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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..31ce39a --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50943 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50943) diff --git a/old/50943-8.txt b/old/50943-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index f1989f2..0000000 --- a/old/50943-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,17845 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Rose D'Albret, by G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Rose D'Albret - or Troublous Times. - -Author: G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James - -Release Date: January 17, 2016 [EBook #50943] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROSE D'ALBRET *** - - - - -Produced by Charles Bowen from page scans provided by -Google Books (Harvard University) - - - - - - - - - - - -Transcriber's Notes: - 1. Page scan source: - https://books.google.com/books?id=RGEWAAAAYAAJ - Harvard University - 2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe]. - - - - - -COLLECTION - -OF - -BRITISH AUTHORS. - -VOL. LXV. - ---------------- - -ROSE D'ALBRET BY JAMES. - -IN ONE VOLUME. - - - - - - -TAUCHNITZ EDITION. - -By the same Author, - - -MORLEY ERNSTEIN (WITH PORTRAIT) 1 vol. - -FOREST DAYS 1 vol. - -THE FALSE HEIR 1 vol. - -ARABELLA STUART 1 vol. - -ARRAH NEIL 1 vol. - -AGINCOURT 1 vol. - -THE SMUGGLER 1 vol. - -THE STEP-MOTHER 2 vols. - -BEAUCHAMP 1 vol. - -HEIDELBERG 1 vol. - -THE GIPSY 1 vol. - -THE CASTLE OF EHRENSTEIN 1 vol. - -DARNLEY 1 vol. - -RUSSELL 2 vols. - -THE CONVICT 2 vols. - -SIR THEODORE BROUGHTON 2 vols. - - - - - - -ROSE D'ALBRET - -OR - -TROUBLOUS TIMES. - - -BY - -G. P. R. JAMES. - - - -_COPYRIGHT EDITION_. - - - - -LEIPZIG -BERNHARD TAUCHNITZ -1844. - - - - - - -ROSE D'ALBRET; -OR -TROUBLOUS TIMES. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - - -Whatever effect the institution of chivalry might have upon the -manners and customs of the people of Europe; however much it might -mitigate the rudeness of the middle ages, and soften the character of -nations just emerging from barbarism, there was one point which it -left untouched by its softening influence, and which remained, till -within a few years of the present period, as a case of great hardship -upon those who are supposed to have benefited more particularly by the -rise of chivalrous feeling. Women, to whose defence the knights of old -devoted their swords: women, for whose honour and renown so many a -gallant champion has shed his blood: women, for whose love so many -wars have been kindled and so many deeds done, were, till within a -short period of the present day, mere slaves in those matters where -their own happiness was concerned. Their influence, it is true, might -be great over the heart and mind, but in person, at least till after -their marriage, they were simply bonds-women; they ruled without power -even over themselves, and had no authority whatsoever in those -transactions which were of the most importance to them. - -Where parents were living--although even then it was thought scarcely -necessary to consult a young woman upon the disposal of her own -hand,--yet we may suppose that parental affection might occasionally -enable her to exercise some influence, however small, in the -acceptance or rejection of a lover. But where the parents were dead, -she had for many centuries, especially in France, no voice whatever in -the matter, and was consigned, often against her inclination, to the -arms of one whom perhaps she had never seen, whom she often regarded -with indifference, and often with hate. It is little to be wondered at -that such a state of things produced gross immorality. The first act -of a young woman's life, the act alone by which she obtained -comparative freedom, being one by which all the fine and delicate -sensibilities, planted by God in the female heart, were violated at -once,--it is little to be wondered at, I say, that the vows by which -men endeavoured to supply the place of principles, should be violated -likewise at the voice of inclination. - -The fault, however, was in the feudal system; and the manner in which -lands were first acquired in Europe, produced regulations for their -transmission which generated the greatest social evils,--from the -consequences of which indeed we are not yet altogether free. Each -feoff was required to be held by a man who could do service to his -sovereign in the field; and, consequently, when any vassal or vavasor -died, leaving behind him one or more daughters, the law required that -the feoff should be managed by a guardian till such time as, by -marriage, the heiress or heiresses could present men to do homage for -their lands, and perform military service to the superior lord. Thus, -an heiress could not marry without her lord's approbation; and by the -constitutions of St. Louis it was enacted, that, even where a daughter -was left under the care of her mother, the lord might require security -that she should not form an alliance without his consent; and the good -king, in the rule which he lays down for the choice of a husband for a -ward, directs the guardian simply, if there be two or three who offer, -to take the richest. - -As the feudal system declined in France, however, the power of the -lord over his vassals of course diminished, and long before the end of -the sixteenth century it was but little exercised by one nobleman over -another. In cases where large inheritances fell to daughters, their -marriages were made up in their own families; and though they -themselves had, in general, as little choice allowed them as ever, yet -their own relations were the persons who selected the future -companions of their life. Thus fathers, brothers, cousins, uncles, -aunts, had all far more to do with the marriage than the person whose -weal or woe was to be affected by it. - -When a father died, however, leaving his daughter to the care of a -guardian, he transmitted to him the great power he himself possessed; -and if the young lady were the heiress of great wealth, it generally -happened that the person selected for her husband was a son or near -relation of her guardian. Very often, indeed, her hand was made a -matter of merchandise and sold to the best bidder, so that the -guardianship of an heiress was not unfrequently a profitable -speculation. - -During the last half of the sixteenth century, indeed, almost all -these rules and regulations were broken through, in the midst of the -civil contentions which then existed in France; and we find several -instances, even in the highest ranks of society, of children marrying -against the will of their parents, when an opportunity was afforded -them of escaping parental rule. Such was the case with the daughter of -the Duke of Montpensier; but in this, as in many other instances, -religious differences had their share, and the principle of liberty, -which rose with the Protestant religion, affected even the relations -of domestic life. To guard against the opportunities thus afforded, by -the troubles of the times, for ladies to choose as they thought fit, -many very violent and tyrannical acts were committed; and, on the -other hand, where power could venture to outstep the law, shameful -breaches of right and justice took place to get possession of the -person of an heiress, who was looked upon and treated by all parties -merely as the chief title-deed of the estate. Thus the celebrated Duke -of Mayenne himself carried off by force out of Guienne, from the care -of her own mother, Mademoiselle de Caumont in order to marry her to -one of his own sons, though she had been already contracted to another -person from the very cradle. - -Such a strange state of things was farther complicated by the rights -of the monarch to certain privileges of guardianship, known by the -name of _gardes nobles_, by which he was entitled, by himself or his -officers, to take into his charge the estates and persons of certain -orphans under age; and, according to the corrupt practices of the -times, the tutelage of the royal wards, in particular provinces, was -often made a matter of merchandise, and still more frequently was -bestowed upon unworthy persons, and obtained by the most corrupt -means. - -To all these complicated and evil arrangements must be added another -custom of those times, which perhaps was devised for the purpose of -obviating some of the bad consequences of the existing state of -things. I allude to the habit of affiancing at a very early period. -Sometimes this engagement between the children of two noble houses was -confirmed by every ceremony which could render the act inviolable in -the eyes of the church and the eyes of the law: sometimes, however, a -less solemn compact was entered into by the parents, subject to -certain conditions, and these were frequently rescinded, changed, or -modified, according to circumstances. In many instances the heiress of -a noble house was left by a dying parent to the guardianship of a -friend, under contract to marry that friend's heir on arriving at a -fixed period of life; and in such circumstances, whatever might be her -inclination to break this engagement, when her reason or her heart led -her towards another union, she would have found it very difficult to -escape from the trammels imposed upon her, even to take shelter within -the walls of a convent. - -It has seemed necessary to give these explanations in this -introductory chapter, that the reader may clearly understand the -circumstances of the parties in the following tale; and I shall only -farther add, that at the time when the history is supposed to -commence, a long period of strife and confusion had thrown the country -into a state of anarchy, in which law was daily set at defiance, even -for the pettiest objects; every evil passion found indulgence under -the shield of faction; the most violent, the most unjust, and the most -criminal proceedings took place in every part of the realm; might made -right throughout the country; and the bigoted priesthood were -generally found ready to assist in any dark plot or cunning scheme, -where the interests of their patrons might be served, or the objects -of their own order advanced. - -At the same time, though tranquillity was in no degree recovered, -everything was tending to its restoration. Henry III. who had -sanctioned, instigated, or committed every sort of crime, had fallen -under the knife of the assassin. Henri Quatre was daily strengthening -his tottering throne by victory, clemency, and policy. The battle of -Arques had been fought and won, and the king, with a small but veteran -and gallant army, had advanced towards the capital and was besieging -the town of Dreux. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - - -On the confines of Normandy, towards that part of Maine which joins -the Orleanois, and nearly on a straight line between Mortagne and -Orleans, lies a track of wild common land, unfit for cultivation. It -is now covered with low bushes, stunted trees, gorse, fern, and -brushwood, though often presenting patches of short grass, which serve -as pasture-ground for the sheep and cattle of the neighbouring -villages, which are few and far between. - -The extent of this somewhat dreary district is about five miles in one -direction and six in another, and it is broken by hill and dale, deep -pits and quarries, rushy pools and swamps, over which at night hovers -the will-o'-the-wisp, while every now and then a tall beech or wide -spreading oak attests the existence in former days of an extensive -forest, now only traditionary. On one of the hills towards Chartres -appear the ruins of an old castle, which, though not referable to any -very remote period, must have been a place of some strength, and below -is a little hamlet, with a small church, containing several curious -monuments, where knights are seen stretched in well sculptured armour, -and leaguers in starched ruffs and slashed pourpoints, lie recumbent -in grey stone. - -Here, however, in times not very long gone, stretched one of those -forests for which France was once famous, though the woods had been -cut down some years before the Revolution, and, converted into gold, -had furnished many a luxurious banquet, or been spent in revelry and -ostentation. It never, indeed, was very extensive, when compared with -many of the forests that surrounded it, but still, towards the end of -the sixteenth century it possessed scenes of wild beauty rarely to be -met with, and some of the finest trees in the country. Through a -portion of the wood ran one of the many windings of the river Huisne; -and the ground being hilly, as I have said, from the principal -eminences, the winding course of that stream might be discovered for -several miles, while here and there many a château, or _maison forte_, -appeared in sight, filled with branches of the families of Sourdis, -Estrées, Chazeul, de Harault, Liancourt, and others. - -One or two village spires also graced the scene, but the eye could -catch no town of any great magnitude, which was probably one of the -reasons why that district had suffered less severely during the wars -of the league than almost any other in France. Several causes, -however, had combined to obtain for it this happy immunity. No -Protestants were to be found in the immediate neighbourhood, and -though all the gentlemen possessing property on the banks of the river -were steady Catholics, yet they were in general attached to the cause -of order and loyalty, and, while withheld by a feeling of bigotry from -supporting in arms a monarch whom they considered a heretic, were -unwilling to give the slightest aid to a faction, which they well knew -had anything at heart but the maintenance of a religion which they -used as a pretext for rebellion. - -Thus the tide of war had rolled up the valleys of the Seine and of the -Loire; Orleans had been a scene of strife and bloodshed; Alençon had -been taken and retaken more than once; Dreux and Chartres had seen -armies frequently under their walls; but the track I speak of, with -the country round for several miles, had escaped the scourge of civil -contention, and a truce, or convention, existed amongst the noblemen -of that part of the country, by virtue of which each enjoyed his own -in peace with his neighbours, and feared little the approach of -hostile armies, as the ground was unfavourable to military evolutions; -and nothing was to be obtained by marching through a country where no -wealthy cities afforded an object either to cupidity or ambition. - -When any great event was imminent, indeed, and the fortunes of France -seemed to hang upon the result of an approaching battle, small bands -of armed men hurrying up to join this force or that, would cross the -district, carefully watched by the retainers of the different lords in -the vicinity of the forest in order to prevent any outrage, and often -the little village church would be thronged with soldiery, who in a -few days after left their bones upon some bloody field; or at other -times the wild hymns of the Huguenots would rise up at nightfall from -the woodlands, in a strain of strange and scarcely earthly harmony. -Then too, in the open field, the Calvinistic preacher would harangue -his stern and determined brethren in language full of fiery -enthusiasm, and often the Roman Catholic peasant would pause to -listen, and go away almost convinced that the traditions to which he -had so long clung were false and superstitious. - -Few acts of violence, however, were heard of; and when any of the many -bands of plunderers, who taking advantage of the anarchy of the times, -scoured the country, pillaging and oppressing both parties alike, -appeared in the woods and fields, the gentry, making common cause -against them, soon drove them out to carry on their lawless trade -elsewhere. Some severe acts of retribution too had been practised on -those who were taken, and sometimes for weeks the old oaks were -decorated with the acorns of Tristan the Hermit, as a warning to -others of the same class to avoid the dangerous vicinity. - -It was not wonderful, therefore, that, on a cold clear day, of the -frosty spring of the year 159-, a stout, homely man, about forty years -of age, dressed in a plain brown peasant's coat, with a black cloak -and large riding boots, should ride along upon a strong bay horse, -apparently quite at his ease, though night was not far distant. His -dress and his whole appearance bespoke him a farmer well to do in the -world; but farmers in those days were not above any of the acts -required by their calling; and over the crupper of the horse was -thrown a large sack of corn, either for sale or for provender. - -I have said that the good peasant appeared quite at his ease, and so -indeed he was, utterly unconscious of danger; but that did not imply -that he went unprepared for defence, for those were times when such -precautions had become habitual with all men. The very labourer went -to the field with pike, or large knife, or arquebuse, if he could get -it, and the good man we speak of had a long, broad, straight sword, -with iron hilt and clasps, by his side, and two pistols at his -saddle-bow. He was a strong, and seemingly an active man, too, -though of no very bulky proportions, and somewhat short in stature; -and there was an air of determination and vigour about him which would -have made a single opponent think twice before he attacked him. -Moreover, his countenance displayed a good deal of cool self-possessed -_nonchalance_, if I may be permitted for once to use a foreign word, -which showed that he was not one to sell either his corn or his life -very cheap, and he rode his horse like one well accustomed to its -back, and who found no difficulty in managing it at his will. - -The evening, though, as I have said, very cold, was beautifully clear; -the western sky was all gold and sunshine, the blades of grass, and -the leaves that still hung upon the branches--which, like the -ungrateful world, had cast off so many of their green companions in -the dull moment of adversity--were all white with frost, and the road, -though somewhat sandy in its materials, was as hard as adamant. - -With a quick habitual motion of the eyes, the farmer glanced from -right to left, marking everything around him as he advanced, and once, -where the scene was more open and unencumbered with trees, halted for -an instant and looked round. He still showed the careless confidence -of his heart by humming from time to time snatches of a common song of -the day, and once or twice laughed lightly at some thoughts which were -passing in his own mind. His features were good, though somewhat too -strongly marked, his eyes bright, and clear, his complexion ruddy with -health and exposure, and his limbs well knit and strong from labour -and hard exercise. - -At length the worthy man, trotting on at no very quick pace, began to -descend the side of one of the hills of the forest and entered a sort -of wild dell, where small broken spots of turf were interspersed with -clumps of younger trees, principally ashes and elms, while the older -tenants of the wood hung upon the slopes higher up. At the bottom was -a small stream of very clear water, flowing on towards the Huisne, -through water-cresses and other plants of the brook, but now nearly -frozen over, though towards the mid-course the quickness of the -current, and perhaps the depth from which the fountain rose at no -great distance, kept the water free from ice. A little wooden bridge -spanned it over, leaving room for two horses abreast, but the old and -congealed ruts at the side showed that the carts, which occasionally -came along the road, passed through the stream itself; and some -vehicle which had traversed the valley not long before had so far -broken away the frozen surface of the rivulet, that the traveller had -clear space to let his horse drink, before he crossed the bridge. - -As he paused to do so, however, and slackened his rein for that -purpose, he gazed round, and his eyes were quickly attracted by the -sight of some objects not very pleasant to contemplate for a wayfarer -in those days. About two hundred yards farther down the stream sat a -party of some eight or nine men, with their horses tied by the foot, -and feeding on the frosty grass as well as they could. Though the -number was so small, a cornet, or ensign of a troop of cavalry, rested -against a tree, for the ground was too hard to plant it in the earth -in the usual manner; and the steel caps, corslets, and arms which each -man bore, plainly showed the farmer that one of the wandering bands of -soldiery, who were constantly marching hither and thither, to plunder -or to fight, as the case might be, was now before him. - -From the force they seemed to muster, the good farmer at once -concluded that such an inefficient body was more likely to be engaged -in a marauding expedition than in a march to join either the army of -the King or the Duke of Mayenne; but the green and red scarfs which -they wore evinced that, when engaged in regular military operations, -it was to the party of the latter they were attached, though the -district in which they now were generally favoured the royal cause. - -However, as he himself, whatever his private opinions might be, bore -no distinctive signs of either faction about him the traveller hoped -that he might be suffered to pass unmolested, especially as his dress -and appearance offered no great show of wealth; and, therefore, -without displaying the slightest concern or apprehension, he suffered -his horse to conclude his draught, and then was preparing to resume -his journey, when, after a brief consultation, one of the soldiers -advanced at a quick pace on foot, and planted himself on the opposite -side of the bridge, while another ran higher up the hill, and the rest -rose slowly from the ground, and began to untie their horses. - -All these movements were remarked by the traveller; but still he -maintained his air of easy carelessness till the soldier who had -placed himself opposite advanced a step or two towards him, -exclaiming, in an impatient tone, as if irritated by his apathy, "_Qui -vive?_" - -The farmer was not without his reply, however, though, to say "Long -live the king," which he might be inclined to do, would have been a -dangerous experiment, and he therefore replied, without the least -hesitation, "_Vive la France!_" - -"Come, come, master peasant, that will not do," exclaimed the other, -advancing upon him, pistol in hand; "thou art some accursed _Politic!_ -Are you for the Holy Union or Henry of Bourbon?" - -"Nay, good Sir, do not be angry," replied the farmer; "I am a poor man -of no party. I have nothing to do with these matters at present, and -mind only my own concerns." - -"If thou art of no party," said the soldier, "thou art an enemy to -both. So, get off thy horse; I have a fancy for him." - -"Nay, I pray you," cried the other, "do not take my beast. How am I to -carry my corn?" - -"We will save you that trouble," rejoined the soldier, with the -courtesy usual on such occasions; "and if you have any weight of gold -upon you, we will deliver you of that burden also. So, get off at -once, Master What's-your-name, or I will send you off with a -pistol-shot." - -"My name is Chasseron," answered the peasant, "and a name well known -for wronging no man; but if I must get off and part with my poor -beast, I pray you help me down with the corn, for I cannot dismount -till it is away.--But if you will leave me the nag," he added, "I will -pay you his full value, if you will come to my place. He and I have -been old friends, and I would fain not part with him." - -"Get down! get down!" cried the soldier impatiently. "Clumsy boor, -can't you dismount with a sack behind you?" and at the same moment he -came nearer and laid his hand upon the load. - -The instant he did so, the farmer thrust his strong hand between his -cuirass and his neck, half strangling him with his large knuckles; and -with his right drawing a pistol from his saddle-bow, he brought the -muzzle close to his ear, exclaiming, "Now, master, I see you have some -command, by your scarf. So if the way be not cleared very speedily, -you shall go up or down as the case may be, without any brains in your -skull. I've got one life under my fist, and they can but take one in -return, so now we shall see how they love you. Don't struggle, or you -shall soon struggle no more; but turn round, tell them to get out of -the way, and then march on with me to the top of hill." - -"I can't turn," said the soldier, in a rueful tone. - -"Oh, then, I'll turn you," answered Chasseron with a laugh; and -without quitting his hold, he whirled his adversary round with -prodigious strength, lifting him nearly off the ground as he did so. -"Now drop your pistol," he continued. "Drop it this instant!" - -The man did so; and, touching his horse gently with his heel, the -stout farmer put him into a slow walk, while several of the marauders -ran forward to see what was going on. - -"Bid them back!" cried Chasseron, jogging his companion's head with -the muzzle of his weapon. "Bid them back, or you are a dead man, -without shrift." - -"Keep off! keep off, Beauvois," cried his adversary. "Keep off, La -Motte, or by the Holy Virgin he will kill me!" - -"That I will," muttered Chasseron heartily; and the soldiers halted -for an instant as if to consult. But your good companion of those days -was not very careful of a comrade's life; and it seemed to be soon -agreed that the insolence of the farmer was not to be tolerated out of -any consideration for the gentleman in his hands. There was, -therefore, some cocking of pistols and looking at pans, with various -other indications of coming strife. - -Chasseron, however, continued to advance, dragging his captive along, -and keeping a watchful eye upon all the proceedings of the enemy, -while the poor fellow in his hands shouted again and again to the hard -ears of his companions to hold back for God's sake. They on their part -paid little attention to his petitions; and, in a moment or two, -several of the soldiers began to creep closer, in order to get within -pistol-shot, while the rest mounted their horses as if to make an -attack on the rear of the enemy. No sooner had the foremost of those -on foot reached a fitting distance, than he began to take a deliberate -aim at the horseman; but the latter, muttering to himself, "This is -unpleasant, Pardie!" turned suddenly towards him, withdrew the pistol -from the ear of the fellow whom he held, levelled it at the other, and -fired. The man went down in a moment, his weapon discharging itself in -the air as he fell. - -At the same time the captive struggled hard in the hands of Chasseron, -and, by a sudden effort, grasped his dagger to stab him before he -could resist. But the farmer was still quicker in his movements, his -other pistol was drawn in an instant and once more at his friend's -head, and while two shots from the enemy passed close to him, one -grazing his arm, the other going through his hat, he exclaimed, "Throw -down the _dague_, or you are a dead man!" - -The order was obeyed in an instant; but it was repeated with regard to -the sword, which was also cast to the ground at a word; and then to -the surprise of the Leaguer, he was instantly set free. - -"Now," cried Chasseron, "I give you your life. Run back as hard as you -can to your comrades; and, if you have any command over them, bid them -leave off attacking a man, who never did them any harm." - -His prisoner required not two biddings to take to his heels; and the -good farmer, setting spurs to his horse, galloped up the hill as hard -as he could go, while the men who had mounted pursued him, at full -speed, firing at him as he went, and the soldier, who had at first ran -on upon the road, cast himself in the way, prepared to stop his -advance. - -As it was now a flight and pursuit, one moment was a matter of life -and death to the farmer; and as he rode on upon the enemy before him, -he leveled his remaining pistol and fired. Though now at full speed, -his aim was not less true than before; but the ball striking his -adversary's steel cap in an oblique direction, glanced off without -wounding him, and the soldier fired in turn without effect. Drawing -his sword, the farmer galloped on; but he had to do with a resolute -and powerful opponent in the man who barred the way; the others were -coming up at a furious pace, and the life of poor Master Chasseron was -in no light peril, when suddenly a party of four horsemen, well -mounted and armed, appeared on the top of the hill, riding quickly, as -if attracted by the report of the firearms. - -Now they might be friends, or they might be enemies; but Chasseron -determined to look upon them as the former, till they proved -themselves otherwise; and, waving his hand towards them, he cried, -"Help! help! Hurrah!" and, as his antagonist in front turned to see -who they were, he let fall a blow on his cap, which brought him on his -knee. The farmer was obliged instantly to wheel, however, to defend -himself against those who followed; and with wonderful strength and -agility he crossed swords with one, threw his discharged pistol at the -face of another, knocking out some of his front teeth, and watched a -third, who was somewhat behind. - -However unequal might be the combat, he maintained it gallantly, while -the appearance of the fresh party, now galloping down at full speed, -made his enemies hesitate in their operations. Nor was the cry of -"Vive le Roy!" which came from the advancing cavaliers, nor the sight -of the white scarfs with which they were decorated, calculated to -reassure the Leaguers. The men who had remained below on foot, -however, now rushed up; and, withdrawing from the attack upon the -farmer to meet the more honourable adversaries who were by this time -close upon them, they attempted to give some little array to their -front, and to recharge their pistols. - -But before this could be done, the new comers were amongst them; -Chasseron turned to give his powerful aid; white scarfs and green were -mingled together in a moment; and, after a brief struggle, the -Leaguers were driven down into the valley with the loss of two of -their number. After attempting to make a stand at the bridge they were -put to flight; and springing from their horses, the men who had -mounted followed the example of those on foot, and took refuge in the -wood, whither the victors did not think fit to pursue them. As soon as -it was clear that resistance had ceased, the successful party halted -by the stream, surrounding the good peasant with whom the strife -began; while he, on his part, hat in hand, thanked them heartily for -his deliverance. - -"Parbleu!" he exclaimed, "if you had not come up, Monsieur, I should -have lost my wheat and my money too. I had killed one of them, and -might have got the better of two more; but I do not think I could have -managed all the seven." - -These words were addressed to a young gentleman apparently not more -than one or two and twenty years of age. His complexion was pale, but -clear; his eyes dark and thoughtful; his deep brown hair waving from -under his hat, for he wore no defensive arms, and his short beard -curling round his mouth and chin. All the features of his face were -remarkably fine and delicate, but the forehead was broad and high, and -the eyebrows strongly marked. His whole air, and the expression of his -countenance, were grave and thoughtful; and although he had led the -others in their charge with gallant determination, yet it had been -with calm coolness which displayed not the slightest sign of vehemence -or emotion. The quick-eyed farmer had remarked also that he had -contented himself with driving back the enemy, and defending his own -person, without striking at any one or using the pistols with which -his saddle-bow was garnished. In person he was tall and well made, -though neither much above the ordinary height, nor apparently -particularly robust. His carriage, however, was graceful; and he sat -his horse with ease and power, managing it during the combat as if -well accustomed to the tilt yard if not to the battle field, and -drawing it suddenly up by the side of the stream when he saw that the -other party had betaken themselves to the wood. - -To the address of the good countryman he replied briefly, saying, "You -are very welcome, my good Sir; though I am not fond of such affairs, -nor much habituated to them. Neither are you, I should suppose; and -yet you seem to have defended yourself skilfully and vigorously.--Are -you not hurt?" - -"Not a whit!" answered the farmer; "and as to defending myself, that's -an old trade of mine; I have borne arms in my day, though I have given -that occupation up for the present; but there is many a man in the -army remembers Michael Chasseron. I did not wish to hurt any one, if -they would have let me pass quietly; so what they have got is their -own fault. And now we may as well see to their baggage: there may be -curious things amongst it." - -"That you may do if you like," replied the young gentleman; "neither I -nor my servants can have anything to do with plunder." - -"Nor I either," answered the farmer; "I am always content with my own, -if I could but get it; but these good men may have other things upon -them besides gold and silver. Papers, young gentleman, papers which -may be serviceable to the King; and for those, by your good leave, I -will look, begging you to stand by me for a minute or two, lest our -friends come out from their hiding-holes again." - -"Willingly, willingly," said his companion, "that is a laudable -object, and in that we will help you." Thus saying he dismounted -himself, and bidding two of his servants do the same, proceeded with -Chasseron to search the bodies of those who had fallen, three horses -which remained tied to a tree, and some baggage which had been left on -the ground where the Leaguers had been sitting. - -In a small leather bag buckled on the back of one of the chargers was -found a packet of letters and papers regarding the movements of -various bodies of men, which the good farmer examined with a curious -eye. He then handed them to the young gentleman, who had come down to -his assistance, saying. "You had better take them to the King, Sir." - -"Nay," replied the stranger, "take them yourself, my good friend; I am -not going to the camp; and if this intelligence be of importance you -may get rewarded." - -The farmer shook his head, laughing. "His Majesty," he said, "has -scarcely money, I hear, to buy himself a dinner. But I will take them, -for if I don't go myself, I will ensure that he gets them; and now let -us look at that fellow I cut over the head upon the hill, if we leave -him there, he will be frozen to death tonight, and that would be -scarce christian." - -On approaching the spot where the man lay, they found him still alive, -though bleeding and stunned by the blow he had received. After some -consultation they took him up and placed him across one of the -Leaguers' horses; and Chasseron then laid his hand upon his brow, -saying thoughtfully, "Where shall we take him? The nearest place is -Marzay, M. de Liancourt's château; but I don't rightly know whether -they will give me shelter there for the night; and this business has -stopped me so, that I shall not be able to get to Marolles before -dark." - -"Oh I will answer for your welcome, my good friend," replied the young -gentleman, "I am going to Marzay myself; M. de Liancourt is my uncle." - -"Well then, we will come along," replied the farmer, mounting his -horse again; and, the wounded man being given into the charge of one -of the gentleman's servants, they rode on up the hill, Chasseron -keeping in front with the leader of the party. - -After they had gone about two hundred yards at a slow pace, the farmer -turned towards his companion, who had fallen into a silent reverie, -and looking in his face for a moment he said, "I could almost swear I -have seen you somewhere before; but yet I know that can't be, for it -is some fifteen years ago." - -"I must have been a child then," replied the cavalier, "for I have yet -to see three-and-twenty." - -"It was your father, I suppose," continued Chasseron, "he was then a -young man, and you are as like him as one leaf on a tree is to -another." - -"What might be his name?" asked the stranger, with a faint smile; -"give me that, and I will soon tell you if it was my father." - -"That is easily done," replied the farmer; "his name was Louis de la -Grange, Baron de Montigni. He was a good soldier, and a good man." - -"You are right," said the young gentleman; "such was my father's name, -and such was his character; but he has been dead now more than ten -years." - -"Ah so I heard," answered Chasseron; "we must all die, and the great -reaper generally takes the best ears, and leaves the worthless ones -standing. I am glad to see his son, however.--But how comes it, Sir, -that you are not with the King? Many a man younger than you fought at -Arques, I believe." - -"That is not improbable," replied De Montigni; "but my uncle sent me -to Padua to study, and laid his injunctions on me to remain there. -Neither, to say the truth, did I feel much inclination to take part in -all this strife, at least so long as the present King was in arms -against his sovereign." - -"Parbleu! I do not see how he could help it," cried Chasseron; "if he -could not believe the Catholic doctrines, and they held a dagger to -his throat and bade him swear he did believe them, he had but one -choice, either to tell a lie, or knock the dagger out of their hands." - -"I do not blame him," replied the young nobleman, "and for that very -reason I felt unwilling either to take arms for my King or against -him. Besides, I have friends on both sides, am not very fond of -shedding blood, and, to tell the truth, my friend, I found better -society amongst the dead than amongst the living. I mea--" - -"Oh, I understand what you mean," answered the farmer: "you mean you -loved your books better than hard blows." - -The young gentleman's cheek grew somewhat red; "I am not afraid of -blows," he said, "and I think you have had no occasion to suppose so." - -"Pardie, no!" replied Chasseron frankly; "and I should not blame you -if you were. I am a very peaceable man myself, when men will let me -alone; and I desire nothing but to enjoy my own in tranquillity; so if -you could find peace at Padua with Horace, and Cicero, and Virgil, you -were quite right to take it." - -"You seem to know something of such studies," said the young Baron de -Montigni, with a smile. - -"Oh yes," replied Chasseron: "I see you judge by externals alone, my -young friend; and because I am here a poor cultivator of the soil, you -think that I am a mere peasant; but I am of gentle blood like -yourself--hold my own land, what is left of it; and your friend Virgil -should have taught you that there is no degradation in agriculture; so -that, though I have for a time beaten my sword into a reaping-hook, I -am not a bit the worse gentleman for that." - -"Nay, God forbid," replied the young gentleman, "I hold it one of the -most honourable employments a man can follow; but you must not censure -me for seeking occupation in my books, as you say, while you seek -occupation in your fields." - -"There is some difference, however," replied Chasseron; "in living -with the dead as you say, you cut yourself off from doing good to the -living, which ought to be the great object of each man's life. You may -tell me, that amongst those great men, those sages of antiquity, you -can best learn how to live, and gain precepts to be applied to your -future conduct; but there is a danger in being too long a learner; -and, in studying precepts all your life, you may forget ever to apply -them. Each man has duties, and those of busy times like these are -active ones. One's king, one's country, one's friends, one's -relations, one's fellow-citizens, all have claims upon us which the -dead have not; and the exercise of our abilities affords lessons for -our conduct, to which all the maxims of philosophers and moralists are -but bubbles." - -"Methinks," replied De Montigni, "that the cultivator of the soil is -not much more called into active life than the cultivator of letters." - -"Your pardon, your pardon, worthy Sir," answered the farmer; "he is -always mingling with his fellow-creatures; he is ever ready to take -his part with the rest when need shall be; he is daily benefiting -mankind, and not spending his life in studying how; he is still -learning more, even while he is enacting much; and, by the practice of -what is right, he learns to do it well." - -The young gentleman smiled gaily, but changed the subject, saying, -"Perhaps you are right; but now tell me, as you seem to have studied -all these things deeply, and most likely have lived with your eyes -open to all that has taken place, what has been doing here of late, -and what is the real state of France? for, but imperfect and maimed -accounts reach us in foreign lands, perverted by the prejudices of -men, and coloured by all the passions of the relators. Nor have I -indeed paid much attention to what I heard, till I was summoned back -by my uncle; for the only tidings that reached us, came through the -League, except once or twice, when some Royalists passed by Venice." - -"Your question is a wide one," replied Chasseron, "and I should have -to write a history to tell you. It is but needful to say, that France -is growing tired of the League; men are recovering from the fever -which had driven them mad. The King, now with many, now with few, is -still gaining ground on his enemies; but his friends are sometimes -more mischievous to him than his foes. Half the Catholics serve him -coldly, intrigue in his very camp, his court, and at his table, -because he is a heretic. The Huguenots murmur and complain because he -is obliged to buy, bribe, and reward their adversaries. Both fight -well when there is a battle or a siege, but both are well inclined to -leave him when he is obliged to spend his time in those slow and -difficult movements, which are no less necessary in a campaign than -the combat or the storming party. In the meanwhile, fed with foreign -gold, supported by foreign troops, confederated with the implacable -enemies of the land, and slaughtering Frenchmen with the swords of the -Spaniard, the only hold which the League have upon the people of -France is the frail pretext of religion, the almost incurable anarchy -into which they have thrown the country, and the possession of a -number of towns and fortresses, lands, governments, and territories, -which those who have grasped them are unwilling to resign and know -they can only retain so long as this great serpent of the League -remains uncrushed." - -"But let me hear," rejoined the young baron, "if you can tell me why, -when the King had Paris at his mercy, he did not make himself master -of it. If I have been informed aright, he could have taken it in an -hour?" - -"Perhaps he might," replied Chasseron, "and yet he did not. I think it -was very foolish of him, for my part; but still there would have been -terrible bloodshed, many thousands of good citizens would have -perished, the capital would have been a scene of slaughter, violence, -and devastation, such as the world has seldom witnessed. After all, -perhaps it is as well for a King not to do all that a King can do; and -yet the Parisians deserved no great mercy at his hands. But he, poor -foolish man, chose rather to wander about fighting here and fighting -there, sleeping hard, sometimes half starved, and working day and -night, than take their beds from under these rebellious citizens, or -give their wives and daughters up to his soldiers." - -"And he was right," cried De Montigni warmly, "and God will bless him -for it. If I am not much mistaken, that act will set him firmly on the -throne of France." - -"Perhaps so," said the farmer, "but old soldiers get hardened to such -things, and men do marvel and grumble too, that when he could have -terminated this long and desolating war by one bold and severe stroke, -he should have hesitated for the sake of the most rebellious race in -France. There is much to be said on either side, and I am inclined to -think myself that the King was wrong, though I was of a different -opinion at the time." - -"Indeed!" exclaimed his young companion, "what has made you change -your views so quickly then?" - -"Thought," answered the farmer, "thought, which may be as often the -comrade of the soldier in the camp or on the march, or of the farmer -in the field, if he likes to seek it, as of the pale student over his -book. No man need be without thought; and the active man, the man of -life and movement, acquires often a power of rapid but no less certain -calculation, which the slow ponderer of the cabinet can never gain. I -now believe, Monsieur de Montigni, upon farther consideration, that -though there might have been much bloodshed in the streets of Paris, -had it been taken when it was besieged, though even the Catholic -soldiers would have been difficult to restrain, and the Huguenots -would have remembered St. Bartholomew, yet the amount of slaughter -will be greater,--nay, perhaps has been greater already, by the -protraction of the war, than if Henry had blown the gates open, and -led his army into the heart of the capital." - -"It was an amiable weakness, if it was one," replied De Montigni; "but -see, what a splendid scene we are coming upon, while the evening sun -pours such a flood of purple over the grey waves of the wintry -forest." - -"Ay, indeed, it is a lovely land, this France," said Chasseron, "and -rich as it is lovely, if men would but be content to enjoy the -bounties which God gives, without carving out for themselves miseries -and contentions which frustrate all the benevolent purposes of the -Most High. Who that looks over such a prospect as that would think -that, in every village and in every field, in the wood and in the -plain, is strife and bloodshed, anarchy and crime, sown by the -virulent passions and intolerant bigotry of those for whose especial -blessing such glories were created? Out upon it! it almost makes one a -misanthrope. However, there stands Marzay, not half a mile distant, -with people walking on the ramparts. Who may they be, I wonder?" - -"I can divine without seeing their faces," answered the young baron; -"there are the garments of a lady, and a priest's robes, and a -pourpoint, on the gold lace of which the sun's setting rays are -glistening. They are sweet Rose d'Albret, daughter of the Count de -Marennes, who was killed at Poictiers, and good father Walter de la -Tremblade; and either my uncle De Liancourt or the good old commander, -or, more likely still, my cousin Chazeul." - -"Well," rejoined Chasseron, after a short pause, "I trust to your -warranty, Monsieur de Montigni; for I am not very sure that my having -killed a Leaguer or two will be my best recommendation; no, nor, -_ventre saint gris_, your white scarf the surest passport to favour in -Marzay. Your uncle is one of those we call _Politics_, who are more -afraid to espouse openly a cause they know to be just, than the -Leaguers to uphold one they know to be unjust; and, as for Monsieur de -Chazeul, why he is one of the pillars of the Holy Union." - -"I'll be your surety," replied De Montigni, who was beginning to take -no slight pleasure in the conversation of his frank companion. "They -shall give you a hearty welcome, or I will hardly take one for myself, -which they would not like; so never fear." - -"Nay, I fear not," answered his companion, drily: and they accordingly -rode on towards the gates, which lay straight before them. - -De Montigni, however, fell into a fit of deep musing as they -approached, and bent his eyes stedfastly upon the ground, though the -persons who were walking on the ramparts above stopped as he drew -near, and a fair lady waved her hand as if in welcome. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - - -By the reader's good leave, we must go up for a moment or two to the -ramparts of the Château of Marzay, and introduce him to the party -there, before the new comers arrive. Nay, more, we must return for -nearly an hour, and listen to the conversation which was taking place -while all the events we have just narrated were occurring in the wood -that lay beneath the eyes of those upon the castle walls, though it -must be premised, that those events had been completely hidden from -their sight by the thin veil of forest boughs, as the various turns of -fate, upon which the fortunes of our whole future life depend, are -often going on close by us, concealed from our gaze, whether anxious -or unconscious, by the ripple of an idle current of trifling things -that affect us not permanently in any way. - -The Baron de Montigni, though five or six years had elapsed since he -last saw any of the party there assembled, had, by his previous -knowledge of the circumstances, divined aright the names of the -persons of which it was composed. About an hour and a half before -sunset, a very beautiful girl of eighteen or nineteen had come forth -upon the walls for her afternoon walk, having on one hand a gentleman -dressed in the height of the extravagant fashions of the day, with a -high starched ruff, or _fraise_, as it was called, which made his head -look like that of John the Baptist in a charger, and with a slashed -and laced pourpoint of yellow velvet, stiffly embroidered with silver. -His shoes were of white satin, enriched with a rosette of yellow; and -in his girdle hung a small dagger knife, with a fretted hilt of gold, -while far behind hung his sword, as if put out of reach of his hand -lest he should use it too frequently. His beard was pointed, and -neatly trimmed; his hair curled, and turned back from his face; and on -the top of his head he wore a small velvet toque, with a single long -feather. In person he was tall, and not ungraceful, though somewhat -stiff; and his features were all good, though there was certainly -something in the disposition of them which gave a sinister and -unpleasant expression to his countenance. Perhaps this effect was -produced by the closeness of the eyes and the narrowness of the brows, -which produced a shrewd and confined look, though his face might -otherwise have been prepossessing. - -Though dressed with such scrupulous care, his air and manner was not -that of a fop. It was not easy and unrestrained, indeed, but it was -bold and confident; and if one might judge--as we almost all do -judge--from manner and appearance, pride, rather than vanity, was his -prevailing folly; shrewd ambition, rather than levity, the -characteristic vice. Yet, as we shall see, he was not without -lightness, too; but it was often used in those days as a means to an -end, and covered too frequently intense selfishness under an air of -idle indifference. - -On the other side of the young lady walked, to and fro with her upon -the rampart, a man considerably passed the middle age, dressed in the -habit of the clergy. His hair was almost white, though here and there -a streak of a darker hue showed that it had been once jet black. His -features were fine, though apparently worn with care and thought; and -the expression of his countenance was grave, calm, and almost stern. -His large dark eyes were, indeed, full of light, but it was not of -that kind which illuminates what is within for the gaze of others, but -it rather fell dazzling upon those who were his companions for the -time, searching the secrets of their hearts, and displaying none of -his own. His lips were thin and pale; his cheek delicate and hollow, -but with a slight tinge of red, which by its varying intensity, from -time to time gave the only indication to be obtained of strong -emotions in his bosom. - -But we must speak of the lady, for truly she deserves some notice, -were it but for her beauty. There were, however, other things to be -remarked in her besides the fine and delicate features, the graceful -and rounded limbs, the bright complexion, the fair skin, the tangles -of her luxuriant dark brown hair, the heaving bosom, or the perfect -symmetry of the neck and shoulders. In the large, soft hazel eyes, -under their jetty fringes, on the warm arching lips, and in the dimple -of the cheek, shone forth a gay and bright spirit, which, perhaps, -under some circumstances might have been full of playful jest and -light-hearted merriment; but, as it was, the light was subdued and -shaded almost to sad thoughtfulness. It seemed as if cares and -anxieties, if not sorrows and misfortunes, had come upon her young; or -as if those with whom her early years had been spent, had laboured to -repress, rather than moderate, the joyous buoyancy of youth, and had -brought a cloud over the sunshine of girlhood. - -It was not exactly so, indeed; but living in troublous times, when the -mind became familiar with great but tragic acts, and every day brought -some subject for deep and anxious thought, and passing her life in -comparative seclusion with people older than herself,--not very -wise nor very considerate, though not actually domineering and -austere,--her cheerfulness had been repressed, though not -extinguished, and a shade of sadness brought over her demeanour, -rendering it various and changeful like an April day. Her dress was -rich and tasteful, according to the fashion of the times, but more in -the style of the fair and unhappy queen of Scotland, than of the harsh -and masculine Elizabeth. There were no gaudy colours; indeed there was -no great display of embroidery; but the lace which waved over her fair -bosom and rose round her snowy neck, was of the finest and most costly -kind; and the black velvet of her dress was here and there looped with -pearls. - -When first she came forth, by a door that led over a small bridge to -the inner parts of the dwelling, she paused at the edge of the wall -for a moment, and gazed over the scene around. Youth is generally more -fond of contemplating nature's handiwork than age. Mature life is -usually spent in dealing with man and man's acts; the face of nature -comes upon us then as an impression rather than a subject of -contemplation. To the young, it is full of interest and of wonder; -imagination robes it in her own garmenture of light, peoples each -shady dell, fills the forest with her own creations, and calls up in -each village or church or tower a wild and agitated throng of feelings -and sensations, of hopes and fears, all the beings of the fancy, -ephemeral though bright, confused though lively, impalpable though -vivid. Youth sees more than the landscape,--age, sees it as it is; the -one has its own sun-shine, to adorn all it looks upon; the other views -everything under the shady cloud. - -Rose d'Albret stopped to gaze; then, notwithstanding the chilliness of -the wintry air, she turned her eyes to the east over the gray lines, -where the vanguard of the night was marching forward over the sky, and -then looked round to the west, where the rear of day was all -glittering with golden light. What made her sigh? what made her fix -her eyes upon a thin white film of mist that rose up from the deeper -parts of the forest, like the smoke of a heath-burner's fire? Who can -say? who can trace along the magic chain of association, link by link, -and tell how the objects within her sight connected themselves in her -mind with her own situation, and made her remember that she had much -to regret? - -"You are thoughtful to-night, Rose," said the Marquis de Chazeul. - -"And may a woman never be thoughtful, Chazeul?" asked Rose d'Albret. -"If such be your creed, pray seek another wife, for you will often -find me so, I assure you." - -"Nay," replied Chazeul, "I would not disappoint you so for the world, -sweet Rose; it would break your little heart if I were to take you at -your word." - -"No, indeed," replied the young lady, with perfect calmness; "you are -quite mistaken, Chazeul, my heart is not so easily broken; and, as for -disappointment, it would be none at all; I am in that happy state, -that, whatever be the event, I can bear it with calmness." - -"Or at all events, with affected indifference," replied her companion, -a little nettled, "is it not so, Rose?" - -"Not at all," she answered; "you never saw me affect anything that I -did not feel. Here is father Walter, who has known me as long and -better than yourself, can witness for me. Did you ever see me pretend -to anything that is not real, Monsieur de la Tremblade?" - -"Never, my dear child," replied the priest; "and I should think -Monsieur de Chazeul should be very well content to see you willing to -give your hand to him according to your guardian's commands. In the -first place, it shows that obedient disposition, on which so much of a -husband's happiness depends; and in the next place, it leaves him the -sweet task of teaching you to love him." - -"That is, if he can," said Rose d'Albret, with a smile; "but do you -know, my good father," she continued, "I would draw another inference -from the facts, which is simply this, that it would be better for -Monsieur de Chazeul to give me longer time to learn that same lesson -of love, and not to press forward this same marriage so hastily." - -"Nay, on my life," answered Chazeul, "it is Monsieur de Liancourt's -doing, not mine; but I will acknowledge, sweet Rose, that my eagerness -to possess so fair a flower may make me anxious to gather it without -delay, though my impatience may make me prick my fingers with the -thorns, as I have done just now." - -"Well, I am in the hands of others," said Rose d'Albret; "I have -nothing to do but to obey; and doubtless, in hurrying this matter -forward, my guardian does what he thinks best for me." - -"He may have many reasons, dear daughter," said the priest, "he is -old; times are troublesome and dangerous; none can tell what a day may -bring forth; and it is a part of his duty to see you married and under -the protection of a younger and more active man than himself, before -he is called to quit this busy scene." - -"Oh, I think, good father, I could protect myself," replied Rose -d'Albret. "Those thorns my cousin De Chazeul talks of, would be quite -hedge enough, I should imagine,--but hark, there are guns in the -wood--and there again!" - -All listened, and two or three more shots were distinctly heard. - -"I thought we had a truce here?" said Rose d'Albret. - -"True, amongst ourselves," answered the Marquis de Chazeul; "but we -cannot get others always to observe it; and 'tis not unlikely that -these are a party of Henry de Bourbon's heretic soldiers wandering -about, and committing some of their usual acts of violence and -plunder. He is now besieging Dreux, I find." - -"Why, I have always heard," said Rose d'Albret, "that the King is -strict and scrupulous in restraining his soldiers from such excesses." - -"The King?" exclaimed Chazeul, with his lip curling. "Pray call him -some other name, sweet Rose. He may be a king of heretics, but he is -no king of mine, nor of any other Catholics." - -"Hush, hush!" cried Walter de la Tremblade, "you must not let Monsieur -de Liancourt hear you make such rash speeches. He acknowledges him as -King of right, though not in fact,--his religion being the only bar." - -"And that an insurmountable one," said the Marquis; "if he were to -profess himself converted to-morrow, who would believe him? I am sure -not I." - -"Nay, cousin," replied Rose d'Albret, "one who is so frank and free, -so true to all men, so strict a keeper of his word as the King is -reported to be, would never falsify the truth in that. Remember, too, -I am his humble cousin; for the counts of Marennes come from the same -stock as the old kings of Navarre." - -"Ay, a hundred degrees removed," said Chazeul; "I have no fear, dear -Rose, of your blood being contaminated by his." - -"Well, it matters not," replied Rose d'Albret, with a laugh; "I intend -to fall in love with him whenever I see him." - -"It might be better," observed Chazeul, "to try that with your -husband." - -"Oh no," cried his fair companion, gaily; "that would be quite -contrary to all rule, Chazeul, especially amongst the ladies and -gentlemen of the League. As far as I have heard, they have done away -with all such foolish old customs; and loyalty to their king, or love -between husband and wife are amongst the errors of the past, which -they quite repudiate." Chazeul bit his lip, and she went on, "I should -like to see this King, he is so gallant and so noble, I am sure I -should love him--is he very handsome, Monsieur de Chazeul?" - -"I never saw him, Mademoiselle," answered the Marquis, somewhat -bitterly, "except at such a distance that one could discover nothing -but the white plume in his hat, and on his horse's head." - -"I have seen him often, long ago," said the priest, "when he was a -mere youth, at the court of the Queen Mother; and then he was as -handsome a boy as ever my eyes lighted upon, with a skin so delicately -soft, and such a warm colour in his cheek, one would have thought him -little fitted for the rough, laborious, and perilous life he has since -led." - -"Hark! there are guns again," exclaimed Rose d'Albret; and a sudden -cloud came over her brow. "I hope these people," she continued, after -a moment's pause, "are not attacking my cousin De Montigni." - -"They will soon make an end of him if they do," said Chazeul; "at -least I should suppose so." - -"You seem very indifferent to the matter," observed the lady quickly; -"why do you imagine so?" - -"Simply because a book-read student, who has been passing the best -part of his life within the walls of a college, can be no match for -men of courage and of action," replied Chazeul. - -"Fie," replied Rose d'Albret, warmly; "Louis de Montigni has as much -courage as any one. I can remember him before he went abroad, a wild -rash boy, who used to frighten me by the daring things he did. But if -you had any kindness in your nature, Chazeul, you would go out to help -him--in case it be he who is attacked. He must be on the road even -now; I wonder he is not arrived." - -"I will go and speak with Monsieur de Liancourt about it," replied -Chazeul; and leaving the priest and the lady together, he retired for -a short time from the walls. - -"Let us listen," said Rose d'Albret; and, leaning her arm upon the -stone-work, she turned her ear towards the wood, bending down her -bright eyes upon the ground, while the priest advanced, and standing -beside her gazed at her for a moment, and then looked out over the -country beyond. - -During the whole conversation which had taken place, he had watched -her closely; and, well acquainted with her character from infancy, he -had read aright all that was passing in her mind. He saw that the -coldness which she displayed towards the man selected for her future -husband was no assumed indifference, none of the coquettish excitement -which many a woman learns too early to administer to the passion of a -favoured lover, none of that holding back which is intended to lead -forward; none of that reluctance which is affected but to be overcome. -He perceived clearly enough that she was indifferent to him, and -perhaps somewhat more; that she felt for him no respect--but little -esteem; and, though accustomed for some years to his society from time -to time, and habituated to look upon her marriage with him as an act -that was to be, that she now began to feel repugnance as the time -approached for performing the contract, which had been entered into by -others without her knowledge or consent. In short, he saw that, though -she would obey, it would be unwillingly. - -The priest regretted that it was so; for he felt no slight affection -towards her, though, as too often happens, he was ready to do all he -could, from other considerations, to promote a sacrifice which might -destroy the happiness of one he loved almost as a child. The knowledge -that she was indifferent towards Chazeul might grieve him, but it did -not in the least induce him to pause in the course he had determined -to pursue; and he proceeded, after a few moments given to thought, to -draw forth her sentiments further, while, at the same time, he -endeavoured to work some change in her opinions. - -"He is certainly very handsome," said the priest abruptly; "do you not -think so?" - -"Who?" cried D'Albret, with a start. "Oh! Chazeul! Yes, perhaps he is; -and yet not handsome either." - -"Indeed," said Walter de la Tremblade, "I think I never saw finer -features, or a more graceful form." - -"No, not graceful, surely," said the young lady. "Well-proportioned, -perhaps, and his features are all good, it is true; but yet, father, -there is something that makes him not handsome." - -"What?" asked the priest. - -"Nay, I cannot well tell," answered Mademoiselle d'Albret; "perhaps it -is that his eyes are too close together--but I was thinking of De -Montigni, good father; I hope no mischance has befallen him." - -"Oh! I trust not!" answered her companion. "And so, Rose, this is the -only fault you can find with your lover's beauty, that his eyes are -too close together! I can assure you, sweet lady, that the fair dames -of Paris do not perceive that defect, and that you may have some -trouble to keep the heart you have won." - -"I wish--" said Rose d'Albret, but then she broke off suddenly, -leaving the sentence unconcluded, and beginning again afresh, she -added, "Heaven knows, good father, that I took no pains to win his -love; and perhaps the best way to retain it when I am his wife, if -ever that happens, will be to take no pains to keep it." - -"It will then be a duty to take pains," answered the priest, somewhat -sternly; "we are not born, my daughter, in this life, to seek nothing -but our own pleasure and happiness. We are here to fulfil the -important tasks assigned us by the Almighty, and clearly pointed out -to us by the circumstances in which we are placed. To neglect them is -sinful, to perform them coldly is reprehensible; and it is our -greatest wisdom, as well as our strictest duty, to labour that our -inclinations may go hand in hand with the performance of that which -God has given us to do." - -"Nay," said Rose, laying her hand gently on the sleeve of his gown, -"you speak severely, good father. I do not see how it is so clearly -pointed out that I should marry Nicholas de Chazeul; and I do wish -that the ceremony were not hurried in this way. However, if I do wed -him, depend upon it I shall follow your counsel, and do my best to -love him. At all events," she added, raising her head somewhat -proudly, "you may be sure, that under no circumstance will I forget -what is due to him and to myself. I may be an unhappy wife, but I will -never be a bad one." - -"That I doubt not, that I doubt not," said the priest warmly; "but -what I wish to point out to you is, the way to happiness, daughter; -and depend upon it you can but find it in doing your duty cheerfully." - -"I know it, my excellent friend," answered Rose, "and it shall be my -endeavour so to act; but I could much desire before I take a vow to -love any one, that I had some better means of knowing how far I can -fulfil it." - -"Oh! if you have the will to do so," answered father Walter, "it may -easily be done." - -"What!" she cried eagerly, "easy to love a man one cannot esteem or -respect! I say not that such is the case in the present instance, -father," she continued, seeing her companion fix his eyes upon her -with a look of surprise and inquiry; "I only state a case that might -be. Suppose I were to find him cold, selfish, heartless, cruel, -vicious, base, how should I love him then?" - -"But Monsieur de Chazeul is none of these," rejoined the priest. - -"I say not that he is," answered Rose d'Albret; "I only say he may be -for aught I know. I knew him not in youth; and in manhood I have seen -him twice or thrice a year in circles where all men wear a mask. I -would fain see him with his face bare, good father." - -"Few women ever so see their lovers," rejoined the priest; "love is -the greatest of all hypocrites." - -"Perhaps that is true," said Rose; "yet time, if a woman's eyes be -unblinded by her own feelings, does generally, soon or late, draw back -the covering of the heart, so far as to show her some of the features. -I have seen little: I would see more; for what I have seen makes me -doubt." - -"Indeed!" exclaimed her companion, "what have you perceived to raise -suspicions? Some casual word, some slight jest, I warrant you; such as -he spoke just now about his cousin. Idle words, daughter! idle words, -upon which you must put no harsh interpretation." - -"How often idle words betray the spirit within!" said Rose. "They are -the careless jailers which let the prisoner forth out of his secret -dungeon. They have cost many a king his crown, if history be true; -many a woman reputation, aye, and perhaps, many a lover his lady's -hand. But what I wish is to hear more than idle words, to see more -than a masked face; and, I do beseech you, aid me to delay this -marriage for a time. Why was I not told earlier? Why was all arranged -without my knowledge? Louis de Montigni has been summoned back more -than a month, and yet I have had but one week, one poor week, allowed -me to prepare my thoughts, to nerve my heart for the great change of -woman's existence. Marriage, to man, is but a pageant, a ball, a -festival. To us, it is one of the sole events. It is birth or death to -woman. I do beseech you, father, if you have ever loved me, if you -have watched over my youth, counselled me rightly, enlightened and -instructed my mind, led me on in honour, virtue, faith--I do beseech -you, aid me but to delay this ceremony. I feel not rightly here," and -she laid her hand upon her bosom. - -"I cannot promise to do so, my sweet child," replied the priest. "The -marriage is decided; your guardian's word is given; and I cannot but -think it may be well for all, that the final seal be put to the -engagement as soon as may be." - -"Do you?" said Mademoiselle d'Albret; but there she stopped, for at -that moment Chazeul appeared again at a little distance; and Walter de -la Tremblade advanced towards him. The next moment, however, she -murmured to herself, "They have gained him; and I am alone!" - -A change came over her from that instant, and when, after speaking a -word together, the other two rejoined her, she was cheerful if not -gay. - -"The Count declares it is some loose party stealing the deer," said -Chazeul, as he approached; "and thought it needless to send out to -see, as, in these days, when one can hardly secure the corn of one's -fields, or the fruits of one's vineyard, it were a vain hope to keep -the game of one's woods." - -"Well, he knows best," replied Rose d'Albret; "and now, good cousin of -Chazeul, do tell me, what is to be the fate of France? How often is -your great friend the Duke to be defeated, before he succeeds in -crushing heresy, excluding the King from the throne, and putting some -one on that thorny seat instead?" - -"He will be defeated, as you term it, no more, fair lady," answered -the Marquis; "for if report speaks true, he is even now marching -against Henry of Bourbon with a force that shall crush him and his -apostates, as men tread down an ants' nest." - -"Indeed?" asked his fair companion; "then there will be a battle -soon?" - -"Within three days, men think," replied Chazeul. - -"And of course you will be present?" said Rose d'Albret. - -But the colour rose in her lover's cheek while he replied, "Nay, I -cannot quit my bride and give up my bridal for any cause." - -"True! men would say it was an ungallant gallantry," she replied; "and -yet ladies love heroic acts I have heard. God help us! We women, I -believe, but little know what we would have." - -"That is very true," said the priest; "and, therefore, fair daughter, -it is wisely arranged that others should decide for them." - -"Perhaps so," answered the lady; "but one thing is certain, they would -do so, whether it were better for us or not." - -They then walked on once or twice along the whole range of the rampart -without speaking, each seemingly busy with thoughts which they did not -choose to utter; till at length the lady resumed the conversation on a -new theme: "Methinks, cousin of Chazeul, the court in its days of -splendour, must have been a gay place." - -"It was, indeed," replied the Marquis, glad of a subject which enabled -him to speak more freely; "I know nought so brilliant on the face of -the earth as was the court of Henry of Valois, some five years before -his death; but I trust ere long we shall see a monarch who will hold -as bright a one, without displaying his weaknesses; and then I trust -Rose de Chazeul will shine amongst the very first in splendour, and in -beauty." - -"I am determined," she answered, with a smile, "if ever I appear at -the court, to have a coronet of diamonds fashioned into roses, to bear -out my name." - -"Oh trust to me," cried Chazeul, "trust to me, to find devices which -shall make you outshine the Queen." - -"Ha! there come a party over the hills," cried Mademoiselle d'Albret. -"It is De Montigni, I am sure;" and running forward to the edge of the -rampart, she looked forth; but, as she did so, she murmured, "Do they -think to buy and sell me for a goldsmith's toy?" - -Her two companions joined her in a moment; and, as the party -approached, she waved her hand as we have before related, gaily -beckoning her cousin. He did not raise his eyes, however; and with an -air of some mortification, she said, "He will not look up!" - -"He is bashful," said Chazeul; "too much study makes but a timid -gentleman." - -"So they say," replied Rose d'Albret; "but let us in and meet him at -all events." - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - - -There was an old hall in the Château de Marzay, very like many another -old hall in many parts both of France and England, some forty feet in -span, some seventy in length, arched over with a concave roof, nearly -semi-circular in the curve, and not at all unlike, with its rounded -ribs, the tilt of an enormous waggon. From the line where the vault -sprang from the walls, ten or twelve large beams projected, ornamented -at the ends with curiously carved and somewhat grotesque heads, -supporting each an upright, upon which the arches of the roof rested, -while diagonal beams gave additional strength to this sort of -permanent scaffolding. The floor, as was usual in such chambers, was -of polished tiles, alternately octangular and square; and seven large -windows, with very small panes set in lead, gave light to the -interior. - -This hall was the favourite place, in all the castle, of its Lord, -Anthony Lefevre, Count de Liancourt, a gentleman allied to some of the -first families in France, who had served in former wars with tolerable -reputation, showing a greater lack of judgment than of courage; the -latter quality leading him into many dangers, from which he had been -saved, more by the skill and resolution of his friends and followers, -than his own discretion. Comparatively few of the vices of man do not -spring from his weaknesses. It is still the contest between the -stronger and the feebler parts of our nature which overthrows us; and -whether the passion be vanity or pride or avarice or ambition, or any -of all the host of minor fiends against which we pray, it is solely by -weakness of the higher qualities, placed to guard the heart in -opposition to them, that either or all gain the ascendancy. We do not -have a care to fortify the garrison betimes, as we might do, and the -enemy takes us by siege, or storm, or escalade. - -The Count de Liancourt had been all his life a weak man, and the -passion which triumphed the most frequently over him was vanity; but -he had sufficient talent, which is very far from incompatible with -weakness, to conceal from the eyes of those who did not know him to -the very heart, the feebleness of his character. The suggestions of -other people he passed for the result of his own deliberations, and he -adhered to these adopted children with all the fondness of a parent. -Though naturally wavering and undecided, he had the skill to give a -colouring of moderation and prudence to that conduct which sprung from -hesitation; and, by adopting the reasonings of wiser men, he justified -that course which in him was the result of unreasonable doubts. But as -he was wanting in discrimination of justice, right, and propriety, it -not unfrequently happened that the very art with which he covered the -fact that he followed rather than led, turned to his discredit; and -acts by no means honourable to him were very generally ascribed to his -own cunning, which were in truth only attributable to his own -weakness. Without giving the whole history of his life, these facts -could not have been made manifest by any other means than by -description, and therefore I have thought fit to point out some -peculiarities in a character which would not probably have room to -develop itself. - -He loved, I have said, that old hall, and would pass many an hour -there, either walking to and fro--apparently in deep thought, but in -reality more engaged in day-dreams than meditations--or in writing or -reading at a table in one of the windows, while ever and anon he -raised his eyes to the banners and ensigns which hung from the beams, -and contemplated with pleasure the long ancestral line of which they -were mementos. - -In this hall he was found by his fair ward, Rose d'Albret, and her two -companions, on their return from the battlements; but the Lady had to -place her hand upon his arm before he roused himself from a book which -he seemed studying deeply. - -"De Montigni has just arrived, my dear uncle," said Rose, as he looked -up; "we saw him from the walls." - -"I am glad to hear it," replied the Count; "I knew no harm would -happen to him. Ah, here he comes!" - -As he spoke, the young nobleman entered the hall, followed by the good -farmer Chasseron; and Monsieur de Liancourt advancing towards him, -opened his arms and embraced him with every mark of kindness. - -"Welcome! welcome, my dear boy!" he said, in a somewhat pompous tone; -"welcome back to Marzay. You will find the old château just as it was, -though your uncle cannot boast of bearing his years as well, Louis. -Here are your gay cousin Chazeul and my fair ward Rose, all ready to -receive you, and wish you joy of your return. Why, you look somewhat -thin and pale!" - -Chazeul embraced De Montigni also, and congratulated him upon his safe -arrival in his native land, adding, "You have been no great traveller, -I think, nevertheless, Louis. Padua has been your boundary, has it -not? And there, doubtless, you have made yourself a very learned man, -while we here have learned nothing but hard blows and rough campaigns. -By my faith, you have, I think, chosen the better part, at least the -happier one, though here is a fair reward for all one's labours. Sweet -Rose, do you not welcome your cousin?" - -The cheek of Rose d'Albret grew somewhat red, partly through -indignation, partly through embarrassment. She saw clearly enough the -latent design of the Marquis de Chazeul in speaking of her as if she -were actually his; and she felt some anger at being called forward to -welcome the companion of her youth, as if she were not prompt to do -so, by a man who had shown such indifference to his safety. She came -forward gracefully, however, and held out her hand to De Montigni, -with a warm and kindly smile, saying, "Indeed I am very glad to see -you, Louis; but you would take no notice of me just now. I waved my -hand to you from the walls, to be the first to wish you joy on your -return, but you did not look up." - -De Montigni coloured, and faltered for a moment, but then replied, -earnestly, "I saw you from a distance, and knew you at once; but as I -came near, a thousand memories of other days assailed me, Mademoiselle -d'Albret. Days long gone rose up before me, hopes vanished, pleasures -past away, regrets unavailing; and I could not but give myself up to -thought." - -Rose asked herself what were the hopes, what the regrets, he spoke of; -and her heart beat, and her cheek grew somewhat pale. She looked -round, however; Chazeul was talking in a whisper with her guardian; -the priest was standing in the window; and she said, in a low voice, -"Do not call me Mademoiselle d'Albret, Louis. That is a cold name. It -used ever to be Rose, or cousin, in former days." - -"Cousin you are not, except by courtesy," replied De Montigni, in the -same tone, "and I did not venture to call you Rose, now that you are -another's." - -The colour came warmly into her cheek, but she cast down her eyes, -saying, in a tone scarcely audible, "I am not another's yet; and, if -ever I am, I shall then be your cousin really." - -De Montigni knew little of the world, it is true; but yet when a woman -speaks of such matters, in so low a tone, to one for whom she -professes friendship, it shows at least a confidence in him, which is -near akin to deeper regard. He was embarrassed, however; and how many -opportunities does not embarrassment cause us to lose for ever! how -often does it make us seem the very reverse of what we are! The kind -appear harsh, the affectionate cold, the modest even impudent. He knew -not what to reply; and suddenly breaking off their private -conversation, though it might have lasted longer, for his uncle was -still talking eagerly with Chazeul, he turned to his companion -Chasseron, who, standing a step behind, had remained unnoticed, -watching with his clear and penetrating eyes all that was passing -before him, and drawing at once his own conclusions. - -"My dear uncle," said the young nobleman, addressing Monsieur de -Liancourt, "here is a worthy gentleman to whom I have promised a -welcome for the night in your name. I found him in the wood about half -an hour ago, attacked by some six or seven marauders, two of whom he -had disabled before I came up." - -"Ay, Sir," rejoined Chasseron, "and if you had not come up and fought -gallantly when you did come, the rest would have soon disabled me. To -your courage and skill I owe my life, _pardie!_" - -"Indeed!" cried Rose d'Albret, with her cheek glowing and her eyes -turned somewhat reproachfully towards Chazeul, "I told you I was sure -Louis was attacked, and that the guns we heard were those of some of -these plunderers. I knew De Montigni was coming at that hour," she -added as a sort of explanation, "and thought it very likely that he -would meet with some lawless band in the wood." - -"It was in my defence, fair Lady, that he fought," said Chasseron, -"and gallantly he did fight, too." - -"And pray, Sir, who are you?" demanded Chazeul, with an angry spot -upon his cheek at hearing the praises of one whom he wished to believe -weak and timid. - -"A very poor gentleman, Sir," replied Chasseron, "not many poorer in -the realm of France; and yet a gentleman. My name is Michael de -Chasseron; and in days of yore, I have seen many a well stricken -field; so that I am some judge of such matters, though now I have laid -aside that trade, and am, as you may see, but a cultivator of the -ground." - -"Michael de Chasseron! I have heard the name," said Monsieur de -Liancourt; "at all events you are welcome, Sir; and such entertainment -as the Château of Marzay can afford you shall command." - -Chasseron was expressing his thanks briefly, when a loud rough-toned -but hearty voice was heard without, exclaiming, "Where is he? where is -he? where is my dear boy?" and at the same moment an old man entered -the room, who had apparently, though not really, numbered more years -than Monsieur de Liancourt himself. He was dressed in a buff coat of -buckskin, laced with gold, with a high-standing collar, according to a -fashion passed away some fifteen or twenty years before, with no ruff -round his neck, but merely a plain linen cape turned back from his -grey beard and neck. Over his shoulders hung a riband, from which was -suspended the cross of a Commander of the order of St. John, and in -his hand he carried a stout staff, on which he leant as he advanced up -the hall, somewhat limping in his gait from an old wound in the leg. A -deep scar appeared on his brow, and a large hole on his right cheek, -mementos of former fields; and his whole frame seemed greatly -shattered by injuries and labours. His eye however was clear and -bright, his cheek warm and healthy, and his countenance frank and -smiling. - -The instant he entered he paused, looked straight towards De Montigni, -and then stretched out his arms. The young man sprang to meet his -embrace, and the old commander held him for several moments to his -heart, unable apparently to speak from emotion. A tear rose in the eye -of Rose d'Albret as she witnessed the meeting, and for a moment she -turned away towards the window. - -"Welcome, welcome, Louis," cried the old Commander de Liancourt, -"welcome back at length, my boy; but what the devil made thee stay -away so long? thou shouldst have been here years ago! 'Tis a bad -business, Louis, 'tis a bad business; but no matter for that, it can't -be helped. We are all fools at some time of our lives; one man when he -is young, another man when he is old. Heaven help us, man, how tall -thou art grown! and I'll warrant you, notwithstanding all they say of -your studies, can wield a sword or couch a lance with any one. -_Pardie_, I'll have thee run a tilt with Chazeul in the court-yard -to-morrow!" and dropping his voice, he added with a laugh, "break his -head for him, Louis; he is a coxcomb and a knave, though he be my -sister's son; but she's not much better, for that matter." - -While he spoke, he held the young man by the hand, and eyed him all -over with a look of fond affection, seeming to attend but little to -what he said in reply, though De Montigni answered him in warm terms -of regard, and declared he looked in better health than when last he -saw him. - -"Ay boy, ay," said the old commander, "rest and idleness have done -something for me; though if I could have mounted my horse, I would -have been in the field long ago; but this accursed wound still keeps -me out of the saddle, and I am no better than an old woman,--food for -worms--food for worms, Louis! This old carrion of mine is quite ready -for the earth, when it be God's will. But you must see old Estoc; he -bore your father's cornet at Jarnac; and the old villain does not know -you are come, or he would have been here long ago. Halloo there! -Estoc! Estoc!" and he made the hall ring with his shout. - -"For heaven's sake, my good brother," said Monsieur de Liancourt, "do -not shake the walls of the château down. Some one tell Estoc that -Monsieur de Montigni is arrived." - -"Monsieur de Montigni!" said the commander, imitating his brother's -tone. "Warm that, Louis!--cordial! Monsieur de Montigni! _Ventre saint -gris!_ have you quite forgot he is your nephew, brother? Your eldest -sister's son? Ah! poor Louise; if she could but see what I see!--Well, -'tis no matter, the grave is a sure shield against many a wound." - -"Come, come, now brother," said Monsieur de Liancourt, somewhat -sharply, "your humour gets intolerable. Did you not promise that I -should have none of this?" - -"Promise? No, not a bit of it," cried the old commander; "I always -keep my promises, Anthony; I wish others did as well. However, there -is no use of talking now. You must have it all your own way. You -always did; and a pretty affair you often made of it. Ah! here comes -Estoc.--Here he is, old comrade, here he is, with just the same face -he went away, only with a beard on it!" - -These words were addressed to a tall, old, weather-beaten man, as thin -and as stiff as a lance, who advanced with great strides up the hall, -and taking the Baron de Montigni in his arms, gave him a great hug; -then suddenly letting him go, he said, "I could not help it, Sir, -indeed. Bless my heart, it seems as if you were little Louis still; do -you recollect how I used to teach you to ride, and to shoot, and to -play with sword and buckler?" - -"Ay, that I do, Estoc," replied the young nobleman; "those lessons -have served me well, many a time since, and no longer ago than to-day. -But I must give my companion of this afternoon's adventure into your -charge, Estoc. Where is Monsieur de Chasseron?" he continued, looking -around. - -"He left the room this moment, probably to see after his horse," -observed father Walter, advancing from the window for the first time. - -"I will go and find him," answered Estoc; "I passed some one in the -vestibule, but as it is growing grey, I scarcely saw him;" and he -turned abruptly to depart. - -"Hark ye, Estoc," said the old commander, detaining him for a moment, -and speaking in a whisper, "come up to his room when he goes to change -his clothes. I must have some talk with him; the boy must know how he -stands here--do you understand?" - -Estoc nodded his head, and took his departure without reply. - -In the meantime the priest had held out his hand to the young Baron de -Montigni, saying, "Though the last to wish you joy on your return, -Sir, I do so sincerely, and trust you have fared well during your -absence." - -"Ah! good father," exclaimed the young Baron, "in this dim light I did -not know you; but I am right glad to see you again, and have to thank -you for many a wise counsel and much good instruction, by which I hope -I have not failed to profit. Have you been well since last we parted?" - -"As well as I could wish to be," replied the priest; "not that I am -sure that high health is as great a blessing as men think. Like wealth -and many another of this world's gifts, it sometimes leads us to -forget our dependence on the Giver." - -"I trust not to a well-regulated mind," said De Montigni; "and I am -sure, to you it could be no source of evil." - -The old man looked down and shut his teeth fast together; and Monsieur -de Liancourt, wishing to bring a scene which was not altogether -pleasing to him to a close as speedily as possible, told De Montigni -that the evening meal would be ready in half an hour, so that he had -but time to change his riding-dress. - -The young nobleman lingered for a few moments, however, conversing -with those around, and marking many things which the actors therein -little knew that he observed. Chazeul had kept close to the side of -Rose d'Albret since his conversation with the Count had come to an -end, and thrice he had endeavoured to engage her attention to himself, -but in vain. At this moment, however, he said with some degree of -irritation in his tone, "You seem very much occupied, sweet Rose." - -"So I am, Monsieur de Chazeul," she answered aloud, "and interested -too.--Are you not so?" - -"Oh, certainly," he replied, "these receptions are always interesting -ceremonies." - -"Not to those, with whom they are ceremonies," said Rose d'Albret; and -while Chazeul bit his lip, and his brow contracted moodily, she turned -to speak with father Walter de la Tremblade. - -De Montigni was conversing, in the meantime with his two uncles; but -he had heard all, and marked particularly the words "Monsieur de -Chazeul;" and whatever other effect might be produced upon him, the -immediate result was to throw him into a fit of thought, and make him -answer some of Monsieur de Liancourt's questions at random. - -"What are you thinking about, Louis?" cried the old commander; "my -brother asks when you left Padua; and you say, five years." - -"He is tired and exhausted," said Monsieur de Liancourt; "he had -better go and take off these heavy boots, cool his head and hands in -some fresh water, and come down to supper, where we will refresh him -with a good cup of wine." - -"I am tired," said the young nobleman, "for I have ridden more than -twenty leagues to-day, so that I will take your advice, my good uncle, -and find my way down to the supper-hall when I hear the trumpet." - -Thus saying, he retired, passing through the vestibule, where in one -of the deep windows he saw his old friend Estoc, still busily talking -to the good farmer Chasseron. De Montigni did not stop, however, but -merely said, as he passed by, "Take care of him, Estoc, and seek him -out a comfortable room." - -"That I will, Sir," replied Estoc, and continued his conversation. - -The first meeting between the two who now stood together in the -window, had been somewhat curious. On quitting the hall, the old -soldier had entered the vestibule with his usual wide and hasty -strides; and, as that side of the château was turned from the sun, so -that it was darker than most other parts of the house, he might not -have seen the man he came in search of, who was seated on a bench near -the window, had not his attention been called by a voice pronouncing -the word, 'Estoc.' - -Turning quickly round he advanced towards him, and gazed in his face, -saying, "You seem to know me, Sir, and methinks I have seen you -before." - -"You have, my good friend," replied Chasseron; "we have met twice; do -you not remember Michael Chasseron?" - -"I remember Peter Chasseron, right will," replied the old soldier; "he -took me prisoner at St. Jean, and treated me right kindly; but you are -not the same," and while he spoke he continued to examine the -countenance of his companion with great attention. - -"And when he had taken you," replied the farmer, "he brought you to -the person who was in command of the troop. That was his brother. I am -the same. Do you recollect me now?" - -Estoc gazed at him again, and then answered in a significant tone, "I -think I do; but it is twelve years ago, and you were a young man then. -Come into the window and let me look at you." - -"I am the same I tell you," replied Chasseron, moving into the window; -"there, take as good a look as you like." - -Estoc did not fail to do so; then cast down his eyes, and bit the side -of his hand with his teeth. "Well," he said, at length, "you are a -bold man to venture here, all things considered. Do you not know that -we are all Catholics in this place, and Monsieur de Chazeul one of the -foremost of the League, who would think no more of putting you to -death, be the result what it would, than of sitting down to his -supper?" - -"Parbleu! I know it right well," replied Chasseron; "and that is the -reason I waited for you here. I am sure that you are not one who would -betray me, and as for your leader, the good commander, I would put my -life in his hands without the slightest fear." - -"That you might, that you might," said the old soldier; "and it will -be better to tell him too. But do none of these people know you? Some -of them must have seen you. Why, the very name of Chasseron, if they -had recollected, was enough to make the Marquis cut your throat. He -would no more hesitate to roast a Huguenot alive in that court-yard, -than to kill a stag or a wolf;" and, as he spoke, he looked over his -shoulder to see that no one was coming. - -"He would need two or three to help him," replied Chasseron; "and I -felt sure that, if I trusted to the young Baron's word, I should find -those within who would take the part of honour. But none of these men -have seen me for years; and when they did, 'twas but for a moment. You -know in those days I came and went like the lightning. As for the name -of Chasseron, it has long been forgotten too.--But hark ye, Estoc, you -love this young Lord it seems? Now it is for his sake that I have come -hither; not for a night's lodging, which I could obtain where I chose. -I have heard at C[oe]uvres that they are playing him false here; and -that there are plans afoot for doing him wrong in several ways. -Perhaps I may aid him, if I know the facts; and I would fain do so for -his good father's memory. He was as high and honourable a gentleman as -any in France. Though adversaries, we were not enemies, and I owed him -something too for courtesies shown when, God help me, there were few -to show them." - -"Ah! I wish my poor Lord could hear those words," cried Estoc. "But -you are right, Sir, you are right. They are playing poor Louis false. -Wait a bit, and you shall hear more in the course of the evening; and -if you can help him, though I doubt it, God will bless you, were you -twenty times a heretic." - -"Parbleu! you must be speedy with your tidings, Master Estoc," said -Chasseron, "for I must be away before nine tomorrow. I have got my -wheat to dispose of," he added; "a weighty matter in my new trade." - -The old soldier laughed. "I should think, Sir, you would make but a -poor farmer," he replied; "but you shall have all my news this very -night. Ha! here comes the young Lord. As soon as he is gone by, I will -tell the good old commander that you are in the house; and you shall -see him yourself in his room." - -Before Chasseron could reply, De Montigni passed through the -vestibule, as I have before described; but the moment he was gone the -old soldier added, "We are to talk with the poor lad while he is -dressing, and if I can so manage it, you shall be called to take a -part; if not, I will find the means ere night be over. Here come the -rest--let them pass, and then wait for me. I will be back with you in -a minute." - -As he spoke, all those whom we have seen conversing in the hall passed -through the vestibule, with the exception of Rose d'Albret, who -retired by another door, leading direct to her own apartment. The good -old commander, supporting himself on his stick, was the last that -appeared, with his eyes bent down upon the ground, and his lips -muttering disconnected sentences to himself. In the semi-darkness that -now reigned, no one took any notice of Chasseron or his companion; but -the moment that his old leader had reached the opposite door, Estoc -followed, and taking his hand familiarly, put it through his own arm, -as if to assist his on his way; but at the same time he bent his head -and seemed to whisper. The old commander suddenly stopped gazing in -his face, and then hurried on at a quicker pace than before, in -evident agitation. - -In less than two minutes, Estoc returned, saying in a low voice, -"Come, Sir, come! he is wild to see you;" and, with a quick step, -Chasseron followed him from the room. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - - -Louis De Montigni was in hope of a brief period of repose and -solitude; repose not so much of the body as of the mind; solitude in -which he might, to use the fine expression of Holy Writ, "Commune with -his own heart and be still." He had much need of it; for the last half -hour had exhausted him more than all the fatigues of the day. It had -been one of greater emotion than he knew, or would admit; and what is -there more wearing than emotion? He imagined that he felt pained and -grieved, only at finding, on his coming back to a place which had long -been his home, that he was half a stranger, his place in its -familiarity usurped by another, and he himself looked upon, not as the -returned son of the house, but as one to be observed and marked by -those now in possession. But in reality and truth, there were deeper -sources of anxiety and sorrow below; though it must always be full of -anguish to a young and inexperienced heart to find for the first time -the emptiness of professions, the hollowness of half the friendships -to which we trusted, the selfishness of the many, the baseness of -some, the instability of others, the falsehood, even, of the near and -dear--to discover that a few short years, a few short hours, perhaps, -will shake us loose from hearts in which we fancied ourselves rooted -so that tempests would not teams out. Yet there are more painful -things than even these every-day lessons of the world's constitution; -things that, blighting at once hope and confidence, extinguishing the -lamp of the future, and clouding the moonlight of memory, dispose us -to lay down the weary head upon any pillow for repose--even if it be -that of the grave. - -He would not show all that he felt; he wished to show no part of it; -and he was anxious, most anxious, to have a short space, in which, by -his own power over his own mind, he might repress all external -appearances of disappointment and regret, and so school his heart, -that not the slightest token of what was passing therein might show -itself in his outward demeanour. - -With this purpose, and in this hope, he took his way up one of the -narrow wooden staircases in the château, towards the apartments which -had been formerly apportioned to him, and which he had been informed -were again prepared for his reception. He entered the well-remembered -ante-room, and looked round. Everything was just as he left it; -the very chairs and tables were the same, and seemed in the same -position. He wished that it had been otherwise; he would have been -glad to see gilding and tinsel, and new decorations, rather than the -well-remembered old oak panelling, the huge chimney, with the iron -dogs to support the wood, and the tall-backed, uncomfortable chairs. -It made him feel that man alone was changed. It was full of memories -which he wished not to indulge. He went on quickly into the room -beyond, taking up the lamp which stood upon the table in the -ante-chamber; but there it was just the same. His servants, thinking -he would stay longer in the hall, had spread out some of his apparel -in haste, and had gone to greet their fellows in the offices; but even -the sight of the various things he had brought with him from a foreign -land were painful to him. They brought the thought of peaceful days, -brightened by occasional dreams of happiness to come, of expectations -which in truth he had been in no haste to realize till it was too -late, of vague aspirations, which, like some shrubs that produce a -long succession of ephemeral blossoms, had died as they bloomed, but -flowered again everyday. - -Casting himself into a seat, he leaned his head upon his hand, and for -a minute or two gave himself up to thought. "'Tis strange," he said to -himself; "I knew not how deeply I should feel this, till I came near -these gates. The apprehension was less than the reality. Scarcely an -hour ago, I could have talked calmly of all; could have jested on it, -as any indifferent thing. But to feel it is very, very different." He -mused for a moment, then raised his eyes and gazed about the room. -Some one had placed an ebony crucifix upon a small table at the side, -with the figure of the dying Saviour in ivory standing boldly out from -the black background of the cross. It was the only change that had -taken place, and yet it struck him with melancholy, rather than -consolatory feelings. - -"I must conquer this," he thought. "What right have I to repine at -another's happiness?" But ere he could give further way to his -reflections, he heard a step in the ante-room; and rising, he cast off -his cloak, and unlooped his collar, as if engaged in preparing for the -evening meal. - -The moment after his uncle, the Count de Liancourt, entered with an -air of assumed cheerfulness, which Montigni saw at a glance, only -covered some anxiety. - -"Well, Louis," he said, "all, you see, is just as you left it." - -"All in these rooms appears to be so, Sir," he replied; and then -feeling that there was more point in the words than he wished to give -them, he added, "But a good many changes seem to have been made in the -rest of the house." - -"Few, very few," answered Monsieur de Liancourt; "and most of those I -had long intended. The others are but preparations for the wedding." - -His nephew was silent, and the Count paused for want of that -assistance which a single word might have given. At that moment one of -the young nobleman's servants appeared, and began to arrange his -apparel; but the Count, resolved to pursue the purpose for which he -had come, gave an impatient "Pshaw!" and then added, "Send him away, -Louis; he can come again in a quarter of an hour." - -The man withdrew at a sign; and De Montigni, turning to his uncle with -a grave and self-possessed tone, which somewhat surprised and -embarrassed one who had been always accustomed to think of him as a -boy, inquired, "Have you anything of importance to say, Sir?" adding, -"if you have, I could wish you would reserve it till to-morrow; when -less fatigued I shall be able to hear it with better attention and a -clearer mind." - -"Oh, no! nothing--nothing particular, Louis," said his uncle, who had -seated himself; "only we were speaking of Chazeul's marriage. I trust -you think it is a good arrangement?" - -"To anything that may promote Mademoiselle's d'Albret's happiness, I -cannot of course object," replied De Montigni gravely, and there he -stopped. - -Another embarrassing pause succeeded, and then the Count went on, -saying, "It is a matter I have long determined on. The union of the -houses of Chazeul and De Marennes must at once strike every one as an -alliance much to be desired. The important family thus raised up must, -in the present troubled state of the country, gain great influence, -and may be of great service to the state; and as to private and family -considerations, they all tend strongly to the same point; and -therefore, after mature consideration, I resolved that it should take -place." - -De Montigni made no answer; and before his uncle, who was not at all -well pleased with his silence, could find words to go on, a heavy step -was heard in the ante-room, and the good old commander opened the -door. The old man's eyes were somewhat red, as if they had had recent -tears in them; but when he saw his brother, a look of surprise and -disappointment came into his countenance, and he drew back a step, -saying, "I did not know you were here, Anthony. I will not disturb -you." - -"Oh no, my dear uncle!" cried De Montigni; "Monsieur de Liancourt says -he has nothing important to say. Pray come in. You must not take the -trouble of coming up that long stair for nothing." - -"No, no, Louis," replied the commander, "some other time--to-morrow, -or the next day we will have our chat. Anthony's nothings are often -the most important things he has to do;" and thus saying, he retired -and closed the door. - -"How peevish he grows!" said the Count. "However, Louis, I am glad to -find you approve of your cousin's marriage with my fair ward; and--" - -"Nay, Sir," interrupted De Montigni, "I neither approve nor disapprove -of a matter in which I have no say, and have never been consulted. -Whatever Mademoiselle d'Albret thinks best for her happiness, must -have my best wishes for its result." - -"Well, well, that is the same thing," cried his uncle, somewhat -sharply; "of course she thinks it will be for her happiness; and I am -sure of it, which is of more importance. Rose is a very good, amiable -girl, and will always be able to find happiness in the line of duty; -and I am not one to deceive myself as to what is best for those -committed to my care. It has been my anxious contemplation for many a -year, how to promote the interests and comfort of the three persons -who seem especially placed under my guidance and direction, Rose, -yourself, and Chazeul. He being of an eager, active, and worldly -disposition, is best fitted for struggling with these hard and -contentious times, and therefore in the distribution of the property -of my family, which is large enough to satisfy all, I intend to assign -him all the territorial possessions at my death. On you who are of a -studious, calm, and thoughtful character, I intend to bestow at once -all the rich benefices which are held by the house of Liancourt. They -are equal in revenues to the land, and, with your own hereditary -property, will form a princely income. Then the bishopric of Sens must -necessarily soon fall in, for my uncle who holds it is in his -eightieth year. To it, will be easily attached the hat of a cardinal, -as has indeed been generally done; and thus one of the highest -dignities in the world will be secured to you." - -He spoke volubly and eagerly, to get over as fast as possible the -announcement of the dispositions he thought fit to make, without -interruption; and he then added with an air of dignified satisfaction, -"Thus you see, my dear Louis, I have in every respect considered your -happiness and your fortune, and nothing remains but to sign the papers -which confirm this arrangement." - -But though the Count thought himself both just and generous, and felt -himself taking an elevated position towards his nephew, Louis de -Montigni saw the matter in a somewhat different light. "Rose -d'Albret," he thought, "the whole inheritance of Marennes, all the -estates of Liancourt added to those of Chazeul! This is certainly the -lion's portion, yet would I give up every part therein right willingly -but one." - -He remained silent, however, with his head leaning on his hand, -and his eyes fixed upon the table, till his uncle exclaimed -impatiently, "You make no answer, Louis. Is it possible that you are -dissatisfied--ungrateful?" - -"No, my dear uncle!" replied the young nobleman. "But this is a very -important question; and I told you that I would fain have some repose -before I discussed such things! I repeat it, that I could much wish to -have some time for consideration and thought, before I make any -answer, farther than that I thank you deeply for all the care and -kindness which you have always bestowed upon me." - -"Methinks," said his uncle in a tone of displeasure, "that one -moment's reflection were enough to show you the propriety of that -which is proposed, and to induce you to sign at once the papers -necessary to confirm such a well-considered arrangement." - -"Nay, Sir," answered De Montigni, "it might be so, if only the -disposition of your property were concerned." - -"And pray what is there more?" asked the Count angrily; "what have I -pretended to dispose of, in which I have no right to dictate? I -suppose you will not deny, that I am authorized to bestow the hand of -my ward where I think proper? What is there else that I dispose of, -that is not my own?" - -"Of me, my dear uncle," replied De Montigni. "If I understand you -right, I must enter the church. Though some men hold bishoprics -without such a process, according to the evil practices of these -corrupt days, such cannot be the case long: nor were I one to follow -such an iniquitous course. All these benefices by right ought to be -held by an ecclesiastic; and I will never hold them but as one. -Indeed, what you have said of my studious and thoughtful habits, shows -that you know such must be the case. The church, therefore, is to be -my destiny under this plan; but surely such a step requires somewhat -more than _a moment's consideration_. It is a question I have never -contemplated: it never entered my thoughts. I came hither prepared to -throw off my somewhat long-indulged inactivity, to take a part in what -is passing in my native land, after due deliberation and inquiry to -draw the sword rather than to put on the gown. Nay, more, I should -have done so long ago, had you yourself not urged me strongly, in -every letter but your last, to remain at Padua and continue my -studies, without entering into a strife where family is ranged against -family, and brother takes arms against brother." - -"And why did I do so?" asked Monsieur de Liancourt. "Simply because I -have long determined on what I have this night announced. Is the rich -bishopric, so long in my family, to be lost--to be thrown away for a -whim? No, no, Louis. It was that you might be qualified to hold it, -and disposed by habit to receive it, that made me wish you to stay -where you were." - -"If you had announced your wishes, Sir, before, I should have been -better prepared to fulfil them," replied his nephew; "as it is I must -have time. There may be men who look upon these things lightly, who -could take upon them the solemn vows which bind them to the highest -and holiest duties, without care or consideration. They may be right, -or they may be wrong; they may be men who, from the course of their -life and the habits of their thought, are fully prepared for such a -decision, though conscious of its great importance: or they may be -those who, never intending to fulfil the obligations of any station in -which they are placed, look upon all indifferently. I am in neither of -these conditions; I have never considered the subject; I have prepared -my mind for other things; but if I do consent, it will be with the -determination to act up to the calling I assume, and be an -ecclesiastic in spirit and in heart, as well as in name." - -"Oh, if it be only conscientious considerations that withhold you," -said his uncle, "those will be soon satisfied by good father Walter. -He shall speak with you this very night. You know him, and esteem -him." - -"Much," replied De Montigni, "and will gladly converse with him for an -hour or two alone on this subject." - -"Why not at once," asked his uncle; "I can call him in a minute, his -chamber is but at the end of the passage." - -As he spoke, however, the sound of a trumpet, as was then common in -France, announced the hour of supper; and feeling that he could not -press the subject further, Monsieur de Liancourt added, "Well, well, -afterwards will do; and I doubt not that to-morrow I shall find you -quite determined, and willing to sign the papers, and accept the -benefices, which shall be made over to you immediately." - -"What are these papers, Sir," asked De Montigni, without giving any -reply upon the subject of his willingness. - -"Oh, nothing but common forms," replied his uncle, "I cannot explain -them all to you just now, for supper is served. Come, De Montigni." - -"I am not quite ready yet," answered the young Baron, "pray do not -wait for me; I will join you in a few minutes." - -His uncle accordingly left him; but instead of proceeding to change -his dress, De Montigni covered his eyes with his hands, and gave -himself up for a few minutes to bitter and anxious thought. Oh how -many wild and tumultuous feelings passed through his bosom during that -short space of time! and all were sad and painful. The contemplation -of the future, the memory of the past, the consideration of the -present, regret, apprehension, indecision, were all present to his -mind at once; and, for some time, thought seemed one strange chaos of -indistinct and gloomy forms, from which at length rose up one image -more painful than all the rest. His mind rested upon Rose d'Albret, -and upon the idea of losing her for ever. Remembrance brought her back -as the companion of his boyhood; he recollected how she had shared his -sports, how she had ridden by his side through the scenes around, how -she had taken part in his pleasures and his fancies, how she had -soothed him under any of the petty griefs of youth, how she had turned -from him anger and reproof, when in the gay light-heartedness of early -years he had offended the irritable gravity of age. She had always -loved him he thought, and he had always loved her, with the tender and -unselfish love of years when passion is unknown. He had ever thought -her beautiful,--most beautiful; but it was the kindness, the -affection, in her radiant eyes that gave them double light to him; and -now he had seen her in the full loveliness of womanly perfection, he -had beheld the same looks bent upon him from a face which might well -inspire more ardent feelings; and yet he was even now to see her given -to another,--now, at the very moment when he had most learnt to long -for her himself. Often he had fancied in his boyish dreams that, at -some future period she would be his own; that their mutual lives, -through maturity and age, would pass in the same happy confidence, in -the same warm affection, which had brightened their childhood. He -almost believed that some one had told him so, that she had been -originally destined for him; and, as his mind rested upon that -thought, his disappointment became the more bitter. - -What was to be his future life then? to be cut off from all the joys -of domestic life; to embrace that cold and stern profession which, in -his church, excluded those who adopted it from all the warm relations -of husband and father; to pass his days in the dull routine of formal -services, or in the petty intrigues and artful man[oe]uvres which have -too often disgraced the Roman hierarchy; to cast from him at once all -the dreams and aspirations of young and energetic manhood; and, before -his hair was grey, to clothe his mind with the chilly garmenture of -age. He shrunk from the thought; but, when he recollected that Rose -d'Albret was to be the wife of another, it seemed to him a matter of -small moment how his after days were to be passed. - -Such were some of his thoughts, and only some; for there were many, -many more; and yet they occupied but a very few minutes. It was not -one by one they came, but appeared before him like a hostile army, -stretching out at once on every side wherever his eye was turned. -Nevertheless he could have gone on for hours, and yet not have -exhausted all the bitter subjects of contemplation presented to him. - -Most likely, indeed, he would have gone on much longer, had not -one of his servants presented himself to assist him in dressing; and -starting up from his sorrowful reveries, he hastened to cast off his -travel-stained garments, and in a few minutes descended to the hall, -where the rest of the party were assembled to supper. - -A place was reserved for him between the count and the old commander. -On the right hand of the latter sat father Walter, and on the opposite -side were Chazeul and Mademoiselle d'Albret. Two or three of the -retainers of the house, who bore the rank of gentlemen, filled up the -rest of the table, with Chasseron and Estoc at the bottom. It was on -the countenance of Rose d'Albret, however, that the eyes of De -Montigni rested, as with a slow step he entered the hall. She was -looking thoughtfully down, with a pale cheek and a grave brow; and she -did not look up till he had taken his seat, when she did so with a -start, as if suddenly wakened from her reverie. - -Monsieur de Liancourt made an effort to receive him with a cheerful -and unembarrassed air, laughed and talked more than was necessary, but -yet was evidently occupied with other thoughts, and not altogether -well pleased. Chazeul tried hard to engage his fair companion in a -low-toned conversation, but, failing there, turned to his cousin De -Montigni, and by the sort of bantering persiflage which has been -common in all ages to small wits, sought to show his own superiority -as a man of the world, at the expense of his relation's inexperience. -But the extent of De Montigni's information, his knowledge of other -scenes and other lands, the higher tone of his mind, and, above all, -that calmness which is often generated by deep and powerful feelings, -even when they are those of sadness and disappointment, set the -haughty and supercilious jests of the Leaguer at nought; and he often -rebuked him with a quick and cutting reply, which made the old -commander laugh, and once called a smile even upon the grave lips of -father Walter. - -Rose seemed greatly busied with her own thoughts, and attended little -to what was passing, though once indeed she raised her eyes to De -Montigni's face with a slight smile, while he administered some -wholesome chastisement to the jeering spirit of his cousin; and when -he went on in a few brief sentences to point out that there were -higher things in life, than those on which Chazeul seemed to set such -store, her eyes brightened, her look became full of interest and -pleasure; and then she suddenly withdrew her gaze from his face, and -fell into deeper thought than before. - -There were one or two persons present who marked all this, and knew -that the two cousins were rivals in heart, though not openly; and they -easily judged, that the contrast was unfavourable to him who seemed -the successful lover. Amongst these, there were some who wished to -prolong it; but the priest took the first opportunity of stopping any -further comparison, by given thanks after meat, as soon as possible, -and rising to depart. - -In the little confusion which always takes place at the conclusion of -a meal, the old commander drew De Montigni aside and whispered, "I -will come up and see you directly, Louis, if you will go up to your -own room." - -"The Count is going to send Monsieur de la Tremblade to me," replied -the young nobleman, in the same tone; "will he interrupt you?" - -"Yes, yes, diabolically," replied the old soldier; "get rid of him as -soon as you can, Louis. I will set a watch, to see when he leaves you, -and come immediately after, for I must and will speak with you -to-night, let who will try to prevent it. Mind, be upon your guard -with him," he added, "promise nothing, engage yourself to nothing. -Have I your word, that you will not, till you have spoken with me?" - -"You have, my dear uncle," replied De Montigni; and at the same moment -the priest approached, and laying his hand upon the young Baron's arm, -he said "Monsieur de Liancourt tells me, you desire to speak with me." - -"He wished me to have some conversation with you, my good Father," -replied De Montigni, "and I shall be most happy when you are at -leisure." - -"This moment, if you please," rejoined the priest; and they left the -hall together, the young nobleman perceiving as he did so, that the -eyes of Rose d'Albret were fixed upon him, with an eager and somewhat -anxious gaze. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - - -Nothing was said, either by De Montigni or father Walter till they -reached the chamber of the former, where, closing the door, the young -nobleman placed a seat for his reverend companion, and asked him if -Monsieur de Liancourt had held any communication with him upon the -subject on which they were about to speak? - -"A few words were all that passed," replied father Walter, in a mild, -though grave tone; "but they were sufficient to show me that the -matter on which you wish to consult me is one in regard to which your -uncle and myself have often conferred before." - -"Nay," replied De Montigni; "the Count has not put the business on its -right footing: let us settle that first, my good father. I did not -desire to consult you, but he declared that you would easily remove -from my mind the strong objections which I entertain to pledging -myself for any consideration to enter the church without much -deliberation, and a considerable time for thought. I expressed myself -most willing to hear all you could say upon the subject, though I much -doubted, from a knowledge of my own character, that you would succeed -in removing my scruples, and, from a knowledge of yours, that you -would even make the attempt." - -"You were perfectly right, my son," replied the priest, after a -moment's pause; "my arguments could but tend to show that the -profession which your uncle wishes you to embrace is the highest, as -it is the holiest, to which man can dedicate himself; but I fear much, -that very consideration would tend rather to induce you to pause long, -and to think well before you took upon yourself such high duties and -responsibilities, than to hurry you on, as is the case with so many, -into a rash, I might almost call it an impious, intrusion into a -sacred calling, which should be approached with reverence, and not -without the full concurrence of the heart." - -De Montigni smiled, well pleased. Various circumstances, all -apparently small, but weighty in their sum, had induced him to imagine -that father Walter de la Tremblade was one of those who had consulted -together to frustrate his hopes, and disappoint his wishes; but the -calm and reasonable answer which he now made removed the suspicion. -Whether he deceived himself or not may be seen hereafter. - -"I am happy to find, my dear father," he said, "that your good and -disinterested opinion confirms my own, as it will give me strength and -confidence in my determination." - -"Of all the many wise maxims which have come down to us, confirmed by -the experience of ages," replied the priest, "one of the surest is, -'Do nothing rashly;' and if applicable to the common affairs of life, -it is still more so to points where the whole of our future existence, -here and hereafter, is affected. You are right, my son, to pause and -deliberate; but before I give any advice beyond the general opinion -which I have expressed, let me hear all the circumstances, the doubts, -and considerations that affect you; and you shall then have my best -counsel which may, perhaps, be valuable, as that of a man long -accustomed to consider and, with God's aid, to decide upon questions, -in which the consciences of those very dear to him, as members of his -flock, are concerned. Tell me what are your doubts--what are your -difficulties; and if I can I will resolve them." - -"My doubts, good father," replied Louis de Montigni, "are simply -whether I am fitted, either by inclination or by character, for the -profession my uncle would put upon me. No mention was ever made of -such a plan till this very night; and now, fatigued in body and -somewhat agitated in mind, I am asked to decide at once, upon a -question of such vital importance to myself." - -"That is wrong--that is all very wrong," answered the priest. "You -must have time--it is absolutely necessary. Yet," he continued, after -a moment's pause, "I cannot help thinking there must be some mistake. -I am sure Monsieur de Liancourt did not intend to urge such a speedy -decision upon that point. Perhaps it was your acquiescence alone in -the disposal of his property that he required. You are well aware that -the benefices may be held by one who is not in the church; and his -conferring them on you, while he is himself living will prevent any -cavil which might be raised in the distracted state of the country, -with regard to your obtaining them, if they were merely destined for -you at his death. I do not mean," he added in a grave tone, "to -pronounce any opinion upon the propriety of laymen holding such -property. That is not a question for me to decide." - -"But it is one for me to consider in accepting them," said De -Montigni; "and I scruple not to acknowledge that I hold the corrupt -practice in horror and reprobation." - -"I must not deny that I think you are right," replied father Walter; -"but yet your refusal to accept this portion of his property, would -greatly embarrass and grieve your uncle. All the arrangements being -concluded for Monsieur de Chazeul's marriage with Mademoiselle -d'Albret, your rejection of the share assigned to you, would prove a -serious inconvenience to all parties; and I am sure you would not wish -to throw any impediment in the way of her happiness, or your cousin's -either." - -"And does her happiness so entirely depend upon this marriage?" asked -the young nobleman bitterly. - -"Undoubtedly!" replied the priest, with an air of surprise at the very -question. - -"Then my course will be easy!" exclaimed De Montigni. "I will never do -ought to give her one uneasy moment." - -"That is noble, and generous, and like yourself!" said Walter de la -Tremblade, holding out his hand to him. "I was quite sure that you -would never hesitate at any personal sacrifice for the happiness of -those you love. What course, then, do you intend to pursue?" - -De Montigni, however, remembered the promise he had made to his uncle, -and he replied, "Of that I must think; all I can say at present is, -that no wish of Rose d'Albret's shall ever be thwarted by me. First, -in order to form a judgment of my future conduct, I would fain know -all the circumstances of the case; and, my good father, as you have -thus far dealt frankly with me, I would fain ask you a few questions, -hoping for clear information." - -"I will give you the best that I possess, my son," replied the priest. -"But you must recollect that I am not a man of the world, and meddle -little with things that are not brought absolutely under my notice." - -"Well, then, to begin with matters that you do understand," said De -Montigni; "if I accept these benefices, and sign the papers my uncle -wishes me to sign, do I in any degree bind myself either to enter the -church, or to hold preferment which I think should be reserved for -ecclesiastics?" - -"Not in the least, my son," answered father Walter, "nothing can bind -you to the church but vows made to the church; and as to the benefices -you can give them all away next day; at no greater risk than being -called by some, an enthusiastic fool." - -"That is soon met," said the young nobleman; "but if this be so, what -is the need of my signing any papers at all?" - -The priest paused for a moment in thought; but then answered, looking -suddenly up, "It is simply because, as your uncle's nearest relation -you have a claim to his property, either the entire estate or a -moiety, I know not well which. The benefices he can bestow where he -likes, and he gives them to you as an equivalent to the other, -thinking that, if the bishopric can be obtained for you, as doubtless -it might be if you so liked, the advantages would be at least equal." - -"My uncle did not tell me this!" replied De Montigni, with an air of -mortification. "My uncle did not tell me this!" - -"Perhaps he thought you knew it already," rejoined father Walter; "or, -perhaps, he did not remember how generous and self-denying you have -always shown yourself." - -"He should have dealt openly with me," said the young man in a -mournful tone, "He should have dealt openly with me." - -He then thought for a few minutes, while the priest watched the -varying expressions that came over his countenance with an inquiring -and interested eye, reading them as they rose. Perhaps he did not -altogether interpret them aright, though the true Roman Catholic -priest, who, following the rule of his order, strictly excludes from -his breast half the passions that affect other men, learns to trace -their workings in others with a skill which those who suffer them -cannot acquire. He stands as a spectator of the most critical part in -the busy game of life, and sees the cards in either hand, and judges -where they are played well or ill. - -At length the young nobleman said aloud, "So then I have some real -power in this matter; and they would have concealed it from me. A -somewhat dangerous course!" - -"Perhaps such was not the view, my son," answered father Walter, "the -matter could not be concealed from you long, as, if you read the -papers, you must have seen what they contained." - -"I am not sure of that, good father," rejoined De Montigni; "they -might calculate upon my not reading them at all, or that their -contents veiling their meaning in the profuse words of the law, would -afford me no clue to my own rights. However, all this must be inquired -into. I will now know the truth, wholly and entirely." - -"I trust," said the priest gravely, "that you will in no degree -forfeit that character of frank and generous disinterestedness which -you gained in youth. It is a jewel, my son, inestimable from its -rarity. Come, Louis, let me tell your uncle that you will sign the -papers." - -The young man gazed in his face intently; but father Walter returned -the look with calm and unflinching firmness, and then added, "I am no -party to any deceit, if any have been committed." - -"I believe you, father," replied De Montigni, "for it is you who have -unveiled the deceit; but as for the rest, I will make no rash promise. -I will know the whole clearly, before I act or promise to act; I will -know what are my own rights, and their full extent; I will know the -motives of others, their conduct, and its causes." - -The priest smiled, and shook his head; "You lay out labour for many a -long day, my son," he said, "if you propose to penetrate into the -secrets of any human heart; and in the mean time you stop a union -desired by all, to wait upon your caprice. Look into your own bosom, -Louis, and inquire there, whether the motives of such a conduct may -not have a source in passions you will not like to own; disappointment -or some chimerical dreams, jealousy of another's happiness, or -revengeful feelings for imaginary injury." - -"No, no, no!" replied De Montigni, "my conduct shall be influenced by -none of these; and whatever my motives are, they shall be made clear -in the eyes of all." - -"Well before you act," continued the priest, "ask yourself, if what -your uncle proposes is at all unfair. In the division of his property -he assigns you more than the simple half, though perhaps not the -moiety you might like the best. There is no great injustice in this; -there is nothing to move anger or suspicion; and yet you are evidently -somewhat heated, and nourish doubts of those that love you, which you -have no just reason to entertain." - -"Father, you are mistaken," answered De Montigni, "I am aught but -angry; my heart feels too cold and chilled for anything so warm. -Suspicion may be there--would it had never entered--but who can help -it? When once a concealment or deceit has been practised in matters -where all should be fair and open as the day, can confidence be ever -restored? no more than you can restore the white bloom to the grape or -to the plum which you have once pressed in your hand. I will think of -this, good father, I will think of it all well. No man can reproach me -for examining closely into that in which I have so great an interest; -no man shall have to reproach me for the manner in which I act when I -have examined. But let me put a picture before your eyes ere you go, -in order that you may see what necessarily presents itself to my eyes. -It is of an uncle and two nephews; the one the son of an elder sister, -the other of a younger; the first possessed of moderate estates, but a -claim, it seems, to his uncle's property; the other possessed of -larger estates already, but, if I judge rightly, without that claim. -The one is sent by his uncle and guardian to foreign country to study: -the other remains upon the spot. At the end of five years they meet -again, and the uncle proposes a plan which he declares to be -equitable. To the son of his eldest sister, who has been absent so -long, he offers certain benefices, and proposes that he shall enter -the church. To the son of the younger, who has remained upon the spot, -he gives the whole of his estates, the hand of his fair ward, and the -large property which she inherits. Do not suppose, father, I can shut -my eyes to such things; do not suppose that I can do aught but feel -them bitterly. Mark me, however, I say not that I will reject this -arrangement, even if I have power to do so; I say not that I will -throw the least impediment in the way of views and plans which were -formed without my concurrence and without my knowledge; but I do say, -that I will consider, and examine, and ponder, before I in any way -sanction a proceeding, by which I am destined to be, in every sense, a -loser." - -"I thought," replied the priest, mildly, "that you had already -determined not to do anything which could impede the union of -Mademoiselle d'Albret with the man of her choice; that you would not -frustrate her wishes, or delay her happiness?" - -"Nor will I," answered De Montigni; "but I must be well assured in the -first place of the conduct which she herself wishes to pursue." - -Father Walter shook his head gravely, saying, "My son, my son, I fear -you are deceiving yourself. I am not aware whether your knowledge of -women be much or little, whether in studious seclusion you have passed -your time without mingling with the general world, or whether you have -frequented the gay society of Italy, and gained an insight into the -female heart as it there appears. But do not deceive yourself into a -belief, because Mademoiselle d'Albret sometimes speaks coldly to your -cousin, affects an occasional indifference, ay, or even adds a harsh -word towards him--do not believe, I say, that she does not love him. I -have always seen that women, circumstanced as she is, from the very -modesty of their nature, assume such disguises to conceal the warmer -feelings of their heart; and the men with whom they are most free, -familiar, ay, and perhaps, affectionate, have the least cause to -suppose that they entertain any serious attachment to them,--for where -such exists, it always brings diffidence and some reserve along with -it." - -De Montigni mused. There was truth, he thought, in what the old man -said--it might be, indeed, that he was right. True, in her youth Rose -d'Albret was frank, open, and unreserved, her loves and her dislikes -were plainly shown. But yet she might be changed. Womanhood and -passion might have brought with them reserve, concealment, art. Who -could say what in the space of five years might have been effected, -and what the girl of fourteen might have become? - -"Probably, you are right, good father," he replied; "I know but little -of woman or woman's arts; but still I am not deceiving myself. All I -propose is to pause and consider all things, this as well as any of -the rest, in fact, to use your own maxim, and 'do nothing rashly.' As -I conclude you will see my uncle tonight, and report to him the result -of our conference, pray tell him my resolution, such as it is, and -explain to him in terms that will give him no offence, but yet convey -my full meaning, that in my determination to consider before I act, I -am too firm to be shaken. I find that I have somewhat too long -suffered my conduct to be dictated by others, and I do so no more, -whatsoever be the result." - -"Can you not enable me, Monsieur de Montigni," asked the priest, "to -fix some term for your consideration? As your uncle will have to shape -his conduct, as he may judge expedient to meet yours, it might be as -well to name a time for your decision." - -"That I cannot do," replied De Montigni; "at least not tonight. At all -events it shall not be long before I do decide. Small time will -suffice me, if no means be taken to impede me in judging for myself; -if there be, those who employ them must be answerable for the delay. I -will now be satisfied on all point--I will see the whole case clearly -before I judge. Whenever I do so see it, my course will be determined -in an hour. And now, good father," he continued, perceiving that the -priest was about to reply, "I would fain discuss this subject with you -no more, at least, tonight, though most happy to hear you upon any -other, if you have aught else to say." - -"Nothing, my son," replied father Walter, rising; "pray remember that -the discussion has not been of my seeking. I never thrust myself upon -the confidence of any one, happy to give advice or assistance where it -is required, but never obtruding it, except at the sacred call of -duty; and so, my son, good night and benedicite." - -Thus saying, he slowly quitted the room, and walked deliberately down -the stairs across a low-roofed hall, where several servants sat, and -then mounting another staircase with a quicker step, found his way to -the apartments of the Count de Liancourt. That gentleman, half -undressed, was sitting in his dressing-gown conversing with Chazeul, -and both eagerly turned to the priest as he entered, demanding, "Well, -what does he say? how did you find him disposed?" - -Walter de la Tremblade sat down in a vacant chair, and then looking -from the one to the other, he said, "I found him firmer, sterner than -could be expected from his character or his years. I fear, my son," -addressing Monsieur de Liancourt, "that your policy has somewhat run -awry. If instead of calling him back you had written to him the plain -and straightforward state of the case, telling him that the marriage -of Mademoiselle d'Albret with Monsieur de Chazeul here, depended upon -the renunciation of his claim to your estates, and begging him to send -you his procuration instantly for the purpose of making that -renunciation, he would have done so at once." - -"Pshaw," cried Chazeul, "you must think him a greater fool than even I -do, to suppose that if he were told those facts he would give up his -chance of beauty, grace, and the united estates of Liancourt and -Marennes." - -"He is no fool," replied the priest, "but one of those with whom it is -better to tell the whole truth, and engage his generosity and -enthusiasm on your side, than suffer him to discover, not only the -facts you would conceal, but that you have endeavoured to conceal -them. Better to tell him the truth, Monsieur de Chazeul, than to let -him find it out; and allow me to say, he has found out one half -already, and will find out the rest ere long." - -"_Ventre bleu!_ what has he discovered?" demanded Monsieur de -Liancourt. "This is an affair indeed." - -"He is right well informed," answered the priest, "that the estates of -Liancourt are his at your death, in right of his mother." - -Chazeul struck his hand vehemently upon the table, exclaiming, "Then -the game is up." - -"Not exactly," replied the priest; "had he known it a month ago, it -would have been much better. Then at a distance, and without the means -of farther inquiry, he would, I am sure, have been easily induced to -make the renunciation, in consideration of the benefices, without -coming here at all." - -"But he has been urging me for these two years," exclaimed Monsieur de -Liancourt, "to give my consent to his return. I had no power to refuse -him, and it was only by persuasions that I kept him there so long." - -"Well, but the results, the results, Monsieur de la Tremblade," -exclaimed Chazeul: "we will be guided by you. Tell us what conclusions -you have come to, and what course it will be best to follow." - -"From my conference with him this night," replied the priest, "I see -exactly the state of his mind. In the first place I tell you he knows -much, and suspects more; he perceives that you have attempted to keep -him in the dark; and he is no weak studious boy, such as you believed. -He is as firm as a rock, and determined upon his course. You cannot, -and will not deceive him on any of the facts of the case; and at -present his reply is, that he is determined to take full time to -consider before he decides. There is one way, and only one way to act -upon his mind. If you can induce Mademoiselle d'Albret, to ask him to -make the renunciation for her sake, he will do it, without the -slightest hesitation. Get her but to say three words to that effect, -and he will sign the act to-morrow." - -"Oh, then the whole matter is easy!" cried Chazeul. "I will induce her -to do that in a moment." - -The priest looked at him with a somewhat cynical smile, and replied, -"You may not find so much facility as you expect, Monsieur. Ladies -have caprices; and perhaps you may not be able to make her to say the -exact words you wish." - -"Oh, but I am sure I can!" replied Chazeul. "I know the pretty Rose -right well, with all her coquettish ways for goading on a lover's -passion, by airs of coldness and indifference; but she is not such a -fool as to be blind to the advantages of the most brilliant fortune -she can reach in France. With the united estates of Liancourt, -Marennes, and Chazeul, we take our seat amongst the highest of the -land. Did you not mark what she said to me today, about the splendours -of a court? Such hopes and expectations, once entering a woman's head, -never go out of it, good father." - -The priest paused and mused with a slight smile curling his lip; but -at length he replied, "Doubtless you are more learned in women's -hearts than I am, Monsieur de Chazeul; you have had more to do with -them, though in the confessional we sometimes hear strange secrets. -However, if you will take my advice, you will not trust to your own -unassisted efforts, but send for your mother at once. She is within a -two hours' journey, and may easily be here, before noon to-morrow." - -"Right, right, father," cried Monsieur de Liancourt, "we will not lose -a moment's time. Jacqueline's head is worth all ours put together. It -always was so; and poor Louise, when she was alive, was no match for -her at all. Let us not lose a moment, but send a messenger to her -to-night, so that she may set out the first thing to-morrow. See to -it, Chazeul, see to it; for I am tired, and going to bed. Choose some -stout fellow who will do the errand well. Let him avoid the wood, and -take the Chartres road; 'tis but half a league about." - -"I will do it at once," said Chazeul, "for it is now near ten. But -still I am sure that I can persuade fair Rose to make the request, -before my mother comes; and so, goodnight, Sir." - -Thus saying, he left the room, and father Walter only remained, to -shake his head with a doubtful air, and say, "He is too confident. God -send that he mars not all;" and he, too, left Monsieur de Liancourt to -seek repose. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - - -In the Château of Marzay, on that night, as every day in the wide -world in which we live, care and anxiety, hope and expectation, the -selfish intrigue, the means of frustrating it, the dark design, the -events that are to bring it to light, were all going on side by side -at once, separated from each other by thin partitions which served to -conceal the proceedings of the various actors from each other, but not -from the eye of that overruling Providence who apportions success and -disappointment, joy and sorrow, reward and punishment, according to -his wise but inscrutable will. - -Less than a hundred yards from the chamber of Monsieur de Liancourt, -Louis de Montigni sat after the priest left him, with his arms folded -on his chest, his head bent down, and his eyes fixed upon the ground. -He thought bitterly over much that had passed. The words which Walter -de la Tremblade had spoken concerning the heart of woman, still rung -in his ears; the probable causes of the peculiarities he had remarked -in the conduct of Rose d'Albret, still agitated his mind; and he asked -himself "Can she really love him? She who was clear-sighted, as well -as frank, thoughtful as well as gay, generous, kind, liberal, can she -love this man, who from youth till now has shown himself the same -selfish, bold, confident, cunning, and presuming being? She used to -see through him, and understand him when he came here as a youth, but -a few years older than myself. It may be so, and perhaps the priest is -right. If so, it were as well to renounce all without further -hesitation, not to let her or any one perceive the hopes that are to -be disappointed, the vain expectations that are to vanish at a breath, -nor to call down that pity which is always more or less mingled with -contempt, nor excite the scornful merriment of the winner in this -perilous game. No, that I will not do; and yet this is a hard and a -bitter act to require of me, which may well justify some doubt and -some delay. Hark! there is my uncle's foot, I shall now hear more. The -good old man has all his eyes open, where my interests and happiness -are concerned. From him I shall hear the pure truth, undisguised and -plain. I almost doubt that priest: yet he spoke fairly and candidly -too; but these men of the gown, dependent on great families, however -virtuous and right may be their inclinations, gain a bias towards the -views of their patrons, which often blinds their eyes to the plain -course of justice." - -Such were the thoughts of the young Baron de Montigni, till at length -the old soldier Estoc threw open the door, and the commander limped -into the room. - -"Now lock the door, Estoc!" cried the good knight, seating himself in -the chair which his nephew placed carefully for him; "lock the door, -we will have no more interruptions. I have a right to have my say too, -Louis. _Ventre saint gris_, to use the language of the Philistines, we -will have it out now, Louis." - -"Most assuredly, Sir," replied the young nobleman; "I will suffer no -one to interrupt us. My uncle, the count, as once my guardian and my -eldest relative, might of course command my first attention; but now -that is over, you, my dear uncle, have the next claim upon me, and I -will not allow anyone to deprive me of the pleasure or the benefit of -hearing your conversation and advice." - -"Well said, boy! Well said!" cried the old commander. "Do you hear -that, Estoc? He's no chicken now, eh? By my faith, Anthony will find -himself mistaken. I like that well. You are right, Louis, to say, you -_will not suffer_ any one to interrupt us. That's the true tone. I -have grown into a sort of some dependence here, thanks to my -infirmities. I let them have all their own way; but, parbleu, it will -not do, for they turn tyrants when they are over indulged." - -"I have come here, my dear uncle," replied his nephew, "with all -reverence and respect for Monsieur de Liancourt. But my days of -pupilage are over. While I stay in his house my chamber is my own, -where I receive whom I like, when I like, and suffer not myself to be -interfered with, (so long as I observe the courtesies of life,) when I -am otherwise engaged. Whenever an attempt is made to restrain that -communication with others that I may choose to hold, I leave the -place, and take my lodging elsewhere." - -"Right, right," cried the officer, "and if you go I will go with you, -Louis. But sit down, Estoc. We have much to talk about, my boy. I -trust you kept your word with me--I trust you promised nothing to the -priest. He is a good man in the main; but shrewd, Louis, shrewd as a -winter's night--pile up the fire, Estoc. You promised nothing, eh, -Louis?" - -"Nothing, Sir," replied the young Baron. "I merely assured him, that -no consideration on earth would induce me to do ought that would -thwart the inclinations, or impede the happiness, of Mademoiselle -d'Albret, but that, for the decision of my conduct, I must have time -to consider, and that well." - -"Ah no! I am sure you would not! Poor dear little Rose, God bless -her," cried the commander, "she deserves all tenderness. But if you -did what they want, you would mar her happiness too, boy. Now let me -hear what they sought of you. Then I will tell my tale." - -De Montigni recapitulated, as well as he could, all that had passed -between himself, his uncle, and the priest. He knew he could trust to -those with whom he spoke; and he strove to give the words that had -been uttered as nearly as possible without change. He might indeed add -a running commentary of his own conclusions, but he falsified nothing, -he exaggerated nothing. As he proceeded, his good uncle leaned his -chin upon his stick, and listened without replying a word, though once -or twice he struck the point of the staff sharply on the floor. - -Old Estoc, however, was not so patient or so taciturn; for more -than once, he uttered a quick oath, and murmured from time to time -"Pardie!--Morbleu!--Coquin!" in tones which showed that he was not at -all edified with the reported discourse of Monsieur de la Tremblade. - -But when the young nobleman had done all, the good commander's -smothered fire broke forth in a blaze, "Curses upon them forever!" he -exclaimed; "now they wonder there are Huguenots, and yet to see a -Catholic priest playing knave and hypocrite in this way is enough to -make any honest man turn Turk! I am ashamed of my brother, Louis, I am -ashamed of my family, but I am still more ashamed of my religion. It's -not honest, my boy! It's not honest, if it suffers its clergy to go -playing such a double game, telling what suits them, and keeping back -what does not suit them to speak. Now you shall hear the plain truth. -You are heir of Liancourt, pure and undoubted. It was settled so long -since, and nothing but your own act can deprive you of the lands." - -"I suspected that such was the case," replied the young nobleman, "as -soon as I saw such anxiety to induce me to sign papers in haste, and -without explanation." - -"Suspected!" cried the old commander. "Why you should have known it -long ago, if there had been honest men amongst us. I made my -renunciation in poor Louise's favour--my sister--your mother, -boy--when she married your good father--God rest his soul--and I took -the Order of St. John. You are the heir, then, beyond all doubt; but -Jacqueline, your aunt, my sister--she's a devil if ever one was--has -never ceased working at my poor weak brother Anthony to deprive you of -your right." - -"She never loved me, I know," replied De Montigni. "I remember when I -was a mere boy--" - -"Loved you! that's not the point," exclaimed the commander. "She loves -you just as well as anything else that stands in her way. It is that -she loves herself, and loves herself in her son--the coxcomb! She has -set her mind upon seeing him wealthy and powerful. She always looked -upon money as the best of blessings. That is why she married old -Chazeul, a man she hated and despised, only that she might be richer -than her elder sister; and now this fellow has squandered half his -father's estate, she thinks to patch up a greater fortune still by -getting for him Marennes and Liancourt. The last she never can get if -you are not a fool, Louis, and the first she cannot get without she -gets the last." - -"This seems to me a riddle, Sir," said De Montigni, thoughtfully. "I -understand that this marriage is fully settled, with the consent and -approbation of all parties; and surely the hand of Mademoiselle -d'Albret, with her hereditary property, must be an object well worth -striving for, even in the eyes of one who values wealth so much as my -aunt De Chazeul." - -"Ay boy! ay!" cried the old commander, "so it would be, if she could -get it. But the contract between the good Count de Marennes and your -uncle is, that Rose is to marry his nephew, the subsisting heir of -Liancourt. No name is mentioned, lest the heir should die in the -meantime; but you were then, you are still, the subsisting heir of -Liancourt, in virtue of your mother's rights as eldest daughter of my -father, and my renunciation in her favour. If you put your hand to -that paper you are worse than Esau, for you not only sell your -birthright, but your bride, for a mess of pottage." - -De Montigni started up and paced the room for a moment with his hand -clasped upon his forehead, and twice he muttered, "This is shameful!" -He was tempted, strongly tempted, let what would be the result, to -assert his rights at once; to claim his own without one consideration -of the feelings of others; to exact the utmost sum of his inheritance, -like a miser; to demand his bride willing or unwilling, under the -engagement of her father. - -But better thoughts first came to withhold him, and, as he reflected, -difficulties appeared to impede him in such a course. The contract, -doubtless, was in the hands of Monsieur de Liancourt. How could he -prove it?--how establish his claim? The estates, indeed, he might -withhold; his opposition might delay the marriage. But then he asked -himself could he inflict sorrow and disappointment on Rose d'Albret; -could he dash from her lip the cup of hope and expectation? Most -likely she looked forward to her approaching marriage as a thing -decided beyond all chance of change. He had no substantial reason to -suppose that she felt repugnance to it. Her mind was probably made up; -her part taken; perhaps all the affections of her young heart engaged. -Was he to be the person to blight all her prospects--to disappoint all -her hopes? "No," he thought, "no!" and resuming his seat by his uncle, -he said, "This deceit used towards me, my dear Sir, is very bad. It -disgusts one with the world and human nature. Yet one consideration -will probably make me yield to all their wishes, and forbear from -exercising my rights, even now that I know them." - -"Phoo! Too!" cried the commander, interrupting him. "The boy is mad! -Go, call our friend, Estoc. He must talk with him. There is a -gentleman here, Louis--by the bye, he came with yourself--whom I met -with once or twice in the old wars. He is as wise and good a man as -ever lived--bating a bit of heresy in his notions, though scarce half -a Huguenot either--a good soldier as any in France, and moreover a -very prudent and clever person--a very wise good man. Indeed--none -better. I have been talking with him a long time since supper all -about this affair, and you must take his advice, or at least listen to -it. Depend upon it, you will find it good." - -At first sight De Montigni shrunk from the idea of exposing all his -feelings, nay, detailing all the particulars of his situation, to a -comparative stranger, like Chasseron, one too whom he looked upon as -an inferior. But before he could reply, Estoc had left the room; and, -as he thought further, he remembered so much of bold decision in the -man's character, so many traits of shrewd good sense in his -conversation, that he began to think the opinion of such a -person--totally independent of all passion and prejudice, knowing -little of any of the parties, and who had seen so much of what had -taken place upon his arrival--might be very useful as a corrective of -any erroneous views which he himself might have adopted. He was free -too, to accept his advice or to reject it; and he knew the good old -commander too well, not to be sure, that Chasseron must have borne a -high character in former days, to have obtained his confidence and -approbation, especially as a heretic--a sort of animal of which he was -by no means fond. He waited then patiently for the return of the old -soldier with his companion of the way, while his uncle, from time to -time, addressed to him a brief adjuration, "Not to be a fool, and -throw away fortune and happiness;" or, "Not to cast all the advantages -which God had given him, into the lap of those who had played so foul -a game, to wring them from him." - -In a few minutes the door from the ante-room opened again; and -Chasseron entered, followed by Estoc. The old commander, in whom age -and infirmity could scarcely tame the eager but generous impetuosity -of disposition which had characterized him through life, rose up from -his chair to greet their new guest and begin the subject at once. But -Estoc thrust him down again, with unceremonious affection, saying, -"Sit down, Sir, sit down. You have been too much on your legs to-day -already. You will have your wound breaking out again, especially if -you tease yourself so. Monsieur de Chasseron knows all about it. But -there is more going on down below. Master Chazeul has just come down -from a conference in the Count's chamber, and has sent off Etienne on -horseback, to his mother, begging her to be here at an early hour -to-morrow." - -"Ay, Jacqueline must have a finger in the affair!" cried the -commander; "and she will outwit us all, if we do not mind." - -"I do not think so, Sir," replied Chasseron, who by this time was -seated between the old officer and his nephew. "It seems to me that -the matter is very simple. Monsieur de Montigni, this worthy gentleman -having known and heard something of me in times of yore, has thought -fit to tell me the situation in which you are placed, and to ask my -advice. I knew something of the facts before; for in the first place, -I was well acquainted with the good Count de Marennes; nay, poor as I -am, was somewhat related to him,--in a very distant degree, it is -true; but still he was not above acknowledging the connexion. In the -next place, as you may perhaps have remarked, I live with my eyes and -my ears open; and as I have been in this neighbourhood at least within -fifteen leagues for some time, I have heard a good deal of what is -going on. If therefore my counsel or assistance can do you any -service, command it; for I owe you a good turn for that which you -rendered me this morning. _Parbleu_, I should have been badly off if -you had not come up." - -"You are very welcome, my good Sir," replied De Montigni; "and as my -uncle has told you the circumstances, there is no use of entering upon -them again. There are other things, however, to be taken into -consideration, which you cannot yet know; I mean my own particular -views and notions--" - -"Ay!" cried the old commander, interrupting him, "the boy is fool -enough, Monsieur de Chasseron, to talk of yielding to the wishes of -these people, to think of abandoning all his rights, giving up to that -coxcomb Chazeul both bride and estates! What think you of that? of -letting them win the day by all their tricks and man[oe]uvres? He has -gone mad, I think! but _ventre bleu!_ it shall not be so; for I will -plead first myself. I renounced in favour of poor Louise, who had the -next right after me, not of Madame Jacqueline, who has got too much -already." - -De Montigni coloured slightly at his uncle's words, but he replied -calmly and affectionately; "I have my own reasons, my dear Sir, if you -will but hear them. All the gifts of fortune are but as we estimate -them; I will not pretend that I am without ambition, still less that -to obtain the heart of Mademoiselle d'Albret I would not make any -sacrifice. But I do not court her hand without her heart; and no -consideration shall tempt me to cause her unhappiness by opposing her -marriage, if--and I have no reason to doubt it--she feels towards my -cousin of Chazeul, as a woman should feel towards the man on whom she -is about to bestow her hand." - -"That, young gentleman, is the question," said Chasseron quickly, -while the old commander gave way to many a "Psha!" and other less -decent interjection. "You have been ill used; and, evidently with a -design of bringing about a marriage contrary to the previous contract -between the lady's father and your uncle, you have been kept at a -distance, in ignorance of all the facts, while opportunity has been -given to Monsieur de Chazeul to seek the lady's affections." - -"To be sure!" cried the commander, "it was all done on purpose!" - -"Under these circumstances!" continued Chasseron, without noticing the -interruption, "you would be perfectly justified in opposing the -marriage; and with the evidence of your uncle here, of the previous -contract, I do not scruple to say, it could not proceed. I applaud -your delicacy and generosity, however; but the utmost that could be -expected from the most noble-minded man would be, that you should -insist upon the delay of a year, with full opportunity of seeking to -change the lady's views, reserving to yourself the power to enforce or -renounce your rights, as you may find her affected." - -"But Sir--but Sir!" cried the commander. Chasseron, however, waved his -hand, saying, "Hear me out, my good friend," and then continued, "This -would be the kind and generous course, even if you found that -Mademoiselle d'Albret was a willing party to this alliance. The first -question is, however, whether she be really so or not? How can you -tell, that she does not consent with reluctance? How do you know, that -she has not also been deceived? May she not have been taught to think, -that her marriage with your cousin is in accordance with her father's -designs? or even if no fraud has been played upon her, may she not -have yielded from obedience to her guardian, knowing the power of -those who hold, under the King, the _garde noble_ of a female orphan? -may she not even now, long for deliverance, and may she not bless you, -if you step in armed with power to save her? Nay, more," he added with -a smile, "may she not love you already?" - -The colour rose warmly into De Montigni's cheek; and his heartbeat -quick; "Oh no, no," he cried, "I cannot hope such happiness. She was -young, very young, when I went; not yet fifteen. We always loved each -other, it is true; but as mere children." - -"Love is a fruit that matures itself without the sunshine," replied -Chasseron in a meaning tone, and then added frankly, "in a word, -Monsieur de Montigni, I think it is so. I would not delude you with -false hopes and expectations. That would be a bad return for the -service you have rendered me; but I have known something of women, and -I have in this case watched the lady accurately; not a glance of her -eye has escaped me, not a varying shade of colour in her cheek. I -think she loves you, I think she has now discovered it; and that, if -you could see her at this moment, you would behold her weeping -bitterly in her chamber over her hard fate. I think all this; but of -one thing I am certain; if she have to-morrow to choose between you -and Chazeul, she will not hesitate one moment, and her hand is yours." - -The sensations of Louis de Montigni at that moment would be impossible -to describe and difficult to conceive. Hope, joy, expectation, rose up -to struggle in his breast, with sorrow, doubt, and apprehension. He -dared not trust himself to the full tide of satisfaction and love. He -felt it impossible to believe that such happiness might be in store -for him; and, contrasted with the dark and bitter feelings which had -lately possessed him, the dream of happiness which now presented -itself, though one which he had more than once indulged before, seemed -too much for the lot of any mortal creature. A few moments' -reflection, however, showed him that even if all that Chasseron said -was true,--if the brightest hope of his heart were realized and the -love of Rose d'Albret were truly his, there were still difficulties -and dangers enough in the way, to mingle a full portion of bitter with -the cup of human joy. Obstacles innumerable presented themselves to -his imagination; and it seemed to his inexperienced mind almost -impossible to triumph over the impediments which might arise to bar -the path to happiness. - -His uncle and Chasseron sat gazing at him for a few moments, while he -remained in silence, meditating over the present and the future. The -old commander could not comprehend his feelings; but Chasseron, with -clearer eyes, read as if in a book all the varied emotions of his -heart, as they were written on his changing countenance. He suffered -him then to reflect without interruption, till at length the young -nobleman replied, "God send that it may be as you suppose! If it be -so, Sir, the decision of my conduct will be easy, for nothing but the -belief that I should be wounding the feelings or opposing the -happiness of Mademoiselle d'Albret, could prevent me from putting in -my claim to her hand. But if I thought that she had one doubt or -hesitation in regard to this marriage, that her whole heart did not go -with it, that she only consented at the command of her guardian, and -not from her own inclination, I would preserve every right I have, for -her sake as well as for my own." - -"Why, I tell you, boy, they have driven her," cried his uncle, "they -have coaxed, and laboured, and striven, for these last two years. They -have made her believe that my brother Anthony has the full and entire -disposal of her,--that she is but as his horse, or his ox, or any -other of his goods and chattels, which he can give or sell, or -exchange, at his will and pleasure." - -"That error may be soon proved," exclaimed De Montigni. - -"Nay," said Chasseron, before he proceeded, "perhaps not so easily as -you imagine. Depend upon it, these artful people, with power in their -hands, will take good care that you have no opportunity of speaking -with her alone, if they can help it. You have the means, however, of -driving them to it, if you use them skilfully. Let them think that -your decision entirely depends upon her--" - -"I have told them so already," replied De Montigni. - -"So far so good," continued Chasseron; "but keep to your text: refuse -to discuss the subject with them at all, till you have ascertained her -views. Demand an hour's private interview with her; and adhere firmly -to that condition. Let it take place also, in some spot where you -cannot be overheard--" - -"The rampart is the only place," said Estoc; "on the west side there -are no windows, and I will plant myself at the door, so as to ensure -there be no interruption." - -"There be it, then," said Chasseron; "and this once gained, the -decision of your fate is in your own hands. You may gain the day, too, -if you like; only remember, listen to no arguments, enter into no -conversation upon any part of the subject; but merely say that, when -Mademoiselle d'Albret, unconstrained and free, assures you fully, with -her own lips, in a private conference, that her happiness depends upon -your making this renunciation of your rights, you are ready to do so, -but not till then. Doubtless, they will tutor her,--doubtless, -they will endeavour to work upon her mind by every argument and -inducement--and many may be devised which we cannot foresee--but you, -on your part, must use your opportunity to the best advantage: press -her home with all the words of love and passion,--call to her mind the -days gone by, the scenes, the affections of childhood; show her how -shamefully you have been deceived; let her know the frauds which have -been put upon herself. Make her comprehend, that it was for you she -was destined by her father; and, if you will, let her know your -generous intentions; tell her that for her happiness you are ready to -sacrifice not only your rights and your inheritance, but even herself. -Then, Parbleu! if you do not win her, you are better without her." - -The old commander rubbed his hands, exclaiming, "He will win her, he -will win her! Don't be afraid; she is quite ready to be won. She loves -him already, man,--she always has loved him; only the poor little soul -did not understand what it was." - -"But suppose," said De Montigni in a musing tone, "suppose all this -takes place as we would have it: suppose I am blessed to the utmost of -my hopes and beyond my deserts, that I find her willing to be mine, -unwilling to be his, what is the next step to be taken?" - -"Ay, that is the question," replied Chasseron, "and one not very easy -to resolve. I will give you my opinion, fairly, though it may be -wrong. However, you may follow it or not as you like. Bold measures -are fitted for dangerous circumstances; and deceit, such as has been -used towards you, will justify you in employing means which, were it -otherwise, I would not advise, and you ought not to follow. If you -find her disposed to give her hand to you, and you make open and -decided opposition to the scheme which they themselves have devised, a -thousand to one you will be driven out of the château, and all the -influence of her guardian even to compulsion itself, may perhaps be -used to force her into a marriage with your rival. In the present -condition of the country, it will be difficult to enforce your rights, -so long as she remains here; by no means difficult for them, in the -course of a year or two, to drive her, by persecution, into the arms -of a man she hates. I would advise you, then, all these things -considered, not to let them fully know, all that takes place between -you. Give no decided answer the moment your interview is over; but say -they shall know your resolution the following day. Take advantage of -the time; and, having gained her consent, and arranged your plan, fly -with her at once to the camp of the King. Beyond all doubt Henry, as -soon as he is informed of her father's intentions regarding you, will -bestow her hand upon you. He is a good-humoured man enough; frank and -free; and has a weakness for all love affairs. He will be glad enough, -too, to secure the support of the houses of De Montigni and Marennes -to his own cause; for at present he is a king without a kingdom; a -soldier without money; and, by my faith, too, a husband without a -wife. However, you need not fear his taking yours, for they do say he -is over head and ears in love just now with another person; otherwise -I would not answer for him." - -De Montigni smiled: "You are no courtier, Monsieur Chasseron," he -said, "and your plan suits me well; but there may be difficulties in -the execution." - -"Pooh, boy!--None, none," cried his uncle; "the business will be quite -easy. Here are old Estoc and I as full of stratagems as the Duchess of -Montpensier. We have had all our cunning bottled up for these ten -years, since I got that cursed wound; and we'll arrange between us a -plan for getting you all out of the château, so that no one shall know -anything about it, for eight hours at least. The King is besieging -Dreux they say; and you can soon reach his camp." - -"But can I persuade Rose to consent?" asked De Montigni. - -"To be sure, to be sure," answered the old commander; "when she sees -that there is nothing else for it, she won't hesitate. Besides, your -taking her off to the King's camp, is not as if you were running away -with her to marry her without any authority." - -"Certainly not," said Chasseron; "remember to impress that upon her -mind: first, that it is according to her father's own disposition, -that she gives you her hand; secondly, that the King's right to the -guardianship of a noble ward, is paramount to that of your uncle, and -quite supersedes it." - -"And you think," asked De Montigni, "that I may be perfectly sure of -Henry's conduct?" - -"Perfectly," replied Chasseron. - -"I will be answerable for that," said the commander in a grave and -emphatic tone. "I will pledge my honour, which was never yet forfeit, -that His Majesty shall bestow upon you the hand of Rose d'Albret, as -soon as you reach his camp, and all the circumstances are explained to -him." - -"Well, then," said De Montigni, "my course is clear, and my conduct -decided. If the hopes that you have raised prove just, and that sweet -girl consents, we will fly as has been proposed. If not, and I am -disappointed, I will make the renunciation which is demanded of me, -raise my own retainers, join the King, and, fighting for my lawful -sovereign, will wed myself to honour as my only bride." - -"I trust, Sir," said the good farmer, "you may ere long be able to -serve the Bearnois, as they call him, not only with your own -retainers, but with those of Marennes and Liancourt too." - -"God send it--God send it!" cried the commander; "and I will get into -the saddle, too, if the devil were in my hip instead of a pistol ball. -Come along, Estoc; you and I will go and lay out a plan for carrying -off the lady, and I will let Louis know the result to-morrow by -daybreak:--But mind you do your part well, my boy. No shyness--no -diffidence--go right to the point at once. Tell her all about it, and -let her judge for herself.--Now, Monsieur de Chasseron, Estoc and I -will see you to your room," and thus saying, they took leave of De -Montigni, and retreated for the night. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - - -We must now give a space, a very short space indeed, to Rose d'Albret, -who, after speaking a few moments with her uncle, the priest, and -Chazeul, had retired to her own chamber in search of solitary -meditation. There, however, she found her maid waiting for her, it -having been her custom for some weeks, since Chazeul had taken up his -residence at the château, to quit the rest of the party as soon after -supper as possible. - -"There, take off this stiff gown, Blanchette; give me a dressing gown, -undo and comb my hair; and then you may go and gossip with Monsieur de -Montigni's servants. They have just come from Italy, and will tell -you, I don't doubt, how much prettier the girls of France are than -those on the other side of the Alps. I will undress myself, when I -feel sleepy." - -"Indeed, Mademoiselle, I don't want to gossip with them," said -Blanchette; "if I talk with anybody, it shall be with Alphonso, -Monsieur de Chazeul's head valet. He is a fine man, and a gay one, -like his master. Ay, indeed, Monsieur de Chazeul is something like a -man." - -Rose d'Albret turned suddenly towards her, and fixed her eyes upon her -face, asking, "How much has he given you, Blanchette?" - -"Lord, Mademoiselle!" cried the girl, turning crimson. - -"Yes, Blanchette, I wish to know," said Rose; "tell me exactly how -much he has given you. These fine gentlemen think that a lady's heart -can never be won rightly without bribing her maid; and therefore, just -in proportion to the number of crowns you have received, I shall judge -that Monsieur de Chazeul values my love. I am quite serious, so mind -you reckon up exactly." - -The girl evidently did not clearly see whether her mistress spoke -ironically or not, but the tone of Rose d'Albret was so serious, that -she inclined to the latter opinion, and answered hesitatingly, "Why of -course, Mademoiselle, he has given me some little presents at -different times, as all gentlemen do when they are in love." - -"Little presents!" cried Rose in the same tone, "why then he values me -little. But count up, count up, Blanchette, how much altogether." - -"Why, maybe, perhaps a hundred crowns in the whole, Mademoiselle," -answered the maid. - -"A hundred crowns!" cried Rose d'Albret, "I am worth more than that; -and I'll tell you what, Blanchette, you are a great fool if ever you -say a word in his favour again, unless he gives you treble as much. So -you look to it, undo my hair, and make haste." - -The girl obeyed the orders she received, and then, by her mistress's -direction, left her. The moment she was gone, however, Rose shook her -head sadly, and burst into tears, exclaiming, "Alas, that they should -thus fill me with suspicion! I am bought and sold like the goods of a -market. No one comes near me that is not bribed or corrupted by some -means. I have nowhere to turn for advice or sympathy or consolation. -What is the meaning of all this? Am I to believe that it is poor Rose -d'Albret, he seeks? No, no, he would take other means to win love, if -love were all he wanted. But I will know, I will see into the bottom -of his heart before I give him my hand.--Give him my hand? Oh God! to -think that the day is coming so soon!--But I will have some better -insight; and if they use such art with me, surely I may be excused for -practising some with them." - -Rose d'Albret leaned her head upon her hand, and thought long and -bitterly; but her mind was now pursuing another course; the image of -De Montigni had risen up before her. Nor would it be banished, though -she was afraid to look upon it steadily. "He is very little changed," -she said to herself; "I can trace all the features of the boy in the -man. He has lost his gay, light-hearted laugh, however--his cheerful -look that spread light around him. He has grown grave and stern. Can -he have suffered? Disappointed love, perhaps, has done its sad work -upon his heart. Oh, that I could comfort him!" - -She thought again, and other images seemed to present themselves; for, -after a moment's silent musing, she started up, crying "God forbid! -God forbid! Ah! what would come of it, if it were so? Ruin, -destruction, desolation to all perhaps!--Would I had resisted firmly -from the first! Yet I have promised nothing. I have been but passive -in the hands of others. I have heard my fate announced, and made no -answer.--'Tis a vain fancy after all. He hardly spoke to me, looked -cold and askance--perhaps he is offended--no not offended; grieved, -mortified, disappointed, perhaps. Heaven! where are my fancies leading -me? And yet I often thought when my eyes met his, that there was a -look of tenderness, almost of pity in his face, mournful yet -affectionate. Would that I knew what is passing in his heart! Yet what -would it avail?--I know not.--It might perhaps avail to save us both -from misery--or plunge us into greater. 'Tis useless to think of such -things; I will leave fate to take its course, and shape my own as -opportunity occurs. But I may at least strive to gain some knowledge -of this man's character and objects; and, if I do assume a spirit -different from my own to fathom the depth of his, surely it may be -forgiven when the cause is so powerful. I fear--I much fear that I am -wedding cold deceit, and treachery, and wretchedness. I will sooner -die first--sooner resign all I have, hide me in a convent, if needs -must be, and spend my life in prayer. But I will read his heart first. -Perhaps I do him wrong. His motives may be generous and noble for -aught I know; and yet I cannot but doubt it. If they were so, why such -shrewd steps to surround me by those who do nought but praise him? -There is a want of truth and nature in it, that brings suspicion -whether I will or not. De Montigni's very coldness has more of love in -it.--Poor De Montigni, what can have changed him so? I'll find some -means of speaking to him, and, if I can, will give him consolation. He -used to love me much when we were both young; and, if he have any deep -grief at his heart, it will sooth and comfort him to hear words of -sympathy from the lips of Rose d'Albret. I loved him, too, always; and -I could love him still--if it were right." - -But there she paused, and would not think how much she might love him. -She was like a child who comes to the precipice's edge, peers over, -and runs away in haste, lest he should see the full danger, and, with -giddy brain, fall over. - -"Hark," she continued, "there is Chazeul singing in the rooms below. I -will put out the light, and hie to bed. He is like the night-raven -that fancied himself a nightingale. But I can stop my ears;" and, -undressing hastily, she retired to bed: but sleep was far from her; -and, for many an hour, she lay revolving plans of what she would say -and do on the morrow. Still, thoughts she was afraid of, would -intrude; still, before she was aware of it, her fancy was busy with De -Montigni; still her repugnance to the union with Chazeul grew more and -more strong, and it was not till half the night was spent, that at -length she closed her eyes in sleep. She heard Blanchette come late -into the ante-room where the maid's bed was placed; she heard her -breathe hard soon after, in the dull sleep of selfish content; she -heard sound after sound in the château, indicating that all were -seeking repose; and at length, when every other noise was still, the -deep bell of the clock first striking one, then two. But the third -hour did not find her senses waking. - -It was daylight the next morning, though it was her habit to rise -early, when her maid called her; and Rose at once perceived that there -was a tale behind the meaning look on the girl's face. "Well, -Blanchette," she said, "what is it? You have got something to tell. -Speak it quickly, girl, I do not love to wait." - -"Ah seigneur! Mademoiselle," replied the maid, "I have heard such high -words just now in the hall between the Count, and Monsieur de Chazeul, -and Monsieur de Montigni." - -The colour fled from the cheek of Rose d'Albret; but she strove hard -to ask in a calm and indifferent tone, what the dispute was about. - -"That I cannot tell, Mademoiselle," replied the girl, who, like so -many people in her station, only gathered sufficient information to -alarm, but not enlighten; "All I know is, Monsieur de Liancourt looked -very angry, and spoke very high, and the Marquis too; and Monsieur de -Montigni replied coldly to my Lord, saying, 'I must hear that from her -own lips, Sir, with no one present to restrain her.' But when Monsieur -de Chazeul said something I did not hear, the Baron turned upon him -like a lion, and answered 'Silence, Sir! or I shall forget you are my -cousin. You have heard my answer. Be it as you like. I seek not the -conference you seem so afraid to grant, but without it, I sign away no -right that I possess;' and then the Marquis replied, with a scornful -air, 'you are mistaken, Sir; I fear no conference between a lady who -loves me and a boy like you. There is no great rivalry to dread. So, -to keep peace in the house, you shall have this interview, and that -right soon;' and then he turned round and came towards the door, -behind which I stood, and so I came away." - -"Hark!" cried Rose d'Albret, "there is some one knocking at the -ante-chamber door, see who is there! Say I am not dressed, but will be -so soon." - -"It is Monsieur de Chazeul, Mademoiselle," exclaimed the girl, after -going out and returning; "he bade me tell you that the weather has -grown warmer, the frost was gone, and the morning fair and sun-shiny, -if when you are dressed, you will join him on the ramparts, for he -wishes to speak with you." - -Rose laid her hand upon her brow, thought for a moment, and then -exclaimed, "I will go. Quick, dress me, Blanchette. I will go." - -Her toilet was concluded much sooner than usual; and in a short time, -avoiding the great hall, she was gliding along with a palpitating -heart and unsteady step, by a passage which led direct to the walls. -Before she opened the door between the house and the rampart, however, -Rose d'Albret paused and meditated for a moment, pressed her hand upon -her side as if to stop the beating within, and then saying, "So--so -shall it be," she went out. - -Chazeul was walking away from her, towards the end; but he turned the -next moment, and as soon as he saw her, hastened his pace to meet her. -Rose advanced deliberately, but was not a little surprised, when, on -coming near, Chazeul threw his arms round her and attempted to press -his lips upon hers. She repelled him in a moment, with a look of -indignant scorn, but the next instant she calmed the expression of her -countenance, and said, "Nay, nay, Monsieur de Chazeul, you forget you -are not my husband yet, and never may be. So take no liberties, I beg, -or I go in this moment." - -"And never may be!" cried Chazeul. "Oh, that is settled beyond all -power of recall, sweet Rose. I have your guardian's promise, signed -and sealed, dear lady, so that either Rose d'Albret is my wife or a -cloistered nun for life." - -"Well, that is one alternative, at all events, Monsieur," she -answered; "not a very pleasant one indeed, nor one that I am likely to -adopt; but still, do not consider me as your wife, till I am so; and -take no liberties, if you would have me stay with you." - -"Nay, this is but what all lovers take and grant," replied Chazeul; -"however, be it as you will for the present, sweet Rose." - -"Lovers!" repeated Mademoiselle d'Albret, "pray put the matter on its -right footing, Chazeul. It is better that we should understand each -other clearly. This proposed alliance is what is called a _mariage de -convenance_. I look upon it as such; and so do you at your heart. I am -not one to love easily. Doubtless I shall love my husband, when he is -so; but in the mean time, all that either of us looks to, is a certain -change in our position for the better. I view the matter quite -reasonably; and so do you, though you think it right to affect a -little passion. Not that I am insensible to the advantage of having a -handsome husband of reputation and distinction; nor you to that of -having a pretty and well dressed wife; but, as the principal question, -there are higher points involved than mere inclination. Deal with me -therefore candidly, Chazeul, and do not make the unnecessary attempt -to deceive me with a show of passion that has nothing to do with the -affair." - -Had Rose d'Albret assumed a warmer tone, Chazeul might at once have -suspected her; but her calm and reasoning manner was so consistent -with his own notions, that he aided to deceive himself; and judging -her cold, and incapable of any strong passion, felt more secure than -ever of the success of his schemes. "Well, Rose," he said, "I do love -you, whatever you may think; and so do you love me, I believe. But to -speak of these higher matters that you talk of: our marriage is -certainly, under every consideration, the best devised alliance of the -times. You know that the estates of Chazeul are very large, but still -not large enough to give me that power and influence which I might -obtain. The estates of Marennes are nearly equal; and therefore by my -marriage with you, according to your father's and your guardian's -wishes, I well nigh double my station and importance. But there is -something more, dear Rose, in favour of this marriage; my generous -uncle settles on me the whole estates of Liancourt, which add vast -weight to all the rest, so that no member of the Holy Union--ay, -hardly Mayenne himself--will be able to compete with me in wealth and -influence. Splendour and power are before us, Rose, such as princes -might envy; and there is but one difficulty." - -"Ha! What is that?" cried his fair companion, in an eager tone. - -"Why, it is this," replied the Marquis, with some slight hesitation, -"this boy, De Montigni, you know, has been sent for to sign the -contract and the necessary papers. My uncle generously offers him, as -his share of the inheritance, all the rich benefices at the disposal -of the house of Liancourt. He may hold them, all but the bishopric, -without entering the church; but if he chooses to take that -profession--and he is fit for nothing else--the bishopric can be -easily secured to him also, and then his portion will be even larger -in revenue than mine. It is necessary, however, in order to avoid -after-litigation, that he should sign a renunciation in regard to the -estates; but this he refuses to do till--" - -"Offer him something more," cried Rose d'Albret, willing to try him -thoroughly; "give him the farm of Marcilly. You will scarcely miss it; -and it will serve to make matters easy." - -"It is a rich farm," answered Chazeul, shaking his head; "but that is -not the question, Rose. He will not sign till he hears from your own -lips, that it is your wish he should." - -"I will speak to him," said the young lady. "I will speak to him -directly." - -"Nay, hear me first, sweet Rose," replied Chazeul. "Make your words -short with him. Merely say, that this marriage having been decided and -your hand promised to me, you are placed in a situation of great -embarrassment by his conduct." - -"I can say that with truth," answered Rose d'Albret; "but then," she -added, "if I find he remains firm, may I not offer him Marcilly?" - -"It is unnecessary," said Chazeul, with an impatient look; "for he has -given his word, and will not break it, to sign the papers, if you but -express a wish that he should." - -"Oh, I cannot ask him," replied Rose d'Albret, "I cannot distinctly -ask him, Monsieur de Chazeul." - -"And pray why not?" demanded Chazeul, in some surprise. - -"Oh, for many reasons, which I should think you would see at once," -answered Mademoiselle d'Albret. "In the first place, it would be -laying myself under an obligation which I may find it difficult to -acquit. All I can do is to tell him truly what I feel, to tell him the -embarrassment into which these events may cast me, and then to let him -deliver me from them if he will." - -"Ah! here comes father Walter," said Chazeul; but the announcement -gave no pleasure to Rose d'Albret; for she felt that there would be -more difficulty in concealing, from his eyes, what were the real -feelings of her heart than from those of Chazeul, already blinded by -his own self-confidence. - -Happily for her, however, father Walter had fixed upon his own course; -and trusting to the power which he had always possessed over her mind, -he thought to bind her not by promises, but by principles, forgetting -that when he himself favoured art and deceit, the slightest accident -might discover the whole, and free her from the bonds which he strove -to impose upon her. As he approached, he beckoned Chazeul apart, -saying, "I have a message for you, Monsieur de Chazeul.--Good morning, -my daughter, I would speak a word or two with you in a moment--now -Chazeul," he continued, when Rose had advanced a step or two, "what -has been done?" - -"She does not exactly promise," said Chazeul, "but she owns that his -conduct places her in circumstances of great embarrassment, and says -she will tell him so--but I am sure she will do what we wish. However, -perhaps it might be better to wait till my mother comes, before we -grant him this interview." - -"I do not know," replied the priest, thoughtfully; "if we do, it will -be impossible to prevent De Montigni from having in the meantime some -private conference with the good old commander, which he has not -obtained as yet, for the old man is not yet up, and the young one is -walking in the hall. But if they once meet to discuss this affair, the -fact will come out, that Mademoiselle d'Albret was really destined by -her father for your cousin. No one can tell what effect that may have -upon her, and therefore, it may be better to let their conference take -place before he knows it. Once get his signature, and the matter is -irrevocable. At present he is only vaguely aware that he has a claim -to the estates. He makes some merit, indeed, with her, of his -willingness, for her happiness, to resign his right, but that will not -at all counterbalance the impression we have produced on her mind -that, in marrying you, she is fulfilling the wishes of her parents, -and the engagements that they had made. We had every right, indeed, to -produce such an impression; for the moment that De Montigni renounces -the estates in your favour, you become the person pointed out in the -contract." - -"Pshaw! never mind whether it is right or wrong," replied Chazeul; "so -that the end be gained. But I see what you mean: you are right, we -must get the interview over, before he gains further information. -Then, his word once given, he will not shrink from it. I am sure she -will do it, though she says that she cannot distinctly ask him to -consent, or lay herself under an obligation to him." - -"That is all the better," replied the priest; "had she promised too -much I might have doubted, from what I saw last night; but now go you -to your uncle and make sure that there is no speech between De -Montigni and the commander; and I will confirm her in her intentions, -as I well know how. I will join you in ten minutes, and then you can -send De Montigni up here." - -Thus saying, they parted; and, with his usual slow and deliberate -step, the priest advanced to the spot where Mademoiselle d'Albret was -walking thoughtfully along the battlements. - -"There is a question I wish to ask you, good father," said Rose, -beginning the conversation herself, in order to guide it in the -direction she thought best; "and I beg you would answer me frankly. My -maid tells me, that she overheard high words this morning between De -Montigni and my guardian. What were they about?" - -"Truly, daughter," replied the priest, well-pleased that she had -brought forward the subject at once, "I cannot tell you exactly what -took place, for I was not present. But I know that the conduct of -Monsieur de Montigni is giving the Count great pain, alienating his -affection from him, and, unless something is done to convince him how -wrong he is, I fear we shall have scenes of quarreling and confusion, -the curse of long and tedious lawsuits, ay, and perhaps, even -bloodshed." - -"Indeed!" exclaimed Rose, with unaffected horror. "Ah! that is very -terrible. How can we stop it, good father?--What is the cause of all -this?" - -The priest was well satisfied to see the immediate effect his words -produced. "No one can stop it, my dear child," he replied, "unless it -be yourself. I believe your entreaties would have more effect upon the -mind of Monsieur de Montigni than those of any one; and if you fail, -matters must take their course. But, at all events, if you exert -yourself to restore peace, you will have the blessed satisfaction of -having done your duty. The case is this, my child," he continued, -before Rose could reply: "You are bound to give your hand to Monsieur -de Chazeul, by all those obligations which must be most imperative -upon a woman of good feeling and good principles. Your uncle is bound, -also, by the tenor of his contract with your father, to secure to this -your future husband the estates of Liancourt; for that purpose, and to -avoid contentions and lawsuits, it is necessary that Monsieur de -Montigni should make a renunciation of any claims, real or imaginary, -to those estates. To take from him all cause for complaint, your -guardian has most generously consented to give him revenues, to an -equal amount, from other sources, and that immediately. But Monsieur -de Montigni resists, talks high and loud, and the only thing that -seems to have any effect upon him is, the thought of distressing you, -who were brought up with him as a sister." - -Rose paused thoughtfully for a few moments, really moved and affected; -and the priest, who watched each change of her countenance with keen -and practised eyes, fully believed that he had gained the day. That -supposition was confirmed, when she said in a low and agitated voice, -"Send him to me, good father, send him to me!" - -"I will, my dear daughter," answered the priest; "for I feel almost -sure that you will be able to persuade him to a nobler and more -generous line of conduct. I need use no exhortations to you, daughter, -to exert your greatest influence to restore peace in this family; but, -let me say, that for such an object you maybe well justified in -overstepping, in some degree, the bounds which a timid and delicate -woman generally prescribes to herself. For this high purpose, you may -well urge him more warmly and vehemently than you might otherwise -think reasonable and proper, and may hold out to him the inducement of -contributing to your happiness and peace, with a view to restore -tranquillity and comfort in a house where you have ever been treated -as a daughter." - -"Send him to me, good father," repeated Rose d'Albret. "I know not -what I shall say or do, to effect the purpose desired; but in former -days De Montigni was always generous and self-denying; and if I can -restore peace without any act of injustice, no personal sacrifice on -my part will seem too much for me to make." - -She spoke sincerely, with all her previous thoughts and feelings -thrown into confusion; and, with a pale cheek and trembling frame she -seated herself upon the parapet, and covered her eyes with her hand. - -"I will send him this moment, my child," replied the priest, convinced -even by her visible agitation, that he had produced the effect he had -desired. - -"Stay, stay a moment," said the fair girl in a faltering tone; "I am -troubled, father; let me recover myself for a moment." - -"As long as you will," replied the priest; "but the sooner such a -painful scene is over the better." - -"Now," said Rose d'Albret, after a short pause, "now, good father; and -let him be quick, for I fear my courage will fail." - -"God's blessing go with your good work!" cried father Walter, and with -a low inclination of the head he retired. - -At a rapid pace he sought the great hall, where he found Monsieur de -Liancourt seated at a table, and pretending to write a letter, though -the agitated shaking of his hand prevented him from tracing more than -one or two words in a minute. De Montigni was walking up and down on -the other side, with his arms crossed upon his chest, and his eyes -bent upon the ground; and Chazeul was standing, playing with the hilt -of his sword, near the door which led to the ramparts. - -"All is right and safe," said the priest in a low voice to the Marquis -as he entered. "He has not seen the Commander?" - -"No, no," whispered Chazeul; "but the old man must be down soon. He is -later than usual." - -"The change of weather always affects his wounds," replied the priest; -"but the sooner this is over the better.--Monsieur de Montigni," he -continued, crossing the hall, "Mademoiselle d'Albret wishes to speak -with you on the ramparts." - -"Very well," replied De Montigni, advancing towards the door. But -pausing in the midst of the hall, and drawing up his head proudly, he -added, gazing first at Monsieur de Liancourt, then at Chazeul, -"Remember, gentlemen, I am to have one hour unwatched, unlistened to, -unrestrained--ay, and uninterrupted; and if, in that time, -Mademoiselle d'Albret distinctly asks me to sign these papers, I will -do it before noon to-morrow. That is our compact." - -"So be it," answered the Count; and Chazeul bent his head with a -sarcastic smile. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - - -The heart of poor Rose d'Albret beat so fast as she sat upon the -battlements, leaning her head and arm upon the stone-work of one of -the embrasures, that she feared she would faint before De Montigni -appeared. She longed eagerly to think over all that had taken place -that morning, over her own sensations, over her past, over her future -conduct. But her ideas were all in wild confusion; and she could not -command her mind sufficiently to give them anything like order and -precision. In a few minutes, however, she heard a step; and looking -round towards the door which led across the drawbridge into the -château, she saw De Montigni advancing towards her with a quick pace. -She trembled to meet him, but yet as she gazed there was nothing stern -or harsh or cold in his countenance. It was somewhat grave, perhaps; -but still there was a light in his eyes, a look of hopefulness and -satisfaction. It was more like that of the youth, who had left her -five years before, than it had appeared since his return; and, as he -came near he held out his hand towards her, saying, "Rose!--dear -Rose!" - -She could not resist the tone and the manner; but starting up at once, -she placed both her hands in his, while the warm blood of emotion -mounted up into her cheeks and forehead, and made her whole face one -glow. The next moment her eyes were drowned in tears; but De Montigni, -without noticing them, drew her arm through his, and led her towards -the further part of the rampart, while good old Estoc, with a heavy -sword by his side, appeared upon the flying bridge, and leaned over -the chains, looking into the space below. - -"Dry your tears, dearest Rose," said De Montigni; "dry your tears, and -calm your heart, and listen with your whole mind to one who has always -loved you, as a boy, as a youth, as a man--one who is ready at your -slightest word to make any or every sacrifice, but to procure you one -moment's happiness." - -"Oh, De Montigni!" exclaimed Rose d'Albret, "do not speak to me so -tenderly, do not speak to me so kindly, or any little calmness, any -little power over my mind that I may hope to possess, will be lost -altogether." - -"Nay, that must not be, Rose," replied De Montigni; "I have need of -your full attention, dearest Rose, and I have not come here to agitate -or afflict you. I have sought this interview that we may understand -each other clearly and fully, or rather, that I may know and be quite -sure that, in anything I do, I am really consulting your wishes and -your happiness, and that you are not deceived, as I have been, in -regard to the circumstances of your position." - -"Alas, De Montigni!" answered his fair companion, "I fear no -explanation can deliver me from the terrible embarrassment in which I -am placed. Indeed, indeed, I know not which way to turn or what to do. -I would give worlds, I would do anything, to restore peace to this -family, but I have no right to ask you to make sacrifices, I have no -right to injure or to distress you." - -"Talk not of sacrifices, Rose," replied De Montigni in a mournful -tone; "talk not of sacrifices to me. I am ready to make any, _all_ for -your dear sake. You have nothing to do but to command, and I will -obey; but it is upon the sole condition that I know it to be for your -happiness; and first, Rose, let me beseech you to tell me, how you -conceive you stand regarding this marriage." - -"I do not understand you," replied Mademoiselle d'Albret; "how do you -mean, De Montigni?" - -"We have but an hour, Rose, for all that we have to say," answered De -Montigni, "therefore forgive me if I ask you plain and straightforward -questions upon subjects into which I have, perhaps, no right to -inquire; and answer me candidly and frankly--I know you will. First, -dearest Rose, is it love, or what you consider duty, that binds you to -Nicholas de Chazeul?" - -"Duty, duty," replied Rose d'Albret eagerly; then placing her hand -upon her brow, she thought for an instant, and added with a melancholy -shake of the head, "Love? Ah, no! Alas, love has little to do with it, -on either side!" - -"Then almost all my questions are answered, Rose," replied De -Montigni, taking her hand, and pressing it in his own. - -"Nay, do not, do not, Louis," said his fair companion; "you agitate, -you alarm me. I must do my duty, De Montigni; I have promised to -endeavour to restore peace to this household. Remember, I must obey--I -must fulfil the engagement entered into by my father." - -"Then, Rose d'Albret," replied the young nobleman, "you are the bride -of Louis de Montigni, and not of Nicholas de Chazeul: the bride of one -who has loved you from infancy, not of a cold and heartless villain, -who loves nothing but himself." - -Rose d'Albret turned, withdrew her arm, and gazed upon him for a -moment in pale and speechless astonishment. The next moment her lips -too turned white, and she would have fallen had not her lover caught -her in his arms. - -Poor De Montigni knew little of woman's heart, and could ill -distinguish between the effects of mere emotion and distress. He -carried rather than led her to the side of the wall, and seating her -in one of the embrasures, hastened to reassure her, as he thought. -"Listen to me, Rose, listen to me, dearest girl," he said; "De -Montigni is not about to take advantage of any circumstances of his -situation. It is for you, as I said just now, to command, and for me -to obey. I am ready at a word to renounce my inheritance, my rights, -my hopes--yes, Rose, even you yourself--if it be necessary for your -happiness--I forgive you for having deceived me but now. If you now -answer that you love this man, I am willing, ready to renounce all, -even my newly awakened joy, that you may be at peace. I shall soon -find repose on some field of battle." - -"I have promised nothing," murmured Rose d'Albret to herself; "Thank -God, I have promised nothing! I have acquiesced in what they told me -was a duty--nothing more--Oh no, no, thank God, I have done no more;" -and she burst into a passionate flood of tears. - -After a moment, however, she dried them suddenly and looked up. "What -was it you said, De Montigni?" she cried; "tell it me again! It seems -like a dream. Tell it me again. Surely you said I was not doomed to -wed Chazeul!" - -Louis de Montigni gazed upon her with a look in which surprise, and -joy, and thankfulness gradually rose up like the increasing flame upon -an altar. "Oh, Rose," he said, "your words give me life. I did say you -were not doomed to wed Chazeul. Your fate depends upon your own -decision, and upon my actions, which your decision will rule. Listen -to me, dear one, and I will in a few short words explain all. We shall -have much to speak of afterwards, so mark well every point. My uncle, -the commander, will confirm all I say, if you doubt me." - -"Doubt you, De Montigni? Doubt _you?_" asked Rose d'Albret, extending -her hand to him. "I'd sooner doubt myself. But speak, Louis, speak. -What have you to tell?" - -"A brief tale, but a sad one," answered De Montigni. "In years long -gone, your guardian, the Count, being then married to your aunt, and -childless, the good old commander made a renunciation, on my father's -marriage, of all his claims to the estates of Liancourt in my mother's -favour. I became, therefore, the presumptive heir; and your good -father entered into a contract with my uncle, the Count, by which, in -case of his death, you were to become the ward of Monsieur de -Liancourt, and to wed the nephew to whom his estates naturally -descended. Since then, I find, the Count has been persuaded by some -persons--my aunt Jacqueline de Chazeul, I believe, and I fear the -priest also--to favour a scheme for substituting Chazeul in place of -myself. The particulars of the contract have been kept secret from you -and me. I have been sent afar till the whole plot was mature; you have -been taught to consider yourself as the promised bride of another. My -renunciation, however, was necessary, in order that, by rendering -Chazeul the heir of the estates of Liancourt, it might give validity -to your marriage with him, in the face of which stands my uncle's -contract with your father so long as the estates are entailed upon me. -For this purpose was I sent for from Italy, still kept in ignorance. -But I had never forgotten Rose d'Albret. I shrunk from signing away my -birthright without inquiry. Forgive me, Rose, forgive me, if I say I -would have done anything to obstruct--ay, even to delay for a day or -hour your marriage with another. Then came the priest to talk with me; -and from him--by a slip of the tongue I believe--I learned my claim to -the estates. In a private interview with my uncle, the commander, I -learned my whole rights, and the contract signed by your father. The -whole villanous scheme was in short exposed; and from others rather -than my own presumption, I learned to hope--what shall I say?--that -Rose d'Albret might as willingly unite her fate with the companion of -her girlhood, as with a man whom she must, when his fraud is all -discovered, in some degree condemn. Yet still, Rose, still, if your -heart leads you towards him, speak but the word! De Montigni is yours: -without you I am nothing--fortune, rank, hope, life itself, is an -empty bubble. All shall be resigned at your first bidding; and to know -I have made you happy by my own wretchedness, shall be the consolation -of my remaining days, the one sole light of a dark existence, the -friendly hand that closes my willing eyes in death. But if not--if you -have been but constrained by a cold sense of duty--if you can find -happiness with one who has always loved you--if you can give your -heart in return for passion such as you deserve--oh Rose, oh, my -beloved!" - -He held out his arms to her as he spoke; the wall shaded them from -observation: he drew nearer, more near; and Rose d'Albret with a cheek -of crimson, and overflowing eyes, bent forward her head and sobbed -upon his bosom. - -"Thou art mine! thou art mine! Thou dearest and best beloved," cried -De Montigni, clasping her to his heart. "But hark!" he exclaimed, -"there is the clock striking ten. We have but half an hour, Rose, to -settle all our plans. Thou art mine, however; and it shall be a strong -hand that tears thee from me." - -"But, oh, De Montigni," exclaimed Rose d'Albret, withdrawing herself -from his arms and looking up with apprehension in her face, "How will -all this end? There will be strife--there may be bloodshed!" - -"Fear not, dear one," answered her lover. "It is that which I would -fain avoid; and if Rose d'Albret will deign for the sake of De -Montigni, to overstep some cold proprieties, to trust herself entirely -to one in whom she has acknowledged she can confide, to fly to the -court of the King with her promised, her contracted husband, all -difficulties, all dangers will be at an end; and in our sovereign's -presence, with all the nobility of France to witness, we will pledge -our vows at the altar, let who will gainsay it." - -"To fly!--Oh, Louis," cried Rose d'Albret; but the next moment she -bent down her eyes, placed her hand in his, and added in a low tone, -"But I am yours. Do with me what you will. I know you would not wrong -me." - -"Not for the joy of heaven," answered De Montigni. "But it is the only -way, dear Rose, to avoid evils innumerable, strife, contention, and a -thousand black and terrible things hidden from us by the dark curtain -of the future. You must fly with me, dear Rose. You must fly with me -this very night." - -"To-night!" said the young lady; "to-night, Louis?" but after a -moment's thought, she continued, "Yet it must be so, I believe. -To-morrow might be too late; and perhaps, they may not let me speak -with you again, Louis." - -"If they discover the nature of our conversation most certainly they -will not," replied De Montigni; "but that we must conceal from them. I -am not one to teach you deceit, dear Rose. God forbid that you should -lose that bright candour which, to the mind, is what the hue of warm -health is to the face. But these people have dealt wrongfully with you -and me; to deliver you from their hands without long contention, there -is but one way open; and we are not bound to reveal our plans and -purposes, our views and feelings, to those who would misuse their -knowledge." - -"But if they ask me?" said Rose d'Albret; "what can I do?--what can I -say?" - -"Say as little as possible, my beloved," answered De Montigni. "Enter -into no particulars; merely tell them that you found me very resolute; -but add, that my decision must rest with myself, after what you have -said, and that you believe, upon due consideration of all the -circumstances, I will do what is right. Be sure too, dear Rose, that -you may safely say so; for I will do what is right to the utmost. Then -if they try to investigate more closely, boldly refuse to answer. Say -that, to tell them all the words which passed between us would be to -betray my confidence, and you will not do it. Let them not lead you on -from one thing to another, but keep your reply to as simple a -statement as possible." - -"I will! I will!" replied Rose d'Albret; "I know the danger of -suffering them to entangle me in explanations or discussion." - -"And particularly beware of the priest," added her lover. "He is not -honest, Rose, and has made himself their tool." - -"I fear it is so," answered the young lady. "Even now he tried to -deceive me, and partly succeeded." - -"Let him not do so again, dear one," said De Montigni; "but there is -another person of whom you must likewise have a care. I mean Madame de -Chazeul. She will be here soon, and though, perhaps, I judged harshly -of her while I was a boy, I find my good uncle, the commander, her own -brother, is but little more merciful to her character." - -"If she be coming, I will hide myself," answered Rose. "Oh, she is a -horrible woman! I always avoid her; I always abhor her company. I -remember well things she has said that froze my blood. She scoffs at -the very thought of goodness and honour; and with her serpent-tongue -would have one believe, that no one is virtuous but in appearance; and -yet I have heard her as bitter against others for light faults, as if -she had none herself." - -"She is treacherous too, as well malevolent, I find," replied De -Montigni; "therefore avoid her to-day as much as possible, dearest." - -"I have a bad head-ach, Louis, with all this agitation," said Rose; -"but I am glad of it; for it will give me a fair excuse for lying down -again. Burdened with the secret now in my bosom, I would not spend a -day with that woman for the world. She would try all means, to make me -tell her everything that has passed or force me to a lie to conceal -it." - -"Perhaps your plan may be the best," rejoined De Montigni; "but -remember, dear Rose, you will have to wake and rise an hour after -midnight, to fly with him who loves you." - -"But how, Louis? how?" asked Mademoiselle d'Albret. "Remember in these -times the gates are guarded." - -"All that is settled and laid out," replied her lover. "Only be ready, -dear one, to come with me at the hour I name. Bring little with you; -leave jewels, and clothes, and all behind. All I seek, all I desire, -is Rose herself; and though, perhaps, amidst these contentions, your -guardian may keep us long from our rights in your inheritance, yet De -Montigni has enough for himself and her he loves; and I do not think -that Rose will murmur at the want of splendour and high estate, if her -heart be satisfied with its choice." - -Rose d'Albret gazed at him with a bright smile, for she could not but -contrast with pleasure, his thoughts with those of Chazeul. "I will be -ready, Louis," she said, "and I will own, a crust of bread, with one -who feels as you do, will be better to me than splendour and feasting -with another. But there is one difficulty, Louis," she added, -suddenly, while the smile passed away, and a look of apprehension took -its place. "What can I do with my maid Blanchette? I thought the girl -was honest and true, but these people have corrupted her. Every one -who approaches me seems to have been gained by some means; and, with -those who have not been so gained, they have long suffered me to have -no private conversation. Even with the good old commander himself, -since he returned hither from Paris, about two months ago, they have -not allowed me to speak for a moment without some one being present. -But Blanchette, what is to be done about Blanchette? She owned this -morning that she had received bribes from Chazeul to a considerable -extent." - -De Montigni mused. "We must find some remedy, dear Rose," he replied -at length: "a person who has received one bribe will generally not -refuse another, and I must try to outbid Chazeul. But why should she -have any part in the affair? Why should she know it at all?" - -"She sleeps in my ante-room," answered Rose d'Albret. "I cannot pass -out without her hearing me." - -"There is the window, dearest Rose," said her lover; "it is but a few -feet above the wall; and we must try that, if other resources fail. At -all events, be at the window at one. I will come to speak to you -there, and tell you what is arranged. You must be quite ready, -however, dearest Rose; for our safety may depend upon a moment." - -"My heart sinks when I think of it," replied Rose d'Albret. "But yet, -Louis--but yet, Louis," she answered, "I will not hesitate; for it is -the only way to escape from a fate, of which I now feel, for the first -lime, all the wretchedness:--but how shall I know when you are beneath -the window?" - -"I will reach up and knock with the point of my sword," answered -De Montigni, "and then we must speak low, lest any one should -hear.--Hark! there are voices; the time, I suppose, is at an end. -Adieu! dearest Rose, adieu! Be ready--pray be ready; for I feel sure -that happiness will attend us. Nevertheless, let us now have grave and -serious countenances; for we must not let them see, that there are any -warmer feelings in our hearts." - -"I shall not find it difficult to look grave, Louis," replied the -lady; "for it is a hard necessity that drives me to do that which I -do.--But, hark! they are surely quarreling there!" - -"'Tis Estoc will not suffer Chazeul to pass, I dare say, answered De -Montigni. - -"Go, Louis, go," cried Mademoiselle d'Albret; "for heaven's sake, do -not let them dispute.--Adieu! adieu!" - -They were at this moment on a part of the walls which, running round -from the drawbridge we have mentioned, passed under a defence which -was called _the cavalier_, and was concealed by it from the windows of -the building, as well as from the bridge and the rest of the rampart. -De Montigni felt strongly inclined to press his fair companion to his -heart before he left her; but he wisely refrained, and looking up to -the top of _the cavalier_, he had cause to be satisfied with his own -self-command; for just above the parapet, he caught sight of part of a -man's head, evidently watching them. - -Taking Rose's hand, then, he bent his head over it, whispering, "We -are watched, Rose;" adding aloud, "Farewell, then, Mademoiselle -d'Albret, I will consider all you have said," he took a step back, -bowed low, and retired along the wall. - -When he came within sight of the bridge, he found that, as he had -supposed, the good old soldier had thrust himself right in the way of -Chazeul, and holding his sheathed sword in his left hand, seemed ready -to draw it if the other attempted to pass him. Chazeul was in the act -of turning to speak to some person behind; and De Montigni heard him -exclaim aloud, "Call Monsieur de Liancourt!" - -The moment, however, that Estoc caught sight of the young Baron -advancing rapidly along the wall, he dropped the sword back into its -place, and suffered Chazeul to come forward. The cheek and brow of the -latter were fiery red, and his eye flashing with anger, as he -exclaimed, - -"This is very modest and proper indeed, Monsieur de Montigni! Do you -forget that you are in your uncle's château, that you thus set a guard -upon his walls to prevent his family from passing?" - -"To ensure, Sir, that they keep their word with me," said De Montigni. -"I am quite well aware that I have but little more right than yourself -to command in this place; however, do not let us quarrel, Chazeul," he -added with a serious air; "we have things of more serious consequence -to think of--at least I have." - -"I dare say you have," replied Chazeul with a triumphant smile, -judging from his cousin's countenance that all things had gone -according to his own wishes. "Well, what is the result of your -conference?" - -"Of that hereafter," answered De Montigni, passing on. "Nay, no words -at present, good Estoc," he continued; seeing the old soldier eying -Chazeul with an angry glance, "let the past be forgotten, if you would -not grieve me." - -"But one warning first to this young gentleman," said Estoc; "Do not -use such words again to a French gentleman, Monsieur de Chazeul; for I -give you fair notice, that, if I be the one on whom you spend them, I -will send my sword through your body, as I have done to many a better -man than yourself before now." - -"You might not find me quite tranquil under such an honour, Master -Estoc," replied Chazeul; "but I will take care that you shall be -chastised for your insolence, by those whom it may better become to -meddle with you:" and thus saying, he followed De Montigni over the -bridge and through the passage into the hall. - -To say the truth, the heart of Louis de Montigni was not quite at -ease: for, how long he had been watched from _the cavalier_, and how -much of what he had said had been overheard, he could not tell. The -small part of the man's head which he had observed, did not enable him -to judge who it was that had been playing the eaves-dropper; and he -more feared the priest than any one else. But when he entered the hall -he found father Walter there, and his uncle absent; and, the moment -after, Monsieur de Liancourt himself appeared with an air of so much -satisfaction, that De Montigni's apprehensions of discovery were at an -end. - -"Well, Louis," said the Count, "I trust you are satisfied, and that -you have made up your mind to yield all this idle resistance, and sign -the papers at last with a good grace." - -"I have promised my reply before noon to-morrow," replied De Montigni -with a frown upon his brow; for he was not well pleased with the -pitiful art which had been used towards him. "Before I sign anything, -however, I must read the papers, and consider them well; it is but -fair to know, what I am asked to do." - -"You are mightily long and deliberate, Monsieur de Montigni," said -Chazeul; "I understood that you were to make up your mind by what -Mademoiselle d'Albret thought fit to say. Now I will take it upon -myself to affirm, that she did ask you to sign them." - -"You are wrong, Monsieur de Chazeul," replied his cousin, turning upon -him sternly, "she did not." - -"You are too frank and noble, my son, I am sure," observed father -Walter, "to have recourse to an evasion; and we have every reason to -suppose that, if the young lady did not actually ask you to put your -hand to these documents, she did what was tantamount, and expressed -some wish that it should be so." - -"I have every reason to think so too," said Monsieur de Liancourt; -"nay, indeed, I am sure of it. Come, Louis, be frank, and tell us what -she did say upon the subject." - -De Montigni mused for a moment, and then replied, "Our conversation -was long, Sir, and I have neither will nor power to repeat it all; but -the only words which she used, that could at all bear the -interpretation you would give to them, were, as far as I can remember -them, these; that she would give worlds, she would do anything to -restore peace to the family, but that she had no right to ask me to -make sacrifices, or to injure or to distress me." - -"I think nothing could be more plain," said father Walter; "surely, my -son, you cannot pretend to misunderstand her meaning?" - -"I do not pretend to misunderstand her at all, good father," answered -the young nobleman; "and I am in no degree disposed to cavil or to -evade. I will not be hurried, however, in any of my proceedings. By -what Mademoiselle d'Albret judges best for her own happiness, I will -be guided; and, as I said before, ere noon to-morrow I shall be -prepared to act decidedly. In the meantime I require to see these -papers; and as, perhaps, it may be needful that I should have some one -with me to explain to me, while reading them, anything I do not -understand, I should wish uncle Michael, or father Walter here, or -both, to be present with me while I look over them." - -"Oh, father Walter by all means!" cried Monsieur de Liancourt; "you -know my brother Michael, though as good a soldier as ever lived, is -nothing but a soldier. He does not understand these things at all." - -"And I but little," rejoined the priest. "However, if Monsieur de -Montigni is content that I should be his fellow-student, I am most -willing to give him any explanation in my power." - -"Madame de Chazeul is just coming into the court-yard, my lord," said -a servant, hurrying up the hall and addressing Monsieur de Liancourt. - -"I must go down to receive her," exclaimed the Count. "Then it is -understood, De Montigni, that you will read the papers with father -Walter? Fix the hour yourself, and you shall have them." - -Thus saying he hastened away; and, after a few minutes' more -conversation with the priest, De Montigni went in search of his uncle, -the commander, whom he found walking up and down the corridor. Father -Walter remained for an instant talking to Chazeul, but the old -commander had scarcely time to say to his nephew, "Well, boy, well, is -all settled?" and De Montigni to answer, "To my heart's content, my -dear uncle," when the step of Chazeul was heard approaching. - -"Devil fly away with the fellow," said the old soldier: "when I found -that you were with our dear little Rose, I got out of his way, for -fear I should betray myself; and now here he comes again. Keep it -close, Louis, keep it close! No stratagem ever succeeded but with a -shut mouth.--Ah, Chazeul! are not you going to see your mother? She is -in the court they tell me." - -"She will be here directly, Sir," replied Chazeul, "then I shall see -her;" and, attaching himself to their party, he remained for the -evident purpose of preventing any private communication between them. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - - -Those who have visited France in the present day, who have travelled -over that rich and fertile land from end to end, who have journeyed -through its least frequented districts, and examined into the nooks -and corners which are but little exposed to the eye of the ordinary -traveller, have yet, in general, but a very faint idea of the scene it -presented at the period of which we write. Yet were they to bring -history to aid their researches, from time to time, they would -discover such fragments of a former day as might enable them to call -up before their eyes a true picture of France during the wars of the -League, as a Buckland or a Sedgwick, from the teeth and bones of long -extinct animals, and from the leaves of trees that have decayed for -thousands of years, are enabled to raise up from the waves of time an -image of a by-gone world, and people it with monstrous things, such as -the eye of man probably never beheld in actual existence. - -The whole country towards the end of the sixteenth century, torn with -factions, desolated by rapine, stained with bloodshed, knew nought of -commerce, manufactures, or arts, and even agriculture itself, on which -the daily support of the people depended, was accompanied with terror -and danger. Thus hamlets and villages, through wide districts of the -most fertile parts of France, were swept away or left vacant; the -houses of the farmer and the labourer had grown few, and were -sometimes defended with trenches and palisades against any of the -smaller bands that roved the country; the greater part of the -population was gathered into fortified cities; and the rest of the -kingdom was dotted with châteaux and maisons fortes, generally at a -considerable distance from each other, often in the hands of opposite -factions, and always prepared for stern resistance against the attack -of an enemy. - -In the part of the country of which we have been writing, these -castles of the old feudal nobility were somewhat numerous; and we must -now beg leave to remove the reader for a time from the Château de -Marzay to that of Chazeul, which lay, as he has been already informed, -at no great distance. We must also go back to an early hour in the -morning of that day of which we have just been speaking, in order that -those who peruse these pages may be made acquainted with some events -which weave themselves into the web of the history as we proceed with -our task. - -It was at an early hour then--perhaps a little before six o'clock; -and, though there was a certain degree of grey mingling with the -blackness over head, yet the light of a wintry morning had not -sufficiently dawned to enable any one to see within the various rooms -of the château. It was at this period that, in a small chamber, -plainly furnished, and somewhat high up in one of the many towers of -which the building consisted, there sat a very lovely girl, reading by -the light of a small lamp a number of old letters which seemed to -cause deep and painful emotions in her heart; for the tears streamed -rapidly down her cheeks, and almost drowned her sight, as she -continued that which seemed a sad and sorrowful task. - -The eyes from which those drops poured so rapidly, were large and -black as jet, but soft and yet lustrous, even when swimming in the dew -of grief. Her hair too, and her fine eyebrows, were of the same inky -hue, but her skin was beautifully fair and clear, with a faint tinge -of the rose in the soft cheek. In years she might be somewhere between -eighteen and twenty, delicate in form, yet with limbs so well -proportioned and lines so exquisitely drawn by the pencil of the Great -Artist, that every movement displayed some new grace, whether when -leaning her head on her hand, she bent down over the page, or raised -her look suddenly to heaven, as if appealing on high for comfort or -for justice. - -Her back as she sat was turned towards the door; and her whole soul -was evidently busy with the task before her--too busy as it proved; -for she heard no step upon the stairs; she heard no hand upon the -lock; she heard no movement in the room. She fancied that all in the -house, but her own sad self, were sleeping quietly till the break of -day. But it was not so; for as she bent over the pages, the door -behind her opened quietly and an elderly woman, dressed in the extreme -fashion of the day, though in a travelling costume, looked in, and -then paused suddenly on seeing the light and the figure I have -described. Her features were aquiline and strongly marked, her eyes -keen and sunk, her figure tall and upright, but upon the faded cheek, -even at that early hour, might be seen aglow of red, which, it needed -no very practised eye to discover, was laid on by another hand than -that of nature; and her eyebrows also betrayed a debt to art. - -She paused as I have said for a moment at the door, then advanced with -noiseless step, the perfect silence of which was produced by the -slippers of fur which she wore to defend her feet in travelling from -the cold; and approaching the fair reader from behind, she stretched -forth her long, and somewhat meagre neck, and peered over her shoulder -at the papers on the table. - -The next instant, she laid her large thin hand upon them with a firm -and heavy pressure; and the poor girl, starting up with a short -scream, stood before her, with face and lips as white as those of -death, eyes gazing with astonishment and fear, and limbs as motionless -as if she had been turned into stone. - -"What is this, Helen de la Tremblade?" said the Marchioness de -Chazeul, in a sharp and ringing tone; "What is this, girl? Answer me -this moment." - -"Oh, Madam, pardon me! pardon me!" cried the poor girl, falling at her -feet. - -"Pardon you?" said the lady, with a bitter look; "I will first see -what I have to pardon;" and she began to gather up the letters. - -"Oh no! no! no!" exclaimed the other, starting on her feet again, and -endeavouring to snatch them away. "You must not--no you must not! -Do with me what you will; but do not read those. They are mine, -Madam,--they are mine alone!" - -But the Marchioness thrust her rudely back, till she reeled to the -other side of the room, at the same time crying, "How now, jade! -Yours? I will read every word. Sit down upon that stool, and move a -step if you dare.--But I will secure you!" and, first gathering up the -letters, she turned to the door, locked it, and walking back to the -table laid the key upon it, while she drew a seat facing the poor -culprit, and repeated, "Sit down, this instant!" - -The unhappy girl obeyed, and covered her face, now crimson, with her -trembling hands; and Madame de Chazeul drawing the lamp nearer to her, -began to read the letter which lay at the top, commenting, as she -proceeded, in a low hoarse voice, like the croak of a raven towards -the approach of day. "Ha!" she said, as she went on, "Chazeul's hand! -Good! I might have divined this. 'Eternal love and passion!'--Fool! -There's nothing eternal but folly." - -Farther on, however, she seemed to find matter which occupied her more -deeply; for her muttered words ceased, her brow put on a still heavier -frown, and her small black eyes flashed with double fierceness. "How? -how?" she cried, after nearly finishing the letter; "and is it so? -What need I more? This is enough in conscience--Oh, base girl! But I -will see more--I will see more!" and she turned to another page. - -When she had read some way farther, she laid the letter down again -upon the table, and gazed at it sternly for several moments, with -thoughts evidently busy afar; and then turning to the poor girl, who -sat with her face still covered with her hands, she said, "Come -hither!" - -The girl obeyed with slow, trembling, and uncertain steps, not daring -to raise her eyes. When she was near, however, she once more sank upon -her knees before the harsh and heartless woman in whose power she was, -and lifted her hands as if in the act of supplication; but for several -moments her lips refused their office, and no sound of voice was -heard. At length when she did speak it was only to say, "Forgive me, -oh forgive me!" - -"Perhaps I will," replied the Marchioness, in a somewhat softer tone, -though at the same time there was a lurking sneer at the corner of her -mouth that showed no very merciful sensations, "perhaps I will, if you -instantly make a full confession. Tell me how all this happened, -without disguise; and perhaps your shame may be yet concealed. Speak, -girl, speak." - -"Oh, what can I say?" cried the unhappy girl, "you know all now; you -see the words he used, the promises he made; you know that I was left -entirely to his guidance. Often when you were away, he has been here -for weeks together; when you were here, he was always suffered to be -with me. Long I resisted--for two years; ever since my uncle placed me -with you, has he tempted, and urged, and vowed, and I refused. But I -was like a besieged city without assistance or support, and was driven -to yield at length, when perhaps deliverance was at hand." - -"Without assistance and support, base girl!" cried Madame de Chazeul, -"why did you not tell me? and you should have soon had aid." - -"Oh, lady!" replied Helen de la Tremblade, "I did tell you at first, -when his words were not so clear; and you scoffed and jeered at me -till I dared not say more; and, after that, I learned to love him. -Then, for his sake, I dared not speak." - -"So it was my fault, was it?" said the Marchioness with a look of -haughty contempt. "Thus is it ever; when a fool commits a folly, it is -ever because somebody else did not counsel or help him. Was I the -guardian of your virtue, girl?" - -"You should have been," replied Helen de la Tremblade, a momentary -spark of indignation rising in her breast as the worm was trampled on, -"you should have been, against your own son." - -"Ha!" cried the Marchioness with a flashing eye; but then, restraining -herself, she demanded, "Who brought these letters? Who was the pander -to your guilt?" - -"Nay, do not ask me that," said her unhappy companion; "be angry with -me, if you will; ask what you please about myself; but do not, do not -vent your wrath on others." - -"Will you say?" cried the Marchioness, in a furious tone. "This -moment, will you say?" - -"No, no!" answered Helen in a deprecatory tone, "I cannot, I will not. -He knew not what he brought." - -"You will not!" repeated the Marchioness sternly, "you will not! Girl, -you shall! Are you not in my power?" - -"You have no power to make me injure another," replied Helen -mournfully; "I have injured myself enough; your son has corrupted, -destroyed, betrayed me. With all these vows and promises written with -his own hand, he is now about to wed another, whom he has no right to -wed. Surely this is enough of misery; and I will not make my heart so -sad as it would be, were I to add the ruin of another to my own." - -"Vows! promises! no right to wed her, base girl! I will soon show you -what are such promises!" and, snatching up the whole packet of -letters, she held them open to the flame of the lamp. - -Contrary, perhaps, to the expectation of Madame de Chazeul, Helen de -la Tremblade made not the slightest effort to stop her in the act. -Whether it was that she felt her strength was not equal to contend -with the tall and masculine woman, who was thus taking from her the -only proof of those promises by which she had been betrayed, or -whether it was the apathy of utter despair that restrained her, I -cannot tell; but there she stood, motionless though not unmoved, with -her eyes now tearless though full of sorrow, with her lip quivering -but without a sound. Oh, who can tell the dark and terrible feelings -of the poor girl's heart at that moment when, to all the bitterness of -sin, and shame, and sorrow, and betrayed love, and disappointed hope -and blighted affection, she saw destroyed before her face every -evidence of the arts that had been used to deceive her, all that could -palliate, if not justify, her conduct? - -The flame caught the letters in an instant; and with a resolute hand -the Marchioness held the papers till the fire nearly scorched her, -then cast the fragments on the tiled floor, and, as they were -consumed, turned with a bitter and a mocking laugh to the poor -culprit, exclaiming, "Now talk of vows and promises!" - -"They are written in heaven, if not on earth," replied Helen de la -Tremblade, gazing at her with a degree of firmness that but enraged -her the more. - -"Heaven!" she exclaimed in a contemptuous tone, "heaven! do you dare -to talk of heaven? Fool, if that is your resource, I will make you rue -your conduct, at least on earth!" Then advancing to the door, she -unlocked it, returned, and, grasping the poor girl by the arm, dragged -her after her, down the stairs and through the long corridors of the -château, to the outer hall. - -Now came the bitterest moment of the whole for the unhappy victim. The -hall was filled with attendants prepared for a journey. There were -servants and armed men, the two maids of Madame de Chazeul, and a gay -page jesting with one of them. All eyes were fixed upon her as, -dragged on by the Marchioness, she was brought into the midst of them; -and oh, how thankful she would have been if the earth would but have -opened and swallowed her alive! - -"Undo the door!" cried Madame de Chazeul. "There, throw it wide! Now, -strumpet, get thee forth, and carry your shame to any place where it -may be marketable!" - -"Oh God!" cried Helen de la Tremblade, clasping her hands in agony, -"can it be possible? Have you--have you no pity?--At least let me take -that which belongs to me." - -"Forth, wretch, forth!" cried the Marchioness, stamping her foot. -"Drive her out, drive her out, I say!" - -No one stirred to obey the cruel order; but Helen turned and waved her -hand, roused into some firmness by the cruel treatment she met with. -"That shall not be needed, Madam," she said. "I go; and when you stand -at the awful judgment-seat of God, with all your sins upon your head; -when all that you have done through life comes up before you as a -picture, may you find a more merciful judge than you have proved to -me." - -"Away with you, away with you!" cried the Marchioness, adding the -coarsest term of reprobation that in the French language can be -applied to woman. "It is ever thus with such wretches as you: when -detected in sin, they begin to cant. Away with you, I say; let us hear -no more of it!" - -Helen turned, and walked slowly towards the door; but the page ran -after her, exclaiming, "Here is your veil, Mademoiselle; you left it -below last night." - -Helen took it; but before she could thank him, the Marchioness strode -forward, and dealt him a box on the ear that cast him upon the ground, -exclaiming "who taught thee to meddle malapert?" - -"Ah, poor boy!" cried Helen; and with the tears in her eyes, she -quitted the inhospitable doors, within which virtue and happiness had -been sacrificed for ever. - -For some way, she walked along utterly unconscious where she went. We -must not say, she thought either of her situation at the time, of the -past, or of the future; for there was nothing like thought in her -mind. It was all despair; she asked not herself where she should go, -what should be her conduct, what place of refuge she should find, how -she should obtain even necessary food. The predominant sensation, if -any were predominant, was a wish to die; and any road which led her -from that hateful mansion was to her the same. - -This troubled state continued for some minutes, till a small wood -concealed her from the castle; but still she walked on, or rather ran; -for her steps, under the impetuous course of her own feelings, grew -quicker each moment as she went. At length she heard the sound of -horses' feet and the grating roll of carriage wheels, and a vague -remembrance of having seen the heavy coach of Madame de Chazeul -standing prepared before the gates, made her believe that she was -pursued by that terrible woman, and, a sudden feeling of terror taking -possession of her, she darted in amongst the trees, and crouched -behind some brushwood. - -There she could hear the whole train pass by; and as they wound on -down the hill, she saw the well-known colours and figures sweep slowly -on till, as they were beginning to rise on the opposite slope, they -came to a sudden halt, and a consultation seemed to take place. In a -few minutes two horsemen detached themselves from the rest, and passed -the wood in a gallop towards the château; but poor Helen remained in -her place of concealment; and, as she did so, the tumultuous agitation -of her heart and brain grew somewhat calmer, and a long and bitter -flood of tears brought thought along with it. But, oh how terrible was -reflection! how did she bemoan her own fatal folly! how desolate -seemed her heart! how hopeless--how utterly hopeless--seemed her -situation! - -Where could she hide her head? she asked herself--where cover her -shame?--where conceal herself from the eyes of all men?--who would -help?--who would assist her?--who would speak one word of comfort, of -consolation, of sympathy? None, none. From the sympathy of the -virtuous and the good she had cut herself off for ever! Was she to -associate with the abandoned and profligate?--was evil to become her -good?--was moral death to bring her mere mortal life? Ah, no! she -would sooner die, she thought, a thousand-fold sooner die; and she -abhorred herself for her weakness past, more than many who think -themselves virtuous, would abhor themselves for actual crime. - -"Why should I stay here?" she asked herself at length. "I am an -outcast--a beggar; my father and mother in the grave; my uncle's -face I dare not see; I have no one to seek--I have no road to choose; -the wide world is before me; I must trust myself to fate;" and -rising up, with the feeling of desolate despair taking possession of -her once more, she followed the path before her, then turned into -another, then wandered along a third, and thus went on for nearly an -hour-and-a-half, with several of the country people who passed her, -turning round to gaze in surprise at so fair and delicate a creature -straying abroad, with a vacant air and tear-stained countenance, at so -early an hour of the morning. - -At length she felt weary; and with listless indifference to all that -might befal her, she seated herself on a stone, at the foot of a -wooden cross, which had been erected by some pious hand beneath a high -tree-covered bank, down which the snow, now melting under the first -warmth of spring, was slipping from time to time in large masses, or -sending forth a thousand small streams, which rendered the road almost -like the bed of a river. - -Poor Helen heeded it not, however; she took no notice of the cold and -the wet. The bodily discomforts that she suffered had but little -effect upon her; and, if she perceived them at all, they came but as -things which recalled to her mind more forcibly the hopeless -desolation of her situation. Thus, after a few minutes' rest and -thought, she once more bent down her beautiful head upon her two fair -hands, and wept long and bitterly. - -While she was thus sadly occupied, the sound of a horse's feet -striking the plashy ground at a quick pace came down the lane. She -gave it no attention, and the horseman dashed passed her, apparently -without noticing her. It was not so, however; and about a hundred -yards farther on he pulled in his rein, and turned back again. In -another minute he was by her side; and she heard a kind and -good-humoured voice exclaim, "What is the matter, young lady, has any -one injured you?" - -Helen de la Tremblade looked up, and beheld in the person who -addressed her a man of a frank and open countenance. He was dressed in -a brown suit of a plain rough cloth, and seemed to be a substantial -countryman of about forty years of age, though his beard and moustache -was somewhat grey. There was a look of pleasant and intelligent -interest on his face, which might have brought back some hope to her -cold heart, for it spoke of sympathy; but she replied in a sad and -bitter tone, "Alas, I have injured myself," bursting into a fresh gush -of tears as the words of self-reproach passed her lips. - -The man gazed at her for a moment in silence, seemingly puzzled by the -contrast between her dress and her apparent situation. At length he -exclaimed, "Parbleu! you cannot stay here, my poor girl. You seem a -young thing, and well nurtured; what can have brought you into this -state?" - -"My own fault, as well as the cruelty of others," answered Helen de la -Tremblade. - -"Well, we all have faults," replied the man, "God forgive us for them! -and as for the cruelty of others, we are none of us good enough to -afford to be severe, especially when errors are freely acknowledged. -But tell me, can I do anything to help you? I have little time; but I -cannot find in my heart to see a fair young thing like you left to -perish by the road-side." - -"Oh!" cried Helen starting up; "if you would but give me shelter for a -single night, till I can think, till I can give my mind some order, -you might save me from destruction. Doubtless," she added, seeing him -pause as if in hesitation, "doubtless you have a home not far off; -doubtless you have wife and children,---daughters perhaps; and should -you hear my prayer, be sure God will bless and protect them, if ever -they fall into misery like me. I am not intentionally wicked, indeed; -weak I may be: nay, weak I am, but not vicious; no, not vicious, -whatever you may think." - -"Pardie few of the fine dames of France can say that!" exclaimed the -horseman. "But the truth is, my poor young lady, my home is not very -near. But I would fain help you if I could. Where are your father and -mother? Better go home to them, and if you have offended them, try to -soften them with tears. They must have hard hearts if they resist." - -"They are in the grave," answered the unhappy girl. - -"And what is your name, poor thing?" inquired her companion. - -She paused and hesitated; but the next moment she said, "Why should I -conceal the truth? my name is Helen de la Tremblade." - -"What!" exclaimed the farmer, "the niece of the good priest at the -Château de Marzay?" - -"The same," answered Helen with a mournful shake of the head. - -"Then you have been residing with the old Marchioness de Chazeul," -rejoined the other, adding, "at least the servants told me so." - -"Till this morning," replied Helen with a sigh; "but I am now a -houseless outcast." - -The horseman dismounted from his beast, and took her kindly by the -hand; "Alas, poor child," he said, "you have been, I fear, under a -hard ruler. I know something of this woman; if not personally, at -least by hearsay; and I can easily believe that she has been harsh and -unkind." - -"But I was first in fault," answered Helen, interrupting him frankly, -"I deserved reproach, perhaps punishment, but oh, not so terrible as -this." - -"Why, what was the cause?" asked the farmer. "Nay, then," he -proceeded, "as your cheek glows, I will ask no further questions. I -seek not to distress you, young lady, but to serve you; and if I can, -I will place you in security. You cannot--you must not remain here. -Heaven only knows what might happen to you. But how I am to get you -hence I cannot tell. I have not time to go back with you to Marzay, -and--" - -"Not for existence," cried Helen de la Tremblade, "no, not, for all -that earth can give, would I set my foot within those walls." - -"Ay, I forgot," rejoined the farmer, "she must be there by this time." - -"Oh not for that--not for that alone," exclaimed the poor girl with a -shudder, "you do not know--you cannot tell all." - -"Well," replied her companion, "perhaps you may think differently by -and by. But in the mean time, how am I to get you hence? I am going to -the village of St. André, some eight leagues distance, and have no -conveyance but the horse I ride. Stay," he continued, "I will go on a -short way, and see if I can find a cottage or farm-house where we can -hire horse or cart." - -"Oh do not leave me," cried Helen, "you are the first who has spoken -kindly to me; and perhaps--perhaps if you go you may not return." - -"I will, upon my honour," replied the farmer; and setting spurs to his -horse, he was away over the opposite hill in a few moments. - -The time went heavily by with Helen de la Tremblade. She asked -herself, "Will not he too deceive me?" and when nearly twenty minutes -passed without her companion's return, her heart sank, and her eyes -once more filled with tears. It had seemed, while he was near her, -that she was not totally abandoned, that she had still some human -being to hold communion with, that she was not, as she had at first -believed, shut out from all sympathies. She knew not who he was, it is -true; she had no information of his name, his station, or his -character; but he had spoken kindly to her, he had shown feeling, -humanity, compassion; and perhaps it was that which had made her fancy -she had seen in his countenance all the higher and nobler qualities of -the mind and the heart. She longed for his return then; and in -counting the weary minutes and listening for every sound, she in some -degree forgot the oppressive weight of the past and future. At length, -tired with expectation, she rose and walked along the road to see if -he were coming; and, as so often happens, no sooner had she given way -to her impatience, than she saw his figure rising over the hill. - -"I have got a man and horse with a pillion," he said, riding up to -her, "I cannot promise you, Mademoiselle de la Tremblade, any long or -sure protection, but I will engage to put you in a place of safety for -a night or two. During that time you will have the opportunity of -thinking over your future conduct. I am not a rich man, but, on the -contrary, a very poor one; yet you shall share what little I have in -my purse, as I must leave you to your own guidance towards nightfall; -and if you like to confide in me fully, when we stop three hours -hence, you will find that you have not misplaced your trust. Think of -it as we go; for I cannot speak with you of such things, while your -good squire is with you. Mayhap you might find worse people in whom to -place your confidence than Michael Chasseron." - -Helen did not reply; for while he was yet speaking, an old peasant -with the horse which had been promised came in sight; but she mounted -gladly, and rode on beside the companion, whom she had known barely an -hour, with a heart relieved, though not at rest. As they went, too, he -spoke to her of many things, in plain and homely terms, but with wide -and various information, and with a winning kindness and consideration -for her sorrows, which made her feel, that all the world were not -harsh and bitter as those she had just left. She herself said little, -but she found herself constrained in gratitude to answer such -questions as he thought fit to ask; and, although he inquired nothing -directly regarding her situation, and she believed she told him -nothing, yet in fact, long before they reached their halting place he -had learned nearly all that he desired to know, not by her words, but -by his own conclusions. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - - -The moment Helen de la Tremblade had quitted the château, Madame de -Chazeul entered the carriage which stood prepared for her in the -court, and accompanied by what she considered a sufficient guard, set -out upon her way towards the dwelling of her brother. Her thoughts, -however, were not of the pleasantest kind. At first, they were all in -confusion; but, through the turbid mass of her angry sensations, there -came an impression, a consciousness, that she had too much given way -to the violence of a disposition, originally irritable and passionate, -which all her cunning and art had not been able to bring effectually -under control. This perception grew stronger and more distinct as she -became cooler; but, for a time, she attempted to justify to herself -what she had done, on the score of policy. "If Rose d'Albret were to -hear of this," she said, "we should have new difficulties, and all my -well-laid schemes would be frustrated; so that it was necessary to get -the girl out of the château as quickly as possible. She will never -venture to go to her uncle's, surely! Oh no, she was ever timid and -frightened; she will hide away in some corner till she finds a new -lover." - -This reasoning did not satisfy her, however. She saw there was danger -in the course she had pursued. She asked herself, what was she to say -to Walter de la Tremblade when he inquired after his niece, whom she -had taken some two years before, as what was then called, Demoiselle -de compagnie? Was she to tell him what had occurred. Was she to relate -her own conduct? Was she even to acknowledge that her son had seduced -the unhappy girl under her own roof, with opportunities afforded by -her own negligence, and not the best example, by her own conduct? If -such things came to his ears, what course would he pursue? Might he -not blast all her projects; destroy, even by a word, all, the glorious -fabric which she had been building up for her son's ambition? He was -not one who could be cajoled and cheated; he was not one who could be -overruled or thwarted. Art to art, and cunning to cunning, he was her -match; and she felt it. No, the matter must be concealed from him -entirely, at least till her schemes were all successful, and Rose -d'Albret was the wife of Nicholas de Chazeul. Then, she thought, he -might do his worst; the prize would be gained, the struggle -accomplished, and his power at an end. - -Next came the question how this concealment was to be secured. If -Helen did not go to him at once--which the Marchioness little believed -she would--might she not write the tale which she would be afraid to -speak. That was not at all improbable. Nay, destitute as she had been -driven forth, it seemed certain that want would compel her to do so -immediately; and then the whole must be discovered. - -As these thoughts presented themselves to her mind, she formed her -plan with her usual decision; and, bidding one of her women order the -coachman to stop, she called to the door of the vehicle, two of the -mounted men, who accompanied the carriage, and in whom she thought she -could rely, and directed them to return immediately to the château. - -"Seek for the girl, Helen," she said, "you will soon find her; 'tis -not a quarter of an hour since she went. You can take some people on -foot with you, to hunt about in the neighbourhood. Carry her back home -immediately; and tell Mathurine to lock her up in her own room and -keep her upon bread and water till I return. I have been somewhat too -severe with her, though she must undergo some punishment. Away, as -hard as you can gallop, and mind you find her, or you shall repent it. -Here, Theodore, speak with all the people, and tell them, on their -lives, not to utter one word at the Château de Marzay of what has -taken place this morning. I and Mademoiselle de la Tremblade will soon -make it up again." - -The man to whom she last spoke promised to obey, though, understanding -his mistress well, he clearly saw that she had some other end in view -than merely reconciling herself to her own conscience for her over -severity, and the carriage rolled on once more upon its way. - -About four hours after, it reached the Château de Marzay, having met -with no farther impediments by the way than such as were presented by -roads naturally rough and uneven, which had become one mass of mud and -dirt from the united effects of a sudden thaw and long neglect. In the -court-yard of the mansion she was received by her brother, the Count -de Liancourt, who informed her, according to his version, of all that -had taken place in the château since the arrival of De Montigni. He -told her the truth, in fact, as he believed it; but nevertheless, he -gave her a completely false view of the whole affair; for it is ever -to be remarked and remembered that, of all the treacherous liars -against whom we have to guard in our course through life, our own -heart, with its whole host of subtleties and fallacies, its -prejudices, its vanities, and its self-delusions, is the most -dangerous. Men would rarely, if ever, be deceived if they did not aid -most strenuously to deceive themselves, and what is more curious -still, it often happens that when we are most busy in attempting to -put a fraud upon others, we are most actively cheating ourselves. -There is always a traitor in the council whenever we quit the -straightforward course of truth and rectitude. - -Monsieur de Liancourt assured his sister, as she alighted from her -carriage, and walked up the staircase to the hall above, that the only -difficulty was with De Montigni, and that Rose d'Albret had used her -influence upon him to induce him to consent. - -"Has she?" said the Marchioness, thoughtfully; "not very vigorously, I -should fancy." - -"Oh yes, indeed," replied Monsieur de Liancourt; "for I watched their -parting from the cavalier, which was built at the time of the siege, -where I could see them, but they could not see me. It was as formal as -a court ceremony. He kissed her hand, and made her a low bow, and said -something which I did not exactly hear, but the last words were, 'I -will consider all you have said.'" - -"So, then," said Madame de Chazeul, "Mademoiselle Rose hears reason at -last! But what is it that has done this? she always seemed as cold as -ice before, and barely willing." - -"Oh! the fact is," replied the Count, "Rose was never without -ambition. I do not pretend to say she is in love with Chazeul; but he -took care to inform her of the high and splendid fate that would be -hers as his wife, and that was quite enough." - -"It may be so," answered the Marchioness; "ambition is at the bottom -of every woman's heart; but yet if De Montigni were as handsome as -when he went away, I should have fancied that love and folly might -have had a hard struggle against ambition and good sense. I would not -have suffered them to have any private conversation, if I had been -here." - -"It was the only way to get De Montigni to consent," rejoined Monsieur -de Liancourt; "besides, Chazeul has no cause to fear the comparison. -He is a man with knowledge of the world and of courts. The other is -still a boy, with no knowledge of anything but books and philosophy." - -"Not the man to win a woman, indeed;" said Madame de Chazeul, with a -curl of the lip; "but we shall see." - -As the last words were on her tongue, they entered the corridor where -De Montigni and Chazeul were walking up and down with the old -commander; and an amusing scene took place between the Marchioness and -the rest of the party. She had made up her mind as to the part which -she was to act towards her nephew; and the moment she saw him, she -exclaimed, with a joyous air, and holding out her open arms towards -him, "Ah, my dear Louis, welcome back to your native land! What a -truant you have been! How like he is to poor Louise!" and she embraced -him, apparently with all the tenderness of a mother. - -The old commander growled a savage oath or two, and, when she turned -to him, looked her full in the face, saying, "He is like Louise; and -that is why I love him." - -"Ah, Michael," said the Marchioness, "you always were a bear, and -always will be one. It is lucky you do not bite as well as growl." - -"I may bite some day, if I am provoked," answered the commander. - -"Ha! ha! ha!" cried Madame de Chazeul, laughing as heartily as if her -mind were free from all the weight of cunning schemes and violent -passions. "You see, Louis, he is just the same as ever. We have not -been able to tame him since you were gone. It is a sad, ferocious -beast--a bear. And so you have come to grace the wedding?" - -"I hope so, Madam," replied De Montigni, gravely; but his thoughts -were busy with the question, of what should be his demeanour towards -the artful woman who was now before him; and, while she said a few -words to Chazeul, expressive of no particular affection towards him, -the young Baron made up his mind, to seem won by her manner, and to -attach himself as much as possible to her during the day, in order to -keep her from attacking Rose d'Albret, who, he feared, might not be so -well able to play her part against the Marchioness as himself. - -Madame de Chazeul, however, was pertinacious too, and one of her first -inquiries was for Mademoiselle d'Albret. - -"I will send and call her," answered Monsieur de Liancourt; "let us go -into the hall; perhaps she may be there." - -They did not find her, however; and the servant he sent to summon her, -soon returned with the tidings, that the young lady had gone to bed -again with a bad headache. - -"I will go and see her," said Madame de Chazeul. "Poor dear Rose, all -the agitation of these preparations is too much for her;" and she -moved towards the door leading to Mademoiselle d'Albret's apartments, -though the old commander exclaimed, in a surly tone, "You had better -let her alone! Your tongue, Jacqueline, never cured a headache, I am -sure." - -The Marchioness, however, was stopped by the entrance of another -person with whom she had also to play her part; for just as she was -quitting the hall father Walter appeared, and advanced towards her. -Her face immediately assumed an air of friendly regard, and giving him -her hand, she said, "Good morning, father, how fares it with you? Our -dear Helen would have come with me, but she was somewhat indisposed. -Nothing of consequence, however; and perhaps she will join us -to-morrow, or at all events, on the day of the marriage." Then -suddenly breaking off, in order to avoid any further inquiries, on -that subject, she lowered her voice, and inquired, "How go things -here, father? De Montigni is restive, I find. Are you sure of -Rose?--quite sure, father? My brother, Anthony, continually blinds his -own eyes; but you see more clearly." - -"I think there can be no doubt," replied the priest, "not that I -pretend to say that the lady loves your son; she regards the alliance -but as a family arrangement conducive to her interests, and the only -means of giving peace and quietness to the house. For these reasons -she has urged De Montigni to sign the renunciation and the contract, -and I think he will do it--nay, I feel certain he will. They would -hurry on the affair before your arrival, though I thought it would -have been better to wait. But from the course things have taken, no -harm has been done; and, perhaps it may be as well now, when you see -the lady, not to derange the impression which has been produced." - -The Marchioness mused. "How comes it, good father," she asked, "that -Chazeul has not made himself loved? I fear he has been playing the -fool with other women; for he is not reputed to want success upon a -lady's heart, when he is inclined to try. I must give him some -lessons; do you think that any of his love affairs have come to this -girl's ears? That should be prevented till the marriage takes place." - -"By all means," said the priest, "but I know of none from which there -is any danger." - -"And I of but one," rejoined the Marchioness, "but I will take care to -keep that from her. One may be justified in using a little violence -for such an object." - -"Assuredly," answered father Walter, "anything in short, but the -spilling of blood." - -"Oh, Heaven forbid!" cried the Marchioness, "I bear the woman no ill -will for loving Chazeul; but if I were to have her carried off and -shut closely up for a few days, there could be no harm in that." - -"It were the best means," replied father Walter, "unless her family be -sufficiently powerful to make dangerous resistance." - -"There is no fear of that," answered Madame de Chazeul, with a quiet -smile; "but I will go and see Mademoiselle d'Albret." - -Thus saying she quitted the hall, while father Walter advanced towards -the group of gentlemen at the other end, who had been conversing -together calmly enough during his interview with the Marchioness. That -lady, however, returned after a very brief absence, saying that Rose -d'Albret was trying to sleep; and, put upon a wrong track as she was, -both by her brother and the priest, she attached herself during the -rest of the morning to De Montigni, endeavouring by every artful -means, to possess herself of his whole views and intentions, and at -the same time to convince him, that he was giving pain to Rose -d'Albret by his hesitation in regard to the signature of the papers. - -One of the reasons why the game of life is not unfrequently won by the -simple and the honest against all the arts of the politic and the -wily, is perhaps that, in this game, as in no other, the most skilful -and calculating can never tell what cards may be in the hands of the -adverse party. I say one of the reasons; for there are many, and -amongst them is the belief, from which cunning people can never free -themselves, that others are dealing with them in the same way that -they would deal, if their relative situations were reversed. - -Madame de Chazeul, however, had studied De Montigni's character from -youth, and knew that he was generous and kindhearted. She, therefore, -like father Walter, endeavoured to work upon him, in the first -instance, through his affection for Rose d'Albret. She spoke of her -gently and tenderly, called her "poor Rose," and represented the -slight indisposition under which she was suffering, as entirely -proceeding from some agitation and vexation she had undergone in the -morning, affecting at the same time to be ignorant of the nature of -that agitation, but leaving him to draw his own conclusions. - -De Montigni, as the reader knows, had the secret in his own keeping, -and internally mocked at all the policy which the Marchioness -displayed; for there is nothing so contemptible as discovered cunning. -He resolved, however, to turn back Madame de Chazeul's art upon -herself, and found even a pleasure in foiling her with her own -weapons. - -"Well, my dear Madam," he answered, "I trust that, by this time -to-morrow, Rose will have no farther cause for anxiety on my account." - -"Indeed, how so?" asked the Marchioness. - -"Because by that time," replied De Montigni, "all will be positively -settled." - -"And of course as Rose would wish," added the Marchioness, - -"As far as I understand her wishes, it shall be so," said De Montigni; -"but I do not desire, Madam, what I say to you to be repeated; and now -will you tell me frankly, for I know you are well aware, what is the -value of these benefices which my uncle offers me?" - -"At least equal to the value of the estates," replied Madame de -Chazeul: "more, indeed, if you take in the Abbey of Chizay in Poitou; -but that I believe was promised to good Monsieur de la Tremblade--not -exactly promised, perhaps; but I know he was led to expect it." - -"No one shall break a promise for me," replied De Montigni with some -emphasis on the words. "They can be all held, I believe, without -taking the vows." - -"Your uncle holds them," answered Madame de Chazeul, "and he has taken -no vows that I know of--unless it be, never to drink thin piquette -when he can get strong Burgundy, or to eat pork when he can find -venison." - -De Montigni smiled, and was going on to stop the questions of the -Marchioness by inquiries of his own, when the summons to dinner was -heard, and the whole party descended to the hall below. - -When the meal was over, father Walter put the young Baron in mind, -that they had to read over together the papers, in regard to which -there had been so much discussion. Although De Montigni much wished to -occupy Madame de Chazeul as far as possible during the day, he could -not well put off the engagement; and whispering to the old commander, -to watch her closely, he retired with the priest to his own chamber. -There, several long documents were spread out before him; and he -proceeded, with pen and ink at hand, to peruse the whole, clause by -clause, demanding minute and lengthened explanations as he went on, -and taking notes of every point of importance. Father Walter was -somewhat surprised at the calm and steady good sense he displayed; -and, though De Montigni expressed neither consent to nor dissent from -any of the items, was more and more convinced every moment, that the -young Baron had made up his mind, to accept the benefices and renounce -the estates. - -In the meanwhile the Marchioness de Chazeul had drawn her son away -from the rest of the party below, and walking with him on the rampart, -was giving him those lessons of which she had spoken to the priest. -Not a word did she say of Helen de la Tremblade; nor a word of -reproach or reproof did she utter; but her conversation turned -entirely upon his demeanour towards Rose d'Albret. - -"Ah Chazeul!" she said, after taking a turn backward and forward, in -the tone of one jesting with a friend, "thou art a silly lad, I fear, -and little knowest how to push thy fortune with womankind." - -"Nay, my good mother, it is not thought so," replied Chazeul, drawing -up his head and smoothing his ruff; "I am no seeker after the fame of -such conquests, but I have some reason to believe they are not so -difficult as they are supposed to be." - -"True," answered his mother, "doubtless with the light Parisian dame, -the gay lady who has known a thousand lovers, thou art a potent -assailant; but she is like a city which has been besieged and taken a -thousand times, till all the outworks and ramparts have been battered -down, and the place is right willing to surrender at the first sight -of artillery. With a maiden fortress, however, such as this fair Rose -d'Albret, thou art but a poor general, otherwise you would have gained -the citadel long ago." - -"Meaning her heart; but how would you have had me conduct the siege, -dear mother?" asked her son, pursuing the simile she had used. - -"By assault, Nicholas!" replied the Marchioness; "prayers, tears, -vows, daring, anything. Here neither wall, nor bastion, nor redoubt, -is to be gained but by vigorous attack. Women, who by experience have -not gained a knowledge of their own weakness, are always more resolute -in resistance than those who have learned that they cannot long hold -out when closely pressed. Storm and escalade are the only ways with -such castles, Chazeul; and if you were to pursue till doomsday your -cold and formal rules of siege, you would make no way, but find -defences grow up in proportion to the feebleness of the attack." - -"Why, you would not surely have me treat Rose d'Albret as any common -woman of but light fame?" said Chazeul. "You are much mistaken, -mother, if you think that is the way to win her." - -"Nay, I would have you treat her very differently, foolish boy," -replied the Marchioness. "With a woman of light fame, as you call her -you may well trust to her to make at least half the advances. With a -young ignorant girl you must make them all yourself; for, be sure, she -will not. One or the other must be bold and daring; and the only -question is, on whose part it shall be. The practised dame will take -her share on herself, the inexperienced girl expects it all from you. -We all know in our hearts, Chazeul, that we do not dislike an -impetuous lover. Though we may chide, we easily forgive even very -grave offences, so that love be the excuse. The story of the Romans -and the Sabines was a good allegory of women's hearts; men must take -them by force if they would have them." - -"Oh, her heart is mine sufficiently for all the purposes of wedded -life," replied her son. "I know her better than you, my good mother, -and am well aware that more things enter into the calculations of that -little brain than you imagine.--I would not spoil her," he continued, -"with too much devotion. You women grow exacting as you imagine you -have power; and I would have her think the tie she has upon me is not -too strong, lest she should one day think fit to use it strongly. It -is enough for me to know, that she sees clearly her own interest in a -marriage with myself. She will not expect, in a wedding of -convenience, all that court and exclusive attention which some brides -demand; and every little loverlike act will come with tenfold force." - -"All very wise and very prudent, good youth," replied his mother, "if -you had no rival, no competitor in the game that you are playing; if -there were no obstacles, no difficulties in the way. But here our -great object is time and secure possession; and had you, by bold and -ardent eagerness, advanced your suit so that she had no escape from -marriage with you, we should have found both herself and De Montigni -more tractable, depend upon it." - -"She is tractable enough," replied Chazeul, "it is De Montigni alone -that holds out; and she has done her best to persuade him, I am sure. -A rival, do you call him? but a pitiful rival to me! and as to -obstacles and difficulties, whatever have existed are swept away -already. She has done her best to persuade De Montigni to sign; and I -am sure he will do so." - -"Well," said the Marchioness, "we shall see. I think he will, but do -not feel so sure. He was somewhat too smooth and courteous just now; -and I thought I saw a somewhat double meaning in his words, as if he -hoped still that Rose might raise up some impediment.--We must suffer -him to have no farther speech with her alone. It is a dangerous plan." - -"There is no fear of Rose," replied Nicholas de Chazeul, peevishly. -"If it be anything like love on his part for her that you dread, it is -a vain fancy. Had you seen him meet her last night, you would have -been cured of such dreams. He was as cold as if we had imported a -statue from Italy, fresh cut in the stone; and not all Rose could do -would warm him." - -"Ay, before others," rejoined the Marchioness, "but perhaps when alone -it might be different." - -"No, no," said Chazeul, "my uncle watched them; and it was just the -same: all formal bows and stiff courtesies.--But who is this, comes -riding here?" he continued, gazing from the battlements. "A trumpet at -full speed, with a green scarf! News from Mayenne, upon my life! I -must go down and see." - -Thus ended a conversation which has been repeated here with -reluctance; but it is as needful, in painting nature, to show the mind -and character of the bad as of the good, to display the thoughts and -reasonings of the wicked as of the virtuous. Neither does the portrait -of Madame de Chazeul serve little to exemplify the times in which she -lived. France was then full of such. Intrigue of every kind, amorous -and political, was then at its height, and most of the infamous and -daring deeds that were done, either for the gratification of private -passions, or for the attainment of great public objects, were -suggested by women. - -The man who had been seen riding so sharply towards the château, -proved to be a trumpeter sent by the Duke of Nemours with letters to -Chazeul, notifying the march of the army of the League to relieve the -town of Dreux, closely besieged by the King, and calling upon him to -join it, with all his retainers, as a battle seemed inevitable. The -despatches spoke in glowing terms of the force under Mayenne. It was -nearly double in number, they said, to that which Henry of Bourbon -could bring to oppose it, and a glorious victory would soon be -achieved, in which all honourable men would long to take part. -Chazeul, however, sent an ambiguous answer; for he was not one to -sacrifice his private interests even to the triumph of his faction, -and he was resolved to possess the hand of Rose d'Albret, and to see -the estates of Liancourt and Marennes secured to himself, before he -quitted the Château of Marzay. - -More than one hour elapsed before Louis de Montigni had terminated his -examination of the papers with the priest; and even then, with all -father Walter's skill, he could not extract from him any promise, -either direct or indirect, to sign them. To the eager questions of -Madame de Chazeul the priest could but reply, "I cannot tell what he -will do. I believe his mind is made up, to act as we could wish; but -his demeanour is certainly somewhat strange. He has taken notes of -everything, and remains pondering over them. Our only plan is to watch -the commander, and to cut them off from any private communication with -each other. Noon to-morrow will show us what we are to expect; and in -the mean time we must guide things as we can. Have you seen -Mademoiselle d'Albret?" - -The Marchioness replied in the negative, and it was not till one hour -before sunset that Rose came forth from her chamber to breathe, for a -few minutes, the fresh air. She was pale, and evidently suffering; and -whenever Madame de Chazeul attempted to question her, she pleaded -indisposition as an excuse for talking little. She gazed forth from -the ramparts over the wide country which the château commanded, with a -feeling of dread, mingling strangely with hope and joy. The bright -sunshine of the first day of spring was glittering over the whole; but -on the verge of the southern sky was hanging a dark and heavy mass of -clouds, rising up in all sorts of fantastic forms; and Rose could not -help associating her own fate with the aspect of the day, and thinking -that the bright gleam of summer, which had come to her heart after a -long and chilling winter, might, perhaps, be soon blackened by storms, -the clouds of which were already within sight. - -Soon after the party was joined by De Montigni; and the two lovers -strove hard to conceal their feelings under the appearance of cold -indifference; but Rose found the task so difficult that she remained -only a few moments after the young Baron's appearance, and then once -more retired to bed. - -Madame de Chazeul remarked the whole; and suspicion rose up in her -mind. But the field of probability is wide and dim, so that her doubts -found no fixed point to rest upon; and she contented herself with -whispering to De Montigni, "Were I a man, I would not long give a lady -cause to fly me thus." - -The young nobleman made no answer, but turned away, as if somewhat -offended; and this slight indication of temper was used by Madame de -Chazeul to deceive herself. "Were he not acting contrary to the girl's -wishes," she said to herself, "he would not take offence at my -supposing it." - -The rest of the day passed without any occurrence of importance; and -the only points which Madame de Chazeul thought worthy of notice at -supper, were the absence of Estoc from the table, and that Louis de -Montigni confined his conversation almost altogether to father Walter, -with whom he talked a good deal in a low tone. She herself was tired -with early rising and a journey. The commander soon retired to rest; -and she followed without delay, as soon as she was certified by -private information, from one whom she had set to watch, that the good -old soldier was actually in his bed. Satisfied that all communication -between De Montigni and himself was at an end for the night, she laid -herself down to seek that repose which is unfortunately, but not -unnaturally, as often the portion of the hardened in vice, as of the -virtuous and the good. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - - -I have said something of the same kind before; but I must repeat that, -unless it be in a mud cottage containing one room, and at the most two -individuals, it scarcely ever happens that there are not several, very -various scenes proceeding in the same house, at the same time; and -when the house is large, and the inhabitants many, these scenes are -multiplied and diversified even to infinity. Tragedy and comedy, broad -farce and startling romance, have each their separate chambers, and -their several actors; and while, in the halls of the Château of -Marzay, all the cunning drama of intrigue which we have described, -found a stage, the acts of many another play were being performed in -the chambers allotted to the servants. - -Loud and uproarious merriment had its part; and, as is too frequently -the case, the vices and follies of their superiors were imitated by -the inferiors, presenting pictures too gross and unpleasant to be -given in this place. We must, however, turn away from the principal -personages of our tale, to notice some events which took place, during -the hour of supper, in a part of the château somewhat distant from -that in which Monsieur de Liancourt's family was assembled. - -In a room not far from that of Mademoiselle d'Albret, with the door -ajar, a lamp upon the table, and a piece of embroidery in her hands, -sat Blanchette, the maid of our fair friend Rose. She paid but little -attention to her work indeed, though she affected to be very busily -employed, but her ear was turned frequently towards the passage, -apparently listening for every sound. At length it was gratified by -hearing a step; and the moment after, the valet of Monsieur de Chazeul -pushed open the door, and entering the room, closed it behind him. He -was a tall swaggering, debauched-looking personage, and into the -particulars of the first greetings between himself and Blanchette, I -shall beg leave not to enter. Suffice it to say, that they betokened a -degree of intimacy which Rose d'Albret had certainly not the slightest -idea existed between her maid and any other person. - -After a while, however, the valet inquired, "Well now, tell me, my -pretty Blanchette, all that your mistress has been saying to you -to-day." - -"Indeed, I shall not," replied the maid, with a shrug of the -shoulders. "I don't intend to tell you, or Monsieur de Chazeul, -anything more." - -"Come, come, don't be silly," cried the man, "for I must soon get -back; now the caprices of you ladies," he continued, with an affected -air, "are very pretty and interesting in affairs of love, but very -troublesome in matters of business." - -"Well, I shan't say anything more," said Blanchette, with a determined -air, "so there is no use of talking about it." - -"Ah, ha, then," rejoined the valet, "I see how it is; your mistress -has told you not to tell." - -"Indeed, she has not," answered Blanchette; "but she has taught me to -value myself more highly than your master does." - -"How so?" demanded her companion; "I am sure my master values you as -highly as I should like to see him. What did she say to you about it?" - -"Ah, I don't mind telling you that," said the maid. "She asked me last -night, when I was saying something in favour of Monsieur de Chazeul, -what he had given me; and, when I told her, she said she was worth -more than that, and that I was a great fool if ever I opened my mouth -about him again, unless I got three times as much." - -"Upon my word the lady has some notion of life," cried the valet; "one -would think she had spent her whole days in Paris; and she is right -too, Blanchette, we servants should never put too low a value on -ourselves, for we have more in our power than people imagine. However, -I can promise you that when Monsieur de Chazeul is married to your -lady, you shall have three times as much; and in the meantime--" - -"Ay, ay," replied Blanchette; "a fish in the plate is worth three in -the stream, Alphonso. Promises are made of wind, and it is very -difficult to convert them into anything else." - -"Well, but listen to me," said the man. "I was just going to say, in -the meantime Monsieur le Marquis has sent you five and-twenty crowns. -Here they are," and he placed a little leathern bag in her hand; "now, -there's a dear, beautiful girl, tell me all your mistress has said to -you to-day, especially after her long talk with Monsieur de Montigni, -this morning." - -"That is soon told," answered Blanchette, putting the money in one of -the pockets of her apron; "she said nothing at all, except that she -had got a headache, and would go to bed again." - -"_Peste!_" cried the valet; "is that all the news that you can give? -Surely you have made out something more. What humour did she seem in?" - -"Bad enough," replied Blanchette; "I think Monsieur de Montigni must -have done or said something to offend her, for I could see she had -been crying, and she was silent and dull, just as she is when she is -angry with me." - -"I dare say he did," rejoined the valet; "for he is an obstinate colt, -and takes as long to drive where people want him, as an ass loaded -with sand--But hark, there is some one walking in the passage." - -They listened, and a heavy step sounded along the corridor, advancing -in measured time from one end to the other, and then back again, like -that of a sentry keeping guard. It passed and repassed twice, not a -little to the annoyance of the two worthies shut up in the room -together. But at length the valet, who did not wish his absence to be -remarked and commented upon amongst the servants, declared, "Whoever -it is, I must go; but do you shut the door after me quickly, -Blanchette, then no one need know that you are here." - -"I am afraid Mademoiselle will call every moment," answered the girl; -"but people must have time to take their supper, you know." - -"I must go, upon my life," said the man, who took a great deal more -interest in his own position than in hers. "Now, Blanchette, I will -pop out as soon as he is passed; you close the door quick behind me, -and he will not see whence I come." - -He accordingly waited till the steps sounded close to the door, and -then as soon as they had gone by, opened it, and went out as -noiselessly as possible. But his footfall did not escape the quick -ears of the old soldier, Estoc, who turning instantly, not only -perceived who it was, but also marked the room from which he came. He -said nothing, however; but, as soon as the valet had left the passage, -advanced at once to the door which had just been closed, and, opening -it without ceremony, went in. As may be supposed, this sudden -apparition troubled the maid a good deal; and, though an impudent and -unprincipled girl, she was not yet sufficiently veteran in vice to -keep her cheek from growing red, or her hands from shaking. - -"Well, Mademoiselle Blanchette," said Estoc, "I thought I should find -you here." - -"Indeed, Sir!" said Blanchette. "I generally sit here." - -"Not always, Blanchette," replied Estoc; "but I saw your lover leave -you, and so I came in, just to give you a word of advice." Blanchette -coloured and bit her lip, but made no reply; and Estoc went on, "you -are in the wrong line, if you wish to make your fortune, Mademoiselle. -Now, if you will follow my counsel, you may do something for yourself. -Go up to Monsieur de Montigni's apartments about eleven o'clock -to-night, for he wants to speak with you." - -"Lord! Monsieur Estoc," cried the girl; "I would not go up to any -gentleman's room at night for the world. I wonder how you could -propose such a thing!" - -"Oh! I make no difficulty in proposing it," answered Estoc, "when you -make none in receiving a gentleman's valet at night.--But Monsieur de -Montigni only wants to speak with you on business, to ask you one or -two questions, and, perhaps, to make you a present of a couple of -hundred crowns." - -"I am very much obliged to him, Sir," replied the girl, affecting a -cold and modest air; "but I would rather speak to him in the day, if -he has no objection." - -"That can't well be, Blanchette," answered Estoc; "for Monsieur de -Montigni intends to go away to-morrow; and he will not have time -previous to his departure. Now, my good girl, remember you are in my -power, for don't you suppose that, if this business comes to the ears -of Mademoiselle d'Albret, you will stay in her service a minute -after." - -"Well, I have done nothing that's wrong," replied the girl, boldly; -"and I don't care what any spy says of me, not I." - -"Well, we understand each other," rejoined Estoc. "Give me an answer -in one word, will you come, or will you not? Your reply will decide -your own fate." - -"Well, Sir, well," said Blanchette, who saw that the plan of outfacing -the old soldier would not succeed; "I will come if you will be there -too." - -"Oh, that I certainly shall," replied Estoc; "for I have got some -papers to look over with Monsieur de Montigni--so I may tell him you -will come?" - -"Yes, Sir," replied Blanchette, "I will;" and, with a significant nod -of the head, Estoc left the room. - -Without going near the supper hall, he retired at once to the -apartments of De Montigni, where he waited for about half an hour, -till he was joined by the young nobleman, to whom he related all that -had taken place. "The girl is not to be depended upon," he added in -the end, "and I think it would be better when we have got her, to lock -her up here for the night." - -"Nay," answered De Montigni, "that were a violent proceeding. I have -told my servant Joseph to watch her well, and we shall hear his -report. If I find that she has been holding any communication with -these people, since you saw her, we must devise some means to blind -her eyes. But, now Estoc, is all the rest prepared?" - -"Everything," replied the old soldier. "I have the guard tonight; and -I have picked my men from those who will not fail us. Your servants -have their orders; and, were it needful, we could make all the rest -prisoners in the castle here; but that you would not like to do." - -"Certainly not," replied De Montigni. "I think at present they have no -suspicion and I trust that we shall be able to execute our scheme -without either difficulty or strife. Be with me when this girl comes, -Estoc, and now go and take some refreshment; but above all things -caution my good uncle Michael to make no effort to see me to-night, -and to seek repose at his usual hour. Depend upon it there are -watchful eyes upon us; and, of all things, we most avoid suspicion." - -While he was speaking, a sunburnt man who had accompanied him from -Italy, made his appearance, and bowing low with a smile, he said, "I -have watched and listened to some purpose, Monsieur le Baron. As soon -as supper was over, Mademoiselle Blanchette drew aside Alphonso, the -Marquis's valet, and whispered with him long in the corner of the -hall; I saw they were very eager, but could hear nothing; and as I was -resolved to know more, I crossed suddenly behind her back, just as the -man was saying 'I will wait for you at the bottom of the stairs.' I -could hear no more, for they both stopped." - -"That is enough, that is enough," replied De Montigni, "we must remedy -this, Estoc; but I will have the whole plan ready, when you come -again." - -At half past ten, Estoc was in the young nobleman's room; and at -eleven, Blanchette might be seen creeping stealthily up the stairs -with a lamp in her hand, while in the dark corridor below, concealed -in one of the recesses of the windows, stood Chazeul's valet, waiting -for her return. Almost all the rest of the household had retired to -bed; and the château remained perfectly silent for a quarter of an -hour, while the man continued his watch in darkness. At the end of -that time, however, Blanchette and her lamp were once more seen upon -the stairs; and, whispering to him as she passed, "Quick, quick, old -Estoc is coming down directly, he is now speaking to the Baron at the -door," she hastened on, through that passage, across the lower hall, -and up a short flight of steps towards the apartments of Chazeul. The -valet followed quickly, and introduced her into the dressing room of -his lord, who was waiting with some impatience for the intelligence -she was to bring. - -"Well, well," he cried, as soon as she appeared, "what is it he -wishes, Blanchette? Let us hear all that took place." - -"When first I came in," said Blanchette after a pause to take breath, -and a little coquettish panting and holding her hand upon her heart, -"Monsieur de Montigni spoke me very fair, and promised a great deal. -He said he knew that I was in your interest, Sir, and he did not wish -me to betray my trust, but that he was very anxious indeed to have an -hour's private conversation with Mademoiselle before noon to-morrow. -He asked me if she was yet asleep; and when I told him she was, and -had been so for these two hours, he turned to Estoc and said, 'that is -infortunate;' he then looked again to me, and calling me close to him, -he spoke almost in a whisper, saying, that if I would engage to get -him the interview early to-morrow, before the rest of the people are -stirring, he would give me two hundred crowns, and, as an earnest, put -these into my hand. He told me particularly to be very secret, and not -to say a word to any one, which of course I promised as much as he -could wish." - -"You did quite right, you did quite right," replied Chazeul; "but did -he let you know what was his object in seeking this interview? He must -have said something more, for you were long with him." - -"Oh, I asked him, noble Sir," replied the girl, "what I was to tell my -mistress, he wished to see her for; but he replied somewhat sharply, -that it was no business of mine; and then I said I was sure -Mademoiselle d'Albret would ask; but that if he did not like to say, -it was not my fault if he did not get the meeting he wanted; and then -he replied that if my mistress did inquire, I was to tell her he -wanted to hear more explicitly from her own lips what he had not time -fully to understand in the morning." - -Chazeul laughed; "The poor youth writhes like an eel upon a spear," he -said; "he would fain make one more effort; but we will not let him. -Now mark me, Blanchette, not one word of this to your mistress. She -has been too much agitated to-day; and we must not have the same -scenes every morning. She made herself clearly enough understood for -any man of common sense; and by that Monsieur de Montigni must abide. -I will not forget you, Blanchette if you are faithful and discreet; -and it is no bad post, premiere demoiselle to the Marchioness of -Chazeul. So now, go to bed and sleep, and contrive to forget Monsieur -de Montigni's commission before to-morrow morning." - -"That I will, Monsieur," replied Blanchette; and with a courtesy she -quitted the room. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - - -The moments which the maid Blanchette passed with De Montigni, and -afterwards with Chazeul, were full of anxiety to Rose d'Albret. She -lay in darkness, wakeful and expectant, listening for every sound to -give her some indication of the girl's return to the ante-chamber, -from which she had heard her distinctly go forth, without knowing the -cause. Imagination was busy with every painful possibility. She feared -that their whole scheme of flight might be discovered; she thought -that the maid might have conceived a suspicion from some little -preparations which she had made during the evening; she asked herself -what would be her fate if the execution of their design were -prevented. Would they, could they, compel her to unite herself to -Chazeul? and she now shrunk from the very idea with tenfold horror. -She would not do it, she thought; she would sooner die. She would seek -the protection of the cloister--anything, she would do anything, -rather than give her hand to one whom she equally disliked and -despised. Suddenly, in the midst of these feelings, a sensation of -wonder at their vehemence came over her; and she asked herself how it -was that her ideas upon the subject had been so suddenly and -completely changed. - -She had till lately looked upon her marriage with Chazeul as a thing -arranged, and to which she would submit, not without some repugnance, -perhaps, but without that degree of horror and dislike which she now -experienced. At first she had been coldly indifferent; and afterwards -she had wished to put off the day of the sacrifice as long as -possible; but she now felt that a life of penury and daily labour, -would be comparative happiness to wedding Nicholas de Chazeul. - -How had a single day made this strange difference? she inquired, and -then she thought of De Montigni; and, though no eye could see her, the -colour rose in her cheek, to feel how different were all her -sensations towards him, how willingly to him she would yield heart and -hand! But the secret of the change was discovered,--she loved, and -loved truly, and a new light had shone into her heart. - -Quickly, however, her thoughts wandered back again to the present; and -once more she listened for Blanchette's return. Where could she have -gone? she asked herself; what could be her motive, if something were -not discovered? Her own heart was too pure to attribute to the girl -that conduct which, perhaps, if she had known all, would have been -first suspected; but as she raised herself on her arm, to give ear to -some distant noise, she heard the outer door of the ante-room open -again, and the step of the maid moving about in the neighbouring -chamber. With a beating heart, and in breathless silence, Rose marked -every sound, till at length a thin line of light, which crossed the -floor from the key-hole, was suddenly extinguished; and she heard the -girl take her place in bed. A few minutes after, the clock of the -château struck twelve, but Rose still lay quiet for some minutes in -order that the spy upon her actions might be asleep before she moved. - -Blanchette, however, was one of the "dull weeds" that easily fasten -themselves on "Lethe's shore." Herself was all she thought of, all she -cared for; and, having provided to the best of her ability for the -success and prosperity of that well-loved person, she was soon in the -arms of slumber, undisturbed by any of the reproaches of conscience, -or the lighter tones of imagination. The heavy breathing of profound -and dreamless sleep was heard erelong; and, rising from her bed, Rose -d'Albret dressed herself as well as she could in the darkness, and -drew down the tapestry over the door between her room and that of the -maid, to prevent Blanchette from hearing any sound within. - -She feared that she should not be ready in time; and she hastened all -her preparations eagerly, as much to withdraw her own thoughts from -fears and apprehensions, as to guard against being too late; but, as -so often happens, all was complete long before the hour; and for -nearly twenty minutes, she sat at a little distance from the window, -trembling with agitation and alarm. - -She had now full time to give way to all the busy thoughts that -naturally sprang from her situation. She felt she loved--she trusted -she was beloved in return; but still to fly with De Montigni from all -other protection--to put herself entirely in his power--to cast -herself thus into his arms; it was rash, she thought; it was foolish. -Would he continue to love her? Might not his quickly-roused passion -die away as soon? Might he not be the first to think her rash -confidence in him, bold, almost immodest? - -"No, no!" she answered, "he would not do so; he was too kind--too -generous. He always had been. Why should she think him changed in mind -and heart, in thought and feeling, since the bright days of his -boyhood, when she had loved him so well? Did he not tell her that he -had always loved her?--did he not promise to love her always?--and -when had he ever broken his word? No, no! It was but agitation and -weak terror made her doubt." - -Even if there were a risk, she thought again, even if the dream of -happiness with Louis de Montigni, which had come with so sweet a -relief to her heart, were not to be fully realized, yet, when the only -alternative was to wed a man she now hated and contemned, could she -hesitate to give herself to one she loved? and again she answered, -"No! If death were the only other course, she would seek it, rather -than give her hand to Nicholas de Chazeul." - -Her mind then turned to the dangers of the way; to the chance of being -stopped ere they could quit the castle; to the likelihood of being -discovered and frustrated; to the shame and confusion that must -follow. She pictured herself brought before Monsieur de Liancourt; she -called up the scornful looks of Chazeul and the sneering taunts of his -mother; and for a moment her heart sank as fancy painted the scene -with the vividness of reality. But then her spirit rose; "I would not -bear it," she said to herself. "I would own my love to one, and my -hatred to the other. I would call for a sight of the contract that my -father signed. I would refuse to wed this man--aye, even if they -dragged me to the altar. I would demand the protection of the good old -commander, and put myself under the guardianship of the law." - -Poor girl, she little knew how powerless was the law in France at that -moment. "It is strange," she continued, turning to another line of -thought, "I have not heard the clock strike one; and yet it is long -since twelve. Can anything have gone wrong? It must have struck -without my hearing it.--How dark it is without! Not a star in the sky, -and the moon down! Those must be drops of rain I hear." - -A moment after the heavy bell of the clock sounded upon her ear; and -she found how long tedious expectation can make one short hour. Rose -smiled at her own impatience, and said in her heart, "I must not let -Louis know how eagerly I have watched for him; and yet, why not? If he -be generous, as I think, to be so loved will but increase his own; and -if he be not, no arts will keep a wayward heart. Hark, there is a -sound!" and the next instant, something like the steel point of a -sword's scabbard, struck lightly against the window. - -Rose opened it without noise, and asked in a low and trembling voice, -"Who is there?" - -"'Tis I! 'tis I, my beloved," answered De Montigni, who was standing -on a ladder, which had been placed against the window. "All is ready -if you are. But, before you come, secure your maid in her own room. We -have turned the key without. She is not to be trusted; and it were -well to prevent her from giving the alarm to-morrow, till the last -moment." - -"There is but a bolt," said Rose d'Albret, "and I fear I shall wake -her with the noise, for it is a very heavy one." - -"Stay, dearest," replied her lover; "I will do it," and he sprang -lightly into the room. - -"Oh, Louis," whispered Rose, as he held her for a moment to his heart, -"do not waste time." - -"I will not," he answered. "Where is this bolt," and following Rose, -who led him on with a trembling hand, he drew back the tapestry and -felt for the bolt upon the door. Slowly and gently he pushed it -forward; but this was not accomplished without some noise, and the -heart of Rose d'Albret beat as if it would have burst through her -side. She could not even listen for the throbbing; but De Montigni -bent down his ear; and after a moment he whispered, "it is all safe, -she sleeps, my beloved. Now, Rose, now," and taking her hand in his, -he led her back towards the window. - -He felt by the trembling of her hand, that she was greatly agitated; -and although, when he had first entered the room, he had given way, as -we have seen, for a single instant, to the warm emotions of his heart, -he would not now add by one rash caress to that which Rose already -underwent. When they reached the window, however, he drew the other -side of the casement farther back, to get out first and assist her in -descending. But the lady detained him a moment by the hand, asking in -a low voice, "And will you love me ever, Louis?" - -"As from my earliest youth, so to my last hour, dear Rose," replied De -Montigni in the same low tone. - -"And will you never judge me rash, imprudent, bold, De Montigni?" -again inquired the lady; "will you never reproach me, even in your own -secret heart, for listening to your persuasions? will you never think -it was immodest or unfeminine to quit the shelter of my guardian's -house, and give myself to you with this implicit confidence?" - -"Never, dear Rose!" replied De Montigni; "banish such idle -apprehensions. I shall ever feel the deepest gratitude. I shall ever -feel respect for that decision which saves me the pain, the peril, and -the grief of bringing to account my nearest relations for a most -shameful attempt to violate the contract with your father, and to -defraud me of my own--for you are my own, Rose. You are plighted to me -from your infancy, and indeed, dear one, I have a right to demand, as -the only one entitled to your hand, that you should take the only -means by which it can be secured to me; and for your thus yielding -willingly and readily, my thanks, and love, and gratitude, are yours -for ever." - -"Well, then, there is my hand, De Montigni," said Mademoiselle -d'Albret, "and I am yours. I do not doubt you, Louis,--I do not doubt -you; but in these things woman may well be timid; for her all is at -stake; and God knows those we play against are often cheats." - -"Such am not I, dear Rose," replied her lover. "Come, my Rose, come!" -and stepping out of the window, he held his hands towards her, to -guide her in the descent. - -Rose d'Albret closed her eyes, murmured a short prayer to God for -protection and assistance in the course before her; and, after pausing -one moment more, in lingering hesitation, she put her foot upon the -ladder, and descended gently, with De Montigni steadying her steps. -The height was not great, and the next minute her feet were upon the -ground between the old château and the walls that defended it. There -was no one below, for De Montigni had determined to come alone, in -order to avoid all bustle and confusion. - -"Now, dear girl, now," he said, "the first step to freedom is taken. -Estoc is waiting for us on the walls; my horses are prepared without; -and in five minutes we shall be in liberty." - -"But how shall we pass the gates?" asked Rose; "they are always -strictly guarded." - -"We have placed men that can be depended upon," replied De Montigni, -"and the sally port at the south, is in the hands of Estoc. This way, -dearest, this way, to the bridge." - -Their escape, however, was not destined to be effected so easily as -they supposed; for when they reached the spot where the flying bridge -which we have so often mentioned hung between the château and the -outer walls, De Montigni, on looking up, perceived through the dim air -of night that it was raised. There was a flight of stone steps, built -against the body of the château, from the sort of paved court in which -they were, to the door, that communicated with the bridge; and up -these De Montigni sprang in a moment leaving Rose d'Albret below. He -found, however, that the chain which suspended the bridge in the air, -was pad-locked; and, descending again with a noiseless step, he asked -his fair companion in a whisper "Who sleeps in the room on the right?" - -"I do not know," replied Rose, "some of Monsieur de Chazeul's -servants, I believe." - -"There are people talking within," replied De Montigni; "the bridge is -up, the chains padlocked; and, even if they were not, the noise of -letting it down would call attention. We must go round, dear Rose, to -the staircase in the wall." - -Rose d'Albret trembled very much; for her agitation was already so -great, that any impediment made her heart sink with apprehension; but -leaning on De Montigni's arm, she hurried along with him, and soon -reached the staircase of which he had spoken, which in another minute -led them to the top of the wall. - -"Sit here for a moment, dearest," said De Montigni, "while I find -Estoc, and do not raise your head above the parapet. He and I may pass -for the guards; but the veil and ruff do not well imitate the steel -cap and cuirass." - -Rose silently did as he bade her, and gazed out, while he was gone, -through the neighbouring embrasure. The country through which she was -to pass lay before her; but it was all dark and indistinct, like the -wide land of the future in the journey of life. There was no star to -betoken hope in the sky above; thick clouds, like frowning fate, -covered the whole heaven; and though the few heavy drops of rain which -had fallen had ceased for the time, there were low sobbing gusts of -wind, which seemed to say, that they would soon commence again. - -Sad and apprehensive, Rose d'Albret gazed over the scene, and with -curious eye strove to trace out the road along which she was to -travel, as one does so soften and so vainly in the mortal night which -surrounds us here below. Fortunately, however, she had not much time -for gloomy meditations. In less than two minutes De Montigni was by -her side again, accompanied by Estoc, who bent down and kissed her -hand, saying "Come, Mademoiselle, come, don't be frightened about the -bridge being up, that is done against those on the outside of the -wall, not those on the in. We will soon reach the sally port; but we -must cross the court first." - -"But who are those that Monsieur de Montigni heard talking in the room -to the right of the bridge door?" asked Rose d'Albret in a whisper. - -"On my body and life I do not know," replied Estoc; "some of Chazeul's -people, about no good, I'll warrant; but they'd better not come near -us, or I'll split their skulls and his too, if he meddles. This way, -Mademoiselle." - -"Hush!" cried Rose drawing back, "there is a man coming along the -wall.--Oh Heaven! who can it be?" - -"Nobody but Paul the sentinel," replied Estoc. "I placed him here on -guard, lady, and he knows his business.--Come!" and leading her on, he -passed close by the warder, who for his part, when they approached -turned his back to them, and gazed out over the country. - -To witness such a thorough understanding between her companions and -the guards, restored some degree of confidence and hope to Rose -d'Albret; and, hurrying forward, they descended the stairs by which -she had mounted, chose the second archway in the body of the building, -and crossed the vacant court, where all was still and silent, except a -large eagle which was chained to a perch in the midst, and which, -disturbed in its reveries by their passing near, flapped its large -wings, and uttered a shrill cry. Taking through another archway on the -opposite side of the court, they threaded one or two of the passages -of the building, and soon reached a paved passage, or _coulisse_, -similar to that which ran between the château and the wall on the -northern side. As they walked along, Rose remarked that De Montigni -drew round to the side of Estoc, and whispered something in his ear. - -"I do not know," replied the old soldier; "I placed him there not ten -minutes ago. Perhaps he is standing under the arch." - -"I do not think it," said De Montigni; "there is no depth to hide him; -and I can see no one." - -"My eyes are not so good as they were," answered Estoc; "but he may -have opened the door for aught we know, to have all ready." - -"What is the matter?" asked Mademoiselle d'Albret, clinging to De -Montigni's arm; "what has gone amiss?" - -"Nothing, dearest, nothing," replied De Montigni. "'Tis only that we -do not see the guard who was placed with the keys of the sally port. -He may, perhaps, have opened the door and gone in; or he may have -walked on to the end." - -When they reached the low-browed door in the wall, however, which was -to give them exit from the Château of Marzay, they found no one there, -and the heavy iron-covered gate tightly locked. Swearing an oath or -two in an under tone, Estoc looked up and down the passage to see if -he could perceive the careless warder; but nothing was to be -discovered; and no sound or footfall gave notice that he was near. - -"Stay," said the old soldier; "stay a moment here, I will go and see -for him. I cannot understand this at all. Yet there can be no danger, -lady, so do not be afraid; for if anything were discovered, we should -find people enough here." - -"But if any one should come, while you are gone?" asked Rose d'Albret, -in a faltering tone. - -"Why, then, you must hide yourselves amongst those passages opposite," -replied the old soldier. "You know them well, both of you, for many a -hunt have I had after you amongst them, when you were children." - -Notwithstanding all her apprehensions, Rose d'Albret could but smile, -as the old man's words brought up before her mind the picture of the -happy hours of childhood; and she laid her hand fondly on De -Montigni's arm, feeling that she did love him truly, and had loved him -longer than she once thought she had. - -"Let us go at once, Louis," she said, "into what we used to call the -labyrinth; they would not find us easily there, and we can watch till -he comes back." - -"Ay, ay," said Estoc; "go there, pretty lady. I will not be a minute, -for the man cannot be far off." - -Thus saying he left them; and crossing the passage, they entered an -arch, a little way farther down, which communicated with some of the -inferior parts of the building but little used by the household, and -was traversed by narrow stone corridors, with innumerable staircases -to rooms above. Placing themselves under the shelter of the vault they -waited, listening to the old soldier's receding step; but the -momentary light which had come up in Rose d'Albret's mind, at his -allusion to former days, passed rapidly away as she stood there with -her lover, uncertain of what the next hour might bring forth. - -The moment after, they heard the neigh of a horse beyond the walls, -and De Montigni, turning to her, whispered, "There is but a little -space between us and safety, Rose." - -"Alas! it may be enough," replied Rose d'Albret, "to bar us from all -our hopes." - -"Nay, nay," answered her lover; "take not such a gloomy view of it, -dear one; there are always small obstacles to every scheme; but these -will soon be removed, and all will go well." - -"God grant it," said Rose d'Albret; but even as she spoke, she drew -back farther within the arch, saying, "Hush! there are figures upon -the wall." - -"Stand, give the word," cried a sentinel above. - -"I forget it," replied the voice of Chazeul; "but you know me, my -man?--You know Monsieur de Chazeul?" - -"I know no one without the word," replied the soldier. "Stand off, or -you are a dead man!" - -"Dare you be so insolent?" exclaimed Chazeul. "Who commands the guard -to-night?" - -"I do my duty, Sir," replied the soldier; "so stand back, I say! It is -Monsieur de l'Estoc's guard." - -"I thought so," replied Chazeul; "like master like man. Go, and call -him. Sir." - -"Not I," answered the soldier; "I do not quit my post for any one. You -can call him yourself, if you want him." - -"I will," replied Chazeul sternly; "and have you punished for your -insolence;" and, turning back along the wall, he proceeded to search -for Estoc. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - - -The small evils of life, against which, in the narrowness of our -views, and the idleness of our heart, we so often pray, as if they -were as hideous as unmasked sin, how often do they work for us the -greatest benefits in ways we never dreamt of!--how often do they even -forward us in the very course they seemed likely to obstruct! There is -not a hair of our head that is not numbered; there is not a sparrow -falls to the ground unmarked; so we were told by Him who is Truth; and -surely there is not an act or incident of our life that has not its -end and object in the great scheme of our being, and in the greater -scheme of universal nature. Pleasant is it, and sweet to contemplate, -for the eye of faith, that all is ruled and directed to its fixed -purpose by Almighty wisdom, and infinite goodness. - -"He is gone!" whispered De Montigni to Rose d'Albret, as Chazeul -strode away. "You see it is fortunate, dear girl, that we did not find -the sally port open, or we should have been passing just at the moment -he was upon the walls above. He could not have stayed us, it is true, -for we have a large party in the castle; but it might have occasioned -strife, and that I would fain avoid." - -"Oh yes, yes!" said Rose. "God grant that we may escape that,--but -hark! it is raining, Louis." - -"That is unlucky," replied De Montigni. Yet, in truth, it was far from -unfortunate for the success of their scheme. The large drops which -began to descend in a heavy shower, soon changed the purpose of -Nicholas de Chazeul, who was lightly clothed, and somewhat careful of -his own person; and instead of seeking Estoc, as he had intended, he -hurried back to his own chamber, cast off his wet clothes, and retired -to bed, keeping his indignation for the following morning. - -In the meanwhile Louis de Montigni and Rose d'Albret, remained for -some minutes longer under the archway; and, although apprehension and -anxiety had a large share in the fair Lady's feelings, it must not be -denied, that there were sweet and happy sensations too. With her arm -twined through that of her lover, with her hand clasped in his, she -felt all the joy, the thrilling and inexpressible joy of loving, -trusting, confiding; and she felt it too for the first time. All the -freshness of the young heart was there; that freshness which in all -things is the point of perfection,--the moment of expansion to the -flower; the hour of ripeness to the fruit, when colour, and beauty, -and scent, and flavour, and delight, are all at their full before one -petal has fallen or withered, before one tint has faded, before the -bloom has been brushed off, before the enjoyment has palled, or the -fine edge of sensation has been blunted. There are feelings in the -human heart, and they are the brightest of those which have any -reference to earth, which are like those small delicate flies, that -live but an hour in their beauty, and then pass away, unable to -sustain even the weight of the common air; and with Rose d'Albret that -was the moment of their existence. She had never before known what it -was to give the whole heart, to cling to another, as if in him she had -a second life; to look to him for all her future joy; to trust in him -for aid, protection and support; to fear for him more than for -herself; to believe, her best gift, was to render him happy. The world -in which she had lived, was a cold and dreary one; there had been no -heart which had sympathies with hers; no voice to reciprocate kind -words; no mind with which to exchange the thoughts that were busy in -her own. All who surrounded her were different from her in years, in -ideas, in feelings, in objects. It was a dark and shadowy state of -being, whose only light had been memory, memory of him who now stood -beside her till he himself had returned, like her morning star, and -the day of love had dawned upon her heart, driving the shades away, -and gilding even the clouds, that still hung over the sky. - -Thus, though dread and apprehension still had some share in her -feelings, poor Rose d'Albret was not now without a bright portion of -happiness; and the gentle pressure of the hand, the mute caress, the -word of tenderness and comfort from her lover's lips, produced -sensations in her bosom which he did not know, which, perhaps man -never fully knows, in his dealings with woman. - -At length there came a hurried tread, as if more than one person were -approaching, and De Montigni took a step forward before his fair -companion, and loosened his sword in the scabbard. The rain was -falling heavily; the night had become doubly dark; and he could only -distinguish the forms of two men advancing quickly along the -_coulisse_, without being able to discover who they were. One he -thought indeed was Estoc, but he was not sure, till at length the man -on the right hand paused opposite the sally port, and appeared to -unlock the door, while the other came on towards the spot where he -stood. - -"It is Estoc, dear Rose," he said; "it is Estoc with the keys." - -"Be sure, be sure!" whispered Rose, laying hand upon his arm; but the -next instant Estoc himself stood before them, saying, "Quick, Louis! -quick! there are more people stirring in the château than we wot of." - -"Chazeul was on the walls but a moment ago," replied De Montigni, "but -the sentinel would not let him pass." - -"I know, I know," replied Estoc. "I heard it all, but the rain has -driven him in, the white-livered knave.--You will get sadly wet, sweet -lady, I fear." - -"Oh, I mind not a little rain," replied Rose d'Albret. "How often have -you seen me drenched in hunting! Estoc; and it will not hurt me more -now, that I am being hunted,--but what was the cause of the delay?" - -"They had given the man the wrong key," replied Estoc, "and he knew -not how to get the right one, without betraying that there was -something secret going on,--the door is open now, however. Let us be -quick.--Hark! there is two!--Moments are precious." - -"I am quite ready," said Rose; but De Montigni, before he suffered her -to issue forth into the rain, covered her as well as he could with his -cloak, though the short mantles of those days, afforded but a very -inefficient protection against a heavy shower. They then crossed the -passage, and gliding along under the wall, found the door of the sally -port open, and the guard holding it back. - -"Ged bless you, Lady! God bless you, Sir," said the man as they -passed. And the prayer of a plain and honest heart for our welfare, -has always its effect in comforting, and reassuring. - -Estoc led the way, along the stone-faced court, under the earthen -mound, which there defended the wall, across a little bridge over the -ditch, and through the gate beyond, which he unlocked to let them -pass. Beneath the shadow of the gate, and three or four old trees, -which grew beside it, stood a party of seven or eight men, with their -hands upon their horses' bridles, ready to mount in a moment. Two -other saddled horses were amongst them, and while De Montigni lifted -Rose d'Albret lightly from the ground, and mounted her securely, old -Estoc said, in a low voice, "It is your own limousin, Mademoiselle, so -you know his mouth, and he knows your hand." - -"Thank you, thank you for your kindness, Estoc," replied the lady; -"these are moments never to be forgotten." - -De Montigni pressed the old soldier in his arms; and then saying, "We -shall meet again soon, Estoc, I hope in the King's camp," he sprang -upon his horse's back, and laying his hand upon Rose's rein, to lead -her forward through the darkness, set out upon the road to Dreux. - -Estoc turned back into the castle, closed the gates behind him, made a -turn upon the ramparts, listened for a few minutes till he could hear -no more the retreating sound of horses' feet, and then retiring to the -guard-room, under the principal gate, dried himself by the blazing -logs upon the hearth. In a few minutes, however, he gave some orders -to one of the soldiers, who was sitting near, and then stretching -himself upon a camp bedstead in the corner, was soon sound asleep. - -Everything remained quiet in the château during the night. Unconscious -of what had taken place, those whose cunning schemes had been -frustrated, remained in the tranquil slumber of imaginary success, -dreaming of the coming day, and of seeing the seal put upon their -intrigues by the voluntary renunciation of De Montigni's right, -through which, not only the much coveted estates of Liancourt, but the -hand of Rose d'Albret, and the inheritance which that hand conveyed, -were, they thought, to be lost to him, for whom they were originally -intended. - -The only person who slept but little, was the old commander De -Liancourt, who, partly on account of the pain of his wounds, and -partly from anxiety for his nephew's safety and success, lay tossing -on his bed till within an hour of morning, wondering if all had gone -right, and repeating, a thousand and a thousand times, "All is quiet! -They must have got off; otherwise, I should have heard something." - -With the first dawn of day, some of the inferior servants began to -stir in the house. The scullions proceeded to their abhorred task of -scouring the brazen pots and kettles in the kitchen; the turnspit dog -waddled slowly from the hearth, the scene of his daily toil, where he -found warmth and repose during the night, to hide himself in some -corner from the eyes of the persecuting cook; and various other -drudges, well called _femmes de peine_, went through the different -halls and chambers, clearing off that dust which rise from the decay -of every earthly thing, and falls every hour--a memento, if we would -but see it, of the perishable nature of all here below--upon the -polish and the gilding with which we seek to cover all the coarse -materials from our eyes. - -Soon the higher functionaries began to appear upon the scene; cooks, -and grooms of the chambers, and all the officers and attendants who, -in those days, thronged the house of a French nobleman; and then the -masters themselves. First, came father Walter, in his black garments, -pacing up and down the hall, and gazing, from time to time, out of the -high windows at the rainy sky. He was soon joined by Monsieur de -Chazeul, followed, shortly after, by the Count de Liancourt. These -three continued, stretching their limbs by a walk up and down the wide -pavement, for near half an hour, conversing over all that had taken -place the day before, and speculating upon the coming event. Chazeul -related to his two companions the intelligence he had received from -Blanchette on the preceding night, and the application which De -Montigni had made for another interview with Rose d'Albret. - -"That was not right," said Monsieur de Liancourt. "One interview was -all he asked; that was granted, and he ought not to have sought more." - -How boldly do we judge of what is right and wrong in the conduct of -others! how boldly do we censure and condemn, very often when we are -doing them the bitterest injustice! Monsieur de Liancourt totally -forgot, when he talked of right, that Louis de Montigni was really -entitled, not only to one interview with Rose d'Albret, but to every -hour of her time, to her hand, to her heart, to her fortune,--he -totally forgot it, I say, and thought that the schemes which he had so -long nurtured, the ideas which he had so long indulged, formed the -only standard by which to measure the conduct and the rights of -others. Do not let the reader suppose this unnatural. Let him look -around, he will find the same perversion of views in every country, in -every house, in every family; let him look within, he will find it -more or less in his own heart, whenever his own interests, wishes, -prejudices, or passions, are placed in opposition to the rights of -others. - -At length, when about half an hour had passed, the Count began to -think it strange that his fair ward, who was always an early riser, -had not yet appeared, and asked if the others had seen anything of -her. - -"No," replied Chazeul. "I suppose, as she cannot take her favourite -walk this rainy day, she keeps her own chamber, to be out of the way -of De Montigni." - -The priest looked down and mused, for he entertained some doubts as to -Rose's feelings being exactly those which Chazeul's vanity led him to -suppose, though, it must be remarked, he had not the slightest -suspicion of the event which had just taken place. - -"Have you seen Blanchette this morning?" inquired the Count. - -"No," replied Chazeul; "but I will send my knave, Alphonso, to see -after her. It will but be courteous to inquire for her mistress's -health." - -He was turning towards the door, when his mother entered, and asked at -once, "Where is Rose?" - -"She has not appeared yet," replied Chazeul. "I am just going to -inquire after her, most noble dame." - -"See, see yourself, Nicholas," cried the Marchioness, sharply. "One of -my girls tells me, that, passing by her door just now, she heard a -knocking, as if carpenters were at work. Is De Montigni absent, too? -Why, it is near the hour of mass!" - -Chazeul left the room instantly, by the door which led direct along -the corridor, to the apartments of Rose d'Albret. All was still, -however; the noise which his mother mentioned had ceased; and it was -not till he came close to the ante-chamber that he thought he heard a -sound of moaning, as if some one was giving way to the expression of -pain or grief. He instantly knocked at the door, and called to -Blanchette, who demanded, in a voice half-drowned by tears, "Who is -there?" - -"It is I," replied the Marquis. "What is the matter, Blanchette? Open -the door; let me in." - -"I cannot," replied Blanchette; "the door is locked, and I can't get -out." - -"How is your mistress?" asked Chazeul. - -"I do not know," replied the girl. - -"Well, go in and see, then," said the Marquis. - -"I cannot," rejoined Blanchette again; "that door is fastened too." - -A sudden suspicion of the truth flashed through the mind of Chazeul, -and he stood for a moment, stupified with surprise and anger. Then, -hastening back to the hall, he exclaimed, "Something is wrong! The -girl Blanchette is locked into her room.--We must force the door." - -"To the window! to the window!" replied the Marchioness; and, hurrying -out to the flying bridge, they descended the stone steps into the -_coulisse_, Monsieur de Liancourt exclaiming, - -"Quick! some one bring a ladder." - -"There is no ladder needed, my wise brother," said Madame de Chazeul, -the moment after, pointing with her hand to the spot where, underneath -the window of Rose's chamber, might still be seen the instrument used -in her escape. "You will find one ready. Those who like to go on in -the rain, and see the nest of the flown bird, may go, I shall return -to the hall." And thus saying, she ascended the steps, while the rest -of the party hurried on. - -By the ladder easy access was obtained to the room of Mademoiselle -d'Albret; and it is not necessary to detail the state in which it was -found. Rose, as the reader is aware, was no longer there; and all that -remained for those that sought her, was to liberate Blanchette, and -inquire when, how, and why, her mistress had fled. - -The girl, however, could tell them nothing of the truth; and, though -she made up for the deficiency by telling plenty of falsehoods, -endeavouring, in the fear and agitation of the moment, to screen -herself from suspicions which were never directed towards her, yet her -information, of having heard her mistress move in her chamber about -three o'clock in the morning, without thinking anything of it, of -having visited her the last thing before she went to bed herself, and -seeing her soundly asleep in bed, together with sundry other fanciful -pieces of intelligence, proved not in the least satisfactory to the -hearers. - -After much wonder, and some consideration, and a good deal of -examination in the apartments of Mademoiselle d'Albret, the party were -obliged to make their egress by the window again, the outer door being -locked and the key gone. - -They found Madame de Chazeul in the hall, with an angry spot upon her -cheek, and her brow knit, while the old commander, dressed as if for a -journey, with his sword by his side, and the cross of his order round -his neck, sat upon a bench at one side of the hall, tapping his leg -deliberately with his staff. - -"I am glad you are come, Count," said the Marchioness; "here is our -brother Michael evidently knows all about this infamous abduction; but -he will make no answer to my inquiries." - -"Why, I told you I would not, Jacqueline, till Liancourt came," -replied the Commander. "Now he is come, I will tell you all I know, -and also perform the task I took upon me yesterday." - -"Well, Sir, well, be quick," replied the Count. "I have borne your -humours too long; and I will endure no tricks and treachery, depend -upon it." - -The old soldier's cheek grew warm. "No tricks but your own, Sir," he -replied. "But we all know you are a tool in the hands of others, and -therefore to be forgiven, like all weak men, who make themselves the -instruments of knaves. Ay, you may stare, Jacqueline; but be good -enough to remember, I was never afraid of those black eyes, even when -the cheeks were round and soft, and am not more timid now, when they -are shrivelled and skinny. The simple matter of fact is this, Anthony, -you have all laid your heads together to deprive Louis de Montigni, -the son of our poor sister Louise, of the inheritance which I -renounced in her favour, and in favour of her children. I did not -renounce it in your favour, Madame Jacqueline; for you were always -able to take care of yourself, though Louise was mild and gentle, and -consequently continually kept down, and deprived of just estimation." - -"And may I ask, Sir," said Monsieur de Liancourt, with a cold, and -haughty air, "what business it was of yours, if Monsieur de Montigni -choose to renounce also?" - -"I don't know that," replied the old Commander; "he cannot renounce -without my returning to my rights. However, I would have made no noise -about that, if he had done so willingly, and with his eyes open. But I -did not choose to have him deceived, and so I was resolved he should -know all. The priest there, like an honest man, told him, that he had -some right to the estates, and I told him what." - -The Marchioness turned a fierce look upon father Walter, who met it -with a calm and tranquil air, apparently in no degree taken by -surprise or annoyed. - -"But I told him, moreover, my good brother," continued the Commander, -"that if he gave up the estates, he gave up his claim and right to the -hand of Mademoiselle d'Albret,--to our sweet Rose. It is right that -every one should know how he stands, and what he does, brother -Anthony; and as you did not tell him, I did. I told him the contract -was in his favour, not in that of yonder gentleman in ruffs and -ear-rings, inasmuch as it engaged for the marriage of the young lady -to the heir of Liancourt, which he is by my renunciation; and if he -had given up his claim, I would have married her myself; for then I -should be heir of Liancourt again. But as I am old, and somewhat -battered in the wars, and should limp a little in following a bride -through a ballroom, he thought fit to save me the trouble, and -consequently determined to hold his own." - -"My son, my son, this is no jesting matter," said father Walter in a -grave tone; "I beseech you, what you have to speak, speak seriously." - -"If I speak seriously, sir priest," replied the old soldier, "I may -have to say things not very palatable to many here present. But if it -must be, so it shall be. In a word, then, brother, he found that he -had been deceived, kept in ignorance, cajoled to part with rights -concealed from him. Had it been but the estates, he would have given -them up at a word, as I did; but he would not give up her he loved, -except at her own request. In this, too, he discovered, he had been -cheated. Instead of finding that she had freely and willingly promised -her hand to a man who possessed her heart, he learned that she too had -been misled into the belief that she was contracted to yonder -gentleman, and that she was about, unwillingly, to yield to what she -thought duty--poor thing!--without either loving, or having promised -at all." - -"But she did promise," exclaimed Chazeul. "I call upon all here to -witness it." - -"That's a lie!" answered the Commander sternly; "nor the first, good -nephew, by many! She never promised; for only two days ago I heard her -ask a short time to consider. You cannot deny it, priest." - -"I cannot," said father Walter. - -"Well then," continued the old officer, "he asked to see her alone, to -learn her own mind--" - -"We did not know that he was going thus treacherously--" cried -Chazeul. - -"To tell her the truth," interrupted the Commander; "or you would have -taken care to prevent it. But when he had enlightened her on those -subjects, and found that she very much preferred himself to you, he -suggested to her that, to save needless trouble, and dispute, it would -be better for her to take her departure at once with the husband of -her father's choice, and, placing themselves under the protection of -the King, demand his sanction to their immediate marriage. Ay, _the -King!_ nephew,--the King, father Walter--Henry the Fourth, King of -France and Navarre, who is so, and will be so whether it pleases you -or not!--But I forgot," he added, "the boy left a letter with me for -you brother Anthony. Ho! Estoc there, get me that letter, pray." - -While this delectable conversation had been proceeding, Madame de -Chazeul had seated herself in the chair usually occupied by the Count, -and, leaning her head upon her hand, had seemed more busied with her -own thoughts than with anything that was going on around; but at the -mention of the letter, she raised her head, with a bitter sneer upon -her lip, asking, "Pray whose manufacture is the epistle? Is it an -extract from Cæsar's Commentaries by the Commander de Liancourt, or a -parody upon Ovid's Art of Love by Monsieur de Montigni?" - -"Neither, Jacqueline," replied her brother, "but a good honest letter, -from a youth whom you have not been able to cheat, with all your -cunning. The letter,--the letter, Estoc," he continued, as his old -comrade put his head into the hall--Where is Louis's letter? You had -it. - -"Oh ay! of course he had it," cried Chazeul, as the good soldier -advanced with a paper in his hand; and then turning round, the Marquis -whispered for an instant to the Count, who, after taking the letter -from the hands of Estoc, made him a sign to stay. - -"You know of all this affair, Sir," said Monsieur de Liancourt, fixing -his eyes upon him, "and gave aid and encouragement." - -"I saw them at the last moment," replied Estoc at once, "and had they -wanted encouragement would have given it to them; but they did not; -and as to aiding them, I had no commands to stop any one quitting the -castle." - -"It was your duty, Sir, to stop any fugitives from authority," replied -the Count; "and I have a great mind to punish you." - -"To do that you have no power, Sir," answered Estoc; "you forget I am -not your servant, Count of Liancourt, but a gentleman and a soldier, -though a poor one. I have, at the desire of my good old commander -here, aided you voluntarily to keep your château in these troublous -times; but I have taken no wage nor pay from you or yours; and, let me -tell you, he is a bold man that talks of punishing a French gentleman -that has done no wrong." - -"Come, come, Anthony," cried the Commander, "no folly, if you please. -Estoc is my _guidon_; you have nought to do with him. If there be -fault, it is mine. I aided, I encouraged them; I told them to go, and -helped them to do it; and whoever says I had not a right to do so, -lies in his teeth!--But read the letter, brother o'mine; for you may -have something to say to it; and I am away this morning. My litter and -my men are ready in the court." - -"And the sooner you go, Michael, the better," said Madame de Chazeul. - -"Not at your bidding, Jacqueline," replied the Commander, while his -brother opened the letter and read it. "Ay, here comes your creature, -Blanchette. On my life, this has been a pretty honest scheme from the -beginning." - -"What does he say?" inquired the Marchioness, as the Count read. - -"Oh, hear it, hear it!" answered Monsieur de Liancourt: "you will then -see, how grateful he is for all the care and kindness I have bestowed -upon his youth;" and he proceeded to read as follows: - - -"Sir, my Uncle, - -"Before this reaches your hands, I shall be far distant, feeling -myself compelled to take a step, which nothing but the desire of -avoiding that strife and contention which must ensue, were I to stay -and urge my rights in your house, would induce me to adopt. At the -same time it is necessary, for my own justification, that I should -give some explanation of my conduct. You were pleased on my arrival, -to ask for my signature to certain papers, which, on examination of -the documents themselves, and consultation with my uncle, the -Commander, and others, I found implied a renunciation of my clear -right to the estates of Liancourt, and the acceptance of certain -benefices as an equivalent. Had that been the only question, I would -not have scrupled to consent; but I found that by a contract between -you and the late Count de Marennes, made while I was considered -certain heir to those estates, the hand of Mademoiselle d'Albret was -promised to the person inheriting them. You had given me to understand -that the lady's inclination led her to an union with my cousin De -Chazeul; and had it been so, my love for her is too sincere, not to -have induced me at once to remove every obstacle that my prior claim -produced. But certain circumstances led me to believe that in this -there was an error; and I therefore required an interview with -Mademoiselle d'Albret, that both she and I, might know our real -situation, which, by your pardon, let me say, had been concealed from -both. I found, during that interview, that she had been deceived into -the belief that, in giving her hand to Monsieur de Chazeul, she was -only fulfilling her father's contract. When the truth, however, was -explained to her, I found that, far from desiring such an alliance, it -was most repugnant to her, and that, on the contrary, she was willing -to give her hand to him for whom it had been truly destined. We both -saw, that to urge my rights in person here, would necessarily produce -strife--nay, perhaps bloodshed; and we were well aware that it might -be unsafe for her to remain after I was gone, as there are too many -instances, in these days, of contracts forcibly violated, and -compulsion used to produce alliances neither prompted by inclination -nor justified by law. The course which had been pursued towards us for -the last five years, led us to apprehend that such might be the case -now; and to avoid such a result, Mademoiselle d'Albret consented to -accompany me to the court of his Majesty; where, under his sanction -and authority, I trust soon to fulfil with her the engagement between -her father and yourself. As soon as that is accomplished, being in -this matter moved by no sordid considerations, you will not find me -indisposed, in gratitude for the care and protection which you -bestowed on my early youth, to fulfil your wishes, whatever they may -be, in regard to the disposal of your property, even to the sacrifice -of what may be my own contingent rights. May God keep you in his holy -guard! - -"Your nephew, - -"Louis de Montigni." - - -The latter part of the letter was but little attended to by Madame de -Chazeul or her son, who were busily talking together in tones so low, -that but a word or two only was distinguishable even by the quick ears -of the priest, who stood near them. - -"Impossible!" said Chazeul, in reply to something which his mother -appeared to have suggested: "we have not men enough. He has fifteen of -his own old soldiers here; and a number of the men of Liancourt would -take his part. I have but seven in the castle.--No, it is impossible." - -The Countess muttered something in return, and then added, "Stay, -Chazeul: a better plan!" She then whispered a word or two, which -escaped all ears but those of her son, adding, "You see to it: bid him -come back at full speed when he has seen them housed. Send notice to -Nemours, too, and Mayenne; so you will have them in a net. In the -meantime, stop this farce as soon as possible. I have a word or two to -say to another personage:--Good father, I would fain speak with you," -she continued aloud, addressing Walter de la Tremblade, "either before -or after mass." - -"Which you please, daughter," replied Walter de la Tremblade; "we have -still half an hour." - -"That will be enough," answered the Marchioness, rising: "and so, -good-day, good brother Michael. Like all fools who meddle with what -does not concern them, you will one day rue the mischief that you have -now made." - -"Never, Jacqueline," replied the Commander. "I am not so famous for -scheming as you are; but, be you sure that, whatever you may be now -plotting, I will find means to put it out of joint with plain honesty -and truth, as I have done to-day. Farewell, brother Anthony," he -continued; "let us not part bad friends; for what I have done, has -been as much to save your honour as anything else." - -He held out his hand as he spoke; but the Count put his behind his -back, saying, "My honour can take care of itself, Michael; and I do -not thank you for this insolent meddling." - -"Poor man," said the Commander; and, turning abruptly away, he strode -out of the hall, followed by Estoc. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - - -There are dull pauses in human life when the mind, however anxious it -may be to speed forward upon its active career, is forced by -circumstances to halt and deal with minor things; as a traveller on -foot, however eager he may be to hasten forward upon his way, is -sometimes obliged to stop and take a small stone out of his shoe, lest -it should impede the whole after part of his journey: and thus, though -we would willingly go on with those in whom we are more interested, we -must linger for a moment or two with the priest and Madame de Chazeul, -in order to proceed more rapidly when we have related some things -which, though not very entertaining, are absolutely necessary to the -right understanding of this history. - -The lady led the way to her own chamber, with a step she intended to -be perfectly calm and tranquil, but which, by its occasional -irregularity and sharp jerking movement, betrayed the agitated and -angry feelings which she struggled to conceal. The priest followed, -with his still, even pace, his large dark eyes as usual bent down, and -not a trace of any emotion upon his countenance. He seemed, indeed, -like a moving statue, to the countenance of which the sculptor had -successfully endeavoured to give an expression of great thought, of -mind, and equanimity, but not of feeling or emotion. - -When they reached the lady's chamber, the Marchioness de Chazeul took -a seat, and pointed to another, with a somewhat haughty wave of the -hand; but father Walter sat down deliberately, and crossing one foot -over the other, remained in an easy attitude waiting for Madame de -Chazeul to begin, as if totally unconscious that there were any angry -feelings in her bosom towards himself. He made no inquiry, even by a -look, in regard to the nature of the communication which he was about -to receive, but calmly bent his head a little forward as if to listen, -and waited for her to begin. - -"Well, Monsieur de la Tremblade," said the lady at length, "so you -have thought fit to commence this system of sweet candour towards -Monsieur de Montigni, and to tell him that he has a right to the -estates." - -"I always advocated candour, Madam," replied the priest; "and if my -advice had been followed, and the exact state of the case had been -told him in Italy, with a request that he would remove all obstacles, -he would have remained where he was, and you would not have been in -such an unpleasant situation at present." - -"And therefore, I suppose, because people judged differently from -yourself," said the Marchioness, "you thought fit to spoil their -plans, when yours were not adopted." - -"Not exactly," answered father Walter, perfectly unmoved; "I only -acted as was right and fitting on the occasion, I betrayed no secrets, -lady; I gave no further information than was merely necessary to -induce this young gentleman to do what was required of him. The very -act of renunciation itself bore upon its face, the acknowledgment that -he had rights; and I did not in any degree define them, but merely -said, that it was necessary he should sign the papers, to guard -against any legal contest hereafter." - -"Pshaw!" cried Madame de Chazeul; "do you think I do not see your -motives, Walter de la Tremblade? You would fain have so managed, that -the greater part of the benefices, if not the whole, should fall into -your hands. You were not content with the Abbey of Chizay--not you! -You must have more: and now a fine business you have made of it, for -you have lost all to yourself and to us too." - -The slightest possible glow passed over the cheek of Walter de la -Tremblade; but he replied, without the least alteration of tone, "You -are wrong in your suspicions, daughter; and they are unworthy of you -or me." - -"Quite worthy of me," replied the Marchioness, "for I like to see to -the bottom of men's hearts. Now, I will answer for it, you persuaded -him that it was very improper for laymen to hold the property of the -church; you showed him, that he could not conscientiously keep these -benefices, if he got them, without taking the gown. Ha! have I touched -you? can you deny it, Sir?" - -"Entirely," replied father Walter. "He stated such objections himself; -and it was not for me to argue against my conscience. I told him, -however, that it was a constant practice in France for men, not -ecclesiastics, to hold such benefices. The objections were his, not -mine, though how you came to learn they were ever made, I know not, as -his conduct turned upon very different feelings." - -"How I came to learn!" exclaimed the Marchioness, with a scornful -smile; "because I know you both right well--by no other means, good -father. Oh! I understand the whole. Think you I have lived for fifty -years, with my eyes open, in this busy world, and do not know how a -calm, quiet priest, by a few soft, half-whispered words, can instil -doubts, and insinuate his own views into the mind of a weak-hearted -youth; how by a look, or even a faint denial of that which he seeks -most strongly to impress, he can produce the effect desired, when -seeming to oppose it." - -"Madam, you are very learned in such arts," replied father Walter, -with a slight sarcastic curl of the lip. - -"I am," answered the Marchioness, boldly, "and I know that father -Walter can make use of them as well as others. But there is such a -thing as overreaching one's self, Sir; and methinks you have done so -in this instance." - -"Not in the least, daughter," replied the Priest. "I am quite -contented, if you are." - -"But I am not!" cried the Marchioness, vehemently, "and I will have no -more of this. You think the game is lost; and, therefore, with the -cunning of your cloth, you bear it tranquilly. I know that it is not -so hopeless as you imagine; and for that reason I take the trouble of -telling you, that if I recover the false steps taken, I will not be -frustrated by you." - -She spoke angrily and haughtily; and then, as if feeling that she had -given too much way to passion, she rose, went to the window, gazed out -for a moment, and played with the embroidery on her dress. Father -Walter in the meanwhile remained calm and silent: not that -thought--ay, and even passion, were less busy in his own bosom than in -hers; but he was more habituated to command his own sensations, and to -keep them, like those undercurrents of the sea which carry ships far -astray without producing a ripple on the surface, from showing, by any -outward sign, the course in which they were bent. - -At length, the Marchioness returned, with a smoother brow and more -placable look. "Come, father Walter," she said, "we must not quarrel; -we are needful to each other. Let us act together, and, depend upon -it, the interests of both will be better served by so doing, than if -each pursued a course apart." - -"I deny that I have ever acted otherwise, daughter," replied the -Priest. "I am glad to hear you have hopes of retrieving what has gone -wrong; and I will aid you to the very utmost of my power, not only to -wrest from Monsieur de Montigni the estates of Liancourt, but also to -unite Mademoiselle d'Albret to your son. There are a few things that I -would not undertake to accomplish this; but not from the motives you -imagine,--from very, very different reasons." - -"What may they be?" inquired the Marchioness; "if you promote my -views, boldly and unhesitatingly, and I can aid yours, I will, without -scruple. What may they be, good father?" - -"Listen, then, daughter," replied the Priest. "To an ecclesiastic of -the Holy Roman Catholic Church, there are objects far higher, far -nearer to his heart than any interests of his own. Indeed, rightly -speaking, we should have no interest but one, though human weakness -will occasionally have its share. When we enter into that body to -which I belong, we lose our identity, we become but part of a great -whole, we merge all our own passions, hopes, wishes, desires, all our -personal feelings and views, in those of the church, and for her -interests, as the highest object at which we can aim, we are justified -in taking means, and performing acts, which we should consider -culpable, were they undertaken for any individual end." - -"Well, father," said the Marchioness, as he paused, "to what does this -tend?" - -"To a very important point, daughter," replied the Priest. "This young -man, this De Montigni, boldly and straightforwardly acknowledges the -heretic, Henry de Bourbon, as King of France. 'Tis but the day before -yesterday, that, for the deliverance of the heretic named Chasseron, a -man who, I hear, made himself bitterly obnoxious during what is called -the Lover's War, he charged and put to death several good Catholics of -the League. One of them was brought in here severely wounded, and I -confessed him last night before his death. The youth is, even now, -gone to join his heretic monarch, excommunicated by the head of the -Christian church, and deprived by him of all right and title to the -allegiance of any but heretics like himself. Think you, lady, that a -priest of the true religion would willingly see estates and power in -the hands of such a one? No, daughter, no; and I believe that any -scheme would be justifiable to deprive him of the means of injuring -the church, of upholding heretics and infidels, and of overthrowing -all true religion in this realm. It is with great difficulty I have -kept your brother--whose wavering weakness in such things I need not -tell you--from acknowledging Henry of Bourbon; and, if his heir goes -over to that side, all my pains are lost. It has been for these causes -that I have joined heart and hand in endeavouring to bring about the -marriage between Mademoiselle d'Albret and Monsieur de Chazeul, one of -the brightest ornaments of the Holy Catholic Union; and you have done -me great wrong in supposing that any private interest, whatsoever, -would induce me to risk, even by a word, the great object I have in -view." - -"Perhaps I have," replied the Marchioness; "but yet, father, it was -imprudent to let this youth know that he had any rights." - -"Not at all," replied the Priest, somewhat sternly. "That fact could -not be concealed. The very papers showed it, and the attempt to keep -it back naturally produced suspicion and inquiry. If others had played -their part as well as I did, and had watched carefully to prevent all -communication between your brother Michael and his nephew, till De -Montigni had signed, no harm would have arisen; but my advice was ill -followed; they were suffered to meet in private--how, and when, I know -not; but five minutes was sufficient to do all the mischief. And now -it is necessary that I should know what you are about to do--what are -your hopes of retrieving this affair--and what scheme is to be -followed for the future." - -"What would you advise yourself, father?" inquired the lady, willing -to test his sincerity. - -"Methinks," answered the Priest, "there is but one course to be taken. -Lose not a moment longer in vain deliberation, surprise, and -recrimination, but raise all the men of Liancourt, and send them out -to overtake this runaway ward. A thousand things may occur to stop -her. Dispatch messengers to Mayenne, Nemours, Aumale, with information -of the circumstances. Tell them to cut her off from the King's camp -and send her back. Once here, we will find means to deal with her. -This is your only chance; but a clue to her course may be gained by -the road which the old Commander follows. Be you sure that he is going -to join them; and it is even not improbable, that they are waiting for -him, at no great distance." - -"Give me your hand, father Walter," cried the Marchioness. "All that -you propose is already ordered; and, if we succeed by your assistance, -not only Chizay, but another abbey, richer still, shall show our -gratitude--" - -The priest waved his hand, and she added, with a smile, "to enable you -to promote the true interests of the Roman Catholic religion." - -Father Walter was about to reply; but at that moment one of the -Marchioness's women entered the room, saying, "Madam, here are -Theodore and one of the men you sent back to Chazeul, who wish to -speak with you directly." - -Her mistress made her a sign to be silent, and father Walter, -observing her gesture, took his leave and retired. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - - -The night was as black as Acheron. The rain poured down in torrents. -The melting of the snow rendered the roads in the lower parts one mass -of mud and water, while the higher ground, where the temperature was -colder, afforded nothing but a slippery and uncertain footing for the -horses, over which they had the greatest difficulty in making their -way. There was no possibility of seeing more than four or five yards -in advance; the wind blew the falling deluge in the eyes of the whole -party; and the heart of Louis de Montigni sank, when he thought of all -that Rose d'Albret was exposed to for his sake. He strove to cheer -her, however, as she rode beside him; he guided and supported her -horse in all the more difficult parts of the way; and often he -expressed his fears and apprehensions regarding her, almost regretting -that any inducement had led him to bring her forth in such a night as -that. - -Rose spoke little in return, for her heart was too full of manifold -sensations, her mind too busy with thought for many words; but all -that she did say was kind, and even cheerful; for she perceived -clearly his deep anxiety for her, and strove to lighten the load as -much as possible. She assured him that she did not mind the tempest, -that she was accustomed to endure such things frequently, that her -jennet was the most sure-footed beast on earth, that she doubted not -the sky would soon clear; and when she saw how he reproached himself -for all that she was enduring, she reassured him by expressing her joy -and thankfulness at having escaped from an union, which every moment's -thought rendered more odious in her eyes. Thus they rode on for nearly -an hour and an half, sometimes slowly, sometimes rapidly, according to -the nature of the ground: the horsemen who accompanied them, keeping -as close around them as possible, for even such a dark and stormy -night was not without dangers of another kind, from the state of -turbulent anarchy into which the country was plunged. - -At length, however, the rain suddenly ceased; the air became hot and -sultry; the wind died away; and Rose, turning to her lover, exclaimed, -"I told you, Louis, it would be finer soon." - -Almost as she spoke, a bright blaze flashed over the whole sky, -illuminating the prospect on every side, which had before been hidden -under the dark veil of night. The trees of the forest on the right, -the wide undulating country on the left, the village and the spire in -the distance, the valley into which they were descending in front, -were all seen for a single instant, as clearly as if the day had -suddenly dawned; while, across the very midst of the glare which -blazed over the whole heaven, was seen a thin and quivering line of -more intense light, beginning near the zenith, and ending apparently -at a tree, some two or three hundred yards in advance, several large -limbs of which, were seen falling to the earth, with a rending and a -crashing sound, just as the darkness swept over the sky again, and all -was night once more. - -The horses started at the blaze; and Rose d'Albret covered her eyes -with her hand, while Louis de Montigni checked the speed at which they -were proceeding, saying, "We must go more slowly, dear Rose. This is -unfortunate indeed." - -"It may be so, Louis," replied his fair companion, "but storm, and -tempest, and the fierce turbulence of such a night as this, are -nothing in my eyes, compared with the slow and lengthened misery of, a -home without affection, and the living death of, a marriage without -love." - -"Look! look, Sir! look!" cried one of the men, pointing forward to the -sky: but the eyes of his master, and of all the party were already -fixed on the same spot, where, in the midst of the heaven, one of the -most extraordinary phenomena of nature was suddenly presented to them. -For a space of several degrees the clouds seemed to have rolled back, -and were seen piled up, in enormous masses on either hand, like the -scenes flanking a wide stage, while between them spread out an expanse -of pale whitish light, with a red wavy streak below, resembling a -plain which has caught the purple rays of the setting sun. On either -hand, from amongst the masses of vapour, appeared to dash forth bodies -of fiery combatants, horse and foot mingled together, rushing, -charging, overthrowing each other, now mixed in furious combat, now -separating for a moment, now chasing each other over the field. Again -and again the squadrons met, as if in deadly shock, and balls of fire, -as of some unearthly cannonade, crossed the sky in the midst of that -strange scene, till at length, while the fight seemed still going on, -the clouds once more rolled over the whole, and all returned to -darkness.[1] - -"This is very strange," exclaimed Louis de Montigni: "I have heard of -such a thing; but I never believed it before." - -"We shall have a battle soon, Sir," said one of the men. "I wish we -could have seen which party won the day." - -"The King's, to be sure," replied another; "did you not see how he -drove them back?" - -"And which do you call the King's?" asked the young Baron, smiling to -see how readily imagination had seized upon the strange sight they had -beheld, to turn it to the purposes of superstition. - -"That on the right, Sir," answered the man. "The King has the right, I -am sure; and besides, I saw him in the front rank with a large plume -in his casque." - -"My eyes were not so good," said De Montigni. "Did you ever see the -King, Hugh?" - -"Not I, Sir," replied the attendant; "but I am certain that was he, -and his horse was as red as blood." - -His master said nothing in return, but rode on slowly, conversing in a -low tone with Rose d'Albret, while from time to time the lightning -flashed across their path, but less vividly than before; and ere long -the rain began to fall again, and the thunder ceased. - -Now came the most fatiguing part of the journey, for the narrow path -which they were following entered the hilly and wooded country about -Montlandon and Champrond en Gatine, and they were forced to climb and -descend continually, over a road on which the snow was but half melted -and the mud up to the fetlocks of their horses, while still the -torrents poured down from the sky, drenching their garments through -and through. The wind had totally ceased, but the air was more sultry -and close than ever; and both horses and riders suffered much from its -oppressive warmth. - -Rose d'Albret became silent from fatigue, for the agitation of the -last twenty-four hours now had its full effect upon her; and fears -lest her bodily strength should give way, added to what she suffered. -There is a calm and persevering endurance which goes far; there is a -light-hearted and hopeful energy which carries one through innumerable -evils; but the greatest burden upon all exertion is the fear of -failing--if once we let apprehension take possession of us. Rose knew -that it is so, and she strove hard, for De Montigni's sake, to banish -all such alarm; but the time seemed very weary, the way interminably -long. She looked anxiously for the first, grey light of morning. More -than once--when at the bottom of a hill--she thought she saw some -streaks of light over the brow; and as often she was disappointed, -till at length, as they issued forth from a thick forest that then lay -between Marolles and the edge of La Beauce, her lover exclaimed -gladly, "There, there is the daylight, Rose;" and looking forward, she -perceived distinctly the faint hues of coming day stretching over the -eastern sky, and the dark walls and towers of the castle of Montlandon -on its wooded height, standing out in strong relief. - -That castle offers now nothing but a picturesque ruin to the eye of -the passing traveller; but, at the time I speak of, it was inhabited; -and a beacon fire on one of the turrets, waning in lustre with the -rising light, told that its owner took part for one side or the other -in the civil war. - -"If I remember right," said Louis de Montigni, speaking to the man who -acted as their guide, "that is Montlandon; cannot we get shelter -there?" - -"No, Sir, oh no!" replied the soldier. "We must change the colour of -our scarfs if we do; for Monsieur de Montlandon is furious for the -Union, and a great friend of Monsieur de Chazeul's." - -"That is unfortunate indeed," said De Montigni. "Alas! dear Rose, I -fear you are well nigh exhausted. Can you go on, my beloved?" - -"Oh, yes!" answered Rose, in as cheerful a tone as she could assume; -"for another hour, Louis--or two, should it be needed." - -"It will not be safe to stop, Mademoiselle, till we get to Les -Châtelets," observed the attendant, who was one of the old followers -of the good Commander de Liancourt, "and that is near three leagues; -but the road is better here in Beauce; and we can go faster in the -daylight. But we had better use speed, Sir, and pass this village and -Champrond before the people are awake, or we may find enemies." - -"With all my heart," cried Rose d'Albret; "this slow travelling in the -darkness is more fatiguing far than a quick pace;" and putting their -horses into a brisk canter, they hurried through Montlandon, before -any of the cottage windows showed signs of waking life. When they -reached Champrond, however, a good many of the villagers were standing -out under the shelter of their doors. The greater part, indeed, seemed -more terrified at the sight of the body of horsemen, than desirous of -impeding their progress, and retreated into their houses as soon as -the white scarfs appeared. But one stout blacksmith stood before his -forge, and shouted as they passed, "What news from the armies?" - -"The King has taken Dreux," replied one of the attendants, in the same -loud tone, "and is marching upon Chartres." - -"Curses on the Maheutre!" cried the blacksmith, and retired grumbling -into his dwelling. - -No opposition, however, was offered to their passage; and at a quick -pace they hurried on; but the anxious eye of De Montigni saw that -Rose's cheek was very pale, her fair head bent down, and the hand -which held her bridle resting on the pommel of the saddle, as if she -could hardly manage her reins. - -"Ah, dearest girl," he said, "let us stop at the first cottage. You -are faint,--you are ill." - -"No, no," she answered; "I can go on, Louis. I am somewhat tired, but -I can go on," and in about five minutes more their guide exclaimed, - -"There is the Eure! We shall soon be safe!" - -Such words of encouragement revived the poor girl's strength for a few -minutes longer, till a hamlet, containing some half dozen houses, -appeared a little to the left, and De Montigni, without further -question, turned his horse's head thither, sprang to the ground at the -door of the first cottage, and, throwing his arm round his fair -companion, lifted her from the saddle. - -Rose leaned upon his bosom, for she could not support herself; and, -raising her in his arms, he carried her into the hut, where they found -a peasant and his young wife taking their early meal. The good people -of this place seemed to know little, or care little, of Royalists and -Leaguers. They were of the best party, the party of human nature; and -the young woman rose eagerly from the table, with expressions of -kindly compassion, to assist poor Rose d'Albret, laid her upon her own -bed, all dripping as she was, and insisted upon making her put on some -of her own apparel, while she dried the lady's wet garments at the -fire. Fatigue and exhaustion, however, were the greatest evils under -which Rose was suffering; and De Montigni eagerly asked for wine, as -her pale cheeks and bloodless lips showed him how faint she felt. - -"Here is cyder," said the peasant, "but that is poor stuff for such a -lady; and wine we have none." - -"Run, Victor, run down to the priest's," cried his wife; "you will get -wine there." - -"Or at Master Leger's," answered the cottager; "he has better wine -than the priest." - -"I will go myself," cried De Montigni. "Come with me, good man; and, -while we are gone, your wife can undress the lady and assist her to -bed. A few hours' repose will do her much good." - -"I am better now, Louis," said Rose d'Albret, stretching out her hand -to him; "do not leave me long. I am afraid of some one coming while -you are gone." - -"I will be but an instant, dearest Rose," replied her lover, "and in -the meanwhile our people shall remain round the house. You had better -take off your wet clothes, dear one;" and he added, with a faint -smile, "I have no title to be present at your toilette yet." - -The colour came faintly into her cheeks again; and, once more -promising not to be many minutes absent, the young nobleman hurried -away with the peasant, closing the door behind him, and bidding the -attendants remain on guard before the house till he returned. - -At the end of the little straggling hamlet stood a house with a -projecting pole, from which was suspended a withered bush, giving -clear indication that there was the place where village festivals, -marriages, and merry makings, usually were celebrated. Here some -tolerable wine was easily procured, and, hurrying back with it, De -Montigni was soon by the side of her he loved, who, now stretched on -the low bed of the good peasants, had already somewhat recovered the -rosy look of health, and spoke cheerfully to him of being soon able to -proceed. - -But De Montigni did not feel so confident of Rose's powers, and -inquired anxiously of the peasants, whether any carriage or litter -could be procured in the neighbourhood. Nothing of the kind, however, -was to be heard of, and they assured him that to seek any conveyance -but a horse or a mule nearer than Chartres or Dreux, was quite out of -the question. He then proposed to construct a litter in haste, but -Rose would not hear of it, declaring, that in an hour's time she would -be quite ready to pursue her journey on horseback; and, indeed, she -seemed so eager to go on, and so fearful of being overtaken, that she -would fain have risen even before an hour was over, declaring that she -had had rest enough. De Montigni, however, persuaded her to remain for -half an hour longer; and, going out of the door with their young host, -he made some inquiries regarding the state of the country in the -neighbourhood, and the best road he could follow towards Dreux. - -The replies he received were not altogether satisfactory. Several -large bodies of men, the peasant said, had passed through the village -the day before; but whether they were Royalists or Leaguers he could -not well tell, as he took no great heed of such things, and the -soldiers had passed on without stopping, even to drink. One corps had -taken up its quarters for the night, he heard, in a village about a -league and a half farther on; but every fact he mentioned showed the -young nobleman that it would be needful to use every precaution, -during their onward journey, in order to avoid falling into the hands -of the Leaguers. For this purpose, he determined to send forward one -of the attendants, with directions to keep about half a mile in -advance of the rest of the party, while another preceded them by about -three hundred yards, so that early intelligence might be obtained of -any approaching danger. A man, too, was left to follow at a little -distance behind, for the purpose of guarding against being overtaken -suddenly by any party of pursuers from the Château of Marzay, though -De Montigni had good hope that the speed with which they travelled, -had removed all risk of such an event. - -Everything being prepared, all orders given, the horses refreshed and -fed, and Rose d'Albret dressed in the clothes which had been dried -before a large wood fire, she was once more placed upon the back of -her jennet, and, at a slower pace than before, they again set out upon -their journey, after De Montigni had amply paid for all that he had -taken. At a distance of about a mile from the village, the man who had -been thrown forward, returned to say, that the ropes of the ferry-boat -over the Eure had been cut by the soldiers, as they passed on the -preceding day, and that they must go further up the stream to seek a -ford. - -The weather, however, had become somewhat finer. The rain had ceased, -except a few drops from a flying cloud, now and then. Rose looked and -spoke cheerfully, and seemed really to have recovered from the fatigue -she had undergone; the fear of being overtaken had grown fainter with -every league they had advanced; and though the Eure was somewhat -flooded by the rains that had fallen, they soon found a ford. The -marks of horses' feet showed that some persons had passed not long -before, and, causing the whole of his little troop to keep on the -left, in order to break the force of the water, De Montigni led over -the lady's jennet, without much difficulty, and gained the opposite -bank. - -This obstacle overcome, they proceeded for half an hour more without -encountering any fresh impediment; and, giving way to hope and love, -they talked of future happiness and bright days to come, and gave way -to all the dreams that visit the young heart in the season of fancy -and expectation, and clothe the coming years with all the glittering -garments of imaginary joy. They were both too young, they were both -too inexperienced not to feel the heart rise the moment that danger -and apprehension ceased; and, to say truth, though Hope may be--as she -is often too justly called--an untiring deceiver, yet, even in the -midst of her false promises, she confers real and inestimable -benefits, giving us strength to endure and courage to go on, which -none of the truer and more substantial things of life can afford. - -Thus the happy dreams in which Rose d'Albret and her lover indulged, -during that brief half hour, comforted and refreshed her more than the -repose she obtained at the cottage; but the pleasant moments were soon -interrupted. At the end of the time we have named, the man who was -farthest in advance rode back at speed to the one behind him, and, -taking his place, sent him back to tell De Montigni that a body of -some two hundred horse were moving over the country before them, in -the direction of Tremblay. The first soldier had halted; and, riding -up with the man who served them as guide, De Montigni asked him, with -some anxiety, if he had been seen. The reply was in the negative; and -a consultation was held as to what course should now be pursued, in -order to avoid encountering the party which he had observed. It was at -length determined to take the cross roads to the east, and, once more -the Eure, to endeavour to reach the King's camp at Dreux, from the -side of Paris. - -"We shall have better roads there, Sir," said their guide, "and shall -run less risk; for the country about Hauteville, Poigny, Epernon, and -Maintenon generally holds for the King." - -"It will lengthen the way," replied De Montigni; "and I fear for -Mademoiselle d'Albret." - -"Oh, do not think of me, Louis," exclaimed Rose; "if it is a safer -road, it will seem to me a shorter one." - -"Besides, Monsieur le Baron," rejoined the guide, "we can rest as long -as we like at Nogent Leroy, for it has always been loyal; and, though -little more than a village, it defended itself against the Chevalier -d'Aumale and three hundred of the League. We can reach it in less than -two hours." - -"Then let us thither with all speed," answered De Montigni; "for there -we shall find safety and repose combined, dear Rose." - -This plan was accordingly followed; and, in less than the time -mentioned Nogent Leroy was reached, without any further peril or -impediment. Though, as the guide had described it, the place was in -fact but a village, yet gates, and freshly erected barricades gave it -at that time the air of a town; and the marks of musket-balls, in the -wood-work of the palisade, showed that it had been fiercely attacked -and had shown a gallant resistance. The little party was stopped for a -moment at the barriers, but the white scarfs worn by De Montigni's -men, and the answer of "Vive le Roi!" to the "Qui vive?" of the guard, -soon obtained them admission; and, riding on down the street, they -reached a small but clean and neat looking inn, over the door of which -was written the usual inscription, "Lodging for man and horse." - -The host came out to meet them, showed them into a room strewed with -rushes, called forth his wife in eager and imperative tones to wait -upon the lady, and began in the same breath to ask tidings of his -guests, and to communicate all the information which he himself -possessed. The intelligence he afforded indeed was much more important -than any that De Montigni could supply in return; for the very first -news he gave imported, that a battle might be expected every hour, -that the two armies must be within a few leagues of each other, and -that parties of Leaguers and Royalists were hurrying up from every -quarter to swell the ranks of Mayenne and the King. - -These tidings somewhat startled De Montigni and his fair companion; -but the host, who was an eager Royalist, spoke so confidently of the -certain defeat of the League and the triumph of the King, that the -apprehension of fresh dangers and difficulties, which the intelligence -had at first produced, soon died away; and De Montigni, turning to her -he loved as soon as they were alone, pressed her hand in his, saying, -"God send the King good success, dear Rose: but even if it should be -otherwise, which I will not believe we can but pursue our flight -somewhat further, and the very hurry and confusion of such events will -serve to conceal us from the eyes of those we have most cause to -fear." - -Rose indeed could scarcely view the matter so cheerfully; but she -would not show her apprehensions, and only asked what course her lover -would pursue, if it should be found that a battle had been fought and -lost by the King, before they reached his camp. - -"That cannot well be, dear Rose," replied De Montigni; "for I trust we -shall reach his camp to-night. They say he has raised the siege of -Dreux, and is now at Annet. You can take three or four hours' rest -here, and yet reach that place before dark. We must do so, if -possible; for in case of success we shall then be free from danger: -and in case of reverse we shall have the means of judging in what -direction to turn our steps. If further flight should be necessary, -which heaven forbid! I know that my own dear Rose will not hesitate to -give me her hand at once, to remove all chance of separation; and I -would fain obtain the King's written sanction to our union, to obviate -all difficulties, before a battle takes place--the event of which is -always doubtful." - -He held Rose's hand in his as he spoke; and, though she bent down her -eyes under his eager gaze, she gave no sign of hesitation or -reluctance. Yet he could not be satisfied without full consent; and he -asked, "Shall it not be so, dear Rose? Will you not be mine at once?" - -"I am yours, De Montigni," replied Rose d'Albret in a low tone. "You -will never ask ought that is wrong, I am sure; so that I may well -promise to grant whatever you do ask. But I hope we shall find the -King, and that he will win the day, and then I may be yours openly and -happily, and not in flight, and dread, and concealment." - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - - -It was once more night--dark, solemn, and sad: the country was a wide -undulating plain raised high above the course of the river, which -might be heard, swelled by the melting of the snows and the heavy -rains that had lately fallen, rushing on with a hoarse murmur through -its hollow banks. No hedge-rows, as in England, diversified the scene -by daylight, or gave, even in the obscurity of night, that appearance -of care and culture which always brings with it the idea of comfort. -On the contrary, all was bleak, wide, and desolate. The sight lost -itself in the dark expanse, except where part of a distant village -might be faintly seen by a sort of lurid glare that hung over it, -rising in black masses against the sky upon the right, with its tall -yet heavy spire towering above the rest, and where, towards the left, -an indefinite something, confused and vague, rested upon the horizon, -as if the rounded tops of trees bounded the plain in that direction. -Such was the scene through which Louis de Montigni travelled slowly -with Rose d'Albret on the night of the 15th. She was weary, exhausted, -anxious; and he, with his heart sinking on her account, looked forward -into the deep and sombre scene before him, seeking some object to give -hope of repose and shelter, but finding little to encourage or -console. - -Suddenly a light flitted along by the side of the village, feeble and -small as a glow-worm's lamp: but still it raised expectation; and De -Montigni said in a low voice, "Surely, that must be St. André." - -"Perhaps the King may not be there either, Louis," replied Rose in a -faint tone: "all these reports may be as false as that he was at -Annet. But, whatever be the case, De Montigni, I fear I must stop at -the first houses; for, to say truth, I can go no farther." - -"I wish we had not quitted Annet, my beloved," exclaimed the young -nobleman; "but see, there are more lights. 'Tis this orchard that hid -them. Yes, yes! dear Rose, we are at length coming near the camp." - -"Thank God!" replied Rose d'Albret: but she said no more; for with the -sense of relief which she experienced at the thought of finding repose -even for a night, were mingled manifold doubts and apprehensions -regarding the future, as well as all the complicated emotions which -might well thrill through a woman's heart, at the idea of presenting -herself before the many eyes of a strange court, under such -circumstances, and at such a moment. - -As they advanced, and turned the low wall of a small farm, a new scene -broke upon their sight. The village, which was extensive, stretched -away to the right; and, amongst the gardens and orchards, a thousand -lights were to be seen, either passing along from one place to another -as officers and messengers sped from regiment to regiment, or fixed -though flickering in one place, where the soldiery had lighted fires -to keep themselves warm during the night and to dry their clothing, -wetted by the frequent showers which had diversified the day. - -Sounds innumerable too met the ear as they came nearer,--first a faint -noise, then a mingled roar like the rushing of a torrent; and then -various noises began to detach themselves from the rest,--loud -laughter--the merry song--the solemn hymn--the hoarse shout--the word -of command--the call of one companion to another--the hammering of the -blacksmith's anvil--the groaning of the forge--the clash of steel, as -the armourers and farriers plied the busy stroke, repairing arms and -shoeing horses, and once or twice the shrill blast of the trumpet. - -No challenge was given as they rode on, for the position of the enemy -was now exactly ascertained, and surprise was not expected; but one or -two of the officers advanced to the side of the road from the -neighbouring gardens, and gazed for an instant upon the passing troop, -to see if they recognised any friends amongst the new comers, as the -light of the watch-fire flashed upon their faces. - -Notwithstanding fatigue, anxiety, and fear, Rose d'Albret could not -but feel the excitement of the scene. Sometimes guarded by palisades, -sometimes sheltered by the low walls, sometimes in the open field, -they passed innumerable groups of soldiers seated round their fires, -and just concluding their evening meal. Marks of toil and strife were -on the faces of all, whether of the gay Catholic or the stern and -rigid Huguenot; and no glittering coats of arms, no jewels and -embroidery were there, nothing but cold grey steel, and buff coats, -and caps rusty with long exposure to the rain, and scarred and -weather-beaten countenances, on which, however, sat an expression of -confidence and fearless preparation, which is often an omen of -success. - -Round some of the fires the veterans were telling tales of former -wars, and victories long since achieved. At others, one selected for -his voice or skill, was singing; and, whether Papist or Protestant, -whether his song was the gay ballad of the day, or one of the -canticles of the Reformers, it still spoke the fearless expectation of -triumph. - -At a slow pace, for the weary horses could hardly drag their limbs -along, De Montigni and the lady advanced till they reached the -entrance of the village; but here a guarded barricade opposed their -further progress; and, as they could not give the word, the soldiers -refused them admission. - -"I am seeking the King," said the young nobleman; "send hither the -officer of the watch as fast as you can; for we are very weary and -must have repose." - -Even as he spoke, a plain old man, whose dress betokened some rank in -the army, approached the barrier, and replied to the last words he had -uttered by saying, "Good faith, young gentleman! you will find no -lodging in St. André. Two thirds of us are obliged to sleep in the -streets. There is not a dog-kennel untenanted." - -"It is not for myself, Sir, that I care," answered De Montigni, "but -for this lady, who in truth can go no further. At all events, I must -see the King, if you will kindly cause him to be informed that the -Baron de Montigni is here." - -The old officer gazed in the face of Rose d'Albret with a look of -inquiry, not rude but compassionate; and after a moment's pause he -answered, "I think, Monsieur de Montigni, the King expected you. There -was a messenger arrived an hour ago from the Commander de Liancourt, -and your name was mentioned, I know; but I am sorry to say his Majesty -is not now in the village, and may not return for some hours. You will -find him about a league hence, placing the artillery.--But stay! I -will make inquiries: there may be some orders left for you. Here, -Jacques, run up to the King's quarters, and tell them that Monsieur de -Montigni is here. Ask what his Majesty said about him.--Ah, my poor -young lady, you look tired enough," he continued, as the soldier sped -away; "and yet I cannot ask you to alight and repose yourself, for -every cottage is filled to the door with soldiery--a rude scene for -such as you. I can give you some refreshment, however," he added -suddenly, as if the thought had only just struck him. "Here, D'Avesne, -D'Avesne! run in and get out some wine. In the pannier behind the -door, you will find a bottle of good old burgundy and a horn cup: -bring them hither, quick. There, stand back, good fellows! Did you -never see a tired party come in? They do not want your company." - -The last words were addressed to three or four idlers who had -sauntered up, and, leaning their folded arms upon the barricade, were -staring rudely at Rose d'Albret and her companions. They now, however, -walked away with a laugh, which made the warm colour come back into -poor Rose's cheek, as she felt herself the object of scorn rather than -pity. The moment after, the man who had been sent for the wine -returned, and after much persuasion from De Montigni she took some, -though it tasted hot and burning to her parched lips rather than -refreshing. It seemed to revive her a little, however, when she had -swallowed it; and she saw that there would be need of all her -remaining strength: for the picture which imagination had painted of a -royal camp, and of immediate admission to the King's pavilion, and of -a brilliant circle of nobles forming his court, had by this time all -faded away; and she found sterner realities and more homely, but not -less painful annoyances in place. - -It was nearly ten minutes before the man sent to the King's quarters -returned; and they seemed hours to Rose d'Albret; but when he did -come, he turned to his officer, saying, "They are to go to the farm at -Mainville; and the King will see Monsieur de Montigni to-morrow -morning. He is to wait there without stirring till he hears more." - -"But where is Mainville?" asked De Montigni, almost in despair at the -idea of poor Rose having to travel further that night: "if it be -distant, we shall never reach it. The lady now, as you see, can hardly -sit her horse." - -"'Tis half a league, down by the river," answered the old officer: -"but stay--we can help the lady. Have out the hand litter on which -they brought Jules de Sourdis from Dreux. Get out a party of bearers, -Jacques. We will soon manage that for you, young gentleman; and a -crown-piece will make the men go willingly. They will serve for -guides, too; for in this dark night you would never find it. But, in -the meantime, she had better dismount, and rest upon this bench. You -seem sadly weary, lady: have you come far?" - -"Many leagues," replied Rose, as De Montigni sprang to the ground by -her side to lift her from her horse. "I thank you much for your -kindness, Sir," she continued, still addressing the old officer. "I do -not think I could ride another hour to save life itself." - -Seated upon a bench by the side of the barricade, which had been -opened to give her admission, with the light of a large watch-fire, -and two resin torches casting a flickering glare over the figures of -the soldiery as they came and went, wearied, exhausted, faint, and -sick at heart, Rose d'Albret remained for several minutes with her -fair head bent down, and her hand dropping as if powerless by her -side. At length, however, a light seemed to come in her dark eyes, a -warm and well-pleased smile crossed her lip, and she raised her fair -face towards De Montigni, who stood beside her, with a look of renewed -hope and satisfaction which he did not comprehend. - -The reader too may ask what it was that seemed so suddenly to revive -her? what it was that called up that expression of pleasure and -relief? It was not that she saw any friendly form. It was not that she -heard any well-known voice. The cause was in no external things, but -in her own mind. As she sat there, she had felt deeply and bitterly -all that was painful in her situation, with lassitude of limb and -sickening heart, fears, anxieties, and gloomy anticipations, which -every sight, and sound, and circumstance, tended but to increase. Her -thoughts and her sensations had been full of all that is sad and -depressing, when suddenly, she had asked herself, if she could recall -the last eight-and-forty hours, return to the mansion of her guardian, -lay her head on the pillow of luxury and ease, remove afar peril, and -difficulty, and terror, and weariness, become the promised wife of -Nicholas de Chazeul, and give up Louis de Montigni for ever, would she -do it? Her heart answered the question in a moment--no! Whatever she -might suffer, was light in comparison. All that she had undergone, all -that she endured, lost half its weight when she remembered that she -was free--that she was with him she loved; and looking up, as I have -said, in his face with a heart lightened and grateful, she felt that -to share poverty, sorrow, flight, exile, care, with him, would still -have joy enough to compensate for all. - -De Montigni could not, of course, see what was passing in her mind; -but still there was a look of affection in her eyes which was not to -be mistaken, which told him that she was thinking of him, and that she -did not regret what she suffered on his account; and, bending down his -head, he spoke those words of tenderness and love which well repaid -her for her endurance and her sacrifices. - -Shortly after the litter was brought forward, with four stout men to -bear it. It was apparently a rude and hastily contrived machine, in -which some wounded man had been brought from the siege of Dreux, with -a little sort of tilt over it to shelter him from the wet; but the -lower part, or couch, was thickly covered with dry hay, over which the -old officer cast his cloak; and De Montigni, placing Rose in it, -thanked their new friend warmly for his assistance; and, walking by -the lady's side, issued forth from the village of St. André, and was -soon once more wandering on in the darkness of the night. - -The lights were speedily left behind, the glare of the watch-fires -faded, or were hidden one after the other by the windings of the road; -nothing but a faint reddish streak in the sky showed the position of -the village and the camp. The busy sounds of the army too died away -into an indistinct hum, like that of a swarm of bees, and then was -lost to the ear altogether; while the voice of the swollen Eure, -murmuring as it rushed along, was the only noise that broke upon the -ear of night. - -The way grew narrower and narrower as they went along, so that it was -sometimes with difficulty that De Montigni kept by the litter. But yet -he would not leave the side of Rose d'Albret, cheering her from time -to time by words of affection and of hope, till at length he saw the -glistening of the water before him, as they descended the steep hill, -on the table land of which, the fields of Dreuy and Ivry are situated; -and in a moment after, a single light, apparently streaming from the -window of some house, showed him that they were approaching a human -habitation. - -"That is Mainville, Sir," said one of the bearers. "Ah, you are well -off! for there are comfortable quarters there by the side of the ford: -but the King would suffer none of our people to lodge more than a -quarter of a league from the field, for fear the enemy should get -possession of his ground early in the morning. You late comers -sometimes get the best accommodation." - -"Is the enemy so near, then?" asked De Montigni. - -"Near!" cried the man, "why, we were two hours in presence this -afternoon; and everyone thought they would have begun the battle; but -none were engaged but the light horse, who had a short fight for the -bottom of the valley." - -De Montigni mused for the rest of the way; for he loved not to be so -near a field of battle without taking part in it; and yet he had no -arms but the sword he wore, nor horses in a fit state to bear him -through a long day's fight. - -A few minutes, however, brought them to the door of the farmhouse, -where they had to knock for some time before any one appeared to -answer them. The first sight of life within, was the head of a man, -protruded from a window above, with the faces of two women looking -over his shoulder. - -"Who's there?" he cried; "is that the King?" - -"No, no, Gros Jean!" replied one of the men, who had come with them -from St. André. "The King has something else to do than visit you at -this hour, even to see your pretty wife," and he added a loud laugh, -in which the farmer good-humouredly joined. "Come down, come down, -Gros Jean!" he continued; "these are the people his Majesty told you -he would quarter upon you--two regiments of horse and three companies -of infantry." - -"Go along, buffoon," said the farmer; "the King never said he would -quarter anybody on me, but two or three ladies and gentlemen." - -"Well, these are they," replied the soldier; "so come down and open -the door, or, on my life, we will break it down. We have got to fight -to-morrow, and cannot stand here talking all night. It's the Baron de -Montigni, I tell you, and his lady." - -"Well, wait a minute," said the farmer, withdrawing his head; and in a -few moments they heard bolts and bars removed, and the door was -opened. There was still a little doubt and apprehension in the good -round countenance of the jolly farmer; but the sight of the litter, -with De Montigni standing beside it, clothed in the common riding -costume of the day, speedily took away his fears; and, calling forward -his wife and sister to welcome the lady, he showed every sort of -alacrity that could be desired in providing for the comfort of his -guests. - -"Here is a room to sit in," he said, as De Montigni assisted Rose from -the litter, and drew her arm through his own, to give her support. -"Dear heart, lady, you seem tired enough, and as if you had been wet -through too. Take the light, wife, and show the gentlefolks the way." -Thus saying, he led them on into a good wide room, where he and his -farming men were wont to take their meals; and then, opening a door -which gave admission to another chamber, he said, "And here's your -bed-room, with as comfortable a bed as any in all Normandy." - -"I shall keep watch in the hall, my good friend," replied De Montigni; -"but Mademoiselle d'Albret will go to repose, I dare say, directly; -for that is what she needs more than anything else, if these two -ladies will kindly give her their attendance. A bundle or two of -straw, thrown down in the corner there, will do for me and my men; -but, as there are seven of them, and hungry enough too, I doubt not, -by this time, you had better give them some wine and some provision. -Whatever I take," he added, in a significant tone, seeing that the -farmer was somewhat confounded at the number of his undesired guests, -"I will pay for on the spot." - -Gros Jean, as the Royalist soldier had called him, scratched his round -head for a moment, and then replied, "I thought that you had been man -and wife, from the King's message; but, however, as he said ladies, -and there seems but one, there is another little room up stairs, and a -good bed too, which you had better have, Sir." - -"No, no," replied De Montigni, "I will stay in the hall, if you will -give me some straw.--We will be your guard during the darkness, -dearest Rose," he added, pressing her hand in his, "so take a cup of -warm milk, if it can be procured, and lie down to rest for this night, -at least, in peace and security. I must go now to speak to these good -fellows without." - -"Let me see you again for a moment, Louis, before I sleep," said Rose, -gazing in his face with an anxious look; "you will not be long -absent?" - -"Not five minutes, my beloved," replied De Montigni; and, leaving her -with the farmer's wife and sister, he went out to speak with the men -who had carried the litter from St. André. - -Let not the reader think, with the cold spirit of censure which is so -ready at all times to blame everything that is not customary in our -own times and in our own country, that there was aught unusual or -improper in the invitation which Rose d'Albret had given her lover to -visit her in her bed-chamber. In those days, though certainly not -purer than the present--and bad enough are both--the common -reception-room of a lady, especially in Paris, was that in which she -slept. Often before she quitted her chamber, too, in England, as well -as in France, the beauty of the hour received her train of admirers, -in her bed; and, every art of coquetry was displayed, to win or -increase admiration, as she lay in what was supposed to be the -toilette of the night, but which had often cost her and her maids more -than one hour of labour to arrange and render becoming. Such was not, -indeed, the custom of Rose d'Albret, but still the habits of the -country and the period would not have suffered her to feel that she -was committing the slightest impropriety in admitting her lover to her -room, even after she had retired to rest, nor would she have doubted -the safety of her honour in the hands of De Montigni, under any -circumstances of opportunity, or, of temptation. She knew him well, -with that knowledge of the heart which perhaps can only be acquired by -the intimacy of early youth, and she was certain that nothing on earth -would induce him to blemish the being he loved, were there no eye but -that of God to witness his actions. - -The first task of De Montigni, when he had found the men who -accompanied him thither, was to reward them fully for the trouble that -they had taken. They had already removed the litter into the road; -and, after having given his own attendants orders to carry in the -little baggage they had brought, he drew the chief of the -litter-bearers aside, and questioned him eagerly as to the hour at -which the battle was expected to take place on the following day. - -"Not before noon," replied the man, "for the Duke and his people have -retreated beyond Ivry, we hear; and that's a two leagues' march." - -"Then I may have time to get horses and arms," said De Montigni -joyfully. "I must not be so near, my friend, without having some share -in this matter. Here is another crown for you, and if you can send me -down an armourer, and some of those men who generally follow camps -with horses for sale, they may find a good market." - -"What arms do you want, Monsieur le Baron?" asked the soldier; "you -will not find them easily. One might get a casque and a cuirass for -yourself, with pistols, and such things, but I doubt your obtaining -much more." - -"I must take what can be found," answered De Montigni. "I would fain, -indeed, arm my men, likewise; but, at all events, I will be present -myself, if I go in my pourpoint." - -"A dangerous trick that, Monsieur de Montigni," said a voice near, -which the young nobleman thought he recognised; "but you must not try -that experiment. His Majesty monopolizes all such follies as that, and -suffers no one to fight in their pourpoints but himself." - -"Ha! Monsieur de Chasseron," said De Montigni, "is that you?" - -"It is, indeed," replied Chasseron. "I am here before you, you see; -and I will get you arms, if you want them; but in the meantime you -must do me a service.--Take up the litter, good fellow, and away," he -continued, turning abruptly to the man who had been speaking with De -Montigni; "I will see to what this young gentleman wants. No answer, -but away. Now, Monsieur le Baron--So you have arrived safe; you have -brought the lady with you, I suppose, by seeing the litter." - -"I have," answered De Montigni; "but she is well nigh dead from -fatigue." - -"'Tis a long way," said Chasseron; "but when I gave the advice, the -King was at Dreux, some seven leagues nearer." - -"Even now," answered De Montigni, "I have not been able to see His -Majesty." - -"What, he is absent?" said Chasseron; "ay, he is always running about. -Parbleu! I fear the enemy will catch him some day, if he does not get -wiser with years. However, you remain quiet where you are to-night; -the King shall have notice of your being here, for I have a few -friends at the court, and you shall hear from him to-morrow; in the -meantime, I will procure you what arms you need, though, good faith, -you must pay for them yourself, for I have spent all my money in his -Majesty's service, and have scarcely a cross left in my purse." - -"That I am quite prepared to do," replied De Montigni; "but I could -have much wished to have seen the King to-night." - -"That is impossible," cried Chasseron, in his usual rapid manner. "But -what do you want with him? I will get Monsieur de Biron to ask it for -you; he will see none but his generals after his return." - -"I much wished," replied the young nobleman, in a lower tone, "to -obtain his Majesty's written sanction to my marriage with Mademoiselle -d'Albret; but, of course, he will need long explanations and proof of -the contract between her father and my uncle." - -"Oh, I know not that," replied Chasseron; "he will be glad enough to -give her to a Royalist, rather than a Leaguer. At all events, we will -try for you. It's as well that, while you are thus wandering about -together, you should have the holy bond of matrimony round your necks, -if you must needs poke your heads into it; and who can tell what -to-morrow may bring forth? God's purposes are dark and wonderful," he -continued, in a more solemn tone. "We none of us know what is good for -ourselves or others. It may please Him, Most High, still further to -chastise this poor land of France, and even the King himself, for -aught we know, if raised by a great victory, might forget his former -character, and prove a scourge, instead of a blessing." - -"Oh, no!" exclaimed De Montigni, vehemently, "never believe it. More -than forty years of noble and upright dealing with all men, of love -for his people, of generous forbearance, and high-hearted kindness, -may well be warrant to the most suspicious for his conduct in time to -come. Do not suspect him, Monsieur de Chasseron." - -"I do not," replied the other, laying his hand emphatically on the -young man's arm; "but I say still, God only knows what is good and -what is evil for the land of France; and He it is who must decide the -fate of all to-morrow. However," he continued, "it is well you should -be prepared, and we will make the trial for you, whether it succeeds -or not. Good night; I must hasten back, for I have much to do." - -He turned away as he spoke; but De Montigni stopped him, saying, -"There was some service you said I could render you." - -"Ay, parbleu! I had forgot," replied Chasseron. "There is a young -lady, Monsieur de Montigni, who has been ill treated and injured by -those who ought to have protected her. She is here, in the midst of -the camp; and though, to say truth, I know little of her, yet I am -sure, she deserves not all that has fallen upon her. She has applied -to me for protection and assistance, but I am in no condition to give -her what she seeks, effectually. Were I to send her to the village, -ill tongues might fall upon us both unreasonably. There is no woman in -camp but your fair lady here, and love makes a man kind-hearted -towards others of the sex that has enthralled him. If then you would -give this girl protection, and aid, in case of need, I should feel -grateful, and you would do a good act towards one who, God help her, -has few to take her part. From injury I could protect her; from insult -and grief, it would need much time and attention, to defend her, were -she to take up her dwelling in the camp; and though woman may cling to -man as her support and stay, she has no true companionship but with -woman. Will you then beseech your sweet lady love to befriend her, and -let her pass the night in the farm?" - -"Willingly," replied De Montigni; "but where is she?" - -"Oh, at a cottage hard by, above," answered Chasseron; "she has been -there since last night; when we had a rougher journey than even you -have had. I will send her down immediately by some of my men, who are -there at the top of the hill. So once more, good night, and God speed -us all to-morrow." - -Thus saying he turned away, and De Montigni trod back his steps to the -farm, musing over the request that had been made, and the promise he -had given. It was not that he doubted, it was not that he entertained -suspicions; his mind was too clear and free from that fatal -experience, which mingles the dark drop with the brightest cup of -life, to entertain one injurious thought; but the responsibility, the -care that already rested upon him, was enough to weigh him down. His -anxiety for her he loved, his longing desire to remain with her, never -to leave her, till she was placed in security, contending with his -strong and overpowering desire to be present at the struggle which was -approaching, surrounded him with difficulties enough; and now they -were to be increased by the presence of a third, placed under his -protection for the time, and demanding from any one of kindly and -courteous feeling equal care and attention. He could have wished it -otherwise: but still he felt that he could not have refused, and he -hastened back into the house to tell Rose d'Albret of what had -occurred, and to ask her countenance and sympathy for the stranger. - -De Montigni found his men already in possession of the hall, with the -good farmer busily employed in placing food and drink before them, -encouraged to produce the best of his store by his young guest's -liberality towards the bearers of the litter; for nothing flies so -fast as the report of a generous spirit. He passed through them, -without notice, however, and knocking at the door of Mademoiselle -d'Albret's chamber, was at once admitted by the farmer's sister. De -Montigni's tale was soon told; and notwithstanding her weariness, Rose -listened with all that tender interest, which the heart of a kind and -gentle woman, unhardened by either the vicissitudes, or the vices of -the great world, is sure to feel in the misfortunes of a sister. - -"Oh bring her hither whenever she comes," exclaimed the lady, as soon -as he had done. "Poor thing, she has suffered as well as we have, and -perhaps far more severely, Louis. I will keep my eyes open till I see -her, though they are heavy; but if I should be asleep, you must wake -me, De Montigni. Promise me that you will." - -"If you wish it, dear one," replied her lover; "but these good people -will, I am sure, show her every kindness." - -"No, no," answered Rose d'Albret, "I would not have her find a cold -reception for the world. Oh, De Montigni, what would I have given, as -we stood before the barrier at St. André, to have met a woman to speak -kindly to me, and tell me to take comfort?" - -"Well, then, I will wake you, sweet, kind girl," said De Montigni; -"but I do not think she will be long; for he said she was hard by." - -Perhaps the lover would fain have lingered beside his fair promised -bride; but after a few more words Chasseron withdrew into the hall, -and conversed for a short time with the people who had accompanied him -from Marzay. Scarcely five minutes passed ere the farmer, who had -remained with them, was summoned to the door, and returned the moment -after, with a fair and beautiful girl, in her first youth, who gazed -wildly round upon the strange faces as she entered. De Montigni, -however, instantly advanced towards her, and took her by the hand, -saying, "Do not be alarmed. We are all friends." - -"Friends?" said the poor girl, "friends?" - -"Yes, indeed," replied the young nobleman; "but come with me, there is -a lady in the next room, waiting anxiously to see you;" and he led her -on to the door. The good farmer's sister was still in the room of -Mademoiselle d'Albret; but Rose had by this time sought her couch, -though she had not yet fallen asleep; and when De Montigni and his -fair companion were admitted, she raised herself upon her arm and -gazed at the stranger for an instant, shading her eyes with her hand. -The next moment, with a look of utter astonishment, she exclaimed, -"Helen!--Helen de la Tremblade! Good heaven, dear Helen, can it be -you?" - -The poor girl paused, trembled, wavered for a moment, as if she would -fain have retreated from the room; but then, running forward, she cast -herself upon her knees by the side of Rose's bed, and burying her face -in the clothes seemed to sob convulsively. Rose d'Albret cast her arm -round her tenderly; and De Montigni, seeing that there were deeper -sorrows in their fair visitor's bosom than he had imagined, withdrew -from the room, and closed the door. The farmer's sister followed in a -few minutes, and Helen de la Tremblade was left alone with Rose -d'Albret. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - - -The morning was bright and beautiful; the heavy clouds of the -preceding days had passed away, leaving behind them nothing but a -few thin fleecy remnants, that were whirled over the blue sky from -time to time by the quick wind. It was a true spring day that dawned, -genial and soft; and, in the clump of trees by which one side of the -farm-house was shaded, the early birds were singing sweetly, rejoicing -in the blessings of God and the return of the bright season to the -earth. - -De Montigni had watched the greater part of the night, and had not -closed his eyes till an hour before the break of day; but he then fell -into a heavy and profound slumber, which even the various noises of -the farm, the rising of his own attendants, the coming and going of -the farmer and his family, and the arrival of several people from the -village, bringing intelligence of the movements of the army, did not -disturb. He lay so calm and still, his servants would not wake him, -till at length a messenger from the King spurred quickly down to the -farm-house, delivered a sealed packet, addressed to the young Baron, -and rode back again without a moment's pause. It was then thought fit -to rouse him; and, starting up, as one of his followers shook him by -the arm, he passed his hand across his brow, exclaiming, "Good Heaven! -it was a dream!" Then taking the packet he opened it, and found a few -brief words in the handwriting of the King. - - -"Monsieur de Montigni," so the letter ran, "I am informed of your -arrival, and also that your uncle, the Commander de Liancourt, will be -here before ten o'clock with a small corps. He has orders to join you -at Mainville. Wait for his arrival, then come up by the road to St. -André" as far as the first turning, which will lead you to the plain. -There, as soon as you reach the army, fall into the light horse of the -Count d'Auvergne. - -"I enclose you the paper which you requested by message last night. - -"Your very best friend, - -"HENRY." - - -There was a small slip of paper enclosed in the letter; and to it De -Montigni now turned, reading, with joy and satisfaction, the following -words:-- - -"Henry, by the grace of God King of France and Navarre. It having been -certified to us, upon good and sufficient authority, that, by contract -existing between the late Francis d'Albret, Count de Marennes, our -well-beloved cousin, and Anthony, Count of Liancourt, the hand of the -only daughter of the said Francis d'Albret was plighted, promised, and -engaged, to Louis, Baron de Montigni, and that the said parties are -now of an age, and willing to fulfil the said contract, We do by these -presents authorize the said parties, to proceed to the celebration of -their marriage, notwithstanding any let, hindrance, or protest, on the -part of any person, or persons, whatsoever, consenting to ratifying -and sanctioning the said marriage, by the power and authority in us -being. - -(Signed,) "HENRY." -(And lower down,) "REVOL." - - -"Is Mademoiselle d'Albret awake?" asked De Montigni, eager to show the -precious document to her he loved. - -"Oh yes, Sir," replied the man to whom he spoke; "she is awake and up -an hour ago; but she bade us not disturb you." - -De Montigni hastened to the door and knocked. "Come in," said the -sweet voice of Rose d'Albret; and entering, he found her sitting with -her hand clasped in that of Helen de la Tremblade, who had passed the -night with her. She rose to meet him, and was immediately pressed to -his heart, while he whispered in her ear, "You are mine, dear Rose. -Here is all that was wanting to our immediate union," and he placed -the paper in her hand. - -There was not less light in the eyes of Rose d'Albret than in those of -her lover, as she read the King's sanction to their marriage; but, -when she turned to the letter that accompanied it, her cheek grew -pale, and a tear trembled upon her eyelids. - -"Oh, Louis! must you leave me so soon?" she cried, "and to battle?" - -"Nay, dearest Rose," answered De Montigni, "you would not have me -avoid the path to honour and renown." - -"No, Louis, no," she answered; "I will not say another word.--Ten -o'clock? That is very soon; 'tis past nine now." - -"Indeed!" said De Montigni. "I have slept too long." - -"Oh, no!" answered Rose. "I came and looked at you as you lay, and it -would have been cruel to rouse you from so calm a slumber." - -"And yet I dreamed sad dreams, dear Rose," said her lover. "But what -is to be done?" he continued; "neither arms nor horses have arrived, -and our poor beasts are jaded with yesterday's fatigue." - -"But you cannot go without arms," said Rose, rejoicing in the hope -that something might detain him from the perilous field; "your uncle -will never let you go unarmed.--Perhaps they will come soon; but in -the meantime take some refreshment, Louis. Run, dear Helen, run and -tell them to bring him some food." - -Helen de la Tremblade had remained sitting at the table, with her hand -covering her eyes; but now, rising, she approached the door, pausing -however, with a glowing cheek, ere she went, to whisper something to -Rose d'Albret. - -"Not for the world," replied Rose; "oh, no, Helen, do not suppose it," -and her cheek too, grew red. - -The breakfast was soon brought, and Louis de Montigni ate a few hasty -mouthfuls; but he was too much excited and too anxious to find any -long repose. More than once he rose and looked out; more than once he -questioned the farmer as to whether no one had come during the morning -to furnish him with arms. He asked eagerly, too, for intelligence from -St. André, and heard, with feelings of impatience and pain, that the -King had marched at an early hour to take up his position on the -ground he had chosen for his field of battle. He then sent out two of -his men to gain farther information, and to see if any horses could be -procured; but minute after minute passed by; the hour of ten arrived; -and every moment he expected to see the old Commander and his party at -the ford before the farm-house, before anything that he required could -be obtained. The men brought back word that the village was nearly -deserted, except by a few sick and wounded; but they had seen the army -of the King, they said, extending in a long line across the plain, and -they thought they had also perceived the heads of Mayenne's columns -advancing from the side of Ivry. - -"Well, we must go as we are," said De Montigni; "we fought the other -day at Marzay without a scratch; and we shall ride lighter without -armour. Have everything ready to set out the moment my uncle appears. -Two of you, however, must stay with these ladies. You are all anxious -to go, I know, so choose by lot, and make haste, that all may be -ready." - -The moments that thus passed were sad and terrible to poor Rose -d'Albret. She would not say a word to stay him; and yet she would have -given worlds, had it been possible without damage to his honour, to -have withheld him from the field. Each order that he gave, each -inquiry that he made, roused fresh fears and apprehensions in her -breast; and the words of tenderness and affection with which he strove -to cheer her, but rendered her more sad, while again and again she -asked herself, if she should ever hear that voice again. - -Nor were the feelings of Helen de la Tremblade less painful, though -perhaps they were less anxious, as, seated near the window, she gazed -forth in sad and motionless meditation. To those who stood beside her, -all was risked upon that battle; but to her, the bright hopes of life, -which in their case were but chequered with fears that an hour might -sweep away, were gone for ever. Their words of love, their anxiety for -each other, all awoke painful thoughts and bitter memories; and over -all her contemplations, spread the dark cloud of self-reproach, -leaving not one bright spot in the future or the past. - -Still minute after minute passed away, and no one appeared. The -impatience of De Montigni became extreme. "The battle will begin," he -thought, "and I shall be absent. Disgrace and shame will fall upon me. -Who will know of the King's commands? and men will say, I was within -half a league of a stricken field, and kept aloof. I cannot bear this -much longer. Ride out upon the top of the hill, Victor, towards the -side of Annet, and see if you can perceive my uncle coming.--But hark! -what is that?" - -As he spoke the loud boom of a distant cannon struck upon the ear; -another and another succeeded, and then several shots still farther -off were heard replying to the former. - -"It is begun," he said; "I can wait no more. Bring round my horse! -Dearest Rose, I must go to see what is taking place. I will be back -soon, my beloved," and he once more pressed her to his heart. - -"But the King's commands," said Rose; "He told you to wait here for -your uncle. You ought not to go indeed, Louis." - -"There must be some mistake," he answered, "and I cannot stay here -like a coward or a fool, while my King is fighting for his crown, and -the fate of France is in the balance. I will be back speedily,--I will -but see," and tearing himself away, he sprang upon his horse's back, -followed by those, upon whom the lot to accompany him had fallen, and -spurred up the hill at full speed. On the top he paused looking -towards Annet. The whole country was open before his sight; but no -body of men was to be seen, and hesitating no longer, he rode on till -the plain of Ivry lay before his eyes, covered with squadrons and -battalions of horse and foot, and presenting the wild, confused and -busy scene of a field of battle. When he was gone, Rose d'Albret -covered her eyes and for a few moments gave way to tears; but Helen de -la Tremblade came round to where she stood, and laid her hand timidly -upon her arm. Rose dashed away the drops from her eyes, at this mute -appeal, saying, "No, Helen, no I will not doubt it! It were wicked, it -were wrong, to think that God would so abandon us." - -"Besides, lady," said Helen, "Monsieur de Montigni is good and noble; -you are virtuous and wise. Can such people ever be unhappy?" - -"Ah, my poor Helen," replied Rose d'Albret, "you reproach yourself too -bitterly when the fault was his. Shamefully have you been used; and -though God forbid that I should say you have not done wrong, yet I can -well believe that, with such vows and promises, you fancied yourself -his wife as much as if the priest had joined your hands. Perhaps," she -added in her ignorance of man's nature, "perhaps, now that he has lost -the hope of obtaining my estates, which was all he sought, he may make -you his wife indeed, and deliver you from self-reproach." - -"That he can never do," replied Helen de la Tremblade; "I feel that I -am a degraded being, lady, unworthy even of your kindness." - -"Nay, do not call me lady," answered Mademoiselle d'Albret; "you used -to call me Rose, Helen, and you must do so still. But indeed, dear -Helen," she continued, willing to pass away heavy time, with any other -thoughts but those of what was taking place so near her, "but indeed, -I will trust you may still be happy; and one thing you must do for my -sake, you must tell your uncle all. He will give you absolution for -the past, and direction for the future." - -"Ere this, he has been told," answered Helen, "told by that harsh and -cruel woman. She would never spare me that." - -"Ay, but you know not how she may have told it," answered Rose -d'Albret. "Oh, she is false and deceitful, Helen, and may have cast -the whole blame and shame on you, when in truth, yours is but the -lighter share. See him, dear Helen, see him, and let him know the -whole. Shrink not from his reproaches; hear them with patience and -humility; but let him know the plain truth, just as you have told it -me; and he will forgive you, I am sure. Hark! there are the cannon -again. Oh Good, protect him!--Helen, I will go and pray." - -"May I pray with you?" asked Helen de la Tremblade timidly. - -"Come," said Rose taking her by the hand, "come let us raise our voice -to Him from whom all need, and all are sure to receive, forgiveness -and mercy if they seek it." - -An hour passed by in anxious expectation. Oh, how long an hour may be -to those who watch, to those who with the faint sickening of the -heart, know that upon its events may hang the long misery of a -hopeless, cheerless, loveless life! It seemed as if it would never go; -and every device they used to make it speed the faster, seemed like -the ticking of a clock, marking the slowness of time's progress, not -accelerating its flight. Now they spoke of things past, hoping to lose -in retrospection, the sense of things present; now they talked of the -future, the wide indefinite blank, which to all men is a chasm that -the eye searches in vain. But still to the present, the overburdened -present, their minds and their words returned whether they would or -not. To the quick imagination of Rose d'Albret, all the horrors of the -battle-field presented themselves in more than even their real -terrors. She pictured the dead, the dying, and the wounded; the fierce -contention, the sanguinary triumph, the unsparing cruelty, loss, -flight, defeat; and though she laboured zealously with her own mind to -lead it to other themes, yet it was all in vain. She might speak of -anything, of everything but the battle, yet still her thoughts -wandered back to that overwhelming image, which, like some vaster -mountain in a hilly country, was ever seen towering over all the rest, -and presenting itself to contemplation, whenever the eyes were turned -from other objects. - -Sometimes she would strive to speak calmly with Helen de la Tremblade, -upon what should be the poor girl's future conduct. Sometimes she -would inquire gently and tenderly into the past. But ever her mind -would come back again to the battle, and she would give way to all the -apprehension and anxiety she felt; would ask how the time went; would -call the good farmer, and demand intelligence; would send out one of -the attendants, to bring her any news that he could gather. - -Half an hour more flew slowly away, and De Montigni did not return; -but then, quick spurring down the road, as if for life, came a small -party of horse. The farmer, who was upon the watch, suddenly closed -and barred the doors, and Rose saw from the window that, over their -dusty armour, they wore scarfs of green, a sign that they belonged to -the faction of the League. The worthy countryman called her and her -companion quickly from the lower story, put up the strong oaken -shutters, and bade them, if they needs must gaze, look from the rooms -above. But the cavaliers paused not even to notice the house as they -passed, and, hurrying on, plunged their horses into the stream, and -gained the other side. - -"Surely the King has won the day?" said Rose; turning to the farmer, -"the Leaguers fly. Is it not so?" - -"I know not, Mademoiselle," replied the peasant. "It often happens in -strifes like these that men run away before the battle is lost or won. -Their own corps may be defeated; but there may come many more to turn -the fight." - -Even while he spoke a single horseman, with a scarf of white, rode -down more slowly on a wounded horse, looked up to the window, where -they stood, and cried aloud, "the King is killed," passing on without -further pause. - -The heart of Rose d'Albret sank as she caught his words; but she grew -fainter still when she beheld upon the road, a party of four, one on -foot, leading a horse, on which sat a wounded man, with two others -supporting him. For an instant she fancied--for the imagination of -fear is as vivid and as false as that of hope,--that she recognized -the figure of De Montigni. The next moment, however, she saw that it -was an older and a heavier man, clothed in armour, and with the visor -of his casque closed; but with the white signal of the Bourbon party -thrown over his shoulder. - -"Oh let us go and help him," she cried. - -The farmer hesitated. "Do, do!" cried his wife. - -"Well, quick, then!" said the man, and hurrying down, the door was -unbarred and opened; but still he held it in his hand ready to close -it in an instant, if he saw others following. - -"What news? what news?" cried the peasant as the others came near. - -"Victory! victory!" shouted one of the men: "Mayenne in full flight -and total rout!" - -"And the King? and the King?" demanded the farmer. - -"Master of the field; and following them like a thunderbolt, to Ivry," -was the reply of one of those who rode beside the wounded man; "but -help us, here," he added; "he is sadly hurt." - -They lifted their master from his horse at the gate, and were bearing -him in, while Rose d'Albret, who had come forth with the farmer and -his wife, gazed on him with looks of sympathy, when, suddenly, at full -speed, but waving joyfully his hat and plume, De Montigni appeared -upon the road above, followed by an attendant; and, giving way to all -she felt in that moment of exceeding happiness, she ran on to meet -him, and in an instant was in his arms. - -"Oh, this has been a glorious day, dear Rose," he cried; "and the -crown of France is firm upon our monarch's brow. By his own right hand -he has won it; and God grant him life to wear it long." - -Tears were the only reply that Rose could make; but the good farmer -tossed up his hat, and cried "Hurrah!" - -"Whom have you here?" asked De Montigni, as his eyes fell upon the -group just arrived, who were now entering the farm, with the wounded -man borne in the midst. But, ere any one could answer, coming up the -road from the other side, as if seeking a ford across the stream, were -seen a body of some thirty horse, with a young and graceful man at -their head. The farm-house hid them from the young Baron and the lady -till they had passed the angle; but then the green scarfs mingled with -black, too plainly showed to what party they belonged. They rode fast, -but not at the headlong speed of fear; and, when they saw the marks of -a ford, the leader paused, marshalled his men to pass two and two, and -then looked round him with a calm deliberate air. His eyes instantly -lighted upon De Montigni his attendant and Rose d'Albret, for the -farmer had retreated into the house; and, exclaiming "Halt!" to those -who were passing the ford, the officer of the League spoke another -word or two to a gentleman near him. - -De Montigni drew Rose rapidly to the door of the farm, and pushed it -violently with his hand; for by this time it was closed, and the good -farmer, seeing the arrival of the troop, had barred and bolted it as -before. In vain De Montigni looked about for a place of refuge: they -were shut in between the bank, the wall of the garden, and the ford; -and in an instant they were surrounded by the horsemen. - -"Ha, ha! we shall not go without some prisoners at least," cried the -leader of the troop, "your sword, Sir, your sword--it is vain -contending." - -De Montigni hesitated; but he was seized in a moment; and while Rose -clung in agony to his breast, his sword was snatched from his side, -and a pistol levelled at his head. - -"Surrender, or die!" cried a fierce-looking man, who had sprung to the -ground beside him. "We have no time to waste upon Huguenots." - -"We are no Huguenots," replied De Montigni, "but faithful Catholics, -though servants of the King. I surrender, as it needs must be so; but, -of course, you will let this lady retire into the house--you do not -make war upon women, I suppose." - -"That depends upon circumstances," replied the leader, who had now -come up. "Your name, Sir?" - -"The Baron de Montigni," replied the young nobleman. - -"We are in luck," exclaimed the leader, turning to one of his -companions; "then this fair lady is Mademoiselle d'Albret?" - -Rose only replied by her tears; and the leader continued, turning to -De Montigni, "Mount your horse, Sir, and follow! You are a prisoner of -war, and shall be treated as such. The lady shall be restored to those -from whose care you took her. No words; for time is short--Have you a -litter or a horse for the lady?" - -"Her jennet is in the stable," replied De Montigni; "but she is too -much fatigued and weary to ride. If you have the spirit of a gentleman -and a knight, as you seem to be, you will not force her to do so." - -"Weary or not weary," said the stranger, "she must come along. Quick, -bring out the jennet! Lose not a minute, or we shall have some of the -enemy upon us. Lady, it seems your friends have kindly shut the door -in your face, so that if you have goods and chattels within, they must -even remain where they are." - -"You are discourteous, Sir," said De Montigni, "and abuse your -advantage." - -"How now!" cried the leader, grasping his sword; but Rose held up her -hand in entreaty, exclaiming, "Nay, nay, De Montigni, say not a -word--I am ready to go. I trust this gentleman will use no needless -harshness. Here is the jennet: I will go directly." - -The horseman looked down somewhat gloomily, murmuring, "Discourteous! -such a term was never used to Nemours before." - -"Monsieur de Nemours," replied De Montigni, "I am free to say I -believe it never was; and I am sure, now I know you, it never was -deserved. You have lost a great battle, Sir, and some irritation may -be forgiven: but I beseech you, if it must be shown, let it fall upon -my head, and not upon this lady's." - -"Fear not," said the Duke, turning to him frankly; "I must send her to -her guardian, as I have been required; but she shall be treated with -all kindness by the way; and in the meantime," he added aloud, "she is -under the protection of my honour. Quick, quick!" he continued, "see, -there are people coming down already. Stand to your arms, there. -Mount, Sir, mount." - -Before De Montigni did so, however, he lifted Rose into the saddle, -and then sprung upon his horse, saying, "I will not detain you, my -Lord Duke; but you need not fear," he added, "those are but two or -three of my own servants." - -"On!" cried Nemours to his soldiers; "steady through the ford." - -"Which way, my lord?" asked the guidon of the party. - -"Towards Chartres," answered the Duke, and the troop took their way -across the stream. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - - -The sight of pain and suffering, to which man's heart--even if it do -not become totally hard and obtuse by his own dealings with the rough -things of the world--grows less sensible every day as he advances in -life, is always matter of painful interest to woman. There is -something in her bosom that tells her it is her own destiny to suffer. -There are fine links of sympathy that bind her affections to the -sufferer, and not alone the general tenderness of her nature, to which -such feelings are commonly altogether ascribed. The words of a woman's -compassion are always different from those of a man's; they show that -she brings the pain she witnesses more home to her own heart. Man may -grieve for another's anguish; she sympathises with it; man feels for -the man, she actually shares his pain. - -Helen de la Tremblade remained in the lower story of the house, even -after the shutters had been put up and the door closed by the farmer, -when the first party of fugitive Leaguers passed by. She took little -note of anything that followed, but sat meditating over her own fate, -with her head leaning on her hand, till the sound of a groan struck -her; but then starting up at once, she advanced towards the door of -the room, which led into a wide, long passage. There she found four -stout soldiers bearing in a wounded man; and though she could not see -his face, from his visor being down, the languid attitude in which he -lay, as his men carried him in their arms, showed her clearly that he -had received some terrible injuries. Self was forgotten in a moment; -her own sorrows, her own wrongs, the bitter regrets of the past, the -desolate despair of the future, were all swept away for the time, -and, clasping her hands, she exclaimed, "Alas! alas! he is dying, I -fear.--Bring him hither, bring him hither," she continued: "there is a -bed in this room," and she led the way through the hall to the -chamber, where she and Rose d'Albret had passed the preceding night. - -Carrying him slowly forward, the soldiers laid the wounded man, still -in his dinted and dusty arms, upon the couch, and instantly began to -unfasten his cuirass, through, which a small hole, as if pierced by -the shot of an arquebuse, might be seen, stained at the edge with -blood; but he waved his hand saying, in a faint voice, "The casque, -the casque! take off the casque! Where is my nephew?--Where is -Louis?--He should be here." - -"Ah," cried Helen de la Tremblade, "he went out to the battle not an -hour ago. Perhaps he too is wounded or dead." - -"Mad-headed boy!" cried the old Commander as they removed his casque, -"he had no arms! Why did they let him go? Ha! Is not that Helen, the -priest's niece?" - -"Yes," replied Helen approaching timidly and taking his hand, "it is -poor Helen de la Tremblade." - -"Ay, I remember," said the old Commander; "but where is Rose? Where is -Rose d'Albret? She was with my nephew Louis." - -"Oh, she is without, here," cried Helen; "I will call her directly," -and away she ran, through the hall, into the passage, and to the door. -But she found it barred and bolted, and the Farmer bending down, with -his ear to the key-hole, striving to catch the sounds without. - -"Where is Mademoiselle d'Albret?" asked Helen. - -"Hush," he cried sternly, waving her back with his hand, and still -listening to the door. Helen listened too, but she could hear nothing -but the indistinct murmur of several voices speaking, mixed with the -sound of horses' feet trampling and stamping, as if brought to an -unwilling halt; but a moment or two after, some one spoke in a still -louder tone, crying, "To Chartres!" and then came the noise of a party -moving off, and the plashing sound of cavalry marching through the -ford. - -"Where is Mademoiselle d'Albret?" repeated Helen, as the farmer raised -his head from the key-hole. - -"Good faith, I cannot tell," replied he; "run up wife, run up to the -room above! and see what is going on without." - -The farmer's wife did as he bade her, and the next instant her feet -were heard over head coming back from the window to the top of the -stairs. "Ah, heaven!" she cried in a loud voice, "they have carried -off the young lady, and Monsieur de Montigni, and his servant, and -all. You should not have shut the door, Jean. You are a cruel, -hard-hearted man. I heard them push it myself to get in; and now they -are prisoners; and no one can tell what will happen." - -"Hold your tongue! You are a fool, wife," answered the farmer angrily. -"Do you think I was going to leave the house open for the Leaguers to -come in! We should have had the place pillaged, and all our throats -cut." - -But the woman's tongue, as is sometimes the case with that peculiar -organ in the female head, was not to be silenced easily, and she -continued to abuse her husband, for excluding poor Rose d'Albret and -her lover, in no very measured terms, while Helen de la Tremblade, sad -and sorrowful, returned to the bed-side of the old commander to -communicate the painful intelligence she had just received. - -"Where is Rose?" demanded the old officer as soon as he saw her; "why -does she not come?" - -"Alas!" replied Helen, "a party of the League, just now sweeping by, -have taken her away with them." - -The old man, who by this time had been stripped of his arms, and laid -in the bed, raised himself suddenly, and gazed in her face with a look -of grief and consternation. Then sinking back upon the pillow again, -he closed his eyes, but said not a word for several minutes. At length -one of his attendants coming forward inquired, if he had not better -ride away to St. André and seek for a surgeon. - -"No," replied the old Commander abruptly, "'tis no use. This is my -last field, Marlot, and, the sooner I go, the better. I am fit for -nothing now. I could scarce sit my horse in the battle, though I did -drive my sword through that fellow on Aumale's right hand. But it's -all over; and I shall soon go, too. No use of being tortured by the -surgeons. I've had enough of them.--No; but I will tell you what you -shall do. Go and seek for Louis; though that is most likely vain, -also.--Why the fiend did he go to the field without arms? Yet, Ventre -Saint Gris! I love the boy for it too. But he never can have escaped -from that _mêlée_.--He is dead, so there is nothing worth living for." - -Helen had refrained hitherto from telling him that his nephew was in -captivity, as well as Rose d'Albret, for fear of weighing him down, in -his weak state, under the load of misfortune; but now, seeing that his -apprehensions for his nephew's fate, had a more terrible effect, than -even the reality could produce, she said, "No, Sir, he is not dead. -They have carried him away too, with Mademoiselle d'Albret!" - -"Ha! girl, ha! Are you not lying?" demanded the wounded man. - -"No, indeed," replied Helen, "it is the truth. The farmer's wife saw -them a moment ago." - -"Well, then, seek a surgeon," said the old man; "I will try to live, -though it is idle, I think.--Look for Estoc, too. Where saw you him -last?" - -"He was in full pursuit with the Grand Prior, Sir," answered one of -the men. - -"I saw him take the red standard of the Count of Mansveldt," replied -another. - -"That's well, that's well," said the old commander, "take means to let -him know where I lie. Then bring a surgeon if you will. They shall do -with me what they like. Will you be my nurse, little Helen?" he -continued, extending his hand towards her. - -"That I will, if I may," replied Helen kneeling by the bedside and -kissing the large bony hand he had held out. - -"Well, get me a cloak or something," said the old man, "to cast over -my feet, for I feel very cold. Then come, sit down and talk to me; and -you fellows go away and get your dinner. It must be noon by this -time." - -"'Tis one o'clock, Sir," answered one of the men. - -"Get your dinner, get your dinner," cried the Commander. - -"I have no heart to eat, Sir," said the one nearest to him, "seeing -you lying there." - -"Poo!" exclaimed his master, "did you never see an old man die before? -I have seen many; and they will die, whether you eat your dinner or -not. Leave this young lady to tend me; dine, and, if you will, say a -paternoster for my sake. That's the best you can do to help me, though -you are good creatures, too, and love me well, I know,--as I love you. -But we must all part, and my march is laid out." - -The men departed one by one, and Helen remained alone with the old -Commander de Liancourt, doing the best she could to tend and serve -him. He suffered her to examine his wound, for the good old chivalrous -custom which required that ladies should know something of leech-craft -had not yet passed away; but it was one beyond her skill. The ball of -an arquebuse or pistol, fired point blank at a short distance, had -pierced his chest on the right side, a little more than a hand's -breadth below the arm. Some blood had followed the wound, but not -much; and all hemorrhage had ceased. He declared that the only pain he -felt was, a burning sensation near the back. - -"That's where the ball lies, Helen," he said; "I wish it had gone -through; for these things taking up their lodging in the body, often -make the house too hot to hold the proper tenant. However, God's will -be done. I never valued life a straw; and now, after having known it -sixty years, I certainly do not prize it more for the acquaintance. -'Tis an idle and a bitter world, fair lady, as I fear you have found -out by this time." - -Helen shrunk and turned pale, as the old man seemed to allude to her -situation and his eye rested upon her face, she thought, with a look -of meaning. He said no more, however; and in a moment after the farmer -entered to offer his services to the wounded man, with whose rank he -was now acquainted, and to give him farther tidings which had just -arrived from the field--how the Swiss and French infantry had -surrendered without resistance, and all the standards and cannon had -fallen into the hands of the King. - -The Commander cut him short, however, asking after his nephew, which -way they had taken him, how many the party numbered, and many another -questions, all of which the man might have answered without betraying -the fact that, to his own fears, was in some degree owing the capture -of Rose d'Albret and the young Baron de Montigni. We put our armour -where we are weak, however; and the first words of the farmer were in -his own defence, betraying at once all that had taken place. As the -wounded man heard him, and began to comprehend what had passed, his -cheek turned fiery red, and raising himself partly in bed, he bent his -eyes sternly upon him, and cursed him bitterly, calling him coward, -and knave, and telling him he knew not what he had done. - -"Fool!" cried the Commander; "do you think they would have stayed to -plunder your pitiful house with the sword of the King at their heels? -Curses upon you, Sir! you have delivered a fair sweet lady to the -hands of her persecutors, as gallant a gentleman as any in France to -his knavish enemies. By the Lord that lives, I have a mind to make my -men take thee and drown thee in the river, poltroon!" - -The farmer was irritated, as perhaps he might well be; and, but little -inclined to bear from another reproaches which he had endured quietly -from his wife, he was about to reply in angry terms, when Helen -interposed; and, with gentle firmness, which might perhaps not have -been expected from the tender and yielding disposition which she had -hitherto displayed, she led him from the room, and insisted upon his -making no reply. - -She then turned all her efforts to calm and soothe the old Commander; -and so tenderly, so kindly, did she busy herself about him, that the -heart of the rough old soldier was moved, and he exclaimed, "Bless -thee, my child, thou art a sweet good girl; and I wish I could but -live to do thee some service. But it is in vain, Helen, it is all in -vain; not that I mind this burning pain; for that more or less follows -every wound, but 'tis the sudden failing of my strength. All power -seems gone; and, in an instant, I have become as if I were a child -again. I was lame and well nigh crippled with old wounds before; -for I never was in battle or combat but I was sure to receive some -injury--such was my ill-luck; but still in my hands and arms I was as -strong as ever, could bend a double crown between my thumbs, or break -the staff of a lance over my knee. Now it is a labour to me to lift my -hand to my head; and that has come all in a moment. This means death; -Helen, this means death!" - -"Nay, perhaps not," replied Helen de la Tremblade. "The body is -strangely composed; and the ball may rest upon some sinew or some -nerve that gives strength; yet all may be well again." - -The old man shook his head, but still he remained cheerful, often -talking of death, yet never seeming to look upon it with dread or -horror. In about an hour a surgeon arrived, examined and probed the -wound, and descanted learnedly upon its nature. But with him, the good -old Commander showed himself irritable and impatient, writhed under -his hand, declared he tortured him, and seemed to shrink more from -pain, than from death itself. The man of healing soon saw that he -could do but little. To Helen's anxious inquiries, however, he did not -give the most sincere answers, leaving her to hope, that the wound -might be cured, and saying, that he would come again at night. He -calculated indeed, that his patient would live over the next day, and -that there would be time enough for a priest to be summoned. That was -all that his conscience required; and he judged--perhaps kindly--that -it was useless to torment a sick man with the thoughts of death, for -many hours before the event took place. - -During the whole of the rest of the day, Helen seldom, if ever, -quitted the bed-side of the Commander de Liancourt. Though careless of -life, inured by long habit to suffering, and even somewhat impatient -of anything that seemed like forced attention to his state, the old -warrior was not at all insensible to real kindness. He saw that she -sympathised with him, that she really felt for all he endured, that -she did her best to soothe and to allay, to comfort and support him. -He could not but see it; for though, ever and anon, the shadow of her -own fate would fall upon her again, and she would sit, for a moment or -two, in gloom and darkness, yet at his lightest word, at his least -movement, she was up and by his bed-side. The cup was always ready for -his lips, the pillow was constantly smoothed for his head, his wishes -seemed anticipated, his very thoughts answered, and even the burning -impatience of growing fever could not run before her promptitude. When -he obtained a moment of repose, she was calm and silent. When he -wished to speak, she was ready to answer, in sweet and quiet tones -that sounded pleasant to his ear; when his breathing became oppressed, -she was there to raise his head upon her soft arm, to open the window -for the air of spring to enter, and to bathe his fiery brow. To -another young and inexperienced being, the scene might have been -terrible, the task hard; but to her, it was all a relief. A share in -any sorrow, was lighter than the full burden of her own; and aught -that took her thoughts from herself, delivered her from a portion of -her anguish. - -More than once, the old man gazed upon her fixedly for two or three -minutes, as if there was something that he wished to say, and yet did -not; more than once, he sent away his followers, who came and went -during the afternoon between his room and the next, as if he were -about to speak of something that lay at his heart; but still he -refrained, till, just as the light was beginning to fade, he turned -painfully in the bed, and murmured, "Helen." - -The poor girl was by his side in a moment; and putting forth his now -burning hand, he took hers, continuing, "Helen, I wish to talk to you -about yourself before I go." - -Helen trembled like an aspen leaf. Four-and-twenty hours before, in -the first agony of desolation and despair, she would have poured forth -her whole soul to any one who offered her a word of kindness and -sympathy; but a change had come over her since then; the power of -thought had returned, conscience and shame and remorse had made -themselves heard, over even the tumultuous voices of grief and -indignation and hopeless agony. The still, but all-pervading words of -self-reproach, filled her ear continually; and, in the blank -wilderness of existence, she saw but her own folly. She shrank then, -and trembled when he spoke of herself. There was no name but one that -he could have pronounced, which would have sounded more horrible to -her ears than her own. - -"Oh not now, not now!" she cried, drawing back. - -But the old man still held her hand in his, which seemed to scorch -her; and he went on, "Why not now, Helen? It will soon be too late. -The minutes are numbered, my poor girl. The hand upon the dial seems -to go slow, but it will soon point to the hour when this fire shall -have burned itself out, and nothing but the ashes will remain.--I have -learned something of your story, Helen, from the people who came with -my keen, harsh sister, Jacqueline.--Old Estoc heard it, and told it to -me; but I would know more,--I would know all--" - -"Oh not now, not now!" cried Helen again; and, by a sudden movement of -anguish and terror, she drew her hand from him, and, with a gasping -sob, ran out of the room. - -There was no one in the hall, and when she reached the middle, she -paused. "Shall I leave him?" she asked herself, "Leave him because he -means and speaks kindly--leave him because I cannot bear to hear my -own folly breathed,--leave him?--Oh no!" and with a movement as -sudden, but with a downcast eye and burning cheek, she returned, and -seated herself near in silence, gazing upon the ground. - -"Helen," said the old Commander, "I have grieved you. Come hither, and -forgive me." - -She sprang towards him, and, casting herself on her knees by the -bed-side, covered her aching eyes with her hands, exclaiming, "Oh, no, -no! It is I who need forgiveness; not you. Do not speak so kindly, -Sir, do not speak so gently; for it goes farther to break my heart, -than all your sister's harshness." - -"Hush, hush!" said the old soldier, "Do not move me, there's a good -girl. But listen to me, Helen, for I wish you well, and you have been -tender and affectionate to me this day, when I have much needed it.--I -am a rough old man, Helen, and know not how to speak gently. But I -would fain talk to you about yourself, before I depart from this -place. Listen to me then, and do not think I mean anything but -kindness. I hear that my sister has been hard upon you,--driven you -out of her house,--given you harsh names.--Nay never shake so.--She is -a bitter woman, Helen, to all faults but her own; and I am sure if you -have any, they have been but too much gentleness.--Why, I remember you -as a little child in your good father's time.--There now, you weep! I -know not how to speak to you.--But never mind, I'll talk no more about -yourself. But whatever be your faults, Helen, take my advice. Go to -your uncle, tell him all. He will forgive you; for he is a good man at -heart, and loves you; and besides,--" - -"Oh, no, no!" cried Helen, "I cannot go to him, for his look would -kill me.--Rose, so kind and good, so gentle to the faults of others, -she too, persuaded me to go to him: but you do not know him. He is -good and kind, and loves me well, it is true; but he is not -forgiving.--Besides, how can I go there? How can I see him without -meeting,--" and she gave a quick shudder, without concluding the -sentence. - -"Ay," said the wounded man, "that must be thought of. But all this is -partly your uncle's own fault, Helen. I warned him when he put you -with my sister, that he was giving his dove to a vulture. I told him -it would be your ruin; but none of those people heeded the old -soldier. They followed their own plans, and thought plain truth, -foolishness.--Hark! do you not hear horses? It is good old Estoc, come -to see his dying leader." - -The next moment, there was a knock at the chamber door, and before any -one could say, "Come in," it opened, and the tall bony figure of -Estoc, clothed in armour, such as was worn in that day, but with the -head-piece laid aside, appeared striding up with his wide steps to the -bed-side of the wounded Commander. - -"How goes it, Sir?" he cried, "how goes it?" - -"Fast, Estoc, fast!" answered the old knight. "I am glad you have -come, for there is much to talk about before I go. Helen, dear child, -run away for a while; and take some repose and refreshment, for you -have scarcely tasted aught since I have been here. She has been an -angel to me, Estoc,--like my own child." - -"Thank you, Mademoiselle, thank you," cried Estoc, taking her hand and -kissing it, while she turned away her head, "God will bless you for -it!" - -The tears rolled over Helen's cheeks; and, saying "Call me when you -want me, Sir," she left the room. - -For more than an hour the old Commander de Liancourt and Estoc -remained together, while Helen, at the window of a room above, sat and -gazed out upon the sky, seeing the last rays of light fade away, and -the stars look forth one by one. "Ah!" she said to herself, as she -watched them, "other lights come in the heavens when the sun sets; but -there is none so bright as that which is gone. The moon, too, may rise -with her pale beams; but it is still night, shine she ever so -brightly." - -At length the surgeon arrived and went in again. The next moment he -sent for Helen to aid him; but when she entered the old Commander's -room, she found that he would not suffer his wound to be meddled with. - -"It is of no avail, master surgeon," he said; "I know I am dying. You -can do no good, and you do but torture me. Let the ball alone; it has -performed its work right well; you only make it angry with your -probes. Put on a cool cataplasm if you will, and tell me about what -hour will be the end; for I see in your face that you know what I say -is true. I would not go out of the world like a heathen; but the -church is the only surgeon for me." - -The man of healing answered in a vague and doubtful manner, but -assured the old soldier that there was no immediate danger; and, after -some vain persuasions, to the end that he might once more examine the -wound minutely, he took his leave, after having applied what he -thought fit externally. - -Helen was about to follow, and leave the Commander and his friend -together, once more; but the wounded man called her to him and bade -her stay. "Here is Estoc will be a friend to you, Helen, when I am -gone;" he said, "but listen to me, poor child, and do that which is -for your own good, and for that of others. I pressed you, a little -while ago, to go to your uncle for your own sake; but now I ask it for -the sake of those who were once dear to you. You used to love Rose -d'Albret--I think you do so still--" - -"Oh! that I do," cried Helen, clasping her hand. - -"Well, then," said the Commander, "her whole happiness, her future -welfare and peace may altogether depend upon your going to Marzay, and -with your own lips telling Walter de la Tremblade, all that has -happened to you." - -"Then I will go directly," cried Helen, eagerly, though sadly, "I will -go directly, if I die the next moment. But does he not know the whole -already?" - -"I think not," replied Estoc, who stood near. "I don't think Madame de -Chazeul has told him anything, for the good man, who spoke to me about -it, said she would kill him if she knew that he had mentioned -anything. But he thought you hardly treated, Mademoiselle, and wished -me to speak to the Commander about it, that the matter might be -inquired into." - -Helen covered her face and sat and mused, till, at length, the wounded -man woke her from her painful dreams, whatever they were, by saying, -in a compassionate tone, "Ah! my poor girl, you suffer worse than I -do, for your pains are of the heart." - -"I will go, Sir, I will go!" cried Helen; "though it is very bitter so -to do, yet I will go, if it can serve Mademoiselle d'Albret, even in -the very least." - -"It may serve her much, young lady," said Estoc. "As this sad affair -has happened, and she has fallen into the hands of the Leaguers, -beyond all doubt they will send her to Marzay; and then the old story -will begin again, and no devilish scheme will be too bad, to drive her -to marry Monsieur de Chazeul." - -"Oh, no, no, no!" cried Helen, vehemently; "he will betray her--he -will make her miserable, as he has made me. What right has he to marry -her?" she continued, with her brow contracted and a wild look coming -into her eyes. "Is he not married already? is he not contracted by -oaths that he cannot break?" - -"Ay, but he will break them," replied Estoc. - -"I rave, I rave!" said Helen, after a moment's pause; "he has broken -them already--every vow he made--every pledge he gave--every oath he -took! and at what should he hesitate? But how can I prevent this? What -can I do to avert it?" - -"Much," answered the Commander. "Your uncle, Helen, has been one of -the prime movers in all this. Without him they could do little; for he -is a skilful and a scheming man, not moved by the same passions that -both prompt and embarrass them. What are his motives or his views, I -know not; but, _pardie_, right sure am I, when once he hears how you -have been treated, he will find means to frustrate all their plots, -and to save our dear Rose, by one means or another." - -"Yes, yes, he will--he will," cried Helen; "I know he will, if it be -but in revenge. Oh! he never wants means to work his own will. My poor -father used to say, he had ruled all his family from infancy. But I -will go at all risks, at any cost.--Yet," she added, hanging her head, -"yet I could wish that it were possible for me to avoid that cruel and -hard-hearted man, whom I must see if I go there openly." - -"Oh! that will be easily managed," said Estoc; "I will answer for -that, Mademoiselle; for I took care to ensure myself and my good -Commander here, the means of entering the Château of Marzay when we -liked. God forbid that I should use it wrongly! But I foresaw the time -might come, when, in justice to ourselves or others, we might need to -stand face to face with those who have been plotting so darkly against -people whose rights they should have protected." - -"You are right, Estoc, you are right," said the old Commander, whose -voice was growing feeble, with the fatigue of speaking so much. "You -are right, my good friend. I thought not of that precaution, but it -was a wise one. Have you the key of the postern, then?" - -"No," answered Estoc; "that would be missed; but I have a key to the -chapel, which, as no one uses that way in or out, will never be wanted -by any one but ourselves." - -Helen raised her eyes and smiled, with the first look of satisfaction -that her countenance had borne, since she had been driven from the -Château of Chazeul. "That makes all easy," she said; "for, not only -can I enter by that means, but dear Rose d'Albret can come out; and -oh! what would I give to guide her back again to liberty and him she -loves?" - -But Estoc shook his head. "That may not be so easy," he answered; "now -they are once upon their guard, they will watch her closely. She will -be henceforth a prisoner, indeed. Her only hope is in the priest, -Mademoiselle. Gain his aid for us, and we are secure." - -"I will try," answered Helen, "I will try--But look," she continued, -touching Estoc's arm and speaking in a low voice, "Monsieur de -Liancourt seems weary, and asleep, I think." - -Estoc bent down his head, and gazed in the sick man's face, by the -pale light of a lamp that stood upon the table. He almost feared, from -all that he had seen, that what Helen imagined slumber, was the repose -of death; but, as he leaned over him, he saw a red spot upon the -cheek, and heard the quick low breath come and go; and, turning to her -again, he whispered, "He sleeps; that is a good sign. I will sit with -him till he wakes." - -"No, no," answered Helen; "leave me to watch him. You take some -repose; I neither want it, nor could obtain it." - -Estoc accordingly left her, gaining the door as noiselessly as he -could. Then, clearing the hall of all the persons by whom it was now -crowded, he seated himself on a bench, ate some bread and drank some -wine; and leaning his head upon his hand, soon fell into slumber, with -that easy command over the drowsy god, which is often acquired by -those habituated to the labours and the dangers of the camp. - -It was past one o'clock; and all the noises of the house were still. -The farmer and his family had retired to rest, the soldiers and -attendants were seeking slumber in the kitchen and the barn, when -Helen de la Tremblade opened the door between the sick man's chamber -and the hall, and called "Estoc! Estoc!"--"Monsieur de Liancourt is -awake," she added, as he started up, and then continued, in a lower -tone, "he is very ill--There is a terrible change--Come quick, come -quick!" - -Estoc followed in haste; and, approaching the wounded man's side, he -saw too clearly the change she spoke of, that awful change which -precedes dissolution; that inexpressible dim shade, that cold -unearthly look, never, never to be mistaken. Fever may banish the rose -from the cheek; the eye may grow pale and glassy; the lip may lose its -red; and sickness, heavy sickness may take away all that is beautiful -in life; but yet, while there is a hope remaining, the countenance of -man never assumes that hue which death sends before him as his herald -on the way;--and there it was. To the eyes of Helen, it was strange -and terrible, and made her heart sink though she knew not all it -meant; but Estoc had seen it often, and knew it well; and whispering -to her, "This is death!" he took his old friend's hand in his. - -"Ah, Estoc!" said Monsieur de Liancourt, "where is Helen?--Come -nearer, my kind nurse, let me see your face, for my eyes grow dim." - -"Shall I send for a priest, Sir?" asked Helen. - -"Not yet," said Monsieur de Liancourt, "for I have much to say. Bring -me my cross of St. John. Lay it on my breast, that I may die under the -standard of my salvation." Helen hurried to get it, where it lay with -the armour and clothes in which he had been dressed, and placed it -gently on his bosom a he told her. The old man gazed wistfully in her -face for an instant, and then said, "I am going, Helen--fast. If I had -lived, I would have been a father to you. Estoc, will you protect -her--defend her?--Do you promise me?" - -"I do from my heart," replied Estoc. "As long as I live she shall -never want a home to receive her, or an arm to do her right." - -"Kiss the cross!" said the old Commander; and, bending down, the good -soldier pressed his lips upon it, as it lay upon his dying leader's -bosom. - -"So much for that," said the Commander. "When I am gone, Estoc, give -her all that I have brought with me.--You, I have provided for, long -ago.--See me buried as a soldier should be. Lay me before the altar at -Marzay, and bid the priest say masses for my soul.--Now give me the -papers that I may explain them well." - -Estoc proceeded to the corner of the room in which the old commander's -garments had been laid down in a heap; and searched for some minutes -before he could discover the packet of papers for which he was -looking. He found it at length, and, turning round, approached the -bed-side where Helen de la Tremblade sat watching the wounded man. She -held his hand in hers, she gazed upon him eagerly with her beautiful -lips slightly open, showing the fine pearly teeth within; and, as the -light of the lamp fell upon her, she was certainly as fair a creature -as ever man beheld; but there was a look of anxious fear in her eyes -that startled Estoc, and made him hurry his pace. The eyes of the old -commander were closed, and Helen whispered, "He has had a terrible -shudder." - -"Here are the papers, Sir," said Estoc. - -The old man made no answer, but by a heavy sigh. - -"Send for a priest, quick," cried Estoc; and Helen running hastily -from the room, woke one of the soldiers in the kitchen, and dispatched -him to the village in haste. When she returned to the chamber, -however, all was still: and, approaching with her light foot the -bed-side, she saw Estoc with his arms folded across his chest, and his -eyes, glistening with an unwonted tear, fixed upon the countenance of -his old friend and leader, from which all expression seemed to have -passed away. She listened, but could hear no breath. The lips were -motionless; the breast had ceased to heave; the hand, which he had -lately held in her own, had fallen languidly on the bed; the other, by -a last movement, had been brought to rest upon the cross which lay -upon his bosom. Life had passed away, apparently in an instant, and -the sufferings of the stout old soldier were at an end. - -The moment after several of the men, who had been awakened by a voice -calling to one of them to seek a priest, crept into the room to see -their good leader once more before he died; and Estoc, brushing away -the moisture from his eyes with the back of his hand, turned towards -them, saying, "You may come forward.--You cannot disturb him now. He -is gone; and a better heart, a stouter hand, a kinder spirit, never -lived, my friends. Few there are like him left; and we at least never -shall see such another. God have mercy on his soul, and on ours too." - -Thus saying, he knelt down, murmured a prayer, and kissed the hand, -still warm with the life that was departed. The soldiers did the same -one by one, and then carried the tidings to their fellows who where -still asleep. Starting up as they had lain down, they all ran hastily -into the room; and, of course, amongst the number, there were many -different ways of expressing their grief. Most of them, however, had -tears in their eyes, and one man wished aloud, that he knew the hand -that fired the shot. - -"Fie," said Estoc, "it was the chance of battle. No soldier bears -revenge for anything done in fair fight. He has sent many to their -account, and now is sent himself; but by the grace of God his is no -heavy one, and he will find mercy for that." - -There was a momentary pause, and then two or three of the soldiers -whispered together; after which one of them stepping forward, said, -"Will you lead us, Monsieur Estoc?" - -"I am not a rich man, my friends," said the old soldier, "and cannot -pay you as the good commander did. What I have, however, you shall -freely share; and if you are willing to serve the King as you have -done this day, I will lead you willingly, in that cause. - -"We will fight in none other," replied the man who spoke for the rest; -"and as for pay, we will take our chance, so that we have food and -arms." - -"That we will always find," replied Estoc, "but we have a duty here to -perform before anything else. We must carry the corpse to Marzay, and -fulfil our dead leader's last commands; then we will seek the King; -and, if he cannot entertain us himself, we shall easily find some -banner under which to fight upon his side." - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - - -It was about two o'clock in the day, when the party of the Duke of -Nemours entered the little town of Maintenon; for that Prince hurried -along his prisoners at a rapid rate, although he was aware that, the -main body of fugitives from the field of Ivry having taken a different -direction, he was less likely to be pursued than if he had followed -the same course towards Mantes. As he approached Maintenon, indeed, he -somewhat slackened his speed, and gave orders for putting his men into -better order; and before he reached the gates he brought his own -horse, and those of the rest, to a walk, as if quietly marching -through the country. - -All appearance of flight and apprehension was banished; and De -Montigni heard one of the soldiers, speaking to a citizen as they -entered, declare, that they had had a skirmish at Ivry, in which the -King had been defeated and driven back. A somewhat bitter smile curled -his lip; but he made no observation; and the good townsman shaking his -head with a doubtful look, replied. - -"Ay, it may be so; but different tidings are about the place; and if -you have won a battle, why are you marching away from the field?" - -"Why, Coquin?" replied the soldier readily, "because we are carrying -the tidings to Chartres, with orders to the governor to send out his -people and cut off the fugitives from Alençon." - -Still the man looked unconvinced; but the soldier rode on after his -troop; and the Duke stopped in the town two hours to refresh his -horses. While there, he sent for the officer commanding in the place, -and held a long, private conversation with him, which afforded an -opportunity to De Montigni and Rose d'Albret to speak together -unnoticed, for the first time since their capture. The Duke had -ordered dinner to be prepared, and had courteously invited them to -partake of it, leaving them alone in the dining hall of the inn, while -he held his communication with the governor without. But though it was -a solace and a comfort to both of them, to be enabled to pour their -griefs and anxieties into each other's bosom, yet their conference was -a sad and fruitless one; for they could arrange no plan of action for -the future, they could extract no hope from the painful situation in -which they were placed. All they could do was to promise and repromise -faith and constancy to each other, and to wait for coming events, in -the hope of ultimate deliverance. De Montigni found no difficulty in -binding Rose to fly with him whenever the opportunity should offer; -and each vowed to the other to look upon their engagement as complete -and inviolable, whatever means might be employed to break it. - -"Let us regard ourselves as wedded, dearest Rose," said De Montigni; -"and fear not for the result. The King is each day gaining advantages -over his enemy. This faction must soon be crushed, notwithstanding the -assistance it receives from Spain; my ransom will soon be agreed upon; -and should they attempt to detain my bride, I will deliver her, should -need be, with the strong hand. If bloodshed be the result, let Chazeul -answer for it. The fault is his, not mine." - -"Oh! no, no!" cried Rose; "do nothing rashly, Louis. I am yours, will -be ever yours. Better to wait for months--ay, even for years, than dip -your hands in kindred blood.--But I will trust that there is no need -for such terrible deeds. When once the King's authority is at all -established, Monsieur de Liancourt will soon yield to it. He is not -one of those who will hold out to the last, in favour of a failing -cause. But, at all events," she added, as the door opened, "be the -time long or short, be the trial hard or light, I am yours for ever." - -She knew not how hard that trial was to be. - -As she spoke, the Duke of Nemours, with one or two of the gentlemen -attached to him, entered the room; and the meal which he had ordered -was soon after served. The irritation under which he had laboured, on -account of the loss of the battle, when first De Montigni and his fair -companion had fallen into his hands, had passed away; and towards Rose -d'Albret, at least, he had resumed all that courtesy for which he was -renowned. To De Montigni his demeanour was varying and uncertain; -never, indeed, returning to the harsh rudeness which he had at first -displayed, but sometimes cold and icy, sometimes gay and almost kind. -He was a Prince who had acquired, without much cause, a high -reputation throughout Europe, and De Montigni knew him by report to be -brave to a fault, generous to prodigality, and affecting a chivalrous -tone in his conduct and manners; but he was not aware of the faults, -which afterwards developed themselves so remarkably and caused the -Duke's ruin and his death,--selfishness, ambition, tyrannical -severity, and a wild vanity, that led him to overestimate in all -things his own abilities, and his own importance. - -As they sat together at the table, for a time, the fairer points of -the Duke's character were alone exhibited to his prisoners. He -addressed De Montigni more than once, pressed Rose to partake of the -meal before them, spoke of the events of the battle, and even lauded -highly the skill and character of the King.--The young Baron deceived -himself into the belief that these external signs of a high and noble -nature, might be the genuine indications of the heart; and he resolved -to cast himself upon his generosity, to explain to him the -circumstances in which he stood, and to beseech him to refrain, at -least for a short period, from placing Mademoiselle d'Albret in the -power of those who were but too likely to misuse the opportunity. As -if to check him in such purposes, almost the next moment, Nemours -resumed towards him his haughty and overbearing manner; and thus he -went on from time to time; at one moment appearing to forget that De -Montigni was an adversary and a prisoner, and the next treating him -almost as if he were a condemned criminal. - -After the space of repose I have mentioned, the march towards Chartres -was resumed, but the pace at which they proceeded was now slow; and -before they reached that fair old town, the sun set in cloudless -splendor, and the stars looked out in the sky. Weary, silent, anxious, -and distressed, Rose d'Albret rode on, replying to the frequent -attentions of Nemours with but a monosyllable, till at length they -reached the gates, where they where detained during a few minutes; for -the news of the defeat of Ivry had already reached the city, and all -was anxious precaution to guard against surprise. At length the party -was admitted; torches were procured at the Corps de Garde; and by -their red and gloomy light, flashing upon the tall houses with their -manifold small windows, the cavalcade wound on, through the narrow -streets, towards the castle. - -Intelligence of the arrival of the Duke of Nemours, had been sent on -to the governor from the gates; and the outer court of the citadel was -filled with gentlemen and officers when the party entered. Nemours -dismounted from his horse as soon as he had given the word to halt; -and, advancing to a stern-looking, middle-aged man, who seemed to be -the chief of those present, he embraced him, saying, - -"Well, Monsieur de la Bourdasières, I have come to you sooner than I -expected. We have been badly served at Ivry; and the foreign troops -have once more betrayed our confidence. However, I bring two prisoners -with me--or at least one," he added, "for the lady is not a prisoner, -and of her I will speak to you by and by, if you will have the -goodness now to place her for the time under the protection of Madame -de la Bourdasières." - -The governor seemed to ask a question, which De Montigni did not hear; -but Nemours replied, immediately, "Oh, yes, of the highest. It is -Mademoiselle d'Albret, the daughter of the late Count de Marennes." - -"Right willingly," replied the governor. "We will give her what poor -entertainment we can;" and advancing with Nemours to the side of -Rose's jennet, he assisted her to dismount, saying, "my wife will be -most happy to entertain you, Mademoiselle d'Albret." - -Rose turned an anxious look towards De Montigni, who sprang from his -horse, and approaching her before any one could interfere, took her -hand, saying, "I am rejoiced to find you placed under such protection, -dearest Rose." - -The governor turned a grave and inquiring look towards him; but De -Montigni added, loud enough for all to hear, "Do not fear. The -contract for our marriage, between your father and my uncle, cannot be -broken, let them do what they will." - -"Come, come, enough of this, Sir!" said the Duke of Nemours; and the -governor, taking Rose by the hand, led her away into the castle. - -"Monsieur de Nemours," said the young nobleman, as soon as she was -gone, "I am your prisoner; and I cannot blame you for seizing the -momentary advantage you had obtained, to make me so. I know the -reputation of the Duke of Nemours too well to suppose, that he will -show any want of courtesy toward one placed in such a situation; I, -therefore, demand to be put to ransom, and that without farther delay, -according to the common customs and usages of war." - -Nemours gazed at him, for an instant, from head to foot, and then, -turning on his heel, replied, "I will consider of it, Sir." - -A sharp reply was springing to De Montigni's lips; but he repressed -it, recollecting how much the fate of himself and one most dear to -him, might depend upon the man to whom he was speaking. The colour -came in his cheek, however; and he bit his lip to keep down the anger -which could scarcely be suppressed, while Nemours, calling one of his -gentlemen to him, gave some directions in a low tone. - -"Take a parole from his servant," he said aloud, in conclusion, "and -let him have free ingress and egress to wait upon his master. As to -the chamber, speak with some of the people of Monsieur de la -Bourdasières about it;" and then, turning round to De Montigni again, -he added, "we shall meet to-morrow, Sir; in the mean time, good -night." - -Thus saying, he walked away and entered the castle, marshalled by some -of the officers of the governor. De Montigni remained for a moment or -two, while the followers of Nemours and the people assembled in the -court conversed together round about him, in regard to the events of -the day, and many an anxious inquiry was addressed to those who had -shared in the battle, as to the course which it had taken, and the -results which it was likely to produce. Each man answered according to -his particular character and disposition. Some made light of it; -asserted that it could scarcely be called a battle lost; that Mayenne -was at the head of nearly as many men as ever; and that, though the -enemy did possess the field, they had paid dearly for it. Others, more -sincere, or more alarmed, acknowledged, that at last it had been a -complete rout, that each had fled as best he could, and that the King -was pursuing Mayenne, sword in hand, towards Mantes. Others contented -themselves with a significant shrug of the shoulders, or a simple -exclamation of anger and mortification; but, upon the whole, the -governor's officers easily divined that a great victory had been won -by the Royalists,--a terrible defeat sustained by their own party. - -At length, the gentleman to whom Nemours had last spoken, and who had -been conversing with another man at some distance, advanced towards De -Montigni, saying, "Now, Monsieur le Baron, if you will follow me and -Monsieur de la Haye, we will show you to your chamber.--Come hither," -he continued, beckoning to De Montigni's servant who had been taken -with him; "you can wait upon your master till he is ransomed, so you -will see where he lodges;" and, leading the way with the officer to -whom he had been speaking, he conducted the young nobleman into the -castle. Following the walls which in those days were extensive, he -approached a small detached building, which seemed to be used as a -house of refreshment for the soldiery, or what we should, in the -present day, call the canteen. - -The lower story was thronged with men drinking and talking; but, -walking through the passage, they reached a narrow and ill-constructed -stairs, which led to some rooms above. In one of these was found a -bed, a table, and a chair, all of the homeliest description. The -casements were not in the best state of repair, and no curtains were -there to keep out the glare of day or the winds of night. The walls -were in the rough primeval state in which the hands of the mason had -left them, and everything bore an aspect of misery and discomfort, not -very consoling to the eyes of the captive. - -This, he was informed, was to be his abode while he remained in the -city of the Druids: and, well knowing that remonstrance was in vain, -he seated himself in the solitary chair, while the officer of Nemours -took the parole of his servant, and then, making a cold bow to the -prisoner, retired. - -De Montigni remained in silence, with his head resting on his hand, -for a moment or two, while his follower gazed on him with a -disconsolate countenance; but, at length, the man ventured to -interrupt his master's reverie by saying, "This is a strange place to -put you in, Sir. Not very civil, _pardie_, though you be a prisoner." - -"The place matters little, my good friend," answered the young -nobleman. "We slept in the Alps in worse abodes than this. It is the -being a prisoner that makes the lodging bad--and at such a time too!" -he added, with a bitter sigh, "when happiness was within my grasp; -when the cause of the King was victorious; when another minute would -have saved us both." - -"'Twas unlucky indeed, Sir," said the servant. "They say fortune -changes every seven years; God forbid that ours should last as long, -for we have made a sad beginning in France. But, at all events, I will -try to render the place somewhat more comfortable for you, Sir. Money -will do anything in Chartres, as well as elsewhere." - -"Would to Heaven it would get me out of it!" replied De Montigni. "He -will never dare refuse to put me to ransom, surely?" - -"I do not know, Sir," rejoined the man. "I have heard that, in these -civil wars, they have done strange things; but, if he do, you must -make your escape, Sir; and, as I was saying just now, money can do -everything." - -De Montigni shook his head, but he suffered the man to proceed as he -thought fit to give the chamber an air of greater comfort. A sconce -was brought up from below, to replace the solitary lamp which had been -left by the officer; a piece of tapestry was obtained from some other -quarter to cover the window; a bundle of rushes were found to strew -the floor; a white sheet was spread over the bed, to cover the -somewhat dirty furniture with which it had been previously decorated; -and, thanks to the proximity of the canteen, wine and provisions of -various kinds soon ornamented the table, which was covered with one of -those fine white cloths for which, Le Grand assures us, France was at -that time famous. - -But, when the door opened and closed, De Montigni saw the figure of a -soldier, either passing to and fro, or leaning on his partizan; and he -felt bitterly that he was a prisoner, without power to alter the -course of events which were taking place around him, to the -destruction of all his hopes, to the frustration of those dreams of -joy in which he had indulged but a few hours before. With the usual -course of bitter and unavailing regret in a young and inexperienced -mind, he reproached himself for not having done every act that might -have averted the misfortune which had fallen upon him. He blamed -himself for having joined the battle, when he had no occasion to do -so; he forgot all the inducements and arguments to which his mind had -yielded when he left Rose in the farm at Mainville, in order to share -in the glories and the dangers of the field of Ivry. He next regretted -that, anxious to bear her the first tidings of success, he had hurried -back as soon as he saw the fight irretrievably turned against the -Leaguers, and acknowledged that he ought to have gone on with the King -in pursuit of the enemy. - -He who knows by frequent trial the fallibility of human judgment, and -how often the best calculations are proved false by the unexpected -turns of fate, judges as surely as he can by the light of reason, acts -resolutely when his decision is formed, and leaves the rest to the -will of God, thanking Him who alone gives success, if his efforts -prove effectual, bowing, without self-condemnation, if disappointment -follows. But the young cannot do this; for it is the invariable fault -of youth to attribute too much to human powers. We only discover their -feebleness when we have tried them; and this is one of the first -lessons of earthly existence, the great school wherein we learn, or, -at least, may acquire, the knowledge that fits us for a higher state -of being. The world is a school, and we are but school-boys, and all -that we obtain is destined for another scene. - -The night which De Montigni first passed as a prisoner, was without -repose, as it well might be. Had his busy thoughts permitted sleep to -visit his eyelids during the first five hours of the night, the noises -which rose up from below would have effectually banished the gentle -guest; but those sounds were hardly heard by the captive, and, long -after his servant had left him, he sat and mused; now reviewing the -past; now forming airy schemes for the future, destroyed as soon as -raised; now pondering over the bitter present with unavailing anger -and regret. Shortly after daylight, he was up and dressed; and, when -his servant again appeared, he sent him at once to the Duke of Nemours -to know when he would fix his ransom, according to the custom of the -day. The answer was cold and formal, "That Monsieur de Nemours would -see the Baron de Montigni in the course of the morning, and would then -inform him of his intentions." - -This was all that the man had been able to obtain; and, for many -another impatient hour, De Montigni paced his narrow chamber, giving -way to every dark and painful imagination, till, at length, a step, -different from that of the guard at the door, was heard without, about -an hour after noon, and the voice of the Duke of Nemours was instantly -recognized by the prisoner, telling the soldier he might retire to the -room below. - -They were words of good augury to the young nobleman, who mentally -said, "He comes to name my ransom;" and the impression was farther -confirmed by the cheerful and courteous countenance of the Duke, who -entered the moment after, more with the air of an old acquaintance -than a captor. - -"Well, Monsieur de Montigni," he said, "how have you passed the night? -By heaven, they have assigned you but a paltry lodging here. 'Tis none -of my doings this. La Bourdasière should have known better." - -"The lodging matters little, my Lord," answered De Montigni, "it is -the imprisonment that is painful;" and, resolved to follow the -determination he had formed the day before, and cast himself and Rose -upon the generosity of the Duke, he added. "Nor is it my own captivity -that is the most grievous to me. It is the imprisonment of the lady -you found with me." - -"But she is not a prisoner, Monsieur de Montigni," replied Nemours; -"therein you have made a mistake." - -"She is worse than a prisoner, my Lord Duke," said the young nobleman, -"if you send her back to the Château of Marzay.--Nay, hear me out, my -Lord. I have ever heard that the Duke of Nemours is the flower of the -French nobility for chivalrous generosity. His name has reached me -even in Italy, where I have so long sojourned, and if when I entered -France I had been asked on whom I would soonest rely for aid and -protection in any honourable enterprise, I should have answered, 'on -Monsieur de Nemours.' Now, my Lord, I will tell you the plain truth -regarding the situation of myself and Mademoiselle d'Albret, and if -your own heart will suffer you to send her back to the captivity in -which she is held at Marzay, I am much mistaken." - -He then proceeded to relate the circumstances in which he had found -Rose on his return from Italy; the arts that had been employed to -deceive them both; and the recourse which they had had to flight as -the only means of delivering the lady from the position in which they -had placed her. Nemours listened with a varying countenance, but -without any interruption. At one moment De Montigni thought he was -touched; at another, a heavy frown came upon his brow; at another, a -look of impatience passed over his face, as if he were tired of the -tale; and when the young nobleman had ended, he replied in an -indifferent tone--"All very lamentable, Monsieur de Montigni; but -still, unless you were prepared to subscribe to the Holy Catholic -Union, I should not be justified in retaining Mademoiselle d'Albret -from her guardian. Even if you were, indeed, it would still be a -consideration whether the long services of Monsieur de Chazeul would -not require us to bestow the hand of the lady upon him, rather than -upon a fresh and uncertain convert." - -"What!" exclaimed De Montigni, hastily, "the contract with her father, -her own inclination, and my undoubted right to count for nothing!" - -"I am no lawyer," answered Nemours coldly; "I know no thing of -contracts. If you think yourself injured in regard to that matter, the -courts are open to you." - -"Nay, nay, Monsieur de Nemours," cried De Montigni. "Do not, for your -own good name's sake, treat the matter in such a tone! Do not -sanction, by the approval of the Duke of Nemours, a line of conduct -which you must feel has been most base and dishonourable!" - -The Duke coloured. "Well, Sir," he answered, "I will not sanction it. -If all the circumstances be as you say, wrong has been done. But I am -very sorry, I cannot help it now. A different statement of the affairs -has been made to me in letters from Chazeul; and, to end all in one -word, the lady is already far on her way towards Marzay." - -De Montigni started and gazed on him with a stern and angry brow. "And -you have really done this thing?" he asked. - -"I have," replied Nemours, returning his glance with one of equal -fire. - -"Then, probably," said De Montigni, in a tone of bitter calmness, -"Monsieur de Nemours is prepared still farther to favour his friend's -honest and honourable proceedings by retaining the lady's affianced -husband in prison, and refusing to put him to ransom, as is customary -amongst gentleman in honourable warfare? Pray let me know my fate at -once." - -"No, Sir," answered the Duke, "I do not intend to do any such thing. I -propose to set you free as soon as possible, either by exchange or -ransom, for the very purpose of suffering you to pursue your claims to -this lady's hand as you may think fit. There is one little -preliminary, indeed, but that is a trifle which will be soon -arranged." - -"That is like the Duke of Nemours again," exclaimed De Montigni, -warmly. "What is the amount of ransom you demand?" - -"Name it yourself, Monsieur de Montigni," replied Nemours. - -"Will twenty thousand livres suffice?" asked the young Baron. - -"Fully!" said Nemours. - -"Then they shall be yours with as much speed as can be used," replied -De Montigni. "You will give me a messenger to my intendant at -Montigni, who has more than enough in his hands to discharge the sum -at once." - -"Nay, I will do more," said Nemours, "I will set you free, to seek it -yourself, and send it when you can.--Your time may be valuable to you -just now; and heaven forbid that I should detain you." - -"Now you are generous indeed, my Lord," answered De Montigni, "and my -best thanks and gratitude are yours for ever." - -"There is, however, one little preliminary," continued Nemours, in a -somewhat dry tone; "which we must settle before you go." - -"I suppose you mean a bond or engagement to pay the ransom?" said De -Montigni. - -"Not so, my young friend," answered Nemours with a bitter smile. "You -will have the kindness to recollect, that yesterday on the pleasant -banks of the Eure, at a place I believe called the ford of Mainville, -you thought fit to charge me with want of courtesy towards a lady. Now -such charges should not be made lightly, and you have, moreover, by -your conduct since--though not exactly in the same words--implied that -you sustained that charge. The Duke of Nemours, Sir, lies under -imputation from no man living; and, therefore, waving the privileges -of his rank, as a Prince of a Sovereign house, he is ready to wipe it -out in your blood without farther delay." - -"Ah, Monsieur de Nemours," said De Montigni, "can you so tarnish the -bright generosity you displayed just now, by--" - -But Nemours waved his hand. "No more, Sir," he said, "no more! -Arguments on such subjects are vain. The man who submits to insult, is -a coward. You have heard what I have said. I pray you give me an -answer." - -"Assuredly, my Lord," replied De Montigni, "I am happy that I have -some privileges too to wave, in order in some degree to put me on a -level with so high a Prince." - -"Indeed, Sir!" said Nemours, in a tone of some surprise; "may I -inquire what they are?" - -"Those of a prisoner, my Lord," answered the young Baron, calmly. "It -is an old law of honour and arms, that no prisoner or person under -ransom, can receive a challenge from any man, much less from his -captor. Nor is he bound to take the slightest notice of such an -invitation, the shame, if there be any insult or provocation given, -resting upon the giver." Nemours coloured; but De Montigni proceeded: -"This, my Lord Duke, is the privilege that I now wave, to gratify you; -but it is upon condition, that I name the terms and circumstances of -our combat." - -"Assuredly," replied Nemours, "that you have a right to demand. What -are the terms?" - -"Somewhat numerous, my Lord," replied De Montigni. After a moment's -thought, "First, that we fight without the town; next that our combat -be restricted to one pistol shot on each side; next, which is -absolutely necessary, my time being precious as you justly said but -now, that we be without seconds; for, as perhaps you are aware, I have -no friends in this town.[2] Moreover, taking you at your word, I will -request you in all courtesy to give me under your hand a passport to -come and go, in return for which, I will give you a bond for the -amount of the ransom, and by your permission, will send my servant, -who is with me, to bring it at once from Montigni." - -"Agreed, agreed," cried Nemours, with a well-pleased air. "But you -have forgotten to name the time, Monsieur de Montigni. I am at your -disposal to-morrow, the next day, the day after,--the day following -that I must quit Chartres." - -De Montigni smiled: "I hope to quit it to-day, Monsieur de Nemours," -he replied. "It may take half-an-hour to have the ransom bond drawn; -as long, perhaps, for me to buy a pistol, for you know that I was -unarmed when you made me prisoner. Say half-an-hour more for any other -unexpected impediment; and then I am at your service." - -De Nemours embraced him as if he had done him the greatest favour, for -such was the spirit of those times; and then calling to the guard from -below, he discharged him from his task, bidding him bring materials -for writing, as speedily as possible. "I will save you the trouble of -purchasing pistols, Monsieur de Montigni," he continued; "you shall -have one of mine; and there are no better in all France." - -"You do me honour, Sir," replied De Montigni, "and I accept your offer -with gratitude; but you must name our place of meeting, as I am -unacquainted with this locality." - -"There is a stone cross," said Nemours, "little more than a quarter of -a league from the Porte Drouaise: it is so far on your way; and there -is a convenient field hard by, where we can have room to turn our -horses. Yours is somewhat weary I fear from yesterday's exertions, but -mine is not less so, so that there will be no inequality." - -Everything was soon arranged. The pistols were sent for, the ransom -bond drawn up, the passport given, the signature of La Bourdasière -obtained to it; and, as nearly three-quarters of an hour yet remained -of the appointed time, to which the Duke determined to be very -punctual, he ordered refreshments to be brought up into the chamber of -De Montigni, and there, talking gaily over a thousand indifferent -subjects, passed half-an-hour as if he were occupied by no thoughts -but those of peace and pleasure. De Montigni on his part did his best -to maintain the same tone, and played his part as well as might be; -but he was less accustomed to such transactions than his companion; -and his thoughts would revert from time to time to Rose d'Albret, and -a cloud of care would settle on his brow. - -As time wore by, and the appointed hour approached, the Duke called to -the people below, and ordered his horse to be brought from the stables -of the castle. Then turning to De Montigni he added, "I think, as you -are not acquainted with the spot, it may be as well if I conduct you -thither myself; but in the first place, dispatch your servant on his -errand. I will take care that none of mine follow us; and your horse -can be brought round, after he is gone." - -De Montigni made no objection, and the plan proposed was pursued. -Nemours left his young companion for a few minutes, to make the -arrangements necessary to guard against interruption; and, during the -time that he was thus left alone, De Montigni wrote a few hasty lines -to Rose d'Albret, telling her of the circumstances in which he was -placed, and bidding her farewell, if he should fall. The letter was -hardly sealed, when Nemours returned; and now that it was arranged -they were to go forth for the purpose of taking each others' lives in -deadly combat, he was all courtesy and urbanity, according to the -customs of the day; and, to have heard his words, or to have witnessed -his demeanour, one would have supposed that De Montigni was a dear and -intimate friend, or perhaps a younger brother. Each charged the pistol -of the other, each opened his pourpoint, to show that he had no -secret, or coat of mail beneath; and then, after some ceremonies as to -who should first descend the stairs, the Duke of Nemours led the way. -Mounting their horses, which they found, held by some of the soldiers, -at the door, they rode together towards the gates of the citadel. -Several of the gentlemen attached to the Duke of Nemours were -assembled near the bridge, and De Montigni thought that there were -somewhat grave and even angry looks upon their countenances, which -might indicate, that they were not quite so ignorant of the object of -his companion and himself, as they affected to be. A little further -on, at the outer gate, Monsieur de la Bourdasière came out of the -guard house, and approaching the horse of the Duke of Nemours, spoke -to him for a moment, in a low tone. - -"Not if you value the friendship of Nemours," replied the Duke -sternly. "The man who interferes in the slightest degree, is my enemy -from that hour." - -Thus saying he rode on; and passing the gates of Chartres, they -advanced for some way along the road to Dreux, till at length the -stone cross which the Duke had mentioned appeared in sight, and -dismounting from their horses they knelt before it, and prayed for -some moments in silence. Then mounting again, they took their way -across the plain, till they had lost sight of the cross, it being -considered, in those days, improper to commit murder in the -neighbourhood of that symbol of salvation, although, with the heart -full of every passion and every purpose condemned by Christ, they -would kneel and pray, as they passed under the cross of him, who died -to bring peace upon earth, good-will amongst men. Then choosing an -open field by the bank of the river, the Duke made his companion a low -bow, and wheeled his horse, saying, "Here, Monsieur de Montigni, we -shall have space enough. We fire as we pass; and mind your aim be -good!" - -De Montigni bowed in return, and took his ground at the opposite side -of the field. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - - -The journey was long and tedious, the road heavy and bad, the coach -which had been procured at Chartres ponderous and cumbersome, and the -horses which had been placed in it unequal to drag its weight except -at a slow and lingering pace. Poor Rose d'Albret sat far back in the -vehicle, with her hands over her eyes, and the tears streaming fast -down her cheek as they passed through the gates of Chartres, and as -the last faint traces of the dream of happiness in which she had been -indulging, faded away, and left her a reality of misery, anxiety, and -care. - -Tardy as was their progress, the feet of the horses seemed all too -quick in drawing her towards a scene in which she anticipated nothing -but distress of many kinds; reproach from those who themselves -deserved the bitterest censure, threats, importunity, persecution, and -that constant effort to deceive, which she knew would require on her -part continual watchfulness and a guard upon every word, and look, and -action. She could no longer hope to give way to one feeling of the -heart; the free spirit was to be chained down and bound; the candid -and the frank, was to put on reserve and policy; the trustful and the -confiding, was to assume doubt and suspicion: every bright quality of -her own mind was to be cast away for the time, as useless in the -warfare in which she was about to engage; and she was to be called -upon to take up the weapons of her adversaries, in order to meet them -upon equal terms. It was all bitters, in short; and Rose shrank from -the contemplation, and felt a sickening hopelessness of heart, to -which she had never given way before. - -Then her thoughts turned to De Montigni; and for the first time she -felt to the full how much she loved him. Short as had been the time -that they had passed together since his return to France, those few -hours had been as much as years in binding heart to heart, so full had -they been of events, thoughts, and feelings; and now that she was -separated from him, she asked herself, what would be his fate; -meditated over all that he would suffer on her account, as well as the -weary weight of imprisonment; and, judging rightly of his sensations, -knew that his grief and anguish for her, would be the most painful -part of all he had to endure. She felt as if she were bound in -gratitude to repay his anxiety, by equal grief for him; and, instead -of endeavouring to console herself by listening to the voice of hope, -she added, I may say voluntarily, to her own sorrow, by dwelling upon -his. - -Thus passed hour after hour, as they rolled slowly on, while the party -of horsemen who guarded her, urged the coachman to greater speed, -though, if her voice could have obtained a hearing, she would have -besought him to delay at every step, rather than hurry on to a place, -the very thought of which was horrible to her. The driver, however, -was not one to be moved in any degree by the exhortations of his -companions; and neither slower nor faster did he go, for all that -could be said to him. At the same dilatory pace he proceeded, paused -twice to water and to feed his horses, and seemed as deaf to the -apprehensions of the guard, lest they should be overtaken by any party -of the enemy, as to the threats which they held out of the anger of -the governor and the Duke of Nemours. Thus night fell just before they -reached a little town, not much more than half way to Marzay; and the -coachman, declaring that his horses could proceed no further that day, -pulled up at the door of what was then called a _Gîte_ or sleeping -place, and proceeded unceremoniously to detach the cattle from the -vehicle, giving no heed whatsoever, either to the questions or -remonstrance of an old man who was in command of the troop. - -As nothing could be done but to remain where they were, Rose was led -to her bed-chamber, and told, in civil terms enough, that, by her -leave, they would proceed at daybreak on the following morning. The -old man paid every attention to her comfort, according to the orders -he had received; and even listened, while, encouraged by his courteous -manner, she ventured to remonstrate upon the conduct pursued towards -her, in carrying her against her will to a place so hateful to her. He -replied coldly, that the affair was none of his; he did but obey his -orders; and Rose soon found, by the strictness with which she was -watched, and by the placing of a guard at her chamber door, that the -hope of escaping, and flying on foot at any risk, was altogether vain. - -The journey of the next day went on as that of the day just gone; and -it was evening when the sight of many well known objects, the wood -through which she had often ridden, the little chapel where she had -frequently stopped to pray, the hamlet, the church, the fountain, the -stream, all of which she recollected, showed her that they were within -a few miles of the place in which her youth had been spent. How -changed were now all her feelings, from those with which she had -wandered through the same scenes in girlhood! Where was now the -sunshine of the heart, which at once lighted up every object around? -Where was the interest with which imagination had invested all that -now seemed so dead and cold? Some light had gone out in life since she -was last there; and the visionary splendour had departed. - -In about half an hour more, they came to the side of a hill, from -which the Château of Marzay was visible, at the distance of about a -mile. The evening sun was just setting, and casting long streams of -light and shadow over the undulating country below. The snow had -disappeared; the green herbage of the fields was seen; the brown -branches of the wood grew warm and glowing in the evening rays; the -river swollen with rain rushed on like a torrent of blood, reflecting -the glowing crimson of the west, and every window of the château -flashed back the bright beams of light, in lines almost too dazzling -for the eye. Round the summits of the towers, however, as they rose -above the eminence on which the castle was built, rolled a thin dull -cloud of leaden vapour, faintly tinged with red, on the side next to -the sun; and as the carriage moved slowly on, it descended lower and -lower over the building, rendering the lines and angles indistinct to -the eye, like the fate which awaited the poor girl who was journeying -thither. She gazed out eagerly towards it with a heavy sigh, and a -heart weighed down with the certainty of coming sorrow; and then -turning her eyes over the open ground below, she traced the road which -she had followed in her flight with De Montigni, and could have wept -to think how vain had proved all the hopes that bore her up through -the fatigues and discomforts of that journey. - -Suddenly from behind a clump of trees, at the distance of about a -quarter of a mile, emerged slowly a figure on horse-back, bearing in -his hand what Rose at first imagined to be a lance. The next moment, -however, she perceived that it was a cross; and, at the same solemn -pace, following the first on foot, came six other men carrying -something like a litter on their shoulders. The light caught upon it, -however, as they began to ascend the slope towards the château, and -Rose saw the fluttering of a pall; several other persons followed, -likewise, on foot, and then a party of some fifteen or sixteen -horsemen, with lances lowered, and a pennon flickering in the wind. - -"They are bearing back a dead body to the château, Mademoiselle," said -the old man, who was riding by the side of the carriage at the moment; -"likely some one who has fallen at Ivry. Perhaps we had better stop -and let them get before us. It is unlucky to go in with a corpse." - -"Unlucky to go in at all," said Rose, sadly; "do as you will. Sir, I -am a captive, and have no authority in such matters." - -The old man gave orders to halt; and the funeral procession of the -good old Commander de Liancourt, which was following a road that -formed an acute angle with the one they were themselves pursuing, -moved slowly on towards the château. When it had come within three or -four hundred yards of the gates, the Count de Liancourt, with his -nephew Chazeul, and a number of the soldiers and attendants, came -forth to meet it, preceded by father Walter, and two boys, belonging -to the chapel, dressed in their robes. The procession immediately -halted; and Estoc dismounting from his horse, advanced a few steps in -front to confer with the Count and his companions. - -The loss of a brother, to a man in the decline of life, can never be a -matter of indifference, and Monsieur de Liancourt was evidently much -agitated; but there were other feelings in his bosom, besides those of -mere grief, and his manner was hesitating and embarrassed, as he -returned Estoc's grave salutation, and listened to the solemn words, - -"I have brought back to you, Sir, the corpse of your brother, Michael -de Liancourt, Commander of the Order of St. John, who fell, gallantly -fighting for his King, on the glorious field between St. André and -Ivry; and I claim your permission to carry it into the chapel of the -château, according to his own request." - -"I receive my poor brother's body at your hands, Monsieur Estoc," -replied the Count, "and thank you for your letter of this morning; but -as you know we have few people in the castle, and many of us not -altogether holding the same opinions as yourself; you cannot, expect -us to suffer you to enter with such a body of armed men." - -"We are armed, Sir Count," answered Estoc, "as soldiers carrying the -body of a soldier; but you know right well, we come in peace upon so -sad an errand. As soon as we have performed our duty, we will depart -in peace, if we are suffered to do so; but what we have undertaken we -will perform, and trust to meet with no opposition." - -"This is foolishness, Sir," cried Chazeul, sharply; "you cannot expect -such permission, after all that has taken place; and, in one word, you -may enter yourself with any two or three, but no more shall have -admission." - -Estoc's cheek grew red. "To you, young man," he replied, "I do not -speak, for you are not the lord of that château, and never will be; -but to you, Monsieur de Liancourt, I answer, we have all of us sworn -to lay the body of our old leader before the altar of the chapel of -Marzay, and we will do it. If you will give us admission, well; if -not, I will bear it back to the church in the village, there set it -down till we are joined by the men of Montigni, and then forcing my -way in at the point of the sword, will keep my oath, whoever tries to -stay me. You know old Estoc too well to believe that he will break his -word; so choose, and that quickly, for it is growing late." - -But at this moment father Walter interposed, advancing with an air of -grave authority, and saying, "Cease, cease! in the name of decency and -Christian charity, cease! and in the presence of the dead, let us have -peace. My son," he continued, turning to the Count, "you will never, I -am sure, oppose Monsieur Estoc in carrying in the body of our poor -friend into the chapel according to his vow, if he pledge his word to -retire immediately after it be accomplished. You, Monsieur Estoc, will -never refuse to plight your word as a French gentleman, to re-tread -your steps as soon as you have laid the corpse before the altar, -without doing injury to any one, or interfering in any way with the -affairs of the castle." - -"Most willingly, good father," replied Estoc; "I come but for one -purpose; and as soon as that is accomplished, I am more anxious than -any one to leave this place at once, for I have promised to lead these -good fellows back to join the King, and reap our share in the fruits -of this great victory." - -"Then it is true that Henry won the battle?" asked Monsieur de -Liancourt. - -"Ay, Sir!" answered Estoc, "most true--and a decisive battle it was. -The League is now, nothing but a name." - -Chazeul smiled contemptuously; but the priest brought back the -discussion to the point, saying, "Monsieur de Liancourt, you have not -answered. I trust you will be satisfied with this promise." - -The Count hesitated; but Estoc, turning towards him with a reproachful -look, demanded, "Have you known me so long, Monsieur de Liancourt, and -yet doubt my word? I promise you, Sir, to quit the castle with these -good men, as soon as I have laid that bier before the altar, and given -father Walter here the message which I have to deliver to him, -regarding the watching of the body and the masses for the soul." - -"Well," said the Count, whose eyes had been turned for a moment to the -hill behind Estoc, "well, I consent on condition, Sir, that you -immediately retire to the village without meddling in any way with -what you may see within the castle. Do you promise as a man of -honour?" - -"I do!" replied Estoc; "though I know not what you are afraid I should -interfere with. But as I come here for a fixed purpose, when that is -accomplished, I will go." - -"Well, then, march on!" said the Count; "and we, as mourners for my -brother, will bring up the rear." - -The order was accordingly given, and the funeral train was once more -put in motion. The party of the Count, with the exception of father -Walter, who remained in front, paused till the rest had passed, and -then fell in behind; but, on a word from Monsieur de Liancourt, one of -his attendants quitted the line, and at a quick pace sped up the hill -to the spot where the coach, containing poor Rose d'Albret, was still -standing. Had Estoc been aware of whom that vehicle contained, it -might have changed the fate of many an after day; but as yet he had -not perceived it at all; and following the corpse of his old leader -with a slow and heavy step, while a thousand memories of other days, -associated with the very building he was now entering, pressed sadly -on his mind, he ascended the slope with his eyes bent down upon the -ground, till the body passed the low arch of the gate, and he found -himself in the outer court, so long familiar to his footsteps. - -The priest, in the meantime, sped on into the chapel, in order to -receive the body with the usual ceremonies; and, dismounting from -their horses, the soldiers who had followed the old commander to the -field of Ivry, soon thronged the space before the altar, with their -armed forms falling into fine but sombre groups, as the last faint -rays of the setting sun streamed through the stained glass window on -the western side, and cast their long shadows across the floor, -covered with many a monumental stone and inscription. The Count de -Liancourt and Chazeul stood behind, with their followers and -attendants; and even when the ceremony was over, they lingered still, -as if to see the old soldier and his comrades quit the chapel. - -Estoc looked round more than once in the hope that they were gone. -Perhaps he wished to give way to the feelings of sorrow and regret -that were strong in his heart, without the presence of colder -witnesses. Perhaps he wished to have some private conversation with -the priest before he departed. But the Count and his companions -remained where they were; and finding that they had no intention of -retiring, he at length turned to the priest, saying, "Monsieur de la -Tremblade, I have now to ask you, on behalf of him who is gone, first, -to say one hundred masses for the repose of his soul." - -The priest bowed his head, replying, "It shall be done right -willingly, my son." - -And Estoc proceeded, "Secondly, to keep vigil this night and to-morrow -by the body, till the hour of matins." - -"It is unusual, my son," answered the priest, "except in the case of -very high personages; but still, as you require it, it shall be done." - -"I beseech you in charity to do so, father," replied Estoc: "and I -know that which you promise you will accomplish." - -"Without fail," answered father Walter, and Estoc, turning from the -chapel led his men back into the court. The first object his eyes fell -upon was a carriage, apparently just arrived and surrounded by several -armed men, bearing the green scarfs of the League. The door of the -coach was open, and a lady in the act of alighting; and the next -moment Rose d'Albret held out her hands to the old soldier, -exclaiming, "Ah! good Estoc!" - -Yielding to the first impulse, Estoc sprang forward towards her, -exclaiming, "Have they brought you here already, dear lady?" - -"Much against my will," replied Mademoiselle d'Albret; but Chazeul and -the Count de Liancourt instantly interposed. - -"You promised, Sir," exclaimed the latter, "to retire from the château -without interfering with anything that you might see or hear. Is this -the way you keep your word?" - -"I will keep my word with you, Sir," answered Estoc, "better than you -have kept yours with this lady's father.--Alas! Mademoiselle -d'Albret," he continued, "I am bound to quit this place at once; and -all I can say is, that steadfast truth and firmness will prevail at -last, and so I must bid you farewell." - -As he spoke, he kissed her hand and turned away; and Rose, yielding to -a violent burst of tears, suffered herself to be led into the building -by the Count de Liancourt, who remained silent till they reached the -hall, where the first object that presented itself to her eyes, in the -dim twilight that now reigned through the wide chamber, was the tall -harsh form of the Marchioness de Chazeul, advancing as if to meet her. -For a moment, Rose's heart sunk at the sight; but, the next instant, -she murmured to herself, "I must not give way. My task is one of -firmness, and I must not yield to any weakness like this." - -"So, girl, so," cried Jacqueline de Chazeul, "all your fine plots have -proved of no avail! Was it not decent, delicate, and feminine, to fly -from your guardian's protection and cast yourself, unmarried, into the -arms of a man you scarcely know?" - -"Scarcely know!" exclaimed Rose d'Albret; "whom do I know so well? -But, Madam, to fly with him was my only choice, in order to escape the -arts and persecutions which I was sure to encounter here. I believe -that I was justified by the contract of my father, which had been so -long concealed from me. I could trust to the honour of the man to whom -my father had engaged my hand; and I went to seek from the King that -protection and justice which I was not likely to meet with where I was -best entitled to except it." - -"You have learned boldness enough, it seems, minion," replied Madame -de Chazeul, in a sharp tone, "and, if you think to justify yourself -here, by saying that it was to a heretic usurper you fled, to one -condemned and degraded by God and the apostolic church, from your -lawful guardian and the husband whom he has selected for you, you are -very much mistaken." - -"To you, Madam, I seek not to justify myself at all," replied Rose; "I -have nought to do with you, nor you with me. To Monsieur de Liancourt, -when he thinks fit, I am ready, in private, to assign the motives of -my conduct, and to none else am I responsible." - -"I will teach you that I have to do with you, pretty lady," replied -Madame de Chazeul. "Have you not deceived and ill-treated my son? and -you shall make him full atonement, before I quit this château." - -"I have not ill-treated nor deceived him, Madam," replied Rose. "'Tis -he that has ill-treated and deceived me, and many others, too. He -cannot say that I ever affected to love him, that I ever did more than -yield a cold and unwilling acquiescence to that which he made me -believe, by a shameless falsehood, was my poor father's will. I -learned, at length, what that father's intentions really were; and -then, contempt and abhorrence of the deceiver took place of the -indifference I before felt towards him. He knows it well," she -continued, "that I am bound to him by no tie, no promise, no -engagement whatsoever. I was told that I must marry him--" - -"And so you must, fair lady," exclaimed Madame de Chazeul, in a -mocking tone, "and so you must, and so you shall! Assure as my name is -Jacqueline de Chazeul, you shall be his wife before two suns set." - -"Nay, nay, my dear mother," said Chazeul, who had been speaking to the -Count de Liancourt at a little distance, "you are too harsh, and too -unkind to Mademoiselle d'Albret. She will yield when she finds that it -must be so. She will also yield, when she finds she is mistaken about -this contract, and that, in reality, her father left it open for -Monsieur de Liancourt to bestow her hand on which of his nephews he -thought fit. I can assure you, Rose," he continued, in a soft, but -emphatic tone, "Monsieur de Marennes believed that my uncle, here, -could bequeath his estates to myself, if he chose it; and, therefore, -I might as well be meant by the contract as my cousin." - -"Cease, Sir, cease," answered Rose; "it is vain to stain yourselves -with any more deceits. I now know the whole truth, that the good -Commander resigned his claims in favour of Madame de Montigni; that to -her son those claims appertained when my father signed the contract, -and, therefore, it was to him he pledged me. But I have something more -to say, and I beg you will mark it. Had you been even meant by the -contract, which you know right well you were not, nothing on earth -should ever make me give you my hand, now that I know some other of -your doings. I would rather, a thousand-fold, vow myself to the -seclusion of a convent, than pass my life with a man whom I can -neither respect, esteem, nor love." - -"We will not give you the choice, minion," cried Madame de Chazeul; -"your fate is sealed and determined; you are to be his wife, if not by -fair means, then by force. This will bear no farther trifling, -Liancourt; you must exert your power over her, and compel her to do -what is right." - -"I hope he will exert it," exclaimed Rose, "to protect me from those -who would do me wrong. Monsieur de Liancourt," she continued, "I have -always loved you well. You have ever been kind to me, till this last -sad occasion, when, persuaded by others, I am sure, rather than by -your own inclination, you have well nigh sacrificed my happiness and -peace. For my part, I have tried, from my young days, to show you the -affection of a daughter, and I would willingly show you the obedience -of one, were it possible; but in this instance, it is not so. My -father's contract I will fulfil, happy that my own inclinations and -the earliest affections of my heart go with it, but still more happy -that it saves me from wedding one with whom I could expect nothing but -misery. I beseech you, then, give me that protection which you -promised my father you would afford me; suffer me not to be injured -and insulted in your own house, even by your sister; and do not allow -me to be persecuted to break the engagement made between you and your -wife's brother. Rather, aid to maintain it to the utmost of your -power; and be my support and stay in this hour of difficulty and -distress." - -"You ask much at my hands, Mademoiselle d'Albret," replied the Count, -coldly, "and yet do not offer much in return. You cannot suppose that -I approve of your quitting my house with Monsieur de Montigni; and -your claim to protection on my part, must be founded on your obedience -to my commands, which I trust you will now honour somewhat more than -you have lately done." - -Rose turned away, with a sad look, and sickening sinking at her heart. -Every one was against her; and, though it was what she had expected, -yet it made her feel more deeply desolate and hopeless. To reply, she -saw was vain; and she felt that she could not much longer keep up the -firm and determined tone in which she had forced herself to speak; for -tears, at every other moment, were ready to betray the feelings that -she laboured to conceal. "I am weary," she said, abruptly, "and I -would fain retire to rest. By your leave, Monsieur de Liancourt, I -will seek my chamber." - -"I will show you which is your chamber," said Madame de Chazeul, "for -you must not fancy that you are to tenant a room so easy of access. -Who can tell," she continued, in a jesting tone, "what gay gallants we -may have in the castle, who may be pleased to scale a lady's window, -when they know she is so ready to receive them?" - -Rose could bear no more, and burst into a flood of tears. - -"Hush, Jacqueline, hush!" said Monsieur de Liancourt; "I will show her -the room myself;" and, taking her hand, he led her away from the hall. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - - -For one moment--it could scarcely be more--the old Marchioness de -Chazeul gazed down upon the pavement of the hall after her brother had -left them; and then looking up, with the demon smile which was not -uncommon upon her countenance, when anything especially daring and -evil was working in her mind, she took her son's arm, and gazing in -his face, said in a low sarcastic tone, "Do you know, my son Nicholas, -you are but a fool after all?" - -"Indeed, sweet mother?" said the worthy offspring of such a parent, -with a look of supercilious indifference; "I am glad to hear you think -so. Variety is charming in a family; and I have heard men say that you -are no fool. But may I know how I have merited the pleasant -appellation you so glibly bestow upon me? What have I done, said, or -thought, which deserves that ancient and honourable title?" - -"You have thought that this girl can be won by civility, flattering, -coaxing, and tenderness," replied the Marchioness; "and therefore you -are a fool, as well as my weak brother, your uncle. It needs but a -glance of her eye; it needs but a word from her lip, to show that such -means are as vain as whistling to the wind. I tell you, Chazeul, and I -tell you true, that force--force--do you mark me? force is the only -engine you can employ against this haughty spirit. Ay, and it must be -applied quickly, if you would have your bride. She knows more than we -imagine--she knows all, that is clear. There is now no stopping in -midway. You must overleap all idle barriers; rend to pieces all -morsels of black and white parchment. You must render yourself the -only man she can marry; and all will be soon yours." - -"But what course would you have me pursue, my most politic mother?" -asked Chazeul; "If one frightens and alarms her, she will only shrink -from me the more." - -"Let her shrink," cried the Marchioness. "What matters her shrinking, -to you? Do not pretend to things you do not feel. She must be your -wife, Chazeul, shrinking or willingly; and which, matters not much, -either to you or me. She must be yours, I say; and as it is clear that -she will not with her consent, it must be without." - -"But how? but how is this to be accomplished?" demanded her son. "Here -are a thousand obstacles, good lady. We must work through my uncle, -and you must see that it is vain to hope he will use any violent -means. How weakly he answered me this morning, when Nemours' trumpet -came!" - -"We must act through some one else," answered the Marchioness. "He is -not to be trusted, but when he considers his rights invaded; and 'tis -useless to think of employing him. We must find another, and get him -to aid our plan." - -"But what is that plan?" demanded the young nobleman. "Let me hear in -a word what is the purport of all these hints?--How is it to be done?" - -"By various ways," replied Madame de Chazeul. "First and above all, -you must remove from this busy scene the man whom she fancies that she -loves." - -"Remove him!" exclaimed Chazeul; "I know not how. He is surrounded by -people devoted to him. I should find some difficulty.--He is now in -the hands of Nemours too, who would not suffer it. The Duke is -scrupulous in such matters." - -Such were the words of Chazeul. He expressed no surprise; he displayed -no horror at the proposal; but in those days such thoughts were -familiar to the minds of most men. In the preceding reign, private -assassination had been one of the means of war, so often really -committed by persons high in station and education, that rumour as -usual exceeded the truth, and no death took place with circumstances -at all out of the common course, without being attributed to the -agency of man. The revenge of individuals, the malignity of faction, -the policy of states, all took the same direction; and kings and -princes prompted and paid for dark deeds of blood, as well as the -corrupt minions of the court, and the vicious women with whom it was -thronged. Each day some murder had stained the records of the country, -and men had more cause to guard themselves against the covert enmity -of the rival in ambition or in love, than against the open wrath of -the acknowledged foe. So common, indeed, had such crimes become, that -circumstances were supposed to justify, and custom to palliate them; -and when they were discovered, no wonder or disgust was excited, and -multitudes who had taken no part in the deed itself, were found to -conceal, protect, and plead for the assassin. It was an age of crime. - -Chazeul, then, and his mother discussed the means of removing De -Montigni from their path, as calmly as if they had been laying out -some party of pleasure; there was no hesitation, no repugnance, no -tragic movings of remorse. The difficulties were all that were -considered and how to obviate them. It was of everyday deeds and -events they spoke, and they conversed over them in an every-day tone. - -"I do not see," replied the Marchioness, "why that should prevent the -business. His being in the hands of Nemours, but fastens him to one -spot, where he can always be reached." - -"But there will be guards and people about him," said Chazeul, "who -would give him help. To accomplish it, we should need too many men, to -be able to introduce them quietly." - -"Too many men!" cried his mother with a laugh; "why, you soldiers -always are thinking of violence, and swords, and daggers. You do not -fancy, do you, that I would have recourse to means so rough? Out -upon such coarse handy-work! One little cup of drink--one savoury -ragout--will do the deed better than bullet or steel, and put you in -possession of Liancourt as well as Marennes. But leave that to me, for -you seem unskilful in such matters. You must have both; and your task -must be with the girl--leave me the man. We must have no more -trifling, Chazeul, or secrets may come out which it were well to hide -till you have obtained all that you can desire. The girl must be yours -before two days have past--did you not mark her words?" - -"I marked many of them," replied Chazeul; "they were well worthy of -notice.--But which do you mean?" - -"Are you so dull?" asked his mother. "Did you not hear her say, that -you had deceived others as well as herself? and did not your own mind -read the comment?--Hark ye, boy! Did you ever see or know a person--a -sweet tender, delicate creature, called Helen de la Tremblade?" - -Chazeul's cheek grew pale and then red; not from remorse; not from -shame; but from dread. It was dread, however, of only one human being. -All the world might have been made aware of his baseness, without -causing him a care or anxiety, if he could have kept it from his -mother. But he knew her well, the dark and fiendish nature of her -character, her remorseless seeking for her own ends, her vindictive -hatred of all those who offended her, and the little regard she had -for any tie, in pursuit of her own objects. Vanity, vice, and -intemperate passions, had not yet altogether quenched every natural -feeling in his heart; and some lingering affection for the unhappy -girl he had injured, made him apprehensive for her, more than for -himself. His mother might use the knowledge she had obtained, to drive -him in the course she thought fit, or to frustrate his purposes if he -opposed her, but she would do no more as far as he was concerned. The -result to Helen, however, might be death, or worse than death; and, -for a moment or two, he remained silent, considering how he should -act. - -The keen eye of Madame de Chazeul was upon his countenance all the -time, marking every change of expression, and translating all she -marked; but after waiting his answer for some time, she demanded, "You -have heard of such a person, have you not?" - -"Well," he replied somewhat impatiently, "what of her? What has -Mademoiselle d'Albret to do with Helen?" - -"Ha, ha, ha," cried Madame de Chazeul, with a bitter laugh. "What has -she to do with Helen! Why, simply to tell Walter de la Tremblade, that -gay Nicholas de Chazeul has made a paramour of his niece, in order to -raise a devil that will soon send all our projects flying to the -wind.--You now see there is no time to be lost. The thing cannot long -be kept secret. This girl has got some inkling of the truth, and she -must be your wife before she can hint her suspicions to him, and he -inquire into the facts." - -Chazeul paused, and thought for a moment, and then repeated his -mother's words. "The thing cannot long be kept secret!--why not?--What -have you done with her, my good mother?--Something assuredly; for -Helen would keep her own counsel.--You have not put her to death, -surely?" - -"Not I," cried Madame de Chazeul. "I am not called upon to punish such -sins as that. It's only when people stand in the way, that wise men -put them to death. There, be satisfied,--be satisfied. I have done her -no harm; but, as I told you, the thing cannot long be concealed. Rose -d'Albret has obtained some intimation of it. Of that I am sure by her -manner. The old priest will wonder that his niece does not come -hither, for I told him she was ill, or I would have brought her; and -he will go to see her, so that I say, it cannot be long concealed. You -must use your time, therefore, busily." - -Chazeul saw that his mother did not tell him all; but he was well -aware, that it was impossible to obtain the straightforward truth from -her, when she, wished to conceal it, and accordingly following the -bent which she gave to the conversation herself, he asked, "But -how--how am I to use my time busily and to good purpose? I, unaided, -cannot force Rose d'Albret to give me her hand. If my uncle would -assist vigorously, we might indeed succeed. But he is timid, as you -know, in action, however bold he may be in words; and depend upon it, -we shall need strong measures to induce her to yield." - -"Ay, strong measures indeed," replied his mother, "but they may be -used without my brother's will or consent; and, if you manage matters -rightly, you may make the lady less positive than she is at present. -Hark ye, Chazeul, a word in your ear!" He bent down his head, and the -Marchioness whispered to him a few brief words. - -"No, no!--Impossible," he cried; "utterly impossible! The maid sleeps -in the ante-chamber, the priest in the next room.--'Tis quite in -vain." - -"Why, foolish boy," replied his mother, "I mean no violence--I mean no -wrong. You do not comprehend me. Do you not know, how much store she -sets upon virtue and reputation? She would never consent to carry to -Louis de Montigni, a sullied name. Let but her fame be in your hands; -let us but be able to prove that you have passed the night in her -chamber; and we shall have no more idle resistance. The girl -Blanchette will give you admittance, and be a witness also. Then keep -as still as death for an hour or two, leave something on the table--a -glove--a hat--anything in short, to mark that you have been there, and -to show her herself that it is so, without your telling her." - -Chazeul paused and meditated. He thought the scheme not unlikely to -succeed; and yet he feared to undertake it. If discovered, he knew -that it would prove his ruin with his uncle; and he did not see how he -could bring it to work upon the mind of Rose herself, without -acknowledging the truth or more than the truth to Monsieur de -Liancourt. Just as he was about to reply, the Count himself returned -with father Walter; and one of the servants entered at the same time -to light the sconces in the hall. Madame de Chazeul held up her -finger; as a warning to be silent; and as soon as the attendant was -gone, the Marchioness turned to her brother, inquiring, "Well, what -have you done with this obstinate girl, Anthony?" - -"In good faith, nothing," replied the Count; "she was more mild and -gentle than with you; and I left her weeping; but she is as firm as -ever." - -"Well," said Madame de Chazeul, in an indifferent tone, "if she will -not by fair means, she must by force. We have every right to compel -her to do that which is good for her." - -Monsieur de Liancourt shook his head doubtfully, saying, "I do not -know." - -"Ah, my good brother," answered Madame de Chazeul in a bitter tone, "a -battle lost makes great difference with doubtful friends. What say -you, Monsieur de la Tremblade? Are you for giving up the Holy Catholic -Union, and bestowing the lands of Marennes and Liancourt upon a -supporter of the heretics?" - -"Far from it, Madam," replied Walter de la Tremblade. "If anything, -this unfortunate defeat should make us more zealous, active, and -determined. The party of the League is the party of truth and -religion; and doubtless it will ultimately triumph. It should be our -part to promote it the more strenuously, as each new obstacle arises; -and I must say that, conscientiously, no guardian could bestow the -hand of his ward upon a man, who, like Monsieur de Montigni, has drawn -his sword against his religion." - -"But that is a different thing," said Monsieur de Liancourt "from -forcing her to a marriage without her consent." - -"Not altogether," answered the priest. "If you do not compel her to -wed the one, she will wed the other; and when she finds there is no -escape, most probably her resistance will give way." - -Madame de Chazeul watched the countenance of father Walter while he -spoke, and listened, well satisfied, to words which showed her beyond -all doubt, that neither her own conduct towards his niece, nor that of -her son, was ever dreamt of by Walter de la Tremblade. "If we can -accomplish this marriage," she thought "within a few hours all will be -safe. He may rage then, as much as he will. It is amusing enough, to -make him aid in bringing about that, which he will wish undone, when -he knows the truth." - -"What you say is very true, father," rejoined the Count, "but I see -not what means one can employ actually to force her. As she said to me -but now, we may drag her to the altar, but she will refuse the vow, -and protest against it in the face of God and man." - -"Such things have taken place," said Walter de la Tremblade, "and yet -the ceremony has proceeded." - -"But then, the contract," said Monsieur de Liancourt. "If she will not -sign it, how can we force her?" - -"Oh, leave all that to me," cried Madame de Chazeul. "If you, brother, -will only promise not to interfere, except by exerting your authority -on behalf of your nephew, and laying your commands upon her to marry -him, I will do all the rest." - -"But I fear your violence, my good sister," replied the Count. - -Madame de Chazeul was about to answer, when a servant again entered -the hall; and Monsieur de Liancourt exclaimed impatiently, "what now?" - -"A messenger is just arrived from Chartres, Sir," replied the man, -"with orders for Monsieur de Mottraye who escorted Mademoiselle Rose -back, to return without a moment's delay, as the town is menaced by -the King. He brings tidings, too, Sir, that a duel has been fought -between Monsieur de Montigni and my lord of Nemours." - -"Nemours has killed him for a thousand crowns," cried Chazeul, as -joyfully as if De Montigni had shown himself his bitterest enemy -through life. - -"What more? what more?" cried Monsieur de Liancourt; "which of them -fell?" - -"He knew little about it, Sir," replied the servant, "for he came -away, before the matter had spread over the town." - -"I will go and see him," exclaimed Chazeul. "Nemours has killed him -without doubt." - -Thus saying, he hurried away, and was absent for several minutes, -during which time the Marchioness talked in a low voice to the priest. -But the Count remained standing in the middle of the room, with his -eyes bent down and his heart sad. He could not but recollect the days -that were passed. The boy whom he had brought up from early years, the -graces and high qualities he had displayed, and many a little act, and -many a little scene, forgotten till that moment, rose up reproachfully -before his eyes, and for the time filled him with grief, and with -remorse. The voice of conscience, which in its own hour will be heard, -told him that the deed was his, that, had he not attempted to injure -and deceive his sister's son, all the long train of dark and sad -events, which had filled the last few days, would not have happened, -that joy, and peace, and mutual love, and kindly affection might have -reigned, where strife and evil passion, violence and death, had been -introduced, as the black followers of fraud. His brother and his -nephew, both were gone in a few short days; and his heart told him, -that the virtuous and the good had been cut off, while the dishonest -and the vile remained! - -It was but during a few minutes, however, that such thoughts oppressed -him; for vanity, his besetting sin, the besetting sin of so many, the -salve with which the devil medicates all the wounds of conscience was -soon brought to his relief. He was too vain to believe, for any length -of time, that he could do wrong, even though the warning angel of the -human heart thundered it in his ear. "Had De Montigni done as he was -asked," he thought, after he had mastered the first impression, -"nothing of this kind would have happened. It is all in consequence of -his own obstinacy. What a sad thing it is, that men will not be -persuaded to their own good!" - -As these comforting reflections passed through his mind, Chazeul -re-entered the hall. "He is dead," he cried, "beyond all doubt he is -dead. The man himself saw Nemours come back into the city, alone and -uninjured." - -"Well, then," said Madame de Chazeul, "we are saved all farther -trouble; for now you are the only heir. You had better go and tell her -the news, Chazeul. Perhaps it may deliver her from as great an -embarrassment as any one feels." - -"Fie now, Jacqueline! Fie now!" cried the Count. "You know not her -heart or feelings." - -"I know very well, my good brother," replied Madame de Chazeul, "that -women if they have said a thing, often adhere to it with the constancy -of a martyr, when they would give their right hand for a fair excuse -for changing; but vanity keeps them to the point, with a much firmer -sort of resolution than conviction can supply. Do not tell me about -her feelings! I know my own sex far better than you do; and I am sure -there is not one woman out often, who would not rejoice at the death -of her dearest friend, if it delivered her from a great -embarrassment." - -"I find the church is merciful as well as wise, in imposing celibacy -upon its priesthood," said father Walter, with a cold sarcastic smile. -"But, indeed, I think it would be better, not to tell Mademoiselle -d'Albret to-night. She must be fatigued; her mind depressed with -disappointment and anxiety; and she should be allowed some time for -repose." - -"No, father, no!" replied Madame de Chazeul. "She must know it -to-night, for the marriage shall take place to-morrow, or, at -farthest, the next day. Let her have to-night for grief--for I do not -say she will not weep--to-morrow her mind will be made up, and the -affair can proceed with decency." - -"Will you tell her, father Walter?" said Monsieur de Liancourt. - -"Nay," exclaimed the Marchioness, "why give him that trouble? I will -do it in a moment." - -"No, Jacqueline, you shall not go," cried the Count. "You are too -harsh and fierce to bear such tidings.--Go, Father, go!--It is an -office of Christian charity." - -"She is more likely to believe it from my lips, than yours, Madam," -said father Walter, "and therefore I will undertake the task; but I -must be quick, for I have my watch to commence in the chapel." - -"Let us hear how she bears it," said the Count de Liancourt. "I grieve -for the poor girl." - -"Pshaw!" cried Jacqueline de Chazeul; and the priest quitted the hall, -leaving the Marchioness evidently uneasy. - -A chamber had now been assigned to Rose d'Albret, higher in the -building than that which she had formerly tenanted, and next to the -room of father Walter himself. It opened first into an ante-chamber, -somewhat smaller than the other, and thence upon a large landing -place, separated from the stairs by a balustrade. The ante-room, as -before, was occupied by the maid Blanchette, who, well warned and -tutored, was kept as a spy upon all her mistress's actions; and, on -entering this little suite of apartments, the girl was the first -person whom father Walter encountered. - -She was sitting at a table, knitting, with a sullen brow and pouting -lips; and, notwithstanding deep habitual reverence for the priest, she -seemed scarcely willing to answer him civilly, when he inquired, if he -could speak with her mistress. - -"I cannot tell," replied the girl, rising for a moment, and resuming -her seat; "I really do not know what she is doing,--she does not want -my services, she says; she would rather be alone." - -"Go and see, daughter!" said the priest. "Doubtless Mademoiselle -d'Albret is grieved and perhaps angry; but that does not exempt you -from respect and obedience towards her in all things, where other -duties do not require you to oppose her wishes." - -"Indeed, father," answered the girl sullenly, "I cannot undertake all -this.--Here, I am told not to quit her ante-room, from the moment she -enters her chamber, till the moment she leaves it, which is making me -no better than a prisoner; and then, I am to be rated, and frowned -upon by the Lady, as if I had behaved very ill to her.--I don't see -why I should bear all this." - -"Because you are ordered to do so," said the priest somewhat sternly: -but he added the next moment, "It will not be of long duration -however. Now go and tell her I am here, seeking to speak with her on a -matter of deep moment." - -Before Blanchette could obey, however, the door of the ante-chamber -opened, and Madame de Chazeul entered, saying, "I have come to tell -her myself, good father. I can then better judge of her frame of mind; -and, as the Count tells me, you have to keep vigil by the body of my -poor old brother Michael, which I did not understand before, I will -not keep you." - -"Nay," replied the priest, "I have time, and will never shrink from -doing my duty. This poor child will need consolation, and it must be -my task to give it to her, as far as my poor voice can do so." - -The Marchioness was evidently not well pleased with this reply; and, -though she masked her embarrassment as well as she could, yet a -certain air of anxiety and uneasiness, did not escape the calm but -penetrating eye of Walter de la Tremblade. "She doubts me," bethought. -"She is one of those who have no confidence in any one. What must her -own heart be like!" - -As he thus pondered, Blanchette returned, and bade him enter, which he -did, making way, however, for Madame de Chazeul to pass in first. - -Rose had been weeping, but her eyes were now dry; and the usual mild -and gentle expression was upon her countenance, till her eye lighted -upon Madame de Chazeul; and then she turned away her head, with a look -of shuddering horror, which the Marchioness did not fail to mark, -though with less anger, than might perhaps have been expected. It was -her wish to overawe and to command, both at present and in future and -the age of wishing to be loved, had long passed by with her. Rose -however, soon added to the offence; for, turning towards Walter de la -Tremblade, she said, "The girl merely mentioned your name, father; and -I was willing and even glad to receive you; but the conversation which -has already taken place between this lady and myself, was not of such -a character as to make her society very desirable to me." - -"You must have it, nevertheless, pretty minion," replied Madame de -Chazeul. "I know you are as ungrateful, as you are self-willed; but I -came to break to you a piece of news which has just arrived, and -which, as you must hear it sooner or later, we have thought fit to -communicate at once." - -"The sooner it is communicated the better," answered Rose; "I beseech -you to make no delay; for I am anxious to retire to rest." - -Madame de Chazeul turned towards the priest with a sign for him to -proceed; and father Walter taking up the tale, addressed Rose in a -gentle and a kindly tone, saying, "I fear, my poor daughter, what we -have to communicate may grieve you more than you expect; and I would -therefore have you prepare your mind, by thinking of how God tries all -men in this world, with various deep afflictions, making them -sometimes his chastisements for errors past, sometimes warnings -against future faults, often depriving us of those things most dear -which might prove snares to us, often frustrating our most anxious -desires, which, if we knew all, might in their gratification produce -misery, instead of joy." - -Rose listened attentively, anxious to hear what was to come next; but -Madame de Chazeul waved her hand impatiently, exclaiming, "You are not -in the pulpit, my good father. Do you not see she is quite prepared -for anything you have to say? The truth is this, Mademoiselle -d'Albret, a messenger has just arrived from Chartres bringing orders -for the men who accompanied you, to return immediately, and with that -order they conveyed intelligence that a duel has been fought between -Monsieur de Nemours, and your late lover De Montigni, in which the -latter has met with the chastisement which his presumption deserved, -and has been killed on the spot." - -Rose started up and clasped her hands, while her face grew pale as -ashes, and for a moment she seemed about to faint. The next instant, -however, she passed her hand across her brow, gazed for a moment -anxiously upon the ground, and then suddenly raised her head with a -smile full of scorn, while the blood came back into her cheek and lip, -exclaiming, "It is false! I know that it is false!" - -"The poor creature is mad," said Madame de Chazeul. "You know it to be -false, when we know it to be true! You must have wonderfully clever -information. The man is in the château at this moment, who brought the -tidings from Chartres." - -"Let me see him!" said Rose d'Albret. - -Madame de Chazeul paused, and saw that, by mentioning the messenger, -she had committed a mistake; for it was her object to represent the -death of De Montigni as certain, and she was aware that her son had -run on to that inference, much more rapidly than the man's own account -might justify. - -"No," she replied, "you shall not see him. I pledge my word that the -information is true. Here is father Walter ready to do the same. -Monsieur de Liancourt will tell you the like story. If you insult us -by doubting our word, it does not become us, to take any trouble to -convince you." - -"Madam, I have been deceived in more than one thing already," replied -Rose, bending her head gravely; "and consequently, I do not lend my -mind easily to everything that is told me. Father Walter, I beseech -you, by your duty to God, by your sacred calling, as you shall answer -for it hereafter, to let me know, has this information truly arrived, -and is it certain?" - -"That it has arrived, is beyond doubt," answered the priest, "but in -regard to the certainty or the particulars--not having spoken with the -messenger myself--I cannot say anything." - -Rose waved her hand. "Enough," she said, "enough; I will beseech you -now to leave me.--Nay, I can endure no more to-night." - -Madame de Chazeul was going to add something; but the priest laid his -hand upon her arm, saying, "Nay, Madam, let us not press upon her -hardly. Give her till to-morrow to think over it;" and he led the -Marchioness away, leaving poor Rose to her meditations. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - - -The moment the priest and the Marchioness de Chazeul were gone, Rose -d'Albret cast herself down into her chair, and covered her eyes with -her hands. She would fain have shut out every sight and sound, in -order that she might bend the whole energies of her mind to -contemplation of that one question--were the dreadful tidings she had -heard, true or false? But the agitating beating of her heart, the -whirling confusion of her brain, prevented her for a long time, from -fixing her thoughts firmly upon all the different arguments for -believing or disbelieving the tale that had been told her. All was -wild, and vague, and indistinct. Apprehension at first was far more -powerful than hope; and, though reason pointed out many -improbabilities even in that part of the intelligence which, as the -reader knows, was absolutely true, yet she still dreaded the worst, -even while she resolved, if possible, to believe that all was false. - -"Was it likely," she asked herself, "that so proud a prince as the -Duke of Nemours, should risk his life in single combat against his own -prisoner? Was it probable, that he, who had shown himself so haughty -towards De Montigni as scarcely to return him an answer, should place -himself in such a position as to be compelled to meet him in the -field? Was it not likely, most likely, that such a tale should be -invented by those who had already deceived her on other points, in -order to lead her the more easily to the objects they desired? Was it -not clear that it was so, from their refusal to produce the messenger? -Was not, in short, anything asserted by Jacqueline de Chazeul, more -likely to be false than true?" - -Thus argued hope; but on the other side fear, though in fewer words, -spoke with a more powerful voice. "The priest had asserted that the -report had undoubtedly arrived. Would he venture to do so, after the -solemn adjuration she addressed to him, if he were not himself -convinced that what he said was true? Then, too, the pains he had -taken to prepare her mind for the tidings, showed care and -consideration for her; and, if the language he had used in so doing, -were but the preface to a falsehood, it must be blasphemous trifling -indeed. She suffered memory to run back over all the events lately -passed; she considered his conduct, she asked herself if he had ever -been guilty of deliberate falsehood? The answer was, no. He had -suffered others to do so; but he had not done it himself. Without -telling the exact truth, he had not uttered actual untruth. With that -species of art, which has acquired the name of a body of men famous -for employing it in all their dealings, he had made truth serve the -purposes of falsehood; and, by a jesuitical juggle, had countenanced -things that he knew to be untrue, without leaving those he deceived -any means of convicting him of a lie. But now he had boldly and -straightforwardly said, that the intelligence had certainly arrived. -There was no evading that, she thought; it must either be true or -false. She recollected, too, the fierce anger which De Montigni had -displayed when first made prisoner by Nemours, and the words and -glances which had passed between them in regard to herself. Might not -such a scene, she inquired, have been renewed, when her lover found -that she had been actually sent back without even being permitted -another interview with him? Might he not have used such language as -would compel a prince of fiery courage like Nemours to wave the -privileges of his rank, and meet him as had been reported. Nemours was -known to be daring, chivalrous, and of a character to carry the point -of honour to excess; and if they met, was not the result reported to -her, likely to take place." - -Thus argued fear; and between his voice and that of hope, her mind was -left in that painful uncertainty, which is more wearing and agitating -to the human frame, than even grief itself. She was still busy with -these thoughts, when the door opened and the maid looked in; but Rose -waved her hand impatiently, exclaiming, "leave me, leave me, I do not -want you. You can go to bed." - -The very sight of Blanchette, however, brought back to her mind all -the arts that had been practised upon her before, and made her once -more hope that this sad intelligence might be part of a similar plan. -"I will retire to bed;" she thought, "in the darkness and stillness of -the night, I can think over these things more quietly than now. The -sight of that girl is hateful to me. I will shut her out," but when -she looked round, she found that the lock of the door between her room -and the ante-chamber, had been removed. - -"Ha!" she said, "am I to have no privacy? This is hard, indeed;" and, -sitting down, she wept, feeling that she was left alone to struggle -with all the arts and machinations of a number, amongst whom she had -no friend. Rising again, after a moment, she wiped away the tears, -murmuring to herself, "but they shall not conquer me. Even if he whom -I love be gone, and have left me in this cold-hearted world alone, I -can die and follow him; but I will never be the wife of that base and -hateful man, let the result be whatever it may." Thus saying, she -undressed without assistance, and retired to bed. But, for poor Rose -d'Albret, it was no couch of repose. The thorns of the pillow--busy -care, and sharp apprehension and bitter grief--banished all sleep from -her eyes; and hour after hour she lay turning in her mind the same -heavy thoughts which had burdened her since the visit of the priest -and Madame de Chazeul. - -Daylight returned, at length; and, raising herself upon her arm, she -gazed round, as the faint grey stream of early morning poured through -the window, and showed the various objects in the room. Then came a -warmer tint, as the sun actually rose, and with it some of the -thoughts which usually accompany the rising day. How beautiful is the -revival of nature from her dark slumber in the arms of night! what an -image of the dawning of eternal life to the emancipated spirit after -the shadow of the grave! How good, how great, how wise, is the -Almighty Author of all, who plants in the seasons, and in the -elements, in the changes of the world, and in all the revolutions of -nature, the signs and symbols of his beneficence and his power, with -promises of love and blessing and protection! There was consolation -even in the pale beams of morning; but then came back the sad thought, -the bitter unanswerable question, to the mind of Rose d'Albret--"Do -the eyes of Louis de Montigni see, like mine, the return of dawning -day, or are they closed for ever in the tomb?" And rising from her bed -she knelt, and prayed, and wept, till the increasing sounds in the -house told her, that her oppressors were once more waking into active -life, and that she must prepare her mind to suffer and resist. - -Oh, how most painful of all the many grievous tasks of life, is that -of resistance! and yet it is the unceasing lot of humanity; for this -is all a battle field, and at every point--within and without, against -ourselves and others, against circumstances, temptations, cares, -griefs, fears, pleasures, successes, triumphs, vanity, hope, -expectation, pride, disappointment, opposition, regret, and despair; -against man and fiends--it is all resistance; and he who would -ultimately win the garland of victory, must be armed and awake at -every moment of existence. From the moment when the foot of Adam first -trod the garden, until the now in which we stand against the foe, the -conflict has gone on; and happy are they who do resist. - -Yet 'tis a weary and a terrible task, especially for those who buckle -on their armour for the first time; and poor Rose d'Albret felt her -heart sink as she prepared herself for it. But still, the thought of -him she loved, and her repugnance to the man who would have injured -him, nerved her for the effort; and again and again, she repeated, -"They shall never move me! My voice must speak the falsehood, my own -hand must sign my folly, my own heart must prove the traitor, ere they -can conquer." - -Her knowledge, too, of those with whom she had to deal, was not a -little serviceable in guarding her against all arts. That knowledge -had come slowly, not by study or inquiry, but sinking in daily into -her mind, as act after act, and word after word, developed the -characters of the persons who now surrounded her. - -"If they have doubts of De Montigni's fate," she argued, "they will -urge me to this abhorred marriage with Chazeul at once and -immediately; they will give me no time--they may even try threats, and -violence, and force. If they have no doubt they will be less -importunate; they will allow me to deliberate, to mourn. But, good -heaven, if they try force, what shall I do?--It matters not, I will -die first. But, by their course, I shall know whether the tale be true -or false; and if from their urgency I judge that it is false, I shall -gain strength from hope, and courage even from their cruelty. Poor -Helen de la Tremblade! They cannot make me as thou art--they cannot -add self-reproach to all I suffer, but by my own fault. Would that I -had not promised, never to tell her tale, till she herself thought -fit. I might perhaps find a friend, if I could do so, in the only one -who could well befriend me. She knew not how much her story might -serve me now; and I little thought that I should long to tell it for -my own safety, rather than for her comfort. But hark, there are people -speaking near! I will be dressed and prepared to meet them when they -come hither. Blanchette," she continued aloud, "Blanchette!" - -The girl made her call several times, and then appeared with a dull -and sullen countenance; and Rose proceeding with her toilet, exchanged -but few words with one whom she had never either loved or esteemed, -and now despised. - -When she was fully dressed she advanced towards the door, saying, "I -will go out upon the ramparts. Put the room in order against my -return." - -But the girl planted herself in the way, and replied, "You cannot, -Mademoiselle. There are strict orders that you remain here, till the -Count or the Marchioness come for you." - -There was a low suppressed laugh--a laugh of triumph in her -power--mingled with the girl's words, which was hard to bear; and Rose -felt at first inclined to resist, and then to weep; but she gave way -to neither temptation; and, after gazing at her for a minute, merely -replied, "What, I am a prisoner, then; and my own maid the gaoler? It -is well; but it will prove fruitless. Give me a book, I will read." - -The girl inquired what book, and gave her mistress the pain--and she -well knew it was a pain,--to speak more than once before she chose to -comprehend. - -At length, however, a book was brought; and poor Rose d'Albret, -placing herself near the window, strove to read with an unconcerned -air. But it was in vain she did so; the letters swam before her eyes: -her mind wandered to other things: her eye ran over the lines without -gathering their sense; and, ere she had mastered more than two or -three sentences, there was a step in the ante-room, a knock at the -door, and before she could say "Come in," Madame de Chazeul entered, -followed by Monsieur de Liancourt. The conflict, she saw, was about to -begin, and with an anxious gasp for breath, and a haggard eye, she -gazed upon them as they approached, unable to speak, though she strove -to do so. - -"Be calm, Rose, be calm," said Monsieur de Liancourt, placing a seat -for his sister, and taking one himself. "I have come to you thus early -in the morning, because Madame de Chazeul and father Walter informed -me last night, that you entertained suspicions as to the reality of -the sad intelligence which we received last night, and I wish to -assure you with my own lips that there is no doubt--that I entertain -no doubt of the fact." - -Rose wept but could not reply; and after a brief pause, the Count -proceeded: "Of course I feel deeply grieved that such a fate should -have overtaken my nephew; but I cannot help at the same time -remembering, that he has not lately acted as became him, nor shown -towards me that respect and gratitude which I trust I deserved at his -hands." - -"Oh, Sir," cried Rose, waving her hand mournfully; "touch not the -memory of the dead--of one who was willing to show you every -reverence, although, perhaps, he might feel that he had been wronged -and deceived. To you," she continued, seeing the Count's lip quiver, -"to you he attributed it not, but to the counsels of others; and you -would have found no one more affectionate no one more willing to -testify, in every way, his regard and respect." - -"Well, well," cried Madame de Chazeul, "there is no use of disputing -about such things. That is all past. The question before us is of the -present. You had something to say on that score, brother, I think?" - -"Why, simply this," replied the Count, "that as my nephew Chazeul is -now, without dispute, my heir, he is also, without dispute, the person -indicated by the contract between myself and Monsieur de Marennes--as -your husband, Rose!" he added, in a slow emphatic tone. - -Rose gazed down and was silent, for her heart beat so violently that -she had no power to reply. Had she calculated her whole conduct, -however, to obtain an insight into the views of her two companions, -nothing could have served her better than that silence, for Madame de -Chazeul observed, after a momentary pause, "I am happy to see you make -no objection, for no longer delay can be admitted,--indeed it is -impossible--for the presence of Chazeul is instantly required by the -Duke of Mayenne, and you must go with him as his wife." - -"Make no objection!" said Rose. - -But Madame de Chazeul cut her short, saying, "Ay, and it is well that -you do not, for it could have no effect if you did. Everything is -determined and prepared. The contract, as before drawn up, waits for -your signature, and the marriage must take place at once." - -"He is not dead," murmured Rose to herself, with a sudden look of joy -passing over her countenance, which those who saw it could in no -degree comprehend; and the next moment, turning to Monsieur de -Liancourt, she said, "Sir, I will ask if this be decent and proper, in -the very first day of mourning for your nephew, for him to whom my -heart was given, and my hand promised, to propose that I should wed -another?" - -"Urgent circumstances, Rose," answered the Count, "must justify what -would not otherwise be right. The necessity for Chazeul's immediate -departure compels us to this course, and I must insist that you make -no opposition." - -"If Monsieur de Chazeul must depart," said Rose, "let him; he can -return at some future period, when a widowed heart may have somewhat -recovered from the wound it has received. But it shall not be said, -that Rose d'Albret gave her hand to another, before her tears were dry -for him to whom her faith was plighted." - -"This is all vain folly," cried Madame de Chazeul; "my son will find -means to dry your tears, if that be all." - -"He can but make them flow more bitterly," replied Rose d'Albret; "was -ever such a monstrous and cruel thing proposed! Oh, Sir," she -continued, turning to the Count, "will you, a man of honour and a -gentleman, a man of feeling, and of a kindly heart--will you -countenance the attempt to force me, the very day after I have heard -of poor Louis de Montigni's bloody death, to wed a man for whom I -never entertained aught but indifference?" - -"Well, Rose, well," said the Count, rising; "I will give you another -day; that is all that I can allow; for my word is pledged that, before -noon to-morrow, you shall be Chazeul's wife. Nay, say no more, for I -will hear no more. Make up your mind to it in the meanwhile; for on -this point I am firm, and your conduct in secretly quitting my roof -for the purpose of thwarting all my designs and wishes for your -benefit, well justifies me in compelling your immediate obedience." - -Thus saying he turned and left the room; but Madame de Chazeul -remained gazing upon her poor victim with a bitter, and almost -contemptuous look, which might well teach Rose to apprehend no very -happy life if wedded to her son. - -"What is the meaning of all this, girl?" exclaimed the Marchioness, as -soon as the door had closed upon Monsieur de Liancourt; "you are -plotting some stratagem,--your delays have some end in view." - -"None, Madam," answered Rose d'Albret. "The only object that I can -have in life is, to avoid a union with a man I despise and abhor." - -"Despise and abhor!" exclaimed Jacqueline de Chazeul, in a mocking -tone; "pray may I ask how it happens that such passions have found -their way into your gentle breast?" - -"His own deeds, which have come to my ears in spite of your -precautions, Madam," replied Rose, "have planted those feelings there, -never to be rooted out." - -"What deeds?" demanded the Marchioness, sternly. - -"Unhappily I have promised never to name them," answered Rose; "but -you know to what I allude right well; and you cannot doubt with what -eyes I must look upon your son." - -"You must be his wife, notwithstanding," said Madame de Chazeul. - -But Rose could bear no more. "Never!" she exclaimed; "never! Come what -may I will never be his wife. You may drag me to the altar, but not -even by silence will I seem to give consent. I will refuse the vow, I -will cast away the ring, I will call God to witness that I am not his -wife. This hand shall never sign the contract till it moulders in the -grave; and if death be the consequence, I will not do one act that can -make me his;" and overpowered by her own vehemence, as well as by the -many emotions in her bosom, she burst into a bitter flood of tears. - -Madame de Chazeul gazed at her for a moment, while her whole face -worked with passion, which she could not find words to express; and -then shaking her hand at her, she exclaimed, in a low bitter tone, -"You shall!" and quitted the room. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - - -When the Marchioness de Chazeul retired from Rose's chamber, she did -not seek the society of her brother; neither did she at first send for -her son, nor inquire for the priest. But, as she passed through the -ante-chamber, she beckoned to the maid Blanchette, who had quitted the -room, when she and the Count had entered it, and, with a sign to -follow, led the way to her own apartments. When there, she seated -herself before the mirror, and remained for several minutes in deep -thought. She was, as we have depicted her, rancorous and vindictive, -but at the same time ambitious and greedy. Nor was she less -pertinacious and resolute, than crafty and clear-sighted. No -difficulties repelled her, no obstacles were in her eyes -insurmountable, no means unjustifiable to attain her ends. Of true -religion she had none, though not a little bigotry, strange as such a -combination may appear; and, as was the case with many besides herself -in that day, she would often scoff at even Almighty power, and set at -nought Heaven's vengeance, yet as often give herself up to penance and -austerities, with all the devotion of a saint. But penance never -reached the point of interrupting her in the course she chose to -pursue. She would mortify her appetites, but not abandon her designs; -and, though her formal observance of the injunctions of her church, -might show some sort of superstitious dread, the only fear that seemed -to affect her in her dealings with the world, was the fear of failure. - -It was that apprehension that now assailed her; but, as was always the -case with her, all that it produced was, fresh efforts to attain her -ends, greater exertions to overcome the obstacles that opposed her. -The high and firm resolution displayed by Rose d'Albret would have -been nothing in her eyes, had she possessed the sole command over her -brother's unhappy ward. Her declarations, she would have laughed to -scorn, and her remonstrances she would not have listened to. For -years, she had looked upon Rose as a creature that was but to be made -subservient to her purposes, the seal to the deed that was to transfer -the estates of Liancourt and Marennes to the house of Chazeul, and she -regarded even an expression of reluctance as a daring offence. But she -feared the effect of Rose's firmness on her brother; she knew him to -be weak and irresolute, easily swayed by persons of a firmer mind than -his own, violent and hasty by starts, but alarmed and intimidated by -resistance; and she doubted much, if Rose maintained her resolution -steadily, refused to go to the altar, or to sign the contract, that -Monsieur de Liancourt would use force to compel her, or pass over her -resistance and declare the marriage complete, contrary to her protest. -There was no scheme, however dark and criminal, that she would not -have followed to remove the resistance of her brother's ward; there -were no means that she would not have employed, as she herself -expressed it, to render a marriage with Chazeul necessary to her -honour. But she feared that she might be frustrated if she attempted -too daring a project, though that which had presented itself at one -time to her mind, had been shortly before carried through but too -successfully in another noble house in France, where the most -atrocious violence had been employed, to effect an object very similar -to her own. - -But though fond of strong and decided measures, Madame de Chazeul was -always willing to employ cunning and tortuous means; and she saw no -method of ensuring success, but by pursuing the plan which she had -hinted to her son: and now, as she sat there revolving all the -circumstances in her mind, she applied herself to fit so neatly the -various parts of her scheme together, that no flaw might mar it in the -execution. Blanchette in the meantime stood before her, now bending -her eyes upon the ground, in assumed modesty and diffidence, now -raising them with a furtive glance, to the countenance of the -Marchioness, and striving, but vainly, to read on that dark and -puzzled page, that which was passing in the still darker and more -intricate heart. - -At length Madame de Chazeul spoke, in a tone quiet and calm as if no -angry passion was a guest in her bosom, saying, "How did Mademoiselle -d'Albret pass the night, Blanchette? She seems weary and disturbed -this morning." - -"I do not know, Madam," replied Blanchette. "She sent me away from her -quite crossly, and I saw her no more till this morning. Then she was -cross enough, Madam," continued the girl, "especially when I told her -she was not to leave the room till some one came for her." - -"And who told you to do that?" exclaimed the Marchioness with a look -of surprise, "who told you to do that, I say?" - -"Why you, Madam, ordered me to watch her closely every moment," -answered Blanchette; "and so did the Count; and how was I to watch -her, if she were to go out, wandering all about the Château?" - -"You are insolent, girl!" cried Madame de Chazeul, "and this is the -way by your impertinent domineering, that you turn the mind of -Mademoiselle d'Albret against her friends. You should have watched as -if you were not watching; you should have given information to my -brother, or myself, if she went out; and not have presumed to make -yourself her turnkey.--Who are you, that you should dare to dictate to -a lady like that, whether she should go forth or not?" - -The maid replied not, but coloured highly and bit her lip, looking -down upon the ground with apparently no very placable endurance of the -reprimand, which probably she felt the more, as she was fully -conscious of having exceeded her orders, at the very time she did so, -for the purpose of gratifying her own spiteful nature. - -"Well," continued Madame de Chazeul, recovering herself speedily, and -remembering that the girl's services might still be needful, "I dare -say, you did not err intentionally; but remember to do so no more. You -may watch Mademoiselle d'Albret closely, while she is in her chamber: -and, if she goes out of it, either give information instantly to -Monsieur de Liancourt, or come to me. It seems," she added in an -indifferent tone, "that the only person she is inclined to see is -Monsieur de Chazeul. I shall therefore trouble her no more. When he -comes, of course admit him, as the marriage is to take place -to-morrow, but no one else,--except indeed, father Walter de la -Tremblade," she continued after an instant's thought--"Monsieur de -Chazeul of course whenever he comes,--but no one else;--and remember, -Blanchette, have everything prepared to set out to-morrow, about -mid-day, both for your mistress and yourself, for you must all sleep -at Chartres to-morrow night, and the next day, on to Paris." - -There is a dull and heavy looking sort of personage, amongst the -various classes of human beings, by whom the wit and clear-sightedness -of the shrewd and the cunning in human character, are more frequently -set completely at defiance than even by the politic and the artful. -The air of cold indifferent stupidity, which is natural to it, in -itself generates an idea of a slow and unexcitable spirit, and an -obtuse and inactive mind incapable of strong feelings except of a very -animal kind, which not unfrequently deceives the most penetrating. The -surface looks so much as if there were nothing below, that we rarely -take the trouble of ascertaining the depth and strength of the -currents that may be running underneath. - -Of this character was the maid Blanchette. She gave no indication of -being offended at the censure of the Marchioness de Chazeul, except by -the momentary heightening of her colour; and the lady fancied that she -had effaced all trace of her harsh words, by holding out the idea of -her accompanying Rose to Paris. But it was not so. Blanchette was -always displeased with censure, even when, as a humble dependant, she -had no claim, but for services that could be performed by a dozen -others, as well as by herself; but, when she had grown a person of -importance in her own eyes, by being entrusted with a charge that no -one but herself could perform, she felt injured and indignant at the -slightest blame, and that of Madame de Chazeul had been neither very -gentle in manner nor very temperate in words. She only dropped a -profound courtesy then, without making any reply while the Marchioness -spoke, as if her little wit were busily engaged with other matters, -and she was prepared to receive and obey all orders communicated to -her without doubt or hesitation. But such a line of conduct was far -from her intention; deep and angry passion was at the bottom of her -heart; and she determined, if fortune prospered with her, to find some -means of retaliating, in act, if not in seeming, the bitter words of -the Marchioness, without spoiling her own prospects of advancement. -She listened then to the end without saying a word; but merely -courtesying from time to time, till at length as the lady finished, -she replied, "I will see to it all, Madam! Everything shall be quite -ready." - -"Ay, see that it be," replied Madame de Chazeul. "And now, Blanchette, -send Monsieur de Chazeul to me if you can find him." - -The maid retired, and the Marchioness remained turning in her mind the -next step to be taken. "Yes," she said, "we may trust the priest,--but -not too far. Rose will tell him nothing, thanks to her promise. I -wonder how she learned anything to tell.--Some letter from Helen -doubtless: or else that girl has made herself some friends in the camp -of the Bearnois; perhaps has got some new paramour.--I was a fool to -deal so harshly with her. What was it to me, if she chose to play the -harlot with the boy? My fear of her spoiling this marriage drove me -too far.--Yes we can trust the priest. I have had the castle gates too -strictly watched for any one to have brought him tidings without my -knowing it.--We must trust him, that is the worst--though I do think -he would go on, even if he knew all. But his chamber is too near, not -to make him a sharer of our plans.--These priests are but spies upon -us in our own châteaux. I wonder that we tolerate them. Yet they are -useful too, when they choose to be serviceable.--His zeal for the -league will keep him faithful." - -Such were some of the half-muttered, half-silent thoughts of -Jacqueline de Chazeul, as she sat waiting for her son; but he kept her -not long in expectation, for he was anxious to hear the result of her -interview with Rose d'Albret; and, as soon as he did appear, the -Marchioness greeted him with a gay look, asking, "Well, Chazeul, have -you seen your uncle?" - -"No!" he replied, "He has not come to the hall. What are your news? -What says the little prisoner?" - -"Of that afterwards," answered the Marchioness, "First, the marriage -is to be to-morrow before noon. For that, your Uncle's word is -pledged, and we must see that he keeps it; for, if this obstinate girl -should still resist, he may be shaken. Now tell me, Chazeul, when did -her looks first begin to grow cold towards you?" - -"They were never very warm," said Chazeul, "but they have been chilly -enough for the last ten days." - -"Then it is so!" rejoined his mother as if speaking to herself; "that -chilliness makes me think that she may love you rather more than -less." - -"Come, good mother, no riddles," exclaimed Chazeul, "we have no time -for solving them; nor am I an [OE]dipus. What is it that you mean?" - -"I mean that jealousy has a share in this affair," answered -the Marchioness. "She has learned your folly with Helen de la -Tremblade.--Helen has written to her, or told her; for she saw her -about that time." - -"I do not believe it," replied Chazeul, "I do not believe it in the -least;" and putting his hand to his brow, he thought for a moment, -murmuring, "No, no she would never--" - -"But she has, foolish boy," cried Madame de Chazeul. "I know she has, -from what this wrong-headed girl said just now. Now mark me well, -Chazeul, if you will be guided by me in everything, you will succeed, -wed Rose d'Albret, and be one of the richest men in France,--ay, -second to none in wealth and power, except the princes of the blood. -But if you will not, you will lose her, and with her, not only her -estates, but all the wealth that has accumulated, since first she came -here as a child." - -"Oh, my good mother, I am quite willing to follow your course of -policy," replied her son. "No one like a woman for managing a woman. -But let me hear first, what she said. Does she believe that De -Montigni is dead?" - -"Yes she does," replied the Marchioness. "Your uncle convinced her of -that." - -"Then she is mine according to the contract," said Chazeul. "What did -she say to that?" - -"Why, at first, she seemed seeking to gain time," answered his mother, -"but afterwards, when your uncle was gone, she vowed vehemently, that -she would never wed you.--I think not the worse of your case for that, -as that is a vow which many a woman makes and breaks; but haste is the -thing in this case, and her spirit must be broken down ere noon -to-morrow, else we may have news, which will overthrow all that -we have done--De Montigni may not be dead after all,--he may be -wounded,--he may recover. Then what are we to do?--No, we must lose no -time." - -"Well, well, but your plan," said Chazeul. "It seems that my little -sins are to be wiped out, the lady's good favour gained, her unruly -spirit broken in, and rendered tractable, all within four-and-twenty -hours!" - -"And it can be done," answered Madame de Chazeul. "First then, we must -make it seem to the eyes of all men, that you are recovering her good -graces. You must appear together. You must hold conference with her, -and seem in her secrets and in her intimacy." - -"'Tis telling me to pull down the moon," cried Chazeul, "or carry away -the gates of the castle on my back like Samson. How am I to do all -this? If she refuse me audience, withhold her presence, stay in her -chamber, and frown or weep whenever we meet?" - -"Will it cost you so much to feign a little?" asked his mother. - -"Perhaps not," replied Chazeul, "but what then? Put me on the track, -and I will follow it with any one; but I see not what it is I am to -feign." - -"Several things," replied the Marchioness. - -"First, kindly tenderness towards her, sorrow for her sorrow, sympathy -with her distress, anxiety for its alleviation. You may pretend even -to enter into her views of delay, affect not to wish to press her, -promise to speak to Monsieur de Liancourt on the subject, and with me, -and hold out the hope of gaining our consent to your joining the army -for a time, and not returning till some months have passed." - -"But if she be so enraged against me," said Chazeul, "and if she have -discovered what you say she has, will she listen to all this?" - -"Ay, but that must be one of the first things you soften down," -replied the Marchioness, "an obstacle you must remove at once. You -must be a repentant sinner, Chazeul; make vague confession of many -faults; long to atone for them if circumstances would permit it; and -if you can get a tear into your eye, so much the better." - -"I understand, I understand," said Chazeul laughing. "The tear, I fear -I could not manage; but all the rest I will undertake. I see my way -clearly now, but not whither it leads, my dear mother. What is to -result from all this? When I have persuaded her that I am penitent, -and the most humble creature of her will,--when I have shown myself -whispering in her ear, or walking in tender melancholy with her, side -by side, on the ramparts, what is to be done next?" - -"Why, what I said before," replied the Marchioness. "Visit her chamber -in the night; leave something there to mark that you have been -present. I will have people to witness that you go in and come forth. -The girl Blanchette must be taught to swear, that it was with her -mistress's consent and wish. I will indoctrinate her well. Then, -to-morrow, early in the morning, I will visit our fair culprit full of -reproaches, tell her all the reports that have reached me, of her -light wantonness, if needful bring forth the witnesses, and show that, -for your honour, for hers, and for your uncle's, the marriage must -take place without delay. We shall have no more resistance then, -Chazeul; and if we have, the tale thus proved, will fix my brother in -his purpose of compelling her to yield; for we must keep our plan as -secret as death from Liancourt; and, if he sees you much together -during the day--if you can contrive to work a sudden change in her -demeanour towards you, he will be easily deceived." - -Chazeul mused, and then added, "I will set about it instantly. But I -do wish that I had some good excuse for going to her now--something -that would make my coming acceptable. She was not in the hall, and may -not, perhaps, quit her room." - -"Go to her, go to her!" cried the Marchioness. "She is not in the -hall, and will not be, unless you bring her forth. It happens luckily -that Blanchette, mistaking the order she received, made herself a -gaoler over her this morning, and kept the bird in the cage. You can -go and open the prison doors. Tell her how grieved you are to hear -that such cruelty has been exercised towards her; declare you will -never suffer it; cast all the blame on me and your uncle; make us as -stern and savage as you will, and show her she is free, by leading her -forth. You can enlarge upon the matter as you will; and having now the -cue, your own wit and knowledge of woman, must teach you to play your -part to a nicety.--For me," she continued, "I must first go sprinkle -my old brother Michael's body with holy water. I can do no less for -him, after all the sweet words he has given me through life; and then -I will talk with the priest, and make him share our plans, as much as -is needful." - -"Is it not dangerous?" asked Chazeul. "I dread that man more than any -other. Calm and staid and thoughtful as he is on the outside, if ever -I saw human being full of strong passion, and eager fire within, it is -he; and if he hears aught of this affair with Helen, he will die or -frustrate our design." - -"He shall not hear it, till all is accomplished," replied the -Marchioness. "I will take care of that. There is not a letter nor a -note, be it from some sick farmer's pretty wife, requiring consolation -from a kind confessor, that is not brought to me before it reaches his -hands. It has cost me more golden crowns, Chazeul, since I came into -this château, to secure good friends in the barbican, than would keep -a prince's household half a year. However, he must know our plans in -part, for fear he should discover them without being told. His consent -once given, binds him to our course; so leave that to me, and go you -upon your errand." - -Without pausing to thank his mother for all her care, Chazeul hastened -away towards the apartments of Rose d'Albret. At the door of the -ante-chamber, however, he paused for a moment to consider his -proceedings, and then entered with a quick step, demanding in a loud -and hurried tone, as soon as he saw Blanchette, "Can I speak with your -mistress?" - -"Oh, yes, Sir," cried the girl, with a low courtesy, and a sweet -smile; "you are to be admitted always." - -Opening the door, she looked in; and seeing Rose gaze sadly from the -window, she threw it wider, exclaiming, without inquiry as to whether -the lady would receive her visitor or not, "Monsieur de Chazeul, -Mademoiselle." - -Rose turned a quick and indignant look towards the door, and bowing -her head, demanded, "What is your pleasure, Sir?--This visit was -neither expected nor desired." - -"I know it was not, Rose," he replied, assuming a mild and tender -tone, in which his voice sounded somewhat like that of De Montigni, -awakening memories in Rose's bosom, not the most favourable to -himself; "but I have just heard something that would not suffer me to -remain indifferent.--Shut the door, Blanchette," he added, turning to -the girl and speaking in a sterner manner. - -"I learn from my mother with shame and anger, Mademoiselle d'Albret," -he proceeded sadly, "that they are keeping you here as a sort of -prisoner; and I will not suffer such a thing for a moment; for, though -it is not my doing, it is on my account. Ill judging friends have done -me harm enough with you already. They shall do so no more. I will now -act upon my account, and try what the generosity and kindness which I -would always have striven to display, if I had been permitted, will do -with a heart which I am sure is not to be ruled by harshness." - -Rose was surprised, but still not deceived; for she contrasted -instantly the new tone assumed towards her, with all that had gone -before. She recollected, too, Helen de la Tremblade, and what she had -heard from her; and the natural conclusion was, that this was fraud. -"I thank you, Sir," she said, "and I trust your actions will make good -your words. But what am I to conclude from that which you say -regarding my captivity here; for I am, indeed, no better than a -captive?" - -"That it is at an end," answered Chazeul. "I told my mother instantly, -that I would not submit to it; and if it were persisted in, I -would quit the castle, to the ruin of all her wishes, of my own -fortunes--ay, and my dearest hopes." - -"Hopes, Sir!" said Rose, "Hopes?--Well, I must not be ungrateful, and -I thank you for this act at least. Am I to consider myself at liberty -then, to quit my chamber? Am I to be no longer gaolered by my own -maid?" - -"You are free as air," replied Chazeul. "Come this moment if you will, -and try; and let me see the man that dares prevent you. But ere we -go," he continued with the same soft tone in which he had at first -spoken, "forgive me for commenting, one moment, on a word you used -just now, or rather on the manner in which that word was spoken. It -was, hopes! You seem to think that I did not really hope to win you; -or perhaps mean that those hopes were more of your wealth, than your -person?" - -"How can I think otherwise?" asked Rose, fixing her beautiful eyes -upon him. "Is there nothing in your heart, Monsieur de Chazeul, which -tells you that it is so?" - -"No, on my life," he answered; "but I know what it is you mean, and -will admit that you have had good cause, to judge as you do. I _am_ -ambitious, Rose d'Albret, and wealth with me is an object, as the -means of ambition. But there may be other feelings in my heart -besides, and there are." - -"I doubt it not," replied the lady; "but what I doubt is. Sir, that -those feelings have ever been mine. Perhaps I doubt, moreover," she -added slowly, and with emphasis, "that Monsieur de Chazeul may not be -inclined to sacrifice the gentle and the better feelings and -affections of his heart, at the shrine of that devouring -God--ambition." - -"It is that, I meant," replied Chazeul; "of that I wish to speak. I -know you think that I do not love you, that I have not loved you, that -I have loved others, that--" - -"Nay, nay," cried Rose, waving her hand; "do not enter upon such -things, Sir. I cannot, must not hear them." - -"You shall hear nothing that can offend you," replied Chazeul calmly. -"But in simple justice, you must listen to a word or two in my own -defence, as you have undoubtedly listened to accusations against me. I -do not say that you will exculpate me, even if I could tell you all -exactly as it occurred, which I cannot, which I ought not to do. You -would find me faulty, very faulty still. I acknowledge it. I do not, -even to myself, acquit myself: I have done wrong, much that is wrong; -and many a time when you have seen me grave and thoughtful, it has -been when I was meditating how I might make atonement. Yes," he added, -seeing a doubtful expression come over Rose's face; "and many a time -when I have seemed most light and gay, idle and heartless, it has been -but as a cloak to cover from myself and others the bitterness within." - -"But how easy"--said Rose, "how easy to make atonement! how easy to do -justice!" - -"Not so easy as you imagine," answered Chazeul; "for, in truth, it was -impossible. I am not attempting, remember always, to exculpate myself: -far from it. I acknowledge myself guilty; but some extenuation may be -found in many circumstances; in education at a libertine court, in the -habits and customs of the day, in the conduct of others, in -temptations that I will not give to your ear. Yet I have loved you, -and loved you truly; but I see the very mention of it offends you, and -therefore I will say no more upon this head. I have set free my heart, -and it is enough. Judge of me as you will--harshly if you be so -disposed; but still I must have the advantage of my confession in your -opinion, and that is something gained." - -Chazeul dissembled well: there was a candor, a straightforwardness in -his tone which, notwithstanding all that Rose had seen and known, -could not but create a doubt of that insincerity which she had always -hitherto attributed to him. She could not help blaming, condemning, -disliking him; but still her feelings were softened towards him. There -seemed to shine out some good amongst the evil; there was something to -redeem all that was wrong--something to qualify the darker points of -his character. One, reason, perhaps, why women so often learn to love -men whose whole conduct they reprobate, is that, from glimpses of -higher qualities, they are brought, by the easy process of regret, to -pity those who give themselves up to unbridled passion, as its slaves -rather than its votaries. Not that Rose d'Albret could ever have loved -him. There was an innate repugnance between her nature and his, which -might slumber while no external circumstances called them into active -opposition, but which, when once roused, was sure to burst forth into -abhorrence on her side. She could be indifferent to him, she could -hate him, as their relative position brought them nearer or more -remotely in contact; but she could feel nothing like love. Yet he was -the first, the only one who since her return to the château had spoken -with even gentleness towards her; and in moments of danger and -distress, there is something that teaches the weaker part of the human -race to cling in some degree to anything that offers them support. - -Nevertheless, she would not banish the doubts and suspicions which she -had such good cause to entertain; and she replied almost coldly, "My -opinion of you, Monsieur de Chazeul, must depend entirely upon your -own conduct towards me and others. You will acknowledge, doubtless, -that the demeanour of all within these walls towards me since my -return, has not been such as to conciliate any kindly feeling on my -part." - -"It has been harsh and cruel," answered Chazeul, at once; "it has been -harsh to us both. No choice has been left, either to you or me." - -Rose gazed on him in surprise, but he continued, "Do not misunderstand -me, Rose. As far as all the affections of the heart go, my choice, my -hopes, have long been fixed on one object alone. The choice I spoke -of, as what I would myself have desired, was between pressing you in -an unseemly manner on subjects repugnant to your whole feelings at -this moment, and leaving you to recover from past griefs, ere you are -urged to enter into new ties. It is not necessary to relate to you all -that has taken place between me and others. I seek not to cast blame -on any one; but believe me, if your heart has been outraged, your best -affections set at nought, it has not been with my will. Time will -clear your eyes of many clouds; and I would fain let time have its -effect. You will find, that I have not been so much to blame as you -have been led to believe; that matters have been represented to you as -certain, that were very doubtful; and that I have suffered some -wrong--at least, a bitter disappointment. I seek not to cast a -reproach upon the memory of him who is gone; for doubtless, he -believed all that he said; but he should have inquired farther, ere he -attempted to take from me that which I value more than any treasure of -the earth. Yet I would not myself now press you to a hasty decision -for the world. I know time will be my friend. If you be forced to give -me your hand at once, as they have determined you shall be, you will -only hate me. Give me time; and, if to win your love be hopeless, I -will at least win your esteem." - -"Oh, Sir! if such be your sentiments," cried Rose, "why do you not -join your voice to mine to stop this hasty and indecent proceeding? -Why do you not use your influence to avert that terrible moment which -we both dread?" - -"Because it is in vain," replied the hypocrite; "my influence I have -employed, but to no purpose. When my uncle offers me your hand -according to the contract, I must take it, or refuse it. Can I, Rose, -can I, feeling as I do towards you, choose the latter alternative? I -have already urged him not to force us to such a choice.--I will do it -again and again, if you but wish it. I will entreat, beseech him, to -pause, to wait but till my return from the army. But he has so firmly -determined to place our union beyond all doubt before I go, that I -fear it will be useless. Some vague doubt, some superstitious fear, of -what may take place from delay, seems to possess him; and my mother, I -regret to say, encourages him to persevere in his resolution. Yet I -will make every effort with both. Only but confide in me, Rose. Want -of clear and straightforward confidence between us, has caused too -much mischief already. Had you but told me your feelings towards me, -had you but informed me of your old affection to another, I might have -been grieved, I might have been angry, I might have given way to -bursts of rage, it is true; but still, thought would have calmed all -down; and much, much that is painful, would have been avoided. But of -that no more.--Nay, do not weep,--I came to console, and not to grieve -you.-Come, take the fresh air on the ramparts, before the trumpet -sounds; and tell me what you would have me do, and I will do it.-I -would fain see you use your liberty; for it has pained me to the heart -to know the indignity that has been offered you. As we walk, you can -speak freely to me; and if by any means I can work your peace, no -effort of mine shall be wanting." - -His smooth and deceitful words were confirmed by the manner in which -he spoke them. He assumed the air of eager sincerity and truth with -wonderful skill; and it was impossible that Rose should not be, in -some degree, shaken in her opinion of him. But nevertheless, she was -not altogether deceived. Although she did not see the object to be -gained by this sudden change, yet it was too rapid not to startle and -surprise her; and there were also, in the whole piece of acting which -he now performed, those slight defects, which, good as it was, would -have immediately betrayed to an experienced eye, that it was art, not -nature, and which, even to Rose herself, all unacquainted as she was -with the ways of the world, suggested doubts and suspicions. She saw -that he turned quickly from many of the most important points he spoke -of, after briefly touching upon them, and had always an excuse ready -for not going deeply into any subject which might have most -embarrassed him. It was now, that he would not shock her delicacy; -now, that he did not wish to cast blame on others; now, that he did -not seek to exculpate or justify himself. In one or two instances -these evasions might have been admitted, but they were too frequent; -and he also insinuated far more than he said, and more than he might -have been able to prove. - -It was not exactly that Rose d'Albret marked all these particulars -distinctly, but that she received from the whole, joined with her -previous knowledge of his character, an indefinite impression of -doubt, a fear that he might be trying to deceive her for some purpose -which she did not comprehend. Still, as I have said, her opinion of -his baseness was in some degree shaken; she thought that, perhaps, he -might have better qualities which had been crushed under the weight of -evil education and bad example, and which might have led him, had they -been cultivated and developed, to higher objects, and a nobler course. -He was too, as has before been remarked, the only one who seemed -inclined to treat her gently and kindly; and she shrunk from the -thought of repelling the first sympathy she had met with since her -return. - -It was with such mingled feelings then, that she replied, "I am most -grateful for your kindness, Monsieur de Chazeul; but I must not -deceive you. I must not deceive myself. You must clearly understand -that my mind is fixed and resolute in the determination which I -expressed to your mother." - -"I know not what that is," replied Chazeul, "for I am not acquainted -yet with all that has taken place this morning; but," he continued, -"you must not suppose that I came here to entrap you into any -engagements, from which you must naturally shrink. Indeed my sole -object, when I reached your door, was to relieve you from that painful -oppression under which you had been placed. I have been led farther -than I intended; but I could not make up my mind to neglect the -opportunity of removing, at least part of the prejudices which have -been created against me in some degree by my own foolish conduct, in -some degree perhaps by the representations of others. However, as I -said, I came here to entrap you to nothing; and whatever confidence -you may think proper to place in me, whatever you may require, or I -may do to promote your wishes, or to free you from persecution, such -as that which is now mistakenly carried on in my favour, compromises -you to nothing, binds you to nothing. Let it be understood between us, -that everything, on either side, remains unchanged--I loving you, -though perhaps hopeless of return--You retaining every feeling and -resolution which time, circumstances, and my future conduct, may not -change." - -Rose shook her head gravely and mournfully, but Chazeul went on with a -slight alteration of tone, saying, "Come, Mademoiselle d'Albret, take -a turn upon the ramparts, and let us talk no more of such things. The -free air, and the sight of country round, will do you good; and, as -you get a little more calm, we may consult together as to what is to -be done to obviate those proceedings which we both wish to defer, at -least." - -Rose did not reply, but suffered him to lead her forth, though not -without some reluctance. The maid Blanchette, who was in the -ante-room, gazed at them as they passed, with a look of some surprise; -but she said nothing, and they went out unobstructed. - -Through the rest of the day Chazeul maintained the same conduct, and -kept up the same tone, frequently discussing with Rose d'Albret the -means which were to be taken to shake the determination of the Count -de Liancourt and Madame de Chazeul. Three times he went to speak with -them alone, upon the pretence of inducing them to change their -resolutions, and returned with a gloomy and dissatisfied air, saying, -"I can obtain no answer, but that to-morrow, before noon, our fate -must be decided." - -What was really the matter of his conversation with his mother and the -count? Very different from that which he represented it. With his -mother he laughed merrily over the artifices which he practised. "Ah! -give me a woman," he cried, "for seeing into a woman's heart. I have -all along mistaken this girl's character. From her light indifference -and coquettish gaiety, I had thought to deal with her in the same way; -but now I find, that she is all sentiment and tenderness, forsooth. If -I had before possessed a clue to the little labyrinth of her heart, I -should have easily found my way in." - -To the Count de Liancourt, he maintained a different tone; pointed out -the apparent terms of confidence which existed between Rose and -himself; represented her reluctance as, in the main, affected, and -merely assumed out of respect for what she considered propriety; -insinuated that she would be rather pleased than not, to be the -apparent victim of compulsion, in a matter where her own inclinations -and her respect for appearances were at variance; and he took care to -confirm the impression thus produced, by drawing from Rose replies in -a low voice, to whispered questions which he affected to wish withheld -from the ear of the Count. Thus passed by several hours at different -times of the day. But during the rest, Rose remained in her chamber, -plunged in deep reveries, and puzzled and doubtful reflections, -seeking some light in the maze that surrounded her, often looking to -the future with a shudder of dread, and often contemplating the past -with bitter tears, but still hearing a voice that whispered, "De -Montigni is not dead." - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - - -Poor Rose d'Albret was like an inexperienced youth, playing for a high -stake against a numerous party of unprincipled gamblers. While Chazeul -was affecting to be her own partner in the game, his mother, as his -confederate, was employing all her art against her. During the whole -of that day, the Marchioness was busy in every part of the château, -preparing all means for the attainment of her object. Now, she was -dealing with her weak brother, now with the servants, now with the -priest; and it was with no cold and lifeless calculation that she -acted, but even with more interest than the mere promotion of her -son's views could have inspired. She was in her element; she loved the -exercise of her cunning; she took a delight in the act; it gave her -excitement, in which to her was life; for all her days had been passed -from very early years, either in the fine workings of intrigue, or in -stormy passions and the struggles of the mind. Such things were to her -as the strong spirit to the drunkard, or the dice to the gamester; and -she could not live without them. We shall only trace her course, -however, as far as this day is concerned, through one or two of her -proceedings; for that will be enough to show how she conducted the -whole. As soon as her son had left her in the morning, she proceeded -to the chapel of the castle, and there, according to the expression of -the day, gave holy water to the body of her brother. It may be asked -if the sight of the coffin and the pall, produced no effect upon her -mind; if the salutary thoughts of death, and the evidence, of how all -vast schemes and laborious efforts must terminate--of the great -consummation of earthly ambition--did not create doubt and hesitation, -awaken remorse, or excite repentance? Not in the least! Those were -strange and awful times, when the daily scenes of blood and death, -and the constant spectacle of vice and crime, seemed to have hardened -most hearts against all the great moral lessons which mortal fate -affords to the living and the light. They did not--perhaps they would -not--feel; and the most frenzied licentiousness, the most guilty -schemes, the most black and terrible crimes, had often, for witnesses, -the dead, for pretexts, religion, for a banner, the cross. - -What she went to perform was but a ceremony; and as such she treated -it, without one thought but. "We must get the body buried before the -marriage, to-morrow.--No need to tell her anything about it." - -She was turning to leave the chapel, when the priest entered, and -approached her with a slow and solemn step. "Ah! good father," cried -the Marchioness, as soon as she saw him, "I have been looking for you. -I wished to speak with you about the conduct of this obstinate girl. -She still holds out pertinaciously, and something must be done to -overcome her headstrong opposition. We have thought of--" - -"Not here," replied the priest, interrupting her, "not here! This is a -solemn and a holy place, unfit for worldly discussions. Let us go -somewhere else, where we can talk over the affair more decently. The -lower hall was vacant as I passed through." - -"Well, well," cried the Marchioness with a smile, not altogether free -from scorn, "There, as well as here." - -"Better!" said the priest, leading the way back to the château itself. -When they had reached the lower hall, as a large stone paved chamber -on the ground floor was called, father Walter was the first to resume -the subject; saying, "I thought you would fail in persuading her. -Monsieur de Liancourt must use all his authority." - -"You know him, father!" answered Madame de Chazeul. "It is upon such -occasions that he always fails his friends. Bold till the moment of -action comes, he is as timid as a hare when it is most necessary to -show firmness." - -"Not when he can be made angry," replied the priest, "or when he can -be convinced that his own dignity is at stake." - -"But on this point, neither of those cases can occur," said the -Marchioness. "She will weep and entreat, and then both his dignity and -his weakness will take her part. There is but one way before us," she -added, in a low and confidential tone, "and that is, to convince her, -that her own fame and reputation require her marriage with Chazeul." - -"That may be difficult," answered father Walter thoughtfully; "but yet -with time it may be done. We may surround her with nets from which it -is barely possible for her to escape; and continual importunity does -much with woman, as you, lady--" - -"Time! Time!" cried Madame de Chazeul impatiently, "but we have no -time. That is the very thing that is wanting. The marriage must take -place to-morrow, before noon--That is decided. It shall be if I live!" - -"Nay, but why such haste?" asked the priest. "With no farther any -obstacle but a young lady's reluctance, it were well worth while, to -give up a few days to the task of vanquishing that." - -The Marchioness gazed at him for a moment with a glance half angry, -half doubtful, and then repeated his words, "No obstacle!--Hark ye, -Walter de la Tremblade," and she whispered in his ear, "De Montigni is -alive and well!" - -Father Walter heard the tidings with a calm sarcastic smile, -answering, "I thought so, my daughter. But were it not better to have -owned this to me, at once? Such want of trust in those on whose -prudence you can rely, has marred many a fair project, and will mar -many another. De Montigni lives!--Then you must be quick, indeed!--Not -that I bear the young man an ill will: not that I would injure him in -anything! but if we can by any means prevent it, he must not carry to -the heretic party he has espoused, such estates as would centre in his -person by his marriage with this lady. Now, Madam, what is your plan? -for you have one already contrived, I see." - -The Marchioness laughed. "Did you ever know me without a plan?" she -asked; "but my present scheme is somewhat difficult to explain. -However, do you not think, good father, that things might be so -contrived, as to render, in a marvellous short time, a wedding with my -son Chazeul, a very good and expedient thing in the eyes of Rose -d'Albret herself?" - -"What do you mean?" exclaimed the priest after a moment or two of -consideration. "You would use no violence? You would not--surely you -would not do her a bitter wrong!" - -"Oh, no!" cried the Marchioness, "but simply by means and -contrivances, which I well know how to manage, make her believe that -her fair fame is lost, if she do not marry Chazeul. Luckily, he has a -goodly reputation as a bold and successful lover, and so the matter -will have every appearance of truth." - -"But can you ever clear a fame once clouded?" asked the priest; "can -you remove the black plague-spot from the fair name which you have -stained? Alas! lady, in this world, every idle tongue, every vain, -licentious man, every rancorous woman, can blast the reputation of the -good and bright, even by a light word; but where is the power that can -restore it? Foul suspicion still whispers the disproved lie in the ear -of the credulous multitude, and human malice receives it with delight, -and propagates the scandal with busy pertinacity. Will you thus -destroy the good name of your son's wife?" - -"Only to make her his wife!" replied Madame de Chazeul, "only to -herself;" and she proceeded to detail her plan, not sincerely, indeed, -not fully; for she was one of those who can deal in complete sincerity -with no one; but the priest knew her well, and gathered that which she -did not tell, from that which she did. His brow was doubtful and -gloomy, however, and he asked, "And yet no violence?" - -"None, none!" cried Madame de Chazeul. - -"Well," he said, after another long pause, "perhaps it is the only way -to obtain her acquiescence.--Yet I love not such plans; and am glad -that I myself am to play no part in the affair." - -"But should you hear or see Chazeul," asked the Marchioness, "You will -take no notice?" - -"I shall neither hear nor see him," replied the priest, "for I keep -vigil in the chapel by your brother's corpse, according to my promise, -until matins." - -"That is fortunate!" cried Madame de Chazeul; and then she added, lest -he should put his own interpretation on her exclamation, "I mean, that -you will be thus freed from all personal knowledge of the business." - -"True!" he answered, "true! and I would fain know as little of it as -possible.--I must now go and say mass, lady.--The Count, I trust, will -be present; though, to speak truth, this house is more like a Huguenot -dwelling, than that of a zealous Catholic, so sadly are the ordinances -of religion neglected.--But in the course of the morning, I will find -a moment to speak with him, and strive to confirm him in his -resolutions." - -"Do, do, good father!" replied the Marchioness, and left him, not -altogether satisfied with herself for having given him any insight -into the scheme, of which she was now full. - -Blanchette was the next person she practised on; but to her she -afforded no intimation of her intentions, leaving her son himself to -deal with the maid. But she prepared the way for him, by many an -artful hint of the necessity of Blanchette's pleasing him in -everything, both before and after his marriage with her mistress, -giving her to understand, that her fortunes depended entirely upon his -favour, and that if that were maintained, they were secure. - -Blanchette listened, and promised to be most obedient; but she clearly -saw that there was some ulterior object, to be explained at an after -period; and she waited impatiently throughout the day, to learn what -it was, hoping to find in it a source of profit to herself. Towards -night, her friend, the confidential servant of Chazeul, called her to -his master's chamber, and she remained with him in close conference -for more than half an hour. When she came out, notwithstanding the -obtuseness of her mind, and the air of still greater dulness which she -somewhat affected, it was evident that the girl was a good deal -agitated and even alarmed. She went back with a hasty step to the room -in which she slept, stopped for a moment in the middle of the floor, -then turned and went out again and knocked at the door of the priest's -room, which, as we have before shown, was adjacent to that of her -mistress. There was no answer; and, hurrying down, she asked some of -the servants whom she met below, if they could tell her where Monsieur -de la Tremblade was to be found. - -One replied that he was in his own chamber; but another exclaimed, -before Blanchette could tell the first that he was mistaken, "No, no, -Ma'mselle Blanchette, he is in the chapel," and the girl hurried -thither at once. Crossing herself with holy water from the bénitier at -the door, and making due genuflexions as she advanced, Blanchette -approached the altar, gazing with a look of distaste, and even fear, -at the bier of the old commander as she passed. - -The priest was just concluding some one of the many services of the -Roman Catholic Church; and the girl waited till the last words died -away upon his lips, and then with lowly reverence drew nigh. - -"What is it, Blanchette?" said Monsieur de la Tremblade; "you seem -alarmed and in haste." - -"I want to know what I am to do, father," said Blanchette in a low -tone. "I am sure I do not know, whether I ought to consent to what -Monsieur de Chazeul wishes or not." - -"Hush," said the priest. "Come into the confessional;" and, placing -himself within the old oak screen, he bent down his head, while -Blanchette kneeling on the other side of the partition, poured, -through the aperture, her tale into his ear. - -The priest listened without surprise, as she told him that Monsieur de -Chazeul had required that admission should be given him to her -mistress's chamber, at an hour after midnight. "He assured me," the -girl said, "that it is with Mademoiselle d'Albret's consent, but that -she did not like to mention it to me; and he added, that I was not to -speak of it to her." - -"That was not right, for, I believe, it is not true," replied the -priest. "But what you have to do, is to ask Madame de Chazeul, and -follow her directions." - -"Oh, if I am to do that," cried the girl, "she bade me already do -everything that Monsieur de Chazeul told me; but I thought it right to -come and ask you, father, that I might be quite sure of what I was -about." - -The priest paused and hesitated; but, after several minutes' thought, -he replied, "I know not the circumstances, my daughter.--Doubtless -Monsieur de Chazeul has no evil intentions." And thus saying, he rose -and quitted the confessional, leaving Blanchette to draw her own -deductions and follow her own course. - -The girl paused and pondered thoughtfully for several moments; then -shrugging her shoulders, she murmured with a low laugh, "Well, if he -sees no harm in it, what business is it of mine?" and, with this -comfortable reflection, she returned slowly to the château. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - - -It was near midnight; all was quiet in the château; sleep seemed to -have fallen upon all eyes but those of the sentries upon the walls. -The wind sighed amongst the towers and pinnacles; the old oak -panneling creaked; and every now and then the screech-owl whirled with -its shrill scream past the windows; but those were the only sounds -that disturbed the deep silence of night, while the priest, in the -chapel, watched the body of the dead man, according to his promise. -The building itself was dark and gloomy; the tapers on the altar cast -their rays but a little distance beyond the coffin; and the light -faded away gradually into the deep obscurity of the other parts of the -chapel, while the large cluster pillars and the rich, sculptured -groins of the arches, caught the beams faintly as they darted towards -the vaulted roof, or strove to penetrate the aisles. It was a solemn -scene, and might well fill the breast with thoughts high and grave. -There lay the dead: the dust ready for the earth, the spirit returned -to God who gave it. There stood the altar, raised for the worship of -that God, and bearing aloft in the full light, the symbol of the -salvation which was purchased by the blood of His Son. Death, -immortality, and redemption, were prominent and clear before the eye, -while all round was obscurity, like the misty darkness of mortal fate -which wraps us, in this strange world wherein we live. - -Father Walter had watched through the preceding night, and had felt -less than he did at present; he had done it as a duty, as the mere -fulfilment of a promise. He was familiar with the deathbed, the -coffin, and grave; and as usual, they had lost much of their -impressiveness. But now for some reason,--perhaps that his own heart -was not well at ease,--he felt sensations of awe and gloom creep over -him. He knelt and murmured prayers before the altar; he went through -some of the ceremonial observances of his religion; but they now gave -him no relief. The words fell cold and meaningless from his lips; the -sign of the cross, the genuflexion, and the counted beads, seemed for -the first time all dull forms, having no reference to the heart. - -Then he came forward and gazed upon the coffin; and memory recalled -many an event connected with him who now lay so still within. He had -known him for many years: he recollected him in his youth, and in his -prime, and memory ran back over the long chain of linked hours, -pausing here and there upon the brighter spots, till the natural -affections of the heart--which not even the cold philosophy of a -religion which bars its priesthood from all the more kindly -associations of human life, can ever totally extinguish--were -reawakened by the thoughts, and some of the fresh and generous -impulses of earlier years rose up, and brought a tear into his eye. - -Again he knelt down and prayed; but it seemed that, in the act of -prayer, a voice from the cross above the altar reached his heart -mournfully and reproachfully. He thought it asked him if, in the -counsels he was giving, if in the deeds he was sanctioning, he was a -true follower of the guileless and holy Saviour, of the pure, the -true, the meek, who showed God to be truth and love, and falsehood, -deceit and wrong, to be the offspring of the arch-enemy. He covered -his face with his hands as if the All-seeing eye were more especially -upon him; and then starting up he murmured, "I wish I had taken no -part in this." With a quick and agitated step, he paced the nave of -the chapel; and, as he did so, half spoken words betrayed the -troublous anxiety of his soul. - -"I wish I had not done it," he said. "Who can tell what may be the -result?--They are not to be trusted,--neither mother nor son,--dark, -dark and deceitful!--Even to me they cannot be sincere. De Montigni is -an angel of light compared to them.--Would to heaven he had not -embraced the party of the heretic!--and this poor girl, why should she -be tortured so? Can I not stop it even now?--He is to go thither at -one o'clock.--What may be the result?--No, no he will never dare!" and -with agitated pace, again he trod and retrod the whole length of the -chapel; and then, after pausing and gazing once more upon the coffin, -he suddenly turned, and opening the great door, issued out into the -court. Entering the house, he crossed the stone hall, passed through -the corridor beyond, and approached the foot of the staircase which -led to his own apartments, and those of Mademoiselle d'Albret. But -there he paused; and, laying his hand upon his brow, mused for several -minutes. - -"No," he said at length, "No, not now. I will return at the very -time;--and yet I must not stop him," he added, after a moment's pause. -"It seems the only chance for insuring this vast property to the side -of the Holy Catholic League. That should be the first question; and -yet,--" he paused again, and with a slow step, stopping more than once -to consider, he found his way back to the hall, into which the -moonlight was streaming through the open door. On the steps he stood -for several minutes, gazing up towards the sky, where the faint -twinkling stars looked out, like angels' eyes watching the slumber of -the world. He thought they might be so, or, at least, that eyes as -clear and bright, though hidden from his view, might be even then -hanging over him, and all whom that place contained, and he exclaimed, -"Oh may they protect, as well as watch!" and, with a slow step, and -his looks bent upon the ground, he advanced once more to the door of -the chapel. - -One side of the building rested against the outer wall which -surrounded the château; and the sentries passed it on their round -above. Thus, when the priest approached, he heard a step like that of -an armed man, but he did not look up at the sound, though it was not -unpleasant to his ear; for the feelings that were in his heart, and -the thoughts which were hurrying through his brain, rendered the -proximity of some human being in the dead hours of the night, rather a -relief to him than otherwise. - -Passing on, however, at a very tardy pace he entered the chapel; and, -when he had reached the first column of the six which, on either side, -supported the roof, whether there was some noise which roused him from -his reverie, or whether there was one of those vague and undefined -impressions on his mind, which we sometimes receive without knowing -how, that he was no longer alone in that dark and gloomy place--he -suddenly paused and raised his eyes; when, between the coffin and the -altar, in the full light of the tapers which stood upon the latter, he -beheld a human figure, standing with the head bent down, and the hands -clasped together. It was that of a woman, young and apparently -beautiful, dressed in black garments, but with the head bare, and the -glossy hair reflecting the beams from the altar, so that for an -instant, to the dazzled eyes of the priest, there seemed a sort of -glory round her brow. - -He started, and his heart beat quick as, for an instant, he gazed in -silent wonder; but his heart beat quicker still when, recovering from -his surprise, he recognized the beautiful form and features of Helen -de la Tremblade, his niece. - -She had been to him as a child, from her earliest years. On her had -centred all the affections which he yet permitted to have any power -over him; and, as they were few and confined but to one object, they -were strong and vehement in proportion. So vehement, indeed, were -they, that at times they alarmed him. He fancied it almost sinful, -vowed for ever to the service of his God, so to love any mere mortal -creature. Often did he deny himself the delight of seeing her for -weeks and months together; and sometimes, when he did see her, he -would put a harsh restraint upon his tenderness, and seem cold and -stern, though at other times it would master him completely, and he -would give way to all the deep affection of his heart. - -He gazed on her then, as she stood there, with surprise and alarm. He -had been told, that she was ill; and her face, as he looked upon it, -was deadly pale. She moved not, though she must have heard his step; -not a limb seemed agitated. He could not even see her bosom heave with -the breath of life. A cold thrill came over him, as with feelings -common to every one in that day, he asked himself, "Can it be her -spirit?--Helen," he said, "Helen!" - -A convulsive sob was the only reply; but that was enough; and, -advancing with a rapid step, he passed the bier, and stood before her. - -With her eyes still bent down upon the ground, with her hands still -clasped together, Helen sunk down upon her knees at his feet. The old -man stretched forth his arms to raise her, but she exclaimed -vehemently, "Do not touch me! Do not touch me! I am unworthy that a -hand so pure and holy should be laid upon me!" - -Walter de la Tremblade recoiled for a moment, and gazed upon her with -a look of mute and stern inquiry; but then, moved and softened by all -the agitating feelings of that night, the full flood of tenderness and -affection swept every other emotion away; and casting his arms round -her, he pressed her to his bosom, crying, "Whatever be thy faults, -thou art my dead brother's child, thou art my own nurseling lamb, and -woe to any one who has injured thee!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - - -As nature in the colours with which her beautifying hand has adorned -the creation, for the glory of God, and the delight of his creatures, -has far excelled in richness, and brightness, and variety of hues, all -that the art of man can produce, merely leaving to his vain efforts -the task of falsely imitating her; so does she, in the real course of -events, far exceed in the marvellous and extraordinary, anything that -imagination can conceive. The boundless springs of human passions and -prejudices; the endless variety of human character; the infinite -combinations which man and circumstances may afford, are every day -offering more wonderful and striking scenes than the boldest poet -would venture to display. There is not a house in the land but has its -tragedy to tell; there is not a chamber that has not been stained by -bitter and passionate tears; there is hardly one human heart that has -not within itself its own tale of romance. But as it is the object of -this history, but to depict events very ordinary in the days to which -it relates--and as it is, indeed, the object of its author in all his -works, to keep to calm and quiet probabilities, in order, if possible, -to cure his fellow countrymen of that longing for over excitement, -that moral gin-drinking which has become a vice amongst us, and teach -them that there may be both pleasure and health in less stimulating -beverages; he is anxious to explain every event as it took place, and -to leave nothing to the charge of the marvellous. - -The reader has already inquired, how happened it, that Helen de la -Tremblade, after taking the firm resolution of doing that which, -though bitterly painful to her own feelings, she considered a duty to -those who had shown her kindness and tenderness in her moment of -distress, did not present herself before her uncle, on the first night -of his solitary watching by the corpse of the old commander, De -Liancourt;--and, had I been reading the work, instead of writing it, I -should have asked the same question too. The answer is very simple, -but it requires some detail. - -On the day following the battle of Ivry, hasty preparations were made -for conveying the body of the dead leader to Marzay. All those sad and -solemn preparations which are required by custom in consigning the -mortal dust to the earth from which it came: the coffin, the bier, and -the shroud, were to be made ready; and, whatever diligence was -employed, it was known that all this could not be complete before -evening. The soldiers who had followed the old leader to the field, -determined to take their turns in carrying him back to his last home; -and Helen, as has been said, resolved to accompany them; but still, -during the day, she showed some signs, as it seemed to Estoc, of -irresolution and doubt, and the good old warrior determined to speak a -word to her, for the purpose of removing her hesitation. She had not -quitted for more than a few brief moments the chamber of the dead man, -and the attachment which she displayed to even the inanimate remains -of his dead friend, deeply touched the heart of one who, for years, -had evinced towards the good old knight, that strong and pertinacious -love, so often found in the one-affectioned dog, so rarely in -many-motived man. Even had he not promised, he would still have been a -father to the poor girl, on account of her devotion to one who had -been a father to him; and, as he entered the chamber where she sat, he -strove to smooth his somewhat rough tone, in order to speak to her -tenderly. - -"Come, young lady," he said, "you had better really go into the hall -and take some refreshment. We must all die, old and young; and, as the -gamblers say, every year that goes makes the odds stronger against us; -so there is no use sitting here, pining by yourself, and I hope we -shall be able to march in a couple of hours." - -"So soon!" asked Helen. - -"Ay," answered Estoc, "the sooner it is all over, the better, my dear. -I know it is painful to you to fulfil your promise, but I don't think -you will shrink from it." - -"Oh! it is not that," cried Helen de la Tremblade; "my mind is made -up; and if it kill me, I will do it. But I did not want to go just -yet, for the first person who was kind to me, and took compassion upon -me, promised to come or send after the battle was over. He will think -me ungrateful if I go, without waiting to see him; and yet who can -tell whether he be dead or alive? I am sure he is not a man to shrink -from any danger, but rather to seek it; for the kindest-hearted are -always the bravest." - -"That's very true," exclaimed Estoc. "I have marked that through a -struggle of fifty-four years with this good world.--But what is his -name, young lady? We have had accounts this morning of all the great -men killed and the wounded; so I can tell you if he be amongst them." - -"Oh, he is a man of no great rank," answered Helen. "A very poor -French gentleman, he told me: his name is Chasseron." - -"Oh, he is quite safe and well," answered Estoc, with a smile; "I know -him a little, too. But Monsieur de Chasseron is a very busy man, and -has many things upon his hands, just now. He is at Mantes with the -King, or at Rosni, some say. I wish to heaven I could see him myself," -he continued, "for I think if he heard that Monsieur de Montigni and -Mademoiselle Rose had been taken by the enemy, he might give us some -help." - -"Can I not go to him at Mantes?" cried Helen; "I could tell him all, -and be back very soon." - -Estoc paused, and thought. "Not before we set out," he replied. "It's -along way to Mantes, my dear. If you do, you must join us by the way. -But how am I to get you thither, and back again?" - -"Oh, I am a poor friendless creature," cried Helen de la Tremblade, -"it matters not what becomes of me. I do not think any one would -injure me, but that cruel woman; and she is far away." - -"No, you are not friendless," exclaimed Estoc warmly; "and never shall -be while I live. No, I cannot let you go alone; but I can send two of -my old fellows with you, who will take care that no one does you -wrong. Perhaps there may be some bands too going down, and if I could -find any stout old leader whom I know, he would take care of you. I -will go up to the village and see; for it would be a great thing, -indeed, if you could let Monsieur de Chasseron know all that has -happened.--He might help us--he might help us, though I don't know if -he has the power." - -"I am sure he will if he can," cried Helen; "for he has a kind and -generous heart, as I have good cause to say." - -"Well, I will go, I will go," replied Estoc. "At all events, you shall -have two men to go with you. Old Jaunaye and Longeau, they shall be -the men. They are of the good old stuff, out of which we used to make -soldiers in my young days; none of the coxcombs that we have at -present. But, you get ready to go, and I will be back in half an hour. -My horse is saddled at the door." - -Thus saying, he departed, and, in less time than he had mentioned, -returned, with an eager air, exclaiming, "Quick, quick, Mademoiselle -Helen; here is the band of the old Count de Ligones, just marching -this moment, and you can easily come up with them. I saw him and told -him, and he says he will take care of you. But you shall have Jaunaye -and the Longeau, to bring you across to us to-morrow. You can easily -catch us up, either at Tremblaye, or Châteauneuf, for we must needs go -slow. The men are ready." - -"And so am I," answered Helen, "but how am I to find Monsieur de -Chasseron in all the bustle and confusion of the court?" - -"True," said Estoc, thoughtfully; "you may have some trouble. I will -tell you what," he continued; "here, write down upon a piece of paper -the gentleman's name, and send it into Monsieur de Biron. He is an old -friend of Chasseron's, I think, and will bring him to you." - -Pen and ink were soon procured, the name written down, and Helen -de la Tremblade covering herself with the thick veil which Rose -d'Albret had left behind--for she herself had been driven forth all -unprepared--went out, and with the assistance of Estoc, mounted a -pillion behind one of the men. After riding for about three miles, -they overtook the band of the Count de Ligones, an old soldier of near -seventy years of age. He was hearty and gay, however, and would fain -have entertained his fair companion for the rest of the way, with many -a jest, and many a tale; but Helen, as the reader may suppose, -remained grave and sad, answering his questions by a monosyllable, and -listening to his jokes without reply. - -"You seem very silent, Mademoiselle," said the old gentleman, at -length; "I am afraid some misfortune has happened to you." - -"I have lost a kind and generous friend in this last battle," cried -Helen de la Tremblade, "and have no heart to speak." - -"Ah! poor thing," said the old man. "You are not a soldier to bear -these things lightly. We learn to weep for a friend one half hour, and -to laugh the next. When a man holds life by the tenure of a straw, he -soon gets to look upon the loss of it by others, as a matter of little -moment. Yet here I am, have reached seventy years of age, and have -been in twelve stricken battles, with at least a skirmish every week -for this last thirty years, and never got but one scratch upon the -face: yet I have seen many a blooming boy swept away in his very first -fight." - -Thus he continued talking on, during the whole way, till they reached -the woods, which, at that time, skirted the banks of the Seine; and, -giving his men orders to halt at one of the neighbouring villages, he -rode on with Helen and her two companions, followed by a small party -of his own attendants, towards the Château of Rosni, in which they -found that the King had taken up his abode. - -It was the bustle of a camp, rather than that of a court, that Helen -now found. Tents were pitched in the meadows; baggage-waggons -encumbered the ground, bodies of soldiers were moving here and there, -and parties of armed men with their steel caps laid aside, were seen -supping on the damp ground under the trees, by the light of the fires -which they kindled to keep off the exhalations of the night, now -drawing in around them. The great doors of the château were wide open, -the hall filled with people, and though the Count de Ligones acted as -her spokesman, and inquired of several whom they met, if they could -tell where Monsieur de Chasseron was to be found, whether in the -château, or in the village, she could get no satisfactory answer of -any kind; and, indeed, so busy did every one seem with his own -thoughts, or his own business, that very often no reply was returned -at all. - -As every one seemed at liberty to come and go, however, the old Count, -more accustomed to such scenes than she, led her up the great -staircase into the corridor at the top. But, as they were turning to -the right, more at a venture than by choice, a guard placed himself -before them, saying,--"You cannot pass, Sir, without an order. These -are the King's apartments." - -"Call a valet or an equerry," said Monsieur de Ligones. - -The man obeyed; and, in a moment after, out came a tall good-looking -man, in military attire, who exclaimed at once, "Ah! Ligones, is that -you? You are to quarter your men at the farther end of the village. -There are two houses marked for you; but, good faith, you must make -them sleep as close as pigs in a sty. We only give them house room at -all, because we know that there is not a man under seventy amongst -them, and so take care of their old bones." - -"Thanks, Aubigné, thanks," replied the Count; "but I want to see the -King, and--" - -"You cannot see him just now," answered Aubigné, "for he has got D' O -and other vermin with him, and has for once lost his patience. I heard -him swearing like a Reiter, with all the language of Babylon come back -upon him in full force. I believe he will frighten them into -disgorging something; but whether or not sufficient to carry us to -Paris, I doubt. However, if you will wait half an hour, the fit of -blasphemy and finance, will have left him. May I ask what are your -commands, Madam? If your business be with the King, I must report it; -for he is always much more accessible to ladies than to gentlemen." - -"No, Sir," said Helen, "I have not the honour of knowing his Majesty; -but I would fain speak for a moment with Monsieur de Chasseron." - -"He is not here, that I know of," replied Aubigné. "I have not seen -him for some time." - -"If you would give that paper to Marshal Biron," answered the young -lady, "and ask him to condescend to put down where Monsieur de -Chasseron is to be found, you would greatly oblige me." - -"That I will do with pleasure," replied the equerry. "Let this lady -and gentleman pass," he continued, speaking to the guard; and then -adding, "I will keep you in the passage for a moment," he left them, -entering a room at the very farther end of the corridor. Within that -was another chamber, the door of which Aubigné opened gently; and -then stretching in his hand to a gentleman who sat nearest the end of -a long table, surrounded by a number of persons, he gave him the paper -he had received, saying, "Will you have the goodness to hand that up -to Monsieur de Biron, and ask him to put down for a young lady who -waits without, where that gentleman is to be found. You may tell the -King, if you like," he added, in a whisper; "that she is prodigiously -handsome." - -He paused a moment, while the paper passed from hand to hand. Some who -received it, smiled; some passed it on in silence; but Henri Quatre -who sat at the head of the table, remarked what was taking place, and -exclaimed, "What is that?--What have you got there? Pardi, send it -up." - -The command was immediately obeyed; and, at the same moment, Henri -nodding his head to Aubigné a little gravely, as if to reprove him for -the curiosity he seemed to evince, said, "You may go, companion." - -The equerry retreated, and closed the door, without, however, quitting -the adjacent room; and Helen and Monsieur de Ligones remained standing -in the corridor for nearly a quarter of an hour, while numerous -attendants and officers passed them every minute. At the end of that -time, Aubigné again appeared; and, after informing the Count that he -could now speak with the King if he would go into the room at the end -of the passage, he turned to Helen, saying, "Follow me, Mademoiselle. -Monsieur de Chasseron is expected very soon; and you can wait for -him." - -Helen thanked the old Count warmly for his courteous protection on the -road, and then prepared to accompany Aubigné; but Monsieur de Ligones -whispered with kind intentions in her ear, "I will tell your two men -to wait for you in the hall; and, as soon as your conference is over, -you had better ride away to Rolleboise or Bonnières, for this is not -the best place for a young creature like you. There are too many men -here, and too few women." - -The blood came up into the poor girl's face; but she understood that -the old nobleman's meaning was good, and replying, "I will!" she -followed her conductor to a small cabinet but scantily furnished, -where Aubigné left her, and closed the door. - -Seating herself by the table, Helen remained in anxious meditation for -more than half an hour, at the end of which time a number of steps -were heard in the corridor, and a tall stout man opened the door and -looked in. He withdrew again, immediately; and some ten minutes more -passed without anything occurring to disturb her reverie. Then, -however, the door again opened; and, to her infinite satisfaction, the -figure of Chasseron himself, in his worn doublet and heavy boots, -appeared, turning round his bead as he entered, and saying to some one -without, "Wait, here! I will return directly." - -Helen sprang up to meet him with that look of gladness and confidence, -which is hard to resist; and, taking her hand, he exclaimed with a -good-humoured smile, "Ah! my little protégée!--Now, I warrant you -thought the grey beard had forgotten you; but such was not the case, -and you must have passed one of my men on the road. I have been so -busy I could not send before. But every one who cares for poor King -Henry, must be busy now; for no sooner does he gain one advantage than -his own people help the enemy to deprive him of the fruits of it. -Well, what news from St. André? Were the people with whom I left you -kind?" - -"Oh! most kind," answered Helen de la Tremblade; "Mademoiselle -d'Albret is an old and generous friend--better alas! than I deserve; -but it is for her sake I have come hither, not my own." - -"Ha! How is that?" asked Chasseron; "has anything happened? Are they -not married?--Pardi. I thought they would lose no time. Yet I saw the -young Baron in the field. He may have been wounded? He is not in the -list of killed." - -He spoke so rapidly, that Helen had not time to answer anything he -said, before something new was uttered. When he paused, however, she -replied, "No! Oh, no! He is not killed; but he is a prisoner which -is--or may be worse." - -"Parbleu! that is unfortunate!" cried her companion. "He was one of -those, I suppose, who ventured too rashly forward in the town of Ivry. -Yet I saw him not there; and I was not far behind myself." - -"It was not there he was taken," answered Helen; and, as briefly as -possible--for she saw that Chasseron, though wishing to show her every -kindness, was in haste--she recapitulated all that had occurred on the -banks of Eure, since she had been placed in the farm-house. - -The stout soldier shut his teeth, which were as white as snow, upon -his grizzled moustache; and then murmured, "They are unlucky folks! -Poor things! To Chartres, did you say? Ventre Saint Gris! something -must be done for them.--Well, well, that may be set to rights." - -These words seemed more the out-pourings of what was passing in his -own mind, than addressed to his fair companion; but the moment after, -he turned to her, saying, "I have some small influence here; and I -will not fail to use it for Monsieur de Montigni. He once came to my -aid, fair lady, when life or death hung upon the event of a moment. He -has since served the King to the best of his ability, and the King -should show himself grateful. Doubtless he will, and he shall not fail -to know the facts. Then it will not be impossible to exchange, against -Monsieur de Montigni, some prisoner in his hands." - -"But they fear the Duke of Nemours will send back Mademoiselle -d'Albret to Marzay," said Helen; "and then--and then--" - -"What then?" asked Chasseron, quickly. "Oh! I see," he continued; -"They will force her into a wedding with Nicholas de Chazeul; as -dishonest a rogue as ever used the pretence of religion to cover base -designs. He shall not have her!--Pardi, he shall not have her if I -have any say in the matter." - -Helen turned pale, and trembled, but she replied not; and her -companion added, after a moment's thought, "Well! that shall be cared -for, too, as far as I am able.--What was it you said about our good -old friend the Commander? Dead, did you say? Why, he fell not on the -field!" - -"No," answered Helen in a subdued tone, "He died last night of his -wounds." - -"God have his soul in guard!" cried the stout soldier. "He was a good -old man!--But now, my poor young lady, to tell truth--though I am -right glad to see you--yet your coming puzzles me not a little. I know -not what to do with you here. They say, pity is akin to love, but--" -He saw that Helen's cheek turned pale; and, he added quickly, "Nay, do -not fear; There's honour amongst thieves; and I am not one to take -advantage of misfortune--What I would say is simply, that I know not -how or where to lodge you here in honesty or safety. Then, too, where -the King goes I must go; and--" - -"Nay, Sir," replied Helen, "Do not embarrass yourself, for me or my -fate. Deeply grateful am I for kindness to one who, when you found me, -was outcast, hopeless, and unfriended; but I am now no longer without -protection and support. Good Monsieur Estoc, whom I think you know, -sent me hither to tell you all that had occurred, hoping that your -influence with the King, or his ministers, might enable you to aid -Monsieur de Montigni and Mademoiselle d'Albret; but Monsieur Estoc -will protect me. He has promised to do so, and I am sure he will -perform it." - -"Ay, good faith, that he will!" answered Chasseron, "and it is better -that he should than that I should. As to influence, Heaven knows, the -King, good man, can rarely be got to do what he ought; and, with his -ministers, I have none, alas! But what I can do, I will; and, in the -mean time, tell old Estoc, that you have seen Chasseron; and mayhap he -will be with him, with a score of lances, for a day's sport. Let him -give me speedy news of what is going on. I am here for a day or two, -it seems, and cannot get away, for my movements depend on greater men -than myself.--But to return to your own business--What do you do -next?" - -"To-morrow I am to join Monsieur Estoc," replied Helen, "and go with -him to Marzay. They think," she added in a hesitating tone, "that I -maybe of service there to Mademoiselle d'Albret. To-night I propose to -go with the two men who came with me, to Rolleboise or Bonnières." - -"Right! right!" replied Chasseron; "yet they are full of our -people.--Well, I will send some one with you, to secure you -protection.--And now," he continued in a lower and a gentler tone, -"when I first found you, I think you were but poorly supplied with -that, to which we are all, both great and small, obliged to bow our -heads, though it be an idol: I mean money. I am, it is true, very -poor; but--" - -Helen waved her hand, bending her eyes to the ground, and colouring -deeply. Why she did so, the reader must ask of his own heart; but, as -her companion spoke, the words he had just before used, that "pity is -akin to love," rung in her ears again. - -"I have enough," she said, "more than enough, thanks to the generosity -of poor Monsieur de Liancourt. Accept, Sir, my deepest, my most -heartfelt thanks. Had it not been for you, I should not have been, at -this hour, alive; and now I will keep you no longer, for I know you -are in haste." - -"Yet stay a moment," said Chasseron. "I must send some one with you. -He shall be here directly. Now farewell." - -He gazed on her for a moment--seemed to hesitate; and then, taking her -hand in his, raised it to his lips, kissed it, not warmly, though -tenderly, and, repeating the word "Farewell," turned to the door. When -his fingers were upon the latch, however, he looked round saying, -"Wait till somebody comes from me--He shall not be long;" and then, -opening the door, he left her once more alone. - -Ere ten minutes were over, Helen was joined by an elderly man, in a -riding dress, who bowing low, said, "I have come from Monsieur de -Chasseron, Mademoiselle, and am to accompany you to Rolleboise." - -Helen expressed her readiness to set out; and following her new guide -through the corridor and down the stairs, found the two old soldiers -who had accompanied her, waiting with some impatience and anxiety in -the hall. The whole party were soon on horseback; and, riding slowly -through the darkness, with the bright Seine glistening on their right, -reached Rolleboise in about three quarters of an hour. The little inn, -however, which, at that time, stood wedged in between the high banks -and the river, was filled to the doors; but at Bonnières, about two -miles farther, they found all quiet and tranquil; and the -accommodation which they wanted, was easily procured. Helen retired to -rest at once; and rising early the next morning to pursue her way, -found the man who had guided her from Rosni, waiting to see her -depart. - -Nothing more occurred on her journey worthy of the reader's attention, -and I shall only therefore notice, that, at Châteauneuf, she found -that Estoc and the funeral procession of the old Commander had already -passed on towards Marzay. She was here obliged again to pause for the -night, and did not reach the village of Marzay, which lay at the -distance of about half a league from the château, till sunset on the -following day. She found Estoc waiting her arrival, full of anxiety on -many accounts; for some communication had naturally established -itself, between the people of the château and their old companions, -and many of the events which have been recorded in the preceding pages -had become known to the old soldier. - -The news she brought him of her interview with Chasseron seemed to -interest him much. Its first effect, however, was to throw him into a -fit of meditation, and he made little or no comment, but by the words, -"He can do it if he will;--and yet I love not this rumour of the boy's -death. He is hot and quick; and there may be truth in it, though, I -think it is but one of their lies after all." - -"Whose death?" cried Helen de la Tremblade, turning as pale as death, -"not Monsieur de Montigni's?" - -"Ay, so they have spread abroad the report," replied Estoc, "but 'tis -a falsehood I believe, to drive poor Rose to do what they want. I -trust in heaven she will not believe it." - -"And if she does," exclaimed Helen, "she will sooner die than take the -fate they offer her. Oh, no! it is one of that terrible woman's -frauds. But Rose will never consent." - -"I trust not," answered Estoc in a doubtful tone. "But a report has -reached me, that they intend to force this marriage upon her to-morrow -morning, and our best hope of preventing it lies with you, -Mademoiselle Helen." - -"I will go directly," said Helen, in a tone wonderfully calm. "I am -ready now." - -"No, no," replied the old soldier, "not so, my dear; you must wait -till all the world's asleep, but your uncle. He watches all night in -the chapel. You too have need of rest and refreshment; and an hour -before midnight we will set out." - -Helen took some food, and then lay down in the cottage, where a -chamber had been prepared for her; but sleep visited not her eyelids; -and her own thoughts were more wearisome than any corporeal exertion -could have been. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - - -We left Louis de Montigni on horseback, in a field near Chartres, -ready to exchange the deadly shot with one well practised in the use -of every weapon; and though we have given some indications of his -fate, we must, nevertheless now return to tell how that morning -passed. The Duke of Nemours was, as the reader is well aware, one of -the most distinguished members of the League, an enemy of the King, -and armed against the life of the young nobleman, who now faced him. -The customs of the day, too, rendered the death of an opponent in such -a combat, honourable rather than discreditable to the survivor. But, -notwithstanding all this, De Montigni had, from the first, felt great -reluctance, even to attempt to take the life of his antagonist, and in -the terms of duel which he had fixed, he had limited the number of -shots, not with any view to his own personal safety; for he was one of -those who do not easily apply the thought of danger to their own -heart; but in order not to be compelled to injure the Duke. - -As soon as Nemours saw that he had placed himself, and had wheeled his -horse, he raised his hat and bowed, and then replacing it on his head, -took the large pistol with which he was armed, in his right hand, his -reins in the left, and striking his spurs into the horse's flank, -galloped forward to meet his adversary. He had no hesitation on his -part, he had no remorse; but De Montigni was equally calm and cool, -for his mind was also made up as to what he should do; and keeping a -wary eye upon the Duke, he likewise rode on, though at a slower pace. -Nearer and more near they came to each other, with the muzzles of -their pistols raised, till--at the distance of about twenty -paces--Nemours levelled his weapon straight at his opponent's head. -The next moment De Montigni followed his example, but reserved his -fire. - -The Duke, in truth, did not intend to discharge his pistol at so great -a distance; but just at that spot, there was a narrow cut in the -field, made for the purposes of irrigation; and, seeing that he must -leap it, and thereby shake his hand, Nemours pulled the trigger at -once. At that very moment, however, the horse, seeing the little -ditch, was rising to the leap, and the Duke's aim was consequently -unsteady. - -It was more just than might have been expected, indeed, for the ball -grazed De Montigni's cheek, and passed through his hat, which was -somewhat cast back from his brow. His face was covered with blood in -an instant, and he felt himself wounded; but the injury was too slight -to move him in any degree, and, without checking his speed, he rode on -upon the Duke with his pistol, levelled, producing it must be -acknowledged, no very pleasant sensations in his antagonist's bosom. -When, within three yards, he slightly turned his hand to the right, -and fired. - -The ball flew at a considerable distance from Nemours; and the two -horses, carried on by their speed, passed each other before they could -be reined up. As they went by, however, the Duke exclaimed, "Ah! that -is not fair, Monsieur de Montigni." - -The young nobleman pulled in the bridle as soon as possible, and -returned, inquiring, "What is not fair, my lord?" - -"Come, come," said Nemours, as they met, "own you did not fire at me." - -"Nay, my lord," replied De Montigni with a slight smile, "You have no -right to blame me for my bungling. I fired my pistol; that is enough, -though I will own, I am glad to see you uninjured." - -"Well, Monsieur de Montigni," rejoined the Duke, "all I know is, that -if my horse had not risen to the leap before there was any need, you -would now be lying on that grass; and I am very sure that I saw you -turn your pistol to the right, or I might have been lying there -instead. Confess the fact; is it not so?" - -"You must excuse me, Sir," replied De Montigni gravely. "I fired to -the best of my judgment; but whatever be your feelings towards me, I -am well satisfied that France will not have to reproach me with the -death of one of her most gallant Princes, nor the King for having -deprived him of one who, I trust, will one day be one of his most -faithful subjects. But I must stop this blood, for it is staining all -my collar. Had your shot been but two inches to the right, there would -have been no need of surgeons." - -"I am glad it was not," said Nemours frankly; and, both having -dismounted, De Montigni took some of the water from the little cut in -the meadow, and washed away the gore from his face. - -"Stay, stay," cried the Duke, producing some lint. "I have always some -of this about me when I go to the field; and it will soon staunch the -blood." - -With his own hands he aided to dress the wound which he had made; and -they were still thus employed, when a man, dressed in peaceful attire -as it was considered in that day--though his apparel consisted of a -stout buff coat, a slouched hat, wide crimson breeches, a pair of -enormous jack boots, a sword and dagger--rode up, mounted on a strong -grey charger. Over his shoulders, suspended by a leathern strap, hung -a trumpet ornamented with a banner of the arms of France; and drawing -in his rein at the distance of about twenty yards from the two -gentlemen, as he was passing on towards the high road, he exclaimed, -"Ha, ha, Messieurs, it is a pity, I think, that I was not here some -ten minutes earlier. I could have sounded the charge." - -"We have done very well without you, my good friend," replied the -Duke; "but you seem a trumpet from Henry of Bourbon. What is your -errand?" - -"That I shall tell to those whom I am sent to," answered the -trumpeter. - -"Pray who may they be?" demanded Nemours. - -"Monsieur de la Bourdasière, and his Highness, the Duke of Nemours," -answered the trumpeter. "I shall find them both in Chartres, I -suppose?" - -"You won't find his Highness of Nemours," said the Duke, laughing; -"unless you wait till I come, my friend. But go on, I will soon follow -you." - -"If you are the Duke," replied the trumpeter, "I may as well give you -my letter here, and you can con it over and make up your mind by the -way, for I must get back with all speed." - -Thus saying, he dismounted from his horse, and led it forward by the -bridle towards the Duke, drawing forth a letter, at the same time, -from a pouch under his left arm. Nemours took it, cut the silk between -the two seals with his dagger, and read the contents. - -"This is strange, enough, De Montigni," he said. "This epistle is all -about you, except, indeed, a few words which your King has been -pleased to add, regarding the advantages which I might obtain by -returning, as he terms it, to my allegiance." - -"What is his Majesty pleased to say concerning me?" asked De Montigni. -"I should scarcely think he knew that I was a prisoner." - -"Oh, good faith," exclaimed Nemours. "You are a man of much greater -consequence than you imagine. Here, he offers in exchange for your -humble self, our good friend, the Marquis de Megnelai, requiring, -however, at the same time, the liberty of the fair lady we sent off -this morning for Marzay." - -"I will beseech you, my lord," replied De Montigni gravely, "not to -speak upon that subject, for it is a matter that I cannot easily -forgive." - -"On my life," cried Nemours, holding out his hand to him frankly, "I -am sorry for it, De Montigni; but if it were to be done over again, I -should be obliged to do it, for I had pledged my word; and that cannot -be broken. I had letters from your cousin Chazeul, the day before the -battle, and assured him in return, that if Mademoiselle d'Albret fell -into my hands, she should be restored to her guardian. Otherwise, I -would not have done it; and now believe me, I love you all the better, -for having fought with you. Thus, as before, you are at full liberty -to go whithersoever you will; and I leave it to you and the King to -settle, whether you will take the exchange of Megnelai, or pay ransom -as before agreed. I would prefer the former, as the Marquis must not -say that I have neglected any opportunity to set him free; but perhaps -the King may not think fit to agree, as the lady cannot be restored -according to his demand." - -"I should prefer paying my own ransom," replied De Montigni. "The -King's goodness is very great; and I can only attribute it to the -services of my good uncle, the Commander; but still I would not take -advantage of it, if it can be avoided." - -"That as you please," replied Nemours; "but the best thing for you now -to do, is to return with me to Chartres, and then accompany this good -trumpeter back to the Bearnois' head-quarters. We shall not have to -detain him long." - -De Montigni paused thoughtfully for a moment; but, before he could -reply, the King's trumpeter interposed, saying, "I have nothing to -take me on to Chartres, Monsieur de Nemours. I was commanded, if I did -not find you in the place, to give the letter to Monsieur de la -Bourdasière, and tell him to open it; but I have no letter absolutely -for him; and if you have settled matters with Monsieur here, I do not -see why I should not turn my bridle, and ride back." - -"Well then, God speed you both," cried Nemours. "Offer my humble duty -to the King of Navarre; tell him, I will write myself in the course of -the day, but that, in the meantime, I only regret, my conscience will -not let me serve a monarch who has placed himself out of the pale of -the church; for a braver man, or a better general, does not live." - -Thus saying, he put his foot in the stirrup, and sprang upon his -horse's back. Then turning to the young nobleman he continued, "Come, -shake hands, Monsieur de Montigni. We will part friends, though we met -enemies; and if you would take my advice, you would lose no time in -being under the walls of Marzay with a strong hand; for there is no -knowing what Maître Chazeul may do. He is playing a fine game with my -good kinsman Mayenne. We see it well enough; for, unless he had been -looking for his own advantage more than for the good of the League, he -would have been upon the field of Ivry, with all his forces, instead -of sending forty men under his bailli, which was but a mockery; and so -we should not object to see him humbled a little." - -"I will take your advice, my lord," replied De Montigni; "but to say -truth, I am somewhat puzzled as to my movements. I have not been bred -up amongst all these scenes of strife, as you have, and know not how -or where to raise a body of men in a few hours, though I hear it is -done in France daily." - -Nemours laughed. "Gold, gold! Monsieur de Montigni," he replied. -"Sides have been so frequently changed, and fortune, the fickle -goddess, has spun her wheel round so often, that half France knows not -what the other side is fighting for; and thus, I believe, there are at -least a hundred thousand men in this good country, who might be -enlisted by beat of drum for any cause under heaven, so that it bore -upon its banner the significant emblem of a crown piece. Every village -is full of them, and you have nothing to do, but to stuff your pockets -with testons, ride into the market place, and shout, 'Who will serve -De Montigni?' and you will have a score at least after your heels, in -half an hour, even if your first command should be, that they all turn -Turk!" - -He spoke somewhat bitterly; but, though the young nobleman himself was -in no very gay mood, he could not help smiling at the picture--too -true a one--of the state of France. - -"I will try what can be done," he replied; and, mounting his own -horse, he rode off with the trumpeter, in one direction, while Nemours -pursued his way back to Chartres. - -At the gate of that city, a number of the gentlemen who had come -thither in attendance upon his own person, and several of the officers -of the garrison, were looking anxiously for his return; and, well -aware of the object for which he had gone forth, had horses ready -saddled to seek him in case he did not soon make his appearance. - -"Well, my lord Duke, Well, Sir?" cried half a dozen voices as he rode -in amongst them, "you have killed him, I suppose?" - -Nemours made no reply; but la Bourdasière, who was at their head, -pointed to the stains upon the Duke's hand and sleeve, and, with as -much quiet satisfaction as if they were talking of a boar-hunt, -exclaimed, "Ay, ay, he has had enough; that is clear. Your arm is all -over blood." - -Nemours bent down his head to the governor, saying in a low voice, "He -is wounded, but not killed. However, the less we talk about it the -better, la Bourdasière; for he had my life in his hands, and did not -take it. If all that faction would but act as Henry of Navarre and -Louis de Montigni, we should soon have France turning heretic for -their sake. But, hark you; I have met with a trumpet from the King, -demanding this lad's exchange for De Megnelai. There are a few words -in the end of the letter, which make me suspect that Henry will not -march on at once to Paris, but that we may have him upon our hands -here, before many days be over. You must call in all your parties as -fast as possible, and send a messenger at once to Marzay after the -people who have gone with De Mottraye. Tell them to make no halt, but -to return immediately." - -"I have got tidings of the same kind too," replied la Bourdasière, -"and I only waited your return to send; for I knew not if you had any -message for Monsieur de Chazeul." - -"No," answered the Duke thoughtfully. "No: he is not to be depended -on; but dispatch your man as quickly as possible." - -This whispered conversation, the blood upon Nemours' hand and sleeve, -and the fact of his having returned alone from the field, was quite -sufficient to give rise to the rumour of De Montigni's death, which -soon became current in Chartres. The truth was known indeed, before -nightfall; but long ere the report was corrected, the messenger was on -his way to Marzay, bearing the tidings as he had first heard them. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - - -De Montigni rode on thoughtfully, for a few minutes, not a little -embarrassed how to act. To go to the King seemed absolutely necessary; -and yet he could not but feel, that every step he took was carrying -him farther and farther from the spot where he wished to be. To -present himself at Marzay without attendants or friends, he knew well, -from all the tales that had reached his ears, of the dark proceedings -which took place from time to time in the bosom of the noblest -families of France, might be a most dangerous experiment. Not that he -believed Monsieur de Liancourt would suffer him to receive injury, if -he could help it; but he doubted that the Count would be able to -prevent the schemes of others from taking effect; and he dreaded a -long imprisonment at that particular moment, almost as much as loss of -life. Yet every hour's delay ere he made some effort once more to free -Rose d'Albret, or, at least, to assert his claim to her hand, was -tedious and terrible to him. Turning at length, to the trumpeter who -rode on silently by his side, he inquired, "Well, my friend, where did -you leave the King?" - -"At a place called Rosni, I think," replied the man; "not far from the -town of Mantes." - -"You think!" said De Montigni; "are you not sure where you left him?" - -"One cannot be sure of anything, in this world," replied the trumpeter -dryly; "but that was not what I meant. I intended to say, I think the -place is called Rosni, for I am a stranger in this part of the world. -France is a big country, Monsieur; and I come from a good distance on -the other side of Libourne, so I may well be forgiven for not having -got all these names by heart." - -"What rumour did you hear of the King's movements?" asked De Montigni. - -"The last noise I heard of his movements," answered the man, "was a -great deal of blowing of horns." - -"And pray on what occasion was that?" demanded De Montigni. - -"On the occasion of the King going out to hunt," was the reply. "His -Majesty having chased Mayenne, thought fit to run after a braver -beast, though it could scarcely run faster than the other." - -"But was there no mention of going to Paris?" said the young nobleman. - -"Why, good faith, everybody was talking of it, and nobody doing it," -replied his dry companion; "but if you must needs know all, Sir, men -whispered in one another's ears that the King's pockets were empty, -and that his financiers kept them so on purpose." - -"For what object?" demanded De Montigni. - -"To put the money in their own pocket which they kept out of his," -answered his companion. "Try the thing with your own farmers, Sir, and -you will find the same happen. You will get no money till you go to -fetch it that you may be sure of." - -"I hope I shall," answered De Montigni, "for I have much need of it -just now." - -"Ah, poor young gentleman," replied the trumpeter; "I am sorry for -you; for those who want money, and don't choose to go and fetch it, -will soon have to ride in holey boots. However, why should a subject -be better off than a king? I have seen our Henry before now, with a -hole in the elbow of his pourpoint; and many a time he has been glad -to dine off pumpkin soup and a lump of black bread." - -"Poor fare, assuredly, for a Monarch," said De Montigni musing; "and -yet the want of money may produce worse disasters than that, my -friend,--especially where time is almost life." - -"Assuredly, Sir," answered the trumpeter; "but perseverance comes to -the aid of all. I thought I never should have got to Chartres this -morning; for there are all sorts of bands roving the country, who have -no more respect for a trumpet or a flag of truce, than they have for -an old cheese, or a maid's modesty." - -De Montigni remained silent for several minutes; but at length he -said, "I wish I could meet with one of those bands you speak of." - -"By my faith and honour, Sir," replied his companion with a laugh, -"you may meet with one of them sooner than you would find pleasant. -They are as easy to be found as cow-slips in the spring, but not quite -so fragrant." - -"They might answer my purpose, however," said the young Baron. "I -suppose they would take service with any one who would pay them?" - -"Ay, that they would," rejoined the trumpeter; "though you might find -some honour amongst them too, notwithstanding all that Monsieur de -Nemours said just now. Your furious Leaguer--unless he were a -gentleman--would not sell himself to the King, for any money; and your -stiff Protestant would not go over to the League for gold and roast -meat. But there are plenty of birds between those two flights, who -care not a straw on which side they appear, so that they fight, -plunder, and get paid." - -In such conversation De Montigni and his companion rode on for about -an hour and a half, the young nobleman every now and then falling into -a fit of thought, and revolving, with doubt and hesitation, the course -he had to pursue. Lose Rose d'Albret, he was resolved he would not, -without using every effort in his power; and yet he feared that, in -the lawless state to which France had been reduced by long years of -civil contention, she might be driven, if not to wed Chazeul--for that -he believed nothing would induce her to do--at least to take those -monastic vows which would place as impassable a barrier between them. -To his just claims, he knew a deaf ear would be turned by those who -had her in their hands; and no means seemed feasible to deliver her -but force; and yet his heart revolted at the idea of taking arms -against him by whom he had been nurtured and protected in his early -years, and of attacking the dwelling where all his young and happy -days had been passed. Yet "desperate evils," he thought, "require a -desperate remedy; and that which is refused to justice, must be -obtained by force." His mind then again reverted to the means; and, at -length, he settled upon the plan of endeavouring to join the band of -the Commander de Liancourt, of whose death it must be remembered he -was ignorant. He knew that his uncle had been upon the way to join the -King; and though he had not seen him in the fight of Ivry, the old -soldier might well have been there, he thought; for, in the hurry and -confusion of the field, and the disguise which the arms then worn -afforded, two brothers might stand within a few yards of each other, -without the slightest recognition taking place. As he thus meditated, -he turned to his companion and inquired, if he had been at the field -of Ivry. - -"To be sure I was," replied the man; "and blew till I thought I should -have burst my cheeks. The first thing that made Mayenne's standard -begin to flap backwards and forwards, was the wind of my trumpet." - -"Did you chance to hear of or see the old Commander de Liancourt?" -asked the young nobleman; "and if you did, can you tell me what has -become of him?" - -"See him, I did not," said the man, "for he was boxed up in his arms -like a crab in his shell. But when he came up behind the Cornette -Blanche, I asked who he was, and they told me. As to what became of -him, I do not know, for I lost him in the battle." - -"Did you hear anything, then, of one Monsieur de Chasseron?" asked De -Montigni. - -"No," replied the man; "was he there? I knew his brother very well, if -that will do; he who was killed at Contras." - -"No, that will not do," said De Montigni. "It was of a gentleman, who -was with the King the night before this last battle, I spoke." - -"I did not see him," answered the trumpeter; and there the -conversation dropped; but scarcely had five minutes passed, before -three horsemen were seen riding towards them at a quick pace. "Now," -cried the trumpeter, "you may have a chance of beginning your band. -Here come some folks who seem as if they were seeking employment." - -"I think I have a chance, indeed," replied the young nobleman with a -smile, as he recognized one of his own servants, at the head of the -party. "If I mistake not, these men will join us at a word." - -The next moment the horsemen rode up, and great was their joy to see -the young Baron again; for, besides the man who had been long with him -in Italy, were two of those who had accompanied him and Rose d'Albret -in their flight from Marzay. He now learned that, having heard of his -capture by the Duke of Nemours, and that he had been carried a -prisoner to Chartres, they were riding with all speed towards that -city, in order to offer him their services during his captivity. - -But though De Montigni was certainly rejoiced at their coming, his -satisfaction was sadly clouded by the intelligence they brought of his -good uncle's death. Many a question did he ask, and many a long detail -did they give, of the scene which closed the preceding night at the -farm-house on the banks of the Eure; and amongst other facts which -were now communicated to him, was the intention of Estoc, as soon as -he could make his preparations, to carry the body of his dead leader -to the chapel at Marzay. - -"He must wait some time before he can set out," added the servant, -"and, if we make haste, we may join him on the way; for I am sure, -Sir, you would like to be present at the good old knight's funeral." - -"Undoubtedly," replied De Montigni, "on every account I should wish to -be there. Do you know what road Estoc will take?" - -"I cannot tell, Sir," replied the man, "but I should think he would -not be able to march from St. André, before to-morrow morning." - -"Then let us direct our course thither, with all speed," said De -Montigni. "Which road ought we to take?" - -"We could not do better than follow the one we are upon," answered the -man who had served him as a guide towards Dreux. "A high road is -always better than a by-one, when we have nothing to fear; and the -country between this and Nogent Le Roy, is quite clear of the enemy." - -"By my faith, I do not know that," replied the trumpeter. "I know I -was obliged to go round two miles, to get out of the way of a party -all decked out with crosses of Lorraine." - -"Nonsense, nonsense," cried the servant; "if we did meet twenty or -thirty of them, they would run at the very sight of us. Every village -that we passed, was mounting the white scarf; and a flood of loyalty -has overflowed the land, which threatens to wash the League out of -France." - -Without farther debate, De Montigni led the way on upon the road they -were travelling, anxious, if possible, to reach Aunet that night. But -mortal man is destined to meet with impediments in whatever course he -may pursue, and many were those which delayed the young nobleman in -his progress. The roads were heavy, his horse, and the horses of his -followers, wearied by marching during several preceding days; and it -was found necessary to halt for an hour at Nogent, in order to refresh -them. - -It was a beautiful evening in the spring, however, when they once more -resumed their way; and the interval of their halt was not ill employed -by De Montigni, in writing a letter to the King, expressing his -gratitude for the monarch's condescension and kindness, informing him -of the motives which led him to Marzay, and promising to rejoin him, -accompanied by all the force he could muster, with as little delay as -possible. This epistle he placed in the hands of the trumpeter, who -was to quit them when they turned towards Annet; but, in the meantime, -the good man rode on by the young gentleman's side, entertaining him, -or at least striving to do so, by his quaint observations on all the -circumstances of the time. - -Thus proceeding, they had advanced to a spot three or four miles from -Nogent, where they paused to consider of their further course on the -brow of a little eminence, from which two cross roads were seen -branching to the right and left. Although, as the servant had stated, -they had found the whole country rapidly resuming its loyalty, as a -consequence of the King's success, yet they had learned at Nogent, -that the town of Dreux still held out stiffly for the League; and that -to attempt the passage under its walls, might be dangerous. - -The hill, on which they stood, commanded a wide view over the -undulating plain below; and clothing the side of the descent, was a -thick low wood already beginning to grow red with the first promise of -the spring. About a mile in advance, rose the tower of an old château, -even then partially decayed, and of which nothing is now to be found, -but one ruined wall rising on the top of a tree-covered mound, which -the reader, if he ever travels from Versailles to Dreux, towards the -hour of sunset, may see on his left hand, with the light streaming in -a long bright ray through the solitary window which time has spared. -When I saw it, all the building and the wood below were in deep -shadow, except where that solitary beam fell, lighting up one -particular track, like some sweet memory in the shady expanse of -past-by years. - -A little way down the road, when the young Royalist and his followers -reached the brow of the hill, from behind a clump of trees which -projected somewhat further than the rest, rose a thin column of pale -bluish smoke; and the trumpeter, touching De Montigni's arm, pointed -it out to him, saying, "Now, Sir, if you wish to increase your band, -here's the opportunity. I will wager my trumpet against a cow-herd's -horn, that under those trees there is a party of good gentlemen -boiling their pot, and not knowing how to fill it to-morrow." - -"The more I can gain, the better," replied De Montigni; "but I have -little time to spare. How many men had Monsieur Estoc with him?" he -continued, turning to his servant. - -"Fifteen or twenty, I think," replied the man. "I did not count them, -but there could not well be less." - -"We must have more," said De Montigni; "many more, if it be possible -to find them. Let us try what we can do here;" and, somewhat rashly -and inconsiderately, he rode down the hill, without further -examination. At the first sound of his horse's feet, the figure of a -man armed in cuirass and steel cap, came out from behind the trees, as -if on the watch; and the young nobleman could see him turn round and -speak to some persons behind; and when De Montigni had reached the -spot itself, he found four others seated round a fire, apparently -engaged in the very peaceable occupation of eating their soup out of a -large earthen pot, which stood amongst the ashes. The two parties were -equal in number; and the strangers showed no hostile colours, nor, -indeed, any alarm; so that De Montigni imagined there could be no risk -in pausing for a few moments to talk with them. - -"Well, my men," he said, "you seem to be out of employ." - -"No, Monsieur," replied one of them, "I think we are very well -employed. I wish we were sure of such good occupation to-morrow;" and -he laughed as he carried a spoonful of soup to his mouth. - -"Perhaps I may be able to furnish it to you," rejoined De Montigni, -"if you are willing to take service with me." - -The man gazed at him for a moment, and then ran his eye over the young -gentleman's companions, pausing for a little, at the figure of the -trumpeter, and the royal arms which hung upon his instrument of music. - -"We are no way scrupulous, Sir," he said, "all that we require, is -good pay down on the day, and a gallant leader, not too particular." - -"Good pay you shall have," replied De Montigni, "and that exactly -discharged. But I must have obedience to my commands, and no grumbling -at plenty of work." - -"I see no reason why it should not be a bargain," rejoined the other; -"I suppose you are raising a band, Sir?" - -"I am," answered De Montigni, "or rather I am seeking to add to a band -already raised, but somewhat scanty." - -"How many have you got; and how many do you want?" was the next -question. - -"I have about twenty at command," said the young nobleman, "and wish -to treble that number at the least." - -"For whose service?" demanded another of the soldiers, rising, in -which action he was followed by the rest. - -De Montigni paused for a moment, ere he replied, and then said, "For -my own in the first place, and then for the King's. But I should think -to you, my men, it would not make much difference on whose side you -fought, so that you exercise your calling." - -"Perhaps not," answered the other; and, turning to his companions, -they all spoke together in a low tone for a minute or two. The one who -had taken the principal part in the conversation, then advanced closer -to De Montigni, inquiring what pay he would give them, if they agreed -to do as he wished. But his eye was upon their movements, for there -had been something in the tone in which the last few questions had -been asked, which seemed to him suspicious; and now perceiving that -the other four sauntered leisurely towards a tree, against which their -short lances or pikes had been resting, he turned towards his -followers, he exclaiming aloud, "Your hands upon your pistols!" - -"Why, what are you afraid of?" asked the soldier, in a scoffing tone; -but at the same instant, De Montigni's servant shouted, "There are -horse upon the hill, Sir! Ride on, ride on!" - -The young nobleman turned his rein; but the soldier who was before -him, made a sudden spring towards him, and endeavoured to seize his -bridle; while the four others cast themselves across the road with -their pikes levelled. - -The young gentleman, however, was quicker than his antagonist. His -sword was out of the sheath in an instant; and before the man, crying -"Yield to the Holy League," could grasp his bridle, he dealt him a -blow upon the steel cap that made him stagger. A second brought him to -his knee; and a third would most likely have dispatched him; but there -was no time to be lost; a considerable body of cavalry were coming -down at a quick pace; and, heading his men, De Montigni charged the -pikemen on the road, who wavered a little at the sight of the -maltreatment their comrade had received. Had they stood firm, they -might have detained their opponents, till the horse from above had -joined them; but a pistol shot from one of the young Baron's -followers, stretched the foremost on the ground; and the others gave -way at once. - -"Quick, Sir, quick!" cried the man who had guided De Montigni from -Marzay. "They have green scarfs! We must gallop for our lives!" and, -setting spurs to their horses, the whole party rode down the hill at -full speed. - -It was now a complete flight and pursuit; for the cavalry from above -hurried on their horses, with voice and spur; and the royal trumpeter -put his instrument to his mouth, and blew a long loud blast, but -without ever pausing in his headlong speed. On, on the Royalist party -went riding for life and liberty; but the others came quicker still -behind them; and near the foot of the hill, the trumpeter's horse made -a false step, stumbled, and rolled over with his rider. - -"Spur, Sir, spur!" cried the guide, seeing his leader inclined to -pause. "This way, this way! We shall distance them among the narrow -roads. They are too many to follow fast." - -But De Montigni's horse was still fatigued; and the bad state of the -by-ways to the right, into which they now struck, made the beast -labour and stumble continually. As the man had supposed, a number of -the pursuers were quickly left behind; but still some ten or twelve -followed; and it soon became evident to the young Baron's party that -they must ere long be overtaken. - -"We had better turn and fight it out," said De Montigni; "my horse is -failing. They cannot force us in this lane." - -"No, no, Sir!" cried the guide, "let us on to the old château, at -least. If we find the gate open, we can make it good against them; and -they dare not stay long before it.--'Tis close at hand!" - -"On, then!" cried De Montigni; and touching his charger with the spur -once more, they were soon at the foot of the little rise, not more -than a hundred yards in length, which led to the building. - -Seeing their intention, the pursuers took to their fire-arms, and a -pistol-ball or two whizzed amongst them. One struck the guide upon the -shoulder; but he was covered with a good buff coat, and the distance -was too great for the shot to have any serious effect. The gates stood -wide open; the court-yard was covered with grass--the windows closed; -and, in a few minutes, the whole of the fugitives were in the court. - -De Montigni sprang to the ground, and endeavoured to close the gates; -but a pile of rubbish had accumulated against them, and only one valve -would swing upon its hinges. Those who followed, were within fifty -yards when one of the men, who had ridden on up to the house, -exclaimed, "Here, Sir, here, this door is open;" and, casting loose -his rein, the young nobleman sprang across the court, up the steps, -and into the vacant and desolate hall, just as the enemy poured in -through the gates. Two of De Montigni's men led their horses up, and -into the building; but the third was so closely pursued, that he was -obliged to abandon his beast; and the heavy door was only just closed -when the Leaguers were on the steps. - -"Quick! run round and see that every door and window is fast!" -exclaimed the young Baron to his little party: "On that depends our -safety;" and he himself setting the example, hurried from room to -room, and from passage to passage, while those without seemed to hold -a consultation together; and some hammered violently against the -wood-work with the but-end of their large pistols, and strove to force -the staples, by their united strength. Two doors at the back were -found open, but were soon secured; and though some of the windows were -not closed, and indeed, were without either their glass or frames, yet -they were too high from the ground to be reached from without, without -the aid of ladders. - -In about five minutes, De Montigni and his men were once more -assembled in the hall, and their little council was soon held. - -"They will never venture to stay long," cried one. - -"And they cannot force us here without axes or hammers," exclaimed -another. - -"We must not let them try," answered De Montigni, "who has got powder -and ball? My pistol is unloaded." - -"I have," said one, "but it is a scanty stock;" and he approached his -horse, which stood panting with a drooping head and heavy eye in the -midst of the hall. - -"I have a good supply," cried the servant. "Thanks to Monsieur Estoc. -He said I might want it;" and taking his master's pistol he charged it -with powder and ball. - -"Now follow to the windows above," said De Montigni; "you Ralph, and -you Martin. Let the other stay here, and watch through that key-hole." - -Thus saying, he led the way up the stairs--which entered, at the other -end of the hall--to the rooms above the doorway; the windows of which -were wide open and without any defence. The sill, however, was itself -breast high; and creeping, with his loaded pistol in his hand, towards -the casement which, he calculated, was immediately above the steps, De -Montigni looked out into the court. A greater number of the Leaguers -had by this time come up; and the open space contained at least twenty -men. In the centre of the court, was a group of five or six, -surrounding the poor trumpeter, who was remonstrating loudly against -the stopping of a flag of truce, but apparently in vain; for they had -stripped him of the pouch he carried under his arm, and one of them -was busily reading the very letter to the King, which De Montigni had -written at Nogent. Closer to the château, were several others; and -one, wearing a gay green scarf, was standing behind a man who, bending -down his head, was looking through the large key-hole of the door. The -young nobleman beckoned to his men, who had remained a step or two -behind, to come quietly up; and as they advanced, bending low to avoid -being seen, he whispered to them to follow his example; and then -singling out the Leaguer of the green scarf, he levelled his pistol -and fired. - -The man instantly fell back, and rolled down the steps into the court, -and the two servants discharging their weapons at the same time, cast -the group in the centre into marvellous confusion, severely wounding -two of those who composed it. - -De Montigni instantly retreated from the room to charge again; but, as -soon as he had reached the passage beyond, the man who had accompanied -him from Marzay, whispered in his ear, "Do you know who they are? -Pardi, that was a good shot of yours, Sir!--you knocked over the -Bailli de Chazeul. We shall have to fight for our lives, however, if -they know who you are; for doubtless orders have been sent to bring -you in, dead or alive." - -"The Bailli de Chazeul!" repeated De Montigni in surprise. "Ay, I -remember Monsieur de Nemours mentioned he had been sent to Mayenne's -force. But we must act, not talk. I should be sorry to believe my -cousin would give any commands contrary to the rights of blood; but if -he have done so, the more need of gallant defence; and here we can -surely maintain ourselves till help arrives." - -"Oh, yes!" answered the man in a confident tone; "they can neither -force nor starve us, while we have these good doors for our defence, -and two horses to eat." - -Without further consultation, De Montigni returned to the window with -the same precautions as before; but he found that the whole party of -Leaguers had retired to the other side of the court, and were gathered -together round the wounded men. The air was now growing grey with -twilight; and even if he could have seen to take a just aim, the -distance was too great to afford a chance of doing any damage to the -enemy. The eyes of several of those below were turned towards the -windows; and, catching a glance of a man's head, raised somewhat above -the stone work, one of them exclaimed, "There! there!" loud enough for -the sound to reach his ears. The next thing he expected was a volley; -but the moment after a man advanced waving a white handkerchief, and -crying "Truce! truce!" - -De Montigni was silent, till the Leaguer coming nearer demanded, "Is -the Baron de Montigni amongst you?--nay, we know he is!" - -"Well," answered the young nobleman, raising his head, "what if he -be!" - -"Then let him surrender to the Holy Catholic League," replied the man, -"and take quarter." - -"If you be really of the Roman Catholic League," replied the young -nobleman, "you have nought to do but to retire; for Monsieur de -Montigni is furnished with a pass from the Duke of Nemours. But if you -be plunderers and marauders, as I strongly suspect, keep your -distance, for you cannot force us here, and the attempt will cost you -dear, as you must have learned by this time." - -The man retired a step or two, and after consulting for a minute with -those behind, he again came forward, saying, "If you have got a pass, -Monsieur de Montigni, come down and show it." - -"Will any three amongst you, being gentlemen, be hostages that the -pass shall be respected?" demanded De Montigni, "otherwise I open not -the doors." - -"Mark you, Monsieur le Baron," cried another who seemed to be of a -superior rank, advancing from behind, and speaking in an angry tone. -"You had better surrender, for we are resolved to have you; and though -we have not tools to-night, we will watch you well, and force your -gates to-morrow morning. We will give you till day-break to consider; -but if you yield not with the first ray of the sun, we will pile up -the doors with faggots and burn you out." - -"Long ere to-morrow morning our friends will be here," replied De -Montigni; "and you will be caught in your own trap. So do as you list -gentlemen, but think not to deceive us, for we will keep good watch -too." - -"We know better, we know better," answered the last speaker. "The -Bearnois is at Mantes, his forces dispersing, and he himself going on -to Meulan. So we shall rest quiet enough, and to-morrow will see you -our prisoner, or roasted like an egg in the ashes. You have wounded -one of our best men, I fear, to death; and you shall not escape us; -but if you surrender to-night you shall have good quarter." - -"That I will never," cried De Montigni; "and if one of you be wounded -to death, many another shall fall before you place the faggots that -you talk of; and so no more; for if you come nearer I will fire." - -The spokesman of the Leaguers retiring slowly, seemed to consult for a -few minutes with the rest; and then, carrying away two in their arms, -while another walked supported by one of his companions, the whole -body retreated from the court; but by the remaining light they might -be seen to halt just beyond the walls; and one small party was -observed to detach itself to the right and a second to the left, as if -to guard the other sides of the building. A single horseman, too, rode -off in the direction of the hill from which they had come down in -pursuit; and it was evident that their present intention was to keep -their word of remaining before the château all night. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - - -When Helen de la Tremblade first entered the chapel by a private door -which led from a small room, called the sacristy, through the walls, -into the country beyond, and of which Estoc possessed a key, she found -the building vacant. There stood the coffin, covered with its pall; -there burnt the lights upon the altar; and a little further on the -pale flame of a votive lamp, dedicated by some of the deceased lords -of Liancourt to their patron saint, flickered before a little shrine, -and cast a faint gleam into the right-hand aisle. - -Helen's heart beat, and her temples throbbed. Her breath came thick -and hard; and with difficulty her trembling limbs bore her forward. -She was resolute, however; her mind was made up, and prepared, and her -whole spirit nerved for the terrible task--the most terrible that -human being can perform--of confessing to one who has built up a -fabric of love and confidence, upon our virtue and our honour; a tale -of sin, and shame; and slowly, feebly, and unsteadily, but with strong -determination, she tottered forward till she reached the open space -between the coffin and the altar. Just as she did so, she heard a step -approaching the chapel across the court. She knew it was that of him -whom she sought, and her heart sunk at the sound. Clasping her hands -together, and bending her head, she murmured prayer upon prayer for -strength, for forgiveness; while the step came nearer and more near, -entered the chapel, advanced up the nave, suddenly paused, and -remained suspended for more than a minute. - -"He sees me," thought Helen. "Oh, God! how shall I meet him?" - -She dared not raise her head; her hands remained clasped in the same -position; her limbs lost all power; and she seemed for the moment -turned into stone. - -At length she heard a voice. "Helen!" it cried, "Helen," and then came -the priest's step rapidly moving towards her. The rustle of his -garments told her he was near; for she dared not look up; and she sank -upon her knees at his feet. Then were poured forth the rapid words of -shame and contrition, which we have mentioned; and then came a -terrible pause, at the end of which she felt his arms around her, and -heard the words of still enduring love and tenderness, with which he -spoke. A wild and agonized sob burst from her bosom, and then the -overloaded heart relieved itself by tears. - -The old man soothed and consoled his niece. He dried her eyes, he -pressed her to his bosom, he told her to be comforted, he promised her -forgiveness of all. He held out to her the high and merciful hopes -vouched by the word of God for every sinner that repents, and, in the -end he succeeded in tranquillizing her first emotions. - -But Helen remembered the tale she had to tell. She recollected that -every minute might be precious; and when seeing her more calm, he -desired her to tell him all, she did so as rapidly and clearly, as the -natural feelings of her heart would admit. The narrative was mingled -with the tears and blushes of burning shame and bitter remorse and -agonizing self-condemnation, even while she related with simple truth, -the arts which had been used to mislead, and the promises which had -been held out but to destroy. She attempted not to palliate, for no -tongue could be more full of blame, than hers was of herself; but yet -her whole tale was in itself a palliation of her fault; and when she -came to the end, all that remained in the bosom of the priest, was -anger and indignation towards the woman who had so neglected innocence -committed to her charge, and towards the man who had so basely taken -advantage of that neglect to deceive a confiding heart, and stain a -pure and innocent spirit. - -"The villain!" he cried, "the base deceitful villain. But even he is -less culpable than that dark demon his mother. If ever there was a -fiend in human flesh 'tis she!--She burnt the letters, then? She took -from you the only proofs of his treachery and his falsehood?" - -"She did," said Helen. "She called me every odious name, which, -perhaps, I but too well deserved; and, in the midst of all her -servants, drove me forth, to perish, for aught she knew, unfriended -and alone." - -"She shall have her punishment," replied Walter de la Tremblade in a -stern, resolute tone. "Ay, here as well as hereafter. All the letters -did you say?--all?" - -"All I think," said Helen. "Nay," she added, "there may be one which I -placed in the book of Hours you gave me; and it may have escaped her -notice, though doubtless she has caused search to be made since I was -driven away. Yet, as the book is clasped, it might not be observed." - -"What were its contents?" demanded the priest eagerly, with his keen -eye fixed upon her face, so that its light seemed to dazzle and -confuse her. - -Helen lifted her hand to her head, and for a moment gazed into vacancy -with the effort to remember. "Yes," she said at length, "Yes, it was -the last but one he wrote me. He promised to love me ever.--He said he -would see me soon again.--He called me his wife." - -"He did? He did?" cried the priest, with a look of triumph. "That -letter must be obtained, Helen!" - -"But how?" demanded the poor girl with a mournful shake of the head; -"even if it still exists, they will not let me enter those doors -again." - -"No," answered Walter de la Tremblade. "No, you never shall. But still -that letter must be obtained, if it be in being. Ay, and it shall be -too; and that before to-morrow morning. What is the hour? Near one,--I -had forgot, I had forgot. We have no time to lose! That accursed plot -is on the eve of execution. It must be frustrated;" and, pressing his -hand hard upon his brow, he fixed his eyes upon the pavement in deep -meditation. "Yes," he said at length, "that will do! Listen to me, -Helen. They had laid a scheme to drive Rose d'Albret, who always loved -you, into the arms of him who has betrayed you. They have persuaded -her that Louis de Montigni is dead; and they think by blasting her -reputation to leave her no choice but marriage with Chazeul." - -"Oh, horrible!" cried Helen. "How base! how shameless!" - -"It is worthy of its framer," replied the priest. "The maid is bribed -or frightened to give him this night--yes within a few minutes from -this time--to give him admission to her chamber." - -"Oh! let me fly and tell her," cried Helen vehemently. "She must be -saved, she must be saved.--I will go to her, I will go to her!--I will -stay with her.--I will stab him first with my own hand!" - -"Be calm, be calm," replied the priest; "there is no need of that. We -can frustrate him as easily, and more innocently. There is a door from -my chamber into hers. It is unlocked or can be speedily opened. By it -you can go to her and tell her all. Let her know that De Montigni is -living, that the rumour of his death was but a fraud. Tell her how -they are practising against her peace. Bid her be firm and constant, -and she shall have aid, when least she expects it. Stay with her if -you will--or rather bring her forth into my chamber. There she can -pass the night in security, and return with first dawn of morning. And -now let us hasten away, Helen, for this must be done, my child, before -the clock strikes one. I have to watch here; but to prevent this deed -is a higher duty, and I may well be spared for a few minutes. And -God's blessing be upon your endeavours." - -Thus saying, he led her from the chapel, through the old hall and -the corridor beyond, and then up the stairs, feeling his way by the -hand-rope that ran along the wall. All was dark and silent; not a -sound stirred in the house; and nothing but a faint ray of the -moonlight, which shot across from a window halfway up the staircase, -gave them any light in their course. - -Opening the door of his own chamber, as quietly as possible, the -priest led Helen in; and then striking a light, he showed her the door -which led to the apartments of Rose d'Albret. It was locked, but the -key was in the inside and easily turned; and, ere they opened it, -Walter de la Tremblade once more embraced his niece, saying, "I must -find another time to comfort thee, my poor child; but the best comfort -will be vengeance on those who have wronged thee. Now go, and make no -noise. Speak to her in a whisper. Bid her rise at once and follow -thee, if she regards her safety, and her honour. Then lock both these -doors, and rest in peace for this night. I will be with you early in -the morning; but I have much to do ere then." - -Thus saying, he kissed her brow, and left her; and Helen opening the -door, but leaving the light upon the table, crept softly into the room -of Mademoiselle d'Albret. Poor Rose, wearied and exhausted with all -that she had lately gone through, had at length fallen into slumber. -The curtains of her bed were thrown back; and there she lay like a -beautiful statue on a tomb, her face pale with grief and weariness, -the bright eyes closed, the long black lashes resting on her cheek, -and one fair hand crossing her heaving bosom in all the languid -relaxation of sleep. The light streamed faintly in upon her from the -neighbouring chamber, and seemed to produce some effect upon her -slumbers; for a faint smile passed over her lip, as Helen stood for an -instant to gaze at her, and she murmured the word "Louis." - -"She has happy dreams," said Helen to herself, "yet I must disturb -them;" and she laid her hand gently upon that of her friend. - -Rose started up with a look of wild surprise, but Helen laid her -finger on her lips as a sign to be silent, and then whispered, "Rise -instantly, dearest Rose, and come with me into the next room. Be -quick, if you would save your honour and your peace! You know not what -they machinate against you." - -Rose gazed at her for a moment in surprise, as if scarcely -comprehending what she meant: but then a sudden look of terror came -over her; and, rising without a word, she took some thin clothing, and -followed whither her companion led. - -Helen drew the curtains close round the bed, and then guided the lady -to the priest's chamber. While passing the door, they heard a murmur, -as of low voices speaking in the ante-room, and Helen then turning the -key in the lock as silently as possible, pointed to an ebony crucifix, -with a small ivory figure of the dying Saviour nailed upon it, which -stood upon the table, rising above a skull. She led Rose d'Albret -towards it; and, kneeling down together, they prayed. - -When they rose, Mademoiselle d'Albret would fain have asked -explanations, but Helen whispered to be silent; and making her lie -down in the priest's bed, she knelt by her side, drew the curtain -round to deaden the sound of her voice, and then, in a low murmur, -related all she had to tell. The first news that she gave were the -joyful tidings that De Montigni still lived; and Rose clasped her -hands gladly, giving thanks to God. But at Helen's farther -intelligence, horror and consternation took possession of her. "Oh, -heaven!" she said, "what will become of me, if they have recourse to -such means as this?--Where shall I find safety?" - -"Fear not, fear not," replied Helen: "my uncle will devise means to -deliver you." - -"Oh, let me fly, Helen," said Rose. "The door by which you came into -the chapel, may give me freedom." - -Helen shook her head: "Not to-night," she said. "You might meet him in -the passages. As soon as he discovers you have left your room, there -will be search and inquiry. We must trust to him who brought me -hither: but Walter de la Tremblade is not a man to be frustrated by -any one. Leave it to him--he will deliver you." - -No sound as yet had reached them from the neighbouring chamber, -although they had now quitted it nearly an hour; but the door was -thick and heavy, and deeply sunk in the wall. The next moment, -however, they heard voices speaking at the top of the stairs; and some -one said aloud, "Goodnight, Monsieur de Chazeul!" - -Those simple words were followed by a meaning laugh; then some other -sounds not so distinct, and then all was silent again. - -"You were right, dear Helen," said Rose d'Albret. "We should have been -stopped had I attempted to fly. But where will this end?--where will -this end?" and, turning her eyes to the pillow, she wept bitterly. - -Helen tried to comfort her, though she herself needed consolation as -much; for who can tell what were all the varied sensations, each -painful, yet each different from the rest, which thronged her bosom on -that sad night? She felt, oh, how bitterly! that she had loved a -villain, deeper, blacker, more degraded than all his treachery to her -could have taught her to believe; and there is no agony so horrible as -when the cup of affection is first mingled with contempt and -abhorrence. She was not only neglected and cast off for another,--that -she could have borne, and wept or withered away in silence;--but she -found him for whom she had sacrificed all, using still baser arts than -those he had employed against herself, for sordid objects, and without -even the excuse of passion. She felt grief too, for Rose d'Albret, for -her who had been so tender and so kind towards herself; and dread, -lest, after all, the machinations of those who had the poor girl in -their toils, should prove successful, came like a cold dark cloud over -the dreary prospect of the future. - -All these emotions were added to her own shame and remorse and -terrible disappointment; and, although Rose insisted that she should -lie down beside her, yet neither closed an eye; and the rest of the -night passed in long, though not uninterrupted, conversation. Often -they listened for sounds, often they paused to meditate over all the -painful circumstances that surrounded them; but still they turned to -discuss, with faint and sinking hearts, either the gloomy past or the -dark impenetrable time to come, which offered their eyes no tangible -hope to rest upon, but in fresh sorrow, resistance and endurance. - -With the first ray of light, Rose d'Albret returned to her own -chamber, determined to follow to the least particular the advice of -the priest: but Helen remained in her uncle's room, in expectation of -his return. Minute after minute fled, however, without his coming. She -heard Rose call her maid, and voices speaking; she heard the sounds of -busy life spread through the château; she heard distant tones of a -hunting horn swell up from the woody country beyond. But still her -uncle did not appear; and Helen, in terror at the thought of new -calamity, watched for him in vain. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - - -We must now return to Walter de la Tremblade, who closed the door of -the room where he had left his niece, and paused one moment to think. -"It must be risked," he said: "the boy owes me much--He will not dare -to doubt me;" and, without farther consideration, he again descended -the stairs. At the bottom he heard a step, and saw a light glimmering -through the door at the far end of the hall. "It is that base -villain!" he thought as he concealed himself behind one of the square -masses of masonry that supported the roof above. "He goes upon his -dark errand, like the silent withering frost of autumn, blighting all -the flowers it falls upon. Ah, monster!" he muttered between his -teeth, as he saw the Marquis pass not ten steps from him: and well was -it for Chazeul, well for himself, that there was no dagger under that -priest's robe. - -Covered with a dressing-gown of embroidered silk, and bearing a lamp -in his hand, with a stealthy step and an eye looking eagerly forward, -as if agitated with the very scheme in which he was taking part, -Chazeul crossed the hall and approached the staircase. There was a -slight rustle of the priest's gown, and the other paused suddenly and -listened. All was still again; and he murmured, "It was the wind!" The -next instant the clock struck one, and with a smile the Marquis -mounted the stairs. - -The moment he was gone, Walter de la Tremblade came forth again, and -with a quick step went on, through the stone hall, across the court, -and entered the chapel. There, with haste and agitation, he lighted a -lamp that stood in the sacristy, returned, shading the flame with his -hand, and, traversing the hall in another direction, passed through a -low arch and along a narrow passage, which led him to the foot of a -small staircase. Then taking two steps at a time, he mounted rapidly -to the highest story of the château, where two or three rooms were -seen on either hand. Through the key-hole of one streamed a light, and -voices were heard talking. - -"Ay, there wait her witnesses," murmured the priest; and, proceeding -he turned into a passage on the left, and listened at a door. All was -still; and, setting down the lamp, he raised the latch and entered. It -was a low ill-furnished room, where slept the page, and one of the -servants of the Marchioness of Chazeul, in beds not large enough to -hold more than a single person. At the first pallet the priest -stopped; and shading his eyes with his hand, as if to concentrate the -little light that found its way in at the door, which he had left -open, he gazed upon the countenance of the sleeping man. Then, going -on, he touched the page gently with his hand. The boy slept soundly, -however, and the priest had to stir him once more before he woke. Then -whispering "Hush!" he added, "Get up, Philip. There is business for -you to do." - -"Ah! what is it, father?" said the boy, rubbing his eyes, still heavy -with sleep: "is anything the matter?" - -"Do not speak so loud," replied father Walter; "there is no need to -wake any one else. The Marchioness has chosen you to ride for -something that both she and I may have occasion to see; and you must -mount and away to Chazeul immediately, so as to be back before nine -to-morrow, when the burial of the old Commander de Liancourt is to -take place. Are you awake enough to understand me?" - -"Oh, yes, yes," answered the page yawning, "I understand quite well. I -wish she had chosen another hour. At home, we can never count upon -half a night's sleep: she is as restless as the wind; and it is to be -the same thing here, it seems. But what am I to bring?" - -"A certain precious book of Hours," replied the priest, "which has -been long in the family of La Tremblade. You will find it in the room -which my niece, Mademoiselle de la Tremblade, used to occupy." He -paused upon the words, to show the boy that he was aware of Helen's -absence from the Château of Chazeul, and then continued, "You will -know the book, if you should find others there, by its being covered -with crimson velvet, with silver clasps and studs. Bring it at once to -me; and let no one else see it." - -"But will that old tiger of a gouvernante let me have it?" asked the -page: "she will not let one of us set foot in any room beyond the -hall." - -"Then make her fetch it," said the priest. "Tell her your mistress -wants it; and let her refuse if she dare. Now, be quick. Cast on your -things, and join me in the chapel. I will order a horse to be saddled -in the mean time. But, make no noise. It is needless to wake any one; -and the Marchioness would have your going secret." - -The page entertained no suspicion; and--while Walter de la Tremblade -hurried to the stable, woke a horse-boy and made him saddle a horse in -haste--he dressed himself as quickly as his drowsy state would admit; -and then, finding his way out of the room--not without stumbling over -the foot of his comrade's bed, and wondering he had not woke him--he -groped along the passage till he came to the room whence the light was -shining through the key-hole. - -"Ay!" he thought, "those lads are still up, playing with the dice I -warrant. I should like to look in and give them a surprise; but I -cannot wait for that;" and he passed on, descended the stairs, and -crossed the court to the chapel. - -No sooner had he quitted the room where he had lain, however, than his -companion, who had seemed so sound asleep, raised himself upon his arm -in bed, and asked himself, "What is all this, I wonder?--'Tis mighty -secret!--The book to be brought to him! Why not to her, if she wishes -to see it?--I should not be surprised if this were some trick of the -priest's own. If all the house were not asleep, I would go tell my -Lady. Perhaps she has not gone to rest yet; for she sits up mighty -late all by herself; and no one knows what she is doing. I had better -go! and yet she may not like to be disturbed, especially if she be -dealing with the Devil, as the peasants in the village say. Hark! -there are people up and about! I will go and tell her, if she be -waking. She can but say I am over zealous; and if it should prove all -a trick of the priest's, I may get a broad piece for my news." - -These meditations, though short and connected here, were somewhat slow -and disjointed, as they really presented themselves, to the man's -mind, so that the page who had been sent to Chazeul was in the saddle -and away, before they had come to a conclusion, and his comrade had -begun to dress himself. When he had managed to get on the greater part -of his apparel, however, he approached the door, and like the lad who -had gone before, made some mental remarks upon the light which -streamed from the room tenanted by his fellow servants, and which was -now much more visible as the door by this time stood open, and the -rays poured full out into the passage. He looked in as he went by, -and, seeing the chamber vacant, took the lamp that stood upon the -table to light him on his way. - -The apartments of Madame de Chazeul were quite at the other side of -the house, so that he was long in reaching them; for, in the mansions -of those days, the architects had displayed all their skill in -distributing the cubic space contained in any given building, into as -many stairs and passages as possible, so that its tenants, unless they -restrained themselves to one especial part, might never want exercise -in arriving at the rest. - -The ante-room door was at length reached; and, tapping gently, for -fear of startling the inmates, the man was surprised to find his -summons answered instantly by one of the Marchioness's maids fully -dressed, but pale in the face with drowsiness, and heavy about the -eyes. - -"Can I speak a moment with Madame?" asked the servant in a low voice. - -"Oh yes, Pierre," replied the woman. "She expects some of you. I -thought you would never come." - -The man began to fancy, he had made a mistake, and that Madame de -Chazeul had really sent the priest to the page: so that he would now -willingly have retreated; but the maid continued, "Come in! come in!" -and another who was sitting at a frame embroidering, rose and went to -the inner room to tell the Marchioness that "Pierre was come." - -"Pierre!" cried Madame de Chazeul; "what has he to do with it? Bring -him in, however. This must be some other affair. What now, Pierre?" -she asked, fixing her keen vulture-like eyes upon him as he was -brought forward, and signing her maids to close the door: "What seek -you here so late?" - -"Why, so please you, Madam," replied the servant, "I was not sure that -all was right, and thought it better to tell you what was going on, -because you once told me--" - -The Marchioness waved her hand impatiently, exclaiming "What is it? -what is it? Cease your prefaces!--What brought you hither?" - -"Why, Madam, father Walter, the priest," answered the servant, "stole -up just now to the room where the boy Philip and I are lodged. Not a -word did he say to me; but he woke Philip, and when I roused up at the -sound of voices, for I was but in a dog's sleep, I heard him give the -page a message from you, Madam." - -"From me?" cried the Marchioness, her eye glowing like a coal with -anger and eagerness. "Well, what was the message?" - -"That he was to ride instantly back to the château, Madam," replied -the man, who easily divined from his mistress's face that all was not -right; "and to bring hither, before nine to-morrow, a book of Hours -from the room Mademoiselle Helen used to occupy." - -"Did he say that?" demanded the Marchioness vehemently. "Did he use -those exact words,--'that she used to occupy?'" - -"Yes, Madam, just that," answered Pierre. "I marked that shrewdly, for -he said those words very slowly: and what made me think it altogether -strange was, that though he said you wanted to see the book, he told -Philip to bring it direct to him." - -"Ha!" cried Madame de Chazeul; "So! Is it so?--Well. You have done -right, Pierre, and shall be rewarded. Come hither at daybreak -to-morrow; and now go sleep." - -The man retired; and the moment he was gone, Madame de Chazeul started -up, and with a vehement gesture of the hand, exclaimed, "He knows it -all!--She has found means to write!--Ah, how subtle is he! Who would -have thought from that calm peaceful face he bore to-night, that such -rage and hatred, and thirst of revenge were in his bosom, as must be -there even now? We shall have plots on foot--some scheme to stop the -marriage. What can be in this book? Here, girl! Call Martin from the -foot of the other staircase, bid him run to the stable and bring the -boy Philip hither--by force if he come not quietly. Away! lose not a -minute lest he be gone!" - -The girl departed; and the Marchioness went on with her own thoughts. -"What can be in the book? There is something beneath this!--Or has -that fool Pierre deceived himself, and knowing the girl is not -there, put words into the man's mouth? Yet why send at this hour -secretly?--why falsely use my name to sanction the order? No, no, he -knows it all, and must be cared for. There is but one way--secure him -till the marriage is over,--let my brother know nought of it,--and -then justify the deed by the result." - -She sat down, and leaned her brow upon her hands, closing her eyes, -till the door again opened, and the maid re-entered, accompanied by -another of her men. "Well," she exclaimed, as soon as she saw him; -"Where is Philip?" - -"He has been gone this half hour, Madam, the stable boys declare," was -the man's reply. - -Madame de Chazeul let her hand fall heavily on the table; but suddenly -recovering herself she said, "Keep a watch upon the gates from five -to-morrow, till Philip returns. Then bring him at once to me,--let -him speak with no one; and hark you, Martin; you are a man of -execution,--Get ye gone, hussy! 'tis not for your ears. Come nearer, -Martin," and she whispered something as he bent down his head. - -The man started back with a look of consternation, saying, "No, Madam! -not a priest! I cannot do that!" - -"Fool! 'tis but for a few hours," exclaimed the Marchioness. "Hark -ye,--one hundred crowns! You shall keep him under your own ward, and -set him free five minutes after noon." - -"Well, Madam, well!" answered the servant, after a moment's thought; -"but you must promise to get me absolution, cost what it may; for it -is no light matter laying hands upon one of the church,--and so good a -catholic too." - -"Oh, absolution you shall have!" cried Madame de Chazeul; "from the -hands of a bishop, if that will satisfy you; and, if there be any -difficulty, you have nothing to do but to kill a heretic, and that -will make all even. Do you promise to obey?--Mark me, a hundred crowns -and absolution, cost what it may!" - -"Well, Madam, well," he replied; "I will do it, this once; but you -must never ask me to meddle with a priest again." - -"Poo!" cried the Marchioness, "'Tis for his own good. He will get -himself into trouble if it be not done,--and now away, Martin. See to -this other business first; and then lay hold of him. Do it gently you -know, quite gently, but firmly too; and be quick, good Martin, be -quick." - -The man retired; but he grumbled as he went, and asked himself as he -descended the stairs, "Where will this woman end?--She will make one -damn one's-self some day, and she care nothing about it." - -In the meantime Walter de la Tremblade had returned to the chapel with -a quick step, after seeing the page depart for Chazeul. His thoughts, -though commonly so calm and clear, were all in confusion and -agitation. The strong passions had obtained the mastery; and for a -time they revelled in their conquest. He thought of Helen--of the -being on whom the affections of his heart had all centred--of the only -one in all the world, the only earthly thing, on which he had suffered -his heart to rest, with the intense concentrated love which he had -withdrawn from all that most men hold dear. He thought of her stained -and disgraced, deceived, betrayed, abandoned; and oh! how the gust of -passion, like the blast of the hurricane, bent his spirit before it! -He thought of her betrayer--of him whom he had striven to raise, and -who had all the while been blasting the only flower left blooming for -him in the wilderness of life; and the thirst for vengeance took -possession of his whole heart. Of her too, he thought who--loaded with -every kind of iniquity, her married life stained with many a slander, -her whole soul foul with sin and wickedness--of her who had used him -as a tool for her purposes, and employed him to elevate the -treacherous villain who, like a serpent, stung the hand that fondled -it.--He thought of her driving forth, to perish, the dear unhappy -child, whom her own criminal neglect had aided to cast into -temptation, loading her with contumely and opprobrium exposing her -error to the rude eyes of menials, and branding her for ever with the -name of harlot; and oh! how he triumphed in the thought of -overthrowing all that woman's well laid schemes and cunning -contrivances, blasting her hopes and expectations, and mocking her in -the bitterness of disappointment! - -He paused where Helen had stood between the coffin and the altar. He -gazed from the one to the other; and, as he did so, each seemed to -find a voice mournful, solemn, reproachful. They gradually wrought -a change in his feelings, they calmed in some degree the stormy -passion, they awakened higher, grander thoughts. They roused remorse, -they called to repentance. As he looked upon the bier of the good -old man so lately passed away, it was not alone the image of death, -and all the train of sad but chastening impressions--which spring -from the contemplation of mortality as from a well overflowing with -admonition--that pressed upon his attention; but the memory of that -old man's plain, straight-forward truth,--of the resistance he had -offered to the very schemes which he, Walter de la Tremblade, had -promoted to his own grief and regret, brought the lesson home to his -heart, and showed him the excellence of high, single-minded truth, -more strongly than the most laboured essay of preacher or of moralist. -Then again, when he turned towards the altar, and looked towards the -cross of Christ, and remembered the grand simplicity displayed, as an -example, by the Saviour of mankind, oh! how poor and vain, how sullied -and impure, how dark and criminal, seemed the highest effort of the -human intellect when used to mislead and to deceive! Truth, truth, -almighty, everlasting truth, seemed before him in all its God-like -radiance, and it overwhelmed him with shame and confusion. - -We have seen him before, stand there and feel sensations somewhat -similar; but it was then merely as the glimmering streak of dawn, -showing where the day will be: and now it was the risen sun.--The -chastening hand of grief had swept away the darkness from his mind, -and all was terrible light. - -As such thoughts rushed upon him: as the eye of heaven seemed to look -into his soul, detecting there vanity, pride, ambition, selfishness, -deceit, the higher qualities that were within him, bowed down his -heart in humiliation at the discovery of so much which he had never -dreamt of; and, kneeling before the altar, he poured out the anguish -of his soul in prayer. - -He was still kneeling, when he heard steps in the chapel; but he -heeded not; and still he went on murmuring in a low tone the words of -penitence and supplication. The steps came nearer, and then paused; -but still, for several minutes, he remained bowed before the cross. -When he rose, however, he saw three of the servants of Madame de -Chazeul standing close to him; and he asked, "What do you seek, my -children?" - -They all hesitated; but at length the man Martin, putting out his -hand, grasped the priest by the arm, saying, "We have orders, father -Walter, to put you in confinement for a time." - -"Ha!" said father Walter, surprised, but calm. "By whose orders, my -son? I did not know that there was either bishop, cardinal, or -inquisitor here." - -"No, nor is there," answered the man; "but our orders are from our -mistress; and we must obey them." - -"To the ruin of your own souls," asked father Walter, "will any of you -dare to drag a priest from the altar?" - -"We must do as we are bid, good father," replied the man: "the sin is -hers, if there be any." - -"But the fire will be yours," replied the priest, "and her sin will -not deliver you." - -"It is no use talking, Sir," continued the man; "we have sworn to do -it, and so we will. 'Tis but for a few hours; and you may choose where -we shall take you to. Shall it be to your own room?" - -"No," answered father Walter, "no; if this act be needful to your -mistress, why not keep me here, where I have promised to stay till the -hour of matins? I shall be as safe here as any where else." - -"No, no, that will not do," replied the man; "the chapel will be -wanted." - -"Well, then, as near as possible," said the priest: "aggravate not -your offence, my son, by dragging the servant of God from his temple. -I will stay here in the sacristy. At all events, I shall be still -within the sacred precincts, and near the body I have promised to -watch." - -The man hesitated; but father Walter, assuming a higher tone, -exclaimed, "If not--Stand back, while I pronounce upon you all, the -anathema you so well deserve, and deliver you over to perdition with -her who sent you." - -"Stay, father, stay!" cried another of the men; "we will have none of -this, Martin Gournay. If the reverend father chooses the sacristy, we -will not have him thwarted. It is bad enough to do it at all. It must -not be made worse than it need." - -"Bad enough, indeed!" replied the priest; "and heaven forgive you for -listening to the voice of man, rather than that of the church." - -"Well, well," said Martin, "I do not care: let it be the sacristy. But -I must see that it is all safe;" and, opening the door, he went in, -followed by the priest and the other two men. - -"Ah, there is a way out!" he cried. "I must have the key of that lock, -good father." - -"There it hangs," replied father Walter with a smile: "make it all -sure. But, remember, that there is another key in the hands of the -church, which may lock the door of heaven against you, if you do not -repent." - -The man Martin, however, tried the door which led out through the -walls into the country; and, finding it locked, he took the key from a -hook above, and ascertained that it fitted. Then, putting it into his -pocket, he turned to the priest, saying, "I am very sorry to do this, -father; but it is not with my will, and I must obey my orders. They -shall bring you some food and wine; and there is a lamp. At noon -to-morrow you shall be free." - -Father Walter bent his head gravely; and the three men withdrew, -locking the sacristy door after them, and taking the key. The moment -they were gone, he rose from the seat in which he had placed himself, -and laughed with a bitter mocking tone. - -"The fools!" he cried; "do they think I leave myself so -unprovided? I must be quick! Can she have discovered -Helen?--impossible--impossible!--I heard her lock the door! I must be -quick!--Yet, no! he spoke of sending food and wine. I will let them -return. They will come, if it be but to see that their prisoner is -safe. Perhaps, too, they may linger in the chapel," and he resumed his -seat; and, taking up a book of prayer, continued to read for several -minutes. - -"Would they would come," he murmured at length. "Helen said, Estoc -would return for her at three, and it cannot be far short of that -hour." - -But the tumultuous feelings which had been lately busy in his bosom, -had filled the last hour with so many thoughts, that time had lost all -power of measuring them; and the clock struck two, as the words were -on his lips. The next moment, the door leading to the chapel opened -suddenly, and the man Martin entered with a salver, bearing some food -and wine. His eye instantly glanced to the priest; but the quiet -attitude in which he sat, with the book upon his knee, satisfied the -servant that all was secure; and, placing the provisions on a table, -he was about to retire, when father Walter stopped him, saying, "Pray, -do you know--and, if so, may you tell me--what is the cause of this -conduct of Madame de Chazeul? I would be glad to think that, either -through some error, or at the instigation of some malevolent person, -she has committed this outrage, and not from mere caprice and wanton -passion." - -"Oh, no, father!" replied the man: "but it seems you sent one of our -people to Chazeul for a book, in her name. I know not much about it: -but, I believe, Pierre went and told her what he had heard--so one of -the girls said." - -"A mighty offence!" observed the priest gravely: "and a reasonable -cause for an act which she will repent to the last day of life. Heaven -grant she may not regret it even longer:" and, thus saying, he -commenced reading the book again. - -"Why," rejoined the man, willing to justify his mistress, and, through -her, himself; "she feared, I fancy, that you were inclined to meddle -with some of her plans, and she is not fond of seeing them marred." - -"God will mar them, if they be evil," replied the priest; "and no one -can mar them, if it be His will they should succeed. But, 'tis well, -my son, 'tis well: good night!" - -"Goodnight, father," answered the servant, and left him, taking the -same precaution as before of turning the lock and withdrawing the key, -lest any one should open the door from the side of the chapel. Father -Walter instantly rose, and put his ear to a small round hole, like the -mouth of a tube, at the side of the door. The servant's steps were -distinctly heard passing down the nave of the chapel, and then -suddenly became faint as they issued forth into the court. The priest -listened for a moment longer; but no other sound was heard. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - - -The morning broke clear and fair; a few light clouds indeed hung about -the eastern sky, but only sufficient to catch the rays of the rising -sun, and gather them together, in a more intense glow. But these were -soon dispersed; and the sky beamed, within five minutes after the -break of dawn, in clear and unclouded beauty. Those clouds, however, -were still hanging over the verge of heaven, and not above half the -disc of the orb of light showed itself above the horizon, when the -Marquis de Chazeul, full dressed, left his own apartments, and hurried -to those of his mother. As he went, the sound of a hunting horn was -borne upon the wind to his ear; and pausing for a moment, with all -that fierce, tenacious jealousy of the rights of the chase, which was -entertained by the old feudal nobles of France; he muttered, "It must -be a bold man, or well accompanied, to hunt so near the Château de -Marzay. This must be seen to;" and striding on, he entered his -mother's ante-room with very little respect for the half-completed -toilet of her maids. - -The Marchioness was still in bed; but, according to the custom of the -day, she made no scruple of admitting any one who came in that -situation; and her son was speedily at her bed-side. "Well, Chazeul," -she said, with a shrewd smile, "the thing is done, I find; but tell me -all about it. You did not disturb her I suppose?" - -"No," answered Chazeul, "I found everything as still as death; and so -I left it. I might have been tempted, indeed, to look in between the -curtains, if I had had light enough to see my fair bride as she lay -slumbering. I was afraid she might wake too." - -"No great matter if she had," replied Madame de Chazeul. "The priest -was not in his chamber; and the girl Blanchette would have been -discreet." - -"I don't know that," replied Chazeul. - -"You don't know what?" demanded the Marchioness. - -"I don't know that you are right in either the one or the other," -answered her son; "for, as I went in, I certainly heard a noise in the -next room, as if some one were locking the door, and there was a -light, too, came through the key-hole. Then, as to Blanchette, she -seemed to be seized with a sudden fit of perverseness. It cost me a -full hour and a hundred lies, to persuade her to do as she was bid." - -"The hour's time was a loss," observed his sweet mother; "as to the -lies, that was no great expense. They are money easily coined. But I -will teach that girl obedience before I have done with her. The hussy! -it was but to enhance the price.--The priest in his room!--Ay, so he -might be. Now I recollect, he was wandering about at that hour. And -now, my dearly beloved son, between you and me, your absence for the -next two or three hours, might be more advantageous than your -presence. I have got to communicate your delinquency, you know, to my -good brother, De Liancourt--in other words to tell him--ay, and prove -to him too, that you have been seen creeping in and out of fair Rose's -chamber at midnight; and it is ten to one that his first indignation -falls upon you. That must have time to cool before you make your -appearance; and in the mean time there is plenty to be done." - -"Oh, I can find occupation," replied Chazeul. "There are men hunting -in the forest; and I should much like to see who they maybe. I will -mount, and take some half dozen men with me, to reconnoitre; and if I -do not find them too strong, I will hunt them as fiercely as ever they -chased deer." - -"Take care of ambuscades," cried the Marchioness. "No, no, Chazeul. -Better leave them alone till after the wedding. We have got other -things to do. We must have a priest to bury the dead, and marry the -living." - -"How so?" exclaimed Chazeul, in some surprise; "is not father Walter -here?" - -"Ay, he is here," answered the Marchioness, "but I suspect the good -man is not well enough to appear before noon." - -She spoke with a meaning smile; and her son demanded, "What is it you -mean, mother of mine? There is something in your eye." - -"Nothing but rheum," rejoined the Marchioness. "However, if you needs -must know, father Walter has discovered your folly with his niece -Helen.--That is all." - -"Pardi!" exclaimed Chazeul, "What is to be done now?" - -"Nothing,"' answered the Marchioness. "I have provided for him. He is -sick, you know. He is ill, and unable to leave his chamber till after -the wedding. Let that suffice, my son." - -"It will suffice for me, my most sagacious mother," replied Chazeul; -"but will it suffice for others?" - -"As I will manage it," said Madame de Chazeul. "At all events, it was -the only step to be taken, without making him sick indeed; and that I -had no time to consider. But it seems that, last night, after all the -world were sleeping, but you and I and half-a-dozen others, he thought -fit to send my page, Philip, to Chazeul, to bring a book of Hours -belonging to the girl Helen from her room, and in my name too.--What -is in it I know not; but I shall soon see. I trust, Chazeul, you have -not been fool enough to write anything in the book; but if you have, -that fire must prove your friend, and conceal your stupidity. The same -element has proved serviceable to you before; for never did a green -boy at college, put himself more completely in the power of an artful -courtesan, than you did, by your pastoral epistles, in the power of -Helen de la Tremblade. However, if they can decipher smoke and ashes, -they may prove the contract. If not, it is dissolved." - -Nicholas de Chazeul winced under the infliction. He was not one to -bear easily the charge of folly even from his mother. Vice she might -have charged him with at will; sin, crime, he would easily have borne; -but weakness, foolishness, were accusations, against which all the -vanity of his heart took arms; and his cheek grew red, his brow heavy, -while he answered, "Perhaps not so stupid as you think, Madam. It was -necessary to keep the girl quiet. I wrote nothing in any book, -however; and perhaps, after all, you may yourself be deceived, and the -priest know nothing about it." - -Madame de Chazeul shook her head, replying, "Too surely!--I have been -guilty of a folly as well as you, boy; and gave way to anger when I -should have dealt more patiently. What is done, however, is done; and -the only thing that remained, was, for me to cure one sharp act by -another.--But let us talk no more of these matters. There lies the -priest; and there he must lie till you are married. I will deal with -your uncle and sweet Mademoiselle Rose, and you must do your part." - -"And pray, will your sagacity let me know what my part is to be?" -asked Chazeul; for be it remarked, that he always spoke in a somewhat -jesting and irreverent tone to his excellent parent, even while he was -most implicitly following her impulses. - -"It is an easy one, my son," replied the Marchioness. "First you must -go down to the village, and engage the curé to come up hither for the -double duty that is to be performed. There is the old man to be -buried. That had better take place at nine; and then there is the -young man to be married, which must be done before noon. He will of -course speak of father Walter, and say, it is his office to bury or -marry all that die of the line of Liancourt; that he has special -rights and privileges in the Chapel of Marzay, with which none can -interfere, and more to the same purpose; but then you must put on a -sad and solemn face, and answer that the good father was to have -performed both ceremonies, but that this last night, by too much -watching prayer and fasting by the corpse, he has fallen grievously -ill, and has taken to his bed. Doubtless he will wish to see him when -he comes up here, between the funeral and the wedding; but father -Walter can get some refreshing sleep about that time; and 'twould be a -sin to wake him." - -Chazeul laughed. "You are armed at all points, I see," he answered; -"but if, after all, Rose should show her refractory spirit at the -altar, it will then be matter of regret and difficulty too, that we -have not some one in our interest to go on quietly with the service, -without having very fine ears for objections." - -"As to the regret," said the Marchioness, "that is soon swept away. -There was no way of avoiding what has been done. I know father Walter; -and with him, when once his interests are opposed to yours, there is -no way of dealing, but by force against wit. We are all very clever, -Chazeul; and by experience of the world, we gain a certain degree of -skill, like that of a village quacksalver; but a priest has a regular -education in outwitting all the world, and a diploma to do it. Then -for the difficulty, the curé is a good man--an excellent good man. Let -him speak to me; and I will give him such reasons for thinking it -best, Mademoiselle d'Albret should be your wife, that he will make you -one, whether she says 'yes' or 'no,' I warrant." - -"Well, all this will but occupy a short space," answered Chazeul; -"and, therefore, if I am to be out of my uncle's way till his passion -be cooled, pray tell me by your cabalistic art, when I may calculate -that his vicinity will be safe; for I know not that I can play my part -with him as well as I did with our fair Rose yesterday." - -"Ay! you did that well," rejoined his mother, with an approving nod; -"but you must not be back till near eleven; or if you be, you must -keep your chamber as if afraid to appear. When you do, you must be -mighty penitent, hear all his censure with deep humility, express your -in grief broken words and sentences, that mean more than they say; -never deny your crime, but plead temptation. That will be all easily -done, when the first storm has blown over, especially when you are -there ready to make the best atonement in your power, for any wrong -you may have done the lady's reputation. What can be expected more? -But there is one thing more to be considered. That old marauder, -Estoc, was still at the village yesterday. I like it not; I know not -what he wants: you must be on your guard! He may have designs we know -not of. He certainly aided De Montigni and Rose in their escape. He -may think Nicholas de Chazeul, a prize worth keeping in his hands,--a -comfortable hostage for her marriage with the boy he loves so well. -Before you venture into the village, send down and see if he be still -there, and if he be, have the curé brought up to you.--But go not too -near." - -"Oh, I fear him not!" replied Chazeul; "he would never dare to draw a -sword against me, under the very walls of Marzay. No fear, no fear, -dear mother. But I will be cautious for the present. The men of -Chazeul must soon be back, if all their throats be not cut, as, by my -faith, I am tempted to think they must be, by their long stay; and -when they return, I will drive the old wolf out of his lair at the -lance's point. I have not forgotten him. But the delay of these men -puzzles me.--They had strict orders to return as soon as a battle was -lost or won." - -"They may have been driven back with Mayenne across the Seine," -replied Madame de Chazeul; "or towards Houdan and Versailles; and are -not able to force their way across. Besides, you know the Bailli loves -adventures, and is not un-fond of plunder. He may have some private -enterprise in hand." - -Chazeul shut his lips close. "He shall pay for it, if he have -neglected my commands at a moment of need, for any scheme of his own," -he said. "But I will go, good mother, and leave you to your devices. -Fear not for me; I will take good care;" and thus saying he left her -to pursue her tortuous plans to their consummation. - -He himself was soon upon his horse's back, and down the slope; but ere -he lost sight of the protecting walls of the castle, he sent forward -one of the men who followed him, to inquire whether Estoc and his -party were still in the village, riding slowly on with the rest. The -attendant returned in about ten minutes, bringing intelligence that -the place was clear. - -"Monsieur Estoc," he said, "marched this morning an hour before -daylight; having, it seems, received tidings in the night which -hurried his departure. The cottager whom I spoke with, told me that he -believed those tidings were, that some bands were coming up from the -side of Chartres." - -"The Bailli and our own people, on my life!" replied Chazeul; "or he -would not have hurried away so soon. Which way did he go? I will have -him pursued if they arrive in time." - -"Towards Mortagne," answered the servant; "at least, so the man said." - -"Did you hear aught of these hunters?" demanded his master. - -"They did not pass through the village, Sir," was the reply, "but they -were seen upon the edge of the wood by some of the people, and seemed -somewhat strong in numbers." - -"Then we must be strong ourselves, before we deal with them," observed -his master, and rode on straight to the priest's house in the village. -He found the worthy curé at the door of his dwelling--a stout, round -faced, well-fed ecclesiastic; and, as so often happens in life, none -of the objections or difficulties, against which answers had been -prepared, were made. The priest merely expressed his sorrow that -father Walter, his reverend friend, was unwell; and, knowing that both -at funerals and marriages much good eating and drinking seldom failed -to take place, he agreed to perform both ceremonies with equal -pleasure. - -Well was it for the Marquis de Chazeul, that Estoc was not aware of -his visit to the village; for the old soldier was not as far off as he -imagined; and had he known that such a prey was near, it might have -been long before the walls of Marzay had seen their lord's nephew -within them again. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - - -Satisfied that the presence of Helen de la Tremblade in the château, -had not been discovered, father Walter sat in the sacristy without any -effort to quit it, although as the reader must have divined, from his -words, it was in his power so to do, notwithstanding all the -precautions of Madame de Chazeul's servants to prevent him. I had well -nigh said that he sat there calmly; for the exterior was so tranquil -and still, that it was requisite to look into his heart ere one could -fancy that there was anything but repose within. Calm? Oh, no! There, -all was agitated and turbulent. The clear precision of his thoughts -indeed soon gained their ascendancy; and the plan was speedily laid -out for meeting the difficulties of the moment, for overcoming the -obstacles presented to him, for thwarting the schemes of his -adversaries. All confusion of mere idea was speedily swept away; but -much was still left behind: and that which did remain, was the tumult -of conflicting passions, the struggle between strong convictions and -habitual feelings. - -All that had taken place within the last few hours, had worked an -extraordinary change in the sensations of Walter de la Tremblade. New -perceptions had forced themselves upon him, both in regard to his own -heart, and to the conduct and views of others. If I have at all -succeeded in conveying to the reader a just view of his character, it -must have been already made clear, that he was a man in whom strong -passions and great powers of mind, had been bowed down by the -influence of the peculiar religious doctrines of the church to which -he belonged--doctrines false and evil it is true--principles, which, -in many instances besides his own, prostituted the highest qualities -and most brilliant talents, to the support of an institution, raised -upon error, cemented by falsehood, covered over with crime; but still -his devotion had been sincere and strong. He had believed all that his -church told him; he had given up thought and judgment to her; his own -passions, desires, and feelings, had been fused into her purposes; -and, if they ever were individually brought into action, it was in the -course which she had fixed for them. - -But as I have said, a change had now come over him; the deep well of -the heart's strongest emotions had been opened; the stream had gushed -forth in a torrent; and many of the delusions which had encumbered the -way of his understanding had been swept away. Many but not all. The -stern attachment to the church of Rome, and the blind submission to -all her dogmas, which had taught him to believe that those who -attempted to try her doctrines even by the words of Christ himself, -were worthy of nought but persecution and punishment, had been brought -into contest with his love for her on whom all his tenderest -affections had centred--for her whom he had looked upon from infancy -as his child; and they had given way. He felt that he had been led -wrong; he had learned, that ambition and the love of domination were -part of the creed of Rome, and that, in obeying her fiery dictates, he -had supported with his whole strength, the wicked and the base, -against the good and noble.--He had learned it by his own sorrows; -and, although perhaps he had in some degree perceived it before, and -had believed that it was only justifiable to do so, for the great -object of the defence of the church, the anguish of his heart now made -him comprehend that the dreadful dogma, "the end justifies the means," -is always false, and that there is no truth but in the Apostle's own -words, "thou shalt not do evil that good may come of it." - -Many another feeling, many another conclusion, on which we cannot -pause, rose in Walter de la Tremblade's heart and mind; and regret and -self-reproach, and the dread of being hurried by the torrent of -passions and circumstances into sin and crime, agitated him -dreadfully. The truth and fervour of his religious feelings remained -the same. Even his attachment to the church, in whose tenets he had -been educated, was unchanged, although he admitted that man's vices -and prejudices had obscured and perverted her real dogmas. By her he -was resolved to abide; but he determined at the same time, to remove -himself for ever from the temptations to evil, to which he had been -hitherto exposed; and the conclusion to which he came, in the end, was -expressed by words which he muttered to himself: "I will take no -farther part in this horrible strife; I will but frustrate the wicked -arts of this bad woman and her base son, and then, in some far and -rigid monastery, wear out the rest of life in prayer." - -The time seemed short; for, of all the many terrible struggles that -take place within the breast of man, there is none so full of rapid -contention, as when the first convictions force themselves upon us, -that all our previous course has been one grand error; and when the -acts on which we have prided ourselves, the wisdom that has made us -vain, the vigour that has proved weakness, the prudence that we have -found folly, the penetration that has been but blindness, the meanness -of our ambition, and the darkness of our light, stand revealed in -their nakedness and deformity, under the bright beams of religious -truth. He could have gone on thinking thus for hours, and they would -have seemed but as a moment. The clock at length struck three; and the -bell was still vibrating, when the sound of an opening door was heard, -and then a step. The lock close upon his right hand, was then turned; -and the next instant Estoc stood before him. - -"Ah! Monsieur de la Tremblade," said the old soldier, "are you here? -Have you seen your niece?" - -"I have," answered Walter de la Tremblade, taking his hand and -pressing it with strong emotion in his own. "I have, and I know all. -Deeply, deeply, my old friend, do I thank you for your fatherly -kindness to my poor girl. God will bless you for it: God will reward -you, if not here, hereafter. I have no time, however, to offer you -thanks such as are your due." - -"I want no thanks, good father," replied Estoc. "I promised the good -man who is dead there," and he pointed to the chapel, "to be a Father -to her; and as long as old Estoc lives, she shall never want an arm to -strike for her, and a home to receive her. Where is she? I hope you -have not been harsh with her--" - -The priest shook his head with a melancholy smile. "Harsh with _her!_" -he said. "No, God forbid. She is with Mademoiselle d'Albret. But now -listen tome, Estoc, and let us take counsel together, regarding what -is to be done. You see me here a prisoner." - -"Ha!" cried Estoc, "a prisoner? How is that?" - -"I will tell you," answered the priest; "but understand, it is but a -prisoner in appearance. They think I am so, but that strong door, -though locked, and double locked, would melt away at my touch, as if -it were thin air. But there is much for you to learn; dark deeds are -going on within these walls, which must be prevented. First, however, -there is an enterprize which you must achieve, connected with my -confinement here. From Helen's words I discovered some two hours ago, -that there is, in a book of Hours lying in her chamber at Chazeul, the -only letter left unburnt by that incarnate fiend, Jacqueline de -Chazeul. If Helen's account be right, that letter amounts to what they -call in the French law, a promise,--_par paroles de future_, between -her and Nicholas de Chazeul--in itself an absolute bar to his marriage -with any one else. I instantly roused the page of the Marchioness, and -sent him off on horseback to bring the book." - -"I saw him go," replied Estoc. "He passed me, as I lay waiting under -the bushes at the bottom of the hill." - -"Then he is safe so far," replied the priest. "It seems, however, that -the man who lies in the same room, while pretending to be asleep, -overheard our words, and conveyed the tidings to his mistress. She -sent her men to place me in confinement, and will, beyond all doubt, -cause the boy to be brought to her on his return, and burn the paper. -You must undertake to stop him by the way, and to obtain that precious -document." - -"That will be easily done," replied Estoc. "I will set about it -instantly." - -"But there is more to be considered, much more," rejoined the priest. -"The boy must be instructed to carry the book on to his mistress, -after you have taken possession of the letter you will find amongst -its pages. He must be told to say nothing of his having been stopped, -but to give it to her quietly, as if he had but gone and returned; for -the only way to deal with that woman, is to conceal from her closely -your intentions and your power, or she will ever have ready a plan to -frustrate you." - -"I may tell him," replied Estoc, "but will he obey?" - -"I think he will," answered the priest. "I placed him with the -Marchioness. To me he owes his whole education. He has ever shown -himself attached with boyish devotion to my poor Helen; and she tells -me that, in the hour of her indignity and shame, he merited a blow -from his fierce mistress, by showing her an act of kindness. If he be -but told, that he must do this for the sake of Helen de la Tremblade, -I feel sure he will, at every risk." - -"Write it down, write it down," said Estoc, dipping a pen in the ink -that stood upon the table, and holding it to the priest. "He will -believe your word sooner than mine." - -Walter de la Tremblade took the pen and wrote--"Philip de Picheau, I -beseech you, if you have any regard for him who protected you in -childhood and in youth, or for your poor friend Helen de la Tremblade, -to give up the book which you are bringing, to Monsieur Estoc, whom -you have often seen and know well, to let him take from it that which -he thinks fit, and then to carry on the volume of Hours to Madame de -Chazeul, without telling her that you have been stopped by the way. I -beg of you also to follow entirely the directions of Monsieur Estoc, -if you would merit my regard and save Mademoiselle de la Tremblade -from deep grief--perhaps from death." - -He signed his name, and gave the paper to Estoc, saying in a confident -tone, "He will do it." - -"And how am I to act when I have got this letter?" asked Estoc. - -"Ay, that is the question!" replied the priest. "As yet you do not -know all these people's intentions, and it is necessary that you -should be informed of all, in order that you should be prepared for -whatever it may be necessary to do. You are resolute and fearless, I -know, and have before now done much with small means and a strong -hand. You may be called upon before many hours are over, to use the -sword in defence of right and justice." - -"That I am quite ready to do," replied Estoc. "It is but wiles and -cunning I fear, for there I am no match for your good Marchioness. But -let me hear, father, what are her plans and purposes?" - -"These," answered Walter de la Tremblade: "Some of them, I have -already frustrated; but I know that, failing these, she will have -recourse to force to effect the marriage of her base son with -Mademoiselle d'Albret; for she has built up a scheme for his -aggrandizement, which nothing will make her abandon, but death. Even -perhaps his pre-contract with Helen, she will attempt to pass over by -bold authority;" and he proceeded succinctly to display to the eyes of -Estoc, the whole plans and purposes of Madame de Chazeul. - -"But will Monsieur de Liancourt consent?" exclaimed Estoc. "He is -honest at heart--I believe on my life he wishes well." - -"But he is weak," replied the priest; "weak as the water of the -stream, which may be turned by art whithersoever we will; yet when -bent in a particular course, and concentrated within a narrow channel, -moves mighty machines, and carries all before it. He is now entirely -in the hands of this woman. I am no longer near him to guide him and -to counteract her, and you will see that he will do her bidding, like -a servant or a dog." - -"Force, against force, then," answered Estoc, "and I think myself well -justified in using the means I possess, to bring my men in hither. The -passage through the wall between the two doors will hold us all, for -we are not so many as I could wish; but I will be ready to appear at -the first sign." - -"How many are you?" asked the priest. - -"Seventeen," replied Estoc; "but there are stout men amongst us, well -trained to hard blows." - -"There are eight and twenty in the château," answered Walter de la -Tremblade, "and some of them good men at arms too." - -"That matters nothing," cried Estoc, "if we can get in unperceived. -Surprise doubles numbers. All the garrison could not act upon one -point. We should seize the principal avenues to the chapel before they -were aware; and the Count and Chazeul once prisoners, they might fret -their souls to dust without preventing me from liberating Mademoiselle -d'Albret. I could wish, indeed," he added thoughtfully, "to have had -enough to overawe all resistance; for I would rather, if it were -possible to avoid it, not stain the consecrated floor of the chapel -with Christian blood." - -The priest mused for a moment or two, and then replied, "And so would -I. But theirs is the villany. Your enterprise is right and just. If -they draw the sword to carry out their own iniquitous schemes, theirs -is the crime and the sacrilege. I absolve you of all offence in doing -aught that may be necessary to prevent the act they meditate." - -"It may be better in the hall," said Estoc in return, after a moment's -thought. "The contract must be signed there before the marriage, and -there the first scene of violence must take place. True, it is not so -easy to reach it, or to retreat from it, and we are there more open to -attack; but if I can contrive it I will. I must think over the means, -however, and I will be early here--as soon as I have got the letter -from the boy. If we can lodge ourselves in the passage before it is -full daylight, it will be better. The bushes give some shelter, it is -true; and they cannot prevent my entrance, so long as I possess the -key; but it were better to take them by surprise." - -"Far better," replied the priest; "and I calculate that if he make -haste, the boy may be back here by five. It was not much past one when -he set out. Are you aware," he added laying his hand upon Estoc's arm, -and pointing to a door in the sacristy, behind which the priest's -vestments and various ornaments and relics were deposited, "Are you -aware, that through that closet lies a passage in the hollow of the -wall?" - -"Oh, yes," replied Estoc, "it is necessary for the defence of the -chapel port; but still that would only lead us to the court, and we -should have to pass the Corps de Garde, go through the lower hall, and -mount the staircase. However, I will think it all over as I go, and -lay my plan. I know the château well, and every nook and corner. We -shall find means no doubt. I have taken a stronger place than this -with fewer men, and more to oppose us. Ere they should carry out their -scheme, I would blow in the gates with petards and force my way to the -hall sword in hand." - -"I trust it will not be necessary," answered the priest. "Indeed I do -not believe that there will be aught like bloodshed. Monsieur de -Liancourt himself, I should think, would not suffer the sword to be -drawn, especially as his heart must tell him that it is in a bad -cause." - -"Ay, and many of the good fellows here," replied Estoc, "would not -take part against us, especially to force poor Rose into a marriage -that she hates. Chazeul is little loved by any one; and the -Marchioness is hated even by her people. I have heard them speak of -her.--But now I will waste no more time. Farewell, Monsieur de la -Tremblade: I will be back as soon as I have got the paper." - -"God give you success," answered the priest; and Estoc, retiring -through the door, closed it after him. Then issuing forth into the -country, he crept quietly away under cover of some bushes which -approached the walls, till upon the verge of the wood he found two of -his men waiting for him. With them he returned to the village, called -the rest of his little band together, paid the cottagers, whom he -roused from their slumbers, for the accommodation he had received, and -rode on towards Chazeul, giving out that it was not his intention to -return. - -After proceeding for five miles on the way, to a spot which the boy -was obliged to pass on his road from the one château to the other, the -old soldier halted his men, and ordered them to feed their horses with -some corn which they had brought in their bags. A vigilant watch was -kept in the meantime upon the side of the high bare hill, down which -came the road from Chazeul, and at the foot of which wandered the -Huisne; but one half hour passed after another, and no one appeared. -All was still and silent, the stars twinkling out above, and the low -wind whispering through the yellow grass that covered the wide extend -of sloping land between them and a wood above. The road was scarcely -to be traced by the eye, except where its sandy banks, against the -deep back ground of the trees, marked the spot at which it issued -forth from the forest; but upon that point Estoc kept his eyes fixed -without seeing any dark object cross the lines, till the sky overhead -began to assume a reddish hue, and the light spread gradually around. -The day at length fully dawned, and the old soldier was giving his men -directions to scatter themselves along the edge of the wood, and close -round the boy as soon as he appeared, when the figure of some one on -horseback suddenly issued forth upon the side of the hill, and came -down at a quick pace, apparently not remarking that there was any one -below, till he was half way to the bottom of the descent. Then, -however, the boy suddenly pulled in his bridle rein, and seemed to -hesitate; but the next instant, instead of turning back to the wood, -he darted off to the left, with the intention of crossing the Huisne -farther up. Estoc, however, detached three of his men along the low -ground on the bank to cut him off there, while he rode up to deprive -him of his retreat into the wood, and the rest of the party swept over -the side of the hill in a semicircle, gradually drawing closer and -closer round the poor page, who doubled before them like a hare before -the hounds. At length he saw that the attempt to escape was vain, and -pulling in his horse, he stood still till Estoc rode up to him. - -"Ah, Monsieur Estoc! is it you?" exclaimed the page with a glad smile, -when he saw who was his captor. "You have given me a terrible fright." - -"More than needful, Philip," replied Estoc, "for we do not want to -hurt you. But, get off your horse, my good boy, and come hither apart -with me, for I have something to say to you." - -The page did as he was directed; and Estoc, dismounting also, led him -a little on one side, demanding, "Have you got it?" - -"Got what?" rejoined the page, with a shy look of affected -unconsciousness. - -"Come, come--no more of that, Master Philip!" exclaimed Estoc: "I mean -the book, as you know well enough." - -"Yes, I have got it," answered the boy: "but you must not take it from -me indeed, Estoc, for my mistress will be so angry." - -"Let me look at it," said Estoc: "you shall have it back again, upon -my honour! Have you opened it?" - -"No!" cried the page with a look of surprise; "is there anything in -it?" - -"Yes, prayers, to be sure," replied the old soldier, satisfied by the -boy's countenance that he spoke the truth. "Come, let me look at -it--you shall have it back, I tell you." - -The page drew slowly and unwillingly from a pouch under his arm, the -book with its velvet cover and silver clasps, and placed it in Estoc's -hand, saying, "You promise to give it back, mind." - -"Ay!" answered the old soldier, "and I always keep promises;" and, as -he spoke, he unfastened with some difficulty the stiff clasps, which -seemed to be tightened in their hold by something swelling out the -bulk of the volume. - -"Ha, ha! you have done what the old gouvernante could not do," cried -the boy. - -"What, did she try to open it?" asked Estoc, turning over the pages. - -"Ay, that she did, the nasty old wolf," replied the page; "and she -kept me for two hours waiting in the hall, because she did not choose -either to get up and fetch it, or let me. Ah! what have you got -there?" - -"What I seek," answered Estoc, giving the boy back the book, and -putting a letter, which he had taken from between the leaves, in his -pocket. "Now, master Philip," he continued, "take the book on to your -mistress, and give it to her, without telling her that you have met -with any one, or that any one has looked into it." - -"She will know that, without any telling," answered the boy in a -gloomy tone. "She will find out, in a minute, that the paper has been -taken out, and perhaps have me hanged for stealing it, as she did -Gabriel Houlot for robbing her of her gold bonbonnière, which was -under the pillow of the coach all the time." - -"Fear not, fear not!" said Estoc; "she does not know that there was -anything in it: and it is to prevent her from knowing it, that I take -the paper." - -"But father Walter knows," rejoined the boy; "and he will tell her." - -"No, no, he will not," replied Estoc. "But, to satisfy you, read that, -if you can read." - -"Oh, yes, I can!" said the page proudly; "good father Walter had me -taught to read:" and, taking the paper which the priest had written, -and which Estoc held out to him, he ran his eye over it rapidly. "Have -I any regard for her?" he cried, as he saw the words referring to -Helen, "Ah, that I have, poor thing! and would shed my blood to serve -her, if it would do her any good. The old woman may hang me, if she -likes; I will tell her nothing, the tiger!" - -"That's a good youth," answered Estoc; "but, read it through." - -"Well, what am I to do, Monsieur Estoc?" asked the page as he -concluded. "I always promised to obey good father Walter; and, as he -tells me to do what you direct me, I will do it. But, what does he -mean about saving Mademoiselle Helen from death?--Where is she?--What -has happened to her?" - -Estoc paused thoughtfully for a moment; and the idea of telling the -page that Helen was in the Château de Marzay, and directing him to -help her, crossed his mind. The boy's regard for her, and his -willingness to serve her and obey the priest, were too evident to be -doubted; but discretion, seldom the quality of youth, was too likely -to be wanting. "The priest has means of communicating with Helen, by -the passage from the sacristy, he thought; and I suppose from what he -said, that he has another key of the door. But yet he might be -stopped. Most likely the Marchioness does not know where they have -placed him. She is not one to overlook such chances, and a thousand to -one, she has him removed when she wakes. Then the boy's wit might be -of service if he knew all. I will risk something. It cannot do much -harm.--Hark ye, Philip," he said aloud, "can you keep a secret without -either blabbing it behind the door to a soubrette, or carrying it -about in your face as plainly as if your tongue told it?" - -"That I can," answered the page. "I have learned that in our house. -There have been secrets enough there within the last two years, I can -tell you." - -"Well then," continued Estoc, "the truth is, that your companion in -your room, heard good father Walter tell you to go upon this errand. -He went directly and informed your mistress; and she, suspecting there -was something in the book which she wished father Walter not to have, -has caused him to be confined--locked up--so that he cannot stir." - -"I will let him out," cried the boy eagerly. - -"At all events be on the watch to serve him," replied the old soldier. -"You may in the course of this morning have an opportunity of -rendering him a great kindness, if you use your eyes and ears aright, -and be ready to do so whenever he asks you." - -"That I will!" exclaimed the page; "but pray tell me, Estoc, where is -Mademoiselle Helen? What has become of her? I am sure you know more -than you say.--Oh, Madame treated her cruelly--terribly." - -"She is well," answered Estoc in a grave tone, "and so far in safety, -that, if undiscovered, all will go right; but if she be once found by -her enemies, her life will be held by a poor tenure, against that bad -woman's malice." - -The boy cast down his eyes and thought; then looking up, he cried, -"She is in the Château of Marzay!" - -"Ha!" exclaimed the old soldier, "what makes you think that?" - -"Why, whom should she fly to, but Monsieur de Chazeul?" asked the -page. - -"Fly to him!" replied Estoc in a sharp tone. "She would fly from him -to the farthest part of the earth. She abhors him. She hates him. Poor -silly boy, you are mistaken." - -The page looked puzzled. "He loved her once," he said in a meditative -tone, "and she him. Of that I am very sure; for I took the letters." - -"Indeed!" exclaimed the other, "then you owe her some gratitude; for -she would not tell who brought them, for fear of injuring you, though -dear enough it cost her." - -"Ah, sweet lady!" cried the boy, "that is so like her.--Poor -Mademoiselle Helen, I would die for her willingly," and the tears rose -in his young eyes. - -"Well, then," said Estoc, "watch for the opportunity of proving how -you love her. You may find it soon also. Look well about you; mark -every word, and yet seem unconscious; be ready to obey her in an -instant: and above all remember, that, of all beings she has most -cause to hate and dread, it is Monsieur de Chazeul. There is no one -whom you can trust within the Château of Marzay, except father Walter, -but least of all Nicholas de Chazeul. Her life may depend upon you, -upon your prudence, upon your courage, and upon your quickness; and if -you be driven forth, as she was, for serving her, come to me, and I -will take you into my band, and make a soldier of you--I shall not be -far distant." - -The boy clapped his hands gladly; but Estoc went on, "No more, my good -lad, at present. Go back to the château with all speed; say not a word -to any one of having seen me; but tell the Marchioness how the old -woman kept you before she would get the book." - -"Stay, stay," cried the page; "I am not to know that Madame did not -send me; is it not so?" - -"Certainly," replied Estoc; "you are to forget all that I have told -you, and only to remember that father Walter sent you for the book, -and that you have brought it. That is all.--Now to your horse's back -and away." - -The boy obeyed at once, remounted, and rode off. - -Estoc and his band soon followed; but at the distance of about a mile -and a half from Marzay, he gave the word to halt; and then turning to -his men he said, "We must take to the wood, my children.--Then for a -short council of war; and after that for action!" Thus speaking, he -himself dismounted, and led his horse through the brush-wood into the -forest, followed by all his companions; but scarcely had he reached -the thicket to which his steps were directed, when his ear was greeted -by a loud flourish of hunting horns at no great distance. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - - -There is a certain spirit of impatience which not unfrequently carries -a particular class of readers on to the end of this volume of a tale -like the present, before they have read the beginning; and another -spirit--an evil spirit certainly-which leads a second class to do no -more than skim gently but swiftly through the pages, catching glimpses -of the story here and there, sufficient to satisfy the mind as to the -facts, but to give nothing but indistinct notions of what is called -the plot itself, and no insight into the characters of the persons -brought upon the stage, no knowledge whatsoever of the work itself, in -any of its higher qualities. Formerly it was not so. People travelled -through a work, as through a country, remarking everything that was -curious and interesting by the way; the peculiarities of the people -that one met with, the beauty of the scenery displayed, the wit that -diversified the day, the moral reflections that suggested themselves -from the objects passed--somewhat amused, somewhat instructed, -somewhat improved. But this is an age of railroad, morally as well as -physically, and very little is thought of, but the end of the journey, -and the easiness of the coach. To get over the greatest possible space -in the shortest possible time, is the end and object of every man; -and, with books as with countries, we go through them at a pace of -forty miles an hour. Probably in time, this may work its own cure; and -as ere long nothing will be known of any land when thoroughly -railroaded, but the nearest and the farthest points, and a mile on -each side of the road, and nothing known of books but the beginning -and the end, and what a reviewer has pleased to say of the contents, -people may, in time, feel a curiosity to learn more, and take trips on -a post horse, or in a jaunting car, to see what is in the interior of -the country, or in the heart of the book. But railroad is the spirit -of the age; it is vain to strive against it; and if the truth must be -told, an author feels the same influence, and, as he approaches the -termination of his tale, is nearly as much inclined to hurry on to the -conclusion, to omit facts, to leap over difficulties, and to hasten -the catastrophe, as the reader. But this ought not to be; for then if -that time should ever return when books are really read, it might be -found out, that only half the story had been told, and that there was -a great deal unaccounted for. - -I must therefore, very unwillingly, pause by the way, and ere I -proceed with all that was going on in the Château de Marzay and its -neighbourhood, go back to the old house of Maroles, where the reader -will recollect that we left the young Baron de Montigni, in no very -pleasant situation. - -Too few in number to keep their assailants at a distance, if with -proper implements the enemy made a simultaneous attack upon two or -three of the different doors of the château, the little party, within, -saw no prospect before them but that of being forced to surrender on -the following morning, or dying sword in hand. The latter alternative -was certainly not a very pleasant one; but we must recollect, that it -seems much more terrible in our eyes, who are seldom called upon in -these days for such self-sacrifice, than it did to the eyes of men -accustomed daily to witness similar acts. De Montigni, however, had -still much to live for; the light of hope was still unextinguished -before him; the cup of life's joy had been scarcely tasted; and all -the bright and warm expectations of youth were leading him forward by -the hand. To close the pleasant journey so soon, entered not into his -thoughts; and yet perhaps he would sooner have died than yielded -himself to the power of Nicholas de Chazeul and that bad man's mother. -Of the former he knew little, for they had not met since his boyhood; -but yet De Montigni was as much convinced that Chazeul was faithless, -treacherous, and cruel, as if he could have seen all the innermost -winding of his heart; and, to trust himself a prisoner in his hands, -the young nobleman felt would be consigning himself to a fate much -worse than an honourable death in arms. - -What was to be done was the question; and, in the little council which -he held with his attendants, every one gave his opinion, and advice -according to his character. - -"We had better wait where we are," said one of them. "A thousand to -one they get frightened or tired before the morning, or that some -party of our own people comes up and forces them to decamp." - -"We are off the high road," replied De Montigni, with a shake of the -head. - -"If we could but send tidings to the King," said the man, "he would -soon deliver us." - -"I wonder if we could not make our escape by the wood behind." joined -in the servant, who had accompanied the young nobleman from Italy. - -"It is worth the trial at all events," replied De Montigni. "They can -but drive us back again, at the worst; and we might contrive to cut -our way through." - -"If we had not lost the two horses," observed the guide, "it might be -done; but, as it is, we should soon be caught." - -"The wood seems extensive," said De Montigni in return, "and we should -have a better chance of escape on foot than on horseback. They can but -follow the cart and bridle roads, while we could take the footpaths, -and even force a way across the brush-wood. It seems to me the only -feasible plan, and I will try it. We will leave the horses behind, and -an hour or two before daylight the attempt must be made. We may get -some sleep in the mean time. Two can lie down upon the floor, while -two keep watch, one on each side of the house, for the man whom we saw -them send away up the hill, may have been dispatched for tools, to -force the doors during the night. Thank heaven, there is a moon, so -that we can see their proceedings. But first, let us go round and -ascertain which door it will be best to use for our escape." - -"We shall scarcely have light," replied the servant, "and we are not -likely to get lamps or candles here." - -"Then, the sooner we go the better," said De Montigni; and, descending -to the hall where they found the other man on watch, they attempted to -grope their way about the château, but to no purpose; for, as we have -before said, all the windows on the lower story were strongly boarded -up, so that even the faint light, which still lingered in the sky, -could find no entrance. - -A thought seemed suddenly to strike the guide, however. "I have a bit -of rope," he said, "at the back of my saddle. I always carry a piece -to tie a prisoner with. We can rub a little gunpowder into it, and -then set fire to it, with a pistol flint." - -This plan was adopted, and though the light obtained was not the most -satisfactory, as may be well supposed, it served to guide them through -the long passage of the château; and, by observations from above as -well as below, they found a door which apparently led into a little -herb garden, surrounded by walls, bordered by the road on one side, -and by the forest on the other. The best reconnoissance that they -could make, both before and after the moon had risen, did not show -them any of the enemy on that side; though a party was to be seen -round a fire which they had kindled in front of the château, and -another upon one of the paths in the rear. They therefore determined -to avail themselves of this means of exit; and, while two of the men -lay down to rest, propping their heads with the saddles, which they -had taken off the horses, De Montigni himself, and the stout soldier -who had served him as guide from Marzay, kept watch at the front and -back of the house, perambulating the various rooms, from window to -window. Every now and then they met and conferred for a few moments, -though neither had anything to tell. All was still and silent, except, -indeed, when the wind wafted the voices from the enemy's watch-fire, -or when a distant clock was heard to chime the hour. - -It was just after nine had struck, that De Montigni, meeting his -companion at the angle of the building, inquired "Is that the clock of -Houdan that we hear?" - -"No, Sir," replied the man, "It is Maroles. But do you know I was just -thinking, that, if we try to escape, we had better do it at once, or -at least not very late, for the clock that reaches our ears, will -reach theirs too, and may put them in mind that there are axes and -saws to be procured at Maroles. Then by dividing their men, they might -break in without our being able to prevent them. In such a clear night -as this, the moon will give them quite light enough for their work." - -"Or to see us make our escape," replied De Montigni. - -"Ay, but in less than half an hour," said the man, "she will be round -on this side of the house; and then the whole shadow of the château -will be cast over the garden, and the door that leads to it." - -"True, true," answered De Montigni, "but a doubt has arisen in my -mind, as to the escape by the garden. Shall we be able to get from it -into the wood?" - -"There is a door," replied the guide, "I saw the mark of it plainly -upon the wall." - -"But it may be locked," said De Montigni, "and I think we may conclude -it is so by these people having placed no one within." - -"Oh dear no, Sir," answered the man, who, it must be remembered, was -an old soldier. "You do not know how many things are always overlooked -even in a regular siege, where there are all the wits of the army to -work. I do believe that, if those who are without a place did but -attend to all its points of weakness, as well as those within, there -is scarce a town in all France that would hold out three days. The -mistakes of the besiegers are at least as much in favour of a place, -as all its defences. But the best plan will be, for one of us to go -out first and see if the door can be opened, and then the rest to -follow. The lock must be in the inside, and it will be easily forced -with a dagger." - -"That will take time," rejoined De Montigni, "but I fear there is no -resource; and so it must be done. We will wake these other two as soon -as the garden is in shadow, and then put our plan in execution." - -It was somewhat longer than they expected ere the shadow of the -château was thrown completely over the little garden; and the clock -struck eleven, as De Montigni and his guide woke their two companions. -All that was necessary to carry with them, was taken from their -saddle-bags; the little store of ammunition, which they possessed, was -distributed equally amongst them; and, pistol in hand, they approached -the door and quietly unlocked it. - -The rusty bolts made some noise and resistance ere they would suffer -themselves to be withdrawn; but, it would seem, that this attracted no -attention from those without, and the door was opened, showing them -the neglected garden, become quite a wilderness of weeds since last it -was trodden by the foot of man. It was now altogether in profound -shade, however; and, although the walls were not high, and they could -see the glare of one of the watch-fire of the enemy flashing upon the -branches of the trees, yet, being situated upon the same level as the -château, the garden was commanded by no spot in the neighbourhood, and -consequently they determined to go on to the gate together. - -As De Montigni had suspected, the door was locked and the key gone. -The bolt, too, was firmly rusted in the staple, so that they could not -force it back; and the large nails which fastened the lock were -apparently clinched on the other side, and resisted every effort to -draw them. Nothing remained then, but either, to scale the wall, to -return to the château, or, by slow labour, to cut away the wood work -round the staple, and then force it out. The first plan was tried, -without success, for the wall was higher on the side of the wood than -on that of the road, and they consequently set to work to remove the -staple. It cost them near an hour to do so, and just as they had -succeeded, the sound of a horse's feet in the gallop met their ear. -Pausing to listen for a moment or two, the sounds were heard to come -nearer and nearer, and then rose up the buzz of several voices -speaking. - -"Now or never," said De Montigni, pulling back the door, and the next -instant he stood under the branches of the wood. The men followed him -silently, and after one glance to the right, where, through the -leafless trees, they caught the faint glare of the fire upon the road, -they crept silently away to the left, taking the narrowest paths they -could find, and looking anxiously round on every side, in expectation -of seeing some party of the enemy. Ere they had proceeded far, they -heard a loud hollow sound, as of blows struck upon a door, and De -Montigni's servant whispered to his master "We must be quick, Sir, we -must be quick; for they have got axes, and are breaking in. Our flight -will soon be discovered." - -De Montigni hurried on at a more rapid pace, and for near an hour -nothing indicated that they were pursued. At the end of that time, -however, the young nobleman began to suspect that the path they were -following led them round, and was conducting them back towards the -spot whence they had set out. - -"I think so too," replied the guide to whom he expressed his doubts; -"the moon is travelling that way, and yet you see we have not got -further on the left." - -"More on the right," said De Montigni which would be the case if we -were coming nearer to the château again. "Let us direct our course -from her. That must take us to the edge of the wood." The attempt was -more easy than the execution, for the paths were perplexed and -intricate, formed apparently for the purposes of the chase, or perhaps -by the beasts of the forest themselves, and, displayed little -consideration of the direct line from one spot to another. Thus very -often when they had followed one road, which led for some way in the -direction that they wished to pursue, it suddenly turned off to the -right or left, flanked by thick and tangled underwood, without any -fresh path presenting itself to enable them to pursue their course. In -this devious way they wandered on through the forest labyrinth, till -at length the sound of loud voices shouting, and horses galloping at -no great distance, showed them that their escape was discovered, and -that they were pursued. At this moment they were in a narrow tangled -path up which it was impossible for a horse to force its way, and the -guide putting his hand upon De Montigni's arm, whispered, "Halt here, -Sir, and let them pass us." - -The advice was good, and De Montigni followed it. In a few moments the -sounds were lost again, and with cautious steps they resumed their -course towards the edge of the wood. The moon had now, however, gone -down behind the neighbouring hill, and looking up into the sky to see -if they could fix on any star, by which to guide themselves, they saw -a reddish light spreading overhead and increasing in intensity every -moment. - -"Can it be yet dawn?" asked De Montigni. - -"Oh no, Sir," replied the guide. "I don't know what that can be, -unless they have set fire to the château to give them light to look -for us." - -"Just like Chazeul's people," said one of the others, "it is that -depend upon it; but here is the open country." - -And so it proved, for they had now reached the further side of the -wood; and stretching out before them, lay a wide but gentle slope, -descending towards the valley of the Eure, over which the flames of -the castle shed a red and fearful light. Some trees, however, -advancing from the rest of the forest, which had once been more -extensive than it now was, promised them some shelter from the eyes of -their pursuers, while the spire of a small church was seen at the -distance of about a mile and a half; and, weary of wandering in the -wood, gliding for some way under its edge, they approached the -scattered trees, and began the descent into the valley. - -Ere they had proceeded half a mile, however, the blast of a trumpet -sounded, and a party consisting of three horsemen was seen riding down -towards them. It was now evident that they were discovered, but still -the pursuers did not venture to approach too near. And, pistol in -hand, determined to sell their lives dearly, the little body of -fugitives hurried on towards the church, hoping to find some village -near, where they might obtain assistance or shelter. Still the trumpet -sounded, however; and, in a few minutes, another party was seen coming -rapidly round from the farther side of the wood, to join the cavaliers -who were keeping them in sight. - -The flames of the castle could now be distinguished; but the fire was -evidently decreasing, so that they had still some hope of darkness -befriending them once more; but as the east opened upon their sight, -at the turn of the hill, the grey streaks of dawn were observed -depriving them of that chance. The church, too, which was now near at -hand, displayed no houses around it, and was little more than a chapel -in the open country, erected for the benefit of the neighbouring -peasantry. A deep wide porch, however, or rather gateway, with a stone -seat on either side, presented itself as they hurried on, and there De -Montigni determined to make a stand, sheltered, as his men must be on -three sides, from the attack of the enemy. - -The party who pursued now amounted to twelve, and were at the distance -of somewhat less than two hundred yards; but the rest of the troop -were seen riding rapidly down the hill, and the others halted, ere -they made their attack, to let the whole force come up. - -Suddenly the body in the rear, to the surprise of the young Baron and -his companions, halted, and one man at furious speed detached himself -from the rest, and, galloping down to those below, seemed to make some -announcement, which changed the whole course of their operations. -Instead of advancing against those whom they had so pertinaciously -pursued, every man turned his rein, and setting spurs to his horse's -flank sped up the hill towards his comrades. - -"What can be the meaning of this?" exclaimed De Montigni. - -"They see some party of our friends," replied the guide stepping -forward; and De Montigni advancing likewise, and turning his eyes -towards the Eure, perceived a confused group of forty or fifty persons -on horseback, followed by a number of others on foot, and some twenty -couple of dogs. They were advancing at a slow and tranquil pace, so -that the young nobleman and his followers had full time to contemplate -them. At their head, rode a gentleman in a common hunting dress, with -a large white plume in his hat, and a white scarf over his shoulder; -and, after gazing for a minute, the guide touched De Montigni on the -arm saying, "The white plume! the white plume!--It is the King!" and, -rushing out, he cast his hat up into the air exclaiming, "Vive le Roy! -Vive Henri Quatre!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - - -The moment her son had left her, Madame de Chazeul rose and began to -dress herself in haste; but although she grumbled at her sleepy maids -for their slowness, and called them by many an unpleasant name, which -indeed she was not a little accustomed to shower upon every one who -approached her, when her eager impatience prompted; yet the strong -spice of coquetry which remained with her, as a relic of former -passions, did not suffer her to conclude the arrangement of her dress -without the aid of the various cosmetics she was accustomed to employ, -and many a touch of that pigment which had obscured the real colour of -her skin for years. Thus, from the dawn of day, what between her -conversation with Chazeul, and her devotion to the toilet, at least an -hour and a half had passed away before she was ready habited, in deep -mourning, to appear in the hall of the castle. - -"Now, call Martin to me," said the lady as soon as the whole structure -was complete; "be quick for once, jade. You will drive me mad this -morning, with your idle sloth." - -"The boy Philip, Madam, is waiting in the ante-room," replied the -soubrette; "would you please to see him first, or Martin?" - -"Why, in the name of Satan, did you not tell me he was here?" demanded -Madame de Chazeul. "Call him in, hussy." - -"He has just come, Madam," said the girl, willing to justify herself; -"he put his head in as I went for the wimple." - -But the Marchioness did not always confine the punishment of offences -to the tongue; and she pushed the girl rudely by the shoulder, -exclaiming, "Call him in, I say!" - -The maid ran to the door, and shouted, "Philip, Philip! my lady says, -come in." - -The boy instantly approached with the book in his hand, saying, "Here, -Madam, are the Hours. I suppose they are the right ones, for the old -woman would get them herself. I should have been back a long while -ago, but she kept me waiting in the hall, and--" - -Snatching the book from him as he came near, the Marchioness -exclaimed, "Hold your tongue, little miscreant. How dare you go for -anything without my orders?" - -"Why, Madam, you sent me orders to go," replied the page; "at least, -father Walter told me so." - -"He is a liar, and you are another, I believe," cried the Marchioness, -struggling with the clasps, which for a moment or two resisted all her -efforts. - -"Ah, Mathurine could not open it either," observed the page in a -natural tone. - -"Did she try?" demanded his mistress turning upon him vehemently. - -"Yes, that she did," was his reply, "for at least five minutes; but -she could not get it open." - -"Perhaps you can do it," said Madame de Chazeul holding out the book -to him, and fixing her eye upon his face. - -The boy took it, laid down his hat upon the floor, and laboured to -open the clasps with all his might,--at least, in appearance;--and the -Marchioness, satisfied with the trial to which she had put him, called -one of the maids, who, using less force and more skill, unclasped the -little volume in a minute. - -"Here, give it me!" cried Madame de Chazeul not withdrawing her eyes -from the book for an instant; and as soon as the maid had delivered it -into her hand, she turned page after page, looking them all over, but -without finding aught written on any leaf but the name of Helen de la -Tremblade, in the hand of her uncle. - -"What could he want with it?" she murmured; "perhaps I have deceived -myself.--Yet, no! The room she used to occupy!--so said the man. Here, -boy, what did father Walter say, when he sent you?" - -"I do not well remember, Madam," answered the page, "for I was half -asleep. But I know he told me, you said I was to go, and that I must -get the book from Mademoiselle Helen's room." - -"Did he say the room _she used_ to occupy?" demanded Madame de -Chazeul. "Answer me exactly." - -"I cannot recollect, Madam," replied the boy. "He said her room; but I -did not take much heed as to the words." - -"Fool!" cried the Marchioness looking fiercely at him; "you should -take heed of everything;" and then falling into thought again, she -murmured, "Well, he is better where he is. If he be there, he may rage -when the knot is tied, but cannot unloose it; if he were free he might -stop the tying. Get thee gone, boy; and remember, when any one tells -thee to go anywhere in my name, come to me and ask if they have -authority." - -"What, in the night?" asked the page. - -"Ay, in the night," replied his mistress; "if I can give them -directions, I can give thee an answer.--Now, girl, call Martin;" and -leaning on the table while the maid hastened to fulfil her orders, she -fell into a fit of meditation. - -Many minutes did not elapse before the man she had sent for made his -appearance. And still preserving that haughty tone of hands, which is -so effectual with dependents, even when requiring evil actions at -their hands, until they find that all real power to injure or -disappoint is at an end, she demanded, "Well, is the priest safe?" - -"Ay, Madam," answered the man; "I have done your will, though it be -against my conscience." - -"Conscience!" cried Madame de Chazeul; "what have you to do with -conscience?--Is it not in a priest's keeping?" she added, seeing an -unpleasant shade come over the man's brow; "and can he not give you -absolution? This may cost a score more crowns than any other offence. -But it is purchasable, and I will pay the money. To kill a Cardinal is -a ruinous thing; but it can be absolved on a fair calculation of his -weight in gold. These candlesticks of the church can always be -replaced; and this is but a trifle. Methinks you will become a -Huguenot next, and fancy that the Pope has no power to absolve us. I -tell you what, Martin, if such were the case, many a fair lady and -gallant gentleman, in France, would be in a perilous case." - -"I shall never turn Huguenot, Madam," replied the man gravely; "but, -as father Walter said, 'to drag a priest from the altar is more like -the act of a heretic than of a Christian man.'" - -"Ay, so he said," exclaimed the Marchioness, "because he was the -person dragged; but on my honour he would have told a different story, -if he had ordered the thing to be done. But you shall have the money. -Here, Madelaine, bring me the casket.--Where have you put him?" - -The man paused till one of the maids had brought in a small ebony and -ivory box, and the Marchioness de Chazeul had counted out into his -hand, a hundred small pieces of gold, upon which his fingers clenched -with zealous eagerness. - -"Where have you put him?" demanded the lady again. "In the sacristy, -Madam," replied the servant. But at those words Madame de Chazeul -started from her chair like one possessed. - -"In the sacristy?" she cried; "then on my soul, he is free by this -time! Do you know, that there is a way out through the walls?" - -"Yes, Madam," answered Martin; "but that door is locked." - -"And that," exclaimed the Marchioness, "through the vestiary and out -into the court?" - -The man looked confounded, and after a moment's musing he replied, -"Ay, that is the way he got out." - -"Out! out! Is he out?" screamed Madame de Chazeul. "He was out, but is -in again," rejoined the man. "René saw him, or his ghost, in the -court, and drove it back with his partizan. But as soon as he told me, -I went to the chapel and into the sacristy; and there I found the good -father seated where I left him, with the book on his knees." - -"He takes it very easily," replied the Marchioness. "There is some new -plot afoot. He must be removed, Martin; no more wandering about the -castle till the marriage is over. On that marriage all depends. You -know you are promised a command in my son's cornet of horse." - -"I did not know it, Madam," replied the man. - -"Well, then, I promise," answered the Marchioness, "for your good -services this night. As soon as the marriage is over, Chazeul shall -confirm it. But the priest must be removed to the little chamber at -the foot of the great staircase. Have him away quick, before my -brother comes down,--the room where old Estoc slept, I mean.--How came -you to put him in the sacristy?" - -"It was his own wish," said Martin; "you told me I might put him where -I liked, and keep him under my own ward: so I gave him his choice; and -he preferred the sacristy." - -"Because he could get out!" cried the Marchioness: "that was his only -reason: and now, good Martin, hasten and remove him,--with all -gentleness, for he is a reverend man,--yet firmly too, for he is full -of arts and wiles, and will confound you with mere words. Listen not -to him, Martin; but tell him to come on without speaking, and lodge -him safely where I have told you. What is to be done had better be -done completely. The offence is committed, and we may as well make it -a secure one, as spoil the benefit by half doing. Go and remove him -quickly; and then, keep yourself ready to bear witness to what you saw -last night." - -"Oh, I am quite ready for that," answered the man; "there I have but -to say what I saw, and that I can swear to. I took care to make all -sure, by speaking to monsieur when I met him." - -"That was right, that was right, good Martin," said the Marchioness. -"You always show yourself a man of resolution and discernment. Now be -quick, and see that the door be fast locked." - -It may be remarked, that she spoke to the man who now left her, in a -very different tone from that which she used to most of the others -whom she employed in the multifarious services required of her -domestics; but the truth is, that he was of a more bold, determined, -and vigorous cast of mind than the others. She had less hold upon him; -she feared him more; she doubted him more; and, from the minister who -holds the helm of state, down to the tradesman with his shopmen, we -all show more courtesy and smooth compliance, to those on whom we have -no sure hold, than to those on whom we have. It is force of character -that usually gains this reverence; and it is vain for any one to say, -I will acquire it; for the very necessity of seeking such an -ascendancy, is an everlasting bar to its attainment. The only thing -that can ever supply the place of that force of character, in -obtaining station and command over mankind's esteem, is the force of -principle. Every man can say, I will be virtuous and true, and, with -God's grace, he may be so. Then, sooner or later, honour must follow; -but he must never dream of being so, for that end; for if he do, the -touchstone of the world will soon prove the metal, wear through the -outside gilding, and show the baser stuff below. - -Madame de Chazeul was, with this man, a different being from with the -rest, because she feared he might resist, and knew if he did so, it -would be with no weak and poor resistance. She spoke him fair, lured -him with rewards, flattered him; but she loved him less; and the -moment he had left her, she thought, "I must find some means to -dispose of him, after this affair is over. Yes, he shall have a -command in Chazeul's cornet. We will put him in the front of the -battle; and then a blow from before, or a shot from behind may finish -the affair.--Oh! David was a wise man." - -After sitting before her table for a moment, to collect her thoughts, -and call to mind all the particulars of the plan which she had already -arranged, and which, like every other dark intrigue had become, as we -have seen, more and more complicated at each step she took, the -Marchioness rose and walked leisurely to the great hall. Her brother, -whom she expected to find, was not there; and after waiting for a -moment or two, her impatience persuaded her, that it would be better -to seek him in his own chamber, where they could not be interrupted. -She accordingly turned her steps thither, and knocked at the door, -though that ceremony was not perhaps necessary. It was a quick and -hasty knock, however, as if she had come thither on urgent business; -and the moment the Count's voice was heard, bidding her come in, she -entered with a countenance prepared for the occasion, bearing a -mingled expression of grief and bewilderment. - -"Why, what is the matter, Jacqueline?" demanded the Count, as soon as -he saw her. "You look scared. What is the matter?" - -"Nothing, nothing," she replied in a tone of affected indifference. "I -only wanted to know if you were ready; for we have much to do to-day. -I wished to inquire too, what Rose was saying to you last night, just -before she went to bed--for something has happened very strange." - -"I do not recollect her saying anything particular," replied the -Count. "I said that, from what I saw during the day, I hoped she was -more inclined to do her duty, and give her hand to Chazeul; and, as -before, she replied, 'Never!'" - -"Ay, but she must!" cried the Marchioness, "and that this the very day -too. The girl is a rank coquette, Liancourt, and only wishes to be -driven." - -"No, no!" cried Monsieur de Liancourt. "Not so, Jacqueline, not so!--I -dare say she might be brought to love Chazeul in time; but now she -clearly does not like him, though yesterday she seemed to endure him, -yet it was no very cordial companionship. It did not promise much." - -"More than you think or I am inclined to say," replied the -Marchioness. "But one thing I will add, that if you knew as much as I -do, you would be the first to force her without delay, into a marriage -which is necessary for your own honour as well as hers. Ah, you do not -know woman's heart, my good brother.--I say no more; but if you have -any regard for her reputation and for your own good name, let no -affected resistance have any effect." - -"What do you mean, Jacqueline?" cried the Count, hurriedly throwing on -his cloak, "what is the signification of all those mysterious nods and -looks? If there be anything affecting my honour, let me hear it." - -"No, no! you would rage and storm," answered the Marchioness, "and -perhaps do some rash act towards Chazeul or Rose. But you must -remember, women are strange perverse beings, brother, and you must -take them as you find them, forgive them all their little faults and -failings, and understand that a woman often refuses most vehemently, -that which she most desires; and as to such errors as these I talk of, -they are but too common." - -"What is the meaning of all this?" cried the Count. "Come, Jacqueline, -come.--No more turning and winding. I must and will know what you -mean. No one has a right to speak of my honour being in danger, -without telling me how." - -"But it is not in danger, Liancourt," replied the Marchioness with -apparent reluctance, "if the marriage takes place at once; and as for -the scandal, it can be hushed up. I will give the people money,--and, -after all, Chazeul may have had no wrong intent, nor Rose either. They -may only have wished to talk with each other for an hour or two in -private, when every one was in bed. You saw there were secret -conferences between them yesterday." - -"Speak plain, woman; speak plain," exclaimed the Count, growing -irritated: "Talk with each other in private, when every one was in -bed! What do you mean?--where did they talk?" - -"Why, if the truth must be told, in Rose's room," replied the -Marchioness. "It was imprudent, and the people who saw him come out, -and told me of it, were not sparing in what they said,--but I have no -doubt it was but imprudence." - -"When did this happen?" cried the Count vehemently; "at what hour?" - -"A little after two they saw him come out," answered the Marchioness, -"and he went there about one." - -The Count cast himself into a chair, and rested his head upon his hand -for two or three minutes. Then starting up he exclaimed, "It is false! -I will never believe it.--This is one of your tricks, Jacqueline." - -"What do you mean, Monsieur de Liancourt?" cried the Marchioness with -a frowning brow. "Do you mean to say, that I speak falsehood?--Nay, -then the matter is easily proved, and shall be proved. The people -whom,--as I told you I should,--I placed to watch that there might be -no more flights from the castle, must be called. I insist upon it, -since you accuse me of falsehood. They know my son; they know Rose -d'Albret's room.--Nay, more; we will have her maid. I have not seen -the girl myself, but you can question her. Perhaps she will not -acknowledge the truth; but you must make her. I cannot tell that -it was not herself Chazeul went to see,--for men have strange -fancies,--only she is as ugly as a sow. However, send for her first, -and let us hear what she says. Shall I go away and let you question -her alone?" - -"No, no!" replied the Count. "Stay and hear. I cannot believe it! -There must be some mistake." - -"Of that you can judge better than I can," answered the Marchioness, -who well knew how to manage her brother. "I don't want to lead you. I -know that's quite in vain, Anthony. You never would be led by any body -in your life; but, see all the people, hear what they say, and then -act as you may think fit." - -"I will speak first with the maid," said the Count de Liancourt; and, -approaching a door which led down to one of his servant's rooms, he -called to the man, bidding him send Blanchette to him with all speed. - -The girl made them wait for several minutes, during which time, Madame -de Chazeul improved her opportunity, in guiding her brother's mind -into the exact course that she desired. She took occasion to plead for -her son's pardon, in the tone of a supplicant, but was not at all -displeased to see, that Monsieur de Liancourt was highly indignant at -his nephew; as she argued thence the success of her own plans. - -When Blanchette at length appeared, the Count called her to him in a -somewhat stern tone, saying, "Come hither, girl, and answer me truly. -Was there any one in Mademoiselle d'Albret's chamber last night? Don't -hesitate, but answer." - -The girl did hesitate, however; for Madame de Chazeul had purposely -left her in the dark regarding her views and purposes, knowing very -well, that the more she faltered, and prevaricated, the stronger would -be Monsieur de Liancourt's conviction, that the tale which had been -told him was true. - -"Dear me, Sir," said Blanchette at length, "who could be there?" - -"Girl you are making up a falsehood," cried the Count. "I insist upon -your answering straightforwardly. Was Monsieur de Chazeul, or was he -not, with your mistress, between one and two o'clock this morning?" - -Blanchette began to whimper; but at length, with many an excuse, and -many an explanation, she admitted that it was so. - -"And how dare you, you base girl," exclaimed Madame de Chazeul, -joining in, "how dare you give admittance to any man into your -mistress's chamber in the middle of the night?" - -"Why you told me, yourself Madam," replied Blanchette somewhat -saucily, "that I was to admit Monsieur de Chazeul, at any time, and to -do exactly what he told me." - -"At any time during the day," replied Madame de Chazeul, in a tone of -indignation. "You could not suppose that I meant at night; and I never -expected that he would ask you to do what was wrong, or I certainly -should not have told you to obey him. However, for this very thing, I -will take care you shall be discharged. There shall be no such -convenient ladies about my son's wife." - -The girl held down her head in sullen silence, very well -understanding, that she had done exactly what Madame de Chazeul -wished, though it suited her now to condemn it, and that she, -Blanchette, having been the tool, was destined to be the victim. - -"Pray did Mademoiselle d'Albret direct you to admit Monsieur de -Chazeul?" asked the Count; and this time he got an eager and a rapid -answer, for Blanchette would have done a great deal at that moment, to -damage Madame de Chazeul's scheme, which she began to suspect. - -"Oh no, Sir!" answered the girl, "and I am very sure she would be -excessively angry if she knew that he was there at all. I only let him -in, because Madame la Marquise told me to admit him at all times, and -to do exactly as he ordered me; and he would have fain persuaded me, -that mademoiselle had changed her mind and liked him; but I know -better than that, from what she said just as she was going to bed, and -from the way she prayed to God to be delivered from him; so that she -would be angry enough if she knew that I had admitted him. But he kept -mighty, still, and took care not to disturb her." - -Madame de Chazeul's eyes had flashed fire while the girl spoke, and -she had given her many a threatening look to induce her to pause. But -Blanchette was not easily daunted by the lightning of the eyes; and -she went on to the end as fast as possible, without hesitation or -dismay. - -"Ay, girl," cried the Marchioness at length, "now you have committed a -shameless and infamous act, and aided my son and your mistress in -soiling her own reputation for ever, you would fain represent the -culpability as not so great. But get thee gone; thou art unworthy of -more words. Get thee gone, and send my man Martin here. Tell him to -bring his comrade with him." - -The girl, who was by nature saucy, as well as sullen, would willingly -have answered the Marchioness by telling her, to call her man herself, -if she wanted him; but she did not dare; and, in a few minutes after -she had quitted the room, the servant Martin and a comrade, whom he -had had with him during the preceding night, made their appearance. -The Count questioned them eagerly, and found that his nephew had -undoubtedly been in the chamber of Rose d'Albret for more than an hour -the preceding night. This was quite sufficient to work all the effect -that Madame de Chazeul desired. He gave way to bursts of furious rage, -calling his nephew a base villain who had dishonoured his house and -speaking of Rose in terms of the utmost violence, without ever -inquiring whether she was to blame or not. - -"Where is your son, Jacqueline?" he cried, "where is this young -scoundrel?" - -"He quitted the castle early," replied Madame de Chazeul, "fearing, I -fancy, that this affair would be found out, and then that the -consequences between him and you might be serious." - -"Most likely to avoid marrying her whose fair name he has blasted," -said Monsieur de Liancourt. "But he shall marry her! By the Lord that -lives, he shall marry her this very day!" - -"There is no fear of him," replied Madame de Chazeul; "though there -may be, regarding your fair ward, brother; for depend upon it she will -deny the whole of this affair. The maid Blanchette will go and tell -her, that it is discovered; and then they will get up some story -between them, which they will expect us to believe. To make it look -like truth too, you may be very sure that Rose will affect to be more -opposed to the marriage than ever; and, if it were not necessary for -her reputation, it would be amusing enough not to press her." - -"She shall wed him before the clock strikes noon," replied the Count. -"But where is your son, Jacqueline? Has he gone to Chazeul?--He must -be sent for." - -"Oh, no," replied the Marchioness; "he has only gone down to the -village, to keep out of your way till you are a little cooler. You had -better leave him there till the hour of marriage approaches, and then -be as lenient with him as may be. I have already rated him severely." - -"I _must_ speak to him, Jacqueline," replied her brother. "This is an -insult and an injury to me. What did he say, when you spoke to him? -Did he deny it?" - -"No, not absolutely deny it," replied the Marchioness; "but he did as -all young men do under such circumstances. He said he had done no -harm; but had only gone to Rose's chamber because he wished to speak -with her in peace and quietness, which he had not been able to do -during the day. It was very likely true," she added, in a tone of mock -candour; "I don't think it at all unnatural." - -"At all events it is ruin to her fame," replied the Count; "and we -must heal the wound as speedily as possible by their marriage. I will -go to her and tell her, that there must be no more delay--that I -expect her to be in the hall to sign the contract at eleven, and in -the chapel to take the vow immediately after. I will have no excuses; -it shall be done. I will go to her this moment, before I hear mass." - -"No, let me see her first," replied Madame de Chazeul; "you accused me -of being harsh with her yesterday, I shall be more gentle than you -with her to-day. I will be firm with her, however, and let her know -that you are so too. She may make up her mind to it--about which there -will be less difficulty than you think--while you and I are at the -funeral, which we must get over first, in order not to have the dead -body in the chapel at the wedding. Poor father Walter was taken ill -last night while he was watching the corpse.--Did they tell you?" - -"No," exclaimed the Count with a look of concern; "I will go and see -him." - -"He is sleeping, and asked not to be disturbed," replied the -Marchioness; "so I sent down to the village for the Curé to attend to -the funeral; but I do hope that father Walter will be awake and well -enough to perform the marriage ceremony." - -"I hope so too," replied the Count, "for if this girl makes any -resistance, we might have difficulties with the Curé." - -"Oh, she will be more easily persuaded than you imagine," replied -Madame de Chazeul; "though of course she will affect reluctance, the -Curé will easily see that it is all pretence. The more furious it is, -the more will the affectation be apparent. So stay for me here, and I -will rejoin you directly." Thus saying, she left her weak brother, -who, during her absence, which was longer than he expected, worked -himself into greater fury than ever, and prepared his own mind, as his -sister could have wished, for any act of violence which might be -required. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - - -It was with a quick and agitated step that the girl Blanchette -returned to the room which served as her own bed-chamber and as the -ante-room to that of her mistress. It was the sort of pace that, had -she stopped for one moment, it must have been to stamp with rage; and, -when she reached a seat, she cast herself into it, and burst forth -into a violent fit of tears--passionate, not penitent; full of -virulent anger, not of sorrow or remorse. The same feelings were in -her heart, with which Macbeth exclaimed "For Banquo's issue have I -'filed my mind,"--feelings which lead to fresh crimes, rather than to -atonement for those that are gone. - -"I shall be discharged, shall I?" asked the girl, "and all for doing -what she told me. I have heard of her ways. Fool that I was not to -believe it. I might have known, if I had not been as stupid as an owl, -that what she does to others, she would do to me. Oh that I could but -match her!--Well, I may perhaps--Now if I could get Mademoiselle out -of the château? But she will watch me.--Well, let her; I will watch -her.--The old hag is cunning enough, but there may be others as -shrewd;" and she dried her tears, and laughed at the thought of the -bitter sweet potion of revenge. - -"I know her now," she continued, sometimes speaking to herself in low -murmurs, sometimes meditating in silence; "I know her now. Oh she can -feign and speak sweet, and promise all kinds of things. But she shall -not take me in any more. I can see well enough. Her game is nearly -played. If she wants any more help, she will be as smooth as oil; and -then, when all is done, I shall be kicked off to die on a dunghill, -for what she cares. But I have taken care of that. I have got as many -crowns as promises, and I will be caught by none of the latter any -more. Oh yes, she will soon come, and be very civil doubtless, if she -has anything for me to do; and tell me she was obliged to speak so -before her brother, but that it meant nothing. She shall see that I am -affronted, however; but not too much--no, not too much, for then she -might not trust me any farther, and I should miss my opportunity; for -vengeance I will have, one way or another." - -With such sweet and innocent thoughts Blanchette entertained herself -for some time, till at length the door swung open, and Madame de -Chazeul walked in, with no signs of plausibility in her countenance. -The girl was sitting, with the handkerchief which had lately wiped -away her tears, upon her lap; and her whole face showed that she had -undergone no light emotions. The Marchioness did not stay to inquire, -of what sort they were, but jumped at the conclusion, that the dread -of losing her place, was the cause of the girl's agitation; and, -believing that, by that fear, she could rule her as she thought fit, -she was only careful to prevent her from thinking the post of -soubrette to the future Marchioness de Chazeul irretrievably gone. - -"Why do you not rise, girl, when you see me?" she demanded in a -haughty tone. - -"Why, I have done so much wrong, Madam," said the maid with a sullen -face, "in doing what I thought was your will and pleasure, that I am -sure I know not what to do, to give satisfaction." - -"You must do better than you have done, if you would long keep your -place," replied the Marchioness; "but if you really thought you were -pleasing me, that makes a difference. An error may be forgiven; -disobedience not. Your mistress is up, I dare say." - -"Oh yes, hours ago," answered Blanchette. "Shall I tell her you are -here, Madam?" - -"No!" replied Madame de Chazeul, advancing towards the opposite door, -"we will have no farther ceremonies;" and, without giving any sign of -her approach, she walked straight in. - -Rose d'Albret was seated as before, near the window: the favourite -spot of the prisoner, where he can see some part, if it be but a -glimpse of that free world which is no longer his; but when the -Marchioness entered, she started and rose. Madame de Chazeul had -gathered her face into a frown; and Rose, who felt in her heart a -deeper degree of indignation at the events of the last night, than at -all the injuries, deceits, and harshness which had been practised on -her before, gazed at her with a swelling heart and a firm -determination to tell her what she thought of all her conduct. - -The Marchioness did not clearly understand that look; and it somewhat -puzzled her as to her course; but after a moments pause, she said, "I -have come, Mademoiselle d'Albret, to tell you, that at eleven the -contract is to be signed in the great hall; and, immediately after, -the marriage will take place in the chapel." - -"Madam, you have already had my answer," replied Rose, "and I have -only to beg, that you will not insult me, even by naming your son's -name in my hearing. I have long disliked and despised him. I now abhor -and scorn him; and I would sooner give my hand to a beggar on the -road, than to one so utterly base and degraded." - -"I should have thought," answered the Marchioness, with a bitter -sneer, "that, after what passed last night, your reluctance would have -quite vanished, and that Nicholas de Chazeul would have found in Rose -d'Albret a very willing--nay, perhaps, an over-willing bride;" and she -pointed, smiling sarcastically, to a man's glove that lay upon the -table. - -"I had not remarked it," replied Rose, advancing to the table and -taking it up with a look of disgust. - -"No, I suppose not," answered Madame de Chazeul. "Such little -oversights will occur in such circumstances, Mademoiselle." - -"It was no oversight on his part, at least," said Rose, turning to the -open window; "the low-minded villain who left it here, knew well in -that respect, at least, what he was doing; but I treat it, and him, -and all his arts, with the same contempt," and she threw it out into -the court below. - -"Weak, foolish, guilty girl!" cried the Marchioness. "Do not think to -escape thus.--Your fate is sealed; and within three hours you are his -wife, however unworthy to be so. For your own sake, for your own -reputation's sake, it must be so. However little care you yourself -take of your own fame, there are others bound to be more thoughtful, -and to use any or all means of saving you from the disgrace which -would fall upon you but for them." - -"Madam, my reputation is in no danger," replied Rose; "happily, -neither you nor your son can affect that." - -"Indeed!" said Madame de Chazeul, with an incredulous smile. "Perhaps -your high purity is not aware, that Monsieur de Chazeul was seen last -night, by two trustworthy persons, entering your chamber at one -o'clock, and quitting it somewhat after three; perhaps you are not -aware, that your maid has confessed she gave him admission to it." - -"To this chamber; not to mine, Madam," answered Rose, with a look of -calm scorn. "Your admirable plan has failed, lady; and you cannot -drive me into an union with one so despicable as to take part in it, -even by the fear of calumny." - -Madame de Chazeul gazed at her with rage struggling with surprise. -"You are wonderfully tranquil," she said, at length; "but still all -your calmness will not disprove to the good busy world what several -persons, independent of each other, know: that Monsieur de Chazeul -passed more than one hour in your chamber last night, and that your -maid admits the fact." - -"I have better witnesses than my calmness, Madam," replied Rose -d'Albret, "who will be quite credible against your servants, planted -on purpose on the stairs, and my maid, bribed long ago to betray and -deceive her mistress; and they will prove that, warned of the base -scheme contrived against me, informed of all its particulars, I slept -undisturbed in another chamber; and that, if your son thought fit to -pass his time in this place, he passed it here alone." - -"It is the priest!" muttered Madame de Chazeul. "I have not spoken -with him, since my return hither," said Rose, who caught the words not -intended for her ear. - -"Who are your witnesses, then, girl?" exclaimed Madame de Chazeul. "I -do not believe you! The whole tale is false, invented but to screen -your own dishonour." - -"My witnesses I will produce when need may be," answered Rose, "but -not to Madame de Chazeul alone; and, for the rest, you know right -well, which tale is false, and which is true. It is needless to argue -with one so well informed already. Moreover, remember, that no force -shall ever make me wed your son. My hand is promised by myself to him, -for whom my father destined it; and the well-devised story of his -death has failed, as well as the artful scheme that followed it. I now -know him to be living, as well, or, rather, better than you do; and -you may find that he is so when you least expect to see him." - -The Marchioness turned red, and then pale, even through the paint upon -her face; but, for several moments, she made no reply, turning rapidly -in her mind every chance in the wide range of circumstances that could -have given to Rose the information she possessed. Be it remarked, -however, that she never doubted the truth of what that Lady said; for, -though the deceitful are ever suspicious, there is something in the -plain, straightforward simplicity of truth, which raises it, in -general, above doubt. Men may affect to disbelieve it, when it -militates against them, but in their heart they recognize it for what -it is. - -"If the priest had not told her, who had?" Madame de Chazeul asked -herself. "Could it be the maid?" But then Blanchette had not been -informed of the whole plan. "Could it be one of the servants?" None -knew more than a part. "Could Chazeul have betrayed the secret to some -of his own people, who again had communicated it to Rose?" It was most -improbable. "Could De Montigni himself have returned, and made his way -into the château unperceived?" It might be so; but still her scheme -was unknown to him. She was in a maze, which, with all her quick wit, -she could not thread; and all that she could decide upon doing, was to -pursue her plan boldly, to exercise all her influence over her -brother's mind, to blind his eyes and overrule the better feelings of -his heart, and to watch warily for every accident, to guard against -any event, which might frustrate her design. - -"It is all very well, Mademoiselle d'Albret," she said at length, in a -calmer but not less stern tone than she had hitherto employed, "to set -your simple assertions against facts unfortunately too well and widely -known. I shall be happy to hear, when you are my son's wife, the -proofs that you say you can give, that you did not commit the -imprudence, to call it no worse, of admitting him to your chamber in -secrecy and silence, at an hour past midnight. It will be a great -satisfaction to me, and I will take care that those who witnessed the -scene, and may otherwise spread the scandal abroad in the world, shall -be present to hear your exculpation.--But it must be as my son's wife, -for your guardian and myself have consulted, and have determined, that -it is absolutely necessary for your fame and respectability that you -should be united to him without delay. My brother, indeed, has sworn a -dreadful oath, that he will compel you to obey before noon; and you -well know when he has sworn--" - -"Oh no, no!" cried Rose, now greatly agitated, "not sworn.--He would -never swear!" - -"Ay, but he has!" answered Madame de Chazeul; "he has sworn by all he -holds sacred,--he has called down the vengeance of heaven on his -head,--he has taken the name of his God and his Saviour to witness, -that he will force you to follow his will, and relieve your name of -the stain that hangs upon it, by your marriage with Nicholas de -Chazeul." - -Poor Rose d'Albret covered her eyes with her hands in terror and in -grief; for she well knew that Monsieur de Liancourt was one who would -consider such an oath, however rashly and intemperately spoken, as -full justification for violating every dictate of propriety, right, -and justice. Madame de Chazeul saw her agony, and enjoyed it; for -anger and wounded pride had their share in the bitter determination -which she had formed, to force the poor girl into the arms of her son; -and amongst the many images which a quick fancy brought before her -mind of future triumphs, was the prospect of mingling misery and care -with Rose's married life, and taking vengeance, for what she called -the disdain of the haughty girl, upon the unwilling bride. She sat -silent, then, and Rose remained with her fair face covered, hiding the -tears that would burst forth, and striving to smother the sobs that -struggled for free course. - -Neither uttered a word for several minutes. The house, and the chamber -remained quite still; and then came a sound as of a key turning in a -door, and next a gentle tap close to the chair where Madame de Chazeul -was seated. Both Rose and the Marchioness started up, though with very -different feeling; Rose with terror and alarm, lest Helen should -discover herself; and the Marchioness with surprise, which did not at -all deprive her of her prompt decision, and ready wit. Ere -Mademoiselle d'Albret could utter a word, however, in the wild -confusion into which her thoughts had been thrown, her fierce -companion judging in a moment that the secret was about to be -disclosed, said in a low, but quick tone. "Come in!" The door from the -priest's room opened, and Helen de la Tremblade stood before them, -with a face calm and placid when she first appeared, but which became -glowing and agitated, as soon as she beheld her enemy. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - - -"Ha, ha, ha!" exclaimed Madame de Chazeul, bursting forth into a long -peal of laughter, "so the secret is discovered! So here is the -precious witness! So here is the wise intelligence bearer!--Strumpet, -how dare you show yourself in my presence?" - -"Neither willingly not wittingly, have I done so, Madam," answered -Helen de la Tremblade, who had now recovered her self-possession, and -spoke in a much calmer and firmer tone than the Marchioness had ever -heard her assume; for, in the fire of adversity, she had gained -strength, and the loss of hope had carried with it the loss of all -those thrilling emotions, those vibrations of the heart, which shake -and agitate the mind also. Thus, though surprised at seeing the woman -who had so harshly used her, and whom,--in the long pause that had -taken place in the conversation with Rose d'Albret,--she had thought -gone from the chamber, she was nevertheless not confounded, and far -less dismayed than might have been expected, "Neither wittingly nor -willingly," she repeated, "but since it is so, it may be no better. I -am, Madam, as you have said, both the witness, and the intelligence -bearer; but happily not the only one." - -"What minion, will you dare me?" cried Madame de Chazeul advancing a -step, as if she would have struck her. - -"Have a care, lady," said Helen in a deep tone. "Remember, I am not a -servant, and no longer in any way under your authority, or, as you -once termed it, protection.--Protection! Oh, God, what protection! Our -position is different; and I bear not now, what I have borne before." - -"On my life," exclaimed the Marchioness, "this is admirable! Where do -you stand, girl?--Is this my brother's house, or yours?" - -"Your brother's, Madam, but not yours," replied Helen, "and I know -that brother too well, to doubt that he will do justice, when he knows -the truth. To him I am now going; and at his feet I will tell all,--my -own fault, and my own folly.--Ay, and your crimes, to me and to -others." - -She took a step towards the door; but Madame de Chazeul cast herself -in the way, with a look of terrible fury. She well knew, that the poor -girl had the power, if she could but obtain a few moments' interview -with the Count, of overthrowing all that she had done with him, of -exposing her conduct, ruining her schemes, and blasting by a breath -all that she most desired to see bear fruit. The worm she had trampled -upon, had turned to sting, her, and her only safety was to crush it. - -"Stand back, minion!" she cried in a stern tone; "back to your den, -this moment!" - -"Nay, nay, Madam," cried Rose d'Albret interposing, "Helen has -suffered enough; you shall not make her suffer more here." - -"Blanchette, Blanchette!" exclaimed the Marchioness aloud, without -heeding her, but still keeping between the door and her victim, -"Blanchette, Blanchette!" - -The girl appeared and gazed in surprise upon a scene, in which she -found a new actor, whom she had thought far away. "Quick, call Martin, -and the other men from the bottom of the stairs," cried the -Marchioness. "Quick! not a moment!" and advancing again upon Helen, -she repeated, "Back to your den, serpent! Back to your den!" - -"No!" cried Rose d'Albret taking her poor friend by the hand, "she -shall not be driven from my chamber, if she chooses to stay." - -But Helen whispered, "By the other way!" and running back into the -priest's room, she turned the lock and hastened to seek exit by the -door at the top of the stairs. - -She had, however, to deal with one quicker in every combination than -herself, and ere she could unlock it, and go out, Madame de Chazeul -was there before her, calling loudly, "Martin! Martin!" At the same -time, she laid her hand upon the small dagger, which, as was not -unfrequent with ladies in that day, she carried at her girdle. Helen, -resolved to make a great effort, would in all probability have -attempted to pass her at all risks; and blood would very likely have -been spilt; for the tiger in the heart of Jacqueline de Chazeul was -thoroughly roused and overbore every consideration even of danger. But -as the poor girl paused for a single instant, the heads of the man -Martin and another appeared on the stairs, and she saw that her escape -was cut off. - -"Now, will you back?" exclaimed the Marchioness, with a triumphant -smile. "Oh, I am to be set at nought, am I?" - -With a sinking heart and a slow step, Helen retreated into her uncle's -chamber; and Madame de Chazeul was following, when the voice of -Monsieur de Liancourt was heard below, exclaiming, "What is the -matter, Jacqueline? Is anything amiss?" - -"Nothing! nothing," cried the Marchioness, "I will come and tell you -directly." - -Helen sprang forward again; but the fierce woman caught her by the -shoulder, and threw her back headlong into the room, muttering in a -low bitter tone, "Back, minion, I say!--Stay on guard here, Martin," -she continued; "let no one in or out. If my brother come, beg him -civilly to pause. I will return in an instant." - -Thus saying she entered the chamber; where Helen, stunned and bruised -by the fall, still lay on the floor. Seizing her by the arm, Madame de -Chazeul dragged her further in and closed the door; then gazed on her -for a moment, while every terrible passion that can agitate the human -countenance, crossed the face turned towards poor Helen de la -Tremblade. The fingers of the Marchioness felt the hilt of her dagger, -and the spirit of Cain moved her heart strongly; but she refrained for -the moment, murmuring, "No, not blood--not blood." Then advancing to -the door leading to the adjoining room, she tried it, took out the -key; and hurrying across to the other, she went out by it, and locked -it likewise. - -"Monsieur de Liancourt speaks, Madam," said the man Martin. - -"I am coming! I am coming!" cried the Marchioness, and began to -descend. - -"Shall I wait here?" asked the servant. - -"No, all is safe now," rejoined his mistress, going on, "we shall want -you for other matters, my good Martin." - -She hurried down without a moment's pause, endeavouring to smooth her -countenance, and to calm the vehement agitation of her thoughts as she -went; and although, in the latter effort, she was not altogether -successful, for her angry spirit when once moved, was long ere it -regained tranquillity; yet her face was smiling--though with a curl of -contempt hanging about the nostril and the corner of the lip--when she -met her brother just ascending to inquire the cause of the noise and -outcry which had reached his ear. - -"What is the matter, Jacqueline?" cried Monsieur de Liancourt; "has -anything new gone wrong?" - -"Nothing, nothing," replied the Marchioness; "something more amusing -than anything else. But I will tell you all about it after the -funeral. I think it will make you laugh to see, what tricks there are -in this world." - -"But what is it? what is it?" asked the Count, whose mind, vacillating -and uncertain, was too much agitated by the course he was persuaded to -pursue against his better judgment, not to feel a movement of dread at -every new incident in the drama, whenever he fell back from a fit of -passionate vehemence, into his usual state of weak hesitation. - -"Oh! I will tell you by and by," replied the Marchioness, who was -anxious to have a little time to arrange her plans, and to think over -the turn that she should give to all that had just taken place. "The -story is too good to be spoilt by relating bits of it; and the hour -appointed for the funeral is already past--hark! there is the bell. -All the people must be waiting in the hall; and we must go and put -poor old Michael in the vault, before we can talk of other things." - -The Count suffered her to lead the way to that large hall in the -Château of Marzay, into which we first introduced the reader, when we -brought him to the house. There several of the principal members of -the household were assembled, under the guidance and direction of the -Count's major domo; and they had already begun, with the assistance of -the good priest of the village, to discuss some of the savoury -pasties, and rich old wines, which were spread out upon a table in the -midst of the room. - -The worthy curé; looked somewhat mortified at the early arrival of the -two mourners, if we may so term the Count and his sister, for he had -got his plate loaded with a fresh supply of viands, and it was -understood that their appearance was to be the signal for beginning -the ceremony. Monsieur de Liancourt, however, courteously pressed him -to go on, and having a capacious mouth, and ready hand, the priest -brought his meal to a speedy conclusion. It may be a curious question, -whether the situation of that country is most unfortunate, where the -poverty of the clergy renders their appetites easy panders to -corruption; or that where their wealth tends to make them the slaves -of their own passions. To say the truth, it was a relief to the Count -to see the curé eat, for Monsieur de Liancourt's mind, more -impressible than that of his sister, shrunk from the solemn scene he -was about to witness. He felt higher and less worldly thoughts, which -he dreaded and disliked, crowding upon him against his will; and -certainly the very mundane appetite of the Priest, though it formed a -strange contrast with the functions he was about to exercise, was well -calculated to deprive the ceremony of part of its gloomy solemnity, -as, indeed, is the case with all eating and drinking on such sad -occasions. - -The moment he had done, the worthy man started up, wiped his knife, -and put it in its case. Then turning to Monsieur de Liancourt, he -said, "Give me three minutes, Sir, to get everything in order in the -chapel, for as Monsieur de la Tremblade is ill, probably no -preparations are made." - -"How is he?" asked Monsieur de Liancourt; "have you seen him, father?" - -Before the curé could answer, Madame de Chazeul's servant, Martin, who -stood behind her, stepped forward, saying, "He is still asleep, Sir, -and begged particularly not to be roused till he awoke himself." - -"Ay, let him sleep," said Madame de Chazeul, in a low and gloomy tone. -"He will have sorrow enough, poor man, when he awakes." - -The Count looked at her in surprise; but she nodded her head -significantly; and the priest quitting the hall, hurried on to the -chapel. - -The Count and his sister followed soon after, and the ceremonies of -the interment began. Impressive and terrible as they always are, -perhaps the peculiar forms and pomp of the Roman Church, add more to -them than to any other of the rites of religion. The Count felt them -much; the tears rose in his eyes, when he thought of his brother, the -companion of his boyhood, scarcely more than a year younger than -himself, who had passed through life in friendship and affection with -him, but had gone down to the grave in indignation and just -displeasure at his acts. He asked himself, too, how long it might be, -ere that vault, which now yawned in the midst of the chapel--with the -stone which marked its place, and bore the name and arms of De -Liancourt lying by the side of the gaping chasm,--would open for him -also; and he shrunk with dread from the sad answer. A few short -hours--a few short days--it could not be longer than a few short years; -and then, the dust to dust, and the spirit to God who gave it! Next -came the--what then? The terrible, what then? The dread account--the -secrets of the heart laid open--the judgment, the stern, the -irreversible, the unalterable decree, the doom for all eternity! - -He wished it was over; he loved not such thoughts: he felt his soul -shaken within him. But the Roman Catholic Church affords so many -passages for escape from all those dark but gloomy convictions, which -the tomb and its awful lessons are calculated to produce upon the mind -of him who looks alone to Scripture for his guide--purgatory, -absolution by the lips of men as frail as ourselves, indulgences, the -intercession of saints, the masses for the dead--that Monsieur de -Liancourt soon found means of consolation. He looked to the -confessional. He thought that there he would find relief from the -burden. He vowed a hundred masses for his brother's soul; he -determined that he would dedicate a lamp to the virgin; and give a -candlestick to the altar of our Lady of Chartres; and half his sins -and errors vanished from his sight, when he remembered how easily the -past and the future might be atoned for. - -Madame de Chazeul felt none of these things. She maintained a decent -gravity, indeed, but kept her eye fixed upon the countenance of her -brother, marking the varying emotions that passed over his -countenance, and calculating very accurately, the sources from which -they sprang in his mind. From time to time, she suffered her own -thoughts to revert to the conduct which she had to pursue; and her -insight into her brother's character, with the moving picture his face -displayed, aided her not a little in determining her course. Of the -rest of the things around her, she took little or no heed. It was but -a pageant in which she took a part; a procession in which she walked; -one of those ceremonies, in which, her state and station as a mortal -being, required her to share. - -Too much, indeed, are we apt to go through all the strange and -instructive scenes of life, as if we were automata. Their lessons are -learned by rote, and not by heart; and oh! how much wiser, and how -much better, should we be, if out of everything that surrounds us, out -of each event affecting ourselves and others, lighted by the word of -God, we were to draw the high moral that is to be found in all his -doings! Who would dare to commit wrong, if he saw the hand of God -close to him in every event of existence? - -All was, at length, concluded; the body deposited in its last home; -the priest returned to the altar; the labourer with his pickaxe, and -his trowel ready at the side of the vault, to close the coffin of the -good old Commander for ever from the light of day; and Monsieur de -Liancourt, offering his hand to his sister, led her out into the -court. - -The spring sunshine was beaming brightly; a light bird, perched upon a -shrub that grew out of the wall, was caroling sweetly in the warm -air--the image of thoughtless life; and the Count felt relieved; for -it was all over, and his heavy thoughts were buried with his brother -in the tomb. Madame the Chazeul too felt relieved, though in another -manner, for she had dreaded the effect of what had just taken place -upon her brother's mind. It was done. The sad paraphernalia of the -funeral would soon be removed from the chapel; the decorations for the -marriage would take their place; and it seemed to her as if a step was -gained. - -"Well, Jacqueline," said the Count, as they came forth: "what is it -you have to tell me?" - -"It must be in private," replied the Marchioness, "for various -reasons, which you will soon see. Come to my apartments, where we -shan't be interrupted.--But first give orders about the marriage. We -cannot get any flowers but violets and snowdrops: but they must deck -the hall and the chapel out as well as they can. You are sure the -notary will be here?--tell them to have everything ready." She did -nothing without art, and even these ordinary words had their object. - -The Count hesitated, but her ascendancy was complete; and, after a -short pause, he called some of his servants to him, gave several of -those orders, which his sister knew he would not be willing to recall, -for fear of betraying that weakness of resolution of which he was -internally conscious, and then accompanied the Marchioness to her -apartment. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - - -It is very rarely, indeed, I believe, that human beings become, even -by long habit, so hardened in evil as to commit crimes deliberately, -without some shrinking reluctance, without some moments of hesitation -and dismay. The voice of conscience may be reduced to a whisper; but -still, if an interval of silence occurs in the tumult of the passions, -that whisper is heard. If unattended to for reformation of purpose, it -does, indeed, but serve to irritate the guilty mind to more culpable -excess; for conscience, by those who are resolute in wickedness, is -soon ranked amongst their enemies, as one of those to be overcome by -the more vehement opposition; and in its defiance they go beyond even -the point they at first desired, as a fierce and hard-mouthed horse -leaps much farther than is necessary to clear an opposing fence. - -As Madame de Chazeul walked to her room with her brother, a momentary -glimpse, a vision as in a dream, a picture like the scene of a play, -presented itself to her all at once, of the complicated intrigue in -which she had involved herself, the difficulties which awaited her -whichever way she turned, the consequences of the deceits she had -practised, their ultimate exposure, and the contempt and suspicion -which might follow her after-life, from the discovery of all the -falsehoods she had told, and all the arts she had had recourse to. - -For a single instant the question shot across her mind, like a flash -of lightning, "If men will so judge me, how will judge me, God?" But -that gleam of awful light she crushed out, in an instant, like a dying -spark in a mass of tinder; and to all the rest she had a ready, and to -her convincing, answer, "I shall have triumphed! That is enough! -Success is justification!" - -Hers was the philosophy of a great modern usurper, applied to domestic -life; and the springs which moved her in many of her proceedings, were -not very different from his own. - -The next consideration was the government of her brother; and step by -step, through the hall and up the stairs, the incredible rapidity of -thought brought her to new conclusions; not a footfall but had its -thousand questions and replies in her own breast, its examination of -plans and results, its calculations of character, its meditation of -weakness, and its application of the means to the end. Half a lifetime -was spent between the court and her own apartments--I mean thoughts -that would have filled half a lifetime better disposed; but when she -reached her own door, her mind was calm and clear; and she entered -with the full assurance of overruling all opposition, extinguishing -all suspicion, working out her own schemes, in despite of every -combination of circumstances against her, ay! and of taking revenge, -and closing the tomb over one of the chief sources of doubt and -anxiety for the future. - -The large ante-room in which her maids slept was vacant, for they were -engaged with their mistress's dress in the chamber beyond; and with a -smiling countenance, as if all memory of the ceremony just past, had -left her on the staircase, she invited her brother with somewhat -formal courtesy to be seated, closed the door, and then began, without -waiting to be questioned. - -"Well, Anthony," she said; "I thought _I_ knew every turn and wile of -a woman's heart.--I have a good right to know; for I do not think -there are many women who have dealt more in matters of policy, public -and private, than I have done;" she added these words in a tone of gay -candor, which she knew would not be without its effect. "But yet I -have found one to go beyond me: and, for a time, to overpower me--till -I discovered the truth. When I went from you to Rose d'Albret, I found -her in a high and haughty mood, ready to treat remonstrance with -contempt, and evidently wishing to be pressed, if not forced, so that -she might cast any blame in point of haste on us, and justify herself. -Her conduct and her tone provoked me,--foolishly I will allow, and I -did,--sillily enough--what I ought not to have done. I told her of the -discovery we have made, of Chazeul's visit to her chamber--which I -should have studiously avoided; but I was off my guard--" - -"I do not see that," said Monsieur de Liancourt: "why should you have -avoided it? I should tell her the first thing, as the motive which -made me urge the marriage upon her." - -"Ay! that is very well for you, brother," replied Madame de Chazeul, -"but you stood in a different position. You have a right, not only to -speak such truths, but to command the only conduct which can take away -the sting from them. I should have remembered that, for me to show I -knew the fact, would but irritate her to resistance and denial, and to -efforts for her exculpation, even to resistance, of the only remedy -for the evil situation in which she has placed herself; just as mad -people deny they are insane, and refuse the medicines which might -soothe their brains. In an instant, she had a story ready. She had not -slept in that room, she said; and gave me to understand that she had -passed the night in the adjoining chamber. Seeing the error I had -committed, I replied, that it might be so, but that the injury to her -reputation was the same, and that the only remedy for that was her -immediate marriage with my son." - -"In which chamber did she say she slept?" demanded the Count. - -But Madame de Chazeul did not wish to be brought to the point, and -replied, "I do not well know; there is one on the right, and one on -the left, you know. However, I told her that you took the same view -that I did; and that you had sworn, in the most solemn manner, she -should be Chazeul's wife before noon to-day." - -"Did I swear?" asked Monsieur de Liancourt, in a low voice. - -"As solemnly as ever man swore," replied the Marchioness; "you called -heaven to witness; you vowed a vow to God; and that seemed to move her -more than anything; indeed, it appeared that she was just going to -say, when she found you were so resolute, that she was prepared to -obey, when the door opened, and in walked,--who think you?" - -"Nay, I cannot divine," said Monsieur de Liancourt; "not De Montigni?" - -"No! no!" answered Madame de Chazeul; "it would take longer for a -ghost to travel post from Chartres; and he is dead beyond all doubt -No,--who but Helen de la Tremblade." - -"Ah! poor little Helen! I shall be, glad to see her," cried the Count; -"she has not been here for three months or more; nay, it was in -October, well nigh six months, upon my life." - -"And in those six months, what events have happened," exclaimed Madame -de Chazeul, "to blast all our regard for her, to show her the -veriest--but I will not give her the name she deserves. Suffice it, my -dear brother, that not long ere I came hither, I found, by letters I -discovered, that I had been nourishing a serpent in my house. I found -her base, unworthy--impure, ambitious, scheming.--Sickened and -indignant, I gave way, as I am too apt, to the fierce burst of -passion; for I can never conceal what I feel; and drove her out to -carry her schemes and vices elsewhere. But I speedily repented; and -sent out to seek her, intending to treat her kindly, and, if I could -not forgive her faults, to put her in the way of repentance and -atonement: but she had gone off at once; and has since come hither, -when, or how long ago, I know not. She has evidently been here in -secret, however, for some time, prompting Rose to all this resistance, -prejudicing her mind against Chazeul, whom the vain girl thought to -wed herself, and inspiring her with continual schemes for thwarting -our purposes. She had clearly heard all that had passed between me and -Mademoiselle d'Albret; and when she found Rose was beginning to yield, -as I showed her how resolute you are, forth she came to dare me, -thinking that she could frighten me by her influence over her uncle, -and her threats.--I believe she would have struck me had she dared; -but I taught her, I was not to be intimidated, laughed her menaces to -scorn, and gave her to understand that I would now expose all to you, -though I had hitherto carefully concealed her guilt and folly from all -ears--even from her uncle's. It was wonderful to see how the girl's -daring spirit was cowed before a little firmness, how she shrunk and -quailed. She would have fled, indeed, perhaps to brew new mischief; -but I resolved that should not be; and, like one of the men who tame -the Lions at the Louvre, I assumed a commanding tone, and ordered her -to retire into her uncle's chamber, fully resolved not to let her -forth till the marriage is over. It was then that she tried to run -past me; but I called loudly for my people, and finding it in vain to -resist, she obeyed, though sullenly and gloomily." - -"To the priest's chamber!" said Monsieur de Liancourt. "Will not all -this rouse good father Walter? Why, there was noise enough to wake the -dead." - -"Oh! no!" replied the Marchioness, who had foreseen that such a -question might be put, and was prepared with an answer. "It would have -roused him, certainly, if he had been in his own chamber; but he was -so faint and ill, with long watching, doubtless, fasting and prayer, -that the people who were with him took him first into the sacristy, -and then to a room on the ground floor, rather than carry him up -stairs. There he sleeps quietly, and, doubtless, will awake quite -refreshed and well. I only dread having to tell him this story of his -niece, for I do not think he knows it yet. She looks very ill, poor -wretch; and I should not wonder if her violent temper killed her; but, -if possible, I will still keep the matter secret from all but her -uncle." - -"Do, do," replied the Count; "her violent temper! Why, she was the -most gentle and timid of creatures, Jacqueline." - -"Ay, so she seemed," replied Madame de Chazeul; "but vice and ambition -have brought forth the natural character: and, if you had seen her -just now, you would not have said that she was gentle. I thought she -would have stabbed either me or herself; and yet, it made me laugh to -witness her impotent rage.--But, to return to Rose. She now knows her -fate fully: for, as soon as I told her you had sworn, it was easy to -see, that her knowledge of your firmness, showed her that your word -was quite irrevocable." - -The Count looked gloomily down upon the ground; for he would fain have -shrunk from the task she put upon him; and yet, like all weak people, -endeavoured to assume the qualities that were imputed to him. - -"Yes," he said; "having sworn it, I must do it; and it is certainly -necessary for her own reputation, after what you have told me, and -what the other people saw, that she should marry him at once. It must -be done--that is clear." - -"Ay!" answered Madame de Chazeul; "whether she slept in her own -chamber or another. It is known, unfortunately, to so many people that -Chazeul, like a rash and foolish boy, passed a great part of the night -in her usual room that, for both their sakes, there must be no delay: -and, besides, your word must be kept, as it always is." - -"Certainly," replied the Count, working himself up to the pitch -required; "and it shall be kept, by all I hold sacred." - -The repetition of the oath was very pleasant to Madame de Chazeul, for -she knew that her brother would not now shrink from its execution; and -that, in order to guard against his own vacillation, he would assume -an air of violence and sternness, calculated to intimidate all -remonstrance, and overbear all opposition. - -"Well, then, Anthony," she said, "as we have now but little time to -spare, I will go and make some change in my apparel; and, sending for -Rose's maid, Blanchette, give her orders for dressing her mistress in -something like bridal costume." - -"Do you think I ought to go and formally inform her of my resolution?" -asked the Count. - -"As you please," answered Madame de Chazeul; "and yet, perhaps, you -had better not. I have told her already; and, if she have no further -inducement to display a headstrong spirit, we shall find her less -obstinate at the time of the marriage. We shall have some affectation -of reluctance, beyond doubt: but it will be soon got over when she -finds you firm; and if you then go and bring her from her chamber, it -will be enough. You will thus have only one disagreeable scene instead -of two." - -"The fewer the better," replied the Count. "But, where is -Chazeul?--has he returned yet?" - -"No," answered the Marchioness, "I fancy he is afraid to meet you: but -I will send down to the village, and tell him to come up, if you will -promise not to be too angry." - -"I must reproach him," said the Count, putting on a firm and dignified -air. "You must admit, Jacqueline, that he has been very much in the -wrong." - -"Well, I know he has," answered the Marchioness. "But, however, his -fault will all be done away with by the marriage, and so there is no -use of saying too much about it." - -"Ay, but I must say something," answered Monsieur de Liancourt. -"However, go and make your preparations, for it is now past ten; and, -immediately after the marriage, I will see Helen de la Tremblade -myself, and inquire into the whole case, that I may break the tidings -to poor father Walter.--'Tis very odd that she should become such as -you represent, for she was as sweet and gentle a girl as ever I saw." - -Madame de Chazeul left him without reply and entered her bed-room, -while the Count retired by the other door. But, ere she reached the -dressing-table, she paused twice; and at length, after a few moments' -meditation, murmured to herself, "No, that must be prevented." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - - -When Madame de Chazeul entered the bed-room, she found the two maids -busily engaged in ornamenting a dress, which she had ordered them to -prepare against the marriage. It mingled, in a somewhat strange -manner, the colours of mourning and rejoicing; and the two girls were -tittering at some observations made by the page, who stood looking -over their work, and who had just said, "Why, if Madam put on that, -she will look like an old magpie." The boy's face was perfectly grave, -but the maids could not recover a demure look quite so easily; and -Madame de Chazeul, who was herself in deep and stern thoughts, gave -them a fierce glance, saying, "What are the fools laughing at? Go both -of you into the ante-room and let one tell the girl Blanchette to come -to me; and you, Philip, run down to the kitchen, and fetch me two -basins of soup. I am hungry," she added in a tone that she intended -him to remark; "and that poor girl must have some food too." - -The boy hastened to obey, and the maid went to call Blanchette: but -the Countess remaining in her own chamber, opened a little bonbonnière -which she carried, and shook out a small quantity of a white powder -into a piece of paper, which she folded up carefully, but not indeed -completely, for one end was left open. This packet she concealed -between her first and second finger; and then, leaning her head upon -her hand, she meditated for a moment or two, turning her own dark -schemes in her mind, with some doubts and misgivings as to how she -should carry the next step she purposed to take, into execution. - -"If I carry it to her myself," she thought, "she will doubt something, -and will not drink it. I'll send it by the maid Blanchette.--Yet, -perhaps, if she knows that it comes from me, the same suspicions may -arise: and I doubt that girl too. She has given me black looks and -saucy answers. No--I had better take it myself: or, stay--I will send -it by the page. He was always fond of her; and a light, thoughtless -boy like that, one can make say what one will. He will suspect -nothing, and the girl will not doubt him. Martin I dare not trust, for -the fool thinks his conscience sufficiently burdened already with the -imprisonment of the priest. He would not be so easily taken in either, -to believe that I had any very tender consideration for the hunger of -Helen de la Tremblade, any more than those two wenches in the -ante-room. All my people know too much--I must get some new ones; and, -if I can breed up this boy in perfect obedience, he may prove useful -hereafter." - -As she was going on with these pleasant meditations, the girl -Blanchette presented herself and Madame de Chazeul, turning towards -her, asked in a calm and complaisant tone, "How long has Mademoiselle -de la Tremblade been here, Blanchette?" - -"Really, Madam, I do not know," answered the maid; "I was not aware -that she was here at all, till I found her with you and Mademoiselle -d'Albret." - -"Indeed!" exclaimed Madame de Chazeul with an air of surprise; "I -thought you had known all about it." - -"Not I, Madam," said Blanchette; "but she can't have been there long, -or I could not have helped knowing. I think she must have come last -night, for I saw the door of the priest's room open just before -sunset, and I looked in. There was nobody there then: and I am sure -nobody slept in the room the night before; for he was in the chapel -all night himself, and the bed was untouched in the morning." - -Before Madame de Chazeul could make any further observation, the page -entered the room, bearing the two basins of soup which he had been -commanded to bring; and his mistress ordered him to set them down on -the table before her, and retire. The boy did as she bade him, but -remained in the ante-room; and the Marchioness proceeded to talk -farther with Blanchette, changing the subject of her conversation, -however, to the approaching wedding, and the preparations for it, -which were necessary. - -"You will not have much time, Blanchette," she said; "but still, you -must try to make your mistress's wedding dress look as gay as -possible." - -"I will do the best I can, Madam," replied Blanchette; "but I doubt -very much whether she will put it on." - -"Oh, nonsense," cried Madame de Chazeul. "She knows that Monsieur de -Liancourt has sworn that she shall marry the Marquis before noon -to-day; and she does not doubt that he will keep his word. She must, -therefore, have made up her mind to it by this time; and I dare say we -shall hear no more objections." - -Blanchette shook her head, saying, "I think you will, Madam, as many -as ever." - -"Well, then," exclaimed Madame de Chazeul, "force must be used; that's -all, for my brother will not break his oath for the whims of any girl -in Europe. Fetch me that mantle, Blanchette," she continued, "that one -which hangs by the wall there," and she pointed to a spot at the other -side of the room, where a cloak was hanging from a hook on the wall. -The direction was such that Blanchette, in going thither, must turn -her back to the table at which the Marchioness was seated. The girl -walked straight across to the spot, seemingly gazing at the crimson -silk mantle before her, but as she did so, she turned her eyes quietly -towards a small mirror that hung exactly opposite the fire-place. At -first it presented nothing to her view, but the wide open hearth, and -the curiously carved dogs, with some large pieces of wood burning upon -them. The next moment, however, her own figure crossing was reflected -from the glass, and then was seen, as the angle became greater, the -form of Madame de Chazeul, seated at the table with the two basins of -soup before her and with her right hand raised above one of them. She -was shaking in the powder which she held wrapt up in the paper between -her fingers; and Blanchette saw clearly the white substance fall into -the liquid. She took no notice, however; but in order to give the -Marchioness full time for what she was about, she affected to have -some difficulty in unfastening the garment she was sent to fetch from -the peg. - -Madame de Chazeul turned round the next moment saying, "Untie the -string, untie the string! How clumsy you are!" - -Following her directions, Blanchette easily got down the mantle and -returned with it to the lady's side, who began a long unnecessary -explanation as to how certain knots of riband were to be placed on -Mademoiselle d'Albret's dress, and Blanchette took out her scissors to -unfasten one of those from the cloak, in order that she might see -exactly how it was done,--affecting, to say the truth, a greater -degree of stupidity than was natural to her. - -"There that will do," said Madame de Chazeul; "you must understand it -now. Oh, I forgot," she added aloud, "I must send something to -Mademoiselle de la Tremblade. She has had no breakfast, I suppose? -Here, Philip!" - -The boy did not appear, and Blanchette still continued to fumble at -the bow upon the mantle, without offering to call the page. - -There was a good deal of tremor in the Marchioness's manner: she was -agitated: her voice shook when she called; and at length rising, she -went to the door to give her orders to the boy. He was not there, -however; and the only person in the room was one of her women seated -near the farther window, whom she directed in quick and eager words to -call the page directly. - -The whole of this proceeding occupied not a minute and a half; but the -moment that the Marchioness's back was turned, Blanchette with -dexterous rapidity, took the mantle between her teeth, and, employing -both hands, changed the relative positions of the two basins of soup, -but was busy at the knot again, with a dull face and a heavy unmeaning -eye, before Madame de Chazeul turned round. Not the slightest sound -had she made; and it was only a gentle undulation of the liquid in the -two cups which could have betrayed to any eye that they had been -moved. That, however, had nearly subsided before the Marchioness -returned to the table, and Blanchette soon received her dismissal, -with injunctions to make haste with what she had to do. - -Scarcely was the girl gone when the boy Philip entered the room, and -Madame de Chazeul asked sharply, "Where have you been, Sir?" - -"I went to get some breakfast, Madam," replied the boy, "for I was -very hungry, having ridden all night." - -"There may be other people hungry as well as you are, young glutton," -said the Marchioness; "however, here's a task for you, that I am sure -you will like. Do you know that Mademoiselle Helen is here?" - -"No," cried the page with well-feigned astonishment; "is she, indeed? -Oh, I am so glad; and I am sure I hope you will forgive her, Madam, -for she is so good and so kind." - -"Not yet," replied the Marchioness in a significant tone; "but I may -soon. In the mean time, I must not let her, for the world, know that I -take any interest in her; for she is locked into her room, and must -remain there till I think she is punished sufficiently. However, she -must not be without food, so carry her this basin of soup, as if you -had brought it for her yourself, without letting her know that I sent -it. She will take it kind of you; but you must not stop a minute with -her, and be sure to lock the door and bring me the key again directly. -If you were to let her get out, I would have you flayed alive." - -"I will take care, that shall not be the case," replied the boy; and, -stretching out his hands, either from some suspicion or by accident, -he was about to lift the basin farthest from him, when Madame de -Chazeul thrust back his arm hastily, and laying her finger on the -other, exclaimed, "This, I told you, this. Don't you see I have taken -some of the other?" - -The boy could not perceive that there was any difference in quantity -between the two; but the quick eagerness with which Madame de Chazeul -spoke, would have created doubts in his mind if there had been none -there before; and he determined at once, to warn Helen against -touching any food but that which he himself procured for her. - -Madame de Chazeul then gave him the key; but she exacted a promise -from him, that he would lock the door with it, and bring it back -without suffering Helen to go out. "If she should try to master you, -and be too strong for you," said the Marchioness in a low voice, "use -your dagger." - -"Oh! Madam," cried the boy with a look of horror. - -"I mean, but to frighten her," replied Madame de Chazeul, "and at all -events call out loudly should such be the case. I will place some one -within hearing." - -Carrying the soup in his hand, the page then left the room; and, -descending that flight of stairs, he passed through the passage below, -and ascended the others towards the priest's room. If Madame de -Chazeul had reflected upon all the circumstances, she would have -perceived that the boy was not altogether sincere with her; for he had -affected not to know that Helen was in the château; and yet, without -her ever telling him in what room the unhappy girl was confined, he -went away towards it directly. But the truth is, that, as usual, the -whole events of the morning had been talked over amongst the servants -in the hall; and he had heard the fact of Helen's appearance, and -where she was to be found. - -The first sound of his step upon the stairs brought out Blanchette -from the neighbouring room. Her face was as pale as ashes, and her -limbs trembled, but she stopped the boy at the top of the stairs, -asking in a whisper, "Which of the two basins is that? The one on the -right or the other on the left?" - -"The one on the right," replied the boy. "I am taking it to -Mademoiselle Helen. Do you know anything about it? You look very -white!" - -Blanchette still held his arm, though she murmured, "That is right. -Well, however," she continued, as if speaking to herself, "it will be -better to be quite safe. Tell her not to take the soup, Philip; let -her throw it away; and you find means to give her food that you know -is--is--is wholesome." - -"How?" demanded the boy. "How is that to be done?" - -"Throw a ball of twine into the window from below," replied the girl. -"Then while they are all at the wedding, you can tie a basket to it, -and let her pull it up." - -"Thank you, Blanchette," replied the boy with a nod, "I will do so. -But hark, I hear steps along the passage below; I must go on." - -Blanchette instantly disappeared; and the boy, unlocking the door of -the priest's room, went in. He found Helen de la Tremblade gazing -eagerly towards him from the other side of the room, with a look of -terror in her eyes, like that of the wounded bird when approached by -the retriever. It was changed instantly to joy, however, when she saw -the boy, and she ran forward a few steps to meet him. But then the -poor girl stopped, and shook her head sadly, exclaiming, "Ah, Philip, -you should not have come. You do not know to what you expose yourself. -That woman will never forgive any one who shows a kindness to poor -Helen de la Tremblade." - -"I know she will not, Ma'am'selle Helen," answered the page, setting -down the soup upon the table and kissing her hand; "but she sent me to -bring you that. But I have much to say to you, and am afraid to stay -more than a minute; and I have promised to lock the door too, and take -back the key." - -"Oh, let me out, Philip! let me out!" exclaimed Helen clasping her -hands. - -"I cannot! I cannot! even if I had not given my word," cried the boy. - -"If I could but see my uncle for one minute," urged Helen, "it might -save many from destruction." - -"Impossible now, dear lady," replied Philip, "there are her men at the -bottom of the stairs. Your uncle too is confined below--so I have -gathered from the talk of Martin and the rest; and I pledged my word -also, when she gave me the key; but I did not pledge my word not to -contrive to free you afterwards. So listen to me, and I will do it." - -"Well, speak, speak," said Helen; "what have you to say? I know you -are a good kind boy, and wish me well." - -"I would give my life to serve you," replied the page. "First, you -must not touch that soup. It is poisoned." - -Helen shrunk back in horror, exclaiming, "Oh! wretched woman!" - -"Next," continued Philip, "here is my dagger. It may be useful to you -in case of need; and besides," he added, significantly, "the locks are -all on the inside. The blade of the dagger would soon force them back. -But do not try it yet, for you will find people in every corner. In -half an hour the marriage contract is to be signed--" - -"She will never sign it!" cried Helen vehemently. "She will never, -never sign it." - -"They will use force," answered the boy; "but at all events they will -drag her to the hall, and to the chapel. If I can, I will come under -your window the moment they are all in the hall. Look out and speak to -me; but if I do not come within three minutes after you hear all quiet -in the next room, you can open the door easily with the dagger, and -get out. Your uncle is in the room on the left at the foot of the -great staircase--the little room with the low door. I am sure he is -there, for I have seen Martin and René go in there twice to-day. But, -if I can, I will fetch the key of his room, and--Hark! Was that some -one calling?" - -"No, no!" cried Helen; "go on, go on Philip." - -"And then when I come under the window," continued the boy, "I will -bring it with a basket of provisions, and throw you up a ball of -string, with which you can draw them all up, so keep the window wide -open that I may cast it in." - -"Oh good, dear boy!" cried Helen. - -"I met your friend, Monsieur Estoc," said the page, "this morning, as -I was coming back from Chazeul; and I promised him that I would do -whatever you or father Walter told me, if it cost me my life. So, you -think, dear lady, what I am to do, till you see me under the window, -and then tell me quickly, and I will do it, upon my honour." - -As he spoke he retreated towards the door; and while opening it, he -said, pointing to the soup, "Mind you do not touch it! I was to tell -you that I brought it for you myself, out of kindness. They will -perhaps want me to do other such deeds; but I cannot, and I will not -for any one!" - -The last few words were spoken vehemently, with the door open in his -hand; and when he had uttered them, he went out, closed, and locked -it. Then turning round to descend the stairs, he beheld Madame de -Chazeul standing a few steps down, with one of her men a little behind -her. The boy's heart sunk, fearing she might have heard too much; but -it had happened otherwise. All that had caught her ear was, "I cannot, -and will not for any one;" and as he approached she asked, "What was -it she wanted you to do, Philip?" - -"To let her out," replied the boy readily. - -Madame de Chazeul put her hand approvingly upon his shoulder, saying, -"You are a good lad--an excellent lad! That is the way I love to be -served; and if you behave so, you shall have more advancement than you -think of. There's a gold crown for you, Philip.--Did she take the -soup?" - -"No," answered the page; "and I do not think she will till she is very -hungry; for she seemed afraid of something." - -"Then she shall be hungry enough," muttered Madame de Chazeul. "But -come, Philip, give me the key." - -The boy delivered it unwillingly, and his mistress proceeded, "Now -run, wash your face and hands, and put on your gay satin pourpoint as -quick as may be; for the marriage is to take place in ten minutes, and -I shall want all my people with me in the hall." - -Philip thought to himself, "I will contrive to slip away, however," -and proceeded to his own chamber, while Madame de Chazeul retired to -put the key by, and then sought her brother the Count, to speak with -him once more before the last trial of his resolution with Rose -d'Albret. - -The Count was in a different frame of mind, however, from that in -which his sister expected to find him. He had employed the time during -her absence in working himself up to the necessary pitch of -determination, and had, as is not uncommon, gone even beyond the -point. He talked loud and high of the privileges and power of -guardians, and spoke angrily of those who ventured to oppose them. - -"I have always understood, Jacqueline," he said, in a sharp tone, as -if the Marchioness herself had been one of those who sought to prevent -him from exercising his proper authority, "I have always understood, -that a guardian stands exactly in the position of a parent; and who -ever heard of a daughter daring to object to the man whom her father -has chosen for her?" - -"Never that I have heard of," replied Madame de Chazeul; "nor of a -ward objecting either, when her guardian has provided for her a -suitable alliance." - -"Never! never!" cried the Count vehemently. "I have suffered myself to -be set at nought by this girl too long, Jacqueline; and I will do it -no longer. Even if I had not sworn as I have. I would not suffer this -to go on another hour. The notary has arrived, and the contract is -drawn up correctly, except the names.--I will go to her at once.--I -have seen Chazeul, too, and spoken to him seriously on his conduct." - -"What did he say?" demanded the Marchioness, with an eager look. "He -was penitent, I am sure." - -"Yes," replied the Count. "I have nothing to find fault with in his -demeanour. He expressed his sorrow for what he had done, assured me -that he had never considered it in the light of an insult to me, and -that he had no bad intentions at all; but merely wished to speak to -Rose in private for a short time, to persuade her to yield calmly to -all our wishes this day, as he had every reason to believe, that her -inclinations were really not opposed to him, and he knew that, if she -did attempt to resist, it would give me pain." - -"Persuasions are all in vain, my dear brother," said Madame de -Chazeul; "when a woman's vanity is engaged in a particular course, you -may argue till you expire without moving her. Firmness is the only -thing under such circumstances, and she will at her heart feel obliged -to you for forcing her to that, which she does not choose to admit -that she wishes. If I were you, I would neither attempt to use any -solicitations, nor listen to any replies, but assume at once the tone -of authority. Tell her that she must submit, and that you will not -suffer her to say one word, in regard to your right of disposing of -her hand as you think fit." - -"Such is the course I intend to pursue," answered Monsieur de -Liancourt. "She has offended me enough by resisting my commands; and, -indeed, I do not propose to suffer anything further to be said upon -the subject. If she will not sign, I will put the pen in her hand, and -guide it by force over the paper. If she says 'no' at the altar, I -will say 'yes' for her. I will not be thwarted and conquered by the -obstinacy of my own ward, in my own château." - -"Well then, go to her, Anthony," cried the Marchioness, who knew well -that, as long as this mood lasted, all was secure, and that any -opposition on the part of Rose would but drive him to violence, though -she had seen such fits in full force in the morning, and pass away -before nightfall. "I will wait for you in the hall," she added, "and -we will have as many of the people gathered together as possible, to -overawe her by the crowd." - -"Few or many, it will be the same to me," replied the Count; "but yet, -the more the better; for I am quite firm and resolute, and am sure -that I have every right to do as I am doing. Therefore there cannot be -too many witnesses, and I care not who they may be. They shall see me -act the part that becomes me, without the slightest wavering or -hesitation, for there is nothing so contemptible as a man who -suffers himself to be influenced by a little resistance to his -authority.--Now, Jacqueline, let us proceed, for the sooner it is -done, the less painful will it be:" and thus saying he led the -Marchioness from the room. - -She was now satisfied; for a few hours she could calculate upon her -brother's firmness; all those whom she feared were in her power; and -the moment of her triumph seemed at hand. - - - - -CHAPTER XL. - - -Parting with his sister at the bottom of the stairs which led up to -the apartments of Rose d'Albret and the priest, Monsieur de Liancourt -mounted in haste. It might be that, as he said, he was anxious to have -a painful scene over as speedily as possible; it might be that, like a -certain stage hero, of the name of Acres, he began to feel his courage -oozing out of the tips of his fingers. It were vain to deny that, ere -he came to the first landing, his heart beat quick and his breath -began to fail; but finding the man Martin sitting there in an idle -attitude, he found an excuse in that fact to pause for an instant, -asking his sister's servant, why he did not go and join the rest in -the hall, and ordering him to do so. - -The man obeyed without reply; for, in the first place, he was tired of -his post; in the next place, he never knew how far any one was trusted -by the Marchioness, so that one indiscreet friend might do much -mischief by chattering to another; and, in the third place, he could -not well refuse or neglect to obey the orders of Monsieur de Liancourt -in his own house. - -As soon as he was gone, the Count resumed the ascent, and, in a moment -or two, reached the door of the ante-room. He gave a gentle knock, -and, entering, found Blanchette sitting with a pale cheek, a clouded -countenance, and some piece of female apparel lying on her knee, -apparently scarcely touched. - -"Well, Blanchette," he said, as he went into the room, "is your -mistress ready to accompany me?" - -"I am sure, Sir," replied the maid, "I do not know. I got all her -things ready, and told her what Madame de Chazeul said; but she -answered me, as bold as a lion, that she would put on no other things -than her ordinary clothes, as the idea of forcing her to a ceremony -with a man she hates, was quite vain and foolish." - -"She shall learn that it is not so," answered the Count, in a sharp -and angry tone; "whether dressed as becomes a bride, or like a -wandering vagrant as she returned hither, she shall be wedded this -day, if my name by De Liancourt. Go, tell her I am waiting for her." - -The maid went into the inner chamber; and the Count could hear the -murmur of voices speaking for some moments; but yet Rose d'Albret did -not appear. - -"She mocks me," he said, at length; "she will not even come forth to -speak with me. Then I must seek her," and, advancing to the door of -her chamber, he entered without ceremony. - -Rose was seated at the very farthest part of the room, with her hands -clasped over her eyes, and the bitter tears rolling down her cheeks. -The moment she heard his step, however, she dried them hastily, rose -from her seat, and, advancing a step or two towards him, cast herself -at his feet, clasping his knees. - -He felt his resolution begin to waver; but, making an effort, he -exclaimed, "How now! how now! No more of this! You know my -determination. I announced it to you the day before yesterday, I have -solemnly sworn to keep it; and I insist upon obedience." - -"Hear me, hear me, Sir!" cried Rose; "if you have no pity, if you have -no regard for me, hear me for my father's sake, hear me for the memory -of your dead friend, and have some compassion on his child." - -"It is no use hearing," answered the Count; "the matter is determined. -It is to be done. Rise, and follow me! I command, I insist." - -"Not till you have heard me," answered Rose; "that, at least, I may -require. Would you, Monsieur de Liancourt, not only break your -contract with my father, by which my hand was promised to Louis de -Montigni--" - -"Pshaw! that contract, if it referred to him at all, is at an end by -his death," cried Monsieur de Liancourt; "talk not to me of that any -more." - -"But he lives, he lives!" exclaimed Rose, vehemently. "You have been -deceived, indeed you have, by the tale they invented to deceive me; -and I have more wrongs, more deceits to tell you of, from which I know -your noble mind will shrink with horror--schemes which none but the -basest of men could conceive or execute." - -"It is all in vain, Rose, it is all in vain," answered the Count. -"Nothing you can say will make the least difference. I know all that -has taken place; Chazeul's folly, which has compromised your -character, and all the rest. But he is sorry for it, is willing to do -all that is right to justify your fame, by wedding you this moment, -and--" - -"Is willing, you mean to say, Sir," cried Rose, "to profit by his -villany, to gain the very object he had in view, by the very means he -employed. Why did he come here, but to injure my reputation, with the -hope of forcing me to marry him, and inducing you to drive me to such -a course? But I heard it all beforehand and escaped the snare. Helen -de la Tremblade was sent by good father Walter to tell me of the base -treachery, to warn me of my danger, and show me the means of escaping -from it." - -"She came here because she wants to marry him herself," replied the -Count. "Once more I say, Mademoiselle d'Albret, I command you, as your -guardian, to rise and follow me, without farther words, to give your -hand to Monsieur de Chazeul, for whom I have long destined you, and to -forget Louis de Montigni, who misled you to quit this house, and has -since paid for some other imprudence with his life." - -"He is living! Indeed, indeed, he is living!" cried Rose "Give me but -an hour and a patient hearing, and I will show you, Sir, that he is -living, and that it is you who have been deceived, not I." - -"Thank God! I am not so easily deceived Mademoiselle d'Albret," -replied the Count. "I cannot grant your request. The contract lies -ready for signature; every one is waiting for you in the hall; they -cannot be disappointed; my word shall not be broken, and I insist that -this vain, this stupid, resistance cease instantly." - -"The contract may lie there, Sir, for ever," replied Rose, rising and -seating herself again. "I will never sign it, so help me God! You -refuse to hear reason and truth; you listen to falsehood and wrong; -you may kill me, place me in a convent, do aught with me you like; but -make me the wife of Nicholas de Chazeul, of so base, so bad, so -contemptible a being, you never shall, while I have breath." - -"Now listen to me, Rose d'Albret," replied the Count, advancing -angrily towards her. "I am your guardian; am I not? You are my ward; -is it not so? By the power given me by the law, I have promised your -hand to Nicholas de Chazeul--" - -"In violation of the contract from which your only power is derived," -replied Rose. "That contract, in which you are named my guardian, -promises my hand to De Montigni." - -"The girl will drive me mad!" exclaimed Monsieur de Liancourt. "Once -more I tell you he is dead; and if you refuse yourself to sign the -marriage contract, I will sign it for you. Rise, and come with me -without another word, or you will compel me to force you." - -"Never!" answered Rose. "Louis de Montigni is not dead. I have offered -to prove it to you; but you will not even hear in what the proof -consists, although you know that, until he has resigned his claim to -the succession of De Liancourt, not even a doubt can exist that he is -the person specified in the contract." - -The Count seemed not shaken--no not in the least--but embarrassed; for -his own doubts of De Montigni's death were strong upon the side of -Rose d'Albret; and the certainty that, if his nephew still lived, he -was committing a gross violation of the contract with her father, left -him but little to say in his own defence. He was not shaken, for he -had before made up his mind to overleap his own doubts upon that -score, to take advantage of the bare report which had reached him, in -order to justify the course to which he had been led by others, and -resolutely to believe that report true, in despite of all that could -be said to prove it false. The combat of weak people is with -themselves, more than with any external things. They wish to convince -themselves they are acting right, while they know they are acting -wrong; and their labours for that object are not light. But Monsieur -de Liancourt had no reply ready, no reason to assign for not listening -to the proofs Rose offered, and he paused, for a full minute, in -painful hesitation as to what he should say. - -"This is all an artifice to gain time," he answered at length "and I -will not yield to it. It is ascertained, beyond all doubt, that Louis -de Montigni is no more, and has justly paid for insulting a prince -like the Duke of Nemours." - -"Oh! Sir," cried Rose, in a tone of mingled indignation and grief, -"how can you suffer your own nature to be thus changed by the base -counsels of others, so to speak of your sister's son? He is not dead! -he will yet live to shame those who calumniate him. Were he indeed -laid in the tomb, I still say, nothing should ever lead me to marry -Nicholas de Chazeul; but, as long as Louis de Montigni lives, I shall -regard him as my husband. Show me that he is indeed, gone; and I am -willing to resign everything that this man really covets--my wealth, -my lands--and to retire to a life of seclusion and prayer; but I am -not willing, and never shall I be willing, to wed one whom I so much -despise and abhor." - -"You will have no choice," replied the Count. "You shall be his wife -this day ere noon. These are all evasions and affectations.--I know -right well which way your mind inclines. You would save your credit, -Rose, appear reluctant, and only yield to force; but force shall not -be wanting, and perhaps more than you expect or like.--Yes, you may -weep!--We are prepared for such things; but you had better dry your -eyes; and, as you must appear before a large assembly of witnesses, -look your best." - -"Sir, you are ungenerous and unkind," replied Rose d'Albret; "but I -know whence your impulses are derived; and shame upon them who fill a -noble mind with such base suspicions. Use what force you like; the -power has not yet appeared on earth that shall make my hand or my -tongue so belie my heart, as to promise aught like love, attachment, -or obedience, towards Nicholas de Chazeul." - -"Oh, is it so?" exclaimed the Count. "This is carrying the matter too -far, Mademoiselle d'Albret. Will you, or will you not accompany me, in -obedience to my commands, quietly and decently?" - -Rose was silent; her mind agitated with many conflicting thoughts. She -feared to yield the least point, lest it should be accepted as a -promise of farther compliance; and yet she naturally shrunk, with all -a woman's timidity, from driving those who oppressed her to have -recourse to violence.--She dreaded the moment when it was to begin; -she would fain have procrastinated: every minute seemed something -gained ere the actual struggle commenced. - -She was silent; but, after waiting a few moments, the Count seized her -by the wrist, exclaiming, "Come, I insist.--Not one moment more!" - -"Well, Sir, well," cried Rose d'Albret, trying to withdraw her hand, -"I will go with you to the hall: but remember, it is but to refuse -most resolutely to do that which would be equally against my duty and -my heart." - -"Duty!" cried the Count with a scoff, unloosing her arm. "Talk not of -duty, after all that you have done! As to the course you intend to -pursue, be it what it may, mine is determined. We shall see what is -your conduct, and I will answer for it, I will match it.--Go on, -Mademoiselle. You know your way to the hall, I think." - -With a slow step and trembling limbs, Rose d'Albret proceeded through -the ante-room, and down the stairs. She felt at every moment as if she -should faint, but yet, remembering that if such a weakness overcame -her, they might take advantage of her insensibility, to proceed -rapidly in whatever course they thought fit, she nerved her heart to -the best of her power, and paused for a moment before entering the -hall, to make one more appeal to the Count de Liancourt. - -But he would not hear her speak, and throwing open the door violently, -he waved her to go in. - -All seemed confusion, and dim indistinctness to her sight. There was a -crowd of faces, some of which appeared strange, and some familiar; but -they were almost all those of men. There was wine, and meat, and -laughter, and flowers, and everything the most dissonant to all the -feelings of her heart; while, through the whole mass of misty images -was seen, in terrible prominence, like some colossal statue in an -eastern temple, the tall rigid form, and stern sarcastic features of -Madame de Chazeul. - -She was leaning upon a table just opposite the door; her complexion, -where not besmeared with rouge, was unusually pale; there was an -expression of weariness, and even of pain in her face. But when Rose -appeared, that harsh countenance lighted up with a look of scornful -triumph; and the poor girl's eyes grew dim, her head turned giddy with -the thought of all she was to encounter in that hall. - - - - -CHAPTER XLI. - - -Helen De La Tremblade sat alone in the priest's room; and sad and -terrible were the thoughts that crossed her mind. It may seem that to -have found one even out of many, though but a mere boy, sincerely -attached, and willing to risk all and sacrifice all, for her happiness -and deliverance, might well have brought, cheering consolation to her -heart. _He_ could have no concealed motive. _He_ had no dark treachery -to practise. There, in his young enthusiasm, he had stood before her, -a friend indeed. But what was the errand on which he had been -sent?--the errand which he had refused to fulfil?--To bear her -poison!--to consign her to the grave at the mandate of one who had -promised with specious and sweet-spoken words, to guard, protect, -cherish, watch over her.--To consign her to the dark and silent grave! -Such had been the command of the Marchioness de Chazeul, after having -neglected, abandoned, ill-treated her. - -There were glimpses of some of the darkest realities of earth breaking -on the mind of one who had lived her youth as in a dream; and oh, how -cold, and more cold, grew her heart, as proof after proof was given of -what human beings can become, when Godless, and heartless, they give -themselves up to the mastery of strong passion. It was more than even -the kindness of the poor boy could compensate, though she had found -some relief in every word he spoke. - -She sat and gazed upon the poisoned drink, with thoughts, almost -approaching to madness, flashing through her brain. She asked herself, -"Shall I drink it?--Then pain, and anguish, and remorse, and shame, -will be all over. I shall be delivered from all this weight, this -intolerable burden. I shall be free.-They cannot say I did it.--It is -no fault of mine. They sent it to me. They are murderers, not I.--Oh, -how I long to be at rest!--But Rose, dear, good Rose,--I must not -leave her to struggle on unaided. And yet it were a pleasant thing to -die; but for the terrible world beyond the grave.--Oh no, I must not, -dare not, die, with all my sins upon my head. I must have time for -penitence and prayer.--The boy said he would soon be here. I will -see," and opening the window, she looked down to the bottom of the -deep corridor, or passage, between the château and the walls. - -There was nobody there, however. All was solitary; and even on the -ramparts, the scanty watch had dwindled away to nothing; every one who -dared, hurrying away to witness the gay wedding of Mademoiselle -d'Albret, and all making their own comments upon the decency and -propriety which their noble lord and master displayed in burying his -brother, and marrying his nephew on the selfsame morning. - -The eye of Helen de la Tremblade ran along the wall towards the -chapel, in which she had found her uncle, on her first arrival, not -many hours before; and she examined every prominent point, -attentively. First came a large mass of masonry containing some of the -best rooms in the château, projecting from the rest of the building; -then appeared a round tower with a turret fastened to its side; and -then the roof of the chapel, built against the walls, was seen with -part of one window, peeping out from behind the tower. But all the way -down, neither on the walls, nor between them and the château, could -Helen descry any one. - -As her eye strayed casually, however, to some low trees and bushes, -which ran down the slope in the neighbourhood of the chapel, she -thought she saw something move amongst the grey branches, but could -not distinguish what; and, as she was gazing more eagerly to trace the -object as it proceeded, she heard high tones speaking in the adjacent -room; and turned to listen. She recognized the voices of Monsieur de -Liancourt and Rose d'Albret; but she could not catch the words that -were uttered, though some of them were spoken loud and in apparent -anger. - -"He has come to take her," said Helen to herself, "and she will not -go.--Oh, that I could aid her!" - -Her first impulse was to approach nearer the door, in order to push -back the lock with the dagger which the boy had left with her; but -then she reflected, that singly, she could do nothing to prevent the -Count from dragging poor Rose to the altar. - -"No!" she said, re-seating herself near the window, and a look of dark -and gloomy determination coming over her face. "No! I will let them -take her away--and then I will confront them all.--Ay, in the hall, -amidst menials and soldiers and friends; and they shall hear -truth.--Hark, how loud he speaks! He is threatening her.--Poor Rose! -'Tis all silent now--she must be gone!--Hark, the door bangs to!--They -have dragged her away. Now, boy, now; for I must follow soon." - -She ran hastily to the window again, and gazed out. The page was not -yet there; and Helen hesitated whether to wait or hurry away to the -hall. - -At that moment, the sound of a hunting horn reached her ear, and she -looked up from the passage between the walls, on which her eyes had -been bent, to the undulating country straight before her, beyond the -defences of the château. There was a large party of horsemen issuing -from the nearest wood, distant about half a mile; and Helen, with her -quick fancy cried, "It may be De Montigni!" - -But just then, from the bushes beyond the chapel, a man on foot darted -forth, and ran round, as if he perceived her at the window. She -instantly recognized Estoc, and stretched her head farther forward, in -order that he might certainly see her. The old soldier paused -immediately opposite, and came as near to the wall as he could, -without losing sight of her; and then he raised his voice, and pointed -with his hand to the party of horsemen--still advancing. - -But the distance rendered most of his words indistinct, and -Helen caught only the few last, "--The postern a little to your -right--before they can arrive; for they have barred us out by the -chapel," was all that she could distinguish. - -"Then these are enemies coming," she thought; "and all depends upon -Estoc getting in first." - -She tried to make him hear in vain; her weaker voice was lost in air; -but just as she was about to withdraw, force back the lock, run down -and open the postern, she saw the figure of the page coming round the -square tower. He had a heavy basket on his arm, and was proceeding, -with his eyes cast down, to wind up, with boyish habits, a quantity of -string upon a piece of wood; but Helen called aloud, "Philip! Philip!" - -The boy looked up. "Run round, without a moment's delay," cried Helen, -"and open the first postern to the west; show yourself beyond, and you -will find Estoc.--Run, Philip, run, if you would save us all." - -The boy threw down the basket, and sped forward as rapidly as -possible. Helen saw the postern unlocked and pushed open; and then -withdrawing from the window, she murmured, "Now then, to stop them -till help arrives! I will at least do that, if it cost my life or that -of others.--He said my uncle was in the room at the bottom of the -great staircase. Perhaps I can set him free too;" and, hastening to -the door which led out at once at the top of the stairs, she easily -forced back the lock with the well-tempered blade of the boy's -poniard, and threw it open. She started, however, on seeing the maid, -Blanchette, straight before her; but resolved to pass at all risks, -she grasped the dagger firmly in her hand, and gazed upon the girl's -countenance for an instant. - -It was as pale as death; but Blanchette, seeing her thus pause and -look at her, exclaimed, "Pass on, Mademoiselle Helen--pass on to the -hall. You may see things there that you do not expect.--I wont stop -you. - -"Woe to those who try!" vehemently cried Helen; and darting on without -another word, she descended that flight of stairs, and passed through -the corridor below. An old man met her as she went, but started back -as if she had been a spectre; and Helen hurried forward, reached the -foot of the great staircase, rushed towards the chamber, which the boy -had mentioned as her uncle's place of confinement. - -The door was locked, and the key had been taken out; the lock too was -in the inside. Helen shook the door wildly, and exclaimed, "Are you -there? are you there?" - -"I am," replied the voice of her uncle from within. "Is that you, -Helen?" - -"Yes," cried the girl, "How can I let you out quickly?" - -"Run up the passage," cried the priest, "and take the key out of the -last door on the right hand. It fits this lock." - -Helen flew rather than ran, returned with the key, unlocked the door, -and threw it open. - -"Quick, quick!" she cried. "There is not a minute to spare. They are -now forcing her to the marriage; but I will confront them all. I will -stop them or die!" and with her whole frame thrilling with excitement, -her eyes flashing with unnatural light, and the wildness almost of -insanity in her look, she darted away, up the great staircase, through -the corridor at the top, and reached the door of the hall. Before it, -stood the man Martin, who as soon as he beheld, her, exclaimed "Ah, -Mademoiselle Helen! you cannot pass here." - -"Stand back, or I will stab you to the heart!" exclaimed Helen, -raising the dagger; and as he retreated a step to avoid the blow that -seemed ready to descend, she darted forward, and, before he could stop -her, was in the midst of the hall. - - - - -CHAPTER XLII. - - -All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for -the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the -time and circumstances would admit. A few of such flowers, as the -early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the -floor, or to form into nosegays. Various old banners and decorations -had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety -to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to -honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and -attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire. All Madame de -Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, -with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had -remained in her mistress's apartments. - -But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in -the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with -white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops. -That group consisted of the young Marquis de Chazeul, dressed in all -the most extravagant finery of that extravagant day, of the -Marchioness his mother, and the notary public of the Holy Roman -Empire, who, called upon continually to deal with great people, was -conversing familiarly with his two companions, and giving them his -advice how to proceed in certain cases, which they had suggested for -his consideration. - -When first Madame de Chazeul had entered the room, she was followed by -her page; but in the conversation which succeeded, between herself, -the notary, and her son, she did not remark that the boy slipped away -quietly and quitted the hall, without attracting the attention of any -one. - -The reader will have the kindness to remember that, as I described -this hall at first, it might be entered by three different doors; the -one communicating with the great staircase, by means of a short -corridor with deep windows at the south end; another leading, by a -separate passage, to the apartments of the Count de Liancourt, and to -those which Rose d'Albret had formerly occupied; and the third on the -western side, giving exit to the walls, by the little flying bridge, -which we have more than once already mentioned. - -As it was the door on the north by which Rose d'Albret and the Count -were expected to enter, the eyes of the whole party were turned, from -time to time, in that direction; but yet, for more than a quarter of -an hour after the Marchioness de Chazeul had entered, no one else -appeared; and she herself seemed to be, as probably she really was, -somewhat anxious and impatient of the long delay which took place. -Every one remarked that her face looked pale, notwithstanding her -rouge, and that a sort of sharp and irritable twitching about the -muscles of the mouth and nostril displayed itself in a manner which -none of them had ever seen before. - -At the end of that quarter of an hour, she advanced to the table at -the further side of the hall, where various refreshments had been set -out, and drank a quantity of water and some wine. Then she sat down; -and then she rose again; and then advancing to her son, she whispered, -"How long they are! I fear your uncle has been fool enough to let her -argue with him, instead of stopping her at once." - -"But just as she spoke, the door was thrown sharply open, and the -Count de Liancourt himself appeared, accompanied by poor Rose -d'Albret. She was as pale as death; and before she entered she paused, -and put her hand twice to her head, as if her brain grew giddy; but -Monsieur de Liancourt took her by the arm, not quite as gently as -might be, and led her into the hall. All parties made way, and formed -a circle round the table, on which the contract lay, leaving -sufficient space for the principal parties to advance and sign the -document. - -"I am faint," said Rose, as the Count hurried on; "give me some -water." - -"Give her some water, give her some water," cried the Count. -"Mademoiselle d'Albret is somewhat faint." - -Chazeul instantly sprang to the other table, and fetched a cup of -water; but when he brought it, Rose put it aside, with a look of -disgust, replying, "Not from your hand!" and, seeming to recover -strength and courage from the effort, she took a step forward as if -towards the table. - -The notary immediately advanced with the pen in his hand, saying, "The -contract has been read, Mademoiselle, by your guardian, Monsieur de -Liancourt, on your part, and by Monsieur de Chazeul on his own. It is, -therefore, doubtless, unnecessary to read it over to yourself, as they -are quite satisfied." - -"Oh! quite unnecessary," cried the Count. "Point out where she is to -sign." - -"Stay a moment," cried Rose d'Albret; "I told you, Sir, before I came -hither, that I did not intend to sign this paper--that nothing shall -ever induce me to sign it: and my only object in appearing here now, -is to protest before all these witnesses, that I will never be the -wife of Nicholas de Chazeul." - -Looks of surprise passed round the greater part of the crowd; and many -of them whispered to their neighbour, inquiring what would be done -next, while Madame de Chazeul stepped forward with a flashing eye, and -a quivering lip to say something in a low tone to her brother, and -Nicholas de Chazeul, stretching out his tall form to its full height, -tossed back his head with a look of scornful indignation. - -"What says Monsieur de Liancourt?" said the notary, who had received -his instructions from the Marchioness. "Does he admit of this protest? -for the lady, I conceive, must act by her guardian." - -"No, I do not admit it," cried the Count. "I insist that the marriage -go forward. Is it competent for me to sign on her behalf?" - -The notary hesitated. "No," he said, at length; "I think we must have -her signature." - -"That you shall never have," replied Rose. "I would rather cut off my -hand." - -"I would pass over ceremonies, Sir, if I were you," said the notary, -speaking to the Count in a whisper. "The lady's hand can be guided -over the paper." - -"It shall be done," replied the Count; and Madame de Chazeul beckoned -up one of her men, saying in an under voice to her brother, "do it -suddenly, and it will be over before she is aware." - -"In the first place," rejoined the notary, in the same tone, "to make -it all formally right, we had better inquire whether there be any one -who wishes to take act of opposition to the marriage.--You are sure of -all in the hall, I suppose?" - -The Marchioness nodded her head; and the notary proceeded to demand, -in a louder voice, if there was any one who had any lawful cause of -opposition to the marriage, between Nicholas, Marquis de Chazeul, and -Rose Demoiselle d'Albret. - -There was a sudden noise at the other side of the hall, even while he -was speaking, and the moment after he had ceased, a voice, sweet and -melancholy though clear and firm, exclaimed, "I have;" and, as the -crowd broke away, and turned towards the spot whence the sounds -issued, Helen de la Tremblade advanced, and stood directly opposite -the Marquis de Chazeul and his mother. - -Chazeul turned first as red as fire, and then as pale as ashes; and -the Marchioness stood by his side, not with the rage and vehemence -which might have been supposed, not with the ready command of -resources and the power, as well as the will, to bear down opposition, -but with her teeth chattering, her face pale, her lips white, and her -limbs trembling. - -"I feel ill," she said, "I feel ill.--I must have taken the wrong -cup.--Chazeul, I feel ill." - -But none attended to her; for the notary had turned to Helen de la -Tremblade, and was inquiring in a formal but scornful tone, what were -the grounds of her opposition, when another voice was heard, -exclaiming "These!" and father Walter strode forward and took her by -the hand, holding forth an open letter, "These are the grounds of her -opposition," he said, "inasmuch as she is contracted with Monsieur de -Chazeul, _par paroles de future_." - -The notary turned and looked to Monsieur de Liancourt, who exclaimed, -in a furious tone, "They are all in a conspiracy to stop the marriage. -I will have it go forward as I have sworn." - -"You can pass over this objection, Sir," said the notary. "If it be at -all valid, it may be pleaded hereafter in nullification." - -"Well, then, pass it over," cried the Count. "Will you sign, -Mademoiselle d'Albret?" - -"Never!" answered Rose, firmly. "Never! so help me God!" - -"Then thus I will make you," muttered Monsieur de Liancourt; and, -seizing her suddenly by the wrist, he dragged her forward to the -table; and while the man, René, stood behind to prevent her escape, he -placed the pen partly in her hand, partly held it in his own, and was -actually running it over the paper, before Rose was well aware of what -he was doing. - -"I protest, in the name of God, and the Holy Catholic Church, against -this violent and outrageous act!" exclaimed Walter de la Tremblade, -lifting up his hands to Heaven. - -"Hold!" cried a voice of thunder at the same moment; and, striding -forward through the crowd, a stout short man, with a grey beard and -hair, dressed in a plain suit of russet brown, advanced to the table, -and struck the pen out of Monsieur de Liancourt's hand, exclaiming, -"Hold! Hear a word or two first!--Parbleu! you make quick work of it!" - -The Count laid his hand upon his sword, demanding fiercely, "Who are -you, insolent villain?" - -"Why, this is that man, Chasseron," cried Chazeul. "What have you to -do with this affair, Sir?" - -"Why, Ventre Saint Gris! I oppose the marriage," cried Chasseron, "as -the lady's cousin." - -"Her cousin!" exclaimed Chazeul, bursting into a scornful laugh. "Who -ever heard of you before?" - -"That will not avail, unless you can prove your relationship," -exclaimed Monsieur de Liancourt, looking to the notary. - -But that worthy officer was gazing down upon the ground somewhat pale -in the face; and Chasseron, in his bluff way, replied, "Will that not -do?--Pardi, then, this will!" and, drawing his sword, he laid it naked -upon the table. Then, taking up the contract of marriage, he tore it -to atoms. - -Chazeul sprang towards him with fury in his countenance. But the -notary darted in between, holding up both his hands, and exclaiming, -"The King! the King!" - -"The King!" cried Chazeul staggering back. - -"The King!" exclaimed Monsieur de Liancourt, gazing upon him. - -"The King! the King!" cried many voices in the hall; and at least one -half added, "Vive Henri Quatre!" - -"Even so, my good friends," said Henry. "Monsieur de Liancourt, you -will excuse me for taking such liberties in your château. I have been -obliged to make it my halting-place this morning, with about a couple -of hundred of my friends, who have just been hunting with me in these -woods. But we shall all depart before night, and leave you in full -possession of your own again, as I came with no hostile intention, but -merely to do a little act of justice. And now, my fair cousin," he -continued, turning to Rose d'Albret, "you must prepare for a journey -to-night, for we intend to take you with us." - -"My lord the King," said the Count de Liancourt, assuming a tone of -dignity for a last effort. "I have to beg that, whatever you do, you -would abstain from meddling with the arrangements of my family." - -"Parbleu!" exclaimed Henry, "what would the man have? Without, -there!--Send in the captain of the guard and a file of soldiers. -Either as a friend or an enemy, Monsieur de Liancourt--either as a -good and obedient subject, or a rebel against his King!--You shall act -which character you please, and I will behave accordingly. In the mean -time, Sir, this lady is no longer your ward; for, let me tell you, -that you have attempted to violate the contract with her father, by -means--of which the less we say the better. It shall be my task to -carry that contract into execution. Ha! the guard!--Attach Monsieur de -Chazeul for high treason--But! what have we got here?" he continued, -looking to a spot a little behind the Count, where the servants of -Madame de Chazeul had placed her in a chair and gathered round her. "A -dead woman, I think!--By my life! my old acquaintance, Jacqueline de -Chazeul!" - -"Good God, my mother!" exclaimed Chazeul darting towards her: but the -hand that he took was cold and inanimate; and, "the poisoned chalice" -she had prepared for others, had worked too certainly upon herself. - -At first, it was supposed, she did but faint: but the truth was soon -ascertained; and when Chazeul rose from his knee, and turned round to -the rest of the party, he beheld what was to him a more painful sight -than even that on which he had been just gazing. It was Rose d'Albret -in the arms of Louis de Montigni: while Monsieur de Liancourt, with -all his assumed firmness gone, was apparently making amends to the -King by courtesy and explanation, for the tone which he had at first -assumed towards him. - -But, in another part of the hall stood Helen de la Tremblade, with her -hand in that of her uncle, while her eyes were buried on the old man's -shoulder; and around,--at each door of the hall, and filling up the -whole of one side,--were seen the scarred and weather-beaten faces of -the veteran royalist soldiery, with their white scarfs over their -shoulders, and their naked swords in their hand. - -Chazeul turned again to the form of his dead mother, and then once -more bent his eyes on Helen de la Tremblade. "It is the hand of God!" -he murmured. "It is the hand of God!" and then, as the captain of the -guard advanced to arrest him, he said, "Wait one moment," and strode -across the room towards the priest and his niece. - -"Helen," he said in a low tone, "Helen, I have done you wrong.--I am -ready to make atonement.--Will you be my wife?" - -"No!" cried Helen, turning round towards him, "No!--My fate is fixed. -The cloister is the only shelter for one whose heart has been trampled -on like mine." - -"Nay, nay!" cried Henri Quatre stepping forward. "Remember, my fair -friend, penitence should be always accepted. Were it not so, how -should I ever find grace, as I yet hope to do?--Nay, suffer me to be -the mediator. Here, Monsieur de Chazeul," he continued, taking Helen's -hand, and placing it in that of the Marquis. "Take her: and if she -have loved you too well heretofore, it is a thousand chances to -one that you soon teach her to mend that fault, when you are her -husband.--However, you shall have fair room to try; for we must not -cage so promising a bridegroom. Captain, we shall not want your good -offices for the present." - -The augury of the King was unhappily but too correct; and two years -had barely elapsed, when Helen, Marchioness of Chazeul, retired for -ever from the busy world, with the consent of her husband, to the -convent of a sisterhood of cloistered nuns. - - - -FOOTNOTES - -[Footnote 1: This phenomenon was seen distinctly by many persons in -both armies, immediately before the battle of Ivry, and was visible -over an extent of more than twenty leagues.] - -[Footnote 2: The duel of one to one, without seconds or witnesses, was -not uncommon at this time in France, especially when men were of high -rank, and wished to void a serious quarrel without danger of -interruption. They often also took place on horseback with the pistol, -but Monsieur de Monteil is wrong in stating under the reign of Henry -IV., that it was a new custom to introduce seconds into duels. During -the reign of Charles IX. and Henry III., the practice of fighting with -a number of seconds who all took part in the affray, was general; and -in the famous challenge of Henry IV. himself, when King of Navarre, to -the Duke of Guise, he offered to figght him one to one, two to two, or -ten to ten.] - - - -THE END. - - - -PRINTING OFFICE OF THE PUBLISHER. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Rose D'Albret, by -G. P. R. 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P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James"> - -<meta name="Publisher" content="Bernhard Tauchnitz"> -<meta name="Date" content="1844"> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"> -<style type="text/css"> -body {margin-left:10%; - margin-right:10%; background-color:#FFFFFF;} - - -p.normal {text-indent:.25in; text-align: justify;} -.center {margin: auto; text-align:center; margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:24pt} - - - -p.right {text-align:right; margin-right:20%;} - -p.continue {text-indent: 0in; margin-top:9pt;} -.text10 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:10%; margin-right:0px; font-size:90%;} -.text20 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:20%; margin-right:0px; font-size:90%;} - - -.poem0 { - margin-top: 24pt; margin-left: 0%; - margin-right: 0%; text-align: left; - margin-bottom: 24pt; font-size:90%} - -.poem1 { - margin-top: 24pt; margin-left: 2em; - margin-right: 10%; text-align: left; - margin-bottom: 24pt; font-size:90%} - -.poem2 { - margin-top: 24pt; margin-left: 20%; - margin-right: 20%; text-align: left; - margin-bottom: 24pt; font-size:90%} - -.poem3 { - margin-top: 24pt; margin-left: 30%; - margin-right: 30%; text-align: left; - margin-bottom: 24pt; font-size:90%} - - - - - - - -.t0 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:0em; margin-right:0em;} -.t1 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:1em; margin-right:0em;} -.t2 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2em; margin-right:0em;} -.t3 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:3em; margin-right:0em;} -.t4 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4em; margin-right:0em;} -.t5 {margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:5em; margin-right:0em;} - - -.quote {text-indent:.25in; text-align: justify; font-size:90%; margin-top:36pt; margin-bottom:36pt} -.ctrquote {text-align: center; font-size:90%; margin-top:36pt; margin-bottom:36pt} - -.dateline {text-align:right; font-size:90%; margin-right:10%; margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:24pt} - -h1,h2,h3,h4,h5 {text-align: center;} - -span.sc {font-variant: small-caps; font-size:110%;} -span.sc2 {font-variant: small-caps; font-size:90%;} - -hr.W10 {width:10%; color:black; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt} - -hr.W20 {width:20%; color:black; margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:12pt} - -hr.W50 {width:50%; color:black;} -hr.W90 {width:90%; color:black;} - -p.hang1 {margin-left:3em; text-indent:-3em;} -p.hang2 {margin-left:3em; text-indent:0em;} - - -</style> - -</head> - -<body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's Rose D'Albret, by G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Rose D'Albret - or Troublous Times. - -Author: G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James - -Release Date: January 17, 2016 [EBook #50943] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROSE D'ALBRET *** - - - - -Produced by Charles Bowen from page scans provided by -Google Books (Harvard University) - - - - - - -</pre> - - - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<p class="hang1">Transcriber's Notes:<br> -1. Page scan source:<br> -https://books.google.com/books?id=RGEWAAAAYAAJ<br> -(Harvard University)</p> - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>COLLECTION</h4> - -<h5>OF</h5> - -<h3>BRITISH AUTHORS.</h3> - -<h4>VOL. LXV.</h4> - -<hr class="W20"> - -<h4>ROSE D'ALBRET BY JAMES.</h4> - -<h5>IN ONE VOLUME.</h5> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<table cellpadding="10" style="width:80%; margin-left:10%; font-weight:bold"> -<colgroup><col style="width:60%; text-align:left"><col style="width:40%; text-align:left"></colgroup> -<tr> -<td colspan="2"> -<h4>TAUCHNITZ EDITION.</h4> - -<h5>By the same Author,</h5></td> -<tr> -<td>MORLEY ERNSTEIN (WITH PORTRAIT)</td> -<td>1 vol.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>FOREST DAYS</td> -<td>1 vol.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>THE FALSE HEIR</td> -<td>1 vol.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>ARABELLA STUART</td> -<td>1 vol.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>ARRAH NEIL</td> -<td>1 vol.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>AGINCOURT</td> -<td>1 vol.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>THE SMUGGLER</td> -<td>1 vol.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>THE STEP-MOTHER</td> -<td>2 vols.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>BEAUCHAMP</td> -<td>1 vol.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>HEIDELBERG</td> -<td>1 vol.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>THE GIPSY</td> -<td>1 vol.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>THE CASTLE OF EHRENSTEIN</td> -<td>1 vol.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>DARNLEY</td> -<td>1 vol.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>RUSSELL</td> -<td>2 vols.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>THE CONVICT</td> -<td>2 vols.</td> -</tr><tr> -<td>SIR THEODORE BROUGHTON</td> -<td>2 vols.</td> -</table> - - -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h3>ROSE D'ALBRET</h3> - -<h5>OR</h5> - -<h4>TROUBLOUS TIMES.</h4> - - -<h5>BY</h5> - -<h4>G. P. R. JAMES.</h4> -<br> -<br> - -<h5><i>COPYRIGHT EDITION</i>.</h5> -<br> -<br> - -<h3>LEIPZIG</h3> -<h4>BERNHARD TAUCHNITZ</h4> -<h4>1844.</h4> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h3>ROSE D'ALBRET;</h3> -<h5>OR</h5> -<h4>TROUBLOUS TIMES.</h4> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER I.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">Whatever effect the institution of chivalry might have upon the -manners and customs of the people of Europe; however much it might -mitigate the rudeness of the middle ages, and soften the character of -nations just emerging from barbarism, there was one point which it -left untouched by its softening influence, and which remained, till -within a few years of the present period, as a case of great hardship -upon those who are supposed to have benefited more particularly by the -rise of chivalrous feeling. Women, to whose defence the knights of old -devoted their swords: women, for whose honour and renown so many a -gallant champion has shed his blood: women, for whose love so many -wars have been kindled and so many deeds done, were, till within a -short period of the present day, mere slaves in those matters where -their own happiness was concerned. Their influence, it is true, might -be great over the heart and mind, but in person, at least till after -their marriage, they were simply bonds-women; they ruled without power -even over themselves, and had no authority whatsoever in those -transactions which were of the most importance to them.</p> - -<p class="normal">Where parents were living--although even then it was thought scarcely -necessary to consult a young woman upon the disposal of her own -hand,--yet we may suppose that parental affection might occasionally -enable her to exercise some influence, however small, in the -acceptance or rejection of a lover. But where the parents were dead, -she had for many centuries, especially in France, no voice whatever in -the matter, and was consigned, often against her inclination, to the -arms of one whom perhaps she had never seen, whom she often regarded -with indifference, and often with hate. It is little to be wondered at -that such a state of things produced gross immorality. The first act -of a young woman's life, the act alone by which she obtained -comparative freedom, being one by which all the fine and delicate -sensibilities, planted by God in the female heart, were violated at -once,--it is little to be wondered at, I say, that the vows by which -men endeavoured to supply the place of principles, should be violated -likewise at the voice of inclination.</p> - -<p class="normal">The fault, however, was in the feudal system; and the manner in which -lands were first acquired in Europe, produced regulations for their -transmission which generated the greatest social evils,--from the -consequences of which indeed we are not yet altogether free. Each -feoff was required to be held by a man who could do service to his -sovereign in the field; and, consequently, when any vassal or vavasor -died, leaving behind him one or more daughters, the law required that -the feoff should be managed by a guardian till such time as, by -marriage, the heiress or heiresses could present men to do homage for -their lands, and perform military service to the superior lord. Thus, -an heiress could not marry without her lord's approbation; and by the -constitutions of St. Louis it was enacted, that, even where a daughter -was left under the care of her mother, the lord might require security -that she should not form an alliance without his consent; and the good -king, in the rule which he lays down for the choice of a husband for a -ward, directs the guardian simply, if there be two or three who offer, -to take the richest.</p> - -<p class="normal">As the feudal system declined in France, however, the power of the -lord over his vassals of course diminished, and long before the end of -the sixteenth century it was but little exercised by one nobleman over -another. In cases where large inheritances fell to daughters, their -marriages were made up in their own families; and though they -themselves had, in general, as little choice allowed them as ever, yet -their own relations were the persons who selected the future -companions of their life. Thus fathers, brothers, cousins, uncles, -aunts, had all far more to do with the marriage than the person whose -weal or woe was to be affected by it.</p> - -<p class="normal">When a father died, however, leaving his daughter to the care of a -guardian, he transmitted to him the great power he himself possessed; -and if the young lady were the heiress of great wealth, it generally -happened that the person selected for her husband was a son or near -relation of her guardian. Very often, indeed, her hand was made a -matter of merchandise and sold to the best bidder, so that the -guardianship of an heiress was not unfrequently a profitable -speculation.</p> - -<p class="normal">During the last half of the sixteenth century, indeed, almost all -these rules and regulations were broken through, in the midst of the -civil contentions which then existed in France; and we find several -instances, even in the highest ranks of society, of children marrying -against the will of their parents, when an opportunity was afforded -them of escaping parental rule. Such was the case with the daughter of -the Duke of Montpensier; but in this, as in many other instances, -religious differences had their share, and the principle of liberty, -which rose with the Protestant religion, affected even the relations -of domestic life. To guard against the opportunities thus afforded, by -the troubles of the times, for ladies to choose as they thought fit, -many very violent and tyrannical acts were committed; and, on the -other hand, where power could venture to outstep the law, shameful -breaches of right and justice took place to get possession of the -person of an heiress, who was looked upon and treated by all parties -merely as the chief title-deed of the estate. Thus the celebrated Duke -of Mayenne himself carried off by force out of Guienne, from the care -of her own mother, Mademoiselle de Caumont in order to marry her to -one of his own sons, though she had been already contracted to another -person from the very cradle.</p> - -<p class="normal">Such a strange state of things was farther complicated by the rights -of the monarch to certain privileges of guardianship, known by the -name of <i>gardes nobles</i>, by which he was entitled, by himself or his -officers, to take into his charge the estates and persons of certain -orphans under age; and, according to the corrupt practices of the -times, the tutelage of the royal wards, in particular provinces, was -often made a matter of merchandise, and still more frequently was -bestowed upon unworthy persons, and obtained by the most corrupt -means.</p> - -<p class="normal">To all these complicated and evil arrangements must be added another -custom of those times, which perhaps was devised for the purpose of -obviating some of the bad consequences of the existing state of -things. I allude to the habit of affiancing at a very early period. -Sometimes this engagement between the children of two noble houses was -confirmed by every ceremony which could render the act inviolable in -the eyes of the church and the eyes of the law: sometimes, however, a -less solemn compact was entered into by the parents, subject to -certain conditions, and these were frequently rescinded, changed, or -modified, according to circumstances. In many instances the heiress of -a noble house was left by a dying parent to the guardianship of a -friend, under contract to marry that friend's heir on arriving at a -fixed period of life; and in such circumstances, whatever might be her -inclination to break this engagement, when her reason or her heart led -her towards another union, she would have found it very difficult to -escape from the trammels imposed upon her, even to take shelter within -the walls of a convent.</p> - -<p class="normal">It has seemed necessary to give these explanations in this -introductory chapter, that the reader may clearly understand the -circumstances of the parties in the following tale; and I shall only -farther add, that at the time when the history is supposed to -commence, a long period of strife and confusion had thrown the country -into a state of anarchy, in which law was daily set at defiance, even -for the pettiest objects; every evil passion found indulgence under -the shield of faction; the most violent, the most unjust, and the most -criminal proceedings took place in every part of the realm; might made -right throughout the country; and the bigoted priesthood were -generally found ready to assist in any dark plot or cunning scheme, -where the interests of their patrons might be served, or the objects -of their own order advanced.</p> - -<p class="normal">At the same time, though tranquillity was in no degree recovered, -everything was tending to its restoration. Henry III. who had -sanctioned, instigated, or committed every sort of crime, had fallen -under the knife of the assassin. Henri Quatre was daily strengthening -his tottering throne by victory, clemency, and policy. The battle of -Arques had been fought and won, and the king, with a small but veteran -and gallant army, had advanced towards the capital and was besieging -the town of Dreux.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER II.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">On the confines of Normandy, towards that part of Maine which joins -the Orleanois, and nearly on a straight line between Mortagne and -Orleans, lies a track of wild common land, unfit for cultivation. It -is now covered with low bushes, stunted trees, gorse, fern, and -brushwood, though often presenting patches of short grass, which serve -as pasture-ground for the sheep and cattle of the neighbouring -villages, which are few and far between.</p> - -<p class="normal">The extent of this somewhat dreary district is about five miles in one -direction and six in another, and it is broken by hill and dale, deep -pits and quarries, rushy pools and swamps, over which at night hovers -the will-o'-the-wisp, while every now and then a tall beech or wide -spreading oak attests the existence in former days of an extensive -forest, now only traditionary. On one of the hills towards Chartres -appear the ruins of an old castle, which, though not referable to any -very remote period, must have been a place of some strength, and below -is a little hamlet, with a small church, containing several curious -monuments, where knights are seen stretched in well sculptured armour, -and leaguers in starched ruffs and slashed pourpoints, lie recumbent -in grey stone.</p> - -<p class="normal">Here, however, in times not very long gone, stretched one of those -forests for which France was once famous, though the woods had been -cut down some years before the Revolution, and, converted into gold, -had furnished many a luxurious banquet, or been spent in revelry and -ostentation. It never, indeed, was very extensive, when compared with -many of the forests that surrounded it, but still, towards the end of -the sixteenth century it possessed scenes of wild beauty rarely to be -met with, and some of the finest trees in the country. Through a -portion of the wood ran one of the many windings of the river Huisne; -and the ground being hilly, as I have said, from the principal -eminences, the winding course of that stream might be discovered for -several miles, while here and there many a château, or <i>maison forte</i>, -appeared in sight, filled with branches of the families of Sourdis, -Estrées, Chazeul, de Harault, Liancourt, and others.</p> - -<p class="normal">One or two village spires also graced the scene, but the eye could -catch no town of any great magnitude, which was probably one of the -reasons why that district had suffered less severely during the wars -of the league than almost any other in France. Several causes, -however, had combined to obtain for it this happy immunity. No -Protestants were to be found in the immediate neighbourhood, and -though all the gentlemen possessing property on the banks of the river -were steady Catholics, yet they were in general attached to the cause -of order and loyalty, and, while withheld by a feeling of bigotry from -supporting in arms a monarch whom they considered a heretic, were -unwilling to give the slightest aid to a faction, which they well knew -had anything at heart but the maintenance of a religion which they -used as a pretext for rebellion.</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus the tide of war had rolled up the valleys of the Seine and of the -Loire; Orleans had been a scene of strife and bloodshed; Alençon had -been taken and retaken more than once; Dreux and Chartres had seen -armies frequently under their walls; but the track I speak of, with -the country round for several miles, had escaped the scourge of civil -contention, and a truce, or convention, existed amongst the noblemen -of that part of the country, by virtue of which each enjoyed his own -in peace with his neighbours, and feared little the approach of -hostile armies, as the ground was unfavourable to military evolutions; -and nothing was to be obtained by marching through a country where no -wealthy cities afforded an object either to cupidity or ambition.</p> - -<p class="normal">When any great event was imminent, indeed, and the fortunes of France -seemed to hang upon the result of an approaching battle, small bands -of armed men hurrying up to join this force or that, would cross the -district, carefully watched by the retainers of the different lords in -the vicinity of the forest in order to prevent any outrage, and often -the little village church would be thronged with soldiery, who in a -few days after left their bones upon some bloody field; or at other -times the wild hymns of the Huguenots would rise up at nightfall from -the woodlands, in a strain of strange and scarcely earthly harmony. -Then too, in the open field, the Calvinistic preacher would harangue -his stern and determined brethren in language full of fiery -enthusiasm, and often the Roman Catholic peasant would pause to -listen, and go away almost convinced that the traditions to which he -had so long clung were false and superstitious.</p> - -<p class="normal">Few acts of violence, however, were heard of; and when any of the many -bands of plunderers, who taking advantage of the anarchy of the times, -scoured the country, pillaging and oppressing both parties alike, -appeared in the woods and fields, the gentry, making common cause -against them, soon drove them out to carry on their lawless trade -elsewhere. Some severe acts of retribution too had been practised on -those who were taken, and sometimes for weeks the old oaks were -decorated with the acorns of Tristan the Hermit, as a warning to -others of the same class to avoid the dangerous vicinity.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was not wonderful, therefore, that, on a cold clear day, of the -frosty spring of the year 159-, a stout, homely man, about forty years -of age, dressed in a plain brown peasant's coat, with a black cloak -and large riding boots, should ride along upon a strong bay horse, -apparently quite at his ease, though night was not far distant. His -dress and his whole appearance bespoke him a farmer well to do in the -world; but farmers in those days were not above any of the acts -required by their calling; and over the crupper of the horse was -thrown a large sack of corn, either for sale or for provender.</p> - -<p class="normal">I have said that the good peasant appeared quite at his ease, and so -indeed he was, utterly unconscious of danger; but that did not imply -that he went unprepared for defence, for those were times when such -precautions had become habitual with all men. The very labourer went -to the field with pike, or large knife, or arquebuse, if he could get -it, and the good man we speak of had a long, broad, straight sword, -with iron hilt and clasps, by his side, and two pistols at his -saddle-bow. He was a strong, and seemingly an active man, too, -though of no very bulky proportions, and somewhat short in stature; -and there was an air of determination and vigour about him which would -have made a single opponent think twice before he attacked him. -Moreover, his countenance displayed a good deal of cool self-possessed -<i>nonchalance</i>, if I may be permitted for once to use a foreign word, -which showed that he was not one to sell either his corn or his life -very cheap, and he rode his horse like one well accustomed to its -back, and who found no difficulty in managing it at his will.</p> - -<p class="normal">The evening, though, as I have said, very cold, was beautifully clear; -the western sky was all gold and sunshine, the blades of grass, and -the leaves that still hung upon the branches--which, like the -ungrateful world, had cast off so many of their green companions in -the dull moment of adversity--were all white with frost, and the road, -though somewhat sandy in its materials, was as hard as adamant.</p> - -<p class="normal">With a quick habitual motion of the eyes, the farmer glanced from -right to left, marking everything around him as he advanced, and once, -where the scene was more open and unencumbered with trees, halted for -an instant and looked round. He still showed the careless confidence -of his heart by humming from time to time snatches of a common song of -the day, and once or twice laughed lightly at some thoughts which were -passing in his own mind. His features were good, though somewhat too -strongly marked, his eyes bright, and clear, his complexion ruddy with -health and exposure, and his limbs well knit and strong from labour -and hard exercise.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length the worthy man, trotting on at no very quick pace, began to -descend the side of one of the hills of the forest and entered a sort -of wild dell, where small broken spots of turf were interspersed with -clumps of younger trees, principally ashes and elms, while the older -tenants of the wood hung upon the slopes higher up. At the bottom was -a small stream of very clear water, flowing on towards the Huisne, -through water-cresses and other plants of the brook, but now nearly -frozen over, though towards the mid-course the quickness of the -current, and perhaps the depth from which the fountain rose at no -great distance, kept the water free from ice. A little wooden bridge -spanned it over, leaving room for two horses abreast, but the old and -congealed ruts at the side showed that the carts, which occasionally -came along the road, passed through the stream itself; and some -vehicle which had traversed the valley not long before had so far -broken away the frozen surface of the rivulet, that the traveller had -clear space to let his horse drink, before he crossed the bridge.</p> - -<p class="normal">As he paused to do so, however, and slackened his rein for that -purpose, he gazed round, and his eyes were quickly attracted by the -sight of some objects not very pleasant to contemplate for a wayfarer -in those days. About two hundred yards farther down the stream sat a -party of some eight or nine men, with their horses tied by the foot, -and feeding on the frosty grass as well as they could. Though the -number was so small, a cornet, or ensign of a troop of cavalry, rested -against a tree, for the ground was too hard to plant it in the earth -in the usual manner; and the steel caps, corslets, and arms which each -man bore, plainly showed the farmer that one of the wandering bands of -soldiery, who were constantly marching hither and thither, to plunder -or to fight, as the case might be, was now before him.</p> - -<p class="normal">From the force they seemed to muster, the good farmer at once -concluded that such an inefficient body was more likely to be engaged -in a marauding expedition than in a march to join either the army of -the King or the Duke of Mayenne; but the green and red scarfs which -they wore evinced that, when engaged in regular military operations, -it was to the party of the latter they were attached, though the -district in which they now were generally favoured the royal cause.</p> - -<p class="normal">However, as he himself, whatever his private opinions might be, bore -no distinctive signs of either faction about him the traveller hoped -that he might be suffered to pass unmolested, especially as his dress -and appearance offered no great show of wealth; and, therefore, -without displaying the slightest concern or apprehension, he suffered -his horse to conclude his draught, and then was preparing to resume -his journey, when, after a brief consultation, one of the soldiers -advanced at a quick pace on foot, and planted himself on the opposite -side of the bridge, while another ran higher up the hill, and the rest -rose slowly from the ground, and began to untie their horses.</p> - -<p class="normal">All these movements were remarked by the traveller; but still he -maintained his air of easy carelessness till the soldier who had -placed himself opposite advanced a step or two towards him, -exclaiming, in an impatient tone, as if irritated by his apathy, "<i>Qui -vive?</i>"</p> - -<p class="normal">The farmer was not without his reply, however, though, to say "Long -live the king," which he might be inclined to do, would have been a -dangerous experiment, and he therefore replied, without the least -hesitation, "<i>Vive la France!</i>"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Come, come, master peasant, that will not do," exclaimed the other, -advancing upon him, pistol in hand; "thou art some accursed <i>Politic!</i> -Are you for the Holy Union or Henry of Bourbon?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, good Sir, do not be angry," replied the farmer; "I am a poor man -of no party. I have nothing to do with these matters at present, and -mind only my own concerns."</p> - -<p class="normal">"If thou art of no party," said the soldier, "thou art an enemy to -both. So, get off thy horse; I have a fancy for him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, I pray you," cried the other, "do not take my beast. How am I to -carry my corn?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"We will save you that trouble," rejoined the soldier, with the -courtesy usual on such occasions; "and if you have any weight of gold -upon you, we will deliver you of that burden also. So, get off at -once, Master What's-your-name, or I will send you off with a -pistol-shot."</p> - -<p class="normal">"My name is Chasseron," answered the peasant, "and a name well known -for wronging no man; but if I must get off and part with my poor -beast, I pray you help me down with the corn, for I cannot dismount -till it is away.--But if you will leave me the nag," he added, "I will -pay you his full value, if you will come to my place. He and I have -been old friends, and I would fain not part with him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Get down! get down!" cried the soldier impatiently. "Clumsy boor, -can't you dismount with a sack behind you?" and at the same moment he -came nearer and laid his hand upon the load.</p> - -<p class="normal">The instant he did so, the farmer thrust his strong hand between his -cuirass and his neck, half strangling him with his large knuckles; and -with his right drawing a pistol from his saddle-bow, he brought the -muzzle close to his ear, exclaiming, "Now, master, I see you have some -command, by your scarf. So if the way be not cleared very speedily, -you shall go up or down as the case may be, without any brains in your -skull. I've got one life under my fist, and they can but take one in -return, so now we shall see how they love you. Don't struggle, or you -shall soon struggle no more; but turn round, tell them to get out of -the way, and then march on with me to the top of hill."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I can't turn," said the soldier, in a rueful tone.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, then, I'll turn you," answered Chasseron with a laugh; and -without quitting his hold, he whirled his adversary round with -prodigious strength, lifting him nearly off the ground as he did so. -"Now drop your pistol," he continued. "Drop it this instant!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The man did so; and, touching his horse gently with his heel, the -stout farmer put him into a slow walk, while several of the marauders -ran forward to see what was going on.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Bid them back!" cried Chasseron, jogging his companion's head with -the muzzle of his weapon. "Bid them back, or you are a dead man, -without shrift."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Keep off! keep off, Beauvois," cried his adversary. "Keep off, La -Motte, or by the Holy Virgin he will kill me!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I will," muttered Chasseron heartily; and the soldiers halted -for an instant as if to consult. But your good companion of those days -was not very careful of a comrade's life; and it seemed to be soon -agreed that the insolence of the farmer was not to be tolerated out of -any consideration for the gentleman in his hands. There was, -therefore, some cocking of pistols and looking at pans, with various -other indications of coming strife.</p> - -<p class="normal">Chasseron, however, continued to advance, dragging his captive along, -and keeping a watchful eye upon all the proceedings of the enemy, -while the poor fellow in his hands shouted again and again to the hard -ears of his companions to hold back for God's sake. They on their part -paid little attention to his petitions; and, in a moment or two, -several of the soldiers began to creep closer, in order to get within -pistol-shot, while the rest mounted their horses as if to make an -attack on the rear of the enemy. No sooner had the foremost of those -on foot reached a fitting distance, than he began to take a deliberate -aim at the horseman; but the latter, muttering to himself, "This is -unpleasant, Pardie!" turned suddenly towards him, withdrew the pistol -from the ear of the fellow whom he held, levelled it at the other, and -fired. The man went down in a moment, his weapon discharging itself in -the air as he fell.</p> - -<p class="normal">At the same time the captive struggled hard in the hands of Chasseron, -and, by a sudden effort, grasped his dagger to stab him before he -could resist. But the farmer was still quicker in his movements, his -other pistol was drawn in an instant and once more at his friend's -head, and while two shots from the enemy passed close to him, one -grazing his arm, the other going through his hat, he exclaimed, "Throw -down the <i>dague</i>, or you are a dead man!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The order was obeyed in an instant; but it was repeated with regard to -the sword, which was also cast to the ground at a word; and then to -the surprise of the Leaguer, he was instantly set free.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now," cried Chasseron, "I give you your life. Run back as hard as you -can to your comrades; and, if you have any command over them, bid them -leave off attacking a man, who never did them any harm."</p> - -<p class="normal">His prisoner required not two biddings to take to his heels; and the -good farmer, setting spurs to his horse, galloped up the hill as hard -as he could go, while the men who had mounted pursued him, at full -speed, firing at him as he went, and the soldier, who had at first ran -on upon the road, cast himself in the way, prepared to stop his -advance.</p> - -<p class="normal">As it was now a flight and pursuit, one moment was a matter of life -and death to the farmer; and as he rode on upon the enemy before him, -he leveled his remaining pistol and fired. Though now at full speed, -his aim was not less true than before; but the ball striking his -adversary's steel cap in an oblique direction, glanced off without -wounding him, and the soldier fired in turn without effect. Drawing -his sword, the farmer galloped on; but he had to do with a resolute -and powerful opponent in the man who barred the way; the others were -coming up at a furious pace, and the life of poor Master Chasseron was -in no light peril, when suddenly a party of four horsemen, well -mounted and armed, appeared on the top of the hill, riding quickly, as -if attracted by the report of the firearms.</p> - -<p class="normal">Now they might be friends, or they might be enemies; but Chasseron -determined to look upon them as the former, till they proved -themselves otherwise; and, waving his hand towards them, he cried, -"Help! help! Hurrah!" and, as his antagonist in front turned to see -who they were, he let fall a blow on his cap, which brought him on his -knee. The farmer was obliged instantly to wheel, however, to defend -himself against those who followed; and with wonderful strength and -agility he crossed swords with one, threw his discharged pistol at the -face of another, knocking out some of his front teeth, and watched a -third, who was somewhat behind.</p> - -<p class="normal">However unequal might be the combat, he maintained it gallantly, while -the appearance of the fresh party, now galloping down at full speed, -made his enemies hesitate in their operations. Nor was the cry of -"Vive le Roy!" which came from the advancing cavaliers, nor the sight -of the white scarfs with which they were decorated, calculated to -reassure the Leaguers. The men who had remained below on foot, -however, now rushed up; and, withdrawing from the attack upon the -farmer to meet the more honourable adversaries who were by this time -close upon them, they attempted to give some little array to their -front, and to recharge their pistols.</p> - -<p class="normal">But before this could be done, the new comers were amongst them; -Chasseron turned to give his powerful aid; white scarfs and green were -mingled together in a moment; and, after a brief struggle, the -Leaguers were driven down into the valley with the loss of two of -their number. After attempting to make a stand at the bridge they were -put to flight; and springing from their horses, the men who had -mounted followed the example of those on foot, and took refuge in the -wood, whither the victors did not think fit to pursue them. As soon as -it was clear that resistance had ceased, the successful party halted -by the stream, surrounding the good peasant with whom the strife -began; while he, on his part, hat in hand, thanked them heartily for -his deliverance.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Parbleu!" he exclaimed, "if you had not come up, Monsieur, I should -have lost my wheat and my money too. I had killed one of them, and -might have got the better of two more; but I do not think I could have -managed all the seven."</p> - -<p class="normal">These words were addressed to a young gentleman apparently not more -than one or two and twenty years of age. His complexion was pale, but -clear; his eyes dark and thoughtful; his deep brown hair waving from -under his hat, for he wore no defensive arms, and his short beard -curling round his mouth and chin. All the features of his face were -remarkably fine and delicate, but the forehead was broad and high, and -the eyebrows strongly marked. His whole air, and the expression of his -countenance, were grave and thoughtful; and although he had led the -others in their charge with gallant determination, yet it had been -with calm coolness which displayed not the slightest sign of vehemence -or emotion. The quick-eyed farmer had remarked also that he had -contented himself with driving back the enemy, and defending his own -person, without striking at any one or using the pistols with which -his saddle-bow was garnished. In person he was tall and well made, -though neither much above the ordinary height, nor apparently -particularly robust. His carriage, however, was graceful; and he sat -his horse with ease and power, managing it during the combat as if -well accustomed to the tilt yard if not to the battle field, and -drawing it suddenly up by the side of the stream when he saw that the -other party had betaken themselves to the wood.</p> - -<p class="normal">To the address of the good countryman he replied briefly, saying, "You -are very welcome, my good Sir; though I am not fond of such affairs, -nor much habituated to them. Neither are you, I should suppose; and -yet you seem to have defended yourself skilfully and vigorously.--Are -you not hurt?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not a whit!" answered the farmer; "and as to defending myself, that's -an old trade of mine; I have borne arms in my day, though I have given -that occupation up for the present; but there is many a man in the -army remembers Michael Chasseron. I did not wish to hurt any one, if -they would have let me pass quietly; so what they have got is their -own fault. And now we may as well see to their baggage: there may be -curious things amongst it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That you may do if you like," replied the young gentleman; "neither I -nor my servants can have anything to do with plunder."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nor I either," answered the farmer; "I am always content with my own, -if I could but get it; but these good men may have other things upon -them besides gold and silver. Papers, young gentleman, papers which -may be serviceable to the King; and for those, by your good leave, I -will look, begging you to stand by me for a minute or two, lest our -friends come out from their hiding-holes again."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Willingly, willingly," said his companion, "that is a laudable -object, and in that we will help you." Thus saying he dismounted -himself, and bidding two of his servants do the same, proceeded with -Chasseron to search the bodies of those who had fallen, three horses -which remained tied to a tree, and some baggage which had been left on -the ground where the Leaguers had been sitting.</p> - -<p class="normal">In a small leather bag buckled on the back of one of the chargers was -found a packet of letters and papers regarding the movements of -various bodies of men, which the good farmer examined with a curious -eye. He then handed them to the young gentleman, who had come down to -his assistance, saying. "You had better take them to the King, Sir."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay," replied the stranger, "take them yourself, my good friend; I am -not going to the camp; and if this intelligence be of importance you -may get rewarded."</p> - -<p class="normal">The farmer shook his head, laughing. "His Majesty," he said, "has -scarcely money, I hear, to buy himself a dinner. But I will take them, -for if I don't go myself, I will ensure that he gets them; and now let -us look at that fellow I cut over the head upon the hill, if we leave -him there, he will be frozen to death tonight, and that would be -scarce christian."</p> - -<p class="normal">On approaching the spot where the man lay, they found him still alive, -though bleeding and stunned by the blow he had received. After some -consultation they took him up and placed him across one of the -Leaguers' horses; and Chasseron then laid his hand upon his brow, -saying thoughtfully, "Where shall we take him? The nearest place is -Marzay, M. de Liancourt's château; but I don't rightly know whether -they will give me shelter there for the night; and this business has -stopped me so, that I shall not be able to get to Marolles before -dark."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh I will answer for your welcome, my good friend," replied the young -gentleman, "I am going to Marzay myself; M. de Liancourt is my uncle."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well then, we will come along," replied the farmer, mounting his -horse again; and, the wounded man being given into the charge of one -of the gentleman's servants, they rode on up the hill, Chasseron -keeping in front with the leader of the party.</p> - -<p class="normal">After they had gone about two hundred yards at a slow pace, the farmer -turned towards his companion, who had fallen into a silent reverie, -and looking in his face for a moment he said, "I could almost swear I -have seen you somewhere before; but yet I know that can't be, for it -is some fifteen years ago."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I must have been a child then," replied the cavalier, "for I have yet -to see three-and-twenty."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It was your father, I suppose," continued Chasseron, "he was then a -young man, and you are as like him as one leaf on a tree is to -another."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What might be his name?" asked the stranger, with a faint smile; -"give me that, and I will soon tell you if it was my father."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is easily done," replied the farmer; "his name was Louis de la -Grange, Baron de Montigni. He was a good soldier, and a good man."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You are right," said the young gentleman; "such was my father's name, -and such was his character; but he has been dead now more than ten -years."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah so I heard," answered Chasseron; "we must all die, and the great -reaper generally takes the best ears, and leaves the worthless ones -standing. I am glad to see his son, however.--But how comes it, Sir, -that you are not with the King? Many a man younger than you fought at -Arques, I believe."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is not improbable," replied De Montigni; "but my uncle sent me -to Padua to study, and laid his injunctions on me to remain there. -Neither, to say the truth, did I feel much inclination to take part in -all this strife, at least so long as the present King was in arms -against his sovereign."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Parbleu! I do not see how he could help it," cried Chasseron; "if he -could not believe the Catholic doctrines, and they held a dagger to -his throat and bade him swear he did believe them, he had but one -choice, either to tell a lie, or knock the dagger out of their hands."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not blame him," replied the young nobleman, "and for that very -reason I felt unwilling either to take arms for my King or against -him. Besides, I have friends on both sides, am not very fond of -shedding blood, and, to tell the truth, my friend, I found better -society amongst the dead than amongst the living. I mea--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, I understand what you mean," answered the farmer: "you mean you -loved your books better than hard blows."</p> - -<p class="normal">The young gentleman's cheek grew somewhat red; "I am not afraid of -blows," he said, "and I think you have had no occasion to suppose so."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pardie, no!" replied Chasseron frankly; "and I should not blame you -if you were. I am a very peaceable man myself, when men will let me -alone; and I desire nothing but to enjoy my own in tranquillity; so if -you could find peace at Padua with Horace, and Cicero, and Virgil, you -were quite right to take it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You seem to know something of such studies," said the young Baron de -Montigni, with a smile.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh yes," replied Chasseron: "I see you judge by externals alone, my -young friend; and because I am here a poor cultivator of the soil, you -think that I am a mere peasant; but I am of gentle blood like -yourself--hold my own land, what is left of it; and your friend Virgil -should have taught you that there is no degradation in agriculture; so -that, though I have for a time beaten my sword into a reaping-hook, I -am not a bit the worse gentleman for that."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, God forbid," replied the young gentleman, "I hold it one of the -most honourable employments a man can follow; but you must not censure -me for seeking occupation in my books, as you say, while you seek -occupation in your fields."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There is some difference, however," replied Chasseron; "in living -with the dead as you say, you cut yourself off from doing good to the -living, which ought to be the great object of each man's life. You may -tell me, that amongst those great men, those sages of antiquity, you -can best learn how to live, and gain precepts to be applied to your -future conduct; but there is a danger in being too long a learner; -and, in studying precepts all your life, you may forget ever to apply -them. Each man has duties, and those of busy times like these are -active ones. One's king, one's country, one's friends, one's -relations, one's fellow-citizens, all have claims upon us which the -dead have not; and the exercise of our abilities affords lessons for -our conduct, to which all the maxims of philosophers and moralists are -but bubbles."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Methinks," replied De Montigni, "that the cultivator of the soil is -not much more called into active life than the cultivator of letters."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Your pardon, your pardon, worthy Sir," answered the farmer; "he is -always mingling with his fellow-creatures; he is ever ready to take -his part with the rest when need shall be; he is daily benefiting -mankind, and not spending his life in studying how; he is still -learning more, even while he is enacting much; and, by the practice of -what is right, he learns to do it well."</p> - -<p class="normal">The young gentleman smiled gaily, but changed the subject, saying, -"Perhaps you are right; but now tell me, as you seem to have studied -all these things deeply, and most likely have lived with your eyes -open to all that has taken place, what has been doing here of late, -and what is the real state of France? for, but imperfect and maimed -accounts reach us in foreign lands, perverted by the prejudices of -men, and coloured by all the passions of the relators. Nor have I -indeed paid much attention to what I heard, till I was summoned back -by my uncle; for the only tidings that reached us, came through the -League, except once or twice, when some Royalists passed by Venice."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Your question is a wide one," replied Chasseron, "and I should have -to write a history to tell you. It is but needful to say, that France -is growing tired of the League; men are recovering from the fever -which had driven them mad. The King, now with many, now with few, is -still gaining ground on his enemies; but his friends are sometimes -more mischievous to him than his foes. Half the Catholics serve him -coldly, intrigue in his very camp, his court, and at his table, -because he is a heretic. The Huguenots murmur and complain because he -is obliged to buy, bribe, and reward their adversaries. Both fight -well when there is a battle or a siege, but both are well inclined to -leave him when he is obliged to spend his time in those slow and -difficult movements, which are no less necessary in a campaign than -the combat or the storming party. In the meanwhile, fed with foreign -gold, supported by foreign troops, confederated with the implacable -enemies of the land, and slaughtering Frenchmen with the swords of the -Spaniard, the only hold which the League have upon the people of -France is the frail pretext of religion, the almost incurable anarchy -into which they have thrown the country, and the possession of a -number of towns and fortresses, lands, governments, and territories, -which those who have grasped them are unwilling to resign and know -they can only retain so long as this great serpent of the League -remains uncrushed."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But let me hear," rejoined the young baron, "if you can tell me why, -when the King had Paris at his mercy, he did not make himself master -of it. If I have been informed aright, he could have taken it in an -hour?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps he might," replied Chasseron, "and yet he did not. I think it -was very foolish of him, for my part; but still there would have been -terrible bloodshed, many thousands of good citizens would have -perished, the capital would have been a scene of slaughter, violence, -and devastation, such as the world has seldom witnessed. After all, -perhaps it is as well for a King not to do all that a King can do; and -yet the Parisians deserved no great mercy at his hands. But he, poor -foolish man, chose rather to wander about fighting here and fighting -there, sleeping hard, sometimes half starved, and working day and -night, than take their beds from under these rebellious citizens, or -give their wives and daughters up to his soldiers."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And he was right," cried De Montigni warmly, "and God will bless him -for it. If I am not much mistaken, that act will set him firmly on the -throne of France."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps so," said the farmer, "but old soldiers get hardened to such -things, and men do marvel and grumble too, that when he could have -terminated this long and desolating war by one bold and severe stroke, -he should have hesitated for the sake of the most rebellious race in -France. There is much to be said on either side, and I am inclined to -think myself that the King was wrong, though I was of a different -opinion at the time."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed!" exclaimed his young companion, "what has made you change -your views so quickly then?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Thought," answered the farmer, "thought, which may be as often the -comrade of the soldier in the camp or on the march, or of the farmer -in the field, if he likes to seek it, as of the pale student over his -book. No man need be without thought; and the active man, the man of -life and movement, acquires often a power of rapid but no less certain -calculation, which the slow ponderer of the cabinet can never gain. I -now believe, Monsieur de Montigni, upon farther consideration, that -though there might have been much bloodshed in the streets of Paris, -had it been taken when it was besieged, though even the Catholic -soldiers would have been difficult to restrain, and the Huguenots -would have remembered St. Bartholomew, yet the amount of slaughter -will be greater,--nay, perhaps has been greater already, by the -protraction of the war, than if Henry had blown the gates open, and -led his army into the heart of the capital."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It was an amiable weakness, if it was one," replied De Montigni; "but -see, what a splendid scene we are coming upon, while the evening sun -pours such a flood of purple over the grey waves of the wintry -forest."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, indeed, it is a lovely land, this France," said Chasseron, "and -rich as it is lovely, if men would but be content to enjoy the -bounties which God gives, without carving out for themselves miseries -and contentions which frustrate all the benevolent purposes of the -Most High. Who that looks over such a prospect as that would think -that, in every village and in every field, in the wood and in the -plain, is strife and bloodshed, anarchy and crime, sown by the -virulent passions and intolerant bigotry of those for whose especial -blessing such glories were created? Out upon it! it almost makes one a -misanthrope. However, there stands Marzay, not half a mile distant, -with people walking on the ramparts. Who may they be, I wonder?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I can divine without seeing their faces," answered the young baron; -"there are the garments of a lady, and a priest's robes, and a -pourpoint, on the gold lace of which the sun's setting rays are -glistening. They are sweet Rose d'Albret, daughter of the Count de -Marennes, who was killed at Poictiers, and good father Walter de la -Tremblade; and either my uncle De Liancourt or the good old commander, -or, more likely still, my cousin Chazeul."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well," rejoined Chasseron, after a short pause, "I trust to your -warranty, Monsieur de Montigni; for I am not very sure that my having -killed a Leaguer or two will be my best recommendation; no, nor, -<i>ventre saint gris</i>, your white scarf the surest passport to favour in -Marzay. Your uncle is one of those we call <i>Politics</i>, who are more -afraid to espouse openly a cause they know to be just, than the -Leaguers to uphold one they know to be unjust; and, as for Monsieur de -Chazeul, why he is one of the pillars of the Holy Union."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I'll be your surety," replied De Montigni, who was beginning to take -no slight pleasure in the conversation of his frank companion. "They -shall give you a hearty welcome, or I will hardly take one for myself, -which they would not like; so never fear."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, I fear not," answered his companion, drily: and they accordingly -rode on towards the gates, which lay straight before them.</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni, however, fell into a fit of deep musing as they -approached, and bent his eyes stedfastly upon the ground, though the -persons who were walking on the ramparts above stopped as he drew -near, and a fair lady waved her hand as if in welcome.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER III.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">By the reader's good leave, we must go up for a moment or two to the -ramparts of the Château of Marzay, and introduce him to the party -there, before the new comers arrive. Nay, more, we must return for -nearly an hour, and listen to the conversation which was taking place -while all the events we have just narrated were occurring in the wood -that lay beneath the eyes of those upon the castle walls, though it -must be premised, that those events had been completely hidden from -their sight by the thin veil of forest boughs, as the various turns of -fate, upon which the fortunes of our whole future life depend, are -often going on close by us, concealed from our gaze, whether anxious -or unconscious, by the ripple of an idle current of trifling things -that affect us not permanently in any way.</p> - -<p class="normal">The Baron de Montigni, though five or six years had elapsed since he -last saw any of the party there assembled, had, by his previous -knowledge of the circumstances, divined aright the names of the -persons of which it was composed. About an hour and a half before -sunset, a very beautiful girl of eighteen or nineteen had come forth -upon the walls for her afternoon walk, having on one hand a gentleman -dressed in the height of the extravagant fashions of the day, with a -high starched ruff, or <i>fraise</i>, as it was called, which made his head -look like that of John the Baptist in a charger, and with a slashed -and laced pourpoint of yellow velvet, stiffly embroidered with silver. -His shoes were of white satin, enriched with a rosette of yellow; and -in his girdle hung a small dagger knife, with a fretted hilt of gold, -while far behind hung his sword, as if put out of reach of his hand -lest he should use it too frequently. His beard was pointed, and -neatly trimmed; his hair curled, and turned back from his face; and on -the top of his head he wore a small velvet toque, with a single long -feather. In person he was tall, and not ungraceful, though somewhat -stiff; and his features were all good, though there was certainly -something in the disposition of them which gave a sinister and -unpleasant expression to his countenance. Perhaps this effect was -produced by the closeness of the eyes and the narrowness of the brows, -which produced a shrewd and confined look, though his face might -otherwise have been prepossessing.</p> - -<p class="normal">Though dressed with such scrupulous care, his air and manner was not -that of a fop. It was not easy and unrestrained, indeed, but it was -bold and confident; and if one might judge--as we almost all do -judge--from manner and appearance, pride, rather than vanity, was his -prevailing folly; shrewd ambition, rather than levity, the -characteristic vice. Yet, as we shall see, he was not without -lightness, too; but it was often used in those days as a means to an -end, and covered too frequently intense selfishness under an air of -idle indifference.</p> - -<p class="normal">On the other side of the young lady walked, to and fro with her upon -the rampart, a man considerably passed the middle age, dressed in the -habit of the clergy. His hair was almost white, though here and there -a streak of a darker hue showed that it had been once jet black. His -features were fine, though apparently worn with care and thought; and -the expression of his countenance was grave, calm, and almost stern. -His large dark eyes were, indeed, full of light, but it was not of -that kind which illuminates what is within for the gaze of others, but -it rather fell dazzling upon those who were his companions for the -time, searching the secrets of their hearts, and displaying none of -his own. His lips were thin and pale; his cheek delicate and hollow, -but with a slight tinge of red, which by its varying intensity, from -time to time gave the only indication to be obtained of strong -emotions in his bosom.</p> - -<p class="normal">But we must speak of the lady, for truly she deserves some notice, -were it but for her beauty. There were, however, other things to be -remarked in her besides the fine and delicate features, the graceful -and rounded limbs, the bright complexion, the fair skin, the tangles -of her luxuriant dark brown hair, the heaving bosom, or the perfect -symmetry of the neck and shoulders. In the large, soft hazel eyes, -under their jetty fringes, on the warm arching lips, and in the dimple -of the cheek, shone forth a gay and bright spirit, which, perhaps, -under some circumstances might have been full of playful jest and -light-hearted merriment; but, as it was, the light was subdued and -shaded almost to sad thoughtfulness. It seemed as if cares and -anxieties, if not sorrows and misfortunes, had come upon her young; or -as if those with whom her early years had been spent, had laboured to -repress, rather than moderate, the joyous buoyancy of youth, and had -brought a cloud over the sunshine of girlhood.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was not exactly so, indeed; but living in troublous times, when the -mind became familiar with great but tragic acts, and every day brought -some subject for deep and anxious thought, and passing her life in -comparative seclusion with people older than herself,--not very -wise nor very considerate, though not actually domineering and -austere,--her cheerfulness had been repressed, though not -extinguished, and a shade of sadness brought over her demeanour, -rendering it various and changeful like an April day. Her dress was -rich and tasteful, according to the fashion of the times, but more in -the style of the fair and unhappy queen of Scotland, than of the harsh -and masculine Elizabeth. There were no gaudy colours; indeed there was -no great display of embroidery; but the lace which waved over her fair -bosom and rose round her snowy neck, was of the finest and most costly -kind; and the black velvet of her dress was here and there looped with -pearls.</p> - -<p class="normal">When first she came forth, by a door that led over a small bridge to -the inner parts of the dwelling, she paused at the edge of the wall -for a moment, and gazed over the scene around. Youth is generally more -fond of contemplating nature's handiwork than age. Mature life is -usually spent in dealing with man and man's acts; the face of nature -comes upon us then as an impression rather than a subject of -contemplation. To the young, it is full of interest and of wonder; -imagination robes it in her own garmenture of light, peoples each -shady dell, fills the forest with her own creations, and calls up in -each village or church or tower a wild and agitated throng of feelings -and sensations, of hopes and fears, all the beings of the fancy, -ephemeral though bright, confused though lively, impalpable though -vivid. Youth sees more than the landscape,--age, sees it as it is; the -one has its own sun-shine, to adorn all it looks upon; the other views -everything under the shady cloud.</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose d'Albret stopped to gaze; then, notwithstanding the chilliness of -the wintry air, she turned her eyes to the east over the gray lines, -where the vanguard of the night was marching forward over the sky, and -then looked round to the west, where the rear of day was all -glittering with golden light. What made her sigh? what made her fix -her eyes upon a thin white film of mist that rose up from the deeper -parts of the forest, like the smoke of a heath-burner's fire? Who can -say? who can trace along the magic chain of association, link by link, -and tell how the objects within her sight connected themselves in her -mind with her own situation, and made her remember that she had much -to regret?</p> - -<p class="normal">"You are thoughtful to-night, Rose," said the Marquis de Chazeul.</p> - -<p class="normal">"And may a woman never be thoughtful, Chazeul?" asked Rose d'Albret. -"If such be your creed, pray seek another wife, for you will often -find me so, I assure you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay," replied Chazeul, "I would not disappoint you so for the world, -sweet Rose; it would break your little heart if I were to take you at -your word."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, indeed," replied the young lady, with perfect calmness; "you are -quite mistaken, Chazeul, my heart is not so easily broken; and, as for -disappointment, it would be none at all; I am in that happy state, -that, whatever be the event, I can bear it with calmness."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Or at all events, with affected indifference," replied her companion, -a little nettled, "is it not so, Rose?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not at all," she answered; "you never saw me affect anything that I -did not feel. Here is father Walter, who has known me as long and -better than yourself, can witness for me. Did you ever see me pretend -to anything that is not real, Monsieur de la Tremblade?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Never, my dear child," replied the priest; "and I should think -Monsieur de Chazeul should be very well content to see you willing to -give your hand to him according to your guardian's commands. In the -first place, it shows that obedient disposition, on which so much of a -husband's happiness depends; and in the next place, it leaves him the -sweet task of teaching you to love him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is, if he can," said Rose d'Albret, with a smile; "but do you -know, my good father," she continued, "I would draw another inference -from the facts, which is simply this, that it would be better for -Monsieur de Chazeul to give me longer time to learn that same lesson -of love, and not to press forward this same marriage so hastily."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, on my life," answered Chazeul, "it is Monsieur de Liancourt's -doing, not mine; but I will acknowledge, sweet Rose, that my eagerness -to possess so fair a flower may make me anxious to gather it without -delay, though my impatience may make me prick my fingers with the -thorns, as I have done just now."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, I am in the hands of others," said Rose d'Albret; "I have -nothing to do but to obey; and doubtless, in hurrying this matter -forward, my guardian does what he thinks best for me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He may have many reasons, dear daughter," said the priest, "he is -old; times are troublesome and dangerous; none can tell what a day may -bring forth; and it is a part of his duty to see you married and under -the protection of a younger and more active man than himself, before -he is called to quit this busy scene."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, I think, good father, I could protect myself," replied Rose -d'Albret. "Those thorns my cousin De Chazeul talks of, would be quite -hedge enough, I should imagine,--but hark, there are guns in the -wood--and there again!"</p> - -<p class="normal">All listened, and two or three more shots were distinctly heard.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I thought we had a truce here?" said Rose d'Albret.</p> - -<p class="normal">"True, amongst ourselves," answered the Marquis de Chazeul; "but we -cannot get others always to observe it; and 'tis not unlikely that -these are a party of Henry de Bourbon's heretic soldiers wandering -about, and committing some of their usual acts of violence and -plunder. He is now besieging Dreux, I find."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, I have always heard," said Rose d'Albret, "that the King is -strict and scrupulous in restraining his soldiers from such excesses."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The King?" exclaimed Chazeul, with his lip curling. "Pray call him -some other name, sweet Rose. He may be a king of heretics, but he is -no king of mine, nor of any other Catholics."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hush, hush!" cried Walter de la Tremblade, "you must not let Monsieur -de Liancourt hear you make such rash speeches. He acknowledges him as -King of right, though not in fact,--his religion being the only bar."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And that an insurmountable one," said the Marquis; "if he were to -profess himself converted to-morrow, who would believe him? I am sure -not I."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, cousin," replied Rose d'Albret, "one who is so frank and free, -so true to all men, so strict a keeper of his word as the King is -reported to be, would never falsify the truth in that. Remember, too, -I am his humble cousin; for the counts of Marennes come from the same -stock as the old kings of Navarre."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, a hundred degrees removed," said Chazeul; "I have no fear, dear -Rose, of your blood being contaminated by his."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, it matters not," replied Rose d'Albret, with a laugh; "I intend -to fall in love with him whenever I see him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It might be better," observed Chazeul, "to try that with your -husband."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh no," cried his fair companion, gaily; "that would be quite -contrary to all rule, Chazeul, especially amongst the ladies and -gentlemen of the League. As far as I have heard, they have done away -with all such foolish old customs; and loyalty to their king, or love -between husband and wife are amongst the errors of the past, which -they quite repudiate." Chazeul bit his lip, and she went on, "I should -like to see this King, he is so gallant and so noble, I am sure I -should love him--is he very handsome, Monsieur de Chazeul?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I never saw him, Mademoiselle," answered the Marquis, somewhat -bitterly, "except at such a distance that one could discover nothing -but the white plume in his hat, and on his horse's head."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have seen him often, long ago," said the priest, "when he was a -mere youth, at the court of the Queen Mother; and then he was as -handsome a boy as ever my eyes lighted upon, with a skin so delicately -soft, and such a warm colour in his cheek, one would have thought him -little fitted for the rough, laborious, and perilous life he has since -led."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hark! there are guns again," exclaimed Rose d'Albret; and a sudden -cloud came over her brow. "I hope these people," she continued, after -a moment's pause, "are not attacking my cousin De Montigni."</p> - -<p class="normal">"They will soon make an end of him if they do," said Chazeul; "at -least I should suppose so."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You seem very indifferent to the matter," observed the lady quickly; -"why do you imagine so?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Simply because a book-read student, who has been passing the best -part of his life within the walls of a college, can be no match for -men of courage and of action," replied Chazeul.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fie," replied Rose d'Albret, warmly; "Louis de Montigni has as much -courage as any one. I can remember him before he went abroad, a wild -rash boy, who used to frighten me by the daring things he did. But if -you had any kindness in your nature, Chazeul, you would go out to help -him--in case it be he who is attacked. He must be on the road even -now; I wonder he is not arrived."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will go and speak with Monsieur de Liancourt about it," replied -Chazeul; and leaving the priest and the lady together, he retired for -a short time from the walls.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Let us listen," said Rose d'Albret; and, leaning her arm upon the -stone-work, she turned her ear towards the wood, bending down her -bright eyes upon the ground, while the priest advanced, and standing -beside her gazed at her for a moment, and then looked out over the -country beyond.</p> - -<p class="normal">During the whole conversation which had taken place, he had watched -her closely; and, well acquainted with her character from infancy, he -had read aright all that was passing in her mind. He saw that the -coldness which she displayed towards the man selected for her future -husband was no assumed indifference, none of the coquettish excitement -which many a woman learns too early to administer to the passion of a -favoured lover, none of that holding back which is intended to lead -forward; none of that reluctance which is affected but to be overcome. -He perceived clearly enough that she was indifferent to him, and -perhaps somewhat more; that she felt for him no respect--but little -esteem; and, though accustomed for some years to his society from time -to time, and habituated to look upon her marriage with him as an act -that was to be, that she now began to feel repugnance as the time -approached for performing the contract, which had been entered into by -others without her knowledge or consent. In short, he saw that, though -she would obey, it would be unwillingly.</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest regretted that it was so; for he felt no slight affection -towards her, though, as too often happens, he was ready to do all he -could, from other considerations, to promote a sacrifice which might -destroy the happiness of one he loved almost as a child. The knowledge -that she was indifferent towards Chazeul might grieve him, but it did -not in the least induce him to pause in the course he had determined -to pursue; and he proceeded, after a few moments given to thought, to -draw forth her sentiments further, while, at the same time, he -endeavoured to work some change in her opinions.</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is certainly very handsome," said the priest abruptly; "do you not -think so?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Who?" cried D'Albret, with a start. "Oh! Chazeul! Yes, perhaps he is; -and yet not handsome either."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed," said Walter de la Tremblade, "I think I never saw finer -features, or a more graceful form."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, not graceful, surely," said the young lady. "Well-proportioned, -perhaps, and his features are all good, it is true; but yet, father, -there is something that makes him not handsome."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What?" asked the priest.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, I cannot well tell," answered Mademoiselle d'Albret; "perhaps it -is that his eyes are too close together--but I was thinking of De -Montigni, good father; I hope no mischance has befallen him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! I trust not!" answered her companion. "And so, Rose, this is the -only fault you can find with your lover's beauty, that his eyes are -too close together! I can assure you, sweet lady, that the fair dames -of Paris do not perceive that defect, and that you may have some -trouble to keep the heart you have won."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I wish--" said Rose d'Albret, but then she broke off suddenly, -leaving the sentence unconcluded, and beginning again afresh, she -added, "Heaven knows, good father, that I took no pains to win his -love; and perhaps the best way to retain it when I am his wife, if -ever that happens, will be to take no pains to keep it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It will then be a duty to take pains," answered the priest, somewhat -sternly; "we are not born, my daughter, in this life, to seek nothing -but our own pleasure and happiness. We are here to fulfil the -important tasks assigned us by the Almighty, and clearly pointed out -to us by the circumstances in which we are placed. To neglect them is -sinful, to perform them coldly is reprehensible; and it is our -greatest wisdom, as well as our strictest duty, to labour that our -inclinations may go hand in hand with the performance of that which -God has given us to do."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay," said Rose, laying her hand gently on the sleeve of his gown, -"you speak severely, good father. I do not see how it is so clearly -pointed out that I should marry Nicholas de Chazeul; and I do wish -that the ceremony were not hurried in this way. However, if I do wed -him, depend upon it I shall follow your counsel, and do my best to -love him. At all events," she added, raising her head somewhat -proudly, "you may be sure, that under no circumstance will I forget -what is due to him and to myself. I may be an unhappy wife, but I will -never be a bad one."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I doubt not, that I doubt not," said the priest warmly; "but -what I wish to point out to you is, the way to happiness, daughter; -and depend upon it you can but find it in doing your duty cheerfully."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I know it, my excellent friend," answered Rose, "and it shall be my -endeavour so to act; but I could much desire before I take a vow to -love any one, that I had some better means of knowing how far I can -fulfil it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! if you have the will to do so," answered father Walter, "it may -easily be done."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What!" she cried eagerly, "easy to love a man one cannot esteem or -respect! I say not that such is the case in the present instance, -father," she continued, seeing her companion fix his eyes upon her -with a look of surprise and inquiry; "I only state a case that might -be. Suppose I were to find him cold, selfish, heartless, cruel, -vicious, base, how should I love him then?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"But Monsieur de Chazeul is none of these," rejoined the priest.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I say not that he is," answered Rose d'Albret; "I only say he may be -for aught I know. I knew him not in youth; and in manhood I have seen -him twice or thrice a year in circles where all men wear a mask. I -would fain see him with his face bare, good father."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Few women ever so see their lovers," rejoined the priest; "love is -the greatest of all hypocrites."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps that is true," said Rose; "yet time, if a woman's eyes be -unblinded by her own feelings, does generally, soon or late, draw back -the covering of the heart, so far as to show her some of the features. -I have seen little: I would see more; for what I have seen makes me -doubt."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed!" exclaimed her companion, "what have you perceived to raise -suspicions? Some casual word, some slight jest, I warrant you; such as -he spoke just now about his cousin. Idle words, daughter! idle words, -upon which you must put no harsh interpretation."</p> - -<p class="normal">"How often idle words betray the spirit within!" said Rose. "They are -the careless jailers which let the prisoner forth out of his secret -dungeon. They have cost many a king his crown, if history be true; -many a woman reputation, aye, and perhaps, many a lover his lady's -hand. But what I wish is to hear more than idle words, to see more -than a masked face; and, I do beseech you, aid me to delay this -marriage for a time. Why was I not told earlier? Why was all arranged -without my knowledge? Louis de Montigni has been summoned back more -than a month, and yet I have had but one week, one poor week, allowed -me to prepare my thoughts, to nerve my heart for the great change of -woman's existence. Marriage, to man, is but a pageant, a ball, a -festival. To us, it is one of the sole events. It is birth or death to -woman. I do beseech you, father, if you have ever loved me, if you -have watched over my youth, counselled me rightly, enlightened and -instructed my mind, led me on in honour, virtue, faith--I do beseech -you, aid me but to delay this ceremony. I feel not rightly here," and -she laid her hand upon her bosom.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I cannot promise to do so, my sweet child," replied the priest. "The -marriage is decided; your guardian's word is given; and I cannot but -think it may be well for all, that the final seal be put to the -engagement as soon as may be."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Do you?" said Mademoiselle d'Albret; but there she stopped, for at -that moment Chazeul appeared again at a little distance; and Walter de -la Tremblade advanced towards him. The next moment, however, she -murmured to herself, "They have gained him; and I am alone!"</p> - -<p class="normal">A change came over her from that instant, and when, after speaking a -word together, the other two rejoined her, she was cheerful if not -gay.</p> - -<p class="normal">"The Count declares it is some loose party stealing the deer," said -Chazeul, as he approached; "and thought it needless to send out to -see, as, in these days, when one can hardly secure the corn of one's -fields, or the fruits of one's vineyard, it were a vain hope to keep -the game of one's woods."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, he knows best," replied Rose d'Albret; "and now, good cousin of -Chazeul, do tell me, what is to be the fate of France? How often is -your great friend the Duke to be defeated, before he succeeds in -crushing heresy, excluding the King from the throne, and putting some -one on that thorny seat instead?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"He will be defeated, as you term it, no more, fair lady," answered -the Marquis; "for if report speaks true, he is even now marching -against Henry of Bourbon with a force that shall crush him and his -apostates, as men tread down an ants' nest."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed?" asked his fair companion; "then there will be a battle -soon?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Within three days, men think," replied Chazeul.</p> - -<p class="normal">"And of course you will be present?" said Rose d'Albret.</p> - -<p class="normal">But the colour rose in her lover's cheek while he replied, "Nay, I -cannot quit my bride and give up my bridal for any cause."</p> - -<p class="normal">"True! men would say it was an ungallant gallantry," she replied; "and -yet ladies love heroic acts I have heard. God help us! We women, I -believe, but little know what we would have."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is very true," said the priest; "and, therefore, fair daughter, -it is wisely arranged that others should decide for them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps so," answered the lady; "but one thing is certain, they would -do so, whether it were better for us or not."</p> - -<p class="normal">They then walked on once or twice along the whole range of the rampart -without speaking, each seemingly busy with thoughts which they did not -choose to utter; till at length the lady resumed the conversation on a -new theme: "Methinks, cousin of Chazeul, the court in its days of -splendour, must have been a gay place."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It was, indeed," replied the Marquis, glad of a subject which enabled -him to speak more freely; "I know nought so brilliant on the face of -the earth as was the court of Henry of Valois, some five years before -his death; but I trust ere long we shall see a monarch who will hold -as bright a one, without displaying his weaknesses; and then I trust -Rose de Chazeul will shine amongst the very first in splendour, and in -beauty."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am determined," she answered, with a smile, "if ever I appear at -the court, to have a coronet of diamonds fashioned into roses, to bear -out my name."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh trust to me," cried Chazeul, "trust to me, to find devices which -shall make you outshine the Queen."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha! there come a party over the hills," cried Mademoiselle d'Albret. -"It is De Montigni, I am sure;" and running forward to the edge of the -rampart, she looked forth; but, as she did so, she murmured, "Do they -think to buy and sell me for a goldsmith's toy?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Her two companions joined her in a moment; and, as the party -approached, she waved her hand as we have before related, gaily -beckoning her cousin. He did not raise his eyes, however; and with an -air of some mortification, she said, "He will not look up!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is bashful," said Chazeul; "too much study makes but a timid -gentleman."</p> - -<p class="normal">"So they say," replied Rose d'Albret; "but let us in and meet him at -all events."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER IV.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">There was an old hall in the Château de Marzay, very like many another -old hall in many parts both of France and England, some forty feet in -span, some seventy in length, arched over with a concave roof, nearly -semi-circular in the curve, and not at all unlike, with its rounded -ribs, the tilt of an enormous waggon. From the line where the vault -sprang from the walls, ten or twelve large beams projected, ornamented -at the ends with curiously carved and somewhat grotesque heads, -supporting each an upright, upon which the arches of the roof rested, -while diagonal beams gave additional strength to this sort of -permanent scaffolding. The floor, as was usual in such chambers, was -of polished tiles, alternately octangular and square; and seven large -windows, with very small panes set in lead, gave light to the -interior.</p> - -<p class="normal">This hall was the favourite place, in all the castle, of its Lord, -Anthony Lefevre, Count de Liancourt, a gentleman allied to some of the -first families in France, who had served in former wars with tolerable -reputation, showing a greater lack of judgment than of courage; the -latter quality leading him into many dangers, from which he had been -saved, more by the skill and resolution of his friends and followers, -than his own discretion. Comparatively few of the vices of man do not -spring from his weaknesses. It is still the contest between the -stronger and the feebler parts of our nature which overthrows us; and -whether the passion be vanity or pride or avarice or ambition, or any -of all the host of minor fiends against which we pray, it is solely by -weakness of the higher qualities, placed to guard the heart in -opposition to them, that either or all gain the ascendancy. We do not -have a care to fortify the garrison betimes, as we might do, and the -enemy takes us by siege, or storm, or escalade.</p> - -<p class="normal">The Count de Liancourt had been all his life a weak man, and the -passion which triumphed the most frequently over him was vanity; but -he had sufficient talent, which is very far from incompatible with -weakness, to conceal from the eyes of those who did not know him to -the very heart, the feebleness of his character. The suggestions of -other people he passed for the result of his own deliberations, and he -adhered to these adopted children with all the fondness of a parent. -Though naturally wavering and undecided, he had the skill to give a -colouring of moderation and prudence to that conduct which sprung from -hesitation; and, by adopting the reasonings of wiser men, he justified -that course which in him was the result of unreasonable doubts. But as -he was wanting in discrimination of justice, right, and propriety, it -not unfrequently happened that the very art with which he covered the -fact that he followed rather than led, turned to his discredit; and -acts by no means honourable to him were very generally ascribed to his -own cunning, which were in truth only attributable to his own -weakness. Without giving the whole history of his life, these facts -could not have been made manifest by any other means than by -description, and therefore I have thought fit to point out some -peculiarities in a character which would not probably have room to -develop itself.</p> - -<p class="normal">He loved, I have said, that old hall, and would pass many an hour -there, either walking to and fro--apparently in deep thought, but in -reality more engaged in day-dreams than meditations--or in writing or -reading at a table in one of the windows, while ever and anon he -raised his eyes to the banners and ensigns which hung from the beams, -and contemplated with pleasure the long ancestral line of which they -were mementos.</p> - -<p class="normal">In this hall he was found by his fair ward, Rose d'Albret, and her two -companions, on their return from the battlements; but the Lady had to -place her hand upon his arm before he roused himself from a book which -he seemed studying deeply.</p> - -<p class="normal">"De Montigni has just arrived, my dear uncle," said Rose, as he looked -up; "we saw him from the walls."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am glad to hear it," replied the Count; "I knew no harm would -happen to him. Ah, here he comes!"</p> - -<p class="normal">As he spoke, the young nobleman entered the hall, followed by the good -farmer Chasseron; and Monsieur de Liancourt advancing towards him, -opened his arms and embraced him with every mark of kindness.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Welcome! welcome, my dear boy!" he said, in a somewhat pompous tone; -"welcome back to Marzay. You will find the old château just as it was, -though your uncle cannot boast of bearing his years as well, Louis. -Here are your gay cousin Chazeul and my fair ward Rose, all ready to -receive you, and wish you joy of your return. Why, you look somewhat -thin and pale!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul embraced De Montigni also, and congratulated him upon his safe -arrival in his native land, adding, "You have been no great traveller, -I think, nevertheless, Louis. Padua has been your boundary, has it -not? And there, doubtless, you have made yourself a very learned man, -while we here have learned nothing but hard blows and rough campaigns. -By my faith, you have, I think, chosen the better part, at least the -happier one, though here is a fair reward for all one's labours. Sweet -Rose, do you not welcome your cousin?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The cheek of Rose d'Albret grew somewhat red, partly through -indignation, partly through embarrassment. She saw clearly enough the -latent design of the Marquis de Chazeul in speaking of her as if she -were actually his; and she felt some anger at being called forward to -welcome the companion of her youth, as if she were not prompt to do -so, by a man who had shown such indifference to his safety. She came -forward gracefully, however, and held out her hand to De Montigni, -with a warm and kindly smile, saying, "Indeed I am very glad to see -you, Louis; but you would take no notice of me just now. I waved my -hand to you from the walls, to be the first to wish you joy on your -return, but you did not look up."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni coloured, and faltered for a moment, but then replied, -earnestly, "I saw you from a distance, and knew you at once; but as I -came near, a thousand memories of other days assailed me, Mademoiselle -d'Albret. Days long gone rose up before me, hopes vanished, pleasures -past away, regrets unavailing; and I could not but give myself up to -thought."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose asked herself what were the hopes, what the regrets, he spoke of; -and her heart beat, and her cheek grew somewhat pale. She looked -round, however; Chazeul was talking in a whisper with her guardian; -the priest was standing in the window; and she said, in a low voice, -"Do not call me Mademoiselle d'Albret, Louis. That is a cold name. It -used ever to be Rose, or cousin, in former days."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Cousin you are not, except by courtesy," replied De Montigni, in the -same tone, "and I did not venture to call you Rose, now that you are -another's."</p> - -<p class="normal">The colour came warmly into her cheek, but she cast down her eyes, -saying, in a tone scarcely audible, "I am not another's yet; and, if -ever I am, I shall then be your cousin really."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni knew little of the world, it is true; but yet when a woman -speaks of such matters, in so low a tone, to one for whom she -professes friendship, it shows at least a confidence in him, which is -near akin to deeper regard. He was embarrassed, however; and how many -opportunities does not embarrassment cause us to lose for ever! how -often does it make us seem the very reverse of what we are! The kind -appear harsh, the affectionate cold, the modest even impudent. He knew -not what to reply; and suddenly breaking off their private -conversation, though it might have lasted longer, for his uncle was -still talking eagerly with Chazeul, he turned to his companion -Chasseron, who, standing a step behind, had remained unnoticed, -watching with his clear and penetrating eyes all that was passing -before him, and drawing at once his own conclusions.</p> - -<p class="normal">"My dear uncle," said the young nobleman, addressing Monsieur de -Liancourt, "here is a worthy gentleman to whom I have promised a -welcome for the night in your name. I found him in the wood about half -an hour ago, attacked by some six or seven marauders, two of whom he -had disabled before I came up."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, Sir," rejoined Chasseron, "and if you had not come up and fought -gallantly when you did come, the rest would have soon disabled me. To -your courage and skill I owe my life, <i>pardie!</i>"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed!" cried Rose d'Albret, with her cheek glowing and her eyes -turned somewhat reproachfully towards Chazeul, "I told you I was sure -Louis was attacked, and that the guns we heard were those of some of -these plunderers. I knew De Montigni was coming at that hour," she -added as a sort of explanation, "and thought it very likely that he -would meet with some lawless band in the wood."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It was in my defence, fair Lady, that he fought," said Chasseron, -"and gallantly he did fight, too."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And pray, Sir, who are you?" demanded Chazeul, with an angry spot -upon his cheek at hearing the praises of one whom he wished to believe -weak and timid.</p> - -<p class="normal">"A very poor gentleman, Sir," replied Chasseron, "not many poorer in -the realm of France; and yet a gentleman. My name is Michael de -Chasseron; and in days of yore, I have seen many a well stricken -field; so that I am some judge of such matters, though now I have laid -aside that trade, and am, as you may see, but a cultivator of the -ground."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Michael de Chasseron! I have heard the name," said Monsieur de -Liancourt; "at all events you are welcome, Sir; and such entertainment -as the Château of Marzay can afford you shall command."</p> - -<p class="normal">Chasseron was expressing his thanks briefly, when a loud rough-toned -but hearty voice was heard without, exclaiming, "Where is he? where is -he? where is my dear boy?" and at the same moment an old man entered -the room, who had apparently, though not really, numbered more years -than Monsieur de Liancourt himself. He was dressed in a buff coat of -buckskin, laced with gold, with a high-standing collar, according to a -fashion passed away some fifteen or twenty years before, with no ruff -round his neck, but merely a plain linen cape turned back from his -grey beard and neck. Over his shoulders hung a riband, from which was -suspended the cross of a Commander of the order of St. John, and in -his hand he carried a stout staff, on which he leant as he advanced up -the hall, somewhat limping in his gait from an old wound in the leg. A -deep scar appeared on his brow, and a large hole on his right cheek, -mementos of former fields; and his whole frame seemed greatly -shattered by injuries and labours. His eye however was clear and -bright, his cheek warm and healthy, and his countenance frank and -smiling.</p> - -<p class="normal">The instant he entered he paused, looked straight towards De Montigni, -and then stretched out his arms. The young man sprang to meet his -embrace, and the old commander held him for several moments to his -heart, unable apparently to speak from emotion. A tear rose in the eye -of Rose d'Albret as she witnessed the meeting, and for a moment she -turned away towards the window.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Welcome, welcome, Louis," cried the old Commander de Liancourt, -"welcome back at length, my boy; but what the devil made thee stay -away so long? thou shouldst have been here years ago! 'Tis a bad -business, Louis, 'tis a bad business; but no matter for that, it can't -be helped. We are all fools at some time of our lives; one man when he -is young, another man when he is old. Heaven help us, man, how tall -thou art grown! and I'll warrant you, notwithstanding all they say of -your studies, can wield a sword or couch a lance with any one. -<i>Pardie</i>, I'll have thee run a tilt with Chazeul in the court-yard -to-morrow!" and dropping his voice, he added with a laugh, "break his -head for him, Louis; he is a coxcomb and a knave, though he be my -sister's son; but she's not much better, for that matter."</p> - -<p class="normal">While he spoke, he held the young man by the hand, and eyed him all -over with a look of fond affection, seeming to attend but little to -what he said in reply, though De Montigni answered him in warm terms -of regard, and declared he looked in better health than when last he -saw him.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay boy, ay," said the old commander, "rest and idleness have done -something for me; though if I could have mounted my horse, I would -have been in the field long ago; but this accursed wound still keeps -me out of the saddle, and I am no better than an old woman,--food for -worms--food for worms, Louis! This old carrion of mine is quite ready -for the earth, when it be God's will. But you must see old Estoc; he -bore your father's cornet at Jarnac; and the old villain does not know -you are come, or he would have been here long ago. Halloo there! -Estoc! Estoc!" and he made the hall ring with his shout.</p> - -<p class="normal">"For heaven's sake, my good brother," said Monsieur de Liancourt, "do -not shake the walls of the château down. Some one tell Estoc that -Monsieur de Montigni is arrived."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Monsieur de Montigni!" said the commander, imitating his brother's -tone. "Warm that, Louis!--cordial! Monsieur de Montigni! <i>Ventre saint -gris!</i> have you quite forgot he is your nephew, brother? Your eldest -sister's son? Ah! poor Louise; if she could but see what I see!--Well, -'tis no matter, the grave is a sure shield against many a wound."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Come, come, now brother," said Monsieur de Liancourt, somewhat -sharply, "your humour gets intolerable. Did you not promise that I -should have none of this?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Promise? No, not a bit of it," cried the old commander; "I always -keep my promises, Anthony; I wish others did as well. However, there -is no use of talking now. You must have it all your own way. You -always did; and a pretty affair you often made of it. Ah! here comes -Estoc.--Here he is, old comrade, here he is, with just the same face -he went away, only with a beard on it!"</p> - -<p class="normal">These words were addressed to a tall, old, weather-beaten man, as thin -and as stiff as a lance, who advanced with great strides up the hall, -and taking the Baron de Montigni in his arms, gave him a great hug; -then suddenly letting him go, he said, "I could not help it, Sir, -indeed. Bless my heart, it seems as if you were little Louis still; do -you recollect how I used to teach you to ride, and to shoot, and to -play with sword and buckler?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, that I do, Estoc," replied the young nobleman; "those lessons -have served me well, many a time since, and no longer ago than to-day. -But I must give my companion of this afternoon's adventure into your -charge, Estoc. Where is Monsieur de Chasseron?" he continued, looking -around.</p> - -<p class="normal">"He left the room this moment, probably to see after his horse," -observed father Walter, advancing from the window for the first time.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will go and find him," answered Estoc; "I passed some one in the -vestibule, but as it is growing grey, I scarcely saw him;" and he -turned abruptly to depart.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hark ye, Estoc," said the old commander, detaining him for a moment, -and speaking in a whisper, "come up to his room when he goes to change -his clothes. I must have some talk with him; the boy must know how he -stands here--do you understand?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc nodded his head, and took his departure without reply.</p> - -<p class="normal">In the meantime the priest had held out his hand to the young Baron de -Montigni, saying, "Though the last to wish you joy on your return, -Sir, I do so sincerely, and trust you have fared well during your -absence."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah! good father," exclaimed the young Baron, "in this dim light I did -not know you; but I am right glad to see you again, and have to thank -you for many a wise counsel and much good instruction, by which I hope -I have not failed to profit. Have you been well since last we parted?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"As well as I could wish to be," replied the priest; "not that I am -sure that high health is as great a blessing as men think. Like wealth -and many another of this world's gifts, it sometimes leads us to -forget our dependence on the Giver."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I trust not to a well-regulated mind," said De Montigni; "and I am -sure, to you it could be no source of evil."</p> - -<p class="normal">The old man looked down and shut his teeth fast together; and Monsieur -de Liancourt, wishing to bring a scene which was not altogether -pleasing to him to a close as speedily as possible, told De Montigni -that the evening meal would be ready in half an hour, so that he had -but time to change his riding-dress.</p> - -<p class="normal">The young nobleman lingered for a few moments, however, conversing -with those around, and marking many things which the actors therein -little knew that he observed. Chazeul had kept close to the side of -Rose d'Albret since his conversation with the Count had come to an -end, and thrice he had endeavoured to engage her attention to himself, -but in vain. At this moment, however, he said with some degree of -irritation in his tone, "You seem very much occupied, sweet Rose."</p> - -<p class="normal">"So I am, Monsieur de Chazeul," she answered aloud, "and interested -too.--Are you not so?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, certainly," he replied, "these receptions are always interesting -ceremonies."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not to those, with whom they are ceremonies," said Rose d'Albret; and -while Chazeul bit his lip, and his brow contracted moodily, she turned -to speak with father Walter de la Tremblade.</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni was conversing, in the meantime with his two uncles; but -he had heard all, and marked particularly the words "Monsieur de -Chazeul;" and whatever other effect might be produced upon him, the -immediate result was to throw him into a fit of thought, and make him -answer some of Monsieur de Liancourt's questions at random.</p> - -<p class="normal">"What are you thinking about, Louis?" cried the old commander; "my -brother asks when you left Padua; and you say, five years."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is tired and exhausted," said Monsieur de Liancourt; "he had -better go and take off these heavy boots, cool his head and hands in -some fresh water, and come down to supper, where we will refresh him -with a good cup of wine."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am tired," said the young nobleman, "for I have ridden more than -twenty leagues to-day, so that I will take your advice, my good uncle, -and find my way down to the supper-hall when I hear the trumpet."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, he retired, passing through the vestibule, where in one -of the deep windows he saw his old friend Estoc, still busily talking -to the good farmer Chasseron. De Montigni did not stop, however, but -merely said, as he passed by, "Take care of him, Estoc, and seek him -out a comfortable room."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I will, Sir," replied Estoc, and continued his conversation.</p> - -<p class="normal">The first meeting between the two who now stood together in the -window, had been somewhat curious. On quitting the hall, the old -soldier had entered the vestibule with his usual wide and hasty -strides; and, as that side of the château was turned from the sun, so -that it was darker than most other parts of the house, he might not -have seen the man he came in search of, who was seated on a bench near -the window, had not his attention been called by a voice pronouncing -the word, 'Estoc.'</p> - -<p class="normal">Turning quickly round he advanced towards him, and gazed in his face, -saying, "You seem to know me, Sir, and methinks I have seen you -before."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You have, my good friend," replied Chasseron; "we have met twice; do -you not remember Michael Chasseron?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I remember Peter Chasseron, right will," replied the old soldier; "he -took me prisoner at St. Jean, and treated me right kindly; but you are -not the same," and while he spoke he continued to examine the -countenance of his companion with great attention.</p> - -<p class="normal">"And when he had taken you," replied the farmer, "he brought you to -the person who was in command of the troop. That was his brother. I am -the same. Do you recollect me now?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc gazed at him again, and then answered in a significant tone, "I -think I do; but it is twelve years ago, and you were a young man then. -Come into the window and let me look at you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am the same I tell you," replied Chasseron, moving into the window; -"there, take as good a look as you like."</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc did not fail to do so; then cast down his eyes, and bit the side -of his hand with his teeth. "Well," he said, at length, "you are a -bold man to venture here, all things considered. Do you not know that -we are all Catholics in this place, and Monsieur de Chazeul one of the -foremost of the League, who would think no more of putting you to -death, be the result what it would, than of sitting down to his -supper?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Parbleu! I know it right well," replied Chasseron; "and that is the -reason I waited for you here. I am sure that you are not one who would -betray me, and as for your leader, the good commander, I would put my -life in his hands without the slightest fear."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That you might, that you might," said the old soldier; "and it will -be better to tell him too. But do none of these people know you? Some -of them must have seen you. Why, the very name of Chasseron, if they -had recollected, was enough to make the Marquis cut your throat. He -would no more hesitate to roast a Huguenot alive in that court-yard, -than to kill a stag or a wolf;" and, as he spoke, he looked over his -shoulder to see that no one was coming.</p> - -<p class="normal">"He would need two or three to help him," replied Chasseron; "and I -felt sure that, if I trusted to the young Baron's word, I should find -those within who would take the part of honour. But none of these men -have seen me for years; and when they did, 'twas but for a moment. You -know in those days I came and went like the lightning. As for the name -of Chasseron, it has long been forgotten too.--But hark ye, Estoc, you -love this young Lord it seems? Now it is for his sake that I have come -hither; not for a night's lodging, which I could obtain where I chose. -I have heard at C[oe]uvres that they are playing him false here; and -that there are plans afoot for doing him wrong in several ways. -Perhaps I may aid him, if I know the facts; and I would fain do so for -his good father's memory. He was as high and honourable a gentleman as -any in France. Though adversaries, we were not enemies, and I owed him -something too for courtesies shown when, God help me, there were few -to show them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah! I wish my poor Lord could hear those words," cried Estoc. "But -you are right, Sir, you are right. They are playing poor Louis false. -Wait a bit, and you shall hear more in the course of the evening; and -if you can help him, though I doubt it, God will bless you, were you -twenty times a heretic."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Parbleu! you must be speedy with your tidings, Master Estoc," said -Chasseron, "for I must be away before nine tomorrow. I have got my -wheat to dispose of," he added; "a weighty matter in my new trade."</p> - -<p class="normal">The old soldier laughed. "I should think, Sir, you would make but a -poor farmer," he replied; "but you shall have all my news this very -night. Ha! here comes the young Lord. As soon as he is gone by, I will -tell the good old commander that you are in the house; and you shall -see him yourself in his room."</p> - -<p class="normal">Before Chasseron could reply, De Montigni passed through the -vestibule, as I have before described; but the moment he was gone the -old soldier added, "We are to talk with the poor lad while he is -dressing, and if I can so manage it, you shall be called to take a -part; if not, I will find the means ere night be over. Here come the -rest--let them pass, and then wait for me. I will be back with you in -a minute."</p> - -<p class="normal">As he spoke, all those whom we have seen conversing in the hall passed -through the vestibule, with the exception of Rose d'Albret, who -retired by another door, leading direct to her own apartment. The good -old commander, supporting himself on his stick, was the last that -appeared, with his eyes bent down upon the ground, and his lips -muttering disconnected sentences to himself. In the semi-darkness that -now reigned, no one took any notice of Chasseron or his companion; but -the moment that his old leader had reached the opposite door, Estoc -followed, and taking his hand familiarly, put it through his own arm, -as if to assist his on his way; but at the same time he bent his head -and seemed to whisper. The old commander suddenly stopped gazing in -his face, and then hurried on at a quicker pace than before, in -evident agitation.</p> - -<p class="normal">In less than two minutes, Estoc returned, saying in a low voice, -"Come, Sir, come! he is wild to see you;" and, with a quick step, -Chasseron followed him from the room.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER V.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">Louis De Montigni was in hope of a brief period of repose and -solitude; repose not so much of the body as of the mind; solitude in -which he might, to use the fine expression of Holy Writ, "Commune with -his own heart and be still." He had much need of it; for the last half -hour had exhausted him more than all the fatigues of the day. It had -been one of greater emotion than he knew, or would admit; and what is -there more wearing than emotion? He imagined that he felt pained and -grieved, only at finding, on his coming back to a place which had long -been his home, that he was half a stranger, his place in its -familiarity usurped by another, and he himself looked upon, not as the -returned son of the house, but as one to be observed and marked by -those now in possession. But in reality and truth, there were deeper -sources of anxiety and sorrow below; though it must always be full of -anguish to a young and inexperienced heart to find for the first time -the emptiness of professions, the hollowness of half the friendships -to which we trusted, the selfishness of the many, the baseness of -some, the instability of others, the falsehood, even, of the near and -dear--to discover that a few short years, a few short hours, perhaps, -will shake us loose from hearts in which we fancied ourselves rooted -so that tempests would not teams out. Yet there are more painful -things than even these every-day lessons of the world's constitution; -things that, blighting at once hope and confidence, extinguishing the -lamp of the future, and clouding the moonlight of memory, dispose us -to lay down the weary head upon any pillow for repose--even if it be -that of the grave.</p> - -<p class="normal">He would not show all that he felt; he wished to show no part of it; -and he was anxious, most anxious, to have a short space, in which, by -his own power over his own mind, he might repress all external -appearances of disappointment and regret, and so school his heart, -that not the slightest token of what was passing therein might show -itself in his outward demeanour.</p> - -<p class="normal">With this purpose, and in this hope, he took his way up one of the -narrow wooden staircases in the château, towards the apartments which -had been formerly apportioned to him, and which he had been informed -were again prepared for his reception. He entered the well-remembered -ante-room, and looked round. Everything was just as he left it; -the very chairs and tables were the same, and seemed in the same -position. He wished that it had been otherwise; he would have been -glad to see gilding and tinsel, and new decorations, rather than the -well-remembered old oak panelling, the huge chimney, with the iron -dogs to support the wood, and the tall-backed, uncomfortable chairs. -It made him feel that man alone was changed. It was full of memories -which he wished not to indulge. He went on quickly into the room -beyond, taking up the lamp which stood upon the table in the -ante-chamber; but there it was just the same. His servants, thinking -he would stay longer in the hall, had spread out some of his apparel -in haste, and had gone to greet their fellows in the offices; but even -the sight of the various things he had brought with him from a foreign -land were painful to him. They brought the thought of peaceful days, -brightened by occasional dreams of happiness to come, of expectations -which in truth he had been in no haste to realize till it was too -late, of vague aspirations, which, like some shrubs that produce a -long succession of ephemeral blossoms, had died as they bloomed, but -flowered again everyday.</p> - -<p class="normal">Casting himself into a seat, he leaned his head upon his hand, and for -a minute or two gave himself up to thought. "'Tis strange," he said to -himself; "I knew not how deeply I should feel this, till I came near -these gates. The apprehension was less than the reality. Scarcely an -hour ago, I could have talked calmly of all; could have jested on it, -as any indifferent thing. But to feel it is very, very different." He -mused for a moment, then raised his eyes and gazed about the room. -Some one had placed an ebony crucifix upon a small table at the side, -with the figure of the dying Saviour in ivory standing boldly out from -the black background of the cross. It was the only change that had -taken place, and yet it struck him with melancholy, rather than -consolatory feelings.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I must conquer this," he thought. "What right have I to repine at -another's happiness?" But ere he could give further way to his -reflections, he heard a step in the ante-room; and rising, he cast off -his cloak, and unlooped his collar, as if engaged in preparing for the -evening meal.</p> - -<p class="normal">The moment after his uncle, the Count de Liancourt, entered with an -air of assumed cheerfulness, which Montigni saw at a glance, only -covered some anxiety.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Louis," he said, "all, you see, is just as you left it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"All in these rooms appears to be so, Sir," he replied; and then -feeling that there was more point in the words than he wished to give -them, he added, "But a good many changes seem to have been made in the -rest of the house."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Few, very few," answered Monsieur de Liancourt; "and most of those I -had long intended. The others are but preparations for the wedding."</p> - -<p class="normal">His nephew was silent, and the Count paused for want of that -assistance which a single word might have given. At that moment one of -the young nobleman's servants appeared, and began to arrange his -apparel; but the Count, resolved to pursue the purpose for which he -had come, gave an impatient "Pshaw!" and then added, "Send him away, -Louis; he can come again in a quarter of an hour."</p> - -<p class="normal">The man withdrew at a sign; and De Montigni, turning to his uncle with -a grave and self-possessed tone, which somewhat surprised and -embarrassed one who had been always accustomed to think of him as a -boy, inquired, "Have you anything of importance to say, Sir?" adding, -"if you have, I could wish you would reserve it till to-morrow; when -less fatigued I shall be able to hear it with better attention and a -clearer mind."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, no! nothing--nothing particular, Louis," said his uncle, who had -seated himself; "only we were speaking of Chazeul's marriage. I trust -you think it is a good arrangement?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"To anything that may promote Mademoiselle's d'Albret's happiness, I -cannot of course object," replied De Montigni gravely, and there he -stopped.</p> - -<p class="normal">Another embarrassing pause succeeded, and then the Count went on, -saying, "It is a matter I have long determined on. The union of the -houses of Chazeul and De Marennes must at once strike every one as an -alliance much to be desired. The important family thus raised up must, -in the present troubled state of the country, gain great influence, -and may be of great service to the state; and as to private and family -considerations, they all tend strongly to the same point; and -therefore, after mature consideration, I resolved that it should take -place."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni made no answer; and before his uncle, who was not at all -well pleased with his silence, could find words to go on, a heavy step -was heard in the ante-room, and the good old commander opened the -door. The old man's eyes were somewhat red, as if they had had recent -tears in them; but when he saw his brother, a look of surprise and -disappointment came into his countenance, and he drew back a step, -saying, "I did not know you were here, Anthony. I will not disturb -you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh no, my dear uncle!" cried De Montigni; "Monsieur de Liancourt says -he has nothing important to say. Pray come in. You must not take the -trouble of coming up that long stair for nothing."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no, Louis," replied the commander, "some other time--to-morrow, -or the next day we will have our chat. Anthony's nothings are often -the most important things he has to do;" and thus saying, he retired -and closed the door.</p> - -<p class="normal">"How peevish he grows!" said the Count. "However, Louis, I am glad to -find you approve of your cousin's marriage with my fair ward; and--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, Sir," interrupted De Montigni, "I neither approve nor disapprove -of a matter in which I have no say, and have never been consulted. -Whatever Mademoiselle d'Albret thinks best for her happiness, must -have my best wishes for its result."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, well, that is the same thing," cried his uncle, somewhat -sharply; "of course she thinks it will be for her happiness; and I am -sure of it, which is of more importance. Rose is a very good, amiable -girl, and will always be able to find happiness in the line of duty; -and I am not one to deceive myself as to what is best for those -committed to my care. It has been my anxious contemplation for many a -year, how to promote the interests and comfort of the three persons -who seem especially placed under my guidance and direction, Rose, -yourself, and Chazeul. He being of an eager, active, and worldly -disposition, is best fitted for struggling with these hard and -contentious times, and therefore in the distribution of the property -of my family, which is large enough to satisfy all, I intend to assign -him all the territorial possessions at my death. On you who are of a -studious, calm, and thoughtful character, I intend to bestow at once -all the rich benefices which are held by the house of Liancourt. They -are equal in revenues to the land, and, with your own hereditary -property, will form a princely income. Then the bishopric of Sens must -necessarily soon fall in, for my uncle who holds it is in his -eightieth year. To it, will be easily attached the hat of a cardinal, -as has indeed been generally done; and thus one of the highest -dignities in the world will be secured to you."</p> - -<p class="normal">He spoke volubly and eagerly, to get over as fast as possible the -announcement of the dispositions he thought fit to make, without -interruption; and he then added with an air of dignified satisfaction, -"Thus you see, my dear Louis, I have in every respect considered your -happiness and your fortune, and nothing remains but to sign the papers -which confirm this arrangement."</p> - -<p class="normal">But though the Count thought himself both just and generous, and felt -himself taking an elevated position towards his nephew, Louis de -Montigni saw the matter in a somewhat different light. "Rose -d'Albret," he thought, "the whole inheritance of Marennes, all the -estates of Liancourt added to those of Chazeul! This is certainly the -lion's portion, yet would I give up every part therein right willingly -but one."</p> - -<p class="normal">He remained silent, however, with his head leaning on his hand, -and his eyes fixed upon the table, till his uncle exclaimed -impatiently, "You make no answer, Louis. Is it possible that you are -dissatisfied--ungrateful?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, my dear uncle!" replied the young nobleman. "But this is a very -important question; and I told you that I would fain have some repose -before I discussed such things! I repeat it, that I could much wish to -have some time for consideration and thought, before I make any -answer, farther than that I thank you deeply for all the care and -kindness which you have always bestowed upon me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Methinks," said his uncle in a tone of displeasure, "that one -moment's reflection were enough to show you the propriety of that -which is proposed, and to induce you to sign at once the papers -necessary to confirm such a well-considered arrangement."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, Sir," answered De Montigni, "it might be so, if only the -disposition of your property were concerned."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And pray what is there more?" asked the Count angrily; "what have I -pretended to dispose of, in which I have no right to dictate? I -suppose you will not deny, that I am authorized to bestow the hand of -my ward where I think proper? What is there else that I dispose of, -that is not my own?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Of me, my dear uncle," replied De Montigni. "If I understand you -right, I must enter the church. Though some men hold bishoprics -without such a process, according to the evil practices of these -corrupt days, such cannot be the case long: nor were I one to follow -such an iniquitous course. All these benefices by right ought to be -held by an ecclesiastic; and I will never hold them but as one. -Indeed, what you have said of my studious and thoughtful habits, shows -that you know such must be the case. The church, therefore, is to be -my destiny under this plan; but surely such a step requires somewhat -more than <i>a moment's consideration</i>. It is a question I have never -contemplated: it never entered my thoughts. I came hither prepared to -throw off my somewhat long-indulged inactivity, to take a part in what -is passing in my native land, after due deliberation and inquiry to -draw the sword rather than to put on the gown. Nay, more, I should -have done so long ago, had you yourself not urged me strongly, in -every letter but your last, to remain at Padua and continue my -studies, without entering into a strife where family is ranged against -family, and brother takes arms against brother."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And why did I do so?" asked Monsieur de Liancourt. "Simply because I -have long determined on what I have this night announced. Is the rich -bishopric, so long in my family, to be lost--to be thrown away for a -whim? No, no, Louis. It was that you might be qualified to hold it, -and disposed by habit to receive it, that made me wish you to stay -where you were."</p> - -<p class="normal">"If you had announced your wishes, Sir, before, I should have been -better prepared to fulfil them," replied his nephew; "as it is I must -have time. There may be men who look upon these things lightly, who -could take upon them the solemn vows which bind them to the highest -and holiest duties, without care or consideration. They may be right, -or they may be wrong; they may be men who, from the course of their -life and the habits of their thought, are fully prepared for such a -decision, though conscious of its great importance: or they may be -those who, never intending to fulfil the obligations of any station in -which they are placed, look upon all indifferently. I am in neither of -these conditions; I have never considered the subject; I have prepared -my mind for other things; but if I do consent, it will be with the -determination to act up to the calling I assume, and be an -ecclesiastic in spirit and in heart, as well as in name."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, if it be only conscientious considerations that withhold you," -said his uncle, "those will be soon satisfied by good father Walter. -He shall speak with you this very night. You know him, and esteem -him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Much," replied De Montigni, "and will gladly converse with him for an -hour or two alone on this subject."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why not at once," asked his uncle; "I can call him in a minute, his -chamber is but at the end of the passage."</p> - -<p class="normal">As he spoke, however, the sound of a trumpet, as was then common in -France, announced the hour of supper; and feeling that he could not -press the subject further, Monsieur de Liancourt added, "Well, well, -afterwards will do; and I doubt not that to-morrow I shall find you -quite determined, and willing to sign the papers, and accept the -benefices, which shall be made over to you immediately."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What are these papers, Sir," asked De Montigni, without giving any -reply upon the subject of his willingness.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, nothing but common forms," replied his uncle, "I cannot explain -them all to you just now, for supper is served. Come, De Montigni."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am not quite ready yet," answered the young Baron, "pray do not -wait for me; I will join you in a few minutes."</p> - -<p class="normal">His uncle accordingly left him; but instead of proceeding to change -his dress, De Montigni covered his eyes with his hands, and gave -himself up for a few minutes to bitter and anxious thought. Oh how -many wild and tumultuous feelings passed through his bosom during that -short space of time! and all were sad and painful. The contemplation -of the future, the memory of the past, the consideration of the -present, regret, apprehension, indecision, were all present to his -mind at once; and, for some time, thought seemed one strange chaos of -indistinct and gloomy forms, from which at length rose up one image -more painful than all the rest. His mind rested upon Rose d'Albret, -and upon the idea of losing her for ever. Remembrance brought her back -as the companion of his boyhood; he recollected how she had shared his -sports, how she had ridden by his side through the scenes around, how -she had taken part in his pleasures and his fancies, how she had -soothed him under any of the petty griefs of youth, how she had turned -from him anger and reproof, when in the gay light-heartedness of early -years he had offended the irritable gravity of age. She had always -loved him he thought, and he had always loved her, with the tender and -unselfish love of years when passion is unknown. He had ever thought -her beautiful,--most beautiful; but it was the kindness, the -affection, in her radiant eyes that gave them double light to him; and -now he had seen her in the full loveliness of womanly perfection, he -had beheld the same looks bent upon him from a face which might well -inspire more ardent feelings; and yet he was even now to see her given -to another,--now, at the very moment when he had most learnt to long -for her himself. Often he had fancied in his boyish dreams that, at -some future period she would be his own; that their mutual lives, -through maturity and age, would pass in the same happy confidence, in -the same warm affection, which had brightened their childhood. He -almost believed that some one had told him so, that she had been -originally destined for him; and, as his mind rested upon that -thought, his disappointment became the more bitter.</p> - -<p class="normal">What was to be his future life then? to be cut off from all the joys -of domestic life; to embrace that cold and stern profession which, in -his church, excluded those who adopted it from all the warm relations -of husband and father; to pass his days in the dull routine of formal -services, or in the petty intrigues and artful man[oe]uvres which have -too often disgraced the Roman hierarchy; to cast from him at once all -the dreams and aspirations of young and energetic manhood; and, before -his hair was grey, to clothe his mind with the chilly garmenture of -age. He shrunk from the thought; but, when he recollected that Rose -d'Albret was to be the wife of another, it seemed to him a matter of -small moment how his after days were to be passed.</p> - -<p class="normal">Such were some of his thoughts, and only some; for there were many, -many more; and yet they occupied but a very few minutes. It was not -one by one they came, but appeared before him like a hostile army, -stretching out at once on every side wherever his eye was turned. -Nevertheless he could have gone on for hours, and yet not have -exhausted all the bitter subjects of contemplation presented to him.</p> - -<p class="normal">Most likely, indeed, he would have gone on much longer, had not -one of his servants presented himself to assist him in dressing; and -starting up from his sorrowful reveries, he hastened to cast off his -travel-stained garments, and in a few minutes descended to the hall, -where the rest of the party were assembled to supper.</p> - -<p class="normal">A place was reserved for him between the count and the old commander. -On the right hand of the latter sat father Walter, and on the opposite -side were Chazeul and Mademoiselle d'Albret. Two or three of the -retainers of the house, who bore the rank of gentlemen, filled up the -rest of the table, with Chasseron and Estoc at the bottom. It was on -the countenance of Rose d'Albret, however, that the eyes of De -Montigni rested, as with a slow step he entered the hall. She was -looking thoughtfully down, with a pale cheek and a grave brow; and she -did not look up till he had taken his seat, when she did so with a -start, as if suddenly wakened from her reverie.</p> - -<p class="normal">Monsieur de Liancourt made an effort to receive him with a cheerful -and unembarrassed air, laughed and talked more than was necessary, but -yet was evidently occupied with other thoughts, and not altogether -well pleased. Chazeul tried hard to engage his fair companion in a -low-toned conversation, but, failing there, turned to his cousin De -Montigni, and by the sort of bantering persiflage which has been -common in all ages to small wits, sought to show his own superiority -as a man of the world, at the expense of his relation's inexperience. -But the extent of De Montigni's information, his knowledge of other -scenes and other lands, the higher tone of his mind, and, above all, -that calmness which is often generated by deep and powerful feelings, -even when they are those of sadness and disappointment, set the -haughty and supercilious jests of the Leaguer at nought; and he often -rebuked him with a quick and cutting reply, which made the old -commander laugh, and once called a smile even upon the grave lips of -father Walter.</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose seemed greatly busied with her own thoughts, and attended little -to what was passing, though once indeed she raised her eyes to De -Montigni's face with a slight smile, while he administered some -wholesome chastisement to the jeering spirit of his cousin; and when -he went on in a few brief sentences to point out that there were -higher things in life, than those on which Chazeul seemed to set such -store, her eyes brightened, her look became full of interest and -pleasure; and then she suddenly withdrew her gaze from his face, and -fell into deeper thought than before.</p> - -<p class="normal">There were one or two persons present who marked all this, and knew -that the two cousins were rivals in heart, though not openly; and they -easily judged, that the contrast was unfavourable to him who seemed -the successful lover. Amongst these, there were some who wished to -prolong it; but the priest took the first opportunity of stopping any -further comparison, by given thanks after meat, as soon as possible, -and rising to depart.</p> - -<p class="normal">In the little confusion which always takes place at the conclusion of -a meal, the old commander drew De Montigni aside and whispered, "I -will come up and see you directly, Louis, if you will go up to your -own room."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The Count is going to send Monsieur de la Tremblade to me," replied -the young nobleman, in the same tone; "will he interrupt you?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, yes, diabolically," replied the old soldier; "get rid of him as -soon as you can, Louis. I will set a watch, to see when he leaves you, -and come immediately after, for I must and will speak with you -to-night, let who will try to prevent it. Mind, be upon your guard -with him," he added, "promise nothing, engage yourself to nothing. -Have I your word, that you will not, till you have spoken with me?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"You have, my dear uncle," replied De Montigni; and at the same moment -the priest approached, and laying his hand upon the young Baron's arm, -he said "Monsieur de Liancourt tells me, you desire to speak with me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He wished me to have some conversation with you, my good Father," -replied De Montigni, "and I shall be most happy when you are at -leisure."</p> - -<p class="normal">"This moment, if you please," rejoined the priest; and they left the -hall together, the young nobleman perceiving as he did so, that the -eyes of Rose d'Albret were fixed upon him, with an eager and somewhat -anxious gaze.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER VI.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">Nothing was said, either by De Montigni or father Walter till they -reached the chamber of the former, where, closing the door, the young -nobleman placed a seat for his reverend companion, and asked him if -Monsieur de Liancourt had held any communication with him upon the -subject on which they were about to speak?</p> - -<p class="normal">"A few words were all that passed," replied father Walter, in a mild, -though grave tone; "but they were sufficient to show me that the -matter on which you wish to consult me is one in regard to which your -uncle and myself have often conferred before."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay," replied De Montigni; "the Count has not put the business on its -right footing: let us settle that first, my good father. I did not -desire to consult you, but he declared that you would easily remove -from my mind the strong objections which I entertain to pledging -myself for any consideration to enter the church without much -deliberation, and a considerable time for thought. I expressed myself -most willing to hear all you could say upon the subject, though I much -doubted, from a knowledge of my own character, that you would succeed -in removing my scruples, and, from a knowledge of yours, that you -would even make the attempt."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You were perfectly right, my son," replied the priest, after a -moment's pause; "my arguments could but tend to show that the -profession which your uncle wishes you to embrace is the highest, as -it is the holiest, to which man can dedicate himself; but I fear much, -that very consideration would tend rather to induce you to pause long, -and to think well before you took upon yourself such high duties and -responsibilities, than to hurry you on, as is the case with so many, -into a rash, I might almost call it an impious, intrusion into a -sacred calling, which should be approached with reverence, and not -without the full concurrence of the heart."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni smiled, well pleased. Various circumstances, all -apparently small, but weighty in their sum, had induced him to imagine -that father Walter de la Tremblade was one of those who had consulted -together to frustrate his hopes, and disappoint his wishes; but the -calm and reasonable answer which he now made removed the suspicion. -Whether he deceived himself or not may be seen hereafter.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am happy to find, my dear father," he said, "that your good and -disinterested opinion confirms my own, as it will give me strength and -confidence in my determination."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Of all the many wise maxims which have come down to us, confirmed by -the experience of ages," replied the priest, "one of the surest is, -'Do nothing rashly;' and if applicable to the common affairs of life, -it is still more so to points where the whole of our future existence, -here and hereafter, is affected. You are right, my son, to pause and -deliberate; but before I give any advice beyond the general opinion -which I have expressed, let me hear all the circumstances, the doubts, -and considerations that affect you; and you shall then have my best -counsel which may, perhaps, be valuable, as that of a man long -accustomed to consider and, with God's aid, to decide upon questions, -in which the consciences of those very dear to him, as members of his -flock, are concerned. Tell me what are your doubts--what are your -difficulties; and if I can I will resolve them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"My doubts, good father," replied Louis de Montigni, "are simply -whether I am fitted, either by inclination or by character, for the -profession my uncle would put upon me. No mention was ever made of -such a plan till this very night; and now, fatigued in body and -somewhat agitated in mind, I am asked to decide at once, upon a -question of such vital importance to myself."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is wrong--that is all very wrong," answered the priest. "You -must have time--it is absolutely necessary. Yet," he continued, after -a moment's pause, "I cannot help thinking there must be some mistake. -I am sure Monsieur de Liancourt did not intend to urge such a speedy -decision upon that point. Perhaps it was your acquiescence alone in -the disposal of his property that he required. You are well aware that -the benefices may be held by one who is not in the church; and his -conferring them on you, while he is himself living will prevent any -cavil which might be raised in the distracted state of the country, -with regard to your obtaining them, if they were merely destined for -you at his death. I do not mean," he added in a grave tone, "to -pronounce any opinion upon the propriety of laymen holding such -property. That is not a question for me to decide."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But it is one for me to consider in accepting them," said De -Montigni; "and I scruple not to acknowledge that I hold the corrupt -practice in horror and reprobation."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I must not deny that I think you are right," replied father Walter; -"but yet your refusal to accept this portion of his property, would -greatly embarrass and grieve your uncle. All the arrangements being -concluded for Monsieur de Chazeul's marriage with Mademoiselle -d'Albret, your rejection of the share assigned to you, would prove a -serious inconvenience to all parties; and I am sure you would not wish -to throw any impediment in the way of her happiness, or your cousin's -either."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And does her happiness so entirely depend upon this marriage?" asked -the young nobleman bitterly.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Undoubtedly!" replied the priest, with an air of surprise at the very -question.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then my course will be easy!" exclaimed De Montigni. "I will never do -ought to give her one uneasy moment."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is noble, and generous, and like yourself!" said Walter de la -Tremblade, holding out his hand to him. "I was quite sure that you -would never hesitate at any personal sacrifice for the happiness of -those you love. What course, then, do you intend to pursue?"</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni, however, remembered the promise he had made to his uncle, -and he replied, "Of that I must think; all I can say at present is, -that no wish of Rose d'Albret's shall ever be thwarted by me. First, -in order to form a judgment of my future conduct, I would fain know -all the circumstances of the case; and, my good father, as you have -thus far dealt frankly with me, I would fain ask you a few questions, -hoping for clear information."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will give you the best that I possess, my son," replied the priest. -"But you must recollect that I am not a man of the world, and meddle -little with things that are not brought absolutely under my notice."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then, to begin with matters that you do understand," said De -Montigni; "if I accept these benefices, and sign the papers my uncle -wishes me to sign, do I in any degree bind myself either to enter the -church, or to hold preferment which I think should be reserved for -ecclesiastics?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not in the least, my son," answered father Walter, "nothing can bind -you to the church but vows made to the church; and as to the benefices -you can give them all away next day; at no greater risk than being -called by some, an enthusiastic fool."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is soon met," said the young nobleman; "but if this be so, what -is the need of my signing any papers at all?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest paused for a moment in thought; but then answered, looking -suddenly up, "It is simply because, as your uncle's nearest relation -you have a claim to his property, either the entire estate or a -moiety, I know not well which. The benefices he can bestow where he -likes, and he gives them to you as an equivalent to the other, -thinking that, if the bishopric can be obtained for you, as doubtless -it might be if you so liked, the advantages would be at least equal."</p> - -<p class="normal">"My uncle did not tell me this!" replied De Montigni, with an air of -mortification. "My uncle did not tell me this!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps he thought you knew it already," rejoined father Walter; "or, -perhaps, he did not remember how generous and self-denying you have -always shown yourself."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He should have dealt openly with me," said the young man in a -mournful tone, "He should have dealt openly with me."</p> - -<p class="normal">He then thought for a few minutes, while the priest watched the -varying expressions that came over his countenance with an inquiring -and interested eye, reading them as they rose. Perhaps he did not -altogether interpret them aright, though the true Roman Catholic -priest, who, following the rule of his order, strictly excludes from -his breast half the passions that affect other men, learns to trace -their workings in others with a skill which those who suffer them -cannot acquire. He stands as a spectator of the most critical part in -the busy game of life, and sees the cards in either hand, and judges -where they are played well or ill.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length the young nobleman said aloud, "So then I have some real -power in this matter; and they would have concealed it from me. A -somewhat dangerous course!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps such was not the view, my son," answered father Walter, "the -matter could not be concealed from you long, as, if you read the -papers, you must have seen what they contained."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am not sure of that, good father," rejoined De Montigni; "they -might calculate upon my not reading them at all, or that their -contents veiling their meaning in the profuse words of the law, would -afford me no clue to my own rights. However, all this must be inquired -into. I will now know the truth, wholly and entirely."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I trust," said the priest gravely, "that you will in no degree -forfeit that character of frank and generous disinterestedness which -you gained in youth. It is a jewel, my son, inestimable from its -rarity. Come, Louis, let me tell your uncle that you will sign the -papers."</p> - -<p class="normal">The young man gazed in his face intently; but father Walter returned -the look with calm and unflinching firmness, and then added, "I am no -party to any deceit, if any have been committed."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I believe you, father," replied De Montigni, "for it is you who have -unveiled the deceit; but as for the rest, I will make no rash promise. -I will know the whole clearly, before I act or promise to act; I will -know what are my own rights, and their full extent; I will know the -motives of others, their conduct, and its causes."</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest smiled, and shook his head; "You lay out labour for many a -long day, my son," he said, "if you propose to penetrate into the -secrets of any human heart; and in the mean time you stop a union -desired by all, to wait upon your caprice. Look into your own bosom, -Louis, and inquire there, whether the motives of such a conduct may -not have a source in passions you will not like to own; disappointment -or some chimerical dreams, jealousy of another's happiness, or -revengeful feelings for imaginary injury."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no, no!" replied De Montigni, "my conduct shall be influenced by -none of these; and whatever my motives are, they shall be made clear -in the eyes of all."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well before you act," continued the priest, "ask yourself, if what -your uncle proposes is at all unfair. In the division of his property -he assigns you more than the simple half, though perhaps not the -moiety you might like the best. There is no great injustice in this; -there is nothing to move anger or suspicion; and yet you are evidently -somewhat heated, and nourish doubts of those that love you, which you -have no just reason to entertain."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Father, you are mistaken," answered De Montigni, "I am aught but -angry; my heart feels too cold and chilled for anything so warm. -Suspicion may be there--would it had never entered--but who can help -it? When once a concealment or deceit has been practised in matters -where all should be fair and open as the day, can confidence be ever -restored? no more than you can restore the white bloom to the grape or -to the plum which you have once pressed in your hand. I will think of -this, good father, I will think of it all well. No man can reproach me -for examining closely into that in which I have so great an interest; -no man shall have to reproach me for the manner in which I act when I -have examined. But let me put a picture before your eyes ere you go, -in order that you may see what necessarily presents itself to my eyes. -It is of an uncle and two nephews; the one the son of an elder sister, -the other of a younger; the first possessed of moderate estates, but a -claim, it seems, to his uncle's property; the other possessed of -larger estates already, but, if I judge rightly, without that claim. -The one is sent by his uncle and guardian to foreign country to study: -the other remains upon the spot. At the end of five years they meet -again, and the uncle proposes a plan which he declares to be -equitable. To the son of his eldest sister, who has been absent so -long, he offers certain benefices, and proposes that he shall enter -the church. To the son of the younger, who has remained upon the spot, -he gives the whole of his estates, the hand of his fair ward, and the -large property which she inherits. Do not suppose, father, I can shut -my eyes to such things; do not suppose that I can do aught but feel -them bitterly. Mark me, however, I say not that I will reject this -arrangement, even if I have power to do so; I say not that I will -throw the least impediment in the way of views and plans which were -formed without my concurrence and without my knowledge; but I do say, -that I will consider, and examine, and ponder, before I in any way -sanction a proceeding, by which I am destined to be, in every sense, a -loser."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I thought," replied the priest, mildly, "that you had already -determined not to do anything which could impede the union of -Mademoiselle d'Albret with the man of her choice; that you would not -frustrate her wishes, or delay her happiness?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nor will I," answered De Montigni; "but I must be well assured in the -first place of the conduct which she herself wishes to pursue."</p> - -<p class="normal">Father Walter shook his head gravely, saying, "My son, my son, I fear -you are deceiving yourself. I am not aware whether your knowledge of -women be much or little, whether in studious seclusion you have passed -your time without mingling with the general world, or whether you have -frequented the gay society of Italy, and gained an insight into the -female heart as it there appears. But do not deceive yourself into a -belief, because Mademoiselle d'Albret sometimes speaks coldly to your -cousin, affects an occasional indifference, ay, or even adds a harsh -word towards him--do not believe, I say, that she does not love him. I -have always seen that women, circumstanced as she is, from the very -modesty of their nature, assume such disguises to conceal the warmer -feelings of their heart; and the men with whom they are most free, -familiar, ay, and perhaps, affectionate, have the least cause to -suppose that they entertain any serious attachment to them,--for where -such exists, it always brings diffidence and some reserve along with -it."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni mused. There was truth, he thought, in what the old man -said--it might be, indeed, that he was right. True, in her youth Rose -d'Albret was frank, open, and unreserved, her loves and her dislikes -were plainly shown. But yet she might be changed. Womanhood and -passion might have brought with them reserve, concealment, art. Who -could say what in the space of five years might have been effected, -and what the girl of fourteen might have become?</p> - -<p class="normal">"Probably, you are right, good father," he replied; "I know but little -of woman or woman's arts; but still I am not deceiving myself. All I -propose is to pause and consider all things, this as well as any of -the rest, in fact, to use your own maxim, and 'do nothing rashly.' As -I conclude you will see my uncle tonight, and report to him the result -of our conference, pray tell him my resolution, such as it is, and -explain to him in terms that will give him no offence, but yet convey -my full meaning, that in my determination to consider before I act, I -am too firm to be shaken. I find that I have somewhat too long -suffered my conduct to be dictated by others, and I do so no more, -whatsoever be the result."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Can you not enable me, Monsieur de Montigni," asked the priest, "to -fix some term for your consideration? As your uncle will have to shape -his conduct, as he may judge expedient to meet yours, it might be as -well to name a time for your decision."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I cannot do," replied De Montigni; "at least not tonight. At all -events it shall not be long before I do decide. Small time will -suffice me, if no means be taken to impede me in judging for myself; -if there be, those who employ them must be answerable for the delay. I -will now be satisfied on all point--I will see the whole case clearly -before I judge. Whenever I do so see it, my course will be determined -in an hour. And now, good father," he continued, perceiving that the -priest was about to reply, "I would fain discuss this subject with you -no more, at least, tonight, though most happy to hear you upon any -other, if you have aught else to say."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nothing, my son," replied father Walter, rising; "pray remember that -the discussion has not been of my seeking. I never thrust myself upon -the confidence of any one, happy to give advice or assistance where it -is required, but never obtruding it, except at the sacred call of -duty; and so, my son, good night and benedicite."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, he slowly quitted the room, and walked deliberately down -the stairs across a low-roofed hall, where several servants sat, and -then mounting another staircase with a quicker step, found his way to -the apartments of the Count de Liancourt. That gentleman, half -undressed, was sitting in his dressing-gown conversing with Chazeul, -and both eagerly turned to the priest as he entered, demanding, "Well, -what does he say? how did you find him disposed?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Walter de la Tremblade sat down in a vacant chair, and then looking -from the one to the other, he said, "I found him firmer, sterner than -could be expected from his character or his years. I fear, my son," -addressing Monsieur de Liancourt, "that your policy has somewhat run -awry. If instead of calling him back you had written to him the plain -and straightforward state of the case, telling him that the marriage -of Mademoiselle d'Albret with Monsieur de Chazeul here, depended upon -the renunciation of his claim to your estates, and begging him to send -you his procuration instantly for the purpose of making that -renunciation, he would have done so at once."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pshaw," cried Chazeul, "you must think him a greater fool than even I -do, to suppose that if he were told those facts he would give up his -chance of beauty, grace, and the united estates of Liancourt and -Marennes."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is no fool," replied the priest, "but one of those with whom it is -better to tell the whole truth, and engage his generosity and -enthusiasm on your side, than suffer him to discover, not only the -facts you would conceal, but that you have endeavoured to conceal -them. Better to tell him the truth, Monsieur de Chazeul, than to let -him find it out; and allow me to say, he has found out one half -already, and will find out the rest ere long."</p> - -<p class="normal">"<i>Ventre bleu!</i> what has he discovered?" demanded Monsieur de -Liancourt. "This is an affair indeed."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is right well informed," answered the priest, "that the estates of -Liancourt are his at your death, in right of his mother."</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul struck his hand vehemently upon the table, exclaiming, "Then -the game is up."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not exactly," replied the priest; "had he known it a month ago, it -would have been much better. Then at a distance, and without the means -of farther inquiry, he would, I am sure, have been easily induced to -make the renunciation, in consideration of the benefices, without -coming here at all."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But he has been urging me for these two years," exclaimed Monsieur de -Liancourt, "to give my consent to his return. I had no power to refuse -him, and it was only by persuasions that I kept him there so long."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, but the results, the results, Monsieur de la Tremblade," -exclaimed Chazeul: "we will be guided by you. Tell us what conclusions -you have come to, and what course it will be best to follow."</p> - -<p class="normal">"From my conference with him this night," replied the priest, "I see -exactly the state of his mind. In the first place I tell you he knows -much, and suspects more; he perceives that you have attempted to keep -him in the dark; and he is no weak studious boy, such as you believed. -He is as firm as a rock, and determined upon his course. You cannot, -and will not deceive him on any of the facts of the case; and at -present his reply is, that he is determined to take full time to -consider before he decides. There is one way, and only one way to act -upon his mind. If you can induce Mademoiselle d'Albret, to ask him to -make the renunciation for her sake, he will do it, without the -slightest hesitation. Get her but to say three words to that effect, -and he will sign the act to-morrow."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, then the whole matter is easy!" cried Chazeul. "I will induce her -to do that in a moment."</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest looked at him with a somewhat cynical smile, and replied, -"You may not find so much facility as you expect, Monsieur. Ladies -have caprices; and perhaps you may not be able to make her to say the -exact words you wish."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, but I am sure I can!" replied Chazeul. "I know the pretty Rose -right well, with all her coquettish ways for goading on a lover's -passion, by airs of coldness and indifference; but she is not such a -fool as to be blind to the advantages of the most brilliant fortune -she can reach in France. With the united estates of Liancourt, -Marennes, and Chazeul, we take our seat amongst the highest of the -land. Did you not mark what she said to me today, about the splendours -of a court? Such hopes and expectations, once entering a woman's head, -never go out of it, good father."</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest paused and mused with a slight smile curling his lip; but -at length he replied, "Doubtless you are more learned in women's -hearts than I am, Monsieur de Chazeul; you have had more to do with -them, though in the confessional we sometimes hear strange secrets. -However, if you will take my advice, you will not trust to your own -unassisted efforts, but send for your mother at once. She is within a -two hours' journey, and may easily be here, before noon to-morrow."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Right, right, father," cried Monsieur de Liancourt, "we will not lose -a moment's time. Jacqueline's head is worth all ours put together. It -always was so; and poor Louise, when she was alive, was no match for -her at all. Let us not lose a moment, but send a messenger to her -to-night, so that she may set out the first thing to-morrow. See to -it, Chazeul, see to it; for I am tired, and going to bed. Choose some -stout fellow who will do the errand well. Let him avoid the wood, and -take the Chartres road; 'tis but half a league about."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will do it at once," said Chazeul, "for it is now near ten. But -still I am sure that I can persuade fair Rose to make the request, -before my mother comes; and so, goodnight, Sir."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, he left the room, and father Walter only remained, to -shake his head with a doubtful air, and say, "He is too confident. God -send that he mars not all;" and he, too, left Monsieur de Liancourt to -seek repose.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER VII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">In the Château of Marzay, on that night, as every day in the wide -world in which we live, care and anxiety, hope and expectation, the -selfish intrigue, the means of frustrating it, the dark design, the -events that are to bring it to light, were all going on side by side -at once, separated from each other by thin partitions which served to -conceal the proceedings of the various actors from each other, but not -from the eye of that overruling Providence who apportions success and -disappointment, joy and sorrow, reward and punishment, according to -his wise but inscrutable will.</p> - -<p class="normal">Less than a hundred yards from the chamber of Monsieur de Liancourt, -Louis de Montigni sat after the priest left him, with his arms folded -on his chest, his head bent down, and his eyes fixed upon the ground. -He thought bitterly over much that had passed. The words which Walter -de la Tremblade had spoken concerning the heart of woman, still rung -in his ears; the probable causes of the peculiarities he had remarked -in the conduct of Rose d'Albret, still agitated his mind; and he asked -himself "Can she really love him? She who was clear-sighted, as well -as frank, thoughtful as well as gay, generous, kind, liberal, can she -love this man, who from youth till now has shown himself the same -selfish, bold, confident, cunning, and presuming being? She used to -see through him, and understand him when he came here as a youth, but -a few years older than myself. It may be so, and perhaps the priest is -right. If so, it were as well to renounce all without further -hesitation, not to let her or any one perceive the hopes that are to -be disappointed, the vain expectations that are to vanish at a breath, -nor to call down that pity which is always more or less mingled with -contempt, nor excite the scornful merriment of the winner in this -perilous game. No, that I will not do; and yet this is a hard and a -bitter act to require of me, which may well justify some doubt and -some delay. Hark! there is my uncle's foot, I shall now hear more. The -good old man has all his eyes open, where my interests and happiness -are concerned. From him I shall hear the pure truth, undisguised and -plain. I almost doubt that priest: yet he spoke fairly and candidly -too; but these men of the gown, dependent on great families, however -virtuous and right may be their inclinations, gain a bias towards the -views of their patrons, which often blinds their eyes to the plain -course of justice."</p> - -<p class="normal">Such were the thoughts of the young Baron de Montigni, till at length -the old soldier Estoc threw open the door, and the commander limped -into the room.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now lock the door, Estoc!" cried the good knight, seating himself in -the chair which his nephew placed carefully for him; "lock the door, -we will have no more interruptions. I have a right to have my say too, -Louis. <i>Ventre saint gris</i>, to use the language of the Philistines, we -will have it out now, Louis."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Most assuredly, Sir," replied the young nobleman; "I will suffer no -one to interrupt us. My uncle, the count, as once my guardian and my -eldest relative, might of course command my first attention; but now -that is over, you, my dear uncle, have the next claim upon me, and I -will not allow anyone to deprive me of the pleasure or the benefit of -hearing your conversation and advice."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well said, boy! Well said!" cried the old commander. "Do you hear -that, Estoc? He's no chicken now, eh? By my faith, Anthony will find -himself mistaken. I like that well. You are right, Louis, to say, you -<i>will not suffer</i> any one to interrupt us. That's the true tone. I -have grown into a sort of some dependence here, thanks to my -infirmities. I let them have all their own way; but, parbleu, it will -not do, for they turn tyrants when they are over indulged."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have come here, my dear uncle," replied his nephew, "with all -reverence and respect for Monsieur de Liancourt. But my days of -pupilage are over. While I stay in his house my chamber is my own, -where I receive whom I like, when I like, and suffer not myself to be -interfered with, (so long as I observe the courtesies of life,) when I -am otherwise engaged. Whenever an attempt is made to restrain that -communication with others that I may choose to hold, I leave the -place, and take my lodging elsewhere."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Right, right," cried the officer, "and if you go I will go with you, -Louis. But sit down, Estoc. We have much to talk about, my boy. I -trust you kept your word with me--I trust you promised nothing to the -priest. He is a good man in the main; but shrewd, Louis, shrewd as a -winter's night--pile up the fire, Estoc. You promised nothing, eh, -Louis?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nothing, Sir," replied the young Baron. "I merely assured him, that -no consideration on earth would induce me to do ought that would -thwart the inclinations, or impede the happiness, of Mademoiselle -d'Albret, but that, for the decision of my conduct, I must have time -to consider, and that well."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah no! I am sure you would not! Poor dear little Rose, God bless -her," cried the commander, "she deserves all tenderness. But if you -did what they want, you would mar her happiness too, boy. Now let me -hear what they sought of you. Then I will tell my tale."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni recapitulated, as well as he could, all that had passed -between himself, his uncle, and the priest. He knew he could trust to -those with whom he spoke; and he strove to give the words that had -been uttered as nearly as possible without change. He might indeed add -a running commentary of his own conclusions, but he falsified nothing, -he exaggerated nothing. As he proceeded, his good uncle leaned his -chin upon his stick, and listened without replying a word, though once -or twice he struck the point of the staff sharply on the floor.</p> - -<p class="normal">Old Estoc, however, was not so patient or so taciturn; for more -than once, he uttered a quick oath, and murmured from time to time -"Pardie!--Morbleu!--Coquin!" in tones which showed that he was not at -all edified with the reported discourse of Monsieur de la Tremblade.</p> - -<p class="normal">But when the young nobleman had done all, the good commander's -smothered fire broke forth in a blaze, "Curses upon them forever!" he -exclaimed; "now they wonder there are Huguenots, and yet to see a -Catholic priest playing knave and hypocrite in this way is enough to -make any honest man turn Turk! I am ashamed of my brother, Louis, I am -ashamed of my family, but I am still more ashamed of my religion. It's -not honest, my boy! It's not honest, if it suffers its clergy to go -playing such a double game, telling what suits them, and keeping back -what does not suit them to speak. Now you shall hear the plain truth. -You are heir of Liancourt, pure and undoubted. It was settled so long -since, and nothing but your own act can deprive you of the lands."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I suspected that such was the case," replied the young nobleman, "as -soon as I saw such anxiety to induce me to sign papers in haste, and -without explanation."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Suspected!" cried the old commander. "Why you should have known it -long ago, if there had been honest men amongst us. I made my -renunciation in poor Louise's favour--my sister--your mother, -boy--when she married your good father--God rest his soul--and I took -the Order of St. John. You are the heir, then, beyond all doubt; but -Jacqueline, your aunt, my sister--she's a devil if ever one was--has -never ceased working at my poor weak brother Anthony to deprive you of -your right."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She never loved me, I know," replied De Montigni. "I remember when I -was a mere boy--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Loved you! that's not the point," exclaimed the commander. "She loves -you just as well as anything else that stands in her way. It is that -she loves herself, and loves herself in her son--the coxcomb! She has -set her mind upon seeing him wealthy and powerful. She always looked -upon money as the best of blessings. That is why she married old -Chazeul, a man she hated and despised, only that she might be richer -than her elder sister; and now this fellow has squandered half his -father's estate, she thinks to patch up a greater fortune still by -getting for him Marennes and Liancourt. The last she never can get if -you are not a fool, Louis, and the first she cannot get without she -gets the last."</p> - -<p class="normal">"This seems to me a riddle, Sir," said De Montigni, thoughtfully. "I -understand that this marriage is fully settled, with the consent and -approbation of all parties; and surely the hand of Mademoiselle -d'Albret, with her hereditary property, must be an object well worth -striving for, even in the eyes of one who values wealth so much as my -aunt De Chazeul."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay boy! ay!" cried the old commander, "so it would be, if she could -get it. But the contract between the good Count de Marennes and your -uncle is, that Rose is to marry his nephew, the subsisting heir of -Liancourt. No name is mentioned, lest the heir should die in the -meantime; but you were then, you are still, the subsisting heir of -Liancourt, in virtue of your mother's rights as eldest daughter of my -father, and my renunciation in her favour. If you put your hand to -that paper you are worse than Esau, for you not only sell your -birthright, but your bride, for a mess of pottage."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni started up and paced the room for a moment with his hand -clasped upon his forehead, and twice he muttered, "This is shameful!" -He was tempted, strongly tempted, let what would be the result, to -assert his rights at once; to claim his own without one consideration -of the feelings of others; to exact the utmost sum of his inheritance, -like a miser; to demand his bride willing or unwilling, under the -engagement of her father.</p> - -<p class="normal">But better thoughts first came to withhold him, and, as he reflected, -difficulties appeared to impede him in such a course. The contract, -doubtless, was in the hands of Monsieur de Liancourt. How could he -prove it?--how establish his claim? The estates, indeed, he might -withhold; his opposition might delay the marriage. But then he asked -himself could he inflict sorrow and disappointment on Rose d'Albret; -could he dash from her lip the cup of hope and expectation? Most -likely she looked forward to her approaching marriage as a thing -decided beyond all chance of change. He had no substantial reason to -suppose that she felt repugnance to it. Her mind was probably made up; -her part taken; perhaps all the affections of her young heart engaged. -Was he to be the person to blight all her prospects--to disappoint all -her hopes? "No," he thought, "no!" and resuming his seat by his uncle, -he said, "This deceit used towards me, my dear Sir, is very bad. It -disgusts one with the world and human nature. Yet one consideration -will probably make me yield to all their wishes, and forbear from -exercising my rights, even now that I know them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Phoo! Too!" cried the commander, interrupting him. "The boy is mad! -Go, call our friend, Estoc. He must talk with him. There is a -gentleman here, Louis--by the bye, he came with yourself--whom I met -with once or twice in the old wars. He is as wise and good a man as -ever lived--bating a bit of heresy in his notions, though scarce half -a Huguenot either--a good soldier as any in France, and moreover a -very prudent and clever person--a very wise good man. Indeed--none -better. I have been talking with him a long time since supper all -about this affair, and you must take his advice, or at least listen to -it. Depend upon it, you will find it good."</p> - -<p class="normal">At first sight De Montigni shrunk from the idea of exposing all his -feelings, nay, detailing all the particulars of his situation, to a -comparative stranger, like Chasseron, one too whom he looked upon as -an inferior. But before he could reply, Estoc had left the room; and, -as he thought further, he remembered so much of bold decision in the -man's character, so many traits of shrewd good sense in his -conversation, that he began to think the opinion of such a -person--totally independent of all passion and prejudice, knowing -little of any of the parties, and who had seen so much of what had -taken place upon his arrival--might be very useful as a corrective of -any erroneous views which he himself might have adopted. He was free -too, to accept his advice or to reject it; and he knew the good old -commander too well, not to be sure, that Chasseron must have borne a -high character in former days, to have obtained his confidence and -approbation, especially as a heretic--a sort of animal of which he was -by no means fond. He waited then patiently for the return of the old -soldier with his companion of the way, while his uncle, from time to -time, addressed to him a brief adjuration, "Not to be a fool, and -throw away fortune and happiness;" or, "Not to cast all the advantages -which God had given him, into the lap of those who had played so foul -a game, to wring them from him."</p> - -<p class="normal">In a few minutes the door from the ante-room opened again; and -Chasseron entered, followed by Estoc. The old commander, in whom age -and infirmity could scarcely tame the eager but generous impetuosity -of disposition which had characterized him through life, rose up from -his chair to greet their new guest and begin the subject at once. But -Estoc thrust him down again, with unceremonious affection, saying, -"Sit down, Sir, sit down. You have been too much on your legs to-day -already. You will have your wound breaking out again, especially if -you tease yourself so. Monsieur de Chasseron knows all about it. But -there is more going on down below. Master Chazeul has just come down -from a conference in the Count's chamber, and has sent off Etienne on -horseback, to his mother, begging her to be here at an early hour -to-morrow."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, Jacqueline must have a finger in the affair!" cried the -commander; "and she will outwit us all, if we do not mind."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not think so, Sir," replied Chasseron, who by this time was -seated between the old officer and his nephew. "It seems to me that -the matter is very simple. Monsieur de Montigni, this worthy gentleman -having known and heard something of me in times of yore, has thought -fit to tell me the situation in which you are placed, and to ask my -advice. I knew something of the facts before; for in the first place, -I was well acquainted with the good Count de Marennes; nay, poor as I -am, was somewhat related to him,--in a very distant degree, it is -true; but still he was not above acknowledging the connexion. In the -next place, as you may perhaps have remarked, I live with my eyes and -my ears open; and as I have been in this neighbourhood at least within -fifteen leagues for some time, I have heard a good deal of what is -going on. If therefore my counsel or assistance can do you any -service, command it; for I owe you a good turn for that which you -rendered me this morning. <i>Parbleu</i>, I should have been badly off if -you had not come up."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You are very welcome, my good Sir," replied De Montigni; "and as my -uncle has told you the circumstances, there is no use of entering upon -them again. There are other things, however, to be taken into -consideration, which you cannot yet know; I mean my own particular -views and notions--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay!" cried the old commander, interrupting him, "the boy is fool -enough, Monsieur de Chasseron, to talk of yielding to the wishes of -these people, to think of abandoning all his rights, giving up to that -coxcomb Chazeul both bride and estates! What think you of that? of -letting them win the day by all their tricks and man[oe]uvres? He has -gone mad, I think! but <i>ventre bleu!</i> it shall not be so; for I will -plead first myself. I renounced in favour of poor Louise, who had the -next right after me, not of Madame Jacqueline, who has got too much -already."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni coloured slightly at his uncle's words, but he replied -calmly and affectionately; "I have my own reasons, my dear Sir, if you -will but hear them. All the gifts of fortune are but as we estimate -them; I will not pretend that I am without ambition, still less that -to obtain the heart of Mademoiselle d'Albret I would not make any -sacrifice. But I do not court her hand without her heart; and no -consideration shall tempt me to cause her unhappiness by opposing her -marriage, if--and I have no reason to doubt it--she feels towards my -cousin of Chazeul, as a woman should feel towards the man on whom she -is about to bestow her hand."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That, young gentleman, is the question," said Chasseron quickly, -while the old commander gave way to many a "Psha!" and other less -decent interjection. "You have been ill used; and, evidently with a -design of bringing about a marriage contrary to the previous contract -between the lady's father and your uncle, you have been kept at a -distance, in ignorance of all the facts, while opportunity has been -given to Monsieur de Chazeul to seek the lady's affections."</p> - -<p class="normal">"To be sure!" cried the commander, "it was all done on purpose!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Under these circumstances!" continued Chasseron, without noticing the -interruption, "you would be perfectly justified in opposing the -marriage; and with the evidence of your uncle here, of the previous -contract, I do not scruple to say, it could not proceed. I applaud -your delicacy and generosity, however; but the utmost that could be -expected from the most noble-minded man would be, that you should -insist upon the delay of a year, with full opportunity of seeking to -change the lady's views, reserving to yourself the power to enforce or -renounce your rights, as you may find her affected."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But Sir--but Sir!" cried the commander. Chasseron, however, waved his -hand, saying, "Hear me out, my good friend," and then continued, "This -would be the kind and generous course, even if you found that -Mademoiselle d'Albret was a willing party to this alliance. The first -question is, however, whether she be really so or not? How can you -tell, that she does not consent with reluctance? How do you know, that -she has not also been deceived? May she not have been taught to think, -that her marriage with your cousin is in accordance with her father's -designs? or even if no fraud has been played upon her, may she not -have yielded from obedience to her guardian, knowing the power of -those who hold, under the King, the <i>garde noble</i> of a female orphan? -may she not even now, long for deliverance, and may she not bless you, -if you step in armed with power to save her? Nay, more," he added with -a smile, "may she not love you already?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The colour rose warmly into De Montigni's cheek; and his heartbeat -quick; "Oh no, no," he cried, "I cannot hope such happiness. She was -young, very young, when I went; not yet fifteen. We always loved each -other, it is true; but as mere children."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Love is a fruit that matures itself without the sunshine," replied -Chasseron in a meaning tone, and then added frankly, "in a word, -Monsieur de Montigni, I think it is so. I would not delude you with -false hopes and expectations. That would be a bad return for the -service you have rendered me; but I have known something of women, and -I have in this case watched the lady accurately; not a glance of her -eye has escaped me, not a varying shade of colour in her cheek. I -think she loves you, I think she has now discovered it; and that, if -you could see her at this moment, you would behold her weeping -bitterly in her chamber over her hard fate. I think all this; but of -one thing I am certain; if she have to-morrow to choose between you -and Chazeul, she will not hesitate one moment, and her hand is yours."</p> - -<p class="normal">The sensations of Louis de Montigni at that moment would be impossible -to describe and difficult to conceive. Hope, joy, expectation, rose up -to struggle in his breast, with sorrow, doubt, and apprehension. He -dared not trust himself to the full tide of satisfaction and love. He -felt it impossible to believe that such happiness might be in store -for him; and, contrasted with the dark and bitter feelings which had -lately possessed him, the dream of happiness which now presented -itself, though one which he had more than once indulged before, seemed -too much for the lot of any mortal creature. A few moments' -reflection, however, showed him that even if all that Chasseron said -was true,--if the brightest hope of his heart were realized and the -love of Rose d'Albret were truly his, there were still difficulties -and dangers enough in the way, to mingle a full portion of bitter with -the cup of human joy. Obstacles innumerable presented themselves to -his imagination; and it seemed to his inexperienced mind almost -impossible to triumph over the impediments which might arise to bar -the path to happiness.</p> - -<p class="normal">His uncle and Chasseron sat gazing at him for a few moments, while he -remained in silence, meditating over the present and the future. The -old commander could not comprehend his feelings; but Chasseron, with -clearer eyes, read as if in a book all the varied emotions of his -heart, as they were written on his changing countenance. He suffered -him then to reflect without interruption, till at length the young -nobleman replied, "God send that it may be as you suppose! If it be -so, Sir, the decision of my conduct will be easy, for nothing but the -belief that I should be wounding the feelings or opposing the -happiness of Mademoiselle d'Albret, could prevent me from putting in -my claim to her hand. But if I thought that she had one doubt or -hesitation in regard to this marriage, that her whole heart did not go -with it, that she only consented at the command of her guardian, and -not from her own inclination, I would preserve every right I have, for -her sake as well as for my own."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, I tell you, boy, they have driven her," cried his uncle, "they -have coaxed, and laboured, and striven, for these last two years. They -have made her believe that my brother Anthony has the full and entire -disposal of her,--that she is but as his horse, or his ox, or any -other of his goods and chattels, which he can give or sell, or -exchange, at his will and pleasure."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That error may be soon proved," exclaimed De Montigni.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay," said Chasseron, before he proceeded, "perhaps not so easily as -you imagine. Depend upon it, these artful people, with power in their -hands, will take good care that you have no opportunity of speaking -with her alone, if they can help it. You have the means, however, of -driving them to it, if you use them skilfully. Let them think that -your decision entirely depends upon her--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have told them so already," replied De Montigni.</p> - -<p class="normal">"So far so good," continued Chasseron; "but keep to your text: refuse -to discuss the subject with them at all, till you have ascertained her -views. Demand an hour's private interview with her; and adhere firmly -to that condition. Let it take place also, in some spot where you -cannot be overheard--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"The rampart is the only place," said Estoc; "on the west side there -are no windows, and I will plant myself at the door, so as to ensure -there be no interruption."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There be it, then," said Chasseron; "and this once gained, the -decision of your fate is in your own hands. You may gain the day, too, -if you like; only remember, listen to no arguments, enter into no -conversation upon any part of the subject; but merely say that, when -Mademoiselle d'Albret, unconstrained and free, assures you fully, with -her own lips, in a private conference, that her happiness depends upon -your making this renunciation of your rights, you are ready to do so, -but not till then. Doubtless, they will tutor her,--doubtless, -they will endeavour to work upon her mind by every argument and -inducement--and many may be devised which we cannot foresee--but you, -on your part, must use your opportunity to the best advantage: press -her home with all the words of love and passion,--call to her mind the -days gone by, the scenes, the affections of childhood; show her how -shamefully you have been deceived; let her know the frauds which have -been put upon herself. Make her comprehend, that it was for you she -was destined by her father; and, if you will, let her know your -generous intentions; tell her that for her happiness you are ready to -sacrifice not only your rights and your inheritance, but even herself. -Then, Parbleu! if you do not win her, you are better without her."</p> - -<p class="normal">The old commander rubbed his hands, exclaiming, "He will win her, he -will win her! Don't be afraid; she is quite ready to be won. She loves -him already, man,--she always has loved him; only the poor little soul -did not understand what it was."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But suppose," said De Montigni in a musing tone, "suppose all this -takes place as we would have it: suppose I am blessed to the utmost of -my hopes and beyond my deserts, that I find her willing to be mine, -unwilling to be his, what is the next step to be taken?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, that is the question," replied Chasseron, "and one not very easy -to resolve. I will give you my opinion, fairly, though it may be -wrong. However, you may follow it or not as you like. Bold measures -are fitted for dangerous circumstances; and deceit, such as has been -used towards you, will justify you in employing means which, were it -otherwise, I would not advise, and you ought not to follow. If you -find her disposed to give her hand to you, and you make open and -decided opposition to the scheme which they themselves have devised, a -thousand to one you will be driven out of the château, and all the -influence of her guardian even to compulsion itself, may perhaps be -used to force her into a marriage with your rival. In the present -condition of the country, it will be difficult to enforce your rights, -so long as she remains here; by no means difficult for them, in the -course of a year or two, to drive her, by persecution, into the arms -of a man she hates. I would advise you, then, all these things -considered, not to let them fully know, all that takes place between -you. Give no decided answer the moment your interview is over; but say -they shall know your resolution the following day. Take advantage of -the time; and, having gained her consent, and arranged your plan, fly -with her at once to the camp of the King. Beyond all doubt Henry, as -soon as he is informed of her father's intentions regarding you, will -bestow her hand upon you. He is a good-humoured man enough; frank and -free; and has a weakness for all love affairs. He will be glad enough, -too, to secure the support of the houses of De Montigni and Marennes -to his own cause; for at present he is a king without a kingdom; a -soldier without money; and, by my faith, too, a husband without a -wife. However, you need not fear his taking yours, for they do say he -is over head and ears in love just now with another person; otherwise -I would not answer for him."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni smiled: "You are no courtier, Monsieur Chasseron," he -said, "and your plan suits me well; but there may be difficulties in -the execution."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pooh, boy!--None, none," cried his uncle; "the business will be quite -easy. Here are old Estoc and I as full of stratagems as the Duchess of -Montpensier. We have had all our cunning bottled up for these ten -years, since I got that cursed wound; and we'll arrange between us a -plan for getting you all out of the château, so that no one shall know -anything about it, for eight hours at least. The King is besieging -Dreux they say; and you can soon reach his camp."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But can I persuade Rose to consent?" asked De Montigni.</p> - -<p class="normal">"To be sure, to be sure," answered the old commander; "when she sees -that there is nothing else for it, she won't hesitate. Besides, your -taking her off to the King's camp, is not as if you were running away -with her to marry her without any authority."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Certainly not," said Chasseron; "remember to impress that upon her -mind: first, that it is according to her father's own disposition, -that she gives you her hand; secondly, that the King's right to the -guardianship of a noble ward, is paramount to that of your uncle, and -quite supersedes it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And you think," asked De Montigni, "that I may be perfectly sure of -Henry's conduct?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perfectly," replied Chasseron.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will be answerable for that," said the commander in a grave and -emphatic tone. "I will pledge my honour, which was never yet forfeit, -that His Majesty shall bestow upon you the hand of Rose d'Albret, as -soon as you reach his camp, and all the circumstances are explained to -him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then," said De Montigni, "my course is clear, and my conduct -decided. If the hopes that you have raised prove just, and that sweet -girl consents, we will fly as has been proposed. If not, and I am -disappointed, I will make the renunciation which is demanded of me, -raise my own retainers, join the King, and, fighting for my lawful -sovereign, will wed myself to honour as my only bride."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I trust, Sir," said the good farmer, "you may ere long be able to -serve the Bearnois, as they call him, not only with your own -retainers, but with those of Marennes and Liancourt too."</p> - -<p class="normal">"God send it--God send it!" cried the commander; "and I will get into -the saddle, too, if the devil were in my hip instead of a pistol ball. -Come along, Estoc; you and I will go and lay out a plan for carrying -off the lady, and I will let Louis know the result to-morrow by -daybreak:--But mind you do your part well, my boy. No shyness--no -diffidence--go right to the point at once. Tell her all about it, and -let her judge for herself.--Now, Monsieur de Chasseron, Estoc and I -will see you to your room," and thus saying, they took leave of De -Montigni, and retreated for the night.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER VIII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">We must now give a space, a very short space indeed, to Rose d'Albret, -who, after speaking a few moments with her uncle, the priest, and -Chazeul, had retired to her own chamber in search of solitary -meditation. There, however, she found her maid waiting for her, it -having been her custom for some weeks, since Chazeul had taken up his -residence at the château, to quit the rest of the party as soon after -supper as possible.</p> - -<p class="normal">"There, take off this stiff gown, Blanchette; give me a dressing gown, -undo and comb my hair; and then you may go and gossip with Monsieur de -Montigni's servants. They have just come from Italy, and will tell -you, I don't doubt, how much prettier the girls of France are than -those on the other side of the Alps. I will undress myself, when I -feel sleepy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed, Mademoiselle, I don't want to gossip with them," said -Blanchette; "if I talk with anybody, it shall be with Alphonso, -Monsieur de Chazeul's head valet. He is a fine man, and a gay one, -like his master. Ay, indeed, Monsieur de Chazeul is something like a -man."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose d'Albret turned suddenly towards her, and fixed her eyes upon her -face, asking, "How much has he given you, Blanchette?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Lord, Mademoiselle!" cried the girl, turning crimson.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, Blanchette, I wish to know," said Rose; "tell me exactly how -much he has given you. These fine gentlemen think that a lady's heart -can never be won rightly without bribing her maid; and therefore, just -in proportion to the number of crowns you have received, I shall judge -that Monsieur de Chazeul values my love. I am quite serious, so mind -you reckon up exactly."</p> - -<p class="normal">The girl evidently did not clearly see whether her mistress spoke -ironically or not, but the tone of Rose d'Albret was so serious, that -she inclined to the latter opinion, and answered hesitatingly, "Why of -course, Mademoiselle, he has given me some little presents at -different times, as all gentlemen do when they are in love."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Little presents!" cried Rose in the same tone, "why then he values me -little. But count up, count up, Blanchette, how much altogether."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, maybe, perhaps a hundred crowns in the whole, Mademoiselle," -answered the maid.</p> - -<p class="normal">"A hundred crowns!" cried Rose d'Albret, "I am worth more than that; -and I'll tell you what, Blanchette, you are a great fool if ever you -say a word in his favour again, unless he gives you treble as much. So -you look to it, undo my hair, and make haste."</p> - -<p class="normal">The girl obeyed the orders she received, and then, by her mistress's -direction, left her. The moment she was gone, however, Rose shook her -head sadly, and burst into tears, exclaiming, "Alas, that they should -thus fill me with suspicion! I am bought and sold like the goods of a -market. No one comes near me that is not bribed or corrupted by some -means. I have nowhere to turn for advice or sympathy or consolation. -What is the meaning of all this? Am I to believe that it is poor Rose -d'Albret, he seeks? No, no, he would take other means to win love, if -love were all he wanted. But I will know, I will see into the bottom -of his heart before I give him my hand.--Give him my hand? Oh God! to -think that the day is coming so soon!--But I will have some better -insight; and if they use such art with me, surely I may be excused for -practising some with them."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose d'Albret leaned her head upon her hand, and thought long and -bitterly; but her mind was now pursuing another course; the image of -De Montigni had risen up before her. Nor would it be banished, though -she was afraid to look upon it steadily. "He is very little changed," -she said to herself; "I can trace all the features of the boy in the -man. He has lost his gay, light-hearted laugh, however--his cheerful -look that spread light around him. He has grown grave and stern. Can -he have suffered? Disappointed love, perhaps, has done its sad work -upon his heart. Oh, that I could comfort him!"</p> - -<p class="normal">She thought again, and other images seemed to present themselves; for, -after a moment's silent musing, she started up, crying "God forbid! -God forbid! Ah! what would come of it, if it were so? Ruin, -destruction, desolation to all perhaps!--Would I had resisted firmly -from the first! Yet I have promised nothing. I have been but passive -in the hands of others. I have heard my fate announced, and made no -answer.--'Tis a vain fancy after all. He hardly spoke to me, looked -cold and askance--perhaps he is offended--no not offended; grieved, -mortified, disappointed, perhaps. Heaven! where are my fancies leading -me? And yet I often thought when my eyes met his, that there was a -look of tenderness, almost of pity in his face, mournful yet -affectionate. Would that I knew what is passing in his heart! Yet what -would it avail?--I know not.--It might perhaps avail to save us both -from misery--or plunge us into greater. 'Tis useless to think of such -things; I will leave fate to take its course, and shape my own as -opportunity occurs. But I may at least strive to gain some knowledge -of this man's character and objects; and, if I do assume a spirit -different from my own to fathom the depth of his, surely it may be -forgiven when the cause is so powerful. I fear--I much fear that I am -wedding cold deceit, and treachery, and wretchedness. I will sooner -die first--sooner resign all I have, hide me in a convent, if needs -must be, and spend my life in prayer. But I will read his heart first. -Perhaps I do him wrong. His motives may be generous and noble for -aught I know; and yet I cannot but doubt it. If they were so, why such -shrewd steps to surround me by those who do nought but praise him? -There is a want of truth and nature in it, that brings suspicion -whether I will or not. De Montigni's very coldness has more of love in -it.--Poor De Montigni, what can have changed him so? I'll find some -means of speaking to him, and, if I can, will give him consolation. He -used to love me much when we were both young; and, if he have any deep -grief at his heart, it will sooth and comfort him to hear words of -sympathy from the lips of Rose d'Albret. I loved him, too, always; and -I could love him still--if it were right."</p> - -<p class="normal">But there she paused, and would not think how much she might love him. -She was like a child who comes to the precipice's edge, peers over, -and runs away in haste, lest he should see the full danger, and, with -giddy brain, fall over.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hark," she continued, "there is Chazeul singing in the rooms below. I -will put out the light, and hie to bed. He is like the night-raven -that fancied himself a nightingale. But I can stop my ears;" and, -undressing hastily, she retired to bed: but sleep was far from her; -and, for many an hour, she lay revolving plans of what she would say -and do on the morrow. Still, thoughts she was afraid of, would -intrude; still, before she was aware of it, her fancy was busy with De -Montigni; still her repugnance to the union with Chazeul grew more and -more strong, and it was not till half the night was spent, that at -length she closed her eyes in sleep. She heard Blanchette come late -into the ante-room where the maid's bed was placed; she heard her -breathe hard soon after, in the dull sleep of selfish content; she -heard sound after sound in the château, indicating that all were -seeking repose; and at length, when every other noise was still, the -deep bell of the clock first striking one, then two. But the third -hour did not find her senses waking.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was daylight the next morning, though it was her habit to rise -early, when her maid called her; and Rose at once perceived that there -was a tale behind the meaning look on the girl's face. "Well, -Blanchette," she said, "what is it? You have got something to tell. -Speak it quickly, girl, I do not love to wait."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah seigneur! Mademoiselle," replied the maid, "I have heard such high -words just now in the hall between the Count, and Monsieur de Chazeul, -and Monsieur de Montigni."</p> - -<p class="normal">The colour fled from the cheek of Rose d'Albret; but she strove hard -to ask in a calm and indifferent tone, what the dispute was about.</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I cannot tell, Mademoiselle," replied the girl, who, like so -many people in her station, only gathered sufficient information to -alarm, but not enlighten; "All I know is, Monsieur de Liancourt looked -very angry, and spoke very high, and the Marquis too; and Monsieur de -Montigni replied coldly to my Lord, saying, 'I must hear that from her -own lips, Sir, with no one present to restrain her.' But when Monsieur -de Chazeul said something I did not hear, the Baron turned upon him -like a lion, and answered 'Silence, Sir! or I shall forget you are my -cousin. You have heard my answer. Be it as you like. I seek not the -conference you seem so afraid to grant, but without it, I sign away no -right that I possess;' and then the Marquis replied, with a scornful -air, 'you are mistaken, Sir; I fear no conference between a lady who -loves me and a boy like you. There is no great rivalry to dread. So, -to keep peace in the house, you shall have this interview, and that -right soon;' and then he turned round and came towards the door, -behind which I stood, and so I came away."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hark!" cried Rose d'Albret, "there is some one knocking at the -ante-chamber door, see who is there! Say I am not dressed, but will be -so soon."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is Monsieur de Chazeul, Mademoiselle," exclaimed the girl, after -going out and returning; "he bade me tell you that the weather has -grown warmer, the frost was gone, and the morning fair and sun-shiny, -if when you are dressed, you will join him on the ramparts, for he -wishes to speak with you."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose laid her hand upon her brow, thought for a moment, and then -exclaimed, "I will go. Quick, dress me, Blanchette. I will go."</p> - -<p class="normal">Her toilet was concluded much sooner than usual; and in a short time, -avoiding the great hall, she was gliding along with a palpitating -heart and unsteady step, by a passage which led direct to the walls. -Before she opened the door between the house and the rampart, however, -Rose d'Albret paused and meditated for a moment, pressed her hand upon -her side as if to stop the beating within, and then saying, "So--so -shall it be," she went out.</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul was walking away from her, towards the end; but he turned the -next moment, and as soon as he saw her, hastened his pace to meet her. -Rose advanced deliberately, but was not a little surprised, when, on -coming near, Chazeul threw his arms round her and attempted to press -his lips upon hers. She repelled him in a moment, with a look of -indignant scorn, but the next instant she calmed the expression of her -countenance, and said, "Nay, nay, Monsieur de Chazeul, you forget you -are not my husband yet, and never may be. So take no liberties, I beg, -or I go in this moment."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And never may be!" cried Chazeul. "Oh, that is settled beyond all -power of recall, sweet Rose. I have your guardian's promise, signed -and sealed, dear lady, so that either Rose d'Albret is my wife or a -cloistered nun for life."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, that is one alternative, at all events, Monsieur," she -answered; "not a very pleasant one indeed, nor one that I am likely to -adopt; but still, do not consider me as your wife, till I am so; and -take no liberties, if you would have me stay with you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, this is but what all lovers take and grant," replied Chazeul; -"however, be it as you will for the present, sweet Rose."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Lovers!" repeated Mademoiselle d'Albret, "pray put the matter on its -right footing, Chazeul. It is better that we should understand each -other clearly. This proposed alliance is what is called a <i>mariage de -convenance</i>. I look upon it as such; and so do you at your heart. I am -not one to love easily. Doubtless I shall love my husband, when he is -so; but in the mean time, all that either of us looks to, is a certain -change in our position for the better. I view the matter quite -reasonably; and so do you, though you think it right to affect a -little passion. Not that I am insensible to the advantage of having a -handsome husband of reputation and distinction; nor you to that of -having a pretty and well dressed wife; but, as the principal question, -there are higher points involved than mere inclination. Deal with me -therefore candidly, Chazeul, and do not make the unnecessary attempt -to deceive me with a show of passion that has nothing to do with the -affair."</p> - -<p class="normal">Had Rose d'Albret assumed a warmer tone, Chazeul might at once have -suspected her; but her calm and reasoning manner was so consistent -with his own notions, that he aided to deceive himself; and judging -her cold, and incapable of any strong passion, felt more secure than -ever of the success of his schemes. "Well, Rose," he said, "I do love -you, whatever you may think; and so do you love me, I believe. But to -speak of these higher matters that you talk of: our marriage is -certainly, under every consideration, the best devised alliance of the -times. You know that the estates of Chazeul are very large, but still -not large enough to give me that power and influence which I might -obtain. The estates of Marennes are nearly equal; and therefore by my -marriage with you, according to your father's and your guardian's -wishes, I well nigh double my station and importance. But there is -something more, dear Rose, in favour of this marriage; my generous -uncle settles on me the whole estates of Liancourt, which add vast -weight to all the rest, so that no member of the Holy Union--ay, -hardly Mayenne himself--will be able to compete with me in wealth and -influence. Splendour and power are before us, Rose, such as princes -might envy; and there is but one difficulty."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha! What is that?" cried his fair companion, in an eager tone.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, it is this," replied the Marquis, with some slight hesitation, -"this boy, De Montigni, you know, has been sent for to sign the -contract and the necessary papers. My uncle generously offers him, as -his share of the inheritance, all the rich benefices at the disposal -of the house of Liancourt. He may hold them, all but the bishopric, -without entering the church; but if he chooses to take that -profession--and he is fit for nothing else--the bishopric can be -easily secured to him also, and then his portion will be even larger -in revenue than mine. It is necessary, however, in order to avoid -after-litigation, that he should sign a renunciation in regard to the -estates; but this he refuses to do till--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Offer him something more," cried Rose d'Albret, willing to try him -thoroughly; "give him the farm of Marcilly. You will scarcely miss it; -and it will serve to make matters easy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is a rich farm," answered Chazeul, shaking his head; "but that is -not the question, Rose. He will not sign till he hears from your own -lips, that it is your wish he should."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will speak to him," said the young lady. "I will speak to him -directly."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, hear me first, sweet Rose," replied Chazeul. "Make your words -short with him. Merely say, that this marriage having been decided and -your hand promised to me, you are placed in a situation of great -embarrassment by his conduct."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I can say that with truth," answered Rose d'Albret; "but then," she -added, "if I find he remains firm, may I not offer him Marcilly?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is unnecessary," said Chazeul, with an impatient look; "for he has -given his word, and will not break it, to sign the papers, if you but -express a wish that he should."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, I cannot ask him," replied Rose d'Albret, "I cannot distinctly -ask him, Monsieur de Chazeul."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And pray why not?" demanded Chazeul, in some surprise.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, for many reasons, which I should think you would see at once," -answered Mademoiselle d'Albret. "In the first place, it would be -laying myself under an obligation which I may find it difficult to -acquit. All I can do is to tell him truly what I feel, to tell him the -embarrassment into which these events may cast me, and then to let him -deliver me from them if he will."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah! here comes father Walter," said Chazeul; but the announcement -gave no pleasure to Rose d'Albret; for she felt that there would be -more difficulty in concealing, from his eyes, what were the real -feelings of her heart than from those of Chazeul, already blinded by -his own self-confidence.</p> - -<p class="normal">Happily for her, however, father Walter had fixed upon his own course; -and trusting to the power which he had always possessed over her mind, -he thought to bind her not by promises, but by principles, forgetting -that when he himself favoured art and deceit, the slightest accident -might discover the whole, and free her from the bonds which he strove -to impose upon her. As he approached, he beckoned Chazeul apart, -saying, "I have a message for you, Monsieur de Chazeul.--Good morning, -my daughter, I would speak a word or two with you in a moment--now -Chazeul," he continued, when Rose had advanced a step or two, "what -has been done?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"She does not exactly promise," said Chazeul, "but she owns that his -conduct places her in circumstances of great embarrassment, and says -she will tell him so--but I am sure she will do what we wish. However, -perhaps it might be better to wait till my mother comes, before we -grant him this interview."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not know," replied the priest, thoughtfully; "if we do, it will -be impossible to prevent De Montigni from having in the meantime some -private conference with the good old commander, which he has not -obtained as yet, for the old man is not yet up, and the young one is -walking in the hall. But if they once meet to discuss this affair, the -fact will come out, that Mademoiselle d'Albret was really destined by -her father for your cousin. No one can tell what effect that may have -upon her, and therefore, it may be better to let their conference take -place before he knows it. Once get his signature, and the matter is -irrevocable. At present he is only vaguely aware that he has a claim -to the estates. He makes some merit, indeed, with her, of his -willingness, for her happiness, to resign his right, but that will not -at all counterbalance the impression we have produced on her mind -that, in marrying you, she is fulfilling the wishes of her parents, -and the engagements that they had made. We had every right, indeed, to -produce such an impression; for the moment that De Montigni renounces -the estates in your favour, you become the person pointed out in the -contract."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pshaw! never mind whether it is right or wrong," replied Chazeul; "so -that the end be gained. But I see what you mean: you are right, we -must get the interview over, before he gains further information. -Then, his word once given, he will not shrink from it. I am sure she -will do it, though she says that she cannot distinctly ask him to -consent, or lay herself under an obligation to him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is all the better," replied the priest; "had she promised too -much I might have doubted, from what I saw last night; but now go you -to your uncle and make sure that there is no speech between De -Montigni and the commander; and I will confirm her in her intentions, -as I well know how. I will join you in ten minutes, and then you can -send De Montigni up here."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, they parted; and, with his usual slow and deliberate -step, the priest advanced to the spot where Mademoiselle d'Albret was -walking thoughtfully along the battlements.</p> - -<p class="normal">"There is a question I wish to ask you, good father," said Rose, -beginning the conversation herself, in order to guide it in the -direction she thought best; "and I beg you would answer me frankly. My -maid tells me, that she overheard high words this morning between De -Montigni and my guardian. What were they about?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Truly, daughter," replied the priest, well-pleased that she had -brought forward the subject at once, "I cannot tell you exactly what -took place, for I was not present. But I know that the conduct of -Monsieur de Montigni is giving the Count great pain, alienating his -affection from him, and, unless something is done to convince him how -wrong he is, I fear we shall have scenes of quarreling and confusion, -the curse of long and tedious lawsuits, ay, and perhaps, even -bloodshed."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed!" exclaimed Rose, with unaffected horror. "Ah! that is very -terrible. How can we stop it, good father?--What is the cause of all -this?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest was well satisfied to see the immediate effect his words -produced. "No one can stop it, my dear child," he replied, "unless it -be yourself. I believe your entreaties would have more effect upon the -mind of Monsieur de Montigni than those of any one; and if you fail, -matters must take their course. But, at all events, if you exert -yourself to restore peace, you will have the blessed satisfaction of -having done your duty. The case is this, my child," he continued, -before Rose could reply: "You are bound to give your hand to Monsieur -de Chazeul, by all those obligations which must be most imperative -upon a woman of good feeling and good principles. Your uncle is bound, -also, by the tenor of his contract with your father, to secure to this -your future husband the estates of Liancourt; for that purpose, and to -avoid contentions and lawsuits, it is necessary that Monsieur de -Montigni should make a renunciation of any claims, real or imaginary, -to those estates. To take from him all cause for complaint, your -guardian has most generously consented to give him revenues, to an -equal amount, from other sources, and that immediately. But Monsieur -de Montigni resists, talks high and loud, and the only thing that -seems to have any effect upon him is, the thought of distressing you, -who were brought up with him as a sister."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose paused thoughtfully for a few moments, really moved and affected; -and the priest, who watched each change of her countenance with keen -and practised eyes, fully believed that he had gained the day. That -supposition was confirmed, when she said in a low and agitated voice, -"Send him to me, good father, send him to me!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will, my dear daughter," answered the priest; "for I feel almost -sure that you will be able to persuade him to a nobler and more -generous line of conduct. I need use no exhortations to you, daughter, -to exert your greatest influence to restore peace in this family; but, -let me say, that for such an object you maybe well justified in -overstepping, in some degree, the bounds which a timid and delicate -woman generally prescribes to herself. For this high purpose, you may -well urge him more warmly and vehemently than you might otherwise -think reasonable and proper, and may hold out to him the inducement of -contributing to your happiness and peace, with a view to restore -tranquillity and comfort in a house where you have ever been treated -as a daughter."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Send him to me, good father," repeated Rose d'Albret. "I know not -what I shall say or do, to effect the purpose desired; but in former -days De Montigni was always generous and self-denying; and if I can -restore peace without any act of injustice, no personal sacrifice on -my part will seem too much for me to make."</p> - -<p class="normal">She spoke sincerely, with all her previous thoughts and feelings -thrown into confusion; and, with a pale cheek and trembling frame she -seated herself upon the parapet, and covered her eyes with her hand.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will send him this moment, my child," replied the priest, convinced -even by her visible agitation, that he had produced the effect he had -desired.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Stay, stay a moment," said the fair girl in a faltering tone; "I am -troubled, father; let me recover myself for a moment."</p> - -<p class="normal">"As long as you will," replied the priest; "but the sooner such a -painful scene is over the better."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now," said Rose d'Albret, after a short pause, "now, good father; and -let him be quick, for I fear my courage will fail."</p> - -<p class="normal">"God's blessing go with your good work!" cried father Walter, and with -a low inclination of the head he retired.</p> - -<p class="normal">At a rapid pace he sought the great hall, where he found Monsieur de -Liancourt seated at a table, and pretending to write a letter, though -the agitated shaking of his hand prevented him from tracing more than -one or two words in a minute. De Montigni was walking up and down on -the other side, with his arms crossed upon his chest, and his eyes -bent upon the ground; and Chazeul was standing, playing with the hilt -of his sword, near the door which led to the ramparts.</p> - -<p class="normal">"All is right and safe," said the priest in a low voice to the Marquis -as he entered. "He has not seen the Commander?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no," whispered Chazeul; "but the old man must be down soon. He is -later than usual."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The change of weather always affects his wounds," replied the priest; -"but the sooner this is over the better.--Monsieur de Montigni," he -continued, crossing the hall, "Mademoiselle d'Albret wishes to speak -with you on the ramparts."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Very well," replied De Montigni, advancing towards the door. But -pausing in the midst of the hall, and drawing up his head proudly, he -added, gazing first at Monsieur de Liancourt, then at Chazeul, -"Remember, gentlemen, I am to have one hour unwatched, unlistened to, -unrestrained--ay, and uninterrupted; and if, in that time, -Mademoiselle d'Albret distinctly asks me to sign these papers, I will -do it before noon to-morrow. That is our compact."</p> - -<p class="normal">"So be it," answered the Count; and Chazeul bent his head with a -sarcastic smile.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER IX.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">The heart of poor Rose d'Albret beat so fast as she sat upon the -battlements, leaning her head and arm upon the stone-work of one of -the embrasures, that she feared she would faint before De Montigni -appeared. She longed eagerly to think over all that had taken place -that morning, over her own sensations, over her past, over her future -conduct. But her ideas were all in wild confusion; and she could not -command her mind sufficiently to give them anything like order and -precision. In a few minutes, however, she heard a step; and looking -round towards the door which led across the drawbridge into the -château, she saw De Montigni advancing towards her with a quick pace. -She trembled to meet him, but yet as she gazed there was nothing stern -or harsh or cold in his countenance. It was somewhat grave, perhaps; -but still there was a light in his eyes, a look of hopefulness and -satisfaction. It was more like that of the youth, who had left her -five years before, than it had appeared since his return; and, as he -came near he held out his hand towards her, saying, "Rose!--dear -Rose!"</p> - -<p class="normal">She could not resist the tone and the manner; but starting up at once, -she placed both her hands in his, while the warm blood of emotion -mounted up into her cheeks and forehead, and made her whole face one -glow. The next moment her eyes were drowned in tears; but De Montigni, -without noticing them, drew her arm through his, and led her towards -the further part of the rampart, while good old Estoc, with a heavy -sword by his side, appeared upon the flying bridge, and leaned over -the chains, looking into the space below.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Dry your tears, dearest Rose," said De Montigni; "dry your tears, and -calm your heart, and listen with your whole mind to one who has always -loved you, as a boy, as a youth, as a man--one who is ready at your -slightest word to make any or every sacrifice, but to procure you one -moment's happiness."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, De Montigni!" exclaimed Rose d'Albret, "do not speak to me so -tenderly, do not speak to me so kindly, or any little calmness, any -little power over my mind that I may hope to possess, will be lost -altogether."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, that must not be, Rose," replied De Montigni; "I have need of -your full attention, dearest Rose, and I have not come here to agitate -or afflict you. I have sought this interview that we may understand -each other clearly and fully, or rather, that I may know and be quite -sure that, in anything I do, I am really consulting your wishes and -your happiness, and that you are not deceived, as I have been, in -regard to the circumstances of your position."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Alas, De Montigni!" answered his fair companion, "I fear no -explanation can deliver me from the terrible embarrassment in which I -am placed. Indeed, indeed, I know not which way to turn or what to do. -I would give worlds, I would do anything, to restore peace to this -family, but I have no right to ask you to make sacrifices, I have no -right to injure or to distress you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Talk not of sacrifices, Rose," replied De Montigni in a mournful -tone; "talk not of sacrifices to me. I am ready to make any, <i>all</i> for -your dear sake. You have nothing to do but to command, and I will -obey; but it is upon the sole condition that I know it to be for your -happiness; and first, Rose, let me beseech you to tell me, how you -conceive you stand regarding this marriage."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not understand you," replied Mademoiselle d'Albret; "how do you -mean, De Montigni?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"We have but an hour, Rose, for all that we have to say," answered De -Montigni, "therefore forgive me if I ask you plain and straightforward -questions upon subjects into which I have, perhaps, no right to -inquire; and answer me candidly and frankly--I know you will. First, -dearest Rose, is it love, or what you consider duty, that binds you to -Nicholas de Chazeul?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Duty, duty," replied Rose d'Albret eagerly; then placing her hand -upon her brow, she thought for an instant, and added with a melancholy -shake of the head, "Love? Ah, no! Alas, love has little to do with it, -on either side!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then almost all my questions are answered, Rose," replied De -Montigni, taking her hand, and pressing it in his own.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, do not, do not, Louis," said his fair companion; "you agitate, -you alarm me. I must do my duty, De Montigni; I have promised to -endeavour to restore peace to this household. Remember, I must obey--I -must fulfil the engagement entered into by my father."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then, Rose d'Albret," replied the young nobleman, "you are the bride -of Louis de Montigni, and not of Nicholas de Chazeul: the bride of one -who has loved you from infancy, not of a cold and heartless villain, -who loves nothing but himself."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose d'Albret turned, withdrew her arm, and gazed upon him for a -moment in pale and speechless astonishment. The next moment her lips -too turned white, and she would have fallen had not her lover caught -her in his arms.</p> - -<p class="normal">Poor De Montigni knew little of woman's heart, and could ill -distinguish between the effects of mere emotion and distress. He -carried rather than led her to the side of the wall, and seating her -in one of the embrasures, hastened to reassure her, as he thought. -"Listen to me, Rose, listen to me, dearest girl," he said; "De -Montigni is not about to take advantage of any circumstances of his -situation. It is for you, as I said just now, to command, and for me -to obey. I am ready at a word to renounce my inheritance, my rights, -my hopes--yes, Rose, even you yourself--if it be necessary for your -happiness--I forgive you for having deceived me but now. If you now -answer that you love this man, I am willing, ready to renounce all, -even my newly awakened joy, that you may be at peace. I shall soon -find repose on some field of battle."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have promised nothing," murmured Rose d'Albret to herself; "Thank -God, I have promised nothing! I have acquiesced in what they told me -was a duty--nothing more--Oh no, no, thank God, I have done no more;" -and she burst into a passionate flood of tears.</p> - -<p class="normal">After a moment, however, she dried them suddenly and looked up. "What -was it you said, De Montigni?" she cried; "tell it me again! It seems -like a dream. Tell it me again. Surely you said I was not doomed to -wed Chazeul!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Louis de Montigni gazed upon her with a look in which surprise, and -joy, and thankfulness gradually rose up like the increasing flame upon -an altar. "Oh, Rose," he said, "your words give me life. I did say you -were not doomed to wed Chazeul. Your fate depends upon your own -decision, and upon my actions, which your decision will rule. Listen -to me, dear one, and I will in a few short words explain all. We shall -have much to speak of afterwards, so mark well every point. My uncle, -the commander, will confirm all I say, if you doubt me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Doubt you, De Montigni? Doubt <i>you?</i>" asked Rose d'Albret, extending -her hand to him. "I'd sooner doubt myself. But speak, Louis, speak. -What have you to tell?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"A brief tale, but a sad one," answered De Montigni. "In years long -gone, your guardian, the Count, being then married to your aunt, and -childless, the good old commander made a renunciation, on my father's -marriage, of all his claims to the estates of Liancourt in my mother's -favour. I became, therefore, the presumptive heir; and your good -father entered into a contract with my uncle, the Count, by which, in -case of his death, you were to become the ward of Monsieur de -Liancourt, and to wed the nephew to whom his estates naturally -descended. Since then, I find, the Count has been persuaded by some -persons--my aunt Jacqueline de Chazeul, I believe, and I fear the -priest also--to favour a scheme for substituting Chazeul in place of -myself. The particulars of the contract have been kept secret from you -and me. I have been sent afar till the whole plot was mature; you have -been taught to consider yourself as the promised bride of another. My -renunciation, however, was necessary, in order that, by rendering -Chazeul the heir of the estates of Liancourt, it might give validity -to your marriage with him, in the face of which stands my uncle's -contract with your father so long as the estates are entailed upon me. -For this purpose was I sent for from Italy, still kept in ignorance. -But I had never forgotten Rose d'Albret. I shrunk from signing away my -birthright without inquiry. Forgive me, Rose, forgive me, if I say I -would have done anything to obstruct--ay, even to delay for a day or -hour your marriage with another. Then came the priest to talk with me; -and from him--by a slip of the tongue I believe--I learned my claim to -the estates. In a private interview with my uncle, the commander, I -learned my whole rights, and the contract signed by your father. The -whole villanous scheme was in short exposed; and from others rather -than my own presumption, I learned to hope--what shall I say?--that -Rose d'Albret might as willingly unite her fate with the companion of -her girlhood, as with a man whom she must, when his fraud is all -discovered, in some degree condemn. Yet still, Rose, still, if your -heart leads you towards him, speak but the word! De Montigni is yours: -without you I am nothing--fortune, rank, hope, life itself, is an -empty bubble. All shall be resigned at your first bidding; and to know -I have made you happy by my own wretchedness, shall be the consolation -of my remaining days, the one sole light of a dark existence, the -friendly hand that closes my willing eyes in death. But if not--if you -have been but constrained by a cold sense of duty--if you can find -happiness with one who has always loved you--if you can give your -heart in return for passion such as you deserve--oh Rose, oh, my -beloved!"</p> - -<p class="normal">He held out his arms to her as he spoke; the wall shaded them from -observation: he drew nearer, more near; and Rose d'Albret with a cheek -of crimson, and overflowing eyes, bent forward her head and sobbed -upon his bosom.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Thou art mine! thou art mine! Thou dearest and best beloved," cried -De Montigni, clasping her to his heart. "But hark!" he exclaimed, -"there is the clock striking ten. We have but half an hour, Rose, to -settle all our plans. Thou art mine, however; and it shall be a strong -hand that tears thee from me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But, oh, De Montigni," exclaimed Rose d'Albret, withdrawing herself -from his arms and looking up with apprehension in her face, "How will -all this end? There will be strife--there may be bloodshed!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fear not, dear one," answered her lover. "It is that which I would -fain avoid; and if Rose d'Albret will deign for the sake of De -Montigni, to overstep some cold proprieties, to trust herself entirely -to one in whom she has acknowledged she can confide, to fly to the -court of the King with her promised, her contracted husband, all -difficulties, all dangers will be at an end; and in our sovereign's -presence, with all the nobility of France to witness, we will pledge -our vows at the altar, let who will gainsay it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"To fly!--Oh, Louis," cried Rose d'Albret; but the next moment she -bent down her eyes, placed her hand in his, and added in a low tone, -"But I am yours. Do with me what you will. I know you would not wrong -me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not for the joy of heaven," answered De Montigni. "But it is the only -way, dear Rose, to avoid evils innumerable, strife, contention, and a -thousand black and terrible things hidden from us by the dark curtain -of the future. You must fly with me, dear Rose. You must fly with me -this very night."</p> - -<p class="normal">"To-night!" said the young lady; "to-night, Louis?" but after a -moment's thought, she continued, "Yet it must be so, I believe. -To-morrow might be too late; and perhaps, they may not let me speak -with you again, Louis."</p> - -<p class="normal">"If they discover the nature of our conversation most certainly they -will not," replied De Montigni; "but that we must conceal from them. I -am not one to teach you deceit, dear Rose. God forbid that you should -lose that bright candour which, to the mind, is what the hue of warm -health is to the face. But these people have dealt wrongfully with you -and me; to deliver you from their hands without long contention, there -is but one way open; and we are not bound to reveal our plans and -purposes, our views and feelings, to those who would misuse their -knowledge."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But if they ask me?" said Rose d'Albret; "what can I do?--what can I -say?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Say as little as possible, my beloved," answered De Montigni. "Enter -into no particulars; merely tell them that you found me very resolute; -but add, that my decision must rest with myself, after what you have -said, and that you believe, upon due consideration of all the -circumstances, I will do what is right. Be sure too, dear Rose, that -you may safely say so; for I will do what is right to the utmost. Then -if they try to investigate more closely, boldly refuse to answer. Say -that, to tell them all the words which passed between us would be to -betray my confidence, and you will not do it. Let them not lead you on -from one thing to another, but keep your reply to as simple a -statement as possible."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will! I will!" replied Rose d'Albret; "I know the danger of -suffering them to entangle me in explanations or discussion."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And particularly beware of the priest," added her lover. "He is not -honest, Rose, and has made himself their tool."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I fear it is so," answered the young lady. "Even now he tried to -deceive me, and partly succeeded."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Let him not do so again, dear one," said De Montigni; "but there is -another person of whom you must likewise have a care. I mean Madame de -Chazeul. She will be here soon, and though, perhaps, I judged harshly -of her while I was a boy, I find my good uncle, the commander, her own -brother, is but little more merciful to her character."</p> - -<p class="normal">"If she be coming, I will hide myself," answered Rose. "Oh, she is a -horrible woman! I always avoid her; I always abhor her company. I -remember well things she has said that froze my blood. She scoffs at -the very thought of goodness and honour; and with her serpent-tongue -would have one believe, that no one is virtuous but in appearance; and -yet I have heard her as bitter against others for light faults, as if -she had none herself."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She is treacherous too, as well malevolent, I find," replied De -Montigni; "therefore avoid her to-day as much as possible, dearest."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have a bad head-ach, Louis, with all this agitation," said Rose; -"but I am glad of it; for it will give me a fair excuse for lying down -again. Burdened with the secret now in my bosom, I would not spend a -day with that woman for the world. She would try all means, to make me -tell her everything that has passed or force me to a lie to conceal -it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps your plan may be the best," rejoined De Montigni; "but -remember, dear Rose, you will have to wake and rise an hour after -midnight, to fly with him who loves you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But how, Louis? how?" asked Mademoiselle d'Albret. "Remember in these -times the gates are guarded."</p> - -<p class="normal">"All that is settled and laid out," replied her lover. "Only be ready, -dear one, to come with me at the hour I name. Bring little with you; -leave jewels, and clothes, and all behind. All I seek, all I desire, -is Rose herself; and though, perhaps, amidst these contentions, your -guardian may keep us long from our rights in your inheritance, yet De -Montigni has enough for himself and her he loves; and I do not think -that Rose will murmur at the want of splendour and high estate, if her -heart be satisfied with its choice."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose d'Albret gazed at him with a bright smile, for she could not but -contrast with pleasure, his thoughts with those of Chazeul. "I will be -ready, Louis," she said, "and I will own, a crust of bread, with one -who feels as you do, will be better to me than splendour and feasting -with another. But there is one difficulty, Louis," she added, -suddenly, while the smile passed away, and a look of apprehension took -its place. "What can I do with my maid Blanchette? I thought the girl -was honest and true, but these people have corrupted her. Every one -who approaches me seems to have been gained by some means; and, with -those who have not been so gained, they have long suffered me to have -no private conversation. Even with the good old commander himself, -since he returned hither from Paris, about two months ago, they have -not allowed me to speak for a moment without some one being present. -But Blanchette, what is to be done about Blanchette? She owned this -morning that she had received bribes from Chazeul to a considerable -extent."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni mused. "We must find some remedy, dear Rose," he replied -at length: "a person who has received one bribe will generally not -refuse another, and I must try to outbid Chazeul. But why should she -have any part in the affair? Why should she know it at all?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"She sleeps in my ante-room," answered Rose d'Albret. "I cannot pass -out without her hearing me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There is the window, dearest Rose," said her lover; "it is but a few -feet above the wall; and we must try that, if other resources fail. At -all events, be at the window at one. I will come to speak to you -there, and tell you what is arranged. You must be quite ready, -however, dearest Rose; for our safety may depend upon a moment."</p> - -<p class="normal">"My heart sinks when I think of it," replied Rose d'Albret. "But yet, -Louis--but yet, Louis," she answered, "I will not hesitate; for it is -the only way to escape from a fate, of which I now feel, for the first -lime, all the wretchedness:--but how shall I know when you are beneath -the window?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will reach up and knock with the point of my sword," answered -De Montigni, "and then we must speak low, lest any one should -hear.--Hark! there are voices; the time, I suppose, is at an end. -Adieu! dearest Rose, adieu! Be ready--pray be ready; for I feel sure -that happiness will attend us. Nevertheless, let us now have grave and -serious countenances; for we must not let them see, that there are any -warmer feelings in our hearts."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I shall not find it difficult to look grave, Louis," replied the -lady; "for it is a hard necessity that drives me to do that which I -do.--But, hark! they are surely quarreling there!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis Estoc will not suffer Chazeul to pass, I dare say, answered De -Montigni.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Go, Louis, go," cried Mademoiselle d'Albret; "for heaven's sake, do -not let them dispute.--Adieu! adieu!"</p> - -<p class="normal">They were at this moment on a part of the walls which, running round -from the drawbridge we have mentioned, passed under a defence which -was called <i>the cavalier</i>, and was concealed by it from the windows of -the building, as well as from the bridge and the rest of the rampart. -De Montigni felt strongly inclined to press his fair companion to his -heart before he left her; but he wisely refrained, and looking up to -the top of <i>the cavalier</i>, he had cause to be satisfied with his own -self-command; for just above the parapet, he caught sight of part of a -man's head, evidently watching them.</p> - -<p class="normal">Taking Rose's hand, then, he bent his head over it, whispering, "We -are watched, Rose;" adding aloud, "Farewell, then, Mademoiselle -d'Albret, I will consider all you have said," he took a step back, -bowed low, and retired along the wall.</p> - -<p class="normal">When he came within sight of the bridge, he found that, as he had -supposed, the good old soldier had thrust himself right in the way of -Chazeul, and holding his sheathed sword in his left hand, seemed ready -to draw it if the other attempted to pass him. Chazeul was in the act -of turning to speak to some person behind; and De Montigni heard him -exclaim aloud, "Call Monsieur de Liancourt!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The moment, however, that Estoc caught sight of the young Baron -advancing rapidly along the wall, he dropped the sword back into its -place, and suffered Chazeul to come forward. The cheek and brow of the -latter were fiery red, and his eye flashing with anger, as he -exclaimed,</p> - -<p class="normal">"This is very modest and proper indeed, Monsieur de Montigni! Do you -forget that you are in your uncle's château, that you thus set a guard -upon his walls to prevent his family from passing?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"To ensure, Sir, that they keep their word with me," said De Montigni. -"I am quite well aware that I have but little more right than yourself -to command in this place; however, do not let us quarrel, Chazeul," he -added with a serious air; "we have things of more serious consequence -to think of--at least I have."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I dare say you have," replied Chazeul with a triumphant smile, -judging from his cousin's countenance that all things had gone -according to his own wishes. "Well, what is the result of your -conference?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Of that hereafter," answered De Montigni, passing on. "Nay, no words -at present, good Estoc," he continued; seeing the old soldier eying -Chazeul with an angry glance, "let the past be forgotten, if you would -not grieve me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But one warning first to this young gentleman," said Estoc; "Do not -use such words again to a French gentleman, Monsieur de Chazeul; for I -give you fair notice, that, if I be the one on whom you spend them, I -will send my sword through your body, as I have done to many a better -man than yourself before now."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You might not find me quite tranquil under such an honour, Master -Estoc," replied Chazeul; "but I will take care that you shall be -chastised for your insolence, by those whom it may better become to -meddle with you:" and thus saying, he followed De Montigni over the -bridge and through the passage into the hall.</p> - -<p class="normal">To say the truth, the heart of Louis de Montigni was not quite at -ease: for, how long he had been watched from <i>the cavalier</i>, and how -much of what he had said had been overheard, he could not tell. The -small part of the man's head which he had observed, did not enable him -to judge who it was that had been playing the eaves-dropper; and he -more feared the priest than any one else. But when he entered the hall -he found father Walter there, and his uncle absent; and, the moment -after, Monsieur de Liancourt himself appeared with an air of so much -satisfaction, that De Montigni's apprehensions of discovery were at an -end.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Louis," said the Count, "I trust you are satisfied, and that -you have made up your mind to yield all this idle resistance, and sign -the papers at last with a good grace."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have promised my reply before noon to-morrow," replied De Montigni -with a frown upon his brow; for he was not well pleased with the -pitiful art which had been used towards him. "Before I sign anything, -however, I must read the papers, and consider them well; it is but -fair to know, what I am asked to do."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You are mightily long and deliberate, Monsieur de Montigni," said -Chazeul; "I understood that you were to make up your mind by what -Mademoiselle d'Albret thought fit to say. Now I will take it upon -myself to affirm, that she did ask you to sign them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You are wrong, Monsieur de Chazeul," replied his cousin, turning upon -him sternly, "she did not."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You are too frank and noble, my son, I am sure," observed father -Walter, "to have recourse to an evasion; and we have every reason to -suppose that, if the young lady did not actually ask you to put your -hand to these documents, she did what was tantamount, and expressed -some wish that it should be so."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have every reason to think so too," said Monsieur de Liancourt; -"nay, indeed, I am sure of it. Come, Louis, be frank, and tell us what -she did say upon the subject."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni mused for a moment, and then replied, "Our conversation -was long, Sir, and I have neither will nor power to repeat it all; but -the only words which she used, that could at all bear the -interpretation you would give to them, were, as far as I can remember -them, these; that she would give worlds, she would do anything to -restore peace to the family, but that she had no right to ask me to -make sacrifices, or to injure or to distress me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I think nothing could be more plain," said father Walter; "surely, my -son, you cannot pretend to misunderstand her meaning?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not pretend to misunderstand her at all, good father," answered -the young nobleman; "and I am in no degree disposed to cavil or to -evade. I will not be hurried, however, in any of my proceedings. By -what Mademoiselle d'Albret judges best for her own happiness, I will -be guided; and, as I said before, ere noon to-morrow I shall be -prepared to act decidedly. In the meantime I require to see these -papers; and as, perhaps, it may be needful that I should have some one -with me to explain to me, while reading them, anything I do not -understand, I should wish uncle Michael, or father Walter here, or -both, to be present with me while I look over them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, father Walter by all means!" cried Monsieur de Liancourt; "you -know my brother Michael, though as good a soldier as ever lived, is -nothing but a soldier. He does not understand these things at all."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And I but little," rejoined the priest. "However, if Monsieur de -Montigni is content that I should be his fellow-student, I am most -willing to give him any explanation in my power."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Madame de Chazeul is just coming into the court-yard, my lord," said -a servant, hurrying up the hall and addressing Monsieur de Liancourt.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I must go down to receive her," exclaimed the Count. "Then it is -understood, De Montigni, that you will read the papers with father -Walter? Fix the hour yourself, and you shall have them."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying he hastened away; and, after a few minutes' more -conversation with the priest, De Montigni went in search of his uncle, -the commander, whom he found walking up and down the corridor. Father -Walter remained for an instant talking to Chazeul, but the old -commander had scarcely time to say to his nephew, "Well, boy, well, is -all settled?" and De Montigni to answer, "To my heart's content, my -dear uncle," when the step of Chazeul was heard approaching.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Devil fly away with the fellow," said the old soldier: "when I found -that you were with our dear little Rose, I got out of his way, for -fear I should betray myself; and now here he comes again. Keep it -close, Louis, keep it close! No stratagem ever succeeded but with a -shut mouth.--Ah, Chazeul! are not you going to see your mother? She is -in the court they tell me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She will be here directly, Sir," replied Chazeul, "then I shall see -her;" and, attaching himself to their party, he remained for the -evident purpose of preventing any private communication between them.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER X.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">Those who have visited France in the present day, who have travelled -over that rich and fertile land from end to end, who have journeyed -through its least frequented districts, and examined into the nooks -and corners which are but little exposed to the eye of the ordinary -traveller, have yet, in general, but a very faint idea of the scene it -presented at the period of which we write. Yet were they to bring -history to aid their researches, from time to time, they would -discover such fragments of a former day as might enable them to call -up before their eyes a true picture of France during the wars of the -League, as a Buckland or a Sedgwick, from the teeth and bones of long -extinct animals, and from the leaves of trees that have decayed for -thousands of years, are enabled to raise up from the waves of time an -image of a by-gone world, and people it with monstrous things, such as -the eye of man probably never beheld in actual existence.</p> - -<p class="normal">The whole country towards the end of the sixteenth century, torn with -factions, desolated by rapine, stained with bloodshed, knew nought of -commerce, manufactures, or arts, and even agriculture itself, on which -the daily support of the people depended, was accompanied with terror -and danger. Thus hamlets and villages, through wide districts of the -most fertile parts of France, were swept away or left vacant; the -houses of the farmer and the labourer had grown few, and were -sometimes defended with trenches and palisades against any of the -smaller bands that roved the country; the greater part of the -population was gathered into fortified cities; and the rest of the -kingdom was dotted with châteaux and maisons fortes, generally at a -considerable distance from each other, often in the hands of opposite -factions, and always prepared for stern resistance against the attack -of an enemy.</p> - -<p class="normal">In the part of the country of which we have been writing, these -castles of the old feudal nobility were somewhat numerous; and we must -now beg leave to remove the reader for a time from the Château de -Marzay to that of Chazeul, which lay, as he has been already informed, -at no great distance. We must also go back to an early hour in the -morning of that day of which we have just been speaking, in order that -those who peruse these pages may be made acquainted with some events -which weave themselves into the web of the history as we proceed with -our task.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was at an early hour then--perhaps a little before six o'clock; -and, though there was a certain degree of grey mingling with the -blackness over head, yet the light of a wintry morning had not -sufficiently dawned to enable any one to see within the various rooms -of the château. It was at this period that, in a small chamber, -plainly furnished, and somewhat high up in one of the many towers of -which the building consisted, there sat a very lovely girl, reading by -the light of a small lamp a number of old letters which seemed to -cause deep and painful emotions in her heart; for the tears streamed -rapidly down her cheeks, and almost drowned her sight, as she -continued that which seemed a sad and sorrowful task.</p> - -<p class="normal">The eyes from which those drops poured so rapidly, were large and -black as jet, but soft and yet lustrous, even when swimming in the dew -of grief. Her hair too, and her fine eyebrows, were of the same inky -hue, but her skin was beautifully fair and clear, with a faint tinge -of the rose in the soft cheek. In years she might be somewhere between -eighteen and twenty, delicate in form, yet with limbs so well -proportioned and lines so exquisitely drawn by the pencil of the Great -Artist, that every movement displayed some new grace, whether when -leaning her head on her hand, she bent down over the page, or raised -her look suddenly to heaven, as if appealing on high for comfort or -for justice.</p> - -<p class="normal">Her back as she sat was turned towards the door; and her whole soul -was evidently busy with the task before her--too busy as it proved; -for she heard no step upon the stairs; she heard no hand upon the -lock; she heard no movement in the room. She fancied that all in the -house, but her own sad self, were sleeping quietly till the break of -day. But it was not so; for as she bent over the pages, the door -behind her opened quietly and an elderly woman, dressed in the extreme -fashion of the day, though in a travelling costume, looked in, and -then paused suddenly on seeing the light and the figure I have -described. Her features were aquiline and strongly marked, her eyes -keen and sunk, her figure tall and upright, but upon the faded cheek, -even at that early hour, might be seen aglow of red, which, it needed -no very practised eye to discover, was laid on by another hand than -that of nature; and her eyebrows also betrayed a debt to art.</p> - -<p class="normal">She paused as I have said for a moment at the door, then advanced with -noiseless step, the perfect silence of which was produced by the -slippers of fur which she wore to defend her feet in travelling from -the cold; and approaching the fair reader from behind, she stretched -forth her long, and somewhat meagre neck, and peered over her shoulder -at the papers on the table.</p> - -<p class="normal">The next instant, she laid her large thin hand upon them with a firm -and heavy pressure; and the poor girl, starting up with a short -scream, stood before her, with face and lips as white as those of -death, eyes gazing with astonishment and fear, and limbs as motionless -as if she had been turned into stone.</p> - -<p class="normal">"What is this, Helen de la Tremblade?" said the Marchioness de -Chazeul, in a sharp and ringing tone; "What is this, girl? Answer me -this moment."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, Madam, pardon me! pardon me!" cried the poor girl, falling at her -feet.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pardon you?" said the lady, with a bitter look; "I will first see -what I have to pardon;" and she began to gather up the letters.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh no! no! no!" exclaimed the other, starting on her feet again, and -endeavouring to snatch them away. "You must not--no you must not! -Do with me what you will; but do not read those. They are mine, -Madam,--they are mine alone!"</p> - -<p class="normal">But the Marchioness thrust her rudely back, till she reeled to the -other side of the room, at the same time crying, "How now, jade! -Yours? I will read every word. Sit down upon that stool, and move a -step if you dare.--But I will secure you!" and, first gathering up the -letters, she turned to the door, locked it, and walking back to the -table laid the key upon it, while she drew a seat facing the poor -culprit, and repeated, "Sit down, this instant!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The unhappy girl obeyed, and covered her face, now crimson, with her -trembling hands; and Madame de Chazeul drawing the lamp nearer to her, -began to read the letter which lay at the top, commenting, as she -proceeded, in a low hoarse voice, like the croak of a raven towards -the approach of day. "Ha!" she said, as she went on, "Chazeul's hand! -Good! I might have divined this. 'Eternal love and passion!'--Fool! -There's nothing eternal but folly."</p> - -<p class="normal">Farther on, however, she seemed to find matter which occupied her more -deeply; for her muttered words ceased, her brow put on a still heavier -frown, and her small black eyes flashed with double fierceness. "How? -how?" she cried, after nearly finishing the letter; "and is it so? -What need I more? This is enough in conscience--Oh, base girl! But I -will see more--I will see more!" and she turned to another page.</p> - -<p class="normal">When she had read some way farther, she laid the letter down again -upon the table, and gazed at it sternly for several moments, with -thoughts evidently busy afar; and then turning to the poor girl, who -sat with her face still covered with her hands, she said, "Come -hither!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The girl obeyed with slow, trembling, and uncertain steps, not daring -to raise her eyes. When she was near, however, she once more sank upon -her knees before the harsh and heartless woman in whose power she was, -and lifted her hands as if in the act of supplication; but for several -moments her lips refused their office, and no sound of voice was -heard. At length when she did speak it was only to say, "Forgive me, -oh forgive me!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps I will," replied the Marchioness, in a somewhat softer tone, -though at the same time there was a lurking sneer at the corner of her -mouth that showed no very merciful sensations, "perhaps I will, if you -instantly make a full confession. Tell me how all this happened, -without disguise; and perhaps your shame may be yet concealed. Speak, -girl, speak."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, what can I say?" cried the unhappy girl, "you know all now; you -see the words he used, the promises he made; you know that I was left -entirely to his guidance. Often when you were away, he has been here -for weeks together; when you were here, he was always suffered to be -with me. Long I resisted--for two years; ever since my uncle placed me -with you, has he tempted, and urged, and vowed, and I refused. But I -was like a besieged city without assistance or support, and was driven -to yield at length, when perhaps deliverance was at hand."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Without assistance and support, base girl!" cried Madame de Chazeul, -"why did you not tell me? and you should have soon had aid."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, lady!" replied Helen de la Tremblade, "I did tell you at first, -when his words were not so clear; and you scoffed and jeered at me -till I dared not say more; and, after that, I learned to love him. -Then, for his sake, I dared not speak."</p> - -<p class="normal">"So it was my fault, was it?" said the Marchioness with a look of -haughty contempt. "Thus is it ever; when a fool commits a folly, it is -ever because somebody else did not counsel or help him. Was I the -guardian of your virtue, girl?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"You should have been," replied Helen de la Tremblade, a momentary -spark of indignation rising in her breast as the worm was trampled on, -"you should have been, against your own son."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha!" cried the Marchioness with a flashing eye; but then, restraining -herself, she demanded, "Who brought these letters? Who was the pander -to your guilt?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, do not ask me that," said her unhappy companion; "be angry with -me, if you will; ask what you please about myself; but do not, do not -vent your wrath on others."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Will you say?" cried the Marchioness, in a furious tone. "This -moment, will you say?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no!" answered Helen in a deprecatory tone, "I cannot, I will not. -He knew not what he brought."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You will not!" repeated the Marchioness sternly, "you will not! Girl, -you shall! Are you not in my power?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"You have no power to make me injure another," replied Helen -mournfully; "I have injured myself enough; your son has corrupted, -destroyed, betrayed me. With all these vows and promises written with -his own hand, he is now about to wed another, whom he has no right to -wed. Surely this is enough of misery; and I will not make my heart so -sad as it would be, were I to add the ruin of another to my own."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Vows! promises! no right to wed her, base girl! I will soon show you -what are such promises!" and, snatching up the whole packet of -letters, she held them open to the flame of the lamp.</p> - -<p class="normal">Contrary, perhaps, to the expectation of Madame de Chazeul, Helen de -la Tremblade made not the slightest effort to stop her in the act. -Whether it was that she felt her strength was not equal to contend -with the tall and masculine woman, who was thus taking from her the -only proof of those promises by which she had been betrayed, or -whether it was the apathy of utter despair that restrained her, I -cannot tell; but there she stood, motionless though not unmoved, with -her eyes now tearless though full of sorrow, with her lip quivering -but without a sound. Oh, who can tell the dark and terrible feelings -of the poor girl's heart at that moment when, to all the bitterness of -sin, and shame, and sorrow, and betrayed love, and disappointed hope -and blighted affection, she saw destroyed before her face every -evidence of the arts that had been used to deceive her, all that could -palliate, if not justify, her conduct?</p> - -<p class="normal">The flame caught the letters in an instant; and with a resolute hand -the Marchioness held the papers till the fire nearly scorched her, -then cast the fragments on the tiled floor, and, as they were -consumed, turned with a bitter and a mocking laugh to the poor -culprit, exclaiming, "Now talk of vows and promises!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"They are written in heaven, if not on earth," replied Helen de la -Tremblade, gazing at her with a degree of firmness that but enraged -her the more.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Heaven!" she exclaimed in a contemptuous tone, "heaven! do you dare -to talk of heaven? Fool, if that is your resource, I will make you rue -your conduct, at least on earth!" Then advancing to the door, she -unlocked it, returned, and, grasping the poor girl by the arm, dragged -her after her, down the stairs and through the long corridors of the -château, to the outer hall.</p> - -<p class="normal">Now came the bitterest moment of the whole for the unhappy victim. The -hall was filled with attendants prepared for a journey. There were -servants and armed men, the two maids of Madame de Chazeul, and a gay -page jesting with one of them. All eyes were fixed upon her as, -dragged on by the Marchioness, she was brought into the midst of them; -and oh, how thankful she would have been if the earth would but have -opened and swallowed her alive!</p> - -<p class="normal">"Undo the door!" cried Madame de Chazeul. "There, throw it wide! Now, -strumpet, get thee forth, and carry your shame to any place where it -may be marketable!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh God!" cried Helen de la Tremblade, clasping her hands in agony, -"can it be possible? Have you--have you no pity?--At least let me take -that which belongs to me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Forth, wretch, forth!" cried the Marchioness, stamping her foot. -"Drive her out, drive her out, I say!"</p> - -<p class="normal">No one stirred to obey the cruel order; but Helen turned and waved her -hand, roused into some firmness by the cruel treatment she met with. -"That shall not be needed, Madam," she said. "I go; and when you stand -at the awful judgment-seat of God, with all your sins upon your head; -when all that you have done through life comes up before you as a -picture, may you find a more merciful judge than you have proved to -me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Away with you, away with you!" cried the Marchioness, adding the -coarsest term of reprobation that in the French language can be -applied to woman. "It is ever thus with such wretches as you: when -detected in sin, they begin to cant. Away with you, I say; let us hear -no more of it!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen turned, and walked slowly towards the door; but the page ran -after her, exclaiming, "Here is your veil, Mademoiselle; you left it -below last night."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen took it; but before she could thank him, the Marchioness strode -forward, and dealt him a box on the ear that cast him upon the ground, -exclaiming "who taught thee to meddle malapert?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, poor boy!" cried Helen; and with the tears in her eyes, she -quitted the inhospitable doors, within which virtue and happiness had -been sacrificed for ever.</p> - -<p class="normal">For some way, she walked along utterly unconscious where she went. We -must not say, she thought either of her situation at the time, of the -past, or of the future; for there was nothing like thought in her -mind. It was all despair; she asked not herself where she should go, -what should be her conduct, what place of refuge she should find, how -she should obtain even necessary food. The predominant sensation, if -any were predominant, was a wish to die; and any road which led her -from that hateful mansion was to her the same.</p> - -<p class="normal">This troubled state continued for some minutes, till a small wood -concealed her from the castle; but still she walked on, or rather ran; -for her steps, under the impetuous course of her own feelings, grew -quicker each moment as she went. At length she heard the sound of -horses' feet and the grating roll of carriage wheels, and a vague -remembrance of having seen the heavy coach of Madame de Chazeul -standing prepared before the gates, made her believe that she was -pursued by that terrible woman, and, a sudden feeling of terror taking -possession of her, she darted in amongst the trees, and crouched -behind some brushwood.</p> - -<p class="normal">There she could hear the whole train pass by; and as they wound on -down the hill, she saw the well-known colours and figures sweep slowly -on till, as they were beginning to rise on the opposite slope, they -came to a sudden halt, and a consultation seemed to take place. In a -few minutes two horsemen detached themselves from the rest, and passed -the wood in a gallop towards the château; but poor Helen remained in -her place of concealment; and, as she did so, the tumultuous agitation -of her heart and brain grew somewhat calmer, and a long and bitter -flood of tears brought thought along with it. But, oh how terrible was -reflection! how did she bemoan her own fatal folly! how desolate -seemed her heart! how hopeless--how utterly hopeless--seemed her -situation!</p> - -<p class="normal">Where could she hide her head? she asked herself--where cover her -shame?--where conceal herself from the eyes of all men?--who would -help?--who would assist her?--who would speak one word of comfort, of -consolation, of sympathy? None, none. From the sympathy of the -virtuous and the good she had cut herself off for ever! Was she to -associate with the abandoned and profligate?--was evil to become her -good?--was moral death to bring her mere mortal life? Ah, no! she -would sooner die, she thought, a thousand-fold sooner die; and she -abhorred herself for her weakness past, more than many who think -themselves virtuous, would abhor themselves for actual crime.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why should I stay here?" she asked herself at length. "I am an -outcast--a beggar; my father and mother in the grave; my uncle's -face I dare not see; I have no one to seek--I have no road to choose; -the wide world is before me; I must trust myself to fate;" and -rising up, with the feeling of desolate despair taking possession of -her once more, she followed the path before her, then turned into -another, then wandered along a third, and thus went on for nearly an -hour-and-a-half, with several of the country people who passed her, -turning round to gaze in surprise at so fair and delicate a creature -straying abroad, with a vacant air and tear-stained countenance, at so -early an hour of the morning.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length she felt weary; and with listless indifference to all that -might befal her, she seated herself on a stone, at the foot of a -wooden cross, which had been erected by some pious hand beneath a high -tree-covered bank, down which the snow, now melting under the first -warmth of spring, was slipping from time to time in large masses, or -sending forth a thousand small streams, which rendered the road almost -like the bed of a river.</p> - -<p class="normal">Poor Helen heeded it not, however; she took no notice of the cold and -the wet. The bodily discomforts that she suffered had but little -effect upon her; and, if she perceived them at all, they came but as -things which recalled to her mind more forcibly the hopeless -desolation of her situation. Thus, after a few minutes' rest and -thought, she once more bent down her beautiful head upon her two fair -hands, and wept long and bitterly.</p> - -<p class="normal">While she was thus sadly occupied, the sound of a horse's feet -striking the plashy ground at a quick pace came down the lane. She -gave it no attention, and the horseman dashed passed her, apparently -without noticing her. It was not so, however; and about a hundred -yards farther on he pulled in his rein, and turned back again. In -another minute he was by her side; and she heard a kind and -good-humoured voice exclaim, "What is the matter, young lady, has any -one injured you?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen de la Tremblade looked up, and beheld in the person who -addressed her a man of a frank and open countenance. He was dressed in -a brown suit of a plain rough cloth, and seemed to be a substantial -countryman of about forty years of age, though his beard and moustache -was somewhat grey. There was a look of pleasant and intelligent -interest on his face, which might have brought back some hope to her -cold heart, for it spoke of sympathy; but she replied in a sad and -bitter tone, "Alas, I have injured myself," bursting into a fresh gush -of tears as the words of self-reproach passed her lips.</p> - -<p class="normal">The man gazed at her for a moment in silence, seemingly puzzled by the -contrast between her dress and her apparent situation. At length he -exclaimed, "Parbleu! you cannot stay here, my poor girl. You seem a -young thing, and well nurtured; what can have brought you into this -state?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"My own fault, as well as the cruelty of others," answered Helen de la -Tremblade.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, we all have faults," replied the man, "God forgive us for them! -and as for the cruelty of others, we are none of us good enough to -afford to be severe, especially when errors are freely acknowledged. -But tell me, can I do anything to help you? I have little time; but I -cannot find in my heart to see a fair young thing like you left to -perish by the road-side."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh!" cried Helen starting up; "if you would but give me shelter for a -single night, till I can think, till I can give my mind some order, -you might save me from destruction. Doubtless," she added, seeing him -pause as if in hesitation, "doubtless you have a home not far off; -doubtless you have wife and children,---daughters perhaps; and should -you hear my prayer, be sure God will bless and protect them, if ever -they fall into misery like me. I am not intentionally wicked, indeed; -weak I may be: nay, weak I am, but not vicious; no, not vicious, -whatever you may think."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pardie few of the fine dames of France can say that!" exclaimed the -horseman. "But the truth is, my poor young lady, my home is not very -near. But I would fain help you if I could. Where are your father and -mother? Better go home to them, and if you have offended them, try to -soften them with tears. They must have hard hearts if they resist."</p> - -<p class="normal">"They are in the grave," answered the unhappy girl.</p> - -<p class="normal">"And what is your name, poor thing?" inquired her companion.</p> - -<p class="normal">She paused and hesitated; but the next moment she said, "Why should I -conceal the truth? my name is Helen de la Tremblade."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What!" exclaimed the farmer, "the niece of the good priest at the -Château de Marzay?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"The same," answered Helen with a mournful shake of the head.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then you have been residing with the old Marchioness de Chazeul," -rejoined the other, adding, "at least the servants told me so."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Till this morning," replied Helen with a sigh; "but I am now a -houseless outcast."</p> - -<p class="normal">The horseman dismounted from his beast, and took her kindly by the -hand; "Alas, poor child," he said, "you have been, I fear, under a -hard ruler. I know something of this woman; if not personally, at -least by hearsay; and I can easily believe that she has been harsh and -unkind."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But I was first in fault," answered Helen, interrupting him frankly, -"I deserved reproach, perhaps punishment, but oh, not so terrible as -this."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, what was the cause?" asked the farmer. "Nay, then," he -proceeded, "as your cheek glows, I will ask no further questions. I -seek not to distress you, young lady, but to serve you; and if I can, -I will place you in security. You cannot--you must not remain here. -Heaven only knows what might happen to you. But how I am to get you -hence I cannot tell. I have not time to go back with you to Marzay, -and--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not for existence," cried Helen de la Tremblade, "no, not, for all -that earth can give, would I set my foot within those walls."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, I forgot," rejoined the farmer, "she must be there by this time."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh not for that--not for that alone," exclaimed the poor girl with a -shudder, "you do not know--you cannot tell all."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well," replied her companion, "perhaps you may think differently by -and by. But in the mean time, how am I to get you hence? I am going to -the village of St. André, some eight leagues distance, and have no -conveyance but the horse I ride. Stay," he continued, "I will go on a -short way, and see if I can find a cottage or farm-house where we can -hire horse or cart."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh do not leave me," cried Helen, "you are the first who has spoken -kindly to me; and perhaps--perhaps if you go you may not return."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will, upon my honour," replied the farmer; and setting spurs to his -horse, he was away over the opposite hill in a few moments.</p> - -<p class="normal">The time went heavily by with Helen de la Tremblade. She asked -herself, "Will not he too deceive me?" and when nearly twenty minutes -passed without her companion's return, her heart sank, and her eyes -once more filled with tears. It had seemed, while he was near her, -that she was not totally abandoned, that she had still some human -being to hold communion with, that she was not, as she had at first -believed, shut out from all sympathies. She knew not who he was, it is -true; she had no information of his name, his station, or his -character; but he had spoken kindly to her, he had shown feeling, -humanity, compassion; and perhaps it was that which had made her fancy -she had seen in his countenance all the higher and nobler qualities of -the mind and the heart. She longed for his return then; and in -counting the weary minutes and listening for every sound, she in some -degree forgot the oppressive weight of the past and future. At length, -tired with expectation, she rose and walked along the road to see if -he were coming; and, as so often happens, no sooner had she given way -to her impatience, than she saw his figure rising over the hill.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have got a man and horse with a pillion," he said, riding up to -her, "I cannot promise you, Mademoiselle de la Tremblade, any long or -sure protection, but I will engage to put you in a place of safety for -a night or two. During that time you will have the opportunity of -thinking over your future conduct. I am not a rich man, but, on the -contrary, a very poor one; yet you shall share what little I have in -my purse, as I must leave you to your own guidance towards nightfall; -and if you like to confide in me fully, when we stop three hours -hence, you will find that you have not misplaced your trust. Think of -it as we go; for I cannot speak with you of such things, while your -good squire is with you. Mayhap you might find worse people in whom to -place your confidence than Michael Chasseron."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen did not reply; for while he was yet speaking, an old peasant -with the horse which had been promised came in sight; but she mounted -gladly, and rode on beside the companion, whom she had known barely an -hour, with a heart relieved, though not at rest. As they went, too, he -spoke to her of many things, in plain and homely terms, but with wide -and various information, and with a winning kindness and consideration -for her sorrows, which made her feel, that all the world were not -harsh and bitter as those she had just left. She herself said little, -but she found herself constrained in gratitude to answer such -questions as he thought fit to ask; and, although he inquired nothing -directly regarding her situation, and she believed she told him -nothing, yet in fact, long before they reached their halting place he -had learned nearly all that he desired to know, not by her words, but -by his own conclusions.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XI.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">The moment Helen de la Tremblade had quitted the château, Madame de -Chazeul entered the carriage which stood prepared for her in the -court, and accompanied by what she considered a sufficient guard, set -out upon her way towards the dwelling of her brother. Her thoughts, -however, were not of the pleasantest kind. At first, they were all in -confusion; but, through the turbid mass of her angry sensations, there -came an impression, a consciousness, that she had too much given way -to the violence of a disposition, originally irritable and passionate, -which all her cunning and art had not been able to bring effectually -under control. This perception grew stronger and more distinct as she -became cooler; but, for a time, she attempted to justify to herself -what she had done, on the score of policy. "If Rose d'Albret were to -hear of this," she said, "we should have new difficulties, and all my -well-laid schemes would be frustrated; so that it was necessary to get -the girl out of the château as quickly as possible. She will never -venture to go to her uncle's, surely! Oh no, she was ever timid and -frightened; she will hide away in some corner till she finds a new -lover."</p> - -<p class="normal">This reasoning did not satisfy her, however. She saw there was danger -in the course she had pursued. She asked herself, what was she to say -to Walter de la Tremblade when he inquired after his niece, whom she -had taken some two years before, as what was then called, Demoiselle -de compagnie? Was she to tell him what had occurred. Was she to relate -her own conduct? Was she even to acknowledge that her son had seduced -the unhappy girl under her own roof, with opportunities afforded by -her own negligence, and not the best example, by her own conduct? If -such things came to his ears, what course would he pursue? Might he -not blast all her projects; destroy, even by a word, all, the glorious -fabric which she had been building up for her son's ambition? He was -not one who could be cajoled and cheated; he was not one who could be -overruled or thwarted. Art to art, and cunning to cunning, he was her -match; and she felt it. No, the matter must be concealed from him -entirely, at least till her schemes were all successful, and Rose -d'Albret was the wife of Nicholas de Chazeul. Then, she thought, he -might do his worst; the prize would be gained, the struggle -accomplished, and his power at an end.</p> - -<p class="normal">Next came the question how this concealment was to be secured. If -Helen did not go to him at once--which the Marchioness little believed -she would--might she not write the tale which she would be afraid to -speak. That was not at all improbable. Nay, destitute as she had been -driven forth, it seemed certain that want would compel her to do so -immediately; and then the whole must be discovered.</p> - -<p class="normal">As these thoughts presented themselves to her mind, she formed her -plan with her usual decision; and, bidding one of her women order the -coachman to stop, she called to the door of the vehicle, two of the -mounted men, who accompanied the carriage, and in whom she thought she -could rely, and directed them to return immediately to the château.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Seek for the girl, Helen," she said, "you will soon find her; 'tis -not a quarter of an hour since she went. You can take some people on -foot with you, to hunt about in the neighbourhood. Carry her back home -immediately; and tell Mathurine to lock her up in her own room and -keep her upon bread and water till I return. I have been somewhat too -severe with her, though she must undergo some punishment. Away, as -hard as you can gallop, and mind you find her, or you shall repent it. -Here, Theodore, speak with all the people, and tell them, on their -lives, not to utter one word at the Château de Marzay of what has -taken place this morning. I and Mademoiselle de la Tremblade will soon -make it up again."</p> - -<p class="normal">The man to whom she last spoke promised to obey, though, understanding -his mistress well, he clearly saw that she had some other end in view -than merely reconciling herself to her own conscience for her over -severity, and the carriage rolled on once more upon its way.</p> - -<p class="normal">About four hours after, it reached the Château de Marzay, having met -with no farther impediments by the way than such as were presented by -roads naturally rough and uneven, which had become one mass of mud and -dirt from the united effects of a sudden thaw and long neglect. In the -court-yard of the mansion she was received by her brother, the Count -de Liancourt, who informed her, according to his version, of all that -had taken place in the château since the arrival of De Montigni. He -told her the truth, in fact, as he believed it; but nevertheless, he -gave her a completely false view of the whole affair; for it is ever -to be remarked and remembered that, of all the treacherous liars -against whom we have to guard in our course through life, our own -heart, with its whole host of subtleties and fallacies, its -prejudices, its vanities, and its self-delusions, is the most -dangerous. Men would rarely, if ever, be deceived if they did not aid -most strenuously to deceive themselves, and what is more curious -still, it often happens that when we are most busy in attempting to -put a fraud upon others, we are most actively cheating ourselves. -There is always a traitor in the council whenever we quit the -straightforward course of truth and rectitude.</p> - -<p class="normal">Monsieur de Liancourt assured his sister, as she alighted from her -carriage, and walked up the staircase to the hall above, that the only -difficulty was with De Montigni, and that Rose d'Albret had used her -influence upon him to induce him to consent.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Has she?" said the Marchioness, thoughtfully; "not very vigorously, I -should fancy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh yes, indeed," replied Monsieur de Liancourt; "for I watched their -parting from the cavalier, which was built at the time of the siege, -where I could see them, but they could not see me. It was as formal as -a court ceremony. He kissed her hand, and made her a low bow, and said -something which I did not exactly hear, but the last words were, 'I -will consider all you have said.'"</p> - -<p class="normal">"So, then," said Madame de Chazeul, "Mademoiselle Rose hears reason at -last! But what is it that has done this? she always seemed as cold as -ice before, and barely willing."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! the fact is," replied the Count, "Rose was never without -ambition. I do not pretend to say she is in love with Chazeul; but he -took care to inform her of the high and splendid fate that would be -hers as his wife, and that was quite enough."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It may be so," answered the Marchioness; "ambition is at the bottom -of every woman's heart; but yet if De Montigni were as handsome as -when he went away, I should have fancied that love and folly might -have had a hard struggle against ambition and good sense. I would not -have suffered them to have any private conversation, if I had been -here."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It was the only way to get De Montigni to consent," rejoined Monsieur -de Liancourt; "besides, Chazeul has no cause to fear the comparison. -He is a man with knowledge of the world and of courts. The other is -still a boy, with no knowledge of anything but books and philosophy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not the man to win a woman, indeed;" said Madame de Chazeul, with a -curl of the lip; "but we shall see."</p> - -<p class="normal">As the last words were on her tongue, they entered the corridor where -De Montigni and Chazeul were walking up and down with the old -commander; and an amusing scene took place between the Marchioness and -the rest of the party. She had made up her mind as to the part which -she was to act towards her nephew; and the moment she saw him, she -exclaimed, with a joyous air, and holding out her open arms towards -him, "Ah, my dear Louis, welcome back to your native land! What a -truant you have been! How like he is to poor Louise!" and she embraced -him, apparently with all the tenderness of a mother.</p> - -<p class="normal">The old commander growled a savage oath or two, and, when she turned -to him, looked her full in the face, saying, "He is like Louise; and -that is why I love him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, Michael," said the Marchioness, "you always were a bear, and -always will be one. It is lucky you do not bite as well as growl."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I may bite some day, if I am provoked," answered the commander.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha! ha! ha!" cried Madame de Chazeul, laughing as heartily as if her -mind were free from all the weight of cunning schemes and violent -passions. "You see, Louis, he is just the same as ever. We have not -been able to tame him since you were gone. It is a sad, ferocious -beast--a bear. And so you have come to grace the wedding?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I hope so, Madam," replied De Montigni, gravely; but his thoughts -were busy with the question, of what should be his demeanour towards -the artful woman who was now before him; and, while she said a few -words to Chazeul, expressive of no particular affection towards him, -the young Baron made up his mind, to seem won by her manner, and to -attach himself as much as possible to her during the day, in order to -keep her from attacking Rose d'Albret, who, he feared, might not be so -well able to play her part against the Marchioness as himself.</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul, however, was pertinacious too, and one of her first -inquiries was for Mademoiselle d'Albret.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will send and call her," answered Monsieur de Liancourt; "let us go -into the hall; perhaps she may be there."</p> - -<p class="normal">They did not find her, however; and the servant he sent to summon her, -soon returned with the tidings, that the young lady had gone to bed -again with a bad headache.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will go and see her," said Madame de Chazeul. "Poor dear Rose, all -the agitation of these preparations is too much for her;" and she -moved towards the door leading to Mademoiselle d'Albret's apartments, -though the old commander exclaimed, in a surly tone, "You had better -let her alone! Your tongue, Jacqueline, never cured a headache, I am -sure."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Marchioness, however, was stopped by the entrance of another -person with whom she had also to play her part; for just as she was -quitting the hall father Walter appeared, and advanced towards her. -Her face immediately assumed an air of friendly regard, and giving him -her hand, she said, "Good morning, father, how fares it with you? Our -dear Helen would have come with me, but she was somewhat indisposed. -Nothing of consequence, however; and perhaps she will join us -to-morrow, or at all events, on the day of the marriage." Then -suddenly breaking off, in order to avoid any further inquiries, on -that subject, she lowered her voice, and inquired, "How go things -here, father? De Montigni is restive, I find. Are you sure of -Rose?--quite sure, father? My brother, Anthony, continually blinds his -own eyes; but you see more clearly."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I think there can be no doubt," replied the priest, "not that I -pretend to say that the lady loves your son; she regards the alliance -but as a family arrangement conducive to her interests, and the only -means of giving peace and quietness to the house. For these reasons -she has urged De Montigni to sign the renunciation and the contract, -and I think he will do it--nay, I feel certain he will. They would -hurry on the affair before your arrival, though I thought it would -have been better to wait. But from the course things have taken, no -harm has been done; and, perhaps it may be as well now, when you see -the lady, not to derange the impression which has been produced."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Marchioness mused. "How comes it, good father," she asked, "that -Chazeul has not made himself loved? I fear he has been playing the -fool with other women; for he is not reputed to want success upon a -lady's heart, when he is inclined to try. I must give him some -lessons; do you think that any of his love affairs have come to this -girl's ears? That should be prevented till the marriage takes place."</p> - -<p class="normal">"By all means," said the priest, "but I know of none from which there -is any danger."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And I of but one," rejoined the Marchioness, "but I will take care to -keep that from her. One may be justified in using a little violence -for such an object."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Assuredly," answered father Walter, "anything in short, but the -spilling of blood."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, Heaven forbid!" cried the Marchioness, "I bear the woman no ill -will for loving Chazeul; but if I were to have her carried off and -shut closely up for a few days, there could be no harm in that."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It were the best means," replied father Walter, "unless her family be -sufficiently powerful to make dangerous resistance."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There is no fear of that," answered Madame de Chazeul, with a quiet -smile; "but I will go and see Mademoiselle d'Albret."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying she quitted the hall, while father Walter advanced towards -the group of gentlemen at the other end, who had been conversing -together calmly enough during his interview with the Marchioness. That -lady, however, returned after a very brief absence, saying that Rose -d'Albret was trying to sleep; and, put upon a wrong track as she was, -both by her brother and the priest, she attached herself during the -rest of the morning to De Montigni, endeavouring by every artful -means, to possess herself of his whole views and intentions, and at -the same time to convince him, that he was giving pain to Rose -d'Albret by his hesitation in regard to the signature of the papers.</p> - -<p class="normal">One of the reasons why the game of life is not unfrequently won by the -simple and the honest against all the arts of the politic and the -wily, is perhaps that, in this game, as in no other, the most skilful -and calculating can never tell what cards may be in the hands of the -adverse party. I say one of the reasons; for there are many, and -amongst them is the belief, from which cunning people can never free -themselves, that others are dealing with them in the same way that -they would deal, if their relative situations were reversed.</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul, however, had studied De Montigni's character from -youth, and knew that he was generous and kindhearted. She, therefore, -like father Walter, endeavoured to work upon him, in the first -instance, through his affection for Rose d'Albret. She spoke of her -gently and tenderly, called her "poor Rose," and represented the -slight indisposition under which she was suffering, as entirely -proceeding from some agitation and vexation she had undergone in the -morning, affecting at the same time to be ignorant of the nature of -that agitation, but leaving him to draw his own conclusions.</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni, as the reader knows, had the secret in his own keeping, -and internally mocked at all the policy which the Marchioness -displayed; for there is nothing so contemptible as discovered cunning. -He resolved, however, to turn back Madame de Chazeul's art upon -herself, and found even a pleasure in foiling her with her own -weapons.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, my dear Madam," he answered, "I trust that, by this time -to-morrow, Rose will have no farther cause for anxiety on my account."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed, how so?" asked the Marchioness.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Because by that time," replied De Montigni, "all will be positively -settled."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And of course as Rose would wish," added the Marchioness,</p> - -<p class="normal">"As far as I understand her wishes, it shall be so," said De Montigni; -"but I do not desire, Madam, what I say to you to be repeated; and now -will you tell me frankly, for I know you are well aware, what is the -value of these benefices which my uncle offers me?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"At least equal to the value of the estates," replied Madame de -Chazeul: "more, indeed, if you take in the Abbey of Chizay in Poitou; -but that I believe was promised to good Monsieur de la Tremblade--not -exactly promised, perhaps; but I know he was led to expect it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No one shall break a promise for me," replied De Montigni with some -emphasis on the words. "They can be all held, I believe, without -taking the vows."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Your uncle holds them," answered Madame de Chazeul, "and he has taken -no vows that I know of--unless it be, never to drink thin piquette -when he can get strong Burgundy, or to eat pork when he can find -venison."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni smiled, and was going on to stop the questions of the -Marchioness by inquiries of his own, when the summons to dinner was -heard, and the whole party descended to the hall below.</p> - -<p class="normal">When the meal was over, father Walter put the young Baron in mind, -that they had to read over together the papers, in regard to which -there had been so much discussion. Although De Montigni much wished to -occupy Madame de Chazeul as far as possible during the day, he could -not well put off the engagement; and whispering to the old commander, -to watch her closely, he retired with the priest to his own chamber. -There, several long documents were spread out before him; and he -proceeded, with pen and ink at hand, to peruse the whole, clause by -clause, demanding minute and lengthened explanations as he went on, -and taking notes of every point of importance. Father Walter was -somewhat surprised at the calm and steady good sense he displayed; -and, though De Montigni expressed neither consent to nor dissent from -any of the items, was more and more convinced every moment, that the -young Baron had made up his mind, to accept the benefices and renounce -the estates.</p> - -<p class="normal">In the meanwhile the Marchioness de Chazeul had drawn her son away -from the rest of the party below, and walking with him on the rampart, -was giving him those lessons of which she had spoken to the priest. -Not a word did she say of Helen de la Tremblade; nor a word of -reproach or reproof did she utter; but her conversation turned -entirely upon his demeanour towards Rose d'Albret.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah Chazeul!" she said, after taking a turn backward and forward, in -the tone of one jesting with a friend, "thou art a silly lad, I fear, -and little knowest how to push thy fortune with womankind."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, my good mother, it is not thought so," replied Chazeul, drawing -up his head and smoothing his ruff; "I am no seeker after the fame of -such conquests, but I have some reason to believe they are not so -difficult as they are supposed to be."</p> - -<p class="normal">"True," answered his mother, "doubtless with the light Parisian dame, -the gay lady who has known a thousand lovers, thou art a potent -assailant; but she is like a city which has been besieged and taken a -thousand times, till all the outworks and ramparts have been battered -down, and the place is right willing to surrender at the first sight -of artillery. With a maiden fortress, however, such as this fair Rose -d'Albret, thou art but a poor general, otherwise you would have gained -the citadel long ago."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Meaning her heart; but how would you have had me conduct the siege, -dear mother?" asked her son, pursuing the simile she had used.</p> - -<p class="normal">"By assault, Nicholas!" replied the Marchioness; "prayers, tears, -vows, daring, anything. Here neither wall, nor bastion, nor redoubt, -is to be gained but by vigorous attack. Women, who by experience have -not gained a knowledge of their own weakness, are always more resolute -in resistance than those who have learned that they cannot long hold -out when closely pressed. Storm and escalade are the only ways with -such castles, Chazeul; and if you were to pursue till doomsday your -cold and formal rules of siege, you would make no way, but find -defences grow up in proportion to the feebleness of the attack."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, you would not surely have me treat Rose d'Albret as any common -woman of but light fame?" said Chazeul. "You are much mistaken, -mother, if you think that is the way to win her."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, I would have you treat her very differently, foolish boy," -replied the Marchioness. "With a woman of light fame, as you call her -you may well trust to her to make at least half the advances. With a -young ignorant girl you must make them all yourself; for, be sure, she -will not. One or the other must be bold and daring; and the only -question is, on whose part it shall be. The practised dame will take -her share on herself, the inexperienced girl expects it all from you. -We all know in our hearts, Chazeul, that we do not dislike an -impetuous lover. Though we may chide, we easily forgive even very -grave offences, so that love be the excuse. The story of the Romans -and the Sabines was a good allegory of women's hearts; men must take -them by force if they would have them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, her heart is mine sufficiently for all the purposes of wedded -life," replied her son. "I know her better than you, my good mother, -and am well aware that more things enter into the calculations of that -little brain than you imagine.--I would not spoil her," he continued, -"with too much devotion. You women grow exacting as you imagine you -have power; and I would have her think the tie she has upon me is not -too strong, lest she should one day think fit to use it strongly. It -is enough for me to know, that she sees clearly her own interest in a -marriage with myself. She will not expect, in a wedding of -convenience, all that court and exclusive attention which some brides -demand; and every little loverlike act will come with tenfold force."</p> - -<p class="normal">"All very wise and very prudent, good youth," replied his mother, "if -you had no rival, no competitor in the game that you are playing; if -there were no obstacles, no difficulties in the way. But here our -great object is time and secure possession; and had you, by bold and -ardent eagerness, advanced your suit so that she had no escape from -marriage with you, we should have found both herself and De Montigni -more tractable, depend upon it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She is tractable enough," replied Chazeul, "it is De Montigni alone -that holds out; and she has done her best to persuade him, I am sure. -A rival, do you call him? but a pitiful rival to me! and as to -obstacles and difficulties, whatever have existed are swept away -already. She has done her best to persuade De Montigni to sign; and I -am sure he will do so."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well," said the Marchioness, "we shall see. I think he will, but do -not feel so sure. He was somewhat too smooth and courteous just now; -and I thought I saw a somewhat double meaning in his words, as if he -hoped still that Rose might raise up some impediment.--We must suffer -him to have no farther speech with her alone. It is a dangerous plan."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There is no fear of Rose," replied Nicholas de Chazeul, peevishly. -"If it be anything like love on his part for her that you dread, it is -a vain fancy. Had you seen him meet her last night, you would have -been cured of such dreams. He was as cold as if we had imported a -statue from Italy, fresh cut in the stone; and not all Rose could do -would warm him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, before others," rejoined the Marchioness, "but perhaps when alone -it might be different."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no," said Chazeul, "my uncle watched them; and it was just the -same: all formal bows and stiff courtesies.--But who is this, comes -riding here?" he continued, gazing from the battlements. "A trumpet at -full speed, with a green scarf! News from Mayenne, upon my life! I -must go down and see."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus ended a conversation which has been repeated here with -reluctance; but it is as needful, in painting nature, to show the mind -and character of the bad as of the good, to display the thoughts and -reasonings of the wicked as of the virtuous. Neither does the portrait -of Madame de Chazeul serve little to exemplify the times in which she -lived. France was then full of such. Intrigue of every kind, amorous -and political, was then at its height, and most of the infamous and -daring deeds that were done, either for the gratification of private -passions, or for the attainment of great public objects, were -suggested by women.</p> - -<p class="normal">The man who had been seen riding so sharply towards the château, -proved to be a trumpeter sent by the Duke of Nemours with letters to -Chazeul, notifying the march of the army of the League to relieve the -town of Dreux, closely besieged by the King, and calling upon him to -join it, with all his retainers, as a battle seemed inevitable. The -despatches spoke in glowing terms of the force under Mayenne. It was -nearly double in number, they said, to that which Henry of Bourbon -could bring to oppose it, and a glorious victory would soon be -achieved, in which all honourable men would long to take part. -Chazeul, however, sent an ambiguous answer; for he was not one to -sacrifice his private interests even to the triumph of his faction, -and he was resolved to possess the hand of Rose d'Albret, and to see -the estates of Liancourt and Marennes secured to himself, before he -quitted the Château of Marzay.</p> - -<p class="normal">More than one hour elapsed before Louis de Montigni had terminated his -examination of the papers with the priest; and even then, with all -father Walter's skill, he could not extract from him any promise, -either direct or indirect, to sign them. To the eager questions of -Madame de Chazeul the priest could but reply, "I cannot tell what he -will do. I believe his mind is made up, to act as we could wish; but -his demeanour is certainly somewhat strange. He has taken notes of -everything, and remains pondering over them. Our only plan is to watch -the commander, and to cut them off from any private communication with -each other. Noon to-morrow will show us what we are to expect; and in -the mean time we must guide things as we can. Have you seen -Mademoiselle d'Albret?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The Marchioness replied in the negative, and it was not till one hour -before sunset that Rose came forth from her chamber to breathe, for a -few minutes, the fresh air. She was pale, and evidently suffering; and -whenever Madame de Chazeul attempted to question her, she pleaded -indisposition as an excuse for talking little. She gazed forth from -the ramparts over the wide country which the château commanded, with a -feeling of dread, mingling strangely with hope and joy. The bright -sunshine of the first day of spring was glittering over the whole; but -on the verge of the southern sky was hanging a dark and heavy mass of -clouds, rising up in all sorts of fantastic forms; and Rose could not -help associating her own fate with the aspect of the day, and thinking -that the bright gleam of summer, which had come to her heart after a -long and chilling winter, might, perhaps, be soon blackened by storms, -the clouds of which were already within sight.</p> - -<p class="normal">Soon after the party was joined by De Montigni; and the two lovers -strove hard to conceal their feelings under the appearance of cold -indifference; but Rose found the task so difficult that she remained -only a few moments after the young Baron's appearance, and then once -more retired to bed.</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul remarked the whole; and suspicion rose up in her -mind. But the field of probability is wide and dim, so that her doubts -found no fixed point to rest upon; and she contented herself with -whispering to De Montigni, "Were I a man, I would not long give a lady -cause to fly me thus."</p> - -<p class="normal">The young nobleman made no answer, but turned away, as if somewhat -offended; and this slight indication of temper was used by Madame de -Chazeul to deceive herself. "Were he not acting contrary to the girl's -wishes," she said to herself, "he would not take offence at my -supposing it."</p> - -<p class="normal">The rest of the day passed without any occurrence of importance; and -the only points which Madame de Chazeul thought worthy of notice at -supper, were the absence of Estoc from the table, and that Louis de -Montigni confined his conversation almost altogether to father Walter, -with whom he talked a good deal in a low tone. She herself was tired -with early rising and a journey. The commander soon retired to rest; -and she followed without delay, as soon as she was certified by -private information, from one whom she had set to watch, that the good -old soldier was actually in his bed. Satisfied that all communication -between De Montigni and himself was at an end for the night, she laid -herself down to seek that repose which is unfortunately, but not -unnaturally, as often the portion of the hardened in vice, as of the -virtuous and the good.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">I have said something of the same kind before; but I must repeat that, -unless it be in a mud cottage containing one room, and at the most two -individuals, it scarcely ever happens that there are not several, very -various scenes proceeding in the same house, at the same time; and -when the house is large, and the inhabitants many, these scenes are -multiplied and diversified even to infinity. Tragedy and comedy, broad -farce and startling romance, have each their separate chambers, and -their several actors; and while, in the halls of the Château of -Marzay, all the cunning drama of intrigue which we have described, -found a stage, the acts of many another play were being performed in -the chambers allotted to the servants.</p> - -<p class="normal">Loud and uproarious merriment had its part; and, as is too frequently -the case, the vices and follies of their superiors were imitated by -the inferiors, presenting pictures too gross and unpleasant to be -given in this place. We must, however, turn away from the principal -personages of our tale, to notice some events which took place, during -the hour of supper, in a part of the château somewhat distant from -that in which Monsieur de Liancourt's family was assembled.</p> - -<p class="normal">In a room not far from that of Mademoiselle d'Albret, with the door -ajar, a lamp upon the table, and a piece of embroidery in her hands, -sat Blanchette, the maid of our fair friend Rose. She paid but little -attention to her work indeed, though she affected to be very busily -employed, but her ear was turned frequently towards the passage, -apparently listening for every sound. At length it was gratified by -hearing a step; and the moment after, the valet of Monsieur de Chazeul -pushed open the door, and entering the room, closed it behind him. He -was a tall swaggering, debauched-looking personage, and into the -particulars of the first greetings between himself and Blanchette, I -shall beg leave not to enter. Suffice it to say, that they betokened a -degree of intimacy which Rose d'Albret had certainly not the slightest -idea existed between her maid and any other person.</p> - -<p class="normal">After a while, however, the valet inquired, "Well now, tell me, my -pretty Blanchette, all that your mistress has been saying to you -to-day."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed, I shall not," replied the maid, with a shrug of the -shoulders. "I don't intend to tell you, or Monsieur de Chazeul, -anything more."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Come, come, don't be silly," cried the man, "for I must soon get -back; now the caprices of you ladies," he continued, with an affected -air, "are very pretty and interesting in affairs of love, but very -troublesome in matters of business."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, I shan't say anything more," said Blanchette, with a determined -air, "so there is no use of talking about it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, ha, then," rejoined the valet, "I see how it is; your mistress -has told you not to tell."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed, she has not," answered Blanchette; "but she has taught me to -value myself more highly than your master does."</p> - -<p class="normal">"How so?" demanded her companion; "I am sure my master values you as -highly as I should like to see him. What did she say to you about it?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, I don't mind telling you that," said the maid. "She asked me last -night, when I was saying something in favour of Monsieur de Chazeul, -what he had given me; and, when I told her, she said she was worth -more than that, and that I was a great fool if ever I opened my mouth -about him again, unless I got three times as much."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Upon my word the lady has some notion of life," cried the valet; "one -would think she had spent her whole days in Paris; and she is right -too, Blanchette, we servants should never put too low a value on -ourselves, for we have more in our power than people imagine. However, -I can promise you that when Monsieur de Chazeul is married to your -lady, you shall have three times as much; and in the meantime--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, ay," replied Blanchette; "a fish in the plate is worth three in -the stream, Alphonso. Promises are made of wind, and it is very -difficult to convert them into anything else."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, but listen to me," said the man. "I was just going to say, in -the meantime Monsieur le Marquis has sent you five and-twenty crowns. -Here they are," and he placed a little leathern bag in her hand; "now, -there's a dear, beautiful girl, tell me all your mistress has said to -you to-day, especially after her long talk with Monsieur de Montigni, -this morning."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is soon told," answered Blanchette, putting the money in one of -the pockets of her apron; "she said nothing at all, except that she -had got a headache, and would go to bed again."</p> - -<p class="normal">"<i>Peste!</i>" cried the valet; "is that all the news that you can give? -Surely you have made out something more. What humour did she seem in?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Bad enough," replied Blanchette; "I think Monsieur de Montigni must -have done or said something to offend her, for I could see she had -been crying, and she was silent and dull, just as she is when she is -angry with me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I dare say he did," rejoined the valet; "for he is an obstinate colt, -and takes as long to drive where people want him, as an ass loaded -with sand--But hark, there is some one walking in the passage."</p> - -<p class="normal">They listened, and a heavy step sounded along the corridor, advancing -in measured time from one end to the other, and then back again, like -that of a sentry keeping guard. It passed and repassed twice, not a -little to the annoyance of the two worthies shut up in the room -together. But at length the valet, who did not wish his absence to be -remarked and commented upon amongst the servants, declared, "Whoever -it is, I must go; but do you shut the door after me quickly, -Blanchette, then no one need know that you are here."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am afraid Mademoiselle will call every moment," answered the girl; -"but people must have time to take their supper, you know."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I must go, upon my life," said the man, who took a great deal more -interest in his own position than in hers. "Now, Blanchette, I will -pop out as soon as he is passed; you close the door quick behind me, -and he will not see whence I come."</p> - -<p class="normal">He accordingly waited till the steps sounded close to the door, and -then as soon as they had gone by, opened it, and went out as -noiselessly as possible. But his footfall did not escape the quick -ears of the old soldier, Estoc, who turning instantly, not only -perceived who it was, but also marked the room from which he came. He -said nothing, however; but, as soon as the valet had left the passage, -advanced at once to the door which had just been closed, and, opening -it without ceremony, went in. As may be supposed, this sudden -apparition troubled the maid a good deal; and, though an impudent and -unprincipled girl, she was not yet sufficiently veteran in vice to -keep her cheek from growing red, or her hands from shaking.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Mademoiselle Blanchette," said Estoc, "I thought I should find -you here."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed, Sir!" said Blanchette. "I generally sit here."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not always, Blanchette," replied Estoc; "but I saw your lover leave -you, and so I came in, just to give you a word of advice." Blanchette -coloured and bit her lip, but made no reply; and Estoc went on, "you -are in the wrong line, if you wish to make your fortune, Mademoiselle. -Now, if you will follow my counsel, you may do something for yourself. -Go up to Monsieur de Montigni's apartments about eleven o'clock -to-night, for he wants to speak with you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Lord! Monsieur Estoc," cried the girl; "I would not go up to any -gentleman's room at night for the world. I wonder how you could -propose such a thing!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! I make no difficulty in proposing it," answered Estoc, "when you -make none in receiving a gentleman's valet at night.--But Monsieur de -Montigni only wants to speak with you on business, to ask you one or -two questions, and, perhaps, to make you a present of a couple of -hundred crowns."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am very much obliged to him, Sir," replied the girl, affecting a -cold and modest air; "but I would rather speak to him in the day, if -he has no objection."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That can't well be, Blanchette," answered Estoc; "for Monsieur de -Montigni intends to go away to-morrow; and he will not have time -previous to his departure. Now, my good girl, remember you are in my -power, for don't you suppose that, if this business comes to the ears -of Mademoiselle d'Albret, you will stay in her service a minute -after."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, I have done nothing that's wrong," replied the girl, boldly; -"and I don't care what any spy says of me, not I."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, we understand each other," rejoined Estoc. "Give me an answer -in one word, will you come, or will you not? Your reply will decide -your own fate."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Sir, well," said Blanchette, who saw that the plan of outfacing -the old soldier would not succeed; "I will come if you will be there -too."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, that I certainly shall," replied Estoc; "for I have got some -papers to look over with Monsieur de Montigni--so I may tell him you -will come?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, Sir," replied Blanchette, "I will;" and, with a significant nod -of the head, Estoc left the room.</p> - -<p class="normal">Without going near the supper hall, he retired at once to the -apartments of De Montigni, where he waited for about half an hour, -till he was joined by the young nobleman, to whom he related all that -had taken place. "The girl is not to be depended upon," he added in -the end, "and I think it would be better when we have got her, to lock -her up here for the night."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay," answered De Montigni, "that were a violent proceeding. I have -told my servant Joseph to watch her well, and we shall hear his -report. If I find that she has been holding any communication with -these people, since you saw her, we must devise some means to blind -her eyes. But, now Estoc, is all the rest prepared?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Everything," replied the old soldier. "I have the guard tonight; and -I have picked my men from those who will not fail us. Your servants -have their orders; and, were it needful, we could make all the rest -prisoners in the castle here; but that you would not like to do."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Certainly not," replied De Montigni. "I think at present they have no -suspicion and I trust that we shall be able to execute our scheme -without either difficulty or strife. Be with me when this girl comes, -Estoc, and now go and take some refreshment; but above all things -caution my good uncle Michael to make no effort to see me to-night, -and to seek repose at his usual hour. Depend upon it there are -watchful eyes upon us; and, of all things, we most avoid suspicion."</p> - -<p class="normal">While he was speaking, a sunburnt man who had accompanied him from -Italy, made his appearance, and bowing low with a smile, he said, "I -have watched and listened to some purpose, Monsieur le Baron. As soon -as supper was over, Mademoiselle Blanchette drew aside Alphonso, the -Marquis's valet, and whispered with him long in the corner of the -hall; I saw they were very eager, but could hear nothing; and as I was -resolved to know more, I crossed suddenly behind her back, just as the -man was saying 'I will wait for you at the bottom of the stairs.' I -could hear no more, for they both stopped."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is enough, that is enough," replied De Montigni, "we must remedy -this, Estoc; but I will have the whole plan ready, when you come -again."</p> - -<p class="normal">At half past ten, Estoc was in the young nobleman's room; and at -eleven, Blanchette might be seen creeping stealthily up the stairs -with a lamp in her hand, while in the dark corridor below, concealed -in one of the recesses of the windows, stood Chazeul's valet, waiting -for her return. Almost all the rest of the household had retired to -bed; and the château remained perfectly silent for a quarter of an -hour, while the man continued his watch in darkness. At the end of -that time, however, Blanchette and her lamp were once more seen upon -the stairs; and, whispering to him as she passed, "Quick, quick, old -Estoc is coming down directly, he is now speaking to the Baron at the -door," she hastened on, through that passage, across the lower hall, -and up a short flight of steps towards the apartments of Chazeul. The -valet followed quickly, and introduced her into the dressing room of -his lord, who was waiting with some impatience for the intelligence -she was to bring.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, well," he cried, as soon as she appeared, "what is it he -wishes, Blanchette? Let us hear all that took place."</p> - -<p class="normal">"When first I came in," said Blanchette after a pause to take breath, -and a little coquettish panting and holding her hand upon her heart, -"Monsieur de Montigni spoke me very fair, and promised a great deal. -He said he knew that I was in your interest, Sir, and he did not wish -me to betray my trust, but that he was very anxious indeed to have an -hour's private conversation with Mademoiselle before noon to-morrow. -He asked me if she was yet asleep; and when I told him she was, and -had been so for these two hours, he turned to Estoc and said, 'that is -infortunate;' he then looked again to me, and calling me close to him, -he spoke almost in a whisper, saying, that if I would engage to get -him the interview early to-morrow, before the rest of the people are -stirring, he would give me two hundred crowns, and, as an earnest, put -these into my hand. He told me particularly to be very secret, and not -to say a word to any one, which of course I promised as much as he -could wish."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You did quite right, you did quite right," replied Chazeul; "but did -he let you know what was his object in seeking this interview? He must -have said something more, for you were long with him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, I asked him, noble Sir," replied the girl, "what I was to tell my -mistress, he wished to see her for; but he replied somewhat sharply, -that it was no business of mine; and then I said I was sure -Mademoiselle d'Albret would ask; but that if he did not like to say, -it was not my fault if he did not get the meeting he wanted; and then -he replied that if my mistress did inquire, I was to tell her he -wanted to hear more explicitly from her own lips what he had not time -fully to understand in the morning."</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul laughed; "The poor youth writhes like an eel upon a spear," he -said; "he would fain make one more effort; but we will not let him. -Now mark me, Blanchette, not one word of this to your mistress. She -has been too much agitated to-day; and we must not have the same -scenes every morning. She made herself clearly enough understood for -any man of common sense; and by that Monsieur de Montigni must abide. -I will not forget you, Blanchette if you are faithful and discreet; -and it is no bad post, premiere demoiselle to the Marchioness of -Chazeul. So now, go to bed and sleep, and contrive to forget Monsieur -de Montigni's commission before to-morrow morning."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I will, Monsieur," replied Blanchette; and with a courtesy she -quitted the room.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XIII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">The moments which the maid Blanchette passed with De Montigni, and -afterwards with Chazeul, were full of anxiety to Rose d'Albret. She -lay in darkness, wakeful and expectant, listening for every sound to -give her some indication of the girl's return to the ante-chamber, -from which she had heard her distinctly go forth, without knowing the -cause. Imagination was busy with every painful possibility. She feared -that their whole scheme of flight might be discovered; she thought -that the maid might have conceived a suspicion from some little -preparations which she had made during the evening; she asked herself -what would be her fate if the execution of their design were -prevented. Would they, could they, compel her to unite herself to -Chazeul? and she now shrunk from the very idea with tenfold horror. -She would not do it, she thought; she would sooner die. She would seek -the protection of the cloister--anything, she would do anything, -rather than give her hand to one whom she equally disliked and -despised. Suddenly, in the midst of these feelings, a sensation of -wonder at their vehemence came over her; and she asked herself how it -was that her ideas upon the subject had been so suddenly and -completely changed.</p> - -<p class="normal">She had till lately looked upon her marriage with Chazeul as a thing -arranged, and to which she would submit, not without some repugnance, -perhaps, but without that degree of horror and dislike which she now -experienced. At first she had been coldly indifferent; and afterwards -she had wished to put off the day of the sacrifice as long as -possible; but she now felt that a life of penury and daily labour, -would be comparative happiness to wedding Nicholas de Chazeul.</p> - -<p class="normal">How had a single day made this strange difference? she inquired, and -then she thought of De Montigni; and, though no eye could see her, the -colour rose in her cheek, to feel how different were all her -sensations towards him, how willingly to him she would yield heart and -hand! But the secret of the change was discovered,--she loved, and -loved truly, and a new light had shone into her heart.</p> - -<p class="normal">Quickly, however, her thoughts wandered back again to the present; and -once more she listened for Blanchette's return. Where could she have -gone? she asked herself; what could be her motive, if something were -not discovered? Her own heart was too pure to attribute to the girl -that conduct which, perhaps, if she had known all, would have been -first suspected; but as she raised herself on her arm, to give ear to -some distant noise, she heard the outer door of the ante-room open -again, and the step of the maid moving about in the neighbouring -chamber. With a beating heart, and in breathless silence, Rose marked -every sound, till at length a thin line of light, which crossed the -floor from the key-hole, was suddenly extinguished; and she heard the -girl take her place in bed. A few minutes after, the clock of the -château struck twelve, but Rose still lay quiet for some minutes in -order that the spy upon her actions might be asleep before she moved.</p> - -<p class="normal">Blanchette, however, was one of the "dull weeds" that easily fasten -themselves on "Lethe's shore." Herself was all she thought of, all she -cared for; and, having provided to the best of her ability for the -success and prosperity of that well-loved person, she was soon in the -arms of slumber, undisturbed by any of the reproaches of conscience, -or the lighter tones of imagination. The heavy breathing of profound -and dreamless sleep was heard erelong; and, rising from her bed, Rose -d'Albret dressed herself as well as she could in the darkness, and -drew down the tapestry over the door between her room and that of the -maid, to prevent Blanchette from hearing any sound within.</p> - -<p class="normal">She feared that she should not be ready in time; and she hastened all -her preparations eagerly, as much to withdraw her own thoughts from -fears and apprehensions, as to guard against being too late; but, as -so often happens, all was complete long before the hour; and for -nearly twenty minutes, she sat at a little distance from the window, -trembling with agitation and alarm.</p> - -<p class="normal">She had now full time to give way to all the busy thoughts that -naturally sprang from her situation. She felt she loved--she trusted -she was beloved in return; but still to fly with De Montigni from all -other protection--to put herself entirely in his power--to cast -herself thus into his arms; it was rash, she thought; it was foolish. -Would he continue to love her? Might not his quickly-roused passion -die away as soon? Might he not be the first to think her rash -confidence in him, bold, almost immodest?</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no!" she answered, "he would not do so; he was too kind--too -generous. He always had been. Why should she think him changed in mind -and heart, in thought and feeling, since the bright days of his -boyhood, when she had loved him so well? Did he not tell her that he -had always loved her?--did he not promise to love her always?--and -when had he ever broken his word? No, no! It was but agitation and -weak terror made her doubt."</p> - -<p class="normal">Even if there were a risk, she thought again, even if the dream of -happiness with Louis de Montigni, which had come with so sweet a -relief to her heart, were not to be fully realized, yet, when the only -alternative was to wed a man she now hated and contemned, could she -hesitate to give herself to one she loved? and again she answered, -"No! If death were the only other course, she would seek it, rather -than give her hand to Nicholas de Chazeul."</p> - -<p class="normal">Her mind then turned to the dangers of the way; to the chance of being -stopped ere they could quit the castle; to the likelihood of being -discovered and frustrated; to the shame and confusion that must -follow. She pictured herself brought before Monsieur de Liancourt; she -called up the scornful looks of Chazeul and the sneering taunts of his -mother; and for a moment her heart sank as fancy painted the scene -with the vividness of reality. But then her spirit rose; "I would not -bear it," she said to herself. "I would own my love to one, and my -hatred to the other. I would call for a sight of the contract that my -father signed. I would refuse to wed this man--aye, even if they -dragged me to the altar. I would demand the protection of the good old -commander, and put myself under the guardianship of the law."</p> - -<p class="normal">Poor girl, she little knew how powerless was the law in France at that -moment. "It is strange," she continued, turning to another line of -thought, "I have not heard the clock strike one; and yet it is long -since twelve. Can anything have gone wrong? It must have struck -without my hearing it.--How dark it is without! Not a star in the sky, -and the moon down! Those must be drops of rain I hear."</p> - -<p class="normal">A moment after the heavy bell of the clock sounded upon her ear; and -she found how long tedious expectation can make one short hour. Rose -smiled at her own impatience, and said in her heart, "I must not let -Louis know how eagerly I have watched for him; and yet, why not? If he -be generous, as I think, to be so loved will but increase his own; and -if he be not, no arts will keep a wayward heart. Hark, there is a -sound!" and the next instant, something like the steel point of a -sword's scabbard, struck lightly against the window.</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose opened it without noise, and asked in a low and trembling voice, -"Who is there?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis I! 'tis I, my beloved," answered De Montigni, who was standing -on a ladder, which had been placed against the window. "All is ready -if you are. But, before you come, secure your maid in her own room. We -have turned the key without. She is not to be trusted; and it were -well to prevent her from giving the alarm to-morrow, till the last -moment."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There is but a bolt," said Rose d'Albret, "and I fear I shall wake -her with the noise, for it is a very heavy one."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Stay, dearest," replied her lover; "I will do it," and he sprang -lightly into the room.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, Louis," whispered Rose, as he held her for a moment to his heart, -"do not waste time."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will not," he answered. "Where is this bolt," and following Rose, -who led him on with a trembling hand, he drew back the tapestry and -felt for the bolt upon the door. Slowly and gently he pushed it -forward; but this was not accomplished without some noise, and the -heart of Rose d'Albret beat as if it would have burst through her -side. She could not even listen for the throbbing; but De Montigni -bent down his ear; and after a moment he whispered, "it is all safe, -she sleeps, my beloved. Now, Rose, now," and taking her hand in his, -he led her back towards the window.</p> - -<p class="normal">He felt by the trembling of her hand, that she was greatly agitated; -and although, when he had first entered the room, he had given way, as -we have seen, for a single instant, to the warm emotions of his heart, -he would not now add by one rash caress to that which Rose already -underwent. When they reached the window, however, he drew the other -side of the casement farther back, to get out first and assist her in -descending. But the lady detained him a moment by the hand, asking in -a low voice, "And will you love me ever, Louis?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"As from my earliest youth, so to my last hour, dear Rose," replied De -Montigni in the same low tone.</p> - -<p class="normal">"And will you never judge me rash, imprudent, bold, De Montigni?" -again inquired the lady; "will you never reproach me, even in your own -secret heart, for listening to your persuasions? will you never think -it was immodest or unfeminine to quit the shelter of my guardian's -house, and give myself to you with this implicit confidence?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Never, dear Rose!" replied De Montigni; "banish such idle -apprehensions. I shall ever feel the deepest gratitude. I shall ever -feel respect for that decision which saves me the pain, the peril, and -the grief of bringing to account my nearest relations for a most -shameful attempt to violate the contract with your father, and to -defraud me of my own--for you are my own, Rose. You are plighted to me -from your infancy, and indeed, dear one, I have a right to demand, as -the only one entitled to your hand, that you should take the only -means by which it can be secured to me; and for your thus yielding -willingly and readily, my thanks, and love, and gratitude, are yours -for ever."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then, there is my hand, De Montigni," said Mademoiselle -d'Albret, "and I am yours. I do not doubt you, Louis,--I do not doubt -you; but in these things woman may well be timid; for her all is at -stake; and God knows those we play against are often cheats."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Such am not I, dear Rose," replied her lover. "Come, my Rose, come!" -and stepping out of the window, he held his hands towards her, to -guide her in the descent.</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose d'Albret closed her eyes, murmured a short prayer to God for -protection and assistance in the course before her; and, after pausing -one moment more, in lingering hesitation, she put her foot upon the -ladder, and descended gently, with De Montigni steadying her steps. -The height was not great, and the next minute her feet were upon the -ground between the old château and the walls that defended it. There -was no one below, for De Montigni had determined to come alone, in -order to avoid all bustle and confusion.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now, dear girl, now," he said, "the first step to freedom is taken. -Estoc is waiting for us on the walls; my horses are prepared without; -and in five minutes we shall be in liberty."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But how shall we pass the gates?" asked Rose; "they are always -strictly guarded."</p> - -<p class="normal">"We have placed men that can be depended upon," replied De Montigni, -"and the sally port at the south, is in the hands of Estoc. This way, -dearest, this way, to the bridge."</p> - -<p class="normal">Their escape, however, was not destined to be effected so easily as -they supposed; for when they reached the spot where the flying bridge -which we have so often mentioned hung between the château and the -outer walls, De Montigni, on looking up, perceived through the dim air -of night that it was raised. There was a flight of stone steps, built -against the body of the château, from the sort of paved court in which -they were, to the door, that communicated with the bridge; and up -these De Montigni sprang in a moment leaving Rose d'Albret below. He -found, however, that the chain which suspended the bridge in the air, -was pad-locked; and, descending again with a noiseless step, he asked -his fair companion in a whisper "Who sleeps in the room on the right?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not know," replied Rose, "some of Monsieur de Chazeul's -servants, I believe."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There are people talking within," replied De Montigni; "the bridge is -up, the chains padlocked; and, even if they were not, the noise of -letting it down would call attention. We must go round, dear Rose, to -the staircase in the wall."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose d'Albret trembled very much; for her agitation was already so -great, that any impediment made her heart sink with apprehension; but -leaning on De Montigni's arm, she hurried along with him, and soon -reached the staircase of which he had spoken, which in another minute -led them to the top of the wall.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Sit here for a moment, dearest," said De Montigni, "while I find -Estoc, and do not raise your head above the parapet. He and I may pass -for the guards; but the veil and ruff do not well imitate the steel -cap and cuirass."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose silently did as he bade her, and gazed out, while he was gone, -through the neighbouring embrasure. The country through which she was -to pass lay before her; but it was all dark and indistinct, like the -wide land of the future in the journey of life. There was no star to -betoken hope in the sky above; thick clouds, like frowning fate, -covered the whole heaven; and though the few heavy drops of rain which -had fallen had ceased for the time, there were low sobbing gusts of -wind, which seemed to say, that they would soon commence again.</p> - -<p class="normal">Sad and apprehensive, Rose d'Albret gazed over the scene, and with -curious eye strove to trace out the road along which she was to -travel, as one does so soften and so vainly in the mortal night which -surrounds us here below. Fortunately, however, she had not much time -for gloomy meditations. In less than two minutes De Montigni was by -her side again, accompanied by Estoc, who bent down and kissed her -hand, saying "Come, Mademoiselle, come, don't be frightened about the -bridge being up, that is done against those on the outside of the -wall, not those on the in. We will soon reach the sally port; but we -must cross the court first."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But who are those that Monsieur de Montigni heard talking in the room -to the right of the bridge door?" asked Rose d'Albret in a whisper.</p> - -<p class="normal">"On my body and life I do not know," replied Estoc; "some of Chazeul's -people, about no good, I'll warrant; but they'd better not come near -us, or I'll split their skulls and his too, if he meddles. This way, -Mademoiselle."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hush!" cried Rose drawing back, "there is a man coming along the -wall.--Oh Heaven! who can it be?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nobody but Paul the sentinel," replied Estoc. "I placed him here on -guard, lady, and he knows his business.--Come!" and leading her on, he -passed close by the warder, who for his part, when they approached -turned his back to them, and gazed out over the country.</p> - -<p class="normal">To witness such a thorough understanding between her companions and -the guards, restored some degree of confidence and hope to Rose -d'Albret; and, hurrying forward, they descended the stairs by which -she had mounted, chose the second archway in the body of the building, -and crossed the vacant court, where all was still and silent, except a -large eagle which was chained to a perch in the midst, and which, -disturbed in its reveries by their passing near, flapped its large -wings, and uttered a shrill cry. Taking through another archway on the -opposite side of the court, they threaded one or two of the passages -of the building, and soon reached a paved passage, or <i>coulisse</i>, -similar to that which ran between the château and the wall on the -northern side. As they walked along, Rose remarked that De Montigni -drew round to the side of Estoc, and whispered something in his ear.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not know," replied the old soldier; "I placed him there not ten -minutes ago. Perhaps he is standing under the arch."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not think it," said De Montigni; "there is no depth to hide him; -and I can see no one."</p> - -<p class="normal">"My eyes are not so good as they were," answered Estoc; "but he may -have opened the door for aught we know, to have all ready."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What is the matter?" asked Mademoiselle d'Albret, clinging to De -Montigni's arm; "what has gone amiss?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nothing, dearest, nothing," replied De Montigni. "'Tis only that we -do not see the guard who was placed with the keys of the sally port. -He may, perhaps, have opened the door and gone in; or he may have -walked on to the end."</p> - -<p class="normal">When they reached the low-browed door in the wall, however, which was -to give them exit from the Château of Marzay, they found no one there, -and the heavy iron-covered gate tightly locked. Swearing an oath or -two in an under tone, Estoc looked up and down the passage to see if -he could perceive the careless warder; but nothing was to be -discovered; and no sound or footfall gave notice that he was near.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Stay," said the old soldier; "stay a moment here, I will go and see -for him. I cannot understand this at all. Yet there can be no danger, -lady, so do not be afraid; for if anything were discovered, we should -find people enough here."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But if any one should come, while you are gone?" asked Rose d'Albret, -in a faltering tone.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, then, you must hide yourselves amongst those passages opposite," -replied the old soldier. "You know them well, both of you, for many a -hunt have I had after you amongst them, when you were children."</p> - -<p class="normal">Notwithstanding all her apprehensions, Rose d'Albret could but smile, -as the old man's words brought up before her mind the picture of the -happy hours of childhood; and she laid her hand fondly on De -Montigni's arm, feeling that she did love him truly, and had loved him -longer than she once thought she had.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Let us go at once, Louis," she said, "into what we used to call the -labyrinth; they would not find us easily there, and we can watch till -he comes back."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, ay," said Estoc; "go there, pretty lady. I will not be a minute, -for the man cannot be far off."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying he left them; and crossing the passage, they entered an -arch, a little way farther down, which communicated with some of the -inferior parts of the building but little used by the household, and -was traversed by narrow stone corridors, with innumerable staircases -to rooms above. Placing themselves under the shelter of the vault they -waited, listening to the old soldier's receding step; but the -momentary light which had come up in Rose d'Albret's mind, at his -allusion to former days, passed rapidly away as she stood there with -her lover, uncertain of what the next hour might bring forth.</p> - -<p class="normal">The moment after, they heard the neigh of a horse beyond the walls, -and De Montigni, turning to her, whispered, "There is but a little -space between us and safety, Rose."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Alas! it may be enough," replied Rose d'Albret, "to bar us from all -our hopes."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, nay," answered her lover; "take not such a gloomy view of it, -dear one; there are always small obstacles to every scheme; but these -will soon be removed, and all will go well."</p> - -<p class="normal">"God grant it," said Rose d'Albret; but even as she spoke, she drew -back farther within the arch, saying, "Hush! there are figures upon -the wall."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Stand, give the word," cried a sentinel above.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I forget it," replied the voice of Chazeul; "but you know me, my -man?--You know Monsieur de Chazeul?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I know no one without the word," replied the soldier. "Stand off, or -you are a dead man!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Dare you be so insolent?" exclaimed Chazeul. "Who commands the guard -to-night?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do my duty, Sir," replied the soldier; "so stand back, I say! It is -Monsieur de l'Estoc's guard."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I thought so," replied Chazeul; "like master like man. Go, and call -him. Sir."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not I," answered the soldier; "I do not quit my post for any one. You -can call him yourself, if you want him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will," replied Chazeul sternly; "and have you punished for your -insolence;" and, turning back along the wall, he proceeded to search -for Estoc.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XIV.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">The small evils of life, against which, in the narrowness of our -views, and the idleness of our heart, we so often pray, as if they -were as hideous as unmasked sin, how often do they work for us the -greatest benefits in ways we never dreamt of!--how often do they even -forward us in the very course they seemed likely to obstruct! There is -not a hair of our head that is not numbered; there is not a sparrow -falls to the ground unmarked; so we were told by Him who is Truth; and -surely there is not an act or incident of our life that has not its -end and object in the great scheme of our being, and in the greater -scheme of universal nature. Pleasant is it, and sweet to contemplate, -for the eye of faith, that all is ruled and directed to its fixed -purpose by Almighty wisdom, and infinite goodness.</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is gone!" whispered De Montigni to Rose d'Albret, as Chazeul -strode away. "You see it is fortunate, dear girl, that we did not find -the sally port open, or we should have been passing just at the moment -he was upon the walls above. He could not have stayed us, it is true, -for we have a large party in the castle; but it might have occasioned -strife, and that I would fain avoid."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh yes, yes!" said Rose. "God grant that we may escape that,--but -hark! it is raining, Louis."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is unlucky," replied De Montigni. Yet, in truth, it was far from -unfortunate for the success of their scheme. The large drops which -began to descend in a heavy shower, soon changed the purpose of -Nicholas de Chazeul, who was lightly clothed, and somewhat careful of -his own person; and instead of seeking Estoc, as he had intended, he -hurried back to his own chamber, cast off his wet clothes, and retired -to bed, keeping his indignation for the following morning.</p> - -<p class="normal">In the meanwhile Louis de Montigni and Rose d'Albret, remained for -some minutes longer under the archway; and, although apprehension and -anxiety had a large share in the fair Lady's feelings, it must not be -denied, that there were sweet and happy sensations too. With her arm -twined through that of her lover, with her hand clasped in his, she -felt all the joy, the thrilling and inexpressible joy of loving, -trusting, confiding; and she felt it too for the first time. All the -freshness of the young heart was there; that freshness which in all -things is the point of perfection,--the moment of expansion to the -flower; the hour of ripeness to the fruit, when colour, and beauty, -and scent, and flavour, and delight, are all at their full before one -petal has fallen or withered, before one tint has faded, before the -bloom has been brushed off, before the enjoyment has palled, or the -fine edge of sensation has been blunted. There are feelings in the -human heart, and they are the brightest of those which have any -reference to earth, which are like those small delicate flies, that -live but an hour in their beauty, and then pass away, unable to -sustain even the weight of the common air; and with Rose d'Albret that -was the moment of their existence. She had never before known what it -was to give the whole heart, to cling to another, as if in him she had -a second life; to look to him for all her future joy; to trust in him -for aid, protection and support; to fear for him more than for -herself; to believe, her best gift, was to render him happy. The world -in which she had lived, was a cold and dreary one; there had been no -heart which had sympathies with hers; no voice to reciprocate kind -words; no mind with which to exchange the thoughts that were busy in -her own. All who surrounded her were different from her in years, in -ideas, in feelings, in objects. It was a dark and shadowy state of -being, whose only light had been memory, memory of him who now stood -beside her till he himself had returned, like her morning star, and -the day of love had dawned upon her heart, driving the shades away, -and gilding even the clouds, that still hung over the sky.</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus, though dread and apprehension still had some share in her -feelings, poor Rose d'Albret was not now without a bright portion of -happiness; and the gentle pressure of the hand, the mute caress, the -word of tenderness and comfort from her lover's lips, produced -sensations in her bosom which he did not know, which, perhaps man -never fully knows, in his dealings with woman.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length there came a hurried tread, as if more than one person were -approaching, and De Montigni took a step forward before his fair -companion, and loosened his sword in the scabbard. The rain was -falling heavily; the night had become doubly dark; and he could only -distinguish the forms of two men advancing quickly along the -<i>coulisse</i>, without being able to discover who they were. One he -thought indeed was Estoc, but he was not sure, till at length the man -on the right hand paused opposite the sally port, and appeared to -unlock the door, while the other came on towards the spot where he -stood.</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is Estoc, dear Rose," he said; "it is Estoc with the keys."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Be sure, be sure!" whispered Rose, laying hand upon his arm; but the -next instant Estoc himself stood before them, saying, "Quick, Louis! -quick! there are more people stirring in the château than we wot of."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Chazeul was on the walls but a moment ago," replied De Montigni, "but -the sentinel would not let him pass."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I know, I know," replied Estoc. "I heard it all, but the rain has -driven him in, the white-livered knave.--You will get sadly wet, sweet -lady, I fear."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, I mind not a little rain," replied Rose d'Albret. "How often have -you seen me drenched in hunting! Estoc; and it will not hurt me more -now, that I am being hunted,--but what was the cause of the delay?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"They had given the man the wrong key," replied Estoc, "and he knew -not how to get the right one, without betraying that there was -something secret going on,--the door is open now, however. Let us be -quick.--Hark! there is two!--Moments are precious."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am quite ready," said Rose; but De Montigni, before he suffered her -to issue forth into the rain, covered her as well as he could with his -cloak, though the short mantles of those days, afforded but a very -inefficient protection against a heavy shower. They then crossed the -passage, and gliding along under the wall, found the door of the sally -port open, and the guard holding it back.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ged bless you, Lady! God bless you, Sir," said the man as they -passed. And the prayer of a plain and honest heart for our welfare, -has always its effect in comforting, and reassuring.</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc led the way, along the stone-faced court, under the earthen -mound, which there defended the wall, across a little bridge over the -ditch, and through the gate beyond, which he unlocked to let them -pass. Beneath the shadow of the gate, and three or four old trees, -which grew beside it, stood a party of seven or eight men, with their -hands upon their horses' bridles, ready to mount in a moment. Two -other saddled horses were amongst them, and while De Montigni lifted -Rose d'Albret lightly from the ground, and mounted her securely, old -Estoc said, in a low voice, "It is your own limousin, Mademoiselle, so -you know his mouth, and he knows your hand."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Thank you, thank you for your kindness, Estoc," replied the lady; -"these are moments never to be forgotten."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni pressed the old soldier in his arms; and then saying, "We -shall meet again soon, Estoc, I hope in the King's camp," he sprang -upon his horse's back, and laying his hand upon Rose's rein, to lead -her forward through the darkness, set out upon the road to Dreux.</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc turned back into the castle, closed the gates behind him, made a -turn upon the ramparts, listened for a few minutes till he could hear -no more the retreating sound of horses' feet, and then retiring to the -guard-room, under the principal gate, dried himself by the blazing -logs upon the hearth. In a few minutes, however, he gave some orders -to one of the soldiers, who was sitting near, and then stretching -himself upon a camp bedstead in the corner, was soon sound asleep.</p> - -<p class="normal">Everything remained quiet in the château during the night. Unconscious -of what had taken place, those whose cunning schemes had been -frustrated, remained in the tranquil slumber of imaginary success, -dreaming of the coming day, and of seeing the seal put upon their -intrigues by the voluntary renunciation of De Montigni's right, -through which, not only the much coveted estates of Liancourt, but the -hand of Rose d'Albret, and the inheritance which that hand conveyed, -were, they thought, to be lost to him, for whom they were originally -intended.</p> - -<p class="normal">The only person who slept but little, was the old commander De -Liancourt, who, partly on account of the pain of his wounds, and -partly from anxiety for his nephew's safety and success, lay tossing -on his bed till within an hour of morning, wondering if all had gone -right, and repeating, a thousand and a thousand times, "All is quiet! -They must have got off; otherwise, I should have heard something."</p> - -<p class="normal">With the first dawn of day, some of the inferior servants began to -stir in the house. The scullions proceeded to their abhorred task of -scouring the brazen pots and kettles in the kitchen; the turnspit dog -waddled slowly from the hearth, the scene of his daily toil, where he -found warmth and repose during the night, to hide himself in some -corner from the eyes of the persecuting cook; and various other -drudges, well called <i>femmes de peine</i>, went through the different -halls and chambers, clearing off that dust which rise from the decay -of every earthly thing, and falls every hour--a memento, if we would -but see it, of the perishable nature of all here below--upon the -polish and the gilding with which we seek to cover all the coarse -materials from our eyes.</p> - -<p class="normal">Soon the higher functionaries began to appear upon the scene; cooks, -and grooms of the chambers, and all the officers and attendants who, -in those days, thronged the house of a French nobleman; and then the -masters themselves. First, came father Walter, in his black garments, -pacing up and down the hall, and gazing, from time to time, out of the -high windows at the rainy sky. He was soon joined by Monsieur de -Chazeul, followed, shortly after, by the Count de Liancourt. These -three continued, stretching their limbs by a walk up and down the wide -pavement, for near half an hour, conversing over all that had taken -place the day before, and speculating upon the coming event. Chazeul -related to his two companions the intelligence he had received from -Blanchette on the preceding night, and the application which De -Montigni had made for another interview with Rose d'Albret.</p> - -<p class="normal">"That was not right," said Monsieur de Liancourt. "One interview was -all he asked; that was granted, and he ought not to have sought more."</p> - -<p class="normal">How boldly do we judge of what is right and wrong in the conduct of -others! how boldly do we censure and condemn, very often when we are -doing them the bitterest injustice! Monsieur de Liancourt totally -forgot, when he talked of right, that Louis de Montigni was really -entitled, not only to one interview with Rose d'Albret, but to every -hour of her time, to her hand, to her heart, to her fortune,--he -totally forgot it, I say, and thought that the schemes which he had so -long nurtured, the ideas which he had so long indulged, formed the -only standard by which to measure the conduct and the rights of -others. Do not let the reader suppose this unnatural. Let him look -around, he will find the same perversion of views in every country, in -every house, in every family; let him look within, he will find it -more or less in his own heart, whenever his own interests, wishes, -prejudices, or passions, are placed in opposition to the rights of -others.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length, when about half an hour had passed, the Count began to -think it strange that his fair ward, who was always an early riser, -had not yet appeared, and asked if the others had seen anything of -her.</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," replied Chazeul. "I suppose, as she cannot take her favourite -walk this rainy day, she keeps her own chamber, to be out of the way -of De Montigni."</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest looked down and mused, for he entertained some doubts as to -Rose's feelings being exactly those which Chazeul's vanity led him to -suppose, though, it must be remarked, he had not the slightest -suspicion of the event which had just taken place.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Have you seen Blanchette this morning?" inquired the Count.</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," replied Chazeul; "but I will send my knave, Alphonso, to see -after her. It will but be courteous to inquire for her mistress's -health."</p> - -<p class="normal">He was turning towards the door, when his mother entered, and asked at -once, "Where is Rose?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"She has not appeared yet," replied Chazeul. "I am just going to -inquire after her, most noble dame."</p> - -<p class="normal">"See, see yourself, Nicholas," cried the Marchioness, sharply. "One of -my girls tells me, that, passing by her door just now, she heard a -knocking, as if carpenters were at work. Is De Montigni absent, too? -Why, it is near the hour of mass!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul left the room instantly, by the door which led direct along -the corridor, to the apartments of Rose d'Albret. All was still, -however; the noise which his mother mentioned had ceased; and it was -not till he came close to the ante-chamber that he thought he heard a -sound of moaning, as if some one was giving way to the expression of -pain or grief. He instantly knocked at the door, and called to -Blanchette, who demanded, in a voice half-drowned by tears, "Who is -there?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is I," replied the Marquis. "What is the matter, Blanchette? Open -the door; let me in."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I cannot," replied Blanchette; "the door is locked, and I can't get -out."</p> - -<p class="normal">"How is your mistress?" asked Chazeul.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not know," replied the girl.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, go in and see, then," said the Marquis.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I cannot," rejoined Blanchette again; "that door is fastened too."</p> - -<p class="normal">A sudden suspicion of the truth flashed through the mind of Chazeul, -and he stood for a moment, stupified with surprise and anger. Then, -hastening back to the hall, he exclaimed, "Something is wrong! The -girl Blanchette is locked into her room.--We must force the door."</p> - -<p class="normal">"To the window! to the window!" replied the Marchioness; and, hurrying -out to the flying bridge, they descended the stone steps into the -<i>coulisse</i>, Monsieur de Liancourt exclaiming,</p> - -<p class="normal">"Quick! some one bring a ladder."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There is no ladder needed, my wise brother," said Madame de Chazeul, -the moment after, pointing with her hand to the spot where, underneath -the window of Rose's chamber, might still be seen the instrument used -in her escape. "You will find one ready. Those who like to go on in -the rain, and see the nest of the flown bird, may go, I shall return -to the hall." And thus saying, she ascended the steps, while the rest -of the party hurried on.</p> - -<p class="normal">By the ladder easy access was obtained to the room of Mademoiselle -d'Albret; and it is not necessary to detail the state in which it was -found. Rose, as the reader is aware, was no longer there; and all that -remained for those that sought her, was to liberate Blanchette, and -inquire when, how, and why, her mistress had fled.</p> - -<p class="normal">The girl, however, could tell them nothing of the truth; and, though -she made up for the deficiency by telling plenty of falsehoods, -endeavouring, in the fear and agitation of the moment, to screen -herself from suspicions which were never directed towards her, yet her -information, of having heard her mistress move in her chamber about -three o'clock in the morning, without thinking anything of it, of -having visited her the last thing before she went to bed herself, and -seeing her soundly asleep in bed, together with sundry other fanciful -pieces of intelligence, proved not in the least satisfactory to the -hearers.</p> - -<p class="normal">After much wonder, and some consideration, and a good deal of -examination in the apartments of Mademoiselle d'Albret, the party were -obliged to make their egress by the window again, the outer door being -locked and the key gone.</p> - -<p class="normal">They found Madame de Chazeul in the hall, with an angry spot upon her -cheek, and her brow knit, while the old commander, dressed as if for a -journey, with his sword by his side, and the cross of his order round -his neck, sat upon a bench at one side of the hall, tapping his leg -deliberately with his staff.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am glad you are come, Count," said the Marchioness; "here is our -brother Michael evidently knows all about this infamous abduction; but -he will make no answer to my inquiries."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, I told you I would not, Jacqueline, till Liancourt came," -replied the Commander. "Now he is come, I will tell you all I know, -and also perform the task I took upon me yesterday."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Sir, well, be quick," replied the Count. "I have borne your -humours too long; and I will endure no tricks and treachery, depend -upon it."</p> - -<p class="normal">The old soldier's cheek grew warm. "No tricks but your own, Sir," he -replied. "But we all know you are a tool in the hands of others, and -therefore to be forgiven, like all weak men, who make themselves the -instruments of knaves. Ay, you may stare, Jacqueline; but be good -enough to remember, I was never afraid of those black eyes, even when -the cheeks were round and soft, and am not more timid now, when they -are shrivelled and skinny. The simple matter of fact is this, Anthony, -you have all laid your heads together to deprive Louis de Montigni, -the son of our poor sister Louise, of the inheritance which I -renounced in her favour, and in favour of her children. I did not -renounce it in your favour, Madame Jacqueline; for you were always -able to take care of yourself, though Louise was mild and gentle, and -consequently continually kept down, and deprived of just estimation."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And may I ask, Sir," said Monsieur de Liancourt, with a cold, and -haughty air, "what business it was of yours, if Monsieur de Montigni -choose to renounce also?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I don't know that," replied the old Commander; "he cannot renounce -without my returning to my rights. However, I would have made no noise -about that, if he had done so willingly, and with his eyes open. But I -did not choose to have him deceived, and so I was resolved he should -know all. The priest there, like an honest man, told him, that he had -some right to the estates, and I told him what."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Marchioness turned a fierce look upon father Walter, who met it -with a calm and tranquil air, apparently in no degree taken by -surprise or annoyed.</p> - -<p class="normal">"But I told him, moreover, my good brother," continued the Commander, -"that if he gave up the estates, he gave up his claim and right to the -hand of Mademoiselle d'Albret,--to our sweet Rose. It is right that -every one should know how he stands, and what he does, brother -Anthony; and as you did not tell him, I did. I told him the contract -was in his favour, not in that of yonder gentleman in ruffs and -ear-rings, inasmuch as it engaged for the marriage of the young lady -to the heir of Liancourt, which he is by my renunciation; and if he -had given up his claim, I would have married her myself; for then I -should be heir of Liancourt again. But as I am old, and somewhat -battered in the wars, and should limp a little in following a bride -through a ballroom, he thought fit to save me the trouble, and -consequently determined to hold his own."</p> - -<p class="normal">"My son, my son, this is no jesting matter," said father Walter in a -grave tone; "I beseech you, what you have to speak, speak seriously."</p> - -<p class="normal">"If I speak seriously, sir priest," replied the old soldier, "I may -have to say things not very palatable to many here present. But if it -must be, so it shall be. In a word, then, brother, he found that he -had been deceived, kept in ignorance, cajoled to part with rights -concealed from him. Had it been but the estates, he would have given -them up at a word, as I did; but he would not give up her he loved, -except at her own request. In this, too, he discovered, he had been -cheated. Instead of finding that she had freely and willingly promised -her hand to a man who possessed her heart, he learned that she too had -been misled into the belief that she was contracted to yonder -gentleman, and that she was about, unwillingly, to yield to what she -thought duty--poor thing!--without either loving, or having promised -at all."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But she did promise," exclaimed Chazeul. "I call upon all here to -witness it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That's a lie!" answered the Commander sternly; "nor the first, good -nephew, by many! She never promised; for only two days ago I heard her -ask a short time to consider. You cannot deny it, priest."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I cannot," said father Walter.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well then," continued the old officer, "he asked to see her alone, to -learn her own mind--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"We did not know that he was going thus treacherously--" cried -Chazeul.</p> - -<p class="normal">"To tell her the truth," interrupted the Commander; "or you would have -taken care to prevent it. But when he had enlightened her on those -subjects, and found that she very much preferred himself to you, he -suggested to her that, to save needless trouble, and dispute, it would -be better for her to take her departure at once with the husband of -her father's choice, and, placing themselves under the protection of -the King, demand his sanction to their immediate marriage. Ay, <i>the -King!</i> nephew,--the King, father Walter--Henry the Fourth, King of -France and Navarre, who is so, and will be so whether it pleases you -or not!--But I forgot," he added, "the boy left a letter with me for -you brother Anthony. Ho! Estoc there, get me that letter, pray."</p> - -<p class="normal">While this delectable conversation had been proceeding, Madame de -Chazeul had seated herself in the chair usually occupied by the Count, -and, leaning her head upon her hand, had seemed more busied with her -own thoughts than with anything that was going on around; but at the -mention of the letter, she raised her head, with a bitter sneer upon -her lip, asking, "Pray whose manufacture is the epistle? Is it an -extract from Cæsar's Commentaries by the Commander de Liancourt, or a -parody upon Ovid's Art of Love by Monsieur de Montigni?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Neither, Jacqueline," replied her brother, "but a good honest letter, -from a youth whom you have not been able to cheat, with all your -cunning. The letter,--the letter, Estoc," he continued, as his old -comrade put his head into the hall--Where is Louis's letter? You had -it.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh ay! of course he had it," cried Chazeul, as the good soldier -advanced with a paper in his hand; and then turning round, the Marquis -whispered for an instant to the Count, who, after taking the letter -from the hands of Estoc, made him a sign to stay.</p> - -<p class="normal">"You know of all this affair, Sir," said Monsieur de Liancourt, fixing -his eyes upon him, "and gave aid and encouragement."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I saw them at the last moment," replied Estoc at once, "and had they -wanted encouragement would have given it to them; but they did not; -and as to aiding them, I had no commands to stop any one quitting the -castle."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It was your duty, Sir, to stop any fugitives from authority," replied -the Count; "and I have a great mind to punish you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"To do that you have no power, Sir," answered Estoc; "you forget I am -not your servant, Count of Liancourt, but a gentleman and a soldier, -though a poor one. I have, at the desire of my good old commander -here, aided you voluntarily to keep your château in these troublous -times; but I have taken no wage nor pay from you or yours; and, let me -tell you, he is a bold man that talks of punishing a French gentleman -that has done no wrong."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Come, come, Anthony," cried the Commander, "no folly, if you please. -Estoc is my <i>guidon</i>; you have nought to do with him. If there be -fault, it is mine. I aided, I encouraged them; I told them to go, and -helped them to do it; and whoever says I had not a right to do so, -lies in his teeth!--But read the letter, brother o'mine; for you may -have something to say to it; and I am away this morning. My litter and -my men are ready in the court."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And the sooner you go, Michael, the better," said Madame de Chazeul.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not at your bidding, Jacqueline," replied the Commander, while his -brother opened the letter and read it. "Ay, here comes your creature, -Blanchette. On my life, this has been a pretty honest scheme from the -beginning."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What does he say?" inquired the Marchioness, as the Count read.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, hear it, hear it!" answered Monsieur de Liancourt: "you will then -see, how grateful he is for all the care and kindness I have bestowed -upon his youth;" and he proceeded to read as follows:</p> -<br> - -<p style="text-indent:10%">"<span class="sc">Sir, my Uncle</span>,</p> - -<p class="normal">"Before this reaches your hands, I shall be far distant, feeling -myself compelled to take a step, which nothing but the desire of -avoiding that strife and contention which must ensue, were I to stay -and urge my rights in your house, would induce me to adopt. At the -same time it is necessary, for my own justification, that I should -give some explanation of my conduct. You were pleased on my arrival, -to ask for my signature to certain papers, which, on examination of -the documents themselves, and consultation with my uncle, the -Commander, and others, I found implied a renunciation of my clear -right to the estates of Liancourt, and the acceptance of certain -benefices as an equivalent. Had that been the only question, I would -not have scrupled to consent; but I found that by a contract between -you and the late Count de Marennes, made while I was considered -certain heir to those estates, the hand of Mademoiselle d'Albret was -promised to the person inheriting them. You had given me to understand -that the lady's inclination led her to an union with my cousin De -Chazeul; and had it been so, my love for her is too sincere, not to -have induced me at once to remove every obstacle that my prior claim -produced. But certain circumstances led me to believe that in this -there was an error; and I therefore required an interview with -Mademoiselle d'Albret, that both she and I, might know our real -situation, which, by your pardon, let me say, had been concealed from -both. I found, during that interview, that she had been deceived into -the belief that, in giving her hand to Monsieur de Chazeul, she was -only fulfilling her father's contract. When the truth, however, was -explained to her, I found that, far from desiring such an alliance, it -was most repugnant to her, and that, on the contrary, she was willing -to give her hand to him for whom it had been truly destined. We both -saw, that to urge my rights in person here, would necessarily produce -strife--nay, perhaps bloodshed; and we were well aware that it might -be unsafe for her to remain after I was gone, as there are too many -instances, in these days, of contracts forcibly violated, and -compulsion used to produce alliances neither prompted by inclination -nor justified by law. The course which had been pursued towards us for -the last five years, led us to apprehend that such might be the case -now; and to avoid such a result, Mademoiselle d'Albret consented to -accompany me to the court of his Majesty; where, under his sanction -and authority, I trust soon to fulfil with her the engagement between -her father and yourself. As soon as that is accomplished, being in -this matter moved by no sordid considerations, you will not find me -indisposed, in gratitude for the care and protection which you -bestowed on my early youth, to fulfil your wishes, whatever they may -be, in regard to the disposal of your property, even to the sacrifice -of what may be my own contingent rights. May God keep you in his holy -guard!</p> - -<p style="text-indent:40%">"Your nephew, - -<p style="text-indent:45%">"<span class="sc">Louis de Montigni</span>."</p> -<br> - -<p class="normal">The latter part of the letter was but little attended to by Madame de -Chazeul or her son, who were busily talking together in tones so low, -that but a word or two only was distinguishable even by the quick ears -of the priest, who stood near them.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Impossible!" said Chazeul, in reply to something which his mother -appeared to have suggested: "we have not men enough. He has fifteen of -his own old soldiers here; and a number of the men of Liancourt would -take his part. I have but seven in the castle.--No, it is impossible."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Countess muttered something in return, and then added, "Stay, -Chazeul: a better plan!" She then whispered a word or two, which -escaped all ears but those of her son, adding, "You see to it: bid him -come back at full speed when he has seen them housed. Send notice to -Nemours, too, and Mayenne; so you will have them in a net. In the -meantime, stop this farce as soon as possible. I have a word or two to -say to another personage:--Good father, I would fain speak with you," -she continued aloud, addressing Walter de la Tremblade, "either before -or after mass."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Which you please, daughter," replied Walter de la Tremblade; "we have -still half an hour."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That will be enough," answered the Marchioness, rising: "and so, -good-day, good brother Michael. Like all fools who meddle with what -does not concern them, you will one day rue the mischief that you have -now made."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Never, Jacqueline," replied the Commander. "I am not so famous for -scheming as you are; but, be you sure that, whatever you may be now -plotting, I will find means to put it out of joint with plain honesty -and truth, as I have done to-day. Farewell, brother Anthony," he -continued; "let us not part bad friends; for what I have done, has -been as much to save your honour as anything else."</p> - -<p class="normal">He held out his hand as he spoke; but the Count put his behind his -back, saying, "My honour can take care of itself, Michael; and I do -not thank you for this insolent meddling."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Poor man," said the Commander; and, turning abruptly away, he strode -out of the hall, followed by Estoc.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XV.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">There are dull pauses in human life when the mind, however anxious it -may be to speed forward upon its active career, is forced by -circumstances to halt and deal with minor things; as a traveller on -foot, however eager he may be to hasten forward upon his way, is -sometimes obliged to stop and take a small stone out of his shoe, lest -it should impede the whole after part of his journey: and thus, though -we would willingly go on with those in whom we are more interested, we -must linger for a moment or two with the priest and Madame de Chazeul, -in order to proceed more rapidly when we have related some things -which, though not very entertaining, are absolutely necessary to the -right understanding of this history.</p> - -<p class="normal">The lady led the way to her own chamber, with a step she intended to -be perfectly calm and tranquil, but which, by its occasional -irregularity and sharp jerking movement, betrayed the agitated and -angry feelings which she struggled to conceal. The priest followed, -with his still, even pace, his large dark eyes as usual bent down, and -not a trace of any emotion upon his countenance. He seemed, indeed, -like a moving statue, to the countenance of which the sculptor had -successfully endeavoured to give an expression of great thought, of -mind, and equanimity, but not of feeling or emotion.</p> - -<p class="normal">When they reached the lady's chamber, the Marchioness de Chazeul took -a seat, and pointed to another, with a somewhat haughty wave of the -hand; but father Walter sat down deliberately, and crossing one foot -over the other, remained in an easy attitude waiting for Madame de -Chazeul to begin, as if totally unconscious that there were any angry -feelings in her bosom towards himself. He made no inquiry, even by a -look, in regard to the nature of the communication which he was about -to receive, but calmly bent his head a little forward as if to listen, -and waited for her to begin.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Monsieur de la Tremblade," said the lady at length, "so you -have thought fit to commence this system of sweet candour towards -Monsieur de Montigni, and to tell him that he has a right to the -estates."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I always advocated candour, Madam," replied the priest; "and if my -advice had been followed, and the exact state of the case had been -told him in Italy, with a request that he would remove all obstacles, -he would have remained where he was, and you would not have been in -such an unpleasant situation at present."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And therefore, I suppose, because people judged differently from -yourself," said the Marchioness, "you thought fit to spoil their -plans, when yours were not adopted."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not exactly," answered father Walter, perfectly unmoved; "I only -acted as was right and fitting on the occasion, I betrayed no secrets, -lady; I gave no further information than was merely necessary to -induce this young gentleman to do what was required of him. The very -act of renunciation itself bore upon its face, the acknowledgment that -he had rights; and I did not in any degree define them, but merely -said, that it was necessary he should sign the papers, to guard -against any legal contest hereafter."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pshaw!" cried Madame de Chazeul; "do you think I do not see your -motives, Walter de la Tremblade? You would fain have so managed, that -the greater part of the benefices, if not the whole, should fall into -your hands. You were not content with the Abbey of Chizay--not you! -You must have more: and now a fine business you have made of it, for -you have lost all to yourself and to us too."</p> - -<p class="normal">The slightest possible glow passed over the cheek of Walter de la -Tremblade; but he replied, without the least alteration of tone, "You -are wrong in your suspicions, daughter; and they are unworthy of you -or me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Quite worthy of me," replied the Marchioness, "for I like to see to -the bottom of men's hearts. Now, I will answer for it, you persuaded -him that it was very improper for laymen to hold the property of the -church; you showed him, that he could not conscientiously keep these -benefices, if he got them, without taking the gown. Ha! have I touched -you? can you deny it, Sir?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Entirely," replied father Walter. "He stated such objections himself; -and it was not for me to argue against my conscience. I told him, -however, that it was a constant practice in France for men, not -ecclesiastics, to hold such benefices. The objections were his, not -mine, though how you came to learn they were ever made, I know not, as -his conduct turned upon very different feelings."</p> - -<p class="normal">"How I came to learn!" exclaimed the Marchioness, with a scornful -smile; "because I know you both right well--by no other means, good -father. Oh! I understand the whole. Think you I have lived for fifty -years, with my eyes open, in this busy world, and do not know how a -calm, quiet priest, by a few soft, half-whispered words, can instil -doubts, and insinuate his own views into the mind of a weak-hearted -youth; how by a look, or even a faint denial of that which he seeks -most strongly to impress, he can produce the effect desired, when -seeming to oppose it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Madam, you are very learned in such arts," replied father Walter, -with a slight sarcastic curl of the lip.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am," answered the Marchioness, boldly, "and I know that father -Walter can make use of them as well as others. But there is such a -thing as overreaching one's self, Sir; and methinks you have done so -in this instance."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not in the least, daughter," replied the Priest. "I am quite -contented, if you are."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But I am not!" cried the Marchioness, vehemently, "and I will have no -more of this. You think the game is lost; and, therefore, with the -cunning of your cloth, you bear it tranquilly. I know that it is not -so hopeless as you imagine; and for that reason I take the trouble of -telling you, that if I recover the false steps taken, I will not be -frustrated by you."</p> - -<p class="normal">She spoke angrily and haughtily; and then, as if feeling that she had -given too much way to passion, she rose, went to the window, gazed out -for a moment, and played with the embroidery on her dress. Father -Walter in the meanwhile remained calm and silent: not that -thought--ay, and even passion, were less busy in his own bosom than in -hers; but he was more habituated to command his own sensations, and to -keep them, like those undercurrents of the sea which carry ships far -astray without producing a ripple on the surface, from showing, by any -outward sign, the course in which they were bent.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length, the Marchioness returned, with a smoother brow and more -placable look. "Come, father Walter," she said, "we must not quarrel; -we are needful to each other. Let us act together, and, depend upon -it, the interests of both will be better served by so doing, than if -each pursued a course apart."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I deny that I have ever acted otherwise, daughter," replied the -Priest. "I am glad to hear you have hopes of retrieving what has gone -wrong; and I will aid you to the very utmost of my power, not only to -wrest from Monsieur de Montigni the estates of Liancourt, but also to -unite Mademoiselle d'Albret to your son. There are a few things that I -would not undertake to accomplish this; but not from the motives you -imagine,--from very, very different reasons."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What may they be?" inquired the Marchioness; "if you promote my -views, boldly and unhesitatingly, and I can aid yours, I will, without -scruple. What may they be, good father?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Listen, then, daughter," replied the Priest. "To an ecclesiastic of -the Holy Roman Catholic Church, there are objects far higher, far -nearer to his heart than any interests of his own. Indeed, rightly -speaking, we should have no interest but one, though human weakness -will occasionally have its share. When we enter into that body to -which I belong, we lose our identity, we become but part of a great -whole, we merge all our own passions, hopes, wishes, desires, all our -personal feelings and views, in those of the church, and for her -interests, as the highest object at which we can aim, we are justified -in taking means, and performing acts, which we should consider -culpable, were they undertaken for any individual end."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, father," said the Marchioness, as he paused, "to what does this -tend?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"To a very important point, daughter," replied the Priest. "This young -man, this De Montigni, boldly and straightforwardly acknowledges the -heretic, Henry de Bourbon, as King of France. 'Tis but the day before -yesterday, that, for the deliverance of the heretic named Chasseron, a -man who, I hear, made himself bitterly obnoxious during what is called -the Lover's War, he charged and put to death several good Catholics of -the League. One of them was brought in here severely wounded, and I -confessed him last night before his death. The youth is, even now, -gone to join his heretic monarch, excommunicated by the head of the -Christian church, and deprived by him of all right and title to the -allegiance of any but heretics like himself. Think you, lady, that a -priest of the true religion would willingly see estates and power in -the hands of such a one? No, daughter, no; and I believe that any -scheme would be justifiable to deprive him of the means of injuring -the church, of upholding heretics and infidels, and of overthrowing -all true religion in this realm. It is with great difficulty I have -kept your brother--whose wavering weakness in such things I need not -tell you--from acknowledging Henry of Bourbon; and, if his heir goes -over to that side, all my pains are lost. It has been for these causes -that I have joined heart and hand in endeavouring to bring about the -marriage between Mademoiselle d'Albret and Monsieur de Chazeul, one of -the brightest ornaments of the Holy Catholic Union; and you have done -me great wrong in supposing that any private interest, whatsoever, -would induce me to risk, even by a word, the great object I have in -view."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps I have," replied the Marchioness; "but yet, father, it was -imprudent to let this youth know that he had any rights."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not at all," replied the Priest, somewhat sternly. "That fact could -not be concealed. The very papers showed it, and the attempt to keep -it back naturally produced suspicion and inquiry. If others had played -their part as well as I did, and had watched carefully to prevent all -communication between your brother Michael and his nephew, till De -Montigni had signed, no harm would have arisen; but my advice was ill -followed; they were suffered to meet in private--how, and when, I know -not; but five minutes was sufficient to do all the mischief. And now -it is necessary that I should know what you are about to do--what are -your hopes of retrieving this affair--and what scheme is to be -followed for the future."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What would you advise yourself, father?" inquired the lady, willing -to test his sincerity.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Methinks," answered the Priest, "there is but one course to be taken. -Lose not a moment longer in vain deliberation, surprise, and -recrimination, but raise all the men of Liancourt, and send them out -to overtake this runaway ward. A thousand things may occur to stop -her. Dispatch messengers to Mayenne, Nemours, Aumale, with information -of the circumstances. Tell them to cut her off from the King's camp -and send her back. Once here, we will find means to deal with her. -This is your only chance; but a clue to her course may be gained by -the road which the old Commander follows. Be you sure that he is going -to join them; and it is even not improbable, that they are waiting for -him, at no great distance."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Give me your hand, father Walter," cried the Marchioness. "All that -you propose is already ordered; and, if we succeed by your assistance, -not only Chizay, but another abbey, richer still, shall show our -gratitude--"</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest waved his hand, and she added, with a smile, "to enable you -to promote the true interests of the Roman Catholic religion."</p> - -<p class="normal">Father Walter was about to reply; but at that moment one of the -Marchioness's women entered the room, saying, "Madam, here are -Theodore and one of the men you sent back to Chazeul, who wish to -speak with you directly."</p> - -<p class="normal">Her mistress made her a sign to be silent, and father Walter, -observing her gesture, took his leave and retired.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XVI.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">The night was as black as Acheron. The rain poured down in torrents. -The melting of the snow rendered the roads in the lower parts one mass -of mud and water, while the higher ground, where the temperature was -colder, afforded nothing but a slippery and uncertain footing for the -horses, over which they had the greatest difficulty in making their -way. There was no possibility of seeing more than four or five yards -in advance; the wind blew the falling deluge in the eyes of the whole -party; and the heart of Louis de Montigni sank, when he thought of all -that Rose d'Albret was exposed to for his sake. He strove to cheer -her, however, as she rode beside him; he guided and supported her -horse in all the more difficult parts of the way; and often he -expressed his fears and apprehensions regarding her, almost regretting -that any inducement had led him to bring her forth in such a night as -that.</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose spoke little in return, for her heart was too full of manifold -sensations, her mind too busy with thought for many words; but all -that she did say was kind, and even cheerful; for she perceived -clearly his deep anxiety for her, and strove to lighten the load as -much as possible. She assured him that she did not mind the tempest, -that she was accustomed to endure such things frequently, that her -jennet was the most sure-footed beast on earth, that she doubted not -the sky would soon clear; and when she saw how he reproached himself -for all that she was enduring, she reassured him by expressing her joy -and thankfulness at having escaped from an union, which every moment's -thought rendered more odious in her eyes. Thus they rode on for nearly -an hour and an half, sometimes slowly, sometimes rapidly, according to -the nature of the ground: the horsemen who accompanied them, keeping -as close around them as possible, for even such a dark and stormy -night was not without dangers of another kind, from the state of -turbulent anarchy into which the country was plunged.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length, however, the rain suddenly ceased; the air became hot and -sultry; the wind died away; and Rose, turning to her lover, exclaimed, -"I told you, Louis, it would be finer soon."</p> - -<p class="normal">Almost as she spoke, a bright blaze flashed over the whole sky, -illuminating the prospect on every side, which had before been hidden -under the dark veil of night. The trees of the forest on the right, -the wide undulating country on the left, the village and the spire in -the distance, the valley into which they were descending in front, -were all seen for a single instant, as clearly as if the day had -suddenly dawned; while, across the very midst of the glare which -blazed over the whole heaven, was seen a thin and quivering line of -more intense light, beginning near the zenith, and ending apparently -at a tree, some two or three hundred yards in advance, several large -limbs of which, were seen falling to the earth, with a rending and a -crashing sound, just as the darkness swept over the sky again, and all -was night once more.</p> - -<p class="normal">The horses started at the blaze; and Rose d'Albret covered her eyes -with her hand, while Louis de Montigni checked the speed at which they -were proceeding, saying, "We must go more slowly, dear Rose. This is -unfortunate indeed."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It may be so, Louis," replied his fair companion, "but storm, and -tempest, and the fierce turbulence of such a night as this, are -nothing in my eyes, compared with the slow and lengthened misery of, a -home without affection, and the living death of, a marriage without -love."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Look! look, Sir! look!" cried one of the men, pointing forward to the -sky: but the eyes of his master, and of all the party were already -fixed on the same spot, where, in the midst of the heaven, one of the -most extraordinary phenomena of nature was suddenly presented to them. -For a space of several degrees the clouds seemed to have rolled back, -and were seen piled up, in enormous masses on either hand, like the -scenes flanking a wide stage, while between them spread out an expanse -of pale whitish light, with a red wavy streak below, resembling a -plain which has caught the purple rays of the setting sun. On either -hand, from amongst the masses of vapour, appeared to dash forth bodies -of fiery combatants, horse and foot mingled together, rushing, -charging, overthrowing each other, now mixed in furious combat, now -separating for a moment, now chasing each other over the field. Again -and again the squadrons met, as if in deadly shock, and balls of fire, -as of some unearthly cannonade, crossed the sky in the midst of that -strange scene, till at length, while the fight seemed still going on, -the clouds once more rolled over the whole, and all returned to -darkness.<a name="div4Ref_01" href="#div4_01"><sup>[1]</sup></a></p> - -<p class="normal">"This is very strange," exclaimed Louis de Montigni: "I have heard of -such a thing; but I never believed it before."</p> - -<p class="normal">"We shall have a battle soon, Sir," said one of the men. "I wish we -could have seen which party won the day."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The King's, to be sure," replied another; "did you not see how he -drove them back?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"And which do you call the King's?" asked the young Baron, smiling to -see how readily imagination had seized upon the strange sight they had -beheld, to turn it to the purposes of superstition.</p> - -<p class="normal">"That on the right, Sir," answered the man. "The King has the right, I -am sure; and besides, I saw him in the front rank with a large plume -in his casque."</p> - -<p class="normal">"My eyes were not so good," said De Montigni. "Did you ever see the -King, Hugh?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not I, Sir," replied the attendant; "but I am certain that was he, -and his horse was as red as blood."</p> - -<p class="normal">His master said nothing in return, but rode on slowly, conversing in a -low tone with Rose d'Albret, while from time to time the lightning -flashed across their path, but less vividly than before; and ere long -the rain began to fall again, and the thunder ceased.</p> - -<p class="normal">Now came the most fatiguing part of the journey, for the narrow path -which they were following entered the hilly and wooded country about -Montlandon and Champrond en Gatine, and they were forced to climb and -descend continually, over a road on which the snow was but half melted -and the mud up to the fetlocks of their horses, while still the -torrents poured down from the sky, drenching their garments through -and through. The wind had totally ceased, but the air was more sultry -and close than ever; and both horses and riders suffered much from its -oppressive warmth.</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose d'Albret became silent from fatigue, for the agitation of the -last twenty-four hours now had its full effect upon her; and fears -lest her bodily strength should give way, added to what she suffered. -There is a calm and persevering endurance which goes far; there is a -light-hearted and hopeful energy which carries one through innumerable -evils; but the greatest burden upon all exertion is the fear of -failing--if once we let apprehension take possession of us. Rose knew -that it is so, and she strove hard, for De Montigni's sake, to banish -all such alarm; but the time seemed very weary, the way interminably -long. She looked anxiously for the first, grey light of morning. More -than once--when at the bottom of a hill--she thought she saw some -streaks of light over the brow; and as often she was disappointed, -till at length, as they issued forth from a thick forest that then lay -between Marolles and the edge of La Beauce, her lover exclaimed -gladly, "There, there is the daylight, Rose;" and looking forward, she -perceived distinctly the faint hues of coming day stretching over the -eastern sky, and the dark walls and towers of the castle of Montlandon -on its wooded height, standing out in strong relief.</p> - -<p class="normal">That castle offers now nothing but a picturesque ruin to the eye of -the passing traveller; but, at the time I speak of, it was inhabited; -and a beacon fire on one of the turrets, waning in lustre with the -rising light, told that its owner took part for one side or the other -in the civil war.</p> - -<p class="normal">"If I remember right," said Louis de Montigni, speaking to the man who -acted as their guide, "that is Montlandon; cannot we get shelter -there?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, Sir, oh no!" replied the soldier. "We must change the colour of -our scarfs if we do; for Monsieur de Montlandon is furious for the -Union, and a great friend of Monsieur de Chazeul's."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is unfortunate indeed," said De Montigni. "Alas! dear Rose, I -fear you are well nigh exhausted. Can you go on, my beloved?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, yes!" answered Rose, in as cheerful a tone as she could assume; -"for another hour, Louis--or two, should it be needed."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It will not be safe to stop, Mademoiselle, till we get to Les -Châtelets," observed the attendant, who was one of the old followers -of the good Commander de Liancourt, "and that is near three leagues; -but the road is better here in Beauce; and we can go faster in the -daylight. But we had better use speed, Sir, and pass this village and -Champrond before the people are awake, or we may find enemies."</p> - -<p class="normal">"With all my heart," cried Rose d'Albret; "this slow travelling in the -darkness is more fatiguing far than a quick pace;" and putting their -horses into a brisk canter, they hurried through Montlandon, before -any of the cottage windows showed signs of waking life. When they -reached Champrond, however, a good many of the villagers were standing -out under the shelter of their doors. The greater part, indeed, seemed -more terrified at the sight of the body of horsemen, than desirous of -impeding their progress, and retreated into their houses as soon as -the white scarfs appeared. But one stout blacksmith stood before his -forge, and shouted as they passed, "What news from the armies?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"The King has taken Dreux," replied one of the attendants, in the same -loud tone, "and is marching upon Chartres."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Curses on the Maheutre!" cried the blacksmith, and retired grumbling -into his dwelling.</p> - -<p class="normal">No opposition, however, was offered to their passage; and at a quick -pace they hurried on; but the anxious eye of De Montigni saw that -Rose's cheek was very pale, her fair head bent down, and the hand -which held her bridle resting on the pommel of the saddle, as if she -could hardly manage her reins.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, dearest girl," he said, "let us stop at the first cottage. You -are faint,--you are ill."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no," she answered; "I can go on, Louis. I am somewhat tired, but -I can go on," and in about five minutes more their guide exclaimed,</p> - -<p class="normal">"There is the Eure! We shall soon be safe!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Such words of encouragement revived the poor girl's strength for a few -minutes longer, till a hamlet, containing some half dozen houses, -appeared a little to the left, and De Montigni, without further -question, turned his horse's head thither, sprang to the ground at the -door of the first cottage, and, throwing his arm round his fair -companion, lifted her from the saddle.</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose leaned upon his bosom, for she could not support herself; and, -raising her in his arms, he carried her into the hut, where they found -a peasant and his young wife taking their early meal. The good people -of this place seemed to know little, or care little, of Royalists and -Leaguers. They were of the best party, the party of human nature; and -the young woman rose eagerly from the table, with expressions of -kindly compassion, to assist poor Rose d'Albret, laid her upon her own -bed, all dripping as she was, and insisted upon making her put on some -of her own apparel, while she dried the lady's wet garments at the -fire. Fatigue and exhaustion, however, were the greatest evils under -which Rose was suffering; and De Montigni eagerly asked for wine, as -her pale cheeks and bloodless lips showed him how faint she felt.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Here is cyder," said the peasant, "but that is poor stuff for such a -lady; and wine we have none."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Run, Victor, run down to the priest's," cried his wife; "you will get -wine there."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Or at Master Leger's," answered the cottager; "he has better wine -than the priest."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will go myself," cried De Montigni. "Come with me, good man; and, -while we are gone, your wife can undress the lady and assist her to -bed. A few hours' repose will do her much good."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am better now, Louis," said Rose d'Albret, stretching out her hand -to him; "do not leave me long. I am afraid of some one coming while -you are gone."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will be but an instant, dearest Rose," replied her lover, "and in -the meanwhile our people shall remain round the house. You had better -take off your wet clothes, dear one;" and he added, with a faint -smile, "I have no title to be present at your toilette yet."</p> - -<p class="normal">The colour came faintly into her cheeks again; and, once more -promising not to be many minutes absent, the young nobleman hurried -away with the peasant, closing the door behind him, and bidding the -attendants remain on guard before the house till he returned.</p> - -<p class="normal">At the end of the little straggling hamlet stood a house with a -projecting pole, from which was suspended a withered bush, giving -clear indication that there was the place where village festivals, -marriages, and merry makings, usually were celebrated. Here some -tolerable wine was easily procured, and, hurrying back with it, De -Montigni was soon by the side of her he loved, who, now stretched on -the low bed of the good peasants, had already somewhat recovered the -rosy look of health, and spoke cheerfully to him of being soon able to -proceed.</p> - -<p class="normal">But De Montigni did not feel so confident of Rose's powers, and -inquired anxiously of the peasants, whether any carriage or litter -could be procured in the neighbourhood. Nothing of the kind, however, -was to be heard of, and they assured him that to seek any conveyance -but a horse or a mule nearer than Chartres or Dreux, was quite out of -the question. He then proposed to construct a litter in haste, but -Rose would not hear of it, declaring, that in an hour's time she would -be quite ready to pursue her journey on horseback; and, indeed, she -seemed so eager to go on, and so fearful of being overtaken, that she -would fain have risen even before an hour was over, declaring that she -had had rest enough. De Montigni, however, persuaded her to remain for -half an hour longer; and, going out of the door with their young host, -he made some inquiries regarding the state of the country in the -neighbourhood, and the best road he could follow towards Dreux.</p> - -<p class="normal">The replies he received were not altogether satisfactory. Several -large bodies of men, the peasant said, had passed through the village -the day before; but whether they were Royalists or Leaguers he could -not well tell, as he took no great heed of such things, and the -soldiers had passed on without stopping, even to drink. One corps had -taken up its quarters for the night, he heard, in a village about a -league and a half farther on; but every fact he mentioned showed the -young nobleman that it would be needful to use every precaution, -during their onward journey, in order to avoid falling into the hands -of the Leaguers. For this purpose, he determined to send forward one -of the attendants, with directions to keep about half a mile in -advance of the rest of the party, while another preceded them by about -three hundred yards, so that early intelligence might be obtained of -any approaching danger. A man, too, was left to follow at a little -distance behind, for the purpose of guarding against being overtaken -suddenly by any party of pursuers from the Château of Marzay, though -De Montigni had good hope that the speed with which they travelled, -had removed all risk of such an event.</p> - -<p class="normal">Everything being prepared, all orders given, the horses refreshed and -fed, and Rose d'Albret dressed in the clothes which had been dried -before a large wood fire, she was once more placed upon the back of -her jennet, and, at a slower pace than before, they again set out upon -their journey, after De Montigni had amply paid for all that he had -taken. At a distance of about a mile from the village, the man who had -been thrown forward, returned to say, that the ropes of the ferry-boat -over the Eure had been cut by the soldiers, as they passed on the -preceding day, and that they must go further up the stream to seek a -ford.</p> - -<p class="normal">The weather, however, had become somewhat finer. The rain had ceased, -except a few drops from a flying cloud, now and then. Rose looked and -spoke cheerfully, and seemed really to have recovered from the fatigue -she had undergone; the fear of being overtaken had grown fainter with -every league they had advanced; and though the Eure was somewhat -flooded by the rains that had fallen, they soon found a ford. The -marks of horses' feet showed that some persons had passed not long -before, and, causing the whole of his little troop to keep on the -left, in order to break the force of the water, De Montigni led over -the lady's jennet, without much difficulty, and gained the opposite -bank.</p> - -<p class="normal">This obstacle overcome, they proceeded for half an hour more without -encountering any fresh impediment; and, giving way to hope and love, -they talked of future happiness and bright days to come, and gave way -to all the dreams that visit the young heart in the season of fancy -and expectation, and clothe the coming years with all the glittering -garments of imaginary joy. They were both too young, they were both -too inexperienced not to feel the heart rise the moment that danger -and apprehension ceased; and, to say truth, though Hope may be--as she -is often too justly called--an untiring deceiver, yet, even in the -midst of her false promises, she confers real and inestimable -benefits, giving us strength to endure and courage to go on, which -none of the truer and more substantial things of life can afford.</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus the happy dreams in which Rose d'Albret and her lover indulged, -during that brief half hour, comforted and refreshed her more than the -repose she obtained at the cottage; but the pleasant moments were soon -interrupted. At the end of the time we have named, the man who was -farthest in advance rode back at speed to the one behind him, and, -taking his place, sent him back to tell De Montigni that a body of -some two hundred horse were moving over the country before them, in -the direction of Tremblay. The first soldier had halted; and, riding -up with the man who served them as guide, De Montigni asked him, with -some anxiety, if he had been seen. The reply was in the negative; and -a consultation was held as to what course should now be pursued, in -order to avoid encountering the party which he had observed. It was at -length determined to take the cross roads to the east, and, once more -the Eure, to endeavour to reach the King's camp at Dreux, from the -side of Paris.</p> - -<p class="normal">"We shall have better roads there, Sir," said their guide, "and shall -run less risk; for the country about Hauteville, Poigny, Epernon, and -Maintenon generally holds for the King."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It will lengthen the way," replied De Montigni; "and I fear for -Mademoiselle d'Albret."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, do not think of me, Louis," exclaimed Rose; "if it is a safer -road, it will seem to me a shorter one."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Besides, Monsieur le Baron," rejoined the guide, "we can rest as long -as we like at Nogent Leroy, for it has always been loyal; and, though -little more than a village, it defended itself against the Chevalier -d'Aumale and three hundred of the League. We can reach it in less than -two hours."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then let us thither with all speed," answered De Montigni; "for there -we shall find safety and repose combined, dear Rose."</p> - -<p class="normal">This plan was accordingly followed; and, in less than the time -mentioned Nogent Leroy was reached, without any further peril or -impediment. Though, as the guide had described it, the place was in -fact but a village, yet gates, and freshly erected barricades gave it -at that time the air of a town; and the marks of musket-balls, in the -wood-work of the palisade, showed that it had been fiercely attacked -and had shown a gallant resistance. The little party was stopped for a -moment at the barriers, but the white scarfs worn by De Montigni's -men, and the answer of "Vive le Roi!" to the "Qui vive?" of the guard, -soon obtained them admission; and, riding on down the street, they -reached a small but clean and neat looking inn, over the door of which -was written the usual inscription, "Lodging for man and horse."</p> - -<p class="normal">The host came out to meet them, showed them into a room strewed with -rushes, called forth his wife in eager and imperative tones to wait -upon the lady, and began in the same breath to ask tidings of his -guests, and to communicate all the information which he himself -possessed. The intelligence he afforded indeed was much more important -than any that De Montigni could supply in return; for the very first -news he gave imported, that a battle might be expected every hour, -that the two armies must be within a few leagues of each other, and -that parties of Leaguers and Royalists were hurrying up from every -quarter to swell the ranks of Mayenne and the King.</p> - -<p class="normal">These tidings somewhat startled De Montigni and his fair companion; -but the host, who was an eager Royalist, spoke so confidently of the -certain defeat of the League and the triumph of the King, that the -apprehension of fresh dangers and difficulties, which the intelligence -had at first produced, soon died away; and De Montigni, turning to her -he loved as soon as they were alone, pressed her hand in his, saying, -"God send the King good success, dear Rose: but even if it should be -otherwise, which I will not believe we can but pursue our flight -somewhat further, and the very hurry and confusion of such events will -serve to conceal us from the eyes of those we have most cause to -fear."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose indeed could scarcely view the matter so cheerfully; but she -would not show her apprehensions, and only asked what course her lover -would pursue, if it should be found that a battle had been fought and -lost by the King, before they reached his camp.</p> - -<p class="normal">"That cannot well be, dear Rose," replied De Montigni; "for I trust we -shall reach his camp to-night. They say he has raised the siege of -Dreux, and is now at Annet. You can take three or four hours' rest -here, and yet reach that place before dark. We must do so, if -possible; for in case of success we shall then be free from danger: -and in case of reverse we shall have the means of judging in what -direction to turn our steps. If further flight should be necessary, -which heaven forbid! I know that my own dear Rose will not hesitate to -give me her hand at once, to remove all chance of separation; and I -would fain obtain the King's written sanction to our union, to obviate -all difficulties, before a battle takes place--the event of which is -always doubtful."</p> - -<p class="normal">He held Rose's hand in his as he spoke; and, though she bent down her -eyes under his eager gaze, she gave no sign of hesitation or -reluctance. Yet he could not be satisfied without full consent; and he -asked, "Shall it not be so, dear Rose? Will you not be mine at once?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am yours, De Montigni," replied Rose d'Albret in a low tone. "You -will never ask ought that is wrong, I am sure; so that I may well -promise to grant whatever you do ask. But I hope we shall find the -King, and that he will win the day, and then I may be yours openly and -happily, and not in flight, and dread, and concealment."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XVII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">It was once more night--dark, solemn, and sad: the country was a wide -undulating plain raised high above the course of the river, which -might be heard, swelled by the melting of the snows and the heavy -rains that had lately fallen, rushing on with a hoarse murmur through -its hollow banks. No hedge-rows, as in England, diversified the scene -by daylight, or gave, even in the obscurity of night, that appearance -of care and culture which always brings with it the idea of comfort. -On the contrary, all was bleak, wide, and desolate. The sight lost -itself in the dark expanse, except where part of a distant village -might be faintly seen by a sort of lurid glare that hung over it, -rising in black masses against the sky upon the right, with its tall -yet heavy spire towering above the rest, and where, towards the left, -an indefinite something, confused and vague, rested upon the horizon, -as if the rounded tops of trees bounded the plain in that direction. -Such was the scene through which Louis de Montigni travelled slowly -with Rose d'Albret on the night of the 15th. She was weary, exhausted, -anxious; and he, with his heart sinking on her account, looked forward -into the deep and sombre scene before him, seeking some object to give -hope of repose and shelter, but finding little to encourage or -console.</p> - -<p class="normal">Suddenly a light flitted along by the side of the village, feeble and -small as a glow-worm's lamp: but still it raised expectation; and De -Montigni said in a low voice, "Surely, that must be St. André."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps the King may not be there either, Louis," replied Rose in a -faint tone: "all these reports may be as false as that he was at -Annet. But, whatever be the case, De Montigni, I fear I must stop at -the first houses; for, to say truth, I can go no farther."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I wish we had not quitted Annet, my beloved," exclaimed the young -nobleman; "but see, there are more lights. 'Tis this orchard that hid -them. Yes, yes! dear Rose, we are at length coming near the camp."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Thank God!" replied Rose d'Albret: but she said no more; for with the -sense of relief which she experienced at the thought of finding repose -even for a night, were mingled manifold doubts and apprehensions -regarding the future, as well as all the complicated emotions which -might well thrill through a woman's heart, at the idea of presenting -herself before the many eyes of a strange court, under such -circumstances, and at such a moment.</p> - -<p class="normal">As they advanced, and turned the low wall of a small farm, a new scene -broke upon their sight. The village, which was extensive, stretched -away to the right; and, amongst the gardens and orchards, a thousand -lights were to be seen, either passing along from one place to another -as officers and messengers sped from regiment to regiment, or fixed -though flickering in one place, where the soldiery had lighted fires -to keep themselves warm during the night and to dry their clothing, -wetted by the frequent showers which had diversified the day.</p> - -<p class="normal">Sounds innumerable too met the ear as they came nearer,--first a faint -noise, then a mingled roar like the rushing of a torrent; and then -various noises began to detach themselves from the rest,--loud -laughter--the merry song--the solemn hymn--the hoarse shout--the word -of command--the call of one companion to another--the hammering of the -blacksmith's anvil--the groaning of the forge--the clash of steel, as -the armourers and farriers plied the busy stroke, repairing arms and -shoeing horses, and once or twice the shrill blast of the trumpet.</p> - -<p class="normal">No challenge was given as they rode on, for the position of the enemy -was now exactly ascertained, and surprise was not expected; but one or -two of the officers advanced to the side of the road from the -neighbouring gardens, and gazed for an instant upon the passing troop, -to see if they recognised any friends amongst the new comers, as the -light of the watch-fire flashed upon their faces.</p> - -<p class="normal">Notwithstanding fatigue, anxiety, and fear, Rose d'Albret could not -but feel the excitement of the scene. Sometimes guarded by palisades, -sometimes sheltered by the low walls, sometimes in the open field, -they passed innumerable groups of soldiers seated round their fires, -and just concluding their evening meal. Marks of toil and strife were -on the faces of all, whether of the gay Catholic or the stern and -rigid Huguenot; and no glittering coats of arms, no jewels and -embroidery were there, nothing but cold grey steel, and buff coats, -and caps rusty with long exposure to the rain, and scarred and -weather-beaten countenances, on which, however, sat an expression of -confidence and fearless preparation, which is often an omen of -success.</p> - -<p class="normal">Round some of the fires the veterans were telling tales of former -wars, and victories long since achieved. At others, one selected for -his voice or skill, was singing; and, whether Papist or Protestant, -whether his song was the gay ballad of the day, or one of the -canticles of the Reformers, it still spoke the fearless expectation of -triumph.</p> - -<p class="normal">At a slow pace, for the weary horses could hardly drag their limbs -along, De Montigni and the lady advanced till they reached the -entrance of the village; but here a guarded barricade opposed their -further progress; and, as they could not give the word, the soldiers -refused them admission.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am seeking the King," said the young nobleman; "send hither the -officer of the watch as fast as you can; for we are very weary and -must have repose."</p> - -<p class="normal">Even as he spoke, a plain old man, whose dress betokened some rank in -the army, approached the barrier, and replied to the last words he had -uttered by saying, "Good faith, young gentleman! you will find no -lodging in St. André. Two thirds of us are obliged to sleep in the -streets. There is not a dog-kennel untenanted."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is not for myself, Sir, that I care," answered De Montigni, "but -for this lady, who in truth can go no further. At all events, I must -see the King, if you will kindly cause him to be informed that the -Baron de Montigni is here."</p> - -<p class="normal">The old officer gazed in the face of Rose d'Albret with a look of -inquiry, not rude but compassionate; and after a moment's pause he -answered, "I think, Monsieur de Montigni, the King expected you. There -was a messenger arrived an hour ago from the Commander de Liancourt, -and your name was mentioned, I know; but I am sorry to say his Majesty -is not now in the village, and may not return for some hours. You will -find him about a league hence, placing the artillery.--But stay! I -will make inquiries: there may be some orders left for you. Here, -Jacques, run up to the King's quarters, and tell them that Monsieur de -Montigni is here. Ask what his Majesty said about him.--Ah, my poor -young lady, you look tired enough," he continued, as the soldier sped -away; "and yet I cannot ask you to alight and repose yourself, for -every cottage is filled to the door with soldiery--a rude scene for -such as you. I can give you some refreshment, however," he added -suddenly, as if the thought had only just struck him. "Here, D'Avesne, -D'Avesne! run in and get out some wine. In the pannier behind the -door, you will find a bottle of good old burgundy and a horn cup: -bring them hither, quick. There, stand back, good fellows! Did you -never see a tired party come in? They do not want your company."</p> - -<p class="normal">The last words were addressed to three or four idlers who had -sauntered up, and, leaning their folded arms upon the barricade, were -staring rudely at Rose d'Albret and her companions. They now, however, -walked away with a laugh, which made the warm colour come back into -poor Rose's cheek, as she felt herself the object of scorn rather than -pity. The moment after, the man who had been sent for the wine -returned, and after much persuasion from De Montigni she took some, -though it tasted hot and burning to her parched lips rather than -refreshing. It seemed to revive her a little, however, when she had -swallowed it; and she saw that there would be need of all her -remaining strength: for the picture which imagination had painted of a -royal camp, and of immediate admission to the King's pavilion, and of -a brilliant circle of nobles forming his court, had by this time all -faded away; and she found sterner realities and more homely, but not -less painful annoyances in place.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was nearly ten minutes before the man sent to the King's quarters -returned; and they seemed hours to Rose d'Albret; but when he did -come, he turned to his officer, saying, "They are to go to the farm at -Mainville; and the King will see Monsieur de Montigni to-morrow -morning. He is to wait there without stirring till he hears more."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But where is Mainville?" asked De Montigni, almost in despair at the -idea of poor Rose having to travel further that night: "if it be -distant, we shall never reach it. The lady now, as you see, can hardly -sit her horse."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis half a league, down by the river," answered the old officer: -"but stay--we can help the lady. Have out the hand litter on which -they brought Jules de Sourdis from Dreux. Get out a party of bearers, -Jacques. We will soon manage that for you, young gentleman; and a -crown-piece will make the men go willingly. They will serve for -guides, too; for in this dark night you would never find it. But, in -the meantime, she had better dismount, and rest upon this bench. You -seem sadly weary, lady: have you come far?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Many leagues," replied Rose, as De Montigni sprang to the ground by -her side to lift her from her horse. "I thank you much for your -kindness, Sir," she continued, still addressing the old officer. "I do -not think I could ride another hour to save life itself."</p> - -<p class="normal">Seated upon a bench by the side of the barricade, which had been -opened to give her admission, with the light of a large watch-fire, -and two resin torches casting a flickering glare over the figures of -the soldiery as they came and went, wearied, exhausted, faint, and -sick at heart, Rose d'Albret remained for several minutes with her -fair head bent down, and her hand dropping as if powerless by her -side. At length, however, a light seemed to come in her dark eyes, a -warm and well-pleased smile crossed her lip, and she raised her fair -face towards De Montigni, who stood beside her, with a look of renewed -hope and satisfaction which he did not comprehend.</p> - -<p class="normal">The reader too may ask what it was that seemed so suddenly to revive -her? what it was that called up that expression of pleasure and -relief? It was not that she saw any friendly form. It was not that she -heard any well-known voice. The cause was in no external things, but -in her own mind. As she sat there, she had felt deeply and bitterly -all that was painful in her situation, with lassitude of limb and -sickening heart, fears, anxieties, and gloomy anticipations, which -every sight, and sound, and circumstance, tended but to increase. Her -thoughts and her sensations had been full of all that is sad and -depressing, when suddenly, she had asked herself, if she could recall -the last eight-and-forty hours, return to the mansion of her guardian, -lay her head on the pillow of luxury and ease, remove afar peril, and -difficulty, and terror, and weariness, become the promised wife of -Nicholas de Chazeul, and give up Louis de Montigni for ever, would she -do it? Her heart answered the question in a moment--no! Whatever she -might suffer, was light in comparison. All that she had undergone, all -that she endured, lost half its weight when she remembered that she -was free--that she was with him she loved; and looking up, as I have -said, in his face with a heart lightened and grateful, she felt that -to share poverty, sorrow, flight, exile, care, with him, would still -have joy enough to compensate for all.</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni could not, of course, see what was passing in her mind; -but still there was a look of affection in her eyes which was not to -be mistaken, which told him that she was thinking of him, and that she -did not regret what she suffered on his account; and, bending down his -head, he spoke those words of tenderness and love which well repaid -her for her endurance and her sacrifices.</p> - -<p class="normal">Shortly after the litter was brought forward, with four stout men to -bear it. It was apparently a rude and hastily contrived machine, in -which some wounded man had been brought from the siege of Dreux, with -a little sort of tilt over it to shelter him from the wet; but the -lower part, or couch, was thickly covered with dry hay, over which the -old officer cast his cloak; and De Montigni, placing Rose in it, -thanked their new friend warmly for his assistance; and, walking by -the lady's side, issued forth from the village of St. André, and was -soon once more wandering on in the darkness of the night.</p> - -<p class="normal">The lights were speedily left behind, the glare of the watch-fires -faded, or were hidden one after the other by the windings of the road; -nothing but a faint reddish streak in the sky showed the position of -the village and the camp. The busy sounds of the army too died away -into an indistinct hum, like that of a swarm of bees, and then was -lost to the ear altogether; while the voice of the swollen Eure, -murmuring as it rushed along, was the only noise that broke upon the -ear of night.</p> - -<p class="normal">The way grew narrower and narrower as they went along, so that it was -sometimes with difficulty that De Montigni kept by the litter. But yet -he would not leave the side of Rose d'Albret, cheering her from time -to time by words of affection and of hope, till at length he saw the -glistening of the water before him, as they descended the steep hill, -on the table land of which, the fields of Dreuy and Ivry are situated; -and in a moment after, a single light, apparently streaming from the -window of some house, showed him that they were approaching a human -habitation.</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is Mainville, Sir," said one of the bearers. "Ah, you are well -off! for there are comfortable quarters there by the side of the ford: -but the King would suffer none of our people to lodge more than a -quarter of a league from the field, for fear the enemy should get -possession of his ground early in the morning. You late comers -sometimes get the best accommodation."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Is the enemy so near, then?" asked De Montigni.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Near!" cried the man, "why, we were two hours in presence this -afternoon; and everyone thought they would have begun the battle; but -none were engaged but the light horse, who had a short fight for the -bottom of the valley."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni mused for the rest of the way; for he loved not to be so -near a field of battle without taking part in it; and yet he had no -arms but the sword he wore, nor horses in a fit state to bear him -through a long day's fight.</p> - -<p class="normal">A few minutes, however, brought them to the door of the farmhouse, -where they had to knock for some time before any one appeared to -answer them. The first sight of life within, was the head of a man, -protruded from a window above, with the faces of two women looking -over his shoulder.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Who's there?" he cried; "is that the King?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no, Gros Jean!" replied one of the men, who had come with them -from St. André. "The King has something else to do than visit you at -this hour, even to see your pretty wife," and he added a loud laugh, -in which the farmer good-humouredly joined. "Come down, come down, -Gros Jean!" he continued; "these are the people his Majesty told you -he would quarter upon you--two regiments of horse and three companies -of infantry."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Go along, buffoon," said the farmer; "the King never said he would -quarter anybody on me, but two or three ladies and gentlemen."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, these are they," replied the soldier; "so come down and open -the door, or, on my life, we will break it down. We have got to fight -to-morrow, and cannot stand here talking all night. It's the Baron de -Montigni, I tell you, and his lady."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, wait a minute," said the farmer, withdrawing his head; and in a -few moments they heard bolts and bars removed, and the door was -opened. There was still a little doubt and apprehension in the good -round countenance of the jolly farmer; but the sight of the litter, -with De Montigni standing beside it, clothed in the common riding -costume of the day, speedily took away his fears; and, calling forward -his wife and sister to welcome the lady, he showed every sort of -alacrity that could be desired in providing for the comfort of his -guests.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Here is a room to sit in," he said, as De Montigni assisted Rose from -the litter, and drew her arm through his own, to give her support. -"Dear heart, lady, you seem tired enough, and as if you had been wet -through too. Take the light, wife, and show the gentlefolks the way." -Thus saying, he led them on into a good wide room, where he and his -farming men were wont to take their meals; and then, opening a door -which gave admission to another chamber, he said, "And here's your -bed-room, with as comfortable a bed as any in all Normandy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I shall keep watch in the hall, my good friend," replied De Montigni; -"but Mademoiselle d'Albret will go to repose, I dare say, directly; -for that is what she needs more than anything else, if these two -ladies will kindly give her their attendance. A bundle or two of -straw, thrown down in the corner there, will do for me and my men; -but, as there are seven of them, and hungry enough too, I doubt not, -by this time, you had better give them some wine and some provision. -Whatever I take," he added, in a significant tone, seeing that the -farmer was somewhat confounded at the number of his undesired guests, -"I will pay for on the spot."</p> - -<p class="normal">Gros Jean, as the Royalist soldier had called him, scratched his round -head for a moment, and then replied, "I thought that you had been man -and wife, from the King's message; but, however, as he said ladies, -and there seems but one, there is another little room up stairs, and a -good bed too, which you had better have, Sir."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no," replied De Montigni, "I will stay in the hall, if you will -give me some straw.--We will be your guard during the darkness, -dearest Rose," he added, pressing her hand in his, "so take a cup of -warm milk, if it can be procured, and lie down to rest for this night, -at least, in peace and security. I must go now to speak to these good -fellows without."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Let me see you again for a moment, Louis, before I sleep," said Rose, -gazing in his face with an anxious look; "you will not be long -absent?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not five minutes, my beloved," replied De Montigni; and, leaving her -with the farmer's wife and sister, he went out to speak with the men -who had carried the litter from St. André.</p> - -<p class="normal">Let not the reader think, with the cold spirit of censure which is so -ready at all times to blame everything that is not customary in our -own times and in our own country, that there was aught unusual or -improper in the invitation which Rose d'Albret had given her lover to -visit her in her bed-chamber. In those days, though certainly not -purer than the present--and bad enough are both--the common -reception-room of a lady, especially in Paris, was that in which she -slept. Often before she quitted her chamber, too, in England, as well -as in France, the beauty of the hour received her train of admirers, -in her bed; and, every art of coquetry was displayed, to win or -increase admiration, as she lay in what was supposed to be the -toilette of the night, but which had often cost her and her maids more -than one hour of labour to arrange and render becoming. Such was not, -indeed, the custom of Rose d'Albret, but still the habits of the -country and the period would not have suffered her to feel that she -was committing the slightest impropriety in admitting her lover to her -room, even after she had retired to rest, nor would she have doubted -the safety of her honour in the hands of De Montigni, under any -circumstances of opportunity, or, of temptation. She knew him well, -with that knowledge of the heart which perhaps can only be acquired by -the intimacy of early youth, and she was certain that nothing on earth -would induce him to blemish the being he loved, were there no eye but -that of God to witness his actions.</p> - -<p class="normal">The first task of De Montigni, when he had found the men who -accompanied him thither, was to reward them fully for the trouble that -they had taken. They had already removed the litter into the road; -and, after having given his own attendants orders to carry in the -little baggage they had brought, he drew the chief of the -litter-bearers aside, and questioned him eagerly as to the hour at -which the battle was expected to take place on the following day.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not before noon," replied the man, "for the Duke and his people have -retreated beyond Ivry, we hear; and that's a two leagues' march."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then I may have time to get horses and arms," said De Montigni -joyfully. "I must not be so near, my friend, without having some share -in this matter. Here is another crown for you, and if you can send me -down an armourer, and some of those men who generally follow camps -with horses for sale, they may find a good market."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What arms do you want, Monsieur le Baron?" asked the soldier; "you -will not find them easily. One might get a casque and a cuirass for -yourself, with pistols, and such things, but I doubt your obtaining -much more."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I must take what can be found," answered De Montigni. "I would fain, -indeed, arm my men, likewise; but, at all events, I will be present -myself, if I go in my pourpoint."</p> - -<p class="normal">"A dangerous trick that, Monsieur de Montigni," said a voice near, -which the young nobleman thought he recognised; "but you must not try -that experiment. His Majesty monopolizes all such follies as that, and -suffers no one to fight in their pourpoints but himself."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha! Monsieur de Chasseron," said De Montigni, "is that you?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is, indeed," replied Chasseron. "I am here before you, you see; -and I will get you arms, if you want them; but in the meantime you -must do me a service.--Take up the litter, good fellow, and away," he -continued, turning abruptly to the man who had been speaking with De -Montigni; "I will see to what this young gentleman wants. No answer, -but away. Now, Monsieur le Baron--So you have arrived safe; you have -brought the lady with you, I suppose, by seeing the litter."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have," answered De Montigni; "but she is well nigh dead from -fatigue."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis a long way," said Chasseron; "but when I gave the advice, the -King was at Dreux, some seven leagues nearer."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Even now," answered De Montigni, "I have not been able to see His -Majesty."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What, he is absent?" said Chasseron; "ay, he is always running about. -Parbleu! I fear the enemy will catch him some day, if he does not get -wiser with years. However, you remain quiet where you are to-night; -the King shall have notice of your being here, for I have a few -friends at the court, and you shall hear from him to-morrow; in the -meantime, I will procure you what arms you need, though, good faith, -you must pay for them yourself, for I have spent all my money in his -Majesty's service, and have scarcely a cross left in my purse."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I am quite prepared to do," replied De Montigni; "but I could -have much wished to have seen the King to-night."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is impossible," cried Chasseron, in his usual rapid manner. "But -what do you want with him? I will get Monsieur de Biron to ask it for -you; he will see none but his generals after his return."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I much wished," replied the young nobleman, in a lower tone, "to -obtain his Majesty's written sanction to my marriage with Mademoiselle -d'Albret; but, of course, he will need long explanations and proof of -the contract between her father and my uncle."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, I know not that," replied Chasseron; "he will be glad enough to -give her to a Royalist, rather than a Leaguer. At all events, we will -try for you. It's as well that, while you are thus wandering about -together, you should have the holy bond of matrimony round your necks, -if you must needs poke your heads into it; and who can tell what -to-morrow may bring forth? God's purposes are dark and wonderful," he -continued, in a more solemn tone. "We none of us know what is good for -ourselves or others. It may please Him, Most High, still further to -chastise this poor land of France, and even the King himself, for -aught we know, if raised by a great victory, might forget his former -character, and prove a scourge, instead of a blessing."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, no!" exclaimed De Montigni, vehemently, "never believe it. More -than forty years of noble and upright dealing with all men, of love -for his people, of generous forbearance, and high-hearted kindness, -may well be warrant to the most suspicious for his conduct in time to -come. Do not suspect him, Monsieur de Chasseron."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not," replied the other, laying his hand emphatically on the -young man's arm; "but I say still, God only knows what is good and -what is evil for the land of France; and He it is who must decide the -fate of all to-morrow. However," he continued, "it is well you should -be prepared, and we will make the trial for you, whether it succeeds -or not. Good night; I must hasten back, for I have much to do."</p> - -<p class="normal">He turned away as he spoke; but De Montigni stopped him, saying, -"There was some service you said I could render you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, parbleu! I had forgot," replied Chasseron. "There is a young -lady, Monsieur de Montigni, who has been ill treated and injured by -those who ought to have protected her. She is here, in the midst of -the camp; and though, to say truth, I know little of her, yet I am -sure, she deserves not all that has fallen upon her. She has applied -to me for protection and assistance, but I am in no condition to give -her what she seeks, effectually. Were I to send her to the village, -ill tongues might fall upon us both unreasonably. There is no woman in -camp but your fair lady here, and love makes a man kind-hearted -towards others of the sex that has enthralled him. If then you would -give this girl protection, and aid, in case of need, I should feel -grateful, and you would do a good act towards one who, God help her, -has few to take her part. From injury I could protect her; from insult -and grief, it would need much time and attention, to defend her, were -she to take up her dwelling in the camp; and though woman may cling to -man as her support and stay, she has no true companionship but with -woman. Will you then beseech your sweet lady love to befriend her, and -let her pass the night in the farm?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Willingly," replied De Montigni; "but where is she?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, at a cottage hard by, above," answered Chasseron; "she has been -there since last night; when we had a rougher journey than even you -have had. I will send her down immediately by some of my men, who are -there at the top of the hill. So once more, good night, and God speed -us all to-morrow."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying he turned away, and De Montigni trod back his steps to the -farm, musing over the request that had been made, and the promise he -had given. It was not that he doubted, it was not that he entertained -suspicions; his mind was too clear and free from that fatal -experience, which mingles the dark drop with the brightest cup of -life, to entertain one injurious thought; but the responsibility, the -care that already rested upon him, was enough to weigh him down. His -anxiety for her he loved, his longing desire to remain with her, never -to leave her, till she was placed in security, contending with his -strong and overpowering desire to be present at the struggle which was -approaching, surrounded him with difficulties enough; and now they -were to be increased by the presence of a third, placed under his -protection for the time, and demanding from any one of kindly and -courteous feeling equal care and attention. He could have wished it -otherwise: but still he felt that he could not have refused, and he -hastened back into the house to tell Rose d'Albret of what had -occurred, and to ask her countenance and sympathy for the stranger.</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni found his men already in possession of the hall, with the -good farmer busily employed in placing food and drink before them, -encouraged to produce the best of his store by his young guest's -liberality towards the bearers of the litter; for nothing flies so -fast as the report of a generous spirit. He passed through them, -without notice, however, and knocking at the door of Mademoiselle -d'Albret's chamber, was at once admitted by the farmer's sister. De -Montigni's tale was soon told; and notwithstanding her weariness, Rose -listened with all that tender interest, which the heart of a kind and -gentle woman, unhardened by either the vicissitudes, or the vices of -the great world, is sure to feel in the misfortunes of a sister.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh bring her hither whenever she comes," exclaimed the lady, as soon -as he had done. "Poor thing, she has suffered as well as we have, and -perhaps far more severely, Louis. I will keep my eyes open till I see -her, though they are heavy; but if I should be asleep, you must wake -me, De Montigni. Promise me that you will."</p> - -<p class="normal">"If you wish it, dear one," replied her lover; "but these good people -will, I am sure, show her every kindness."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no," answered Rose d'Albret, "I would not have her find a cold -reception for the world. Oh, De Montigni, what would I have given, as -we stood before the barrier at St. André, to have met a woman to speak -kindly to me, and tell me to take comfort?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then, I will wake you, sweet, kind girl," said De Montigni; -"but I do not think she will be long; for he said she was hard by."</p> - -<p class="normal">Perhaps the lover would fain have lingered beside his fair promised -bride; but after a few more words Chasseron withdrew into the hall, -and conversed for a short time with the people who had accompanied him -from Marzay. Scarcely five minutes passed ere the farmer, who had -remained with them, was summoned to the door, and returned the moment -after, with a fair and beautiful girl, in her first youth, who gazed -wildly round upon the strange faces as she entered. De Montigni, -however, instantly advanced towards her, and took her by the hand, -saying, "Do not be alarmed. We are all friends."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Friends?" said the poor girl, "friends?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, indeed," replied the young nobleman; "but come with me, there is -a lady in the next room, waiting anxiously to see you;" and he led her -on to the door. The good farmer's sister was still in the room of -Mademoiselle d'Albret; but Rose had by this time sought her couch, -though she had not yet fallen asleep; and when De Montigni and his -fair companion were admitted, she raised herself upon her arm and -gazed at the stranger for an instant, shading her eyes with her hand. -The next moment, with a look of utter astonishment, she exclaimed, -"Helen!--Helen de la Tremblade! Good heaven, dear Helen, can it be -you?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The poor girl paused, trembled, wavered for a moment, as if she would -fain have retreated from the room; but then, running forward, she cast -herself upon her knees by the side of Rose's bed, and burying her face -in the clothes seemed to sob convulsively. Rose d'Albret cast her arm -round her tenderly; and De Montigni, seeing that there were deeper -sorrows in their fair visitor's bosom than he had imagined, withdrew -from the room, and closed the door. The farmer's sister followed in a -few minutes, and Helen de la Tremblade was left alone with Rose -d'Albret.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XVIII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">The morning was bright and beautiful; the heavy clouds of the -preceding days had passed away, leaving behind them nothing but a -few thin fleecy remnants, that were whirled over the blue sky from -time to time by the quick wind. It was a true spring day that dawned, -genial and soft; and, in the clump of trees by which one side of the -farm-house was shaded, the early birds were singing sweetly, rejoicing -in the blessings of God and the return of the bright season to the -earth.</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni had watched the greater part of the night, and had not -closed his eyes till an hour before the break of day; but he then fell -into a heavy and profound slumber, which even the various noises of -the farm, the rising of his own attendants, the coming and going of -the farmer and his family, and the arrival of several people from the -village, bringing intelligence of the movements of the army, did not -disturb. He lay so calm and still, his servants would not wake him, -till at length a messenger from the King spurred quickly down to the -farm-house, delivered a sealed packet, addressed to the young Baron, -and rode back again without a moment's pause. It was then thought fit -to rouse him; and, starting up, as one of his followers shook him by -the arm, he passed his hand across his brow, exclaiming, "Good Heaven! -it was a dream!" Then taking the packet he opened it, and found a few -brief words in the handwriting of the King.</p> -<br> - -<p class="normal">"<span class="sc">Monsieur de Montigni</span>," so the letter ran, "I am informed of your -arrival, and also that your uncle, the Commander de Liancourt, will be -here before ten o'clock with a small corps. He has orders to join you -at Mainville. Wait for his arrival, then come up by the road to St. -André" as far as the first turning, which will lead you to the plain. -There, as soon as you reach the army, fall into the light horse of the -Count d'Auvergne.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I enclose you the paper which you requested by message last night. - -<p style="text-indent:35%">"Your very best friend,</p> - -<p style="text-indent:60%">"<span class="sc">Henry</span>."</p> -<br> - -<p class="normal">There was a small slip of paper enclosed in the letter; and to it De -Montigni now turned, reading, with joy and satisfaction, the following -words:--</p> -<br> -<p class="normal">"Henry, by the grace of God King of France and Navarre. It having been -certified to us, upon good and sufficient authority, that, by contract -existing between the late Francis d'Albret, Count de Marennes, our -well-beloved cousin, and Anthony, Count of Liancourt, the hand of the -only daughter of the said Francis d'Albret was plighted, promised, and -engaged, to Louis, Baron de Montigni, and that the said parties are -now of an age, and willing to fulfil the said contract, We do by these -presents authorize the said parties, to proceed to the celebration of -their marriage, notwithstanding any let, hindrance, or protest, on the -part of any person, or persons, whatsoever, consenting to ratifying -and sanctioning the said marriage, by the power and authority in us -being.</p> - -<p style="text-indent:50%">(Signed,) "<span class="sc">Henry</span>."</p> -<p style="text-indent:40%">(And lower down,) "<span class="sc">REVOL.</span>"</p> -<br> - -<p class="normal">"Is Mademoiselle d'Albret awake?" asked De Montigni, eager to show the -precious document to her he loved.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh yes, Sir," replied the man to whom he spoke; "she is awake and up -an hour ago; but she bade us not disturb you."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni hastened to the door and knocked. "Come in," said the -sweet voice of Rose d'Albret; and entering, he found her sitting with -her hand clasped in that of Helen de la Tremblade, who had passed the -night with her. She rose to meet him, and was immediately pressed to -his heart, while he whispered in her ear, "You are mine, dear Rose. -Here is all that was wanting to our immediate union," and he placed -the paper in her hand.</p> - -<p class="normal">There was not less light in the eyes of Rose d'Albret than in those of -her lover, as she read the King's sanction to their marriage; but, -when she turned to the letter that accompanied it, her cheek grew -pale, and a tear trembled upon her eyelids.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, Louis! must you leave me so soon?" she cried, "and to battle?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, dearest Rose," answered De Montigni, "you would not have me -avoid the path to honour and renown."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, Louis, no," she answered; "I will not say another word.--Ten -o'clock? That is very soon; 'tis past nine now."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed!" said De Montigni. "I have slept too long."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, no!" answered Rose. "I came and looked at you as you lay, and it -would have been cruel to rouse you from so calm a slumber."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And yet I dreamed sad dreams, dear Rose," said her lover. "But what -is to be done?" he continued; "neither arms nor horses have arrived, -and our poor beasts are jaded with yesterday's fatigue."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But you cannot go without arms," said Rose, rejoicing in the hope -that something might detain him from the perilous field; "your uncle -will never let you go unarmed.--Perhaps they will come soon; but in -the meantime take some refreshment, Louis. Run, dear Helen, run and -tell them to bring him some food."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen de la Tremblade had remained sitting at the table, with her hand -covering her eyes; but now, rising, she approached the door, pausing -however, with a glowing cheek, ere she went, to whisper something to -Rose d'Albret.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not for the world," replied Rose; "oh, no, Helen, do not suppose it," -and her cheek too, grew red.</p> - -<p class="normal">The breakfast was soon brought, and Louis de Montigni ate a few hasty -mouthfuls; but he was too much excited and too anxious to find any -long repose. More than once he rose and looked out; more than once he -questioned the farmer as to whether no one had come during the morning -to furnish him with arms. He asked eagerly, too, for intelligence from -St. André, and heard, with feelings of impatience and pain, that the -King had marched at an early hour to take up his position on the -ground he had chosen for his field of battle. He then sent out two of -his men to gain farther information, and to see if any horses could be -procured; but minute after minute passed by; the hour of ten arrived; -and every moment he expected to see the old Commander and his party at -the ford before the farm-house, before anything that he required could -be obtained. The men brought back word that the village was nearly -deserted, except by a few sick and wounded; but they had seen the army -of the King, they said, extending in a long line across the plain, and -they thought they had also perceived the heads of Mayenne's columns -advancing from the side of Ivry.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, we must go as we are," said De Montigni; "we fought the other -day at Marzay without a scratch; and we shall ride lighter without -armour. Have everything ready to set out the moment my uncle appears. -Two of you, however, must stay with these ladies. You are all anxious -to go, I know, so choose by lot, and make haste, that all may be -ready."</p> - -<p class="normal">The moments that thus passed were sad and terrible to poor Rose -d'Albret. She would not say a word to stay him; and yet she would have -given worlds, had it been possible without damage to his honour, to -have withheld him from the field. Each order that he gave, each -inquiry that he made, roused fresh fears and apprehensions in her -breast; and the words of tenderness and affection with which he strove -to cheer her, but rendered her more sad, while again and again she -asked herself, if she should ever hear that voice again.</p> - -<p class="normal">Nor were the feelings of Helen de la Tremblade less painful, though -perhaps they were less anxious, as, seated near the window, she gazed -forth in sad and motionless meditation. To those who stood beside her, -all was risked upon that battle; but to her, the bright hopes of life, -which in their case were but chequered with fears that an hour might -sweep away, were gone for ever. Their words of love, their anxiety for -each other, all awoke painful thoughts and bitter memories; and over -all her contemplations, spread the dark cloud of self-reproach, -leaving not one bright spot in the future or the past.</p> - -<p class="normal">Still minute after minute passed away, and no one appeared. The -impatience of De Montigni became extreme. "The battle will begin," he -thought, "and I shall be absent. Disgrace and shame will fall upon me. -Who will know of the King's commands? and men will say, I was within -half a league of a stricken field, and kept aloof. I cannot bear this -much longer. Ride out upon the top of the hill, Victor, towards the -side of Annet, and see if you can perceive my uncle coming.--But hark! -what is that?"</p> - -<p class="normal">As he spoke the loud boom of a distant cannon struck upon the ear; -another and another succeeded, and then several shots still farther -off were heard replying to the former.</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is begun," he said; "I can wait no more. Bring round my horse! -Dearest Rose, I must go to see what is taking place. I will be back -soon, my beloved," and he once more pressed her to his heart.</p> - -<p class="normal">"But the King's commands," said Rose; "He told you to wait here for -your uncle. You ought not to go indeed, Louis."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There must be some mistake," he answered, "and I cannot stay here -like a coward or a fool, while my King is fighting for his crown, and -the fate of France is in the balance. I will be back speedily,--I will -but see," and tearing himself away, he sprang upon his horse's back, -followed by those, upon whom the lot to accompany him had fallen, and -spurred up the hill at full speed. On the top he paused looking -towards Annet. The whole country was open before his sight; but no -body of men was to be seen, and hesitating no longer, he rode on till -the plain of Ivry lay before his eyes, covered with squadrons and -battalions of horse and foot, and presenting the wild, confused and -busy scene of a field of battle. When he was gone, Rose d'Albret -covered her eyes and for a few moments gave way to tears; but Helen de -la Tremblade came round to where she stood, and laid her hand timidly -upon her arm. Rose dashed away the drops from her eyes, at this mute -appeal, saying, "No, Helen, no I will not doubt it! It were wicked, it -were wrong, to think that God would so abandon us."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Besides, lady," said Helen, "Monsieur de Montigni is good and noble; -you are virtuous and wise. Can such people ever be unhappy?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, my poor Helen," replied Rose d'Albret, "you reproach yourself too -bitterly when the fault was his. Shamefully have you been used; and -though God forbid that I should say you have not done wrong, yet I can -well believe that, with such vows and promises, you fancied yourself -his wife as much as if the priest had joined your hands. Perhaps," she -added in her ignorance of man's nature, "perhaps, now that he has lost -the hope of obtaining my estates, which was all he sought, he may make -you his wife indeed, and deliver you from self-reproach."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That he can never do," replied Helen de la Tremblade; "I feel that I -am a degraded being, lady, unworthy even of your kindness."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, do not call me lady," answered Mademoiselle d'Albret; "you used -to call me Rose, Helen, and you must do so still. But indeed, dear -Helen," she continued, willing to pass away heavy time, with any other -thoughts but those of what was taking place so near her, "but indeed, -I will trust you may still be happy; and one thing you must do for my -sake, you must tell your uncle all. He will give you absolution for -the past, and direction for the future."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ere this, he has been told," answered Helen, "told by that harsh and -cruel woman. She would never spare me that."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, but you know not how she may have told it," answered Rose -d'Albret. "Oh, she is false and deceitful, Helen, and may have cast -the whole blame and shame on you, when in truth, yours is but the -lighter share. See him, dear Helen, see him, and let him know the -whole. Shrink not from his reproaches; hear them with patience and -humility; but let him know the plain truth, just as you have told it -me; and he will forgive you, I am sure. Hark! there are the cannon -again. Oh Good, protect him!--Helen, I will go and pray."</p> - -<p class="normal">"May I pray with you?" asked Helen de la Tremblade timidly.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Come," said Rose taking her by the hand, "come let us raise our voice -to Him from whom all need, and all are sure to receive, forgiveness -and mercy if they seek it."</p> - -<p class="normal">An hour passed by in anxious expectation. Oh, how long an hour may be -to those who watch, to those who with the faint sickening of the -heart, know that upon its events may hang the long misery of a -hopeless, cheerless, loveless life! It seemed as if it would never go; -and every device they used to make it speed the faster, seemed like -the ticking of a clock, marking the slowness of time's progress, not -accelerating its flight. Now they spoke of things past, hoping to lose -in retrospection, the sense of things present; now they talked of the -future, the wide indefinite blank, which to all men is a chasm that -the eye searches in vain. But still to the present, the overburdened -present, their minds and their words returned whether they would or -not. To the quick imagination of Rose d'Albret, all the horrors of the -battle-field presented themselves in more than even their real -terrors. She pictured the dead, the dying, and the wounded; the fierce -contention, the sanguinary triumph, the unsparing cruelty, loss, -flight, defeat; and though she laboured zealously with her own mind to -lead it to other themes, yet it was all in vain. She might speak of -anything, of everything but the battle, yet still her thoughts -wandered back to that overwhelming image, which, like some vaster -mountain in a hilly country, was ever seen towering over all the rest, -and presenting itself to contemplation, whenever the eyes were turned -from other objects.</p> - -<p class="normal">Sometimes she would strive to speak calmly with Helen de la Tremblade, -upon what should be the poor girl's future conduct. Sometimes she -would inquire gently and tenderly into the past. But ever her mind -would come back again to the battle, and she would give way to all the -apprehension and anxiety she felt; would ask how the time went; would -call the good farmer, and demand intelligence; would send out one of -the attendants, to bring her any news that he could gather.</p> - -<p class="normal">Half an hour more flew slowly away, and De Montigni did not return; -but then, quick spurring down the road, as if for life, came a small -party of horse. The farmer, who was upon the watch, suddenly closed -and barred the doors, and Rose saw from the window that, over their -dusty armour, they wore scarfs of green, a sign that they belonged to -the faction of the League. The worthy countryman called her and her -companion quickly from the lower story, put up the strong oaken -shutters, and bade them, if they needs must gaze, look from the rooms -above. But the cavaliers paused not even to notice the house as they -passed, and, hurrying on, plunged their horses into the stream, and -gained the other side.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Surely the King has won the day?" said Rose; turning to the farmer, -"the Leaguers fly. Is it not so?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I know not, Mademoiselle," replied the peasant. "It often happens in -strifes like these that men run away before the battle is lost or won. -Their own corps may be defeated; but there may come many more to turn -the fight."</p> - -<p class="normal">Even while he spoke a single horseman, with a scarf of white, rode -down more slowly on a wounded horse, looked up to the window, where -they stood, and cried aloud, "the King is killed," passing on without -further pause.</p> - -<p class="normal">The heart of Rose d'Albret sank as she caught his words; but she grew -fainter still when she beheld upon the road, a party of four, one on -foot, leading a horse, on which sat a wounded man, with two others -supporting him. For an instant she fancied--for the imagination of -fear is as vivid and as false as that of hope,--that she recognized -the figure of De Montigni. The next moment, however, she saw that it -was an older and a heavier man, clothed in armour, and with the visor -of his casque closed; but with the white signal of the Bourbon party -thrown over his shoulder.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh let us go and help him," she cried.</p> - -<p class="normal">The farmer hesitated. "Do, do!" cried his wife.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, quick, then!" said the man, and hurrying down, the door was -unbarred and opened; but still he held it in his hand ready to close -it in an instant, if he saw others following.</p> - -<p class="normal">"What news? what news?" cried the peasant as the others came near.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Victory! victory!" shouted one of the men: "Mayenne in full flight -and total rout!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"And the King? and the King?" demanded the farmer.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Master of the field; and following them like a thunderbolt, to Ivry," -was the reply of one of those who rode beside the wounded man; "but -help us, here," he added; "he is sadly hurt."</p> - -<p class="normal">They lifted their master from his horse at the gate, and were bearing -him in, while Rose d'Albret, who had come forth with the farmer and -his wife, gazed on him with looks of sympathy, when, suddenly, at full -speed, but waving joyfully his hat and plume, De Montigni appeared -upon the road above, followed by an attendant; and, giving way to all -she felt in that moment of exceeding happiness, she ran on to meet -him, and in an instant was in his arms.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, this has been a glorious day, dear Rose," he cried; "and the -crown of France is firm upon our monarch's brow. By his own right hand -he has won it; and God grant him life to wear it long."</p> - -<p class="normal">Tears were the only reply that Rose could make; but the good farmer -tossed up his hat, and cried "Hurrah!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Whom have you here?" asked De Montigni, as his eyes fell upon the -group just arrived, who were now entering the farm, with the wounded -man borne in the midst. But, ere any one could answer, coming up the -road from the other side, as if seeking a ford across the stream, were -seen a body of some thirty horse, with a young and graceful man at -their head. The farm-house hid them from the young Baron and the lady -till they had passed the angle; but then the green scarfs mingled with -black, too plainly showed to what party they belonged. They rode fast, -but not at the headlong speed of fear; and, when they saw the marks of -a ford, the leader paused, marshalled his men to pass two and two, and -then looked round him with a calm deliberate air. His eyes instantly -lighted upon De Montigni his attendant and Rose d'Albret, for the -farmer had retreated into the house; and, exclaiming "Halt!" to those -who were passing the ford, the officer of the League spoke another -word or two to a gentleman near him.</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni drew Rose rapidly to the door of the farm, and pushed it -violently with his hand; for by this time it was closed, and the good -farmer, seeing the arrival of the troop, had barred and bolted it as -before. In vain De Montigni looked about for a place of refuge: they -were shut in between the bank, the wall of the garden, and the ford; -and in an instant they were surrounded by the horsemen.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha, ha! we shall not go without some prisoners at least," cried the -leader of the troop, "your sword, Sir, your sword--it is vain -contending."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni hesitated; but he was seized in a moment; and while Rose -clung in agony to his breast, his sword was snatched from his side, -and a pistol levelled at his head.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Surrender, or die!" cried a fierce-looking man, who had sprung to the -ground beside him. "We have no time to waste upon Huguenots."</p> - -<p class="normal">"We are no Huguenots," replied De Montigni, "but faithful Catholics, -though servants of the King. I surrender, as it needs must be so; but, -of course, you will let this lady retire into the house--you do not -make war upon women, I suppose."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That depends upon circumstances," replied the leader, who had now -come up. "Your name, Sir?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"The Baron de Montigni," replied the young nobleman.</p> - -<p class="normal">"We are in luck," exclaimed the leader, turning to one of his -companions; "then this fair lady is Mademoiselle d'Albret?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose only replied by her tears; and the leader continued, turning to -De Montigni, "Mount your horse, Sir, and follow! You are a prisoner of -war, and shall be treated as such. The lady shall be restored to those -from whose care you took her. No words; for time is short--Have you a -litter or a horse for the lady?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Her jennet is in the stable," replied De Montigni; "but she is too -much fatigued and weary to ride. If you have the spirit of a gentleman -and a knight, as you seem to be, you will not force her to do so."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Weary or not weary," said the stranger, "she must come along. Quick, -bring out the jennet! Lose not a minute, or we shall have some of the -enemy upon us. Lady, it seems your friends have kindly shut the door -in your face, so that if you have goods and chattels within, they must -even remain where they are."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You are discourteous, Sir," said De Montigni, "and abuse your -advantage."</p> - -<p class="normal">"How now!" cried the leader, grasping his sword; but Rose held up her -hand in entreaty, exclaiming, "Nay, nay, De Montigni, say not a -word--I am ready to go. I trust this gentleman will use no needless -harshness. Here is the jennet: I will go directly."</p> - -<p class="normal">The horseman looked down somewhat gloomily, murmuring, "Discourteous! -such a term was never used to Nemours before."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Monsieur de Nemours," replied De Montigni, "I am free to say I -believe it never was; and I am sure, now I know you, it never was -deserved. You have lost a great battle, Sir, and some irritation may -be forgiven: but I beseech you, if it must be shown, let it fall upon -my head, and not upon this lady's."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fear not," said the Duke, turning to him frankly; "I must send her to -her guardian, as I have been required; but she shall be treated with -all kindness by the way; and in the meantime," he added aloud, "she is -under the protection of my honour. Quick, quick!" he continued, "see, -there are people coming down already. Stand to your arms, there. -Mount, Sir, mount."</p> - -<p class="normal">Before De Montigni did so, however, he lifted Rose into the saddle, -and then sprung upon his horse, saying, "I will not detain you, my -Lord Duke; but you need not fear," he added, "those are but two or -three of my own servants."</p> - -<p class="normal">"On!" cried Nemours to his soldiers; "steady through the ford."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Which way, my lord?" asked the guidon of the party.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Towards Chartres," answered the Duke, and the troop took their way -across the stream.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XIX.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">The sight of pain and suffering, to which man's heart--even if it do -not become totally hard and obtuse by his own dealings with the rough -things of the world--grows less sensible every day as he advances in -life, is always matter of painful interest to woman. There is -something in her bosom that tells her it is her own destiny to suffer. -There are fine links of sympathy that bind her affections to the -sufferer, and not alone the general tenderness of her nature, to which -such feelings are commonly altogether ascribed. The words of a woman's -compassion are always different from those of a man's; they show that -she brings the pain she witnesses more home to her own heart. Man may -grieve for another's anguish; she sympathises with it; man feels for -the man, she actually shares his pain.</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen de la Tremblade remained in the lower story of the house, even -after the shutters had been put up and the door closed by the farmer, -when the first party of fugitive Leaguers passed by. She took little -note of anything that followed, but sat meditating over her own fate, -with her head leaning on her hand, till the sound of a groan struck -her; but then starting up at once, she advanced towards the door of -the room, which led into a wide, long passage. There she found four -stout soldiers bearing in a wounded man; and though she could not see -his face, from his visor being down, the languid attitude in which he -lay, as his men carried him in their arms, showed her clearly that he -had received some terrible injuries. Self was forgotten in a moment; -her own sorrows, her own wrongs, the bitter regrets of the past, the -desolate despair of the future, were all swept away for the time, -and, clasping her hands, she exclaimed, "Alas! alas! he is dying, I -fear.--Bring him hither, bring him hither," she continued: "there is a -bed in this room," and she led the way through the hall to the -chamber, where she and Rose d'Albret had passed the preceding night.</p> - -<p class="normal">Carrying him slowly forward, the soldiers laid the wounded man, still -in his dinted and dusty arms, upon the couch, and instantly began to -unfasten his cuirass, through, which a small hole, as if pierced by -the shot of an arquebuse, might be seen, stained at the edge with -blood; but he waved his hand saying, in a faint voice, "The casque, -the casque! take off the casque! Where is my nephew?--Where is -Louis?--He should be here."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah," cried Helen de la Tremblade, "he went out to the battle not an -hour ago. Perhaps he too is wounded or dead."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Mad-headed boy!" cried the old Commander as they removed his casque, -"he had no arms! Why did they let him go? Ha! Is not that Helen, the -priest's niece?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes," replied Helen approaching timidly and taking his hand, "it is -poor Helen de la Tremblade."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, I remember," said the old Commander; "but where is Rose? Where is -Rose d'Albret? She was with my nephew Louis."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, she is without, here," cried Helen; "I will call her directly," -and away she ran, through the hall, into the passage, and to the door. -But she found it barred and bolted, and the Farmer bending down, with -his ear to the key-hole, striving to catch the sounds without.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Where is Mademoiselle d'Albret?" asked Helen.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hush," he cried sternly, waving her back with his hand, and still -listening to the door. Helen listened too, but she could hear nothing -but the indistinct murmur of several voices speaking, mixed with the -sound of horses' feet trampling and stamping, as if brought to an -unwilling halt; but a moment or two after, some one spoke in a still -louder tone, crying, "To Chartres!" and then came the noise of a party -moving off, and the plashing sound of cavalry marching through the -ford.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Where is Mademoiselle d'Albret?" repeated Helen, as the farmer raised -his head from the key-hole.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Good faith, I cannot tell," replied he; "run up wife, run up to the -room above! and see what is going on without."</p> - -<p class="normal">The farmer's wife did as he bade her, and the next instant her feet -were heard over head coming back from the window to the top of the -stairs. "Ah, heaven!" she cried in a loud voice, "they have carried -off the young lady, and Monsieur de Montigni, and his servant, and -all. You should not have shut the door, Jean. You are a cruel, -hard-hearted man. I heard them push it myself to get in; and now they -are prisoners; and no one can tell what will happen."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hold your tongue! You are a fool, wife," answered the farmer angrily. -"Do you think I was going to leave the house open for the Leaguers to -come in! We should have had the place pillaged, and all our throats -cut."</p> - -<p class="normal">But the woman's tongue, as is sometimes the case with that peculiar -organ in the female head, was not to be silenced easily, and she -continued to abuse her husband, for excluding poor Rose d'Albret and -her lover, in no very measured terms, while Helen de la Tremblade, sad -and sorrowful, returned to the bed-side of the old commander to -communicate the painful intelligence she had just received.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Where is Rose?" demanded the old officer as soon as he saw her; "why -does she not come?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Alas!" replied Helen, "a party of the League, just now sweeping by, -have taken her away with them."</p> - -<p class="normal">The old man, who by this time had been stripped of his arms, and laid -in the bed, raised himself suddenly, and gazed in her face with a look -of grief and consternation. Then sinking back upon the pillow again, -he closed his eyes, but said not a word for several minutes. At length -one of his attendants coming forward inquired, if he had not better -ride away to St. André and seek for a surgeon.</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," replied the old Commander abruptly, "'tis no use. This is my -last field, Marlot, and, the sooner I go, the better. I am fit for -nothing now. I could scarce sit my horse in the battle, though I did -drive my sword through that fellow on Aumale's right hand. But it's -all over; and I shall soon go, too. No use of being tortured by the -surgeons. I've had enough of them.--No; but I will tell you what you -shall do. Go and seek for Louis; though that is most likely vain, -also.--Why the fiend did he go to the field without arms? Yet, Ventre -Saint Gris! I love the boy for it too. But he never can have escaped -from that <i>mêlée</i>.--He is dead, so there is nothing worth living for."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen had refrained hitherto from telling him that his nephew was in -captivity, as well as Rose d'Albret, for fear of weighing him down, in -his weak state, under the load of misfortune; but now, seeing that his -apprehensions for his nephew's fate, had a more terrible effect, than -even the reality could produce, she said, "No, Sir, he is not dead. -They have carried him away too, with Mademoiselle d'Albret!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha! girl, ha! Are you not lying?" demanded the wounded man.</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, indeed," replied Helen, "it is the truth. The farmer's wife saw -them a moment ago."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then, seek a surgeon," said the old man; "I will try to live, -though it is idle, I think.--Look for Estoc, too. Where saw you him -last?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"He was in full pursuit with the Grand Prior, Sir," answered one of -the men.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I saw him take the red standard of the Count of Mansveldt," replied -another.</p> - -<p class="normal">"That's well, that's well," said the old commander, "take means to let -him know where I lie. Then bring a surgeon if you will. They shall do -with me what they like. Will you be my nurse, little Helen?" he -continued, extending his hand towards her.</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I will, if I may," replied Helen kneeling by the bedside and -kissing the large bony hand he had held out.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, get me a cloak or something," said the old man, "to cast over -my feet, for I feel very cold. Then come, sit down and talk to me; and -you fellows go away and get your dinner. It must be noon by this -time."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis one o'clock, Sir," answered one of the men.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Get your dinner, get your dinner," cried the Commander.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have no heart to eat, Sir," said the one nearest to him, "seeing -you lying there."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Poo!" exclaimed his master, "did you never see an old man die before? -I have seen many; and they will die, whether you eat your dinner or -not. Leave this young lady to tend me; dine, and, if you will, say a -paternoster for my sake. That's the best you can do to help me, though -you are good creatures, too, and love me well, I know,--as I love you. -But we must all part, and my march is laid out."</p> - -<p class="normal">The men departed one by one, and Helen remained alone with the old -Commander de Liancourt, doing the best she could to tend and serve -him. He suffered her to examine his wound, for the good old chivalrous -custom which required that ladies should know something of leech-craft -had not yet passed away; but it was one beyond her skill. The ball of -an arquebuse or pistol, fired point blank at a short distance, had -pierced his chest on the right side, a little more than a hand's -breadth below the arm. Some blood had followed the wound, but not -much; and all hemorrhage had ceased. He declared that the only pain he -felt was, a burning sensation near the back.</p> - -<p class="normal">"That's where the ball lies, Helen," he said; "I wish it had gone -through; for these things taking up their lodging in the body, often -make the house too hot to hold the proper tenant. However, God's will -be done. I never valued life a straw; and now, after having known it -sixty years, I certainly do not prize it more for the acquaintance. -'Tis an idle and a bitter world, fair lady, as I fear you have found -out by this time."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen shrunk and turned pale, as the old man seemed to allude to her -situation and his eye rested upon her face, she thought, with a look -of meaning. He said no more, however; and in a moment after the farmer -entered to offer his services to the wounded man, with whose rank he -was now acquainted, and to give him farther tidings which had just -arrived from the field--how the Swiss and French infantry had -surrendered without resistance, and all the standards and cannon had -fallen into the hands of the King.</p> - -<p class="normal">The Commander cut him short, however, asking after his nephew, which -way they had taken him, how many the party numbered, and many another -questions, all of which the man might have answered without betraying -the fact that, to his own fears, was in some degree owing the capture -of Rose d'Albret and the young Baron de Montigni. We put our armour -where we are weak, however; and the first words of the farmer were in -his own defence, betraying at once all that had taken place. As the -wounded man heard him, and began to comprehend what had passed, his -cheek turned fiery red, and raising himself partly in bed, he bent his -eyes sternly upon him, and cursed him bitterly, calling him coward, -and knave, and telling him he knew not what he had done.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fool!" cried the Commander; "do you think they would have stayed to -plunder your pitiful house with the sword of the King at their heels? -Curses upon you, Sir! you have delivered a fair sweet lady to the -hands of her persecutors, as gallant a gentleman as any in France to -his knavish enemies. By the Lord that lives, I have a mind to make my -men take thee and drown thee in the river, poltroon!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The farmer was irritated, as perhaps he might well be; and, but little -inclined to bear from another reproaches which he had endured quietly -from his wife, he was about to reply in angry terms, when Helen -interposed; and, with gentle firmness, which might perhaps not have -been expected from the tender and yielding disposition which she had -hitherto displayed, she led him from the room, and insisted upon his -making no reply.</p> - -<p class="normal">She then turned all her efforts to calm and soothe the old Commander; -and so tenderly, so kindly, did she busy herself about him, that the -heart of the rough old soldier was moved, and he exclaimed, "Bless -thee, my child, thou art a sweet good girl; and I wish I could but -live to do thee some service. But it is in vain, Helen, it is all in -vain; not that I mind this burning pain; for that more or less follows -every wound, but 'tis the sudden failing of my strength. All power -seems gone; and, in an instant, I have become as if I were a child -again. I was lame and well nigh crippled with old wounds before; -for I never was in battle or combat but I was sure to receive some -injury--such was my ill-luck; but still in my hands and arms I was as -strong as ever, could bend a double crown between my thumbs, or break -the staff of a lance over my knee. Now it is a labour to me to lift my -hand to my head; and that has come all in a moment. This means death; -Helen, this means death!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, perhaps not," replied Helen de la Tremblade. "The body is -strangely composed; and the ball may rest upon some sinew or some -nerve that gives strength; yet all may be well again."</p> - -<p class="normal">The old man shook his head, but still he remained cheerful, often -talking of death, yet never seeming to look upon it with dread or -horror. In about an hour a surgeon arrived, examined and probed the -wound, and descanted learnedly upon its nature. But with him, the good -old Commander showed himself irritable and impatient, writhed under -his hand, declared he tortured him, and seemed to shrink more from -pain, than from death itself. The man of healing soon saw that he -could do but little. To Helen's anxious inquiries, however, he did not -give the most sincere answers, leaving her to hope, that the wound -might be cured, and saying, that he would come again at night. He -calculated indeed, that his patient would live over the next day, and -that there would be time enough for a priest to be summoned. That was -all that his conscience required; and he judged--perhaps kindly--that -it was useless to torment a sick man with the thoughts of death, for -many hours before the event took place.</p> - -<p class="normal">During the whole of the rest of the day, Helen seldom, if ever, -quitted the bed-side of the Commander de Liancourt. Though careless of -life, inured by long habit to suffering, and even somewhat impatient -of anything that seemed like forced attention to his state, the old -warrior was not at all insensible to real kindness. He saw that she -sympathised with him, that she really felt for all he endured, that -she did her best to soothe and to allay, to comfort and support him. -He could not but see it; for though, ever and anon, the shadow of her -own fate would fall upon her again, and she would sit, for a moment or -two, in gloom and darkness, yet at his lightest word, at his least -movement, she was up and by his bed-side. The cup was always ready for -his lips, the pillow was constantly smoothed for his head, his wishes -seemed anticipated, his very thoughts answered, and even the burning -impatience of growing fever could not run before her promptitude. When -he obtained a moment of repose, she was calm and silent. When he -wished to speak, she was ready to answer, in sweet and quiet tones -that sounded pleasant to his ear; when his breathing became oppressed, -she was there to raise his head upon her soft arm, to open the window -for the air of spring to enter, and to bathe his fiery brow. To -another young and inexperienced being, the scene might have been -terrible, the task hard; but to her, it was all a relief. A share in -any sorrow, was lighter than the full burden of her own; and aught -that took her thoughts from herself, delivered her from a portion of -her anguish.</p> - -<p class="normal">More than once, the old man gazed upon her fixedly for two or three -minutes, as if there was something that he wished to say, and yet did -not; more than once, he sent away his followers, who came and went -during the afternoon between his room and the next, as if he were -about to speak of something that lay at his heart; but still he -refrained, till, just as the light was beginning to fade, he turned -painfully in the bed, and murmured, "Helen."</p> - -<p class="normal">The poor girl was by his side in a moment; and putting forth his now -burning hand, he took hers, continuing, "Helen, I wish to talk to you -about yourself before I go."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen trembled like an aspen leaf. Four-and-twenty hours before, in -the first agony of desolation and despair, she would have poured forth -her whole soul to any one who offered her a word of kindness and -sympathy; but a change had come over her since then; the power of -thought had returned, conscience and shame and remorse had made -themselves heard, over even the tumultuous voices of grief and -indignation and hopeless agony. The still, but all-pervading words of -self-reproach, filled her ear continually; and, in the blank -wilderness of existence, she saw but her own folly. She shrank then, -and trembled when he spoke of herself. There was no name but one that -he could have pronounced, which would have sounded more horrible to -her ears than her own.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh not now, not now!" she cried, drawing back.</p> - -<p class="normal">But the old man still held her hand in his, which seemed to scorch -her; and he went on, "Why not now, Helen? It will soon be too late. -The minutes are numbered, my poor girl. The hand upon the dial seems -to go slow, but it will soon point to the hour when this fire shall -have burned itself out, and nothing but the ashes will remain.--I have -learned something of your story, Helen, from the people who came with -my keen, harsh sister, Jacqueline.--Old Estoc heard it, and told it to -me; but I would know more,--I would know all--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh not now, not now!" cried Helen again; and, by a sudden movement of -anguish and terror, she drew her hand from him, and, with a gasping -sob, ran out of the room.</p> - -<p class="normal">There was no one in the hall, and when she reached the middle, she -paused. "Shall I leave him?" she asked herself, "Leave him because he -means and speaks kindly--leave him because I cannot bear to hear my -own folly breathed,--leave him?--Oh no!" and with a movement as -sudden, but with a downcast eye and burning cheek, she returned, and -seated herself near in silence, gazing upon the ground.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Helen," said the old Commander, "I have grieved you. Come hither, and -forgive me."</p> - -<p class="normal">She sprang towards him, and, casting herself on her knees by the -bed-side, covered her aching eyes with her hands, exclaiming, "Oh, no, -no! It is I who need forgiveness; not you. Do not speak so kindly, -Sir, do not speak so gently; for it goes farther to break my heart, -than all your sister's harshness."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hush, hush!" said the old soldier, "Do not move me, there's a good -girl. But listen to me, Helen, for I wish you well, and you have been -tender and affectionate to me this day, when I have much needed it.--I -am a rough old man, Helen, and know not how to speak gently. But I -would fain talk to you about yourself, before I depart from this -place. Listen to me then, and do not think I mean anything but -kindness. I hear that my sister has been hard upon you,--driven you -out of her house,--given you harsh names.--Nay never shake so.--She is -a bitter woman, Helen, to all faults but her own; and I am sure if you -have any, they have been but too much gentleness.--Why, I remember you -as a little child in your good father's time.--There now, you weep! I -know not how to speak to you.--But never mind, I'll talk no more about -yourself. But whatever be your faults, Helen, take my advice. Go to -your uncle, tell him all. He will forgive you; for he is a good man at -heart, and loves you; and besides,--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, no, no!" cried Helen, "I cannot go to him, for his look would -kill me.--Rose, so kind and good, so gentle to the faults of others, -she too, persuaded me to go to him: but you do not know him. He is -good and kind, and loves me well, it is true; but he is not -forgiving.--Besides, how can I go there? How can I see him without -meeting,--" and she gave a quick shudder, without concluding the -sentence.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay," said the wounded man, "that must be thought of. But all this is -partly your uncle's own fault, Helen. I warned him when he put you -with my sister, that he was giving his dove to a vulture. I told him -it would be your ruin; but none of those people heeded the old -soldier. They followed their own plans, and thought plain truth, -foolishness.--Hark! do you not hear horses? It is good old Estoc, come -to see his dying leader."</p> - -<p class="normal">The next moment, there was a knock at the chamber door, and before any -one could say, "Come in," it opened, and the tall bony figure of -Estoc, clothed in armour, such as was worn in that day, but with the -head-piece laid aside, appeared striding up with his wide steps to the -bed-side of the wounded Commander.</p> - -<p class="normal">"How goes it, Sir?" he cried, "how goes it?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fast, Estoc, fast!" answered the old knight. "I am glad you have -come, for there is much to talk about before I go. Helen, dear child, -run away for a while; and take some repose and refreshment, for you -have scarcely tasted aught since I have been here. She has been an -angel to me, Estoc,--like my own child."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Thank you, Mademoiselle, thank you," cried Estoc, taking her hand and -kissing it, while she turned away her head, "God will bless you for -it!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The tears rolled over Helen's cheeks; and, saying "Call me when you -want me, Sir," she left the room.</p> - -<p class="normal">For more than an hour the old Commander de Liancourt and Estoc -remained together, while Helen, at the window of a room above, sat and -gazed out upon the sky, seeing the last rays of light fade away, and -the stars look forth one by one. "Ah!" she said to herself, as she -watched them, "other lights come in the heavens when the sun sets; but -there is none so bright as that which is gone. The moon, too, may rise -with her pale beams; but it is still night, shine she ever so -brightly."</p> - -<p class="normal">At length the surgeon arrived and went in again. The next moment he -sent for Helen to aid him; but when she entered the old Commander's -room, she found that he would not suffer his wound to be meddled with.</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is of no avail, master surgeon," he said; "I know I am dying. You -can do no good, and you do but torture me. Let the ball alone; it has -performed its work right well; you only make it angry with your -probes. Put on a cool cataplasm if you will, and tell me about what -hour will be the end; for I see in your face that you know what I say -is true. I would not go out of the world like a heathen; but the -church is the only surgeon for me."</p> - -<p class="normal">The man of healing answered in a vague and doubtful manner, but -assured the old soldier that there was no immediate danger; and, after -some vain persuasions, to the end that he might once more examine the -wound minutely, he took his leave, after having applied what he -thought fit externally.</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen was about to follow, and leave the Commander and his friend -together, once more; but the wounded man called her to him and bade -her stay. "Here is Estoc will be a friend to you, Helen, when I am -gone;" he said, "but listen to me, poor child, and do that which is -for your own good, and for that of others. I pressed you, a little -while ago, to go to your uncle for your own sake; but now I ask it for -the sake of those who were once dear to you. You used to love Rose -d'Albret--I think you do so still--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! that I do," cried Helen, clasping her hand.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then," said the Commander, "her whole happiness, her future -welfare and peace may altogether depend upon your going to Marzay, and -with your own lips telling Walter de la Tremblade, all that has -happened to you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then I will go directly," cried Helen, eagerly, though sadly, "I will -go directly, if I die the next moment. But does he not know the whole -already?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I think not," replied Estoc, who stood near. "I don't think Madame de -Chazeul has told him anything, for the good man, who spoke to me about -it, said she would kill him if she knew that he had mentioned -anything. But he thought you hardly treated, Mademoiselle, and wished -me to speak to the Commander about it, that the matter might be -inquired into."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen covered her face and sat and mused, till, at length, the wounded -man woke her from her painful dreams, whatever they were, by saying, -in a compassionate tone, "Ah! my poor girl, you suffer worse than I -do, for your pains are of the heart."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will go, Sir, I will go!" cried Helen; "though it is very bitter so -to do, yet I will go, if it can serve Mademoiselle d'Albret, even in -the very least."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It may serve her much, young lady," said Estoc. "As this sad affair -has happened, and she has fallen into the hands of the Leaguers, -beyond all doubt they will send her to Marzay; and then the old story -will begin again, and no devilish scheme will be too bad, to drive her -to marry Monsieur de Chazeul."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, no, no, no!" cried Helen, vehemently; "he will betray her--he -will make her miserable, as he has made me. What right has he to marry -her?" she continued, with her brow contracted and a wild look coming -into her eyes. "Is he not married already? is he not contracted by -oaths that he cannot break?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, but he will break them," replied Estoc.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I rave, I rave!" said Helen, after a moment's pause; "he has broken -them already--every vow he made--every pledge he gave--every oath he -took! and at what should he hesitate? But how can I prevent this? What -can I do to avert it?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Much," answered the Commander. "Your uncle, Helen, has been one of -the prime movers in all this. Without him they could do little; for he -is a skilful and a scheming man, not moved by the same passions that -both prompt and embarrass them. What are his motives or his views, I -know not; but, <i>pardie</i>, right sure am I, when once he hears how you -have been treated, he will find means to frustrate all their plots, -and to save our dear Rose, by one means or another."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, yes, he will--he will," cried Helen; "I know he will, if it be -but in revenge. Oh! he never wants means to work his own will. My poor -father used to say, he had ruled all his family from infancy. But I -will go at all risks, at any cost.--Yet," she added, hanging her head, -"yet I could wish that it were possible for me to avoid that cruel and -hard-hearted man, whom I must see if I go there openly."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! that will be easily managed," said Estoc; "I will answer for -that, Mademoiselle; for I took care to ensure myself and my good -Commander here, the means of entering the Château of Marzay when we -liked. God forbid that I should use it wrongly! But I foresaw the time -might come, when, in justice to ourselves or others, we might need to -stand face to face with those who have been plotting so darkly against -people whose rights they should have protected."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You are right, Estoc, you are right," said the old Commander, whose -voice was growing feeble, with the fatigue of speaking so much. "You -are right, my good friend. I thought not of that precaution, but it -was a wise one. Have you the key of the postern, then?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," answered Estoc; "that would be missed; but I have a key to the -chapel, which, as no one uses that way in or out, will never be wanted -by any one but ourselves."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen raised her eyes and smiled, with the first look of satisfaction -that her countenance had borne, since she had been driven from the -Château of Chazeul. "That makes all easy," she said; "for, not only -can I enter by that means, but dear Rose d'Albret can come out; and -oh! what would I give to guide her back again to liberty and him she -loves?"</p> - -<p class="normal">But Estoc shook his head. "That may not be so easy," he answered; "now -they are once upon their guard, they will watch her closely. She will -be henceforth a prisoner, indeed. Her only hope is in the priest, -Mademoiselle. Gain his aid for us, and we are secure."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will try," answered Helen, "I will try--But look," she continued, -touching Estoc's arm and speaking in a low voice, "Monsieur de -Liancourt seems weary, and asleep, I think."</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc bent down his head, and gazed in the sick man's face, by the -pale light of a lamp that stood upon the table. He almost feared, from -all that he had seen, that what Helen imagined slumber, was the repose -of death; but, as he leaned over him, he saw a red spot upon the -cheek, and heard the quick low breath come and go; and, turning to her -again, he whispered, "He sleeps; that is a good sign. I will sit with -him till he wakes."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no," answered Helen; "leave me to watch him. You take some -repose; I neither want it, nor could obtain it."</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc accordingly left her, gaining the door as noiselessly as he -could. Then, clearing the hall of all the persons by whom it was now -crowded, he seated himself on a bench, ate some bread and drank some -wine; and leaning his head upon his hand, soon fell into slumber, with -that easy command over the drowsy god, which is often acquired by -those habituated to the labours and the dangers of the camp.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was past one o'clock; and all the noises of the house were still. -The farmer and his family had retired to rest, the soldiers and -attendants were seeking slumber in the kitchen and the barn, when -Helen de la Tremblade opened the door between the sick man's chamber -and the hall, and called "Estoc! Estoc!"--"Monsieur de Liancourt is -awake," she added, as he started up, and then continued, in a lower -tone, "he is very ill--There is a terrible change--Come quick, come -quick!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc followed in haste; and, approaching the wounded man's side, he -saw too clearly the change she spoke of, that awful change which -precedes dissolution; that inexpressible dim shade, that cold -unearthly look, never, never to be mistaken. Fever may banish the rose -from the cheek; the eye may grow pale and glassy; the lip may lose its -red; and sickness, heavy sickness may take away all that is beautiful -in life; but yet, while there is a hope remaining, the countenance of -man never assumes that hue which death sends before him as his herald -on the way;--and there it was. To the eyes of Helen, it was strange -and terrible, and made her heart sink though she knew not all it -meant; but Estoc had seen it often, and knew it well; and whispering -to her, "This is death!" he took his old friend's hand in his.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, Estoc!" said Monsieur de Liancourt, "where is Helen?--Come -nearer, my kind nurse, let me see your face, for my eyes grow dim."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Shall I send for a priest, Sir?" asked Helen.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not yet," said Monsieur de Liancourt, "for I have much to say. Bring -me my cross of St. John. Lay it on my breast, that I may die under the -standard of my salvation." Helen hurried to get it, where it lay with -the armour and clothes in which he had been dressed, and placed it -gently on his bosom a he told her. The old man gazed wistfully in her -face for an instant, and then said, "I am going, Helen--fast. If I had -lived, I would have been a father to you. Estoc, will you protect -her--defend her?--Do you promise me?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do from my heart," replied Estoc. "As long as I live she shall -never want a home to receive her, or an arm to do her right."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Kiss the cross!" said the old Commander; and, bending down, the good -soldier pressed his lips upon it, as it lay upon his dying leader's -bosom.</p> - -<p class="normal">"So much for that," said the Commander. "When I am gone, Estoc, give -her all that I have brought with me.--You, I have provided for, long -ago.--See me buried as a soldier should be. Lay me before the altar at -Marzay, and bid the priest say masses for my soul.--Now give me the -papers that I may explain them well."</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc proceeded to the corner of the room in which the old commander's -garments had been laid down in a heap; and searched for some minutes -before he could discover the packet of papers for which he was -looking. He found it at length, and, turning round, approached the -bed-side where Helen de la Tremblade sat watching the wounded man. She -held his hand in hers, she gazed upon him eagerly with her beautiful -lips slightly open, showing the fine pearly teeth within; and, as the -light of the lamp fell upon her, she was certainly as fair a creature -as ever man beheld; but there was a look of anxious fear in her eyes -that startled Estoc, and made him hurry his pace. The eyes of the old -commander were closed, and Helen whispered, "He has had a terrible -shudder."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Here are the papers, Sir," said Estoc.</p> - -<p class="normal">The old man made no answer, but by a heavy sigh.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Send for a priest, quick," cried Estoc; and Helen running hastily -from the room, woke one of the soldiers in the kitchen, and dispatched -him to the village in haste. When she returned to the chamber, -however, all was still: and, approaching with her light foot the -bed-side, she saw Estoc with his arms folded across his chest, and his -eyes, glistening with an unwonted tear, fixed upon the countenance of -his old friend and leader, from which all expression seemed to have -passed away. She listened, but could hear no breath. The lips were -motionless; the breast had ceased to heave; the hand, which he had -lately held in her own, had fallen languidly on the bed; the other, by -a last movement, had been brought to rest upon the cross which lay -upon his bosom. Life had passed away, apparently in an instant, and -the sufferings of the stout old soldier were at an end.</p> - -<p class="normal">The moment after several of the men, who had been awakened by a voice -calling to one of them to seek a priest, crept into the room to see -their good leader once more before he died; and Estoc, brushing away -the moisture from his eyes with the back of his hand, turned towards -them, saying, "You may come forward.--You cannot disturb him now. He -is gone; and a better heart, a stouter hand, a kinder spirit, never -lived, my friends. Few there are like him left; and we at least never -shall see such another. God have mercy on his soul, and on ours too."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, he knelt down, murmured a prayer, and kissed the hand, -still warm with the life that was departed. The soldiers did the same -one by one, and then carried the tidings to their fellows who where -still asleep. Starting up as they had lain down, they all ran hastily -into the room; and, of course, amongst the number, there were many -different ways of expressing their grief. Most of them, however, had -tears in their eyes, and one man wished aloud, that he knew the hand -that fired the shot.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fie," said Estoc, "it was the chance of battle. No soldier bears -revenge for anything done in fair fight. He has sent many to their -account, and now is sent himself; but by the grace of God his is no -heavy one, and he will find mercy for that."</p> - -<p class="normal">There was a momentary pause, and then two or three of the soldiers -whispered together; after which one of them stepping forward, said, -"Will you lead us, Monsieur Estoc?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am not a rich man, my friends," said the old soldier, "and cannot -pay you as the good commander did. What I have, however, you shall -freely share; and if you are willing to serve the King as you have -done this day, I will lead you willingly, in that cause.</p> - -<p class="normal">"We will fight in none other," replied the man who spoke for the rest; -"and as for pay, we will take our chance, so that we have food and -arms."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That we will always find," replied Estoc, "but we have a duty here to -perform before anything else. We must carry the corpse to Marzay, and -fulfil our dead leader's last commands; then we will seek the King; -and, if he cannot entertain us himself, we shall easily find some -banner under which to fight upon his side."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XX.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">It was about two o'clock in the day, when the party of the Duke of -Nemours entered the little town of Maintenon; for that Prince hurried -along his prisoners at a rapid rate, although he was aware that, the -main body of fugitives from the field of Ivry having taken a different -direction, he was less likely to be pursued than if he had followed -the same course towards Mantes. As he approached Maintenon, indeed, he -somewhat slackened his speed, and gave orders for putting his men into -better order; and before he reached the gates he brought his own -horse, and those of the rest, to a walk, as if quietly marching -through the country.</p> - -<p class="normal">All appearance of flight and apprehension was banished; and De -Montigni heard one of the soldiers, speaking to a citizen as they -entered, declare, that they had had a skirmish at Ivry, in which the -King had been defeated and driven back. A somewhat bitter smile curled -his lip; but he made no observation; and the good townsman shaking his -head with a doubtful look, replied.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, it may be so; but different tidings are about the place; and if -you have won a battle, why are you marching away from the field?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, Coquin?" replied the soldier readily, "because we are carrying -the tidings to Chartres, with orders to the governor to send out his -people and cut off the fugitives from Alençon."</p> - -<p class="normal">Still the man looked unconvinced; but the soldier rode on after his -troop; and the Duke stopped in the town two hours to refresh his -horses. While there, he sent for the officer commanding in the place, -and held a long, private conversation with him, which afforded an -opportunity to De Montigni and Rose d'Albret to speak together -unnoticed, for the first time since their capture. The Duke had -ordered dinner to be prepared, and had courteously invited them to -partake of it, leaving them alone in the dining hall of the inn, while -he held his communication with the governor without. But though it was -a solace and a comfort to both of them, to be enabled to pour their -griefs and anxieties into each other's bosom, yet their conference was -a sad and fruitless one; for they could arrange no plan of action for -the future, they could extract no hope from the painful situation in -which they were placed. All they could do was to promise and repromise -faith and constancy to each other, and to wait for coming events, in -the hope of ultimate deliverance. De Montigni found no difficulty in -binding Rose to fly with him whenever the opportunity should offer; -and each vowed to the other to look upon their engagement as complete -and inviolable, whatever means might be employed to break it.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Let us regard ourselves as wedded, dearest Rose," said De Montigni; -"and fear not for the result. The King is each day gaining advantages -over his enemy. This faction must soon be crushed, notwithstanding the -assistance it receives from Spain; my ransom will soon be agreed upon; -and should they attempt to detain my bride, I will deliver her, should -need be, with the strong hand. If bloodshed be the result, let Chazeul -answer for it. The fault is his, not mine."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! no, no!" cried Rose; "do nothing rashly, Louis. I am yours, will -be ever yours. Better to wait for months--ay, even for years, than dip -your hands in kindred blood.--But I will trust that there is no need -for such terrible deeds. When once the King's authority is at all -established, Monsieur de Liancourt will soon yield to it. He is not -one of those who will hold out to the last, in favour of a failing -cause. But, at all events," she added, as the door opened, "be the -time long or short, be the trial hard or light, I am yours for ever."</p> - -<p class="normal">She knew not how hard that trial was to be.</p> - -<p class="normal">As she spoke, the Duke of Nemours, with one or two of the gentlemen -attached to him, entered the room; and the meal which he had ordered -was soon after served. The irritation under which he had laboured, on -account of the loss of the battle, when first De Montigni and his fair -companion had fallen into his hands, had passed away; and towards Rose -d'Albret, at least, he had resumed all that courtesy for which he was -renowned. To De Montigni his demeanour was varying and uncertain; -never, indeed, returning to the harsh rudeness which he had at first -displayed, but sometimes cold and icy, sometimes gay and almost kind. -He was a Prince who had acquired, without much cause, a high -reputation throughout Europe, and De Montigni knew him by report to be -brave to a fault, generous to prodigality, and affecting a chivalrous -tone in his conduct and manners; but he was not aware of the faults, -which afterwards developed themselves so remarkably and caused the -Duke's ruin and his death,--selfishness, ambition, tyrannical -severity, and a wild vanity, that led him to overestimate in all -things his own abilities, and his own importance.</p> - -<p class="normal">As they sat together at the table, for a time, the fairer points of -the Duke's character were alone exhibited to his prisoners. He -addressed De Montigni more than once, pressed Rose to partake of the -meal before them, spoke of the events of the battle, and even lauded -highly the skill and character of the King.--The young Baron deceived -himself into the belief that these external signs of a high and noble -nature, might be the genuine indications of the heart; and he resolved -to cast himself upon his generosity, to explain to him the -circumstances in which he stood, and to beseech him to refrain, at -least for a short period, from placing Mademoiselle d'Albret in the -power of those who were but too likely to misuse the opportunity. As -if to check him in such purposes, almost the next moment, Nemours -resumed towards him his haughty and overbearing manner; and thus he -went on from time to time; at one moment appearing to forget that De -Montigni was an adversary and a prisoner, and the next treating him -almost as if he were a condemned criminal.</p> - -<p class="normal">After the space of repose I have mentioned, the march towards Chartres -was resumed, but the pace at which they proceeded was now slow; and -before they reached that fair old town, the sun set in cloudless -splendor, and the stars looked out in the sky. Weary, silent, anxious, -and distressed, Rose d'Albret rode on, replying to the frequent -attentions of Nemours with but a monosyllable, till at length they -reached the gates, where they where detained during a few minutes; for -the news of the defeat of Ivry had already reached the city, and all -was anxious precaution to guard against surprise. At length the party -was admitted; torches were procured at the Corps de Garde; and by -their red and gloomy light, flashing upon the tall houses with their -manifold small windows, the cavalcade wound on, through the narrow -streets, towards the castle.</p> - -<p class="normal">Intelligence of the arrival of the Duke of Nemours, had been sent on -to the governor from the gates; and the outer court of the citadel was -filled with gentlemen and officers when the party entered. Nemours -dismounted from his horse as soon as he had given the word to halt; -and, advancing to a stern-looking, middle-aged man, who seemed to be -the chief of those present, he embraced him, saying,</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Monsieur de la Bourdasières, I have come to you sooner than I -expected. We have been badly served at Ivry; and the foreign troops -have once more betrayed our confidence. However, I bring two prisoners -with me--or at least one," he added, "for the lady is not a prisoner, -and of her I will speak to you by and by, if you will have the -goodness now to place her for the time under the protection of Madame -de la Bourdasières."</p> - -<p class="normal">The governor seemed to ask a question, which De Montigni did not hear; -but Nemours replied, immediately, "Oh, yes, of the highest. It is -Mademoiselle d'Albret, the daughter of the late Count de Marennes."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Right willingly," replied the governor. "We will give her what poor -entertainment we can;" and advancing with Nemours to the side of -Rose's jennet, he assisted her to dismount, saying, "my wife will be -most happy to entertain you, Mademoiselle d'Albret."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose turned an anxious look towards De Montigni, who sprang from his -horse, and approaching her before any one could interfere, took her -hand, saying, "I am rejoiced to find you placed under such protection, -dearest Rose."</p> - -<p class="normal">The governor turned a grave and inquiring look towards him; but De -Montigni added, loud enough for all to hear, "Do not fear. The -contract for our marriage, between your father and my uncle, cannot be -broken, let them do what they will."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Come, come, enough of this, Sir!" said the Duke of Nemours; and the -governor, taking Rose by the hand, led her away into the castle.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Monsieur de Nemours," said the young nobleman, as soon as she was -gone, "I am your prisoner; and I cannot blame you for seizing the -momentary advantage you had obtained, to make me so. I know the -reputation of the Duke of Nemours too well to suppose, that he will -show any want of courtesy toward one placed in such a situation; I, -therefore, demand to be put to ransom, and that without farther delay, -according to the common customs and usages of war."</p> - -<p class="normal">Nemours gazed at him, for an instant, from head to foot, and then, -turning on his heel, replied, "I will consider of it, Sir."</p> - -<p class="normal">A sharp reply was springing to De Montigni's lips; but he repressed -it, recollecting how much the fate of himself and one most dear to -him, might depend upon the man to whom he was speaking. The colour -came in his cheek, however; and he bit his lip to keep down the anger -which could scarcely be suppressed, while Nemours, calling one of his -gentlemen to him, gave some directions in a low tone.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Take a parole from his servant," he said aloud, in conclusion, "and -let him have free ingress and egress to wait upon his master. As to -the chamber, speak with some of the people of Monsieur de la -Bourdasières about it;" and then, turning round to De Montigni again, -he added, "we shall meet to-morrow, Sir; in the mean time, good -night."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, he walked away and entered the castle, marshalled by some -of the officers of the governor. De Montigni remained for a moment or -two, while the followers of Nemours and the people assembled in the -court conversed together round about him, in regard to the events of -the day, and many an anxious inquiry was addressed to those who had -shared in the battle, as to the course which it had taken, and the -results which it was likely to produce. Each man answered according to -his particular character and disposition. Some made light of it; -asserted that it could scarcely be called a battle lost; that Mayenne -was at the head of nearly as many men as ever; and that, though the -enemy did possess the field, they had paid dearly for it. Others, more -sincere, or more alarmed, acknowledged, that at last it had been a -complete rout, that each had fled as best he could, and that the King -was pursuing Mayenne, sword in hand, towards Mantes. Others contented -themselves with a significant shrug of the shoulders, or a simple -exclamation of anger and mortification; but, upon the whole, the -governor's officers easily divined that a great victory had been won -by the Royalists,--a terrible defeat sustained by their own party.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length, the gentleman to whom Nemours had last spoken, and who had -been conversing with another man at some distance, advanced towards De -Montigni, saying, "Now, Monsieur le Baron, if you will follow me and -Monsieur de la Haye, we will show you to your chamber.--Come hither," -he continued, beckoning to De Montigni's servant who had been taken -with him; "you can wait upon your master till he is ransomed, so you -will see where he lodges;" and, leading the way with the officer to -whom he had been speaking, he conducted the young nobleman into the -castle. Following the walls which in those days were extensive, he -approached a small detached building, which seemed to be used as a -house of refreshment for the soldiery, or what we should, in the -present day, call the canteen.</p> - -<p class="normal">The lower story was thronged with men drinking and talking; but, -walking through the passage, they reached a narrow and ill-constructed -stairs, which led to some rooms above. In one of these was found a -bed, a table, and a chair, all of the homeliest description. The -casements were not in the best state of repair, and no curtains were -there to keep out the glare of day or the winds of night. The walls -were in the rough primeval state in which the hands of the mason had -left them, and everything bore an aspect of misery and discomfort, not -very consoling to the eyes of the captive.</p> - -<p class="normal">This, he was informed, was to be his abode while he remained in the -city of the Druids: and, well knowing that remonstrance was in vain, -he seated himself in the solitary chair, while the officer of Nemours -took the parole of his servant, and then, making a cold bow to the -prisoner, retired.</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni remained in silence, with his head resting on his hand, -for a moment or two, while his follower gazed on him with a -disconsolate countenance; but, at length, the man ventured to -interrupt his master's reverie by saying, "This is a strange place to -put you in, Sir. Not very civil, <i>pardie</i>, though you be a prisoner."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The place matters little, my good friend," answered the young -nobleman. "We slept in the Alps in worse abodes than this. It is the -being a prisoner that makes the lodging bad--and at such a time too!" -he added, with a bitter sigh, "when happiness was within my grasp; -when the cause of the King was victorious; when another minute would -have saved us both."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Twas unlucky indeed, Sir," said the servant. "They say fortune -changes every seven years; God forbid that ours should last as long, -for we have made a sad beginning in France. But, at all events, I will -try to render the place somewhat more comfortable for you, Sir. Money -will do anything in Chartres, as well as elsewhere."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Would to Heaven it would get me out of it!" replied De Montigni. "He -will never dare refuse to put me to ransom, surely?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not know, Sir," rejoined the man. "I have heard that, in these -civil wars, they have done strange things; but, if he do, you must -make your escape, Sir; and, as I was saying just now, money can do -everything."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni shook his head, but he suffered the man to proceed as he -thought fit to give the chamber an air of greater comfort. A sconce -was brought up from below, to replace the solitary lamp which had been -left by the officer; a piece of tapestry was obtained from some other -quarter to cover the window; a bundle of rushes were found to strew -the floor; a white sheet was spread over the bed, to cover the -somewhat dirty furniture with which it had been previously decorated; -and, thanks to the proximity of the canteen, wine and provisions of -various kinds soon ornamented the table, which was covered with one of -those fine white cloths for which, Le Grand assures us, France was at -that time famous.</p> - -<p class="normal">But, when the door opened and closed, De Montigni saw the figure of a -soldier, either passing to and fro, or leaning on his partizan; and he -felt bitterly that he was a prisoner, without power to alter the -course of events which were taking place around him, to the -destruction of all his hopes, to the frustration of those dreams of -joy in which he had indulged but a few hours before. With the usual -course of bitter and unavailing regret in a young and inexperienced -mind, he reproached himself for not having done every act that might -have averted the misfortune which had fallen upon him. He blamed -himself for having joined the battle, when he had no occasion to do -so; he forgot all the inducements and arguments to which his mind had -yielded when he left Rose in the farm at Mainville, in order to share -in the glories and the dangers of the field of Ivry. He next regretted -that, anxious to bear her the first tidings of success, he had hurried -back as soon as he saw the fight irretrievably turned against the -Leaguers, and acknowledged that he ought to have gone on with the King -in pursuit of the enemy.</p> - -<p class="normal">He who knows by frequent trial the fallibility of human judgment, and -how often the best calculations are proved false by the unexpected -turns of fate, judges as surely as he can by the light of reason, acts -resolutely when his decision is formed, and leaves the rest to the -will of God, thanking Him who alone gives success, if his efforts -prove effectual, bowing, without self-condemnation, if disappointment -follows. But the young cannot do this; for it is the invariable fault -of youth to attribute too much to human powers. We only discover their -feebleness when we have tried them; and this is one of the first -lessons of earthly existence, the great school wherein we learn, or, -at least, may acquire, the knowledge that fits us for a higher state -of being. The world is a school, and we are but school-boys, and all -that we obtain is destined for another scene.</p> - -<p class="normal">The night which De Montigni first passed as a prisoner, was without -repose, as it well might be. Had his busy thoughts permitted sleep to -visit his eyelids during the first five hours of the night, the noises -which rose up from below would have effectually banished the gentle -guest; but those sounds were hardly heard by the captive, and, long -after his servant had left him, he sat and mused; now reviewing the -past; now forming airy schemes for the future, destroyed as soon as -raised; now pondering over the bitter present with unavailing anger -and regret. Shortly after daylight, he was up and dressed; and, when -his servant again appeared, he sent him at once to the Duke of Nemours -to know when he would fix his ransom, according to the custom of the -day. The answer was cold and formal, "That Monsieur de Nemours would -see the Baron de Montigni in the course of the morning, and would then -inform him of his intentions."</p> - -<p class="normal">This was all that the man had been able to obtain; and, for many -another impatient hour, De Montigni paced his narrow chamber, giving -way to every dark and painful imagination, till, at length, a step, -different from that of the guard at the door, was heard without, about -an hour after noon, and the voice of the Duke of Nemours was instantly -recognized by the prisoner, telling the soldier he might retire to the -room below.</p> - -<p class="normal">They were words of good augury to the young nobleman, who mentally -said, "He comes to name my ransom;" and the impression was farther -confirmed by the cheerful and courteous countenance of the Duke, who -entered the moment after, more with the air of an old acquaintance -than a captor.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Monsieur de Montigni," he said, "how have you passed the night? -By heaven, they have assigned you but a paltry lodging here. 'Tis none -of my doings this. La Bourdasière should have known better."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The lodging matters little, my Lord," answered De Montigni, "it is -the imprisonment that is painful;" and, resolved to follow the -determination he had formed the day before, and cast himself and Rose -upon the generosity of the Duke, he added. "Nor is it my own captivity -that is the most grievous to me. It is the imprisonment of the lady -you found with me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But she is not a prisoner, Monsieur de Montigni," replied Nemours; -"therein you have made a mistake."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She is worse than a prisoner, my Lord Duke," said the young nobleman, -"if you send her back to the Château of Marzay.--Nay, hear me out, my -Lord. I have ever heard that the Duke of Nemours is the flower of the -French nobility for chivalrous generosity. His name has reached me -even in Italy, where I have so long sojourned, and if when I entered -France I had been asked on whom I would soonest rely for aid and -protection in any honourable enterprise, I should have answered, 'on -Monsieur de Nemours.' Now, my Lord, I will tell you the plain truth -regarding the situation of myself and Mademoiselle d'Albret, and if -your own heart will suffer you to send her back to the captivity in -which she is held at Marzay, I am much mistaken."</p> - -<p class="normal">He then proceeded to relate the circumstances in which he had found -Rose on his return from Italy; the arts that had been employed to -deceive them both; and the recourse which they had had to flight as -the only means of delivering the lady from the position in which they -had placed her. Nemours listened with a varying countenance, but -without any interruption. At one moment De Montigni thought he was -touched; at another, a heavy frown came upon his brow; at another, a -look of impatience passed over his face, as if he were tired of the -tale; and when the young nobleman had ended, he replied in an -indifferent tone--"All very lamentable, Monsieur de Montigni; but -still, unless you were prepared to subscribe to the Holy Catholic -Union, I should not be justified in retaining Mademoiselle d'Albret -from her guardian. Even if you were, indeed, it would still be a -consideration whether the long services of Monsieur de Chazeul would -not require us to bestow the hand of the lady upon him, rather than -upon a fresh and uncertain convert."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What!" exclaimed De Montigni, hastily, "the contract with her father, -her own inclination, and my undoubted right to count for nothing!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am no lawyer," answered Nemours coldly; "I know no thing of -contracts. If you think yourself injured in regard to that matter, the -courts are open to you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, nay, Monsieur de Nemours," cried De Montigni. "Do not, for your -own good name's sake, treat the matter in such a tone! Do not -sanction, by the approval of the Duke of Nemours, a line of conduct -which you must feel has been most base and dishonourable!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The Duke coloured. "Well, Sir," he answered, "I will not sanction it. -If all the circumstances be as you say, wrong has been done. But I am -very sorry, I cannot help it now. A different statement of the affairs -has been made to me in letters from Chazeul; and, to end all in one -word, the lady is already far on her way towards Marzay."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni started and gazed on him with a stern and angry brow. "And -you have really done this thing?" he asked.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have," replied Nemours, returning his glance with one of equal -fire.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then, probably," said De Montigni, in a tone of bitter calmness, -"Monsieur de Nemours is prepared still farther to favour his friend's -honest and honourable proceedings by retaining the lady's affianced -husband in prison, and refusing to put him to ransom, as is customary -amongst gentleman in honourable warfare? Pray let me know my fate at -once."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, Sir," answered the Duke, "I do not intend to do any such thing. I -propose to set you free as soon as possible, either by exchange or -ransom, for the very purpose of suffering you to pursue your claims to -this lady's hand as you may think fit. There is one little -preliminary, indeed, but that is a trifle which will be soon -arranged."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is like the Duke of Nemours again," exclaimed De Montigni, -warmly. "What is the amount of ransom you demand?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Name it yourself, Monsieur de Montigni," replied Nemours.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Will twenty thousand livres suffice?" asked the young Baron.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fully!" said Nemours.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then they shall be yours with as much speed as can be used," replied -De Montigni. "You will give me a messenger to my intendant at -Montigni, who has more than enough in his hands to discharge the sum -at once."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, I will do more," said Nemours, "I will set you free, to seek it -yourself, and send it when you can.--Your time may be valuable to you -just now; and heaven forbid that I should detain you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now you are generous indeed, my Lord," answered De Montigni, "and my -best thanks and gratitude are yours for ever."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There is, however, one little preliminary," continued Nemours, in a -somewhat dry tone; "which we must settle before you go."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I suppose you mean a bond or engagement to pay the ransom?" said De -Montigni.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not so, my young friend," answered Nemours with a bitter smile. "You -will have the kindness to recollect, that yesterday on the pleasant -banks of the Eure, at a place I believe called the ford of Mainville, -you thought fit to charge me with want of courtesy towards a lady. Now -such charges should not be made lightly, and you have, moreover, by -your conduct since--though not exactly in the same words--implied that -you sustained that charge. The Duke of Nemours, Sir, lies under -imputation from no man living; and, therefore, waving the privileges -of his rank, as a Prince of a Sovereign house, he is ready to wipe it -out in your blood without farther delay."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, Monsieur de Nemours," said De Montigni, "can you so tarnish the -bright generosity you displayed just now, by--"</p> - -<p class="normal">But Nemours waved his hand. "No more, Sir," he said, "no more! -Arguments on such subjects are vain. The man who submits to insult, is -a coward. You have heard what I have said. I pray you give me an -answer."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Assuredly, my Lord," replied De Montigni, "I am happy that I have -some privileges too to wave, in order in some degree to put me on a -level with so high a Prince."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed, Sir!" said Nemours, in a tone of some surprise; "may I -inquire what they are?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Those of a prisoner, my Lord," answered the young Baron, calmly. "It -is an old law of honour and arms, that no prisoner or person under -ransom, can receive a challenge from any man, much less from his -captor. Nor is he bound to take the slightest notice of such an -invitation, the shame, if there be any insult or provocation given, -resting upon the giver." Nemours coloured; but De Montigni proceeded: -"This, my Lord Duke, is the privilege that I now wave, to gratify you; -but it is upon condition, that I name the terms and circumstances of -our combat."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Assuredly," replied Nemours, "that you have a right to demand. What -are the terms?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Somewhat numerous, my Lord," replied De Montigni. After a moment's -thought, "First, that we fight without the town; next that our combat -be restricted to one pistol shot on each side; next, which is -absolutely necessary, my time being precious as you justly said but -now, that we be without seconds; for, as perhaps you are aware, I have -no friends in this town.<a name="div4Ref_02" href="#div4_02"><sup>[2]</sup></a> Moreover, taking you at your word, I will -request you in all courtesy to give me under your hand a passport to -come and go, in return for which, I will give you a bond for the -amount of the ransom, and by your permission, will send my servant, -who is with me, to bring it at once from Montigni."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Agreed, agreed," cried Nemours, with a well-pleased air. "But you -have forgotten to name the time, Monsieur de Montigni. I am at your -disposal to-morrow, the next day, the day after,--the day following -that I must quit Chartres."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni smiled: "I hope to quit it to-day, Monsieur de Nemours," -he replied. "It may take half-an-hour to have the ransom bond drawn; -as long, perhaps, for me to buy a pistol, for you know that I was -unarmed when you made me prisoner. Say half-an-hour more for any other -unexpected impediment; and then I am at your service."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Nemours embraced him as if he had done him the greatest favour, for -such was the spirit of those times; and then calling to the guard from -below, he discharged him from his task, bidding him bring materials -for writing, as speedily as possible. "I will save you the trouble of -purchasing pistols, Monsieur de Montigni," he continued; "you shall -have one of mine; and there are no better in all France."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You do me honour, Sir," replied De Montigni, "and I accept your offer -with gratitude; but you must name our place of meeting, as I am -unacquainted with this locality."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There is a stone cross," said Nemours, "little more than a quarter of -a league from the Porte Drouaise: it is so far on your way; and there -is a convenient field hard by, where we can have room to turn our -horses. Yours is somewhat weary I fear from yesterday's exertions, but -mine is not less so, so that there will be no inequality."</p> - -<p class="normal">Everything was soon arranged. The pistols were sent for, the ransom -bond drawn up, the passport given, the signature of La Bourdasière -obtained to it; and, as nearly three-quarters of an hour yet remained -of the appointed time, to which the Duke determined to be very -punctual, he ordered refreshments to be brought up into the chamber of -De Montigni, and there, talking gaily over a thousand indifferent -subjects, passed half-an-hour as if he were occupied by no thoughts -but those of peace and pleasure. De Montigni on his part did his best -to maintain the same tone, and played his part as well as might be; -but he was less accustomed to such transactions than his companion; -and his thoughts would revert from time to time to Rose d'Albret, and -a cloud of care would settle on his brow.</p> - -<p class="normal">As time wore by, and the appointed hour approached, the Duke called to -the people below, and ordered his horse to be brought from the stables -of the castle. Then turning to De Montigni he added, "I think, as you -are not acquainted with the spot, it may be as well if I conduct you -thither myself; but in the first place, dispatch your servant on his -errand. I will take care that none of mine follow us; and your horse -can be brought round, after he is gone."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni made no objection, and the plan proposed was pursued. -Nemours left his young companion for a few minutes, to make the -arrangements necessary to guard against interruption; and, during the -time that he was thus left alone, De Montigni wrote a few hasty lines -to Rose d'Albret, telling her of the circumstances in which he was -placed, and bidding her farewell, if he should fall. The letter was -hardly sealed, when Nemours returned; and now that it was arranged -they were to go forth for the purpose of taking each others' lives in -deadly combat, he was all courtesy and urbanity, according to the -customs of the day; and, to have heard his words, or to have witnessed -his demeanour, one would have supposed that De Montigni was a dear and -intimate friend, or perhaps a younger brother. Each charged the pistol -of the other, each opened his pourpoint, to show that he had no -secret, or coat of mail beneath; and then, after some ceremonies as to -who should first descend the stairs, the Duke of Nemours led the way. -Mounting their horses, which they found, held by some of the soldiers, -at the door, they rode together towards the gates of the citadel. -Several of the gentlemen attached to the Duke of Nemours were -assembled near the bridge, and De Montigni thought that there were -somewhat grave and even angry looks upon their countenances, which -might indicate, that they were not quite so ignorant of the object of -his companion and himself, as they affected to be. A little further -on, at the outer gate, Monsieur de la Bourdasière came out of the -guard house, and approaching the horse of the Duke of Nemours, spoke -to him for a moment, in a low tone.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not if you value the friendship of Nemours," replied the Duke -sternly. "The man who interferes in the slightest degree, is my enemy -from that hour."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying he rode on; and passing the gates of Chartres, they -advanced for some way along the road to Dreux, till at length the -stone cross which the Duke had mentioned appeared in sight, and -dismounting from their horses they knelt before it, and prayed for -some moments in silence. Then mounting again, they took their way -across the plain, till they had lost sight of the cross, it being -considered, in those days, improper to commit murder in the -neighbourhood of that symbol of salvation, although, with the heart -full of every passion and every purpose condemned by Christ, they -would kneel and pray, as they passed under the cross of him, who died -to bring peace upon earth, good-will amongst men. Then choosing an -open field by the bank of the river, the Duke made his companion a low -bow, and wheeled his horse, saying, "Here, Monsieur de Montigni, we -shall have space enough. We fire as we pass; and mind your aim be -good!"</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni bowed in return, and took his ground at the opposite side -of the field.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXI.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">The journey was long and tedious, the road heavy and bad, the coach -which had been procured at Chartres ponderous and cumbersome, and the -horses which had been placed in it unequal to drag its weight except -at a slow and lingering pace. Poor Rose d'Albret sat far back in the -vehicle, with her hands over her eyes, and the tears streaming fast -down her cheek as they passed through the gates of Chartres, and as -the last faint traces of the dream of happiness in which she had been -indulging, faded away, and left her a reality of misery, anxiety, and -care.</p> - -<p class="normal">Tardy as was their progress, the feet of the horses seemed all too -quick in drawing her towards a scene in which she anticipated nothing -but distress of many kinds; reproach from those who themselves -deserved the bitterest censure, threats, importunity, persecution, and -that constant effort to deceive, which she knew would require on her -part continual watchfulness and a guard upon every word, and look, and -action. She could no longer hope to give way to one feeling of the -heart; the free spirit was to be chained down and bound; the candid -and the frank, was to put on reserve and policy; the trustful and the -confiding, was to assume doubt and suspicion: every bright quality of -her own mind was to be cast away for the time, as useless in the -warfare in which she was about to engage; and she was to be called -upon to take up the weapons of her adversaries, in order to meet them -upon equal terms. It was all bitters, in short; and Rose shrank from -the contemplation, and felt a sickening hopelessness of heart, to -which she had never given way before.</p> - -<p class="normal">Then her thoughts turned to De Montigni; and for the first time she -felt to the full how much she loved him. Short as had been the time -that they had passed together since his return to France, those few -hours had been as much as years in binding heart to heart, so full had -they been of events, thoughts, and feelings; and now that she was -separated from him, she asked herself, what would be his fate; -meditated over all that he would suffer on her account, as well as the -weary weight of imprisonment; and, judging rightly of his sensations, -knew that his grief and anguish for her, would be the most painful -part of all he had to endure. She felt as if she were bound in -gratitude to repay his anxiety, by equal grief for him; and, instead -of endeavouring to console herself by listening to the voice of hope, -she added, I may say voluntarily, to her own sorrow, by dwelling upon -his.</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus passed hour after hour, as they rolled slowly on, while the party -of horsemen who guarded her, urged the coachman to greater speed, -though, if her voice could have obtained a hearing, she would have -besought him to delay at every step, rather than hurry on to a place, -the very thought of which was horrible to her. The driver, however, -was not one to be moved in any degree by the exhortations of his -companions; and neither slower nor faster did he go, for all that -could be said to him. At the same dilatory pace he proceeded, paused -twice to water and to feed his horses, and seemed as deaf to the -apprehensions of the guard, lest they should be overtaken by any party -of the enemy, as to the threats which they held out of the anger of -the governor and the Duke of Nemours. Thus night fell just before they -reached a little town, not much more than half way to Marzay; and the -coachman, declaring that his horses could proceed no further that day, -pulled up at the door of what was then called a <i>Gîte</i> or sleeping -place, and proceeded unceremoniously to detach the cattle from the -vehicle, giving no heed whatsoever, either to the questions or -remonstrance of an old man who was in command of the troop.</p> - -<p class="normal">As nothing could be done but to remain where they were, Rose was led -to her bed-chamber, and told, in civil terms enough, that, by her -leave, they would proceed at daybreak on the following morning. The -old man paid every attention to her comfort, according to the orders -he had received; and even listened, while, encouraged by his courteous -manner, she ventured to remonstrate upon the conduct pursued towards -her, in carrying her against her will to a place so hateful to her. He -replied coldly, that the affair was none of his; he did but obey his -orders; and Rose soon found, by the strictness with which she was -watched, and by the placing of a guard at her chamber door, that the -hope of escaping, and flying on foot at any risk, was altogether vain.</p> - -<p class="normal">The journey of the next day went on as that of the day just gone; and -it was evening when the sight of many well known objects, the wood -through which she had often ridden, the little chapel where she had -frequently stopped to pray, the hamlet, the church, the fountain, the -stream, all of which she recollected, showed her that they were within -a few miles of the place in which her youth had been spent. How -changed were now all her feelings, from those with which she had -wandered through the same scenes in girlhood! Where was now the -sunshine of the heart, which at once lighted up every object around? -Where was the interest with which imagination had invested all that -now seemed so dead and cold? Some light had gone out in life since she -was last there; and the visionary splendour had departed.</p> - -<p class="normal">In about half an hour more, they came to the side of a hill, from -which the Château of Marzay was visible, at the distance of about a -mile. The evening sun was just setting, and casting long streams of -light and shadow over the undulating country below. The snow had -disappeared; the green herbage of the fields was seen; the brown -branches of the wood grew warm and glowing in the evening rays; the -river swollen with rain rushed on like a torrent of blood, reflecting -the glowing crimson of the west, and every window of the château -flashed back the bright beams of light, in lines almost too dazzling -for the eye. Round the summits of the towers, however, as they rose -above the eminence on which the castle was built, rolled a thin dull -cloud of leaden vapour, faintly tinged with red, on the side next to -the sun; and as the carriage moved slowly on, it descended lower and -lower over the building, rendering the lines and angles indistinct to -the eye, like the fate which awaited the poor girl who was journeying -thither. She gazed out eagerly towards it with a heavy sigh, and a -heart weighed down with the certainty of coming sorrow; and then -turning her eyes over the open ground below, she traced the road which -she had followed in her flight with De Montigni, and could have wept -to think how vain had proved all the hopes that bore her up through -the fatigues and discomforts of that journey.</p> - -<p class="normal">Suddenly from behind a clump of trees, at the distance of about a -quarter of a mile, emerged slowly a figure on horse-back, bearing in -his hand what Rose at first imagined to be a lance. The next moment, -however, she perceived that it was a cross; and, at the same solemn -pace, following the first on foot, came six other men carrying -something like a litter on their shoulders. The light caught upon it, -however, as they began to ascend the slope towards the château, and -Rose saw the fluttering of a pall; several other persons followed, -likewise, on foot, and then a party of some fifteen or sixteen -horsemen, with lances lowered, and a pennon flickering in the wind.</p> - -<p class="normal">"They are bearing back a dead body to the château, Mademoiselle," said -the old man, who was riding by the side of the carriage at the moment; -"likely some one who has fallen at Ivry. Perhaps we had better stop -and let them get before us. It is unlucky to go in with a corpse."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Unlucky to go in at all," said Rose, sadly; "do as you will. Sir, I -am a captive, and have no authority in such matters."</p> - -<p class="normal">The old man gave orders to halt; and the funeral procession of the -good old Commander de Liancourt, which was following a road that -formed an acute angle with the one they were themselves pursuing, -moved slowly on towards the château. When it had come within three or -four hundred yards of the gates, the Count de Liancourt, with his -nephew Chazeul, and a number of the soldiers and attendants, came -forth to meet it, preceded by father Walter, and two boys, belonging -to the chapel, dressed in their robes. The procession immediately -halted; and Estoc dismounting from his horse, advanced a few steps in -front to confer with the Count and his companions.</p> - -<p class="normal">The loss of a brother, to a man in the decline of life, can never be a -matter of indifference, and Monsieur de Liancourt was evidently much -agitated; but there were other feelings in his bosom, besides those of -mere grief, and his manner was hesitating and embarrassed, as he -returned Estoc's grave salutation, and listened to the solemn words,</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have brought back to you, Sir, the corpse of your brother, Michael -de Liancourt, Commander of the Order of St. John, who fell, gallantly -fighting for his King, on the glorious field between St. André and -Ivry; and I claim your permission to carry it into the chapel of the -château, according to his own request."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I receive my poor brother's body at your hands, Monsieur Estoc," -replied the Count, "and thank you for your letter of this morning; but -as you know we have few people in the castle, and many of us not -altogether holding the same opinions as yourself; you cannot, expect -us to suffer you to enter with such a body of armed men."</p> - -<p class="normal">"We are armed, Sir Count," answered Estoc, "as soldiers carrying the -body of a soldier; but you know right well, we come in peace upon so -sad an errand. As soon as we have performed our duty, we will depart -in peace, if we are suffered to do so; but what we have undertaken we -will perform, and trust to meet with no opposition."</p> - -<p class="normal">"This is foolishness, Sir," cried Chazeul, sharply; "you cannot expect -such permission, after all that has taken place; and, in one word, you -may enter yourself with any two or three, but no more shall have -admission."</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc's cheek grew red. "To you, young man," he replied, "I do not -speak, for you are not the lord of that château, and never will be; -but to you, Monsieur de Liancourt, I answer, we have all of us sworn -to lay the body of our old leader before the altar of the chapel of -Marzay, and we will do it. If you will give us admission, well; if -not, I will bear it back to the church in the village, there set it -down till we are joined by the men of Montigni, and then forcing my -way in at the point of the sword, will keep my oath, whoever tries to -stay me. You know old Estoc too well to believe that he will break his -word; so choose, and that quickly, for it is growing late."</p> - -<p class="normal">But at this moment father Walter interposed, advancing with an air of -grave authority, and saying, "Cease, cease! in the name of decency and -Christian charity, cease! and in the presence of the dead, let us have -peace. My son," he continued, turning to the Count, "you will never, I -am sure, oppose Monsieur Estoc in carrying in the body of our poor -friend into the chapel according to his vow, if he pledge his word to -retire immediately after it be accomplished. You, Monsieur Estoc, will -never refuse to plight your word as a French gentleman, to re-tread -your steps as soon as you have laid the corpse before the altar, -without doing injury to any one, or interfering in any way with the -affairs of the castle."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Most willingly, good father," replied Estoc; "I come but for one -purpose; and as soon as that is accomplished, I am more anxious than -any one to leave this place at once, for I have promised to lead these -good fellows back to join the King, and reap our share in the fruits -of this great victory."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then it is true that Henry won the battle?" asked Monsieur de -Liancourt.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, Sir!" answered Estoc, "most true--and a decisive battle it was. -The League is now, nothing but a name."</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul smiled contemptuously; but the priest brought back the -discussion to the point, saying, "Monsieur de Liancourt, you have not -answered. I trust you will be satisfied with this promise."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Count hesitated; but Estoc, turning towards him with a reproachful -look, demanded, "Have you known me so long, Monsieur de Liancourt, and -yet doubt my word? I promise you, Sir, to quit the castle with these -good men, as soon as I have laid that bier before the altar, and given -father Walter here the message which I have to deliver to him, -regarding the watching of the body and the masses for the soul."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well," said the Count, whose eyes had been turned for a moment to the -hill behind Estoc, "well, I consent on condition, Sir, that you -immediately retire to the village without meddling in any way with -what you may see within the castle. Do you promise as a man of -honour?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do!" replied Estoc; "though I know not what you are afraid I should -interfere with. But as I come here for a fixed purpose, when that is -accomplished, I will go."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then, march on!" said the Count; "and we, as mourners for my -brother, will bring up the rear."</p> - -<p class="normal">The order was accordingly given, and the funeral train was once more -put in motion. The party of the Count, with the exception of father -Walter, who remained in front, paused till the rest had passed, and -then fell in behind; but, on a word from Monsieur de Liancourt, one of -his attendants quitted the line, and at a quick pace sped up the hill -to the spot where the coach, containing poor Rose d'Albret, was still -standing. Had Estoc been aware of whom that vehicle contained, it -might have changed the fate of many an after day; but as yet he had -not perceived it at all; and following the corpse of his old leader -with a slow and heavy step, while a thousand memories of other days, -associated with the very building he was now entering, pressed sadly -on his mind, he ascended the slope with his eyes bent down upon the -ground, till the body passed the low arch of the gate, and he found -himself in the outer court, so long familiar to his footsteps.</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest, in the meantime, sped on into the chapel, in order to -receive the body with the usual ceremonies; and, dismounting from -their horses, the soldiers who had followed the old commander to the -field of Ivry, soon thronged the space before the altar, with their -armed forms falling into fine but sombre groups, as the last faint -rays of the setting sun streamed through the stained glass window on -the western side, and cast their long shadows across the floor, -covered with many a monumental stone and inscription. The Count de -Liancourt and Chazeul stood behind, with their followers and -attendants; and even when the ceremony was over, they lingered still, -as if to see the old soldier and his comrades quit the chapel.</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc looked round more than once in the hope that they were gone. -Perhaps he wished to give way to the feelings of sorrow and regret -that were strong in his heart, without the presence of colder -witnesses. Perhaps he wished to have some private conversation with -the priest before he departed. But the Count and his companions -remained where they were; and finding that they had no intention of -retiring, he at length turned to the priest, saying, "Monsieur de la -Tremblade, I have now to ask you, on behalf of him who is gone, first, -to say one hundred masses for the repose of his soul."</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest bowed his head, replying, "It shall be done right -willingly, my son."</p> - -<p class="normal">And Estoc proceeded, "Secondly, to keep vigil this night and to-morrow -by the body, till the hour of matins."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is unusual, my son," answered the priest, "except in the case of -very high personages; but still, as you require it, it shall be done."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I beseech you in charity to do so, father," replied Estoc: "and I -know that which you promise you will accomplish."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Without fail," answered father Walter, and Estoc, turning from the -chapel led his men back into the court. The first object his eyes fell -upon was a carriage, apparently just arrived and surrounded by several -armed men, bearing the green scarfs of the League. The door of the -coach was open, and a lady in the act of alighting; and the next -moment Rose d'Albret held out her hands to the old soldier, -exclaiming, "Ah! good Estoc!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Yielding to the first impulse, Estoc sprang forward towards her, -exclaiming, "Have they brought you here already, dear lady?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Much against my will," replied Mademoiselle d'Albret; but Chazeul and -the Count de Liancourt instantly interposed.</p> - -<p class="normal">"You promised, Sir," exclaimed the latter, "to retire from the château -without interfering with anything that you might see or hear. Is this -the way you keep your word?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will keep my word with you, Sir," answered Estoc, "better than you -have kept yours with this lady's father.--Alas! Mademoiselle -d'Albret," he continued, "I am bound to quit this place at once; and -all I can say is, that steadfast truth and firmness will prevail at -last, and so I must bid you farewell."</p> - -<p class="normal">As he spoke, he kissed her hand and turned away; and Rose, yielding to -a violent burst of tears, suffered herself to be led into the building -by the Count de Liancourt, who remained silent till they reached the -hall, where the first object that presented itself to her eyes, in the -dim twilight that now reigned through the wide chamber, was the tall -harsh form of the Marchioness de Chazeul, advancing as if to meet her. -For a moment, Rose's heart sunk at the sight; but, the next instant, -she murmured to herself, "I must not give way. My task is one of -firmness, and I must not yield to any weakness like this."</p> - -<p class="normal">"So, girl, so," cried Jacqueline de Chazeul, "all your fine plots have -proved of no avail! Was it not decent, delicate, and feminine, to fly -from your guardian's protection and cast yourself, unmarried, into the -arms of a man you scarcely know?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Scarcely know!" exclaimed Rose d'Albret; "whom do I know so well? -But, Madam, to fly with him was my only choice, in order to escape the -arts and persecutions which I was sure to encounter here. I believe -that I was justified by the contract of my father, which had been so -long concealed from me. I could trust to the honour of the man to whom -my father had engaged my hand; and I went to seek from the King that -protection and justice which I was not likely to meet with where I was -best entitled to except it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You have learned boldness enough, it seems, minion," replied Madame -de Chazeul, in a sharp tone, "and, if you think to justify yourself -here, by saying that it was to a heretic usurper you fled, to one -condemned and degraded by God and the apostolic church, from your -lawful guardian and the husband whom he has selected for you, you are -very much mistaken."</p> - -<p class="normal">"To you, Madam, I seek not to justify myself at all," replied Rose; "I -have nought to do with you, nor you with me. To Monsieur de Liancourt, -when he thinks fit, I am ready, in private, to assign the motives of -my conduct, and to none else am I responsible."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will teach you that I have to do with you, pretty lady," replied -Madame de Chazeul. "Have you not deceived and ill-treated my son? and -you shall make him full atonement, before I quit this château."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have not ill-treated nor deceived him, Madam," replied Rose. "'Tis -he that has ill-treated and deceived me, and many others, too. He -cannot say that I ever affected to love him, that I ever did more than -yield a cold and unwilling acquiescence to that which he made me -believe, by a shameless falsehood, was my poor father's will. I -learned, at length, what that father's intentions really were; and -then, contempt and abhorrence of the deceiver took place of the -indifference I before felt towards him. He knows it well," she -continued, "that I am bound to him by no tie, no promise, no -engagement whatsoever. I was told that I must marry him--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"And so you must, fair lady," exclaimed Madame de Chazeul, in a -mocking tone, "and so you must, and so you shall! Assure as my name is -Jacqueline de Chazeul, you shall be his wife before two suns set."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, nay, my dear mother," said Chazeul, who had been speaking to the -Count de Liancourt at a little distance, "you are too harsh, and too -unkind to Mademoiselle d'Albret. She will yield when she finds that it -must be so. She will also yield, when she finds she is mistaken about -this contract, and that, in reality, her father left it open for -Monsieur de Liancourt to bestow her hand on which of his nephews he -thought fit. I can assure you, Rose," he continued, in a soft, but -emphatic tone, "Monsieur de Marennes believed that my uncle, here, -could bequeath his estates to myself, if he chose it; and, therefore, -I might as well be meant by the contract as my cousin."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Cease, Sir, cease," answered Rose; "it is vain to stain yourselves -with any more deceits. I now know the whole truth, that the good -Commander resigned his claims in favour of Madame de Montigni; that to -her son those claims appertained when my father signed the contract, -and, therefore, it was to him he pledged me. But I have something more -to say, and I beg you will mark it. Had you been even meant by the -contract, which you know right well you were not, nothing on earth -should ever make me give you my hand, now that I know some other of -your doings. I would rather, a thousand-fold, vow myself to the -seclusion of a convent, than pass my life with a man whom I can -neither respect, esteem, nor love."</p> - -<p class="normal">"We will not give you the choice, minion," cried Madame de Chazeul; -"your fate is sealed and determined; you are to be his wife, if not by -fair means, then by force. This will bear no farther trifling, -Liancourt; you must exert your power over her, and compel her to do -what is right."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I hope he will exert it," exclaimed Rose, "to protect me from those -who would do me wrong. Monsieur de Liancourt," she continued, "I have -always loved you well. You have ever been kind to me, till this last -sad occasion, when, persuaded by others, I am sure, rather than by -your own inclination, you have well nigh sacrificed my happiness and -peace. For my part, I have tried, from my young days, to show you the -affection of a daughter, and I would willingly show you the obedience -of one, were it possible; but in this instance, it is not so. My -father's contract I will fulfil, happy that my own inclinations and -the earliest affections of my heart go with it, but still more happy -that it saves me from wedding one with whom I could expect nothing but -misery. I beseech you, then, give me that protection which you -promised my father you would afford me; suffer me not to be injured -and insulted in your own house, even by your sister; and do not allow -me to be persecuted to break the engagement made between you and your -wife's brother. Rather, aid to maintain it to the utmost of your -power; and be my support and stay in this hour of difficulty and -distress."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You ask much at my hands, Mademoiselle d'Albret," replied the Count, -coldly, "and yet do not offer much in return. You cannot suppose that -I approve of your quitting my house with Monsieur de Montigni; and -your claim to protection on my part, must be founded on your obedience -to my commands, which I trust you will now honour somewhat more than -you have lately done."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose turned away, with a sad look, and sickening sinking at her heart. -Every one was against her; and, though it was what she had expected, -yet it made her feel more deeply desolate and hopeless. To reply, she -saw was vain; and she felt that she could not much longer keep up the -firm and determined tone in which she had forced herself to speak; for -tears, at every other moment, were ready to betray the feelings that -she laboured to conceal. "I am weary," she said, abruptly, "and I -would fain retire to rest. By your leave, Monsieur de Liancourt, I -will seek my chamber."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will show you which is your chamber," said Madame de Chazeul, "for -you must not fancy that you are to tenant a room so easy of access. -Who can tell," she continued, in a jesting tone, "what gay gallants we -may have in the castle, who may be pleased to scale a lady's window, -when they know she is so ready to receive them?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose could bear no more, and burst into a flood of tears.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hush, Jacqueline, hush!" said Monsieur de Liancourt; "I will show her -the room myself;" and, taking her hand, he led her away from the hall.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">For one moment--it could scarcely be more--the old Marchioness de -Chazeul gazed down upon the pavement of the hall after her brother had -left them; and then looking up, with the demon smile which was not -uncommon upon her countenance, when anything especially daring and -evil was working in her mind, she took her son's arm, and gazing in -his face, said in a low sarcastic tone, "Do you know, my son Nicholas, -you are but a fool after all?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed, sweet mother?" said the worthy offspring of such a parent, -with a look of supercilious indifference; "I am glad to hear you think -so. Variety is charming in a family; and I have heard men say that you -are no fool. But may I know how I have merited the pleasant -appellation you so glibly bestow upon me? What have I done, said, or -thought, which deserves that ancient and honourable title?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"You have thought that this girl can be won by civility, flattering, -coaxing, and tenderness," replied the Marchioness; "and therefore you -are a fool, as well as my weak brother, your uncle. It needs but a -glance of her eye; it needs but a word from her lip, to show that such -means are as vain as whistling to the wind. I tell you, Chazeul, and I -tell you true, that force--force--do you mark me? force is the only -engine you can employ against this haughty spirit. Ay, and it must be -applied quickly, if you would have your bride. She knows more than we -imagine--she knows all, that is clear. There is now no stopping in -midway. You must overleap all idle barriers; rend to pieces all -morsels of black and white parchment. You must render yourself the -only man she can marry; and all will be soon yours."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But what course would you have me pursue, my most politic mother?" -asked Chazeul; "If one frightens and alarms her, she will only shrink -from me the more."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Let her shrink," cried the Marchioness. "What matters her shrinking, -to you? Do not pretend to things you do not feel. She must be your -wife, Chazeul, shrinking or willingly; and which, matters not much, -either to you or me. She must be yours, I say; and as it is clear that -she will not with her consent, it must be without."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But how? but how is this to be accomplished?" demanded her son. "Here -are a thousand obstacles, good lady. We must work through my uncle, -and you must see that it is vain to hope he will use any violent -means. How weakly he answered me this morning, when Nemours' trumpet -came!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"We must act through some one else," answered the Marchioness. "He is -not to be trusted, but when he considers his rights invaded; and 'tis -useless to think of employing him. We must find another, and get him -to aid our plan."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But what is that plan?" demanded the young nobleman. "Let me hear in -a word what is the purport of all these hints?--How is it to be done?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"By various ways," replied Madame de Chazeul. "First and above all, -you must remove from this busy scene the man whom she fancies that she -loves."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Remove him!" exclaimed Chazeul; "I know not how. He is surrounded by -people devoted to him. I should find some difficulty.--He is now in -the hands of Nemours too, who would not suffer it. The Duke is -scrupulous in such matters."</p> - -<p class="normal">Such were the words of Chazeul. He expressed no surprise; he displayed -no horror at the proposal; but in those days such thoughts were -familiar to the minds of most men. In the preceding reign, private -assassination had been one of the means of war, so often really -committed by persons high in station and education, that rumour as -usual exceeded the truth, and no death took place with circumstances -at all out of the common course, without being attributed to the -agency of man. The revenge of individuals, the malignity of faction, -the policy of states, all took the same direction; and kings and -princes prompted and paid for dark deeds of blood, as well as the -corrupt minions of the court, and the vicious women with whom it was -thronged. Each day some murder had stained the records of the country, -and men had more cause to guard themselves against the covert enmity -of the rival in ambition or in love, than against the open wrath of -the acknowledged foe. So common, indeed, had such crimes become, that -circumstances were supposed to justify, and custom to palliate them; -and when they were discovered, no wonder or disgust was excited, and -multitudes who had taken no part in the deed itself, were found to -conceal, protect, and plead for the assassin. It was an age of crime.</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul, then, and his mother discussed the means of removing De -Montigni from their path, as calmly as if they had been laying out -some party of pleasure; there was no hesitation, no repugnance, no -tragic movings of remorse. The difficulties were all that were -considered and how to obviate them. It was of everyday deeds and -events they spoke, and they conversed over them in an every-day tone.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not see," replied the Marchioness, "why that should prevent the -business. His being in the hands of Nemours, but fastens him to one -spot, where he can always be reached."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But there will be guards and people about him," said Chazeul, "who -would give him help. To accomplish it, we should need too many men, to -be able to introduce them quietly."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Too many men!" cried his mother with a laugh; "why, you soldiers -always are thinking of violence, and swords, and daggers. You do not -fancy, do you, that I would have recourse to means so rough? Out -upon such coarse handy-work! One little cup of drink--one savoury -ragout--will do the deed better than bullet or steel, and put you in -possession of Liancourt as well as Marennes. But leave that to me, for -you seem unskilful in such matters. You must have both; and your task -must be with the girl--leave me the man. We must have no more -trifling, Chazeul, or secrets may come out which it were well to hide -till you have obtained all that you can desire. The girl must be yours -before two days have past--did you not mark her words?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I marked many of them," replied Chazeul; "they were well worthy of -notice.--But which do you mean?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Are you so dull?" asked his mother. "Did you not hear her say, that -you had deceived others as well as herself? and did not your own mind -read the comment?--Hark ye, boy! Did you ever see or know a person--a -sweet tender, delicate creature, called Helen de la Tremblade?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul's cheek grew pale and then red; not from remorse; not from -shame; but from dread. It was dread, however, of only one human being. -All the world might have been made aware of his baseness, without -causing him a care or anxiety, if he could have kept it from his -mother. But he knew her well, the dark and fiendish nature of her -character, her remorseless seeking for her own ends, her vindictive -hatred of all those who offended her, and the little regard she had -for any tie, in pursuit of her own objects. Vanity, vice, and -intemperate passions, had not yet altogether quenched every natural -feeling in his heart; and some lingering affection for the unhappy -girl he had injured, made him apprehensive for her, more than for -himself. His mother might use the knowledge she had obtained, to drive -him in the course she thought fit, or to frustrate his purposes if he -opposed her, but she would do no more as far as he was concerned. The -result to Helen, however, might be death, or worse than death; and, -for a moment or two, he remained silent, considering how he should -act.</p> - -<p class="normal">The keen eye of Madame de Chazeul was upon his countenance all the -time, marking every change of expression, and translating all she -marked; but after waiting his answer for some time, she demanded, "You -have heard of such a person, have you not?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well," he replied somewhat impatiently, "what of her? What has -Mademoiselle d'Albret to do with Helen?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha, ha, ha," cried Madame de Chazeul, with a bitter laugh. "What has -she to do with Helen! Why, simply to tell Walter de la Tremblade, that -gay Nicholas de Chazeul has made a paramour of his niece, in order to -raise a devil that will soon send all our projects flying to the -wind.--You now see there is no time to be lost. The thing cannot long -be kept secret. This girl has got some inkling of the truth, and she -must be your wife before she can hint her suspicions to him, and he -inquire into the facts."</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul paused, and thought for a moment, and then repeated his -mother's words. "The thing cannot long be kept secret!--why not?--What -have you done with her, my good mother?--Something assuredly; for -Helen would keep her own counsel.--You have not put her to death, -surely?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not I," cried Madame de Chazeul. "I am not called upon to punish such -sins as that. It's only when people stand in the way, that wise men -put them to death. There, be satisfied,--be satisfied. I have done her -no harm; but, as I told you, the thing cannot long be concealed. Rose -d'Albret has obtained some intimation of it. Of that I am sure by her -manner. The old priest will wonder that his niece does not come -hither, for I told him she was ill, or I would have brought her; and -he will go to see her, so that I say, it cannot be long concealed. You -must use your time, therefore, busily."</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul saw that his mother did not tell him all; but he was well -aware, that it was impossible to obtain the straightforward truth from -her, when she, wished to conceal it, and accordingly following the -bent which she gave to the conversation herself, he asked, "But -how--how am I to use my time busily and to good purpose? I, unaided, -cannot force Rose d'Albret to give me her hand. If my uncle would -assist vigorously, we might indeed succeed. But he is timid, as you -know, in action, however bold he may be in words; and depend upon it, -we shall need strong measures to induce her to yield."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, strong measures indeed," replied his mother, "but they may be -used without my brother's will or consent; and, if you manage matters -rightly, you may make the lady less positive than she is at present. -Hark ye, Chazeul, a word in your ear!" He bent down his head, and the -Marchioness whispered to him a few brief words.</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no!--Impossible," he cried; "utterly impossible! The maid sleeps -in the ante-chamber, the priest in the next room.--'Tis quite in -vain."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, foolish boy," replied his mother, "I mean no violence--I mean no -wrong. You do not comprehend me. Do you not know, how much store she -sets upon virtue and reputation? She would never consent to carry to -Louis de Montigni, a sullied name. Let but her fame be in your hands; -let us but be able to prove that you have passed the night in her -chamber; and we shall have no more idle resistance. The girl -Blanchette will give you admittance, and be a witness also. Then keep -as still as death for an hour or two, leave something on the table--a -glove--a hat--anything in short, to mark that you have been there, and -to show her herself that it is so, without your telling her."</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul paused and meditated. He thought the scheme not unlikely to -succeed; and yet he feared to undertake it. If discovered, he knew -that it would prove his ruin with his uncle; and he did not see how he -could bring it to work upon the mind of Rose herself, without -acknowledging the truth or more than the truth to Monsieur de -Liancourt. Just as he was about to reply, the Count himself returned -with father Walter; and one of the servants entered at the same time -to light the sconces in the hall. Madame de Chazeul held up her -finger; as a warning to be silent; and as soon as the attendant was -gone, the Marchioness turned to her brother, inquiring, "Well, what -have you done with this obstinate girl, Anthony?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"In good faith, nothing," replied the Count; "she was more mild and -gentle than with you; and I left her weeping; but she is as firm as -ever."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well," said Madame de Chazeul, in an indifferent tone, "if she will -not by fair means, she must by force. We have every right to compel -her to do that which is good for her."</p> - -<p class="normal">Monsieur de Liancourt shook his head doubtfully, saying, "I do not -know."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, my good brother," answered Madame de Chazeul in a bitter tone, "a -battle lost makes great difference with doubtful friends. What say -you, Monsieur de la Tremblade? Are you for giving up the Holy Catholic -Union, and bestowing the lands of Marennes and Liancourt upon a -supporter of the heretics?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Far from it, Madam," replied Walter de la Tremblade. "If anything, -this unfortunate defeat should make us more zealous, active, and -determined. The party of the League is the party of truth and -religion; and doubtless it will ultimately triumph. It should be our -part to promote it the more strenuously, as each new obstacle arises; -and I must say that, conscientiously, no guardian could bestow the -hand of his ward upon a man, who, like Monsieur de Montigni, has drawn -his sword against his religion."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But that is a different thing," said Monsieur de Liancourt "from -forcing her to a marriage without her consent."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not altogether," answered the priest. "If you do not compel her to -wed the one, she will wed the other; and when she finds there is no -escape, most probably her resistance will give way."</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul watched the countenance of father Walter while he -spoke, and listened, well satisfied, to words which showed her beyond -all doubt, that neither her own conduct towards his niece, nor that of -her son, was ever dreamt of by Walter de la Tremblade. "If we can -accomplish this marriage," she thought "within a few hours all will be -safe. He may rage then, as much as he will. It is amusing enough, to -make him aid in bringing about that, which he will wish undone, when -he knows the truth."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What you say is very true, father," rejoined the Count, "but I see -not what means one can employ actually to force her. As she said to me -but now, we may drag her to the altar, but she will refuse the vow, -and protest against it in the face of God and man."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Such things have taken place," said Walter de la Tremblade, "and yet -the ceremony has proceeded."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But then, the contract," said Monsieur de Liancourt. "If she will not -sign it, how can we force her?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, leave all that to me," cried Madame de Chazeul. "If you, brother, -will only promise not to interfere, except by exerting your authority -on behalf of your nephew, and laying your commands upon her to marry -him, I will do all the rest."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But I fear your violence, my good sister," replied the Count.</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul was about to answer, when a servant again entered -the hall; and Monsieur de Liancourt exclaimed impatiently, "what now?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"A messenger is just arrived from Chartres, Sir," replied the man, -"with orders for Monsieur de Mottraye who escorted Mademoiselle Rose -back, to return without a moment's delay, as the town is menaced by -the King. He brings tidings, too, Sir, that a duel has been fought -between Monsieur de Montigni and my lord of Nemours."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nemours has killed him for a thousand crowns," cried Chazeul, as -joyfully as if De Montigni had shown himself his bitterest enemy -through life.</p> - -<p class="normal">"What more? what more?" cried Monsieur de Liancourt; "which of them -fell?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"He knew little about it, Sir," replied the servant, "for he came -away, before the matter had spread over the town."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will go and see him," exclaimed Chazeul. "Nemours has killed him -without doubt."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, he hurried away, and was absent for several minutes, -during which time the Marchioness talked in a low voice to the priest. -But the Count remained standing in the middle of the room, with his -eyes bent down and his heart sad. He could not but recollect the days -that were passed. The boy whom he had brought up from early years, the -graces and high qualities he had displayed, and many a little act, and -many a little scene, forgotten till that moment, rose up reproachfully -before his eyes, and for the time filled him with grief, and with -remorse. The voice of conscience, which in its own hour will be heard, -told him that the deed was his, that, had he not attempted to injure -and deceive his sister's son, all the long train of dark and sad -events, which had filled the last few days, would not have happened, -that joy, and peace, and mutual love, and kindly affection might have -reigned, where strife and evil passion, violence and death, had been -introduced, as the black followers of fraud. His brother and his -nephew, both were gone in a few short days; and his heart told him, -that the virtuous and the good had been cut off, while the dishonest -and the vile remained!</p> - -<p class="normal">It was but during a few minutes, however, that such thoughts oppressed -him; for vanity, his besetting sin, the besetting sin of so many, the -salve with which the devil medicates all the wounds of conscience was -soon brought to his relief. He was too vain to believe, for any length -of time, that he could do wrong, even though the warning angel of the -human heart thundered it in his ear. "Had De Montigni done as he was -asked," he thought, after he had mastered the first impression, -"nothing of this kind would have happened. It is all in consequence of -his own obstinacy. What a sad thing it is, that men will not be -persuaded to their own good!"</p> - -<p class="normal">As these comforting reflections passed through his mind, Chazeul -re-entered the hall. "He is dead," he cried, "beyond all doubt he is -dead. The man himself saw Nemours come back into the city, alone and -uninjured."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then," said Madame de Chazeul, "we are saved all farther -trouble; for now you are the only heir. You had better go and tell her -the news, Chazeul. Perhaps it may deliver her from as great an -embarrassment as any one feels."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fie now, Jacqueline! Fie now!" cried the Count. "You know not her -heart or feelings."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I know very well, my good brother," replied Madame de Chazeul, "that -women if they have said a thing, often adhere to it with the constancy -of a martyr, when they would give their right hand for a fair excuse -for changing; but vanity keeps them to the point, with a much firmer -sort of resolution than conviction can supply. Do not tell me about -her feelings! I know my own sex far better than you do; and I am sure -there is not one woman out often, who would not rejoice at the death -of her dearest friend, if it delivered her from a great -embarrassment."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I find the church is merciful as well as wise, in imposing celibacy -upon its priesthood," said father Walter, with a cold sarcastic smile. -"But, indeed, I think it would be better, not to tell Mademoiselle -d'Albret to-night. She must be fatigued; her mind depressed with -disappointment and anxiety; and she should be allowed some time for -repose."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, father, no!" replied Madame de Chazeul. "She must know it -to-night, for the marriage shall take place to-morrow, or, at -farthest, the next day. Let her have to-night for grief--for I do not -say she will not weep--to-morrow her mind will be made up, and the -affair can proceed with decency."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Will you tell her, father Walter?" said Monsieur de Liancourt.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay," exclaimed the Marchioness, "why give him that trouble? I will -do it in a moment."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, Jacqueline, you shall not go," cried the Count. "You are too -harsh and fierce to bear such tidings.--Go, Father, go!--It is an -office of Christian charity."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She is more likely to believe it from my lips, than yours, Madam," -said father Walter, "and therefore I will undertake the task; but I -must be quick, for I have my watch to commence in the chapel."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Let us hear how she bears it," said the Count de Liancourt. "I grieve -for the poor girl."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pshaw!" cried Jacqueline de Chazeul; and the priest quitted the hall, -leaving the Marchioness evidently uneasy.</p> - -<p class="normal">A chamber had now been assigned to Rose d'Albret, higher in the -building than that which she had formerly tenanted, and next to the -room of father Walter himself. It opened first into an ante-chamber, -somewhat smaller than the other, and thence upon a large landing -place, separated from the stairs by a balustrade. The ante-room, as -before, was occupied by the maid Blanchette, who, well warned and -tutored, was kept as a spy upon all her mistress's actions; and, on -entering this little suite of apartments, the girl was the first -person whom father Walter encountered.</p> - -<p class="normal">She was sitting at a table, knitting, with a sullen brow and pouting -lips; and, notwithstanding deep habitual reverence for the priest, she -seemed scarcely willing to answer him civilly, when he inquired, if he -could speak with her mistress.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I cannot tell," replied the girl, rising for a moment, and resuming -her seat; "I really do not know what she is doing,--she does not want -my services, she says; she would rather be alone."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Go and see, daughter!" said the priest. "Doubtless Mademoiselle -d'Albret is grieved and perhaps angry; but that does not exempt you -from respect and obedience towards her in all things, where other -duties do not require you to oppose her wishes."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed, father," answered the girl sullenly, "I cannot undertake all -this.--Here, I am told not to quit her ante-room, from the moment she -enters her chamber, till the moment she leaves it, which is making me -no better than a prisoner; and then, I am to be rated, and frowned -upon by the Lady, as if I had behaved very ill to her.--I don't see -why I should bear all this."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Because you are ordered to do so," said the priest somewhat sternly: -but he added the next moment, "It will not be of long duration -however. Now go and tell her I am here, seeking to speak with her on a -matter of deep moment."</p> - -<p class="normal">Before Blanchette could obey, however, the door of the ante-chamber -opened, and Madame de Chazeul entered, saying, "I have come to tell -her myself, good father. I can then better judge of her frame of mind; -and, as the Count tells me, you have to keep vigil by the body of my -poor old brother Michael, which I did not understand before, I will -not keep you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay," replied the priest, "I have time, and will never shrink from -doing my duty. This poor child will need consolation, and it must be -my task to give it to her, as far as my poor voice can do so."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Marchioness was evidently not well pleased with this reply; and, -though she masked her embarrassment as well as she could, yet a -certain air of anxiety and uneasiness, did not escape the calm but -penetrating eye of Walter de la Tremblade. "She doubts me," bethought. -"She is one of those who have no confidence in any one. What must her -own heart be like!"</p> - -<p class="normal">As he thus pondered, Blanchette returned, and bade him enter, which he -did, making way, however, for Madame de Chazeul to pass in first.</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose had been weeping, but her eyes were now dry; and the usual mild -and gentle expression was upon her countenance, till her eye lighted -upon Madame de Chazeul; and then she turned away her head, with a look -of shuddering horror, which the Marchioness did not fail to mark, -though with less anger, than might perhaps have been expected. It was -her wish to overawe and to command, both at present and in future and -the age of wishing to be loved, had long passed by with her. Rose -however, soon added to the offence; for, turning towards Walter de la -Tremblade, she said, "The girl merely mentioned your name, father; and -I was willing and even glad to receive you; but the conversation which -has already taken place between this lady and myself, was not of such -a character as to make her society very desirable to me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You must have it, nevertheless, pretty minion," replied Madame de -Chazeul. "I know you are as ungrateful, as you are self-willed; but I -came to break to you a piece of news which has just arrived, and -which, as you must hear it sooner or later, we have thought fit to -communicate at once."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The sooner it is communicated the better," answered Rose; "I beseech -you to make no delay; for I am anxious to retire to rest."</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul turned towards the priest with a sign for him to -proceed; and father Walter taking up the tale, addressed Rose in a -gentle and a kindly tone, saying, "I fear, my poor daughter, what we -have to communicate may grieve you more than you expect; and I would -therefore have you prepare your mind, by thinking of how God tries all -men in this world, with various deep afflictions, making them -sometimes his chastisements for errors past, sometimes warnings -against future faults, often depriving us of those things most dear -which might prove snares to us, often frustrating our most anxious -desires, which, if we knew all, might in their gratification produce -misery, instead of joy."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose listened attentively, anxious to hear what was to come next; but -Madame de Chazeul waved her hand impatiently, exclaiming, "You are not -in the pulpit, my good father. Do you not see she is quite prepared -for anything you have to say? The truth is this, Mademoiselle -d'Albret, a messenger has just arrived from Chartres bringing orders -for the men who accompanied you, to return immediately, and with that -order they conveyed intelligence that a duel has been fought between -Monsieur de Nemours, and your late lover De Montigni, in which the -latter has met with the chastisement which his presumption deserved, -and has been killed on the spot."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose started up and clasped her hands, while her face grew pale as -ashes, and for a moment she seemed about to faint. The next instant, -however, she passed her hand across her brow, gazed for a moment -anxiously upon the ground, and then suddenly raised her head with a -smile full of scorn, while the blood came back into her cheek and lip, -exclaiming, "It is false! I know that it is false!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"The poor creature is mad," said Madame de Chazeul. "You know it to be -false, when we know it to be true! You must have wonderfully clever -information. The man is in the château at this moment, who brought the -tidings from Chartres."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Let me see him!" said Rose d'Albret.</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul paused, and saw that, by mentioning the messenger, -she had committed a mistake; for it was her object to represent the -death of De Montigni as certain, and she was aware that her son had -run on to that inference, much more rapidly than the man's own account -might justify.</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," she replied, "you shall not see him. I pledge my word that the -information is true. Here is father Walter ready to do the same. -Monsieur de Liancourt will tell you the like story. If you insult us -by doubting our word, it does not become us, to take any trouble to -convince you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Madam, I have been deceived in more than one thing already," replied -Rose, bending her head gravely; "and consequently, I do not lend my -mind easily to everything that is told me. Father Walter, I beseech -you, by your duty to God, by your sacred calling, as you shall answer -for it hereafter, to let me know, has this information truly arrived, -and is it certain?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"That it has arrived, is beyond doubt," answered the priest, "but in -regard to the certainty or the particulars--not having spoken with the -messenger myself--I cannot say anything."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose waved her hand. "Enough," she said, "enough; I will beseech you -now to leave me.--Nay, I can endure no more to-night."</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul was going to add something; but the priest laid his -hand upon her arm, saying, "Nay, Madam, let us not press upon her -hardly. Give her till to-morrow to think over it;" and he led the -Marchioness away, leaving poor Rose to her meditations.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXIII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">The moment the priest and the Marchioness de Chazeul were gone, Rose -d'Albret cast herself down into her chair, and covered her eyes with -her hands. She would fain have shut out every sight and sound, in -order that she might bend the whole energies of her mind to -contemplation of that one question--were the dreadful tidings she had -heard, true or false? But the agitating beating of her heart, the -whirling confusion of her brain, prevented her for a long time, from -fixing her thoughts firmly upon all the different arguments for -believing or disbelieving the tale that had been told her. All was -wild, and vague, and indistinct. Apprehension at first was far more -powerful than hope; and, though reason pointed out many -improbabilities even in that part of the intelligence which, as the -reader knows, was absolutely true, yet she still dreaded the worst, -even while she resolved, if possible, to believe that all was false.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Was it likely," she asked herself, "that so proud a prince as the -Duke of Nemours, should risk his life in single combat against his own -prisoner? Was it probable, that he, who had shown himself so haughty -towards De Montigni as scarcely to return him an answer, should place -himself in such a position as to be compelled to meet him in the -field? Was it not likely, most likely, that such a tale should be -invented by those who had already deceived her on other points, in -order to lead her the more easily to the objects they desired? Was it -not clear that it was so, from their refusal to produce the messenger? -Was not, in short, anything asserted by Jacqueline de Chazeul, more -likely to be false than true?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus argued hope; but on the other side fear, though in fewer words, -spoke with a more powerful voice. "The priest had asserted that the -report had undoubtedly arrived. Would he venture to do so, after the -solemn adjuration she addressed to him, if he were not himself -convinced that what he said was true? Then, too, the pains he had -taken to prepare her mind for the tidings, showed care and -consideration for her; and, if the language he had used in so doing, -were but the preface to a falsehood, it must be blasphemous trifling -indeed. She suffered memory to run back over all the events lately -passed; she considered his conduct, she asked herself if he had ever -been guilty of deliberate falsehood? The answer was, no. He had -suffered others to do so; but he had not done it himself. Without -telling the exact truth, he had not uttered actual untruth. With that -species of art, which has acquired the name of a body of men famous -for employing it in all their dealings, he had made truth serve the -purposes of falsehood; and, by a jesuitical juggle, had countenanced -things that he knew to be untrue, without leaving those he deceived -any means of convicting him of a lie. But now he had boldly and -straightforwardly said, that the intelligence had certainly arrived. -There was no evading that, she thought; it must either be true or -false. She recollected, too, the fierce anger which De Montigni had -displayed when first made prisoner by Nemours, and the words and -glances which had passed between them in regard to herself. Might not -such a scene, she inquired, have been renewed, when her lover found -that she had been actually sent back without even being permitted -another interview with him? Might he not have used such language as -would compel a prince of fiery courage like Nemours to wave the -privileges of his rank, and meet him as had been reported. Nemours was -known to be daring, chivalrous, and of a character to carry the point -of honour to excess; and if they met, was not the result reported to -her, likely to take place."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus argued fear; and between his voice and that of hope, her mind was -left in that painful uncertainty, which is more wearing and agitating -to the human frame, than even grief itself. She was still busy with -these thoughts, when the door opened and the maid looked in; but Rose -waved her hand impatiently, exclaiming, "leave me, leave me, I do not -want you. You can go to bed."</p> - -<p class="normal">The very sight of Blanchette, however, brought back to her mind all -the arts that had been practised upon her before, and made her once -more hope that this sad intelligence might be part of a similar plan. -"I will retire to bed;" she thought, "in the darkness and stillness of -the night, I can think over these things more quietly than now. The -sight of that girl is hateful to me. I will shut her out," but when -she looked round, she found that the lock of the door between her room -and the ante-chamber, had been removed.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha!" she said, "am I to have no privacy? This is hard, indeed;" and, -sitting down, she wept, feeling that she was left alone to struggle -with all the arts and machinations of a number, amongst whom she had -no friend. Rising again, after a moment, she wiped away the tears, -murmuring to herself, "but they shall not conquer me. Even if he whom -I love be gone, and have left me in this cold-hearted world alone, I -can die and follow him; but I will never be the wife of that base and -hateful man, let the result be whatever it may." Thus saying, she -undressed without assistance, and retired to bed. But, for poor Rose -d'Albret, it was no couch of repose. The thorns of the pillow--busy -care, and sharp apprehension and bitter grief--banished all sleep from -her eyes; and hour after hour she lay turning in her mind the same -heavy thoughts which had burdened her since the visit of the priest -and Madame de Chazeul.</p> - -<p class="normal">Daylight returned, at length; and, raising herself upon her arm, she -gazed round, as the faint grey stream of early morning poured through -the window, and showed the various objects in the room. Then came a -warmer tint, as the sun actually rose, and with it some of the -thoughts which usually accompany the rising day. How beautiful is the -revival of nature from her dark slumber in the arms of night! what an -image of the dawning of eternal life to the emancipated spirit after -the shadow of the grave! How good, how great, how wise, is the -Almighty Author of all, who plants in the seasons, and in the -elements, in the changes of the world, and in all the revolutions of -nature, the signs and symbols of his beneficence and his power, with -promises of love and blessing and protection! There was consolation -even in the pale beams of morning; but then came back the sad thought, -the bitter unanswerable question, to the mind of Rose d'Albret--"Do -the eyes of Louis de Montigni see, like mine, the return of dawning -day, or are they closed for ever in the tomb?" And rising from her bed -she knelt, and prayed, and wept, till the increasing sounds in the -house told her, that her oppressors were once more waking into active -life, and that she must prepare her mind to suffer and resist.</p> - -<p class="normal">Oh, how most painful of all the many grievous tasks of life, is that -of resistance! and yet it is the unceasing lot of humanity; for this -is all a battle field, and at every point--within and without, against -ourselves and others, against circumstances, temptations, cares, -griefs, fears, pleasures, successes, triumphs, vanity, hope, -expectation, pride, disappointment, opposition, regret, and despair; -against man and fiends--it is all resistance; and he who would -ultimately win the garland of victory, must be armed and awake at -every moment of existence. From the moment when the foot of Adam first -trod the garden, until the now in which we stand against the foe, the -conflict has gone on; and happy are they who do resist.</p> - -<p class="normal">Yet 'tis a weary and a terrible task, especially for those who buckle -on their armour for the first time; and poor Rose d'Albret felt her -heart sink as she prepared herself for it. But still, the thought of -him she loved, and her repugnance to the man who would have injured -him, nerved her for the effort; and again and again, she repeated, -"They shall never move me! My voice must speak the falsehood, my own -hand must sign my folly, my own heart must prove the traitor, ere they -can conquer."</p> - -<p class="normal">Her knowledge, too, of those with whom she had to deal, was not a -little serviceable in guarding her against all arts. That knowledge -had come slowly, not by study or inquiry, but sinking in daily into -her mind, as act after act, and word after word, developed the -characters of the persons who now surrounded her.</p> - -<p class="normal">"If they have doubts of De Montigni's fate," she argued, "they will -urge me to this abhorred marriage with Chazeul at once and -immediately; they will give me no time--they may even try threats, and -violence, and force. If they have no doubt they will be less -importunate; they will allow me to deliberate, to mourn. But, good -heaven, if they try force, what shall I do?--It matters not, I will -die first. But, by their course, I shall know whether the tale be true -or false; and if from their urgency I judge that it is false, I shall -gain strength from hope, and courage even from their cruelty. Poor -Helen de la Tremblade! They cannot make me as thou art--they cannot -add self-reproach to all I suffer, but by my own fault. Would that I -had not promised, never to tell her tale, till she herself thought -fit. I might perhaps find a friend, if I could do so, in the only one -who could well befriend me. She knew not how much her story might -serve me now; and I little thought that I should long to tell it for -my own safety, rather than for her comfort. But hark, there are people -speaking near! I will be dressed and prepared to meet them when they -come hither. Blanchette," she continued aloud, "Blanchette!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The girl made her call several times, and then appeared with a dull -and sullen countenance; and Rose proceeding with her toilet, exchanged -but few words with one whom she had never either loved or esteemed, -and now despised.</p> - -<p class="normal">When she was fully dressed she advanced towards the door, saying, "I -will go out upon the ramparts. Put the room in order against my -return."</p> - -<p class="normal">But the girl planted herself in the way, and replied, "You cannot, -Mademoiselle. There are strict orders that you remain here, till the -Count or the Marchioness come for you."</p> - -<p class="normal">There was a low suppressed laugh--a laugh of triumph in her -power--mingled with the girl's words, which was hard to bear; and Rose -felt at first inclined to resist, and then to weep; but she gave way -to neither temptation; and, after gazing at her for a minute, merely -replied, "What, I am a prisoner, then; and my own maid the gaoler? It -is well; but it will prove fruitless. Give me a book, I will read."</p> - -<p class="normal">The girl inquired what book, and gave her mistress the pain--and she -well knew it was a pain,--to speak more than once before she chose to -comprehend.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length, however, a book was brought; and poor Rose d'Albret, -placing herself near the window, strove to read with an unconcerned -air. But it was in vain she did so; the letters swam before her eyes: -her mind wandered to other things: her eye ran over the lines without -gathering their sense; and, ere she had mastered more than two or -three sentences, there was a step in the ante-room, a knock at the -door, and before she could say "Come in," Madame de Chazeul entered, -followed by Monsieur de Liancourt. The conflict, she saw, was about to -begin, and with an anxious gasp for breath, and a haggard eye, she -gazed upon them as they approached, unable to speak, though she strove -to do so.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Be calm, Rose, be calm," said Monsieur de Liancourt, placing a seat -for his sister, and taking one himself. "I have come to you thus early -in the morning, because Madame de Chazeul and father Walter informed -me last night, that you entertained suspicions as to the reality of -the sad intelligence which we received last night, and I wish to -assure you with my own lips that there is no doubt--that I entertain -no doubt of the fact."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose wept but could not reply; and after a brief pause, the Count -proceeded: "Of course I feel deeply grieved that such a fate should -have overtaken my nephew; but I cannot help at the same time -remembering, that he has not lately acted as became him, nor shown -towards me that respect and gratitude which I trust I deserved at his -hands."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, Sir," cried Rose, waving her hand mournfully; "touch not the -memory of the dead--of one who was willing to show you every -reverence, although, perhaps, he might feel that he had been wronged -and deceived. To you," she continued, seeing the Count's lip quiver, -"to you he attributed it not, but to the counsels of others; and you -would have found no one more affectionate no one more willing to -testify, in every way, his regard and respect."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, well," cried Madame de Chazeul, "there is no use of disputing -about such things. That is all past. The question before us is of the -present. You had something to say on that score, brother, I think?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, simply this," replied the Count, "that as my nephew Chazeul is -now, without dispute, my heir, he is also, without dispute, the person -indicated by the contract between myself and Monsieur de Marennes--as -your husband, Rose!" he added, in a slow emphatic tone.</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose gazed down and was silent, for her heart beat so violently that -she had no power to reply. Had she calculated her whole conduct, -however, to obtain an insight into the views of her two companions, -nothing could have served her better than that silence, for Madame de -Chazeul observed, after a momentary pause, "I am happy to see you make -no objection, for no longer delay can be admitted,--indeed it is -impossible--for the presence of Chazeul is instantly required by the -Duke of Mayenne, and you must go with him as his wife."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Make no objection!" said Rose.</p> - -<p class="normal">But Madame de Chazeul cut her short, saying, "Ay, and it is well that -you do not, for it could have no effect if you did. Everything is -determined and prepared. The contract, as before drawn up, waits for -your signature, and the marriage must take place at once."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is not dead," murmured Rose to herself, with a sudden look of joy -passing over her countenance, which those who saw it could in no -degree comprehend; and the next moment, turning to Monsieur de -Liancourt, she said, "Sir, I will ask if this be decent and proper, in -the very first day of mourning for your nephew, for him to whom my -heart was given, and my hand promised, to propose that I should wed -another?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Urgent circumstances, Rose," answered the Count, "must justify what -would not otherwise be right. The necessity for Chazeul's immediate -departure compels us to this course, and I must insist that you make -no opposition."</p> - -<p class="normal">"If Monsieur de Chazeul must depart," said Rose, "let him; he can -return at some future period, when a widowed heart may have somewhat -recovered from the wound it has received. But it shall not be said, -that Rose d'Albret gave her hand to another, before her tears were dry -for him to whom her faith was plighted."</p> - -<p class="normal">"This is all vain folly," cried Madame de Chazeul; "my son will find -means to dry your tears, if that be all."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He can but make them flow more bitterly," replied Rose d'Albret; "was -ever such a monstrous and cruel thing proposed! Oh, Sir," she -continued, turning to the Count, "will you, a man of honour and a -gentleman, a man of feeling, and of a kindly heart--will you -countenance the attempt to force me, the very day after I have heard -of poor Louis de Montigni's bloody death, to wed a man for whom I -never entertained aught but indifference?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Rose, well," said the Count, rising; "I will give you another -day; that is all that I can allow; for my word is pledged that, before -noon to-morrow, you shall be Chazeul's wife. Nay, say no more, for I -will hear no more. Make up your mind to it in the meanwhile; for on -this point I am firm, and your conduct in secretly quitting my roof -for the purpose of thwarting all my designs and wishes for your -benefit, well justifies me in compelling your immediate obedience."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying he turned and left the room; but Madame de Chazeul -remained gazing upon her poor victim with a bitter, and almost -contemptuous look, which might well teach Rose to apprehend no very -happy life if wedded to her son.</p> - -<p class="normal">"What is the meaning of all this, girl?" exclaimed the Marchioness, as -soon as the door had closed upon Monsieur de Liancourt; "you are -plotting some stratagem,--your delays have some end in view."</p> - -<p class="normal">"None, Madam," answered Rose d'Albret. "The only object that I can -have in life is, to avoid a union with a man I despise and abhor."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Despise and abhor!" exclaimed Jacqueline de Chazeul, in a mocking -tone; "pray may I ask how it happens that such passions have found -their way into your gentle breast?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"His own deeds, which have come to my ears in spite of your -precautions, Madam," replied Rose, "have planted those feelings there, -never to be rooted out."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What deeds?" demanded the Marchioness, sternly.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Unhappily I have promised never to name them," answered Rose; "but -you know to what I allude right well; and you cannot doubt with what -eyes I must look upon your son."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You must be his wife, notwithstanding," said Madame de Chazeul.</p> - -<p class="normal">But Rose could bear no more. "Never!" she exclaimed; "never! Come what -may I will never be his wife. You may drag me to the altar, but not -even by silence will I seem to give consent. I will refuse the vow, I -will cast away the ring, I will call God to witness that I am not his -wife. This hand shall never sign the contract till it moulders in the -grave; and if death be the consequence, I will not do one act that can -make me his;" and overpowered by her own vehemence, as well as by the -many emotions in her bosom, she burst into a bitter flood of tears.</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul gazed at her for a moment, while her whole face -worked with passion, which she could not find words to express; and -then shaking her hand at her, she exclaimed, in a low bitter tone, -"You shall!" and quitted the room.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXIV.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">When the Marchioness de Chazeul retired from Rose's chamber, she did -not seek the society of her brother; neither did she at first send for -her son, nor inquire for the priest. But, as she passed through the -ante-chamber, she beckoned to the maid Blanchette, who had quitted the -room, when she and the Count had entered it, and, with a sign to -follow, led the way to her own apartments. When there, she seated -herself before the mirror, and remained for several minutes in deep -thought. She was, as we have depicted her, rancorous and vindictive, -but at the same time ambitious and greedy. Nor was she less -pertinacious and resolute, than crafty and clear-sighted. No -difficulties repelled her, no obstacles were in her eyes -insurmountable, no means unjustifiable to attain her ends. Of true -religion she had none, though not a little bigotry, strange as such a -combination may appear; and, as was the case with many besides herself -in that day, she would often scoff at even Almighty power, and set at -nought Heaven's vengeance, yet as often give herself up to penance and -austerities, with all the devotion of a saint. But penance never -reached the point of interrupting her in the course she chose to -pursue. She would mortify her appetites, but not abandon her designs; -and, though her formal observance of the injunctions of her church, -might show some sort of superstitious dread, the only fear that seemed -to affect her in her dealings with the world, was the fear of failure.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was that apprehension that now assailed her; but, as was always the -case with her, all that it produced was, fresh efforts to attain her -ends, greater exertions to overcome the obstacles that opposed her. -The high and firm resolution displayed by Rose d'Albret would have -been nothing in her eyes, had she possessed the sole command over her -brother's unhappy ward. Her declarations, she would have laughed to -scorn, and her remonstrances she would not have listened to. For -years, she had looked upon Rose as a creature that was but to be made -subservient to her purposes, the seal to the deed that was to transfer -the estates of Liancourt and Marennes to the house of Chazeul, and she -regarded even an expression of reluctance as a daring offence. But she -feared the effect of Rose's firmness on her brother; she knew him to -be weak and irresolute, easily swayed by persons of a firmer mind than -his own, violent and hasty by starts, but alarmed and intimidated by -resistance; and she doubted much, if Rose maintained her resolution -steadily, refused to go to the altar, or to sign the contract, that -Monsieur de Liancourt would use force to compel her, or pass over her -resistance and declare the marriage complete, contrary to her protest. -There was no scheme, however dark and criminal, that she would not -have followed to remove the resistance of her brother's ward; there -were no means that she would not have employed, as she herself -expressed it, to render a marriage with Chazeul necessary to her -honour. But she feared that she might be frustrated if she attempted -too daring a project, though that which had presented itself at one -time to her mind, had been shortly before carried through but too -successfully in another noble house in France, where the most -atrocious violence had been employed, to effect an object very similar -to her own.</p> - -<p class="normal">But though fond of strong and decided measures, Madame de Chazeul was -always willing to employ cunning and tortuous means; and she saw no -method of ensuring success, but by pursuing the plan which she had -hinted to her son: and now, as she sat there revolving all the -circumstances in her mind, she applied herself to fit so neatly the -various parts of her scheme together, that no flaw might mar it in the -execution. Blanchette in the meantime stood before her, now bending -her eyes upon the ground, in assumed modesty and diffidence, now -raising them with a furtive glance, to the countenance of the -Marchioness, and striving, but vainly, to read on that dark and -puzzled page, that which was passing in the still darker and more -intricate heart.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length Madame de Chazeul spoke, in a tone quiet and calm as if no -angry passion was a guest in her bosom, saying, "How did Mademoiselle -d'Albret pass the night, Blanchette? She seems weary and disturbed -this morning."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not know, Madam," replied Blanchette. "She sent me away from her -quite crossly, and I saw her no more till this morning. Then she was -cross enough, Madam," continued the girl, "especially when I told her -she was not to leave the room till some one came for her."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And who told you to do that?" exclaimed the Marchioness with a look -of surprise, "who told you to do that, I say?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why you, Madam, ordered me to watch her closely every moment," -answered Blanchette; "and so did the Count; and how was I to watch -her, if she were to go out, wandering all about the Château?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"You are insolent, girl!" cried Madame de Chazeul, "and this is the -way by your impertinent domineering, that you turn the mind of -Mademoiselle d'Albret against her friends. You should have watched as -if you were not watching; you should have given information to my -brother, or myself, if she went out; and not have presumed to make -yourself her turnkey.--Who are you, that you should dare to dictate to -a lady like that, whether she should go forth or not?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The maid replied not, but coloured highly and bit her lip, looking -down upon the ground with apparently no very placable endurance of the -reprimand, which probably she felt the more, as she was fully -conscious of having exceeded her orders, at the very time she did so, -for the purpose of gratifying her own spiteful nature.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well," continued Madame de Chazeul, recovering herself speedily, and -remembering that the girl's services might still be needful, "I dare -say, you did not err intentionally; but remember to do so no more. You -may watch Mademoiselle d'Albret closely, while she is in her chamber: -and, if she goes out of it, either give information instantly to -Monsieur de Liancourt, or come to me. It seems," she added in an -indifferent tone, "that the only person she is inclined to see is -Monsieur de Chazeul. I shall therefore trouble her no more. When he -comes, of course admit him, as the marriage is to take place -to-morrow, but no one else,--except indeed, father Walter de la -Tremblade," she continued after an instant's thought--"Monsieur de -Chazeul of course whenever he comes,--but no one else;--and remember, -Blanchette, have everything prepared to set out to-morrow, about -mid-day, both for your mistress and yourself, for you must all sleep -at Chartres to-morrow night, and the next day, on to Paris."</p> - -<p class="normal">There is a dull and heavy looking sort of personage, amongst the -various classes of human beings, by whom the wit and clear-sightedness -of the shrewd and the cunning in human character, are more frequently -set completely at defiance than even by the politic and the artful. -The air of cold indifferent stupidity, which is natural to it, in -itself generates an idea of a slow and unexcitable spirit, and an -obtuse and inactive mind incapable of strong feelings except of a very -animal kind, which not unfrequently deceives the most penetrating. The -surface looks so much as if there were nothing below, that we rarely -take the trouble of ascertaining the depth and strength of the -currents that may be running underneath.</p> - -<p class="normal">Of this character was the maid Blanchette. She gave no indication of -being offended at the censure of the Marchioness de Chazeul, except by -the momentary heightening of her colour; and the lady fancied that she -had effaced all trace of her harsh words, by holding out the idea of -her accompanying Rose to Paris. But it was not so. Blanchette was -always displeased with censure, even when, as a humble dependant, she -had no claim, but for services that could be performed by a dozen -others, as well as by herself; but, when she had grown a person of -importance in her own eyes, by being entrusted with a charge that no -one but herself could perform, she felt injured and indignant at the -slightest blame, and that of Madame de Chazeul had been neither very -gentle in manner nor very temperate in words. She only dropped a -profound courtesy then, without making any reply while the Marchioness -spoke, as if her little wit were busily engaged with other matters, -and she was prepared to receive and obey all orders communicated to -her without doubt or hesitation. But such a line of conduct was far -from her intention; deep and angry passion was at the bottom of her -heart; and she determined, if fortune prospered with her, to find some -means of retaliating, in act, if not in seeming, the bitter words of -the Marchioness, without spoiling her own prospects of advancement. -She listened then to the end without saying a word; but merely -courtesying from time to time, till at length as the lady finished, -she replied, "I will see to it all, Madam! Everything shall be quite -ready."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, see that it be," replied Madame de Chazeul. "And now, Blanchette, -send Monsieur de Chazeul to me if you can find him."</p> - -<p class="normal">The maid retired, and the Marchioness remained turning in her mind the -next step to be taken. "Yes," she said, "we may trust the priest,--but -not too far. Rose will tell him nothing, thanks to her promise. I -wonder how she learned anything to tell.--Some letter from Helen -doubtless: or else that girl has made herself some friends in the camp -of the Bearnois; perhaps has got some new paramour.--I was a fool to -deal so harshly with her. What was it to me, if she chose to play the -harlot with the boy? My fear of her spoiling this marriage drove me -too far.--Yes we can trust the priest. I have had the castle gates too -strictly watched for any one to have brought him tidings without my -knowing it.--We must trust him, that is the worst--though I do think -he would go on, even if he knew all. But his chamber is too near, not -to make him a sharer of our plans.--These priests are but spies upon -us in our own châteaux. I wonder that we tolerate them. Yet they are -useful too, when they choose to be serviceable.--His zeal for the -league will keep him faithful."</p> - -<p class="normal">Such were some of the half-muttered, half-silent thoughts of -Jacqueline de Chazeul, as she sat waiting for her son; but he kept her -not long in expectation, for he was anxious to hear the result of her -interview with Rose d'Albret; and, as soon as he did appear, the -Marchioness greeted him with a gay look, asking, "Well, Chazeul, have -you seen your uncle?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No!" he replied, "He has not come to the hall. What are your news? -What says the little prisoner?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Of that afterwards," answered the Marchioness, "First, the marriage -is to be to-morrow before noon. For that, your Uncle's word is -pledged, and we must see that he keeps it; for, if this obstinate girl -should still resist, he may be shaken. Now tell me, Chazeul, when did -her looks first begin to grow cold towards you?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"They were never very warm," said Chazeul, "but they have been chilly -enough for the last ten days."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then it is so!" rejoined his mother as if speaking to herself; "that -chilliness makes me think that she may love you rather more than -less."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Come, good mother, no riddles," exclaimed Chazeul, "we have no time -for solving them; nor am I an [OE]dipus. What is it that you mean?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I mean that jealousy has a share in this affair," answered -the Marchioness. "She has learned your folly with Helen de la -Tremblade.--Helen has written to her, or told her; for she saw her -about that time."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not believe it," replied Chazeul, "I do not believe it in the -least;" and putting his hand to his brow, he thought for a moment, -murmuring, "No, no she would never--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"But she has, foolish boy," cried Madame de Chazeul. "I know she has, -from what this wrong-headed girl said just now. Now mark me well, -Chazeul, if you will be guided by me in everything, you will succeed, -wed Rose d'Albret, and be one of the richest men in France,--ay, -second to none in wealth and power, except the princes of the blood. -But if you will not, you will lose her, and with her, not only her -estates, but all the wealth that has accumulated, since first she came -here as a child."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, my good mother, I am quite willing to follow your course of -policy," replied her son. "No one like a woman for managing a woman. -But let me hear first, what she said. Does she believe that De -Montigni is dead?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes she does," replied the Marchioness. "Your uncle convinced her of -that."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then she is mine according to the contract," said Chazeul. "What did -she say to that?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, at first, she seemed seeking to gain time," answered his mother, -"but afterwards, when your uncle was gone, she vowed vehemently, that -she would never wed you.--I think not the worse of your case for that, -as that is a vow which many a woman makes and breaks; but haste is the -thing in this case, and her spirit must be broken down ere noon -to-morrow, else we may have news, which will overthrow all that -we have done--De Montigni may not be dead after all,--he may be -wounded,--he may recover. Then what are we to do?--No, we must lose no -time."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, well, but your plan," said Chazeul. "It seems that my little -sins are to be wiped out, the lady's good favour gained, her unruly -spirit broken in, and rendered tractable, all within four-and-twenty -hours!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"And it can be done," answered Madame de Chazeul. "First then, we must -make it seem to the eyes of all men, that you are recovering her good -graces. You must appear together. You must hold conference with her, -and seem in her secrets and in her intimacy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"'Tis telling me to pull down the moon," cried Chazeul, "or carry away -the gates of the castle on my back like Samson. How am I to do all -this? If she refuse me audience, withhold her presence, stay in her -chamber, and frown or weep whenever we meet?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Will it cost you so much to feign a little?" asked his mother.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps not," replied Chazeul, "but what then? Put me on the track, -and I will follow it with any one; but I see not what it is I am to -feign."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Several things," replied the Marchioness.</p> - -<p class="normal">"First, kindly tenderness towards her, sorrow for her sorrow, sympathy -with her distress, anxiety for its alleviation. You may pretend even -to enter into her views of delay, affect not to wish to press her, -promise to speak to Monsieur de Liancourt on the subject, and with me, -and hold out the hope of gaining our consent to your joining the army -for a time, and not returning till some months have passed."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But if she be so enraged against me," said Chazeul, "and if she have -discovered what you say she has, will she listen to all this?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, but that must be one of the first things you soften down," -replied the Marchioness, "an obstacle you must remove at once. You -must be a repentant sinner, Chazeul; make vague confession of many -faults; long to atone for them if circumstances would permit it; and -if you can get a tear into your eye, so much the better."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I understand, I understand," said Chazeul laughing. "The tear, I fear -I could not manage; but all the rest I will undertake. I see my way -clearly now, but not whither it leads, my dear mother. What is to -result from all this? When I have persuaded her that I am penitent, -and the most humble creature of her will,--when I have shown myself -whispering in her ear, or walking in tender melancholy with her, side -by side, on the ramparts, what is to be done next?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, what I said before," replied the Marchioness. "Visit her chamber -in the night; leave something there to mark that you have been -present. I will have people to witness that you go in and come forth. -The girl Blanchette must be taught to swear, that it was with her -mistress's consent and wish. I will indoctrinate her well. Then, -to-morrow, early in the morning, I will visit our fair culprit full of -reproaches, tell her all the reports that have reached me, of her -light wantonness, if needful bring forth the witnesses, and show that, -for your honour, for hers, and for your uncle's, the marriage must -take place without delay. We shall have no more resistance then, -Chazeul; and if we have, the tale thus proved, will fix my brother in -his purpose of compelling her to yield; for we must keep our plan as -secret as death from Liancourt; and, if he sees you much together -during the day--if you can contrive to work a sudden change in her -demeanour towards you, he will be easily deceived."</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul mused, and then added, "I will set about it instantly. But I -do wish that I had some good excuse for going to her now--something -that would make my coming acceptable. She was not in the hall, and may -not, perhaps, quit her room."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Go to her, go to her!" cried the Marchioness. "She is not in the -hall, and will not be, unless you bring her forth. It happens luckily -that Blanchette, mistaking the order she received, made herself a -gaoler over her this morning, and kept the bird in the cage. You can -go and open the prison doors. Tell her how grieved you are to hear -that such cruelty has been exercised towards her; declare you will -never suffer it; cast all the blame on me and your uncle; make us as -stern and savage as you will, and show her she is free, by leading her -forth. You can enlarge upon the matter as you will; and having now the -cue, your own wit and knowledge of woman, must teach you to play your -part to a nicety.--For me," she continued, "I must first go sprinkle -my old brother Michael's body with holy water. I can do no less for -him, after all the sweet words he has given me through life; and then -I will talk with the priest, and make him share our plans, as much as -is needful."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Is it not dangerous?" asked Chazeul. "I dread that man more than any -other. Calm and staid and thoughtful as he is on the outside, if ever -I saw human being full of strong passion, and eager fire within, it is -he; and if he hears aught of this affair with Helen, he will die or -frustrate our design."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He shall not hear it, till all is accomplished," replied the -Marchioness. "I will take care of that. There is not a letter nor a -note, be it from some sick farmer's pretty wife, requiring consolation -from a kind confessor, that is not brought to me before it reaches his -hands. It has cost me more golden crowns, Chazeul, since I came into -this château, to secure good friends in the barbican, than would keep -a prince's household half a year. However, he must know our plans in -part, for fear he should discover them without being told. His consent -once given, binds him to our course; so leave that to me, and go you -upon your errand."</p> - -<p class="normal">Without pausing to thank his mother for all her care, Chazeul hastened -away towards the apartments of Rose d'Albret. At the door of the -ante-chamber, however, he paused for a moment to consider his -proceedings, and then entered with a quick step, demanding in a loud -and hurried tone, as soon as he saw Blanchette, "Can I speak with your -mistress?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, yes, Sir," cried the girl, with a low courtesy, and a sweet -smile; "you are to be admitted always."</p> - -<p class="normal">Opening the door, she looked in; and seeing Rose gaze sadly from the -window, she threw it wider, exclaiming, without inquiry as to whether -the lady would receive her visitor or not, "Monsieur de Chazeul, -Mademoiselle."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose turned a quick and indignant look towards the door, and bowing -her head, demanded, "What is your pleasure, Sir?--This visit was -neither expected nor desired."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I know it was not, Rose," he replied, assuming a mild and tender -tone, in which his voice sounded somewhat like that of De Montigni, -awakening memories in Rose's bosom, not the most favourable to -himself; "but I have just heard something that would not suffer me to -remain indifferent.--Shut the door, Blanchette," he added, turning to -the girl and speaking in a sterner manner.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I learn from my mother with shame and anger, Mademoiselle d'Albret," -he proceeded sadly, "that they are keeping you here as a sort of -prisoner; and I will not suffer such a thing for a moment; for, though -it is not my doing, it is on my account. Ill judging friends have done -me harm enough with you already. They shall do so no more. I will now -act upon my account, and try what the generosity and kindness which I -would always have striven to display, if I had been permitted, will do -with a heart which I am sure is not to be ruled by harshness."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose was surprised, but still not deceived; for she contrasted -instantly the new tone assumed towards her, with all that had gone -before. She recollected, too, Helen de la Tremblade, and what she had -heard from her; and the natural conclusion was, that this was fraud. -"I thank you, Sir," she said, "and I trust your actions will make good -your words. But what am I to conclude from that which you say -regarding my captivity here; for I am, indeed, no better than a -captive?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"That it is at an end," answered Chazeul. "I told my mother instantly, -that I would not submit to it; and if it were persisted in, I -would quit the castle, to the ruin of all her wishes, of my own -fortunes--ay, and my dearest hopes."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hopes, Sir!" said Rose, "Hopes?--Well, I must not be ungrateful, and -I thank you for this act at least. Am I to consider myself at liberty -then, to quit my chamber? Am I to be no longer gaolered by my own -maid?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"You are free as air," replied Chazeul. "Come this moment if you will, -and try; and let me see the man that dares prevent you. But ere we -go," he continued with the same soft tone in which he had at first -spoken, "forgive me for commenting, one moment, on a word you used -just now, or rather on the manner in which that word was spoken. It -was, hopes! You seem to think that I did not really hope to win you; -or perhaps mean that those hopes were more of your wealth, than your -person?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"How can I think otherwise?" asked Rose, fixing her beautiful eyes -upon him. "Is there nothing in your heart, Monsieur de Chazeul, which -tells you that it is so?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, on my life," he answered; "but I know what it is you mean, and -will admit that you have had good cause, to judge as you do. I <i>am</i> -ambitious, Rose d'Albret, and wealth with me is an object, as the -means of ambition. But there may be other feelings in my heart -besides, and there are."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I doubt it not," replied the lady; "but what I doubt is. Sir, that -those feelings have ever been mine. Perhaps I doubt, moreover," she -added slowly, and with emphasis, "that Monsieur de Chazeul may not be -inclined to sacrifice the gentle and the better feelings and -affections of his heart, at the shrine of that devouring -God--ambition."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is that, I meant," replied Chazeul; "of that I wish to speak. I -know you think that I do not love you, that I have not loved you, that -I have loved others, that--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, nay," cried Rose, waving her hand; "do not enter upon such -things, Sir. I cannot, must not hear them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You shall hear nothing that can offend you," replied Chazeul calmly. -"But in simple justice, you must listen to a word or two in my own -defence, as you have undoubtedly listened to accusations against me. I -do not say that you will exculpate me, even if I could tell you all -exactly as it occurred, which I cannot, which I ought not to do. You -would find me faulty, very faulty still. I acknowledge it. I do not, -even to myself, acquit myself: I have done wrong, much that is wrong; -and many a time when you have seen me grave and thoughtful, it has -been when I was meditating how I might make atonement. Yes," he added, -seeing a doubtful expression come over Rose's face; "and many a time -when I have seemed most light and gay, idle and heartless, it has been -but as a cloak to cover from myself and others the bitterness within."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But how easy"--said Rose, "how easy to make atonement! how easy to do -justice!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not so easy as you imagine," answered Chazeul; "for, in truth, it was -impossible. I am not attempting, remember always, to exculpate myself: -far from it. I acknowledge myself guilty; but some extenuation may be -found in many circumstances; in education at a libertine court, in the -habits and customs of the day, in the conduct of others, in -temptations that I will not give to your ear. Yet I have loved you, -and loved you truly; but I see the very mention of it offends you, and -therefore I will say no more upon this head. I have set free my heart, -and it is enough. Judge of me as you will--harshly if you be so -disposed; but still I must have the advantage of my confession in your -opinion, and that is something gained."</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul dissembled well: there was a candor, a straightforwardness in -his tone which, notwithstanding all that Rose had seen and known, -could not but create a doubt of that insincerity which she had always -hitherto attributed to him. She could not help blaming, condemning, -disliking him; but still her feelings were softened towards him. There -seemed to shine out some good amongst the evil; there was something to -redeem all that was wrong--something to qualify the darker points of -his character. One, reason, perhaps, why women so often learn to love -men whose whole conduct they reprobate, is that, from glimpses of -higher qualities, they are brought, by the easy process of regret, to -pity those who give themselves up to unbridled passion, as its slaves -rather than its votaries. Not that Rose d'Albret could ever have loved -him. There was an innate repugnance between her nature and his, which -might slumber while no external circumstances called them into active -opposition, but which, when once roused, was sure to burst forth into -abhorrence on her side. She could be indifferent to him, she could -hate him, as their relative position brought them nearer or more -remotely in contact; but she could feel nothing like love. Yet he was -the first, the only one who since her return to the château had spoken -with even gentleness towards her; and in moments of danger and -distress, there is something that teaches the weaker part of the human -race to cling in some degree to anything that offers them support.</p> - -<p class="normal">Nevertheless, she would not banish the doubts and suspicions which she -had such good cause to entertain; and she replied almost coldly, "My -opinion of you, Monsieur de Chazeul, must depend entirely upon your -own conduct towards me and others. You will acknowledge, doubtless, -that the demeanour of all within these walls towards me since my -return, has not been such as to conciliate any kindly feeling on my -part."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It has been harsh and cruel," answered Chazeul, at once; "it has been -harsh to us both. No choice has been left, either to you or me."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose gazed on him in surprise, but he continued, "Do not misunderstand -me, Rose. As far as all the affections of the heart go, my choice, my -hopes, have long been fixed on one object alone. The choice I spoke -of, as what I would myself have desired, was between pressing you in -an unseemly manner on subjects repugnant to your whole feelings at -this moment, and leaving you to recover from past griefs, ere you are -urged to enter into new ties. It is not necessary to relate to you all -that has taken place between me and others. I seek not to cast blame -on any one; but believe me, if your heart has been outraged, your best -affections set at nought, it has not been with my will. Time will -clear your eyes of many clouds; and I would fain let time have its -effect. You will find, that I have not been so much to blame as you -have been led to believe; that matters have been represented to you as -certain, that were very doubtful; and that I have suffered some -wrong--at least, a bitter disappointment. I seek not to cast a -reproach upon the memory of him who is gone; for doubtless, he -believed all that he said; but he should have inquired farther, ere he -attempted to take from me that which I value more than any treasure of -the earth. Yet I would not myself now press you to a hasty decision -for the world. I know time will be my friend. If you be forced to give -me your hand at once, as they have determined you shall be, you will -only hate me. Give me time; and, if to win your love be hopeless, I -will at least win your esteem."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, Sir! if such be your sentiments," cried Rose, "why do you not -join your voice to mine to stop this hasty and indecent proceeding? -Why do you not use your influence to avert that terrible moment which -we both dread?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Because it is in vain," replied the hypocrite; "my influence I have -employed, but to no purpose. When my uncle offers me your hand -according to the contract, I must take it, or refuse it. Can I, Rose, -can I, feeling as I do towards you, choose the latter alternative? I -have already urged him not to force us to such a choice.--I will do it -again and again, if you but wish it. I will entreat, beseech him, to -pause, to wait but till my return from the army. But he has so firmly -determined to place our union beyond all doubt before I go, that I -fear it will be useless. Some vague doubt, some superstitious fear, of -what may take place from delay, seems to possess him; and my mother, I -regret to say, encourages him to persevere in his resolution. Yet I -will make every effort with both. Only but confide in me, Rose. Want -of clear and straightforward confidence between us, has caused too -much mischief already. Had you but told me your feelings towards me, -had you but informed me of your old affection to another, I might have -been grieved, I might have been angry, I might have given way to -bursts of rage, it is true; but still, thought would have calmed all -down; and much, much that is painful, would have been avoided. But of -that no more.--Nay, do not weep,--I came to console, and not to grieve -you.-Come, take the fresh air on the ramparts, before the trumpet -sounds; and tell me what you would have me do, and I will do it.-I -would fain see you use your liberty; for it has pained me to the heart -to know the indignity that has been offered you. As we walk, you can -speak freely to me; and if by any means I can work your peace, no -effort of mine shall be wanting."</p> - -<p class="normal">His smooth and deceitful words were confirmed by the manner in which -he spoke them. He assumed the air of eager sincerity and truth with -wonderful skill; and it was impossible that Rose should not be, in -some degree, shaken in her opinion of him. But nevertheless, she was -not altogether deceived. Although she did not see the object to be -gained by this sudden change, yet it was too rapid not to startle and -surprise her; and there were also, in the whole piece of acting which -he now performed, those slight defects, which, good as it was, would -have immediately betrayed to an experienced eye, that it was art, not -nature, and which, even to Rose herself, all unacquainted as she was -with the ways of the world, suggested doubts and suspicions. She saw -that he turned quickly from many of the most important points he spoke -of, after briefly touching upon them, and had always an excuse ready -for not going deeply into any subject which might have most -embarrassed him. It was now, that he would not shock her delicacy; -now, that he did not wish to cast blame on others; now, that he did -not seek to exculpate or justify himself. In one or two instances -these evasions might have been admitted, but they were too frequent; -and he also insinuated far more than he said, and more than he might -have been able to prove.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was not exactly that Rose d'Albret marked all these particulars -distinctly, but that she received from the whole, joined with her -previous knowledge of his character, an indefinite impression of -doubt, a fear that he might be trying to deceive her for some purpose -which she did not comprehend. Still, as I have said, her opinion of -his baseness was in some degree shaken; she thought that, perhaps, he -might have better qualities which had been crushed under the weight of -evil education and bad example, and which might have led him, had they -been cultivated and developed, to higher objects, and a nobler course. -He was too, as has before been remarked, the only one who seemed -inclined to treat her gently and kindly; and she shrunk from the -thought of repelling the first sympathy she had met with since her -return.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was with such mingled feelings then, that she replied, "I am most -grateful for your kindness, Monsieur de Chazeul; but I must not -deceive you. I must not deceive myself. You must clearly understand -that my mind is fixed and resolute in the determination which I -expressed to your mother."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I know not what that is," replied Chazeul, "for I am not acquainted -yet with all that has taken place this morning; but," he continued, -"you must not suppose that I came here to entrap you into any -engagements, from which you must naturally shrink. Indeed my sole -object, when I reached your door, was to relieve you from that painful -oppression under which you had been placed. I have been led farther -than I intended; but I could not make up my mind to neglect the -opportunity of removing, at least part of the prejudices which have -been created against me in some degree by my own foolish conduct, in -some degree perhaps by the representations of others. However, as I -said, I came here to entrap you to nothing; and whatever confidence -you may think proper to place in me, whatever you may require, or I -may do to promote your wishes, or to free you from persecution, such -as that which is now mistakenly carried on in my favour, compromises -you to nothing, binds you to nothing. Let it be understood between us, -that everything, on either side, remains unchanged--I loving you, -though perhaps hopeless of return--You retaining every feeling and -resolution which time, circumstances, and my future conduct, may not -change."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose shook her head gravely and mournfully, but Chazeul went on with a -slight alteration of tone, saying, "Come, Mademoiselle d'Albret, take -a turn upon the ramparts, and let us talk no more of such things. The -free air, and the sight of country round, will do you good; and, as -you get a little more calm, we may consult together as to what is to -be done to obviate those proceedings which we both wish to defer, at -least."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose did not reply, but suffered him to lead her forth, though not -without some reluctance. The maid Blanchette, who was in the -ante-room, gazed at them as they passed, with a look of some surprise; -but she said nothing, and they went out unobstructed.</p> - -<p class="normal">Through the rest of the day Chazeul maintained the same conduct, and -kept up the same tone, frequently discussing with Rose d'Albret the -means which were to be taken to shake the determination of the Count -de Liancourt and Madame de Chazeul. Three times he went to speak with -them alone, upon the pretence of inducing them to change their -resolutions, and returned with a gloomy and dissatisfied air, saying, -"I can obtain no answer, but that to-morrow, before noon, our fate -must be decided."</p> - -<p class="normal">What was really the matter of his conversation with his mother and the -count? Very different from that which he represented it. With his -mother he laughed merrily over the artifices which he practised. "Ah! -give me a woman," he cried, "for seeing into a woman's heart. I have -all along mistaken this girl's character. From her light indifference -and coquettish gaiety, I had thought to deal with her in the same way; -but now I find, that she is all sentiment and tenderness, forsooth. If -I had before possessed a clue to the little labyrinth of her heart, I -should have easily found my way in."</p> - -<p class="normal">To the Count de Liancourt, he maintained a different tone; pointed out -the apparent terms of confidence which existed between Rose and -himself; represented her reluctance as, in the main, affected, and -merely assumed out of respect for what she considered propriety; -insinuated that she would be rather pleased than not, to be the -apparent victim of compulsion, in a matter where her own inclinations -and her respect for appearances were at variance; and he took care to -confirm the impression thus produced, by drawing from Rose replies in -a low voice, to whispered questions which he affected to wish withheld -from the ear of the Count. Thus passed by several hours at different -times of the day. But during the rest, Rose remained in her chamber, -plunged in deep reveries, and puzzled and doubtful reflections, -seeking some light in the maze that surrounded her, often looking to -the future with a shudder of dread, and often contemplating the past -with bitter tears, but still hearing a voice that whispered, "De -Montigni is not dead."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXV.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">Poor Rose d'Albret was like an inexperienced youth, playing for a high -stake against a numerous party of unprincipled gamblers. While Chazeul -was affecting to be her own partner in the game, his mother, as his -confederate, was employing all her art against her. During the whole -of that day, the Marchioness was busy in every part of the château, -preparing all means for the attainment of her object. Now, she was -dealing with her weak brother, now with the servants, now with the -priest; and it was with no cold and lifeless calculation that she -acted, but even with more interest than the mere promotion of her -son's views could have inspired. She was in her element; she loved the -exercise of her cunning; she took a delight in the act; it gave her -excitement, in which to her was life; for all her days had been passed -from very early years, either in the fine workings of intrigue, or in -stormy passions and the struggles of the mind. Such things were to her -as the strong spirit to the drunkard, or the dice to the gamester; and -she could not live without them. We shall only trace her course, -however, as far as this day is concerned, through one or two of her -proceedings; for that will be enough to show how she conducted the -whole. As soon as her son had left her in the morning, she proceeded -to the chapel of the castle, and there, according to the expression of -the day, gave holy water to the body of her brother. It may be asked -if the sight of the coffin and the pall, produced no effect upon her -mind; if the salutary thoughts of death, and the evidence, of how all -vast schemes and laborious efforts must terminate--of the great -consummation of earthly ambition--did not create doubt and hesitation, -awaken remorse, or excite repentance? Not in the least! Those were -strange and awful times, when the daily scenes of blood and death, -and the constant spectacle of vice and crime, seemed to have hardened -most hearts against all the great moral lessons which mortal fate -affords to the living and the light. They did not--perhaps they would -not--feel; and the most frenzied licentiousness, the most guilty -schemes, the most black and terrible crimes, had often, for witnesses, -the dead, for pretexts, religion, for a banner, the cross.</p> - -<p class="normal">What she went to perform was but a ceremony; and as such she treated -it, without one thought but. "We must get the body buried before the -marriage, to-morrow.--No need to tell her anything about it."</p> - -<p class="normal">She was turning to leave the chapel, when the priest entered, and -approached her with a slow and solemn step. "Ah! good father," cried -the Marchioness, as soon as she saw him, "I have been looking for you. -I wished to speak with you about the conduct of this obstinate girl. -She still holds out pertinaciously, and something must be done to -overcome her headstrong opposition. We have thought of--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not here," replied the priest, interrupting her, "not here! This is a -solemn and a holy place, unfit for worldly discussions. Let us go -somewhere else, where we can talk over the affair more decently. The -lower hall was vacant as I passed through."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, well," cried the Marchioness with a smile, not altogether free -from scorn, "There, as well as here."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Better!" said the priest, leading the way back to the château itself. -When they had reached the lower hall, as a large stone paved chamber -on the ground floor was called, father Walter was the first to resume -the subject; saying, "I thought you would fail in persuading her. -Monsieur de Liancourt must use all his authority."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You know him, father!" answered Madame de Chazeul. "It is upon such -occasions that he always fails his friends. Bold till the moment of -action comes, he is as timid as a hare when it is most necessary to -show firmness."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not when he can be made angry," replied the priest, "or when he can -be convinced that his own dignity is at stake."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But on this point, neither of those cases can occur," said the -Marchioness. "She will weep and entreat, and then both his dignity and -his weakness will take her part. There is but one way before us," she -added, in a low and confidential tone, "and that is, to convince her, -that her own fame and reputation require her marriage with Chazeul."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That may be difficult," answered father Walter thoughtfully; "but yet -with time it may be done. We may surround her with nets from which it -is barely possible for her to escape; and continual importunity does -much with woman, as you, lady--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Time! Time!" cried Madame de Chazeul impatiently, "but we have no -time. That is the very thing that is wanting. The marriage must take -place to-morrow, before noon--That is decided. It shall be if I live!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, but why such haste?" asked the priest. "With no farther any -obstacle but a young lady's reluctance, it were well worth while, to -give up a few days to the task of vanquishing that."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Marchioness gazed at him for a moment with a glance half angry, -half doubtful, and then repeated his words, "No obstacle!--Hark ye, -Walter de la Tremblade," and she whispered in his ear, "De Montigni is -alive and well!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Father Walter heard the tidings with a calm sarcastic smile, -answering, "I thought so, my daughter. But were it not better to have -owned this to me, at once? Such want of trust in those on whose -prudence you can rely, has marred many a fair project, and will mar -many another. De Montigni lives!--Then you must be quick, indeed!--Not -that I bear the young man an ill will: not that I would injure him in -anything! but if we can by any means prevent it, he must not carry to -the heretic party he has espoused, such estates as would centre in his -person by his marriage with this lady. Now, Madam, what is your plan? -for you have one already contrived, I see."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Marchioness laughed. "Did you ever know me without a plan?" she -asked; "but my present scheme is somewhat difficult to explain. -However, do you not think, good father, that things might be so -contrived, as to render, in a marvellous short time, a wedding with my -son Chazeul, a very good and expedient thing in the eyes of Rose -d'Albret herself?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"What do you mean?" exclaimed the priest after a moment or two of -consideration. "You would use no violence? You would not--surely you -would not do her a bitter wrong!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, no!" cried the Marchioness, "but simply by means and -contrivances, which I well know how to manage, make her believe that -her fair fame is lost, if she do not marry Chazeul. Luckily, he has a -goodly reputation as a bold and successful lover, and so the matter -will have every appearance of truth."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But can you ever clear a fame once clouded?" asked the priest; "can -you remove the black plague-spot from the fair name which you have -stained? Alas! lady, in this world, every idle tongue, every vain, -licentious man, every rancorous woman, can blast the reputation of the -good and bright, even by a light word; but where is the power that can -restore it? Foul suspicion still whispers the disproved lie in the ear -of the credulous multitude, and human malice receives it with delight, -and propagates the scandal with busy pertinacity. Will you thus -destroy the good name of your son's wife?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Only to make her his wife!" replied Madame de Chazeul, "only to -herself;" and she proceeded to detail her plan, not sincerely, indeed, -not fully; for she was one of those who can deal in complete sincerity -with no one; but the priest knew her well, and gathered that which she -did not tell, from that which she did. His brow was doubtful and -gloomy, however, and he asked, "And yet no violence?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"None, none!" cried Madame de Chazeul.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well," he said, after another long pause, "perhaps it is the only way -to obtain her acquiescence.--Yet I love not such plans; and am glad -that I myself am to play no part in the affair."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But should you hear or see Chazeul," asked the Marchioness, "You will -take no notice?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I shall neither hear nor see him," replied the priest, "for I keep -vigil in the chapel by your brother's corpse, according to my promise, -until matins."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That is fortunate!" cried Madame de Chazeul; and then she added, lest -he should put his own interpretation on her exclamation, "I mean, that -you will be thus freed from all personal knowledge of the business."</p> - -<p class="normal">"True!" he answered, "true! and I would fain know as little of it as -possible.--I must now go and say mass, lady.--The Count, I trust, will -be present; though, to speak truth, this house is more like a Huguenot -dwelling, than that of a zealous Catholic, so sadly are the ordinances -of religion neglected.--But in the course of the morning, I will find -a moment to speak with him, and strive to confirm him in his -resolutions."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Do, do, good father!" replied the Marchioness, and left him, not -altogether satisfied with herself for having given him any insight -into the scheme, of which she was now full.</p> - -<p class="normal">Blanchette was the next person she practised on; but to her she -afforded no intimation of her intentions, leaving her son himself to -deal with the maid. But she prepared the way for him, by many an -artful hint of the necessity of Blanchette's pleasing him in -everything, both before and after his marriage with her mistress, -giving her to understand, that her fortunes depended entirely upon his -favour, and that if that were maintained, they were secure.</p> - -<p class="normal">Blanchette listened, and promised to be most obedient; but she clearly -saw that there was some ulterior object, to be explained at an after -period; and she waited impatiently throughout the day, to learn what -it was, hoping to find in it a source of profit to herself. Towards -night, her friend, the confidential servant of Chazeul, called her to -his master's chamber, and she remained with him in close conference -for more than half an hour. When she came out, notwithstanding the -obtuseness of her mind, and the air of still greater dulness which she -somewhat affected, it was evident that the girl was a good deal -agitated and even alarmed. She went back with a hasty step to the room -in which she slept, stopped for a moment in the middle of the floor, -then turned and went out again and knocked at the door of the priest's -room, which, as we have before shown, was adjacent to that of her -mistress. There was no answer; and, hurrying down, she asked some of -the servants whom she met below, if they could tell her where Monsieur -de la Tremblade was to be found.</p> - -<p class="normal">One replied that he was in his own chamber; but another exclaimed, -before Blanchette could tell the first that he was mistaken, "No, no, -Ma'mselle Blanchette, he is in the chapel," and the girl hurried -thither at once. Crossing herself with holy water from the bénitier at -the door, and making due genuflexions as she advanced, Blanchette -approached the altar, gazing with a look of distaste, and even fear, -at the bier of the old commander as she passed.</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest was just concluding some one of the many services of the -Roman Catholic Church; and the girl waited till the last words died -away upon his lips, and then with lowly reverence drew nigh.</p> - -<p class="normal">"What is it, Blanchette?" said Monsieur de la Tremblade; "you seem -alarmed and in haste."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I want to know what I am to do, father," said Blanchette in a low -tone. "I am sure I do not know, whether I ought to consent to what -Monsieur de Chazeul wishes or not."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hush," said the priest. "Come into the confessional;" and, placing -himself within the old oak screen, he bent down his head, while -Blanchette kneeling on the other side of the partition, poured, -through the aperture, her tale into his ear.</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest listened without surprise, as she told him that Monsieur de -Chazeul had required that admission should be given him to her -mistress's chamber, at an hour after midnight. "He assured me," the -girl said, "that it is with Mademoiselle d'Albret's consent, but that -she did not like to mention it to me; and he added, that I was not to -speak of it to her."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That was not right, for, I believe, it is not true," replied the -priest. "But what you have to do, is to ask Madame de Chazeul, and -follow her directions."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, if I am to do that," cried the girl, "she bade me already do -everything that Monsieur de Chazeul told me; but I thought it right to -come and ask you, father, that I might be quite sure of what I was -about."</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest paused and hesitated; but, after several minutes' thought, -he replied, "I know not the circumstances, my daughter.--Doubtless -Monsieur de Chazeul has no evil intentions." And thus saying, he rose -and quitted the confessional, leaving Blanchette to draw her own -deductions and follow her own course.</p> - -<p class="normal">The girl paused and pondered thoughtfully for several moments; then -shrugging her shoulders, she murmured with a low laugh, "Well, if he -sees no harm in it, what business is it of mine?" and, with this -comfortable reflection, she returned slowly to the château.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXVI.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">It was near midnight; all was quiet in the château; sleep seemed to -have fallen upon all eyes but those of the sentries upon the walls. -The wind sighed amongst the towers and pinnacles; the old oak -panneling creaked; and every now and then the screech-owl whirled with -its shrill scream past the windows; but those were the only sounds -that disturbed the deep silence of night, while the priest, in the -chapel, watched the body of the dead man, according to his promise. -The building itself was dark and gloomy; the tapers on the altar cast -their rays but a little distance beyond the coffin; and the light -faded away gradually into the deep obscurity of the other parts of the -chapel, while the large cluster pillars and the rich, sculptured -groins of the arches, caught the beams faintly as they darted towards -the vaulted roof, or strove to penetrate the aisles. It was a solemn -scene, and might well fill the breast with thoughts high and grave. -There lay the dead: the dust ready for the earth, the spirit returned -to God who gave it. There stood the altar, raised for the worship of -that God, and bearing aloft in the full light, the symbol of the -salvation which was purchased by the blood of His Son. Death, -immortality, and redemption, were prominent and clear before the eye, -while all round was obscurity, like the misty darkness of mortal fate -which wraps us, in this strange world wherein we live.</p> - -<p class="normal">Father Walter had watched through the preceding night, and had felt -less than he did at present; he had done it as a duty, as the mere -fulfilment of a promise. He was familiar with the deathbed, the -coffin, and grave; and as usual, they had lost much of their -impressiveness. But now for some reason,--perhaps that his own heart -was not well at ease,--he felt sensations of awe and gloom creep over -him. He knelt and murmured prayers before the altar; he went through -some of the ceremonial observances of his religion; but they now gave -him no relief. The words fell cold and meaningless from his lips; the -sign of the cross, the genuflexion, and the counted beads, seemed for -the first time all dull forms, having no reference to the heart.</p> - -<p class="normal">Then he came forward and gazed upon the coffin; and memory recalled -many an event connected with him who now lay so still within. He had -known him for many years: he recollected him in his youth, and in his -prime, and memory ran back over the long chain of linked hours, -pausing here and there upon the brighter spots, till the natural -affections of the heart--which not even the cold philosophy of a -religion which bars its priesthood from all the more kindly -associations of human life, can ever totally extinguish--were -reawakened by the thoughts, and some of the fresh and generous -impulses of earlier years rose up, and brought a tear into his eye.</p> - -<p class="normal">Again he knelt down and prayed; but it seemed that, in the act of -prayer, a voice from the cross above the altar reached his heart -mournfully and reproachfully. He thought it asked him if, in the -counsels he was giving, if in the deeds he was sanctioning, he was a -true follower of the guileless and holy Saviour, of the pure, the -true, the meek, who showed God to be truth and love, and falsehood, -deceit and wrong, to be the offspring of the arch-enemy. He covered -his face with his hands as if the All-seeing eye were more especially -upon him; and then starting up he murmured, "I wish I had taken no -part in this." With a quick and agitated step, he paced the nave of -the chapel; and, as he did so, half spoken words betrayed the -troublous anxiety of his soul.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I wish I had not done it," he said. "Who can tell what may be the -result?--They are not to be trusted,--neither mother nor son,--dark, -dark and deceitful!--Even to me they cannot be sincere. De Montigni is -an angel of light compared to them.--Would to heaven he had not -embraced the party of the heretic!--and this poor girl, why should she -be tortured so? Can I not stop it even now?--He is to go thither at -one o'clock.--What may be the result?--No, no he will never dare!" and -with agitated pace, again he trod and retrod the whole length of the -chapel; and then, after pausing and gazing once more upon the coffin, -he suddenly turned, and opening the great door, issued out into the -court. Entering the house, he crossed the stone hall, passed through -the corridor beyond, and approached the foot of the staircase which -led to his own apartments, and those of Mademoiselle d'Albret. But -there he paused; and, laying his hand upon his brow, mused for several -minutes.</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," he said at length, "No, not now. I will return at the very -time;--and yet I must not stop him," he added, after a moment's pause. -"It seems the only chance for insuring this vast property to the side -of the Holy Catholic League. That should be the first question; and -yet,--" he paused again, and with a slow step, stopping more than once -to consider, he found his way back to the hall, into which the -moonlight was streaming through the open door. On the steps he stood -for several minutes, gazing up towards the sky, where the faint -twinkling stars looked out, like angels' eyes watching the slumber of -the world. He thought they might be so, or, at least, that eyes as -clear and bright, though hidden from his view, might be even then -hanging over him, and all whom that place contained, and he exclaimed, -"Oh may they protect, as well as watch!" and, with a slow step, and -his looks bent upon the ground, he advanced once more to the door of -the chapel.</p> - -<p class="normal">One side of the building rested against the outer wall which -surrounded the château; and the sentries passed it on their round -above. Thus, when the priest approached, he heard a step like that of -an armed man, but he did not look up at the sound, though it was not -unpleasant to his ear; for the feelings that were in his heart, and -the thoughts which were hurrying through his brain, rendered the -proximity of some human being in the dead hours of the night, rather a -relief to him than otherwise.</p> - -<p class="normal">Passing on, however, at a very tardy pace he entered the chapel; and, -when he had reached the first column of the six which, on either side, -supported the roof, whether there was some noise which roused him from -his reverie, or whether there was one of those vague and undefined -impressions on his mind, which we sometimes receive without knowing -how, that he was no longer alone in that dark and gloomy place--he -suddenly paused and raised his eyes; when, between the coffin and the -altar, in the full light of the tapers which stood upon the latter, he -beheld a human figure, standing with the head bent down, and the hands -clasped together. It was that of a woman, young and apparently -beautiful, dressed in black garments, but with the head bare, and the -glossy hair reflecting the beams from the altar, so that for an -instant, to the dazzled eyes of the priest, there seemed a sort of -glory round her brow.</p> - -<p class="normal">He started, and his heart beat quick as, for an instant, he gazed in -silent wonder; but his heart beat quicker still when, recovering from -his surprise, he recognized the beautiful form and features of Helen -de la Tremblade, his niece.</p> - -<p class="normal">She had been to him as a child, from her earliest years. On her had -centred all the affections which he yet permitted to have any power -over him; and, as they were few and confined but to one object, they -were strong and vehement in proportion. So vehement, indeed, were -they, that at times they alarmed him. He fancied it almost sinful, -vowed for ever to the service of his God, so to love any mere mortal -creature. Often did he deny himself the delight of seeing her for -weeks and months together; and sometimes, when he did see her, he -would put a harsh restraint upon his tenderness, and seem cold and -stern, though at other times it would master him completely, and he -would give way to all the deep affection of his heart.</p> - -<p class="normal">He gazed on her then, as she stood there, with surprise and alarm. He -had been told, that she was ill; and her face, as he looked upon it, -was deadly pale. She moved not, though she must have heard his step; -not a limb seemed agitated. He could not even see her bosom heave with -the breath of life. A cold thrill came over him, as with feelings -common to every one in that day, he asked himself, "Can it be her -spirit?--Helen," he said, "Helen!"</p> - -<p class="normal">A convulsive sob was the only reply; but that was enough; and, -advancing with a rapid step, he passed the bier, and stood before her.</p> - -<p class="normal">With her eyes still bent down upon the ground, with her hands still -clasped together, Helen sunk down upon her knees at his feet. The old -man stretched forth his arms to raise her, but she exclaimed -vehemently, "Do not touch me! Do not touch me! I am unworthy that a -hand so pure and holy should be laid upon me!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Walter de la Tremblade recoiled for a moment, and gazed upon her with -a look of mute and stern inquiry; but then, moved and softened by all -the agitating feelings of that night, the full flood of tenderness and -affection swept every other emotion away; and casting his arms round -her, he pressed her to his bosom, crying, "Whatever be thy faults, -thou art my dead brother's child, thou art my own nurseling lamb, and -woe to any one who has injured thee!"</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXVII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">As nature in the colours with which her beautifying hand has adorned -the creation, for the glory of God, and the delight of his creatures, -has far excelled in richness, and brightness, and variety of hues, all -that the art of man can produce, merely leaving to his vain efforts -the task of falsely imitating her; so does she, in the real course of -events, far exceed in the marvellous and extraordinary, anything that -imagination can conceive. The boundless springs of human passions and -prejudices; the endless variety of human character; the infinite -combinations which man and circumstances may afford, are every day -offering more wonderful and striking scenes than the boldest poet -would venture to display. There is not a house in the land but has its -tragedy to tell; there is not a chamber that has not been stained by -bitter and passionate tears; there is hardly one human heart that has -not within itself its own tale of romance. But as it is the object of -this history, but to depict events very ordinary in the days to which -it relates--and as it is, indeed, the object of its author in all his -works, to keep to calm and quiet probabilities, in order, if possible, -to cure his fellow countrymen of that longing for over excitement, -that moral gin-drinking which has become a vice amongst us, and teach -them that there may be both pleasure and health in less stimulating -beverages; he is anxious to explain every event as it took place, and -to leave nothing to the charge of the marvellous.</p> - -<p class="normal">The reader has already inquired, how happened it, that Helen de la -Tremblade, after taking the firm resolution of doing that which, -though bitterly painful to her own feelings, she considered a duty to -those who had shown her kindness and tenderness in her moment of -distress, did not present herself before her uncle, on the first night -of his solitary watching by the corpse of the old commander, De -Liancourt;--and, had I been reading the work, instead of writing it, I -should have asked the same question too. The answer is very simple, -but it requires some detail.</p> - -<p class="normal">On the day following the battle of Ivry, hasty preparations were made -for conveying the body of the dead leader to Marzay. All those sad and -solemn preparations which are required by custom in consigning the -mortal dust to the earth from which it came: the coffin, the bier, and -the shroud, were to be made ready; and, whatever diligence was -employed, it was known that all this could not be complete before -evening. The soldiers who had followed the old leader to the field, -determined to take their turns in carrying him back to his last home; -and Helen, as has been said, resolved to accompany them; but still, -during the day, she showed some signs, as it seemed to Estoc, of -irresolution and doubt, and the good old warrior determined to speak a -word to her, for the purpose of removing her hesitation. She had not -quitted for more than a few brief moments the chamber of the dead man, -and the attachment which she displayed to even the inanimate remains -of his dead friend, deeply touched the heart of one who, for years, -had evinced towards the good old knight, that strong and pertinacious -love, so often found in the one-affectioned dog, so rarely in -many-motived man. Even had he not promised, he would still have been a -father to the poor girl, on account of her devotion to one who had -been a father to him; and, as he entered the chamber where she sat, he -strove to smooth his somewhat rough tone, in order to speak to her -tenderly.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Come, young lady," he said, "you had better really go into the hall -and take some refreshment. We must all die, old and young; and, as the -gamblers say, every year that goes makes the odds stronger against us; -so there is no use sitting here, pining by yourself, and I hope we -shall be able to march in a couple of hours."</p> - -<p class="normal">"So soon!" asked Helen.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay," answered Estoc, "the sooner it is all over, the better, my dear. -I know it is painful to you to fulfil your promise, but I don't think -you will shrink from it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! it is not that," cried Helen de la Tremblade; "my mind is made -up; and if it kill me, I will do it. But I did not want to go just -yet, for the first person who was kind to me, and took compassion upon -me, promised to come or send after the battle was over. He will think -me ungrateful if I go, without waiting to see him; and yet who can -tell whether he be dead or alive? I am sure he is not a man to shrink -from any danger, but rather to seek it; for the kindest-hearted are -always the bravest."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That's very true," exclaimed Estoc. "I have marked that through a -struggle of fifty-four years with this good world.--But what is his -name, young lady? We have had accounts this morning of all the great -men killed and the wounded; so I can tell you if he be amongst them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, he is a man of no great rank," answered Helen. "A very poor -French gentleman, he told me: his name is Chasseron."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, he is quite safe and well," answered Estoc, with a smile; "I know -him a little, too. But Monsieur de Chasseron is a very busy man, and -has many things upon his hands, just now. He is at Mantes with the -King, or at Rosni, some say. I wish to heaven I could see him myself," -he continued, "for I think if he heard that Monsieur de Montigni and -Mademoiselle Rose had been taken by the enemy, he might give us some -help."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Can I not go to him at Mantes?" cried Helen; "I could tell him all, -and be back very soon."</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc paused, and thought. "Not before we set out," he replied. "It's -along way to Mantes, my dear. If you do, you must join us by the way. -But how am I to get you thither, and back again?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, I am a poor friendless creature," cried Helen de la Tremblade, -"it matters not what becomes of me. I do not think any one would -injure me, but that cruel woman; and she is far away."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, you are not friendless," exclaimed Estoc warmly; "and never shall -be while I live. No, I cannot let you go alone; but I can send two of -my old fellows with you, who will take care that no one does you -wrong. Perhaps there may be some bands too going down, and if I could -find any stout old leader whom I know, he would take care of you. I -will go up to the village and see; for it would be a great thing, -indeed, if you could let Monsieur de Chasseron know all that has -happened.--He might help us--he might help us, though I don't know if -he has the power."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am sure he will if he can," cried Helen; "for he has a kind and -generous heart, as I have good cause to say."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, I will go, I will go," replied Estoc. "At all events, you shall -have two men to go with you. Old Jaunaye and Longeau, they shall be -the men. They are of the good old stuff, out of which we used to make -soldiers in my young days; none of the coxcombs that we have at -present. But, you get ready to go, and I will be back in half an hour. -My horse is saddled at the door."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, he departed, and, in less time than he had mentioned, -returned, with an eager air, exclaiming, "Quick, quick, Mademoiselle -Helen; here is the band of the old Count de Ligones, just marching -this moment, and you can easily come up with them. I saw him and told -him, and he says he will take care of you. But you shall have Jaunaye -and the Longeau, to bring you across to us to-morrow. You can easily -catch us up, either at Tremblaye, or Châteauneuf, for we must needs go -slow. The men are ready."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And so am I," answered Helen, "but how am I to find Monsieur de -Chasseron in all the bustle and confusion of the court?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"True," said Estoc, thoughtfully; "you may have some trouble. I will -tell you what," he continued; "here, write down upon a piece of paper -the gentleman's name, and send it into Monsieur de Biron. He is an old -friend of Chasseron's, I think, and will bring him to you."</p> - -<p class="normal">Pen and ink were soon procured, the name written down, and Helen -de la Tremblade covering herself with the thick veil which Rose -d'Albret had left behind--for she herself had been driven forth all -unprepared--went out, and with the assistance of Estoc, mounted a -pillion behind one of the men. After riding for about three miles, -they overtook the band of the Count de Ligones, an old soldier of near -seventy years of age. He was hearty and gay, however, and would fain -have entertained his fair companion for the rest of the way, with many -a jest, and many a tale; but Helen, as the reader may suppose, -remained grave and sad, answering his questions by a monosyllable, and -listening to his jokes without reply.</p> - -<p class="normal">"You seem very silent, Mademoiselle," said the old gentleman, at -length; "I am afraid some misfortune has happened to you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have lost a kind and generous friend in this last battle," cried -Helen de la Tremblade, "and have no heart to speak."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah! poor thing," said the old man. "You are not a soldier to bear -these things lightly. We learn to weep for a friend one half hour, and -to laugh the next. When a man holds life by the tenure of a straw, he -soon gets to look upon the loss of it by others, as a matter of little -moment. Yet here I am, have reached seventy years of age, and have -been in twelve stricken battles, with at least a skirmish every week -for this last thirty years, and never got but one scratch upon the -face: yet I have seen many a blooming boy swept away in his very first -fight."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus he continued talking on, during the whole way, till they reached -the woods, which, at that time, skirted the banks of the Seine; and, -giving his men orders to halt at one of the neighbouring villages, he -rode on with Helen and her two companions, followed by a small party -of his own attendants, towards the Château of Rosni, in which they -found that the King had taken up his abode.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was the bustle of a camp, rather than that of a court, that Helen -now found. Tents were pitched in the meadows; baggage-waggons -encumbered the ground, bodies of soldiers were moving here and there, -and parties of armed men with their steel caps laid aside, were seen -supping on the damp ground under the trees, by the light of the fires -which they kindled to keep off the exhalations of the night, now -drawing in around them. The great doors of the château were wide open, -the hall filled with people, and though the Count de Ligones acted as -her spokesman, and inquired of several whom they met, if they could -tell where Monsieur de Chasseron was to be found, whether in the -château, or in the village, she could get no satisfactory answer of -any kind; and, indeed, so busy did every one seem with his own -thoughts, or his own business, that very often no reply was returned -at all.</p> - -<p class="normal">As every one seemed at liberty to come and go, however, the old Count, -more accustomed to such scenes than she, led her up the great -staircase into the corridor at the top. But, as they were turning to -the right, more at a venture than by choice, a guard placed himself -before them, saying,--"You cannot pass, Sir, without an order. These -are the King's apartments."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Call a valet or an equerry," said Monsieur de Ligones.</p> - -<p class="normal">The man obeyed; and, in a moment after, out came a tall good-looking -man, in military attire, who exclaimed at once, "Ah! Ligones, is that -you? You are to quarter your men at the farther end of the village. -There are two houses marked for you; but, good faith, you must make -them sleep as close as pigs in a sty. We only give them house room at -all, because we know that there is not a man under seventy amongst -them, and so take care of their old bones."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Thanks, Aubigné, thanks," replied the Count; "but I want to see the -King, and--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"You cannot see him just now," answered Aubigné, "for he has got D' O -and other vermin with him, and has for once lost his patience. I heard -him swearing like a Reiter, with all the language of Babylon come back -upon him in full force. I believe he will frighten them into -disgorging something; but whether or not sufficient to carry us to -Paris, I doubt. However, if you will wait half an hour, the fit of -blasphemy and finance, will have left him. May I ask what are your -commands, Madam? If your business be with the King, I must report it; -for he is always much more accessible to ladies than to gentlemen."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, Sir," said Helen, "I have not the honour of knowing his Majesty; -but I would fain speak for a moment with Monsieur de Chasseron."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is not here, that I know of," replied Aubigné. "I have not seen -him for some time."</p> - -<p class="normal">"If you would give that paper to Marshal Biron," answered the young -lady, "and ask him to condescend to put down where Monsieur de -Chasseron is to be found, you would greatly oblige me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I will do with pleasure," replied the equerry. "Let this lady -and gentleman pass," he continued, speaking to the guard; and then -adding, "I will keep you in the passage for a moment," he left them, -entering a room at the very farther end of the corridor. Within that -was another chamber, the door of which Aubigné opened gently; and -then stretching in his hand to a gentleman who sat nearest the end of -a long table, surrounded by a number of persons, he gave him the paper -he had received, saying, "Will you have the goodness to hand that up -to Monsieur de Biron, and ask him to put down for a young lady who -waits without, where that gentleman is to be found. You may tell the -King, if you like," he added, in a whisper; "that she is prodigiously -handsome."</p> - -<p class="normal">He paused a moment, while the paper passed from hand to hand. Some who -received it, smiled; some passed it on in silence; but Henri Quatre -who sat at the head of the table, remarked what was taking place, and -exclaimed, "What is that?--What have you got there? Pardi, send it -up."</p> - -<p class="normal">The command was immediately obeyed; and, at the same moment, Henri -nodding his head to Aubigné a little gravely, as if to reprove him for -the curiosity he seemed to evince, said, "You may go, companion."</p> - -<p class="normal">The equerry retreated, and closed the door, without, however, quitting -the adjacent room; and Helen and Monsieur de Ligones remained standing -in the corridor for nearly a quarter of an hour, while numerous -attendants and officers passed them every minute. At the end of that -time, Aubigné again appeared; and, after informing the Count that he -could now speak with the King if he would go into the room at the end -of the passage, he turned to Helen, saying, "Follow me, Mademoiselle. -Monsieur de Chasseron is expected very soon; and you can wait for -him."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen thanked the old Count warmly for his courteous protection on the -road, and then prepared to accompany Aubigné; but Monsieur de Ligones -whispered with kind intentions in her ear, "I will tell your two men -to wait for you in the hall; and, as soon as your conference is over, -you had better ride away to Rolleboise or Bonnières, for this is not -the best place for a young creature like you. There are too many men -here, and too few women."</p> - -<p class="normal">The blood came up into the poor girl's face; but she understood that -the old nobleman's meaning was good, and replying, "I will!" she -followed her conductor to a small cabinet but scantily furnished, -where Aubigné left her, and closed the door.</p> - -<p class="normal">Seating herself by the table, Helen remained in anxious meditation for -more than half an hour, at the end of which time a number of steps -were heard in the corridor, and a tall stout man opened the door and -looked in. He withdrew again, immediately; and some ten minutes more -passed without anything occurring to disturb her reverie. Then, -however, the door again opened; and, to her infinite satisfaction, the -figure of Chasseron himself, in his worn doublet and heavy boots, -appeared, turning round his bead as he entered, and saying to some one -without, "Wait, here! I will return directly."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen sprang up to meet him with that look of gladness and confidence, -which is hard to resist; and, taking her hand, he exclaimed with a -good-humoured smile, "Ah! my little protégée!--Now, I warrant you -thought the grey beard had forgotten you; but such was not the case, -and you must have passed one of my men on the road. I have been so -busy I could not send before. But every one who cares for poor King -Henry, must be busy now; for no sooner does he gain one advantage than -his own people help the enemy to deprive him of the fruits of it. -Well, what news from St. André? Were the people with whom I left you -kind?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! most kind," answered Helen de la Tremblade; "Mademoiselle -d'Albret is an old and generous friend--better alas! than I deserve; -but it is for her sake I have come hither, not my own."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha! How is that?" asked Chasseron; "has anything happened? Are they -not married?--Pardi. I thought they would lose no time. Yet I saw the -young Baron in the field. He may have been wounded? He is not in the -list of killed."</p> - -<p class="normal">He spoke so rapidly, that Helen had not time to answer anything he -said, before something new was uttered. When he paused, however, she -replied, "No! Oh, no! He is not killed; but he is a prisoner which -is--or may be worse."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Parbleu! that is unfortunate!" cried her companion. "He was one of -those, I suppose, who ventured too rashly forward in the town of Ivry. -Yet I saw him not there; and I was not far behind myself."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It was not there he was taken," answered Helen; and, as briefly as -possible--for she saw that Chasseron, though wishing to show her every -kindness, was in haste--she recapitulated all that had occurred on the -banks of Eure, since she had been placed in the farm-house.</p> - -<p class="normal">The stout soldier shut his teeth, which were as white as snow, upon -his grizzled moustache; and then murmured, "They are unlucky folks! -Poor things! To Chartres, did you say? Ventre Saint Gris! something -must be done for them.--Well, well, that may be set to rights."</p> - -<p class="normal">These words seemed more the out-pourings of what was passing in his -own mind, than addressed to his fair companion; but the moment after, -he turned to her, saying, "I have some small influence here; and I -will not fail to use it for Monsieur de Montigni. He once came to my -aid, fair lady, when life or death hung upon the event of a moment. He -has since served the King to the best of his ability, and the King -should show himself grateful. Doubtless he will, and he shall not fail -to know the facts. Then it will not be impossible to exchange, against -Monsieur de Montigni, some prisoner in his hands."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But they fear the Duke of Nemours will send back Mademoiselle -d'Albret to Marzay," said Helen; "and then--and then--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"What then?" asked Chasseron, quickly. "Oh! I see," he continued; -"They will force her into a wedding with Nicholas de Chazeul; as -dishonest a rogue as ever used the pretence of religion to cover base -designs. He shall not have her!--Pardi, he shall not have her if I -have any say in the matter."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen turned pale, and trembled, but she replied not; and her -companion added, after a moment's thought, "Well! that shall be cared -for, too, as far as I am able.--What was it you said about our good -old friend the Commander? Dead, did you say? Why, he fell not on the -field!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," answered Helen in a subdued tone, "He died last night of his -wounds."</p> - -<p class="normal">"God have his soul in guard!" cried the stout soldier. "He was a good -old man!--But now, my poor young lady, to tell truth--though I am -right glad to see you--yet your coming puzzles me not a little. I know -not what to do with you here. They say, pity is akin to love, but--" -He saw that Helen's cheek turned pale; and, he added quickly, "Nay, do -not fear; There's honour amongst thieves; and I am not one to take -advantage of misfortune--What I would say is simply, that I know not -how or where to lodge you here in honesty or safety. Then, too, where -the King goes I must go; and--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, Sir," replied Helen, "Do not embarrass yourself, for me or my -fate. Deeply grateful am I for kindness to one who, when you found me, -was outcast, hopeless, and unfriended; but I am now no longer without -protection and support. Good Monsieur Estoc, whom I think you know, -sent me hither to tell you all that had occurred, hoping that your -influence with the King, or his ministers, might enable you to aid -Monsieur de Montigni and Mademoiselle d'Albret; but Monsieur Estoc -will protect me. He has promised to do so, and I am sure he will -perform it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, good faith, that he will!" answered Chasseron, "and it is better -that he should than that I should. As to influence, Heaven knows, the -King, good man, can rarely be got to do what he ought; and, with his -ministers, I have none, alas! But what I can do, I will; and, in the -mean time, tell old Estoc, that you have seen Chasseron; and mayhap he -will be with him, with a score of lances, for a day's sport. Let him -give me speedy news of what is going on. I am here for a day or two, -it seems, and cannot get away, for my movements depend on greater men -than myself.--But to return to your own business--What do you do -next?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"To-morrow I am to join Monsieur Estoc," replied Helen, "and go with -him to Marzay. They think," she added in a hesitating tone, "that I -maybe of service there to Mademoiselle d'Albret. To-night I propose to -go with the two men who came with me, to Rolleboise or Bonnières."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Right! right!" replied Chasseron; "yet they are full of our -people.--Well, I will send some one with you, to secure you -protection.--And now," he continued in a lower and a gentler tone, -"when I first found you, I think you were but poorly supplied with -that, to which we are all, both great and small, obliged to bow our -heads, though it be an idol: I mean money. I am, it is true, very -poor; but--"</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen waved her hand, bending her eyes to the ground, and colouring -deeply. Why she did so, the reader must ask of his own heart; but, as -her companion spoke, the words he had just before used, that "pity is -akin to love," rung in her ears again.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have enough," she said, "more than enough, thanks to the generosity -of poor Monsieur de Liancourt. Accept, Sir, my deepest, my most -heartfelt thanks. Had it not been for you, I should not have been, at -this hour, alive; and now I will keep you no longer, for I know you -are in haste."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yet stay a moment," said Chasseron. "I must send some one with you. -He shall be here directly. Now farewell."</p> - -<p class="normal">He gazed on her for a moment--seemed to hesitate; and then, taking her -hand in his, raised it to his lips, kissed it, not warmly, though -tenderly, and, repeating the word "Farewell," turned to the door. When -his fingers were upon the latch, however, he looked round saying, -"Wait till somebody comes from me--He shall not be long;" and then, -opening the door, he left her once more alone.</p> - -<p class="normal">Ere ten minutes were over, Helen was joined by an elderly man, in a -riding dress, who bowing low, said, "I have come from Monsieur de -Chasseron, Mademoiselle, and am to accompany you to Rolleboise."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen expressed her readiness to set out; and following her new guide -through the corridor and down the stairs, found the two old soldiers -who had accompanied her, waiting with some impatience and anxiety in -the hall. The whole party were soon on horseback; and, riding slowly -through the darkness, with the bright Seine glistening on their right, -reached Rolleboise in about three quarters of an hour. The little inn, -however, which, at that time, stood wedged in between the high banks -and the river, was filled to the doors; but at Bonnières, about two -miles farther, they found all quiet and tranquil; and the -accommodation which they wanted, was easily procured. Helen retired to -rest at once; and rising early the next morning to pursue her way, -found the man who had guided her from Rosni, waiting to see her -depart.</p> - -<p class="normal">Nothing more occurred on her journey worthy of the reader's attention, -and I shall only therefore notice, that, at Châteauneuf, she found -that Estoc and the funeral procession of the old Commander had already -passed on towards Marzay. She was here obliged again to pause for the -night, and did not reach the village of Marzay, which lay at the -distance of about half a league from the château, till sunset on the -following day. She found Estoc waiting her arrival, full of anxiety on -many accounts; for some communication had naturally established -itself, between the people of the château and their old companions, -and many of the events which have been recorded in the preceding pages -had become known to the old soldier.</p> - -<p class="normal">The news she brought him of her interview with Chasseron seemed to -interest him much. Its first effect, however, was to throw him into a -fit of meditation, and he made little or no comment, but by the words, -"He can do it if he will;--and yet I love not this rumour of the boy's -death. He is hot and quick; and there may be truth in it, though, I -think it is but one of their lies after all."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Whose death?" cried Helen de la Tremblade, turning as pale as death, -"not Monsieur de Montigni's?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, so they have spread abroad the report," replied Estoc, "but 'tis -a falsehood I believe, to drive poor Rose to do what they want. I -trust in heaven she will not believe it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And if she does," exclaimed Helen, "she will sooner die than take the -fate they offer her. Oh, no! it is one of that terrible woman's -frauds. But Rose will never consent."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I trust not," answered Estoc in a doubtful tone. "But a report has -reached me, that they intend to force this marriage upon her to-morrow -morning, and our best hope of preventing it lies with you, -Mademoiselle Helen."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will go directly," said Helen, in a tone wonderfully calm. "I am -ready now."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no," replied the old soldier, "not so, my dear; you must wait -till all the world's asleep, but your uncle. He watches all night in -the chapel. You too have need of rest and refreshment; and an hour -before midnight we will set out."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen took some food, and then lay down in the cottage, where a -chamber had been prepared for her; but sleep visited not her eyelids; -and her own thoughts were more wearisome than any corporeal exertion -could have been.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">We left Louis de Montigni on horseback, in a field near Chartres, -ready to exchange the deadly shot with one well practised in the use -of every weapon; and though we have given some indications of his -fate, we must, nevertheless now return to tell how that morning -passed. The Duke of Nemours was, as the reader is well aware, one of -the most distinguished members of the League, an enemy of the King, -and armed against the life of the young nobleman, who now faced him. -The customs of the day, too, rendered the death of an opponent in such -a combat, honourable rather than discreditable to the survivor. But, -notwithstanding all this, De Montigni had, from the first, felt great -reluctance, even to attempt to take the life of his antagonist, and in -the terms of duel which he had fixed, he had limited the number of -shots, not with any view to his own personal safety; for he was one of -those who do not easily apply the thought of danger to their own -heart; but in order not to be compelled to injure the Duke.</p> - -<p class="normal">As soon as Nemours saw that he had placed himself, and had wheeled his -horse, he raised his hat and bowed, and then replacing it on his head, -took the large pistol with which he was armed, in his right hand, his -reins in the left, and striking his spurs into the horse's flank, -galloped forward to meet his adversary. He had no hesitation on his -part, he had no remorse; but De Montigni was equally calm and cool, -for his mind was also made up as to what he should do; and keeping a -wary eye upon the Duke, he likewise rode on, though at a slower pace. -Nearer and more near they came to each other, with the muzzles of -their pistols raised, till--at the distance of about twenty -paces--Nemours levelled his weapon straight at his opponent's head. -The next moment De Montigni followed his example, but reserved his -fire.</p> - -<p class="normal">The Duke, in truth, did not intend to discharge his pistol at so great -a distance; but just at that spot, there was a narrow cut in the -field, made for the purposes of irrigation; and, seeing that he must -leap it, and thereby shake his hand, Nemours pulled the trigger at -once. At that very moment, however, the horse, seeing the little -ditch, was rising to the leap, and the Duke's aim was consequently -unsteady.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was more just than might have been expected, indeed, for the ball -grazed De Montigni's cheek, and passed through his hat, which was -somewhat cast back from his brow. His face was covered with blood in -an instant, and he felt himself wounded; but the injury was too slight -to move him in any degree, and, without checking his speed, he rode on -upon the Duke with his pistol, levelled, producing it must be -acknowledged, no very pleasant sensations in his antagonist's bosom. -When, within three yards, he slightly turned his hand to the right, -and fired.</p> - -<p class="normal">The ball flew at a considerable distance from Nemours; and the two -horses, carried on by their speed, passed each other before they could -be reined up. As they went by, however, the Duke exclaimed, "Ah! that -is not fair, Monsieur de Montigni."</p> - -<p class="normal">The young nobleman pulled in the bridle as soon as possible, and -returned, inquiring, "What is not fair, my lord?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Come, come," said Nemours, as they met, "own you did not fire at me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, my lord," replied De Montigni with a slight smile, "You have no -right to blame me for my bungling. I fired my pistol; that is enough, -though I will own, I am glad to see you uninjured."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Monsieur de Montigni," rejoined the Duke, "all I know is, that -if my horse had not risen to the leap before there was any need, you -would now be lying on that grass; and I am very sure that I saw you -turn your pistol to the right, or I might have been lying there -instead. Confess the fact; is it not so?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"You must excuse me, Sir," replied De Montigni gravely. "I fired to -the best of my judgment; but whatever be your feelings towards me, I -am well satisfied that France will not have to reproach me with the -death of one of her most gallant Princes, nor the King for having -deprived him of one who, I trust, will one day be one of his most -faithful subjects. But I must stop this blood, for it is staining all -my collar. Had your shot been but two inches to the right, there would -have been no need of surgeons."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am glad it was not," said Nemours frankly; and, both having -dismounted, De Montigni took some of the water from the little cut in -the meadow, and washed away the gore from his face.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Stay, stay," cried the Duke, producing some lint. "I have always some -of this about me when I go to the field; and it will soon staunch the -blood."</p> - -<p class="normal">With his own hands he aided to dress the wound which he had made; and -they were still thus employed, when a man, dressed in peaceful attire -as it was considered in that day--though his apparel consisted of a -stout buff coat, a slouched hat, wide crimson breeches, a pair of -enormous jack boots, a sword and dagger--rode up, mounted on a strong -grey charger. Over his shoulders, suspended by a leathern strap, hung -a trumpet ornamented with a banner of the arms of France; and drawing -in his rein at the distance of about twenty yards from the two -gentlemen, as he was passing on towards the high road, he exclaimed, -"Ha, ha, Messieurs, it is a pity, I think, that I was not here some -ten minutes earlier. I could have sounded the charge."</p> - -<p class="normal">"We have done very well without you, my good friend," replied the -Duke; "but you seem a trumpet from Henry of Bourbon. What is your -errand?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I shall tell to those whom I am sent to," answered the -trumpeter.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pray who may they be?" demanded Nemours.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Monsieur de la Bourdasière, and his Highness, the Duke of Nemours," -answered the trumpeter. "I shall find them both in Chartres, I -suppose?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"You won't find his Highness of Nemours," said the Duke, laughing; -"unless you wait till I come, my friend. But go on, I will soon follow -you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"If you are the Duke," replied the trumpeter, "I may as well give you -my letter here, and you can con it over and make up your mind by the -way, for I must get back with all speed."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, he dismounted from his horse, and led it forward by the -bridle towards the Duke, drawing forth a letter, at the same time, -from a pouch under his left arm. Nemours took it, cut the silk between -the two seals with his dagger, and read the contents.</p> - -<p class="normal">"This is strange, enough, De Montigni," he said. "This epistle is all -about you, except, indeed, a few words which your King has been -pleased to add, regarding the advantages which I might obtain by -returning, as he terms it, to my allegiance."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What is his Majesty pleased to say concerning me?" asked De Montigni. -"I should scarcely think he knew that I was a prisoner."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, good faith," exclaimed Nemours. "You are a man of much greater -consequence than you imagine. Here, he offers in exchange for your -humble self, our good friend, the Marquis de Megnelai, requiring, -however, at the same time, the liberty of the fair lady we sent off -this morning for Marzay."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will beseech you, my lord," replied De Montigni gravely, "not to -speak upon that subject, for it is a matter that I cannot easily -forgive."</p> - -<p class="normal">"On my life," cried Nemours, holding out his hand to him frankly, "I -am sorry for it, De Montigni; but if it were to be done over again, I -should be obliged to do it, for I had pledged my word; and that cannot -be broken. I had letters from your cousin Chazeul, the day before the -battle, and assured him in return, that if Mademoiselle d'Albret fell -into my hands, she should be restored to her guardian. Otherwise, I -would not have done it; and now believe me, I love you all the better, -for having fought with you. Thus, as before, you are at full liberty -to go whithersoever you will; and I leave it to you and the King to -settle, whether you will take the exchange of Megnelai, or pay ransom -as before agreed. I would prefer the former, as the Marquis must not -say that I have neglected any opportunity to set him free; but perhaps -the King may not think fit to agree, as the lady cannot be restored -according to his demand."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I should prefer paying my own ransom," replied De Montigni. "The -King's goodness is very great; and I can only attribute it to the -services of my good uncle, the Commander; but still I would not take -advantage of it, if it can be avoided."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That as you please," replied Nemours; "but the best thing for you now -to do, is to return with me to Chartres, and then accompany this good -trumpeter back to the Bearnois' head-quarters. We shall not have to -detain him long."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni paused thoughtfully for a moment; but, before he could -reply, the King's trumpeter interposed, saying, "I have nothing to -take me on to Chartres, Monsieur de Nemours. I was commanded, if I did -not find you in the place, to give the letter to Monsieur de la -Bourdasière, and tell him to open it; but I have no letter absolutely -for him; and if you have settled matters with Monsieur here, I do not -see why I should not turn my bridle, and ride back."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well then, God speed you both," cried Nemours. "Offer my humble duty -to the King of Navarre; tell him, I will write myself in the course of -the day, but that, in the meantime, I only regret, my conscience will -not let me serve a monarch who has placed himself out of the pale of -the church; for a braver man, or a better general, does not live."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, he put his foot in the stirrup, and sprang upon his -horse's back. Then turning to the young nobleman he continued, "Come, -shake hands, Monsieur de Montigni. We will part friends, though we met -enemies; and if you would take my advice, you would lose no time in -being under the walls of Marzay with a strong hand; for there is no -knowing what Maître Chazeul may do. He is playing a fine game with my -good kinsman Mayenne. We see it well enough; for, unless he had been -looking for his own advantage more than for the good of the League, he -would have been upon the field of Ivry, with all his forces, instead -of sending forty men under his bailli, which was but a mockery; and so -we should not object to see him humbled a little."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will take your advice, my lord," replied De Montigni; "but to say -truth, I am somewhat puzzled as to my movements. I have not been bred -up amongst all these scenes of strife, as you have, and know not how -or where to raise a body of men in a few hours, though I hear it is -done in France daily."</p> - -<p class="normal">Nemours laughed. "Gold, gold! Monsieur de Montigni," he replied. -"Sides have been so frequently changed, and fortune, the fickle -goddess, has spun her wheel round so often, that half France knows not -what the other side is fighting for; and thus, I believe, there are at -least a hundred thousand men in this good country, who might be -enlisted by beat of drum for any cause under heaven, so that it bore -upon its banner the significant emblem of a crown piece. Every village -is full of them, and you have nothing to do, but to stuff your pockets -with testons, ride into the market place, and shout, 'Who will serve -De Montigni?' and you will have a score at least after your heels, in -half an hour, even if your first command should be, that they all turn -Turk!"</p> - -<p class="normal">He spoke somewhat bitterly; but, though the young nobleman himself was -in no very gay mood, he could not help smiling at the picture--too -true a one--of the state of France.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will try what can be done," he replied; and, mounting his own -horse, he rode off with the trumpeter, in one direction, while Nemours -pursued his way back to Chartres.</p> - -<p class="normal">At the gate of that city, a number of the gentlemen who had come -thither in attendance upon his own person, and several of the officers -of the garrison, were looking anxiously for his return; and, well -aware of the object for which he had gone forth, had horses ready -saddled to seek him in case he did not soon make his appearance.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, my lord Duke, Well, Sir?" cried half a dozen voices as he rode -in amongst them, "you have killed him, I suppose?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Nemours made no reply; but la Bourdasière, who was at their head, -pointed to the stains upon the Duke's hand and sleeve, and, with as -much quiet satisfaction as if they were talking of a boar-hunt, -exclaimed, "Ay, ay, he has had enough; that is clear. Your arm is all -over blood."</p> - -<p class="normal">Nemours bent down his head to the governor, saying in a low voice, "He -is wounded, but not killed. However, the less we talk about it the -better, la Bourdasière; for he had my life in his hands, and did not -take it. If all that faction would but act as Henry of Navarre and -Louis de Montigni, we should soon have France turning heretic for -their sake. But, hark you; I have met with a trumpet from the King, -demanding this lad's exchange for De Megnelai. There are a few words -in the end of the letter, which make me suspect that Henry will not -march on at once to Paris, but that we may have him upon our hands -here, before many days be over. You must call in all your parties as -fast as possible, and send a messenger at once to Marzay after the -people who have gone with De Mottraye. Tell them to make no halt, but -to return immediately."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have got tidings of the same kind too," replied la Bourdasière, -"and I only waited your return to send; for I knew not if you had any -message for Monsieur de Chazeul."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," answered the Duke thoughtfully. "No: he is not to be depended -on; but dispatch your man as quickly as possible."</p> - -<p class="normal">This whispered conversation, the blood upon Nemours' hand and sleeve, -and the fact of his having returned alone from the field, was quite -sufficient to give rise to the rumour of De Montigni's death, which -soon became current in Chartres. The truth was known indeed, before -nightfall; but long ere the report was corrected, the messenger was on -his way to Marzay, bearing the tidings as he had first heard them.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXIX.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni rode on thoughtfully, for a few minutes, not a little -embarrassed how to act. To go to the King seemed absolutely necessary; -and yet he could not but feel, that every step he took was carrying -him farther and farther from the spot where he wished to be. To -present himself at Marzay without attendants or friends, he knew well, -from all the tales that had reached his ears, of the dark proceedings -which took place from time to time in the bosom of the noblest -families of France, might be a most dangerous experiment. Not that he -believed Monsieur de Liancourt would suffer him to receive injury, if -he could help it; but he doubted that the Count would be able to -prevent the schemes of others from taking effect; and he dreaded a -long imprisonment at that particular moment, almost as much as loss of -life. Yet every hour's delay ere he made some effort once more to free -Rose d'Albret, or, at least, to assert his claim to her hand, was -tedious and terrible to him. Turning at length, to the trumpeter who -rode on silently by his side, he inquired, "Well, my friend, where did -you leave the King?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"At a place called Rosni, I think," replied the man; "not far from the -town of Mantes."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You think!" said De Montigni; "are you not sure where you left him?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"One cannot be sure of anything, in this world," replied the trumpeter -dryly; "but that was not what I meant. I intended to say, I think the -place is called Rosni, for I am a stranger in this part of the world. -France is a big country, Monsieur; and I come from a good distance on -the other side of Libourne, so I may well be forgiven for not having -got all these names by heart."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What rumour did you hear of the King's movements?" asked De Montigni.</p> - -<p class="normal">"The last noise I heard of his movements," answered the man, "was a -great deal of blowing of horns."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And pray on what occasion was that?" demanded De Montigni.</p> - -<p class="normal">"On the occasion of the King going out to hunt," was the reply. "His -Majesty having chased Mayenne, thought fit to run after a braver -beast, though it could scarcely run faster than the other."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But was there no mention of going to Paris?" said the young nobleman.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, good faith, everybody was talking of it, and nobody doing it," -replied his dry companion; "but if you must needs know all, Sir, men -whispered in one another's ears that the King's pockets were empty, -and that his financiers kept them so on purpose."</p> - -<p class="normal">"For what object?" demanded De Montigni.</p> - -<p class="normal">"To put the money in their own pocket which they kept out of his," -answered his companion. "Try the thing with your own farmers, Sir, and -you will find the same happen. You will get no money till you go to -fetch it that you may be sure of."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I hope I shall," answered De Montigni, "for I have much need of it -just now."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, poor young gentleman," replied the trumpeter; "I am sorry for -you; for those who want money, and don't choose to go and fetch it, -will soon have to ride in holey boots. However, why should a subject -be better off than a king? I have seen our Henry before now, with a -hole in the elbow of his pourpoint; and many a time he has been glad -to dine off pumpkin soup and a lump of black bread."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Poor fare, assuredly, for a Monarch," said De Montigni musing; "and -yet the want of money may produce worse disasters than that, my -friend,--especially where time is almost life."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Assuredly, Sir," answered the trumpeter; "but perseverance comes to -the aid of all. I thought I never should have got to Chartres this -morning; for there are all sorts of bands roving the country, who have -no more respect for a trumpet or a flag of truce, than they have for -an old cheese, or a maid's modesty."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni remained silent for several minutes; but at length he -said, "I wish I could meet with one of those bands you speak of."</p> - -<p class="normal">"By my faith and honour, Sir," replied his companion with a laugh, -"you may meet with one of them sooner than you would find pleasant. -They are as easy to be found as cow-slips in the spring, but not quite -so fragrant."</p> - -<p class="normal">"They might answer my purpose, however," said the young Baron. "I -suppose they would take service with any one who would pay them?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, that they would," rejoined the trumpeter; "though you might find -some honour amongst them too, notwithstanding all that Monsieur de -Nemours said just now. Your furious Leaguer--unless he were a -gentleman--would not sell himself to the King, for any money; and your -stiff Protestant would not go over to the League for gold and roast -meat. But there are plenty of birds between those two flights, who -care not a straw on which side they appear, so that they fight, -plunder, and get paid."</p> - -<p class="normal">In such conversation De Montigni and his companion rode on for about -an hour and a half, the young nobleman every now and then falling into -a fit of thought, and revolving, with doubt and hesitation, the course -he had to pursue. Lose Rose d'Albret, he was resolved he would not, -without using every effort in his power; and yet he feared that, in -the lawless state to which France had been reduced by long years of -civil contention, she might be driven, if not to wed Chazeul--for that -he believed nothing would induce her to do--at least to take those -monastic vows which would place as impassable a barrier between them. -To his just claims, he knew a deaf ear would be turned by those who -had her in their hands; and no means seemed feasible to deliver her -but force; and yet his heart revolted at the idea of taking arms -against him by whom he had been nurtured and protected in his early -years, and of attacking the dwelling where all his young and happy -days had been passed. Yet "desperate evils," he thought, "require a -desperate remedy; and that which is refused to justice, must be -obtained by force." His mind then again reverted to the means; and, at -length, he settled upon the plan of endeavouring to join the band of -the Commander de Liancourt, of whose death it must be remembered he -was ignorant. He knew that his uncle had been upon the way to join the -King; and though he had not seen him in the fight of Ivry, the old -soldier might well have been there, he thought; for, in the hurry and -confusion of the field, and the disguise which the arms then worn -afforded, two brothers might stand within a few yards of each other, -without the slightest recognition taking place. As he thus meditated, -he turned to his companion and inquired, if he had been at the field -of Ivry.</p> - -<p class="normal">"To be sure I was," replied the man; "and blew till I thought I should -have burst my cheeks. The first thing that made Mayenne's standard -begin to flap backwards and forwards, was the wind of my trumpet."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Did you chance to hear of or see the old Commander de Liancourt?" -asked the young nobleman; "and if you did, can you tell me what has -become of him?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"See him, I did not," said the man, "for he was boxed up in his arms -like a crab in his shell. But when he came up behind the Cornette -Blanche, I asked who he was, and they told me. As to what became of -him, I do not know, for I lost him in the battle."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Did you hear anything, then, of one Monsieur de Chasseron?" asked De -Montigni.</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," replied the man; "was he there? I knew his brother very well, if -that will do; he who was killed at Contras."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, that will not do," said De Montigni. "It was of a gentleman, who -was with the King the night before this last battle, I spoke."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I did not see him," answered the trumpeter; and there the -conversation dropped; but scarcely had five minutes passed, before -three horsemen were seen riding towards them at a quick pace. "Now," -cried the trumpeter, "you may have a chance of beginning your band. -Here come some folks who seem as if they were seeking employment."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I think I have a chance, indeed," replied the young nobleman with a -smile, as he recognized one of his own servants, at the head of the -party. "If I mistake not, these men will join us at a word."</p> - -<p class="normal">The next moment the horsemen rode up, and great was their joy to see -the young Baron again; for, besides the man who had been long with him -in Italy, were two of those who had accompanied him and Rose d'Albret -in their flight from Marzay. He now learned that, having heard of his -capture by the Duke of Nemours, and that he had been carried a -prisoner to Chartres, they were riding with all speed towards that -city, in order to offer him their services during his captivity.</p> - -<p class="normal">But though De Montigni was certainly rejoiced at their coming, his -satisfaction was sadly clouded by the intelligence they brought of his -good uncle's death. Many a question did he ask, and many a long detail -did they give, of the scene which closed the preceding night at the -farm-house on the banks of the Eure; and amongst other facts which -were now communicated to him, was the intention of Estoc, as soon as -he could make his preparations, to carry the body of his dead leader -to the chapel at Marzay.</p> - -<p class="normal">"He must wait some time before he can set out," added the servant, -"and, if we make haste, we may join him on the way; for I am sure, -Sir, you would like to be present at the good old knight's funeral."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Undoubtedly," replied De Montigni, "on every account I should wish to -be there. Do you know what road Estoc will take?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I cannot tell, Sir," replied the man, "but I should think he would -not be able to march from St. André, before to-morrow morning."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then let us direct our course thither, with all speed," said De -Montigni. "Which road ought we to take?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"We could not do better than follow the one we are upon," answered the -man who had served him as a guide towards Dreux. "A high road is -always better than a by-one, when we have nothing to fear; and the -country between this and Nogent Le Roy, is quite clear of the enemy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"By my faith, I do not know that," replied the trumpeter. "I know I -was obliged to go round two miles, to get out of the way of a party -all decked out with crosses of Lorraine."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nonsense, nonsense," cried the servant; "if we did meet twenty or -thirty of them, they would run at the very sight of us. Every village -that we passed, was mounting the white scarf; and a flood of loyalty -has overflowed the land, which threatens to wash the League out of -France."</p> - -<p class="normal">Without farther debate, De Montigni led the way on upon the road they -were travelling, anxious, if possible, to reach Aunet that night. But -mortal man is destined to meet with impediments in whatever course he -may pursue, and many were those which delayed the young nobleman in -his progress. The roads were heavy, his horse, and the horses of his -followers, wearied by marching during several preceding days; and it -was found necessary to halt for an hour at Nogent, in order to refresh -them.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was a beautiful evening in the spring, however, when they once more -resumed their way; and the interval of their halt was not ill employed -by De Montigni, in writing a letter to the King, expressing his -gratitude for the monarch's condescension and kindness, informing him -of the motives which led him to Marzay, and promising to rejoin him, -accompanied by all the force he could muster, with as little delay as -possible. This epistle he placed in the hands of the trumpeter, who -was to quit them when they turned towards Annet; but, in the meantime, -the good man rode on by the young gentleman's side, entertaining him, -or at least striving to do so, by his quaint observations on all the -circumstances of the time.</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus proceeding, they had advanced to a spot three or four miles from -Nogent, where they paused to consider of their further course on the -brow of a little eminence, from which two cross roads were seen -branching to the right and left. Although, as the servant had stated, -they had found the whole country rapidly resuming its loyalty, as a -consequence of the King's success, yet they had learned at Nogent, -that the town of Dreux still held out stiffly for the League; and that -to attempt the passage under its walls, might be dangerous.</p> - -<p class="normal">The hill, on which they stood, commanded a wide view over the -undulating plain below; and clothing the side of the descent, was a -thick low wood already beginning to grow red with the first promise of -the spring. About a mile in advance, rose the tower of an old château, -even then partially decayed, and of which nothing is now to be found, -but one ruined wall rising on the top of a tree-covered mound, which -the reader, if he ever travels from Versailles to Dreux, towards the -hour of sunset, may see on his left hand, with the light streaming in -a long bright ray through the solitary window which time has spared. -When I saw it, all the building and the wood below were in deep -shadow, except where that solitary beam fell, lighting up one -particular track, like some sweet memory in the shady expanse of -past-by years.</p> - -<p class="normal">A little way down the road, when the young Royalist and his followers -reached the brow of the hill, from behind a clump of trees which -projected somewhat further than the rest, rose a thin column of pale -bluish smoke; and the trumpeter, touching De Montigni's arm, pointed -it out to him, saying, "Now, Sir, if you wish to increase your band, -here's the opportunity. I will wager my trumpet against a cow-herd's -horn, that under those trees there is a party of good gentlemen -boiling their pot, and not knowing how to fill it to-morrow."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The more I can gain, the better," replied De Montigni; "but I have -little time to spare. How many men had Monsieur Estoc with him?" he -continued, turning to his servant.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fifteen or twenty, I think," replied the man. "I did not count them, -but there could not well be less."</p> - -<p class="normal">"We must have more," said De Montigni; "many more, if it be possible -to find them. Let us try what we can do here;" and, somewhat rashly -and inconsiderately, he rode down the hill, without further -examination. At the first sound of his horse's feet, the figure of a -man armed in cuirass and steel cap, came out from behind the trees, as -if on the watch; and the young nobleman could see him turn round and -speak to some persons behind; and when De Montigni had reached the -spot itself, he found four others seated round a fire, apparently -engaged in the very peaceable occupation of eating their soup out of a -large earthen pot, which stood amongst the ashes. The two parties were -equal in number; and the strangers showed no hostile colours, nor, -indeed, any alarm; so that De Montigni imagined there could be no risk -in pausing for a few moments to talk with them.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, my men," he said, "you seem to be out of employ."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, Monsieur," replied one of them, "I think we are very well -employed. I wish we were sure of such good occupation to-morrow;" and -he laughed as he carried a spoonful of soup to his mouth.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps I may be able to furnish it to you," rejoined De Montigni, -"if you are willing to take service with me."</p> - -<p class="normal">The man gazed at him for a moment, and then ran his eye over the young -gentleman's companions, pausing for a little, at the figure of the -trumpeter, and the royal arms which hung upon his instrument of music.</p> - -<p class="normal">"We are no way scrupulous, Sir," he said, "all that we require, is -good pay down on the day, and a gallant leader, not too particular."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Good pay you shall have," replied De Montigni, "and that exactly -discharged. But I must have obedience to my commands, and no grumbling -at plenty of work."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I see no reason why it should not be a bargain," rejoined the other; -"I suppose you are raising a band, Sir?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am," answered De Montigni, "or rather I am seeking to add to a band -already raised, but somewhat scanty."</p> - -<p class="normal">"How many have you got; and how many do you want?" was the next -question.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have about twenty at command," said the young nobleman, "and wish -to treble that number at the least."</p> - -<p class="normal">"For whose service?" demanded another of the soldiers, rising, in -which action he was followed by the rest.</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni paused for a moment, ere he replied, and then said, "For -my own in the first place, and then for the King's. But I should think -to you, my men, it would not make much difference on whose side you -fought, so that you exercise your calling."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps not," answered the other; and, turning to his companions, -they all spoke together in a low tone for a minute or two. The one who -had taken the principal part in the conversation, then advanced closer -to De Montigni, inquiring what pay he would give them, if they agreed -to do as he wished. But his eye was upon their movements, for there -had been something in the tone in which the last few questions had -been asked, which seemed to him suspicious; and now perceiving that -the other four sauntered leisurely towards a tree, against which their -short lances or pikes had been resting, he turned towards his -followers, he exclaiming aloud, "Your hands upon your pistols!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, what are you afraid of?" asked the soldier, in a scoffing tone; -but at the same instant, De Montigni's servant shouted, "There are -horse upon the hill, Sir! Ride on, ride on!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The young nobleman turned his rein; but the soldier who was before -him, made a sudden spring towards him, and endeavoured to seize his -bridle; while the four others cast themselves across the road with -their pikes levelled.</p> - -<p class="normal">The young gentleman, however, was quicker than his antagonist. His -sword was out of the sheath in an instant; and before the man, crying -"Yield to the Holy League," could grasp his bridle, he dealt him a -blow upon the steel cap that made him stagger. A second brought him to -his knee; and a third would most likely have dispatched him; but there -was no time to be lost; a considerable body of cavalry were coming -down at a quick pace; and, heading his men, De Montigni charged the -pikemen on the road, who wavered a little at the sight of the -maltreatment their comrade had received. Had they stood firm, they -might have detained their opponents, till the horse from above had -joined them; but a pistol shot from one of the young Baron's -followers, stretched the foremost on the ground; and the others gave -way at once.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Quick, Sir, quick!" cried the man who had guided De Montigni from -Marzay. "They have green scarfs! We must gallop for our lives!" and, -setting spurs to their horses, the whole party rode down the hill at -full speed.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was now a complete flight and pursuit; for the cavalry from above -hurried on their horses, with voice and spur; and the royal trumpeter -put his instrument to his mouth, and blew a long loud blast, but -without ever pausing in his headlong speed. On, on the Royalist party -went riding for life and liberty; but the others came quicker still -behind them; and near the foot of the hill, the trumpeter's horse made -a false step, stumbled, and rolled over with his rider.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Spur, Sir, spur!" cried the guide, seeing his leader inclined to -pause. "This way, this way! We shall distance them among the narrow -roads. They are too many to follow fast."</p> - -<p class="normal">But De Montigni's horse was still fatigued; and the bad state of the -by-ways to the right, into which they now struck, made the beast -labour and stumble continually. As the man had supposed, a number of -the pursuers were quickly left behind; but still some ten or twelve -followed; and it soon became evident to the young Baron's party that -they must ere long be overtaken.</p> - -<p class="normal">"We had better turn and fight it out," said De Montigni; "my horse is -failing. They cannot force us in this lane."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no, Sir!" cried the guide, "let us on to the old château, at -least. If we find the gate open, we can make it good against them; and -they dare not stay long before it.--'Tis close at hand!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"On, then!" cried De Montigni; and touching his charger with the spur -once more, they were soon at the foot of the little rise, not more -than a hundred yards in length, which led to the building.</p> - -<p class="normal">Seeing their intention, the pursuers took to their fire-arms, and a -pistol-ball or two whizzed amongst them. One struck the guide upon the -shoulder; but he was covered with a good buff coat, and the distance -was too great for the shot to have any serious effect. The gates stood -wide open; the court-yard was covered with grass--the windows closed; -and, in a few minutes, the whole of the fugitives were in the court.</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni sprang to the ground, and endeavoured to close the gates; -but a pile of rubbish had accumulated against them, and only one valve -would swing upon its hinges. Those who followed, were within fifty -yards when one of the men, who had ridden on up to the house, -exclaimed, "Here, Sir, here, this door is open;" and, casting loose -his rein, the young nobleman sprang across the court, up the steps, -and into the vacant and desolate hall, just as the enemy poured in -through the gates. Two of De Montigni's men led their horses up, and -into the building; but the third was so closely pursued, that he was -obliged to abandon his beast; and the heavy door was only just closed -when the Leaguers were on the steps.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Quick! run round and see that every door and window is fast!" -exclaimed the young Baron to his little party: "On that depends our -safety;" and he himself setting the example, hurried from room to -room, and from passage to passage, while those without seemed to hold -a consultation together; and some hammered violently against the -wood-work with the but-end of their large pistols, and strove to force -the staples, by their united strength. Two doors at the back were -found open, but were soon secured; and though some of the windows were -not closed, and indeed, were without either their glass or frames, yet -they were too high from the ground to be reached from without, without -the aid of ladders.</p> - -<p class="normal">In about five minutes, De Montigni and his men were once more -assembled in the hall, and their little council was soon held.</p> - -<p class="normal">"They will never venture to stay long," cried one.</p> - -<p class="normal">"And they cannot force us here without axes or hammers," exclaimed -another.</p> - -<p class="normal">"We must not let them try," answered De Montigni, "who has got powder -and ball? My pistol is unloaded."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have," said one, "but it is a scanty stock;" and he approached his -horse, which stood panting with a drooping head and heavy eye in the -midst of the hall.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have a good supply," cried the servant. "Thanks to Monsieur Estoc. -He said I might want it;" and taking his master's pistol he charged it -with powder and ball.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now follow to the windows above," said De Montigni; "you Ralph, and -you Martin. Let the other stay here, and watch through that key-hole."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, he led the way up the stairs--which entered, at the other -end of the hall--to the rooms above the doorway; the windows of which -were wide open and without any defence. The sill, however, was itself -breast high; and creeping, with his loaded pistol in his hand, towards -the casement which, he calculated, was immediately above the steps, De -Montigni looked out into the court. A greater number of the Leaguers -had by this time come up; and the open space contained at least twenty -men. In the centre of the court, was a group of five or six, -surrounding the poor trumpeter, who was remonstrating loudly against -the stopping of a flag of truce, but apparently in vain; for they had -stripped him of the pouch he carried under his arm, and one of them -was busily reading the very letter to the King, which De Montigni had -written at Nogent. Closer to the château, were several others; and -one, wearing a gay green scarf, was standing behind a man who, bending -down his head, was looking through the large key-hole of the door. The -young nobleman beckoned to his men, who had remained a step or two -behind, to come quietly up; and as they advanced, bending low to avoid -being seen, he whispered to them to follow his example; and then -singling out the Leaguer of the green scarf, he levelled his pistol -and fired.</p> - -<p class="normal">The man instantly fell back, and rolled down the steps into the court, -and the two servants discharging their weapons at the same time, cast -the group in the centre into marvellous confusion, severely wounding -two of those who composed it.</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni instantly retreated from the room to charge again; but, as -soon as he had reached the passage beyond, the man who had accompanied -him from Marzay, whispered in his ear, "Do you know who they are? -Pardi, that was a good shot of yours, Sir!--you knocked over the -Bailli de Chazeul. We shall have to fight for our lives, however, if -they know who you are; for doubtless orders have been sent to bring -you in, dead or alive."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The Bailli de Chazeul!" repeated De Montigni in surprise. "Ay, I -remember Monsieur de Nemours mentioned he had been sent to Mayenne's -force. But we must act, not talk. I should be sorry to believe my -cousin would give any commands contrary to the rights of blood; but if -he have done so, the more need of gallant defence; and here we can -surely maintain ourselves till help arrives."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, yes!" answered the man in a confident tone; "they can neither -force nor starve us, while we have these good doors for our defence, -and two horses to eat."</p> - -<p class="normal">Without further consultation, De Montigni returned to the window with -the same precautions as before; but he found that the whole party of -Leaguers had retired to the other side of the court, and were gathered -together round the wounded men. The air was now growing grey with -twilight; and even if he could have seen to take a just aim, the -distance was too great to afford a chance of doing any damage to the -enemy. The eyes of several of those below were turned towards the -windows; and, catching a glance of a man's head, raised somewhat above -the stone work, one of them exclaimed, "There! there!" loud enough for -the sound to reach his ears. The next thing he expected was a volley; -but the moment after a man advanced waving a white handkerchief, and -crying "Truce! truce!"</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni was silent, till the Leaguer coming nearer demanded, "Is -the Baron de Montigni amongst you?--nay, we know he is!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well," answered the young nobleman, raising his head, "what if he -be!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then let him surrender to the Holy Catholic League," replied the man, -"and take quarter."</p> - -<p class="normal">"If you be really of the Roman Catholic League," replied the young -nobleman, "you have nought to do but to retire; for Monsieur de -Montigni is furnished with a pass from the Duke of Nemours. But if you -be plunderers and marauders, as I strongly suspect, keep your -distance, for you cannot force us here, and the attempt will cost you -dear, as you must have learned by this time."</p> - -<p class="normal">The man retired a step or two, and after consulting for a minute with -those behind, he again came forward, saying, "If you have got a pass, -Monsieur de Montigni, come down and show it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Will any three amongst you, being gentlemen, be hostages that the -pass shall be respected?" demanded De Montigni, "otherwise I open not -the doors."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Mark you, Monsieur le Baron," cried another who seemed to be of a -superior rank, advancing from behind, and speaking in an angry tone. -"You had better surrender, for we are resolved to have you; and though -we have not tools to-night, we will watch you well, and force your -gates to-morrow morning. We will give you till day-break to consider; -but if you yield not with the first ray of the sun, we will pile up -the doors with faggots and burn you out."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Long ere to-morrow morning our friends will be here," replied De -Montigni; "and you will be caught in your own trap. So do as you list -gentlemen, but think not to deceive us, for we will keep good watch -too."</p> - -<p class="normal">"We know better, we know better," answered the last speaker. "The -Bearnois is at Mantes, his forces dispersing, and he himself going on -to Meulan. So we shall rest quiet enough, and to-morrow will see you -our prisoner, or roasted like an egg in the ashes. You have wounded -one of our best men, I fear, to death; and you shall not escape us; -but if you surrender to-night you shall have good quarter."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I will never," cried De Montigni; "and if one of you be wounded -to death, many another shall fall before you place the faggots that -you talk of; and so no more; for if you come nearer I will fire."</p> - -<p class="normal">The spokesman of the Leaguers retiring slowly, seemed to consult for a -few minutes with the rest; and then, carrying away two in their arms, -while another walked supported by one of his companions, the whole -body retreated from the court; but by the remaining light they might -be seen to halt just beyond the walls; and one small party was -observed to detach itself to the right and a second to the left, as if -to guard the other sides of the building. A single horseman, too, rode -off in the direction of the hill from which they had come down in -pursuit; and it was evident that their present intention was to keep -their word of remaining before the château all night.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXX.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">When Helen de la Tremblade first entered the chapel by a private door -which led from a small room, called the sacristy, through the walls, -into the country beyond, and of which Estoc possessed a key, she found -the building vacant. There stood the coffin, covered with its pall; -there burnt the lights upon the altar; and a little further on the -pale flame of a votive lamp, dedicated by some of the deceased lords -of Liancourt to their patron saint, flickered before a little shrine, -and cast a faint gleam into the right-hand aisle.</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen's heart beat, and her temples throbbed. Her breath came thick -and hard; and with difficulty her trembling limbs bore her forward. -She was resolute, however; her mind was made up, and prepared, and her -whole spirit nerved for the terrible task--the most terrible that -human being can perform--of confessing to one who has built up a -fabric of love and confidence, upon our virtue and our honour; a tale -of sin, and shame; and slowly, feebly, and unsteadily, but with strong -determination, she tottered forward till she reached the open space -between the coffin and the altar. Just as she did so, she heard a step -approaching the chapel across the court. She knew it was that of him -whom she sought, and her heart sunk at the sound. Clasping her hands -together, and bending her head, she murmured prayer upon prayer for -strength, for forgiveness; while the step came nearer and more near, -entered the chapel, advanced up the nave, suddenly paused, and -remained suspended for more than a minute.</p> - -<p class="normal">"He sees me," thought Helen. "Oh, God! how shall I meet him?"</p> - -<p class="normal">She dared not raise her head; her hands remained clasped in the same -position; her limbs lost all power; and she seemed for the moment -turned into stone.</p> - -<p class="normal">At length she heard a voice. "Helen!" it cried, "Helen," and then came -the priest's step rapidly moving towards her. The rustle of his -garments told her he was near; for she dared not look up; and she sank -upon her knees at his feet. Then were poured forth the rapid words of -shame and contrition, which we have mentioned; and then came a -terrible pause, at the end of which she felt his arms around her, and -heard the words of still enduring love and tenderness, with which he -spoke. A wild and agonized sob burst from her bosom, and then the -overloaded heart relieved itself by tears.</p> - -<p class="normal">The old man soothed and consoled his niece. He dried her eyes, he -pressed her to his bosom, he told her to be comforted, he promised her -forgiveness of all. He held out to her the high and merciful hopes -vouched by the word of God for every sinner that repents, and, in the -end he succeeded in tranquillizing her first emotions.</p> - -<p class="normal">But Helen remembered the tale she had to tell. She recollected that -every minute might be precious; and when seeing her more calm, he -desired her to tell him all, she did so as rapidly and clearly, as the -natural feelings of her heart would admit. The narrative was mingled -with the tears and blushes of burning shame and bitter remorse and -agonizing self-condemnation, even while she related with simple truth, -the arts which had been used to mislead, and the promises which had -been held out but to destroy. She attempted not to palliate, for no -tongue could be more full of blame, than hers was of herself; but yet -her whole tale was in itself a palliation of her fault; and when she -came to the end, all that remained in the bosom of the priest, was -anger and indignation towards the woman who had so neglected innocence -committed to her charge, and towards the man who had so basely taken -advantage of that neglect to deceive a confiding heart, and stain a -pure and innocent spirit.</p> - -<p class="normal">"The villain!" he cried, "the base deceitful villain. But even he is -less culpable than that dark demon his mother. If ever there was a -fiend in human flesh 'tis she!--She burnt the letters, then? She took -from you the only proofs of his treachery and his falsehood?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"She did," said Helen. "She called me every odious name, which, -perhaps, I but too well deserved; and, in the midst of all her -servants, drove me forth, to perish, for aught she knew, unfriended -and alone."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She shall have her punishment," replied Walter de la Tremblade in a -stern, resolute tone. "Ay, here as well as hereafter. All the letters -did you say?--all?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"All I think," said Helen. "Nay," she added, "there may be one which I -placed in the book of Hours you gave me; and it may have escaped her -notice, though doubtless she has caused search to be made since I was -driven away. Yet, as the book is clasped, it might not be observed."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What were its contents?" demanded the priest eagerly, with his keen -eye fixed upon her face, so that its light seemed to dazzle and -confuse her.</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen lifted her hand to her head, and for a moment gazed into vacancy -with the effort to remember. "Yes," she said at length, "Yes, it was -the last but one he wrote me. He promised to love me ever.--He said he -would see me soon again.--He called me his wife."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He did? He did?" cried the priest, with a look of triumph. "That -letter must be obtained, Helen!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"But how?" demanded the poor girl with a mournful shake of the head; -"even if it still exists, they will not let me enter those doors -again."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," answered Walter de la Tremblade. "No, you never shall. But still -that letter must be obtained, if it be in being. Ay, and it shall be -too; and that before to-morrow morning. What is the hour? Near one,--I -had forgot, I had forgot. We have no time to lose! That accursed plot -is on the eve of execution. It must be frustrated;" and, pressing his -hand hard upon his brow, he fixed his eyes upon the pavement in deep -meditation. "Yes," he said at length, "that will do! Listen to me, -Helen. They had laid a scheme to drive Rose d'Albret, who always loved -you, into the arms of him who has betrayed you. They have persuaded -her that Louis de Montigni is dead; and they think by blasting her -reputation to leave her no choice but marriage with Chazeul."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, horrible!" cried Helen. "How base! how shameless!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is worthy of its framer," replied the priest. "The maid is bribed -or frightened to give him this night--yes within a few minutes from -this time--to give him admission to her chamber."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! let me fly and tell her," cried Helen vehemently. "She must be -saved, she must be saved.--I will go to her, I will go to her!--I will -stay with her.--I will stab him first with my own hand!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Be calm, be calm," replied the priest; "there is no need of that. We -can frustrate him as easily, and more innocently. There is a door from -my chamber into hers. It is unlocked or can be speedily opened. By it -you can go to her and tell her all. Let her know that De Montigni is -living, that the rumour of his death was but a fraud. Tell her how -they are practising against her peace. Bid her be firm and constant, -and she shall have aid, when least she expects it. Stay with her if -you will--or rather bring her forth into my chamber. There she can -pass the night in security, and return with first dawn of morning. And -now let us hasten away, Helen, for this must be done, my child, before -the clock strikes one. I have to watch here; but to prevent this deed -is a higher duty, and I may well be spared for a few minutes. And -God's blessing be upon your endeavours."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, he led her from the chapel, through the old hall and -the corridor beyond, and then up the stairs, feeling his way by the -hand-rope that ran along the wall. All was dark and silent; not a -sound stirred in the house; and nothing but a faint ray of the -moonlight, which shot across from a window halfway up the staircase, -gave them any light in their course.</p> - -<p class="normal">Opening the door of his own chamber, as quietly as possible, the -priest led Helen in; and then striking a light, he showed her the door -which led to the apartments of Rose d'Albret. It was locked, but the -key was in the inside and easily turned; and, ere they opened it, -Walter de la Tremblade once more embraced his niece, saying, "I must -find another time to comfort thee, my poor child; but the best comfort -will be vengeance on those who have wronged thee. Now go, and make no -noise. Speak to her in a whisper. Bid her rise at once and follow -thee, if she regards her safety, and her honour. Then lock both these -doors, and rest in peace for this night. I will be with you early in -the morning; but I have much to do ere then."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying, he kissed her brow, and left her; and Helen opening the -door, but leaving the light upon the table, crept softly into the room -of Mademoiselle d'Albret. Poor Rose, wearied and exhausted with all -that she had lately gone through, had at length fallen into slumber. -The curtains of her bed were thrown back; and there she lay like a -beautiful statue on a tomb, her face pale with grief and weariness, -the bright eyes closed, the long black lashes resting on her cheek, -and one fair hand crossing her heaving bosom in all the languid -relaxation of sleep. The light streamed faintly in upon her from the -neighbouring chamber, and seemed to produce some effect upon her -slumbers; for a faint smile passed over her lip, as Helen stood for an -instant to gaze at her, and she murmured the word "Louis."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She has happy dreams," said Helen to herself, "yet I must disturb -them;" and she laid her hand gently upon that of her friend.</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose started up with a look of wild surprise, but Helen laid her -finger on her lips as a sign to be silent, and then whispered, "Rise -instantly, dearest Rose, and come with me into the next room. Be -quick, if you would save your honour and your peace! You know not what -they machinate against you."</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose gazed at her for a moment in surprise, as if scarcely -comprehending what she meant: but then a sudden look of terror came -over her; and, rising without a word, she took some thin clothing, and -followed whither her companion led.</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen drew the curtains close round the bed, and then guided the lady -to the priest's chamber. While passing the door, they heard a murmur, -as of low voices speaking in the ante-room, and Helen then turning the -key in the lock as silently as possible, pointed to an ebony crucifix, -with a small ivory figure of the dying Saviour nailed upon it, which -stood upon the table, rising above a skull. She led Rose d'Albret -towards it; and, kneeling down together, they prayed.</p> - -<p class="normal">When they rose, Mademoiselle d'Albret would fain have asked -explanations, but Helen whispered to be silent; and making her lie -down in the priest's bed, she knelt by her side, drew the curtain -round to deaden the sound of her voice, and then, in a low murmur, -related all she had to tell. The first news that she gave were the -joyful tidings that De Montigni still lived; and Rose clasped her -hands gladly, giving thanks to God. But at Helen's farther -intelligence, horror and consternation took possession of her. "Oh, -heaven!" she said, "what will become of me, if they have recourse to -such means as this?--Where shall I find safety?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fear not, fear not," replied Helen: "my uncle will devise means to -deliver you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, let me fly, Helen," said Rose. "The door by which you came into -the chapel, may give me freedom."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen shook her head: "Not to-night," she said. "You might meet him in -the passages. As soon as he discovers you have left your room, there -will be search and inquiry. We must trust to him who brought me -hither: but Walter de la Tremblade is not a man to be frustrated by -any one. Leave it to him--he will deliver you."</p> - -<p class="normal">No sound as yet had reached them from the neighbouring chamber, -although they had now quitted it nearly an hour; but the door was -thick and heavy, and deeply sunk in the wall. The next moment, -however, they heard voices speaking at the top of the stairs; and some -one said aloud, "Goodnight, Monsieur de Chazeul!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Those simple words were followed by a meaning laugh; then some other -sounds not so distinct, and then all was silent again.</p> - -<p class="normal">"You were right, dear Helen," said Rose d'Albret. "We should have been -stopped had I attempted to fly. But where will this end?--where will -this end?" and, turning her eyes to the pillow, she wept bitterly.</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen tried to comfort her, though she herself needed consolation as -much; for who can tell what were all the varied sensations, each -painful, yet each different from the rest, which thronged her bosom on -that sad night? She felt, oh, how bitterly! that she had loved a -villain, deeper, blacker, more degraded than all his treachery to her -could have taught her to believe; and there is no agony so horrible as -when the cup of affection is first mingled with contempt and -abhorrence. She was not only neglected and cast off for another,--that -she could have borne, and wept or withered away in silence;--but she -found him for whom she had sacrificed all, using still baser arts than -those he had employed against herself, for sordid objects, and without -even the excuse of passion. She felt grief too, for Rose d'Albret, for -her who had been so tender and so kind towards herself; and dread, -lest, after all, the machinations of those who had the poor girl in -their toils, should prove successful, came like a cold dark cloud over -the dreary prospect of the future.</p> - -<p class="normal">All these emotions were added to her own shame and remorse and -terrible disappointment; and, although Rose insisted that she should -lie down beside her, yet neither closed an eye; and the rest of the -night passed in long, though not uninterrupted, conversation. Often -they listened for sounds, often they paused to meditate over all the -painful circumstances that surrounded them; but still they turned to -discuss, with faint and sinking hearts, either the gloomy past or the -dark impenetrable time to come, which offered their eyes no tangible -hope to rest upon, but in fresh sorrow, resistance and endurance.</p> - -<p class="normal">With the first ray of light, Rose d'Albret returned to her own -chamber, determined to follow to the least particular the advice of -the priest: but Helen remained in her uncle's room, in expectation of -his return. Minute after minute fled, however, without his coming. She -heard Rose call her maid, and voices speaking; she heard the sounds of -busy life spread through the château; she heard distant tones of a -hunting horn swell up from the woody country beyond. But still her -uncle did not appear; and Helen, in terror at the thought of new -calamity, watched for him in vain.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXI.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">We must now return to Walter de la Tremblade, who closed the door of -the room where he had left his niece, and paused one moment to think. -"It must be risked," he said: "the boy owes me much--He will not dare -to doubt me;" and, without farther consideration, he again descended -the stairs. At the bottom he heard a step, and saw a light glimmering -through the door at the far end of the hall. "It is that base -villain!" he thought as he concealed himself behind one of the square -masses of masonry that supported the roof above. "He goes upon his -dark errand, like the silent withering frost of autumn, blighting all -the flowers it falls upon. Ah, monster!" he muttered between his -teeth, as he saw the Marquis pass not ten steps from him: and well was -it for Chazeul, well for himself, that there was no dagger under that -priest's robe.</p> - -<p class="normal">Covered with a dressing-gown of embroidered silk, and bearing a lamp -in his hand, with a stealthy step and an eye looking eagerly forward, -as if agitated with the very scheme in which he was taking part, -Chazeul crossed the hall and approached the staircase. There was a -slight rustle of the priest's gown, and the other paused suddenly and -listened. All was still again; and he murmured, "It was the wind!" The -next instant the clock struck one, and with a smile the Marquis -mounted the stairs.</p> - -<p class="normal">The moment he was gone, Walter de la Tremblade came forth again, and -with a quick step went on, through the stone hall, across the court, -and entered the chapel. There, with haste and agitation, he lighted a -lamp that stood in the sacristy, returned, shading the flame with his -hand, and, traversing the hall in another direction, passed through a -low arch and along a narrow passage, which led him to the foot of a -small staircase. Then taking two steps at a time, he mounted rapidly -to the highest story of the château, where two or three rooms were -seen on either hand. Through the key-hole of one streamed a light, and -voices were heard talking.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, there wait her witnesses," murmured the priest; and, proceeding -he turned into a passage on the left, and listened at a door. All was -still; and, setting down the lamp, he raised the latch and entered. It -was a low ill-furnished room, where slept the page, and one of the -servants of the Marchioness of Chazeul, in beds not large enough to -hold more than a single person. At the first pallet the priest -stopped; and shading his eyes with his hand, as if to concentrate the -little light that found its way in at the door, which he had left -open, he gazed upon the countenance of the sleeping man. Then, going -on, he touched the page gently with his hand. The boy slept soundly, -however, and the priest had to stir him once more before he woke. Then -whispering "Hush!" he added, "Get up, Philip. There is business for -you to do."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah! what is it, father?" said the boy, rubbing his eyes, still heavy -with sleep: "is anything the matter?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Do not speak so loud," replied father Walter; "there is no need to -wake any one else. The Marchioness has chosen you to ride for -something that both she and I may have occasion to see; and you must -mount and away to Chazeul immediately, so as to be back before nine -to-morrow, when the burial of the old Commander de Liancourt is to -take place. Are you awake enough to understand me?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, yes, yes," answered the page yawning, "I understand quite well. I -wish she had chosen another hour. At home, we can never count upon -half a night's sleep: she is as restless as the wind; and it is to be -the same thing here, it seems. But what am I to bring?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"A certain precious book of Hours," replied the priest, "which has -been long in the family of La Tremblade. You will find it in the room -which my niece, Mademoiselle de la Tremblade, used to occupy." He -paused upon the words, to show the boy that he was aware of Helen's -absence from the Château of Chazeul, and then continued, "You will -know the book, if you should find others there, by its being covered -with crimson velvet, with silver clasps and studs. Bring it at once to -me; and let no one else see it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But will that old tiger of a gouvernante let me have it?" asked the -page: "she will not let one of us set foot in any room beyond the -hall."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then make her fetch it," said the priest. "Tell her your mistress -wants it; and let her refuse if she dare. Now, be quick. Cast on your -things, and join me in the chapel. I will order a horse to be saddled -in the mean time. But, make no noise. It is needless to wake any one; -and the Marchioness would have your going secret."</p> - -<p class="normal">The page entertained no suspicion; and--while Walter de la Tremblade -hurried to the stable, woke a horse-boy and made him saddle a horse in -haste--he dressed himself as quickly as his drowsy state would admit; -and then, finding his way out of the room--not without stumbling over -the foot of his comrade's bed, and wondering he had not woke him--he -groped along the passage till he came to the room whence the light was -shining through the key-hole.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay!" he thought, "those lads are still up, playing with the dice I -warrant. I should like to look in and give them a surprise; but I -cannot wait for that;" and he passed on, descended the stairs, and -crossed the court to the chapel.</p> - -<p class="normal">No sooner had he quitted the room where he had lain, however, than his -companion, who had seemed so sound asleep, raised himself upon his arm -in bed, and asked himself, "What is all this, I wonder?--'Tis mighty -secret!--The book to be brought to him! Why not to her, if she wishes -to see it?--I should not be surprised if this were some trick of the -priest's own. If all the house were not asleep, I would go tell my -Lady. Perhaps she has not gone to rest yet; for she sits up mighty -late all by herself; and no one knows what she is doing. I had better -go! and yet she may not like to be disturbed, especially if she be -dealing with the Devil, as the peasants in the village say. Hark! -there are people up and about! I will go and tell her, if she be -waking. She can but say I am over zealous; and if it should prove all -a trick of the priest's, I may get a broad piece for my news."</p> - -<p class="normal">These meditations, though short and connected here, were somewhat slow -and disjointed, as they really presented themselves, to the man's -mind, so that the page who had been sent to Chazeul was in the saddle -and away, before they had come to a conclusion, and his comrade had -begun to dress himself. When he had managed to get on the greater part -of his apparel, however, he approached the door, and like the lad who -had gone before, made some mental remarks upon the light which -streamed from the room tenanted by his fellow servants, and which was -now much more visible as the door by this time stood open, and the -rays poured full out into the passage. He looked in as he went by, -and, seeing the chamber vacant, took the lamp that stood upon the -table to light him on his way.</p> - -<p class="normal">The apartments of Madame de Chazeul were quite at the other side of -the house, so that he was long in reaching them; for, in the mansions -of those days, the architects had displayed all their skill in -distributing the cubic space contained in any given building, into as -many stairs and passages as possible, so that its tenants, unless they -restrained themselves to one especial part, might never want exercise -in arriving at the rest.</p> - -<p class="normal">The ante-room door was at length reached; and, tapping gently, for -fear of startling the inmates, the man was surprised to find his -summons answered instantly by one of the Marchioness's maids fully -dressed, but pale in the face with drowsiness, and heavy about the -eyes.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Can I speak a moment with Madame?" asked the servant in a low voice.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh yes, Pierre," replied the woman. "She expects some of you. I -thought you would never come."</p> - -<p class="normal">The man began to fancy, he had made a mistake, and that Madame de -Chazeul had really sent the priest to the page: so that he would now -willingly have retreated; but the maid continued, "Come in! come in!" -and another who was sitting at a frame embroidering, rose and went to -the inner room to tell the Marchioness that "Pierre was come."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pierre!" cried Madame de Chazeul; "what has he to do with it? Bring -him in, however. This must be some other affair. What now, Pierre?" -she asked, fixing her keen vulture-like eyes upon him as he was -brought forward, and signing her maids to close the door: "What seek -you here so late?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, so please you, Madam," replied the servant, "I was not sure that -all was right, and thought it better to tell you what was going on, -because you once told me--"</p> - -<p class="normal">The Marchioness waved her hand impatiently, exclaiming "What is it? -what is it? Cease your prefaces!--What brought you hither?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, Madam, father Walter, the priest," answered the servant, "stole -up just now to the room where the boy Philip and I are lodged. Not a -word did he say to me; but he woke Philip, and when I roused up at the -sound of voices, for I was but in a dog's sleep, I heard him give the -page a message from you, Madam."</p> - -<p class="normal">"From me?" cried the Marchioness, her eye glowing like a coal with -anger and eagerness. "Well, what was the message?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"That he was to ride instantly back to the château, Madam," replied -the man, who easily divined from his mistress's face that all was not -right; "and to bring hither, before nine to-morrow, a book of Hours -from the room Mademoiselle Helen used to occupy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Did he say that?" demanded the Marchioness vehemently. "Did he use -those exact words,--'that she used to occupy?'"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, Madam, just that," answered Pierre. "I marked that shrewdly, for -he said those words very slowly: and what made me think it altogether -strange was, that though he said you wanted to see the book, he told -Philip to bring it direct to him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha!" cried Madame de Chazeul; "So! Is it so?--Well. You have done -right, Pierre, and shall be rewarded. Come hither at daybreak -to-morrow; and now go sleep."</p> - -<p class="normal">The man retired; and the moment he was gone, Madame de Chazeul started -up, and with a vehement gesture of the hand, exclaimed, "He knows it -all!--She has found means to write!--Ah, how subtle is he! Who would -have thought from that calm peaceful face he bore to-night, that such -rage and hatred, and thirst of revenge were in his bosom, as must be -there even now? We shall have plots on foot--some scheme to stop the -marriage. What can be in this book? Here, girl! Call Martin from the -foot of the other staircase, bid him run to the stable and bring the -boy Philip hither--by force if he come not quietly. Away! lose not a -minute lest he be gone!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The girl departed; and the Marchioness went on with her own thoughts. -"What can be in the book? There is something beneath this!--Or has -that fool Pierre deceived himself, and knowing the girl is not -there, put words into the man's mouth? Yet why send at this hour -secretly?--why falsely use my name to sanction the order? No, no, he -knows it all, and must be cared for. There is but one way--secure him -till the marriage is over,--let my brother know nought of it,--and -then justify the deed by the result."</p> - -<p class="normal">She sat down, and leaned her brow upon her hands, closing her eyes, -till the door again opened, and the maid re-entered, accompanied by -another of her men. "Well," she exclaimed, as soon as she saw him; -"Where is Philip?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"He has been gone this half hour, Madam, the stable boys declare," was -the man's reply.</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul let her hand fall heavily on the table; but suddenly -recovering herself she said, "Keep a watch upon the gates from five -to-morrow, till Philip returns. Then bring him at once to me,--let -him speak with no one; and hark you, Martin; you are a man of -execution,--Get ye gone, hussy! 'tis not for your ears. Come nearer, -Martin," and she whispered something as he bent down his head.</p> - -<p class="normal">The man started back with a look of consternation, saying, "No, Madam! -not a priest! I cannot do that!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fool! 'tis but for a few hours," exclaimed the Marchioness. "Hark -ye,--one hundred crowns! You shall keep him under your own ward, and -set him free five minutes after noon."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Madam, well!" answered the servant, after a moment's thought; -"but you must promise to get me absolution, cost what it may; for it -is no light matter laying hands upon one of the church,--and so good a -catholic too."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, absolution you shall have!" cried Madame de Chazeul; "from the -hands of a bishop, if that will satisfy you; and, if there be any -difficulty, you have nothing to do but to kill a heretic, and that -will make all even. Do you promise to obey?--Mark me, a hundred crowns -and absolution, cost what it may!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Madam, well," he replied; "I will do it, this once; but you -must never ask me to meddle with a priest again."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Poo!" cried the Marchioness, "'Tis for his own good. He will get -himself into trouble if it be not done,--and now away, Martin. See to -this other business first; and then lay hold of him. Do it gently you -know, quite gently, but firmly too; and be quick, good Martin, be -quick."</p> - -<p class="normal">The man retired; but he grumbled as he went, and asked himself as he -descended the stairs, "Where will this woman end?--She will make one -damn one's-self some day, and she care nothing about it."</p> - -<p class="normal">In the meantime Walter de la Tremblade had returned to the chapel with -a quick step, after seeing the page depart for Chazeul. His thoughts, -though commonly so calm and clear, were all in confusion and -agitation. The strong passions had obtained the mastery; and for a -time they revelled in their conquest. He thought of Helen--of the -being on whom the affections of his heart had all centred--of the only -one in all the world, the only earthly thing, on which he had suffered -his heart to rest, with the intense concentrated love which he had -withdrawn from all that most men hold dear. He thought of her stained -and disgraced, deceived, betrayed, abandoned; and oh! how the gust of -passion, like the blast of the hurricane, bent his spirit before it! -He thought of her betrayer--of him whom he had striven to raise, and -who had all the while been blasting the only flower left blooming for -him in the wilderness of life; and the thirst for vengeance took -possession of his whole heart. Of her too, he thought who--loaded with -every kind of iniquity, her married life stained with many a slander, -her whole soul foul with sin and wickedness--of her who had used him -as a tool for her purposes, and employed him to elevate the -treacherous villain who, like a serpent, stung the hand that fondled -it.--He thought of her driving forth, to perish, the dear unhappy -child, whom her own criminal neglect had aided to cast into -temptation, loading her with contumely and opprobrium exposing her -error to the rude eyes of menials, and branding her for ever with the -name of harlot; and oh! how he triumphed in the thought of -overthrowing all that woman's well laid schemes and cunning -contrivances, blasting her hopes and expectations, and mocking her in -the bitterness of disappointment!</p> - -<p class="normal">He paused where Helen had stood between the coffin and the altar. He -gazed from the one to the other; and, as he did so, each seemed to -find a voice mournful, solemn, reproachful. They gradually wrought -a change in his feelings, they calmed in some degree the stormy -passion, they awakened higher, grander thoughts. They roused remorse, -they called to repentance. As he looked upon the bier of the good -old man so lately passed away, it was not alone the image of death, -and all the train of sad but chastening impressions--which spring -from the contemplation of mortality as from a well overflowing with -admonition--that pressed upon his attention; but the memory of that -old man's plain, straight-forward truth,--of the resistance he had -offered to the very schemes which he, Walter de la Tremblade, had -promoted to his own grief and regret, brought the lesson home to his -heart, and showed him the excellence of high, single-minded truth, -more strongly than the most laboured essay of preacher or of moralist. -Then again, when he turned towards the altar, and looked towards the -cross of Christ, and remembered the grand simplicity displayed, as an -example, by the Saviour of mankind, oh! how poor and vain, how sullied -and impure, how dark and criminal, seemed the highest effort of the -human intellect when used to mislead and to deceive! Truth, truth, -almighty, everlasting truth, seemed before him in all its God-like -radiance, and it overwhelmed him with shame and confusion.</p> - -<p class="normal">We have seen him before, stand there and feel sensations somewhat -similar; but it was then merely as the glimmering streak of dawn, -showing where the day will be: and now it was the risen sun.--The -chastening hand of grief had swept away the darkness from his mind, -and all was terrible light.</p> - -<p class="normal">As such thoughts rushed upon him: as the eye of heaven seemed to look -into his soul, detecting there vanity, pride, ambition, selfishness, -deceit, the higher qualities that were within him, bowed down his -heart in humiliation at the discovery of so much which he had never -dreamt of; and, kneeling before the altar, he poured out the anguish -of his soul in prayer.</p> - -<p class="normal">He was still kneeling, when he heard steps in the chapel; but he -heeded not; and still he went on murmuring in a low tone the words of -penitence and supplication. The steps came nearer, and then paused; -but still, for several minutes, he remained bowed before the cross. -When he rose, however, he saw three of the servants of Madame de -Chazeul standing close to him; and he asked, "What do you seek, my -children?"</p> - -<p class="normal">They all hesitated; but at length the man Martin, putting out his -hand, grasped the priest by the arm, saying, "We have orders, father -Walter, to put you in confinement for a time."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha!" said father Walter, surprised, but calm. "By whose orders, my -son? I did not know that there was either bishop, cardinal, or -inquisitor here."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, nor is there," answered the man; "but our orders are from our -mistress; and we must obey them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"To the ruin of your own souls," asked father Walter, "will any of you -dare to drag a priest from the altar?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"We must do as we are bid, good father," replied the man: "the sin is -hers, if there be any."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But the fire will be yours," replied the priest, "and her sin will -not deliver you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is no use talking, Sir," continued the man; "we have sworn to do -it, and so we will. 'Tis but for a few hours; and you may choose where -we shall take you to. Shall it be to your own room?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," answered father Walter, "no; if this act be needful to your -mistress, why not keep me here, where I have promised to stay till the -hour of matins? I shall be as safe here as any where else."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no, that will not do," replied the man; "the chapel will be -wanted."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then, as near as possible," said the priest: "aggravate not -your offence, my son, by dragging the servant of God from his temple. -I will stay here in the sacristy. At all events, I shall be still -within the sacred precincts, and near the body I have promised to -watch."</p> - -<p class="normal">The man hesitated; but father Walter, assuming a higher tone, -exclaimed, "If not--Stand back, while I pronounce upon you all, the -anathema you so well deserve, and deliver you over to perdition with -her who sent you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Stay, father, stay!" cried another of the men; "we will have none of -this, Martin Gournay. If the reverend father chooses the sacristy, we -will not have him thwarted. It is bad enough to do it at all. It must -not be made worse than it need."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Bad enough, indeed!" replied the priest; "and heaven forgive you for -listening to the voice of man, rather than that of the church."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, well," said Martin, "I do not care: let it be the sacristy. But -I must see that it is all safe;" and, opening the door, he went in, -followed by the priest and the other two men.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, there is a way out!" he cried. "I must have the key of that lock, -good father."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There it hangs," replied father Walter with a smile: "make it all -sure. But, remember, that there is another key in the hands of the -church, which may lock the door of heaven against you, if you do not -repent."</p> - -<p class="normal">The man Martin, however, tried the door which led out through the -walls into the country; and, finding it locked, he took the key from a -hook above, and ascertained that it fitted. Then, putting it into his -pocket, he turned to the priest, saying, "I am very sorry to do this, -father; but it is not with my will, and I must obey my orders. They -shall bring you some food and wine; and there is a lamp. At noon -to-morrow you shall be free."</p> - -<p class="normal">Father Walter bent his head gravely; and the three men withdrew, -locking the sacristy door after them, and taking the key. The moment -they were gone, he rose from the seat in which he had placed himself, -and laughed with a bitter mocking tone.</p> - -<p class="normal">"The fools!" he cried; "do they think I leave myself so -unprovided? I must be quick! Can she have discovered -Helen?--impossible--impossible!--I heard her lock the door! I must be -quick!--Yet, no! he spoke of sending food and wine. I will let them -return. They will come, if it be but to see that their prisoner is -safe. Perhaps, too, they may linger in the chapel," and he resumed his -seat; and, taking up a book of prayer, continued to read for several -minutes.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Would they would come," he murmured at length. "Helen said, Estoc -would return for her at three, and it cannot be far short of that -hour."</p> - -<p class="normal">But the tumultuous feelings which had been lately busy in his bosom, -had filled the last hour with so many thoughts, that time had lost all -power of measuring them; and the clock struck two, as the words were -on his lips. The next moment, the door leading to the chapel opened -suddenly, and the man Martin entered with a salver, bearing some food -and wine. His eye instantly glanced to the priest; but the quiet -attitude in which he sat, with the book upon his knee, satisfied the -servant that all was secure; and, placing the provisions on a table, -he was about to retire, when father Walter stopped him, saying, "Pray, -do you know--and, if so, may you tell me--what is the cause of this -conduct of Madame de Chazeul? I would be glad to think that, either -through some error, or at the instigation of some malevolent person, -she has committed this outrage, and not from mere caprice and wanton -passion."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, no, father!" replied the man: "but it seems you sent one of our -people to Chazeul for a book, in her name. I know not much about it: -but, I believe, Pierre went and told her what he had heard--so one of -the girls said."</p> - -<p class="normal">"A mighty offence!" observed the priest gravely: "and a reasonable -cause for an act which she will repent to the last day of life. Heaven -grant she may not regret it even longer:" and, thus saying, he -commenced reading the book again.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why," rejoined the man, willing to justify his mistress, and, through -her, himself; "she feared, I fancy, that you were inclined to meddle -with some of her plans, and she is not fond of seeing them marred."</p> - -<p class="normal">"God will mar them, if they be evil," replied the priest; "and no one -can mar them, if it be His will they should succeed. But, 'tis well, -my son, 'tis well: good night!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Goodnight, father," answered the servant, and left him, taking the -same precaution as before of turning the lock and withdrawing the key, -lest any one should open the door from the side of the chapel. Father -Walter instantly rose, and put his ear to a small round hole, like the -mouth of a tube, at the side of the door. The servant's steps were -distinctly heard passing down the nave of the chapel, and then -suddenly became faint as they issued forth into the court. The priest -listened for a moment longer; but no other sound was heard.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">The morning broke clear and fair; a few light clouds indeed hung about -the eastern sky, but only sufficient to catch the rays of the rising -sun, and gather them together, in a more intense glow. But these were -soon dispersed; and the sky beamed, within five minutes after the -break of dawn, in clear and unclouded beauty. Those clouds, however, -were still hanging over the verge of heaven, and not above half the -disc of the orb of light showed itself above the horizon, when the -Marquis de Chazeul, full dressed, left his own apartments, and hurried -to those of his mother. As he went, the sound of a hunting horn was -borne upon the wind to his ear; and pausing for a moment, with all -that fierce, tenacious jealousy of the rights of the chase, which was -entertained by the old feudal nobles of France; he muttered, "It must -be a bold man, or well accompanied, to hunt so near the Château de -Marzay. This must be seen to;" and striding on, he entered his -mother's ante-room with very little respect for the half-completed -toilet of her maids.</p> - -<p class="normal">The Marchioness was still in bed; but, according to the custom of the -day, she made no scruple of admitting any one who came in that -situation; and her son was speedily at her bed-side. "Well, Chazeul," -she said, with a shrewd smile, "the thing is done, I find; but tell me -all about it. You did not disturb her I suppose?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," answered Chazeul, "I found everything as still as death; and so -I left it. I might have been tempted, indeed, to look in between the -curtains, if I had had light enough to see my fair bride as she lay -slumbering. I was afraid she might wake too."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No great matter if she had," replied Madame de Chazeul. "The priest -was not in his chamber; and the girl Blanchette would have been -discreet."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I don't know that," replied Chazeul.</p> - -<p class="normal">"You don't know what?" demanded the Marchioness.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I don't know that you are right in either the one or the other," -answered her son; "for, as I went in, I certainly heard a noise in the -next room, as if some one were locking the door, and there was a -light, too, came through the key-hole. Then, as to Blanchette, she -seemed to be seized with a sudden fit of perverseness. It cost me a -full hour and a hundred lies, to persuade her to do as she was bid."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The hour's time was a loss," observed his sweet mother; "as to the -lies, that was no great expense. They are money easily coined. But I -will teach that girl obedience before I have done with her. The hussy! -it was but to enhance the price.--The priest in his room!--Ay, so he -might be. Now I recollect, he was wandering about at that hour. And -now, my dearly beloved son, between you and me, your absence for the -next two or three hours, might be more advantageous than your -presence. I have got to communicate your delinquency, you know, to my -good brother, De Liancourt--in other words to tell him--ay, and prove -to him too, that you have been seen creeping in and out of fair Rose's -chamber at midnight; and it is ten to one that his first indignation -falls upon you. That must have time to cool before you make your -appearance; and in the mean time there is plenty to be done."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, I can find occupation," replied Chazeul. "There are men hunting -in the forest; and I should much like to see who they maybe. I will -mount, and take some half dozen men with me, to reconnoitre; and if I -do not find them too strong, I will hunt them as fiercely as ever they -chased deer."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Take care of ambuscades," cried the Marchioness. "No, no, Chazeul. -Better leave them alone till after the wedding. We have got other -things to do. We must have a priest to bury the dead, and marry the -living."</p> - -<p class="normal">"How so?" exclaimed Chazeul, in some surprise; "is not father Walter -here?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, he is here," answered the Marchioness, "but I suspect the good -man is not well enough to appear before noon."</p> - -<p class="normal">She spoke with a meaning smile; and her son demanded, "What is it you -mean, mother of mine? There is something in your eye."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nothing but rheum," rejoined the Marchioness. "However, if you needs -must know, father Walter has discovered your folly with his niece -Helen.--That is all."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pardi!" exclaimed Chazeul, "What is to be done now?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nothing,"' answered the Marchioness. "I have provided for him. He is -sick, you know. He is ill, and unable to leave his chamber till after -the wedding. Let that suffice, my son."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It will suffice for me, my most sagacious mother," replied Chazeul; -"but will it suffice for others?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"As I will manage it," said Madame de Chazeul. "At all events, it was -the only step to be taken, without making him sick indeed; and that I -had no time to consider. But it seems that, last night, after all the -world were sleeping, but you and I and half-a-dozen others, he thought -fit to send my page, Philip, to Chazeul, to bring a book of Hours -belonging to the girl Helen from her room, and in my name too.--What -is in it I know not; but I shall soon see. I trust, Chazeul, you have -not been fool enough to write anything in the book; but if you have, -that fire must prove your friend, and conceal your stupidity. The same -element has proved serviceable to you before; for never did a green -boy at college, put himself more completely in the power of an artful -courtesan, than you did, by your pastoral epistles, in the power of -Helen de la Tremblade. However, if they can decipher smoke and ashes, -they may prove the contract. If not, it is dissolved."</p> - -<p class="normal">Nicholas de Chazeul winced under the infliction. He was not one to -bear easily the charge of folly even from his mother. Vice she might -have charged him with at will; sin, crime, he would easily have borne; -but weakness, foolishness, were accusations, against which all the -vanity of his heart took arms; and his cheek grew red, his brow heavy, -while he answered, "Perhaps not so stupid as you think, Madam. It was -necessary to keep the girl quiet. I wrote nothing in any book, -however; and perhaps, after all, you may yourself be deceived, and the -priest know nothing about it."</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul shook her head, replying, "Too surely!--I have been -guilty of a folly as well as you, boy; and gave way to anger when I -should have dealt more patiently. What is done, however, is done; and -the only thing that remained, was, for me to cure one sharp act by -another.--But let us talk no more of these matters. There lies the -priest; and there he must lie till you are married. I will deal with -your uncle and sweet Mademoiselle Rose, and you must do your part."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And pray, will your sagacity let me know what my part is to be?" -asked Chazeul; for be it remarked, that he always spoke in a somewhat -jesting and irreverent tone to his excellent parent, even while he was -most implicitly following her impulses.</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is an easy one, my son," replied the Marchioness. "First you must -go down to the village, and engage the curé to come up hither for the -double duty that is to be performed. There is the old man to be -buried. That had better take place at nine; and then there is the -young man to be married, which must be done before noon. He will of -course speak of father Walter, and say, it is his office to bury or -marry all that die of the line of Liancourt; that he has special -rights and privileges in the Chapel of Marzay, with which none can -interfere, and more to the same purpose; but then you must put on a -sad and solemn face, and answer that the good father was to have -performed both ceremonies, but that this last night, by too much -watching prayer and fasting by the corpse, he has fallen grievously -ill, and has taken to his bed. Doubtless he will wish to see him when -he comes up here, between the funeral and the wedding; but father -Walter can get some refreshing sleep about that time; and 'twould be a -sin to wake him."</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul laughed. "You are armed at all points, I see," he answered; -"but if, after all, Rose should show her refractory spirit at the -altar, it will then be matter of regret and difficulty too, that we -have not some one in our interest to go on quietly with the service, -without having very fine ears for objections."</p> - -<p class="normal">"As to the regret," said the Marchioness, "that is soon swept away. -There was no way of avoiding what has been done. I know father Walter; -and with him, when once his interests are opposed to yours, there is -no way of dealing, but by force against wit. We are all very clever, -Chazeul; and by experience of the world, we gain a certain degree of -skill, like that of a village quacksalver; but a priest has a regular -education in outwitting all the world, and a diploma to do it. Then -for the difficulty, the curé is a good man--an excellent good man. Let -him speak to me; and I will give him such reasons for thinking it -best, Mademoiselle d'Albret should be your wife, that he will make you -one, whether she says 'yes' or 'no,' I warrant."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, all this will but occupy a short space," answered Chazeul; -"and, therefore, if I am to be out of my uncle's way till his passion -be cooled, pray tell me by your cabalistic art, when I may calculate -that his vicinity will be safe; for I know not that I can play my part -with him as well as I did with our fair Rose yesterday."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay! you did that well," rejoined his mother, with an approving nod; -"but you must not be back till near eleven; or if you be, you must -keep your chamber as if afraid to appear. When you do, you must be -mighty penitent, hear all his censure with deep humility, express your -in grief broken words and sentences, that mean more than they say; -never deny your crime, but plead temptation. That will be all easily -done, when the first storm has blown over, especially when you are -there ready to make the best atonement in your power, for any wrong -you may have done the lady's reputation. What can be expected more? -But there is one thing more to be considered. That old marauder, -Estoc, was still at the village yesterday. I like it not; I know not -what he wants: you must be on your guard! He may have designs we know -not of. He certainly aided De Montigni and Rose in their escape. He -may think Nicholas de Chazeul, a prize worth keeping in his hands,--a -comfortable hostage for her marriage with the boy he loves so well. -Before you venture into the village, send down and see if he be still -there, and if he be, have the curé brought up to you.--But go not too -near."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, I fear him not!" replied Chazeul; "he would never dare to draw a -sword against me, under the very walls of Marzay. No fear, no fear, -dear mother. But I will be cautious for the present. The men of -Chazeul must soon be back, if all their throats be not cut, as, by my -faith, I am tempted to think they must be, by their long stay; and -when they return, I will drive the old wolf out of his lair at the -lance's point. I have not forgotten him. But the delay of these men -puzzles me.--They had strict orders to return as soon as a battle was -lost or won."</p> - -<p class="normal">"They may have been driven back with Mayenne across the Seine," -replied Madame de Chazeul; "or towards Houdan and Versailles; and are -not able to force their way across. Besides, you know the Bailli loves -adventures, and is not un-fond of plunder. He may have some private -enterprise in hand."</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul shut his lips close. "He shall pay for it, if he have -neglected my commands at a moment of need, for any scheme of his own," -he said. "But I will go, good mother, and leave you to your devices. -Fear not for me; I will take good care;" and thus saying he left her -to pursue her tortuous plans to their consummation.</p> - -<p class="normal">He himself was soon upon his horse's back, and down the slope; but ere -he lost sight of the protecting walls of the castle, he sent forward -one of the men who followed him, to inquire whether Estoc and his -party were still in the village, riding slowly on with the rest. The -attendant returned in about ten minutes, bringing intelligence that -the place was clear.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Monsieur Estoc," he said, "marched this morning an hour before -daylight; having, it seems, received tidings in the night which -hurried his departure. The cottager whom I spoke with, told me that he -believed those tidings were, that some bands were coming up from the -side of Chartres."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The Bailli and our own people, on my life!" replied Chazeul; "or he -would not have hurried away so soon. Which way did he go? I will have -him pursued if they arrive in time."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Towards Mortagne," answered the servant; "at least, so the man said."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Did you hear aught of these hunters?" demanded his master.</p> - -<p class="normal">"They did not pass through the village, Sir," was the reply, "but they -were seen upon the edge of the wood by some of the people, and seemed -somewhat strong in numbers."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then we must be strong ourselves, before we deal with them," observed -his master, and rode on straight to the priest's house in the village. -He found the worthy curé at the door of his dwelling--a stout, round -faced, well-fed ecclesiastic; and, as so often happens in life, none -of the objections or difficulties, against which answers had been -prepared, were made. The priest merely expressed his sorrow that -father Walter, his reverend friend, was unwell; and, knowing that both -at funerals and marriages much good eating and drinking seldom failed -to take place, he agreed to perform both ceremonies with equal -pleasure.</p> - -<p class="normal">Well was it for the Marquis de Chazeul, that Estoc was not aware of -his visit to the village; for the old soldier was not as far off as he -imagined; and had he known that such a prey was near, it might have -been long before the walls of Marzay had seen their lord's nephew -within them again.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">Satisfied that the presence of Helen de la Tremblade in the château, -had not been discovered, father Walter sat in the sacristy without any -effort to quit it, although as the reader must have divined, from his -words, it was in his power so to do, notwithstanding all the -precautions of Madame de Chazeul's servants to prevent him. I had well -nigh said that he sat there calmly; for the exterior was so tranquil -and still, that it was requisite to look into his heart ere one could -fancy that there was anything but repose within. Calm? Oh, no! There, -all was agitated and turbulent. The clear precision of his thoughts -indeed soon gained their ascendancy; and the plan was speedily laid -out for meeting the difficulties of the moment, for overcoming the -obstacles presented to him, for thwarting the schemes of his -adversaries. All confusion of mere idea was speedily swept away; but -much was still left behind: and that which did remain, was the tumult -of conflicting passions, the struggle between strong convictions and -habitual feelings.</p> - -<p class="normal">All that had taken place within the last few hours, had worked an -extraordinary change in the sensations of Walter de la Tremblade. New -perceptions had forced themselves upon him, both in regard to his own -heart, and to the conduct and views of others. If I have at all -succeeded in conveying to the reader a just view of his character, it -must have been already made clear, that he was a man in whom strong -passions and great powers of mind, had been bowed down by the -influence of the peculiar religious doctrines of the church to which -he belonged--doctrines false and evil it is true--principles, which, -in many instances besides his own, prostituted the highest qualities -and most brilliant talents, to the support of an institution, raised -upon error, cemented by falsehood, covered over with crime; but still -his devotion had been sincere and strong. He had believed all that his -church told him; he had given up thought and judgment to her; his own -passions, desires, and feelings, had been fused into her purposes; -and, if they ever were individually brought into action, it was in the -course which she had fixed for them.</p> - -<p class="normal">But as I have said, a change had now come over him; the deep well of -the heart's strongest emotions had been opened; the stream had gushed -forth in a torrent; and many of the delusions which had encumbered the -way of his understanding had been swept away. Many but not all. The -stern attachment to the church of Rome, and the blind submission to -all her dogmas, which had taught him to believe that those who -attempted to try her doctrines even by the words of Christ himself, -were worthy of nought but persecution and punishment, had been brought -into contest with his love for her on whom all his tenderest -affections had centred--for her whom he had looked upon from infancy -as his child; and they had given way. He felt that he had been led -wrong; he had learned, that ambition and the love of domination were -part of the creed of Rome, and that, in obeying her fiery dictates, he -had supported with his whole strength, the wicked and the base, -against the good and noble.--He had learned it by his own sorrows; -and, although perhaps he had in some degree perceived it before, and -had believed that it was only justifiable to do so, for the great -object of the defence of the church, the anguish of his heart now made -him comprehend that the dreadful dogma, "the end justifies the means," -is always false, and that there is no truth but in the Apostle's own -words, "thou shalt not do evil that good may come of it."</p> - -<p class="normal">Many another feeling, many another conclusion, on which we cannot -pause, rose in Walter de la Tremblade's heart and mind; and regret and -self-reproach, and the dread of being hurried by the torrent of -passions and circumstances into sin and crime, agitated him -dreadfully. The truth and fervour of his religious feelings remained -the same. Even his attachment to the church, in whose tenets he had -been educated, was unchanged, although he admitted that man's vices -and prejudices had obscured and perverted her real dogmas. By her he -was resolved to abide; but he determined at the same time, to remove -himself for ever from the temptations to evil, to which he had been -hitherto exposed; and the conclusion to which he came, in the end, was -expressed by words which he muttered to himself: "I will take no -farther part in this horrible strife; I will but frustrate the wicked -arts of this bad woman and her base son, and then, in some far and -rigid monastery, wear out the rest of life in prayer."</p> - -<p class="normal">The time seemed short; for, of all the many terrible struggles that -take place within the breast of man, there is none so full of rapid -contention, as when the first convictions force themselves upon us, -that all our previous course has been one grand error; and when the -acts on which we have prided ourselves, the wisdom that has made us -vain, the vigour that has proved weakness, the prudence that we have -found folly, the penetration that has been but blindness, the meanness -of our ambition, and the darkness of our light, stand revealed in -their nakedness and deformity, under the bright beams of religious -truth. He could have gone on thinking thus for hours, and they would -have seemed but as a moment. The clock at length struck three; and the -bell was still vibrating, when the sound of an opening door was heard, -and then a step. The lock close upon his right hand, was then turned; -and the next instant Estoc stood before him.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah! Monsieur de la Tremblade," said the old soldier, "are you here? -Have you seen your niece?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have," answered Walter de la Tremblade, taking his hand and -pressing it with strong emotion in his own. "I have, and I know all. -Deeply, deeply, my old friend, do I thank you for your fatherly -kindness to my poor girl. God will bless you for it: God will reward -you, if not here, hereafter. I have no time, however, to offer you -thanks such as are your due."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I want no thanks, good father," replied Estoc. "I promised the good -man who is dead there," and he pointed to the chapel, "to be a Father -to her; and as long as old Estoc lives, she shall never want an arm to -strike for her, and a home to receive her. Where is she? I hope you -have not been harsh with her--"</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest shook his head with a melancholy smile. "Harsh with <i>her!</i>" -he said. "No, God forbid. She is with Mademoiselle d'Albret. But now -listen tome, Estoc, and let us take counsel together, regarding what -is to be done. You see me here a prisoner."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha!" cried Estoc, "a prisoner? How is that?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will tell you," answered the priest; "but understand, it is but a -prisoner in appearance. They think I am so, but that strong door, -though locked, and double locked, would melt away at my touch, as if -it were thin air. But there is much for you to learn; dark deeds are -going on within these walls, which must be prevented. First, however, -there is an enterprize which you must achieve, connected with my -confinement here. From Helen's words I discovered some two hours ago, -that there is, in a book of Hours lying in her chamber at Chazeul, the -only letter left unburnt by that incarnate fiend, Jacqueline de -Chazeul. If Helen's account be right, that letter amounts to what they -call in the French law, a promise,--<i>par paroles de future</i>, between -her and Nicholas de Chazeul--in itself an absolute bar to his marriage -with any one else. I instantly roused the page of the Marchioness, and -sent him off on horseback to bring the book."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I saw him go," replied Estoc. "He passed me, as I lay waiting under -the bushes at the bottom of the hill."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then he is safe so far," replied the priest. "It seems, however, that -the man who lies in the same room, while pretending to be asleep, -overheard our words, and conveyed the tidings to his mistress. She -sent her men to place me in confinement, and will, beyond all doubt, -cause the boy to be brought to her on his return, and burn the paper. -You must undertake to stop him by the way, and to obtain that precious -document."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That will be easily done," replied Estoc. "I will set about it -instantly."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But there is more to be considered, much more," rejoined the priest. -"The boy must be instructed to carry the book on to his mistress, -after you have taken possession of the letter you will find amongst -its pages. He must be told to say nothing of his having been stopped, -but to give it to her quietly, as if he had but gone and returned; for -the only way to deal with that woman, is to conceal from her closely -your intentions and your power, or she will ever have ready a plan to -frustrate you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I may tell him," replied Estoc, "but will he obey?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I think he will," answered the priest. "I placed him with the -Marchioness. To me he owes his whole education. He has ever shown -himself attached with boyish devotion to my poor Helen; and she tells -me that, in the hour of her indignity and shame, he merited a blow -from his fierce mistress, by showing her an act of kindness. If he be -but told, that he must do this for the sake of Helen de la Tremblade, -I feel sure he will, at every risk."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Write it down, write it down," said Estoc, dipping a pen in the ink -that stood upon the table, and holding it to the priest. "He will -believe your word sooner than mine."</p> - -<p class="normal">Walter de la Tremblade took the pen and wrote--"Philip de Picheau, I -beseech you, if you have any regard for him who protected you in -childhood and in youth, or for your poor friend Helen de la Tremblade, -to give up the book which you are bringing, to Monsieur Estoc, whom -you have often seen and know well, to let him take from it that which -he thinks fit, and then to carry on the volume of Hours to Madame de -Chazeul, without telling her that you have been stopped by the way. I -beg of you also to follow entirely the directions of Monsieur Estoc, -if you would merit my regard and save Mademoiselle de la Tremblade -from deep grief--perhaps from death."</p> - -<p class="normal">He signed his name, and gave the paper to Estoc, saying in a confident -tone, "He will do it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And how am I to act when I have got this letter?" asked Estoc.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, that is the question!" replied the priest. "As yet you do not -know all these people's intentions, and it is necessary that you -should be informed of all, in order that you should be prepared for -whatever it may be necessary to do. You are resolute and fearless, I -know, and have before now done much with small means and a strong -hand. You may be called upon before many hours are over, to use the -sword in defence of right and justice."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I am quite ready to do," replied Estoc. "It is but wiles and -cunning I fear, for there I am no match for your good Marchioness. But -let me hear, father, what are her plans and purposes?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"These," answered Walter de la Tremblade: "Some of them, I have -already frustrated; but I know that, failing these, she will have -recourse to force to effect the marriage of her base son with -Mademoiselle d'Albret; for she has built up a scheme for his -aggrandizement, which nothing will make her abandon, but death. Even -perhaps his pre-contract with Helen, she will attempt to pass over by -bold authority;" and he proceeded succinctly to display to the eyes of -Estoc, the whole plans and purposes of Madame de Chazeul.</p> - -<p class="normal">"But will Monsieur de Liancourt consent?" exclaimed Estoc. "He is -honest at heart--I believe on my life he wishes well."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But he is weak," replied the priest; "weak as the water of the -stream, which may be turned by art whithersoever we will; yet when -bent in a particular course, and concentrated within a narrow channel, -moves mighty machines, and carries all before it. He is now entirely -in the hands of this woman. I am no longer near him to guide him and -to counteract her, and you will see that he will do her bidding, like -a servant or a dog."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Force, against force, then," answered Estoc, "and I think myself well -justified in using the means I possess, to bring my men in hither. The -passage through the wall between the two doors will hold us all, for -we are not so many as I could wish; but I will be ready to appear at -the first sign."</p> - -<p class="normal">"How many are you?" asked the priest.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Seventeen," replied Estoc; "but there are stout men amongst us, well -trained to hard blows."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There are eight and twenty in the château," answered Walter de la -Tremblade, "and some of them good men at arms too."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That matters nothing," cried Estoc, "if we can get in unperceived. -Surprise doubles numbers. All the garrison could not act upon one -point. We should seize the principal avenues to the chapel before they -were aware; and the Count and Chazeul once prisoners, they might fret -their souls to dust without preventing me from liberating Mademoiselle -d'Albret. I could wish, indeed," he added thoughtfully, "to have had -enough to overawe all resistance; for I would rather, if it were -possible to avoid it, not stain the consecrated floor of the chapel -with Christian blood."</p> - -<p class="normal">The priest mused for a moment or two, and then replied, "And so would -I. But theirs is the villany. Your enterprise is right and just. If -they draw the sword to carry out their own iniquitous schemes, theirs -is the crime and the sacrilege. I absolve you of all offence in doing -aught that may be necessary to prevent the act they meditate."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It may be better in the hall," said Estoc in return, after a moment's -thought. "The contract must be signed there before the marriage, and -there the first scene of violence must take place. True, it is not so -easy to reach it, or to retreat from it, and we are there more open to -attack; but if I can contrive it I will. I must think over the means, -however, and I will be early here--as soon as I have got the letter -from the boy. If we can lodge ourselves in the passage before it is -full daylight, it will be better. The bushes give some shelter, it is -true; and they cannot prevent my entrance, so long as I possess the -key; but it were better to take them by surprise."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Far better," replied the priest; "and I calculate that if he make -haste, the boy may be back here by five. It was not much past one when -he set out. Are you aware," he added laying his hand upon Estoc's arm, -and pointing to a door in the sacristy, behind which the priest's -vestments and various ornaments and relics were deposited, "Are you -aware, that through that closet lies a passage in the hollow of the -wall?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, yes," replied Estoc, "it is necessary for the defence of the -chapel port; but still that would only lead us to the court, and we -should have to pass the Corps de Garde, go through the lower hall, and -mount the staircase. However, I will think it all over as I go, and -lay my plan. I know the château well, and every nook and corner. We -shall find means no doubt. I have taken a stronger place than this -with fewer men, and more to oppose us. Ere they should carry out their -scheme, I would blow in the gates with petards and force my way to the -hall sword in hand."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I trust it will not be necessary," answered the priest. "Indeed I do -not believe that there will be aught like bloodshed. Monsieur de -Liancourt himself, I should think, would not suffer the sword to be -drawn, especially as his heart must tell him that it is in a bad -cause."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, and many of the good fellows here," replied Estoc, "would not -take part against us, especially to force poor Rose into a marriage -that she hates. Chazeul is little loved by any one; and the -Marchioness is hated even by her people. I have heard them speak of -her.--But now I will waste no more time. Farewell, Monsieur de la -Tremblade: I will be back as soon as I have got the paper."</p> - -<p class="normal">"God give you success," answered the priest; and Estoc, retiring -through the door, closed it after him. Then issuing forth into the -country, he crept quietly away under cover of some bushes which -approached the walls, till upon the verge of the wood he found two of -his men waiting for him. With them he returned to the village, called -the rest of his little band together, paid the cottagers, whom he -roused from their slumbers, for the accommodation he had received, and -rode on towards Chazeul, giving out that it was not his intention to -return.</p> - -<p class="normal">After proceeding for five miles on the way, to a spot which the boy -was obliged to pass on his road from the one château to the other, the -old soldier halted his men, and ordered them to feed their horses with -some corn which they had brought in their bags. A vigilant watch was -kept in the meantime upon the side of the high bare hill, down which -came the road from Chazeul, and at the foot of which wandered the -Huisne; but one half hour passed after another, and no one appeared. -All was still and silent, the stars twinkling out above, and the low -wind whispering through the yellow grass that covered the wide extend -of sloping land between them and a wood above. The road was scarcely -to be traced by the eye, except where its sandy banks, against the -deep back ground of the trees, marked the spot at which it issued -forth from the forest; but upon that point Estoc kept his eyes fixed -without seeing any dark object cross the lines, till the sky overhead -began to assume a reddish hue, and the light spread gradually around. -The day at length fully dawned, and the old soldier was giving his men -directions to scatter themselves along the edge of the wood, and close -round the boy as soon as he appeared, when the figure of some one on -horseback suddenly issued forth upon the side of the hill, and came -down at a quick pace, apparently not remarking that there was any one -below, till he was half way to the bottom of the descent. Then, -however, the boy suddenly pulled in his bridle rein, and seemed to -hesitate; but the next instant, instead of turning back to the wood, -he darted off to the left, with the intention of crossing the Huisne -farther up. Estoc, however, detached three of his men along the low -ground on the bank to cut him off there, while he rode up to deprive -him of his retreat into the wood, and the rest of the party swept over -the side of the hill in a semicircle, gradually drawing closer and -closer round the poor page, who doubled before them like a hare before -the hounds. At length he saw that the attempt to escape was vain, and -pulling in his horse, he stood still till Estoc rode up to him.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, Monsieur Estoc! is it you?" exclaimed the page with a glad smile, -when he saw who was his captor. "You have given me a terrible fright."</p> - -<p class="normal">"More than needful, Philip," replied Estoc, "for we do not want to -hurt you. But, get off your horse, my good boy, and come hither apart -with me, for I have something to say to you."</p> - -<p class="normal">The page did as he was directed; and Estoc, dismounting also, led him -a little on one side, demanding, "Have you got it?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Got what?" rejoined the page, with a shy look of affected -unconsciousness.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Come, come--no more of that, Master Philip!" exclaimed Estoc: "I mean -the book, as you know well enough."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, I have got it," answered the boy: "but you must not take it from -me indeed, Estoc, for my mistress will be so angry."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Let me look at it," said Estoc: "you shall have it back again, upon -my honour! Have you opened it?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No!" cried the page with a look of surprise; "is there anything in -it?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, prayers, to be sure," replied the old soldier, satisfied by the -boy's countenance that he spoke the truth. "Come, let me look at -it--you shall have it back, I tell you."</p> - -<p class="normal">The page drew slowly and unwillingly from a pouch under his arm, the -book with its velvet cover and silver clasps, and placed it in Estoc's -hand, saying, "You promise to give it back, mind."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay!" answered the old soldier, "and I always keep promises;" and, as -he spoke, he unfastened with some difficulty the stiff clasps, which -seemed to be tightened in their hold by something swelling out the -bulk of the volume.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha, ha! you have done what the old gouvernante could not do," cried -the boy.</p> - -<p class="normal">"What, did she try to open it?" asked Estoc, turning over the pages.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, that she did, the nasty old wolf," replied the page; "and she -kept me for two hours waiting in the hall, because she did not choose -either to get up and fetch it, or let me. Ah! what have you got -there?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"What I seek," answered Estoc, giving the boy back the book, and -putting a letter, which he had taken from between the leaves, in his -pocket. "Now, master Philip," he continued, "take the book on to your -mistress, and give it to her, without telling her that you have met -with any one, or that any one has looked into it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She will know that, without any telling," answered the boy in a -gloomy tone. "She will find out, in a minute, that the paper has been -taken out, and perhaps have me hanged for stealing it, as she did -Gabriel Houlot for robbing her of her gold bonbonnière, which was -under the pillow of the coach all the time."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fear not, fear not!" said Estoc; "she does not know that there was -anything in it: and it is to prevent her from knowing it, that I take -the paper."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But father Walter knows," rejoined the boy; "and he will tell her."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no, he will not," replied Estoc. "But, to satisfy you, read that, -if you can read."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, yes, I can!" said the page proudly; "good father Walter had me -taught to read:" and, taking the paper which the priest had written, -and which Estoc held out to him, he ran his eye over it rapidly. "Have -I any regard for her?" he cried, as he saw the words referring to -Helen, "Ah, that I have, poor thing! and would shed my blood to serve -her, if it would do her any good. The old woman may hang me, if she -likes; I will tell her nothing, the tiger!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"That's a good youth," answered Estoc; "but, read it through."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, what am I to do, Monsieur Estoc?" asked the page as he -concluded. "I always promised to obey good father Walter; and, as he -tells me to do what you direct me, I will do it. But, what does he -mean about saving Mademoiselle Helen from death?--Where is she?--What -has happened to her?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc paused thoughtfully for a moment; and the idea of telling the -page that Helen was in the Château de Marzay, and directing him to -help her, crossed his mind. The boy's regard for her, and his -willingness to serve her and obey the priest, were too evident to be -doubted; but discretion, seldom the quality of youth, was too likely -to be wanting. "The priest has means of communicating with Helen, by -the passage from the sacristy, he thought; and I suppose from what he -said, that he has another key of the door. But yet he might be -stopped. Most likely the Marchioness does not know where they have -placed him. She is not one to overlook such chances, and a thousand to -one, she has him removed when she wakes. Then the boy's wit might be -of service if he knew all. I will risk something. It cannot do much -harm.--Hark ye, Philip," he said aloud, "can you keep a secret without -either blabbing it behind the door to a soubrette, or carrying it -about in your face as plainly as if your tongue told it?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I can," answered the page. "I have learned that in our house. -There have been secrets enough there within the last two years, I can -tell you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well then," continued Estoc, "the truth is, that your companion in -your room, heard good father Walter tell you to go upon this errand. -He went directly and informed your mistress; and she, suspecting there -was something in the book which she wished father Walter not to have, -has caused him to be confined--locked up--so that he cannot stir."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will let him out," cried the boy eagerly.</p> - -<p class="normal">"At all events be on the watch to serve him," replied the old soldier. -"You may in the course of this morning have an opportunity of -rendering him a great kindness, if you use your eyes and ears aright, -and be ready to do so whenever he asks you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That I will!" exclaimed the page; "but pray tell me, Estoc, where is -Mademoiselle Helen? What has become of her? I am sure you know more -than you say.--Oh, Madame treated her cruelly--terribly."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She is well," answered Estoc in a grave tone, "and so far in safety, -that, if undiscovered, all will go right; but if she be once found by -her enemies, her life will be held by a poor tenure, against that bad -woman's malice."</p> - -<p class="normal">The boy cast down his eyes and thought; then looking up, he cried, -"She is in the Château of Marzay!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ha!" exclaimed the old soldier, "what makes you think that?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, whom should she fly to, but Monsieur de Chazeul?" asked the -page.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fly to him!" replied Estoc in a sharp tone. "She would fly from him -to the farthest part of the earth. She abhors him. She hates him. Poor -silly boy, you are mistaken."</p> - -<p class="normal">The page looked puzzled. "He loved her once," he said in a meditative -tone, "and she him. Of that I am very sure; for I took the letters."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed!" exclaimed the other, "then you owe her some gratitude; for -she would not tell who brought them, for fear of injuring you, though -dear enough it cost her."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, sweet lady!" cried the boy, "that is so like her.--Poor -Mademoiselle Helen, I would die for her willingly," and the tears rose -in his young eyes.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then," said Estoc, "watch for the opportunity of proving how -you love her. You may find it soon also. Look well about you; mark -every word, and yet seem unconscious; be ready to obey her in an -instant: and above all remember, that, of all beings she has most -cause to hate and dread, it is Monsieur de Chazeul. There is no one -whom you can trust within the Château of Marzay, except father Walter, -but least of all Nicholas de Chazeul. Her life may depend upon you, -upon your prudence, upon your courage, and upon your quickness; and if -you be driven forth, as she was, for serving her, come to me, and I -will take you into my band, and make a soldier of you--I shall not be -far distant."</p> - -<p class="normal">The boy clapped his hands gladly; but Estoc went on, "No more, my good -lad, at present. Go back to the château with all speed; say not a word -to any one of having seen me; but tell the Marchioness how the old -woman kept you before she would get the book."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Stay, stay," cried the page; "I am not to know that Madame did not -send me; is it not so?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Certainly," replied Estoc; "you are to forget all that I have told -you, and only to remember that father Walter sent you for the book, -and that you have brought it. That is all.--Now to your horse's back -and away."</p> - -<p class="normal">The boy obeyed at once, remounted, and rode off.</p> - -<p class="normal">Estoc and his band soon followed; but at the distance of about a mile -and a half from Marzay, he gave the word to halt; and then turning to -his men he said, "We must take to the wood, my children.--Then for a -short council of war; and after that for action!" Thus speaking, he -himself dismounted, and led his horse through the brush-wood into the -forest, followed by all his companions; but scarcely had he reached -the thicket to which his steps were directed, when his ear was greeted -by a loud flourish of hunting horns at no great distance.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">There is a certain spirit of impatience which not unfrequently carries -a particular class of readers on to the end of this volume of a tale -like the present, before they have read the beginning; and another -spirit--an evil spirit certainly-which leads a second class to do no -more than skim gently but swiftly through the pages, catching glimpses -of the story here and there, sufficient to satisfy the mind as to the -facts, but to give nothing but indistinct notions of what is called -the plot itself, and no insight into the characters of the persons -brought upon the stage, no knowledge whatsoever of the work itself, in -any of its higher qualities. Formerly it was not so. People travelled -through a work, as through a country, remarking everything that was -curious and interesting by the way; the peculiarities of the people -that one met with, the beauty of the scenery displayed, the wit that -diversified the day, the moral reflections that suggested themselves -from the objects passed--somewhat amused, somewhat instructed, -somewhat improved. But this is an age of railroad, morally as well as -physically, and very little is thought of, but the end of the journey, -and the easiness of the coach. To get over the greatest possible space -in the shortest possible time, is the end and object of every man; -and, with books as with countries, we go through them at a pace of -forty miles an hour. Probably in time, this may work its own cure; and -as ere long nothing will be known of any land when thoroughly -railroaded, but the nearest and the farthest points, and a mile on -each side of the road, and nothing known of books but the beginning -and the end, and what a reviewer has pleased to say of the contents, -people may, in time, feel a curiosity to learn more, and take trips on -a post horse, or in a jaunting car, to see what is in the interior of -the country, or in the heart of the book. But railroad is the spirit -of the age; it is vain to strive against it; and if the truth must be -told, an author feels the same influence, and, as he approaches the -termination of his tale, is nearly as much inclined to hurry on to the -conclusion, to omit facts, to leap over difficulties, and to hasten -the catastrophe, as the reader. But this ought not to be; for then if -that time should ever return when books are really read, it might be -found out, that only half the story had been told, and that there was -a great deal unaccounted for.</p> - -<p class="normal">I must therefore, very unwillingly, pause by the way, and ere I -proceed with all that was going on in the Château de Marzay and its -neighbourhood, go back to the old house of Maroles, where the reader -will recollect that we left the young Baron de Montigni, in no very -pleasant situation.</p> - -<p class="normal">Too few in number to keep their assailants at a distance, if with -proper implements the enemy made a simultaneous attack upon two or -three of the different doors of the château, the little party, within, -saw no prospect before them but that of being forced to surrender on -the following morning, or dying sword in hand. The latter alternative -was certainly not a very pleasant one; but we must recollect, that it -seems much more terrible in our eyes, who are seldom called upon in -these days for such self-sacrifice, than it did to the eyes of men -accustomed daily to witness similar acts. De Montigni, however, had -still much to live for; the light of hope was still unextinguished -before him; the cup of life's joy had been scarcely tasted; and all -the bright and warm expectations of youth were leading him forward by -the hand. To close the pleasant journey so soon, entered not into his -thoughts; and yet perhaps he would sooner have died than yielded -himself to the power of Nicholas de Chazeul and that bad man's mother. -Of the former he knew little, for they had not met since his boyhood; -but yet De Montigni was as much convinced that Chazeul was faithless, -treacherous, and cruel, as if he could have seen all the innermost -winding of his heart; and, to trust himself a prisoner in his hands, -the young nobleman felt would be consigning himself to a fate much -worse than an honourable death in arms.</p> - -<p class="normal">What was to be done was the question; and, in the little council which -he held with his attendants, every one gave his opinion, and advice -according to his character.</p> - -<p class="normal">"We had better wait where we are," said one of them. "A thousand to -one they get frightened or tired before the morning, or that some -party of our own people comes up and forces them to decamp."</p> - -<p class="normal">"We are off the high road," replied De Montigni, with a shake of the -head.</p> - -<p class="normal">"If we could but send tidings to the King," said the man, "he would -soon deliver us."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I wonder if we could not make our escape by the wood behind." joined -in the servant, who had accompanied the young nobleman from Italy.</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is worth the trial at all events," replied De Montigni. "They can -but drive us back again, at the worst; and we might contrive to cut -our way through."</p> - -<p class="normal">"If we had not lost the two horses," observed the guide, "it might be -done; but, as it is, we should soon be caught."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The wood seems extensive," said De Montigni in return, "and we should -have a better chance of escape on foot than on horseback. They can but -follow the cart and bridle roads, while we could take the footpaths, -and even force a way across the brush-wood. It seems to me the only -feasible plan, and I will try it. We will leave the horses behind, and -an hour or two before daylight the attempt must be made. We may get -some sleep in the mean time. Two can lie down upon the floor, while -two keep watch, one on each side of the house, for the man whom we saw -them send away up the hill, may have been dispatched for tools, to -force the doors during the night. Thank heaven, there is a moon, so -that we can see their proceedings. But first, let us go round and -ascertain which door it will be best to use for our escape."</p> - -<p class="normal">"We shall scarcely have light," replied the servant, "and we are not -likely to get lamps or candles here."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then, the sooner we go the better," said De Montigni; and, descending -to the hall where they found the other man on watch, they attempted to -grope their way about the château, but to no purpose; for, as we have -before said, all the windows on the lower story were strongly boarded -up, so that even the faint light, which still lingered in the sky, -could find no entrance.</p> - -<p class="normal">A thought seemed suddenly to strike the guide, however. "I have a bit -of rope," he said, "at the back of my saddle. I always carry a piece -to tie a prisoner with. We can rub a little gunpowder into it, and -then set fire to it, with a pistol flint."</p> - -<p class="normal">This plan was adopted, and though the light obtained was not the most -satisfactory, as may be well supposed, it served to guide them through -the long passage of the château; and, by observations from above as -well as below, they found a door which apparently led into a little -herb garden, surrounded by walls, bordered by the road on one side, -and by the forest on the other. The best reconnoissance that they -could make, both before and after the moon had risen, did not show -them any of the enemy on that side; though a party was to be seen -round a fire which they had kindled in front of the château, and -another upon one of the paths in the rear. They therefore determined -to avail themselves of this means of exit; and, while two of the men -lay down to rest, propping their heads with the saddles, which they -had taken off the horses, De Montigni himself, and the stout soldier -who had served him as guide from Marzay, kept watch at the front and -back of the house, perambulating the various rooms, from window to -window. Every now and then they met and conferred for a few moments, -though neither had anything to tell. All was still and silent, except, -indeed, when the wind wafted the voices from the enemy's watch-fire, -or when a distant clock was heard to chime the hour.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was just after nine had struck, that De Montigni, meeting his -companion at the angle of the building, inquired "Is that the clock of -Houdan that we hear?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, Sir," replied the man, "It is Maroles. But do you know I was just -thinking, that, if we try to escape, we had better do it at once, or -at least not very late, for the clock that reaches our ears, will -reach theirs too, and may put them in mind that there are axes and -saws to be procured at Maroles. Then by dividing their men, they might -break in without our being able to prevent them. In such a clear night -as this, the moon will give them quite light enough for their work."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Or to see us make our escape," replied De Montigni.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, but in less than half an hour," said the man, "she will be round -on this side of the house; and then the whole shadow of the château -will be cast over the garden, and the door that leads to it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"True, true," answered De Montigni, "but a doubt has arisen in my -mind, as to the escape by the garden. Shall we be able to get from it -into the wood?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"There is a door," replied the guide, "I saw the mark of it plainly -upon the wall."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But it may be locked," said De Montigni, "and I think we may conclude -it is so by these people having placed no one within."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh dear no, Sir," answered the man, who, it must be remembered, was -an old soldier. "You do not know how many things are always overlooked -even in a regular siege, where there are all the wits of the army to -work. I do believe that, if those who are without a place did but -attend to all its points of weakness, as well as those within, there -is scarce a town in all France that would hold out three days. The -mistakes of the besiegers are at least as much in favour of a place, -as all its defences. But the best plan will be, for one of us to go -out first and see if the door can be opened, and then the rest to -follow. The lock must be in the inside, and it will be easily forced -with a dagger."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That will take time," rejoined De Montigni, "but I fear there is no -resource; and so it must be done. We will wake these other two as soon -as the garden is in shadow, and then put our plan in execution."</p> - -<p class="normal">It was somewhat longer than they expected ere the shadow of the -château was thrown completely over the little garden; and the clock -struck eleven, as De Montigni and his guide woke their two companions. -All that was necessary to carry with them, was taken from their -saddle-bags; the little store of ammunition, which they possessed, was -distributed equally amongst them; and, pistol in hand, they approached -the door and quietly unlocked it.</p> - -<p class="normal">The rusty bolts made some noise and resistance ere they would suffer -themselves to be withdrawn; but, it would seem, that this attracted no -attention from those without, and the door was opened, showing them -the neglected garden, become quite a wilderness of weeds since last it -was trodden by the foot of man. It was now altogether in profound -shade, however; and, although the walls were not high, and they could -see the glare of one of the watch-fire of the enemy flashing upon the -branches of the trees, yet, being situated upon the same level as the -château, the garden was commanded by no spot in the neighbourhood, and -consequently they determined to go on to the gate together.</p> - -<p class="normal">As De Montigni had suspected, the door was locked and the key gone. -The bolt, too, was firmly rusted in the staple, so that they could not -force it back; and the large nails which fastened the lock were -apparently clinched on the other side, and resisted every effort to -draw them. Nothing remained then, but either, to scale the wall, to -return to the château, or, by slow labour, to cut away the wood work -round the staple, and then force it out. The first plan was tried, -without success, for the wall was higher on the side of the wood than -on that of the road, and they consequently set to work to remove the -staple. It cost them near an hour to do so, and just as they had -succeeded, the sound of a horse's feet in the gallop met their ear. -Pausing to listen for a moment or two, the sounds were heard to come -nearer and nearer, and then rose up the buzz of several voices -speaking.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now or never," said De Montigni, pulling back the door, and the next -instant he stood under the branches of the wood. The men followed him -silently, and after one glance to the right, where, through the -leafless trees, they caught the faint glare of the fire upon the road, -they crept silently away to the left, taking the narrowest paths they -could find, and looking anxiously round on every side, in expectation -of seeing some party of the enemy. Ere they had proceeded far, they -heard a loud hollow sound, as of blows struck upon a door, and De -Montigni's servant whispered to his master "We must be quick, Sir, we -must be quick; for they have got axes, and are breaking in. Our flight -will soon be discovered."</p> - -<p class="normal">De Montigni hurried on at a more rapid pace, and for near an hour -nothing indicated that they were pursued. At the end of that time, -however, the young nobleman began to suspect that the path they were -following led them round, and was conducting them back towards the -spot whence they had set out.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I think so too," replied the guide to whom he expressed his doubts; -"the moon is travelling that way, and yet you see we have not got -further on the left."</p> - -<p class="normal">"More on the right," said De Montigni which would be the case if we -were coming nearer to the château again. "Let us direct our course -from her. That must take us to the edge of the wood." The attempt was -more easy than the execution, for the paths were perplexed and -intricate, formed apparently for the purposes of the chase, or perhaps -by the beasts of the forest themselves, and, displayed little -consideration of the direct line from one spot to another. Thus very -often when they had followed one road, which led for some way in the -direction that they wished to pursue, it suddenly turned off to the -right or left, flanked by thick and tangled underwood, without any -fresh path presenting itself to enable them to pursue their course. In -this devious way they wandered on through the forest labyrinth, till -at length the sound of loud voices shouting, and horses galloping at -no great distance, showed them that their escape was discovered, and -that they were pursued. At this moment they were in a narrow tangled -path up which it was impossible for a horse to force its way, and the -guide putting his hand upon De Montigni's arm, whispered, "Halt here, -Sir, and let them pass us."</p> - -<p class="normal">The advice was good, and De Montigni followed it. In a few moments the -sounds were lost again, and with cautious steps they resumed their -course towards the edge of the wood. The moon had now, however, gone -down behind the neighbouring hill, and looking up into the sky to see -if they could fix on any star, by which to guide themselves, they saw -a reddish light spreading overhead and increasing in intensity every -moment.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Can it be yet dawn?" asked De Montigni.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh no, Sir," replied the guide. "I don't know what that can be, -unless they have set fire to the château to give them light to look -for us."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Just like Chazeul's people," said one of the others, "it is that -depend upon it; but here is the open country."</p> - -<p class="normal">And so it proved, for they had now reached the further side of the -wood; and stretching out before them, lay a wide but gentle slope, -descending towards the valley of the Eure, over which the flames of -the castle shed a red and fearful light. Some trees, however, -advancing from the rest of the forest, which had once been more -extensive than it now was, promised them some shelter from the eyes of -their pursuers, while the spire of a small church was seen at the -distance of about a mile and a half; and, weary of wandering in the -wood, gliding for some way under its edge, they approached the -scattered trees, and began the descent into the valley.</p> - -<p class="normal">Ere they had proceeded half a mile, however, the blast of a trumpet -sounded, and a party consisting of three horsemen was seen riding down -towards them. It was now evident that they were discovered, but still -the pursuers did not venture to approach too near. And, pistol in -hand, determined to sell their lives dearly, the little body of -fugitives hurried on towards the church, hoping to find some village -near, where they might obtain assistance or shelter. Still the trumpet -sounded, however; and, in a few minutes, another party was seen coming -rapidly round from the farther side of the wood, to join the cavaliers -who were keeping them in sight.</p> - -<p class="normal">The flames of the castle could now be distinguished; but the fire was -evidently decreasing, so that they had still some hope of darkness -befriending them once more; but as the east opened upon their sight, -at the turn of the hill, the grey streaks of dawn were observed -depriving them of that chance. The church, too, which was now near at -hand, displayed no houses around it, and was little more than a chapel -in the open country, erected for the benefit of the neighbouring -peasantry. A deep wide porch, however, or rather gateway, with a stone -seat on either side, presented itself as they hurried on, and there De -Montigni determined to make a stand, sheltered, as his men must be on -three sides, from the attack of the enemy.</p> - -<p class="normal">The party who pursued now amounted to twelve, and were at the distance -of somewhat less than two hundred yards; but the rest of the troop -were seen riding rapidly down the hill, and the others halted, ere -they made their attack, to let the whole force come up.</p> - -<p class="normal">Suddenly the body in the rear, to the surprise of the young Baron and -his companions, halted, and one man at furious speed detached himself -from the rest, and, galloping down to those below, seemed to make some -announcement, which changed the whole course of their operations. -Instead of advancing against those whom they had so pertinaciously -pursued, every man turned his rein, and setting spurs to his horse's -flank sped up the hill towards his comrades.</p> - -<p class="normal">"What can be the meaning of this?" exclaimed De Montigni.</p> - -<p class="normal">"They see some party of our friends," replied the guide stepping -forward; and De Montigni advancing likewise, and turning his eyes -towards the Eure, perceived a confused group of forty or fifty persons -on horseback, followed by a number of others on foot, and some twenty -couple of dogs. They were advancing at a slow and tranquil pace, so -that the young nobleman and his followers had full time to contemplate -them. At their head, rode a gentleman in a common hunting dress, with -a large white plume in his hat, and a white scarf over his shoulder; -and, after gazing for a minute, the guide touched De Montigni on the -arm saying, "The white plume! the white plume!--It is the King!" and, -rushing out, he cast his hat up into the air exclaiming, "Vive le Roy! -Vive Henri Quatre!"</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXV.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">The moment her son had left her, Madame de Chazeul rose and began to -dress herself in haste; but although she grumbled at her sleepy maids -for their slowness, and called them by many an unpleasant name, which -indeed she was not a little accustomed to shower upon every one who -approached her, when her eager impatience prompted; yet the strong -spice of coquetry which remained with her, as a relic of former -passions, did not suffer her to conclude the arrangement of her dress -without the aid of the various cosmetics she was accustomed to employ, -and many a touch of that pigment which had obscured the real colour of -her skin for years. Thus, from the dawn of day, what between her -conversation with Chazeul, and her devotion to the toilet, at least an -hour and a half had passed away before she was ready habited, in deep -mourning, to appear in the hall of the castle.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now, call Martin to me," said the lady as soon as the whole structure -was complete; "be quick for once, jade. You will drive me mad this -morning, with your idle sloth."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The boy Philip, Madam, is waiting in the ante-room," replied the -soubrette; "would you please to see him first, or Martin?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, in the name of Satan, did you not tell me he was here?" demanded -Madame de Chazeul. "Call him in, hussy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He has just come, Madam," said the girl, willing to justify herself; -"he put his head in as I went for the wimple."</p> - -<p class="normal">But the Marchioness did not always confine the punishment of offences -to the tongue; and she pushed the girl rudely by the shoulder, -exclaiming, "Call him in, I say!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The maid ran to the door, and shouted, "Philip, Philip! my lady says, -come in."</p> - -<p class="normal">The boy instantly approached with the book in his hand, saying, "Here, -Madam, are the Hours. I suppose they are the right ones, for the old -woman would get them herself. I should have been back a long while -ago, but she kept me waiting in the hall, and--"</p> - -<p class="normal">Snatching the book from him as he came near, the Marchioness -exclaimed, "Hold your tongue, little miscreant. How dare you go for -anything without my orders?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, Madam, you sent me orders to go," replied the page; "at least, -father Walter told me so."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is a liar, and you are another, I believe," cried the Marchioness, -struggling with the clasps, which for a moment or two resisted all her -efforts.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah, Mathurine could not open it either," observed the page in a -natural tone.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Did she try?" demanded his mistress turning upon him vehemently.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, that she did," was his reply, "for at least five minutes; but -she could not get it open."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Perhaps you can do it," said Madame de Chazeul holding out the book -to him, and fixing her eye upon his face.</p> - -<p class="normal">The boy took it, laid down his hat upon the floor, and laboured to -open the clasps with all his might,--at least, in appearance;--and the -Marchioness, satisfied with the trial to which she had put him, called -one of the maids, who, using less force and more skill, unclasped the -little volume in a minute.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Here, give it me!" cried Madame de Chazeul not withdrawing her eyes -from the book for an instant; and as soon as the maid had delivered it -into her hand, she turned page after page, looking them all over, but -without finding aught written on any leaf but the name of Helen de la -Tremblade, in the hand of her uncle.</p> - -<p class="normal">"What could he want with it?" she murmured; "perhaps I have deceived -myself.--Yet, no! The room she used to occupy!--so said the man. Here, -boy, what did father Walter say, when he sent you?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not well remember, Madam," answered the page, "for I was half -asleep. But I know he told me, you said I was to go, and that I must -get the book from Mademoiselle Helen's room."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Did he say the room <i>she used</i> to occupy?" demanded Madame de -Chazeul. "Answer me exactly."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I cannot recollect, Madam," replied the boy. "He said her room; but I -did not take much heed as to the words."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Fool!" cried the Marchioness looking fiercely at him; "you should -take heed of everything;" and then falling into thought again, she -murmured, "Well, he is better where he is. If he be there, he may rage -when the knot is tied, but cannot unloose it; if he were free he might -stop the tying. Get thee gone, boy; and remember, when any one tells -thee to go anywhere in my name, come to me and ask if they have -authority."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What, in the night?" asked the page.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, in the night," replied his mistress; "if I can give them -directions, I can give thee an answer.--Now, girl, call Martin;" and -leaning on the table while the maid hastened to fulfil her orders, she -fell into a fit of meditation.</p> - -<p class="normal">Many minutes did not elapse before the man she had sent for made his -appearance. And still preserving that haughty tone of hands, which is -so effectual with dependents, even when requiring evil actions at -their hands, until they find that all real power to injure or -disappoint is at an end, she demanded, "Well, is the priest safe?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, Madam," answered the man; "I have done your will, though it be -against my conscience."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Conscience!" cried Madame de Chazeul; "what have you to do with -conscience?--Is it not in a priest's keeping?" she added, seeing an -unpleasant shade come over the man's brow; "and can he not give you -absolution? This may cost a score more crowns than any other offence. -But it is purchasable, and I will pay the money. To kill a Cardinal is -a ruinous thing; but it can be absolved on a fair calculation of his -weight in gold. These candlesticks of the church can always be -replaced; and this is but a trifle. Methinks you will become a -Huguenot next, and fancy that the Pope has no power to absolve us. I -tell you what, Martin, if such were the case, many a fair lady and -gallant gentleman, in France, would be in a perilous case."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I shall never turn Huguenot, Madam," replied the man gravely; "but, -as father Walter said, 'to drag a priest from the altar is more like -the act of a heretic than of a Christian man.'"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, so he said," exclaimed the Marchioness, "because he was the -person dragged; but on my honour he would have told a different story, -if he had ordered the thing to be done. But you shall have the money. -Here, Madelaine, bring me the casket.--Where have you put him?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The man paused till one of the maids had brought in a small ebony and -ivory box, and the Marchioness de Chazeul had counted out into his -hand, a hundred small pieces of gold, upon which his fingers clenched -with zealous eagerness.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Where have you put him?" demanded the lady again. "In the sacristy, -Madam," replied the servant. But at those words Madame de Chazeul -started from her chair like one possessed.</p> - -<p class="normal">"In the sacristy?" she cried; "then on my soul, he is free by this -time! Do you know, that there is a way out through the walls?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes, Madam," answered Martin; "but that door is locked."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And that," exclaimed the Marchioness, "through the vestiary and out -into the court?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The man looked confounded, and after a moment's musing he replied, -"Ay, that is the way he got out."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Out! out! Is he out?" screamed Madame de Chazeul. "He was out, but is -in again," rejoined the man. "René saw him, or his ghost, in the -court, and drove it back with his partizan. But as soon as he told me, -I went to the chapel and into the sacristy; and there I found the good -father seated where I left him, with the book on his knees."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He takes it very easily," replied the Marchioness. "There is some new -plot afoot. He must be removed, Martin; no more wandering about the -castle till the marriage is over. On that marriage all depends. You -know you are promised a command in my son's cornet of horse."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I did not know it, Madam," replied the man.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then, I promise," answered the Marchioness, "for your good -services this night. As soon as the marriage is over, Chazeul shall -confirm it. But the priest must be removed to the little chamber at -the foot of the great staircase. Have him away quick, before my -brother comes down,--the room where old Estoc slept, I mean.--How came -you to put him in the sacristy?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"It was his own wish," said Martin; "you told me I might put him where -I liked, and keep him under my own ward: so I gave him his choice; and -he preferred the sacristy."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Because he could get out!" cried the Marchioness: "that was his only -reason: and now, good Martin, hasten and remove him,--with all -gentleness, for he is a reverend man,--yet firmly too, for he is full -of arts and wiles, and will confound you with mere words. Listen not -to him, Martin; but tell him to come on without speaking, and lodge -him safely where I have told you. What is to be done had better be -done completely. The offence is committed, and we may as well make it -a secure one, as spoil the benefit by half doing. Go and remove him -quickly; and then, keep yourself ready to bear witness to what you saw -last night."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, I am quite ready for that," answered the man; "there I have but -to say what I saw, and that I can swear to. I took care to make all -sure, by speaking to monsieur when I met him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That was right, that was right, good Martin," said the Marchioness. -"You always show yourself a man of resolution and discernment. Now be -quick, and see that the door be fast locked."</p> - -<p class="normal">It may be remarked, that she spoke to the man who now left her, in a -very different tone from that which she used to most of the others -whom she employed in the multifarious services required of her -domestics; but the truth is, that he was of a more bold, determined, -and vigorous cast of mind than the others. She had less hold upon him; -she feared him more; she doubted him more; and, from the minister who -holds the helm of state, down to the tradesman with his shopmen, we -all show more courtesy and smooth compliance, to those on whom we have -no sure hold, than to those on whom we have. It is force of character -that usually gains this reverence; and it is vain for any one to say, -I will acquire it; for the very necessity of seeking such an -ascendancy, is an everlasting bar to its attainment. The only thing -that can ever supply the place of that force of character, in -obtaining station and command over mankind's esteem, is the force of -principle. Every man can say, I will be virtuous and true, and, with -God's grace, he may be so. Then, sooner or later, honour must follow; -but he must never dream of being so, for that end; for if he do, the -touchstone of the world will soon prove the metal, wear through the -outside gilding, and show the baser stuff below.</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul was, with this man, a different being from with the -rest, because she feared he might resist, and knew if he did so, it -would be with no weak and poor resistance. She spoke him fair, lured -him with rewards, flattered him; but she loved him less; and the -moment he had left her, she thought, "I must find some means to -dispose of him, after this affair is over. Yes, he shall have a -command in Chazeul's cornet. We will put him in the front of the -battle; and then a blow from before, or a shot from behind may finish -the affair.--Oh! David was a wise man."</p> - -<p class="normal">After sitting before her table for a moment, to collect her thoughts, -and call to mind all the particulars of the plan which she had already -arranged, and which, like every other dark intrigue had become, as we -have seen, more and more complicated at each step she took, the -Marchioness rose and walked leisurely to the great hall. Her brother, -whom she expected to find, was not there; and after waiting for a -moment or two, her impatience persuaded her, that it would be better -to seek him in his own chamber, where they could not be interrupted. -She accordingly turned her steps thither, and knocked at the door, -though that ceremony was not perhaps necessary. It was a quick and -hasty knock, however, as if she had come thither on urgent business; -and the moment the Count's voice was heard, bidding her come in, she -entered with a countenance prepared for the occasion, bearing a -mingled expression of grief and bewilderment.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, what is the matter, Jacqueline?" demanded the Count, as soon as -he saw her. "You look scared. What is the matter?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nothing, nothing," she replied in a tone of affected indifference. "I -only wanted to know if you were ready; for we have much to do to-day. -I wished to inquire too, what Rose was saying to you last night, just -before she went to bed--for something has happened very strange."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not recollect her saying anything particular," replied the -Count. "I said that, from what I saw during the day, I hoped she was -more inclined to do her duty, and give her hand to Chazeul; and, as -before, she replied, 'Never!'"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, but she must!" cried the Marchioness, "and that this the very day -too. The girl is a rank coquette, Liancourt, and only wishes to be -driven."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no!" cried Monsieur de Liancourt. "Not so, Jacqueline, not so!--I -dare say she might be brought to love Chazeul in time; but now she -clearly does not like him, though yesterday she seemed to endure him, -yet it was no very cordial companionship. It did not promise much."</p> - -<p class="normal">"More than you think or I am inclined to say," replied the -Marchioness. "But one thing I will add, that if you knew as much as I -do, you would be the first to force her without delay, into a marriage -which is necessary for your own honour as well as hers. Ah, you do not -know woman's heart, my good brother.--I say no more; but if you have -any regard for her reputation and for your own good name, let no -affected resistance have any effect."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What do you mean, Jacqueline?" cried the Count, hurriedly throwing on -his cloak, "what is the signification of all those mysterious nods and -looks? If there be anything affecting my honour, let me hear it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no! you would rage and storm," answered the Marchioness, "and -perhaps do some rash act towards Chazeul or Rose. But you must -remember, women are strange perverse beings, brother, and you must -take them as you find them, forgive them all their little faults and -failings, and understand that a woman often refuses most vehemently, -that which she most desires; and as to such errors as these I talk of, -they are but too common."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What is the meaning of all this?" cried the Count. "Come, Jacqueline, -come.--No more turning and winding. I must and will know what you -mean. No one has a right to speak of my honour being in danger, -without telling me how."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But it is not in danger, Liancourt," replied the Marchioness with -apparent reluctance, "if the marriage takes place at once; and as for -the scandal, it can be hushed up. I will give the people money,--and, -after all, Chazeul may have had no wrong intent, nor Rose either. They -may only have wished to talk with each other for an hour or two in -private, when every one was in bed. You saw there were secret -conferences between them yesterday."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Speak plain, woman; speak plain," exclaimed the Count, growing -irritated: "Talk with each other in private, when every one was in -bed! What do you mean?--where did they talk?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, if the truth must be told, in Rose's room," replied the -Marchioness. "It was imprudent, and the people who saw him come out, -and told me of it, were not sparing in what they said,--but I have no -doubt it was but imprudence."</p> - -<p class="normal">"When did this happen?" cried the Count vehemently; "at what hour?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"A little after two they saw him come out," answered the Marchioness, -"and he went there about one."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Count cast himself into a chair, and rested his head upon his hand -for two or three minutes. Then starting up he exclaimed, "It is false! -I will never believe it.--This is one of your tricks, Jacqueline."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What do you mean, Monsieur de Liancourt?" cried the Marchioness with -a frowning brow. "Do you mean to say, that I speak falsehood?--Nay, -then the matter is easily proved, and shall be proved. The people -whom,--as I told you I should,--I placed to watch that there might be -no more flights from the castle, must be called. I insist upon it, -since you accuse me of falsehood. They know my son; they know Rose -d'Albret's room.--Nay, more; we will have her maid. I have not seen -the girl myself, but you can question her. Perhaps she will not -acknowledge the truth; but you must make her. I cannot tell that -it was not herself Chazeul went to see,--for men have strange -fancies,--only she is as ugly as a sow. However, send for her first, -and let us hear what she says. Shall I go away and let you question -her alone?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no!" replied the Count. "Stay and hear. I cannot believe it! -There must be some mistake."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Of that you can judge better than I can," answered the Marchioness, -who well knew how to manage her brother. "I don't want to lead you. I -know that's quite in vain, Anthony. You never would be led by any body -in your life; but, see all the people, hear what they say, and then -act as you may think fit."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will speak first with the maid," said the Count de Liancourt; and, -approaching a door which led down to one of his servant's rooms, he -called to the man, bidding him send Blanchette to him with all speed.</p> - -<p class="normal">The girl made them wait for several minutes, during which time, Madame -de Chazeul improved her opportunity, in guiding her brother's mind -into the exact course that she desired. She took occasion to plead for -her son's pardon, in the tone of a supplicant, but was not at all -displeased to see, that Monsieur de Liancourt was highly indignant at -his nephew; as she argued thence the success of her own plans.</p> - -<p class="normal">When Blanchette at length appeared, the Count called her to him in a -somewhat stern tone, saying, "Come hither, girl, and answer me truly. -Was there any one in Mademoiselle d'Albret's chamber last night? Don't -hesitate, but answer."</p> - -<p class="normal">The girl did hesitate, however; for Madame de Chazeul had purposely -left her in the dark regarding her views and purposes, knowing very -well, that the more she faltered, and prevaricated, the stronger would -be Monsieur de Liancourt's conviction, that the tale which had been -told him was true.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Dear me, Sir," said Blanchette at length, "who could be there?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Girl you are making up a falsehood," cried the Count. "I insist upon -your answering straightforwardly. Was Monsieur de Chazeul, or was he -not, with your mistress, between one and two o'clock this morning?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Blanchette began to whimper; but at length, with many an excuse, and -many an explanation, she admitted that it was so.</p> - -<p class="normal">"And how dare you, you base girl," exclaimed Madame de Chazeul, -joining in, "how dare you give admittance to any man into your -mistress's chamber in the middle of the night?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why you told me, yourself Madam," replied Blanchette somewhat -saucily, "that I was to admit Monsieur de Chazeul, at any time, and to -do exactly what he told me."</p> - -<p class="normal">"At any time during the day," replied Madame de Chazeul, in a tone of -indignation. "You could not suppose that I meant at night; and I never -expected that he would ask you to do what was wrong, or I certainly -should not have told you to obey him. However, for this very thing, I -will take care you shall be discharged. There shall be no such -convenient ladies about my son's wife."</p> - -<p class="normal">The girl held down her head in sullen silence, very well -understanding, that she had done exactly what Madame de Chazeul -wished, though it suited her now to condemn it, and that she, -Blanchette, having been the tool, was destined to be the victim.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pray did Mademoiselle d'Albret direct you to admit Monsieur de -Chazeul?" asked the Count; and this time he got an eager and a rapid -answer, for Blanchette would have done a great deal at that moment, to -damage Madame de Chazeul's scheme, which she began to suspect.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh no, Sir!" answered the girl, "and I am very sure she would be -excessively angry if she knew that he was there at all. I only let him -in, because Madame la Marquise told me to admit him at all times, and -to do exactly as he ordered me; and he would have fain persuaded me, -that mademoiselle had changed her mind and liked him; but I know -better than that, from what she said just as she was going to bed, and -from the way she prayed to God to be delivered from him; so that she -would be angry enough if she knew that I had admitted him. But he kept -mighty, still, and took care not to disturb her."</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul's eyes had flashed fire while the girl spoke, and -she had given her many a threatening look to induce her to pause. But -Blanchette was not easily daunted by the lightning of the eyes; and -she went on to the end as fast as possible, without hesitation or -dismay.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, girl," cried the Marchioness at length, "now you have committed a -shameless and infamous act, and aided my son and your mistress in -soiling her own reputation for ever, you would fain represent the -culpability as not so great. But get thee gone; thou art unworthy of -more words. Get thee gone, and send my man Martin here. Tell him to -bring his comrade with him."</p> - -<p class="normal">The girl, who was by nature saucy, as well as sullen, would willingly -have answered the Marchioness by telling her, to call her man herself, -if she wanted him; but she did not dare; and, in a few minutes after -she had quitted the room, the servant Martin and a comrade, whom he -had had with him during the preceding night, made their appearance. -The Count questioned them eagerly, and found that his nephew had -undoubtedly been in the chamber of Rose d'Albret for more than an hour -the preceding night. This was quite sufficient to work all the effect -that Madame de Chazeul desired. He gave way to bursts of furious rage, -calling his nephew a base villain who had dishonoured his house and -speaking of Rose in terms of the utmost violence, without ever -inquiring whether she was to blame or not.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Where is your son, Jacqueline?" he cried, "where is this young -scoundrel?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"He quitted the castle early," replied Madame de Chazeul, "fearing, I -fancy, that this affair would be found out, and then that the -consequences between him and you might be serious."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Most likely to avoid marrying her whose fair name he has blasted," -said Monsieur de Liancourt. "But he shall marry her! By the Lord that -lives, he shall marry her this very day!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"There is no fear of him," replied Madame de Chazeul; "though there -may be, regarding your fair ward, brother; for depend upon it she will -deny the whole of this affair. The maid Blanchette will go and tell -her, that it is discovered; and then they will get up some story -between them, which they will expect us to believe. To make it look -like truth too, you may be very sure that Rose will affect to be more -opposed to the marriage than ever; and, if it were not necessary for -her reputation, it would be amusing enough not to press her."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She shall wed him before the clock strikes noon," replied the Count. -"But where is your son, Jacqueline? Has he gone to Chazeul?--He must -be sent for."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, no," replied the Marchioness; "he has only gone down to the -village, to keep out of your way till you are a little cooler. You had -better leave him there till the hour of marriage approaches, and then -be as lenient with him as may be. I have already rated him severely."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I <i>must</i> speak to him, Jacqueline," replied her brother. "This is an -insult and an injury to me. What did he say, when you spoke to him? -Did he deny it?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, not absolutely deny it," replied the Marchioness; "but he did as -all young men do under such circumstances. He said he had done no -harm; but had only gone to Rose's chamber because he wished to speak -with her in peace and quietness, which he had not been able to do -during the day. It was very likely true," she added, in a tone of mock -candour; "I don't think it at all unnatural."</p> - -<p class="normal">"At all events it is ruin to her fame," replied the Count; "and we -must heal the wound as speedily as possible by their marriage. I will -go to her and tell her, that there must be no more delay--that I -expect her to be in the hall to sign the contract at eleven, and in -the chapel to take the vow immediately after. I will have no excuses; -it shall be done. I will go to her this moment, before I hear mass."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, let me see her first," replied Madame de Chazeul; "you accused me -of being harsh with her yesterday, I shall be more gentle than you -with her to-day. I will be firm with her, however, and let her know -that you are so too. She may make up her mind to it--about which there -will be less difficulty than you think--while you and I are at the -funeral, which we must get over first, in order not to have the dead -body in the chapel at the wedding. Poor father Walter was taken ill -last night while he was watching the corpse.--Did they tell you?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," exclaimed the Count with a look of concern; "I will go and see -him."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is sleeping, and asked not to be disturbed," replied the -Marchioness; "so I sent down to the village for the Curé to attend to -the funeral; but I do hope that father Walter will be awake and well -enough to perform the marriage ceremony."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I hope so too," replied the Count, "for if this girl makes any -resistance, we might have difficulties with the Curé."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, she will be more easily persuaded than you imagine," replied -Madame de Chazeul; "though of course she will affect reluctance, the -Curé will easily see that it is all pretence. The more furious it is, -the more will the affectation be apparent. So stay for me here, and I -will rejoin you directly." Thus saying, she left her weak brother, -who, during her absence, which was longer than he expected, worked -himself into greater fury than ever, and prepared his own mind, as his -sister could have wished, for any act of violence which might be -required.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXVI.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">It was with a quick and agitated step that the girl Blanchette -returned to the room which served as her own bed-chamber and as the -ante-room to that of her mistress. It was the sort of pace that, had -she stopped for one moment, it must have been to stamp with rage; and, -when she reached a seat, she cast herself into it, and burst forth -into a violent fit of tears--passionate, not penitent; full of -virulent anger, not of sorrow or remorse. The same feelings were in -her heart, with which Macbeth exclaimed "For Banquo's issue have I -'filed my mind,"--feelings which lead to fresh crimes, rather than to -atonement for those that are gone.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I shall be discharged, shall I?" asked the girl, "and all for doing -what she told me. I have heard of her ways. Fool that I was not to -believe it. I might have known, if I had not been as stupid as an owl, -that what she does to others, she would do to me. Oh that I could but -match her!--Well, I may perhaps--Now if I could get Mademoiselle out -of the château? But she will watch me.--Well, let her; I will watch -her.--The old hag is cunning enough, but there may be others as -shrewd;" and she dried her tears, and laughed at the thought of the -bitter sweet potion of revenge.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I know her now," she continued, sometimes speaking to herself in low -murmurs, sometimes meditating in silence; "I know her now. Oh she can -feign and speak sweet, and promise all kinds of things. But she shall -not take me in any more. I can see well enough. Her game is nearly -played. If she wants any more help, she will be as smooth as oil; and -then, when all is done, I shall be kicked off to die on a dunghill, -for what she cares. But I have taken care of that. I have got as many -crowns as promises, and I will be caught by none of the latter any -more. Oh yes, she will soon come, and be very civil doubtless, if she -has anything for me to do; and tell me she was obliged to speak so -before her brother, but that it meant nothing. She shall see that I am -affronted, however; but not too much--no, not too much, for then she -might not trust me any farther, and I should miss my opportunity; for -vengeance I will have, one way or another."</p> - -<p class="normal">With such sweet and innocent thoughts Blanchette entertained herself -for some time, till at length the door swung open, and Madame de -Chazeul walked in, with no signs of plausibility in her countenance. -The girl was sitting, with the handkerchief which had lately wiped -away her tears, upon her lap; and her whole face showed that she had -undergone no light emotions. The Marchioness did not stay to inquire, -of what sort they were, but jumped at the conclusion, that the dread -of losing her place, was the cause of the girl's agitation; and, -believing that, by that fear, she could rule her as she thought fit, -she was only careful to prevent her from thinking the post of -soubrette to the future Marchioness de Chazeul irretrievably gone.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why do you not rise, girl, when you see me?" she demanded in a -haughty tone.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, I have done so much wrong, Madam," said the maid with a sullen -face, "in doing what I thought was your will and pleasure, that I am -sure I know not what to do, to give satisfaction."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You must do better than you have done, if you would long keep your -place," replied the Marchioness; "but if you really thought you were -pleasing me, that makes a difference. An error may be forgiven; -disobedience not. Your mistress is up, I dare say."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh yes, hours ago," answered Blanchette. "Shall I tell her you are -here, Madam?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No!" replied Madame de Chazeul, advancing towards the opposite door, -"we will have no farther ceremonies;" and, without giving any sign of -her approach, she walked straight in.</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose d'Albret was seated as before, near the window: the favourite -spot of the prisoner, where he can see some part, if it be but a -glimpse of that free world which is no longer his; but when the -Marchioness entered, she started and rose. Madame de Chazeul had -gathered her face into a frown; and Rose, who felt in her heart a -deeper degree of indignation at the events of the last night, than at -all the injuries, deceits, and harshness which had been practised on -her before, gazed at her with a swelling heart and a firm -determination to tell her what she thought of all her conduct.</p> - -<p class="normal">The Marchioness did not clearly understand that look; and it somewhat -puzzled her as to her course; but after a moments pause, she said, "I -have come, Mademoiselle d'Albret, to tell you, that at eleven the -contract is to be signed in the great hall; and, immediately after, -the marriage will take place in the chapel."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Madam, you have already had my answer," replied Rose, "and I have -only to beg, that you will not insult me, even by naming your son's -name in my hearing. I have long disliked and despised him. I now abhor -and scorn him; and I would sooner give my hand to a beggar on the -road, than to one so utterly base and degraded."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I should have thought," answered the Marchioness, with a bitter -sneer, "that, after what passed last night, your reluctance would have -quite vanished, and that Nicholas de Chazeul would have found in Rose -d'Albret a very willing--nay, perhaps, an over-willing bride;" and she -pointed, smiling sarcastically, to a man's glove that lay upon the -table.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I had not remarked it," replied Rose, advancing to the table and -taking it up with a look of disgust.</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, I suppose not," answered Madame de Chazeul. "Such little -oversights will occur in such circumstances, Mademoiselle."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It was no oversight on his part, at least," said Rose, turning to the -open window; "the low-minded villain who left it here, knew well in -that respect, at least, what he was doing; but I treat it, and him, -and all his arts, with the same contempt," and she threw it out into -the court below.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Weak, foolish, guilty girl!" cried the Marchioness. "Do not think to -escape thus.--Your fate is sealed; and within three hours you are his -wife, however unworthy to be so. For your own sake, for your own -reputation's sake, it must be so. However little care you yourself -take of your own fame, there are others bound to be more thoughtful, -and to use any or all means of saving you from the disgrace which -would fall upon you but for them."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Madam, my reputation is in no danger," replied Rose; "happily, -neither you nor your son can affect that."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed!" said Madame de Chazeul, with an incredulous smile. "Perhaps -your high purity is not aware, that Monsieur de Chazeul was seen last -night, by two trustworthy persons, entering your chamber at one -o'clock, and quitting it somewhat after three; perhaps you are not -aware, that your maid has confessed she gave him admission to it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"To this chamber; not to mine, Madam," answered Rose, with a look of -calm scorn. "Your admirable plan has failed, lady; and you cannot -drive me into an union with one so despicable as to take part in it, -even by the fear of calumny."</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul gazed at her with rage struggling with surprise. -"You are wonderfully tranquil," she said, at length; "but still all -your calmness will not disprove to the good busy world what several -persons, independent of each other, know: that Monsieur de Chazeul -passed more than one hour in your chamber last night, and that your -maid admits the fact."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have better witnesses than my calmness, Madam," replied Rose -d'Albret, "who will be quite credible against your servants, planted -on purpose on the stairs, and my maid, bribed long ago to betray and -deceive her mistress; and they will prove that, warned of the base -scheme contrived against me, informed of all its particulars, I slept -undisturbed in another chamber; and that, if your son thought fit to -pass his time in this place, he passed it here alone."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is the priest!" muttered Madame de Chazeul. "I have not spoken -with him, since my return hither," said Rose, who caught the words not -intended for her ear.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Who are your witnesses, then, girl?" exclaimed Madame de Chazeul. "I -do not believe you! The whole tale is false, invented but to screen -your own dishonour."</p> - -<p class="normal">"My witnesses I will produce when need may be," answered Rose, "but -not to Madame de Chazeul alone; and, for the rest, you know right -well, which tale is false, and which is true. It is needless to argue -with one so well informed already. Moreover, remember, that no force -shall ever make me wed your son. My hand is promised by myself to him, -for whom my father destined it; and the well-devised story of his -death has failed, as well as the artful scheme that followed it. I now -know him to be living, as well, or, rather, better than you do; and -you may find that he is so when you least expect to see him."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Marchioness turned red, and then pale, even through the paint upon -her face; but, for several moments, she made no reply, turning rapidly -in her mind every chance in the wide range of circumstances that could -have given to Rose the information she possessed. Be it remarked, -however, that she never doubted the truth of what that Lady said; for, -though the deceitful are ever suspicious, there is something in the -plain, straightforward simplicity of truth, which raises it, in -general, above doubt. Men may affect to disbelieve it, when it -militates against them, but in their heart they recognize it for what -it is.</p> - -<p class="normal">"If the priest had not told her, who had?" Madame de Chazeul asked -herself. "Could it be the maid?" But then Blanchette had not been -informed of the whole plan. "Could it be one of the servants?" None -knew more than a part. "Could Chazeul have betrayed the secret to some -of his own people, who again had communicated it to Rose?" It was most -improbable. "Could De Montigni himself have returned, and made his way -into the château unperceived?" It might be so; but still her scheme -was unknown to him. She was in a maze, which, with all her quick wit, -she could not thread; and all that she could decide upon doing, was to -pursue her plan boldly, to exercise all her influence over her -brother's mind, to blind his eyes and overrule the better feelings of -his heart, and to watch warily for every accident, to guard against -any event, which might frustrate her design.</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is all very well, Mademoiselle d'Albret," she said at length, in a -calmer but not less stern tone than she had hitherto employed, "to set -your simple assertions against facts unfortunately too well and widely -known. I shall be happy to hear, when you are my son's wife, the -proofs that you say you can give, that you did not commit the -imprudence, to call it no worse, of admitting him to your chamber in -secrecy and silence, at an hour past midnight. It will be a great -satisfaction to me, and I will take care that those who witnessed the -scene, and may otherwise spread the scandal abroad in the world, shall -be present to hear your exculpation.--But it must be as my son's wife, -for your guardian and myself have consulted, and have determined, that -it is absolutely necessary for your fame and respectability that you -should be united to him without delay. My brother, indeed, has sworn a -dreadful oath, that he will compel you to obey before noon; and you -well know when he has sworn--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh no, no!" cried Rose, now greatly agitated, "not sworn.--He would -never swear!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, but he has!" answered Madame de Chazeul; "he has sworn by all he -holds sacred,--he has called down the vengeance of heaven on his -head,--he has taken the name of his God and his Saviour to witness, -that he will force you to follow his will, and relieve your name of -the stain that hangs upon it, by your marriage with Nicholas de -Chazeul."</p> - -<p class="normal">Poor Rose d'Albret covered her eyes with her hands in terror and in -grief; for she well knew that Monsieur de Liancourt was one who would -consider such an oath, however rashly and intemperately spoken, as -full justification for violating every dictate of propriety, right, -and justice. Madame de Chazeul saw her agony, and enjoyed it; for -anger and wounded pride had their share in the bitter determination -which she had formed, to force the poor girl into the arms of her son; -and amongst the many images which a quick fancy brought before her -mind of future triumphs, was the prospect of mingling misery and care -with Rose's married life, and taking vengeance, for what she called -the disdain of the haughty girl, upon the unwilling bride. She sat -silent, then, and Rose remained with her fair face covered, hiding the -tears that would burst forth, and striving to smother the sobs that -struggled for free course.</p> - -<p class="normal">Neither uttered a word for several minutes. The house, and the chamber -remained quite still; and then came a sound as of a key turning in a -door, and next a gentle tap close to the chair where Madame de Chazeul -was seated. Both Rose and the Marchioness started up, though with very -different feeling; Rose with terror and alarm, lest Helen should -discover herself; and the Marchioness with surprise, which did not at -all deprive her of her prompt decision, and ready wit. Ere -Mademoiselle d'Albret could utter a word, however, in the wild -confusion into which her thoughts had been thrown, her fierce -companion judging in a moment that the secret was about to be -disclosed, said in a low, but quick tone. "Come in!" The door from the -priest's room opened, and Helen de la Tremblade stood before them, -with a face calm and placid when she first appeared, but which became -glowing and agitated, as soon as she beheld her enemy.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXVII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">"Ha, ha, ha!" exclaimed Madame de Chazeul, bursting forth into a long -peal of laughter, "so the secret is discovered! So here is the -precious witness! So here is the wise intelligence bearer!--Strumpet, -how dare you show yourself in my presence?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Neither willingly not wittingly, have I done so, Madam," answered -Helen de la Tremblade, who had now recovered her self-possession, and -spoke in a much calmer and firmer tone than the Marchioness had ever -heard her assume; for, in the fire of adversity, she had gained -strength, and the loss of hope had carried with it the loss of all -those thrilling emotions, those vibrations of the heart, which shake -and agitate the mind also. Thus, though surprised at seeing the woman -who had so harshly used her, and whom,--in the long pause that had -taken place in the conversation with Rose d'Albret,--she had thought -gone from the chamber, she was nevertheless not confounded, and far -less dismayed than might have been expected, "Neither wittingly nor -willingly," she repeated, "but since it is so, it may be no better. I -am, Madam, as you have said, both the witness, and the intelligence -bearer; but happily not the only one."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What minion, will you dare me?" cried Madame de Chazeul advancing a -step, as if she would have struck her.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Have a care, lady," said Helen in a deep tone. "Remember, I am not a -servant, and no longer in any way under your authority, or, as you -once termed it, protection.--Protection! Oh, God, what protection! Our -position is different; and I bear not now, what I have borne before."</p> - -<p class="normal">"On my life," exclaimed the Marchioness, "this is admirable! Where do -you stand, girl?--Is this my brother's house, or yours?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Your brother's, Madam, but not yours," replied Helen, "and I know -that brother too well, to doubt that he will do justice, when he knows -the truth. To him I am now going; and at his feet I will tell all,--my -own fault, and my own folly.--Ay, and your crimes, to me and to -others."</p> - -<p class="normal">She took a step towards the door; but Madame de Chazeul cast herself -in the way, with a look of terrible fury. She well knew, that the poor -girl had the power, if she could but obtain a few moments' interview -with the Count, of overthrowing all that she had done with him, of -exposing her conduct, ruining her schemes, and blasting by a breath -all that she most desired to see bear fruit. The worm she had trampled -upon, had turned to sting, her, and her only safety was to crush it.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Stand back, minion!" she cried in a stern tone; "back to your den, -this moment!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, nay, Madam," cried Rose d'Albret interposing, "Helen has -suffered enough; you shall not make her suffer more here."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Blanchette, Blanchette!" exclaimed the Marchioness aloud, without -heeding her, but still keeping between the door and her victim, -"Blanchette, Blanchette!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The girl appeared and gazed in surprise upon a scene, in which she -found a new actor, whom she had thought far away. "Quick, call Martin, -and the other men from the bottom of the stairs," cried the -Marchioness. "Quick! not a moment!" and advancing again upon Helen, -she repeated, "Back to your den, serpent! Back to your den!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No!" cried Rose d'Albret taking her poor friend by the hand, "she -shall not be driven from my chamber, if she chooses to stay."</p> - -<p class="normal">But Helen whispered, "By the other way!" and running back into the -priest's room, she turned the lock and hastened to seek exit by the -door at the top of the stairs.</p> - -<p class="normal">She had, however, to deal with one quicker in every combination than -herself, and ere she could unlock it, and go out, Madame de Chazeul -was there before her, calling loudly, "Martin! Martin!" At the same -time, she laid her hand upon the small dagger, which, as was not -unfrequent with ladies in that day, she carried at her girdle. Helen, -resolved to make a great effort, would in all probability have -attempted to pass her at all risks; and blood would very likely have -been spilt; for the tiger in the heart of Jacqueline de Chazeul was -thoroughly roused and overbore every consideration even of danger. But -as the poor girl paused for a single instant, the heads of the man -Martin and another appeared on the stairs, and she saw that her escape -was cut off.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now, will you back?" exclaimed the Marchioness, with a triumphant -smile. "Oh, I am to be set at nought, am I?"</p> - -<p class="normal">With a sinking heart and a slow step, Helen retreated into her uncle's -chamber; and Madame de Chazeul was following, when the voice of -Monsieur de Liancourt was heard below, exclaiming, "What is the -matter, Jacqueline? Is anything amiss?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nothing! nothing," cried the Marchioness, "I will come and tell you -directly."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen sprang forward again; but the fierce woman caught her by the -shoulder, and threw her back headlong into the room, muttering in a -low bitter tone, "Back, minion, I say!--Stay on guard here, Martin," -she continued; "let no one in or out. If my brother come, beg him -civilly to pause. I will return in an instant."</p> - -<p class="normal">Thus saying she entered the chamber; where Helen, stunned and bruised -by the fall, still lay on the floor. Seizing her by the arm, Madame de -Chazeul dragged her further in and closed the door; then gazed on her -for a moment, while every terrible passion that can agitate the human -countenance, crossed the face turned towards poor Helen de la -Tremblade. The fingers of the Marchioness felt the hilt of her dagger, -and the spirit of Cain moved her heart strongly; but she refrained for -the moment, murmuring, "No, not blood--not blood." Then advancing to -the door leading to the adjoining room, she tried it, took out the -key; and hurrying across to the other, she went out by it, and locked -it likewise.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Monsieur de Liancourt speaks, Madam," said the man Martin.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am coming! I am coming!" cried the Marchioness, and began to -descend.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Shall I wait here?" asked the servant.</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, all is safe now," rejoined his mistress, going on, "we shall want -you for other matters, my good Martin."</p> - -<p class="normal">She hurried down without a moment's pause, endeavouring to smooth her -countenance, and to calm the vehement agitation of her thoughts as she -went; and although, in the latter effort, she was not altogether -successful, for her angry spirit when once moved, was long ere it -regained tranquillity; yet her face was smiling--though with a curl of -contempt hanging about the nostril and the corner of the lip--when she -met her brother just ascending to inquire the cause of the noise and -outcry which had reached his ear.</p> - -<p class="normal">"What is the matter, Jacqueline?" cried Monsieur de Liancourt; "has -anything new gone wrong?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nothing, nothing," replied the Marchioness; "something more amusing -than anything else. But I will tell you all about it after the -funeral. I think it will make you laugh to see, what tricks there are -in this world."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But what is it? what is it?" asked the Count, whose mind, vacillating -and uncertain, was too much agitated by the course he was persuaded to -pursue against his better judgment, not to feel a movement of dread at -every new incident in the drama, whenever he fell back from a fit of -passionate vehemence, into his usual state of weak hesitation.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! I will tell you by and by," replied the Marchioness, who was -anxious to have a little time to arrange her plans, and to think over -the turn that she should give to all that had just taken place. "The -story is too good to be spoilt by relating bits of it; and the hour -appointed for the funeral is already past--hark! there is the bell. -All the people must be waiting in the hall; and we must go and put -poor old Michael in the vault, before we can talk of other things."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Count suffered her to lead the way to that large hall in the -Château of Marzay, into which we first introduced the reader, when we -brought him to the house. There several of the principal members of -the household were assembled, under the guidance and direction of the -Count's major domo; and they had already begun, with the assistance of -the good priest of the village, to discuss some of the savoury -pasties, and rich old wines, which were spread out upon a table in the -midst of the room.</p> - -<p class="normal">The worthy curé; looked somewhat mortified at the early arrival of the -two mourners, if we may so term the Count and his sister, for he had -got his plate loaded with a fresh supply of viands, and it was -understood that their appearance was to be the signal for beginning -the ceremony. Monsieur de Liancourt, however, courteously pressed him -to go on, and having a capacious mouth, and ready hand, the priest -brought his meal to a speedy conclusion. It may be a curious question, -whether the situation of that country is most unfortunate, where the -poverty of the clergy renders their appetites easy panders to -corruption; or that where their wealth tends to make them the slaves -of their own passions. To say the truth, it was a relief to the Count -to see the curé eat, for Monsieur de Liancourt's mind, more -impressible than that of his sister, shrunk from the solemn scene he -was about to witness. He felt higher and less worldly thoughts, which -he dreaded and disliked, crowding upon him against his will; and -certainly the very mundane appetite of the Priest, though it formed a -strange contrast with the functions he was about to exercise, was well -calculated to deprive the ceremony of part of its gloomy solemnity, -as, indeed, is the case with all eating and drinking on such sad -occasions.</p> - -<p class="normal">The moment he had done, the worthy man started up, wiped his knife, -and put it in its case. Then turning to Monsieur de Liancourt, he -said, "Give me three minutes, Sir, to get everything in order in the -chapel, for as Monsieur de la Tremblade is ill, probably no -preparations are made."</p> - -<p class="normal">"How is he?" asked Monsieur de Liancourt; "have you seen him, father?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Before the curé could answer, Madame de Chazeul's servant, Martin, who -stood behind her, stepped forward, saying, "He is still asleep, Sir, -and begged particularly not to be roused till he awoke himself."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, let him sleep," said Madame de Chazeul, in a low and gloomy tone. -"He will have sorrow enough, poor man, when he awakes."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Count looked at her in surprise; but she nodded her head -significantly; and the priest quitting the hall, hurried on to the -chapel.</p> - -<p class="normal">The Count and his sister followed soon after, and the ceremonies of -the interment began. Impressive and terrible as they always are, -perhaps the peculiar forms and pomp of the Roman Church, add more to -them than to any other of the rites of religion. The Count felt them -much; the tears rose in his eyes, when he thought of his brother, the -companion of his boyhood, scarcely more than a year younger than -himself, who had passed through life in friendship and affection with -him, but had gone down to the grave in indignation and just -displeasure at his acts. He asked himself, too, how long it might be, -ere that vault, which now yawned in the midst of the chapel--with the -stone which marked its place, and bore the name and arms of De -Liancourt lying by the side of the gaping chasm,--would open for him -also; and he shrunk with dread from the sad answer. A few short -hours--a few short days--it could not be longer than a few short years; -and then, the dust to dust, and the spirit to God who gave it! Next -came the--what then? The terrible, what then? The dread account--the -secrets of the heart laid open--the judgment, the stern, the -irreversible, the unalterable decree, the doom for all eternity!</p> - -<p class="normal">He wished it was over; he loved not such thoughts: he felt his soul -shaken within him. But the Roman Catholic Church affords so many -passages for escape from all those dark but gloomy convictions, which -the tomb and its awful lessons are calculated to produce upon the mind -of him who looks alone to Scripture for his guide--purgatory, -absolution by the lips of men as frail as ourselves, indulgences, the -intercession of saints, the masses for the dead--that Monsieur de -Liancourt soon found means of consolation. He looked to the -confessional. He thought that there he would find relief from the -burden. He vowed a hundred masses for his brother's soul; he -determined that he would dedicate a lamp to the virgin; and give a -candlestick to the altar of our Lady of Chartres; and half his sins -and errors vanished from his sight, when he remembered how easily the -past and the future might be atoned for.</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul felt none of these things. She maintained a decent -gravity, indeed, but kept her eye fixed upon the countenance of her -brother, marking the varying emotions that passed over his -countenance, and calculating very accurately, the sources from which -they sprang in his mind. From time to time, she suffered her own -thoughts to revert to the conduct which she had to pursue; and her -insight into her brother's character, with the moving picture his face -displayed, aided her not a little in determining her course. Of the -rest of the things around her, she took little or no heed. It was but -a pageant in which she took a part; a procession in which she walked; -one of those ceremonies, in which, her state and station as a mortal -being, required her to share.</p> - -<p class="normal">Too much, indeed, are we apt to go through all the strange and -instructive scenes of life, as if we were automata. Their lessons are -learned by rote, and not by heart; and oh! how much wiser, and how -much better, should we be, if out of everything that surrounds us, out -of each event affecting ourselves and others, lighted by the word of -God, we were to draw the high moral that is to be found in all his -doings! Who would dare to commit wrong, if he saw the hand of God -close to him in every event of existence?</p> - -<p class="normal">All was, at length, concluded; the body deposited in its last home; -the priest returned to the altar; the labourer with his pickaxe, and -his trowel ready at the side of the vault, to close the coffin of the -good old Commander for ever from the light of day; and Monsieur de -Liancourt, offering his hand to his sister, led her out into the -court.</p> - -<p class="normal">The spring sunshine was beaming brightly; a light bird, perched upon a -shrub that grew out of the wall, was caroling sweetly in the warm -air--the image of thoughtless life; and the Count felt relieved; for -it was all over, and his heavy thoughts were buried with his brother -in the tomb. Madame the Chazeul too felt relieved, though in another -manner, for she had dreaded the effect of what had just taken place -upon her brother's mind. It was done. The sad paraphernalia of the -funeral would soon be removed from the chapel; the decorations for the -marriage would take their place; and it seemed to her as if a step was -gained.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Jacqueline," said the Count, as they came forth: "what is it -you have to tell me?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"It must be in private," replied the Marchioness, "for various -reasons, which you will soon see. Come to my apartments, where we -shan't be interrupted.--But first give orders about the marriage. We -cannot get any flowers but violets and snowdrops: but they must deck -the hall and the chapel out as well as they can. You are sure the -notary will be here?--tell them to have everything ready." She did -nothing without art, and even these ordinary words had their object.</p> - -<p class="normal">The Count hesitated, but her ascendancy was complete; and, after a -short pause, he called some of his servants to him, gave several of -those orders, which his sister knew he would not be willing to recall, -for fear of betraying that weakness of resolution of which he was -internally conscious, and then accompanied the Marchioness to her -apartment.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXVIII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">It is very rarely, indeed, I believe, that human beings become, even -by long habit, so hardened in evil as to commit crimes deliberately, -without some shrinking reluctance, without some moments of hesitation -and dismay. The voice of conscience may be reduced to a whisper; but -still, if an interval of silence occurs in the tumult of the passions, -that whisper is heard. If unattended to for reformation of purpose, it -does, indeed, but serve to irritate the guilty mind to more culpable -excess; for conscience, by those who are resolute in wickedness, is -soon ranked amongst their enemies, as one of those to be overcome by -the more vehement opposition; and in its defiance they go beyond even -the point they at first desired, as a fierce and hard-mouthed horse -leaps much farther than is necessary to clear an opposing fence.</p> - -<p class="normal">As Madame de Chazeul walked to her room with her brother, a momentary -glimpse, a vision as in a dream, a picture like the scene of a play, -presented itself to her all at once, of the complicated intrigue in -which she had involved herself, the difficulties which awaited her -whichever way she turned, the consequences of the deceits she had -practised, their ultimate exposure, and the contempt and suspicion -which might follow her after-life, from the discovery of all the -falsehoods she had told, and all the arts she had had recourse to.</p> - -<p class="normal">For a single instant the question shot across her mind, like a flash -of lightning, "If men will so judge me, how will judge me, God?" But -that gleam of awful light she crushed out, in an instant, like a dying -spark in a mass of tinder; and to all the rest she had a ready, and to -her convincing, answer, "I shall have triumphed! That is enough! -Success is justification!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Hers was the philosophy of a great modern usurper, applied to domestic -life; and the springs which moved her in many of her proceedings, were -not very different from his own.</p> - -<p class="normal">The next consideration was the government of her brother; and step by -step, through the hall and up the stairs, the incredible rapidity of -thought brought her to new conclusions; not a footfall but had its -thousand questions and replies in her own breast, its examination of -plans and results, its calculations of character, its meditation of -weakness, and its application of the means to the end. Half a lifetime -was spent between the court and her own apartments--I mean thoughts -that would have filled half a lifetime better disposed; but when she -reached her own door, her mind was calm and clear; and she entered -with the full assurance of overruling all opposition, extinguishing -all suspicion, working out her own schemes, in despite of every -combination of circumstances against her, ay! and of taking revenge, -and closing the tomb over one of the chief sources of doubt and -anxiety for the future.</p> - -<p class="normal">The large ante-room in which her maids slept was vacant, for they were -engaged with their mistress's dress in the chamber beyond; and with a -smiling countenance, as if all memory of the ceremony just past, had -left her on the staircase, she invited her brother with somewhat -formal courtesy to be seated, closed the door, and then began, without -waiting to be questioned.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Anthony," she said; "I thought <i>I</i> knew every turn and wile of -a woman's heart.--I have a good right to know; for I do not think -there are many women who have dealt more in matters of policy, public -and private, than I have done;" she added these words in a tone of gay -candor, which she knew would not be without its effect. "But yet I -have found one to go beyond me: and, for a time, to overpower me--till -I discovered the truth. When I went from you to Rose d'Albret, I found -her in a high and haughty mood, ready to treat remonstrance with -contempt, and evidently wishing to be pressed, if not forced, so that -she might cast any blame in point of haste on us, and justify herself. -Her conduct and her tone provoked me,--foolishly I will allow, and I -did,--sillily enough--what I ought not to have done. I told her of the -discovery we have made, of Chazeul's visit to her chamber--which I -should have studiously avoided; but I was off my guard--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I do not see that," said Monsieur de Liancourt: "why should you have -avoided it? I should tell her the first thing, as the motive which -made me urge the marriage upon her."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay! that is very well for you, brother," replied Madame de Chazeul, -"but you stood in a different position. You have a right, not only to -speak such truths, but to command the only conduct which can take away -the sting from them. I should have remembered that, for me to show I -knew the fact, would but irritate her to resistance and denial, and to -efforts for her exculpation, even to resistance, of the only remedy -for the evil situation in which she has placed herself; just as mad -people deny they are insane, and refuse the medicines which might -soothe their brains. In an instant, she had a story ready. She had not -slept in that room, she said; and gave me to understand that she had -passed the night in the adjoining chamber. Seeing the error I had -committed, I replied, that it might be so, but that the injury to her -reputation was the same, and that the only remedy for that was her -immediate marriage with my son."</p> - -<p class="normal">"In which chamber did she say she slept?" demanded the Count.</p> - -<p class="normal">But Madame de Chazeul did not wish to be brought to the point, and -replied, "I do not well know; there is one on the right, and one on -the left, you know. However, I told her that you took the same view -that I did; and that you had sworn, in the most solemn manner, she -should be Chazeul's wife before noon to-day."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Did I swear?" asked Monsieur de Liancourt, in a low voice.</p> - -<p class="normal">"As solemnly as ever man swore," replied the Marchioness; "you called -heaven to witness; you vowed a vow to God; and that seemed to move her -more than anything; indeed, it appeared that she was just going to -say, when she found you were so resolute, that she was prepared to -obey, when the door opened, and in walked,--who think you?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, I cannot divine," said Monsieur de Liancourt; "not De Montigni?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No! no!" answered Madame de Chazeul; "it would take longer for a -ghost to travel post from Chartres; and he is dead beyond all doubt -No,--who but Helen de la Tremblade."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ah! poor little Helen! I shall be, glad to see her," cried the Count; -"she has not been here for three months or more; nay, it was in -October, well nigh six months, upon my life."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And in those six months, what events have happened," exclaimed Madame -de Chazeul, "to blast all our regard for her, to show her the -veriest--but I will not give her the name she deserves. Suffice it, my -dear brother, that not long ere I came hither, I found, by letters I -discovered, that I had been nourishing a serpent in my house. I found -her base, unworthy--impure, ambitious, scheming.--Sickened and -indignant, I gave way, as I am too apt, to the fierce burst of -passion; for I can never conceal what I feel; and drove her out to -carry her schemes and vices elsewhere. But I speedily repented; and -sent out to seek her, intending to treat her kindly, and, if I could -not forgive her faults, to put her in the way of repentance and -atonement: but she had gone off at once; and has since come hither, -when, or how long ago, I know not. She has evidently been here in -secret, however, for some time, prompting Rose to all this resistance, -prejudicing her mind against Chazeul, whom the vain girl thought to -wed herself, and inspiring her with continual schemes for thwarting -our purposes. She had clearly heard all that had passed between me and -Mademoiselle d'Albret; and when she found Rose was beginning to yield, -as I showed her how resolute you are, forth she came to dare me, -thinking that she could frighten me by her influence over her uncle, -and her threats.--I believe she would have struck me had she dared; -but I taught her, I was not to be intimidated, laughed her menaces to -scorn, and gave her to understand that I would now expose all to you, -though I had hitherto carefully concealed her guilt and folly from all -ears--even from her uncle's. It was wonderful to see how the girl's -daring spirit was cowed before a little firmness, how she shrunk and -quailed. She would have fled, indeed, perhaps to brew new mischief; -but I resolved that should not be; and, like one of the men who tame -the Lions at the Louvre, I assumed a commanding tone, and ordered her -to retire into her uncle's chamber, fully resolved not to let her -forth till the marriage is over. It was then that she tried to run -past me; but I called loudly for my people, and finding it in vain to -resist, she obeyed, though sullenly and gloomily."</p> - -<p class="normal">"To the priest's chamber!" said Monsieur de Liancourt. "Will not all -this rouse good father Walter? Why, there was noise enough to wake the -dead."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! no!" replied the Marchioness, who had foreseen that such a -question might be put, and was prepared with an answer. "It would have -roused him, certainly, if he had been in his own chamber; but he was -so faint and ill, with long watching, doubtless, fasting and prayer, -that the people who were with him took him first into the sacristy, -and then to a room on the ground floor, rather than carry him up -stairs. There he sleeps quietly, and, doubtless, will awake quite -refreshed and well. I only dread having to tell him this story of his -niece, for I do not think he knows it yet. She looks very ill, poor -wretch; and I should not wonder if her violent temper killed her; but, -if possible, I will still keep the matter secret from all but her -uncle."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Do, do," replied the Count; "her violent temper! Why, she was the -most gentle and timid of creatures, Jacqueline."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, so she seemed," replied Madame de Chazeul; "but vice and ambition -have brought forth the natural character: and, if you had seen her -just now, you would not have said that she was gentle. I thought she -would have stabbed either me or herself; and yet, it made me laugh to -witness her impotent rage.--But, to return to Rose. She now knows her -fate fully: for, as soon as I told her you had sworn, it was easy to -see, that her knowledge of your firmness, showed her that your word -was quite irrevocable."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Count looked gloomily down upon the ground; for he would fain have -shrunk from the task she put upon him; and yet, like all weak people, -endeavoured to assume the qualities that were imputed to him.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes," he said; "having sworn it, I must do it; and it is certainly -necessary for her own reputation, after what you have told me, and -what the other people saw, that she should marry him at once. It must -be done--that is clear."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay!" answered Madame de Chazeul; "whether she slept in her own -chamber or another. It is known, unfortunately, to so many people that -Chazeul, like a rash and foolish boy, passed a great part of the night -in her usual room that, for both their sakes, there must be no delay: -and, besides, your word must be kept, as it always is."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Certainly," replied the Count, working himself up to the pitch -required; "and it shall be kept, by all I hold sacred."</p> - -<p class="normal">The repetition of the oath was very pleasant to Madame de Chazeul, for -she knew that her brother would not now shrink from its execution; and -that, in order to guard against his own vacillation, he would assume -an air of violence and sternness, calculated to intimidate all -remonstrance, and overbear all opposition.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then, Anthony," she said, "as we have now but little time to -spare, I will go and make some change in my apparel; and, sending for -Rose's maid, Blanchette, give her orders for dressing her mistress in -something like bridal costume."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Do you think I ought to go and formally inform her of my resolution?" -asked the Count.</p> - -<p class="normal">"As you please," answered Madame de Chazeul; "and yet, perhaps, you -had better not. I have told her already; and, if she have no further -inducement to display a headstrong spirit, we shall find her less -obstinate at the time of the marriage. We shall have some affectation -of reluctance, beyond doubt: but it will be soon got over when she -finds you firm; and if you then go and bring her from her chamber, it -will be enough. You will thus have only one disagreeable scene instead -of two."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The fewer the better," replied the Count. "But, where is -Chazeul?--has he returned yet?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," answered the Marchioness, "I fancy he is afraid to meet you: but -I will send down to the village, and tell him to come up, if you will -promise not to be too angry."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I must reproach him," said the Count, putting on a firm and dignified -air. "You must admit, Jacqueline, that he has been very much in the -wrong."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, I know he has," answered the Marchioness. "But, however, his -fault will all be done away with by the marriage, and so there is no -use of saying too much about it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Ay, but I must say something," answered Monsieur de Liancourt. -"However, go and make your preparations, for it is now past ten; and, -immediately after the marriage, I will see Helen de la Tremblade -myself, and inquire into the whole case, that I may break the tidings -to poor father Walter.--'Tis very odd that she should become such as -you represent, for she was as sweet and gentle a girl as ever I saw."</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul left him without reply and entered her bed-room, -while the Count retired by the other door. But, ere she reached the -dressing-table, she paused twice; and at length, after a few moments' -meditation, murmured to herself, "No, that must be prevented."</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XXXIX.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">When Madame de Chazeul entered the bed-room, she found the two maids -busily engaged in ornamenting a dress, which she had ordered them to -prepare against the marriage. It mingled, in a somewhat strange -manner, the colours of mourning and rejoicing; and the two girls were -tittering at some observations made by the page, who stood looking -over their work, and who had just said, "Why, if Madam put on that, -she will look like an old magpie." The boy's face was perfectly grave, -but the maids could not recover a demure look quite so easily; and -Madame de Chazeul, who was herself in deep and stern thoughts, gave -them a fierce glance, saying, "What are the fools laughing at? Go both -of you into the ante-room and let one tell the girl Blanchette to come -to me; and you, Philip, run down to the kitchen, and fetch me two -basins of soup. I am hungry," she added in a tone that she intended -him to remark; "and that poor girl must have some food too."</p> - -<p class="normal">The boy hastened to obey, and the maid went to call Blanchette: but -the Countess remaining in her own chamber, opened a little bonbonnière -which she carried, and shook out a small quantity of a white powder -into a piece of paper, which she folded up carefully, but not indeed -completely, for one end was left open. This packet she concealed -between her first and second finger; and then, leaning her head upon -her hand, she meditated for a moment or two, turning her own dark -schemes in her mind, with some doubts and misgivings as to how she -should carry the next step she purposed to take, into execution.</p> - -<p class="normal">"If I carry it to her myself," she thought, "she will doubt something, -and will not drink it. I'll send it by the maid Blanchette.--Yet, -perhaps, if she knows that it comes from me, the same suspicions may -arise: and I doubt that girl too. She has given me black looks and -saucy answers. No--I had better take it myself: or, stay--I will send -it by the page. He was always fond of her; and a light, thoughtless -boy like that, one can make say what one will. He will suspect -nothing, and the girl will not doubt him. Martin I dare not trust, for -the fool thinks his conscience sufficiently burdened already with the -imprisonment of the priest. He would not be so easily taken in either, -to believe that I had any very tender consideration for the hunger of -Helen de la Tremblade, any more than those two wenches in the -ante-room. All my people know too much--I must get some new ones; and, -if I can breed up this boy in perfect obedience, he may prove useful -hereafter."</p> - -<p class="normal">As she was going on with these pleasant meditations, the girl -Blanchette presented herself and Madame de Chazeul, turning towards -her, asked in a calm and complaisant tone, "How long has Mademoiselle -de la Tremblade been here, Blanchette?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Really, Madam, I do not know," answered the maid; "I was not aware -that she was here at all, till I found her with you and Mademoiselle -d'Albret."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Indeed!" exclaimed Madame de Chazeul with an air of surprise; "I -thought you had known all about it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not I, Madam," said Blanchette; "but she can't have been there long, -or I could not have helped knowing. I think she must have come last -night, for I saw the door of the priest's room open just before -sunset, and I looked in. There was nobody there then: and I am sure -nobody slept in the room the night before; for he was in the chapel -all night himself, and the bed was untouched in the morning."</p> - -<p class="normal">Before Madame de Chazeul could make any further observation, the page -entered the room, bearing the two basins of soup which he had been -commanded to bring; and his mistress ordered him to set them down on -the table before her, and retire. The boy did as she bade him, but -remained in the ante-room; and the Marchioness proceeded to talk -farther with Blanchette, changing the subject of her conversation, -however, to the approaching wedding, and the preparations for it, -which were necessary.</p> - -<p class="normal">"You will not have much time, Blanchette," she said; "but still, you -must try to make your mistress's wedding dress look as gay as -possible."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will do the best I can, Madam," replied Blanchette; "but I doubt -very much whether she will put it on."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, nonsense," cried Madame de Chazeul. "She knows that Monsieur de -Liancourt has sworn that she shall marry the Marquis before noon -to-day; and she does not doubt that he will keep his word. She must, -therefore, have made up her mind to it by this time; and I dare say we -shall hear no more objections."</p> - -<p class="normal">Blanchette shook her head, saying, "I think you will, Madam, as many -as ever."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then," exclaimed Madame de Chazeul, "force must be used; that's -all, for my brother will not break his oath for the whims of any girl -in Europe. Fetch me that mantle, Blanchette," she continued, "that one -which hangs by the wall there," and she pointed to a spot at the other -side of the room, where a cloak was hanging from a hook on the wall. -The direction was such that Blanchette, in going thither, must turn -her back to the table at which the Marchioness was seated. The girl -walked straight across to the spot, seemingly gazing at the crimson -silk mantle before her, but as she did so, she turned her eyes quietly -towards a small mirror that hung exactly opposite the fire-place. At -first it presented nothing to her view, but the wide open hearth, and -the curiously carved dogs, with some large pieces of wood burning upon -them. The next moment, however, her own figure crossing was reflected -from the glass, and then was seen, as the angle became greater, the -form of Madame de Chazeul, seated at the table with the two basins of -soup before her and with her right hand raised above one of them. She -was shaking in the powder which she held wrapt up in the paper between -her fingers; and Blanchette saw clearly the white substance fall into -the liquid. She took no notice, however; but in order to give the -Marchioness full time for what she was about, she affected to have -some difficulty in unfastening the garment she was sent to fetch from -the peg.</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul turned round the next moment saying, "Untie the -string, untie the string! How clumsy you are!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Following her directions, Blanchette easily got down the mantle and -returned with it to the lady's side, who began a long unnecessary -explanation as to how certain knots of riband were to be placed on -Mademoiselle d'Albret's dress, and Blanchette took out her scissors to -unfasten one of those from the cloak, in order that she might see -exactly how it was done,--affecting, to say the truth, a greater -degree of stupidity than was natural to her.</p> - -<p class="normal">"There that will do," said Madame de Chazeul; "you must understand it -now. Oh, I forgot," she added aloud, "I must send something to -Mademoiselle de la Tremblade. She has had no breakfast, I suppose? -Here, Philip!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The boy did not appear, and Blanchette still continued to fumble at -the bow upon the mantle, without offering to call the page.</p> - -<p class="normal">There was a good deal of tremor in the Marchioness's manner: she was -agitated: her voice shook when she called; and at length rising, she -went to the door to give her orders to the boy. He was not there, -however; and the only person in the room was one of her women seated -near the farther window, whom she directed in quick and eager words to -call the page directly.</p> - -<p class="normal">The whole of this proceeding occupied not a minute and a half; but the -moment that the Marchioness's back was turned, Blanchette with -dexterous rapidity, took the mantle between her teeth, and, employing -both hands, changed the relative positions of the two basins of soup, -but was busy at the knot again, with a dull face and a heavy unmeaning -eye, before Madame de Chazeul turned round. Not the slightest sound -had she made; and it was only a gentle undulation of the liquid in the -two cups which could have betrayed to any eye that they had been -moved. That, however, had nearly subsided before the Marchioness -returned to the table, and Blanchette soon received her dismissal, -with injunctions to make haste with what she had to do.</p> - -<p class="normal">Scarcely was the girl gone when the boy Philip entered the room, and -Madame de Chazeul asked sharply, "Where have you been, Sir?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I went to get some breakfast, Madam," replied the boy, "for I was -very hungry, having ridden all night."</p> - -<p class="normal">"There may be other people hungry as well as you are, young glutton," -said the Marchioness; "however, here's a task for you, that I am sure -you will like. Do you know that Mademoiselle Helen is here?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," cried the page with well-feigned astonishment; "is she, indeed? -Oh, I am so glad; and I am sure I hope you will forgive her, Madam, -for she is so good and so kind."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not yet," replied the Marchioness in a significant tone; "but I may -soon. In the mean time, I must not let her, for the world, know that I -take any interest in her; for she is locked into her room, and must -remain there till I think she is punished sufficiently. However, she -must not be without food, so carry her this basin of soup, as if you -had brought it for her yourself, without letting her know that I sent -it. She will take it kind of you; but you must not stop a minute with -her, and be sure to lock the door and bring me the key again directly. -If you were to let her get out, I would have you flayed alive."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I will take care, that shall not be the case," replied the boy; and, -stretching out his hands, either from some suspicion or by accident, -he was about to lift the basin farthest from him, when Madame de -Chazeul thrust back his arm hastily, and laying her finger on the -other, exclaimed, "This, I told you, this. Don't you see I have taken -some of the other?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The boy could not perceive that there was any difference in quantity -between the two; but the quick eagerness with which Madame de Chazeul -spoke, would have created doubts in his mind if there had been none -there before; and he determined at once, to warn Helen against -touching any food but that which he himself procured for her.</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul then gave him the key; but she exacted a promise -from him, that he would lock the door with it, and bring it back -without suffering Helen to go out. "If she should try to master you, -and be too strong for you," said the Marchioness in a low voice, "use -your dagger."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! Madam," cried the boy with a look of horror.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I mean, but to frighten her," replied Madame de Chazeul, "and at all -events call out loudly should such be the case. I will place some one -within hearing."</p> - -<p class="normal">Carrying the soup in his hand, the page then left the room; and, -descending that flight of stairs, he passed through the passage below, -and ascended the others towards the priest's room. If Madame de -Chazeul had reflected upon all the circumstances, she would have -perceived that the boy was not altogether sincere with her; for he had -affected not to know that Helen was in the château; and yet, without -her ever telling him in what room the unhappy girl was confined, he -went away towards it directly. But the truth is, that, as usual, the -whole events of the morning had been talked over amongst the servants -in the hall; and he had heard the fact of Helen's appearance, and -where she was to be found.</p> - -<p class="normal">The first sound of his step upon the stairs brought out Blanchette -from the neighbouring room. Her face was as pale as ashes, and her -limbs trembled, but she stopped the boy at the top of the stairs, -asking in a whisper, "Which of the two basins is that? The one on the -right or the other on the left?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"The one on the right," replied the boy. "I am taking it to -Mademoiselle Helen. Do you know anything about it? You look very -white!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Blanchette still held his arm, though she murmured, "That is right. -Well, however," she continued, as if speaking to herself, "it will be -better to be quite safe. Tell her not to take the soup, Philip; let -her throw it away; and you find means to give her food that you know -is--is--is wholesome."</p> - -<p class="normal">"How?" demanded the boy. "How is that to be done?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Throw a ball of twine into the window from below," replied the girl. -"Then while they are all at the wedding, you can tie a basket to it, -and let her pull it up."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Thank you, Blanchette," replied the boy with a nod, "I will do so. -But hark, I hear steps along the passage below; I must go on."</p> - -<p class="normal">Blanchette instantly disappeared; and the boy, unlocking the door of -the priest's room, went in. He found Helen de la Tremblade gazing -eagerly towards him from the other side of the room, with a look of -terror in her eyes, like that of the wounded bird when approached by -the retriever. It was changed instantly to joy, however, when she saw -the boy, and she ran forward a few steps to meet him. But then the -poor girl stopped, and shook her head sadly, exclaiming, "Ah, Philip, -you should not have come. You do not know to what you expose yourself. -That woman will never forgive any one who shows a kindness to poor -Helen de la Tremblade."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I know she will not, Ma'am'selle Helen," answered the page, setting -down the soup upon the table and kissing her hand; "but she sent me to -bring you that. But I have much to say to you, and am afraid to stay -more than a minute; and I have promised to lock the door too, and take -back the key."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, let me out, Philip! let me out!" exclaimed Helen clasping her -hands.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I cannot! I cannot! even if I had not given my word," cried the boy.</p> - -<p class="normal">"If I could but see my uncle for one minute," urged Helen, "it might -save many from destruction."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Impossible now, dear lady," replied Philip, "there are her men at the -bottom of the stairs. Your uncle too is confined below--so I have -gathered from the talk of Martin and the rest; and I pledged my word -also, when she gave me the key; but I did not pledge my word not to -contrive to free you afterwards. So listen to me, and I will do it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, speak, speak," said Helen; "what have you to say? I know you -are a good kind boy, and wish me well."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I would give my life to serve you," replied the page. "First, you -must not touch that soup. It is poisoned."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen shrunk back in horror, exclaiming, "Oh! wretched woman!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Next," continued Philip, "here is my dagger. It may be useful to you -in case of need; and besides," he added, significantly, "the locks are -all on the inside. The blade of the dagger would soon force them back. -But do not try it yet, for you will find people in every corner. In -half an hour the marriage contract is to be signed--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"She will never sign it!" cried Helen vehemently. "She will never, -never sign it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"They will use force," answered the boy; "but at all events they will -drag her to the hall, and to the chapel. If I can, I will come under -your window the moment they are all in the hall. Look out and speak to -me; but if I do not come within three minutes after you hear all quiet -in the next room, you can open the door easily with the dagger, and -get out. Your uncle is in the room on the left at the foot of the -great staircase--the little room with the low door. I am sure he is -there, for I have seen Martin and René go in there twice to-day. But, -if I can, I will fetch the key of his room, and--Hark! Was that some -one calling?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, no!" cried Helen; "go on, go on Philip."</p> - -<p class="normal">"And then when I come under the window," continued the boy, "I will -bring it with a basket of provisions, and throw you up a ball of -string, with which you can draw them all up, so keep the window wide -open that I may cast it in."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh good, dear boy!" cried Helen.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I met your friend, Monsieur Estoc," said the page, "this morning, as -I was coming back from Chazeul; and I promised him that I would do -whatever you or father Walter told me, if it cost me my life. So, you -think, dear lady, what I am to do, till you see me under the window, -and then tell me quickly, and I will do it, upon my honour."</p> - -<p class="normal">As he spoke he retreated towards the door; and while opening it, he -said, pointing to the soup, "Mind you do not touch it! I was to tell -you that I brought it for you myself, out of kindness. They will -perhaps want me to do other such deeds; but I cannot, and I will not -for any one!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The last few words were spoken vehemently, with the door open in his -hand; and when he had uttered them, he went out, closed, and locked -it. Then turning round to descend the stairs, he beheld Madame de -Chazeul standing a few steps down, with one of her men a little behind -her. The boy's heart sunk, fearing she might have heard too much; but -it had happened otherwise. All that had caught her ear was, "I cannot, -and will not for any one;" and as he approached she asked, "What was -it she wanted you to do, Philip?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"To let her out," replied the boy readily.</p> - -<p class="normal">Madame de Chazeul put her hand approvingly upon his shoulder, saying, -"You are a good lad--an excellent lad! That is the way I love to be -served; and if you behave so, you shall have more advancement than you -think of. There's a gold crown for you, Philip.--Did she take the -soup?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No," answered the page; "and I do not think she will till she is very -hungry; for she seemed afraid of something."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then she shall be hungry enough," muttered Madame de Chazeul. "But -come, Philip, give me the key."</p> - -<p class="normal">The boy delivered it unwillingly, and his mistress proceeded, "Now -run, wash your face and hands, and put on your gay satin pourpoint as -quick as may be; for the marriage is to take place in ten minutes, and -I shall want all my people with me in the hall."</p> - -<p class="normal">Philip thought to himself, "I will contrive to slip away, however," -and proceeded to his own chamber, while Madame de Chazeul retired to -put the key by, and then sought her brother the Count, to speak with -him once more before the last trial of his resolution with Rose -d'Albret.</p> - -<p class="normal">The Count was in a different frame of mind, however, from that in -which his sister expected to find him. He had employed the time during -her absence in working himself up to the necessary pitch of -determination, and had, as is not uncommon, gone even beyond the -point. He talked loud and high of the privileges and power of -guardians, and spoke angrily of those who ventured to oppose them.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I have always understood, Jacqueline," he said, in a sharp tone, as -if the Marchioness herself had been one of those who sought to prevent -him from exercising his proper authority, "I have always understood, -that a guardian stands exactly in the position of a parent; and who -ever heard of a daughter daring to object to the man whom her father -has chosen for her?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Never that I have heard of," replied Madame de Chazeul; "nor of a -ward objecting either, when her guardian has provided for her a -suitable alliance."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Never! never!" cried the Count vehemently. "I have suffered myself to -be set at nought by this girl too long, Jacqueline; and I will do it -no longer. Even if I had not sworn as I have. I would not suffer this -to go on another hour. The notary has arrived, and the contract is -drawn up correctly, except the names.--I will go to her at once.--I -have seen Chazeul, too, and spoken to him seriously on his conduct."</p> - -<p class="normal">"What did he say?" demanded the Marchioness, with an eager look. "He -was penitent, I am sure."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes," replied the Count. "I have nothing to find fault with in his -demeanour. He expressed his sorrow for what he had done, assured me -that he had never considered it in the light of an insult to me, and -that he had no bad intentions at all; but merely wished to speak to -Rose in private for a short time, to persuade her to yield calmly to -all our wishes this day, as he had every reason to believe, that her -inclinations were really not opposed to him, and he knew that, if she -did attempt to resist, it would give me pain."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Persuasions are all in vain, my dear brother," said Madame de -Chazeul; "when a woman's vanity is engaged in a particular course, you -may argue till you expire without moving her. Firmness is the only -thing under such circumstances, and she will at her heart feel obliged -to you for forcing her to that, which she does not choose to admit -that she wishes. If I were you, I would neither attempt to use any -solicitations, nor listen to any replies, but assume at once the tone -of authority. Tell her that she must submit, and that you will not -suffer her to say one word, in regard to your right of disposing of -her hand as you think fit."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Such is the course I intend to pursue," answered Monsieur de -Liancourt. "She has offended me enough by resisting my commands; and, -indeed, I do not propose to suffer anything further to be said upon -the subject. If she will not sign, I will put the pen in her hand, and -guide it by force over the paper. If she says 'no' at the altar, I -will say 'yes' for her. I will not be thwarted and conquered by the -obstinacy of my own ward, in my own château."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well then, go to her, Anthony," cried the Marchioness, who knew well -that, as long as this mood lasted, all was secure, and that any -opposition on the part of Rose would but drive him to violence, though -she had seen such fits in full force in the morning, and pass away -before nightfall. "I will wait for you in the hall," she added, "and -we will have as many of the people gathered together as possible, to -overawe her by the crowd."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Few or many, it will be the same to me," replied the Count; "but yet, -the more the better; for I am quite firm and resolute, and am sure -that I have every right to do as I am doing. Therefore there cannot be -too many witnesses, and I care not who they may be. They shall see me -act the part that becomes me, without the slightest wavering or -hesitation, for there is nothing so contemptible as a man who -suffers himself to be influenced by a little resistance to his -authority.--Now, Jacqueline, let us proceed, for the sooner it is -done, the less painful will it be:" and thus saying he led the -Marchioness from the room.</p> - -<p class="normal">She was now satisfied; for a few hours she could calculate upon her -brother's firmness; all those whom she feared were in her power; and -the moment of her triumph seemed at hand.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XL.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">Parting with his sister at the bottom of the stairs which led up to -the apartments of Rose d'Albret and the priest, Monsieur de Liancourt -mounted in haste. It might be that, as he said, he was anxious to have -a painful scene over as speedily as possible; it might be that, like a -certain stage hero, of the name of Acres, he began to feel his courage -oozing out of the tips of his fingers. It were vain to deny that, ere -he came to the first landing, his heart beat quick and his breath -began to fail; but finding the man Martin sitting there in an idle -attitude, he found an excuse in that fact to pause for an instant, -asking his sister's servant, why he did not go and join the rest in -the hall, and ordering him to do so.</p> - -<p class="normal">The man obeyed without reply; for, in the first place, he was tired of -his post; in the next place, he never knew how far any one was trusted -by the Marchioness, so that one indiscreet friend might do much -mischief by chattering to another; and, in the third place, he could -not well refuse or neglect to obey the orders of Monsieur de Liancourt -in his own house.</p> - -<p class="normal">As soon as he was gone, the Count resumed the ascent, and, in a moment -or two, reached the door of the ante-room. He gave a gentle knock, -and, entering, found Blanchette sitting with a pale cheek, a clouded -countenance, and some piece of female apparel lying on her knee, -apparently scarcely touched.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Blanchette," he said, as he went into the room, "is your -mistress ready to accompany me?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am sure, Sir," replied the maid, "I do not know. I got all her -things ready, and told her what Madame de Chazeul said; but she -answered me, as bold as a lion, that she would put on no other things -than her ordinary clothes, as the idea of forcing her to a ceremony -with a man she hates, was quite vain and foolish."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She shall learn that it is not so," answered the Count, in a sharp -and angry tone; "whether dressed as becomes a bride, or like a -wandering vagrant as she returned hither, she shall be wedded this -day, if my name by De Liancourt. Go, tell her I am waiting for her."</p> - -<p class="normal">The maid went into the inner chamber; and the Count could hear the -murmur of voices speaking for some moments; but yet Rose d'Albret did -not appear.</p> - -<p class="normal">"She mocks me," he said, at length; "she will not even come forth to -speak with me. Then I must seek her," and, advancing to the door of -her chamber, he entered without ceremony.</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose was seated at the very farthest part of the room, with her hands -clasped over her eyes, and the bitter tears rolling down her cheeks. -The moment she heard his step, however, she dried them hastily, rose -from her seat, and, advancing a step or two towards him, cast herself -at his feet, clasping his knees.</p> - -<p class="normal">He felt his resolution begin to waver; but, making an effort, he -exclaimed, "How now! how now! No more of this! You know my -determination. I announced it to you the day before yesterday, I have -solemnly sworn to keep it; and I insist upon obedience."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hear me, hear me, Sir!" cried Rose; "if you have no pity, if you have -no regard for me, hear me for my father's sake, hear me for the memory -of your dead friend, and have some compassion on his child."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is no use hearing," answered the Count; "the matter is determined. -It is to be done. Rise, and follow me! I command, I insist."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Not till you have heard me," answered Rose; "that, at least, I may -require. Would you, Monsieur de Liancourt, not only break your -contract with my father, by which my hand was promised to Louis de -Montigni--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Pshaw! that contract, if it referred to him at all, is at an end by -his death," cried Monsieur de Liancourt; "talk not to me of that any -more."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But he lives, he lives!" exclaimed Rose, vehemently. "You have been -deceived, indeed you have, by the tale they invented to deceive me; -and I have more wrongs, more deceits to tell you of, from which I know -your noble mind will shrink with horror--schemes which none but the -basest of men could conceive or execute."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It is all in vain, Rose, it is all in vain," answered the Count. -"Nothing you can say will make the least difference. I know all that -has taken place; Chazeul's folly, which has compromised your -character, and all the rest. But he is sorry for it, is willing to do -all that is right to justify your fame, by wedding you this moment, -and--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Is willing, you mean to say, Sir," cried Rose, "to profit by his -villany, to gain the very object he had in view, by the very means he -employed. Why did he come here, but to injure my reputation, with the -hope of forcing me to marry him, and inducing you to drive me to such -a course? But I heard it all beforehand and escaped the snare. Helen -de la Tremblade was sent by good father Walter to tell me of the base -treachery, to warn me of my danger, and show me the means of escaping -from it."</p> - -<p class="normal">"She came here because she wants to marry him herself," replied the -Count. "Once more I say, Mademoiselle d'Albret, I command you, as your -guardian, to rise and follow me, without farther words, to give your -hand to Monsieur de Chazeul, for whom I have long destined you, and to -forget Louis de Montigni, who misled you to quit this house, and has -since paid for some other imprudence with his life."</p> - -<p class="normal">"He is living! Indeed, indeed, he is living!" cried Rose "Give me but -an hour and a patient hearing, and I will show you, Sir, that he is -living, and that it is you who have been deceived, not I."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Thank God! I am not so easily deceived Mademoiselle d'Albret," -replied the Count. "I cannot grant your request. The contract lies -ready for signature; every one is waiting for you in the hall; they -cannot be disappointed; my word shall not be broken, and I insist that -this vain, this stupid, resistance cease instantly."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The contract may lie there, Sir, for ever," replied Rose, rising and -seating herself again. "I will never sign it, so help me God! You -refuse to hear reason and truth; you listen to falsehood and wrong; -you may kill me, place me in a convent, do aught with me you like; but -make me the wife of Nicholas de Chazeul, of so base, so bad, so -contemptible a being, you never shall, while I have breath."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Now listen to me, Rose d'Albret," replied the Count, advancing -angrily towards her. "I am your guardian; am I not? You are my ward; -is it not so? By the power given me by the law, I have promised your -hand to Nicholas de Chazeul--"</p> - -<p class="normal">"In violation of the contract from which your only power is derived," -replied Rose. "That contract, in which you are named my guardian, -promises my hand to De Montigni."</p> - -<p class="normal">"The girl will drive me mad!" exclaimed Monsieur de Liancourt. "Once -more I tell you he is dead; and if you refuse yourself to sign the -marriage contract, I will sign it for you. Rise, and come with me -without another word, or you will compel me to force you."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Never!" answered Rose. "Louis de Montigni is not dead. I have offered -to prove it to you; but you will not even hear in what the proof -consists, although you know that, until he has resigned his claim to -the succession of De Liancourt, not even a doubt can exist that he is -the person specified in the contract."</p> - -<p class="normal">The Count seemed not shaken--no not in the least--but embarrassed; for -his own doubts of De Montigni's death were strong upon the side of -Rose d'Albret; and the certainty that, if his nephew still lived, he -was committing a gross violation of the contract with her father, left -him but little to say in his own defence. He was not shaken, for he -had before made up his mind to overleap his own doubts upon that -score, to take advantage of the bare report which had reached him, in -order to justify the course to which he had been led by others, and -resolutely to believe that report true, in despite of all that could -be said to prove it false. The combat of weak people is with -themselves, more than with any external things. They wish to convince -themselves they are acting right, while they know they are acting -wrong; and their labours for that object are not light. But Monsieur -de Liancourt had no reply ready, no reason to assign for not listening -to the proofs Rose offered, and he paused, for a full minute, in -painful hesitation as to what he should say.</p> - -<p class="normal">"This is all an artifice to gain time," he answered at length "and I -will not yield to it. It is ascertained, beyond all doubt, that Louis -de Montigni is no more, and has justly paid for insulting a prince -like the Duke of Nemours."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! Sir," cried Rose, in a tone of mingled indignation and grief, -"how can you suffer your own nature to be thus changed by the base -counsels of others, so to speak of your sister's son? He is not dead! -he will yet live to shame those who calumniate him. Were he indeed -laid in the tomb, I still say, nothing should ever lead me to marry -Nicholas de Chazeul; but, as long as Louis de Montigni lives, I shall -regard him as my husband. Show me that he is indeed, gone; and I am -willing to resign everything that this man really covets--my wealth, -my lands--and to retire to a life of seclusion and prayer; but I am -not willing, and never shall I be willing, to wed one whom I so much -despise and abhor."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You will have no choice," replied the Count. "You shall be his wife -this day ere noon. These are all evasions and affectations.--I know -right well which way your mind inclines. You would save your credit, -Rose, appear reluctant, and only yield to force; but force shall not -be wanting, and perhaps more than you expect or like.--Yes, you may -weep!--We are prepared for such things; but you had better dry your -eyes; and, as you must appear before a large assembly of witnesses, -look your best."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Sir, you are ungenerous and unkind," replied Rose d'Albret; "but I -know whence your impulses are derived; and shame upon them who fill a -noble mind with such base suspicions. Use what force you like; the -power has not yet appeared on earth that shall make my hand or my -tongue so belie my heart, as to promise aught like love, attachment, -or obedience, towards Nicholas de Chazeul."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh, is it so?" exclaimed the Count. "This is carrying the matter too -far, Mademoiselle d'Albret. Will you, or will you not accompany me, in -obedience to my commands, quietly and decently?"</p> - -<p class="normal">Rose was silent; her mind agitated with many conflicting thoughts. She -feared to yield the least point, lest it should be accepted as a -promise of farther compliance; and yet she naturally shrunk, with all -a woman's timidity, from driving those who oppressed her to have -recourse to violence.--She dreaded the moment when it was to begin; -she would fain have procrastinated: every minute seemed something -gained ere the actual struggle commenced.</p> - -<p class="normal">She was silent; but, after waiting a few moments, the Count seized her -by the wrist, exclaiming, "Come, I insist.--Not one moment more!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, Sir, well," cried Rose d'Albret, trying to withdraw her hand, -"I will go with you to the hall: but remember, it is but to refuse -most resolutely to do that which would be equally against my duty and -my heart."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Duty!" cried the Count with a scoff, unloosing her arm. "Talk not of -duty, after all that you have done! As to the course you intend to -pursue, be it what it may, mine is determined. We shall see what is -your conduct, and I will answer for it, I will match it.--Go on, -Mademoiselle. You know your way to the hall, I think."</p> - -<p class="normal">With a slow step and trembling limbs, Rose d'Albret proceeded through -the ante-room, and down the stairs. She felt at every moment as if she -should faint, but yet, remembering that if such a weakness overcame -her, they might take advantage of her insensibility, to proceed -rapidly in whatever course they thought fit, she nerved her heart to -the best of her power, and paused for a moment before entering the -hall, to make one more appeal to the Count de Liancourt.</p> - -<p class="normal">But he would not hear her speak, and throwing open the door violently, -he waved her to go in.</p> - -<p class="normal">All seemed confusion, and dim indistinctness to her sight. There was a -crowd of faces, some of which appeared strange, and some familiar; but -they were almost all those of men. There was wine, and meat, and -laughter, and flowers, and everything the most dissonant to all the -feelings of her heart; while, through the whole mass of misty images -was seen, in terrible prominence, like some colossal statue in an -eastern temple, the tall rigid form, and stern sarcastic features of -Madame de Chazeul.</p> - -<p class="normal">She was leaning upon a table just opposite the door; her complexion, -where not besmeared with rouge, was unusually pale; there was an -expression of weariness, and even of pain in her face. But when Rose -appeared, that harsh countenance lighted up with a look of scornful -triumph; and the poor girl's eyes grew dim, her head turned giddy with -the thought of all she was to encounter in that hall.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XLI.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">Helen De La Tremblade sat alone in the priest's room; and sad and -terrible were the thoughts that crossed her mind. It may seem that to -have found one even out of many, though but a mere boy, sincerely -attached, and willing to risk all and sacrifice all, for her happiness -and deliverance, might well have brought, cheering consolation to her -heart. <i>He</i> could have no concealed motive. <i>He</i> had no dark treachery -to practise. There, in his young enthusiasm, he had stood before her, -a friend indeed. But what was the errand on which he had been -sent?--the errand which he had refused to fulfil?--To bear her -poison!--to consign her to the grave at the mandate of one who had -promised with specious and sweet-spoken words, to guard, protect, -cherish, watch over her.--To consign her to the dark and silent grave! -Such had been the command of the Marchioness de Chazeul, after having -neglected, abandoned, ill-treated her.</p> - -<p class="normal">There were glimpses of some of the darkest realities of earth breaking -on the mind of one who had lived her youth as in a dream; and oh, how -cold, and more cold, grew her heart, as proof after proof was given of -what human beings can become, when Godless, and heartless, they give -themselves up to the mastery of strong passion. It was more than even -the kindness of the poor boy could compensate, though she had found -some relief in every word he spoke.</p> - -<p class="normal">She sat and gazed upon the poisoned drink, with thoughts, almost -approaching to madness, flashing through her brain. She asked herself, -"Shall I drink it?--Then pain, and anguish, and remorse, and shame, -will be all over. I shall be delivered from all this weight, this -intolerable burden. I shall be free.-They cannot say I did it.--It is -no fault of mine. They sent it to me. They are murderers, not I.--Oh, -how I long to be at rest!--But Rose, dear, good Rose,--I must not -leave her to struggle on unaided. And yet it were a pleasant thing to -die; but for the terrible world beyond the grave.--Oh no, I must not, -dare not, die, with all my sins upon my head. I must have time for -penitence and prayer.--The boy said he would soon be here. I will -see," and opening the window, she looked down to the bottom of the -deep corridor, or passage, between the château and the walls.</p> - -<p class="normal">There was nobody there, however. All was solitary; and even on the -ramparts, the scanty watch had dwindled away to nothing; every one who -dared, hurrying away to witness the gay wedding of Mademoiselle -d'Albret, and all making their own comments upon the decency and -propriety which their noble lord and master displayed in burying his -brother, and marrying his nephew on the selfsame morning.</p> - -<p class="normal">The eye of Helen de la Tremblade ran along the wall towards the -chapel, in which she had found her uncle, on her first arrival, not -many hours before; and she examined every prominent point, -attentively. First came a large mass of masonry containing some of the -best rooms in the château, projecting from the rest of the building; -then appeared a round tower with a turret fastened to its side; and -then the roof of the chapel, built against the walls, was seen with -part of one window, peeping out from behind the tower. But all the way -down, neither on the walls, nor between them and the château, could -Helen descry any one.</p> - -<p class="normal">As her eye strayed casually, however, to some low trees and bushes, -which ran down the slope in the neighbourhood of the chapel, she -thought she saw something move amongst the grey branches, but could -not distinguish what; and, as she was gazing more eagerly to trace the -object as it proceeded, she heard high tones speaking in the adjacent -room; and turned to listen. She recognized the voices of Monsieur de -Liancourt and Rose d'Albret; but she could not catch the words that -were uttered, though some of them were spoken loud and in apparent -anger.</p> - -<p class="normal">"He has come to take her," said Helen to herself, "and she will not -go.--Oh, that I could aid her!"</p> - -<p class="normal">Her first impulse was to approach nearer the door, in order to push -back the lock with the dagger which the boy had left with her; but -then she reflected, that singly, she could do nothing to prevent the -Count from dragging poor Rose to the altar.</p> - -<p class="normal">"No!" she said, re-seating herself near the window, and a look of dark -and gloomy determination coming over her face. "No! I will let them -take her away--and then I will confront them all.--Ay, in the hall, -amidst menials and soldiers and friends; and they shall hear -truth.--Hark, how loud he speaks! He is threatening her.--Poor Rose! -'Tis all silent now--she must be gone!--Hark, the door bangs to!--They -have dragged her away. Now, boy, now; for I must follow soon."</p> - -<p class="normal">She ran hastily to the window again, and gazed out. The page was not -yet there; and Helen hesitated whether to wait or hurry away to the -hall.</p> - -<p class="normal">At that moment, the sound of a hunting horn reached her ear, and she -looked up from the passage between the walls, on which her eyes had -been bent, to the undulating country straight before her, beyond the -defences of the château. There was a large party of horsemen issuing -from the nearest wood, distant about half a mile; and Helen, with her -quick fancy cried, "It may be De Montigni!"</p> - -<p class="normal">But just then, from the bushes beyond the chapel, a man on foot darted -forth, and ran round, as if he perceived her at the window. She -instantly recognized Estoc, and stretched her head farther forward, in -order that he might certainly see her. The old soldier paused -immediately opposite, and came as near to the wall as he could, -without losing sight of her; and then he raised his voice, and pointed -with his hand to the party of horsemen--still advancing.</p> - -<p class="normal">But the distance rendered most of his words indistinct, and -Helen caught only the few last, "--The postern a little to your -right--before they can arrive; for they have barred us out by the -chapel," was all that she could distinguish.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then these are enemies coming," she thought; "and all depends upon -Estoc getting in first."</p> - -<p class="normal">She tried to make him hear in vain; her weaker voice was lost in air; -but just as she was about to withdraw, force back the lock, run down -and open the postern, she saw the figure of the page coming round the -square tower. He had a heavy basket on his arm, and was proceeding, -with his eyes cast down, to wind up, with boyish habits, a quantity of -string upon a piece of wood; but Helen called aloud, "Philip! Philip!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The boy looked up. "Run round, without a moment's delay," cried Helen, -"and open the first postern to the west; show yourself beyond, and you -will find Estoc.--Run, Philip, run, if you would save us all."</p> - -<p class="normal">The boy threw down the basket, and sped forward as rapidly as -possible. Helen saw the postern unlocked and pushed open; and then -withdrawing from the window, she murmured, "Now then, to stop them -till help arrives! I will at least do that, if it cost my life or that -of others.--He said my uncle was in the room at the bottom of the -great staircase. Perhaps I can set him free too;" and, hastening to -the door which led out at once at the top of the stairs, she easily -forced back the lock with the well-tempered blade of the boy's -poniard, and threw it open. She started, however, on seeing the maid, -Blanchette, straight before her; but resolved to pass at all risks, -she grasped the dagger firmly in her hand, and gazed upon the girl's -countenance for an instant.</p> - -<p class="normal">It was as pale as death; but Blanchette, seeing her thus pause and -look at her, exclaimed, "Pass on, Mademoiselle Helen--pass on to the -hall. You may see things there that you do not expect.--I wont stop -you.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Woe to those who try!" vehemently cried Helen; and darting on without -another word, she descended that flight of stairs, and passed through -the corridor below. An old man met her as she went, but started back -as if she had been a spectre; and Helen hurried forward, reached the -foot of the great staircase, rushed towards the chamber, which the boy -had mentioned as her uncle's place of confinement.</p> - -<p class="normal">The door was locked, and the key had been taken out; the lock too was -in the inside. Helen shook the door wildly, and exclaimed, "Are you -there? are you there?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am," replied the voice of her uncle from within. "Is that you, -Helen?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Yes," cried the girl, "How can I let you out quickly?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Run up the passage," cried the priest, "and take the key out of the -last door on the right hand. It fits this lock."</p> - -<p class="normal">Helen flew rather than ran, returned with the key, unlocked the door, -and threw it open.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Quick, quick!" she cried. "There is not a minute to spare. They are -now forcing her to the marriage; but I will confront them all. I will -stop them or die!" and with her whole frame thrilling with excitement, -her eyes flashing with unnatural light, and the wildness almost of -insanity in her look, she darted away, up the great staircase, through -the corridor at the top, and reached the door of the hall. Before it, -stood the man Martin, who as soon as he beheld, her, exclaimed "Ah, -Mademoiselle Helen! you cannot pass here."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Stand back, or I will stab you to the heart!" exclaimed Helen, -raising the dagger; and as he retreated a step to avoid the blow that -seemed ready to descend, she darted forward, and, before he could stop -her, was in the midst of the hall.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>CHAPTER XLII.</h4> -<br> - -<p class="normal">All had been prepared in the great hall of the Château de Marzay for -the marriage of Rose d'Albret with Nicholas de Chazeul, as far as the -time and circumstances would admit. A few of such flowers, as the -early season of the year afforded, had been gathered to strew the -floor, or to form into nosegays. Various old banners and decorations -had been brought forth, to give an appearance of splendor and gaiety -to the scene; and if friends and relations had not been summoned to -honour the occasion, their places were filled up by the servants and -attendants of the family, dressed in their best attire. All Madame de -Chazeul's maids were there, all the women servants of the château, -with the sole exception of Blanchette, who, as the reader knows, had -remained in her mistress's apartments.</p> - -<p class="normal">But the principal group in the room, was stationed near the table, in -the midst, on which lay the contract of marriage, neatly tied with -white riband, and surrounded by a chaplet of violets and snow-drops. -That group consisted of the young Marquis de Chazeul, dressed in all -the most extravagant finery of that extravagant day, of the -Marchioness his mother, and the notary public of the Holy Roman -Empire, who, called upon continually to deal with great people, was -conversing familiarly with his two companions, and giving them his -advice how to proceed in certain cases, which they had suggested for -his consideration.</p> - -<p class="normal">When first Madame de Chazeul had entered the room, she was followed by -her page; but in the conversation which succeeded, between herself, -the notary, and her son, she did not remark that the boy slipped away -quietly and quitted the hall, without attracting the attention of any -one.</p> - -<p class="normal">The reader will have the kindness to remember that, as I described -this hall at first, it might be entered by three different doors; the -one communicating with the great staircase, by means of a short -corridor with deep windows at the south end; another leading, by a -separate passage, to the apartments of the Count de Liancourt, and to -those which Rose d'Albret had formerly occupied; and the third on the -western side, giving exit to the walls, by the little flying bridge, -which we have more than once already mentioned.</p> - -<p class="normal">As it was the door on the north by which Rose d'Albret and the Count -were expected to enter, the eyes of the whole party were turned, from -time to time, in that direction; but yet, for more than a quarter of -an hour after the Marchioness de Chazeul had entered, no one else -appeared; and she herself seemed to be, as probably she really was, -somewhat anxious and impatient of the long delay which took place. -Every one remarked that her face looked pale, notwithstanding her -rouge, and that a sort of sharp and irritable twitching about the -muscles of the mouth and nostril displayed itself in a manner which -none of them had ever seen before.</p> - -<p class="normal">At the end of that quarter of an hour, she advanced to the table at -the further side of the hall, where various refreshments had been set -out, and drank a quantity of water and some wine. Then she sat down; -and then she rose again; and then advancing to her son, she whispered, -"How long they are! I fear your uncle has been fool enough to let her -argue with him, instead of stopping her at once."</p> - -<p class="normal">"But just as she spoke, the door was thrown sharply open, and the -Count de Liancourt himself appeared, accompanied by poor Rose -d'Albret. She was as pale as death; and before she entered she paused, -and put her hand twice to her head, as if her brain grew giddy; but -Monsieur de Liancourt took her by the arm, not quite as gently as -might be, and led her into the hall. All parties made way, and formed -a circle round the table, on which the contract lay, leaving -sufficient space for the principal parties to advance and sign the -document.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I am faint," said Rose, as the Count hurried on; "give me some -water."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Give her some water, give her some water," cried the Count. -"Mademoiselle d'Albret is somewhat faint."</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul instantly sprang to the other table, and fetched a cup of -water; but when he brought it, Rose put it aside, with a look of -disgust, replying, "Not from your hand!" and, seeming to recover -strength and courage from the effort, she took a step forward as if -towards the table.</p> - -<p class="normal">The notary immediately advanced with the pen in his hand, saying, "The -contract has been read, Mademoiselle, by your guardian, Monsieur de -Liancourt, on your part, and by Monsieur de Chazeul on his own. It is, -therefore, doubtless, unnecessary to read it over to yourself, as they -are quite satisfied."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Oh! quite unnecessary," cried the Count. "Point out where she is to -sign."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Stay a moment," cried Rose d'Albret; "I told you, Sir, before I came -hither, that I did not intend to sign this paper--that nothing shall -ever induce me to sign it: and my only object in appearing here now, -is to protest before all these witnesses, that I will never be the -wife of Nicholas de Chazeul."</p> - -<p class="normal">Looks of surprise passed round the greater part of the crowd; and many -of them whispered to their neighbour, inquiring what would be done -next, while Madame de Chazeul stepped forward with a flashing eye, and -a quivering lip to say something in a low tone to her brother, and -Nicholas de Chazeul, stretching out his tall form to its full height, -tossed back his head with a look of scornful indignation.</p> - -<p class="normal">"What says Monsieur de Liancourt?" said the notary, who had received -his instructions from the Marchioness. "Does he admit of this protest? -for the lady, I conceive, must act by her guardian."</p> - -<p class="normal">"No, I do not admit it," cried the Count. "I insist that the marriage -go forward. Is it competent for me to sign on her behalf?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The notary hesitated. "No," he said, at length; "I think we must have -her signature."</p> - -<p class="normal">"That you shall never have," replied Rose. "I would rather cut off my -hand."</p> - -<p class="normal">"I would pass over ceremonies, Sir, if I were you," said the notary, -speaking to the Count in a whisper. "The lady's hand can be guided -over the paper."</p> - -<p class="normal">"It shall be done," replied the Count; and Madame de Chazeul beckoned -up one of her men, saying in an under voice to her brother, "do it -suddenly, and it will be over before she is aware."</p> - -<p class="normal">"In the first place," rejoined the notary, in the same tone, "to make -it all formally right, we had better inquire whether there be any one -who wishes to take act of opposition to the marriage.--You are sure of -all in the hall, I suppose?"</p> - -<p class="normal">The Marchioness nodded her head; and the notary proceeded to demand, -in a louder voice, if there was any one who had any lawful cause of -opposition to the marriage, between Nicholas, Marquis de Chazeul, and -Rose Demoiselle d'Albret.</p> - -<p class="normal">There was a sudden noise at the other side of the hall, even while he -was speaking, and the moment after he had ceased, a voice, sweet and -melancholy though clear and firm, exclaimed, "I have;" and, as the -crowd broke away, and turned towards the spot whence the sounds -issued, Helen de la Tremblade advanced, and stood directly opposite -the Marquis de Chazeul and his mother.</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul turned first as red as fire, and then as pale as ashes; and -the Marchioness stood by his side, not with the rage and vehemence -which might have been supposed, not with the ready command of -resources and the power, as well as the will, to bear down opposition, -but with her teeth chattering, her face pale, her lips white, and her -limbs trembling.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I feel ill," she said, "I feel ill.--I must have taken the wrong -cup.--Chazeul, I feel ill."</p> - -<p class="normal">But none attended to her; for the notary had turned to Helen de la -Tremblade, and was inquiring in a formal but scornful tone, what were -the grounds of her opposition, when another voice was heard, -exclaiming "These!" and father Walter strode forward and took her by -the hand, holding forth an open letter, "These are the grounds of her -opposition," he said, "inasmuch as she is contracted with Monsieur de -Chazeul, <i>par paroles de future</i>."</p> - -<p class="normal">The notary turned and looked to Monsieur de Liancourt, who exclaimed, -in a furious tone, "They are all in a conspiracy to stop the marriage. -I will have it go forward as I have sworn."</p> - -<p class="normal">"You can pass over this objection, Sir," said the notary. "If it be at -all valid, it may be pleaded hereafter in nullification."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Well, then, pass it over," cried the Count. "Will you sign, -Mademoiselle d'Albret?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Never!" answered Rose, firmly. "Never! so help me God!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Then thus I will make you," muttered Monsieur de Liancourt; and, -seizing her suddenly by the wrist, he dragged her forward to the -table; and while the man, René, stood behind to prevent her escape, he -placed the pen partly in her hand, partly held it in his own, and was -actually running it over the paper, before Rose was well aware of what -he was doing.</p> - -<p class="normal">"I protest, in the name of God, and the Holy Catholic Church, against -this violent and outrageous act!" exclaimed Walter de la Tremblade, -lifting up his hands to Heaven.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Hold!" cried a voice of thunder at the same moment; and, striding -forward through the crowd, a stout short man, with a grey beard and -hair, dressed in a plain suit of russet brown, advanced to the table, -and struck the pen out of Monsieur de Liancourt's hand, exclaiming, -"Hold! Hear a word or two first!--Parbleu! you make quick work of it!"</p> - -<p class="normal">The Count laid his hand upon his sword, demanding fiercely, "Who are -you, insolent villain?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, this is that man, Chasseron," cried Chazeul. "What have you to -do with this affair, Sir?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Why, Ventre Saint Gris! I oppose the marriage," cried Chasseron, "as -the lady's cousin."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Her cousin!" exclaimed Chazeul, bursting into a scornful laugh. "Who -ever heard of you before?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"That will not avail, unless you can prove your relationship," -exclaimed Monsieur de Liancourt, looking to the notary.</p> - -<p class="normal">But that worthy officer was gazing down upon the ground somewhat pale -in the face; and Chasseron, in his bluff way, replied, "Will that not -do?--Pardi, then, this will!" and, drawing his sword, he laid it naked -upon the table. Then, taking up the contract of marriage, he tore it -to atoms.</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul sprang towards him with fury in his countenance. But the -notary darted in between, holding up both his hands, and exclaiming, -"The King! the King!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"The King!" cried Chazeul staggering back.</p> - -<p class="normal">"The King!" exclaimed Monsieur de Liancourt, gazing upon him.</p> - -<p class="normal">"The King! the King!" cried many voices in the hall; and at least one -half added, "Vive Henri Quatre!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Even so, my good friends," said Henry. "Monsieur de Liancourt, you -will excuse me for taking such liberties in your château. I have been -obliged to make it my halting-place this morning, with about a couple -of hundred of my friends, who have just been hunting with me in these -woods. But we shall all depart before night, and leave you in full -possession of your own again, as I came with no hostile intention, but -merely to do a little act of justice. And now, my fair cousin," he -continued, turning to Rose d'Albret, "you must prepare for a journey -to-night, for we intend to take you with us."</p> - -<p class="normal">"My lord the King," said the Count de Liancourt, assuming a tone of -dignity for a last effort. "I have to beg that, whatever you do, you -would abstain from meddling with the arrangements of my family."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Parbleu!" exclaimed Henry, "what would the man have? Without, -there!--Send in the captain of the guard and a file of soldiers. -Either as a friend or an enemy, Monsieur de Liancourt--either as a -good and obedient subject, or a rebel against his King!--You shall act -which character you please, and I will behave accordingly. In the mean -time, Sir, this lady is no longer your ward; for, let me tell you, -that you have attempted to violate the contract with her father, by -means--of which the less we say the better. It shall be my task to -carry that contract into execution. Ha! the guard!--Attach Monsieur de -Chazeul for high treason--But! what have we got here?" he continued, -looking to a spot a little behind the Count, where the servants of -Madame de Chazeul had placed her in a chair and gathered round her. "A -dead woman, I think!--By my life! my old acquaintance, Jacqueline de -Chazeul!"</p> - -<p class="normal">"Good God, my mother!" exclaimed Chazeul darting towards her: but the -hand that he took was cold and inanimate; and, "the poisoned chalice" -she had prepared for others, had worked too certainly upon herself.</p> - -<p class="normal">At first, it was supposed, she did but faint: but the truth was soon -ascertained; and when Chazeul rose from his knee, and turned round to -the rest of the party, he beheld what was to him a more painful sight -than even that on which he had been just gazing. It was Rose d'Albret -in the arms of Louis de Montigni: while Monsieur de Liancourt, with -all his assumed firmness gone, was apparently making amends to the -King by courtesy and explanation, for the tone which he had at first -assumed towards him.</p> - -<p class="normal">But, in another part of the hall stood Helen de la Tremblade, with her -hand in that of her uncle, while her eyes were buried on the old man's -shoulder; and around,--at each door of the hall, and filling up the -whole of one side,--were seen the scarred and weather-beaten faces of -the veteran royalist soldiery, with their white scarfs over their -shoulders, and their naked swords in their hand.</p> - -<p class="normal">Chazeul turned again to the form of his dead mother, and then once -more bent his eyes on Helen de la Tremblade. "It is the hand of God!" -he murmured. "It is the hand of God!" and then, as the captain of the -guard advanced to arrest him, he said, "Wait one moment," and strode -across the room towards the priest and his niece.</p> - -<p class="normal">"Helen," he said in a low tone, "Helen, I have done you wrong.--I am -ready to make atonement.--Will you be my wife?"</p> - -<p class="normal">"No!" cried Helen, turning round towards him, "No!--My fate is fixed. -The cloister is the only shelter for one whose heart has been trampled -on like mine."</p> - -<p class="normal">"Nay, nay!" cried Henri Quatre stepping forward. "Remember, my fair -friend, penitence should be always accepted. Were it not so, how -should I ever find grace, as I yet hope to do?--Nay, suffer me to be -the mediator. Here, Monsieur de Chazeul," he continued, taking Helen's -hand, and placing it in that of the Marquis. "Take her: and if she -have loved you too well heretofore, it is a thousand chances to -one that you soon teach her to mend that fault, when you are her -husband.--However, you shall have fair room to try; for we must not -cage so promising a bridegroom. Captain, we shall not want your good -offices for the present."</p> - -<p class="normal">The augury of the King was unhappily but too correct; and two years -had barely elapsed, when Helen, Marchioness of Chazeul, retired for -ever from the busy world, with the consent of her husband, to the -convent of a sisterhood of cloistered nuns.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>FOOTNOTES</h4> -<br> -<p class="hang1"><a name="div4_01" href="#div4Ref_01">Footnote 1</a>: This phenomenon was seen distinctly by many persons in -both armies, immediately before the battle of Ivry, and was visible -over an extent of more than twenty leagues.</p> - -<p class="hang1"><a name="div4_02" href="#div4Ref_02">Footnote 2</a>: The duel of one to one, without seconds or witnesses, was -not uncommon at this time in France, especially when men were of high -rank, and wished to void a serious quarrel without danger of -interruption. They often also took place on horseback with the pistol, -but Monsieur de Monteil is wrong in stating under the reign of Henry -IV., that it was a new custom to introduce seconds into duels. During -the reign of Charles IX. and Henry III., the practice of fighting with -a number of seconds who all took part in the affray, was general; and -in the famous challenge of Henry IV. himself, when King of Navarre, to -the Duke of Guise, he offered to fight him one to one, two to two, or -ten to ten.</p> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h4>THE END.</h4> -<br> -<br> -<br> -<h5>PRINTING OFFICE OF THE PUBLISHER.</h5> -<br> -<br> -<br> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Rose D'Albret, by -G. P. R. 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