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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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