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diff --git a/4604-h/4604-h.htm b/4604-h/4604-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..acf2620 --- /dev/null +++ b/4604-h/4604-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,26345 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Clique of Gold, by Emile Gaboriau + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Clique of Gold, by Emile Gaboriau + +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 Clique of Gold + +Author: Emile Gaboriau + +Release Date: April 13, 2006 [EBook #4604] +Last Updated: September 24, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CLIQUE OF GOLD *** + + + + +Produced by David Moynihan; Dagny; John Bickers; David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE CLIQUE OF GOLD + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + BY EMILE GABORIAU + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> THE CLIQUE OF GOLD </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0023"> XXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0024"> XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0025"> XXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0026"> XXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0027"> XXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0028"> XXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0029"> XXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0030"> XXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0031"> XXX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0032"> XXXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0033"> XXXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> XXXIII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE CLIQUE OF GOLD + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I. + </h2> + <p> + There is not in all Paris a house better kept or more inviting-looking + than No. 23 in Grange Street. As soon as you enter, you are struck by a + minute, extreme neatness, which reminds you of Holland, and almost sets + you a-laughing. The neighbors might use the brass plate on the door as a + mirror to shave in; the stone floor is polished till it shines; and the + woodwork of the staircase is varnished to perfection. + </p> + <p> + In the entrance-hall a number of notices, written in the peculiar style + which owners of houses affect, request the tenants to respect the property + of others, without regard to the high price they pay for their share. + “Clean your feet, if you please,” they say to all who come in or go out. + “No spitting allowed on the stairs.” “Dogs are not allowed in the house.” + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, this admirably-kept house “enjoyed” but a sorry reputation + in the neighborhood. Was it worse than other houses,—No. 21, for + instance, or No. 25? Probably not; but there is a fate for houses as well + as for men. + </p> + <p> + The first story was occupied by the families of two independent gentlemen, + whose simplicity of mind was only equalled by that of their mode of life. + A collector, who occasionally acted as broker, lived in the second story, + and had his offices there. The third story was rented to a very rich man, + a baron as people said, who only appeared there at long intervals, + preferring, according to his own account, to live on his estates near + Saintonge. The whole fourth story was occupied by a man familiarly known + as Papa Ravinet, although he was barely fifty years old. He dealt in + second-hand merchandise, furniture, curiosities, and toilet articles; and + his rooms were filled to overflowing with a medley collection of things + which he was in the habit of buying at auctions. The fifth story, finally, + was cut up in numerous small rooms and closets, which were occupied by + poor families or clerks, who, almost without exception, disappeared early + in the morning, and returned only as late as possible at night. + </p> + <p> + An addition to the house in the rear had its own staircase, and was + probably in the hands of still humbler tenants; but then it is so + difficult to rent out small lodgings! + </p> + <p> + However this may have been, the house had a bad reputation; and the + lodgers had to bear the consequences. Not one of them would have been + trusted with a dollar’s worth of goods in any of the neighboring shops. No + one, however, stood, rightly or wrongly, in as bad repute as the + doorkeeper, or concierge, who lived in a little hole near the great double + entrance-door, and watched over the safety of the whole house. Master + Chevassat and his wife were severely “cut” by their colleagues of + adjoining houses; and the most atrocious stories were told of both husband + and wife. + </p> + <p> + Master Chevassat was reputed to be well off; but the story went that he + lent out money, and did not hesitate to charge a hundred per cent a month. + He acted, besides, it was said, as agent for two of his tenants,—the + broker, and the dealer in second-hand goods, and undertook the executions, + when poor debtors were unable to pay. Mrs. Chevassat, however, had even + graver charges to bear. People said she would do anything for money, and + had aided and encouraged many a poor girl in the house in her evil career. + </p> + <p> + It was also asserted that the estimable couple had formerly lived in the + fashionable Faubourg St. Honore, but had been compelled to leave there on + account of several ugly occurrences. They were, finally, reported to have + a son called Justin, a handsome fellow, thirty-five years old, who lived + in the best society, and whom they nearly worshipped; while he was ashamed + of them, and despised them, although he came often at night to ask them + for money. No one, it must, however, be confessed, had ever seen this son; + and no one knew him. + </p> + <p> + The two Chevassats shrugged their shoulders, and said it would be absurd + if they should trouble themselves about public opinion, as long as their + consciences were clear, and they owed nobody anything. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of last December, however, on a Saturday afternoon, + towards five o’clock, husband and wife were just sitting down to dinner, + when the dealer in old clothes, Papa Ravinet, rushed like a tempest into + their room. + </p> + <p> + He was a man of middle size, clean shaven, with small, bright, yellowish + eyes, which shone with restless eagerness from under thick, bushy brows. + Although he had lived for years in Paris, he was dressed like a man from + the country, wearing a flowered silk vest, and a long frock-coat with an + immense collar. + </p> + <p> + “Quick, Chevassat!” he cried, with a voice full of trouble. “Take your + lamp, and follow me; an accident has happened upstairs.” + </p> + <p> + He was so seriously disturbed, although generally very calm and cool, that + the two Chevassats were thoroughly frightened. + </p> + <p> + “An accident!” exclaimed the woman; “that was all that was wanting. But + pray, what has happened, dear M. Ravinet?” + </p> + <p> + “How do I know? This very moment, as I was just coming out of my room, I + thought I heard the death-rattle of a dying person. It was in the fifth + story. Of course I ran up a few steps, I listened. All was silent. I went + down again, thinking I had been mistaken; and at once I heard again a + sighing, a sobbing—I can’t tell you exactly what; but it sounded + exactly like the last sigh of a person in agony, and at the point of + death.” + </p> + <p> + “And then?” + </p> + <p> + “Then I ran down to tell you, and ask you to come up. I am not sure, you + understand; but I think I could swear it was the voice of Miss Henrietta,—that + pretty young girl who lives up there. Well, are you coming?” + </p> + <p> + But they did not stir. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Henrietta is not in her room,” said Mrs. Chevassat coldly. “She went + out just now, and told me she would not be back till nine o’clock. My dear + M. Ravinet, you must have been mistaken; you had a ringing in your ears, + or”— + </p> + <p> + “No, I am sure I was not mistaken! But never mind; we must see what it + is.” + </p> + <p> + During this conversation, the door of the room had been open; and several + of the lodgers, hearing the voice of the merchant and the exclamations of + the woman as they crossed the hall, had stopped and listened. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we must see what it is,” they repeated. + </p> + <p> + Master Chevassat dared no longer oppose the general desire so peremptorily + expressed,— + </p> + <p> + “Let us go then, since you will have it <i>so</i>,” he sighed. + </p> + <p> + And, taking up his lamp, he began to ascend the stairs, followed by the + merchant, his wife, and five or six other persons. + </p> + <p> + The steps of all these people were heard all over the house; and from + story to story the lodgers opened their doors to see what was going on. + And, when they heard that something was likely to happen, they almost all + left their rooms, and followed the others. + </p> + <p> + So that Master Chevassat had nearly a dozen curious persons behind him, + when he stopped on the fifth floor to take breath. + </p> + <p> + The door to Miss Henrietta’s room was the first on the left in the + passage. He knocked at first gently, then harder, and at last with all his + energy, till his heavy fists shook the thin partition-walls of all the + rooms. + </p> + <p> + Between each blow he cried,— + </p> + <p> + “Miss Henrietta, Miss Henrietta, they want you!” + </p> + <p> + No reply came. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” he said triumphantly, “you see!” + </p> + <p> + But, whilst the man was knocking at the door, M. Ravinet had knelt down, + and tried to open the door a little, putting now his eye, and now his ear, + to the keyhole and to the slight opening between the door and the frame. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he rose deadly pale. + </p> + <p> + “It is all over; we are too late!” + </p> + <p> + And, as the neighbors expressed some doubts, he cried furiously,— + </p> + <p> + “Have you no noses? Don’t you smell that abominable charcoal?” + </p> + <p> + Everybody tried to perceive the odor; and soon all agreed that he was + right. As the door had given way a little, the passage had gradually + become filled with a sickening vapor. + </p> + <p> + The people shuddered; and a woman’s voice exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “She has killed herself!” + </p> + <p> + As it happens strangely enough, but too frequently, in such cases, all + hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “I am going for the police,” said at last Master Chevassat. + </p> + <p> + “That’s right!” replied the merchant. “Now there is, perhaps, a chance yet + to save the poor girl; and, when you come back, it will of course be too + late.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s to be done, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Break in the door.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare not.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I will.” + </p> + <p> + The kind-hearted man put his shoulder to the worm-eaten door, and in a + moment the lock gave way. The bystanders shrank instinctively back; they + were frightened. The door was wide open, and masses of vapors rolled out. + Soon, however, curiosity triumphed over fear. No one doubted any longer + that the poor girl was lying in there dead; and each one tried his best to + see where she was. + </p> + <p> + In vain. The feeble light of the lamp had gone out in the foul air; and + the darkness was frightful. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be seen but the reddish glow of the charcoal, which was + slowly going out under a little heap of white ashes in two small stoves. + No one ventured to enter. + </p> + <p> + But Papa Ravinet had not gone so far to stop now, and remain in the + passage. + </p> + <p> + “Where is the window?” he asked the concierge. + </p> + <p> + “On the right there.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well; I’ll open it.” + </p> + <p> + And boldly the strange man plunged into the dark room; and almost + instantly the noise of breaking glass was heard. A moment later, and the + air in the room had become once more fit for breathing, and everybody + rushed in. + </p> + <p> + Alas! it was the death-rattle which M. Ravinet had heard. + </p> + <p> + On the bed, on a thin mattress, without blankets or bedclothes, lay a + young girl about twenty years old, dressed in a wretched black merino + dress, stretched out at full-length, stiff, lifeless. + </p> + <p> + The women sobbed aloud. + </p> + <p> + “To die so young!” they said over and over again, “and to die thus.” + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the merchant had gone up to the bed, and examined the poor + girl. + </p> + <p> + “She is not dead yet!” he cried. “No, she cannot be dead! Come, ladies, + come here and help the poor child, till the doctor comes.” + </p> + <p> + And then, with strange self-possession, he told them what to do for the + purpose of recalling her to life. + </p> + <p> + “Give her air,” he said, “plenty of air; try to get some air into her + lungs. Cut open her dress; pour some vinegar on her face; rub her with + some woollen stuff.” + </p> + <p> + He issued his orders, and they obeyed him readily, although they had no + hope of success. + </p> + <p> + “Poor child!” said one of the women. “No doubt she was crossed in love.” + </p> + <p> + “Or she was starving,” whispered another. + </p> + <p> + There was no doubt that poverty, extreme poverty, had ruled in that + miserable chamber: the traces were easily seen all around. The whole + furniture consisted of a bed, a chest of drawers, and two chairs. There + were no curtains at the window, no dresses in the trunk, not a ribbon in + the drawers. Evidently everything that could be sold had been sold, piece + by piece, little by little. The mattresses had followed the dresses,—first + the wool, handful by handful, then the covering. + </p> + <p> + Too proud to complain, and cut off from society by bashfulness, the poor + girl who was lying there had evidently gone through all the stages of + suffering which the shipwrecked mariner endures, who floats, resting on a + stray spar in the great ocean. + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet was thinking of all this, when a paper lying on the bureau + attracted his eye. He took it up. It was the last will of the poor girl, + and ran thus:— + </p> + <p> + “Let no one be accused; I die voluntarily. I beg Mrs. Chevassat will carry + the two letters which I enclose to their addresses. She will be paid + whatever I may owe her. Henrietta.” + </p> + <p> + There were the two letters. On the first he read,— + </p> + <p> + Count Ville-Handry, Rue de Varennest 115. And, on the other,— + </p> + <p> + M. Maxime de Brevan, 62 Rue Laffitte. + </p> + <p> + A sudden light seemed to brighten up the small yellowish eye of the dealer + in old clothes; a wicked smile played on his lips; and he uttered a very + peculiar, “Ah!” + </p> + <p> + But all this passed away in a moment. + </p> + <p> + His brow grew as dark as ever; and he looked around anxiously and + suspiciously to see if anybody had caught the impression produced upon him + by the letters. + </p> + <p> + No, nobody had noticed him, nobody was thinking of him; for everybody was + occupied with Miss Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he slipped the paper and the two letters into the vast pocket of + his huge frock-coat with a dexterity and a rapidity which would have + excited the envy of an accomplished pickpocket. It was high time; for the + women who were bending over the bed of the young girl were exhibiting + signs of intense excitement. One of them said she was sure the body had + trembled under her hand, and the others insisted upon it that she was + mistaken. The matter was soon to be decided, however. + </p> + <p> + After, perhaps, twenty seconds of unspeakable anguish, during which all + held their breath, and solemn stillness reigned in the room, a cry of hope + and joy broke forth suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “<i>She</i> has trembled, she has moved!” + </p> + <p> + This time there was no doubt, no denial possible. The unfortunate girl had + certainly moved, very faintly and feebly; but still she had stirred. + </p> + <p> + A slight color returned to her pallid cheeks; her bosom rose painfully, + and sank again; her teeth, closely shut, opened; and with parted lips she + stretched forth her neck as if to draw in the fresh air instinctively. + </p> + <p> + “She is alive!” exclaimed the women, almost frightened, and as if they had + seen a miracle performed,—“she is alive!” + </p> + <p> + In an instant, M. Ravinet was by her side. + </p> + <p> + One of the women, the wife of the gentleman in the first story, held the + head of the girl on her arm, and the poor child looked around with that + blank, unmeaning eye which we see in mad-houses. They spoke to her; but + she did not answer; evidently she did not hear. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind!” said the merchant, “she is saved; and, <i>when</i> the + doctor comes, he will have little else to do. But she must be attended to, + the poor child, and we cannot leave her here alone.” + </p> + <p> + The bystanders knew very well what that meant; and yet hardly any one + ventured timidly to assent, and say, “Oh, of course!” + </p> + <p> + This reluctance did not deter the good man. + </p> + <p> + “We must put her to bed,” he went on; “and, of course, she must have a + mattress, bedclothes and blankets. We want wood also (for it is terribly + cold here), and sugar for her tea, and a candle.” + </p> + <p> + He did not mention all that was needed, but nearly so, and a great deal + too much for the people who stood by. As a proof of this, the wife of the + broker put grandly a five-franc piece on the mantlepiece, and quietly + slipped out. Some of the others followed her example; but they left + nothing. When Papa Ravinet had finished his little speech, there was + nobody left but the two ladies who lived on the first floor, and the + concierge and his wife. The two ladies, moreover, looked at each other in + great embarrassment, as if they did not know what their curiosity might + cost them. Had the shrewd man foreseen this noble abandonment of the poor + girl? One would have fancied so; for he smiled bitterly, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Excellent hearts—pshaw!” + </p> + <p> + Then, shrugging his shoulders, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “Luckily, I deal in all possible things. Wait a minute. I’ll run down + stairs, and I’ll be back in a moment with all that is needed. After that, + we shall see what can be done.” + </p> + <p> + The face of the concierge’s wife was a picture. Never in her life had she + been so much astonished. + </p> + <p> + “They have changed Papa Ravinet, or I am mad.” + </p> + <p> + The fact is, that the man was not exactly considered a benevolent and + generous mortal. They told stories of him that would have made Harpagon + envious, and touched the heart of a constable. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, he re-appeared soon after, almost succumbing under the + weight of two excellent mattresses; and, when he came back a second time, + he brought much more than he had mentioned. + </p> + <p> + Miss Henrietta was breathing more freely, but her face was still painfully + rigid. Life had come back before the mind had recovered; and it was + evident that she was utterly unconscious of her situation, and of what was + going on around her. This troubled the two ladies not a little, although + they felt very much relieved, and disposed to do everything, now that they + were no longer expected to open their purses. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that is always the way,” said Papa Ravinet boldly. “However, the + doctor will bleed her, if there is any necessity.” + </p> + <p> + And, turning to Master Chevassat, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “But we are in the way of these ladies; suppose we go down and take + something? We can come back when the child is comfortably put to bed.” + </p> + <p> + The good man lived, to tell the truth, in the same rooms in which the + thousand and one things he was continually buying were piled up in vast + heaps. There was no fixed place for his bed even. He slept where he could, + or, rather, wherever an accidental sale had cleared a space for the time,—one + night in a costly bed of the days of Louis XIV., and the next night on a + lounge that he would have sold for a few francs. Just now he occupied a + little closet not more than three-quarters full; and here he asked the + concierge to enter. + </p> + <p> + He poured some brandy into two small wineglasses, put a teakettle on the + fire, and sank into an arm-chair; then he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, M. Chevassat, what a terrible thing this is!” + </p> + <p> + His visitor had been well drilled by his wife, and said neither yes nor + no; but the old merchant was a man of experience, and knew how to loosen + his tongue. + </p> + <p> + “The most disagreeable thing about it,” he said with an absent air, “is, + that the doctor will report the matter to the police, and there will be an + investigation.” + </p> + <p> + Master Chevassat nearly dropped his glass. + </p> + <p> + “What? The police in the house? Well, good-by, then, to our lodgers; we + are lost. Why did that stupid girl want to die, I wonder! But no doubt you + are mistaken, my dear sir.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am not. But you go too fast. They will simply ask you who that girl + is, how she supports herself, and where she lived before she came here.” + </p> + <p> + “That is exactly what I cannot tell.” + </p> + <p> + The dealer in old clothes seemed to be amazed; he frowned and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Halloo! that makes matters worse. How came it about that Miss Henrietta + had rooms in your house?” + </p> + <p> + The concierge was evidently ill at ease; something was troubling him + sorely. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that is as clear as sunlight,” he replied; “and, if you wish it, I’ll + tell you the story; you will see there is no harm done.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let us hear.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, it was about a year ago this very day, when a gentleman came + in, well dressed, an eyeglass stuck in his eye, impudent like a hangman’s + assistant, in fact a thoroughly fashionable young man. He said he had seen + the notice that there was a room for rent up stairs, and wanted to see it. + Of course I told him it was a wretched garret, unfit for people like him; + but he insisted, and <i>I</i> took him up.” + </p> + <p> + “To the room in which Miss Henrietta is now staying?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly. I thought he would be disgusted; but no. He looked out of the + window, tried the door if it would shut, examined the partition-wall, and + at last he said, ‘This suits me; I take the room.’ And thereupon he hands + me a twenty-franc piece to make it a bargain. I was amazed.” + </p> + <p> + If M. Ravinet felt any interest in the story, he took pains not to show + it; for his eyes wandered to and fro as if his thoughts were elsewhere, + and he was heartily tired of the tedious account. + </p> + <p> + “And who is that fashionable young man?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that is more than I know, except that his name is Maxime.” + </p> + <p> + That name made the old merchant jump as if a shower-bath had suddenly + fallen upon his head. He changed color; and his small yellowish eyes had a + strange look in them. + </p> + <p> + But he recovered promptly, so promptly, that his visitor saw nothing; and + then he said in a tone of indifference,— + </p> + <p> + “The young man did not give you his family name?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “But ought you not to have inquired?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, there is the trouble! I did not do it.” + </p> + <p> + Gradually, and by a great effort, Master Chevassat began to master his + embarrassment. It looked as if he were preparing himself for the assault, + and to get ready for the police-officer. + </p> + <p> + “I know it was wrong,” he continued; “but you would not have acted + differently in my place, my dear sir, I am sure. Just think! My room + belonged to M. Maxime, for I had his money in my pocket. I asked him + politely where he lived, and if there was any furniture to come. I caught + it nicely. He laughed me in the face, and did not even let me finish my + question. ‘Do I look,’ he said, ‘like a man who lives in a place like + this?’ And when he saw I was puzzled, he went on to tell me that he took + the room for a young person from the country, in whom he took an interest, + and that the contract and the receipts for rent must all be made out in + the name of Miss Henrietta. That was clear enough, wasn’t it? Still it was + my duty to know who Miss Henrietta was; so I asked him civilly. But he got + angry, and told me that was none of my business, and that some furniture + would be sent presently.” + </p> + <p> + He stopped, waiting for his host to express his approbation by a word or a + sign; but, as nothing came, he went on,— + </p> + <p> + “In fine, I did not dare to insist, and all was done as he wanted it done. + That very day a dealer in second-hand furniture brought the pieces you + have seen up stairs; and the day after, about eleven o’clock, Miss + Henrietta herself appeared. She had not much baggage, I tell you; she + brought every thing she owned in a little carpet-bag in her hand.” + </p> + <p> + The old merchant was stooping over the fire as if his whole attention was + given to the teakettle, in which the water was beginning to boil. + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me, my good friend,” he said, “that you did not act very + wisely. Still, if that is really all, I don’t think they are likely to + trouble you.” + </p> + <p> + “What else could there be?” + </p> + <p> + “How do I know? But if that young damsel had been carried off by M. + Maxime, if you were lending a hand in an elopement, I think you would be + in a bad box. The law is pretty strict about it, in the case of a minor.” + </p> + <p> + The concierge protested with a solemn air. + </p> + <p> + “I have told you the whole truth,” he declared. + </p> + <p> + But Papa Ravinet did not by any means seem so sure of that. + </p> + <p> + “That is your lookout,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “Still, you may + be sure they will ask you how it could happen that one of your tenants + should fall into such a state of abject poverty without your giving notice + to anybody.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, in the first place, I do not wait upon my lodgers. They are free to + do what they choose in their rooms.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite right, Master Chevassat! quite right! So you did not know that M. + Maxime no longer came to see Miss Henrietta?” + </p> + <p> + “He still came to see her.” + </p> + <p> + In the most natural manner in the world, Papa Ravinet raised his arms to + heaven, and exclaimed as if horror-struck,— + </p> + <p> + “What! is it possible? That handsome young man knew how the poor girl + suffered? he knew that she was dying of hunger?” + </p> + <p> + Master Chevassat became more and more troubled. He began to see what the + old merchant meant by his questions, and how unsatisfactory his answers + were. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you ask too many questions,” he said at last. “It was not my duty to + watch over M. Maxime. As for Miss Henrietta, as soon as she is able to + move, the serpent! I tell you I’ll send her off pretty quickly!” + </p> + <p> + The old merchant shook his head, and said in his softest voice,— + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir, you won’t do that, because from today I’ll pay the rent for + her room. And, more than that, if you wish to oblige me, you will be very + kind to the poor girl, you hear, and even respectful, if you please.” + </p> + <p> + There was no misunderstanding the meaning of the word “oblige,” from the + manner in which he pronounced it; and yet he was about to enforce the + recommendation, when a fretting voice exclaimed on the stairs,— + </p> + <p> + “Chevassat! where are you, Chevassat?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s my wife,” said the concierge. + </p> + <p> + And, delighted to get away, he said to Papa Ravinet— + </p> + <p> + “I understand; she shall be treated as politely as if she were the + daughter of the owner of the house. But excuse me, I must attend to the + door; they call me, and I must go down stairs.” + </p> + <p> + He slipped out without waiting for an answer, and utterly unable to guess + why the old merchant should take such a sudden interest in the lodger on + the fifth floor. + </p> + <p> + “The rascal!” said Papa Ravinet to himself,—“the rascal!” + </p> + <p> + But he had found out what he wanted to know. He was alone, and he knew he + had no time to lose. + </p> + <p> + Quickly he drew the teakettle from the fire; and, pulling out Miss + Henrietta’s two letters, he held the one that was addressed to M. Maxime + de Brevan over the steam of the boiling water. In a moment the mucilage of + the envelope was dissolved, and the letter could easily be opened without + showing in any way that it had ever been broken open. And now the old man + read the following words:— + </p> + <p> + “You are victorious, M. de Brevan. When you read this, I shall be no + longer alive. + </p> + <p> + “You may raise your head again; you are relieved of all fears. Daniel can + come back. I shall carry the secret of your infamy and your cowardice into + the grave with me. + </p> + <p> + “And yet, no! + </p> + <p> + “I can pardon you, having but a few moments longer to live; but God will + not pardon you. I—I shall be avenged. And, if it should require a + miracle, that miracle will be done, so as to inform that honorable man who + thought you were his friend, how and why the poor girl died whom he had + intrusted to your honor. H.” + </p> + <p> + The old man was furious. + </p> + <p> + “The honor of Maxime de Brevan!” he growled with a voice of intense + hatred,—“the honor of Maxime de Brevan!” + </p> + <p> + But his terrible excitement did not keep him from manipulating the other + letter, addressed to Count Ville-Handry, in the same manner. The operation + was successful; and, without the slightest hesitation, he read:— + </p> + <p> + “Dear father,—Broken down with anxiety, and faint from exhaustion, I + have waited till this morning for an answer to my humble letter, which I + had written to you on my knees. + </p> + <p> + “You have never replied to it; you are inexorable. I see I must die. I + shall die. Alas! I can hardly say I die willingly. + </p> + <p> + “I must appear very guilty in your eyes, father, that you should abandon + me thus to the hatred of Sarah Brandon and her people. And yet—ah! I + have suffered terribly. I have struggled hard before I could make up my + mind to leave your house,—the house where my mother had died, where + I had been so happy, and so tenderly beloved as a child by both of you. + Ah, if you but knew! + </p> + <p> + “And yet it was so little I asked of you!—barely enough to bury my + undeserved disgrace in a convent. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, undeserved, father; for I tell you at this hour, when no one utters + a falsehood, if my reputation was lost, my honor was not lost.” + </p> + <p> + Big tears rolled down the cheeks of the old man; and he said in a + half-stifled voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Poor, poor child! And to think that for a whole year I have lived under + the same roof with her, without knowing it. But I am here. I am still in + time. Oh, what a friend <i>chance</i> can be when it chooses!” + </p> + <p> + Most assuredly not one of the inmates of the house would have recognized + Papa Ravinet at this moment; he was literally transfigured. He was no + longer the cunning dealer in second-hand articles, the old scamp with the + sharp, vulgar face, so well known at all public sales, where he sat in the + front rank, watching for good bargains, and keeping cool when all around + him were in a state of fervent excitement. + </p> + <p> + The two letters he had just read had opened anew in his heart more than + one badly-healed and badly-scarred wound. He was suffering intensely; and + his pain, his wrath, and his hope of vengeance long delayed, gave to his + features a strange expression of energy and nobility. With his elbows on + the table, holding his head in his hands, and looking apparently into the + far past, he seemed to call up the miseries of the past, and to trace out + in the future the vague outlines of some great scheme. And as his thoughts + began to overflow, so to say, he broke out in a strange, spasmodic + monologue,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he murmured, “yes, I recognize you, Sarah Brandon! Poor child, poor + child! Overcome by such horrible intrigues! And that Daniel, who intrusted + her to the care of Maxime de Brevan—who is he? Why did she not write + to him when she suffered thus? Ah, if she had trusted me! What a sad fate! + And how can I ever hope to make her confide in <i>me</i>?” + </p> + <p> + An old clock struck seven, and the merchant was suddenly recalled to the + present; he trembled in all his limbs. + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense!” he growled. “I was falling asleep; and that is what I cannot + afford to do. I must go up stairs, and hear the child’s confession.” + </p> + <p> + Instantly, and with amazing dexterity, he replaced the letters in their + envelopes, dried them, pasted them up again, and smoothed them down, till + every trace of the steam had entirely disappeared. Then looking at his + work with an air of satisfaction, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “That was not so badly done. An expert in the post-office would not + suspect it. I may risk it.” + </p> + <p> + And, thus re-assured, he rapidly mounted up to the fifth story; but there + Mrs. Chevassat suddenly barred his way, coming down stairs in a manner + which showed clearly that she had lain in wait for him. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear sir,” she said with her sweetest manner: “so you have + become Miss Henrietta’s banker?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; do you object to it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, not at all! It is none of my business, only”— + </p> + <p> + She stopped, smiling wickedly, and then added,— + </p> + <p> + “Only she is a prodigiously pretty girl; and I was just saying to myself, + ‘Upon my word, M. Ravinet’s taste is not bad.’” + </p> + <p> + The merchant was on the point of giving her a pretty sharp, indignant + reply; but he controlled himself, because he knew how important it was to + mislead the woman; and, forcing himself to smile, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “You know I count upon your being discreet.” + </p> + <p> + When he got up, he found that he ought, at least, to give credit to Mamma + Chevassat and the two ladies from the first floor, for having employed + their time well, and for having skilfully made use of the articles he had + contributed. The room, a short time ago cold and bare, had an air of + comfort about it now, which was delightful. On the bureau stood a lamp + with a shade to prevent the light from hurting the patient’s eyes; a + bright fire blazed on the hearth; several old curtains had been hung + before the window, one before the other, to replace for the time the + missing panes; and on the table stood a teakettle, a china cup, and two + small medicine-bottles. + </p> + <p> + Evidently the doctor had been here during Ravinet’s absence. He had bled + the poor girl, prescribed some medicines, and left again, with the + assurance that nothing more was needed but perfect quiet. + </p> + <p> + In fact, there was no trace left of the sufferings and the terrible danger + from which the patient had so marvellously escaped, except the deep pallor + of her face. Stretched out at full-length on her comfortable bed with its + thick mattresses and snow-white sheets, her head propped up high on a + couple of pillows, she was breathing freely, as was easily seen by the + steady, regular rising and falling of her bosom under the cover. + </p> + <p> + But life and consciousness had also brought back to her a sense of the + horror of her position, and of her capacity for suffering. + </p> + <p> + Her brow resting on her arm, which was almost concealed by masses of + golden hair, immovable, and her eyes fixed steadily upon infinite space, + as if trying to pierce the darkness of the future, she would have looked + like a statue of sorrow rather than of resignation, but for the big tears + which were slowly dropping down her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + Her exquisite beauty looked almost ethereal under the circumstances; and + Papa Ravinet, when he saw her, remained fixed by admiration, standing upon + the threshold of the open door. But it occurred to him at once that he + might be looked upon as a spy, and that his feelings would be sure to be + misinterpreted. He coughed, therefore, to give warning, and then stepped + in. + </p> + <p> + At the noise he made, Henrietta roused herself. When she saw the old + merchant, she said in a faint, feeble voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! it is you, sir. These kind ladies have told me all. You have saved my + life.” Then, shaking her head, she added,— + </p> + <p> + “You have rendered me a sad service, sir.” + </p> + <p> + She uttered these words so simply, but in a tone of such harrowing grief, + that Papa Ravinet was overcome. + </p> + <p> + “Unhappy child!” he exclaimed, “you do not think of trying it over again?” + </p> + <p> + She made no answer. It was as good as if she had said, Yes. + </p> + <p> + “Why, you must be mad!” said the old man, excited almost beyond control. + “Only twenty years old, and give up life! That has never been done before. + You are suffering now; but you can hardly imagine what compensation + Providence may have in store for you hereafter”— + </p> + <p> + She interrupted him by a gesture, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “There was no future for me, sir, when I sought refuge in death.” + </p> + <p> + “But”— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t try to convince me, sir! What I did, I had to do. I felt how + life was leaving me, and I only wished to shorten the agony. I had not + eaten any thing for three days when I lit that charcoal. Even to get the + charcoal, I had to risk a falsehood, and cheat the woman who let me have + it in credit. And yet God knows I was not wanting in courage. I would have + done the coarsest, hardest work cheerfully, joyously. But how did I know + how to get work? I asked Mrs. Chevassat a hundred times to obtain + employment for me; but she always laughed at me; and, when I begged hard, + she said”— + </p> + <p> + She stopped; and her face became crimson with shame. She dared not repeat + what the wife of the concierge had said. But she added in a voice + trembling with womanly shame and deep indignation,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that woman is a wicked creature!” + </p> + <p> + The old merchant was probably fully aware of the character of Mrs. + Chevassat. He guessed only too readily what kind of advice she had given + this poor girl of twenty, who had turned to her for help in her great + suffering. He uttered an oath which would have startled even that + estimable woman, and then said warmly,— + </p> + <p> + “I understand, Miss Henrietta, I understand. Do you think I don’t know + what you must have suffered? I know poverty, as well as you. I can + understand your purpose but too well. Who would not give up life itself + when everybody abandons us? But I do not understand your despair, now that + circumstances have changed.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, sir, how have they changed?” + </p> + <p> + “How? What do you mean? Don’t you see me? Do you think I would leave you, + after having been just in time to save your life? That would be nice! No, + my dear child, compose yourself; poverty shall not come near you again, + I’ll see to that. You want somebody to advise you, to defend you; and here + I am; if you have enemies, let them beware! Come, smile again, and think + of the good times a-coming.” + </p> + <p> + But she did not smile; she looked frightened, almost stupefied. Making a + supreme effort, she looked fixedly at the old man to see if she could read + in his face what were his real thoughts. He, on his part, was seriously + troubled by his failure to inspire her with confidence. + </p> + <p> + “Do you doubt my promises?” he asked her. + </p> + <p> + She shook her head; and uttering her words one by one, as if to give them + greater weight, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, sir. I do not doubt you. But I cannot understand why + you should offer me your kind protection.” + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet affected a greater surprise than he really felt, and said, + raising his hands to heaven,— + </p> + <p> + “Great God! she mistrusts my good will.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Pray what can you have to fear from me? I am an old man; you are almost a + child. I come to help you. Is not that perfectly natural, and quite + simple?” + </p> + <p> + She said nothing; and he remained a few moments buried in thought, as if + trying to find out her motive for refusing his help. Suddenly he cried + out, beating his forehead,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I have it. That woman Chevassat has talked to you about me, no doubt. + Ah, the viper! I’ll crush her one of these days! Come, let us be frank; + what has she told you?” + </p> + <p> + He hoped she would say a word at least. He waited; but nothing came. + </p> + <p> + Then he broke forth, with a vehemence scarcely controlled, and in words + very unexpected from a man like him,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, I will tell you what the old thief has told you. She told you Papa + Ravinet was a dangerous, ill-reputed man, who carried on in the dark all + kind of suspicious trades. She told you the old scamp was a usurer, who + knew no law, and kept no promise; whose only principle was profit; who + dealt in every thing with everybody, selling to-day old iron in + junk-shops, and to-morrow cashmere shawls to fashionable ladies; and who + lent money on imaginary securities—the talent of men and the beauty + of women. In fine, she told you that it was a piece of good-fortune for a + woman to be under my protection, and you knew it was a disgrace.” + </p> + <p> + He stopped, as if to give the poor girl time to form her judgment, and + then went on more calmly,— + </p> + <p> + “Let us suppose there is such a Papa Ravinet as she has described. But + there is another one, whom but few people know, who has been sorely tried + by misfortune; and he is the one who now offers his aid to you.” + </p> + <p> + There is no surer way to make people believe in any virtue we have, or + wish to appear to have, than to accuse ourselves of bad qualities, or even + vices, which we do not have. But, if the old man had calculated upon this + policy, he failed signally. Henrietta remained as icy as ever, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Believe me, sir, I am exceedingly obliged to you for all you have done + for me, and for your effort to convince me.” + </p> + <p> + The poor man looked disappointed. + </p> + <p> + “In fact, you reject my offers, because I do not explain them to you by + any of the usual motives. But what can I tell you? Suppose I should say to + you that I have a daughter who has secretly left me, so that I do not know + what has become of her, and that her memory makes me anxious to serve you. + May I not have said to myself, that perhaps she is struggling, just as you + have done, with poverty; that she also has been abandoned by her lover?” + </p> + <p> + The poor girl turned deadly pale as he spoke thus, and interrupted him + eagerly, raising herself on her pillows,— + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken, sir. My position here may justify such suspicions, I + know; but I have no lover.” + </p> + <p> + He replied,— + </p> + <p> + “I believe you; I swear I believe you. But, if that is so, how did you get + here? and how were you reduced to such extreme suffering?” + </p> + <p> + At last Papa Ravinet had touched the right chord. The poor girl was deeply + moved; and the tears started in her eyes. She said in a low voice,— + </p> + <p> + “There are secrets which cannot be revealed.” + </p> + <p> + “Not even when life and honor depend on them?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “But”— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, pray do not insist!” + </p> + <p> + If Henrietta had known the old merchant, she would have read in his eyes + the satisfaction which he felt. A moment before he had despaired of ever + gaining her confidence; now he felt almost sure of success. The time + seemed to him to have come to strike a decisive blow. + </p> + <p> + “I have tried my best to win your confidence, I confess; but it was solely + in your own interest. If it had been otherwise, do you think I should have + asked you these questions, instead of finding out every thing by simply + tearing a piece of paper?” + </p> + <p> + The poor girl could not retain a cry of terror. + </p> + <p> + “You mean my letters?” + </p> + <p> + “I have both.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! That is why the ladies who nursed me looked for them everywhere in + vain.” + </p> + <p> + Instead of any other answer, he drew them from his pocket, and laid them + on the bed with an air of injured innocence. To all appearances, the + envelopes had not been touched. Henrietta glanced at them, and then, + holding out her hand to the old man, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, sir!” + </p> + <p> + He did not stir; but he felt that this false evidence of honesty had + helped him more than all his eloquence. He hastily added,— + </p> + <p> + “After all, I could not resist the temptation to read the directions, and + to draw my own conclusions. Who is Count Ville-Handry? I suppose he is + your father. And M. Maxime de Brevan? No doubt he is the young man who + called to see you so often. Ah, if you would but trust me! If you but knew + how a little experience of the world often helps us to overcome the + greatest difficulties!” + </p> + <p> + He was evidently deeply moved. + </p> + <p> + “However, wait till you are perfectly well again before you come to any + decision. Consider the matter carefully. You need not tell me any thing + else but what is absolutely necessary for me to know in order to advise + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed! In that way I may”— + </p> + <p> + “Well, I’ll wait, why, as long as you want me to wait,—two days, ten + days.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well.” + </p> + <p> + “Only, I pray you, promise me solemnly that you will give up all idea of + suicide.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise you solemnly I will.” + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet’s eyes shone with delight; and he exclaimed joyously,— + </p> + <p> + “Done! I’ll come up again to-morrow; for, to tell the truth, I am tired to + death, and must go and lie down.” + </p> + <p> + But he told a fib; for he did not go back to his rooms. In spite of the + wretched weather, he left the house; and, as soon as he was in the street, + he hid himself in a dark corner, from which he could watch the front-door + of the house. He remained there a long time, exposed to wind and rain, + uttering now and then a low oath, and stamping with his feet to keep + himself warm. At last, just as it struck eleven, a hack stopped at No. 23. + A young man got out, rang the bell, and entered. + </p> + <p> + “He is Maxime de Brevan,” murmured the old man. Then he added in a savage + voice,— + </p> + <p> + “I knew he would come, the scoundrel! to see if the charcoal had done its + work.” + </p> + <p> + But the same moment the young man came out again, and jumped into the + carriage, which quickly drove off. + </p> + <p> + “Aha!” laughed the merchant. “No chance for you, my fine fellow! You have + lost your game, and you’ll have to try your luck elsewhere; and this time + I am on hand. I hold you fast; and, instead of one bill to pay, there will + be two now.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. + </h2> + <p> + Generally it is in novels only that unknown people suddenly take it into + their heads to tell their whole private history, and to confide to their + neighbors even their most important and most jealously-guarded secrets. In + real life things do not go quite so fast. + </p> + <p> + Long after the old merchant had left Henrietta, she lay pondering, and + undecided as to what she should do on the next day. In the first place, + she asked herself who this odd man could be, who had spoken of himself as + a dangerous and suspicious person. Was he really what he appeared to be? + The girl almost doubted it. Although wholly inexperienced, she still had + been struck by certain astounding changes in Papa Ravinet. Thus, whenever + he became animated, his carriage, his gestures, and his manners, + contrasted with his country-fashioned costume, as if he had for the moment + forgotten his lesson. At the same time his language, usually careless and + incorrect, and full of slang terms belonging to his trade, became pure and + almost elegant. + </p> + <p> + What was his business? Had he been a dealer in second-hand articles before + he became a tenant in No. 23 Grange Street, three years ago? One might + very easily have imagined that Papa Ravinet (was that his real name?) had + before that been in a very different position. And why not? Is not Paris + the haven in which all shipwrecked sailors of society seek a refuge? Does + not Paris alone offer to all wretched and guilty people a hiding-place, + where they can begin a new life, lost and unknown in the vast multitude? + What discoveries might be made there? How many persons, once brilliant + lights in the great world, and then, of a sudden, sought for in vain by + friend and foe, might be found there again, disguised in strange costumes, + and earning a livelihood in most curious ways! Why should not the old + merchant be one of this class? + </p> + <p> + But, even if this were so, it would not have satisfactorily explained to + Henrietta the eagerness of Papa Ravinet to serve her, nor his perseverance + in offering her his advice. Was it merely from charity that he did all + this? Alas! Christian charity is not often so pressing. + </p> + <p> + Did he know who Henrietta was? Had he at any period of her life come in + contact with her? or had his interests ever been mixed up with hers? Was + he anxious to make a return for some kindness shown to him? or did he + count upon some reward in the future? Who could tell? + </p> + <p> + “Would it not be the height of imprudence to put myself in the power of + this man?” thought the poor girl. + </p> + <p> + If, on the other hand, she rejected his offers, she fell back into that + state of forlorn wretchedness, from which she had only been able to save + herself by suicide. + </p> + <p> + This view was all the more urgent, as the poor child, like all persons who + have been rescued from death only after having exhausted their sufferings, + now began to cling to life with an almost desperate affection. It seemed + as if the contact with death had wiped out at once all the memory of the + past, and all the threats of the future. + </p> + <p> + “O Daniel!” she said to herself, trembling all over,—“O Daniel! my + only friend upon earth, what would you suffer if you knew that you lost me + forever by the very means you chose to secure my safety!” + </p> + <p> + To refuse the assistance offered her by Papa Ravinet would have required + an amount of energy which she did not possess. The voice of reflection + continually said to her,— + </p> + <p> + “The old man is your only hope.” + </p> + <p> + It never occurred to her to conceal the truth from Papa Ravinet, or to + deceive him by a fictitious story. She only thought how she could tell him + the truth without telling him all; how she could confess enough to enable + him to serve her, and yet not to betray a secret which she held more dear + than her happiness, her reputation, and life itself. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, she was the victim of one of those intrigues which are + formed and carried out within the narrow circle of a family,—intrigues + of the most abominable character, which people suspect, and often even + know perfectly well, and which yet remain unpunished, because they cannot + be reached by the law. + </p> + <p> + Henrietta’s father, Count Ville-Handry, was in 1845 one of the wealthiest + land-owners of the province of Anjou. The good people near Rosiers and + Saint Mathurin were fond of pointing out to strangers the massive towers + of Ville-Handry, a magnificent castle half hid among noble old woods on + the beautiful slopes of the bluffs which line the Loire. + </p> + <p> + “There,” they said, “lives a true gentleman, a little too proud, perhaps, + but, nevertheless, a true gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + For contrary to the usual state of things in the country, where envy is + apt to engender hatred, the count was quite popular, in spite of his title + and his large fortune. He was at that time about forty years old, quite + tall and good-looking, solemn and courteous, obliging, although reserved, + and very good-natured as long as no one spoke in his presence of the + church or the reigning family, the nobility or the clergy, of his hounds + or the wines of his vineyards, or of various other subjects on which he + had what he chose to consider his “own opinions.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke but rarely, and said little at the time, he said fewer foolish + things than most people, and thus obtained the reputation of being clever + and well-informed, of which he was very proud and very careful. He lived + freely, almost profusely, and thus put aside every year but little more + than about half his income. He had all his clothes made in Paris, was + proud of his foot, and always wore gloves. + </p> + <p> + His house was kept handsomely; and his gardens cost him a good deal of + money. He kept a pack of hounds, and six hunters. Finally, he kept half a + dozen lazy servants in the house, whose gorgeous liveries, with the family + coat-of-arms, were a source of perpetual wonder at Saint Mathurin. + </p> + <p> + He would have been perfect, but for his passion for hunting. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the season opened, he was sure to be found, on foot or on + horseback, crossing the stubblefields, jumping over hedges, or floundering + in the swamps. This he carried so far, that the ladies of the + neighborhood, who had daughters, blamed him to his face for his + imprudence, and scolded him for risking his precious health so recklessly. + </p> + <p> + This nobleman, forty years old, and enjoying all that heart could desire, + was unmarried. And yet he had not lacked opportunities to remedy the evil. + There was not a good mother for twenty miles around who did not covet this + prize for her daughter,—thirty thousand dollars a year, and a great + man. + </p> + <p> + He had only to appear at a ball in the provincial towns, and he was the + hero. Mothers and daughters kept their sweetest smiles for him; and kind + welcomes were offered on all sides. But all these manoeuvres had been + fruitless; he had escaped from all snares, and resisted the most cunning + devices. + </p> + <p> + Why was he so much opposed to marriage? His friends found the explanation + in a certain person, half housekeeper, half companion, who lived in the + castle, and was very pretty and very designing. But there are malicious + tongues everywhere. + </p> + <p> + The next year, however, an event occurred which was calculated to give + some ground to these idle, gossiping tales. One fine morning in the month + of July, 1847, the lady died suddenly of apoplexy. Six weeks later, a + report began to spread that Count Ville-Handry was going to be married. + </p> + <p> + The report was well founded. The count did marry. The fact could not be + doubted any longer, when the banns were read, and the announcement + appeared in the official journal. And whom do you think he married? The + daughter of a poor widow, the Baroness Rupert, who lived in great poverty + at a place called Rosiers, having nothing but a small pension derived from + her husband, who had been a colonel of artillery. + </p> + <p> + If she had, at least, been of good and ancient family; if she had been, at + least, a native of the province! + </p> + <p> + But no. No one knew exactly who she was, or where she came from. Some + people said the colonel had married her in Austria; others, in Sweden. Her + husband, they added, had been made a baron after the fashion of others, + who dubbed themselves such during the first empire, and had no right to + call himself noble. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, Pauline de Rupert, then twenty-three years old, was in + the full bloom of youth, and marvellously beautiful. Moreover, she had, up + to this time, been looked upon as a sensible, modest girl, very bright and + very sweet withal; in fact, possessed of every quality and virtue that can + make life happy, and add to the fame of a great house. + </p> + <p> + But now, not a cent, no dower, not even a trousseau! + </p> + <p> + Everybody was amazed; and a perfect storm of indignation arose in the + neighborhood. Was it possible, was it natural, that a great nobleman like + the count should end thus miserably, ridiculously? that he should marry a + penniless girl, an adventuress,—he who had had the pick and choice + of the richest and greatest ladies of the land? + </p> + <p> + Was Count Ville-Handry a fool? or was he only insane about Miss Rupert? + Was she not perhaps, after all, a designing hypocrite, who had very + quietly, in her retired home, woven the net in which the lion of Anjou was + now held captive? + </p> + <p> + People would have been less astonished, if they had known, that, for + years, a great intimacy had existed between the mother of the bride and + the housekeeper at the castle. But, on the other hand, this fact might + have led to very different surmises still. + </p> + <p> + However that might be, the count was not suffered long to remain in doubt + as to the entire change of opinion in the neighborhood. He saw it as soon + as he paid the usual visits in the town of Angers, and at the houses of + the nobility near him. No more affectionate smiles, no tender welcomes, no + little white hands stealthily seeking his. The doors that formerly seemed + to fly open at his mere approach now turned but slowly on their hinges; + some remained even closed, the owners being reported not at home, although + the count knew perfectly well that they were in. + </p> + <p> + One very noble and very pious old lady, who gave the keynote to society, + had said in the most decided manner,— + </p> + <p> + “For my part, I shall never receive at my house a damsel who used to give + music-lessons to my nieces, even if she had caught and entrapped a + Bourbon!” + </p> + <p> + The charge was true. Pauline, in order to provide her mother with some of + the comforts which are almost indispensable to old people, had given + lessons on the piano in the neighborhood. Her terms had been low enough; + now they blamed her for the sacrifice. They would have blamed her for the + noblest of virtues; for all the blame was laid upon her. When people met + her, they looked away, so as not to have to bow to her. Even when she was + leaning on the count’s arm, there were persons who spoke very kindly to + him, and did not say a word to his wife, as if they had not seen her, or + she had not existed at all. This impertinence went so far, that at last + Count Ville-Handry, one day, almost beside himself with anger, seized one + of his neighbors by the collar of his coat, shook him violently, and + shouted out to him,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you see the countess, my wife, sir? How shall I chastise you to cure + you of your near-sightedness?” + </p> + <p> + Foreseeing a duel, the impertinent man made his excuses; and his + experience put the rest of them on their guard. But their opinions + remained unchanged; open war only changed into secret opposition, that was + all. + </p> + <p> + Fate, however, always more kind than man, held a reward in store for Count + Ville-Handry, which amply repaid him for his heroism in marrying a poor + girl. An uncle of his wife’s, a banker at Dresden, died, and left his + “beloved niece Pauline” half a million dollars. This immensely wealthy + man, who had never assisted his sister in her troubles, and who would have + disinherited the daughter of a soldier of fortune, had been flattered by + the idea of writing in his last will the name of his niece, the “high and + mighty Countess Ville-Handry.” + </p> + <p> + This unexpected piece of good-fortune ought to have delighted the young + wife. She might now have had her vengeance on all her miserable + slanderers, and enjoyed a boundless popularity. But far from it. She had + never appeared more sad than on the day when the great news reached her. + </p> + <p> + For on that very day she for the first time cursed her marriage. A voice + within her warned her that she ought never to have yielded to the + entreaties and the orders of her mother. An excellent daughter, as she was + to become the best of mothers, and the most faithful of wives, she had + sacrificed herself. And now an accident made all her sacrifices useless, + and punished her for having done her duty. + </p> + <p> + Ah, why had she not resisted, at least for the purpose of gaining time? + </p> + <p> + For when she was a girl she had dreamed of a very different future. Long + before giving herself to the count, she had, of her own free will, given + her heart to another. She had bestowed her first and warmest affections + upon a young man who was only two or three years older than she,—Peter + Champcey, the son of one of those marvellously rich farmers who live in + the valley of the Loire. + </p> + <p> + He worshipped her. Unfortunately one obstacle had risen between them from + the beginning,—Pauline’s poverty. It could not be expected that + those keen, thrifty peasants, Champcey’s father and mother, would ever + permit one of their sons—they had two—to commit the folly of + making a love-match. + </p> + <p> + They had worked hard for their children. The oldest, Peter, was to be a + lawyer; the other, Daniel, who wanted to become a sailor, was studying day + and night to prepare for his examination. And the old couple were not a + little proud of these “gentlemen,” their sons. They told everybody who + would listen, that, in return for the costly education they were giving + them, they expected them to marry large fortunes. + </p> + <p> + Peter knew his parents so well, that he never mentioned Pauline to them. + </p> + <p> + “When I am of age,” he said to himself, “it will be a different matter.” + </p> + <p> + Alas! Why had not Pauline’s mother waited at least till then? + </p> + <p> + Poor young girl! On the day on which she entered the castle of Ville- + Handry, she had sworn she would bury this love of hers so deep in the + innermost recesses of her heart, that it should never come up and trouble + her thoughts. And she had kept her word. + </p> + <p> + But now it suddenly broke forth, more ardent, more powerful, than ever, + till it well-nigh overcame her, and crushed her—sweetly and sadly, + like the memory of lost days, and at the same time cruel and + heart-rending, like bitter remorse. + </p> + <p> + What had become of him? When he had heard that she was going to marry the + count, he had written to her a letter full of despair, in which he + overwhelmed her with irony and contempt. Later, whether he had forgotten + her or not, he also had married; and the two lovers who had once hoped to + pursue their way through life leaning one upon the other now went each + their own way. + </p> + <p> + For long hours the poor young wife struggled in the solitude of her + chamber against these ghosts of the past which crowded around her. But, if + ever a guilty thought called up a blush on her brow, she quickly triumphed + over it. Like a brave, loyal woman, she renewed her oath, and swore to + devote herself entirely to her husband. He had rescued her from abject + poverty, and bestowed upon her his fortune and his name; and she owed it + to him in return to make him happy. + </p> + <p> + She needed all her courage, all her energy, to fulfil her vows; for the + count’s character lay fully open before her now, after two years of + married life. She knew precisely how narrow his mind was, how empty his + thoughts, and how cold his heart. She had long since found out that the + brilliant man of the world, whom everybody considered so clever, was in + reality an absolute nullity, incapable of any thought that was not + suggested to him by others, and at the same time full of overweening + self-esteem, and absurdly obstinate. + </p> + <p> + The worst, however, was, that the count was very near hating his wife. He + had heard so many people say that she was not his equal, that he finally + believed it himself. Besides, he blamed her for the prestige which he had + lost. + </p> + <p> + An ordinary woman would have shrunk from the difficult task which Pauline + had assumed, and would have thought that nothing more could be expected of + her than to keep sacred her marriage-vows. But the countess was not an + ordinary woman. Full of resignation, she meant to do more than her duty. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately, a cradle standing by her bedside made the task somewhat + easier. She had a daughter, her Henrietta; and upon that darling curly + head she built a thousand castles in the air. From that moment she roused + herself from the languor to which she had given way for nearly two years, + and set to work to study the count with that amazing sagacity which a high + stake is apt to give. + </p> + <p> + A remark accidentally made by her husband cast a new light upon her fate. + One morning, when they had finished breakfast, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Nancy was very fond of you. The day before she died, when she knew + she was going, she made me promise her to marry you.” + </p> + <p> + This Nancy was the count’s former housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + After this awkward speech, the poor countess saw clearly enough what + position that woman had really held at the castle. She understood how, + modestly keeping in the background, and sheltering herself under the very + humility of her position, she had been in truth the intellect, the energy, + and the strong will, of her master. Her influence over him had, besides, + been so powerful, that it had survived her, and that she had been obeyed + even in the grave. + </p> + <p> + Although cruelly humiliated by this confession of her husband’s, the + countess had sufficient self-control not to blame him for his weakness. + She said to herself,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, be it so. For his happiness and for our peace, I will stoop to play + the part Nancy played.” + </p> + <p> + This was more easily said than done; for the count was not the man to be + led openly, nor was he willing to listen to good advice, simply because it + was good. Irritable, jealous, and despotic, like all weak men, he dreaded + nothing so much as what he called an insult to his authority. He meant to + be master everywhere, in every thing, and forever. He was so sensitive on + this point, that his wife had only to show the shadow of a purpose of her + own, and he went instantly to work to oppose and prohibit it. + </p> + <p> + “I am not a weather-cock!” was one of his favorite sayings. + </p> + <p> + Poor fellow! He did not know that those who turn to the opposite side of + the wind, nevertheless turn, as well as those who go with the wind. The + countess knew it; and this knowledge made her strong. After working for + many months patiently and cautiously, she thought she had learnt the + secret of managing him, and that henceforth she would be able to control + his will whenever she was in earnest. + </p> + <p> + The opportunity to make the experiment came very soon. Although the great + people of the neighborhood had generally come round and treated her quite + fairly now, especially since she had become an heiress, the countess found + her position unpleasant, and was anxious to leave the country. It recalled + to her, besides, too many painful memories. There were certain roads and + lanes which she could never pass without a pang at her heart. On the other + hand, it was well known that the count had sworn he would end his life in + the province. He hated large cities; and the mere idea of leaving his + castle, where every thing was arranged to suit his habits, made him + seriously angry. + </p> + <p> + People would not believe it, therefore, when report first arose that he + was going to leave Ville-Handry, that he had bought a town-house in Paris + and that he would shortly go there to establish himself permanently in the + capital. + </p> + <p> + “It was much against the will of the countess,” he said, full of delight + at her disappointment. “She would not agree to it at all; but I am not a + weather-cock. I insisted on having my way, and she yielded at last.” + </p> + <p> + So that in the latter part of October, in 1851, the Count and the Countess + Ville-Handry moved into the magnificent house in Varennes Street, a + princely mansion, which, however, did not cost them more than a third of + its actual value, as they happened to buy at a time when real estate was + very low. + </p> + <p> + But it had been comparatively child’s play to bring the count to Paris; + the real difficulty was to keep him there. Nothing was more likely than + that, deprived of the active exercise and the fresh air he enjoyed in the + country, he should miss his many occupations and duties, and either + succumb to weariness, or seek refuge in dissipation. His wife foresaw this + difficulty, and looked for an object that might give the count abundant + employment and amusement. + </p> + <p> + Already before leaving home she had dropped in his mind the seed of that + passion, which, in a man of fifty, can take the place of all others,—ambition. + Thus he came to Paris with the secret desire and the hope of becoming a + leader in politics, and making his mark in some great affair of state. + </p> + <p> + The countess however, aware of the dangers which beset a man who ventures + upon such slippery ground, determined first to examine the condition of + things so as to be able to warn him in time. Fortunately her fortune and + her name were of great service to her in this enterprise. She managed to + assemble at her house all the celebrities of the day. Her relations helped + her; and soon her Wednesdays and Saturdays became famous in Paris. People + exerted themselves to the utmost to obtain an invitation to her state + dinners, or her smaller parties on Sundays. Her house in Varennes Street + was looked upon as neutral ground, where political intrigues and party + strife were alike tabooed. The countess spent a whole winter in making her + observations. + </p> + <p> + The world, seeing her sit modestly by her fireside, thought she was wholly + occupied with her pretty daughter, Henrietta, who was always playing or + reading by her side. But she was all the time listening, and trying, with + all her mental powers, to understand the great questions of the day. She + studied characters; watched the passions of some, and discovered the + cunning tricks of others, ever anxious to find out what enemies she would + have to fear, and what allies to conciliate. Like one of those ill-taught + professors who study in the morning what they mean to teach in the + afternoon, she prepared herself for the lessons which she soon meant to + give. Fortunately her apprenticeship was short, thanks to her superior + intellect, her womanly cleverness, and rare talents which no one + suspected. + </p> + <p> + She soon reaped the fruit of her labors. + </p> + <p> + The next winter the count, who had so far kept aloof from politics, came + out with his opinions. He soon made his mark, aided by his fine + appearance, his elegant manners, and imperturbable self-possession. He + spoke in public, and made an impression by his good common-sense. He + advised others, and they were struck by his sagacity. He had soon + enthusiastic partisans, and, of course, as violent adversaries. His + friends encouraged him to become the leader of his party; and he worked + day and night to achieve that end. + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately I have to pay for it at home,” he said to his intimate + friends; “for my wife is one of those timid women who cannot understand + that men are made for the excitement of public life. I should be still in + the province, if I had listened to her.” + </p> + <p> + She enjoyed her work in quiet delight. The greater the success of her + husband in the world, the prouder she became of her own usefulness to him. + Her feelings were very much those of a dramatic poet who hears the + applause given to the characters which he has created. + </p> + <p> + But there was this wonderful feature in her work,—that nobody + suspected her; no one, not even her own child. She wanted Henrietta, as + little as the world, to know what she was to her husband; and she taught + her not only to love him as her father, but to respect and admire him as a + man of eminence. Of course, the count was the very last man to suspect any + thing. He might have been told all, and he would have believed nothing. + </p> + <p> + He fancied he had discovered himself the whole line of proceeding which + his wife had so carefully traced out for him. In the full sincerity of his + heart, he believed he had composed and written out the speeches which she + drew up for him; and the articles for the newspapers, and the letters, + which she dictated, appeared to him all to have sprung from his own + fertile brains. He was even sometimes surprised at the want of good sense + in his wife, and pointed out to her, quite ironically, that the steps from + which she tried hardest to dissuade him were the most successful he took. + But no irony could turn the countess from the path which she had traced + out for herself; nor did she ever allow a word or even a smile to escape + her, that might have betrayed her secret. When her husband became + sarcastic, she bowed her head, and said nothing. But, the more he gloried + in his utter nullity, the more she delighted in her work, and found ample + compensation in the approval of her own conscience. + </p> + <p> + The count had been so exceedingly good as to take her when she was + penniless; she owed him the historic name she bore and a large fortune; + but, in return, she had given him, and without his being aware of it, a + position of some eminence. She had made him happy in the only way in which + a small and ordinary man could be made happy,—by gratifying his + vanity. + </p> + <p> + Now she was no longer under obligations to him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she said to herself, “we are quits, fairly quits!” + </p> + <p> + Now also, she reproached herself no longer for the long hours during which + her thoughts, escaping from the control of her will, had turned to the man + of her early choice. + </p> + <p> + Poor fellow! She had been his evil star. + </p> + <p> + His life had been imbittered from the day on which he found himself + forsaken by her whom he loved better than life itself. He had given up + every thing. + </p> + <p> + His parents had “hunted up” an heiress, as they called it, and he had + married her dutifully. But the good old people had been unlucky. The + bride, chosen among a thousand, had brought their son a fortune of a + hundred thousand dollars; but she was a bad woman. And after eight years + of wretched, intolerable married life, Peter Champcey had shot himself, + unable to bear any longer his domestic misfortunes, and the infidelity of + his wife. + </p> + <p> + He had, however, avoided committing this crime at Angers, where he held a + high official position. He had gone to Rosiers, the house formerly + occupied by Pauline’s mother; and there, in a narrow lane, his body was + found by some peasants coming home from market. The ball had so fearfully + disfigured his face, that at first no one recognized him; and the accident + made a terrible sensation. + </p> + <p> + The countess heard of it first through her husband. He could not + understand, he said, how a man in good position, with a bright future + before him, and a large income to support him, could thus kill himself. + </p> + <p> + “And to choose such a strange place for his suicide!” he added. “It is + evident the man was insane.” + </p> + <p> + But the countess did not hear this. She had fainted. She understood but + too well why Peter had wished to die in that lane overshadowed by old + elm-trees. + </p> + <p> + “I killed him,” she thought, “I killed him!” + </p> + <p> + The blow was so sudden and so severe, that she came near dying. + Fortunately her mother died nearly at the same time; and this misfortune + helped to explain her utter prostration and deep grief. + </p> + <p> + Her mother had been gradually fading away, after having had all she + desired, and living in real luxury during her last years. Her selfishness + was so intense, that she never became aware of the cruelty with which she + had sacrificed her daughter. + </p> + <p> + Sacrificed, however, she really had been; for never did woman suffer what + the countess endured from the day on which her lover’s suicide added + bitter remorse to all her former grief. What would have become of her, if + her child had not bound her to life! But she resolved to live; she felt + that she was bound to live for Henrietta’s sake. + </p> + <p> + Thus she struggled on quite alone, for she had not a soul in whom she + could confide, when one afternoon, as she was going down stairs, a servant + came to tell her that there was a young man in naval uniform below, who + desired to have the honor of waiting upon her. + </p> + <p> + The servant handed her his card; she took it, and read,— + </p> + <p> + “Daniel Champcey.” + </p> + <p> + It was Daniel, Peter’s brother. Pale as death, the countess turned as if + to escape. + </p> + <p> + “What must I say?” asked the servant, rather surprised at the emotion + shown by his mistress. + </p> + <p> + The poor woman felt as if she was going to faint. + </p> + <p> + “Show him up,” she replied in a scarcely audible voice,—“show him + up.” + </p> + <p> + When she looked up again, there stood before her a young man, twenty- + three or twenty-four years old, with a frank and open face, and clear, + bright eyes, beaming with intelligence and energy. + </p> + <p> + The countess pointed at a chair near her; for she could not have uttered a + word to save her daughter’s life. + </p> + <p> + He could not help noticing her embarrassment; but he did not guess the + cause. Peter had never mentioned Pauline’s name in his father’s house. + </p> + <p> + So he sat down, and explained why he came, showing neither embarrassment + nor forwardness. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he had graduated at the Naval Academy, he had been made a + midshipman on board “The Formidable,” and there he was still. A younger + man had recently been wrongly promoted over him; and he had asked for + leave of absence to appeal to the secretary of the navy. He felt quite + sure of the justice of his claims; but he also knew that strong + recommendations never spoil a good cause. In fact, he hoped that Count + Ville-Handry, of whose kindness and great influence he had heard much, + would consent to indorse his claims. + </p> + <p> + Gradually, and while listening to him, the countess recovered her + calmness. + </p> + <p> + “My husband will be happy to serve a countryman of his,” she replied; “and + he will tell you so himself, if you will be kind enough to wait for him, + and stay to dinner.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel did stay. At table he was placed by the side of Henrietta, who was + then fifteen years old; and the countess, seeing these two young and + handsome people side by side, was suddenly struck with an idea which + seemed to her nothing less than inspiration from on high. Why might she + not intrust the future happiness of her daughter to the brother of the + poor man who had loved her so dearly? Thus she might make some amends for + her own conduct, and show some respect to his memory. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she said to herself that night, before falling asleep, “it must be + so. Daniel shall be Henrietta’s husband.” + </p> + <p> + Thus it came about, that, only a fortnight later, Count Ville-Handry said + to one of his intimate friends, pointing out Daniel,— + </p> + <p> + “That young Champcey is a very remarkable young man; he has a great future + before him. And one of these days, when he is a lieutenant, and a few + years older, if it should so happen that he liked Henrietta, and asked me + for my consent, I should not say no. The countess might think and say of + it what she chooses, I am master.” + </p> + <p> + After that time Daniel became, unfortunately, a constant visitor at the + house in Varennes Street. + </p> + <p> + He had not only obtained ample satisfaction at headquarters, but, by the + powerful influence of certain high personages, he had been temporarily + assigned to duty in the bureau of the navy department, with the promise of + a better position in active service hereafter. + </p> + <p> + Thus Daniel and Henrietta saw a great deal of each other, and, to all + appearances, began to love each other. + </p> + <p> + “O God!” thought the countess, “why are they not a few years older?” + </p> + <p> + The poor lady had for some months been troubled by dismal presentiments. + She felt as if she would not live long; and she trembled at the idea of + leaving her child without any other protector but the count. + </p> + <p> + If Henrietta had at least known the truth, and, instead of admiring her + father as a man of superior ability, learned to mistrust his judgment! A + hundred times the countess was on the point of revealing her secret. Alas! + her great delicacy always kept her from doing so. + </p> + <p> + One night, as she returned from a great ball, she suddenly was seized with + vertigo. She did not think much of it, but sent for a cup of tea. + </p> + <p> + When it came, she was standing before the fireplace, undoing her hair; + but, instead of taking it, she suddenly raised her hand to her throat, + uttered a hoarse sound, and fell back. + </p> + <p> + They raised her up. In an instant the whole house was alive. They sent for + the doctors. All was in vain. + </p> + <p> + The Countess Ville-Handry had died from disease of the heart. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III. + </h2> + <p> + Henrietta, roused by the noise all over the house, the voices in the + passages, and the steps on the staircase, and suspecting that some + accident had happened, had rushed at once into her mother’s room. + </p> + <p> + There she had heard the doctors utter the fatal words,— + </p> + <p> + “All is over!” + </p> + <p> + There were five or six of them in the room; and one of them, his eyes + swollen from sleeplessness, and overcome with fatigue, had drawn the count + into a corner, and, pressing his hands, repeated over and over again,— + </p> + <p> + “Courage, my dear sir, courage!” + </p> + <p> + He, overcome, with downcast eye, and cold perspiration on his pallid brow, + did not understand him; for he continued to stammer incessantly,— + </p> + <p> + “It is nothing, I hope. Did you not say it was nothing?” + </p> + <p> + There are misfortunes so terrible, so overwhelming in their suddenness, + that the stunned mind refuses to believe them, and denies their + genuineness in spite of their actual presence. + </p> + <p> + How could any one imagine or comprehend that the countess, who but a + moment ago was standing there full of life, in perfect health, and the + whole vigor of her years, apparently perfectly happy, smiling, and beloved + by all,—how could one conceive that she had all at once ceased to + exist? + </p> + <p> + They had laid her on her bed in her ball costume,—a blue satin dress + trimmed with lace. The flowers were still in her hair; and the blow had + come with such suddenness, that, even in death, she retained the + appearance of life; she was still warm, her skin transparent, and her + limbs supple. Even her eyes, still wide open, retained their expression, + and betrayed the last sensation that had filled her heart,—terror. + It looked as if she had had at that last moment a revelation of the future + which her too great cautiousness had prepared for her daughter. + </p> + <p> + “My mother is not dead; oh, no! she cannot be dead!” exclaimed Henrietta. + And she went from one doctor to the other, urging them, beseeching them, + to find some means— + </p> + <p> + What were they doing there, looking so blank, instead of acting? Were they + not going to restore her,—they whose business it was to cure people, + and who surely had saved a number of people? They turned away from her, + distressed by her terrible grief, expressing their inability to help by a + gesture; and then the poor girl went back to the bed, and, bending over + her mother, watched with a painfully bewildered air for her return to + life. It seemed to her as if she felt that noble heart still beat under + her hand, and as if those lips, sealed forever by death, must speak again + to re-assure her. + </p> + <p> + They attempted to take her away from that heartrending sight; they begged + her to go to her room; but she insisted upon staying. They tried to remove + her by force; but she clung to the bed, and vowed that they should tear + her to pieces sooner than make her leave her mother. + </p> + <p> + At last, however, the truth broke upon her. She sank down upon her knees + by the side of the bed, hiding her face in the drapery, and repeating with + fierce sobs,— + </p> + <p> + “My mother, my darling mother!” + </p> + <p> + It was nearly morning, and the pale dawn was stealing into the room, when + at last some sisters of charity came, who had been sent for; and then a + couple of priests; a little later (it was towards the end of January) one + of the count’s friends appeared, who undertook all those sickening + preparations which our civilization demands in such cases. On the next day + the funeral took place. + </p> + <p> + More than two hundred persons called to condole with the count, + twenty-five or thirty ladies came and kissed Henrietta, calling her their + poor dear child. + </p> + <p> + Then horses were heard in the court-yard, coachmen quarrelling; orders + were given; and at last the hearse rolled away solemnly—and that was + all. + </p> + <p> + Henrietta wept and prayed in her chamber. + </p> + <p> + Late in the day, the count and Henrietta sat down at table alone for the + first time in their lives; but they did not eat a morsel. How could they + do it, seeing before them the empty seat, once occupied by her who was the + life of the whole house, and now never to be filled again? + </p> + <p> + And thus, for a long time, their meals were a steady reminder of their + loss. During the day they were seen wandering about the house, without any + apparent purpose, as if looking or hoping for something to happen. + </p> + <p> + But there was another true and warm heart, far from that house, which had + been sorely wounded by the death of the countess. Daniel had loved her + like a mother; and in his heart a mysterious voice warned him, that, in + losing her, he had well-nigh lost Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + He had called several times at the house of mourning; but it was only a + fortnight later that he was admitted. When Henrietta saw him, she felt + sorry she had not let him come in before. He had apparently suffered as + much as she; he looked pale; and his eyes were red. + </p> + <p> + They remained for some time seated opposite each other, without saying a + word, but deeply moved, and feeling instinctively that their common grief + bound them more firmly than ever to each other. + </p> + <p> + The count, in the meantime, walked up and down in the large room. He was + so much changed, that one might have failed to recognize him. There was a + strange want of steadiness in his movements; he looked almost like a + paralytic, whose crutches had suddenly broken down. Was he conscious of + the immense loss which he had suffered? His vanity was too great to render + that very probable. + </p> + <p> + “I shall master my grief as soon as I go back to work,” he said. + </p> + <p> + He ought not to have done it; but he resumed his duties as a politician at + a time when they had become unusually difficult, and when great things + were expected of him. Two or three absurd, ridiculous, in fact + unpardonable blunders, ruined him forever. He lost his reputation as a + statesman, and with it his influence. + </p> + <p> + As yet, however, his reputation remained uninjured. No one suspected the + truth. They attributed the sudden failure of his faculties to the great + sorrow that had befallen him in the death of his wife. + </p> + <p> + “Who would have thought that he had loved her so deeply?” they asked one + another. + </p> + <p> + Henrietta was as much misled as the others, and perhaps even more. Her + respect and her admiration, so far from being diminished, only increased + day by day. She loved him all the more dearly as she watched the apparent + effect of his incurable grief. + </p> + <p> + He was really deeply grieved, but only by his fall. How had it come about? + He tortured his mind in vain; he could not find a plausible explanation, + and said over and over again,— + </p> + <p> + “It is perfectly inexplicable.” + </p> + <p> + He talked of regular plots, of a coalition of his enemies, of the black + ingratitude of men, and their fickleness. At first he had thought of going + back to the country. But gradually, as day followed day, and weeks grew + into months, his wounded vanity began to heal; he forgot his misfortunes, + and adopted new habits of life. + </p> + <p> + He was a great deal at his club now, rode much on horseback, went to the + theatres, and dined with his friends. Henrietta was delighted; for she had + at one time begun to be seriously concerned for her father’s health. But + she was not a little amazed when she saw him lay aside his mourning, and + exchange his simple costumes, suitable to his age, for the eccentric + fashions of the day, wearing brilliant waistcoats and fancy-colored + trousers. + </p> + <p> + Some days later matters grew worse. + </p> + <p> + One morning Count Ville-Handry, who was quite gray, appeared at breakfast + with jet black beard and hair. Henrietta could not restrain an expression + of amazement. But he smiled, and said with considerable embarrassment,— + </p> + <p> + “My servant is making an experiment; he thinks this goes better with my + complexion, and makes me look younger.” + </p> + <p> + Evidently something strange had occurred in the count’s life. But what was + it? + </p> + <p> + Henrietta, although ignorant of the world, and at that time innocence + personified, was, nevertheless, a woman, and hence had the keen instinct + of her sex, which is better than all experience. She reflected, and she + thought she could guess what had happened. + </p> + <p> + After hesitating for three days, the poor girl, saddened rather than + frightened, confided her troubles to Daniel. But she had only spoken a few + words when he interrupted her, and, blushing deeply, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Do not trouble yourself about that, Miss Henrietta; and, whatever your + father may do, do not mind it.” + </p> + <p> + That advice was more easily given than followed; for the count’s ways + became daily more extraordinary. He had gradually drifted away from his + old friends and his wife’s friends, and seemed to prefer to their + high-bred society the company of very curious people of all kinds. A + number of young men came in the forenoon on horseback, and in the most + unceremonious costumes. They came in smoking their cigars, and asked at + once for liquors and absinthe. In the afternoon, another set of men made + their appearance,—vulgar and arrogant people, with huge whiskers and + enormous watch-chains, who gesticulated vehemently, and were on most + excellent terms with the servants. They were closeted with the count; and + their discussions were so loud, they could be heard all over the house. + </p> + <p> + What were the grave discussions that made so much noise? The count + undertook to enlighten his daughter. He told her, that, having been + ill-treated in politics, he intended to devote himself henceforth to grand + enterprises, and hoped confidently to realize an enormous fortune, while, + at the same time, rendering great service to certain branches of industry. + </p> + <p> + A fortune? Why should he want money? What with his own estate, and what + with his wife’s fortune, he had already an income of a hundred thousand + dollars. Was that not quite enough for a man of sixty-five and for a young + girl who did not spend a thousand a year on her toilet? + </p> + <p> + Henrietta asked him timidly, for she was afraid of hurting her father’s + feelings, why he wanted more money. + </p> + <p> + He laughed heartily, tapped her cheek playfully, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you would like to rule your papa, would you?” + </p> + <p> + Then he added more seriously,— + </p> + <p> + “Am I so old, my little lady, that I ought to go into retirement? Have + you, also, gone over to my enemies?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear papa!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my child, then you ought to know that a man such as I am cannot + condemn himself to inactivity, unless he wants to die. I do not want any + more money; what I want is an outlet for my energy and my talents.” + </p> + <p> + This was so sensible a reply, that both Henrietta and Daniel felt quite + re-assured. + </p> + <p> + Both had been taught by the countess to look upon her husband as a man of + genius; hence they felt sure that he had only to undertake a thing, and he + was sure to succeed. Besides, Daniel hoped that such grave matters of + business would keep the count from playing the fashionable young man. + </p> + <p> + But it seemed as if nothing could turn him from this folly; he became + daily younger and faster. He wore the most eccentric hats on one ear. He + ordered his coats to be made in the very last fashion; and never went out + without a camellia or a rosebud in his buttonhole. He no longer contented + himself with dyeing his hair, but actually began to rouge, and used such + strong perfumes, that one might have followed his track through the + streets by the odors he diffused around him. + </p> + <p> + At times he would sit for hours in an arm-chair, his eyes fixed on the + ceiling, his brow knit, and his thoughts apparently bent upon some grave + question. If he was spoken to, he started like a criminal caught in the + act. He who formerly prided himself on his magnificent appetite (he saw in + it a resemblance to Louis XIV.) now hardly ate any thing. On the other + hand, he was forever complaining of oppression in the chest, and of + palpitation of the heart. + </p> + <p> + His daughter repeatedly found him with tears in his eyes,—big tears, + which passed through his dyed beard, and fell like drops of ink on his + white shirt-front. Then, again, these attacks of melancholy would be + followed by sudden outbursts of joy. He would rub his hands till they + pained him; he would sing and almost dance with delight. + </p> + <p> + Now and then a commissionaire (it was always the same man) came and + brought him a letter. The count tore it from his hands, threw him a + gold-piece, and went to shut himself up in his study. + </p> + <p> + “Poor papa!” said Henrietta to Daniel. “There are moments when I tremble + for his mind.” + </p> + <p> + At last, one evening after dinner, when he had drunk more than usually, + perhaps in order to gain courage, he drew his daughter on his knee, and + said in his softest voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Confess, my dear child, that in your innermost heart you have more than + once called me a very bad father. I dare say you blame me for leaving you + so constantly alone here in this large house, where you must die from + sheer weariness.” + </p> + <p> + Such a charge would have been but too well founded. Henrietta was left + more completely to herself than the daughter of a workman, whose business + keeps him from home all day long. The workman, however, takes his child + out, at least on Sundays. + </p> + <p> + “I am never weary, papa,” replied Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + “Really? Why, how do you occupy yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! in the first place I attend to the housekeeping, and try my best to + make home pleasant to you. Then I embroider, I sew, I study. In the + afternoon my music-teacher comes, and my English master. At night I read.” + </p> + <p> + The count smiled; but it was a forced smile. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind!” he broke in; “such a lonely life cannot go on. A girl of + your age stands in need of some one to advise her, to pet her,—an + affectionate and devoted friend. That is why I have been thinking of + giving you another mother.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta drew back her arm, which she had wound round her father’s neck; + and, rising suddenly, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “You think of marrying again?” + </p> + <p> + He turned his head aside, hesitated moment, and then replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + At first the poor girl could not utter a word, so great were her stupor, + her indignation, her bitter grief; then she made an effort, and said in a + pained voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you really tell me so, papa? What! you would bring another wife to + this house, which is still alive with the voice of her whom we have lost? + You would make her sit down in the chair in which she used to sit, and let + her rest her feet on the cushion which she embroidered? Perhaps you would + even want me to call her mamma? Oh, dear papa! surely you do not think of + such profanation!” + </p> + <p> + The count’s trouble was pitiful to behold. And yet, if Henrietta had been + less excited, she would have read in his eye that his mind was made up. + </p> + <p> + “What I mean to do is done in your behalf, my dear child,” he stammered + out at last. “I am old; I may die; we have no near relations; what would + become of you without a friend?” + </p> + <p> + She blushed crimson; but she said timidly,— + </p> + <p> + “But, papa, there is M. Daniel Champcey.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + The count’s eyes shone with delight as he saw that she was falling into + the pit he had dug for her. The poor girl went on,— + </p> + <p> + “I thought—I had hoped—poor mamma had told me—in fact, + since you had allowed M. Daniel to come here”— + </p> + <p> + “You thought I intended to make him my son-in-law?” + </p> + <p> + She made no answer. + </p> + <p> + “That was in fact the idea your mother had. She had certainly very odd + notions, against which I had to use the whole strength of my firm will. A + sailor is a sorry kind of husband, my dear child; a word from his minister + may part him for years from his wife.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta remained silent. She began to understand the nature of the + bargain which her father proposed to her, and it made her indignant. He + thought he had said enough for this time, and left her with these words,— + </p> + <p> + “Consider, my child; for my part, I will also think of it.” + </p> + <p> + What should she do? There were a hundred ways; but which to choose? + Finding herself alone, she took a pen, and for the first time in her life + she wrote to Daniel:— + </p> + <p> + “I must speak to you <i>instantly</i>. Pray come. + </p> + <p> + “Henrietta.” + </p> + <p> + She gave the letter to a servant, ordering him to carry it at once to its + address; and then she waited in a state of feverish anxiety, counting the + minutes. + </p> + <p> + Daniel Champcey had, in a house not far from the university, three rooms, + the windows of which looked out upon the gardens of an adjoining mansion, + where the flowers bloomed brilliantly, and the birds sang joyously. There + he spent almost all the time which was not required by his official + duties. A walk in company with his friend, Maxime de Brevan; a visit to + the theatre, when a particularly fine piece was to be given; and two or + three calls a week at Count Ville-Handry’s house,—these were his + sole and certainly very harmless amusements. + </p> + <p> + “A genuine old maid, that sailor is,” said the concierge of the house. + </p> + <p> + The truth is, that, if Daniel’s natural refinement had not kept him from + contact with what Parisians call “pleasure,” his ardent love for Henrietta + would have prevented his falling into bad company. A pure, noble love, + such as his, based upon perfect confidence in her to whom it is given, is + quite sufficient to fill up a life; for it makes the present delightful, + and paints the distant horizon of the future in all the bright colors of + the rainbow. + </p> + <p> + But, the more he loved Henrietta, the more he felt bound to be worthy of + her, and to deserve her affections. He was not ambitious. He had chosen a + profession which he loved. He had a considerable fortune of his own, and + was thus, by his private income and his pay as an officer, secured against + want. What more could he desire? Nothing for himself. + </p> + <p> + But Henrietta belonged to a great house; she was the daughter of a man who + had filled a high position; she was immensely rich; and, even if he had + married her only with her own fortune, she would have brought him ten + times as much as he had. Daniel did not want Henrietta, on the blessed day + when she should become his own, to have any thing to wish for or to + regret. Hence he worked incessantly, indefatigably, waking up every + morning anew with the determination to make himself one of those names + which weigh more than the oldest parchments, and to win one of those + positions which make a wife as proud as she is fond of her husband. + Fortunately, the times were favorable to his ambition. The French navy was + in a state of transformation; but the marine was as yet unreformed, + waiting, apparently, for the hand of a man of genius. + </p> + <p> + And why might not he be that man? Supported by his love, he saw nothing + impossible in that thought, and fancied he could overcome all obstacles. + </p> + <p> + “Do you see that d—— little fellow, there, with his quiet + ways?” said Admiral Penhoel to his young officers. “Well, look at him; + he’ll checkmate you all.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was busy in his study, finishing a paper for the minister, when the + count’s servant came and brought him Henrietta’s letter. He knew that + something extraordinary must have happened to induce Henrietta, with her + usual reserve, to take such a step, and, above all, to write to him in + such brief but urgent terms. + </p> + <p> + “Has any thing happened at the house?” he asked the servant. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, not that I know.” + </p> + <p> + “The count is not sick?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And Miss Henrietta?” + </p> + <p> + “My mistress is perfectly well.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel breathed more freely. + </p> + <p> + “Tell Miss Henrietta I am coming at once; and make haste, or I shall be + there before you.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the servant had left, Daniel dressed, and a moment later he was + out of the house. As he walked rapidly up the street in which the count + lived, he thought,— + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt taken the alarm too soon; perhaps she has only some + commission for me.” + </p> + <p> + But he was beset with dark presentiments, and had to tell himself that + that was not likely to be the case. He felt worse than ever, when, upon + being shown into the drawing-room, he saw Henrietta sitting by the fire, + deadly pale, with her eyes all red and inflamed from weeping. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with you?” he cried, without waiting for the door to + be closed behind him. “What has happened?” + </p> + <p> + “Something terrible, M. Daniel.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, pray, what. You frighten me.” + </p> + <p> + “My father is going to marry again.” + </p> + <p> + At first Daniel was amazed. Then, recalling at once the gradual + transformation of the count, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, oh, oh! That explains every thing.” + </p> + <p> + But Henrietta interrupted him; and, making a great effort, she repeated to + him in a half-stifled voice almost literally her conversation with her + father. When she had ended, Daniel said,— + </p> + <p> + “You have guessed right, Miss Henrietta. Your father evidently does + propose to you a bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! but that is horrible.” + </p> + <p> + “He wanted you to understand, that, if you would consent to his marriage, + he would consent”— + </p> + <p> + Shocked at what he was going to add, he stopped; but Henrietta said + boldly,— + </p> + <p> + “To ours, you mean,—to ours? Yes, so I understood it; and that was + my reason for sending for you to advise me.” + </p> + <p> + Poor fellow! She was asking him to seal his fate. + </p> + <p> + “I think you ought to consent!” he stammered out. + </p> + <p> + She rose, trembling with indignation, and replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Never, never!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was overcome by this sudden shock. Never. He saw all his hopes + dashed in an instant, his life’s happiness destroyed forever, Henrietta + lost to him. But the very imminence of the danger restored to him his + energy. He mastered his grief, and said in an almost calm voice,— + </p> + <p> + “I beseech you, let me explain to you why I advised you so. Believe me, + your father does not want your consent at all. You cannot do without his + consent; but he can marry without asking you for yours. There is no law + which authorizes children to oppose the follies of their parents. What + your father wants is your silent approval, the certainty that his new wife + will be kindly received. If you refuse, he will go on, nevertheless, and + not mind your objections.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” + </p> + <p> + “I am, unfortunately, but too sure of that. If he spoke to you of his + plans, you may be sure he had made up his mind. Your resistance will lead + only to our separation. He might possibly forgive you; but she—Don’t + you think she should avail herself to the utmost of her influence over + him? Who can foresee to what extremities she might be led by her hatred + against you? And she must be a dangerous woman, Henrietta, a woman who is + capable of any thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + He hesitated for a moment, not daring to speak out fully what he thought; + and at last he said slowly, as if weighing his words,— + </p> + <p> + “Because, because this marriage cannot be any thing else but a barefaced + speculation. Your father is immensely rich; she wants his fortune.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel’s reasoning was so sensible, and he pleaded his cause with such + eagerness, that Henrietta’s resolution was evidently shaken. + </p> + <p> + “You want me to yield?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “I beseech you to do it.” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head sadly, and said in a tone of utter dejection,— + </p> + <p> + “Very well. It shall be done as you wish it. I shall not object to this + profanation. But you may be sure, my weakness will do us no good.” + </p> + <p> + It struck ten. She rose, offered her hand to Daniel, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I will see you to-morrow evening. By that time I shall know, and I will + tell you, the name of the woman whom father is going to marry; for I shall + ask him who she is.” + </p> + <p> + She was spared that trouble. Next morning, the first words of the count + were,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, have you thought it over?” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him till he felt compelled to turn his head away; and then + she replied in a tone of resignation,— + </p> + <p> + “Father, you are master here. I should not tell you the truth, if I said I + was not going to suffer cruelly at the idea of a stranger coming here to—But + I shall receive her with all due respect.” + </p> + <p> + Ah! The count was not prepared for such a speedy consent. + </p> + <p> + “Do not speak of respect,” he said. “Tell me that you will be tender, + affectionate, and kind. Ah, if you knew her, Henrietta! She is an angel.” + </p> + <p> + “What is her age?” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-five.” + </p> + <p> + The count read in his daughter’s face that she thought his new wife much + too young for him; and therefore he added, quickly,— + </p> + <p> + “Your mother was two years younger when I married her.” + </p> + <p> + That was so; but he forgot that that was twenty years ago. + </p> + <p> + “However,” he added, “you will see her; I shall ask her to let me present + you to her. She <i>is</i> a foreigner, of excellent family, very rich, + marvellously clever and beautiful; and her name is Sarah Brandon.” + </p> + <p> + That evening, when Henrietta told Daniel the name of her future + mother-in-law, he started with an air of utter despair, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Great God! If Maxime de Brevan is not mistaken, that is worse than any + thing we could possibly anticipate.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV. + </h2> + <p> + When Henrietta saw how the young officer was overcome by the mere mention + of that name, Sarah Brandon, she felt the blood turn to ice in her veins. + She knew perfectly well that a man like Daniel was not likely to be so + utterly overwhelmed unless there was something fearful, unheard of, in the + matter. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know the woman, Daniel?” + </p> + <p> + But he, regretting his want of self-possession, was already thinking how + he could make amends for his imprudence. + </p> + <p> + “I swear to you,” he began. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t swear! I see you know who she is.” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing about her.” + </p> + <p> + “But”— + </p> + <p> + “It is true I have heard people talk of her once, a <i>long time ago</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom?” + </p> + <p> + “One of my friends, Maxime de Brevan, a fine, noble fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “What sort of a woman is she?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, me! that I cannot tell you. Maxime happened to mention her just in + passing; and I never thought that one of these days I should—If I + seemed to be so very much surprised just now, it was because I remembered, + all of a sudden, a very ugly story in which Maxime said she had been + involved, and then”— + </p> + <p> + He was ridiculous in his inability to tell a fib; so, when he found that + he was talking nonsense, he turned his head away to avoid Henrietta’s + eyes. She interrupted him, and said reproachfully,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you really think I am not strong enough to hear the truth?” + </p> + <p> + At first he did not reply. Overcome by the strange position in which he + found himself, he looked for a way to escape, and found none. At last he + said,— + </p> + <p> + “Miss Henrietta, you must give me time before I tell you any more. I know + nothing positive; and I dare say I am unnecessarily alarmed. I will tell + you all as soon as I am better informed.” + </p> + <p> + “When will that be?” + </p> + <p> + “To-night, if I can find Maxime de Brevan at home, as I hope I shall do; + if I miss him, you must wait till to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “And if your suspicions turn out to be well founded; if what you fear, and + hide from me now, is really so,—what must I do then?” + </p> + <p> + Without a moment’s hesitation, he rose and said in a solemn voice,— + </p> + <p> + “I am not going to tell you again how I love you, Henrietta; I am not + going to tell you that to lose you would be death to me, and that in our + family we do not value life very highly; you know that, don’t you? But, in + spite of all that, if my fears should be well founded, as I apprehend they + are, I should not hesitate to say to you, whatever might be the + consequences, Henrietta, and even if we should have to part forever, we + must try our utmost, we must employ all possible means in our power, to + prevent a marriage between Count Ville-Handry and Sarah Brandon.” + </p> + <p> + In spite of all her sufferings, Henrietta felt her heart bounding with + unspeakable happiness and joy. Ah! he deserved to be loved,—this man + whom her heart had freely chosen among them all,—this man who gave + her such an overwhelming proof of his love. She offered him her hand; and, + with her eyes beaming with enthusiasm and tenderness, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “And I, I swear by the sacred memory of my mother, that whatever may + happen, and whatever force they may choose to employ, I shall never belong + to any one but to you.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had seized her hand, and held it for some time pressed to his lips. + At last, when his rapture gave way to calmer thoughts, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “I must leave you at once, Henrietta, if I want to catch Maxime.” + </p> + <p> + As he left, his head was in a whirl, his thoughts in a maze. His life and + his happiness were at stake; and a single word would decide his fate in + spite of all he could do. + </p> + <p> + A cab was passing; he hailed it, jumped in, and cried to the driver,— + </p> + <p> + “Go quick, I say! You shall have five francs! No. 61 Rue Laffitte!” + </p> + <p> + That was the house where Maxime de Brevan lived. + </p> + <p> + He was a man of thirty or thirty-five years, remarkably well made, + light-haired, wearing a full beard, with a bright eye, and pleasing face. + Mixing on intimate terms with the men who make up what is called high + life, and with whom pleasure is the only occupation, he was very popular + with them all. They said he was a man that could always be relied upon, at + all times ready to render you a service when it was in his power, a + pleasant companion, and an excellent second whenever a friend had to fight + a duel. + </p> + <p> + In fine, neither slander nor calumny had ever attacked his reputation. And + yet, far from following the advice of the philosopher, who tells us to + keep our life from the eye of the public, Maxime de Brevan seemed to take + pains to let everybody into his secrets. He was so anxious to tell + everybody where he had been, and what he had been doing, that you might + have imagined he was always preparing to prove an alibi. + </p> + <p> + Thus he told the whole world that the Brevans came originally from the + province of Maine, and that he was the last, the sole representative, of + that old family. Not that he prided himself particularly on his ancestors; + he acknowledged frankly that there was very little left of their ancient + splendor; in fact, nothing but a bare support. But he never said what this + “support” amounted to; his most intimate friends could not tell whether he + had one thousand or ten thousand a year. So much only was certain, that, + to his great honor and glory, he had solved the great problem of + preserving his independence and his dignity while associating, a + comparatively poor man, with the richest young men of Paris. + </p> + <p> + His rooms were simple and unpretending; and he kept but a single servant—his + carriage he hired by the month. + </p> + <p> + How had Maxime Brevan become Daniel’s friend? In the simplest possible + way. They had been introduced to each other at a great ball by a common + friend of theirs, a lieutenant in the navy. About one o’clock in the + morning they had gone home together; and as the moon was shining brightly, + the weather was mild, and the walking excellent, they had loitered about + the Place de la Concorde while smoking their cigars. + </p> + <p> + Had Maxime really felt such warm sympathy for his friend? Perhaps so. At + all events, Daniel had been irresistibly attracted by the peculiar ways of + Maxime, and especially by the cool stoicism with which he spoke of his + genteel poverty. Then they had met again, and finally became intimate. + </p> + <p> + Brevan was just dressing for the opera when Daniel entered his room. He + uttered a cry of delight when he saw him, as he always did. + </p> + <p> + “What!” he said, “the hermit student from the other side of the river in + this worldly region, and at this hour? What good wind blows you over + here?” + </p> + <p> + Then, suddenly noticing Daniel’s terrified appearance, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “But what am I talking about? You look frightened out of your wits. What’s + the matter?” + </p> + <p> + “A great misfortune, I fear,” replied Daniel. + </p> + <p> + “How so? What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “And I want you to help me.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you know that I am at your service?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel certainly thought so. + </p> + <p> + “I thank you in advance, my dear Maxime; but I do not wish to give you too + much trouble. I have a long story to tell you, and you are just going out”— + </p> + <p> + But Brevan interrupted him, shaking his head kindly, and saying,— + </p> + <p> + “I was only going out for want of something better to do, upon my word! So + sit down, and tell me all.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had been so overcome by terror, and the fear that he might possibly + lose Henrietta, that he had run to his friend without considering what he + was going to tell him. Now, when the moment came to speak, he was silent. + The thought had just occurred to him, that Count Ville-Handry’s secret was + not his own, and that he was in duty bound not to betray it, if possible, + even if he could have absolutely relied upon his friend’s discretion. + </p> + <p> + He did not reply, therefore, but walked up and down the room, seeking in + vain some plausible excuse, and suffering perfect agony. This continued so + long, that Maxime, who had of late heard much of diseases of the brain, + asked himself if Daniel could possibly have lost his mind. + </p> + <p> + No; for suddenly his friend stopped before him, and said in a short, sharp + tone,— + </p> + <p> + “First of all, Maxime, swear that you will never, under any circumstances, + say to any human being a word of what I am going to tell you.” + </p> + <p> + Thoroughly mystified, Brevan raised his hand, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I pledge my word of honor!” + </p> + <p> + This promise seemed to re-assure Daniel; and, when he thought he had + recovered sufficient control over himself, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Some months ago, my dear friend, I heard you telling somebody a horrible + story concerning a certain Mrs. Sarah Brandon”— + </p> + <p> + “Miss, if you please, not Mrs.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it does not matter. You know her?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. Everybody knows her.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel did not notice the extreme self-conceit with which these words were + uttered. + </p> + <p> + “All right, then. Now, Maxime, I conjure you, by our friendship, tell me + frankly what you think of her. What kind of a woman is this Miss Brandon?” + </p> + <p> + His features, as well as his voice, betrayed such extreme excitement, that + Brevan was almost stunned. At last he said,— + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear fellow, you ask me that in a manner”— + </p> + <p> + “I must know the truth, I tell you. It is of the utmost importance to me.” + </p> + <p> + Brevan, struck by a sudden thought, touched his forehead, and exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I see! You are in love with Sarah!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel would never have thought of such a subterfuge in order to avoid + mentioning the name of Count Ville-Handry; but, seeing it thus offered to + him, he determined to profit by the opportunity. + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes, suppose it is so,” he said with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + Maxime raised his hands to heaven, and said in a tone of painful + conviction,— + </p> + <p> + “In that case you are right. You ought to inquire; for you may be close + upon a terrible misfortune.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, is she really so formidable?” + </p> + <p> + Maxime shrugged his shoulders, as if he were impatient at being called + upon to prove a well-known fact, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I should think so.” + </p> + <p> + There seemed to be no reason why Daniel should persist in his questions + after that. Those words ought to have been explanation enough. + Nevertheless he said in a subdued voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Pray explain, Maxime! Don’t you know, that, as I lead a very quiet life, + I know nothing?” + </p> + <p> + Brevan, looking more serious than he had ever done, rose and replied, + leaning against the mantlepiece,— + </p> + <p> + “What would you have me tell you? It is only fools who call out to lovers + to beware; and to warn a man who will not be warned, is useless. Are you + really in love with Miss Sarah, or are you not? If you are, nothing that I + could say would change your mind. Suppose I were to tell you that this + Sarah is a wretched creature, an infamous forger, who has already the + death of three poor devils on her conscience, who loved her as you do? + Suppose I told you worse things than these, and could prove them? Do you + know what would happen? You would press my hand with effusion. You would + overwhelm me with thanks, tears in your eye. You would vow, in the candor + of your heart, that you are forever cured, and, when you leave me”— + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “You would rush to your beloved, tell her all I said, and beseech her to + clear herself of all these charges.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon; I am not one of those men who”— + </p> + <p> + But Brevan was getting more and more excited. He interrupted his friend, + and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense! You are a man like all other men. Passion does not reason, does + not calculate; and that is the secret of its strength. As long as we have + a spark of commonsense left, we are not really in love. That is so, I tell + you; and no will, no amount of energy, can do any thing with it. There are + people who tell you soberly that they have been in love without losing + their senses, and reproach you for not keeping cool. Bosh! Those people + remind me of still champagne blaming sparkling champagne for popping off + the cork. And now, my dear fellow, have the kindness to accept this cigar, + and let us take a walk.” + </p> + <p> + Was that really so as Brevan said? Was it true that real love destroys in + us the faculty of reasoning, and of distinguishing truth from falsehood? + Did he really not love Henrietta truly, because he was on the point of + giving her up for the sake of doing his duty? + </p> + <p> + Oh, no, no! Brevan had been speaking of another kind of love,—a love + neither pure nor chaste. He spoke of those passions which suddenly strike + us down like lightning; which confound our senses, and mislead our + judgment; which destroy every thing, as fire does, and leave nothing + behind but disaster and disgrace and remorse. + </p> + <p> + But all the more painful became Daniel’s thoughts as he remembered that + Count Ville-Handry was overcome by one of these terrible passions for a + worthless creature. He could not accept Maxime’s offer. + </p> + <p> + “One word, I pray you,” he said. “Suppose I lose my free will, and + surrender absolutely; what will become of me?” + </p> + <p> + Brevan looked at him with an air of pity, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Not much will happen to you; only”— + </p> + <p> + And then he added with almost sternness, mixed with bitter sarcasm,— + </p> + <p> + “You ask me for your horoscope? Be it so. Have you a large fortune?” + </p> + <p> + “About fifty thousand dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, in six months they will be gone; in a year you will be overwhelmed + with debts, and at your wits’ end; in less than a year and a half, you + will have become a forger.” + </p> + <p> + “Maxime!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! You asked me to tell you the truth. Then, as to your social position. + Now it is excellent; you have been promoted as rapidly as merit could + claim, everybody says. You will be an admiral one of these days. But in + six months you will be nothing at all; you will have resigned your + commission, or you will have been dismissed.” + </p> + <p> + “Allow me”— + </p> + <p> + “No. You are an honest man, the most honorable man I know; after six + months’ acquaintance with Sarah Brandon, you will have lost your self- + respect so completely, that you will have become a drunkard. There is your + picture. ‘It’s not flattered!’ you will say. But you wanted to have it. + And now let us go.” + </p> + <p> + This time he was determined; and Daniel saw that he would not obtain + another word from him, unless he changed his tactics. He held him back, + therefore, a moment; and, as he opened the door, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Maxime, you must pardon me a very innocent deception, which was suggested + by your own words. It is not I who am in love with Miss Sarah Brandon.” + </p> + <p> + Brevan was so much surprised, he could not stir. + </p> + <p> + “Who is it, then?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “One of my friends.” + </p> + <p> + “What name?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would render the service I ask of you doubly valuable by not + asking me that question,—at least, not to-day.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel spoke with such an accent of truth, that not a shadow of doubt + remained on Maxime’s mind. It was not Daniel who had fallen in love with + Sarah Brandon. Brevan did not doubt that for a moment. But he could not + conceal his trouble, and his disappointment even, as he exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Well done, Daniel! Tell me that your ingenuous people cannot deceive + anybody!” + </p> + <p> + However, he said nothing more about it; and, while Daniel was pouring out + his excuses, he quietly went back to the fire, and sat down. After a + moment’s silence, he began again,— + </p> + <p> + “Let us assume, then, that it is one of your friends who is bewitched?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And the matter is—serious?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! He talks of marrying that woman.” + </p> + <p> + Maxime shrugged his shoulders contemptuously, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “As to that, console yourself. Sarah will never consent.” + </p> + <p> + “So far from that, she herself has made the suggestion.” + </p> + <p> + This time, Maxime raised his head suddenly, and looked stupefied. + </p> + <p> + “Then your friend must be very rich.” + </p> + <p> + “He is immensely rich.” + </p> + <p> + “He bears a great name, and holds a high position?” + </p> + <p> + “His name is one of the oldest and noblest in the province of Anjou.” + </p> + <p> + “And he is a very old man?” + </p> + <p> + “He is sixty-five.” + </p> + <p> + Brevan struck the marble slab of the mantlepiece with his fist so that it + shook, and exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, she told me she would succeed!” + </p> + <p> + And then he added in a very low tone of voice, as if speaking to himself + with an indescribable accent of mingled admiration and hatred,— + </p> + <p> + “What a woman! Oh, what a woman!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel, who was himself greatly excited, and far too busy with his own + thoughts to observe what was going on, did not notice the excitement of + his friend; he continued quietly,— + </p> + <p> + “Now you will understand my great curiosity. In order to prevent the + scandal of such a marriage, my friend’s family would do every thing in the + world. But how can you attack a woman of whose antecedents and mode of + life nothing is known?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I understand,” said Brevan,—“I understand.” + </p> + <p> + His features betrayed that he was making a great mental effort. He + remained for some time absorbed in his thoughts; and at last he said, as + if coming to a decision,— + </p> + <p> + “No, I do not see any way to prevent this marriage; none at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, from what you told me”— + </p> + <p> + “What!” + </p> + <p> + “About the cupidity of this woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “If she were offered a large sum, some eighty or a hundred thousand + dollars?” + </p> + <p> + Maxime laughed out loud; but there was not the true ring in his laughter. + </p> + <p> + “You might offer her two hundred thousand, and she would laugh at you. Do + you think she would be fool enough to content herself with a fraction of a + fortune, if she can have the whole, with a great name and a high position + into the bargain?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel opened his lips to present another suggestion; but Maxime, laying + aside his usual half-dreamy, mocking manner, said, as if roused by a + matter of great personal interest,— + </p> + <p> + “You do not understand me, my dear friend. Miss Brandon is not one of + those vulgar hawks, who, in broad daylight, seize upon a poor pigeon, + pluck it alive, and cast it aside, still living, and bleeding all over.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Maxime, she must be”— + </p> + <p> + “Well, I tell you you misapprehend her. Miss Brandon”— + </p> + <p> + He stopped suddenly, and looking at Daniel with a glance with which a + judge examines the features of a criminal, he added in an almost + threatening voice,— + </p> + <p> + “By telling you what little I know about her, Daniel, I give you the + highest proof of confidence which one man can give to another. I love you + too dearly to exact your promise to be discreet. If you ever mention my + name in connection with this affair, if you ever let any one suspect that + you learned what I am going to tell you from me, you will dishonor + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel, deeply moved, seized his friend’s hand, and, pressing it most + affectionately, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you know Daniel Champcey is to be relied upon.” + </p> + <p> + Maxime knew it; for he continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Miss Sarah Brandon is one of those female cosmopolitan adventurers, whom + steam brings nowadays to us from all the four quarters of the world. Like + so many others, she, also, has come to Paris to spread her net, and catch + her birds, But she is made of finer stuff than most of them, and more + clever. Her ambition soars higher; and she possesses a real genius for + intrigues. She means to have a fortune, and is willing to pay any price + for it; but she is also desirous to be respected in the world. + </p> + <p> + “I should not be surprised if anybody told me Miss Sarah was born within + ten miles of Paris; but she calls herself an American. The fact is, she + speaks English like an Englishwoman, and knows a great deal more of + America than you know of Paris. I have heard her tell the story of her + family to a large and attentive audience; but I do not say that I believed + it. + </p> + <p> + “According to her own account, M. Brandon, her father, a thoroughbred + Yankee, was a man of great enterprise and energy, who was ten times rich, + and as often wretchedly poor again in his life, but died leaving several + millions. This Brandon, she says, was a banker and broker in New York when + the civil war broke out. He entered the army, and in less than six months, + thanks to his marvellous energy, he rose to be a general. When peace came, + he was without occupation, and did not know what on earth to do with + himself. Fortunately, his good star led him into a region where large + tracts of land happened to be for sale. He bought them for a few thousand + dollars, and soon after discovered on his purchase the most productive + oil-wells in all America. He was just about to be another Peabody when a + fearful accident suddenly ended his life; he was burnt in an enormous fire + that destroyed one of his establishments. + </p> + <p> + “As to her mother, Miss Sarah says she lost her when she was quite young, + in a most romantic, though horrible manner”— + </p> + <p> + “What!” broke in Daniel, “has nobody taken the trouble to ascertain if all + these statements are true?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I do not know. This much is certain, that sometimes curious + facts leak out. For instance, I have fallen in with Americans who have + known a broker Brandon, a Gen. Brandon, a Petroleum Brandon.” + </p> + <p> + “He may have borrowed the name.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, especially when the original man is said to have died in + America. However, Miss Brandon has been living now for five years in + Paris. She came here accompanied by a Mrs. Brian, a relative of hers, who + is the dryest, boniest person you can imagine, but at the same time the + slyest woman I have ever seen. She also brought with her a kind of + protector, a Mr. Thomas Elgin, also a relation of hers, a most + extraordinary man, stiff like a poker, but evidently a dangerous man, who + never opens his mouth except when he eats. He is a famous hand at + small-swords, however, and snuffs his candle, nine times out of ten, at a + distance of thirty yards. This Mr. Thomas Elgin, whom the world calls + familiarly Sir Thorn, and Mrs. Brian, always stay with Miss Sarah. + </p> + <p> + “When she first arrived, Miss Sarah established herself in a house near + the Champs Elysees, which she furnished most sumptuously. Sir Thorn, who + is a jockey of the first water, had discovered a pair of gray horses for + her which made a sensation at the Bois de Boulogne, and drew everybody’s + attention to their fair owner. Heaven knows how she had managed to get a + number of letters of introduction. But certainly two or three of the most + influential members of the American colony here received her at their + houses. After that, all was made easy. Gradually she crept into society; + and now she is welcome almost everywhere, and visits, not only at the best + houses, but even in certain families which have a reputation of being + quite exclusive. + </p> + <p> + “In fine, if she has enemies, she has also fanatic partisans. If some + people say she is a wretch, others—and they are by no means the + least clever—tell you that she is an angel, only wanting wings to + fly away from this wicked world. They talk of her as of a poor little + orphan- girl, whom people slander atrociously because they envy her youth, + her beauty, her splendor.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, is she so rich?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Brandon spends at least twenty thousand dollars a year.” + </p> + <p> + “And no one inquires where they come from?” + </p> + <p> + “From her sainted father’s petroleum-wells, my dear fellow. Petroleum + explains everything.” + </p> + <p> + Brevan seemed to feel a kind of savage delight in seeing Daniel’s despair, + and in explaining to him most minutely how solidly, and how skilfully Miss + Sarah Brandon’s position in the world had been established. Had he any + expectation to prevent a struggle with her by exaggerating her strength? + Or rather, knowing Daniel as he did,—far better, unfortunately, than + he was known by him,—was he trying to irritate him more and more + against this formidable adversary? + </p> + <p> + At all events, he continued in that icy tone which gives to sarcasm its + greatest bitterness,— + </p> + <p> + “Besides, my dear Daniel, if you are ever introduced at Miss Brandon’s,—and + I pray you will believe me, people are not so easily introduced there,—you + will be dumfounded at first by the tone that prevails in that house. The + air is filled with a perfume of hypocrisy which would rejoice the stiffest + of Quakers. Cant rules supreme there, putting a lock to the mouth, and a + check to the eyes.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel began evidently to be utterly bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “But how, how can you reconcile that,” he said, “with the thoroughly + worldly life of Miss Brandon?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, very easily, my dear fellow! and there you see the sublime policy of + the three rogues. To the outer world, Miss Brandon is all levity, + indiscretion, coquettishness, and even worse. She drives herself, shortens + her petticoats, and cuts down her dress-bodies atrociously. She says she + has a right to do as she pleases, according to the code of laws which + govern American young ladies. But at home she bows to the taste and the + wishes of her relative, Mrs. Brian, who displays all the extreme + prudishness of the austerest Puritan. Then she has that stiff, tall Sir + Thorn ever at her side, who never jokes. Oh! they understand each other + perfectly; the parts are carefully distributed, and”— + </p> + <p> + Daniel showed that he was utterly discouraged. + </p> + <p> + “There is no way, then, of getting hold of this woman?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I think not.” + </p> + <p> + “But that adventure of which you spoke some time ago?” + </p> + <p> + “Which? That with poor Kergrist?” + </p> + <p> + “How do I know which? It was a fearful story; that is all I remember. What + did I, at that time, care for Miss Brandon? Now, to be sure”— + </p> + <p> + Brevan shook his head, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, you think that story might become a weapon in your hands? No, + Daniel. Still it is not a very long one; and I can now tell it to you more + in detail than I could before. + </p> + <p> + “About fifteen months ago, there arrived in Paris a nice young man called + Charles de Kergrist. He had lost as yet none of his illusions, being + barely twenty-five years old, and having something like a hundred thousand + dollars of his own. He saw Miss Brandon, and instantly ‘took fire.’ He + fell desperately in love with her. What his relations were with her, no + one can tell positively,—I mean with sufficient evidence to carry + conviction to others,—for the young man was a model of discretion. + But what became only too well known was the fact, that, about eight months + later, the people living near Miss Brandon’s house saw one morning, when + the shutters were opened, a corpse dangling at a distance of a few feet + above the ground from the iron fastenings of the lady’s window. Upon + inspection, the dead man proved to be that unlucky Kergrist. In the pocket + of his overcoat a letter was found, in which he declared that he committed + suicide because an unreturned affection had made life unbearable to him. + Now, this letter—mark the fact—was open; that is to say, it + had been sealed, and the seal was broken.” + </p> + <p> + “By whom?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me finish. The accident, as you may imagine, made a tremendous noise. + The family took it up. An inquest was held; and it was found that the + hundred thousand dollars which Kergrist had brought with him had utterly + disappeared.” + </p> + <p> + “And Miss Brandon’s reputation was not ruined?” + </p> + <p> + Maxime replied with a bitter, ironical smile,— + </p> + <p> + “You know very well that she was not. On the contrary, the hanging was + turned by her partisans into an occasion for praising her marvellous + virtuousness. ‘If she had been weak,’ they said, ‘Kergrist would not have + hanged himself. Besides,’ they added, ‘how can a girl, be she ever so pure + and innocent, prevent her lovers from hanging themselves at her windows? + As to the money,’ they said, ‘it had been lost at the gaming-table.’ + Kergrist was reported to have been seen at Baden-Baden and at Homburg; no + doubt he played.” + </p> + <p> + “And the world was content with such an explanation?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; why not? To be sure, some sceptical persons told the whole story + very differently. According, to their account, Miss Sarah had been the + mistress of M. de Kergrist, and, seeing him utterly ruined, had sent him + off one fine morning. They stated, that, the evening before the accident, + he had come to the house at the usual hour, and, finding it closed, had + begged, and even wept, and finally threatened to kill himself; that, + thereupon, he had really killed himself; (poor fool that he was!) that + Miss Brandon, concealed behind the blinds, had watched all his + preparations for the fearful act; that she had seen him fasten the rope to + the outside hinges of her window, put the noose around his neck, and then + swing off into eternity; that she had watched him closely during his + agony, and stood there till the last convulsions had passed away.” + </p> + <p> + “Horrible!” whispered Daniel,—“too horrible!” + </p> + <p> + But Maxime seized him by the arm, and pressing it so as almost to hurt + him, said in a low, hoarse voice,— + </p> + <p> + “That is not the worst yet. As soon as she saw that Kergrist was surely + dead, she slipped down stairs like a cat, opened the house-door + noiselessly, and, gliding stealthily along the wall till she reached the + body, she actually searched the still quivering corpse to assure herself + that there was nothing in the pockets that could possibly compromise her. + Finding the last letter of Kergrist, she took it away with her, broke the + seal, and read it; and, having found that her name was not mentioned in + it, she had the amazing audacity to return to the body, and to put the + letter back where she had found it. Then only she breathed freely. She had + gotten rid of a man whom she feared. She went to bed, and slept soundly.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had become livid. + </p> + <p> + “That woman is a monster!” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + Brevan said nothing. His eyes shone with intense hatred; his lips were + quivering with indignation. He no longer thought of discretion, of + caution. He forgot himself, and gave himself up to his feelings. + </p> + <p> + “But I have not done yet, Daniel,” he said, after a pause. “There is + another crime on record, of older date. The first appearance of Miss + Brandon in Paris society. You ought to know that also. + </p> + <p> + “One evening, about four years ago, the president of the Mutual Discount + Society came into the cashier’s room to tell him, that, on the following + day, the board of directors would examine his books. The cashier, an + unfortunate man by the name of Malgat, replied that every thing was ready; + but, the moment the president had turned his back, he took a sheet of + paper, and wrote something like this:— + </p> + <p> + “‘Forgive me, I have been an honest man forty years long; now a fatal + passion has made me mad. I have drawn money from the bank which was + intrusted to my care; and, in order to screen my defalcations, I have + forged several notes. I cannot conceal my crime any longer. The first + defalcation is only six months old. The whole amount is about four hundred + thousand francs. I cannot bear the disgrace which I have incurred; in an + hour I shall have ceased to live.’ + </p> + <p> + “Malgat put this letter in a prominent place on his desk, and then rushed + out, without a cent in his pocket, to throw himself into the canal. But + when he reached the bank, and saw the foul, black water, he was + frightened. For hours and hours he walked up and down, asking God in his + madness for courage. He never found that courage. + </p> + <p> + “But what was he to do? He could not flee, having no money; and where + should he hide? He could not return to his bank; for there, by this time, + his crime must have become known. In his despair he ran as far as the + Champs Elysees, and late in the night he knocked at the door of Miss + Brandon’s house. + </p> + <p> + “They did not know yet what had happened, and he was admitted. Then, in + his wild despair, he told them all, begging them to give him a couple of + hundreds only of the four hundred thousand which he had stolen in order to + give them to Miss Brandon,—a hundred only, to enable him to escape + to Belgium. + </p> + <p> + “They refused. And when he begged and prayed, falling on his knees before + Miss Sarah, Sir Thorn seized him by the shoulders, and turned him out of + the house.” + </p> + <p> + Maxime, overcome by his intense excitement, fell into an easy-chair, and + remained there for a considerable time, his eyes fixed, his brow darkened, + repenting himself, no doubt, of his candor, his wrath, and his + forgetfulness of all he owed to himself and to others. + </p> + <p> + But, when he rose again, his rare strength of will enabled him to assume + his usual phlegmatic manner; and he continued in a mocking tone,— + </p> + <p> + “I see in your face, Daniel, that you think the story is monstrous, + improbable, almost impossible. Nevertheless, four years ago, it was + believed all over Paris, and set off by a number of hideous details which + I will spare you. If you care to look at the papers of that year, you will + find it everywhere. But four years are four centuries in Paris. To say + nothing of the many similar stories that have happened since.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel said nothing, he only bowed his head sadly. He felt a kind of + painful emotion, such as he had never before experienced in his life. + </p> + <p> + “It is not so much the story itself,” he said at last, “that overcomes me + so completely. What I cannot comprehend is, how this woman could refuse + the man whose accomplice she had been the small pittance he required in + order to evade justice, and to escape to Belgium.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, that was so,” repeated M. de Brevan; and then he added + emphatically, “at least, they say so.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel did not notice this attempt to become more cautious again. He + continued pensively,— + </p> + <p> + “Is it not very improbable that Miss Brandon should not have been afraid + to exasperate the unfortunate man, and to drive him to desperate measures? + In his furious rage, he might have left the house, rushed to a + police-officer, and confessed to him every thing, laying the evidence he + had in his hands before a magistrate, and”— + </p> + <p> + “You say,” replied Brevan, interrupting him with a dry, sardonic laugh, + “precisely what all the advocates of the fair American said at that time. + But I tell you, that her peculiarity is exactly the daring with which she + ventures upon the most dangerous steps. She does not pretend to avoid + difficulties; she crushes them. Her prudence consists in carrying + imprudence to the farthest limits.” + </p> + <p> + “But”— + </p> + <p> + “You ought to credit her, besides, with sufficient astuteness and + experience to know that she had taken the most careful precautions, having + destroyed every evidence of her own complicity, and feeling quite safe in + that direction. Moreover, she had studied Malgat’s character, as she + studied afterwards Kergrist’s. She was quite sure that neither of them + would accuse her, even at the moment of death. And yet, in the case of + this Mutual Discount Society, her calculations did not prove absolutely + correct.” + </p> + <p> + “How so?” + </p> + <p> + “It became known that she had received Malgat two or three times secretly, + for he did not openly enter her house; and the penny papers had it, that + ‘the fair stranger was no stranger to small peculations.’ Public opinion + was veering around, when it was reported that she had been summoned to + appear before a magistrate. That, however, was fortunate for her; she came + out from the trial whiter and purer than Alpine snow.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” + </p> + <p> + “And so perfectly cleared, that, when the whole matter was brought up in + court, she was not even summoned as a witness.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel started up, and exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “What! Malgat had the sublime self-abnegation to undergo the agonies of a + trial, and the infamy of a condemnation, without allowing a word to + escape?” + </p> + <p> + “No. For the simple reason that Malgat was sentenced <i>in contumaciam</i> + to ten years in the penitentiary.” + </p> + <p> + “And what has become of the poor wretch?” + </p> + <p> + “Who knows? They say he killed himself. Two months later, a half + decomposed body was found in the forest of Saint Germain, which people + declared to be Malgat. However”— + </p> + <p> + He had become livid, in his turn; but he continued in an almost inaudible + voice, as if to meet Daniel’s objections before they were expressed,— + </p> + <p> + “However, somebody who used to be intimate with Malgat has assured me that + he met him one day in Dronot Street, before the great auction- mart. The + man said he recognized him, although he seemed to be most artistically + disguised. This is what has set me thinking more than once, that, if + people were not mistaken, a day might, after all, yet come, when Miss + Sarah would have a terrible bill to settle with her implacable creditor.” + </p> + <p> + He passed his hand across his brow as if to drive away such uncomfortable + thoughts, and then said with a forced laugh,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, my dear fellow, I have come to the end of my budget. The details + were all given me by Miss Sarah’s friends as well as by her enemies. Some + you may read of in the papers; but most I know from my own long and + patient observation. And, if you ask me what interest I could have in + knowing such a woman, I will tell you frankly, that you see before you one + of her victims; for my dear Daniel, I have to confess it, I also have been + in love with her; and how! But I was too small a personage, and too poor a + devil, to be worth a serious thought of Miss Brandon. As soon as she felt + sure that her abominable tricks had set my head on fire, and that I had + become an idiot, a madman, a stupid fool—on that very day she + laughed in my face. Ah! I tell you, she played with me as if I had been a + child, and then she sent me off as if I had been a lackey. And now I hate + her mortally, as I loved her almost criminally. Therefore, if I can help + you, in secret, without becoming known, you may count upon me.” + </p> + <p> + Why should Daniel have doubted the truthfulness of his friend’s + statements? Had he not himself, and quite voluntarily, confessed his own + folly, his own love, anticipating all questions, and making a clean breast + of the whole matter? + </p> + <p> + Not a doubt, therefore, arose in Daniel’s mind. On the contrary, he + thanked God for having sent him such an ally, such a friend, who had lived + long enough amid all these intrigues of Parisian high life to know all its + secret springs, and to guide him safely. He took Maxime’s hand in his own, + and said with deep feeling,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, my friend, we are bound to each other for life.” + </p> + <p> + Brevan seemed deeply touched; he raised his hand as if to wipe a tear from + his eyes. But he was not a man to give way to tender feelings. He said,— + </p> + <p> + “But how about your friend? How can we prevent his marrying Miss Sarah? + Does any way occur to you? No? Ah! you see, it will be hard work.” + </p> + <p> + He seemed to meditate deeply for a few moments; then uttering his words + slowly and emphatically, as if to lend them their full weight, and impress + them forcibly on Daniel’s mind, he resumed,— + </p> + <p> + “We must attack Miss Brandon herself, if we want to master the situation. + If we could once know who she really is, all would be safe. Fortunately + there is no difficulty in Paris in finding spies, if you have money + enough.” + </p> + <p> + As the clock on the mantlepiece struck half-past ten, he started and + stopped. He jumped up as if suddenly inspired by a bright idea, and said + hurriedly,— + </p> + <p> + “But now I think of it, Daniel, you do not know Miss Brandon; you have + never even seen her!” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s a pity. We must know our enemies; how else can we even smile + at them? I want you to see Miss Sarah.” + </p> + <p> + “But who will point her out to me? where? when?” + </p> + <p> + “I will do it to-night, at the opera. I bet she will be there!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was in evening costume, having called upon Henrietta, and then he + was all ready. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” he said, “I am willing.” + </p> + <p> + Without losing a moment, they went out, and reached the theatre just as + the curtain rose on the fourth act of Don Giovanni. They were, + fortunately, able to secure two orchestra-chairs. The stage was gorgeous; + but what did they care for the singer on the boards, or the divine music + of Mozart? Brevan took his opera-glasses out, and rapidly surveying the + house, he had soon found what he was looking for. He touched Daniel with + his elbow, and, handing him the glasses, whispered in his ear,— + </p> + <p> + “Look there, in the third box from the stage; look, there she is!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V. + </h2> + <p> + Daniel looked up. In the box which Maxime had pointed out to him he saw a + girl of such rare and dazzling beauty, that he could hardly retain a cry + of admiration. She was leaning forward, resting on the velvet cushion of + her box, in order to hear better. + </p> + <p> + Her hair, perfectly overwhelming in its richness, was so carelessly + arranged, that no one could doubt it was all her own; it was almost + golden, but with such a bright sheen, that at every motion sparks seemed + to start from its dark masses. Her large, soft eyes were overshadowed by + long lashes; and as she now opened them wide, and now half closed them + again, they changed from the darkest to the lightest blue. + </p> + <p> + Her lips smiled in all the freshness and innocence of merry youth, + displaying now and then two rows of teeth, matchless in their beauty and + regularity. + </p> + <p> + “Can that be,” said Daniel to himself, “the wretched creature whose + portrait Maxime has just given me?” + </p> + <p> + A little behind her, and half-hid in the shade of the box, appeared a + large bony head, adorned with an absurd bunch of feathers. Her eyes + flashed indignation; and her narrow lips seemed to say perpetually, + “Shocking!” That was Mrs. Brian. + </p> + <p> + Still farther back, barely discernible after long examination, arose a + tall, stiff figure, a bald, shining head, two dark, deep-sunk eyes, a + hooked nose, and a pair of immense streaming whiskers. That was the Hon. + Thomas Elgin, commonly known as Sir Thorn. + </p> + <p> + As Daniel was persistently examining the box, with the smiling girl, the + stern old woman, and the placid old man in the background, he felt doubts + of all kinds creeping into his mind. + </p> + <p> + Might not Maxime be mistaken? Did he not merely repeat the atrocious + slanders of the envious world? + </p> + <p> + These thoughts troubled Daniel; and he would have mentioned his doubts to + Maxime; but his neighbors were enthusiasts about music, and, as soon as he + bent over to whisper into his friend’s ear, they growled, and, if he + ventured to utter a word, they forced him to be silent. At last the + curtain fell. Many left the house; others simply rose to look around; but + Maxime and Daniel remained in their seats. Their whole attention was + concentrated upon Miss Brandon’s box, when they saw the door open, and a + gentleman enter, who, at the distance at which they sat, looked like a + very young man. His complexion was brilliantly fair, his beard jet black, + and his curly hair most carefully arranged. He had his opera-hat under his + arm, a camellia in his button-hole; and his light-yellow kid gloves were + so tight, that it looked as if they must inevitably burst the instant he + used his hands. + </p> + <p> + “Count Ville-Handry!” said Daniel to himself. + </p> + <p> + Somebody touched his shoulder slightly; and, as he turned round, he found + it was Maxime, who said with friendly irony,— + </p> + <p> + “Your old friend, is it not? The happy lover of Miss Brandon?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is so. I have to confess it.” + </p> + <p> + He was just in the act of explaining the reasons for his silence, when M. + de Brevan interrupted him, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Just look, Daniel; just look!” + </p> + <p> + The count had taken a seat in the front part of the box, by Miss Brandon’s + side, and was talking to her with studied affectation, bending over her, + gesticulating violently, and laughing till he showed every one of the long + yellow teeth which were left him. He was evidently on exhibition, and + desired to be seen by everybody. Suddenly, however, after Miss Brandon had + said a few words to him, he rose, and went out. + </p> + <p> + The bell behind the scenes was ringing, and the curtain was about to rise + again. + </p> + <p> + “Let us <i>go</i>,” said Daniel to M. de Brevan: “I am suffering.” + </p> + <p> + He was really suffering, mortified by the ridiculous scene which + Henrietta’s father was playing. But he entertained no longer any doubts; + he had clearly seen how the adventuress was spurring on the old man, and + fanning his feeble flame. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! it will be hard work to rescue the count from the wiles of this + witch,” said Maxime. + </p> + <p> + Having left the house, they were just turning into the narrow street which + leads to the boulevards, when they saw a tall man, wrapped up in a huge + cloak, coming towards them, and behind him a servant with a whole armful + of magnificent roses. It was Count Ville-Handry. Coming suddenly face to + face upon Daniel, he seemed at first very much embarrassed; then, + recovering himself, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Why, is this you? Where on earth do you come from?” + </p> + <p> + “From the theatre.” + </p> + <p> + “And you run away before the fifth act? That is a crime against the + majesty of Mozart. Come, go back with me, and I promise you a pleasant + surprise.” + </p> + <p> + Brevan came up close to Daniel, and whispered to him,— + </p> + <p> + “Go; here is the opportunity I was wishing for.” + </p> + <p> + Then he lifted his hat and went his way. Daniel, taken rather by surprise, + accompanied the count till he saw him stop near a huge landau, open in + spite of the cold weather, but guarded by three servants in gorgeous + livery. When they saw the count, they all three uncovered respectfully; + but he, without taking any notice of them, turned to the porter who had + the flowers, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Scatter all these roses in this carriage.” + </p> + <p> + The man hesitated. He was the servant of a famous florist, and had often + seen people pay forty or fifty dollars for such bouquets. He thought the + joke was carried too far. However, the count insisted. The roses were + piled up in the bottom of the carriage; and, when he had done, he received + a handsome fee for his trouble. + </p> + <p> + Then the count returned to the opera-house, Daniel following him, filled + with amazement. Evidently love had made the count young again, and now + gave wings to his steps. He ran up the steps of the great porch of the + opera-house, and in a few moments he was once more in Miss Brandon’s box. + At once he took Daniel by the hand; and, drawing him into the box close to + the lady, he said to the young girl,— + </p> + <p> + “Permit me to present to you M. Daniel Champcey, one of our most + distinguished naval officers.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel bowed, first to her, and then solemnly to Mrs. Brian, and long, + stiff Sir Thorn. + </p> + <p> + “I need not tell you, my dear count,” said Miss Sarah, “that your friends + are always welcome here.” + </p> + <p> + Then, turning to Daniel, she added,— + </p> + <p> + “Besides, I have long since known you.” + </p> + <p> + “Me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. And I even know that you are one of the most frequent visitors + at Count Ville-Handry’s house.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at Daniel with a kind of malicious simplicity, and then added, + </p> + <p> + “<i>I</i> do not mean to say that the count would not be wrong if he + attributed your frequent visits exclusively to his own merits. I have + heard something of a certain young lady”— + </p> + <p> + “Sarah,” here broke in Mrs. Brian, “what you say there is highly + improper.” This reproof, so far from checking Miss Sarah’s merriment, only + seemed to increase it. Without losing sight of Daniel, she turned to her + aunt, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Since the count is not opposed to this gentleman’s paying his attentions + to his daughter, I think I may safely speak of them. It would be such an + extraordinary thing, if any thing should happen to interfere with his + hopes!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel, who had blushed all over, suddenly became deadly pale. After all + that he had been told, these words sounded to him, in spite of the loud + laugh that accompanied them, like a warning and a threat. But he was not + allowed the time to reflect. The piece was coming to an end; Miss Brandon + was drawing a fur cloak over her shoulders, and left on the count’s arm; + while he had to escort Mrs. Brian, being closely followed by tall, stiff + Sir Thorn. The landau was at the door. The servants had let down the + steps; and Miss Sarah was just getting in. Suddenly, as her foot touched + the bottom of the carriage, she drew back, and cried out,— + </p> + <p> + “What is that? What is in there?” + </p> + <p> + The count came forward, looking visibly embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + “You are fond of roses,” he said, “and I have ordered a few.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he took up some of the leaves, and showed them to her. + But immediately Miss Brandon’s terror was changed into wrath. + </p> + <p> + “You certainly are bent upon making me angry,” she said. “You want people + to say everywhere that I make you commit all kinds of follies. What a + glorious thing to waste fifty dollars on flowers, when one has I know not + how many millions!” + </p> + <p> + Then, seeing by the light of the street-lamp that the count’s face showed + deep disappointment, she said in a tone to make him lose the little reason + that was left him,— + </p> + <p> + “You would have been more welcome if you had brought me a cent’s worth of + violets.” + </p> + <p> + In the mean time Mrs. Brian had taken her seat by Miss Brandon’s side; Sir + Thorn had gotten in; and it was now the count’s turn. At the moment when + the servant was closing the door, Miss Sarah bent forward toward Daniel, + and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I hope I shall have the pleasure of soon seeing you again. Our dear count + will give you my address, and tell you my reception-days. I must tell you + that we American girls dote upon naval officers, and that I”— + </p> + <p> + The remainder was lost in the noise of the wheels. The carriage which took + Miss Brandon and Count Ville-Handry away was already at some distance, + before Daniel could recover from his amazement, his utter consternation. + </p> + <p> + All these strange events, coming upon him one by one, in the course of a + few hours, and breaking suddenly in upon so calm and quiet a life, + overwhelmed him to such a degree, that he was not quite sure whether he + was dreaming or awake. + </p> + <p> + Alas! he was not dreaming. This Miss Sarah Brandon, who had just passed + away from him like a glorious vision from on high, was only too real; and + there, on the muddy pavement, a handful of rose-leaves bore witness of the + power of her charms, and the folly of her aged lover. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, we are lost!” exclaimed Daniel, in so loud a voice, that some of the + passers-by stopped, expecting one of those street-dramas which read so + strikingly in the local columns of our papers. They were disappointed, + however. Noticing that he attracted attention, Daniel shrugged his + shoulders, and quickly walked off towards the boulevards. + </p> + <p> + He had promised Henrietta to be sure to tell her that very evening, if + possible, what he had found out; but it was too late now; midnight was + striking. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll go to-morrow,” he said to himself. + </p> + <p> + Whilst lounging leisurely down the boulevards, still brilliantly lighted + up, and crowded with people, he strained all his faculties for the purpose + of examining his situation coolly and calmly. At first he had imagined he + should only have to do with one of those common <i>intriguantes</i> who + want to secure themselves a quiet old age, and clumsily spread their nets + to catch an old or a young man; and who can always easily be gotten rid of + by paying them a more or less considerable sum of money, provided the + police does not get hold of them. In such a case he would have had some + hope. + </p> + <p> + But here he saw himself suddenly confronted by one of those formidable + adventuresses in high life, who either save appearances altogether, or, at + worst, are only compromised far enough to give additional zest and an air + of mystery to their relations. How could he hope to compete with such a + woman? and with what weapons could he attack her? How should he reach her? + and how attack her? + </p> + <p> + Was it not pure folly to think even of making her give up the magnificent + fortune which she seemed already to have in her hands, Heaven knows by + what means? She evidently looked upon it as her own already, and enjoyed + its charms in anticipation. + </p> + <p> + “Great God!” said Daniel, “send me some inspiration.” + </p> + <p> + But no inspiration came; and in vain did he torture his mind; he was + unable to think. + </p> + <p> + When he reached home, he went to bed as usual; but the consciousness of + his misfortunes kept him awake. At nine o’clock in the morning, having + never closed his eyes, and feeling utterly overcome by sleeplessness and + fatigue, he was just about to get up, when some one knocked at his door. + He rose hastily, put on his clothes, and went to open the door. It was M. + de Brevan, who came to hear all about his new acquaintance of last night, + and whose first word was,— + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” replied Daniel, “I think the wisest plan would be to give it up.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, you are in great haste to surrender.” + </p> + <p> + “And what would you do in my place, eh? That woman has beauty enough to + drive any one mad; and the count is a lost man.” + </p> + <p> + And, before Maxime had time to reply, Daniel told him simply and frankly + all about his love for Miss Ville-Handry, the hopes he had been encouraged + to cherish, and the dangers that threatened his happiness in life. + </p> + <p> + “For I can no longer deceive myself, Maxime,” he concluded with a tone of + utter despair. “I foresee, I know, what is going to happen. Henrietta will + obstinately, and at any risk, do every thing in the world to prevent her + father’s marriage with Miss Brandon; she will struggle to the bitter end. + Ought I, or ought I not, to help her? Certainly. Can we succeed? No! But + we shall have a mortal enemy in Miss Brandon; and, on the morning after + her wedding, her first thought will be how to avenge herself, and how to + separate Henrietta and myself forever.” + </p> + <p> + Little as Brevan was generally given to show his feelings, he was + evidently deeply touched by his friend’s despair. + </p> + <p> + “In short, my dear fellow, you have reached the point at which we no + longer know what to do. All the more reason, then, that you should listen + to the calm advice of a friend. You must have yourself presented at Miss + Brandon’s house.” + </p> + <p> + “She has invited me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, do not hesitate, but go there.” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “Not for much. You will pay some compliments to Miss Sarah; you will be + all attention to Mrs. Brian; and you will try to win over the Hon. Thomas + Elgin. Finally, and above all, you will be all ears and all eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to say I do not understand you yet.” + </p> + <p> + “What? Don’t you see that the position of these daring adventurers, + however secure it may appear, may, after all, hang on a single thread? and + that nothing is wanting in order to cut that thread but an opportunity? + And when you may expect, at any moment, any thing and every thing, what is + to be done but to wait and watch?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel did not seem to be convinced. He added,— + </p> + <p> + “Miss Sarah will talk to me about her marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly she will.” + </p> + <p> + “What can I say?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,—neither yes nor no,—but smile, or run away; at all + events, you gain time.” + </p> + <p> + He was interrupted by Daniel’s servant, who came in, holding a card in his + hand, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Sir, there is a gentleman down stairs in a carriage, who wants to know if + he would interrupt you if he came up to see you.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the gentleman’s name?” + </p> + <p> + “Count Ville-Handry. Here is his card.” + </p> + <p> + “Be quick!” said Daniel, “run down and ask him, would he please come up.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan had started up, and was standing, with his hat on, near the + door. As the servant left, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “I am running away.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because the count must not find me here. You would be compelled to + introduce me to him; he might remember my name; and, if he were to tell + Miss Sarah that I am your friend, all would be lost.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he turned to go; but at the same moment the outer door was + opened, and he said,— + </p> + <p> + “There is the count! I am caught.” + </p> + <p> + But Daniel opened promptly the door to his bedroom, pushed him in, and + shut the door. It was high time; the same moment the count entered. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VI. + </h2> + <p> + The count must have risen early that day. Although it was not yet ten + o’clock, he was already brilliant, rouged, dyed, and frizzed. Of course + all these results had not been the work of an hour. As he entered, he drew + a long breath, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! You live pretty high up, my dear Daniel.” + </p> + <p> + Poor fellow! He forgot that he was playing the young man. But he recalled + himself at once, and added, full of vivacity,— + </p> + <p> + “Not that I complain of it; oh, no! A few stories to climb—what is + that to me?” + </p> + <p> + At the same time he stretched out his leg, and caressed his calf, as if to + exhibit its vigor and its suppleness. In the meantime, Daniel, full of + respect for his future father-in-law, had drawn forward his easiest + arm-chair. The count took it, and in an airy manner, which contrasted ill + with his evident embarrassment, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “I am sure, my dear Daniel, you must be very much surprised and puzzled to + see me here; are you not?” + </p> + <p> + “I confess, sir, I am. If you wished to speak to me, you had only to drop + me a line, and I should have waited upon you at once.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure you would! But that is not necessary. In fact, I have nothing + to say to you. I should not have come to see you, if I had not missed an + appointment. I was to meet one of my fellow members of the assembly, and + he did not come to the place where we were to meet. On my return home, I + happened to pass your house; and I said to myself, ‘Why not go up and see + my sailor friend? I might ask him what he thinks of a certain young lady + to whom he had, last night, the honor of being presented.’” + </p> + <p> + Now or never was the favorable moment for following Maxime’s advice; hence + Daniel, instead of replying, simply smiled as pleasantly as he could. + </p> + <p> + But that did not satisfy the count; so he repeated the question more + directly, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Come, tell us frankly, what do you think of Miss Brandon?” + </p> + <p> + “She is one of the greatest beauties I have ever seen in my life.” + </p> + <p> + Count Ville-Handry’s eyes beamed with delight and with pride as he heard + these words. He exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Say she is the greatest beauty, the most marvellous and transcendent + beauty, you ever saw. And that, M. Daniel Champcey, is her smallest + attraction. When she opens her lips, the charms of her mind, beauty and + her mind, and remember her admirable ingenuousness, her naive freshness, + and all the treasures of her chaste and pure soul.” + </p> + <p> + This excessive, almost idiotic admiration, this implicit, absurd faith in + his beloved, gave the painted face of the count a strange, almost ecstatic + expression. He said to himself, but loud enough to be heard,— + </p> + <p> + “And to think that chance alone has led me to meet this angel!” + </p> + <p> + A sudden start, involuntary on the part of Daniel, seemed to disturb him; + for he resumed his speech, laying great stress upon his words,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, chance alone; and I can prove it to you.” + </p> + <p> + He settled down in his chair like a man who is going to speak for some + length of time; and, in that emphatic manner which so well expressed the + high opinion he had of himself, he continued,— + </p> + <p> + “You know, my friend, how deeply I was affected by the death of the + Countess Ville-Handry. It is true she was not exactly the companion a + statesman of my rank would have chosen. Her whole capacity rarely rose + beyond the effort to distinguish a ball-dress from a dinner-dress. But she + was a good woman, attentive, discreet, and devoted to me; an excellent + manager, economical, and yet always sure to do honor to the high + reputation of my house.” + </p> + <p> + Thus, in all sincerity, the count spoke of her who had literally made him, + and who, for sixteen long years, had galvanized his empty head. + </p> + <p> + “In short,” he continued, “the loss of my wife so completely upset me, + that I lost all taste for the occupations which had so far been dear to + me; and I set about to find distractions elsewhere. Soon after I had + gotten into the habit of going frequently to my club, I fell in with M. + Thomas Elgin, and, although we never became intimate, we always exchanged + a friendly greeting, and occasionally a cigar. + </p> + <p> + “Sir Thorn, as they call him, is an excellent horseman, you know, and used + to ride out every morning at an early hour; and as the physicians had + recommended to me horseback exercise, and as I like it, because I excel in + riding, as in every thing else, we often met in the Bois de Boulogne. We + wished each other good-day; and sometimes we galloped a little while side + by side. I am rather reserved; but Sir Thorn is even more so, and thus it + did not seem that our acquaintance was ever to ripen into any thing + better, till an accident brought us together. + </p> + <p> + “One morning we were returning slowly from a long ride, when Sir Thorn’s + mare, a foolish brute, suddenly shied, and jumped so high, that he was + thrown. I jumped down instantly to help him up again; but he could not + rise. You know nothing ordinarily hurts these Americans. But it seems, as + we found out afterwards, that he had sprained an ankle, and dislocated a + knee. There was no one near the place; and I began to be seriously + embarrassed, when fortunately two soldiers appeared. I called to them, and + sent one on my horse to the nearest hack-stand to bring a carriage. As + soon as it came, we raised the invalid, and put him in as well as we + could; I got on the box to show the man the way to Sir Thorn’s house. When + we arrived there, I rang the bell, and told the servants to come down to + their master. They got him, with some difficulty, out of the hack; and + there they were, carrying him painfully up the stairs, and he groaning + feebly, for he suffered terribly. + </p> + <p> + “I was going up before them; and, as I reached the second story, a door + suddenly opened, and a young girl was standing right before me. + </p> + <p> + “She was evidently dressing, when the noise which we made startled her; + and she came running out. She had only taken time to throw a loose wrapper + around her shoulders; and her dishevelled hair streamed out from under a + kind of coquettish morning-cap. + </p> + <p> + “When she saw her kinsman in the arms of the servants, she imagined he was + dangerously wounded, perhaps even—She turned as pale as death, and, + uttering a loud cry, she tottered. + </p> + <p> + “She would have fallen down the steps, head foremost, if I had not caught + her in my arms. She had fainted. And there I held her, leaning on my + shoulder, so close that I became aware of the warmth of her lovely body, + and actually felt her heart beat against mine. Her cap had become + unfastened; and her hair fell in golden floods all over me, and down to + the floor. But all this lasted only a few seconds. + </p> + <p> + “When she recovered, and found herself in the arms of a man, she rose with + an air of extreme distress, and, slipping away, disappeared in her room.” + </p> + <p> + At the mere description of this scene, the count turned pale under his + rouge; and his voice forsook him. Nor did he in any way attempt to conceal + his emotion. + </p> + <p> + “I am a poor old fellow,” he said; “and between you and me, my dear + Daniel, I will tell you that the women—well—the women have not + been—exactly cruel to me. In fact, I thought I had outlived all the + emotions which they can possibly give us. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I was mistaken. Never in my life, I assure you, have I felt such a + deep sensation as when Miss Brandon was lying in my arms.” + </p> + <p> + While saying this, he had pulled out his handkerchief, saturated with a + strong perfume, and was wiping his forehead, though very gently, and with + infinite precautions, so as not to spoil the artistic work of his valet. + </p> + <p> + “You will know Miss Brandon,” he went on, “I hope soon. Once having seen + her, one wants to see her again. I was lucky enough to have a pretext for + coming again; and the very next day I was at her door, inquiring after M. + Thomas Elgin. They showed me into the room of that excellent gentleman, + where I found him stretched out on an invalid’s chair, with his legs all + bandaged up. By his side sat a venerable lady, to whom he presented me, + and who was no other than Mrs. Brian. + </p> + <p> + “They received me very kindly, although with some little reserve under all + their politeness; but I staid and staid in vain beyond the proper time; + Miss Sarah did not appear. + </p> + <p> + “Nor did I see her upon subsequent occasions, when I repeated my visits, + until at last I came to the conclusion that she avoided me purposely. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, I believed it. But one day Sir Thorn, who was improving + very rapidly, expressed a desire to walk out a few steps in the Champs + Elysees. I offered him my arm; he accepted it; and, when we came back, he + asked me if I would be kind enough to take pot-luck with him.” + </p> + <p> + However important these communications were for Daniel, he was for some + time already listening but very inattentively to the count’s recital, for + he had heard a strange, faint noise, which he could not by any means + explain to himself. At last, looking all around, he discovered the cause. + </p> + <p> + The door to his bedroom, which he was sure he had closed himself, was now + standing partly open. No doubt M. de Brevan, weary of his confinement and + excited by curiosity, had chosen this way to see and to listen. Of all + this, however, Count Ville-Handry saw nothing, and suspected nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Thus,” he continued, “I was at last to see Miss Sarah again. Upon my + word, I was less excited, I think, the day I made my first speech. But you + know I have some power over myself; and I had recovered my calmness, when + Sir Thorn confessed to me that he would have invited me long since, but + for the fear of offending his young relative, who had declared she would + never meet me again. I was grieved, and asked how I had offended her. And + then Sir Thorn, with that marvellous composure which never leaves him, + said, ‘It is not you she blames, but herself, on account of that + ridiculous scene the other day.’ + </p> + <p> + “Do you hear, Daniel, he called that adorable scene which I have just + described to you, ridiculous! It is only Americans who can commit such + absurdities. + </p> + <p> + “I have since found out that they had almost to force Miss Brandon to + receive me; but she had tact enough not to let me see it, when I was + formally presented to her, just before going to dinner. It is true, she + blushed deeply; but she took my hand with the utmost cordiality, and cut + me short when I was trying to pay her some compliment, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “‘You are Thorn’s friend; I am sure we shall be friends also.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Daniel! you admired Miss Brandon at the theatre; but you ought to see + her at her house. Abroad she sacrifices herself in order to pay proper + regard to the world; but at home she can venture to be herself. + </p> + <p> + “We soon became friends, as she had foretold, so soon, in fact, that I was + quite surprised when I found her addressing me like an old acquaintance. I + soon discovered how that came about. + </p> + <p> + “Our young girls here in France, my dear Daniel, are charming, no doubt, + but generally ill taught, frivolous, and caring for nothing but balls, + novels, or dress. The Americans are very different. Their serious minds + are occupied with the same subjects which fill their parents’ minds,—with + politics, industry, discussions in the assembly, discoveries in science, + &c. A man like myself, known abroad and at home during a long + political career of some distinction, could not be a stranger to Miss + Brandon. My earnestness in defending those causes which I considered just + had often filled her with enthusiasm. Deeply moved by my speeches, which + she was in the habit of reading, she had often thought of the speaker. I + think I can hear her now say with that beautiful voice of hers, which has + the clear ring of pure crystal,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Oh, yes! I knew you, count; I knew you long ago. And there was many a + day when I wished I were a friend of yours, so that I might say to you, + “Well done, sir! what you are doing is grand, is noble!”’ + </p> + <p> + “And that was true; for she remembered a number of passages from my + speeches, even from such as I had forgotten myself; and she always quoted + them literally. At times, I was amazed at some peculiarly bold thoughts + which she uttered; and, when I complimented her upon them, she broke out + in loud laughter, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Why, count, these are your own ideas; I got them from you. You said so + on such and such an occasion.’ + </p> + <p> + “And when I looked at night, after my return, into my papers, to ascertain + the fact, I found almost always that Miss Brandon had been right. Need I + tell you after that, that I soon became an almost daily visitor at the + house in Circus Street? Surely you take it for granted. + </p> + <p> + “But what I must tell you is, that I found there the most perfect + happiness, and the purest that I have ever known upon earth. I was filled + with respect and with admiration, when I looked at their rigid morality, + united with the heartiest cheerfulness. There I enjoyed my happiest hours, + between Mrs. Brian, the Puritan lady, so strict for herself, so indulgent + for others; and Thomas Elgin, the noblest and best of men, who conceals + under an appearance of icy coldness the warmest and kindest of hearts.” + </p> + <p> + What was Count Ville-Handry aiming at? or had he no aim at all? + </p> + <p> + Had he come merely to confide to Daniel the amazing romance of his love? + Or did he simply yield to the natural desire of all lovers, to pour out + the exuberance of their feelings, and to talk of their love, even when + they know that their indiscretion may be fatal to their success? + </p> + <p> + Daniel put these questions to himself; but the count did not leave him + time to reflect, and to answer them. + </p> + <p> + After a short pause, he seemed to rouse himself, and said, suddenly + changing his tone,— + </p> + <p> + “I guess what you think, my dear Daniel. You say to yourself, ‘Count + Ville-Handry was in love.’ Well, I assure you you are mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel started from his chair; and, overcome by amazement, he exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Can it be possible?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly so; I give you my word of honor. The feelings which attracted me + toward Miss Brandon were the same that bound me to my daughter. But as I + am a shrewd observer, and have some knowledge of the human heart, I could + not help being struck by a change in Miss Brandon’s face, and especially + in her manner. After having treated me with the greatest freedom and + familiarity, she had suddenly become reserved, and almost cold. It was + evident to me that she was embarrassed in my presence. Our constant + intercourse, so far from reassuring her, seemed to frighten her. You may + guess how I interpreted this change, my dear Daniel. + </p> + <p> + “But, as I have never been a conceited man, I thought I might be mistaken. + I devoted myself, therefore, to more careful observation; and I soon + became aware, that, if I loved Miss Brandon only with the affection of a + father, I had succeeded in inspiring her with a more tender sentiment.” + </p> + <p> + In any other person, this senile self-conceit would have appeared + intensely absurd to Daniel; in his Henrietta’s father, it pained him + deeply. The count actually noticed his downcast look, and, misinterpreting + it, asked him,— + </p> + <p> + “Could you doubt what I say?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then. I can assure you, at all events, that this discovery + troubled me not a little. I was so surprised by it, that for three days I + could neither think of it coolly, nor decide on what I ought to do. Still + it was necessary I should make up my mind. I did not for a moment think of + abusing the confidence of this innocent child; and yet I knew, I felt it, + she was absolutely in my power. But no! It would have been infamous in me + to repay the hospitality of excellent Mrs. Brian, and the kindness of + noble M. Elgin, with such ingratitude. On the other hand, must I + necessarily deny myself my pleasant visits at the house in Circus Street, + and break with friends who were so dear to me? I thought of that, also; + but I had not the courage to do so.” + </p> + <p> + He hesitated for a moment, trying to read in Daniel’s eyes his real + opinion. After a while, he said very gravely,— + </p> + <p> + “It was then only, that the idea of marrying her occurred to me.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had been expecting the fatal word; thus, however heavy the blow + was, it found him prepared. He remained immovable. + </p> + <p> + This indifference seemed to surprise the count; for he uttered an + expression of discontent, and curtly repeated,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I thought of marrying her. You will say, ‘That was a serious + matter.’ I know that only too well; and therefore I did not decide the + question in a hurry, but weighed the reasons for and against very + carefully. I am not one of those weak men, you know, I am sure, who can + easily be hoodwinked, and who fancy they alone possess the secret of + perennial youth. No, no, I know myself, and am fully aware, better than + anybody else, that I am approaching maturer years. + </p> + <p> + “This was, in fact, the first objection that arose in my mind. But then I + answered it triumphantly by the fact that age is not a matter to be + decided by the certificate of baptism, but that we are just as old as we + appear to be. Now, thanks to an exceptionally sober and peaceful life, of + which forty years were spent in the country, to an iron constitution, and + to the extreme care I have always taken of my health, I possess a—what + shall I say?—a vigor which many young men might envy, who can hardly + drag one foot after the other.” + </p> + <p> + He rose as he said this, threw out his chest, straightened his back, and + stretched out his well-shaped leg. Then, when he thought Daniel had + sufficiently admired him, he continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, what of Miss Brandon? You think, perhaps, she is still in her teens? + Far from that! She is at least twenty-five, my dear friend; and, for a + woman, twenty-five years are—ah, ah!” + </p> + <p> + He smiled ironically, as if to say that to him a woman of twenty-five + appeared an old, a very old woman. Then he went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Besides, I know how serious her disposition is, and her eminent good + sense. You may rely upon me, when I tell you I have studied her. A + thousand trifles, of no weight in appearance, and unnoticed by herself in + all probability, have told me that she abhors very young men. She has + learnt to appreciate the value of young husbands of thirty, who are all + fire and flame in the honeymoon, and who, six months later, wearied with + pure and tranquil happiness, seek their delights elsewhere. It is not only + of late that I have found out how truly she values what is, after all, + most desirable in this world,—a great name worthily borne by a true + man, and a reputation that would shed new radiance upon her. How often + have I heard her say to Mrs. Brian, ‘Above all, aunt, I want to be proud + of my husband; I want to see everybody’s eye sparkle with admiration and + envy as soon as I mention his name, which will have become mine also; I + want people to whisper around me, “Ah, how happy she is to be loved by + such a man!”’” + </p> + <p> + He shook his head gravely, and said in a solemn tone,— + </p> + <p> + “I examined myself, Daniel, and found that I answered all of Miss + Brandon’s expectations; and the result of my meditations was, that I would + be a madman to allow such happiness to escape me, and that I was bound to + risk every thing. I made up my mind, therefore, firmly, and went to M. + Elgin in order to make him aware of my intentions. I cannot describe to + you the amazement of that worthy gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “‘You are joking,’ he said at first, ‘and that pains me deeply.’ + </p> + <p> + “But, when he saw that I had never in my life spoken more seriously, he, + who is usually so phlegmatic, became perfectly furious. As if I would have + come to him, if, by some impossible accident, I should have been unhappy + in my choice! But I fell from the clouds when he told me outright that he + meant to do all he could do to prevent such a match. Nor would he give up + his purpose, say what I could; and I had to use all my skill to make him + change his mind. At last, after more than two hours’ discussion, all that + I could obtain from him was the promise that he would remain neutral, and + that he would leave to Mrs. Brian the responsibility of refusing or + accepting my offer.” + </p> + <p> + He laughed, this good Count Ville-Handry, he laughed heartily, no doubt + recalling his discussion with Sir Thorn, and his triumphant skill. + </p> + <p> + “So,” he resumed, “I went to Mrs. Brian. Ah! she did not mince matters. At + the first word, she called me—God forgive her!—an old fool, + and plainly told me that I must never show myself again in Circus Street. + </p> + <p> + “I insisted; but in vain. She would not even listen to me, the old + Puritan; and, when I became pressing, she dropped me a solemn curtsey, and + left me alone in the room, looking foolish enough, I am sure. + </p> + <p> + “For the time, I had nothing to do but to go away. I did so, hoping that + her interview with her niece might induce her to change her mind. Not at + all. The next morning, when I called at the house, the servants said Sir + Thorn was out, and Mrs. Brian and Miss Brandon had just left for + Fontainebleau. The day after, the same result; and for a whole week the + doors remained closed. + </p> + <p> + “I was becoming restless, when a commissionaire, one morning, brought me a + letter. It was Miss Brandon who wrote. She asked me to be that very day, + at four o’clock, in the Bois de Boulogne, near the waterfalls; that she + would ride out in the afternoon with Sir Thorn; that she would escape from + him, and meet me. + </p> + <p> + “As a matter of course, I was punctual; and it was well I was so, for, a + few minutes after I got there, I saw her—or rather I felt her—coming + towards me, riding at full speed. When she reached me, she stopped + suddenly, and, jumping from her horse, said to me,— + </p> + <p> + “‘They watch me so jealously, that I could not write to you till to-day. I + am deeply wounded by this want of confidence, and I do not think I can + endure it any longer. Here I am, carry me off, let us go!’ + </p> + <p> + “Never, O Daniel! never have I seen her look more marvellously beautiful + than she looked at that moment. She was flushed with excitement and the + rapid ride; her eyes shone with courage and passion; her lips trembled; + and then she said again,— + </p> + <p> + “‘I know I am ruining myself; and you yourself—you will probably + despise me. But never mind! Let us be gone!’” + </p> + <p> + He paused, overcome with excitement; but, soon recovering, he continued,— + </p> + <p> + “To hear a beautiful woman tell you that! Ah, Daniel! that is an + experience which alone is worth a man’s whole life. And yet I had the + courage, mad as I felt I was becoming, to speak to her words of calm + reason. Yes, I had the sublime courage, and the almost fortuitous control + over myself, to conjure her to retreat into her house. + </p> + <p> + “She began to weep, and accused me of indifference. + </p> + <p> + “But I had discovered a way out of the difficulty, and said to her,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Sarah, go home. Write to me what you have just told me, and I am sure I + shall compel your friends to grant me your hand.’ + </p> + <p> + “This she did. + </p> + <p> + “And what I had foreseen came to pass. In the face of such evidence of + what they called our madness, Sir Thorn and Mrs. Brian dared not oppose + our plans any longer. After some little hesitations, and imposing certain + honorable conditions, they said to Sarah and myself,— + </p> + <p> + “‘You will have it so. Go, then, and get married.’” + </p> + <p> + This is what Count Ville-Handry called chance, a “blessed chance,” as he + said, utterly unmindful of the whole chain of circumstances which he + himself related. From the accident that had befallen M. Elgin, and the + fainting-fit of Miss Brandon, to the meeting in the Bois de Boulogne and + the proposed runaway-match, all seemed to him perfectly natural and + simple,—even the sudden enthusiasm of a young, frivolous woman for + his political opinions, and the learning by heart of his speeches. + </p> + <p> + Daniel was amazed. That a man like the count should be so perfectly blind + to the intrigue that was going on around him, seemed to him + incomprehensible. The count, however, was not so blind, that he should not + have at least suspected the nature of Daniel’s feelings. + </p> + <p> + “What are you thinking of?” he asked. “Come, let us hear your opinion. + Tell us frankly that you suspect Miss Brandon, and accuse her of trying to + catch me in her snares, or, at least, of having selfish views.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not say so,” stammered Daniel. + </p> + <p> + “No, but you think so; and that is worse. Well, come; I think I can + convince you of your mistake. What do you think Miss Brandon would gain by + marrying me? A fortune, you say. I have only one word in reply; but that + is sufficient; Miss Brandon is richer than I am.” + </p> + <p> + How, and at what price, Miss Brandon had managed to possess herself of + such a fortune, Daniel knew but too well from Maxime’s account; hence he + could not suppress a nervous shudder, which the count noticed, and which + irritated him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, richer than I am,” he repeated. “The oil-wells which she has + inherited from her father bring her in, bad years and good years, from + thirty to forty thousand dollars a year, and that in spite of their being + sadly mismanaged. If they were well managed, they would produce, three, + four, or five times as much, or even more. Sir Thorn has proved to me that + they are an almost inexhaustible mine of wealth. If petroleum was not + fabulously profitable, how would you account for the oil-fever with which + these cool, calculating Americans have suddenly been seized, and which has + made more millionaires than the gold-fever in California and the + Territories? Ah! there is something to be made there yet, and something + grand, if one could dispose of a large capital.” + </p> + <p> + He became excited, and forgot himself; but he soon checked himself. He had + evidently been on the point of letting a secret leak out. After a few + moments, he continued more calmly,— + </p> + <p> + “But enough of that. I trust your suspicions are removed. Next you may + tell me that Miss Brandon takes me because she can do no better. Mistaken + again, my friend. At this very moment she is called upon to choose between + me and a much younger man than I am, whose fortune, moreover, is larger + than mine,—Mr. Wilkie Gordon.” + </p> + <p> + How did it come about that Count Ville-Handry seemed to appeal to Daniel, + and to plead his cause before him? Daniel did not even think of asking + himself that question; his mind was in a state of utter confusion. Still, + as the count insisted on having his opinion, as he urged him, and + repeatedly asked, “Well, do you see any other objection?” he forgot at + last his friend’s prudent warning, and said in a troubled voice,— + </p> + <p> + “No doubt, count, you know Miss Brandon’s family?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly! Do you think I would buy a cat in a bag? Her excellent father + was a model of honesty.” + </p> + <p> + “And—her previous life?” + </p> + <p> + The count started from his chair, and, casting a savage glance at Daniel, + said,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, oh! I see one of those rascally slanderers, who have tried to tarnish + the honor of the noblest and chastest of all women, has already been at + work here, anticipating my communication to you, and repeating those + infamous calumnies. You must give me the name of the scoundrel.” + </p> + <p> + Unconsciously, almost, Daniel turned towards the door, behind which M. de + Brevan was listening. Perhaps he expected him to come forth; but Maxime + did not stir. + </p> + <p> + “Sarah’s previous life!” continued the count. “I know every hour of it; + and I can answer for it as for my own. The darling! Before consenting to + be mine, she insisted upon my knowing every thing, yes, every thing, + without reserve or boastfulness; and I know what she has suffered. Did + they not actually say she had been the accomplice of a wretched thief, a + cashier of some bank, who had become a defaulter? Did they not say that + she had driven a foolish young man, a gambler, to commit suicide; and that + she had watched, unmoved, the tortures of his agony? Ah! you have only to + look at Miss Brandon to know that these vile stories are wretched + inventions of malicious enemies and rivals. And look here, Daniel; you may + believe me; whenever you see people calumniate a man or a woman, you may + rest assured that that man or woman has, somehow or other, wounded or + humiliated some vulgar person, some mean, envious fool, who cannot endure + his or her superiority in point of fortune, rank, or beauty and talent.” + </p> + <p> + He had actually recovered his youthful energy in thus defending his + beloved. His eye brightened up; his voice became strong, and his gestures + animated. + </p> + <p> + “But no more of that painful topic,” he said: “let us talk seriously.” + </p> + <p> + He rose, and leaning on the mantelpiece, so as to face Daniel, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “I told you, my dear Daniel, that Sir Thorn and Mrs. Brian insisted upon + certain conditions before they consented to our marriage. One is, that + Miss Brandon is to be received by my relations as she deserves to be, not + only respectfully, but affectionately, even tenderly. As to relations, + there is not any. I have some remote cousins, who, having nothing to + expect from me when I die, do not trouble themselves any more about me + than I trouble myself about them. But I have a daughter; and there is the + danger. I know she is distressed at the idea of my marrying again. She + cannot bear the mere idea that another woman is to take the place of her + mother, to bear her name, and to rule in my house.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel began at last to know what he had to understand by that + unsuccessful appointment which had procured him the pleasure of a visit + from Count Ville-Handry. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” continued the latter, “I know my daughter. She is her mother over + again, weak, but obstinate beyond endurance. If she has taken it into her + head to receive Miss Brandon uncivilly, she will do so, in spite of all + she has promised me, and she will make a terrible scene of it. And if Miss + Brandon consents, in spite of all, to go on, my house will become a hell + to me, and my wife will suffer terribly. Now the question is, whether I + have sufficient influence over Henrietta to bring her to reason. I think + not. But this influence which I have not—a very nice young man may + have it; and that man is you.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had turned red. It was for the first time that the count spoke so + clearly. He went on,— + </p> + <p> + “I have never disapproved of my poor wife’s plans; and the proof is, that + I have allowed you to pay your attentions to my daughter. But now I make + this condition: if my daughter is to Miss Brandon what she ought to be to + her, a tender and devoted sister, then, six months after my wedding, there + shall be another wedding at my house.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was about to speak; but he stopped him, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “No, not a word! I have shown you the wisdom of my decision, and you may + act accordingly.” + </p> + <p> + He had already put on his hat and opened the door, when he added,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! one word more. Miss Brandon has asked me to present you to her + to-night. She wants to speak to you. Come and dine with me; and after + dinner we will go to Circus Street. Now, pray think of what I have told + you, and good-by!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VII. + </h2> + <p> + Count Ville-Handry had hardly closed the door, when M. de Brevan rushed + out of the bedroom in which he had been concealed. + </p> + <p> + “Was I right?” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + But Daniel did not hear him. He had forgotten his very presence. Overcome + by the great effort he had made to conceal his emotions, he had sunk into + a chair, hiding his face in his hands, and said to himself in a mournful + voice, and as if trying to convince himself of an overwhelming fact,— + </p> + <p> + “The count has lost his mind altogether, and we are lost.” + </p> + <p> + The grief of this excellent young man was so great and so bitter, that M. + de Brevan seemed to be deeply moved. He looked at him for some time with + an air of pity, and then suddenly, as if yielding to a good impulse, he + touched his shoulder, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Daniel!” + </p> + <p> + The unhappy man started like one who has suddenly been roused from deep + slumber; and, as he recalled what had just happened, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “You have heard all, Maxime?” + </p> + <p> + “All! I have not lost a word nor a gesture. But do not blame me for my + indiscretion. It enables me to give you some friendly advice. You know I + have paid dear for my experience.” + </p> + <p> + He hesitated, being at a loss how to express his ideas; then he continued + in a short, sharp tone,— + </p> + <p> + “You love Miss Ville-Handry?” + </p> + <p> + “More than my life, don’t you know?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if that is so, abandon all thoughts of useless resistance; induce + Miss Henrietta to do as her father wishes; and persuade Miss Brandon to + let your wedding take place a month after her own. But ask for special + pledges. Miss Ville-Handry may suffer somewhat during that month; but the + day after your wedding you will carry her off to your own home, and leave + the poor old man to his amorous folly.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel showed in his face that this suggestion opened a new prospect + before him. + </p> + <p> + “I had not thought of that,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “It is all you can do.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is what prudence would advise me to do. But can I do so in + honor?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, honor, honor!” + </p> + <p> + “Would it not be wrong in me to abandon the poor old man to the mercy of + Miss Brandon and her accomplices?” + </p> + <p> + “You will never be able to rescue him, my dear fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “I ought at least to try. You thought so yesterday, and even this morning, + not two hours ago.” + </p> + <p> + Maxime could scarcely hide his impatience. + </p> + <p> + “I did not know then what I know now,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Daniel had risen, and was walking up and down the small room, replying to + his own objections, rather than to those raised by Brevan. + </p> + <p> + “If I were alone master,” he said, “I might, perhaps, agree to a + capitulation. But could Henrietta accept it? Never, never! Her father + knows her well. She is as weak as a child; but at the proper moment she + can develop a masculine energy and an iron will.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should you tell her at all who Miss Brandon is?” + </p> + <p> + “I have pledged my word of honor to tell her every thing.” + </p> + <p> + Brevan again shrugged his shoulders, and there was no mistaking what he + meant by that gesture. He might just as well have said aloud, “Can one + conceive such stupidity?” + </p> + <p> + “Then you had better give up your Henrietta, my poor fellow,” he said. + </p> + <p> + But Daniel’s despair had been overcome. He ground his teeth with anger, + and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Not yet, my friend, not yet! An honest man who defends his honor and his + life is pretty strong. I have no experience, that is true; but I have you, + Maxime; and I know I can always count upon you.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel did not seem to have noticed that M. de Brevan, at first all fire + and energy, had rapidly cooled off, like a man, who, having ventured too + far, thinks he has made a mistake, and tries to retrace his steps. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly you may count upon me,” he replied; “but what can be done?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what you said yourself. I shall call upon Miss Brandon, and watch + her. I shall dissemble, and gain time. If necessary, I shall employ + detectives, and find out her antecedents. I shall try to interest some + high personage in my behalf,—my minister, for instance, who is very + kind to me. Besides, I have an idea.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” + </p> + <p> + “That unlucky cashier, whose story you told me, and who, you think, is not + dead—if we could find him. How did you call him? Oh, Malgat! An + advertisement inserted in all the leading newspapers of Europe would, no + doubt, reach him; and the hope of seeing himself avenged”— + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan’s cheeks began to redden perceptibly. He broke out with + strange vehemence,— + </p> + <p> + “What nonsense!” + </p> + <p> + Then he added, more collectedly,— + </p> + <p> + “You forget that Malgat has been sentenced to I know not how many years’ + penal servitude, and that he will see in your advertisement a trick of the + police; so that he will only conceal himself more carefully than ever.” + </p> + <p> + But Daniel was not so easily shaken. He said,— + </p> + <p> + “I will think it over. I will see. Perhaps something might be done with + that young man whom the count mentioned, that M. Wilkie Gordon. If I + thought he was really anxious for Miss Brandon’s hand”— + </p> + <p> + “I have heard it said, and I am sure it is so, the young man is one of + those idiots whom vanity renders insane, and who do not know what to do in + order to make themselves notorious. Miss Brandon being very famous, he + would marry her, just as he would pay a hundred thousand dollars for a + famous racer.” + </p> + <p> + “And how do you account for Miss Brandon’s refusal?” + </p> + <p> + “By the character of the man, whom I know very well, and whom she knows as + well. She is quite aware that, three months after the wedding, he would + decamp, and in less than a year she would be divorced. Then there is + another thing: Wilkie is only twenty-five years old; and you know a fellow + at that age is likely to live a good deal longer than a lover who is + beyond the sixties.” + </p> + <p> + The way in which he said this lent to his words a terrible significance; + and Daniel, turning pale, stammered out,— + </p> + <p> + “Great God! Do you think Miss Brandon could”— + </p> + <p> + “Could do anything, most assuredly,—except, perhaps, get into + trouble with the police. I have heard her say that only fools employ + poison or the dagger.” + </p> + <p> + A strange smile passed over his lips; and he added in a tone of horrible + irony,— + </p> + <p> + “It is true there are other means, less prompt, perhaps, but much safer, + by which people may be removed when they become inconvenient. + </p> + <p> + “What means? The same, no doubt, which she had employed to get rid of poor + Kergrist, and that unlucky Malgat, the cashier of the Mutual Discount + Society. Purely moral means, based upon her thorough knowledge of the + character of her victims, and her own infernal power over them.” + </p> + <p> + But Daniel tried in vain to obtain more light from his friend. Brevan + answered evasively; perhaps because he did not dare to speak out freely, + and reveal his real thoughts; or because it lay in his plans to be content + with having added this horrible fear to all the other apprehensions of his + friend. + </p> + <p> + His embarrassment, just now unmistakable, had entirely disappeared, as if + he had come to a final decision after long hesitation. He who had first + advised all kinds of concessions now suggested the most energetic + resistance, and seemed to be confident of success. + </p> + <p> + When he at last left Daniel, he had made him promise to keep him hour by + hour informed of all that might happen, and, above all, to try every means + in his power to unmask Miss Brandon. + </p> + <p> + “How he hates her!” said Daniel to himself when he was alone,—“how + he hates her!” + </p> + <p> + But this very hatred, which had already troubled him the night before, now + disturbed him more and more, and kept him from coming to any decision. The + more he reflected, the more it seemed to him that Maxime had allowed + himself to be carried away beyond what was probable, or even possible. The + last accusation, especially, seemed to him perfectly monstrous. + </p> + <p> + A young and beautiful woman, consumed by ambition and covetousness, might + possibly play a comedy of pure love while she was disgusted in her heart. + She might catch by vile tricks a foolish old man, and make him marry her, + openly and avowedly selling her beauty and her youth. Such things happen, + and are excused by the morality of our day. The same wicked, heartless + woman might speculate upon becoming speedily a widow, and thus regaining + her liberty, together with a large fortune. This also happens, however + horrible it may appear. But that she should marry a poor old fool, with + the preconceived purpose of hastening his end by a deliberate crime, there + was a depth in that wickedness which terrified Daniel’s imagination. + </p> + <p> + Deeply ensconced in his chair, he was losing himself in conjectures, + forgetting how time passed, and how his work was waiting for him, even the + invitation to dinner which the count had given to him, and the prospect of + being introduced that very evening to Miss Brandon. Night came; and then + only his concierge, who came in to see what had become of him all day + long, aroused him from his torpor. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I am losing my senses!” he exclaimed, rising suddenly. “And + Henrietta, who has been waiting for me—what must she think of me?” + </p> + <p> + Miss Ville-Handry, at that very moment, had reached that degree of anxiety + which becomes well-nigh intolerable. After having waited for Daniel all + the evening of the day before, and after having spent a sleepless night, + she had surely expected him to-day, counting the seconds by the beating of + her heart, and starting at the noise of every carriage in the street. In + her despair, knowing hardly what she was doing, she was thinking of + running herself to University Street, to Daniel’s house, when the door + opened. + </p> + <p> + In the same indifferent tone in which he announced friends and enemies, + the servant said,— + </p> + <p> + “M. Daniel Champcey.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta was up in a moment. She was about to exclaim,— + </p> + <p> + “What has kept you? What has happened?” But the words died away on her + lips. + </p> + <p> + It had been sufficient for her to look at Daniel’s sad face to feel that a + great misfortune had befallen her. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you had been right in your fears,” she said, sinking into a chair. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” + </p> + <p> + “Speak: let me know all.” + </p> + <p> + “Your father has come to me, and offered me your hand, Henrietta, provided + I can obtain your consent to his marriage with Miss Brandon. Now, listen + to me; and then you can decide.” + </p> + <p> + Faithful to his promise, he thereupon told her every thing he had learned + from Maxime and the count, suppressing only those details which would have + made the poor girl blush, and also that terrible charge which he was + unwilling to believe. + </p> + <p> + When he had ended, Henrietta said warmly,— + </p> + <p> + “What! I should allow my father to marry such a creature? I should sit + still and smile when such dishonor and such ruin are coming to a house + over which my mother has presided! No; far be it from me ever to be so + selfish! I shall oppose Miss Brandon’s plans with all my strength and all + my energy.” + </p> + <p> + “She may triumph, after all.” + </p> + <p> + “She shall not triumph over my resistance and my contempt. Never—do + you hear me, Daniel?—never will I bow down before her. Never shall + my hand touch hers. And, if my father persists, I shall ask him, the day + before his wedding, to allow me to bury myself in a convent.” + </p> + <p> + “He will not let you go.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall shut myself up in my room, and never leave it again. I do + not think they will drag me out by force.” + </p> + <p> + There was no mistaking it; she spoke with an earnestness and a + determination which nothing could shake or break. And yet the very saddest + presentiments oppressed Daniel’s heart. He said,— + </p> + <p> + “But Miss Brandon will certainly not come alone to this house.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom will she bring with her?” + </p> + <p> + “Her relatives, M. Thomas Elgin and Mrs. Brian. Oh Henrietta, dearest + Henrietta! to think that you should be exposed to the spite and the + persecution of these wretches!” + </p> + <p> + She raised her head proudly, and replied,— + </p> + <p> + “I am not afraid of them.” Then she added in a gentler tone,— + </p> + <p> + “Besides, won’t you always be near me, to advise me, and to protect me in + case of danger?” + </p> + <p> + “I? Don’t you think they will try to part us soon enough?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Daniel, I know very well that the house will no longer be open to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + The poor girl blushed up to the roots of her hair, and, turning her. eyes + away from him to avoid his looks, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Since they force us to do so, I must needs do a thing a girl, properly + speaking, ought not to do. We will meet secretly. I shall have to stoop to + win over one of my waiting-women, who may be discreet and obliging enough + to aid me, and, through her, I will write to you, and receive your + letters.” + </p> + <p> + But this arrangement did not relieve Daniel from his terrible + apprehensions. There was a question which constantly rose to his lips, and + which still he did not dare to utter. At last, making a great effort, he + asked,— + </p> + <p> + “And then?” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta understood perfectly what he meant. She answered,— + </p> + <p> + “I thought you would be able to wait until the day should come when the + law would authorize me to make my own choice.” + </p> + <p> + “Henrietta!” + </p> + <p> + She offered him her hand, and said solemnly,— + </p> + <p> + “And on that day, Daniel, I promise you, if my father still withholds his + consent, I will ask you openly for your arm; and then, in broad daylight, + before all the world, I shall leave this house never to re-enter it + again.” + </p> + <p> + As quick as thought, Daniel had seized her hand, and, carrying it to his + lips, he said,—“Thanks! A thousand thanks! You restore me to hope.” + </p> + <p> + Still, before abandoning the effort, he thought he would try one more + measure; and for that purpose it was necessary that Henrietta should be + induced to conceal her intentions as long as possible. It was only with + great difficulty that he succeeded in obtaining her consent. + </p> + <p> + “I will do what you desire; but believe me, all your efforts will be in + vain.” + </p> + <p> + She was interrupted by the arrival of Count Ville-Handry. He kissed his + daughter, said a few words about rain and fine weather; and then, drawing + Daniel into one of the windows, he asked— + </p> + <p> + “Have you spoken to her?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Henrietta wants a few days to consider.” + </p> + <p> + The count looked displeased, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “That is absurd. Nothing can be more ridiculous. But, after all, it is + your business, my dear Daniel. And, if you want any additional motive, I + will tell you that my daughter is very rich. She has a quarter of a + million of her own.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir!” exclaimed Daniel indignantly. + </p> + <p> + But Count Ville-Handry had already turned upon his heels; and the butler + came to announce that dinner was on the table. + </p> + <p> + The meal, though excellent in itself, was necessarily very dull and sad. + It was promptly despatched; for the count seemed to be sitting on needles, + and every minute looked at his watch. + </p> + <p> + They had but just handed the coffee around, when he turned to Daniel, + saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Let us make haste. Miss Brandon expects us.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was instantly ready. But the count did not even give him time to + take leave of Henrietta; he carried him off to his carriage, pushed him + in, jumped in after him, and called out to the servant,—“Circus + Street! Miss Brandon! Drive fast!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VIII. + </h2> + <p> + The servants knew very well what the count meant when he said, “Drive + fast!” The coachman, on such occasions, made his horses literally go as + fast as they could; and, but for his great skill, the foot-passengers + would have been in considerable danger. Nevertheless, on this evening + Count Ville-Handry twice lowered the window to call out,— + </p> + <p> + “Don’t drive at a walk!” + </p> + <p> + The fact is, that, in spite of his efforts to assume the air of a grave + statesman, he was as impatient, and as vain of his love, as a young + collegian hurrying to his first rendezvous with his beloved. During dinner + he had been sullen and silent; now he became talkative, and chatted away, + without troubling himself about the silence of his companion. + </p> + <p> + To be sure, Daniel did not even listen. Half-buried in the corner of the + well-padded carriage, he tried his best to control his emotions; for he + was excited, more excited than ever in his life, by the thought that he + was to see, face to face, this formidable adventuress, Miss Brandon. And + like the wrestler, who, before making a decisive assault, gathers up all + his strength, he summoned to his aid his composure and his energy. It took + them not more than ten minutes to drive the whole distance to Circus + Street. + </p> + <p> + “Here we are!” cried the count. + </p> + <p> + And, without waiting for the steps to be let down, he jumped on the + sidewalk, and, running ahead of his servants, knocked at the door of Miss + Brandon’s house. It was by no means one of those modern structures which + attract the eye of the passer-by by a ridiculous and conspicuous splendor. + Looking at it from the street, you would have taken it for the modest + house of a retired grocer, who was living in it upon his savings at the + rate of two or three thousand a year. It is true, that from the street, + you could see neither the garden, nor the stables and the carriage-houses. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime a servant had appeared, who took the count’s and Daniel’s + coats, and showed them up stairs. When they reached the upper landing, the + count stopped, as if his breath had been giving out of a sudden. + </p> + <p> + “There,” he stammered, “there!” + </p> + <p> + “Where? What?” Daniel did not know what he meant. The count only wished to + say that “there” was the place where he had held Miss Brandon in his arms + the day she had fainted. But Daniel had no time to ask any questions. + Another servant appeared, coming out of the rooms, and, bowing low before + Count Ville-Handry, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “The ladies have but just risen from table, and are still dressing.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” + </p> + <p> + “If the gentlemen will please sit down in the parlor, I will tell M. + Elgin.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said the count, speaking in a tone which showed that he + considered himself perfectly at home in Miss Brandon’s house. He entered + the parlor, followed by Daniel. It was a magnificent room; but every thing + in it, from the carpet on the floor to the chandelier on the ceiling, + betrayed the Puritanic taste of Mrs. Brian. It was splendid; but the + splendor was cold, stiff, and mournful. The furniture had sharp angles, + and suggested any thing but comfort. The bronze figures on the + mantlepiece-clock were biblical personages; and the other bronzes were + simply hideous. Except these, there was no ornament visible, not a + painting, nor a statuette. + </p> + <p> + Yes, one. Opposite the fireplace, in the place of honor, there stared at + you a painting in a most costly gilt frame,—a horrible daub, + representing a man of about fifty years, who wore a fancy uniform with + enormous epaulets, a huge sword, a plumed hat, and a blue sash, into which + two revolvers were thrust. + </p> + <p> + “Gen. Brandon, Miss Sarah’s father,” said Count Ville-Handry, in a tone of + deep respect, which unnerved Daniel. “As a work of art, this portrait + leaves, no doubt, much to be wished for; but they say the likeness is + excellent.” + </p> + <p> + Certainly, though that might be so, there was no resemblance to be + discovered between the tanned face of this American general and the + blooming features of Miss Brandon. But there was something more. As Daniel + examined this picture nearer by, and more closely, he thought he + discovered a studied and intentional coarseness of execution. It looked to + him like the work of an artist who had endeavored to imitate those + wretched painters who live upon the vanity of weak men and little + children. He thought he discovered by the side of gross inaccuracies + unmistakable traces of a master’s hand; and especially one of the ears, + half hid behind the hair, seemed to him admirably done. + </p> + <p> + But, before he could draw his conclusions from this strange discovery, M. + Thomas Elgin appeared in the room. He was in evening costume, looking + taller and stiffer than ever in his white cravat; and, as he came forward, + he halted a little on one foot, though leaning upon a big cane. + </p> + <p> + “What, my dear Sir Thorn!” exclaimed the count, “your leg still gives you + trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, a great deal!” replied the honorable gentleman, with a very marked + English accent,—“a great deal since this morning. The doctor thinks + there must be something the matter with the bone.” + </p> + <p> + At the same time, obeying the tendency which we all have to display our + ailments, he slightly drew up his trousers, so that the bandages became + visible which he wore around his leg. Count Ville-Handry looked at it with + pity; then, forgetting that he had introduced Daniel already the night + before at the opera, he presented him once more; and, when the ceremony + was over, he said to Sir Thorn,— + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, I am almost ashamed to appear so early; but I knew you + expected company to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, only a few persons!” + </p> + <p> + “And I desired to see you for a few moments alone.” + </p> + <p> + A strange grimace represented the only smile of which the honorable + gentleman was capable. He made it twice, and then said, caressing his + primly-cut whiskers,— + </p> + <p> + “They have told Miss Sarah that you are here, my dear count; and I heard + her tell Mrs. Brian that she was nearly ready. I cannot imagine how she + can spend so much time at her toilet.” + </p> + <p> + They were thus chatting away before the fireplace, Sir Thorn stretched out + in an easy-chair, and the count leaning against the mantlepiece, while + Daniel had withdrawn into the embrasure of a window which looked upon the + court-yard and the garden behind the house. There, his brow pressed + against the cool window-panes, he was meditating. He could not understand + this wound of M. Elgin’s. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible that his fall was an intentional fall?” he thought, “or + did he really break his leg? If he did so, that fainting-fit might have + been natural, and not prearranged; but”— + </p> + <p> + He was just plunging into these doubts and speculations, when the noise of + a carriage entering the court-yard, aroused him from his thoughts. + </p> + <p> + He looked out. A <i>coupe</i> had driven up to the back porch of the + house. A lady stepped out; and he was on the point of uttering a cry of + surprise, for he thought he recognized Miss Sarah in that woman. But could + that be so? He was unwilling to believe it, when she suddenly raised her + head in order to speak to the coachman, and the light from the lamps fell + full upon her face. + </p> + <p> + There was no doubt now on his mind. It was Miss Brandon. + </p> + <p> + She flew up the steps, and entered the house. He heard distinctly the + heavy door close behind her. + </p> + <p> + At the opera, the night before, a single word uttered by Miss Brandon had + sufficed to enlighten Daniel. But now this was a very different matter. It + was a potent fact, unmistakable and tangible, which came to him in support + of his suspicions. + </p> + <p> + In order to increase the passionate impatience of the count, they had told + him that Miss Brandon was still dressing, but that she was making all + haste to come down to him. Not a word had been said of her being out, and + of her return at that very moment. Where had she been? What new intrigues + had compelled her to leave the house just then? It must have evidently + been something of great importance to have kept her out till so late an + hour, and when she knew, moreover, that the count was waiting for her. + </p> + <p> + This incident threw a flood of light on the cunning policy pursued in this + house, and on the clever and active complicity of M. Thomas Elgin and Mrs. + Brian. What their game really was, and how Count Ville-Handry had been + caught in the trap, he now understood well enough; he would have been + caught in it himself. + </p> + <p> + How clever these actors were! how perfect all the arrangements! and how + scientifically the smallest details were prepared! How marvellously well + even the parlor was arranged to serve the purposes of the owners! This + simple elegance could not but banish all doubts; and this horrible + portrait of the so-called Gen. Brandon—what a stroke of genius! + </p> + <p> + As to the lame leg of Sir Thorn, Daniel no longer believed in it. + </p> + <p> + “His leg is no more broken than mine,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + But at the same time he marvelled at the self-denial of this gentleman, + who, in order to prove a falsehood, consented to wear his leg bandaged up + for months, as if it really had been severely injured. + </p> + <p> + “And to-night,” said Daniel to himself, “the performance, no doubt, is to + be specially artistic, as they expected me.” + </p> + <p> + Still, like a duellist, who tries to regain all his strength after a + sleepless night, Daniel was now fully prepared for the battle. He even + returned to the fireplace, for fear that his standing alone, and his + preoccupation, might betray his thoughts. + </p> + <p> + The conversation between Count Ville-Handry and M. Elgin had in the + meantime become very familiar; and the count was just detailing all his + arrangements for the approaching wedding. He would live, he said, with his + wife in the second story of his palace. The first story was to be divided + into two suites of apartments,—one for M. Thomas Elgin, and the + other for Mrs. Brian; for he knew very well that his adored Sarah would + never consent to part with her dear relatives, who had been father and + mother to her. + </p> + <p> + The last words remained in his throat; he stood as if he were petrified, + his eyes starting from their sockets, his mouth wide open. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brian had entered the room, followed by Miss Brandon. Daniel was even + more struck by her strange beauty to-day than at the opera; it was + literally dazzling. She wore on that night a dress of tea-color + embroidered with tiny bouquets in Chinese silk, and trimmed below with an + immense flounce of plaited muslin. In her hair, which looked even more + carelessly put up than usually, she had nothing but a branch of fuschia, + the crimson bells falling gracefully down upon her neck, where they + mingled with her golden curls. + </p> + <p> + She came smilingly up to Count Ville-Handry, and, offering him her brow to + kiss, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Do I look well, dear count?” + </p> + <p> + He trembled from head to foot; and all he could do was to stretch out his + lips, and to stammer in an almost ecstatic tone of voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, beautiful! too beautiful!” + </p> + <p> + “It has taken you long enough, I am sure,” said Sir Thorn severely,—“too + long!” + </p> + <p> + He might have known that Miss Brandon had accomplished a miracle of + expeditiousness; for it was not a quarter of an hour since she returned to + the house. + </p> + <p> + “You are an impertinent villain, Thorn,” she said, laughing in the fresh + and hearty manner of a child; “and I am very happy that the presence of + the count relieves <i>me</i> from your eternal sermons.” + </p> + <p> + “Sarah!” exclaimed Mrs. Brian reprovingly. + </p> + <p> + But she had already turned round, with her hand outstretched towards + Daniel,— + </p> + <p> + “I am so glad you have come, sir!” she said. “I am sure we shall + understand each other admirably.” + </p> + <p> + She told him this with the softest possible voice; but, if he had known + her better, he would have read in the way in which she looked at him, that + her disposition towards him had entirely changed since yesterday; then she + wished him well; now she hated him savagely. + </p> + <p> + “Understand each other?” he repeated as he bowed; “in what?” + </p> + <p> + She made no answer. + </p> + <p> + The servant announced some of the usual visitors; and she went to receive + them. Ten o’clock struck; and from that moment the invited guests did not + cease to arrive. At eleven o’clock there were perhaps a hundred persons in + the room; and in the two adjoining rooms card-tables had been arranged. + </p> + <p> + It appeared that the gentlemen who showed themselves there—old men + mostly, amply decorated with foreign orders, and young men in + extravagantly fashionable costumes—were not free from suspicion; but + they all belonged to Paris high-life, to that society, which, under a + dazzlingly brilliant outside, conceals hideous crimes, and allows now and + then traces of real misery to be seen through the rents in the splendid + livery worn by its members. + </p> + <p> + Some of these men stood, by the name they bore or the position they + filled, high above the rest of the company; they were easily recognized by + their haughty manner, and the intense deference with which their slightest + remarks were received. And to this crowd Count Ville-Handry displayed his + good-fortune. He assumed all the airs of the master of the house; as if he + had been in his own house, gave orders to the servants, and then, with + mock modesty, went from group to group, eagerly picking up all the + compliments he could gather on Miss Brandon’s beauty, and his own good + luck. + </p> + <p> + Gracefully reclining in an easy-chair near the fireplace, Miss Sarah + looked a young queen surrounded by her court. But in spite of the + multitude of her admirers, and the number of compliments she received at + every moment, she never for a moment lost sight of Daniel, watching him + all the time stealthily, to read his thoughts in his features. + </p> + <p> + Once she even shocked the crowd of her worshippers by suddenly leaving her + place in order to ask him why he held himself so aloof, and whether he + felt indisposed. Then, seeing that he was a perfect stranger here, she was + good enough to point out to him some of the most remarkable men in the + crowd. In doing this, she was so anxious to make him aware of her + distinguished friends, that Daniel began to think she must have divined + his intentions, and thus indirectly defied him, as if she had said in so + many words,— + </p> + <p> + “You see what friends I have, and how they would defend me if you should + dare to attack me.” + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, he was not discouraged, being fully aware of all the + difficulties of his undertaking, and having long since counted up all the + obstacles in his way. While the conversation was going on around him, he + arranged in his head a plan, which, he hoped, would enable him to find out + the antecedents of this dangerous adventuress. + </p> + <p> + These thoughts preoccupied him to such a degree, that he did not become + aware how the rooms became gradually empty. It was so, nevertheless; and + there were finally only a few intimate friends left, and four players at a + card-table. + </p> + <p> + Then Miss Brandon arose, and, coming up to Daniel, said to him,— + </p> + <p> + “Will you grant me ten minutes’ conversation, sir?” + </p> + <p> + He prepared to follow her, when Mrs. Brian interposed, saying a few words + in a tone of reproach to her niece. Daniel knew enough English to + understand that she said,— + </p> + <p> + “What you are doing is highly improper, Sarah.” + </p> + <p> + “Shocking!” added M. Thomas Elgin. + </p> + <p> + But she shrugged her shoulders slightly, and replied in English,— + </p> + <p> + “My dear count alone would have a right to judge my conduct; and he has + authorized me to do what I am doing.” + </p> + <p> + Then turning to Daniel, she said to him in French,— + </p> + <p> + “Come with me, sir.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IX. + </h2> + <p> + Miss Sarah led Daniel to a small boudoir adjoining her own room. Nothing + could be fresher and more coquettish than this little room, which looked + almost like a greenhouse, so completely was it filled with rare and + fragrant flowers, while the door and window-frames were overgrown with + luxuriant creepers. In the windows stood large vases filled with flowers; + and the light bamboo chairs were covered with the same bright silk with + which the walls were hung. If the great reception-room reflected the + character of Mrs. Brian, this charming boudoir represented Miss Brandon’s + own exquisite taste. + </p> + <p> + She sat down on a small sofa and began, after a short pause,— + </p> + <p> + “My aunt was right; it would have been more proper for me to convey to you + through M. Elgin what I want to say. But I have the independence of all + the girls of my country; and, when my interests are at stake, I trust no + one but myself.” + </p> + <p> + She was bewitching in her ingenuousness as she uttered these words with + the air of a little child who looks cunning, and determined to undertake + something that appears quite formidable. + </p> + <p> + “I am told that my dear count has been to see you this afternoon,” she + continued, “and you have heard that in less than a month I shall be the + Countess Ville-Handry?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was surprised. In less than a month! What could be done in so + little time? + </p> + <p> + “Now, sir,” continued Miss Brandon, “I wish to hear from your own lips + whether you see—any—objections to this match.” + </p> + <p> + She spoke so frankly, that it was evident she was utterly unconscious of + that article in the code of social laws which prescribes that a French + girl must never mention the word “marriage” without blushing to the roots + of her hair. Daniel, on the contrary, was terribly embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + “I confess,” he replied with much hesitation, “that I do not understand, + that I cannot possibly explain to myself, why you do me the honor”— + </p> + <p> + “To consult you? Pardon me; I think you understand me perfectly well. Have + they not promised you Miss Ville-Handry’s hand?” + </p> + <p> + “The count has permitted me to hope”— + </p> + <p> + “He has pledged his word, sir, under certain conditions. My dear count has + told me every thing. I speak, therefore, to Count Ville-Handry’s + son-in-law, and I repeat, Do you see any objections to this match?” + </p> + <p> + The question was too precisely put to allow of any prevarication. And + still Daniel was bent upon gaining time, and avoiding any positive answer. + For the first time in his life he said a falsehood; and, turning crimson + all over, he stammered out,— + </p> + <p> + “I see no objection.” + </p> + <p> + “Really?” + </p> + <p> + “Really.” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head, and then said very slowly,— + </p> + <p> + “If that is so, you will not refuse me a great favor. Carried away by her + grief at seeing her father marry again, Miss Ville-Handry hates me. Will + you promise me to use your influence in trying to persuade her to change + her disposition towards me?” + </p> + <p> + Never had honest Daniel Champcey been tried so hard. He answered + diplomatically,— + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid you overestimate my influence.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him suddenly with such a sharp and penetrating glance that + he felt almost startled, and then said,— + </p> + <p> + “I do not ask of you to succeed, only promise me upon your honor that you + will do your best, and I shall be very much obliged to you. Will you give + me that promise?” + </p> + <p> + Could he do so? The situation was so exceptional, Daniel had at all cost + to lull the enemy into security for a time, and for a moment he was + inclined to pledge his honor. Nay, more than that, he made an effort to do + it. But his lips refused to utter a false oath. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” resumed Miss Brandon very coldly, “you see you were deceiving + me.” + </p> + <p> + And, turning away from him, she hid her face in her hands, apparently + overcome by grief, and repeated in a tone of deep sorrow,— + </p> + <p> + “What a disgrace! Great God! What a humiliation!” + </p> + <p> + But suddenly she started up again, her face bright with a glow of hope, + and cried out,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, be it so. I like it all the better so. A mean man would not have + hesitated at an oath, however determined he might have been not to keep + it. Whilst you—I can trust you; you are a man of honor, and all is + not lost yet. Whence comes your aversion? Is it a question of money, the + count’s fortune?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Brandon!” + </p> + <p> + “No, it is not that, I see. I was quite sure of it. What, then, can it be? + Tell me, sir, I beseech you! tell me something.” + </p> + <p> + What could he tell her? Daniel remained silent. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Sarah, clinching her teeth convulsively. “I understand.” + </p> + <p> + She made a supreme effort not to break out in sobs; and big tears, + resembling diamonds of matchless beauty, rolled slowly down from between + her long, trembling eyelashes. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she said, “I understand. The atrocious calumnies which my enemies + have invented have reached you; and you have believed them. They have, no + doubt, told you that I am an adventuress, come from nowhere; that my + father, the brave defender of the Union, exists only in the painting in my + parlor; that no one knows where my income comes from; that Thorn, that + noble soul, and Mrs. Brian, a saint upon earth, are vile accomplices of + mine. Confess, you have been told all that, and you have believed it.” + </p> + <p> + Grand in her wrath, her cheeks burning, her lips trembling, she rose, and + added in a tone of bitter sarcasm,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! When people are called upon to admire a noble deed, they refuse to + believe, they insist upon inquiring before they admire, they examine + carefully. But, if they are told something bad, they dispense with that + ceremony; however monstrous the thing may appear, however improbable it + may sound, they believe it instantly. They would not touch a child; but + they do not hesitate to repeat a slander which dishonors a woman, and + kills her as surely as a dagger. If I were a man, and had been told that + Miss Brandon was an adventuress, I would have been bent upon ascertaining + the matter. America is not so far off. I should have soon found the ten + thousand men who had served under Gen. Brandon, and they would have told + me what sort of a man their chief had been. I should have examined the + oil-regions of Pennsylvania; and I would have learned there that the + petroleum-wells belonging to M. Elgin, Mrs. Brian, and Miss Brandon + produce more than many a principality.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was amazed at the candor and the boldness with which this young + girl approached the terrible subject. To enable her to speak with such + energy and in such a tone, she must either be possessed of unsurpassed + impudence, or—he had to confess it—be innocent. + </p> + <p> + Overcome by the effort she had made, she had sunk back upon the sofa, and + continued in a lower tone of voice, as if speaking to herself,— + </p> + <p> + “But have I a right to complain? I reap as I have sown. Alas! Thorn has + told me so often enough, and I would not believe him. I was not twenty + years old when I came to Paris, after my poor father’s death. I had been + brought up in America, where young girls know no other law but that of + their own consciences. They tell us at home, all the time, that it is our + first duty to be truthful. In France, young girls are taught that + hypocrisy is their first duty. We are taught not to blush, except when we + have done wrong; they are taught all the appearances of false prudishness. + In France, they work hard to save appearances; with us, we aim at reality. + In Philadelphia, I did every thing I chose to do, provided I did not think + it was wrong. I thought I could do the same here. Poor me! I did not count + upon the wickedness of the world. I went out alone, on horseback, in the + morning. I went alone to church, to pray to God. If I wanted any thing for + my toilet, I sent for the carriage, and drove out, alone, to buy it. When + a man spoke to me, I did not feel bound to cast down my eyes; and, if he + was amusing and witty, I laughed. If a new fashion pleased me, I adopted + it. I committed all these crimes. I was young, rich, popular. These were + as many more crimes. And after I had been here a year, they said that + Malgat, that wretch”— + </p> + <p> + She jumped up as she said this, ran up to Daniel, and, seizing him by the + hands, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Malgat! Have they talked to you about Malgat?” + </p> + <p> + And, as he hesitated to answer, she added:— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, answer me! Don’t you see that your hesitation is an insult?” + </p> + <p> + “Well—yes.” + </p> + <p> + As if in utter despair, she raised her hands to heaven, calling God, as it + were, to witness, and asking for inspiration from on high. Then she added + suddenly,— + </p> + <p> + “But I have proofs, irrefutable proofs of Malgat’s rascality.” + </p> + <p> + And, without waiting for another word, she hurried into the adjoining + room. Daniel, moved to the bottom of his heart, remained standing where he + was, immovable, like a statue. + </p> + <p> + He was utterly confounded and overcome by the charm of that marvellous + voice, which passed through the whole gamut of passion with such a + sonorous ring, and yet with such sweet languor, that it seemed by turns to + sob and to threaten, to sigh with sadness and to thunder with wrath. + </p> + <p> + “What a woman!” he said to himself, repeating thus unconsciously the words + uttered by M. de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + “What a woman! And how well she defends herself.” + </p> + <p> + But Miss Brandon was already back again, carrying in her arms a small box + of costly wood inlaid with jewels. She resumed her seat on the sofa; and + in that brief, sharp tone which betrays terrible passions restrained with + a great effort, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Before all, I must thank you, M. Champcey, for your frankness, since it + enables me to defend myself. I knew that slander had attacked me; I felt + it, so to say, in the air I was breathing; but I had never been able yet + to take hold of it. Now, for the first time, I can face it; and I owe it + to you that I am able to defy it. Listen, therefore; for I swear to you by + all that is most sacred to me, by the memory of my sainted mother, I swear + to you solemnly, that you shall hear the truth, and nothing but the + truth.” + </p> + <p> + She had opened the box, and was eagerly searching something among the + papers inside. She then continued, in feverish haste,— + </p> + <p> + “M. Malgat was the cashier and confidential clerk of the Mutual Discount + Society, a large and powerful company. M. Elgin had some business with + him, a few weeks after our arrival here, for the purpose of drawing funds + which he had in Philadelphia. He found him an exceedingly obliging man, + and, to show his appreciation, invited him to dine here. Thus he became + acquainted with Mrs. Brian and myself. He was a man of about forty, of + medium height, ordinary looking, very polite, but not refined in his + manners. The first time I looked at his light yellow eyes, I felt + disgusted and frightened. I read in his face an expression of base vice. + The impression was so strong, that I could not help telling M. Elgin how + sure I was this man would turn out a bad man, and that he ought not to + trust him in money-matters.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel listened with breathless attention. This description of Malgat + impressed his portrait so deeply on his mind, that he thought he saw him + before his eyes, and would certainly recognize him if he should ever meet + him. + </p> + <p> + “M. Elgin,” continued Miss Brandon, “only laughed at my presentiments; and + even Mrs. Brian, I remember distinctly, scolded me, saying it was very + wrong to judge a man by his appearance, and that there were very honest + men in the world who had yellow eyes. I must acknowledge, moreover, that + M. Malgat behaved perfectly well whenever he was here. As M. Elgin did not + know Paris, and had money to invest, he advised him what to do. When we + had drafts upon the Mutual Discount Society, he always saved M. Elgin the + trouble, and brought the money himself. After a while, when M. Elgin took + it into his head to try some small speculations on ‘change, M. Malgat + offered him his assistance, although they never had any luck, in fact.” + </p> + <p> + By this time Miss Brandon had found the papers she was looking for. She + handed them to Daniel, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “And, if you do not believe what I say, look at this.” + </p> + <p> + There were a dozen square bits of paper, on which Malgat had reported the + result of his operations on ‘change, which he carried on on account of, + and with the money of, M. Elgin. All ended with these words:— + </p> + <p> + “We have lost considerably; but we may be more fortunate next time. There + is a capital chance on such and such funds; send me all the money you can + spare.” + </p> + <p> + The words were always the same; the name of the funds alone varied in + each. + </p> + <p> + “That is strange,” said Daniel. + </p> + <p> + Miss Sarah shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “Strange? Yes, indeed!” she replied. “But it does not help me in any way. + This letter, however, will tell you more. Read it, sir, and read it + aloud.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel took the letter, and read,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Paris, Dec. 5, 1865. + </p> + <p> + “‘M. Thomas Elgin. <i>Dear Sir</i>,—It is to you alone, the most + honorable among men, that I can make the terrible confession that I have + committed a crime. + </p> + <p> + “‘I am wretched. Employed by you in your speculations, I have given way to + temptation, and have speculated on my own account. One loss brought about + another, I lost my head; I hoped to recover my money; and now, at this + hour, I owe more than ten thousand dollars, which I have taken from the + safe of the society. + </p> + <p> + “‘Will you have pity on me? Will you be so generous as to lend me that + sum? I may not be able to return it in less than six or seven years; but I + will repay you, I swear it, with interest. + </p> + <p> + “‘I await your answer, like a criminal, who waits for the verdict. It is a + matter of life and death with me; and as you decide, so I may be saved, or + disgraced forever. A. Malgat.’” + </p> + <p> + On the margin, methodical M. Elgin had written in his angular handwriting,— + </p> + <p> + “Answered immediately. Sent to M. M. ten thousand dollars, to be drawn + from funds deposited with the Mutual Discount Society. No interest to be + paid.” + </p> + <p> + “And that,” stammered Daniel, “that is the man”— + </p> + <p> + “Whom they charge me with having turned aside from the paths of honesty; + yes, sir! Now you learn to know him. But wait. You see, he was saved. It + was not long before he appeared here, his false face bathed in tears. I + can find no words to convey to you the exaggerated expressions of his + gratitude. He refused to shake hands with M. Elgin, he said, because he + was no longer worthy of such honor. He spoke of nothing but of his + devotion unto death. It is true M. Elgin carried his generosity to an + extreme. He, a model of honesty, who would have starved to death rather + than touch the gold intrusted to his care,—he consoled Malgat, + finding all kinds of apology for him, telling him, that, after all, he was + not so very much to blame, that there were temptations too strong to be + resisted, and repeating even those paradoxical principles which have been + specially invented as an apology for thieves. Malgat had still some money + of his own; but M. Elgin did not ask him for it, for fear of hurting his + feelings. He continued to invite him, and urged him to come and dine with + us as heretofore.” + </p> + <p> + She stopped, laughing in a nervous manner, which was painful to hear, and + then continued, in a hoarse voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, M. Champcey, how Malgat repaid all this kindness? Read this + note; it will restore me in your esteem, I trust.” + </p> + <p> + It was another letter written by Malgat to M. Elgin, and ran thus,— + </p> + <p> + “M. Elgin,—I have deceived you. It was not ten thousand dollars I + had taken, but sixty thousand five hundred dollars. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks to false entries, I have been able to conceal my defalcations + until now; but I can do so no longer. The board of directors have begun to + suspect me; and the president has just told me that tomorrow the books + will be examined. I am lost. + </p> + <p> + “I ought to kill myself, I know; but I have not the courage to do so. I + venture to ask you to furnish me the means of escaping from this country. + I beseech you on my knees, in the name of all that is dear to you, for + mercy’s sake; for I am penniless, and cannot even pay the fare on the + railway as far as the frontier. Nor can I return to my house; for I am + watched. + </p> + <p> + “Once more, M. Elgin, have pity on a poor man, and leave the answer with + the concierge. I will come by about nine o’clock. A. Malgat.” + </p> + <p> + Not on the margin, as before, but across the lines, M. Elgin had written + these laconic words:— + </p> + <p> + “Answered immediately. No! The scamp!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel could not have uttered a word to save his life; he was too + fearfully excited. Miss Brandon continued,— + </p> + <p> + “We were dining alone that day; and M. Elgin was so indignant, that he + forgot his usual reserve, and told us everything. Ah! I felt only pity for + the poor man; and I besought him to give the wretch the means to escape. + But he was inflexible. Seeing, however, how excited I was, he tried to + reassure me by telling me that Malgat would certainly not come, that he + would not dare to expect an answer to such a letter.” + </p> + <p> + She pressed both her hands on her heart, as if to still its beating; and + then continued, in a weak voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, he came, and, seeing his hopes disappointed, he insisted + upon speaking to us. The servants let him go up, and he entered. Ah! if I + lived a thousand years, I should never forget that fearful scene. Feeling + that all was lost, this thief, this defaulter, had become enraged; he + demanded money. At first he asked for it on his knees in humble words; + but, when he found that this did not answer, he suddenly rose in a perfect + fury, his mouth foaming, his eyes bloodshot, and overwhelmed us with the + coarsest insults. At last M. Elgin’s patience gave out, and he rang for + the servants. They had to employ force to drag him out; and, as they + pushed him down stairs, he threatened us with his fist, and swore that he + would be avenged.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Brandon shuddered till she appeared to be all in a quiver; and, for a + moment, Daniel thought she was going to be ill. But she made an effort to + overcome her weakness; and, in a more decided tone, she continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Forty-eight hours passed; and the impression of this horrible scene began + to fade from our minds, till it appeared like a bad dream. If we mentioned + Malgat at all, it was with pity and contempt; for what could he do to us? + Nothing, you will say. Even if he should dare to accuse us of some great + crime, we thought no one would listen to him, and we should never hear of + it. How could we imagine that the world would set to work doubting our + honor upon the mere word of a wretch like him? + </p> + <p> + “His crime had, in the meantime, become known; and all the papers were + full of it, adding a number of more or less reliable stories. They + exaggerated the sums he had stolen; and they said he had succeeded in + escaping to England, and that the police had lost his traces in London. + </p> + <p> + “I, poor girl, had nearly forgotten the whole matter. + </p> + <p> + “He had really fled; but, before leaving Paris, he had succeeded in + preparing everything for the vengeance which he had threatened. Where + could he have found people mean enough to serve his purposes? and who were + they? I do not know. Perhaps he did nothing more, as Mrs. Brian suggested, + than to address two or three anonymous letters to some of our + acquaintances, who he knew did not like us, or envied us. + </p> + <p> + “At all events, in less than a week after his disappearance, it was + reported everywhere, that I, Sarah Brandon, had been an accomplice of this + defaulter, and, worse than that, that the sums he had stolen might easily + be found, if a certain bureau in my bedchamber could be searched. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is what they said, at first in a whisper and most cautiously, + then louder, and finally openly, and before all the world. + </p> + <p> + “Soon the papers took it up. They repeated the facts, arranging them to + suit their purpose, and alluding to me in a thousand infamous innuendoes. + They said that Malgat’s defalcation was after the American style, and that + it was perfectly natural he should go to a foreign country, after having + been associated with a certain foreign lady.” + </p> + <p> + She had become crimson all over; her bosom rose; and shame, indignation, + and resentment alternately appeared on her face, changing finally into an + ardent desire of vengeance. + </p> + <p> + “We, in the meantime,” she continued, “quiet and safe in our honesty, did + not even suspect these infamous proceedings. It is true, I had been struck + by some strange whisperings, by curious looks and singular smiles, when I + passed some of my friends; but I had not noticed them specially. + </p> + <p> + “A paper which had been left at the house one afternoon, when we were out, + showed us the true state of things. It was a summons. I was ordered to + appear before a magistrate. + </p> + <p> + “It was a thunderbolt. Mad with wrath and grief, M. Elgin swore I should + not go, that he would most assuredly find out the authors of this infamous + libel, and that, in the meantime, he would challenge and kill every one + who dared repeat it. + </p> + <p> + “In vain did Mrs. Brian and myself beseech him, on our knees, not to leave + the house until he had grown cooler. He pushed us aside almost with + brutality, and rushed out, taking with him the papers and letters written + by Malgat. + </p> + <p> + “We were at the end of our endurance, having suffered all the tortures of + anxiety, when, at last, near midnight, M. Elgin returned, pale, exhausted, + and distressed. He had found no one willing even to listen to him; + everybody telling him that he was much too good to give a thought to such + infamous reports; that they were too absurd to be believed.” + </p> + <p> + She nearly gave way, sobs intercepting her words; but she mastered her + emotion, and continued,— + </p> + <p> + “The next day I went to the court-house; and, after being kept waiting for + a long time in a dark passage, I was brought before the magistrate. He was + an elderly man, with hard features and piercing eyes, who received me + almost brutally, as if I had been a criminal. But, when I had shown him + the letters which you have just read, his manner suddenly changed, pity + got the better of him; and I thought I saw a tear in his eye. Ah! I shall + be eternally grateful to him for the words he said when I left his office,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Poor, poor young girl! Justice bows reverently before your innocence. + Would to God that the world could be made to do the same!’” + </p> + <p> + She fixed her eyes, trembling with fear and hope, upon Daniel, and added, + in a voice of supplication and touching humility,— + </p> + <p> + “The world has been more cruel than justice itself but you, sir, will you + be harder than the magistrate?” + </p> + <p> + Alas! Daniel was sorely embarrassed what to answer. He felt as if all his + senses were in an uproar and in utter confusion. + </p> + <p> + “Sir!” begged Miss Brandon again. “M. Champcey!” + </p> + <p> + She continued to fix her eyes upon him. He turned his head aside, feeling + as if, under her obstinate gaze, his mind left him, his energy evaporated, + and all the fibres of his strong will were breaking. + </p> + <p> + “Great God!” exclaimed Miss Brandon, with grieved surprise; “he still + doubts me. Sir, I pray you, speak! Do you doubt the authenticity of these + letters? Ah, if you do, take them; for I do not hesitate to confide them, + the only proofs of my innocence, to your honor. Take them and show them to + the other clerks who have been sitting for twenty years in the same office + with Malgat; and they will tell you that it is his handwriting; that he + has signed his own condemnation. And, if that is not enough for you, go to + the magistrate who examined me; his name is Patrigent.” + </p> + <p> + And she waited, waited, but not a word came forth. + </p> + <p> + Daniel had sunk, undone, into a chair; and his elbow resting on a small + stand, his brow in his hands, he endeavored to think, to reason. Then Miss + Brandon rose, came gently up to him, and taking his hand, said softly,— + </p> + <p> + “I beseech you!” + </p> + <p> + But as if suddenly electrified by the touch of this soft, warm hand, + Daniel rose so hastily, that he upset the chair; and, trembling with + mysterious terror, he cried out,— + </p> + <p> + “Kergrist!” + </p> + <p> + It was as if a fearful insult had set Miss Brandon on fire. Her face + turned crimson, and then, almost instantly, livid; and, stepping back a + little, she darted at Daniel a look of burning hatred. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” she murmured, “oh!” finding, apparently, no words to express all she + felt. + </p> + <p> + Was she going away? It looked as if she thought of it, for she walked to + the door; but, suddenly changing her mind, she came back to where she had + stood, facing Daniel. + </p> + <p> + “This is the first time in my life,” she said, trembling with rage, “that + I condescend to justify myself against such infamous charges; and you + abuse my patience by heaping insult after insult upon me. But never mind. + I look upon you as upon Henrietta’s husband; and, since I have commenced, + I mean to finish.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel tried to say a few words of apology; but she interrupted him,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes; one night a young man, Charles de Kergrist,—a + profligate, a gambler, crowning his scandalous life with the vilest and + meanest act,—did come and kill himself under my window. The next day + a great outcry arose against me. Three days later the brother of that + wretched madman, a M. Rene de Kergrist, came and held M. Elgin to account. + But do you know what came of these explanations? Charles de Kergrist, it + appears, killed himself after a supper, which he left in a state of + drunkenness. He committed suicide because he had lost his fortune at + Homburg and at Baden; because he had exhausted his last resources; because + his family, ashamed at his disgrace, refused to acknowledge him any + longer. And, if he chose my window for his self-murder, it was because he + wanted to satisfy a petty grievance. Looking upon me as an heiress, whose + fortune would enable him to continue his extravagant life, he had courted + me, and been refused by M. Elgin. Finally, at the time when the + catastrophe occurred, I was sixty miles away from here, in Tours, staying + at the house of one of M. Elgin’s friends, M. Palmer, who deposed”— + </p> + <p> + And, as Daniel looked at her with an air of utter bewilderment, she added,— + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you will ask me for proofs of what I state. I have none to give + you. But I know a man who can give you what you want, and that man is M. + de Kergrist’s brother; for, after those explanations, he has continued to + be our friend, sir, one of our best friends. And he was here to-night, and + you have seen him; for he came and spoke to me while you were standing by + me. M. de Kergrist lives here in Paris; and M. Elgin will give you his + address.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at Daniel with a glance in which pity and contempt were + strangely mixed, and then added, in her proudest tone,— + </p> + <p> + “And now, sir, since <i>I</i> have deigned to stand here like a criminal, + do you sit in judgment on me. Question me, and I will answer. What else + are you going to charge me with?” + </p> + <p> + A judge, however, ought to be calm; and Daniel was but too conscious of + his deep excitement; he knew he could not even prevent his features from + expressing his utter bewilderment. He gave up all discussion therefore, + and simply said,— + </p> + <p> + “I believe you, Miss Brandon, I believe you.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Brandon’s beautiful eyes lighted up for a moment with joy; and in a + tone of voice which sounded like the echo of her heart, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, thank you, sir! now I am sure you will grant me Miss Henrietta’s + friendship.” + </p> + <p> + Why did she mention that name? It broke the charm which had overcome + Daniel. He saw how weak he had been, and was ashamed of himself. + </p> + <p> + He said sternly, thus proving his anger at himself, and the failure of his + judgment,— + </p> + <p> + “Permit me not to reply to that to-night. I should like to consider.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him half stupefied. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” she said. “Have I, or have I not, removed your doubts, + your insulting suspicions? Perhaps you wish to consult one of my enemies?” + </p> + <p> + She spoke in a tone of such profound disdain, that Daniel, stung to the + quick, forgot the discretion which he had intended to observe, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Since you insist upon it, Miss Brandon, I must confess that there is one + doubt which you have not removed.” + </p> + <p> + “Which?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel hesitated, regretting the words he had allowed to escape him. But + he had gone too far now to retract. He replied,— + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand, Miss Brandon, how you can marry Count Ville- + Handry.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “You are young. You are immensely rich, you say. The count is sixty-six + years old.” + </p> + <p> + She, who had been so daring that nothing seemed to be able to disconcert + her, now lowered her head like a timid boarding-school girl who has been + caught acting contrary to rules; and a flood of crimson spread over her + face, and every part of her figure which was not concealed by her dress. + </p> + <p> + “You are cruel, sir!” she stammered; “the secret into which you pry is one + of those which a girl hardly dares to confide to her mother.” + </p> + <p> + He was triumphant, thinking he had caught her at last. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, indeed!” he said ironically. + </p> + <p> + But the proud young lady did not waver, and replied with bitter sadness,— + </p> + <p> + “You will have it so; be it so. For your sake, I will lay aside that veil + of proud reserve which conceals the mysteries of a young girl’s heart. I + do not love Count Ville-Handry.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was startled. This confession seemed to him the height of + imprudence. + </p> + <p> + “I do not love him,—at least not with real love; and I have never + allowed him to hope for such a feeling. Still I shall be most happy to + become his wife. Do not expect me to explain to you what is going on + within me. I myself hardly understand it as yet. I can give no precise + name to that feeling of sympathy which attracts me towards him. I have + been captivated by his wit and his kindness; his words have an + indescribable charm for me. That is all I can tell you.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel could not believe his ears. + </p> + <p> + “And,” she continued, “if you must have motives of more ordinary + character, I will confess to you that I can no longer endure this life, + harassed as I am by vile calumnies. The palace of Count Ville-Handry + appears to me an asylum, where I shall bury my disappointments and my + sorrows, and where I shall find peace and a position which commands + respect. Ah! you need not be afraid for that great and noble name. I shall + bear it worthily and nobly, and shrink from no sacrifice to enhance its + splendor. You may say that I am a calculating woman. I dare say <i>I</i> + am; but I see nothing mean or disgraceful in my hopes.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had thought he had confounded her, and it was she who crushed him + by her bold frankness; for there was nothing to say, no reasonable + objection to make. Fifty marriages out of every hundred are made upon less + high ground. Miss Brandon, however, was not a woman to be easily overcome. + She rose as she spoke, to her former haughtiness, and inspired herself + with the sound of her voice. + </p> + <p> + “During the last two years,” she said, “I have had twenty offers; and + among them three or four that would have been acceptable to a duchess. I + have refused them, in spite of M. Elgin and Mrs. Brian. Only yesterday, a + man of twenty-five, a Gordon Chalusse, was here at my feet. I have sent + him off like the others, preferring my dear count. And why?” + </p> + <p> + She remained a moment buried in thought, her eyes swimming in tears; and, + answering apparently her own questions, rather than Daniel’s, she went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Thanks to my beauty, as the world calls it, a fatal beauty, alas! I have + been admired, courted, filled to satiety with compliments. They say I am + in the most elegant and most polished society in Europe; and yet I have + looked in vain for the man whose eye could for a moment even break the + peace of my heart. I have seen everywhere only persons of like perfection, + whose characters had no more wrinkles than the coat made by the first of + tailors, all equally eager and gallant, playing well, talking well, + dancing well, riding well.” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head with a movement full of energy; and, beaming with + enthusiasm, she exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I had dreamed of better things to come. What I dreamed of was a man + of noble heart, with an inflexible will, capable of attempting what others + dared not,—what, I do not know, but something grand, perilous, + impossible. I dreamed of one of those ambitious men with a pale brow, a + longing look, whose eyes sparkle with genius,—one of those strong + men who impose their will upon the multitude, and who remove mountains by + the force of their will. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! to repay the love of such a man, I would have found treasures in my + heart, which now remain useless, like all the wealth that is buried at the + bottom of the sea. I would have drunk deep from the cup of my hopes; my + pulse would have kept time with the fever of his excitement. For his sake, + I would have made myself small, humble, useful; I would have watched in + his looks for the shadow of a desire. + </p> + <p> + “But how proud I would have been, I, his wife, of his success and of his + glories, of the reverence paid him by his admirers, and the hatred of his + enemies!” + </p> + <p> + Her voice had vibrations in it that might have stirred up the heart of a + stoic. The splendor of her exalted beauty illumined the room. + </p> + <p> + And gradually, one by one, Daniel’s suspicions vanished, or fell to pieces + like the ill-jointed pieces of an ancient armor. But Miss Brandon paused, + ashamed of her vehemence, and continued more slowly,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, sir, you know me better than any other person in this world. You + alone have read the innermost heart of Sarah Brandon. And yet I see you + today for the first time in my life. And yet you are the first man who has + ever dared to speak harshly to me, harsh unto insult. Will you make me + repent of my frankness? Oh, no, no! surely you will not be so cruel. I + know you to be a man of honor and of high principles; I know how, in order + to save a name which you revere, you have risked your prospects in life, + the girl you love, and an enormous fortune. Yes, Miss Ville-Handry has + made no ordinary choice.” + </p> + <p> + She looked as if she were utterly despondent, and added, in a tone of + concentrated rage,— + </p> + <p> + “And I, I know my fate.” + </p> + <p> + Then followed a pause, a terrible pause. They were standing face to face, + pale, troubled, trembling with excitement, their teeth firmly set, their + eyes eloquent with deep feeling. + </p> + <p> + Daniel, as he felt the hot breath of this terrible passion, became almost + unconscious of the surroundings; his mind was shaken; a mysterious + delirium took possession of his senses; the blood rushed to his head; and + he felt as if the beating at his temples was ringing in the whole house. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” began at last Miss Brandon once more, “my fate is sealed. I must + become the Countess of Ville-Handry, or I am lost. And once more, sir, I + beseech you induce Miss Henrietta to receive me like an elder sister. Ah! + if I were the woman you think I am, what would I care for Miss Henrietta + and her enmity? You know very well that the count will go on at any + hazard. And yet I beg,—I who am accustomed to command everywhere. + What more can I do? Do you want to see me at your feet? Here I am.” + </p> + <p> + And really, as she said this, she sank down so suddenly, that her knees + struck the floor with a noise; and, seizing Daniel’s hands, she pressed + them upon her burning brow. + </p> + <p> + “Great God!” she sighed, “to be rejected, by him!” + </p> + <p> + Her hair had become partially loosened, and fell in masses on Daniel’s + hands. He trembled from head to foot; and, bending over Miss Brandon, he + raised her, and held her, half lifeless, while her head rested on his + shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Sarah,” he said in a hoarse, low voice. + </p> + <p> + They were so near to each other, that their breaths mingled, and Daniel + felt Miss Brandon’s sobs on his heart, burning him like fiery flames. + Then, half drunk with excitement, forgetting every thing, he pressed his + lips upon the lips of this strange girl. + </p> + <p> + But she, starting up instantly, drew back, and cried,— + </p> + <p> + “Daniel! unhappy man!” + </p> + <p> + Then breaking out in sobs, she stammered,— + </p> + <p> + “Go! I pray you go! I ask for nothing now. If I must be lost, I must.” + </p> + <p> + And he replied with terrible vehemence,— + </p> + <p> + “Your will shall be done, Sarah; I am yours. You may count upon me.” + </p> + <p> + And he rushed out like a madman, down the staircase, taking three steps at + once, and, finding the house-door open, out into the street. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + X. + </h2> + <p> + It was a dark, freezing night; the sky was laden with clouds which hung so + low, that they nearly touched the roofs of the houses; and a furious wind + was shaking the black branches of the trees in the Champs Elysees, passing + through the air like a fine dust of snow. + </p> + <p> + Daniel rushed in feverish haste, like an escaped convict, headlong on, + without aim or purpose, solely bent upon escaping. But, when he had gone + some distance, the motion, the cold night-air, and the keen wind playing + in his hair, restored him to consciousness. Then he became aware that he + was still in evening costume, bareheaded, and that he had left his hat and + his overcoat in Miss Brandon’s house. Then he remembered that Count + Ville-Handry was waiting for him in the great reception-room, together + with M. Elgin and Mrs. Brian. What would they say and think? Unhappy man, + in what a sad predicament he found himself! + </p> + <p> + There might have been a way to escape from that hell; and he himself, in + his madness, had closed it forever. + </p> + <p> + Like one of those dissipated men who awake from the heavy sleep after a + debauch, with dry mouth and weary head, he felt as if he had just been + aroused from a singular and terrible dream. Like the drunkard, who, when + he is sobered, tries to recall the foolish things he may have done under + the guidance of King Alcohol, Daniel conjured up one by one all his + emotions during the hour which he had just spent by Miss Brandon’s side,—an + hour of madness which would weigh heavily upon his future fate, and which + alone contained in its sixty minutes more experiences than his whole life + so far. + </p> + <p> + At no time had he been so near despair. + </p> + <p> + What! He had been warned, put on his guard, made fully aware of all of + Miss Brandon’s tricks; they had told him of the weird charm of her eyes; + he himself had caught her that very evening in the open act of deceiving + others. + </p> + <p> + And in spite of all this, feeble and helpless as he was, he had let + himself be caught by the fascinations of this strange girl. Her voice had + made him forget every thing, every thing—even his dear and beloved + Henrietta, his sole thought for so many years. + </p> + <p> + “Fool!” he said to himself, “what have I done?” + </p> + <p> + Unmindful of the blast of the tempest, and of the snow which had begun to + fall, he had sat down on the steps of one of the grandest houses in Circus + Street, and, with his elbows on his knees, he pressed his brow with his + hands, as if hoping that he might thus cause it to suggest to him some + plan of salvation. Conjuring up the whole energy of his will, he tried to + retrace his interview with Miss Brandon in order to find out by what + marvellous transformation it had begun as a terrible combat, and ended as + a love-scene. And recalling thus to his memory all she had told him in her + soft, sweet voice, he asked himself if she had not really been slandered; + and, if there was actually something amiss in her past life, why should it + not rather be laid at the door of those two equivocal personages who + watched over her, M. Elgin and Mrs. Brian. + </p> + <p> + What boldness this strange girl had displayed in her defence! but also + what lofty nobility! How well she had said that she did not love Count + Ville-Handry with real love, and that, until now, no man had even + succeeded in quickening her pulse! Was she of marble, and susceptible only + of delight in foolish vanity? + </p> + <p> + Oh, no! a thousand times no! The most refined coquetry never achieved that + passionate violence; the most accomplished artist never possessed that + marvellous contagion which is the sublime gift of truth alone. And, + whatever he could do, his head and heart remained still filled with Miss + Brandon; and Daniel trembled as he remembered certain words in which, + under almost transparent illusions, the secret of her heart had betrayed + itself. Could she have told Daniel more pointedly than she had actually + done, “He whom I could love is none other but you”? Certainly not! And as + he thought of it his heart was filled with a sense of eager and + unwholesome desires; for he was a man, no better, no worse, than other + men; and there are but too many men nowadays, who would value a few hours + of happiness with a woman like Miss Brandon more highly than a whole life + of chaste love by the side of a pure and noble woman. + </p> + <p> + “But what is that to me?” he repeated. “Can I love her, I?” + </p> + <p> + Then he began again to revolve in his mind what might have happened after + his flight from the house. + </p> + <p> + How had Miss Brandon explained his escape? How had she accounted for her + own excitement? + </p> + <p> + And, drawn by an invincible power, Daniel had risen to return to the + house; and there, half-hid under the shadow of the opposite side, in a + deep doorway, he watched anxiously the windows, as if they could have told + him any thing of what was going on inside. The reception-room was still + brilliantly lighted, and people came and went, casting their shadows upon + the white curtains. A man came and leaned his face against the window, + then suddenly he drew back; and Daniel distinctly recognized Count + Ville-Handry. + </p> + <p> + What did that mean? Did it not imply that Miss Brandon had been taken + suddenly ill, and that people were anxious about her? These were Daniel’s + thoughts when he heard the noise of bolts withdrawn, and doors opened. It + was the great entrance-gate of Miss Brandon’s house, which was thrown open + by some of the servants. A low <i>coupe</i> with a single horse left the + house, and drove rapidly towards the Champs Elysees. + </p> + <p> + But, at the moment when the <i>coupe</i> turned, the light of the lamp + fell full upon the inside, and Daniel thought he recognized, nay, he did + recognize, Miss Brandon. He felt as if he had received a stunning blow on + the head. + </p> + <p> + “She has deceived me!” he exclaimed, grinding his teeth in his rage; “she + has treated me like an imbecile, like an idiot!” + </p> + <p> + Then, suddenly conceiving a strange plan, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “I must know where she is going at four o’clock in the morning. I will + follow her.” + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, Miss Brandon’s coachman had, no doubt, received special + orders; for he drove down the avenue as fast as the horse could go, and + the animal was a famous trotter, carefully chosen by Sir Thorn, who + understood horse-flesh better than any one else in Paris. But Daniel was + agile; and the hope of being able to avenge himself at once gave him + unheard-of strength. + </p> + <p> + “If I could only catch a cab!” he thought. + </p> + <p> + But no carriage was to be seen. His elbows close to the body, managing his + breath, and steadily measuring his steps, he succeeded in not only + following the <i>coupe</i>, but in actually gaining ground. When Miss + Brandon reached Concord Square, he was only a few yards behind the + carriage. But there the coachman touched the horse, which suddenly + increased its pace, crossed the square, and trotted down Royal Street. + </p> + <p> + Daniel felt his breath giving out, and a shooting pain, first trifling, + but gradually increasing, in his side. He was on the point of giving up + the pursuit, when he saw a cab coming down towards him from the Madeleine, + the driver fast asleep on the box. He threw himself before the horses, and + cried out as well as he could,— + </p> + <p> + “Driver, a hundred francs for you, if you follow that <i>coupe</i> down + there!” + </p> + <p> + But the driver, suddenly aroused by a man who stood in the middle of the + street, bareheaded, and in evening costume, and who offered him such an + enormous sum, thought it was a practical joke attempted by a drunken man, + and replied furiously,— + </p> + <p> + “Look out, rascal! Get out of the way, or I drive over you!” + </p> + <p> + And therewith he whipped his horses; and Daniel would have been driven + over, if he had not promptly jumped aside. But all this had taken time; + and, when he looked up, the <i>coupe</i> was far off, nearly at the + boulevard. To attempt overtaking it now would have been folly indeed; and + Daniel remained there, overwhelmed and defeated. + </p> + <p> + What could he do? It occurred to him that he might hasten to Maxime, and + ask him for advice. But fate was against him; he gave up that idea. He + went slowly back to his lodgings, and threw himself into an arm-chair, + determined not to go to bed till he had found a way to extricate himself + from the effects of his egregious folly. + </p> + <p> + But he had now been for two days agitated by the extremest alternatives, + like a man out at sea, whom the waves buffet, and throw—now up to + the shore, and now back again into open water. He had not closed an eye + for forty-eight hours; and, if the heart seems to be able to suffer almost + indefinitely, our physical strength is strictly limited. Thus he fell + asleep, dreaming even in his sleep that he was hard at work, and just + about to discover the means by which he could penetrate the mystery of + Miss Brandon. + </p> + <p> + It was bright day when Daniel awoke, chilled and stiffened; for he had not + changed his clothes when he came home, and his fire had gone out. His + first impulse was one of wrath against himself. What! he succumbed so + easily?—he, the sailor, who remembered very well having remained + more than once for forty, and even once for sixty hours on deck, when his + vessel was threatened by a hurricane? Had his peaceful and monotonous life + in his office during the last two years weakened him to such a point, that + all the springs of his system had lost their power? + </p> + <p> + Poor fellow! he knew not that the direst fatigue <i>is</i> trifling in + comparison with that deep moral excitement which shakes the human system + to its most mysterious depths. Nevertheless, while he hastened to kindle a + large fire, in order to warm himself, he felt that the rest had done him + good. The last evil effects of his excitement last night had passed away; + the charm by which he had been fascinated was broken; and he felt once + more master of all his faculties. + </p> + <p> + Now his folly appeared to him so utterly inexplicable, that, if he had but + tasted a glass of lemonade at Miss Brandon’s house, he should have been + inclined to believe that they had given him one of those drugs which set + the brains on fire, and produce a kind of delirium. But he had taken + nothing, and, even if he had, was the foolish act less real for that? The + consequences would be fatal, he had no doubt. + </p> + <p> + He was thus busy trying to analyze the future, when his servant entered, + as he did every morning, bringing his hat and overcoat on his arm. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” he said, with a smile which he tried to render malicious, “you have + forgotten these things at the house where you spent the evening yesterday. + A servant—on horseback too—brought them. He handed me at the + same time this letter, and is waiting for an answer.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel took the letter, and for a minute or more examined the direction. + The handwriting was a woman’s, small and delicate, but in no ways like the + long, angular hand of an American lady. At last he tore the envelope; and + at once a penetrating but delicate perfume arose, which he had inhaled, he + knew but too well, in Miss Brandon’s rooms. + </p> + <p> + The letter was indeed from her, and on the top of the page bore her name, + Sarah, in small blue Gothic letters. She wrote,— + </p> + <p> + “Is it really so, O Daniel! that you are entirely mine, and that I can + count upon you? You told me so tonight. Do you still remember your + promises?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was petrified. Miss Brandon had told him that she was imprudence + personified; and here she gave him a positive proof of it. + </p> + <p> + Could not these few lines become a terrible weapon against her? Did they + not admit the most extraordinary interpretation? Still, as the bearer + might be impatient, the servant asked,— + </p> + <p> + “What must I tell the man?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, wait!” answered Daniel angrily. + </p> + <p> + And, sitting down at his bureau, he wrote to Miss Brandon,— + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Miss Brandon, I remember the promises you extorted from me + when I was not master of myself; I remember them but too well.” + </p> + <p> + Suddenly an idea struck him; and he paused. What! Having been caught + already in the very first trap she had prepared for his inexperience, was + he to risk falling into a second? He tore the letter he had commenced into + small pieces, and, turning to his servant, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Tell the man that I am out; and make haste and get me a carriage!” + </p> + <p> + Then, when he was once more alone, he murmured,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is better so. It is much better to leave Miss Brandon in + uncertainty. She cannot even suspect that her driving out this morning has + enlightened me. She thinks I am still in the dark; let her believe it.” + </p> + <p> + Still this letter of hers seemed to prepare some new intrigue, which + troubled Daniel excessively. Miss Brandon was certain of achieving her + end; what more did she want? What other mysterious aim could she have in + view? + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I cannot make it out,” sighed Daniel. “I must consult Brevan.” + </p> + <p> + On his writing-table he found that important and urgent work which the + minister had intrusted to his hands still unfinished. But the minister, + the department, his position, his preferment,—all these + considerations weighed as nothing in comparison with his passion. + </p> + <p> + He went down, therefore; and, while his carriage drove to his friend’s + house, he thought of the surprise he would cause Maxime. + </p> + <p> + When he arrived there, he found M. de Brevan standing in his shirt- + sleeves before an immense marble table, covered all over with pots and + bottles, with brushes, combs, and sponges, with pincers, polishers, and + files, making his toilet. + </p> + <p> + If he expected Daniel, he had not expected him so soon; for his features + assumed an expression which seemed to prohibit all confidential talk. But + Daniel saw nothing. He shook hands with his friend, and, sinking heavily + into a chair, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “I went to Miss Brandon. She has made me promise all she wanted. I cannot + imagine how it came about!” + </p> + <p> + “Let us hear,” said M. de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + Then, without hesitation, and with all the minutest details, Daniel told + him how Miss Brandon had taken him into her little boudoir, and how she + had exculpated herself from all complicity with Malgat by showing him the + letters written by that wretched man. + </p> + <p> + “Strange letters!” he said, “which, if they are authentic”— + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “You were forewarned,” he said, “and you have promised all she wanted! Do + you not think she might have made you sign your own death-sentence?” + </p> + <p> + “But Kergrist?” said Daniel. “Kergrist’s brother is her friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say. But do you imagine that brother is any cleverer than you + are?” + </p> + <p> + Although he was by no means fully satisfied, Daniel went on, describing + his amazement when Miss Brandon told him that she did not love Count + Ville-Handry. + </p> + <p> + But Maxime burst out laughing, and interrupted him, saying with bitter + irony,— + </p> + <p> + “Of course! And then she went on, telling you that she had never yet loved + anybody, having vainly looked in the world for the man of whom she + dreamed. She painted to you the phoenix in such colors, that you had to + say to yourself, ‘What does she mean? That phoenix! Why, she means me!’ + That has tickled you prodigiously. She has thrown herself at your feet; + you have raised her up; she has fainted; she has sobbed like a distressed + dove in your arms; you have lost your head.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was overcome. He stammered,— + </p> + <p> + “How did you know?” + </p> + <p> + Maxime could not look him in the face; but his voice was as steady as ever + when he replied, in a tone of bitterest sarcasm,— + </p> + <p> + “I guess it. Did I not tell you I knew Miss Brandon? She has only one card + in her hand; but that is enough; it always makes a trick.” + </p> + <p> + To have been deceived, and even to have been rendered ridiculous, is one + of those misfortunes which we confess to ourselves, however painful the + process may be; but to hear another person laugh at us after such a thing + has happened is more than we can readily bear. Daniel, therefore, did not + conceal his impatience, and said rather dryly,— + </p> + <p> + “If I have been the dupe of Miss Brandon, my dear Maxime, you see, at + last, that I am so no longer.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, ah!” + </p> + <p> + “No, not in the least. And that, thanks to her; for she herself has + destroyed my illusions.” + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw!” + </p> + <p> + “Unconsciously, of course, having ran away from her like a fool, I was + wandering about in the streets near her house, when I saw her come out in + her <i>coupe</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, come!” + </p> + <p> + “I saw her as distinctly as I see you. It was four o’clock in the morning, + mind!” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible? And what did you do?” + </p> + <p> + “I followed her.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan nearly let the brush fall, with which he was polishing his + finger-nails; but he mastered his confusion so promptly, that Daniel did + not perceive it. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you followed her,” he said in a voice which all his efforts could not + steady entirely. “Then, of course, you know where she went.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, no! She drove so fast, that, quick as I am, I could not follow her, + and lost sight of her.” + </p> + <p> + Certainly M. de Brevan was breathing more freely, and said in an easy + tone,— + </p> + <p> + “That is provoking, and you have lost a fine opportunity. I am, however, + by no means astonished that you are at last enlightened.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I am so; you may believe me. And yet”— + </p> + <p> + “Well, yet?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel hesitated, for fear of seeing another sardonic smile appear on + Maxime’s lips. Still making an effort, he replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am asking myself whether all that Miss Brandon states about her + childhood, her family, and her fortune, might not, after all, be true.” + </p> + <p> + Maxime looked like a sensible man who is forced to listen to the absurd + nonsense of an insane person. + </p> + <p> + “You think I am absurd,” said Daniel. “Perhaps I am; but, then, do me the + favor to explain to me how Miss Brandon, anxious as she must be to conceal + her past, could herself point out to me the means to ascertain every thing + about her, and even to learn the precise amount of her income? America is + not so far off!” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan’s face no longer expressed astonishment; he looked absolutely + bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “What!” he cried out, “could you seriously think of undertaking a trip to + America?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure, my dear friend, you are, in all sincerity, too naive for our + age. What! have you not yet been able to divine Miss Brandon’s plan? And + yet it is patent enough. When she saw you, and had taken your measure, she + said to herself, ‘Here is an excellent young man who is in my way, + excessively in my way; he must go and breathe a better air a few thousand + miles off.’ And thereupon she suggested to you that pleasant trip to + America.” + </p> + <p> + After what Daniel had learned about Miss Brandon’s character, this + explanation sounded by no means improbable. Nevertheless, he was not quite + satisfied. He objected to it thus:— + </p> + <p> + “Whether I go or stay, the wedding will still take place. Consequently, + she has no interest in my being abroad. Believe me, Maxime, there is + something else underneath. Outside of this marriage, Miss Brandon must be + pursuing some other plan.” + </p> + <p> + “What plan?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! That is what I cannot find out, to save my life. But you may be sure + that I am not mistaken. I want no better evidence of it than the fact that + she wrote to me this morning.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan jumped up, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “What! She has written to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; it is that accursed letter, more than any thing else, that brings me + here. Here it is, just read it; and, if you can understand it, you are + more fortunate than I am.” + </p> + <p> + At one glance M. de Brevan had read the five lines which Miss Brandon had + written; and, turning deadly pale, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “This is incomprehensible. A note, and such an indiscreet note, from her + who never writes!” + </p> + <p> + He looked upon Daniel as if he wished to penetrate his innermost thoughts, + and then asked him, weighing his words with the utmost care,— + </p> + <p> + “If she should really love you, what would you say?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel looked disgusted. He replied,—“It is hardly generous in you + to make sport of me, Maxime. I may be a fool; but I am not an idiot, to be + conceited to that degree.” + </p> + <p> + “That is no answer to my question,” said Brevan; “and I repeat my + question. What would you say?” + </p> + <p> + “I would say that I execrate her!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! if you hate her so bitterly, you are very near loving her.” + </p> + <p> + “I despise her; and without esteem”— + </p> + <p> + “That is an old story. That is no impediment.” + </p> + <p> + “Finally, you know how dearly, how ardently, I love Miss Ville-Handry.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course; but that is not the same thing.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan had at last finished his careful toilet. He put on a + dressing-gown; and, carrying Daniel with him into the small room which he + used as a dressing-room, he asked,— + </p> + <p> + “And what have you said in reply to that note?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan had thrown himself into a comfortable chair, and assumed the + careful air of a physician who has been consulted. He nodded, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “You have done well, and for the future I advise you to pursue the same + plan. Don’t say a word. Can you do any thing to prevent Miss Brandon from + carrying out her purposes? No! Let her go on, then.” + </p> + <p> + “But”— + </p> + <p> + “Let me finish. It is not only your own interest to act thus, but also + Miss Henrietta’s interest. The day on which they part you, you will be + inconsolable; but you will also be free to act. She, on the other hand, + will be forced to live under the same roof with Miss Brandon; and you do + not know what a stepmother can do to torture the child of her husband!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel trembled. He had already thought of that; and the idea had made him + shudder. Brevan continued,— + </p> + <p> + “For the present, the most important thing is to find out how your flight + has been explained. We may be able to draw our conclusions from what has + been said on the subject.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll go at once and try to find out,” said Daniel. + </p> + <p> + And, after having affectionately shaken hands with Maxime, he hurried down + to his carriage and drove as fast as he could to Count Ville- Handry’s + palace. The count was at home and alone, walking up and down in the most + excited manner. And certainly he had enough to excite and preoccupy him + just now. It was nearly noon; and he had not yet been in the hands of his + valet. When he saw Daniel, he paused for a moment, and, crossing his arms + on his breast, he said, in a terrible tone,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! here you are, M. Champcey. Well, you are doing nice things!” + </p> + <p> + “I, count? How so?” + </p> + <p> + “How so? Who else has overwhelmed poor Miss Sarah with insults at the very + time when she was trying to explain every thing to you? Who else, ashamed + of his scandalous conduct, has run away, never daring to reappear at her + house?” + </p> + <p> + What had the count been told? Certainly not the truth. He went on,— + </p> + <p> + “And do you know, M. Champcey, what has been the effect of your brutality? + Miss Brandon has been seized with such a terrible nervous attack, that + they had to send the carriage for a doctor. You unlucky man, you might + have killed her! They would, of course, never have allowed me to enter her + own room; but from the reception-room I could at times hear her painful + cries and sobs. It was only after eight o’clock this morning that she + could get any rest; and then Mrs. Brian, taking pity on <i>my</i> great + grief, granted me the favor to see her, sleeping like an infant.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel listened, stupefied by amazement, utterly confounded by the + impudence of Sir Thorn and Mrs. Brian, and hardly able to understand the + count’s astonishing credulity. He thought to himself,— + </p> + <p> + “This is abominable! Here I am an accomplice of this Miss Brandon. Must I + actually aid her in obtaining possession of this unlucky man?” + </p> + <p> + But what could he do? Should he speak? Should he tell Count Ville- Handry, + that if he really heard cries of pain, and sobs, they were certainly not + uttered by Miss Brandon? Should he tell him, that, while he was dying with + anxiety, his beloved was driving about Paris, Heaven knows where and with + whom. + </p> + <p> + The thought of doing so occurred to Daniel. But what would have been the + good of it? Would the count believe him? Most probably not. And thus he + would only add new difficulties to his position, which was already + complicated enough. Finally, he saw very, clearly that he would never dare + tell the whole truth, or show that letter which he had in his pocket. + Still he tried to excuse himself, and began,— + </p> + <p> + “I am too much of a gentleman to insult a woman.” + </p> + <p> + The count interrupted him rudely, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Spare me, I pray, a rigmarole which cannot affect me. Besides, I do not + blame you particularly. I know the heart of man too well not to be sure, + that, in acting thus, you have followed much less the inspirations of your + own heart than the suggestions made by my daughter.” + </p> + <p> + It might have been very dangerous for Henrietta to allow the count to + cherish such thoughts. Daniel, therefore, tried once more to explain. + </p> + <p> + “I assure you, count”— + </p> + <p> + But the count interrupted him fiercely, stamping with his foot. + </p> + <p> + “No more! I mean to make an end to this absurd opposition, and to break it + forever. Do they not know that I am master in my own house? and do they + propose to treat me like a servant, and to laugh at me, into the bargain? + I shall make you aware who is master.” + </p> + <p> + He checked himself for an instant, and then continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, M. Champcey! I did not expect that from you. Poor Sarah! To think + that I could not spare her such a humiliation! But it is the last; and + this very morning, as soon as she wakes, she shall know that all is ended. + I have just sent for my daughter to tell her that the day for the wedding + is fixed. All the formalities are fulfilled. We have the necessary papers”— + </p> + <p> + He paused, for Henrietta came in. + </p> + <p> + “You wish to speak to me, papa?” she said as she entered the room. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + Greeting Daniel with a sweet glance of her eyes, Henrietta walked up to + the count, and offered him her forehead to kiss; but he pushed her back + rudely, and said, assuming an air of supreme solemnity,— + </p> + <p> + “I have sent for you, my daughter, to inform you that to-morrow fortnight + I shall marry Miss Brandon.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta must have been prepared for something of the kind, for she did + not move. She turned slightly pale; and a ray of wrath shot from her eyes. + The count went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Under these circumstances, it is not proper, it is hardly decent, that + you should not know her who is to be your mother hereafter. I shall + therefore present you to her this very day, in the afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + The young girl shook her head gently, and then she said,— + </p> + <p> + “No!” + </p> + <p> + Count Ville-Handry had become very red. He exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “What! You dare! What would you say if I threatened to carry you forcibly + to Miss Brandon’s house?” + </p> + <p> + “I, should say, father, that that is the only way to make me go there.” + </p> + <p> + Her attitude was firm, though not defiant. She spoke in a calm, gentle + voice, but betrayed in every thing a resolution firmly formed, and not to + be shaken by any thing. The count seemed to be perfectly amazed at this + audacity shown by a girl who was usually so timid. He said,— + </p> + <p> + “Then you detest, you envy, this Miss Brandon?” + </p> + <p> + “I, father? Why should I? Great God! I only know that she cannot become + the Countess Ville-Handry,—she who has filled all Paris with evil + reports.” + </p> + <p> + “Who has told you so? No doubt, M. Champcey.” + </p> + <p> + “Everybody has told me, father.” + </p> + <p> + “So, because she has been slandered, the poor girl”— + </p> + <p> + “I am willing to think she is innocent; but the Countess Ville-Handry must + not be a slandered woman.” + </p> + <p> + She raised herself to her full height, and added in a higher voice,— + </p> + <p> + “You are master here, father; you can do as you choose. But I—I owe + it to myself and to the sacred memory of my mother, to protest by all the + means in my power; and I shall protest.” + </p> + <p> + The count stammered and stared. The blood rose to his head. He cried out,— + </p> + <p> + “At last I know you, Henrietta, and I understand you. <i>I</i> was not + mistaken. It was you who sent M. Daniel Champcey to Miss Brandon, to + insult her at her own house.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir!” interrupted M. Daniel in a threatening tone. + </p> + <p> + But the count could not be restrained; and, with his eyes almost starting + from their sockets, he continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I read your innermost heart, Henrietta. You are afraid of losing a + part of your inheritance.” + </p> + <p> + Stung by this insult, Henrietta had stepped up close to her father,— + </p> + <p> + “But don’t you see, father, that it is this woman who wants your fortune, + and that she does not like us, and cannot like us?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, if you please?” + </p> + <p> + Once before, Count Ville-Handry had asked this question of his daughter in + almost the same words. Then she had not dared answer him; but now, carried + away by her bitterness at being insulted by a woman whom she despised, she + forgot every thing. She seized her father’s hand, and, carrying him to a + mirror, she said in a hoarse voice,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Why?’—you ask. Well, look there! look at yourself!” + </p> + <p> + If Count Ville-Handry had trusted nature, he would have looked like a man + of barely sixty, still quite robust and active. But he had allowed art to + spoil every thing. And this morning, with his few hairs, half white, half + dyed, with the rouge and the white paint of yesterday cracked, and fallen + away in places, he looked as if he had lived a few thousand years. + </p> + <p> + Did he see himself as he really was,—hideous? + </p> + <p> + He certainly became livid; and coldly, for his excessive rage gave him the + appearance of composure, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “You are a wretch, Henrietta!” + </p> + <p> + And as she broke out in sobs, terrified by his words, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t play comedy! Presently, at four o’clock precisely, I shall call + for you. If I find you dressed, and ready to accompany me to Miss + Brandon’s house, all right. If not M. Champcey has been here for the last + time in his life; and you will never—do you hear?—never be his + wife. Now I leave you alone; you can reflect!” + </p> + <p> + And he went out, closing the door so violently, that the whole house + seemed to shake. + </p> + <p> + “All is over!” + </p> + <p> + Both Henrietta and Daniel were crushed by this certain conviction. + </p> + <p> + The crisis could no longer be postponed. A few hours more, and the + mischief would be done. Daniel was the first to shake off the stupor of + despair; and, taking Henrietta’s hand, he asked her,— + </p> + <p> + “You have heard what your father said. What will you do?” + </p> + <p> + “What I said I would do, whatever it may cost me.” + </p> + <p> + “But could you yield?” + </p> + <p> + “Yield?” exclaimed the young girl. + </p> + <p> + And, looking at Daniel with grieved surprise, she added,— + </p> + <p> + “Would you really dare give me that advice,—you who had only to look + at Miss Brandon to lose your self-control so far as to overwhelm her with + insults?” + </p> + <p> + “Henrietta, I swear”— + </p> + <p> + “And this to such an extent, that father accused you of having done so at + my bidding. Ah, you have been very imprudent, Daniel!” + </p> + <p> + The unhappy man wrung his hands with despair. What punishment he had to + endure for a moment’s forgetfulness! He felt as if he had rendered himself + guilty already by not revealing the mean conduct of M. Elgin and Mrs. + Brian while Miss Brandon was driving about Paris. And now, at this very + hour, he was put into a still more difficult position, because he could + not even give a glimpse of the true state of things. + </p> + <p> + He said nothing; and Henrietta gloried in his silence. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” she said, “that if your heart condemns me, your reason and your + conscience approve of my decision.” + </p> + <p> + He made no reply, but, rising suddenly, he began to walk up and down in + the room like a wild beast searching for some outlet from the cage in + which it has been imprisoned. He felt he was caught, hemmed in on all + sides, and he could do nothing, nothing at all. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, we must surrender!” he exclaimed at last, overcome with grief; “we + must do it; we are almost helpless. Let us give up the struggle; reason + demands it. We have done enough; we have done our duty.” + </p> + <p> + All trembling with passion, he spoke on for some time, bringing up the + most conclusive arguments, one by one; while his love lent him all its + persuasive power. And at last it looked as if Henrietta’s determination + were giving way, and she began to hesitate. It was so; but she was still + struggling against her own emotion, and said in a half-suppressed tone,— + </p> + <p> + “No doubt, Daniel, you think I am not yet wretched enough.” + </p> + <p> + And then, fixing upon him a long, anxious glance, she added,— + </p> + <p> + “Say no more, or I shall begin to fear that you are dreading the time + which has still to elapse till we can be united, and that you doubt me—or + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + He blushed, finding himself thus half detected; but, given up entirely to + sinister presentiments, he insisted,— + </p> + <p> + “No, I do not doubt; but I cannot reconcile myself to the idea that you + are going to live under the same roof with Miss Brandon, M. Elgin, and + Mrs. Brian. Since this abominable adventuress must triumph, let us flee. I + have in Anjou an old respectable kinswoman, who will be very proud to + offer you her hospitality.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta stopped him by a gesture. Then she said,— + </p> + <p> + “In other words, I who risk my happiness in order to avoid a blot upon the + name of Ville-Handry, I should tarnish it in an almost ineffaceable + manner. That cannot be.” + </p> + <p> + “Henrietta!” + </p> + <p> + “No more. I stand upon a post of honor which I shall not abandon. The more + formidable Miss Brandon is, the more it becomes my duty to remain here in + order to watch over my father.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel trembled. + </p> + <p> + He remembered suddenly what M. de Brevan had told him of the means + employed by Miss Brandon for the purpose of getting rid of troublesome + people. Did Henrietta’s instincts make her anticipate a crime? No, not + such a crime, at least. + </p> + <p> + “You will understand my decision all the better,” she continued, “if I + tell you what a strange discovery I have made. This morning a gentleman + called here, who said he was a business-man, and had an appointment with + Count Ville-Handry which was of the utmost importance. + </p> + <p> + “The servants had told him that their master was out. He became angry, and + began to talk so loud, that I came to see what was the matter. When he saw + me, and found out who I was, he at once became very quiet, and begged me + to take charge of a rough copy of a legal paper, which he had been + directed to prepare secretly, and which he desired me to hand to my + father. + </p> + <p> + “I promised to do so; but, as I was carrying the paper up stairs to put it + upon my father’s bureau, I happened to look at it. Do you know what it + was? The statutes of a new society, of which father was to be president.” + </p> + <p> + “Great God! Is it possible?” + </p> + <p> + “Most assuredly, unfortunately. I saw on the top of the paper, ‘Count + Ville-Handry, director in chief’ and after the name followed all his + titles, the high offices he has filled, and the French and foreign + decorations which he has received.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel could no longer doubt. He said,— + </p> + <p> + “We knew that they would try to obtain possession of your father’s + fortune, and now we have the proof of it. But what can we ever do, + Henrietta, against the cunning manoeuvres of people like these?” + </p> + <p> + She bowed her head, and answered in a tone of resignation,— + </p> + <p> + “I have heard it said that often the mere presence of an inoffensive child + is sufficient to intimidate and frighten away the boldest criminals. If + God wills it so, I will be that child.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel tried once more to insist; but she cut him short, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “You forget, my dear friend, that this is, perhaps for many years, the + last time we shall ever be alone together. Let us think of the future. I + have secured the confidence of one of my waiting-women, and to her you + must direct your letters. Her name is Clarissa Pontois. If any grave and + unforeseen necessity should arise, and it becomes absolutely necessary for + me to see you, Clarissa will bring you the key of the little garden-gate, + and you will come.” + </p> + <p> + Both of them had their eyes filled with tears; and their hearts felt + increasing anguish as the hand on the dial advanced. They knew they would + have to part. Could they hope ever to meet again? + </p> + <p> + It struck four o’clock. Count Ville-Handry reappeared. Stung to the quick + by what he called the insulting remarks of his daughter, he had stimulated + the zeal of his valet; and that artist had evidently surpassed himself in + the arrangement of the hair, and especially in the complexion. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Henrietta?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “My decision remains unchanged, father.” + </p> + <p> + The count was probably prepared for this answer; for he succeeded in + controlling his fury. + </p> + <p> + “Once more, Henrietta,” he said, “consider! Do not decide rashly, relying + simply upon odious slanders.” + </p> + <p> + He drew from his pocket a photograph, looked at it lovingly, and, handing + it to his daughter, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “Here is Miss Brandon’s portrait. Look at it, and see if she to whom God + has given such a charming face, such sublime eyes, can have a bad heart.” + </p> + <p> + For more than a minute Henrietta examined the likeness; and then, + returning it to her father, she said coldly,— + </p> + <p> + “This woman is beautiful beyond all conception. Now I can explain to + myself that new society of which you are going to be director-general.” + </p> + <p> + Count Ville-Handry turned pale under this “juncture,” and cried in a + terrible voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Unhappy child! Unhappy child! You dare insult an angel?” + </p> + <p> + Maddened with rage, he had lifted up his hand, and was about to strike his + daughter, when Daniel seized his wrist in his iron grasp, and + threateningly, as if he himself was about to strike, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir, have a care! have a care!” + </p> + <p> + The count cast upon him a look of concentrated hatred; but, regaining his + self-control, he freed himself, and, pointing at the door, he said slowly,— + </p> + <p> + “M. Champcey, I order you to leave this house instantly; and I forbid your + ever coming back to it again. My servants will be informed, that, if any + one of them ever allows you to cross the threshold of this house, he will + be instantly dismissed. Go, sir!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XI. + </h2> + <p> + Twenty-four hours after Daniel had thus left Count Ville-Handry’s palace, + pale and staggering, he had not yet entirely recovered from this last + blow. He had made a mortal enemy of the man whom it was his greatest + interest to manage; and this man, who of his own accord would have parted + with him only regretfully, had now turned him disgracefully out of his + house. + </p> + <p> + He could hardly account to himself for the way in which this had come + about. Nay, more; retracing step by step, his conduct during the last few + days, it appeared to him pitiful, absurd. And then all that had happened + seemed to have turned against him. + </p> + <p> + He accused Fate, that blind goddess, who is always blamed by those who + have not the courage to blame themselves. He was in this state of mind + when there came to him, to his great surprise, a letter from Henrietta. + Thus it was she who anticipated him, and who, sure that he would be + desperate, had the feminine delicacy to write to him almost cheerfully. + </p> + <p> + “Immediately after your departure, my dear Daniel, father ordered me up + stairs, and decided that I should stay there till I should become more + reasonable. I know I shall stay here a long time.” + </p> + <p> + She concluded thus,— + </p> + <p> + “What we want most of all, oh, my only friend! is courage. Will you have + as much as your Henrietta?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, certainly, certainly! I shall have all that is needed,” exclaimed + Daniel, moved to tears. + </p> + <p> + And he vowed to himself that he would devote himself, heart and soul, to + his work, and there find, if not forgetfulness, at least peace. He found, + however, that to swear was easier than to do. In spite of all his efforts, + he could not fix his thoughts upon any thing else but his misfortunes. The + studies which he had formerly pursued with delight now filled him with + disgust. The balance of his whole life was so completely destroyed, that + he was not able to restore it. + </p> + <p> + The existence which he now led was that of a desperate man. As soon as he + had risen, he hurried to M. de Brevan, and remained in his company as long + as he could. Left alone, he wandered at haphazard along the Boulevards, or + up the Champs Elysees. He dined early, hurried home again, and, putting on + a rough overcoat which he had worn on board ship, he went to roam around + the palace of his beloved. + </p> + <p> + There, behind those heavy, beautifully carved gates, which were open to + all comers but to him, lived she who was more to him than his life. If he + had struck the flagstones of the sidewalk with the heel of his boots, she + would have heard the sound. He could hear the music of her piano; and yet + the will of one man placed an abyss between them. + </p> + <p> + He was dying of inaction. It seemed to him atrocious, humiliating, + intolerable, to be thus reduced to expecting good or evil fortune from + fate, passively, without making an effort, like a man, who having taken a + ticket in a lottery, and is all anxiety to obtain a large fortune, crosses + his arms and waits for the drawing. + </p> + <p> + He was suffering thus for six days, and saw no end of it; when one + morning, just as he was going out, his bell rang. He went to open the + door. + </p> + <p> + It was a lady, who, without saying a word, swiftly walked in, and as + promptly shut the door behind her. + </p> + <p> + Although she was wrapped up in a huge cloak which completely hid her + figure, in spite of the very thick veil before her face, Daniel recognized + her at once. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Brandon!” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime she had raised her veil, “Yes, it is I,” she replied, + “risking another calumny in addition to all the others that have been + raised against me, Daniel.” + </p> + <p> + Amazed at a step which seemed to him the height of imprudence, he remained + standing in the anteroom, and did not even think of inviting Miss Brandon + to go into the next room, his study. + </p> + <p> + She went in of her own accord, quite aloof; and, when he had followed her, + she said to him,— + </p> + <p> + “I came, sir, to ask you what you have done with that promise you gave me + the other night at my house?” + </p> + <p> + She waited a moment; and, as he did not reply, she went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Come, I see you are like all men, if they pledge their word to another + man, who is a match for them, they consider it a point of honor to keep + it, but if it is a woman, then they do not keep it, and boast of it!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was furious; but she pretended not to see it, and said more coldly,— + </p> + <p> + “I—I have a better memory than you, sir; and I mean to prove it to + you. I know what has happened at Count Ville-Handry’s house; he has told + me all. You have allowed yourself to be carried away so far as to threaten + him, to raise your hand against him.” + </p> + <p> + “He was going to strike his daughter, and I held his arm.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir! my dear count is incapable of such violence; and yet his own + daughter had dared to taunt him with his weakness, pretending that he had + been induced by me to establish a new industrial company.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “And you,” continued Miss Brandon,—“you allowed Miss Henrietta to + say all these offensive and absurd things. I should induce the count to + engage in an enterprise where money might be lost! Why? What interest + could I have?” + </p> + <p> + Her voice began to tremble; and her beautiful eyes filled with tears. + </p> + <p> + “Interest!” she went on to say, “money! The world can think of no other + motive nowadays. Money! I have enough of it. If I marry the count, you + know why I do it,—you! And you also know that it depended, and + perhaps, at this moment, still depends upon one single man, whether I + shall break off that match this very day, now.” + </p> + <p> + As she said this, she looked at him in a manner which would have caused a + statue to tremble on its marble pedestal. + </p> + <p> + But he, with his heart full of hatred, remained icy, enjoying the revenge + which was thus presented to him. + </p> + <p> + “I will believe whatever you wish to say,” he answered in a mocking tone, + “if you will answer me a single question.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “The other night, when I had left you, where did you go in your carriage?” + </p> + <p> + He expected to see her confused, turning pale, stammer. Not at all. + </p> + <p> + “What, you know that?” she said, with an accent of admirable candor. “Ah! + I committed an act of almost as great imprudence as I now do. If some fool + should see me leave your rooms?” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, Miss Brandon, that is no answer to my question. Where did you + go?” + </p> + <p> + And as she kept silent, surprised by Daniel’s firmness, he said + sneeringly,— + </p> + <p> + “Then you confess that it would be madness to believe you? Let us break + off here, and pray to God that I may be able to forget all the wrong you + have done me.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Brandon’s beautiful eyes filled with tears of grief or of rage. She + folded her hands, and said in a suppliant tone,— + </p> + <p> + “I conjure you, M. Champcey, grant me only five minutes. I must speak to + you. If you knew”— + </p> + <p> + He could not turn her out; he bowed profoundly before her, and withdrew + into his bedroom, closing the door behind him. But he immediately applied + his eye to the keyhole, and saw Miss Brandon, her features convulsed with + rage, threaten him with her closed hand, and leave the room hastily. + </p> + <p> + “She was going to dig another pit for me,” thought Daniel. + </p> + <p> + And the idea that he had avoided it made him, for a part of that day at + least, forget his sorrow. But on the following day he found, when he + returned home, a formidable document from the navy department, and inside + two letters. + </p> + <p> + One informed him that he had been promoted to be a lieutenant. + </p> + <p> + The other ordered him to report four days hence at Rochefort, on board the + frigate “Conquest,” which was lying in the roadstead waiting for two + battalions of marines to be transferred to Cochin China. + </p> + <p> + Daniel had for long years, and with all the eager ambition of a young man, + desired the promotion which he now obtained. That rank had been the + supreme goal of all his dreams since the day on which he learned at the + navy school the rudiments of his perilous vocation. How often, as he stood + leaning against the monkey-railing, and saw boats passing by which carried + officers, had he said to himself,— + </p> + <p> + “When I am a navy lieutenant!” + </p> + <p> + Well, now he was a lieutenant. But alas! his wishes, thus realized, filled + him only with disgust and bitterness, like those golden apples, which, at + a distance, shine brightly in the branches of magic trees, and under the + touch of the hand turn into dust and ashes. + </p> + <p> + For with the news of his promotion came also the fatal order to a distant + shore. Why did they send such an order to him, who had at the department + an office in which he could render valuable services, while so many of his + comrades, waiting idly in port, watched anxiously, and with almost + feverish impatience, for a chance to go into active service? + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he said to himself, his heart filled with rage, “how could I fail to + recognize in this abominable treachery Miss Brandon’s cunning hand?” + </p> + <p> + First she had closed against him the gates of Count Ville-Handry’s palace, + and thus separated him from his beloved Henrietta, so that they could not + meet nor speak to each other. + </p> + <p> + But this was not enough for the accursed adventuress. She wanted to raise + a barrier between them which should be more than a mere moral and social + obstacle, one of those difficulties which no human power, no lover’s + ingenuity, could overcome,—the ocean and thousands of miles. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no!” he cried in his anguish, “a thousand times no! Rather give up my + career, rather send in my resignation.” + </p> + <p> + Hence, the very next day, he put on his uniform, determined to lay the + matter, first before that officer who was his immediate superior, but + resolved, if he should not succeed there, to go up to the minister + himself. + </p> + <p> + He had never worn that uniform since the night of a large court-ball, + where he had danced with Henrietta. It was nearly a year ago, a few weeks + before the death of the Countess Ville-Handry. As he compared his + happiness in those days with his present desperate condition, he was + deeply moved; and his eyes were still brimful of tears when he reached the + navy department, towards ten o’clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + The officer whom he called upon was an old captain, an excellent man, who + had practised the appearance of a grim, stern official so long, that he + had finally become in reality what he only wished to appear. + </p> + <p> + Seeing Daniel enter his office, he thought he came to inform him of his + promotion, and made a great effort to smile as he hailed him with the + words,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, Lieut. Champcey, we are satisfied, I hope?” + </p> + <p> + And, perceiving that Daniel did not wear the epaulets of his new rank, he + added,— + </p> + <p> + “But how is that, lieutenant? Perhaps you have not heard yet?” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, captain.” + </p> + <p> + “Why on earth, then, have you no epaulets?” + </p> + <p> + And he began to frown terribly, considering that such carelessness augured + ill for the service. Daniel excused himself as well as he could, which was + very little, and then boldly approached the purpose of his call. + </p> + <p> + “I have received an order for active service.” + </p> + <p> + “I know,—on board ‘The Conquest,’ in the roadstead at Rochefort, for + Cochin China.” + </p> + <p> + “I have to be at my post in four days.” + </p> + <p> + “And you think the time too short? It is short. But impossible to grant + you ten minutes more.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not ask for leave of absence, captain; I want the favor—to be + allowed to keep my place here.” + </p> + <p> + The old officer could hardly keep his seat. + </p> + <p> + “You would prefer not going on board ship,” he exclaimed, “the very day + after your promotion? Ah, come, you are mad!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel shook his head sadly. + </p> + <p> + “Believe me, captain,” he replied, “I obey the most imperative duty.” + </p> + <p> + Leaning back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the ceiling, the captain + seemed to look for such a duty; then he asked suddenly,— + </p> + <p> + “Is it your family that keeps you?” + </p> + <p> + “If my place can really not be filled by one of my comrades, I shall be + compelled to send in my resignation.” + </p> + <p> + The old sailor bounded as he heard that word, and said furiously,— + </p> + <p> + “I told you you were a fool!” + </p> + <p> + In spite of his determination, Daniel was too much troubled not to commit + a blunder. He insisted,— + </p> + <p> + “It is a matter of life and death with me, captain. And if you only knew + my reasons; if I could tell them”— + </p> + <p> + “Reasons which cannot be told are always bad reasons, sir. I insist upon + what I have told you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, captain, I shall be compelled, to my infinite sorrow, to insist + upon offering my resignation.” + </p> + <p> + The old sailor’s brow became darker and darker. He growled. + </p> + <p> + “Your resignation, your resignation! You talk of it very lightly. It + remains to be seen whether it will be accepted. ‘The Conquest’ does not + sail on a pleasure-party; she is sent out on a serious campaign, and will + probably be absent for some time. We have unpleasant complications down + there and are sending out reinforcements. You are still in France; but you + are actually under orders to meet the enemy; Men do not resign in the face + of the enemy, Lieut. Champcey!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had turned very pale. + </p> + <p> + “You are severe, captain,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I have no idea, I assure you, of being gentle; and, if that can induce + you to change your mind”— + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately, I cannot alter my decision.” + </p> + <p> + The old sailor rose violently, and walked up and down the room several + times, giving vent to his anger in oaths of various kinds; then he + returned to Daniel, and said in his driest tone,— + </p> + <p> + “If that is so, the case is serious; I must report it to the secretary of + the navy. What time is it? Eleven o’clock. Come here again at half- past + twelve. I shall have settled the matter then.” + </p> + <p> + Quite certain that his superior would say nothing in his favor, Daniel + retired, walking hurriedly through the narrow passages, when a joyous + voice hailed him, calling out, “Champcey!” + </p> + <p> + He turned, and found himself face to face with two of his comrades, with + whom he had been most intimate at school. They said eagerly,— + </p> + <p> + “So you are our superior now?” + </p> + <p> + And, with the utmost sincerity, they began to congratulate him, delighted, + as they said, that such good luck should have fallen upon a man like him, + whom everybody thought worthy of the distinction, and who reflected honor + upon the service. No enemy could have inflicted such suffering upon Daniel + as these two friends did. There was not one of their good wishes which did + not amount to a bitter sarcasm; every word they said told upon him. + </p> + <p> + “You must confess, however,” they continued, “that you are a lucky man, + like no other. One day you are made a lieutenant; and the next day they + offer you active service. The next time we meet, you will be a captain in + command of a frigate.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not going out,” replied Daniel, fiercely. “I have handed in my + resignation.” + </p> + <p> + And, leaving his two friends looking utterly amazed, he went away at a + rapid pace. + </p> + <p> + Certainly, he had not foreseen all these difficulties; and in his blind + wrath he charged his chief with injustice and tyranny. He said,— + </p> + <p> + “I must stay in Paris; and I will stay.” + </p> + <p> + Reflection, far from calming him, only excited him the more. Having left + home with the intention of offering his resignation only in an extreme + case, he was now determined to adhere to his plan, even if they should + offer him full satisfaction. Had he not an ample income of his own? and + could he not always find an honorable occupation? That would be far better + than to continue in a profession where one is never his own master, but + lives eternally under the dread of some order that may send him, at a + moment’s warning, to heaven knows what part of the world. + </p> + <p> + That was the way he reasoned with himself while breakfasting at a tavern + not far off; and when he returned to the department, a little after + twelve, he looked upon himself as already no longer belonging to the navy, + and in his imagination caring little for the final decision. + </p> + <p> + It was the hour for receptions, when everybody who had any business at the + department came to look after his interests; and the anteroom was filled + with officers of every grade, some in uniform, others in citizen’s dress. + </p> + <p> + The conversation was very animated; for Daniel heard the sounds from the + outer passage. + </p> + <p> + He entered; and there was silence,—sudden, deep, chilling silence. + </p> + <p> + Evidently they had been talking about him. + </p> + <p> + Even if he could have doubted it for a moment, he read it in the faces + turned aside, the forced smiles, and the cautious glances with which he + was received. He thought, very much troubled,— + </p> + <p> + “What can this mean?” + </p> + <p> + In the meantime a young man in citizen’s dress, whom he did not know, + called out from one side of the room to the other, to an old officer in a + seedy uniform, with blackened epaulets (a real sea-dog), lean, bronzed, + wrinkled, and with eyes bearing the traces of recent ophthalmy,— + </p> + <p> + “Why do you stop, lieutenant? We were much interested, I assure you.” + </p> + <p> + The lieutenant seemed to hesitate, as if he were making up his mind to do + a disagreeable thing, which still did not depend on his choice; and then + he resumed his account,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, we got there, convinced that we had taken all the necessary + precautions, and that there was, consequently, nothing to fear,—fine + precautions they turned out to be! In the course of a week the whole crew + was laid up; and as to the staff, little Bertram and I were the only + officers able to appear on deck. Moreover, my eyes were in a state. You + see what they say now. The captain was the first to die; the same evening + five sailors followed suit, and seven the next day; the day after the + first lieutenant and two of the noncommissioned officers. The like was + never seen before.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel turned to his neighbor. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that officer?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Lieut. Dutac of ‘The Valorous,’ just returned from Cochin China.” + </p> + <p> + Light broke upon Daniel’s mind; it was a painful light. + </p> + <p> + “When did ‘The Valorous’ come in?” he asked again. + </p> + <p> + “Six days ago she made the harbor of Brest.” + </p> + <p> + The other man went on,— + </p> + <p> + “And thus, you see, we left a goodly portion of our crew out there. That + is a campaign! As to my own notions, this is what I think,—a nasty + country, a wretched climate, a people fit for the gallows.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” said the young man in citizen’s dress, “things are not + pleasant in Cochin China.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but still”— + </p> + <p> + “What if you were ordered back?” + </p> + <p> + “I would go, of course. Somebody must go, you know, and carry + reinforcements there; but I should not care if somebody else”— + </p> + <p> + He shrugged his shoulders, and said stoically,— + </p> + <p> + “And besides, since we navy men must be eaten by the fish some time or + other, it does not matter very much when that takes place.” + </p> + <p> + Was not that, in a trivial, but terribly impressive manner, precisely the + same thing that Daniel had been told by his captain? People do not resign + when they face the enemy. + </p> + <p> + It was very evident that the officers who were there assembled doubted his + courage, and were discussing the fact when he entered. It was clear that + they attributed his resignation to fear. + </p> + <p> + At this idea, that he might be suspected of cowardice, Daniel trembled all + over. What could he do to prove that he was not a coward? Should he + challenge every one of these men, and fight one, two, ten duels? Would + that prove that he had not shrunk from the unknown perils of a new + country, from the dangers of an armed invasion, and a fatal climate? No; + unless he was willing to remain a marked man for life, he must go; yes, + go, since out there dangers awaited him of which he was held to be afraid. + </p> + <p> + He went up, therefore, to the old lieutenant, and said, in a voice loud + enough to be heard by every one in the room,— + </p> + <p> + “My good comrade, I had just been ordered to the place you come from, and + I had sent in my resignation; but after what you have said,—things I + knew nothing of,—I shall go.” + </p> + <p> + There was a murmur of approbation. And one voice said, “Ah! I was sure of + it!” and that was all. But it was quite enough to prove to Daniel that he + had chosen the only way to save his honor, which had been in imminent + peril. But, simple as the whole scene was in itself, it was very + extraordinary, in view of the usual reserve which prevails among sailors. + And, besides, does it not happen almost every day, that an officer ordered + to some station requests and obtains leave to exchange with some one else, + and nothing is said? + </p> + <p> + Daniel felt that underneath the whole affair there was some diabolic + intrigue. If Miss Brandon had really procured this order to active + service, was it not likely that she would have taken her measures, so that + he could not possibly avoid going? Were all these men in citizen’s dress + whom he saw there really navy officers? The young man who had asked Lieut. + Dutac to go on in his story had disappeared. Daniel went from one to the + other, inquiring who that clever young man was, but in vain. Soon a + summons came for him to appear in the superior’s office. He hastened + there; and, as he opened the door, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “I’ll follow your advice, captain. In three days I shall be on board ‘The + Conquest.’” + </p> + <p> + The captain’s stern face cleared up, and he said approvingly,— + </p> + <p> + “All right! You did well to change your mind; for your business began to + look very ugly. The minister is very angry with you.” + </p> + <p> + “The minister? And why?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Primo</i>, he had charged you with a very important duty.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure,” stammered Daniel, hanging his head; “but I have been so + severely suffering!” + </p> + <p> + The fact is, he had totally forgotten that unlucky work. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Secundo</i>,” continued the old officer, “he was doubtful whether you + were in your right senses, and I agree with him, since he has told me that + you yourself have solicited this appointment on foreign service in the + most urgent terms.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was stunned, and stammered out,— + </p> + <p> + “His Excellency is mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I beg your pardon, M. Champcey; I have myself seen your letter.” + </p> + <p> + But already a sudden inspiration had, like a flash of lightning, cleared + up the mystery in Daniel’s mind. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I wish I could see it too! Captain, I beseech you show me that + letter!” + </p> + <p> + The old officer began almost to think that Champcey was really not in his + right mind. He answered,— + </p> + <p> + “I do not have it; but it is among your papers in the bureau for Personal + Affairs.” + </p> + <p> + In a minute Daniel was in the office where those papers were kept, and + obtained, not without much trouble, and under certain conditions only, + leave to look at his papers. He opened the parcel with feverish haste; and + the very first paper that fell in his hands was a letter, dated the day + before, in which he urgently requested the minister to grant him the + special favor of being sent out with the expedition to Cochin China on + board the frigate “Conquest.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was, of course, perfectly sure that he had written no such letter. + </p> + <p> + But the handwriting was so precisely like his own, letter for letter, and + even his signature was so admirably imitated, that he felt for a moment + utterly bewildered, mistrusting, for a second, his own eyes, his own + reason. The whole was done so exceedingly well, that if the matter had + been one of ordinary importance, and the date of the letter had gone back + to a fortnight or so ago, he would certainly have suspected his memory + rather than the letter before him. + </p> + <p> + Overcome by the atrocity of such a trick, he exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “It is almost incredible!” + </p> + <p> + It was, however, only too certain, too indisputable, that the letter could + not have been dictated by any one but Miss Brandon. No doubt, one of her + accomplices, perhaps the great Sir Thorn himself, had written it. Ah! now + Daniel understood the insolent assurance of Miss Brandon, when she + insisted upon his taking poor Malgat’s letters, and repeatedly said, “Go + and show them to the clerks who have known that unhappy man for long + years, and they will tell you if they are his own.” Most assuredly he + would have met with no one bold enough to say the contrary, if Malgat’s + handwriting had been copied with the same distressing perfection as his + own. + </p> + <p> + Still he might, perhaps, profit by this strange event; but how? + </p> + <p> + Ought he to mention his discovery? What would have been the use? Would + they believe him, if he accused her of forgery, of a trick unsurpassed in + boldness and wickedness? Would they even consent to an investigation; and, + if they instituted one, what would be the result? Where would they find an + expert ready to swear that this letter was not written by him, when he + himself, if each line had been presented to him separately, would have + felt bound to acknowledge it as his own? + </p> + <p> + Was it not far more probable, on the contrary, that, after what he had + done in the morning, they would have ascribed his charges to a mistake, or + seen in them a weak invention in order to cover his retreat? Therefore it + was a thousand times better to keep silence, to be resigned to postpone to + another day every attempt to avenge himself in a manner corresponding to + the injury he had suffered, and all the more effectively, as his vengeance + would have been carefully matured. + </p> + <p> + But he did not wish that false letter, which might become a formidable + piece of evidence against him, to remain among his papers; no doubt Miss + Brandon would soon find an opportunity of having it withdrawn. He asked, + therefore, for leave to copy it, obtained permission, went to work, and + succeeded, without being seen by anybody, in substituting his copy for the + original. + </p> + <p> + When this was done, knowing that he had not a minute to lose, he instantly + left the department, and, jumping into a carriage, drove to M. de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XII. + </h2> + <p> + Like all energetic natures, Daniel felt a wonderful relief as soon as he + had formed an irrevocable decision. He would even have enjoyed the peace + that had once more returned to his mind, but for the savage hatred which + had accumulated in his heart, and which confused his thoughts whenever he + remembered Miss Brandon. + </p> + <p> + Providentially, it seemed to him, Maxime had not gone out, or, rather, + having been to breakfast at the English cafe with some of his friends, he + had just returned. + </p> + <p> + In ten words Daniel had told him every thing, and even shown him that + masterpiece of forgery, which he attributed to Miss Brandon’s mind, and M. + Elgin’s skill. Then, without heeding Maxime’s exclamations of wonder and + indignation, loud and deep as they were, he continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, my dear Maxime, listen to me. It may be my last will which I am + going to give in your charge.” + </p> + <p> + And, when his friend tried to remonstrate, he insisted,— + </p> + <p> + “I know what I am saying. I am sure I hope I shall not be buried out + there; but the climate is murderous, and I may encounter a cannon-ball. It + is always better to be prepared.” + </p> + <p> + He paused a moment to collect his thoughts; and then he went on. + </p> + <p> + “You alone, in this world, Maxime, know all my private affairs. I have no + secret from you. I have friends whom I have known longer than you; but I + have none in whom I feel more confidence. Besides, my old friends are all + sailors,—men, who, like myself, may at any moment be sent, Heaven + knows where. Now I want a reliable, safe, and experienced man, possessed + of prudence and energy, and sure not to leave Paris. Will you be that man, + Maxime?” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan, who had remained in his chair, rose, and, putting his hand + on his heart, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Between us, Daniel, oaths are useless; don’t you think so? I say, + therefore, simply, you may count upon me.” + </p> + <p> + “And I do count upon you,” exclaimed Daniel,—“yes, blindly and + absolutely; and I am going to give you a striking proof of it.” + </p> + <p> + For a few moments it looked as if he were trying to find some brief and + yet impressive form for his communication; and then he said, speaking very + rapidly,— + </p> + <p> + “If I leave in despair, it is because I leave Henrietta in the hands of + the enemy. What persecution she will have to endure! My heart bleeds at + the mere thought. Miss Brandon must be meditating some terrible blow, or + she would not have been so anxious to keep me at a distance.” + </p> + <p> + He sobbed almost, so great was his excitement; but he instantly became + master again of his emotion, and continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, Maxime, I shall ask you to watch over Henrietta. I intrust her to + you as I would intrust her to my brother, if I had one.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan was about to state some objections; but Daniel cut him short, + saying,— + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you how and in what manner you can watch over Miss + Ville-Handry. To-morrow evening I shall see her, and tell her the new + misfortune which has befallen us. I shall take leave of her then. I know + she will be terrified; but then, to reassure her, I shall explain to her + that I leave her a friend, another myself, ready, like myself, to assist + her at her first summons, and ready, like myself, to run any danger in + order to succor her. I shall tell her to appeal to you as if it were to + myself; to write to you as she used to write to me; to keep you informed + of all they may attempt to do; to consult and to obey you without + hesitation. + </p> + <p> + “As to what you will have to do, Maxime, I cannot tell you that, even in a + general way, as I know nothing of Miss Brandon’s plans. I rely upon your + experience to do what is most expedient. Still there are two alternatives + which I can foresee. It may be that her father’s house becomes impossible + for Henrietta, and that she should wish to leave it. It may also be, that, + under certain circumstances, you may think it inexpedient for her to + remain there, and that you have to advise her to escape. In either case, + you will take Henrietta to an old lady, a relative of mine, who lives at + the Rosiers, a little village in the department of Maine-et-Loire, and + whose address I will give you, while I will inform her beforehand of what + may happen.” + </p> + <p> + He paused, trying to remember if there was any thing else, and, recalling + nothing, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “This, my dear Maxime, is all I expect you to do for me.” + </p> + <p> + With open brow, a clear eye, and grave face, M. de Brevan replied in a + solemn tone of voice, speaking like a man who feels that he deserves such + confidence,— + </p> + <p> + “Friend Daniel, you may sail without fear.” + </p> + <p> + But Daniel had not done yet. + </p> + <p> + Pressing his friend’s hand heartily, he thanked him, and then with a + careless air, under which he very imperfectly concealed his real + embarrassment, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “There remains only to provide the means for carrying out these measures, + and for possible contingencies. You are not rich, my dear Maxime, I mean + rich in comparison with the people who are your friends; you have told me + so more than once.” + </p> + <p> + He touched a wound which was always open, and always bleeding. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” replied M. de Brevan, “in comparison with a number of my + friends, with men like Gordon Chalusse, for instance, I am only a poor + devil.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel did not notice the bitterness of this reply. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he said, “suppose, at a given moment, Miss Henrietta’s safety + should make a certain sum of money necessary,—perhaps a very large + sum,—are you sure you will always have enough in your drawer, and be + able to dispose of it without inconvenience?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you expect too much of me; but I have friends.” + </p> + <p> + “And you would ask them! you would expose yourself to the humiliation of + hearing those set excuses which serve to conceal refusals! I could never + permit that.” + </p> + <p> + “I assure you”— + </p> + <p> + “Let me tell you that I have forgotten nothing. Although my means are + modest, I can, by selling out some bonds, realize enough to secure you + against any embarrassment on that score. I also own property in Anjou + which is valued at fifty or sixty thousand dollars, and I mean to sell + it.” + </p> + <p> + The other man opened his eyes wide. + </p> + <p> + “You mean,” he said slowly. + </p> + <p> + “To sell it, yes. You heard right. Except, however, my home, my father’s + house, with the little garden in front, the orchard, and the meadow + adjoining the house. In that house my father and my mother have lived and + died. I find them there, so to <i>say</i>, whenever I go in; their + thoughts are still filling the rooms, after so many years. The garden and + the orchard are the first little bits of land my father bought from his + earnings as ploughboy. He cultivated them in his leisure hours, and there + is literally not a foot of soil which he has not moistened with the sweat + of his brow. They are sacred to me; but the rest—I have already + given orders.” + </p> + <p> + “And you expect to sell every thing in the three days before your + departure?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! But you are here.” + </p> + <p> + “What can I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Take my place, I should think. I will leave you a power-of-attorney. + Perhaps, if you make haste, you can get fifty thousand dollars for the + property. You will invest that so as to be able to use it any moment. And, + if ever Miss Henrietta should be compelled to leave her father’s house, + you will hand the money over to her.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan had turned very pale. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me,” he said, “excuse me.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it seems to me it would be more suitable to leave some one else in + charge of that.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I do not know,—a more experienced man! It may be that the + property will not bring as much as you expect. Or I might invest the money + in the wrong funds. Money questions are so delicate!” + </p> + <p> + But Daniel said, shrugging his shoulders,— + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand why you should hesitate to undertake so simple a + thing, when you have already consented to render me so signal and so + difficult a service.” + </p> + <p> + So simple! M. de Brevan did not look upon it in that light. + </p> + <p> + A nervous shiver, which he could hardly conceal, ran down his backbone; + drops of perspiration broke out on his temples; and he turned deadly pale. + </p> + <p> + “Fifty thousand dollars! That is an enormous sum.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes!” replied Daniel in the most careless manner. + </p> + <p> + And, looking at the clock, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “Half-past three. Come, Maxime, be quick. My carriage is waiting. The + notary expects us between three and four o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + This notary was an exceptional man. He took an interest in the affairs of + his clients, and sometimes even listened to hear their explanations. When + Daniel had told him what he intended doing, he replied,— + </p> + <p> + “You have nothing to do, M. Champcey, but to give M. de Brevan a + power-of-attorney in proper form.” + </p> + <p> + “Would it be possible,” asked Daniel, “to have it drawn up at once?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? It can be recorded this evening; and to-morrow”— + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, lose no time.” + </p> + <p> + The notary called his chief clerk, gave him briefly his instructions, + then, making a sign to Daniel, he drew him into a kind of recess + resembling an enormous cupboard, adjoining his office, in which he + “confessed” his clients, as he called it. When they were there, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “How is it, M. Champcey, do you really owe this M. de Brevan so much + money?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a cent.” + </p> + <p> + “And you leave your entire fortune thus in his hands! You must have + marvellous confidence in the man.” + </p> + <p> + “As much as in myself.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a good deal. And if he should, during your absence, run away with + the fifty thousand dollars?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was a little shaken; but he remained firm. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” he said, “there are still some honest people in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah?” laughed the notary. + </p> + <p> + And, from the manner in which he shook his head, it was clearly seen that + experience had made him very sceptical on that subject. + </p> + <p> + “If you would only listen to me,” he resumed, “I could prove to you”— + </p> + <p> + But Daniel interrupted him, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I have no desire, sir, to change my mind; but, even if I should wish to + do so, I cannot retract my word. There are particular circumstances in + this case which I cannot explain to you in so short a time.” + </p> + <p> + The notary raised his eyes to the ceiling, and said in a tone of great + pity,— + </p> + <p> + “At least, let me make him give you a deed of defeasance.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, sir.” + </p> + <p> + This was done, but in such carefully guarded terms, that even the most + exquisite susceptibility on the part of Maxime could not have been hurt. + It was five o’clock, when the power-of-attorney and the deed were signed, + and the two friends left the worthy notary’s office. It was too late now + for Daniel to write to Henrietta to send him for that same evening the key + to the little garden-gate; but he wrote to get it for the next evening. + </p> + <p> + After that, having dined with M. de Brevan, he went all over Paris in + search of the thousand little things which are necessary for such a long + and perilous voyage. He came home late, and was fortunate enough to fall + asleep as soon as he had lain down. The next morning he breakfasted in his + rooms, for fear of being out of the house when they should bring him the + key. + </p> + <p> + It came towards one o’clock. It was brought by a large girl, nearly thirty + years old, with a cross expression of face, and eyes more than modestly + seeking the ground, and with narrow lips which seemed to be perpetually + engaged in reciting prayers. This was Clarissa, whom Henrietta considered + the safest of her waiting-women, and whom she had taken into her + confidence. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Henrietta,” she said to Daniel, “has given me this key and this + letter for you, sir. She expects an answer.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel tore the envelope, and read,— + </p> + <p> + “Take care, O my darling friend! to resort to this dangerous expedient + which we ought to reserve for the last extremity. Is what you have to tell + me really so important as you say? I can hardly believe it; and yet I send + you the key. Tell Clarissa the precise hour at which you will be here.” + </p> + <p> + Alas! the poor girl had no idea of the terrible news that was in store for + her. + </p> + <p> + “Request Miss Henrietta,” said Daniel to the maid, “to expect me at seven + o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + Sure now of seeing Henrietta, Daniel slipped the key in his pocket, and + hurried away. He had only a short afternoon to himself, and there were + still a thousand things to get, and countless preparations to make. + </p> + <p> + At his notary’s, where he went first, he found the papers ready; all the + formalities had been fulfilled. But, at the moment when the deed was + placed before him, the worthy lawyer said in a prophetic voice,— + </p> + <p> + “M. Champcey, take care, reflect! I call that tempting a man pretty + strongly when you hand over to him fifty thousand dollars the day before + you start on a long and dangerous expedition.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! What matters my fortune, if I only see my Henrietta again?” + </p> + <p> + The notary looked discouraged. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! if there is a woman in the affair, I have nothing more to say.” + </p> + <p> + It was as well. The next moment Daniel had forgotten him and his sombre + presentiments. + </p> + <p> + Seated in M. de Brevan’s little sitting-room, he was handing over his + deeds and papers to his faithful confidant, explaining to him how he might + make the most of the different parcels of land which he owned; how certain + woods might be sold together; how, on the other hand, a large farm, now + held by one tenant, might be advantageously divided into small lots, and + sold at auction. + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan did not look so pale now. He had recovered his self- + possession, and laid aside his usual reserve in order to show himself all + eagerness for his friend. + </p> + <p> + He declared that he would see to it that his friend Daniel should not be + robbed. He intended, therefore, to go himself to Anjou to call upon those + who were likely to purchase, and to be present at the sale. In his + opinion, it would be wiser to sell piecemeal, without hurry. If money was + needed, why, one could always get it at the bank. + </p> + <p> + Daniel was deeply touched by the devotion of his friend, whose intense + selfishness he had noticed but too often. Nor was this all. Capable of the + greatest sacrifices where Daniel’s interests were at stake, M. de Brevan + had formed a grand resolution. He proposed to overcome his aversion to + Miss Brandon, and to seek, immediately after her marriage, an introduction + at Count Ville-Handry’s palace, for the purpose of going there constantly. + He might have to play a disagreeable part, he admitted; but he would thus + be enabled to see Miss Henrietta frequently; he would hear every thing + that happened, and be at hand whenever she should need advice or + assistance. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Maxime,” repeated Daniel, “dear, excellent friend, how can I ever + thank you for all you are doing for me!” + </p> + <p> + As the day before, they dined together at one of the restaurants on the + boulevard; and after dinner M. de Brevan insisted upon accompanying his + friend back to Count Ville-Handry’s house. As they reached it long before + the appointed hour, they walked up and down on the sidewalk which runs + along the wall of the immense park belonging to the palace. It was a cold + but perfectly clear night. There was not a cloud in the sky, no mist nor + haze; and the moon was shining so brightly, that one could have read by + its light. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime seven o’clock struck at a neighboring convent. + </p> + <p> + “Come, courage, my friend!” said M. de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + And, pressing his hand once more cordially, he walked off rapidly in the + direction of the Invalides. + </p> + <p> + Daniel had not answered a word. Terribly excited, he had drawn near the + small door, examining anxiously all the surroundings. The street was + deserted. But he trembled so violently, that for a moment he thought he + would never be able to turn the key in the rusty lock. At last he + succeeded in opening it, and he slipped into the garden. + </p> + <p> + No one there. He was the first on the spot. + </p> + <p> + Looking for some dark place under the tall trees, he hid himself there, + and waited. It seemed to him a century. He had counted sixty by the + beating of his pulse ever so many times, and was beginning to be very + anxious, when at last he heard some dry branches crackling under rapid + footsteps. A shadow passed between the trees. He went forward, and + Henrietta was standing before him. + </p> + <p> + “What is it now, great God!” she said anxiously. “Clarissa said you looked + so pale and undone, that I have been terribly frightened.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had come to the conclusion that the plain truth would be less cruel + than the most skilful precautions. + </p> + <p> + “I have been ordered on active service,” he replied, “and I must be on + board ship the day after tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + And then, without concealing any thing, he told her all he had suffered + since the day before. Miss Ville-Handry felt as if she had been stunned by + a crushing blow. She was leaning against a tree. Did she even hear Daniel? + Yes; for, suddenly rousing herself, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “You will not obey! It is impossible for you to obey!” + </p> + <p> + “Henrietta, my honor is at stake.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, what does it matter?” + </p> + <p> + He was about to reply; but she continued in a broken voice,— + </p> + <p> + “You will certainly not go when you have heard me. You think I am strong, + brave, and capable to breast the storm? You are mistaken. I was only + drawing upon your energy, Daniel. I am a child, full of daring as long as + it rests on its mother’s knee, but helpless as soon as it feels that it is + left to itself; I am only a woman, Daniel; I am weak.” + </p> + <p> + The unhappy man felt his strength leaving him; he could no longer bear the + restraint which he had imposed upon himself. + </p> + <p> + “You insist upon sending me off in utter despair?” he asked her. “Ah, I + have hardly courage enough for myself!” + </p> + <p> + She interrupted him with a nervous laugh, and said in bitter sarcasm,— + </p> + <p> + “It would be courage to stay, to despise public opinion.” + </p> + <p> + And, as any thing appeared to her preferable to such a separation, she + added,— + </p> + <p> + “Listen! If you will stay, I will yield. Let us go together to my father, + and I will tell him that I have overcome my aversion to Miss Brandon. I + will ask him to present me to her; <i>I</i> will humble myself before + her.” + </p> + <p> + “That is impossible, Henrietta.” + </p> + <p> + She bent towards him, joining her hands; and in a suppliant voice she + repeated,— + </p> + <p> + “Stay, I beseech you, in the name of our happiness! If you have ever loved + me, if you love me now, stay!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had foreseen this heartrending scene; but he had vowed, that, if + his heart should break, he would have the fortitude to resist Henrietta’s + prayers and tears. + </p> + <p> + “If I were weak enough to give way now, Henrietta,” he said, “you would + despise me before the month is over; and I, desperate at having to drag + out a life of disgrace, would blow out my brains with a curse on you.” + </p> + <p> + With her arms hanging listlessly by her side, her hands crossed behind + her, Miss Ville-Handry stood there motionless, like a statue. She felt in + her heart that Daniel’s resolution was not to be shaken. + </p> + <p> + Then he said in a gentle voice,— + </p> + <p> + “I am going, Henrietta; but I leave you a friend of mine,—a true and + noble friend, who will watch over you. You have heard me speak of him + often,—Maxime de Brevan. He knows my wishes. Whatever may happen, + consult him. Ah! I should leave more cheerfully if you would promise me to + trust this faithful friend, to listen to his advice, and to follow his + directions.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise you, Daniel, I will obey him.” + </p> + <p> + But a rustling of the dry leaves interrupted them. + </p> + <p> + They turned round. A man was cautiously approaching them. + </p> + <p> + “My father!” cried Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + And, pushing Daniel towards the gate, she begged him to flee. + </p> + <p> + To remain would only have been to risk a painful explanation, insults, + perhaps even a personal collision. Daniel understood that but too well. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell,” he said to Henrietta, “farewell! Tomorrow you will receive a + letter from me.” + </p> + <p> + And he escaped, but not so promptly that he should not have heard the + count’s angry voice, as he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, ah! Is this the virtuous young lady who dares to insult Miss Sarah?” + </p> + <p> + As soon as Daniel had locked the door again, he listened for a moment, + hoping that he might hear something of importance. But he could only make + out a few indistinct exclamations, then nothing, nothing more. + </p> + <p> + It was all over now. He would have to sail without seeing Henrietta again, + without enjoying that bitter happiness of holding her once more in his + arms. And yet he had told her nothing of all he had to tell her; he had + not spoken to her of half his recommendations, nor given her a thousandth + part of his tender farewells. + </p> + <p> + How had they been surprised? How came it about that the count had stayed + at home, instead of hurrying off immediately after dinner, as was his + custom? Why should he have inquired after his daughter, he who generally + took no more trouble about her than if she had not existed? + </p> + <p> + “Ah, we have been betrayed!” thought the unhappy man. + </p> + <p> + By whom? By that unpleasant maid evidently, whom he had seen that morning; + by that very Clarissa in whom Henrietta put such confidence. If that was + so,—and it was but too probable,—to whom should he send his + letters hereafter? Here, again, he saw himself reduced to Maxime de Brevan + as the only one who could convey news from him to Henrietta. Ah! he + recognized but too clearly the execrable but most cunning policy of Miss + Brandon. + </p> + <p> + “The wretch!” he swore; “the infamous woman!” + </p> + <p> + Wrath, mad wrath, set his brains on fire. And he could do nothing against + that woman! + </p> + <p> + “But she does not stand alone!” he suddenly exclaimed. “There is a man + there who shelters her under his responsibility,—Sir Thorn!” + </p> + <p> + M. Elgin might be insulted; he might be struck in the face, and thus be + compelled to fight. + </p> + <p> + And, without considering this absurd plan, he hurried to Circus Street. + Although it was barely eight o’clock, Miss Brandon’s house looked as if + everybody were asleep. He rang the bell, however; and, when a servant came + to the door, he inquired,— + </p> + <p> + “M. Thomas Elgin?” + </p> + <p> + “M. Elgin is absent,” replied the servant. + </p> + <p> + “At what hour will he be back?” + </p> + <p> + “He is not coming home to-night.” + </p> + <p> + And whether he had received special instructions, or was only acting upon + general orders, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Brian is at the theatre; but Miss Brandon is at home.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel’s wrath changed into a kind of cold fury. + </p> + <p> + “They expected me,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + And he hesitated. Should he see Miss Brandon? But for what end? He was + just turning away, when a sudden thought occurred to him. Why should he + not talk with her, come to an understanding, and perhaps make a bargain + with her? + </p> + <p> + “Show me to Miss Brandon’s room,” he said to the servant. + </p> + <p> + She sat, as she always did when left alone in the house, in the little + boudoir, where Daniel had already once been carried by her. Dressed in a + long dressing-wrapper of pale-blue cashmere, her hair scarcely taken up at + all, she was reading, reclining on a sofa. + </p> + <p> + As the door opened, she raised herself carelessly a little, and, without + turning around, asked,— + </p> + <p> + “Who is that?” + </p> + <p> + But, when the servant announced the name of M. Champcey, she rose with a + bound, almost terrified, dropping the book which she had in her hand. + </p> + <p> + “You!” she murmured as soon as the servant had left. “Here, and of your + own accord?” + </p> + <p> + Firmly resolved this time to remain master of his sensations, Daniel had + stopped in the middle of the room, as stiff as a statue. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you know, madam, what brings me here? All your combinations have + succeeded admirably; you triumph, and we surrender.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him in perfect amazement, stammering— + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand you. I do not know what you mean.” + </p> + <p> + He shrugged his shoulders, and continued in an icy tone,— + </p> + <p> + “Do me the honor to think that I am not altogether a fool. I have seen the + letter which you have sent to the minister, signed with my name. I have + held that masterpiece of forgery in my hand and know now how you free + yourself of my presence!” + </p> + <p> + Miss Brandon interrupted him with an angry gesture,— + </p> + <p> + “Then it is really so! He has done it; he has dared do it!” + </p> + <p> + “Who is this he? M. Thomas Elgin, no doubt?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not he; another man.” + </p> + <p> + “Name him!” + </p> + <p> + She hesitated, hung her head, and then said with a great effort,— + </p> + <p> + “I knew they wished to separate us; and, without knowing precisely what + means they would employ, I suspected them. And, when I came to you the + other day, I wanted to say to you, ‘Have a care!’ and you, M. Champcey, + you drove me from you.” + </p> + <p> + He looked upon her with such an ironical smile that she broke off, and + cried,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, he does not believe me! Tell me that you do not believe me!” + </p> + <p> + He bowed ceremoniously, and replied in his gravest manner,— + </p> + <p> + “I believe, Miss Brandon, that you desire to become Countess Ville- + Handry; and you clear everything out of your path that can hinder you in + your plans.” + </p> + <p> + She was about to answer; but he did not give her time, and continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Mark, I pray, that I make no charges. Come, let us play openly. You are + too sensible and too practical to hate us—Miss Henrietta and myself—from + gratuitous and purely platonic motives. You hate us because we are in your + way. How are we in your way? Tell me; and, if you will promise to help us, + we—Henrietta and I—pledge ourselves not to stand in your way.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Brandon looked as if she could not trust her ears. + </p> + <p> + “But, sir, this is a bargain, I should say, which you propose?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed! And, that there may be no misunderstanding, I will mention + the precise terms: if you will swear to be kind to Henrietta during my + absence, to protect her against violence on the part of her father, and + never to force her to act contrary to her sentiments for me, I will give + you, in return, my word that I shall give up to you, without dispute and + without reserve, the whole immense fortune possessed by Count + Ville-Handry.” + </p> + <p> + Succumbing to her grief, Miss Brandon seemed to be almost fainting; and + big tears rolled down her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Have I not yet been humiliated sufficiently?” she said in a low voice. + “Must you add shame to shame? Daniel, you think I am very mean.” + </p> + <p> + And, checking the sobs which impeded her words, she went on,— + </p> + <p> + “And yet I cannot blame you for it, I cannot. No, you are right! Every + thing is against me; every thing bears witness against me. Yes, I must + appear a very wicked girl in your eyes. If you knew the truth, however, + Daniel—if I could, if I dared, tell you all!” + </p> + <p> + She drew nearer to him, all trembling; and then continued in a still lower + tone of voice, as if she feared to be overheard,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you not understand yet that I am no longer my own? Unfortunate as I + am, they have taken me, bound me, fettered me. I have no longer the right + to have a will of my own. If they say, ‘Do this!’ I must needs do it. What + a life I lead! Great God! Ah, if you had been willing, Daniel! If you were + willing even now!” + </p> + <p> + She became excited almost to exaltation; her eyes, moist with tears, shone + with matchless splendor; passing blushes colored her face; and her voice + had strange, weird vibrations. + </p> + <p> + Was she forgetting herself? Was she really about to betray her secret? or + was she merely inventing a new falsehood? Why should he not let her go on? + </p> + <p> + “That is no answer, Miss Brandon,” at last said Daniel. “Will you promise + me to protect Henrietta?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you really love her so dearly, your Henrietta?” + </p> + <p> + “Better than life!” + </p> + <p> + Miss Brandon turned as white as the lace on her dress; a flash of + indignation shot through her eyes; and, drying her tears, she said curtly,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” + </p> + <p> + Then Daniel replied,— + </p> + <p> + “You will give me no answer, madam?” + </p> + <p> + And, as she persisted in her silence, he resumed,— + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then, I understand. You declare open war. Be it so! Only + listen to me carefully. I am setting out on a dangerous expedition, and + you hope I shall never return. Undeceive yourself, Miss Brandon; I shall + return. With a passion like mine, with so much love in one’s heart, and so + much hatred, a man can defy every thing. The murderous climate will not + touch me; and, if I had ten rifle-balls in my body, I should still have + the strength to return, and hold you to an account for what you have done + to Henrietta. And if you have touched a hair on her head, if you have made + her shed a single tear, by all that is holy, it will bring ill luck to + you, and ill luck to others!” + </p> + <p> + He was going to leave her, when a thought struck him. + </p> + <p> + “I ought to tell you, moreover,” he added, “that I leave a faithful friend + behind me; and, if the count or his daughter should die very suddenly, the + coroner will be informed. And now, madam, farewell—or, rather, till + we meet again!” + </p> + <p> + At eight o’clock on the evening of the next day, after having left in M. + de Brevan’s hands a long letter for Henrietta, and after having given him + his last instructions, Daniel took his seat in the train which was to take + him to his new post. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIII. + </h2> + <p> + It was a week after Daniel’s departure, a Wednesday, and about half- past + eleven o’clock. + </p> + <p> + Some thirty carriages, the most elegant, by all means, that Paris could + boast of, were standing alongside of the Church of St. Clothilda. In the + pretty little square before the building, some hundred and fifty or two + hundred idlers were waiting with open mouths. The passers-by, noticing the + crowd, went up and asked,— + </p> + <p> + “What is going on?” + </p> + <p> + “A wedding,” was the answer. + </p> + <p> + “And a grand wedding, apparently.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, the grandest thing you ever saw. It is a nobleman, and an immensely + rich one, who is going to be married,—Count Ville-Handry. He marries + an American lady. They have been in the church now for some time, and they + will soon come out again.” + </p> + <p> + Under the porch a dozen men, in the orthodox black costume, with yellow + kid gloves, and white cravats showing under their overcoats, evidently men + belonging to the wedding-party, were chatting merrily while they were + waiting for the end of the ceremony. If they were amused, they hardly + showed it; for some made an effort to hide their yawning, while others + kept up a broken conversation, when a small <i>coupe</i> drove up, and + stopped at the gate. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said a young man, “I announce M. de Brevan.” + </p> + <p> + It was he really. + </p> + <p> + He stepped leisurely out of his carriage, and came up in his usual + phlegmatic manner. He knew the majority, perhaps, of the young men in the + crowd; and so he commenced at once shaking hands all around, and then said + in an easy tone of voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Who has seen the bride?” + </p> + <p> + “I!” replied an old beau, whose perpetual smile displayed all the + thirty-two teeth he owed to the dentist. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you think of her?” + </p> + <p> + “She is always sublime in her beauty, my dear. When she walked up the + aisle to kneel down at the altar, a murmur of admiration followed her all + the way. Upon my word of honor, I thought they would applaud.” + </p> + <p> + This was too much enthusiasm. M. de Brevan cut it short, asking,— + </p> + <p> + “And Count Ville-Handry?” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word,” replied the old beau ironically, “the good count can boast + of a valet who knows almost as much as Rachel, the famous English + enameller. At a little distance you would have sworn that he was sixteen + years old, and that he was going, not to be married, but to be confirmed.” + </p> + <p> + “And how did he look?” + </p> + <p> + “Restless, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “He might well be,” observed a stout, elderly gentleman, who was said not + to be very happily married. + </p> + <p> + Everybody laughed; but a very young man, a mere youth, who did not catch + the joke, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Why so?” + </p> + <p> + A man of about thirty years, a perfect model of elegance, whom the others + called, according to the degree of intimacy which they could claim, either + “Your Grace,” or “Duke” simply replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Because, my dear viscount, Miss Brandon is one of those ladies who never + are married. They are courted; they are worshipped; they make us commit a + thousand follies for their sakes; they allow us to ruin ourselves, and, + finally, to blow our brains out for them, all right! But to bear our name, + never!” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” said Brevan, “that they tell a number of stories about her; + but it is all gossip. However”— + </p> + <p> + “You certainly would not ask,” replied the duke, “that I should prove her + to have been brought before a police-court, or to have escaped from the + penitentiary?” + </p> + <p> + And, without permitting himself to be interrupted, he went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Good society in France, they say, is very exclusive. It does not deserve + that reputation. Except, perhaps, a score of houses, where old traditions + are still preserved, all other houses are wide open to the first-comer, + man or woman, who drives up in a carriage. And the number of such + first-comers is prodigiously large. Where do they come from? No one knows. + From Russia, from Turkey, from America, from Hungary, from very far, from + everywhere, from below, I do not count the impudent fellows who are still + muddy from the gutter in which they have been lying. How do all these + people live? That is a mystery. But they do live, and they live well. They + have, or at least seem to have, money; and they shine, they intrigue, they + conspire, they make believe, and they extort. So that I verily believe all + this high-life society, by dint of helping one another, of pushing and + crowding in, will, in the end, be master of all. You may say that I am not + in the crowd. Very true. I willingly shake hands with the workmen who work + for me, and who earn their living worthily; but I do not shake hands with + these ambiguous personages in yellow kids, who have no title but their + impudence, and no means of living but their underhand intrigues.” + </p> + <p> + He addressed himself apparently to no one, following, with his absent- + minded glance, the crowd in the garden; and yet, by his peculiar manner, + you would have known that he was speaking at some one among the listeners. + </p> + <p> + However, it was evident that he had no success, and that his doctrine + seemed to be utterly out of season, and almost ridiculous. A young man + with a delicate black mustache, and extremely well dressed, even turned to + his neighbor, and asked,— + </p> + <p> + “Who is our friend, the preacher?” + </p> + <p> + “What! don’t you know him?” replied the other. + </p> + <p> + “That is the Duke of Champdoce, you know, who has married a princess of + Mussidan. Quite an original.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan, however, had remained perfectly impassive, and now said,— + </p> + <p> + “At all events, I suppose it was not altogether a question of interest + which made Miss Brandon marry the count.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because she is immensely rich.” + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw!” + </p> + <p> + An old gentleman came up, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “She must needs be perfectly disinterested; for I have it from the count + himself that none of the property is to be settled upon Miss Brandon.” + </p> + <p> + “That certainly is marvellously disinterested.” + </p> + <p> + Having said what he meant to say, the duke had entered the church; and the + old beau now took the word. + </p> + <p> + “The only thing that is clear to me in this matter is, that I think I know + the person whom this wedding will not please particularly.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Count Ville-Handry’s daughter, a young girl, eighteen years old, and + wondrously pretty. Just imagine! Besides, I have looked for her all over + the church, and she is not there.” + </p> + <p> + “She is not present at the wedding,” replied the old gentleman, the friend + of Count Ville-Handry, “because she was suddenly taken ill.” + </p> + <p> + “So they say,” interposed the young man; “but the fact is, that a friend + of mine has just seen her driving out in her carriage in full dress.” + </p> + <p> + “That can hardly be so.” + </p> + <p> + “My friend was positive. She intended this pretty piece of scandal as a + wedding-present for her stepmother.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan shrugged his shoulders, and said in an undertone,— + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, I should not like to stand in the count’s shoes.” + </p> + <p> + As a faithful echo of the gossip that was going on in society, this + conversation, carried on in broken sentences, under the porch of St. + Clothilda, made it quite clear that public opinion was decidedly in favor + of Miss Brandon. It would have been surprising if it should have been + otherwise. She triumphed; and the world is always on the side of the + victor. That Duke of Champdoce, an original, was the only one there who + was disposed to remember the past; the others had forgotten it. The + brilliancy of her success was even reflected on those who belonged to her; + and a young man who copied to exaggeration English fashions was just + singing the praises of M. Thomas Elgin and Mrs. Brian, when a great + commotion was noticed under the porch. + </p> + <p> + People came out, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “It is all over. The wedding-guests are in the vestry now to sign their + names.” + </p> + <p> + The conversation stopped at once. The old beau alone exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen, if we wish to present our respects to the newly-married + couple, we must make haste.” + </p> + <p> + And with these words he hurried into the church, followed by all the + others, and soon reached the vestry, which was too small to hold all the + guests invited by Count Ville-Handry. The parish register had been placed + upon a small table; and every one approached, as his turn came, taking off + his gloves before seizing the pen. Fronting the door, and leaning against + one of the cupboards in which the holy vessels are kept, stood Miss + Brandon, now Countess Ville-Handry, having at her side grim Mrs. Brian, + and tall, stiff M. Elgin. + </p> + <p> + Her admirers had exaggerated nothing. In her white bridal costume she + looked amazingly beautiful; and her whole person exhaled a perfume of + innocence and ingenuous purity. + </p> + <p> + She was surrounded by eight or ten young persons, who overwhelmed her with + congratulations and compliments. She replied with a slightly tremulous + voice, and casting down her eyes with the long, silky eyelashes. Count + Ville-Handry stood in the centre of the room, swelling with almost comic + happiness; and at every moment, in replying to his friends, used the + words, “My wife,” like a sweet morsel which he rolled on his tongue. + </p> + <p> + Still a careful observer might have noticed underneath his victorious airs + a trace of almost painful restraint. From time to time his face darkened + as one of those unlucky, awkward people, who turn up everywhere, asked + him,— + </p> + <p> + “I hope Miss Henrietta is not complaining much? How very sorry she must be + to be detained at home!” + </p> + <p> + It is true, that, among these unlucky ones, there were not a few malicious + ones. Nobody was ignorant that something unpleasant had happened in the + count’s family. They had suspected something from the beginning of the + ceremony. + </p> + <p> + For the count had hardly knelt down by Miss Brandon’s side, on a velvet + cushion, when a servant wearing his livery had come up, and whispered a + few words in his ear. The guests who were nearest had seen him turn pale, + and utter an expression of furious rage. + </p> + <p> + What had the servant told him? + </p> + <p> + It became soon known, thanks to the Countess Bois, who went about telling + everybody with inexhaustible volubility, that she had just met Miss + Ville-Handry in the street. + </p> + <p> + When the last name had been signed, nobody was, therefore, surprised at + seeing Count Ville-Handry give his arm to his wife, and hand her hurriedly + to her carriage,—a magnificent state-carriage. He had invited some + twenty people, former friends of his, to a great wedding- breakfast; but + he seemed to have forgotten them. And once in his carriage, alone with + Mrs. Brian, M. Elgin, and the young countess, he broke forth in incoherent + imprecations and absurd threatenings. + </p> + <p> + When they reached the palace, he did not wait for the coachman to drive as + usually around the yard, but jumped out, and, rushing up to the vestibule, + cried out,— + </p> + <p> + “Ernest! send Ernest here!” + </p> + <p> + Ernest was his own valet, the clever artist to whom he was indebted for + the roses of his complexion. As soon as he appeared, he asked,— + </p> + <p> + “Where is the young lady?” + </p> + <p> + “Gone out.” + </p> + <p> + “When?” + </p> + <p> + “Immediately after you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The young countess, Mrs. Brian, and M. Elgin, had, in the meantime, come + up, and gone into the room in the lower story, where this scene took + place. + </p> + <p> + “Do you hear that?” he asked them. + </p> + <p> + Then, turning again to the valet, he asked,— + </p> + <p> + “How did it happen?” + </p> + <p> + “Very naturally. The gates had not been closed behind your carriage, sir, + when the young lady rang the bell. They went up to see what she wanted, + and she ordered the landau to be brought round. She was told very + respectfully, that all three coachmen were out, and that there was no one + there to drive her. ‘If that be so,’ she answered, ‘I want you to run and + get me a hired carriage.’ And, when the servant to whom she gave the order + hesitated, she added, ‘If you do not go instantly, I shall go myself.’” + </p> + <p> + The count trembled with rage. + </p> + <p> + “And then?” he asked, seeing that the man was hesitating. + </p> + <p> + “Then the servant was frightened, and did what she wanted.” + </p> + <p> + “He is dismissed, the fool!” exclaimed Count Ville-Handry. + </p> + <p> + “But allow me to <i>say</i>,” commenced Ernest. + </p> + <p> + “No! Let his wages be paid. And you go on.” + </p> + <p> + Without showing any embarrassment, the valet shrugged his shoulders, and + continued in a lazy tone,— + </p> + <p> + “Then the hack came into the court-yard; and we saw the young lady come + down in a splendid toilet, such as we have never seen her wear before,—not + pretty exactly, but so conspicuous, that it must have attracted + everybody’s attention. She settled herself coolly on the cushions, while + we looked at her, utterly amazed; and, when she was ready, she said, + ‘Ernest, you will tell my father that I shall not be back for breakfast. I + have a good many visits to make; and, as the weather is fine, I shall + afterwards go to the Bois de Boulogne.’ Thereupon the gates were opened, + and off they went. It was then that I took the liberty to send you word, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + In all his life Count Ville-Handry had not been so furious. The veins in + his neck began to swell; and his eyes became bloodshot, as if he had been + threatened with a fit of apoplexy. + </p> + <p> + “You ought to have kept her from going out,” he said hoarsely. “Why did + you not prevent her? You ought to have made her go back to her room, use + force if necessary, lock her up, bind her.” + </p> + <p> + “You had given no orders, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to have required no orders to do your duty. To let a mad woman + run about! an impudent girl whom I caught the other day in the garden with + a man!” + </p> + <p> + He cried out so loud, that his voice was heard in the adjoining room, + where the invited guests were beginning to assemble. The unhappy man! He + disgraced his own child. The young countess at once came up to him and + said,— + </p> + <p> + “I beseech you, my dear friend, be calm!” + </p> + <p> + “No, this must end; and I mean to punish the wicked girl.” + </p> + <p> + “I beseech you, my dear count, do not destroy the happiness of the first + day of our married life. Henrietta is only a child; she did not know what + she was doing.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brian was not of the same opinion. She declared,— + </p> + <p> + “The count is right. The conduct of this young lady is perfectly + shocking.” + </p> + <p> + Then Sir Thorn interrupted her, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, ah! Brian, where is our bargain? Was it not understood that we would + have nothing to do with the count’s private affairs?” + </p> + <p> + Thus every one took up at once his assigned part. The countess advocated + forbearance; Mrs. Brian advised discipline; and Sir Thorn was in favor of + silent impartiality. + </p> + <p> + Besides, they easily succeeded in calming the count. But, after such a + scene, the wedding breakfast could not be very merry. The guests, who had + heard nearly all, exchanged strange looks with each other. + </p> + <p> + “The count’s daughter,” they thought, “and a lover? That can hardly be!” + </p> + <p> + In vain did the count try to look indifferent; in vain did the young + countess display all her rare gifts. Everybody was embarrassed; nobody + could summon up a smile; and every five minutes the conversation gave out. + At half-past four o’clock, the last guest had escaped, and the count + remained alone with his new family. It was growing dark, and they were + bringing in the lamps, when the rolling of carriage-wheels was heard on + the sand in the court-yard. The count rose, turning pale. + </p> + <p> + “Here she comes!” he said. “Here is my daughter!” + </p> + <p> + It was Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + How could a young girl, usually so reserved, and naturally so timid, make + up her mind to cause such scandal? Because the most timid people are + precisely the boldest on certain occasions. Forced to abandon their + nature, they do not reason, and do not calculate, and, losing all + self-possession, rush blindly into danger, impelled by a kind of madness + resembling that of sheep when they knock their heads against the walls of + their stable. + </p> + <p> + Now, for nearly a fortnight, the count’s daughter had been upset by so + many and so violent emotions, that she was no longer herself. The insults + which her father heaped upon her when he surprised her with Daniel had + unsettled her mind completely. + </p> + <p> + For Count Ville-Handry, acting under a kind of overexcitement, had that + day lost all self-control, and forgot himself so far as to treat his + daughter as no gentleman would have treated his child while in his senses, + and that in the presence of his servants! + </p> + <p> + And then, what tortures she had had to endure in the week that followed! + She had declared that she would not be present at the reading of the + marriage-contract, nor at the ceremonies of the civil marriage, nor at + church; and her father had tried to make her change her intentions. Hence + every day a new lamentable scene, as the decisive moment drew nearer. + </p> + <p> + If the count had at least used a little discretion, if he had tried the + powers of persuasion, or sought to touch his daughter’s heart by speaking + to her of herself, of her future, of her happiness, of her peace! + </p> + <p> + But no! He never came to her room without a new insult, thinking of + nothing, as he acknowledged himself, but of sparing Miss Brandon’s + feelings, and of saving her all annoyance. The consequence was, that his + threats, so far from moving Henrietta, had only served to strengthen her + in her determination. + </p> + <p> + The marriage-contract had been read and signed at six o’clock, just before + a grand dinner. At half-past five, the count had once more come to his + daughter’s room. Without telling her any thing of it, he had ordered her + dressmaker to send her several magnificent dresses; and they were lying + about now, spread out upon chairs. + </p> + <p> + “Dress yourself,” he said in a tone of command, “and come down!” + </p> + <p> + She, the victim of that kind of nervous exaltation which makes martyrdom + appear preferable to yielding, replied obstinately,— + </p> + <p> + “No, I shall not come down.” + </p> + <p> + She did not care for any subterfuge or excuse; she did not even pretend to + be unwell; she said resolutely— + </p> + <p> + “I will not!” + </p> + <p> + And he, finding himself unable to overcome this resistance, maddened and + enraged, broke out in blasphemies and insane threats. + </p> + <p> + A chambermaid, who had been attracted by the loud voice, had come, and, + putting her ear to the keyhole, had heard every thing; and the same + evening she told her friends how the count had struck his daughter, and + that she had heard the blows. + </p> + <p> + Henrietta had always denied the charge. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, it was but too true, that, in consequence of these last + insults, she had come to the determination to make her protest as public + as she could by showing herself to all Paris while her father was married + at St. Clothilda to Miss Brandon. The poor girl had no one to whom she + could confide her griefs, no one to tell her that all the disgrace would + fall back upon herself. + </p> + <p> + So she had carried out her plan bravely. Putting on a very showy costume, + so as to attract as much attention as possible, she had spent the day in + driving about to all the places where she thought she would meet most of + her acquaintances. Night alone had compelled her to return, and she felt + broken to pieces, exhausted, upset by unspeakable anguish of soul, but + upheld by the absurd idea that she had done her duty and shown herself + worthy of Daniel. + </p> + <p> + She had just alighted, and was about to pay the coachman, when the count’s + valet came up, and said to her in an almost disrespectful tone of voice,— + </p> + <p> + “My master has ordered me to tell you to come to him as soon as you should + come home.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is my father?” + </p> + <p> + “In the large reception-room.” + </p> + <p> + “Alone?” + </p> + <p> + “No. The countess, Mrs. Brian, and M. Elgin are with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well. I am coming.” + </p> + <p> + Gathering all her courage, and looking whiter and colder than the marble + of the statues in the vestibule, she went to the reception-room, opened + the door, and entered stiffly. + </p> + <p> + “Here you are!” exclaimed Count Ville-Handry, restored to a certain degree + of calmness by the very excess of his wrath,—“here you are!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, father.” + </p> + <p> + “Where have you been?” + </p> + <p> + She had at a glance taken in the whole room; and at the sight of the new + countess, and those whom she called her accomplices, all her resentment + arose. She smiled haughtily, and said carelessly,— + </p> + <p> + “I have been at the Bois de Boulogne. In the morning I went out to make + some purchases; later, knowing that the Duchess of Champdoce is a little + unwell, and does not go out, I went to lunch with her; after that, as the + weather was so fine”— + </p> + <p> + Count Ville-Handry could endure it no longer. + </p> + <p> + Seizing his daughter by the wrists, he lifted her bodily, and, dragging + her up to the Countess Sarah, he hurled out,— + </p> + <p> + “On your knees, unhappy child! on your knees, and ask the best and noblest + of women to pardon you for all these insults!” + </p> + <p> + “You hurt me terribly, father,” said the young girl coldly. + </p> + <p> + But the countess had already thrown herself between them. + </p> + <p> + “For Heaven’s sake, madam,” she said, “spare your father!” + </p> + <p> + And, as Henrietta measured her from head to foot with an insulting glance, + she went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Dear count, don’t you see that your violence is killing me?” + </p> + <p> + Promptly Count Ville-Handry let his daughter go, and, drawing back, he + said,— + </p> + <p> + “Thank her, thank this angel of goodness who intercedes in your behalf! + But have a care! my patience is at an end. There are such things as houses + of correction for rebellious children and perverse daughters.” + </p> + <p> + She interrupted him by a gesture, and exclaimed with startling energy,— + </p> + <p> + “Be it so, father! Choose among all these houses the very strictest, and + send me there. Whatever I may have to suffer there, it will be better than + being here, as long as I see in the place of my mother that—woman!” + </p> + <p> + “Wretch!” howled the count. + </p> + <p> + He was suffocating. By a violent effort he tore off his cravat; and, + conscious that he was no longer master of himself, he cried to his + daughter,— + </p> + <p> + “Leave me, leave me! or I answer for nothing.” She hesitated a moment. + </p> + <p> + Then, casting upon the countess one more look full of defiance, she slowly + went out of the room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIV. + </h2> + <p> + “Well, I am sure the count can boast that he has had a curious + wedding-day.” + </p> + <p> + This was the way the servants spoke at the moment when Henrietta left the + reception-room. She heard it; and without knowing whether they approved + her conduct, or laughed at it, she felt gratified, so eager is passion for + encouragement from anywhere. + </p> + <p> + But she had not yet gone half-way up the stairs which led to her own + rooms, when she was held at the place by the sound of all the bells of the + house, which had been set in motion by a furious hand. She bent over the + balusters to listen. The servants were rushing about; the vestibule + resounded with hurried steps; and she distinguished the imperious voice of + M. Ernest, the count’s valet, who called out,— + </p> + <p> + “Salts, quick! Fresh water. The countess has a nervous attack.” + </p> + <p> + A bitter smile curled Henrietta’s lips. + </p> + <p> + “At least,” she said to herself, “I shall have poisoned this woman’s joy.” + And, fearing to be caught thus listening, she went up stairs. + </p> + <p> + But, when she was alone once more, the poor girl failed not to recognize + the utter futility of her fancied triumph. Whom had she wounded, after + all? Her father. + </p> + <p> + However unwell the countess might be to-night,—and perhaps she was + not really unwell,—she would certainly be well again in the morning; + and then what would be the advantage of the scandal she had attempted in + order to ruin her? Now Henrietta saw it very clearly,—now, when it + was too late. + </p> + <p> + Worse than that! She fancied that what she had done to-day pledged her for + the future. The road upon which she had started evidently led nowhere. + Never mind, it seemed to her miserable cowardice to shrink from going on. + </p> + <p> + Rising with the sun, she was deliberating on what weak point she might + make her next attack, when there came a knock at the door, and Clarissa, + her own maid, entered. + </p> + <p> + “Here is a letter for you, miss,” she said. “I have received it this + moment, in an envelope addressed to me.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta examined the letter for a long time before opening it, studying + the handwriting, which she did not know. Who could write to her, and in + this way, unless it was Maxime de Brevan, to whom Daniel had begged her to + intrust herself, and who, so far, had given no sign of life of himself? + </p> + <p> + It was M. de Brevan who wrote thus,— + </p> + <p> + “Madam,—Like all Paris, I also have heard of your proud and noble + protest on the day of your father’s unfortunate marriage. Egotists and + fools will perhaps blame you. But you may despise them; for all the best + men are on your side. And my dear Daniel, if he were here, would approve + and admire your courage, as I do myself.” + </p> + <p> + She drew a full breath, as if her heart had been relieved of a heavy + burden. + </p> + <p> + Daniel’s friend approved her conduct. This was enough to stifle henceforth + the voice of reason, and to make her disregard every idea of prudence. The + whole letter of M. de Brevan was, moreover, nothing but a long and + respectful admonition to resist desperately. + </p> + <p> + Farther on he wrote,— + </p> + <p> + “At the moment of taking the train, Daniel handed me a letter, in which he + expresses his innermost thoughts. With a sagacity worthy of such a heart, + he foresees and solves in advance all the difficulties by which your + step-mother will no doubt embarrass you hereafter. This letter is too + precious to be intrusted to the mail, I shall, therefore, get myself + introduced at your father’s house before the end of the week, and I shall + have the honor to put that letter into your own hands.” + </p> + <p> + And again,— + </p> + <p> + “I shall have an opportunity, tomorrow, to send Daniel news from here. If + you wish to write to him, send me your letter to-day, Rue Laffitte, No. + 62, and I will enclose it in mine.” + </p> + <p> + Finally, there came a postscript in these words,— + </p> + <p> + “Mistrust, above all, M. Thomas Elgin.” + </p> + <p> + This last recommendation caused Henrietta particular trouble, and made her + feel all kinds of vague and terrible apprehensions. + </p> + <p> + “Why should I mistrust him,” she said to herself, “more than the others?” + </p> + <p> + But a more pleasing anxiety soon came to her assistance. What? Here was an + opportunity to send Daniel news promptly and safely, and she was running + the risk, by her delays, of losing the chance? She hastened to dress; and, + sitting down before her little writing-table, she went to work + communicating to her only friend on earth all her sufferings since he had + so suddenly left her, her griefs, her resentments, her hopes. + </p> + <p> + It was eleven o’clock when she had finished, having filled eight large + pages with all she felt in her heart. As she was about to rise, she + suddenly felt ill. Her knees gave way under her, and she felt as if every + thing was trembling around her. What could this mean? she thought. And now + only she remembered that she had eaten nothing since the day before. + </p> + <p> + “I must not starve myself,” she said almost merrily to herself. Her long + chat with Daniel had evidently rekindled her hopes. + </p> + <p> + She rang the bell; and, when her maid appeared, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Bring me some breakfast!” + </p> + <p> + Miss Ville-Handry occupied three rooms. The first, her sitting-room, + opened upon the hall; on the right was her bed-chamber; and on the left a + boudoir with her piano, her music, and her books. When Henrietta took her + meals up stairs, which of late had happened quite often, she ate in the + sitting-room. + </p> + <p> + She had gone in there, and was clearing the table of the albums and little + trifles which were lying about, so as to hasten matters, when the maid + reappeared with empty hands. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, miss!” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “The count has given orders not to take any thing up stairs.” + </p> + <p> + “That cannot be.” + </p> + <p> + But a mocking voice from without interrupted her, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “It is so!” + </p> + <p> + And immediately Count Ville-Handry appeared, already dressed, curled, and + painted, bearing the appearance of a man who is about to enjoy his + revenge. + </p> + <p> + “Leave us!” he said to the maid-servant. + </p> + <p> + And, as soon as Clarissa had left the room, he turned to Henrietta with + these words,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed, my dear Henrietta, I have given strict orders not to bring + you up any thing to eat. Why should you indulge such fancies? I ask you. + Are you unwell? If you are, we will send for the doctor. If not, you will + do me the favor to come down and take your meals in the dining-room with + the family,—with the countess and myself, M. Elgin and Mrs. Brian.” + </p> + <p> + “But, father!” + </p> + <p> + “There is no father who could stand this. The time of weakness is past, + and so is the time of passion; therefore, you will come down. Oh! whenever + you feel disposed. You will, perhaps, pout a day, maybe two days; but + hunger drives the wolf into the village; and on the third day we shall see + you come down as soon as the bell rings. I have in vain appealed to your + heart; you see I am forced to appeal to your stomach.” + </p> + <p> + Whatever efforts Henrietta might make to remain impassive, the tears would + come into her eyes,—tears of shame and humiliation. Could this idea + of starving her into obedience have originated with her father? No, he + would never have thought of it! It was evidently a woman’s thought, and + the result of bitter, savage hate. + </p> + <p> + Still the poor girl felt that she was caught; and her heart revolted at + the ignominy of the means, and the certainty that she would be forced to + yield. Her cruel imagination painted to her at once the exultation of the + new countess, when she, the daughter of Count Ville-Handry, would appear + in the dining-room, brought there by want, by hunger. + </p> + <p> + “Father,” she begged, “send me nothing but bread and water, but spare me + that exposure.” + </p> + <p> + But, if the count was repeating a lesson, he had learned it well. His + features retained their sardonic expression; and he said in an icy tone,— + </p> + <p> + “I have told you what I desire. You have heard it, and that is enough.” + </p> + <p> + He was turning to leave the room, when his daughter held him back. + </p> + <p> + “Father,” she said, “listen to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what is it, now?” + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday you threatened to shut me up.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “To-day it is I who beseech you to do so. Send me to a convent. However + harsh and strict the rules may be, however sad life may be there, I will + find there some relief for my sorrow, and I will bless you with all my + heart.” + </p> + <p> + He only shrugged his shoulders over and over again; then he said,— + </p> + <p> + “A good idea! And from your convent you would at once write to everybody + and everywhere, that my wife had turned you out of the house; that you had + been obliged to escape from threats and bad treatment; you would repeat + all the well-known elegies of the innocent young girl who is persecuted by + a wicked stepmother. Not so, my dear, not so!” + </p> + <p> + The breakfast-bell, which was ringing below, interrupted him. + </p> + <p> + “You hear, Henrietta,” he said. “Consult your stomach; and, according to + what it tells you, come down, or stay here.” + </p> + <p> + He went out, manifestly quite proud at having performed what he called an + act of paternal authority, without vouchsafing a glance at his daughter, + who had sunk back upon a chair; for she felt overcome, the poor child! by + all the agony of her pride. It was all over: she could struggle no longer. + People who would not shrink from such extreme measures in order to + overcome her might resort to the last extremities. Whatever she could do, + sooner or later she would have to succumb. + </p> + <p> + Hence—why might she not as well give way at once? She saw clearly, + that, the longer she postponed it, the sweeter would be the victory to the + countess, and the more painful would be the sacrifice to herself. Arming + herself, therefore, with all her energy, she went down into the + dining-room, where the others were already at table. + </p> + <p> + She had imagined that her appearance would be greeted by some insulting + remark. Not at all. They seemed hardly to notice her. The countess, who + had been talking, paused to say, “Good-morning, madam!” and then went on + without betraying in her voice the slightest emotion. + </p> + <p> + Henrietta had even to acknowledge that they had been considerate. Her + plate had not been put by her mother-in-law. A seat had been kept for her + between Mrs. Brian and M. Elgin. She sat down, and, while eating, watched + stealthily, and with all her powers of observation, these strangers who + were henceforth the masters of her destiny, and whom she now saw for the + first time; for yesterday she had hardly perceived them. + </p> + <p> + She was at once struck, painfully struck, with the dazzling, marvellous + beauty of Countess Sarah, although she had been shown her photograph by + her father, and ought thus to have been prepared. It was evident that the + young countess had barely taken time to put on a wrapper before coming + down to breakfast. Her complexion was more animated than usually. She + exhibited all the touching confusion of a young bride, and was constantly + more or less embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + Henrietta comprehended but too well the influence such a woman was likely + to have over an old man who had fallen in love with her. It made her + tremble. But grim Mrs. Brian appeared to her hardly less formidable. She + could read nothing in her dull, heavy eye but cold wickedness; nothing in + her lean, yellow face but an implacable will; all the wrinkles seemed to + be permanently graven in wax. + </p> + <p> + She thought, after all, the least to be feared was tall, stiff M. Thomas + Elgin. Seated by her, he had shown her discreetly some little attentions; + and, when she observed him more closely, she discovered in his eyes + something like commiseration. + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” she thought, “it was against him that M. de Brevan warned me + particularly.” + </p> + <p> + But breakfast was over. Henrietta rose, and having bowed, without saying a + word, was going back to her room when she met on the stairs some of the + servants, who were carrying a heavy wardrobe. Upon inquiry she learned + that, as Sir Thorn and Mrs. Brian were hereafter to live in the palace, + they were bringing up their furniture. + </p> + <p> + She shook her head sadly; but in her rooms a greater surprise was awaiting + her. Three servants were hard at work taking down her furniture, under the + direction of M. Ernest, the count’s valet. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing there?” she asked, and “Who has permitted you?” + </p> + <p> + “We are only obeying the orders of the count, your father,” replied M. + Ernest. “We are getting your rooms ready for Madam Brian.” + </p> + <p> + And, turning round to his colleagues, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Go on, men! Take out that sofa; now!” + </p> + <p> + Overcome with surprise, Henrietta remained petrified where she was, + looking at the servants as they went on with their work. What? These eager + adventurers had taken possession of the palace, they invaded it, they + reigned here absolutely, and that was not enough for them! They meant to + take from her even the rooms she had occupied, she, the daughter of their + dupe, the only heiress of Count Ville-Handry! This impudence seemed to her + so monstrous, that unable to believe it, and yielding to a sudden impulse, + she went back to the dining-room, and, addressing her father, said to him,— + </p> + <p> + “Is it really true, father, that you have ordered my furniture to be + removed?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have done so, my daughter. My architect will transform your three + rooms into a large reception-room for Mrs. Brian, who had not space enough + for”— + </p> + <p> + The young countess made a gesture of displeasure. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot understand,” she said, “how Aunt Brian can accept that.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” exclaimed the admirable lady, “this is done entirely + without my consent.” + </p> + <p> + But the count interposed, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Sarah, my darling, permit me to be sole judge in all the arrangements + that concern my daughter.” + </p> + <p> + Count Ville-Handry’s accent was so firm as he said this, that one would + have sworn the idea of dislodging Henrietta had sprung from his own + brains. He went on,— + </p> + <p> + “I never act thoughtlessly, and always take time to mature my decisions. + In this case I act from motives of the most ordinary propriety. Mrs. Brian + is no longer young; my daughter is a mere child. If one of the two has to + submit to some slight inconvenience, it is certainly my daughter.” + </p> + <p> + All of a sudden M. Elgin rose. + </p> + <p> + “I should leave,” he began. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately the rest of the phrase was lost in an indistinct murmur. + </p> + <p> + He was no doubt at that moment recalling a promise he had made. And + resolved not to interfere in the count’s family affairs, and, on the other + hand, indignant at what he considered an odious abuse of power, he left + the room abruptly. His looks, his physiognomy, his gestures, all betrayed + these sentiments so clearly, that Henrietta was quite touched. + </p> + <p> + But Count Ville-Handry continued, after a moment’s surprise, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Therefore, my daughter will hereafter live in the rooms formerly occupied + by the companion of my—I mean of her mother. They are small, but + more than sufficient for her. Besides, they have this advantage, that they + can be easily overlooked from one of our own rooms, my dear Sarah; and + that is important when we have to deal with an imprudent girl, who has so + sadly abused the liberty which she enjoyed, thanks to my blind + confidence.” + </p> + <p> + What should she say? What could she reply? + </p> + <p> + If she had been alone with her father, she would certainly have defended + herself; she would have tried to make him reconsider his decision; she + would have besought him; she might have gone on her knees to him. + </p> + <p> + But here, in the presence of these two women, with the mocking eye of + Countess Sarah upon her, it was impossible! Ah! she would have died a + thousand times over rather than to give these miserable adventurers the + joy and the satisfaction of a new humiliation. + </p> + <p> + “Let them crush me,” she said to herself; “they shall never hear me + complain, or cry for mercy.” + </p> + <p> + And when her father, who had been quietly watching her, asked,— + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “You shall be obeyed this very night,” she replied. + </p> + <p> + And by a kind of miracle of energy, she went out of the room calmly, her + head on high; without having shed a tear. + </p> + <p> + But God knew what she suffered. + </p> + <p> + To give up those little rooms in which she had spent so many happy hours, + where every thing recalled to her sweet memories, certainly that was no + small grief: it was nothing however, in comparison with that frightful + perspective of having to live under the wary eye of Countess Sarah, under + lock and key. + </p> + <p> + They would not even leave her at liberty to weep. Her intolerable + sufferings would not extort a sigh from her that the countess did not hear + on the other side of the partition, and delight in. + </p> + <p> + She was thus harassing herself, when she suddenly remembered the letter + which she had written to Daniel. If M. de Brevan was to have it that same + day, there was not a moment to lose. Already it was too late for the mail; + and she would have to send it by a commissionaire. + </p> + <p> + She rang the bell, therefore, for Clarissa, her confidante, for the + purpose of sending it to the Rue Laffitte. But, instead of Clarissa, one + of the housemaids appeared, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Your own maid is not in the house. Mrs. Brian has sent her to Circus + Street. If I can do any thing for you”— + </p> + <p> + “No, I thank you!” replied Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + It seemed, then, that she counted for nothing any more in the house. She + was not allowed to eat in her rooms; she was turned out of her own rooms; + and the maid, long attached to her service, was taken from her. And here + she was forced to submit to such humiliations without a chance of + rebelling. + </p> + <p> + But time was passing; and every minute made it more difficult to let M. de + Brevan have her letter in time for the mail. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Henrietta to herself, “I will carry it myself.” + </p> + <p> + And although she had, perhaps, in all her life not been more than twice + alone in the street, she put on her bonnet, wrapped herself up in a cloak, + and went down swiftly. + </p> + <p> + The concierge, a large man, very proud of his richly laced livery, was + sitting before the little pavilion in which he lived, smoking, and reading + his paper. + </p> + <p> + “Open the gates!” said Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + But the man, without taking his pipe out of his mouth, without even + getting up from his seat, answered in a surly tone,— + </p> + <p> + “The count has sent me orders never to let you go out without a verbal or + written permission; so that”— + </p> + <p> + “Impudence!” exclaimed Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + And resolutely she went up to the ponderous gates of the court-yard, + stretching out her hand to pull the bolt. But the man, divining her + intention, and quicker than she, had rushed up to the gate, and, crying + out as loud as he could, he exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Miss, miss! Stop! I have my orders, and I shall lose my place.” + </p> + <p> + At his cries a dozen servants who were standing idly about in the stables, + the vestibule, and the inner court, came running up. Then Sir Thorn + appeared, ready to go out on horseback, and finally the count himself. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want? What are you doing there?” he asked his daughter. + </p> + <p> + “You see, I want to go out.” + </p> + <p> + “Alone?” laughed the count. Then he continued harshly, pointing at the + concierge,— + </p> + <p> + “This man would be instantly dismissed if he allowed you to leave the + house alone. Oh, you need not look at me that way! Hereafter you will only + go out when, and with whom, it pleases me. And do not hope to escape my + watchful observation. I have foreseen every thing. The little gate to + which you had a key has been nailed up. And, if ever a man should dare to + steal into the garden, the gardeners have orders to shoot him down like a + dog, whether it be the man with whom I caught you the other day, or some + one else.” + </p> + <p> + Under this mean and cowardly insult Henrietta staggered; but, immediately + collecting herself, she exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Great God! Am I delirious? Father, are you aware of what you are saying?” + </p> + <p> + And, as the suppressed laughter of the servants reached her, she added + with—almost convulsive vehemence,— + </p> + <p> + “At least, say who the man was with whom I was in the garden, so that all, + all may hear his name. Tell them that it was M. Daniel Champcey,—he + whom my sainted mother had chosen for me among all,—he whom for long + years you have daily received at your house, to whom you have solemnly + promised my hand, who was my betrothed, and who would now be my husband, + if we had chosen to approve of your unfortunate marriage. Tell them that + it was M. Daniel Champcey, whom you had sent off the day before, and whom + a crime, a forgery committed by your Sarah, forced to go to sea; for he + had to be put out of the way at any <i>hazard</i>. As long as he was in + Paris, you would never have dared treat me as I am treated.” + </p> + <p> + Overcome by this unexpected violence, the count could only stammer out a + few incoherent words. Henrietta was about to go on, when she felt herself + taken by the arm, and gently but irresistibly taken up to the house. It + was Sir Thorn, who tried to save her from her own excitement. She looked + at him; a big tear was slowly rolling down the cheek of the impassive + gentleman. + </p> + <p> + Then, when he had led her as far as the staircase, and she had laid hold + of the balusters, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Poor girl!” + </p> + <p> + And went away with rapid steps. + </p> + <p> + Yes, “poor girl” indeed! + </p> + <p> + Her resolve was giving way under all these terrible blows; and seized with + a kind of vertigo, out of breath, and almost beside herself, she had + rushed up the steps, feeling as if she still heard the abominable + accusations of her father, and the laughter of the servants. + </p> + <p> + “O God,” she sobbed, “have pity on me!” + </p> + <p> + She felt in her heart that she had no hope left now but God, delivered up + as she was to pitiless adversaries, sacrificed to the implacable hatred of + a stepmother, abandoned by all, and betrayed and openly renounced by her + own father. + </p> + <p> + Hour by hour she had seen how, by an incomprehensible combination of fatal + circumstances, the infernal circle narrowed down, within which she was + wretchedly struggling, and which soon would crush her effectually. What + did they want of her? Why did they try every thing to exasperate her to + the utmost? Did they expect some catastrophe to result from her despair? + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, she did not examine this question carefully, too + inexperienced as she was to suspect the subtle cunning of people whose + wickedness would have astonished a criminal judge. Ah, how useful one word + from Daniel would have been to her at this crisis! But, trembling with + anguish for his betrothed, the unhappy man had not dared repeat to her the + terrible words which had escaped M. de Brevan, in his first moment of + expansion,— + </p> + <p> + “Miss Brandon leaves the dagger and the poisoned cup to fools, as too + coarse and too dangerous means to get rid of people. She has safer means + to suppress those who are in her way—means which justice never + discovers.” + </p> + <p> + Lost in sombre reflections, the poor girl was forgetting the hour, and did + not notice that it had become dark already, when she heard the dinner-bell + ring. She was free not to go down; but she revolted at the idea that the + Countess Sarah might think her overcome. So she said to herself,— + </p> + <p> + “No. She shall never know how much I suffer!” + </p> + <p> + Ringing, then, for Clarissa, who had come back, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Come, quick, dress me!” + </p> + <p> + And in less than five minutes she had arranged her beautiful hair, and put + on one of her most becoming dresses. While changing her dress, she noticed + the rustling of paper. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” she said to herself, “my letter to Daniel. I had forgotten it.” + </p> + <p> + Was it already too late to send it to M. de Brevan? Probably it was. But + why might she not try, at least? So she gave it to Clarissa, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “You will take a cab, and take this letter immediately to M. de Brevan, + Rue Laffitte, No. 62. If he is out, you will leave it, telling the people + to be sure to give it to him as soon as he comes in. You can find some + excuse, if they should ask you why you are going out. Be discreet.” + </p> + <p> + She herself went down stairs, so determined to conceal her emotion, that + she actually had a smile on her lips as she entered the dining-room. The + fever that devoured her gave to her features unwonted animation, and to + her eyes a strange brilliancy. Her beauty, ordinarily a little impaired, + shone forth once more in amazing splendor, so as to eclipse almost that of + the countess. + </p> + <p> + Even Count Ville-Handry was struck by it, and exclaimed, glancing at his + young wife,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, oh!” + </p> + <p> + Otherwise, this was the only notice which was taken of Henrietta. After + that, no one seemed to mind her presence, except M. Elgin, whose eye + softened whenever he looked at her. But what was that to her? Affecting a + composure which she was far from possessing, she made an effort to eat, + when a servant entered, and very respectfully whispered a few words in the + ear of the countess. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” she said; “I’ll be there directly.” + </p> + <p> + And, without vouchsafing an explanation, she left the table, and remained + perhaps ten minutes away. + </p> + <p> + “What was it?” asked Count Ville-Handry, with an accent of tenderest + interest, when his young wife reappeared. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, my dear,” she replied, as she took her seat again,—“nothing, + some orders to give.” + </p> + <p> + Still Henrietta thought she noticed under this apparent indifference of + her step-mother an expression of cruel satisfaction. More than that, she + fancied she saw the countess and Mrs. Brian rapidly exchange looks, one + saying, “Well,” and the other answering, “All right.” + </p> + <p> + The poor girl, prejudiced as she was, felt as if she had been stabbed once + more to the heart. + </p> + <p> + “These wretches,” she thought, “have prepared another insult for me.” + </p> + <p> + This suspicion took so powerfully hold of her, that when dinner was over, + instead of returning to her rooms, she followed her father and his new + “friends” into the sitting-room. Count Ville-Handry spoke of Mrs. Brian + and M. Elgin always as “the family.” + </p> + <p> + They did not long remain alone. The count and his young wife had probably + let it be known that they would be at home that evening; and soon a number + of visitors came in, some of them old friends of the family, but the great + majority intimates from Circus Street. Henrietta was too busy watching her + stepmother to notice how eagerly she herself was examined, what glances + they cast at her, and how careful the married ladies, as well as the young + girls, were to leave her alone. It required a brutal scene to open her + mind to the truth, and to bring her thoughts back to the horrible reality + of her situation. That scene came but too soon. + </p> + <p> + As the visitors increased, the conversation had ceased to be general, and + groups had formed; so that two ladies came to sit down close by Henrietta. + They were apparently friends of the young countess, for she did not know + them, and one of them had a strong foreign accent. They were talking. + Instinctively Henrietta listened. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you not bring your daughter?” asked one of them. + </p> + <p> + “How could I?” replied the other. “I would not bring her here for the + world. Don’t you know what kind of a woman the count’s daughter is? It is + incredible, and almost too scandalous. On the day of her father’s marriage + she ran away with somebody, by the aid of a servant, who has since been + dismissed; and they had to get the police to help them bring her back. If + it had not been for our dear Sarah, who is goodness itself, they would + have sent her to a house of correction.” + </p> + <p> + A stifled cry interrupted them. They looked round. Henrietta had suddenly + been taken ill, and had fallen to the ground. Instantly, and with one + impulse, everybody was up. But the honorable M. Elgin had been ahead of + them all, and had rushed up with such surprising promptness at the very + moment when the accident happened, that it almost looked as if he had had + a presentiment, and was watching for the precise time when his assistance + would be needed. + </p> + <p> + Raising Henrietta with a powerful arm, he laid her on a sofa, not + forgetting to slip a cushion under her head. Immediately the countess and + the other ladies crowded around the fainting girl, rubbing the palms of + her hands, moistening her temples with aromatic vinegar and cologne, and + holding bottles of salts persistently to her nostrils. + </p> + <p> + Still all efforts to bring her to remained sterile; and this was so + extraordinary, that even Count Ville-Handry began to be moved, although at + first he had been heard to exclaim,— + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw! Leave her alone. It is nothing.” + </p> + <p> + The mad passion of senile love had not yet entirely extinguished in him + the instincts of a father; and anxiety rekindled the affection he had + formerly felt for his child. He rushed, therefore, to the vestibule, + calling out to the servants who were there on duty,— + </p> + <p> + “Quick! Let some one run for the doctor; never mind which,—the + nearest!” + </p> + <p> + This acted as a signal for the guests to scatter at once. Finding that + this fainting-fit lasted too long, and fearing perhaps a fatal + termination, a painful scene, and tears, they slyly slipped out, one by + one, and escaped. + </p> + <p> + In this way the countess, Mrs. Brian, M. Elgin, and the unhappy father + found themselves soon once more alone with poor Henrietta, who was still + unconscious. + </p> + <p> + “We ought not to leave her here,” said Countess Sarah; “she will be better + in her bed.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is true, you are right!” replied the count. “I shall have her + carried to her room.” + </p> + <p> + And he was stretching out his hand to pull the bell, when Sir Thorn + stopped him, saying in a voice of deep emotion,— + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, count. I’ll carry her myself.” + </p> + <p> + And, without waiting for an answer, he took her up like a feather, and + carried her to her room, followed by Count Ville-Handry, and his young + wife. He could, of course, not remain in Henrietta’s room; but it looked + as if he could not tear himself away. For some time the servants, quite + amazed, saw him walk up and down the passage with feverish steps, and, in + spite of his usual impassiveness, giving all the signs of extraordinary + excitement. Every ten minutes he paused in his walk to ask at the door, + with a voice full of anxiety,— + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “She is still in the same condition,” was the answer. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime two physicians had arrived, but without obtaining any + better results than the countess and her friends. They had exhausted all + the usual remedies for such cases, and began, evidently, to be not a + little surprised at the persistency of the symptoms. Nor could Count + Ville-Handry suppress his growing anxiety as he saw them consulting in the + recess of one of the windows, discussing more energetic means to be + employed. At last, toward midnight, Sir Thorn saw the young countess come + out of Henrietta’s room. + </p> + <p> + “How is she?” he cried out. + </p> + <p> + Then the countess said, speaking very loud, so as to be heard by the + servants,— + </p> + <p> + “She is coming to; and that is why I am leaving her. She dislikes me so + terribly, that poor unhappy child, that I fear my presence might do her + harm.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta had indeed recovered her consciousness. First had come a shiver + running over her whole body; then she had tried painfully and repeatedly + to raise herself on her pillows, looking around,— + </p> + <p> + Evidently she did not remember what had happened, and mechanically passed + her hand to and fro over her brow, as if to brush away the dark veil that + was hanging over her mind, looking with haggard eyes at the doctors, at + her father, and at her confidante, Clarissa, who knelt by her bedside, + weeping. + </p> + <p> + At last, when, all of a sudden, the horrid reality broke upon her mind, + she threw herself back, and cried out,— + </p> + <p> + “O God!” + </p> + <p> + But she was saved; and the doctors soon withdrew, declaring that there was + nothing to apprehend now, provided their prescriptions were carefully + observed. The count then came up to his daughter, and, taking her hands, + asked her,— + </p> + <p> + “Come, child. What has happened? What was the matter?” + </p> + <p> + She looked upon him in utter despair, and then said in a low voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Nothing! only you have ruined me, father.” + </p> + <p> + “How, how?” said the count. “What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + And very much embarrassed, perhaps angry against himself, and trying to + find an excuse for what he had done, he added, simpering,— + </p> + <p> + “Is it not your own fault? Why do you treat Sarah so badly, and do all you + can to exasperate me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you are right. It is my fault,” murmured Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + She said it in a tone of bitter irony now; but afterwards, when she was + alone, and more quiet, reflecting in the silence of the night, she had to + acknowledge, and confess to herself, that it was so. The scandal by which + she had intended to crush her step-mother had fallen back upon herself, + and crushed her. + </p> + <p> + Still, the next morning she was a little better; and, in spite of all that + Clarissa could say, she would get up, and go down stairs, for all her + hopes henceforth depended on that letter written by Daniel. She had been + waiting day after day for M. de Brevan, who was to bring it to her; and + for nothing in the world would she have been absent when he came at last. + </p> + <p> + But she waited for him in vain that day, and four days after. + </p> + <p> + Attributing his tardiness to some new misfortune, she thought of writing + to him, when at last, on Tuesday,—the day which the countess had + chosen for her reception-day,—but not until the room was already + quite full of company, the servant announced,—“M. Palmer, M. de + Brevan!” + </p> + <p> + Seized with most violent emotions, Henrietta turned round suddenly, + casting upon the door one of those glances in which a whole soul is read + at once. At last she was to know him whom her Daniel had called his second + self. Two men entered: one, quite old, had gray hair, and looked as grave + and solemn as a member of parliament; the other, who might be thirty or + thirty-five years old, looked cold and haughty, having thin lips and a + sardonic smile. + </p> + <p> + “That is the man!” said Henrietta to herself; “that is Daniel’s friend!” + </p> + <p> + At first she disliked him excessively. Upon examining him more closely, + she thought his composure affected, and his whole appearance lacking in + frankness. But she never thought for a moment of distrusting M. de Brevan. + Daniel had blindly recommended him to her; and that was enough. She had + been too severely punished when she tried to follow her own inspirations, + ever to think of repeating the experiment. + </p> + <p> + Still she kept him in view. After having been presented to the Countess + Sarah and her husband, he had thrown himself into the crowd, and managed, + after a while, to get near to her. He went from one group to another, + throwing a word to each one, gaining thus, insensibly, and without + affectation, a small chair, which was vacant, by the side of Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + And the air of perfect indifference with which he took possession of it + would have made you think he had fully measured the danger of risking a + confidential talk with a young lady under the eyes of fifty or sixty + persons. He commenced with some of those set phrases which furnish the + currency of society, speaking loud enough to be heard by the neighbors, + and to satisfy their curiosity, if they should have a fancy for listening. + As he noticed that Henrietta had turned very red, and looked overcome, + while fixing most anxiously her eyes upon him, he even said,— + </p> + <p> + “I pray you, madam, affect a little more indifference. Smile; we may be + watched. Remember that we must not know each other; that we are perfect + strangers to each other.” + </p> + <p> + Then he began in a very loud voice to sing the praise of the last new play + that had been performed, until finally, thinking that he had put all + suspicions asleep, he drew a little nearer, and, casting down his eyes, he + said,— + </p> + <p> + “It is useless to tell you, madam, that I am M. de Brevan.” + </p> + <p> + “I heard your name announced, sir,” replied Henrietta in the same way. + </p> + <p> + “I have taken the liberty of writing to you, madam, under cover to your + maid Clarissa, according to Daniel’s orders; but I hope you will pardon + me.” + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing to pardon, sir, but to thank you very much, from the + bottom of my heart, for your generous devotion.” + </p> + <p> + No man is perfect. A passing blush colored the cheeks of M. de Brevan; he + had to cough a little; and once or twice passed his hand between his + collar and his neck, as if he felt troubled in his throat. + </p> + <p> + “You must have thought,” continued Henrietta, “that I was not in great + haste to avail myself of your kind offer; but—there were + difficulties—in my way”— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! I know,” broke in M. de Brevan, sadly shaking his head; “your + maid has told me. For she found me at home, as no doubt you have heard; + and your letter arrived just in time to be sent on with mine. They will + gain a fortnight in this way; for the mail for Cochin China does not leave + more than once a month,—on the <i>26th</i>.” + </p> + <p> + But he paused suddenly, or rather raised his voice to resume his account + of the new drama. Two young ladies had stopped just before them. As soon + as they were gone, he went on,— + </p> + <p> + “I bring you, madam, Daniel’s letter.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” + </p> + <p> + “I have folded it up very small, and I have it here in my hand; if you + will let your handkerchief fall, I’ll slip it into it as I pick it up.” + </p> + <p> + The trick was not new; but it was also not very difficult. Still Henrietta + did it awkwardly enough. Her letting the handkerchief fall looked any + thing but natural; and, when she took it back again, she was all + eagerness. Then, when she felt the crisp paper under the folds of the + linen, she became all crimson in her face. Fortunately, M. de Brevan had + the presence of mind to rise suddenly, and to move his chair so as to help + her in concealing her embarrassment. Then, when he saw her calm again, he + sat down once more, and went on, with an accent of deep interest,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, madam, permit me to inquire after your position here.” + </p> + <p> + “It is terrible.” + </p> + <p> + “Do they harass you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, fearfully!” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt, your step-mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! who else would do it? But she dissembles, veiling her malignity + under the most affected gentleness. In appearance she is all kindness to + me. And my poor father becomes a willing instrument in her hands,—my + poor father, formerly so kind, and so fond of me!” + </p> + <p> + She was deeply moved; and M. de Brevan saw the tears starting in her eyes. + Quite frightened, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Madam, for Heaven’s sake control yourself!” + </p> + <p> + And, anxious to turn Henrietta’s thoughts from her father, he asked,— + </p> + <p> + “How is Mrs. Brian to you?” + </p> + <p> + “She always takes sides against me.” + </p> + <p> + “Naturally. And Sir Thorn?” + </p> + <p> + “You wrote me that I should mistrust him particularly, and so I do; but, I + must confess, he alone seems to be touched by my misfortunes.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that is the very reason why you ought to fear him.” + </p> + <p> + “How so?” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan hesitated, and then answered, speaking very rapidly, and + after having looked around cautiously,— + </p> + <p> + “Because M. Elgin might very well cherish a hope of replacing Daniel in + your heart, and of becoming your husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Great God!” exclaimed Henrietta, sinking back in her chair with an + expression of horror. “Is it possible?” + </p> + <p> + “I am quite sure of it,” replied M. Brevan. + </p> + <p> + And, as if he had been frightened himself by what he had said, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am quite sure. I have read the heart of that man; and before long + you will have some terrible evidence of his intentions. But I pray, madam, + let this remain a secret between us, to be kept religiously. Never allow + yourself the slightest allusion.” + </p> + <p> + “What can I do?” murmured the poor girl, “what can I do? You alone, sir, + can advise me.” + </p> + <p> + For some time M. de Brevan continued silent; then he said in a very sad + voice,— + </p> + <p> + “My experience, madam, supplies me with but one advice,—be patient; + say little; do as little as possible; and endeavor to appear insensible to + their insults. I would say to you, if you will excuse the triviality of + the comparison, imitate those feeble insects who simulate death when they + are touched. They are defenceless; and that is their only chance of + escape.” + </p> + <p> + He had risen; and, while bowing deeply before Henrietta, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “I must also warn you, madam, not to be surprised if you see me doing + every thing in my power for the purpose of winning the good-will of your + step-mother. Believe me, if I tell you that such duplicity is very + distasteful to my character. But I have no other way to obtain the + privilege of coming here frequently, of seeing you, and of being useful to + you, as I have promised your friend Daniel.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XV. + </h2> + <p> + During the last visits which Daniel had paid to Henrietta, he had not + concealed from her the fact that Maxime de Brevan had formerly been quite + intimate with Sarah Brandon and her friends. But still, in explaining his + reasons for trying to renew these relations, M. de Brevan had acted with + his usual diplomacy. + </p> + <p> + But for this, she might have conceived some vague suspicions when she saw + him, soon after he had left her, enter into a long conversation with the + countess, then speak with Sir Thorn, and finally chat most confidentially + with austere Mrs. Brian. But now, if she noticed it all, she was not + surprised. Her mind was, in fact, thousands of miles away. She thought + only of that letter which she had in her pocket, and which was burning her + fingers, so to say. She could think of nothing else. + </p> + <p> + What would she not have given for the right to run away and read it at + once? But adversity was teaching her gradually circumspection; and she + felt it would be unwise to leave the room before the last guests had + departed. Thus it was past two o’clock in the morning before she could + open the precious letter, after having dismissed her faithful Clarissa. + </p> + <p> + Alas! she did not find what she had hoped for,—advice, or, better + than that, directions how she should conduct herself. The fact is, that in + his terrible distress, Daniel no longer was sufficiently master of himself + to look calmly at the future, and to weigh the probabilities. In his + despair he had filled three pages with assurances of his love, with + promises that his last thoughts would be for her, and with prayers that + she would not forget him. There were hardly twenty lines left for + recommendations, which ought to have contained the most precise and minute + details. + </p> + <p> + All his suggestions, moreover, amounted to this,—arm yourself with + patience and resignation till my return. Do not leave your father’s house + unless in the last extremity, in case of pressing danger, and under no + circumstances without first consulting Maxime. + </p> + <p> + And to fill up the measure, from excessive delicacy, and fearing to wound + his friend’s oversensitive feelings, Daniel had omitted to inform + Henrietta of certain most important circumstances. Thus he only told her, + that, if flight became her only means of escape from actual danger, she + need not hesitate from pecuniary considerations; that he had foreseen + every thing, and made the needful preparations. + </p> + <p> + How could she guess from this, that the unlucky man, carried away and + blinded by passion, had intrusted fifty or sixty thousand dollars, his + entire fortune, to his friend Maxime? Still the two friends agreed too + fully on the same opinion to allow her to hesitate. Thus, when she fell + asleep, she had formed a decision. She had vowed to herself that she would + meet all the torments they might inflict upon her, with the stoicism of + the Indian who is bound to the stake, and to be, among her enemies, like a + dead person, whom no insult can galvanize into the semblance of life. + </p> + <p> + During the following weeks it was not so difficult for her to keep her + promises. Whether it were weariness or calculation, they seemed to forget + her. Except at meals, they took no more notice of her than if she had not + been in existence. + </p> + <p> + That sudden access of affection which had moved Count Ville-Handry on that + evening when he thought his daughter in danger had long since passed away. + He only honored her with ironical glances, and never addressed a word to + her. The countess observed a kind of affectionate reserve, like a + well-disposed person who has seen all her advances repelled, and who is + hurt, but quite ready to be friends at the first sign. Mrs. Brian never + opened her thin lips but to growl out some unpleasant remark, of which a + single word was intelligible: shocking! There remained the Hon. M. Elgin, + whose sympathetic pity showed itself daily more clearly. But, since + Maxime’s warning, Henrietta avoided him anxiously. + </p> + <p> + She was thus leading a truly wretched life in this magnificent palace, in + which she was kept a prisoner by her father’s orders; for such she was; + she could no longer disguise it from herself. She felt at every moment + that she was watched, and overlooked most jealously, even when they seemed + to forget her most completely. The great gates, formerly almost always + open, were now kept carefully closed; and, when they were opened to admit + a carriage, the concierge mounted guard before them, as if he were the + keeper of a jail. The little garden-gate had been secured by two + additional enormous locks; and whenever Henrietta, during her walks in the + garden, came near it, she saw one of the gardeners watch her with anxious + eyes. They were apparently afraid, not only that she might escape, but + that she might keep up secret communications with the outer world. She + wanted to be clear about that; and one morning she asked her father’s + permission to send to the Duchess of Champdoce, and beg her to come and + spend the day with her. But Count Ville-Handry brutally replied that he + did not want to see the Duchess of Champdoce; and that, besides, she was + not in Paris, as her husband had taken her south to hasten her recovery. + </p> + <p> + On another occasion, toward the end of February, and when several days of + fine spring weather had succeeded each other, the poor child could not + help expressing a desire to go out and breathe a little fresh air. Her + father said, in reply to her request,—“Every day, your mother and I + go out and drive for an hour or two in the Bois de Boulogne. Why don’t you + go with us?” + </p> + <p> + She said nothing. She would sooner have allowed herself to be cut to + pieces than to appear in public seated by the side of the young countess + and in the same carriage with her. + </p> + <p> + Months passed thus without her having put a foot outside of the palace, + except her daily attendance at mass at eight o’clock on Sunday mornings. + Count Ville-Handry had not dared to refuse her that; but he had added the + most painful and most humiliating conditions. On these occasions M. + Ernest, his valet, accompanied her, with express orders not to let her + speak to any one whatsoever, and to “apprehend” her (this was the count’s + own expression), and to bring her back forcibly, if needs be, if she + should try to escape. + </p> + <p> + But in vain they multiplied the insults; they did not extort a single + complaint. Her unalterable patience would have touched ordinary + executioners. And yet she had no other encouragement, no other support, + but what she received from M. de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + Faithful to the plan which he had mentioned to her, he had managed so well + as gradually to secure the right to come frequently to the house. He was + on the best terms with Mrs. Brian; and the count invited him to dinner. At + this time Henrietta had entirely overcome her prejudice against him. She + had discovered in M. de Brevan such a respectful interest in her welfare, + such almost womanly delicacy, and so much prudence and discretion, that + she blessed Daniel for having left her this friend, and counted upon his + devotion as upon that of a brother. + </p> + <p> + Was it not he, who, on certain evenings, when she was well-nigh overcome + by despair, whispered to her,— + </p> + <p> + “Courage; here is another day gone! Daniel will soon be back!” + </p> + <p> + But the more Henrietta was left to the inspirations of solitude, and + compelled to live within herself only, the more she observed all that was + going on around her. And she thought she noticed some very strange + changes. Never would Count Ville-Handry’s first wife have been able to + recognize her reception-rooms. Where was that select society which had + been attracted by her, and which she had fashioned into something like a + court, in which her husband was king? The palace had become, so to say, + the headquarters of that motley society which forms the “Foreign Legion” + of pleasure and of scandal. + </p> + <p> + Sarah Brandon, now Countess Ville-Handry, was surrounded by that strange + aristocracy which has risen upon the ruins of old Paris,—a + contraband aristocracy, a dangerous kind of high life, which, by its + unheard-of extravagance and mysterious splendor, dazzles the multitude, + and puzzles the police. + </p> + <p> + The young countess did not exactly receive people notoriously tainted. She + was too clever to commit such a blunder; but she bestowed her sweetest + smiles upon all those equivocal Bohemians who represent all races, and + whose revenues come much less from good acres in the broad sunlight than + from the credulity and stupidity of mankind. + </p> + <p> + At first Count Ville-Handry had been rather shocked by this new world, + whose manners and customs were unknown to him, and whose language even he + hardly understood. But it had not taken long to acclimatize him. + </p> + <p> + He was the firm, the receiver of the fortune, the flag that covers the + merchandise, the master, in fine, although he exercised no authority. All + these titles secured to him the appearance of profound respect; and all + vied with each other in flattering him to the utmost, and paying him court + in the most abject manner. This led him to imagine that he had recovered + the prestige he had enjoyed in former days, thanks to the skilful + management of his first wife; and he assumed a new kind of grotesque + importance commensurate with his revived vanity. + </p> + <p> + He had, besides, gone to work once more most industriously. All the + business men who had called upon him before his marriage already + reappeared now, accompanied by that legion of famished speculators, whom + the mere report of a great enterprise attracts, like the flies settling + upon a lump of sugar. The count shut himself up with these men in his + study, and often spent the whole afternoon with them there. + </p> + <p> + “Most probably something is going on there,” thought Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + She was quite sure of it when she saw her father unhesitatingly give up + the splendid suite of apartments in the lower story of the palace, which + were cut up into an infinite number of small rooms. On the doors there + appeared, one by one, signs not usually found in such houses; as, + “Office,” “Board Room,” “Secretary,” “Cashier’s Room.” + </p> + <p> + Then office-furniture appeared in loads,—tables, desks, chairs; then + mountains of huge volumes; and at last two immense safes, as large as a + bachelor’s-lodging. + </p> + <p> + Henrietta was seriously alarmed, and knowing beforehand that no one in the + house would answer her questions, she turned to M. de Brevan. In the most + off-hand manner he assured her that he knew nothing about it, but promised + to inquire, and to let her know soon. + </p> + <p> + There was no necessity; for one morning, when Henrietta was wandering + about listlessly around the offices, which began to be filled with clerks, + she noticed an immense advertisement on one of the doors. + </p> + <p> + She went up to it, and read:— + </p> + <p> + FRANCO-AMERICAN SOCIETY, + </p> + <p> + For the development of Pennsylvania petroleum wells. + </p> + <p> + Capital, <i>Ten Million of Francs.</i> Twenty Thousand Shares of 500 + Francs each. + </p> + <p> + The Charter may be seen at the Office of M. Lilois, N. P. + </p> + <p> + <i>President</i>, Count Ville-Handry. + </p> + <p> + The books for subscription will be opened on the 25th of March. + </p> + <p> + principal office, <i>Palace of Count Ville-Handry, Rue de Varennes</i>. + branch office, <i>Rue Lepelletier, No. 1p</i>. + </p> + <p> + At the foot, in small print, was a full explanation of the enormous + profits which might be expected, the imperative necessity which had led to + the establishment of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Society, the nature of its + proposed operations, the immense services which it would render to the + world at large, and, above all, the immense profits which would promptly + accrue to the stockholders. + </p> + <p> + Then there came an account of petroleum or oil wells, in which it was + clearly demonstrated that this admirable product represented, in + comparison with other oils, a saving of more than sixty per cent; that it + gave a light of matchless purity and brilliancy; that it burnt without + odor; and, above all, that, in spite of what might have been said by + interested persons, there was no possible danger of explosion connected + with its use. + </p> + <p> + “In less than twenty years,” concluded the report in a strain of lyric + prophecy, “petroleum will have taken the place of all the primitive and + useless illuminating mediums now employed. It will replace, in like + manner, all the coarse and troublesome varieties of fuel of our day. In + less than twenty years the whole world will be lighted and heated by + petroleum; and the oil-wells of Pennsylvania are inexhaustible.” + </p> + <p> + A eulogy on the president, Count Ville-Handry, crowned the whole work,—a + very clever eulogy, which called him a man sent by Providence; and, + alluding to his colossal fortune, suggested that, with such a manager at + the head of the enterprise, the shareholders could not possibly run any + risk. + </p> + <p> + Henrietta was overwhelmed with surprise. “Ah!” she said to herself, “this + is what Sarah Brandon and her accomplices were aiming at. My father is + ruined!” + </p> + <p> + That Count Ville-Handry should risk all he possessed in this terrible game + of speculation was not so surprising to Henrietta. But what she could not + comprehend was this, that he should assume the whole responsibility of + such a hazardous enterprise, and run the terrible risk of a failure. How + could he, with his deeply-rooted aristocratic prejudices, ever consent to + lend his name to an industrial enterprise? + </p> + <p> + “It must have cost prodigies of patience and cunning,” she thought, “to + induce him to make such a sacrifice, such a surrender of old and cherished + convictions. They must have worried him terribly, and brought to bear upon + him a fearful pressure.” + </p> + <p> + She was, therefore, truly amazed, when, two days afterwards, she became + accidentally a witness to a lively discussion between her father and the + countess on this very subject of the famous placards, which were now + scattered all over Paris and France. The countess seemed to be distressed + by the whole affair, and presented to her husband all the objections which + Henrietta herself would have liked to have urged; only she did it with all + the authority she derived from the count’s passionate love for her. She + did not understand, she said, how her husband, a nobleman of ancient + lineage, could stoop to “making money.” Had he not enough of it already? + Would he be any happier if he had twice or thrice as many thousands a + year? + </p> + <p> + He met all these objections with a sweetish smile, like a great artist who + hears an ignoramus criticise his work. And, when the countess paused, he + deigned to explain to her in that emphatic manner which betrayed his + intense conceit, that if he, the representative of the very oldest + nobility, threw himself into the great movement, it was for the purpose of + setting a lofty example. He had no desire for “filthy lucre,” he assured + her; he only desired to render his country a great service. + </p> + <p> + “Too dangerous a service!” replied the countess. “If you succeed, as you + hope, who will thank you for it? No one. More than that, if you speak to + them of disinterestedness, they will laugh in your face. If the thing + fails, on the other hand, who is to pay? You. And they will call you a + dunce into the bargain.” + </p> + <p> + Count Ville-Handry shrugged his shoulders almost imperceptibly; and then + he said, taking his wife by the hand,— + </p> + <p> + “Would you love me less if I were ruined?” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him with her beautiful eyes as if overflowing with + affection, and replied in a voice full of emotion,— + </p> + <p> + “God is my witness, my friend, that I should be delighted to be able to + prove to you that I did not think of money when I married you.” + </p> + <p> + “Sarah!” cried the count in ecstasy, “Sarah, my darling, that was a word + worth the whole of that fortune which you blame me for risking.” + </p> + <p> + Even if Henrietta had been more disposed to mistrust appearances, she + would never have supposed that the whole scene was most cunningly devised + for the purpose of impressing upon the count’s feeble intellect this idea + more forcibly than ever. She was rather inclined to believe, and she did + believe, that this Petroleum Society, conceived by Sir Thorn, was + unpleasant to the countess; and that thus discord reigned in the enemy’s + camp. + </p> + <p> + The result of her meditations was a long letter to a gentleman for whom + her mother had always entertained a great esteem, the Duke of Champdoce. + After having explained to him her situation, she told him all that she + knew of the new enterprise, and besought him to interfere whilst it was + yet time. + </p> + <p> + When she had written her letter, she gave it to Clarissa, urging her to + carry it immediately to its address. Alas! the poor girl was rapidly + approaching an incident which was to bring about a crisis. + </p> + <p> + Having by chance followed the maid down stairs, she saw her go into the + Countess Sarah’s room, and hand her the letter. + </p> + <p> + Was Henrietta thus betrayed even by the girl whom she thought so fully + devoted to her interests, and since when? Perhaps from the first day. Ah, + how many things this explained to her which she had hitherto wondered at + as perfectly incomprehensible! + </p> + <p> + This last infamy, however, tempted her to lay aside for once her + carefully-nursed reserve. She rushed into the room, crimson with shame and + wrath, and said in a fierce tone,— + </p> + <p> + “Give me that letter, madam!” + </p> + <p> + Clarissa had fled when she saw her treachery discovered. + </p> + <p> + “This letter,” replied the countess coldly, “I shall hand to your father, + madam, as it is my duty to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, take care, madam!” broke in the poor girl with a threatening gesture; + “take care! My patience has its limits.” + </p> + <p> + Her attitude and her accent were so terrible, that the countess thought it + prudent to put a table between herself and her victim. But suddenly a + great revolution had taken place in Henrietta’s heart. She said roughly,— + </p> + <p> + “Look here, madam, let us have an explanation while we are alone. What do + you want me to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, I assure you.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing? Who is it, then, that has meanly slandered me, has robbed me of + my father’s affection, surrounds me with spies, and overwhelms me with + insults? Who forces me to lead this wretched life to which I am + condemned?” + </p> + <p> + The countess showed in her features how deeply she was reflecting. She was + evidently calculating the effect of a new plan. + </p> + <p> + “You will have it so,” she replied resolutely. “Very well, then, I will be + frank with you. Yes, I am bent on ruining you. Why? You know it as well as + I do. I will ask you, in my turn, who is it that has done every thing that + could possibly be done to prevent my marriage? Who has endeavored to crush + me? Who would like to drive me from this house like an infamous person? Is + it not you, always you? Yes, you are right. I hate you; I hate you unto + death, and I avenge myself!” + </p> + <p> + “Madam!” + </p> + <p> + “Wait! What had I done to you before my marriage? Nothing. You did not + even know me by name. They came and told you atrocious stories invented by + my enemies, and you believed them. Your father told you, ‘They are wicked + libels.’ What did you answer? That ‘those only are libelled who deserve + it.’ I wanted to prove to you that it is not so. You are the purest and + chastest of girls whom I know; are you not? Very well. I defy you to find + a single person around you who does not believe that you have had lovers.” + </p> + <p> + Extreme situations have this peculiarity, that the principal actors may be + agitated by the most furious passions, and still outwardly preserve the + greatest calmness. Thus these two women, who were burning with mortal + hatred, spoke with an almost calm voice. + </p> + <p> + “And you think, madam,” resumed Henrietta, “that sufferings like mine can + be long continued?” + </p> + <p> + “They will be continued till it pleases me to make an end to them.” + </p> + <p> + “Or till I come of age.” + </p> + <p> + The countess made a great effort to conceal her surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” she said to herself. “Oh, oh!” + </p> + <p> + “Or,” continued the young girl, “till he returns whom you have taken from + me, my betrothed, M. Daniel Champcey.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop, madam. You are mistaken. It was not I who sent Daniel away.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel! the countess said so; said familiarly, Daniel! Had she any right + to do so? How? Whence this extraordinary impudence? + </p> + <p> + Still Henrietta saw in it only a new insult; no suspicion entered her + soul, and she replied in the most ironical tone,— + </p> + <p> + “Then it was not you who sent that petition to the secretary of the navy? + It was not you who ordered and paid for that forged document which caused + M. Champcey to be ordered abroad?” + </p> + <p> + “No; and I told him so myself, the day before he left, in his own room.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta was stunned. What? This woman had gone to see Daniel? Was this + true? It was not even plausible. + </p> + <p> + “In his room?” she repeated,—“in his room?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes, in University Street. I foresaw that trick which I could not + prevent, and I wished to prevent it. I had a thousand reasons for wishing + ardently that he should remain in Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “A thousand reasons? You? Tell me only one!” + </p> + <p> + The countess courtesied, as if excusing herself for being forced to tell + the truth against her inclination, and added simply,— + </p> + <p> + “I love him!” + </p> + <p> + As if she had suddenly seen an abyss opening beneath her feet, Henrietta + threw herself back, pale, trembling, her eyes starting from their sockets. + </p> + <p> + “You—-love—Daniel!” she stammered,—“you love him!” + </p> + <p> + And, agitated by a nervous tremor, she said, laughing painfully,— + </p> + <p> + “But he—he? Can you hope that he will ever love you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, any day I may wish for it. And I shall wish it the day when he + returns.” + </p> + <p> + Was she speaking seriously? or was the whole scene only a bit of cruel + sport? That is what Henrietta was asking herself, as far as she was able + to control her thoughts; for she felt her head growing dizzy, and her + thoughts rushed wildly through her mind. + </p> + <p> + “You love Daniel!” she repeated once more, “and yet you were married the + very week after his departure!” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, yes!” + </p> + <p> + “And what was my father to you? A magnificent prey, which you did not like + to let escape,—an easy dupe. After all, you acknowledge it yourself, + it was his fortune you wanted. It was for his money’s sake that you + married him,—you, the young, marvellously-beautiful woman,—the + old man.” + </p> + <p> + A smile rose upon the lips of the countess, in which she appeared herself + in all the deep treachery of her secret calculations. She broke in, + laughing ironically— + </p> + <p> + “I? I had coveted the fortune of this dear count, my husband? You do not + think of it, madam? Have you so completely forgotten the zeal with which + you heard me, only the other day, try to turn him from this enterprise in + which he is about to embark all he possesses?” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta hardly knew whether she was awake or asleep. Was she not, + perhaps, under the influence of one of those hallucinations which fevers + produce? + </p> + <p> + “And you dare tell me all these things, me, Count Ville-Handry’s own + daughter, the daughter of your husband?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” asked the countess. + </p> + <p> + And, shrugging her shoulders, she added in a careless tone,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you think I am afraid of your reporting me to him? You are at liberty + to try it. Listen. I think I hear your father’s footstep in the vestibule; + call him in, and tell him what we have been talking about.” + </p> + <p> + And, as Henrietta said nothing, she laughed, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you hesitate. You do not dare do it? Well, you are wrong. I mean to + hand him your letter, and I shall call him.” + </p> + <p> + There was no need for it; for at the same moment the count entered, + followed by austere, grim Mrs. Brian. As he perceived his wife and his + daughter, his face lighted up immediately; and he exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “What? You are here, both of you, and chatting amicably like two charming + sisters? My Henrietta has come back to her senses, I trust.” + </p> + <p> + They were both silent; and, seeing how they looked at each other with + fierce glances, he went on in a tone of great bitterness— + </p> + <p> + “But no, it is not so! I am not so fortunate. What is the matter? What has + happened?” + </p> + <p> + The countess shook her head sadly, and replied,— + </p> + <p> + “The matter is, that your daughter, during your absence, has written a + letter to one of my most cruel enemies, to that man who, you know, on our + wedding-day, slandered me meanly; in fine, to the Duke of Champdoce!” + </p> + <p> + “And has any one of my servants dared to carry that letter?” + </p> + <p> + “No, my friend! It was brought to me in obedience to your orders; and the + young lady summoned me haughtily to hand her that letter.” + </p> + <p> + “That letter?” cried the count. “Where is that letter?” + </p> + <p> + The countess gave it to him with these words,— + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it would be better to throw it into the fire without reading it.” + </p> + <p> + But already he had torn the envelope; and, as he was reading the first + lines, a crimson blush overspread his temples, and his eyes became + bloodshot. For Henrietta, sure of the Duke of Champdoce, had not hesitated + to open her heart to him, describing her situation as it really was; + painting her step-mother as he had anticipated she would be; and at every + turn certain phrases were repeated, which were so many blows with a dagger + to the count. + </p> + <p> + “This is unheard of!” he growled with a curse. “This is incomprehensible! + Such perversity has never been known before.” + </p> + <p> + He went and stood before his daughter, his arms crossed, and cried with a + voice of thunder,— + </p> + <p> + “Wretch! Will you disgrace us all?” + </p> + <p> + She made no reply. Immovable like a statue, she did not tremble under the + storm. Besides, what could she do? Defend herself? She would not stoop to + do that. Repeat the impudent avowals of the countess? What would be the + use? Did she not know beforehand that the count would not believe her? In + the meantime, grim Mrs. Brian had taken a seat by the side of her beloved + Sarah. + </p> + <p> + “I,” she said, “if I were, for my sins, afflicted with such a daughter, I + would get her a husband as soon as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “I have thought of that,” replied the count; “and I believe I have even + hit upon an arrangement which”— + </p> + <p> + But, when he saw his daughter’s watchful eye fixed upon him, he paused, + and, pointing towards the door, said to her brutally,— + </p> + <p> + “You are in the way here!” + </p> + <p> + Without saying a word, she went out, much less troubled by her father’s + fury than by the strange confessions which the countess had made. She only + now began to measure the full extent of her step-mother’s hatred, and knew + that she was too practical a woman to waste her time by making idle + speeches. Therefore, if she had stated that she loved Daniel,—a + statement which Henrietta believed to be untrue,—if she had + impudently confessed that she coveted her husband’s fortune, she had a + purpose in view. What was that purpose? How could any one unearth the + truth from among such a mass of falsehood and deception? + </p> + <p> + At all events, the scene was strange enough to confound any one’s + judgment. And when Henrietta, that evening, found an opportunity to tell + M. de Brevan what had happened, he trembled in his chair, and was so + overwhelmed with surprise, that he forgot his precautions, and exclaimed + almost aloud,— + </p> + <p> + “That is not possible!” + </p> + <p> + There was no doubt that he, usually so impassive, was terribly excited. In + less than five minutes he had changed color more than ten times. You would + have thought he was a man who at a single blow sees the edifice of all his + hopes crumble to pieces. At last, after a moment’s reflection, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it would be wise, madam, to leave the house.” + </p> + <p> + But she replied sadly,— + </p> + <p> + “What? How can I do that? After so many odious calumnies, my honor and + Daniel’s honor oblige me to remain here. He recommends me only to flee at + the last extremity, and when there is no other resource left. Now, I ask + you, shall I be more unhappy or more seriously threatened to-morrow than I + am to-day? Evidently not.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVI. + </h2> + <p> + But, this confidence which Henrietta expressed was only apparent. In her + heart she suffered from the most terrible presentiments. A secret voice + told her that this scene, no doubt well prepared and carefully brought + about, was but another step leading to the final catastrophe. + </p> + <p> + Days, however, passed by, and nothing unusual happened. It looked as if + they had resolved, after that crisis, to give her a short respite, and + time to recover. + </p> + <p> + Even the watch kept upon her movements was not quite as strict as + heretofore. The countess kept out of her way. Mrs. Brian had given up the + desire to frighten her by her incessant remarks. Her father she saw but + rarely; for he was entirely absorbed in the preparations for the + Pennsylvania Petroleum Society. Thus, a week later, all seemed to have + entirely forgotten the terrible explosion produced by the letter to the + Duke of Champdoce. + </p> + <p> + All? By no means. There was one of the inmates of the palace who recalled + it daily,—M. Thomas Elgin. + </p> + <p> + On the very evening after the scene, his generous indignation had so far + gotten the better of his usual reserve, and his pledge of neutrality, that + he had taken the Countess Sarah aside, and overwhelmed her with sharp + reproaches. + </p> + <p> + “You will have to eat your own words,” he had told her, among other + things, “if you use such abominable means to gratify your hatred.” + </p> + <p> + It is true, that, when he thus took his kinswoman aside, he also took + pains to be overheard by Henrietta. And besides, for fear, perhaps, that + she might not fully appreciate his sentiments, he had stealthily pressed + her hand, and whispered into her ear,— + </p> + <p> + “Poor, dear girl! But I am here. I shall watch.” + </p> + <p> + This sounded like a promise to afford her protection, which certainly + would have been efficient if it had been sincere. But was it sincere? + </p> + <p> + “No; most assuredly not!” said M. de Brevan when he was consulted. “It can + be nothing but vile hypocrisy and the beginning of an abominable farce. + You will see, madam.” + </p> + <p> + What Henrietta really saw was, that the Hon. M. Elgin suddenly underwent a + complete metamorphosis. A new Sir Thorn appeared, whom no one would have + ever suspected under the cloak of icy reserve which the former had worn. + His sympathetic pity of former days was succeeded by more tender + sentiments. It was not pity now, which animated his big, blue-china eyes, + but the half-suppressed flame of a discreet passion. In public he did not + commit himself much; but there was no little attention which he did not + pay Henrietta by stealth. He never left the room before her; and, on the + reception-evenings, he always took a seat by her, and remained there till + the end. The most direct result of these manoeuvres was to keep M. de + Brevan from her. The latter became naturally very indignant at this, and + began to dislike Sir Thorn to such an extent, that he could hardly contain + himself. + </p> + <p> + “Well, madam,” he said to Henrietta on one of the few occasions when he + could speak to her,—“well, what did I tell you? Does the wretch show + his hand clearly enough now?” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta discouraged her curious lover as much as she could; but it was + impossible for her to avoid him, as they lived under the same roof, and + sat down twice a day at the same table. + </p> + <p> + “The simplest way,” was M. de Brevan’s advice, “would be, perhaps, to + provoke an explanation.” + </p> + <p> + But he did not wait to be asked. One morning, after breakfast, he waited + for Henrietta in the vestibule; and, when she appeared, he said in an + embarrassed manner,— + </p> + <p> + “I must speak to you, madam; it is absolutely necessary.” + </p> + <p> + She did not manifest any surprise, and simply replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Follow me, sir.” + </p> + <p> + She entered into the parlor, and he came with her. For about a minute they + remained there alone, standing face to face,—she trying to keep up + her spirits, although blushing deeply; he, apparently so overcome, that he + had lost the use of his voice. At last, all of a sudden, and as if making + a supreme effort, Sir Thorn began in a breathless voice to declare, that, + according to Henrietta’s answer, he would be the happiest or the most + unfortunate of mortals. Touched by her innocence, and the persecutions to + which she was exposed, he had at first pitied her, then, discovering in + her daily more excellent qualities, unusual energy, coupled with all the + charming bashfulness of a young girl, he had no longer been able to resist + such marvellous attractions. + </p> + <p> + Henrietta, still mistress of herself, because she was convinced that M. + Elgin was only playing a wretched farce, observed him as closely as she + could, and, when he paused a moment, began,— + </p> + <p> + “Believe me, sir”— + </p> + <p> + But he interrupted her, saying with unusual vehemence,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I beseech you, madam, let me finish. Many in my place would have + spoken to your father; but I thought that would hardly be fair in your + exceptional position. Still I have reason to believe that Count Ville- + Handry would look upon my proposals with favor. But then he would probably + have attempted to do violence to your feelings. Now I wish to be indebted + to you only, madam, deciding in full enjoyment of your liberty; for”— + </p> + <p> + An expression of intense anxiety contracted the features of his usually so + impassive face; and he added with great earnestness,— + </p> + <p> + “Miss Henrietta, I am an honorable man; I love you. Will you be my wife?” + </p> + <p> + By a stroke of instinctive genius, he had found the only argument, + perhaps, that might have procured credit for his sincerity. + </p> + <p> + But what did that matter to Henrietta? She began, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Believe me, sir. I fully appreciate the honor you do me; but I am no + longer free”— + </p> + <p> + “I beseech you”— + </p> + <p> + “Freely, and among all men, I have chosen M. Daniel Champcey. My life is + in his hands.” + </p> + <p> + He tottered as if he had received a heavy blow, and stammered with a + half-extinct voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Will you not leave me a glimpse of hope?” + </p> + <p> + “I would do wrong if I did so, sir, and I have never yet deceived any + one.” + </p> + <p> + But the Hon. M. Elgin was not one of those men who despair easily, and + give up. He was not discouraged by a first failure; and he showed it very + soon. The very next day he became a changed man, as if Henrietta’s refusal + had withered the very roots of his life. In his carriage, his gestures, + and his tone of voice, he betrayed the utmost dejection. He looked as if + he had grown taller and thinner. A bitter smile curled on his lips; and + his magnificent whiskers, usually so admirably kept, now hung down + miserably on his chest. And this intense melancholy grew and grew, till it + became so evident to all the world, that people asked the countess,— + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with poor M. Elgin? He looks funereal.” + </p> + <p> + “He is unhappy,” was the answer, accompanied by a sigh, which sounded as + if it had been uttered in order to increase curiosity, and stimulate + people to observe him more closely. Several persons did observe him; and + they soon found out that Sir Thorn no longer took his seat by Henrietta as + formerly, and that he avoided every occasion to address her a word. + </p> + <p> + For all that he was not resigned; far from that. He only laid siege from a + distance now, spending whole evenings in looking at her from afar, + absorbed in mute ecstasy. And at all times, incessantly and everywhere, + she met him, as if he had been her shadow, or as if he had been condemned + to breathe the air which had been displaced by her petticoats. One would + have thought him endowed with the gift of multiplying himself; for he was + inevitably seen wherever she was,—leaning against the door-frame, or + resting his elbow on the mantlepiece, his eyes fixed upon her. And, when + she did not see him, she felt his looks still weighing her down. M. de + Brevan, having been made aware of his importunate attentions, seemed to + check his indignation only with great difficulty. Once or twice he spoke + of calling out this wretched fellow (so he called Sir Thorn); and, in + order to quiet him, Henrietta had to repeat to him over and over again, + that, after such an encounter, he would no longer be able to appear at the + palace, and would thus deprive her of the only friend to whom she could + look for assistance. + </p> + <p> + He yielded; but he said after careful consideration,— + </p> + <p> + “This abominable persecution cannot go on, madam: this man compromises you + too dreadfully. You ought to lay your complaint before Count + Ville-Handry.” + </p> + <p> + She decided to do so, not without great reluctance; but the count stopped + her at the first word she uttered. + </p> + <p> + “I think, my daughter, your vanity blinds you. Before M. Elgin, who is one + of the most eminent financiers in all Europe, should think of a little + insignificant person like you, he would look a long time elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Permit me, father”— + </p> + <p> + “Stop! If you should, however, not deceive yourself, it would be the + greatest good luck for you, and an honor of which you ought to be very + proud indeed. Do you think it would be easy to find a husband for you, + after all the unpleasant talk to which you have given occasion?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not wish to marry, father.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course not. However, as such a marriage would meet all my wishes, as + it would serve to tighten the bonds which unite us with this honorable + family (if M. Thomas Elgin should really have such intentions as you + mention), I should know, I think, how to force you to marry him. However, + I shall speak to him, and see.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke to him indeed, and soon; for the very next morning the countess + and Mrs. Brian purposely went out, so as to leave Henrietta and Sir Thorn + alone. The honorable gentleman looked sadder than usually. He began thus,— + </p> + <p> + “Is it really true, madam, that you have made complaint to your father?” + </p> + <p> + “Your pertinacity compelled me to do so,” replied Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + “Is the idea of becoming my wife so very revolting to you?” + </p> + <p> + “I have told you, sir, I am no longer free.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, to be sure! You love M. Daniel Champcey. You love him. He knows it; + for you had told him so, no doubt: and yet he has forsaken you.” + </p> + <p> + Sometimes, in her innermost heart, Henrietta had accused Daniel. But what + she thought she would permit no one else to think. She replied, therefore, + haughtily,— + </p> + <p> + “It was a point of honor with M. Champcey, and it was so with me. If he + had hesitated, I would have been the first one to say to him, ‘Duty calls; + you must go.’” + </p> + <p> + Sir Thorn shook his head with a sardonic smile, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “But he did not hesitate. It is ten months now since he left you; and no + one knows for how many more months, for how many years, he will be absent. + For his sake you suffer martyrdom; and, when he returns, he may have long + since forgotten you.” + </p> + <p> + Her eyes beaming with faith, Henrietta rose to her full height, and + replied,— + </p> + <p> + “I believe in Daniel as surely as in myself.” + </p> + <p> + “And if they convinced you that you were mistaken?” + </p> + <p> + “They would render me a very sad service, which would bring no reward to + any one.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Thorn’s lips moved, as if he were about to answer. A thought seemed to + stop him. Then in a stifled voice, with a gesture of despair, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “Keep your illusions, madam; and farewell.” + </p> + <p> + He was going to leave the room; but she threw herself in his way, crossed + her arms, and said to him in an imperative tone,— + </p> + <p> + “You have gone too far, sir, to retrace your steps. You are bound now to + justify your insidious insinuations, or, to confess that they were false.” + </p> + <p> + Then he seemed to make up his mind, and said, speaking rapidly,— + </p> + <p> + “You will have it so? Well, be it so. Know, then, since you insist upon + it, that M. Daniel Champcey has been deceiving you most wickedly; that he + does not love you, and probably never did love you.” + </p> + <p> + “That is what you say,” replied Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + Her haughty carriage, the disdain, rather than disgust, with which she + spoke, could not fail to exasperate M. Elgin. He checked himself, however, + and said, in a short and cutting tone,— + </p> + <p> + “I say so because it is so; and any one but you, possessing a less noble + ignorance of evil, would long since have discovered the truth. To what do + you attribute Sarah’s implacable enmity? To the memory of your offences on + the occasion of her wedding? Poor child! If that had been all, her + indifference would have given you back your place months ago. Jealousy + alone is capable of that fierce and insatiable hatred which cannot be + disarmed by tears or submission,—that hatred which time increases, + instead of diminishing. Between Sarah and you, Miss Henrietta, there + stands a man.” + </p> + <p> + “A man?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,—M. Daniel Champcey.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta felt as if a sharp knife had been plunged into her bosom. + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand you, sir,” she said. + </p> + <p> + He, shrugging his shoulders, and assuming an air of commiseration, went + on,— + </p> + <p> + “What? You will not understand that Sarah is your rival; that she has + loved M. Champcey; that she is still madly in love with him? Ah! they have + deceived Mrs. Brian and myself cruelly.” + </p> + <p> + “How so?” + </p> + <p> + He turned his head aside, and murmured, as if speaking to himself,— + </p> + <p> + “———— ———— was her lover.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Ville-Handry discerned the truth with admirable instinct, drew + herself up, and said in her most energetic way,— + </p> + <p> + “That is false!” + </p> + <p> + Sir Thorn trembled; but that was all. + </p> + <p> + “You have asked me to tell the truth,” he said coldly, “and I have done + so. Try to remember. Have you forgotten that little scene, after which M. + Champcey fled from our house in the middle of the night, bareheaded, + without taking his overcoat?” + </p> + <p> + “Sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Did you not think that was extraordinary? That night, you see, we + discovered the whole thing. After having been one of the foremost to + recommend to Sarah to marry your father, M. Champcey came and asked her to + give up that marriage. He had, before that, tried to have it broken off + through your agency, madam, using thus his influence over you, his + betrothed, for the benefit of his passion.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! You lie impudently, sir!” said Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + To this charge, which fell like a blow upon his face, he only replied,— + </p> + <p> + “I have proofs.” + </p> + <p> + “What proofs?” + </p> + <p> + “Letters written by M. Champcey to Sarah. I have obtained two; and I have + them here in my pocket-book.” + </p> + <p> + He put at the same time his hand to his pocket. She stopped him. + </p> + <p> + “These letters would prove nothing to me, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “But”— + </p> + <p> + She cast a withering glance at him, and said, in a voice of unbearable + contempt,— + </p> + <p> + “Those who have sent a letter to the Navy Department, which pretended to + have been written by Daniel, cannot find any difficulty in imitating his + signature. Let us break off here, sir. I forbid you ever to speak to me + again.” + </p> + <p> + M. Elgin laughed in a terrible way. + </p> + <p> + “That is your last word?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + Instead of answering him, she drew a step aside, thus opening the way to + the door, at which she pointed with her finger. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Sir Thorn with an accent of fierce threatening, “remember + this; I have sworn you shall be my wife, whether you will or not; and my + wife you shall be!” + </p> + <p> + “Leave the room, sir, or I must give it up to you!” + </p> + <p> + He went out swearing; and, more dead than alive, Henrietta sank into an + arm-chair. As long as she had been in the presence of the enemy, her pride + had enabled her to keep up the appearance of absolute faith in Daniel; + but, now she was alone, terrible doubts began to beset her. Was there not + something true in the evident exaggerations of the Hon. M. Elgin? She was + not quite sure. Had not Sarah also boasted of it, that she loved Daniel, + and that she had been in his room? Finally, Henrietta recalled with a + shudder, that, when Daniel had told her of his adventure in Circus Street, + he had appeared embarrassed towards the end, and had failed fully to + explain the reasons of his flight. + </p> + <p> + And to crown the matter, when she had tried to draw from M. de Brevan + additional information on the subject, she had been struck by his + embarrassment, and the lame and confused way in which he had defended his + friend. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, now all is really over!” she thought. “The measure of my sufferings + is full indeed!” + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately it was not yet full. A new persecution awaited her, + infamous, monstrous, by the side of which all the others amounted to + nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Whether you will, or not, you shall be mine,” had Sir Thorn said; and + from that moment he was bent upon convincing her that he was not the man + to shrink from any thing, even unto violence. + </p> + <p> + He was no longer the sympathetic defender of former days, nor the timid + lover, nor the sighing, rejected lover, who followed Henrietta everywhere. + He was, henceforth, a kind of wild beast, pursuing her, harassing her, + persecuting her, with his eyes glaring at her with abominable lust. He no + longer looked at her furtively, as formerly; but he lay in wait for her in + the passages, ready, apparently, to throw himself upon her; projecting his + lips as if to touch her cheeks, and extending his arms as if to seize her + around her waist. A drunken lackey pursuing a scullion would not have + looked and acted more impudently. + </p> + <p> + Terrified, the poor girl threw herself on her knees before her father, + beseeching him to protect her. But he pushed her back, and reproached her + for slandering the most honorable and most inoffensive of men. Blindness + could go no farther. + </p> + <p> + And Sir Thorn knew probably of her failure; for the next day he looked at + her, laughing, as if he felt that he now might venture upon any thing. And + he did venture upon something, that so far would have seemed impossible. + One evening, or rather one night, when the count and the countess were at + a ball, he came and knocked at the door of Henrietta’s chamber. + </p> + <p> + Frightened, she rang the bell; and the servants who came up freed her from + the intruder. But from that moment her terrors had no limit; and, whenever + the count went out at night with his wife, she barricaded herself up in + her chamber, and spent the whole night, dressed, in a chair. Could she + remain any longer standing upon the brink of an abyss without name? She + thought she could not; and after long and painful hesitation, she said one + evening to M. de Brevan,— + </p> + <p> + “My mind is made up; I must flee.” + </p> + <p> + Taken aback, as if he had received a blow upon his head, with his mouth + wide open, his eyes stretched out, M. de Brevan had turned deadly pale; + and the perspiration pearled in large drops on his temples, while his + hands trembled like the eager hands of a man who touches, and is about to + seize, a long-coveted prize. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” he stammered out, “you are decided; you will leave your father’s + house?” + </p> + <p> + “I must,” she said; and her eyes filled with bright tears. “And the sooner + I can do it the better; for every moment I spend here now may bring a new + danger. And yet, before risking any thing decisive, it might be better + first to write to Daniel’s aunt in order to ask her about the directions + she may have received, and to tell her that very soon I shall come to ask + for her pity and her protection.” + </p> + <p> + “What? You think of seeking refuge at the house of that estimable lady?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan, now entirely master of himself, and calculating with his + usual calmness, gravely shook his head, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “You ought to be careful, madam. To seek an asylum at the house of our + friend’s relative might be a very grave imprudence.” + </p> + <p> + “But Daniel recommended it to me in his letter.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but he had not considered the consequences of the advice he gave + you. Do not deceive yourself; the wrath of your enemies will be terrible + when they find that you have escaped them. They will pursue you; they will + employ the police; they will search for you all over France. Now, it is + evident, that the very first place where they will look for you will be + Daniel’s relatives. The house of the old aunt will be watched at once, and + most jealously. How can you there escape from inquiry and pursuit? It + would be folly to hope for safety there.” + </p> + <p> + Pensively Henrietta hung her head. Then she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are right, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Now,” continued M. de Brevan, “let us see what they would do if they + should discover you. You are not of age, consequently you are entirely + dependent on the will of your father. Under the inspiration of your + step-mother, he would attack Daniel’s aunt, on the score of having + inveigled a minor, and would bring you back here.” + </p> + <p> + She seemed to reflect; then she said suddenly,—“I can implore the + assistance of the Duchess of Champdoce.” + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately, madam, they told you the truth. For a year now, the Duke + of Champdoce and his wife have been travelling in Italy.” + </p> + <p> + A gesture of despair betrayed the terrible dejection of the poor girl. + </p> + <p> + “Great God!” she said, “what must I do?” + </p> + <p> + A passing smile appeared on the face of M. de Brevan; and he answered in + his most persuasive manner,— + </p> + <p> + “Will you permit me to offer you some advice, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, sir! I beg you to do so for Heaven’s sake.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, this is the only plan that seems to me feasible. To-morrow morning + I will rent in a quiet house a suitable lodging, less than modest, a + little chamber. You will move into it, and await there your coming of age, + or Daniel’s return. No detective will ever think of seeking the daughter + of Count Ville-Handry in a poor needlewoman’s garret.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am to stay there alone, forsaken and lost?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a sacrifice which it seems to me you have to make for safety’s + sake.” + </p> + <p> + She said nothing, weighing the two alternatives,—to remain in the + house, or to accept M. de Brevan’s proposition. After a minute she said,— + </p> + <p> + “I will follow your advice, sir; only”—She was evidently painfully + embarrassed, and covered with blushes. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” she said, after long hesitation, “all this will cost money. + Formerly I used to have always a couple of hundred dollars in my drawers + somewhere; but now”— + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” broke in M. de Brevan, “madam, is not my whole fortune entirely + at your disposal?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure, I have my jewels; and they are quite valuable.” + </p> + <p> + “For that very reason you ought to be careful not to take them with you. + We must guard against every thing. We may fail. They may discover my share + in the attempt; and who knows what charges they would raise against me?” + </p> + <p> + His apprehension alone betrayed the character of the man; and still it did + not enlighten Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + “Well, prepare every thing as you think best, sir,” she said sadly. “I + rely entirely upon your friendship, your devotion, and your honor.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan had a slight attack of coughing, which prevented him from + answering at first. Then, finding that Henrietta was bent upon escaping, + he tried to devise the means. + </p> + <p> + Henrietta proposed that they should wait for a night when the count would + take the countess to a ball. She might then slip into the garden, and + climb the wall. But the attempt seemed to be too dangerous in M. de + Brevan’s eyes. He said,— + </p> + <p> + “I think I see something better. Count Ville-Handry is going soon to give + a great party?” + </p> + <p> + “The day after to-morrow, Thursday.” + </p> + <p> + “All right. On Thursday, madam, you will complain early in the morning + already, of a bad headache, and you will send for the doctor. He will + prescribe something, I dare say, which you will not take; but they will + think you are sick, and they will watch you less carefully. At night, + however, towards ten o’clock, you will come down and conceal yourself at + the foot of the back-stairs, in the corner of the courtyard. You can do + that, I presume?” + </p> + <p> + “Very easily, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case all will be right. I will be here with a carriage at ten + o’clock precisely. My coachman, whom I will instruct beforehand, instead + of stopping at the great entrance, will pretend to go amiss, and stop just + at the foot of the staircase. I will jump out; and you, you will swiftly + jump into the carriage.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that also can be done.” + </p> + <p> + “As the curtains will be down, no one will see you. The carriage will + drive out again, and wait for me outside; and ten minutes later I shall + have joined you.” + </p> + <p> + The plan being adopted, as every thing depended upon punctuality, M. de + Brevan regulated his watch by Henrietta’s; and then, rising, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “We have already conversed longer than we ought to have done in prudence. + I shall not speak to you again to-night. Till Thursday.” + </p> + <p> + And with sinking voice, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Till Thursday.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVII. + </h2> + <p> + By this one word Henrietta sealed her destiny; and she knew it. She was + fully aware of the terrible rashness of her plan. A voice had called to + her, from her innermost heart, that her honor, her life, and all her + earthly hopes, had thus been staked upon one card. She foresaw clearly + what the world would say the day after her flight. She would be lost, and + could hope for rehabilitation only when Daniel returned. + </p> + <p> + If she could only have been as sure of the heart of her chosen one as she + had formerly been! But the cunning innuendoes of the countess, and the + impudent asseverations of Sir Thorn, had done their work, and shaken her + faith. Daniel had been absent for nearly a year now, and during all that + time she had written to him every month; but she had received from him + only two letters through M. de Brevan,—and what letters! Very + polite, very cold, and almost without a word of hope. + </p> + <p> + If Daniel upon his return should abandon her! + </p> + <p> + And still, the more she reflected with all that lucidity with which the + approach of a great crisis inspired her, the more she became impressed + with the absolute necessity of flight. Yes, she must face unknown dangers, + but only in order to escape from dangers which she knew but too well. She + was relying upon a man who was almost a stranger to her; but was not this + the only way to escape from the insults of a wretch who had become the + boon companion, the friend, and the counsellor of her father? Finally, she + sacrificed her reputation, that is, the appearance of honor; but she saved + the reality, honor itself. + </p> + <p> + Ah, it was hard! As long as the day lasted on Wednesday, she was wandering + about, pale as a ghost, all over the vast palace. She bade farewell to + this beloved house, full of souvenirs of eighteen years in which she had + played as a child, where Daniel’s voice had caused her heart to beat loud + and fast, and where her sainted mother had died. And in the evening, at + table, big tears were rolling down her cheeks as she watched the + stupidly-triumphant serenity of her father. + </p> + <p> + The next day, however, Thursday, Henrietta complained, as was agreed upon, + of a violent headache; and the doctor was sent for. He found her in a + violent fever, and ordered her to keep her bed. He little knew that he was + thus restoring the poor girl to liberty. As soon as he had left, she rose; + and, like a dying person who makes all her last dispositions, she hastened + to put every thing in order in her drawers, putting together what she + meant to keep, and burning what she wished to keep from the curiosity of + the countess and her accomplices. + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan had recommended her not to take her jewels. She left them, + therefore, with the exception of such as she wore every day, openly + displayed on a <i>chiffonnier</i>. The manner of her escape forbade her + taking much baggage; and still some linen was indispensable. Upon + reflection it did not seem to her inexpedient to take a small carpet- bag, + which her mother had given her, and which contained a dressing- case, all + the articles in which were of solid gold and of marvellously fine + workmanship. When her preparations were complete, she wrote to her father + a long letter, in which she explained fully the motives of her desperate + resolution. + </p> + <p> + Then she waited. Night had fallen long since; and the last preparations + for a princely entertainment filled the palace with noise and movement. + She could hear the hasty steps of busy servants, the loud orders of + butlers and stewards, the hammer of upholsterers who gave here and there a + final touch. + </p> + <p> + Soon there came the rolling of wheels on the fine gravel in the court- + yard, and the arrival of the first guests. + </p> + <p> + Henceforth it was for Henrietta only a question of minutes; and she + counted them by her watch with a terrible beating of her heart. At last + the hands marked a quarter before ten. Acting almost automatically, she + rose, threw an immense cashmere shawl over her shoulders; and, taking her + little bag in her hand, she escaped from her room, and slipped along the + passages to the servants’ stairs. + </p> + <p> + She went on tiptoe, holding her breath, eye and ear on the watch, ready at + the smallest noise to run back, or to rush into the first open room. Thus + she got down without difficulty, reached the dark hall at the foot of the + staircase; and there in the shade, seated on her little bag, she waited, + out of breath, her hair moist with a cold perspiration, her teeth + clattering in her mouth from fear. At last it struck ten o’clock; and the + vibration of the bell could still be heard, when M. de Brevan’s <i>coupe</i> + stopped at the door. + </p> + <p> + His coachman was certainly a skilful driver. Pretending to have lost the + control of his horse, he made it turn round, and forced it back with such + admirable awkwardness, that the carriage came close up to the wall, and + the right hand door was precisely in the face of the dark little hall in + which Henrietta was standing. As quick as lightning M. de Brevan jumped + out. Henrietta rushed forward. Nobody saw any thing. + </p> + <p> + A moment later the carriage slowly drove out of the court-yard of the + palace of Count Ville-Handry, and stopped at some little distance. + </p> + <p> + It was done. In leaving her father’s house, Miss Ville-Handry had broken + with all the established laws of society. She was at the mercy now of what + might follow; and, according as events might turn out favorable or + unfavorable, she was saved or lost. But she did not think of that. As the + danger of being surprised passed away, the feverish excitement that had + kept her up so far, also subsided, and she was lying, undone, on the + cushions, when the door suddenly opened, and a man appeared. It was M. de + Brevan. + </p> + <p> + “Well, madam,” he cried with a strangely embarrassed voice, “we have + conquered. I have just presented my respects to the Countess Sarah and her + worthy companions; I have shaken hands with Count Ville-Handry; and no one + has the shadow of a suspicion.” And, as Henrietta said nothing, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “Now I think we ought to lose no time; for I must show myself again at the + ball as soon as possible. Your lodgings are ready for you, madam; and I am + going, with your leave, to drive you there.” + </p> + <p> + She raised herself, and said, with a great effort,— + </p> + <p> + “Do so, sir!” + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan had already jumped into the carriage, which started at full + gallop; and, while they were driving along, he explained to Henrietta how + she would have to conduct herself in the house in which he had engaged a + lodging for her. He had spoken of her, he said, as of one of his relatives + from the provinces, who had suffered a reverse of fortune, and who had + come to Paris in the hope of finding here some way to earn her living. + </p> + <p> + “Remember this romance, madam,” he begged her, “and let your words and + actions be in conformity with it. And especially be careful never to utter + my name or your father’s. Remember that you are still under age, that you + will be searched for anxiously, and that the slightest indiscretion may + put them upon your traces.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as she still kept silent, weeping, he wanted to take her hand, and + thus noticed the little bag which she had taken. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” he asked, in a tone, which, under its affected gentleness, + betrayed no small dissatisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “Some indispensable articles.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you did not after all take your jewels, madam?” + </p> + <p> + “No, certainly not, sir!” + </p> + <p> + Still this persistency on the part of M. de Brevan began to strike her as + odd; and she would have betrayed her surprise, if the carriage had not at + that moment stopped suddenly before No. 23 Water Street. + </p> + <p> + “Here we are, madam,” said M. de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + And, lightly jumping down, he rang the bell at the door, which opened + immediately. The room of the concierge was still light. M. de Brevan + walked straight up to it, and opened the door like a man who is at home in + a house. + </p> + <p> + “It is I,” he said. + </p> + <p> + A man and a woman, the concierge and his wife, who had been dozing, her + nose in a paper, started up suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur Maxime!” they said with one voice. + </p> + <p> + “I bring,” said M. de Brevan, “my young kinswoman, of whom I told you, + Miss Henrietta.” + </p> + <p> + If Henrietta had had the slightest knowledge of Parisian customs, she + would have guessed from the bows of the concierge, and the courtesies of + his wife, how liberally they had been rewarded in advance. + </p> + <p> + “The young lady’s room is quite ready,” said the man. + </p> + <p> + “My husband has arranged every thing himself,” broke in his wife; “it was + no trifle, after the papering had been done. And I—I made a fine + fire there as early as five o’clock, to take out the dampness.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us go up then,” said Brevan. + </p> + <p> + The concierge and his wife, however, were economical people; and the gas + on the stairs had long since been put out. + </p> + <p> + “Give me a candlestick, Chevassat,” said the woman to her husband. + </p> + <p> + And with her lighted candle she went ahead, lighting M. de Brevan and + Henrietta, and stopping at every landing to praise the neatness of the + house. At last, in the fifth story, at the entrance to a dark passage, she + opened a door, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Here we are! The young lady will see how nice it is.” + </p> + <p> + It might possibly have been nice in her eyes; but Henrietta, accustomed to + the splendor of her father’s palace, could not conceal a gesture of + disgust. This more than modest chamber looked to her like a garret such as + she would not have permitted the least of her maids to occupy at home. + </p> + <p> + But never mind! She went in bravely, putting her travelling-bag on a + bureau, and taking off her shawl, as if to take possession of the lodging. + But her first impression had not escaped M. de Brevan. He drew her into + the passage while the woman was stirring the fire, and said in a low + voice,— + </p> + <p> + “It is a terrible room; but prudence induced me to choose it.” + </p> + <p> + “I like it as it is, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You will want a great many things, no doubt; but we will see to that + to-morrow. To-night I must leave you: you know it is all important that I + should be seen again at your father’s house.” + </p> + <p> + “You are quite right; sir, go, make haste!” + </p> + <p> + Still he did not wish to go without having once more recommended his + “young kinswoman” to Mrs. Chevassat. He only left when she had over and + over again assured him that there was nothing more to be done; and then + the woman also went down. + </p> + <p> + The terrible emotions which had shaken and undermined Henrietta during the + last forty-eight hours were followed now by a feeling of intense + astonishment at what she had done, at the irrevocable step she had taken. + Her quiet life had been interrupted by an event which to her appeared more + stupendous than if a mountain had been moved. Standing by the + mantle-piece, she looked at her pale face in the little looking-glass, and + said to herself,— + </p> + <p> + “Is that myself, my own self?” + </p> + <p> + Yes, it was she herself, the only daughter of the great Count Ville- + Handry, here in a strange house, in a wretched garret-room, which she + called her own. It was she, yesterday still surrounded by princely + splendor, waited on by an army of servants, now in want of almost every + thing, and having for her only servant the old woman to whom M. de Brevan + had recommended her. + </p> + <p> + Was this possible? She could hardly believe it herself. Still she felt no + repentance at what she had done. She could not remain any longer in her + father’s house where she was exposed to the vilest insults from everybody. + Could she have stayed any longer? + </p> + <p> + “But what is the use,” she said to herself, “of thinking of what is past? + I must not allow myself to think of it; I must shake off this heaviness.” + </p> + <p> + And, to occupy her mind, she rose and went about to explore her new home, + and to examine all it contained. It was one of those lodgings about which + the owners of houses rarely trouble themselves, and where they never make + the smallest repairs, because they are always sure of renting them out + just as they are. The floor, laid in bricks, was going to pieces; and a + number of bricks were loose, and shaking in their layers of cement. The + ceiling was cracked, and fell off in scales; while all along the walls it + was blackened by flaring tallow-candles. The papering, a greasy, dirty + gray paper, preserved the fingermarks of all the previous occupants of the + room from the time it had first been hung. The furniture, also, was in + keeping with the room,—a walnut bedstead with faded calico curtains, + a chest of drawers, a table, two chairs, and a miserable arm-chair; that + was all. + </p> + <p> + A short curtain hung before the window. By the side of the bed was a + little strip of carpeting; and on the mantlepiece a zinc clock between two + blue glass vases. Nothing else! + </p> + <p> + How could M. de Brevan ever have selected such a room, such a hole? + Henrietta could not comprehend it. He had told her, and she had believed + him, that they must use extreme caution. But would she have been any more + compromised, or in greater danger of being discovered by the Countess + Sarah, if they had papared the room anew, put a simple felt carpet on the + floor, and furnished the room a little more decently? + </p> + <p> + Still she did not conceive any suspicion even yet. She thought it mattered + very little where and how she was lodged. She hoped it was, after all, + only for a short time, and consoled herself with the thought that a cell + in a convent would have been worse still. And any thing was better than + her father’s house. + </p> + <p> + “At least,” she said, “I shall be quiet and undisturbed here.” + </p> + <p> + Perhaps she was to be morally quiet; for as to any other peace, she was + soon to be taught differently. Accustomed to the profound stillness of the + immense rooms in her father’s palace, Henrietta had no idea, of course, of + the incessant movement that goes on in the upper stories of these Paris + lodging-houses, which contain the population of a whole village, and where + the tenants, separated from each other by thin partition-walls, live, so + to say, all in public. + </p> + <p> + Sleep, under such circumstances, becomes possible only after long + experience; and the poor girl had to pay very dear for her apprenticeship. + It was past four o’clock before she could fall asleep, overcome by + fatigue; and then it was so heavy a sleep, that she was not aroused by the + stir in the whole house as day broke. It was broad daylight, hence, when + she awoke; and a pale sun-ray was gliding into the room through the torn + curtain. The zinc clock pointed at twelve o’clock. She rose and dressed + hastily. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday, when she rose, she rang her bell, and her maid came in + promptly, made a fire, brought her her slippers, and threw over her + shoulders a warm, wadded dressing-wrapper. But to-day! + </p> + <p> + This thought carried her back to her father’s house. What were they doing + there at this hour? Her escape was certainly known by this time. No doubt + they had sent the servants out in all directions. Her father, most + probably, had gone to call in the aid of the police. She felt almost happy + at the idea of being so safely concealed; and looking around her chamber, + which appeared even more wretched by daylight than last night, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “No, they will never think of looking for me here!” + </p> + <p> + In the meantime she had discovered a small supply of wood near the + fireplace; and, as it was cold, she was busy making a fire, when somebody + knocked at her door. She opened; and Mrs. Chevassat, the wife of the + concierge appeared. + </p> + <p> + “It is I, my pretty young lady,” she said as she entered. “Not seeing you + come down, I said to myself, ‘I must go up to look after her.’ And have + you slept well?” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, madam, thank you!” + </p> + <p> + “Now, that’s right. And how is your appetite? For that was what I came up + for. Don’t you think you might eat a little something?” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta not only thought of it; but she was very hungry. For there are + no events and no adventures, no excitements and no sorrows, which prevent + us from getting hungry; the tyranny of our physical wants is stronger than + any thing else. + </p> + <p> + “I would be obliged to you, madam,” she said, “if you would bring me up + some breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + “If I would! As often as you desire, my pretty young lady. Just give me + the time to boil an egg, and to roast a cutlet, and I’ll be up again.” + </p> + <p> + Ordinarily sour-tempered, and as bitter as wormwood, Mrs. Chevassat had + displayed all the amiability of which she was capable, hiding under a veil + of tender sympathy the annoying eagerness of her eyes. Her hypocrisy was + all wasted. The efforts she made were too manifest not to arouse the very + worst suspicions. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure,” thought Henrietta, “she is a bad woman.” + </p> + <p> + Her suspicions were only increased when the worthy woman reappeared, + bringing her breakfast, and setting it out on a little table before the + fire, with all kinds of hideous compliments. + </p> + <p> + “You’ll see how very well every thing is cooked, miss,” she said. + </p> + <p> + Then, while Henrietta was eating, she sat down on a chair near the door, + and commenced talking, without ever stopping. To hear her, the new tenant + ought to thank her guardian angel who had brought her to this charming + house, No. 23 Water Street, where there was such a concierge with such a + wife!—he, the best of men; she, a real treasure of kindness, + gentleness, and, above all, discretion. + </p> + <p> + “Quite an exceptional house,” she added, “as far as the tenants are + concerned. They are all people of notoriously high standing, from the + wealthy old ladies in the best story to Papa Ravinet in the fourth story, + and not excepting the young ladies who live in the small rooms in the back + building.” + </p> + <p> + Then, having passed them all in review, she began praising M. de Brevan, + whom she always called M. Maxime. She declared that he had won her heart + from the beginning, when he had first come to the house, day before + yesterday, to engage the room. She had never seen a more perfect + gentleman, so kind, so polite, and so liberal! With her great experience, + she had at once recognized in him one of those men who seem to be born + expressly for the purpose of inspiring the most violent passions, and of + securing the most lasting attachments. + </p> + <p> + Besides, she added with a hideous smile, she was sure of his deep interest + in her pretty new tenant; and she was so well convinced of this, that she + would be happy to devote herself to her service, even without any prospect + of payment. + </p> + <p> + This did not prevent her from saying to Henrietta, as soon as she had + finished her breakfast,— + </p> + <p> + “You owe me two francs, miss; and, if you would like it, I can board you + for five francs a day.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon she went into a lively discussion to show that this would be on + her part a mere act of kindness, because, considering how dear every thing + was, she would most assuredly lose. + </p> + <p> + But Henrietta stopped her. Drawing from her purse a twenty-franc piece, + she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Make yourself paid, madam.” + </p> + <p> + This was evidently not what the estimable woman expected; for she drew + back with an air of offended dignity, and protested,— + </p> + <p> + “What do you take me to be, miss? Do you think me capable of asking for + payment?” + </p> + <p> + And, shrugging her shoulders, she added,— + </p> + <p> + “Besides, does not all that regards your expenses concern M. Maxime?” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon she quickly folded the napkin, took the plates, and disappeared. + Henrietta did not know what to think of it. She could not doubt that this + Megsera pursued some mysterious aim with all her foolish talk; but she + could not possibly guess what that aim could be. And still that was not + all that kept her thoughts busy. What frightened her most of all was the + feeling that she was evidently altogether at M. de Brevan’s mercy. All her + possessions amounted to about two hundred francs. She was in want of every + thing, of the most indispensable articles: she had not another dress, nor + another petticoat. Why had not M. de Brevan thought of that beforehand? + Was he waiting for her to tell him of her distress, and to ask him for + money? She could not think so, and she attributed his neglect to his + excitement, thinking that he would no doubt come soon to ask how she was, + and place himself at her service. + </p> + <p> + But the day passed away slowly, and night came; but he did not appear. + What did this mean? What unforeseen event could have happened? what + misfortune could have befallen him? Torn by a thousand wild apprehensions, + Henrietta was more than once on the point of going to his house. + </p> + <p> + It was not before two o’clock on the next day that he appeared at last, + affecting an easy air, but evidently very much embarrassed. If he did not + come the night before, he said, it was because he was sure the Countess + Sarah had him watched. The flight of the daughter of Count Ville-Handry + was known all over Paris, and he was suspected of having aided and abetted + her: so they had told him, he said, at his club. He also added that it + would be imprudent in him to stay longer; and he left again, without + having said a word to Henrietta, and without having apparently noticed her + destitution. + </p> + <p> + And thus, for three days, he only came, to disappear almost instantly. + </p> + <p> + He always came painfully embarrassed, as if he had something very + important to tell her; then his brow clouded over; and he went away + suddenly, without having said any thing. + </p> + <p> + Henrietta, tortured by terrible doubts, felt unable to endure this + atrocious uncertainty any longer. She determined to force an explanation + when, on the fourth day, M. de Brevan came in, evidently under the + influence of some terrible determination. As soon as he had entered, he + locked the door, and said in a hoarse voice,— + </p> + <p> + “I must speak to you, madam, yes, I must!” + </p> + <p> + He was deadly pale; his white lips trembled; and his eyes shone with a + fearful light, like those of a man who might have sought courage in strong + drink. + </p> + <p> + “I am ready to listen,” replied the poor girl, all trembling. + </p> + <p> + He hesitated again for a moment; then overcoming his reluctance, + apparently by a great effort, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, I wish to ask you if you have ever suspected what my real reasons + were for assisting you to escape?” + </p> + <p> + “I think, sir, you have acted from kind pity for me, and also from + friendship for M. Daniel Champcey.” + </p> + <p> + “No! You are entirely mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + She drew back instinctively, uttering only a low, “Ah!” + </p> + <p> + Pale as he had been, M. de Brevan had become crimson. + </p> + <p> + “Have you really noticed nothing? Are you really not aware that I love + you?” + </p> + <p> + She could understand any thing but this, the unfortunate girl; any thing + but such infamy, such an incredible insult! M. de Brevan must be either + drunk or mad. + </p> + <p> + “Leave me, sir!” she said peremptorily, but with a voice trembling with + indignation. + </p> + <p> + But he advanced towards her with open arms, and went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I love you madly, and for a long time,—ever since the first + day I saw you.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta, however, had swiftly moved aside, and opened the window. + </p> + <p> + “If you advance another step, I shall cry for help.” + </p> + <p> + He stopped, and, changing his tone, said to her,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! You refuse? Well, what are you hoping for? For Daniel’s return? Don’t + you know that he loves Sarah?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you abuse my forlorn condition infamously!” broke in the young girl. + And, as he still insisted, she added,— + </p> + <p> + “Why don’t you go, coward? Why don’t you go, wretched man? Must I call?” + </p> + <p> + He was frightened, backed to the door, and half opened it; then he said,— + </p> + <p> + “You refuse me to-day; but, before the month is over, you will beg me to + come to you. You are ruined; and I alone can rescue you.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XVIII. + </h2> + <h3> + At last, then, the truth had come out! + </h3> + <p> + Overcome with horror, her hair standing at an end, and shaken by nervous + spasms, poor Henrietta was trying to measure the depth of the abyss into + which she had thrown herself. + </p> + <p> + Voluntarily, and with the simplicity of a child, she had walked into the + pit which had been dug for her. But who, in her place, would not have + trusted? Who could have conceived such an idea? Who could have suspected + such monstrous rascality? + </p> + <p> + Ah! Now she understood but too well all the mysterious movements that had + so puzzled her in M. de Brevan. She saw how profound had been his + calculations when he recommended her so urgently not to take her jewels + with her while escaping from her father’s house, nor any object of value; + for, if she had had her jewelry, she would have been in possession of a + small fortune; she would have been independent, and above want, at least + for a couple of years. + </p> + <p> + But M. de Brevan wanted her to have nothing. He knew, the coward! with + what crushing contempt she would reject his first proposals; but he + flattered himself with the hope that isolation, fear, destitution would at + last reduce her to submission, and enable him— + </p> + <p> + “It is too horrible,” repeated the poor girl,—“too horrible!” + </p> + <p> + And this man had been Daniel’s friend! And it was he to whom Daniel, at + the moment of sailing, had intrusted his betrothed! What atrocious + deception! M. Thomas Elgin was no doubt a formidable bandit, faithless and + unscrupulous; but he was known as such: he was known to be capable of any + thing, and thus people were on their guard. But this man!—ah, a + thousand times meaner and viler!—he had watched for a whole year, + with smiling face, for the hour of treachery; he had prepared a hideous + crime under the veil of the noblest friendship! + </p> + <p> + Henrietta thought she could divine what was the traitor’s final aim. In + obtaining possession of her, he no doubt thought he would secure to + himself a large portion of Count Ville-Handry’s immense fortune. + </p> + <p> + And hence, she continued in her meditations, hence the hatred between Sir + Thorn and M. de Brevan. They both coveted the same thing; and each one + trembled lest the other should first get hold of the treasure which he + wanted to secure. The idea that the new countess was in complicity with M. + de Brevan did not enter Henrietta’s mind. On the contrary, she thought + they were enemies, and divided from each other by separate and opposite + interests. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” she said to herself, “they have one feeling, at all events, in + common; and that is hatred against me.” + </p> + <p> + A few months ago, so fearful and so sudden a catastrophe would have + crushed Henrietta, in all probability. But she had endured so many blows + during the past year, that she bore this also; for it is a fact that the + human heart learns to bear grief as the body learns to endure fatigue. + Moreover, she called in to her assistance a light shining high above all + this terrible darkness,—the remembrance of Daniel. + </p> + <p> + She had doubted him for an instant; but her faith had, after all, remained + intact and perfect. Her reason told her, that, if he had really loved + Sarah Brandon, her enemies, M. Elgin and M. de Brevan, would not have + taken such pains to make her believe it. She thought, therefore, she was + quite certain that he would return to her with his heart devoted to her as + when he left her. + </p> + <p> + But, great God! to think of the grief and the rage of this man, when he + should hear how wickedly and cowardly he had been betrayed by the man whom + he called his friend! He would know how to restore the count’s daughter to + her proper position, and how to avenge her. + </p> + <p> + “And I shall wait for him,” she said, her teeth firmly set,—“I shall + wait for him!” + </p> + <p> + How? She did not ask herself that question; for she was yet in that first + stage of enthusiasm, when we are full of heroic resolves which do not + allow us to see the obstacles that are to be overcome. But she soon + learned to know the first difficulties in her way, thanks to Dame + Chevassat, who brought her her dinner as the clock struck six, according + to the agreement they had made. + </p> + <p> + The estimable lady had assumed a deeply grieved expression; you might have + sworn she had tears in her eyes. In her sweetest voice, she asked:— + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, my beautiful young lady; so you have quarrelled with our dear + M. Maxime?” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta was so sure of the uselessness of replying, and so fearful of + new dangers, that she simply replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid of it,” replied the woman, “just from seeing him come down + the stairs with a face as long as that. You see, he is in love with you, + that kind young man; and you may believe me when I tell you so, for I know + what men are.” + </p> + <p> + She expected an answer; for generally her eloquence was very effective + with her tenants. But, as no reply came, she went on,— + </p> + <p> + “We must hope that the trouble will blow over.” + </p> + <p> + “No!” + </p> + <p> + Looking at Mrs. Chevassat, one would have thought she was stunned. + </p> + <p> + “How savage you are!” she exclaimed at last. “Well, it is your lookout. + Only I should like to know what you mean to do?” + </p> + <p> + “About what?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, about your board.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall find the means, madam, you may be sure.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman, however, who knew from experience what that cruel word, + “living,” sometimes means with poor forsaken girls, shook her head + seriously, and answered,— + </p> + <p> + “So much the better; so much the better! Only I know you owe a good deal + of money.” + </p> + <p> + “Owe?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes! The furniture here has never been paid for.” + </p> + <p> + “What? The furniture”— + </p> + <p> + “Of course, M. Maxime was going to pay for it; he has told me so. But if + you fall out in this way—you understand, don’t you?” + </p> + <p> + She hardly did understand such fearful infamy. Still Henrietta did not + show her indignation and surprise. She asked,— + </p> + <p> + “What did the furniture of this room cost? do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know. Something like five or six hundred francs, things are so + dear now!” The whole was probably not worth a hundred and fifty or two + hundred francs. + </p> + <p> + “Very well. I’ll pay,” said Henrietta. “The man will give me forty- eight + hours’ time, I presume?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, certainly!” + </p> + <p> + As the poor girl was now quite sure that this honeyed Megsera was employed + by M. de Brevan to watch her, she affected a perfectly calm air. When she + had finished her dinner, she even insisted upon paying on the spot fifty + francs, which she owed for the last few days, and for some small + purchases. But, when the old woman was gone, she sank into a chair, and + said,— + </p> + <p> + “I am lost!” + </p> + <p> + There was, in fact, no refuge for her, no help to be expected. + </p> + <p> + Should she return to her father, and implore the pity of his wife? Ah! + death itself would be more tolerable than such a humiliation. And besides, + in escaping from M. de Brevan, would she not fall into the hands of M. + Elgin? + </p> + <p> + Should she seek assistance at the hands of some of the old family friends? + But which? + </p> + <p> + In greater distress than the shipwrecked man who in vain examines the + blank horizon, she looked around for some one to help her. She forced her + mind to recall all the people she had ever known. Alas! she knew, so to + say, nobody. Since her mother had died, and she had been living alone, no + one seemed to have remembered her, unless for the purpose of calumniating + her. + </p> + <p> + Her only friends, the only ones who had made her cause their own, the Duke + and the Duchess of Champdoce, were in Italy, as she had been assured. + </p> + <p> + “I can count upon nobody but myself,” she repeated,—“myself, + myself!” + </p> + <p> + Then rousing herself, she said, her heart swelling with emotion,— + </p> + <p> + “But never mind! I shall be saved!” + </p> + <p> + Her safety depended upon one single point: if she could manage to live + till she came of age, or till Daniel returned, all was right. + </p> + <p> + “Is it really so hard to live?” she thought. “The daughters of poor + people, who are as completely forsaken as I am, nevertheless live. Why + should not I live also?” + </p> + <p> + Why? + </p> + <p> + Because the children of poor people have served, so to say, from the + cradle, an apprenticeship of poverty,—because they are not afraid of + a day without work, or a day without bread,—because cruel experience + has armed them for the struggle,—because, in fine, they know life, + and they know Paris,—because their industry is adapted to their + wants, and they have an innate capacity to obtain some advantage from + every thing, thanks to their smartness, their enterprise, and their + energy. + </p> + <p> + But Count Ville-Handry’s only daughter—the heiress of many millions, + brought up, so to say, in a hothouse, according to the stupid custom of + modern society—knew nothing at all of life, of its bitter realities, + its struggles, and its sufferings. She had nothing but courage. + </p> + <p> + “That is enough,” she said to herself. “What we will do, we can do.” + </p> + <p> + Thus resolved to seek aid from no one, she set to work examining her + condition and her resources. + </p> + <p> + As to objects of any value, she owned the cashmere which she had wrapped + around her when she fled, the dressing-case in her mother’s + travelling-bag, a brooch, a watch, a pair of pretty ear-rings, and, + lastly, two rings, which by some lucky accident she had forgotten to take + off, one of which was of considerable value. All this, she thought, must + have cost, at least, eight or nine thousand francs; but for how much would + it sell? since she was resolved to sell it. This was the question on which + her whole future depended. + </p> + <p> + But how could she dispose of these things? She wanted to have it all + settled, so as to get rid of this sense of uncertainty; she wanted, + especially, to pay for the scanty, wretched furniture in her chamber. Whom + could she ask to help her? For nothing in the world would she have + confided in Mrs. Chevassat; for her instincts told her, that, if she once + let that terrible woman see what were her necessities, she would be bound + hand and foot to her. She was thinking it out, when the idea of the + pawnbroker occurred to her. She had heard such men spoken of; but she only + knew that they kept places where poor people could get money upon + depositing a pledge. + </p> + <p> + “That is the place I must go to,” Henrietta said to herself. + </p> + <p> + But how was she to find one? + </p> + <p> + “Well, I’ll find it some way,” she said. + </p> + <p> + So she went down, to Mrs. Chevassat’s great astonishment, but without + answering her questions, where she was going to in such a hurry. + </p> + <p> + Having turned at the first corner, she went on at haphazard, walking quite + rapidly, and not minding the passers-by, entirely occupied in looking at + the houses and the sign-boards. But for more than an hour she wandered + thus through all the small streets and alleys in those suburbs; she found + nothing, and it was getting dark. + </p> + <p> + “And still I won’t go home till I have found it,” she said to herself + wrathfully. + </p> + <p> + This resolution gave her courage to go up to a policeman, and, crimson + like a poppy, to ask him,— + </p> + <p> + “Will you be so kind, sir, as to tell me a pawnbroker’s shop?” + </p> + <p> + The man looked with pity at the young girl, whose whole person exhaled a + perfume of distinction and of candor, asking himself, perhaps, what + terrible misfortune could have reduced a lady like her to such a step; + then he answered with a sigh,— + </p> + <p> + “There, madam, at the corner of the first street on the right, you will + find a loan office.” + </p> + <p> + “Loan office?” These words suggested to Henrietta no clear idea. But it + mattered not. She went on in feverish haste, recognized the house that had + been pointed out to her, went up stairs, and, pushing open a door, found + herself in a large room, where some twenty people were standing about, + waiting. + </p> + <p> + On the right hand three or four clerks, shut off from the public by a + railing breast-high, were writing down the names of the depositors, and + counting out money. Far back, a large opening was visible, where another + clerk appeared from time to time, to take in the articles that were + pawned. After waiting for five minutes, and without asking a question from + anybody, Henrietta understood the whole process. Trembling as if she had + committed a crime, she went to the opening behind, and put upon the ledge + one of her rings, the most valuable of the two. Then she waited, not + daring to look up; for it seemed to her as if all eyes were upon her. + </p> + <p> + “One diamond ring!” cried the clerk. “Nine hundred francs. Whose is it?” + </p> + <p> + The large amount caused all to look around; and a big woman, but too well + dressed, and with a very impudent expression, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, oh! The damsel dresses well!” + </p> + <p> + Crimson with shame, Henrietta had stepped up. She whispered,— + </p> + <p> + “It is my ring, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The clerk looked at her, and then asked quite gently,— + </p> + <p> + “You have your papers?” + </p> + <p> + “Papers? What for?” + </p> + <p> + “The papers that establish your identity. Your passport, a receipt for + rent, or any thing.” + </p> + <p> + The whole company laughed at the ignorance of this girl. She stammered + out,— + </p> + <p> + “I have no such papers, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we can make no advance.” + </p> + <p> + One more hope, her last, vanished thus. She held out her hand, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Please give me back my ring.” + </p> + <p> + But the clerk now laughed, and replied,— + </p> + <p> + “No, no, my dear! that can’t be done. You shall have it back when you + bring me the papers, or when you come accompanied by two merchants who are + known to us.” + </p> + <p> + “But, sir”— + </p> + <p> + “That is so.” + </p> + <p> + And, finding that he had lost time enough, he went on,— + </p> + <p> + “One velvet cloak! Thirty francs. Whose is it?” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta was rushing out, and down the stairs, pursued, as it seemed to + her, by the cries of the crowd. How that clerk had looked at her! Did he + think she had stolen the ring? And what was to become of it? The police + would inquire; they would trace her out; and she would be carried back to + her father’s house, and given up to Sir Thorn. She could hardly keep up + until she reached Water Street; and there fatigue, fright, and excitement + made her forget her resolutions. She confessed her discomfiture to Mrs. + Chevassat. + </p> + <p> + The honest woman tried to look as grave as an attorney whom a great client + consults, who has unwittingly stirred up a wasps’ nest; and, when her + tenant had finished, she said in a voice apparently half drowned in tears,— + </p> + <p> + “Poor little kitten, poor little innocent kitten!” + </p> + <p> + But, if she succeeded in giving to her face an expression of sincere + sympathy, the greedy look in her eyes betrayed but too clearly her immense + satisfaction at seeing Henrietta at last at her feet. + </p> + <p> + “After all,” she said, “you are prodigiously lucky in your misfortunes; + for you are too imprudent in all conscience.” + </p> + <p> + And, as the poor girl was not a little astonished at this, she went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you ran a great risk; and I can easily prove it to you. Who are you? + Well, you need not turn pale that way: I don’t ask any questions. But + after all, if you carry your jewels yourself to the ‘Uncle,’ you go, so to + say, and rush right into the lion’s mouth. If they had arrested you when + they saw you had no papers; if they had carried you before a magistrate—eh? + Ah! my beautiful friend, you would have fared pretty badly, I dare say.” + </p> + <p> + And then, changing her tone, she began scolding her beautiful young lady + for having concealed her troubles from her. That was wrong; that hurt her + feelings. Why had she given her money last night? Did she ask for money? + Did she look like such a terrible creditor? She knew, God be thanked! what + life was here below, and that we are bound to help one another. To be + sure, there was that furniture dealer, who must be paid; but she would + have been quite willing to make him wait; and why should he not? She had + got very different people to wait! Why, only last week, she had sent one + of those men away, and a dressmaker into the bargain, who came to levy + upon one of her tenants in the back building,—the very nicest, and + prettiest, and best of them all. + </p> + <p> + Thus she discoursed and discoursed with amazing volubility, till at last, + when she thought she had made a sufficiently strong impression on her + “poor little pussy-cat,” she said,— + </p> + <p> + “But one can easily see, my dear young lady, that you are a mere child. + Sell your poor little jewels! Why, that is murder, as long as there is + some one at hand quite ready to do any thing for you.” + </p> + <p> + At this sudden, but not altogether unexpected attack, Henrietta trembled. + </p> + <p> + “For I am sure,” continued Mrs. Chevassat, “if it were only to be + agreeable to you, he would give one of his arms, this poor M. Maxime.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta looked so peremptorily at her, that the worthy lady seemed to be + quite disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + “I forbid you,” cried the young lady, with a voice trembling with + indignation,—“I forbid you positively ever to mention his name!” + </p> + <p> + The woman shrugged her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “As you like it,” she answered. + </p> + <p> + And then, ready to change the conversation, she added,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, let us return to your ring. What <i>do</i> you propose to + do?” + </p> + <p> + “That is exactly why I came to you,” replied Henrietta. “I do not know + what is to be done in such a case.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Chevassat smiled, very much pleased. + </p> + <p> + “And you did very well to come to us,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “Chevassat will go, take the charcoal-dealer and the grocer next door with + him; and before going to bed you will have your money, I promise you! You + see he understands pretty well how to make the clerks do their duty, my + Chevassat.” + </p> + <p> + That evening the excellent man really condescended to go up stairs, and to + bring Henrietta himself eight hundred and ninety-five francs. + </p> + <p> + He did not bring the whole nine hundred francs, he said; for, having put + his two neighbors to some inconvenience, he was bound, according to + established usage, to invite them to take something. For himself, he had, + of course, kept nothing,—oh, nothing at all! He could take his oath + upon that; for he preferred by far leaving that little matter to the + beautiful young lady’s liberality. + </p> + <p> + “Here are ten francs,” said Henrietta curtly, in order to make an end to + his endless talk. + </p> + <p> + Thus, with the few gold-pieces which she had found in her purse, the poor + girl had a capital of about a thousand francs in hand. How many days, how + many months, this sum would have secured to her, if the furniture-dealer + had not been there with his bill! He did not fail to present himself next + day, accompanied by Mrs. Chevassat. He asked for five hundred and + seventy-nine francs. Such a sum for a few second-hand pieces of furniture + which adorned that wretched garret! It was a clear swindle, and the + impudence so great, that Henrietta was overwhelmed. But still she paid. + </p> + <p> + When he was gone, she sadly counted from one hand into the other the + twenty-three gold-pieces that were left, when suddenly a thought occurred + to her, that might have saved her, if she had followed it out. + </p> + <p> + It was the thought of leaving the house by stealth, of going to the + station of the Orleans Railway, and of taking the first train for the home + of Daniel’s aunt. Alas! she was content with writing to her, and remained. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XIX. + </h2> + <p> + This inspiration was, moreover, to be the last favor which Providence + vouchsafed to Henrietta,—an opportunity which, once allowed to pass, + never returns. From that moment she found herself irrevocably insnared in + a net which tightened day by day more around her, and held her a helpless + captive. She had vowed to herself, the unfortunate girl, that she would + economize her little hoard like the blood in her veins. But how could she + economize? + </p> + <p> + She was without every thing. When M. de Brevan had gone to engage this + garret-room, he had thought of nothing; or rather (and such a calculation + was quite in keeping with his cold-blooded rascality) he had taken his + measures so that his victim must soon be in utter destitution. Without any + other clothes than those she wore on the night of her flight, she had no + linen, no shoes, not a towel even to wipe her hands, unless she borrowed + them from her friend down stairs. + </p> + <p> + Accustomed as she was to all the comforts of boundless wealth, and to all + the refinements of cleanliness, these privations became to her a genuine + martyrdom. Thus she spent in a variety of small purchases more than a + hundred and fifty francs. The sum was enormous at a time when she could + already count the days to the hour when she would be without bread. In + addition to that she had to pay Mrs. Chevassat five francs a day for her + board. Five francs were another enormous sum which troubled her + grievously; for she would have been quite willing to live on bread and + water. But in that direction she thought no economizing was possible. + </p> + <p> + One evening she had hinted at the necessity of retrenching, when Mrs. + Chevassat had shot at her a venomous glance, which pierced her to the very + marrow of her bones. + </p> + <p> + “It must be done,” she said to herself. + </p> + <p> + In her mind she felt as if the five francs were a kind of daily ransom + which she paid the estimable concierge’s wife for her good-will. It is + true, that, for such a consideration, the terrible woman was all attention + for her “poor little pussy-cat;” for thus she had definitely dubbed + Henrietta, becoming daily more familiar, and adding this odious and + irritating presumption to all the other tortures of the poor girl. Many a + time poor Henrietta had been made so indignant and furious, that she had + been on the point of rebelling; but she had never dared, submitting to + this familiarity for the same reason for which she paid her five francs + every day. The old woman, taking her silence for consent, put no longer + any restraint upon herself. She declared she could not comprehend how her + “little pussy-cat,” young and pretty as she was, could consent to live as + she did. Was that a life? + </p> + <p> + Then she always came back to M. Maxime, who continued to call regularly + twice a day, the poor young man! + </p> + <p> + “And more than that, poor little pussy,” she added, “you will see that one + of these days he will summon courage enough to come and offer you an + apology.” + </p> + <p> + But Henrietta would not believe that. + </p> + <p> + “He will never have such consummate impudence,” she thought. + </p> + <p> + He had it, nevertheless. One morning, when she had just finished righting + up her room, somebody knocked discreetly, at her door. Thinking that it + was Mrs. Chevassat, who brought her her breakfast, she went to the door + and opened it, without asking who was there. And she started back with + amazement and with terror when she recognized M. de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + It really looked as if he were making a supreme effort over himself. He + was deadly pale; his lips trembled; his eyes looked dim and uncertain; and + he moved his lips and jaws as if he had gravel in his mouth. + </p> + <p> + “I have come, madam,” he said, “to ask if you have reconsidered.” + </p> + <p> + She made no reply, looking at him with an air of contempt which would have + caused a man with some remnant of honor in his heart to flee from the spot + instantly. But he had, no doubt, armed himself beforehand, against + contempt. + </p> + <p> + “I know,” he continued, “that my conduct must appear abominable in your + eyes. I have led you into this snare, and I have meanly betrayed a + friend’s confidence; but I have an excuse. My passion is stronger than my + will, than my reason.” + </p> + <p> + “A vile passion for money!” + </p> + <p> + “You may think so, madam, if you choose. I shall not even attempt to clear + myself. That is not what I came for. I came solely for the purpose of + enlightening you in regard to your own position, which you do not seem to + realize.” + </p> + <p> + If she had followed her own impulses, Henrietta would have driven the + wretch away. But she thought she ought to know his intentions and his + plans. She overcame her disgust, therefore, and remained silent. + </p> + <p> + “In the first place,” said M. de Brevan, apparently trying to collect his + thoughts, “bear this in mind, madam. You are ruined in reputation, and + ruined through me. All Paris is convinced, by this time, that I have run + away with you; and that I keep you concealed in a charming place, where we + enjoy our mutual love; in fact, that you are my mistress.” + </p> + <p> + He seemed to expect an explosion of wrath. By no means! Henrietta remained + motionless like a statue. + </p> + <p> + “What would you have?” he went on in a tone of sarcasm. “My coachman has + been talking. Two friends of mine, who reached the palace on foot when I + drove up, saw you jump into my <i>coupe</i>; and, as if that had not been + enough, that absurd M. Elgin must needs call me out. We had a duel, and I + have wounded him.” + </p> + <p> + The manner in which the young girl shrugged her shoulders showed but too + clearly that she did not believe M. de Brevan. He added,— + </p> + <p> + “If you doubt it, madam, pray read this, then, at the top of the second + column.” + </p> + <p> + She took the paper which he offered her, and there she read,— + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday, in the woods near Vincennes, a duel with swords was fought + between M. M. de B—— and one of the most distinguished members + of our American colony. After five minutes’ close combat, M. E—— + was wounded in the arm. It is said that the sudden and very surprising + disappearance of one of the greatest heiresses of the Faubourg Saint + Germain was not foreign to this duel. Lucky M. de B—— is + reported to know too much of the beautiful young lady’s present home for + the peace of the family. But surely these lines ought to be more than + enough on the subject of an adventure which will ere long, no doubt, end + in a happy and brilliant marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “You see, madam,” said M. de Brevan, when he thought Henrietta had had + time enough to read the article, “you see it is not I who advise marriage. + If you will become my wife, your honor is safe.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir!” + </p> + <p> + In that simple utterance there was so much contempt, and such profound + disgust, that M. de Brevan seemed to turn, if possible, whiter than + before. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I see you prefer marrying M. Thomas Elgin,” he said. + </p> + <p> + She only shrugged her shoulders; but he went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, do not smile! He or I; you have no other alternative. Sooner or later + you will have to choose.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not choose, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, just wait till poverty has come! Then you think, perhaps, you will + only need to implore your father to come to your assistance. Do not + flatter yourself. Your father has no other will but that of the Countess + Sarah; and the Countess Sarah will have it so, that you marry Sir Thorn.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not appeal to my father, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you probably count upon Daniel’s return? Ah, believe me! do not + indulge in such dreams. I have told you Daniel loves the Countess Sarah; + and, even if he did not love her, you have been too publicly disgraced for + him ever to give you his name. But that is nothing yet. Go to the navy + department, and they will tell you that ‘The Conquest’ is out on a cruise + of two years more. At the time when Daniel returns, if he returns at all + (which is very far from being certain), you will long since have become + Mrs. Elgin or Madame de Brevan, unless”— + </p> + <p> + Henrietta looked at him so fixedly, that he could not bear the glance; and + then she said in a deep voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Unless I die! did you not mean that? Be it so.” + </p> + <p> + Coldly M. de Brevan bowed, as if he intended to say,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, unless you should be dead: that was what I meant.” + </p> + <p> + Then, opening the door, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “Let me hope, madam, that this is not your last word. I shall, however, + have the honor of calling every week to receive your orders.” + </p> + <p> + And, bowing, he left the room. + </p> + <p> + “What brought him here, the wretch! What does he want of me?” + </p> + <p> + Thus she questioned herself as soon as she was alone, and the door was + ‘shut.’ And her anguish increased tenfold; for she did not believe a word + of the pretexts which M. de Brevan had assigned for his visit. No, she + could not admit that he had come to see if she had reflected, nor that he + really cherished that abominable hope, that misery, hunger, and fear would + drive her into his arms. + </p> + <p> + “He ought to know me well enough,” she thought with a new access of wrath, + “to be sure that I would prefer death a thousand times.” + </p> + <p> + There was no doubt in her mind that this step, which had evidently been + extremely painful to himself, had become necessary through some + all-powerful consideration. But what could that be? By a great effort of + mind Henrietta recalled, one by one, all the phrases used by M. de Brevan, + in the hope that some word might give her light; but she discovered + nothing. All he had told her as to the consequences of her flight, she had + foreseen before she had resolved to escape. He had told her nothing new, + but his duel with Sir Thorn; and, when she considered the matter, she + thought that, also, quite natural. For did they not both covet with equal + eagerness the fortune which she would inherit from her mother as soon as + she came of age? The antagonism of their interests explained, she thought, + their hatred; for she was well convinced that they hated each other + mortally. The idea that Sir Thorn and M. de Brevan understood each other, + and pursued a common purpose, never entered her mind; and, if it had + suggested itself, she would have rejected it as absurd. + </p> + <p> + Must she, then, come to the conclusion that M. de Brevan had really, when + he appeared before her, no other aim but to drive her to despair? But why + should he do so? what advantage would that be to him? The man who wants to + make a girl his own does not go to work to chill her with terror, and to + inspire her with ineffable disgust. Still M. de Brevan had done this; and + therefore he must aim at something different from that marriage of which + he spoke. + </p> + <p> + What was that something? Such abominable things are not done for the mere + pleasure of doing them, especially if that involves some amount of danger. + Now, it was very clear, that upon Daniel’s return, whether he still loved + Henrietta or not, M. de Brevan would have a terrible account to give to + that brave sailor who had trusted him with the care of his betrothed. Did + M. de Brevan ever think of that return? Oh, yes! he did; and with secret + terror. There was proof of that in one of the phrases that had escaped + him. + </p> + <p> + After having said, “When Daniel returns,” he had added, “if he ever + returns, which is by no means sure.” + </p> + <p> + Why this proviso? Had he any reasons to think that Daniel might perish in + this dangerous campaign? Now she remembered, yes, she remembered + distinctly, that M. de Brevan had smiled in a very peculiar way when he + had said these words. And, as she recalled this, her heart sank within + her, and she felt as if she were going to faint. Was he not capable of + anything, the wretched man, who had betrayed him so infamously,—capable + even of arming an assassin? + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I must warn Daniel!” she exclaimed, “I must warn him, and not lose a + minute.” + </p> + <p> + And, although she had written him a long letter only the day before, she + wrote again, begging him to be watchful, to mistrust everybody, because + most assuredly his life was threatened. And this letter she carried + herself to the post-office, convinced as she was that to confide it to + Mrs. Chevassat would have been the same as to send it to M. de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + It was astonishing, however, how the estimable lady seemed to become day + by day more attached to Henrietta, and how expansive and demonstrative her + affections grew. At all hours of the day, and on the most trivial + pretexts, she would come up, sit down, and for entire hours entertain her + with her intolerable speeches. She did not put any restraint upon herself + any longer, but talked “from the bottom of her heart” with her “dear + little pussy-cat,” as if she had been her own daughter. The strange + doctrines at which she had formerly only hinted, she now proclaimed + without reserve, boasting of an open kind of cynicism, which betrayed a + terrible moral perversity. It looked as if the horrible Megsera had been + deputed by Henrietta’s enemies for the special purpose of demoralizing and + depraving her, if possible, and to drive her into the brilliant and easy + life of sin in which so many unhappy women perish. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately, in this case, the messenger was ill-chosen. The eloquence of + Mrs. Chevassat, which very likely would have inflamed the imagination of + some poor but ambitious girl, caused nothing but disgust in Henrietta’s + heart. She had gotten into the habit of thinking of other things while the + old woman was holding forth; and her noble soul floated off to regions + where these vulgarities could reach her no more. + </p> + <p> + Her life was, nevertheless, a very sad one. She never went out, spending + her days in her chamber, reading, or working at a great embroidery, a + masterpiece of patience and taste, which she had undertaken with a faint + hope that it might become useful in case of distress. But a new source of + trouble roused her soon after from this dull monotony. Her money grew less + and less; and at last the day came when she changed the last gold-piece of + her nine hundred francs. It became urgent to resort once more to the + pawnbroker; for these were the first days of April, and the honeyed words + of Mrs. Chevassat had given her to understand that she had better get + ready to pay on the 8th her rent, which amounted to a hundred francs. + </p> + <p> + She intrusted therefore to the concierge the remaining ring to be pawned. + Calculating from the sum she had received for the first ring, she hoped to + obtain for this one, at the very least, five or six hundred francs. + </p> + <p> + The concierge brought her one hundred and ninety francs. + </p> + <p> + At first, she was convinced the man had robbed her; and she gave him to + understand that she thought so. But he showed her the receipt in a perfect + rage. + </p> + <p> + “Look there,” he said, “and remember to whom you are talking!” + </p> + <p> + On the receipt she read in fact these words: “Advanced, two hundred + francs.” Convinced of the injustice of her accusations, Henrietta had to + make her apologies, and hardly succeeded by means of a ten-franc-piece in + soothing the man’s wounded feelings. + </p> + <p> + Alas! the poor girl did not know that one is always at liberty to pledge + an article only for a given sum, a part of its real value; and she was too + inexperienced in such matters to notice the reference to that mode of + pawning on her receipt. However, it was one of those mishaps for poor + Henrietta which cannot be mended, and from which we never recover. She + lost two months’ existence, the very time, perhaps, that was needed till + Daniel’s return. Still the day when the rent was due came, and she paid + her hundred francs. The second day after that, she was once more without + money, and, according to Mrs. Chevassat’s elegant expression, forced to + “live on her poor possessions.” But the pawnbroker had too cruelly + disappointed her calculations: she would not resort to him again, and risk + a second disappointment. + </p> + <p> + This time she thought she would, instead of pawning, sell, her gold- + dressing-case; and she requested the obliging lady below to procure her a + purchaser. At first Mrs. Chevassat raised a host of objections. + </p> + <p> + “To sell such a pretty toy!” she said, “it’s murder! Just think, you’ll + never see it again. If, on the other hand, you carry it to ‘Uncle’ you can + take it out again as soon as you have a little money.” + </p> + <p> + But she lost her pains, she saw and at last consented to bring up a kind + of dealer in toilet-articles, an excellent honest man, she declared, in + whom one could put the most absolute confidence. And he really showed + himself worthy of her warm recommendation; for he offered instantly five + hundred francs for the dressing-case, which was not worth much more than + three times as much. Nor was this his last bid. After an hour’s irritating + discussions, after having ten times pretended to leave the room, he drew + with many sighs his <i>portemonnaie</i> from its secret home, and counted + upon the table the seven hundred francs in gold upon which Henrietta had + stoutly insisted. + </p> + <p> + That was enough to pay Mrs. Chevassat for four months’ board. + </p> + <p> + “But no,” said the poor young girl to herself, “that would be + pusillanimous in the highest degree.” + </p> + <p> + And that very evening she summoned all her courage, and told the + formidable woman in a firm tone of voice, that henceforth she would only + take one meal, dinner. She had chosen this half-way measure in order not + to avoid a scene, for that she knew she could not hope for, but a regular + falling-out. + </p> + <p> + Contrary to all expectations, the concierge’s wife appeared neither + surprised nor angry. She only shrugged her shoulders as she said,— + </p> + <p> + “As you like, my ‘little pussy-cat.’ Only believe me, it is no use + economizing in one’s eating.” + </p> + <p> + From the day of this <i>coup d’etat</i>, Henrietta went down every morning + herself to buy her penny-roll and the little supply of milk which + constituted her breakfast. For the rest of the day she did not leave her + room, busying herself with her great work; and nothing broke in upon the + distressing monotony of her life but the weekly visits of M. de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + For he did not forget his threat; and every week Henrietta was sure to see + him come. He came in with a solemn air, and coldly asked if she had + reflected since he had had the honor of presenting his respects to her. + She did not answer him ordinarily, except by a look of contempt; but he + did not seem in the least disconcerted. He bowed respectfully, and + invariably said, before leaving the room,— + </p> + <p> + “Next time, then; I can wait. Oh! I have time; I can wait.” + </p> + <p> + If he hoped thus to conquer Henrietta more promptly, he was entirely + mistaken. This periodical insult acted only as an inducement to keep up + her wrath and to increase her energy. Her pride rose at the thought of + this unceasing struggle; and she swore that she would be victorious. It + was this sentiment which inspired her with a thought, which, in its + results, was destined to have a decisive influence on her future. + </p> + <p> + It was now the end of June, and she saw with trembling her little treasure + grow smaller and smaller; when one day she asked Mrs. Chevassat, who + seemed to be of unusually good-humor, if she could not procure her some + work. She told her that she was considered quite skilful in all kinds of + needlework. + </p> + <p> + But the woman laughed at the first words, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Leave me alone! Are hands like yours made to work?” + </p> + <p> + And when Henrietta insisted, and showed her, as a proof of what she could + do, the embroidery which she had commenced, she replied,— + </p> + <p> + “That is very pretty; but embroidering from morning till night would not + enable a fairy to keep a canary-bird.” + </p> + <p> + There was probably some truth in what she said, exaggerated as it sounded; + and the poor girl hastened to add that she understood other kinds of work + also. She was a first-class musician, for instance, and fully able to give + music-lessons, or teach singing, if she could only get pupils. At these + words a ray of diabolic satisfaction lighted up the old woman’s eyes; and + she cried out,— + </p> + <p> + “What, my ‘pussy-cat,’ could you play dancing-music, like those artists + who go to the large parties of fashionable people?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that is a talent worth something! Why did you not tell me before? I + will think of it, and you shall see.” + </p> + <p> + On the next Saturday, early in the morning, she appeared in Henrietta’s + room with the bright face of a bearer of good news. + </p> + <p> + “I have thought of you,” she said as soon as she entered. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” + </p> + <p> + “We have a tenant in the house who is going to give a large party + to-night. I have mentioned you to her; and she says she will give you + thirty francs if you will make her guests jump. Thirty francs! That’s a + big sum; and besides, if they are pleased, you will get more customers.” + </p> + <p> + “In what part of the house does she live?” + </p> + <p> + “In the second story of the back building, looking upon the yard. Mrs. + Hilaire, a very nice person, and so good! there is no one like her. You + would have to be there at nine o’clock precisely.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll come.” + </p> + <p> + Quite happy, and full of hope, Henrietta spent a part of the afternoon in + mending her only dress, a black silk dress, much worn unfortunately, and + already often repaired. Still, by much skill and patience, she had managed + to look quite respectable when she rang the bell at Mrs. Hilaire’s door. + She was shown into a room furnished with odd furniture, but brilliantly + lighted, in which seven or eight ladies in flaming costumes, and as many + fashionable gentlemen, were smoking and taking coffee. Both ladies and + gentlemen had just risen from table; there was no mistaking it from their + eyes and the sound of their voices. + </p> + <p> + “Look! there is the musician from the garret!” exclaimed a large, + dark-skinned woman, pretty, but very vulgar, who seemed to be Mrs. + Hilaire. + </p> + <p> + And, turning to Henrietta, she asked,— + </p> + <p> + “Will you take a little glass of something, my darling?” + </p> + <p> + The poor girl blushed crimson, and, painfully embarrassed, declined, and + asked pardon for declining; when the lady broke in rather rudely, and + said,— + </p> + <p> + “You are not thirsty? Very well. You’ll drink after some time. In the + meantime will you play us a quadrille? and mark the time, please.” + </p> + <p> + Then imitating with distressing accuracy the barking voice of masters of + ceremonies at public balls, she called out,— + </p> + <p> + “Take your positions, take your positions: a quadrille!” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta had taken her seat at the piano. She turned her back to the + dancers; but she had before her a mirror, in which she saw every gesture + of Mrs. Hilaire and her guests. And then she became quite sure of what she + had suspected from the beginning. She understood into what company she had + been inveigled by the concierge’s wife. She had, however, sufficient + self-control to finish the quadrille. But, when the last figure had been + danced, she rose; and, walking up to the mistress of the house, said, + stammering painfully, and in extreme embarrassment,— + </p> + <p> + “Please excuse me, madam, I have to leave. I feel very unwell. I could not + play any more.” + </p> + <p> + “How funny!” cried one of the gentlemen. “Here is our ball at an end!” + </p> + <p> + But the young woman said,— + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Julius! Don’t you see how pale she is,—pale like death, the + poor child! What is the matter with you, darling? Is it the heat that + makes you feel badly? It is stifling hot here.” + </p> + <p> + And, when Henrietta was at the door, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, wait! I do not trouble people for nothing. Come, Julius, turn your + pockets inside out, and give the little one a twenty-franc-piece.” + </p> + <p> + The poor girl was almost outside, when she turned, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, madam; but you owe me nothing.” + </p> + <p> + It was high time for Henrietta to leave. Her first surprise had been + followed by mad anger, which drove the blood to her head, and made her + weep bitter tears. She knew now that Mrs. Chevassat had caught her in this + trap. What could the wretched woman have meant? + </p> + <p> + Carried away by an irresistible impulse, and no longer mistress of + herself, Henrietta rushed down stairs, and broke like a whirlwind into the + little box of the concierge, crying out,— + </p> + <p> + “How could you dare to send me to such people? You knew all about it. You + are a wretch!” + </p> + <p> + Master Chevassat was the first to rise, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter? Do you know to whom you are talking?” + </p> + <p> + But his wife interrupted him with a gesture, and, turning to Henrietta, + said with cynic laughter,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, what next? Are these people not good enough for you; eh? In the + first place, I am tired of your ways, my ‘pussy-cat.’ When one is a + beggar, as you are, one stays at home like a good girl; and one does not + run away with a young man, and gad about the world with lovers.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon she took advantage of the fact that Henrietta had paused upon + the threshold, to push her brutally out of the room at the risk of + throwing her down, and fiercely banged the door. An hour afterwards the + poor girl vehemently reproached herself for her passion. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” she said to herself, weeping, “the weak, the unhappy, have no + right to complain. Who knows what this wicked woman will now do to avenge + herself?” + </p> + <p> + She found it out the second day afterwards. + </p> + <p> + Coming down a little before seven o’clock, in order to buy her roll and + her milk for breakfast, she met at the entrance-door Mrs. Hilaire, face to + face. At the sight of the poor girl, that irascible woman turned as red as + a poppy, and, rushing up to her, seized her by the arm, and shook it + furiously, crying out at the same time with the full force of her lungs,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, it is you, miserable beggar, who go and tell stories on me! Oh, what + wickedness! A beggar whom I had sent for to allow her to earn thirty + francs! And I must needs think she is sick, and pity her, and ask Julius + to give her a twenty-franc-piece.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta felt that she ought not to blame this woman, who, after all, had + shown her nothing but kindness. But she was thoroughly frightened, and + tried to get away. The woman, however, held her fast, and cried still + louder, till several tenants came to the open windows. + </p> + <p> + “They’ll make you pay for that, my darling,” she yelled, amid foul oaths, + which her wrath carried along with it, as a torrent floats down stones and + debris. “They’ll make you pay for it! You’ll have to clear out of here, I + tell you!” + </p> + <p> + And the threat was not an idle one. That very afternoon the same + lamentable scene was repeated; and so it went on every morning and every + day. Mrs. Hilaire had friends in the house, who took up the quarrel, and + fell upon Henrietta whenever she appeared. They lay in wait for her by + turns; and she no sooner ventured upon the staircase than the shouts + began; so that the unfortunate girl no longer dared leave the house. Early + in the morning, as soon as the door was opened, she ran out to buy her + daily provisions; then, running up swiftly, she barricaded herself in her + chamber, and never stirred out again. + </p> + <p> + Surely, there was no lack of desire on her part to leave the house. But + where should she go? Besides, the unknown frightened her; might it not + have still greater terrors in reserve for her? + </p> + <p> + At last she was entirely without money. + </p> + <p> + In July her rent had cost her a hundred francs, and she had been compelled + to buy a dress in place of her merino dress, which was falling to pieces. + In the first days of August she was at the end of her resources. Nor would + she have been able to make them last so long, even if she had not, ever + since that evening at Mrs. Hilaire’s, done entirely without the expensive + board of Mrs. Chevassat. Even this rupture, at which Henrietta had at + first rejoiced, became now to her a source of overwhelming trouble. She + had still a few things that she might sell,—a brooch, her cashmere, + her watch, and her ear-rings; but she did not know how and to whom she + could sell them. + </p> + <p> + All the stories by which the wicked woman down stairs had tried to + frighten her from going herself to the pawnbroker came back to her mind; + and she saw herself, at the first attempt, arrested by the police, + examined, and carried back to her father, handed over to Sarah and Sir + Thorn, and— + </p> + <p> + Still want pressed her hard; and at last, after long hesitation, one + evening, at dark, she slipped out to find a purchaser. What she was + looking for was one of those dark little shops in which men lie in wait + for their prey, whom the police always suspects, and carefully watches. + She found one such as she desired. An old woman with spectacles on her + nose, without even asking her name, and evidently taking her to be a + thief, gave her, for her brooch and her ear-rings, a hundred and forty + francs. + </p> + <p> + What was this sum of money? A nothing; Henrietta understood that + perfectly. And hence, overcoming all her reserve and her reluctance, she + vowed she would try every thing in her power to obtain work. + </p> + <p> + She kept her word, sustained by a secret hope of triumphing, by dint of + energy and perseverance, over fate itself. She went from store to store, + from door to door, so to say, soliciting employment, as she would have + asked for alms, promising to do any thing that might be wanted, in return + merely for her board and lodging. But it was written that every thing + should turn against her. Her beauty, her charms, her distinguished + appearance, her very manner of speaking, were so many obstacles in her + way. Who could think of engaging a girl as a servant, who looked like a + duchess? So that all her prayers only met with cold faces, shrugging of + shoulders, and ironical smiles. She was refused everywhere. It is true + that now and then some gallant clerk replied to her application by a + declaration of love. + </p> + <p> + Chance had thrown into her hands one of those small handbills which + bill-stickers paste upon the gutters, and in which workwomen are “wanted.” + Henceforth she spent her days in looking up these handbills, and in going + to places from which they were issued. But here she met with the same + difficulties. There was no end of questions. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you? Where have you been? By whom have you been employed?” and + finally, always the same distressing answer,— + </p> + <p> + “We cannot employ persons like you.” + </p> + <p> + Then she went to an employment agency. She had noticed one which displayed + at the door a huge placard, on which places were offered from thirty-five + up to a thousand francs a month. She went up stairs. A very loquacious + gentleman made her first deposit a considerable sum, and then told her he + had exactly what she wanted. She went ten times back to the office, and + always in vain. After an eleventh appointment, he gave her the address of + two houses, in one of which he assured her she would certainly be + employed. These two houses turned out to be two small shops, where pretty + young ladies were wanted to pour out absinthe, and to wait upon the + customers. + </p> + <p> + This was Henrietta’s last effort. For ten months she had now been + struggling with a kind of helpless fury against inconquerable + difficulties, and at last the springs of her energy had lost their + elasticity. Now, crushed in body and mind, overwhelmed and conquered, she + gave up. + </p> + <p> + It lacked still eighteen months before she would become of age. Since she + had escaped from her father’s house, she had not received a line from + Daniel, although she had constantly written to him, and she had, of + course, no means of ascertaining the date of his return. She had once, + following M. de Brevan’s advice, summoned courage enough to go to the navy + department, and there to inquire if they had any news about “The + Conquest.” A clerk had replied to her, with a joke, that “The Conquest” + might be afloat yet “a year or two.” How could the poor girl wait till + then? Why should she any longer maintain the useless struggle? She felt + acute pains in her chest; she coughed; and, after walking a few yards, her + legs gave way under her, and she broke out in cold perspiration. She now + spent her days almost always in bed, shivering with chills, or plunged in + a kind of stupor, during which her mind was filled with dismal visions. + She felt as if the very sources of life were drying up within her, and as + if all her blood was, drop by drop, oozing out of her through an open + wound. + </p> + <p> + “If I could die thus!” she thought. + </p> + <p> + This was the last favor she asked of God. Henceforth, a miracle alone + could save her; and she hardly wished to be saved. A perfect indifference + and intense distaste of every thing filled her soul. She thought she had + exhausted all that man can suffer; and there was nothing left for her to + fear. + </p> + <p> + A last misfortune which now befell her did not elicit even a sigh from + her. One afternoon, while she had been down stairs, she had left the + window open. The wind had suddenly sprung up, slammed the blinds, and thus + upset a chair. On this chair hung her cashmere; it fell into the + fireplace, in which a little fire was still burning; and when she came + back she found the shawl half-burnt to ashes. It was the only article of + value which she still possessed; and she might at any time have procured + several hundred francs for it. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” she said, “what does it matter? It means three months taken from + my life; that is all.” + </p> + <p> + And she did not think of it any more; she did not even trouble herself + about the rent, which became due in October. + </p> + <p> + “I shall not be able to pay it,” she said to herself. “Mrs. Chevassat will + give me notice, and then the hour will have come.” + </p> + <p> + Still, to her great surprise, the worthy woman from below did not scold + her for not having the money ready, and even promised she would make the + owner of the house give her time. This inexplicable forbearance gave + Henrietta a week’s respite. But at last, one morning, she woke up, having + not a cent left, having nothing even, she thought, that she could get + money for, and being very hungry. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” she thought, as if announcing to her own soul that the catastrophe + had at last come, “all I need now is a few minutes’ courage.” + </p> + <p> + She said so in her mind; but in reality she was chilled to the heart by + the fearful certainty that the crisis had really come: she felt as if the + executioner were at the door of the room, ready to announce her sentence + of death. And yet, for a month now, she had thought of suicide only; and + the evening before she had thought it over with a kind of delight. + </p> + <p> + “I am surely not such a coward?” she said to herself in a fit of rage. + </p> + <p> + Yes, she was afraid. Yes, she told herself in vain that there was no other + choice left to her but that between death and Sir Thorn, or M. de Brevan. + She was terrified. + </p> + <p> + Alas! she was only twenty years old; she had never felt such exuberance of + life within her; she wanted to live,—to live a month more, a week, a + day! + </p> + <p> + If only her shawl had not been burnt! Then, examining with haggard eyes + her chamber, she saw that exquisite piece of embroidery which she had + undertaken. It was a dress, covered <i>all</i> over with work of + marvellous delicacy and exquisite outlines. Unfortunately, it was far from + being finished. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind!” she said to herself; “perhaps they will give me something + for it.” + </p> + <p> + And, wrapping the dress up hastily, she hurried to offer it for sale to + the old woman who had already bought her ear-rings, and then her watch. + The fearful old hag seemed to be overcome with surprise when she saw this + marvel of skill. + </p> + <p> + “That’s very fine,” she said; “why, it is magnificent! and, if it were + finished, it would be worth a mint of money; but as it is no one would + want it.” + </p> + <p> + She consented, however, to give twenty francs for it, solely from love of + art, she said; for it was money thrown away. These twenty francs were, for + Henrietta, an unexpected release. + </p> + <p> + “It will last me a month,” she thought, determined to live on dry bread + only; “and who can tell what a month may bring forth?” + </p> + <p> + And this unfortunate girl had an inheritance from her mother of more than + a million! If she had but known it, if she had but had a single friend to + advise her in her inexperience! But she had been faithful to her vow never + to let her secret be known to a living soul; and the most terrible anguish + had never torn from her a single complaint. + </p> + <p> + M. de Brevan knew this full well; for he had continued his weekly visits + with implacable regularity. This perseverance, which had at first served + to maintain Henrietta’s courage, had now become a source of unspeakable + torture. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I shall be avenged!” she said to him one day. “Daniel will come + back.” + </p> + <p> + But he, shrugging his shoulders, had answered,— + </p> + <p> + “If you count upon that alone, you may as well surrender, and become my + wife at once.” + </p> + <p> + She turned her head from him with an expression of ineffable disgust. + Rather the icy arms of Death! And still the pulsations of her heart were + apparently counted. Since the end of November her twenty francs had been + exhausted; and to prolong her existence she had had to resort to the last + desperate expedients of extreme poverty. All that she possessed, all that + she could carry from her chamber without being stopped by the concierge, + she had sold, piece by piece, bit after bit, for ten cents, for five + cents, for a roll. Her linen had been sacrificed first; then the covering + of her bed, her curtains, her sheets. The mattress had gone the way of the + rest,—the wool from the inside first, carried off by handfuls; then + the ticking. + </p> + <p> + Thus, on the 25th of December, she found herself in a chamber as utterly + denuded as if a fire had raged there; while she herself had on her body + but a single petticoat under her thin alpaca dress, without a rag to cover + herself in these wintry nights. Two evenings before, when terror triumphed + over her resolution for a time, she had written her father a long letter. + He had made no reply. Last night she had again written in these words:— + </p> + <p> + “I am hungry, and I have no bread. If by tomorrow at noon you have not + come to my assistance, at one o’clock you will have ceased to have a + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + Tortured by cold and hunger, emaciated, and almost dying, she had waited + for an answer. At noon nothing had come. She gave herself time till four + o’clock. Four o’clock, and no answer. + </p> + <p> + “I must make an end of it,” she said to herself. + </p> + <p> + Her preparations had been made. She had told the Cerberus below that she + would be out all the evening; and she had procured a considerable stock of + charcoal. She wrote two letters,—one to her father, the other to M. + de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + After that she closed hermetically all the openings in her room, kindled + two small fires, and, having commended her soul to God, stretched herself + out on her bed. It was five o’clock. + </p> + <p> + A dense, bitter vapor spread slowly through the room; and the candle + ceased to give a visible light. Then she felt as if an iron screw were + tightening on her temples. She was suffocating, and felt a desire to + sleep; but in her stomach she suffered intense pains. + </p> + <p> + Then strange and incoherent thoughts arose deliriously in her head; her + ears were filled with confused noises; her pulse beat with extraordinary + vehemence; nausea nearly convulsed her; and from time to time she fancied + terrific explosions were breaking her skull to pieces. + </p> + <p> + The candle went out. Maddened by a sensation of dying, she tried to rise; + but she could not. She wanted to cry; but her voice ended in a rattle in + her throat. + </p> + <p> + Then her ideas became utterly confused. Respiration ceased. It was all + over. She was suffering no longer. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XX. + </h2> + <p> + Thus a few minutes longer, and all was really over. Count Ville- Handry’s + daughter was dying! Count Ville-Handry’s daughter was dead! + </p> + <p> + But at that very hour the tenant of the fourth story, Papa Ravinet, the + second-hand dealer, was going to his dinner. If he had gone down as + usually, by the front staircase, no noise would have reached him. But + Providence was awake. That evening he went down the back stairs, and heard + the death-rattle of the poor dying girl. In our beautiful egotistical + days, many a man, in the place of this old man, would not have gone out of + his way. He, on the contrary, hurried down to inform the concierge. Many a + man, again, would have been quieted by the apparent calmness of the + Chevassat couple, and would have been satisfied with their assurance that + Henrietta was not at home. He, however, insisted, and, in spite of the + evident reluctance of the concierge and his wife, compelled them to go up, + and brought out, by his words first, and then by his example, one tenant + after another. + </p> + <p> + It was he likewise, who, while the concierge and the other people were + deliberating, directed what was to be done for the dying girl, and who + hastened to fetch from his magazine a mattress, sheets, blankets, wood to + make a fire, in fact, every thing that was needed in that bare chamber. + </p> + <p> + A few moments later Henrietta opened her eyes. Her first sensation was a + very strange one. + </p> + <p> + In the first place she was utterly amazed at feeling that she was in a + warm bed,—she who had, for so many days, endured all the tortures of + bitter cold. Then, looking around, she was dazzled by the candles that + were burning on her table, and the beautiful, bright fire in her + fireplace. And then she looked with perfect stupor at all the women whom + she did not know, and who were bending over her, watching her movements. + </p> + <p> + Had her father at last come to her assistance? + </p> + <p> + No, for he would have been there; and she looked in vain for him among all + these strange people. + </p> + <p> + Then, understanding from some words which were spoken close by her, that + it was to chance alone she owed her rescue from death, she was filled with + indescribable grief. + </p> + <p> + “To have suffered all that can be suffered in dying,” she said to herself, + “and then not to die after all!” + </p> + <p> + She almost had a feeling of hatred against all these people who were + busying themselves around her. Now that they had brought her back to life, + would they enable her to live? + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, she distinguished very clearly what was going on in her + room. She recognized the wealthy ladies from the first story, who had + stayed to nurse her, and between them Mrs. Chevassat, who assumed an air + of great activity, while she explained to them how Henrietta had deceived + her affectionate heart in order to carry out her fatal purpose. + </p> + <p> + “You see, I did not dream of any thing,” she protested in a whining tone. + “A poor little pussy-cat, who was always merry, and this morning yet sang + like a bird. I thought she might be a little embarrassed, but never + suspected such misery. You see, ladies, she was as proud as a queen, and + as haughty as the weather. She would rather have died than ask for + assistance; for she knew she had only a word to say to me. Did I not + already, in October, when I saw she would not be able to pay her rent, + become responsible for her?” + </p> + <p> + And thereupon the infamous hypocrite bent over the poor girl, kissed her + on her forehead, and said with a tender tone of voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Did you not love me, dear little pussy-cat; did not you? I know you loved + poor old Mrs. Chevassat.” + </p> + <p> + Unable to articulate a word, even if she had understood what was said, + poor Henrietta shivered, shrank with horror and disgust from the contact + with those lying lips. And the emotion which this feeling caused her did + more for her than all the attentions that were paid her. Still, it was + only after the doctor, who had been sent for, had come and bled her, that + she was restored to the full use of her faculties. Then she thanked, in a + very feeble voice, the people around her, assuring them that she felt much + better now, and might safely be left alone. + </p> + <p> + The two wealthy ladies, whom curiosity had carried off at the moment when + they were sitting down to dinner, did not wait for more, and, very happy + to be released, slipped away at once. But the concierge’s wife remained by + Henrietta’s bedside till she was alone with her victim; and then every + thing changed in her face, tone of voice, look, and manner. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” she commenced, “now you are happy, miss! You have advertised my + house, and it will all be in the papers. Everybody will pity you, and + think your lover a cold-blooded villain, who lets you die of starvation.” + </p> + <p> + The poor young girl deprecated the charge with such a sweet, gentle + expression of face, that a savage would have been touched; but Mrs. + Chevassat was civilized. + </p> + <p> + “And still you know very well,” she went on in a bitter tone, “that dear + M. Maxime has done all he could to save you. Only day before yesterday, he + offered you his whole fortune”— + </p> + <p> + “Madam,” stammered Henrietta, “have you no mercy?” + </p> + <p> + Mercy—Mrs. Chevassat! What a joke! + </p> + <p> + “You would take nothing,” she continued, “from M. Maxime. Why, I ask you? + To play the virtuous woman, was it? It was hardly worth while, if you + meant, immediately afterwards, to accept that old miser, who will make + life hard enough for you. Ah, you have fallen into nice hands!” + </p> + <p> + Gathering up all the strength that had come back to her, Henrietta raised + herself on the pillows, and asked,— + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, nothing! I see. After all, you would have it so. Besides, he had been + looking after you a long time already.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as Henrietta opened her eyes, Papa Ravinet had discreetly + withdrawn, in order to leave the ladies, who were about her, time to + undress her. Thus she had not seen the man who had saved her, and did not + understand the allusions of the old woman. + </p> + <p> + “Explain, madam, explain!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, upon my word! that is not difficult. The man who has pulled you out, + who has brought you all these things to make your bed, and kindle a fire; + why, that is the second-hand dealer of the fourth story! And he will not + stop there, I am sure. Patience, and you will know well enough what I + mean.” + </p> + <p> + It must be borne in mind, that the woman, for fear Henrietta might sell to + Papa Ravinet what she had to sell, or for some other reason, had always + painted the old man to her in colors by no means flattering. + </p> + <p> + “What ought I to be afraid of?” asked Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + The woman hesitated. At last she answered,— + </p> + <p> + “If I were to tell you, you would repeat it to him when he comes back.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I promise you.” + </p> + <p> + “Swear it on your mother’s sacred memory.” + </p> + <p> + “I swear.” + </p> + <p> + Thus reassured, the old woman came close up to her bed; and, in an + animated but low voice, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, I mean this: if you accept now what Papa Ravinet will offer you, in + six months you will be worse than any of Mrs. Hilaire’s girls. Ah! don’t + tell me ‘I do not mean to touch him.’ The old rascal has ruined more than + one who was just as good as you are. That’s his business; and, upon my + word! he understands it. Now, forewarned, forearmed. I am going down to + make you a soup. I’ll be back at night. And above all, you hear, not a + word!” + </p> + <p> + By one word Mrs. Chevassat had plunged Henrietta once more into an abyss + of profound despair. + </p> + <p> + “Great God!” she said to herself, “why must the generous assistance of + this old man be a new snare for me?” + </p> + <p> + With her elbow resting on her pillow, her forehead supported by her hand, + her eyes streaming with tears, she endeavored to gather her ideas, which + seemed to be scattered to the four winds, like the leaves of trees after a + storm; when a modest, dry cough aroused her from her meditations. + </p> + <p> + She trembled, and raised her head. + </p> + <p> + In the framework of the open door stood a man of mature age and of medium + height, looking at her. + </p> + <p> + It was Papa Ravinet, who, after a long conversation with the concierge, + and after some words with his amiable wife, had come up to inquire after + his patient. She guessed at it, rather than she knew; for, although she + lived in the same house with him, she was not in the same part of the + building, and she scarcely recollected having caught a glimpse of him now + and then in crossing the yard. + </p> + <p> + “That,” she thought, “is the man who plots my ruin, the wretch whom I am + to avoid.” + </p> + <p> + Now, it is true that this man, with his mournful face, his huge, brushlike + eyebrows, and his small, yellow eyes, startling by their incessant + activity, had for the observer something enigmatical about him, and + therefore did not inspire much confidence. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, Henrietta thanked him none the less heartily, although + greatly embarrassed, for his readiness to help her, his kind care, and his + generosity in providing every thing she wanted. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you owe me no thanks,” he said. “I have only done my duty, and that + very imperfectly.” + </p> + <p> + And at once, in a rather grim manner, he began to tell her that what he + had done was nothing in comparison with what he meant to do. He had but + too well guessed what had led Henrietta to attempt suicide; he had only to + look around her room. But he swore she should have nothing more to fear + from want as long as he was there. + </p> + <p> + But, the more earnest and pressing the good man became in his + protestations, the more Henrietta drew back within her usual reserve; her + mind being filled with the prejudices instilled by Mrs. Chevassat. + Fortunately he was a clever man, the old dealer; and by means of not + saying what might shock her, and by saying much that could not fail to + touch her, he gradually regained his position. He almost conquered her + when he returned to her the letters she had written before making her + dreadful preparations, and when she saw that they looked unhurt, and + sealed as before. Thus, when he left her, after half an hour’s diplomatic + intercourse, he had obtained from the poor young girl the promise that she + would not renew the attempt at her life, and that she would explain to him + by what fatal combination of circumstances she had been reduced to such + extreme suffering. + </p> + <p> + “You would not hesitate,” he said, “if you knew how easy it often is, by a + little experience, to arrange the most difficult matters.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta did not hesitate. A thought which had occurred to her as soon as + she found herself alone had brought her to this conclusion: “If Papa + Ravinet were really what Mrs. Chevassat says, that bad woman would not + have warned me against him. If she tries to keep me from accepting the old + man’s assistance, she no doubt finds it to her advantage that I should do + so.” + </p> + <p> + When she tried, after that, to examine as coolly as she could the probable + consequences of her decision, she found enormous chances in her favor. If + Papa Ravinet was sincere, she might be enabled to wait for Daniel; if he + was not sincere, what did she risk? She who had not feared death itself + need not fear any thing else. Lucretia’s dagger will always protect a + brave woman’s liberty. + </p> + <p> + But still, in spite of the pressing need she had for rest, her promise + kept her awake for the greater part of the night; for she passed in her + mind once more over the whole lamentable story of her sufferings, and + asked herself what she might confess to, and what she ought to withhold + from the old dealer. Had he not already discovered, by the address of one + of her letters, that she was the daughter of Count Ville-Handry? And just + that she would have liked to keep him from knowing. On the other hand, was + it not foolish to ask the advice of a man to whom we will not confess the + whole truth? + </p> + <p> + “I must tell him all,” she said, “or nothing.” And, after a moment’s + reflection, she added,—“I will tell him all, and keep nothing back.” + She was in this disposition, when in the morning, about nine o’clock, Papa + Ravinet reappeared in her room. He looked very pale, the old man; and the + expression of his face, and the tone of his voice, betrayed an emotion + which he could scarcely control, together with deep anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” he asked forgetting in his preoccupation to inquire even how the + poor girl had passed the night. + </p> + <p> + She shook her head sadly, and replied, pointing to a chair,— + </p> + <p> + “I have made up my mind, sir; sit down, please, and listen to me.” The old + dealer had been fully convinced that Henrietta would come to that; but he + had not hoped for it so soon. He could not help exclaiming, “At last!” and + intense, almost delirious joy shone in his eyes. Even this joy seemed to + be so unnatural, that the young girl was made quite uncomfortable by it. + Fixing her eyes upon the old man with all the power of observation of + which she was capable, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “I am fully aware that what I am about to do is almost unparalleled in + rashness. I put myself, to a certain extent, absolutely in your power, + sir,—the power of an utter stranger, of whom I am told I have every + thing to fear.” + </p> + <p> + “O miss!” he declared, “believe me”— + </p> + <p> + But she interrupted him, saying with great solemnity,— + </p> + <p> + “I think, if you were to deceive me, you would be the meanest and least of + men. I rely upon your honor.” + </p> + <p> + And then in a firm voice she began the account of her life, from that + fatal evening on which her father had said to her,— + </p> + <p> + “I have resolved, my daughter, to give you a second mother.” + </p> + <p> + The old dealer had taken a seat facing Henrietta, and listened, fixing his + eyes upon her face as if to enter into her thoughts, and to anticipate her + meaning. His face was all aglow with excitement, like the face of a + gambler who is watching the little white ball that is to make him a rich + man or a beggar. It looked almost as if he had foreseen the terrible + communication she was making, and was experiencing a bitter satisfaction + at finding his presentiments confirmed,— + </p> + <p> + As Henrietta was proceeding, he would murmur now and then,— + </p> + <p> + “That is so! Yes, of course that had to come next.” + </p> + <p> + And all these people whose abominable intrigues Henrietta was explaining + to him were apparently better known to him than to her, as if he had + frequently been in contact with them, or even lived in their intimacy. He + gave his judgment on each one with amazing assurance, as the occasion + presented itself, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! There I recognize Sarah and Mrs. Brian.” + </p> + <p> + Or,— + </p> + <p> + “Sir Thorn never does otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + Or, again,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is all over Maxime de Brevan.” + </p> + <p> + And, according to the different phases of the account, he would laugh + bitterly and almost convulsively, or he would break out in imprecations. + </p> + <p> + “What a trick!” he murmured with an accent of deep horror, “what an + infernal snare!” + </p> + <p> + At another point he turned deadly pale, and almost trembled on his chair, + as if he were feeling ill, and were about to fall. Henrietta was telling + him at that moment, from Daniel’s recital, the circumstances under which + M. de Kergrist had died, and Malgat had disappeared,—that poor + cashier who had left such an immense deficit behind; who had been + condemned to penal servitude; and whose body the police believed to have + found in a wood near Paris. But, as soon as the young girl had finished, + he rose all of a sudden, and cried out in a formidable voice,— + </p> + <p> + “I have them now, the wretches! this time I have them!” + </p> + <p> + And, breaking down under his excessive excitement, he sank into his chair, + covering his face with his hands. Henrietta was dumfounded; she looked + aghast at the old man, in whom she now placed all her hopes. Already, the + night before, she had had some suspicions that he was not what he seemed + to be; now she was quite sure. But who was he? She had nothing to go by to + solve that riddle. + </p> + <p> + This only she thought she saw clearly, that Sarah Brandon, Mrs. Brian, and + M. Thomas Elgin, as well as M. de Brevan, had at some time or other come + in personal contact with Papa Ravinet, and that he hated them mortally. + </p> + <p> + “Unless he should try to deceive me,” she thought, not having quite shaken + off all doubts yet. + </p> + <p> + He had in the meantime mastered his emotion, and was regaining all his + composure. + </p> + <p> + “Let no one, henceforth, deny Providence!” he exclaimed. “Ah! fools and + idiots alone can do so. M. de Brevan had every reason to think that this + house would keep the secret of his crime as safe as the grave, and so + brought you here. And here it happens I must chance to live,—of all + men, I,—and he remain unaware of it! By a kind of miracle we are + brought together under the same roof,—you, the daughter of Count + Ville-Handry, and I, one after the other, without knowing each other; and, + at the very moment when this Brevan is about to triumph, Providence brings + us together, and this meeting ruins him!” + </p> + <p> + His voice betrayed his fierce joy at approaching vengeance; his sallow + cheeks flushed up; and his eyes shone brilliantly. + </p> + <p> + “For M. de Brevan was triumphing last night. The woman Chevassat, his + confederate, had watched you, and noticing your preparations for + committing suicide, had said to him, ‘Rejoice! at last we shall get rid of + her.’” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta shuddered, and stammered out,— + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible?” + </p> + <p> + Then the old man, looking at her half surprised, said,— + </p> + <p> + “What! after all you have seen of M. de Brevan, you have never suspected + him of meditating your death?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes! I sometimes thought so.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, this time you were right, madam. Ah! you do not know your enemies + yet. But I know them, I; for I have had a chance of measuring the depth of + their wickedness. And there your safety would lie, if you would follow my + advice.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet was evidently a little embarrassed. He said, however,— + </p> + <p> + “You see, madam, I shall have to ask you to trust me blindly.” + </p> + <p> + “I will trust you blindly.” + </p> + <p> + “It is of the utmost importance that you should escape out of reach of M. + de Brevan; he must lose every trace of you. You will, consequently, have + to leave this house.” + </p> + <p> + “I will leave it.” + </p> + <p> + “And in the way I say.” + </p> + <p> + “I will obey you in every point.” + </p> + <p> + The last shadow of trouble which had still overclouded the old dealer’s + brow vanished as if by magic. + </p> + <p> + “Then all will go well,” he said, rubbing his hands as if he were taking + off the skin; “and I guarantee the rest. Let us make haste to understand + each other; for I have been here a long time, and the woman Chevassat must + be on needles. Still, it is important she should not suspect that we are + acting in concert.” + </p> + <p> + As if afraid that an indiscreet ear might be listening at the door, he + drew his chair quite close to Henrietta’s bed, and whispered in a voice + but just audible to her,— + </p> + <p> + “As soon as I have turned my back that woman will come up, burning with + curiosity to know what has happened between us. You must pretend to be + very angry with me. Give her to understand that you think me a wicked old + man, who wants you to pay the price of infamy for the services I wish to + render to you.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta had turned crimson. Now she stammered out,— + </p> + <p> + “But, sir”— + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you dislike telling a falsehood?” + </p> + <p> + “You see—I cannot, I fear. It would not be easy to lie so as to + deceive Mrs. Chevassat.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, madam, you must! it cannot be helped. If you admit the absolute + necessity, you may succeed in misleading her. Remember that we must fight + the enemy with his own weapons.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I will try, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it. The rest, you will see, is a small matter. As soon as night + falls, you will dress, and watch for the moment when the concierge, as + usually, goes about the house lighting the gas. As soon as you see him on + the great staircase; you will make haste and run down. I shall take + measures to have the woman Chevassat either kept engaged, or out of the + house; and you will thus find it easy to slip out without being perceived. + Once in the street, you will turn to the right. At the corner of the + street, in front of the great Auction-Mart, you will see a cab standing, + with a plaid handkerchief like this hanging out of the window. Get into it + boldly; I’ll be inside. I do not know if I have made it all clear to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, perfectly, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Then we understand each other. Do you feel strong enough?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. You may rely on me.” + </p> + <p> + Every thing passed off just as the old dealer had foreseen; and Henrietta + played her part so well, that at night, when her disappearance was + discovered, Mrs. Chevassat was neither much surprised nor troubled. + </p> + <p> + “She was tired of life, the girl!” she said to her husband. “I saw it when + I was up there. We’ll see her again at the Morgue. As the charcoal did not + do the work, she has tried the water.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXI. + </h2> + <p> + Dear woman! She would not have gone to bed so quietly, nor have fallen + asleep so comfortably, if she had suspected the truth. + </p> + <p> + What gave her such perfect peace was the certainty she had, that Henrietta + had left the house bareheaded, with wretched, worn-out shoes on her feet, + with nothing but one petticoat, and her thin alpaca dress on her body. + Now, she was quite sure, that in such a state of destitution, and in this + cold December night, the poor young girl would soon be weary wandering + through the streets of Paris, and would be irresistibly drawn to the + waters of the Seine. + </p> + <p> + But it was by no means so. When Henrietta was alone, after the departure + of Papa Ravinet, she had only become confirmed in her determination to + trust in him blindly: she had even forborne to think it over, as she had, + humanly speaking, no other choice on earth. Thus, after having received + Mrs. Chevassat’s visit, and after having played the part assigned to her + by the old dealer, she rose, and, although quite exhausted yet, took her + place at the window to watch for the proper time. Four o’clock struck; + and, as it was growing dark, the concierge came out, with a light in his + hand, and went up the big staircase to light the lamps. + </p> + <p> + “Now is the time!” she said to herself. + </p> + <p> + And casting a last look at this wretched room, where she had suffered so + much, and wept so much, and where she had expected to die, she slipped + out. The back stairs were quite dark, and thus she was not recognized by + two persons whom she met. The court was deserted, and the concierge’s room + locked. She crossed the hall, and at one bound was in the street. Some + forty paces to the left she could see the place where Papa Ravinet was + waiting for her in his cab. She ran there, got in; and the driver, who had + received his instructions, whipped his horses as soon as he heard the door + shut. + </p> + <p> + “And now, sir,” she began, “where do you take me?” + </p> + <p> + By the light of the gas in the stores, which from time to time lighted up + the interior of the carriage, she could see the features of her neighbor. + He looked at her with manifest satisfaction; and a smile of friendly + malice played upon his lips. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he replied, “that is a great secret. But you will know soon, for the + man drives well.” + </p> + <p> + The poor horses went, indeed, as fast as if the dollar which the driver + had received had infused the noble blood of the fastest racer into their + veins. They drove down the whole long street at a furious rate, turned to + the right, and, after many more turns, stopped at last before a house of + modest appearance. Lightly and promptly, like a sheriff’s clerk, Papa + Ravinet jumped out; and, having aided Henrietta to alight, he offered her + his arm, and drew her into the house, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “You will see what a surprise I have in store for you.” + </p> + <p> + In the third story the old man stopped; and, drawing a key from his + pocket, he opened the door which faced the staircase. And, before she had + time to consider, Henrietta found herself gently pushed into a small + sitting-room, where a middle-aged lady was embroidering at a frame by the + light of a large copper lamp. + </p> + <p> + “Dear sister,” said Papa Ravinet, still in the door, “here is the young + lady of whom I spoke to you, and who does us the honor to accept our + hospitality.” + </p> + <p> + Slowly the elderly lady put her needle into the canvas, pushed back the + frame, and rose. + </p> + <p> + She seemed to be about fifty years old, and must have been beautiful + formerly. But age and sorrow had blanched her hair, and furrowed her face; + and the habit of silence and meditation seemed to have sealed her lips + forever. Her stern countenance, nevertheless, expressed kindliness. She + was dressed in black; and her costume betrayed a lady from a provincial + town. + </p> + <p> + “You are welcome, madam,” she said in a grave voice. “You will find in our + modest home that peace and that sympathy which you need.” + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Papa Ravinet had come forward; and, bowing to Henrietta, + he said,— + </p> + <p> + “I beg to present to you Mrs. Bertolle, my dearly beloved sister Mary, a + widow, and a saint, who has devoted herself to her brother, and who has + sacrificed to him every thing,—her fortune, her peace, and her + life.” + </p> + <p> + Ah! there was no mistaking the look with which the old man caressed the + old lady: he worshipped her. But she interrupted him, as if embarrassed by + his praise, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “You have told me so late, Anthony, that I have not been able to attend to + all of your orders. But the young lady’s room is ready, and if you choose”— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we must show her the way.” + </p> + <p> + The old lady having taken the lamp, after removing the screen, opened a + door which led from the parlor directly into a small, modestly furnished + room, which shone with exquisite tidiness, and which exhaled that fresh + odor of lavender so dear to all housekeepers from the country. The mirrors + and the furniture all glistened alike in the bright fire on the hearth; + and the curtains were as white as snow. + </p> + <p> + At one glance the old dealer had taken in every thing; and, after a smile + of gratitude addressed to his sister, he said to Henrietta,— + </p> + <p> + “This is your room, madam.” + </p> + <p> + The poor girl, all overcome, sought in vain for words to express her + gratitude. The old lady did not give her time. She showed her, spread out + on the bed, petticoats, white linen, stockings, a warm dressing- wrapper + of gray flannel with blue flowers, and at the foot a pair of slippers. + </p> + <p> + “This will answer for a change to-night, madam,” she said. “I have + provided what was most pressing; to-morrow we will see about the rest.” + </p> + <p> + Big tears, tears of happiness and gratitude, this time, rolled down + Henrietta’s pale cheeks. Oh, indeed! this was a surprise, and a delicious + one, which the ingenious foresight of her new friend had prepared for her. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you are so kind!” she said, giving her hands to brother and sister—“you + are so kind! How can I ever repay what you are doing for me?” + </p> + <p> + Then overcoming her emotion, and turning to Papa Ravinet, she added,— + </p> + <p> + “But pray, who are you, sir,—you who thus come to succor, a poor + young girl who is an utter stranger to you, doubling the value of your + assistance by your great delicacy?” + </p> + <p> + The old lady replied in his place,—“My brother, madam, is an + unfortunate man, who has paid for a moment’s forgetfulness of duty, with + his happiness, his prospects, and <i>his</i> very life. Do not question + him. Let him be for you what he is for all of us,—Anthony Ravinet, + dealer in curiosities.” + </p> + <p> + The voice of the old lady betrayed such great sorrow, silently endured, + that Henrietta looked ashamed, regretting her indiscretion. But the old + man at once said,— + </p> + <p> + “What I may say to you madam, is, that you owe me no gratitude,—no, + none whatever. What I do, my own interest commands me to do; and I deserve + no credit for it. Why do you speak of gratitude? It is I who shall forever + be under obligations to you for the immense service which you render me.” + </p> + <p> + He seemed to be inspired by his own words; his figure straightened up; his + eyes flashed fire; and he was on the point of letting, perhaps, some + secret escape him, when his sister interrupted him, saying reproachfully,— + </p> + <p> + “Anthony, Anthony!” + </p> + <p> + He stopped at once. Then he resumed,— + </p> + <p> + “You are right; you are right! I forget myself here; and I ought to be + already back in Water Street. It is of the utmost importance that that + woman Chevassat should not miss me a moment to-night.” + </p> + <p> + He was about to leave them, when the old lady held him back, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “You ought to go back, I know; only be careful! It is a miracle that M. de + Brevan has never met you and recognized you, during the year he has been + coming to the house in which you live. If such a misfortune should happen + now, our enemies might once more escape us. After the young lady’s + desperate act, he would not fail to recognize the man who has saved her. + What can you do to avoid meeting him?” + </p> + <p> + “I have thought of that danger,” he replied. “When I go back, I shall tell + the two Chevassats a little story, which will frighten them, so that they + will advise Brevan never to appear there, except at night, as he formerly + did.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he bowed to Henrietta, and went away with the words,— + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow we will consult with each other.” + </p> + <p> + The shipwrecked man who is saved at the last moment, when, strength and + spirits being alike exhausted, he feels himself sinking into the abyss, + cannot, upon feeling once more firm ground under his feet, experience a + sense of greater happiness than Henrietta did that night. For the + delicious sensation had become deeper and intenser by the evening spent in + company with Papa Ravinet’s sister. + </p> + <p> + The widow, free from embarrassment as from affectation, possessed a quiet + dignity which appeared in certain words and ways she had, and which made + Henrietta guess the principal events of her life. Ruined all of a sudden,—she + did not say how,—some months after the death of her husband, she, + who had been accustomed to all the comforts of opulence had seen herself + reduced to poverty, and all its privations. This had happened about five + years ago. Since then she had imposed upon herself the strictest economy, + although she never neglected her appearance. She had but one servant, who + came every morning to clean up the house; she herself did all the other + work, washing and ironing her own linen, cooking only twice a week, and + eating cold meat on the other days, as much to save money as to save time. + </p> + <p> + For her time had its value. She worked on her frame patterns for + embroideries, for which a fashionable store paid her very good prices. + There were days in summer when she earned three francs. + </p> + <p> + The blow had been a severe one; she did not conceal it. Gradually, + however, she had become reconciled to it, and taken up this habit of + economizing with unflinching severity, and down to the smallest details. + At present, she felt in these very privations a kind of secret + satisfaction which results from the sense of having accomplished a duty,—a + satisfaction all the greater, the harder the duty is. + </p> + <p> + What duty, she did not say. + </p> + <p> + “That lady is a noble creature among many!” said Henrietta to herself that + night, when she retired after a modest repast. + </p> + <p> + Still she could not get over the mystery which surrounded the lives of + these two personages, whom fate, relenting at last, had placed in her way. + What was the mystery in the past of this brother and sister? For there was + one; and, so far from trying to conceal it, they had begged Henrietta not + to inquire into it. And how was their past connected with her own past? + How could their future depend in any way on her own future? + </p> + <p> + But fatigue soon made an end to her meditations, and confused her ideas; + and, for the first time in two years, she fell asleep with a sense of + perfect security; she slept peacefully, without starting at the slightest + noise, without being troubled by silence, without wondering whether her + enemies were watching her, without suspecting the very walls of her room. + </p> + <p> + When she awoke next morning, calm and refreshed, it was broad daylight, + nearly ten o’clock; and a pale ray of the sun was playing over the + polished furniture. When she opened her eyes, she saw the dealer’s sister + standing at the foot of her bed, like a good genius who had been watching + over her slumbers. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how lazy I am!” she exclaimed with the hearty laugh of a child; for + she felt quite at home in this little bedroom, where she had only spent a + night; she felt as much at home here as in her father’s palace when her + mother was still alive; and it seemed to her as if she had lived here many + a year. + </p> + <p> + “My brother was here about half an hour ago to talk with you,” said the + old lady; “but we did not like to wake you. You needed repose so much! He + will be back in the evening, and dine with us.” + </p> + <p> + The bright smile which had lighted up Henrietta’s face went out instantly. + Absorbed in the happiness of the moment, she had forgotten every thing; + and these few words brought her back to the reality of her position, and + recalled to her the sufferings of the past and the uncertainty of the + future. + </p> + <p> + The good widow in the meantime assisted her in getting up; and they spent + the day together in the little parlor, busily cutting out and making up a + black silk dress for which Papa Ravinet had brought the material in the + morning, and which was to take the place of Henrietta’s miserable, + worn-out, alpaca dress. When the young girl had first seen the silk, she + had remembered all the kind widow had told her of their excessive economy, + and with difficulty only succeeded in checking her tears. + </p> + <p> + “Why should you go to such an expense?” she had said very sadly. “Would + not a woollen dress have done quite as well? The hospitality which you + offer me must in itself be quite a heavy charge upon you. I should never + forgive myself for becoming a source of still greater privations to such + very kind friends.” + </p> + <p> + But the old lady shook her head, and replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be afraid, child. We have money enough.” + </p> + <p> + They had just lighted the lamp, when they heard a key in the outer door; + and a moment later Papa Ravinet appeared. He was very red; and, although + it was freezing outdoors, he was streaming with perspiration. + </p> + <p> + “I am exhausted,” he said, sinking into, an armchair, and wiping his + forehead with his broad checkered handkerchief. “You cannot imagine how I + have been running about to-day! I wanted to take an omnibus to come home, + but they were all full.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta jumped up, and exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “You have been to see my father?” + </p> + <p> + “No, madam. A week ago already, Count Ville-Handry left his palace.” + </p> + <p> + A mad thought, the hope that her father might have separated from his + wife, crossed Henrietta’s mind. + </p> + <p> + “And the countess,” she asked,—“the Countess Sarah?” + </p> + <p> + “She has gone with her husband. They live in Peletier Street, in a modest + apartment just above the office of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Company. Sir + Thorn and Mrs. Brian are there also. They have only kept two servants,—Ernest, + the count’s valet, and a certain Clarissa.” + </p> + <p> + The name of the vile creature whose treachery had been one of the + principal causes of Henrietta’s misfortunes did not strike her ear. + </p> + <p> + “How could my father ever be induced to leave his home?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “He sold it, madam, ten days ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Great God! My father must be ruined!” + </p> + <p> + The old man bowed his head. + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” + </p> + <p> + Thus were the sad presentiments realized which she had felt when first she + had heard Count Ville-Handry speak of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Company. + But never, oh, never! would she have imagined so sudden a downfall. + </p> + <p> + “My father ruined!” she repeated, as if she were unable to realize the + precise meaning of these words. + </p> + <p> + “And only a year ago he had more than a hundred thousand dollars a year. + Six millions swallowed up in twelve months!—six millions!” + </p> + <p> + And as the enormous amount seemed to be out of all proportion to the + shortness of time, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “It cannot be. You must be mistaken, sir; they have misled you.” + </p> + <p> + A smile of bitter irony passed over the old dealer’s lips. He replied, as + if much puzzled by Henrietta’s doubts,— + </p> + <p> + “What, madam, you do not see yet? Alas! what I tell you is but too true; + and, if you want proofs”— + </p> + <p> + He drew a newspaper from his pocket and handed it to Henrietta, pointing + out to her on the first page an article marked with a red pencil. + </p> + <p> + “There!” he said. + </p> + <p> + It was one of those financial sheets which arise every now and then, and + which profess to teach the art of becoming rich in a very short time, + without running any risk. This paper bore a title calculated to reassure + its readers. It was called “Prudence.” Henrietta read aloud,— + </p> + <p> + “We shall never tire repeating to our subscribers the words which form our + motto and our heading, ‘Prudence, prudence! Do not trust new enterprises!’ + </p> + <p> + “Out of a hundred enterprises which appear in the market, it may safely be + said that sixty are nothing but the simplest kind of wells, into which the + capital of foolhardy speculators is sunk almost instantly. Out of the + remaining forty, twenty-five may be looked upon as suspicious enterprises, + partaking too much of gambling speculations. Among the last fifteen even, + a careful choice must be made before we find out the few that present safe + guarantees.” + </p> + <p> + The young girl paused, not understanding a word of all this stuff. But the + old man said,— + </p> + <p> + “That is only the honey of the preface, the sweet syrup intended to + conceal the bitterness of the medicine that is to follow. Go on, and you + will understand.” + </p> + <p> + She continued to read,— + </p> + <p> + “A recent event, we ought to say a recent disaster, has just confirmed our + doctrines, and justifies but too clearly our admonition to be careful. + </p> + <p> + “A company which started into existence last year with amazing suddenness, + which filled the whole world with its flaming advertisements, crowding the + newspapers, and decorating the street-corners,—a company which was + most surely to enrich its stockholders, is already no longer able to pay + the interest on its paid-up capital. + </p> + <p> + “As to the capital itself—but we will not anticipate events. + </p> + <p> + “All of our readers will have understood that we are speaking of the + Franco-American Society of Pennsylvania Oil-Wells, which for the last + eight days has been the subject of universal excitement. + </p> + <p> + “On ‘Change the shares of a hundred dollars are quoted at 4-to-5.” + </p> + <p> + Blinding tears prevented Henrietta from going on. “Great God!” she + exclaimed. “O God!” Then, mastering her weakness, she began once more to + read,— + </p> + <p> + “And yet if ever any company seemed to offer all the material and moral + guarantees which we can desire before risking our carefully saved + earnings, this company presented them. + </p> + <p> + “It had at its head a man who in his day was looked up to as a statesman + endowed with rare administrative talents, and whose reputation as a man of + sterling integrity seemed to lie above all suspicion. + </p> + <p> + “Need we say that this was the ‘high and mighty Count Ville-Handry’? + </p> + <p> + “Hence they did not spare this great and noble name, but proclaimed it + aloud on the housetops. It was the Count Ville-Handry here, and the Count + Ville-Handry there. He was to bestow upon the country a new branch of + industry. He was to change vile petroleum into precious gold. + </p> + <p> + “It was especially brought into notice that the noble count’s personal + fortune was nearly equal to the whole capital of the new company,—ten + millions. Hence he was risking his own money rather than the money of + others. + </p> + <p> + “It is now a year since these dazzling promises were made. What remains of + them all? Shares, worth five dollars yesterday, worth, perhaps, nothing at + all to-morrow, and a more than doubtful capital. + </p> + <p> + “Who could have expected in our day a new edition of Law’s Mississippi + Scheme?” + </p> + <p> + The paper fell from the hands of the poor girl. She had turned as pale as + death, and was staggering so, that Papa Ravinet’s sister took her in her + arms to support her. + </p> + <p> + “Horrible,” she murmured; “this is horrible!” Still she had not yet read + all. The old man picked up the paper, and read from another article, below + the lines which carried poison in every word, the following comments:— + </p> + <p> + “Two delegates of the stockholders of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Company + were to sail this morning from Brest for New York. + </p> + <p> + “These gentlemen have been sent out by their fellow-sufferers to examine + the lands on which the oil-wells are situated which constitute the only + security of the shareholders. Certain people have gone so far as to doubt + even the existence of such oil-wells.” + </p> + <p> + And in another place, under the head of local items:— + </p> + <p> + “The palace of Count Ville-Handry was sold last week. This magnificent + building, with the princely real estate belonging to it, was knocked down + to the highest bidder for the sum of one hundred and seventy-five thousand + dollars. The misfortune is, that house and lot are burdened with + mortgages, which amount together to nearly a hundred thousand dollars.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta was overcome, and had sunk into a chair. + </p> + <p> + “But that is simply infamous,” she stammered out in an almost inaudible + tone. “Nobody will believe such atrocious libels.” + </p> + <p> + Pale and deeply grieved, Papa Ravinet and his sister exchanged looks of + distress. Evidently the poor girl did not at all realize the terrible + nature of the circumstances. And yet, seeing her thus crushed, they did + not dare to enlighten her. At last the old dealer, knowing but too well + that uncertainty is more agonizing than the most painful reality, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Your father is fearfully calumniated. But I have tried to inform myself. + Two facts are but too certain. Count Ville-Handry is ruined; and the + shares of the company of which he is the president have fallen to five + dollars, because”— + </p> + <p> + His voice changed, and he added in a very low tone,— + </p> + <p> + “Because it is believed that the capital of the company has been + appropriated to other purposes, and lost in speculations on ‘Change.” + </p> + <p> + The poor old dealer was suffering intensely, and showed it. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, madam, perfectly as I am convinced of Count Ville-Handry’s + uprightness and integrity, I also know that he was utterly ignorant of + business. What did he understand of these speculations into which he was + drawn? Nothing. It is a difficult and often a dangerous thing to manage + large capitals. They have no doubt deceived him, cheated him, misled him, + and driven him at last to the verge of bankruptcy.” + </p> + <p> + “Who?” + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet trembled on his chair, and, raising his hands to the ceiling, + exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Who? You ask who? Why, those who had an interest in it, the wretches by + whom he was surrounded,—Sarah, Sir Thorn”— + </p> + <p> + Henrietta shook her head and said,— + </p> + <p> + “<i>I</i> do not think the Countess Sarah looked with a favorable eye upon + the formation of this company.” + </p> + <p> + And, when objection was made, she went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Besides, what interest could she have in ruining my father? Evidently + none. To ruin him was to ruin herself, since she was absolute mistress of + her fortune, and free to dispose of it as she chose.” + </p> + <p> + Proud of the accuracy of her decision, she was looking triumphantly at the + old dealer. The latter saw now that he must strike a decisive blow; and + his sister encouraged him by a gesture. He said,— + </p> + <p> + “Pray, listen to me, madam. So far I have only repeated to you the report + on ‘Change. I told you: They say the capital of the Pennsylvania Petroleum + <i>Company</i> has been swallowed up by unlucky speculations on ‘Change. + But I do not believe these reports. I am, on the contrary, convinced, I am + quite sure even, that these millions were not lost on ‘Change, because + they never were used for the purpose of speculating.” + </p> + <p> + “Still”— + </p> + <p> + “Still they have disappeared, none the less; and your father is probably + the last man in the world to tell us how and where they have disappeared. + But I know it; and, when the question is raised how to recover these + enormous sums, I shall cry out, ‘Search Sarah Brandon, Countess + Ville-Handry; search M. Thomas Elgin and Mrs. Brian; search Maxime de + Brevan,’ the wretched tool of these wicked women!” + </p> + <p> + Now at last a terrible light broke upon Henrietta’s mind. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” she stammered, “these infamous slanders are only put out to + conceal an impudent robbery?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + The young girl’s face showed that she was making a great effort to + comprehend; and then she said again,— + </p> + <p> + “And in that case, the articles in the papers”— + </p> + <p> + “Were written by the wretches who have robbed your father, yes, madam!” + And, shaking his fist with a threatening air, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh! there is no mistaking it. Since when does this journal exist? Since + about six months ago. From the day on which it was established, it was the + aim and purpose of the founders to publish in it the articles which you + haven’t read.” + </p> + <p> + Even if she could not well understand by what ingenious combinations such + enormous sums could be abstracted, Henrietta was conquered by Papa + Ravinet’s sincere and earnest conviction. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” she went on, “these wretches who have robbed my father now mean to + ruin him!” + </p> + <p> + “They must do it for their own safety. The money has been stolen, you see; + therefore there must be a thief. For the world, for the courts, the guilty + one will be Count Ville-Handry.” + </p> + <p> + “For the courts?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas, yes!” + </p> + <p> + The poor girl’s eyes went from the brother to the sister with a terrible + expression of bewilderment. At last she asked,— + </p> + <p> + “And do you believe Sarah will allow my father’s name to be thus + dishonored,—the name which she bears, and of which she was so + proud?” + </p> + <p> + “She will, perhaps, even insist upon it.” + </p> + <p> + “Great God! What do you mean? Why should she?” + </p> + <p> + Seeing her brother’s hesitation, the old lady took it upon herself to + answer. She touched the poor girl’s arm, and said in a subdued voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Because, you see, my poor child, now that Sarah has gotten possession of + the fortune she wanted, your father is in her way; because, you see, she + wants to be free—do you understand?—free!” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta uttered a cry of such horror that both the brother and the + sister saw at once that she had not misunderstood the horrible meaning of + that word “free.” + </p> + <p> + But, since the blow had fallen, the old dealer did not think the rest need + be concealed from Henrietta. He got up, therefore, and, leaning against + the mantlepiece, he addressed the poor girl, trembling in all her limbs + with terror, and looking at him with a fixed and painful gaze, in these + words,— + </p> + <p> + “You must at last learn to know, madam, the execrable woman who has sworn + to ruin you. You see, I know, because I have experienced it myself, of + what crimes she is capable; and I see clear in the dark night of her + infernal intrigues. I know that this woman with the chaste brow, the open + smile, and the soft eyes, has the genius and the instinct of a murderess, + and has never counted upon any thing else, but murder for the + gratification of her lusts.” + </p> + <p> + The attitude of the old man, who raised his head on high while his breast + swelled, breathed in every one of his sharp and threatening gestures an + intense thirst of vengeance. He no longer measured his words carefully; + and they overflowed from his lips as they came boiling up under the + pressure of his rage. + </p> + <p> + “Anthony!” said the old lady more than once,—“Anthony, brother! I + beseech you!” + </p> + <p> + But this friendly voice, ordinarily all-powerful, was not even heard by + him now. He went on,— + </p> + <p> + “And now, madam, must I still explain to you the simple and yet formidable + plan by which Sarah Brandon has succeeded in obtaining by one effort the + immense fortune of the Ville-Handry family? From the first day, she has + seen that you were standing between her and those millions; therefore she + attacked you first of all. A brave and honest man, M. Daniel Champcey, + loved you; he would have protected you; therefore she got him out of the + way. The world might have become interested in you, might have taken your + side; she beguiled your father, in his blind passion, to calumniate you, + to ruin your reputation, and to expose you to the contempt of the world. + Still you might have wished to secure a protector, you might have found + one. She placed by your side her wretched tool, her spy, a forger, a + criminal whom she knew to be able of doing things from which even an + accomplished galley-slave would have shrunk with disgust and horror: I + mean Maxime de Brevan.” + </p> + <p> + The very excess, of eruption had restored a part of her energy to + Henrietta. She said, therefore,— + </p> + <p> + “Alas, <i>sir</i>! have I not told you, on, the contrary, that Daniel + himself had confided me to the care of M. de Brevan? Have I not told you”— + </p> + <p> + The old dealer smiled almost contemptuously, and then continued,— + </p> + <p> + “What does that prove? Nothing but the skill of M. de Brevan in carrying + out Sarah Brandon’s orders. In order to get the more completely the + mastery over you, he began by obtaining the mastery over M. Champcey. How + he succeeded in doing this, I do not know. But we shall know it when we + want to know it; for we are going to find out every thing. Thus Sarah was, + through M. de Brevan, kept informed of all your thoughts, of all your + hopes, of <i>every</i> word you wrote to M. Champcey, and of all he said + in reply; for you need not doubt he did answer, and they suppressed the + letters, just as they, very probably, intercepted all of your letters + which you did not yourself carry to the post-office. Still, as long as you + were living under your father’s roof, Sarah could do nothing against your + life. She resolved, therefore, to force you to flee; and those mean + persecutions of M. Elgin served their purpose. You thought, and perhaps, + they think, that bandit really wanted your hand. Undeceive yourself. Your + enemies knew your character too well to hope that you would ever break + your word, and become faithless to M. Champcey. But they were bent upon + handing you over to M. de Brevan. And thus, poor child! you were handed + over to him. Maxime had as little idea of marrying you as Sir Thomas; he + was quite prepared, when he dared to approach you with open arms, to be + rejected with disgust. But he had received orders to add the horror of his + persecutions to the horror of your isolation and your destitution. + </p> + <p> + “For he was quite sure, the scoundrel! that the secret of your sufferings + would be well kept. He had carefully chosen the house in which you were to + die of hunger and misery. The two Chevassats were bound to be his devoted + accomplices, even unto death. This is what gave him the amazing boldness, + the inconceivable brutality, to watch your slow agony; no doubt he became + quite impatient at your delaying suicide so long. + </p> + <p> + “Finally you were driven to it; and your death would have realized their + atrocious hopes, if Providence had not miraculously stepped in,—that + Providence which always, sooner or later, takes its revenge, whatever the + wicked may say to the contrary. Yes, these wretches thought they had now + surely gotten rid of you, when I came in. That very morning, the woman + Chevassat had told them, no doubt, ‘She’ll do it to-night!’ And that + evening, Sarah, Mrs. Brian, and M. Elgin asked, no doubt, full of hope, + ‘Is it all over?’” + </p> + <p> + Immovable, and white as marble, her eyes dilated beyond measure, and her + lips half-open, poor Henrietta listened. She felt as if a bright ray of + the sun had suddenly illumined the darkest depths of the abyss from which + she had been barely snatched. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she said, “yes; now I see it all.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as the old dealer, out of breath, and his voice hoarse with + indignation, paused a moment, she asked,— + </p> + <p> + “Still there is one circumstance which I cannot understand: Sarah insists + upon it that she knew nothing of the forged letter by means of which + Daniel was sent abroad. She told me, on the contrary, that she had wished + to keep him here, because she loved him, and he loved her.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! do not believe a word of those infamous stories,” broke in Papa + Ravinet’s sister. + </p> + <p> + But the old man scratched his head, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “No, certainly not! We ought not to believe such stories. And yet, I + wonder if there is not some new trick in that. Unless, indeed—But + no, that would be almost too lucky for us! Unless Sarah should really love + M. Champcey!” + </p> + <p> + And, as if he was afraid of having given rise to hopes which he founded + upon this contingency, he added at once,— + </p> + <p> + “But let us return to facts. When Sarah was sure of you, she turned her + attention to your father. While they were murdering you slowly, she abused + the inexperience of Count Ville-Handry to lead him into a path at the end + of which he could not but leave his honor behind him. Notice, pray, that + the articles which you read are dated on the very day on which you would + probably have died. That is a clear evidence of her crime. Thinking that + she had gotten rid of you, she evidently said to herself, ‘And now for the + father.’” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta grew red in her face, as if a jet of fire had blazed up in it. + She exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Great God! The proofs are coming out; the crime will be disclosed. I have + no doubt the assassins told each other that Count Ville-Handry would never + survive such a foul stain on his honor. And they dared all, sure as they + were that that honorable man would carry the secret of their wickedness + and of their unheard-of robbery with him to the grave.” + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet leisurely wiped the perspiration from his brow. Then he + replied in a hoarse voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that was probably, that was assuredly, the way Sarah Brandon + reasoned within herself.” + </p> + <p> + But Henrietta, full of admirable energy, had roused herself; and, with + flushed cheeks and burning eyes, she said to him,— + </p> + <p> + “What! you knew all this? You knew that they were assassinating my father, + and you did not warn him? Ah, that was cruel cautiousness!” + </p> + <p> + And quick like lightning she dashed forward, and would have rushed out, if + the old lady had not promptly stepped in front of the door, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Henrietta, poor child! where are you going?” + </p> + <p> + “To save my father, madam, who, perhaps at this very moment is struggling + in the last agonies of death, as I was struggling in like manner only two + nights ago.” + </p> + <p> + Quite beside herself, she had clasped the knob of the door in her hands, + and tried with all the strength she still possessed to move the old lady + out of the way. But Papa Ravinet seized her by the arm, and said to her + solemnly,— + </p> + <p> + “Madam, I swear to you by all you hold sacred, and my sister will swear to + you in like manner, that your father’s life is in no kind of danger.” + </p> + <p> + She gave up the struggle; but her face bore the expression of the most + harassing anxiety. The old man continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you wish to defeat our triumph? Would you like to give warning to our + enemies, to put <i>them</i> on their guard, and to deprive us of all hopes + of revenge?” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta almost mechanically passed her hand to and fro across her brow, + as if she hoped she could thus restore peace to her mind. + </p> + <p> + “And mind,” continued the old man with a persuasive voice, “mind that such + imprudence would save our enemies, but would not save your father. Pray + consider and answer me. Do you really think that your arguments would be + stronger than Sarah Brandon’s? You cannot so far underrate the diabolical + cunning of your enemy. Why, she has no doubt taken all possible measures + to keep your father’s faith in her unshaken, and to let him die as he has + lived, completely deceived by her, and murmuring with his last breath + words of supreme love for her who kills him.” + </p> + <p> + These arguments were so overwhelming, that Henrietta let go the door- + knob, and slowly went back to her seat by the fire. And yet she was far + from being reassured. + </p> + <p> + “If I were to appeal to the police,” she suddenly proposed. + </p> + <p> + The old lady had come and taken a seat by Henrietta’s side. She took her + hands in her own now, and said, gently,— + </p> + <p> + “Poor child! Do you not see that the whole power of this abominable + creature lies in the fact that she employs means which are not within the + reach of human justice. Believe me, my child, it is best for you to rely + blindly on my brother.” + </p> + <p> + Once more the old dealer had come up to the mantlepiece. He repeated,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Miss Henrietta, rely on me. I have as much reason to curse Sarah + Brandon as you have, and perhaps I hate her more. Rely on me; for my + hatred has now been watching and waiting for years, ever anxious to reach + her, and to avenge my sufferings. Yes, for long years I have been lying in + wait, thirsting for vengeance, lost in darkness, but pursuing her tracks + with the unwearied perseverance of the Indian. For the purpose of finding + out who she is, and who her accomplices are, whence they came, and how + they have met to plot together such fearful crimes,—for that purpose + I have walked in the deepest mud, and stirred up heaps of infamy. But I + have found out all. And yet in the whole life of Sarah Brandon,—a + life of theft and murder,—I have till this moment not found a single + fact which would bring her within the reach of the law, so cunning is her + wickedness.” + </p> + <p> + His face brightened with an air of triumph; and his voice rose high as he + added,— + </p> + <p> + “But now! This time success seemed to her so sure and so easy, that she + has neglected her usual precautions. Eager to enjoy her millions, and, in + proportion, weary of playing a comedy of love with your father, she has + been too eager. And she is lost if we, on our side, are not also too + eager. + </p> + <p> + “As to your father, madam, I have my reasons for feeling safe about him. + According to your mother’s marriage contract, and in consequence of a + bequest of a million and a half which were left her by one of her uncles, + your father’s estate is your debtor to the amount of two millions; and + that sum is invested in mortgages on his estates in Anjou. That sum he + cannot touch, even if he is bankrupt. Should he die before you, that sum + remains still yours; but, if you die before him, it goes to him. Now Sarah + has sworn, in her insatiate cupidity, that she will have these two + millions also.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” said Henrietta, “you are right! It is Sarah’s interest that my + father should live; and he will live, therefore, as long as she does not + know whether I am dead or alive, in fact, as long as she does not know + what has become of me.” + </p> + <p> + “And she must not know that for some time,” chimed in the old man. + </p> + <p> + Then laughing his odd, silent laugh,— + </p> + <p> + “You ought to see the anxiety of your enemies since you have slipped out + of their hands. That woman Chevassat had, last night, come to the + conclusion that you were gone, and gone forever; but this morning matters + looked very differently. Maxime de Brevan had been there, making a + terrible row, and beating her (God forgive him!) because she had relaxed + in her watchfulness. The rascal! The fellow has been spending the whole + day in running from the police office to the Morgue, and back again. + Destitute as you were, and almost without clothes, what could have become + of you? I, for my part, did not show; and the Chevassats are far from + suspecting that I had any thing to do with the whole affair. Ah! It will + soon be our turn, and if you will only accept my suggestions, madam”— + </p> + <p> + It was past nine o’clock when the old dealer, his sister, and Henrietta + sat down to their modest meal. But in the interval a hopeful smile had + reappeared on Henrietta’s face, and she looked almost happy, when, about + midnight, Papa Ravinet left them with the words,— + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow evening I shall have news. I am going to the navy department.” + </p> + <p> + The next day he reappeared precisely at six o’clock, but in what a + condition! He had in his hand a kind of carpet-bag; and his looks and + gestures made him look almost insane. + </p> + <p> + “Money!” he cried out to his sister as he entered. “I am afraid I have not + enough; and make haste. I have to be at the Lyons Railway at seven + o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + And when his sister and Henrietta, terribly frightened, asked him,— + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter? What are you going to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” he replied joyously, “but that Heaven itself declares in our + favor. I went to the department. ‘The Conquest’ will remain another year + in Cochin China; but M. Champcey is coming back to Europe. He was to have + taken passage on board a merchant vessel, ‘The Saint Louis,’ which is + expected in Marseilles every day, if she has not already come in. And I—I + am going to Marseilles, I must see M. Champcey before anybody else can see + him.” + </p> + <p> + When his sister had given him notes to the amount of four hundred dollars, + he rushed out, exclaiming,— + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow I will send you a telegram!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0023" id="link2H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXII. + </h2> + <p> + If there is in our civilized states a profession more arduous than others + it is surely that of the sailor. So arduous is it, that we are almost + disposed to ask how men can be found bold enough to embrace <i>it</i>, and + firm enough in their resolution not to abandon it after having tried it. + Not because of the hazards, the fatigues, and the dangers connected with + it, but because it creates an existence apart, and because the conditions + it imposes seem to be incompatible with free will. + </p> + <p> + Still no one is more attached to his home than the sailor. There are few + among them who are not married. And by a kind of special grace they are + apt to enjoy their short happiness as if it were for eternity, indifferent + as to what the morning may bring. + </p> + <p> + But behold! one fine morning, all of a sudden, a big letter comes from the + department. + </p> + <p> + It is an order to sail. + </p> + <p> + He must go, abandoning every thing and everybody,—mother, family, + and friends, the wife he has married the day before, the young mother who + sits smiling by the cradle of her first-born, the betrothed who was + looking joyfully at her bridal veil. He must go, and stifle all those + ominous voices which rise from the depth of his heart, and say to him, + “Will you ever return? and, if you return, will you find them all, your + dear ones? and, if you find them, will they not have changed? will they + have preserved your memory as faithfully as you have preserved theirs?” + </p> + <p> + To be happy, and to be compelled to open to mishap this fatal door, + absence! Hence it is only in comic operas, and inferior novels, that the + sailors are seen to sing their most cheerful songs at the moment when a + vessel is about to sail on a long and perilous voyage. The moment is, in + reality, always a sad one, very grave and solemn. + </p> + <p> + Such could not fail to be the scene also, when “The Conquest” sailed,—the + ship on board of which Daniel Champcey had been ordered as lieutenant. And + certainly there had been good reasons for ordering him to make haste and + get down to the port where she lay; for the very next day after his + arrival, she hoisted anchor. She had been waiting for him only. + </p> + <p> + Having reached Rochefort at five o’clock in the morning, he slept the same + night on board; and the next day “The Conquest” sailed. Daniel suffered + more than any other man on board, although he succeeded in affecting a + certain air of indifference. The thought of Henrietta being left in the + hands of adventurers who were capable of any thing was a thorn in his + side, which caused him great and constant pain. As he gradually calmed + down, and peace returned to his mind, a thousand doubts assailed him + concerning Maxime de Brevan: would he not be exposed to terrible + temptation when he found himself thrown daily into the company of a great + heiress? Might he not come to covet her millions, and try to abuse her + peculiar situation in order to secure them to himself? + </p> + <p> + Daniel believed too firmly in his betrothed to apprehend that she would + even listen to Brevan. But he reasoned, very justly, that his darling + would be in a desperate condition indeed, if M. de Brevan, furious at + being refused, should betray his confidence, and go over to the enemy, to + the Countess Sarah. + </p> + <p> + “And I,” he thought, “who in my last directions urged her to trust + implicitly in Maxime, and to follow his advice as if it were my own!” + </p> + <p> + In the midst of these terrible anxieties, he hardly recollected that he + had intrusted to Maxime every thing that he possessed. What was his money + to him in comparison! + </p> + <p> + Thus it appeared to him a genuine favor of Providence when “The Conquest,” + six days out at sea, experienced a violent storm, which endangered her + safety for nearly seventy-two hours. His thoughts disappeared while he + felt his grave responsibility, as long as the sea tossed the vessel to and + fro like a mere cork, and while the crew fought with the elements till + they were overcome by fatigue. He had actually a good night’s rest, which + he had not enjoyed since he left Paris. + </p> + <p> + When he awoke, he was surprised to feel a certain peace of mind. + Henceforth his fate was no longer in his own hands; he had been shown very + clearly his inability to control events. Sad resignation succeeded to his + terrible anxiety. + </p> + <p> + A single hope now kept him alive,—the hope of soon receiving a + letter from Henrietta, or, it might be, of finding one upon arriving at + his destination; for it was by no means impossible for “The Conquest” to + be outstripped by some vessel that might have left port three weeks later. + “The Conquest,” an old wooden frigate, and a sailing vessel, justified her + bad reputation of being the worst sailor in the whole fleet. Moreover, + alternate calms and sudden blows kept her much longer than usually on the + way. The oldest sailors said they had never seen a more tedious voyage. + </p> + <p> + To add to the discomfort, “The Conquest” was so crammed full with + passengers, that sailors and officers had hardly half of the space usually + allotted to them on board ship. Besides the crew, there were on board a + half battalion of marines, and a hundred and sixty mechanics of various + trades, whom government sent out for the use of the colony. Some of these + artisans had their families with them, having determined to become + settlers in Cochin China; others, generally quite young yet, only made the + voyage in order to have an opportunity for seeing foreign lands, and for + earning, perhaps, a little money. They were occasionally called upon to + assist in handling the ship, and were, on the whole, good men, with the + exception of four or five, who were so unruly that they had to be put in + irons more than once. + </p> + <p> + The days passed, nevertheless; and “The Conquest” had been out three + months, when one afternoon, as Daniel was superintending a difficult + manoeuvre, he was suddenly seen to stagger, raise his arms on high, and + fall backwards on the deck. + </p> + <p> + They ran up to him, and raised him up; but he gave no sign of life; and + the blood poured forth from his mouth and nose in streams. Daniel had won + the hearts of the crew by his even temper, his strict attention to duty, + and his kindness, when off duty, to all who came in contact with him. + Hence, when the accident became known, in an instant sailors and officers + came hurrying up from one end of the frigate to the other, and even from + the lowest deck, to see what had happened to him. + </p> + <p> + What had happened? No one could tell; for no one had seen any thing. Still + it must be a very grave matter, to judge from the large pool of blood + which dyed the deck at the place where the young man had fallen down so + suddenly. They had carried him to the infirmary; and, as soon as he + recovered his senses, the surgeons discovered the cause of his fall and + his fainting. + </p> + <p> + He had an enormous contused wound on the back of his head, a little behind + the left ear,—a wound such as a heavy hammer in the hands of a + powerful man might have produced. Whence came this terrible blow, which + apparently a miracle alone had prevented from crushing the skull? No one + could explain this, neither the surgeons, nor the officers who stood + around the bed of the wounded man. When Daniel could be questioned, he + knew no more about it than the others. There had been no one standing near + him; nor had he seen anybody come near him at the time of the accident; + the blow, moreover, had been so violent, that he had fallen down + unconscious. All these details soon became current among the sailors and + passengers who had crowded on deck. They were received with incredulous + smiles, and, when they could no longer be held in doubt, with bursts of + indignation. + </p> + <p> + What! Lieut. Champcey had been struck in broad daylight, in the midst of + the crew! How? By whom? + </p> + <p> + The whole matter was so wrapped up in mystery, that it became all + important to clear it up; and the sailors themselves opened at once a kind + of court of inquest. Some hairs, and a clot of blood, which were + discovered on an enormous block, seemed to explain the riddle. It would + seem that the rope to which this enormous block was fastened had slipped + out of the hands of one of the sailors who were engaged in the rigging, + carrying out the manoeuvre superintended by Daniel. + </p> + <p> + Frightened by the consequences of his awkwardness, but, nevertheless + preserving his presence of mind, this man had, no doubt, drawn up the + block so promptly, that he had not been noticed. Could it be hoped that he + would accuse himself? Evidently not. Besides, what would be the use of it? + The wounded man was the first to request that the inquiries might be + stopped. + </p> + <p> + When, at the end of a fortnight, Champcey returned to duty, they ceased + talking of the accident; unfortunately, such things happen but too + frequently on board ship. Besides, the idea that “The Conquest” was + drawing near her destination filled all minds, and sufficed for all + conversations. + </p> + <p> + And really, one fine evening, as the sun was setting, land was seen, and + the next morning, at daybreak, the frigate sailed into the Dong-Nai, the + king of Cochin Chinese rivers, which is so wide and so deep, that vessels + of the largest tonnage can ascend it without difficulty till they reach + Saigon. + </p> + <p> + Standing on deck, Daniel watched the monotonous scenes which they passed,—a + landscape strange in form, and exhaling mortal fevers from the soil, and + the black yielding slime. + </p> + <p> + After a voyage of several months, he derived a melancholy pleasure from + seeing the banks of the river overshadowed by mango trees and mangroves, + with their supple, snakelike roots wandering far off under water; while on + shore a soft, pleasant vegetation presented to the eye the whole range of + shades in green, from the bluish, sickly green of the idrys to the dark, + metallic green of the stenia. Farther inland, tall grapes, lianes, aloes, + and cactus formed impenetrable thickets, out of which rose, like fluted + columns, gigantic cocoa-palms, and the most graceful trees on earth, + areca-palms. Through clearings here and there, one could follow, as far as + the eye reached, the course of low, fever-breeding marshes, an immense + mud-plain covered with a carpet of undulating verdure, which opened and + closed again under the breeze, like the sea itself. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! That is Saigon, is it?” said to Daniel a voice full of delight. + </p> + <p> + He turned round. It was his best friend on board, a lieutenant like + himself, who had come to his side, and, offering him a telescope, said + with a great sigh of satisfaction,— + </p> + <p> + “Look! there, do you see? At last we are here. In two hours, Champcey, we + shall be at anchor.” + </p> + <p> + In the distance one could, in fact, make out upon the deep blue of the sky + the profile of the curved roof of the pagodas in Saigon. It took a long + hour yet, before, at a turn in the river, the town itself appeared, + miserable looking,—with all deference to our geographies, be it + said,—in spite of the immense labor of the French colony. + </p> + <p> + Saigon consists mainly of one wide street running parallel with the right + bank of the Dong-Nai, a primitive, unpaved street cut up into ruts, broken + in upon by large empty spaces, and lined with wooden houses covered with + rice-straw or palm-leaves. + </p> + <p> + Thousands of boats crowd against the banks of the river along this street, + and form a kind of floating suburb, overflowing with a strange medley of + Annamites, Hindoos, and Chinamen. At a little distance from the river, + there appear a few massive buildings with roofs of red tiles, pleasing to + the eye, and here and there an Annamite farm, which seems to hide behind + groups of areca-palms. Finally, on an eminence, rise the citadel, the + arsenal, the house of the French commander, and the former dwelling of the + Spanish colonel. + </p> + <p> + But every town is beautiful, where we land after a voyage of several + months. Hence, as soon as “The Conquest” was safely at anchor, all the + officers, except the midshipman on duty, went on shore, and hastened to + the government house to ask if letters from France had arrived there + before them. Their hopes were not deceived. Two three-masters, one French, + the other English, which had sailed a month later than “The Conquest,” had + arrived there at the beginning of the week, bringing despatches. + </p> + <p> + There were two letters for Daniel, and with feverish hands and beating + heart he took them from the hand of the old clerk. But at the first glance + at the addresses he turned pale. He did not see Henrietta’s handwriting. + Still he tore open the envelopes, and glanced at the signatures. One of + the letters was signed, “Maxime de Brevan;” the other, “Countess + Ville-Handry,” <i>nee</i> Sarah Brandon. + </p> + <p> + Daniel commenced with the latter. After informing him of her marriage, + Sarah described at great length Henrietta’s conduct on the wedding-day. + </p> + <p> + “Any other but myself,” she said, “would have been incensed at this + atrocious insult, and would abuse her position to be avenged. But I, who + never yet forgave anybody, I will forgive her, Daniel, for your sake, and + because I cannot see any one suffer who has loved you.” + </p> + <p> + A postscript she had added ran thus,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! why did you not prevent my marriage, when you could do so by a word? + They think I have reached the summit of my wishes. I have never been more + wretched.” + </p> + <p> + This letter made Daniel utter an exclamation of rage. He saw nothing in it + but bitter irony. + </p> + <p> + “This miserable woman,” he thought, “laughs at me; and, when she says she + does not blame Henrietta, that means that she hates her, and will + persecute her.” + </p> + <p> + Maxime’s letter fortunately reassured him a little. Maxime confirmed + Sarah’s account, adding, moreover, that Miss Henrietta was very sad, but + calm and resigned; and that her step-mother treated her with the greatest + kindness. The surprising part was, that Brevan did not say a word of the + large amounts that had been intrusted to his care, nor of his method of + selling the lands, nor of the price which he had obtained. + </p> + <p> + But Daniel did not notice this; all his thoughts were with Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + “Why should she not have written,” he thought, “when all the others found + means to write?” + </p> + <p> + Overwhelmed with disappointment, he had sat down on a wooden bench in the + embrasure of one of the windows in the hall where the letters were + distributed. Travelling across the vast distance which separated him from + France, his thoughts were under the trees in the garden of the count’s + palace. He felt as if a powerful effort of his will would enable him to + transport himself thither. By the pale light of the moon he thought he + could discern the dress of his beloved as she stole towards him between + the old trees. + </p> + <p> + A friendly touch on the shoulder recalled him rudely to the real world. + Four or five officers from “The Conquest” were standing around him, gay, + and free from cares, a hearty laugh on their lips. + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear Champcey,” they said, “are you coming?” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, to dinner!” + </p> + <p> + And as he looked at them with the air of a man who had just been roused, + and has not had time to collect his thoughts, they went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, to dinner. It appears Saigon possesses an admirable French + restaurant, where the cook, a Parisian, is simply a great artist. Come, + get up, and let us go.” + </p> + <p> + But Daniel was in a humor which made solitude irresistibly attractive. He + trembled at the idea of being torn from his melancholy reveries, of being + compelled to take his part in conversation, to talk, to listen, to reply. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot dine with you to-day, my friends,” he said to his comrades. + </p> + <p> + “You are joking.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am not. I must return on board.” Then only, the others were struck + by the sad expression of his face; and, changing their tone, they asked + him in the most affectionate manner,— + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter, Champcey? Have you heard of any misfortune, any + death?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “You have had letters from France, I see.” + </p> + <p> + “They bring me nothing sad. I was expecting news, and they have not come; + that is all.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! then you must come with us.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not force me; I would be a sorry companion.” + </p> + <p> + Still they insisted, as friends will insist who will not understand that + others may not be equally tempted by what charms them; but nothing could + induce Daniel to change his mind. At the door of the government house he + parted with his comrades, and went back, sad and solitary, towards the + harbor. + </p> + <p> + He reached without difficulty the banks of the Dong-Nai; but here + obstacles presented themselves of which he had not thought. The night was + so dark, that he could hardly see to find his way along a wharf in process + of construction, and covered with enormous stones and timber. Not a light + in all the native huts around. In spite of his efforts to pierce this + darkness, he could discern nothing but the dark outline of the vessels + lying at anchor in the river, and the light of the lighthouse as it + trembled in the current. + </p> + <p> + He called. No voice replied. The silence, which was as deep as the + darkness, was broken only by the low wash of the river as it flowed down + rapidly. + </p> + <p> + “I am quite capable,” thought Daniel, “of not finding the boat of ‘The + Conquest.’” + </p> + <p> + Still he did find it, after long search, drawn up, and half lost, in a + crowd of native boats. But the boat seemed to be empty. It was only when + he got into it, that he discovered a little midshipman fast asleep in the + bottom, wrapped up in a carpet which was used to cover the seats for the + officers. Daniel shook him. He rose slowly, and grumbling, as if overcome + by sleep. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what is the matter?” he growled. + </p> + <p> + “Where are the men?” asked Daniel. + </p> + <p> + Quite awake now, the midshipman, who had good eyes, had noticed, in spite + of the darkness, the gold of the epaulets. This made him very respectful + at once; and he replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Lieutenant, all the men are in town.” + </p> + <p> + “How so? All?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes, lieutenant! When all the officers had gone on shore, they told + the boatswain they would not come back very soon, and he might take his + time to eat a mouthful, and to drink a glass, provided the men did not get + drunk.” + </p> + <p> + That was so; and Daniel had forgotten the fact. + </p> + <p> + “And where did they go?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know, lieutenant.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel looked at the large, heavy boat, as if he had thought for a moment + to return in it to “The Conquest” with no other help but the little + midshipman; but, no, that was impracticable. + </p> + <p> + “Well, go to sleep again,” he said to the boy. + </p> + <p> + And jumping on shore, without uttering a word of disappointment, he was + going in search of his comrades, when he saw suddenly a man turn up out of + the darkness, whose features it was impossible to distinguish. + </p> + <p> + “Who is there?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Officer,” answered the man in an almost unintelligible jargon, a + horrible medley of French, Spanish, and English. “I heard you tell the + little man in the boat there”— + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you wanted to get back on board your ship?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, if you like it, I am a boatman; I can take you over.” + </p> + <p> + There was no reason why Daniel should mistrust the man. In all ports of + the world, and at any hour of the day or the night, men are to be found + who are lying in wait on the wharves for sailors who have been belated, + and who are made to pay dear for such extra services. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you are a boatman, you say?” Daniel exclaimed, quite pleased at the + encounter. “Well, where is your boat?” + </p> + <p> + “There, Mr. Officer, a little way down; just follow me. But what ship do + you want to go to?” + </p> + <p> + “That ship there.” + </p> + <p> + And Daniel pointed out to him “The Conquest” as she lay not six hundred + yards off in the river, showing her lights. + </p> + <p> + “That is rather far,” grumbled the man; “the tide is low; and the current + is very strong.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll give you a couple of francs for your trouble.” + </p> + <p> + The man clapped his hands with delight, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! if that’s the way, all right. Come along, Mr. Officer, a little + farther down. There, that’s my boat. Get in, now steady!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel followed his directions; but he was so much struck by the man’s + awkwardness in getting the boat off, that he could not help saying to him,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my boy, you are not a boatman, after all!” + </p> + <p> + “I beg pardon, sir; I used to be one before I came to this country.” + </p> + <p> + “What is your country?” + </p> + <p> + “Shanghai.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, you will have to learn a great deal before you will ever be + a sailor.” + </p> + <p> + Still, as the boat was very small, a mere nutshell, in fact, Daniel + thought he could, if needs be, take an oar himself. Thereupon, sitting + down, and stretching out his legs, he was soon once more plunged in + meditations. The unfortunate man was soon roused, however, by a terrible + sensation. + </p> + <p> + Thanks to a shock, a wrong movement, or any other accident, the boat + upset, and Daniel was thrown into the river; and, to fill the measure of + his mishaps, one of his feet was so closely jammed in between the seat and + the boat itself, that he was paralyzed in his movements, and soon under + water. + </p> + <p> + He saw it all in an instant; and his first thought was,— + </p> + <p> + “I am lost!” + </p> + <p> + But, desperate as his position was, he was not the man to give up. + Gathering, by one supreme effort, all his strength and energy, he took + hold of the boat, that had turned over just above him, and pushed it so + forcibly, that he loosened his foot, and at the same moment reached the + surface. It was high time; for Daniel had swallowed much water. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he thought, “I have a chance to escape!” + </p> + <p> + A very frail chance, alas!—so small a chance, in fact, that it + required all the strong will and the invincible courage of Daniel to give + it any effect. A furious current carried him down like a straw; the little + boat, which might have supported him, had disappeared; and he knew nothing + about this formidable Dong-Nai, except that it went on widening to its + mouth. There was nothing to guide him; for the night was so dark, that + land and water, the river and its banks, all melted together in the + uniform, bottomless darkness. + </p> + <p> + What had become of the boatman, however? At all events, he called,— + </p> + <p> + “Ahoy, my man!” + </p> + <p> + No answer. Had he been swept off? Or did he get back into the boat? + Perhaps he was drowned already. + </p> + <p> + But all of a sudden Daniel’s heart trembled with joy and hope. He had just + made out, a few hundred yards below, a red light, indicating a vessel at + anchor. All his efforts were directed towards that point. He was carried + thither with an almost bewildering rapidity. He nearly touched it; and + then, with incredible presence of mind, and great precision, at the moment + when the current drove him close up to the anchor-chain, he seized it. He + held on to it; and, having recovered his breath, he uttered three times in + succession, with all the strength of his lungs, so sharp a cry, that it + was heard above the fierce roar of the river,— + </p> + <p> + “Help, help, help!” + </p> + <p> + From the ship came a call, “Hold on!” proving to him that his appeal had + been heard, and that help was at hand. + </p> + <p> + Too late! An eddy in the terrible current seized him, and, with + irresistible violence, tore the chain, slippery with mud, out of his + stiffened hands. Rolled over by the waters, he was rudely thrown against + the side of the vessel, went under, and was carried off. + </p> + <p> + When he rose to the surface, the red light was far above him, and below no + other light was in sight. No human help was henceforth within reach. + Daniel could now count only upon himself in trying to make one of the + banks. Although he could not measure the distance, which might be very + great, the task did not seem to him beyond his strength, if he had only + been naked. But his clothes encumbered him terribly; and the water which + they soaked up made them, of course, every moment more oppressive. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be drowned, most assuredly,” he thought, “if I cannot get rid of + my clothes.” + </p> + <p> + Excellent swimmer as he was, the task was no easy one. Still he + accomplished it. After prodigious efforts of strength and skill, he got + rid of his shoes; and then he cried out, as if in defiance of the blind + element against which he was struggling,— + </p> + <p> + “I shall pull through! I shall see Henrietta again!” + </p> + <p> + But it had cost him an enormous amount of time to undress; and how could + he calculate the distance which this current had taken him down—one + of the swiftest in the world? As he tried to recall all he knew about it, + he remembered having noticed that, a mile below Saigon, the river was as + wide as a branch of the sea. According to his calculation, he must be near + that spot now. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind,” he said to himself, “I mean to get out of this.” + </p> + <p> + Not knowing to which bank he was nearest, he had resolved, almost + instinctively, to swim towards the right bank, on which Saigon stands. + </p> + <p> + He was thus swimming for about half an hour, and began already to feel his + muscles stiffening, and his joints losing their elasticity, while his + breathing became oppressed, and his extremities were chilled, when he + noticed from the wash of the water that he was near the shore. Soon he + felt the ground under his feet; but, the moment he touched it, he sank up + to his waist into the viscous and tenacious slime, which makes all the + Cochin China rivers so peculiarly dangerous. + </p> + <p> + There was the land, no doubt, and only the darkness prevented his seeing + it; and yet his situation was more desperate than ever. His legs were + caught as in a vice; the muddy water was boiling nearly up to his lips; + and, at every effort to extricate himself, he sank deeper in, a little at + a time, but always a little more. His presence of mind now began to leave + him, as well as his strength; and his thoughts became confused, when he + touched, instinctively feeling for a hold, the root of a mangrove. + </p> + <p> + That root might be the saving of his life. First he tried its strength; + then, finding it sufficiently solid, he hoisted himself up by it, gently, + but with the frenzied energy of a drowning man; then, creeping cautiously + on the treacherous mud, he finally succeeded in reaching firm ground, and + fell down exhausted. + </p> + <p> + He was saved from drowning; but what was to become of him, naked, + exhausted, chilled as he was, and lost in this dark night in a strange and + deserted country? After a moment, however, he rose, and tried to get on; + but at every step he was held back on all sides by lianes and cactus + thorns. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he said, “I must stay here till day breaks.” + </p> + <p> + The rest of the night he spent in walking up and down, and beating his + chest, in order to keep out the terrible chills which penetrated to the + very marrow of his bones. The first light of dawn showed him how he was + imprisoned within an apparently impenetrable thicket, out of which, it + seemed, he could never find his way. He did find it, however, and after a + walk of four hours, he reached Saigon. + </p> + <p> + Some sailors of a merchant-ship, whom he met, lent him a few clothes, and + carried him on board “The Conquest,” where he arrived more dead than + alive. + </p> + <p> + “Where do you come from, great God! in such a state?” exclaimed his + comrades when they saw him. + </p> + <p> + “What has happened to you?” + </p> + <p> + And, when he had told them all he had gone through since they parted, they + said,— + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, my dear Champcey, you are a lucky fellow. This is the second + accident from which you escape as by a miracle. Mind the third!” + </p> + <p> + “Mind the third!” that was exactly what Daniel thought. + </p> + <p> + For, in the midst of all the frightful sufferings he had undergone during + the past night, he had reflected deeply. That block which had fallen on + his head, no one knew whence; this boat sinking suddenly, and without + apparent cause—were they the work of chance alone? + </p> + <p> + The awkwardness of the boatman who had so unexpectedly turned up to offer + him his services had filled his mind with strange doubts. This man, a + wretched sailor, might be a first-class swimmer; and, having taken all his + measures before upsetting the boat, he might easily have reached land + after the accident. + </p> + <p> + “This boatman,” Daniel thought, “evidently wanted me to perish. Why, and + what purpose? Evidently not for his sake. But who is interested in my + death? Sarah Brandon? No, that cannot be!” + </p> + <p> + What was still less likely was, that a wretch in Sarah Brandon’s pay + should have found his way on board “The Conquest,” and should then have + been precisely at the right moment at the wharf, the first time Daniel + went on shore. Still his suspicions troubled him to such a degree, that he + determined to make every effort to solve the mystery. + </p> + <p> + To begin, he asked for a list of all the men who had been allowed + to go on shore the night before. He learned in reply, that only the crews + of the different boats had been at Saigon, but that all the emigrants + having been allowed to land, several of these men had also gone on shore. + With this information, and in spite of his great weakness, Daniel went to + the chief of police at Saigon, and asked him for an officer. With this + agent he went to the wharf, to the spot where the boat of “The Conquest” + had been lying the night before, and asked him to make inquiries there as + to any boatman that might have disappeared during the night. + </p> + <p> + None of the boatmen was missing; but they brought Daniel a poor Annamite + fellow, who had been wandering about the river-bank ever since early + morning, tearing his hair, and crying that he had been robbed; that they + had stolen his boat. Daniel had been unable the night before to + distinguish the form or the dress of the man whose services he had + accepted; but he had heard his voice, and he recalled the peculiar + intonation so perfectly, that he would have recognized it among thousands. + Besides, this poor devil did not know a word of French (more than ten + persons bore witness to it); and born on the river, and having always + lived there, he was an excellent sailor. Finally, it was very clear, that, + if this man had committed the crime, he would have been careful not to + claim his boat. + </p> + <p> + What could Daniel conclude from this summary inquiry? + </p> + <p> + “There is no doubt about it,” he thought. “I was to be murdered.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0024" id="link2H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIII. + </h2> + <p> + There is no man, however brave he may think himself, who would not tremble + at the idea that he has, just by a miracle, escaped from the assassin’s + hand. There is not one who would not feel his blood grow chill in his + veins at the thought that those who have failed in their attempt once will + no doubt renew their efforts, and that perhaps the miracle may not be + repeated. + </p> + <p> + That was Daniel’s position. + </p> + <p> + He felt henceforth this terrible certainty, that war had been declared + against him, a savage warfare, merciless, pitiless, a war of treachery and + cunning, of snare and ambush. It had been proved to him that at his side, + so to say, as his very shadow, there was ever a terrible enemy, stimulated + by the thirst of gain, watching all his steps, ever awake and on the + watch, and ready to seize the first opportunity to strike. The infernal + cunning of the first two attempts enabled Daniel to measure the superior + wickedness of the man who had been chosen and enlisted—at least + Daniel thought so—by Sarah Brandon. + </p> + <p> + Still he did not say a word of the danger to which he was exposed, and + even assumed, as soon as he had recovered from the first shock, a certain + cheerfulness which he had not shown during the whole voyage, and under + which he concealed his apprehensions. + </p> + <p> + “I do not want my enemy,” he said to himself, “to suspect my suspicions.” + </p> + <p> + But from that moment his suspicions never fell asleep; and every step he + took was guided by most careful circumspection. He never put one foot + before the other, so to say, without first having examined the ground; he + never seized a man-rope without having first tried its solidity; he had + made it a law to eat and drink nothing, not even a glass of water, but + what came from the officers’ table. + </p> + <p> + These perpetual precautions, these ceaseless apprehensions, were extremely + repugnant to his daring temper; but he felt, that, under such + circumstances, careless would be no longer courage, but simple folly. He + had engaged in a duel in which he wanted to be victorious; hence he must + at least defend himself against the attack. He felt, moreover, that he was + the only protector his beloved had now; and that, if he died, she would + certainly be lost. But he also thought not only of defending himself, but + of getting at the assassin, and, through him, at the infamous creature by + whom he was employed, Sarah Brandon. + </p> + <p> + He therefore pursued his search quietly, slowly, but indefatigably. + Certain circumstances which he had at first forgotten, and a few points + skilfully put together, gave him some hope. He had, for instance, + ascertained that none but the crews of the boats had been on shore, and + that, of these, not one had been for ten minutes out of sight of the + others. Hence the pretended boatman was not a sailor on board “The + Conquest.” Nor could it have been one of the marines, as none of them had + been allowed to leave the vessel. There remained the emigrants, fifty or + sixty of whom had spent the night in Saigon. + </p> + <p> + But was not the idea that one of these men might have led Daniel into the + trap contradicted by the circumstances of the first attempt? By no means; + for many of the younger men among these emigrants had asked permission to + help in the working of the ship in order to break the monotony of the long + voyage. After careful inquiry, Daniel ascertained even that four of them + had been with the sailors on the yards from which the heavy block fell + that came so near ending his life. + </p> + <p> + Which were they? This he could not ascertain. + </p> + <p> + Still the result was enough for Daniel to make his life more endurable. He + could breathe again on board ship; he went and came in all safety, since + he was sure that the guilty man was not one of the crew. He even felt real + and great relief at the thought that his would-be assassin was not to be + looked for among these brave and frank sailors; none of them, at least, + had been bribed with gold to commit a murder. Moreover, the limits of his + investigations had now narrowed down in such a manner, that he might begin + to hope for success in the end. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately the emigrants had, a fortnight after the landing, scattered + abroad, going according as they were wanted, to the different + establishments in the colony, which were far apart from each other. Daniel + had therefore, at least for the moment, to give up a plan he had formed, + to talk with every one of them until he should recognize the voice of the + false boatman. + </p> + <p> + He himself, besides, was not to remain at Saigon. After a first + expedition, which kept him away for two months, he obtained command of a + steam-sloop, which was ordered to explore and to take all the bearings of + the River Kamboja, from the sea to Mitho, the second city of Cochin China. + This was no easy task; for the Kamboja had already defeated the efforts of + several hydrographic engineers by its capricious and constant changes, + every pass and every turn nearly changing with the monsoons in direction + and depth. + </p> + <p> + But the mission had its own difficulties and dangers. The Kamboja is not + only obstructed by foul swamps; but it flows through vast marshy plains, + which, in the season of rains, are covered with water; while in the dry + season, under the burning rays of the sun, they exhale that fatal malaria + which has cost already thousands of valuable lives. + </p> + <p> + Daniel was to experience its effects but too soon. In less than a week + after he had set out, he saw three of the men who had been put under his + orders die before his eyes, after a few hours’ illness, and amid atrocious + convulsions. They had the cholera. During the next four months, seven + succumbed to fevers which they had contracted in these pestilential + swamps. And towards the end of the expedition, when the work was nearly + done, the survivors were so emaciated, that they had hardly strength + enough to hold themselves up. Daniel alone had not yet suffered from these + terrible scourges. God knows, however, that he had not spared himself, nor + ever hesitated to do what he thought he ought to do. To sustain, to + electrify these men, exhausted as they were by sickness, and irritated at + wasting their lives upon work that had no reward, a leader was required + who should possess uncommon intrepidity, and who should treat danger as an + enemy who is to be defied only by facing him; and such a leader they found + in Daniel. + </p> + <p> + He had told Sarah Brandon on the eve of his departure,— + </p> + <p> + “With a love like mine, with a hatred like mine, in the heart, one can + defy all things. The murderous climate is not going to harm me; and, if I + had six balls in my body, I should still find strength enough to come and + call you to account for what you have done to Henrietta before I die.” + </p> + <p> + He certainly had had need of all that dauntless energy which passion + inspires to sustain him in his trials. But alas! his bodily sufferings + were as nothing in comparison with his mental anxiety. At night, while his + men were asleep, he kept awake, his heart torn with anguish, now crushed + under the thought of his helplessness, and now asking himself if rage + would not deprive him of his reason. + </p> + <p> + It was a year now since he had left Paris to go on board “The Conquest,” a + whole year. + </p> + <p> + And he had not received a single letter from Henrietta,—not one. + Every time a vessel arrived from France with despatches, his hopes + revived; and every time they were disappointed. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he would say to himself, “I can wait for the next.” And then he + began counting the days. Then it arrived at last, this long-expected ship, + and never, never once brought a letter from Henrietta— + </p> + <p> + How could this silence be explained? What strange events could have + happened? What must he think, hope, fear? + </p> + <p> + To be chained by honor to a place a thousand leagues from the woman he + loved to distraction, to know nothing about her, her life, her actions and + her thoughts, to be reduced to such extreme wretchedness, to doubt— + </p> + <p> + Daniel would have been much less unhappy if some one had suddenly come and + told him, “Miss Ville-Handry is no more.” + </p> + <p> + Yes, less unhappy; for true love in its savage selfishness suffers less + from death than from treason. If Henrietta had died, Daniel would have + been crushed; and maybe despair would have driven him to extreme measures; + but he would have been relieved of that horrible struggle within him, + between his faith in the promises of his beloved and certain suspicions, + which caused his hair to stand on end. + </p> + <p> + But he knew that she was alive; for there was hardly a vessel coming from + France or from England which did not bring him a letter from Maxime, or + from the Countess Sarah. For Sarah insisted upon writing to him, as if + there existed a mysterious bond between them, which she defied him to + break. + </p> + <p> + “I obey,” she said, “an impulse more powerful than reason and will alike. + It is stronger than I am, stronger than all things else; I must write to + you, I cannot help it.” + </p> + <p> + At another time she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you remember that evening, O Daniel! when, pressing Sarah Brandon to + your heart, you swore to be hers forever? The Countess Ville-Handry cannot + forget it.” + </p> + <p> + Under the most indifferent words there seemed to palpitate and to struggle + a passion which was but partially restrained, and ever on the point of + breaking forth. Her letters read like the conversations of timid lovers, + who talk about the rain and the weather in a tone of voice trembling with + desire, and with looks burning with passion. + </p> + <p> + “Could she really be in love with me?” Daniel thought, “and could that be + her punishment?” + </p> + <p> + Then, again, swearing, like the roughest of his men, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “Am I to be a fool forever? Is it not quite clear that this wicked woman + only tries to put my suspicions to sleep? She is evidently preparing for + her defence, in case the rascal who attempted my life should be caught, + and compromise her by his confessions.” + </p> + <p> + Every letter; moreover, brought from the Countess Sarah some news about + his betrothed, her “stepdaughter.” But she always spoke of her with + extreme reserve and reticence, and in ambiguous terms, as if counting upon + Daniel’s sagacity to guess what she could not or would not write. + According to her account, Henrietta had become reconciled to her father’s + marriage. The poor child’s melancholy had entirely disappeared. Miss + Henrietta was very friendly with Sir Thorn. The coquettish ways of the + young girl became quite alarming; and her indiscretion provoked the gossip + of visitors. Daniel might as well accustom himself to the idea, that, on + his return, he might find Henrietta a married woman. + </p> + <p> + “She lies, the wretch!” said Daniel; “yes, she lies!” + </p> + <p> + But he tried in vain to resist; every letter from Sarah brought him the + germ of some new suspicion, which fermented in his mind as the miasma + fermented in the veins of his men. + </p> + <p> + The information furnished by Maxime de Brevan was different, and often + contradictory even, but by no means more reassuring. His letters portrayed + the perplexity and the hesitation of a man who is all anxiety to soften + hard truths. According to him, the Countess Sarah and Miss Ville-Handry + did not get on well with each other; but he declared he was bound to say + that the wrong was all on the young lady’s side, who seemed to make it the + study of her life to mortify her step-mother, while the latter bore the + most irritating provocations with unchanging sweetness. He alluded to the + calumnies which endangered Miss Henrietta’s reputation, admitting that she + had given some ground for them by thoughtless acts. He finally added that + he foresaw the moment when she would leave her father’s house in spite of + all his advice to the contrary. + </p> + <p> + “And not one line from her,” exclaimed Daniel,—“not one line!” + </p> + <p> + And he wrote her letter after letter, beseeching her to answer him, + whatever might be the matter, and to fear nothing, as the certainty even + of a misfortune would be a blessing to him in comparison with this + torturing uncertainty. + </p> + <p> + He wrote without imagining for a moment that Henrietta suffered all the + torments he endured, that their letters were intercepted, and that she had + no more news of him than he had of her. + </p> + <p> + Time passed, however, carrying with it the evil as well as the good days. + Daniel returned to Saigon, bringing back with him one of the finest + hydrographic works that exist on Cochin China. It was well known that this + work had cost an immense outlay of labor, of privations, and of life; + hence he was rewarded as if he had won a battle, and he was rewarded + instantly, thanks to special powers conferred upon his chief, reserving + only the confirmation in France, which was never refused. + </p> + <p> + All the survivors of the expedition were mentioned in public orders and in + the official report; two were decorated; and Daniel was promoted to + officer of the Legion of Honor. Under other circumstances, this + distinction, doubly valuable to so young a man, would have made him + supremely happy; now it left him cold. + </p> + <p> + The fact was, that these long trials had worn out the elasticity of his + heart; and the sources of joy, as well as the sources of sorrow, had dried + up. He no longer struggled against despair, and came to believe that + Henrietta had forgotten him, and would never be his wife. Now, as he knew + he never could love another, or rather as no other existed for him; as, + without Henrietta, the world seemed to him empty, absurd, intolerable,—he + asked himself why he should continue to live. There were moments in which + he looked lovingly at his pistols, and said to himself,— + </p> + <p> + “Why should I not spare Sarah Brandon the trouble?” + </p> + <p> + What kept his hand back was the leaven of hatred which still rose in him + at times. He ought to have the courage, at least, to live long enough to + avenge himself. Harassed by these anxieties, he withdrew more and more + from society; never went on shore; and his comrades on board “The + Conquest” felt anxious as they looked at him walking restlessly up and + down the quarter-deck, pale, and with eyes on fire. + </p> + <p> + For they loved Daniel. His superiority was so evident, that none disputed + it; they might envy him; but they could never be jealous of him. Some of + them thought he had brought back with him from Kamboja the germ of one of + those implacable diseases which demoralize the strongest, and which break + out suddenly, carrying a man off in a few hours. + </p> + <p> + “You ought not to become a misanthrope, my dear Champcey,” they would say. + “Come, for Heaven’s sake shake off that sadness, which might make an end + of you before you are aware of it!” + </p> + <p> + And jestingly they added,— + </p> + <p> + “Decidedly, you regret the banks of the Kamboja!” + </p> + <p> + They thought it a jest: it was the truth. Daniel did regret even the worst + days of his mission. At that time his grave responsibility, overwhelming + fatigues, hard work, and daily danger, had procured him at least some + hours of oblivion. Now idleness left him, without respite or time, face to + face with his distressing thoughts. It was the desire, the necessity + almost, of escaping in some manner from himself, which made him accept an + invitation to join a number of his comrades who wanted to try the charms + of a great hunting party. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the expedition, however, he had a kind of presentiment. + </p> + <p> + “A fine opportunity,” he thought, “for the assassin hired by Sarah + Brandon!” + </p> + <p> + Then, shrugging his shoulders, he said with a bitter laugh,— + </p> + <p> + “How can I hesitate? As if a life like mine was worth the trouble of + protecting it against danger!” + </p> + <p> + When they arrived on the following day on the hunting ground, he, as well + as the other hunters, received their instructions, and had their posts + assigned them by the leader. He found himself placed between two of his + comrades, in front of a thicket, and facing a narrow ravine, through which + all the game must necessarily pass as it was driven down by a crowd of + Annamites. + </p> + <p> + They had been firing for an hour, when Daniel’s neighbors saw him suddenly + let go his rifle, turn over, and fall. + </p> + <p> + They hurried up to catch him; but he fell, face forward, to the ground, + saying aloud, and very distinctly,— + </p> + <p> + “This time they have not missed me!” + </p> + <p> + At the outcry raised by the two neighbors of Daniel, other hunters had + hastened up, and among them the chief surgeon of “The Conquest,” one of + those old “pill-makers,” who, under a jovial scepticism, and a rough, + almost brutal outside, conceal great skill and an almost feminine + tenderness. As soon as he looked at the wounded man, whom his friends had + stretched out on his back, making a pillow of their overcoats, and who lay + there pale and inanimate, the good doctor frowned, and growled out,— + </p> + <p> + “He won’t live.” + </p> + <p> + The officers were thunderstruck. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Champcey!” said one of them, “to escape the Kamboja fevers, and to + be killed here at a pleasure party! Do you recollect, doctor, what you + said on the occasion of his second accident,—‘Mind the third’?” + </p> + <p> + The old doctor did not listen. He had knelt down, and rapidly stripped the + coat off Daniel’s back. The poor man had been struck by a shot. The ball + had entered on the right side, a little behind; and between the fourth and + the fifth rib, one could see a round wound, the edges drawn in. But the + most careful examination did not enable him to find the place where the + projectile had come out again. The doctor rose slowly, and, while + carefully dusting the knees of his trousers, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “All things considered, I would not bet that he may not escape. Who knows + where the ball may be lodged? It may have respected the vital parts. + </p> + <p> + “Projectiles often take curious turns and twists. I should almost be + disposed to answer for M. Champcey, if I had him in a good bed in the + hospital at Saigon. At all events, we must try to get him there alive. Let + one of you gentlemen tell the sailors who have come with us to make a + litter of branches.” + </p> + <p> + The noise of a struggle, of fearful oaths and inarticulate cries, + interrupted his orders. Some fifteen yards off, below the place where + Daniel had fallen, two sailors were coming out of the thicket, their faces + red with anger, dragging out a man with a wretched gun, who hurled out,— + </p> + <p> + “Will you let me go, you parcel of good-for-nothings! Let me go, or I’ll + hurt you!” + </p> + <p> + He was so furiously struggling in the arms of the two sailors, clinging + with an iron grip to roots and branches and rocks, turning and twisting at + every step, that the men at last, furious at his resistance, lifted him up + bodily, and threw him at the chief surgeon’s feet, exclaiming,— + </p> + <p> + “Here is the scoundrel who has killed our lieutenant!” + </p> + <p> + It was a man of medium size, with a dejected air, and lack-lustre eyes, + wearing a mustache and chin-beard, and looking impudent. His costume was + that of an Annamite of the middle classes,—a blouse buttoned at the + side, trousers made in Chinese style, and sandals of red leather. It was, + nevertheless, quite evident that the man was a European. + </p> + <p> + “Where did you find him?” asked the surgeon of the men. + </p> + <p> + “Down there, commandant, behind that big bush, to the right of Lieut. + Champcey, and a little behind him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you accuse him?” + </p> + <p> + “Why? We have good reasons, I should think. He was hiding. When we saw + him, he was lying flat on the ground, trembling with fear; and we said at + once, ‘Surely, there is the man who fired that shot.’” + </p> + <p> + The man had, in the meantime, raised himself, and assumed an air of almost + provoking assurance. + </p> + <p> + “They lie!” he exclaimed. “Yes, they lie, the cowards!” + </p> + <p> + This insult would have procured him a sound drubbing, but for the old + surgeon, who held the arm of the first sailor who made the attack. Then, + continuing his interrogatory, he asked,— + </p> + <p> + “Why did you hide?” + </p> + <p> + “I did not hide.” + </p> + <p> + “What were you doing there, crouching in the bush?” + </p> + <p> + “I was at my post, like the others. Do they require a permit to carry arms + in Cochin China? I was not invited to your hunting party, to be sure; but + I am fond of game; and I said to myself, ‘Even if I were to shoot two or + three head out of the hundreds their drivers will bring down, I would do + them no great harm.’” + </p> + <p> + The doctor let him talk on for some time, observing him closely with his + sagacious eye; then, all of a sudden, he broke in, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Give me your gun!” + </p> + <p> + The man turned so visibly pale, that all the officers standing around + noticed it. Still he did what he was asked to do, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Here it is. It’s a gun one of my friends has lent me.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor examined the weapon very carefully; and, after having inspected + the lock, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Both barrels of your gun are empty; and they have not been emptied more + than two minutes ago.” + </p> + <p> + “That is so; I fired both barrels at an animal that passed me within + reach.” + </p> + <p> + “One of the balls may have gone astray.” + </p> + <p> + “That cannot be. I was aiming in the direction of the prairie; and, + consequently, I was turning my back to the place where the officer was + standing.” + </p> + <p> + To the great surprise of everybody, the doctor’s face, ordinarily crafty + enough, now looked all benevolent curiosity,—so much so, that the + two sailors who had captured the man were furious, and said aloud,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! don’t believe him, commandant, the dirty dog!” + </p> + <p> + But the man, evidently encouraged by the surgeon’s apparent kindliness, + asked,— + </p> + <p> + “Am I to be allowed to defend myself, or not?” + </p> + <p> + And then he added in a tone of supreme impudence,— + </p> + <p> + “However, whether I defend myself or not, it will, no doubt, be all the + same. Ah! if I were only a sailor, or even a marine, that would be another + pair of sleeves; they would hear me! But now, I am nothing but a poor + civilian; and here everybody knows civilians must have broad shoulders. + Wrong or right, as soon as they are accused, they are convicted.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor seemed to have made up his mind; for he interrupted this flow + of words, saying in his kindest voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Calm yourself, my friend. There is a test which will clearly establish + your innocence. The ball that has struck Lieut. Champcey is still in the + wound; and I am the man who is going to take it out, I promise you. We all + here have rifles with conical balls; you are the only one who has an + ordinary shot-gun with round balls, so there is no mistake possible. I do + not know if you understand me?” + </p> + <p> + Yes, he understood, and so well, that his pale face turned livid, and he + looked all around with frightened glances. For about six seconds he + hesitated, counting his chances; then suddenly falling on his knees, his + hands folded, and beating the ground with his forehead, he cried out,— + </p> + <p> + “I confess! Yes, it may be I who have hit the officer. I heard the bushes + moving in his direction, and I fired at a guess. What a misfortune! O God, + what a misfortune! Ah! <i>I</i> would give my life to save his if I could. + It was an accident, gentlemen, I swear. Such accidents happen every day in + hunting; the papers are full of them. Great God! what an unfortunate man I + am!” + </p> + <p> + The doctor had stepped back. He now ordered the two sailors who had + arrested the man, to make sure of him, to bind him, and carry him to + Saigon to prison. One of the gentlemen, he said, would write a few lines, + which they must take with them. The man seemed to be annihilated. + </p> + <p> + “A misfortune is not a crime,” he sighed out. “I am an honest mechanic.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall see that in Saigon,” answered the surgeon. + </p> + <p> + And he hastened away to see if all the preparations had been made to carry + the wounded man. In less than twenty minutes, and with that marvellous + skill which is one of the characteristic features of good sailors, a solid + litter had been constructed; the bottom formed a real mattress of dry + leaves; and overhead a kind of screen had been made of larger leaves. When + they put Daniel in, the pain caused him to utter a low cry of pain. This + was the first sign of life he had given. + </p> + <p> + “And now, my friends,” said the doctor, “let us go! And bear in mind, if + you shake the lieutenant, he is a dead man.” + </p> + <p> + It was hardly eight in the morning when the melancholy procession started + homeward; and it was not until between two and three o’clock on the next + morning that it entered Saigon, under one of those overwhelming rains + which give one an idea of the deluge, and of which Cochin China has the + monopoly. The sailors who carried the litter on which Daniel lay had + walked eighteen hours without stopping, on footpaths which were almost + impassable, and where every moment a passage had to be cut through + impenetrable thickets of aloes, cactus, and jack-trees. Several times the + officers had offered to take their places; but they had always refused, + relieving each other, and taking all the time as ingenious precautions as + a mother might devise for her dying infant. Although, therefore, the march + lasted so long, the dying man felt no shock; and the old doctor said, + quite touched, to the officers who were around him,— + </p> + <p> + “Good fellows, how careful they are! You might have put a full glass of + water on the litter, and they would not have spilled a drop.” + </p> + <p> + Yes, indeed! Good people, rude and rough, no doubt, in many ways, coarse + sometimes, and even brutal, bad to meet on shore the day after pay-day, or + coming out from a drinking-shop, but keeping under the rough outside a + heart of gold, childlike simplicity, and the sacred fire of noblest + devotion. The fact was, they did not dare breathe heartily till after they + had put their precious burden safe under the hospital porch. + </p> + <p> + Two officers who had hastened in advance had ordered a room to be made + ready. Daniel was carried there; and when he had been gently put on a + white, good bed, officers and sailors withdrew into an adjoining room to + await the doctor’s sentence. The latter remained with the wounded man, + with two assistant surgeons who had been roused in the meantime. + </p> + <p> + Hope was very faint. Daniel had recovered his consciousness during the + journey, and had even spoken a few words to those around him, but + incoherent words, the utterance of delirium. They had questioned him once + or twice; but his answers had shown that he had no consciousness of the + accident which had befallen him, nor of his present condition; so that the + general opinion among the sailors who were waiting, and who all had more + or less experience of shot-wounds, was, that fever would carry off their + lieutenant before sunrise. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, as if by magic, all was hushed, and not a word spoken. + </p> + <p> + The old surgeon had just appeared at the door of the sick-chamber; and, + with a pleasant and hopeful smile on his lips, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Our poor Champcey is doing as well as could be expected; and I would + almost be sure of his recovery, if the great heat was not upon us.” + </p> + <p> + And, silencing the murmur of satisfaction which arose among them at this + good news, he went on to say,— + </p> + <p> + “Because, after all, serious as the wound is, it is nothing in comparison + with what it might have been; and what is more, gentlemen, I have the <i>corpus + delicti</i>.” + </p> + <p> + He raised in the air, as he said this, a spherical ball, which he held + between his thumb and forefinger. + </p> + <p> + “Another instance,” he said, “to be added to those mentioned by our great + masters of surgery, of the oddities of projectiles. This one, instead of + pursuing its way straight through the body of our poor friend, had turned + around the ribs, and gone to its place close by the vertebral column. + There I found it, almost on the surface; and nothing was needed to + dislodge it but a slight push with the probe.” + </p> + <p> + The shot-gun taken from the hands of the murderer had been deposited in a + corner of the large room: they brought it up, tried the ball, and found it + to fit accurately. + </p> + <p> + “Now we have a tangible proof,” exclaimed a young ensign, “an unmistakable + proof, that the wretch whom our men have caught is Daniel’s murderer. Ah, + he might as well have kept his confession!” + </p> + <p> + But the old surgeon replied with a dark frown,— + </p> + <p> + “Gently, gentlemen, gently! Don’t let us be over-hasty in accusing a poor + fellow of such a fearful crime, when, perhaps, he is guilty only of + imprudence.” + </p> + <p> + “O doctor, doctor!” protested half a dozen voices. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon! Don’t let us be hasty, I say; and let us consider, For + an assassination there must be a motive, and an all-powerful motive; for, + aside from the scaffold which he risks, no man is capable of killing + another man solely for the purpose of shedding his blood. Now, in this + case, I look in vain for any reason, which could have induced the man to + commit a murder. He certainly did not expect to rob our poor comrade. But + hatred, you say, or vengeance, perhaps! Well, that may be. But, before a + man makes up his mind to shoot even the man he hates like a dog, he must + have been cruelly offended by him; and, to bring this about, he must have + been in contact, or must have stood in some relation to him. Now, I ask + you, is it not far more probable that the murderer saw our friend Champcey + this morning for the first time?” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, commandant! He knew him perfectly well.” + </p> + <p> + The man who interrupted the doctor was one of the sailors to whom the + prisoner had been intrusted to carry him to prison. He came forward, + twisting his worsted cap in his hands; and, when the old surgeon had + ordered him to speak, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the rascal knew the lieutenant as well as I know you, commandant; + and the reason of it is, that the scoundrel was one of the emigrants whom + we brought here eighteen months ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure of what you say?” + </p> + <p> + “As sure as I see you, commandant. At first my comrade and I did not + recognize him, because a year and a half in this wretched country + disfigure a man horribly; but, while we were carrying him to jail, we said + to one another, ‘That is a head we have seen before.’ Then we made him + talk; and he told us gradually, that he had been one of the passengers, + and that he even knew my name, which is Baptist Lefloch.” + </p> + <p> + This deposition of the sailor made a great impression upon all the + bystanders, except the old doctor. It is true he was looked upon, on board + “The Conquest,” as one of the most obstinate men in holding on to his + opinions. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know,” he asked the sailor, “if this man was one of the four or + five who had to be put in irons during the voyage?” + </p> + <p> + “No, he was not one of them, commandant.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he ever have anything to do with Lieut. Champcey? Has he been + reprimanded by him, or punished? Has he ever spoken to him?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, commandant! that is more than I can tell.” + </p> + <p> + The old doctor slightly shrugged his shoulders, and said in a tone of + indifference,— + </p> + <p> + “You see, gentlemen, this deposition is too vague to prove anything. + Believe me, therefore, do not let us judge before the trial, and let us go + to bed.” + </p> + <p> + Day was just breaking, pale and cool; the sailors disappeared one by one. + The doctor was getting ready to lie down on a bed which he had ordered to + be put up in a room adjoining that in which the wounded man was lying, + when an officer came in. It was one of those who had been standing near + Champcey; he, also, was a lieutenant. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to have a word in private with you, doctor,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” replied the old surgeon. “Be kind enough to come up to my + room.” And when they were alone, he locked the door, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I am listening.” + </p> + <p> + The lieutenant thought a moment, like a man who looks for the best form in + which to present an important idea, and then said,— + </p> + <p> + “Between us, doctor, do you believe it was an accident, or a crime?” + </p> + <p> + The surgeon hesitated visibly. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you, but you only, frankly, that I do not believe it was an + accident. But as we have no evidence”— + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me! I think I have evidence.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” + </p> + <p> + “You shall, judge yourself. When Daniel fell, he said, ‘This time, they + have not missed me!’” + </p> + <p> + “Did he say so?” + </p> + <p> + “Word for word. And Saint Edme, who was farther from him than I was, heard + it as distinctly as I did.” + </p> + <p> + To the great surprise of the lieutenant, the chief surgeon seemed only + moderately surprised; his eyes, on the contrary, shone with that pleased + air of a man who congratulates himself at having foreseen exactly what he + now is told was the fact. He drew a chair up to the fireplace, in which a + huge fire had been kindled to dry his clothes, sat down, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, my dear lieutenant, that what you tell me is a matter of the + greatest importance? What may we not conclude from those words, ‘This time + they have not missed me’? In the first place, it proves that Champcey was + fully aware that his life was in danger. Secondly, that plural, ‘They have + not,’ shows that he knew he was watched and threatened by several people: + hence the scamp whom we caught must have accomplices. In the third place, + those words, ‘This time,’ establish the fact that his life has been + attempted before.” + </p> + <p> + “That is just what I thought, doctor.” + </p> + <p> + The worthy old gentleman looked very grave and solemn, meditating deeply. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I,” he continued slowly, “I had a very clear presentiment of all + that as soon as I looked at the murderer. Do you remember the man’s + amazing impudence as long as he thought he could not be convicted of the + crime? And then, when he found that the calibre of his gun betrayed him, + how abject, how painfully humble, he became! Evidently such a man is + capable of anything.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you need only look at him”— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed! Well, as I was thus watching him, I instinctively recalled + the two remarkable accidents which so nearly killed our poor Champcey,—that + block that fell upon him from the skies, and that shipwreck in the + Dong-Nai. But I was still doubtful. After what you tell me, I am sure.” + </p> + <p> + He seized the lieutenant’s hand; and, pressing it almost painfully, he + went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am ready to take my oath that this wretch is the vile tool of + people who hate or fear Daniel Champcey; who are deeply interested in his + death; and who, being too cowardly to do their own business, are rich + enough to hire an assassin.” + </p> + <p> + The lieutenant was evidently unable to follow. + </p> + <p> + “Still, doctor,” he objected, “but just now you insisted”— + </p> + <p> + “Upon a diametrically opposite doctrine; eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely.” + </p> + <p> + The old surgeon smiled, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I had my reasons. The more I am persuaded that this man is an assassin, + the less I am disposed to proclaim it on the housetops. He has + accomplices, you think, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if we wish to reach them, we must by all means reassure them, leave + them under the impression that everybody thinks it was an accident. If + they are frightened, good-night. They will vanish before you can put out + your hand to seize them.” + </p> + <p> + “Champcey might be questioned; perhaps he could furnish some information.” + </p> + <p> + But the doctor rose, and stopped him with an air of fury,— + </p> + <p> + “Question my patient! Kill him, you mean! No! If I am to have the + wonderful good luck to pull him through, no one shall come near his bed + for a month. And, moreover, it will be very fortunate indeed if in a month + he is sufficiently recovered to keep up a conversation.” + </p> + <p> + He shook his head, and went on, after a moment’s silence,— + </p> + <p> + “Besides, it is a question whether Champcey would be disposed to say what + he knows, or what he suspects. That is very doubtful. Twice he has been + almost killed. Has he ever said a word about it? He probably has the same + reasons for keeping silence now that he had then.” + </p> + <p> + Then, without noticing the officer’s objections, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “At all events, I will think it over, and go and see the judges as soon as + they are out of bed. But I must ask you, lieutenant, to keep my secret + till further order. Will you promise?” + </p> + <p> + “On my word, doctor.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you may rest assured our poor friend shall be avenged. And now, as I + have barely two hours to rest, please excuse me.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0025" id="link2H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIV. + </h2> + <p> + As soon as he was alone, the doctor threw himself on his bed; but he could + not sleep. He had never in his life been so much puzzled. He felt as if + this crime was the result of some terrible but mysterious intrigue; and + the very fact of having, as he fancied, raised a corner of the veil, made + him burn with the desire to draw it aside altogether. + </p> + <p> + “Why,” he said to himself, “why might not the scamp whom we hold be the + author of the other two attempts likewise? There is nothing improbable in + that supposition. The man, once engaged, might easily have been put on + board ‘The Conquest;’ and he might have left France saying to himself that + it would be odd indeed, if during a long voyage, or in a land like this, + he did not find a chance to earn his money without running much risk.” + </p> + <p> + The result of his meditations was, that the chief surgeon appeared, at + nine o’clock, at the office of the state attorney. He placed the matter + before him very fully and plainly; and, an hour afterwards, he crossed the + yard on his way to the prison, accompanied by a magistrate and his clerk. + </p> + <p> + “How is the man the sailors brought here last night?” he asked the jailer. + </p> + <p> + “Badly, sir. He would not eat.” + </p> + <p> + “What did he say when he got here?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing. He seemed to be stupefied.” + </p> + <p> + “You did not try to make him talk?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes, a little. He answered that he had done some mischief; that he + was in despair, and wished he were dead.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate looked at the surgeon as if he meant to say, “Just as I + expected from what you told me!” Then, turning again to the jailer, he + said,— + </p> + <p> + “Show us to the prisoner’s cell.” + </p> + <p> + The murderer had been put into a small but tidy cell in the first story. + When they entered, they found him seated on his bed, his heels on the + bars, and his chin in the palm of his hands. As soon as he saw the + surgeon, he jumped up, and with outstretched arms and rolling eyes, + exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “The officer has died!” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied the surgeon, “no! Calm yourself. The wound is a very bad + one; but in a fortnight he will be up again.” + </p> + <p> + These words fell like a heavy blow upon the murderer. He turned pale; his + lips quivered; and he trembled in all his limbs. Still he promptly + mastered this weakness of the flesh; and falling on his knees, with folded + hands, he murmured in the most dramatic manner,— + </p> + <p> + “Then I am not a murderer! O Great God, I thank thee!” + </p> + <p> + And his lips moved as if he were uttering a fervent prayer. + </p> + <p> + It was evidently a case of coarsest hypocrisy; for his looks contradicted + his words and his voice. The magistrate, however, seemed to be taken in. + </p> + <p> + “You show proper feelings,” he said. “Now get up and answer me. What is + your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Evariste Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet.” + </p> + <p> + “What age?” + </p> + <p> + “Thirty-five years.” + </p> + <p> + “Where were you born?” + </p> + <p> + “At Bagnolet, near Paris. And on that account, my friend”— + </p> + <p> + “Never mind. Your profession?” + </p> + <p> + The man hesitated. The magistrate added,— + </p> + <p> + “In your own interest I advise you to tell the truth. The truth always + comes out in the end; and your position would be a very serious one if you + tried to lie. Answer, therefore, directly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am an engraver on metal; but I have been in the army; I served my + time in the marines.” + </p> + <p> + “What brought you to Cochin China?” + </p> + <p> + “The desire to find work. I was tired of Paris. There was no work for + engravers. I met a friend who told me the government wanted good workmen + for the colonies.” + </p> + <p> + “What was your friend’s name?” + </p> + <p> + A slight blush passed over the man’s cheek’s, and he answered hastily,— + </p> + <p> + “I have forgotten his name.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate seemed to redouble his attention, although he did not show + it. + </p> + <p> + “That is very unfortunate for you,” he answered coldly. “Come, make an + effort; try to remember.” + </p> + <p> + “I know I cannot; it is not worth the trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Well; but no doubt you recollect the profession of the man who knew so + well that government wanted men in Cochin China? What was it?” + </p> + <p> + The man, this time, turned crimson with rage, and cried out with + extraordinary vehemence,— + </p> + <p> + “How do I know? Besides, what have I to do with my friend’s name and + profession? I learned from him that they wanted workmen. I called at the + navy department, they engaged me; and that is all.” + </p> + <p> + Standing quietly in one of the corners of the cell, the old chief surgeon + lost not a word, not a gesture, of the murderer. And he could hardly + refrain from rubbing his hands with delight as he noticed the marvellous + skill of the magistrate in seizing upon all those little signs, which, + when summed up at the end of an investigation, form an overwhelming mass + of evidence against the criminal. The magistrate, in the meantime, went on + with the same impassive air,— + </p> + <p> + “Let us leave that question, then, since it seems to irritate you, and let + us go on to your residence here. How have you supported yourself at + Saigon?” + </p> + <p> + “By my work, forsooth! <i>I</i> have two arms; and I am not a good-for- + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “You have found employment, you say, as engraver on metal?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “But you said”— + </p> + <p> + Evariste Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet, could hardly conceal his impatience. + </p> + <p> + “If you won’t let me have my say,” he broke out insolently, “it isn’t + worth while questioning me.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate seemed not to notice it. He answered coldly,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh! talk as much as you want. I can wait.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, the day after we had landed, M. Farniol, the owner of the + French restaurant, offered me a place as waiter. Of course I accepted, and + stayed there a year. Now I wait at table at the Hotel de France, kept by + M. Roy. You can send for my two masters; they will tell you whether there + is any complaint against me.” + </p> + <p> + “They will certainly be examined. And where do you live?” + </p> + <p> + “At the Hotel de France, of course, where I am employed.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate’s face looked more and more benevolent. He asked next,— + </p> + <p> + “And that is a good place,—to be waiter at a restaurant or a hotel?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes—pretty good.” + </p> + <p> + “They pay well; eh?” + </p> + <p> + “That depends,—sometimes they do; at other times they don’t. When it + is the season”— + </p> + <p> + “That is so everywhere. But let us be accurate. You have been now eighteen + months in Saigon; no doubt you have laid up something?” + </p> + <p> + The man looked troubled and amazed, as if he had suddenly found out that + the apparent benevolence of the magistrate had led him upon slippery and + dangerous ground. He said evasively,— + </p> + <p> + “If I have put anything aside, it is not worth mentioning.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, let us mention it. How much about have you saved?” + </p> + <p> + Bagnolet’s looks, and the tremor of his lips, showed the rage that was + devouring him. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know,” he said sharply. + </p> + <p> + The magistrate made a gesture of surprise which was admirable. He added,— + </p> + <p> + “What! You don’t know how much you have laid up? That is too improbable! + When people save money, one cent after another, to provide for their old + age, they know pretty well”— + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, take it for granted that I have saved nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “As you like it. Only it is my duty to show you the effect of your + declaration. You tell me you have not laid up any money, don’t you? Now, + what would you say, if, upon search being made, the police should find a + certain sum of money on your person or elsewhere?” + </p> + <p> + “They won’t find any.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better for you; for, after what you said, it would be a + terrible charge.” + </p> + <p> + “Let them search.” + </p> + <p> + “They are doing it now, and not only in your room, but also elsewhere. + They will soon know if you have invested any money, or if you have + deposited it with any of your acquaintances.” + </p> + <p> + “I may have brought some money with me from home.” + </p> + <p> + “No; for you have told me that you could no longer live in Paris, finding + no work.” + </p> + <p> + Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet, made such a sudden and violent start, that + the surgeon thought he was going to attack the magistrate. He felt he had + been caught in a net the meshes of which were drawing tighter and tighter + around him; and these apparently inoffensive questions assumed suddenly a + terrible meaning. + </p> + <p> + “Just answer me in one word,” said the magistrate. “Did you bring any + money from France, or did you not?” + </p> + <p> + The man rose, and his lips opened to utter a curse; but he checked + himself, sat down again, and, laughing ferociously, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you would like to ‘squeeze’ me, and make me cut my own throat. But + luckily, I can see through you; and I refuse to answer.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean you want to consider. Have a care! You need not consider in + order to tell the truth.” + </p> + <p> + And, as the man remained obstinately silent, the magistrate began again + after a pause, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “You know what you are accused of? They suspect that you fired at Lieut. + Champcey with intent to kill.” + </p> + <p> + “That is an abominable lie!” + </p> + <p> + “So you say. How did you hear that the officers of ‘The Conquest’ had + arranged a large hunting-party?” + </p> + <p> + “I had heard them speak of it at <i>table d’hote</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “And you left your service in order to attend this hunt, some twelve miles + from Saigon? That is certainly singular.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; for I am very fond of hunting. And then I thought, if I could + bring back a large quantity of game, I would probably be able to sell it + very well.” + </p> + <p> + “And you would have added the profit to your other savings, wouldn’t you?” + </p> + <p> + Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet, was stung by the point of this ironical + question, as if he had received a sharp cut. But, as he said nothing, the + magistrate continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Explain to us how the thing happened.” + </p> + <p> + On this ground the murderer knew he was at home, having had ample time to + get ready; and with an accuracy which did great honor to his memory, or to + his veracity, he repeated what he had told the surgeon on the spot, and at + the time of the catastrophe. He only added, that he had concealed himself, + because he had seen at once to what terrible charges he would be exposed + by his awkwardness. And as he continued his account, warming up with its + plausibility, he recovered the impudence, or rather the insolence, which + seemed to be the prominent feature of his character. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know the officer whom you have wounded?” asked the magistrate when + he had finished. + </p> + <p> + “Of course, I do, as I have made the voyage with him. He is Lieut. + Champcey.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you any complaint against him?” + </p> + <p> + “None at all.” + </p> + <p> + Then he added in a tone of bitterness and resentment,— + </p> + <p> + “What relations do you think could there be between a poor devil like + myself and a great personage like him? Would he have condescended even to + look at me? Would I have dared to speak to him? If I know him, it is only + because I have seen him, from afar off, walk the quarter-deck with the + other officers, a cigar in his mouth, after a good meal, while we in the + forecastle had our salt fish, and broke our teeth with worm-eaten + hard-tack.” + </p> + <p> + “So you had no reason to hate him?” + </p> + <p> + “None; as little as anybody else.” + </p> + <p> + Seated upon a wretched little footstool, his paper on his knees, an + inkhorn in his hand, the clerk was rapidly taking down the questions and + the answers. The magistrate made him a sign that it was ended, and then + said, turning to the murderer,— + </p> + <p> + “That is enough for to-day. I am bound to tell you, that, having so far + only kept you as a matter of precaution, I shall issue now an order for + your arrest.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean I am to be put in jail?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, until the court shall decide whether you are <i>guilty</i> of + murder, or of involuntary homicide.” + </p> + <p> + Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet, seemed to have foreseen this conclusion: at + least he coolly shrugged his shoulders, and said in a hoarse voice,— + </p> + <p> + “In that case I shall have my linen changed pretty often here; for, if I + had been wicked enough to plot an assassination, I should not have been + fool enough to say so.” + </p> + <p> + “Who knows?” replied the magistrate. “Some evidence is as good as an + avowal.” + </p> + <p> + And, turning to the clerk, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Read the deposition to the accused.” + </p> + <p> + A moment afterwards, when this formality had been fulfilled, the + magistrate and the old doctor left the room. The former looked extremely + grave, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “You were right, doctor; that man is a murderer. The so-called friend, + whose name he would not tell us, is no other person than the rascal whose + tool he is. And I mean to get that person’s name out of him, if M. + Champcey recovers, and will give me the slightest hint. Therefore, doctor, + nurse your patient.” + </p> + <p> + To recommend Daniel to the surgeon was at least superfluous. If the old + original was inexorable, as they said on board ship, for those lazy ones + who pretended to be sick for the purpose of shirking work, he was all + tenderness for his real patients; and his tenderness grew with the + seriousness of their danger. He would not have hesitated a moment between + an admiral who was slightly unwell, and the youngest midshipman of the + fleet who was dangerously wounded. The admiral might have waited a long + time before he would have left the midshipman,—an originality far + less frequent than we imagine. + </p> + <p> + It would have been enough, therefore, for Daniel to be so dangerously + wounded. But there was something else besides. Like all who had ever + sailed with Daniel, the surgeon, also, had conceived a lively interest in + him, and was filled with admiration for his character. Besides that, he + knew that his patient alone could solve this great mystery, which puzzled + him exceedingly. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, Daniel’s condition was one of those which defy all + professional skill, and where all hope depends upon time, nature, and + constitution. To try to question him would have been absurd; for he had so + far continued delirious. At times he thought he was on board his sloop in + the swamps of the Kamboja; but most frequently he imagined himself + fighting against enemies bent upon his ruin. The names of Sarah Brandon, + Mrs. Brian, and Thomas Elgin, were constantly on his lips, mixed up with + imprecations and fearful threats. + </p> + <p> + For twenty days he remained so; and for twenty days and twenty nights his + “man,” Baptist Lefloch, who had caught the murderer, was by his bedside, + watching his slightest movement, and ever bending over him tenderly. Not + one of those noble daughters of divine wisdom, whom we meet in every part + of the globe, wherever there is a sick man to nurse, could have been more + patient, more attentive, or more ingenious, than this common sailor. He + had put off his shoes, so as to walk more softly; and he came and went on + tiptoe, his face full of care and anxiety, preparing draughts, and + handling with his huge bony hands, with laughable, but almost touching + precautions, the small phials out of which he had to give a spoonful to + his patient at stated times. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll have you appointed head nurse of the navy, Lefloch,” said the old + surgeon. + </p> + <p> + But he shook his head and answered,— + </p> + <p> + “I would not like the place, commandant. Only, you see, when we were down + there on the Kamboja, and Baptist Lefloch was writhing like a worm in the + grip of the cholera, and when he was already quite blue and cold, Lieut. + Champcey did not send for one of those lazy Annamites to rub him, he came + himself, and rubbed him till he brought back the heat and life itself. + Now, you see, I want to do some little for him.” + </p> + <p> + “You would be a great scamp if you did not.” + </p> + <p> + The surgeon hardly left the wounded man himself. He visited him four or + five times a day, once at least every night, and almost every day remained + for hours sitting by his bedside, examining the patient, and experiencing, + according to the symptoms, the most violent changes from hope to fear, and + back again. It was thus he learned a part, at least, of Daniel’s history,—that + he was to marry a daughter of Count Ville- Handry, who himself had married + an adventuress; and that they had separated him from his betrothed by a + forged letter. The doctor’s conjectures were thus confirmed: such cowardly + forgers would not hesitate to hire an assassin. + </p> + <p> + But the worthy surgeon was too deeply impressed with the dignity of his + profession to divulge secrets which he had heard by the bedside of a + patient. And when the magistrate, devoured by impatience, came to him + every three or four days, he always answered,— + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing new to tell you. It will take weeks yet before you can + examine my patient. I am sorry for it, for the sake of Evariste Crochard, + surnamed Bagnolet, who must be tired of prison; but he must wait.” + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Daniel’s long delirium had been succeeded by a period of + stupor. Order seemed gradually to return to his mind. He recognized the + persons around him, and even stammered a few sensible words. But he was so + excessively weak, that he remained nearly all the time plunged in a kind + of torpor which looked very much like death itself. When he was aroused + for a time, he always asked in an almost inaudible voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Are there no letters for me from France?” + </p> + <p> + Invariably, Lefloch replied, according to orders received from the doctor,— + </p> + <p> + “None, lieutenant.” + </p> + <p> + But he told a falsehood. Since Daniel was confined to his bed, three + vessels had arrived from France, two French and one English; and among the + despatches there were eight or ten letters for Lieut. Champcey. But the + old surgeon said to himself, not without good reason,— + </p> + <p> + “Certainly it is almost a case of conscience to leave this unfortunate man + in such uncertainty: but this uncertainty is free from danger, at least; + while any excitement would kill him as surely and as promptly as I could + blow out a candle.” + </p> + <p> + A fortnight passed; and Daniel recovered some little strength; at last he + entered upon a kind of convalescence—if a poor man who could not + turn over in bed unaided can be called a convalescent. But, with his + returned consciousness, his sufferings also reappeared; and, as he + gradually ascertained how long he had been confined, his anxiety assumed + an alarming character. + </p> + <p> + “There must be letters for me,” he said to his man; “you keep them from + me. I must have them.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor at last came to the conclusion that this excessive agitation + was likely to become as dangerous as the excitement he dreaded so much; so + he said one day,— + </p> + <p> + “Let us run the risk.” + </p> + <p> + It was a burning hot afternoon, and Daniel had now been an invalid for + seven weeks. Lefloch raised him on his pillows, stowed him away, as he + called it; and the surgeon handed him his letters. + </p> + <p> + Daniel uttered a cry of delight. + </p> + <p> + At the first glance he had recognized on three of the envelopes + Henrietta’s handwriting. He kissed them, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “At last she writes!” + </p> + <p> + The shock was so violent, that the doctor was almost frightened. + </p> + <p> + “Be calm, my dear friend,” he said. “Be calm! Be a man, forsooth!” + </p> + <p> + But Daniel only smiled, and replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Never mind me, doctor; you know joy is never dangerous; and nothing but + joy can come to me from her who writes to me. However, just see how calm I + am!” + </p> + <p> + So calm, that he did not even take the time to see which was the oldest of + his letters. + </p> + <p> + He opened one of them at haphazard, and read:— + </p> + <p> + “Daniel, my dear Daniel, my only friend in this world, and my sole hope, + how could you intrust me to such an infamous person? How could you hand + over your poor Henrietta to such a wretch? This Maxime de Brevan, this + scoundrel, whom you considered your friend, if you knew”— + </p> + <p> + This was the long letter written by Henrietta the day after M. de Brevan + had declared to her that he loved her, and that sooner or later, whether + she chose or not, she should be his, giving her the choice between the + horrors of starvation and the disgrace of becoming his wife. + </p> + <p> + As Daniel went on reading, a deadly pallor was spreading over his face, + pale as it was already; his eyes grew unnaturally large; and big drops of + perspiration trickled down his temples. A nervous trembling seized him, so + violent, that it made his teeth rattle; sobs rose from his chest; and a + pinkish foam appeared on his discolored lips. At last he reached the + concluding lines,— + </p> + <p> + “Now,” the young girl wrote, “since, probably, none of my letters have + reached you, they must have been intercepted. This one will reach you; for + I am going to carry it to the post-office myself. For God’s sake, Daniel, + return! Come back quick, if you wish to save, not your Henrietta’s honor, + for I shall know how to die, but your Henrietta’s life!” + </p> + <p> + Then the surgeon and the sailor witnessed a frightful sight. + </p> + <p> + This man, who but just now had not been able to raise himself on his + pillows; this unfortunate sufferer, who looked more like a skeleton than a + human being; this wounded man, who had scarcely his breath left him,—threw + back his blankets, and rushed to the middle of the room, crying, with a + terrible voice,— + </p> + <p> + “My clothes, Lefloch, my clothes!” + </p> + <p> + The doctor had hastened forward to support him; but he pushed him aside + with one arm, continuing,— + </p> + <p> + “By the holy name of God, Lefloch, make haste! Run to the harbor, wretch! + there must be a steamer there. I buy it. Let it get up steam, instantly. + In an hour I must be on my way.” + </p> + <p> + But this great effort had exhausted him. He tottered; his eyes dosed; and + he fainted away in the arms of his sailor, stammering,— + </p> + <p> + “That letter, doctor, that letter; read it, and you will see I must go.” + </p> + <p> + Raising his lieutenant, and holding him like a child in his arms, Lefloch + carried him back to his bed; but, for more than ten minutes, the doctor + and the faithful sailor were unable to tell whether they had not a corpse + before their eyes, and were wasting all their attentions. + </p> + <p> + No! It was Lefloch who first noticed a slight tremor. + </p> + <p> + “He moves!” he cried out. “Look, commandant, he moves! He is alive! We’ll + pull him through yet.” + </p> + <p> + They succeeded, in fact, to rekindle this life which had appeared so + nearly extinct; but they did <i>not</i> bring back that able intellect. + The cold and indifferent look with which Daniel stared at them, when he at + last opened his eyes once more, told them that the tottering reason of the + poor man had not been strong enough to resist this new shock. And still he + must have retained some glimpses of the past; for his efforts to collect + his thoughts were unmistakable. He passed his hands mechanically over his + forehead, as if trying to remove the mist which enshrouded his mind. Then + a convulsion shook him; and his lips overflowed with incoherent words, in + which the recollection of the fearful reality, and the extravagant + conceptions of delirium, were strangely mixed. + </p> + <p> + “I foresaw it,” said the chief surgeon. “I foresaw it but too fully.” + </p> + <p> + He had by this time exhausted all the resources of his skill and long + experience; he had followed all the suggestions nature vouchsafed; and he + could do nothing more now, but wait. Picking up the fatal letter, he went + into the embrasure of one of the windows to read it. Daniel had in his + wanderings said enough to enable the doctor to understand the piercing cry + of distress contained in the poor girl’s letter; and Lefloch, who watched + him, saw a big tear running down his cheek, and in the next moment a flood + of crimson overspread his face. + </p> + <p> + “This is enough to madden a man!” he growled. “Poor Champcey!” + </p> + <p> + And like a man who no longer possesses himself, who must move somehow, he + stuffed the letter in his pocket, and went out, swearing till the plaster + seemed to fall from the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + Precisely at the same hour, the magistrate, who had been notified of the + trial, came to ask for news. Seeing the old surgeon cross the hospital + yard, he ran up and asked, as soon as he was within hearing,— + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + The doctor went a few steps farther, and then replied in a tone of + despair,— + </p> + <p> + “Lieut. Champcey is lost!” + </p> + <p> + “Great God! What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “What I think. Daniel has a violent brain-fever, or rather congestion of + the brain. Weakened, exhausted, extenuated as he is, how can he endure it? + He cannot; that is evident. It would take another miracle to save him now; + and you may rest assured it won’t be done. In less than twenty-four hours + he will be a dead man, and his assassins will triumph.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” + </p> + <p> + The old surgeon’s eyes glared with rage; and a sardonic smile curled his + lips as he continued,— + </p> + <p> + “And who could keep those rascals from triumphing? If Daniel dies, you + will be bound to release that scamp, the wretched murderer whom you keep + imprisoned,—that man Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet; for there will be + no evidence. Or, if you send him before a court, he will be declared + guilty of involuntary homicide. And yet you know, as well as I do, he has + wantonly fired at one of the noblest creatures I have ever known. And, + when he has served his term, he will receive the price of Champcey’s life, + and he will spend it in orgies; and the others, the true criminals, who + have hired him, will go about the world with lofty pride, rich, honored, + and haughty.” + </p> + <p> + “Doctor!” + </p> + <p> + But the old original was not to be stopped. He went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, let me alone! Your human justice,—do you want me to tell you + what I think of it? I am ashamed of it! When you send every year three or + four stupid murderers to the scaffold, and some dozens of miserable + thieves to the penitentiary, you fold your black gowns around you, and + proudly proclaim that all is well, and that society, thus protected, may + sleep soundly. Well, do you know what is the real state of things? You + only catch the stupid, the fools. The others, the strong, escape between + the meshes of your laws, and, relying on their cleverness and your want of + power, they enjoy the fruit of their crimes in all the pride of their + impunity, until”— + </p> + <p> + He hesitated, and added, unlike his usual protestations of atheism,— + </p> + <p> + “Until the day of divine judgment.” + </p> + <p> + Far from appearing hurt by such an outburst of indignation, the + magistrate, after having listened with impassive face, said, as soon as + the doctor stopped for want of breath,— + </p> + <p> + “You must have discovered something new.” + </p> + <p> + “Most assuredly. I think I hold at last the thread of the fearful plot + which is killing my poor Daniel. Ah, if he would but live! But he cannot + live.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, console yourself, doctor. You said human justice has its + limits, and hosts of criminals escape its vengeance; but in this case, + whether Lieut. Champcey live or die, justice shall be done, I promise + you!” + </p> + <p> + He spoke in a tone of such absolute certainty, that the old surgeon was + struck by it. He exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Has the murderer confessed the crime?” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he replied; “nor have I seen him again since the first examination. + But I have not been asleep. I have been searching; and I think I have + sufficient evidence now to bring out the truth. And if you, on your side, + have any positive information”— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have; and I think I am justified now in communicating it to you. I + have, besides, a letter”— + </p> + <p> + He was pulling the letter out of his pocket; but the magistrate stopped + him, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “We cannot talk here in the middle of the court, where everybody can watch + us from the windows. The court-room is quite near: suppose we go there, + doctor.” + </p> + <p> + For all answer the surgeon put on his cap firmly, took his friend’s arm, + and the next moment the soldier on duty at the gate of the hospital saw + them go out, engaged in a most animated conversation. When they had + reached the magistrate’s room, he shut the door carefully; and, after + having invited the surgeon to take a seat, he said:— + </p> + <p> + “I shall ask you for your information in a moment. First listen to what I + have to say. I know now who Evariste Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet, really + is; and I know the principal events of his life. Ah! it has cost me time + and labor enough; but human justice is patient, doctor. Considering that + this man had sailed on board ‘The Conquest’ for more than four months, in + company with one hundred and fifty emigrants, I thought it would be + unlikely that he should not have tried to break the monotony of such a + voyage by long talks with friends. He is a good speaker, a Parisian, a + former soldier, and a great traveller. He was, no doubt, always sure of an + audience. I sent, therefore, one by one, for all the former passengers on + board ‘The Conquest,’ whom I could find, a hundred, perhaps; and I + examined them. I soon found out that my presumption was not unfounded. + </p> + <p> + “Almost every one of them had found out some detail of Bagnolet’s life, + some more, some less, according to the degree of honesty or demoralization + which Bagnolet thought he discovered in them. I collected all the + depositions of these witnesses; I completed and compared them, one by the + other; and thus, by means of the confessions of the accused, certain + allusions and confidences of his made to others, and his indiscretions + when he was drunk, I was enabled to make up his biography with a precision + which is not likely to be doubted.” + </p> + <p> + Without seeming to notice the doctor’s astonishment, he opened a large + case on his table; and, drawing from it a huge bundle of papers, he held + it up in the air, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Here are the verbal depositions of my hundred and odd witnesses.” + </p> + <p> + Then, pointing at four or five sheets of paper, which were covered with + very fine and close writing, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “And here are my extracts. Now, doctor, listen,—” + </p> + <p> + And at once he commenced reading this biography of his “accused,” making + occasional remarks, and explaining what he had written. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Evariste Crochard</i>, surnamed <i>Bagnolet</i>, was born at Bagnolet + in 1829, and is, consequently, older than he says, although he looks + younger. He was born in February; and this month is determined by the + deposition of a witness, to whom the accused offered, during the voyage, a + bottle, with the words, ‘To-day is my birthday.’ + </p> + <p> + “From all the accounts of the accused, it appears that his parents were + evidently very honest people. His father was foreman in a copper foundry; + and his mother a seamstress. They may be still living; but for many years + they have not seen their son. + </p> + <p> + “The accused was sent to school; and, if you believe him, he learned + quickly, and showed remarkable talents. But from his twelfth year he + joined several bad companions of his age, and frequently abandoned his + home for weeks, roaming about Paris. How did he support himself while he + was thus vagabondizing? + </p> + <p> + “He has never given a satisfactory explanation. But he has made such + precise statements about the manner in which youthful thieves maintain + themselves in the capital, that many witnesses suspect him of having + helped them in robbing open stalls in the streets. + </p> + <p> + “The positive result of these investigations is, that his father, + distressed by his misconduct, and despairing of ever seeing him mend his + ways, had him sent to a house of correction when he was fourteen years + old. + </p> + <p> + “Released at the end of eighteen months, he says he was bound out as an + apprentice, and soon learned his business well enough to support himself. + This last allegation, however, cannot be true; for four witnesses, of whom + one at least is of the same profession as Crochard, declare that they have + seen him at work, and that, if he ever was a skilled mechanic, he is so no + longer. Besides, he cannot have been long at work; for he had been a year + in prison again, when the revolution of 1848 began. This fact he has + himself stated to more than twenty-five persons. But he has explained his + imprisonment very differently; and almost every witness has received a new + version. One was told that he had been sentenced for having stabbed one of + his companions while drunk; another, that it was for a row in a + drinking-saloon; and a third, that he was innocently involved with others + in an attempt to rob a foreigner. + </p> + <p> + “The prosecution is, therefore, entitled to conclude fairly that Crochard + was sentenced simply as a thief. + </p> + <p> + “Set free soon after the revolution, he did not resume his profession, but + secured a place as machinist in a theatre on the boulevards. At the end of + three months he was turned off, because of ‘improper conduct with women,’ + according to one; or, if we believe another statement, because he was + accused of a robbery committed in one of the boxes. + </p> + <p> + “Unable to procure work, he engaged himself as groom in a wandering + circus, and thus travelled through the provinces. But at Marseilles, he is + wounded in a fight, and has to go to a hospital, where he remains three + months. + </p> + <p> + “After his return to Paris, he associated himself with a rope-dancer, but + was soon called upon to enter the army. He escaped conscription by good + luck. But the next year we find him negotiating with a dealer in + substitutes; and he confesses having sold himself purely from a mad desire + to possess fifteen hundred francs at once, and to be able to spend them in + debauch. Having successfully concealed his antecedents, he is next + admitted as substitute in the B Regiment of the line; but, before a year + had elapsed, his insubordination has caused him to be sent to Africa as a + punishment. + </p> + <p> + “He remained there sixteen months, and conducted himself well enough to be + incorporated in the First Regiment of Marines, one battalion of which was + to be sent to Senegambia. He had, however, by no means given up his bad + ways; for he was very soon after condemned to ten years’ penal servitude + for having broken into a house by night as a robber.” + </p> + <p> + The chief surgeon, who had for some time given unmistakable signs of + impatience, now rose all of a sudden, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, if I interrupt you, sir; but can you rely upon the veracity of + your witnesses?” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I doubt them?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it seems to me very improbable that a cunning fellow, such as + this Crochard seems to be, should have denounced himself.” + </p> + <p> + “But he has not denounced himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah?” + </p> + <p> + “He has often mentioned this condemnation; but he has always attributed it + to acts of violence against a superior; On that point he has never varied + in his statements.” + </p> + <p> + “Then how on earth did you learn”— + </p> + <p> + “The truth? Oh, very simply. <i>I</i> inquired at Saigon; and I succeeded + in finding a sergeant in the Second Regiment of Marines, who was in the + First Regiment at the same time with Crochard. He gave me all these + details. And there is no mistake about the identity; for, as soon as I + said ‘Crochard’ the sergeant exclaimed, ‘Oh, yes! Crochard, surnamed + Bagnolet.’” + </p> + <p> + And, as the doctor bowed without saying a word, the magistrate said,— + </p> + <p> + “I resume the account. The statements of the accused since his arrest are + too insignificant to be here reported. There is only one peculiarity of + importance for the prosecution, which may possibly serve to enable us to + trace the instigators of this crime. On three occasions, and in the + presence of, at least, three witnesses each time, Crochard has used, in + almost the same terms, these words,— + </p> + <p> + “‘No one would believe the strange acquaintances one makes in prisons. You + meet there young men of family, who have done a foolish thing, and lots of + people, who, wishing to make a fortune all at once, had no chance. When + they come out from there, many of these fellows get into very good + positions; and then, if you meet them, they don’t know you. I have known + some people there, who now ride in their carriages.’” + </p> + <p> + The doctor had become silent. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” he said half aloud, “might not some of these people whom the + assassin has known in prison have put arms in his hand?” + </p> + <p> + “That is the very question I asked myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Because, you see, some of Daniel’s enemies are fearful people; and if you + knew what is in this letter here in my hand, which, no doubt, will be the + cause of that poor boy’s death”— + </p> + <p> + “Allow me to finish, doctor,” said the man of law. And then, more rapidly, + he went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Here follows a blank. How the accused lived in Paris, to which he had + returned after his release, is not known. Did he resort to mean cheating, + or to improper enterprises, in order to satisfy his passions? The + prosecution is reduced to conjectures, since Crochard has refused to give + details, and only makes very general statements as to these years. + </p> + <p> + “This fact only is established, that every thing he took with him when he + left Paris was new,—his tools, the linen in his valise, the clothes + he wore, from the cap on his head to his shoes. Why were they all new?” + </p> + <p> + As the magistrate had now reached the last line on the first sheet, the + surgeon rose, bowed low, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, sir, I surrender; and I do begin to hope that Lieut. + Champcey may still be avenged.” + </p> + <p> + A smile of pleased pride appeared for a moment on the lips of the lawyer; + but assuming his mask of impassiveness instantly again, as if he had been + ashamed of his weakness, he said with delicate irony,— + </p> + <p> + “I really think human justice may this time reach the guilty. But wait + before you congratulate me.” + </p> + <p> + The old surgeon was too candid to make even an attempt at concealing his + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “What!” he said, “you have more evidence still?” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate gravely shook his head, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “The biography which I have just read establishes nothing. We do not + succeed by probabilities and presumptions; however strong they are in + convincing a jury. They want and require proof, positive proof, before + they condemn. Well, such proof I have.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” + </p> + <p> + From the same box from which he had taken the papers concerning Crochard + he now drew a letter, which he shook in the air with a threatening + gesture. “Here is something,” he said, “which was sent to the state + attorney twelve days after the last attempt had been made on M. Champcey’s + life. Listen!” And he read thus,— + </p> + <p> + “Sir,—A sailor, who has come over to Boen-Hoa, where I live with my + wife, has told us that a certain Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet, has shot, + and perhaps mortally wounded, Lieut. Champcey of the ship ‘Conquest.’ + </p> + <p> + “In connection with this misfortune, my wife thinks, and I also consider + it a matter of conscience, that we should make known to you a very serious + matter. + </p> + <p> + “One day I happened to be on a yardarm, side by side with Crochard, + helping the sailors to furl a sail, when I saw him drop a huge block, + which fell upon Lieut. Champcey, and knocked him down. + </p> + <p> + “No one else had noticed it; and Crochard instantly pulled up the block + again. I was just considering whether I ought to report him, when he fell + at my feet, and implored me to keep it secret; for he had been very + unfortunate in life, and if I spoke he would be ruined. + </p> + <p> + “Thinking that he had been simply awkward, I allowed myself to be moved, + and swore to Crochard that the matter should remain between us. But what + has happened since proves very clearly, as my wife says, that I was wrong + to keep silence; and I am ready now to tell all, whatever may be the + consequences. + </p> + <p> + “Still, sir, I beg you will protect me, in case Crochard should think of + avenging himself on me or on my family,—a thing which might very + easily happen, as he is a very bad man, capable of any thing. + </p> + <p> + “As I cannot write, my wife sends you this letter. And we are, with the + most profound respect, &c.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor rubbed his hands violently. + </p> + <p> + “And you have seen this blacksmith?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly! He has been here, he and his wife. Ah! if the man had been + left to his own counsels, he would have kept it all secret, so terribly is + he afraid of this Crochard; but, fortunately, his wife had more courage.” + </p> + <p> + “Decidedly,” growled the surgeon. “The women are, after all, the better + part of creation.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate carefully replaced the letter in the box, and then went on + in his usual calm voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Thus the first attempt at murder is duly and fully proven. As for the + second,—the one made on the river,—we are not quite so far + advanced. Still I have hopes. I have found out, for instance, that + Crochard is a first-rate swimmer. Only about three months ago he made a + bet with one of the waiters at the hotel where he is engaged, that he + would swim across the Dong-Nai twice, at a place where the current is + strongest; and he did it.” + </p> + <p> + “But that is evidence; is it not?” + </p> + <p> + “No; it is only a probability in favor of the prosecution. But I have + another string to my bow. The register on board ship proves that Crochard + went on shore the very evening after the arrival of the vessel. Where, and + with whom, did he spend the evening? Not one of my hundred and odd + witnesses has seen him that night. And that is not all. No one has + noticed, the next day, that his clothes were wet. Therefore he must have + changed his clothes; and, in order to do that, he must have bought some; + for he had taken nothing with him out of the ship but what he had on. + Where did he buy these clothes? I mean to find that out as soon as I shall + no longer be forced to carry on the investigation secretly, as I have done + so far. For I never forget one thing, that the real criminals are in + France, and that they will surely escape us, if they hear that their + wretched accomplice here is in trouble.” + </p> + <p> + Once more the surgeon drew Henrietta’s letter from his pocket, and handed + it to the lawyer, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “I know who they are, the really guilty ones. I know Daniel’s enemies,—Sarah + Brandon, Maxime de Brevan, and the others.” + </p> + <p> + But the magistrate waved back the letter, and replied,— + </p> + <p> + “It is not enough for us to know them, doctor; we want evidence against + them,—clear, positive, irrefutable evidence. This evidence we will + get from Crochard. Oh, I know the ways of these rascals! As soon as they + see they are overwhelmed by the evidence against them, and feel they are + in real danger, they hasten to denounce their accomplices, and to aid + justice, with all their perversity to discover them. The accused will do + the same. When I shall have established the fact that he was hired to + murder M. Champcey, he will tell me by whom he was hired; and he will have + to confess that he was thus hired, when I show him how much of the money + he received for the purpose is now left.” + </p> + <p> + The old surgeon once more jumped up from his chair. + </p> + <p> + “What!” he said, “you have found Crochard’s treasure?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied the lawyer, “not yet; but”— + </p> + <p> + He could hardly keep from smiling grimly; but he added at once,— + </p> + <p> + “But I know where it is, I think. Ah! I can safely say it was not on the + first day exactly that I saw where the truth probably was hid. I have had + a good deal of perplexity and trouble. Morally sure as I was, after the + first examination of the accused, that he had a relatively large sum + hidden somewhere, I first gave all my attention to his chamber. Assisted + by a clever police-agent, I examined that room for a whole fortnight, till + I was furious. The furniture was taken to pieces, and examined, the lining + taken out of the chairs, and even the paper stripped from the walls. All + in vain. I was in despair, when a thought struck me,—one of those + simple thoughts which make you wonder why it did not occur to you at once. + I said to myself, ‘I have found it!’ And, anxious to ascertain if I was + right, I immediately sent for the man with whom Crochard had made the bet + about swimming across the Dong-Nai. He came; and—But I prefer + reading you his deposition.” + </p> + <p> + He took from the large bundle of papers a single sheet, and, assuming an + air of great modesty, read the affidavit. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Magistrate</i>.—At what point of the river did Crochard swim + across? + </p> + <p> + “<i>Witness</i>.—A little below the town. + </p> + <p> + “<i>M</i>.—Where did he undress? + </p> + <p> + “<i>W</i>.—At the place where he went into the water, just opposite + the tile-factory of M. Wang-Tai. + </p> + <p> + “<i>M</i>.—What did he do with his clothes? + </p> + <p> + “<i>W</i>. (very much surprised).—Nothing. + </p> + <p> + “<i>M</i>.—Excuse me; he must have done something. Try to recollect. + </p> + <p> + “<i>W</i>. (striking his forehead).—Why, yes! I remember now. When + Bagnolet had undressed, I saw he looked annoyed, as if he disliked going + into the water. But no! that was not it. He was afraid about his clothes; + and he did not rest satisfied till I had told him I would keep watch over + them. Now, his clothes consisted of a mean pair of trousers and a + miserable blouse. As they were in my way, I put them down on the ground, + at the foot of a tree. He had in the meantime done his work, and came + back; but, instead of listening to my compliments, he cried furiously, ‘My + clothes!’—‘Well,’ I said, ‘they are not lost. There they are.’ + Thereupon he pushed me back fiercely, without saying a word, and ran like + a madman to pick up his clothes.” + </p> + <p> + The chief surgeon was electrified; he rose, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I understand; yes, I understand.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXV. + </h2> + <p> + Thus proceeding from one point to another, and by the unaided power of his + sagacity, coupled with indefatigable activity, the magistrate had + succeeded in establishing Crochard’s guilt, and the existence of + accomplices who had instigated the crime. No one could doubt that he was + proud of it, and that his self-esteem had increased, although he tried + hard to preserve his stiff and impassive appearance. He had even affected + a certain dislike to the idea of reading Henrietta’s letter, until he + should have proved that he could afford to do without such assistance. + </p> + <p> + But, now that he had proved this so amply, he very quickly asked for the + letter, and read it. Like the chief surgeon, he, also, was struck and + amazed by the wickedness of M. de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + “But here is exactly what we want,” he exclaimed,—“an irrefragable + proof of complicity. He would never have dared to abuse Miss Ville- + Handry’s confidence in so infamous a manner, if he had not been persuaded, + in fact been quite sure, that Lieut. Champcey would never return to + France.” + </p> + <p> + Then, after a few minutes’ reflection, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “And yet I feel that there is something underneath still, which we do not + see. Why had they determined upon M. Champcey’s death even before he + sailed? What direct and pressing interest could M. de Brevan have in + wishing him dead at that time? Something must have happened between the + two which we do not know.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that is what I cannot conceive. But remember what I say, doctor: the + future reserves some fearful mysteries yet to be revealed to us + hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + The two men had been so entirely preoccupied with their thoughts, that + they were unconscious of the flight of time; and they were not a little + astonished, therefore, when they now noticed that the day was gone, and + night was approaching. The lawyer rose, and asked, returning Henrietta’s + letter to the doctor,— + </p> + <p> + “Is this the only one M. Champcey has received?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but it is the only one he has opened.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you object to handing me the others?” + </p> + <p> + The excellent doctor hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “I will hand them to you,” he said at last, “if you will assure me that + the interests of justice require it. But why not wait”— + </p> + <p> + He did not dare say, “Why not wait for M. Champcey’s death?” but the + lawyer understood him. + </p> + <p> + “I will wait,” he said. + </p> + <p> + While thus talking, they had reached the door. They shook hands; and the + chief surgeon, his heart fall of darkest presentiments, slowly made his + way to the hospital. + </p> + <p> + A great surprise awaited him there. Daniel, whom he had left in a + desperate condition, almost dying,—Daniel slept profoundly, sweetly. + His pale face had recovered its usual expression; and his respiration was + free and regular. + </p> + <p> + “It is almost indescribable,” said the old doctor, whose experience was + utterly at fault. “I am an ass; and our science is a bubble.” + </p> + <p> + Turning to Lefloch, who had respectfully risen at his entrance, he asked,— + </p> + <p> + “Since when has your master been sleeping in this way?” + </p> + <p> + “For an hour, commandant.” + </p> + <p> + “How did he fall asleep?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite naturally, commandant. After you left, the lieutenant was for some + time pretty wild yet; but soon he quieted down, and finally he asked for + something to drink. I gave him a cup of your tea; he took it, and then + asked me to help him turn over towards the wall. I did so, and I saw him + remain so, his arm bent, and his head in his hand, like a man who is + thinking profoundly. But about a quarter of an hour later, all of a + sudden, I thought I heard him gasp. I came up softly on tiptoe, and + looked. I was mistaken; the lieutenant was not gasping, he was crying like + a baby; and what I had heard were sobs. Ah, commandant! I felt as if + somebody had kicked me in the stomach. Because, you see, I know him; and I + know, that, before a man such as he is goes to crying like a little child, + he must have suffered more than death itself. Holy God! If I knew where I + could catch them, these rascals who give him all this trouble”— + </p> + <p> + His fists rose instinctively, and most undoubtedly something bright + started from his eyes which looked prodigiously like a tear rolling slowly + down one of the deep furrows in his cheek. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he continued in a half-stifled voice, “I saw why the lieutenant had + wished to turn his face to the wall, and I went back without making a + noise. A moment after that, he began talking aloud. But he was right in + his senses now, I tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “What did he say?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! he said something like, ‘Henrietta, Henrietta!’ Always that good + friend of his, for whom he was forever calling when he had the fever. And + then he said, ‘I am killing her, I! I am the cause of her death. Fool, + stupid, idiot that I am! He has sworn to kill me and Henrietta, the + wretch! He swore it no doubt, the very day on which I, fool as I was, + confided Henrietta and my whole fortune to him.’” + </p> + <p> + “Did he say that?” + </p> + <p> + “The very words, commandant, but better, a great deal better.” + </p> + <p> + The old surgeon seemed to be amazed. + </p> + <p> + “That cunning lawyer had judged rightly,” he said. “He suspected there was + something else; and here it is.” + </p> + <p> + “You say, commandant?” asked the good sailor. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing of interest to you. Go on.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, after that—but there is nothing more to tell, except that I + heard nothing more. The lieutenant remained in the same position till I + came to light the lamp; then he ordered me to make him tack ship, and to + let down the screen over the lamp. I did so. He gave out two or three big + sighs, and then goodnight, and nothing more. He was asleep as you see him + now.” + </p> + <p> + “And how did his eyes look when he fell asleep?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite calm and bright.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor looked like a man to whom something has happened which is + utterly inexplicable to him, and said in a low voice,— + </p> + <p> + “He will pull through, I am sure now. I said there could not be another + miracle; and here it is!” + </p> + <p> + Then turning to Lefloch, he asked,— + </p> + <p> + “You know where I am staying?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, commandant.” + </p> + <p> + “If your officer wakes up in the night, you will send for me at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, commandant.” + </p> + <p> + But Daniel did not wake up; and he had hardly opened his eyes on the next + morning, about eight o’clock, when the chief surgeon entered his room. At + the first glance at his patient, he exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “I am sure our imprudence yesterday will have no bad effects!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel said nothing; but, after the old surgeon had carefully examined + him, he began,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, doctor, one question, a single one: in how many days will I be able + to get up and take ship?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my dear lieutenant, there is time enough to talk about that.” + </p> + <p> + “No, doctor, no! I must have an answer. Fix a time, and I shall have the + fortitude to wait; but uncertainty will kill me. Yes, I shall manage to + wait, although I suffer like”— + </p> + <p> + The surgeon was evidently deeply touched. + </p> + <p> + “I know what you suffer, my poor Champcey,” he said; “I read that letter + which came much nearer killing you than Crochard’s ball. I think in a + month you will be able to sail.” + </p> + <p> + “A month!” said Daniel in a tone as if he had said an age. And after a + pause he added,— + </p> + <p> + “That is not all, doctor: I want to ask you for the letters which I could + not read yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “What? You would—But that would be too great an imprudence.” + </p> + <p> + “No, doctor, don’t trouble yourself. The blow has fallen. If I did not + lose my mind yesterday, that shows that my reason can stand the most + terrible trial. I have, God be thanked, all my energy. I know I must live, + if I want to save Henrietta,—to avenge her, if I should come too + late. That thought, you may rest assured, will keep me alive.” + </p> + <p> + The surgeon hesitated no longer: the next moment Daniel opened the other + two letters from Henrietta. One, very long, was only a repetition of the + first he had read. The other consisted only of a few lines:— + </p> + <p> + “M. de Brevan has just left me. When the man told me mockingly that I need + not count upon your return, and cast an atrocious look at me, I + understood. Daniel, that man wants your life; and he has hired assassins. + For my sake, if not for your own, I beseech you be careful. Take care, be + watchful; think that you are the only friend, the sole hope here below, of + your Henrietta.” + </p> + <p> + Now it was truly seen that Daniel had not presumed too much on his + strength and his courage. Not a muscle in his face changed; his eye + remained straight and clear; and he said in an accent of coldest, + bitterest irony,— + </p> + <p> + “Look at this, doctor. Here is the explanation of the strange ill luck + that has pursued me ever since I left France.” + </p> + <p> + At a glance the doctor read Henrietta’s warning, which came, alas! so much + too late. + </p> + <p> + “You ought to remember this, also, that M. de Brevan could not foresee + that the assassin he had hired would be caught.” + </p> + <p> + This was an unexpected revelation; and Daniel was all attention. + </p> + <p> + “What?” he said. “The man who fired at me has been arrested?” + </p> + <p> + Lefloch was unable to restrain himself at this juncture, and replied,— + </p> + <p> + “I should say so, lieutenant, and by my hand, before his gun had cooled + off.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor did not wait for the questions which he read in the eyes of his + patient. He said at once,— + </p> + <p> + “It is as Lefloch says, my dear lieutenant; and, if you have not been told + anything about it, it was because the slightest excitement would become + fatal. Yesterday’s experience has only proved that too clearly. Yes, the + assassin is in jail.” + </p> + <p> + “And his account is made up,” growled the sailor. + </p> + <p> + But Daniel shrugged his shoulders, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I do not want him punished, any more than the ball which hit me. That + wretched creature is a mere tool. But, doctor, you know who are the real + guilty ones.” + </p> + <p> + “And justice shall be done, I swear!” broke in the old surgeon, who looked + upon the cause of his patient with as much interest as if it were his own. + “Our lucky star has sent us a lawyer who is no trifler, and who, if I am + not very much mistaken, would like very much to leave Saigon with a loud + blast of trumpets.” + </p> + <p> + He remained buried in thought for a while, watching his patient out of the + corner of his eye, and then said suddenly,— + </p> + <p> + “Now I think of it, why could you not see the lawyer? He is all anxiety to + examine you. Consider, lieutenant, do you feel strong enough to see him?” + </p> + <p> + “Let him come,” cried Daniel, “let him come! Pray, doctor, go for him at + once!” + </p> + <p> + “I shall do my best, my dear Champcey. I will go at once, and leave you to + finish your correspondence.” + </p> + <p> + He left the room with these words; and Daniel turned to the letters, which + were still lying on his bed. There were seven of them,—four from the + Countess Sarah, and three from Maxime. But what could they tell him now? + What did he care for the falsehoods and the calumnies they contained? He + ran over them, however. + </p> + <p> + Faithful to her system, Sarah wrote volumes; and from line to line, in + some way or other, her real or feigned love for Daniel broke forth more + freely, and no longer was veiled and hidden under timid reserve and + long-winded paraphrases. She gave herself up, whether her prudence had + forsaken her, or whether she felt quite sure that her letters could never + reach Count Ville-Handry. It sounded like an intense, irresistible + passion, escaping from the control of the owner, and breaking forth + terribly, like a long smouldering fire. Of Henrietta she said but little,—enough, + however, to terrify Daniel, if he had not known the truth. + </p> + <p> + “That unfortunate, wayward girl,” she wrote, “has just caused her aged + father such cruel and unexpected grief, that he was on the brink of the + grave. Weary of the control which her indiscretions rendered + indispensable, she has fled, we know not with whom; and all our efforts to + find her have so far been unsuccessful.” + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, M. de Brevan wrote, “Deaf to my counsel and prayers + even, Miss Ville-Handry has carried out the project of leaving her + paternal home. Suspected of having favored her escape, I have been called + out by Sir Thorn, and had to fight a duel with him. A paper which I + enclose will give you the details of our meeting, and tell you that I was + lucky enough to wound that gentleman of little honor, but of great skill + with the pistol. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! my poor, excellent Daniel, why should I be compelled by the duties + of friendship to confess to you that it was not for the purpose of + remaining faithful to you, that Miss Henrietta was so anxious to be free? + Do not desire to return, my poor friend! You would suffer too much in + finding her whom you have loved so dearly unworthy of an honest man, + unworthy of you. Believe me, I did all I could to prevent her + irregularities, which now have become public. I only drew her hatred upon + me, and I should not be surprised if she did all she could to make us all + cut our throats.” + </p> + <p> + This impudence was bold enough to confound anybody’s mind, and to make one + doubt one’s own good sense. Still he found the newspaper, which had been + sent to him with the letter, and in it the account of the duel between M. + de Brevan and M. Thomas Elgin. What did that signify? He once more read + over, more attentively than at first, the letters of Maxime and the + Countess Sarah; and, by comparing them with each other, he thought he + noticed in them some traces of a beginning disagreement. + </p> + <p> + “It may be that there is discord among my enemies,” he said to himself, + “and that they do no longer agree, now that, in their view, the moment + approaches when they are to divide the proceeds of their crimes. Or did + they never agree, and am I the victim of a double plot? Or is the whole + merely a comedy for the purpose of deceiving me, and keeping me here, + until the murderer has done his work?” + </p> + <p> + He was not allowed to torture his mind long with efforts to seek the + solution of this riddle. The old doctor came back with the lawyer, and for + more than half an hour he had to answer an avalanche of questions. But the + investigation had been carried on with such rare sagacity, that Daniel + could furnish the prosecution only a single new fact,—the surrender + of his entire fortune into the hands of M. de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + And even this fact must needs, on account of its extreme improbability, + remain untold in an investigation which was based upon logic alone. Daniel + very naturally, somewhat ashamed of his imprudence, tried to excuse + himself; and, when he had concluded his explanations, the lawyer said,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, one more question: would you recognize the man who attempted to + drown you in the Dong-Nai in a boat which he had offered to you, and which + he upset evidently on purpose?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that is a pity. That man was Crochard, I am sure; but he will deny + it; and the prosecution will have nothing but probabilities to oppose to + his denial, unless I can find the place where he changed his clothes.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, there is a way to ascertain his identity.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “The voice of the wretch is so deeply engraven on my mind, that even at + this moment, while I am speaking to you, I think I can hear it in my ear; + and I would recognize it among a thousand.” + </p> + <p> + The lawyer made no reply, weighing, no doubt, in his mind the chances of a + confrontation. Then he made up his mind, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “It is worth trying.” + </p> + <p> + And handing his clerk, who had been a silent witness of this scene, an + order to have the accused brought to the hospital, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Take this to the jail, and let them make haste.” + </p> + <p> + It was a month now since Crochard had been arrested; and his imprisonment, + so far from discouraging him, had raised his spirits. At first, his arrest + and the examination had frightened him; but, as the days went by, he + recovered his insolence. + </p> + <p> + “They are evidently looking for evidence,” he said; “but, as they cannot + find any, they will have to let me go.” + </p> + <p> + He looked, therefore, as self-assured as ever when he came into Daniel’s + room, and exclaimed, while still in the door, with an air of intolerable + arrogance,— + </p> + <p> + “Well? I ask for justice; I am tired of jail. If I am guilty, let them cut + my throat; if I am innocent”— + </p> + <p> + But Daniel did not let him finish. + </p> + <p> + “That is the man!” he exclaimed; “I am ready to swear to it, that is the + man!” + </p> + <p> + Great as was the impudence of Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet, he was + astonished, and looked with rapid, restless eyes at the chief surgeon, at + the magistrate, and last at Lefloch, who stood immovable at the foot of + the bed of his lieutenant. He had too much experience of legal forms not + to know that he had given way to absurd illusions,—and that his + position was far more dangerous than he had imagined. But what was their + purpose? what had they found out? and what did they know positively? The + effort he made to guess all this gave to his face an atrocious expression. + </p> + <p> + “Did you hear that, Crochard?” asked the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + But the accused had recovered his self-control by a great effort; and he + replied,— + </p> + <p> + “I am not deaf.” And there was in his voice the unmistakable accent of the + former vagabond of Paris. “I hear perfectly well; only I don’t + understand.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate, finding that, where he was seated, he could not very well + observe Crochard, had quietly gotten up, and was now standing near the + mantle-piece, against which he rested. + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary,” he said severely, “you understand but too well Lieut. + Champcey says you are the man who tried to drown him in the Dong-Nai. He + recognizes you.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s impossible!” exclaimed the accused. “That’s impossible; for”— + </p> + <p> + But the rest of the phrase remained in his throat. A sudden reflection had + shown him the trap in which he had been caught,—a trap quite + familiar to examining lawyers, and terrible by its very simplicity. But + for that reflection, he would have gone on thus,— + </p> + <p> + “That’s impossible; for the night was too dark to distinguish a man’s + features.” + </p> + <p> + And that would have been equivalent to a confession; and he would have had + nothing to answer the magistrate, if the latter had asked at once,— + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that the darkness was so great on the banks of the + Dong-Nai? It seems you were there, eh?” + </p> + <p> + Quite pallid with fright, the accused simply said,— + </p> + <p> + “The officer must be mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + “I think not,” replied the magistrate. + </p> + <p> + Turning to Daniel, he asked him,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you persist in your declaration, lieutenant?” + </p> + <p> + “More than ever, sir; I declare upon honor that I recognize the man’s + voice. When he offered me a boat, he spoke a kind of almost unintelligible + jargon, a mixture of English and Spanish words; but he did not think of + changing his intonation and his accent.” + </p> + <p> + Affecting an assurance which he was far from really feeling, Crochard, + surnamed Bagnolet, shrugged his shoulders carelessly, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Do I know any English? Do I know any Spanish?” + </p> + <p> + “No, very likely not; but like all Frenchmen who live in this colony, and + like all the marines, you no doubt know a certain number of words of these + two languages.” + </p> + <p> + To the great surprise of the doctor and of Daniel, the prisoner did not + deny it; it looked as if he felt that he was on dangerous ground. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind!” he exclaimed in the most arrogant manner. “It is anyhow + pretty hard to accuse an honest man of a crime, because his voice + resembles the voice of a rascal.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate gently shook his head. He said,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you pretend being an honest man?” + </p> + <p> + “What! I pretend? Let them send for my employers.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not necessary. I know your antecedents, from the first petty + theft that procured you four months’ imprisonment, to the aggravated + robbery for which you were sent to the penitentiary, when you were in the + army.” + </p> + <p> + Profound stupor lengthened all of Crochard’s features; but he was not the + man to give up a game in which his head was at stake, without fighting for + it. + </p> + <p> + “Well, there you are mistaken,” he said very coolly. “I have been + condemned to ten years, that is true, when I was a soldier; but it was for + having struck an officer who had punished me unjustly.” + </p> + <p> + “You lie. A former soldier of your regiment, who is now in garrison here + in Saigon, will prove it.” + </p> + <p> + For the first time the accused seemed to be really troubled. He saw all of + a sudden his past rising before him, which until now he had thought + unknown or forgotten; and he knew full well the weight which antecedents + like his would have in the scales of justice. So he changed his tactics; + and, assuming an abject humility, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “One may have committed a fault, and still be incapable of murdering a + man.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not your case.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! how can you say such a thing?—I who would not harm a fly. + Unlucky gun! Must I needs have such a mishap?” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate had for some time been looking at the accused with an air + of the most profound disgust. He interrupted him rudely now, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Look here, my man! Spare us those useless denials. Justice knows + everything it wants to know. That shot was the third attempt you made to + murder a man.” + </p> + <p> + Crochard drew back. He looked livid. But he had still the strength to say + in a half-strangled voice,— + </p> + <p> + “That is false!” + </p> + <p> + But the magistrate had too great an abundance of evidence to allow the + examination to continue. He said simply,— + </p> + <p> + “Who, then, threw, during the voyage, an enormous block at M. Champcey’s + head? Come, don’t deny it. The emigrant who was near you, who saw you, and + who promised he would not report you at that time, has spoken. Do you want + to see him?” + </p> + <p> + Once more Crochard opened his lips to protest his innocence; but he could + not utter a sound. He was crushed, annihilated; he trembled in all his + limbs; and his teeth rattled in his mouth. In less than no time, his + features had sunk in, as it were, till he looked like a man at the foot of + the scaffold. It may be, that, feeling he was irretrievably lost, he had + had a vision of the fatal instrument. + </p> + <p> + “Believe me,” continued the lawyer, “do not insist upon the impossible; + you had better tell the truth.” + </p> + <p> + For another minute yet, the miserable man hesitated. Then, seeing no other + chance of safety, except the mercy of the judges, he fell heavily on his + knees, and stammered out,— + </p> + <p> + “I am a wretched man.” + </p> + <p> + At the same instant a cry of astonishment burst from the doctor, from + Daniel, and the worthy Lefloch. But the man of law was not surprised. He + knew in advance that the first victory would be easily won, and that the + real difficulty would be to induce the prisoner to confess the name of his + principal. Without giving him, therefore time to recover, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, what reasons had you for persecuting M. Champcey in this way?” + </p> + <p> + The accused rose again; and, making an effort, he said slowly,— + </p> + <p> + “I hated him. Once during the voyage he had threatened to have me put in + irons.” + </p> + <p> + “The man lies!” said Daniel. + </p> + <p> + “Do you hear?” asked the lawyer. “So you will not tell the truth? Well, I + will tell it for you. They had hired you to kill Lieut. Champcey, and you + wanted to earn your money. You got a certain sum of money in advance; and + you were to receive a larger sum after his death.” + </p> + <p> + “I swear”— + </p> + <p> + “Don’t swear! The sum in your possession, which you cannot account for, is + positive proof of what I say.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! I possess nothing. You may inquire. You may order a search.” + </p> + <p> + Under the impassive mask of the lawyer, a certain degree of excitement + could at this moment be easily discerned. The time had come to strike a + decisive blow, and to judge of the value of his system of induction. + Instead, therefore, of replying to the prisoner, he turned to the + gendarmes who were present and said to them,— + </p> + <p> + “Take the prisoner into the next room. Strip him, and examine all his + clothes carefully: see to it that there is nothing hid in the lining.” + </p> + <p> + The gendarmes advanced to seize the prisoner, when he suddenly jumped up, + and said in a tone of ill-constrained rage,— + </p> + <p> + “No need for that! I have three one thousand-franc-notes sewn into the + lining of my trousers.” + </p> + <p> + This time the pride of success got completely the better of the + imperturbable coldness of the magistrate. He uttered a low cry of + satisfaction, and could not refrain from casting a look of triumph at + Daniel and the doctor, which said clearly,— + </p> + <p> + “Well? What did I tell you?” + </p> + <p> + It was for a second only; the next instant his features resumed their icy + immobility; and, turning to the accused, he said in a tone of command,— + </p> + <p> + “Hand me the notes!” + </p> + <p> + Crochard did not stir; but his livid countenance betrayed the fierce + suffering he endured. Certainly, at this moment, he did not play a part. + To take from him his three thousand francs, the price of the meanest and + most execrable crime; the three thousand francs for the sake of which he + had risked the scaffold,—this was like tearing his entrails from + him. + </p> + <p> + Like an enraged brute who sees that the enemy is all-powerful, he gathered + all his strength, and, with a furious look, glanced around the room to see + if he could escape anywhere, asking himself, perhaps, upon which of the + men he ought to throw himself for the purpose. + </p> + <p> + “The notes!” repeated the inexorable lawyer. “Must I order force to be + used?” + </p> + <p> + Convinced of the uselessness of resistance, and of the folly of any + attempt at escape, the wretch hung his head. + </p> + <p> + “But I cannot undo the seams of my trousers with my nails,” he said. “Let + them give me a knife or a pair of scissors.” + </p> + <p> + They were careful not to do so. But, at a sign given by the magistrate, + one of the gendarmes approached, and, drawing a penknife from his pocket, + ripped the seam at the place which the prisoner pointed out. A genuine + convulsion of rage seized the assassin, when a little paper parcel + appeared, folded up, and compressed to the smallest possible size. By a + very curious phenomenon, which is, however, quite frequently observed in + criminals, he was far more concerned about his money than about his life, + which was in such imminent danger. + </p> + <p> + “That is my money!” he raged. “No one has a right to take it from me. It + is infamous to ill use a man who has been unfortunate, and to rob him.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate, no doubt quite accustomed to such scenes, did not even + listen to Crochard, but carefully opened the packet. It contained three + notes of a thousand francs each, wrapped up in a sheet of letter-paper, + which was all greasy, and worn out in the folds. The bank-notes had + nothing peculiar; but on the sheet of paper, traces could be made out of + lines of writing; and at least two words were distinctly legible,—<i>University</i> + and <i>Street</i>. + </p> + <p> + “What paper is this, Crochard?” asked the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know. I suppose I picked it up somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “What? Are you going to lie again? What is the use? Here is evidently the + address of some one who lives in University Street.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was trembling on his bed. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir!” he exclaimed, “I used to live in University Street, Paris.” + </p> + <p> + A slight blush passed over the lawyer’s face, a sign of unequivocal + satisfaction in him. He uttered half loud, as if replying to certain + objections in his own mind,— + </p> + <p> + “Everything is becoming clear.” + </p> + <p> + And yet, to the great surprise of his listeners, he abandoned this point; + and, returning to the prisoner, he asked him,— + </p> + <p> + “So you acknowledge having received money for the murder of Lieut. + Champcey?” + </p> + <p> + “I never said so.” + </p> + <p> + “No; but the three thousand francs found concealed on your person say so + very clearly. From whom did you receive this money?” + </p> + <p> + “From nobody. They are my savings.” + </p> + <p> + The lawyer shrugged his shoulders; and, looking very sternly at Crochard, + he said,— + </p> + <p> + “I have before compelled you to make a certain confession. I mean to do so + again and again. You will gain nothing, believe me, by struggling against + justice; and you cannot save the wretches who tempted you to commit this + crime. There is only one way left to you, if you wish for mercy; and that + is frankness. Do not forget that!” + </p> + <p> + The assassin was, perhaps, better able to appreciate the importance of + such advice than anybody else there present. Still he remained silent for + more than a minute, shaken by a kind of nervous tremor, as if a terrible + struggle was going on in his heart. He was heard to mutter,— + </p> + <p> + “I do not denounce anybody. A bargain is a bargain. I am not a tell- + tale.” + </p> + <p> + Then, all of a sudden, making up his mind, and showing himself just the + man the magistrate had expected to find, he said with a cynic laugh,— + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, so much the worse for them! Since I am in the trap, let the + others be caught as well! Besides, who would have gotten the big prize, if + I had succeeded? Not I, most assuredly; and yet it was I who risked most. + Well, then, the man who hired me to ‘do the lieutenant’s business’ is a + certain Justin Chevassat.” + </p> + <p> + The most intense disappointment seized both Daniel and the surgeon. This + was not the name they had been looking for with such deep anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you deceive me, Crochard?” asked the lawyer, who alone had been + able to conceal all he felt. + </p> + <p> + “You may take my head if I lie!” + </p> + <p> + Did he tell the truth? The lawyer thought he did; for, turning to Daniel, + he asked,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you know anybody by the name of Chevassat, M. Champcey?” + </p> + <p> + “No. It is the first time in my life I hear that name.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps that Chevassat was only an agent,” suggested the doctor. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that may be,” replied the lawyer; “although, in such matters, people + generally do their own work.” + </p> + <p> + And, continuing his examination, he asked the accused,— + </p> + <p> + “Who is this Justin Chevassat?” + </p> + <p> + “One of my friends.” + </p> + <p> + “A friend richer than yourself, I should think?” + </p> + <p> + “As to that—why, yes; since he has always plenty of money in his + pockets, dresses in the last fashion, and drives his carriage.” + </p> + <p> + “What is he doing? What is his profession?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! as to that, I know nothing about it. I never asked him, and he never + told me. I once said to him, ‘Do you know you look like a prodigiously + lucky fellow?’ And he replied, ‘Oh, not as much so as you think;’ but that + is all.” + </p> + <p> + “Where does he live?” + </p> + <p> + “In Paris, Rue Louis, 39.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you write to him there? For I dare say you have written to him since + you have been in Saigon.” + </p> + <p> + “I send my letters to M. X. O. X. 88.” + </p> + <p> + It became evident now, that, so far from endeavoring to save his + accomplices, Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet, would do all he could to aid + justice in discovering them. He began to show the system which the wretch + was about to adopt,—to throw all the responsibility and all the + odium of the crime on the man who had hired him, and to appear the poor + devil, succumbing to destitution when he was tempted and dazzled by such + magnificent promises, that he had not the strength to resist. The lawyer + continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Where and how did you make the acquaintance of this Justin Chevassat?” + </p> + <p> + “I made his acquaintance at the galleys.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that is becoming interesting. And do you know for what crime he had + been condemned?” + </p> + <p> + “For forgery, I believe, and also for theft.” + </p> + <p> + “And what was he doing before he was condemned?” + </p> + <p> + “He was employed by a banker, or perhaps as cashier in some large + establishment. At all events, he had money to handle; and it stuck to his + fingers.” + </p> + <p> + “I am surprised, as you are so well informed with regard to this man’s + antecedents, that you should know nothing of his present means of + existence.” + </p> + <p> + “He has money, plenty of money; that is all I know.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you lost sight of him?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes. Chevassat was set free long before I was. I believe he was + pardoned; and I had not met him for more than fifteen years.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you find him again?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! by the merest chance, and a very bad chance for me; since, but for + him, I would not be here.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0027" id="link2H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXVI. + </h2> + <p> + Never would a stranger who should have suddenly come into Daniel’s + chamber, upon seeing Crochard’s attitude, have imagined that the wretch + was accused of a capital crime, and was standing there before a + magistrate, in presence of the man whom he had tried three times to + assassinate. + </p> + <p> + Quite at home in the law, as far as it was studied at the galleys, he had + instantly recognized that his situation was by no means so desperate as he + had at first supposed; that, if the jury rendered a verdict of guilty of + death, it would be against the instigator of the crime, and that he would + probably get off with a few years’ penal servitude. + </p> + <p> + Hence he had made up his mind about his situation with that almost bestial + indifference which characterizes people who are ready for everything, and + prepared for everything. He had recovered from that stupor which the + discovery of his crime had produced in him, and from the rage in which he + had been thrown by the loss of his bank-notes. Now there appeared, under + the odious personage of the murderer, the pretentious and ridiculous + orator of the streets and prisons, who is accustomed to make himself + heard, and displays his eloquence with great pride. + </p> + <p> + He assumed a studied position; and it was evident that he was preparing + himself for his speech, although, afterwards, a good many words escaped + him which are found in no dictionary, but belong to the jargon of the + lowest classes, and serve to express the vilest sentiments. + </p> + <p> + “It was,” he began, “a Friday, an unlucky day,—a week, about, before + ‘The Conquest’ sailed. It might have been two o’clock. I had eaten + nothing; I had not a cent in my pockets and I was walking along the + boulevards, loafing, and thinking how I could procure some money. + </p> + <p> + “I had crossed several streets, when a carriage stopped close to me; and I + saw a very fine gentleman step out, a cigar in his mouth, a gold chain + across his waistcoat, and a flower in his buttonhole. He entered a + glove-shop. + </p> + <p> + “At once I said to myself, ‘Curious! I have seen that head somewhere.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thereupon, I go to work, and remain fixed to the front of the shop, a + little at the side, though, you know, at a place where, without being seen + myself, I could very well watch my individual, who laughed and talked, + showing his white teeth, while a pretty girl was trying on a pair of + gloves. The more I looked at him, the more I thought, ‘Positively, + Bagnolet, although that sweet soul don’t look as if he were a member of + your society, you know him.’ + </p> + <p> + “However, as I could not put a name to that figure, I was going on my way, + when suddenly my memory came back to me, and I said, ‘<i>Cretonne</i>, it + is an old comrade. I shall get my dinner.’ + </p> + <p> + “After all, I was not positively sure; because why? Fifteen years make a + difference in a man, especially when he does not particularly care to be + recognized. But I had a little way of my own to make the thing sure. + </p> + <p> + “I waited, therefore, for my man; and, at the moment when he crossed the + sidewalk to get into his carriage, I stepped up, and cried out, though not + very loud, ‘Eh, Chevassat!’ + </p> + <p> + “The scamp! They might have fired a cannon at his ear, and he would not + have jumped as he did when I spoke to him. And white he was,—as + white as his collar. But, nevertheless, he was not without his compass, + the screw. He puts up his eyeglass, and looks at me up and down; and then + he says in his finest manner, ‘What is it, my good fellow? Do you want to + speak to me?’ + </p> + <p> + “Thereupon, quite sure of my business now, I say, ‘Yes, to you, Justin + Chevassat. Don’t you recall me? Evariste Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet; eh? + Do you recollect now?’ However, the gentleman continued to hold his head + high, and to look at me. At last he says, ‘<i>If</i> you do not clear out, + I will call a policeman.’ Well, the mustard got into my nose, and I began + to cry, to annoy him, so as to collect a crowd,— + </p> + <p> + “‘What, what! Policemen, just call them, please do! They will take us + before a magistrate. If I am mistaken, they won’t hang me; but, if I am + not mistaken, they will laugh prodigiously. What have I to risk? Nothing + at all; for I have nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + “I must tell you, that, while I said all this, I looked at him fixedly + with the air of a man who has nothing in his stomach, and who is bent upon + putting something into it. He also looked at me fixedly; and, if his eyes + had been pistols—but they were not. And, when he saw I was + determined, the fine gentleman softened down. + </p> + <p> + “‘Make no noise,’ he whispered, looking with a frightened air at all the + idlers who commenced to crowd around us. And pretending to laugh very + merrily,—for the benefit of the spectators, you know,—he said, + speaking very low and very rapidly,— + </p> + <p> + “‘In the costume that you have on, I cannot ask you to get into my + carriage; that would only compromise us both uselessly. I shall send my + coachman back, and walk home. You can follow quietly; and, when we get + into a quiet street, we will take a cab, and talk.’ + </p> + <p> + “As I was sure I could catch him again, if he should try to escape, I + approved the idea. ‘All right. I understand.’” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate suddenly interrupted the accused. He thought it of great + importance that Crochard’s evidence should be written down, word for word; + and he saw, that, for some little while, the clerk had been unable to + follow. + </p> + <p> + “Rest a moment, Crochard,” he said. + </p> + <p> + And when the clerk had filled up what was wanting, and the magistrate had + looked it over, he said to the prisoner,— + </p> + <p> + “Now you can go on, but speak more slowly.” + </p> + <p> + The wretch smiled, well pleased. This permission gave him more time to + select his words, and this flattered his vanity; for even the lowest of + these criminals have their weak point, in which their vanity is engaged. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t let your soup get cold,” he continued. “Chevassat said a few words + to his coachman, who whipped the horse, and there he was, promenading down + the boulevard, turning his cane this way, puffing out big clouds of smoke, + as if he had not the colic at the thought that his friend Bagnolet was + following on his heels. + </p> + <p> + “I ought to say that he had lots of friends, very genteel friends, who + wished him good-evening as they passed him. There were some even who + stopped him, shook hands with him, and offered to treat him; but he left + them all promptly, saying, ‘Excuse me, pray, I am in a hurry.’ + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes, he was in a hurry; and I who was behind him, and saw and heard + it all, I laughed in my sleeve most heartily.” + </p> + <p> + Whatever advantage there may be in not interrupting a great talker, who + warms up as he talks, and consequently forgets himself, the magistrate + became impatient. + </p> + <p> + “Spare us your impressions,” he said peremptorily. + </p> + <p> + This was not what Crochard expected. He looked hurt, and went on angrily,— + </p> + <p> + “In fine, my individual goes down the boulevard as far as the opera, turns + to the right, crosses the open square, and goes down the first street to + the left. Here a cab passes; he hails it; orders the driver to take <i>us</i> + to Vincennes. We get in; and his first care is to let down the curtains. + Then he looks at me with a smile, holds out his hand, and says, ‘Well, old + man! how are you?’ + </p> + <p> + “At first, when I saw myself so well received, I was quite overcome. Then + reflecting, I thought, ‘It is not natural for him to be so soft. He is + getting ready for some trick. Keep your eyes open, Bagnolet.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Then you are not angry that I spoke to you; eh?’ He laughs, and says, + ‘No.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then I, ‘However, you hadn’t exactly a wedding-air when I spoke to you, + and I thought you were looking for a way to get rid of me + unceremoniously.’ But he said very seriously, ‘Look here, I am going to + talk to you quite openly! For a moment I was surprised; but I was not + annoyed. I have long foreseen something of the kind would happen; and I + know that every time I go out I run the risk of meeting a former comrade. + You are not the first who has recognized me, and I am prepared to save + myself all annoyance. If I wanted to get rid of you, this very evening you + would have lost all trace of me, thanks to a little contrivance I have + arranged. Besides, as you are in Paris without leave, before twenty-four + hours are over, you would <i>be</i> in jail.’ He told me all this so + calmly, that I felt it was so, and that the scamp had some special trick. + </p> + <p> + “‘Then,’ I said, ‘you rather like meeting an old friend, eh?’ + </p> + <p> + “He looked me straight in the face and replied, ‘Yes; and the proof of it + is, that if you were not here, sitting at my side, and if I had known + where to find you, I should have gone in search of you. I have something + to do for you.’” + </p> + <p> + Henceforth Bagnolet had reason to be satisfied. + </p> + <p> + Although the magistrate preserved his impassive appearance, Daniel and the + chief surgeon listened with breathless attention, feeling that the + prisoner had come to the really important part of his confession, from + which, no doubt, much light would be obtained. Lefloch himself listened + with open mouth; and one could follow on his ingenuous countenance all the + emotions produced by the recital of the criminal, who, but for him, would + probably have escaped justice. + </p> + <p> + “Naturally,” continued Crochard, “when he talked of something to do, I + opened my ears wide. ‘Why,’ I said, ‘I thought you had retired from + business.’ And I really thought he had. ‘You are mistaken,’ he replied. + ‘Since I left that place you know of, I have been living nicely. But I + have not put anything aside; and if an accident should happen to me, which + I have reason to fear, I would be destitute.’ + </p> + <p> + “I should have liked very much to know more; but he would not tell me + anything else concerning himself; and I had to give him my whole history + since my release. Oh! that was soon done. I told him how nothing I had + undertaken had ever succeeded; that, finally, I had been a waiter in a + drinking-shop; that they had turned me out; and that for a month now I had + been walking the streets, having not a cent, no clothes, no lodgings, and + no bed but the quarries. + </p> + <p> + “‘Since that is so,’ he said, ‘you shall see what a comrade is.’ I ought + to say that the cab had been going all the time we were talking, and that + we were out in the suburbs now. My Chevassat raised the blind to look out; + and, as soon as he saw a clothing store, he ordered the driver to stop + there. The driver did so; and then Chevassat said to me, ‘Come, old man, + we’ll begin by dressing you up decently.’ So we get out; and upon my word, + he buys me a shirt, trousers, a coat, and everything else that was + needful; he pays for a silk hat, and a pair of varnished boots. Farther + down the street was a watchmaker. I declare he makes me a present of a + gold watch, which I still have, and which they seized when they put me in + jail. Finally, he has spent his five hundred francs, and gives me eighty + francs to boot, to play the gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “You need not ask if I thanked him, when we got back into the cab. After + such misery as I had endured, my morals came back with my clothes. I would + have jumped into the fire for Chevassat. Alas! I would not have been so + delighted, if I had known what I should have to pay for all this; for in + the first place”— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, go on!” broke in the lawyer; “go on!” + </p> + <p> + Not without some disappointment, Crochard had to acknowledge that + everything purely personal did not seem to excite the deepest interest. He + made a face, full of spite, and then went on, speaking more rapidly,— + </p> + <p> + “All these purchases had taken some time; so that it was six o’clock, and + almost dark, when we reached Vincennes. A little before we got into the + town, Chevassat stopped the cab, paid the driver, sends him back, and, + taking me by the arm, says, ‘You must be hungry: let us dine.’ + </p> + <p> + “So we first absorb a glass of absinthe; then he carries me straight to + the best restaurant, asks for a private room, and orders a dinner. Ah, but + a dinner! Merely to hear it ordered from the bill of fare made my mouth + water. + </p> + <p> + “We sit down; and I, fearing nothing, would not have changed places with + the pope. And I talked, and I ate, and I drank; I drank, perhaps, most; + for I had not had anything to drink for a long time; and, finally, I was + rather excited. Chevassat seemed to have unbuttoned, and told me lots of + funny things which set me a-laughing heartily. But when the coffee had + been brought, with liquors in abundance, and cigars at ten cents apiece, + my individual rises, and pushes the latch in the door; for there was a + latch. + </p> + <p> + “Then he comes back, and sits down right in front of me, with his elbows + on the table. ‘Now, old man,’ he says, ‘we have had enough laughing and + talking. I am a good fellow, you know; but you understand that I am not + treating you for the sake of your pretty face alone. I want a good stout + fellow; and I thought you might be the man.’ + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, he told me that in such a peculiar way, that I felt as if + somebody had kicked me in the stomach; and I began to be afraid of him. + Still I concealed my fears, and said, ‘Well, let us see; go it! What’s the + row?’ + </p> + <p> + “At once he replies, ‘As I told you before, I have not laid up a cent. But + if anything should happen to a certain person whom I think of, I should be + rich; and you—why, you might be rich too, if you were willing to + give him a little push with the elbow, so that the thing might happen to + him a little sooner.’” + </p> + <p> + Earnestly bent upon the part which he had to play for the sake of carrying + out his system of defence, the prisoner assumed more and more hypocritical + repentance, an effort which gave to his wicked face a peculiarly repulsive + expression. + </p> + <p> + The magistrate, however, though no doubt thoroughly disgusted with this + absurd comedy, did not move a muscle of his face, nor make a gesture, + anxious, as he was, not to break the thread of this important deposition. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir!” exclaimed Crochard, his hand upon his heart, “when I heard + Chevassat talk that way, my heart turned within me, and I said, + ‘Unfortunate man, what do you mean? I should commit a murder? Never! I’d + rather die first!’ He laughed, and replied, ‘Don’t be a fool; who talks to + you of murder? I spoke of an accident. Besides, you would not risk + anything. The thing would happen to him abroad.’ I continued, however, to + refuse, and I spoke even of going away; when Chevassat seized a big knife, + and said, now that I had his secret, I was bound to go on. If not!—he + looked at me with such a terrible air, that, upon my word, I was + frightened, and sat down again. + </p> + <p> + “Then, all at once, he became as jolly again as before; and, whilst he + kept pouring the brandy into my glass, he explained to me that I would be + a fool to hesitate; that I could never in all my life find such a chance + again of making a fortune; that I would most certainly succeed; and that + then I would have an income, keep a carriage as he did, wear fine clothes, + and have every day a dinner like the one we had just been enjoying + together. + </p> + <p> + “I became more and more excited. This lot of gold which he held up before + my mind’s eyes dazzled me; and the strong drink I had been taking + incessantly got into my head. Then he flourished again the big knife + before my face; and finally I did not know what I was saying or doing. I + got up; and, striking the table with my fist, I cried out, ‘I am your + man!’” + </p> + <p> + Although, probably, the whole scene never took place, except in the + prisoner’s imagination, Daniel could not help trembling under his cover, + at the thought of these two wretches arranging for his death, while they + were there, half drunk, glass in hand, and their elbows resting on a table + covered with wine-stains. Lefloch, on his part, stood grasping the + bedstead so hard with his hand, that the wood cracked. Perhaps he dreamed + he held in his grasp the neck of the man who was talking so coolly of + murdering his lieutenant. The lawyer and the doctor thought of nothing but + of watching the contortions of the accused. He had drawn a handkerchief + from his pocket, and rubbed his eyes hard, as if he hoped thus to bring + forth a few tears. + </p> + <p> + “Come, come!” said the magistrate. “No scene!” + </p> + <p> + Crochard sighed deeply, and then continued in a tearful tone,— + </p> + <p> + “They might cut me to pieces, and I would not be able to say what happened + after that. I was dead drunk, and do not recollect a thing any more. From + what Chevassat afterwards told me, I had to be carried to the carriage; + and he took me to a hotel in the suburb, where he hired a lodging for me. + When I woke the next day, a little before noon, my head was as heavy as + lead; and I tried to recall what had happened at the restaurant, and if it + was not perhaps merely the bad wine that had given me the nightmare. + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately, it was no dream; and I soon found that out, when a waiter + came up and brought me a letter. Chevassat wrote me to come to his house, + and to breakfast with him for the purpose of talking business. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I went. I asked the concierge where M. Justin Chevassat lives + in the house; and he directs me to go to the second floor, on the right + hand. I go up, ring the bell; a servant opens the door; I enter, and find, + in an elegant apartment, my brigand in a dressing-gown, stretched out on a + sofa. On the way I had made up my mind to tell him positively that he need + not count upon me; that the thing was a horror to me; and that I retracted + all I had said. But, as soon as I began, he became perfectly furious, + calling me a coward and a traitor, and telling me that I had no choice but + to make my fortune, or to receive a blow with the big knife between my + shoulders. At the same time he spread out before me a great heap of gold. + Then, yes, then I was weak. I felt I was caught. Chevassat frightened me; + the gold intoxicated me. I pledged my word; and the bargain was made.” + </p> + <p> + As he said this, Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet, sighed deeply and noisily, + like a man whose heart has been relieved of a grievous burden. He really + felt prodigiously relieved. To have to confess everything on the spot, + without a moment’s respite to combine a plan of apology, was a hard task. + Now, the wretch had stood this delicate and dangerous trial pretty well, + and thought he had managed cleverly enough to prepare for the day of his + trial a number of extenuating circumstances. But the magistrate hardly + gave him time to breathe. + </p> + <p> + “Not so fast,” he said: “we are not done yet. What were the conditions + which you and Chevassat agreed upon?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! very simple, sir. I, for my part, said yes to everything he proposed. + He magnetized me, I tell you, that man! We agreed, therefore, that he + would pay me four thousand francs in advance, and that, after the + accident, he would give me six thousand certain, and a portion of the sum + which he would secure.” + </p> + <p> + “Thus you undertook, for ten thousand francs, to murder a man?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought”— + </p> + <p> + “That sum is very far from those fabulous amounts by which you said you + had been blinded and carried away.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me! There was that share in the great fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! You knew very well that Chevassat would never have paid you + anything.” + </p> + <p> + Crochard’s hands twitched nervously. He cried out,— + </p> + <p> + “Chevassat cheat me! <i>cochonnere</i>! I would have—but no; he + knows me; he would never have dared”— + </p> + <p> + The magistrate had caught the prisoner’s eye, and, fixing him sternly, he + said good-naturedly,— + </p> + <p> + “Why did you tell me, then, that that man magnetized you, and frightened + you out of your wits?” + </p> + <p> + The wretch had gone into the snare, and, instead of answering, hung his + head, and tried to sob. + </p> + <p> + “Repentance is all very well,” said the lawyer, who did not seem to be in + the least touched; “but just now it would be better for you to explain how + your trip to Cochin China was arranged. Come, collect yourself, and give + us the details.” + </p> + <p> + “As to that,” he resumed his account, “you see Chevassat explained to me + everything at breakfast; and the very same day he gave me the address + which you found on the paper in which the bank-notes were wrapped up.” + </p> + <p> + “What did he give you M. Champcey’s address for?” + </p> + <p> + “So that I might know him personally.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, go on.” + </p> + <p> + “At first, when I heard he was a lieutenant in the navy, I said I must + give it up, knowing as I did that with such men there is no trifling. But + Chevassat scolded me so terribly, and called me such hard names, that I + finally got mad, and promised everything. + </p> + <p> + “‘Besides,’ he said to me, ‘listen to my plan. The navy department wants + mechanics to go to Saigon. They have not gotten their full number yet: so + you go and offer yourself. They will accept you, and even pay your journey + to Rochefort: a boat will carry you out to the roadstead on board the + frigate “Conquest.” Do you know whom you will find on board? Our man, + Lieut. Champcey. Well, now, I tell you! that if any accident should happen + to him, either during the voyage, or at Saigon, that accident will pass + unnoticed, as a letter passes through the post-office.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that’s what he told me, every word of it; and I think I hear him + now. And I—I was so completely bewildered, that I had nothing to say + in return. However, there was one thing which troubled me; and I thought, + ‘Well, after all, they won’t accept me at the navy department, with my + antecedents.’ + </p> + <p> + “But, when I mentioned the difficulty to Chevassat, he laughed. Oh, but he + laughed! it made me mad. + </p> + <p> + “‘You are surely more of a fool than I thought,’ he said. ‘Are your + condemnations written on your face? No, I should say. Well, as you will + exhibit your papers in excellent order, they will take you.’ + </p> + <p> + “I opened my eyes wide, and said, ‘That’s all very pretty, what you say; + but the mischief is, that, as I have not worked at my profession for more + than fifteen years, I have no papers at all.’ He shrugs his shoulders, and + says, ‘You shall have your papers.’ That worries me; and I reply, ‘If I + have to steal somebody’s papers, and change my name, I won’t do it.’ But + the brigand had his notions. ‘You shall keep your name,’ he said, touching + me on the shoulder. ‘You shall always remain Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet; + and you shall have your papers as engraver on metal as perfect as anybody + can have them.’ + </p> + <p> + “And, to be sure, the second day after that he gave me a set of papers, + signatures, seals, all in perfect order.” + </p> + <p> + “The papers found in your room, you mean?” asked the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “Exactly.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did Chevassat get them?” + </p> + <p> + “Get them? Why, he had made them himself. He can do anything he chooses + with his pen, the scamp! If he takes it into his head to imitate your own + handwriting, you would never suspect it.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel and the old surgeon exchanged glances. This was a strong and very + important point in connection with the forged letter that had been sent to + the navy department, and claimed to be signed by Daniel himself. The + magistrate was as much struck by the fact as they were; but his features + remained unchanged; and, pursuing his plan in spite of all the incidents + of the examination, he asked,— + </p> + <p> + “These papers caused no suspicion?” + </p> + <p> + “None whatever. I had only to show them, and they accepted me. Besides, + Chevassat said he would enlist some people in my behalf; perhaps I had + been specially recommended.” + </p> + <p> + “And thus you sailed?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. They gave me my ticket, some money for travelling expenses; and, + five days after my meeting with Chevassat, I was on board ‘The Conquest.’ + Lieut. Champcey was not there. Ah! I began to hope he would not go out on + the expedition at all. Unfortunately, he arrived forty- eight hours + afterwards, and we sailed at once.” + </p> + <p> + The marvellous coolness of the wretch showed clearly under his affected + trouble; and, while it confounded Daniel and the old surgeon, it filled + the faithful Lefloch with growing indignation. He spoke of this abominable + plot, of this assassination which had been so carefully plotted, and of + the price agreed upon, and partly paid in advance, as if the whole had + been a fair commercial operation. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Crochard,” said the lawyer, “I cannot impress it too strongly on + your mind, how important it is for your own interests that you should tell + the truth. Remember, all your statements will be verified. Do you know + whether Chevassat lives in Paris under an assumed name?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir! I have always heard him called Chevassat by everybody.” + </p> + <p> + “What? By everybody?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I mean his concierge, his servants.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate seemed for a moment to consider how he should frame his + next question; and then he asked, all of a sudden,— + </p> + <p> + “Suppose that the—accident, as you call it, had succeeded, you would + have taken ship; you would have arrived in France; you reach Paris; how + would you have found Chevassat to claim your six thousand francs?” + </p> + <p> + “I should have gone to his house, where I breakfasted with him; and, if he + had left, the concierge would have told me where he lived now.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you really think you saw him at his own rooms? Consider. If you left + him only for a couple of hours, between the time when you first met him + and the visit you paid him afterwards, he might very well have improvised + a new domicile for himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I did not lie, sir. When dinner was over, I had lost my + consciousness, and I did not get wide awake again till noon on the next + day. Chevassat had the whole night and next morning.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as a suspicion suddenly flashed through Crochard’s mind, he + exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, the brigand! Why did he urge me never to write to him otherwise than + ‘to be called for’?” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate had turned to his clerk. + </p> + <p> + “Go down,” he said, “and see if any of the merchants in town have a Paris + Directory.” + </p> + <p> + The clerk went off like an arrow, and appeared promptly back again with + the volume in question. The magistrate hastened to look up the address + given by the prisoner, and found it entered thus: “<i>Langlois</i>, + sumptuous apartments for families and single persons. Superior + attendance.” + </p> + <p> + “I was almost sure of it,” he said to himself. + </p> + <p> + Then handing Daniel the paper on which the words “University” and “Street” + could be deciphered, he asked,— + </p> + <p> + “Do you know that handwriting, M. Champcey?” + </p> + <p> + Too full of the lawyer’s shrewd surmises to express any surprise, Daniel + looked at the words, and said coolly,— + </p> + <p> + “That is Maxime de Brevan’s handwriting.” + </p> + <p> + A rush of blood colored instantly the pale face of Crochard. He was + furious at the idea of having been duped by his accomplice, by the + instigator of the crime he had committed, and for which he would probably + never have received the promised reward. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, the brigand!” he exclaimed. “And I, who was very near not denouncing + him at all!” + </p> + <p> + A slight smile passed over the lawyer’s face. His end had been attained. + He had foreseen this wrath on the part of the prisoner; he had prepared it + carefully, and caused it to break out fully; for he knew it would bring + him full light on the whole subject. + </p> + <p> + “To cheat me, me!” Crochard went on with extraordinary vehemence,—“to + cheat a friend, an old comrade! Ah the rascal! But he sha’n’t go to + paradise, if I can help it! Let them cut my throat, I don’t mind it; I + shall be quite content even, provided I see his throat cut first.” + </p> + <p> + “He has not even been arrested yet.” + </p> + <p> + “But nothing is easier than to catch him, sir. He must be uneasy at not + hearing from me; and I am sure he is going every day to the post-office to + inquire if there are no letters yet for M. X. O. X. 88. I can write to + him. Do you want me to write to him? I can tell him that I have once more + missed it, and that I have been caught even, but that the police have + found out nothing, and that they have set me free again. I am sure, after + that, the scamp will keep quiet; and the police will have nothing to do + but to take the omnibus, and arrest him at his lodgings.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate had allowed the prisoner to give free vent to his fury, + knowing full well by experience how intensely criminals hate those of + their accomplices by whom they find themselves betrayed. And he was in + hopes that the rage of this man might suggest a new idea, or furnish him + with new facts. When he saw he was not likely to gain much, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Justice cannot stoop to such expedients.” Then he added, seeing how + disappointed Crochard looked,— + </p> + <p> + “You had better try and recollect all you can. Have you forgotten or + concealed nothing that might assist us in carrying out this examination?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I think I have told you every thing.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot furnish any additional evidence of the complicity of Justin + Chevassat, of his efforts to tempt you to commit this crime, or of the + forgery he committed in getting up a false set of papers for you?” + </p> + <p> + “No! Ah, he is a clever one, and leaves no trace behind him that could + convict him. But, strong as he is, if we could be confronted in court, I’d + undertake, just by looking at him, to get the truth out of him somehow.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall be confronted, I promise you.” + </p> + <p> + The prisoner seemed to be amazed. + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to send for Chevassat?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No. You will be sent home, to be tried there.” + </p> + <p> + A flash of joy shone in the eyes of the wretch. He knew the voyage would + not be a pleasant one; but the prospect of being tried in France was as + good as an escape from capital punishment to his mind. Besides, he + delighted in advance in the idea of seeing Chevassat in court, seated by + his side as a fellow-prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” he asked again, “they will send me home?” + </p> + <p> + “On the first national vessel that leaves Saigon.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate went and sat down at the table where the clerk was writing, + and rapidly ran his eye over the long examination, seeing if anything had + been overlooked. When he had done, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Now give me as accurate a description of Justin Chevassat as you can.” + </p> + <p> + Crochard passed his hand repeatedly over his forehead; and then, his eyes + staring at empty space, and his neck stretched out, as if he saw a phantom + which he had suddenly called up, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Chevassat is a man of my age; but he does not look more than twenty seven + or eight. That is what made me hesitate at first, when I met him on the + boulevard. He is a handsome fellow, very well made, and wears all his + beard. He looks clever, with soft eyes; and his face inspires confidence + at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that is Maxime all over,” broke in Daniel. + </p> + <p> + And, suddenly remembering something, he called Lefloch. The sailor + started, and almost mechanically assumed the respectful position of a + sailor standing before his officer. + </p> + <p> + “Lieutenant?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Since I have been sick, they have brought part of my baggage here; have + they not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, lieutenant, all of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well. Go and look for a big red book with silver clasps. You have no + doubt seen me look at it often.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, lieutenant; and I know where it is.” + </p> + <p> + And he immediately opened one of the trunks that were piled up in a corner + of the room, and took from it a photograph album, which, upon a sign from + Daniel, he handed to the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “Will you please,” said Daniel at the same time, “ask the prisoner, if, + among the sixty or seventy portraits in that book, he knows any one?” + </p> + <p> + The album was handed to Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet, who turned over leaf + after leaf, till all of a sudden, and almost beside himself, he cried out,— + </p> + <p> + “Here he is, Justin Chevassat! Oh! that’s he, no doubt about it.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel could, from his bed, see the photograph, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “That is Maxime’s portrait.” + </p> + <p> + After this decisive evidence, there could be no longer any doubt that + Justin Chevassat and Maxime de Brevan were one and the same person. The + investigation was complete, as far as it could be carried on in Saigon; + the remaining evidence had to be collected in Paris. The magistrate + directed, therefore, the clerk to read the deposition; and Crochard + followed it without making a single objection. But when he had signed it, + and the gendarmes were about to carry him off again, and to put on the + handcuffs, he asked leave to make an addition. The magistrate assented; + and Crochard said,— + </p> + <p> + “I do not want to excuse myself, nor to make myself out innocent; but I do + not like, on the other hand, to seem worse than I am.” + </p> + <p> + He had assumed a very decided position, and evidently aimed at giving to + his words an expression of coarse but perfect frankness. + </p> + <p> + “The thing which I had undertaken to do, it was not in my power to do. It + has never entered my head to kill a man treacherously. If I had been a + brute, such as these are, the lieutenant would not be there, wounded to be + sure, but alive. Ten times I might have done his business most + effectively; but I did not care. I tried in vain to think of Chevassat’s + big promises; at the last moment, my heart always failed me. The thing was + too much for me. And the proof of it is, that I missed him at ten yards’ + distance. The only time when I tried it really in earnest was in the + little boat, because there, I ran some risk; it was like a duel, since my + life was as much at stake as the lieutenant’s. I can swim as well as + anybody, to be sure; but in a river like the Dong-Nai, at night, and with + a current like that, no swimmer can hold his own. The lieutenant got out + of it; but I was very near being drowned. I could not get on land again + until I had been carried down two miles or more; and, when I did get on + shore, I sank in the mud up to my hips. Now, I humbly beg the lieutenant’s + pardon; and you shall see if I am going to let Chevassat escape.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he held out his hands for the handcuffs, with a theatrical + gesture, and left the room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXVII. + </h2> + <p> + In the meantime, the long, trying scene had exhausted Daniel; and he lay + there, panting, on his bed. The surgeon and the lawyer withdrew, to let + him have some rest. + </p> + <p> + He certainly needed it; but how could he sleep with the fearful idea of + his Henrietta—she whom he loved with his whole heart—being in + the hands of this Justin Chevassat, a forger, a former galley-slave, the + accomplice and friend of Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet? + </p> + <p> + “And I myself handed her over to him!” he repeated for the thousandth + time,—“I, her only friend upon earth! And her confidence in me was + so great, that, if she had any presentiment, she suppressed it for my + sake.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had, to be sure, a certain assurance now, that Maxime de Brevan + would not be able to escape from justice. But what did it profit him to be + avenged, when it was too late, long after Henrietta should have been + forced to seek in suicide the only refuge from Brevan’s persecution? Now + it seemed to him as if the magistrate was far more anxiously concerned for + the punishment of the guilty than for the safety of the victims. Blinded + by passion, so as to ask for impossibilities, Daniel would have had this + lawyer, who was so clever in unearthing crimes committed in Saigon, find + means rather to prevent the atrocious crime which was now going on in + France. On his part, he had done the only thing that could be done. + </p> + <p> + At the first glimpse of reason that had appeared after his terrible + sufferings, he had hastened to write to Henrietta, begging her to take + courage, and promising her that he would soon be near her. In this letter + he had enclosed the sum of four thousand francs. + </p> + <p> + This letter was gone. But how long would it take before it could reach + her? Three or four months, perhaps even more. + </p> + <p> + Would it reach her in time? Might it not be intercepted, like the others? + All these anxieties made a bed of burning coals of the couch of the poor + wounded man. He twisted and turned restlessly from side to side, and felt + as if he were once more going to lose his senses. And still, by a + prodigious effort of his will, his convalescence pursued its normal, + steady way in spite of so many contrary influences. + </p> + <p> + A fortnight after Crochard’s confession, Daniel could get up; he spent the + afternoon in an arm-chair, and was even able to take a few steps in his + chamber. The next week he was able to get down into the garden of the + hospital, and to walk about there, leaning on the arm of his faithful + Lefloch. And with his strength and his health, hope, also, began to come + back; when, all of a sudden, two letters from Henrietta rekindled the + fever. + </p> + <p> + In one the poor <i>girl</i> told him how she had lived so far on the money + obtained from the sale of the little jewelry she had taken with her, but + added that she was shamefully cheated, and would soon be compelled to seek + employment of some sort in order to support herself. + </p> + <p> + “I am quite sure,” she said, with a kind of heartrending cheerfulness, + “that I can earn my forty cents a day; and with that, my friend, I shall + be as happy as a queen, and wait for your return, free from want.” + </p> + <p> + In the other she wrote,— + </p> + <p> + “None of my efforts to procure work has so far succeeded. The future is + getting darker and darker. Soon I shall be without bread. I shall struggle + on to the last extremity, were it only not to give my enemies the joy of + seeing me dead. But, Daniel, if you wish to see your Henrietta again, come + back; oh, come back!” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had not suffered half as much the day when the assassin’s ball + ploughed through his chest. He was evidently reading one of those last + cries which precede agony. After these two fearful letters, he could only + expect a last one from Henrietta,—a letter in which she would tell + him, “All is over. I am dying. Farewell!” + </p> + <p> + He sent for the chief surgeon, and said, as soon as he entered,— + </p> + <p> + “I must go!” + </p> + <p> + The good doctor frowned, and replied rudely,— + </p> + <p> + “Are you mad? Do you know that you cannot stand up fifteen minutes?” + </p> + <p> + “I can lie down in my berth.” + </p> + <p> + “You would kill yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “What of that? I would rather suffer death than what I now endure. + Besides, I have made up my mind irrevocably! Read this, and you will see + yourself that I cannot do otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + The chief surgeon took in Henrietta’s last letter almost at a single + glance; but he held it in his hand for some time, pretending to read it, + but in reality meditating. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure,” the excellent man thought in his heart, “I am sure, in this + man’s place, I should do the same. But would this imprudence be of any use + to him? No; for he could not reach the mouth of the Dong-Nai alive. + Therefore it is my duty to keep him here: and that can be done, since he + is as yet unable to go out alone; and Lefloch will obey me, I am sure, + when I tell him that his master’s life depends upon his obedience.” + </p> + <p> + Too wise to meet so decided a determination as Daniel’s was by a flat + refusal, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then; be it as you choose!” + </p> + <p> + Only he came in again the same evening, and, with an air of + disappointment, said to Daniel,— + </p> + <p> + “To go is all very well; but there is one difficulty in the way, of which + neither you nor I have thought.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is that?” + </p> + <p> + “There is no vessel going home.” + </p> + <p> + “Really, doctor?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my dear friend,” replied the excellent man boldly, “do you think I + could deceive you?” + </p> + <p> + Evidently Daniel thought him quite capable of doing so; but he took good + care not to show his suspicions, reserving to himself the right of making + direct inquiries as soon as the opportunity should offer. It came the very + next morning. Two friends of his called to see him. He sent Lefloch out of + the room on some pretext, and then begged them to go down to the port, and + to engage a passage for him,—no, not for him, but for his man, whom + urgent business recalled to France. + </p> + <p> + In the most eager manner the two gentlemen disappeared. They stayed away + three hours; and, when they came back, their answer was the same as the + doctor’s. They declared they had made inquiries on all sides; but they + were quite sure that there was not a single vessel in Saigon ready to sail + for home. Ten other persons whom Daniel asked to do the same thing brought + him the same answer. And yet, that very week, two ships sailed,—one + for Havre, the other for Bordeaux. But the concierge of the hospital, and + Lefloch, were so well drilled, that no visitor reached Daniel before + having learned his lesson thoroughly. + </p> + <p> + Thus they succeeded in keeping Daniel quiet for a fortnight; but, at the + end of that time, he declared that he felt quite well enough to look out + for a ship himself; and that, if he could do no better, he meant to sail + for Singapore, where he would be sure to procure a passage home. It would, + of course, have been simple folly to try and keep a man back who was so + much bent upon his purpose; and, as his first visit to the port would have + revealed to him the true state of things, the old surgeon preferred to + make a clean breast of it. When he learned that he had missed two ships, + Daniel was at first naturally very much incensed. + </p> + <p> + “That was not right, doctor, to treat me thus,” he exclaimed. “It was + wrong; for you know what sacred duties call me home.” + </p> + <p> + But the surgeon was prepared for his justification. He replied with a + certain solemnity which he rarely assumed,— + </p> + <p> + “I have only obeyed my conscience. If I had let you set sail in the + condition in which you were, I should have virtually sent you to your + grave, and thus have deprived your betrothed, Miss Ville-Handry, of her + last and only chance of salvation.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel shook his head sadly, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “But if I get there too late, too late; by a week, a day, do you think, + doctor, I shall not curse your prudence? And who knows, now, when a ship + will leave?” + </p> + <p> + “When? On Sunday, in five days; and that ship is ‘The Saint Louis’ a + famous clipper, and so good a sailor, that you will easily overtake the + two big three-masters that have sailed before you.” + </p> + <p> + Offering his hand to Daniel, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “Come, my dear Champcey; don’t blame an old friend who has done what he + thought was his duty to do.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel was too painfully affected to pay much attention to the conclusive + and sensible reasons alleged by the chief surgeon; he saw nothing but that + his friends had taken advantage of his condition to keep him in the dark. + Still he also felt that it would have been black ingratitude and stupid + obstinacy to preserve in his heart a shadow of resentment. He therefore, + took the hand that was offered him, and, pressing it warmly, replied in a + tone of deep emotion,— + </p> + <p> + “Whatever the future may have in store for me, doctor, I shall never + forget that I owe my life to your devotion.” + </p> + <p> + As usually, when he felt that excitement was overcoming him,—a very + rare event, to tell the truth,—the old surgeon fell back into his + rough and abrupt manner. + </p> + <p> + “I have attended you as I would have attended any one: that is my duty, + and you need not trouble yourself about your gratitude. If any one owes me + thanks, it is Miss Ville-Handry; and I beg you will remind her of it when + she is your wife. And now you will be good enough to dismiss all those + dismal ideas, and remember that you have only five days longer to tremble + with impatience in this abominable country.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke easily enough of it,—five days! It was an eternity for a + man in Daniel’s state of mind. In three hours he had made all his + preparations for his departure, arranged his business matters, and + obtained a furlough for Lefloch, who was to go with him. At noon, + therefore, he asked himself with terror, how he was to employ his time + till night, when they came, and asked if he would please come over to the + courthouse, to see the magistrate. + </p> + <p> + He went at once, and found the lawyer, but so changed, that he hardly + recognized him at first. The last mail had brought him the news of his + appointment to a judgeship, which he had long anxiously desired, and which + would enable him to return, not only to France, but to his native + province. He meant to sail in a frigate which was to leave towards the end + of the month, and in which Crochard, also, was to be sent home. + </p> + <p> + “In this way,” he said, “I shall arrive at the same time as the accused, + and very soon after the papers, which were sent home last week; and I + trust and hope I shall be allowed to conduct the trial of an affair, + which, so far, has gone smoothly enough in my hands.” + </p> + <p> + His impassive air was gone; and that official mask was laid aside, which + might have been looked upon as much a part of his official costume as the + black gown which was lying upon one of his trunks. He laughed, he rubbed + his hands, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I should take pleasure in having him in my court, this Justin Chevassat, + alias Maxime de Brevan. He must be a cool swindler, brimful of cunning and + astuteness, familiar with all the tricks of criminal courts, and not so + easily overcome. It will be no child’s play, I am sure, to prove that he + was the instigator of Crochard’s crimes, and that he has hired him with + his own money. Ah! There will be lively discussions and curious + incidents.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel listened, quite bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “He, too,” he thought. “Professional enthusiasm carries him away; and here + he is, troubling himself about the discussions in court, neither less nor + more than Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet. He thinks only of the honor he will + reap for having handed over to the jury such a formidable rascal as”— + </p> + <p> + But the lawyer had not sent for Daniel to speak to him of his plans and + his hopes. Having learned from the chief surgeon that Lieut. Champcey was + on the point of sailing, he wished to tell him that he would receive a + very important packet, which he was desired to hand to the court as soon + as he reached Paris. + </p> + <p> + “This is, you understand,” he concluded, “an additional precaution which + we take to prevent Maxime de Brevan from escaping us.” + </p> + <p> + It was five o’clock when Daniel left the court-house; and on the little + square before it he found the old surgeon, waiting to carry him off to + dinner, and a game of whist in the evening. So, when he undressed at + night, he said to himself,— + </p> + <p> + “After all, the day has not been so very long!” + </p> + <p> + But to-morrow, and the day after to-morrow, and the next days! + </p> + <p> + He tried in vain to get rid of the fixed idea which filled his mind,—a + mechanical instinct, so to say, which was stronger than his will, and + drove him incessantly to the wharf where “The Saint Louis” was lying. + Sitting on some bags of rice, he spent hour after hour in watching the + cargo as it was put on board. Never had the Annamites and the Chinamen, + who in Saigon act as stevedores, appeared to him so lazy, so intolerable. + Sometimes he felt as if, seeing or guessing his impatience, they were + trying to irritate him by moving the bales with the utmost slowness, and + walking with unbearable laziness around with the windlass. + </p> + <p> + Then, when he could no longer bear the sight, he went to the cafe on the + wharf, where the captain of “The Saint Louis” was generally to be found. + </p> + <p> + “Your men will never finish, captain,” he said. “You will never be ready + by Sunday.” + </p> + <p> + To which the captain invariably replied in his fierce Marseilles accent,— + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be afraid, lieutenant. ‘The Saint Louis,’ I tell you, beats the + Indian mail in punctuality.” + </p> + <p> + And really, on Saturday, when he saw his passenger come as usual to the + cafe, the captain exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, what did I tell you? We are all ready. At five o’clock I get my + mail at the post-office; and to-morrow morning we are off. I was just + going to send you word that you had better sleep on board.” + </p> + <p> + That evening the officers of “The Conquest,” gave Daniel a farewell + dinner; and it was nearly midnight, when, after having once more shaken + hands most cordially with the old chief surgeon, he took possession of his + state-room, one of the largest on board ship, in which they had put up two + berths, so that, in case of need, Lefloch might be at hand to attend his + master. + </p> + <p> + Then at last, towards four o’clock in the morning, Daniel was aroused by + the clanking of chains, accompanied by the singing of the sailors. He + hastened on deck. They were getting up anchors; and, an hour after that, + “The Saint Louis” went down the Dong-Nai, aided by a current, rushing + along “like lightning.” + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said Daniel to Lefloch, “I shall judge, by the time it will + take us to get home, if fortune is on my side.” + </p> + <p> + Yes, fate, at last, declared for him. Never had the most extraordinarily + favorable winds hastened a ship home as in this case. “The Saint Louis” + was a first-class sailer; and the captain, stimulated by the presence of a + navy lieutenant, always exacted the utmost from his ship; so that on the + seventeenth day after they had left Saigon, on a fine winter afternoon, + Daniel could see the hills above Marseilles rise from the blue waters of + the Mediterranean. He was drawing near the end of the voyage and of his + renewed anxieties. Two days more, and he would be in Paris, and his fate + would be irrevocably fixed. + </p> + <p> + But would they let him go on shore that evening? He trembled as he thought + of all the formalities which have to be observed when a ship arrives. The + quarantine authorities might raise difficulties, and cause a delay. + </p> + <p> + Standing by the side of the captain, he was watching the masts, which + looked as if they were loaded down with all the sails they could carry, + when a cry from the lookout in the bow of the vessel attracted his + attention. That man reported, at two ship’s lengths on starboard, a small + boat, like a pilot-boat, making signs of distress. The captain and Daniel + exchanged looks of disappointment. The slightest delay in the position in + which they were, and at a season when night falls so suddenly, deprived + them of all hope of going on shore that night. And who could tell how long + it would take them to go to the rescue of that boat? + </p> + <p> + “Well, never mind!” said Daniel. “We have to do it.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish they were in paradise!” swore the captain. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, he ordered all that was necessary to slacken speed, and then + to tack so as to come close upon the little boat. + </p> + <p> + It was a difficult and tedious manoeuvre; but at last, after half an + hour’s work, they could throw a rope into the boat. + </p> + <p> + There were two men in it, who hastened to come on the deck of the clipper. + One was a sailor of about twenty, the other a man of perhaps fifty, who + looked like a country gentleman, appeared ill at ease, and cast about him + restless glances in all directions. But, whilst they were hoisting + themselves up by the man-rope; the captain of “The Saint Louis” had had + time to examine their boat, and to ascertain that it was in good + condition, and every thing in it in perfect order. + </p> + <p> + Crimson with wrath, he now seized the young sailor by his collar; and, + shaking him so roughly as nearly to disjoint his neck, he said with a + formidable oath,— + </p> + <p> + “Are you making fun of me? What wretched joke have you been playing?” + </p> + <p> + Like their captain, the men on board, also, had discovered the perfect + uselessness of the signals of distress which had excited their sympathy; + and their indignation was great at what they considered a stupid + mystification. They surrounded the sailor with a threatening air, while he + struggled in the captain’s hand, and cried in his Marseilles jargon,— + </p> + <p> + “Let go! You are smothering me! It is not my fault. It was the gentleman + there, who hired my boat for a sail. I, I would not make the signal; but”— + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the poor fellow would probably have experienced some very + rough treatment, if the “gentleman” had not come running up, and covered + him with his own body, exclaiming,— + </p> + <p> + “Let that poor boy go! I am the only one to blame!” + </p> + <p> + The captain, in a great rage, pushed him back, and, looking at him + savagely, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! so it is you who have dared”— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I did it. But I had my reasons. This is surely ‘The Saint Louis,’ + eh, coming from Saigon?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. What next?” + </p> + <p> + “You have on board Lieut. Champcey of the navy?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel, who had been a silent witness of the scene, now stepped forward, + very much puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “I am Lieut. Champcey, sir,” he said. “What do you desire?” + </p> + <p> + But, instead of replying, the “gentleman” raised his hands to heaven in a + perfect ecstasy of joy, and said in an undertone,— + </p> + <p> + “We triumph at last!” + </p> + <p> + Then, turning to Daniel and the captain, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “But come, gentlemen, come! I must explain my conduct; and we must be + alone for what I have to tell you.” + </p> + <p> + Pale, and with every sign of seasickness in his face, when he had first + appeared on deck, the man now seemed to have recovered, and, in spite of + the rolling of the vessel, followed the captain and Daniel with a firm + step to the quarter-deck. As soon as they were alone, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Could I be here, if I had not used a stratagem? Evidently not. And yet I + had the most powerful interest in boarding ‘The Saint Louis’ before she + should enter port; therefore I did not hesitate.” + </p> + <p> + He drew from his pocket a sheet of paper, simply folded twice, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Here is my apology, Lieut. Champcey; see if it is sufficient.” + </p> + <p> + Utterly amazed, the young officer read,— + </p> + <p> + “I am saved, Daniel; and I owe my life to the man who will hand you this. + I shall owe to him the pleasure of seeing you again. Confide in him as you + would in your best and most devoted friend; and, I beseech you, do not + hesitate to follow his advice literally. + </p> + <p> + “Henrietta.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel turned deadly pale, and tottered. This unexpected, intense + happiness overcame him. + </p> + <p> + “Then—it is true—she is alive?” he stammered. + </p> + <p> + “She is at my sister’s house, safe from all danger.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, sir, you have rescued her?” + </p> + <p> + “I did!” + </p> + <p> + Prompt like thought, Daniel seized the man’s hands, and, pressing them + vehemently, exclaimed with a penetrating voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Never, sir, never, whatever may happen, can I thank you enough. But + remember, I pray you, under all circumstances, and for all times, you can + count upon Lieut. Champcey.” + </p> + <p> + A strange smile played on the man’s lips; and, shaking his head, he said, + “I shall before long remind you of your promise, lieutenant.” + </p> + <p> + Standing between the two men, the captain of “The Saint Louis” was looking + alternately at the one and the other with an astonished air, listening + without comprehending, and imagining marvellous things. The only point he + understood was this, that his presence was, to say the least, not useful. + </p> + <p> + “If that is so,” he said to Daniel, “we cannot blame this gentleman for + the ugly trick he has played us.” + </p> + <p> + “Blame him? Oh, certainly not!” + </p> + <p> + “Then I’ll leave you. I believe I have treated the sailor who brought him + on board a little roughly; but I am going to order him a glass of brandy, + which will set him right again.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon the captain discreetly withdrew; while Papa Ravinet continued,— + </p> + <p> + “You will tell me, M. Champcey, that it would have been simpler to wait + for you in port, and hand you my letter of introduction there. That would + have been grievous imprudence. If I heard at the navy department of your + arrival, others may have learned it as well. As soon, therefore, as ‘The + Saint Louis’ was telegraphed in town, you may be sure a spy was sent to + the wharf, who is going to follow you, never losing sight of you, and who + will report all your goings and your doings.” + </p> + <p> + “What does it matter?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! do not say so, sir! If our enemies hear of our meeting, you see, if + they only find out that we have conversed together, all is lost. They + would see the danger that threatens them, and they would escape.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel could hardly trust his ears. + </p> + <p> + “Our enemies?” he asked, emphasizing the word “our.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes: I mean <i>our</i> enemies,—Sarah Brandon, Countess + Ville-Handry, Maxime de Brevan, Thomas Elgin, and Mrs. Brian.” + </p> + <p> + “You hate them?” + </p> + <p> + “If I hate them! I tell you for five years I have lived only on the hope + of being able to avenge myself on them. Yes, it is five years now, that, + lost in the crowd, I have followed them with the perseverance of an + Indian,—five years that I have patiently, incessantly, inch by inch, + undermined the ground beneath their steps. And they suspect nothing. I + doubt whether they are aware of my existence. No, not even—What + would it be to them, besides? They have pushed me so far down into the + mud, that they cannot imagine my ever rising again up to their level. They + triumph with impunity; they boast of their unpunished wickedness, and + think they are strong, and safe from all attacks, because they have the + prestige and the power of gold. And yet their hour is coming. I, the + wretched man, who have been compelled to hide, and to live on my daily + labor,—I have attained my end. Every thing is ready; and I have only + to touch the proud fabric of their crimes to make it come down upon them, + and crush them all under the ruins. Ah! if I could see them only suffer + one-fourth of what they have made me suffer, I should die content.” + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet seemed to have grown a foot; his hatred convulsed his placid + face; his voice trembled with rage; and his yellow eyes shone with + ill-subdued passion. + </p> + <p> + Daniel wondered, and asked himself what the people who had sworn to ruin + him and Henrietta could have done to this man, who looked so inoffensive + with his bright-flowered waistcoat and his coat with the high collar. + </p> + <p> + “But who are you, sir?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Who am I?” exclaimed the man,—“who am I?” + </p> + <p> + But he paused; and, after waiting a little while, he sunk his head, and + said,— + </p> + <p> + “I am Anthony Ravinet, dealer in curiosities.” + </p> + <p> + The clipper was in the meantime making way rapidly. Already the white + country houses appeared on the high bluffs amid the pine-groves; and the + outlines of the Castle of If were clearly penned on the deep blue of the + sky. + </p> + <p> + “But we are getting near,” exclaimed Papa Ravinet; “and I must get back + into my boat. I did not come out so far, that they might see me enter on + board ‘The Saint Louis.’” + </p> + <p> + And when Daniel offered him his state-room, where he might remain in + concealment, he replied,— + </p> + <p> + “No, no! We shall have time enough to come to an understanding about what + is to be done in Paris; and I must go back by rail to-night; I came down + for the sole purpose of telling you this. Miss Henrietta is at my sister’s + house; but you must take care not to come there. Neither Sarah nor Brevan + know what has become of her; they think she has thrown herself into the + river; and this conviction is our safety and our strength. As they will + most assuredly have you watched, the slightest imprudence might betray + us.” + </p> + <p> + “But I must see Henrietta, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; and I have found the means for it. Instead of going to your + former lodgings, go to the Hotel du Louvre. I will see to it that my + sister and Miss Ville-Handry shall have taken rooms there before you reach + Paris; and you may be sure, that, in less than a quarter of an hour after + your arrival, you will hear news. But, heavens, how near we are! I must + make haste.” + </p> + <p> + Upon Daniel’s request, the ship lay by long enough to allow Papa Ravinet + and his sailor to get back again into their boat without danger. When they + were safely stowed away in it, and at the moment when they cast off the + man-rope, Papa Ravinet called to Daniel,— + </p> + <p> + “We shall soon see you! Rely upon me! Tonight Miss Henrietta shall have a + telegram from us.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0029" id="link2H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXVIII. + </h2> + <p> + At the same hour when Papa Ravinet, on the deck of “The Saint Louis,” was + pressing Daniel’s hand, and bidding him farewell, there were in Paris two + poor women, who prayed and watched with breathless anxiety,—the + sister of the old dealer, Mrs. Bertolle, the widow; and Henrietta, the + daughter of Count Ville-Handry. When Papa Ravinet had appeared the evening + before, with his carpet-bag in his hand, his hurry had been so + extraordinary, and his excitement so great, that one might have doubted + his sanity. He had peremptorily asked his sister for two thousand francs; + had made Henrietta write in all haste a letter of introduction to Daniel; + and had rushed out again like a tempest, as he had come in, without saying + more than this,— + </p> + <p> + “M. Champcey will arrive, or perhaps has already arrived, in Marseilles, + on board a merchant vessel, ‘The Saint Louis.’ I have been told so at the + navy department. It is all important that I should see him before anybody + else. I take the express train of quarter past seven. To-morrow, I’ll send + you a telegram.” + </p> + <p> + The two ladies asked for something more, a hope, a word; but no, nothing + more! The old dealer had jumped into the carriage that had brought him, + before they had recovered from their surprise; and they remained there, + sitting before the fire, silent, their heads in their hands, each lost in + conjectures. When the clock struck seven, the good widow was aroused from + her grave thoughts, which seemed so different from her usual cheerful + temper. + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, Miss Henrietta,” she said with somewhat forced gayety, “my + brother’s departure does not condemn us, as far as I know, to starve + ourselves to death.” + </p> + <p> + She had gotten up as she said this. She set the table, and then sat down + opposite to Henrietta, to their modest dinner. Modest it was, indeed, and + still too abundant. They were both too much overcome to be able to eat; + and yet both handled knife and fork, trying to deceive one another. Their + thoughts were far away, in spite of all their efforts to keep them at + home, and followed the traveller. + </p> + <p> + “Now he has left,” whispered Henrietta as it struck eight. + </p> + <p> + “He is on his way already,” replied the old lady. + </p> + <p> + But neither of them knew anything of the journey from Paris to Marseilles. + They were ignorant of the distances, the names of the stations, and even + of the large cities through which the railroad passes. + </p> + <p> + “We must try and get a railway guide,” said the good widow. And, quite + proud of her happy thought, she went out instantly, hurried to the nearest + bookstore, and soon reappeared, flourishing triumphantly a yellow + pamphlet, and saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Now we shall see it all, my dear child.” + </p> + <p> + Then, placing the guide on the tablecloth between them, they looked for + the page containing the railway from Paris to Lyons and Marseilles, then + the train which Papa Ravinet was to have taken; and they delighted in + counting up how swiftly the “express” went, and all the stations where it + stopped. + </p> + <p> + Then, when the table was cleared, instead of going industriously to work, + as usually, they kept constantly looking at the clock, and, after + consulting the book, said to each other,— + </p> + <p> + “He is at Montereau now; he must be beyond Sens; he will soon be at + Tonnerre.” + </p> + <p> + A childish satisfaction, no doubt, and very idle. But who of us has not, + at least once in his life, derived a wonderful pleasure, or perhaps + unspeakable relief from impatience, or even grief, from following thus + across space a beloved one who was going away, or coming home? Towards + midnight, however, the old lady remarked that it was getting late, and + that it would be wise to go to bed. + </p> + <p> + “You think you will sleep, madam?” asked Henrietta, surprised. + </p> + <p> + “No, my child; but”— + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I, for my part,—<i>I</i> could not sleep. This work on which we + are busy is very pressing, you say; why could we not finish it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let us sit up then,” said the good widow. + </p> + <p> + The poor women, reduced as they were to conjectures by Papa Ravinet’s + laconic answers, nevertheless knew full well that some great event was in + preparation, something unexpected, and yet decisive. What it was, they did + not know; but they understood, or rather felt, that Daniel’s return would + and must totally change the aspect of affairs. But would Daniel really + come? + </p> + <p> + “If he does come,” said Henrietta, “why did they only the other day tell + me, at the navy department, that he was not coming? Then, again, why + should he come home in a merchant vessel, and not on board his frigate?” + </p> + <p> + “Your letters have probably reached him at last,” explained the old lady; + “and, as soon as he received them, he came home.” + </p> + <p> + Gradually, however, after having exhausted all conjectures, and after + having discussed all contingencies, Henrietta became silent. When it + struck half-past three, she said once more,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! M. Ravinet is at the Lyons station now.” + </p> + <p> + Then her hand became less and less active in drawing the worsted, her head + oscillated from side to side, and her eyelids closed unconsciously. Her + old friend advised her to retire; and this time she did not refuse. + </p> + <p> + It was past ten o’clock when she awoke; and upon entering, fully dressed, + into the sitting-room, Mrs. Bertolle greeted her with the exclamation:— + </p> + <p> + “At this moment my brother reaches Marseilles!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! then it will not be long before we shall have news,” replied + Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + But there are moments in which we think electricity the slowest of + messengers. At two o’clock nothing had come; and the poor women began to + accuse the old dealer of having forgotten them, when, at last, the bell + was rung. + </p> + <p> + It was really the telegraph messenger, with his black leather pouch. The + old lady signed her receipt with marvellous promptness; and, tearing the + envelope hastily open, she read,— + </p> + <p> + Marseilles, 12.40 a.m. + </p> + <p> + “Saint Louis” signalled by telegraph this morning. Will be in to-night. I + hire boat to go and meet her, provided Champcey is on board. This evening + telegram. + </p> + <p> + Ravinet. + </p> + <p> + “But this does not tell us any thing,” said Henrietta, terribly + disappointed. “Just see, madam, <i>your</i> brother is not even sure + whether M. Champcey is on board ‘The Saint Louis.’” + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Mrs. Bertolle, also, was a little disappointed; but she was not + the person to let it be seen. + </p> + <p> + “But what did you expect, dear child? Anthony has not been an hour in + Marseilles; how do you think he can know? We must wait till the evening. + It is only a matter of a few hours.” + </p> + <p> + She said this very quietly; but all who have ever undergone the anguish of + expectation will know how it becomes more and more intolerable as the + moment approaches that is to bring the decision. However the old lady + endeavored to control her excitement, the calm and dignified woman could + not long conceal the nervous fever that was raging within her. Ten times + during the afternoon she opened the window, to look for—what? She + could not have told it herself, as she well knew nothing could come as + yet. At night she could not stay in any one place. She tried in vain to + work on her embroidery; her fingers refused their service. + </p> + <p> + At last, at ten minutes past nine, the telegraph man appeared, as + impassive as ever. + </p> + <p> + This time it was Henrietta who had taken the despatch; and, before opening + it, she had half a minute’s fearful suspense, as if the paper had + contained the secret of her fate. Then, by a sudden impulse, tearing the + envelope, she read, almost at a glance,— + </p> + <p> + Marseilles, 6.45 p.m. + </p> + <p> + I have seen Champcey. All well; devoted to Henrietta. Return this evening. + Will be in Paris tomorrow evening at seven o’clock. Prepare your trunks as + if you were to start on a month’s journey immediately after my return. All + is going well. + </p> + <p> + Pale as death, and trembling like a leaf, but with open lips and bright + eyes, Henrietta had sunk into a chair. Up to this moment she had doubted + every thing. Up to this hour, until she held the proof in her hand, she + had not allowed herself to hope. Such great happiness does not seem to the + unhappy to be intended for them. But now she stammered out,— + </p> + <p> + “Daniel is in France! Daniel! Nothing more to fear; the future is ours. I + am safe now.” + </p> + <p> + But people do not die of joy; and, when she had recovered her equanimity, + Henrietta understood how cruel she had been in the incoherent phrases that + had escaped her in her excitement. She rose with a start, and, seizing + Mrs. Bertolle’s hands, said to her,— + </p> + <p> + “Great God! what am I saying! Ah, you will pardon me, madam, I am sure; + but I feel as if I did not know what I am doing. Safe! I owe it to you and + your brother, if I am safe. Without you Daniel would find nothing of me + but a cross at the cemetery, and a name stained and destroyed by infamous + calumnies.” + </p> + <p> + The old lady did not hear a word. She had picked up the despatch, had read + it; and, overcome by its contents, had sat down near the fireplace, + utterly insensible to the outside world. The most fearful hatred convulsed + her ordinarily calm and gentle features; and pale, with closed teeth, and + in a hoarse voice, she said over and over again,— + </p> + <p> + “We shall be avenged.” + </p> + <p> + Most assuredly Henrietta did not find out only now that the old dealer and + his sister hated her enemies, Sarah Brandon and Maxime de Brevan, + mortally; but she had never seen that hatred break out so terribly as + to-night. What had brought it about? This she could not fathom. Papa + Ravinet, it was evident, was not a nobody. Ill-bred and coarse in Water + Street, amid the thousand articles of his trade, he became a very + different man as soon as he reached his sister’s house. As to the Widow + Bertolle, she was evidently a woman of superior intellect and education. + </p> + <p> + How had they both been reduced to this more than modest condition? By + reverses of fortune. That accounts for everything, but explains nothing. + </p> + <p> + Such were Henrietta’s thoughts, when the old lady roused her from her + meditations. + </p> + <p> + “You saw, my dear child,” she began saying, “that my brother desires us to + be ready to set out on a long journey as soon as he comes home.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam; and I am quite astonished.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand; but, although I know no more than you do of my brother’s + intentions, I know that he does nothing without a purpose. We ought, + therefore, in prudence, comply with his wishes.” + </p> + <p> + They agreed, therefore, at once on their arrangements; and the next day + Mrs. Bertolle went out to purchase whatever might be necessary,—ready-made + dresses for Henrietta, shoes, and linen. Towards five o’clock in the + afternoon, all the preparations of the old lady and the young girl had + been made; and all their things were carefully stowed away in three large + trunks. According to Papa Ravinet’s despatch, they had only about two + hours more to wait, three hours at the worst. Still they were out of their + reckoning. It was half-past eight before the good man arrived, evidently + broken down by the long and rapid journey which he had just made. + </p> + <p> + “At last!” exclaimed Mrs. Bertolle. “We hardly expected you any longer + to-night.” + </p> + <p> + But he interrupted her, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my dear sister! don’t you think I suffered when I thought of your + impatience? But it was absolutely necessary I should show myself in Water + Street.” + </p> + <p> + “You have seen Mrs. Chevassat?” + </p> + <p> + “I come from her just now. She is quite at her ease. I am sure she has not + the slightest doubt that Miss Ville-Handry has killed herself; and she + goes religiously every morning to the Morgue.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta shuddered. + </p> + <p> + “And M. de Brevan?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet looked troubled. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I don’t feel so safe there,” he replied. “The man I had left in + charge of him has foolishly lost sight of him.” + </p> + <p> + Then noticing the trunks, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “But I am talking, and time flies. You are ready, I see. Let us go. I have + a carriage at the door. We can talk on the way.” + </p> + <p> + When he noticed some reluctance in Henrietta’s face, he added with a + kindly smile,— + </p> + <p> + “You need not fear anything, Miss Henrietta; we are not going away from M. + Champcey, very far from it. Here, you see, he could not have come twice + without betraying the secret of your existence.” + </p> + <p> + “But where are we going?” asked Mrs. Bertolle. + </p> + <p> + “To the Hotel du Louvre, dear sister, where you will take rooms for Mrs. + and Miss Bertolle. Be calm; my plans are laid.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, he ran out on the staircase to call the concierge to help him + in taking down the trunks. + </p> + <p> + Although the manoeuvres required by Papa Ravinet’s appearance on board + “The Saint Louis” had taken but little time, the delay had been long + enough to prevent the ship from going through all the formalities that + same evening. She had, therefore, to drop anchor at some distance from the + harbor, to the great disgust of the crew, who saw Marseilles all ablaze + before them, and who could count the wineshops, and hear the songs of the + half-drunken people as they walked down the wharves in merry bands. + </p> + <p> + The least unhappy of them all was, for once, Daniel. The terrible + excitement he had undergone had given way to utter prostration. His + nerves, strained to the utmost, relaxed; and he felt the delight of a man + who can at last throw down a heavy burden which he has long borne on his + shoulders. Papa Ravinet had given him no details; but he did not regret + it, he hardly noticed it. He knew positively that his Henrietta was alive; + that she was in safety; and that she still loved him. That was enough. + </p> + <p> + “Well, lieutenant,” said Lefloch, delighted at his master’s joy, “did I + not tell you? Good wind during the passage always brings good news upon + landing.” + </p> + <p> + That night, while “The Saint Louis” was rocking lazily over her anchors, + was the first night, since Daniel had heard of Count Ville-Handry’s + marriage, that he slept with that sweet sleep given by hope. He was only + aroused by the noise of the people who came in the quarantine boat; and, + when he came on deck, he found that there was nothing any longer to + prevent his going on shore. The men had been actively engaged ever since + early in the morning, to set things right aloft and below, so as to + “dress” “The Saint Louis;” for every ship, when it enters port, is decked + out gayly, and carefully conceals all traces of injuries she has suffered, + like the carrier-pigeon, which, upon returning to his nest after a storm, + dries and smooths his feathers in the sun. + </p> + <p> + Soon the anchors were got up again; and the great clock on the wharf + struck twelve, when Daniel jumped on the wharf at Marseilles, followed by + his faithful man, and dazzled by the most brilliant sunlight. Ah! when he + felt his foot once more standing on the soil of France, whence a vile plot + had driven him long ago, his eyes flashed, and a threatening gesture boded + ill to his enemies. It looked as if he were saying to them,— + </p> + <p> + “Here I am, and my vengeance will be terrible!” + </p> + <p> + Neither his joy nor his excitement, however, could make him forget the + apprehensions of Papa Ravinet, although he thought they were eccentric, + and very much exaggerated. That a spy should be waiting for him in the + harbor, concealed in this busy, noisy crowd, to follow his track, and + report his minutest actions,—this seemed to him, if not impossible, + at least very improbable. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, he determined to ascertain the fact. Instead, therefore, of + simply following the wharf, of going up Canebiere Street, and turning to + the right on his way to the Hotel du Luxembourg, he went through several + narrow streets, turning purposely every now and then. When he reached the + hotel, he was compelled to acknowledge that the old dealer had acted + wisely. + </p> + <p> + A big fellow, dark complexioned, and wicked looking, had followed the same + route as he, always keeping some thirty yards behind him. The man who thus + watched him, with his nose in the air and his hands in his pockets, hardly + suspected the danger which he ran by practising his profession within + reach of Lefloch. The idea of being tracked put the worthy sailor into a + red-hot fury; and he proposed nothing less than to “run foul” of the spy, + and make an end of him for good. + </p> + <p> + “I can do it in a second,” he assured his master. “I just go up to him, + without making him aware of my presence. <i>I</i> seize him by his cravat; + I give him two turns, like that—and good-night. He won’t track + anybody again.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had to use all his authority to keep him back, and found it still + harder to convince him of the necessity to let the scamp not know that he + had been discovered. + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” he added, “it is not proved yet that we are really watched; it + may be merely a curious coincidence.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be so,” growled Lefloch. + </p> + <p> + But they could no longer doubt, when, just before dinner, as they looked + out of the window, they saw the same man pass the hotel. At night they saw + him again at the depot; and he took the same express train of 9.45 for + Paris, in which they went. They recognized him in the refreshment-room at + Lyons. And the first person they saw as they got out at Paris was the same + man. + </p> + <p> + But Daniel did not mind the spy. He had long since forgotten him. He + thought of nothing but the one fact that he was in the same town now with + Henrietta. Too impatient to wait for his trunks, he left Lefloch in + charge, and jumped into a cab, promising the driver two dollars if he + would go as fast as he could to the Hotel du Louvre. For such pay, the + lean horses of any cab become equal to English thoroughbreds; and in + three-quarters of an hour Daniel was installed in his room at the hotel, + and waited with anxiety the return of the waiter. Now that he was really + here, a thousand doubts assailed him: “Had he understood Papa Ravinet + correctly? Had the good old man given him the right directions? Might they + not, excited as they both were, have easily made a mistake?” + </p> + <p> + “In less than a quarter of an hour after your arrival,” Papa Ravinet had + said to Daniel, “you shall have news.” + </p> + <p> + Less than a quarter of an hour! It seemed to Daniel as if he had been an + eternity in this room. Thinking that Henrietta might possibly occupy a + room on the same floor with him, on the same side of the house, that he + might even be separated from her only by a partition-wall, he felt like + cursing Papa Ravinet, when there came a knock at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Come in!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + A waiter appeared, and handed him a visiting-card, on which was written, + “Mrs. Bertolle, third story. No. 5.” + </p> + <p> + As the waiter did not instantly disappear, Daniel said almost furiously,— + </p> + <p> + “Did I not tell you it was all right?” + </p> + <p> + He did not want the man to see his excitement, the most intense excitement + he had ever experienced in all his life. His hands shook; he felt a + burning sensation in his throat; his knees gave way under him. He looked + at himself in the glass, and was startled; he looked deadly pale. + </p> + <p> + “Am I going to be ill?” he thought. + </p> + <p> + On the table stood a carafe with water. He filled a large glass, and drank + it at one draught; this made him feel better, and he went out. But, once + outside, he was so overcome, that he lost his way in the long passages and + interminable staircases, in spite of the directions hung up at every turn, + and had finally to ask a waiter, who pointed out a door which he had + passed half a dozen times, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “That is No. 5.” + </p> + <p> + He knocked gently, and the door opened instantly, as if somebody had been + standing behind it, ready to open it promptly. As he entered, he tottered, + and, almost in a mist, saw on his right side Papa Ravinet and an old lady, + then, farther back, near the window, Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + He uttered a cry, and went forward. But as quickly she bounded to meet + him, casting both arms around his neck, and leaning upon his bosom, + sobbing and stammering,— + </p> + <p> + “Daniel, Daniel! At last!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0030" id="link2H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXIX. + </h2> + <p> + It was exactly two years since Daniel and Henrietta had been parted by the + foulest treachery,—two years since that fatal evening when the + stupidly ironical voice of Count Ville-Handry had suddenly made itself + heard near them under the old trees of the garden of the palace. + </p> + <p> + What had not happened since then? What unheard-of, most improbable events; + what trials, what tribulations, what sufferings! They had endured all that + the human heart can endure. There was not a day, so to say, in these two + years, that had not brought them its share of grief and sorrow. How often + both of them had despaired of the future! How many times they had sighed + for death! + </p> + <p> + And yet, after all these storms, here they were reunited once more, in + unspeakable happiness, forgetting every thing,—their enemies and the + whole world, the anxieties of the past, and the uncertainty of the future. + </p> + <p> + They remained thus for a long time, holding each other closely, overcome + with happiness, unable, as yet, to believe in the reality for which they + had sighed so long, unable to utter a word, laughing and weeping in one + breath. + </p> + <p> + Now and then they would move apart a little, throwing back the head in + order the better to look at each other; then swiftly they would fold each + other again closely in their arms, as if they were afraid they might be + separated anew. + </p> + <p> + “How they love each other!” whispered Mrs. Bertolle in her brother’s ear,—“the + poor young people!” + </p> + <p> + And big tears rolled down her cheeks, while the old dealer, not less + touched, but showing his emotion differently, closed his hands fiercely, + and said,— + </p> + <p> + “All right, all right! They will have to pay for everything.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel, in the meantime, was recovering himself gradually; and reason once + more got the better of his feelings. He led Henrietta to an arm- chair at + the corner of the fireplace, and sitting down in front of her, after + having taken her hands in his own, he asked her to give him a faithful + account of the two terrible years that had just come to an end. + </p> + <p> + She had to tell him everything,—her humiliations in her father’s + house, the insults she had endured, the wicked slanders by which her honor + had been tainted, the incomprehensible blindness of the count, the surly + provocations of her step-mother, the horrible attentions of Sir Thorn; in + fine, the whole abominable plot which had been formed, as she found out + too late, for the purpose of driving her to seek safety in flight, and to + give herself up to Maxime de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + Trembling with rage, livid, his eyes bloodshot, Daniel suddenly let go + Henrietta’s hands, and exclaimed in a half-smothered voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Henrietta! your father deserved—Wretched old man! to abandon + his child to the mercy of such miserable wretches!” + </p> + <p> + And, when the poor girl looked at him imploringly, he replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Be it so! I will say nothing more of the count. He is your father, and + that is enough.” + </p> + <p> + Then he added coldly,— + </p> + <p> + “But that M. Thomas Elgin, I swear by God he shall die by my hand; and as + to Sarah Brandon”— + </p> + <p> + He was interrupted by the old dealer, who tapped him lightly on the + shoulder, and said with an indescribable smile,— + </p> + <p> + “You shall not do that honor to the Hon. M. Elgin, M. Champcey. People + like him do not die by the sword of honest men.” + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Henrietta had resumed her history, and spoke of her + surprise and amazement when she reached that bare room in Water Street, + with its scanty second-hand furniture. + </p> + <p> + “And yet, Henrietta,” here broke in Daniel, “I had handed that man all my + money to be placed at your disposal in case of any accident.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed the old dealer, “you had”— + </p> + <p> + He did not finish, but looked at the young officer with an utterly amazed + air, as if he were an improbable phenomenon, never seen before. + </p> + <p> + Daniel shook his head sadly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said, “I know it was an insane thing. But it was less insane + than to intrust my betrothed to his care. I believed in the friendship of + that man.” + </p> + <p> + “And besides,” remarked Mrs. Bertolle, “how could you suppose such + atrocious treachery? There are crimes which honest hearts never even + conceive.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta continued, describing her sensations when she found herself for + the first time in her life harassed by want, destitution, hunger. But, + when she came to the disgusting ill-treatment she received at the hands of + the concierge’s wife, Daniel cried out,— + </p> + <p> + “Stop!” + </p> + <p> + And, fearfully excited, he asked her,— + </p> + <p> + “Did I hear right? Did you say the concierge of that house in Water + Street, and his wife, were called Chevassat?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because Maxime de Brevan’s real name is Justin Chevassat.” + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet started up as if he had been shot. + </p> + <p> + “What,” he said, “you know that?” + </p> + <p> + “I learned it three months ago. I also know that my friend, the proud + nobleman, Maxime de Brevan, who has been received in the most aristocratic + <i>salons</i> of Paris, has been a galley-slave, condemned for forgery.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta had risen, filled with terror. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” she stammered, “this wretched man was”— + </p> + <p> + “Chevassat’s son; yes, madam,” replied Mrs. Bertolle. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” exclaimed the poor girl, “oh!” + </p> + <p> + And she fell heavily back into her chair, overcome by this discovery. The + old dealer alone preserved his calm appearance. + </p> + <p> + “How did you learn that?” he asked Daniel. + </p> + <p> + “Through the man whom my friend Maxime had hired to murder me.” + </p> + <p> + Positively this threatened to be too much for Henrietta’s mind. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I thought the mean coward would try to get you out of the way, + Daniel. I wrote to you to be careful.” + </p> + <p> + “And I received your letter, my darling, but too late. After having missed + me twice, the assassin fired at me; and I was in my bed, a ball in my + chest, dying.” + </p> + <p> + “What has become of the murderer?” asked Papa Ravinet. + </p> + <p> + “He was arrested.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he confessed?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, thanks to the astonishing cleverness of the magistrate who carried + on the investigation.” + </p> + <p> + “What has become of him?” + </p> + <p> + “He has left Saigon by this time. They have sent him home to be tried + here.” + </p> + <p> + “And Brevan?” + </p> + <p> + “I am surprised he has not yet been arrested. The papers in the case were + sent to Paris by a vessel which left a fortnight before I left. To be + sure, ‘The Saint Louis’ may have gotten ahead of her. At all events, I + have in my keeping a letter to the court.” + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet seemed to be almost delirious with joy. He gesticulated like + a madman; he laughed nervously, and almost frightfully, till his sides + shook; and at last he said,— + </p> + <p> + “I shall see Brevan on the scaffold! Yes, I shall!” + </p> + <p> + But from that moment there was an end of that logical order which the old + gentleman had so far kept up. As it always happens with people who are + under the influence of some passion, eager to learn what they do not know, + and little disposed to tell what they do know, confusion prevailed soon. + Questions crossed each other, and followed, without order or connection. + Answers came at haphazard. Each wanted to be heard; and all were speaking + at once. Thus the explanations, which, by a little management, might have + been given in twenty minutes, took them more than two hours. + </p> + <p> + At last, after the lapse of this time, and by dint of great efforts, it + became possible to ascertain the sum total of the information given by + Papa Ravinet, Daniel, and Henrietta. The truth began to show itself in the + midst of this chaos; and the plot of Sarah Brandon and her accomplices + appeared in all its hideous outlines. A plan of striking simplicity, the + success of which seemed to have hung upon a hair. If the old dealer, + instead of going down by the backstairs, had taken the front staircase, he + would never have heard Henrietta’s agony, and the poor child would have + been lost. + </p> + <p> + If Crochard’s ball had been a few lines nearer the heart, Daniel would + have been killed. + </p> + <p> + And still the old dealer was not quite satisfied. He hung his lip, and + winked with his yellow eyes, as if he wished it to be understood that he + was by no means fully convinced, and that there were certain points which + required fuller explanation. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, M. Champcey,” he began at last, “the more I think of it, the + more <i>I</i> am convinced that Sarah Brandon had nothing to do with these + attempts at assassination, which so nearly made an end of you. She is too + strong in her perversity to stoop to such coarse means, which always leave + traces behind, and finally lead to a court of justice. She always acts + alone, when her mind is made up; and her accomplices aid her only + unconsciously, so that they can never betray her.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had been thoughtful. + </p> + <p> + “What you tell me,” he answered, “I was told before by M. de Brevan.” + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman did not seem to hear him, so intensely did he apply all + the faculties of his mind to the problem before him. + </p> + <p> + “Still,” he continued, “there is no doubt about the manner in which + Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet, was employed. Could Brevan have done so + without Sarah’s knowledge, and perhaps even contrary to her wishes?” + </p> + <p> + “That is quite possible; but then why should he have done so?” + </p> + <p> + “To secure to himself the fortune which M. Champcey had so imprudently + intrusted to him,” said Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + But Papa Ravinet shook his head, looking very wise, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “That is one explanation. I do not say no to it; but it is not the true + one yet. Murder is so dangerous an expedient, that even the boldest + criminals only resort to it in the last extremity, and generally very much + against their inclination. Could not Brevan have possessed himself of M. + Champcey’s property without a murder? Of course, he could. + </p> + <p> + “Then we must look for another motive. You may say, it was fear which + drove him to it. No; for at the time when he engaged Crochard, he could + not foresee the atrocious outrages of which he would have become guilty + during the succeeding year. Believe my experience; I discern in the whole + affair a hurry and an awkwardness which betray a passion, a violent + hatred, or, perhaps”— + </p> + <p> + He stopped suddenly, and seemed to reflect and deliberate, while he was + mechanically stroking his chin. Then all of a sudden, looking strangely at + Daniel, he asked him,— + </p> + <p> + “Could the Countess Sarah be in love with you, M. Champcey?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel’s face turned crimson. He had not forgotten that fatal evening, + when, in the house in Circus Street, he had held Sarah Brandon in his + arms; and the intoxicating delirium of that moment had left in his heart a + bitter and undying pang of remorse. He had never dared confess to + Henrietta that Sarah had actually come to his rooms alone. And even + to-night, while giving very fully all the details of his passage out, and + his residence in Saigon, he had not said a word of the letters which had + been addressed to him by the countess. + </p> + <p> + “Sarah Brandon in love with me?” he stammered. “What an idea!” + </p> + <p> + But he could not tell a falsehood; and Henrietta would not have been a + woman, if she had not noticed his embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + And, looking fixedly at Daniel, she went on,— + </p> + <p> + “That wretched woman impudently boasted to my face that she loved you; + more than that, she swore that you, also, had loved her, and were still in + love with her. She laughed at me contemptuously, telling me that she had + it in her power to make you do anything she chose, and offering to show me + your letters”— + </p> + <p> + She paused a moment, turned her head aside, and said with a visible + effort,— + </p> + <p> + “Finally, M. Thomas Elgin assured me that Sarah Brandon had been your + mistress, and that the marriage with my father took place only in + consequence of a quarrel between you.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had listened to her, trembling with indignation. He now cried out,— + </p> + <p> + “And you could believe these false calumnies! Oh, no, no! tell me that + there is no need for me to justify myself to”— + </p> + <p> + Then turning to Papa Ravinet, he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Suppose, we admit, for a moment, that she might have been in love, as you + say, what would that prove?” + </p> + <p> + The cunning old dealer remained apparently unmoved for a time; but his + small eyes were sparkling with malicious delight and satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you would not talk so, if you knew Sarah Brandon’s antecedents as + well as I do. Ask my sister about her and Maxime de Brevan, and she will + tell you why I look upon that apparently trifling circumstance as so very + important.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bertolle made a sign that she assented; and he, sure, henceforth, + that his sagacity had not been at fault, continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, M. Champcey, if I insist, and especially if I do so in Miss + Henrietta’s presence; but our interest, I might almost say our safety, + requires it. Maxime de Brevan is caught, to be sure; but he is only a + vulgar criminal; and we have, as yet, neither Thomas Elgin, nor Mrs. + Brian, who are far more formidable, nor, above all, Sarah Brandon, who is + a thousand times more wicked, and more guilty, than all the rest. You will + tell me that we have ninety-nine chances out of a hundred on our side; + maybe! Only a single, slight mistake may lead us altogether astray; and + then there is an end to all our hopes, and these rascals triumph after + all!” + </p> + <p> + He was but too right. Daniel felt it; and hence he said, without + hesitating any longer, but looking stealthily at Henrietta’s face,— + </p> + <p> + “Since that is so, I will not conceal from you that the Countess Sarah has + written me a dozen letters of at least extraordinary nature.” + </p> + <p> + “You have kept them, I hope?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; they are all in one of my trunks.” + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet was evidently much embarrassed; but at last he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! if I might dare? But no; it would be asking too much, perhaps, to beg + you to let me see them?” + </p> + <p> + He did not know how ready Daniel was to grant the request. Ready as he + was, to tell Henrietta everything, he could not but wish that she should + read these letters, as she would see from them, that, if the countess had + written to him, he had never returned an answer. + </p> + <p> + “You can never ask too much, M. Ravinet,” he replied. “Lefloch, my + servant, must have come up by this time with the trunks; and, if you give + me time to go down to my room, you shall have the letters at once.” + </p> + <p> + He was on the point of leaving the room, when the old dealer held him + back, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Sir, you forget the man who has been following you all the way from + Marseilles. Wait till my sister has made sure that there is nobody + watching you.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bertolle at once went out; but she noticed nothing suspicious, and + found all the passages silent and deserted. The spy had probably gone to + make his report to his employers. Daniel went down promptly; and, when he + came back, he held in his hand a bundle of faded and crumpled papers, + which he handed to Papa Ravinet, with the words,— + </p> + <p> + “Here they are!” + </p> + <p> + Strange as it may seem, when the old gentleman touched these letters, + impregnated with the peculiar perfume affected by Sarah Brandon, he + trembled and turned pale. Immediately, however, perhaps in order to + conceal his embarrassment, or to be the better able to reflect, he took a + candlestick from the mantlepiece, and sat down aside, at one of the small + tables. Mrs. Bertolle, Daniel, and Henrietta were silent; and nothing + broke the stillness but the rustling of the paper, and the old gentleman’s + voice as he muttered,— + </p> + <p> + “This is fabulous,—Sarah writing such things! She did not even + disguise her handwriting,—she who never committed an imprudence in + her life; she ruins herself. And she signs her name!” + </p> + <p> + But he had seen enough. He folded up the letters, and, rising again, said + to Champcey,— + </p> + <p> + “No doubt now! Sarah loves you madly, insanely. Ah! how she does love! + Well, well, all heartless women love thus when a sudden passion conquers + them, setting their brains and their senses on fire, and”— + </p> + <p> + Daniel noticed in Henrietta’s face a sign of concern; and, quite + distressed, he beckoned to the old gentleman to say nothing more. But he + saw nothing, full as he was of his notion, and went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Now I understand. Sarah Brandon has not been able to keep her secret; and + Brevan, seeing her love, and furious with jealousy, did not consider that + to hire an assassin was to ruin himself.” + </p> + <p> + The indignation he felt had restored the blood to his face; and, as he + struck the packet of letters with the palm of his hand, he exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, all is clear now; and by this correspondence, Sarah Brandon, you are + ours!” + </p> + <p> + What could be the plan of Papa Ravinet? Did he expect to use these letters + as weapons against her? or did he propose to send them to Count + Ville-Handry in order to open his eyes? Daniel trembled at the idea; for + his loyalty rebelled against such a vengeance; he felt as if he would have + become a traitor. + </p> + <p> + “You see, to use a woman’s correspondence, however odious and contemptible + she may be, would always be very repugnant to me.” + </p> + <p> + “I had no idea of asking such a thing of you,” replied the old dealer. + “No; it is something very different I want you to do.” + </p> + <p> + And, when Daniel still seemed to be embarrassed, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “You ought not to give way to such exaggerated delicacy, M. Champcey. All + weapons are fair when we are called upon to defend our lives and our honor + against rascals; and that is where we are. If we do not hasten to strike + Sarah Brandon, she will anticipate us; and then”— + </p> + <p> + He had been leaning against the mantlepiece, close to Mrs. Bertolle, who + sat there silent and immovable; and now he raised his head, and, looking + attentively at Henrietta and Daniel by turns, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are both not exactly conscious of the position in which you + stand. Having been reunited to-night, after such terrible trials, and + having, both of you, escaped, almost by a miracle, from death, you feel, + no doubt, as if all trouble was at an end, and the future was yours. I + must undeceive you. You are precisely where you were the day before M. + Champcey left France. You cannot any more now than at that time marry + without Count Ville-Handry’s consent. Will he give it? You know very well + that the Countess Sarah will not let him. Will you defy prejudices, and + proudly avow your love? Ah, have a care! If you sin against social + conventionalities, you risk your whole happiness of life. Will you hide + yourself, on the other hand? However careful you may be, the world will + find you out; and fools and hypocrites will overwhelm you with slander. + And Miss Henrietta has been too much calumniated already.” + </p> + <p> + To soar in the azure air, and suddenly to fall back into the mud on earth; + to indulge in the sweetest of dreams, and all at once to be recalled to + stern reality,—this is what Daniel and Henrietta endured at that + moment. The calm, collected voice of the old dealer sounded cruel to them. + Still he was but a sincere friend, who did his painful duty in awakening + them from such deceptive illusions. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he went on, “mind that I take everything at the best; and even + suppose the case, that Count Ville-Handry leaves his daughter free to + choose: would that be enough? Evidently not; for the moment Sarah Brandon + hears that Miss Henrietta has not committed suicide, but is, instead, at + the Hotel du Louvre, within easy reach of M. Daniel Champcey, she will + prevail on her husband to shut his daughter up in a convent. For another + year, Miss Henrietta is yet under paternal control; that is, in this case, + at the mercy of a revengeful step-mother, who looks upon her as a + successful rival.” + </p> + <p> + At this idea, that Henrietta might be once more taken from him, Daniel + felt his blood chill off in his veins; and he exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, and I never dreamed of any of these things! I was mad! Joy had + blinded my eyes completely.” + </p> + <p> + But the old gentleman beckoned to him to say nothing, and with an almost + imperious gesture went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, wait! I have not yet shown you the most urgent danger: Count + Ville-Handry, who, when you knew him, had, I know not how many millions, + is completely ruined. Of all he once owned, of his lands, forests, + castles, deeds, and bonds, there is nothing left. His last cent, his last + rod of land, has been taken from him. You left him living like a prince in + his forefathers’ palace: you will find him vegetating in the fourth story + of a lodging-house. You know, that, being poor, he is deemed guilty. The + day is drawing near when Sarah Brandon will get rid of him, as she has + gotten rid of Kergrist, of Malgat the poor cashier, and others. The means + are at hand. Already the name of Count Ville-Handry is seriously + compromised. The company which he has established is breaking to pieces; + and the papers hold him up to public contempt. If he cannot pay to-day, he + will be to-morrow accused of fraudulent bankruptcy. Now, I ask you, is the + count a man who will survive such a disgrace?” + </p> + <p> + For some time Henrietta had been unable to suppress her sobs; under this + terrible threat she broke out in loud weeping. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, sir!” she said, “you have misled me. You assured me that my father’s + life was in no danger.” + </p> + <p> + “And I promise you still, it is not in danger. Would I be here, if I did + not think that Sarah was not quite ready yet?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel, also, had suffered terribly during this discussion; and he now + said passionately,— + </p> + <p> + “Would it not be a crime for us to think, to wait, and to calculate, when + such great dangers are impending? Come, sir, let us go”— + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, how do I know? Into court, to the count, to a lawyer who can advise + us. There must be something that can be done.” + </p> + <p> + The old dealer did not stir. + </p> + <p> + “Poor, honest young man!” he said with an accent of bitter irony. “And + what could we tell the lawyer? That Sarah Brandon has made an old man, the + Count Ville-Handry, fall madly in love with her? That is no crime. That + she has made him marry her? That was her right. That the count has + launched forth in speculations? She opposed it. That he understood nothing + of business? She could not help that. That he has been duped, cheated, and + finally ruined in two short years? Apparently she is as much ruined as he + is. That, in order to delay the catastrophe, he has resorted to illegal + means? She is sorry for it. That he will not survive the taint on his + ancient name? What can she do? Sarah, who was able to clear herself the + day after Malgat’s disappearance, will not be at a loss now to establish + her innocence.” + </p> + <p> + “But the count, sir, the count! Can we not go to him?” + </p> + <p> + “Count Ville-Handry would say to you—But you shall hear to-morrow + what he will tell you.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel began to feel utterly dismayed. + </p> + <p> + “What can be done, then?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “We must wait till we have sufficient evidence in hand to crush at one + blow Sarah Brandon, Thorn, and Mrs. Brian.” + </p> + <p> + “Well; but how shall we get such evidence?” + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman cast a look of intelligence at his sister, smiled, and + said with a strange accent in his voice,— + </p> + <p> + “I have collected some. As to the rest”— + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my dear M. Champcey, I am no longer troubled about getting more, + since I have found out that the Countess Sarah is in love with you.” + </p> + <p> + Now Daniel began to understand the part Papa Ravinet expected him to play. + Still he did not object; he bowed his head under the clear eye of + Henrietta, and said in a low voice,— + </p> + <p> + “I will do what you wish me to do, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman uttered a low cry of delight, as if he had been relieved + of an overwhelming anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” he said, “we will begin the campaign tomorrow morning. But we must + know exactly who the enemies are whom we have to meet. Listen, therefore!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0031" id="link2H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXX. + </h2> + <p> + It struck midnight; but the poor people in the little parlor in the Hotel + du Louvre hardly thought of sleep. How could they have become aware of the + flight of time, as long as all their faculties were bent upon the immense + interests that were at stake? On the struggle which they were about to + undertake depended Count Ville-Handry’s life and honor, and the happiness + and whole future life of Daniel and Henrietta. + </p> + <p> + And Papa Ravinet and his sister had said,—“As for us, even more than + that depends upon it.” The old dealer, therefore, drew up an easy- chair, + sat down, and began in a somewhat husky voice,— + </p> + <p> + “The Countess Sarah is not Sarah Brandon, and is not an American. Her real + name, by which she was known up to her sixteenth year, is Ernestine + Bergot; and she was born in Paris, in the suburb of Saint Martin, just on + the line of the corporation. To tell you in detail what the first years of + Sarah were like would be difficult indeed. There are things of that kind + which do not bear being mentioned. Her childhood might be her excuse, if + she could be excused at all. + </p> + <p> + “Her mother was one of those unfortunate women of whom Paris devours every + year several thousands; who come from the provinces in wooden shoes, and + are seen, six months later, dressed in all the fashion; and who live a + short, gay life, which invariably ends in the hospital. + </p> + <p> + “Her mother was neither better nor worse than the rest. When her daughter + came, she had neither the sense to part with her, nor the courage—perhaps + (who knows?) she had not the means—to mend her ways. Thus the little + one grew up by God’s mercy, but at the Devil’s bidding, living by chance, + now stuffed with sweet things, and now half-killed by blows, fed by the + charity of neighbors, while her mother remained for weeks absent from her + lodgings. + </p> + <p> + “Four years old, she wandered through the neighborhood dressed in + fragments of silk or velvet, with a faded ribbon in her hair, but with + bare feet in her torn shoes, hoarse, and shivering with severe colds,—very + much after the fashion of lost dogs, who rove around open-air + cooking-shops,—and looking in the gutters for cents with which to + buy fried potatoes or spoilt fruit. + </p> + <p> + “At a later time she extended the circle of her excursions, and wandered + all over Paris, in company of other children like herself, stopping on the + boulevards, before the brilliant shops or performing jugglers, trying to + learn how to steal from open stalls, and at night asking in a plaintive + voice for alms in behalf of her poor sick father. When twelve years old + she was as thin as a plank, and as green as a June apple, with sharp + elbows and long red hands. But she had beautiful light hair, teeth like a + young dog’s, and large, impudent eyes. Merely upon seeing her go along, + her head high with an air of saucy indifference, coquettish under her + rags, and walking with elastic steps, you would have guessed in her the + young Parisian girl, the sister of the poor ‘gamin,’ a thousand times more + wicked than her brothers, and far more dangerous to society. She was as + depraved as the worst of sinners, fearing neither God nor the Devil, nor + man, nor anything. + </p> + <p> + “However, she did fear the police. + </p> + <p> + “For from them she derived the only notions of morality she ever + possessed; otherwise, it would have been love’s labor lost to talk to her + of virtue or of duty. These words would have conveyed no meaning to her + imagination; she knew no more about them than about the abstract ideas + which they represent. + </p> + <p> + “One day, however, her mother, who had virtually made a servant of her, + had a praiseworthy inspiration. Finding that she had some money, she + dressed her anew from head to foot, bought her a kind of outfit, and bound + her as an apprentice to a dressmaker. + </p> + <p> + “But it came too late. + </p> + <p> + “Every kind of restraint was naturally intolerable to such a vagabond + nature. The order and the regularity of the house in which she lived were + a horror to her. To sit still all day long, a needle in her hand, appeared + to her harder than death itself. The very comforts around her embarrassed + her, and she felt as a savage would feel in tight boots. At the end of the + first week, therefore, she ran away from the dressmaker, stealing a + hundred francs. As long as these lasted, she roved over Paris. When they + were spent, and she was hungry, she came back to her mother. + </p> + <p> + “But her mother had moved away, and no one knew what had become of her. + She was inquired after, but never found. Any other person would have been + in despair. Not she. The same day she entered as waiter in a cheap + coffee-house. Turned out there, she found employment in a low restaurant, + where she had to wash up the dishes and plates. Sent away here, also, she + became a servant in two or three other places of still lower character; + then, at last, utterly disgusted, she determined to do nothing at all. + </p> + <p> + “She was sinking into the gutter, she was on the point of being lost + before she had reached womanhood, like fruit which spoils before it is + ripe, when a man turned up who was fated to arm her for life’s Struggle, + and to change the vulgar thief into the accomplished monster of perversity + whom you know.” + </p> + <p> + Here Papa Ravinet suddenly paused, and, looking at Daniel, said,— + </p> + <p> + “You must not believe, M. Champcey, that these details are imaginary. I + have spent five years of my life in tracing out Sarah’s early life,—five + years, during which I have been going from door to door, ever in search of + information. A dealer in second-hand goods enters everywhere without + exciting suspicion. And then I have witnesses to prove everything I have + told you so far,—witnesses whom I shall summon, and who will speak + whenever the necessity arises to establish the identity of the Countess + Sarah.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel made no reply. + </p> + <p> + Like Henrietta, even like Mrs. Bertolle, at this moment he was completely + fascinated by the old gentleman’s manner and tone. The latter, after + having rested for a few minutes, went on,— + </p> + <p> + “The man who picked up Sarah was an old German artist, painter and + musician both, of rare genius, but a maniac, as they called him. At all + events, he was a good, an excellent man. + </p> + <p> + “One winter morning, as he was at work in his studio, he was struck by the + strange ring in a woman’s voice, which recited in the court-yard below a + popular song. He went to the window, and beckoned the singer to come up. + It was Sarah; and she came. The good German used often to speak of the + deep compassion which seized him as he saw this tall girl of fourteen come + into his studio,—a child, stained by vice already, thin like hunger + itself, and shivering in her thin calico dress. But he was at the same + time almost dazzled by the rich promises of beauty in her face, the pure + notes of her superb voice, which had withstood so far, and the surprising + intelligence beaming in her features. + </p> + <p> + “He guessed what there was in her; he saw her, in his mind’s eye, such as + she was to be at twenty. + </p> + <p> + “Then he asked her how she had come to be reduced to such misery, who she + was, where her parents lived, and what they did for a living. When she had + told him that she stood quite alone, and was dependent on no one, he said + to her,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Well, if you will stay with me, I will adopt you; you shall be my + daughter; and I will make you an eminent artist.’ + </p> + <p> + “The studio was warm, and it was bitterly cold outside. Sarah had no roof + over her head, and had eaten nothing for twenty-four hours. She accepted. + </p> + <p> + “She accepted, be it understood, not doubting, in her perversity, but that + this kind old man had other intentions besides those he mentioned in + offering her a home. She was mistaken. He recognized in her marvellous + talents, and thought of nothing but of making of her a true marvel, which + should astonish the world. He devoted himself heart and soul to his new + favorite, with all the enthusiastic ardor of an artist, and all the + jealous passion of an amateur. + </p> + <p> + “It was a hard task, however, which he had undertaken. Sarah could not + even read. She knew nothing, except sin. + </p> + <p> + “How the old German went to work to keep this untamable vagabond at home, + how he made her bend to his will, and submit to his lessons, no one will + ever be able to tell. It was long a problem for me also. Some of the + neighbors told me that he treated her harshly, beating her often brutally; + but neither threats nor blows were apt to make an impression on Sarah + Brandon. A friend of the old man’s thought he had guessed the riddle: he + thought the old artist had succeeded in arousing Sarah’s pride. He had + kindled in her a boundless ambition and the most passionate covetousness. + He intoxicated her with fairylike hopes. + </p> + <p> + “‘Follow my counsels,’ he used to say to her, ‘and at twenty you will be a + queen,—a queen of beauty, of wit, and of genius. Study, and the day + will come when you will travel through Europe, a renowned artist, welcomed + in every capital, <i>feted</i> everywhere, honored, and glorified. Work, + and wealth will come with fame,—immense, boundless wealth, + surpassing all your dreams. You will have the finest carriages, the most + magnificent diamonds; you will draw from inexhaustible purses; the whole + world will be at your feet; and the women will turn pale with envy and + jealousy when they see you. Among men there will be none so noble, none so + great, none so rich, but he will beg for one of your looks; and they will + fight for one of your smiles. Only work and study!’ + </p> + <p> + “At all events, Sarah did work, and studied with a steady perseverance + which spoke of her faith in the promises of her old master, and of the + influence he had obtained over her through her vanity. At first she had + been deterred by the extreme difficulties which beset so late a beginning; + but her amazing natural gifts had soon begun to show themselves, and in a + short time her progress was almost miraculous. + </p> + <p> + “It is true that her innate sagacity had made her soon find out how + ignorant she was of the world. She saw that society did not exclusively + consist, as she had heretofore imagined, of people like those she had + known. She felt, for instance, what she had never suspected before, that + her unfortunate mother, with all her friends and companions, were only the + rare exceptions, laid under the ban by the immense majority. + </p> + <p> + “At last she actually learned to know the tree of good fruit, after having + for so many years known only the tree of forbidden fruit. She listened + with eager curiosity to all the old artist had to tell her. And he knew + much; for the eccentric old man had travelled for a long time over the + world, and observed man on every step of the social ladder. He had been a + favorite artist at the court of Vienna; he had had several of his operas + brought out in Italy; and he had been admitted to the best society in + Paris. At night, therefore, while sipping his coffee, his feet on the + andirons, and his long pipe in his mouth, he would soon forget himself + amid the recollections of his youth. He described to her the splendor of + courts, the beauty of women, the magnificence of their toilets, and the + intrigues which he had seen going on around him. He spoke to her of the + men whose portraits he had painted, of the manners and the jealousies + behind the stage, and of the great singers who had sung in his operas. + </p> + <p> + “Thus it came about, that, two years later, no one would have recognized + the lean, wretched-looking vagabond of the suburbs in this fresh, rosy + girl, with the lustrous eyes and the modest mien, whom they called in the + house the ‘pretty artist in the fifth story.’ + </p> + <p> + “And yet the change was only on the surface. + </p> + <p> + “Sarah was already too thoroughly corrupted, when the good German picked + her up, to be capable of being entirely changed. He thought he had infused + his own rough honesty into her veins: he had only taught her a new vice,—hypocrisy. + </p> + <p> + “The soul remained corrupt; and all the charms with which it was outwardly + adorned became only so many base allurements, like those beautiful flowers + which unfold their splendor on the surface of bottomless swamps, and thus + lead those whom they attract to miserable death. + </p> + <p> + “At that time, however, Sarah did not yet possess that marvellous + self-control which became one of her great charms hereafter; and at the + end of two years she could endure this peaceful atmosphere no longer; she + grew homesick after sin. + </p> + <p> + “As she was already a very fair musician, and her voice, trained by a + great master, possessed amazing power, she urged her old teacher to + procure her an engagement at one of the theatres. He refused in a manner + which made it clear to her that he would never change his mind on that + subject. He wanted to secure to his pupil one of those debuts which are an + apotheosis; and he had decided, as he told her, that she should not appear + in public till she had reached the full perfection of her voice and her + talent,—certainly not before her nineteenth or twentieth year. + </p> + <p> + “That meant she should wait three or four years longer,—a century! + </p> + <p> + “In former days Sarah would not have hesitated a moment; she would have + run away. + </p> + <p> + “But education had changed her ideas. She was quite able now to reflect + and to calculate. She asked herself where she could go, alone, without + money, without friends, and what she should do, and what would become of + her. + </p> + <p> + “She knew what destitution meant, and she was afraid of it now. + </p> + <p> + “When she thought of the life her mother had led,—a long series of + nights spent in orgies, and of days without bread; that life of distress + and disgrace, when she depended on the whims of a good-for-nothing, or the + suspicions of a police constable,—Sarah felt the cold perspiration + break out on her temples. + </p> + <p> + “She wanted her liberty; but she did not want it without money. Vice + attracted her irresistibly; but it was gorgeous vice, seated in a + carriage, and bespattering with mud the poor, honest women who had to walk + on foot, while it was envied by the crowd, and worshipped by the foolish. + She remained, therefore, and studied hard. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, in spite of everything, in spite of herself and her execrable + instincts, Sarah might have become a great artist, if the old German had + not been taken from her by a terrible accident. + </p> + <p> + “One fine afternoon in April, in the beginning of spring, he was smoking + his pipe at the window, when he heard a noise in the street, and leaned + over to see. + </p> + <p> + “The bar broke,—he tried in vain to hold on to the window-frame,—and + the next moment he fell from the fifth story to the ground, and was killed + instantly. + </p> + <p> + “I have held in my own hands the police report of the accident. It states + that the fall was unavoidable; and that, if no such calamity had occurred + before, this was due to the simple fact, that, during the bad weather, + nobody had thought of looking out of the window. The castings of the + little railing in front were found to be broken in two places, and so long + ago, that a thick layer of rust had filled up the cracks. The wooden part + had become perfectly loose, as the mortar that originally had kept it in + place had been apparently eaten away by the winter frosts.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel and Henrietta had turned very pale. It was evident that the same + terrible suspicion had flashed upon their mind. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! it was Sarah’s work,” they exclaimed simultaneously. “It was Sarah + who had broken the bar, and loosened the wooden rods; she had, no doubt, + been watching for months to see her benefactor fall and kill himself.” + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “I do not say that,” he said; “and, at all events, it would be impossible + to prove it at this time,—I mean, to prove it against her denial. It + is certain that no one suspected Sarah. She seemed to be in despair; and + everybody pitied her sincerely. Was she not ruined by this misfortune? + </p> + <p> + “The old artist had left no will. His relatives, of whom several lived in + Paris, rushed to his rooms; and their first act was to dismiss Sarah, + after having searched her trunks, and after giving her to understand that + she ought to be very grateful if she was allowed to take away all she said + she owed to the munificence of her late patron. + </p> + <p> + “Still the inheritance was by no means what the heirs had expected. + Knowing that the deceased had had ample means, and how simply he had + always lived, they expected to find in his bureau considerable savings. + There was nothing. A single bond for less than two thousand dollars, and a + small sum in cash, were all that was found. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I have long endeavored to find out what had become of the various + bonds and the ready money of the old artist; for everybody who had known + him agreed that there must be some. Do you know what I discovered by dint + of indefatigable investigations? I procured leave to examine the books of + the savings-bank in which he invested his earnings for the year of his + death; and I found there, that on the 17th of April, that is, five days + before the poor German’s fall, a certain Ernestine Bergot had deposited a + sum of fifteen hundred francs.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you see!” exclaimed Daniel. “Weary of the simple life with the old + man, she murdered him in order to get hold of his money.” + </p> + <p> + But the old gentleman continued, as if he had heard nothing,— + </p> + <p> + “What Sarah did during the three first months of her freedom, I cannot + tell. If she went and rented furnished lodgings, she did it under a false + name. A clerk in the mayor’s office, who is a great lover of curiosities, + and for whom I have procured many a good bargain, had all the lists of + lodging-houses for the four months from April to July carefully examined; + but no Ernestine Bergot could be found. + </p> + <p> + “I am quite sure, however, that she thought of the stage. One of the + former secretaries of the Lyric Theatre told me he recollected distinctly + a certain Ernestine, beautiful beyond description, who, came several + times, and requested a trial. She was, however, refused, simply because + her pretensions were almost ridiculous. And this was quite natural; for + her head was still full of all the ambitious dreams of the old artist. + </p> + <p> + “The first positive trace I find of Sarah in that year appears towards the + end of summer. She was then living in a fashionable street with a young + painter full of talent, and very rich, called Planix. Did she really love + him? The friends of the unfortunate young man were sure she did not. But + he—he worshipped her; he loved her passionately, madly, and was so + absurdly jealous, that he became desperate if she stayed out an hour + longer than he expected. Hence she often complained of his love, which + restrained her cherished liberty; and still she bore it patiently till + fate threw in her way Maxime de Brevan.” + </p> + <p> + At the name of the wretch who had been so bent upon ruining them both, and + who had been so nearly successful, Henrietta and Daniel trembled, and + looked at each other. But Papa Ravinet did not give them, time to ask any + questions, and continued, as calmly as if he had been reading a report,— + </p> + <p> + “It was several years before this, that Justin Chevassat, released from + the galleys, had made a nobleman of himself, and claimed before all the + world to be Maxime de Brevan. We need not be surprised, in this age of + ours, where impudence takes the place of everything else, that he should + have promptly succeeded in making his way into high life, and in being + admitted to many houses which were considered more or less exclusive. In a + society which seems to have adopted for its motto the words ‘Toleration + and Discretion,’ and where, consequently, anybody is admitted without + question, Justin Chevassat very naturally had a great success. He had + carefully prepared his way, like those adventurers who never appear abroad + without having their passports in much better order than most honest + travellers. He had learned prudence by experience; for his antecedents + were stormy enough, though less so than Sarah’s. + </p> + <p> + “Justin’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chevassat, now concierges of No. 23 Water + Street, were, some thirty-eight or forty years ago, living in the upper + part of the suburb of Saint Honore. They had a very modest little shop, + partly restaurant, partly bar: their customers were generally the servants + of the neighborhood. They were people of easy principles and loose morals,—as + there are so many in our day,—honest enough as long as there is + nothing to be gained by being otherwise. As their trade prospered, they + were not dishonest; and, when any of their customers forgot their + portemonnaies at the shop, they always returned them. The husband was + twenty-four, and the wife nineteen years old, when, to their great joy, a + son was born. There was rejoicing in the shop; and the child was + christened Justin, in honor of his godfather, who was no less a personage + than the valet of the Marquis de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + “But to have a son is a small matter. To bring him up till he is seven or + eight years old, is nothing. The difficulty is to give him an education + which shall secure him a position in the world. This thought now began to + occupy the minds of his parents incessantly. These stupid people, who had + a business which supported them handsomely, and enabled them, in the + course of time, to amass a small fortune, did not see that the best thing + they could have done would have been to enlarge it, and to leave it to + their son. But no. They vowed they would sacrifice all their savings, and + deprive themselves even of the necessaries of life, in order that their + Justin might become a ‘gentleman.’ + </p> + <p> + “And what a gentleman! The mother dreamed of him as a rich broker, or, at + the very least, a notary’s first clerk. The father preferred seeing him a + government official, holding one of those much-coveted places, which give + the owner, after twenty-five years’ service, a title, and an income of + some six or seven hundred dollars. + </p> + <p> + “The result of all these speculations was, that, at the age of nine, + Master Justin was sent to a high school. He conducted himself there just + badly enough to be perpetually on the brink of being sent away, without + ever being really expelled. This made but little impression upon the two + Chevassats. They had become so accustomed to look upon their son as a + superior being, that it never entered their mind to think he was not the + first, the best, and the most remarkable pupil of the establishment. If + Justin’s reports were bad,—and they were always bad,—they + accused the teachers of partiality. If he gained no prize at the end of + the year,—and he never got any,—they did not know what to do + for him to console him for having been victimized by such cruel injustice. + </p> + <p> + “The consequences of such a system need hardly be stated. + </p> + <p> + “When Justin was fourteen years old, he despised his parents thoroughly, + treated them like servants, and was so much ashamed of them, that he would + not allow his mother to come and see him in the parlor of the college to + which he had been admitted of late. When he was at home during vacations, + he would have cut his right arm off rather than help his father, or pour + out a glass of wine for a customer. He even stayed away from the house on + the plea that he could not endure the odors from the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + “Thus he reached his seventeenth year. His course was not completed; but, + as he was tired of college-life, he declared he would not return there, + and he never did return. When his father asked him timidly what he + proposed doing, he shrugged his shoulders as his sole reply. What did he + do? Nothing. He idled about Paris. + </p> + <p> + “To dress in the height of fashion; to walk up and down before the most + renowned restaurants, with a toothpick in his mouth; to hire a carriage, + and drive it himself, having a hired groom in livery by his side,—this + was the delight of those days. At night he gambled; and, when he lost, + there was the till in his father’s shop. + </p> + <p> + “His parents had rented for him, and comfortably furnished, a nice set of + rooms in their house, and tried by all manner of servility to keep him at + home, neglecting even their own business in order to be always ready for + his orders. But this did not prevent him from being constantly away. He + said he could not possibly receive his friends in a house where his name + was to be seen on the signboard of such a low establishment. + </p> + <p> + “It was his despair to be the son of a restaurant-keeper, and to be called + Chevassat. + </p> + <p> + “But greater grief was to come to him after two years’ idle and expensive + life such as has been described. + </p> + <p> + “One fine morning when he needed a couple of hundred dollars, his parents + told him, with tears in their eyes, that they had not twenty dollars in + the house; that they were at the end of their resources; that the day + before a note of theirs had been protested; and that they were at that + moment on the brink of bankruptcy. They did not reproach Justin with + having spent all their savings; oh, no! On the contrary, they humbly asked + his pardon, if they were no longer able to provide for his wants. And, + with fear and trembling, they at last ventured to suggest, that perhaps it + would be well if he should seek some kind of work. + </p> + <p> + “He told them coolly that he would think it over, but that he must have + his two hundred dollars. And he got them. His father and mother had still + a watch and some jewelry; they pawned everything and brought him the + proceeds. + </p> + <p> + “Still he saw that the till he had considered inexhaustible was really + empty, and that henceforth his pockets also would be empty, unless he + could devise some means to fill them. He went, therefore, in search of + some employment; and his godfather, the valet, found one for him at the + house of a banker, who was in want of a reliable young man to be trained + for his business, and hereafter to be intrusted with the management of his + funds.” + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet’s voice changed so perceptibly as he uttered these last + words, that Daniel and Henrietta, with one impulse, asked him,— + </p> + <p> + “Is anything the matter, sir?” + </p> + <p> + He did not make any reply; but his sister, Mrs. Bertolle, said,— + </p> + <p> + “No, there is nothing the matter with my brother;” and she looked at him + with a nod of encouragement. + </p> + <p> + “I am all right,” he said, like an echo. Then, making a great effort, he + continued,— + </p> + <p> + “Justin Chevassat was at twenty precisely what you know him to be as + Maxime de Brevan,—a profound dissembler, a fierce egotist devoured + by vanity, in fine, a man of ardent passions, and capable of anything to + satisfy his desires. + </p> + <p> + “The hope of getting rich at once by some great stroke was already so + deeply rooted in his mind, that it gave him the strength to change his + habits and manner of life from one day to another, and to keep up the + deceit with a perseverance unheard of at his age. This lazy, profligate + gambler rose with the day, worked ten hours a day, and became the model of + all clerks. He had resolved to win the favor of his patron, and to be + trusted. He succeeded in doing it by the most consummate hypocrisy. So + that, only two years after he had first been admitted into the house, he + had already been promoted to a place which conferred upon him the keeping + of all the valuables of the firm. + </p> + <p> + “This occurred before those accidents which have, since that time, + procured for the keepers of other people’s money such a sad reputation. + Nowadays it seems almost an ordinary event to hear of some cashier’s + running away with the funds intrusted to his keeping; and no one is + astonished. To create a sensation by such an occurrence, the sum must be + almost fabulous, say, two or three millions. And, even in that case, the + loser is by no means the man in whom the world is most interested. + </p> + <p> + “At the time of which I am now speaking, defalcations were quite rare as + yet. Financial companies and brokers did not contemplate being robbed by + their own clerks as one of the ordinary risks. When they knew the keys of + their safe to be in the hands of an honest man, whose family and mode of + life were well known, they slept soundly. Justin Chevassat’s patron was + thus sleeping soundly for ten months, when one Sunday he was specially in + need of certain bonds which Justin used to keep in one of the drawers of + his desk. He did not like to have his clerk hunted up on such a day; so he + simply sent for a locksmith to open the drawer. + </p> + <p> + “The first thing he saw was a draft signed by himself; and yet he had + never put his name to such a paper. Still, most assuredly, it was his + signature; he would have sworn to it in court. And yet he was as sure as + he was standing there, that it was not he who had put his name, and the + somewhat complicated ornament belonging to it, where he saw it written. + </p> + <p> + “His first amazement was succeeded by grievous apprehension. He had the + other drawers opened likewise, searched them, and soon discovered all the + details of a formidable and most ingenious plan, by which he was to be + robbed at a single blow of more than a million. + </p> + <p> + “If he had slept soundly one month longer, he would have been ruined. His + favorite clerk was a wretch, a forger of matchless skill. He instantly + sent for a detective; and the next morning, when Justin Chevassat came as + usual, he was arrested. It was then thought that his crime was confined to + this abortive attempt. Not so. A minute and careful examination of all the + papers soon revealed other misdeeds. Evidence was found, that, on the very + next day after the day on which he had been appointed confidential clerk, + he had stolen a thousand dollars, concealing his theft by a false entry. + Since that time not a week had passed without his laying hands on a more + or less considerable sum; and all these thefts had been most ingeniously + covered by such skilful imitations of other people’s signatures, that he + had once been sick for a fortnight, and yet his substitute had never + become aware of anything. In fine, it appeared that the sum total of his + defalcations amounted to some eighty thousand dollars. + </p> + <p> + “What had he done with all that money? The magistrate before whom he was + brought at once asked that question. He replied that he had not a cent + left. His explanations and his excuses were the old story pleaded by all + who put their hands into their neighbors’ pockets. + </p> + <p> + “To hear him, no one could be more innocent than he was, however guilty he + might appear at first sight. He was like one of those men who allow their + little finger to be caught in a machine. His only fault was the desire to + speculate on ‘Change. Did not his employer speculate himself? Having lost + some money, and fearing to lose his place if he did not pay, the fatal + thought had occurred to him to borrow from the strong box. From that + moment he had only cherished one thought,—to restore what he had + taken. If he speculated anew, it was from extreme honesty, and because he + constantly hoped to gain enough to make restitution. But most + extraordinary ill luck had pursued him; so that, seeing the deficit + growing larger and larger, and overcome with remorse and terror, he had + almost gone mad, and ceased to put any restraint upon himself. + </p> + <p> + “He laid great stress upon the fact that his whole eighty thousand dollars + had been lost on ‘Change, and that he would have looked upon himself as + the meanest of rascals, if he had spent any part of it on his personal + enjoyments. Unfortunately the forged checks and drafts in his drawer + destroyed the force of this plea. Convinced that the sums he had thus + obtained were not lost, the investigating magistrate suspected the parents + of the accused. He questioned them, and obtained sufficient evidence + against them to justify their arrest. But they could not be convicted at + the trial, and had to be released. Justin Chevassat, however, appeared at + the assizes. + </p> + <p> + “Matters looked very serious for him; but he had the good luck of falling + in with a young lawyer who initiated in his case a system of pleading + which has since become very popular. He made no effort to exculpate his + client: he boldly accused the banker. ‘Was it the act of a sensible man,’ + he said, ‘to trust so young a man with such important sums? Was it not + tempting him beyond his powers of resistance, and almost provoking him to + become dishonest? What, this banker never examined his books for so many + months? What kind of a business was it, where a cashier could so easily + take eighty thousand dollars, and remain undiscovered? And then, what + immorality in a banker to speculate on ‘Change, and thus to set so bad an + example to his young, inexperienced clerks!’ + </p> + <p> + “Justin Chevassat escaped with twenty years’ penal servitude. + </p> + <p> + “What he was at the galleys, you may imagine from what you know of him. He + played the ‘repentant criminal,’ overflowing with professions of sorrow + for the past, and amendment in future, and cringing and crouching at the + feet of the officials of the prison. He carried on this comedy so + successfully, that, after three years and a half, he was pardoned. But he + had not lost his time in prison. The contact with the vilest of criminals + had sharpened his wits, and completed his education in rascality. He came + out of prison an accomplished felon. And even while he still dragged the + chain and ball along with him, he was already planning and maturing new + plots for the future, which he afterwards executed with success. He + conceived the idea of bursting forth in a new shape, under which no one + would ever suspect his former identity. + </p> + <p> + “How he went about to do this, I am enabled to tell you accurately. + Through his godfather, the valet, who had died before his trial, Justin + Chevassat knew the history of the Brevan family in its minutest details. + It was a very sad story. The old marquis had died insolvent, after having + lost his five sons, who had gone abroad to make their fortunes. The noble + family had thus become extinct; but Justin proposed to continue its + lineage. He knew that the Brevans were originally from Maine; that they + had formerly owned immense estates in the neighborhood of Mans; and that + they had not been there for more than twenty years. Would they still be + remembered in a land where they had once been all powerful? Most assuredly + they would. Would people take the trouble to inquire minutely what had + become of the marquis and his five sons? As assuredly not. + </p> + <p> + “Chevassat’s plot was based upon these calculations. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as he was free once more, he devoted all his energies to the + destruction of every trace of his identity; and, when he thought he had + accomplished this, he went to Mans, assuming the name of one of the sons + of the marquis, who had been nearly of his own age. No one doubted for a + moment that he was Maxime de Brevan. Who could have doubted it, when he + purchased the old family mansion for a considerable sum, although it only + consisted of a ruinous castle, and a small farm adjoining the house? He + paid cash, moreover, proving thus the correctness of the magistrate’s + suspicions as to his story about losses on ‘Change, and as to the + complicity of his parents. He even took the precaution of living on his + little estate for four years, practising the life of a country-gentleman, + received with open arms by the nobility of the neighborhood, forming + friendships, gaining supporters, and becoming more and more identified + with Maxime de Brevan. + </p> + <p> + “What was his aim at that time? I always thought he was looking out for a + wealthy wife, so as to consolidate his position; and he came near + realizing his hopes. + </p> + <p> + “He was on the point of marrying a young lady from Mans, who would have + brought him half a million in money, and the banns had already been + published, when, all of a sudden, the marriage was broken off, no one knew + why. + </p> + <p> + “This only is certain: he was so bitterly disappointed by his failure, + that he sold his property, and left the country. For the next three years, + he lived in Paris, more completely Maxime de Brevan than ever; and then he + met Sarah Brandon.” + </p> + <p> + Papa Ravinet had been speaking now for nearly three hours, and he was + beginning to feel exhausted. He showed his weariness in his face; and his + voice very nearly gave out. Still it was in vain for Daniel, Henrietta, + and Mrs. Bertolle herself to unite in begging him to go and lie down for a + few moments. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he replied, “I will go to the end. You do not know how important it + is that M. Champcey should be in a position to act to-morrow, or rather + to-day. + </p> + <p> + “It was at a fancy ball,” he went on, “given by M. Planix, that Sarah + Brandon, at that time still known as Ernestine Bergot, and Justin + Chevassat, now Maxime de Brevan, met for the first time. He was completely + overpowered by her marvellous beauty, and she—she was strangely + impressed by the peculiar expression in Maxime’s face. Perhaps they + divined each other’s character, perhaps they had an intuitive perception + of who they were. At all events, they soon became acquainted, drawn as + they were to each other by an instinctive and irresistible attraction. + They danced several times together; they sat side by side; they talked + long and intimately; and, when the ball came to an end, they were friends + already. + </p> + <p> + “They met frequently; and, if it were not profanation, I would say they + loved each other. They seemed to be made on purpose to understand, and, so + to say, compliment, each other, equally corrupt as they were, devoured by + the same sinful desires, and alike free from all the old-fashioned + prejudices, as they called it, about justice, morals, and honor. They + could hardly help coming soon to some understanding by which they agreed + to associate their ambitions and their plans for the future. + </p> + <p> + “For in those early days, when their feelings were still undented, they + had no secrets for each other. Love had torn the mask from their faces; + and each one vied with the other in letting the foulness of their past + days be seen clearly. This, no doubt, secured, first the constancy of + their passion, and the continuation of their intimacy long after they had + ceased loving each other. + </p> + <p> + “For now they hate each other; but they are also afraid of each other. Ten + times they have tried to break off their intimacy; and as often they have + been compelled to renew it, bound as they feel they are to each other by a + chain far more oppressive and solid than the one Justin Chevassat wore at + the galleys. + </p> + <p> + “At first, however, they had to conceal their intimacy; for they had no + money. By joining what she had stolen from her benefactor, to what she had + obtained from M. Planix, Sarah could not make up more than some forty + thousand francs. ‘That was not enough,’ she said, ‘to “set up” the most + modest establishment.’ As to M. de Brevan, however economical he had been, + he had come to an end of the sums stolen from his employer. For eight or + ten months now, he had been reduced to all kinds of dangerous expedients + in order to live. He rode in his carriage; but he had been more than once + very happy when he could extort a twenty-franc-piece from his parents. He + visited them, of course only in secret; for they had in the meantime + exchanged their shop, for the modest little box assigned to the concierge + of No. 23 Water Street. + </p> + <p> + “Far, therefore, from being able to be useful to Sarah, he was perfectly + delighted when she brought him one fine day ten thousand francs to + alleviate his distress. + </p> + <p> + “‘Ah!’ she said to him on this occasion, and often thereafter, ‘why can’t + we have that fool’s money?’ meaning her friend and lover, M. Planix. + </p> + <p> + “The next step was naturally an attempt at obtaining this much coveted + treasure. To begin, Sarah induced him to make a last will, in which he + made her his residuary legatee. One would be at a loss to guess how she + could obtain this from a young, healthy man, full of life and happiness, + if it were not that love will explain everything. When this success had + been achieved, M. de Brevan undertook to introduce in the society + frequented by Sarah and M. Planix one of his friends, who was considered, + and who really was, the best swordsman in Paris, a good fellow otherwise, + honor itself, and rather patient in temper than given to quarrelling. + </p> + <p> + “Without compromising herself, and with that abominable skill which is + peculiarly her own, Sarah, coquetted just enough with this young man, M. + de Font-Avar, to tempt him to pay her some attentions. But that very night + she complained to M. Planix of his persecution, and knew so skilfully how + to excite his jealousy, and to wound his vanity, that, three days later, + he allowed himself to be carried away by passion, and struck M. de + Font-Avar in the presence of a dozen friends. + </p> + <p> + “A duel became inevitable; and M. de Brevan, pretending to try and + reconcile the two young men, secretly fanned the flame. The duel came off + one Saturday morning, in the woods near Vincennes. They fought with + small-swords; and, after little more than a minute, M. Planix received a + stab in his breast, fell, and was dead in an instant. He was not yet + twenty-seven years old. + </p> + <p> + “Sarah’s joy was almost delirious. Accomplished actress as she was, she + could hardly manage to shed a few tears for the benefit of the public, + when the body, still warm, was brought to the house. And still she had + once loved the man, whom she had now assassinated. + </p> + <p> + “Even as she knelt by the bedside, hiding her face in her handkerchief, + she was thinking only of the testament, lying safe and snug, as she knew, + in one of the drawers of that bureau, enclosed in a large official + envelope with a huge red wax seal. + </p> + <p> + “It was opened and read the same day by the justice of the peace, who had + been sent for to put the seals on the deceased man’s property. And then + Sarah began to cry in good earnest. Her tears were tears of rage. For + seized by a kind of remorse, and at a moment when Sarah’s absence had + rendered him very angry, M. Planix had added two lines as a codicil. + </p> + <p> + “He still said, ‘I appoint Miss Ernestine Bergot my residuary legatee’; + but he had written underneath, ‘on condition that she shall pay to each of + my sisters the sum of a hundred and fifty thousand francs.’ This was more + than three-fourths of his whole fortune. + </p> + <p> + “When she arrived, therefore, that night, at Brevan’s rooms, her first + words were,— + </p> + <p> + “‘We have been robbed! Planix was a wretch! We won’t have a hundred + thousand francs left.’ + </p> + <p> + “Maxime, however, recovered his equanimity pretty soon; for the sum + appeared to him quite large enough to pay for a crime in which they had + run no risk, and he was quite as willing as before to marry Sarah; but she + refused to listen to him, saying that a hundred thousand francs were + barely enough for a year’s income, and that they must wait. It was then + that M. de Brevan became a gambler. The wretch actually believed in the + cards; he believed that fortunes could be made by playing. He had systems + of his own which could not fail, and which he was bent upon trying. + </p> + <p> + “He proposed to Sarah to risk the hundred thousand francs, promising to + make a million out of them; and she yielded, tempted by the very boldness + of his proposition. + </p> + <p> + “They resolved they would not stop playing till they had won a million, or + lost everything. And so they went to Homburg. There they led a mad life + for a whole month, spending ten hours every day at the gaming-table, + feverish, breathless, fighting the bank with marvellous skill and almost + incredible coolness. I have met an old croupier who recollects them even + now. Twice they were on the point of staking their last + thousand-franc-note; and one lucky day they won as much as four hundred + thousand francs. That day, Maxime proposed they should leave Homburg. + Sarah, who kept the money, refused, repeating her favorite motto, ‘All, or + nothing.’ + </p> + <p> + “It was nothing. Victory remained, as usual, with, the ‘big battalions;’ + and one evening the two partners returned to their lodgings, ruined, + penniless, having not even a watch left, and owing the hotel-keeper a + considerable sum of money. + </p> + <p> + “That evening Maxime spoke of blowing his brains out. Never, on the + contrary, had Sarah been merrier. + </p> + <p> + “The next morning she dressed very early and went out, saying she had a + plan in her head, and would soon be back. + </p> + <p> + “But she did not come back; and all that day M. de Brevan, devoured by + anxiety, waited in vain for her return. At five o’clock, however, a + messenger brought him a letter. He opened it; there were three thousand + francs in it, and these words:— + </p> + <p> + “‘When you receive these lines, I shall be far from Homburg. Do not wait + for me. Enclosed is enough to enable you to return to Paris. You shall see + me again when our fortune is made. + </p> + <p> + “‘Sarah.’” + </p> + <p> + “Maxime was at first overcome with amazement. To be abandoned in this way! + To be thus unceremoniously dismissed, and by Sarah! He could not recover + from it. But anger soon roused him to fury; and at the same time he was + filled with an intense desire to avenge himself. But, in order to avenge + himself, he must first know how to find his faithless ally. What had + become of her? Where had she gone? + </p> + <p> + “By dint of meditating, and recollecting all he could gather in his + memory, M. de Brevan remembered having seen Sarah two or three times, + since fortune had forsaken them, in close conversation with a tall, thin + gentleman of about forty years, who was in the habit of wandering through + the rooms, and attracted much attention by his huge whiskers, his stiff + carriage, and his wearied expression. No doubt Sarah, being ruined, had + fallen an easy prey to this gentleman, who looked as if he might be a + millionaire. + </p> + <p> + “Where did he stay? At the Hotel of the Three Kings. Maxime went there at + once. Unfortunately, he was too late. The gentleman had left that morning + for Frankfort, by the 10.45 train, with an elderly lady, and a remarkably + pretty girl. + </p> + <p> + “Sure of his game now, M. de Brevan left immediately for Frankfort, + convinced that Sarah’s brilliant beauty would guide him like a star. But + he hunted in vain all over town, inquiring at the hotels, and bothering + everybody with his questions. He found no trace of the fugitives. + </p> + <p> + “When he returned to his lodgings that night, he wept. + </p> + <p> + “Never in his life had he fancied himself half so unhappy. In losing + Sarah, he thought he had lost everything. During the five months of their + intimacy, she had gained such complete ascendency over him, that now, when + he was left to his own strength, he felt like a lost child, having no + thought and no resolution. + </p> + <p> + “What was to become of him, now that this woman was no longer there to + sustain and inspire him,—that woman with the marvellous talent for + intrigue, the matchless courage that shrank from nothing, and the energy + which sufficed for everything? Sarah had, besides, filled his imagination + with such magnificent hopes, and opened before his covetous eyes such a + vast horizon of enjoyment, that he had come to look upon things as + pitiful, which would formerly have satisfied his highest wishes. Should + he, after having dreamed of those glorious achievements by which millions + are won in a day, sink back again into the meanness of petty thefts? His + heart turned from that prospect with unspeakable loathing; and yet what + was he to do? + </p> + <p> + “He knew, that, if he returned to Paris, matters would not be very + pleasant for him there. His creditors, made restless by his prolonged + absence, would fall upon him instantly. How could he induce them to wait? + Where could he get the money to pay them, at least, a percentage of his + dues? How would he support himself? Were all of his dark works to be + useless? Was he to be shipwrecked before ever seeing even the distant + port? + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, he returned to Paris, faced the storm, passed through the + crisis, and resumed his miserable life, associating with another + adventurer like himself, and succeeding thus, by immensely hard work, in + maintaining his existence and his assumed name. Ah! if our honest friends + could but know what misery, what humiliations and anxieties are hid + beneath that false splendor of high life, which they often envy, they + would think themselves fully avenged. + </p> + <p> + “It is certain that Maxime de Brevan found times hard in those days, and + actually more than once regretted that he had not remained a stupid, + honest man. He thought that was so simple, and so clever. + </p> + <p> + “Thus it came about, that, two years later, he had not yet been reconciled + to Sarah’s absence. Often and often, in his hours of distress, he recalled + her parting promise, ‘You shall see me again when our fortune is made.’ He + knew she was quite capable of amassing millions; but, when she had them, + would she still think of him? Where was she? What could have become of + her? + </p> + <p> + “Sarah was at that time in America. + </p> + <p> + “That tall, light-haired gentleman, that eminently respectable lady, who + had carried her off, were M. Thomas Elgin and Mrs. Brian. Who were these + people? I have had no time to trace out their antecedents. All I know is, + that they belonged to that class of adventurers whom one sees at all the + watering-places and gambling-resorts,—at Nice, at Monaco, and during + the winter in Italy; swindlers of the highest class, who unite consummate + skill with excessive caution; who are occasionally suspected, but never + found out; and who are frequently indebted to their art of making + themselves agreeable, and even useful to others, to the carelessness of + travellers, and their thorough knowledge of life, for the acquaintance, or + even friendship, of people whom one is astonished to find in such company. + </p> + <p> + “Sir Thorn and Mrs. Brian were both English, and, so far, they had managed + to live very pleasantly. But old age was approaching; and they began to be + fearful about the future, when they fell in with Sarah. They divined her, + as she had divined Maxime; and they saw in her an admirable means to + secure a fortune. They did not hesitate, therefore, to offer her a compact + by which she was to be a full partner, although they themselves had to + risk all they possessed,—a capital of some twenty thousand dollars. + You have seen what these respectable people proposed to make of her,—a + snare and a pitfall. They knew very well that her matchless beauty would + catch fools innumerable, and bring in a rich harvest of + thousand-franc-notes. + </p> + <p> + “The idea was by no means new, M. Champcey, as you seem to think; nor is + the case a rare one. + </p> + <p> + “In almost all the capitals of Europe, you will find even now some of + these almost sublimely beautiful creatures, who are exhibited in the great + world by cosmopolitan adventurers. They have six or seven years,—eighteen + to twenty-five,—during which, their beauty and their tact may secure + an immense fortune to themselves and their comrades; and according to + chance, to their skill, or the whims or the folly of men, they end by + marrying some great personage in high life, or by keeping a wretched + gambling hell in the suburbs. They may fall upon the velvet cushions of a + princely carriage, or sink, step by step, to the lowest depths of society. + </p> + <p> + “M. Elgin and Mrs. Brian had agreed that they would exhibit Sarah in + Paris; that she was to marry a duke with any number of millions; and that + they should be paid for their trouble by receiving an annual allowance of + some ten thousand dollars. But, in order to undertake the adventure with a + good chance of success, it was indispensable that Sarah should lose her + nationality as a Parisian; that she should rise anew, as an unknown star; + and, above all, that she should be trained and schooled for the profession + she was to practise. + </p> + <p> + “Hence the trip to America, and her long residence there. + </p> + <p> + “Chance had helped the wretches. They had hardly landed, when they found + that they could easily introduce the girl as the daughter of Gen. Brandon, + just as Justin Chevassat had managed to become Maxime de Brevan. In this + way, Ernestine Bergot appeared at once in the best society of Philadelphia + as Sarah Brandon. Not less prudent than Maxime, M. Elgin also purchased, + in spite of his limited means, for a thousand dollars, vast tracts of land + in the western part of the State, where there was no trace of oil-wells, + but where there might very well be a good many, and had them entered upon + the name of his ward. + </p> + <p> + “Of all these measures, I have the evidence in hand, and can produce it at + any moment.” + </p> + <p> + For some time already, Daniel and Henrietta had looked at each other with + utter amazement. They were almost dumfounded by the prodigious sagacity, + the cunning, patience, and labor which the old dealer must have employed + to collect this vast mass of information. But he continued, after a short + pause,— + </p> + <p> + “Sir Thorn and Mrs. Brian found out in a few days how well they had been + served by their instincts in taking hold of Sarah. In less than six + months, this wonderful girl, whose education they had undertaken, spoke + English as well as they did, and had become their master, controlling them + by the very superiority of her wickedness. From the day on which Mrs. + Brian explained to her the part she was expected to play, she had assumed + it so naturally and so perfectly, that all traces of art disappeared at + once. She had instinctively appreciated the immense advantage she would + derive from personifying a young American girl, and the irresistible + effect she might easily produce by her freedom of movement and her bold + ingenuousness. Finally, at the end of eighteen months’ residence in + America, M. Elgin declared that the moment had come when Sarah might + appear on the stage. + </p> + <p> + “It was, therefore, twenty-eight months after their parting in Homburg, + that M. de Brevan received, one morning, the following note:— + </p> + <p> + “‘Come to-night, at nine o’clock, to M. Thomas Elgin’s house in Circus + Street, and be prepared for a surprise.’ + </p> + <p> + “He went there. A tall man opened the door of the sitting-room; and, at + the sight of a young lady who sat before the fire, he could not help + exclaiming, ‘Ernestine, is that you?’ + </p> + <p> + “But she interrupted him at once, saying, ‘You are mistaken: Ernestine + Bergot is dead, and buried by the side of Justin Chevassat, my dear M. de + Brevan. Come, lay aside that amazed air, and kiss Miss Sarah Brandon’s + hand.’ + </p> + <p> + “It was heaven opening for Maxime. She had at last come back to him,—this + woman, who had come across his life like a tempest, and whose memory he + had retained in his heart, as a dagger remains in the wound it has made. + She had come back, more beautiful than ever, irresistible in her matchless + charms; and he fancied it was love which had brought her back. + </p> + <p> + “His vanity led him astray. Sarah Brandon had long since ceased to admire + him. Familiar as she was with the life of adventurers in high life, she + had soon learned to appreciate M. de Brevan at his just value. She saw him + now as he really was,—timid, overcautious, petty, incapable of + conceiving bold combinations, scarcely good enough for the smallest of + plots, ridiculous, in fine, as all needy scamps are. + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, Sarah wanted him, although she despised him. On the point + of entering upon a most dangerous game, she felt the necessity of having + one accomplice, at least, in whom she could trust blindly. She had, to be + sure, Mrs. Brian and Sir Thorn, as he began to be called now; but she + mistrusted them. They held her, and she had no hold on them. On the other + hand, Maxime de Brevan was entirely hers, dependent on her pleasure, as + the lump of clay in the hands of the sculptor. + </p> + <p> + “It is true that Maxime appeared almost distressed when he heard that that + immense fortune which he coveted with all his might was still to be made, + and that Sarah was no farther advanced now than she was on the day of + their separation. She might even have said that she was less so; for the + two years and more which had just elapsed had made a large inroad upon the + savings of M. Elgin and Mrs. Brian. When they had paid for their + establishment in Circus Street, when they had advanced the hire of a <i>coupe</i>, + a landau, and two saddle-horses, they had hardly four thousand dollars + left in all. + </p> + <p> + “They knew, therefore, that they must succeed or sink in the coming year. + And, thus driven to bay, they were doubly to be feared. They were + determined to fall furiously upon the first victim that should pass within + reach, when chance brought to them the unlucky cashier of the Mutual + Discount Society, Malgat.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0032" id="link2H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXI. + </h2> + <p> + For a few moments the fatigue of the old dealer seemed to have + disappeared. He was sitting up straight, with tremulous lips, with + flashing eyes, and continued in a strangely strident voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Fools alone attach no weight to trifling occurrences. And still it is + those that appear most insignificant which we ought to fear most, because + they alone determine our fate, precisely as an atom of sand dismembers the + most powerful engine. + </p> + <p> + “It was on a fine afternoon in the month of October when Sarah Brandon + appeared for the first time before the eyes of Malgat. He was at that time + a man of forty, sprung from an old and respectable though modest family, + content with his lot in life, and rather simple, as most men are who have + always lived far from the intrigues of society. He had one passion, + however,—he filled the five rooms of his lodgings with curiosities + of every kind, happy for a week to come, if he had discovered a piece of + old china, or a curious piece of furniture, which he could purchase cheap. + He was not rich, his whole patrimony having been long since spent on his + collections; but he had a place that brought him some three thousand + dollars; and he was sure of an ample pension in his old age. + </p> + <p> + “He was honest in the highest sense of the word; his honesty being + instinctive, so to say, never reasoning, never hesitating. For fifteen + years now, he had been cashier; and hundreds of millions had passed + through his hands without arousing in him a shadow of covetousness. He + handled the gold in the bags, and the notes in the portfolios, with as + much indifference as if they had been pebbles and dry leaves. His + employers, besides, felt for him more than ordinary esteem: it was true + and devoted friendship. Their confidence in him was so great, that they + would have laughed in the face of any one who should have come and told + them, ‘Malgat is a thief!’ + </p> + <p> + “Such he was, when, that morning, he was standing near his safe, and saw a + gentleman come to his window who had just cashed a check drawn by the + Central Bank of Philadelphia upon the Mutual Discount Bank. This + gentleman, who was M. Elgin, spoke such imperfect French, that Malgat + asked him, for convenience sake, to step inside the railing. He came in, + and behind him Sarah Brandon. + </p> + <p> + “How can I describe to you the sensations of the poor cashier as he beheld + this amazing beauty! He could hardly stammer out a few incoherent words; + and the gentleman and the young lady had long since left, when he was + still lost in a kind of idiotic delight. He had been overtaken by one of + those overwhelming passions which sometimes felled to the ground the + strongest and simplest of men at the age of forty. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! Sarah had but too keenly noticed the impression she had produced. + To be sure, Malgat was very far from that ideal of a millionaire husband + of whom these adventurers dreamed; but, after all, he held the keys of a + safe in which lay millions. One might always get something out of him + wherewith to wait for better things to come. Their plan was soon formed. + </p> + <p> + “The very next day M. Elgin presented himself alone at the office to ask + for some information. He returned three days after with another draft. By + the end of the week, he had furnished Malgat with an opportunity to render + him some trifling service. Thus relations began to exist between them; + and, at the end of a fortnight, Sir Thorn could, with all propriety, ask + the cashier to dine with him in Circus Street. A voice from within—one + of those presentiments to which we ought always to listen—warned + Malgat not to accept the invitation; but he was already no longer his own + master. + </p> + <p> + “He went to dinner in Circus Street, and he left it madly in love. + </p> + <p> + “He had felt as if Sarah Brandon’s eyes had been all the time upon him,—those + strange, sublimely beautiful eyes, which upset our very being within us, + weakening the most powerful energy, troubling the senses, and leading + reason astray—eyes which dazzle, enchant, and bewitch. + </p> + <p> + “The commonest politeness required that Malgat should call upon Mrs. Brian + and M. Elgin. This call was followed by many others. A man less blinded by + passion might have become suspicious at the eagerness with which these + wretches, driven by necessity, carried on their intrigue. Six weeks after + their first meeting, Malgat fancied that Sarah was wildly in love with + him. It was absurd, most assuredly; it was foolish, insane. Nevertheless, + he believed it. He thought those rapturous glances were genuine; he + believed in the truthfulness of that intoxicating sweetness of her voice, + and those enchanting blushes, which his coming never failed to call forth. + </p> + <p> + “Now began the second act of the hideous comedy. Mrs. Brian appeared one + day, all of a sudden, to notice something, and promptly requested Malgat + never to put foot again within that house. She accused him of an attempt + to seduce Sarah Brandon. I dare say, you can imagine, the fool! how he + protested, affirming the purity of his intentions, and swearing that he + would be the happiest of mortals if they would condescend to grant him the + hand of her niece. But Sir Thorn, in the haughtiest tone possible, asked + him how he could dare think of such a thing, and presume that he could + ever be a fit match for a young lady who had a dower of two hundred + thousand dollars. + </p> + <p> + “Malgat left with tottering steps, despair in his heart, and resolved to + kill himself. When he returned home, he actually went to look among his + curiosities for an old flint-lock pistol, and began to load it. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! why did he not kill himself then? He would have carried his deceptive + illusions and his unstained honor with him to the grave. + </p> + <p> + “He was just about to make his will when they brought him a letter from + Sarah. She wrote thus:— + </p> + <p> + “‘When a girl like myself loves, she loves for life, and she is his whom + she loves, or she is nobody’s. If your love is true, if dangers and + difficulties terrify you no more than they terrify me, knock to-morrow + night, at ten o’clock, at the gate of the court. I will open.’ + </p> + <p> + “Mad with joy and hope, Malgat went to the fatal meeting. Do you know what + happened? Sarah fell around his neck, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “‘I love you. Let us run away.’ + </p> + <p> + “Ah! if he had taken her at her word, and answered her, offering her his + arm,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, let us flee,’ the plot might have been defeated, and he might have + been saved; for she would certainly not have gone with him. + </p> + <p> + “But with that clear perception which was a perfect marvel in her, and + looked like the gift of second sight, she had taken the measure of the + cashier, and exposed herself to the danger, well-knowing that he would + shrink from doing what she asked. + </p> + <p> + “He did shrink, the idiot! he was afraid. He said to himself that it would + be a mean thing to abuse the attachment of this pure and trustful girl, to + separate her from her family, and to ruin her forever. + </p> + <p> + “He did have this wonderful power of self-denial to dissuade her from + taking such a step, and to induce her to be patient, giving time an + opportunity of coming to their assistance, while he would do all he could + to overcome the obstacles in the way. + </p> + <p> + “For hours after he had left Sarah Brandon, Malgat had not recovered from + the excitement; and he would have thought the whole a dream, but for the + penetrating perfume which his clothes still retained where she had rested + her beautiful head. But, when he at last began to examine his position, he + came to the conclusion that he had indulged in childish illusions, and + that he could never hope to satisfy the demands made by M. Elgin and Mrs. + Brian. There <i>was</i> but one way, a single way, by which he could ever + hope to obtain possession of this woman whom he worshipped; and that was + the one she had herself proposed,—an abduction. To determine upon + such a step, however, was for Malgat to end his peaceful life forever, to + lose his place, to abandon the past, and to venture upon an unknown + future. But how could he reason at a moment when his whole mind was filled + with thoughts of the most amazing happiness that ever was enjoyed by + mortal being? + </p> + <p> + “Whenever he thought of flight, there arose before him one obstacle which + he could not overcome. He had no money. How could he expose this rich + heiress, who left all for his sake, this beautiful girl, who was + accustomed to every imaginable luxury, to want and humiliation? No; that + he could never dare. And yet his whole available capital did not amount to + three thousand dollars. His fortune was invested in those curiosities that + were piled up all over his rooms,—beautiful objects to his eyes in + former days, but now hateful, and annoying to behold. He knew they + represented a large sum, quite a respectable fortune; but such collections + cannot be sold overnight; and time was pressing. + </p> + <p> + “He had seen Sarah several times secretly; and each time she had appeared + to him more mournful and dejected. She could bring him nothing but most + distressing news. Mrs. Brian spoke of giving her in marriage to a friend + of hers. M. Elgin proposed to take her abroad. And, with such troubles + filling his head, the poor cashier had to attend to his daily duties, and + from morning till night receive tens and hundreds of thousands; and never + yet, I swear it, the thought occurred to him of taking a small fraction of + these treasures. + </p> + <p> + “He had determined to sell all his collections as a whole, at any price he + could get, when one day, a few moments before the office closed, a lady + appeared, whose ample dress concealed her figure, while a thick veil + completely shrouded her features. + </p> + <p> + “This lady raised her veil. It was she. It was Sarah Brandon. + </p> + <p> + “Malgat begged her to enter. He was overcome. What new misfortune had + happened to induce her to take such a step? She told him in a few words. + </p> + <p> + “Sir Thorn had found out their secret meetings: he had told her to be + ready to start for Philadelphia the next morning. + </p> + <p> + “The crisis had come. They must choose now between two things,—either + to flee that very day, or be separated forever. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! never had Sarah been so beautiful as at this moment, when she seemed + to be maddened by grief; never had her whole personal beauty exhaled such + powerful, such irresistible charms. Her breath went and came, causing her + almost to sob at every respiration; and big tears, like scattered beads + from a chaplet of pearls, rolled down her pale cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Malgat stood a moment before her, stunned by the blow; and the imminence + of the danger extorted from him a confession of the reasons that had made + him hesitate so long. He told her, cruelly humiliated by the avowal, that + he had no money. + </p> + <p> + “But she rose when she heard it, as if she had been stung by an insult, + and repeated with crushing irony,— + </p> + <p> + “‘No money? No money?’ + </p> + <p> + “And when Malgat, more heartily ashamed of his poverty than he could have + been of a crime, blushed to the roots of his hair, she pointed at the + immense safe, which overflowed with gold and bank-notes, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “‘And what is all that?’ + </p> + <p> + “Malgat jumped up, and stood before the safe, his arms far outstretched, + as if to defend it, and said in an accent of ineffable terror,— + </p> + <p> + “‘What are you thinking of? And my honor?’ + </p> + <p> + “This was to be his last effort to preserve his honor. Sarah looked him + straight in the face, and said slowly,— + </p> + <p> + “‘And my honor! My honor is nothing to you? Do I not give myself? Do you + mean to drive a bargain?’ + </p> + <p> + “Great God! She said this with an accent and with a look which would have + tempted an angel. Malgat fell helpless into a chair. + </p> + <p> + “Then she came close up to him, and, casting upon him those burning + glances which blazed with superhuman audacity, she sighed,— + </p> + <p> + “‘If you loved me really! Ah, if you really loved me!’ + </p> + <p> + “And she bent over him, tremulous with passion, watching his features so + closely, that their lips nearly touched. + </p> + <p> + “‘If you loved me as I love you,’ she whispered again. + </p> + <p> + “It was all over; Malgat was lost. He drew Sarah towards him, and said, + kissing her,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Very well then. Yes!’ + </p> + <p> + “She immediately disengaged herself, and with eager hands seized one + parcel of bank-notes after another, pushing them into a little morocco bag + which she held in her hand. And, when the bag was full, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Now we are safe. To-night at ten o’clock, at the gate of the court- + yard, with a carriage. To-morrow, at daybreak, we shall be out of France, + and free. Now we are bound to each other forever,—and I love you!’ + </p> + <p> + “And she went away. And he let her go away.” + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman had become ghastly white, his few hairs seemed to stand + on end, and large drops of perspiration inundated his face as he swallowed + at a gulp a cup of tea, and then went on, laughing bitterly,— + </p> + <p> + “You suppose, no doubt, that, <i>when</i> Sarah had left him, Malgat came + to himself? By no means. It seemed as if, with that kiss, with which she + had paid him for his crime, the infamous creature had inspired him with + the same genius for evil that was in her. + </p> + <p> + “Far from repenting, he rejoiced at what had been done; and when he + learned, that, on the following day, the board of directors were to meet + to examine the books, he laughed at the faces they would make; for I told + you he was mad. With all the coolness of a hardened thief, he calculated + the total amount of what had been abstracted: it was four hundred thousand + francs. Immediately, in order to conceal the true state of things, he took + his books, and, with almost diabolic skill, altered the figures, and + changed the entries, so as to make it appear that the defalcation was of + long date, and that various sums had been abstracted for several months. + When he had finished his fearful task, he wrote to the board a + hypocritical letter, in which he stated that he had robbed the safe in + order to pay his differences on ‘Change, and that now, when he could no + longer conceal his crime, he was going to commit suicide. When this was + done, he left his office, as if nothing had happened. + </p> + <p> + “The proof that he acted under the incomprehensible influence of a kind of + hallucination is this, that he felt neither remorse nor fear. As he was + resolved not to return to his house, nor to encumber himself with luggage, + he dined at a restaurant, spent a few minutes at a theatre, and then + posted his letter to the board of directors, so that it might reach them + early in the morning. + </p> + <p> + “At ten o’clock he knocked at the gate of the house in Circus Street. A + servant came and opened, saying in a mysterious manner,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Please go up. The young lady is waiting.’ + </p> + <p> + “A terrible presentiment seized him at that moment, and chilled him to the + marrow in his bones. In the parlor Sarah was sitting on a sofa, and Maxime + de Brevan by her side. They were laughing so loud, that he heard them in + the anteroom. When Malgat entered, she raised her head with a dissatisfied + air, and said rudely,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Ah! It is you. What do you want now?’ + </p> + <p> + “Surely, such a reception ought to have disabused the unfortunate man. But + no! When he began to stammer some explanations, she interrupted him, + saying,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Let us speak frankly. You come to run away with me, don’t you? Well, + that is simply nonsense. Look at yourself, my good friend, and tell me if + a girl such as I am can be in love with a man like you. As to that small + loan, it does not pay me, I assure you, by half, for the sublime little + comedy which I have had to play. Believe me, at all events, when I tell + you that I have taken all my precautions so as not to be troubled by + anything you may say or do. And now, sir, I wish you good-evening; or must + I go?’ + </p> + <p> + “Ah! she might have spoken a long time yet, and Malgat would not have + thought of interrupting her. The fearful truth broke all of a sudden upon + him; and he felt as if the whole world were going to pieces. He understood + the enormity of the crime; he discerned the fatal consequences, and knew + he was ruined. A thousand voices arose from his conscience, telling him, + ‘You are a thief! You are a forger! You are dishonored!’ + </p> + <p> + “But, when he saw Sarah Brandon get up to leave the room, he was seized + with an attack of furious rage, and threw himself upon her, crying,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, I am lost; but you shall die, Sarah Brandon!’ + </p> + <p> + “Poor fool! who did not know that these wretches had, of course, foreseen + his wrath, and prepared for the emergency. Supple, like one of those lost + children of the gutter among whom she had lived once upon a time, Sarah + Brandon escaped from Malgat’s grasp, and by a clever trick threw him upon + an arm-chair. Before he could rise again, he was held fast by Maxime de + Brevan, and by M. Elgin, who had heard the noise, and rushed in from the + adjoining room. + </p> + <p> + “The poor man did not attempt to resist. Why should he? Within him, + moreover, a faint hope began to rise. It seemed to him impossible that + such a monstrous wrong could be carried out, and that he would have only + to proclaim the wickedness of these wretches to have them in his power. + </p> + <p> + “‘Let me go!’ he said. ‘I must go!’ + </p> + <p> + “But they did not allow him to go as yet. They guessed what was going on + in his mind. Sir Thorn asked him coolly,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Where do you think of going? Do you mean to denounce us? Have a care! + You would only sacrifice yourself, without doing us any harm. If you think + you can use Sarah’s letter, in which she appoints a meeting, as a weapon + against us, you are mistaken. She did not write that letter; and, + moreover, she can prove an alibi. You see we have prepared everything for + this business during the last three months; and nothing has been left to + chance. Do not forget that I have commissioned you twenty times to buy or + sell for me on ‘Change, and that it was always done in your name, at my + request. How can you say you did not speculate on ‘Change?’ + </p> + <p> + “The poor cashier’s heart sank within him. Had he not himself, for fear + lest a suspicion should fall upon Sarah Brandon, told the board of + directors in his letter that he had been tempted by unlucky speculations? + Had he not altered the entries in the books in order to prove this + assertion? Would they believe him if he were to tell the truth? Whom could + he ever hope to persuade that what was probable was false, and that the + improbable was true? Sir Thorn continued with his horrid sneers,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Have you forgotten the letters which you wrote me for the purpose of + borrowing money from me, and in which you confess your defalcations? Here + they are. You can read them.’ + </p> + <p> + “These letters, M. Champcey, are those which Sarah showed you; and Malgat + was frightened out of his senses. He had never written such letters; and + yet there was his handwriting, imitated with such amazing perfection, that + he began to doubt his own senses and his own reason. He only saw clearly + that no one would look upon them as forgeries. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Maxime de Brevan is an artist. His letter to the navy department has, + no doubt, proved it to you. + </p> + <p> + “Seeing Malgat thus stupefied, Sarah took the word, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “‘Look here, my dear; I’ll give you some advice. Here are ten thousand + francs: take them, and run for your life. It is time yet to take the train + for Brussels.’ + </p> + <p> + “But he rose, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “‘No! There is nothing left for me but to die. May my blood come upon + you!’ + </p> + <p> + “And he rushed out, pursued by the insulting laugh of the wretches.” + </p> + <p> + Amazed at the inconceivable boldness of this atrocious plot, Daniel and + Henrietta were shuddering with horror. As to Mrs. Bertolle, she had sunk + into a chair, trembling in all her limbs. The old gentleman, however, + continued with evident haste,— + </p> + <p> + “Whether Malgat did, or did not, commit suicide, he was never heard of + again. The trial came on, and he was condemned <i>in contumaciam</i> to + ten years’ penal servitude. Sarah, also, was examined by a magistrate; but + she made it a success. + </p> + <p> + “And that was all. And this crime, one of the most atrocious ever + conceived by human wickedness, went to swell the long list of unpunished + outrages. The robbers triumphed impudently in broad daylight. They had + four hundred thousand francs. They could retire from business. + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed! Twenty thousand francs a year was far too little for their + immoderate desires! They accepted this fortune as an installment on + account on the future, and used it to wait patiently for new victims to be + stripped. + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately, such victims would not show themselves. The house was + mounted upon a most expensive footing. M. de Brevan had, of course, + claimed his share; Sir Thorn was a gambler; Sarah loved diamonds; and grim + Mrs. Brian had her own vices. In short, the hour came when danger was + approaching; but, just at that moment, Sarah, looking around, met with the + unlucky victim she needed. + </p> + <p> + “This one was a handsome young man, almost a child yet, kind, generous, + and chivalrous. He was an orphan, and came up from his province, his heart + full of illusions, and in his pockets his entire fortune,—a sum of + five hundred thousand francs. His name was Charles de Kergrist. + </p> + <p> + “Maxime managed to bring him to the house in Circus Street. He saw Sarah, + and was dazzled. He loved her, and was lost. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! The poor fellow did not last long. At the end of five months, his + half million was in the hands of Sarah. And, when he had not a cent left, + she well-nigh forced him to write her three forged drafts, swearing, that, + on the day on which they became due, she would take them up herself. But + when the day came, and he called in Circus Street, he was received as + Malgat had been received. They told him that the forgery had been + discovered: that suit had been brought; that he was ruined. They offered + him, also, money to flee. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Kergrist! They had not miscalculated. Descended from a family in + which a keen sense of honor had been hereditary for many generations, he + did not hesitate. As soon as he left the house, he hanged himself on + Sarah’s window, thinking that he would thus hold up to public censure the + infamous creature who had led him to commit a crime. + </p> + <p> + “Poor child! They had deceived him. He was not ruined. The forgery had + never been discovered; the drafts had never been used at all. A careful + investigation revealed nothing against Sarah Brandon; but the scandals of + the suicide diminished her prestige. She felt it; and, giving up her + dreams of greatness, she thought of marrying a fool who was immensely + wealthy, M. Wilkie Gordon, when Sir Thorn spoke to her of Count + Ville-Handry. + </p> + <p> + “In fortune, name, and age, the count was exactly what Sarah had dreamed + of so often. She threw herself upon him. + </p> + <p> + “How the old gentleman was drawn to Circus Street; how he was surrounded, + insnared, intoxicated, and finally made a husband—all that you know + but too well, M. Champcey. But what you do not know is the fact that this + marriage brought discord into the camp. M. de Brevan would not hear of it; + and it was the hope he had of breaking it up, which made him speak to you + so frankly of Sarah Brandon. When you went to ask his advice, he was on + bad terms with her: she had turned him off, and refused to pay him any + money. And he was so mortally offended, that he would have betrayed her to + the courts even, if he had known how to do it without inculpating himself. + </p> + <p> + “You were the very person to reconcile them again, inasmuch as you gave + Maxime an opportunity of rendering Sarah Brandon a great service. + </p> + <p> + “He did not then anticipate that she would ever fall in love with you, and + that she, in her turn, would have to succumb to one of those desperate + passions which she had so often kindled in others, and used for her own + advantage. This discovery made him furious; and Sarah’s love, and Maxime’s + rage, will explain to you the double plot by which you were victimized. + Sarah, who loved you, wanted to get rid of Henrietta, who was your + betrothed: Maxime, stung by jealousy, wanted you to die.” + </p> + <p> + Visibly overcome by fatigue, Papa Ravinet fell back in his chair, and + remained silent for more than five minutes. Then he seemed to make one + more effort, and went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, let us sum up the whole. I know how Sarah, Sir Thorn, and Mrs. Brian + have gone to work to rob Count Ville-Handry, and to ruin him. I know what + they have done with the millions which they report were lost in + speculations; and I have the evidence in my hand. Therefore, I can ruin + them, without reference to their other crimes. Crochard’s affidavit alone + suffices to ruin M. de Brevan. The two Chevassats, husband and wife, have + caught themselves by keeping the four thousand francs you sent to Miss + Henrietta. We have them safe, the wretches! The hour of vengeance has come + at last.” + </p> + <p> + Henrietta did not let him conclude: she interrupted him, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “And my father, sir, my father?” + </p> + <p> + “M. Champcey will save him, madam.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had risen, deeply moved, and now asked,— + </p> + <p> + “What am I to do?” + </p> + <p> + “You must call on the Countess Sarah, and look as if you had forgotten all + that has happened,—as far as she is concerned, Miss Henrietta.” + </p> + <p> + The young officer blushed all over, and stammered painfully,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I cannot play that part! I would not be able.” + </p> + <p> + But Henrietta stopped him. Laying her hand on his shoulder, and looking + deep into the eyes of her betrothed, as if to search the very depths of + his conscience, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Have you reasons for hesitating?” + </p> + <p> + He hung his head, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “I shall go.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0033" id="link2H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXII. + </h2> + <p> + It struck two when Daniel jumped out of a carriage before No. 79 in + Peletier Street, where the offices of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Company + were now, and where Count Ville-Handry lived at present. + </p> + <p> + Never in his life had he felt so embarrassed, or so dissatisfied with + himself. In vain had Papa Ravinet and Mrs. Bertolle brought up all + possible arguments to convince him, that, with a woman like Sarah Brandon, + all reprisals were fair; he would not be convinced. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, he could not refuse to go without risking the peace of his + Henrietta, her confidence, and her whole happiness; so he went as bravely + as he could. + </p> + <p> + A clerk whom he asked told him that the president was in his rooms,—in + the third story on the left. He went up. The maid who came to open the + door recognized him. It was the same Clarissa who had betrayed him. When + he asked for the count she invited him in. She took him through an + anteroom, dark, and fragrant with odors from the kitchen; and then, + opening a door, she said;— + </p> + <p> + “Please walk in!” + </p> + <p> + Before an immense table, covered with papers, sat Count Ville-Handry. He + had grown sadly old. His lower lip hung down, giving him a painful + expression of weakness of mind; and his watery eyes looked almost senile. + Still his efforts to look young had not been abandoned. He was rouged and + dyed as carefully as ever. When he recognized Daniel, he pushed back his + papers; and offering him his hand, as if they had parted the day before, + he said,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah, here you are back again among us! Upon my word, I am very glad to see + you! We know what you have been doing out there; for my wife sent me again + and again to the navy department to see if there were any news of you. And + you have become an officer of the Legion of Honor! You ought to be + pleased.” + </p> + <p> + “Fortune has favored, me, count.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! I am sorry I cannot say as much for myself,” replied the latter + with a sigh. + </p> + <p> + “You must be surprised,” he continued, “to find me living in such a dog’s + kennel, I who formerly—But so it goes. ‘The ups and downs of + speculations,’ says Sir Thorn. Look here, my dear Daniel, let me give you + a piece of advice: never speculate in industrial enterprises! Nowadays it + is mere gambling, furious gambling; and everybody cheats. If you stake a + dollar, you are in for everything. That is my story, and I thought I would + enrich my country by a new source of revenue. From the first day on which + I emitted shares, speculators have gotten hold of them, and have crushed + me, till my whole fortune has been spent in useless efforts to keep them + up. And yet Sir Thorn says I have fought as bravely on this slippery + ground as my ancestors did in the lists.” + </p> + <p> + Every now and then the poor old man passed his hand over his face as if + trying to drive away painful thoughts; and then he went on in a different + tone of voice,— + </p> + <p> + “And yet I am far from complaining. My misfortunes have been the source of + the purest and highest happiness for me. It is to them I owe the knowledge + of the boundless devotion of a beloved wife; they have taught me how + dearly Sarah loves me. I alone can tell what treasures are hid in that + angelic heart, which they dared to calumniate. Ah! I think I can hear her + now, when I told her one evening how embarrassed I had become in my + finances. + </p> + <p> + “‘To have concealed that from me!’ she exclaimed,—‘from me, your + wife: that was wrong!’ And the very next day she showed her sublime + courage. She sold her diamonds to bring me the proceeds, and gave up to me + her whole fortune. And, since we are living here, she goes out on foot, + like a simple citizen’s wife; and more than once I have caught her + preparing our modest meals with her own hands.” + </p> + <p> + Tears were flowing down the furrowed cheeks, leaving ghastly lines on the + rouged and whitened surface. + </p> + <p> + “And I,” he resumed in an accent of deepest despair,—“I could not + reward her for such love and so many sacrifices. How did I compensate her + for being my only consolation, my joy, my sole happiness in life! I ruined + her; I impoverished her! If I were to die to-morrow, she would be + penniless.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel trembled. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, count,” he exclaimed, “don’t speak of dying! People like you live a + hundred years.” + </p> + <p> + But the old man lowered his voice, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “You see, I have not told you all yet. But you are my friend; and I know I + can open my heart to you. <i>I</i> did not have the—the—cleverness + to overcome all the restrictions which hamper this kind of business. I was + imprudent, in spite of all Sir Thorn’s warnings. To-morrow there will be a + meeting of the stockholders; and, if they do not grant me what I shall + have to ask of them, I may be in trouble. And, when a man calls himself + Count Ville-Handry, rather than appear in a police-court—you know + what I mean!” + </p> + <p> + He was interrupted by one of the clerks, who brought him a letter. He read + it, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Tell them I am coming.” + </p> + <p> + Then, turning again to Daniel, he added,— + </p> + <p> + “I must leave you; but the countess is at home, and she would never + forgive me if I did not take you in to present your respects to her. Come! + But be careful and don’t say a word of my troubles. It would kill her.” + </p> + <p> + And, before Daniel could recover from his bewilderment, the count had + opened a door, and pushed him into the room, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “Sarah, M. Champcey.” + </p> + <p> + Sarah started up as if she had received an electric shock. Her husband had + left them; but, even if he had been still in the room, she would probably + not have been any more able to control herself. + </p> + <p> + “You!” she cried, “Daniel, my Daniel!” + </p> + <p> + And turning to Mrs. Brian, who was sitting by the window, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Leave us.” + </p> + <p> + “Your conduct is perfectly shocking, Sarah!” began the grim lady. But + Sarah, as harshly as if she had been speaking to a servant, cut her short, + saying,— + </p> + <p> + “You are in the way, and I beg you will leave the room.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Brian did so without saying a word; and the countess sank into an + arm-chair, as if overcome by a sudden good fortune which she was not able + to endure, looking intensely at Daniel, who stood in the centre of the + room like a statue. + </p> + <p> + She had on a simple black merino dress; she wore no jewelry; but her + marvellous, fatal beauty seemed to be all the more dazzling. The years had + passed over her without leaving any more traces on her than the spring + breeze leaves on a half-opened rose. Her hair still shone with its golden + flashes; her rosy lips smiled sweetly; and her velvet eyes caressed you + still, till hot fire seemed to run in your veins. + </p> + <p> + Once before Daniel had been thus alone with her; and, as the sensations he + then felt rose in his mind, he began to tremble violently. Then, thinking + of his purpose in coming here, and the treacherous part he was about to + act, he felt a desire to escape. + </p> + <p> + It was she who broke the charm. She began, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “You know, I presume, the misfortunes that have befallen us. Your + betrothed, Henrietta? Has the count told you?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel had taken a chair. He replied,— + </p> + <p> + “The count has said nothing about his daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, my saddest presentiments have been fulfilled. Unhappy girl! I + did what I could to keep her in the right way. But she fell, step by step, + and finally so low, that one day, when a ray of sense fell upon her mind, + she went and killed herself.” + </p> + <p> + It was done. Sarah had overcome the last hesitation which Daniel still + felt. Now he was in the right temper to meet cunning with cunning. He + answered in an admirably-feigned tone of indifference,— + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” + </p> + <p> + Then, encouraged by the joyous surprise he read in Sarah’s face, he went + on,— + </p> + <p> + “This expedition has cost me dear. Count Ville-Handry has just informed me + that he has lost his whole fortune. I am in the same category.” + </p> + <p> + “What! You are”— + </p> + <p> + “Ruined. Yes; that is to say, I have been robbed,—robbed of every + cent I ever had. On the eve of my departure, I intrusted a hundred + thousand dollars, all I ever possessed, to M. de Brevan, with orders to + hold it at Miss Henrietta’s disposal. He found it easier to appropriate + the whole to himself. So, you see, I am reduced to my pittance of pay as a + lieutenant. That is not much.” + </p> + <p> + Sarah looked at Daniel with perfect amazement. In any other man, this + prodigious confidence in a friend would have appeared to her the extreme + of human folly; in Daniel, she thought it was sublime. + </p> + <p> + “Is that the reason why they have arrested M. de Brevan?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + Daniel had not heard of his arrest. + </p> + <p> + “What!” he said. “Maxime”— + </p> + <p> + “Was arrested last night, and is kept in close confinement.” + </p> + <p> + However well prepared Daniel was by Papa Ravinet’s account, he could never + have hoped to manage the conversation as well as chance did. He replied,— + </p> + <p> + “It cannot be for having robbed me. M. de Brevan must have been arrested + for having attempted to murder me.” + </p> + <p> + The lioness who has just been robbed of her whelps does not rise with + greater fury in her eyes than Sarah did when she heard these words. + </p> + <p> + “What!” she cried aloud. “He has dared touch you!” + </p> + <p> + “Not personally; oh, no! But he hired for the base purpose a wretched + felon, who was caught, and has confessed everything. I see that the order + to apprehend my friend Maxime must have reached here before me, although + it left Saigon some time later than I did.” + </p> + <p> + Might not M. de Brevan be as cowardly as Crochard when he saw that all was + lost? This idea, one would think, would have made Sarah tremble. But it + never occurred to her. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, the wretch!” she repeated. “The scoundrel, the rascal!” + </p> + <p> + And, sitting down by Daniel, she asked him to tell her all the details of + these attempted assassinations, from which he had escaped only by a + miracle. + </p> + <p> + The Countess Sarah, in fact, never doubted for a moment but that Daniel + was as madly in love with her as Planix, as Malgat, and Kergrist, and all + the others, had been, she had become so accustomed to find her beauty + irresistible and all powerful. How could it ever have occurred to her, + that this man, the very first whom she loved sincerely, should also be the + first and the only one to escape from her snares? She was taken in, + besides, by the double mirage of love and of absence. + </p> + <p> + During the last two years she had so often evoked the image of Daniel, she + had so constantly lived with him in her thoughts, that she mistook the + illusion of her desires for the reality, and was no longer able to + distinguish between the phantom of her dreams and the real person. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime he entertained her by describing to her his actual + position, lamenting over the treachery by which he had been ruined, and + adding how hard he would find it at thirty to begin the world anew. + </p> + <p> + And she, generally, so clearsighted, was not surprised to find that this + man, who had been disinterestedness itself, should all of a sudden deplore + his losses so bitterly, and value money so highly. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you not marry a rich woman?” she suddenly asked him. + </p> + <p> + He replied with a perfection of affected candor which he would not have + suspected to be in his power the day before,— + </p> + <p> + “What? Do you—you, Sarah—give me such advice?” + </p> + <p> + He said it so naturally, and with such an air of aggrieved surprise, that + she was delighted and carried away by it, as if he had made her the most + passionate avowal. + </p> + <p> + “You love me? Do you really, really love me?” + </p> + <p> + The sound of a key turning in the door interrupted them. + </p> + <p> + And in an undertone, speaking passionately, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Go now! You shall know by to-morrow who she is whom I have chosen for + you. Come and breakfast with us at eleven o’clock. Go now.” + </p> + <p> + And, kissing him on his lips till they burnt with unholy fire, she pushed + him out of the room. + </p> + <p> + The poor man staggered like a drunken man, as he went down the stairs. + </p> + <p> + “I am playing an abominable game,” he said to himself. “She does love me! + What a woman!” + </p> + <p> + It required nothing less to rouse him from his stupor than the sight of + Papa Ravinet, who was waiting for him below, hid in a corner of his + carriage. + </p> + <p> + “Is it you?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, myself. And it seems it was well I came. But for me, the count would + have kept you; but I came to your rescue by sending him up a letter. Now, + tell me all.” + </p> + <p> + Daniel reported to him briefly, while they were driving along, his + conversation with the count and with Sarah. When he had concluded, the old + dealer exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + “We have the whole matter in our hands now. But there is not a minute to + lose. Do you go back to the hotel, and wait for me there. I must go to the + court.” + </p> + <p> + At the hotel Daniel found Henrietta dying with anxiety. Still she only + asked after her father. Was it pride, or was it prudence? She did not + mention Sarah’s name. They had, however, not much time for conversation. + Papa Ravinet came back sooner than they expected, all busy and excited. He + drew Daniel aside to give him his last directions, and did not leave him + till midnight, when he went away, saying,— + </p> + <p> + “The ground is burning under our feet; be punctual to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + At the precise hour Daniel presented himself in Peletier Street, where the + count received him with a delighted air. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” he exclaimed, “you come just in time. Brian is away; Sir Thorn is + out on business; and I shall have to leave you directly after breakfast. + You must keep the countess company. Come, Sarah, let us have breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + It was an ill-omened breakfast. + </p> + <p> + Under the thick layers of rouge, the count showed his livid pallor; and + every moment nervous tremblings shook him from head to foot. The countess + affected childish happiness; but her sharp and sudden movements betrayed + the storm that was raging in her heart. Daniel noticed that she + incessantly filled the count’s glass,—a strong wine it was too,—and + that, in order to make him take more, she drank herself an unusual + quantity. + </p> + <p> + It struck twelve, and Count Ville-Handry got up. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he said with the air and the voice of a man who braces himself to + mount the scaffold, “it must be done; they are waiting for me.” + </p> + <p> + And, after having kissed his wife with passionate tenderness, he shook + hands with Daniel, and went out hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + Crimson and breathless, Sarah also had risen, and was listening + attentively. And, when she was quite sure that the count had gone + downstairs, she said,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, Daniel, look at me! Need I tell you who the woman is whom I have + chosen for you? It is—the Countess Ville-Handry.” + </p> + <p> + He shook and trembled; but he controlled himself by a supreme effort, and + calmly smiling, in a half tender, half ironical tone, he replied,— + </p> + <p> + “Why, oh, why! do you speak to me of unattainable happiness? Are you not + married?” + </p> + <p> + “I may be a widow.” + </p> + <p> + These words from her lips had a fearful meaning. But Daniel was prepared + for them, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “To be sure you may. But, unfortunately, you, also, are ruined. You are as + poor as I am; and we are too clever to think of joining poverty to + poverty.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at him with a strange, sinister smile. She was evidently + hesitating. A last ray of reason lighted up the abyss at her feet. But she + was drunk with pride and passion; she had taken a good deal of wine; and + her usually cool head was in a state of delirium. + </p> + <p> + “And if I were not ruined?” she said at last in a hoarse voice; “what + would you say then?” + </p> + <p> + “I should say that you are the very woman of whom an ambitious man of + thirty might dream in his most glorious visions.” + </p> + <p> + She believed him. Yes, she was capable of believing that what he said was + true; and, throwing aside all restraint, she went on,— + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I will tell you. I am rich,—immensely rich. That entire + fortune which once belonged to Count Ville-Handry, and which he thinks has + been lost in unlucky speculations,—the whole of it is in my hands. + Ah! I have suffered horribly, to have to play for two long years the + loving wife to this decrepit old man. But I thought of you, my much + beloved, my Daniel; and that thought sustained me. I knew you would come + back; and I wanted to have royal treasures to give you. And I have them. + These much coveted millions are mine, and you are here; and now I can say + to you, ‘Take them, they are yours; I give them to you as I give myself to + you.’” + </p> + <p> + She had drawn herself up to her full height as she said this; and she + looked splendid and fearful at the same time, in her matchless beauty, + diffusing energy and immodesty around her, and shaking her head defiantly, + till the waves of golden hair flowed over her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + The untamed vagabond of the gutter reappeared all of a sudden, breathless + and trembling, hoarse, lusting. + </p> + <p> + Daniel felt as if his reason was giving way. Still he had the strength to + say,— + </p> + <p> + “But unfortunately you are not a widow.” + </p> + <p> + She drew close up to him, and said in a strident voice,— + </p> + <p> + “Not a widow? Do you know what Count Ville-Handry is doing at this moment? + He is beseeching his stockholders to relieve him from the effects of his + mismanagement. If they refuse him, he will be brought up in court, and + tried as a defaulter. Well, I tell you! they will refuse him; for among + the largest stockholders there are three who belong to me: I have bribed + them to refuse. What do you think the count will do when he finds himself + dishonored and disgraced? I will tell you again; for I have seen him write + his will, and load his revolver.” + </p> + <p> + But the door of the outer room was opened. She turned as pale as death + itself, and, seizing Daniel’s arm violently, she whispered,— + </p> + <p> + “Listen!” + </p> + <p> + Heavy steps were heard in the adjoining room, then—nothing more! + </p> + <p> + “It is he!” she whispered again. “Our fate is hanging in the scales”— + </p> + <p> + A shot was heard, which made the window-panes rattle, and cut her short. + She was seized with spasms from head to foot, but, making a great effort, + she cried out,— + </p> + <p> + “Free at last, Daniel; we are free!” + </p> + <p> + And, rushing to the door, she opened it. + </p> + <p> + She opened it, but instantly shut it again violently, and uttered a + terrible cry. + </p> + <p> + On the threshold stood Count Ville-Handry, his features terribly + distorted, a smoking revolver in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he said, “Sarah, no, you are not free!” + </p> + <p> + Livid, and with eyeballs starting from their sockets, the wretched woman + had shrunk back to a door which opened from the dining-room directly into + her chamber. + </p> + <p> + She was not despairing yet. + </p> + <p> + It was evident she was looking for one of those almost incredible excuses + which are sometimes accepted by credulous old men when violent passions + seize them in their dotage. + </p> + <p> + She abandoned the thought, however, when the count stepped forward, and + thus allowed Papa Ravinet to be seen behind him. + </p> + <p> + “Malgat!” she cried,—“Malgat!” + </p> + <p> + She held out her hands before her as if to push aside a spectre that had + suddenly risen from the grave, and was now opening its arms to seize her, + and carry her off. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Malgat came forward, with Henrietta leaning on Mrs. + Bertolle’s arm. + </p> + <p> + “She also,” muttered Sarah,—“she too!” + </p> + <p> + The terrible truth broke at last upon her mind: she saw the snare in which + she had been caught, and felt that she was lost. Then turning to Daniel, + she said to him,— + </p> + <p> + “Poor man! Who has made you do this? It was not in your loyal heart to + plan such treachery against a woman. Are you mad? And do you not see, that + for the privilege of being loved by me as I love you, and were it but for + a day, Malgat would again rob his employers, and the count would again + give all his millions, and his honor itself?” + </p> + <p> + She said this; but at the same time she had slipped one of her hands + behind her back, and was feeling for the knob of the door. She got hold of + it, and instantly disappeared, before any one could have prevented her + escape. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind!” said Malgat. “All the outer doors are guarded.” + </p> + <p> + But she had not meant to escape. There she was again, pale and cold like + marble. She looked defiantly all around her, and said in a mocking tone of + voice,— + </p> + <p> + “I have loved; and now I can die. That is just. I have loved. Ah! Planix, + Malgat, and Kergrist ought to have taught me what becomes of people who + really love.” + </p> + <p> + Then looking at Daniel, she went on,— + </p> + <p> + “And you—you will know what you have lost when I am no more. I may + die; but the memory of my love will never die: it will rankle ever in you + like a wound which opens daily afresh, and becomes constantly sorer. You + triumph now, Henrietta; but remember, that between your lips and Daniel’s + there will forever rise the shadow of Sarah Brandon.” + </p> + <p> + As she said the last words, she raised a small phial, which she held in + her hand, with an indescribably swift movement to her lips: she drank the + contents, and, sinking into a chair, said,— + </p> + <p> + “Now I defy you all!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, she escapes after all!” exclaimed Malgat, “she escapes from justice!” + He rushed forward to assist her; but Daniel stepped between, and said,— + </p> + <p> + “Let her die.” + </p> + <p> + Already horrible convulsions began to seize her; and the penetrating smell + of bitter almonds, which slowly filled the whole room, told but too + plainly that the poison which she had taken was one of those from which + there is no rescue. + </p> + <p> + She was carried to her bed; and in less than ten minutes she was dead: she + had never uttered another word. + </p> + <p> + Henrietta and Mrs. Bertolle were kneeling by the side of the bed, and the + count was sobbing in a corner of the room, when a police-sergeant entered. + </p> + <p> + “The woman Brian is not to be found,” he said; “but M. Elgin has been + arrested. Where is the Countess Ville-Handry?” + </p> + <p> + Daniel pointed at the body. + </p> + <p> + “Dead?” said the officer. “Then I have nothing more to do here.” + </p> + <p> + He was going out, when Malgat stopped him. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, sir,” he said. “I wish to state that I am not Ravinet, + dealer in curiosities; but that my true name is Malgat, formerly cashier + of the Mutual Discount Society, sentenced <i>in contumaciam</i> to ten + years’ penal servitude. I am ready to be tried, and place myself in your + hands.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + XXXIII. + </h2> + <p> + The magistrate from Saigon saw his hopes fulfilled, and, thanks to his + promotion, was commissioned to continue the trial which he had so ably + commenced. After the jury had brought in their verdict of guilty, he + sentenced Justin Chevassat, alias Maxime de Brevan, to penal servitude for + life. + </p> + <p> + Crochard, surnamed Bagnolet, got off with twenty years; and the two + Chevassats escaped with ten years’ solitary confinement. + </p> + <p> + The trial of Thomas Elgin, which came on during the same term, revealed a + system of swindling which was so strikingly bold and daring, that it + appeared at first sight almost incredible. It excited especial surprise + when it was found out that he had issued false shares, which he made Count + Ville-Handry buy in, so as to ruin, by the same process, the count as an + individual, and the company over which he presided. He was sent for twenty + years to the penitentiary. + </p> + <p> + These scandalous proceedings had one good result. They saved the poor + count; but they revealed, at the same time, such prodigious unfitness for + business, that people began to suspect how dependent he must have been on + his first wife, Henrietta’s mother. He remained, however, relatively poor. + They had made Thomas Elgin refund, and had even obtained possession of + Sarah Brandon’s fortune; but the count was called upon to make amends for + his want of business capacity. When he had satisfied all his creditors, + and handed over to his daughter a part of her maternal inheritance, he had + hardly more than six thousand dollars a year left. + </p> + <p> + Of the whole “band,” Mrs. Brian alone escaped. + </p> + <p> + Malgat, having surrendered to justice with the prescribed limits of time + to purge himself, was tried, and the whole process begun anew. But the + trial was naturally a mere form. His own lawyer had very little to say. + The state attorney himself made his defense. After having fully explained + the circumstances which had led the poor cashier to permit a crime, rather + than to commit it himself, the attorney said to the jury,— + </p> + <p> + “Now, gentlemen, that you have learned what was the wrong of which he is + guilty, you ought also to know how he has expiated his crime. + </p> + <p> + “When he left the miserable woman who had ruined him, maddened by grief, + and determined to end his life, Malgat went home. There he found his + sister. + </p> + <p> + “She was one of those women who have religiously preserved the domestic + virtues of our forefathers, and who know of no compromise in questions of + honor. + </p> + <p> + “She had soon forced her brother to confess his fatal secret, and, + overcoming the horror she naturally felt, she found words, inspired by her + excellent heart, which moved him, and led him to reconsider his resolve. + She told him that suicide was but an additional crime, and that he was in + honor bound to live, so that he might make amends, and restore the money + he had stolen.” + </p> + <p> + “Hope began to rise once more in his heart, and filled him with unexpected + energy. And yet what obstacles he had to encounter! How could he ever hope + to return four hundred thousand francs. How should he go about to earn so + much money? and where? How could he do anything, now that he was compelled + to live in concealment? + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, gentlemen, what this sister did in her almost sublime + devotion? She had a moderate income from state bonds; she sold them all, + and carried the proceeds to the president of the Mutual Discount Society, + begging him to be patient as to the remainder, and promising that he + should be repaid, capital and interest alike. She asked for nothing but + secrecy; and he pledged himself to secrecy. + </p> + <p> + “And from that day, gentlemen of the jury, the brother and the sister have + lived like the poorest laborers, working incessantly, and denying + themselves everything but what was indispensable for life itself. + </p> + <p> + “And this day, gentlemen, Malgat owes nothing to the society; he has paid + everything. He fell once; but he has risen again. And this place in court, + where he now sits as a prisoner, will become to him a place of honor, in + which he will recover his position in society, and his honor.” + </p> + <p> + Malgat was acquitted. + </p> + <p> + The marriage of Henrietta, Countess Ville-Handry, and Lieut. Daniel + Champcey, was celebrated at the Church of St. Clothilda. Daniel’s + groomsmen were Malgat and the old chief surgeon of the frigate “Conquest.” + Several persons noticed that the bride wore, contrary to usage, a dress of + embroidered muslin. It was the robe which Henrietta had so often covered + with her tears, at the time when, having no bread for the morrow, she had + tried to live by the work of her hands. Malgat had hunted it up, and + bought it: the precious dress was his wedding- gift. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Clique of Gold, by Emile Gaboriau + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CLIQUE OF GOLD *** + +***** This file should be named 4604-h.htm or 4604-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/4/6/0/4604/ + +Produced by David Moynihan; Dagny; John Bickers; David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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