protegee on her lover."
+
+"True, true,--I did engage to do so; but I confess I have not sufficient
+courage to venture in a scene of gaiety. I cannot, therefore, visit the
+farm to-morrow, for to join in the wedding festivities is impossible."
+
+"Perhaps the scene might serve to calm your wounded feelings, with the
+thought that, if miserable yourself, you have made others happy."
+
+"No, my friend, no! Grief is ever selfish, and loves to indulge itself
+in solitude. You shall supply my place to-morrow; and beg of Madame
+Georges to collect together all my poor child's possessions; then when
+the room is fitly arranged, you will have an exact copy taken of it, and
+cause it to be sent to me in Germany."
+
+"And will you not even see Madame d'Harville, my lord, ere you set out
+on your journey?"
+
+At the recollection of Clemence, Rodolph started; his affection for her
+burned as steadfastly and sincerely as ever, but, for the moment, it
+seemed buried beneath the overwhelming grief which oppressed him. The
+tender sympathy of Madame d'Harville appeared to him the only source of
+consolation; but, the next instant, he rejected the idea of seeking
+consolation in the love of another as unworthy his paternal sorrow.
+
+"No, my kind friend, I shall not see Madame d'Harville previously to
+quitting Paris. I wrote to her a few days since, telling her of the
+death of Fleur-de-Marie, and the pain it had caused me. When she learns
+that the ill-fated girl was my long-lost daughter, she will readily
+understand that there are some griefs, or rather fatal punishments, it
+is requisite to endure alone."
+
+A gentle knock was heard at the door at this minute. Rodolph, with
+displeasure at the interruption, signed for Murphy to ascertain who it
+was. The faithful squire immediately rose, and, partly opening the door,
+perceived one of the prince's aides-de-camp, who said a few words in a
+low tone, to which Murphy replied by a motion of the head, and,
+returning to Rodolph, said, "Have the goodness, my lord, to excuse me
+for an instant! A person wishes to see me directly on business that
+concerns your royal highness."
+
+"Go!" replied the prince.
+
+Scarcely had the door closed on Murphy, than Rodolph, covering his face
+with his hands, uttered a heavy groan.
+
+"What horrible feelings possess me!" cried he. "My mind seems one vast
+ocean of gall and bitterness; the presence of my best and most faithful
+friend is painful to me; and the recollection of a love pure and
+elevated as mine distresses and embarrasses me. Last night, too, I was
+cowardly enough to learn the death of Sarah with savage joy. I
+felicitated myself on being free from an unnatural being like her, who
+had caused the destruction of my child; I promised myself the horrible
+satisfaction of witnessing the mortal agonies of the wretch who deprived
+my child of life. But I was baffled of my dear revenge. Another cruel
+punishment!" exclaimed he, starting with rage from his chair. "Yet
+although I knew yesterday as well as to-day that my child was dead, I
+did not experience such a whirlwind of despairing, self-accusing agony
+as now rends my soul; because I did not then recall to mind the one
+torturing fact that will for ever step in between me and consolation. I
+did not then recall the circumstance of my having seen and known my
+beloved child, and, moreover, discovered in her untold treasures of
+goodness and nobleness of character. Yet how little did I profit by her
+being at the farm! Merely saw her three times--yes, three times--no
+more! when I might have beheld her each day--nay, have kept her ever
+beside me. Oh, that will be my unceasing punishment, my never-ending
+reproach and torture,--to think I had my daughter near me, and actually
+sent her from me! Nor, though I felt how deserving she was of every fond
+care, did I even admit her into my presence but three poor distant
+times."
+
+While the unhappy prince thus continued to torment himself with these
+and similar reflections, the door of the apartment suddenly opened and
+Murphy entered, looking so pale and agitated that even Rodolph could not
+help remarking it; and rising hastily, he exclaimed:
+
+"For heaven's sake, Murphy, what has happened to you?"
+
+"Nothing, my lord."
+
+"Yet you are pale!"
+
+"'Tis with astonishment."
+
+"Astonishment at what?"
+
+"Madame d'Harville."
+
+"Madame d'Harville! Gracious heaven! Some fresh misfortune?"
+
+"No, no, my lord--indeed, nothing unfortunate has occurred. Pray compose
+yourself! She is--in the drawing-room--"
+
+"Here--in my house? Madame d'Harville here? Impossible!"
+
+"My lord, I told you the surprise had quite overpowered me!"
+
+"Tell me what has induced her to take such a step! Speak, I conjure you!
+In heaven's name, explain the reason for her acting so contrary to her
+usually rigid notions!"
+
+"Indeed, my lord, I know nothing. But I cannot even account to myself
+for the strange feelings that come over me."
+
+"You are concealing something from me!"
+
+"No, indeed, my lord; on the honour of a man, I know only what the
+marquise said to me."
+
+"And what did she say?"
+
+"'Sir Walter,' said she, with an unsteady voice, though her countenance
+shone with joy, 'no doubt you are surprised at my presence here; but
+there are some circumstances so imperative as to leave no time to
+consider the strict rules of etiquette. Beg of his royal highness to
+grant me an immediate interview of a few minutes only in your presence,
+for I know well that the prince has not a better friend than yourself. I
+might certainly have requested him to call on me, but that would have
+caused at least an hour's delay; and when the prince has learned the
+occasion of my coming, I am sure he will feel grateful to me for not
+delaying the interview I seek for a single instant.' And as she uttered
+these words, her countenance wore an expression that made me tremble all
+over."
+
+"But," returned Rodolph, in an agitated tone, and, spite of all his
+attempts at retaining his composure, being even paler than Murphy
+himself, "I cannot guess what caused your emotion; there must be
+something beyond those words of Madame d'Harville's to occasion it."
+
+"I pledge you my honour if there be I am wholly ignorant of it; but I
+confess those few words from Madame la Marquise seemed quite to bewilder
+me. But even you, my lord, are paler than you were."
+
+"Am I?" said Rodolph, supporting himself on the back of his chair, for
+he felt his knees tremble under him.
+
+"Nay, but, my lord, you are quite as much overcome as I was. What ails
+you?"
+
+"Though I die in making the effort," exclaimed the prince, "it shall be
+done. Beg of Madame d'Harville to do me the honour to walk in."
+
+By a singular and sympathetic feeling this extraordinary and wholly
+unexpected visit of Madame d'Harville had awakened in the breasts of
+Murphy and Rodolph the same vague and groundless hope, but so senseless
+did it seem that neither was willing to confess it to the other.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Madame d'Harville, conducted by Murphy, entered the apartment in which
+was the prince.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE FATHER AND DAUGHTER.
+
+
+Ignorant of Fleur-de-Marie's being the prince's daughter, Madame
+d'Harville, in the fullness of her delight at restoring to him his
+protegee, had not reckoned upon its being necessary to observe any
+particular precaution in presenting her young companion, whom she merely
+left in the carriage until she had ascertained whether Rodolph chose to
+make known his real name and rank to the object of his bounty, and to
+receive her at his own house; but perceiving the deep alteration in his
+features, and struck with the visible gloom which overspread them, as
+well as the marks of recent tears so evident in his sunken eye, Clemence
+became alarmed with the idea that some fresh misfortune, greater than
+the loss of La Goualeuse would be considered, had suddenly occurred.
+Wholly losing sight, therefore, of the original cause of her visit, she
+anxiously exclaimed:
+
+"For heaven's sake, my lord, what has happened?"
+
+"Do you not know, madame? Then all hope is at an end! Alas! your earnest
+manner, the interview so unexpectedly sought by you, all made me
+believe--"
+
+"Let me entreat of you not to think for a moment of the cause of my
+visit; but, in the name of that parent whose life you have preserved, I
+adjure you to explain to me the cause of the deep affliction in which I
+find you plunged. Your paleness, your dejection, terrify me. Oh, be
+generous, my lord, and relieve the cruel anxiety I suffer."
+
+"Wherefore should I burden your kind heart with the relation of woes
+that admit of no relief?"
+
+"Your words, your hesitation, but increase my apprehensions. Oh, my
+lord, I beseech you tell me all! Sir Walter, will you not take pity on
+my fears? For the love of heaven explain the meaning of all this! What
+has befallen the prince?"
+
+"Nay," interrupted Rodolph, in a voice that vainly struggled for
+firmness, "since you desire it, madame, learn that since I acquainted
+you with the death of Fleur-de-Marie I have learned she was my own
+daughter."
+
+"Your daughter!" exclaimed Clemence, in a tone impossible to describe.
+"Fleur-de-Marie your daughter!"
+
+"And when just now you desired to see me, to communicate tidings that
+would fill me with joy,--pardon and pity the weakness of a parent half
+distracted at the loss of his newly-found treasure!--I ventured to
+hope--But no,--no,--I see too plainly I was mistaken! Forgive me, my
+brain seems wandering, and I scarce know what I say or do."
+
+And then sinking under the failure of this last fond imagination of his
+heart, and unable longer to struggle with his black despair, Rodolph
+threw himself back in his chair and covered his face with his hands,
+while Madame d'Harville, astonished at what she had just heard, remained
+motionless and silent, scarcely able to breathe amid the conflicting
+emotions which took possession of her mind; at one instant glowing with
+delight at the thoughts of the joy she had it in her power to impart,
+then trembling for the consequences her explanation might produce on the
+overexcited mind of the prince.
+
+Both these reflections were, however, swallowed up in the enthusiastic
+gratitude which she felt in the consideration that to her had been
+deputed the happiness not only of announcing to the grief-stricken
+father that his child still lived, but that the unspeakable rapture of
+placing that daughter in her parent's arms was likewise vouchsafed to
+her.
+
+Carried away by a burst of pious thankfulness, and wholly forgetting the
+presence of Rodolph and Murphy, Madame d'Harville threw herself on her
+knees, and, clasping her hands, exclaimed, in a tone of fervent piety
+and ineffable gratitude:
+
+"Thanks, thanks, my God, for this exceeding goodness! Ever blessed be
+thy gracious name for having permitted me to be the happy bearer of such
+joyful tidings,--to wipe away a father's tears by telling him his child
+lives to reward his tenderness!"
+
+Although these words, pronounced with the sincerest fervour and holy
+ecstasy, were uttered almost in a whisper, yet they reached the
+listening ears of Rodolph and his faithful squire; and as Clemence rose
+from her knees, the prince gazed on her lovely countenance, irradiated
+as it was with celestial happiness and beaming with more than earthly
+beauty, with an expression almost amounting to adoration.
+
+Supporting herself with one hand, while with the other she sought to
+still the rapid beating of her heart, Madame d'Harville replied by a
+sweet smile and an affirmative inclination of the head to the eager,
+soul-searching look of Rodolph, a look wholly beyond our poor powers to
+describe.
+
+"And where is she?" exclaimed the prince, trembling like a leaf.
+
+"In my carriage."
+
+But for the intervention of Murphy, who threw himself before Rodolph
+with the quickness of lightning, the latter would have rushed to the
+vehicle.
+
+"Would you kill her, my lord?" exclaimed the squire, forcibly retaining
+the prince.
+
+"She was merely pronounced convalescent yesterday," added Clemence;
+"therefore, as you value her safety, do not venture to try the poor
+girl's strength too far."
+
+"You are right," said Rodolph, scarcely able to restrain himself
+sufficiently to follow this prudent advice, "you are quite right. Yes, I
+will be calm,--I will not see her at present; I will wait until her
+first emotions have subsided. Oh, 'tis too much to endure in so short a
+space of time!" Then addressing Madame d'Harville, he said, in an
+agitated tone, while he extended to her his hand, "I feel that I am
+pardoned, and that you are the angel of forgiveness who brings me the
+glad tidings of my remission."
+
+"Nay, my lord, we do but mutually requite our several obligations. You
+preserved to me my father, and Heaven permits me to restore your
+daughter at a time you bewailed her as lost. But I, too, must beg to be
+excused for the weakness which resists all my endeavours to control it;
+the sudden and unexpected news you have communicated to me has quite
+overcome me, and I confess I should not have sufficient command over
+myself to go in quest of Fleur-de-Marie,--my emotion would terrify her."
+
+"And by what means was she preserved?" exclaimed Rodolph; "and whose
+hand snatched her from death? I am most ungrateful not to have put these
+questions to you earlier."
+
+"She was rescued from drowning by a courageous female, who snatched her
+from a watery grave just as she was sinking."
+
+"Do you know who this female was?"
+
+"I do; and to-morrow she will be at my house."
+
+"The debt is immense!" rejoined the prince; "but I will endeavour to
+repay it."
+
+"Heaven must have inspired me with the idea of leaving Fleur-de-Marie in
+the carriage," said the marquise. "Had I brought her in with me the
+shock must have killed her."
+
+"Now, then," said the prince, who had been for some minutes occupied in
+endeavouring to subdue his extreme agitation, "I can promise you, my
+kind friends, that I have my feelings sufficiently under control to
+venture to meet my--my--daughter. Go, Murphy, and fetch her to my
+longing arms."
+
+Rodolph pronounced the word daughter with a tenderness of voice and
+manner impossible to describe.
+
+"Are you quite sure you are equal to the trying scene, my lord?"
+inquired Clemence; "for we must run no risks with one in
+Fleur-de-Marie's delicate state."
+
+"Oh, yes,--yes! Be under no alarm! I am too well aware of the dangerous
+consequences any undue emotion would occasion my child; be assured I
+will not expose her to anything of the sort. But go--go--my good Murphy;
+I beseech you hasten to bring her hither."
+
+"Don't be alarmed, madame," said the squire, who had attentively
+scrutinised the countenance of the prince; "she may come now without
+danger. I am quite sure that his royal highness will sufficiently
+command himself."
+
+"Then go--go--my faithful friend; you are keeping me in torments."
+
+"Just give me one minute, my lord," said the excellent creature, drying
+the moisture from his eyes; "I must not let the poor thing see I have
+been crying. There, there--that will do! I should not like to cross the
+antechamber looking like a weeping Magdalen." So saying, the squire
+proceeded towards the door, but suddenly turning back, he said, "But, my
+lord, what am I to say to her?"
+
+"Yes, what had he better say?" inquired the prince of Clemence.
+
+"That M. Rodolph wishes to see her,--nothing more."
+
+"Oh, to be sure! How stupid of me not to think of that! M. Rodolph
+wishes to see her,--capital, excellent!" repeated the squire, who
+evidently partook of Madame d'Harville's nervousness, and sought to
+defer the moment of his embassy by one little pretext and the other.
+"That will not give her the least suspicion, not the shadow of a notion
+what she is wanted for. Nothing better could have been suggested."
+
+But still Murphy stirred not.
+
+"Sir Walter," said Clemence, smiling, "you are afraid!"
+
+"Well, I won't deny it!" said the squire. "And, spite of my standing six
+feet high, I feel and know I am trembling like a child."
+
+"Then take care, my good fellow!" said Rodolph. "You had better wait a
+little longer if you do not feel quite sure of yourself."
+
+"No, no, my lord; I have got the upper hand of my fears this time!"
+replied Murphy, pressing his two herculean fists to his eyes. "I know
+very well that at my time of life it is ridiculous for me to show such
+weakness! I'm going, my lord, don't you be uneasy!" So saying, Murphy
+left the room with a firm step and composed countenance.
+
+A momentary silence followed his departure, and then, for the first
+time, Clemence remembered she was alone with the prince, and under his
+roof. Rodolph drew near to her, and said, with an almost timid voice and
+manner:
+
+"If I select this day--this hour--to divulge to you the dearest secret
+of my heart, it is that the solemnity of the present moment may give
+greater weight to that I would impart, and persuade you to believe me
+sincere, when I assure you I have loved you almost from the hour I first
+beheld you. While obstacles stood in the way of my love I studiously
+concealed it; but you are now free to hear me declare my affection, and
+to ask you to become a mother to the daughter you restore to me."
+
+"My lord," cried Madame d'Harville, "what words are these?"
+
+"Oh, refuse me not," said Rodolph, tenderly; "let this day decide the
+happiness of my future life."
+
+Clemence had also nourished a deep and sincere passion for the prince;
+and his open, manly avowal of a similar feeling towards herself, made
+under such peculiar circumstances, transported her with joy, and she
+could but falter out in a hesitating voice:
+
+"My lord, 'tis for me to remind you of the difference of our stations,
+and the interests of your sovereignty."
+
+"Permit me first to consider the interest of my own heart, and that of
+my beloved child. Oh, make us both happy by consenting to be mine! So
+that I who, but a short time since, owned no blessed tie, may now
+proudly indulge in the idea of having both a wife and daughter; and give
+to the sorrowing child who is just restored to my arms the delight of
+saying, 'My father--my mother--my sister!'--for your sweet girl would
+become mine also."
+
+"Ah, my lord," exclaimed Clemence, "my grateful tears alone can speak my
+sense of such noble conduct!" Then suddenly checking herself, she added,
+"I hear persons approaching, my lord; your daughter comes."
+
+"Refuse me not, I conjure you!" responded Rodolph, in an agitated and
+suppliant tone. "By the love I bear you, I beseech you to make me happy
+by saying, 'Our daughter comes!'"
+
+"Then be it _our_ daughter, if such is your sincere wish," murmured
+Clemence, as Murphy, throwing open the door, introduced Fleur-de-Marie
+into the salon.
+
+The astonished girl had, upon entering the immense hotel from the
+spacious portico under which she alighted from the marquise's carriage,
+first crossed an anteroom filled with servants dressed in rich liveries;
+then a waiting-room, in which were other domestics belonging to the
+establishment, also wearing the magnificent livery of the house of
+Gerolstein; and lastly, the apartment in which the chamberlain and
+aides-de-camp of the prince attended his orders.
+
+The surprise and wonder of the poor Goualeuse, whose ideas of splendour
+were based on the recollection of the farm at Bouqueval, as she
+traversed those princely chambers glittering with gold, silver,
+paintings, and mirrors, may easily be imagined.
+
+Directly she appeared, Madame d'Harville ran towards her, kindly took
+her hand, and throwing her arm around her waist, as though to support
+her, led her towards Rodolph, who remained supporting himself by leaning
+one arm on the chimneypiece, wholly incapable of advancing a single
+step.
+
+Having consigned Fleur-de-Marie to the care of Madame d'Harville, Murphy
+hastily retreated behind one of the large window curtains, not feeling
+too sure of his own self-command.
+
+At the sight of him who was, in the eyes of Fleur-de-Marie, not only her
+benefactor but the worshipped idol of her heart, the poor girl, whose
+delicate frame had been so severely tried by illness, became seized with
+a universal trembling.
+
+"Compose yourself, my child!" said Madame d'Harville. "See, there is
+your kind M. Rodolph, who has been extremely uneasy on your account, and
+is most anxious to see you."
+
+"Oh, yes--uneasy, indeed!" stammered forth Rodolph, whose breast was
+wrung with anguish at the sight of his child's pale, suffering looks,
+and, spite of his previous resolution, the prince found himself
+compelled to turn away his head to conceal his deep emotion.
+
+"My poor child!" said Madame d'Harville, striving to divert the
+attention of Fleur-de-Marie, "you are still very weak!" and, leading her
+to a large gilded armchair, she made her sit down, while the astonished
+Goualeuse seemed almost to shrink from touching the elegant cushions
+with which it was lined. But she did not recover herself; on the
+contrary, she seemed oppressed. She strove to speak, but her voice
+failed her, and her heart reproached her with not having said one word
+to her venerated benefactor of the deep gratitude which filled her whole
+soul.
+
+At length, at a sign from Madame d'Harville, who, leaning over
+Fleur-de-Marie, held one of the poor girl's thin, wasted hands in hers,
+the prince gently approached the side of the chair, and now, more
+collected, he said to Fleur-de-Marie, as she turned her sweet face to
+welcome him:
+
+"At last, my child, your friends have recovered you, and be sure it is
+not their intention ever to part with you again. One thing you must
+endeavour to do, and that is to banish for ever from your mind all your
+past sufferings."
+
+"Yes, my dear girl," said Clemence, "you can in no way so effectually
+prove your affection for your friends as by forgetting the past."
+
+"Ah, M. Rodolph, and you, too, madame, pray believe that if, spite of
+myself, my thoughts do revert to the past, it will be but to remind me
+that but for you that wretched past would still be my lot."
+
+"But we shall take pains to prevent such mournful reminiscences ever
+crossing your mind. Our tenderness will not allow you time to look back,
+my dear Marie," said Rodolph; "you know I gave you that name at the
+farm."
+
+"Oh, yes, M. Rodolph, I well remember you did. And Madame Georges, who
+was so good as even to permit me to call her mother, is she quite well?"
+
+"Perfectly so, my child; but I have some most important news for you.
+Since I last saw you some great discoveries have been made respecting
+your birth. We have found out who were your parents, and your father is
+known to us."
+
+The voice of Rodolph trembled so much while pronouncing these words
+that Fleur-de-Marie, herself deeply affected, turned quickly towards
+him, but, fortunately, he managed to conceal his countenance from her.
+
+A somewhat ridiculous occurrence also served at this instant to call off
+the attention of the Goualeuse from too closely observing the prince's
+emotion,--the worthy squire, who still remained behind the curtain,
+feigning to be very busily occupied in gazing upon the garden belonging
+to the hotel, suddenly blew his nose with a twanging sound that reechoed
+through the salon; for, in truth, the worthy man was crying like a
+child.
+
+"Yes, my dear Marie," said Clemence, hastily, "your father is known to
+us--he is still living."
+
+"My father!" cried La Goualeuse, in a tone of tender delight, that
+subjected the firmness of Rodolph to another difficult test.
+
+"And some day," continued Clemence,--"perhaps very shortly, you will see
+him. But what will, no doubt, greatly astonish you, is that he is of
+high rank and noble birth."
+
+"And my mother, shall I not see her, too, madame?"
+
+"That is a question your father will answer, my dear child. But tell me,
+shall you not be delighted to see him?"
+
+"Oh, yes, madame," answered Fleur-de-Marie, casting down her eyes.
+
+"How much you will love him when you know him!" said Clemence.
+
+"A new existence will commence for you from that very day, will it not,
+Marie?" asked the prince.
+
+"Oh, no, M. Rodolph," replied Fleur-de-Marie, artlessly; "my new
+existence began when you took pity on me, and sent me to the farm."
+
+"But your father loves you fondly--dearly!" said the prince.
+
+"I know nothing of my father, M. Rodolph; but to you I owe everything in
+this world and the next."
+
+"Then you love me better, perhaps, than you would your father?"
+
+"Oh, M. Rodolph, I revere and bless you with all my heart! For you have
+been a saviour and preserver to me both of body and soul," replied La
+Goualeuse, with a degree of fervour and enthusiasm that overcame her
+natural diffidence.
+
+"When this kind lady was so good as to visit me in prison, I said to
+her, as I did to every one else, 'Oh, if you have any trouble, only let
+M. Rodolph know it, and he will be sure to relieve you.' And when I saw
+any person hesitating between good and evil, I used to advise them to
+try and be virtuous, telling them M. Rodolph always found a way to
+punish the wicked. And to such as were far gone in sin, I said, 'Take
+care, M. Rodolph will recompense you as you deserve.' And even when I
+thought myself dying, I felt comfort in persuading myself that God would
+pity and pardon me, since M. Rodolph had deigned to do so."
+
+Carried away by her intense feelings of gratitude and reverence for her
+benefactor, Fleur-de-Marie broke through her habitual timidity; while
+thus expressing herself a bright flush coloured her pale cheeks, while
+her soft blue eyes, raised towards heaven as though in earnest prayer,
+shone with unusual brilliancy.
+
+A silence of some seconds succeeded to this burst of enthusiasm, while
+the spectators of the scene were too deeply affected to attempt a reply.
+
+"It seems, then, my dear child," said Rodolph, at length, "that I have
+almost usurped your parent's place in your affections?"
+
+"Indeed, M. Rodolph, I cannot help it! Perhaps it is very wrong in me to
+prefer you as I do, but I know you, and my father is a stranger to me."
+Then letting her head fall on her bosom, she added, in a low, confused
+manner, "And besides, M. Rodolph, though you are acquainted with the
+past, you have loaded me with kindness; while my father is ignorant
+of--of--my shame,--and may, probably, regret, when he does know, having
+found an unfortunate creature like myself. And then, too," continued the
+poor girl, with a shudder, "madame tells me he is of high birth; how,
+then, can he look upon me without shame and aversion?"
+
+"Shame!" exclaimed Rodolph, drawing himself up with proud dignity; "no,
+no, my poor child, your grateful, happy father will raise you to a
+position so great, so brilliant, that the richest and highest in the
+land shall behold you with respect. Despise and blush for you!--never!
+You shall take your place among the first princesses of Europe, and
+prove yourself worthy of the blood of queens which flows in your veins."
+
+"My lord! My lord!" cried Clemence and Murphy at the same time, equally
+alarmed at the excited manner of Rodolph, and the increasing paleness of
+Fleur-de-Marie, who gazed on her father in silent amazement.
+
+"Ashamed of you!" continued he. "Oh, if ever I rejoiced in my princely
+rank it is now that it affords me the means of raising you from the
+depths to which the wickedness of others consigned you. Yes, my child!
+My long-lost, idolised child! In me behold your father!" And utterly
+unable longer to repress his feelings, the prince threw himself at the
+feet of Fleur-de-Marie, and covered her hand with tears and caresses.
+
+"Thanks, my God," exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie, passionately clasping her
+hands, "for permitting me to indulge that love for my benefactor with
+which my heart was filled. My father! Oh, blessed title, that enables me
+to love him even as I--" And unable to bear up against the suddenness of
+the disclosure, Fleur-de-Marie fell fainting in the prince's arms.
+
+Murphy rushed to the waiting-room, and shouted vehemently:
+
+"Send for Doctor David directly! Directly, do you hear? For his royal
+highness,--no--no, for some one who is suddenly taken ill here."
+
+"Wretch that I am!" exclaimed Rodolph, sobbing almost hysterically at
+his daughter's feet, "I have killed her! Marie, my child, look up! It is
+your father calls you! Forgive--oh, forgive my precipitancy--my want of
+caution in disclosing to you this happy news! She is dead! God of
+heaven! Have I then but found her to see her torn from me for ever?"
+
+"Calm yourself, my lord," said Clemence, "there is no danger, depend
+upon it. The colour returns to her cheeks; the surprise overcame her."
+
+"But so recently risen from a bed of sickness that surprise may kill
+her! Unhappy man that I am, doomed for ever to misery and suffering!"
+
+At this moment the negro doctor, David, entered the room in great haste,
+holding in one hand a small case filled with phials, and in the other a
+paper he handed to Murphy.
+
+"David!" exclaimed Rodolph, "my child is dying! I once saved your life,
+repay me now by saving that of my daughter."
+
+Although amazed at hearing the prince speak thus, David hurried to
+Fleur-de-Marie, whom Madame d'Harville was supporting in her arms,
+examined her pulse and the veins of her temples, then turning towards
+Rodolph, who in speechless agony was awaiting his decree, he said:
+
+"Your royal highness has no cause for alarm; there is no danger."
+
+"Can it be true? Are you quite sure she will recover?"
+
+"Perfectly so, my lord; a few drops of ether administered in a glass of
+water is all that is requisite to restore consciousness."
+
+"Thanks, thanks, my good, my excellent David!" cried the prince, in an
+ecstasy of joy. Then addressing Clemence, Rodolph added, "Our daughter
+will be spared to us."
+
+Murphy had just glanced over the paper given him by David; suddenly he
+started, and gazed with looks of terror at the prince.
+
+"Yes, my old and faithful friend," cried Rodolph, misinterpreting the
+expression of Murphy's features, "ere long my daughter will enjoy the
+happiness of calling the Marquise d'Harville mother."
+
+"Yesterday's news," said Murphy, trembling violently, "was false."
+
+"What say you?"
+
+"The report of the death of the Countess Macgregor, my lord, is
+unfounded; her ladyship had undergone a severe crisis of her illness,
+and had fallen into a state of insensibility, which was mistaken by
+those around her for death itself, and from hence originated the account
+of her having expired; but to-day hopes are entertained of her ultimate
+recovery."
+
+"Merciful heavens! Can this be possible?" exclaimed the prince, filled
+with sudden alarm; while Clemence, who understood nothing of all this,
+looked on with undisguised astonishment.
+
+"My lord," said David, still occupied with Fleur-de-Marie, "there is no
+need of the slightest apprehension respecting this young lady, but it is
+absolutely necessary she should be in the open air; this chair might be
+easily rolled out on the terrace, by opening the door leading to the
+garden; she would then immediately recover consciousness."
+
+Murphy instantly ran to open the glass door, which led to a broad
+terrace, then, aided by David, he gently rolled the armchair on to it.
+
+"Alas!" cried Rodolph, as soon as Murphy and David were at a distance,
+"you have yet to learn that the Countess Sarah is the mother of
+Fleur-de-Marie; and I believed her dead."
+
+A few moments of profound silence followed; Madame d'Harville became
+deadly pale, while an icy coldness seemed to chill her heart.
+
+"Let me briefly explain," continued Rodolph, in extreme agitation,
+mingled with bitter sarcasm, "that this ambitious and selfish woman,
+caring for nothing but my rank and title, contrived, during my extreme
+youth, to draw me into a secret marriage, which was afterwards annulled.
+Being desirous of contracting a second marriage, the countess occasioned
+all the misfortunes of her unhappy child, by abandoning her to the care
+of mercenary and unprincipled people."
+
+"Now I can account for the repugnance you manifested towards her."
+
+"And you may likewise understand why she so bitterly pursued you, and
+had twice so nearly effected your destruction by her infamous slanders.
+Still a prey to her insatiate ambition, she hoped, by separating me from
+any other attachment, to draw me a second time within her snares. And
+this heartless woman still exists."
+
+"Nay, nay, my lord, that tone of bitter regret is not worthy of you, any
+more than the feeling which dictated it."
+
+"You do not know the wretchedness she has already caused me; and even
+now that I had dared to dream of happiness, and looked forward to
+obtaining in you the comfort and solace of my life, as well as a mother
+for my newly recovered child, this woman again crosses my path, and,
+like the spirit of evil, dashes the cup from my lips ere it is tasted."
+
+"Come, come, my lord," said poor Clemence, striving to look cheerful,
+though her tears flowed fast, spite of all her efforts to restrain them,
+"take courage, you have a great and holy duty to perform. But just now,
+when impelled by a natural burst of paternal affection, you said that
+the future destiny of your daughter should be happy and prosperous as
+her past life had been the reverse, that you would elevate her in the
+eyes of the world even more than she had been sunken and depressed. To
+do this you must legitimise her birth, and the only means by which that
+can be achieved is by espousing the Countess Macgregor."
+
+"Never, never! That would be to reward the perjury, selfishness, and
+unbridled ambition of the unnatural mother of my poor child. But Marie
+shall not suffer by my resolution. I will publicly acknowledge her, you
+will kindly take her under your protection, and, I venture to hope,
+afford her a truly maternal shelter."
+
+"No, my lord, you will not act thus! You will not permit the cloud of
+doubt or mystery to hang over the birth of your daughter. The Countess
+Sarah is descended from an ancient and noble family; such an alliance
+is, certainly, disproportionate for you, but still is an honourable one;
+it will effectually legitimise your daughter, and whatever may be her
+future destiny, she will have cause to boast of her father, and openly
+declare who was her mother."
+
+"But think not I can or will resign you! It were easier to lay down my
+life than surrender the blessed hope of dividing my time and affection
+between two beings I so dearly love as yourself and my daughter."
+
+"Your child will still remain to you, my lord. Providence has
+miraculously restored her to you; it would be sore ingratitude on your
+part to deem your happiness incomplete."
+
+"You could not argue thus if you loved as I love."
+
+"I will not undeceive you, great as is your error; on the contrary, I
+would have you persist in that belief, it will make the task I recommend
+less painful to you."
+
+"But if you really loved me,--if you suffered as bitterly and severely
+as I do at the thoughts of my marrying another, you would be wretched as
+I am. What will console you for our separation?"
+
+"My lord, I shall try to find solace in the discharge of my charitable
+duties,--duties I first learned to love and practise from your counsels
+and suggestions, and which have already afforded me so much consolation
+and sweet occupation."
+
+"Hear me, I beseech you,--since you tell me it is right, I will marry
+this woman; but the sacrifice once accomplished, think not I will remain
+a single hour with her, or suffer her to behold my child; thus
+Fleur-de-Marie will lose in you the best and tenderest of mothers."
+
+"But she will still retain the best and tenderest of fathers. By your
+marriage with the Countess Sarah she will be the legitimate daughter of
+one of Europe's sovereign princes, and, as you but just now observed, my
+lord, her position will be as great and splendid as it has been
+miserable and obscure."
+
+"You are then pitilessly determined to shut out all hope from me?
+Unhappy being that I am!"
+
+"Dare you style yourself unhappy,--you so good, so just, so elevated in
+rank, as well as in mind and feeling? Who so well and nobly understand
+the duty of self-denial and self-sacrifice? When but a short time since
+you bewailed your child's death with such heartfelt agony, had any one
+said to you, 'Utter the dearest wish of your soul and it shall be
+accomplished,' you would have cried, 'My child--my daughter! Restore her
+to me in life and health!' This unexpected blessing is granted you, your
+daughter is given to your longing arms, and yet you style yourself
+miserable! Ah, my lord, let not Fleur-de-Marie hear you, I beseech you!"
+
+"You are right," said Rodolph, after a long silence, "such happiness as
+I aspired to would have been too much for this world, and far beyond my
+right even to dream of. Be satisfied your words have prevailed,--I will
+act according to my duty to my daughter, and forget the bleeding wound
+it inflicts on my own heart. But I am not sorry I hesitated in my
+resolution, since I owe to it a fresh proof of the perfection of your
+character."
+
+"And is it not to you I owe the power of struggling with personal
+feelings and devoting myself to the good of others? Was it not you who
+raised and comforted my poor depressed mind, and encouraged me to look
+for comfort where only it could be found? To you, then, be all the merit
+of the little virtue I may now be practising, as well as all the good I
+may hereafter achieve. But take courage, my lord, bear up, as becomes
+one of your firm, right-minded nature. Directly Fleur-de-Marie is equal
+to the journey, remove her to Germany; once there, she will benefit so
+greatly by the grave tranquillity of the country that her mind and
+feelings will be soothed and calmed down to a placidity and gentle
+enjoyment of the present, while the past will seem but as a troubled
+dream."
+
+"But you--you?"
+
+"Ah, I may now confess with joy and pride that my love for you will be,
+as it were, a shield of defence from all snares and temptations,--a
+guardian angel that will preserve me from all that could assail me in
+body or mind. Then I shall write to you daily. Pardon me this weakness,
+'tis the only one I shall allow myself; you, my lord, will also write to
+me occasionally, if but to give me intelligence of her whom once, at
+least, I called my daughter," said Clemence, melting into tears at the
+thoughts of all she was giving up, "and who will ever be fondly
+cherished in my heart as such; and when advancing years shall permit me
+fearlessly and openly to avow the regard which binds us to each other,
+then, my lord, I vow by your daughter that, if you desire it, I will
+establish myself in Germany, in the same city you yourself inhabit,
+never again to quit you, but so to end a life which might have been
+passed more agreeably, as far as our earthly feelings were concerned,
+but which shall, at least, have been spent in the practice of every
+noble and virtuous feeling."
+
+"My lord," exclaimed Murphy, entering with eagerness, "she whom Heaven
+has restored to you has regained her senses. Her first word upon
+recovering consciousness was to call for you. 'My father!--my beloved
+father!' she cried, 'oh, do not take me from him!' Come to her, my lord,
+she is all impatience again to behold you!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A few minutes after this Madame d'Harville quitted the prince's hotel,
+while the latter repaired in all haste to the house of the Countess
+Macgregor, accompanied by Murphy, Baron de Grauen, and an aide-de-camp.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE MARRIAGE.
+
+
+From the moment in which she had learnt from Rodolph the violent death
+of Fleur-de-Marie, Sarah had felt crushed and borne down by a disclosure
+so fatal to all her ambitious hopes. Tortured equally by a too late
+repentance, she had fallen into a fearful nervous attack, attended even
+by delirium; her partially healed wound opened afresh, and a long
+continuation of fainting fits gave rise to the supposition of her death.
+Yet still the natural strength of her constitution sustained her even
+amid this severe shock, and life seemed to struggle vigorously against
+death.
+
+Seated in an easy chair, the better to relieve herself from the sense of
+suffocation which oppressed her, Sarah had remained for some time
+plunged in bitter reflections, almost amounting to regrets, that she had
+been permitted to escape from almost certain death.
+
+Suddenly the door of the invalid's chamber opened, and Thomas Seyton
+entered, evidently struggling to restrain some powerful emotion. Hastily
+waving his hand for the countess's attendants to retire, he approached
+his sister, who seemed scarcely to perceive her brother's presence.
+
+"How are you now?" inquired he.
+
+"Much the same; I feel very weak, and have at times a most painful
+sensation of being suffocated. Why was I not permitted to quit this
+world during my late attack?"
+
+"Sarah," replied Thomas Seyton, after a momentary silence, "you are
+hovering between life and death,--any violent emotion might destroy you
+or recall your feeble powers and restore you to health."
+
+"There can be no further trial for me, brother!"
+
+"You know not that--"
+
+"I could now even hear that Rodolph were dead without a shock. The pale
+spectre of my murdered child--murdered through my instrumentality, is
+ever before me. It creates not mere emotion, but a bitter and ceaseless
+remorse. Oh, brother, I have known the feelings of a mother only since I
+have become childless."
+
+"I own I liked better to find in you that cold, calculating ambition,
+that made you regard your daughter but as a means of realising the dream
+of your whole existence."
+
+"That ambition fell to the ground, crushed for ever beneath the
+overwhelming force of the prince's reproaches. And the picture drawn by
+him of the horrors to which my child had been exposed awakened in my
+breast all a mother's tenderness."
+
+"And how," said Seyton, hesitatingly and laying deep emphasis on each
+word he uttered, "if by a miracle, a chance, an almost impossibility,
+your daughter were still living, tell me how you would support such a
+discovery."
+
+"I should expire of shame and despair!"
+
+"No such thing! You would be but too delighted at the triumph such a
+circumstance would afford to your ambition; for had your daughter
+survived, the prince would, beyond a doubt, have married you."
+
+"And admitting the miracle you speak of could happen, I should have no
+right to live; but so soon as the prince had bestowed on me the title of
+his consort, my duty would have been to deliver him from an unworthy
+spouse, and my daughter from an unnatural mother."
+
+The perplexity of Thomas Seyton momentarily increased. Commissioned by
+Rodolph, who was waiting in an adjoining room, to acquaint Sarah that
+Fleur-de-Marie still lived, he knew not how to proceed. So feeble was
+the state of the countess's health, that an instant might extinguish the
+faint spark that still animated her frame; and he saw that any delay in
+performing the nuptial rite between herself and the prince might be
+fatal to every hope. Determined to legitimise the birth of
+Fleur-de-Marie by giving every necessary formality to the ceremony, the
+prince had brought with him a clergyman to perform the sacred service,
+and two witnesses in the persons of Murphy and Baron de Grauen. The Duc
+de Lucenay and Lord Douglas, hastily summoned by Seyton, had arrived to
+act as attesting witnesses on the part of the countess.
+
+Each moment became important, but the remorse of Sarah, mingled as it
+was with a maternal tenderness that had entirely replaced the fiery
+ambition that once held sway in her breast, rendered the task of Seyton
+still more difficult. He could but hope that his sister deceived either
+herself or him, and that her pride and vanity would rekindle in all
+their former brightness at the prospect of the crown so long and
+ardently coveted.
+
+"Sister," resumed Seyton, in a grave and solemn voice, "I am placed in a
+situation of cruel perplexity. I could utter one word of such deep
+importance that it might save your life or stretch you a corpse at my
+feet."
+
+"I have already told you nothing in this world can move me more."
+
+"Yes, one--one event, my sister."
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"Your daughter's welfare."
+
+"I have no longer a child,--she is dead!"
+
+"But if she were not?"
+
+"Cease, brother, such useless suppositions,--we exhausted that subject
+some minutes since. Leave me to unavailing regrets!"
+
+"Nay, but I cannot so easily persuade myself that if, by some almost
+incredible chance, some unhoped-for aid, your daughter had been snatched
+from death, and still lived--"
+
+"I beseech you talk not thus to me,--you know not what I suffer."
+
+"Then listen to me, sister, while I declare that, as the Almighty shall
+judge you and pardon me, your daughter lives!"
+
+"Lives! said you? My child lives?"
+
+"I did, and truly so; the prince, with a clergyman and the necessary
+witnesses, awaits in the adjoining chamber; I have summoned two of our
+friends to act as our witnesses. The desire of your life is at length
+accomplished, the prediction fulfilled, and you are wedded to royalty!"
+
+As Thomas Seyton slowly uttered the concluding part of his speech, he
+observed, with indescribable uneasiness, the want of all expression in
+his sister's countenance, the marble features remained calm and
+imperturbable, and her only sign of attending to her brother's words was
+a sudden pressure of both hands to her heart, as if to still its
+throbbing, or as though under the influence of some acute pain, while a
+stifled cry escaped her trembling lips as she fell back in her chair.
+But the feeling, whatever it was, soon passed away, and Sarah became
+fixed, rigid, and tranquil, as before.
+
+"Sister!" cried Seyton, "what ails you? Shall I call for assistance?"
+
+"'Tis nothing! Merely the result of surprise and joy at the unhoped-for
+tidings you have communicated to me. At last, then, the dearest wish of
+my heart is accomplished!"
+
+"I was not mistaken," thought Seyton, "ambition still reigns paramount
+in her heart, and will carry her in safety through this trial. Well,
+sister," said he, aloud, "what did I tell you?"
+
+"You were right," replied she, with a bitter smile, as she penetrated
+the workings of her brother's thoughts, "ambition has again stifled the
+voice of maternal tenderness within me!"
+
+"You will live long and happily to cherish and delight in your
+daughter."
+
+"Doubtless I shall, brother. See how calm I am!"
+
+"Ah, but is your tranquillity real or assumed?"
+
+"Feeble and exhausted, can you imagine it possible for me to feign?"
+
+"You can now understand the difficulty I felt in breaking this news to
+you?"
+
+"Nay, I marvel at it, knowing as you did the extent of my ambition.
+Where is the prince?"
+
+"He is here."
+
+"I would fain see and speak with him before the ceremony." Then, with
+affected indifference, she added, "And my daughter is also here, as a
+matter of course?"
+
+"She is not here at present; you will see her by and by."
+
+"True, there is no hurry; but send for the prince, I entreat of you."
+
+"Sister, I know not why, but your manner alarms me, and there is a
+strangeness in your very looks as well as words!"
+
+And Seyton spoke truly. The very absence of all emotion in Sarah
+inspired him with a vague and indefinable uneasiness; he even fancied he
+saw her eyes filled with tears she hastily repressed. But unable to
+account for his own suspicions, he at once quitted the chamber.
+
+"Now, then," said Sarah, "if I may but see and embrace my daughter, I
+shall be satisfied. I fear there will be considerable difficulty in
+obtaining that happiness; Rodolph will refuse me, as a punishment for
+the past. But I must and will accomplish my longing desire! Oh, yes! I
+cannot--will not be denied! But the prince comes!"
+
+Rodolph entered, and carefully closed the door after him. Addressing
+Sarah in a cold, constrained manner, he said:
+
+"I presume your brother has told you all?"
+
+"He has!"
+
+"And your ambition is satisfied."
+
+"Quite--quite satisfied?"
+
+"Every needful preparation for our marriage has been made; the minister
+and attesting witnesses are in the next room."
+
+"I know it."
+
+"They may enter, may they not, madame?"
+
+"One word, my lord. I wish to see my daughter."
+
+"That is impossible!"
+
+"I repeat, my lord, that I earnestly desire to see my child."
+
+"She is but just recovering from a severe illness, and she has undergone
+one violent shock to-day; the interview you ask might be fatal to her."
+
+"Nay, my lord, she may be permitted to embrace her mother without danger
+to herself."
+
+"Why should she run the risk? You are now a sovereign princess!"
+
+"Not yet, my lord; nor do I intend to be until I have embraced my
+daughter!"
+
+Rodolph gazed on the countess with unfeigned astonishment.
+
+"Is it possible," cried he, "that you can bring yourself to defer the
+gratification of your pride and ambition?"
+
+"Till I have indulged the greater gratification of a mother's feelings.
+Does that surprise you, my lord?"
+
+"It does indeed!"
+
+"And shall I see my daughter?"
+
+"I repeat--"
+
+"Have a care, my lord,--the moments are precious,--mine are possibly
+numbered! As my brother said, the present trial may kill or cure me. I
+am now struggling, with all my power, with all the energy I possess,
+against the exhaustion occasioned by the discovery just made to me. I
+demand to see my daughter, or otherwise I refuse the hand you offer me,
+and, if I die before the performance of the marriage ceremony, her birth
+can never be legitimised!"
+
+"But Fleur-de-Marie is not here; I must send for her."
+
+"Then do so instantly, and I consent to everything you may propose; and
+as, I repeat, my minutes are probably numbered, the marriage can take
+place while they are conducting my child hither."
+
+"Although 'tis a matter of surprise to hear such sentiments from you,
+yet they are too praiseworthy to be treated with indifference. You shall
+see Fleur-de-Marie; I will write to her to come directly."
+
+"Write there--on that desk--where I received my death-blow!"
+
+While Rodolph hastily penned a few lines, the countess wiped from her
+brows the cold damps that had gathered there, while her hitherto calm
+and unmovable features were contracted by a sudden spasmodic agony,
+which had increased in violence from having been so long concealed. The
+letter finished, Rodolph arose and said to the countess:
+
+"I will despatch this letter by one of my aides-de-camp; she will be
+here in half an hour from the time my messenger departs. Shall I, upon
+my return to you, bring the clergyman and persons chosen to witness our
+marriage, that we may at once proceed?"
+
+"You may,--but no, let me beg of you to ring the bell; do not leave me
+by myself; let Sir Walter despatch the letter, and then return with the
+clergyman."
+
+Rodolph rang; one of Sarah's attendants answered the summons.
+
+"Request my brother to send Sir Walter Murphy here," said the countess,
+in a faint voice. The woman went to perform her mistress's bidding.
+"This marriage is a melancholy affair, Rodolph," said the countess,
+bitterly, "I mean as far as I am concerned; to you it will be productive
+of happiness." The prince started at the idea. "Nay, be not astonished
+at my prophesying happiness to you from such a union; but I shall not
+live to mar your joys."
+
+At this moment Murphy entered.
+
+"My good friend," said the prince, "send this letter off to my daughter.
+Colonel ---- will be the bearer of it, and he can bring her back in my
+carriage; then desire the minister and all concerned in witnessing the
+marriage ceremony to assemble in the adjoining room."
+
+"God of mercy!" cried Sarah, fervently clasping her hands as the squire
+disappeared, "grant me strength to fold my child to my heart! Let me not
+die ere she arrives!"
+
+"Alas! why were you not always the tender mother you now are?"
+
+"Thanks to you, at least, for awakening in me a sincere repentance for
+the past, and a hearty desire to devote myself to the good of those
+whose happiness I have so fearfully disturbed! Yes, when my brother told
+me, a short time since, of our child's preservation,--let me say our
+child, it will not be for long I shall require your indulgence,--I felt
+all the agony of knowing myself irrecoverably ill, yet overjoyed to
+think that the birth of our child would be legitimised; that done, I
+shall die happy!"
+
+"Do not talk thus."
+
+"You will see I shall not deceive you again; my death is certain."
+
+"And you will die without one particle of that insatiate ambition which
+has been your return! By what fatality has your repentance been delayed
+till now?"
+
+"Though tardy, it is sincere; and I call Heaven to witness that, at
+this awful moment, I bless God for removing me from this world, and that
+I am spared the additional misery of living, as I am aware I should have
+been a weight and burden to you, as well as a bar to your happiness
+elsewhere. But can you pardon me? For mercy's sake, say you do! Do not
+delay to speak forgiveness and peace to my troubled spirit until the
+arrival of my child, for in her presence you would not choose to
+pronounce the pardon of her guilty mother. It would be to tell her a
+tale I would fain she never knew. You will not refuse me the hope that,
+when I am gone, my memory may be dear to her?"
+
+"Tranquillise yourself, she shall know nothing of the past."
+
+"Rodolph, do you too say I am forgiven! Oh, forgive me--forgive me! Can
+you not pity a creature brought low as I am? Alas, my sufferings might
+well move your heart to pity and to pardon!"
+
+"I do forgive you from my innermost soul!" said the prince, deeply
+affected.
+
+The scene was most heartrending. Rodolph opened the folding-doors, and
+beckoned in the clergyman with the company assembled there, that is to
+say, Murphy and Baron de Grauen as witnesses on the part of Rodolph, and
+the Duc de Lucenay and Lord Douglas on the part of the countess; Thomas
+Seyton followed close behind. All were impressed with the awful
+solemnity of the melancholy transaction, and even M. de Lucenay seemed
+to have lost his usual petulance and folly.
+
+The contract of marriage between the most high and powerful Prince
+Gustave Rodolph, fifth reigning Duke of Gerolstein, and Sarah Seyton of
+Halsburg, Countess Macgregor, which legitimised the birth of
+Fleur-de-Marie, had been previously drawn up by Baron de Grauen, and,
+being read by him, was signed by the parties mentioned therein, as well
+as duly attested by the signature of their witnesses.
+
+Spite of the countess's repentance, when the clergyman, in a deep solemn
+voice, inquired of Rodolph whether his royal highness was willing to
+take Sarah Seyton of Halsburg, Countess Macgregor, for his wife, and the
+prince had replied in a firm, distinct voice, "I will," the dying eyes
+of Sarah shone with unearthly brilliancy, an expression of haughty
+triumph passed over her livid features,--the last flash of expiring
+ambition.
+
+Not a word was spoken by any of the spectators of this mournful
+ceremony, at the conclusion of which the four witnesses, bowing with
+deep but silent respect to the prince, quitted the room.
+
+"Brother," said Sarah, in a low voice, "request the clergyman to
+accompany you to the adjoining room, and to have the goodness to wait
+there a moment."
+
+"How are you now, my dear sister?" asked Seyton. "You look very pale."
+
+"Nay," replied she, with a haggard smile, "fear not for me; am I not
+Grand Duchess of Gerolstein?" Left alone with Rodolph, Sarah murmured in
+a feeble and expiring voice, while her features underwent a frightful
+change, "I am dying; my powers are exhausted! I shall not live to kiss
+and bless my child!"
+
+"Yes, yes, you will. Calm yourself; she will soon be here."
+
+"It will not be! In vain I struggle against the approach of Death. I
+feel too surely his icy hand upon me; my sight grows dim; I can scarcely
+discern even you."
+
+"Sarah!" cried the prince, chafing her damp, cold hands with his. "Take
+courage, she will soon be here; she cannot delay much longer!"
+
+"The Almighty has not deemed me worthy of so great a consolation as the
+presence of my child!"
+
+"Hark, Sarah! Methinks I hear the sound of wheels. Yes, 'tis she,--your
+daughter comes!"
+
+"Promise me, Rodolph, she shall never know the unnatural conduct of her
+wretched but repentant mother," murmured the countess, in almost
+inarticulate accents.
+
+The sound of a carriage rolling over the paved court was distinctly
+heard, but the countess had already ceased to recognise what was passing
+around her, her words became more indistinct and incoherent. Rodolph
+bent over her with anxious looks; he saw the rising films of death veil
+those beautiful eyes, and the exquisite features grow sharp and rigid
+beneath the touch of the king of terrors.
+
+"Forgive me,--my child! Let me--see--my--child! Pardon--at least!
+And--after--death--the honours--due--to my--rank--" she faintly said,
+and these were the last articulate words she uttered,--the one, fixed,
+dominant passion of her life mingled, even in her last moments, with the
+sincere repentance she expressed and, doubtless, felt. Just at that
+awful moment Murphy entered.
+
+"My lord," cried he, "the Princess Marie is arrived!"
+
+"Let her not enter this sad apartment. Desire Seyton to bring the
+clergyman hither." Then pointing to Sarah, who was slowly sinking into
+her last moments, Rodolph added, "Heaven has refused her the
+gratification of seeing her child!"
+
+Shortly after that the Countess Sarah Macgregor breathed her last.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+BICETRE.
+
+
+A fortnight had elapsed since Sarah's death, and it was mid-Lent Sunday.
+This date established, we will conduct the reader to Bicetre, an immense
+building, which, though originally designed for the reception of insane
+persons, is equally adapted as an asylum for seven or eight hundred poor
+old men, who are admitted into this species of civil invalid hospital
+when they have reached the age of seventy years, or are afflicted with
+severe infirmities.
+
+The entrance to Bicetre is by a large court, planted with high trees,
+and covered in the centre by a mossy turf, intersected with flower beds
+duly cultivated. Nothing can be imagined more healthful, calm, or
+cheerful than the promenade thus devoted to the indigent old beings we
+have before alluded to. Around this square are the spacious and airy
+dormitories, containing clean, comfortable beds; these chambers form the
+first floor of the building, and immediately beneath them are the neatly
+kept and admirably arranged refectories, where the assembled community
+of Bicetre partake of their common meal, excellent and abundant in its
+kind, and served with a care and attention that reflects the highest
+praise on the directors of this fine institution.
+
+In conclusion of this short notice of Bicetre, we will just add that at
+the period at which we write the building also served as the abode of
+condemned criminals, who there awaited the period of their execution.
+
+It was in one of the cells belonging to the prison that the Widow
+Martial and Calabash were left to count the hours till the following
+day, on which they were to suffer the extreme penalty of the law.
+
+Nicholas, the Skeleton, and several of the same description of ruffians
+had contrived to escape from La Force the very night previous to the day
+on which they were to have been transferred to Bicetre.
+
+Eleven o'clock had just struck as two _fiacres_ drew up before the outer
+gate; from the first of which descended Madame Georges, Germain, and
+Rigolette, and from the second Louise Morel and her mother. Germain and
+Rigolette had now been married for some fifteen days.
+
+We must leave the reader to imagine the glow of happiness that
+irradiated the fair face of the grisette, whose rosy lips parted but to
+smile, or to lavish fond words upon Madame Georges, whom she took every
+occasion of calling "her dear mother." The countenance of Germain
+expressed a more calm and settled delight. With his sincere affection
+for the merry-hearted being to whom he was united was mingled a deep and
+grateful sense of the kind and disinterested conduct of Rigolette
+towards him when in prison, although the charming girl herself seemed to
+have completely forgotten all about it, and even when Germain spoke of
+those days she would entreat him to change the subject, upon the plea of
+finding all such recollections so very dull and dispiriting. Neither
+would the pretty grisette substitute a bonnet for the smart little cap
+worn before her marriage, and certainly never was humility and avoidance
+of pretension better rewarded; for nothing could have been invented more
+becoming to the piquant style of Rigolette's beauty than the simple cap
+_a la paysanne_, trimmed with a large orange-coloured rosette at each
+side, contrasting so tastefully with the long tresses of her rich dark
+hair, now worn in long hanging curls; for, as she said, "she could now
+allow herself to take a little pains with her appearance."
+
+The fair bride wore a handsome worked muslin collar, while a scarf, of
+similar colour to the trimmings of her cap, half concealed her graceful,
+pliant figure, which, notwithstanding her having leisure to adorn
+herself, was still unfettered by the artificial restraints of stays;
+although the tight gray silk dress she wore fitted without a fold or a
+crease over her lightly rounded bosom, resembling the beautiful statue
+of Galatea in marble. Madame Georges beheld the happiness of the newly
+married pair with a delight almost equal to their own.
+
+As for Louise Morel, she had been set at liberty after undergoing a most
+searching investigation, and when a post-mortem examination of her
+infant had proved that it had come to its death by natural means; but
+the countenance of the poor victim of another's villainy had lost all
+the freshness of youth, and bore the impress of deep sorrow, now
+softened and subdued by gentleness and resignation. Thanks to Rodolph,
+and the excellent care that had been taken of her through his means, the
+mother of Louise, who accompanied her, had entirely recovered her
+health.
+
+Madame Georges having informed the porter at the lodge that she had
+called by the desire of one of the medical officers of the
+establishment, who had appointed to meet herself and the friends by whom
+she was accompanied at half past eleven o'clock, she was requested to
+choose whether she would await the doctor within doors or in the large
+square before the building; determining to do the latter, and supporting
+herself on the arm of her son, while the wife of Morel walked beside
+her, she sauntered along the shady alleys that bordered this delightful
+spot, Louise and Rigolette following them.
+
+"How very glad I am to see you again, dear Louise," said the bride.
+"When we came to fetch you on our arrival from Bouqueval, I wanted to
+run up-stairs to you, but my husband would not let me; he said I should
+tire myself, so I stayed in the coach, and that is the reason why we
+meet now for the first time since--"
+
+"You so kindly came to console me in prison, Mlle. Rigolette," cried
+Louise, deeply affected. "You are so feeling for all in trouble, whether
+of body or mind!"
+
+"In the first place, my dear Louise," replied the grisette, hastily
+interrupting praises that were to her oppressive, "I am not Mlle.
+Rigolette any longer, but Madame Germain. I do not know whether you
+heard--"
+
+"That you were married? Oh, yes, I did. But pray let me thank you as you
+deserve."
+
+"Ah, but Louise," persisted Madame Germain, "I am quite sure you have
+not learnt all the particulars; how my marriage is all owing to the
+generosity of him who was at once the protector and benefactor of
+yourself and family, Germain, his mother, and my own self."
+
+"Ah, yes, M. Rodolph,--we bless his name morning and evening. When I
+came out of prison the lawyer who had been to see me from time to time,
+by M. Rodolph's order, told me that, thanks to the same kind friend who
+had already interested himself so much for us, M. Ferrand (and here at
+the very mention of the name an involuntary shudder passed over the poor
+girl's frame) had settled an annuity on my poor father and myself,--some
+little reparation for the wrongs he had done us. You are aware that my
+poor dear father is still confined here, though still improving in
+health."
+
+"And I also know that the kind doctor who has appointed our being here
+to-day even hopes your dear parent may be enabled to return with you to
+Paris; he thinks that it will be better to take some decided steps to
+throw off this malady, and that the unexpected presence of persons your
+father was in the daily habit of seeing may produce the most favourable
+effects,--perhaps cure him; and that is what I think will be the case."
+
+"Ah, mademoiselle, I dare not hope for so much happiness."
+
+"Madame Germain, my dear Louise, if it is all the same to you; but to go
+on with what I was telling you, you have no idea, I am sure, who M.
+Rodolph really is?"
+
+"Yes, I have,--the friend and protector of all who are unhappy."
+
+"True, but that is not all. Well, as I see you really are ignorant of
+many things concerning our benefactor, I will tell you all about it."
+
+Then addressing her husband, who was walking before her with Madame
+Georges, she said, "Don't walk so very fast, Germain, you will tire our
+mother!" And, with a look of proud satisfaction, she said, turning to
+Louise, "Does not he deserve to have a good wife? See how attentive he
+is to his mother! He certainly is very handsome, too,--a thousand times
+more so than Cabrion, or M. Girandeau, the travelling clerk! You
+remember him, don't you, Louise?
+
+"Talking of Cabrion puts me in mind to ask you whether M. Pipelet and
+his wife have arrived yet? The doctor wished them to come here to-day
+with us, because your father has talked much about them during his
+wanderings."
+
+"No, they are not here at present, but they will not be long. When we
+called for them they had already set out."
+
+"And then as for being punctual in keeping an appointment, M. Pipelet is
+as exact as a clock to the hour and minute! But let me tell you a little
+more about my marriage and M. Rodolph. Only think, Louise, it was he who
+sent me with the order for Germain's liberation! You can imagine our
+delight at quitting that horrid prison. Well, we went home to my room,
+and there Germain and I together prepared a nice little bit of dinner;
+but, bless you! we might just as well have spared ourselves the trouble,
+for, after it was ready, neither of us could eat a bit for joy. When
+evening came Germain left me, promising to return the next day.
+
+"Well, at five o'clock next morning, I got up and sat down to my work,
+for I was terribly behindhand with it. As eight o'clock struck some one
+knocked at the door; who should it be but M. Rodolph! Directly I saw
+him, I began to thank him from the bottom of my heart for all he had
+done for Germain and myself. He would not allow me to proceed. 'My kind
+neighbour,' said he, 'I wish you to give this letter to Germain, who
+will soon be here. Then you will take a _fiacre_, and proceed without
+delay to a small village, near Ecouen, called Bouqueval. Once there,
+inquire for Madame Georges; and I wish you all imaginable pleasure from
+your trip.' 'M. Rodolph,' I said, 'pray excuse me, but that will make me
+lose another day's work and I have already got two to make up for.'
+'Make yourself perfectly easy, my pretty neighbour,' said he, you will
+find plenty of work at Madame Georges's, I promise you; she will prove
+an excellent customer, I have no doubt, and I have particularly
+recommended you to her.' 'Oh, that alters the case, M. Rodolph, then I'm
+sure I shall be but too glad to go.' 'Adieu, neighbour,' said M.
+Rodolph. 'Good-bye,' cried I, 'and many thanks for so kindly
+recommending me.'
+
+"When Germain came, I told him all about it; so as we were quite sure M.
+Rodolph would not send us upon any foolish errand, we set off as blithe
+as birds. Only imagine, Louise, what a surprise awaited us on our
+arrival! I declare I can scarcely think of it without tears of happiness
+coming into my eyes. We went to the very Madame Georges you see walking
+before us, and who should she turn out to be but the mother of Germain!"
+
+"His mother?"
+
+"Yes, his own very mother, from whom he had been taken when quite a
+baby! You must try to fancy their mutual joy! Well, when Madame Georges
+had wept over her son, and embraced and gazed at him a hundred times, my
+turn came to be noticed.
+
+"No doubt M. Rodolph had written something very favourable about me,
+for, clasping me in her arms, she said, 'She was acquainted with my
+conduct towards her son.' 'Then, mother,' interposed Germain, 'it only
+rests with you to ask her, and Rigolette will be your child as well as
+I.' 'And I do ask her to be my daughter with all my heart,' replied his
+mother, 'for you will never find a better or a prettier creature to love
+as your wife.'
+
+"So there I was quite at home, in such a sweet farm, along with Germain,
+his mother, and my birds; for I had taken the poor, little, dear things
+with me, just to hear how delightedly they would sing when they found
+themselves in the country. The days passed like a dream. I did only just
+what I liked,--helped Madame Georges, walked about with Germain, and
+danced and sung like a wild thing.
+
+"Well, our marriage was fixed to take place on yesterday fortnight; the
+evening before, who should arrive but a tall, elderly, bald-headed
+gentleman, who looked so kind; and he brought me a _corbeille de
+mariage_ from M. Rodolph. Only think, Louise, what a beauty it must have
+been,--made like a large rosewood box, with these words written in
+letters of gold, on medallion of blue china, 'Industry and
+Prudence--Love and Happiness.' And what do you suppose this charming box
+contained? Why, a number of lace caps similar to the one I have now on,
+pieces for gowns, gloves, ornaments, a beautiful shawl, and this pretty
+scarf. Oh, I thought I should lose my senses with delight! But that is
+not all. At the bottom of the box I found a handsome pocketbook, with
+these words written on a bit of paper affixed to it, 'From a friend to a
+friend.' Inside were two folded papers, one addressed to Germain, and
+the other to me. In that addressed to Germain was an order for his
+appointment as director of a bank for the poor with a salary of four
+thousand francs a year; while he found under the envelope, directed to
+me, a money order for forty thousand francs on the treasury,--yes,
+that's the word; it was called my marriage portion.
+
+"I did not like to take so large a sum, but Madame Georges said to me,
+'My dear child, you both can and must accept it, as a recompense for
+your prudence, industry, and devotion to those who were in misfortune;
+for did you not run the risk of injuring your health, and probably
+deprive yourself of your only means of support, by sitting up all night
+at work, in order to make up for the time you spent in attending to
+others?'"
+
+"Oh, that is quite true," exclaimed Louise, with fervour. "I do not
+think there is any one upon earth who would have done all that you have
+done, Mademoi--Madame Germain!"
+
+"There's a good girl, she has learned her lesson at last! Well, I said
+to the elderly gentleman that I did not merit such a reward, that what
+little I had done was purely because it afforded me pleasure. To which
+he answered, 'That makes no difference; M. Rodolph is immensely rich,
+and he sends you this dowry as a mark of his friendship and esteem, and
+your refusal of it would pain him very much indeed. He will himself be
+present at your marriage, and then he will compel you to take it.'"
+
+"What a blessing that so charitable a person as M. Rodolph should be
+possessed of such riches!"
+
+"Of course it is! But I haven't told you all yet. Oh, Louise, you never
+can guess who and what M. Rodolph turns out to be; and to think of my
+making him carry large parcels for me! But have a little patience, you
+will hear about it directly.
+
+"The night before the marriage the elderly gentleman came again very
+late, and in great haste,--it was to tell us that M. Rodolph was ill,
+and could not attend the wedding, but that his friend, the bald-headed
+gentleman, would take his place. And then only, my dear Louise, did we
+learn that our benefactor was--guess what--a prince! A prince, do I say?
+Bless you, ever so much higher than that! A royal highness!--a reigning
+duke!--a sort of a second-rate king! Germain explained all about his
+rank to me!"
+
+"M. Rodolph a prince!--a duke!--almost a king!"
+
+"Just think of that, Louise! And imagine my having asked him to help me
+to clean my room! A pretty state of confusion it threw me into when I
+recollected all that, and how free I had spoken to him! So of course you
+know when I found that he was as good as a king, I did not dare refuse
+his gracious wedding present.
+
+"Well, my dear, when we had been married about a week, M. Rodolph sent
+us word that he should be glad if Germain, his mother, and myself would
+pay him a wedding visit; so we did. I can tell you my heart beat as
+though it would come through my side! Well, we stopped at a fine palace
+in the Rue Plumet, and were ushered into a number of splendid
+apartments, filled with servants in liveries, all covered with gold
+lace, gentlemen in black, with silver chains around their necks and
+swords by their sides, officers in rich uniforms, and all sorts of gay
+looking people. The rooms we passed through were all gilt, and filled
+with such beautiful things they quite dazzled my eyesight only to look
+at them.
+
+"At last we got to the apartment where the bald-headed old gentleman was
+sitting, with a quantity of grand folks, all covered with gold lace and
+embroidery. Well, when our elderly friend saw us, he rose and conducted
+us to an adjoining room, where we found M. Rodolph--I mean the
+prince--dressed so simply, and looking so good and kind--just like the
+M. Rodolph we first knew--that I did not feel at all frightened at the
+recollection of how I had set him to pin my shawl for me, mend my pens,
+and walked with him arm in arm in the street, just like two equals, as,
+certainly, then I thought we were."
+
+"Oh, I should have trembled like a leaf if I had been you!"
+
+"Well, I did not mind it at all, he smiled so encouragingly; and, after
+kindly welcoming Madame Georges, he held out his hand to Germain, and
+then said, smilingly, to me, 'Well, neighbour, and how are "Papa Cretu"
+and "Ramonette?"' (Those were the names I called my birds by. Was it not
+kind of him to recollect them?)
+
+"'I feel quite sure,' added he, 'that yourself and Germain can sing as
+merry songs as your birds.' 'Yes, indeed, my lord,' replied I (Madame
+Georges had taught me as we came along how I was to address the prince),
+'we are as happy as it is possible to be, and our happiness is the
+greater because we owe it to you.'
+
+"'Nay, nay, my good child,' said he, 'you may thank your own excellent
+qualities and that of Germain for the felicity you enjoy,' etc. I need
+not go on with that part of the story, Louise, because it would oblige
+me to repeat all the charming praises I received; and, certainly, I
+cannot recollect ever doing more than my strict duty, though the prince
+was pleased to think differently.
+
+"Well, we all came away more sorrowful than we went, for we found it was
+to be our farewell visit to our benefactor, he being about to return to
+Germany. Whether or not he has gone I cannot tell you, but, absent or
+present, our most grateful remembrance and respectful esteem will ever
+attend him.
+
+"I forgot to tell you that a dear, good girl I knew when we were both in
+prison together had been living at the farm with Madame Georges; it
+seems my young friend had, fortunately, found a friend in M. Rodolph,
+who had placed her there. But Madame Georges particularly cautioned me
+not to say a word on the subject to the prince, who had some reason for
+desiring it should not be talked about,--no doubt because he could not
+bear his benevolent deeds should be known. However, I learnt one thing
+that gave me extreme pleasure, that my sweet Goualeuse had found her
+parents, and that they had taken her a great, great way from Paris; I
+could not help feeling grieved, too, that I had not been able to wish
+her good-bye before she went.
+
+"But forgive me, dear Louise, for being so selfish as to keep talking to
+you of every one's happiness when you have so much reason to be
+sorrowful yourself."
+
+"Had my child but been spared to me," said poor Louise, sadly, "it would
+have been some consolation to me; for how can I ever hope to find any
+honest man who would make me his wife, although I have got money enough
+to tempt any one."
+
+"For my part, Louise, I feel quite sure that one of these days I shall
+see you happily married to a good and worthy partner, who will pity you
+for your past troubles, and love and esteem you for the patience with
+which you endured them."
+
+"Ah, Madame Germain, you only say so to try and comfort me; but whether
+you really believe what you say or no, I gratefully feel and thank you
+for your kindness. But who are these? I declare, M. and Madame Pipelet!
+How very gay he looks; so different from the sad, dejected appearance he
+always wore, while M. Cabrion was tormenting him as he did!"
+
+Louise was right. Pipelet advanced in high spirits, and as though
+treading on air; on his head he wore the well-known bell-crowned hat, a
+superb grass-green coat adorned his person, while a white cravat, with
+embroidered ends, was folded around his throat, in such a manner as to
+permit the display of an enormous collar, reaching nearly up to his
+eyes, and quite concealing his cheeks. A large, loose waistcoat, of
+bright buff, with broad maroon-coloured stripes, black trousers,
+somewhat short for the wearer, snowy white stockings, and highly
+polished shoes completed his equipment.
+
+Anastasie displayed a robe of violet-coloured merino, tastefully
+contrasted with a dark blue shawl. She proudly exhibited her freshly
+curled Brutus wig to the gaze of all she met, while her cap was slung on
+her arm by its bright green strings, after the manner of a reticule.
+
+The physiognomy of Alfred--ordinarily so grave, thoughtful, and
+dejected--was now mirthful, jocund, and hilarious. The moment he caught
+a glimpse of Rigolette and Louise, he ran towards them, exclaiming in
+his deep, sonorous voice, "Delivered! Gone!"
+
+"How unusually joyful you seem, M. Pipelet," said Rigolette. "Do pray
+tell us what has occasioned such a change in your appearance!"
+
+"Gone! I tell you, mademoiselle,--or, rather, madame, as I may, do, and
+ought to say, now that, like my Anastasie, you are tied up for life."
+
+"You are very polite, M. Pipelet; but please to tell me who has gone?"
+
+"Cabrion!" responded M. Pipelet, inspiring and respiring the air with a
+look of indescribable delight, as though relieved of an enormous weight;
+"he has quitted France for ever--for a perpetuity! At length he has
+departed, and I am myself again."
+
+"Are you quite sure he has gone?"
+
+"I saw him with my eyes ascend the diligence, en route for Strasburg
+with all his luggage and baggage; that is to say, a hat-case, a
+maul-stick, and a box of colours."
+
+"What is my old dear chattering about?" cried Anastasie, as she came
+puffing and panting to the spot where the little group were assembled;
+"I'll be bound he was giving you the history of Cabrion's going off--I'm
+sure he has talked of nothing else all the way we came."
+
+"Because I'm half wild with delight; I seem to have got into another
+world,--such a lightness has come over me. A little while ago my hat
+used to seem as though loaded with lead, and as if it pressed forwards
+in spite of me; now I seem as though borne on the breeze towards the
+firmament, to think that he is gone--actually set out--and never to
+return!"
+
+"Yes, the blackguard is off at last!" chimed in Madame Pipelet.
+
+"Anastasie," cried her husband, "spare the absent! Happiness calls for
+mercy and forbearance on our parts. I will obey its dictates, and merely
+allow myself to remark that Cabrion was a--a--worthless scoundrel!"
+
+"But how do you know that he has gone to Germany?" inquired Rigolette.
+
+"By a friend of our 'king of lodgers.' Talking of that dear man, you
+haven't heard that, owing to the handsome manner in which he recommended
+us, Alfred has been appointed house-porter to a sort of charitable bank,
+established in our house by a worthy Christian, who wishes, like M.
+Rodolph, to do all the good he can?"
+
+"Ah!" replied Rigolette. "And, perhaps, you don't know, either, that my
+dear Germain is appointed manager of this same bank? All owing to the
+kind intervention of M. Rodolph."
+
+"Well, I never!" exclaimed Madame Pipelet, "all our good luck comes
+together; and I'm sure I'm heartily glad we shall keep old friends and
+acquaintances around us. I hate fresh faces, for my part. I'm certain I
+would not change my old duck of a husband even for your young handsome
+one, Madame Germain.
+
+"But to go back to Cabrion. Only imagine a bald-headed, stout, elderly
+gentleman, coming to tell us of Alfred's new situation, and at the same
+time inquiring if a talented artist of the name of Cabrion did not once
+lodge in the house with us. Oh, my poor darling! Directly Cabrion's name
+was mentioned down went the boot he was mending, and if I had not
+caught him he would have swooned away. But, fortunately, the bald
+gentleman added, 'This young painter has been engaged by a very wealthy
+person to do some work, which will occupy him for years, and he may,
+very probably, establish himself in another country.' In confirmation of
+which the old gentleman gave my Alfred the date of Cabrion's departure,
+with the address of the office from which he started."
+
+"And I had the unhoped-for satisfaction of reading on the ticket, 'M.
+Cabrion, artist in painting, departs for Strasburg, and further, by the
+company's diligence.' The hour named was for this morning. I need not
+say I was in the inn yard with my wife."
+
+"And there we saw the rascal take his seat on the box beside the
+driver."
+
+"Just as the vehicle was set in motion Cabrion perceived me, turned
+around, and cried,'Yours for ever! I go to return no more.' Thank
+heaven! The loud blast of the guard's horn nearly drowned these familiar
+and insulting words, as well as any others he might have intended to
+utter. But I pity and forgive the wretched man,--I can afford to be
+generous, for I am delivered from the bane and misery of my life."
+
+"Depend upon it, M. Pipelet," said Rigolette, endeavouring to restrain a
+loud fit of laughter,--"depend upon it, you will see him no more. But
+listen to me, and I will tell you something I am sure you are ignorant
+of and which it will be almost difficult for you to credit. What do you
+think of our M. Rodolph not being what we took him for, but a prince in
+disguise,--a royal highness!"
+
+"Go along with you!" said Anastasie. "That is a joke!"
+
+"Oh, but really," cried Rigolette, "I am not joking; it is as true
+as--as--that I am married to my dear Germain."
+
+"Goodness gracious me!" exclaimed Anastasie. "My king of lodgers a royal
+highness! Oh, dear, here's a pretty go! And I asked him to mind the
+lodge for me. Oh, pardon! Pardon! Pardon!" And then, carried away by the
+excess of her reverence and regret for having so undervalued a prince,
+though a disguised one, Madame Pipelet placed her cap on her head, as
+though she imagined herself in the presence of royalty.
+
+Alfred, on the contrary, manifested his respect for royalty in a manner
+diametrically the reverse of the form adopted by his wife. Snatching off
+his hat, that hat which had never before been seen to quit his head, he
+commenced bowing to empty space, as though standing in the presence of
+the august personage he apostrophised, while he exclaimed, "Have I,
+then, been honoured by a visit from royalty? Has my poor lodge been so
+far favoured? And to think of his illustrious eyes having seen me in my
+bed, when driven thither by the vile conduct of Cabrion!"
+
+At this moment Madame Georges, turning around, cried out:
+
+"My children, the doctor comes."
+
+Doctor Herbin, the individual alluded to, was a man of about the middle
+age, with a countenance expressive of great kindness and benevolence,
+united to extreme skill and penetration in discovering the extent of
+malady with which his unfortunate patients were affected. His voice,
+naturally harmonious, assumed a tone of gentle suavity when he spoke to
+the poor lunatics; who, however bereft of reason, seemed always to
+listen with peculiar delight to his soft, soothing words, which
+frequently had the effect of subduing the invariable irritability
+attendant on this fearful complaint. M. Herbin had been among the first
+to substitute, in his treatment of madness, sympathy and commiseration
+for the frightful remedies ordinarily employed. He abandoned the
+coercive system, so repugnant to every principle of humanity, for kind
+words, conciliating looks, and a ready attention to every request that
+could reasonably be granted. He banished chains, whips, drenching with
+cold water, and even solitary confinement, except in cases of urgent
+necessity.
+
+"Monsieur," said Madame Georges, addressing the doctor, "I have ventured
+hither with my son and daughter, although personally unknown to M.
+Morel; but my interest in his unfortunate state made me desirous of
+witnessing the experiment you are about to make to restore his reason.
+You have every hope of succeeding, have you not?"
+
+"I certainly reckon much, madame, on the good effects likely to be
+produced by the sight of his daughter and the persons he has been in the
+constant habit of seeing."
+
+"When my husband was arrested," said Morel's wife, pointing to
+Rigolette, "our kind young friend here was nursing me and my children."
+
+"And my father knew M. Germain quite well," said Louise; then directing
+the attention of M. Herbin to Alfred and Anastasie, she added, "Monsieur
+and madame here were porters at the house, and assisted our family to
+the utmost of their ability."
+
+"I am greatly obliged to you, my worthy friend," said the doctor,
+addressing Alfred, "for quitting your occupation to come hither; but I
+see by your amiable countenance that you have cheerfully sacrificed your
+time to visit your poor lodger here."
+
+"Sir-r!" replied Pipelet, gravely bowing. "Men should help each other in
+this sublunary world, and remember that all are brothers; added to which
+your unfortunate patient was the very cream and essence of an honest
+man, and therefore do I respect him."
+
+"If you are not afraid, madame," said Doctor Herbin to Madame Georges,
+"of the sight of the poor creatures here, we will cross some of the
+yards leading to that part of the building where I have deemed it
+advisable to remove Morel, instead of allowing him to accompany the
+others to the farm as usual."
+
+"The farm!" exclaimed Madame Georges. "Have you a farm here?"
+
+"Your surprise is perfectly natural, madame. Yes, we have a farm, the
+produce of which is most serviceable to the establishment, although
+entirely worked by the patients."
+
+"Is it possible? Can you make these lunatics work, and allow them to be
+at liberty while they do so?"
+
+"Certainly; exercise, the calm tranquillity of the fields, with the
+aspect of nature, are among our most certain means of cure. Only one
+keeper goes with them, and we have rarely had an instance of any patient
+endeavouring to get away; they are delighted to be employed, and the
+trifling reward they gain serves still to improve their condition, by
+enabling them to purchase different little indulgences. But we have
+reached the gate conducting to one of these courts." Then perceiving a
+slight appearance of alarm on the countenance of Madame Georges, the
+doctor added, "Lay aside all apprehension, madame; in a very few minutes
+you will feel as tranquil as I do myself."
+
+"I follow you, sir. Come, my children."
+
+"Anastasie," whispered Pipelet, "when I think that, had the persecutions
+of that odious Cabrion continued, your poor dear Alfred might have
+become mad, like the unhappy wretches we are about to behold, clad in
+the most wild and singular state, chained up by the middle, or confined
+in dens like the wild beasts in the 'Jardin des Plantes--'"
+
+"Oh, bless your dear old heart, don't talk of such a thing! La! I've
+heard say that them as has gone mad for love are for all the world like
+born devils directly they see a woman; dashing against the bars of their
+dens, and making all sorts of horrid noises, till the keepers are
+forced to flog them till they drop, or else turn great taps of water on
+their heads before they can quiet them."
+
+"Anastasie," rejoined Pipelet, gravely, "I desire you will not go too
+close to these dreadful creatures, an accident so soon happens."
+
+"Besides," answered Anastasie, with a tone of sentimental melancholy,
+"poor things, I have no business to show myself just for the sake of
+tantalising them. 'Tis woman's beauty and fascination reduces them to
+this horrid state. I declare I feel a cold shudder creep over me as I
+reflect that, perhaps, if I had refused to make you a happy man, Alfred,
+you might at this very minute be raving mad for love, and shut up in one
+of these dens, roaring out the moment you caught sight of a woman; while
+as it is, my poor old duck is glad to get out of the way of the naughty
+females that will be trying to make him notice them."
+
+"'Tis true, my modesty is easily alarmed. But, Anastasie, the door
+opens, I tremble with dread of what we are about to witness; no doubt
+the most hideous looking people, and all sorts of dreadful noises,
+rattling of chains, and grinding of teeth."
+
+The door being opened admitted them into a long courtyard, planted with
+rows of trees, under which benches were placed. On each side was a
+well-constructed and spacious portico, or covered stone terrace, with
+which a range of large, airy cells communicated. A number of men, all
+alike clad in a gray dress, were walking, talking, or conversing in this
+pleasant retreat, while others were seated on the benches, enjoying the
+refreshing shade and fresh open air.
+
+At the sight of Doctor Herbin a number of the unfortunate lunatics
+pressed around him, with every manifestation of joy and delight,
+extending to him their hands with an expression of grateful confidence,
+to which he cordially responded, by saying:
+
+"Good day--good day, my worthy fellows! I am glad to see you all so well
+and happy."
+
+Some of the poor lunatics, too far from the doctor to be able to seize
+his hand, ventured, with a sort of timid hesitation, to offer theirs to
+the persons who were with him.
+
+"Good morning, friends," said Germain, shaking hands in a manner so
+cordial as to fill the unfortunate beings with happiness.
+
+"Are these the mad patients?" inquired Madame Georges.
+
+"Nearly the worst belonging to the establishment," answered the doctor,
+smiling; "they are permitted to be together during the day, but at night
+they are locked up in the cells you see there."
+
+"Can it be possible that these men are really mad! But when are they
+violent?"
+
+"Generally at the first outbreak of their malady, when they are brought
+here. After a short time the soothing treatment they experience, with
+the society of their companions, calms and amuses them, so that their
+paroxysms become milder and less frequent, until at length, by the
+blessing of God, they recover their senses."
+
+"What are those individuals talking so earnestly about?" inquired Madame
+Georges. "One of them seems referring to a blind man, who, in addition
+to the loss of sight, seems likewise deprived of speech and reason. Have
+you such a one among your patients, or is the existence of this person
+but a mere coinage of the brain?"
+
+"Unhappily, madame, it is a fact but too true, and the history connected
+with it is a most singular one. The blind man concerning whom you
+inquire was found in a low haunt in the Champs Elysees, in which a gang
+of robbers and murderers of the worst description were apprehended; this
+wretched object was discovered, chained in the midst of an underground
+cave, and beside him lay stretched the dead body of a woman, so
+horribly mutilated that it was wholly impossible to attempt to identify
+it. The man himself was hideously ugly, his features being quite
+destroyed by the application of vitriol. He has never uttered a single
+word since he came hither; whether his dumbness be real or affected I
+know not, for, strange to say, his paroxysms always occur during the
+night, and when I am absent, so as to baffle all conjecture as to his
+real situation; but his madness seems occasioned by violent rage, the
+cause of which we cannot find out, for, as I before observed, he never
+speaks or utters an articulate sound. But here he is."
+
+The whole of the party accompanying the doctor started with horror at
+the sight of the Schoolmaster, for he it was, who merely feigned being
+dumb and mad to procure his own safety. The dead body found beside him
+was that of the Chouette, whom he had murdered, not during a paroxysm of
+madness, but while under the influence of such a burning fever of the
+brain as had produced the fearful dream he had dreamed the night he
+passed at the farm of Bouqueval.
+
+After his apprehension in the vaults of the tavern in the Champs
+Elysees, the Schoolmaster had awakened from his delirium to find himself
+a prisoner in one of the cells of the Conciergerie, where mad persons
+are temporarily placed under restraint. Hearing all about him speak of
+him as a raving and dangerous lunatic, he resolved to continue to enact
+the part, and even feigned absolute dumbness for the purpose of avoiding
+the chance of any questions being attempted to be put to him.
+
+His scheme succeeded. When removed to Bicetre he affected occasional
+fits of furious madness, taking care always to select the night for
+these outrageous bursts, the better to escape the vigilant eye of the
+head surgeon; the house doctor, hastily summoned, never arriving in time
+to witness either the beginning or ending of these attacks.
+
+The few of his accomplices who knew either his name, or the fact of his
+having escaped from the galleys at Rochefort, were ignorant of what had
+become of him; and even if they did, what interest could they have in
+denouncing him? Neither would it have been possible to establish his
+identity--burnt and mutilated as he was--with the daring felon of
+Rochefort. He hoped, therefore, by continuing to act the part of a
+madman, to be permitted to abide permanently at Bicetre; such was now
+the only desire of the wretch, unable longer to indulge his appetite for
+sinful and violent deeds.
+
+During the solitude in which he lived in Bras Rouge's cellar, remorse
+gradually insinuated itself into his strong heart; and, cut off from all
+communication with the outer world, his thoughts fled inwards, and
+presented him with ghastly images of those he had destroyed, till his
+brain burned with its own excited torture.
+
+And thus this miserable creature, still in the full vigour and strength
+of manhood, before whom were, doubtless, long years of life, and
+enjoying the undisturbed possession of his reason, was condemned to
+linger out the remainder of his days as a self-imposed mute, and in the
+company of fools and madmen; or if his imposition was discovered, his
+murderous deeds would conduct him to a scaffold, or condemn him to
+perpetual banishment among a set of villains, for whom his newly
+awakened penitence made him feel the utmost horror.
+
+The Schoolmaster was sitting on a bench; a mass of grizzled, tangled
+locks hung around his huge and hideous head; leaning his elbow on his
+knee, he supported his cheek in his hand. Spite of his sightless eyes
+and mutilated features, the revolting countenance still expressed the
+most bitter and overwhelming despair.
+
+"Dear mother," observed Germain, "what a wretched looking object is this
+unfortunate blind man!"
+
+[Illustration: "The Schoolmaster Was Sitting on a Bench"
+Original Etching by Porteau]
+
+"Oh, yes, my son!" answered Madame Georges; "it makes one's heart ache
+to behold a fellow creature so heavily afflicted. I know not when
+anything has so completely shocked me as the sight of this deplorable
+being."
+
+Scarcely had Madame Georges given utterance to these words than the
+Schoolmaster started, and his countenance, even despite its cicatrised
+and disfigured state, became of an ashy paleness. He rose and turned his
+head in the direction of Madame Georges so suddenly that she could not
+refrain from faintly screaming, though wholly unsuspicious of who the
+frightful creature really was; but the Schoolmaster's ear had readily
+detected the voice of his wife, and her words told him she was
+addressing her son.
+
+"Mother!" inquired Germain, "what ails you? Are you ill?"
+
+"Nothing, my son; but the sudden movement made by that man terrified me.
+Indeed, sir," continued she, addressing the doctor, "I begin to feel
+sorry I allowed my curiosity to bring me hither."
+
+"Nay, dear mother, just for once to see such a place cannot hurt you!"
+
+"I tell you what, Germain," interposed Rigolette, "I don't feel very
+comfortable myself; and I promise you neither your mother nor I will
+desire to come here again--it is too affecting!"
+
+"Nonsense! You are a little coward! Is she not, M. le Docteur?"
+
+"Why, really," answered M. Herbin, "I must confess that the sight of
+this blind lunatic affects even me, who am accustomed to such things."
+
+"What a scarecrow, old ducky! Isn't he?" whispered Anastasie; "but, la!
+to my eyes every man looks as hideous as this dreadful blind creature in
+comparison with you, and that is why no one can ever boast of my having
+granted him the least liberty,--don't you see, Alfred?"
+
+"I tell you what, Anastasie," replied Pipelet, "I shall dream of this
+frightful figure. I know he will give me an attack of nightmare. I
+won't eat tripe for supper till I have quite forgot him."
+
+"And how do you find yourself now, friend?" asked the doctor of the
+Schoolmaster; but he asked in vain, no attempt was made to reply. "Come,
+come!" continued the doctor, tapping him lightly on the shoulder, "I am
+sure you hear what I say; try to make me a sign at least, or
+speak,--something tells me you can if you will!"
+
+But the only answer made to this address was by the Schoolmaster
+suddenly drooping his head, while from the sightless eyes rolled a tear.
+
+"He weeps!" exclaimed the doctor.
+
+"Poor creature!" murmured Germain, in a compassionate tone.
+
+The Schoolmaster shuddered; again he heard the voice of his son,
+breathing forth commiseration for his wretched, though unknown parent.
+
+"What is the matter?" inquired the doctor; "what is it grieves you?"
+
+But, without taking any notice of him, the Schoolmaster hid his face
+with his hands.
+
+"We shall make nothing of him," said the doctor. Then, perceiving how
+painfully this scene appeared to affect Madame Georges, he added, "Now,
+then, madame, we will go to Morel, and, if my expectations are
+fulfilled, you will be amply rewarded for the pain you have felt
+hitherto, in witnessing the joy of so good a husband and father in being
+restored to his family."
+
+With these words the doctor, followed by the party that had accompanied
+him, proceeded on his way, leaving the Schoolmaster a prey to his own
+distracting thoughts, the most bitter of which was the certainty of
+having heard his son's voice, and that of his wife, for the last time.
+Aware of the just horror with which he inspired them, the misery, shame,
+and affright with which they would have heard the disclosure of his name
+made him prefer a thousand deaths to such a revelation. One only, but
+great, consolation remained in the certainty of having awakened the pity
+of his son; and, with this thought to comfort him, the miserable being
+determined to endure his sufferings with repentance and submission.
+
+"We are now about to pass by the yard appropriated to the use of the
+idiot patients," said the doctor, stopping before a large grated door,
+through which the poor idiotic beings might be seen huddled together,
+with every appearance of the most distressing imbecility.
+
+Spite of Madame Georges's recent agitation, she could not refrain from
+casting a glance through the railing.
+
+"Poor creatures!" said she, in a gentle, pitying voice; "how dreadful to
+think their sufferings are hopeless! for I presume there is no remedy
+for such an affliction as theirs?"
+
+"Alas, none, madame!" replied the doctor. "But I must not allow you to
+dwell too long on this mournful picture of human misery. We have now
+arrived at the place where I expect to find Morel, whom I desired should
+be left entirely alone, in order to produce a more startling effect in
+the little project on which I build my hopes for his restoration to
+reason."
+
+"What idea principally occupies his mind?" asked Madame Georges.
+
+"He believes that if he cannot earn thirteen hundred francs by his day's
+work, in order to pay off a debt contracted with one Ferrand, a notary,
+his daughter will perish on a scaffold."
+
+"That man Ferrand was, indeed, a monster!" exclaimed Madame Georges;
+"poor Louise Morel and her father were not the only victims to his
+villainy, he has persecuted my son with the bitterest animosity."
+
+"I have heard the whole story from Louise," replied the doctor. "Happily
+the wretch can no more wring your hearts with agony. But be so good as
+to await me here while I go to ascertain the state of Morel." Then,
+addressing Louise, he added, "You must carefully watch for my calling
+out 'Come!' Appear instantly; but let it be alone. When I call out
+'Come!' for the second time, the rest of the party may make their
+appearance."
+
+"Alas, sir, my heart begins to fail me!" replied Louise, endeavouring to
+suppress her tears. "My poor father! What if the present trial fail!"
+
+"Nay, nay, keep up your courage! I am most sanguine of success in the
+scheme I have long meditated for the restoration of your father's
+reason. Now, then, all you have to do for the present is carefully to
+attend to my directions." So saying, the doctor, quitting his party,
+entered a small chamber, whose grated window looked into the garden.
+
+Thanks to rest, care, sufficiency of nourishing diet, Morel was no
+longer the pale, careworn, haggard creature that had entered those
+walls; the tinge of health began to colour his before jaundiced cheek,
+but a melancholy smile, a fixed, motionless gaze, as though on some
+object for ever present to his mental view, proved too plainly that
+Reason had not entirely resumed her empire over him.
+
+When the doctor entered, Morel was sitting at a table, imitating the
+movements of a lapidary at his wheel.
+
+"I must work," murmured he, "and hard, too. Thirteen hundred francs! Ay,
+thirteen hundred is the sum required, or poor Louise will be dragged to
+a scaffold! That must not be! No, no, her father will work--work--work!
+Thirteen hundred francs! Right!"
+
+"Morel, my good fellow," said the doctor, gently advancing towards him,
+"don't work so very hard; there is no occasion now, you know that you
+have earned the thirteen hundred francs you required to free Louise.
+See, here they are!" and with these words the doctor laid a handful of
+gold on the table.
+
+"Saved! Louise saved!" exclaimed the lapidary, catching up the money,
+and hurrying towards the door; "then I will carry it at once to the
+notary."
+
+"Come!" called out the doctor, in considerable trepidation, for well he
+knew the success of his experiment depended on the manner in which the
+mind of the lapidary received its first shock.
+
+Scarcely had the doctor pronounced the signal than Louise sprang
+forwards, and presented herself at the door just as her father reached
+it. Bewildered and amazed, Morel let fall the gold he clutched in his
+hands, and retreated in visible surprise. For some minutes he continued
+gazing on his daughter with a stupefied and vacant stare, but by degrees
+his memory seemed to awaken, and, cautiously approaching her, he
+examined her features with a timid and restless curiosity.
+
+Poor Louise, trembling with emotion, could scarcely restrain her tears;
+but a sign from the doctor made her exert herself to repress any
+manifestation of feeling calculated to disturb the progress of her
+parent's thoughts.
+
+Meanwhile Morel, bending over his daughter, and peering, with uneasy
+scrutiny, into her countenance, became very pale, pressed his hands to
+his brows, and then wiped away the large damp drops that had gathered
+there. Drawing closer and closer to the agitated girl, he strove to
+speak to her, but the words expired on his lips. His paleness increased,
+and he gazed around him with the bewildered air of a person awakening
+from a troubled dream.
+
+"Good, good!" whispered the doctor to Louise; "now, when I say 'Come,'
+throw yourself into his arms and call him 'father!'"
+
+The lapidary, pressing his two hands on his breast, again commenced
+examining the individual before him from head to foot, as if determined
+to satisfy his mind as to her identity. His features expressed a painful
+uncertainty, and, instead of continuing to watch the features of his
+daughter, he seemed as if trying to hide himself from her sight, saying,
+in a low, murmuring, broken tone:
+
+"No, no! It is a dream! Where am I? It is impossible! I dream,--it
+cannot be she!" Then, observing the gold strewed on the floor, he cried,
+"And this gold! I do not remember,--am I then awake? Oh, my head is
+dizzy! I dare not look,--I am ashamed! She is not my Louise!"
+
+"Come!" cried the doctor, in a loud voice.
+
+"Father! Dearest father!" exclaimed Louise. "Do you not know your
+child,--your poor Louise?" And as she said these words she threw herself
+on the lapidary's neck, while the doctor motioned for the rest of the
+group to advance.
+
+"Gracious heavens!" exclaimed Morel, while Louise loaded him with
+caresses. "Where am I? What has happened to me? Who are all these
+persons? Oh, I cannot--dare not believe the reality of what I see!"
+
+Then, after a short silence, he abruptly took the head of Louise between
+his two hands, gazed earnestly and searchingly at her for some moments,
+then cried, in a voice tremulous with emotion, "Louise?"
+
+"He is saved!" said the doctor.
+
+"My dear Morel,--my dear husband!" exclaimed the lapidary's wife,
+mingling her caresses with those of her daughter.
+
+"My wife! My child and wife both here!" cried Morel.
+
+"Pray don't overlook the rest of your friends, M. Morel," said
+Rigolette, advancing; "see, we have all come to visit you at once!"
+
+"I for one am delighted to renew my acquaintance with the worthy M.
+Morel," said Germain, coming forward and extending his hand.
+
+"And your old acquaintances at the lodge beg that they may not be
+overlooked," chimed in Anastasie, leading Alfred up to the astonished
+and delighted lapidary. "You know us, don't you, M. Morel,--the
+Pipelets--the hearty old Pipelets, and your everlasting friends? Come,
+pluck up courage, and look about you, M. Morel! Hang it all, Daddy
+Morel, here's a happy meeting! May we see many such! _Ail-l-l-l-ez
+donc!_"
+
+"M. Pipelet and his wife! Everybody here! It seems to me so long
+since--but--but no matter--'tis you, Louise, my child--'tis you, is it
+not?" exclaimed he, joyfully pressing his daughter in his arms.
+
+"Oh, yes, my dearest father, 'tis your own poor Louise! And there is my
+mother; here are all our kind friends. You will never quit us more,
+never know sorrow or care again, and henceforward we shall all be happy
+and prosperous!"
+
+"Happy? Let me try and recollect a little of past things. I seem to have
+a faint recollection of your being taken to prison--and--and then,
+Louise, all seems a blank and confusion here," continued Morel, pressing
+his hand to his temples.
+
+"Never mind all that, dearest father! I am here and innocent,--let that
+comfort and console you."
+
+"Stay, stay! That note of hand I gave! Ah, now I remember it all!" cried
+the lapidary, with shuddering horror. Then, in a voice of assumed
+calmness, he said, "And what has become of the notary?"
+
+"He is dead, dearest father," murmured Louise.
+
+"Dead? He dead? Then indeed I may hope for happiness! But where am I?
+How came I here? How long have I left my home, and wherefore was I
+brought hither? I have no recollection of any of these things!"
+
+"You were extremely ill," said the doctor, "and you were brought here
+for air and good nursing. You have had a severe fever, and been at times
+a little lightheaded."
+
+"Yes, yes, I recollect now; and when I was taken ill I remember I was
+talking with my daughter, and some other person,--who could it be? Ah,
+now I know!--a kind, good man, named M. Rodolph, who saved me from being
+arrested. Afterwards, strange to say, I cannot recall a single
+circumstance."
+
+"Your illness was attended with an entire absence of memory," said the
+doctor.
+
+"And in whose house am I now?"
+
+"In that of your friend, M. Rodolph," interposed Germain, hastily; "it
+was thought that country air would be serviceable to you, and promote
+your recovery."
+
+"Excellent!" said the doctor, in a low tone; then speaking to a keeper
+who stood near him, he said, "Send the coach around to the garden-gate
+to prevent the necessity of taking our recovered patient through the
+different courts, filled with those less fortunate than himself."
+
+As frequently occurs in cases of madness, Morel had not the least idea
+or recollection of the aberration of intellect under which he had
+suffered.
+
+Shortly afterwards, Morel, with his wife and daughter, ascended the
+_fiacre_, attended also by a surgeon of the establishment, who, for
+precaution's sake, was charged to see him comfortably settled in his
+abode ere he left him; and in this order, and followed by a second
+carriage, conveying their friends, the lapidary quitted Bicetre without
+entertaining the most remote suspicion of ever having entered it.
+
+"And do you consider this poor man effectually cured?" asked Madame
+Georges of the doctor, as he led her to the coach.
+
+"I hope so, at least; and I wished to leave him wholly to the beneficial
+effects of rejoining his family, from whom it would now be almost
+dangerous to attempt to separate him; added to which, one of my pupils
+will remain with him and give the necessary directions for his regimen
+and treatment. I shall visit him myself daily, until his cure is
+confirmed, for not only do I feel much interested in him, but he was
+most particularly recommended to me when he first came here by the
+_charge d'affaires_ of the Grand Duke of Gerolstein."
+
+A look of intelligence was exchanged between Germain and his mother.
+
+Much affected with all they had seen and heard, the party now took leave
+of the doctor, reiterating their gratification at having been present
+during so gratifying a scene, and their grateful acknowledgments for the
+politeness he had shown them in conducting them over the establishment.
+
+As the doctor was reentering the house, he was met by one of the
+superior officers of the place, who said to him,--
+
+"Ah, my dear M. Herbin, you cannot imagine the scene I have just
+witnessed; it would have afforded an inexhaustible fund of reflection
+for so skilful an observer as yourself."
+
+"To what do you allude?"
+
+"You are aware that we have here two females, a mother and a daughter,
+who are condemned to death, and that their execution is fixed for
+to-morrow. Well, in my life, I never witnessed such a cool indifference
+as that displayed by the mother; she must be a female fiend!"
+
+"You allude to the Widow Martial, I presume; what fresh act of daring
+has she committed?"
+
+"You shall hear. She had requested permission to share her daughter's
+cell until the final moment arrived; her wish was complied with. Her
+daughter, far less hardened than her parent, appeared to feel contrition
+as the hour of execution approached, while the diabolical assurance of
+the old woman seemed, if possible, to augment. Just now the venerable
+chaplain of the prison entered their dungeon to offer to them the
+consolations of religion. The daughter was about to accept them, when
+the mother, without for one instant losing her coolness or frigid
+self-possession, began to assail the chaplain with such insulting and
+derisive language that the venerable priest was compelled to quit the
+cell, after trying in vain to induce the violent and unmanageable woman
+to listen to one word he said.
+
+"It is a fearful fact connected with this family that a sort of
+depravity seems to pervade it. The father was executed, a son is now in
+the galleys, a second has only escaped a public and disgraceful end by
+flight; while the eldest son and two young children have alone been able
+to resist this atmosphere of moral contagion.
+
+"What a singular circumstance connected with this double execution it is
+that the day of mid-Lent should have been selected. At seven o'clock
+to-morrow, the hour fixed, the streets will be filled with groups of
+masqueraders, who, having passed the night at the different balls and
+places of entertainment beyond the barriers, will be just returning
+home; added to which, at the place of execution, the Barriere St.
+Jacques, the noise of the revels still being kept up in honour of the
+carnival can be distinctly heard."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following morning's sun rose bright and cloudless. At four o'clock
+in the morning various troops of soldiers surrounded the approaches to
+Bicetre.
+
+We shall now return to Calabash and her mother in their dungeon.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE TOILET.
+
+
+The condemned cell of Bicetre was situated at the end of a gloomy
+passage, into which a trifling portion of light and air was admitted by
+means of small gratings let into the lower part of the wall. The cell
+itself would have been wholly dark but for a kind of wicket, let into
+the upper part of the door, which opened into the corridor before
+mentioned.
+
+In this wretched dungeon, whose crumbling ceiling, damp, mouldy walls,
+and stone-paved floor struck a death-chill like that of the grave, were
+confined the Widow Martial, and her daughter Calabash.
+
+The harsh, angular features of the widow stood out amidst the imperfect
+light of the place, cold, pale, and immovable as those of a marble
+statue. Deprived of the use of her hands, which were fastened beneath
+her black dress by the strait-waistcoat of the prison, formed of coarse
+gray cloth and tightly secured behind her, she requested her cap might
+be taken off, complaining of an oppression and burning sensation in her
+head; this done, a mass of long, grizzled hair fell over her shoulders.
+
+Seated at the side of her bed, she gazed earnestly and fixedly at her
+daughter, who was separated from her by the width of the dungeon, and,
+wearing like her mother the customary strait-waistcoat, was partly
+reclining and partly supporting herself against the wall, her head bent
+forward on her breast, her eye dull and motionless, and her breathing
+quick and irregular. From time to time a convulsive tremor rattled her
+lower jaw, while her features, spite of their livid hue, remained
+comparatively calm and tranquil.
+
+Within the cell, and immediately beneath the wicket of the entrance
+door, was seated an old, gray-headed soldier, whose rough, sunburnt
+features betokened his having felt the scorch of many climes, and borne
+his part in numerous campaigns. His duty was to keep constant watch over
+the condemned prisoners.
+
+"How piercing cold it is here!" exclaimed Calabash; "yet my eyes burn in
+my head, and I have a burning, quenchless thirst!" Then addressing the
+bald-headed veteran, she said, "Water! Pray give me a drink of water!"
+
+The old soldier filled a cup of water from a pitcher placed near him,
+and held it to her lips. Eagerly swallowing the draught, she bowed her
+head in token of thankfulness, and the soldier proceeded to offer the
+same beverage to the mother.
+
+"Would you not like to moisten your lips?" asked he, kindly.
+
+With a rough, repulsive gesture, she intimated her disinclination, and
+the old man sat down again.
+
+"What's o'clock?" inquired Calabash.
+
+"Nearly half past four," replied the soldier.
+
+"Only three hours!" replied Calabash, with a sinister and gloomy smile.
+"Three hours more! And then--" She could proceed no further.
+
+The widow shrugged up her shoulders. Her daughter divined her meaning,
+and said, "Ah, mother, you have so much more courage than I have,--you
+never give way, you don't."
+
+"Never!"
+
+"I see it, and I know you too well to expect it. You look at this moment
+as calm and collected as if we were sitting sewing by our own fireside.
+Ah! those happy days are gone,--gone forever!"
+
+"Folly! Why prate thus?"
+
+"Nay, mother, I cannot bear to rest shut up with my own wretched
+thoughts! It relieves my heart to talk of bygone times, when I little
+expected to come to this."
+
+"Mean, cowardly creature!"
+
+"I know I am a coward, mother. I am afraid to die! Every one cannot
+boast of your resolution. I do not possess it. I have tried as much as I
+could to imitate you. I refused to listen to the priest because you did
+not like it. Still I may have been wrong in sending the holy man away;
+for," added the wretched creature, with a shudder, "who can tell what is
+after death? Mother, do you hear me? After, I say! And it only wants--"
+
+"Exactly three hours, and you will know all about it!"
+
+"How can you speak so indifferently on such a dreadful subject? Yet true
+enough; in three short hours, we who now sit talking to each other, who,
+if at liberty, should ail nothing, but be ready to enjoy life, must die.
+Oh, mother, can you not say one word to comfort me?"
+
+"Be bold, girl, and die as you have lived, a true Martial!"
+
+"You should not talk thus to your daughter," interposed the old soldier,
+with a serious air; "you would have acted more like a parent had you
+allowed her to listen to the priest when he came."
+
+Again the widow contemptuously shrugged her shoulders, and, without
+deigning to notice the soldier further than by bestowing on him a look
+of withering contempt, she repeated to Calabash:
+
+"Pluck up your courage, my girl, and let the world see that women have
+more courage than men, with their priests and cowardly nonsense!"
+
+"General Leblond was one of the bravest officers of the regiment he
+belonged to. Well, this dauntless man fell at the siege of Saragossa,
+covered with wounds, and his last expiring act was to sign himself with
+the cross," said the veteran. "I served under him. I only tell you this
+to prove that to die with a prayer on our lips is no sign of cowardice!"
+
+Calabash eyed the bronzed features of the speaker with deep attention.
+The scarred and weather-beaten countenance of the old man told of a life
+passed in scenes of danger and of death, encountered with calm bravery.
+To hear those wrinkled lips urging the necessity of prayer, and
+associating religion with the memory of the good and valiant, made the
+miserable, vacillating culprit think that, after all, there could be no
+cowardice in recommending one's soul to the God who gave it, and
+breathing a repentant supplication for the past.
+
+"Alas, alas!" cried she. "Why did I not attend to what the priest had to
+say to me? It could not have done me any harm, and it might have given
+me courage to face that dreadful afterwards, that makes death so
+terrible."
+
+"What! Again?" exclaimed the widow, with bitter contempt. "'Tis a pity
+time does not permit of your becoming a nun! The arrival of your brother
+Martial will complete your conversion; but that honest man and excellent
+son will think it sinful to come and receive the last wishes of his
+dying mother!"
+
+As the widow uttered these last words, the huge lock of the prison was
+heard to turn with a loud sound, and then the door to open.
+
+"So soon!" shrieked Calabash, with a convulsive bound. "Surely the time
+here is wrong,--it cannot be the hour we were told! Oh, mother! Mother!
+Must we die at least two hours before we expected?"
+
+"So much the better if the executioner's watch deceives me! It will put
+an end to your whining folly, which disgraces the name you bear!"
+
+"Madame," said an officer of the prison, gently opening the door, "your
+son is here,--will you see him?"
+
+"Yes," replied the widow, without turning her head.
+
+Martial entered the cell, the door of which was left open that those
+without in the corridor might be within hearing, if summoned by the old
+soldier, who still remained with the prisoners.
+
+Through the gloom of the corridor, lighted only by the faint beams of
+the early morning, and the dubious twinkling of a single lamp, several
+soldiers and gaolers might be seen, the former standing in due military
+order, the later sitting on benches.
+
+Martial looked as pale and ghastly as his mother, while his features
+betrayed the mental agony he suffered at witnessing so afflicting a
+sight. Still, spite of all it cost him, as well as the recollection of
+his mother's crimes and openly expressed aversion for himself, he had
+felt it imperatively his duty to come and receive her last commands. No
+sooner was he in the dungeon than the widow, fixing on him a sharp,
+penetrating look, said, in a tone of concentrated wrath and bitterness,
+with a view to rouse all the evil passions of her son's mind:
+
+"Well, you see what the good people are going to do with your mother and
+sister!"
+
+"Ah, mother, how dreadful! Alas, alas! Have I not warned you that such
+would be the end--"
+
+Interrupting him, while her lips became blanched with rage, the widow
+exclaimed:
+
+"Enough! 'Tis sufficient that your mother and sister are about to be
+murdered, as your father was!"
+
+"Merciful God!" cried Martial. "And to think that I have no power to
+prevent it! 'Tis past all human interference. What would you have me do?
+Alas! Had you or my sister attended to what I said, you would not now
+have been here."
+
+"Oh, no doubt!" returned the widow, with her usual tone of savage irony.
+"To you the spectacle of mine and your sister's sufferings is a matter
+of delight to your proud heart; you can now tell the world without a
+lie that your mother is dead,--you will have to blush for her no more!"
+
+"Had I been wanting in my duty as a son," answered Martial, indignant at
+the unjust sarcasms of his mother, "I should not now be here."
+
+"You came but from curiosity! Own the truth if you dare!"
+
+"No, mother! You desired to see me, and I obeyed your wish."
+
+"Ah, Martial," cried Calabash, unable longer to struggle against the
+agonising terror she endured, "had I but listened to your advice,
+instead of being led by my mother, I should not be here!" Then losing
+all further control of herself, she exclaimed, "'Tis all your fault,
+accursed mother! Your bad example and evil counsel have brought me to
+what I am!"
+
+"Do you hear her?" said the widow, bursting into a fiendish laugh.
+"Come, this will repay you for the trouble of paying us a last visit!
+Your excellent sister has turned pious, repents of her own sins, and
+curses her mother!"
+
+Without making any reply to this unnatural speech, Martial approached
+Calabash, whose dying agonies seemed to have commenced, and, regarding
+her with deep compassion, said:
+
+"My poor sister! Alas, it is now too late to recall the past!"
+
+"It is never too late to turn coward, it seems!" cried the widow, with
+savage excitement. "Oh, what a race you are! Happily Nicholas has
+escaped; Francois and Amandine will slip through your fingers; they have
+already imbibed vice enough, and want and misery will finish them!"
+
+"Oh, Martial," groaned forth Calabash, "for the love of God, take care
+of those two poor children, lest they come to such an end as mother's
+and mine!"
+
+"He may watch over them as much as he likes," cried the widow, with
+settled hatred in her looks, "vice and destitution will have greater
+effect than his words, and some of these days they will avenge their
+father, mother, and sister!"
+
+"Your horrible expectations, mother, will never be fulfilled," replied
+the indignant Martial; "neither my young brother, sister, nor self have
+anything to fear from want. La Louve saved the life of the young girl
+Nicholas tried to drown, and the relations of the young person offered
+us either a large sum of money or a smaller sum and some land at
+Algiers; we preferred the latter, and to-morrow we quit Europe, with the
+children, for ever."
+
+"Is that absolutely true?" asked the widow of Martial, in a tone of
+angry surprise.
+
+"Mother, when did I ever tell you a falsehood?"
+
+"You are doing so now to try and put me into a passion!"
+
+"What, displeased to learn that your children are provided for?"
+
+"Yes, to find that my young wolves are to be turned into lambs, and to
+hear that the blood of father, mother, and sister have no prospect of
+being avenged!"
+
+"Do not talk so--at a moment like this!"
+
+"I have murdered, and am murdered in my turn,--the account is even, at
+any rate."
+
+"Mother, mother, let me beseech you to repent ere you die!"
+
+Again a peal of fiendish laughter burst from the pallid lips of the
+condemned woman.
+
+"For thirty years," cried she, "have I lived in crime; would you have me
+believe that thirty years' guilt is to be repented of in three days,
+with the mind disturbed and distracted by the near approach of death?
+No, no, three days cannot effect such wonders; and I tell you, when my
+head falls its last expression will be rage and hatred!"
+
+"Brother, brother," ejaculated Calabash, whose brain began to wander,
+"help, help! Take me from hence," moaned she in an expiring voice; "they
+are coming to fetch me--to kill me! Oh, hide me, dear brother, hide me,
+and I will love you ever more!"
+
+"Will you hold your tongue?" cried the widow, exasperated at the
+weakness betrayed by her daughter. "Will you be silent? Oh, you base,
+you disgraceful creature! And to think that I should be obliged to call
+myself your parent!"
+
+"Mother," exclaimed Martial, nearly distracted by this horrid scene,
+"will you tell me why you sent for me?"
+
+"Because I thought to give you heart and hatred; but he who has not the
+one cannot entertain the other. Go, coward, go!"
+
+At this moment a loud sound of many footsteps was heard in the corridor;
+the old soldier looked at his watch.
+
+A rich ray of the golden brightness, which marked the rising of that
+day's sun, found its way through the loopholes in the walls, and shed a
+flood of light into the very midst of the wretched cell, rendered now
+completely illumined by means of the opening of the door at the opposite
+end of the passage to that in which the condemned cell was situated. In
+the midst of this blaze of day appeared two gaolers, each bearing a
+chair; an officer also made his appearance, saying to the widow in a
+voice of sympathy:
+
+"Madame, the hour has arrived."
+
+The mother arose on the instant, erect and immovable, while Calabash
+uttered the most piercing cries. Then four more persons entered the
+cell; four of the number, who were very shabbily dressed, bore in their
+hands packets of fine but very strong cord. The taller man of the party
+was dressed in black, with a large cravat; he handed a paper to the
+officer. This individual was the executioner, and the paper a receipt
+signifying his having received two females for the purpose of
+guillotining them. The man then took sole charge of these unhappy
+creatures, and, from that moment, was responsible for them.
+
+To the wild terror and despair which had first seized Calabash, now
+succeeded a kind of stupefaction; and so nearly insensible was she that
+the assistant executioners were compelled to seat her on her bed, and to
+support her when there; her firmly closed jaws scarcely enabled her to
+utter a sound, but her hollow eyes rolled vacantly in their sockets, her
+chin fell listlessly on her breast, and, but for the support of the two
+men, she would have fallen forwards a lifeless, senseless mass.
+
+After having bestowed a last embrace on his wretched sister, Martial
+stood petrified with terror, unable to speak or move, and as though
+perfectly spellbound by the horrible scene before him.
+
+The cool audacity of the widow did not for an instant forsake her; with
+head erect, and firm, collected manner, she assisted in taking off the
+strait-waistcoat she had worn, and which had hitherto fettered her
+movements; this removed, she appeared in an old black stuff dress.
+
+"Where shall I place myself?" asked she, in a clear, steady voice.
+
+"Be good enough to sit down upon one of those chairs," said the
+executioner, pointing to the seats arranged at the entrance of the
+dungeon.
+
+With unfaltering step, the widow prepared to follow the directions given
+her, but as she passed her daughter she said, in a voice that betokened
+some little emotion:
+
+"Kiss me, my child!"
+
+But as the sound of her mother's voice reached her ear, Calabash seemed
+suddenly to wake up from her lethargy, she raised her head, and, with a
+wild and almost frenzied cry, exclaimed:
+
+"Away! Leave me! And if there be a hell, may it receive you!"
+
+"My child," repeated the widow, "let us embrace for the last time!"
+
+"Do not approach me!" cried the distracted girl, violently repulsing her
+mother; "you have been my ruin in this world and the next!"
+
+"Then forgive me, ere I die!"
+
+"Never, never!" exclaimed Calabash; and then, totally exhausted by the
+effort she had made, she sank back in the arms of the assistants.
+
+A cloud passed over the hitherto stern features of the widow, and a
+moisture was momentarily visible on her glowing eyeballs. At this
+instant she encountered the pitying looks of her son. After a trifling
+hesitation, during which she seemed to be undergoing some powerful
+internal conflict, she said:
+
+"And you?"
+
+Sobbing violently, Martial threw himself into his mother's arms.
+
+"Enough!" said the widow, conquering her emotion, and withdrawing
+herself from the close embrace of her son; "I am keeping this gentleman
+waiting," pointing to the executioner; then, hurrying towards a chair,
+she resolutely seated herself, and the gleam of maternal sensibility she
+had exhibited was for ever extinguished.
+
+"Do not stay here," said the old soldier, approaching Martial with an
+air of kindness. "Come this way," continued he, leading him, while
+Martial, stupefied by horror, followed him mechanically.
+
+The almost expiring Calabash having been supported to a chair by the two
+assistants, one sustained her all but inanimate form, while the other
+tied her hands behind with fine but excessively strong whipcord, knotted
+into the most inextricable meshes, while with a cord of the same
+description he secured her feet, allowing her just so much liberty as
+would enable her to proceed slowly to her last destination. The widow
+having borne a similar pinioning with the most imperturbable composure,
+the executioner, drawing from his pocket a pair of huge scissors, said
+to her with considerable civility:
+
+"Be good enough to stoop your head, madame."
+
+Yielding immediate obedience to the request, the widow said:
+
+"We have been good customers to you; you have had my husband in your
+hands, and now you have his wife and daughter!"
+
+Without making any reply, the executioner began to cut the long gray
+hairs of the prisoner very close, especially at the nape of the neck.
+
+"This makes the third time in my life," continued the widow, with a
+dismal smile, "that I have had my head dressed by a professor: when I
+took my first communion the white veil was arranged; then on my
+marriage, when the orange-flowers were placed there; and upon the
+present occasion; upon my word, I hardly know which became me most. You
+cannot guess what I am thinking of?" resumed the widow, addressing the
+executioner, after having again contemplated her daughter.
+
+But the man made her no sort of answer, and no sound was heard but that
+of the scissors, and the sort of convulsive and hysterical sob that
+occasionally escaped from Calabash.
+
+At this moment a venerable priest approached the governor, and addressed
+him in a low, earnest voice, the import of which was to express his
+desire to make another effort to rescue the souls of the condemned.
+
+"I was thinking that at five years old my daughter, whose head you are
+going to cut off, was the prettiest child I ever saw, with her fair hair
+and red cheeks. Who that saw her then would have said that--" She was
+silent for a moment, and then said, with a burst of indescribable
+laughter, "What a farce is destiny!"
+
+At this moment the last of her hair was cut off.
+
+"I have done, madame," said the executioner, politely.
+
+"Many thanks; and I recommend my son Nicholas to you," said the widow;
+"you will cut off his hair some day." A turnkey came in and said a few
+words to her in a low tone. "No,--I have already said no!" she answered,
+angrily.
+
+The priest hearing these words, and seeing any further interference
+useless, immediately withdrew.
+
+"Madame, we are all ready to go. Will you take anything?" inquired the
+executioner, civilly.
+
+"No, I thank you; this evening I shall take a mouthful of earth." And
+after this remark the widow rose firmly. Her hands were tied behind her
+back, and a rope was also attached to each ankle, allowing her
+sufficient liberty to walk. Although her step was firm and resolute, the
+executioner and his assistant offered to support her; but she turned to
+them disdainfully, and said, "Do not touch me, I have a steady eye and a
+firm foot, and they will hear on the scaffold whether or not I have a
+good voice." Calabash was carried away in a dying state.
+
+After having traversed the long corridor, the funereal cortege ascended
+a stone staircase, which led to an exterior court, where was a picquet
+of _gens-d'armes_, a hackney-coach, and a long, narrow carriage with a
+yellow body, drawn by three post-horses, who were neighing loudly.
+
+"We shall not be full inside," said the widow, as she took her seat.
+
+The two vehicles, preceded and followed by the picquet of
+_gens-d'armes_, then quitted the outer gate of Bicetre, and went quickly
+towards the Boulevard St. Jacques.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+MARTIAL AND THE CHOURINEUR.
+
+
+Before we proceed we have a few words to say as to the acquaintance
+recently established between the Chourineur and Martial.
+
+When Germain had left the prison, the Chourineur proved very easily that
+he had robbed himself; and making a statement of his motive for this
+singular mystification to the magistrate, he was set at liberty, after
+having been severely admonished.
+
+Desirous of recompensing the Chourineur for this fresh act of devotion,
+Rodolph, in order to realise the wishes of his rough protege, had lodged
+him in the hotel of the Rue Plumet, promising that he should accompany
+him on his return to Germany.
+
+The Chourineur's blind attachment to Rodolph was like that of a dog for
+his master. When, however, the prince had found his daughter, all was
+changed, and, in spite of his warm gratitude for the man who had saved
+his life, he could not make up his mind to take with him to Germany the
+witness of Fleur-de-Marie's fallen state; yet, determined to carry out
+the Chourineur's wishes, he sent for him, and told him that he had still
+another service to ask of him. At this the Chourineur's countenance
+brightened up; but he was greatly distressed when he learned that he
+must quit the hotel that very day, and would not accompany the prince to
+Germany.
+
+It is useless to mention the munificent compensations which Rodolph
+offered to the Chourineur,--the money he intended for him, the farm in
+Algeria, anything he could desire. The Chourineur was wounded to the
+heart, refused, and (perhaps for the first time in his life) wept.
+Rodolph was compelled to force his presents on him.
+
+Next day the prince sent for La Louve and Martial, and inquired what he
+could do for them. Remembering what Fleur-de-Marie had told him of the
+wild taste of La Louve and her husband, he proposed to the hardy couple
+either a considerable sum of money, or half the sum and land in full
+cultivation adjoining the farm he had bought for the Chourineur,
+believing that by bringing them together they would sympathise, from
+their desire to seek solitude, the one in consequence of the past, and
+the other from the crimes of his family.
+
+He was not mistaken. Martial and La Louve accepted joyfully; and then,
+talking the matter over with the Chourineur, they all three rejoiced in
+the prospects held out to them in Algeria. A sincere good feeling soon
+united the future colonists. Persons of their class judge quickly of
+each other, and like one another as speedily.
+
+The Chourineur accompanied his new friend Martial to the Bicetre and
+awaited him in the hackney-coach, which conducted them back to Paris
+after Martial, horror-struck, had left the dungeon of his mother and
+sister.
+
+The countenance of the Chourineur had completely changed; the bold
+expression and jovial humour which usually characterised his harsh
+features had given way to extreme dejection; his voice had lost
+something of its coarseness; a grief of heart, until then unknown to
+him, had broken down his energetic temperament. He looked kindly at
+Martial, and said:
+
+"Courage! You have done all that good intentions could do; it is ended.
+Think now of your wife, and the children whom you have prevented from
+becoming criminals like their father and mother. To-night we leave Paris
+never to return to it, and you will never again hear of what so much
+distresses you now."
+
+"True--true! But, after all, they are my sister and mother!"
+
+"Yes; but when things must be, we must submit!" said the Chourineur,
+checking a deep sigh.
+
+After a moment's silence, Martial said, kindly, "And I ought, in my
+turn, to try and console you who are so sad. My wife and I hope that
+when we have left Paris this will cease."
+
+"Yes," said the Chourineur, with a shudder, "if I leave Paris!"
+
+"Why, we go this evening!"
+
+"Yes,--you do; you go this evening!"
+
+"And have you changed your intention, then?"
+
+"No! Yet, Martial, you'll laugh at me; but yet I will tell you all. If
+anything happens to me it will prove that I am not deceived. When M.
+Rodolph asked if we would go to Algeria together, I told you my mind at
+once, and also what I had been."
+
+"Yes, you did; let us mention it no more. You underwent your punishment,
+and are now as good as any one. But, like myself, I can imagine you
+would like to go and live a long way off, instead of living here, where,
+however honest we may be, they might at times fling in your teeth a
+misdeed you have atoned for and repented, and, in mine, my parents'
+crimes, for which I am by no means responsible. The past is the past
+between us, and we shall never reproach each other."
+
+"With you and me, Martial, the past is the past; but, you see, Martial,
+there is something above,--I have killed a man!"
+
+"A great misfortune, assuredly; but, at the moment, you were out of
+your senses,--mad. And besides, you have since saved the lives of other
+persons, and that will count in your favour."
+
+"I'll tell you why I refer to my misdeed. I used to have a dream, in
+which I saw the sergeant I killed. I have not had it for a long time
+until last night, and that foretells some misfortune for to-day. I have
+a foreboding that I shall not quit Paris."
+
+"Oh, you regret at leaving our benefactor! The thought of coming with me
+to the Bicetre agitated you; and so your dream recurred to you."
+
+The Chourineur shook his head sorrowfully and said, "It has come to me
+just as M. Rodolph is going to start,--for he goes to-day. Yesterday I
+sent a messenger to his hotel, not daring to go myself. They sent me
+word that he went this morning at eleven o'clock by the barrier of
+Charenton, and I mean to go and station myself there to try and see him
+once more,--for the last time!"
+
+"He seems so good that I easily understand your love for him."
+
+"Love for him!" said the Chourineur, with deep and concentrated emotion.
+"Yes, yes, Martial,--to lie on the earth, eat black bread, be his dog,
+to be where he was, I asked no more. But that was too much,--he would
+not consent."
+
+"He has been very generous towards you!"
+
+"Yet it is not for that I love him, but because he told me I had heart
+and honour. Yes, and that at a time when I was as fierce as a brute
+beast. And he made me understand what was good in me, and that I had
+repented, and, after suffering great misery, had worked hard for an
+honest livelihood, although all the world considered me as a thorough
+ruffian,--and so, when M. Rodolph said these words to me, my heart beat
+high and proudly, and from this time I would go through fire and water
+to serve him."
+
+"Why, it is because you are better than you were that you ought not to
+have any of those forebodings. Your dream is nothing."
+
+"We shall see. I shall not try and get into any mischief, for I cannot
+have any worse misfortune than not to see again M. Rodolph, whom I hoped
+never again to leave. I should have been in my way, you see, always with
+him, body and soul,--always ready. Never mind, perhaps he was wrong,--I
+am only a worm at his feet; but sometimes, Martial, the smallest may be
+useful to the greatest."
+
+"One day, perhaps, you may see him."
+
+"Oh, no; he said to me, 'My good fellow, you must promise never to seek
+nor see me,--that will be doing me a service.' So, of course, Martial, I
+promised; and I'll keep my word, though it is very hard."
+
+"Once at Algeria, you will forget all your vexations."
+
+"Yes, yes; I'm an old trooper, Martial, and will face the Bedouins."
+
+"Come, come, you'll soon recover your spirits. We'll farm and hunt
+together, and live together, or separate, just as you like. We'll bring
+up the children like honest people, and you shall be their uncle,--for
+we are brothers, and my wife is good at heart; and so we'll be happy,
+eh?" And Martial extended his hand to the Chourineur.
+
+"So we will, Martial," was the reply; "and my sorrow will kill me, or I
+shall kill my sorrow."
+
+"It will not kill you. We shall pass our days together; and every
+evening we will say, 'brother, thanks to M. Rodolph,'--that shall be our
+prayer to, him."
+
+"Martial, you comfort me."
+
+"Well, then, that is all right; and as to that stupid-dream, you will
+think no more of it, I hope?"
+
+"I'll try."
+
+"Well, then, you'll come to us at four o'clock; the diligence goes at
+five."
+
+"Agreed. But I will get out here and walk to the barrier at Charenton,
+where I will await M. Rodolph, that I may see him pass."
+
+The coach stopped, and the Chourineur alighted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE FINGER OF PROVIDENCE.
+
+
+The Chourineur had forgotten that it was the day after mid-Lent, and was
+consequently greatly surprised at the sight, at once hideous and
+singular, which presented itself to his view when he arrived at the
+exterior boulevard, which he was traversing to reach the barrier of
+Charenton.
+
+He found himself suddenly in the thickest of a dense throng of people,
+who were coming out of the cabarets of the Faubourg de la Glaciere, in
+order to reach the Boulevard St. Jacques, where the execution was to
+take place.
+
+Although it was broad daylight, there was still heard the noisy music of
+the public-houses, whence issued particularly the loud echoes of the
+cornets-a-piston. The pencil of Callot, of Rembrandt, or of Goya is
+requisite to limn the strange, hideous, and fantastical appearance of
+this multitude.
+
+Almost all of them, men, women, and children, were attired in old
+masquerade costumes. Those who could not afford this expense had on
+their clothes rags of bright colours. Some young men were dressed in
+women's clothes, half torn and soiled with mud. All their countenances,
+haggard from debauchery and vice, and furrowed by intoxication, sparkled
+with savage delight at the idea that, after a night of filthy orgies,
+they should see two women executed on the scaffold prepared for them.
+
+The foul and fetid scum of the population of Paris,--this vast mob--was
+formed of thieves and abandoned women, who every day tax crime for their
+daily bread, and every evening return to their lairs with their vicious
+spoils.[1]
+
+  [1] It is calculated that there are in Paris 30,000 persons who
+  have no other means of existence but theft.
+
+The crowd entirely choked up the means of circulation, and, in spite of
+his gigantic strength, the Chourineur was compelled to remain almost
+motionless in the midst of this compact throng. He was, however, willing
+to remain so, as the prince would not pass the barrier of Charenton
+until eleven o'clock, and it was not yet seven; and he had a singular
+spectacle before him.
+
+In a large, low apartment, occupied at one end by musicians, surrounded
+by benches and tables laden with the fragments of a repast, broken
+plates, empty bottles, etc., a dozen men and women, in various disguises
+and half drunk, were dancing with the utmost excitement that frantic and
+obscene dance called _La Chahut_.
+
+Amongst the dissipated revellers who figured in this saturnalia, the
+Chourineur remarked two couples who obtained the most overwhelming
+applause, from the revolting grossness of their attitudes, their
+gesticulations, and their language. The first couple consisted of a man
+disguised as a bear, and nearly covered with a waistcoat and trousers of
+black sheepskin. The head of the animal, being too troublesome to carry,
+had been replaced by a kind of hood with long hair, which entirely
+covered his features; two holes for his eyes, and a long one for his
+mouth, allowed him to see, speak, and breathe.
+
+This man--one of the prisoners escaped from La Force (amongst whom were
+Barbillon and the two murderers arrested at the ogress's at the
+_tapis-franc_, at the beginning of this recital)--this man so masked was
+Nicholas Martial, the son and brother of the two women for whom the
+scaffold was prepared but a few paces distant.
+
+Induced into this act of atrocious insensibility and infamous audacity
+by one of his associates, this wretch had dared with this disguise to
+join in the last revels of the carnival. The woman who danced with him,
+dressed as a _vivandiere_, wore a round leather cap with ragged ribands,
+a kind of bodice of threadbare red cloth, ornamented with three rows of
+brass buttons, a green skirt, and trousers of white calico. Her black
+hair fell in disorder all about her head, and her haggard and swollen
+features evinced the utmost effrontery and immodesty. The _vis-a-vis_ of
+these dancers were no less disgusting.
+
+The man, who was very tall, and disguised as Robert Macaire, had so
+begrimed his features with soot that it was impossible to recognise him,
+and, besides, a large bandage covered his left eye; the white of the
+right eye being thus the more heightened, rendered him still more
+hideous. The lower part of the Skeleton's countenance (for it was he)
+disappeared in a high neckcloth made of an old red shawl.
+
+Wearing an old, white, napless hat with a crushed side, dirty, and
+without a crown, a green coat in rags, and tight mulberry-coloured
+pantaloons, patched in every direction, and tied around the instep with
+pieces of packthread, this assassin outraged the most _outre_ and
+revolting attitudes of the _Chahut_, darting from right to left, before
+and behind, his lanky limbs as hard as steel, and twisting and twining,
+and springing and bounding with such vigour and elasticity, that he
+seemed set in motion by steel springs.
+
+A worthy coryphee of this filthy saturnalia, his lady partner, a tall
+and active creature with impudent and flushed features, attired _en
+debardeur_, wore a flat cap on one side of a powdered wig with a thick
+pigtail, a waistcoat and trousers of worn green velvet, adjusted to her
+shape by an orange scarf, with long ends flowing down her back.
+
+A fat, vulgar, coarse woman, the brutal ogress of the _tapis-franc_, was
+seated on one of the benches, holding on her knees the plaid cloaks of
+this creature and the _vivandiere_, whilst they were rivalling the
+bounds, and jumps, and gross postures of the Skeleton and Nicholas
+Martial.
+
+Amongst the other dancers there was a lame boy, dressed like a devil, by
+means of a black net vest, much too large for him, red drawers, and a
+green mask hideous and grotesque. In spite of his infirmity, this little
+monster was wonderfully agile, and his precocious depravity equalled, if
+it could not exceed, that of his detestable companions, and he gambolled
+as impudently as any of them before a fat woman, dressed as a
+shepherdess, who excited her partner the more by her shouts of laughter.
+
+No charge having been raised against Tortillard (our readers have
+recognised him), and Bras Rouge having been for the while left in
+prison, the boy, at his father's request, was reclaimed by Micou, the
+receiver of the passage of the Brasserie, who had not been denounced by
+his accomplices.
+
+As secondary figures in this picture, let imagination conceive all there
+is of the lowest, most shameful, and most monstrous, in this idle,
+wanton, insolent, rapacious, atheistical, sanguinary assemblage of
+infamy, which is most hostile to social order, and to which we would
+call the attention of all thinking persons as our recital draws to a
+close.
+
+Excited by the shouts of laughter and the cheers of the mob assembled
+around the windows, the actors in the infamous dance cried to the
+orchestra for a finale galop. The musicians, delighted to reach the end
+of their labours, complied with the general wish, and played a galoppade
+with the utmost energy and rapidity. At this the excitement redoubled;
+the couples encircled each other and dashed away, following the Skeleton
+and his partner, who led off their infernal round amidst the wildest
+cries and acclamations.
+
+The crowd was so thick, so dense, and the evolutions so multiplied and
+rapid, that these creatures, inflamed with wine, exercise, and noise,
+their intoxication became delirious frenzy, and they soon ceased to have
+space for their movements. The Skeleton then cried, in a breathless
+voice, "Look out at the door! We will go out on to the boulevard."
+
+"Yes, yes!" cried the mob at the windows; "a galop as far as the
+Barriere St. Jacques!"
+
+"The two 'mots' will soon be here."
+
+"The headsman cuts double! How funny!"
+
+"Yes, with a cornet-a-piston accompaniment."
+
+"I'll ask the widow to be my partner."
+
+"And I the daughter."
+
+"Death to the informers!"
+
+"Long live the prigs and lads of steel!" cried the Skeleton in a voice
+of thunder, as he and the dancers, forcing their way in the midst of the
+mass, set the whole body in motion; and then were heard cries, and
+imprecations, and shouts of laughter, which had nothing human in their
+sound.
+
+Suddenly this uproar reached its height by two fresh incidents. The
+vehicle which contained the criminals, accompanied by its escort of
+cavalry, appeared at the angle of the boulevard, and then all the mob
+rushed in that direction, shouting and roaring with ferocious delight.
+
+At this moment, also, the crowd was met by a courier coming from the
+Boulevard des Invalides, and galloping towards the Barriere de
+Charenton. He was dressed in a light blue jacket with yellow collar,
+with a double row of silver lace down the seams, but, as a mark of deep
+mourning, he wore black breeches and high boots; his cap also, with a
+broad band of silver, was encircled with crape, and on the winkers of
+his horse were the arms of Gerolstein.
+
+He walked his horse, his advance becoming every moment more difficult,
+and he was almost obliged to stop when he found himself in the midst of
+the sea of people we have described. Although he called to them, and
+moved his horse with the greatest caution, cries, abuse, and threats
+were soon directed against him.
+
+"Does he want to ride us down, that vagabond?"
+
+"He's got lots o' silver on his precious body!" cried Tortillard.
+
+"If he comes against us we'll make him alight and strip the 'tin' off
+his jacket to go to the melter's," said Nicholas.
+
+"And we'll take the seams out of your carcase if you are not careful,
+you cursed jockey!" added the Skeleton, addressing the courier and
+seizing the bridle of his horse,--for the crowd was so dense that the
+ruffian had given up his idea of dancing to the barrier.
+
+The courier, who was a powerful and resolute fellow, said to the
+Skeleton, lifting the handle of his whip, "If you do not let go my
+bridle I'll lay my whip over you. Let me pass; my lord's carriage is
+coming close behind. Let me go forward, I say."
+
+"Your lord!" said the Skeleton; "what is your lord to me? I'll slit his
+weasand if I like! I never did for a lord; I should like to try my
+hand."
+
+"There are no more lords now. _Vive la Charte!_" shouted Tortillard; and
+as he said so he whistled a verse of the "Parisienne," and clinging to
+one of the courier's legs nearly drew him out of his saddle. A blow with
+the handle of his whip on Tortillard's head punished his insolence; but
+the populace instantly attacked the courier, who in vain spurred his
+horse,--he could not advance a step.
+
+Dismounted, amidst the shouts of the mob, he would have been murdered
+but for the arrival of Rodolph's carriage, which took off the attention
+of these wretches.
+
+The prince's travelling carriage, drawn by four horses, had for some
+time past advanced at only a foot pace, and one of the two footmen had
+got down from the rumble and was walking by the side of the door, which
+was very low; the postilions kept crying out to the people, and went
+forward very cautiously.
+
+Rodolph was dressed in deep mourning, as was also his daughter, one of
+whose hands he held in his own, looking at her with affection. The
+gentle and lovely face of Fleur-de-Marie was enclosed in a small capot
+of black crape, which heightened the dazzling brilliancy of her skin and
+the beautiful hue of her lovely brown hair; and the azure of this bright
+day was reflected in her large eyes, which had never been of more
+transparent and softened blue. Although her features wore a gentle
+smile, and expressed calmness and happiness when she looked at her
+father, yet a tinge of melancholy, and sometimes of undefinable sadness,
+threw its shadow over her countenance when her eyes were not fixed on
+her father.
+
+At this moment the carriage came amongst the crowd and began to slacken
+its pace. Rodolph lowered the window, and said in German to the lackey
+who was walking by the window, "Well, Frantz, what is the meaning of
+this?"
+
+"Monseigneur, there is such a crowd that the horses cannot move."
+
+"What has this assemblage collected for?"
+
+"Monseigneur, there is an execution going on."
+
+"Ah, frightful!" said Rodolph, throwing himself back in his carriage.
+
+"What is it, my dear father?" asked Fleur-de-Marie with uneasiness.
+
+"Nothing--nothing, dearest."
+
+"Only listen,--these threatening cries approach us! What can it be?"
+
+"Desire them to reach Charenton by another road," said Rodolph.
+
+"Monseigneur, it is too late, the crowd has stopped the horses."
+
+The footman could say no more. The mob, excited by the savage
+encouragement of the Skeleton and Nicholas, suddenly surrounded the
+carriage, and, in spite of the threats of the postilions, stopped the
+horses, and Rodolph saw on all sides threatening, furious countenances,
+and above them all the Skeleton, who came to the door of the carriage.
+
+"Take care, my dear father!" exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie, throwing her arms
+around Rodolph's neck.
+
+"Oh, you are the 'my lord,' are you?" said the Skeleton, thrusting his
+hideous head into the carriage.
+
+Had it not been for his daughter's presence, Rodolph would have given
+way to the natural impetuosity of his character at this insolence; but
+he controlled himself, and coolly replied:
+
+"What do you want, and why do you stop my carriage?"
+
+"Because we choose," said the Skeleton. "Each in his turn. Yesterday you
+trampled on the mob, and to-day the mob will crush you if you stir."
+
+"Father, we are lost!" murmured Fleur-de-Marie.
+
+"Take courage, love! I understand," replied the prince; "it is the last
+day of the carnival,--these fellows are tipsy; I will get rid of them."
+
+"I say, my 'covey,' come, get out, and your 'mot' with you!" cried
+Nicholas; "why should you trample upon a parcel of poor people!"
+
+"You seem to have drunk a good deal, and to desire to drink more," said
+Rodolph; "here, take this, and do not delay my carriage any longer," and
+he threw out his purse, which Tortillard caught.
+
+"Oh, what, you are going to travel, eh? Well, then, you've got your
+pockets well lined, no doubt. Come, shell out, my blade, or I'll have
+your life." And he opened the door suddenly.
+
+Rodolph's patience was exhausted. Alarmed for Fleur-de-Marie, whose
+alarm increased every moment, and believing that a display of vigour
+would daunt the wretch, whom he believed to be only drunk, he sprung
+from the carriage, intending to seize the Skeleton by the throat. The
+latter suddenly receded, and then, drawing a long knife-dirk from his
+pocket, rushed at Rodolph. Fleur-de-Marie, seeing the dirk raised to
+stab her father, gave a shriek, sprung from the carriage, and threw her
+arms around him.
+
+Her father's life must have been sacrificed but for the Chourineur, who
+at the commencement of this tumult, having recognised the livery of the
+prince, had contrived, by superhuman efforts, to reach the Skeleton; and
+at the moment when that ruffian menaced the prince with his knife the
+Chourineur seized on his arm with one hand, and, with the other grasping
+his collar, threw him backwards.
+
+Although surprised, and from behind too, the Skeleton turned around,
+and, recognising the Chourineur, cried, "What! the man in the gray
+blouse from La Force? This time, then, I'll do for you!" and rushing
+furiously at the Chourineur, he plunged his knife in his breast. The
+Chourineur staggered, but did not fall. The crowd kept him on his legs.
+
+"The guard! Here come the guard!" exclaimed several voices in alarm.
+
+At these words, and at the sight of the murder of the Chourineur, all
+this dense crowd, fearing to be compromised in the assassination,
+dispersed as if by magic, and fled in every direction; the Skeleton,
+Nicholas, Martial, and Tortillard amongst the earliest.
+
+When the guard came up, guided by the courier (who had escaped when the
+crowd had let him go to surround the prince's carriage), there only
+remained in this sad scene, Rodolph, his daughter, and the Chourineur,
+bathed in his blood. The two servants of the prince had seated him on
+the ground, with his back to a tree.
+
+All this passed more quickly than it can be described, and at a few
+paces from the _guinguette_ from which the Skeleton and his band had
+issued.
+
+The prince, pale and agitated, held in his arms Fleur-de-Marie, half
+fainting, whilst the postilions were repairing the harness broken in the
+scuffle.
+
+"Quick!" said the prince to his servants engaged in aiding the
+Chourineur, "convey this poor fellow to the cabaret; and you," he added,
+turning to the courier, "get on the box, and gallop back for Doctor
+David at the hotel; you will find him there, as he does not leave until
+eleven o'clock."
+
+The carriage went away at a great speed, and the two servants conveyed
+the Chourineur to the low apartment in which the orgies had taken place;
+several of the women were still there.
+
+"My poor, dear child!" said Rodolph, to his daughter, "let me take you
+to some room in this place where you can await me, for I cannot abandon
+this brave fellow, who has again saved my life."
+
+"Oh, my dearest father, I entreat you do not leave me!" exclaimed
+Fleur-de-Marie, with alarm, and seizing Rodolph's arm. "Do not leave me
+alone! I should die with fright! Where you go I will go!"
+
+"But this frightful spectacle?"
+
+"Yes, thanks to this worthy man, you still live for me, my father, and
+therefore allow me to join you in thanking and consoling him."
+
+The prince's perplexity was very great. His daughter evinced so much
+just fear of remaining alone in a room in this low haunt that he made up
+his mind to allow her to enter with him into the apartment, where they
+found the Chourineur.
+
+The mistress of the tavern and many of the women who had remained (and
+amongst whom was the ogress of the _tapis-franc_) had hastily laid the
+wounded man on a mattress, and then stanched and bound his wound with
+napkins. The Chourineur opened his eyes as Rodolph entered. At the sight
+of the prince his features, pale with approaching death, became
+animated. He smiled painfully, and said in a low voice:
+
+"Ah, M. Rodolph, it was very fortunate I was there!"
+
+"Brave and devoted as ever!" said the prince, in an accent of despair.
+"Again you have saved my life!"
+
+"I was going to the barrier of--Charenton--to try and see you go by--see
+you for the last time. Fortunately--I was unable to get in for the
+crowd--besides--it was--to happen--I told Martial so--I had a
+presentiment."
+
+"A presentiment?"
+
+"Yes, M. Rodolph--the dream--of the sergeant--last night."
+
+"Oh, try and forget such ideas! Let us hope the wound is not mortal."
+
+"Oh, yes, the Skeleton struck home! Never mind--I told Martial that a
+worm of the earth like me--might sometimes be useful--to a great
+lord--like you."
+
+"But my life--I owe my life again to you!"
+
+"We are quits, M. Rodolph. You told me--that I had--heart and honour.
+That word, you see--oh, I am choking! Sir, without--my asking--do me the
+honour--to give me your hand--I feel I am sinking."
+
+"No, no! Impossible!" exclaimed the prince, bending towards the
+Chourineur, and clasping in his hands the icy hand of the dying man,
+"no--you will live--you will live!"
+
+"M. Rodolph, there is something, you see, above--I killed--with a blow
+of a knife--I die from the blow of a knife!" said the Chourineur, who
+was sinking fast.
+
+At this moment his eyes turned towards Fleur-de-Marie, whom he had not
+before perceived. Amazement was depicted on his dying features; he made
+a movement, and said:
+
+"Ah!--the Goualeuse!"
+
+"Yes, my daughter, who blesses you for having preserved her father!"
+
+"She--your daughter--here? That reminds me of how our acquaintance
+began--M. Rodolph--and the blows--with the fist; but this blow with a
+knife will be the last--last blow. I slashed--and in my turn am
+slashed--stabbed. It is just." He heaved a deep sigh--his head fell
+back--he was dead.
+
+The sound of horses without was heard; Rodolph's carriage had met that
+of Murphy and David, who, in their desire to rejoin the prince, had
+anticipated the hour fixed for their departure.
+
+"David," said Rodolph, wiping his eyes, and pointing to the Chourineur,
+"is there no hope?"
+
+"None, monseigneur," replied the doctor, after a moment's examination.
+
+During this moment there passed a mute and terrible scene between
+Fleur-de-Marie and the ogress, whom Rodolph had not observed. When the
+Chourineur had uttered the name of La Goualeuse, the ogress had raised
+her head and looked at Fleur-de-Marie. The horrid hag had already
+recognised Rodolph; he was called monseigneur--he called La Goualeuse
+his daughter. Such a metamorphosis astounded the ogress, who obstinately
+fixed her stupid, wondering eyes on her former victim.
+
+Fleur-de-Marie, pale and overcome, seemed fascinated by her gaze. The
+death of the Chourineur, the unexpected appearance of the ogress, which
+came to awaken more painfully than ever the remembrance of her former
+degradation, appeared to her a sinister presage. From this moment,
+Fleur-de-Marie was struck with one of those presentiments which, in
+dispositions like hers, have most frequently an irresistible influence.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A few days after these events and Rodolph and his daughter quitted Paris
+for ever.
+
+
+
+
+EPILOGUE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+GEROLSTEIN.
+
+
+    _Prince Henry of Herkauesen-Oldenzaal to the Count Maximilian
+    Kaminetz._
+
+                                 OLDENZAAL, 25th August, 1840.
+
+    I am just arrived from Gerolstein, where I have passed three
+    months with the grand duke and his family. I expected to find a
+    letter announcing your arrival at Oldenzaal, my dear Maximilian.
+    Judge of my surprise--of my regret, on hearing that you will be
+    detained in Hungary for several weeks.
+
+    For more than four months I have been unable to write to you,
+    not knowing where to direct my letters, thanks to your original
+    and adventurous manner of travelling. You had, however, formally
+    promised me at Vienna that you would be at Oldenzaal the first
+    of August; I must then give up the pleasure of seeing you, and
+    yet I have never had greater need of pouring forth my sorrows to
+    you, Maximilian, my oldest friend, for although we are both of
+    us still very young, our friendship is of long standing, as it
+    dates from our childhood.
+
+    What shall I say to you? During the last three months a complete
+    revolution has taken place in me. I am at one of those moments
+    that decide the existence of a man. Judge, then, how necessary
+    your presence and your advice are to me. But you will not long
+    be wanting, whatever motives you have for remaining in Hungary.
+    Come! Come! I entreat of you, Maximilian, for I stand in need of
+    you to console me, and I cannot go to seek you. My father, whose
+    health is daily declining, has summoned me from Gerolstein. Each
+    day makes so great an alteration in him that it is impossible
+    for me to leave him.
+
+    I have so much to say that I shall become tedious, but I must
+    relate to you the most important--the most romantic incident of
+    my life. Why were you not there, my friend? Why were you not
+    there? For three months my heart has been a prey to emotions
+    equally sweet and sorrowful, and I was alone--I was alone.
+    Sympathise with me, you who know the sensibility of my heart,
+    you who have seen my eyes filled with tears at the simple
+    recital of a noble or generous action, at the simple sight of a
+    splendid sunset--of the sky studded with bright stars.
+
+    Do you recollect last year, on our excursion to the ruins of
+    Oppenfeld, on the shore of the vast lake, our reveries during
+    that evening, so full of calm, of poesy, and of peace? Strange
+    contrast! It was three days before that bloody duel, in which I
+    would not accept you for my second, for I should have suffered
+    too much for you had I been wounded before your eyes,--the duel
+    in which, for a dispute at play, my second unhappily killed the
+    young Frenchman, the Comte de Saint-Remy.
+
+    Apropos, do you know what has become of the dangerous siren whom
+    M. de Saint-Remy brought with him to Oppenfeld, and whose name
+    was, I think, Cecily David?
+
+    You will doubtless, my friend, smile with pity at seeing me thus
+    losing myself amongst idle recollections of the past, instead of
+    coming at once to the grave disclosures that I have announced my
+    intention of making; but, in spite of myself, I delay the time
+    from moment to moment. I know how severe you are, and I am
+    fearful of being blamed. Yes, blamed; because, instead of acting
+    with reflection and prudence (prudence of one and twenty,
+    alas!), I have acted foolishly, or, rather, I have not acted at
+    all as--I have suffered myself to be carried away by the stream
+    that urged me on, and it is only since my return from Gerolstein
+    that I have been awakened from the enchanting vision that has
+    lulled me to sleep for the last three months, and this awaking
+    has been a sorrowful one.
+
+    Now, my friend, my dear Maximilian, I take courage. Hear me
+    indulgently; I begin with fear and trembling--I dare not look at
+    you, for when you read these lines, how grave and stern will
+    your face become, stoic that you are!
+
+    After having obtained leave of absence for six months, I left
+    Vienna, and remained some time with my father. His health was
+    then good, and he advised me to visit my aunt, the Princess
+    Juliana, superior of the abbey of Gerolstein. I think I have
+    already told you that my grandfather was cousin-german to the
+    present duke's grandfather, and the Duke Gustavus Rodolph,
+    thanks to this relationship, had always treated my father and
+    myself as his cousins.
+
+    You also know, I think, that during a long stay the prince made
+    recently in France my father was left at the head of the affairs
+    of the duchy. It is not any feeling of ostentatious pride, as
+    you well know, Maximilian, that makes me recapitulate all these
+    circumstances, but to explain to you the causes of the extreme
+    intimacy that existed between the grand duke and myself during
+    my stay at Gerolstein.
+
+    Do you recollect that last year, after our voyage on the banks
+    of the Rhine, we heard that the prince had found and married,
+    _in extremis_, the Countess Macgregor, in order to legitimise
+    the daughter he had had by her by a previous and secret
+    marriage, afterwards annulled, because it had been contracted
+    against the consent of the late grand duke?
+
+    This young girl, thus formally recognised, this charming
+    Princess Amelie, of whom Lord Dudley, who had seen her at
+    Gerolstein about a year ago, spoke to us with an enthusiasm that
+    we suspected of exaggeration, strange chance! who would have
+    said then--
+
+    But although you have doubtless penetrated my secret, let me
+    pursue the progress of events.
+
+    The convent of Ste. Hermangeld, of which my aunt is abbess, is
+    scarcely a quarter of a league from Gerolstein, for the gardens
+    of the abbey touch the outskirts of the town. A charming house,
+    perfectly isolated from the cloisters, had been placed at my
+    disposal by my aunt, who has, as you know, the affection of a
+    mother for me. The day of my arrival she informed me a grand
+    drawing-room would be held the next day, as the grand duke was
+    going formally to announce his intended marriage with La
+    Marquise d'Harville, who had just arrived at Gerolstein with her
+    father, the Comte d'Orbigny.
+
+    The duke was blamed by some for not having sought an alliance
+    with some royal house, but others, and amongst them my aunt,
+    congratulated him on having chosen, instead of a marriage of
+    ambition, a young and lovely woman to whom he was deeply
+    attached, and who belonged to one of the first families in
+    France. You know, too, that my aunt has always had the greatest
+    regard for the grand duke, and has always appreciated his fine
+    qualities.
+
+    "My dear child," said she to me, speaking of the drawing-room,
+    to which I was going the next day,--"my dear child, the most
+    astonishing sight you will see to-morrow will be the pearl of
+    Gerolstein."
+
+    "Of whom are you talking, my dear aunt?"
+
+    "Of the Princess Amelie."
+
+    "The grand duke's daughter? Lord Dudley spoke of her at Vienna
+    with warmth we suspected of exaggeration."
+
+    "At my age and in my position," replied my aunt, "people do not
+    exaggerate, so you can trust to my judgment, and I assure you I
+    never knew any one more enchanting than the Princess Amelie. I
+    would speak of her beauty were it not for an indefinable charm
+    she possesses, superior even to her beauty. From the first day
+    that the grand duke presented me to her, I felt myself
+    irresistibly drawn towards her; and I am not the only person.
+    The Archduchess Sophia is at Gerolstein, and is the most proud
+    and haughty princess I know."
+
+    "Very true, aunt; her irony is terrible, very few persons escape
+    from her sarcasms; at Vienna every one dreaded her. Can the
+    Princess Amelie have found favour in her eyes?"
+
+    "The other day she came here after visiting the asylum placed
+    under the princess's direction. 'Do you know,' said this
+    redoubtable archduchess to me, 'that if I resided long with the
+    grand duke's daughter I should become quite harmless, so
+    contagious is her goodness!'"
+
+    "Why, my cousin must be an enchantress!" said I, laughing, to my
+    aunt.
+
+    "Her most powerful charm, at least in my eyes," replied my aunt,
+    "is the mixture of sweetness, modesty, and dignity that I have
+    told you of, and which gives a most touching expression to her
+    face."
+
+    "Indeed, aunt, modesty is a rare quality in a princess so young,
+    so beautiful, and so happy."
+
+    "Reflect that the princess is still more deserving of praise for
+    her modesty, as her elevation is so very recent."
+
+    "In her interview with you, aunt, did the princess make any
+    reference to her early life?"
+
+    "No; but when, notwithstanding my advanced age, I addressed her
+    with the respect due to her rank, since her royal highness is
+    the grand duke's daughter, her ingenuous confusion, mingled with
+    gratitude and veneration for me, quite overpowered me; for her
+    reserve, full of dignity and affability, proved to me that her
+    present elevation did not make her forget her past life, and
+    that she accorded to my age what I accorded to her rank."
+
+    "It must require," said I, "the most perfect tact to observe
+    those nice differences."
+
+    "My dear boy, the more I see of the princess, the more I
+    congratulate myself on my first impression. Since she has been
+    here the number of charitable acts she has done is incredible,
+    and that with a reflection and a judgment that in a person of
+    her age quite surprises me. Judge yourself. At her request the
+    grand duke has founded at Gerolstein an establishment for
+    orphans of five or six years, and for young girls (who are
+    either orphans or abandoned by their parents) of the age of
+    sixteen, that age so fatal to those who are not protected
+    against the temptations of vice or the pressure of want.
+
+    "The good sisters of my convent teach and direct the children of
+    this asylum. During my visits there I have had ample
+    opportunities of judging of the adoration that these poor,
+    unfortunate creatures have for the princess. Every day she
+    spends several hours at this place, which is placed under her
+    protection, and I repeat that it is not merely gratitude and
+    respect that the children and nuns feel towards the princess, it
+    almost amounts to fanaticism."
+
+    "The princess must be an angel," said I to my aunt.
+
+    "An angel, indeed!" replied she, "for you cannot conceive with
+    what touching kindness she treats her young protegees. I have
+    never seen the susceptibility of misfortune meet with more
+    delicate sympathy. You would think some irresistible attraction
+    drew the princess towards this class of unfortunates. Will you
+    believe it? she, the daughter of a sovereign, only addresses
+    these poor children as 'my sisters!'"
+
+    At these last words of my aunt I confess I felt my eyes fill
+    with tears. Do you not also admire the admirable and pious
+    conduct of this young princess?
+
+    "Since the princess," said I, "is so marvellously gifted, I
+    shall be greatly embarrassed when I am presented to her
+    to-morrow. You know how timid I am; you know, also, that
+    elevation of character imposes upon me more than high birth, so
+    that I am certain to appear both stupid and embarrassed
+    to-morrow; so I make up my mind to that beforehand."
+
+    "Come, come!" said my aunt, smiling, "she will take pity upon
+    you, the more readily as you are not quite a stranger to her."
+
+    "I am not a stranger to her, aunt?"
+
+    "Certainly not."
+
+    "How so?"
+
+    "You recollect that when at the age of sixteen you left
+    Oldenzaal, to travel with your father through Russia and
+    England, I had your portrait painted in the costume you wore at
+    the first _bal costume_ the late duchess gave?"
+
+    "Yes, aunt, the costume of a German page of the sixteenth
+    century."
+
+    "Our famous painter, Fritz Mocker, whilst he painted a faithful
+    likeness of you, not only produced a page of that century, but
+    even the style of the pictures of that time.
+
+    "Some days after her arrival at Gerolstein, the Princess Amelie,
+    who had come with her father to visit me, remarked your
+    portrait, and asked what was that charming picture of olden
+    times. Her father smiled, and said, 'This is the portrait of a
+    cousin of ours, who would be, were he now alive (as you see by
+    his dress), some three hundred years old, but who, although very
+    young, made himself remarkable for his courage and goodness of
+    heart; has he not bravery in his eyes and goodness in his
+    smile?'"
+
+    Do not, I entreat you, Maximilian, shrug your shoulders with
+    disdain at seeing me write these puerile details of myself,
+    which are, alas, necessary to my story.
+
+    "The Princess Amelie," continued my aunt, "deceived by this
+    innocent pleasantry, after a long examination of your portrait,
+    joined with her father in praising the amiable and determined
+    expression of your face. Some time after, when I went to
+    Gerolstein, she questioned me playfully about 'her cousin of the
+    olden time.'
+
+    "I then explained the trick to her, and told her that the
+    handsome page of the sixteenth century was really the Prince
+    Henry d'Herkauesen-Oldenzaal, a young man of one and twenty,
+    captain in the guards of his majesty the Emperor of Austria, and
+    in every other respect than the costume very like his picture.
+    At these words the princess," continued my aunt, "blushed and
+    became serious, and has never since spoken of the picture.
+    However, you see that you are not quite a stranger to your
+    cousin; so take courage, and maintain the reputation of your
+    portrait."
+
+    This conversation took place, as I have already told you, the
+    evening previous to the day on which I was to be presented to
+    the princess my cousin. I left my aunt, and returned to my own
+    apartments.
+
+    You have often told me, my dear Maximilian, that I was totally
+    free from vanity; I must therefore trust to that to prevent my
+    appearing vain during this recital.
+
+    As soon as I was alone I reflected with a secret satisfaction
+    that the Princess Amelie, after seeing my portrait, painted five
+    or six years ago, had inquired after "her cousin of the olden
+    time."
+
+    Nothing could be more absurd than to build the slightest hope on
+    so trivial a circumstance, I acknowledge; but I always treat you
+    with the most perfect confidence, and I acknowledge that this
+    trifling circumstance delighted me.
+
+    No doubt the praise I had just heard bestowed on the princess by
+    so grave and austere a person as my aunt, by raising her in my
+    estimation, rendered this circumstance more agreeable.
+
+    Why should I tell you? The hopes I conceived from this trifling
+    event were so mad that, now that I look back more calmly on the
+    past, I ask myself how I could have indulged in ideas that must
+    have ended in my destruction.
+
+    Although related to the grand duke, and always treated by him
+    with the greatest kindness, yet it was impossible to entertain
+    the slightest hope of a marriage with the princess; even had she
+    returned my affection it would still have been impossible. Our
+    family holds an honourable position, but it is poor when
+    compared with the grand duke, the richest prince of the German
+    confederation; and besides, I was only one and twenty, a simple
+    captain in the guards, without any reputation or any position.
+    Never could the grand duke think of me as a suitor for his
+    daughter.
+
+    All these reflections ought to have saved me from a passion I
+    did not as yet feel, but of which I had a strange presentiment.
+
+    Alas! I rather gave way to fresh puerilities; I wore on my
+    finger a ring that Thecla (the countess of whom I have so often
+    spoken) had given me, although this souvenir of a boyish love
+    could not have much embarrassed me. I sacrificed it to my new
+    flame, and, opening the window, I cast the ring into the waves
+    of the river that flowed beneath.
+
+    I have no need to tell you what a night I passed, you can
+    imagine; I knew the princess was very beautiful; I sought to
+    picture to myself her features, her air, her manner, her figure,
+    the sound of her voice; and thinking of my portrait which she
+    had noticed I recollected that the artist had flattered me
+    excessively, and I contrasted the picturesque dress of a page of
+    the sixteenth century with the simple uniform of a captain of
+    the Austrian guards.
+
+    But amidst all these absurd ideas some generous thoughts crossed
+    my mind, and I was overcome,--yes, overcome by the recollection
+    of the tenderness of the princess for those poor girls whom she
+    always terms "my sisters."
+
+    The next day the hour for the reception came. I tried on several
+    uniforms one after another, found them all to fit me very ill,
+    and departed very dissatisfied with myself.
+
+    Although Gerolstein is only a quarter of a league from Ste.
+    Hermangeld, during the short journey all the childish ideas that
+    had so occupied me during the night had given place to one sad
+    and grave thought.
+
+    An invincible presentiment told me I was approaching one of the
+    crises of my life. A magical inspiration revealed to me that I
+    was about to love, to love as a man loves but once in his life;
+    and, as if to complete my misfortunes, this love, as loftily as
+    deservedly bestowed, was doomed to be unhappy.
+
+    You do not know the grand ducal palace of Gerolstein. In the
+    opinion of every one who has visited the capitals of Europe,
+    there is, with the exception of Versailles, no royal residence
+    that has a more regal and imposing appearance.
+
+    If at this time I speak of this, it is because, thinking over
+    them, I wonder how they did not recall me to myself; for the
+    Princess Amelie was the daughter of the sovereign of this
+    palace, these guards, and of these riches.
+
+    You arrived at the palace by the marble court; so called,
+    because, with the exception of a drive for the carriages, it is
+    paved with variegated marble, forming the most magnificent
+    mosaics, in the centre of which is a basin of breccia antique,
+    into which a stream of water flows from a porphyry vase.
+
+    This court of honour is surrounded by a row of beautiful marble
+    statues, holding candelabras of gilt bronze, from which sprung
+    brilliant jets of gas. Alternately with these statues are the
+    Medicean vases, raised on richly sculptured pedestals, and
+    filled with rose laurels, whose leaves shine in the lights with
+    a metallic lustre.
+
+    The carriages stopped at the foot of the double staircase
+    leading to the peristyle of the palace. At the foot of this
+    staircase were stationed on guard, mounted on their black
+    horses, two soldiers of the regiment of the guards of the grand
+    duke. You would have been struck with the stern and warlike
+    appearance of these two giants, whose cuirasses and helmets,
+    made like those of the ancients, without crest or plume,
+    sparkled in the sun.
+
+    These soldiers wore blue coats with yellow collars, buckskin
+    breeches, and jack-boots. To please you who are so fond of
+    military details, I add, that at the top landing of the
+    staircase were stationed, as sentinels, two grenadiers of the
+    foot-guards of the duke. Their uniform, with the exception of
+    the colour of the coat and facings, resembles, I am told, that
+    of Napoleon's grenadiers.
+
+    After traversing the vestibule, where the porters of the duke
+    were stationed, halberd in hand, I ascended a splendid staircase
+    of white marble, which opened upon a portico, ornamented with
+    jasper columns, and surmounted by a painted and gilt cupola.
+    There were two long files of domestics.
+
+    I then entered the guard-room, at the door of which I found a
+    chamberlain and an aide-de-camp, whose duty it was to present to
+    his royal highness those persons who were entitled to this
+    honour. My relationship, though distant, procured me a special
+    presentation. An aide-de-camp preceded me into a long gallery,
+    filled with gentlemen in full court dress or uniform, and
+    splendidly attired ladies.
+
+    Whilst I passed through this brilliant assembly, I heard here
+    and there remarks that augmented my embarrassment. Every one
+    admired the angelic beauty of the Princess Amelie, the charming
+    appearance of the Marquise d'Harville, and the imperial air of
+    the Archduchess Sophia, who, recently arrived from Munich with
+    the Archduke Stanislaus, was about to depart for Warsaw; but
+    whilst rendering their just tribute of admiration to the lofty
+    bearing of the duchess and to the charms of the Marquise
+    d'Harville, every one agreed that nothing could exceed the
+    loveliness of the Princess Amelie.
+
+    As I approached the spot where the grand duke and the princess
+    were I felt my heart beat more and more violently. At the moment
+    that I entered the salon (I forgot to tell you there was a
+    concert and ball at court) the famous Liszt sat down to the
+    piano, and instantly the most profound silence succeeded to the
+    conversation that was going on. I waited in the embrasure of a
+    door until Liszt had finished the piece he was playing with his
+    accustomed taste.
+
+    It was then that I saw the Princess Amelie for the first time.
+
+    I must tell you all that passed, for I feel an indescribable
+    pleasure in writing it.
+
+    Picture to yourself a large salon furnished with regal
+    splendour, brilliantly lighted up, and hung with crimson silk,
+    embroidered with wreaths of flowers in gold. In the first row,
+    on large gilt chairs, sat the Archduchess Sophia with Madame
+    d'Harville on her left, and the Princess Amelie on her right.
+    Behind them stood the duke in the uniform of colonel of the
+    guards. He seemed scarcely thirty, and the military uniform set
+    off his fine figure and noble features. Beside him was the
+    Archduke Stanislaus in the uniform of a field-marshal; then came
+    the princess's maids of honour, the ladies of the grand
+    dignitaries of the court, and then the dignitaries themselves.
+
+    I need scarcely tell you that the Princess Amelie was less
+    conspicuous by her rank than by her extraordinary beauty. Do not
+    condemn me without reading this description of her. Although it
+    falls far short of the reality, you will understand my
+    adoration. You will understand that as soon as I saw her I loved
+    her; and that the suddenness of my passion can only be equalled
+    by its violence and its eternity.
+
+    The Princess Amelie was dressed in a plain white watered silk
+    dress, and wore, like the archduchess, the riband of the
+    imperial order of St. Nepomucenus recently sent to her by the
+    empress. A diadem of pearls surrounded her head, and harmonised
+    admirably with two splendid braids of fair hair that shaded her
+    delicate cheeks. Her arms, whiter than the lace that ornamented
+    them, were half hidden in long gloves, reaching nearly to her
+    elbow.
+
+    Nothing could be more perfect than her figure, nothing more
+    charming than her foot in its satin slipper. At the moment when
+    I saw her her beaming blue eyes wore a pensive expression. I do
+    not know whether some serious thought came over her, or whether
+    she was impressed with the grave melody of the piece Liszt was
+    playing; but the expression of her countenance seemed to me full
+    of sweetness and melancholy.
+
+    Never can I express my feelings at that moment. All that my aunt
+    had related of her goodness crossed my mind.
+
+    Smile if you will, but my eyes became full of tears when I saw
+    this young girl, so beautiful and so idolised by such a father,
+    seem so melancholy and pensive.
+
+    You know how scrupulously etiquette and the privileges of rank
+    are observed by us. Thanks to my title and my relationship to
+    the grand duke, the crowd in the midst of which I stood
+    gradually fell back, and I found myself left almost alone in the
+    embrasure of the door. It was, no doubt, owing to this
+    circumstance that the princess, awaking from her reverie,
+    perceived, and no doubt recognised me, for she started and
+    blushed.
+
+    She had seen my portrait at my aunt's, and recognised me;
+    nothing could be more simple. The princess's eyes did not rest
+    upon me an instant, but that look threw me into the most violent
+    confusion. I felt my cheeks glow, I cast down my eyes, and did
+    not venture to raise them for some time. When I dared at last to
+    steal a glance at the princess she was speaking in a low tone to
+    the archduchess, who seemed to listen to her with the most
+    affectionate interest.
+
+    Liszt having paused for a few moments between the pieces he was
+    playing, the grand duke took the opportunity of expressing his
+    admiration. On returning to his place he perceived me, nodded
+    kindly to me, and said something to the archduchess, fixing his
+    eyes on me at the same time. The duchess, after looking at me a
+    moment, turned to the duke, who smiled and said something to his
+    daughter that seemed to embarrass her, for she blushed again. I
+    was on thorns; but, unfortunately, etiquette forbade my leaving
+    my place until the concert was over.
+
+    As soon as the concert was finished I followed the aide-de-camp;
+    he conducted me to the grand duke, who deigned to advance a few
+    steps towards me, took me by the arm, and said to the
+    Archduchess Sophia:
+
+    "Permit me to present to your royal highness my cousin, Prince
+    Henry of Herkauesen-Oldenzaal."
+
+    "I have seen the prince at Vienna, and meet him here with
+    pleasure," replied the duchess, before whom I inclined myself
+    respectfully.
+
+    "My dear Amelie," continued the prince, addressing his daughter,
+    "this is Prince Henry, your cousin, the son of one of my most
+    valued friends, Prince Paul, whom I greatly lament not seeing
+    here to-day."
+
+    "Pray, monseigneur, inform the prince that I equally regret his
+    absence, for I am always delighted to know any of my father's
+    friends."
+
+    I had not until then heard the princess's voice, and I was
+    struck with its intense sweetness.
+
+    "I hope, my dear Henry, you will stay some time with your aunt,"
+    said the grand duke. "Come and see us often about three o'clock
+    _en famille_; and if we ride out you must accompany us. You know
+    how great an affection I have always felt for you, for your
+    noble qualities."
+
+    "I cannot express my gratitude for your royal highness's
+    kindness."
+
+    "Well, to prove it," said the grand duke, smiling, "engage your
+    cousin for the second quadrille; the first belongs to the
+    archduke."
+
+    "Will your royal highness do me the honour?" said I to my
+    cousin.
+
+    "Oh, call each other cousin, as in the good old times," replied
+    the duke, laughing. "There should be no ceremony between
+    relations."
+
+    "Will you dance with me, cousin?"
+
+    "Yes, cousin," replied the princess.
+
+    I cannot tell how much I felt the touching kindness of the grand
+    duke, and how bitterly I reproached myself for yielding to an
+    affection the prince would never authorise.
+
+    I vowed inwardly that nothing should induce me to acquaint my
+    cousin with my affection, but I feared my emotion would betray
+    me.
+
+    I had leisure for these reflections whilst my cousin danced the
+    first quadrille with the Archduke Stanislaus. Nothing was more
+    suited to display the graces of the princess's person than the
+    slow movements of the dance. I anxiously awaited my turn; and I
+    succeeded in concealing my emotion when I led her to the
+    quadrille.
+
+    "Does your royal highness sanction my calling you cousin?" said
+    I.
+
+    "Oh, yes, cousin, I am always delighted to obey my father."
+
+    "I rejoice in this familiarity, since I have learnt from my aunt
+    to know you."
+
+    "My father has often spoken of you, cousin; and what may,
+    perhaps, astonish you," added she, timidly, "I also knew you by
+    sight; for one day the Abbess of Ste. Hermangeld, your aunt, for
+    whom I have the greatest respect, showed me your picture."
+
+    "As a page of the sixteenth century?"
+
+    "Yes, cousin; and my father was malicious enough to tell me that
+    it was an ancestor of ours, and spoke so highly of his courage
+    and his other qualities that our family ought to be proud of
+    their descent from him."
+
+    "Alas, cousin, I fear my resemblance to my portrait is not
+    great!"
+
+    "You are mistaken, cousin," said the princess. "For at the end
+    of the concert I recognised you immediately, in spite of the
+    difference of costume." Then, wishing to change the
+    conversation, she added, "How charmingly M. Liszt plays!--does
+    he not?"
+
+    "Yes. How attentively you listened to him!"
+
+    "Because there is to me a double charm in music without words.
+    Not only you hear the execution, but you can adapt your thoughts
+    to the melody. Do you understand me?"
+
+    "Perfectly; your own thoughts become words to the air."
+
+    "Yes, you quite comprehend me," said she, with a gesture of
+    satisfaction. "I feared I could not express what I felt just
+    now."
+
+    "I thank God, cousin," said I, smiling, "you can have no words
+    to set to so sad an air."
+
+    I know not whether my question was indiscreet or whether she had
+    not heard me, but suddenly she exclaimed, pointing out to me the
+    grand duke, who crossed the room with the archduchess on his
+    arm, "Cousin, look at my father, how handsome he is! how noble!
+    how good! Every one looks at him as if they loved him more than
+    they feared him."
+
+    "Ah," cried I, "it is not only here he is beloved. If the
+    blessing of his people be transmitted to their posterity, the
+    name of Rodolph of Gerolstein will be immortal."
+
+    "To speak thus is to be, indeed, worthy of his attachment."
+
+    "I do but give utterance to the feelings of all present; see how
+    they all hasten to pay their respects to Madame d'Harville!"
+
+    "No one in the world is more worthy of my father's affections
+    than Madame d'Harville."
+
+    "You are more capable than any one of appreciating her, as you
+    have been in France."
+
+    Scarcely had I pronounced these words than the princess cast
+    down her eyes, and her features assumed an air of melancholy;
+    and when I led her back to her seat the expression of them was
+    still the same. I suppose that my allusion to her stay in France
+    recalled the death of her mother.
+
+    In the course of the evening a circumstance occurred which you
+    may think too trivial to mention, perhaps, but which evinces the
+    extraordinary influence this young girl universally inspires.
+    Her bandeau of pearls having become disarranged, the Archduchess
+    Sophia, who was leaning on her arm, kindly readjusted the
+    ornament upon her brow. Knowing, as we do, the hauteur of the
+    archduchess, such condescension is almost inconceivable.
+
+    The next morning I was invited, together with a few other
+    persons, to be present at the marriage of the grand duke with
+    Madame la Marquise d'Harville. I had never seen the princess so
+    radiant and happy.
+
+    Some days after the duke's marriage I had a long interview with
+    him. He questioned me about my past life, my future career. He
+    gave me the most admirable advice, the kindest encouragement. So
+    much so that the idea crossed my mind that he had perceived my
+    love and wished to bring me to confess it.
+
+    But this idea was soon dispelled. The prince concluded by
+    telling me that the great wars were over, that I ought to avail
+    myself of my name, my connections, the education I had received,
+    and my father's friendship with the Prince de M----, prime
+    minister of the emperor, in order to follow a diplomatic instead
+    of a military career. In a word, he offered me his sovereign
+    protection to facilitate my entry in the career he proposed to
+    me.
+
+    I thanked him for his offers with gratitude, and added that I
+    felt the weight of his advice and would follow it.
+
+    I at first visited the palace very seldom; but, thanks to the
+    duke's reiterated invitations, I was soon there almost every
+    day. We lived in the peaceful retirement resembling that of some
+    English mansions. When the weather permitted we rode out with
+    the duke, the duchess, and the grand personages of the court.
+
+    When we were forced to remain at home we sang, and I accompanied
+    the grand duchess and my cousin, who had the sweetest and most
+    expressive voice I ever heard. At other times we inspected the
+    magnificent picture galleries and museums, and the library of
+    the prince, who is one of the most accomplished men in Europe. I
+    often dined at the palace, and on the opera nights I accompanied
+    the duke's family to the theatre.
+
+    Could this intimacy have lasted for ever I should have been
+    happy, perhaps, but I reflected that I should be summoned to
+    Vienna by my duties. I reflected, also, that the duke would soon
+    think of finding a suitable alliance for his daughter.
+
+    My cousin remarked this change in me. The evening before I
+    quitted Gerolstein she told me she had for several days remarked
+    my abstracted manner. I endeavoured to evade this question,
+    saying that my approaching departure was the cause.
+
+    "I can scarcely believe it," replied she. "My father treats you
+    like a son; every one loves you. It would be ingratitude if you
+    were unhappy."
+
+    "Alas!" said I, unable to restrain my emotion, "it is grief I am
+    a prey to!"
+
+    "Why, what has happened?"
+
+    "Just now, cousin, you have told me your father treated me like
+    a son, and that every one loved me; and yet, ere long, I must
+    quit Gerolstein. It is this that grieves me."
+
+    "And are the recollections of those you have left as nothing?"
+
+    "Doubtless; but time brings so many changes."
+
+    "There are affections, at least, that are unchangeable; such as
+    that of my father for you, such as that I feel for you. When you
+    are once brother and sister you never forget each other," added
+    she, looking up, her large blue eyes full of tears.
+
+    I was on the point of betraying myself; however, I controlled my
+    feelings in time.
+
+    "Do you think then, cousin," said I, "that when I return in a
+    few years this affection will continue?"
+
+    "Why should it not?"
+
+    "Because you will be probably married; you will have other
+    duties to perform, and you will forget your poor brother."
+
+    This was all that passed; I know not if she was offended at
+    these words, or whether she was like myself grieved at the
+    changes the future must bring; but, instead of answering me, she
+    was silent for a moment, then, rising hastily from her seat, her
+    face pale and altered, she left the room, after having looked
+    for a few seconds at the embroidery of the young Countess
+    d'Oppenheim, one of her maids of honour.
+
+    The same evening I received a second letter from my father,
+    urging me to return. The next morning I took leave of the grand
+    duke. He told me my cousin was unwell, but that he would make
+    my adieux; he then embraced me tenderly, renewed his promises of
+    assistance, and added that, whenever I had leave of absence,
+    nothing would give him greater pleasure than to see me at
+    Gerolstein.
+
+    Happily, on my arrival, I found my father better; still confined
+    to his bed, and very weak, it is true, but out of danger. Now
+    that you know all, Maximilian, tell me, what can I do?
+
+    Just as I finished this letter, my door opened, and, to my great
+    surprise, my father, whom I believed to be in bed, entered; he
+    saw the letter on the table.
+
+    "To whom are you writing so long a letter?" said he, smiling.
+
+    "To Maximilian, father."
+
+    "Oh," said he, with an expression of affectionate reproach, "he
+    has all your confidence! He is very happy!"
+
+    He pronounced these last words in so sorrowful a tone that I
+    held out the letter to him, almost without reflection, saying:
+
+    "Read it, father."
+
+    My friend, he has read all! After having remained musing some
+    time he said to me:
+
+    "Henry, I shall write and inform the grand duke of all that
+    passed during your stay at Gerolstein."
+
+    "Father, I entreat you not!"
+
+    "Is what you have written to Maximilian scrupulously true?"
+
+    "Yes."
+
+    "Do you love your cousin?"
+
+    "I adore her; but--"
+
+    My father interrupted me.
+
+    "Then, in that case, I shall write to the grand duke and demand
+    her hand for you."
+
+    "But, father, such a demand will be madness on my part!"
+
+    "It is true; but still, in making this demand, I shall acquaint
+    the prince with my reasons for making it. He has received you
+    with the greatest kindness, and it would be unworthy of me to
+    deceive him. He will be touched at the frankness of my demand,
+    and, though he refuse it, as he certainly will, he will yet know
+    that, should you ever again visit Gerolstein, you cannot be on
+    the same familiar terms with the princess."
+
+    You know that, although so tenderly attached to me, my father is
+    inflexible in whatever concerns his duty; judge, then, of my
+    fears, of my anxiety.
+
+    I hastily terminate this long letter, but I will soon write
+    again. Sympathise with me, for I fear I shall go mad if the
+    fever that preys on me does not soon abate. Adieu, adieu! Ever
+    yours,
+
+                                                 HENRY D'H.-O.
+
+We will now conduct the reader to the palace of Gerolstein, inhabited by
+Fleur-de-Marie since her return from France.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE PRINCESS AMELIE.
+
+
+The apartment of Fleur-de-Marie (we only call her the Princess Amelie
+officially) had been by Rodolph's orders splendidly furnished. From the
+balcony of the oratory the two towers of the Convent of Ste. Hermangeld
+were visible, which, embosomed in the woods, were in their turn
+overtopped by a high hill, at the foot of which the abbey was built.
+
+One fine summer's morning Fleur-de-Marie gazed listlessly at this
+splendid landscape; her hair was plainly braided, and she wore a high,
+white dress with blue stripes; a large muslin collar was fastened around
+her throat by a small blue silk handkerchief, of the same hue as her
+sash.
+
+Seated in a large armchair of carved ebony, she leant her head on her
+small and delicately white hand. Fleur-de-Marie's attitude and the
+expression of her face showed that she was a prey to the deepest
+melancholy.
+
+At this instant a female of a grave and distinguished appearance entered
+the room, and coughed gently to attract Fleur-de-Marie's attention. She
+started from her reverie, and, gracefully acknowledging the salutation
+of the newcomer, said:
+
+"What is it, my dear countess?"
+
+"I come to inform your royal highness that the grand duke will be here
+in a few minutes, and, also, to ask a favour of you."
+
+"Ask it, you know how happy I am to oblige you."
+
+"It concerns an unhappy creature who had unfortunately quitted
+Gerolstein before your royal highness had founded the asylum for orphans
+and children abandoned by their parents."
+
+"What do you wish I should do for her?"
+
+"The father went to seek his fortune in America, leaving his wife and
+daughter to gain a precarious subsistence. The mother died, and this
+poor girl, then only sixteen, was seduced and abandoned. She fell lower
+and lower, until at length she became, like so many others, the
+opprobrium of her sex."
+
+Fleur-de-Marie turned red and shuddered. The countess, fearing she had
+wounded the delicacy of the princess by the mention of this girl's
+condition, replied:
+
+"I pray your royal highness to pardon me; I have, doubtless, shocked you
+by speaking of this wretched creature, but her repentance seemed so
+sincere that I ventured to plead for her."
+
+"You were quite right. Pray continue," said Fleur-de-Marie, subduing her
+emotion. "Every fault is worthy of pity when followed by repentance."
+
+"After two years passed in this wretched mode of existence she repented
+sincerely, and came back to Gerolstein. She chanced to lodge in the
+house of a good and pious widow; encouraged by her kindness, the poor
+creature told her all her sad story, adding that she bitterly regretted
+the faults of her early life, and that all she desired was to enter some
+religious house, where by prayer and penitence she might atone for her
+sins. She is only eighteen, very beautiful, and possesses a considerable
+sum of money, which she wishes to bestow on the convent she enters."
+
+"I undertake to provide for her," said Fleur-de-Marie; "since she
+repents, she is worthy of compassion; her remorse must be more bitter in
+proportion as it is sincere."
+
+"I hear the grand duke," said the lady in waiting, without remarking
+Fleur-de-Marie's agitation; and, as she spoke, Rodolph entered, holding
+a large bouquet of roses in his hand.
+
+At the sight of the prince the countess retired, and scarcely had she
+left the apartment than Fleur-de-Marie threw herself into her father's
+arms, and leant her head on his shoulder.
+
+"Good morning, love," said Rodolph, pressing her to his heart. "See what
+beautiful roses; I never saw finer ones." And the prince made a slight
+motion as if to disengage himself from her and look at her, when, seeing
+her weeping, he threw down the bouquet, and, taking her hands, cried:
+
+"You are weeping! What is the matter?"
+
+"Nothing, dear father," said Fleur-de-Marie, striving to smile.
+
+"My child," replied Rodolph, "you are concealing something from me; tell
+me, I entreat you, what thus distresses you. Never mind the bouquet."
+
+"Oh, you know how fond I am of roses; I always was! Do you recollect,"
+added she, "my poor little rose-tree? I have preserved the pieces of it
+so carefully!"
+
+At this terrible allusion, Rodolph cried:
+
+"Unhappy child! Is it possible that, in the midst of all the splendour
+that surrounds you, you think of the past? Alas! I hoped my tenderness
+had made you forget it."
+
+"Forgive me, dear father; I did not mean what I said. I grieve you."
+
+"I grieve, my child, because I know how painful it is for you thus to
+ponder over the past."
+
+"Dear father, it is the first time since I have been here."
+
+"The first time you have mentioned it, but not the first time you have
+thought of it; I have for a long time noticed your sadness, and was
+unable to account for it. My position was so delicate, though I never
+told you anything, I thought of you constantly. When I contracted my
+marriage, I thought it would increase your happiness. I did not venture
+to hope you would quite forget the past; but I hoped that, cherished and
+supported by the amiable woman whom I had chosen for my wife, you would
+look upon the past as amply atoned for by your sufferings. No matter
+what faults you had committed, they have been a thousand times expiated
+by the good you have done since you have been here."
+
+"Father!"
+
+"Oh, let me tell you all, since a providential chance has brought about
+this conversation I at once desired and dreaded! I would, to secure your
+happiness, have sacrificed my affection for Madame d'Harville and my
+friendship for Murphy, had I thought they recalled the past to you."
+
+"Oh, their presence, when they know what I was, and yet love me so
+tenderly, seems a proof of pardon and oblivion to me! I should have been
+miserable if for my sake you had renounced Madame d'Harville's hand."
+
+"Oh, you know not what sacrifice Clemence herself would have made, for
+she was aware of the full extent of my duties to you!"
+
+"Duties to me! What have I done to deserve so much goodness?"
+
+"Until the moment that Heaven restored you to me, your life had been one
+of sorrow and misery, and I reproach myself with your sufferings as if I
+had caused them, and when I see you happy, it seems to me I am forgiven.
+My only wish, my sole aim, is to render you as happy as you were before
+unhappy, to exalt you as you have been abased, for the last trace of
+your humiliation must disappear when you see the noblest in the land vie
+with each other who shall show you most respect."
+
+"Respect to me! Oh, no! It is to my rank and not to myself they show
+respect."
+
+"It is to you, dear child,--it is to you!"
+
+"You love me so much, dear father, that every one thinks to please you
+by showing me respect."
+
+"Oh, naughty child!" cried Rodolph, tenderly kissing his daughter; "she
+will not cede anything to my paternal pride."
+
+"Is not your pride satisfied at my attributing the kindness I receive to
+you only?"
+
+"No, that is not the same thing; I cannot be proud of myself, but of
+you. You are ignorant of your own merits; in fifteen months your
+education has been so perfected that the most enthusiastic mother would
+be proud of you."
+
+At this moment the door of the salon opened, and Clemence, grand duchess
+of Gerolstein, entered, holding a letter in her hand.
+
+"Here, love, is a letter from France," said she to Rodolph; "I brought
+it myself, because I wished to bid good-morrow to my dear child, whom I
+have not yet seen to-day."
+
+"This letter arrives most opportunely," said Rodolph. "We were speaking
+of the Past; that monster we must destroy, since he threatens the repose
+of our child."
+
+"Is it possible that these fits of melancholy we have so often
+remarked--"
+
+"Were occasioned by unhappy recollections; but now that we know the
+enemy we shall destroy him."
+
+"From whom is this letter?" asked Clemence.
+
+"From Rigolette, Germain's wife."
+
+"Rigolette?" cried Fleur-de-Marie. "Oh, I am so glad!"
+
+"Do you not fear that this letter may serve to awaken fresh
+recollections?" said Clemence, in a low tone to Rodolph.
+
+"On the contrary, I wish to destroy these recollections, and I shall,
+doubtless, find arms in this letter, for Rigolette is a worthy creature,
+who appreciated and adored our child."
+
+Rodolph then read the following letter aloud:
+
+                             "BOUQUEVAL FARM, August 15, 1841.
+
+      "_Monseigneur_:--I take the liberty of writing to you to
+    communicate a great happiness which has occurred to us, and to
+    ask of you another favour,--of you, to whom we already owe so
+    much, or rather to whom we owe the real paradise in which we
+    live, myself, my dear Germain, and his good mother. It is this,
+    monseigneur: For the last ten days I have been crazy with joy,
+    for ten days ago I was confined with such a love of a little
+    girl, which I say is the image of Germain, he says it is exactly
+    like me, and our dear mother says it is like us both; the fact
+    is, it has beautiful blue eyes like Germain, and black curly
+    hair like mine."
+
+"Good, worthy people, they deserve to be happy!" said Rodolph. "If ever
+there was a couple well matched it is they."
+
+    "But really, monseigneur, I must ask your pardon for this
+    chatter. Your ears must often tingle, monseigneur, for the day
+    never passes that we do not talk of you, when we say to each
+    other how happy we are, how happy we were, for then your name
+    naturally occurs. Excuse this blot, monseigneur; but, without
+    thinking of it, I had written Monsieur Rodolph, as I used to say
+    formerly, and then I scratched it out. I hope you will find my
+    writing improved as well as my spelling, for Germain gives me
+    lessons, and I do not make those long ugly scrawls I used to do
+    when you mended my pens."
+
+"I must confess," said Rodolph, with a smile, "that my little protegee
+makes a mistake, and I am sure Germain is more frequently employed in
+kissing the hand of his scholar than in directing it."
+
+"My dear duke, you are unjust," said Clemence, looking at the letter;
+"it is rather a very large hand, but very legible."
+
+"Why, yes, she has really improved," observed Rodolph; "it would in
+former days have taken eight pages to contain what she now writes in
+two." And he continued:
+
+    "It is quite true, you know, monseigneur, that you used to mend
+    my pens, and when we think of it, we two Germains, we feel quite
+    ashamed when we recollect how free from pride you were. Ah, I am
+    again chattering instead of saying what we wish to ask of you,
+    monseigneur; for my husband unites with me, and it is very
+    important, for we attach a great deal to it, as you will see. We
+    entreat of you, monseigneur, to have the goodness to choose for
+    us and give us a name for our dear little daughter; this has
+    been the wish of the godfather and godmother,--and who do you
+    think they are, monseigneur? Two persons whom you and the
+    Marquise d'Harville have taken from misery and made very happy,
+    as happy as we are. They are Morel, the lapidary, and Jeanne
+    Duport, a worthy creature whom I met in prison when I went there
+    to visit my dear Germain, and whom the marquise afterwards took
+    out of the hospital.
+
+    "And now, monseigneur, you must know why we have chosen M. Morel
+    for godfather, and Jeanne Duport for godmother. We said it would
+    be one way of again thanking M. Rodolph for all his kindness, to
+    have, as godfather and godmother for our little one, worthy
+    persons who owe everything to him and the marchioness; whilst,
+    at the same time, Morel and Jeanne Duport are the worthiest
+    people breathing, they are of our own class in life, and
+    besides, as we say with Germain, they are our kinsfolk in
+    happiness, for, like us, they are of the family of your
+    proteges."
+
+"Really, my dear father, this idea is most delightful and excellent!"
+said Fleur-de-Marie; "to take for godfather and godmother persons who
+owe everything to you and my dear second mother!"
+
+"Yes, indeed, dearest," said Clemence; "and I am deeply touched at their
+remembrance."
+
+"And I am very happy to find that my favours have been so well
+bestowed," said Rodolph, continuing his letter.
+
+    "With the money you gave him, Morel has now become a jewel
+    broker, and earns enough to bring up his family very
+    respectably. Poor Louise, who is a very good girl, is going, I
+    believe, to be married to a very worthy young man, who loves and
+    respects her as he ought to do, for she has been unfortunate,
+    but not guilty, and Louise's husband that is to be is perfectly
+    sensible of this."
+
+Rodolph laid great stress on these last words, looked at his daughter
+for a moment, and then continued:
+
+    "I must add, monseigneur, that Jeanne Duport, through the
+    generosity of the marquise, has been separated from her husband,
+    that bad man who beat her and took everything from her; she has
+    now her eldest daughter with her: they keep a small trimming
+    shop, and are doing very well. Germain writes to you regularly,
+    monseigneur, every month, on the subject of the Bank for
+    Mechanics out of Work and Gratuitous Loans; there are scarcely
+    any sums in arrear, and we find already the good effects of it
+    in this quarter. Nine, at least, poor families can support
+    themselves in the dead season of work without sending their
+    clothes and bedding to the pawnbroker's. And when work comes
+    in, it does one's heart good to see the haste with which they
+    return the money lent, and they bless you for the loans so
+    serviceably advanced.
+
+    "Yes, monseigneur, they bless you; for, although you say you did
+    nothing in this but appoint Germain, and that an unknown did
+    this great benefit, we must always, suppose it was you who
+    founded it, as it appears to us the most natural idea. There is,
+    besides, a most famous trumpet to repeat that it is you who are
+    the real benefactor. This trumpet is Madame Pipelet, who repeats
+    to every one that it could be no one but her king of lodgers
+    (excuse her, M. Rodolph, but she always calls you so) who
+    established such a charitable institution, and her old darling
+    Alfred is of the same opinion; he is so proud and contented with
+    his post as porter to the bank that he says all the tricks of M.
+    Cabrion would not have the slightest effect on him now.
+
+    "Germain has read in the newspapers that Martial, a colonist of
+    Algeria, has been mentioned with great praise for the courage he
+    had shown in repulsing, at the head of the settlers, an attack
+    of plundering Arabs, and that his wife, as intrepid as himself,
+    had been slightly wounded by his side, where she handled her
+    musket like a real grenadier; since this time, says the
+    newspaper, she has been called Madame Carabine.
+
+    "Excuse this long letter, monseigneur, but I think you will not
+    be displeased to hear from us news of all those whose benefactor
+    you have been. I write to you from the farm at Bouqueval, where
+    we have been since the spring with our good mother. Germain
+    leaves us in the morning for his business, and returns in the
+    evening. In the autumn we shall return to Paris.
+
+    "It is so strange, M. Rodolph, that I, who could never endure
+    the country, am now so fond of it; I suppose it is because
+    Germain likes it so very much.
+
+    "As to the farm, M. Rodolph, you who know, no doubt, where the
+    good little Goualeuse is, will perhaps tell her that we very
+    often think of her as one of the dearest and gentlest creatures
+    in the world; and that, for myself, I never think of my own
+    happy condition without saying to myself, since M. Rodolph was
+    also the M. Rodolph of dear Fleur-de-Marie, that, no doubt, she
+    is by his kindness as happy as we are, and that makes one feel
+    still more happy. Ah, how I chatter! What will you say to all
+    this? But you are so good, and then, you know, it is your fault
+    if I go on as long and as merrily as Papa Cretu and Ramonette,
+    who no longer have a chance with me in singing. You will not
+    refuse our request, will you, monseigneur? If you will give a
+    name to our dear little child, it will seem to us that it will
+    bring her good fortune, like a lucky star.
+
+    "If I conclude by saying to you, M. Rodolph, that we try to give
+    every assistance in our power to the poor, it is not to boast,
+    but that you may know that we do not keep to ourselves all the
+    happiness you have given to us; besides, we always say to those
+    we succour: 'It is not us whom you should thank and bless; it is
+    M. Rodolph, the best, most generous person in the world.'
+
+    "Adieu, monseigneur! And pray believe that when our dear little
+    child begins to lisp, the first word she shall utter will be
+    your name, M. Rodolph, and the next those you wrote on the
+    basket which contained your generous wedding presents to me,
+    'Labour and discretion, honour and happiness.' Thanks to these
+    four words, our love and our care, we hope, monseigneur, that
+    our child will be always worthy to pronounce the name of him who
+    has been our benefactor, and that of all the unfortunates he
+    ever knew--Forgive me, monseigneur, but I cannot finish without
+    the big tears in my eyes, but they are tears of happiness.
+    Excuse all errors, if you please; it is not my fault, but I
+    cannot see very clearly, and I scribble.
+
+    "I have the honour to be, monseigneur, your respectful and most
+    grateful servant,
+
+                                           "RIGOLETTE GERMAIN.
+
+    "P.S. Ah, monseigneur, in reading my letter over again, I see I
+    have often written M. Rodolph, but you will excuse me, for you
+    know, monseigneur, that under any and every name we respect and
+    bless you alike."
+
+"Dear little Rigolette!" said Clemence, affected by the letter; "how
+full of good and right feeling is her letter!"
+
+"It is, indeed!" replied Rodolph. "She has an admirable disposition, her
+heart is all that is good; and our dear daughter appreciates her as we
+do," he added, addressing Fleur-de-Marie, when, struck by her pale
+countenance, he exclaimed, "But what ails you, dearest?"
+
+"Alas! what a painful contrast between my position and that of
+Rigolette. 'Labour and discretion, honour and happiness,' these four
+words declare all that my life has been, all that it ought to have
+been,--a young, industrious, and discreet girl, a beloved wife, a happy
+mother, an honoured woman, such is her destiny; whilst I--"
+
+"What do you say?"
+
+"Forgive me, my dear father; do not accuse me of ingratitude. But in
+spite of your unspeakable tenderness and that of my second mother, in
+spite of the splendour with which I am surrounded, in spite of your
+sovereign power, my shame is incurable. Nothing can destroy the past.
+Forgive me, dear father. Until now I have concealed this from you; but
+the recollection of my original degradation drives me to despair--kills
+me--"
+
+"Clemence, do you hear?" cried Rodolph, in extreme distress. "Oh,
+fatality--fatality! Now I curse my fears, my silence. This sad idea, so
+long and deeply rooted in her mind, has, unknown to us, made fearful
+ravages; and it is too late to contend against this sad error. Oh, I am
+indeed wretched!"
+
+"Courage, my dearest!" said Clemence to Rodolph. "You said but now that
+it is best to know the enemy that threatens us. We know now the cause of
+our child's sorrow, and will triumph over it, because we shall have with
+us reason, justice, and our excessive love for her."
+
+"And then she will see, too, that her affliction, if it be, indeed,
+incurable, will render ours incurable," said Rodolph.
+
+After a protracted silence, during which Fleur-de-Marie appeared to
+recover herself, she took Rodolph's and Clemence's hands in her own, and
+said in a voice deeply affected, "Hear me, beloved father, and you my
+best of mothers. God has willed it, and I thank him for it, that I
+should no longer conceal from you all that I feel. I must have done so
+shortly, and told you what I will now avow, for I could not longer have
+kept it concealed."
+
+"Ah, now I comprehend!" ejaculated Rodolph, "and there is no longer any
+hope for her."
+
+"I hope in the future, my dear father, and this hope gives me strength
+to speak thus to you."
+
+"And what can you hope for the future, poor child, since your present
+fate only causes you grief and torment?"
+
+"I will tell you; but before I do so let me recall to you the past, and
+confess before God, who hears me, what I have felt to this time."
+
+"Speak--speak--we listen!" was Rodolph's reply.
+
+"As long as I was in Paris with you, my dearest father, I was so happy
+that such days of bliss cannot be paid for too dearly by years of
+suffering. You see I have at least known happiness."
+
+"For some days, perhaps."
+
+"Yes, but what pure and unmingled happiness! The future dazzled me,--a
+father to adore, a second mother to cherish doubly, for she replaced
+mine, whom I never knew. Then--for I will confess all--my pride was
+roused in spite of myself. So greatly did I rejoice in belonging to you.
+If then I sometimes thought vaguely of the past, it was to say to
+myself, 'I, formerly so debased, am the beloved daughter of a sovereign
+prince, whom everybody blesses and reveres; I, formerly so wretched, now
+enjoy all the splendours of luxury, and an existence almost royal.'
+Alas! my father, my good fortune was so unlooked for, your power
+surrounded me with so much brilliancy, that I was, perhaps, excusable in
+allowing myself to be thus blinded."
+
+"Excusable! Nothing could be more natural, my angelic girl. What was
+there wrong in being proud of a rank which was your own, in enjoying the
+advantages of a position to which I had restored you? I remember at this
+time you were so delightfully gay, and said to me in accents I never can
+again hope to hear, 'Dearest father, this is too, too much happiness!'
+Unfortunately it was these recollections that begat in me this deceitful
+security."
+
+"Do you remember, my father," said Fleur-de-Marie, unable to overcome a
+shudder of horror, "do you remember the terrible scene that preceded our
+departure from Paris when your carriage was stopped?"
+
+"Yes," answered Rodolph; in a tone of melancholy. "Brave Chourineur!
+after having once more saved my life--he died--there, before our eyes."
+
+"Well, my father, at the moment when that unhappy man expired, do you
+know whom I saw looking steadfastly at me? Ah, that look--that look! it
+has haunted me ever since!" added Fleur-de-Marie, with a shudder.
+
+"What look? Of whom do you speak?" cried Rodolph.
+
+"Of the ogress of the _tapis-franc_!" answered Fleur-de-Marie.
+
+"That monster! You saw her!--and where?"
+
+"Did you not see her in the tavern where the Chourineur died? She was
+amongst the women who surrounded us."
+
+"Ah, now," said Rodolph, in a tone of despair, "I understand. Struck
+with horror as you were at the murder of the Chourineur, you must have
+imagined that you saw something prophetic in the sinister rencontre!"
+
+"Yes, indeed, father, it was so. At the sight of the ogress I felt a
+death-like shiver, and it seemed that under her scowl my heart, which,
+until then, had been light, joyous, bounding, was instantly chilled to
+ice. Yes, to meet that woman at the very instant when the Chourineur
+died, saying, 'Heaven is just!' it seemed to me as a rebuke from
+Providence for my proud forgetfulness of the past, which I was hereafter
+to expiate by humility and repentance."
+
+"But the past was forced on you, and you are not responsible for that in
+the sight of God!"
+
+"You were driven to it--overcome--my poor child!"
+
+"Once precipitated into the abyss in spite of yourself, and unable to
+quit it in spite of your remorse and despair, through the atrocious
+recklessness of the society of which you were a victim, you saw yourself
+for ever chained to this den, and it required that chance should throw
+you in my way to rescue you from such thraldom."
+
+"Then, too, my child, your father says you were the victim and not the
+accomplice of this infamy," said Clemence.
+
+"But yet, my mother, I have known this infamy!" replied Fleur-de-Marie,
+in a tone of deepest grief. "Nothing can destroy these fearful
+recollections,--they pursue me incessantly, not as formerly, in the
+midst of the peaceful inhabitants of the farm, or the fallen women who
+were my companions in St. Lazare, but they pursue me even in this
+palace, filled with the elite of Germany; they pursue me even to my
+father's arms, even to the steps of his throne!" And Fleur-de-Marie
+burst into an agony of tears.
+
+Rodolph and Clemence remained silent in presence of this fearful
+expression of unextinguishable remorse; they wept, too, for they
+perceived that their consolations were vain.
+
+"Since then," continued Fleur-de-Marie, drying her tears, "I say to
+myself every moment in the day, with bitter shame, 'I am honoured,
+revered, and the most eminent and venerated persons surround me with
+respect and attention. In the eyes of a whole court the sister of an
+emperor has deigned to fasten my bandeau on my forehead, and I have
+lived in the mire of the Cite, familiar with thieves and murderers.'
+Forgive me, dearest father, but the more elevated my position, the more
+deeply sensitive have I been to the deep degradation into which I had
+fallen; and at every homage paid me I feel myself guilty of profanation,
+and think it sacrilege to receive such attentions, knowing what I have
+been; and then I say to myself, 'If God should please that the past were
+all known, with what deserved scorn would she be treated whom now they
+elevate so high! What a just and fearful punishment!'"
+
+"But, poor girl, my wife and I know the past; we are worthy of our rank,
+and yet we cherish you."
+
+"Because you feel for me the tenderness of a father and mother."
+
+"But remember all the good you have done since your residence here, and
+the excellent and holy institution you have founded for orphans and poor
+forsaken girls! Then, too, the affection which the worthy abbess of Ste.
+Hermangeld evinces towards you, ought not that to be attributed to your
+unfeigned piety?"
+
+"Whilst the praises of the abbess of Ste. Hermangeld refer only to my
+present conduct, I accept it without scruple; but when she cites my
+example to the noble young ladies who have taken vows in the abbey, I
+feel as if I were the accomplice of an infamous falsehood."
+
+After a long silence Rodolph resumed, with deep melancholy:
+
+"I see it is unavailing to persuade you! Reasoning is impotent against a
+conviction the more steadfast as it is derived from a noble and generous
+feeling. The contrast of your past and present position must be a
+perpetual punishment; forgive me for saying so, my beloved one!"
+
+"Forgive you! And for what, my dear father?"
+
+"For not having foreseen your excessive susceptibility, which, from the
+delicacy of your heart, I should have anticipated. And yet what could I
+have done? It was my duty solemnly to recognise you as my daughter; yet
+I was wrong--wrong to be too proud of you! I should have concealed my
+treasure, and lived in retirement with Clemence and you, instead of
+raising you high, so high that the past would disappear as I hoped from
+your eyes."
+
+Several knocks were heard at this moment, which interrupted the
+conversation. Rodolph opened the door, and saw Murphy, who said:
+
+"I beg your your royal highness's pardon for thus disturbing you, but a
+courier from the Prince of Herkauesen-Oldenzaal has just arrived with
+this letter, which he says is very important, and must be delivered
+immediately to your royal highness."
+
+"Thanks, good Murphy. Do not go away," said Rodolph, with a sigh, "I
+shall want you presently." And the prince, closing the door, remained a
+moment in the ante-room to read the letter which Murphy had brought him,
+and which was as follows:
+
+      "_My Lord_:--Trusting that the bonds of relationship existing
+    between us, as well as the friendship with which you have ever
+    honoured me, will excuse the boldness of the step I am about to
+    take, I will at once enter upon the purport of my letter,
+    dictated as it is by a conscientious desire to act as becomes
+    the man your highness deigns to style his friend.
+
+    "Fifteen months have now elapsed since you returned from France,
+    bringing with you your long-lost daughter, whom you so happily
+    discovered living with that mother from whom she had never been
+    parted, and whom you espoused when _in extremis_, in order to
+    legitimise the Princess Amelie.
+
+    "Thus ennobled, of matchless beauty, and, as I learn from my
+    sister, the abbess of Ste. Hermangeld, endowed with a character
+    pure and elevated as the princely race from which she springs,
+    who would not envy your happiness in possessing such a treasure?
+
+    "I will now candidly state the purport of my letter, although I
+    should certainly have been the bearer of the request it
+    contains, were it not that a severe indisposition detains me at
+    Oldenzaal.
+
+    "During the time my son passed at Gerolstein he had frequent
+    opportunities of seeing the Princess Amelie, whom he loves with
+    a passionate but carefully concealed affection. This fact I have
+    considered it right to acquaint you with, the more especially
+    as, after having received and entertained my son as
+    affectionately as though he had been your own, you added to your
+    kindness by inviting him to return, as quickly as his duties
+    would allow, to enjoy that sweet companionship so precious to
+    his heart; and it is probable that my apprising you of this
+    circumstance may induce you to withdraw your intended
+    hospitality to one who has presumed to aspire to the affections
+    of your peerless child.
+
+    "I am perfectly well aware that the daughter of whom you are so
+    justly proud might aspire to the first alliance in Europe, but I
+    also know that so tender and devoted a parent as yourself would
+    not hesitate to bestow the hand of the Princess Amelie on my
+    son, if you believed by so doing her happiness would be secured.
+
+    "It is not for me to dwell upon Henry's merits,--you have been
+    graciously pleased to bestow your approval on his conduct thus
+    far, and I venture to hope he will never give you cause to
+    change the favourable opinion you have deigned to express
+    concerning him.
+
+    "Of this be assured, that whatever may be your determination, we
+    shall bow in respectful and implicit submission to it, and that
+    I shall never be otherwise than your royal highness's most
+    humble and obedient servant,
+
+                                          "GUSTAVE PAUL,
+                            "_Prince of Herkauesen-Oldenzaal_."
+
+After the perusal of this letter Rodolph remained for some time sad and
+pensive; then a gleam of hope darting across his mind, he returned to
+his daughter, whom Clemence was most tenderly consoling.
+
+"My dear child," said he, as he entered, "you yourself observed that
+this day seemed destined to be one of important discoveries and solemn
+explanations, but I did not then think your words would be so strikingly
+verified as they seem likely to be."
+
+"Dear father, what has happened?"
+
+"Fresh sources of uneasiness have arisen."
+
+"On whose account?"
+
+"On yours, my child. I fear you have only revealed to us a portion of
+your griefs."
+
+"Be kind enough to explain yourself," said Fleur-de-Marie, blushing.
+
+"Then hearken to me, my beloved child. You have, perhaps, good cause to
+fancy yourself unhappy. When, at the commencement of our conversation,
+you spoke of the hopes you still entertained, I understood your meaning,
+and my heart seemed broken by the blow with which I was menaced, for I
+read but too clearly that you desired to quit me for ever, and to bury
+yourself in the eternal seclusion of a cloister. My child, say, have I
+not divined your intentions?"
+
+"If you would consent," murmured forth Fleur-de-Marie, in a faint,
+gasping voice.
+
+"Would you, then, quit us?" exclaimed Clemence.
+
+"The abbey of Ste. Hermangeld is in the immediate neighbourhood of
+Gerolstein, and I should frequently see yourself and my father."
+
+"Remember, my child, that vows such as you would take are not to be
+recalled. You are scarcely eighteen years of age, and one day you
+may--possibly--"
+
+"Oh, think not I should ever regret my choice! There is no rest or peace
+for me save in the solitude of a cloister. There I may be happy, if you
+and my second mother will but continue to me your affection."
+
+"The duties and consolations of a religious life," said Rodolph, "might,
+certainly, if not cure, at least alleviate the anguish of your lacerated
+and desponding mind, and although your resolution will cost me dear, I
+cannot but approve of it."
+
+"Rodolph!" cried the astonished Clemence, "do I hear aright? Is it
+possible you--"
+
+"Allow me more fully to explain myself," replied Rodolph. Then
+addressing his daughter, he said, "But before an irrevocable decision is
+pronounced, it would be well to ascertain if nothing more suitable, both
+to your inclinations and our own, could be found for you than the life
+of a nun."
+
+Fleur-de-Marie and Clemence started at Rodolph's words and manner,
+while, fixing an earnest gaze on his daughter, the prince said,
+abruptly:
+
+"What think you, my child, of your cousin, Prince Henry?"
+
+The brightest blush spread over the fair face of Fleur-de-Marie, who,
+after a momentary hesitation, threw herself weeping in her father's
+arms.
+
+"Then you love him, do you not, my darling child?" cried Rodolph,
+tenderly pressing her hands. "Fear not to confide the truth to your best
+friends."
+
+"Alas!" replied Fleur-de-Marie, "you know not what it has cost me to
+conceal from you the state of my heart! Had you questioned me on the
+subject, I would gladly have told you all, but shame closed my lips, and
+would still have done so, but for your inquiry into the nature of my
+feelings."
+
+"And have you any suspicion that Henry is aware of your love?"
+
+"Gracious heavens, dearest father!" exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie, shrinking
+back in terror, "I trust not!"
+
+"Do you believe he returns your affection?"
+
+"Oh, no, no! I trust he does not! He would suffer too deeply."
+
+"And what gave rise to the love you entertained for your cousin?"
+
+"Alas, I know not! It grew upon me almost unconsciously. Do you remember
+a portrait of a youth dressed as a page, in the apartments of the Abbess
+de Ste. Hermangeld?"
+
+"I know; it was the portrait of Henry."
+
+"Believing the picture to be of distant date, I one day in your presence
+remarked upon the extreme beauty of the countenance, when you jestingly
+replied that it was the likeness of an ancestor who, in his youth, had
+displayed an extraordinary share of sense, courage, and every estimable
+quality; this strengthened my first impression, and frequently after
+that day I used to delight in recalling to my mind the fine countenance
+and noble features of one I believed to have been long numbered with the
+dead. By degrees these reveries began to form one of my greatest
+pleasures, and many an hour have I passed gazing, amid smiles and tears,
+on one I fondly hoped I might be permitted to know and to love in
+another world. For in this," continued poor Fleur-de-Marie, with a most
+touching expression, "I well know I am unworthy to aspire to the love of
+any one but you, my kind, indulgent parents."
+
+"I can now understand the nature of the reproof you once gave me for
+having misled you on the subject of the portrait."
+
+"Conceive, dearest father, what was my confusion when I learnt from the
+superior that the portrait was a living subject,--that of her nephew! My
+trouble was extreme, and earnestly did I endeavour to erase from my
+heart all the fond associations connected with that picture. In vain!
+the pertinacity with which I strove to forget but riveted the impression
+I had received; and, unfortunately, dear father, you rendered the task
+of forgetting more difficult, by continually eulogising the heart,
+disposition, and principles of Prince Henry."
+
+"You loved him, then, my child, from merely seeing his likeness and
+hearing his praises?"
+
+"Without positively loving him, I felt myself attracted towards him by
+an irresistible impulse, for which I bitterly reproached myself; my only
+consolation was the thought that no person knew my fatal secret. For how
+could I presume to love? How excuse my ingratitude in not contenting
+myself with the tenderness bestowed on me by you, my father, and you,
+also, dearest mother? In the midst of all these conflicting feelings I
+met my cousin, for the first time, at a ball given by you to the
+Archduchess Sophia; his resemblance to the portrait too well assured me
+it was he; and your introducing Prince Henry to me as a near relative
+afforded me ample opportunities of discovering that his manners were as
+captivating as his mind was cultivated."
+
+"It is easy to conceive, then, that a mutual passion sprung up between
+you! Indeed, he won upon my regard ere I was aware of the ground he had
+gained; he spoke of you so admiringly, yet so respectfully."
+
+"You had yourself praised him so highly."
+
+"Not more than he deserved. It is impossible to possess a more noble
+nature, or a more generous and elevated character."
+
+"I beseech you, dearest father, to spare me the fresh trial of hearing
+him thus praised by you. Alas! I am already wretched enough."
+
+"Go on, my child. I have a reason in thus extolling your cousin--I will
+explain hereafter. Proceed."
+
+"Though aware of the danger of thus daily associating with my cousin, I
+felt unable to withdraw myself from the pleasure his society afforded
+me; nor, spite of my implicit reliance on your indulgence, dear father,
+durst I disclose my fears to you. I could then only redouble my efforts
+to conceal my unfortunate attachment, and--shall I confess?--there were
+moments when, forgetting the past, I gave myself up to all the dear
+delights of a friendship hitherto unknown to me. But the departure of
+Prince Henry from your court tore the veil from my eyes, and showed me
+how truly and ardently I loved him, though not with a sister's love, as
+I had made myself believe. I had resolved to open my heart entirely to
+you on this subject," continued Fleur-de-Marie, whose strength seemed
+utterly exhausted by her long confession, "and then to ask you what
+remained for one so every way unfortunate but to seek the repose of a
+cloister."
+
+"Then, dearest daughter, let me answer the question ere you have put it,
+by saying there is a prospect as bright and smiling awaits your
+acceptance, as that you propose is cheerless and gloomy."
+
+"What mean you?"
+
+"Now, then, listen to me. It was impossible for an affection as great as
+mine to be blinded to the mutual affection subsisting between yourself
+and your cousin; my penetration also quickly discovered that his passion
+for you amounted to idolatry; that he had but one hope, one desire on
+earth,--that of being loved by you. At the time I played off that little
+joke respecting the portrait, I had not the least expectation of Henry's
+visiting Gerolstein. When, however, he did come, I saw no reason for
+changing the manner in which I had always treated him, and I therefore
+invited him to visit us on the same terms of friendly relationship he
+had hitherto done. A very little time had elapsed ere Clemence and
+myself saw plainly enough the cause of his frequent visits, or the
+mutual delight you felt in each other's society. Then mine became a
+difficult task.
+
+"On the one hand, I rejoiced as a father that one so every way worthy of
+you should have won your affection; then on the other hand, my poor dear
+child, your past misfortunes forbade me to encourage the idea of uniting
+you to your cousin, to whom I several times spoke in a manner very
+different to the tone I should have adopted, had I contemplated
+bestowing on him your hand.
+
+"Thus placed in a position so delicate, I endeavoured to preserve a
+strict neutrality, discouraging Prince Henry's attentions by every means
+in my power, and yet manifesting towards himself the same paternal
+kindness with which I had always treated him; and besides, my poor girl,
+after a life of so much unhappiness as yours, I could not bring myself
+suddenly to tear away the innocent pleasure you appeared to feel in the
+company of your cousin. It was something to see you even temporarily
+happy and cheerful, and even now your acquaintance with Prince Henry may
+be the means of securing your future tranquillity."
+
+"Dear father, I understand you not."
+
+"Prince Paul, Henry's father, has just sent me this letter. While
+considering such an alliance as an honour too great to aspire to, he
+solicits your hand for his son, who, he states, is inspired with a
+passion for you."
+
+"Dearest father!" cried Fleur-de-Marie, concealing her face with her
+hands, "do you forget?"
+
+"I forget nothing,--not even that to-morrow you enter a convent, where,
+besides, being for ever lost to me, you will pass the remainder of your
+days in tears and austerity. If I must part with you, let it be to give
+you to a husband who will love you almost as tenderly as your father."
+
+"Married!--and to him, father! You cannot mean it!"
+
+"Indeed I do; but on one condition: that directly after your marriage
+has been celebrated here, without pomp or parade, you shall depart with
+your husband for some tranquil retreat in Italy or Switzerland, where
+you may live unknown, and merely pass for opulent persons of middle
+rank. And my reason for attaching this proviso to my consent is because
+I feel assured that, in the bosom of simple and unostentatious
+happiness, you would by degrees forget the hateful past, which is now
+only more painfully contrasted with the pomp and ceremony by which you
+are surrounded."
+
+"Rodolph is right," said Clemence. "With Henry for your companion, and
+happy in each other's affection, past sorrows will soon be forgotten."
+
+"And as I could not wholly part with you, Clemence and I would pay you a
+visit each year. Then when time shall have healed your wounded spirit,
+my poor child, and present felicity shall have effaced all recollections
+of the past, you will return to dwell among us, never more to part."
+
+"Forget the past in present happiness!" murmured Fleur-de-Marie.
+
+"Even so, my child," replied Rodolph, scarcely able to restrain his
+emotion at seeing his daughter's scruples thus shaken.
+
+"Can it be possible," cried Fleur-de-Marie, "that such unspeakable
+felicity is reserved for me? The wife of Henry. And one day to pass my
+life between him--yourself--and my second mother!" continued she, more
+subdued by the ineffable delight such a picture created in her mind.
+
+"All--all that happiness shall be yours, my precious child!" exclaimed
+Rodolph, fondly embracing Fleur-de-Marie. "I will reply at once to
+Henry's father that I consent to the marriage. Comfort yourself with the
+certainty that our separation will be but short; the fresh duties you
+will take upon yourself in a wedded life will serve to drive away all
+past retrospections and painful reminiscences; and should you yourself
+be a mother, you will know and feel how readily a parent sacrifices her
+own regrets and griefs to promote the happiness of her child."
+
+"A mother! I a mother!" exclaimed Fleur-de-Marie, with bitter despair,
+awakening at that word from the sweet illusion in which her memory
+seemed temporarily lulled. "Oh, no! I am unworthy to bear that sacred
+name! I should expire of shame in the presence of my own child, if
+indeed I could survive the horrible disclosures I must necessarily make
+to its father of my past life! Oh, never--never!"
+
+"My child, for pity's sake, listen to me!"
+
+Pale and beautiful amidst her deep distress, Fleur-de-Marie arose with
+all the majesty of incurable sorrow, and, looking earnestly at Rodolph,
+she said, "We forget that, ere Prince Henry made me his wife, he should
+be acquainted with the past!"
+
+"No, no, my daughter," replied Rodolph, "I had by no means forgotten
+what he both ought to know and shall learn of the melancholy tale."
+
+"Think you not that I should die, were I thus degraded in his eyes?"
+
+"And he will also admit and feel," added Clemence, "that if I style you
+my daughter, he may, without fear or shame, safely call you his wife."
+
+"Nay, dearest mother, I love Prince Henry too truly to bestow on him a
+hand that has been polluted by the touch of the ruffians of the Cite."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A short time after this painful scene, the following announcement
+appeared in the Official Gazette of Gerolstein:
+
+"The taking of the veil by the most high and mighty Princess Amelie of
+Gerolstein took place yesterday in the Abbey of Ste. Hermangeld, in the
+presence of the reigning grand duke and all his court. The vows of the
+novice were received by the right reverend and illustrious Lord Charles
+Maximus, Archbishop of Oppenheim; Monseigneur Annibal Andre, one of the
+princes of Delphes and Bishop of Ceuta, _in partibus infidelium_, and
+apostolic nuncio, bestowed the salutation and papal benediction. The
+sermon was preached by the most reverend Seigneur Pierre d'Asfeld, canon
+of the Chapter of Cologne, and count of the Holy Roman Empire. _Veni
+Creator Optime!_"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+THE VOWS.
+
+
+    _Rodolph to Clemence._
+
+                               GEROLSTEIN, 12th January, 1842.
+
+      Your assurance that your father is better induces me to hope
+    you will be enabled to return here with him shortly. I dreaded
+    that at Rosenfeld, situated in the midst of the woods, he would
+    be exposed to the piercing cold of our rigorous winters, but,
+    unfortunately, his fondness for hunting rendered all our advice
+    useless.
+
+    I entreat you, Clemence, as soon as your father can bear the
+    motion of the carriage, quit that country and this habitation,
+    only fit for those Germans of an iron frame whose race has now
+    disappeared.
+
+    The ceremony of our poor child's taking the vows is fixed for
+    to-morrow, the thirteenth of January, the fatal day on which I
+    drew my sword on my father! Alas! I thought too soon I was
+    forgiven! The hope of passing my life with you and my child made
+    me forget that it was she who had been punished up to the
+    present time, and that my punishment was to come. And it is
+    come, when, six months ago, she disclosed the double torture she
+    suffered,--her incurable shame for the past, and her hopeless
+    passion for Henry.
+
+    These two sentiments became, by a fatal logic, the cause of her
+    fixed resolve to take the veil. You know that we could not
+    conceal from her that, had we been in her place, we should have
+    pursued the same noble and courageous course she has adopted.
+    How could we answer those humble words, "I love Prince Henry too
+    much to give him a hand that has been touched by the bandits of
+    the Cite!"
+
+    I have seen her this morning, and though she seemed less pale
+    than usual, though she said she did not suffer, yet her health
+    gives me the most mortal alarm.
+
+    Alas! This morning, when I saw beneath the veil those noble
+    features, I could not refrain from thinking how beautiful she
+    looked the day of our marriage; it seemed that our happiness was
+    reflected on her face.
+
+    As I told you, I saw her this morning. She does not know that
+    to-morrow the Princess Juliana resigns her abbatical dignity,
+    and that she has been unanimously chosen to succeed her.
+
+    Since the beginning of her novitiate there has been but one
+    opinion of her piety, her charity, and the exactitude with which
+    she fulfils all the rules of the order; she even exaggerates
+    their austerity. She exercises in the convent that authority she
+    exercised everywhere, but of which she herself is ignorant. She
+    confessed to me this morning that she is not so absorbed by her
+    religious duties as to forget the past.
+
+    "I accuse myself, dear father," said she, "because I cannot help
+    reflecting that, had Heaven pleased to spare me the degradation
+    that has stained my life, I might have lived happily with you
+    and my husband. Spite of myself, I reflect on this, and on what
+    passed in the Cite. In vain I beseech Heaven to deliver me from
+    these temptations,--to fill my heart with himself; but he does
+    not hear my prayers, doubtless because my life has rendered me
+    unworthy of communion with him."
+
+    "But," cried I, clinging to this faint glimmer of hope, "it is
+    not yet too late; your novitiate is only over to-day; you are
+    yet free. Renounce this austere life, dwell again with us, and
+    our tenderness shall soften your grief."
+
+    Shaking her head sorrowfully, she replied:
+
+    "The cloister is, indeed, solitary for me, accustomed as I have
+    been to your tender care; doubtless cruel recollections come
+    over me, but I am consoled by the knowledge that I am performing
+    my duty. I know that everywhere else I should be liable to be
+    placed in that position in which I have already suffered so
+    much. Your daughter shall do what she ought to do, suffer what
+    she ought to suffer."
+
+    Without founding any great hopes on this interview, I yet said
+    to myself, "She can renounce the cloister. But as she is
+    determined, I can but repeat her words, 'God alone can offer me
+    a refuge worthy of himself.'" Adieu, dear Clemence! It consoles
+    me to see you grieve with me, for I can say 'our' child without
+    egotism in my sufferings. Often this thought lightens my sorrow,
+    for you are left to me, and what is left to Fleur-de-Marie?
+    Adieu again; return soon.
+
+                                                            R.
+
+
+                                    ABBEY OF STE. HERMANGELD.
+                                  Four o'clock in the morning.
+
+    Reassure yourself, Clemence! Thank God, the danger is over, but
+    the crisis was terrible!
+
+    Last evening, agitated by my thoughts, I recollected the
+    paleness and languor of my poor child, and that she was obliged
+    to pass almost all the night in the church in prayer.
+
+    I sent Murphy and David to demand the Princess Juliana's
+    permission to remain until the morrow in the mansion that Henry
+    occupied usually; thus my child would have prompt assistance,
+    and I prompt intelligence, in case that her strength failed
+    under this rigorous, I will not say cruel, obligation to pass
+    the whole of a cold winter's night in the church.
+
+[Illustration: "In the Church in Prayer"
+Original Etching by Mercier]
+
+    I wrote to Fleur-de-Marie that, whilst I respected her religious
+    exercises, I besought her to watch in her cell and not in the
+    church. This was her reply:
+
+       "_My dear Father_:--I thank you for this fresh proof of
+       your tenderness, but be not alarmed, I am sufficiently
+       strong to perform my duty. Your daughter must be guilty
+       of no weakness. The rule orders it, I must submit. Should
+       it cause me some physical sufferings, how joyfully shall
+       I offer them to God! Adieu, dear father! I cannot say I
+       pray for you, because whenever I pray to Heaven I cannot
+       help remembering you in my prayers. You have been to me
+       on earth what God will be, if I merit it, in heaven.
+       Bless your child, who will be to-morrow the spouse of
+       Heaven.
+
+                                              "SISTER AMELIE."
+
+    This letter, in some measure, reassured me; however I had, also,
+    a vigil to keep. At nightfall I went to a pavilion I had built,
+    near my father's monument, in expiation of this fatal night.
+
+    About one o'clock I heard Murphy's voice. He came from the
+    convent in order to inform me that, as I had feared, my unhappy
+    child, spite of her resolution, had not had sufficient strength
+    to accomplish this barbarous custom.
+
+    At eight o'clock in the evening Fleur-de-Marie knelt and prayed
+    until midnight, but, overpowered by her emotion and the intense
+    cold, she fainted; two nuns instantly raised her, and bore her
+    to her cell. David was instantly summoned, and Murphy came to
+    me. I hastened to the convent, where the abbess assured me that
+    my daughter's swoon, from which she had recovered, had been
+    caused only by her weakness, but that David feared that my
+    presence might seriously affect her. I feared they were
+    preparing me for something more dreadful, but the superior said:
+
+    "I assure you, monseigneur, the princess is in no danger; the
+    restorative the doctor has given her has greatly recruited her
+    strength."
+
+    David soon returned. She was better, but had insisted upon
+    continuing her vigil, consenting only to kneel upon a cushion.
+
+    "She is in the church, then?" cried I.
+
+    "Yes, monseigneur, but she will quit it in a quarter of an
+    hour."
+
+    I entered the church, and, by the faint light of a lamp, I saw
+    her kneeling and praying fervently. Three o'clock struck; two
+    sisters, seated in the stalls, advanced and spoke to her; she
+    crossed herself, rose, and traversed the choir with a firm step,
+    and yet as she passed the lamp she seemed to me deathly pale. I
+    remain at the abbey until the ceremony be over. I think now it
+    is useless to send this letter incomplete. I will forward it
+    to-morrow, with all the details of this sad day. Adieu,
+    dearest!--I am heart-broken--pity!
+
+                                                            R.
+
+
+
+
+THE LAST CHAPTER.
+
+THE THIRTEENTH OF JANUARY.
+
+
+    _Rodolph to Clemence._
+
+      The thirteenth of January! Now a doubly sinister anniversary!
+    Dearest, we have lost her for ever! All is over,--ended all. It
+    is true, then, that there is a horrid pleasure in relating a
+    terrible grief.
+
+    Yesterday I was complaining of the necessity that kept you from
+    me; to-day, Clemence, I congratulate myself that you are not
+    here,--you would have suffered too much. This morning I was in a
+    light slumber, and was awakened by the sound of bells. I started
+    in affright; it seemed to me a funereal sound,--a knell! In
+    fact, our daughter is dead,--dead to us! And from to-day,
+    Clemence, you must begin to wear her mourning in your heart, a
+    heart always so maternally disposed towards her. Whether our
+    child be buried beneath the marble of the tomb or the vault of
+    the cloister, what is the difference to us? Hardly eighteen
+    years of age, yet dead to the world!
+
+    At noon the profession took place, with solemn pomp, and I was
+    present, concealed behind the curtains of our pew. I felt, but
+    even with greater intensity, all the poignant emotion we
+    underwent at her novitiate. How strange! She is adored! And they
+    believe, universally, that she was attracted to a religious life
+    by an irresistible vocation; and yet whilst they believed it was
+    a happy event for her, an overwhelming sadness weighed down the
+    spectators. There appeared in the very air, as it were, a
+    doleful foreboding, and it was founded, if only half realised.
+
+    The profession terminated, they led our child into the
+    chapter-room, where the nomination of the new abbess was to take
+    place, and, thanks to my sovereign privilege, I went into this
+    room to await Fleur-de-Marie's return to the choir. She soon
+    entered; her emotion and weakness were so excessive that two of
+    the sisters supported her. I was alarmed, less at her paleness
+    and the great change in her features, than at the peculiar
+    expression of her smile, which seemed to me imprinted with a
+    kind of secret satisfaction.
+
+    Clemence, I say to you, perhaps we may very soon require all our
+    courage,--I feel within myself that our child is mortally
+    smitten. May Heaven grant that I am deceived, and may my
+    presentiments arise only from the despairing sadness which this
+    melancholy spectacle has inspired!
+
+    Fleur-de-Marie entered the chapter-room, all the stalls were
+    filled by the nuns. She went modestly to place herself last on
+    the left-hand side, still leaning on the arm of one of the
+    sisters, for she yet appeared very weak.
+
+    The Princess Juliana was seated at the end of the apartment,
+    with the grand prioress on one side and another dignitary on the
+    other, holding in her hand the golden crozier, the symbol of
+    abbatial authority. There was profound silence; and then the
+    lady abbess rose, took the crozier in her hand, and said, in a
+    voice of great emotion:
+
+    "My dear daughters, my great age compels me to confide to
+    younger hands this emblem of my spiritual power," and she
+    pointed to the crozier. "I am authorised by a bull of our holy
+    father; I will, therefore, present to the benediction of
+    monseigneur the Archbishop of Oppenheim, and to the approbation
+    of his royal highness the grand duke our sovereign, whosoever of
+    my dear daughters shall be pointed out by you to succeed me.
+    Our grand prioress will inform you of the result of the
+    election, and she who has been chosen will receive my crozier
+    and ring."
+
+    I did not take my eyes off my daughter. Standing up in her
+    stall, her two hands folded over her bosom, her eyes cast down,
+    and half covered by her white veil and the long folds of her
+    black gown, she was pensive and motionless, not supposing for a
+    moment that she would herself be elected, as this fact had been
+    communicated by the abbess to no one but myself.
+
+    The grand prioress took a book and read:
+
+    "Each of our dear sisters having been, according to the rule,
+    requested a week since to place her vote in the hands of our
+    holy mother, and keep her choice secret until this moment, in
+    the name of our holy mother I declare to you, my dear, dear
+    sisters, that one of you has, by her exemplary piety, merited
+    the unanimous suffrages of the community, and that she is our
+    sister Amelie, the most noble and puissant Princess of
+    Gerolstein."
+
+    At these words a murmur of pleased surprise and satisfaction
+    went around the apartment; the eyes of all the nuns were fixed
+    on my daughter with an expression of tender sympathy, and, in
+    spite of my painful forebodings, I was myself deeply touched at
+    this nomination, which, done isolatedly and secretly, had yet
+    presented such an affecting unanimity.
+
+    The abbess continued, in a serious and loud voice:
+
+    "My dear daughters, if it be, indeed, Sister Amelie whom you
+    think the most worthy and most deserving of you all,--if it be
+    she whom you recognise as your spiritual superior, let each of
+    you reply to me in turn, my dear daughters."
+
+    And each nun replied in a clear voice:
+
+    "Freely and voluntarily I have chosen, and I do choose, Sister
+    Amelie for my holy mother and superior."
+
+    Overcome by inexpressible emotion, my poor child fell on her
+    knees, clasped her hands, and remained so until each vote was
+    declared. Then the abbess, placing the crozier and the ring in
+    the hands of the grand prioress, advanced towards my daughter to
+    take her hand and conduct her to the abbatial seat.
+
+    "Rise, my dear daughter," said the abbess; "come and assume the
+    place that belongs to you. Your virtues, and not your rank, have
+    obtained for you the position you have gained."
+
+    Fleur-de-Marie, trembling, advanced a few steps, and said:
+
+    "Pardon me, holy mother, but I would speak to my sisters."
+
+    "Then first place yourself, my dear child, in your abbatial
+    seat," said the princess; "it is from thence your voice shall be
+    heard."
+
+    "That place, holy mother, never can be mine!" replied
+    Fleur-de-Marie, in a low and tremulous voice.
+
+    "What mean you, my dear daughter?"
+
+    "So high a dignity was not made for me, holy mother."
+
+    "But the wishes of all your sisters call you to it."
+
+    "Permit me, holy mother, to make here, on my knees, a solemn
+    confession; and my sisters will see, and you, also, holy mother,
+    that the humblest condition is not humble enough for me."
+
+    "This arises from your modesty, my dear child," said the
+    superior, with kindness, believing that the unhappy girl was
+    giving way to a feeling of overdelicacy.
+
+    But I divined the confession Fleur-de-Marie was about to make,
+    and, greatly alarmed, I exclaimed, in a voice of entreaty:
+
+    "My child, I conjure thee--"
+
+    It is impossible, my dearest Clemence, to describe the look
+    which Fleur-de-Marie gave me. In an instant she understood all,
+    and saw how deeply I should share in the shame of this horrible
+    revelation. She comprehended that after such a confession they
+    might accuse me of falsehood, for I had always made it out that
+    Fleur-de-Marie had never left her mother. At this reflection the
+    poor dear child thought she would be guilty of the blackest
+    ingratitude towards me; she had not power to continue, but bowed
+    down her head, overcome--overwhelmed.
+
+    "Again I assure you, my dear child," said the abbess, "your
+    modesty deceives you. The unanimity of the choice of your
+    sisters proves how worthy you are to replace me. It is not the
+    princess--it is Sister Amelie who is elected. For us your life
+    began on the day when you first put foot in this house of the
+    Lord, and it is this exemplary and holy life that we recompense.
+    I will say more, my dear daughter; if before you entered this
+    retreat your life had been as wrong as it has been, on the
+    contrary, pure and praiseworthy, the heavenly virtues of which
+    you have given me an example since your abode here would expiate
+    and ransom, in the eyes of the Lord, any past life, however
+    culpable. And now, my dear daughter, judge if your modesty ought
+    not to be reassured."
+
+    These words of the abbess were, as you may think, my Clemence,
+    the more precious for Fleur-de-Marie, as she believed the past
+    ineffaceable. Unfortunately, this scene had deeply moved her,
+    and, although she affected calmness and serenity, I saw that her
+    features altered in a most distressing manner.
+
+    "I believe I have convinced you, my dear daughter," said the
+    Princess Juliana; "and you will not cause so great a grief to
+    your sisters as to refuse this mark of their confidence and
+    affection?"
+
+    "No, holy mother," she said, with an expression which struck me,
+    and in a voice more and more feeble, "I think now I may accept;
+    but as I feel myself fatigued and in pain, if you will permit
+    it, holy mother, the ceremony of the consecration shall not
+    take place for a few days."
+
+    "As you wish, my dear daughter; but in the meanwhile, until your
+    dignity is blessed and consecrated, take this ring, come to your
+    place, and our dear sisters will do you homage according to our
+    rules."
+
+    And the superior, putting the pastoral ring on Fleur-de-Marie's
+    finger, led her to the abbatial seat. It was a simple and
+    touching sight. Supported on one side by the grand prioress,
+    bearing the golden crozier, and on the other by the Princess
+    Juliana, each of the sisters, as she passed by, made obeisance
+    to our child, and respectfully kissed her hand. But judge of my
+    affright when she swooned before the procession of the sisters
+    was terminated. David had not quitted the convent, and he
+    hastened to the abbess's apartment, whither we had conveyed her,
+    and then attended to her.
+
+    The superior having returned to close the sitting of the
+    chapter, I remained alone with my daughter. After looking at me
+    for some time, she said:
+
+    "My dear father, can you forget my ingratitude? Can you forget
+    that at the moment when I was about to make my painful
+    confession--when you implored me--"
+
+    "Silence! I beseech you!"
+
+    "And I did not reflect," she continued, with bitterness, "that,
+    in telling in the face of all the world from what an abyss of
+    depravity you had rescued me, I revealed a secret which you had
+    preserved out of tenderness to me! It would have been to accuse
+    you publicly--you, my father--of a dissimulation, which you only
+    resigned yourself to to assure me a brilliant and honoured
+    existence! Can you ever forgive me?"
+
+    Instead of replying, I pressed my lips on her forehead; she felt
+    my tears flow. Having kissed my hands many times, she said:
+
+    "Now I feel better, and, as now I am dead to the world, I should
+    like to make a few bequests in favour of several persons; but as
+    all I have comes from you, do you authorise me, dearest father?"
+
+    "Say, dearest, and I will do all you desire."
+
+    "I should wish my beloved mother to keep always in the little
+    boudoir in which she usually sits my embroidery-frame, with the
+    work I began."
+
+    "It shall be so, love; your apartment is as when you left it.
+    Clemence will be deeply touched by your thought of her."
+
+    "As for you, dear father, take, I pray, my large ebony armchair,
+    in which I have thought of--reflected upon so much."
+
+    "I will put it beside my own, in my own private closet, and will
+    imagine I see you in it every day, where you have so often sat,"
+    I said, unable to repress my tears.
+
+    "And now I would leave some souvenirs to those who took so much
+    interest in me when I was unhappy. To Madame Georges I would
+    give the writing-desk I have lately used; she taught me to write
+    originally, so the gift will be very appropriate," she said,
+    with her sweet smile. "As to the venerable cure of Bouqueval,
+    who instructed me in religion, I intend for him the beautiful
+    crucifix in my oratory."
+
+    "Very well, my dearest child."
+
+    "I should like to send my bandeau of pearls to my good little
+    Rigolette; it is a simple ornament which she may wear in her
+    beautiful black hair. And as you know where Martial and La Louve
+    are in Algeria, I should like to send to the brave woman who
+    saved my life my gold enamelled cross. These different
+    keepsakes, dearest father, I would have sent to them 'from
+    Fleur-de-Marie.'"
+
+    "I will do all you wish,--I will not forget one."
+
+    "I am sure you will not, dearest father."
+
+    "Is there no other person present to your memory?"
+
+    The dear child understood me, and pressed my hand, whilst a
+    slight blush tinged her pale cheeks as I said, "He is
+    better--out of danger."
+
+    "And his father?"
+
+    "Better as his son is better. And what will you give to Henry? A
+    souvenir from you will be a consolation so dear and precious!"
+
+    "My father, offer him my _prie-Dieu_. Alas! I have often watered
+    it with my tears when begging from Heaven for strength to forget
+    Henry, as I was unworthy of his love."
+
+    "How happy it will make him to see that you have had one thought
+    of him!"
+
+    "As to the asylum for the orphans and young girls abandoned by
+    their parents, I should wish, my dear father, that--"
+
+    Here Rodolph's letter was broken off by these words, almost
+    illegible:
+
+    "Clemence, Murphy will conclude this letter! I am lost,--bereft
+    of sense! Ah, the thirteenth of January!"
+
+At the end of this letter Murphy had written as follows:
+
+      _Madame_:--By the order of his royal highness I complete this
+    sorrowful recital. The two letters of monseigneur will have
+    prepared your royal highness for the overwhelming news I have to
+    communicate. Three hours since, whilst monseigneur was writing
+    to your royal highness, I was waiting in the antechamber for a
+    letter to be despatched by a courier, when suddenly I saw the
+    Princess Juliana enter in the greatest consternation.
+
+    "Where is his royal highness?" she said to me, in an agitated
+    voice.
+
+    "Writing to the grand duchess," I replied.
+
+    "Sir Walter," she said, "you must inform monseigneur of a
+    terrible event. You are his friend,--you should tell him; from
+    you the blow may be less terrible!"
+
+    I understood all, and thought it most prudent to charge myself
+    with the distressing intelligence. The superior having added
+    that the Princess Amelie was sinking gradually, and that
+    monseigneur must hasten to receive his daughter's last sigh, I
+    went into the duke's room, who saw how pale I was.
+
+    "You have some bad news for me?"
+
+    "Terrible, monseigneur! But courage! Courage!"
+
+    "Ah, my forebodings!" he exclaimed; and, without adding a word,
+    he ran to the cloisters. I followed him.
+
+    From the apartment of the superior, the Princess Amelie had been
+    conveyed to her cell, after her last interview with monseigneur.
+    One of the sisters watched over her, and at the end of an hour
+    she perceived that the Princess Amelie's voice, who spoke to her
+    at intervals, was weaker, and more and more oppressed. The
+    sister hastened to inform the superior, who sent for Doctor
+    David, who administered a cordial; but it was useless, the pulse
+    was scarcely perceptible. He saw with despair that the
+    reiterated emotions having probably exhausted the little
+    strength of the Princess Amelie, there was not a hope of saving
+    her left. Monseigneur arrived at this moment. The Princess
+    Amelie had just received the last sacrament; a slight degree of
+    consciousness remained. In one hand, crossed over her chest, she
+    held the remains of her little rose-tree.
+
+    Monseigneur fell on his knees at the foot of the bed, and
+    sobbed, "My child! My beloved child!" in a voice of piercing
+    agony. The Princess Amelie heard him, turned her head a little
+    towards him, opened her eyes, tried to smile, and said, in a
+    faint voice, "My dearest father, pardon!--Henry, too!--and my
+    beloved mother!--pardon!"
+
+    These were her last words. After a slight struggle of one hour,
+    she rendered her soul to God.
+
+    When his daughter had breathed her last sigh, monseigneur did
+    not say a word; his calmness and silence were frightful. He
+    closed the eyelids of the princess, kissed her forehead several
+    times, took piously from her hands the relics of the little
+    rose-tree, and left the cell. I followed him, and he returned to
+    the house outside the cloister, when, showing me the letter he
+    had commenced writing to your royal highness, and to which he in
+    vain endeavoured to add a few words, for his hand trembled too
+    convulsively, he said to me, "I cannot write! I am crushed! My
+    senses are gone! Write to the grand duchess that I have no
+    longer a daughter!"
+
+    I have executed the orders of monseigneur. May I be allowed, as
+    his old servant, to entreat your royal highness to hasten your
+    return as soon as the health of M. d'Orbigny will permit?
+    Nothing but the presence of your royal highness can calm
+    monseigneur's despair. He will watch his daughter's remains
+    every night until the day when she is to be buried in the
+    grand-ducal chapel.
+
+    I have accomplished my sad task, madame. Deign, to excuse the
+    incoherence of this letter, and to receive the expression of
+    respectful devotion with which I have the honour to be
+
+                Your royal highness's most obedient servant,
+                                                WALTER MURPHY.
+
+On the evening before the funeral of the Princess Amelie, Clemence
+arrived at Gerolstein with her father. Rodolph was not alone on the day
+of Fleur-de-Marie's interment.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+
+This e-text was prepared from numbered edition 505 of the 1000 printed.
+
+Minor punctuation and capitalization corrections have been made without
+comment.
+
+Minor typographical errors of single words, otherwise spelled correctly
+throughout the text have been made without comment.
+
+Word Variations appearing in the original text which have been retained:
+
+"ante-room" (1) and "anteroom" (1)
+"death-like" (1) and "deathlike" (1)
+"for ever" (1) and "forever" (1)
+"proteges" (1) and "protegees" (1)
+"work-girl" (1) and "workwoman" (1)
+
+Throughout the text, illustrations and their captions were placed on
+facing pages. For the purpose of this e-text these pages have been
+combined into one entry.
+
+Footnotes, originally at the bottom of a printed page, have been placed
+directly below the paragraph in which their anchor symbol appears.
+
+
+
+
+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
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author	Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>	2025-10-14 20:00:14 -0700
committer	Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>	2025-10-14 20:00:14 -0700
commit	c21850e6aef533b722cb453dc80da1f5e7b07876 (patch)
tree	1cc192b55a08dd7c6ef12093c18364fa9f5e3ec2