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diff --git a/9169-h/9169-h.htm b/9169-h/9169-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..29b63cb --- /dev/null +++ b/9169-h/9169-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,22559 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Paris of The Three Cities, by Émile Zola</title> +<link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> +<style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + +body { margin-left: 20%; + margin-right: 20%; + text-align: justify; } + +h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 {text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-weight: +normal; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: .5em; margin-bottom: .5em;} + +h1 {font-size: 300%; + margin-top: 0.6em; + margin-bottom: 0.6em; + letter-spacing: 0.12em; + word-spacing: 0.2em; + text-indent: 0em;} +h2 {font-size: 150%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +h3 {font-size: 130%; margin-top: 1em;} +h4 {font-size: 120%;} +h5 {font-size: 110%;} + +.no-break {page-break-before: avoid;} /* for epubs */ + +div.chapter {page-break-before: always; margin-top: 4em;} + +hr {width: 80%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + +p {text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: 0.25em; + margin-bottom: 0.25em; } + +.toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + +pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +a:link {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:visited {color:blue; text-decoration:none} +a:hover {color:red} + +</style> +</head> +<body> + +<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Paris, by Émile Zola</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Paris<br /> + From the “Three Cities”</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Émile Zola</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translator: Ernest A. Vizetelly</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: September 10, 2003 [eBook #9169]<br /> +[Most recently updated: March 8, 2022]</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Dagny and David Widger</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PARIS ***</div> + +<h1>PARIS</h1> + +<h2 class="no-break">The Three Cities</h2> + +<h2 class="no-break">By Émile Zola</h2> + +<h3>Translated By Ernest A. Vizetelly</h3> + +<hr /> + + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0059"> <b>BOOK I.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0060"> TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0061"> I. THE PRIEST AND THE POOR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0062"> II. WEALTH AND WORLDLINESS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0063"> III. RANTERS AND RULERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0064"> IV. SOCIAL SIDELIGHTS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0065"> V. FROM RELIGION TO ANARCHY </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0066"> <b>BOOK II.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0067"> I. REVOLUTIONISTS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0068"> II. A HOME OF INDUSTRY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0069"> III. PENURY AND TOIL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0070"> IV. CULTURE AND HOPE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0071"> V. PROBLEMS </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0072"> <b>BOOK III.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0073"> I. THE RIVALS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0074"> II. SPIRIT AND FLESH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0075"> III. PLOT AND COUNTERPLOT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0076"> IV. THE MAN HUNT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0077"> V. THE GAME OF POLITICS </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0078"> <b>BOOK IV.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0079"> I. PIERRE AND MARIE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0080"> II. TOWARDS LIFE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0081"> III. THE DAWN OF LOVE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0082"> IV. TRIAL AND SENTENCE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0083"> V. SACRIFICE </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0084"> <b>BOOK V.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0085"> I. THE GUILLOTINE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0086"> II. IN VANITY FAIR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0087"> III. THE GOAL OF LABOUR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0088"> IV. THE CRISIS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0089"> V. LIFE’S WORK AND PROMISE </a> + </p> + + <hr /> + + <h2> + PARIS + </h2> + + <h3> + FROM THE THREE CITIES + </h3> + + <h2> + By Émile Zola + </h2> + + <h3> + Translated By Ernest A. Vizetelly + </h3> + + <hr /> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0059" id="link2H_4_0059"></a> + BOOK I. + </h2> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0060" id="link2H_4_0060"></a> + TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + WITH the present work M. Zola completes the “Trilogy of the Three Cities,” + which he began with “Lourdes” and continued with “Rome”; and thus the + adventures and experiences of Abbe Pierre Froment, the doubting Catholic + priest who failed to find faith at the miraculous grotto by the Cave, and + hope amidst the crumbling theocracy of the Vatican, are here brought to + what, from M. Zola’s point of view, is their logical conclusion. From the + first pages of “Lourdes,” many readers will have divined that Abbe Froment + was bound to finish as he does, for, frankly, no other finish was possible + from a writer of M. Zola’s opinions. + </p> + <p> + Taking the Trilogy as a whole, one will find that it is essentially + symbolical. Abbe Froment is Man, and his struggles are the struggles + between Religion, as personified by the Roman Catholic Church, on the one + hand, and Reason and Life on the other. In the Abbe’s case the victory + ultimately rests with the latter; and we may take it as being M. Zola’s + opinion that the same will eventually be the case with the great bulk of + mankind. English writers are often accused of treating subjects from an + insular point of view, and certainly there may be good ground for such a + charge. But they are not the only writers guilty of the practice. The + purview of French authors is often quite as limited: they regard French + opinion as the only good opinion, and judge the rest of the world by their + own standard. In the present case, if we leave the world and mankind + generally on one side, and apply M. Zola’s facts and theories to France + alone, it will be found, I think, that he has made out a remarkably good + case for himself. For it is certain that Catholicism, I may say + Christianity, is fast crumbling in France. There may be revivals in + certain limited circles, efforts of the greatest energy to prop up the + tottering edifice by a “rallying” of believers to the democratic cause, + and by a kindling of the most bitter anti-Semitic warfare; but all these + revivals and efforts, although they are extremely well-advertised and + create no little stir, produce very little impression on the bulk of the + population. So far as France is concerned, the policy of Leo XIII. seems + to have come too late. The French masses regard Catholicism or + Christianity, whichever one pleases, as a religion of death,—a + religion which, taking its stand on the text “There shall always be poor + among you,” condemns them to toil and moil in poverty and distress their + whole life long, with no other consolation than the promise of happiness + in heaven. And, on the other hand, they see the ministers of the Deity, + “whose kingdom is not of this world,” supporting the wealthy and powerful, + and striving to secure wealth and power for themselves. Charity exists, of + course, but the masses declare that it is no remedy; they do not ask for + doles, they ask for Justice. It is largely by reason of all this that + Socialism and Anarchism have made such great strides in France of recent + years. Robespierre, as will be remembered, once tried to suppress + Christianity altogether, and for a time certainly there was a virtually + general cessation of religious observances in France. But no such Reign of + Terror prevails there to-day. Men are perfectly free to believe if they + are inclined to do so; and yet never were there fewer religious marriages, + fewer baptisms or smaller congregations in the French churches. I refer + not merely to Paris and other large cities, but to the smaller towns, and + even the little hamlets of many parts. Old village priests, men practising + what they teach and possessed of the most loving, benevolent hearts, have + told me with tears in their eyes of the growing infidelity of their + parishioners. + </p> + <p> + I have been studying this matter for some years, and write without + prejudice, merely setting down what I believe to be the truth. Of course + we are all aware that the most stupendous efforts are being made by the + Catholic clergy and zealous believers to bring about a revival of the + faith, and certainly in some circles there has been a measure of success. + But the reconversion of a nation is the most formidable of tasks; and, in + my own opinion, as in M. Zola’s, France as a whole is lost to the + Christian religion. On this proposition, combined with a second one, + namely, that even as France as a nation will be the first to discard + Christianity, so she will be the first to promulgate a new faith based on + reason, science and the teachings of life, is founded the whole argument + of M. Zola’s Trilogy. + </p> + <p> + Having thus dealt with the Trilogy’s religious aspects, I would now speak + of “Paris,” its concluding volume. This is very different from “Lourdes” + and “Rome.” Whilst recounting the struggles and fate of Abbe Froment and + his brother Guillaume, and entering largely into the problem of Capital + and Labour, which problem has done so much to turn the masses away from + Christianity, it contains many an interesting and valuable picture of the + Parisian world at the close of the nineteenth century. It is no guide-book + to Paris; but it paints the city’s social life, its rich and poor, its + scandals and crimes, its work and its pleasures. Among the households to + which the reader is introduced are those of a banker, an aged Countess of + the old <i>noblesse</i>, a cosmopolitan Princess, of a kind that Paris + knows only too well, a scientist, a manufacturer, a working mechanician, a + priest, an Anarchist, a petty clerk and an actress of a class that so + often dishonours the French stage. Science and art and learning and + religion, all have their representatives. Then, too, the political world + is well to the front. There are honest and unscrupulous Ministers of + State, upright and venal deputies, enthusiastic and cautious candidates + for power, together with social theoreticians of various schools. And the + <i>blase</i>, weak-minded man of fashion is here, as well as the young + “symbolist” of perverted, degraded mind. The women are of all types, from + the most loathsome to the most lovable. Then, too, the journalists are + portrayed in such life-like fashion that I might give each of them his + real name. And journalism, Parisian journalism, is flagellated, shown as + it really is,—if just a few well-conducted organs be excepted,—that + is, venal and impudent, mendacious and even petty. + </p> + <p> + The actual scenes depicted are quite as kaleidoscopic as are the + characters in their variety. We enter the banker’s gilded saloon and the + hovel of the pauper, the busy factory, the priest’s retired home and the + laboratory of the scientist. We wait in the lobbies of the Chamber of + Deputies, and afterwards witness “a great debate”; we penetrate into the + private sanctum of a Minister of the Interior; we attend a fashionable + wedding at the Madeleine and a first performance at the Comedie Francaise; + we dine at the Cafe Anglais and listen to a notorious vocalist in a low + music hall at Montmartre; we pursue an Anarchist through the Bois de + Boulogne; we slip into the Assize Court and see that Anarchist tried + there; we afterwards gaze upon his execution by the guillotine; we are + also on the boulevards when the lamps are lighted for a long night of + revelry, and we stroll along the quiet streets in the small hours of the + morning, when crime and homeless want are prowling round. + </p> + <p> + And ever the scene changes; the whole world of Paris passes before one. + Yet the book, to my thinking, is far less descriptive than analytical. The + souls of the principal characters are probed to their lowest depths. Many + of the scenes, too, are intensely dramatic, admirably adapted for the + stage; as, for instance, Baroness Duvillard’s interview with her daughter + in the chapter which I have called “The Rivals.” And side by side with + baseness there is heroism, while beauty of the flesh finds its counterpart + in beauty of the mind. M. Zola has often been reproached for showing us + the vileness of human nature; and no doubt such vileness may be found in + “Paris,” but there are contrasting pictures. If some of M. Zola’s + characters horrify the reader, there are others that the latter can but + admire. Life is compounded of good and evil, and unfortunately it is + usually the evil that makes the most noise and attracts the most + attention. Moreover, in M. Zola’s case, it has always been his purpose to + expose the evils from which society suffers in the hope of directing + attention to them and thereby hastening a remedy, and thus, in the course + of his works, he could not do otherwise than drag the whole frightful mass + of human villany and degradation into the full light of day. But if there + are, again, black pages in “Paris,” others, bright and comforting, will be + found near them. And the book ends in no pessimist strain. Whatever may be + thought of the writer’s views on religion, most readers will, I imagine, + agree with his opinion that, despite much social injustice, much crime, + vice, cupidity and baseness, we are ever marching on to better things. + </p> + <p> + In the making of the coming, though still far-away, era of truth and + justice, Paris, he thinks, will play the leading part, for whatever the + stains upon her, they are but surface-deep; her heart remains good and + sound; she has genius and courage and energy and wit and fancy. She can be + generous, too, when she chooses, and more than once her ideas have + irradiated the world. Thus M. Zola hopes much from her, and who will + gainsay him? Not I, who can apply to her the words which Byron addressed + to the home of my own and M. Zola’s forefathers:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I loved her from my boyhood; she to me + Was as a fairy city of the heart.” + </pre> + <p> + Thus I can but hope that Paris, where I learnt the little I know, where I + struggled and found love and happiness, whose every woe and disaster and + triumph I have shared for over thirty years, may, however dark the clouds + that still pass over her, some day fully justify M. Zola’s confidence, and + bring to pass his splendid dream of perfect truth and perfect justice. + </p> + <p> + E. A. V. MERTON, SURREY, ENGLAND, + </p> + <p> + Feb. 5, 1898. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0061" id="link2H_4_0061"></a> + I. THE PRIEST AND THE POOR + </h2> + <p> + THAT morning, one towards the end of January, Abbe Pierre Froment, who had + a mass to say at the Sacred Heart at Montmartre, was on the height, in + front of the basilica, already at eight o’clock. And before going in he + gazed for a moment upon the immensity of Paris spread out below him. + </p> + <p> + After two months of bitter cold, ice and snow, the city was steeped in a + mournful, quivering thaw. From the far-spreading, leaden-hued heavens a + thick mist fell like a mourning shroud. All the eastern portion of the + city, the abodes of misery and toil, seemed submerged beneath ruddy steam, + amid which the panting of workshops and factories could be divined; while + westwards, towards the districts of wealth and enjoyment, the fog broke + and lightened, becoming but a fine and motionless veil of vapour. The + curved line of the horizon could scarcely be divined, the expanse of + houses, which nothing bounded, appeared like a chaos of stone, studded + with stagnant pools, which filled the hollows with pale steam; whilst + against them the summits of the edifices, the housetops of the loftier + streets, showed black like soot. It was a Paris of mystery, shrouded by + clouds, buried as it were beneath the ashes of some disaster, already + half-sunken in the suffering and the shame of that which its immensity + concealed. + </p> + <p> + Thin and sombre in his flimsy cassock, Pierre was looking on when Abbe + Rose, who seemed to have sheltered himself behind a pillar of the porch on + purpose to watch for him, came forward: “Ah! it’s you at last, my dear + child,” said he, “I have something to ask you.” + </p> + <p> + He seemed embarrassed and anxious, and glanced round distrustfully to make + sure that nobody was near. Then, as if the solitude thereabouts did not + suffice to reassure him, he led Pierre some distance away, through the + icy, biting wind, which he himself did not seem to feel. “This is the + matter,” he resumed, “I have been told that a poor fellow, a former + house-painter, an old man of seventy, who naturally can work no more, is + dying of hunger in a hovel in the Rue des Saules. So, my dear child, I + thought of you. I thought you would consent to take him these three francs + from me, so that he may at least have some bread to eat for a few days.” + </p> + <p> + “But why don’t you take him your alms yourself?” + </p> + <p> + At this Abbe Rose again grew anxious, and cast vague, frightened glances + about him. “Oh, no, oh, no!” he said, “I can no longer do that after all + the worries that have befallen me. You know that I am watched, and should + get another scolding if I were caught giving alms like this, scarcely + knowing to whom I give them. It is true that I had to sell something to + get these three francs. But, my dear child, render me this service, I pray + you.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, with heart oppressed, stood contemplating the old priest, whose + locks were quite white, whose full lips spoke of infinite kindliness, and + whose eyes shone clear and childlike in his round and smiling face. And he + bitterly recalled the story of that lover of the poor, the semi-disgrace + into which he had fallen through the sublime candour of his charitable + goodness. His little ground-floor of the Rue de Charonne, which he had + turned into a refuge where he offered shelter to all the wretchedness of + the streets, had ended by giving cause for scandal. His <i>naivete</i> and + innocence had been abused; and abominable things had gone on under his + roof without his knowledge. Vice had turned the asylum into a + meeting-place; and at last, one night, the police had descended upon it to + arrest a young girl accused of infanticide. Greatly concerned by this + scandal, the diocesan authorities had forced Abbe Rose to close his + shelter, and had removed him from the church of Ste. Marguerite to that of + St. Pierre of Montmartre, where he now again acted as curate. Truth to + tell, it was not a disgrace but a removal to another spot. However, he had + been scolded and was watched, as he said; and he was much ashamed of it, + and very unhappy at being only able to give alms by stealth, much like + some harebrained prodigal who blushes for his faults. + </p> + <p> + Pierre took the three francs. “I promise to execute your commission, my + friend, oh! with all my heart,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “You will go after your mass, won’t you? His name is Laveuve, he lives in + the Rue des Saules in a house with a courtyard, just before reaching the + Rue Marcadet. You are sure to find it. And if you want to be very kind you + will tell me of your visit this evening at five o’clock, at the Madeleine, + where I am going to hear Monseigneur Martha’s address. He has been so good + to me! Won’t you also come to hear him?” + </p> + <p> + Pierre made an evasive gesture. Monseigneur Martha, Bishop of Persepolis + and all powerful at the archiepiscopal palace, since, like the genial + propagandist he was, he had been devoting himself to increasing the + subscriptions for the basilica of the Sacred Heart, had indeed supported + Abbe Rose; in fact, it was by his influence that the abbe had been kept in + Paris, and placed once more at St. Pierre de Montmartre. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know if I shall be able to hear the address,” said Pierre, “but + in any case I will go there to meet you.” + </p> + <p> + The north wind was blowing, and the gloomy cold penetrated both of them on + that deserted summit amidst the fog which changed the vast city into a + misty ocean. However, some footsteps were heard, and Abbe Rose, again + mistrustful, saw a man go by, a tall and sturdy man, who wore clogs and + was bareheaded, showing his thick and closely-cut white hair. “Is not that + your brother?” asked the old priest. + </p> + <p> + Pierre had not stirred. “Yes, it is my brother Guillaume,” he quietly + responded. “I have found him again since I have been coming occasionally + to the Sacred Heart. He owns a house close by, where he has been living + for more than twenty years, I think. When we meet we shake hands, but I + have never even been to his house. Oh! all is quite dead between us, we + have nothing more in common, we are parted by worlds.” + </p> + <p> + Abbe Rose’s tender smile again appeared, and he waved his hand as if to + say that one must never despair of love. Guillaume Froment, a savant of + lofty intelligence, a chemist who lived apart from others, like one who + rebelled against the social system, was now a parishioner of the abbe’s, + and when the latter passed the house where Guillaume lived with his three + sons—a house all alive with work—he must often have dreamt of + leading him back to God. + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear child,” he resumed, “I am keeping you here in this dark + cold, and you are not warm. Go and say your mass. Till this evening, at + the Madeleine.” Then, in entreating fashion, after again making sure that + none could hear them, he added, still with the air of a child at fault: + “And not a word to anybody about my little commission—it would again + be said that I don’t know how to conduct myself.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre watched the old priest as he went off towards the Rue Cartot, where + he lived on a damp ground-floor, enlivened by a strip of garden. The veil + of disaster, which was submerging Paris, now seemed to grow thicker under + the gusts of the icy north wind. And at last Pierre entered the basilica, + his heart upset, overflowing with the bitterness stirred up by the + recollection of Abbe Rose’s story—that bankruptcy of charity, the + frightful irony of a holy man punished for bestowing alms, and hiding + himself that he might still continue to bestow them. Nothing could calm + the smart of the wound reopened in Pierre’s heart—neither the warm + peacefulness into which he entered, nor the silent solemnity of the broad, + deep fabric, whose new stonework was quite bare, without a single painting + or any kind of decoration; the nave being still half-barred by the + scaffoldings which blocked up the unfinished dome. At that early hour the + masses of entreaty had already been said at several altars, under the grey + light falling from the high and narrow windows, and the tapers of entreaty + were burning in the depths of the apse. So Pierre made haste to go to the + sacristy, there to assume his vestments in order that he might say his + mass in the chapel of St. Vincent de Paul. + </p> + <p> + But the floodgates of memory had been opened, and he had no thought but + for his distress whilst, in mechanical fashion, he performed the rites and + made the customary gestures. Since his return from Rome three years + previously, he had been living in the very worst anguish that can fall on + man. At the outset, in order to recover his lost faith, he had essayed a + first experiment: he had gone to Lourdes, there to seek the innocent + belief of the child who kneels and prays, the primitive faith of young + nations bending beneath the terror born of ignorance; but he had rebelled + yet more than ever in presence of what he had witnessed at Lourdes: that + glorification of the absurd, that collapse of common sense; and was + convinced that salvation, the peace of men and nations nowadays, could not + lie in that puerile relinquishment of reason. And afterwards, again + yielding to the need of loving whilst yet allowing reason, so hard to + satisfy, her share in his intellect, he had staked his final peace on a + second experiment, and had gone to Rome to see if Catholicism could there + be renewed, could revert to the spirit of primitive Christianity and + become the religion of the democracy, the faith which the modern world, + upheaving and in danger of death, was awaiting in order to calm down and + live. And he had found there naught but ruins, the rotted trunk of a tree + that could never put forth another springtide; and he had heard there + naught but the supreme rending of the old social edifice, near to its + fall. Then it was, that, relapsing into boundless doubt, total negation, + he had been recalled to Paris by Abbe Rose, in the name of their poor, and + had returned thither that he might forget and immolate himself and believe + in them—the poor—since they and their frightful sufferings + alone remained certain. And then it was too, that for three years he came + into contact with that collapse, that very bankruptcy of goodness itself: + charity a derision, charity useless and flouted. + </p> + <p> + Those three years had been lived by Pierre amidst ever-growing torments, + in which his whole being had ended by sinking. His faith was forever dead; + dead, too, even his hope of utilising the faith of the multitudes for the + general salvation. He denied everything, he anticipated nothing but the + final, inevitable catastrophe: revolt, massacre and conflagration, which + would sweep away a guilty and condemned world. Unbelieving priest that he + was, yet watching over the faith of others, honestly, chastely discharging + his duties, full of haughty sadness at the thought that he had been unable + to renounce his mind as he had renounced his flesh and his dream of being + a saviour of the nations, he withal remained erect, full of fierce yet + solitary grandeur. And this despairing, denying priest, who had dived to + the bottom of nothingness, retained such a lofty and grave demeanour, + perfumed by such pure kindness, that in his parish of Neuilly he had + acquired the reputation of being a young saint, one beloved by Providence, + whose prayers wrought miracles. He was but a personification of the rules + of the Church; of the priest he retained only the gestures; he was like an + empty sepulchre in which not even the ashes of hope remained; yet + grief-stricken weeping women worshipped him and kissed his cassock; and it + was a tortured mother whose infant was in danger of death, who had + implored him to come and ask that infant’s cure of Jesus, certain as she + felt that Jesus would grant her the boon in that sanctuary of Montmartre + where blazed the prodigy of His heart, all burning with love. + </p> + <p> + Clad in his vestments, Pierre had reached the chapel of St. Vincent de + Paul. He there ascended the altar-step and began the mass; and when he + turned round with hands spread out to bless the worshippers he showed his + hollow cheeks, his gentle mouth contracted by bitterness, his loving eyes + darkened by suffering. He was no longer the young priest whose countenance + had glowed with tender fever on the road to Lourdes, whose face had been + illumined by apostolic fervour when he started for Rome. The two + hereditary influences which were ever at strife within him—that of + his father to whom he owed his impregnable, towering brow, that of his + mother who had given him his love-thirsting lips, were still waging war, + the whole human battle of sentiment and reason, in that now ravaged face + of his, whither in moments of forgetfulness ascended all the chaos of + internal suffering. The lips still confessed that unquenched thirst for + love, self-bestowal and life, which he well thought he could nevermore + content, whilst the solid brow, the citadel which made him suffer, + obstinately refused to capitulate, whatever might be the assaults of + error. But he stiffened himself, hid the horror of the void in which he + struggled, and showed himself superb, making each gesture, repeating each + word in sovereign fashion. And gazing at him through her tears, the mother + who was there among the few kneeling women, the mother who awaited a + supreme intercession from him, who thought him in communion with Jesus for + the salvation of her child, beheld him radiant with angelic beauty like + some messenger of the divine grace. + </p> + <p> + When, after the offertory, Pierre uncovered the chalice he felt contempt + for himself. The shock had been too great, and he thought of those things + in spite of all. What puerility there had been in his two experiments at + Lourdes and Rome, the <i>naivete</i> of a poor distracted being, consumed + by desire to love and believe. To have imagined that present-day science + would in his person accommodate itself to the faith of the year One + Thousand, and in particular to have foolishly believed that he, petty + priest that he was, would be able to indoctrinate the Pope and prevail on + him to become a saint and change the face of the world! It all filled him + with shame; how people must have laughed at him! Then, too, his idea of a + schism made him blush. He again beheld himself at Rome, dreaming of + writing a book by which he would violently sever himself from Catholicism + to preach the new religion of the democracies, the purified, human and + living Gospel. But what ridiculous folly! A schism? He had known in Paris + an abbe of great heart and mind who had attempted to bring about that + famous, predicted, awaited schism. Ah! the poor man, the sad, the + ludicrous labour in the midst of universal incredulity, the icy + indifference of some, the mockery and the reviling of others! If Luther + were to come to France in our days he would end, forgotten and dying of + hunger, on a Batignolles fifth-floor. A schism cannot succeed among a + people that no longer believes, that has ceased to take all interest in + the Church, and sets its hope elsewhere. And it was all Catholicism, in + fact all Christianity, that would be swept away, for, apart from certain + moral maxims, the Gospel no longer supplied a possible code for society. + And this conviction increased Pierre’s torment on the days when his + cassock weighed more heavily on his shoulders, when he ended by feeling + contempt for himself at thus celebrating the divine mystery of the mass, + which for him had become but the formula of a dead religion. + </p> + <p> + Having half filled the chalice with wine from the vase, Pierre washed his + hands and again perceived the mother with her face of ardent entreaty. + Then he thought it was for her that, with the charitable leanings of a + vow-bound man, he had remained a priest, a priest without belief, feeding + the belief of others with the bread of illusion. But this heroic conduct, + the haughty spirit of duty in which he imprisoned himself, was not + practised by him without growing anguish. Did not elementary probity + require that he should cast aside the cassock and return into the midst of + men? At certain times the falsity of his position filled him with disgust + for his useless heroism; and he asked himself if it were not cowardly and + dangerous to leave the masses in superstition. Certainly the theory of a + just and vigilant Providence, of a future paradise where all these + sufferings of the world would receive compensation, had long seemed + necessary to the wretchedness of mankind; but what a trap lay in it, what + a pretext for the tyrannical grinding down of nations; and how far more + virile it would be to undeceive the nations, however brutally, and give + them courage to live the real life, even if it were in tears. If they were + already turning aside from Christianity was not this because they needed a + more human ideal, a religion of health and joy which should not be a + religion of death? On the day when the idea of charity should crumble, + Christianity would crumble also, for it was built upon the idea of divine + charity correcting the injustice of fate, and offering future rewards to + those who might suffer in this life. And it was crumbling; for the poor no + longer believed in it, but grew angry at the thought of that deceptive + paradise, with the promise of which their patience had been beguiled so + long, and demanded that their share of happiness should not always be put + off until the morrow of death. A cry for justice arose from every lip, for + justice upon this earth, justice for those who hunger and thirst, whom + alms are weary of relieving after eighteen hundred years of Gospel + teaching, and who still and ever lack bread to eat. + </p> + <p> + When Pierre, with his elbows on the altar, had emptied the chalice after + breaking the sacred wafer, he felt himself sinking into yet greater + distress. And so a third experiment was beginning for him, the supreme + battle of justice against charity, in which his heart and his mind would + struggle together in that great Paris, so full of terrible, unknown + things. The need for the divine still battled within him against + domineering intelligence. How among the masses would one ever be able to + content the thirst for the mysterious? Leaving the <i>elite</i> on one + side, would science suffice to pacify desire, lull suffering, and satisfy + the dream? And what would become of himself in the bankruptcy of that same + charity, which for three years had alone kept him erect by occupying his + every hour, and giving him the illusion of self-devotion, of being useful + to others? It seemed, all at once, as if the ground sank beneath him, and + he heard nothing save the cry of the masses, silent so long, but now + demanding justice, growling and threatening to take their share, which was + withheld from them by force and ruse. Nothing more, it seemed, could delay + the inevitable catastrophe, the fratricidal class warfare that would sweep + away the olden world, which was condemned to disappear beneath the + mountain of its crimes. Every hour with frightful sadness he expected the + collapse, Paris steeped in blood, Paris in flames. And his horror of all + violence froze him; he knew not where to seek the new belief which might + dissipate the peril. Fully conscious, though he was, that the social and + religious problems are but one, and are alone in question in the dreadful + daily labour of Paris, he was too deeply troubled himself, too far removed + from ordinary things by his position as a priest, and too sorely rent by + doubt and powerlessness to tell as yet where might be truth, and health, + and life. Ah! to be healthy and to live, to content at last both heart and + reason in the peace, the certain, simply honest labour, which man has come + to accomplish upon this earth! + </p> + <p> + The mass was finished, and Pierre descended from the altar, when the + weeping mother, near whom he passed, caught hold of a corner of the + chasuble with her trembling hands, and kissed it with wild fervour, as one + may kiss some relic of a saint from whom one expects salvation. She + thanked him for the miracle which he must have accomplished, certain as + she felt that she would find her child cured. And he was deeply stirred by + that love, that ardent faith of hers, in spite of the sudden and yet + keener distress which he felt at being in no wise the sovereign minister + that she thought him, the minister able to obtain a respite from Death. + But he dismissed her consoled and strengthened, and it was with an ardent + prayer that he entreated the unknown but conscious Power to succour the + poor creature. Then, when he had divested himself in the sacristy, and + found himself again out of doors before the basilica, lashed by the keen + wintry wind, a mortal shiver came upon him, and froze him, while through + the mist he looked to see if a whirlwind of anger and justice had not + swept Paris away: that catastrophe which must some day destroy it, leaving + under the leaden heavens only the pestilential quagmire of its ruins. + </p> + <p> + Pierre wished to fulfil Abbe Rose’s commission immediately. He followed + the Rue des Norvins, on the crest of Montmartre; and, reaching the Rue des + Saules, descended by its steep slope, between mossy walls, to the other + side of Paris. The three francs which he was holding in his cassock’s + pocket, filled him at once with gentle emotion and covert anger against + the futility of charity. But as he gradually descended by the sharp + declivities and interminable storeys of steps, the mournful nooks of + misery which he espied took possession of him, and infinite pity wrung his + heart. A whole new district was here being built alongside the broad + thoroughfares opened since the great works of the Sacred Heart had begun. + Lofty middle-class houses were already rising among ripped-up gardens and + plots of vacant land, still edged with palings. And these houses with + their substantial frontages, all new and white, lent a yet more sombre and + leprous aspect to such of the old shaky buildings as remained, the low + pot-houses with blood-coloured walls, the <i>cites</i> of workmen’s + dwellings, those abodes of suffering with black, soiled buildings in which + human cattle were piled. Under the low-hanging sky that day, the pavement, + dented by heavily-laden carts, was covered with mud; the thaw soaked the + walls with an icy dampness, whilst all the filth and destitution brought + terrible sadness to the heart. + </p> + <p> + After going as far as the Rue Marcadet, Pierre retraced his steps; and in + the Rue des Saules, certain that he was not mistaken, he entered the + courtyard of a kind of barracks or hospital, encompassed by three + irregular buildings. This court was a quagmire, where filth must have + accumulated during the two months of terrible frost; and now all was + melting, and an abominable stench arose. The buildings were half falling, + the gaping vestibules looked like cellar holes, strips of paper streaked + the cracked and filthy window-panes, and vile rags hung about like flags + of death. Inside a shanty which served as the door-keeper’s abode Pierre + only saw an infirm man rolled up in a tattered strip of what had once been + a horse-cloth. + </p> + <p> + “You have an old workman named Laveuve here,” said the priest. “Which + staircase is it, which floor?” + </p> + <p> + The man did not answer, but opened his anxious eyes, like a scared idiot. + The door-keeper, no doubt, was in the neighbourhood. For a moment the + priest waited; then seeing a little girl on the other side of the + courtyard, he risked himself, crossed the quagmire on tip-toe, and asked: + “Do you know an old workman named Laveuve in the house, my child?” + </p> + <p> + The little girl, who only had a ragged gown of pink cotton stuff about her + meagre figure, stood there shivering, her hands covered with chilblains. + She raised her delicate face, which looked pretty though nipped by the + cold: “Laveuve,” said she, “no, don’t know, don’t know.” And with the + unconscious gesture of a beggar child she put out one of her poor, numbed + and disfigured hands. Then, when the priest had given her a little bit of + silver, she began to prance through the mud like a joyful goat, singing + the while in a shrill voice: “Don’t know, don’t know.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre decided to follow her. She vanished into one of the gaping + vestibules, and, in her rear, he climbed a dark and fetid staircase, whose + steps were half-broken and so slippery, on account of the vegetable + parings strewn over them, that he had to avail himself of the greasy rope + by which the inmates hoisted themselves upwards. But every door was + closed; he vainly knocked at several of them, and only elicited, at the + last, a stifled growl, as though some despairing animal were confined + within. Returning to the yard, he hesitated, then made his way to another + staircase, where he was deafened by piercing cries, as of a child who is + being butchered. He climbed on hearing this noise and at last found + himself in front of an open room where an infant, who had been left alone, + tied in his little chair, in order that he might not fall, was howling and + howling without drawing breath. Then Pierre went down again, upset, frozen + by the sight of so much destitution and abandonment. + </p> + <p> + But a woman was coming in, carrying three potatoes in her apron, and on + being questioned by him she gazed distrustfully at his cassock. “Laveuve, + Laveuve? I can’t say,” she replied. “If the door-keeper were there, she + might be able to tell you. There are five staircases, you see, and we + don’t all know each other. Besides, there are so many changes. Still try + over there; at the far end.” + </p> + <p> + The staircase at the back of the yard was yet more abominable than the + others, its steps warped, its walls slimy, as if soaked with the sweat of + anguish. At each successive floor the drain-sinks exhaled a pestilential + stench, whilst from every lodging came moans, or a noise of quarrelling, + or some frightful sign of misery. A door swung open, and a man appeared + dragging a woman by the hair whilst three youngsters sobbed aloud. On the + next floor, Pierre caught a glimpse of a room where a young girl in her + teens, racked by coughing, was hastily carrying an infant to and fro to + quiet it, in despair that all the milk of her breast should be exhausted. + Then, in an adjoining lodging, came the poignant spectacle of three + beings, half clad in shreds, apparently sexless and ageless, who, amidst + the dire bareness of their room, were gluttonously eating from the same + earthen pan some pottage which even dogs would have refused. They barely + raised their heads to growl, and did not answer Pierre’s questions. + </p> + <p> + He was about to go down again, when right atop of the stairs, at the entry + of a passage, it occurred to him to make a last try by knocking at the + door. It was opened by a woman whose uncombed hair was already getting + grey, though she could not be more than forty; while her pale lips, and + dim eyes set in a yellow countenance, expressed utter lassitude, the + shrinking, the constant dread of one whom wretchedness has pitilessly + assailed. The sight of Pierre’s cassock disturbed her, and she stammered + anxiously: “Come in, come in, Monsieur l’Abbe.” + </p> + <p> + However, a man whom Pierre had not at first seen—a workman also of + some forty years, tall, thin and bald, with scanty moustache and beard of + a washed-out reddish hue—made an angry gesture—a threat as it + were—to turn the priest out of doors. But he calmed himself, sat + down near a rickety table and pretended to turn his back. And as there was + also a child present—a fair-haired girl, eleven or twelve years old, + with a long and gentle face and that intelligent and somewhat aged + expression which great misery imparts to children—he called her to + him, and held her between his knees, doubtless to keep her away from the + man in the cassock. + </p> + <p> + Pierre—whose heart was oppressed by his reception, and who realised + the utter destitution of this family by the sight of the bare, fireless + room, and the distressed mournfulness of its three inmates—decided + all the same to repeat his question: “Madame, do you know an old workman + named Laveuve in the house?” + </p> + <p> + The woman—who now trembled at having admitted him, since it seemed + to displease her man—timidly tried to arrange matters. “Laveuve, + Laveuve? no, I don’t. But Salvat, you hear? Do you know a Laveuve here?” + </p> + <p> + Salvat merely shrugged his shoulders; but the little girl could not keep + her tongue still: “I say, mamma Theodore, it’s p’raps the Philosopher.” + </p> + <p> + “A former house-painter,” continued Pierre, “an old man who is ill and + past work.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Theodore was at once enlightened. “In that case it’s him, it’s him. + We call him the Philosopher, a nickname folks have given him in the + neighbourhood. But there’s nothing to prevent his real name from being + Laveuve.” + </p> + <p> + With one of his fists raised towards the ceiling, Salvat seemed to be + protesting against the abomination of a world and a Providence that + allowed old toilers to die of hunger just like broken-down beasts. + However, he did not speak, but relapsed into the savage, heavy silence, + the bitter meditation in which he had been plunged when the priest + arrived. He was a journeyman engineer, and gazed obstinately at the table + where lay his little leather tool-bag, bulging with something it contained—something, + perhaps, which he had to take back to a work-shop. He might have been + thinking of a long, enforced spell of idleness, of a vain search for any + kind of work during the two previous months of that terrible winter. Or + perhaps it was the coming bloody reprisals of the starvelings that + occupied the fiery reverie which set his large, strange, vague blue eyes + aglow. All at once he noticed that his daughter had taken up the tool-bag + and was trying to open it to see what it might contain. At this he + quivered and at last spoke, his voice kindly, yet bitter with sudden + emotion, which made him turn pale. “Celine, you must leave that alone. I + forbade you to touch my tools,” said he; then taking the bag, he deposited + it with great precaution against the wall behind him. + </p> + <p> + “And so, madame,” asked Pierre, “this man Laveuve lives on this floor?” + </p> + <p> + Madame Theodore directed a timid, questioning glance at Salvat. She was + not in favour of hustling priests when they took the trouble to call, for + at times there was a little money to be got from them. And when she + realised that Salvat, who had once more relapsed into his black reverie, + left her free to act as she pleased, she at once tendered her services. + “If Monsieur l’Abbe is agreeable, I will conduct him. It’s just at the end + of the passage. But one must know the way, for there are still some steps + to climb.” + </p> + <p> + Celine, finding a pastime in this visit, escaped from her father’s knees + and likewise accompanied the priest. And Salvat remained alone in that den + of poverty and suffering, injustice and anger, without a fire, without + bread, haunted by his burning dream, his eyes again fixed upon his bag, as + if there, among his tools, he possessed the wherewithal to heal the ailing + world. + </p> + <p> + It indeed proved necessary to climb a few more steps; and then, following + Madame Theodore and Celine, Pierre found himself in a kind of narrow + garret under the roof, a loft a few yards square, where one could not + stand erect. There was no window, only a skylight, and as the snow still + covered it one had to leave the door wide open in order that one might + see. And the thaw was entering the place, the melting snow was falling + drop by drop, and coming over the tiled floor. After long weeks of intense + cold, dark dampness rained quivering over all. And there, lacking even a + chair, even a plank, Laveuve lay in a corner on a little pile of filthy + rags spread upon the bare tiles; he looked like some animal dying on a + dung-heap. + </p> + <p> + “There!” said Celine in her sing-song voice, “there he is, that’s the + Philosopher!” + </p> + <p> + Madame Theodore had bent down to ascertain if he still lived. “Yes, he + breathes; he’s sleeping I think. Oh! if he only had something to eat every + day, he would be well enough. But what would you have? He has nobody left + him, and when one gets to seventy the best is to throw oneself into the + river. In the house-painting line it often happens that a man has to give + up working on ladders and scaffoldings at fifty. He at first found some + work to do on the ground level. Then he was lucky enough to get a job as + night watchman. But that’s over, he’s been turned away from everywhere, + and, for two months now, he’s been lying in this nook waiting to die. The + landlord hasn’t dared to fling him into the street as yet, though not for + want of any inclination that way. We others sometimes bring him a little + wine and a crust, of course; but when one has nothing oneself, how can one + give to others?” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, terrified, gazed at that frightful remnant of humanity, that + remnant into which fifty years of toil, misery and social injustice had + turned a man. And he ended by distinguishing Laveuve’s white, worn, + sunken, deformed head. Here, on a human face, appeared all the ruin + following upon hopeless labour. Laveuve’s unkempt beard straggled over his + features, suggesting an old horse that is no longer cropped; his toothless + jaws were quite askew, his eyes were vitreous, and his nose seemed to + plunge into his mouth. But above all else one noticed his resemblance to + some beast of burden, deformed by hard toil, lamed, worn to death, and now + only good for the knackers. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! the poor fellow,” muttered the shuddering priest. “And he is left to + die of hunger, all alone, without any succour? And not a hospital, not an + asylum has given him shelter?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” resumed Madame Theodore in her sad yet resigned voice, “the + hospitals are built for the sick, and he isn’t sick, he’s simply finishing + off, with his strength at an end. Besides he isn’t always easy to deal + with. People came again only lately to put him in an asylum, but he won’t + be shut up. And he speaks coarsely to those who question him, not to + mention that he has the reputation of liking drink and talking badly about + the gentle-folks. But, thank Heaven, he will now soon be delivered.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre had leant forward on seeing Laveuve’s eyes open, and he spoke to + him tenderly, telling him that he had come from a friend with a little + money to enable him to buy what he might most pressingly require. At + first, on seeing Pierre’s cassock, the old man had growled some coarse + words; but, despite his extreme feebleness, he still retained the pert + chaffing spirit of the Parisian artisan: “Well, then, I’ll willingly drink + a drop,” he said distinctly, “and have a bit of bread with it, if there’s + the needful; for I’ve lost taste of both for a couple of days past.” + </p> + <p> + Celine offered her services, and Madame Theodore sent her to fetch a loaf + and a quart of wine with Abbe Rose’s money. And in the interval she told + Pierre how Laveuve was at one moment to have entered the Asylum of the + Invalids of Labour, a charitable enterprise whose lady patronesses were + presided over by Baroness Duvillard. However, the usual regulation + inquiries had doubtless led to such an unfavourable report that matters + had gone no further. + </p> + <p> + “Baroness Duvillard! but I know her, and will go to see her to-day!” + exclaimed Pierre, whose heart was bleeding. “It is impossible for a man to + be left in such circumstances any longer.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as Celine came back with the loaf and the wine, the three of them + tried to make Laveuve more comfortable, raised him on his heap of rags, + gave him to eat and to drink, and then left the remainder of the wine and + the loaf—a large four-pound loaf—near him, recommending him to + wait awhile before he finished the bread, as otherwise he might stifle. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur l’Abbe ought to give me his address in case I should have any + news to send him,” said Madame Theodore when she again found herself at + her door. + </p> + <p> + Pierre had no card with him, and so all three went into the room. But + Salvat was no longer alone there. He stood talking in a low voice very + quickly, and almost mouth to mouth, with a young fellow of twenty. The + latter, who was slim and dark, with a sprouting beard and hair cut in + brush fashion, had bright eyes, a straight nose and thin lips set in a + pale and slightly freckled face, betokening great intelligence. With stern + and stubborn brow, he stood shivering in his well-worn jacket. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur l’Abbe wants to leave me his address for the Philosopher’s + affair,” gently explained Madame Theodore, annoyed to find another there + with Salvat. + </p> + <p> + The two men had glanced at the priest and then looked at one another, each + with terrible mien. And they suddenly ceased speaking in the bitter cold + which fell from the ceiling. Then, again with infinite precaution, Salvat + went to take his tool-bag from alongside the wall. + </p> + <p> + “So you are going down, you are again going to look for work?” asked + Madame Theodore. + </p> + <p> + He did not answer, but merely made an angry gesture, as if to say that he + would no longer have anything to do with work since work for so long a + time had not cared to have anything to do with him. + </p> + <p> + “All the same,” resumed the woman, “try to bring something back with you, + for you know there’s nothing. At what time will you be back?” + </p> + <p> + With another gesture he seemed to answer that he would come back when he + could, perhaps never. And tears rising, despite all his efforts, to his + vague, blue, glowing eyes he caught hold of his daughter Celine, kissed + her violently, distractedly, and then went off, with his bag under his + arm, followed by his young companion. + </p> + <p> + “Celine,” resumed Madame Theodore, “give Monsieur l’Abbe your pencil, and, + see, monsieur, seat yourself here, it will be better for writing.” + </p> + <p> + Then, when Pierre had installed himself at the table, on the chair + previously occupied by Salvat, she went on talking, seeking to excuse her + man for his scanty politeness: “He hasn’t a bad heart, but he’s had so + many worries in life that he has become a bit cracked. It’s like that + young man whom you just saw here, Monsieur Victor Mathis. There’s another + for you, who isn’t happy, a young man who was well brought up, who has a + lot of learning, and whose mother, a widow, has only just got the + wherewithal to buy bread. So one can understand it, can’t one? It all + upsets their heads, and they talk of blowing up everybody. For my part + those are not my notions, but I forgive them, oh! willingly enough.” + </p> + <p> + Perturbed, yet interested by all the mystery and vague horror which he + could divine around him, Pierre made no haste to write his address, but + lingered listening, as if inviting confidence. + </p> + <p> + “If you only knew, Monsieur l’Abbe, that poor Salvat was a forsaken child, + without father or mother, and had to scour the roads and try every trade + at first to get a living. Then afterwards he became a mechanician, and a + very good workman, I assure you, very skilful and very painstaking. But he + already had those ideas of his, and quarrelled with people, and tried to + bring his mates over to his views; and so he was unable to stay anywhere. + At last, when he was thirty, he was stupid enough to go to America with an + inventor, who traded on him to such a point that after six years of it he + came back ill and penniless. I must tell you that he had married my + younger sister Leonie, and that she died before he went to America, + leaving him little Celine, who was then only a year old. I was then living + with my husband, Theodore Labitte, a mason; and it’s not to brag that I + say it, but however much I wore out my eyes with needlework he used to + beat me till he left me half-dead on the floor. But he ended by deserting + me and going off with a young woman of twenty, which, after all, caused me + more pleasure than grief. And naturally when Salvat came back he sought me + out and found me alone with his little Celine, whom he had left in my + charge when he went away, and who called me mamma. And we’ve all three + been living together since then—” + </p> + <p> + She became somewhat embarrassed, and then, as if to show that she did not + altogether lack some respectable family connections, she went on to say: + “For my part I’ve had no luck; but I’ve another sister, Hortense, who’s + married to a clerk, Monsieur Chretiennot, and lives in a pretty lodging on + the Boulevard Rochechouart. There were three of us born of my father’s + second marriage,—Hortense, who’s the youngest, Leonie, who’s dead, + and myself, Pauline, the eldest. And of my father’s first marriage I’ve + still a brother Eugene Toussaint, who is ten years older than me and is an + engineer like Salvat, and has been working ever since the war in the same + establishment, the Grandidier factory, only a hundred steps away in the + Rue Marcadet. The misfortune is that he had a stroke lately. As for me, my + eyes are done for; I ruined them by working ten hours a day at fine + needlework. And now I can no longer even try to mend anything without my + eyes filling with water till I can’t see at all. I’ve tried to find + charwoman’s work, but I can’t get any; bad luck always follows us. And so + we are in need of everything; we’ve nothing but black misery, two or three + days sometimes going by without a bite, so that it’s like the chance life + of a dog that feeds on what it can find. And with these last two months of + bitter cold to freeze us, it’s sometimes made us think that one morning we + should never wake up again. But what would you have? I’ve never been + happy, I was beaten to begin with, and now I’m done for, left in a corner, + living on, I really don’t know why.” + </p> + <p> + Her voice had begun to tremble, her red eyes moistened, and Pierre could + realise that she thus wept through life, a good enough woman but one who + had no will, and was already blotted out, so to say, from existence. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I don’t complain of Salvat,” she went on. “He’s a good fellow; he + only dreams of everybody’s happiness, and he doesn’t drink, and he works + when he can. Only it’s certain that he’d work more if he didn’t busy + himself with politics. One can’t discuss things with comrades, and go to + public meetings and be at the workshop at the same time. In that he’s at + fault, that’s evident. But all the same he has good reason to complain, + for one can’t imagine such misfortunes as have pursued him. Everything has + fallen on him, everything has beaten him down. Why, a saint even would + have gone mad, so that one can understand that a poor beggar who has never + had any luck should get quite wild. For the last two months he has only + met one good heart, a learned gentleman who lives up yonder on the height, + Monsieur Guillaume Froment, who has given him a little work, just + something to enable us to have some soup now and then.” + </p> + <p> + Much surprised by this mention of his brother, Pierre wished to ask + certain questions; but a singular feeling of uneasiness, in which fear and + discretion mingled, checked his tongue. He looked at Celine, who stood + before him, listening in silence with her grave, delicate air; and Madame + Theodore, seeing him smile at the child, indulged in a final remark: “It’s + just the idea of that child,” said she, “that throws Salvat out of his + wits. He adores her, and he’d kill everybody if he could, when he sees her + go supperless to bed. She’s such a good girl, she was learning so nicely + at the Communal School! But now she hasn’t even a shift to go there in.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, who had at last written his address, slipped a five-franc piece + into the little girl’s hand, and, desirous as he was of curtailing any + thanks, he hastily said: “You will know now where to find me if you need + me for Laveuve. But I’m going to busy myself about him this very + afternoon, and I really hope that he will be fetched away this evening.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Theodore did not listen, but poured forth all possible blessings; + whilst Celine, thunderstruck at seeing five francs in her hand, murmured: + “Oh! that poor papa, who has gone to hunt for money! Shall I run after him + to tell him that we’ve got enough for to-day?” + </p> + <p> + Then the priest, who was already in the passage, heard the woman answer: + “Oh! he’s far away if he’s still walking. He’ll p’raps come back right + enough.” + </p> + <p> + However, as Pierre, with buzzing head and grief-stricken heart, hastily + escaped out of that frightful house of suffering, he perceived to his + astonishment Salvat and Victor Mathis standing erect in a corner of the + filthy courtyard, where the stench was so pestilential. They had come + downstairs, there to continue their interrupted colloquy. And again, they + were talking in very low tones, and very quickly, mouth to mouth, absorbed + in the violent thoughts which made their eyes flare. But they heard the + priest’s footsteps, recognised him, and suddenly becoming cold and calm, + exchanged an energetic hand-shake without uttering another word. Victor + went up towards Montmartre, whilst Salvat hesitated like a man who is + consulting destiny. Then, as if trusting himself to stern chance, drawing + up his thin figure, the figure of a weary, hungry toiler, he turned into + the Rue Marcadet, and walked towards Paris, his tool-bag still under his + arm. + </p> + <p> + For an instant Pierre felt a desire to run and call to him that his little + girl wished him to go back again. But the same feeling of uneasiness as + before came over the priest—a commingling of discretion and fear, a + covert conviction that nothing could stay destiny. And he himself was no + longer calm, no longer experienced the icy, despairing distress of the + early morning. On finding himself again in the street, amidst the + quivering fog, he felt the fever, the glow of charity which the sight of + such frightful wretchedness had ignited, once more within him. No, no! + such suffering was too much; he wished to struggle still, to save Laveuve + and restore a little joy to all those poor folk. The new experiment + presented itself with that city of Paris which he had seen shrouded as + with ashes, so mysterious and so perturbing beneath the threat of + inevitable justice. And he dreamed of a huge sun bringing health and + fruitfulness, which would make of the huge city the fertile field where + would sprout the better world of to-morrow. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0062" id="link2H_4_0062"></a> + II. WEALTH AND WORLDLINESS + </h2> + <p> + THAT same morning, as was the case nearly every day, some intimates were + expected to <i>dejeuner</i> at the Duvillards’, a few friends who more or + less invited themselves. And on that chilly day, all thaw and fog, the + regal mansion in the Rue Godot-de-Mauroy near the Boulevard de la + Madeleine bloomed with the rarest flowers, for flowers were the greatest + passion of the Baroness, who transformed the lofty, sumptuous rooms, + littered with marvels, into warm and odoriferous conservatories, whither + the gloomy, livid light of Paris penetrated caressingly with infinite + softness. + </p> + <p> + The great reception rooms were on the ground-floor looking on to the + spacious courtyard, and preceded by a little winter garden, which served + as a vestibule where two footmen in liveries of dark green and gold were + invariably on duty. A famous gallery of paintings, valued at millions of + francs, occupied the whole of the northern side of the house. And the + grand staircase, of a sumptuousness which also was famous, conducted to + the apartments usually occupied by the family, a large red drawing-room, a + small blue and silver drawing-room, a study whose walls were hung with old + stamped leather, and a dining-room in pale green with English furniture, + not to mention the various bedchambers and dressing-rooms. Built in the + time of Louis XIV. the mansion retained an aspect of noble grandeur, + subordinated to the epicurean tastes of the triumphant <i>bourgeoisie</i>, + which for a century now had reigned by virtue of the omnipotence of money. + </p> + <p> + Noon had not yet struck, and Baron Duvillard, contrary to custom, found + himself the first in the little blue and silver <i>salon</i>. He was a man + of sixty, tall and sturdy, with a large nose, full cheeks, broad, fleshy + lips, and wolfish teeth, which had remained very fine. He had, however, + become bald at an early age, and dyed the little hair that was left him. + Moreover, since his beard had turned white, he had kept his face + clean-shaven. His grey eyes bespoke his audacity, and in his laugh there + was a ring of conquest, while the whole of his face expressed the fact + that this conquest was his own, that he wielded the sovereignty of an + unscrupulous master, who used and abused the power stolen and retained by + his caste. + </p> + <p> + He took a few steps, and then halted in front of a basket of wonderful + orchids near the window. On the mantel-piece and table tufts of violets + sent forth their perfume, and in the warm, deep silence which seemed to + fall from the hangings, the Baron sat down and stretched himself in one of + the large armchairs, upholstered in blue satin striped with silver. He had + taken a newspaper from his pocket, and began to re-peruse an article it + contained, whilst all around him the entire mansion proclaimed his immense + fortune, his sovereign power, the whole history of the century which had + made him the master. His grandfather, Jerome Duvillard, son of a petty + advocate of Poitou, had come to Paris as a notary’s clerk in 1788, when he + was eighteen; and very keen, intelligent and hungry as he was, he had + gained the family’s first three millions—at first in trafficking + with the <i>emigres’’</i> estates when they were confiscated and sold as + national property, and later, in contracting for supplies to the imperial + army. His father, Gregoire Duvillard, born in 1805, and the real great man + of the family—he who had first reigned in the Rue Godot-de-Mauroy, + after King Louis Philippe had granted him the title of Baron—remained + one of the recognized heroes of modern finance by reason of the scandalous + profits which he had made in every famous thieving speculation of the July + Monarchy and the Second Empire, such as mines, railroads, and the Suez + Canal. And he, the present Baron, Henri by name, and born in 1836, had + only seriously gone into business on Baron Gregoire’s death soon after the + Franco-German War. However, he had done so with such a rageful appetite, + that in a quarter of a century he had again doubled the family fortune. He + rotted and devoured, corrupted, swallowed everything that he touched; and + he was also the tempter personified—the man who bought all + consciences that were for sale—having fully understood the new times + and its tendencies in presence of the democracy, which in its turn had + become hungry and impatient. Inferior though he was both to his father and + his grandfather, being a man of enjoyment, caring less for the work of + conquest than the division of the spoil, he nevertheless remained a + terrible fellow, a sleek triumpher, whose operations were all certainties, + who amassed millions at each stroke, and treated with governments on a + footing of equality, able as he was to place, if not France, at least a + ministry in his pocket. In one century and three generations, royalty had + become embodied in him: a royalty already threatened, already shaken by + the tempest close ahead. And at times his figure grew and expanded till it + became, as it were, an incarnation of the whole <i>bourgeoisie</i>—that + <i>bourgeoisie</i> which at the division of the spoils in 1789 + appropriated everything, and has since fattened on everything at the + expense of the masses, and refuses to restore anything whatever. + </p> + <p> + The article which the Baron was re-perusing in a halfpenny newspaper + interested him. “La Voix du Peuple” was a noisy sheet which, under the + pretence of defending outraged justice and morality, set a fresh scandal + circulating every morning in the hope of thereby increasing its sales. And + that morning, in big type on its front page, this sub-title was displayed: + “The Affair of the African Railways. Five Millions spent in Bribes: Two + Ministers Bought, Thirty Deputies and Senators Compromised.” Then in an + article of odious violence the paper’s editor, the famous Sagnier, + announced that he possessed and intended to publish the list of the + thirty-two members of Parliament, whose support Baron Duvillard had + purchased at the time when the Chambers had voted the bill for the African + Railway Lines. Quite a romantic story was mingled with all this, the + adventures of a certain Hunter, whom the Baron had employed as his + go-between and who had now fled. The Baron, however, re-perused each + sentence and weighed each word of the article very calmly; and although he + was alone he shrugged his shoulders and spoke aloud with the tranquil + assurance of a man whose responsibility is covered and who is, moreover, + too powerful to be molested. + </p> + <p> + “The idiot,” he said, “he knows even less than he pretends.” + </p> + <p> + Just then, however, a first guest arrived, a man of barely four and + thirty, elegantly dressed, dark and good looking, with a delicately shaped + nose, and curly hair and beard. As a rule, too, he had laughing eyes, and + something giddy, flighty, bird-like in his demeanour; but that morning he + seemed nervous, anxious even, and smiled in a scared way. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! it’s you, Duthil,” said the Baron, rising. “Have you read this?” And + he showed the new comer the “Voix du Peuple,” which he was folding up to + replace it in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + “Why yes, I’ve read it. It’s amazing. How can Sagnier have got hold of the + list of names? Has there been some traitor?” + </p> + <p> + The Baron looked at his companion quietly, amused by his secret anguish. + Duthil, the son of a notary of Angouleme, almost poor and very honest, had + been sent to Paris as deputy for that town whilst yet very young, thanks + to the high reputation of his father; and he there led a life of pleasure + and idleness, even as he had formerly done when a student. However, his + pleasant bachelor’s quarters in the Rue de Suresnes, and his success as a + handsome man in the whirl of women among whom he lived, cost him no little + money; and gaily enough, devoid as he was of any moral sense, he had + already glided into all sorts of compromising and lowering actions, like a + light-headed, superior man, a charming, thoughtless fellow, who attached + no importance whatever to such trifles. + </p> + <p> + “Bah!” said the Baron at last. “Has Sagnier even got a list? I doubt it, + for there was none; Hunter wasn’t so foolish as to draw one up. And then, + too, it was merely an ordinary affair; nothing more was done than is + always done in such matters of business.” + </p> + <p> + Duthil, who for the first time in his life had felt anxious, listened like + one that needs to be reassured. “Quite so, eh?” he exclaimed. “That’s what + I thought. There isn’t a cat to be whipped in the whole affair.” + </p> + <p> + He tried to laugh as usual, and no longer exactly knew how it was that he + had received some ten thousand francs in connection with the matter, + whether it were in the shape of a vague loan, or else under some pretext + of publicity, puffery, or advertising, for Hunter had acted with extreme + adroitness so as to give no offence to the susceptibilities of even the + least virginal consciences. + </p> + <p> + “No, there’s not a cat to be whipped,” repeated Duvillard, who decidedly + seemed amused by the face which Duthil was pulling. “And besides, my dear + fellow, it’s well known that cats always fall on their feet. But have you + seen Silviane?” + </p> + <p> + “I just left her. I found her in a great rage with you. She learnt this + morning that her affair of the Comedie is off.” + </p> + <p> + A rush of anger suddenly reddened the Baron’s face. He, who could scoff so + calmly at the threat of the African Railways scandal, lost his balance and + felt his blood boiling directly there was any question of Silviane, the + last, imperious passion of his sixtieth year. “What! off?” said he. “But + at the Ministry of Fine Arts they gave me almost a positive promise only + the day before yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + He referred to a stubborn caprice of Silviane d’Aulnay, who, although she + had hitherto only reaped a success of beauty on the stage, obstinately + sought to enter the Comedie Francaise and make her <i>debut</i> there in + the part of “Pauline” in Corneille’s “Polyeucte,” which part she had been + studying desperately for several months past. Her idea seemed an insane + one, and all Paris laughed at it; but the young woman, with superb + assurance, kept herself well to the front, and imperiously demanded the <i>role</i>, + feeling sure that she would conquer. + </p> + <p> + “It was the minister who wouldn’t have it,” explained Duthil. + </p> + <p> + The Baron was choking. “The minister, the minister! Ah! well, I will soon + have that minister sent to the rightabout.” + </p> + <p> + However, he had to cease speaking, for at that moment Baroness Duvillard + came into the little drawing-room. At forty-six years of age she was still + very beautiful. Very fair and tall, having hitherto put on but little + superfluous fat, and retaining perfect arms and shoulders, with speckless + silky skin, it was only her face that was spoiling, colouring slightly + with reddish blotches. And these blemishes were her torment, her hourly + thought and worry. Her Jewish origin was revealed by her somewhat long and + strangely charming face, with blue and softly voluptuous eyes. As indolent + as an Oriental slave, disliking to have to move, walk, or even speak, she + seemed intended for a harem life, especially as she was for ever tending + her person. That day she was all in white, gowned in a white silk toilette + of delicious and lustrous simplicity. + </p> + <p> + Duthil complimented her, and kissed her hand with an enraptured air. “Ah! + madame, you set a little springtide in my heart. Paris is so black and + muddy this morning.” + </p> + <p> + However, a second guest entered the room, a tall and handsome man of five + or six and thirty; and the Baron, still disturbed by his passion, profited + by this opportunity to make his escape. He carried Duthil away into his + study, saying, “Come here an instant, my dear fellow. I have a few more + words to say to you about the affair in question. Monsieur de Quinsac will + keep my wife company for a moment.” + </p> + <p> + The Baroness, as soon as she was alone with the new comer, who, like + Duthil, had most respectfully kissed her hand, gave him a long, silent + look, while her soft eyes filled with tears. Deep silence, tinged with + some slight embarrassment, had fallen, but she ended by saying in a very + low voice: “How happy I am, Gerard, to find myself alone with you for a + moment. For a month past I have not had that happiness.” + </p> + <p> + The circumstances in which Henri Duvillard had married the younger + daughter of Justus Steinberger, the great Jew banker, formed quite a story + which was often recalled. The Steinbergers—after the fashion of the + Rothschilds—were originally four brothers—Justus, residing in + Paris, and the three others at Berlin, Vienna, and London, a circumstance + which gave their secret association most formidable power in the financial + markets of Europe. Justus, however, was the least wealthy of the four, and + in Baron Gregoire Duvillard he had a redoubtable adversary against whom he + was compelled to struggle each time that any large prey was in question. + And it was after a terrible encounter between the pair, after the eager + sharing of the spoils, that the crafty idea had come to Justus of giving + his younger daughter Eve in marriage, by way of <i>douceur</i>, to the + Baron’s son, Henri. So far the latter had only been known as an amiable + fellow, fond of horses and club life; and no doubt Justus’s idea was that, + at the death of the redoubtable Baron, who was already condemned by his + physicians, he would be able to lay his hands on the rival banking-house, + particularly if he only had in front of him a son-in-law whom it was easy + to conquer. As it happened, Henri had been mastered by a violent passion + for Eve’s blond beauty, which was then dazzling. He wished to marry her, + and his father, who knew him, consented, in reality greatly amused to + think that Justus was making an execrably bad stroke of business. The + enterprise became indeed disastrous for Justus when Henri succeeded his + father and the man of prey appeared from beneath the man of pleasure and + carved himself his own huge share in exploiting the unbridled appetites of + the middle-class democracy, which had at last secured possession of power. + Not only did Eve fail to devour Henri, who in his turn had become Baron + Duvillard, the all-powerful banker, more and more master of the market; + but it was the Baron who devoured Eve, and this in less than four years’ + time. After she had borne him a daughter and a son in turn, he suddenly + drew away from her, neglected her, as if she were a mere toy that he no + longer cared for. She was at first both surprised and distressed by the + change, especially on learning that he was resuming his bachelor’s habits, + and had set his fickle if ardent affections elsewhere. Then, however, + without any kind of recrimination, any display of anger, or even any + particular effort to regain her ascendency over him, she, on her side, + imitated his example. She could not live without love, and assuredly she + had only been born to be beautiful, to fascinate and reap adoration. To + the lover whom she chose when she was five and twenty she remained + faithful for more than fifteen years, as faithful as she might have been + to a husband; and when he died her grief was intense, it was like real + widowhood. Six months later, however, having met Count Gerard de Quinsac + she had again been unable to resist her imperative need of adoration, and + an intrigue had followed. + </p> + <p> + “Have you been ill, my dear Gerard?” she inquired, noticing the young + man’s embarrassment. “Are you hiding some worry from me?” + </p> + <p> + She was ten years older than he was; and she clung desperately to this + last passion of hers, revolting at the thought of growing old, and + resolved upon every effort to keep the young man beside her. + </p> + <p> + “No, I am hiding nothing, I assure you,” replied the Count. “But my mother + has had much need of me recently.” + </p> + <p> + She continued looking at him, however, with anxious passion, finding him + so tall and aristocratic of mien, with his regular features and dark hair + and moustaches which were always most carefully tended. He belonged to one + of the oldest families of France, and resided on a ground-floor in the Rue + St. Dominique with his widowed mother, who had been ruined by her + adventurously inclined husband, and had at most an income of some fifteen + thousand francs* to live upon. Gerard for his part had never done + anything; contenting himself with his one year of obligatory military + service, he had renounced the profession of arms in the same way as he had + renounced that of diplomacy, the only one that offered him an opening of + any dignity. He spent his days in that busy idleness common to all young + men who lead “Paris life.” And his mother, haughtily severe though she + was, seemed to excuse this, as if in her opinion a man of his birth was + bound by way of protest to keep apart from official life under a Republic. + However, she no doubt had more intimate, more disturbing reasons for + indulgence. She had nearly lost him when he was only seven, through an + attack of brain fever. At eighteen he had complained of his heart, and the + doctors had recommended that he should be treated gently in all respects. + She knew, therefore, what a lie lurked behind his proud demeanour, within + his lofty figure, that haughty <i>facade</i> of his race. He was but dust, + ever threatened with illness and collapse. In the depths of his seeming + virility there was merely girlish <i>abandon</i>; and he was simply a + weak, good-natured fellow, liable to every stumble. It was on the occasion + of a visit which he had paid with his mother to the Asylum of the Invalids + of Labour that he had first seen Eve, whom he continued to meet; his + mother, closing her eyes to this culpable connection in a sphere of + society which she treated with contempt, in the same way as she had closed + them to so many other acts of folly which she had forgiven because she + regarded them as the mere lapses of an ailing child. Moreover, Eve had + made a conquest of Madame de Quinsac, who was very pious, by an action + which had recently amazed society. It had been suddenly learnt that she + had allowed Monseigneur Martha to convert her to the Roman Catholic faith. + This thing, which she had refused to do when solicited by her lawful + husband, she had now done in the hope of ensuring herself a lover’s + eternal affection. And all Paris was still stirred by the magnificence + exhibited at the Madeleine, on the occasion of the baptism of this Jewess + of five and forty, whose beauty and whose tears had upset every heart. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * About 3000 dollars. +</pre> + <p> + Gerard, on his side, was still flattered by the deep and touching + tenderness shown to him; but weariness was coming, and he had already + sought to break off the connection by avoiding any further assignations. + He well understood Eve’s glances and her tears, and though he was moved at + sight of them he tried to excuse himself. “I assure you,” said he, “my + mother has kept me so busy that I could not get away.” But she, without a + word, still turned her tearful glance on him, and weak, like herself, in + despair that he should have been left alone with her in this fashion, he + yielded, unable to continue refusing. “Well, then,” said he, “this + afternoon at four o’clock if you are free.” + </p> + <p> + He had lowered his voice in speaking, but a slight rustle made him turn + his head and start like one in fault. It was the Baroness’s daughter + Camille entering the room. She had heard nothing; but by the smile which + the others had exchanged, by the very quiver of the air, she understood + everything; an assignation for that very day and at the very spot which + she suspected. Some slight embarrassment followed, an exchange of anxious + and evil glances. + </p> + <p> + Camille, at three and twenty, was a very dark young woman, short of + stature and somewhat deformed, with her left shoulder higher than the + right. There seemed to be nothing of her father or mother in her. Her case + was one of those unforeseen accidents in family heredity which make people + wonder whence they can arise. Her only pride lay in her beautiful black + eyes and superb black hair, which, short as she was, would, said she, have + sufficed to clothe her. But her nose was long, her face deviated to the + left, and her chin was pointed. Her thin, witty, and malicious lips + bespoke all the rancour and perverse anger stored in the heart of this + uncomely creature, whom the thought of her uncomeliness enraged. However, + the one whom she most hated in the whole world was her own mother, that <i>amorosa</i> + who was so little fitted to be a mother, who had never loved her, never + paid attention to her, but had abandoned her to the care of servants from + her very infancy. In this wise real hatred had grown up between the two + women, mute and frigid on the one side, and active and passionate on the + other. The daughter hated her mother because she found her beautiful, + because she had not been created in the same image: beautiful with the + beauty with which her mother crushed her. Day by day she suffered at being + sought by none, at realising that the adoration of one and all still went + to her mother. As she was amusing in her maliciousness, people listened to + her and laughed; however, the glances of all the men—even and indeed + especially the younger ones—soon reverted to her triumphant mother, + who seemingly defied old age. In part for this reason Camille, with + ferocious determination, had decided that she would dispossess her mother + of her last lover Gerard, and marry him herself, conscious that such a + loss would doubtless kill the Baroness. Thanks to her promised dowry of + five millions of francs, the young woman did not lack suitors; but, little + flattered by their advances, she was accustomed to say, with her malicious + laugh: “Oh! of course; why for five millions they would take a wife from a + mad-house.” However, she, herself, had really begun to love Gerard, who, + good-natured as he was, evinced much kindness towards this suffering young + woman whom nature had treated so harshly. It worried him to see her + forsaken by everyone, and little by little he yielded to the grateful + tenderness which she displayed towards him, happy, handsome man that he + was, at being regarded as a demi-god and having such a slave. Indeed, in + his attempt to quit the mother there was certainly a thought of allowing + the daughter to marry him, which would be an agreeable ending to it all, + though he did not as yet acknowledge this, ashamed as he felt and + embarrassed by his illustrious name and all the complications and tears + which he foresaw. + </p> + <p> + The silence continued. Camille with her piercing glance, as sharp as any + knife, had told her mother that she knew the truth; and then with another + and pain-fraught glance she had complained to Gerard. He, in order to + re-establish equilibrium, could only think of a compliment: “Good morning, + Camille. Ah! that havana-brown gown of yours looks nice! It’s astonishing + how well rather sombre colours suit you.” + </p> + <p> + Camille glanced at her mother’s white robe, and then at her own dark gown, + which scarcely allowed her neck and wrists to be seen. “Yes,” she replied + laughing, “I only look passable when I don’t dress as a young girl.” + </p> + <p> + Eve, ill at ease, worried by the growth of a rivalry in which she did not + as yet wish to believe, changed the conversation. “Isn’t your brother + there?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Why yes, we came down together.” + </p> + <p> + Hyacinthe, who came in at that moment, shook hands with Gerard in a weary + way. He was twenty, and had inherited his mother’s pale blond hair, and + her long face full of Oriental languor; while from his father he had + derived his grey eyes and thick lips, expressive of unscrupulous + appetites. A wretched scholar, regarding every profession with the same + contempt, he had decided to do nothing. Spoilt by his father, he took some + little interest in poetry and music, and lived in an extraordinary circle + of artists, low women, madmen and bandits; boasting himself of all sorts + of crimes and vices, professing the very worst philosophical and social + ideas, invariably going to extremes, becoming in turn a Collectivist, an + Individualist, an Anarchist, a Pessimist, a Symbolist, and what not + besides; without, however, ceasing to be a Catholic, as this conjunction + of Catholicity with something else seemed to him the supreme <i>bon ton</i>. + In reality he was simply empty and rather a fool. In four generations the + vigorous hungry blood of the Duvillards, after producing three magnificent + beasts of prey, had, as if exhausted by the contentment of every passion, + ended in this sorry emasculated creature, who was incapable alike of great + knavery or great debauchery. + </p> + <p> + Camille, who was too intelligent not to realise her brother’s nothingness, + was fond of teasing him; and looking at him as he stood there, tightly + buttoned in his long frock coat with pleated skirt—a resurrection of + the romantic period, which he carried to exaggeration, she resumed: “Mamma + has been asking for you, Hyacinthe. Come and show her your gown. You are + the one who would look nice dressed as a young girl.” + </p> + <p> + However, he eluded her without replying. He was covertly afraid of her, + though they lived together in great intimacy, frankly exchanging + confidences respecting their perverse views of life. And he directed a + glance of disdain at the wonderful basket of orchids which seemed to him + past the fashion, far too common nowadays. For his part he had left the + lilies of life behind him, and reached the ranunculus, the flower of + blood. + </p> + <p> + The two last guests who were expected now arrived almost together. The + first was the investigating magistrate Amadieu, a little man of five and + forty, who was an intimate of the household and had been brought into + notoriety by a recent anarchist affair. Between a pair of fair, bushy + whiskers he displayed a flat, regular judicial face, to which he tried to + impart an expression of keenness by wearing a single eyeglass behind which + his glance sparkled. Very worldly, moreover, he belonged to the new + judicial school, being a distinguished psychologist and having written a + book in reply to the abuses of criminalist physiology. And he was also a + man of great, tenacious ambition, fond of notoriety and ever on the + lookout for those resounding legal affairs which bring glory. Behind him, + at last appeared General de Bozonnet, Gerard’s uncle on the maternal side, + a tall, lean old man with a nose like an eagle’s beak. Chronic rheumatism + had recently compelled him to retire from the service. Raised to a + colonelcy after the Franco-German War in reward for his gallant conduct at + St. Privat, he had, in spite of his extremely monarchical connections, + kept his sworn faith to Napoleon III. And he was excused in his own sphere + of society for this species of military Bonapartism, on account of the + bitterness with which he accused the Republic of having ruined the army. + Worthy fellow that he was, extremely fond of his sister, Madame de + Quinsac, it seemed as though he acted in accordance with some secret + desire of hers in accepting the invitations of Baroness Duvillard by way + of rendering Gerard’s constant presence in her house more natural and + excusable. + </p> + <p> + However, the Baron and Duthil now returned from the study, laughing loudly + in an exaggerated way, doubtless to make the others believe that they were + quite easy in mind. And one and all passed into the large dining-room + where a big wood fire was burning, its gay flames shining like a ray of + springtide amid the fine mahogany furniture of English make laden with + silver and crystal. The room, of a soft mossy green, had an unassuming + charm in the pale light, and the table which in the centre displayed the + richness of its covers and the immaculate whiteness of its linen adorned + with Venetian point, seemed to have flowered miraculously with a wealth of + large tea roses, most admirable blooms for the season, and of delicious + perfume. + </p> + <p> + The Baroness seated the General on her right, and Amadieu on her left. The + Baron on his right placed Duthil, and on his left Gerard. Then the young + people installed themselves at either end, Camille between Gerard and the + General, and Hyacinthe between Duthil and Amadieu. And forthwith, from the + moment of starting on the scrambled eggs and truffles, conversation began, + the usual conversation of Parisian <i>dejeuners</i>, when every event, + great or little, of the morning or the day before is passed in review: the + truths and the falsehoods current in every social sphere, the financial + scandal, and the political adventure of the hour, the novel that has just + appeared, the play that has just been produced, the stories which should + only be retailed in whispers, but which are repeated aloud. And beneath + all the light wit which circulates, beneath all the laughter, which often + has a false ring, each retains his or her particular worry, or distress of + mind, at times so acute that it becomes perfect agony. + </p> + <p> + With his quiet and wonted impudence, the Baron, bravely enough, was the + first to speak of the article in the “Voix du Peuple.” “I say, have you + read Sagnier’s article this morning? It’s a good one; he has <i>verve</i> + you know, but what a dangerous lunatic he is!” + </p> + <p> + This set everybody at ease, for the article would certainly have weighed + upon the <i>dejeuner</i> had no one mentioned it. + </p> + <p> + “It’s the ‘Panama’ dodge over again!” cried Duthil. “But no, no, we’ve had + quite enough of it!” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” resumed the Baron, “the affair of the African Railway Lines is as + clear as spring water! All those whom Sagnier threatens may sleep in + peace. The truth is that it’s a scheme to upset Barroux’s ministry. Leave + to interpellate will certainly be asked for this afternoon. You’ll see + what a fine uproar there’ll be in the Chamber.” + </p> + <p> + “That libellous, scandal-seeking press,” said Amadieu gravely, “is a + dissolving agent which will bring France to ruin. We ought to have laws + against it.” + </p> + <p> + The General made an angry gesture: “Laws, what’s the use of them, since + nobody has the courage to enforce them.” + </p> + <p> + Silence fell. With a light, discreet step the house-steward presented some + grilled mullet. So noiseless was the service amid the cheerful perfumed + warmth that not even the faintest clatter of crockery was heard. Without + anyone knowing how it had come about, however, the conversation had + suddenly changed; and somebody inquired: “So the revival of the piece is + postponed?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Gerard, “I heard this morning that ‘Polyeucte’ wouldn’t get + its turn till April at the earliest.” + </p> + <p> + At this Camille, who had hitherto remained silent, watching the young + Count and seeking to win him back, turned her glittering eyes upon her + father and mother. It was a question of that revival in which Silviane was + so stubbornly determined to make her <i>debut</i>. However, the Baron and + the Baroness evinced perfect serenity, having long been acquainted with + all that concerned each other. Moreover Eve was too much occupied with her + own passion to think of anything else; and the Baron too busy with the + fresh application which he intended to make in tempestuous fashion at the + Ministry of Fine Arts, so as to wrest Silviane’s engagement from those in + office. He contented himself with saying: “How would you have them revive + pieces at the Comedie! They have no actresses left there.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, by the way,” the Baroness on her side simply remarked, “yesterday, in + that play at the Vaudeville, Delphine Vignot wore such an exquisite gown. + She’s the only one too who knows how to arrange her hair.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Duthil, in somewhat veiled language, began to relate a story + about Delphine and a well-known senator. And then came another scandal, + the sudden and almost suspicious death of a lady friend of the + Duvillards’; whereupon the General, without any transition, broke in to + relieve his bitter feelings by denouncing the idiotic manner in which the + army was nowadays organised. Meantime the old Bordeaux glittered like ruby + blood in the delicate crystal glasses. A truffled fillet of venison had + just cast its somewhat sharp scent amidst the dying perfume of the roses, + when some asparagus made its appearance, a <i>primeur</i> which once had + been so rare but which no longer caused any astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Nowadays we get it all through the winter,” said the Baron with a gesture + of disenchantment. + </p> + <p> + “And so,” asked Gerard at the same moment, “the Princess de Harn’s <i>matinee</i> + is for this afternoon?” + </p> + <p> + Camille quickly intervened. “Yes, this afternoon. Shall you go?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don’t think so, I shan’t be able,” replied the young man in + embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that little Princess, she’s really deranged you know,” exclaimed + Duthil. “You are aware that she calls herself a widow? But the truth, it + seems, is that her husband, a real Prince, connected with a royal house + and very handsome, is travelling about the world in the company of a + singer. She with her vicious urchin-like face preferred to come and reign + in Paris, in that mansion of the Avenue Hoche, which is certainly the most + extraordinary Noah’s ark imaginable, with its swarming of cosmopolitan + society indulging in every extravagance!” + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet, you malicious fellow,” the Baroness gently interrupted. “We, + here, are very fond of Rosemonde, who is a charming woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! certainly,” Camille again resumed. “She invited us; and we are going + to her place by-and-by, are we not, mamma?” + </p> + <p> + To avoid replying, the Baroness pretended that she did not hear, whilst + Duthil, who seemed to be well-informed concerning the Princess, continued + to make merry over her intended <i>matinee</i>, at which she meant to + produce some Spanish dancing girls, whose performance was so very + indecorous that all Paris, forewarned of the circumstance, would certainly + swarm to her house. And he added: “You’ve heard that she has given up + painting. Yes, she busies herself with chemistry. Her <i>salon</i> is full + of Anarchists now—and, by the way, it seemed to me that she had cast + her eyes on you, my dear Hyacinthe.” + </p> + <p> + Hyacinthe had hitherto held his tongue, as if he took no interest in + anything. “Oh! she bores me to death,” he now condescended to reply. “If + I’m going to her <i>matinee</i> it’s simply in the hope of meeting my + friend young Lord George Eldrett, who wrote to me from London to give me + an appointment at the Princess’s. And I admit that hers is the only <i>salon</i> + where I find somebody to talk to.” + </p> + <p> + “And so,” asked Amadieu in an ironical way, “you have now gone over to + Anarchism?” + </p> + <p> + With his air of lofty elegance Hyacinthe imperturbably confessed his + creed: “But it seems to me, monsieur, that in these times of universal + baseness and ignominy, no man of any distinction can be other than an + Anarchist.” + </p> + <p> + A laugh ran round the table. Hyacinthe was very much spoilt, and + considered very entertaining. His father in particular was immensely + amused by the notion that he of all men should have an Anarchist for a + son. However, the General, in his rancorous moments, talked anarchically + enough of blowing up a society which was so stupid as to let itself be led + by half a dozen disreputable characters. And, indeed, the investigating + magistrate, who was gradually making a specialty of Anarchist affairs, + proved the only one who opposed the young man, defending threatened + civilisation and giving terrifying particulars concerning what he called + the army of devastation and massacre. The others, while partaking of some + delicious duck’s-liver <i>pate</i>, which the house-steward handed around, + continued smiling. There was so much misery, said they; one must take + everything into account: things would surely end by righting themselves. + And the Baron himself declared, in a conciliatory manner: “It’s certain + that one might do something, though nobody knows exactly what. As for all + sensible and moderate claims, oh! I agree to them in advance. For + instance, the lot of the working classes may be ameliorated, charitable + enterprises may be undertaken, such, for instance, as our Asylum for the + Invalids of Labour, which we have reason to be proud of. But we must not + be asked for impossibilities.” + </p> + <p> + With the dessert came a sudden spell of silence; it was as if, amidst the + restless fluttering of the conversation, and the dizziness born of the + copious meal, each one’s worry or distress was again wringing the heart + and setting an expression of perturbation on the countenance. The nervous + unconscientiousness of Duthil, threatened with denunciation, was seen to + revive; so, too, the anxious anger of the Baron, who was meditating how he + might possibly manage to content Silviane. That woman was this sturdy, + powerful man’s taint, the secret sore which would perhaps end by eating + him away and destroying him. But it was the frightful drama in which the + Baroness, Camille and Gerard were concerned that flitted by most visibly + across the faces of all three of them: that hateful rivalry of mother and + daughter, contending for the man they loved. And, meantime, the + silver-gilt blades of the dessert-knives were delicately peeling choice + fruit. And there were bunches of golden grapes looking beautifully fresh, + and a procession of sweetmeats, little cakes, an infinity of dainties, + over which the most satiated appetites lingered complacently. + </p> + <p> + Then, just as the finger-glasses were being served, a footman came and + bent over the Baroness, who answered in an undertone, “Well, show him into + the <i>salon</i>, I will join him there.” And aloud to the others she + added: “It’s Monsieur l’Abbe Froment, who has called and asks most + particularly to see me. He won’t be in our way; I think that almost all of + you know him. Oh! he’s a genuine saint, and I have much sympathy for him.” + </p> + <p> + For a few minutes longer they loitered round the table, and then at last + quitted the dining-room, which was full of the odours of viands, wines, + fruits and roses; quite warm, too, with the heat thrown out by the big + logs of firewood, which were falling into embers amidst the somewhat + jumbled brightness of all the crystal and silver, and the pale, delicate + light which fell upon the disorderly table. + </p> + <p> + Pierre had remained standing in the centre of the little blue and silver + <i>salon</i>. Seeing a tray on which the coffee and the liqueurs were in + readiness, he regretted that he had insisted upon being received. And his + embarrassment increased when the company came in rather noisily, with + bright eyes and rosy cheeks. However, his charitable fervour had revived + so ardently within him that he overcame this embarrassment, and all that + remained to him of it was a slight feeling of discomfort at bringing the + whole frightful morning which he had just spent amid such scenes of + wretchedness, so much darkness and cold, so much filth and hunger, into + this bright, warm, perfumed affluence, where the useless and the + superfluous overflowed around those folks who seemed so gay at having made + a delightful meal. + </p> + <p> + However, the Baroness at once came forward with Gerard, for it was through + the latter, whose mother he knew, that the priest had been presented to + the Duvillards at the time of the famous conversion. And as he apologised + for having called at such an inconvenient hour, the Baroness responded: + “But you are always welcome, Monsieur l’Abbe. You will allow me just to + attend to my guests, won’t you? I will be with you in an instant.” + </p> + <p> + She thereupon returned to the table on which the tray had been placed, in + order to serve the coffee and the liqueurs, with her daughter’s + assistance. Gerard, however, remained with Pierre; and, it so chanced, + began to speak to him of the Asylum for the Invalids of Labour, where they + had met one another at the recent laying of the foundation-stone of a new + pavilion which was being erected, thanks to a handsome donation of 100,000 + francs made by Baron Duvillard. So far, the enterprise only comprised four + pavilions out of the fourteen which it was proposed to erect on the vast + site given by the City of Paris on the peninsula of Gennevilliers*; and so + the subscription fund remained open, and, indeed, no little noise was made + over this charitable enterprise, which was regarded as a complete and + peremptory reply to the accusations of those evilly disposed persons who + charged the satiated <i>bourgeoisie</i> with doing nothing for the + workers. But the truth was that a magnificent chapel, erected in the + centre of the site, had absorbed two-thirds of the funds hitherto + collected. Numerous lady patronesses, chosen from all the “worlds” of + Paris—the Baroness Duvillard, the Countess de Quinsac, the Princess + Rosemonde de Harn, and a score of others—were entrusted with the + task of keeping the enterprise alive by dint of collections and fancy + bazaars. But success had been chiefly obtained, thanks to the happy idea + of ridding the ladies of all the weighty cares of organisation, by + choosing as managing director a certain Fonsegue, who, besides being a + deputy and editor of the “Globe” newspaper, was a prodigious promoter of + all sorts of enterprises. And the “Globe” never paused in its propaganda, + but answered the attacks of the revolutionaries by extolling the + inexhaustible charity of the governing classes in such wise that, at the + last elections, the enterprise had served as a victorious electoral + weapon. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * This so-called peninsula lies to the northwest of Paris, and + is formed by the windings of the Seine.—Trans. +</pre> + <p> + However, Camille was walking about with a steaming cup of coffee in her + hand: “Will you take some coffee, Monsieur l’Abbe?” she inquired. + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you, mademoiselle.” + </p> + <p> + “A glass of Chartreuse then?” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you.” + </p> + <p> + Then everybody being served, the Baroness came back and said amiably: + “Come, Monsieur l’Abbe, what do you desire of me?” + </p> + <p> + Pierre began to speak almost in an undertone, his throat contracting and + his heart beating with emotion. “I have come, madame, to appeal to your + great kindness of heart. This morning, in a frightful house, in the Rue + des Saules, behind Montmartre, I beheld a sight which utterly upset me. + You can have no idea what an abode of misery and suffering it was; its + inmates without fire or bread, the men reduced to idleness because there + is no work, the mothers having no more milk for their babes, the children + barely clad, coughing and shivering. And among all these horrors I saw the + worst, the most abominable of all, an old workman, laid on his back by + age, dying of hunger, huddled on a heap of rags, in a nook which a dog + would not even accept as kennel.” + </p> + <p> + He tried to recount things as discreetly as possible, frightened by the + very words he spoke, the horrors he had to relate in that sphere of + superlative luxury and enjoyment, before those happy ones who possessed + all the gifts of this world; for—to use a slang expression—he + fully realised that he sang out of tune, and in most uncourteous fashion. + What a strange idea of his to have called at the hour when one has just + finished <i>dejeuner</i>, when the aroma of hot coffee flatters happy + digestion. Nevertheless he went on, and even ended by raising his voice, + yielding to the feeling of revolt which gradually stirred him, going to + the end of his terrible narrative, naming Laveuve, insisting on the unjust + abandonment in which the old man was left, and asking for succour in the + name of human compassion. And the whole company approached to listen to + him; he could see the Baron and the General, and Duthil and Amadieu, in + front of him, sipping their coffee, in silence, without a gesture. + </p> + <p> + “Well, madame,” he concluded, “it seemed to me that one could not leave + that old man an hour longer in such a frightful position, and that this + very evening you would have the extreme goodness to have him admitted into + the Asylum of the Invalids of Labour, which is, I think, the proper and + only place for him.” + </p> + <p> + Tears had moistened Eve’s beautiful eyes. She was in consternation at so + sad a story coming to her to spoil her afternoon when she was looking + forward to her assignation with Gerard. Weak and indolent as she was, + lacking all initiative, too much occupied moreover with her own person, + she had only accepted the presidency of the Committee on the condition + that all administrative worries were to fall on Fonsegue. “Ah! Monsieur + l’Abbe,” she murmured, “you rend my heart. But I can do nothing, nothing + at all, I assure you. Moreover, I believe that we have already inquired + into the affair of that man Laveuve. With us, you know, there must be the + most serious guarantees with regard to every admission. A reporter is + chosen who has to give us full information. Wasn’t it you, Monsieur + Duthil, who was charged with this man Laveuve’s affair?” + </p> + <p> + The deputy was finishing a glass of Chartreuse. “Yes, it was I. That fine + fellow played you a comedy, Monsieur l’Abbe. He isn’t at all ill, and if + you left him any money you may be sure he went down to drink it as soon as + you were gone. For he is always drunk; and, besides that, he has the most + hateful disposition imaginable, crying out from morning till evening + against the <i>bourgeois</i>, and saying that if he had any strength left + in his arms he would undertake to blow up the whole show. And, moreover, + he won’t go into the asylum; he says that it’s a real prison where one’s + guarded by Beguins who force one to hear mass, a dirty convent where the + gates are shut at nine in the evening! And there are so many of them like + that, who rather than be succoured prefer their liberty, with cold and + hunger and death. Well then, let the Laveuves die in the street, since + they refuse to be with us, and be warm and eat in our asylums!” + </p> + <p> + The General and Amadieu nodded their heads approvingly. But Duvillard + showed himself more generous. “No, no, indeed! A man’s a man after all, + and should be succoured in spite of himself.” + </p> + <p> + Eve, however, in despair at the idea that she would be robbed of her + afternoon, struggled and sought for reasons. “I assure you that my hands + are altogether tied. Monsieur l’Abbe does not doubt my heart or my zeal. + But how call I possibly assemble the Committee without a few days’ delay? + And I have particular reasons for coming to no decision, especially in an + affair which has already been inquired into and pronounced upon, without + the Committee’s sanction.” Then, all at once she found a solution: “What I + advise you to do, Monsieur l’Abbe, is to go at once to see Monsieur + Fonsegue, our managing director. He alone can act in an urgent case, for + he knows that the ladies have unlimited confidence in him and approve + everything he does.” + </p> + <p> + “You will find Fonsegue at the Chamber,” added Duthil smiling, “only the + sitting will be a warm one, and I doubt whether you will be able to have a + comfortable chat with him.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, whose heart had contracted yet more painfully, insisted on the + subject no further; but at once made up his mind to see Fonsegue, and in + any event obtain from him a promise that the wretched Laveuve should be + admitted to the Asylum that very evening. Then he lingered in the saloon + for a few minutes listening to Gerard, who obligingly pointed out to him + how he might best convince the deputy, which was by alleging how bad an + effect such a story could have, should it be brought to light by the + revolutionary newspapers. However, the guests were beginning to take their + leave. The General, as he went off, came to ask his nephew if he should + see him that afternoon at his mother’s, Madame de Quinsac, whose “day” it + was: a question which the young man answered with an evasive gesture when + he noticed that both Eve and Camille were looking at him. Then came the + turn of Amadieu, who hurried off saying that a serious affair required his + presence at the Palace of Justice. And Duthil soon followed him in order + to repair to the Chamber. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll see you between four and five at Silviane’s, eh?” said the Baron as + he conducted him to the door. “Come and tell me what occurs at the Chamber + in consequence of that odious article of Sagnier’s. I must at all events + know. For my part I shall go to the Ministry of Fine Arts, to settle that + affair of the Comedie; and besides I’ve some calls to make, some + contractors to see, and a big launching and advertisement affair to + settle.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s understood then, between four and five, at Silviane’s,” said the + deputy, who went off again mastered by his vague uneasiness, his anxiety + as to what turn that nasty affair of the African Railway Lines might take. + </p> + <p> + And all of them had forgotten Laveuve, the miserable wretch who lay at + death’s door; and all of them were hastening away to their business or + their passions, caught in the toils, sinking under the grindstone and + whisked away by that rush of all Paris, whose fever bore them along, + throwing one against another in an ardent scramble, in which the sole + question was who should pass over the others and crush them. + </p> + <p> + “And so, mamma,” said Camille, who continued to scrutinise her mother and + Gerard, “you are going to take us to the Princess’s <i>matinee</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “By-and-by, yes. Only I shan’t be able to stay there with you. I received + a telegram from Salmon about my corsage this morning, and I must + absolutely go to try it on at four o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + By the slight trembling of her mother’s voice, the girl felt certain that + she was telling a falsehood. “Oh!” said she, “I thought you were only + going to try it on to-morrow? In that case I suppose we are to go and call + for you at Salmon’s with the carriage on leaving the <i>matinee</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! no my dear! One never knows when one will be free; and besides, if I + have a moment, I shall call at the <i>modiste’s</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Camille’s secret rage brought almost a murderous glare to her dark eyes. + The truth was evident. But however passionately she might desire to set + some obstacle across her mother’s path, she could not, dared not, carry + matters any further. In vain had she attempted to implore Gerard with her + eyes. He was standing to take his leave, and turned away his eyes. Pierre, + who had become acquainted with many things since he had frequented the + house, noticed how all three of them quivered, and divined thereby the + mute and terrible drama. + </p> + <p> + At this moment, however, Hyacinthe, stretched in an armchair, and munching + an ether capsule, the only liqueur in which he indulged, raised his voice: + “For my part, you know, I’m going to the Exposition du Lis. All Paris is + swarming there. There’s one painting in particular, ‘The Rape of a Soul,’ + which it’s absolutely necessary for one to have seen.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but I don’t refuse to drive you there,” resumed the Baroness. + “Before going to the Princess’s we can look in at that exhibition.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s it, that’s it,” hastily exclaimed Camille, who, though she harshly + derided the symbolist painters as a rule, now doubtless desired to delay + her mother. Then, forcing herself to smile, she asked: “Won’t you risk a + look-in at the Exposition du Lis with us, Monsieur Gerard?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, no,” replied the Count, “I want to walk. I shall go with Monsieur + l’Abbe Froment to the Chamber.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he took leave of mother and daughter, kissing the hand of each + in turn. It had just occurred to him that to while away his time he also + might call for a moment at Silviane’s, where, like the others, he had his + <i>entrees</i>. On reaching the cold and solemn courtyard he said to the + priest, “Ah! it does one good to breathe a little cool air. They keep + their rooms too hot, and all those flowers, too, give one the headache.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre for his part was going off with his brain in a whirl, his hands + feverish, his senses oppressed by all the luxury which he left behind him, + like the dream of some glowing, perfumed paradise where only the elect had + their abode. At the same time his reviving thirst for charity had become + keener than ever, and without listening to the Count, who was speaking + very affectionately of his mother, he reflected as to how he might obtain + Laveuve’s admission to the Asylum from Fonsegue. However, when the door of + the mansion had closed behind them and they had taken a few steps along + the street, it occurred to Pierre that a moment previously a sudden vision + had met his gaze. Had he not seen a workman carrying a tool-bag, standing + and waiting on the foot pavement across the road, gazing at that + monumental door, closed upon so much fabulous wealth—a workman in + whom he fancied he had recognised Salvat, that hungry fellow who had gone + off that morning in search of work? At this thought Pierre hastily turned + round. Such wretchedness in face of so much affluence and enjoyment made + him feel anxious. But the workman, disturbed in his contemplation, and + possibly fearing that he had been recognised, was going off with dragging + step. And now, getting only a back view of him, Pierre hesitated, and + ended by thinking that he must have been mistaken. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0063" id="link2H_4_0063"></a> + III. RANTERS AND RULERS + </h2> + <p> + WHEN Abbe Froment was about to enter the Palais-Bourbon he remembered that + he had no card, and he was making up his mind that he would simply ask for + Fonsegue, though he was not known to him, when, on reaching the vestibule, + he perceived Mege, the Collectivist deputy, with whom he had become + acquainted in his days of militant charity in the poverty-stricken + Charonne district. + </p> + <p> + “What, you here? You surely have not come to evangelise us?” said Mege. + </p> + <p> + “No, I’ve come to see Monsieur Fonsegue on an urgent matter, about a poor + fellow who cannot wait.” + </p> + <p> + “Fonsegue? I don’t know if he has arrived. Wait a moment.” And stopping a + short, dark young fellow with a ferreting, mouse-like air, Mege said to + him: “Massot, here’s Monsieur l’Abbe Froment, who wants to speak to your + governor at once.” + </p> + <p> + “The governor? But he isn’t here. I left him at the office of the paper, + where he’ll be detained for another quarter of an hour. However, if + Monsieur l’Abbe likes to wait he will surely see him here.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Mege ushered Pierre into the large waiting-hall, the Salle des + Pas Perdus, which in other moments looked so vast and cold with its bronze + Minerva and Laocoon, and its bare walls on which the pale mournful winter + light fell from the glass doors communicating with the garden. Just then, + however, it was crowded, and warmed, as it were, by the feverish agitation + of the many groups of men that had gathered here and there, and the + constant coming and going of those who hastened through the throng. Most + of these were deputies, but there were also numerous journalists and + inquisitive visitors. And a growing uproar prevailed: colloquies now in + undertones, now in loud voices, exclamations and bursts of laughter, + amidst a deal of passionate gesticulation, Mege’s return into the tumult + seemed to fan it. He was tall, apostolically thin, and somewhat neglectful + of his person, looking already old and worn for his age, which was but + five and forty, though his eyes still glowed with youth behind the glasses + which never left his beak-like nose. And he had a warm but grating voice, + and had always been known to cough, living on solely because he was + bitterly intent on doing so in order to realise the dream of social + re-organisation which haunted him. The son of an impoverished medical man + of a northern town, he had come to Paris when very young, living there + during the Empire on petty newspaper and other unknown work, and first + making a reputation as an orator at the public meetings of the time. Then, + after the war, having become the chief of the Collectivist party, thanks + to his ardent faith and the extraordinary activity of his fighting nature, + he had at last managed to enter the Chamber, where, brimful of + information, he fought for his ideas with fierce determination and + obstinacy, like a <i>doctrinaire</i> who has decided in his own mind what + the world ought to be, and who regulates in advance, and bit by bit, the + whole dogma of Collectivism. However, since he had taken pay as a deputy, + the outside Socialists had looked upon him as a mere rhetorician, an + aspiring dictator who only tried to cast society in a new mould for the + purpose of subordinating it to his personal views and ruling it. + </p> + <p> + “You know what is going on?” he said to Pierre. “This is another nice + affair, is it not? But what would you have? We are in mud to our very + ears.” + </p> + <p> + He had formerly conceived genuine sympathy for the priest, whom he had + found so gentle with all who suffered, and so desirous of social + regeneration. And the priest himself had ended by taking an interest in + this authoritarian dreamer, who was resolved to make men happy in spite + even of themselves. He knew that he was poor, and led a retired life with + his wife and four children, to whom he was devoted. + </p> + <p> + “You can well understand that I am no ally of Sagnier’s,” Mege resumed. + “But as he chose to speak out this morning and threaten to publish the + names of all those who have taken bribes, we can’t allow ourselves to pass + as accomplices any further. It has long been said that there was some + nasty jobbery in that suspicious affair of the African railways. And the + worst is that two members of the present Cabinet are in question, for + three years ago, when the Chambers dealt with Duvillard’s emission, + Barroux was at the Home Department, and Monferrand at that of Public + Works. Now that they have come back again, Monferrand at the Home + Department, and Barroux at that of Finance, with the Presidency of the + Council, it isn’t possible, is it, for us to do otherwise than compel them + to enlighten us, in their own interest even, about their former goings-on? + No, no, they can no longer keep silence, and I’ve announced that I intend + to interpellate them this very day.” + </p> + <p> + It was the announcement of Mege’s interpellation, following the terrible + article of the “Voix du Peuple,” which thus set the lobbies in an uproar. + And Pierre remained rather scared at this big political affair falling + into the midst of his scheme to save a wretched pauper from hunger and + death. Thus he listened without fully understanding the explanations which + the Socialist deputy was passionately giving him, while all around them + the uproar increased, and bursts of laughter rang out, testifying to the + astonishment which the others felt at seeing Mege in conversation with a + priest. + </p> + <p> + “How stupid they are!” said Mege disdainfully. “Do they think then that I + eat a cassock for <i>dejeuner</i> every morning? But I beg your pardon, my + dear Monsieur Froment. Come, take a place on that seat and wait for + Fonsegue.” + </p> + <p> + Then he himself plunged into all the turmoil, and Pierre realised that his + best course was to sit down and wait quietly. His surroundings began to + influence and interest him, and he gradually forgot Laveuve for the + passion of the Parliamentary crisis amidst which he found himself cast. + The frightful Panama adventure was scarcely over; he had followed the + progress of that tragedy with the anguish of a man who every night expects + to hear the tocsin sound the last hour of olden, agonising society. And + now a little Panama was beginning, a fresh cracking of the social edifice, + an affair such as had been frequent in all parliaments in connection with + big financial questions, but one which acquired mortal gravity from the + circumstances in which it came to the front. That story of the African + Railway Lines, that little patch of mud, stirred up and exhaling a + perturbing odour, and suddenly fomenting all that emotion, fear, and anger + in the Chamber, was after all but an opportunity for political strife, a + field on which the voracious appetites of the various “groups” would take + exercise and sharpen; and, at bottom, the sole question was that of + overthrowing the ministry and replacing it by another. Only, behind all + that lust of power, that continuous onslaught of ambition, what a + distressful prey was stirring—the whole people with all its poverty + and its sufferings! + </p> + <p> + Pierre noticed that Massot, “little Massot,” as he was generally called, + had just seated himself on the bench beside him. With his lively eye and + ready ear listening to everything and noting it, gliding everywhere with + his ferret-like air, Massot was not there in the capacity of a gallery + man, but had simply scented a stormy debate, and come to see if he could + not pick up material for some occasional “copy.” And this priest lost in + the midst of the throng doubtless interested him. + </p> + <p> + “Have a little patience, Monsieur l’Abbe,” said he, with the amiable + gaiety of a young gentleman who makes fun of everything. “The governor + will certainly come, for he knows well enough that they are going to heat + the oven here. You are not one of his constituents from La Correze, are + you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! I belong to Paris; I’ve come on account of a poor fellow whom I + wish to get admitted into the Asylum of the Invalids of Labour.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! all right. Well, I’m a child of Paris, too.” + </p> + <p> + Then Massot laughed. And indeed he was a child of Paris, son of a chemist + of the St. Denis district, and an ex-dunce of the Lycee Charlemagne, where + he had not even finished his studies. He had failed entirely, and at + eighteen years of age had found himself cast into journalism with barely + sufficient knowledge of orthography for that calling. And for twelve years + now, as he often said, he had been a rolling stone wandering through all + spheres of society, confessing some and guessing at others. He had seen + everything, and become disgusted with everything, no longer believing in + the existence of great men, or of truth, but living peacefully enough on + universal malice and folly. He naturally had no literary ambition, in fact + he professed a deliberate contempt for literature. Withal, he was not a + fool, but wrote in accordance with no matter what views in no matter what + newspaper, having neither conviction nor belief, but quietly claiming the + right to say whatever he pleased to the public on condition that he either + amused or impassioned it. + </p> + <p> + “And so,” said he, “you know Mege, Monsieur l’Abbe? What a study in + character, eh? A big child, a dreamer of dreams in the skin of a terrible + sectarian! Oh! I have had a deal of intercourse with him, I know him + thoroughly. You are no doubt aware that he lives on with the everlasting + conviction that he will attain to power in six months’ time, and that + between evening and morning he will have established that famous + Collectivist community which is to succeed capitalist society, just as day + follows night. And, by the way, as regards his interpellation to-day, he + is convinced that in overthrowing the Barroux ministry he’ll be hastening + his own turn. His system is to use up his adversaries. How many times + haven’t I heard him making his calculations: there’s such a one to be used + up, then such a one, and then such a one, so that he himself may at last + reign. And it’s always to come off in six months at the latest. The + misfortune is, however, that others are always springing up, and so his + turn never comes at all.” + </p> + <p> + Little Massot openly made merry over it. Then, slightly lowering his + voice, he asked: “And Sagnier, do you know him? No? Do you see that + red-haired man with the bull’s neck—the one who looks like a + butcher? That one yonder who is talking in a little group of frayed + frock-coats.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre at last perceived the man in question. He had broad red ears, a + hanging under-lip, a large nose, and big, projecting dull eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I know that one thoroughly, as well,” continued Massot; “I was on the + ‘Voix du Peuple’ under him before I went on the ‘Globe.’ The one thing + that nobody is exactly aware of is whence Sagnier first came. He long + dragged out his life in the lower depths of journalism, doing nothing at + all brilliant, but wild with ambition and appetite. Perhaps you remember + the first hubbub he made, that rather dirty affair of a new Louis XVII. + which he tried to launch, and which made him the extraordinary Royalist + that he still is. Then it occurred to him to espouse the cause of the + masses, and he made a display of vengeful Catholic socialism, attacking + the Republic and all the abominations of the times in the name of justice + and morality, under the pretext of curing them. He began with a series of + sketches of financiers, a mass of dirty, uncontrolled, unproved + tittle-tattle, which ought to have led him to the dock, but which met, as + you know, with such wonderful success when gathered together in a volume. + And he goes on in the same style in the ‘Voix du Peuple,’ which he himself + made a success at the time of the Panama affair by dint of denunciation + and scandal, and which to-day is like a sewer-pipe pouring forth all the + filth of the times. And whenever the stream slackens, why, he invents + things just to satisfy his craving for that hubbub on which both his pride + and his pocket subsist.” + </p> + <p> + Little Massot spoke without bitterness; indeed, he had even begun to laugh + again. Beneath his thoughtless ferocity he really felt some respect for + Sagnier. “Oh! he’s a bandit,” he continued, “but a clever fellow all the + same. You can’t imagine how full of vanity he is. Lately it occurred to + him to get himself acclaimed by the populace, for he pretends to be a kind + of King of the Markets, you know. Perhaps he has ended by taking his fine + judge-like airs in earnest, and really believes that he is saving the + people and helping the cause of virtue. What astonishes me is his + fertility in the arts of denunciation and scandalmongering. Never a + morning comes but he discovers some fresh horror, and delivers fresh + culprits over to the hatred of the masses. No! the stream of mud never + ceases; there is an incessant, unexpected spurt of infamy, an increase of + monstrous fancies each time that the disgusted public shows any sign of + weariness. And, do you know, there’s genius in that, Monsieur l’Abbe; for + he is well aware that his circulation goes up as soon as he threatens to + speak out and publish a list of traitors and bribe-takers. His sales are + certain now for some days to come.” + </p> + <p> + Listening to Massot’s gay, bantering voice, Pierre began to understand + certain things, the exact meaning of which had hitherto escaped him. He + ended by questioning the young journalist, surprised as he was that so + many deputies should be in the lobbies when the sitting was in progress. + Oh! the sitting indeed. The gravest matters, some bill of national + interest, might be under discussion, yet every member fled from it at the + sudden threat of an interpellation which might overturn the ministry. And + the passion stirring there was the restrained anger, the growing anxiety + of the present ministry’s clients, who feared that they might have to give + place to others; and it was also the sudden hope, the eager hunger of all + who were waiting—the clients of the various possible ministries of + the morrow. + </p> + <p> + Massot pointed to Barroux, the head of the Cabinet, who, though he was out + of his element in the Department of Finances, had taken it simply because + his generally recognised integrity was calculated to reassure public + opinion after the Panama crisis. Barroux was chatting in a corner with the + Minister of Public Instruction, Senator Taboureau, an old university man + with a shrinking, mournful air, who was extremely honest, but totally + ignorant of Paris, coming as he did from some far-away provincial faculty. + Barroux for his part was of decorative aspect, tall, and with a handsome, + clean-shaven face, which would have looked quite noble had not his nose + been rather too small. Although he was sixty, he still had a profusion of + curly snow-white hair completing the somewhat theatrical majesty of his + appearance, which he was wont to turn to account when in the tribune. + Coming of an old Parisian family, well-to-do, an advocate by profession, + then a Republican journalist under the Empire, he had reached office with + Gambetta, showing himself at once honest and romantic, loud of speech, and + somewhat stupid, but at the same time very brave and very upright, and + still clinging with ardent faith to the principles of the great + Revolution. However, his Jacobinism was getting out of fashion, he was + becoming an “ancestor,” as it were, one of the last props of the + middle-class Republic, and the new comers, the young politicians with long + teeth, were beginning to smile at him. Moreover, beneath the ostentation + of his demeanour, and the pomp of his eloquence, there was a man of + hesitating, sentimental nature, a good fellow who shed tears when + re-perusing the verses of Lamartine. + </p> + <p> + However, Monferrand, the minister for the Home Department, passed by and + drew Barroux aside to whisper a few words in his ear. He, Monferrand, was + fifty, short and fat, with a smiling, fatherly air; nevertheless a look of + keen intelligence appeared at times on his round and somewhat common face + fringed by a beard which was still dark. In him one divined a man of + government, with hands which were fitted for difficult tasks, and which + never released a prey. Formerly mayor of the town of Tulle, he came from + La Correze, where he owned a large estate. He was certainly a force in + motion, one whose constant rise was anxiously watched by keen observers. + He spoke in a simple quiet way, but with extraordinary power of + conviction. Having apparently no ambition, affecting indeed the greatest + disinterestedness, he nevertheless harboured the most ferocious appetites. + Sagnier had written that he was a thief and a murderer, having strangled + two of his aunts in order to inherit their property. But even if he were a + murderer, he was certainly not a vulgar one. + </p> + <p> + Then, too, came another personage of the drama which was about to be + performed—deputy Vignon, whose arrival agitated the various groups. + The two ministers looked at him, whilst he, at once surrounded by his + friends, smiled at them from a distance. He was not yet thirty-six. Slim, + and of average height, very fair, with a fine blond beard of which he took + great care, a Parisian by birth, having rapidly made his way in the + government service, at one time Prefect at Bordeaux, he now represented + youth and the future in the Chamber. He had realised that new men were + needed in the direction of affairs in order to accomplish the more urgent, + indispensable reforms; and very ambitious and intelligent as he was, + knowing many things, he already had a programme, the application of which + he was quite capable of attempting, in part at any rate. However, he + evinced no haste, but was full of prudence and shrewdness, convinced that + his day would dawn, strong in the fact that he was as yet compromised in + nothing, but had all space before him. At bottom he was merely a + first-class administrator, clear and precise in speech, and his programme + only differed from Barroux’s by the rejuvenation of its formulas, although + the advent of a Vignon ministry in place of a Barroux ministry appeared an + event of importance. And it was of Vignon that Sagnier had written that he + aimed at the Presidency of the Republic, even should he have to march + through blood to reach the Elysee Palace. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Mon Dieu</i>!” Massot was explaining, “it’s quite possible that + Sagnier isn’t lying this time, and that he has really found a list of + names in some pocket-book of Hunter’s that has fallen into his hands. I + myself have long known that Hunter was Duvillard’s vote-recruiter in the + affair of the African Railways. But to understand matters one must first + realise what his mode of proceeding was, the skill and the kind of amiable + delicacy which he showed, which were far from the brutal corruption and + dirty trafficking that people imagine. One must be such a man as Sagnier + to picture a parliament as an open market, where every conscience is for + sale and is impudently knocked down to the highest bidder. Oh! things + happened in a very different way indeed; and they are explainable, and at + times even excusable. Thus the article is levelled in particular against + Barroux and Monferrand, who are designated in the clearest possible manner + although they are not named. You are no doubt aware that at the time of + the vote Barroux was at the Home Department and Monferrand at that of + Public Works, and so now they are accused of having betrayed their trusts, + the blackest of all social crimes. I don’t know into what political + combinations Barroux may have entered, but I am ready to swear that he put + nothing in his pocket, for he is the most honest of men. As for + Monferrand, that’s another matter; he’s a man to carve himself his share, + only I should be much surprised if he had put himself in a bad position. + He’s incapable of a blunder, particularly of a stupid blunder, like that + of taking money and leaving a receipt for it lying about.” + </p> + <p> + Massot paused, and with a jerk of his head called Pierre’s attention to + Duthil, who, feverish, but nevertheless smiling, stood in a group which + had just collected around the two ministers. “There! do you see that young + man yonder, that dark handsome fellow whose beard looks so triumphant?” + </p> + <p> + “I know him,” said Pierre. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you know Duthil. Well, he’s one who most certainly took money. But + he’s a mere bird. He came to us from Angouleme to lead the pleasantest of + lives here, and he has no more conscience, no more scruples, than the + pretty finches of his native part, who are ever love-making. Ah! for + Duthil, Hunter’s money was like manna due to him, and he never even paused + to think that he was dirtying his fingers. You may be quite sure he feels + astonished that people should attach the slightest importance to the + matter.” + </p> + <p> + Then Massot designated another deputy in the same group, a man of fifty or + thereabouts, of slovenly aspect and lachrymose mien, lanky, too, like a + maypole, and somewhat bent by the weight of his head, which was long and + suggestive of a horse’s. His scanty, straight, yellowish hair, his + drooping moustaches, in fact the whole of his distracted countenance, + expressed everlasting distress. + </p> + <p> + “And Chaigneux, do you know him?” continued Massot, referring to the + deputy in question. “No? Well, look at him and ask yourself if it isn’t + quite as natural that he, too, should have taken money. He came from + Arras. He was a solicitor there. When his division elected him he let + politics intoxicate him, and sold his practice to make his fortune in + Paris, where he installed himself with his wife and his three daughters. + And you can picture his bewilderment amidst those four women, terrible + women ever busy with finery, receiving and paying visits, and running + after marriageable men who flee away. It’s ill-luck with a vengeance, the + daily defeat of a poor devil of mediocre attainments, who imagined that + his position as a deputy would facilitate money-making, and who is + drowning himself in it all. And so how can Chaigneux have done otherwise + than take money, he who is always hard up for a five-hundred-franc note! I + admit that originally he wasn’t a dishonest man. But he’s become one, + that’s all.” + </p> + <p> + Massot was now fairly launched, and went on with his portraits, the series + which he had, at one moment, dreamt of writing under the title of + “Deputies for Sale.” There were the simpletons who fell into the furnace, + the men whom ambition goaded to exasperation, the low minds that yielded + to the temptation of an open drawer, the company-promoters who grew + intoxicated and lost ground by dint of dealing with big figures. At the + same time, however, Massot admitted that these men were relatively few in + number, and that black sheep were to be found in every parliament of the + world. Then Sagnier’s name cropped up again, and Massot remarked that only + Sagnier could regard the French Chambers as mere dens of thieves. + </p> + <p> + Pierre, meantime, felt most interested in the tempest which the threat of + a ministerial crisis was stirring up before him. Not only the men like + Duthil and Chaigneux, pale at feeling the ground tremble beneath them, and + wondering whether they would not sleep at the Mazas prison that night, + were gathered round Barroux and Monferrand; all the latters’ clients were + there, all who enjoyed influence or office through them, and who would + collapse and disappear should they happen to fall. And it was something to + see the anxious glances and the pale dread amidst all the whispered + chatter, the bits of information and tittle-tattle which were carried + hither and thither. Then, in a neighbouring group formed round Vignon, who + looked very calm and smiled, were the other clients, those who awaited the + moment to climb to the assault of power, in order that they, in their + turn, might at last possess influence or office. Eyes glittered with + covetousness, hopeful delight could be read in them, pleasant surprise at + the sudden opportunity now offered. Vignon avoided replying to the + over-direct questions of his friends, and simply announced that he did not + intend to intervene. Evidently enough his plan was to let Mege + interpellate and overthrow the ministry, for he did not fear him, and in + his own estimation would afterwards simply have to stoop to pick up the + fallen portfolios. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Monferrand now,” little Massot was saying, “there’s a rascal who + trims his sails! I knew him as an anti-clerical, a devourer of priests, + Monsieur l’Abbe, if you will allow me so to express myself; however, I + don’t say this to be agreeable to you, but I think I may tell you for + certain that he has become reconciled to religion. At least, I have been + told that Monseigneur Martha, who is a great converter, now seldom leaves + him. This is calculated to please one in these new times, when science has + become bankrupt, and religion blooms afresh with delicious mysticism on + all sides, whether in art, literature, or society itself.” + </p> + <p> + Massot was jesting, according to his wont; but he spoke so amiably that + the priest could not do otherwise than bow. However, a great stir had set + in before them; it was announced that Mege was about to ascend the + tribune, and thereupon all the deputies hastened into the assembly hall, + leaving only the inquisitive visitors and a few journalists in the Salle + des Pas Perdus. + </p> + <p> + “It’s astonishing that Fonsegue hasn’t yet arrived,” resumed Massot; “he’s + interested in what’s going on. However, he’s so cunning, that when he + doesn’t behave as others do, one may be sure that he has his reasons for + it. Do you know him?” And as Pierre gave a negative answer, Massot went + on: “Oh! he’s a man of brains and real power—I speak with all + freedom, you know, for I don’t possess the bump of veneration; and, as for + my editors, well, they’re the very puppets that I know the best and pick + to pieces with the most enjoyment. Fonsegue, also, is clearly designated + in Sagnier’s article. Moreover, he’s one of Duvillard’s usual clients. + There can be no doubt that he took money, for he takes money in + everything. Only he always protects himself, and takes it for reasons + which may be acknowledged—as payment or commission on account of + advertising, and so forth. And if I left him just now, looking, as it + seemed to me, rather disturbed, and if he delays his arrival here to + establish, as it were, a moral alibi, the truth must be that he has + committed the first imprudent action in his life.” + </p> + <p> + Then Massot rattled on, telling all there was to tell about Fonsegue. He, + too, came from the department of La Correze, and had quarrelled for life + with Monferrand after some unknown underhand affairs. Formerly an advocate + at Tulle, his ambition had been to conquer Paris; and he had really + conquered it, thanks to his big morning newspaper, “Le Globe,” of which he + was both founder and director. He now resided in a luxurious mansion in + the Avenue du Bois de Boulogne, and no enterprise was launched but he + carved himself a princely share in it. He had a genius for “business,” and + employed his newspaper as a weapon to enable him to reign over the market. + But how very carefully he had behaved, what long and skilful patience he + had shown, before attaining to the reputation of a really serious man, who + guided authoritatively the most virtuous and respected of the organs of + the press! Though in reality he believed neither in God nor in Devil, he + had made this newspaper the supporter of order, property, and family ties; + and though he had become a Conservative Republican, since it was to his + interest to be such, he had remained outwardly religious, affecting a + Spiritualism which reassured the <i>bourgeoisie</i>. And amidst all his + accepted power, to which others bowed, he nevertheless had one hand deep + in every available money-bag. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Monsieur l’Abbe,” said Massot, “see to what journalism may lead a + man. There you have Sagnier and Fonsegue: just compare them a bit. In + reality they are birds of the same feather: each has a quill and uses it. + But how different the systems and the results. Sagnier’s print is really a + sewer which rolls him along and carries him to the cesspool; while the + other’s paper is certainly an example of the best journalism one can have, + most carefully written, with a real literary flavour, a treat for readers + of delicate minds, and an honour to the man who directs it. But at the + bottom, good heavens! in both cases the farce is precisely the same!” + </p> + <p> + Massot burst out laughing, well pleased with this final thrust. Then all + at once: “Ah! here’s Fonsegue at last!” said he. + </p> + <p> + Quite at his ease, and still laughing, he forthwith introduced the priest. + “This is Monsieur l’Abbe Froment, my dear <i>patron</i>, who has been + waiting more than twenty minutes for you—I’m just going to see what + is happening inside. You know that Mege is interpellating the government.” + </p> + <p> + The new comer started slightly: “An interpellation!” said he. “All right, + all right, I’ll go to it.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre was looking at him. He was about fifty years of age, short of + stature, thin and active, still looking young without a grey hair in his + black beard. He had sparkling eyes, too, but his mouth, said to be a + terrible one, was hidden by his moustaches. And withal he looked a + pleasant companion, full of wit to the tip of his little pointed nose, the + nose of a sporting dog that is ever scenting game. “What can I do for you, + Monsieur l’Abbe?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + Then Pierre briefly presented his request, recounting his visit to Laveuve + that morning, giving every heart-rending particular, and asking for the + poor wretch’s immediate admittance to the Asylum. + </p> + <p> + “Laveuve!” said the other, “but hasn’t his affair been examined? Why, + Duthil drew up a report on it, and things appeared to us of such a nature + that we could not vote for the man’s admittance.” + </p> + <p> + But the priest insisted: “I assure you, monsieur, that your heart would + have burst with compassion had you been with me this morning. It is + revolting that an old man should be left in such frightful abandonment + even for another hour. He must sleep at the Asylum to-night.” + </p> + <p> + Fonsegue began to protest. “To-night! But it’s impossible, altogether + impossible! There are all sorts of indispensable formalities to be + observed. And besides I alone cannot take such responsibility. I haven’t + the power. I am only the manager; all that I do is to execute the orders + of the committee of lady patronesses.” + </p> + <p> + “But it was precisely Baroness Duvillard who sent me to you, monsieur, + telling me that you alone had the necessary authority to grant immediate + admittance in an exceptional case.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! it was the Baroness who sent you? Ah! that is just like her, + incapable of coming to any decision herself, and far too desirous of her + own quietude to accept any responsibility. Why is it that she wants me to + have the worries? No, no, Monsieur l’Abbe, I certainly won’t go against + all our regulations; I won’t give an order which would perhaps embroil me + with all those ladies. You don’t know them, but they become positively + terrible directly they attend our meetings.” + </p> + <p> + He was growing lively, defending himself with a jocular air, whilst in + secret he was fully determined to do nothing. However, just then Duthil + abruptly reappeared, darting along bareheaded, hastening from lobby to + lobby to recruit absent members, particularly those who were interested in + the grave debate at that moment beginning. “What, Fonsegue!” he cried, + “are you still here? Go, go to your seat at once, it’s serious!” And + thereupon he disappeared. + </p> + <p> + His colleague evinced no haste, however. It was as if the suspicious + affair which was impassioning the Chamber had no concern for him. And he + still smiled, although a slight feverish quiver made him blink. “Excuse + me, Monsieur l’Abbe,” he said at last. “You see that my friends have need + of me. I repeat to you that I can do absolutely nothing for your <i>protege</i>.” + </p> + <p> + But Pierre would not accept this reply as a final one. “No, no, monsieur,” + he rejoined, “go to your affairs, I will wait for you here. Don’t come to + a decision without full reflection. You are wanted, and I feel that your + mind is not sufficiently at liberty for you to listen to me properly. + By-and-by, when you come back and give me your full attention, I am sure + that you will grant me what I ask.” + </p> + <p> + And, although Fonsegue, as he went off, repeated that he could not alter + his decision, the priest stubbornly resolved to make him do so, and sat + down on the bench again, prepared, if needful, to stay there till the + evening. The Salle des Pas Perdus was now almost quite empty, and looked + yet more frigid and mournful with its Laocoon and its Minerva, its bare + commonplace walls like those of a railway-station waiting-room, between + which all the scramble of the century passed, though apparently without + even warming the lofty ceiling. Never had paler and more callous light + entered by the large glazed doors, behind which one espied the little + slumberous garden with its meagre, wintry lawns. And not an echo of the + tempest of the sitting near at hand reached the spot; from the whole heavy + pile there fell but death-like silence, and a covert quiver of distress + that had come from far away, perhaps from the entire country. + </p> + <p> + It was that which now haunted Pierre’s reverie. The whole ancient, + envenomed sore spread out before his mind’s eye, with its poison and + virulence. Parliamentary rottenness had slowly increased till it had begun + to attack society itself. Above all the low intrigues and the rush of + personal ambition there certainly remained the loftier struggle of the + contending principles, with history on the march, clearing the past away + and seeking to bring more truth, justice, and happiness in the future. But + in practice, if one only considered the horrid daily cuisine of the + sphere, what an unbridling of egotistical appetite one beheld, what an + absorbing passion to strangle one’s neighbour and triumph oneself alone! + Among the various groups one found but an incessant battle for power and + the satisfactions that it gives. “Left,” “Right,” “Catholics,” + “Republicans,” “Socialists,” the names given to the parties of twenty + different shades, were simply labels classifying forms of the one burning + thirst to rule and dominate. All questions could be reduced to a single + one, that of knowing whether this man, that man, or that other man should + hold France in his grasp, to enjoy it, and distribute its favours among + his creatures. And the worst was that the outcome of the great + parliamentary battles, the days and the weeks lost in setting this man in + the place of that man, and that other man in the place of this man, was + simply stagnation, for not one of the three men was better than his + fellows, and there were but vague points of difference between them; in + such wise that the new master bungled the very same work as the previous + one had bungled, forgetful, perforce, of programmes and promises as soon + as ever he began to reign. + </p> + <p> + However, Pierre’s thoughts invincibly reverted to Laveuve, whom he had + momentarily forgotten, but who now seized hold of him again with a quiver + as of anger and death. Ah! what could it matter to that poor old wretch, + dying of hunger on his bed of rags, whether Mege should overthrow + Barroux’s ministry, and whether a Vignon ministry should ascend to power + or not! At that rate, a century, two centuries, would be needed before + there would be bread in the garrets where groan the lamed sons of labour, + the old, broken-down beasts of burden. And behind Laveuve there appeared + the whole army of misery, the whole multitude of the disinherited and the + poor, who agonised and asked for justice whilst the Chamber, sitting in + all pomp, grew furiously impassioned over the question as to whom the + nation should belong to, as to who should devour it. Mire was flowing on + in a broad stream, the hideous, bleeding, devouring sore displayed itself + in all impudence, like some cancer which preys upon an organ and spreads + to the heart. And what disgust, what nausea must such a spectacle inspire; + and what a longing for the vengeful knife that would bring health and joy! + </p> + <p> + Pierre could not have told for how long he had been plunged in this + reverie, when uproar again filled the hall. People were coming back, + gesticulating and gathering in groups. And suddenly he heard little Massot + exclaim near him: “Well, if it isn’t down it’s not much better off. I + wouldn’t give four sous for its chance of surviving.” + </p> + <p> + He referred to the ministry, and began to recount the sitting to a fellow + journalist who had just arrived. Mege had spoken very eloquently, with + extraordinary fury of indignation against the rotten <i>bourgeoisie</i>, + which rotted everything it touched; but, as usual, he had gone much too + far, alarming the Chamber by his very violence. And so, when Barroux had + ascended the tribune to ask for a month’s adjournment of the + interpellation, he had merely had occasion to wax indignant, in all + sincerity be it said, full of lofty anger that such infamous campaigns + should be carried on by a certain portion of the press. Were the shameful + Panama scandals about to be renewed? Were the national representatives + going to let themselves be intimidated by fresh threats of denunciation? + It was the Republic itself which its adversaries were seeking to submerge + beneath a flood of abominations. No, no, the hour had come for one to + collect one’s thoughts, and work in quietude without allowing those who + hungered for scandal to disturb the public peace. And the Chamber, + impressed by these words, fearing, too, lest the electorate should at last + grow utterly weary of the continuous overflow of filth, had adjourned the + interpellation to that day month. However, although Vignon had not + personally intervened in the debate, the whole of his group had voted + against the ministry, with the result that the latter had merely secured a + majority of two votes—a mockery. + </p> + <p> + “But in that case they will resign,” said somebody to Massot. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, so it’s rumoured. But Barroux is very tenacious. At all events if + they show any obstinacy they will be down before a week is over, + particularly as Sagnier, who is quite furious, declares that he will + publish the list of names to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Just then, indeed, Barroux and Monferrand were seen to pass, hastening + along with thoughtful, busy mien, and followed by their anxious clients. + It was said that the whole Cabinet was about to assemble to consider the + position and come to a decision. And then Vignon, in his turn, reappeared + amidst a stream of friends. He, for his part, was radiant, with a joy + which he sought to conceal, calming his friends in his desire not to cry + victory too soon. However, the eyes of the band glittered, like those of a + pack of hounds when the moment draws near for the offal of the quarry to + be distributed. And even Mege also looked triumphant. He had all but + overthrown the ministry. That made another one that was worn out, and + by-and-by he would wear out Vignon’s, and at last govern in his turn. + </p> + <p> + “The devil!” muttered little Massot, “Chaigneux and Duthil look like + whipped dogs. And see, there’s nobody who is worth the governor. Just look + at him, how superb he is, that Fonsegue! But good-by, I must now be off!” + </p> + <p> + Then he shook hands with his brother journalist unwilling as he was to + remain any longer, although the sitting still continued, some bill of + public importance again being debated before the rows of empty seats. + </p> + <p> + Chaigneux, with his desolate mien, had gone to lean against the pedestal + of the high figure of Minerva; and never before had he been more bowed + down by his needy distress, the everlasting anguish of his ill-luck. On + the other hand, Duthil, in spite of everything, was perorating in the + centre of a group with an affectation of scoffing unconcern; nevertheless + nervous twitches made his nose pucker and distorted his mouth, while the + whole of his handsome face was becoming moist with fear. And even as + Massot had said, there really was only Fonsegue who showed composure and + bravery, ever the same with his restless little figure, and his eyes + beaming with wit, though at times they were just faintly clouded by a + shadow of uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + Pierre had risen to renew his request; but Fonsegue forestalled him, + vivaciously exclaiming: “No, no, Monsieur l’Abbe, I repeat that I cannot + take on myself such an infraction of our rules. There was an inquiry, and + a decision was arrived at. How would you have me over-rule it?” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur,” said the priest, in a tone of deep grief, “it is a question of + an old man who is hungry and cold, and in danger of death if he be not + succoured.” + </p> + <p> + With a despairing gesture, the director of “Le Globe” seemed to take the + very walls as witnesses of his powerlessness. No doubt he feared some + nasty affair for his newspaper, in which he had abused the Invalids of + Labour enterprise as an electoral weapon. Perhaps, too, the secret terror + into which the sitting of the Chamber had just thrown him was hardening + his heart. “I can do nothing,” he repeated. “But naturally I don’t ask + better than to have my hands forced by the ladies of the Committee. You + already have the support of the Baroness Duvillard, secure that of some + others.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, who was determined to fight on to the very end, saw in this + suggestion a supreme chance. “I know the Countess de Quinsac,” he said, “I + can go to see her at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite so! an excellent idea, the Countess de Quinsac! Take a cab and go + to see the Princess de Harn as well. She bestirs herself a great deal, and + is becoming very influential. Secure the approval of these ladies, go back + to the Baroness’s at seven, get a letter from her to cover me, and then + call on me at the office of my paper. That done, your man shall sleep at + the Asylum at nine o’clock!” + </p> + <p> + He evinced in speaking a kind of joyous good nature, as though he no + longer doubted of success now that he ran no risk of compromising himself. + And great hope again came back to the priest: “Ah! thank you, monsieur,” + he said; “it is a work of salvation that you will accomplish.” + </p> + <p> + “But you surely know that I ask nothing better. Ah! if we could only cure + misery, prevent hunger and thirst by a mere word. However, make haste, you + have not a minute to lose.” + </p> + <p> + They shook hands, and Pierre at once tried to get out of the throng. This, + however, was no easy task, for the various groups had grown larger as all + the anger and anguish, roused by the recent debate, ebbed back there amid + a confused tumult. It was as when a stone, cast into a pool, stirs the + ooze below, and causes hidden, rotting things to rise once more to the + surface. And Pierre had to bring his elbows into play and force a passage + athwart the throng, betwixt the shivering cowardice of some, the insolent + audacity of others, and the smirchings which sullied the greater number, + given the contagion which inevitably prevailed. However, he carried away a + fresh hope, and it seemed to him that if he should save a life, make but + one man happy that day, it would be like a first instalment of redemption, + a sign that a little forgiveness would be extended to the many follies and + errors of that egotistical and all-devouring political world. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the vestibule a final incident detained him for a moment + longer. Some commotion prevailed there following upon a quarrel between a + man and an usher, the latter of whom had prevented the former from + entering on finding that the admission ticket which he tendered was an old + one, with its original date scratched out. The man, very rough at the + outset, had then refrained from insisting, as if indeed sudden timidity + had come upon him. And in this ill-dressed fellow Pierre was astonished to + recognise Salvat, the journeyman engineer, whom he had seen going off in + search of work that same morning. This time it was certainly he, tall, + thin and ravaged, with dreamy yet flaming eyes, which set his pale + starveling’s face aglow. He no longer carried his tool-bag; his ragged + jacket was buttoned up and distended on the left side by something that he + carried in a pocket, doubtless some hunk of bread. And on being repulsed + by the ushers, he walked away, taking the Concorde bridge, slowly, as if + chancewise, like a man who knows not whither he is going. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0064" id="link2H_4_0064"></a> + IV. SOCIAL SIDELIGHTS + </h2> + <p> + IN her old faded drawing-room—a Louis Seize <i>salon</i> with grey + woodwork—the Countess de Quinsac sat near the chimney-piece in her + accustomed place. She was singularly like her son, with a long and noble + face, her chin somewhat stern, but her eyes still beautiful beneath her + fine snowy hair, which was arranged in the antiquated style of her youth. + And whatever her haughty coldness, she knew how to be amiable, with + perfect, kindly graciousness. + </p> + <p> + Slightly waving her hand after a long silence, she resumed, addressing + herself to the Marquis de Morigny, who sat on the other side of the + chimney, where for long years he had always taken the same armchair. “Ah! + you are right, my friend, Providence has left us here forgotten, in a most + abominable epoch.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we passed by the side of happiness and missed it,” the Marquis + slowly replied, “and it was your fault, and doubtless mine as well.” + </p> + <p> + Smiling sadly, she stopped him with another wave of her hand. And the + silence fell once more; not a sound from the streets reached that gloomy + ground floor at the rear of the courtyard of an old mansion in the Rue St. + Dominique, almost at the corner of the Rue de Bourgogne. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis was an old man of seventy-five, nine years older than the + Countess. Short and thin though he was, he none the less had a + distinguished air, with his clean-shaven face, furrowed by deep, + aristocratic wrinkles. He belonged to one of the most ancient families of + France, and remained one of the last hopeless Legitimists, of very pure + and lofty views, zealously keeping his faith to the dead monarchy amidst + the downfall of everything. His fortune, still estimated at several + millions of francs, remained, as it were, in a state of stagnation, + through his refusal to invest it in any of the enterprises of the century. + It was known that in all discretion he had loved the Countess, even when + M. de Quinsac was alive, and had, moreover, offered marriage after the + latter’s death, at the time when the widow had sought a refuge on that + damp ground floor with merely an income of some 15,000 francs, saved with + great difficulty from the wreck of the family fortune. But she, who adored + her son Gerard, then in his tenth year, and of delicate health, had + sacrificed everything to the boy from a kind of maternal chasteness and a + superstitious fear that she might lose him should she set another + affection and another duty in her life. And the Marquis, while bowing to + her decision, had continued to worship her with his whole soul, ever + paying his court as on the first evening when he had seen her, still + gallant and faithful after a quarter of a century had passed. There had + never been anything between them, not even the exchange of a kiss. + </p> + <p> + Seeing how sad she looked, he feared that he might have displeased her, + and so he asked: “I should have liked to render you happy, but I didn’t + know how, and the fault can certainly only rest with me. Is Gerard giving + you any cause for anxiety?” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head, and then replied: “As long as things remain as they + are we cannot complain of them, my friend, since we accepted them.” + </p> + <p> + She referred to her son’s culpable connection with Baroness Duvillard. She + had ever shown much weakness with regard to that son whom she had had so + much trouble to rear, for she alone knew what exhaustion, what racial + collapse was hidden behind his proud bearing. She tolerated his idleness, + the apathetic disgust which, man of pleasure that he was, had turned him + from the profession of diplomacy as from that of arms. How many times had + she not repaired his acts of folly and paid his petty debts, keeping + silent concerning them, and refusing all pecuniary help from the Marquis, + who no longer dared offer his millions, so stubbornly intent she was on + living upon the remnants of her own fortune. And thus she had ended by + closing her eyes to her son’s scandalous love intrigue, divining in some + measure how things had happened, through self-abandonment and lack of + conscience—the man weak, unable to resume possession of himself, and + the woman holding and retaining him. The Marquis, however, strangely + enough, had only forgiven the intrigue on the day when Eve had allowed + herself to be converted. + </p> + <p> + “You know, my friend, how good-natured Gerard is,” the Countess resumed. + “In that lie both his strength and weakness. How would you have me scold + him when he weeps over it all with me? He will tire of that woman.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Morigny wagged his head. “She is still very beautiful,” said he. + “And then there’s the daughter. It would be graver still if he were to + marry her—” + </p> + <p> + “But the daughter’s infirm?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and you know what would be said: A Quinsac marrying a monster for + the sake of her millions.” + </p> + <p> + This was their mutual terror. They knew everything that went on at the + Duvillards, the affectionate friendship of the uncomely Camille and the + handsome Gerard, the seeming idyll beneath which lurked the most awful of + dramas. And they protested with all their indignation. “Oh! that, no, no, + never!” the Countess declared. “My son in that family, no, I will never + consent to it.” + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment General de Bozonnet entered. He was much attached to + his sister and came to keep her company on the days when she received, for + the old circle had gradually dwindled down till now only a few faithful + ones ventured into that grey gloomy <i>salon</i>, where one might have + fancied oneself at thousands of leagues from present-day Paris. And + forthwith, in order to enliven the room, he related that he had been to <i>dejeuner</i> + at the Duvillards, and named the guests, Gerard among them. He knew that + he pleased his sister by going to the banker’s house whence he brought her + news, a house, too, which he cleansed in some degree by conferring on it + the great honour of his presence. And he himself in no wise felt bored + there, for he had long been gained over to the century and showed himself + of a very accommodating disposition in everything that did not pertain to + military art. + </p> + <p> + “That poor little Camille worships Gerard,” said he; “she was devouring + him with her eyes at table.” + </p> + <p> + But M. de Morigny gravely intervened: “There lies the danger, a marriage + would be absolutely monstrous from every point of view.” + </p> + <p> + The General seemed astonished: “Why, pray? She isn’t beautiful, but it’s + not only the beauties who marry! And there are her millions. However, our + dear child would only have to put them to a good use. True, there is also + the mother; but, <i>mon Dieu</i>! such things are so common nowadays in + Paris society.” + </p> + <p> + This revolted the Marquis, who made a gesture of utter disgust. What was + the use of discussion when all collapsed? How could one answer a Bozonnet, + the last surviving representative of such an illustrious family, when he + reached such a point as to excuse the infamous morals that prevailed under + the Republic; after denying his king, too, and serving the Empire, + faithfully and passionately attaching himself to the fortunes and memory + of Caesar? However, the Countess also became indignant: “Oh! what are you + saying, brother? I will never authorize such a scandal, I swore so only + just now.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t swear, sister,” exclaimed the General; “for my part I should like + to see our Gerard happy. That’s all. And one must admit that he’s not good + for much. I can understand that he didn’t go into the Army, for that + profession is done for. But I do not so well understand why he did not + enter the diplomatic profession, or accept some other occupation. It is + very fine, no doubt, to run down the present times and declare that a man + of our sphere cannot possibly do any clean work in them. But, as a matter + of fact, it is only idle fellows who still say that. And Gerard has but + one excuse, his lack of aptitude, will and strength.” + </p> + <p> + Tears had risen to the mother’s eyes. She even trembled, well knowing how + deceitful were appearances: a mere chill might carry her son off, however + tall and strong he might look. And was he not indeed a symbol of that + old-time aristocracy, still so lofty and proud in appearance, though at + bottom it is but dust? + </p> + <p> + “Well,” continued the General, “he’s thirty-six now; he’s constantly + hanging on your hands, and he must make an end of it all.” + </p> + <p> + However, the Countess silenced him and turned to the Marquis: “Let us put + our confidence in God, my friend,” said she. “He cannot but come to my + help, for I have never willingly offended Him.” + </p> + <p> + “Never!” replied the Marquis, who in that one word set an expression of + all his grief, all his affection and worship for that woman whom he had + adored for so many years. + </p> + <p> + But another faithful friend came in and the conversation changed. M. de + Larombiere, Vice-President of the Appeal Court, was an old man of + seventy-five, thin, bald and clean shaven but for a pair of little white + whiskers. And his grey eyes, compressed mouth and square and obstinate + chin lent an expression of great austerity to his long face. The grief of + his life was that, being afflicted with a somewhat childish lisp, he had + never been able to make his full merits known when a public prosecutor, + for he esteemed himself to be a great orator. And this secret worry + rendered him morose. In him appeared an incarnation of that old royalist + France which sulked and only served the Republic against its heart, that + old stern magistracy which closed itself to all evolution, to all new + views of things and beings. Of petty “gown” nobility, originally a + Legitimist but now supporting Orleanism, he believed himself to be the one + man of wisdom and logic in that <i>salon</i>, where he was very proud to + meet the Marquis. + </p> + <p> + They talked of the last events; but with them political conversation was + soon exhausted, amounting as it did to a mere bitter condemnation of men + and occurrences, for all three were of one mind as to the abominations of + the Republican <i>regime</i>. They themselves, however, were only ruins, + the remnants of the old parties now all but utterly powerless. The Marquis + for his part soared on high, yielding in nothing, ever faithful to the + dead past; he was one of the last representatives of that lofty obstinate + <i>noblesse</i> which dies when it finds itself without an effort to + escape its fate. The judge, who at least had a pretender living, relied on + a miracle, and demonstrated the necessity for one if France were not to + sink into the depths of misfortune and completely disappear. And as for + the General, all that he regretted of the two Empires was their great + wars; he left the faint hope of a Bonapartist restoration on one side to + declare that by not contenting itself with the Imperial military system, + and by substituting thereto obligatory service, the nation in arms, the + Republic had killed both warfare and the country. + </p> + <p> + When the Countess’s one man-servant came to ask her if she would consent + to receive Abbe Froment she seemed somewhat surprised. “What can he want + of me? Show him in,” she said. + </p> + <p> + She was very pious, and having met Pierre in connection with various + charitable enterprises, she had been touched by his zeal as well as by the + saintly reputation which he owed to his Neuilly parishioners. + </p> + <p> + He, absorbed by his fever, felt intimidated directly he crossed the + threshold. He could at first distinguish nothing, but fancied he was + entering some place of mourning, a shadowy spot where human forms seemed + to melt away, and voices were never raised above a whisper. Then, on + perceiving the persons present, he felt yet more out of his element, for + they seemed so sad, so far removed from the world whence he had just come, + and whither he was about to return. And when the Countess had made him sit + down beside her in front of the chimney-piece, it was in a low voice that + he told her the lamentable story of Laveuve, and asked her support to + secure the man’s admittance to the Asylum for the Invalids of Labour. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! yes,” said she, “that enterprise which my son wished me to belong to. + But, Monsieur l’Abbe, I have never once attended the Committee meetings. + So how could I intervene, having assuredly no influence whatever?” + </p> + <p> + Again had the figures of Eve and Gerard arisen before her, for it was at + this asylum that the pair had first met. And influenced by her sorrowful + maternal love she was already weakening, although it was regretfully that + she had lent her name to one of those noisy charitable enterprises, which + people abused to further their selfish interests in a manner she + condemned. + </p> + <p> + “But, madame,” Pierre insisted, “it is a question of a poor starving old + man. I implore you to be compassionate.” + </p> + <p> + Although the priest had spoken in a low voice the General drew near. “It’s + for your old revolutionary that you are running about, is it not,” said + he. “Didn’t you succeed with the manager, then? The fact is that it’s + difficult to feel any pity for fellows who, if they were the masters, + would, as they themselves say, sweep us all away.” + </p> + <p> + M. de Larombiere jerked his chin approvingly. For some time past he had + been haunted by the Anarchist peril. But Pierre, distressed and quivering, + again began to plead his cause. He spoke of all the frightful misery, the + homes where there was no food, the women and children shivering with cold, + and the fathers scouring muddy, wintry Paris in search of a bit of bread. + All that he asked for was a line on a visiting card, a kindly word from + the Countess, which he would at once carry to Baroness Duvillard to + prevail on her to set the regulations aside. And his words fell one by + one, tremulous with stifled tears, in that mournful <i>salon</i>, like + sounds from afar, dying away in a dead world where there was no echo left. + </p> + <p> + Madame de Quinsac turned towards M. de Morigny, but he seemed to take no + interest in it all. He was gazing fixedly at the fire, with the haughty + air of a stranger who was indifferent to the things and beings in whose + midst an error of time compelled him to live. But feeling that the glance + of the woman he worshipped was fixed upon him he raised his head; and then + their eyes met for a moment with an expression of infinite gentleness, the + mournful gentleness of their heroic love. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Mon Dieu</i>!” said she, “I know your merits, Monsieur l’Abbe, and I + won’t refuse my help to one of your good works.” + </p> + <p> + Then she went off for a moment, and returned with a card on which she had + written that she supported with all her heart Monsieur l’Abbe Froment in + the steps he was taking. And he thanked her and went off delighted, as if + he carried yet a fresh hope of salvation from that drawing-room where, as + he retired, gloom and silence once more seemed to fall on that old lady + and her last faithful friends gathered around the fire, last relics of a + world that was soon to disappear. + </p> + <p> + Once outside, Pierre joyfully climbed into his cab again, after giving the + Princess de Harn’s address in the Avenue Kleber. If he could also obtain + her approval he would no longer doubt of success. However, there was such + a crush on the Concorde bridge, that the driver had to walk his horse. + And, on the foot-pavement, Pierre again saw Duthil, who, with a cigar + between his lips, was smiling at the crowd, with his amiable bird-like + heedlessness, happy as he felt at finding the pavement dry and the sky + blue on leaving that worrying sitting of the Chamber. Seeing how gay and + triumphant he looked, a sudden inspiration came to the priest, who said to + himself that he ought to win over this young man, whose report had had + such a disastrous effect. As it happened, the cab having been compelled to + stop altogether, the deputy had just recognized him and was smiling at + him. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going, Monsieur Duthil?” Pierre asked. + </p> + <p> + “Close by, in the Champs Elysees.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m going that way, and, as I should much like to speak to you for a + moment, it would be very kind of you to take a seat beside me. I will set + you down wherever you like.” + </p> + <p> + “Willingly, Monsieur l’Abbe. It won’t inconvenience you if I finish my + cigar?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! not at all.” + </p> + <p> + The cab found its way out of the crush, crossed the Place de la Concorde + and began to ascend the Champs Elysees. And Pierre, reflecting that he had + very few minutes before him, at once attacked Duthil, quite ready for any + effort to convince him. He remembered what a sortie the young deputy had + made against Laveuve at the Baron’s; and thus he was astonished to hear + him interrupt and say quite pleasantly, enlivened as he seemed by the + bright sun which was again beginning to shine: “Ah, yes! your old + drunkard! So you didn’t settle his business with Fonsegue? And what is it + you want? To have him admitted to-day? Well, you know I don’t oppose it?” + </p> + <p> + “But there’s your report.” + </p> + <p> + “My report, oh, my report! But questions change according to the way one + looks at them. And if you are so anxious about your Laveuve I won’t refuse + to help you.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre looked at him in astonishment, at bottom extremely well pleased. + And there was no further necessity even for him to speak. + </p> + <p> + “You didn’t take the matter in hand properly,” continued Duthil, leaning + forward with a confidential air. “It’s the Baron who’s the master at home, + for reasons which you may divine, which you may very likely know. The + Baroness does all that he asks without even discussing the point; and this + morning,—instead of starting on a lot of useless visits, you only + had to gain his support, particularly as he seemed to be very well + disposed. And she would then have given way immediately.” Duthil began to + laugh. “And so,” he continued, “do you know what I’ll do? Well, I’ll gain + the Baron over to your cause. Yes, I am this moment going to a house where + he is, where one is certain to find him every day at this time.” Then he + laughed more loudly. “And perhaps you are not ignorant of it, Monsieur + l’Abbe. When he is there you may be certain he never gives a refusal. I + promise you I’ll make him swear that he will compel his wife to grant your + man admission this very evening. Only it will, perhaps, be rather late.” + </p> + <p> + Then all at once, as if struck by a fresh idea, Duthil went on: “But why + shouldn’t you come with me? You secure a line from the Baron, and + thereupon, without losing a minute, you go in search of the Baroness. Ah! + yes, the house embarrasses you a little, I understand it. Would you like + to see only the Baron there? You can wait for him in a little <i>salon</i> + downstairs; I will bring him to you.” + </p> + <p> + This proposal made Duthil altogether merry, but Pierre, quite scared, + hesitated at the idea of thus going to Silviane d’Aulnay’s. It was hardly + a place for him. However, to achieve his purpose, he would have descended + into the very dwelling of the fiend, and had already done so sometimes + with Abbe Rose, when there was hope of assuaging wretchedness. So he + turned to Duthil and consented to accompany him. + </p> + <p> + Silviane d’Aulnay’s little mansion, a very luxurious one, displaying, too, + so to say, the luxury of a temple, refined but suggestive of gallantry, + stood in the Avenue d’Antin, near the Champs Elysees. The inmate of this + sanctuary, where the orfrays of old dalmaticas glittered in the mauve + reflections from the windows of stained-glass, had just completed her + twenty-fifth year. Short and slim she was, of an adorable, dark beauty, + and all Paris was acquainted with her delicious, virginal countenance of a + gentle oval, her delicate nose, her little mouth, her candid cheeks and + artless chin, above all which she wore her black hair in thick, heavy + bands, which hid her low brow. Her notoriety was due precisely to her + pretty air of astonishment, the infinite purity of her blue eyes, the + whole expression of chaste innocence which she assumed when it so pleased + her, an expression which contrasted powerfully with her true nature, + shameless creature that she really was, of the most monstrous, confessed, + and openly-displayed perversity; such as, in fact, often spring up from + the rotting soil of great cities. Extraordinary things were related about + Silviane’s tastes and fancies. Some said that she was a door-keeper’s, + others a doctor’s, daughter. In any case she had managed to acquire + instruction and manners, for when occasion required she lacked neither + wit, nor style, nor deportment. She had been rolling through the theatres + for ten years or so, applauded for her beauty’s sake, and she had even + ended by obtaining some pretty little successes in such parts as those of + very pure young girls or loving and persecuted young women. Since there + had been a question, though, of her entering the Comedie Francaise to play + the <i>role</i> of Pauline in “Polyeucte,” some people had waxed indignant + and others had roared with laughter, so ridiculous did the idea appear, so + outrageous for the majesty of classic tragedy. She, however, quiet and + stubborn, wished this thing to be, was resolved that it should be, certain + as she was that she would secure it, insolent like a creature to whom men + had never yet been able to refuse anything. + </p> + <p> + That day, at three o’clock, Gerard de Quinsac, not knowing how to kill the + time pending the appointment he had given Eve in the Rue Matignon, had + thought of calling at Silviane’s, which was in the neighbourhood. She was + an old caprice of his, and even nowadays he would sometimes linger at the + little mansion if its pretty mistress felt bored. But he had this time + found her in a fury; and, reclining in one of the deep armchairs of the <i>salon</i> + where “old gold” formed the predominant colour, he was listening to her + complaints. She, standing in a white gown, white indeed from head to foot + like Eve herself at the <i>dejeuner</i>, was speaking passionately, and + fast convincing the young man, who, won over by so much youth and beauty, + unconsciously compared her to his other flame, weary already of his coming + assignation, and so mastered by supineness, both moral and physical, that + he would have preferred to remain all day in the depths of that armchair. + </p> + <p> + “You hear me, Gerard!” she at last exclaimed, “I’ll have nothing whatever + to do with him, unless he brings me my nomination.” + </p> + <p> + Just then Baron Duvillard came in, and forthwith she changed to ice and + received him like some sorely offended young queen who awaits an + explanation; whilst he, who foresaw the storm and brought moreover + disastrous tidings, forced a smile, though very ill at ease. She was the + stain, the blemish attaching to that man who was yet so sturdy and so + powerful amidst the general decline of his race. And she was also the + beginning of justice and punishment, taking all his piled-up gold from him + by the handful, and by her cruelty avenging those who shivered and who + starved. And it was pitiful to see that feared and flattered man, beneath + whom states and governments trembled, here turn pale with anxiety, bend + low in all humility, and relapse into the senile, lisping infancy of acute + passion. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my dear friend,” said he, “if you only knew how I have been rushing + about. I had a lot of worrying business, some contractors to see, a big + advertisement affair to settle, and I feared that I should never be able + to come and kiss your hand.” + </p> + <p> + He kissed it, but she let her arm fall, coldly, indifferently, contenting + herself with looking at him, waiting for what he might have to say to her, + and embarrassing him to such a point that he began to perspire and + stammer, unable to express himself. “Of course,” he began, “I also thought + of you, and went to the Fine Arts Office, where I had received a positive + promise. Oh! they are still very much in your favour at the Fine Arts + Office! Only, just fancy, it’s that idiot of a minister, that Taboureau,* + an old professor from the provinces who knows nothing about our Paris, + that has expressly opposed your nomination, saying that as long as he is + in office you shall not appear at the Comedie.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Taboureau is previously described as Minister of Public + Instruction. It should be pointed out, however, that + although under the present Republic the Ministries of + Public Instruction and Fine Arts have occasionally been + distinct departments, at other times they have been + united, one minister, as in Taboureau’s case, having + charge of both.—Trans. +</pre> + <p> + Erect and rigid, she spoke but two words: “And then?” + </p> + <p> + “And then—well, my dear, what would you have me do? One can’t after + all overthrow a ministry to enable you to play the part of Pauline.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + He pretended to laugh, but his blood rushed to his face, and the whole of + his sturdy figure quivered with anguish. “Come, my little Silviane,” said + he, “don’t be obstinate. You can be so nice when you choose. Give up the + idea of that <i>debut</i>. You, yourself, would risk a great deal in it, + for what would be your worries if you were to fail? You would weep all the + tears in your body. And besides, you can ask me for so many other things + which I should be so happy to give you. Come now, at once, make a wish and + I will gratify it immediately.” + </p> + <p> + In a frolicsome way he sought to take her hand again. But she drew back + with an air of much dignity. “No, you hear me, my dear fellow, I will have + nothing whatever to do with you—nothing, so long as I don’t play + Pauline.” + </p> + <p> + He understood her fully, and he knew her well enough to realise how + rigorously she would treat him. Only a kind of grunt came from his + contracted throat, though he still tried to treat the matter in a jesting + way. “Isn’t she bad-tempered to-day!” he resumed at last, turning towards + Gerard. “What have you done to her that I find her in such a state?” + </p> + <p> + But the young man, who kept very quiet for fear lest he himself might be + bespattered in the course of the dispute, continued to stretch himself out + in a languid way and gave no answer. + </p> + <p> + But Silviane’s anger burst forth. “What has he done to me? He has pitied + me for being at the mercy of such a man as you—so egotistical, so + insensible to the insults heaped upon me. Ought you not to be the first to + bound with indignation? Ought you not to have exacted my admittance to the + Comedie as a reparation for the insult? For, after all, it is a defeat for + you; if I’m considered unworthy, you are struck at the same time as I am. + And so I’m a drab, eh? Say at once that I’m a creature to be driven away + from all respectable houses.” + </p> + <p> + She went on in this style, coming at last to vile words, the abominable + words which, in moments of anger, always ended by returning to her + innocent-looking lips. The Baron, who well knew that a syllable from him + would only increase the foulness of the overflow, vainly turned an + imploring glance on the Count to solicit his intervention. Gerard, with + his keen desire for peace and quietness, often brought about a + reconciliation, but this time he did not stir, feeling too lazy and sleepy + to interfere. And Silviane all at once came to a finish, repeating her + trenchant, severing words: “Well, manage as you can, secure my <i>debut</i>, + or I’ll have nothing more to do with you, nothing!” + </p> + <p> + “All right! all right!” Duvillard at last murmured, sneering, but in + despair, “we’ll arrange it all.” + </p> + <p> + However, at that moment a servant came in to say that M. Duthil was + downstairs and wished to speak to the Baron in the smoking-room. Duvillard + was astonished at this, for Duthil usually came up as though the house + were his own. Then he reflected that the deputy had doubtless brought him + some serious news from the Chamber which he wished to impart to him + confidentially at once. So he followed the servant, leaving Gerard and + Silviane together. + </p> + <p> + In the smoking-room, an apartment communicating with the hall by a wide + bay, the curtain of which was drawn up, Pierre stood with his companion, + waiting and glancing curiously around him. What particularly struck him + was the almost religious solemnness of the entrance, the heavy hangings, + the mystic gleams of the stained-glass, the old furniture steeped in + chapel-like gloom amidst scattered perfumes of myrrh and incense. Duthil, + who was still very gay, tapped a low divan with his cane and said: “She + has a nicely-furnished house, eh? Oh! she knows how to look after her + interests.” + </p> + <p> + Then the Baron came in, still quite upset and anxious. And without even + perceiving the priest, desirous as he was of tidings, he began: “Well, + what did they do? Is there some very bad news, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Mege interpellated and applied for a declaration of urgency so as to + overthrow Barroux. You can imagine what his speech was.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, against the <i>bourgeois</i>, against me, against you. It’s + always the same thing—And then?” + </p> + <p> + “Then—well, urgency wasn’t voted, but, in spite of a very fine + defence, Barroux only secured a majority of two votes.” + </p> + <p> + “Two votes, the devil! Then he’s down, and we shall have a Vignon ministry + next week.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s what everybody said in the lobbies.” + </p> + <p> + The Baron frowned, as if he were estimating what good or evil might result + to the world from such a change. Then, with a gesture of displeasure, he + said: “A Vignon ministry! The devil! that would hardly be any better. + Those young democrats pretend to be virtuous, and a Vignon ministry + wouldn’t admit Silviane to the Comedie.” + </p> + <p> + This, at first, was his only thought in presence of the crisis which made + the political world tremble. And so the deputy could not refrain from + referring to his own anxiety. “Well, and we others, what is our position + in it all?” + </p> + <p> + This brought Duvillard back to the situation. With a fresh gesture, this + time a superbly proud one, he expressed his full and impudent confidence. + “We others, why we remain as we are; we’ve never been in peril, I imagine. + Oh! I am quite at ease. Sagnier can publish his famous list if it amuses + him to do so. If we haven’t long since bought Sagnier and his list, it’s + because Barroux is a thoroughly honest man, and for my part I don’t care + to throw money out of the window—I repeat to you that we fear + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as he at last recognised Abbe Froment, who had remained in the + shade, Duthil explained what service the priest desired of him. And + Duvillard, in his state of emotion, his heart still rent by Silviane’s + sternness, must have felt a covert hope that a good action might bring him + luck; so he at once consented to intervene in favour of Laveuve’s + admission. Taking a card and a pencil from his pocket-book he drew near to + the window. “Oh! whatever you desire, Monsieur l’Abbe,” he said, “I shall + be very happy to participate in this good work. Here, this is what I have + written: ‘My dear, please do what M. l’Abbe Froment solicits in favour of + this unfortunate man, since our friend Fonsegue only awaits a word from + you to take proper steps.’” + </p> + <p> + At this moment through the open bay Pierre caught sight of Gerard, whom + Silviane, calm once more, and inquisitive no doubt to know why Duthil had + called, was escorting into the hall. And the sight of the young woman + filled him with astonishment, so simple and gentle did she seem to him, + full of the immaculate candour of a virgin. Never had he dreamt of a lily + of more unobtrusive yet delicious bloom in the whole garden of innocence. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” continued Duvillard, “if you wish to hand this card to my wife at + once, you must go to the Princess de Harn’s, where there is a <i>matinee</i>—” + </p> + <p> + “I was going there, Monsieur le Baron.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good. You will certainly find my wife there; she is to take the + children there.” Then he paused, for he too had just seen Gerard; and he + called him: “I say, Gerard, my wife said that she was going to that <i>matinee</i>, + didn’t she? You feel sure—don’t you?—that Monsieur l’Abbe will + find her there?” + </p> + <p> + Although the young man was then going to the Rue Matignon, there to wait + for Eve, it was in the most natural manner possible that he replied: “If + Monsieur l’Abbe makes haste, I think he will find her there, for she was + certainly going there before trying on a corsage at Salmon’s.” + </p> + <p> + Then he kissed Silviane’s hand, and went off with the air of a handsome, + indolent man, who knows no malice, and is even weary of pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Pierre, feeling rather embarrassed, was obliged to let Duvillard introduce + him to the mistress of the house. He bowed in silence, whilst she, + likewise silent, returned his bow with modest reserve, the tact + appropriate to the occasion, such as no <i>ingenue</i>, even at the + Comedie, was then capable of. And while the Baron accompanied the priest + to the door, she returned to the <i>salon</i> with Duthil, who was + scarcely screened by the door-curtain before he passed his arm round her + waist. + </p> + <p> + When Pierre, who at last felt confident of success, found himself, still + in his cab, in front of the Princess de Harn’s mansion in the Avenue + Kleber, he suddenly relapsed into great embarrassment. The avenue was + crowded with carriages brought thither by the musical <i>matinee</i>, and + such a throng of arriving guests pressed round the entrance, decorated + with a kind of tent with scallopings of red velvet, that he deemed the + house unapproachable. How could he manage to get in? And how in his + cassock could he reach the Princess, and ask for a minute’s conversation + with Baroness Duvillard? Amidst all his feverishness he had not thought of + these difficulties. However, he was approaching the door on foot, asking + himself how he might glide unperceived through the throng, when the sound + of a merry voice made him turn: “What, Monsieur l’Abbe! Is it possible! So + now I find you here!” + </p> + <p> + It was little Massot who spoke. He went everywhere, witnessed ten sights a + day,—a parliamentary sitting, a funeral, a wedding, any festive or + mourning scene,—when he wanted a good subject for an article. “What! + Monsieur l’Abbe,” he resumed, “and so you have come to our amiable + Princess’s to see the Mauritanians dance!” + </p> + <p> + He was jesting, for the so-called Mauritanians were simply six Spanish + dancing-girls, who by the sensuality of their performance were then making + all Paris rush to the Folies-Bergere. For drawing-room entertainments + these girls reserved yet more indecorous dances—dances of such a + character indeed that they would certainly not have been allowed in a + theatre. And the <i>beau monde</i> rushed to see them at the houses of the + bolder lady-entertainers, the eccentric and foreign ones like the + Princess, who in order to draw society recoiled from no “attraction.” + </p> + <p> + But when Pierre had explained to little Massot that he was still running + about on the same business, the journalist obligingly offered to pilot + him. He knew the house, obtained admittance by a back door, and brought + Pierre along a passage into a corner of the hall, near the very entrance + of the grand drawing-room. Lofty green plants decorated this hall, and in + the spot selected Pierre was virtually hidden. “Don’t stir, my dear Abbe,” + said Massot, “I will try to ferret out the Princess for you. And you shall + know if Baroness Duvillard has already arrived.” + </p> + <p> + What surprised Pierre was that every window-shutter of the mansion was + closed, every chink stopped up so that daylight might not enter, and that + every room flared with electric lamps, an illumination of supernatural + intensity. The heat was already very great, the atmosphere heavy with a + violent perfume of flowers and <i>odore di femina</i>. And to Pierre, who + felt both blinded and stifled, it seemed as if he were entering one of + those luxurious, unearthly Dens of the Flesh such as the pleasure-world of + Paris conjures from dreamland. By rising on tiptoes, as the drawing-room + entrance was wide open, he could distinguish the backs of the women who + were already seated, rows of necks crowned with fair or dark hair. The + Mauritanians were doubtless executing their first dance. He did not see + them, but he could divine the lascivious passion of the dance from the + quiver of all those women’s necks, which swayed as beneath a great gust of + wind. Then laughter arose and a tempest of bravos, quite a tumult of + enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t put my hand on the Princess; you must wait a little,” Massot + returned to say. “I met Janzen and he promised to bring her to me. Don’t + you know Janzen?” + </p> + <p> + Then, in part because his profession willed it, and in part for pleasure’s + sake, he began to gossip. The Princess was a good friend of his. He had + described her first <i>soiree</i> during the previous year, when she had + made her <i>debut</i> at that mansion on her arrival in Paris. He knew the + real truth about her so far as it could be known. Rich? yes, perhaps she + was, for she spent enormous sums. Married she must have been, and to a + real prince, too; no doubt she was still married to him, in spite of her + story of widowhood. Indeed, it seemed certain that her husband, who was as + handsome as an archangel, was travelling about with a vocalist. As for + having a bee in her bonnet that was beyond discussion, as clear as + noonday. Whilst showing much intelligence, she constantly and suddenly + shifted. Incapable of any prolonged effort, she went from one thing that + had awakened her curiosity to another, never attaching herself anywhere. + After ardently busying herself with painting, she had lately become + impassioned for chemistry, and was now letting poetry master her. + </p> + <p> + “And so you don’t know Janzen,” continued Massot. “It was he who threw her + into chemistry, into the study of explosives especially, for, as you may + imagine, the only interest in chemistry for her is its connection with + Anarchism. She, I think, is really an Austrian, though one must always + doubt anything she herself says. As for Janzen, he calls himself a + Russian, but he’s probably German. Oh! he’s the most unobtrusive, + enigmatical man in the world, without a home, perhaps without a name—a + terrible fellow with an unknown past. I myself hold proofs which make me + think that he took part in that frightful crime at Barcelona. At all + events, for nearly a year now I’ve been meeting him in Paris, where the + police no doubt are watching him. And nothing can rid me of the idea that + he merely consented to become our lunatic Princess’s lover in order to + throw the detectives off the scent. He affects to live in the midst of <i>fetes</i>, + and he has introduced to the house some extraordinary people, Anarchists + of all nationalities and all colours—for instance, one Raphanel, + that fat, jovial little man yonder, a Frenchman he is, and his companions + would do well to mistrust him. Then there’s a Bergaz, a Spaniard, I think, + an obscure jobber at the Bourse, whose sensual, blobber-lipped mouth is so + disquieting. And there are others and others, adventurers and bandits from + the four corners of the earth!... Ah! the foreign colonies of our Parisian + pleasure-world! There are a few spotless fine names, a few real great + fortunes among them, but as for the rest, ah! what a herd!” + </p> + <p> + Rosemonde’s own drawing-room was summed up in those words: resounding + titles, real millionaires, then, down below, the most extravagant medley + of international imposture and turpitude. And Pierre thought of that + internationalism, that cosmopolitanism, that flight of foreigners which, + ever denser and denser, swooped down upon Paris. Most certainly it came + thither to enjoy it, as to a city of adventure and delight, and it helped + to rot it a little more. Was it then a necessary thing, that decomposition + of the great cities which have governed the world, that affluxion of every + passion, every desire, every gratification, that accumulation of reeking + soil from all parts of the world, there where, in beauty and intelligence, + blooms the flower of civilisation? + </p> + <p> + However, Janzen appeared, a tall, thin fellow of about thirty, very fair + with grey, pale, harsh eyes, and a pointed beard and flowing curly hair + which elongated his livid, cloudy face. He spoke indifferent French in a + low voice and without a gesture. And he declared that the Princess could + not be found; he had looked for her everywhere. Possibly, if somebody had + displeased her, she had shut herself up in her room and gone to bed, + leaving her guests to amuse themselves in all freedom in whatever way they + might choose. + </p> + <p> + “Why, but here she is!” suddenly said Massot. + </p> + <p> + Rosemonde was indeed there, in the vestibule, watching the door as if she + expected somebody. Short, slight, and strange rather than pretty, with her + delicate face, her sea-green eyes, her small quivering nose, her rather + large and over-ruddy mouth, which was parted so that one could see her + superb teeth, she that day wore a sky-blue gown spangled with silver; and + she had silver bracelets on her arms and a silver circlet in her pale + brown hair, which rained down in curls and frizzy, straggling locks as + though waving in a perpetual breeze. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! whatever you desire, Monsieur l’Abbe,” she said to Pierre as soon as + she knew his business. “If they don’t take your old man in at our asylum, + send him to me, I’ll take him, I will; I will sleep him somewhere here.” + </p> + <p> + Still, she remained disturbed, and continually glanced towards the door. + And on the priest asking if Baroness Duvillard had yet arrived, “Why no!” + she cried, “and I am much surprised at it. She is to bring her son and + daughter. Yesterday, Hyacinthe positively promised me that he would come.” + </p> + <p> + There lay her new caprice. If her passion for chemistry was giving way to + a budding taste for decadent, symbolical verse, it was because one + evening, whilst discussing Occultism with Hyacinthe, she had discovered an + extraordinary beauty in him: the astral beauty of Nero’s wandering soul! + At least, said she, the signs of it were certain. + </p> + <p> + And all at once she quitted Pierre: “Ah, at last!” she cried, feeling + relieved and happy. Then she darted forward: Hyacinthe was coming in with + his sister Camille. + </p> + <p> + On the very threshold, however, he had just met the friend on whose + account he was there, young Lord George Eldrett, a pale and languid + stripling with the hair of a girl; and he scarcely condescended to notice + the tender greeting of Rosemonde, for he professed to regard woman as an + impure and degrading creature. Distressed by such coldness, she followed + the two young men, returning in their rear into the reeking, blinding + furnace of the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + Massot, however, had been obliging enough to stop Camille and bring her to + Pierre, who at the first words they exchanged relapsed into despair. + “What, mademoiselle, has not madame your mother accompanied you here?” + </p> + <p> + The girl, clad according to her wont in a dark gown, this time of + peacock-blue, was nervous, with wicked eyes and sibilant voice. And as she + ragefully drew up her little figure, her deformity, her left shoulder + higher than the right one, became more apparent than ever. “No,” she + rejoined, “she was unable. She had something to try on at her + dressmaker’s. We stopped too long at the Exposition du Lis, and she + requested us to set her down at Salmon’s door on our way here.” + </p> + <p> + It was Camille herself who had skilfully prolonged the visit to the art + show, still hoping to prevent her mother from meeting Gerard. And her rage + arose from the ease with which her mother had got rid of her, thanks to + that falsehood of having something to try on. + </p> + <p> + “But,” ingenuously said Pierre, “if I went at once to this person Salmon, + I might perhaps be able to send up my card.” + </p> + <p> + Camille gave a shrill laugh, so funny did the idea appear to her. Then she + retorted: “Oh! who knows if you would still find her there? She had + another pressing appointment, and is no doubt already keeping it!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I will wait for her here. She will surely come to fetch you, + will she not?” + </p> + <p> + “Fetch us? Oh no! since I tell you that she has other important affairs to + attend to. The carriage will take us home alone, my brother and I.” + </p> + <p> + Increasing bitterness was infecting the girl’s pain-fraught irony. Did he + not understand her then, that priest who asked such naive questions which + were like dagger-thrusts in her heart? Yet he must know, since everybody + knew the truth. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! how worried I am,” Pierre resumed, so grieved indeed that tears + almost came to his eyes. “It’s still on account of that poor man about + whom I have been busying myself since this morning. I have a line from + your father, and Monsieur Gerard told me—” But at this point he + paused in confusion, and amidst all his thoughtlessness of the world, + absorbed as he was in the one passion of charity, he suddenly divined the + truth. “Yes,” he added mechanically, “I just now saw your father again + with Monsieur de Quinsac.” + </p> + <p> + “I know, I know,” replied Camille, with the suffering yet scoffing air of + a girl who is ignorant of nothing. “Well, Monsieur l’Abbe, if you have a + line from papa for mamma, you must wait till mamma has finished her + business. You might come to the house about six o’clock, but I doubt if + you’ll find her there, as she may well be detained.” + </p> + <p> + While Camille thus spoke, her murderous eyes glistened, and each word she + uttered, simple as it seemed, became instinct with ferocity, as if it were + a knife, which she would have liked to plunge into her mother’s breast. In + all certainty she had never before hated her mother to such a point as + this in her envy of her beauty and her happiness in being loved. And the + irony which poured from the girl’s virgin lips, before that simple priest, + was like a flood of mire with which she sought to submerge her rival. + </p> + <p> + Just then, however, Rosemonde came back again, feverish and flurried as + usual. And she led Camille away: “Ah, my dear, make haste. They are + extraordinary, delightful, intoxicating!” + </p> + <p> + Janzen and little Massot also followed the Princess. All the men hastened + from the adjoining rooms, scrambled and plunged into the <i>salon</i> at + the news that the Mauritanians had again begun to dance. That time it must + have been the frantic, lascivious gallop that Paris whispered about, for + Pierre saw the rows of necks and heads, now fair, now dark, wave and + quiver as beneath a violent wind. With every window-shutter closed, the + conflagration of the electric lamps turned the place into a perfect + brazier, reeking with human effluvia. And there came a spell of rapture, + fresh laughter and bravos, all the delight of an overflowing orgy. + </p> + <p> + When Pierre again found himself on the footwalk, he remained for a moment + bewildered, blinking, astonished to be in broad daylight once more. + Half-past four would soon strike, but he had nearly two hours to wait + before calling at the house in the Rue Godot-de-Mauroy. What should he do? + He paid his driver; preferring to descend the Champs Elysees on foot, + since he had some time to lose. A walk, moreover, might calm the fever + which was burning his hands, in the passion of charity which ever since + the morning had been mastering him more and more, in proportion as he + encountered fresh and fresh obstacles. He now had but one pressing desire, + to complete his good work, since success henceforth seemed certain. And he + tried to restrain his steps and walk leisurely down the magnificent + avenue, which had now been dried by the bright sun, and was enlivened by a + concourse of people, while overhead the sky was again blue, lightly blue, + as in springtime. + </p> + <p> + Nearly two hours to lose while, yonder, the wretched Laveuve lay with life + ebbing from him on his bed of rags, in his icy den. Sudden feelings of + revolt, of well-nigh irresistible impatience ascended from Pierre’s heart, + making him quiver with desire to run off and at once find Baroness + Duvillard so as to obtain from her the all-saving order. He felt sure that + she was somewhere near, in one of those quiet neighbouring streets, and + great was his perturbation, his grief-fraught anger at having to wait in + this wise to save a human life until she should have attended to those + affairs of hers, of which her daughter spoke with such murderous glances! + He seemed to hear a formidable cracking, the family life of the <i>bourgeoisie</i> + was collapsing: the father was at a hussy’s house, the mother with a + lover, the son and daughter knew everything; the former gliding to idiotic + perversity, the latter enraged and dreaming of stealing her mother’s lover + to make a husband of him. And meantime the splendid equipages descended + the triumphal avenue, and the crowd with its luxury flowed along the + sidewalks, one and all joyous and superb, seemingly with no idea that + somewhere at the far end there was a gaping abyss wherein everyone of them + would fall and be annihilated! + </p> + <p> + When Pierre got as far as the Summer Circus he was much surprised at again + seeing Salvat, the journeyman engineer, on one of the avenue seats. He + must have sunk down there, overcome by weariness and hunger, after many a + vain search. However, his jacket was still distended by something he + carried in or under it, some bit of bread, no doubt, which he meant to + take home with him. And leaning back, with his arms hanging listlessly, he + was watching with dreamy eyes the play of some very little children, who, + with the help of their wooden spades, were laboriously raising mounds of + sand, and then destroying them by dint of kicks. As he looked at them his + red eyelids moistened, and a very gentle smile appeared on his poor + discoloured lips. This time Pierre, penetrated by disquietude, wished to + approach and question him. But Salvat distrustfully rose and went off + towards the Circus, where a concert was drawing to a close; and he prowled + around the entrance of that festive edifice in which two thousand happy + people were heaped up together listening to music. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0065" id="link2H_4_0065"></a> + V. FROM RELIGION TO ANARCHY + </h2> + <p> + AS Pierre was reaching the Place de la Concorde he suddenly remembered the + appointment which Abbe Rose had given him for five o’clock at the + Madeleine, and which he was forgetting in the feverishness born of his + repeated steps to save Laveuve. And at thought of it he hastened on, well + pleased at having this appointment to occupy and keep him patient. + </p> + <p> + When he entered the church he was surprised to find it so dark. There were + only a few candles burning, huge shadows were flooding the nave, and + amidst the semi-obscurity a very loud, clear voice spoke on with a + ceaseless streaming of words. All that one could at first distinguish of + the numerous congregation was a pale, vague mass of heads, motionless with + extreme attention. In the pulpit stood Monseigneur Martha, finishing his + third address on the New Spirit. The two former ones had re-echoed far and + wide, and so what is called “all Paris” was there—women of society, + politicians, and writers, who were captivated by the speaker’s artistic + oratory, his warm, skilful language, and his broad, easy gestures, worthy + of a great actor. + </p> + <p> + Pierre did not wish to disturb the solemn attention, the quivering silence + above which the prelate’s voice alone rang out. Accordingly he resolved to + wait before seeking Abbe Rose, and remained standing near a pillar. A + parting gleam of daylight fell obliquely on Monseigneur Martha, who looked + tall and sturdy in his white surplice, and scarcely showed a grey hair, + although he was more than fifty. He had handsome features: black, keen + eyes, a commanding nose, a mouth and chin of the greatest firmness of + contour. What more particularly struck one, however, what gained the heart + of every listener, was the expression of extreme amiability and anxious + sympathy which ever softened the imperious haughtiness of the prelate’s + face. + </p> + <p> + Pierre had formerly known him as Cure, or parish priest, of Ste. Clotilde. + He was doubtless of Italian origin, but he had been born in Paris, and had + quitted the seminary of St. Sulpice with the best possible record. Very + intelligent and very ambitious, he had evinced an activity which even made + his superiors anxious. Then, on being appointed Bishop of Persepolis, he + had disappeared, gone to Rome, where he had spent five years engaged in + work of which very little was known. However, since his return he had been + astonishing Paris by his brilliant propaganda, busying himself with the + most varied affairs, and becoming much appreciated and very powerful at + the archiepiscopal residence. He devoted himself in particular, and with + wonderful results, to the task of increasing the subscriptions for the + completion of the basilica of the Sacred Heart. He recoiled from nothing, + neither from journeys, nor lectures, nor collections, nor applications to + Government, nor even endeavours among Israelites and Freemasons. And at + last, again enlarging his sphere of action, he had undertaken to reconcile + Science with Catholicism, and to bring all Christian France to the + Republic, on all sides expounding the policy of Pope Leo XIII., in order + that the Church might finally triumph. + </p> + <p> + However, in spite of the advances of this influential and amiable man, + Pierre scarcely liked him. He only felt grateful to him for one thing, the + appointment of good Abbe Rose as curate at St. Pierre de Montmartre, which + appointment he had secured for him no doubt in order to prevent such a + scandal as the punishment of an old priest for showing himself too + charitable. On thus finding and hearing the prelate speak in that renowned + pulpit of the Madeleine, still and ever pursuing his work of conquest, + Pierre remembered how he had seen him at the Duvillards’ during the + previous spring, when, with his usual <i>maestria</i>, he had achieved his + greatest triumph—the conversion of Eve to Catholicism. That church, + too, had witnessed her baptism, a wonderfully pompous ceremony, a perfect + gala offered to the public which figures in all the great events of + Parisian life. Gerard had knelt down, moved to tears, whilst the Baron + triumphed like a good-natured husband who was happy to find religion + establishing perfect harmony in his household. It was related among the + spectators that Eve’s family, and particularly old Justus Steinberger, her + father, was not in reality much displeased by the affair. The old man + sneeringly remarked, indeed, that he knew his daughter well enough to wish + her to belong to his worst enemy. In the banking business there is a class + of security which one is pleased to see discounted by one’s rivals. With + the stubborn hope of triumph peculiar to his race, Justus, consoling + himself for the failure of his first scheme, doubtless considered that Eve + would prove a powerful dissolving agent in the Christian family which she + had entered, and thus help to make all wealth and power fall into the + hands of the Jews. + </p> + <p> + However, Pierre’s vision faded. Monseigneur Martha’s voice was rising with + increase of volume, celebrating, amidst the quivering of the congregation, + the benefits that would accrue from the New Spirit, which was at last + about to pacify France and restore her to her due rank and power. Were + there not certain signs of this resurrection on every hand? The New Spirit + was the revival of the Ideal, the protest of the soul against degrading + materialism, the triumph of spirituality over filthy literature; and it + was also Science accepted, but set in its proper place, reconciled with + Faith, since it no longer pretended to encroach on the latter’s sacred + domain; and it was further the Democracy welcomed in fatherly fashion, the + Republic legitimated, recognised in her turn as Eldest Daughter of the + Church. A breath of poetry passed by. The Church opened her heart to all + her children, there would henceforth be but concord and delight if the + masses, obedient to the New Spirit, would give themselves to the Master of + love as they had given themselves to their kings, recognising that the + Divinity was the one unique power, absolute sovereign of both body and + soul. + </p> + <p> + Pierre was now listening attentively, wondering where it was that he had + previously heard almost identical words. And suddenly he remembered; and + could fancy that he was again at Rome, listening to the last words of + Monsignor Nani, the Assessor of the Holy Office. Here, again, he found the + dream of a democratic Pope, ceasing to support the compromised monarchies, + and seeking to subdue the masses. Since Caesar was down, or nearly so, + might not the Pope realise the ancient ambition of his forerunners and + become both emperor and pontiff, the sovereign, universal divinity on + earth? This, too, was the dream in which Pierre himself, with apostolic + naivete, had indulged when writing his book, “New Rome”: a dream from + which the sight of the real Rome had so roughly roused him. At bottom it + was merely a policy of hypocritical falsehood, the priestly policy which + relies on time, and is ever tenacious, carrying on the work of conquest + with extraordinary suppleness, resolved to profit by everything. And what + an evolution it was, the Church of Rome making advances to Science, to the + Democracy, to the Republican <i>regimes</i>, convinced that it would be + able to devour them if only it were allowed the time! Ah! yes, the New + Spirit was simply the Old Spirit of Domination, incessantly reviving and + hungering to conquer and possess the world. + </p> + <p> + Pierre thought that he recognised among the congregation certain deputies + whom he had seen at the Chamber. Wasn’t that tall gentleman with the fair + beard, who listened so devoutly, one of Monferrand’s creatures? It was + said that Monferrand, once a devourer of priests, was now smilingly + coquetting with the clergy. Quite an underhand evolution was beginning in + the sacristies, orders from Rome flitted hither and thither; it was a + question of accepting the new form of government, and absorbing it by dint + of invasion. France was still the Eldest Daughter of the Church, the only + great nation which had sufficient health and strength to place the Pope in + possession of his temporal power once more. So France must be won; it was + well worth one’s while to espouse her, even if she were Republican. In the + eager struggle of ambition the bishop made use of the minister, who + thought it to his interest to lean upon the bishop. But which of the two + would end by devouring the other? And to what a <i>role</i> had religion + sunk: an electoral weapon, an element in a parliamentary majority, a + decisive, secret reason for obtaining or retaining a ministerial + portfolio! Of divine charity, the basis of religion, there was no thought, + and Pierre’s heart filled with bitterness as he remembered the recent + death of Cardinal Bergerot, the last of the great saints and pure minds of + the French episcopacy, among which there now seemed to be merely a set of + intriguers and fools. + </p> + <p> + However, the address was drawing to a close. In a glowing peroration, + which evoked the basilica of the Sacred Heart dominating Paris with the + saving symbol of the Cross from the sacred Mount of the Martyrs,* + Monseigneur Martha showed that great city of Paris Christian once more and + master of the world, thanks to the moral omnipotence conferred upon it by + the divine breath of the New Spirit. Unable to applaud, the congregation + gave utterance to a murmur of approving rapture, delighted as it was with + this miraculous finish which reassured both pocket and conscience. Then + Monseigneur Martha quitted the pulpit with a noble step, whilst a loud + noise of chairs broke upon the dark peacefulness of the church, where the + few lighted candles glittered like the first stars in the evening sky. A + long stream of men, vague, whispering shadows, glided away. The women + alone remained, praying on their knees. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Montmartre. +</pre> + <p> + Pierre, still in the same spot, was rising on tip-toes, looking for Abbe + Rose, when a hand touched him. It was that of the old priest, who had seen + him from a distance. “I was yonder near the pulpit,” said he, “and I saw + you plainly, my dear child. Only I preferred to wait so as to disturb + nobody. What a beautiful address dear Monseigneur delivered!” + </p> + <p> + He seemed, indeed, much moved. But there was deep sadness about his kindly + mouth and clear childlike eyes, whose smile as a rule illumined his good, + round white face. “I was afraid you might go off without seeing me,” he + resumed, “for I have something to tell you. You know that poor old man to + whom I sent you this morning and in whom I asked you to interest yourself? + Well, on getting home I found a lady there, who sometimes brings me a + little money for my poor. Then I thought to myself that the three francs I + gave you were really too small a sum, and as the thought worried me like a + kind of remorse, I couldn’t resist the impulse, but went this afternoon to + the Rue des Saules myself.” + </p> + <p> + He lowered his voice from a feeling of respect, in order not to disturb + the deep, sepulchral silence of the church. Covert shame, moreover, + impeded his utterance, shame at having again relapsed into the sin of + blind, imprudent charity, as his superiors reproachfully said. And, + quivering, he concluded in a very low voice indeed: “And so, my child, + picture my grief. I had five francs more to give the poor old man, and I + found him dead.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre suddenly shuddered. But he was unwilling to understand: “What, + dead!” he cried. “That old man dead! Laveuve dead?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I found him dead—ah! amidst what frightful wretchedness, like + an old animal that has laid itself down for the finish on a heap of rags + in the depths of a hole. No neighbours had assisted him in his last + moments; he had simply turned himself towards the wall. And ah! how bare + and cold and deserted it was! And what a pang for a poor creature to go + off like that without a word, a caress. Ah! my heart bounded within me and + it is still bleeding!” + </p> + <p> + Pierre in his utter amazement at first made but a gesture of revolt + against imbecile social cruelty. Had the bread left near the unfortunate + wretch, and devoured too eagerly, perhaps, after long days of abstinence, + been the cause of his death? Or was not this rather the fatal <i>denouement</i> + of an ended life, worn away by labour and privation? However, what did the + cause signify? Death had come and delivered the poor man. “It isn’t he + that I pity,” Pierre muttered at last; “it is we—we who witness all + that, we who are guilty of these abominations.” + </p> + <p> + But good Abbe Rose was already becoming resigned, and would only think of + forgiveness and hope. “No, no, my child, rebellion is evil. If we are all + guilty we can only implore Providence to forget our faults. I had given + you an appointment here hoping for good news; and it’s I who come to tell + you of that frightful thing. Let us be penitent and pray.” + </p> + <p> + Then he knelt upon the flagstones near the pillar, in the rear of the + praying women, who looked black and vague in the gloom. And he inclined + his white head, and for a long time remained in a posture of humility. + </p> + <p> + But Pierre was unable to pray, so powerfully did revolt stir him. He did + not even bend his knees, but remained erect and quivering. His heart + seemed to have been crushed; not a tear came to his ardent eyes. So + Laveuve had died yonder, stretched on his litter of rags, his hands + clenched in his obstinate desire to cling to his life of torture, whilst + he, Pierre, again glowing with the flame of charity, consumed by apostolic + zeal, was scouring Paris to find him for the evening a clean bed on which + he might be saved. Ah! the atrocious irony of it all! He must have been at + the Duvillards’ in the warm <i>salon</i>, all blue and silver, whilst the + old man was expiring; and it was for a wretched corpse that he had then + hastened to the Chamber of Deputies, to the Countess de Quinsac’s, to that + creature Silviane’s, and to that creature Rosemonde’s. And it was for that + corpse, freed from life, escaped from misery as from prison, that he had + worried people, broken in upon their egotism, disturbed the peace of some, + threatened the pleasures of others! What was the use of hastening from the + parliamentary den to the cold <i>salon</i> where the dust of the past was + congealing; of going from the sphere of middle-class debauchery to that of + cosmopolitan extravagance, since one always arrived too late, and saved + people when they were already dead? How ridiculous to have allowed himself + to be fired once more by that blaze of charity, that final conflagration, + only the ashes of which he now felt within him? This time he thought he + was dead himself; he was naught but an empty sepulchre. + </p> + <p> + And all the frightful void and chaos which he had felt that morning at the + basilica of the Sacred Heart after his mass became yet deeper, henceforth + unfathomable. If charity were illusory and useless the Gospel crumbled, + the end of the Book was nigh. After centuries of stubborn efforts, + Redemption through Christianity failed, and another means of salvation was + needed by the world in presence of the exasperated thirst for justice + which came from the duped and wretched nations. They would have no more of + that deceptive paradise, the promise of which had so long served to prop + up social iniquity; they demanded that the question of happiness should be + decided upon this earth. But how? By means of what new religion, what + combination between the sentiment of the Divine and the necessity for + honouring life in its sovereignty and its fruitfulness? Therein lay the + grievous, torturing problem, into the midst of which Pierre was sinking; + he, a priest, severed by vows of chastity and superstition from the rest + of mankind. + </p> + <p> + He had ceased to believe in the efficacy of alms; it was not sufficient + that one should be charitable, henceforth one must be just. Given justice, + indeed, horrid misery would disappear, and no such thing as charity would + be needed. Most certainly there was no lack of compassionate hearts in + that grievous city of Paris; charitable foundations sprouted forth there + like green leaves at the first warmth of springtide. There were some for + every age, every peril, every misfortune. Through the concern shown for + mothers, children were succoured even before they were born; then came the + infant and orphan asylums lavishly provided for all sorts of classes; and, + afterwards, man was followed through his life, help was tendered on all + sides, particularly as he grew old, by a multiplicity of asylums, + almshouses, and refuges. And there were all the hands stretched out to the + forsaken ones, the disinherited ones, even the criminals, all sorts of + associations to protect the weak, societies for the prevention of crime, + homes that offered hospitality to those who repented. Whether as regards + the propagation of good deeds, the support of the young, the saving of + life, the bestowal of pecuniary help, or the promotion of guilds, pages + and pages would have been needed merely to particularise the extraordinary + vegetation of charity that sprouted between the paving-stones of Paris + with so fine a vigour, in which goodness of soul was mingled with social + vanity. Still that could not matter, since charity redeemed and purified + all. But how terrible the proposition that this charity was a useless + mockery! What! after so many centuries of Christian charity not a sore had + healed. Misery had only grown and spread, irritated even to rage. + Incessantly aggravated, the evil was reaching the point when it would be + impossible to tolerate it for another day, since social injustice was + neither arrested nor even diminished thereby. And besides, if only one + single old man died of cold and hunger, did not the social edifice, raised + on the theory of charity, collapse? But one victim, and society was + condemned, thought Pierre. + </p> + <p> + He now felt such bitterness of heart that he could remain no longer in + that church where the shadows ever slowly fell, blurring the sanctuaries + and the large pale images of Christ nailed upon the Cross. All was about + to sink into darkness, and he could hear nothing beyond an expiring murmur + of prayers, a plaint from the women who were praying on their knees, in + the depths of the shrouding gloom. + </p> + <p> + At the same time he hardly liked to go off without saying a word to Abbe + Rose, who in his entreaties born of simple faith left the happiness and + peace of mankind to the good pleasure of the Invisible. However, fearing + that he might disturb him, Pierre was making up his mind to retire, when + the old priest of his own accord raised his head. “Ah, my child,” said he, + “how difficult it is to be good in a reasonable manner. Monseigneur Martha + has scolded me again, and but for the forgiveness of God I should fear for + my salvation.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment Pierre paused under the porticus of the Madeleine, on the + summit of the great flight of steps which, rising above the railings, + dominates the Place. Before him was the Rue Royale dipping down to the + expanse of the Place de la Concorde, where rose the obelisk and the pair + of plashing fountains. And, farther yet, the paling colonnade of the + Chamber of Deputies bounded the horizon. It was a vista of sovereign + grandeur under that pale sky over which twilight was slowly stealing, and + which seemed to broaden the thoroughfares, throw back the edifices, and + lend them the quivering, soaring aspect of the palaces of dreamland. No + other capital in the world could boast a scene of such aerial pomp, such + grandiose magnificence, at that hour of vagueness, when falling night + imparts to cities a dreamy semblance, the infinite of human immensity. + </p> + <p> + Motionless and hesitating in presence of the opening expanse, Pierre + distressfully pondered as to whither he should go now that all which he + had so passionately sought to achieve since the morning had suddenly + crumbled away. Was he still bound for the Duvillard mansion in the Rue + Godot-de-Mauroy? He no longer knew. Then the exasperating remembrance, + with its cruel irony, returned to him. Since Laveuve was dead, of what use + was it for him to kill time and perambulate the pavements pending the + arrival of six o’clock? The idea that he had a home, and that the most + simple course would be to return to it, did not even occur to him. He felt + as if there were something of importance left for him to do, though he + could not possibly tell what it might be. It seemed to him to be + everywhere and yet very far away, to be so vague and so difficult of + accomplishment that he would certainly never be in time or have sufficient + power to do it. However, with heavy feet and tumultuous brain he descended + the steps and, yielding to some obstinate impulse, began to walk through + the flower-market, a late winter market where the first azaleas were + opening with a little shiver. Some women were purchasing Nice roses and + violets; and Pierre looked at them as if he were interested in all that + soft, delicate, perfumed luxury. But suddenly he felt a horror of it and + went off, starting along the Boulevards. + </p> + <p> + He walked straight before him without knowing why or whither. The falling + darkness surprised him as if it were an unexpected phenomenon. Raising his + eyes to the sky he felt astonished at seeing its azure gently pale between + the slender black streaks of the chimney funnels. And the huge golden + letters by which names or trades were advertised on every balcony also + seemed to him singular in the last gleams of the daylight. Never before + had he paid attention to the motley tints seen on the house-fronts, the + painted mirrors, the blinds, the coats of arms, the posters of violent + hues, the magnificent shops, like drawing-rooms and boudoirs open to the + full light. And then, both in the roadway and along the foot-pavements, + between the blue, red or yellow columns and kiosks, what mighty traffic + there was, what an extraordinary crowd! The vehicles rolled along in a + thundering stream: on all sides billows of cabs were parted by the + ponderous tacking of huge omnibuses, which suggested lofty, bright-hued + battle-ships. And on either hand, and farther and farther, and even among + the wheels, the flood of passengers rushed on incessantly, with the + conquering haste of ants in a state of revolution. Whence came all those + people, and whither were all those vehicles going? How stupefying and + torturing it all was. + </p> + <p> + Pierre was still walking straight ahead, mechanically, carried on by his + gloomy reverie. Night was coming, the first gas-burners were being + lighted; it was the dusk of Paris, the hour when real darkness has not yet + come, when the electric lights flame in the dying day. Lamps shone forth + on all sides, the shop-fronts were being illumined. Soon, moreover, right + along the Boulevards the vehicles would carry their vivid starry lights, + like a milky way on the march betwixt the foot-pavements all glowing with + lanterns and cordons and girandoles, a dazzling profusion of radiance akin + to sunlight. And the shouts of the drivers and the jostling of the foot + passengers re-echoed the parting haste of the Paris which is all business + or passion, which is absorbed in the merciless struggle for love and for + money. The hard day was over, and now the Paris of Pleasure was lighting + up for its night of <i>fete</i>. The cafes, the wine shops, the + restaurants, flared and displayed their bright metal bars, and their + little white tables behind their clear and lofty windows, whilst near + their doors, by way of temptation, were oysters and choice fruits. And the + Paris which was thus awaking with the first flashes of the gas was already + full of the gaiety of enjoyment, already yielding to an unbridled appetite + for whatsoever may be purchased. + </p> + <p> + However, Pierre had a narrow escape from being knocked down. A flock of + newspaper hawkers came out of a side street, and darted through the crowd + shouting the titles of the evening journals. A fresh edition of the “Voix + du Peuple” gave rise, in particular, to a deafening clamour, which rose + above all the rumbling of wheels. At regular intervals hoarse voices + raised and repeated the cry: “Ask for the ‘Voix du Peuple’—the new + scandal of the African Railway Lines, the repulse of the ministry, the + thirty-two bribe-takers of the Chamber and the Senate!” And these + announcements, set in huge type, could be read on the copies of the paper, + which the hawkers flourished like banners. Accustomed as it was to such + filth, saturated with infamy, the crowd continued on its way without + paying much attention. Still a few men paused and bought the paper, while + painted women, who had come down to the Boulevards in search of a dinner, + trailed their skirts and waited for some chance lover, glancing + interrogatively at the outside customers of the cafes. And meantime the + dishonouring shout of the newspaper hawkers, that cry in which there was + both smirch and buffet, seemed like the last knell of the day, ringing the + nation’s funeral at the outset of the night of pleasure which was + beginning. + </p> + <p> + Then Pierre once more remembered his morning and that frightful house in + the Rue des Saules, where so much want and suffering were heaped up. He + again saw the yard filthy like a quagmire, the evil-smelling staircases, + the sordid, bare, icy rooms, the families fighting for messes which even + stray dogs would not have eaten; the mothers, with exhausted breasts, + carrying screaming children to and fro; the old men who fell in corners + like brute beasts, and died of hunger amidst filth. And then came his + other hours with the magnificence or the quietude or the gaiety of the <i>salons</i> + through which he had passed, the whole insolent display of financial + Paris, and political Paris, and society Paris. And at last he came to the + dusk, and to that Paris-Sodom and Paris-Gomorrah before him, which was + lighting itself up for the night, for the abominations of that accomplice + night which, like fine dust, was little by little submerging the expanse + of roofs. And the hateful monstrosity of it all howled aloud under the + pale sky where the first pure, twinkling stars were gleaming. + </p> + <p> + A great shudder came upon Pierre as he thought of all that mass of + iniquity and suffering, of all that went on below amid want and crime, and + all that went on above amid wealth and vice. The <i>bourgeoisie</i>, + wielding power, would relinquish naught of the sovereignty which it had + conquered, wholly stolen, while the people, the eternal dupe, silent so + long, clenched its fists and growled, claiming its legitimate share. And + it was that frightful injustice which filled the growing gloom with anger. + From what dark-breasted cloud would the thunderbolt fall? For years he had + been waiting for that thunderbolt which low rumbles announced on all + points of the horizon. And if he had written a book full of candour and + hope, if he had gone in all innocence to Rome, it was to avert that + thunderbolt and its frightful consequences. But all hope of the kind was + dead within him; he felt that the thunderbolt was inevitable, that nothing + henceforth could stay the catastrophe. And never before had he felt it to + be so near, amidst the happy impudence of some, and the exasperated + distress of others. And it was gathering, and it would surely fall over + that Paris, all lust and bravado, which, when evening came, thus stirred + up its furnace. + </p> + <p> + Tired out and distracted, Pierre raised his eyes as he reached the Place + de l’Opera. Where was he then? The heart of the great city seemed to beat + on this spot, in that vast expanse where met so many thoroughfares, as if + from every point the blood of distant districts flowed thither along + triumphal avenues. Right away to the horizon stretched the great gaps of + the Avenue de l’Opera, the Rue du Quatre-Septembre, and the Rue de la + Paix, still showing clearly in a final glimpse of daylight, but already + starred with swarming sparks. The torrent of the Boulevard traffic poured + across the Place, where clashed, too, all that from the neighbouring + streets, with a constant turning and eddying which made the spot the most + dangerous of whirlpools. In vain did the police seek to impose some little + prudence, the stream of pedestrians still overflowed, wheels became + entangled and horses reared amidst all the uproar of the human tide, which + was as loud, as incessant, as the tempest voice of an ocean. Then there + was the detached mass of the opera-house, slowly steeped in gloom, and + rising huge and mysterious like a symbol, its lyre-bearing figure of + Apollo, right aloft, showing a last reflection of daylight amidst the + livid sky. And all the windows of the house-fronts began to shine, gaiety + sprang from those thousands of lamps which coruscated one by one, a + universal longing for ease and free gratification of each desire spread + with the increasing darkness; whilst, at long intervals, the large globes + of the electric lights shone as brightly as the moons of the city’s + cloudless nights. + </p> + <p> + But why was he, Pierre, there, he asked himself, irritated and wondering. + Since Laveuve was dead he had but to go home, bury himself in his nook, + and close up door and windows, like one who was henceforth useless, who + had neither belief nor hope, and awaited naught save annihilation. It was + a long journey from the Place de l’Opera to his little house at Neuilly. + Still, however great his weariness, he would not take a cab, but retraced + his steps, turning towards the Madeleine again, and plunging into the + scramble of the pavements, amidst the deafening uproar from the roadway, + with a bitter desire to aggravate his wound and saturate himself with + revolt and anger. Was it not yonder at the corner of that street, at the + end of that Boulevard, that he would find the expected abyss into which + that rotten world, whose old society he could hear rending at each step, + must soon assuredly topple? + </p> + <p> + However, when Pierre wished to cross the Rue Scribe a block in the traffic + made him halt. In front of a luxurious cafe two tall, shabbily-clad and + very dirty fellows were alternately offering the “Voix du Peuple” with its + account of the scandals and the bribe-takers of the Chamber and the + Senate, in voices so suggestive of cracked brass that passers-by clustered + around them. And here, in a hesitating, wandering man, who after listening + drew near to the large cafe and peered through its windows, Pierre was + once again amazed to recognise Salvat. This time the meeting struck him + forcibly, filled him with suspicion to such a point that he also stopped + and resolved to watch the journeyman engineer. He did not expect that one + of such wretched aspect, with what seemed to be a hunk of bread distending + his old ragged jacket, would enter and seat himself at one of the cafe’s + little tables amidst the warm gaiety of the lamps. However, he waited for + a moment, and then saw him wander away with slow and broken steps as if + the cafe, which was nearly empty, did not suit him. What could he have + been seeking, whither had he been going, since the morning, ever on a + wild, solitary chase through the Paris of wealth and enjoyment while + hunger dogged his steps? It was only with difficulty that he now dragged + himself along, his will and energy seemed to be exhausted. As if quite + overcome, he drew near to a kiosk, and for a moment leant against it. + Then, however, he drew himself up again, and walked on further, still as + it were in search of something. + </p> + <p> + And now came an incident which brought Pierre’s emotion to a climax. A + tall sturdy man on turning out of the Rue Caumartin caught sight of + Salvat, and approached him. And just as the new comer without false pride + was shaking the workman’s hand, Pierre recognised him as his brother + Guillaume. Yes, it was indeed he, with his thick bushy hair already white + like snow, though he was but seven and forty. However, his heavy + moustaches had remained quite dark without one silver thread, thus lending + an expression of vigorous life to his full face with its lofty towering + brow. It was from his father that he had inherited that brow of + impregnable logic and reason, similar to that which Pierre himself + possessed. But the lower part of the elder brother’s countenance was + fuller than that of his junior; his nose was larger, his chin was square, + and his mouth broad and firm of contour. A pale scar, the mark of an old + wound, streaked his left temple. And his physiognomy, though it might at + first seem very grave, rough, and unexpansive, beamed with masculine + kindliness whenever a smile revealed his teeth, which had remained + extremely white. + </p> + <p> + While looking at his brother, Pierre remembered what Madame Theodore had + told him that morning. Guillaume, touched by Salvat’s dire want, had + arranged to give him a few days’ employment. And this explained the air of + interest with which he now seemed to be questioning him, while the + engineer, whom the meeting disturbed, stamped about as if eager to resume + his mournful ramble. For a moment Guillaume appeared to notice the other’s + perturbation, by the embarrassed answers which he obtained from him. + Still, they at last parted as if each were going his way. Then, however, + almost immediately, Guillaume turned round again and watched the other, as + with harassed stubborn mien he went off through the crowd. And the + thoughts which had come to Guillaume must have been very serious and very + pressing, for he all at once began to retrace his steps and follow the + workman from a distance, as if to ascertain for certain what direction he + would take. + </p> + <p> + Pierre had watched the scene with growing disquietude. His nervous + apprehension of some great unknown calamity, the suspicions born of his + frequent and inexplicable meetings with Salvat, his surprise at now seeing + his brother mingled with the affair, all helped to fill him with a + pressing desire to know, witness, and perhaps prevent. So he did not + hesitate, but began to follow the others in a prudent way. + </p> + <p> + Fresh perturbation came upon him when first Salvat and then Guillaume + suddenly turned into the Rue Godot-de-Mauroy. What destiny was thus + bringing him back to that street whither a little time previously he had + wished to return in feverish haste, and whence only the death of Laveuve + had kept him? And his consternation increased yet further when, after + losing sight of Salvat for a moment, he saw him standing in front of the + Duvillard mansion, on the same spot where he had fancied he recognised him + that morning. As it happened the carriage entrance of the mansion was wide + open. Some repairs had been made to the paving of the porch, and although + the workmen had now gone off, the doorway remained gaping, full of the + falling night. The narrow street, running from the glittering Boulevard, + was steeped in bluish gloom, starred at long intervals by a few gas-lamps. + Some women went by, compelling Salvat to step off the foot-pavement. But + he returned to it again, lighted the stump of a cigar, some remnant which + he had found under a table outside a cafe, and then resumed his watch, + patient and motionless, in front of the mansion. + </p> + <p> + Disturbed by his dim conjectures, Pierre gradually grew frightened, and + asked himself if he ought not to approach that man. The chief thing that + detained him was the presence of his brother, whom he had seen disappear + into a neighbouring doorway, whence he also was observing the engineer, + ready to intervene. And so Pierre contented himself with not losing sight + of Salvat, who was still waiting and watching, merely taking his eyes from + the mansion in order to glance towards the Boulevard as though he expected + someone or something which would come from that direction. And at last, + indeed, the Duvillards’ landau appeared, with coachman and footman in + livery of green and gold—a closed landau to which a pair of tall + horses of superb build were harnessed in stylish fashion. + </p> + <p> + Contrary to custom, however, the carriage, which at that hour usually + brought the father and mother home, was only occupied that evening by the + son and daughter, Hyacinthe and Camille. Returning from the Princess de + Harn’s <i>matinee</i>, they were chatting freely, with that calm immodesty + by which they sought to astonish one another. Hyacinthe, influenced by his + perverted ideas, was attacking women, whilst Camille openly counselled him + to respond to the Princess’s advances. However, she was visibly irritated + and feverish that evening, and, suddenly changing the subject, she began + to speak of their mother and Gerard de Quinsac. + </p> + <p> + “But what can it matter to you?” quietly retorted Hyacinthe; and, seeing + that she almost bounded from the seat at this remark, he continued: “Are + you still in love with him, then? Do you still want to marry him?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do, and I will!” she cried with all the jealous rage of an + uncomely girl, who suffered so acutely at seeing herself spurned whilst + her yet beautiful mother stole from her the man she wanted. + </p> + <p> + “You will, you will!” resumed Hyacinthe, well pleased to have an + opportunity of teasing his sister, whom he somewhat feared. “But you won’t + unless <i>he</i> is willing—And he doesn’t care for you.” + </p> + <p> + “He does!” retorted Camille in a fury. “He’s kind and pleasant with me, + and that’s enough.” + </p> + <p> + Her brother felt afraid as he noticed the blackness of her glance, and the + clenching of her weak little hands, whose fingers bent like claws. And + after a pause he asked: “And papa, what does he say about it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, papa! All that he cares about is the other one.” + </p> + <p> + Then Hyacinthe began to laugh. + </p> + <p> + But the landau, with its tall horses trotting on sonorously, had turned + into the street and was approaching the house, when a slim fair-haired + girl of sixteen or seventeen, a modiste’s errand girl with a large bandbox + on her arm, hastily crossed the road in order to enter the arched doorway + before the carriage. She was bringing a bonnet for the Baroness, and had + come all along the Boulevard musing, with her soft blue eyes, her pinky + nose, and her mouth which ever laughed in the most adorable little face + that one could see. And it was at this same moment that Salvat, after + another glance at the landau, sprang forward and entered the doorway. An + instant afterwards he reappeared, flung his lighted cigar stump into the + gutter; and without undue haste went off, slinking into the depths of the + vague gloom of the street. + </p> + <p> + And then what happened? Pierre, later on, remembered that a dray of the + Western Railway Company in coming up stopped and delayed the landau for a + moment, whilst the young errand girl entered the doorway. And with a + heart-pang beyond description he saw his brother Guillaume in his turn + spring forward and rush into the mansion as though impelled to do so by + some revelation, some sudden certainty. He, Pierre, though he understood + nothing clearly, could divine the approach of some frightful horror. But + when he would have run, when he would have shouted, he found himself as if + nailed to the pavement, and felt his throat clutched as by a hand of lead. + Then suddenly came a thunderous roar, a formidable explosion, as if the + earth was opening, and the lightning-struck mansion was being annihilated. + Every window-pane of the neighbouring houses was shivered, the glass + raining down with the loud clatter of hail. For a moment a hellish flame + fired the street, and the dust and the smoke were such that the few + passers-by were blinded and howled with affright, aghast at toppling, as + they thought, into that fiery furnace. + </p> + <p> + And that dazzling flare brought Pierre enlightenment. He once more saw the + bomb distending the tool-bag, which lack of work had emptied and rendered + useless. He once more saw it under the ragged jacket, a protuberance + caused, he had fancied, by some hunk of bread, picked up in a corner and + treasured that it might be carried home to wife and child. After wandering + and threatening all happy Paris, it was there that it had flared, there + that it had burst with a thunder-clap, there on the threshold of the + sovereign <i>bourgeoisie</i> to whom all wealth belonged. He, however, at + that moment thought only of his brother Guillaume, and flung himself into + that porch where a volcanic crater seemed to have opened. And at first he + distinguished nothing, the acrid smoke streamed over all. Then he + perceived the walls split, the upper floor rent open, the paving broken + up, strewn with fragments. Outside, the landau which had been on the point + of entering, had escaped all injury; neither of the horses had been + touched, nor was there even a scratch on any panel of the vehicle. But the + young girl, the pretty, slim, fair-haired errand girl, lay there on her + back, her stomach ripped open, whilst her delicate face remained intact, + her eyes clear, her smile full of astonishment, so swiftly and + lightning-like had come the catastrophe. And near her, from the fallen + bandbox, whose lid had merely come unfastened, had rolled the bonnet, a + very fragile pink bonnet, which still looked charming in its flowery + freshness. + </p> + <p> + By a prodigy Guillaume was alive and already on his legs again. His left + hand alone streamed with blood, a projectile seemed to have broken his + wrist. His moustaches moreover had been burnt, and the explosion by + throwing him to the ground had so shaken and bruised him that he shivered + from head to feet as with intense cold. Nevertheless, he recognised his + brother without even feeling astonished to see him there, as indeed often + happens after great disasters, when the unexplained becomes providential. + That brother, of whom he had so long lost sight, was there, naturally + enough, because it was necessary that he should be there. And Guillaume, + amidst the wild quivers by which he was shaken, at once cried to him “Take + me away! take me away! To your house at Neuilly, oh! take me away!” + </p> + <p> + Then, for sole explanation, and referring to Salvat, he stammered: “I + suspected that he had stolen a cartridge from me; only one, most + fortunately, for otherwise the whole district would have been blown to + pieces. Ah! the wretched fellow! I wasn’t in time to set my foot upon the + match.” + </p> + <p> + With perfect lucidity of mind, such as danger sometimes imparts, Pierre, + neither speaking nor losing a moment, remembered that the mansion had a + back entrance fronting the Rue Vignon. He had just realised in what + serious peril his brother would be if he were found mixed up in that + affair. And with all speed, when he had led him into the gloom of the Rue + Vignon, he tied his handkerchief round his wrist, which he bade him press + to his chest, under his coat, as that would conceal it. + </p> + <p> + But Guillaume, still shivering and haunted by the horror he had witnessed, + repeated: “Take me away—to your place at Neuilly—not to my + home.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, of course, be easy. Come, wait here a second, I will stop a + cab.” + </p> + <p> + In his eagerness to procure a conveyance, Pierre had brought his brother + down to the Boulevard again. But the terrible thunderclap of the explosion + had upset the whole neighbourhood, horses were still rearing, and people + were running demented, hither and thither. And numerous policemen had + hastened up, and a rushing crowd was already blocking the lower part of + the Rue Godot-de-Mauroy, which was now as black as a pit, every light in + it having been extinguished; whilst on the Boulevard a hawker of the “Voix + du Peuple” still stubbornly vociferated: “The new scandal of the African + Railway Lines! The thirty-two bribe-takers of the Chamber and the Senate! + The approaching fall of the ministry!” + </p> + <p> + Pierre was at last managing to stop a cab when he heard a person who ran + by say to another, “The ministry? Ah, well! that bomb will mend it right + enough!” + </p> + <p> + Then the brothers seated themselves in the cab, which carried them away. + And now, over the whole of rumbling Paris black night had gathered, an + unforgiving night, in which the stars foundered amidst the mist of crime + and anger that had risen from the house-roofs. The great cry of justice + swept by amidst the same terrifying flapping of wings which Sodom and + Gomorrah once heard bearing down upon them from all the black clouds of + the horizon. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0066" id="link2H_4_0066"></a> + BOOK II. + </h2> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0067" id="link2H_4_0067"></a> + I. REVOLUTIONISTS + </h2> + <p> + IN that out-of-the-way street at Neuilly, along which nobody passed after + dusk, Pierre’s little house was now steeped in deep slumber under the + black sky; each of its shutters closed, and not a ray of light stealing + forth from within. And one could divine, too, the profound quietude of the + little garden in the rear, a garden empty and lifeless, benumbed by the + winter cold. + </p> + <p> + Pierre had several times feared that his brother would faint away in the + cab in which they were journeying. Leaning back, and often sinking down, + Guillaume spoke not a word. And terrible was the silence between them—a + silence fraught with all the questions and answers which they felt it + would be useless and painful to exchange at such a time. However, the + priest was anxious about the wound, and wondered to what surgeon he might + apply, desirous as he was of admitting only a sure, staunch man into the + secret, for he had noticed with how keen a desire to disappear his brother + had sought to hide himself. + </p> + <p> + Until they reached the Arc de Triomphe the silence remained unbroken. It + was only there that Guillaume seemed to emerge from the prostration of his + reverie. “Mind, Pierre,” said he, “no doctor. We will attend to this + together.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre was on the point of protesting, but he realised that it would be + useless to discuss the subject at such a moment, and so he merely waved + his hand to signify that he should act in spite of the prohibition were it + necessary. In point of fact, his anxiety had increased, and, when the cab + at last drew up before the house, it was with real relief that he saw his + brother alight without evincing any marked feebleness. He himself quickly + paid the driver, well-pleased, too, at finding that nobody, not even a + neighbour, was about. And having opened the door with his latch key, he + helped the injured man to ascend the steps. + </p> + <p> + A little night lamp glimmered faintly in the vestibule. On hearing the + door open, Pierre’s servant, Sophie, had at once emerged from the kitchen. + A short, thin, dark woman of sixty, she had formed part of the household + for more than thirty years, having served the mother before serving the + son. She knew Guillaume, having seen him when he was a young man, and + doubtless she now recognised him, although well-nigh ten years had gone by + since he had last crossed that threshold. Instead of evincing any + surprise, she seemed to consider his extraordinary return quite natural, + and remained as silent and discreet as usual. She led, indeed, the life of + a recluse, never speaking unless her work absolutely required it. And thus + she now contented herself with saying: “Monsieur l’Abbe, Monsieur + Bertheroy is in the study, and has been waiting there for a quarter of an + hour.” + </p> + <p> + At this Guillaume intervened, as if the news revived him: “Does Bertheroy + still come here, then? I’ll see him willingly. His is one of the best, the + broadest, minds of these days. He has still remained my master.” + </p> + <p> + A former friend of their father,—the illustrious chemist, Michel + Froment,—Bertheroy had now, in his turn, become one of the loftiest + glories of France, one to whom chemistry owed much of the extraordinary + progress that has made it the mother-science, by which the very face of + the earth is being changed. A member of the Institute, laden with offices + and honours, he had retained much affection for Pierre, and occasionally + visited him in this wise before dinner, by way of relaxation, he would + say. + </p> + <p> + “You showed him into the study? All right, then, we will go there,” said + the Abbe to the servant. “Light a lamp and take it into my room, and get + my bed ready so that my brother may go to bed at once.” + </p> + <p> + While Sophie, without a word or sign of surprise, was obeying these + instructions, the brothers went into their father’s former laboratory, of + which the priest had now made a spacious study. And it was with a cry of + joyous astonishment that the <i>savant</i> greeted them on seeing them + enter the room side by side, the one supporting the other. “What, + together!” he exclaimed. “Ah! my dear children, you could not have caused + me greater pleasure! I who have so often deplored your painful + misunderstanding.” + </p> + <p> + Bertheroy was a tall and lean septuagenarian, with angular features. His + yellow skin clung like parchment to the projecting bones of his cheeks and + jaw. Moreover, there was nothing imposing about him; he looked like some + old shop-keeping herbalist. At the same time he had a fine, broad, smooth + brow, and his eyes still glittered brightly beneath his tangled hair. + </p> + <p> + “What, have you injured yourself, Guillaume?” he continued, as soon as he + saw the bandaged hand. + </p> + <p> + Pierre remained silent, so as to let his brother tell the story as he + chose. Guillaume had realised that he must confess the truth, but in + simple fashion, without detailing the circumstances. “Yes, in an + explosion,” he answered, “and I really think that I have my wrist broken.” + </p> + <p> + At this, Bertheroy, whose glance was fixed upon him, noticed that his + moustaches were burnt, and that there was an expression of bewildered + stupor, such as follows a catastrophe, in his eyes. Forthwith the <i>savant</i> + became grave and circumspect; and, without seeking to compel confidence by + any questions, he simply said: “Indeed! an explosion! Will you let me see + the injury? You know that before letting chemistry ensnare me I studied + medicine, and am still somewhat of a surgeon.” + </p> + <p> + On hearing these words Pierre could not restrain a heart-cry: “Yes, yes, + master! Look at the injury—I was very anxious, and to find you here + is unhoped-for good fortune!” + </p> + <p> + The <i>savant</i> glanced at him, and divined that the hidden + circumstances of the accident must be serious. And then, as Guillaume, + smiling, though paling with weakness, consented to the suggestion, + Bertheroy retorted that before anything else he must be put to bed. The + servant just then returned to say the bed was ready, and so they all went + into the adjoining room, where the injured man was soon undressed and + helped between the sheets. + </p> + <p> + “Light me, Pierre,” said Bertheroy, “take the lamp; and let Sophie give me + a basin full of water and some cloths.” Then, having gently washed the + wound, he resumed: “The devil! The wrist isn’t broken, but it’s a nasty + injury. I am afraid there must be a lesion of the bone. Some nails passed + through the flesh, did they not?” + </p> + <p> + Receiving no reply, he relapsed into silence. But his surprise was + increasing, and he closely examined the hand, which the flame of the + explosion had scorched, and even sniffed the shirt cuff as if seeking to + understand the affair better. He evidently recognised the effects of one + of those new explosives which he himself had studied, almost created. In + the present case, however, he must have been puzzled, for there were + characteristic signs and traces the significance of which escaped him. + </p> + <p> + “And so,” he at last made up his mind to ask, carried away by professional + curiosity, “and so it was a laboratory explosion which put you in this + nice condition? What devilish powder were you concocting then?” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, ever since he had seen Bertheroy thus studying his injury, had, + in spite of his sufferings, given marked signs of annoyance and agitation. + And as if the real secret which he wished to keep lay precisely in the + question now put to him, in that powder, the first experiment with which + had thus injured him, he replied with an air of restrained ardour, and a + straight frank glance: “Pray do not question me, master. I cannot answer + you. You have, I know, sufficient nobility of nature to nurse me and care + for me without exacting a confession.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! certainly, my friend,” exclaimed Bertheroy; “keep your secret. Your + discovery belongs to you if you have made one; and I know that you are + capable of putting it to the most generous use. Besides, you must be aware + that I have too great a passion for truth to judge the actions of others, + whatever their nature, without knowing every circumstance and motive.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he waved his hand as if to indicate how broadly tolerant and + free from error and superstition was that lofty sovereign mind of his, + which in spite of all the orders that bedizened him, in spite of all the + academical titles that he bore as an official <i>savant</i>, made him a + man of the boldest and most independent views, one whose only passion was + truth, as he himself said. + </p> + <p> + He lacked the necessary appliances to do more than dress the wound, after + making sure that no fragment of any projectile had remained in the flesh. + Then he at last went off, promising to return at an early hour on the + morrow; and, as the priest escorted him to the street door, he spoke some + comforting words: if the bone had not been deeply injured all would be + well. + </p> + <p> + On returning to the bedside, Pierre found his brother still sitting up and + seeking fresh energy in his desire to write home and tranquillise his + loved ones. So the priest, after providing pen and paper, again had to + take up the lamp and light him. Guillaume fortunately retained full use of + his right hand, and was thus able to pen a few lines to say that he would + not be home that night. He addressed the note to Madame Leroi, the mother + of his deceased mistress, who, since the latter’s death, had remained with + him and had reared his three sons. Pierre was aware also that the + household at Montmartre included a young woman of five or six and twenty, + the daughter of an old friend, to whom Guillaume had given shelter on her + father’s death, and whom he was soon to marry, in spite of the great + difference in their ages. For the priest, however, all these were vague, + disturbing things, condemnable features of disorderly life, and he had + invariably pretended to be ignorant of them. + </p> + <p> + “So you wish this note to be taken to Montmartre at once?” he said to his + brother. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, at once. It is scarcely more than seven o’clock now, and it will be + there by eight. And you will choose a reliable man, won’t you?” + </p> + <p> + “The best course will be for Sophie to take a cab. We need have no fear + with her. She won’t chatter. Wait a moment, and I will settle everything.” + </p> + <p> + Sophie, on being summoned, at once understood what was wanted of her, and + promised to say, in reply to any questions, that M. Guillaume had come to + spend the night at his brother’s, for reasons which she did not know. And + without indulging in any reflections herself, she left the house, saying + simply: “Monsieur l’Abbe’s dinner is ready; he will only have to take the + broth and the stew off the stove.” + </p> + <p> + However, when Pierre this time returned to the bedside to sit down there, + he found that Guillaume had fallen back with his head resting on both + pillows. And he looked very weary and pale, and showed signs of fever. The + lamp, standing on a corner of a side table, cast a soft light around, and + so deep was the quietude that the big clock in the adjoining dining-room + could be heard ticking. For a moment the silence continued around the two + brothers, who, after so many years of separation, were at last re-united + and alone together. Then the injured man brought his right hand to the + edge of the sheet, and the priest grasped it, pressed it tenderly in his + own. And the clasp was a long one, those two brotherly hands remaining + locked, one in the other. + </p> + <p> + “My poor little Pierre,” Guillaume faintly murmured, “you must forgive me + for falling on you in this fashion. I’ve invaded the house and taken your + bed, and I’m preventing you from dining.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t talk, don’t tire yourself any more,” interrupted Pierre. “Is not + this the right place for you when you are in trouble?” + </p> + <p> + A warmer pressure came from Guillaume’s feverish hand, and tears gathered + in his eyes. “Thanks, my little Pierre. I’ve found you again, and you are + as gentle and loving as you always were. Ah! you cannot know how + delightful it seems to me.” + </p> + <p> + Then the priest’s eyes also were dimmed by tears. Amidst the deep + quietude, the great sense of comfort which had followed their violent + emotion, the brothers found an infinite charm in being together once more + in the home of their childhood.* It was there that both their father and + mother had died—the father tragically, struck down by an explosion + in his laboratory; the mother piously, like a very saint. It was there, + too, in that same bed, that Guillaume had nursed Pierre, when, after their + mother’s death, the latter had nearly died; and it was there now that + Pierre in his turn was nursing Guillaume. All helped to bow them down and + fill them with emotion: the strange circumstances of their meeting, the + frightful catastrophe which had caused them such a shock, the + mysteriousness of the things which remained unexplained between them. And + now that after so long a separation they were tragically brought together + again, they both felt their memory awaking. The old house spoke to them of + their childhood, of their parents dead and gone, of the far-away days when + they had loved and suffered there. Beneath the window lay the garden, now + icy cold, which once, under the sunbeams, had re-echoed with their play. + On the left was the laboratory, the spacious room where their father had + taught them to read. On the right, in the dining-room, they could picture + their mother cutting bread and butter for them, and looking so gentle with + her big, despairing eyes—those of a believer mated to an infidel. + And the feeling that they were now alone in that home, and the pale, + sleepy gleam of the lamp, and the deep silence of the garden and the + house, and the very past itself, all filled them with the softest of + emotion blended with the keenest bitterness. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * See M. Zola’s “Lourdes,” Day I., Chapter II. +</pre> + <p> + They would have liked to talk and unbosom themselves. But what could they + say to one another? Although their hands remained so tightly clasped, did + not the most impassable of chasms separate them? In any case, they thought + so. Guillaume was convinced that Pierre was a saint, a priest of the most + robust faith, without a doubt, without aught in common with himself, + whether in the sphere of ideas or in that of practical life. A + hatchet-stroke had parted them, and each lived in a different world. And + in the same way Pierre pictured Guillaume as one who had lost caste, whose + conduct was most suspicious, who had never even married the mother of his + three children, but was on the point of marrying that girl who was far too + young for him, and who had come nobody knew whence. In him, moreover, were + blended the passionate ideas of a <i>savant</i> and a revolutionist, ideas + in which one found negation of everything, acceptance and possibly + provocation of the worst forms of violence, with a glimpse of the vague + monster of Anarchism underlying all. And so, on what basis could there be + any understanding between them, since each retained his prejudices against + the other, and saw him on the opposite side of the chasm, without + possibility of any plank being thrown across it to enable them to unite? + Thus, all alone in that room, their poor hearts bled with distracted + brotherly love. + </p> + <p> + Pierre knew that, on a previous occasion, Guillaume had narrowly escaped + being compromised in an Anarchist affair. He asked him no questions, but + he could not help reflecting that he would not have hidden himself in this + fashion had he not feared arrest for complicity. Complicity with Salvat? + Was he really an accomplice? Pierre shuddered, for the only materials on + which he could found a contrary opinion were, on one hand, the words that + had escaped his brother after the crime, the cry he had raised accusing + Salvat of having stolen a cartridge from him; and, on the other hand, his + heroic rush into the doorway of the Duvillard mansion in order to + extinguish the match. A great deal still remained obscure; but if a + cartridge of that frightful explosive had been stolen from Guillaume the + fact must be that he manufactured such cartridges and had others at home. + Of course, even if he were not an accomplice, the injury to his wrist had + made it needful for him to disappear. Given his bleeding hand, and the + previous suspicions levelled against him, he would never have convinced + anybody of his innocence. And yet, even allowing for these surmises, the + affair remained wrapt in darkness: a crime on Guillaume’s part seemed a + possibility, and to Pierre it was all dreadful to think of. + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, by the trembling of his brother’s moist, yielding hand, must in + some degree have realised the prostration of his poor mind, already + shattered by doubt and finished off by this calamity. Indeed, the + sepulchre was empty now, the very ashes had been swept out of it. + </p> + <p> + “My poor little Pierre,” the elder brother slowly said. “Forgive me if I + do not tell you anything. I cannot do so. And besides, what would be the + use of it? We should certainly not understand one another.... So let us + keep from saying anything, and let us simply enjoy the delight of being + together and loving one another in spite of all.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre raised his eyes, and for a long time their glances lingered, one + fixed on the other. “Ah!” stammered the priest, “how frightful it all is!” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, however, had well understood the mute inquiry of Pierre’s eyes. + His own did not waver but replied boldly, beaming with purity and + loftiness: “I can tell you nothing. Yet, all the same, let us love each + other, my little Pierre.” + </p> + <p> + And then Pierre for a moment felt that his brother was above all base + anxiety, above the guilty fear of the man who trembles for himself. In + lieu thereof he seemed to be carried away by the passion of some great + design, the noble thought of concealing some sovereign idea, some secret + which it was imperative for him to save. But, alas! this was only the + fleeting vision of a vague hope; for all vanished, and again came the + doubt, the suspicion, of a mind dealing with one that it knew nothing of. + </p> + <p> + And all at once a souvenir, a frightful spectacle, arose before Pierre’s + eyes and distracted him: “Did you see, brother,” he stammered, “did you + see that fair-haired girl lying under the archway, ripped open, with a + smile of astonishment on her face?” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume in his turn quivered, and in a low and dolorous voice replied: + “Yes, I saw her! Ah, poor little thing! Ah! the atrocious necessities, the + atrocious errors, of justice!” + </p> + <p> + Then, amidst the frightful shudder that seemed to sweep by, Pierre, with + his horror of all violence, succumbed, and let his face sink upon the + counterpane at the edge of the bed. And he sobbed distractedly: a sudden + attack of weakness, overflowing in tears, cast him there exhausted, with + no more strength than a child. It was as if all his sufferings since the + morning, the deep grief with which universal injustice and woe inspired + him, were bursting forth in that flood of tears which nothing now could + stay. And Guillaume, who, to calm his little brother, had set his hand + upon his head, in the same way as he had often caressingly stroked his + hair in childhood’s days, likewise felt upset and remained silent, unable + to find a word of consolation, resigned, as he was, to the eruption which + in life is always possible, the cataclysm by which the slow evolution of + nature is always liable to be precipitated. But how hard a fate for the + wretched ones whom the lava sweeps away in millions! And then his tears + also began to flow amidst the profound silence. + </p> + <p> + “Pierre,” he gently exclaimed at last, “you must have some dinner. Go, go + and have some. And screen the lamp; leave me by myself, and let me close + my eyes. It will do me good.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre had to content him. Still, he left the dining-room door open; and, + weak for want of food, though he had not hitherto noticed it, he ate + standing, with his ears on the alert, listening lest his brother should + complain or call him. And the silence seemed to have become yet more + complete, the little house sank, as it were, into annihilation, instinct + with all the melancholy charm of the past. + </p> + <p> + At about half-past eight, when Sophie returned from her errand to + Montmartre, Guillaume heard her step, light though it was. And he at once + became restless and wanted to know what news she brought. It was Pierre, + however, who enlightened him. “Don’t be anxious. Sophie was received by an + old lady who, after reading your note, merely answered, ‘Very well.’ She + did not even ask Sophie a question, but remained quite composed without + sign of curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, realising that this fine serenity perplexed his brother, + thereupon replied with similar calmness: “Oh! it was only necessary that + grandmother should be warned. She knows well enough that if I don’t return + home it is because I can’t.” + </p> + <p> + However, from that moment it was impossible for the injured man to rest. + Although the lamp was hidden away in a corner, he constantly opened his + eyes, glanced round him, and seemed to listen, as if for sounds from the + direction of Paris. And it at last became necessary for the priest to + summon the servant and ask her if she had noticed anything strange on her + way to or from Montmartre. She seemed surprised by the question, and + answered that she had noticed nothing. Besides, the cab had followed the + outer boulevards, which were almost deserted. A slight fog had again begun + to fall, and the streets were steeped in icy dampness. + </p> + <p> + By the time it was nine o’clock Pierre realised that his brother would + never be able to sleep if he were thus left without news. Amidst his + growing feverishness the injured man experienced keen anxiety, a haunting + desire to know if Salvat were arrested and had spoken out. He did not + confess this; indeed he sought to convey the impression that he had no + personal disquietude, which was doubtless true. But his great secret was + stifling him; he shuddered at the thought that his lofty scheme, all his + labour and all his hope, should be at the mercy of that unhappy man whom + want had filled with delusions and who had sought to set justice upon + earth by the aid of a bomb. And in vain did the priest try to make + Guillaume understand that nothing certain could yet be known. He perceived + that his impatience increased every minute, and at last resolved to make + some effort to satisfy him. + </p> + <p> + But where could he go, of whom could he inquire? Guillaume, while talking + and trying to guess with whom Salvat might have sought refuge, had + mentioned Janzen, the Princess de Harn’s mysterious lover; and for a + moment he had even thought of sending to this man for information. But he + reflected that if Janzen had heard of the explosion he was not at all the + individual to wait for the police at home. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Pierre repeated: “I will willingly go to buy the evening papers + for you—but there will certainly be nothing in them. Although I know + almost everyone in Neuilly I can think of nobody who is likely to have any + information, unless perhaps it were Bache—” + </p> + <p> + “You know Bache, the municipal councillor?” interrupted Guillaume. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we have both had to busy ourselves with charitable work in the + neighbourhood.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Bache is an old friend of mine, and I know no safer man. Pray go to + him and bring him back with you.” + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour later Pierre returned with Bache, who resided in a + neighbouring street. And it was not only Bache whom he brought with him, + for, much to his surprise, he had found Janzen at Bache’s house. As + Guillaume had suspected, Janzen, while dining at the Princess de Harn’s, + had heard of the crime, and had consequently refrained from returning to + his little lodging in the Rue des Martyrs, where the police might well + have set a trap for him. His connections were known, and he was aware that + he was watched and was liable at any moment to arrest or expulsion as a + foreign Anarchist. And so he had thought it prudent to solicit a few days’ + hospitality of Bache, a very upright and obliging man, to whom he + entrusted himself without fear. He would never have remained with + Rosemonde, that adorable lunatic who for a month past had been exhibiting + him as her lover, and whose useless and dangerous extravagance of conduct + he fully realised. + </p> + <p> + Guillaume was so delighted on seeing Bache and Janzen that he wished to + sit up in bed again. But Pierre bade him remain quiet, rest his head on + the pillows, and speak as little as possible. Then, while Janzen stood + near, erect and silent, Bache took a chair and sat down by the bedside + with many expressions of friendly interest. He was a stout man of sixty, + with a broad, full face, a large white beard and long white hair. His + little, gentle eyes had a dim, dreamy expression, while a pleasant, + hopeful smile played round his thick lips. His father, a fervent St. + Simonian, had brought him up in the doctrines of that belief. While + retaining due respect for it, however, his personal inclinations towards + orderliness and religion had led him to espouse the ideas of Fourier, in + such wise that one found in him a succession and an abridgment, so to say, + of two doctrines. Moreover, when he was about thirty, he had busied + himself with spiritualism. Possessed of a comfortable little fortune, his + only adventure in life had been his connection with the Paris Commune of + 1871. How or why he had become a member of it he could now scarcely tell. + Condemned to death by default, although he had sat among the Moderates, he + had resided in Belgium until the amnesty; and since then Neuilly had + elected him as its representative on the Paris Municipal Council, less by + way of glorifying in him a victim of reaction than as a reward for his + worthiness, for he was really esteemed by the whole district. + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, with his desire for tidings, was obliged to confide in his two + visitors, tell them of the explosion and Salvat’s flight, and how he + himself had been wounded while seeking to extinguish the match. Janzen, + with curly beard and hair, and a thin, fair face such as painters often + attribute to the Christ, listened coldly, as was his wont, and at last + said slowly in a gentle voice: “Ah! so it was Salvat! I thought it might + be little Mathis—I’m surprised that it should be Salvat—for he + hadn’t made up his mind.” Then, as Guillaume anxiously inquired if he + thought that Salvat would speak out, he began to protest: “Oh! no; oh! + no.” + </p> + <p> + However, he corrected himself with a gleam of disdain in his clear, harsh + eyes: “After all, there’s no telling. Salvat is a man of sentiment.” + </p> + <p> + Then Bache, who was quite upset by the news of the explosion, tried to + think how his friend Guillaume, to whom he was much attached, might be + extricated from any charge of complicity should he be denounced. And + Guillaume, at sight of Janzen’s contemptuous coldness, must have suffered + keenly, for the other evidently believed him to be trembling, tortured by + the one desire to save his own skin. But what could he say, how could he + reveal the deep concern which rendered him so feverish without betraying + the secret which he had hidden even from his brother? + </p> + <p> + However, at this moment Sophie came to tell her master that M. Theophile + Morin had called with another gentleman. Much astonished by this visit at + so late an hour, Pierre hastened into the next room to receive the new + comers. He had become acquainted with Morin since his return from Rome, + and had helped him to introduce a translation of an excellent scientific + manual, prepared according to the official programmes, into the Italian + schools.* A Franc-Comtois by birth, a compatriot of Proudhon, with whose + poor family he had been intimate at Besancon, Morin, himself the son of a + journeyman clockmaker, had grown up with Proudhonian ideas, full of + affection for the poor and an instinctive hatred of property and wealth. + Later on, having come to Paris as a school teacher, impassioned by study, + he had given his whole mind to Auguste Comte. Beneath the fervent + Positivist, however, one might yet find the old Proudhonian, the pauper + who rebelled and detested want. Moreover, it was scientific Positivism + that he clung to; in his hatred of all mysticism he would have naught to + do with the fantastic religious leanings of Comte in his last years. And + in Morin’s brave, consistent, somewhat mournful life, there had been but + one page of romance: the sudden feverish impulse which had carried him off + to fight in Sicily by Garibaldi’s side. Afterwards he had again become a + petty professor in Paris, obscurely earning a dismal livelihood. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * See M. Zola’s “Rome,” Chapters IV. and XVI. +</pre> + <p> + When Pierre returned to the bedroom he said to his brother in a tone of + emotion: “Morin has brought me Barthes, who fancies himself in danger and + asks my hospitality.” + </p> + <p> + At this Guillaume forgot himself and became excited: “Nicholas Barthes, a + hero with a soul worthy of antiquity. Oh! I know him; I admire and love + him. You must set your door open wide for him.” + </p> + <p> + Bache and Janzen, however, had glanced at one another smiling. And the + latter, with his cold ironical air, slowly remarked: “Why does Monsieur + Barthes hide himself? A great many people think he is dead; he is simply a + ghost who no longer frightens anybody.” + </p> + <p> + Four and seventy years of age as he now was, Barthes had spent nearly half + a century in prison. He was the eternal prisoner, the hero of liberty whom + each successive Government had carried from citadel to fortress. Since his + youth he had been marching on amidst his dream of fraternity, fighting for + an ideal Republic based on truth and justice, and each and every endeavour + had led him to a dungeon; he had invariably finished his humanitarian + reverie under bolts and bars. Carbonaro, Republican, evangelical + sectarian, he had conspired at all times and in all places, incessantly + struggling against the Power of the day, whatever it might be. And when + the Republic at last had come, that Republic which had cost him so many + years of gaol, it had, in its own turn, imprisoned him, adding fresh years + of gloom to those which already had lacked sunlight. And thus he remained + the martyr of freedom: freedom which he still desired in spite of + everything; freedom, which, strive as he might, never came, never existed. + </p> + <p> + “But you are mistaken,” replied Guillaume, wounded by Janzen’s raillery. + “There is again a thought of getting rid of Barthes, whose uncompromising + rectitude disturbs our politicians; and he does well to take his + precautions!” + </p> + <p> + Nicholas Barthes came in, a tall, slim, withered old man, with a nose like + an eagle’s beak, and eyes that still burned in their deep sockets, under + white and bushy brows. His mouth, toothless but still refined, was lost to + sight between his moustaches and snowy beard; and his hair, crowning him + whitely like an aureola, fell in curls over his shoulders. Behind him with + all modesty came Theophile Morin, with grey whiskers, grey, brush-like + hair, spectacles, and yellow, weary mien—that of an old professor + exhausted by years of teaching. Neither of them seemed astonished or + awaited an explanation on finding that man in bed with an injured wrist. + And there were no introductions: those who were acquainted merely smiled + at one another. + </p> + <p> + Barthes, for his part, stooped and kissed Guillaume on both cheeks. “Ah!” + said the latter, almost gaily, “it gives me courage to see you.” + </p> + <p> + However, the new comers had brought a little information. The boulevards + were in an agitated state, the news of the crime had spread from cafe to + cafe, and everybody was anxious to see the late edition which one paper + had published giving a very incorrect account of the affair, full of the + most extraordinary details. Briefly, nothing positive was as yet known. + </p> + <p> + On seeing Guillaume turn pale Pierre compelled him to lie down again, and + even talked of taking the visitors into the next room. But the injured man + gently replied: “No, no, I promise you that I won’t stir again, that I + won’t open my mouth. But stay there and chat together. I assure you that + it will do me good to have you near me and hear you.” + </p> + <p> + Then, under the sleepy gleams of the lamp, the others began to talk in + undertones. Old Barthes, who considered that bomb to be both idiotic and + abominable, spoke of it with the stupefaction of one who, after fighting + like a hero through all the legendary struggles for liberty, found himself + belated, out of his element, in a new era, which he could not understand. + Did not the conquest of freedom suffice for everything? he added. Was + there any other problem beyond that of founding the real Republic? Then, + referring to Mege and his speech in the Chamber that afternoon, he + bitterly arraigned Collectivism, which he declared to be one of the + democratic forms of tyranny. Theophile Morin, for his part, also spoke + against the Collectivist enrolling of the social forces, but he professed + yet greater hatred of the odious violence of the Anarchists; for it was + only by evolution that he expected progress, and he felt somewhat + indifferent as to what political means might bring about the scientific + society of to-morrow. And in like way Bache did not seem particularly fond + of the Anarchists, though he was touched by the idyllic dream, the + humanitarian hope, whose germs lay beneath their passion for destruction. + And, like Barthes, he also flew into a passion with Mege, who since + entering the Chamber had become, said he, a mere rhetorician and theorist, + dreaming of dictatorship. Meantime Janzen, still erect, his face frigid + and his lips curling ironically, listened to all three of them, and vented + a few trenchant words to express his own Anarchist faith; the uselessness + of drawing distinctions, and the necessity of destroying everything in + order that everything might be rebuilt on fresh lines. + </p> + <p> + Pierre, who had remained near the bed, also listened with passionate + attention. Amidst the downfall of his own beliefs, the utter void which he + felt within him, here were these four men, who represented the cardinal + points of this century’s ideas, debating the very same terrible problem + which brought him so much suffering, that of the new belief which the + democracy of the coming century awaits. And, ah! since the days of the + immediate ancestors, since the days of Voltaire and Diderot and Rousseau + how incessantly had billows of ideas followed and jostled one another, the + older ones giving birth to new ones, and all breaking and bounding in a + tempest in which it was becoming so difficult to distinguish anything + clearly! Whence came the wind, and whither was the ship of salvation + going, for what port ought one to embark? Pierre had already thought that + the balance-sheet of the century ought to be drawn up, and that, after + accepting the legacies of Rousseau and the other precursors, he ought to + study the ideas of St. Simon, Fourier and even Cabet; of Auguste Comte, + Proudhon and Karl Marx as well, in order, at any rate, to form some idea + of the distance that had been travelled, and of the cross-ways which one + had now reached. And was not this an opportunity, since chance had + gathered those men together in his house, living exponents of the + conflicting doctrines which he wished to examine? + </p> + <p> + On turning round, however, he perceived that Guillaume was now very pale + and had closed his eyes. Had even he, with his faith in science, felt the + doubt which is born of contradictory theories, and the despair which comes + when one sees the fight for truth resulting in growth of error? + </p> + <p> + “Are you in pain?” the priest anxiously inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a little. But I will try to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + At this they all went off with silent handshakes. Nicholas Barthes alone + remained in the house and slept in a room on the first floor which Sophie + had got ready for him. Pierre, unwilling to quit his brother, dozed off + upon a sofa. And the little house relapsed into its deep quietude, the + silence of solitude and winter, through which passed the melancholy quiver + of the souvenirs of childhood. + </p> + <p> + In the morning, as soon as it was seven o’clock, Pierre had to go for the + newspapers. Guillaume had passed a bad night and intense fever had set in. + Nevertheless, his brother was obliged to read him the articles on the + explosion. There was an amazing medley of truths and inventions, of + precise information lost amidst the most unexpected extravagance. + Sagnier’s paper, the “Voix du Peuple,” distinguished itself by its + sub-titles in huge print and a whole page of particulars jumbled together + chance-wise. It had at once decided to postpone the famous list of the + thirty-two deputies and senators compromised in the African Railways + affair; and there was no end to the details it gave of the aspect of the + entrance to the Duvillard mansion after the explosion the pavement broken + up, the upper floor rent open, the huge doors torn away from their hinges. + Then came the story of the Baron’s son and daughter preserved as by a + miracle, the landau escaping the slightest injury, while the banker and + his wife, it was alleged, owed their preservation to the circumstance that + they had lingered at the Madeleine after Monseigneur Martha’s remarkable + address there. An entire column was given to the one victim, the poor, + pretty, fair-haired errand girl, whose identity did not seem to be clearly + established, although a flock of reporters had rushed first to the modiste + employing her, in the Avenue de l’Opera, and next to the upper part of the + Faubourg St. Denis, where it was thought her grandmother resided. Then, in + a gravely worded article in “Le Globe,” evidently inspired by Fonsegue, an + appeal was made to the Chamber’s patriotism to avoid giving cause for any + ministerial crisis in the painful circumstances through which the country + was passing. Thus the ministry might last, and live in comparative + quietude, for a few weeks longer. + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, however, was struck by one point only: the culprit was not + known; Salvat, it appeared certain, was neither arrested nor even + suspected. It seemed, indeed, as if the police were starting on a false + scent—that of a well-dressed gentleman wearing gloves, whom a + neighbour swore he had seen entering the mansion at the moment of the + explosion. Thus Guillaume became a little calmer. But his brother read to + him from another paper some particulars concerning the engine of + destruction that had been employed. It was a preserved-meat can, and the + fragments of it showed that it had been comparatively small. And Guillaume + relapsed into anxiety on learning that people were much astonished at the + violent ravages of such a sorry appliance, and that the presence of some + new explosive of incalculable power was already suspected. + </p> + <p> + At eight o’clock Bertheroy put in an appearance. Although he was + sixty-eight, he showed as much briskness and sprightliness as any young + sawbones calling in a friendly way to perform a little operation. He had + brought an instrument case, some linen bands and some lint. However, he + became angry on finding the injured man nervous, flushed and hot with + fever. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I see that you haven’t been reasonable, my dear child,” said he. “You + must have talked too much, and have bestirred and excited yourself.” Then, + having carefully probed the wound, he added, while dressing it: “The bone + is injured, you know, and I won’t answer for anything unless you behave + better. Any complications would make amputation necessary.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre shuddered, but Guillaume shrugged his shoulders, as if to say that + he might just as well be amputated since all was crumbling around him. + Bertheroy, who had sat down, lingering there for another moment, + scrutinised both brothers with his keen eyes. He now knew of the + explosion, and must have thought it over. “My dear child,” he resumed in + his brusque way, “I certainly don’t think that you committed that + abominable act of folly in the Rue Godot-de-Mauroy. But I fancy that you + were in the neighbourhood—no, no, don’t answer me, don’t defend + yourself. I know nothing and desire to know nothing, not even the formula + of that devilish powder of which your shirt cuff bore traces, and which + has wrought such terrible havoc.” + </p> + <p> + And then as the brothers remained surprised, turning cold with anxiety, in + spite of his assurances, he added with a sweeping gesture: “Ah! my + friends, I regard such an action as even more useless than criminal! I + only feel contempt for the vain agitation of politics, whether they be + revolutionary or conservative. Does not science suffice? Why hasten the + times when one single step of science brings humanity nearer to the goal + of truth and justice than do a hundred years of politics and social + revolt? Why, it is science alone which sweeps away dogmas, casts down + gods, and creates light and happiness. And I, Member of the Institute as I + am, decorated and possessed of means, I am the only true Revolutionist.” + </p> + <p> + Then he began to laugh and Guillaume realised all the good-natured irony + of his laugh. While admiring him as a great <i>savant</i>, he had hitherto + suffered at seeing him lead such a <i>bourgeois</i> life, accepting + whatever appointments and honours were offered him, a Republican under the + Republic, but quite ready to serve science under no matter what master. + But now, from beneath this opportunist, this hieratical <i>savant</i>, + this toiler who accepted wealth and glory from all hands, there appeared a + quiet yet terrible evolutionist, who certainly expected that his own work + would help to ravage and renew the world! + </p> + <p> + However, Bertheroy rose and took his leave: “I’ll come back; behave + sensibly, and love one another as well as you can.” + </p> + <p> + When the brothers again found themselves alone, Pierre seated at + Guillaume’s bedside, their hands once more sought each other and met in a + burning clasp instinct with all their anguish. How much threatening + mystery and distress there was both around and within them! The grey + wintry daylight came into the room, and they could see the black trees in + the garden, while the house remained full of quivering silence, save that + overhead a faint sound of footsteps was audible. They were the steps of + Nicholas Barthes, the heroic lover of freedom, who, rising at daybreak, + had, like a caged lion, resumed his wonted promenade, the incessant coming + and going of one who had ever been a prisoner. And as the brothers ceased + listening to him their eyes fell on a newspaper which had remained open on + the bed, a newspaper soiled by a sketch in outline which pretended to + portray the poor dead errand girl, lying, ripped open, beside the bandbox + and the bonnet it had contained. It was so frightful, so atrociously + hideous a scene, that two big tears again fell upon Pierre’s cheeks, + whilst Guillaume’s blurred, despairing eyes gazed wistfully far away, + seeking for the Future. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0068" id="link2H_4_0068"></a> + II. A HOME OF INDUSTRY + </h2> + <p> + THE little house in which Guillaume had dwelt for so many years, a home of + quietude and hard work, stood in the pale light of winter up yonder at + Montmartre, peacefully awaiting his return. He reflected, however, after + <i>dejeuner</i> that it might not be prudent for him to go back thither + for some three weeks, and so he thought of sending Pierre to explain the + position of affairs. “Listen, brother,” he said. “You must render me this + service. Go and tell them the truth—that I am here, slightly + injured, and do not wish them to come to see me, for fear lest somebody + should follow them and discover my retreat. After the note I wrote them + last evening they would end by getting anxious if I did not send them some + news.” Then, yielding to the one worry which, since the previous night, + had disturbed his clear, frank glance, he added: “Just feel in the + right-hand pocket of my waistcoat; you will find a little key there. Good! + that’s it. Now you must give it to Madame Leroi, my mother-in-law, and + tell her that if any misfortune should happen to me, she is to do what is + understood between us. That will suffice, she will understand you.” + </p> + <p> + At the first moment Pierre had hesitated; but he saw how even the slight + effort of speaking exhausted his brother, so he silenced him, saying: + “Don’t talk, but put your mind at ease. I will go and reassure your + people, since you wish that this commission should be undertaken by me.” + </p> + <p> + Truth to tell, the errand was so distasteful to Pierre that he had at + first thought of sending Sophie in his place. All his old prejudices were + reviving; it was as if he were going to some ogre’s den. How many times + had he not heard his mother say “that creature!” in referring to the woman + with whom her elder son cohabited. Never had she been willing to kiss + Guillaume’s boys; the whole connection had shocked her, and she was + particularly indignant that Madame Leroi, the woman’s mother, should have + joined the household for the purpose of bringing up the little ones. + Pierre retained so strong a recollection of all this that even nowadays, + when he went to the basilica of the Sacred Heart and passed the little + house on his way, he glanced at it distrustfully, and kept as far from it + as he could, as if it were some abode of vice and error. Undoubtedly, for + ten years now, the boys’ mother had been dead, but did not another + scandal-inspiring creature dwell there, that young orphan girl to whom his + brother had given shelter, and whom he was going to marry, although a + difference of twenty years lay between them? To Pierre all this was + contrary to propriety, abnormal and revolting, and he pictured a home + given over to social rebellion, where lack of principle led to every kind + of disorder. + </p> + <p> + However, he was leaving the room to start upon his journey, when Guillaume + called him back. “Tell Madame Leroi,” said he, “that if I should die you + will let her know of it, so that she may immediately do what is + necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” answered Pierre. “But calm yourself, and don’t move about. + I’ll say everything. And in my absence Sophie will stop here with you in + case you should need her.” + </p> + <p> + Having given full instructions to the servant, Pierre set out to take a + tramcar, intending to alight from it on the Boulevard de Rochechouart, and + then climb the height on foot. And on the road, lulled by the gliding + motion of the heavy vehicle, he began to think of his brother’s past life + and connections, with which he was but vaguely, imperfectly, acquainted. + It was only at a later date that details of everything came to his + knowledge. In 1850 a young professor named Leroi, who had come from Paris + to the college of Montauban with the most ardent republican ideas, had + there married Agathe Dagnan, the youngest of the five girls of an old + Protestant family from the Cevennes. Young Madame Leroi was <i>enceinte</i> + when her husband, threatened with arrest for contributing some violent + articles to a local newspaper, immediately after the “Coup d’Etat,” found + himself obliged to seek refuge at Geneva. It was there that the young + couple’s daughter, Marguerite, a very delicate child, was born in 1852. + For seven years, that is until the Amnesty of 1859, the household + struggled with poverty, the husband giving but a few ill-paid lessons, and + the wife absorbed in the constant care which the child required. Then, + after their return to Paris, their ill-luck became even greater. For a + long time the ex-professor vainly sought regular employment; it was denied + him on account of his opinions, and he had to run about giving lessons in + private houses. When he was at last on the point of being received back + into the University a supreme blow, an attack of paralysis, fell upon him. + He lost the use of both legs. And then came utter misery, every kind of + sordid drudgery, the writing of articles for dictionaries, the copying of + manuscripts, and even the addressing of newspaper wrappers, on the fruits + of which the household barely contrived to live, in a little lodging in + the Rue Monsieur-le-Prince. + </p> + <p> + It was there that Marguerite grew up. Leroi, embittered by injustice and + suffering, predicted the advent of a Republic which would avenge the + follies of the Empire, and a reign of science which would sweep away the + deceptive and cruel divinity of religious dogmas. On the other hand, + Agathe’s religious faith had collapsed at Geneva, at sight of the narrow + and imbecile practices of Calvinism, and all that she retained of it was + the old Protestant leaven of rebellion. She had become at once the head + and the arm of the house; she went for her husband’s work, took it back + when completed, and even did much of it herself, whilst, at the same time, + performing her house duties, and rearing and educating her daughter. The + latter, who attended no school, was indebted for all she learnt to her + father and mother, on whose part there was never any question of religious + instruction. Through contact with her husband, Madame Leroi had lost all + belief, and her Protestant heredity inclining her to free inquiry and + examination, she had arranged for herself a kind of peaceful atheism, + based on paramount principles of human duty and justice, which she applied + courageously, irrespective of all social conventionalities. The long + iniquity of her husband’s fate, the undeserved misfortunes which struck + her through him and her daughter, ended by endowing her with wonderful + fortitude and devotion, which made her, whether as a judge, a manager, or + a consoler, a woman of incomparable energy and nobleness of character. + </p> + <p> + It was in the Rue Monsieur-le-Prince that Guillaume became acquainted with + the Leroi family, after the war of 1870. On the same floor as their little + lodging he occupied a large room, where he devoted himself passionately to + his studies. At the outset there was only an occasional bow, for + Guillaume’s neighbours were very proud and very grave, leading their life + of poverty in fierce silence and retirement. Then intercourse began with + the rendering of little services, such as when the young man procured the + ex-professor a commission to write a few articles for a new encyclopaedia. + But all at once came the catastrophe: Leroi died in his armchair one + evening while his daughter was wheeling him from his table to his bed. The + two distracted women had not even the money to bury him. The whole secret + of their bitter want flowed forth with their tears, and they were obliged + to accept the help of Guillaume, who, from that moment, became the + necessary confidant and friend. And the thing which was bound to happen + did happen, in the most simple and loving manner, permitted by the mother + herself, who, full of contempt for a social system which allowed those of + good hearts to die of hunger, refused to admit the necessity of any social + tie. Thus there was no question of a regular marriage. One day Guillaume, + who was twenty-three years old, found himself mated to Marguerite, who was + twenty; both of them handsome, healthy, and strong, adoring one another, + loving work, and full of hope in the future. + </p> + <p> + From that moment a new life began. Since his father’s death, Guillaume, + who had broken off all intercourse with his mother, had been receiving an + allowance of two hundred francs a month. This just represented daily + bread; however, he was already doubling the amount by his work as a + chemist,—his analyses and researches, which tended to the employment + of certain chemical products in industry. So he and Marguerite installed + themselves on the very summit of Montmartre, in a little house, at a + rental of eight hundred francs a year, the great convenience of the place + being a strip of garden, where one might, later on, erect a wooden + workshop. In all tranquillity Madame Leroi took up her abode with the + young people, helping them, and sparing them the necessity of keeping a + second servant. And at successive intervals of two years, her three + grandchildren were born, three sturdy boys: first Thomas, then Francois, + and then Antoine. And in the same way as she had devoted herself to her + husband and daughter, and then to Guillaume, so did she now devote herself + to the three children. She became “Mere-Grand”—an emphatic and + affectionate way of expressing the term “grandmother”—for all who + lived in the house, the older as well as the younger ones. She there + personified sense, and wisdom, and courage; it was she who was ever on the + watch, who directed everything, who was consulted about everything, and + whose opinion was always followed. Indeed, she reigned there like an + all-powerful queen-mother. + </p> + <p> + For fifteen years this life went on, a life of hard work and peaceful + affection, while the strictest economy was observed in contenting every + need of the modest little household. Then Guillaume lost his mother, took + his share of the family inheritance, and was able to satisfy his old + desire, which was to buy the house he lived in, and build a spacious + workshop in the garden. He was even able to build it of bricks, and add an + upper story to it. But the work was scarcely finished, and life seemed to + be on the point of expanding and smiling on them all, when misfortune + returned, and typhoid fever, with brutal force, carried off Marguerite, + after a week’s illness. She was then five and thirty, and her eldest boy, + Thomas, was fourteen. Thus Guillaume, distracted by his loss, found + himself a widower at thirty-eight. The thought of introducing any unknown + woman into that retired home, where all hearts beat in tender unison, was + so unbearable to him that he determined to take no other mate. His work + absorbed him, and he would know how to quiet both his heart and his flesh. + Mere-Grand, fortunately, was still there, erect and courageous; the + household retained its queen, and in her the children found a manageress + and teacher, schooled in adversity and heroism. + </p> + <p> + Two years passed; and then came an addition to the family. A young woman, + Marie Couturier, the daughter of one of Guillaume’s friends, suddenly + entered it. Couturier had been an inventor, a madman with some measure of + genius, and had spent a fairly large fortune in attempting all sorts of + fantastic schemes. His wife, a very pious woman, had died of grief at it + all; and although on the rare occasions when he saw his daughter, he + showed great fondness for her and loaded her with presents, he had first + placed her in a boarding college, and afterwards left her in the charge of + a poor female relative. Remembering her only on his death-bed, he had + begged Guillaume to give her an asylum, and find her a husband. The poor + relation, who dealt in ladies’ and babies’ linen, had just become a + bankrupt. So, at nineteen, the girl, Marie, found herself a penniless + outcast, possessed of nothing save a good education, health and courage. + Guillaume would never allow her to run about giving lessons. He took her, + in quite a natural way, to help Mere-Grand, who was no longer so active as + formerly. And the latter approved the arrangement, well pleased at the + advent of youth and gaiety, which would somewhat brighten the household, + whose life had been one of much gravity ever since Marguerite’s death. + Marie would simply be an elder sister; she was too old for the boys, who + were still at college, to be disturbed by her presence. And she would work + in that house where everybody worked. She would help the little community + pending the time when she might meet and love some worthy fellow who would + marry her. + </p> + <p> + Five more years elapsed without Marie consenting to quit that happy home. + The sterling education she had received was lodged in a vigorous brain, + which contented itself with the acquirement of knowledge. Yet she had + remained very pure and healthy, even very <i>naive</i>, maidenly by reason + of her natural rectitude. And she was also very much a woman, beautifying + and amusing herself with a mere nothing, and ever showing gaiety and + contentment. Moreover, she was in no wise of a dreamy nature, but very + practical, always intent on some work or other, and only asking of life + such things as life could give, without anxiety as to what might lie + beyond it. She lovingly remembered her pious mother, who had prepared her + for her first Communion in tears, imagining that she was opening heaven’s + portals to her. But since she had been an orphan she had of her own accord + ceased all practice of religion, her good sense revolting and scorning the + need of any moral police regulations to make her do her duty. Indeed, she + considered such regulations dangerous and destructive of true health. + Thus, like Mere-Grand, she had come to a sort of quiet and almost + unconscious atheism, not after the fashion of one who reasons, but simply + like the brave, healthy girl she was, one who had long endured poverty + without suffering from it, and believed in nothing save the necessity of + effort. She had been kept erect, indeed, by her conviction that happiness + was to be found in the normal joys of life, lived courageously. And her + happy equilibrium of mind had ever guided and saved her, in such wise that + she willingly listened to her natural instinct, saying, with her pleasant + laugh, that this was, after all, her best adviser. She rejected two offers + of marriage, and on the second occasion, as Guillaume pressed her to + accept, she grew astonished, and inquired if he had had enough of her in + the house. She found herself very comfortable, and she rendered service + there. So why should she leave and run the risk of being less happy + elsewhere, particularly as she was not in love with anybody? + </p> + <p> + Then, by degrees, the idea of a marriage between Marie and Guillaume + presented itself; and indeed what could have been more reasonable and + advantageous for all? If Guillaume had not mated again it was for his + sons’ sake, because he feared that by introducing a stranger to the house + he might impair its quietude and gaiety. But now there was a woman among + them who already showed herself maternal towards the boys, and whose + bright youth had ended by disturbing his own heart. He was still in his + prime, and had always held that it was not good for man to live alone, + although, personally, thanks to his ardour for work, he had hitherto + escaped excessive suffering in his bereavement. However, there was the + great difference of ages to be considered; and he would have bravely + remained in the background and have sought a younger husband for Marie, if + his three big sons and Mere-Grand herself had not conspired to effect his + happiness by doing all they could to bring about a marriage which would + strengthen every home tie and impart, as it were, a fresh springtide to + the house. As for Marie, touched and grateful to Guillaume for the manner + in which he had treated her for five years past, she immediately consented + with an impulse of sincere affection, in which, she fancied, she could + detect love. And at all events, could she act in a more sensible, + reasonable way, base her life on more certain prospects of happiness? So + the marriage had been resolved upon; and about a month previously it had + been decided that it should take place during the ensuing spring, towards + the end of April. + </p> + <p> + When Pierre, after alighting from the tramcar, began to climb the + interminable flights of steps leading to the Rue St. Eleuthere, a feeling + of uneasiness again came over him at the thought that he was about to + enter that suspicious ogre’s den where everything would certainly wound + and irritate him. Given the letter which Sophie had carried thither on the + previous night, announcing that the master would not return, how anxious + and upset must all its inmates be! However, as Pierre ascended the final + flight and nervously raised his head, the little house appeared to him + right atop of the hill, looking very serene and quiet under the bright + wintry sun, which had peered forth as if to bestow upon the modest + dwelling an affectionate caress. + </p> + <p> + There was a door in the old garden wall alongside the Rue St. Eleuthere, + almost in front of the broad thoroughfare conducting to the basilica of + the Sacred Heart; but to reach the house itself one had to skirt the wall + and climb to the Place du Tertre, where one found the facade and the + entrance. Some children were playing on the Place, which, planted as it + was with a few scrubby trees, and edged with humble shops,—a + fruiterer’s, a grocer’s and a baker’s,—looked like some square in a + small provincial town. In a corner, on the left, Guillaume’s dwelling, + which had been whitewashed during the previous spring, showed its bright + frontage and five lifeless windows, for all its life was on the other, the + garden, side, which overlooked Paris and the far horizon. + </p> + <p> + Pierre mustered his courage and, pulling a brass knob which glittered like + gold, rang the bell. There came a gay, distant jingle; but for a moment + nobody appeared, and he was about to ring again, when the door was thrown + wide open, revealing a passage which ran right through the house, beyond + which appeared the ocean of Paris, the endless sea of house roofs bathed + in sunlight. And against this spacious, airy background, stood a young + woman of twenty-six, clad in a simple gown of black woolen stuff, half + covered by a large blue apron. She had her sleeves rolled up above her + elbows, and her arms and hands were still moist with water which she had + but imperfectly wiped away. + </p> + <p> + A moment’s surprise and embarrassment ensued. The young woman, who had + hastened to the door with laughing mien, became grave and covertly hostile + at sight of the visitor’s cassock. The priest thereupon realised that he + must give his name: “I am Abbe Pierre Froment.” + </p> + <p> + At this the young woman’s smile of welcome came back to her. “Oh! I beg + your pardon, monsieur—I ought to have recognised you, for I saw you + wish Guillaume good day one morning as you passed.” + </p> + <p> + She said Guillaume; she, therefore, must be Marie. And Pierre looked at + her in astonishment, finding her very different from what he had imagined. + She was only of average height, but she was vigorously, admirably built, + broad of hip and broad of shoulder, with the small firm bosom of an + amazon. By her erect and easy step, instinct with all the adorable grace + of woman in her prime, one could divine that she was strong, muscular and + healthy. A brunette, but very white of skin, she had a heavy helm of + superb black hair, which she fastened in a negligent way, without any show + of coquetry. And under her dark locks, her pure, intelligent brow, her + delicate nose and gay eyes appeared full of intense life; whilst the + somewhat heavier character of her lower features, her fleshy lips and full + chin, bespoke her quiet kindliness. She had surely come on earth as a + promise of every form of tenderness, every form of devotion. In a word, + she was a true mate for man. + </p> + <p> + However, with her heavy, straying hair and superb arms, so ingenuous in + their nudity, she only gave Pierre an impression of superfluous health and + extreme self-assurance. She displeased him and even made him feel somewhat + anxious, as if she were a creature different from all others. + </p> + <p> + “It is my brother Guillaume who has sent me,” he said. + </p> + <p> + At this her face again changed; she became grave and hastened to admit him + to the passage. And when the door was closed she answered: “You have + brought us news of him, then! I must apologise for receiving you in this + fashion. The servants have just finished some washing, and I was making + sure if the work had been well done. Pray excuse me, and come in here for + a moment; it is perhaps best that I should be the first to know the news.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she led him past the kitchen to a little room which served as + scullery and wash-house. A tub full of soapy water stood there, and some + dripping linen hung over some wooden bars. “And so, Guillaume?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + Pierre then told the truth in simple fashion: that his brother’s wrist had + been injured; that he himself had witnessed the accident, and that his + brother had then sought an asylum with him at Neuilly, where he wished to + remain and get cured of his injury in peace and quietness, without even + receiving a visit from his sons. While speaking in this fashion, the + priest watched the effect of his words on Marie’s face: first fright and + pity, and then an effort to calm herself and judge things reasonably. + </p> + <p> + “His letter quite froze me last night,” she ended by replying. “I felt + sure that some misfortune had happened. But one must be brave and hide + one’s fear from others. His wrist injured, you say; it is not a serious + injury, is it?” + </p> + <p> + “No; but it is necessary that every precaution should be taken with it.” + </p> + <p> + She looked him well in the face with her big frank eyes, which dived into + his own as if to reach the very depths of his being, though at the same + time she plainly sought to restrain the score of questions which rose to + her lips. “And that is all: he was injured in an accident,” she resumed; + “he didn’t ask you to tell us anything further about it?” + </p> + <p> + “No, he simply desires that you will not be anxious.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon she insisted no further, but showed herself obedient and + respectful of the decision which Guillaume had arrived at. It sufficed + that he should have sent a messenger to reassure the household—she + did not seek to learn any more. And even as she had returned to her work + in spite of the secret anxiety in which the letter of the previous evening + had left her, so now, with her air of quiet strength, she recovered an + appearance of serenity, a quiet smile and clear brave glance. + </p> + <p> + “Guillaume only gave me one other commission,” resumed Pierre, “that of + handing a little key to Madame Leroi.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good,” Marie answered, “Mere-Grand is here; and, besides, the + children must see you. I will take you to them.” + </p> + <p> + Once more quite tranquil, she examined Pierre without managing to conceal + her curiosity, which seemed of rather a kindly nature blended with an + element of vague pity. Her fresh white arms had remained bare. In all + candour she slowly drew down her sleeves; then took off the large blue + apron, and showed herself with her rounded figure, at once robust and + elegant, in her modest black gown. He meanwhile looked at her, and most + certainly he did not find her to his liking. On seeing her so natural, + healthy, and courageous, quite a feeling of revolt arose within him, + though he knew not why. + </p> + <p> + “Will you please follow me, Monsieur l’Abbe?” she said. “We must cross the + garden.” + </p> + <p> + On the ground-floor of the house, across the passage, and facing the + kitchen and the scullery, there were two other rooms, a library + overlooking the Place du Tertre, and a dining-room whose windows opened + into the garden. The four rooms on the first floor served as bedchambers + for the father and the sons. As for the garden, originally but a small + one, it had now been reduced to a kind of gravelled yard by the erection + of the large workshop at one end of it. Of the former greenery, however, + there still remained two huge plum-trees with old knotted trunks, as well + as a big clump of lilac-bushes, which every spring were covered with + bloom. And in front of the latter Marie had arranged a broad flower-bed, + in which she amused herself with growing a few roses, some wallflowers and + some mignonette. + </p> + <p> + With a wave of her hand as she went past, she called Pierre’s attention to + the black plum-trees and the lilacs and roses, which showed but a few + greenish spots, for winter still held the little nook in sleep. “Tell + Guillaume,” she said, “that he must make haste to get well and be back for + the first shoots.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as Pierre glanced at her, she all at once flushed purple. Much to + her distress, sudden and involuntary blushes would in this wise + occasionally come upon her, even at the most innocent remarks. She found + it ridiculous to feel such childish emotion when she had so brave a heart. + But her pure maidenly blood had retained exquisite delicacy, such natural + and instinctive modesty that she yielded to it perforce. And doubtless she + had merely blushed because she feared that the priest might think she had + referred to her marriage in speaking of the spring. + </p> + <p> + “Please go in, Monsieur l’Abbe. The children are there, all three.” And + forthwith she ushered him into the workshop. + </p> + <p> + It was a very spacious place, over sixteen feet high, with a brick + flooring and bare walls painted an iron grey. A sheet of light, a stream + of sunshine, spread to every corner through a huge window facing the + south, where lay the immensity of Paris. The Venetian shutters often had + to be lowered in the summer to attenuate the great heat. From morn till + night the whole family lived here, closely and affectionately united in + work. Each was installed as fancy listed, having a particular chosen + place. One half of the building was occupied by the father’s chemical + laboratory, with its stove, experiment tables, shelves for apparatus, + glass cases and cupboards for phials and jars. Near all this Thomas, the + eldest son, had installed a little forge, an anvil, a vice bench, in fact + everything necessary to a working mechanician, such as he had become since + taking his bachelor’s degree, from his desire to remain with his father + and help him with certain researches and inventions. Then, at the other + end, the younger brothers, Francois and Antoine, got on very well together + on either side of a broad table which stood amidst a medley of portfolios, + nests of drawers and revolving book-stands. Francois, laden with + academical laurels, first on the pass list for the Ecole Normale, had + entered that college where young men are trained for university + professorships, and was there preparing for his Licentiate degree, while + Antoine, who on reaching the third class at the Lycee Condorcet had taken + a dislike to classical studies, now devoted himself to his calling as a + wood-engraver. And, in the full light under the window, Mere-Grand and + Marie likewise had their particular table, where needlework, embroidery, + all sorts of <i>chiffons</i> and delicate things lay about near the + somewhat rough jumble of retorts, tools and big books. + </p> + <p> + Marie, however, on the very threshold called out in her calm voice, to + which she strove to impart a gay and cheering accent: “Children! children! + here is Monsieur l’Abbe with news of father!” + </p> + <p> + Children, indeed! Yet what motherliness she already set in the word as she + applied it to those big fellows whose elder sister she had long considered + herself to be! At three and twenty Thomas was quite a colossus, already + bearded and extremely like his father. But although he had a lofty brow + and energetic features, he was somewhat slow both in mind and body. And he + was also taciturn, almost unsociable, absorbed in filial devotion, + delighted with the manual toil which made him a mere workman at his + master’s orders. Francois, two years younger than Thomas, and nearly as + tall, showed a more refined face, though he had the same large brow and + firm mouth, a perfect blending of health and strength, in which the man of + intellect, the scientific Normalian, could only be detected by the + brighter and more subtle sparkle of the eyes. The youngest of the + brothers, Antoine, who for his eighteen years was almost as strong as his + elders, and promised to become as tall, differed from them by his lighter + hair and soft, blue, dreamy eyes, which he had inherited from his mother. + It had been difficult, however, to distinguish one from the other when all + three were schoolboys at the Lycee Condorcet; and even nowadays people + made mistakes unless they saw them side by side, so as to detect the + points of difference which were becoming more marked as age progressed. + </p> + <p> + On Pierre’s arrival the brothers were so absorbed in their work that they + did not even hear the door open. And again, as in the case of Marie, the + priest was surprised by the discipline and firmness of mind, which amidst + the keenest anxiety gave the young fellows strength to take up their daily + task. Thomas, who stood at his vice-bench in a blouse, was carefully + filing a little piece of copper with rough but skilful hands. Francois, + leaning forward, was writing in a bold, firm fashion, whilst on the other + side of the table, Antoine, with a slender graver between his fingers, + finished a block for an illustrated newspaper. + </p> + <p> + However, Marie’s clear voice made them raise their heads: “Children, + father has sent you some news!” + </p> + <p> + Then all three with the same impulse hurriedly quitted their work and came + forward. One could divine that directly there was any question of their + father they were drawn together, blended one with the other, so that but + one and the same heart beat in their three broad chests. However, a door + at the far end of the workroom opened at that moment, and Mere-Grand, + coming from the upper floor where she and Marie had their bedrooms, made + her appearance. She had just absented herself to fetch a skein of wool; + and she gazed fixedly at the priest, unable to understand the reason of + his presence. + </p> + <p> + Marie had to explain matters. “Mere-Grand,” said she, “this is Monsieur + l’Abbe Froment, Guillaume’s brother; he has come from him.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre on his side was examining the old lady, astonished to find her so + erect and full of life at seventy. Her former beauty had left a stately + charm on her rather long face; youthful fire still lingered in her brown + eyes; and very firm was the contour of her pale lips, which in parting + showed that she had retained all her teeth. A few white hairs alone + silvered her black tresses, which were arranged in old-time fashion. Her + cheeks had but slightly withered, and her deep, symmetrical wrinkles gave + her countenance an expression of much nobility, a sovereign air as of a + queen-mother, which, tall and slight of stature as she was, and invariably + gowned in black woollen stuff, she always retained, no matter how humble + her occupation. + </p> + <p> + “So Guillaume sent you, monsieur,” she said; “he is injured, is he not?” + </p> + <p> + Surprised by this proof of intuition, Pierre repeated his story. “Yes, his + wrist is injured—but oh! it’s not a case of immediate gravity.” + </p> + <p> + On the part of the three sons, he had divined a sudden quiver, an impulse + of their whole beings to rush to the help and defence of their father. And + for their sakes he sought words of comfort: “He is with me at Neuilly. And + with due care it is certain that no serious complications will arise. He + sent me to tell you to be in no wise uneasy about him.” + </p> + <p> + Mere-Grand for her part evinced no fears, but preserved great calmness, as + if the priest’s tidings contained nothing beyond what she had known + already. If anything, she seemed rather relieved, freed from anxiety which + she had confided to none. “If he is with you, monsieur,” she answered, “he + is evidently as comfortable as he can be, and sheltered from all risks. We + were surprised, however, by his letter last night, as it did not explain + why he was detained, and we should have ended by feeling frightened. But + now everything is satisfactory.” + </p> + <p> + Mere-Grand and the three sons, following Marie’s example, asked no + explanations. On a table near at hand Pierre noticed several morning + newspapers lying open and displaying column after column of particulars + about the crime. The sons had certainly read these papers, and had feared + lest their father should be compromised in that frightful affair. How far + did their knowledge of the latter go? They must be ignorant of the part + played by Salvat. It was surely impossible for them to piece together all + the unforeseen circumstances which had brought about their father’s + meeting with the workman, and then the crime. Mere-Grand, no doubt, was in + certain respects better informed than the others. But they, the sons and + Marie, neither knew nor sought to know anything. And thus what a wealth of + respect and affection there was in their unshakable confidence in the + father, in the tranquillity they displayed directly he sent them word that + they were not to be anxious about him! + </p> + <p> + “Madame,” Pierre resumed, “Guillaume told me to give you this little key, + and to remind you to do what he charged you to do, if any misfortune + should befall him.” + </p> + <p> + She started, but so slightly that it was scarcely perceptible; and taking + the key she answered as if some ordinary wish on the part of a sick person + were alone in question. “Very well. Tell him that his wishes shall be + carried out.” Then she added, “But pray take a seat, monsieur.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, indeed, had remained standing. However, he now felt it necessary + to accept a chair, desirous as he was of hiding the embarrassment which he + still felt in this house, although he was <i>en famille</i> there. Marie, + who could not live without occupation for her fingers, had just returned + to some embroidery, some of the fine needlework which she stubbornly + executed for a large establishment dealing in baby-linen and bridal <i>trousseaux</i>; + for she wished at any rate to earn her own pocket-money, she often said + with a laugh. Mere-Grand, too, from habit, which she followed even when + visitors were present, had once more started on her perpetual + stocking-mending; while Francois and Antoine had again seated themselves + at their table; and Thomas alone remained on his legs, leaning against his + bench. All the charm of industrious intimacy pervaded the spacious, + sun-lit room. + </p> + <p> + “But we’ll all go to see father to-morrow,” Thomas suddenly exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + Before Pierre could answer Marie raised her head. “No, no,” said she, “he + does not wish any of us to go to him; for if we should be watched and + followed we should betray the secret of his retreat. Isn’t that so, + Monsieur l’Abbe?” + </p> + <p> + “It would indeed be prudent of you to deprive yourselves of the pleasure + of embracing him until he himself can come back here. It will be a matter + of some two or three weeks,” answered Pierre. + </p> + <p> + Mere-Grand at once expressed approval of this. “No doubt,” said she. + “Nothing could be more sensible.” + </p> + <p> + So the three sons did not insist, but bravely accepted the secret anxiety + in which they must for a time live, renouncing the visit which would have + caused them so much delight, because their father bade them do so and + because his safety depended perhaps on their obedience. + </p> + <p> + However, Thomas resumed: “Then, Monsieur l’Abbe, will you please tell him + that as work will be interrupted here, I shall return to the factory + during his absence. I shall be more at ease there for the researches on + which we are engaged.” + </p> + <p> + “And please tell him from me,” put in Francois, “that he mustn’t worry + about my examination. Things are going very well. I feel almost certain of + success.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre promised that he would forget nothing. However, Marie raised her + head, smiling and glancing at Antoine, who had remained silent with a + faraway look in his eyes. “And you, little one,” said she, “don’t you send + him any message?” + </p> + <p> + Emerging from a dream, the young fellow also began to smile. “Yes, yes, a + message that you love him dearly, and that he’s to make haste back for you + to make him happy.” + </p> + <p> + At this they all became merry, even Marie, who in lieu of embarrassment + showed a tranquil gaiety born of confidence in the future. Between her and + the young men there was naught but happy affection. And a grave smile + appeared even on the pale lips of Mere-Grand, who likewise approved of the + happiness which life seemed to be promising. + </p> + <p> + Pierre wished to stay a few minutes longer. They all began to chat, and + his astonishment increased. He had gone from surprise to surprise in this + house where he had expected to find that equivocal, disorderly life, that + rebellion against social laws, which destroy morality. But instead of this + he had found loving serenity, and such strong discipline that life there + partook of the gravity, almost the austerity, of convent life, tempered by + youth and gaiety. The vast room was redolent of industry and quietude, + warm with bright sunshine. However, what most particularly struck him was + the Spartan training, the bravery of mind and heart among those sons who + allowed nothing to be seen of their personal feelings, and did not presume + to judge their father, but remained content with his message, ready to + await events, stoical and silent, while carrying on their daily tasks. + Nothing could be more simple, more dignified, more lofty. And there was + also the smiling heroism of Mere-Grand and Marie, those two women who + slept over that laboratory where terrible preparations were manipulated, + and where an explosion was always possible. + </p> + <p> + However, such courage, orderliness and dignity merely surprised Pierre, + without touching him. He had no cause for complaint, he had received a + polite greeting if not an affectionate one; but then he was as yet only a + stranger there, a priest. In spite of everything, however, he remained + hostile, feeling that he was in a sphere where none of his own torments + could be shared or even divined. How did these folks manage to be so calm + and happy amidst their religious unbelief, their sole faith in science, + and in presence of that terrifying Paris which spread before them the + boundless sea, the growling abomination of its injustice and its want? As + this thought came to him he turned his head and gazed at the city through + the huge window, whence it stretched away, ever present, ever living its + giant life. And at that hour, under the oblique sun-rays of the winter + afternoon, all Paris was speckled with luminous dust, as if some invisible + sower, hidden amidst the glory of the planet, were fast scattering seed + which fell upon every side in a stream of gold. The whole field was + covered with it; for the endless chaos of house roofs and edifices seemed + to be land in tilth, furrowed by some gigantic plough. And Pierre in his + uneasiness, stirred, despite everything, by an invincible need of hope, + asked himself if this was not a good sowing, the furrows of Paris strewn + with light by the divine sun for the great future harvest, that harvest of + truth and justice of whose advent he had despaired. + </p> + <p> + At last he rose and took his leave, promising to return at once, if there + should be any bad news. It was Marie who showed him to the front door. And + there another of those childish blushes which worried her so much suddenly + rose to her face, just as she, in her turn, also wished to send her loving + message to the injured man. However, with her gay, candid eyes fixed on + those of the priest, she bravely spoke the words: “<i>Au revoir, Monsieur + l’Abbe</i>. Tell Guillaume that I love him and await him.” + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0069" id="link2H_4_0069"></a> + III. PENURY AND TOIL + </h2> + <p> + THREE days went by, and every morning Guillaume, confined to his bed and + consumed by fever and impatience, experienced fresh anxiety directly the + newspapers arrived. Pierre had tried to keep them from him, but Guillaume + then worried himself the more, and so the priest had to read him column by + column all the extraordinary articles that were published respecting the + crime. + </p> + <p> + Never before had so many rumours inundated the press. Even the “Globe,” + usually so grave and circumspect, yielded to the general <i>furore</i>, + and printed whatever statements reached it. But the more unscrupulous + papers were the ones to read. The “Voix du Peuple” in particular made use + of the public feverishness to increase its sales. Each morning it employed + some fresh device, and printed some frightful story of a nature to drive + people mad with terror. It related that not a day passed without Baron + Duvillard receiving threatening letters of the coarsest description, + announcing that his wife, his son and his daughter would all be killed, + that he himself would be butchered in turn, and that do what he might his + house would none the less be blown up. And as a measure of precaution the + house was guarded day and night alike by a perfect army of plain-clothes + officers. Then another article contained an amazing piece of invention. + Some anarchists, after carrying barrels of powder into a sewer near the + Madeleine, were said to have undermined the whole district, planning a + perfect volcano there, into which one half of Paris would sink. And at + another time it was alleged that the police were on the track of a + terrible plot which embraced all Europe, from the depths of Russia to the + shores of Spain. The signal for putting it into execution was to be given + in France, and there would be a three days’ massacre, with grape shot + sweeping everyone off the Boulevards, and the Seine running red, swollen + by a torrent of blood. Thanks to these able and intelligent devices of the + Press, terror now reigned in the city; frightened foreigners fled from the + hotels <i>en masse</i>; and Paris had become a mere mad-house, where the + most idiotic delusions at once found credit. + </p> + <p> + It was not all this, however, that worried Guillaume. He was only anxious + about Salvat and the various new “scents” which the newspaper reporters + attempted to follow up. The engineer was not yet arrested, and, so far + indeed, there had been no statement in print to indicate that the police + were on his track. At last, however, Pierre one morning read a paragraph + which made the injured man turn pale. + </p> + <p> + “Dear me! It seems that a tool has been found among the rubbish at the + entrance of the Duvillard mansion. It is a bradawl, and its handle bears + the name of Grandidier, which is that of a man who keeps some well-known + metal works. He is to appear before the investigating magistrate to-day.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume made a gesture of despair. “Ah!” said he, “they are on the right + track at last. That tool must certainly have been dropped by Salvat. He + worked at Grandidier’s before he came to me for a few days. And from + Grandidier they will learn all that they need to know in order to follow + the scent.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre then remembered that he had heard the Grandidier factory mentioned + at Montmartre. Guillaume’s eldest son, Thomas, had served his + apprenticeship there, and even worked there occasionally nowadays. + </p> + <p> + “You told me,” resumed Guillaume, “that during my absence Thomas intended + to go back to the factory. It’s in connection with a new motor which he’s + planning, and has almost hit upon. If there should be a perquisition + there, he may be questioned, and may refuse to answer, in order to guard + his secret. So he ought to be warned of this, warned at once!” + </p> + <p> + Without trying to extract any more precise statement from his brother, + Pierre obligingly offered his services. “If you like,” said he, “I will go + to see Thomas this afternoon. Perhaps I may come across Monsieur + Grandidier himself and learn how far the affair has gone, and what was + said at the investigating magistrate’s.” + </p> + <p> + With a moist glance and an affectionate grasp of the hand, Guillaume at + once thanked Pierre: “Yes, yes, brother, go there, it will be good and + brave of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” continued the priest, “I really wanted to go to Montmartre + to-day. I haven’t told you so, but something has been worrying me. If + Salvat has fled, he must have left the woman and the child all alone up + yonder. On the morning of the day when the explosion took place I saw the + poor creatures in such a state of destitution, such misery, that I can’t + think of them without a heart-pang. Women and children so often die of + hunger when the man is no longer there.” + </p> + <p> + At this, Guillaume, who had kept Pierre’s hand in his own, pressed it more + tightly, and in a trembling voice exclaimed: “Yes, yes, and that will be + good and brave too. Go there, brother, go there.” + </p> + <p> + That house of the Rue des Saules, that horrible home of want and agony, + had lingered in Pierre’s memory. To him it was like an embodiment of the + whole filthy <i>cloaca</i>, in which the poor of Paris suffer unto death. + And on returning thither that afternoon, he found the same slimy mud + around it; its yard littered with the same filth, its dark, damp stairways + redolent of the same stench of neglect and poverty, as before. In winter + time, while the fine central districts of Paris are dried and cleansed, + the far-away districts of the poor remain gloomy and miry, beneath the + everlasting tramp of the wretched ones who dwell in them. + </p> + <p> + Remembering the staircase which conducted to Salvat’s lodging, Pierre + began to climb it amidst a loud screaming of little children, who suddenly + became quiet, letting the house sink into death-like silence once more. + Then the thought of Laveuve, who had perished up there like a stray dog, + came back to Pierre. And he shuddered when, on the top landing, he knocked + at Salvat’s door, and profound silence alone answered him. Not a breath + was to be heard. + </p> + <p> + However, he knocked again, and as nothing stirred he began to think that + nobody could be there. Perhaps Salvat had returned to fetch the woman and + the child, and perhaps they had followed him to some humble nook abroad. + Still this would have astonished him; for the poor seldom quit their + homes, but die where they have suffered. So he gave another gentle knock. + </p> + <p> + And at last a faint sound, the light tread of little feet, was heard + amidst the silence. Then a weak, childish voice ventured to inquire: “Who + is there?” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur l’Abbe.” + </p> + <p> + The silence fell again, nothing more stirred. There was evidently + hesitation on the other side. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur l’Abbe who came the other day,” said Pierre again. + </p> + <p> + This evidently put an end to all uncertainty, for the door was set ajar + and little Celine admitted the priest. “I beg your pardon, Monsieur + l’Abbe,” said she, “but Mamma Theodore has gone out, and she told me not + to open the door to anyone.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre had, for a moment, imagined that Salvat himself was hiding there. + But with a glance he took in the whole of the small bare room, where man, + woman and child dwelt together. At the same time, Madame Theodore + doubtless feared a visit from the police. Had she seen Salvat since the + crime? Did she know where he was hiding? Had he come back there to embrace + and tranquillise them both? + </p> + <p> + “And your papa, my dear,” said Pierre to Celine, “isn’t he here either?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! no, monsieur, he has gone away.” + </p> + <p> + “What, gone away?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he hasn’t been home to sleep, and we don’t know where he is.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he’s working.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! he’d send us some money if he was.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he’s gone on a journey, perhaps?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know.” + </p> + <p> + “He wrote to Mamma Theodore, no doubt?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre asked no further questions. In fact, he felt somewhat ashamed of + his attempt to extract information from this child of eleven, whom he thus + found alone. It was quite possible that she knew nothing, that Salvat, in + a spirit of prudence, had even refrained from sending any tidings of + himself. Indeed, there was an expression of truthfulness on the child’s + fair, gentle and intelligent face, which was grave with the gravity that + extreme misery imparts to the young. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry that Mamma Theodore isn’t here,” said Pierre, “I wanted to + speak to her.” + </p> + <p> + “But perhaps you would like to wait for her, Monsieur l’Abbe. She has gone + to my Uncle Toussaint’s in the Rue Marcadet; and she can’t stop much + longer, for she’s been away more than an hour.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Celine cleared one of the chairs on which lay a handful of + scraps of wood, picked up on some waste ground. + </p> + <p> + The bare and fireless room was assuredly also a breadless one. Pierre + could divine the absence of the bread-winner, the disappearance of the man + who represents will and strength in the home, and on whom one still relies + even when weeks have gone by without work. He goes out and scours the + city, and often ends by bringing back the indispensable crust which keeps + death at bay. But with his disappearance comes complete abandonment, the + wife and child in danger, destitute of all prop and help. + </p> + <p> + Pierre, who had sat down and was looking at that poor, little, blue-eyed + girl, to whose lips a smile returned in spite of everything, could not + keep from questioning her on another point. “So you don’t go to school, my + child?” said he. + </p> + <p> + She faintly blushed and answered: “I’ve no shoes to go in.” + </p> + <p> + He glanced at her feet, and saw that she was wearing a pair of ragged old + list-slippers, from which her little toes protruded, red with cold. + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” she continued, “Mamma Theodore says that one doesn’t go to + school when one’s got nothing to eat. Mamma Theodore wanted to work but + she couldn’t, because her eyes got burning hot and full of water. And so + we don’t know what to do, for we’ve had nothing left since yesterday, and + if Uncle Toussaint can’t lend us twenty sous it’ll be all over.” + </p> + <p> + She was still smiling in her unconscious way, but two big tears had + gathered in her eyes. And the sight of the child shut up in that bare + room, apart from all the happy ones of earth, so upset the priest that he + again felt his anger with want and misery awakening. Then, another ten + minutes having elapsed, he became impatient, for he had to go to the + Grandidier works before returning home. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know why Mamma Theodore doesn’t come back,” repeated Celine. + “Perhaps she’s chatting.” Then, an idea occurring to her she continued: + “I’ll take you to my Uncle Toussaint’s, Monsieur l’Abbe, if you like. It’s + close by, just round the corner.” + </p> + <p> + “But you have no shoes, my child.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that don’t matter, I walk all the same.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he rose from the chair and said simply: “Well, yes, that will be + better, take me there. And I’ll buy you some shoes.” + </p> + <p> + Celine turned quite pink, and then made haste to follow him after + carefully locking the door of the room like a good little housewife, + though, truth to tell, there was nothing worth stealing in the place. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime it had occurred to Madame Theodore that before calling on + her brother Toussaint to try to borrow a franc from him, she might first + essay her luck with her younger sister, Hortense, who had married little + Chretiennot, the clerk, and occupied a flat of four rooms on the Boulevard + de Rochechouart. This was quite an affair, however, and the poor woman + only made the venture because Celine had been fasting since the previous + day. + </p> + <p> + Eugene Toussaint, the mechanician, a man of fifty, was her stepbrother, by + the first marriage contracted by her father. A young dressmaker whom the + latter had subsequently wedded, had borne him three daughters, Pauline, + Leonie and Hortense. And on his death, his son Eugene, who already had a + wife and child of his own, had found himself for a short time with his + stepmother and sisters on his hands. The stepmother, fortunately, was an + active and intelligent woman, and knew how to get out of difficulties. She + returned to her former workroom where her daughter Pauline was already + apprenticed, and she next placed Leonie there; so that Hortense, the + youngest girl, who was a spoilt child, prettier and more delicate than her + sisters, was alone left at school. And, later on,—after Pauline had + married Labitte the stonemason, and Leonie, Salvat the + journeyman-engineer,—Hortense, while serving as assistant at a + confectioner’s in the Rue des Martyrs, there became acquainted with + Chretiennot, a clerk, who married her. Leonie had died young, only a few + weeks after her mother; Pauline, forsaken by her husband, lived with her + brother-in-law Salvat, and Hortense alone wore a light silk gown on + Sundays, resided in a new house, and ranked as a <i>bourgeoise</i>, at the + price, however, of interminable worries and great privation. + </p> + <p> + Madame Theodore knew that her sister was generally short of money towards + the month’s end, and therefore felt rather ill at ease in thus venturing + to apply for a loan. Chretiennot, moreover, embittered by his own + mediocrity, had of late years accused his wife of being the cause of their + spoilt life, and had ceased all intercourse with her relatives. Toussaint, + no doubt, was a decent workman; but that Madame Theodore who lived in + misery with her brother-in-law, and that Salvat who wandered from workshop + to workshop like an incorrigible ranter whom no employer would keep; those + two, with their want and dirt and rebellion, had ended by incensing the + vain little clerk, who was not only a great stickler for the proprieties, + but was soured by all the difficulties he encountered in his own life. And + thus he had forbidden Hortense to receive her sister. + </p> + <p> + All the same, as Madame Theodore climbed the carpeted staircase of the + house on the Boulevard Rochechouart, she experienced a certain feeling of + pride at the thought that she had a relation living in such luxury. The + Chretiennot’s rooms were on the third floor, and overlooked the courtyard. + Their <i>femme-de-menage</i>—a woman who goes out by the day or hour + charring, cleaning and cooking—came back every afternoon about four + o’clock to see to the dinner, and that day she was already there. She + admitted the visitor, though she could not conceal her anxious surprise at + her boldness in calling in such slatternly garb. However, on the very + threshold of the little salon, Madame Theodore stopped short in wonderment + herself, for her sister Hortense was sobbing and crouching on one of the + armchairs, upholstered in blue repp, of which she was so proud. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter? What has happened to you?” asked Madame Theodore. + </p> + <p> + Her sister, though scarcely two and thirty, was no longer “the beautiful + Hortense” of former days. She retained a doll-like appearance, with a tall + slim figure, pretty eyes and fine, fair hair. But she who had once taken + so much care of herself, had now come down to dressing-gowns of doubtful + cleanliness. Her eyelids, too, were reddening, and blotches were appearing + on her skin. She had begun to fade after giving birth to two daughters, + one of whom was now nine and the other seven years of age. Very proud and + egotistical, she herself had begun to regret her marriage, for she had + formerly considered herself a real beauty, worthy of the palaces and + equipages of some Prince Charming. And at this moment she was plunged in + such despair, that her sister’s sudden appearance on the scene did not + even astonish her: “Ah! it’s you,” she gasped. “Ah! if you only knew what + a blow’s fallen on me in the middle of all our worries!” + </p> + <p> + Madame Theodore at once thought of the children, Lucienne and Marcelle. + “Are your daughters ill?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, our neighbour has taken them for a walk on the Boulevard. But the + fact is, my dear, I’m <i>enceinte</i>, and when I told Chretiennot of it + after <i>dejeuner</i>, he flew into a most fearful passion, saying the + most dreadful, the most cruel things!” + </p> + <p> + Then she again sobbed. Gentle and indolent by nature, desirous of peace + and quietness before anything else, she was incapable of deceiving her + husband, as he well knew. But the trouble was that an addition to the + family would upset the whole economy of the household. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Mon Dieu</i>!” said Madame Theodore at last, “you brought up the + others, and you’ll bring up this one too.” + </p> + <p> + At this an explosion of anger dried the other’s eyes; and she rose, + exclaiming: “You are good, you are! One can see that our purse isn’t + yours. How are we to bring up another child when we can scarcely make both + ends meet as it is?” + </p> + <p> + And thereupon, forgetting the <i>bourgeois</i> pride which usually + prompted her to silence or falsehood, she freely explained their + embarrassment, the horrid pecuniary worries which made their life a + perpetual misery. Their rent amounted to 700 francs,* so that out of the + 3000 francs** which the husband earned at his office, barely a couple of + hundred were left them every month. And how were they to manage with that + little sum, provide food and clothes, keep up their rank and so forth? + There was the indispensable black coat for monsieur, the new dress which + madame must have at regular intervals, under penalty of losing caste, the + new boots which the children required almost every month, in fact, all + sorts of things that could not possibly be dispensed with. One might + strike a dish or two out of the daily menu, and even go without wine; but + evenings came when it was absolutely necessary to take a cab. And, apart + from all this, one had to reckon with the wastefulness of the children, + the disorder in which the discouraged wife left the house, and the despair + of the husband, who was convinced that he would never extricate himself + from his difficulties, even should his salary some day be raised to as + high a figure as 4000 francs. Briefly, one here found the unbearable + penury of the petty clerk, with consequences as disastrous as the black + want of the artisan: the mock facade and lying luxury; all the disorder + and suffering which lie behind intellectual pride at not earning one’s + living at a bench or on a scaffolding. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * $140. + + ** $600. +</pre> + <p> + “Well, well,” repeated Madame Theodore, “you can’t kill the child.” + </p> + <p> + “No, of course not; but it’s the end of everything,” answered Hortense, + sinking into the armchair again. “What will become of us, <i>mon Dieu</i>! + What will become of us!” Then she collapsed in her unbuttoned dressing + gown, tears once more gushing from her red and swollen eyes. + </p> + <p> + Much vexed that circumstances should be so unpropitious, Madame Theodore + nevertheless ventured to ask for the loan of twenty sons; and this brought + her sister’s despair and confusion to a climax. “I really haven’t a + centime in the house,” said she, “just now I borrowed ten sous for the + children from the servant. I had to get ten francs from the Mont de Piete + on a little ring the other day. And it’s always the same at the end of the + month. However, Chretiennot will be paid to-day, and he’s coming back + early with the money for dinner. So if I can I will send you something + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + At this same moment the servant hastened in with a distracted air, being + well aware that monsieur was in no wise partial to madame’s relatives. “Oh + madame, madame!” said she; “here’s monsieur coming up the stairs.” + </p> + <p> + “Quick then, quick, go away!” cried Hortense, “I should only have another + scene if he met you here. To-morrow, if I can, I promise you.” + </p> + <p> + To avoid Chretiennot who was coming in, Madame Theodore had to hide + herself in the kitchen. As he passed, she just caught sight of him, well + dressed as usual in a tight-fitting frock-coat. Short and lean, with a + thin face and long and carefully tended beard, he had the bearing of one + who is both vain and quarrelsome. Fourteen years of office life had + withered him, and now the long evening hours which he spent at a + neighbouring cafe were finishing him off. + </p> + <p> + When Madame Theodore had quitted the house she turned with dragging steps + towards the Rue Marcadet where the Toussaints resided. Here, again, she + had no great expectations, for she well knew what ill-luck and worry had + fallen upon her brother’s home. During the previous autumn Toussaint, + though he was but fifty, had experienced an attack of paralysis which had + laid him up for nearly five months. Prior to this mishap he had borne + himself bravely, working steadily, abstaining from drink, and bringing up + his three children in true fatherly fashion. One of them, a girl, was now + married to a carpenter, with whom she had gone to Le Havre, while of the + others, both boys—one a soldier, had been killed in Tonquin, and the + other Charles, after serving his time in the army, had become a working + mechanician. Still, Toussaint’s long illness had exhausted the little + money which he had in the Savings Bank, and now that he had been set on + his legs again, he had to begin life once more without a copper before + him. + </p> + <p> + Madame Theodore found her sister-in-law alone in the cleanly kept room + which she and her husband occupied. Madame Toussaint was a portly woman, + whose corpulence increased in spite of everything, whether it were worry + or fasting. She had a round puffy face with bright little eyes; and was a + very worthy woman, whose only faults were an inclination for gossiping and + a fondness for good cheer. Before Madame Theodore even opened her mouth + she understood the object of her visit. “You’ve come on us at a bad + moment, my dear,” she said, “we’re stumped. Toussaint wasn’t able to go + back to the works till the day before yesterday, and he’ll have to ask for + an advance this evening.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, she looked at the other with no great sympathy, hurt as she + felt by her slovenly appearance. “And Salvat,” she added, “is he still + doing nothing?” + </p> + <p> + Madame Theodore doubtless foresaw the question, for she quietly lied: “He + isn’t in Paris, a friend has taken him off for some work over Belgium way, + and I’m waiting for him to send us something.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Toussaint still remained distrustful, however: “Ah!” she said, + “it’s just as well that he shouldn’t be in Paris; for with all these bomb + affairs we couldn’t help thinking of him, and saying that he was quite mad + enough to mix himself up in them.” + </p> + <p> + The other did not even blink. If she knew anything she kept it to herself. + </p> + <p> + “But you, my dear, can’t you find any work?” continued Madame Toussaint. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what would you have me do with my poor eyes? It’s no longer + possible for me to sew.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s true. A seamstress gets done for. When Toussaint was laid up here + I myself wanted to go back to my old calling as a needlewoman. But there! + I spoilt everything and did no good. Charring’s about the only thing that + one can always do. Why don’t you get some jobs of that kind?” + </p> + <p> + “I’m trying, but I can’t find any.” + </p> + <p> + Little by little Madame Toussaint was softening at sight of the other’s + miserable appearance. She made her sit down, and told her that she would + give her something if Toussaint should come home with money. Then, + yielding to her partiality for gossiping, since there was somebody to + listen to her, she started telling stories. The one affair, however, on + which she invariably harped was the sorry business of her son Charles and + the servant girl at a wine shop over the way. Before going into the army + Charles had been a most hard-working and affectionate son, invariably + bringing his pay home to his mother. And certainly he still worked and + showed himself good-natured; but military service, while sharpening his + wits, had taken away some of his liking for ordinary manual toil. It + wasn’t that he regretted army life, for he spoke of his barracks as a + prison. Only his tools had seemed to him rather heavy when, on quitting + the service, he had been obliged to take them in hand once more. + </p> + <p> + “And so, my dear,” continued Madame Toussaint, “it’s all very well for + Charles to be kind-hearted, he can do no more for us. I knew that he + wasn’t in a hurry to get married, as it costs money to keep a wife. And he + was always very prudent, too, with girls. But what would you have? There + was that moment of folly with that Eugenie over the road, a regular + baggage who’s already gone off with another man, and left her baby behind. + Charles has put it out to nurse, and pays for it every month. And a lot of + expense it is too, perfect ruination. Yes, indeed, every possible + misfortune has fallen on us.” + </p> + <p> + In this wise Madame Toussaint rattled on for a full half hour. Then seeing + that waiting and anxiety had made her sister-in-law turn quite pale, she + suddenly stopped short. “You’re losing patience, eh?” she exclaimed. “The + fact is, that Toussaint won’t be back for some time. Shall we go to the + works together? I’ll easily find out if he’s likely to bring any money + home.” + </p> + <p> + They then decided to go down, but at the bottom of the stairs they + lingered for another quarter of an hour chatting with a neighbour who had + lately lost a child. And just as they were at last leaving the house they + heard a call: “Mamma! mamma!” + </p> + <p> + It came from little Celine, whose face was beaming with delight. She was + wearing a pair of new shoes and devouring a cake. “Mamma,” she resumed, + “Monsieur l’Abbe who came the other day wants to see you. Just look! he + bought me all this!” + </p> + <p> + On seeing the shoes and the cake, Madame Theodore understood matters. And + when Pierre, who was behind the child, accosted her she began to tremble + and stammer thanks. Madame Toussaint on her side had quickly drawn near, + not indeed to ask for anything herself, but because she was well pleased + at such a God-send for her sister-in-law, whose circumstances were worse + than her own. And when she saw the priest slip ten francs into Madame + Theodore’s hand she explained to him that she herself would willingly have + lent something had she been able. Then she promptly started on the stories + of Toussaint’s attack and her son Charles’s ill-luck. + </p> + <p> + But Celine broke in: “I say, mamma, the factory where papa used to work is + here in this street, isn’t it? Monsieur l’Abbe has some business there.” * + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Although the children of the French peasantry almost + invariably address their parents as “father” and “mother,” + those of the working classes of Paris, and some other large + cities, usually employ the terms “papa” and “mamma.”—Trans. +</pre> + <p> + “The Grandidier factory,” resumed Madame Toussaint; “well, we were just + going there, and we can show Monsieur l’Abbe the way.” + </p> + <p> + It was only a hundred steps off. Escorted by the two women and the child, + Pierre slackened his steps and tried to extract some information about + Salvat from Madame Theodore. But she at once became very prudent. She had + not seen him again, she declared; he must have gone with a mate to + Belgium, where there was a prospect of some work. From what she said, it + appeared to the priest that Salvat had not dared to return to the Rue des + Saules since his crime, in which all had collapsed, both his past life of + toil and hope, and his recent existence with its duties towards the woman + and the child. + </p> + <p> + “There’s the factory, Monsieur l’Abbe,” suddenly said Madame Toussaint, + “my sister-in-law won’t have to wait now, since you’ve been kind enough to + help her. Thank you for her and for us.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Theodore and Celine likewise poured forth their thanks, standing + beside Madame Toussaint in the everlasting mud of that populous district, + amidst the jostling of the passers-by. And lingering there as if to see + Pierre enter, they again chatted together and repeated that, after all, + some priests were very kind. + </p> + <p> + The Grandidier works covered an extensive plot of ground. Facing the + street there was only a brick building with narrow windows and a great + archway, through which one espied a long courtyard. But, in the rear, came + a suite of habitations, workshops, and sheds, above whose never ending + roofs arose the two lofty chimneys of the generators. From the very + threshold one detected the rumbling and quivering of machinery, all the + noise and bustle of work. Black water flowed by at one’s feet, and up + above white vapour spurted from a slender pipe with a regular strident + puff, as if it were the very breath of that huge, toiling hive. + </p> + <p> + Bicycles were now the principal output of the works. When Grandidier had + taken them on leaving the Dijon Arts and Trades School, they were + declining under bad management, slowly building some little motive engines + by the aid of antiquated machinery. Foreseeing the future, however, he had + induced his elder brother, one of the managers of the Bon Marche, to + finance him, on the promise that he would supply that great emporium with + excellent bicycles at 150 francs apiece. And now quite a big venture was + in progress, for the Bon Marche was already bringing out the new popular + machine “La Lisette,” the “Bicycle for the Multitude,” as the + advertisements asserted. Nevertheless, Grandidier was still in all the + throes of a great struggle, for his new machinery had cast a heavy burden + of debt on him. At the same time each month brought its effort, the + perfecting or simplifying of some part of the manufacture, which meant a + saving in the future. He was ever on the watch; and even now was thinking + of reverting to the construction of little motors, for he thought he could + divine in the near future the triumph of the motor-car. + </p> + <p> + On asking if M. Thomas Froment were there, Pierre was led by an old + workman to a little shed, where he found the young fellow in the linen + jacket of a mechanician, his hands black with filings. He was adjusting + some piece of mechanism, and nobody would have suspected him to be a + former pupil of the Lycee Condorcet, one of the three clever Froments who + had there rendered the name famous. But his only desire had been to act as + his father’s faithful servant, the arm that forges, the embodiment of the + manual toil by which conceptions are realised. And, a giant of three and + twenty, ever attentive and courageous, he was likewise a man of patient, + silent and sober nature. + </p> + <p> + On catching sight of Pierre he quivered with anxiety and sprang forward. + “Father is no worse?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, no. But he read in the papers that story of a bradawl found in the + Rue Godot-de-Mauroy, and it made him anxious, because the police may make + a perquisition here.” + </p> + <p> + Thomas, his own anxiety allayed, began to smile. “Tell him he may sleep + quietly,” he responded. “To begin with, I’ve unfortunately not yet hit on + our little motor such as I want it to be. In fact, I haven’t yet put it + together. I’m keeping the pieces at our house, and nobody here knows + exactly what I come to do at the factory. So the police may search, it + will find nothing. Our secret runs no risk.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre promised to repeat these words to Guillaume, so as to dissipate his + fears. However, when he tried to sound Thomas, and ascertain the position + of affairs, what the factory people thought of the discovery of the + bradawl, and whether there was as yet any suspicion of Salvat, he once + more found the young man taciturn, and elicited merely a “yes” or a “no” + in answer to his inquiries. The police had not been there as yet? No. But + the men must surely have mentioned Salvat? Yes, of course, on account of + his Anarchist opinions. But what had Grandidier, the master, said, on + returning from the investigating magistrate’s? As for that Thomas knew + nothing. He had not seen Grandidier that day. + </p> + <p> + “But here he comes!” the young man added. “Ah! poor fellow, his wife, I + fancy, had another attack this morning.” + </p> + <p> + He alluded to a frightful story which Guillaume had already recounted to + Pierre. Grandidier, falling in love with a very beautiful girl, had + married her; but for five years now she had been insane: the result of + puerperal fever and the death of an infant son. Her husband, with his + ardent affection for her, had been unwilling to place her in an asylum, + and had accordingly kept her with him in a little pavilion, whose windows, + overlooking the courtyard of the factory, always remained closed. She was + never seen; and never did he speak of her to anybody. It was said that she + was usually like a child, very gentle and very sad, and still beautiful, + with regal golden hair. At times, however, attacks of frantic madness came + upon her, and he then had to struggle with her, and often hold her for + hours in his arms to prevent her from splitting her head against the + walls. Fearful shrieks would ring out for a time, and then deathlike + silence would fall once more. + </p> + <p> + Grandidier came into the shed where Thomas was working. A handsome man of + forty, with an energetic face, he had a dark and heavy moustache, + brush-like hair and clear eyes. He was very partial to Thomas, and during + the young fellow’s apprenticeship there, had treated him like a son. And + he now let him return thither whenever it pleased him, and placed his + appliances at his disposal. He knew that he was trying to devise a new + motor, a question in which he himself was extremely interested; still he + evinced the greatest discretion, never questioning Thomas, but awaiting + the result of his endeavours. + </p> + <p> + “This is my uncle, Abbe Froment, who looked in to wish me good day,” said + the young man, introducing Pierre. + </p> + <p> + An exchange of polite remarks ensued. Then Grandidier sought to cast off + the sadness which made people think him stern and harsh, and in a + bantering tone exclaimed: “I didn’t tell you, Thomas, of my business with + the investigating magistrate. If I hadn’t enjoyed a good reputation we + should have had all the spies of the Prefecture here. The magistrate + wanted me to explain the presence of that bradawl in the Rue + Godot-de-Mauroy, and I at once realised that, in his opinion, the culprit + must have worked here. For my part I immediately thought of Salvat. But I + don’t denounce people. The magistrate has my hiring-book, and as for + Salvat I simply answered that he worked here for nearly three months last + autumn, and then disappeared. They can look for him themselves! Ah! that + magistrate! you can picture him a little fellow with fair hair and + cat-like eyes, very careful of his appearance, a society man evidently, + but quite frisky at being mixed up in this affair.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t he Monsieur Amadieu?” asked Pierre. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that’s his name. Ah! he’s certainly delighted with the present which + those Anarchists have made him, with that crime of theirs.” + </p> + <p> + The priest listened in deep anxiety. As his brother had feared, the true + scent, the first conducting wire, had now been found. And he looked at + Thomas to see if he also were disturbed. But the young man was either + ignorant of the ties which linked Salvat to his father, or else he + possessed great power of self-control, for he merely smiled at + Grandidier’s sketch of the magistrate. + </p> + <p> + Then, as Grandidier went to look at the piece of mechanism which Thomas + was finishing, and they began to speak about it, Pierre drew near to an + open doorway which communicated with a long workshop where engine lathes + were rumbling, and the beams of press-drills falling quickly and + rhythmically. Leather gearing spun along with a continuous gliding, and + there was ceaseless bustle and activity amidst the odoriferous dampness of + all the steam. Scores of perspiring workmen, grimy with dust and filings, + were still toiling. Still this was the final effort of the day. And as + three men approached a water-tap near Pierre to wash their hands, he + listened to their talk, and became particularly interested in it when he + heard one of them, a tall, ginger-haired fellow, call another Toussaint, + and the third Charles. + </p> + <p> + Toussaint, a big, square-shouldered man with knotty arms, only showed his + fifty years on his round, scorched face, which besides being roughened and + wrinkled by labour, bristled with grey hairs, which nowadays he was + content to shave off once a week. It was only his right arm that was + affected by paralysis, and moved rather sluggishly. As for Charles, a + living portrait of his father, he was now in all the strength of his six + and twentieth year, with splendid muscles distending his white skin, and a + full face barred by a heavy black moustache. The three men, like their + employer, were speaking of the explosion at the Duvillard mansion, of the + bradawl found there, and of Salvat, whom they all now suspected. + </p> + <p> + “Why, only a brigand would do such a thing!” said Toussaint. “That + Anarchism disgusts me. I’ll have none of it. But all the same it’s for the + <i>bourgeois</i> to settle matters. If the others want to blow them up, + it’s their concern. It’s they who brought it about.” + </p> + <p> + This indifference was undoubtedly the outcome of a life of want and social + injustice; it was the indifference of an old toiler, who, weary of + struggling and hoping for improvements, was now quite ready to tolerate + the crumbling of a social system, which threatened him with hunger in his + impotent old age. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know,” rejoined Charles, “I’ve heard the Anarchists talking, + and they really say some very true and sensible things. And just take + yourself, father; you’ve been working for thirty years, and isn’t it + abominable that you should have had to pass through all that you did pass + through recently, liable to go off like some old horse that’s slaughtered + at the first sign of illness? And, of course, it makes me think of myself, + and I can’t help feeling that it won’t be at all amusing to end like that. + And may the thunder of God kill me if I’m wrong, but one feels half + inclined to join in their great flare-up if it’s really to make everybody + happy!” + </p> + <p> + He certainly lacked the flame of enthusiasm, and if he had come to these + views it was solely from impatience to lead a less toilsome life, for + obligatory military service had given him ideas of equality among all men—a + desire to struggle, raise himself and obtain his legitimate share of + life’s enjoyments. It was, in fact, the inevitable step which carries each + generation a little more forward. There was the father, who, deceived in + his hope of a fraternal republic, had grown sceptical and contemptuous; + and there was the son advancing towards a new faith, and gradually + yielding to ideas of violence, since political liberty had failed to keep + its promises. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, as the big, ginger-haired fellow grew angry, and shouted + that if Salvat were guilty, he ought to be caught and guillotined at once, + without waiting for judges, Toussaint ended by endorsing his opinion. + “Yes, yes, he may have married one of my sisters, but I renounce him.... + And yet, you know, it would astonish me to find him guilty, for he isn’t + wicked at heart. I’m sure he wouldn’t kill a fly.” + </p> + <p> + “But what would you have?” put in Charles. “When a man’s driven to + extremities he goes mad.” + </p> + <p> + They had now washed themselves; but Toussaint, on perceiving his employer, + lingered there in order to ask him for an advance. As it happened, + Grandidier, after cordially shaking hands with Pierre, approached the old + workman of his own accord, for he held him in esteem. And, after listening + to him, he gave him a line for the cashier on a card. As a rule, he was + altogether against the practice of advancing money, and his men disliked + him, and said he was over rigid, though in point of fact he had a good + heart. But he had his position as an employer to defend, and to him + concessions meant ruin. With such keen competition on all sides, with the + capitalist system entailing a terrible and incessant struggle, how could + one grant the demands of the workers, even when they were legitimate? + </p> + <p> + Sudden compassion came upon Pierre when, after quitting Thomas, he saw + Grandidier, who had finished his round, crossing the courtyard in the + direction of the closed pavilion, where all the grief of his heart-tragedy + awaited him. Here was that man waging the battle of life, defending his + fortune with the risk that his business might melt away amidst the furious + warfare between capital and labour; and at the same time, in lieu of + evening repose, finding naught but anguish it his hearth: a mad wife, an + adored wife, who had sunk back into infancy, and was for ever dead to + love! How incurable was his secret despair! Even on the days when he + triumphed in his workshops, disaster awaited him at home. And could any + more unhappy man, any man more deserving of pity, be found even among the + poor who died of hunger, among those gloomy workers, those vanquished sons + of labour who hated and who envied him? + </p> + <p> + When Pierre found himself in the street again he was astonished to see + Madame Toussaint and Madame Theodore still there with little Celine. With + their feet in the mud, like bits of wreckage against which beat the + ceaseless flow of wayfarers, they had lingered there, still and ever + chatting, loquacious and doleful, lulling their wretchedness to rest + beneath a deluge of tittle-tattle. And when Toussaint, followed by his + son, came out, delighted with the advance he had secured, he also found + them on the same spot. Then he told Madame Theodore the story of the + bradawl, and the idea which had occurred to him and all his mates that + Salvat might well be the culprit. She, however, though turning very pale, + began to protest, concealing both what she knew and what she really + thought. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you I haven’t seen him for several days,” said she. “He must + certainly be in Belgium. And as for a bomb, that’s humbug. You say + yourself that he’s very gentle and wouldn’t harm a fly!” + </p> + <p> + A little later as Pierre journeyed back to Neuilly in a tramcar he fell + into a deep reverie. All the stir and bustle of that working-class + district, the buzzing of the factory, the overflowing activity of that + hive of labour, seemed to have lingered within him. And for the first + time, amidst his worries, he realised the necessity of work. Yes, it was + fatal, but it also gave health and strength. In effort which sustains and + saves, he at last found a solid basis on which all might be reared. Was + this, then, the first gleam of a new faith? But ah! what mockery! Work an + uncertainty, work hopeless, work always ending in injustice! And then want + ever on the watch for the toiler, strangling him as soon as slack times + came round, and casting him into the streets like a dead dog immediately + old age set in. + </p> + <p> + On reaching Neuilly, Pierre found Bertheroy at Guillaume’s bedside. The + old <i>savant</i> had just dressed the injured wrist, and was not yet + certain that no complications would arise. “The fact is,” he said to + Guillaume, “you don’t keep quiet. I always find you in a state of feverish + emotion which is the worst possible thing for you. You must calm yourself, + my dear fellow, and not allow anything to worry you.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later, though, just as he was going away, he said with his + pleasant smile: “Do you know that a newspaper writer came to interview me + about that explosion? Those reporters imagine that scientific men know + everything! I told the one who called on me that it would be very kind of + <i>him</i> to enlighten <i>me</i> as to what powder was employed. And, by + the way, I am giving a lesson on explosives at my laboratory to-morrow. + There will be just a few persons present. You might come as well, Pierre, + so as to give an account of it to Guillaume; it would interest him.” + </p> + <p> + At a glance from his brother, Pierre accepted the invitation. Then, + Bertheroy having gone, he recounted all he had learnt during the + afternoon, how Salvat was suspected, and how the investigating magistrate + had been put on the right scent. And at this news, intense fever again + came over Guillaume, who, with his head buried in the pillow, and his eyes + closed, stammered as if in a kind of nightmare: “Ah! then, this is the + end! Salvat arrested, Salvat interrogated! Ah! that so much toil and so + much hope should crumble!” + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0070" id="link2H_4_0070"></a> + IV. CULTURE AND HOPE + </h2> + <p> + ON the morrow, punctually at one o’clock, Pierre reached the Rue d’Ulm, + where Bertheroy resided in a fairly large house, which the State had + placed at his disposal, in order that he might install in it a laboratory + for study and research. Thus the whole first floor had been transformed + into one spacious apartment, where, from time to time, the illustrious + chemist was fond of receiving a limited number of pupils and admirers, + before whom he made experiments, and explained his new discoveries and + theories. + </p> + <p> + For these occasions a few chairs were set out before the long and massive + table, which was covered with jars and appliances. In the rear one saw the + furnace, while all around were glass cases, full of vials and specimens. + The persons present were, for the most part, fellow <i>savants</i>, with a + few young men, and even a lady or two, and, of course, an occasional + journalist. The whole made up a kind of family gathering, the visitors + chatting with the master in all freedom. + </p> + <p> + Directly Bertheroy perceived Pierre he came forward, pressed his hand and + seated him on a chair beside Guillaume’s son Francois, who had been one of + the first arrivals. The young man was completing his third year at the + Ecole Normale, close by, so he only had a few steps to take to call upon + his master Bertheroy, whom he regarded as one of the firmest minds of the + age. Pierre was delighted to meet his nephew, for he had been greatly + impressed in his favour on the occasion of his visit to Montmartre. + Francois, on his side, greeted his uncle with all the cordial + expansiveness of youth. He was, moreover, well pleased to obtain some news + of his father. + </p> + <p> + However, Bertheroy began. He spoke in a familiar and sober fashion, but + frequently employed some very happy expressions. At first he gave an + account of his own extensive labours and investigations with regard to + explosive substances, and related with a laugh that he sometimes + manipulated powders which would have blown up the entire district. But, + said he, in order to reassure his listeners, he was always extremely + prudent. At last he turned to the subject of that explosion in the Rue + Godot-de-Mauroy, which, for some days, had filled Paris with dismay. The + remnants of the bomb had been carefully examined by experts, and one + fragment had been brought to him, in order that he might give his opinion + on it. The bomb appeared to have been prepared in a very rudimentary + fashion; it had been charged with small pieces of iron, and fired by means + of a match, such as a child might have devised. The extraordinary part of + the affair was the formidable power of the central cartridge, which, + although it must have been a small one, had wrought as much havoc as any + thunderbolt. And the question was this: What incalculable power of + destruction might one not arrive at if the charge were increased ten, + twenty or a hundredfold. Embarrassment began, and divergencies of opinion + clouded the issue directly one tried to specify what explosive had been + employed. Of the three experts who had been consulted, one pronounced + himself in favour of dynamite pure and simple; but the two others, + although they did not agree together, believed in some combination of + explosive matters. He, Bertheroy, had modestly declined to adjudicate, for + the fragment submitted to him bore traces of so slight a character, that + analysis became impossible. Thus he was unwilling to make any positive + pronouncement. But his opinion was that one found oneself in presence of + some unknown powder, some new explosive, whose power exceeded anything + that had hitherto been dreamt of. He could picture some unknown <i>savant</i>, + or some ignorant but lucky inventor, discovering the formula of this + explosive under mysterious conditions. And this brought him to the point + he wished to reach, the question of all the explosives which are so far + unknown, and of the coming discoveries which he could foresee. In the + course of his investigations he himself had found cause to suspect the + existence of several such explosives, though he had lacked time and + opportunity to prosecute his studies in that direction. However, he + indicated the field which should be explored, and the best way of + proceeding. In his opinion it was there that lay the future. And in a + broad and eloquent peroration, he declared that explosives had hitherto + been degraded by being employed in idiotic schemes of vengeance and + destruction; whereas it was in them possibly that lay the liberating force + which science was seeking, the lever which would change the face of the + world, when they should have been so domesticated and subdued as to be + only the obedient servants of man. + </p> + <p> + Throughout this familiar discourse Pierre could feel that Francois was + growing impassioned, quivering at thought of the vast horizon which the + master opened up. He himself had become extremely interested, for he could + not do otherwise than notice certain allusions, and connect what he heard + with what he had guessed of Guillaume’s anxiety regarding that secret + which he feared to see at the mercy of an investigating magistrate. And so + as he, Pierre, before going off with Francois, approached Bertheroy to + wish him good day, he pointedly remarked: “Guillaume will be very sorry + that he was unable to hear you unfold those admirable ideas.” + </p> + <p> + The old <i>savant</i> smiled. “Pooh!” said he; “just give him a summary of + what I said. He will understand. He knows more about the matter than I + do.” + </p> + <p> + In presence of the illustrious chemist, Francois preserved the silent + gravity of a respectful pupil, but when he and Pierre had taken a few + steps down the street in silence, he remarked: “What a pity it is that a + man of such broad intelligence, free from all superstition, and anxious + for the sole triumph of truth, should have allowed himself to be + classified, ticketed, bound round with titles and academical functions! + How greatly our affection for him would increase if he took less State + pay, and freed himself from all the grand cordons which tie his hands.” + </p> + <p> + “What would you have!” rejoined Pierre, in a conciliatory spirit. “A man + must live! At the same time I believe that he does not regard himself as + tied by anything.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as they had reached the entrance of the Ecole Normale, the priest + stopped, thinking that his companion was going back to the college. But + Francois, raising his eyes and glancing at the old place, remarked: “No, + no, to-day’s Thursday, and I’m at liberty! Oh! we have a deal of liberty, + perhaps too much. But for my own part I’m well pleased at it, for it often + enables me to go to Montmartre and work at my old little table. It’s only + there that I feel any real strength and clearness of mind.” + </p> + <p> + His preliminary examinations had entitled him to admission at either the + Ecole Polytechnique or the Ecole Normale,* and he had chosen the latter, + entering its scientific section with No. 1 against his name. His father + had wished him to make sure of an avocation, that of professor, even if + circumstances should allow him to remain independent and follow his own + bent on leaving the college. Francois, who was very precocious, was now + preparing for his last examination there, and the only rest he took was in + walking to and from Montmartre, or in strolling through the Luxembourg + gardens. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The purposes of the Ecole Normale have been referred to on + p. 197. At the Ecole Polytechnique young men receive much + of the preliminary training which they require to become + either artillery officers, or military, naval or civil + engineers.—Trans. +</pre> + <p> + From force of habit he now turned towards the latter, accompanied by + Pierre and chatting with him. One found the mildness of springtime there + that February afternoon; for pale sunshine streamed between the trees, + which were still leafless. It was indeed one of those first fine days + which draw little green gems from the branches of the lilac bushes. + </p> + <p> + The Ecole Normale was still the subject of conversation and Pierre + remarked: “I must own that I hardly like the spirit that prevails there. + Excellent work is done, no doubt, and the only way to form professors is + to teach men the trade by cramming them with the necessary knowledge. But + the worst is that although all the students are trained for the teaching + profession, many of them don’t remain in it, but go out into the world, + take to journalism, or make it their business to control the arts, + literature and society. And those who do this are for the most part + unbearable. After swearing by Voltaire they have gone back to spirituality + and mysticism, the last drawing-room craze. Now that a firm faith in + science is regarded as brutish and inelegant, they fancy that they rid + themselves of their caste by feigning amiable doubt, and ignorance, and + innocence. What they most fear is that they may carry a scent of the + schools about with them, so they put on extremely Parisian airs, venture + on somersaults and slang, and assume all the grace of dancing bears in + their eager desire to please. From that desire spring the sarcastic shafts + which they aim at science, they who pretend that they know everything, but + who go back to the belief of the humble, the <i>naive</i> idealism of + Biblical legends, just because they think the latter to be more + distinguished.” + </p> + <p> + Francois began to laugh: “The portrait is perhaps a little overdrawn,” + said he, “still there’s truth in it, a great deal of truth.” + </p> + <p> + “I have known several of them,” continued Pierre, who was growing + animated. “And among them all I have noticed that a fear of being duped + leads them to reaction against the entire effort, the whole work of the + century. Disgust with liberty, distrust of science, denial of the future, + that is what they now profess. And they have such a horror of the + commonplace that they would rather believe in nothing or the incredible. + It may of course be commonplace to say that two and two make four, yet + it’s true enough; and it is far less foolish for a man to say and repeat + it than to believe, for instance, in the miracles of Lourdes.” + </p> + <p> + Francois glanced at the priest in astonishment. The other noticed it and + strove to restrain himself. Nevertheless, grief and anger carried him away + whenever he spoke of the educated young people of the time, such as, in + his despair, he imagined them to be. In the same way as he had pitied the + toilers dying of hunger in the districts of misery and want, so here he + overflowed with contempt for the young minds that lacked bravery in the + presence of knowledge, and harked back to the consolation of deceptive + spirituality, the promise of an eternity of happiness in death, which last + was longed for and exalted as the very sum of life. Was not the cowardly + thought of refusing to live for the sake of living so as to discharge + one’s simple duty in being and making one’s effort, equivalent to absolute + assassination of life? However, the <i>Ego</i> was always the mainspring; + each one sought personal happiness. And Pierre was grieved to think that + those young people, instead of discarding the past and marching on to the + truths of the future, were relapsing into shadowy metaphysics through + sheer weariness and idleness, due in part perhaps to the excessive + exertion of the century, which had been overladen with human toil. + </p> + <p> + However, Francois had begun to smile again. “But you are mistaken,” said + he; “we are not all like that at the Ecole Normale. You only seem to know + the Normalians of the Section of Letters, and your opinions would surely + change if you knew those of the Section of Sciences. It is quite true that + the reaction against Positivism is making itself felt among our literary + fellow-students, and that they, like others, are haunted by the idea of + that famous bankruptcy of science. This is perhaps due to their masters, + the neo-spiritualists and dogmatical rhetoricians into whose hands they + have fallen. And it is still more due to fashion, the whim of the times + which, as you have very well put it, regards scientific truth as bad + taste, something graceless and altogether too brutal for light and + distinguished minds. Consequently, a young fellow of any shrewdness who + desires to please is perforce won over to the new spirit.” + </p> + <p> + “The new spirit!” interrupted Pierre, unable to restrain himself. “Oh! + that is no mere innocent, passing fashion, it is a tactical device and a + terrible one, an offensive return of the powers of darkness against those + of light, of servitude against free thought, truth and justice.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as the young man again looked at him with growing astonishment, he + relapsed into silence. The figure of Monseigneur Martha had risen before + his eyes, and he fancied he could again hear the prelate at the Madeleine, + striving to win Paris over to the policy of Rome, to that spurious + neo-Catholicism which, with the object of destroying democracy and + science, accepted such portions of them as it could adapt to its own + views. This was indeed the supreme struggle. Thence came all the poison + poured forth to the young. Pierre knew what efforts were being made in + religious circles to help on this revival of mysticism, in the mad hope of + hastening the rout of science. Monseigneur Martha, who was all-powerful at + the Catholic University, said to his intimates, however, that three + generations of devout and docile pupils would be needed before the Church + would again be absolute sovereign of France. + </p> + <p> + “Well, as for the Ecole Normale,” continued Francois, “I assure you that + you are mistaken. There are a few narrow bigots there, no doubt. But even + in the Section of Letters the majority of the students are sceptics at + bottom—sceptics of discreet and good-natured average views. Of + course they are professors before everything else, though they are a + trifle ashamed of it; and, as professors, they judge things with no little + pedantic irony, devoured by a spirit of criticism, and quite incapable of + creating anything themselves. I should certainly be astonished to see the + man of genius whom we await come out of their ranks. To my thinking, + indeed, it would be preferable that some barbarian genius, neither well + read nor endowed with critical faculty, or power of weighing and shading + things, should come and open the next century with a hatchet stroke, + sending up a fine flare of truth and reality.... But, as for my comrades + of the Scientific Section, I assure you that neo-Catholicism and Mysticism + and Occultism, and every other branch of the fashionable phantasmagoria + trouble them very little indeed. They are not making a religion of + science, they remain open to doubt on many points; but they are mostly men + of very clear and firm minds, whose passion is the acquirement of + certainty, and who are ever absorbed in the investigations which continue + throughout the whole vast field of human knowledge. They haven’t flinched, + they have remained Positivists, or Evolutionists, or Determinists, and + have set their faith in observation and experiment to help on the final + conquest of the world.” + </p> + <p> + Francois himself was growing excited, as he thus confessed his faith while + strolling along the quiet sunlit garden paths. “The young indeed!” he + resumed. “Do people know them? It makes us laugh when we see all sorts of + apostles fighting for us, trying to attract us, and saying that we are + white or black or grey, according to the hue which they require for the + triumph of their particular ideas! The young, the real ones, why, they’re + in the schools, the laboratories and the libraries. It’s they who work and + who’ll bring to-morrow to the world. It’s not the young fellows of dinner + and supper clubs, manifestoes and all sorts of extravagances. The latter + make a great deal of noise, no doubt; in fact, they alone are heard. But + if you knew of the ceaseless efforts and passionate striving of the + others, those who remain silent, absorbed in their tasks. And I know many + of them: they are with their century, they have rejected none of its + hopes, but are marching on to the coming century, resolved to pursue the + work of their forerunners, ever going towards more light and more equity. + And just speak to them of the bankruptcy of science. They’ll shrug their + shoulders at the mere idea, for they know well enough that science has + never before inflamed so many hearts or achieved greater conquests! It is + only if the schools, laboratories and libraries were closed, and the + social soil radically changed, that one would have cause to fear a fresh + growth of error such as weak hearts and narrow minds hold so dear!” + </p> + <p> + At this point Francois’s fine flow of eloquence was interrupted. A tall + young fellow stopped to shake hands with him; and Pierre was surprised to + recognise Baron Duvillard’s son Hyacinthe, who bowed to him in very + correct style. “What! you here in our old quarter,” exclaimed Francois. + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow, I’m going to Jonas’s, over yonder, behind the + Observatory. Don’t you know Jonas? Ah! my dear fellow, he’s a delightful + sculptor, who has succeeded in doing away with matter almost entirely. He + has carved a figure of Woman, no bigger than the finger, and entirely + soul, free from all baseness of form, and yet complete. All Woman, indeed, + in her essential symbolism! Ah! it’s grand, it’s overpowering. A perfect + scheme of aesthetics, a real religion!” + </p> + <p> + Francois smiled as he looked at Hyacinthe, buttoned up in his long pleated + frock-coat, with his made-up face, and carefully cropped hair and beard. + “And yourself?” said he, “I thought you were working, and were going to + publish a little poem, shortly?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! the task of creating is so distasteful to me, my dear fellow! A + single line often takes me weeks.... Still, yes, I have a little poem on + hand, ‘The End of Woman.’ And you see, I’m not so exclusive as some people + pretend, since I admire Jonas, who still believes in Woman. His excuse is + sculpture, which, after all, is at best such a gross materialistic art. + But in poetry, good heavens, how we’ve been overwhelmed with Woman, always + Woman! It’s surely time to drive her out of the temple, and cleanse it a + little. Ah! if we were all pure and lofty enough to do without Woman, and + renounce all those horrid sexual questions, so that the last of the + species might die childless, eh? The world would then at least finish in a + clean and proper manner!” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, Hyacinthe walked off with his languid air, well pleased with + the effect which he had produced on the others. + </p> + <p> + “So you know him?” said Pierre to Francois. + </p> + <p> + “He was my school-fellow at Condorcet, we were in the same classes + together. Such a funny fellow he was! A perfect dunce! And he was always + making a parade of Father Duvillard’s millions, while pretending to + disdain them, and act the revolutionist, for ever saying that he’d use his + cigarette to fire the cartridge which was to blow up the world! He was + Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche, and Tolstoi, and Ibsen, rolled into one! And + you can see what he has become with it all: a humbug with a diseased + mind!” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a terrible symptom,” muttered Pierre, “when through <i>ennui</i> or + lassitude, or the contagion of destructive fury, the sons of the happy and + privileged ones start doing the work of the demolishers.” + </p> + <p> + Francois had resumed his walk, going down towards the ornamental water, + where some children were sailing their boats. “That fellow is simply + grotesque,” he replied; “but how would you have sane people give any heed + to that mysticism, that awakening of spirituality which is alleged by the + same <i>doctrinaires</i> who started the bankruptcy of science cry, when + after so brief an evolution it produces such insanity, both in art and + literature? A few years of influence have sufficed; and now Satanism, + Occultism and other absurdities are flourishing; not to mention that, + according to some accounts, the Cities of the Plains are reconciled with + new Rome. Isn’t the tree judged by its fruits? And isn’t it evident that, + instead of a renascence, a far-spreading social movement bringing back the + past, we are simply witnessing a transitory reaction, which many things + explain? The old world would rather not die, and is struggling in a final + convulsion, reviving for a last hour before it is swept away by the + overflowing river of human knowledge, whose waters ever increase. And + yonder, in the future, is the new world, which the real young ones will + bring into existence, those who work, those who are not known, who are not + heard. And yet, just listen! Perhaps you will hear them, for we are among + them, in their ‘quarter.’ This deep silence is that of the labour of all + the young fellows who are leaning over their work-tables, and day by day + carrying forward the conquest of truth.” + </p> + <p> + So saying Francois waved his hand towards all the day-schools and colleges + and high schools beyond the Luxembourg garden, towards the Faculties of + Law and Medicine, the Institute and its five Academies, the innumerable + libraries and museums which made up the broad domain of intellectual + labour. And Pierre, moved by it all, shaken in his theories of negation, + thought that he could indeed hear a low but far-spreading murmur of the + work of thousands of active minds, rising from laboratories, studies and + class, reading and lecture rooms. It was not like the jerky, breathless + trepidation, the loud clamour of factories where manual labour toils and + chafes. But here, too, there were sighs of weariness, efforts as killing, + exertion as fruitful in its results. Was it indeed true that the cultured + young were still and ever in their silent forge, renouncing no hope, + relinquishing no conquest, but in full freedom of mind forging the truth + and justice of to-morrow with the invincible hammers of observation and + experiment? + </p> + <p> + Francois, however, had raised his eyes to the palace clock to ascertain + the time. “I’m going to Montmartre,” he said; “will you come part of the + way with me?” + </p> + <p> + Pierre assented, particularly as the young man added that on his way he + meant to call for his brother Antoine at the Museum of the Louvre. That + bright afternoon the Louvre picture galleries were steeped in warm and + dignified quietude, which one particularly noticed on coming from the + tumult and scramble of the streets. The majority of the few people one + found there were copyists working in deep silence, which only the + wandering footsteps of an occasional tourist disturbed. Pierre and + Francois found Antoine at the end of the gallery assigned to the Primitive + masters. With scrupulous, almost devout care he was making a drawing of a + figure by Mantegna. The Primitives did not impassion him by reason of any + particular mysticism and ideality, such as fashion pretends to find in + them, but on the contrary, and justifiably enough, by reason of the + sincerity of their ingenuous realism, their respect and modesty in + presence of nature, and the minute fidelity with which they sought to + transcribe it. He spent days of hard work in copying and studying them, in + order to learn strictness and probity of drawing from them—all that + lofty distinction of style which they owe to their candour as honest + artists. + </p> + <p> + Pierre was struck by the pure glow which a sitting of good hard work had + set in Antoine’s light blue eyes. It imparted warmth and even feverishness + to his fair face, which was usually all dreaminess and gentleness. His + lofty forehead now truly looked like a citadel armed for the conquest of + truth and beauty. He was only eighteen, and his story was simply this: as + he had grown disgusted with classical studies and been mastered by a + passion for drawing, his father had let him leave the Lycee Condorcet when + he was in the third class there. Some little time had then elapsed while + he felt his way and the deep originality within him was being evolved. He + had tried etching on copper, but had soon come to wood engraving, and had + attached himself to it in spite of the discredit into which it had fallen, + lowered as it had been to the level of a mere trade. Was there not here an + entire art to restore and enlarge? For his own part he dreamt of engraving + his own drawings, of being at once the brain which conceives and the hand + which executes, in such wise as to obtain new effects of great intensity + both as regards perception and touch. To comply with the wishes of his + father, who desired each of his sons to have a trade, he earned his bread + like other engravers by working for the illustrated newspapers. But, in + addition to this current work, he had already engraved several blocks + instinct with wonderful power and life. They were simply copies of real + things, scenes of everyday existence, but they were accentuated, elevated + so to say, by the essential line, with a maestria which on the part of so + young a lad fairly astonished one. + </p> + <p> + “Do you want to engrave that?” Francois asked him, as he placed his copy + of Mantegna’s figure in his portfolio. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! no, that’s merely a dip into innocence, a good lesson to teach one to + be modest and sincere. Life is very different nowadays.” + </p> + <p> + Then, while walking along the streets—for Pierre, who felt growing + sympathy for the two young fellows, went with them in the direction of + Montmartre, forgetful of all else,—Antoine, who was beside him, + spoke expansively of his artistic dreams. + </p> + <p> + “Colour is certainly a power, a sovereign source of charm, and one may, + indeed, say that without colour nothing can be completely represented. + Yet, singularly enough, it isn’t indispensable to me. It seems to me that + I can picture life as intensely and definitely with mere black and white, + and I even fancy that I shall be able to do so in a more essential manner, + without any of the dupery which lies in colour. But what a task it is! I + should like to depict the Paris of to-day in a few scenes, a few typical + figures, which would serve as testimony for all time. And I should like to + do it with great fidelity and candour, for an artist only lives by reason + of his candour, his humility and steadfast belief in Nature, which is ever + beautiful. I’ve already done a few figures, I will show them to you. But + ah! if I only dared to tackle my blocks with the graver, at the outset, + without drawing my subject beforehand. For that generally takes away one’s + fire. However, what I do with the pencil is a mere sketch; for with the + graver I may come upon a find, some unexpected strength or delicacy of + effect. And so I’m draughtsman and engraver all in one, in such a way that + my blocks can only be turned out by myself. If the drawings on them were + engraved by another, they would be quite lifeless.... Yes, life can spring + from the fingers just as well as from the brain, when one really possesses + creative power.” + </p> + <p> + They walked on, and when they found themselves just below Montmartre, and + Pierre spoke of taking a tramcar to return to Neuilly, Antoine, quite + feverish with artistic passion, asked him if he knew Jahan, the sculptor, + who was working for the Sacred Heart. And on receiving a negative reply, + he added: “Well, come and see him for a moment. He has a great future + before him. You’ll see an angel of his which has been declined.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as Francois began to praise the angel in question, Pierre agreed to + accompany them. On the summit of the height, among all the sheds which the + building of the basilica necessitated, Jahan had been able to set up a + glazed workshop large enough for the huge angel ordered of him. His three + visitors found him there in a blouse, watching a couple of assistants, who + were rough-hewing the block of stone whence the angel was to emerge. Jahan + was a sturdy man of thirty-six, with dark hair and beard, a large, ruddy + mouth and fine bright eyes. Born in Paris, he had studied at the Fine Art + School, but his impetuous temperament had constantly landed him in trouble + there. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! yes,” said he, “you’ve come to see my angel, the one which the + Archbishop wouldn’t take. Well, there it is.” + </p> + <p> + The clay model of the figure, some three feet high, and already drying, + looked superb in its soaring posture, with its large, outspread wings + expanding as if with passionate desire for the infinite. The body, barely + draped, was that of a slim yet robust youth, whose face beamed with the + rapture of his heavenly flight. + </p> + <p> + “They found him too human,” said Jahan. “And after all they were right. + There’s nothing so difficult to conceive as an angel. One even hesitates + as to the sex; and when faith is lacking one has to take the first model + one finds and copy it and spoil it. For my part, while I was modelling + that one, I tried to imagine a beautiful youth suddenly endowed with + wings, and carried by the intoxication of his flight into all the joy of + the sunshine. But it upset them, they wanted something more religious, + they said; and so then I concocted that wretched thing over there. After + all, one has to earn one’s living, you know.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he waved his hand towards another model, the one for which his + assistants were preparing the stone. And this model represented an angel + of the correct type, with symmetrical wings like those of a goose, a + figure of neither sex, and commonplace features, expressing the silly + ecstasy that tradition requires. + </p> + <p> + “What would you have?” continued Jahan. “Religious art has sunk to the + most disgusting triteness. People no longer believe; churches are built + like barracks, and decorated with saints and virgins fit to make one weep. + The fact is that genius is only the fruit of the social soil; and a great + artist can only send up a blaze of the faith of the time he lives in. For + my part, I’m the grandson of a Beauceron peasant. My father came to Paris + to set himself up in business as a marble worker for tombstones and so + forth, just at the top of the Rue de la Roquette. It was there I grew up. + I began as a workman, and all my childhood was spent among the masses, in + the streets, without ever a thought coming to me of setting foot in a + church. So few Parisians think of doing so nowadays. And so what’s to + become of art since there’s no belief in the Divinity or even in beauty? + We’re forced to go forward to the new faith, which is the faith in life + and work and fruitfulness, in all that labours and produces.” + </p> + <p> + Then suddenly breaking off he exclaimed: “By the way, I’ve been doing some + more work to my figure of Fecundity, and I’m fairly well pleased with it. + Just come with me and I’ll show it you.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he insisted on taking them to his private studio, which was near + by, just below Guillaume’s little house. It was entered by way of the Rue + du Calvaire, a street which is simply a succession of ladder-like flights + of steps. The door opened on to one of the little landings, and one found + oneself in a spacious, well-lighted apartment littered with models and + casts, fragments and figures, quite an overflow of sturdy, powerful + talent. On a stool was the unfinished model of Fecundity swathed in wet + cloths. These Jahan removed, and then she stood forth with her rounded + figure, her broad hips and her wifely, maternal bosom, full of the milk + which nourishes and redeems. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you think of her?” asked Jahan. “Built as she is, I fancy + that her children ought to be less puny than the pale, languid, aesthetic + fellows of nowadays!” + </p> + <p> + While Antoine and Francois were admiring the figure, Pierre, for his part, + took most interest in a young girl who had opened the door to them, and + who had now wearily reseated herself at a little table to continue a book + she was reading. This was Jahan’s sister, Lise. A score of years younger + than himself, she was but sixteen, and had been living alone with him + since their father’s death. Very slight and delicate looking, she had a + most gentle face, with fine light hair which suggested pale gold-dust. She + was almost a cripple, with legs so weak that she only walked with + difficulty, and her mind also was belated, still full of childish <i>naivete</i>. + At first this had much saddened her brother, but with time he had grown + accustomed to her innocence and languor. Busy as he always was, ever in a + transport, overflowing with new plans, he somewhat neglected her by force + of circumstances, letting her live beside him much as she listed. + </p> + <p> + Pierre had noticed, however, the sisterly impulsiveness with which she had + greeted Antoine. And the latter, after congratulating Jahan on his statue, + came and sat down beside her, questioned her and wished to see the book + which she was reading. During the last six months the most pure and + affectionate intercourse had sprung up between them. He, from his father’s + garden, up yonder on the Place du Tertre, could see her through the huge + window of that studio where she led so innocent a life. And noticing that + she was always alone, as if forsaken, he had begun to take an interest in + her. Then had come acquaintance; and, delighted to find her so simple and + so charming, he had conceived the design of rousing her to intelligence + and life, by loving her, by becoming at once the mind and the heart whose + power fructifies. Weak plant that she was, in need of delicate care, + sunshine and affection, he became for her all that her brother had, + through circumstances, failed to be. He had already taught her to read, a + task in which every mistress had previously failed. But him she listened + to and understood. And by slow degrees a glow of happiness came to the + beautiful clear eyes set in her irregular face. It was love’s miracle, the + creation of woman beneath the breath of a young lover who gave himself + entirely. No doubt she still remained very delicate, with such poor health + that one ever feared that she might expire in a faint sigh; and her legs, + moreover, were still too weak to admit of her walking any distance. But + all the same, she was no longer the little wilding, the little ailing + flower of the previous spring. + </p> + <p> + Jahan, who marvelled at the incipient miracle, drew near to the young + people. “Ah!” said he, “your pupil does you honour. She reads quite + fluently, you know, and understands the fine books you send her. You read + to me of an evening now, don’t you, Lise?” + </p> + <p> + She raised her candid eyes, and gazed at Antoine with a smile of infinite + gratitude. “Oh! whatever he’ll teach me,” she said, “I’ll learn it, and do + it.” + </p> + <p> + The others laughed gently. Then, as the visitors were going off, Francois + paused before a model which had cracked while drying. “Oh! that’s a spoilt + thing,” said the sculptor. “I wanted to model a figure of Charity. It was + ordered of me by a philanthropic institution. But try as I might, I could + only devise something so commonplace that I let the clay spoil. Still, I + must think it over and endeavour to take the matter in hand again.” + </p> + <p> + When they were outside, it occurred to Pierre to go as far as the basilica + of the Sacred Heart in the hope of finding Abbe Rose there. So the three + of them went round by way of the Rue Gabrielle and climbed the steps of + the Rue Chape. And just as they were reaching the summit where the + basilica reared its forest of scaffoldings beneath the clear sky, they + encountered Thomas, who, on leaving the factory, had gone to give an order + to a founder in the Rue Lamarck. + </p> + <p> + He, who as a rule was so silent and discreet, now happened to be in an + expansive mood, which made him look quite radiant. “Ah! I’m so pleased,” + he said, addressing Pierre; “I fancy that I’ve found what I want for our + little motor. Tell father that things are going on all right, and that he + must make haste to get well.” + </p> + <p> + At these words his brothers, Francois and Antoine, drew close to him with + a common impulse. And they stood there all three, a valiant little group, + their hearts uniting and beating with one and the same delight at the idea + that their father would be gladdened, that the good news they were sending + him would help him towards recovery. As for Pierre, who, now that he knew + them, was beginning to love them and judge them at their worth, he + marvelled at the sight of these three young giants, each so strikingly + like the other, and drawn together so closely and so promptly, directly + their filial affection took fire. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him that we are waiting for him, and will come to him at the first + sign if we are wanted.” + </p> + <p> + Then each in turn shook the priest’s hand vigorously. And while he + remained watching them as they went off towards the little house, whose + garden he perceived over the wall of the Rue Saint Eleuthere, he fancied + he could there detect a delicate silhouette, a white, sunlit face under a + help of dark hair. It was doubtless the face of Marie, examining the buds + on her lilac bushes. At that evening hour, however, the diffuse light was + so golden that the vision seemed to fade in it as in a halo. And Pierre, + feeling dazzled, turned his head, and on the other side saw naught but the + overwhelming, chalky mass of the basilica, whose hugeness shut out all + view of the horizon. + </p> + <p> + For a moment he remained motionless on that spot, so agitated by + conflicting thoughts and feelings that he could read neither heart nor + mind clearly. Then, as he turned towards the city, all Paris spread itself + out at his feet, a limpid, lightsome Paris, beneath the pink glow of that + spring-like evening. The endless billows of house-roofs showed forth with + wonderful distinctness, and one could have counted the chimney stacks and + the little black streaks of the windows by the million. The edifices + rising into the calm atmosphere seemed like the anchored vessels of some + fleet arrested in its course, with lofty masting which glittered at the + sun’s farewell. And never before had Pierre so distinctly observed the + divisions of that human ocean. Eastward and northward was the city of + manual toil, with the rumbling and the smoke of its factories. Southward, + beyond the river, was the city of study, of intellectual labour, so calm, + so perfectly serene. And on all sides the passion of trade ascended from + the central districts, where the crowds rolled and scrambled amidst an + everlasting uproar of wheels; while westward, the city of the happy and + powerful ones, those who fought for sovereignty and wealth, spread out its + piles of palaces amidst the slowly reddening flare of the declining + planet. + </p> + <p> + And then, from the depths of his negation, the chaos into which his loss + of faith had plunged him, Pierre felt a delicious freshness pass like the + vague advent of a new faith. So vague it was that he could not have + expressed even his hope of it in words. But already among the rough + factory workers, manual toil had appeared to him necessary and redemptive, + in spite of all the misery and abominable injustice to which it led. And + now the young men of intellect of whom he had despaired, that generation + of the morrow which he had thought spoilt, relapsing into ancient error + and rottenness, had appeared to him full of virile promise, resolved to + prosecute the work of those who had gone before, and effect, by the aid of + Science only, the conquest of absolute truth and absolute justice. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0071" id="link2H_4_0071"></a> + V. PROBLEMS + </h2> + <p> + A FULL month had already gone by since Guillaume had taken refuge at his + brother’s little house at Neuilly. His wrist was now nearly healed. He had + long ceased to keep his bed, and often strolled through the garden. In + spite of his impatience to go back to Montmartre, join his loved ones and + resume his work there, he was each morning prompted to defer his return by + the news he found in the newspapers. The situation was ever the same. + Salvat, whom the police now suspected, had been perceived one evening near + the central markets, and then again lost sight of. Every day, however, his + arrest was said to be imminent. And in that case what would happen? Would + he speak out, and would fresh perquisitions be made? + </p> + <p> + For a whole week the press had been busy with the bradawl found under the + entrance of the Duvillard mansion. Nearly every reporter in Paris had + called at the Grandidier factory and interviewed both workmen and master. + Some had even started on personal investigations, in the hope of capturing + the culprit themselves. There was no end of jesting about the incompetence + of the police, and the hunt for Salvat was followed all the more + passionately by the general public, as the papers overflowed with the most + ridiculous concoctions, predicting further explosions, and declaring even + that all Paris would some morning be blown into the air. The “Voix du + Peuple” set a fresh shudder circulating every day by its announcements of + threatening letters, incendiary placards and mysterious, far-reaching + plots. And never before had so base and foolish a spirit of contagion + wafted insanity through a civilised city. + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, for his part, no sooner awoke of a morning than he was all + impatience to see the newspapers, quivering at the idea that he would at + last read of Salvat’s arrest. In his state of nervous expectancy, the wild + campaign which the press had started, the idiotic and the ferocious things + which he found in one or another journal, almost drove him crazy. A number + of “suspects” had already been arrested in a kind of chance razzia, which + had swept up the usual Anarchist herd, together with sundry honest workmen + and bandits, <i>illumines</i> and lazy devils, in fact, a most singular, + motley crew, which investigating magistrate Amadieu was endeavouring to + turn into a gigantic association of evil-doers. One morning, moreover, + Guillaume found his own name mentioned in connection with a perquisition + at the residence of a revolutionary journalist, who was a friend of his. + At this his heart bounded with revolt, but he was forced to the conclusion + that it would be prudent for him to remain patient a little longer, in his + peaceful retreat at Neuilly, since the police might at any moment break + into his home at Montmartre, to arrest him should it find him there. + </p> + <p> + Amidst all this anxiety the brothers led a most solitary and gentle life. + Pierre himself now spent most of his time at home. The first days of March + had come, and precocious springtide imparted delightful charm and warmth + to the little garden. Guillaume, however, since quitting his bed, had more + particularly installed himself in his father’s old laboratory, now + transformed into a spacious study. All the books and papers left by the + illustrious chemist were still there, and among the latter Guillaume found + a number of unfinished essays, the perusal of which greatly excited his + interest, and often absorbed him from morning till night. It was this + which largely enabled him to bear his voluntary seclusion patiently. + Seated on the other side of the big table, Pierre also mostly occupied + himself with reading; but at times his eyes would quit his book and wander + away into gloomy reverie, into all the chaos into which he still and ever + sank. For long hours the brothers would in this wise remain side by side, + without speaking a word. Yet they knew they were together; and + occasionally, when their eyes met, they would exchange a smile. The strong + affection of former days was again springing up within them; their + childhood, their home, their parents, all seemed to live once more in the + quiet atmosphere they breathed. However, the bay window overlooked the + garden in the direction of Paris, and often, when they emerged from their + reading or their reverie, it was with a sudden feeling of anxiety, and in + order to lend ear to the distant rumbling, the increased clamour of the + great city. + </p> + <p> + On other occasions they paused as if in astonishment at hearing a + continuous footfall overhead. It was that of Nicholas Barthes, who still + lingered in the room above. He seldom came downstairs, and scarcely ever + ventured into the garden, for fear, said he, that he might be perceived + and recognised from a distant house whose windows were concealed by a + clump of trees. One might laugh at the old conspirator’s haunting thought + of the police. Nevertheless, the caged-lion restlessness, the ceaseless + promenade of that perpetual prisoner who had spent two thirds of his life + in the dungeons of France in his desire to secure the liberty of others, + imparted to the silence of the little house a touching melancholy, the + very rhythm as it were of all the great good things which one hoped for, + but which would never perhaps come. + </p> + <p> + Very few visits drew the brothers from their solitude. Bertheroy came less + frequently now that Guillaume’s wrist was healing. The most assiduous + caller was certainly Theophile Morin, whose discreet ring was heard every + other day at the same hour. Though he did not share the ideas of Barthes + he worshipped him as a martyr; and would always go upstairs to spend an + hour with him. However, they must have exchanged few words, for not a + sound came from the room. Whenever Morin sat down for a moment in the + laboratory with the brothers, Pierre was struck by his seeming weariness, + his ashen grey hair and beard and dismal countenance, all the life of + which appeared to have been effaced by long years spent in the teaching + profession. Indeed, it was only when the priest mentioned Italy that he + saw his companion’s resigned eyes blaze up like live coals. One day when + he spoke of the great patriot Orlando Prada, Morin’s companion of victory + in Garibaldi’s days, he was amazed by the sudden flare of enthusiasm which + lighted up the other’s lifeless features. However, these were but + transient flashes: the old professor soon reappeared, and all that one + found in Morin was the friend of Proudhon and the subsequent disciple of + Auguste Comte. Of his Proudhonian principles he had retained all a + pauper’s hatred of wealth, and a desire for a more equitable partition of + fortune. But the new times dismayed him, and neither principle nor + temperament allowed him to follow Revolutionism to its utmost limits. + Comte had imparted unshakable convictions to him in the sphere of + intellectual questions, and he contented himself with the clear and + decisive logic of Positivism, rejecting all metaphysical hypotheses as + useless, persuaded as he was that the whole human question, whether social + or religious, would be solved by science alone. This faith, firm as it had + remained, was, however, coupled with secret bitterness, for nothing seemed + to advance in a sensible manner towards its goal. Comte himself had ended + in the most cloudy mysticism; great <i>savants</i> recoiled from truth in + terror; and now barbarians were threatening the world with fresh night; + all of which made Morin almost a reactionist in politics, already resigned + to the advent of a dictator, who would set things somewhat in order, so + that humanity might be able to complete its education. + </p> + <p> + Other visitors who occasionally called to see Guillaume were Bache and + Janzen, who invariably came together and at night-time. Every now and then + they would linger chatting with Guillaume in the spacious study until two + o’clock in the morning. Bache, who was fat and had a fatherly air, with + his little eyes gently beaming amidst all the snowy whiteness of his hair + and beard, would talk on slowly, unctuously and interminably, as soon as + he had begun to explain his views. He would address merely a polite bow to + Saint-Simon, the initiator, the first to lay down the law that work was a + necessity for one and all according to their capacities; but on coming to + Fourier his voice softened and he confessed his whole religion. To his + thinking, Fourier had been the real messiah of modern times, the saviour + of genius, who had sown the good seed of the future world, by regulating + society such as it would certainly be organised to-morrow. The law of + harmony had been promulgated; human passions, liberated and utilised in + healthy fashion, would become the requisite machinery; and work, rendered + pleasant and attractive, would prove the very function of life. Nothing + could discourage Bache; if merely one parish began by transforming itself + into a <i>phalansterium</i>, the whole department would soon follow, then + the adjacent departments, and finally all France. Moreover, Bache even + favoured the schemes of Cabet, whose Icaria, said he, had in no wise been + such a foolish idea. Further, he recalled a motion he had made, when + member of the Commune in 1871, to apply Fourier’s ideas to the French + Republic; and he was apparently convinced that the troops of Versailles + had delayed the triumph of Communism for half a century. Whenever people + nowadays talked of table-turning he pretended to laugh, but at bottom he + had remained an impenitent “spiritist.” Since he had been a municipal + councillor he had been travelling from one socialist sect to another, + according as their ideas offered points of resemblance to his old faith. + And he was fairly consumed by his need of faith, his perplexity as to the + Divine, which he was now occasionally inclined to find in the legs of some + piece of furniture, after denying its presence in the churches. + </p> + <p> + Janzen, for his part, was as taciturn as his friend Bache was garrulous. + Such remarks as he made were brief, but they were as galling as lashes, as + cutting as sabre-strokes. At the same time his ideas and theories remained + somewhat obscure, partly by reason of this brevity of his, and partly on + account of the difficulty he experienced in expressing himself in French. + He was from over yonder, from some far-away land—Russia, Poland, + Austria or Germany, nobody exactly knew; and it mattered little, for he + certainly acknowledged no country, but wandered far and wide with his + dream of blood-shedding fraternity. Whenever, with his wonted frigidity, + he gave utterance to one of those terrible remarks of his which, like a + scythe in a meadow, cut away all before him, little less than the + necessity of thus mowing down nations, in order to sow the earth afresh + with a young and better community, became apparent. At each proposition + unfolded by Bache, such as labour rendered agreeable by police + regulations, <i>phalansteria</i> organised like barracks, religion + transformed into pantheist or spiritist deism, he gently shrugged his + shoulders. What could be the use of such childishness, such hypocritical + repairing, when the house was falling and the only honest course was to + throw it to the ground, and build up the substantial edifice of to-morrow + with entirely new materials? On the subject of propaganda by deeds, + bomb-throwing and so forth, he remained silent, though his gestures were + expressive of infinite hope. He evidently approved that course. The legend + which made him one of the perpetrators of the crime of Barcelona set a + gleam of horrible glory in his mysterious past. One day when Bache, while + speaking to him of his friend Bergaz, the shadowy Bourse jobber who had + already been compromised in some piece of thieving, plainly declared that + the aforesaid Bergaz was a bandit, Janzen contented himself with smiling, + and replying quietly that theft was merely forced restitution. Briefly, in + this man of culture and refinement, in whose own mysterious life one might + perhaps have found various crimes but not a single act of base improbity, + one could divine an implacable, obstinate theoretician, who was resolved + to set the world ablaze for the triumph of his ideas. + </p> + <p> + On certain evenings when a visit from Theophile Morin coincided with one + from Bache and Janzen, and they and Guillaume lingered chatting until far + into the night, Pierre would listen to them in despair from the shadowy + corner where he remained motionless, never once joining in the + discussions. Distracted, by his own unbelief and thirst for truth, he had + at the outset taken a passionate interest in these debates, desirous as he + was of drawing up a balance-sheet of the century’s ideas, so as to form + some notion of the distance that had been travelled, and the profits that + had accrued. But he recoiled from all this in fresh despair, on hearing + the others argue, each from his own standpoint and without possibility of + concession and agreement. After the repulses he had encountered at Lourdes + and Rome, he well realised that in this fresh experiment which he was + making with Paris, the whole brain of the century was in question, the new + truths, the expected gospel which was to change the face of the world. + And, burning with inconsiderate zeal, he went from one belief to another, + which other he soon rejected in order to adopt a third. If he had first + felt himself to be a Positivist with Morin, an Evolutionist and + Determinist with Guillaume, he had afterwards been touched by the + fraternal dream of a new golden age which he had found in Bache’s + humanitarian Communism. And indeed even Janzen had momentarily shaken him + by his fierce confidence in the theory of liberative Individualism. But + afterwards he had found himself out of his depth; and each and every + theory had seemed to him but part of the chaotic contradictions and + incoherences of humanity on its march. It was all a continuous piling up + of dross, amidst which he lost himself. Although Fourier had sprung from + Saint-Simon he denied him in part; and if Saint-Simon’s doctrine ended in + a kind of mystical sensuality, the other’s conducted to an unacceptable + regimenting of society. Proudhon, for his part, demolished without + rebuilding anything. Comte, who created method and declared science to be + the one and only sovereign, had not even suspected the advent of the + social crisis which now threatened to sweep all away, and had finished + personally as a mere worshipper of love, overpowered by woman. + Nevertheless, these two, Comte and Proudhon, entered the lists and fought + against the others, Fourier and Saint-Simon; the combat between them or + their disciples becoming so bitter and so blind that the truths common to + them all were obscured and disfigured beyond recognition. Thence came the + extraordinary muddle of the present hour; Bache with Saint-Simon and + Fourier, and Morin with Proudhon and Comte, utterly failing to understand + Mege, the Collectivist deputy, whom they held up to execration, him and + his State Collectivism, in the same way, moreover, as they thundered + against all the other present-time Socialist sects, without realising that + these also, whatever their nature, had more or less sprung from the same + masters as themselves. And all this seemingly indicated that Janzen was + right when he declared that the house was past repair, fast crumbling + amidst rottenness and insanity, and that it ought to be levelled to the + ground. + </p> + <p> + One night, after the three visitors had gone, Pierre, who had remained + with Guillaume, saw him grow very gloomy as he slowly walked to and fro. + He, in his turn, had doubtless felt that all was crumbling. And though his + brother alone was there to hear him, he went on speaking. He expressed all + his horror of the Collectivist State as imagined by Mege, a Dictator-State + re-establishing ancient servitude on yet closer lines. The error of all + the Socialist sects was their arbitrary organisation of Labour, which + enslaved the individual for the profit of the community. And, forced to + conciliate the two great currents, the rights of society and the rights of + the individual, Guillaume had ended by placing his whole faith in free + Communism, an anarchical state in which he dreamt of seeing the individual + freed, moving and developing without restraint, for the benefit both of + himself and of all others. Was not this, said he, the one truly scientific + theory, unities creating worlds, atoms producing life by force of + attraction, free and ardent love? All oppressive minorities would + disappear; and the faculties and energies of one and all would by free + play arrive at harmony amidst the equilibrium—which changed + according to needs—of the active forces of advancing humanity. In + this wise he pictured a nation, saved from State tutelage, without a + master, almost without laws, a happy nation, each citizen of which, + completely developed by the exercise of liberty, would, of his free will, + come to an understanding with his neighbours with regard to the thousand + necessities of life. And thence would spring society, free association, + hundreds of associations which would regulate social life; though at the + same time they would remain variable, in fact often opposed and hostile to + one another. For progress is but the fruit of conflict and struggle; the + world has only been created by the battle of opposing forces. And that was + all; there would be no more oppressors, no more rich, no more poor; the + domain of the earth with its natural treasures and its implements of + labour would be restored to the people, its legitimate owners, who would + know how to enjoy it with justice and logic, when nothing abnormal would + impede their expansion. And then only would the law of love make its + action felt; then would human solidarity, which, among mankind, is the + living form of universal attraction, acquire all its power, bringing men + closer and closer together, and uniting them in one sole family. A + splendid dream it was—the noble and pure dream of absolute freedom—free + man in free society. And thither a <i>savant’s</i> superior mind was fated + to come after passing on the road the many Socialist sects which one and + all bore the stigma of tyranny. And, assuredly, as thus indulged, the + Anarchist idea is the loftiest, the proudest, of all ideas. And how + delightful to yield to the hope of harmony in life—life which + restored to the full exercise of its natural powers would of itself create + happiness! + </p> + <p> + When Guillaume ceased speaking, he seemed to be emerging from a dream; and + he glanced at Pierre with some dismay, for he feared that he might have + said too much and have hurt his feelings. Pierre—moved though he + was, for a moment in fact almost won over—had just seen the terrible + practical objection, which destroyed all hope, arise before his mind’s + eye. Why had not harmony asserted itself in the first days of the world’s + existence, at the time when societies were formed? How was it that tyranny + had triumphed, delivering nations over to oppressors? And supposing that + the apparently insolvable problem of destroying everything, and beginning + everything afresh, should ever be solved, who could promise that mankind, + obedient to the same laws, would not again follow the same paths as + formerly? After all, mankind, nowadays, is simply what life has made it; + and nothing proves that life would again make it other than it is. To + begin afresh, ah, yes! but to attain another result! But could that other + result really come from man? Was it not rather man himself who should be + changed? To start afresh from where one was, to continue the evolution + that had begun, undoubtedly meant slow travel and dismal waiting. But how + great would be the danger and even the delay, if one went back without + knowing by what road across the whole chaos of ruins one might regain all + the lost time! + </p> + <p> + “Let us go to bed,” at last said Guillaume, smiling. “It’s silly of me to + weary you with all these things which don’t concern you.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, in his excitement, was about to reveal his own heart and mind, and + the whole torturing battle within him. But a feeling of shame again + restrained him. His brother only knew him as a believing priest, faithful + to his faith. And so, without answering, he betook himself to his room. + </p> + <p> + On the following evening, about ten o’clock, while Guillaume and Pierre + sat reading in the study, the old servant entered to announce M. Janzen + and a friend. The friend was Salvat. + </p> + <p> + “He wished to see you,” Janzen explained to Guillaume. “I met him, and + when he heard of your injury and anxiety he implored me to bring him here. + And I’ve done so, though it was perhaps hardly prudent of me.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume had risen, full of surprise and emotion at such a visit; Pierre, + however, though equally upset by Salvat’s appearance; did not stir from + his chair, but kept his eyes upon the workman. + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur Froment,” Salvat ended by saying, standing there in a timid, + embarrassed way, “I was very sorry indeed when I heard of the worry I’d + put you in; for I shall never forget that you were very kind to me when + everybody else turned me away.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he balanced himself alternately on either leg, and transferred + his old felt hat from hand to hand. + </p> + <p> + “And so I wanted to come and tell you myself that if I took a cartridge of + your powder one evening when you had your back turned, it’s the only thing + that I feel any remorse about in the whole business, since it may + compromise you. And I also want to take my oath before you that you’ve + nothing to fear from me, that I’ll let my head be cut off twenty times if + need be, rather than utter your name. That’s all that I had in my heart.” + </p> + <p> + He relapsed into silence and embarrassment, but his soft, dreamy eyes, the + eyes of a faithful dog, remained fixed upon Guillaume with an expression + of respectful worship. And Pierre was still gazing at him athwart the + hateful vision which his arrival had conjured up, that of the poor, dead, + errand girl, the fair pretty child lying ripped open under the entrance of + the Duvillard mansion! Was it possible that he was there, he, that madman, + that murderer, and that his eyes were actually moist! + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, touched by Salvat’s words, had drawn near and pressed his hand. + “I am well aware, Salvat,” said he, “that you are not wicked at heart. But + what a foolish and abominable thing you did!” + </p> + <p> + Salvat showed no sign of anger, but gently smiled. “Oh! if it had to be + done again, Monsieur Froment, I’d do it. It’s my idea, you know. And, + apart from you, all is well; I am content.” + </p> + <p> + He would not sit down, but for another moment continued talking with + Guillaume, while Janzen, as if he washed his hands of the business, + deeming this visit both useless and dangerous, sat down and turned over + the leaves of a picture book. And Guillaume made Salvat tell him what he + had done on the day of the crime; how like a stray dog he had wandered in + distraction through Paris, carrying his bomb with him, originally in his + tool-bag and then under his jacket; how he had gone a first time to the + Duvillard mansion and found its carriage entrance closed; then how he had + betaken himself first to the Chamber of Deputies which the ushers had + prevented him from entering, and afterwards to the Circus, where the + thought of making a great sacrifice of <i>bourgeois</i> had occurred to + him too late. And finally, how he had at last come back to the Duvillard + mansion, as if drawn thither by the very power of destiny. His tool-bag + was lying in the depths of the Seine, he said; he had thrown it into the + water with sudden hatred of work, since it had even failed to give him + bread. And he next told the story of his flight; the explosion shaking the + whole district behind him, while, with delight and astonishment, he found + himself some distance off, in quiet streets where nothing was as yet + known. And for a month past he had been living in chance fashion, how or + where he could hardly tell, but he had often slept in the open, and gone + for a day without food. One evening little Victor Mathis had given him + five francs. And other comrades had helped him, taken him in for a night + and sent him off at the first sign of peril. A far-spreading, tacit + complicity had hitherto saved him from the police. As for going abroad, + well, he had, at one moment, thought of doing so; but a description of his + person must have been circulated, the gendarmes must be waiting for him at + the frontiers, and so would not flight, instead of retarding, rather + hasten his arrest? Paris, however, was an ocean; it was there that he + incurred the least risk of capture. Moreover, he no longer had sufficient + energy to flee. A fatalist as he was after his own fashion, he could not + find strength to quit the pavements of Paris, but there awaited arrest, + like a social waif carried chancewise through the multitude as in a dream. + </p> + <p> + “And your daughter, little Celine?” Guillaume inquired. “Have you ventured + to go back to see her?” + </p> + <p> + Salvat waved his hand in a vague way. “No, but what would you have? She’s + with Mamma Theodore. Women always find some help. And then I’m done for, I + can do nothing for anybody. It’s as if I were already dead.” However, in + spite of these words, tears were rising to his eyes. “Ah! the poor little + thing!” he added, “I kissed her with all my heart before I went away. If + she and the woman hadn’t been starving so long the idea of that business + would perhaps never have come to me.” + </p> + <p> + Then, in all simplicity, he declared that he was ready to die. If he had + ended by depositing his bomb at the entrance of Duvillard’s house, it was + because he knew the banker well, and was aware that he was the wealthiest + of those <i>bourgeois</i> whose fathers at the time of the Revolution had + duped the people, by taking all power and wealth for themselves,—the + power and wealth which the sons were nowadays so obstinately bent in + retaining that they would not even bestow the veriest crumbs on others. As + for the Revolution, he understood it in his own fashion, like an + illiterate fellow who had learnt the little he knew from newspapers and + speeches at public meetings. And he struck his chest with his fist as he + spoke of his honesty, and was particularly desirous that none should doubt + his courage because he had fled. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve never robbed anybody,” said he, “and if I don’t go and hand myself + up to the police, it’s because they may surely take the trouble to find + and arrest me. I’m very well aware that my affair’s clear enough as + they’ve found that bradawl and know me. All the same, it would be silly of + me to help them in their work. Still, they’d better make haste, for I’ve + almost had enough of being tracked like a wild beast and no longer knowing + how I live.” + </p> + <p> + Janzen, yielding to curiosity, had ceased turning over the leaves of the + picture book and was looking at Salvat. There was a smile of disdain in + the Anarchist leader’s cold eyes; and in his usual broken French he + remarked: “A man fights and defends himself, kills others and tries to + avoid being killed himself. That’s warfare.” + </p> + <p> + These words fell from his lips amidst deep silence. Salvat, however, did + not seem to have heard them, but stammered forth his faith in a long + sentence laden with fulsome expressions, such as the sacrifice of his life + in order that want might cease, and the example of a great action, in the + certainty that it would inspire other heroes to continue the struggle. And + with this certainly sincere faith and illuminism of his there was blended + a martyr’s pride, delight at being one of the radiant, worshipped saints + of the dawning Revolutionary Church. + </p> + <p> + As he had come so he went off. When Janzen had led him away, it seemed as + if the night which had brought him had carried him back into its + impenetrable depths. And then only did Pierre rise from his chair. He was + stifling, and threw the large window of the room wide open. It was a very + mild but moonless night, whose silence was only disturbed by the subsiding + clamour of Paris, which stretched away, invisible, on the horizon. + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, according to his habit, had begun to walk up and down. And at + last he spoke, again forgetting that his brother was a priest. “Ah! the + poor fellow! How well one can understand that deed of violence and hope! + His whole past life of fruitless labour and ever-growing want explains it. + Then, too, there has been all the contagion of ideas; the frequentation of + public meetings where men intoxicate themselves with words, and of secret + meetings among comrades where faith acquires firmness and the mind soars + wildly. Ah! I think I know that man well indeed! He’s a good workman, + sober and courageous. Injustice has always exasperated him. And little by + little the desire for universal happiness has cast him out of the + realities of life which he has ended by holding in horror. So how can he + do otherwise than live in a dream—a dream of redemption, which, from + circumstances, has turned to fire and murder as its fitting instruments. + As I looked at him standing there, I fancied I could picture one of the + first Christian slaves of ancient Rome. All the iniquity of olden pagan + society, agonising beneath the rottenness born of debauchery and + covetousness, was weighing on his shoulders, bearing him down. He had come + from the dark Catacombs where he had whispered words of deliverance and + redemption with his wretched brethren. And a thirst for martyrdom consumed + him, he spat in the face of Caesar, he insulted the gods, he fired the + pagan temples, in order that the reign of Jesus might come and abolish + servitude. And he was ready to die, to be torn to pieces by the wild + beasts!” + </p> + <p> + Pierre did not immediately reply. He had already been struck, however, by + the fact that there were undoubted points of resemblance between the + secret propaganda and militant faith of the Anarchists, and certain + practices of the first Christians. Both sects abandon themselves to a new + faith in the hope that the humble may thereby at last reap justice. + Paganism disappears through weariness of the flesh and the need of a more + lofty and pure faith. That dream of a Christian paradise opening up a + future life with a system of compensations for the ills endured on earth, + was the outcome of young hope dawning at its historic hour. But to-day, + when eighteen centuries have exhausted that hope, when the long experiment + is over and the toiler finds himself duped and still and ever a slave, he + once more dreams of getting happiness upon this earth, particularly as + each day Science tends more and more to show him that the happiness of the + spheres beyond is a lie. And in all this there is but the eternal struggle + of the poor and the rich, the eternal question of bringing more justice + and less suffering to the world. + </p> + <p> + “But surely,” Pierre at last replied, “you can’t be on the side of those + bandits, those murderers whose savage violence horrifies me. I let you + talk on yesterday, when you dreamt of a great and happy people, of ideal + anarchy in which each would be free amidst the freedom of all. But what + abomination, what disgust both for mind and heart, when one passes from + theory to propaganda and practice! If yours is the brain that thinks, + whose is the hateful hand that acts, that kills children, throws down + doors and empties drawers? Do you accept that responsibility? With your + education, your culture, the whole social heredity behind you, does not + your entire being revolt at the idea of stealing and murdering?” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume halted before his brother, quivering. “Steal and murder! no! no! + I will not. But one must say everything and fully understand the history + of the evil hour through which we are passing. It is madness sweeping by; + and, to tell the truth, everything necessary to provoke it has been done. + At the very dawn of the Anarchist theory, at the very first innocent + actions of its partisans, there was such stern repression, the police so + grossly ill-treating the poor devils that fell into its hands, that little + by little came anger and rage leading to the most horrible reprisals. It + is the Terror initiated by the <i>bourgeois</i> that has produced + Anarchist savagery. And would you know whence Salvat and his crime have + come? Why, from all our centuries of impudence and iniquity, from all that + the nations have suffered, from all the sores which are now devouring us, + the impatience for enjoyment, the contempt of the strong for the weak, the + whole monstrous spectacle which is presented by our rotting society!” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume was again slowly walking to and fro; and as if he were + reflecting aloud he continued: “Ah! to reach the point I have attained, + through how much thought, through how many battles, have I not passed! I + was merely a Positivist, a <i>savant</i> devoted to observation and + experiment, accepting nothing apart from proven facts. Scientifically and + socially, I admitted that simple evolution had slowly brought humanity + into being. But both in the history of the globe and that of human + society, I found it necessary to make allowance for the volcano, the + sudden cataclysm, the sudden eruption, by which each geological phase, + each historical period, has been marked. In this wise one ends by + ascertaining that no forward step has ever been taken, no progress ever + accomplished in the world’s history, without the help of horrible + catastrophes. Each advance has meant the sacrifice of millions and + millions of human lives. This of course revolts us, given our narrow ideas + of justice, and we regard nature as a most barbarous mother; but, if we + cannot excuse the volcano, we ought to deal with it when it bursts forth, + like <i>savants</i> forewarned of its possibility.... And then, ah, then! + well, perhaps I’m a dreamer like others, but I have my own notions.” + </p> + <p> + With a sweeping gesture he confessed what a social dreamer there was + within him beside the methodical and scrupulous <i>savant</i>. His + constant endeavour was to bring all back to science, and he was deeply + grieved at finding in nature no scientific sign of equality or even + justice, such as he craved for in the social sphere. His despair indeed + came from this inability to reconcile scientific logic with apostolic + love, the dream of universal happiness and brotherhood and the end of all + iniquity. + </p> + <p> + Pierre, however, who had remained near the open window, gazing into the + night towards Paris, whence ascended the last sounds of the evening of + passionate pleasure, felt the whole flood of his own doubt and despair + stifling him. It was all too much: that brother of his who had fallen upon + him with his scientific and apostolic beliefs, those men who came to + discuss contemporary thought from every standpoint, and finally that + Salvat who had brought thither the exasperation of his mad deed. And + Pierre, who had hitherto listened to them all without a word, without a + gesture, who had hidden his secrets from his brother, seeking refuge in + his supposed priestly views, suddenly felt such bitterness stirring his + heart that he could lie no longer. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! brother, if you have your dream, I have my sore which has eaten into + me and left me void! Your Anarchy, your dream of just happiness, for which + Salvat works with bombs, why, it is the final burst of insanity which will + sweep everything away! How is it that you can’t realise it? The century is + ending in ruins. I’ve been listening to you all for a month past. Fourier + destroyed Saint-Simon, Proudhon and Comte demolished Fourier, each in turn + piling up incoherences and contradictions, leaving mere chaos behind them, + which nobody dares to sort out. And since then, Socialist sects have been + swarming and multiplying, the more sensible of them leading simply to + dictatorship, while the others indulge in most dangerous reveries. And + after such a tempest of ideas there could indeed come nothing but your + Anarchy, which undertakes to bring the old world to a finish by reducing + it to dust.... Ah! I expected it, I was waiting for it—that final + catastrophe, that fratricidal madness, the inevitable class warfare in + which our civilisation was destined to collapse! Everything announced it: + the want and misery below, the egotism up above, all the cracking of the + old human habitation, borne down by too great a weight of crime and grief. + When I went to Lourdes it was to see if the divinity of simple minds would + work the awaited miracle, and restore the belief of the early ages to the + people, which rebelled through excess of suffering. And when I went to + Rome it was in the <i>naive</i> hope of there finding the new religion + required by our democracies, the only one that could pacify the world by + bringing back the fraternity of the golden age. But how foolish of me all + that was! Both here and there, I simply lighted on nothingness. There + where I so ardently dreamt of finding the salvation of others, I only sank + myself, going down apeak like a ship not a timber of which is ever found + again. One tie still linked me to my fellow-men, that of charity, the + dressing, relieving, and perhaps, in the long run, healing, of wounds and + sores; but that last cable has now been severed. Charity, to my mind, + appears futile and derisive by the side of justice, to whom all supremacy + belongs, and whose advent has become a necessity and can be stayed by + none. And so it is all over, I am mere ashes, an empty grave as it were. I + no longer believe in anything, anything, anything whatever!” + </p> + <p> + Pierre had risen to his full height, with arms outstretched as if to let + all the nothingness within his heart and mind fall from them. And + Guillaume, distracted by the sight of such a fierce denier, such a + despairing Nihilist as was now revealed to him, drew near, quivering: + “What are you saying, brother! I thought you so firm, so calm in your + belief! A priest to be admired, a saint worshipped by the whole of this + parish! I was unwilling even to discuss your faith, and now it is you who + deny all, and believe in nothing whatever!” + </p> + <p> + Pierre again slowly stretched out his arms. “There is nothing, I tried to + learn all, and only found the atrocious grief born of the nothingness that + overwhelms me.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! how you must suffer, Pierre, my little brother! Can religion, then, + be even more withering than science, since it has ravaged you like that, + while I have yet remained an old madman, still full of fancies?” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume caught hold of Pierre’s hands and pressed them, full of + terrified compassion in presence of all the grandeur and horror embodied + in that unbelieving priest who watched over the belief of others, and + chastely, honestly discharged his duty amidst the haughty sadness born of + his falsehood. And how heavily must that falsehood have weighed upon his + conscience for him to confess himself in that fashion, amidst an utter + collapse of his whole being! A month previously, in the unexpansiveness of + his proud solitude, he would never have taken such a course. To speak out + it was necessary that he should have been stirred by many things, his + reconciliation with his brother, the conversations he had heard of an + evening, the terrible drama in which he was mingled, as well as his + reflections on labour struggling against want, and the vague hope with + which the sight of intellectual youth had inspired him. And, indeed, amid + the very excess of his negation was there not already the faint dawn of a + new faith? + </p> + <p> + This Guillaume must have understood, on seeing how he quivered with + unsatisfied tenderness as he emerged from the fierce silence which he had + preserved so long. He made him sit down near the window, and placed + himself beside him without releasing his hands. “But I won’t have you + suffer, my little brother!” he said; “I won’t leave you, I’ll nurse you. + For I know you much better than you know yourself. You would never have + suffered were it not for the battle between your heart and your mind, and + you will cease to suffer on the day when they make peace, and you love + what you understand.” And in a lower voice, with infinite affection, he + went on: “You see, it’s our poor mother and our poor father continuing + their painful struggle in you. You were too young at the time, you + couldn’t know what went on. But I knew them both very wretched: he, + wretched through her, who treated him as if he were one of the damned; and + she, suffering through him, tortured by his irreligion. When he died, + struck down by an explosion in this very room, she took it to be the + punishment of God. Yet, what an honest man he was, with a good, great + heart, what a worker, seeking for truth alone, and desirous of the love + and happiness of all! Since we have spent our evenings here, I have felt + him coming back, reviving as it were both around and within us; and she, + too, poor, saintly woman, is ever here, enveloping us with love, weeping, + and yet stubbornly refusing to understand. It is they, perhaps, who have + kept me here so long, and who at this very moment are present to place + your hands in mine.” + </p> + <p> + And, indeed, it seemed to Pierre as if he could feel the breath of + vigilant affection which Guillaume evoked passing over them both. There + was again a revival of all the past, all their youth, and nothing could + have been more delightful. + </p> + <p> + “You hear me, brother,” Guillaume resumed. “You must reconcile them, for + it is only in you that they can be reconciled. You have his firm, lofty + brow, and her mouth and eyes of unrealisable tenderness. So, try to bring + them to agreement, by some day contenting, as your reason shall allow, the + everlasting thirst for love, and self-bestowal, and life, which for lack + of satisfaction is killing you. Your frightful wretchedness has no other + cause. Come back to life, love, bestow yourself, be a man!” + </p> + <p> + Pierre raised a dolorous cry: “No, no, the death born of doubt has swept + through me, withering and shattering everything, and nothing more can live + in that cold dust!” + </p> + <p> + “But, come,” resumed Guillaume, “you cannot have reached such absolute + negation. No man reaches it. Even in the most disabused of minds there + remains a nook of fancy and hope. To deny charity, devotion, the prodigies + which love may work, ah! for my part I do not go so far as that. And now + that you have shown me your sore, why should I not tell you my dream, the + wild hope which keeps me alive! It is strange; but, are <i>savants</i> to + be the last childish dreamers, and is faith only to spring up nowadays in + chemical laboratories?” + </p> + <p> + Intense emotion was stirring Guillaume; there was battle waging in both + his brain and his heart. And at last, yielding to the deep compassion + which filled him, vanquished by his ardent affection for his unhappy + brother, he spoke out. But he had drawn yet closer to Pierre, even passed + one arm around him; and it was thus embracing him that he, in his turn, + made his confession, lowering his voice as if he feared that someone might + overhear his secret. “Why should you not know it?” he said. “My own sons + are ignorant of it. But you are a man and my brother, and since there is + nothing of the priest left in you, it is to the brother I will confide it. + This will make me love you the more, and perhaps it may do you good.” + </p> + <p> + Then he told him of his invention, a new explosive, a powder of such + extraordinary force that its effects were incalculable. And he had found + employment for this powder in an engine of warfare, a special cannon, + hurling bombs which would assure the most overwhelming victory to the army + using them. The enemy’s forces would be destroyed in a few hours, and + besieged cities would fall into dust at the slightest bombardment. He had + long searched and doubted, calculated, recalculated and experimented; but + everything was now ready: the precise formula of the powder, the drawings + for the cannon and the bombs, a whole packet of precious papers stored in + a safe spot. And after months of anxious reflection he had resolved to + give his invention to France, so as to ensure her a certainty of victory + in her coming, inevitable war with Germany! + </p> + <p> + At the same time, he was not a man of narrow patriotism; on the contrary + he had a very broad, international conception of the future liberative + civilisation. Only he believed in the initiatory mission of France, and + particularly in that of Paris, which, even as it is to-day, was destined + to be the world’s brain to-morrow, whence all science and justice would + proceed. The great idea of liberty and equality had already soared from it + at the prodigious blast of the Revolution; and from its genius and valour + the final emancipation of man would also take its flight. Thus it was + necessary that Paris should be victorious in the struggle in order that + the world might be saved. + </p> + <p> + Pierre understood his brother, thanks to the lecture on explosives which + he had heard at Bertheroy’s. And the grandeur of this scheme, this dream, + particularly struck him when he thought of the extraordinary future which + would open for Paris amidst the effulgent blaze of the bombs. Moreover, he + was struck by all the nobility of soul which had lain behind his brother’s + anxiety for a month past. If Guillaume had trembled it was simply with + fear that his invention might be divulged in consequence of Salvat’s + crime. The slightest indiscretion might compromise everything; and that + little stolen cartridge, whose effects had so astonished <i>savants</i>, + might reveal his secret. He felt it necessary to act in mystery, choosing + his own time, awaiting the proper hour, until when the secret would + slumber in its hiding-place, confided to the sole care of Mere-Grand, who + had her orders and knew what she was to do should he, in any sudden + accident, disappear. + </p> + <p> + “And, now,” said Guillaume in conclusion, “you know my hopes and my + anguish, and you can help me and even take my place if I am unable to + reach the end of my task. Ah! to reach the end! Since I have been shut up + here, reflecting, consumed by anxiety and impatience, there have been + hours when I have ceased to see my way clearly! There is that Salvat, that + wretched fellow for whose crime we are all of us responsible, and who is + now being hunted down like a wild beast! There is also that insensate and + insatiable <i>bourgeoisie</i>, which will let itself be crushed by the + fall of the shaky old house, rather than allow the least repair to it! And + there is further that avaricious, that abominable Parisian press, so harsh + towards the weak and little, so fond of insulting those who have none to + defend them, so eager to coin money out of public misfortune, and ready to + spread insanity on all sides, simply to increase its sales! Where, + therefore, shall one find truth and justice, the hand endowed with logic + and health that ought to be armed with the thunderbolt? Would Paris the + conqueror, Paris the master of the nations, prove the justiciar, the + saviour that men await! Ah! the anguish of believing oneself to be the + master of the world’s destinies, and to have to choose and decide.” + </p> + <p> + He had risen again quivering, full of anger and fear that human + wretchedness and baseness might prevent the realisation of his dream. And + amidst the heavy silence which fell in the room, the little house suddenly + resounded with a regular, continuous footfall. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, yes! to save men and love them, and wish them all to be equal and + free,” murmured Pierre, bitterly. “But just listen! Barthes’s footsteps + are answering you, as if from the everlasting dungeon into which his love + of liberty has thrown him!” + </p> + <p> + However, Guillaume had already regained possession of himself, and coming + back in a transport of his faith, he once more took Pierre in his loving, + saving arms, like an elder brother who gives himself without restraint. + “No, no, I’m wrong, I’m blaspheming,” he exclaimed; “I wish you to be with + me, full of hope and full of certainty. You must work, you must love, you + must revive to life. Life alone can give you back peace and health.” + </p> + <p> + Tears returned to the eyes of Pierre, who was penetrated to the heart by + this ardent affection. “Ah! how I should like to believe you,” he + faltered, “and try to cure myself. True, I have already felt, as it were, + a vague revival within me. And yet to live again, no, I cannot; the priest + that I am is dead—a lifeless, an empty tomb.” + </p> + <p> + He was shaken by so frightful a sob, that Guillaume could not restrain his + own tears. And clasped in one another’s arms the brothers wept on, their + hearts full of the softest emotion in that home of their youth, whither + the dear shadows of their parents ever returned, hovering around until + they should be reconciled and restored to the peace of the earth. And all + the darkness and mildness of the garden streamed in through the open + window, while yonder, on the horizon, Paris had fallen asleep in the + mysterious gloom, beneath a very peaceful sky which was studded with + stars. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0072" id="link2H_4_0072"></a> + BOOK III. + </h2> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0073" id="link2H_4_0073"></a> + I. THE RIVALS + </h2> + <p> + ON the Wednesday preceding the mid-Lent Thursday, a great charity bazaar + was held at the Duvillard mansion, for the benefit of the Asylum of the + Invalids of Labour. The ground-floor reception rooms, three spacious Louis + Seize <i>salons</i>, whose windows overlooked the bare and solemn + courtyard, were given up to the swarm of purchasers, five thousand + admission cards having been distributed among all sections of Parisian + society. And the opening of the bombarded mansion in this wise to + thousands of visitors was regarded as quite an event, a real + manifestation, although some people whispered that the Rue Godot-de-Mauroy + and the adjacent streets were guarded by quite an army of police agents. + </p> + <p> + The idea of the bazaar had come from Duvillard himself, and at his bidding + his wife had resigned herself to all this worry for the benefit of the + enterprise over which she presided with such distinguished nonchalance. On + the previous day the “Globe” newspaper, inspired by its director Fonsegue, + who was also the general manager of the asylum, had published a very fine + article, announcing the bazaar, and pointing out how noble, and touching, + and generous was the initiative of the Baroness, who still gave her time, + her money, and even her home to charity, in spite of the abominable crime + which had almost reduced that home to ashes. Was not this the magnanimous + answer of the spheres above to the hateful passions of the spheres below? + And was it not also a peremptory answer to those who accused the + capitalists of doing nothing for the wage-earners, the disabled and + broken-down sons of toil? + </p> + <p> + The drawing-room doors were to be opened at two o’clock, and would only + close at seven, so that there would be five full hours for the sales. And + at noon, when nothing was as yet ready downstairs, when workmen and women + were still decorating the stalls, and sorting the goods amidst a final + scramble, there was, as usual, a little friendly <i>dejeuner</i>, to which + a few guests had been invited, in the private rooms on the first floor. + However, a scarcely expected incident had given a finishing touch to the + general excitement of the house: that very morning Sagnier had resumed his + campaign of denunciation in the matter of the African Railway Lines. In a + virulent article in the “Voix du Peuple,” he had inquired if it were the + intention of the authorities to beguile the public much longer with the + story of that bomb and that Anarchist whom the police did not arrest. And + this time, while undertaking to publish the names of the thirty-two + corrupt senators and deputies in a very early issue, he had boldly named + Minister Barroux as one who had pocketed a sum of 200,000 francs. Mege + would therefore certainly revive his interpellation, which might become + dangerous, now that Paris had been thrown into such a distracted state by + terror of the Anarchists. At the same time it was said that Vignon and his + party had resolved to turn circumstances to account, with the object of + overthrowing the ministry. Thus a redoubtable crisis was inevitably at + hand. Fortunately, the Chamber did not meet that Wednesday; in fact, it + had adjourned until the Friday, with the view of making mid-Lent a + holiday. And so forty-eight hours were left one to prepare for the + onslaught. + </p> + <p> + Eve, that morning, seemed more gentle and languid than ever, rather pale + too, with an expression of sorrowful anxiety in the depths of her + beautiful eyes. She set it all down to the very great fatigue which the + preparations for the bazaar had entailed on her. But the truth was that + Gerard de Quinsac, after shunning any further assignation, had for five + days past avoided her in an embarrassed way. Still she was convinced that + she would see him that morning, and so she had again ventured to wear the + white silk gown which made her look so much younger than she really was. + At the same time, beautiful as she had remained, with her delicate skin, + superb figure and noble and charming countenance, her six and forty years + were asserting themselves in her blotchy complexion and the little creases + which were appearing about her lips, eyelids and temples. + </p> + <p> + Camille, for her part, though her position as daughter of the house made + it certain that she would attract much custom as a saleswoman, had + obstinately persisted in wearing one of her usual dresses, a dark + “carmelite” gown, an old woman’s frock, as she herself called it with a + cutting laugh. However, her long and wicked-looking face beamed with some + secret delight; such an expression of wit and intelligence wreathing her + thin lips and shining in her big eyes that one lost sight of her deformity + and thought her almost pretty. + </p> + <p> + Eve experienced a first deception in the little blue and silver + sitting-room, where, accompanied by her daughter, she awaited the arrival + of her guests. General de Bozonnet, whom Gerard was to have brought with + him, came in alone, explaining that Madame de Quinsac had felt rather + poorly that morning, and that Gerard, like a good and dutiful son, had + wished to remain with her. Still he would come to the bazaar directly + after <i>dejeuner</i>. While the Baroness listened to the General, + striving to hide her disappointment and her fear that she would now be + unable to obtain any explanation from Gerard that day, Camille looked at + her with eager, devouring eyes. And a certain covert instinct of the + misfortune threatening her must at that moment have come to Eve, for in + her turn she glanced at her daughter and turned pale as if with anxiety. + </p> + <p> + Then Princess Rosemonde de Harn swept in like a whirlwind. She also was to + be one of the saleswomen at the stall chosen by the Baroness, who liked + her for her very turbulence, the sudden gaiety which she generally brought + with her. Gowned in fire-hued satin (red shot with yellow), looking very + eccentric with her curly hair and thin boyish figure, she laughed and + talked of an accident by which her carriage had almost been cut in halves. + Then, as Baron Duvillard and Hyacinthe came in from their rooms, late as + usual, she took possession of the young man and scolded him, for on the + previous evening she had vainly waited for him till ten o’clock in the + expectation that he would keep his promise to escort her to a tavern at + Montmartre, where some horrible things were said to occur. Hyacinthe, + looking very bored, quietly replied that he had been detained at a seance + given by some adepts in the New Magic, in the course of which the soul of + St. Theresa had descended from heaven to recite a love sonnet. + </p> + <p> + However, Fonsegue was now coming in with his wife, a tall, thin, silent + and generally insignificant woman, whom he seldom took about with him. On + this occasion he had been obliged to bring her, as she was one of the + lady-patronesses of the asylum, and he himself was coming to lunch with + the Duvillards in his capacity as general manager. To the superficial + observer he looked quite as gay as usual; but he blinked nervously, and + his first glance was a questioning one in the direction of Duvillard, as + if he wished to know how the latter bore the fresh thrust directed at him + by Sagnier. And when he saw the banker looking perfectly composed, as + superb, as rubicund as usual, and chatting in a bantering way with + Rosemonde, he also put on an easy air, like a gamester who had never lost + but had always known how to compel good luck, even in hours of treachery. + And by way of showing his unconstraint of mind he at once addressed the + Baroness on managerial matters: “Have you now succeeded in seeing M. + l’Abbe Froment for the affair of that old man Laveuve, whom he so warmly + recommended to us? All the formalities have been gone through, you know, + and he can be brought to us at once, as we have had a bed vacant for three + days past.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know,” replied Eve; “but I can’t imagine what has become of Abbe + Froment, for he hasn’t given us a sign of life for a month past. However, + I made up my mind to write to him yesterday, and beg him to come to the + bazaar to-day. In this manner I shall be able to acquaint him with the + good news myself.” + </p> + <p> + “It was to leave you the pleasure of doing so,” said Fonsegue, “that I + refrained from sending him any official communication. He’s a charming + priest, is he not?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! charming, we are very fond of him.” + </p> + <p> + However, Duvillard now intervened to say that they need not wait for + Duthil, as he had received a telegram from him stating that he was + detained by sudden business. At this Fonsegue’s anxiety returned, and he + once more questioned the Baron with his eyes. Duvillard smiled, however, + and reassured him in an undertone: “It’s nothing serious. Merely a + commission for me, about which he’ll only be able to bring me an answer + by-and-by.” Then, taking Fonsegue on one side, he added: “By the way, + don’t forget to insert the paragraph I told you of.” + </p> + <p> + “What paragraph? Oh! yes, the one about that <i>soiree</i> at which + Silviane recited a piece of verse. Well, I wanted to speak to you about + it. It worries me a little, on account of the excessive praise it + contains.” + </p> + <p> + Duvillard, but a moment before so full of serenity, with his lofty, + conquering, disdainful mien, now suddenly became pale and agitated. “But I + absolutely want it to be inserted, my dear fellow! You would place me in + the greatest embarrassment if it were not to appear, for I promised + Silviane that it should.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke his lips trembled, and a scared look came into his eyes, + plainly revealing his dismay. + </p> + <p> + “All right, all right,” said Fonsegue, secretly amused, and well pleased + at this complicity. “As it’s so serious the paragraph shall go in, I + promise you.” + </p> + <p> + The whole company was now present, since neither Gerard nor Duthil was to + be expected. So they went into the dining-room amidst a final noise of + hammering in the sale-rooms below. The meal proved somewhat of a scramble, + and was on three occasions disturbed by female attendants, who came to + explain difficulties and ask for orders. Doors were constantly slamming, + and the very walls seemed to shake with the unusual bustle which filled + the house. And feverish as they all were in the dining-room, they talked + in desultory, haphazard fashion on all sorts of subjects, passing from a + ball given at the Ministry of the Interior on the previous night, to the + popular mid-Lent festival which would take place on the morrow, and ever + reverting to the bazaar, the prices that had been given for the goods + which would be on sale, the prices at which they might be sold, and the + probable figure of the full receipts, all this being interspersed with + strange anecdotes, witticisms and bursts of laughter. On the General + mentioning magistrate Amadieu, Eve declared that she no longer dared to + invite him to <i>dejeuner</i>, knowing how busy he was at the Palace of + Justice. Still, she certainly hoped that he would come to the bazaar and + contribute something. Then Fonsegue amused himself with teasing Princess + Rosemonde about her fire-hued gown, in which, said he, she must already + feel roasted by the flames of hell; a suggestion which secretly delighted + her, as Satanism had now become her momentary passion. Meantime, Duvillard + lavished the most gallant politeness on that silent creature, Madame + Fonsegue, while Hyacinthe, in order to astonish even the Princess, + explained in a few words how the New Magic could transform a chaste young + man into a real angel. And Camille, who seemed very happy and very + excited, from time to time darted a hot glance at her mother, whose + anxiety and sadness increased as she found the other more and more + aggressive, and apparently resolved upon open and merciless warfare. + </p> + <p> + At last, just as the dessert was coming to an end, the Baroness heard her + daughter exclaim in a piercing, defiant voice: “Oh! don’t talk to me of + the old ladies who still seem to be playing with dolls, and paint + themselves, and dress as if they were about to be confirmed! All such + ogresses ought to retire from the scene! I hold them in horror!” + </p> + <p> + At this, Eve nervously rose from her seat, and exclaimed apologetically: + “You must forgive me for hurrying you like this. But I’m afraid that we + shan’t have time to drink our coffee in peace.” + </p> + <p> + The coffee was served in the little blue and silver sitting-room, where + bloomed some lovely yellow roses, testifying to the Baroness’s keen + passion for flowers, which made the house an abode of perpetual spring. + Duvillard and Fonsegue, however, carrying their cups of steaming coffee + with them, at once went into the former’s private room to smoke a cigar + there and chat in freedom. As the door remained wide open, one could hear + their gruff voices more or less distinctly. Meantime, General de Bozonnet, + delighted to find in Madame Fonsegue a serious, submissive person, who + listened without interrupting, began to tell her a very long story of an + officer’s wife who had followed her husband through every battle of the + war of 1870. Then Hyacinthe, who took no coffee—contemptuously + declaring it to be a beverage only fit for door-keepers—managed to + rid himself of Rosemonde, who was sipping some kummel, in order to come + and whisper to his sister: “I say, it was very stupid of you to taunt + mamma in the way you did just now. I don’t care a rap about it myself. But + it ends by being noticed, and, I warn you candidly, it shows ill + breeding.” + </p> + <p> + Camille gazed at him fixedly with her black eyes. “Pray don’t <i>you</i> + meddle with my affairs,” said she. + </p> + <p> + At this he felt frightened, scented a storm, and decided to take Rosemonde + into the adjoining red drawing-room in order to show her a picture which + his father had just purchased. And the General, on being called by him, + likewise conducted Madame Fonsegue thither. + </p> + <p> + The mother and daughter then suddenly found themselves alone and face to + face. Eve was leaning on a pier-table, as if overcome; and indeed, the + least sorrow bore her down, so weak at heart she was, ever ready to weep + in her naive and perfect egotism. Why was it that her daughter thus hated + her, and did her utmost to disturb that last happy spell of love in which + her heart lingered? She looked at Camille, grieved rather than irritated; + and the unfortunate idea came to her of making a remark about her dress at + the very moment when the girl was on the point of following the others + into the larger drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + “It’s quite wrong of you, my dear,” said she, “to persist in dressing like + an old woman. It doesn’t improve you a bit.” + </p> + <p> + As Eve spoke, her soft eyes, those of a courted and worshipped handsome + woman, clearly expressed the compassion she felt for that ugly, deformed + girl, whom she had never been able to regard as a daughter. Was it + possible that she, with her sovereign beauty, that beauty which she + herself had ever adored and nursed, making it her one care, her one + religion—was it possible that she had given birth to such a + graceless creature, with a dark, goatish profile, one shoulder higher than + the other, and a pair of endless arms such as hunchbacks often have? All + her grief and all her shame at having had such a child became apparent in + the quivering of her voice. + </p> + <p> + Camille, however, had stopped short, as if struck in the face with a whip. + Then she came back to her mother and the horrible explanation began with + these simple words spoken in an undertone: “You consider that I dress + badly? Well, you ought to have paid some attention to me, have seen that + my gowns suited your taste, and have taught me your secret of looking + beautiful!” + </p> + <p> + Eve, with her dislike of all painful feeling, all quarrelling and bitter + words, was already regretting her attack. So she sought to make a retreat, + particularly as time was flying and they would soon be expected + downstairs: “Come, be quiet, and don’t show your bad temper when all those + people can hear us. I have loved you—” + </p> + <p> + But with a quiet yet terrible laugh Camille interrupted her. “You’ve loved + me! Oh! my poor mamma, what a comical thing to say! Have you ever loved <i>anybody</i>? + You want others to love <i>you</i>, but that’s another matter. As for your + child, any child, do you even know how it ought to be loved? You have + always neglected me, thrust me on one side, deeming me so ugly, so + unworthy of you! And besides, you have not had days and nights enough to + love yourself! Oh! don’t deny it, my poor mamma; but even now you’re + looking at me as if I were some loathsome monster that’s in your way.” + </p> + <p> + From that moment the abominable scene was bound to continue to the end. + With their teeth set, their faces close together, the two women went on + speaking in feverish whispers. + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet, Camille, I tell you! I will not allow such language!” + </p> + <p> + “But I won’t be quiet when you do all you can to wound me. If it’s wrong + of me to dress like an old woman, perhaps another is rather ridiculous in + dressing like a girl, like a bride.” + </p> + <p> + “Like a bride? I don’t understand you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! yes, you do. However, I would have you know that everybody doesn’t + find me so ugly as you try to make them believe.” + </p> + <p> + “If you look amiss, it is because you don’t dress properly; that is all I + said.” + </p> + <p> + “I dress as I please, and no doubt I do so well enough, since I’m loved as + I am.” + </p> + <p> + “What, really! Does someone love you? Well, let him inform us of it and + marry you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—certainly, certainly! It will be a good riddance, won’t it? And + you’ll have the pleasure of seeing me as a bride!” + </p> + <p> + Their voices were rising in spite of their efforts to restrain them. + However, Camille paused and drew breath before hissing out the words: + “Gerard is coming here to ask for my hand in a day or two.” + </p> + <p> + Eve, livid, with wildly staring eyes, did not seem to understand. “Gerard? + why do you tell me that?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, because it’s Gerard who loves me and who is going to marry me! You + drive me to extremities; you’re for ever repeating that I’m ugly; you + treat me like a monster whom nobody will ever care for. So I’m forced to + defend myself and tell you the truth in order to prove to you that + everybody is not of your opinion.” + </p> + <p> + Silence fell; the frightful thing which had risen between them seemed to + have arrested the quarrel. But there was neither mother nor daughter left + there. They were simply two suffering, defiant rivals. Eve in her turn + drew a long breath and glanced anxiously towards the adjoining room to + ascertain if anyone were coming in or listening to them. And then in a + tone of resolution she made answer: + </p> + <p> + “You cannot marry Gerard.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray, why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I won’t have it; because it’s impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “That isn’t a reason; give me a reason.” + </p> + <p> + “The reason is that the marriage is impossible that is all.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, I’ll tell you the reason since you force me to it. The reason is + that Gerard is your lover! But what does that matter, since I know it and + am willing to take him all the same?” + </p> + <p> + And to this retort Camille’s flaming eyes added the words: “And it is + particularly on that account that I want him.” All the long torture born + of her infirmities, all her rage at having always seen her mother + beautiful, courted and adored, was now stirring her and seeking vengeance + in cruel triumph. At last then she was snatching from her rival the lover + of whom she had so long been jealous! + </p> + <p> + “You wretched girl!” stammered Eve, wounded in the heart and almost + sinking to the floor. “You don’t know what you say or what you make me + suffer.” + </p> + <p> + However, she again had to pause, draw herself erect and smile; for + Rosemonde hastened in from the adjoining room with the news that she was + wanted downstairs. The doors were about to be opened, and it was necessary + she should be at her stall. Yes, Eve answered, she would be down in + another moment. Still, even as she spoke she leant more heavily on the + pier-table behind her in order that she might not fall. + </p> + <p> + Hyacinthe had drawn near to his sister: “You know,” said he, “it’s simply + idiotic to quarrel like that. You would do much better to come + downstairs.” + </p> + <p> + But Camille harshly dismissed him: “Just <i>you</i> go off, and take the + others with you. It’s quite as well that they shouldn’t be about our + ears.” + </p> + <p> + Hyacinthe glanced at his mother, like one who knew the truth and + considered the whole affair ridiculous. And then, vexed at seeing her so + deficient in energy in dealing with that little pest, his sister, he + shrugged his shoulders, and leaving them to their folly, conducted the + others away. One could hear Rosemonde laughing as she went off below, + while the General began to tell Madame Fonsegue another story as they + descended the stairs together. However, at the moment when the mother and + daughter at last fancied themselves alone once more, other voices reached + their ears, those of Duvillard and Fonsegue, who were still near at hand. + The Baron from his room might well overhear the dispute. + </p> + <p> + Eve felt that she ought to have gone off. But she had lacked the strength + to do so; it had been a sheer impossibility for her after those words + which had smote her like a buffet amidst her distress at the thought of + losing her lover. + </p> + <p> + “Gerard cannot marry you,” she said; “he does not love you.” + </p> + <p> + “He does.” + </p> + <p> + “You fancy it because he has good-naturedly shown some kindness to you, on + seeing others pay you such little attention. But he does not love you.” + </p> + <p> + “He does. He loves me first because I’m not such a fool as many others + are, and particularly because I’m young.” + </p> + <p> + This was a fresh wound for the Baroness; one inflicted with mocking + cruelty in which rang out all the daughter’s triumphant delight at seeing + her mother’s beauty at last ripening and waning. “Ah! my poor mamma, you + no longer know what it is to be young. If I’m not beautiful, at all events + I’m young; my eyes are clear and my lips are fresh. And my hair’s so long + too, and I’ve so much of it that it would suffice to gown me if I chose. + You see, one’s never ugly when one’s young. Whereas, my poor mamma, + everything is ended when one gets old. It’s all very well for a woman to + have been beautiful, and to strive to keep so, but in reality there’s only + ruin left, and shame and disgust.” + </p> + <p> + She spoke these words in such a sharp, ferocious voice that each of them + entered her mother’s heart like a knife. Tears rose to the eyes of the + wretched woman, again stricken in her bleeding wound. Ah! it was true, she + remained without weapons against youth. And all her anguish came from the + consciousness that she was growing old, from the feeling that love was + departing from her now, that like a fruit she had ripened and fallen from + the tree. + </p> + <p> + “But Gerard’s mother will never let him marry you,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “He will prevail on her; that’s his concern. I’ve a dowry of two millions, + and two millions can settle many things.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you now want to libel him, and say that he’s marrying you for your + money?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed! Gerard’s a very nice and honest fellow. He loves me and he’s + marrying me for myself. But, after all, he isn’t rich; he still has no + assured position, although he’s thirty-six; and there may well be some + advantage in a wife who brings you wealth as well as happiness. For, you + hear, mamma, it’s happiness I’m bringing him, real happiness, love that’s + shared and is certain of the future.” + </p> + <p> + Once again their faces drew close together. The hateful scene, interrupted + by sounds around them, postponed, and then resumed, was dragging on, + becoming a perfect drama full of murderous violence, although they never + shouted, but still spoke on in low and gasping voices. Neither gave way to + the other, though at every moment they were liable to some surprise; for + not only were all the doors open, so that the servants might come in, but + the Baron’s voice still rang out gaily, close at hand. + </p> + <p> + “He loves you, he loves you”—continued Eve. “That’s what you say. + But <i>he</i> never told you so.” + </p> + <p> + “He has told me so twenty times; he repeats it every time that we are + alone together!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, just as one says it to a little girl by way of amusing her. But he + has never told you that he meant to marry you.” + </p> + <p> + “He told it me the last time he came. And it’s settled. I’m simply waiting + for him to get his mother’s consent and make his formal offer.” + </p> + <p> + “You lie, you lie, you wretched girl! You simply want to make me suffer, + and you lie, you lie!” + </p> + <p> + Eve’s grief at last burst forth in that cry of protest. She no longer knew + that she was a mother, and was speaking to her daughter. The woman, the <i>amorosa</i>, + alone remained in her, outraged and exasperated by a rival. And with a sob + she confessed the truth: “It is I he loves! Only the last time I spoke to + him, he swore to me—you hear me?—he swore upon his honour that + he did not love you, and that he would never marry you!” + </p> + <p> + A faint, sharp laugh came from Camille. Then, with an air of derisive + compassion, she replied: “Ah! my poor mamma, you really make me sorry for + you! What a child you are! Yes, really, you are the child, not I. What! + you who ought to have so much experience, you still allow yourself to be + duped by a man’s protests! That one really has no malice; and, indeed, + that’s why he swears whatever you want him to swear, just to please and + quiet you, for at heart he’s a bit of a coward.” + </p> + <p> + “You lie, you lie!” + </p> + <p> + “But just think matters over. If he no longer comes here, if he didn’t + come to <i>dejeuner</i> this morning, it is simply because he’s had enough + of you. He has left you for good; just have the courage to realise it. Of + course he’s still polite and amiable, because he’s a well-bred man, and + doesn’t know how to break off. The fact is that he takes pity on you.” + </p> + <p> + “You lie, you lie!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, question him then. Have a frank explanation with him. Ask him his + intentions in a friendly way. And then show some good nature yourself, and + realise that if you care for him you ought to give him me at once in his + own interest. Give him back his liberty, and you will soon see that I’m + the one he loves.” + </p> + <p> + “You lie, you lie! You wretched child, you only want to torture and kill + me!” + </p> + <p> + Then, in her fury and distress, Eve remembered that she was the mother, + and that it was for her to chastise that unworthy daughter. There was no + stick near her, but from a basket of the yellow roses, whose powerful + scent intoxicated both of them, she plucked a handful of blooms, with long + and spiny stalks, and smote Camille across the face. A drop of blood + appeared on the girl’s left temple, near her eyelid. + </p> + <p> + But she sprang forward, flushed and maddened by this correction, with her + hand raised and ready to strike back. “Take care, mother! I swear I’d beat + you like a gipsy! And now just put this into your head: I mean to marry + Gerard, and I will; and I’ll take him from you, even if I have to raise a + scandal, should you refuse to give him to me with good grace.” + </p> + <p> + Eve, after her one act of angry vigour, had sunk into an armchair, + overcome, distracted. And all the horror of quarrels, which sprang from + her egotistical desire to be happy, caressed, flattered and adored, was + returning to her. But Camille, still threatening, still unsatiated, showed + her heart as it really was, her stern, black, unforgiving heart, + intoxicated with cruelty. There came a moment of supreme silence, while + Duvillard’s gay voice again rang out in the adjoining room. + </p> + <p> + The mother was gently weeping, when Hyacinthe, coming upstairs at a run, + swept into the little <i>salon</i>. He looked at the two women, and made a + gesture of indulgent contempt. “Ah! you’re no doubt satisfied now! But + what did I tell you? It would have been much better for you to have come + downstairs at once! Everybody is asking for you. It’s all idiotic. I’ve + come to fetch you.” + </p> + <p> + Eve and Camille would not yet have followed him, perhaps, if Duvillard and + Fonsegue had not at that moment come out of the former’s room. Having + finished their cigars they also spoke of going downstairs. And Eve had to + rise and smile and show dry eyes, while Camille, standing before a + looking-glass, arranged her hair, and stanched the little drop of blood + that had gathered on her temple. + </p> + <p> + There was already quite a number of people below, in the three huge + saloons adorned with tapestry and plants. The stalls had been draped with + red silk, which set a gay, bright glow around the goods. And no ordinary + bazaar could have put forth such a show, for there was something of + everything among the articles of a thousand different kinds, from sketches + by recognised masters, and the autographs of famous writers, down to socks + and slippers and combs. The haphazard way in which things were laid out + was in itself an attraction; and, in addition, there was a buffet, where + the whitest of beautiful hands poured out champagne, and two lotteries, + one for an organ and another for a pony-drawn village cart, the tickets + for which were sold by a bevy of charming girls, who had scattered through + the throng. As Duvillard had expected, however, the great success of the + bazaar lay in the delightful little shiver which the beautiful ladies + experienced as they passed through the entrance where the bomb had + exploded. The rougher repairing work was finished, the walls and ceilings + had been doctored, in part re-constructed. However, the painters had not + yet come, and here and there the whiter stone and plaster work showed like + fresh scars left by all the terrible gashes. It was with mingled anxiety + and rapture that pretty heads emerged from the carriages which, arriving + in a continuous stream, made the flagstones of the court re-echo. And in + the three saloons, beside the stalls, there was no end to the lively + chatter: “Ah! my dear, did you see all those marks? How frightful, how + frightful! The whole house was almost blown up. And to think it might + begin again while we are here! One really needs some courage to come, but + then, that asylum is such a deserving institution, and money is badly + wanted to build a new wing. And besides, those monsters will see that we + are not frightened, whatever they do.” + </p> + <p> + When the Baroness at last came down to her stall with Camille she found + the saleswomen feverishly at work already under the direction of Princess + Rosemonde, who on occasions of this kind evinced the greatest cunning and + rapacity, robbing the customers in the most impudent fashion. “Ah! here + you are,” she exclaimed. “Beware of a number of higglers who have come to + secure bargains. I know them! They watch for their opportunities, turn + everything topsy-turvy and wait for us to lose our heads and forget + prices, so as to pay even less than they would in a real shop. But I’ll + get good prices from them, you shall see!” + </p> + <p> + At this, Eve, who for her own part was a most incapable saleswoman, had to + laugh with the others. And in a gentle voice she made a pretence of + addressing certain recommendations to Camille, who listened with a smiling + and most submissive air. In point of fact the wretched mother was sinking + with emotion, particularly at the thought that she would have to remain + there till seven o’clock, and suffer in secret before all those people, + without possibility of relief. And thus it was almost like a respite when + she suddenly perceived Abbe Froment sitting and waiting for her on a + settee, covered with red velvet, near her stall. Her legs were failing + her, so she took a place beside him. + </p> + <p> + “You received my letter then, Monsieur l’Abbe. I am glad that you have + come, for I have some good news to give you, and wished to leave you the + pleasure of imparting it to your <i>protege</i>, that man Laveuve, whom + you so warmly recommended to me. Every formality has now been fulfilled, + and you can bring him to the asylum to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre gazed at her in stupefaction. “Laveuve? Why, he is dead!” + </p> + <p> + In her turn she became astonished. “What, dead! But you never informed me + of it! If I told you of all the trouble that has been taken, of all that + had to be undone and done again, and the discussions and the papers and + the writing! Are you quite sure that he is dead?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! yes, he is dead. He has been dead a month.” + </p> + <p> + “Dead a month! Well, we could not know; you yourself gave us no sign of + life. Ah! <i>mon Dieu</i>! what a worry that he should be dead. We shall + now be obliged to undo everything again!” + </p> + <p> + “He is dead, madame. It is true that I ought to have informed you of it. + But that doesn’t alter the fact—he is dead.” + </p> + <p> + Dead! that word which kept on returning, the thought too, that for a month + past she had been busying herself for a corpse, quite froze her, brought + her to the very depths of despair, like an omen of the cold death into + which she herself must soon descend, in the shroud of her last passion. + And, meantime, Pierre, despite himself, smiled bitterly at the atrocious + irony of it all. Ah! that lame and halting Charity, which proffers help + when men are dead! + </p> + <p> + The priest still lingered on the settee when the Baroness rose. She had + seen magistrate Amadieu hurriedly enter like one who just wished to show + himself, purchase some trifle, and then return to the Palace of Justice. + However, he was also perceived by little Massot, the “Globe” reporter, who + was prowling round the stalls, and who at once bore down upon him, eager + for information. And he hemmed him in and forthwith interviewed him + respecting the affair of that mechanician Salvat, who was accused of + having deposited the bomb at the entrance of the house. Was this simply an + invention of the police, as some newspapers pretended? Or was it really + correct? And if so, would Salvat soon be arrested? In self-defence Amadieu + answered correctly enough that the affair did not as yet concern him, and + would only come within his attributions, if Salvat should be arrested and + the investigation placed in his hands. At the same time, however, the + magistrate’s pompous and affectedly shrewd manner suggested that he + already knew everything to the smallest details, and that, had he chosen, + he could have promised some great events for the morrow. A circle of + ladies had gathered round him as he spoke, quite a number of pretty women + feverish with curiosity, who jostled one another in their eagerness to + hear that brigand tale which sent a little shiver coursing under their + skins. However, Amadieu managed to slip off after paying Rosemonde twenty + francs for a cigarette case, which was perhaps worth thirty sous. + </p> + <p> + Massot, on recognising Pierre, came up to shake hands with him. “Don’t you + agree with me, Monsieur l’Abbe, that Salvat must be a long way off by now + if he’s got good legs? Ah! the police will always make me laugh!” + </p> + <p> + However, Rosemonde brought Hyacinthe up to the journalist. “Monsieur + Massot,” said she, “you who go everywhere, I want you to be judge. That + Chamber of Horrors at Montmartre, that tavern where Legras sings the + ‘Flowers of the Streets’—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! a delightful spot, madame,” interrupted Massot, “I wouldn’t take even + a gendarme there.” + </p> + <p> + “No, don’t jest, Monsieur Massot, I’m talking seriously. Isn’t it quite + allowable for a respectable woman to go there when she’s accompanied by a + gentleman?” And, without allowing the journalist time to answer her, she + turned towards Hyacinthe: “There! you see that Monsieur Massot doesn’t say + no! You’ve got to take me there this evening, it’s sworn, it’s sworn.” + </p> + <p> + Then she darted away to sell a packet of pins to an old lady, while the + young man contented himself with remarking, in the voice of one who has no + illusions left: “She’s quite idiotic with her Chamber of Horrors!” + </p> + <p> + Massot philosophically shrugged his shoulders. It was only natural that a + woman should want to amuse herself. And when Hyacinthe had gone off, + passing with perverse contempt beside the lovely girls who were selling + lottery tickets, the journalist ventured to murmur: “All the same, it + would do that youngster good if a woman were to take him in hand.” + </p> + <p> + Then, again addressing Pierre, he resumed: “Why, here comes Duthil! What + did Sagnier mean this morning by saying that Duthil would sleep at Mazas + to-night?” + </p> + <p> + In a great hurry apparently, and all smiles, Duthil was cutting his way + through the crowd in order to join Duvillard and Fonsegue, who still stood + talking near the Baroness’s stall. And he waved his hand to them in a + victorious way, to imply that he had succeeded in the delicate mission + entrusted to him. This was nothing less than a bold manoeuvre to hasten + Silviane’s admission to the Comedie Francaise. The idea had occurred to + her of making the Baron give a dinner at the Cafe Anglais in order that + she might meet at it an influential critic, who, according to her + statements, would compel the authorities to throw the doors wide open for + her as soon as he should know her. However, it did not seem easy to secure + the critic’s presence, as he was noted for his sternness and grumbling + disposition. And, indeed, after a first repulse, Duthil had for three days + past been obliged to exert all his powers of diplomacy, and bring even the + remotest influence into play. But he was radiant now, for he had + conquered. + </p> + <p> + “It’s for this evening, my dear Baron, at half-past seven,” he exclaimed. + “Ah! dash it all, I’ve had more trouble than I should have had to secure a + concession vote!” Then he laughed with the pretty impudence of a man of + pleasure, whom political conscientiousness did not trouble. And, indeed, + his allusion to the fresh denunciations of the “Voix du Peuple” hugely + amused him. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t jest,” muttered Fonsegue, who for his part wished to amuse himself + by frightening the young deputy. “Things are going very badly!” + </p> + <p> + Duthil turned pale, and a vision of the police and Mazas rose before his + eyes. In this wise sheer funk came over him from time to time. However, + with his lack of all moral sense, he soon felt reassured and began to + laugh. “Bah!” he retorted gaily, winking towards Duvillard, “the + governor’s there to pilot the barque!” + </p> + <p> + The Baron, who was extremely pleased, had pressed his hands, thanked him, + and called him an obliging fellow. And now turning towards Fonsegue, he + exclaimed: “I say, you must make one of us this evening. Oh! it’s + necessary. I want something imposing round Silviane. Duthil will represent + the Chamber, you journalism, and I finance—” But he suddenly paused + on seeing Gerard, who, with a somewhat grave expression, was leisurely + picking his way through the sea of skirts. “Gerard, my friend,” said the + Baron, after beckoning to him, “I want you to do me a service.” And + forthwith he told him what was in question; how the influential critic had + been prevailed upon to attend a dinner which would decide Silviane’s + future; and how it was the duty of all her friends to rally round her. + </p> + <p> + “But I can’t,” the young man answered in embarrassment. “I have to dine at + home with my mother, who was rather poorly this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! a sensible woman like your mother will readily understand that there + are matters of exceptional importance. Go home and excuse yourself. Tell + her some story, tell her that a friend’s happiness is in question.” And as + Gerard began to weaken, Duvillard added: “The fact is, that I really want + you, my dear fellow; I must have a society man. Society, you know, is a + great force in theatrical matters; and if Silviane has society with her, + her triumph is certain.” + </p> + <p> + Gerard promised, and then chatted for a moment with his uncle, General de + Bozonnet, who was quite enlivened by that throng of women, among whom he + had been carried hither and thither like an old rudderless ship. After + acknowledging the amiability with which Madame Fonsegue had listened to + his stories, by purchasing an autograph of Monseigneur Martha from her for + a hundred francs, he had quite lost himself amid the bevy of girls who had + passed him on, one to another. And now, on his return from them, he had + his hands full of lottery tickets: “Ah! my fine fellow,” said he, “I don’t + advise you to venture among all those young persons. You would have to + part with your last copper. But, just look! there’s Mademoiselle Camille + beckoning to you!” + </p> + <p> + Camille, indeed, from the moment she had perceived Gerard, had been + smiling at him and awaiting his approach. And when their glances met he + was obliged to go to her, although, at the same moment, he felt that Eve’s + despairing and entreating eyes were fixed upon him. The girl, who fully + realised that her mother was watching her, at once made a marked display + of amiability, profiting by the license which charitable fervour + authorised, to slip a variety of little articles into the young man’s + pockets, and then place others in his hands, which she pressed within her + own, showing the while all the sparkle of youth, indulging in fresh, merry + laughter, which fairly tortured her rival. + </p> + <p> + So extreme was Eve’s suffering, that she wished to intervene and part + them. But it so chanced that Pierre barred her way, for he wished to + submit an idea to her before leaving the bazaar. “Madame,” said he, “since + that man Laveuve is dead, and you have taken so much trouble with regard + to the bed which you now have vacant, will you be so good as to keep it + vacant until I have seen our venerable friend, Abbe Rose? I am to see him + this evening, and he knows so many cases of want, and would be so glad to + relieve one of them, and bring you some poor <i>protege</i> of his.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, certainly,” stammered the Baroness, “I shall be very happy,—I + will wait a little, as you desire,—of course, of course, Monsieur + l’Abbe.” + </p> + <p> + She was trembling all over; she no longer knew what she was saying; and, + unable to conquer her passion, she turned aside from the priest, unaware + even that he was still there, when Gerard, yielding to the dolorous + entreaty of her eyes, at last managed to escape from Camille and join her. + </p> + <p> + “What a stranger you are becoming, my friend!” she said aloud, with a + forced smile. “One never sees you now.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I have been poorly,” he replied, in his amiable way. “Yes, I assure + you I have been ailing a little.” + </p> + <p> + He, ailing! She looked at him with maternal anxiety, quite upset. And, + indeed, however proud and lofty his figure, his handsome regular face did + seem to her paler than usual. It was as if the nobility of the facade had, + in some degree, ceased to hide the irreparable dilapidation within. And + given his real good nature, it must be true that he suffered—suffered + by reason of his useless, wasted life, by reason of all the money he cost + his impoverished mother, and of the needs that were at last driving him to + marry that wealthy deformed girl, whom at first he had simply pitied. And + so weak did he seem to Eve, so like a piece of wreckage tossed hither and + thither by a tempest, that, at the risk of being overheard by the throng, + she let her heart flow forth in a low but ardent, entreating murmur: “If + you suffer, ah! what sufferings are mine!—Gerard, we must see one + another, I will have it so.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I beg you, let us wait,” he stammered in embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “It must be, Gerard; Camille has told me your plans. You cannot refuse to + see me. I insist on it.” + </p> + <p> + He made yet another attempt to escape the cruel explanation. “But it’s + impossible at the usual place,” he answered, quivering. “The address is + known.” + </p> + <p> + “Then to-morrow, at four o’clock, at that little restaurant in the Bois + where we have met before.” + </p> + <p> + He had to promise, and they parted. Camille had just turned her head and + was looking at them. Moreover, quite a number of women had besieged the + stall; and the Baroness began to attend to them with the air of a ripe and + nonchalant goddess, while Gerard rejoined Duvillard, Fonsegue and Duthil, + who were quite excited at the prospect of their dinner that evening. + </p> + <p> + Pierre had heard a part of the conversation between Gerard and the + Baroness. He knew what skeletons the house concealed, what physiological + and moral torture and wretchedness lay beneath all the dazzling wealth and + power. There was here an envenomed, bleeding sore, ever spreading, a + cancer eating into father, mother, daughter and son, who one and all had + thrown social bonds aside. However, the priest made his way out of the <i>salons</i>, + half stifling amidst the throng of lady-purchasers who were making quite a + triumph of the bazaar. And yonder, in the depths of the gloom, he could + picture Salvat still running and running on; while the corpse of Laveuve + seemed to him like a buffet of atrocious irony dealt to noisy and delusive + charity. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0074" id="link2H_4_0074"></a> + II. SPIRIT AND FLESH + </h2> + <p> + How delightful was the quietude of the little ground-floor overlooking a + strip of garden in the Rue Cortot, where good Abbe Rose resided! + Hereabouts there was not even a rumble of wheels, or an echo of the + panting breath of Paris, which one heard on the other side of the height + of Montmartre. The deep silence and sleepy peacefulness were suggestive of + some distant provincial town. + </p> + <p> + Seven o’clock had struck, the dusk had gathered slowly, and Pierre was in + the humble dining-room, waiting for the <i>femme-de-menage</i> to place + the soup upon the table. Abbe Rose, anxious at having seen so little of + him for a month past, had written, asking him to come to dinner, in order + that they might have a quiet chat concerning their affairs. From time to + time Pierre still gave his friend money for charitable purposes; in fact, + ever since the days of the asylum in the Rue de Charonne, they had had + accounts together, which they periodically liquidated. So that evening + after dinner they were to talk of it all, and see if they could not do + even more than they had hitherto done. The good old priest was quite + radiant at the thought of the peaceful evening which he was about to spend + in attending to the affairs of his beloved poor; for therein lay his only + amusement, the sole pleasure to which he persistently and passionately + returned, in spite of all the worries that his inconsiderate charity had + already so often brought him. + </p> + <p> + Glad to be able to procure his friend this pleasure, Pierre, on his side, + grew calmer, and found relief and momentary repose in sharing the other’s + simple repast and yielding to all the kindliness around him, far from his + usual worries. He remembered the vacant bed at the Asylum, which Baroness + Duvillard had promised to keep in reserve until he should have asked Abbe + Rose if he knew of any case of destitution particularly worthy of + interest; and so before sitting down to table he spoke of the matter. + </p> + <p> + “Destitution worthy of interest!” replied Abbe Rose, “ah! my dear child, + every case is worthy of interest. And when it’s a question of old toilers + without work the only trouble is that of selection, the anguish of + choosing one and leaving so many others in distress.” Nevertheless, + painful though his scruples were, he strove to think and come to some + decision. “I know the case which will suit you,” he said at last. “It’s + certainly one of the greatest suffering and wretchedness; and, so humble a + one, too—an old carpenter of seventy-five, who has been living on + public charity during the eight or ten years that he has been unable to + find work. I don’t know his name, everybody calls him ‘the big Old’un.’ + There are times when he does not come to my Saturday distributions for + weeks together. We shall have to look for him at once. I think that he + sleeps at the Night Refuge in the Rue d’Orsel when lack of room there + doesn’t force him to spend the night crouching behind some palings. Shall + we go down the Rue d’Orsel this evening?” + </p> + <p> + Abbe Rose’s eyes beamed brightly as he spoke, for this proposal of his + signified a great debauch, the tasting of forbidden fruit. He had been + reproached so often and so roughly with his visits to those who had fallen + to the deepest want and misery, that in spite of his overflowing, + apostolic compassion, he now scarcely dared to go near them. However, he + continued: “Is it agreed, my child? Only this once? Besides, it is our + only means of finding the big Old’un. You won’t have to stop with me later + than eleven. And I should so like to show you all that! You will see what + terrible sufferings there are! And perhaps we may be fortunate enough to + relieve some poor creature or other.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre smiled at the juvenile ardour displayed by this old man with snowy + hair. “It’s agreed, my dear Abbe,” he responded, “I shall be very pleased + to spend my whole evening with you, for I feel it will do me good to + follow you once more on one of those rambles which used to fill our hearts + with grief and joy.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the servant brought in the soup; however, just as the two + priests were taking their seats a discreet ring was heard, and when Abbe + Rose learnt that the visitor was a neighbour, Madame Mathis, who had come + for an answer, he gave orders that she should be shown in. + </p> + <p> + “This poor woman,” he explained to Pierre, “needed an advance of ten + francs to get a mattress out of pawn; and I didn’t have the money by me at + the time. But I’ve since procured it. She lives in the house, you know, in + silent poverty, on so small an income that it hardly keeps her in bread.” + </p> + <p> + “But hasn’t she a big son of twenty?” asked Pierre, suddenly remembering + the young man he had seen at Salvat’s. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes. Her parents, I believe, were rich people in the provinces. I’ve + been told that she married a music master, who gave her lessons, at + Nantes; and who ran away with her and brought her to Paris, where he died. + It was quite a doleful love-story. By selling the furniture and realising + every little thing she possessed, she scraped together an income of about + two thousand francs a year, with which she was able to send her son to + college and live decently herself. But a fresh blow fell on her: she lost + the greater part of her little fortune, which was invested in doubtful + securities. So now her income amounts at the utmost to eight hundred + francs; two hundred of which she has to expend in rent. For all her other + wants she has to be content with fifty francs a month. About eighteen + months ago her son left her so as not to be a burden on her, and he is + trying to earn his living somewhere, but without success, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Mathis, a short, dark woman, with a sad, gentle, retiring face, + came in. Invariably clad in the same black gown, she showed all the + anxious timidity of a poor creature whom the storms of life perpetually + assailed. When Abbe Rose had handed her the ten francs discreetly wrapped + in paper, she blushed and thanked him, promising to pay him back as soon + as she received her month’s money, for she was not a beggar and did not + wish to encroach on the share of those who starved. + </p> + <p> + “And your son, Victor, has he found any employment?” asked the old priest. + </p> + <p> + She hesitated, ignorant as she was of what her son might be doing, for now + she did not see him for weeks together. And finally, she contented herself + with answering: “He has a good heart, he is very fond of me. It is a great + misfortune that we should have been ruined before he could enter the Ecole + Normale. It was impossible for him to prepare for the examination. But at + the Lycee he was such a diligent and intelligent pupil!” + </p> + <p> + “You lost your husband when your son was ten years old, did you not?” said + Abbe Rose. + </p> + <p> + At this she blushed again, thinking that her husband’s story was known to + the two priests. “Yes, my poor husband never had any luck,” she said. “His + difficulties embittered and excited his mind, and he died in prison. He + was sent there through a disturbance at a public meeting, when he had the + misfortune to wound a police officer. He had also fought at the time of + the Commune. And yet he was a very gentle man and extremely fond of me.” + </p> + <p> + Tears had risen to her eyes; and Abbe Rose, much touched, dismissed her: + “Well, let us hope that your son will give you satisfaction, and be able + to repay you for all you have done for him.” + </p> + <p> + With a gesture of infinite sorrow, Madame Mathis discreetly withdrew. She + was quite ignorant of her son’s doings, but fate had pursued her so + relentlessly that she ever trembled. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think that the poor woman has much to expect from her son,” said + Pierre, when she had gone. “I only saw him once, but the gleam in his eyes + was as harsh and trenchant as that of a knife.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think so?” the old priest exclaimed, with his kindly <i>naivete</i>. + “Well, he seemed to me very polite, perhaps a trifle eager to enjoy life; + but then, all the young folks are impatient nowadays. Come, let us sit + down to table, for the soup will be cold.” + </p> + <p> + Almost at the same hour, on the other side of Paris, night had in like + fashion slowly fallen in the drawing-room of the Countess de Quinsac, on + the dismal, silent ground-floor of an old mansion in the Rue St. + Dominique. The Countess was there, alone with her faithful friend, the + Marquis de Morigny, she on one side, and he on the other side of the + chimney-piece, where the last embers of the wood fire were dying out. The + servant had not yet brought the lamp, and the Countess refrained from + ringing, finding some relief from her anxiety in the falling darkness, + which hid from view all the unconfessed thoughts that she was afraid of + showing on her weary face. And it was only now, before that dim hearth, + and in that black room, where never a sound of wheels disturbed the + silence of the slumberous past, that she dared to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my friend,” she said, “I am not satisfied with Gerard’s health. You + will see him yourself, for he promised to come home early and dine with + me. Oh! I’m well aware that he looks big and strong; but to know him + properly one must have nursed and watched him as I have done! What trouble + I had to rear him! In reality he is at the mercy of any petty ailment. His + slightest complaint becomes serious illness. And the life he leads does + not conduce to good health.” + </p> + <p> + She paused and sighed, hesitating to carry her confession further. + </p> + <p> + “He leads the life he can,” slowly responded the Marquis de Morigny, of + whose delicate profile, and lofty yet loving bearing, little could be seen + in the gloom. “As he was unable to endure military life, and as even the + fatigues of diplomacy frighten you, what would you have him do? He can + only live apart pending the final collapse, while this abominable Republic + is dragging France to the grave.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt, my friend. And yet it is just that idle life which frightens + me. He is losing in it all that was good and healthy in him. I don’t refer + merely to the <i>liaisons</i> which we have had to tolerate. The last one, + which I found so much difficulty in countenancing at the outset, so + contrary did it seem to all my ideas and beliefs, has since seemed to me + to exercise almost a good influence. Only he is now entering his + thirty-sixth year, and can he continue living in this fashion without + object or duties? If he is ailing it is perhaps precisely because he does + nothing, holds no position, and serves no purpose.” Her voice again + quavered. “And then, my friend, since you force me to tell you everything, + I must own that I am not in good health myself. I have had several + fainting fits of late, and have consulted a doctor. The truth is, that I + may go off at any moment.” + </p> + <p> + With a quiver, Morigny leant forward in the still deepening gloom, and + wished to take hold of her hands. “You! what, am I to lose you, my last + affection!” he faltered, “I who have seen the old world I belong to + crumble away, I who only live in the hope that you at all events will + still be here to close my eyes!” + </p> + <p> + But she begged him not to increase her grief: “No, no, don’t take my + hands, don’t kiss them! Remain there in the shade, where I can scarcely + see you.... We have loved one another so long without aught to cause shame + or regret; and that will prove our strength—our divine strength—till + we reach the grave.... And if you were to touch me, if I were to feel you + too near me I could not finish, for I have not done so yet.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as he had relapsed into silence and immobility, she continued: “If + I were to die to-morrow, Gerard would not even find here the little + fortune which he still fancies is in my hands. The dear child has often + cost me large sums of money without apparently being conscious of it. I + ought to have been more severe, more prudent. But what would you have? + Ruin is at hand. I have always been too weak a mother. And do you now + understand in what anguish I live? I ever have the thought that if I die + Gerard will not even possess enough to live on, for he is incapable of + effecting the miracle which I renew each day, in order to keep the house + up on a decent footing.... Ah! I know him, so supine, so sickly, in spite + of his proud bearing, unable to do anything, even conduct himself. And so + what will become of him; will he not fall into the most dire distress?” + </p> + <p> + Then her tears flowed freely, her heart opened and bled, for she foresaw + what must happen after her death: the collapse of her race and of a whole + world in the person of that big child. And the Marquis, still motionless + but distracted, feeling that he had no title to offer his own fortune, + suddenly understood her, foresaw in what disgrace this fresh disaster + would culminate. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my poor friend!” he said at last in a voice trembling with revolt and + grief. “So you have agreed to that marriage—yes, that abominable + marriage with that woman’s daughter! Yet you swore it should never be! You + would rather witness the collapse of everything, you said. And now you are + consenting, I can feel it!” + </p> + <p> + She still wept on in that black, silent drawing-room before the + chimney-piece where the fire had died out. Did not Gerard’s marriage to + Camille mean a happy ending for herself, a certainty of leaving her son + wealthy, loved, and seated at the banquet of life? However, a last feeling + of rebellion arose within her. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” she exclaimed, “I don’t consent, I swear to you that I don’t + consent as yet. I am fighting with my whole strength, waging an incessant + battle, the torture of which you cannot imagine.” + </p> + <p> + Then, in all sincerity, she foresaw the likelihood of defeat. “If I should + some day give way, my friend, at all events believe that I feel, as fully + as you do, how abominable such a marriage must be. It will be the end of + our race and our honour!” + </p> + <p> + This cry profoundly stirred the Marquis, and he was unable to add a word. + Haughty and uncompromising Catholic and Royalist that he was, he, on his + side also, expected nothing but the supreme collapse. Yet how heartrending + was the thought that this noble woman, so dearly and so purely loved, + would prove one of the most mournful victims of the catastrophe! And in + the shrouding gloom he found courage to kneel before her, take her hand, + and kiss it. + </p> + <p> + Just as the servant was at last bringing a lighted lamp Gerard made his + appearance. The past-century charm of the old Louis XVI. drawing-room, + with its pale woodwork, again became apparent in the soft light. In order + that his mother might not be over-saddened by his failure to dine with her + that evening the young man had put on an air of brisk gaiety; and when he + had explained that some friends were waiting for him, she at once released + him from his promise, happy as she felt at seeing him so merry. + </p> + <p> + “Go, go, my dear boy,” said she, “but mind you do not tire yourself too + much.... I am going to keep Morigny; and the General and Larombiere are + coming at nine o’clock. So be easy, I shall have someone with me to keep + me from fretting and feeling lonely.” + </p> + <p> + In this wise Gerard after sitting down for a moment and chatting with the + Marquis was able to slip away, dress, and betake himself to the Cafe + Anglais. + </p> + <p> + When he reached it women in fur cloaks were already climbing the stairs, + fashionable and merry parties were filling the private rooms, the electric + lights shone brilliantly, and the walls were already vibrating with the + stir of pleasure and debauchery. In the room which Baron Duvillard had + engaged the young man found an extraordinary display, the most superb + flowers, and a profusion of plate and crystal as for a royal gala. The + pomp with which the six covers were laid called forth a smile; while the + bill of fare and the wine list promised marvels, all the rarest and most + expensive things that could be selected. + </p> + <p> + “It’s stylish, isn’t it?” exclaimed Silviane, who was already there with + Duvillard, Fonsegue and Duthil. “I just wanted to make your influential + critic open his eyes a little! When one treats a journalist to such a + dinner as this, he has got to be amiable, hasn’t he?” + </p> + <p> + In her desire to conquer, it had occurred to the young woman to array + herself in the most amazing fashion. Her gown of yellow satin, covered + with old Alencon lace, was cut low at the neck; and she had put on all her + diamonds, a necklace, a diadem, shoulder-knots, bracelets and rings. With + her candid, girlish face, she looked like some Virgin in a missal, a + Queen-Virgin, laden with the offerings of all Christendom. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, you look so pretty,” said Gerard, who sometimes jested with + her, “that I think it will do all the same.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” she replied with equanimity. “You consider me a <i>bourgeoise</i>, I + see. Your opinion is that a simple little dinner and a modest gown would + have shown better taste. But ah! my dear fellow, you don’t know the way to + get round men!” + </p> + <p> + Duvillard signified his approval, for he was delighted to be able to show + her in all her glory, adorned like an idol. Fonsegue, for his part, talked + of diamonds, saying that they were now doubtful investments, as the day + when they would become articles of current manufacture was fast + approaching, thanks to the electrical furnace and other inventions. + Meantime Duthil, with an air of ecstasy and the dainty gestures of a + lady’s maid, hovered around the young woman, either smoothing a rebellious + bow or arranging some fold of her lace. + </p> + <p> + “But I say,” resumed Silviane, “your critic seems to be an ill-bred man, + for he’s keeping us waiting.” + </p> + <p> + Indeed, the critic arrived a quarter of an hour late, and while + apologising, he expressed his regret that he should be obliged to leave at + half-past nine, for he was absolutely compelled to put in an appearance at + a little theatre in the Rue Pigalle. He was a big fellow of fifty with + broad shoulders and a full, bearded face. His most disagreeable + characteristic was the narrow dogmatic pedantry which he had acquired at + the Ecole Normale, and had never since been able to shake off. All his + herculean efforts to be sceptical and frivolous, and the twenty years he + had spent in Paris mingling with every section of society, had failed to + rid him of it. <i>Magister</i> he was, and <i>magister</i> he remained, + even in his most strenuous flights of imagination and audacity. From the + moment of his arrival he tried to show himself enraptured with Silviane. + Naturally enough, he already knew her by sight, and had even criticised + her on one occasion in five or six contemptuous lines. However, the sight + of her there, in full beauty, clad like a queen, and presented by four + influential protectors, filled him with emotion; and he was struck with + the idea that nothing would be more Parisian and less pedantic than to + assert she had some talent and give her his support. + </p> + <p> + They had seated themselves at table, and the repast proved a magnificent + one, the service ever prompt and assiduous, an attendant being allotted to + each diner. While the flowers scattered their perfumes through the room, + and the plate and crystal glittered on the snowy cloth, an abundance of + delicious and unexpected dishes were handed round—a sturgeon from + Russia, prohibited game, truffles as big as eggs, and hothouse vegetables + and fruit as full of flavour as if they had been naturally matured. It was + money flung out of window, simply for the pleasure of wasting more than + other people, and eating what they could not procure. The influential + critic, though he displayed the ease of a man accustomed to every sort of + festivity, really felt astonished at it all, and became servile, promising + his support, and pledging himself far more than he really wished to. + Moreover, he showed himself very gay, found some witty remarks to repeat, + and even some rather ribald jests. But when the champagne appeared after + the roast and the grand burgundies, his over-excitement brought him back + perforce to his real nature. The conversation had now turned on + Corneille’s “Polyeucte” and the part of “Pauline,” in which Silviane + wished to make her <i>debut</i> at the Comedie Francaise. This + extraordinary caprice, which had quite revolted the influential critic a + week previously, now seemed to him simply a bold enterprise in which the + young woman might even prove victorious if she consented to listen to his + advice. And, once started, he delivered quite a lecture on the past, + asserting that no actress had ever yet understood it properly, for at the + outset Pauline was simply a well-meaning little creature of the middle + classes, and the beauty of her conversion at the finish arose from the + working of a miracle, a stroke of heavenly grace which endowed her with + something divine. This was not the opinion of Silviane, who from the first + lines regarded Pauline as the ideal heroine of some symbolical legend. + However, as the critic talked on and on, she had to feign approval; and he + was delighted at finding her so beautiful and docile beneath his ferule. + At last, as ten o’clock was striking, he rose and tore out of the hot and + reeking room in order to do his work. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my dears,” cried Silviane, “he’s a nice bore is that critic of yours! + What a fool he is with his idea of Pauline being a little <i>bourgeoise</i>! + I would have given him a fine dressing if it weren’t for the fact that I + have some need of him. Ah! no, it’s too idiotic! Pour me out a glass of + champagne. I want something to set me right after all that!” + </p> + <p> + The <i>fete</i> then took quite an intimate turn between the four men who + remained and that bare-armed, bare-breasted girl, covered with diamonds; + while from the neighbouring passages and rooms came bursts of laughter and + sounds of kissing, all the stir and mirth of the debauchery now filling + the house. And beneath the windows torrents of vehicles and pedestrians + streamed along the Boulevards where reigned the wild fever of pleasure and + harlotry. + </p> + <p> + “No, don’t open it, or I shall catch cold!” resumed Silviane, addressing + Fonsegue as he stepped towards the window. “Are you so very warm, then? + I’m just comfortable.... But, Duvillard, my good fellow, please order some + more champagne. It’s wonderful what a thirst your critic has given me!” + </p> + <p> + Amidst the blinding glare of the lamps and the perfume of the flowers and + wines, one almost stifled in the room. And Silviane was seized with an + irresistible desire for a spree, a desire to tipple and amuse herself in + some vulgar fashion, as in her bygone days. A few glasses of champagne + brought her to full pitch, and she showed the boldest and giddiest gaiety. + The others, who had never before seen her so lively, began on their own + side to feel amused. As Fonsegue was obliged to go to his office she + embraced him “like a daughter,” as she expressed it. However, on remaining + alone with the others she indulged in great freedom of speech, which + became more and more marked as her intoxication increased. And to the + class of men with whom she consorted her great attraction, as she was well + aware, lay in the circumstance that with her virginal countenance and her + air of ideal purity was coupled the most monstrous perversity ever + displayed by any shameless woman. Despite her innocent blue eyes and + lily-like candour, she would give rein, particularly when she was drunk, + to the most diabolical of fancies. + </p> + <p> + Duvillard let her drink on, but she guessed his thoughts, like she guessed + those of the others, and simply smiled while concocting impossible stories + and descanting fantastically in the language of the gutter. And seeing her + there in her dazzling gown fit for a queenly virgin, and hearing her pour + forth the vilest words, they thought her most wonderfully droll. However, + when she had drunk as much champagne as she cared for and was half crazy, + a novel idea suddenly occurred to her. + </p> + <p> + “I say, my children,” she exclaimed, “we are surely not going to stop + here. It’s so precious slow! You shall take me to the Chamber of Horrors—eh? + just to finish the evening. I want to hear Legras sing ‘La Chemise,’ that + song which all Paris is running to hear him sing.” + </p> + <p> + But Duvillard indignantly rebelled: “Oh! no,” said he; “most certainly + not. It’s a vile song and I’ll never take you to such an abominable + place.” + </p> + <p> + But she did not appear to hear him. She had already staggered to her feet + and was arranging her hair before a looking-glass. “I used to live at + Montmartre,” she said, “and it’ll amuse me to go back there. And, besides, + I want to know if this Legras is a Legras that I knew, oh! ever so long + ago! Come, up you get, and let us be off!” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear girl,” pleaded Duvillard, “we can’t take you into that den + dressed as you are! Just fancy your entering that place in a low-necked + gown and covered with diamonds! Why everyone would jeer at us! Come, + Gerard, just tell her to be a little reasonable.” + </p> + <p> + Gerard, equally offended by the idea of such a freak, was quite willing to + intervene. But she closed his mouth with her gloved hand and repeated with + the gay obstinacy of intoxication: “Pooh, it will be all the more amusing + if they do jeer at us! Come, let us be off, let us be off, quick!” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Duthil, who had been listening with a smile and the air of a man + of pleasure whom nothing astonishes or displeases, gallantly took her + part. “But, my dear Baron, everybody goes to the Chamber of Horrors,” said + he. “Why, I myself have taken the noblest ladies there, and precisely to + hear that song of Legras, which is no worse than anything else.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you hear what Duthil says!” cried Silviane. “He’s a deputy, he is, + and he wouldn’t go there if he thought it would compromise his + honorability!” + </p> + <p> + Then, as Duvillard still struggled on in despair at the idea of exhibiting + himself with her in such a scandalous place, she became all the merrier: + “Well, my dear fellow, please yourself. I don’t need you. You and Gerard + can go home if you like. But I’m going to Montmartre with Duthil. You’ll + take charge of me, won’t you, Duthil, eh?” + </p> + <p> + Still, the Baron was in no wise disposed to let the evening finish in that + fashion. The mere idea of it gave him a shock, and he had to resign + himself to the girl’s stubborn caprice. The only consolation he could + think of was to secure Gerard’s presence, for the young man, with some + lingering sense of decorum, still obstinately refused to make one of the + party. So the Baron took his hands and detained him, repeating in urgent + tones that he begged him to come as an essential mark of friendship. And + at last the wife’s lover and daughter’s suitor had to give way to the man + who was the former’s husband and the latter’s father. + </p> + <p> + Silviane was immensely amused by it all, and, indiscreetly thee-ing and + thou-ing Gerard, suggested that he at least owed the Baron some little + compliance with his wishes. + </p> + <p> + Duvillard pretended not to hear her. He was listening to Duthil, who told + him that there was a sort of box in a corner of the Chamber of Horrors, in + which one could in some measure conceal oneself. And then, as Silviane’s + carriage—a large closed landau, whose coachman, a sturdy, handsome + fellow, sat waiting impassively on his box—was down below, they + started off. + </p> + <p> + The Chamber of Horrors was installed in premises on the Boulevard de + Rochechouart, formerly occupied by a cafe whose proprietor had become + bankrupt.* It was a suffocating place, narrow, irregular, with all sorts + of twists, turns, and secluded nooks, and a low and smoky ceiling. And + nothing could have been more rudimentary than its decorations. The walls + had simply been placarded with posters of violent hues, some of the + crudest character, showing the barest of female figures. Behind a piano at + one end there was a little platform reached by a curtained doorway. For + the rest, one simply found a number of bare wooden forms set alongside the + veriest pot-house tables, on which the glasses containing various + beverages left round and sticky marks. There was no luxury, no artistic + feature, no cleanliness even. Globeless gas burners flared freely, heating + a dense mist compounded of tobacco smoke and human breath. Perspiring, + apoplectical faces could be perceived through this veil, and an acrid + odour increased the intoxication of the assembly, which excited itself + with louder and louder shouts at each fresh song. It had been sufficient + for an enterprising fellow to set up these boards, bring out Legras, + accompanied by two or three girls, make him sing his frantic and + abominable songs, and in two or three evenings overwhelming success had + come, all Paris being enticed and flocking to the place, which for ten + years or so had failed to pay as a mere cafe, where by way of amusement + petty cits had been simply allowed their daily games at dominoes. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Those who know Paris will identify the site selected by M. Zola + as that where ‘Colonel’ Lisbonne of the Commune installed his + den the ‘Bagne’ some years ago. Nevertheless, such places as the + ‘Chamber of Horrors’ now abound in the neighbourhood of + Montmartre, and it must be admitted that whilst they are + frequented by certain classes of Frenchmen they owe much of + their success in a pecuniary sense to the patronage of + foreigners. Among the latter, Englishmen are particularly + conspicuous.—Trans. +</pre> + <p> + And the change had been caused by the passion for filth, the irresistible + attraction exercised by all that brought opprobrium and disgust. The Paris + of enjoyment, the <i>bourgeoisie</i> which held all wealth and power, + which would relinquish naught of either, though it was surfeited and + gradually wearying of both, simply hastened to the place in order that + obscenity and insult might be flung in its face. Hypnotised, as it were, + while staggering to its fall, it felt a need of being spat upon. And what + a frightful symptom there lay in it all: those condemned ones rushing upon + dirt of their own accord, voluntarily hastening their own decomposition by + that unquenchable thirst for the vile, which attracted men, reputed to be + grave and upright, and lovely women of the most perfect grace and luxury, + to all the beastliness of that low den! + </p> + <p> + At one of the tables nearest the stage sat little Princess Rosemonde de + Harn, with wild eyes and quivering nostrils, delighted as she felt at now + being able to satisfy her curiosity regarding the depths of Paris life. + Young Hyacinthe had resigned himself to the task of bringing her, and, + correctly buttoned up in his long frock-coat, he was indulgent enough to + refrain from any marked expression of boredom. At a neighbouring table + they had found a shadowy Spaniard of their acquaintance, a so-called + Bourse jobber, Bergaz, who had been introduced to the Princess by Janzen, + and usually attended her entertainments. They virtually knew nothing about + him, not even if he really earned at the Bourse all the money which he + sometimes spent so lavishly, and which enabled him to dress with affected + elegance. His slim, lofty figure was not without a certain air of + distinction, but his red lips spoke of strong passions and his bright eyes + were those of a beast of prey. That evening he had two young fellows with + him, one Rossi, a short, swarthy Italian, who had come to Paris as a + painter’s model, and had soon glided into the lazy life of certain + disreputable callings, and the other, Sanfaute, a born Parisian + blackguard, a pale, beardless, vicious and impudent stripling of La + Chapelle, whose long curly hair fell down upon either side of his bony + cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! pray now!” feverishly said Rosemonde to Bergaz; “as you seem to know + all these horrid people, just show me some of the celebrities. Aren’t + there some thieves and murderers among them?” + </p> + <p> + He laughed shrilly, and in a bantering way replied: “But you know these + people well enough, madame. That pretty, pink, delicate-looking woman over + yonder is an American lady, the wife of a consul, whom, I believe, you + receive at your house. That other on the right, that tall brunette who + shows such queenly dignity, is a Countess, whose carriage passes yours + every day in the Bois. And the thin one yonder, whose eyes glitter like + those of a she-wolf, is the particular friend of a high official, who is + well known for his reputation of austerity.” + </p> + <p> + But she stopped him, in vexation: “I know, I know. But the others, those + of the lower classes, those whom one comes to see.” + </p> + <p> + Then she went on asking questions, and seeking for terrifying and + mysterious countenances. At last, two men seated in a corner ended by + attracting her attention; one of them a very young fellow with a pale, + pinched face, and the other an ageless individual who, besides being + buttoned up to his neck in an old coat, had pulled his cap so low over his + eyes, that one saw little of his face beyond the beard which fringed it. + Before these two stood a couple of mugs of beer, which they drank slowly + and in silence. + </p> + <p> + “You are making a great mistake, my dear,” said Hyacinthe with a frank + laugh, “if you are looking for brigands in disguise. That poor fellow with + the pale face, who surely doesn’t have food to eat every day, was my + schoolfellow at Condorcet!” + </p> + <p> + Bergaz expressed his amazement. “What! you knew Mathis at Condorcet! After + all, though, you’re right, he received a college education. Ah! and so you + knew him. A very remarkable young man he is, though want is throttling + him. But, I say, the other one, his companion, you don’t know him?” + </p> + <p> + Hyacinthe, after looking at the man with the cap-hidden face, was already + shaking his head, when Bergaz suddenly gave him a nudge as a signal to + keep quiet, and by way of explanation he muttered: “Hush! Here’s Raphanel. + I’ve been distrusting him for some time past. Whenever he appears + anywhere, the police is not far off.” + </p> + <p> + Raphanel was another of the vague, mysterious Anarchists whom Janzen had + presented to the Princess by way of satisfying her momentary passion for + revolutionism. This one, though he was a fat, gay, little man, with a + doll-like face and childish nose, which almost disappeared between his + puffy cheeks, had the reputation of being a thorough desperado; and at + public meetings he certainly shouted for fire and murder with all his + lungs. Still, although he had already been compromised in various affairs, + he had invariably managed to save his own bacon, whilst his companions + were kept under lock and key; and this they were now beginning to think + somewhat singular. + </p> + <p> + He at once shook hands with the Princess in a jovial way, took a seat near + her without being invited, and forthwith denounced the dirty <i>bourgeoisie</i> + which came to wallow in places of ill fame. Rosemonde was delighted, and + encouraged him, but others near by began to get angry, and Bergaz examined + him with his piercing eyes, like a man of energy who acts, and lets others + talk. Now and then, too, he exchanged quick glances of intelligence with + his silent lieutenants, Sanfaute and Rossi, who plainly belonged to him, + both body and soul. They were the ones who found their profit in Anarchy, + practising it to its logical conclusions, whether in crime or in vice. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, pending the arrival of Legras with his “Flowers of the + Pavement,” two female vocalists had followed one another on the stage, the + first fat and the second thin, one chirruping some silly love songs with + an under-current of dirt, and the other shouting the coarsest of refrains, + in a most violent, fighting voice. She had just finished amidst a storm of + bravos, when the assembly, stirred to merriment and eager for a laugh, + suddenly exploded once more. Silviane was entering the little box at one + end of the hall. When she appeared erect in the full light, with bare arms + and shoulders, looking like a planet in her gown of yellow satin and her + blazing diamonds, there arose a formidable uproar, shouts, jeers, hisses, + laughing and growling, mingled with ferocious applause. And the scandal + increased, and the vilest expressions flew about as soon as Duvillard, + Gerard and Duthil also showed themselves, looking very serious and + dignified with their white ties and spreading shirt fronts. + </p> + <p> + “We told you so!” muttered Duvillard, who was much annoyed with the + affair, while Gerard tried to conceal himself in a dim corner. + </p> + <p> + She, however, smiling and enchanted, faced the public, accepting the storm + with the candid bearing of a foolish virgin, much as one inhales the + vivifying air of the open when it bears down upon one in a squall. And, + indeed, she herself had sprung from the sphere before her, its atmosphere + was her native air. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what of it?” she said replying to the Baron who wanted her to sit + down. “They are merry. It’s very nice. Oh! I’m really amusing myself!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes, it’s very nice,” declared Duthil, who in like fashion set + himself at his ease. “Silviane is right, people naturally like a laugh now + and then!” + </p> + <p> + Amidst the uproar, which did not cease, little Princess Rosemonde rose + enthusiastically to get a better view. “Why, it’s your father who’s with + that woman Silviane,” she said to Hyacinthe. “Just look at them! Well, he + certainly has plenty of bounce to show himself here with her!” + </p> + <p> + Hyacinthe, however, refused to look. It didn’t interest him, his father + was an idiot, only a child would lose his head over a girl in that + fashion. And with his contempt for woman the young man became positively + insulting. + </p> + <p> + “You try my nerves, my dear fellow,” said Rosemonde as she sat down. “You + are the child with your silly ideas about us. And as for your father, he + does quite right to love that girl. I find her very pretty indeed, quite + adorable!” + </p> + <p> + Then all at once the uproar ceased, those who had risen resumed their + seats, and the only sound was that of the feverish throb which coursed + through the assembly. Legras had just appeared on the platform. He was a + pale sturdy fellow with a round and carefully shaven face, stern eyes, and + the powerful jaws of a man who compels the adoration of women by + terrorising them. He was not deficient in talent, he sang true, and his + ringing voice was one of extraordinary penetration and pathetic power. And + his <i>repertoire</i>, his “Flowers of the Pavement,” completed the + explanation of his success; for all the foulness and suffering of the + lower spheres, the whole abominable sore of the social hell created by the + rich, shrieked aloud in these songs in words of filth and fire and blood. + </p> + <p> + A prelude was played on the piano, and Legras standing there in his velvet + jacket sang “La Chemise,” the horrible song which brought all Paris to + hear him. All the lust and vice that crowd the streets of the great city + appeared with their filth and their poison; and amid the picture of Woman + stripped, degraded, ill-treated, dragged through the mire and cast into a + cesspool, there rang out the crime of the <i>bourgeoisie</i>. But the + scorching insult of it all was less in the words themselves than in the + manner in which Legras cast them in the faces of the rich, the happy, the + beautiful ladies who came to listen to him. Under the low ceiling, amidst + the smoke from the pipes, in the blinding glare of the gas, he sent his + lines flying through the assembly like expectorations, projected by a + whirlwind of furious contempt. And when he had finished there came + delirium; the beautiful ladies did not even think of wiping away the many + affronts they had received, but applauded frantically. The whole assembly + stamped and shouted, and wallowed, distracted, in its ignominy. + </p> + <p> + “Bravo! bravo!” the little Princess repeated in her shrill voice. “It’s + astonishing, astonishing, prodigious!” + </p> + <p> + And Silviane, whose intoxication seemed to have increased since she had + been there, in the depths of that fiery furnace, made herself particularly + conspicuous by the manner in which she clapped her hands and shouted: + “It’s he, it’s my Legras! I really must kiss him, he’s pleased me so + much!” + </p> + <p> + Duvillard, now fairly exasperated, wished to take her off by force. But + she clung to the hand-rest of the box, and shouted yet more loudly, though + without any show of temper. It became necessary to parley with her. Yes, + she was willing to go off and let them drive her home; but, first of all, + she must embrace Legras, who was an old friend of hers. “Go and wait for + me in the carriage!” she said, “I will be with you in a moment.” + </p> + <p> + Just as the assembly was at last becoming calmer, Rosemonde perceived that + the box was emptying; and her own curiosity being satisfied, she thought + of prevailing on Hyacinthe to see her home. He, who had listened to Legras + in a languid way without even applauding, was now talking of Norway with + Bergaz, who pretended that he had travelled in the North. Oh! the fiords! + oh! the ice-bound lakes! oh! the pure lily-white, chaste coldness of the + eternal winter! It was only amid such surroundings, said Hyacinthe, that + he could understand woman and love, like a kiss of the very snow itself. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we go off there to-morrow?” exclaimed the Princess with her + vivacious effrontery. “I’ll shut up my house and slip the key under the + door.” + </p> + <p> + Then she added that she was jesting, of course. But Bergaz knew her to be + quite capable of such a freak; and at the idea that she might shut up her + little mansion and perhaps leave it unprotected he exchanged a quick + glance with Sanfaute and Rossi, who still smiled in silence. Ah! what an + opportunity for a fine stroke! What an opportunity to get back some of the + wealth of the community appropriated by the blackguard <i>bourgeoisie</i>! + </p> + <p> + Meantime Raphanel, after applauding Legras, was looking all round the + place with his little grey, sharp eyes. And at last young Mathis and his + companion, the ill-clad individual, of whose face only a scrap of beard + could be seen, attracted his attention. They had neither laughed nor + applauded; they seemed to be simply a couple of tired fellows who were + resting, and in whose opinion one is best hidden in the midst of a crowd. + </p> + <p> + All at once, though, Raphanel turned towards Bergaz: “That’s surely little + Mathis over yonder. But who’s that with him?” + </p> + <p> + Bergaz made an evasive gesture; he did not know. Still, he no longer took + his eyes from Raphanel. And he saw the other feign indifference at what + followed, and finish his beer and take his leave, with the jesting remark + that he had an appointment with a lady at a neighbouring omnibus office. + No sooner had he gone than Bergaz rose, sprang over some of the forms and + jostled people in order to reach little Mathis, into whose ear he + whispered a few words. And the young man at once left his table, taking + his companion and pushing him outside through an occasional exit. It was + all so rapidly accomplished that none of the general public paid attention + to the flight. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” said the Princess to Bergaz, when he had quietly resumed his + seat between Rossi and Sanfaute. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! nothing, I merely wished to shake hands with Mathis as he was going + off.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Rosemonde announced that she meant to do the same. Nevertheless, + she lingered a moment longer and again spoke of Norway on perceiving that + nothing could impassion Hyacinthe except the idea of the eternal snow, the + intense, purifying cold of the polar regions. In his poem on the “End of + Woman,” a composition of some thirty lines, which he hoped he should never + finish, he thought of introducing a forest of frozen pines by way of final + scene. Now the Princess had risen and was gaily reverting to her jest, + declaring that she meant to take him home to drink a cup of tea and + arrange their trip to the Pole, when an involuntary exclamation fell from + Bergaz, who, while listening, had kept his eyes on the doorway. + </p> + <p> + “Mondesir! I was sure of it!” + </p> + <p> + There had appeared at the entrance a short, sinewy, broad-backed little + man, about whose round face, bumpy forehead, and snub nose there was + considerable military roughness. One might have thought him a + non-commissioned officer in civilian attire. He gazed over the whole room, + and seemed at once dismayed and disappointed. + </p> + <p> + Bergaz, however, wishing to account for his exclamation, resumed in an + easy way: “Ah! I said there was a smell of the police about the place! You + see that fellow—he’s a detective, a very clever one, named Mondesir, + who had some trouble when he was in the army. Just look at him, sniffing + like a dog that has lost scent! Well, well, my brave fellow, if you’ve + been told of any game you may look and look for it, the bird’s flown + already!” + </p> + <p> + Once outside, when Rosemonde had prevailed on Hyacinthe to see her home, + they hastened to get into the brougham, which was waiting for them, for + near at hand they perceived Silviane’s landau, with the majestic coachman + motionless on his box, while Duvillard, Gerard, and Duthil still stood + waiting on the curbstone. They had been there for nearly twenty minutes + already, in the semi-darkness of that outer boulevard, where all the vices + of the poor districts of Paris were on the prowl. They had been jostled by + drunkards; and shadowy women brushed against them as they went by + whispering beneath the oaths and blows of bullies. And there were couples + seeking the darkness under the trees, and lingering on the benches there; + while all around were low taverns and dirty lodging-houses and places of + ill-fame. All the human degradation which till break of day swarms in the + black mud of this part of Paris, enveloped the three men, giving them the + horrors, and yet neither the Baron nor Gerard nor Duthil was willing to go + off. Each hoped that he would tire out the others, and take Silviane home + when she should at last appear. + </p> + <p> + But after a time the Baron grew impatient, and said to the coachman: + “Jules, go and see why madame doesn’t come.” + </p> + <p> + “But the horses, Monsieur le Baron?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! they will be all right, we are here.” + </p> + <p> + A fine drizzle had begun to fall; and the wait went on again as if it + would never finish. But an unexpected meeting gave them momentary + occupation. A shadowy form, something which seemed to be a thin, + black-skirted woman, brushed against them. And all of a sudden they were + surprised to find it was a priest. + </p> + <p> + “What, is it you, Monsieur l’Abbe Froment?” exclaimed Gerard. “At this + time of night? And in this part of Paris?” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Pierre, without venturing either to express his own astonishment + at finding them there themselves, or to ask them what they were doing, + explained that he had been belated through accompanying Abbe Rose on a + visit to a night refuge. Ah! to think of all the frightful want which at + last drifted to those pestilential dormitories where the stench had almost + made him faint! To think of all the weariness and despair which there sank + into the slumber of utter prostration, like that of beasts falling to the + ground to sleep off the abominations of life! No name could be given to + the promiscuity; poverty and suffering were there in heaps, children and + men, young and old, beggars in sordid rags, beside the shameful poor in + threadbare frock-coats, all the waifs and strays of the daily shipwrecks + of Paris life, all the laziness and vice, and ill-luck and injustice which + the torrent rolls on, and throws off like scum. Some slept on, quite + annihilated, with the faces of corpses. Others, lying on their backs with + mouths agape, snored loudly as if still venting the plaint of their sorry + life. And others tossed restlessly, still struggling in their slumber + against fatigue and cold and hunger, which pursued them like nightmares of + monstrous shape. And from all those human beings, stretched there like + wounded after a battle, from all that ambulance of life reeking with a + stench of rottenness and death, there ascended a nausea born of revolt, + the vengeance-prompting thought of all the happy chambers where, at that + same hour, the wealthy loved or rested in fine linen and costly lace.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Even the oldest Paris night refuges, which are the outcome + of private philanthropy—L’Oeuvre de l’Hospitalite de Nuit— + have only been in existence some fourteen or fifteen years. + Before that time, and from the period of the great Revolution + forward, there was absolutely no place, either refuge, asylum, + or workhouse, in the whole of that great city of wealth and + pleasure, where the houseless poor could crave a night’s + shelter. The various royalist, imperialist and republican + governments and municipalities of modern France have often + been described as ‘paternal,’ but no governments and + municipalities in the whole civilised world have done less for + the very poor. The official Poor Relief Board—L’Assistance + Publique—has for fifty years been a by-word, a mockery and a + sham, in spite of its large revenue. And this neglect of the + very poor has been an important factor in every French + revolution. Each of these—even that of 1870—had its purely + economic side, though many superficial historians are content + to ascribe economic causes to the one Revolution of 1789, and + to pass them by in all other instances.—Trans. +</pre> + <p> + In vain had Pierre and Abbe Rose passed all the poor wretches in review + while seeking the big Old’un, the former carpenter, so as to rescue him + from the cesspool of misery, and send him to the Asylum on the very + morrow. He had presented himself at the refuge that evening, but there was + no room left, for, horrible to say, even the shelter of that hell could + only be granted to early comers. And so he must now be leaning against a + wall, or lying behind some palings. This had greatly distressed poor Abbe + Rose and Pierre, but it was impossible for them to search every dark, + suspicious corner; and so the former had returned to the Rue Cortot, while + the latter was seeking a cab to convey him back to Neuilly. + </p> + <p> + The fine drizzling rain was still falling and becoming almost icy, when + Silviane’s coachman, Jules, at last reappeared and interrupted the priest, + who was telling the Baron and the others how his visit to the refuge still + made him shudder. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Jules—and madame?” asked Duvillard, quite anxious at seeing + the coachman return alone. + </p> + <p> + Impassive and respectful, with no other sign of irony than a slight + involuntary twist of the lips, Jules answered: “Madame sends word that she + is not going home; and she places her carriage at the gentlemen’s disposal + if they will allow me to drive them home.” + </p> + <p> + This was the last straw, and the Baron flew into a passion. To have + allowed her to drag him to that vile den, to have waited there hopefully + so long, and to be treated in this fashion for the sake of a Legras! No, + no, he, the Baron, had had enough of it, and she should pay dearly for her + abominable conduct! Then he stopped a passing cab and pushed Gerard inside + it saying, “You can set me down at my door.” + </p> + <p> + “But she’s left us the carriage!” shouted Duthil, who was already + consoled, and inwardly laughed at the termination of it all. “Come here, + there’s plenty of room for three. No? you prefer the cab? Well, just as + you like, you know.” + </p> + <p> + For his part he gaily climbed into the landau and drove off lounging on + the cushions, while the Baron, in the jolting old cab, vented his rage + without a word of interruption from Gerard, whose face was hidden by the + darkness. To think of it! that she, whom he had overwhelmed with gifts, + who had already cost him two millions of francs, should in this fashion + insult him, the master who could dispose both of fortunes and of men! + Well, she had chosen to do it, and he was delivered! Then Duvillard drew a + long breath like a man released from the galleys. + </p> + <p> + For a moment Pierre watched the two vehicles go off; and then took his own + way under the trees, so as to shelter himself from the rain until a vacant + cab should pass. Full of distress and battling thoughts he had begun to + feel icy cold. The whole monstrous night of Paris, all the debauchery and + woe that sobbed around him made him shiver. Phantom-like women who, when + young, had led lives of infamy in wealth, and who now, old and faded, led + lives of infamy in poverty, were still and ever wandering past him in + search of bread, when suddenly a shadowy form grazed him, and a voice + murmured in his ear: “Warn your brother, the police are on Salvat’s track, + he may be arrested at any moment.” + </p> + <p> + The shadowy figure was already going its way, and as a gas ray fell upon + it, Pierre thought that he recognised the pale, pinched face of Victor + Mathis. And at the same time, yonder in Abbe Rose’s peaceful dining-room, + he fancied he could again see the gentle face of Madame Mathis, so sad and + so resigned, living on solely by the force of the last trembling hope + which she had unhappily set in her son. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0075" id="link2H_4_0075"></a> + III. PLOT AND COUNTERPLOT + </h2> + <p> + ALREADY at eight o’clock on that holiday-making mid-Lent Thursday, when + all the offices of the Home Department were empty, Monferrand, the + Minister, sat alone in his private room. A single usher guarded his door, + and in the first ante-chamber there were only a couple of messengers. + </p> + <p> + The Minister had experienced, on awaking, the most unpleasant of emotions. + The “Voix du Peuple,” which on the previous day had revived the African + Railway scandal, by accusing Barroux of having pocketed 20,000 francs, had + that morning published its long-promised list of the bribe-taking senators + and deputies. And at the head of this list Monferrand had found his own + name set down against a sum of 80,000 francs, while Fonsegue was credited + with 50,000. Then a fifth of the latter amount was said to have been + Duthil’s share, and Chaigneux had contented himself with the beggarly sum + of 3,000 francs—the lowest price paid for any one vote, the cost of + each of the others ranging from 5 to 20,000. + </p> + <p> + It must be said that there was no anger in Monferrand’s emotion. Only he + had never thought that Sagnier would carry his passion for uproar and + scandal so far as to publish this list—a page which was said to have + been torn from a memorandum book belonging to Duvillard’s agent, Hunter, + and which was covered with incomprehensible hieroglyphics that ought to + have been discussed and explained, if, indeed, the real truth was to be + arrived at. Personally, Monferrand felt quite at ease, for he had written + nothing, signed nothing, and knew that one could always extricate oneself + from a mess by showing some audacity, and never confessing. Nevertheless, + what a commotion it would all cause in the parliamentary duck-pond. He at + once realised the inevitable consequences, the ministry overthrown and + swept away by this fresh whirlwind of denunciation and tittle-tattle. Mege + would renew his interpellation on the morrow, and Vignon and his friends + would at once lay siege to the posts they coveted. And he, Monferrand, + could picture himself driven out of that ministerial sanctum where, for + eight months past, he had been taking his ease, not with any foolish + vainglory, but with the pleasure of feeling that he was in his proper + place as a born ruler, who believed he could tame and lead the multitude. + </p> + <p> + Having thrown the newspapers aside with a disdainful gesture, he rose and + stretched himself, growling the while like a plagued lion. And then he + began to walk up and down the spacious room, which showed all the faded + official luxury of mahogany furniture and green damask hangings. Stepping + to and fro, with his hands behind his back, he no longer wore his usual + fatherly, good-natured air. He appeared as he really was, a born wrestler, + short, but broad shouldered, with sensual mouth, fleshy nose and stern + eyes, that all proclaimed him to be unscrupulous, of iron will and fit for + the greatest tasks. Still, in this case, in what direction lay his best + course? Must he let himself be dragged down with Barroux? Perhaps his + personal position was not absolutely compromised? And yet how could he + part company from the others, swim ashore, and save himself while they + were being drowned? It was a grave problem, and with his frantic desire to + retain power, he made desperate endeavours to devise some suitable + manoeuvre. + </p> + <p> + But he could think of nothing, and began to swear at the virtuous fits of + that silly Republic, which, in his opinion, rendered all government + impossible. To think of such foolish fiddle-faddle stopping a man of his + acumen and strength! How on earth can one govern men if one is denied the + use of money, that sovereign means of sway? And he laughed bitterly; for + the idea of an idyllic country where all great enterprises would be + carried out in an absolutely honest manner seemed to him the height of + absurdity. + </p> + <p> + At last, however, unable as he was to come to a determination, it occurred + to him to confer with Baron Duvillard, whom he had long known, and whom he + regretted not having seen sooner so as to urge him to purchase Sagnier’s + silence. At first he thought of sending the Baron a brief note by a + messenger; but he disliked committing anything to paper, for the veriest + scrap of writing may prove dangerous; so he preferred to employ the + telephone which had been installed for his private use near his + writing-table. + </p> + <p> + “It is Baron Duvillard who is speaking to me?... Quite so. It’s I, the + Minister, Monsieur Monferrand. I shall be much obliged if you will come to + see me at once.... Quite so, quite so, I will wait for you.” + </p> + <p> + Then again he walked to and fro and meditated. That fellow Duvillard was + as clever a man as himself, and might be able to give him an idea. And he + was still laboriously trying to devise some scheme, when the usher entered + saying that Monsieur Gascogne, the Chief of the Detective Police, + particularly wished to speak to him. Monferrand’s first thought was that + the Prefecture of Police desired to know his views respecting the steps + which ought to be taken to ensure public order that day; for two mid-Lent + processions—one of the Washerwomen and the other of the Students—were + to march through Paris, whose streets would certainly be crowded. + </p> + <p> + “Show Monsieur Gascogne in,” he said. + </p> + <p> + A tall, slim, dark man, looking like an artisan in his Sunday best, then + stepped into the ministerial sanctum. Fully acquainted with the + under-currents of Paris life, this Chief of the Detective Force had a cold + dispassionate nature and a clear and methodical mind. Professionalism + slightly spoilt him, however: he would have possessed more intelligence if + he had not credited himself with so much. + </p> + <p> + He began by apologising for his superior the Prefect, who would certainly + have called in person had he not been suffering from indisposition. + However, it was perhaps best that he, Gascogne, should acquaint Monsieur + le Ministre with the grave affair which brought him, for he knew every + detail of it. Then he revealed what the grave affair was. + </p> + <p> + “I believe, Monsieur le Ministre, that we at last hold the perpetrator of + the crime in the Rue Godot-de-Mauroy.” + </p> + <p> + At this, Monferrand, who had been listening impatiently, became quite + impassioned. The fruitless searches of the police, the attacks and the + jeers of the newspapers, were a source of daily worry to him. “Ah!—Well, + so much the better for you Monsieur Gascogne,” he replied with brutal + frankness. “You would have ended by losing your post. The man is + arrested?” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet, Monsieur le Ministre; but he cannot escape, and it is merely an + affair of a few hours.” + </p> + <p> + Then the Chief of the Detective Force told the whole story: how Detective + Mondesir, on being warned by a secret agent that the Anarchist Salvat was + in a tavern at Montmartre, had reached it just as the bird had flown; then + how chance had again set him in presence of Salvat at a hundred paces or + so from the tavern, the rascal having foolishly loitered there to watch + the establishment; and afterwards how Salvat had been stealthily shadowed + in the hope that they might catch him in his hiding-place with his + accomplices. And, in this wise, he had been tracked to the Porte-Maillot, + where, realising, no doubt, that he was pursued, he had suddenly bolted + into the Bois de Boulogne. It was there that he had been hiding since two + o’clock in the morning in the drizzle which had not ceased to fall. They + had waited for daylight in order to organise a <i>battue</i> and hunt him + down like some animal, whose weariness must necessarily ensure capture. + And so, from one moment to another, he would be caught. + </p> + <p> + “I know the great interest you take in the arrest, Monsieur le Ministre,” + added Gascogne, “and it occurred to me to ask your orders. Detective + Mondesir is over there, directing the hunt. He regrets that he did not + apprehend the man on the Boulevard de Rochechouart; but, all the same, the + idea of following him was a capital one, and one can only reproach + Mondesir with having forgotten the Bois de Boulogne in his calculations.” + </p> + <p> + Salvat arrested! That fellow Salvat whose name had filled the newspapers + for three weeks past. This was a most fortunate stroke which would be + talked of far and wide! In the depths of Monferrand’s fixed eyes one could + divine a world of thoughts and a sudden determination to turn this + incident which chance had brought him to his own personal advantage. In + his own mind a link was already forming between this arrest and that + African Railways interpellation which was likely to overthrow the ministry + on the morrow. The first outlines of a scheme already rose before him. Was + it not his good star that had sent him what he had been seeking—a + means of fishing himself out of the troubled waters of the approaching + crisis? + </p> + <p> + “But tell me, Monsieur Gascogne,” said he, “are you quite sure that this + man Salvat committed the crime?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! perfectly sure, Monsieur le Ministre. He’ll confess everything in the + cab before he reaches the Prefecture.” + </p> + <p> + Monferrand again walked to and fro with a pensive air, and ideas came to + him as he spoke on in a slow, meditative fashion. “My orders! well, my + orders, they are, first, that you must act with the very greatest + prudence. Yes, don’t gather a mob of promenaders together. Try to arrange + things so that the arrest may pass unperceived—and if you secure a + confession keep it to yourself, don’t communicate it to the newspapers. + Yes, I particularly recommend that point to you, don’t take the newspapers + into your confidence at all—and finally, come and tell me + everything, and observe secrecy, absolute secrecy, with everybody else.” + </p> + <p> + Gascogne bowed and would have withdrawn, but Monferrand detained him to + say that not a day passed without his friend Monsieur Lehmann, the Public + Prosecutor, receiving letters from Anarchists who threatened to blow him + up with his family; in such wise that, although he was by no means a + coward, he wished his house to be guarded by plain-clothes officers. A + similar watch was already kept upon the house where investigating + magistrate Amadieu resided. And if the latter’s life was precious, that of + Public Prosecutor Lehmann was equally so, for he was one of those + political magistrates, one of those shrewd talented Israelites, who make + their way in very honest fashion by invariably taking the part of the + Government in office. + </p> + <p> + Then Gascogne in his turn remarked: “There is also the Barthes affair, + Monsieur le Ministre—we are still waiting. Are we to arrest Barthes + at that little house at Neuilly?” + </p> + <p> + One of those chances which sometimes come to the help of detectives and + make people think the latter to be men of genius had revealed to him the + circumstance that Barthes had found a refuge with Abbe Pierre Froment. + Ever since the Anarchist terror had thrown Paris into dismay a warrant had + been out against the old man, not for any precise offence, but simply + because he was a suspicious character and might, therefore, have had some + intercourse with the Revolutionists. However, it had been repugnant to + Gascogne to arrest him at the house of a priest whom the whole district + venerated as a saint; and the Minister, whom he had consulted on the + point, had warmly approved of his reserve, since a member of the clergy + was in question, and had undertaken to settle the affair himself. + </p> + <p> + “No, Monsieur Gascogne,” he now replied, “don’t move in the matter. You + know what my feelings are, that we ought to have the priests with us and + not against us—I have had a letter written to Abbe Froment in order + that he may call here this morning, as I shall have no other visitors. I + will speak to him myself, and you may take it that the affair no longer + concerns you.” + </p> + <p> + Then he was about to dismiss him when the usher came back saying that the + President of the Council was in the ante-room.* + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The title of President of the Council is given to the French + prime minister.—Trans. +</pre> + <p> + “Barroux!—Ah! dash it, then, Monsieur Gascogne, you had better go + out this way. It is as well that nobody should meet you, as I wish you to + keep silent respecting Salvat’s arrest. It’s fully understood, is it not? + I alone am to know everything; and you will communicate with me here + direct, by the telephone, if any serious incident should arise.” + </p> + <p> + The Chief of the Detective Police had scarcely gone off, by way of an + adjoining <i>salon</i>, when the usher reopened the door communicating + with the ante-room: “Monsieur le President du Conseil.” + </p> + <p> + With a nicely adjusted show of deference and cordiality, Monferrand + stepped forward, his hands outstretched: “Ah! my dear President, why did + you put yourself out to come here? I would have called on you if I had + known that you wished to see me.” + </p> + <p> + But with an impatient gesture Barroux brushed aside all question of + etiquette. “No, no! I was taking my usual stroll in the Champs Elysees, + and the worries of the situation impressed me so keenly that I preferred + to come here at once. You yourself must realise that we can’t put up with + what is taking place. And pending to-morrow morning’s council, when we + shall have to arrange a plan of defence, I felt that there was good reason + for us to talk things over.” + </p> + <p> + He took an armchair, and Monferrand on his side rolled another forward so + as to seat himself with his back to the light. Whilst Barroux, the elder + of the pair by ten years, blanched and solemn, with a handsome face, snowy + whiskers, clean-shaven chin and upper-lip, retained all the dignity of + power, the bearing of a Conventionnel of romantic views, who sought to + magnify the simple loyalty of a rather foolish but good-hearted <i>bourgeois</i> + nature into something great; the other, beneath his heavy common + countenance and feigned frankness and simplicity, concealed unknown + depths, the unfathomable soul of a shrewd enjoyer and despot who was alike + pitiless and unscrupulous in attaining his ends. + </p> + <p> + For a moment Barroux drew breath, for in reality he was greatly moved, his + blood rising to his head, and his heart beating with indignation and anger + at the thought of all the vulgar insults which the “Voix du Peuple” had + poured upon him again that morning. “Come, my dear colleague,” said he, + “one must stop that scandalous campaign. Moreover, you can realise what + awaits us at the Chamber to-morrow. Now that the famous list has been + published we shall have every malcontent up in arms. Vignon is bestirring + himself already—” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you have news of Vignon?” exclaimed Monferrand, becoming very + attentive. + </p> + <p> + “Well, as I passed his door just now, I saw a string of cabs waiting + there. All his creatures have been on the move since yesterday, and at + least twenty persons have told me that the band is already dividing the + spoils. For, as you must know, the fierce and ingenuous Mege is again + going to pull the chestnuts out of the fire for others. Briefly, we are + dead, and the others claim that they are going to bury us in mud before + they fight over our leavings.” With his arm outstretched Barroux made a + theatrical gesture, and his voice resounded as if he were in the tribune. + Nevertheless, his emotion was real, tears even were coming to his eyes. + “To think that I who have given my whole life to the Republic, I who + founded it, who saved it, should be covered with insults in this fashion, + and obliged to defend myself against abominable charges! To say that I + abused my trust! That I sold myself and took 200,000 francs from that man + Hunter, simply to slip them into my pocket! Well, certainly there <i>was</i> + a question of 200,000 francs between us. But how and under what + circumstances? They were doubtless the same as in your case, with regard + to the 80,000 francs that he is said to have handed you—” + </p> + <p> + But Monferrand interrupted his colleague in a clear trenchant voice: “He + never handed me a centime.” + </p> + <p> + The other looked at him in astonishment, but could only see his big, rough + head, whose features were steeped in shadow: “Ah! But I thought you had + business relations with him, and knew him particularly well.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I simply knew Hunter as everyone knew him. I was not even aware that + he was Baron Duvillard’s agent in the African Railways matter; and there + was never any question of that affair between us.” + </p> + <p> + This was so improbable, so contrary to everything Barroux knew of the + business, that for a moment he felt quite scared. Then he waved his hand + as if to say that others might as well look after their own affairs, and + reverted to himself. “Oh! as for me,” he said, “Hunter called on me more + than ten times, and made me quite sick with his talk of the African + Railways. It was at the time when the Chamber was asked to authorise the + issue of lottery stock.* And, by the way, my dear fellow, I was then here + at the Home Department, while you had just taken that of Public Works. I + can remember sitting at that very writing-table, while Hunter was in the + same armchair that I now occupy. That day he wanted to consult me about + the employment of the large sum which Duvillard’s house proposed to spend + in advertising; and on seeing what big amounts were set down against the + Royalist journals, I became quite angry, for I realised with perfect + accuracy that this money would simply be used to wage war against the + Republic. And so, yielding to Hunter’s entreaties, I also drew up a list + allotting 200,000 francs among the friendly Republican newspapers, which + were paid through me, I admit it. And that’s the whole story.” ** + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * This kind of stock is common enough in France. A part of it is + extinguished annually at a public “drawing,” when all such + shares or bonds that are drawn become entitled to redemption + at “par,” a percentage of them also securing prizes of various + amounts. City of Paris Bonds issued on this system are very + popular among French people with small savings; but, on the + other hand, many ventures, whose lottery stock has been + authorised by the Legislature, have come to grief and ruined + investors.—Trans. + + ** All who are acquainted with recent French history will be + aware that Barroux’ narrative is simply a passage from the + life of the late M. Floquet, slightly modified to suit the + requirements of M. Zola’s story.—Trans. +</pre> + <p> + Then he sprang to his feet and struck his chest, whilst his voice again + rose: “Well, I’ve had more than enough of all that calumny and falsehood! + And I shall simply tell the Chamber my story to-morrow. It will be my only + defence. An honest man does not fear the truth!” + </p> + <p> + But Monferrand, in his turn, had sprung up with a cry which was a complete + confession of his principles: “It’s ridiculous, one never confesses; you + surely won’t do such a thing!” + </p> + <p> + “I shall,” retorted Barroux with superb obstinacy. “And we shall see if + the Chamber won’t absolve me by acclamation.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you will fall beneath an explosion of hisses, and drag all of us down + with you.” + </p> + <p> + “What does it matter? We shall fall with dignity, like honest men!” + </p> + <p> + Monferrand made a gesture of furious anger, and then suddenly became calm. + Amidst all the anxious confusion in which he had been struggling since + daybreak, a gleam now dawned upon him. The vague ideas suggested by + Salvat’s approaching arrest took shape, and expanded into an audacious + scheme. Why should he prevent the fall of that big ninny Barroux? The only + thing of importance was that he, Monferrand, should not fall with him, or + at any rate that he should rise again. So he protested no further, but + merely mumbled a few words, in which his rebellious feeling seemingly died + out. And at last, putting on his good-natured air once more, he said: + “Well, after all you are perhaps right. One must be brave. Besides, you + are our head, my dear President, and we will follow you.” + </p> + <p> + They had now again sat down face to face, and their conversation continued + till they came to a cordial agreement respecting the course which the + Government should adopt in view of the inevitable interpellation on the + morrow. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Baron Duvillard was on his way to the ministry. He had scarcely + slept that night. When on the return from Montmartre Gerard had set him + down at his door in the Rue Godot-de-Mauroy, he had at once gone to bed, + like a man who is determined to compel sleep, so that he may forget his + worries and recover self-control. But slumber would not come; for hours + and hours he vainly sought it. The manner in which he had been insulted by + that creature Silviane was so monstrous! To think that she, whom he had + enriched, whose every desire he had contented, should have cast such mud + at him, the master, who flattered himself that he held Paris and the + Republic in his hands, since he bought up and controlled consciences just + as others might make corners in wool or leather for the purposes of Bourse + speculation. And the dim consciousness that Silviane was the avenging + sore, the cancer preying on him who preyed on others, completed his + exasperation. In vain did he try to drive away his haunting thoughts, + remember his business affairs, his appointments for the morrow, his + millions which were working in every quarter of the world, the financial + omnipotence which placed the fate of nations in his grasp. Ever, and in + spite of all, Silviane rose up before him, splashing him with mud. In + despair he tried to fix his mind on a great enterprise which he had been + planning for months past, a Trans-Saharan railway, a colossal venture + which would set millions of money at work, and revolutionise the trade of + the world. And yet Silviane appeared once more, and smacked him on both + cheeks with her dainty little hand, which she had dipped in the gutter. It + was only towards daybreak that he at last dozed off, while vowing in a + fury that he would never see her again, that he would spurn her, and order + her away, even should she come and drag herself at his feet. + </p> + <p> + However, when he awoke at seven, still tired and aching, his first thought + was for her, and he almost yielded to a fit of weakness. The idea came to + him to ascertain if she had returned home, and if so make his peace. But + he jumped out of bed, and after his ablutions he recovered all his + bravery. She was a wretch, and he this time thought himself for ever cured + of his passion. To tell the truth, he forgot it as soon as he opened the + morning newspapers. The publication of the list of bribe-takers in the + “Voix du Peuple” quite upset him, for he had hitherto thought it unlikely + that Sagnier held any such list. However, he judged the document at a + glance, at once separating the few truths it contained from a mass of + foolishness and falsehood. And this time also he did not consider himself + personally in danger. There was only one thing that he really feared: the + arrest of his intermediary, Hunter, whose trial might have drawn him into + the affair. As matters stood, and as he did not cease to repeat with a + calm and smiling air, he had merely done what every banking-house does + when it issues stock, that is, pay the press for advertisements and + puffery, employ brokers, and reward services discreetly rendered to the + enterprise. It was all a business matter, and for him that expression + summed up everything. Moreover, he played the game of life bravely, and + spoke with indignant contempt of a banker who, distracted and driven to + extremities by blackmailing, had imagined that he would bring a recent + scandal to an end by killing himself: a pitiful tragedy, from all the mire + and blood of which the scandal had sprouted afresh with the most luxuriant + and indestructible vegetation. No, no! suicide was not the course to + follow: a man ought to remain erect, and struggle on to his very last + copper, and the very end of his energy. + </p> + <p> + At about nine o’clock a ringing brought Duvillard to the telephone + installed in his private room. And then his folly took possession of him + once more: it must be Silviane who wished to speak to him. She often + amused herself by thus disturbing him amidst his greatest cares. No doubt + she had just returned home, realising that she had carried things too far + on the previous evening and desiring to be forgiven. However, when he + found that the call was from Monferrand, who wished him to go to the + ministry, he shivered slightly, like a man saved from the abyss beside + which he is travelling. And forthwith he called for his hat and stick, + desirous as he was of walking and reflecting in the open air. And again he + became absorbed in the intricacies of the scandalous business which was + about to stir all Paris and the legislature. Kill himself! ah, no, that + would be foolish and cowardly. A gust of terror might be sweeping past; + nevertheless, for his part he felt quite firm, superior to events, and + resolved to defend himself without relinquishing aught of his power. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he entered the ante-rooms of the ministry he realised that the + gust of terror was becoming a tempest. The publication of the terrible + list in the “Voix du Peuple” had chilled the guilty ones to the heart; + and, pale and distracted, feeling the ground give way beneath them, they + had come to take counsel of Monferrand, who, they hoped, might save them. + The first whom Duvillard perceived was Duthil, looking extremely feverish, + biting his moustaches, and constantly making grimaces in his efforts to + force a smile. The banker scolded him for coming, saying that it was a + great mistake to have done so, particularly with such a scared face. The + deputy, however, his spirits already cheered by these rough words, began + to defend himself, declaring that he had not even read Sagnier’s article, + and had simply come to recommend a lady friend to the Minister. Thereupon + the Baron undertook this business for him and sent him away with the wish + that he might spend a merry mid-Lent. However, the one who most roused + Duvillard’s pity was Chaigneux, whose figure swayed about as if bent by + the weight of his long equine head, and who looked so shabby and untidy + that one might have taken him for an old pauper. On recognising the banker + he darted forward, and bowed to him with obsequious eagerness. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Monsieur le Baron,” said he, “how wicked some men must be! They are + killing me, I shall die of it all; and what will become of my wife, what + will become of my three daughters, who have none but me to help them?” + </p> + <p> + The whole of his woeful story lay in that lament. A victim of politics, he + had been foolish enough to quit Arras and his business there as a + solicitor, in order to seek triumph in Paris with his wife and daughters, + whose menial he had then become—a menial dismayed by the constant + rebuffs and failures which his mediocrity brought upon him. An honest + deputy! ah, good heavens! yes, he would have liked to be one; but was he + not perpetually “hard-up,” ever in search of a hundred-franc note, and + thus, perforce, a deputy for sale? And withal he led such a pitiable life, + so badgered by the women folk about him, that to satisfy their demands he + would have picked up money no matter where or how. + </p> + <p> + “Just fancy, Monsieur le Baron, I have at last found a husband for my + eldest girl. It is the first bit of luck that I have ever had; there will + only be three women left on my hands if it comes off. But you can imagine + what a disastrous impression such an article as that of this morning must + create in the young man’s family. So I have come to see the Minister to + beg him to give my future son-in-law a prefectoral secretaryship. I have + already promised him the post, and if I can secure it things may yet be + arranged.” + </p> + <p> + He looked so terribly shabby and spoke in such a doleful voice that it + occurred to Duvillard to do one of those good actions on which he ventured + at times when they were likely to prove remunerative investments. It is, + indeed, an excellent plan to give a crust of bread to some poor devil whom + one can turn, if necessary, into a valet or an accomplice. So the banker + dismissed Chaigneux, undertaking to do his business for him in the same + way as he had undertaken to do Duthil’s. And he added that he would be + pleased to see him on the morrow, and have a chat with him, as he might be + able to help him in the matter of his daughter’s marriage. + </p> + <p> + At this Chaigneux, scenting a loan, collapsed into the most lavish thanks. + “Ah! Monsieur le Baron, my life will not be long enough to enable me to + repay such a debt of gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + As Duvillard turned round he was surprised to see Abbe Froment waiting in + a corner of the ante-room. Surely that one could not belong to the batch + of <i>suspects</i>, although by the manner in which he was pretending to + read a newspaper it seemed as if he were trying to hide some keen anxiety. + At last the Baron stepped forward, shook hands, and spoke to him + cordially. And Pierre thereupon related that he had received a letter + requesting him to call on the Minister that day. Why, he could not tell; + in fact, he was greatly surprised, he said, putting on a smile in order to + conceal his disquietude. He had been waiting a long time already, and + hoped that he would not be forgotten on that bench. + </p> + <p> + Just then the usher appeared, and hastened up to the banker. “The + Minister,” said he, “was at that moment engaged with the President of the + Council; but he had orders to admit the Baron as soon as the President + withdrew.” Almost immediately afterwards Barroux came out, and as + Duvillard was about to enter he recognised and detained him. And he spoke + of the denunciations very bitterly, like one indignant with all the + slander. Would not he, Duvillard, should occasion require it, testify that + he, Barroux, had never taken a centime for himself? Then, forgetting that + he was speaking to a banker, and that he was Minister of Finances, he + proceeded to express all his disgust of money. Ah! what poisonous, murky, + and defiling waters were those in which money-making went on! However, he + repeated that he would chastise his insulters, and that a statement of the + truth would suffice for the purpose. + </p> + <p> + Duvillard listened and looked at him. And all at once the thought of + Silviane came back, and took possession of the Baron, without any attempt + on his part to drive it away. He reflected that if Barroux had chosen to + give him a helping hand when he had asked for it, Silviane would now have + been at the Comedie Francaise, in which case the deplorable affair of the + previous night would not have occurred; for he was beginning to regard + himself as guilty in the matter; if he had only contented Silviane’s whim + she would never have dismissed him in so vile a fashion. + </p> + <p> + “You know, I owe you a grudge,” he said, interrupting Barroux. + </p> + <p> + The other looked at him in astonishment. “And why, pray?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Why, because you never helped me in the matter of that friend of mine who + wishes to make her <i>debut</i> in ‘Polyeucte.’” + </p> + <p> + Barroux smiled, and with amiable condescension replied: “Ah! yes, Silviane + d’Aulnay! But, my dear sir, it was Taboureau who put spokes in the wheel. + The Fine Arts are his department, and the question was entirely one for + him. And I could do nothing; for that very worthy and honest gentleman, + who came to us from a provincial faculty, was full of scruples. For my own + part I’m an old Parisian, I can understand anything, and I should have + been delighted to please you.” + </p> + <p> + At this fresh resistance offered to his passion Duvillard once more became + excited, eager to obtain that which was denied him. “Taboureau, + Taboureau!” said he, “he’s a nice deadweight for you to load yourself + with! Honest! isn’t everybody honest? Come, my dear Minister, there’s + still time, get Silviane admitted, it will bring you good luck for + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + This time Barroux burst into a frank laugh: “No, no, I can’t cast + Taboureau adrift at this moment—people would make too much sport of + it—a ministry wrecked or saved by a Silviane question!” + </p> + <p> + Then he offered his hand before going off. The Baron pressed it, and for a + moment retained it in his own, whilst saying very gravely and with a + somewhat pale face: “You do wrong to laugh, my dear Minister. Governments + have fallen or set themselves erect again through smaller matters than + that. And should you fall to-morrow I trust that you will never have + occasion to regret it.” + </p> + <p> + Wounded to the heart by the other’s jesting air, exasperated by the idea + that there was something he could not achieve, Duvillard watched Barroux + as he withdrew. Most certainly the Baron did not desire a reconciliation + with Silviane, but he vowed that he would overturn everything if necessary + in order to send her a signed engagement for the Comedie, and this simply + by way of vengeance, as a slap, so to say,—yes, a slap which would + make her tingle! That moment spent with Barroux had been a decisive one. + </p> + <p> + However, whilst still following Barroux with his eyes, Duvillard was + surprised to see Fonsegue arrive and manoeuvre in such a way as to escape + the Prime Minister’s notice. He succeeded in doing so, and then entered + the ante-room with an appearance of dismay about the whole of his little + figure, which was, as a rule, so sprightly. It was the gust of terror, + still blowing, that had brought him thither. + </p> + <p> + “Didn’t you see your friend Barroux?” the Baron asked him, somewhat + puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “Barroux? No!” + </p> + <p> + This quiet lie was equivalent to a confession of everything. Fonsegue was + so intimate with Barroux that he thee’d and thou’d him, and for ten years + had been supporting him in his newspaper, having precisely the same views, + the same political religion. But with a smash-up threatening, he doubtless + realised, thanks to his wonderfully keen scent, that he must change his + friendships if he did not wish to remain under the ruins himself. If he + had, for long years, shown so much prudence and diplomatic virtue in order + to firmly establish the most dignified and respected of Parisian + newspapers, it was not for the purpose of letting that newspaper be + compromised by some foolish blunder on the part of an honest man. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you were on bad terms with Monferrand,” resumed Duvillard. + “What have you come here for?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! my dear Baron, the director of a leading newspaper is never on bad + terms with anybody. He’s at the country’s service.” + </p> + <p> + In spite of his emotion, Duvillard could not help smiling. “You are + right,” he responded. “Besides, Monferrand is really an able man, whom one + can support without fear.” + </p> + <p> + At this Fonsegue began to wonder whether his anguish of mind was visible. + He, who usually played the game of life so well, with his own hand under + thorough control, had been terrified by the article in the “Voix du + Peuple.” For the first time in his career he had perpetrated a blunder, + and felt that he was at the mercy of some denunciation, for with + unpardonable imprudence he had written a very brief but compromising note. + He was not anxious concerning the 50,000 francs which Barroux had handed + him out of the 200,000 destined for the Republican press. But he trembled + lest another affair should be discovered, that of a sum of money which he + had received as a present. It was only on feeling the Baron’s keen glance + upon him that he was able to recover some self-possession. How silly it + was to lose the knack of lying and to confess things simply by one’s + demeanour! + </p> + <p> + But the usher drew near and repeated that the Minister was now waiting for + the Baron; and Fonsegue went to sit down beside Abbe Froment, whom he also + was astonished to find there. Pierre repeated that he had received a + letter, but had no notion what the Minister might wish to say to him. And + the quiver of his hands again revealed how feverishly impatient he was to + know what it might be. However, he could only wait, since Monferrand was + still busy discussing such grave affairs. + </p> + <p> + On seeing Duvillard enter, the Minister had stepped forward, offering his + hand. However much the blast of terror might shake others, he had retained + his calmness and good-natured smile. “What an affair, eh, my dear Baron!” + he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “It’s idiotic!” plainly declared the other, with a shrug of his shoulders. + Then he sat down in the armchair vacated by Barroux, while the Minister + installed himself in front of him. These two were made to understand one + another, and they indulged in the same despairing gestures and furious + complaints, declaring that government, like business, would no longer be + possible if men were required to show such virtue as they did not possess. + At all times, and under every <i>regime</i>, when a decision of the + Chambers had been required in connection with some great enterprise, had + not the natural and legitimate tactics been for one to do what might be + needful to secure that decision? It was absolutely necessary that one + should obtain influential and sympathetic support, in a word, make sure of + votes. Well, everything had to be paid for, men like other things, some + with fine words, others with favours or money, presents made in a more or + less disguised manner. And even admitting that, in the present cases, one + had gone rather far in the purchasing, that some of the bartering had been + conducted in an imprudent way, was it wise to make such an uproar over it? + Would not a strong government have begun by stifling the scandal, from + motives of patriotism, a mere sense of cleanliness even? + </p> + <p> + “Why, of course! You are right, a thousand times right!” exclaimed + Monferrand. “Ah! if I were the master you would see what a fine + first-class funeral I would give it all!” Then, as Duvillard looked at him + fixedly, struck by these last words, he added with his expressive smile: + “Unfortunately I’m not the master, and it was to talk to you of the + situation that I ventured to disturb you. Barroux, who was here just now, + seemed to me in a regrettable frame of mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I saw him, he has such singular ideas at times—” Then, + breaking off, the Baron added: “Do you know that Fonsegue is in the + ante-room? As he wishes to make his peace with you, why not send for him? + He won’t be in the way, in fact, he’s a man of good counsel, and the + support of his newspaper often suffices to give one the victory.” + </p> + <p> + “What, is Fonsegue there!” cried Monferrand. “Why, I don’t ask better than + to shake hands with him. There were some old affairs between us that don’t + concern anybody! But, good heavens! if you only knew what little spite I + harbour!” + </p> + <p> + When the usher had admitted Fonsegue the reconciliation took place in the + simplest fashion. They had been great friends at college in their native + Correze, but had not spoken together for ten years past in consequence of + some abominable affair the particulars of which were not exactly known. + However, it becomes necessary to clear away all corpses when one wishes to + have the arena free for a fresh battle. + </p> + <p> + “It’s very good of you to come back the first,” said Monferrand. “So it’s + all over, you no longer bear me any grudge?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed!” replied Fonsegue. “Why should people devour one another when + it would be to their interest to come to an understanding?” + </p> + <p> + Then, without further explanations, they passed to the great affair, and + the conference began. And when Monferrand had announced Barroux’ + determination to confess and explain his conduct, the others loudly + protested. That meant certain downfall, they would prevent him, he surely + would not be guilty of such folly. Forthwith they discussed every + imaginable plan by which the Ministry might be saved, for that must + certainly be Monferrand’s sole desire. He himself with all eagerness + pretended to seek some means of extricating his colleagues and himself + from the mess in which they were. However, a faint smile, still played + around his lips, and at last as if vanquished he sought no further. + “There’s no help for it,” said he, “the ministry’s down.” + </p> + <p> + The others exchanged glances, full of anxiety at the thought of another + Cabinet dealing with the African Railways affair. A Vignon Cabinet would + doubtless plume itself on behaving honestly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, what shall we do?” + </p> + <p> + But just then the telephone rang, and Monferrand rose to respond to the + summons: “Allow me.” + </p> + <p> + He listened for a moment and then spoke into the tube, nothing that he + said giving the others any inkling of the information which had reached + him. This had come from the Chief of the Detective Police, and was to the + effect that Salvat’s whereabouts in the Bois de Boulogne had been + discovered, and that he would be hunted down with all speed. “Very good! + And don’t forget my orders,” replied Monferrand. + </p> + <p> + Now that Salvat’s arrest was certain, the Minister determined to follow + the plan which had gradually taken shape in his mind; and returning to the + middle of the room he slowly walked to and fro, while saying with his + wonted familiarity: “But what would you have, my friends? It would be + necessary for me to be the master. Ah! if I were the master! A Commission + of Inquiry, yes! that’s the proper form for a first-class funeral to take + in a big affair like this, so full of nasty things. For my part, I should + confess nothing, and I should have a Commission appointed. And then you + would see the storm subside.” + </p> + <p> + Duvillard and Fonsegue began to laugh. The latter, however, thanks to his + intimate knowledge of Monferrand, almost guessed the truth. “Just listen!” + said he; “even if the ministry falls it doesn’t necessarily follow that + you must be on the ground with it. Besides, a ministry can be mended when + there are good pieces of it left.” + </p> + <p> + Somewhat anxious at finding his thoughts guessed, Monferrand protested: + “No, no, my dear fellow, I don’t play that game. We are jointly + responsible, we’ve got to keep together, dash it all!” + </p> + <p> + “Keep together! Pooh! Not when simpletons purposely drown themselves! And, + besides, if we others have need of you, we have a right to save you in + spite of yourself! Isn’t that so, my dear Baron?” + </p> + <p> + Then, as Monferrand sat down, no longer protesting but waiting, Duvillard, + who was again thinking of his passion, full of anger at the recollection + of Barroux’ refusal, rose in his turn, and exclaimed: “Why, certainly! If + the ministry’s condemned let it fall! What good can you get out of a + ministry which includes such a man as Taboureau! There you have an old, + worn-out professor without any prestige, who comes to Paris from Grenoble, + and has never set foot in a theatre in his life! Yet the control of the + theatres is handed over to him, and naturally he’s ever doing the most + stupid things!” + </p> + <p> + Monferrand, who was well informed on the Silviane question, remained + grave, and for a moment amused himself by trying to excite the Baron. + “Taboureau,” said he, “is a somewhat dull and old-fashioned University + man, but at the department of Public Instruction he’s in his proper + element.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! don’t talk like that, my dear fellow! You are more intelligent than + that, you are not going to defend Taboureau as Barroux did. It’s quite + true that I should very much like to see Silviane at the Comedie. She’s a + very good girl at heart, and she has an amazing lot of talent. Would you + stand in her way if you were in Taboureau’s place?” + </p> + <p> + “I? Good heavens, no! A pretty girl on the stage, why, it would please + everybody, I’m sure. Only it would be necessary to have a man of the same + views as were at the department of Instruction and Fine Arts.” + </p> + <p> + His sly smile had returned to his face. The securing of that girl’s <i>debut</i> + was certainly not a high price to pay for all the influence of Duvillard’s + millions. Monferrand therefore turned towards Fonsegue as if to consult + him. The other, who fully understood the importance of the affair, was + meditating in all seriousness: “A senator is the proper man for Public + Instruction,” said he. “But I can think of none, none at all, such as + would be wanted. A man of broad mind, a real Parisian, and yet one whose + presence at the head of the University wouldn’t cause too much + astonishment—there’s perhaps Dauvergne—” + </p> + <p> + “Dauvergne! Who’s he?” exclaimed Monferrand in surprise. “Ah! yes, + Dauvergne the senator for Dijon—but he’s altogether ignorant of + University matters, he hasn’t the slightest qualification.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, as for that,” resumed Fonsegue, “I’m trying to think. Dauvergne is + certainly a good-looking fellow, tall and fair and decorative. Besides, + he’s immensely rich, has a most charming young wife—which does no + harm, on the contrary—and he gives real <i>fetes</i> at his place on + the Boulevard St. Germain.” + </p> + <p> + It was only with hesitation that Fonsegue himself had ventured to suggest + Dauvergne. But by degrees his selection appeared to him a real “find.” + “Wait a bit! I recollect now that in his young days Dauvergne wrote a + comedy, a one act comedy in verse, and had it performed at Dijon. And + Dijon’s a literary town, you know, so that piece of his sets a little + perfume of ‘Belles-Lettres’ around him. And then, too, he left Dijon + twenty years ago, and is a most determined Parisian, frequenting every + sphere of society. Dauvergne will do whatever one desires. He’s the man + for us, I tell you.” + </p> + <p> + Duvillard thereupon declared that he knew him, and considered him a very + decent fellow. Besides, he or another, it mattered nothing! + </p> + <p> + “Dauvergne, Dauvergne,” repeated Monferrand. “<i>Mon Dieu</i>, yes! After + all, why not? He’ll perhaps make a very good minister. Let us say + Dauvergne.” Then suddenly bursting into a hearty laugh: “And so we are + reconstructing the Cabinet in order that that charming young woman may + join the Comedie! The Silviane cabinet—well, and what about the + other departments?” + </p> + <p> + He jested, well knowing that gaiety often hastens difficult solutions. + And, indeed, they merrily continued settling what should be done if the + ministry were defeated on the morrow. Although they had not plainly said + so the plan was to let Barroux sink, even help him to do so, and then fish + Monferrand out of the troubled waters. The latter engaged himself with the + two others, because he had need of them, the Baron on account of his + financial sovereignty, and the director of “Le Globe” on account of the + press campaign which he could carry on in his favour. And in the same way + the others, quite apart from the Silviane business, had need of + Monferrand, the strong-handed man of government, who undertook to bury the + African Railways scandal by bringing about a Commission of Inquiry, all + the strings of which would be pulled by himself. There was soon a perfect + understanding between the three men, for nothing draws people more closely + together than common interest, fear and need. Accordingly, when Duvillard + spoke of Duthil’s business, the young lady whom he wished to recommend, + the Minister declared that it was settled. A very nice fellow was Duthil, + they needed a good many like him. And it was also agreed that Chaigneux’ + future son-in-law should have his secretaryship. Poor Chaigneux! He was so + devoted, always ready to undertake any commission, and his four women folk + led him such a hard life! + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, it’s understood.” And Monferrand, Duvillard and Fonsegue + vigorously shook hands. + </p> + <p> + However, when the first accompanied the others to the door, he noticed a + prelate, in a cassock of fine material, edged with violet, speaking to a + priest in the ante-room. Thereupon he, the Minister, hastened forward, + looking much distressed. “Ah! you were waiting, Monseigneur Martha! Come + in, come in quick!” + </p> + <p> + But with perfect urbanity the Bishop refused. “No, no, Monsieur l’Abbe + Froment was here before me. Pray receive him first.” + </p> + <p> + Monferrand had to give way; he admitted the priest, and speedily dealt + with him. He who usually employed the most diplomatic reserve when he was + in presence of a member of the clergy plumply unfolded the Barthes + business. Pierre had experienced the keenest anguish during the two hours + that he had been waiting there, for he could only explain the letter he + had received by a surmise that the police had discovered his brother’s + presence in his house. And so when he heard the Minister simply speak of + Barthes, and declare that the government would rather see him go into + exile than be obliged to imprison him once more, he remained for a moment + quite disconcerted. As the police had been able to discover the old + conspirator in the little house at Neuilly, how was it that they seemed + altogether ignorant of Guillaume’s presence there? It was, however, the + usual gap in the genius of great detectives. + </p> + <p> + “Pray what do you desire of me, Monsieur le Ministre?” said Pierre at + last; “I don’t quite understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Monsieur l’Abbe, I leave all this to your sense of prudence. If that + man were still at your house in forty-eight hours from now, we should be + obliged to arrest him there, which would be a source of grief to us, for + we are aware that your residence is the abode of every virtue. So advise + him to leave France. If he does that we shall not trouble him.” + </p> + <p> + Then Monferrand hastily brought Pierre back to the ante-room; and, smiling + and bending low, he said: “Monseigneur, I am entirely at your disposal. + Come in, come in, I beg you.” + </p> + <p> + The prelate, who was gaily chatting with Duvillard and Fonsegue, shook + hands with them, and then with Pierre. In his desire to win all hearts, he + that morning displayed the most perfect graciousness. His bright, black + eyes were all smiles, the whole of his handsome face wore a caressing + expression, and he entered the ministerial sanctum leisurely and + gracefully, with an easy air of conquest. + </p> + <p> + And now only Monferrand and Monseigneur Martha were left, talking on and + on in the deserted building. Some people had thought that the prelate + wished to become a deputy. But he played a far more useful and lofty part + in governing behind the scenes, in acting as the directing mind of the + Vatican’s policy in France. Was not France still the Eldest Daughter of + the Church, the only great nation which might some day restore omnipotence + to the Papacy? For that reason he had accepted the Republic, preached the + duty of “rallying” to it, and inspired the new Catholic group in the + Chamber. And Monferrand, on his side, struck by the progress of the New + Spirit, that reaction of mysticism which flattered itself that it would + bury science, showed the prelate much amiability, like a strong-handed man + who, to ensure his own victory, utilised every force that was offered him. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0076" id="link2H_4_0076"></a> + IV. THE MAN HUNT + </h2> + <p> + ON the afternoon of that same day such a keen desire for space and the + open air came upon Guillaume, that Pierre consented to accompany him on a + long walk in the Bois de Boulogne. The priest, upon returning from his + interview with Monferrand, had informed his brother that the government + once more wished to get rid of Nicholas Barthes. However, they were so + perplexed as to how they should impart these tidings to the old man, that + they resolved to postpone the matter until the evening. During their walk + they might devise some means of breaking the news in a gentle way. As for + the walk, this seemed to offer no danger; to all appearance Guillaume was + in no wise threatened, so why should he continue hiding? Thus the brothers + sallied forth and entered the Bois by the Sablons gate, which was the + nearest to them. + </p> + <p> + The last days of March had now come, and the trees were beginning to show + some greenery, so soft and light, however, that one might have thought it + was pale moss or delicate lace hanging between the stems and boughs. + Although the sky remained of an ashen grey, the rain, after falling + throughout the night and morning, had ceased; and exquisite freshness + pervaded that wood now awakening to life once more, with its foliage + dripping in the mild and peaceful atmosphere. The mid-Lent rejoicings had + apparently attracted the populace to the centre of Paris, for in the + avenues one found only the fashionable folks of select days, the people of + society who come thither when the multitude stops away. There were + carriages and gentlemen on horseback; beautiful aristocratic ladies who + had alighted from their broughams or landaus; and wet-nurses with + streaming ribbons, who carried infants wearing the most costly lace. Of + the middle-classes, however, one found only a few matrons living in the + neighbourhood, who sat here and there on the benches busy with embroidery + or watching their children play. + </p> + <p> + Pierre and Guillaume followed the Allee de Longchamp as far as the road + going from Madrid to the lakes. Then they took their way under the trees, + alongside the little Longchamp rivulet. They wished to reach the lakes, + pass round them, and return home by way of the Maillot gate. But so + charming and peaceful was the deserted plantation through which they + passed, that they yielded to a desire to sit down and taste the delight of + resting amidst all the budding springtide around them. A fallen tree + served them as a bench, and it was possible for them to fancy themselves + far away from Paris, in the depths of some real forest. It was, too, of a + real forest that Guillaume began to think on thus emerging from his long, + voluntary imprisonment. Ah! for the space; and for the health-bringing air + which courses between that forest’s branches, that forest of the world + which by right should be man’s inalienable domain! However, the name of + Barthes, the perpetual prisoner, came back to Guillaume’s lips, and he + sighed mournfully. The thought that there should be even a single man + whose liberty was thus ever assailed, sufficed to poison the pure + atmosphere he breathed. + </p> + <p> + “What will you say to Barthes?” he asked his brother. “The poor fellow + must necessarily be warned. Exile is at any rate preferable to + imprisonment.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre sadly waved his hand. “Yes, of course, I must warn him. But what a + painful task it is!” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume made no rejoinder, for at that very moment, in that remote, + deserted nook, where they could fancy themselves at the world’s end, a + most extraordinary spectacle was presented to their view. Something or + rather someone leapt out of a thicket and bounded past them. It was + assuredly a man, but one who was so unrecognisable, so miry, so woeful and + so frightful, that he might have been taken for an animal, a boar that + hounds had tracked and forced from his retreat. On seeing the rivulet, he + hesitated for a moment, and then followed its course. But, all at once, as + a sound of footsteps and panting breath drew nearer, he sprang into the + water, which reached his thighs, bounded on to the further bank, and + vanished from sight behind a clump of pines. A moment afterwards some + keepers and policemen rushed by, skirting the rivulet, and in their turn + disappearing. It was a man hunt that had gone past, a fierce, secret hunt + with no display of scarlet or blast of horns athwart the soft, sprouting + foliage. + </p> + <p> + “Some rascal or other,” muttered Pierre. “Ah! the wretched fellow!” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume made a gesture of discouragement. “Gendarmes and prison!” said + he. “They still constitute society’s only schooling system!” + </p> + <p> + Meantime the man was still running on, farther and farther away. + </p> + <p> + When, on the previous night, Salvat had suddenly escaped from the + detectives by bounding into the Bois de Boulogne, it had occurred to him + to slip round to the Dauphine gate and there descend into the deep ditch* + of the city ramparts. He remembered days of enforced idleness which he had + spent there, in nooks where, for his own part, he had never met a living + soul. Nowhere, indeed, could one find more secret places of retreat, + hedged round by thicker bushes, or concealed from view by loftier herbage. + Some corners of the ditch, at certain angles of the massive bastions, are + favourite dens or nests for thieves and lovers. Salvat, as he made his way + through the thickest of the brambles, nettles and ivy, was lucky enough to + find a cavity full of dry leaves, in which he buried himself to the chin. + The rain had already drenched him, and after slipping down the muddy + slope, he had frequently been obliged to grope his way upon all fours. So + those dry leaves proved a boon such as he had not dared to hope for. They + dried him somewhat, serving as a blanket in which he coiled himself after + his wild race through the dank darkness. The rain still fell, but he now + only felt it on his head, and, weary as he was, he gradually sank into + deep slumber beneath the continuous drizzle. When he opened his eyes + again, the dawn was breaking, and it was probably about six o’clock. + During his sleep the rain had ended by soaking the leaves, so that he was + now immersed in a kind of chilly bath. Still he remained in it, feeling + that he was there sheltered from the police, who must now surely be + searching for him. None of those bloodhounds would guess his presence in + that hole, for his body was quite buried, and briers almost completely hid + his head. So he did not stir, but watched the rise of the dawn. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * This ditch or dry moat is about 30 feet deep and 50 feet wide. + The counterscarp by which one may descend into it has an angle + of 45 degrees.—Trans. +</pre> + <p> + When at eight o’clock some policemen and keepers came by, searching the + ditch, they did not perceive him. As he had anticipated, the hunt had + begun at the first glimmer of light. For a time his heart beat violently; + however, nobody else passed, nothing whatever stirred the grass. The only + sounds that reached him were faint ones from the Bois de Boulogne, the + ring of a bicyclist’s bell, the thud of a horse’s hoofs, the rumble of + carriage wheels. And time went by, nine o’clock came, and then ten + o’clock. Since the rain had ceased falling, Salvat had not suffered so + much from the cold, for he was wearing a thick overcoat which little + Mathis had given him. But, on the other hand, hunger was coming back; + there was a burning sensation in his stomach, and leaden hoops seemed to + be pressing against his ribs. He had eaten nothing for two days; he had + been starving already on the previous evening, when he had accepted a + glass of beer at that tavern at Montmartre. Nevertheless, his plan was to + remain in the ditch until nightfall, and then slip away in the direction + of the village of Boulogne, where he knew of a means of egress from the + wood. He was not caught yet, he repeated, he might still manage to escape. + Then he tried to get to sleep again, but failed, so painful had his + sufferings become. By the time it was eleven, everything swam before his + eyes. He once nearly fainted, and thought that he was going to die. Then + rage gradually mastered him, and, all at once, he sprang out of his leafy + hiding-place, desperately hungering for food, unable to remain there any + longer, and determined to find something to eat, even should it cost him + his liberty and life. It was then noon. + </p> + <p> + On leaving the ditch he found the spreading lawns of the chateau of La + Muette before him. He crossed them at a run, like a madman, instinctively + going towards Boulogne, with the one idea that his only means of escape + lay in that direction. It seemed miraculous that nobody paid attention to + his helter-skelter flight. However, when he had reached the cover of some + trees he became conscious of his imprudence, and almost regretted the + sudden madness which had borne him along, eager for escape. Trembling + nervously, he bent low among some furze bushes, and waited for a few + minutes to ascertain if the police were behind him. Then with watchful eye + and ready ear, wonderful instinct and scent of danger, he slowly went his + way again. He hoped to pass between the upper lake and the Auteuil + race-course; but there were few trees in that part, and they formed a + broad avenue. He therefore had to exert all his skill in order to avoid + observation, availing himself of the slenderest stems, the smallest + bushes, as screens, and only venturing onward after a lengthy inspection + of his surroundings. Before long the sight of a guard in the distance + revived his fears and detained him, stretched on the ground behind some + brambles, for a full quarter of an hour. Then the approach first of a cab, + whose driver had lost his way, and afterwards of a strolling pedestrian, + in turn sufficed to stop him. He breathed once more, however, when, after + passing the Mortemart hillock, he was able to enter the thickets lying + between the two roads which lead to Boulogne and St. Cloud. The coppices + thereabouts were dense, and he merely had to follow them, screened from + view, in order to reach the outlet he knew of, which was now near at hand. + So he was surely saved. + </p> + <p> + But all at once, at a distance of some five and thirty yards, he saw a + keeper, erect and motionless, barring his way. He turned slightly to the + left and there perceived another keeper, who also seemed to be awaiting + him. And there were more and more of them; at every fifty paces or so + stood a fresh one, the whole forming a <i>cordon</i>, the meshes as it + were of a huge net. The worst was that he must have been perceived, for a + light cry, like the clear call of an owl, rang out, and was repeated + farther and farther off. The hunters were at last on the right scent, + prudence had become superfluous, and it was only by flight that the quarry + might now hope to escape. Salvat understood this so well that he suddenly + began to run, leaping over all obstacles and darting between the trees, + careless whether he were seen or heard. A few bounds carried him across + the Avenue de St. Cloud into the plantations stretching to the Allee de la + Reine Marguerite. There the undergrowth was very dense; in the whole Bois + there are no more closely set thickets. In summer they become one vast + entanglement of verdure, amidst which, had it been the leafy season, + Salvat might well have managed to secrete himself. For a moment he did + find himself alone, and thereupon he halted to listen. He could neither + see nor hear the keepers now. Had they lost his track, then? Profound + quietude reigned under the fresh young foliage. But the light, owlish cry + arose once more, branches cracked, and he resumed his wild flight, + hurrying straight before him. Unluckily he found the Allee de la Reine + Marguerite guarded by policemen, so that he could not cross over, but had + to skirt it without quitting the thickets. And now his back was turned + towards Boulogne; he was retracing his steps towards Paris. However, a + last idea came to his bewildered mind: it was to run on in this wise as + far as the shady spots around Madrid, and then, by stealing from copse to + copse, attempt to reach the Seine. To proceed thither across the bare + expanse of the race-course and training ground was not for a moment to be + thought of. + </p> + <p> + So Salvat still ran on and on. But on reaching the Allee de Longchamp he + found it guarded like the other roads, and therefore had to relinquish his + plan of escaping by way of Madrid and the river-bank. While he was + perforce making a bend alongside the Pre Catelan, he became aware that the + keepers, led by detectives, were drawing yet nearer to him, confining his + movements to a smaller and smaller area. And his race soon acquired all + the frenzy of despair. Haggard and breathless he leapt mounds, rushed past + multitudinous obstacles. He forced a passage through brambles, broke down + palings, thrice caught his feet in wire work which he had not seen, and + fell among nettles, yet picked himself up went on again, spurred by the + stinging of his hands and face. It was then Guillaume and Pierre saw him + pass, unrecognisable and frightful, taking to the muddy water of the + rivulet like a stag which seeks to set a last obstacle between itself and + the hounds. There came to him a wild idea of getting to the lake, and + swimming, unperceived, to the island in the centre of it. That, he madly + thought, would be a safe retreat, where he might burrow and hide himself + without possibility of discovery. And so he still ran on. But once again + the sight of some guards made him retrace his steps, and he was compelled + to go back and back in the direction of Paris, chased, forced towards the + very fortifications whence he had started that morning. It was now nearly + three in the afternoon. For more than two hours and a half he had been + running. + </p> + <p> + At last he saw a soft, sandy ride for horsemen before him. He crossed it, + splashing through the mire left by the rain, and reached a little pathway, + a delightful lovers’ lane, as shady in summer as any arbour. For some time + he was able to follow it, concealed from observation, and with his hopes + reviving. But it led him to one of those broad, straight avenues where + carriages and bicycles, the whole afternoon pageant of society, swept past + under the mild and cloudy sky. So he returned to the thickets, fell once + more upon the keepers, lost all notion of the direction he took, and even + all power of thought, becoming a mere thing carried along and thrown + hither and thither by the chances of the pursuit which pressed more and + more closely upon him. Star-like crossways followed one upon other, and at + last he came to a broad lawn, where the full light dazzled him. And there + he suddenly felt the hot, panting breath of his pursuers close in the + rear. Eager, hungry breath it was, like that of hounds seeking to devour + him. Shouts rang out, one hand almost caught hold of him, there was a rush + of heavy feet, a scramble to seize him. But with a supreme effort he leapt + upon a bank, crawled to its summit, rose again, and once more found + himself alone, still running on amid the fresh and quiet greenery. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, this was the end. He almost fell flat upon the ground. His + aching feet could no longer carry him; blood was oozing from his ears, and + froth had come to his mouth. His heart beat with such violence that it + seemed likely to break his ribs. Water and perspiration streamed from him, + he was miry and haggard and tortured by hunger, conquered, in fact, more + by hunger than by fatigue. And through the mist which seemed to have + gathered before his wild eyes, he suddenly saw an open doorway, the + doorway of a coach-house in the rear of a kind of chalet, sequestered + among trees. Excepting a big white cat, which took to flight, there was + not a living creature in the place. Salvat plunged into it and rolled over + on a heap of straw, among some empty casks. He was scarcely hidden there + when he heard the chase sweep by, the detectives and the keepers losing + scent, passing the chalet and rushing in the direction of the Paris + ramparts. The noise of their heavy boots died away, and deep silence fell, + while the hunted man, who had carried both hands to his heart to stay its + beating, sank into the most complete prostration, with big tears trickling + from his closed eyes. + </p> + <p> + Whilst all this was going on, Pierre and Guillaume, after a brief rest, + had resumed their walk, reaching the lake and proceeding towards the + crossway of the Cascades, in order to return to Neuilly by the road beyond + the water. However, a shower fell, compelling them to take shelter under + the big leafless branches of a chestnut-tree. Then, as the rain came down + more heavily and they could perceive a kind of chalet, a little + cafe-restaurant amid a clump of trees, they hastened thither for better + protection. In a side road, which they passed on their way, they saw a cab + standing, its driver waiting there in philosophical fashion under the + falling shower. Pierre, moreover, noticed a young man stepping out briskly + in front of them, a young man resembling Gerard de Quinsac, who, whilst + walking in the Bois, had no doubt been overtaken by the rain, and like + themselves was seeking shelter in the chalet. However, on entering the + latter’s public room, the priest saw no sign of the gentleman, and + concluded that he must have been mistaken. This public room, which had a + kind of glazed verandah overlooking the Bois, contained a few chairs and + tables, the latter with marble tops. On the first floor there were four or + five private rooms reached by a narrow passage. Though the doors were open + the place had as yet scarcely emerged from its winter’s rest. There was + nobody about, and on all sides one found the dampness common to + establishments which, from lack of custom, are compelled to close from + November until March. In the rear were some stables, a coach-house, and + various mossy, picturesque outbuildings, which painters and gardeners + would now soon embellish for the gay pleasure parties which the fine + weather would bring. + </p> + <p> + “I really think that they haven’t opened for the season yet,” said + Guillaume as he entered the silent house. + </p> + <p> + “At all events they will let us stay here till the rain stops,” answered + Pierre, seating himself at one of the little tables. + </p> + <p> + However, a waiter suddenly made his appearance seemingly in a great hurry. + He had come down from the first floor, and eagerly rummaged a cupboard for + a few dry biscuits, which he laid upon a plate. At last he condescended to + serve the brothers two glasses of Chartreuse. + </p> + <p> + In one of the private rooms upstairs Baroness Duvillard, who had driven to + the chalet in a cab, had been awaiting her lover Gerard for nearly half an + hour. It was there that, during the charity bazaar, they had given each + other an appointment. For them the chalet had precious memories: two years + previously, on discovering that secluded nest, which was so deserted in + the early, hesitating days of chilly spring, they had met there under + circumstances which they could not forget. And the Baroness, in choosing + the house for the supreme assignation of their dying passion, had + certainly not been influenced merely by a fear that she might be spied + upon elsewhere. She had, indeed, thought of the first kisses that had been + showered on her there, and would fain have revived them even if they + should now prove the last that Gerard would bestow on her. + </p> + <p> + But she would also have liked to see some sunlight playing over the + youthful foliage. The ashen sky and threatening rain saddened her. And + when she entered the private room she did not recognise it, so cold and + dim it seemed with its faded furniture. Winter had tarried there, with all + the dampness and mouldy smell peculiar to rooms which have long remained + closed. Then, too, some of the wall paper which had come away from the + plaster hung down in shreds, dead flies were scattered over the parquetry + flooring; and in order to open the shutters the waiter had to engage in a + perfect fight with their fastenings. However, when he had lighted a little + gas-stove, which at once flamed up and diffused some warmth, the room + became more cosy. + </p> + <p> + Eve had seated herself on a chair, without raising the thick veil which + hid her face. Gowned, gloved, and bonneted in black, as if she were + already in mourning for her last passion, she showed naught of her own + person save her superb fair hair, which glittered like a helm of tawny + gold. She had ordered tea for two, and when the waiter brought it with a + little plateful of dry biscuits, left, no doubt, from the previous season, + he found her in the same place, still veiled and motionless, absorbed, it + seemed, in a gloomy reverie. If she had reached the cafe half an hour + before the appointed time it was because she desired some leisure and + opportunity to overcome her despair and compose herself. She resolved that + of all things she would not weep, that she would remain dignified and + speak calmly, like one who, whatever rights she might possess, preferred + to appeal to reason only. And she was well pleased with the courage that + she found within her. Whilst thinking of what she should say to dissuade + Gerard from a marriage which to her mind would prove both a calamity and a + blunder, she fancied herself very calm, indeed almost resigned to + whatsoever might happen. + </p> + <p> + But all at once she started and began to tremble. Gerard was entering the + room. + </p> + <p> + “What! are you here the first, my dear?” he exclaimed. “I thought that I + myself was ten minutes before the time! And you’ve ordered some tea and + are waiting for me!” + </p> + <p> + He forced a smile as he spoke, striving to display the same delight at + seeing her as he had shown in the early golden days of their passion. But + at heart he was much embarrassed, and he shuddered at the thought of the + awful scene which he could foresee. + </p> + <p> + She had at last risen and raised her veil. And looking at him she + stammered: “Yes, I found myself at liberty earlier than I expected.... I + feared some impediment might arise... and so I came.” + </p> + <p> + Then, seeing how handsome and how affectionate he still looked, she could + not restrain her passion. All her skilful arguments, all her fine + resolutions, were swept away. Her flesh irresistibly impelled her towards + him; she loved him, she would keep him, she would never surrender him to + another. And she wildly flung her arms around his neck. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Gerard, Gerard! I suffer too cruelly; I cannot, I cannot bear it! + Tell me at once that you will not marry her, that you will never marry + her!” + </p> + <p> + Her voice died away in a sob, tears started from her eyes. Ah! those tears + which she had sworn she would never shed! They gushed forth without + cessation, they streamed from her lovely eyes like a flood of the + bitterest grief. + </p> + <p> + “My daughter, O God! What! you would marry my daughter! She, here, on your + neck where I am now! No, no, such torture is past endurance, it must not + be, I will not have it!” + </p> + <p> + He shivered as he heard that cry of frantic jealousy raised by a mother + who now was but a woman, maddened by the thought of her rival’s youth, + those five and twenty summers which she herself had left far behind. For + his part, on his way to the assignation, he had come to what he thought + the most sensible decision, resolving to break off the intercourse after + the fashion of a well-bred man, with all sorts of fine consolatory + speeches. But sternness was not in his nature. He was weak and + soft-hearted, and had never been able to withstand a woman’s tears. + Nevertheless, he endeavoured to calm her, and in order to rid himself of + her embrace, he made her sit down upon the sofa. And there, beside her, he + replied: “Come, be reasonable, my dear. We came here to have a friendly + chat, did we not? I assure you that you are greatly exaggerating matters.” + </p> + <p> + But she was determined to obtain a more positive answer from him. “No, + no!” she retorted, “I am suffering too dreadfully, I must know the truth + at once. Swear to me that you will never, never marry her!” + </p> + <p> + He again endeavoured to avoid replying as she wished him to do. “Come, + come,” he said, “you will do yourself harm by giving way to such grief as + this; you know that I love you dearly.” + </p> + <p> + “Then swear to me that you will never, never marry her.” + </p> + <p> + “But I tell you that I love you, that you are the only one I love.” + </p> + <p> + Then she again threw her arms around him, and kissed him passionately upon + the eyes. “Is it true?” she asked in a transport. “You love me, you love + no one else? Oh! tell me so again, and kiss me, and promise me that you + will never belong to her.” + </p> + <p> + Weak as he was he could not resist her ardent caresses and pressing + entreaties. There came a moment of supreme cowardice and passion; her arms + were around him and he forgot all but her, again and again repeating that + he loved none other, and would never, never marry her daughter. At last he + even sank so low as to pretend that he simply regarded that poor, infirm + creature with pity. His words of compassionate disdain for her rival were + like nectar to Eve, for they filled her with the blissful idea that it was + she herself who would ever remain beautiful in his eyes and whom he would + ever love.... + </p> + <p> + At last silence fell between them, like an inevitable reaction after such + a tempest of despair and passion. It disturbed Gerard. “Won’t you drink + some tea?” he asked. “It is almost cold already.” + </p> + <p> + She was not listening, however. To her the reaction had come in a + different form; and as though the inevitable explanation were only now + commencing, she began to speak in a sad and weary voice. “My dear Gerard, + you really cannot marry my daughter. In the first place it would be so + wrong, and then there is the question of your name, your position. Forgive + my frankness, but the fact is that everybody would say that you had sold + yourself—such a marriage would be a scandal for both your family and + mine.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke she took hold of his hands, like a mother seeking to prevent + her big son from committing some terrible blunder. And he listened to her, + with bowed head and averted eyes. She now evinced no anger, no jealous + rage; all such feelings seemed to have departed with the rapture of her + passion. + </p> + <p> + “Just think of what people would say,” she continued. “I don’t deceive + myself, I am fully aware that there is an abyss between your circle of + society and ours. It is all very well for us to be rich, but money simply + enlarges the gap. And it was all very fine for me to be converted, my + daughter is none the less ‘the daughter of the Jewess,’ as folks so often + say. Ah! my Gerard, I am so proud of you, that it would rend my heart to + see you lowered, degraded almost, by a marriage for money with a girl who + is deformed, who is unworthy of you and whom you could never love.” + </p> + <p> + He raised his eyes and looked at her entreatingly, anxious as he was to be + spared such painful talk. “But haven’t I sworn to you, that you are the + only one I love?” he said. “Haven’t I sworn that I would never marry her! + It’s all over. Don’t let us torture ourselves any longer.” + </p> + <p> + Their glances met and lingered on one another, instinct with all the + misery which they dared not express in words. Eve’s face had suddenly + aged; her eyelids were red and swollen, and blotches marbled her quivering + cheeks, down which her tears again began to trickle. “My poor, poor + Gerard,” said she, “how heavily I weigh on you. Oh! do not deny it! I feel + that I am an intolerable burden on your shoulders, an impediment in your + life, and that I shall bring irreparable disaster on you by my obstinacy + in wishing you to be mine alone.” + </p> + <p> + He tried to speak, but she silenced him. “No, no, all is over between us. + I am growing ugly, all is ended. And besides, I shut off the future from + you. I can be of no help to you, whereas you bestow all on me. And yet the + time has come for you to assure yourself a position. At your age you can’t + continue living without any certainty of the morrow, without a home and + hearth of your own; and it would be cowardly and cruel of me to set myself + up as an obstacle, and prevent you from ending your life happily, as I + should do if I clung to you and dragged you down with me.” + </p> + <p> + Gazing at him through her tears she continued speaking in this fashion. + Like his mother she was well aware that he was weak and even sickly; and + she therefore dreamt of arranging a quiet life for him, a life of tranquil + happiness free from all fear of want. She loved him so fondly; and + possessed so much genuine kindness of heart that perhaps it might be + possible for her to rise even to renunciation and sacrifice. Moreover, the + very egotism born of her beauty suggested that it might be well for her to + think of retirement and not allow the autumn of her life to be spoilt by + torturing dramas. All this she said to him, treating him like a child + whose happiness she wished to ensure even at the price of her own; and he, + his eyes again lowered, listened without further protest, pleased indeed + to let her arrange a happy life for him. + </p> + <p> + Examining the situation from every aspect, she at last began to + recapitulate the points in favour of that abominable marriage, the thought + of which had so intensely distressed her. “It is certain,” she said, “that + Camille would bring you all that I should like you to have. With her, I + need hardly say it, would come plenty, affluence. And as for the rest, + well, I do not wish to excuse myself or you, but I could name twenty + households in which there have been worse things. Besides, I was wrong + when I said that money opened a gap between people. On the contrary, it + draws them nearer together, it secures forgiveness for every fault; so + nobody would dare to blame you, there would only be jealous ones around + you, dazzled by your good fortune.” + </p> + <p> + Gerard rose, apparently rebelling once more. “Surely,” said he, “<i>you</i> + don’t insist on my marrying your daughter?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! no indeed! But I am sensible, and I tell you what I ought to tell + you. You must think it all over.” + </p> + <p> + “I have done so already. It is you that I have loved, and that I love + still. What you say is impossible.” + </p> + <p> + She smiled divinely, rose, and again embraced him. “How good and kind you + are, my Gerard. Ah! if you only knew how I love you, how I shall always + love you, whatever happens.” + </p> + <p> + Then she again began to weep, and even he shed tears. Their good faith was + absolute; tender of heart as they were, they sought to delay the painful + wrenching and tried to hope for further happiness. But they were conscious + that the marriage was virtually an accomplished fact. Only tears and words + were left them, while life and destiny were marching on. And if their + emotion was so acute it was probably because they felt that this was the + last time they would meet as lovers. Still they strove to retain the + illusion that they were not exchanging their last farewell, that their + lips would some day meet again in a kiss of rapture. + </p> + <p> + Eve removed her arms from the young man’s neck, and they both gazed round + the room, at the sofa, the table, the four chairs, and the little hissing + gas-stove. The moist, hot atmosphere was becoming quite oppressive. + </p> + <p> + “And so,” said Gerard, “you won’t drink a cup of tea?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it’s so horrid here,” she answered, while arranging her hair in front + of the looking-glass. + </p> + <p> + At that parting moment the mournfulness of this place, where she had hoped + to find such delightful memories, filled her with distress, which was + turning to positive anguish, when she suddenly heard an uproar of gruff + voices and heavy feet. People were hastening along the passage and + knocking at the doors. And, on darting to the window, she perceived a + number of policemen surrounding the chalet. At this the wildest ideas + assailed her. Had her daughter employed somebody to follow her? Did her + husband wish to divorce her so as to marry Silviane? The scandal would be + awful, and all her plans must crumble! She waited in dismay, white like a + ghost; while Gerard, also paling and quivering, begged her to be calm. At + last, when loud blows were dealt upon the door and a Commissary of Police + enjoined them to open it, they were obliged to do so. Ah! what a moment, + and what dismay and shame! + </p> + <p> + Meantime, for more than an hour, Pierre and Guillaume had been waiting for + the rain to cease. Seated in a corner of the glazed verandah they talked + in undertones of Barthes’ painful affair, and ultimately decided to ask + Theophile Morin to dine with them on the following evening, and inform his + old friend that he must again go into exile. + </p> + <p> + “That is the best course,” repeated Guillaume. “Morin is very fond of him + and will know how to break the news. I have no doubt too that he will go + with him as far as the frontier.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre sadly looked at the falling rain. “Ah! what a choice,” said he, “to + be ever driven to a foreign land under penalty of being thrust into + prison. Poor fellow! how awful it is to have never known a moment of + happiness and gaiety in one’s life, to have devoted one’s whole existence + to the idea of liberty, and to see it scoffed at and expire with oneself!” + </p> + <p> + Then the priest paused, for he saw several policemen and keepers approach + the cafe and prowl round it. Having lost scent of the man they were + hunting, they had retraced their steps with the conviction no doubt that + he had sought refuge in the chalet. And in order that he might not again + escape them, they now took every precaution, exerted all their skill in + surrounding the place before venturing on a minute search. Covert fear + came upon Pierre and Guillaume when they noticed these proceedings. It + seemed to them that it must all be connected with the chase which they had + caught a glimpse of some time previously. Still, as they happened to be in + the chalet they might be called upon to give their names and addresses. At + this thought they glanced at one another, and almost made up their minds + to go off under the rain. But they realised that anything like flight + might only compromise them the more. So they waited; and all at once there + came a diversion, for two fresh customers entered the establishment. + </p> + <p> + A victoria with its hood and apron raised had just drawn up outside the + door. The first to alight from it was a young, well-dressed man with a + bored expression of face. He was followed by a young woman who was + laughing merrily, as if much amused by the persistence of the downpour. By + way of jesting, indeed, she expressed her regret that she had not come to + the Bois on her bicycle, whereupon her companion retorted that to drive + about in a deluge appeared to him the height of idiocy. + </p> + <p> + “But we were bound to go somewhere, my dear fellow,” she gaily answered. + “Why didn’t you take me to see the maskers?” + </p> + <p> + “The maskers, indeed! No, no, my dear. I prefer the Bois, and even the + bottom of the lake, to them.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as the couple entered the chalet, Pierre saw that the young woman + who made merry over the rain was little Princess Rosemonde, while her + companion, who regarded the mid-Lent festivities as horrible, and + bicycling as an utterly unaesthetic amusement, was handsome Hyacinthe + Duvillard. On the previous evening, while they were taking a cup of tea + together on their return from the Chamber of Horrors, the young man had + responded to the Princess’s blandishments by declaring that the only form + of attachment he believed in was a mystic union of intellects and souls. + And as such a union could only be fittingly arrived at amidst the cold, + chaste snow, they had decided that they would start for Christiania on the + following Monday. Their chief regret was that by the time they reached the + fiords the worst part of the northern winter would be over. + </p> + <p> + They sat down in the cafe and ordered some kummel, but there was none, + said the waiter, so they had to content themselves with common anisette. + Then Hyacinthe, who had been a schoolfellow of Guillaume’s sons, + recognised both him and Pierre; and leaning towards Rosemonde told her in + a whisper who the elder brother was. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, with sudden enthusiasm, she sprang to her feet: “Guillaume + Froment, indeed! the great chemist!” And stepping forward with arm + outstretched, she continued: “Ah! monsieur, you must excuse me, but I + really must shake hands with you. I have so much admiration for you! You + have done such wonderful work in connection with explosives!” Then, + noticing the chemist’s astonishment, she again burst into a laugh: “I am + the Princess de Harn, your brother Abbe Froment knows me, and I ought to + have asked him to introduce me. However, we have mutual friends, you and + I; for instance, Monsieur Janzen, a very distinguished man, as you are + aware. He was to have taken me to see you, for I am a modest disciple of + yours. Yes, I have given some attention to chemistry, oh! from pure zeal + for truth and in the hope of helping good causes, not otherwise. So you + will let me call on you—won’t you?—directly I come back from + Christiania, where I am going with my young friend here, just to acquire + some experience of unknown emotions.” + </p> + <p> + In this way she rattled on, never allowing the others an opportunity to + say a word. And she mingled one thing with another; her cosmopolitan + tastes, which had thrown her into Anarchism and the society of shady + adventurers; her new passion for mysticism and symbolism; her belief that + the ideal must triumph over base materialism; her taste for aesthetic + verse; and her dream of some unimagined rapture when Hyacinthe should kiss + her with his frigid lips in a realm of eternal snow. + </p> + <p> + All at once, however, she stopped short and again began to laugh. “Dear + me!” she exclaimed. “What are those policemen looking for here? Have they + come to arrest us? How amusing it would be!” + </p> + <p> + Police Commissary Dupot and detective Mondesir had just made up their + minds to search the cafe, as their men had hitherto failed to find Salvat + in any of the outbuildings. They were convinced that he was here. Dupot, a + thin, bald, short-sighted, spectacled little man, wore his usual + expression of boredom and weariness; but in reality he was very wide awake + and extremely courageous. He himself carried no weapons; but, as he + anticipated a most violent resistance, such as might be expected from a + trapped wolf, he advised Mondesir to have his revolver ready. From + considerations of hierarchical respect, however, the detective, who with + his snub nose and massive figure had much the appearance of a bull-dog, + was obliged to let his superior enter first. + </p> + <p> + From behind his spectacles the Commissary of Police quickly scrutinized + the four customers whom he found in the cafe: the lady, the priest, and + the two other men. And passing them in a disdainful way, he at once made + for the stairs, intending to inspect the upper floor. Thereupon the + waiter, frightened by the sudden intrusion of the police, lost his head + and stammered: “But there’s a lady and gentleman upstairs in one of the + private rooms.” + </p> + <p> + Dupot quietly pushed him aside. “A lady and gentleman, that’s not what we + are looking for.... Come, make haste, open all the doors, you mustn’t + leave a cupboard closed.” + </p> + <p> + Then climbing to the upper floor, he and Mondesir explored in turn every + apartment and corner till they at last reached the room where Eve and + Gerard were together. Here the waiter was unable to admit them, as the + door was bolted inside. “Open the door!” he called through the keyhole, + “it isn’t you that they want!” + </p> + <p> + At last the bolt was drawn back, and Dupot, without even venturing to + smile, allowed the trembling lady and gentleman to go downstairs, while + Mondesir, entering the room, looked under every article of furniture, and + even peeped into a little cupboard in order that no neglect might be + imputed to him. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, in the public room which they had to cross after descending the + stairs, Eve and Gerard experienced fresh emotion; for people whom they + knew were there, brought together by an extraordinary freak of chance. + Although Eve’s face was hidden by a thick veil, her eyes met her son’s + glance and she felt sure that he recognised her. What a fatality! He had + so long a tongue and told his sister everything! Then, as the Count, in + despair at such a scandal, hurried off with the Baroness to conduct her + through the pouring rain to her cab, they both distinctly heard little + Princess Rosemonde exclaim: “Why, that was Count de Quinsac! Who was the + lady, do you know?” And as Hyacinthe, greatly put out, returned no answer, + she insisted, saying: “Come, you must surely know her. Who was she, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! nobody. Some woman or other,” he ended by replying. + </p> + <p> + Pierre, who had understood the truth, turned his eyes away to hide his + embarrassment. But all at once the scene changed. At the very moment when + Commissary Dupot and detective Mondesir came downstairs again, after + vainly exploring the upper floor, a loud shout was raised outside, + followed by a noise of running and scrambling. Then Gascogne, the Chief of + the Detective Force, who had remained in the rear of the chalet, + continuing the search through the outbuildings, made his appearance, + pushing before him a bundle of rags and mud, which two policemen held on + either side. And this bundle was the man, the hunted man, who had just + been discovered in the coach-house, inside a staved cask, covered with + hay. + </p> + <p> + Ah! what a whoop of victory there was after that run of two hours’ + duration, that frantic chase which had left them all breathless and + footsore! It had been the most exciting, the most savage of all sports—a + man hunt! They had caught the man at last, and they pushed him, they + dragged him, they belaboured him with blows. And he, the man, what a sorry + prey he looked! A wreck, wan and dirty from having spent the night in a + hole full of leaves, still soaked to his waist from having rushed through + a stream, drenched too by the rain, bespattered with mire, his coat and + trousers in tatters, his cap a mere shred, his legs and hands bleeding + from his terrible rush through thickets bristling with brambles and + nettles. There no longer seemed anything human about his face; his hair + stuck to his moist temples, his bloodshot eyes protruded from their + sockets; fright, rage, and suffering were all blended on his wasted, + contracted face. Still it was he, the man, the quarry, and they gave him + another push, and he sank on one of the tables of the little cafe, still + held and shaken, however, by the rough hands of the policemen. + </p> + <p> + Then Guillaume shuddered as if thunderstruck, and caught hold of Pierre’s + hand. At this the priest, who was looking on, suddenly understood the + truth and also quivered. Salvat! the man was Salvat! It was Salvat whom + they had seen rushing through the wood like a wild boar forced by the + hounds. And it was Salvat who was there, now conquered and simply a filthy + bundle. Then once more there came to Pierre, amidst his anguish, a vision + of the errand girl lying yonder at the entrance of the Duvillard mansion, + the pretty fair-haired girl whom the bomb had ripped and killed! + </p> + <p> + Dupot and Mondesir made haste to participate in Gascogne’s triumph. To + tell the truth, however, the man had offered no resistance; it was like a + lamb that he had let the police lay hold of him. And since he had been in + the cafe, still roughly handled, he had simply cast a weary and mournful + glance around him. + </p> + <p> + At last he spoke, and the first words uttered by his hoarse, gasping voice + were these: “I am hungry.” + </p> + <p> + He was sinking with hunger and weariness. This was the third day that he + had eaten nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Give him some bread,” said Commissary Dupot to the waiter. “He can eat it + while a cab is being fetched.” + </p> + <p> + A policeman went off to find a vehicle. The rain had suddenly ceased + falling, the clear ring of a bicyclist’s bell was heard in the distance, + some carriages drove by, and under the pale sunrays life again came back + to the Bois. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Salvat had fallen gluttonously upon the hunk of bread which had + been given him, and whilst he was devouring it with rapturous animal + satisfaction, he perceived the four customers seated around. He seemed + irritated by the sight of Hyacinthe and Rosemonde, whose faces expressed + the mingled anxiety and delight they felt at thus witnessing the arrest of + some bandit or other. But all at once his mournful, bloodshot eyes + wavered, for to his intense surprise he had recognised Pierre and + Guillaume. When he again looked at the latter it was with the submissive + affection of a grateful dog, and as if he were once more promising that he + would divulge nothing, whatever might happen. + </p> + <p> + At last he again spoke, as if addressing himself like a man of courage, + both to Guillaume, from whom he had averted his eyes, and to others also, + his comrades who were not there: “It was silly of me to run,” said he. “I + don’t know why I did so. It’s best that it should be all ended. I’m + ready.” + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0077" id="link2H_4_0077"></a> + V. THE GAME OF POLITICS + </h2> + <p> + ON reading the newspapers on the following morning Pierre and Guillaume + were greatly surprised at not finding in them the sensational accounts of + Salvat’s arrest which they had expected. All they could discover was a + brief paragraph in a column of general news, setting forth that some + policemen on duty in the Bois de Boulogne had there arrested an Anarchist, + who was believed to have played a part in certain recent occurrences. On + the other hand, the papers gave a deal of space to the questions raised by + Sagnier’s fresh denunciations. There were innumerable articles on the + African Railways scandal, and the great debate which might be expected at + the Chamber of Deputies, should Mege, the Socialist member, really renew + his interpellation, as he had announced his intention of doing. + </p> + <p> + As Guillaume’s wrist was now fast healing, and nothing seemed to threaten + him, he had already, on the previous evening, decided that he would return + to Montmartre. The police had passed him by without apparently suspecting + any responsibility on his part; and he was convinced that Salvat would + keep silent. Pierre, however, begged him to wait a little longer, at any + rate until the prisoner should have been interrogated by the investigating + magistrate, by which time they would be able to judge the situation more + clearly. Pierre, moreover, during his long stay at the Home Department on + the previous morning, had caught a glimpse of certain things and overheard + certain words which made him suspect some dim connection between Salvat’s + crime and the parliamentary crisis; and he therefore desired a settlement + of the latter before Guillaume returned to his wonted life. + </p> + <p> + “Just listen,” he said to his brother. “I am going to Morin’s to ask him + to come and dine here this evening, for it is absolutely necessary that + Barthes should be warned of the fresh blow which is falling on him. And + then I think I shall go to the Chamber, as I want to know what takes place + there. After that, since you desire it, I will let you go back to your own + home.” + </p> + <p> + It was not more than half-past one when Pierre reached the Palais-Bourbon. + It had occurred to him that Fonsegue would be able to secure him + admittance to the meeting-hall, but in the vestibule he met General de + Bozonnet, who happened to possess a couple of tickets. A friend of his, + who was to have accompanied him, had, at the last moment, been unable to + come. So widespread was the curiosity concerning the debate now near at + hand, and so general were the predictions that it would prove a most + exciting one, that the demand for tickets had been extremely keen during + the last twenty-four hours. In fact Pierre would never have been able to + obtain admittance if the General had not good-naturedly offered to take + him in. As a matter of fact the old warrior was well pleased to have + somebody to chat with. He explained that he had simply come there to kill + time, just as he might have killed it at a concert or a charity bazaar. + However, like the ex-Legitimist and Bonapartist that he was, he had really + come for the pleasure of feasting his eyes on the shameful spectacle of + parliamentary ignominy. + </p> + <p> + When the General and Pierre had climbed the stairs, they were able to + secure two front seats in one of the public galleries. Little Massot, who + was already there, and who knew them both, placed one of them on his right + and the other on his left. “I couldn’t find a decent seat left in the + press gallery,” said he, “but I managed to get this place, from which I + shall be able to see things properly. It will certainly be a big sitting. + Just look at the number of people there are on every side!” + </p> + <p> + The narrow and badly arranged galleries were packed to overflowing. There + were men of every age and a great many women too in the confused, serried + mass of spectators, amidst which one only distinguished a multiplicity of + pale white faces. The real scene, however, was down below in the + meeting-hall, which was as yet empty, and with its rows of seats disposed + in semi-circular fashion looked like the auditorium of a theatre. Under + the cold light which fell from the glazed roofing appeared the solemn, + shiny tribune, whence members address the Chamber, whilst behind it, on a + higher level, and running right along the rear wall, was what is called + the Bureau, with its various tables and seats, including the presidential + armchair. The Bureau, like the tribune, was still unoccupied. The only + persons one saw there were a couple of attendants who were laying out new + pens and filling inkstands. + </p> + <p> + “The women,” said Massot with a laugh, after another glance at the + galleries, “come here just as they might come to a menagerie, that is, in + the secret hope of seeing wild beasts devour one another. But, by the way, + did you read the article in the ‘Voix du Peuple’ this morning? What a + wonderful fellow that Sagnier is. When nobody else can find any filth + left, he manages to discover some. He apparently thinks it necessary to + add something new every day, in order to send his sales up. And of course + it all disturbs the public, and it’s thanks to him that so many people + have come here in the hope of witnessing some horrid scene.” + </p> + <p> + Then he laughed again, as he asked Pierre if he had read an unsigned + article in the “Globe,” which in very dignified but perfidious language + had called upon Barroux to give the full and frank explanations which the + country had a right to demand in that matter of the African Railways. This + paper had hitherto vigorously supported the President of the Council, but + in the article in question the coldness which precedes a rupture was very + apparent. Pierre replied that the article had much surprised him, for he + had imagined that Fonsegue and Barroux were linked together by identity of + views and long-standing personal friendship. + </p> + <p> + Massot was still laughing. “Quite so,” said he. “And you may be sure that + the governor’s heart bled when he wrote that article. It has been much + noticed, and it will do the government a deal of harm. But the governor, + you see, knows better than anybody else what line he ought to follow to + save both his own position and the paper’s.” + </p> + <p> + Then he related what extraordinary confusion and emotion reigned among the + deputies in the lobbies through which he had strolled before coming + upstairs to secure a seat. After an adjournment of a couple of days the + Chamber found itself confronted by this terrible scandal, which was like + one of those conflagrations which, at the moment when they are supposed to + be dying out, suddenly flare up again and devour everything. The various + figures given in Sagnier’s list, the two hundred thousand francs paid to + Barroux, the eighty thousand handed to Monferrand, the fifty thousand + allotted to Fonsegue, the ten thousand pocketed by Duthil, and the three + thousand secured by Chaigneux, with all the other amounts distributed + among So-and-so and So-and-so, formed the general subject of conversation. + And at the same time some most extraordinary stories were current; there + was no end of tittle-tattle in which fact and falsehood were so + inextricably mingled that everybody was at sea as to the real truth. + Whilst many deputies turned pale and trembled as beneath a blast of + terror, others passed by purple with excitement, bursting with delight, + laughing with exultation at the thought of coming victory. For, in point + of fact, beneath all the assumed indignation, all the calls for + parliamentary cleanliness and morality, there simply lay a question of + persons—the question of ascertaining whether the government would be + overthrown, and in that event of whom the new administration would + consist. Barroux no doubt appeared to be in a bad way; but with things in + such a muddle one was bound to allow a margin for the unexpected. From + what was generally said it seemed certain that Mege would be extremely + violent. Barroux would answer him, and the Minister’s friends declared + that he was determined to speak out in the most decisive manner. As for + Monferrand he would probably address the Chamber after his colleague, but + Vignon’s intentions were somewhat doubtful, as, in spite of his delight, + he made a pretence of remaining in the back, ground. He had been seen + going from one to another of his partisans, advising them to keep calm, in + order that they might retain the cold, keen <i>coup d’oeil</i> which in + warfare generally decides the victory. Briefly, such was the plotting and + intriguing that never had any witch’s cauldron brimful of drugs and + nameless abominations been set to boil on a more hellish fire than that of + this parliamentary cook-shop. + </p> + <p> + “Heaven only knows what they will end by serving us,” said little Massot + by way of conclusion. + </p> + <p> + General de Bozonnet for his part anticipated nothing but disaster. If + France had only possessed an army, said he, one might have swept away that + handful of bribe-taking parliamentarians who preyed upon the country and + rotted it. But there was no army left, there was merely an armed nation, a + very different thing. And thereupon, like a man of a past age whom the + present times distracted, he started on what had been his favourite + subject of complaint ever since he had been retired from the service. + </p> + <p> + “Here’s an idea for an article if you want one,” he said to Massot. + “Although France may have a million soldiers she hasn’t got an army. I’ll + give you some notes of mine, and you will be able to tell people the + truth.” + </p> + <p> + Warfare, he continued, ought to be purely and simply a caste occupation, + with commanders designated by divine right, leading mercenaries or + volunteers into action. By democratising warfare people had simply killed + it; a circumstance which he deeply regretted, like a born soldier who + regarded fighting as the only really noble occupation that life offered. + For, as soon as it became every man’s duty to fight, none was willing to + do so; and thus compulsory military service—what was called “the + nation in arms”—would, at a more or less distant date, certainly + bring about the end of warfare. If France had not engaged in a European + war since 1870 this was precisely due to the fact that everybody in France + was ready to fight. But rulers hesitated to throw a whole nation against + another nation, for the loss both in life and treasure would be + tremendous. And so the thought that all Europe was transformed into a vast + camp filled the General with anger and disgust. He sighed for the old + times when men fought for the pleasure of the thing, just as they hunted; + whereas nowadays people were convinced that they would exterminate one + another at the very first engagement. + </p> + <p> + “But surely it wouldn’t be an evil if war should disappear,” Pierre gently + remarked. + </p> + <p> + This somewhat angered the General. “Well, you’ll have pretty nations if + people no longer fight,” he answered, and then trying to show a practical + spirit, he added: “Never has the art of war cost more money than since war + itself has become an impossibility. The present-day defensive peace is + purely and simply ruining every country in Europe. One may be spared + defeat, but utter bankruptcy is certainly at the end of it all. And in any + case the profession of arms is done for. All faith in it is dying out, and + it will soon be forsaken, just as men have begun to forsake the + priesthood.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he made a gesture of mingled grief and anger, almost cursing + that parliament, that Republican legislature before him, as if he + considered it responsible for the future extinction of warfare. But little + Massot was wagging his head dubiously, for he regarded the subject as + rather too serious a one for him to write upon. And, all at once, in order + to turn the conversation into another channel, he exclaimed: “Ah! there’s + Monseigneur Martha in the diplomatic gallery beside the Spanish + Ambassador. It’s denied, you know, that he intends to come forward as a + candidate in Morbihan. He’s far too shrewd to wish to be a deputy. He + already pulls the strings which set most of the Catholic deputies who have + ‘rallied’ to the Republican Government in motion.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre himself had just noticed Monseigneur Martha’s smiling face. And, + somehow or other, however modest might be the prelate’s demeanour, it + seemed to him that he really played an important part in what was going + on. He could hardly take his eyes from him. It was as if he expected that + he would suddenly order men hither and thither, and direct the whole march + of events. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Massot again. “Here comes Mege. It won’t be long now before the + sitting begins.” + </p> + <p> + The hall, down below, was gradually filling. Deputies entered and + descended the narrow passages between the benches. Most of them remained + standing and chatting in a more or less excited way; but some seated + themselves and raised their grey, weary faces to the glazed roof. It was a + cloudy afternoon, and rain was doubtless threatening, for the light became + quite livid. If the hall was pompous it was also dismal with its heavy + columns, its cold allegorical statues, and its stretches of bare marble + and woodwork. The only brightness was that of the red velvet of the + benches and the gallery hand-rests. + </p> + <p> + Every deputy of any consequence who entered was named by Massot to his + companions. Mege, on being stopped by another member of the little + Socialist group, began to fume and gesticulate. Then Vignon, detaching + himself from a group of friends and putting on an air of smiling + composure, descended the steps towards his seat. The occupants of the + galleries, however, gave most attention to the accused members, those + whose names figured in Sagnier’s list. And these were interesting studies. + Some showed themselves quite sprightly, as if they were entirely at their + ease; but others had assumed a most grave and indignant demeanour. + Chaigneux staggered and hesitated as if beneath the weight of some + frightful act of injustice; whereas Duthil looked perfectly serene save + for an occasional twitch of his lips. The most admired, however, was + Fonsegue, who showed so candid a face, so open a glance, that his + colleagues as well as the spectators might well have declared him + innocent. Nobody indeed could have looked more like an honest man. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! there’s none like the governor,” muttered Massot with enthusiasm. + “But be attentive, for here come the ministers. One mustn’t miss Barroux’ + meeting with Fonsegue, after this morning’s article.” + </p> + <p> + Chance willed it that as Barroux came along with his head erect, his face + pale, and his whole demeanour aggressive, he was obliged to pass Fonsegue + in order to reach the ministerial bench. In doing so he did not speak to + him, but he gazed at him fixedly like one who is conscious of defection, + of a cowardly stab in the back on the part of a traitor. Fonsegue seemed + quite at ease, and went on shaking hands with one and another of his + colleagues as if he were altogether unconscious of Barroux’ glance. Nor + did he even appear to see Monferrand, who walked by in the rear of the + Prime Minister, wearing a placid good-natured air, as if he knew nothing + of what was impending, but was simply coming to some ordinary humdrum + sitting. However, when he reached his seat, he raised his eyes and smiled + at Monseigneur Martha, who gently nodded to him. Then well pleased to + think that things were going as he wished them to go, he began to rub his + hands, as he often did by way of expressing his satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that grey-haired, mournful-looking gentleman on the ministerial + bench?” Pierre inquired of Massot. + </p> + <p> + “Why, that’s Taboureau, the Minister of Public Instruction, the excellent + gentleman who is said to have no prestige. One’s always hearing of him, + and one never recognises him; he looks like an old, badly worn coin. Just + like Barroux he can’t feel very well pleased with the governor this + afternoon, for to-day’s ‘Globe’ contained an article pointing out his + thorough incapacity in everything concerning the fine arts. It was an + article in measured language, but all the more effective for that very + reason. It would surprise me if Taboureau should recover from it.” + </p> + <p> + Just then a low roll of drums announced the arrival of the President and + other officials of the Chamber. A door opened, and a little procession + passed by amidst an uproar of exclamations and hasty footsteps. Then, + standing at his table, the President rang his bell and declared the + sitting open. But few members remained silent, however, whilst one of the + secretaries, a dark, lanky young man with a harsh voice, read the minutes + of the previous sitting. When they had been adopted, various letters of + apology for non-attendance were read, and a short, unimportant bill was + passed without discussion. And then came the big affair, Mege’s + interpellation, and at once the whole Chamber was in a flutter, while the + most passionate curiosity reigned in the galleries above. On the + Government consenting to the interpellation, the Chamber decided that the + debate should take place at once. And thereupon complete silence fell, + save that now and again a brief quiver sped by, in which one could detect + the various feelings, passions and appetites swaying the assembly. + </p> + <p> + Mege began to speak with assumed moderation, carefully setting forth the + various points at issue. Tall and thin, gnarled and twisted like a + vine-stock, he rested his hands on the tribune as if to support his bent + figure, and his speech was often interrupted by the little dry cough which + came from the tuberculosis that was burning him. But his eyes sparkled + with passion behind his glasses, and little by little his voice rose in + piercing accents and he drew his lank figure erect and began to + gesticulate vehemently. He reminded the Chamber that some two months + previously, at the time of the first denunciations published by the “Voix + du Peuple,” he had asked leave to interpellate the Government respecting + that deplorable affair of the African Railways; and he remarked, truly + enough, that if the Chamber had not yielded to certain considerations + which he did not wish to discuss, and had not adjourned his proposed + inquiries, full light would long since have been thrown on the whole + affair, in such wise that there would have been no revival, no increase of + the scandal, and no possible pretext for that abominable campaign of + denunciation which tortured and disgusted the country. However, it had at + last been understood that silence could be maintained no longer. It was + necessary that the two ministers who were so loudly accused of having + abused their trusts, should prove their innocence, throw full light upon + all they had done; apart from which the Chamber itself could not possibly + remain beneath the charge of wholesale venality. + </p> + <p> + Then he recounted the whole history of the affair, beginning with the + grant of a concession for the African Lines to Baron Duvillard; and next + passing to the proposals for the issue of lottery stock, which proposals, + it was now said, had only been sanctioned by the Chamber after the most shameful + bargaining and buying of votes. At this point Mege became extremely + violent. Speaking of that mysterious individual Hunter, Baron Duvillard’s + recruiter and go-between, he declared that the police had allowed him to + flee from France, much preferring to spend its time in shadowing Socialist + deputies. Then, hammering the tribune with his fist, he summoned Barroux + to give a categorical denial to the charges brought against him, and to + make it absolutely clear that he had never received a single copper of the + two hundred thousand francs specified in Hunter’s list. Forthwith certain + members shouted to Mege that he ought to read the whole list; but when he + wished to do so others vociferated that it was abominable, that such a + mendacious and slanderous document ought not to be accorded a place in the + proceedings of the French legislature. Mege went on still in frantic + fashion, figuratively casting Sagnier into the gutter, and protesting that + there was nothing in common between himself and such a base insulter. But + at the same time he demanded that justice and punishment should be meted + out equally to one and all, and that if indeed there were any bribe-takers + among his colleagues, they should be sent that very night to the prison of + Mazas. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the President, erect at his table, rang and rang his bell without + managing to quell the uproar. He was like a pilot who finds the tempest + too strong for him. Among all the men with purple faces and barking mouths + who were gathered in front of him, the ushers alone maintained + imperturbable gravity. At intervals between the bursts of shouting, Mege’s + voice could still be heard. By some sudden transition he had come to the + question of a Collectivist organisation of society such as he dreamt of, + and he contrasted it with the criminal capitalist society of the present + day, which alone, said he, could produce such scandals. And yielding more + and more to his apostolic fervour, declaring that there could be no + salvation apart from Collectivism, he shouted that the day of triumph + would soon dawn. He awaited it with a smile of confidence. In his opinion, + indeed, he merely had to overthrow that ministry and perhaps another one, + and then he himself would at last take the reins of power in hand, like a + reformer who would know how to pacify the nation. As outside Socialists + often declared, it was evident that the blood of a dictator flowed in that + sectarian’s veins. His feverish, stubborn rhetoric ended by exhausting his + interrupters, who were compelled to listen to him. When he at last decided + to leave the tribune, loud applause arose from a few benches on the left. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know,” said Massot to the General, “I met Mege taking a walk with + his three little children in the Jardin des Plantes the other day. He + looked after them as carefully as an old nurse. I believe he’s a very + worthy fellow at heart, and lives in a very modest way.” + </p> + <p> + But a quiver had now sped through the assembly. Barroux had quitted his + seat to ascend the tribune. He there drew himself erect, throwing his head + back after his usual fashion. There was a haughty, majestic, slightly + sorrowful expression on his handsome face, which would have been perfect + had his nose only been a little larger. He began to express his sorrow and + indignation in fine flowery language, which he punctuated with theatrical + gestures. His eloquence was that of a tribune of the romantic school, and + as one listened to him one could divine that in spite of all his pomposity + he was really a worthy, tender-hearted and somewhat foolish man. That + afternoon he was stirred by genuine emotion; his heart bled at the thought + of his disastrous destiny, he felt that a whole world was crumbling with + himself. Ah! what a cry of despair he stifled, the cry of the man who is + buffeted and thrown aside by the course of events on the very day when he + thinks that his civic devotion entitles him to triumph! To have given + himself and all he possessed to the cause of the Republic, even in the + dark days of the Second Empire; to have fought and struggled and suffered + persecution for that Republic’s sake; to have established that Republic + amidst the battle of parties, after all the horrors of national and civil + war; and then, when the Republic at last triumphed and became a living + fact, secure from all attacks and intrigues, to suddenly feel like a + survival of some other age, to hear new comers speak a new language, + preach a new ideal, and behold the collapse of all he had loved, all he + had reverenced, all that had given him strength to fight and conquer! The + mighty artisans of the early hours were no more; it had been meet that + Gambetta should die. How bitter it all was for the last lingering old ones + to find themselves among the men of the new, intelligent and shrewd + generation, who gently smiled at them, deeming their romanticism quite out + of fashion! All crumbled since the ideal of liberty collapsed, since + liberty was no longer the one desideratum, the very basis of the Republic + whose existence had been so dearly purchased after so long an effort! + </p> + <p> + Erect and dignified Barroux made his confession. The Republic to him was + like the sacred ark of life; the very worst deeds became saintly if they + were employed to save her from peril. And in all simplicity he, told his + story, how he had found the great bulk of Baron Duvillard’s money going to + the opposition newspapers as pretended payment for puffery and + advertising, whilst on the other hand the Republican organs received but + beggarly, trumpery amounts. He had been Minister of the Interior at the + time, and had therefore had charge of the press; so what would have been + said of him if he had not endeavoured to reestablish some equilibrium in + this distribution of funds in order that the adversaries of the + institutions of the country might not acquire a great increase of strength + by appropriating all the sinews of war? Hands had been stretched out + towards him on all sides, a score of newspapers, the most faithful, the + most meritorious, had claimed their legitimate share. And he had ensured + them that share by distributing among them the two hundred thousand francs + set down in the list against his name. Not a centime of the money had gone + into his own pocket, he would allow nobody to impugn his personal honesty, + on that point his word must suffice. At that moment Barroux was really + grand. All his emphatic pomposity disappeared; he showed himself, as he + really was—an honest man, quivering, his heart bared, his conscience + bleeding, in his bitter distress at having been among those who had + laboured and at now being denied reward. + </p> + <p> + For, truth to tell, his words fell amidst icy silence. In his childish + simplicity he had anticipated an outburst of enthusiasm; a Republican + Chamber could but acclaim him for having saved the Republic; and now the + frigidity of one and all quite froze him. He suddenly felt that he was all + alone, done for, touched by the hand of death. Nevertheless, he continued + speaking amidst that terrible silence with the courage of one who is + committing suicide, and who, from his love of noble and eloquent + attitudes, is determined to die standing. He ended with a final impressive + gesture. However, as he came down from the tribune, the general coldness + seemed to increase, not a single member applauded. With supreme clumsiness + he had alluded to the secret scheming of Rome and the clergy, whose one + object, in his opinion, was to recover the predominant position they had + lost and restore monarchy in France at a more or less distant date. + </p> + <p> + “How silly of him! Ought a man ever to confess?” muttered Massot. “He’s + done for, and the ministry too!” + </p> + <p> + Then, amidst the general frigidity, Monferrand boldly ascended the tribune + stairs. The prevailing uneasiness was compounded of all the secret fear + which sincerity always causes, of all the distress of the bribe-taking + deputies who felt that they were rolling into an abyss, and also of the + embarrassment which the others felt at thought of the more or less + justifiable compromises of politics. Something like relief, therefore, + came when Monferrand started with the most emphatic denials, protesting in + the name of his outraged honour, and dealing blow after blow on the + tribune with one hand, while with the other he smote his chest. Short and + thick-set, with his face thrust forward, hiding his shrewdness beneath an + expression of indignant frankness, he was for a moment really superb. He + denied everything. He was not only ignorant of what was meant by that sum + of eighty thousand francs set down against his name, but he defied the + whole world to prove that he had even touched a single copper of that + money. He boiled over with indignation to such a point that he did not + simply deny bribe-taking on his own part, he denied it on behalf of the + whole assembly, of all present and past French legislatures, as if, + indeed, bribe-taking on the part of a representative of the people was + altogether too monstrous an idea, a crime that surpassed possibility to + such an extent that the mere notion of it was absurd. And thereupon + applause rang out; the Chamber, delivered from its fears, thrilled by his + words, acclaimed him. + </p> + <p> + From the little Socialist group, however, some jeers arose, and voices + summoned Monferrand to explain himself on the subject of the African + Railways, reminding him that he had been at the head of the Public Works + Department at the time of the vote, and requiring of him that he should + state what he now meant to do, as Minister of the Interior, in order to + reassure the country. He juggled with this question, declaring that if + there were any guilty parties they would be punished, for he did not + require anybody to remind him of his duty. And then, all at once, with + incomparable maestria, he had recourse to the diversion which he had been + preparing since the previous day. His duty, said he, was a thing which he + never forgot; he discharged it like a faithful soldier of the nation hour + by hour, and with as much vigilance as prudence. He had been accused of + employing the police on he knew not what base spying work in such wise as + to allow the man Hunter to escape. Well, as for that much-slandered police + force, he would tell the Chamber on what work he had really employed it + the day before, and how zealously it had laboured for the cause of law and + order. In the Bois de Boulogne, on the previous afternoon, it had arrested + that terrible scoundrel, the perpetrator of the crime in the Rue + Godot-de-Mauroy, that Anarchist mechanician Salvat, who for six weeks past + had so cunningly contrived to elude capture. The scoundrel had made a full + confession during the evening, and the law would now take its course with + all despatch. Public morality was at last avenged, Paris might now emerge + in safety from its long spell of terror, Anarchism would be struck down, + annihilated. And that was what he, Monferrand, had done as a Minister for + the honour and safety of his country, whilst villains were vainly seeking + to dishonour him by inscribing his name on a list of infamy, the outcome + of the very basest political intrigues. + </p> + <p> + The Chamber listened agape and quivering. This story of Salvat’s arrest, + which none of the morning papers had reported; the present which + Monferrand seemed to be making them of that terrible Anarchist whom many + had already begun to regard as a myth; the whole <i>mise-en-scene</i> of + the Minister’s speech transported the deputies as if they were suddenly + witnessing the finish of a long-interrupted drama. Stirred and flattered, + they prolonged their applause, while Monferrand went on celebrating his + act of energy, how he had saved society, how crime should be punished, and + how he himself would ever prove that he had a strong arm and could answer + for public order. He even won favour with the Conservatives and Clericals + on the Right by separating himself from Barroux, addressing a few words of + sympathy to those Catholics who had “rallied” to the Republic, and + appealing for concord among men of different beliefs in order that they + might fight the common enemy, that fierce, wild socialism which talked of + overthrowing everything! + </p> + <p> + By the time Monferrand came down from the tribune, the trick was played, + he had virtually saved himself. Both the Right and Left of the Chamber* + applauded, drowning the protests of the few Socialists whose vociferations + only added to the triumphal tumult. Members eagerly stretched out their + hands to the Minister, who for a moment remained standing there and + smiling. But there was some anxiety in that smile of his; his success was + beginning to frighten him. Had he spoken too well, and saved the entire + Cabinet instead of merely saving himself? That would mean the ruin of his + plan. The Chamber ought not to vote under the effect of that speech which + had thrilled it so powerfully. Thus Monferrand, though he still continued + to smile, spent a few anxious moments in waiting to see if anybody would + rise to answer him. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Ever since the days of the Bourbon Restoration it has been + the practice in the French Chambers for the more conservative + members to seat themselves on the President’s right, and for + the Radical ones to place themselves on his left. The central + seats of the semicircle in which the members’ seats are + arranged in tiers are usually occupied by men of moderate views. + Generally speaking, such terms as Right Centre and Left Centre + are applied to groups of Moderates inclining in the first place + to Conservatism and in the latter to Radicalism. All this is of + course known to readers acquainted with French institutions, but + I give the explanation because others, after perusing French + news in some daily paper, have often asked me what was meant by + “a deputy of the Right,” and so forth.—Trans. +</pre> + <p> + His success had been as great among the occupants of the galleries as + among the deputies themselves. Several ladies had been seen applauding, + and Monseigneur Martha had given unmistakable signs of the liveliest + satisfaction. “Ah, General!” said Massot to Bozonnet in a sneering way. + “Those are our fighting men of the present time. And he’s a bold and + strong one, is Monferrand. Of course it is all what people style ‘saving + one’s bacon,’ but none the less it’s very clever work.” + </p> + <p> + Just then, however, Monferrand to his great satisfaction had seen Vignon + rise from his seat in response to the urging of his friends. And thereupon + all anxiety vanished from the Minister’s smile, which became one of + malicious placidity. + </p> + <p> + The very atmosphere of the Chamber seemed to change with Vignon in the + tribune. He was slim, with a fair and carefully tended beard, blue eyes + and all the suppleness of youth. He spoke, moreover, like a practical man, + in simple, straightforward language, which made the emptiness of the + other’s declamatory style painfully conspicuous. His term of official + service as a prefect in the provinces had endowed him with keen insight; + and it was in an easy way that he propounded and unravelled the most + intricate questions. Active and courageous, confident in his own star, too + young and too shrewd to have compromised himself in anything so far, he + was steadily marching towards the future. He had already drawn up a rather + more advanced political programme than that of Barroux and Monferrand, so + that when opportunity offered there might be good reasons for him to take + their place. Moreover, he was quite capable of carrying out his programme + by attempting some of the long-promised reforms for which the country was + waiting. He had guessed that honesty, when it had prudence and shrewdness + as its allies, must some day secure an innings. In a clear voice, and in a + very quiet, deliberate way, he now said what it was right to say on the + subject under discussion, the things that common sense dictated and that + the Chamber itself secretly desired should be said. He was certainly the + first to rejoice over an arrest which would reassure the country; but he + failed to understand what connection there could be between that arrest + and the sad business that had been brought before the Chamber. The two + affairs were quite distinct and different, and he begged his colleagues + not to vote in the state of excitement in which he saw them. Full light + must be thrown on the African Railways question, and this, one could not + expect from the two incriminated ministers. However, he was opposed to any + suggestion of a committee of inquiry. In his opinion the guilty parties, + if such there were, ought to be brought immediately before a court of law. + And, like Barroux, he wound up with a discreet allusion to the growing + influence of the clergy, declaring that he was against all unworthy + compromises, and was equally opposed to any state dictatorship and any + revival of the ancient theocratic spirit. + </p> + <p> + Although there was but little applause when Vignon returned to his seat, + it was evident that the Chamber was again master of its emotions. And the + situation seemed so clear, and the overthrow of the ministry so certain, + that Mege, who had meant to reply to the others, wisely abstained from + doing so. Meantime people noticed the placid demeanour of Monferrand, who + had listened to Vignon with the utmost complacency, as if he were + rendering homage to an adversary’s talent; whereas Barroux, ever since the + cold silence which had greeted his speech, had remained motionless in his + seat, bowed down and pale as a corpse. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it’s all over,” resumed Massot, amidst the hubbub which arose as + the deputies prepared to vote; “the ministry’s done for. Little Vignon + will go a long way, you know. People say that he dreams of the Elysee. At + all events everything points to him as our next prime minister.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as the journalist rose, intending to go off, the General detained + him: “Wait a moment, Monsieur Massot,” said he. “How disgusting all that + parliamentary cooking is! You ought to point it out in an article, and + show people how the country is gradually being weakened and rotted to the + marrow by all such useless and degrading discussions. Why, a great battle + resulting in the loss of 50,000 men would exhaust us less than ten years + of this abominable parliamentary system. You must call on me some morning. + I will show you a scheme of military reform, in which I point out the + necessity of returning to the limited professional armies which we used to + have, for this present-day national army, as folks call it, which is a + semi-civilian affair and at best a mere herd of men, is like a dead weight + on us, and is bound to pull us down!” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, for his part, had not spoken a word since the beginning of the + debate. He had listened to everything, at first influenced by the thought + of his brother’s interests, and afterwards mastered by the feverishness + which gradually took possession of everybody present. He had become + convinced that there was nothing more for Guillaume to fear; but how + curiously did one event fit into another, and how loudly had Salvat’s + arrest re-echoed in the Chamber! Looking down into the seething hall below + him, he had detected all the clash of rival passions and interests. After + watching the great struggle between Barroux, Monferrand and Vignon, he had + gazed upon the childish delight of that terrible Socialist Mege, who was + so pleased at having been able to stir up the depths of those troubled + waters, in which he always unwittingly angled for the benefit of others. + Then, too, Pierre had become interested in Fonsegue, who, knowing what had + been arranged between Monferrand, Duvillard and himself, evinced perfect + calmness and strove to reassure Duthil and Chaigneux, who, on their side, + were quite dismayed by the ministry’s impending fall. Yet, Pierre’s eyes + always came back to Monseigneur Martha. He had watched his serene smiling + face throughout the sitting, striving to detect his impressions of the + various incidents that had occurred, as if in his opinion that dramatic + parliamentary comedy had only been played as a step towards the more or + less distant triumph for which the prelate laboured. And now, while + awaiting the result of the vote, as Pierre turned towards Massot and the + General, he found that they were talking of nothing but recruiting and + tactics and the necessity of a bath of blood for the whole of Europe. Ah! + poor mankind, ever fighting and ever devouring one another in parliaments + as well as on battle-fields, when, thought Pierre, would it decide to + disarm once and for all, and live at peace according to the laws of + justice and reason! + </p> + <p> + Then he again looked down into the hall, where the greatest confusion was + prevailing among the deputies with regard to the coming vote. There was + quite a rainfall of suggested “resolutions,” from a very violent one + proposed by Mege, to another, which was merely severe, emanating from + Vignon. The ministry, however, would only accept the “Order of the day + pure and simple,” a mere decision, that is, to pass to the next business, + as if Mege’s interpellation had been unworthy of attention. And presently + the Government was defeated, Vignon’s resolution being adopted by a + majority of twenty-five. Some portion of the Left had evidently joined + hands with the Right and the Socialist group. A prolonged hubbub followed + this result. + </p> + <p> + “Well, so we are to have a Vignon Cabinet,” said Massot, as he went off + with Pierre and the General. “All the same, though, Monferrand has saved + himself, and if I were in Vignon’s place I should distrust him.” + </p> + <p> + That evening there was a very touching farewell scene at the little house + at Neuilly. When Pierre returned thither from the Chamber, saddened but + reassured with regard to the future, Guillaume at once made up his mind to + go home on the morrow. And as Nicholas Barthes was compelled to leave, the + little dwelling seemed on the point of relapsing into dreary quietude once + more. + </p> + <p> + Theophile Morin, whom Pierre had informed of the painful alternative in + which Barthes was placed, duly came to dinner; but he did not have time to + speak to the old man before they all sat down to table at seven o’clock. + As usual Barthes had spent his day in marching, like a caged lion, up and + down the room in which he had accepted shelter after the fashion of a big + fearless child, who never worried with regard either to his present + circumstances or the troubles which the future might have in store for + him. His life had ever been one of unlimited hope, which reality had ever + shattered. Although all that he had loved, all that he had hoped to secure + by fifty years of imprisonment or exile,—liberty, equality and a + real brotherly republic,—had hitherto failed to come, such as he had + dreamt of them, he nevertheless retained the candid faith of his youth, + and was ever confident in the near future. He would smile indulgently when + new comers, men of violent ideas, derided him and called him a poor old + fellow. For his part, he could make neither head nor tail of the many new + sects. He simply felt indignant with their lack of human feeling, and + stubbornly adhered to his own idea of basing the world’s regeneration on + the simple proposition that men were naturally good and ought to be free + and brotherly. + </p> + <p> + That evening at dinner, feeling that he was with friends who cared for + him, Barthes proved extremely gay, and showed all his ingenuousness in + talking of his ideal, which would soon be realised, said he, in spite of + everything. He could tell a story well whenever he cared to chat, and on + that occasion he related some delightful anecdotes about the prisons + through which he had passed. He knew all the dungeons, Ste. Pelagie and + Mont St. Michel, Belle-Ile-en-Mer and Clairvaux, to say nothing of + temporary gaols and the evil-smelling hulks on board which political + prisoners are often confined. And he still laughed at certain + recollections, and related how in the direst circumstances he had always + been able to seek refuge in his conscience. The others listened to him + quite charmed by his conversation, but full of anguish at the thought that + this perpetual prisoner or exile must again rise and take his staff to + sally forth, driven from his native land once more. + </p> + <p> + Pierre did not speak out until they were partaking of dessert. Then he + related how the Minister had written to him, and how in a brief interview + he had stated that Barthes must cross the frontier within forty-eight + hours if he did not wish to be arrested. Thereupon the old man gravely + rose, with his white fleece, his eagle beak and his bright eyes still + sparkling with the fire of youth. And he wished to go off at once. “What!” + said he, “you have known all this since yesterday, and have still kept me + here at the risk of my compromising you even more than I had done already! + You must forgive me, I did not think of the worry I might cause you, I + thought that everything would be satisfactorily arranged. I must thank you + both—yourself and Guillaume—for the few days of quietude that + you have procured to an old vagabond and madman like myself.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as they tried to prevail on him to remain until the following + morning, he would not listen to them. There would be a train for Brussels + about midnight, and he had ample time to take it. He refused to let Morin + accompany him. No, no, said he, Morin was not a rich man, and moreover he + had work to attend to. Why should he take him away from his duties, when + it was so easy, so simple, for him to go off alone? He was going back into + exile as into misery and grief which he had long known, like some + Wandering Jew of Liberty, ever driven onward through the world. + </p> + <p> + When he took leave of the others at ten o’clock, in the little sleepy + street just outside the house, tears suddenly dimmed his eyes. “Ah! I’m no + longer a young man,” he said; “it’s all over this time. I shall never come + back again. My bones will rest in some corner over yonder.” And yet, after + he had affectionately embraced Pierre and Guillaume, he drew himself up + like one who remained unconquered, and he raised a supreme cry of hope. + “But after all, who knows? Triumph may perhaps come to-morrow. The future + belongs to those who prepare it and wait for it!” + </p> + <p> + Then he walked away, and long after he had disappeared his firm, sonorous + footsteps could be heard re-echoing in the quiet night. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0078" id="link2H_4_0078"></a> + BOOK IV. + </h2> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0079" id="link2H_4_0079"></a> + I. PIERRE AND MARIE + </h2> + <p> + ON the mild March morning when Pierre left his little house at Neuilly to + accompany Guillaume to Montmartre, he was oppressed by the thought that on + returning home he would once more find himself alone with nothing to + prevent him from relapsing into negation and despair. The idea of this had + kept him from sleeping, and he still found it difficult to hide his + distress and force a smile. + </p> + <p> + The sky was so clear and the atmosphere so mild that the brothers had + resolved to go to Montmartre on foot by way of the outer boulevards. Nine + o’clock was striking when they set out. Guillaume for his part was very + gay at the thought of the surprise he would give his family. It was as if + he were suddenly coming back from a long journey. He had not warned them + of his intentions; he had merely written to them now and again to tell + them that he was recovering, and they certainly had no idea that his + return was so near at hand. + </p> + <p> + When Guillaume and Pierre had climbed the sunlit slopes of Montmartre, and + crossed the quiet countrified Place du Tertre, the former, by means of a + latch-key, quietly opened the door of his house, which seemed to be + asleep, so profound was the stillness both around and within it. Pierre + found it the same as on the occasion of his previous and only visit. First + came the narrow passage which ran through the ground-floor, affording a + view of all Paris at the further end. Next there was the garden, reduced + to a couple of plum-trees and a clump of lilac-bushes, the leaves of which + had now sprouted. And this time the priest perceived three bicycles + leaning against the trees. Beyond them stood the large work-shop, so gay, + and yet so peaceful, with its huge window overlooking a sea of roofs. + </p> + <p> + Guillaume had reached the work-shop without meeting anybody. With an + expression of much amusement he raised a finger to his lips. “Attention, + Pierre,” he whispered; “you’ll just see!” + </p> + <p> + Then having noiselessly opened the door, they remained for a moment on the + threshold. + </p> + <p> + The three sons alone were there. Near his forge stood Thomas working a + boring machine, with which he was making some holes in a small brass + plate. Then Francois and Antoine were seated on either side of their large + table, the former reading, and the latter finishing a block. The bright + sunshine streamed in, playing over all the seeming disorder of the room, + where so many callings and so many implements found place. A large bunch + of wallflowers bloomed on the women’s work-table near the window; and + absorbed as the young men were in their respective tasks the only sound + was the slight hissing of the boring machine each time that the eldest of + them drilled another hole. + </p> + <p> + However, although Guillaume did not stir, there suddenly came a quiver, an + awakening. His sons seemed to guess his presence, for they raised their + heads, each at the same moment. From each, too, came the same cry, and a + common impulse brought them first to their feet and then to his arms. + </p> + <p> + “Father!” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume embraced them, feeling very happy. And that was all; there was + no long spell of emotion, no useless talk. It was as if he had merely gone + out the day before and, delayed by business, had now come back. Still, he + looked at them with his kindly smile, and they likewise smiled with their + eyes fixed on his. Those glances proclaimed everything, the closest + affection and complete self-bestowal for ever. + </p> + <p> + “Come in, Pierre,” called Guillaume; “shake hands with these young men.” + </p> + <p> + The priest had remained near the door, overcome by a singular feeling of + discomfort. When his nephews had vigorously shaken hands with him, he sat + down near the window apart from them, as if he felt out of his element + there. + </p> + <p> + “Well, youngsters,” said Guillaume, “where’s Mere-Grand, and where’s + Marie?” + </p> + <p> + Their grandmother was upstairs in her room, they said; and Marie had taken + it into her head to go marketing. This, by the way, was one of her + delights. She asserted that she was the only one who knew how to buy + new-laid eggs and butter of a nutty odour. Moreover, she sometimes brought + some dainty or some flowers home, in her delight at proving herself to be + so good a housewife. + </p> + <p> + “And so things are going on well?” resumed Guillaume. “You are all + satisfied, your work is progressing, eh?” + </p> + <p> + He addressed brief questions to each of them, like one who, on his return + home, at once reverts to his usual habits. Thomas, with his rough face + beaming, explained in a couple of sentences that he was now sure of + perfecting his little motor; Francois, who was still preparing for his + examination, jestingly declared that he yet had to lodge a heap of + learning in his brain; and then Antoine produced the block which he was + finishing, and which depicted his little friend Lise, Jahan’s sister, + reading in her garden amidst the sunshine. It was like a florescence of + that dear belated creature whose mind had been awakened by his affection. + </p> + <p> + However, the three brothers speedily went back to their places, reverting + to their work with a natural impulse, for discipline had made them regard + work as life itself. Then Guillaume, who had glanced at what each was + doing, exclaimed: “Ah! youngsters, I schemed and prepared a lot of things + myself while I was laid up. I even made a good many notes. We walked here + from Neuilly, but my papers and the clothes which Mere-Grand sent me will + come in a cab by-and-by.... Ah! how pleased I am to find everything in + order here, and to be able to take up my task with you again! Ah! I shall + polish off some work now, and no mistake!” + </p> + <p> + He had already gone to his own corner, the space reserved for him between + the window and the forge. He there had a chemical furnace, several glass + cases and shelves crowded with appliances, and a long table, one end of + which he used for writing purposes. And he once more took possession of + that little world. After glancing around with delight at seeing everything + in its place, he began to handle one object and another, eager to be at + work like his sons. + </p> + <p> + All at once, however, Mere-Grand appeared, calm, grave and erect in her + black gown, at the top of the little staircase which conducted to the + bedrooms. “So it’s you, Guillaume?” said she. “Will you come up for a + moment?” + </p> + <p> + He immediately did so, understanding that she wished to speak to him alone + and tranquillise him. It was a question of the great secret between them, + that one thing of which his sons knew nothing, and which, after Salvat’s + crime, had brought him much anguish, through his fear that it might be + divulged. When he reached Mere-Grand’s room she at once took him to the + hiding-place near her bed, and showed him the cartridges of the new + explosive, and the plans of the terrible engine of warfare which he had + invented. He found them all as he had left them. Before anyone could have + reached them, she would have blown up the whole place at the risk of + perishing herself in the explosion. With her wonted air of quiet heroism, + she handed Guillaume the key which he had sent her by Pierre. + </p> + <p> + “You were not anxious, I hope?” she said. + </p> + <p> + He pressed her hands with a commingling of affection and respect. “My only + anxiety,” he replied, “was that the police might come here and treat you + roughly.... You are the guardian of our secret, and it would be for you to + finish my work should I disappear.” + </p> + <p> + While Guillaume and Madame Leroi were thus engaged upstairs, Pierre, still + seated near the window below, felt his discomfort increasing. The inmates + of the house certainly regarded him with no other feeling than one of + affectionate sympathy; and so how came it that he considered them hostile? + The truth was that he asked himself what would become of him among those + workers, who were upheld by a faith of their own, whereas he believed in + nothing, and did not work. The sight of those young men, so gaily and + zealously toiling, ended by quite irritating him; and the arrival of Marie + brought his distress to a climax. + </p> + <p> + Joyous and full of life, she came in without seeing him, a basket on her + arm. And she seemed to bring all the sunlight of the spring morning with + her, so bright was the sparkle of her youth. The whole of her pink face, + her delicate nose, her broad intelligent brow, her thick, kindly lips, + beamed beneath the heavy coils of her black hair. And her brown eyes ever + laughed with the joyousness which comes from health and strength. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” she exclaimed, “I have brought such a lot of things, youngsters. + Just come and see them; I wouldn’t unpack the basket in the kitchen.” + </p> + <p> + It became absolutely necessary for the brothers to draw round the basket + which she had laid upon the table. “First there’s the butter!” said she; + “just smell if it hasn’t a nice scent of nuts! It’s churned especially for + me, you know. Then here are the eggs. They were laid only yesterday, I’ll + answer for it. And, in fact, that one there is this morning’s. And look at + the cutlets! They’re wonderful, aren’t they? The butcher cuts them + carefully when he sees me. And then here’s a cream cheese, real cream, you + know, it will be delicious! Ah! and here’s the surprise, something dainty, + some radishes, some pretty little pink radishes. Just fancy! radishes in + March, what a luxury!” + </p> + <p> + She triumphed like the good little housewife she was, one who had followed + a whole course of cookery and home duties at the Lycee Fenelon. The + brothers, as merry as she herself, were obliged to compliment her. + </p> + <p> + All at once, however, she caught sight of Pierre. “What! you are there, + Monsieur l’Abbe?” she exclaimed; “I beg your pardon, but I didn’t see you. + How is Guillaume? Have you brought us some news of him?” + </p> + <p> + “But father’s come home,” said Thomas; “he’s upstairs with Mere-Grand.” + </p> + <p> + Quite thunderstruck, she hastily placed her purchases in the basket. + “Guillaume’s come back, Guillaume’s come back!” said she, “and you don’t + tell me of it, you let me unpack everything! Well, it’s nice of me, I must + say, to go on praising my butter and eggs when Guillaume’s come back.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, as it happened, was just coming down with Madame Leroi. Marie + gaily hastened to him and offered him her cheeks, on which he planted two + resounding kisses. Then she, resting her hands on his shoulders, gave him + a long look, while saying in a somewhat tremulous voice: “I am pleased, + very pleased to see you, Guillaume. I may confess it now, I thought I had + lost you, I was very anxious and very unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + Although she was still smiling, tears had gathered in her eyes, and he, + likewise moved, again kissed her, murmuring: “Dear Marie! How happy it + makes me to find you as beautiful and as affectionate as ever.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, who was looking at them, deemed them cold. He had doubtless + expected more tears, and a more passionate embrace on the part of an + affianced pair, whom so grievous an accident had separated almost on the + eve of their wedding. Moreover, his feelings were hurt by the + disproportion of their respective ages. No doubt his brother still seemed + to him very sturdy and young, and his feeling of repulsion must have come + from that young woman whom, most decidedly, he did not like. Ever since + her arrival he had experienced increasing discomfort, a keener and keener + desire to go off and never return. + </p> + <p> + So acute became his suffering at feeling like a stranger in his brother’s + home, that he at last rose and sought to take his leave, under the pretext + that he had some urgent matters to attend to in town. + </p> + <p> + “What! you won’t stay to <i>dejeuner</i> with us!” exclaimed Guillaume in + perfect stupefaction. “Why, it was agreed! You surely won’t distress me + like that! This house is your own, remember!” + </p> + <p> + Then, as with genuine affection they all protested and pressed him to + stay, he was obliged to do so. However, he soon relapsed into silence and + embarrassment, seated on the same chair as before, and listening moodily + to those people who, although they were his relatives, seemed to be far + removed from him. + </p> + <p> + As it was barely eleven o’clock they resumed work, but every now and again + there was some merry talk. On one of the servants coming for the + provisions, Marie told the girl to call her as soon as it should be time + to boil the eggs, for she prided herself on boiling them to a nicety, in + such wise as to leave the whites like creamy milk. This gave an + opportunity for a few jests from Francois, who occasionally teased her + about all the fine things she had learnt at the Lycee Fenelon, where her + father had placed her when she was twelve years old. However, she was not + afraid of him, but gave him tit for tat by chaffing him about all the + hours which he lost at the Ecole Normale over a mass of pedagogic trash. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you big children!” she exclaimed, while still working at her + embroidery. “You are all very intelligent, and you all claim to have broad + minds, and yet—confess it now—it worries you a little that a + girl like me should have studied at college in the same way as yourselves. + It’s a sexual quarrel, a question of rivalry and competition, isn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + They protested the contrary, declaring that they were in favour of girls + receiving as complete an education as possible. She was well aware of + this; however, she liked to tease them in return for the manner in which + they themselves plagued her. + </p> + <p> + “But do you know,” said she, “you are a great deal behind the times? I am + well aware of the reproaches which are levelled at girls’ colleges by + so-called right-minded people. To begin, there is no religious element + whatever in the education one receives there, and this alarms many + families which consider religious education to be absolutely necessary for + girls, if only as a moral weapon of defence. Then, too, the education at + our Lycees is being democratised—girls of all positions come to + them. Thanks to the scholarships which are so liberally offered, the + daughter of the lady who rents a first floor flat often finds the daughter + of her door-keeper among her school-fellows, and some think this + objectionable. It is said also that the pupils free themselves too much + from home influence, and that too much opportunity is left for personal + initiative. As a matter of fact the extensiveness of the many courses of + study, all the learning that is required of pupils at the examinations, + certainly does tend to their emancipation, to the coming of the future + woman and future society, which you young men are all longing for, are you + not?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course we are!” exclaimed Francois; “we all agree on that point.” + </p> + <p> + She waved her hand in a pretty way, and then quietly continued: “I’m + jesting. My views are simple enough, as you well know, and I don’t ask for + nearly as much as you do. As for woman’s claims and rights, well, the + question is clear enough; woman is man’s equal so far as nature allows it. + And the only point is to agree and love one another. At the same time I’m + well pleased to know what I do—oh! not from any spirit of pedantry + but simply because I think it has all done me good, and given me some + moral as well as physical health.” + </p> + <p> + It delighted her to recall the days she had spent at the Lycee Fenelon, + which of the five State colleges for girls opened in Paris was the only + one counting a large number of pupils. Most of these were the daughters of + officials or professors, who purposed entering the teaching profession. In + this case, they had to win their last diploma at the Ecole Normale of + Sevres, after leaving the Lycee. Marie, for her part, though her studies + had been brilliant, had felt no taste whatever for the calling of teacher. + Moreover, when Guillaume had taken charge of her after her father’s death, + he had refused to let her run about giving lessons. To provide herself + with a little money, for she would accept none as a gift, she worked at + embroidery, an art in which she was most accomplished. + </p> + <p> + While she was talking to the young men Guillaume had listened to her + without interfering. If he had fallen in love with her it was largely on + account of her frankness and uprightness, the even balance of her nature, + which gave her so forcible a charm. She knew all; but if she lacked the + poetry of the shrinking, lamb-like girl who has been brought up in + ignorance, she had gained absolute rectitude of heart and mind, exempt + from all hypocrisy, all secret perversity such as is stimulated by what + may seem mysterious in life. And whatever she might know, she had retained + such child-like purity that in spite of her six-and-twenty summers all the + blood in her veins would occasionally rush to her cheeks in fiery blushes, + which drove her to despair. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Marie,” Guillaume now exclaimed, “you know very well that the + youngsters were simply joking. You are in the right, of course.... And + your boiled eggs cannot be matched in the whole world.” + </p> + <p> + He said this in so soft and affectionate a tone that the young woman + flushed purple. Then, becoming conscious of it, she coloured yet more + deeply, and as the three young men glanced at her maliciously she grew + angry with herself. “Isn’t it ridiculous, Monsieur l’Abbe,” she said, + turning towards Pierre, “for an old maid like myself to blush in that + fashion? People might think that I had committed a crime. It’s simply to + make me blush, you know, that those children tease me. I do all I can to + prevent it, but it’s stronger than my will.” + </p> + <p> + At this Mere-Grand raised her eyes from the shirt she was mending, and + remarked: “Oh! it’s natural enough, my dear. It is your heart rising to + your cheeks in order that we may see it.” + </p> + <p> + The <i>dejeuner</i> hour was now at hand; and they decided to lay the + table in the work-shop, as was occasionally done when they had a guest. + The simple, cordial meal proved very enjoyable in the bright sunlight. + Marie’s boiled eggs, which she herself brought from the kitchen covered + with a napkin, were found delicious. Due honour was also done to the + butter and the radishes. The only dessert that followed the cutlets was + the cream cheese, but it was a cheese such as nobody else had ever + partaken of. And, meantime, while they ate and chatted all Paris lay below + them, stretching away to the horizon with its mighty rumbling. + </p> + <p> + Pierre had made an effort to become cheerful, but he soon relapsed into + silence. Guillaume, however, was very talkative. Having noticed the three + bicycles in the garden, he inquired of Marie how far she had gone that + morning. She answered that Francois and Antoine had accompanied her in the + direction of Orgemont. The worry of their excursions was that each time + they returned to Montmartre they had to push their machines up the height. + From the general point of view, however, the young woman was delighted + with bicycling, which had many virtues, said she. Then, seeing Pierre + glance at her in amazement, she promised that she would some day explain + her opinions on the subject to him. After this bicycling became the one + topic of conversation until the end of the meal. Thomas gave an account of + the latest improvements introduced into Grandidier’s machines; and the + others talked of the excursions they had made or meant to make, with all + the exuberant delight of school children eager for the open air. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the chatter, Mere-Grand, who presided at table with the + serene dignity of a queen-mother, leant towards Guillaume, who sat next to + her, and spoke to him in an undertone. Pierre understood that she was + referring to his marriage, which was to have taken place in April, but + must now necessarily be deferred. This sensible marriage, which seemed + likely to ensure the happiness of the entire household, was largely the + work of Mere-Grand and the three young men, for Guillaume would never have + yielded to his heart if she whom he proposed to make his wife had not + already been a well-loved member of the family. At the present time the + last week in June seemed, for all sorts of reasons, to be a favourable + date for the wedding. + </p> + <p> + Marie, who heard the suggestion, turned gaily towards Mere-Grand. + </p> + <p> + “The end of June will suit very well, will it not, my dear?” said the + latter. + </p> + <p> + Pierre expected to see a deep flush rise to the young woman’s cheeks, but + she remained very calm. She felt deep affection, blended with the most + tender gratitude, for Guillaume, and was convinced that in marrying him + she would be acting wisely and well both for herself and the others. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, the end of June,” she repeated, “that will suit very well + indeed.” + </p> + <p> + Then the sons, who likewise had heard the proposal, nodded their heads by + way of assenting also. + </p> + <p> + When they rose from table Pierre was absolutely determined to go off. The + cordial and simple meal, the sight of that family, which had been rendered + so happy by Guillaume’s return, and of that young woman who smiled so + placidly at life, had brought him keen suffering, though why he could not + tell. However, it all irritated him beyond endurance; and he therefore + again pretended that he had a number of things to see to in Paris. He + shook hands in turn with the young men, Mere-Grand and Marie; both of the + women evincing great friendliness but also some surprise at his haste to + leave the house. Guillaume, who seemed saddened and anxious, sought to + detain him, and failing in this endeavour followed him into the little + garden, where he stopped him in order to have an explanation. + </p> + <p> + “Come,” said he, “what is the matter with you, Pierre? Why are you running + off like this?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! there’s nothing the matter I assure you; but I have to attend to a + few urgent affairs.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Pierre, pray put all pretence aside. Nobody here has displeased you + or hurt your feelings, I hope. They also will soon love you as I do.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt of it, and I complain of nobody excepting perhaps + myself.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume’s sorrow was increasing. “Ah! brother, little brother,” he + resumed, “you distress me, for I can detect that you are hiding something + from me. Remember that new ties have linked us together and that we love + one another as in the old days when you were in your cradle and I used to + come to play with you. I know you well, remember. I know all your + tortures, since you have confessed them to me; and I won’t have you + suffer, I want to cure you, I do!” + </p> + <p> + Pierre’s heart was full, and as he heard those words he could not restrain + his tears. “Oh! you must leave me to my sufferings,” he responded. “They + are incurable. You can do nothing for me, I am beyond the pale of nature, + I am a monster.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you say! Can you not return within nature’s pale even if you <i>have</i> + gone beyond it? One thing that I will not allow is that you should go and + shut yourself up in that solitary little house of yours, where you madden + yourself by brooding over the fall of your faith. Come and spend your time + with us, so that we may again give you some taste for life.” + </p> + <p> + Ah! the empty little house which awaited him! Pierre shivered at the + thought of it, at the idea that he would now find himself all alone there, + bereft of the brother with whom he had lately spent so many happy days. + Into what solitude and torment must he not now relapse after that + companionship to which he had become accustomed? However, the very thought + of the latter increased his grief, and confession suddenly gushed from his + lips: “To spend my time here, live with you, oh! no, that is an + impossibility. Why do you compel me to speak out, and tell you things that + I am ashamed of and do not even understand. Ever since this morning you + must have seen that I have been suffering here. No doubt it is because you + and your people work, whereas I do nothing, because you love one another + and believe in your efforts, whereas I no longer know how to love or + believe. I feel out of my element. I’m embarrassed here, and I embarrass + you. In fact you all irritate me, and I might end by hating you. There + remains nothing healthy in me, all natural feelings have been spoilt and + destroyed, and only envy and hatred could sprout up from such ruins. So + let me go back to my accursed hole, where death will some day come for me. + Farewell, brother!” + </p> + <p> + But Guillaume, full of affection and compassion, caught hold of his arms + and detained him. “You shall not go, I will not allow you to go, without a + positive promise that you will come back. I don’t wish to lose you again, + especially now that I know all you are worth and how dreadfully you + suffer. I will save you, if need be, in spite of yourself. I will cure you + of your torturing doubts, oh! without catechising you, without imposing + any particular faith on you, but simply by allowing life to do its work, + for life alone can give you back health and hope. So I beg you, brother, + in the name of our affection, come back here, come as often as you can to + spend a day with us. You will then see that when folks have allotted + themselves a task and work together in unison, they escape excessive + unhappiness. A task of any kind—yes, that is what is wanted, + together with some great passion and frank acceptance of life, so that it + may be lived as it should be and loved.” + </p> + <p> + “But what would be the use of my living here?” Pierre muttered bitterly. + “I’ve no task left me, and I no longer know how to love.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I will give you a task, and as for love, that will soon be awakened + by the breath of life. Come, brother, consent, consent!” + </p> + <p> + Then, seeing that Pierre still remained gloomy and sorrowful, and + persisted in his determination to go away and bury himself, Guillaume + added, “Ah! I don’t say that the things of this world are such as one + might wish them to be. I don’t say that only joy and truth and justice + exist. For instance, the affair of that unhappy fellow Salvat fills me + with anger and revolt. Guilty he is, of course, and yet how many excuses + he had, and how I shall pity him if the crimes of all of us are laid at + his door, if the various political gangs bandy him from one to another, + and use him as a weapon in their sordid fight for power. The thought of it + all so exasperates me that at times I am as unreasonable as yourself. But + now, brother, just to please me, promise that you will come and spend the + day after to-morrow with us.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as Pierre still kept silent, Guillaume went on: “I will have it so. + It would grieve me too much to think that you were suffering from + martyrdom in your solitary nook. I want to cure and save you.” + </p> + <p> + Tears again rose to Pierre’s eyes, and in a tone of infinite distress he + answered: “Don’t compel me to promise.... All I can say is that I will try + to conquer myself.” + </p> + <p> + The week he then spent in his little, dark, empty home proved a terrible + one. Shutting himself up he brooded over his despair at having lost the + companionship of that elder brother whom he once more loved with his whole + soul. He had never before been so keenly conscious of his solitude; and he + was a score of times on the point of hastening to Montmartre, for he + vaguely felt that affection, truth and life were there. But on each + occasion he was held back by a return of the discomfort which he had + already experienced, discomfort compounded of shame and fear. Priest that + he was, cut off from love and the avocations of other men, he would surely + find nothing but hurt and suffering among creatures who were all nature, + freedom and health. While he pondered thus, however, there rose before him + the shades of his father and mother, those sad spirits that seemed to + wander through the deserted rooms lamenting and entreating him to + reconcile them in himself, as soon as he should find peace. What was he to + do,—deny their prayer, and remain weeping with them, or go yonder in + search of the cure which might at last lull them to sleep and bring them + happiness in death by the force of his own happiness in life? At last a + morning came when it seemed to him that his father enjoined him with a + smile to betake himself yonder, while his mother consented with a glance + of her big soft eyes, in which her sorrow at having made so bad a priest + of him yielded to her desire to restore him to the life of our common + humanity. + </p> + <p> + Pierre did not argue with himself that day: he took a cab and gave + Guillaume’s address to the driver for fear lest he should be overcome on + the way and wish to turn back. And when he again found himself, as in a + dream, in the large work-shop, where Guillaume and the young men welcomed + him in a delicately affectionate way, he witnessed an unexpected scene + which both impressed and relieved him. + </p> + <p> + Marie, who had scarcely nodded to him as he entered, sat there with a pale + and frowning face. And Mere-Grand, who was also grave, said, after + glancing at her: “You must excuse her, Monsieur l’Abbe; but she isn’t + reasonable. She is in a temper with all five of us.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume began to laugh. “Ah! she’s so stubborn!” he exclaimed. “You can + have no idea, Pierre, of what goes on in that little head of hers when + anybody says or does anything contrary to her ideas of justice. Such + absolute and lofty ideas they are, that they can descend to no compromise. + For instance, we were talking of that recent affair of a father who was + found guilty on his son’s evidence; and she maintained that the son had + only done what was right in giving evidence against his father, and that + one ought invariably to tell the truth, no matter what might happen. What + a terrible public prosecutor she would make, eh?” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Marie, exasperated by Pierre’s smile, which seemingly indicated + that he also thought her in the wrong, flew into quite a passion: “You are + cruel, Guillaume!” she cried; “I won’t be laughed at like this.” + </p> + <p> + “But you are losing your senses, my dear,” exclaimed Francois, while + Thomas and Antoine again grew merry. “We were only urging a question of + humanity, father and I, for we respect and love justice as much as you + do.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s no question of humanity, but simply one of justice. What is just + and right is just and right, and you cannot alter it.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as Guillaume made a further attempt to state his views and win her + over to them, she rose trembling, in such a passion that she could + scarcely stammer: “No, no, you are all too cruel, you only want to grieve + me. I prefer to go up into my own room.” + </p> + <p> + At this Mere-Grand vainly sought to restrain her. “My child, my child!” + said she, “reflect a moment; this is very wrong, you will deeply regret + it.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; you are not just, and I suffer too much.” + </p> + <p> + Then she wildly rushed upstairs to her room overhead. + </p> + <p> + Consternation followed. Scenes of a similar character had occasionally + occurred before, but there had never been so serious a one. Guillaume + immediately admitted that he had done wrong in laughing at her, for she + could not bear irony. Then he told Pierre that in her childhood and youth + she had been subject to terrible attacks of passion whenever she witnessed + or heard of any act of injustice. As she herself explained, these attacks + would come upon her with irresistible force, transporting her to such a + point that she would sometimes fall upon the floor and rave. Even nowadays + she proved quarrelsome and obstinate whenever certain subjects were + touched upon. And she afterwards blushed for it all, fully conscious that + others must think her unbearable. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, a quarter of an hour later, she came downstairs again of her own + accord, and bravely acknowledged her fault. “Wasn’t it ridiculous of me?” + she said. “To think I accuse others of being unkind when I behave like + that! Monsieur l’Abbe must have a very bad opinion of me.” Then, after + kissing Mere-Grand, she added: “You’ll forgive me, won’t you? Oh! Francois + may laugh now, and so may Thomas and Antoine. They are quite right, our + differences are merely laughing matters.” + </p> + <p> + “My poor Marie,” replied Guillaume, in a tone of deep affection. “You see + what it is to surrender oneself to the absolute. If you are so healthy and + reasonable it’s because you regard almost everything from the relative + point of view, and only ask life for such gifts as it can bestow. But when + your absolute ideas of justice come upon you, you lose both equilibrium + and reason. At the same time, I must say that we are all liable to err in + much the same manner.” + </p> + <p> + Marie, who was still very flushed, thereupon answered in a jesting way: + “Well, it at least proves that I’m not perfect.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, certainly! And so much the better,” said Guillaume, “for it makes me + love you the more.” + </p> + <p> + This was a sentiment which Pierre himself would willingly have re-echoed. + The scene had deeply stirred him. Had not his own frightful torments + originated with his desire for the absolute both in things and beings? He + had sought faith in its entirety, and despair had thrown him into complete + negation. Again, was there not some evil desire for the absolute and some + affectation of pride and voluntary blindness in the haughty bearing which + he had retained amidst the downfall of his belief, the saintly reputation + which he had accepted when he possessed no faith at all? On hearing his + brother praise Marie, because she only asked life for such things as it + could give, it had seemed to him that this was advice for himself. It was + as if a refreshing breath of nature had passed before his face. At the + same time his feelings in this respect were still vague, and the only + well-defined pleasure that he experienced came from the young woman’s fit + of anger, that error of hers which brought her nearer to him, by lowering + her in some degree from her pedestal of serene perfection. It was, + perhaps, that seeming perfection which had made him suffer; however, he + was as yet unable to analyse his feelings. That day, for the first time, + he chatted with her for a little while, and when he went off he thought + her very good-hearted and very human. + </p> + <p> + Two days later he again came to spend the afternoon in the large sunlit + work-shop overlooking Paris. Ever since he had become conscious of the + idle life he was leading, he had felt very bored when he was alone, and + only found relief among that gay, hardworking family. His brother scolded + him for not having come to <i>dejeuner</i>, and he promised to do so on + the morrow. By the time a week had elapsed, none of the discomfort and + covert hostility which had prevailed between him and Marie remained: they + met and chatted on a footing of good fellowship. Although he was a priest, + she was in no wise embarrassed by his presence. With her quiet atheism, + indeed, she had never imagined that a priest could be different from other + men. Thus her sisterly cordiality both astonished and delighted Pierre. It + was as if he wore the same garments and held the same ideas as his big + nephews, as if there were nothing whatever to distinguish him from other + men. He was still more surprised, however, by Marie’s silence on all + religious questions. She seemed to live on quietly and happily, without a + thought of what might be beyond life, that terrifying realm of mystery, + which to him had brought such agony of mind. + </p> + <p> + Now that he came every two or three days to Montmartre she noticed that he + was suffering. What could be the matter with him, she wondered. When she + questioned him in a friendly manner and only elicited evasive replies, she + guessed that he was ashamed of his sufferings, and that they were + aggravated, rendered well-nigh incurable, by the very secrecy in which he + buried them. Thereupon womanly compassion awoke within her, and she felt + increasing affection for that tall, pale fellow with feverish eyes, who + was consumed by grievous torments which he would confess to none. No doubt + she questioned Guillaume respecting her brother’s sadness, and he must + have confided some of the truth to her in order that she might help him to + extricate Pierre from his sufferings, and give him back some taste for + life. The poor fellow always seemed so happy when she treated him like a + friend, a brother! + </p> + <p> + At last, one evening, on seeing his eyes full of tears as he gazed upon + the dismal twilight falling over Paris, she herself pressed him to confide + his trouble to her. And thereupon he suddenly spoke out, confessing all + his torture and the horrible void which the loss of faith had left within + him. Ah! to be unable to believe, to be unable to love, to be nothing but + ashes, to know of nothing certain by which he might replace the faith that + had fled from him! She listened in stupefaction. Why, he must be mad! And + she plainly told him so, such was her astonishment and revolt at hearing + such a desperate cry of wretchedness. To despair, indeed, and believe in + nothing and love nothing, simply because a religious hypothesis had + crumbled! And this, too, when the whole, vast world was spread before one, + life with the duty of living it, creatures and things to be loved and + succoured, without counting the universal labour, the task which one and + all came to accomplish! Assuredly he must be mad, mad with the gloomiest + madness; still she vowed she would cure him. + </p> + <p> + From that time forward she felt the most compassionate affection for this + extraordinary young man, who had first embarrassed and afterwards + astonished her. She showed herself very gentle and gay with him; she + looked after him with the greatest skill and delicacy of heart and mind. + There had been certain similar features in their childhood; each had been + reared in the strictest religious views by a pious mother. But afterwards + how different had been their fates! Whilst he was struggling with his + doubts, bound by his priestly vows, she had grown up at the Lycee Fenelon, + where her father had placed her as soon as her mother died; and there, far + removed from all practice of religion, she had gradually reached total + forgetfulness of her early religious views. It was a constant source of + surprise for him to find that she had thus escaped all distress of mind at + the thought of what might come after death, whereas that same thought had + so deeply tortured him. When they chatted together and he expressed his + astonishment at it, she frankly laughed, saying that she had never felt + any fear of hell, for she was certain that no hell existed. And she added + that she lived in all quietude, without hope of going to any heaven, her + one thought being to comply in a reasonable way with the requirements and + necessities of earthly life. It was, perhaps, in some measure a matter of + temperament with her; but it was also a matter of education. Yet, whatever + that education had been, whatever knowledge she had acquired, she had + remained very womanly and very loving. There was nothing stern or + masculine about her. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my friend,” she said one day to Pierre, “if you only knew how easy it + is for me to remain happy so long as I see those I love free from any + excessive suffering. For my own part I can always adapt myself to life. I + work and content myself no matter what may happen. Sorrow has only come to + me from others, for I can’t help wishing that everybody should be fairly + happy, and there are some who won’t.... I was for a long time very poor, + but I remained gay. I wish for nothing, except for things that can’t be + purchased. Still, want is the great abomination which distresses me. I can + understand that you should have felt everything crumbling when charity + appeared to you so insufficient a remedy as to be contemptible. Yet it + does bring relief; and, moreover, it is so sweet to be able to give. Some + day, too, by dint of reason and toil, by the good and efficient working of + life itself, the reign of justice will surely come. But now it’s I that am + preaching! Oh! I have little taste for it! It would be ridiculous for me + to try to heal you with big phrases. All the same, I should like to cure + you of your gloomy sufferings. To do so, all that I ask of you is to spend + as much time as you can with us. You know that this is Guillaume’s + greatest desire. We will all love you so well, you will see us all so + affectionately united, and so gay over our common work, that you will come + back to truth by joining us in the school of our good mother nature. You + must live and work, and love and hope.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre smiled as he listened. He now came to Montmartre nearly every day. + She was so nice and affectionate when she preached to him in that way with + a pretty assumption of wisdom. As she had said too, life was so delightful + in that big workroom; it was so pleasant to be all together, and to labour + in common at the same work of health and truth. Ashamed as Pierre was of + doing nothing, anxious as he was to occupy his mind and fingers, he had + first taken an interest in Antoine’s engraving, asking why he should not + try something of the kind himself. However, he felt that he lacked the + necessary gift for art. Then, too, he recoiled from Francois’ purely + intellectual labour, for he himself had scarcely emerged from the + harrowing study of conflicting texts. Thus he was more inclined for manual + toil like that of Thomas. In mechanics he found precision and clearness + such as might help to quench his thirst for certainty. So he placed + himself at the young man’s orders, pulled his bellows and held pieces of + mechanism for him. He also sometimes served as assistant to Guillaume, + tying a large blue apron over his cassock in order to help in the + experiments. From that time he formed part of the work-shop, which simply + counted a worker the more. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon early in April, when they were all busily engaged there, + Marie, who sat embroidering at the table in front of Mere-Grand, raised + her eyes to the window and suddenly burst into a cry of admiration: “Oh! + look at Paris under that rain of sunlight!” + </p> + <p> + Pierre drew near; the play of light was much the same as that which he had + witnessed at his first visit. The sun, sinking behind some slight purple + clouds, was throwing down a hail of rays and sparks which on all sides + rebounded and leapt over the endless stretch of roofs. It might have been + thought that some great sower, hidden amidst the glory of the planet, was + scattering handfuls of golden grain from one horizon to the other. + </p> + <p> + Pierre, at sight of it, put his fancy into words: “It is the sun sowing + Paris with grain for a future harvest,” said he. “See how the expanse + looks like ploughed land; the brownish houses are like soil turned up, and + the streets are deep and straight like furrows.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, that’s true,” exclaimed Marie gaily. “The sun is sowing Paris + with grain. See how it casts the seed of light and health right away to + the distant suburbs! And yet, how singular! The rich districts on the west + seem steeped in a ruddy mist, whilst the good seed falls in golden dust + over the left bank and the populous districts eastward. It is there, is it + not, that the crop will spring up?” + </p> + <p> + They had all drawn near, and were smiling at the symbol. As Marie had + said, it seemed indeed that while the sun slowly sank behind the lacework + of clouds, the sower of eternal life scattered his flaming seed with a + rhythmical swing of the arm, ever selecting the districts of toil and + effort. One dazzling handful of grain fell over yonder on the district of + the schools; and then yet another rained down to fertilise the district of + the factories and work-shops. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! well,” said Guillaume gaily. “May the crop soon sprout from the good + ground of our great Paris, which has been turned up by so many + revolutions, and enriched by the blood of so many workers! It is the only + ground in the world where Ideas can germinate and bloom. Yes, yes, Pierre + is quite right, it is the sun sowing Paris with the seed of the future + world, which can sprout only up here!” + </p> + <p> + Then Thomas, Francois and Antoine, who stood behind their father in a row, + nodded as if to say that this was also their own conviction; whilst + Mere-Grand gazed afar with dreamy eyes as though she could already behold + the splendid future. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! but it is only a dream; centuries must elapse. We shall never see + it!” murmured Pierre with a quiver. + </p> + <p> + “But others will!” cried Marie. “And does not that suffice?” + </p> + <p> + Those lofty words stirred Pierre to the depths of his being. And all at + once there came to him the memory of another Marie*—the adorable + Marie of his youth, that Marie de Guersaint who had been cured at Lourdes, + and the loss of whom had left such a void in his heart. Was that new Marie + who stood there smiling at him, so tranquil and so charming in her + strength, destined to heal that old-time wound? He felt that he was + beginning to live again since she had become his friend. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * The heroine of M. Zola’s “Lourdes.” + </pre> + <p> + Meantime, there before them, the glorious sun, with the sweep of its rays, + was scattering living golden dust over Paris, still and ever sowing the + great future harvest of justice and of truth. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0080" id="link2H_4_0080"></a> + II. TOWARDS LIFE + </h2> + <p> + ONE evening, at the close of a good day’s work, Pierre, who was helping + Thomas, suddenly caught his foot in the skirt of his cassock and narrowly + escaped falling. At this, Marie, after raising a faint cry of anxiety, + exclaimed: “Why don’t you take it off?” + </p> + <p> + There was no malice in her inquiry. She simply looked upon the priestly + robe as something too heavy and cumbersome, particularly when one had + certain work to perform. Nevertheless, her words deeply impressed Pierre, + and he could not forget them. When he was at home in the evening and + repeated them to himself they gradually threw him into feverish agitation. + Why, indeed, had he not divested himself of that cassock, which weighed so + heavily and painfully on his shoulders? Then a frightful struggle began + within him, and he spent a terrible, sleepless night, again a prey to all + his former torments. + </p> + <p> + At first sight it seemed a very simple matter that he should cast his + priestly gown aside, for had he not ceased to discharge any priestly + office? He had not said mass for some time past, and this surely meant + renunciation of the priesthood. Nevertheless, so long as he retained his + gown it was possible that he might some day say mass again, whereas if he + cast it aside he would, as it were, strip himself, quit the priesthood + entirely, without possibility of return. It was a terrible step to take, + one that would prove irrevocable; and thus he paced his room for hours, in + great anguish of mind. + </p> + <p> + He had formerly indulged in a superb dream. Whilst believing nothing + himself he had resolved to watch, in all loyalty, over the belief of + others. He would not so lower himself as to forswear his vows, he would be + no base renegade, but however great the torments of the void he felt + within him he would remain the minister of man’s illusions respecting the + Divinity. And it was by reason of his conduct in this respect that he had + ended by being venerated as a saint—he who denied everything, who + had become a mere empty sepulchre. For a long time his falsehood had never + disturbed him, but it now brought him acute suffering. It seemed to him + that he would be acting in the vilest manner if he delayed placing his + life in accord with his opinions. The thought of it all quite rent his + heart. + </p> + <p> + The question was a very clear one. By what right did he remain the + minister of a religion in which he no longer believed? Did not elementary + honesty require that he should quit a Church in which he denied the + presence of the Divinity? He regarded the dogmas of that Church as puerile + errors, and yet he persisted in teaching them as if they were eternal + truths. Base work it was, that alarmed his conscience. He vainly sought + the feverish glow of charity and martyrdom which had led him to offer + himself as a sacrifice, willing to suffer all the torture of doubt and to + find his own life lost and ravaged, provided that he might yet afford the + relief of hope to the lowly. Truth and nature, no doubt, had already + regained too much ascendancy over him for those feelings to return. The + thought of such a lying apostolate now wounded him; he no longer had the + hypocritical courage to call the Divinity down upon the believers kneeling + before him, when he was convinced that the Divinity would not descend. + Thus all the past was swept away; there remained nothing of the sublime + pastoral part he would once have liked to play, that supreme gift of + himself which lay in stubborn adherence to the rules of the Church, and + such devotion to faith as to endure in silence the torture of having lost + it. + </p> + <p> + What must Marie think of his prolonged falsehood, he wondered, and + thereupon he seemed to hear her words again: “Why not take your cassock + off?” His conscience bled as if those words were a stab. What contempt + must she not feel for him, she who was so upright, so high-minded? Every + scattered blame, every covert criticism directed against his conduct, + seemed to find embodiment in her. It now sufficed that she should condemn + him, and he at once felt guilty. At the same time she had never voiced her + disapproval to him, in all probability because she did not think she had + any right to intervene in a struggle of conscience. The superb calmness + and healthiness which she displayed still astonished him. He himself was + ever haunted and tortured by thoughts of the unknown, of what the morrow + of death might have in store for one; but although he had studied and + watched her for days together, he had never seen her give a sign of doubt + or distress. This exemption from such sufferings as his own was due, said + she, to the fact that she gave all her gaiety, all her energy, all her + sense of duty, to the task of living, in such wise that life itself proved + a sufficiency, and no time was left for mere fancies to terrify and + stultify her. Well, then, since she with her air of quiet strength had + asked him why he did not take off his cassock, he would take it off—yes, + he would divest himself of that robe which seemed to burn and weigh him + down. + </p> + <p> + He fancied himself calmed by this decision, and towards morning threw + himself upon his bed; but all at once a stifling sensation, a renewal of + his abominable anguish, brought him to his feet again. No, no, he could + not divest himself of that gown which clung so tightly to his flesh. His + skin would come away with his cloth, his whole being would be lacerated! + Is not the mark of priesthood an indelible one, does it not brand the + priest for ever, and differentiate him from the flock? Even should he tear + off his gown with his skin, he would remain a priest, an object of scandal + and shame, awkward and impotent, shut off from the life of other men. And + so why tear it off, since he would still and ever remain in prison, and a + fruitful life of work in the broad sunlight was no longer within his + reach? He, indeed, fancied himself irremediably stricken with impotence. + Thus he was unable to come to any decision, and when he returned to + Montmartre two days later he had again relapsed into a state of torment. + </p> + <p> + Feverishness, moreover, had come upon the happy home. Guillaume was + becoming more and more annoyed about Salvat’s affair, not a day elapsing + without the newspapers fanning his irritation. He had at first been deeply + touched by the dignified and reticent bearing of Salvat, who had declared + that he had no accomplices whatever. Of course the inquiry into the crime + was what is called a secret one; but magistrate Amadieu, to whom it had + been entrusted, conducted it in a very noisy way. The newspapers, which he + in some degree took into his confidence, were full of articles and + paragraphs about him and his interviews with the prisoner. Thanks to + Salvat’s quiet admissions, Amadieu had been able to retrace the history of + the crime hour by hour, his only remaining doubts having reference to the + nature of the powder which had been employed, and the making of the bomb + itself. It might after all be true that Salvat had loaded the bomb at a + friend’s, as he indeed asserted was the case; but he must be lying when he + added that the only explosive used was dynamite, derived from some stolen + cartridges, for all the experts now declared that dynamite would never + have produced such effects as those which had been witnessed. This, then, + was the mysterious point which protracted the investigations. And day by + day the newspapers profited by it to circulate the wildest stories under + sensational headings, which were specially devised for the purpose of + sending up their sales. + </p> + <p> + It was all the nonsense contained in these stories that fanned Guillaume’s + irritation. In spite of his contempt for Sagnier he could not keep from + buying the “Voix du Peuple.” Quivering with indignation, growing more and + more exasperated, he was somehow attracted by the mire which he found in + that scurrilous journal. Moreover, the other newspapers, including even + the “Globe,” which was usually so dignified, published all sorts of + statements for which no proof could be supplied, and drew from them + remarks and conclusions which, though couched in milder language than + Sagnier’s, were none the less abominably unjust. It seemed indeed as if + the whole press had set itself the task of covering Salvat with mud, so as + to be able to vilify Anarchism generally. According to the journalists the + prisoner’s life had simply been one long abomination. He had already + earned his living by thievery in his childhood at the time when he had + roamed the streets, an unhappy, forsaken vagrant; and later on he had + proved a bad soldier and a bad worker. He had been punished for + insubordination whilst he was in the army, and he had been dismissed from + a dozen work-shops because he incessantly disturbed them by his Anarchical + propaganda. Later still, he had fled his country and led a suspicious life + of adventure in America, where, it was alleged, he must have committed all + sorts of unknown crimes. Moreover there was his horrible immorality, his + connection with his sister-in-law, that Madame Theodore who had taken + charge of his forsaken child in his absence, and with whom he had + cohabited since his return to France. In this wise Salvat’s failings and + transgressions were pitilessly denounced and magnified without any mention + of the causes which had induced them, or of the excuses which lay in the + unhappy man’s degrading environment. And so Guillaume’s feelings of + humanity and justice revolted, for he knew the real Salvat,—a man of + tender heart and dreamy mind, so liable to be impassioned by fancies,—a + man cast into life when a child without weapon of defence, ever trodden + down or thrust aside, then gradually exasperated by the perpetual + onslaughts of want, and at last dreaming of reviving the golden age by + destroying the old, corrupt world. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately for Salvat, everything had gone against him since he had + been shut up in strict confinement, at the mercy of the ambitious and + worldly Amadieu. Guillaume had learnt from his son, Thomas, that the + prisoner could count on no support whatever among his former mates at the + Grandidier works. These works were becoming prosperous once more, thanks + to their steady output of bicycles; and it was said that Grandidier was + only waiting for Thomas to perfect his little motor, in order to start the + manufacture of motor-cars on a large scale. However, the success which he + was now for the first time achieving, and which scarcely repaid him for + all his years of toil and battle, had in certain respects rendered him + prudent and even severe. He did not wish any suspicion to be cast upon his + business through the unpleasant affair of his former workman Salvat, and + so he had dismissed such of his workmen as held Anarchist views. If he had + kept the two Toussaints, one of whom was the prisoner’s brother-in-law, + while the other was suspected of sympathy with him, this was because they + had belonged to the works for a score of years, and he did not like to + cast them adrift. Moreover, Toussaint, the father, had declared that if he + were called as a witness for the defence, he should simply give such + particulars of Salvat’s career as related to the prisoner’s marriage with + his sister. + </p> + <p> + One evening when Thomas came home from the works, to which he returned + every now and then in order to try his little motor, he related that he + had that day seen Madame Grandidier, the poor young woman who had become + insane through an attack of puerperal fever following upon the death of a + child. Although most frightful attacks of madness occasionally came over + her, and although life beside her was extremely painful, even during the + intervals when she remained downcast and gentle as a child, her husband + had never been willing to send her to an asylum. He kept her with him in a + pavilion near the works, and as a rule the shutters of the windows + overlooking the yard remained closed. Thus Thomas had been greatly + surprised to see one of these windows open, and the young woman appear at + it amidst the bright sunshine of that early spring. True, she only + remained there for a moment, vision-like, fair and pretty, with smiling + face; for a servant who suddenly drew near closed the window, and the + pavilion then again sank into lifeless silence. At the same time it was + reported among the men employed at the works that the poor creature had + not experienced an attack for well-nigh a month past, and that this was + the reason why the “governor” looked so strong and pleased, and worked so + vigorously to help on the increasing prosperity of his business. + </p> + <p> + “He isn’t a bad fellow,” added Thomas, “but with the terrible competition + that he has to encounter, he is bent on keeping his men under control. + Nowadays, says he, when so many capitalists and wage earners seem bent on + exterminating one another, the latter—if they don’t want to starve—ought + to be well pleased when capital falls into the hands of an active, + fair-minded man.... If he shows no pity for Salvat, it is because he + really believes in the necessity of an example.” + </p> + <p> + That same day Thomas, after leaving the works and while threading his way + through the toilsome hive-like Marcadet district, had overtaken Madame + Theodore and little Celine, who were wandering on in great distress. It + appeared that they had just called upon Toussaint, who had been unable to + lend them even such a trifle as ten sous. Since Salvat’s arrest, the woman + and the child had been forsaken and suspected by one and all. Driven forth + from their wretched lodging, they were without food and wandered hither + and thither dependent on chance alms. Never had greater want and misery + fallen on defenceless creatures. + </p> + <p> + “I told them to come up here, father,” said Thomas, “for I thought that + one might pay their landlord a month’s rent, so that they might go home + again.... Ah! there’s somebody coming now—it’s they, no doubt.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume had felt angry with himself whilst listening to his son, for he + had not thought of the poor creatures. It was the old story: the man + disappears, and the woman and the child find themselves in the streets, + starving. Whenever Justice strikes a man her blow travels beyond him, + fells innocent beings and kills them. + </p> + <p> + Madame Theodore came in, humble and timid, scared like a luckless creature + whom life never wearies of persecuting. She was becoming almost blind, and + little Celine had to lead her. The girl’s fair, thin face wore its wonted + expression of shrewd intelligence, and even now, however woeful her rags, + it was occasionally brightened by a childish smile. + </p> + <p> + Pierre and Marie, who were both there, felt extremely touched. Near them + was Madame Mathis, young Victor’s mother, who had come to help Mere-Grand + with the mending of some house-linen. She went out by the day in this + fashion among a few families, and was thus enabled to give her son an + occasional franc or two. Guillaume alone questioned Madame Theodore. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! monsieur,” she stammered, “who could ever have thought Salvat capable + of such a thing, he who’s so good and so humane? Still it’s true, since he + himself has admitted it to the magistrate.... For my part I told everybody + that he was in Belgium. I wasn’t quite sure of it, still I’m glad that he + didn’t come back to see us; for if he had been arrested at our place I + should have lost my senses.... Well, now that they have him, they’ll + sentence him to death, that’s certain.” + </p> + <p> + At this Celine, who had been looking around her with an air of interest, + piteously exclaimed: “Oh! no, oh! no, mamma, they won’t hurt him!” + </p> + <p> + Big tears appeared in the child’s eyes as she raised this cry. Guillaume + kissed her, and then went on questioning Madame Theodore. + </p> + <p> + “Well, monsieur,” she answered, “the child’s not old or big enough to work + as yet, and my eyes are done for, people won’t even take me as a + charwoman. And so it’s simple enough, we starve.... Oh! of course I’m not + without relations; I have a sister who married very well. Her husband is a + clerk, Monsieur Chretiennot, perhaps you know him. Unfortunately he’s + rather proud, and as I don’t want any scenes between him and my sister, I + no longer go to see her. Besides, she’s in despair just now, for she’s + expecting another baby, which is a terrible blow for a small household, + when one already has two girls.... That’s why the only person I can apply + to is my brother Toussaint. His wife isn’t a bad sort by any means, but + she’s no longer the same since she’s been living in fear of her husband + having another attack. The first one carried off all her savings, and what + would become of her if Toussaint should remain on her hands, paralysed? + Besides, she’s threatened with another burden, for, as you may know, her + son Charles got keeping company with a servant at a wine shop, who of + course ran away after she had a baby, which she left him to see to. So one + can understand that the Toussaints themselves are hard put. I don’t + complain of them. They’ve already lent me a little money, and of course + they can’t go on lending for ever.” + </p> + <p> + She continued talking in this spiritless, resigned way, complaining only + on account of Celine; for, said she, it was enough to make one’s heart + break to see such an intelligent child obliged to tramp the streets after + getting on so well at the Communal School. She could feel too that + everybody now kept aloof from them on account of Salvat. The Toussaints + didn’t want to be compromised in any such business. There was only + Charles, who had said that he could well understand a man losing his head + and trying to blow up the <i>bourgeois</i>, because they really treated + the workers in a blackguard way. + </p> + <p> + “For my part, monsieur,” added Madame Theodore, “I say nothing, for I’m + only a woman. All the same, though, if you’d like to know what I think, + well, I think that it would have been better if Salvat hadn’t done what he + did, for we two, the girl and I, are the real ones to suffer from it. Ah! + I can’t get the idea into my head, that the little one should be the + daughter of a man condemned to death.” + </p> + <p> + Once more Celine interrupted her, flinging her arms around her neck: “Oh! + mamma, oh! mamma, don’t say that, I beg you! It can’t be true, it grieves + me too much!” + </p> + <p> + At this Pierre and Marie exchanged compassionate glances, while Mere-Grand + rose from her chair, in order to go upstairs and search her wardrobes for + some articles of clothing which might be of use to the two poor creatures. + Guillaume, who, for his part, had been moved to tears, and felt full of + revolt against the social system which rendered such distress possible, + slipped some alms into the child’s little hand, and promised Madame + Theodore that he would see her landlord so as to get her back her room. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Monsieur Froment!” replied the unfortunate woman. “Salvat was quite + right when he said you were a real good man! And as you employed him here + for a few days you know too that he isn’t a wicked one.... Now that he’s + been put in prison everybody calls him a brigand, and it breaks my heart + to hear them.” Then, turning towards Madame Mathis, who had continued + sewing in discreet silence, like a respectable woman whom none of these + things could concern, she went on: “I know you, madame, but I’m better + acquainted with your son, Monsieur Victor, who has often come to chat at + our place. Oh! you needn’t be afraid, I shan’t say it, I shall never + compromise anybody; but if Monsieur Victor were free to speak, he’d be the + man to explain Salvat’s ideas properly.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Mathis looked at her in stupefaction. Ignorant as she was of her + son’s real life and views, she experienced a vague dread at the idea of + any connection between him and Salvat’s family. Moreover, she refused to + believe it possible. “Oh! you must be mistaken,” she said. “Victor told me + that he now seldom came to Montmartre, as he was always going about in + search of work.” + </p> + <p> + By the anxious quiver of the widow’s voice, Madame Theodore understood + that she ought not to have mixed her up in her troubles; and so in all + humility she at once beat a retreat: “I beg your pardon, madame, I didn’t + think I should hurt your feelings. Perhaps, too, I’m mistaken, as you + say.” + </p> + <p> + Madame Mathis had again turned to her sewing as to the solitude in which + she lived, that nook of decent misery where she dwelt without + companionship and almost unknown, with scarcely sufficient bread to eat. + Ah! that dear son of hers, whom she loved so well; however much he might + neglect her, she had placed her only remaining hope in him: he was her + last dream, and would some day lavish all kinds of happiness upon her! + </p> + <p> + At that moment Mere-Grand came downstairs again, laden with a bundle of + linen and woollen clothing, and Madame Theodore and little Celine withdrew + while pouring forth their thanks. For a long time after they had gone + Guillaume, unable to resume work, continued walking to and fro in silence, + with a frown upon his face. + </p> + <p> + When Pierre, still hesitating and still tortured by conflicting feelings, + returned to Montmartre on the following day he witnessed with much + surprise a visit of a very different kind. There was a sudden gust of + wind, a whirl of skirts and a ring of laughter as little Princess + Rosemonde swept in, followed by young Hyacinthe Duvillard, who, on his + side, retained a very frigid bearing. + </p> + <p> + “It’s I, my dear master,” exclaimed the Princess. “I promised you a visit, + you remember, for I am such a great admirer of your genius. And our young + friend here has been kind enough to bring me. We have only just returned + from Norway, and my very first visit is for you.” + </p> + <p> + She turned as she spoke, and bowed in an easy and gracious way to Pierre + and Marie, Francois and Antoine, who were also there. Then she resumed: + “Oh! my dear master, you have no idea how beautifully virginal Norway is! + We all ought to go and drink at that new source of the Ideal, and we + should return purified, rejuvenated and capable of great renunciations!” + </p> + <p> + As a matter of fact she had been well-nigh bored to death there. To make + one’s honeymoon journey to the land of the ice and snow, instead of to + Italy, the hot land of the sun, was doubtless a very refined idea, which + showed that no base materialism formed part of one’s affections. It was + the soul alone that travelled, and naturally it was fit that only kisses + of the soul should be exchanged on the journey. Unfortunately, however, + Hyacinthe had carried his symbolism so far as to exasperate Rosemonde, and + on one occasion they had come to blows over it, and then to tears when + this lover’s quarrel had ended as many such quarrels do. Briefly, they had + no longer deemed themselves pure enough for the companionship of the swans + and the lakes of dreamland, and had therefore taken the first steamer that + was sailing for France. + </p> + <p> + As it was altogether unnecessary to confess to everybody what a failure + their journey had proved, the Princess abruptly brought her rapturous + references to Norway to an end, and then explained: “By the way, do you + know what I found awaiting me on my return? Why, I found my house + pillaged, oh! completely pillaged! And in such a filthy condition, too! We + at once recognised the mark of the beast, and thought of Bergaz’s young + friends.” + </p> + <p> + Already on the previous day Guillaume had read in the newspapers that a + band of young Anarchists had entered the Princess’s little house by + breaking a basement window. She had left it quite deserted, unprotected + even by a caretaker; and the robbers had not merely removed everything + from the premises—including even the larger articles of furniture, + but had lived there for a couple of days, bringing provisions in from + outside, drinking all the wine in the cellars, and leaving every room in a + most filthy and disgusting condition. On discovering all this, Rosemonde + had immediately remembered the evening she had spent at the Chamber of + Horrors in the company of Bergaz and his acolytes, Rossi and Sanfaute, who + had heard her speak of her intended trip to Norway. The two young men had + therefore been arrested, but Bergaz had so far escaped. The Princess was + not greatly astonished by it all, for she had already been warned of the + presence of dangerous characters among the mixed cosmopolitan set with + which she associated. Janzen had told her in confidence of a number of + villanous affairs which were attributed to Bergaz and his band. And now + the Anarchist leader openly declared that Bergaz had sold himself to the + police like Raphanel; and that the burglary at the Princess’s residence + had been planned by the police officials, who thereby hoped to cover the + Anarchist cause with mire. If proof was wanted of this, added Janzen, it + could be found in the fact that the police had allowed Bergaz to escape. + </p> + <p> + “I fancied that the newspapers might have exaggerated matters,” said + Guillaume, when the Princess had finished her story. “They are inventing + such abominable things just now, in order to blacken the case of that poor + devil Salvat.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! they’ve exaggerated nothing!” Rosemonde gaily rejoined. “As a matter + of fact they have omitted a number of particulars which were too filthy + for publication.... For my part, I’ve merely had to go to an hotel. I’m + very comfortable there; I was beginning to feel bored in that house of + mine.... All the same, however, Anarchism is hardly a clean business, and + I no longer like to say that I have any connection with it.” + </p> + <p> + She again laughed, and then passed to another subject, asking Guillaume to + tell her of his most recent researches, in order, no doubt, that she might + show she knew enough chemistry to understand him. He had been rendered + thoughtful, however, by the story of Bergaz and the burglary, and would + only answer her in a general way. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Hyacinthe was renewing his acquaintance with his school-fellows, + Francois and Antoine. He had accompanied the Princess to Montmartre + against his own inclinations; but since she had taken to whipping him he + had become afraid of her. The chemist’s little home filled him with + disdain, particularly as the chemist was a man of questionable reputation. + Moreover, he thought it a duty to insist on his own superiority in the + presence of those old school-fellows of his, whom he found toiling away in + the common rut, like other people. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! yes,” said he to Francois, who was taking notes from a book spread + open before him, “you are at the Ecole Normale, I believe, and are + preparing for your licentiate. Well, for my part, you know, the idea of + being tied to anything horrifies me. I become quite stupid when there’s + any question of examination or competition. The only possible road for one + to follow is that of the Infinite. And between ourselves what dupery there + is in science, how it narrows our horizon! It’s just as well to remain a + child with eyes gazing into the invisible. A child knows more than all + your learned men.” + </p> + <p> + Francois, who occasionally indulged in irony, pretended to share his + opinion. “No doubt, no doubt,” said he, “but one must have a natural + disposition to remain a child. For my part, unhappily, I’m consumed by a + desire to learn and know. It’s deplorable, as I’m well aware, but I pass + my days racking my brain over books.... I shall never know very much, + that’s certain; and perhaps that’s the reason why I’m ever striving to + learn a little more. You must at all events grant that work, like + idleness, is a means of passing life, though of course it is a less + elegant and aesthetic one.” + </p> + <p> + “Less aesthetic, precisely,” rejoined Hyacinthe. “Beauty lies solely in + the unexpressed, and life is simply degraded when one introduces anything + material into it.” + </p> + <p> + Simpleton though he was in spite of the enormity of his pretensions, he + doubtless detected that Francois had been speaking ironically. So he + turned to Antoine, who had remained seated in front of a block he was + engraving. It was the one which represented Lise reading in her garden, + for he was ever taking it in hand again and touching it up in his desire + to emphasise his indication of the girl’s awakening to intelligence and + life. + </p> + <p> + “So you engrave, I see,” said Hyacinthe. “Well, since I renounced + versification—a little poem I had begun on the End of Woman—because + words seemed to me so gross and cumbersome, mere paving-stones as it were, + fit for labourers, I myself have had some idea of trying drawing, and + perhaps engraving too. But what drawing can portray the mystery which lies + beyond life, the only sphere that has any real existence and importance + for us? With what pencil and on what kind of plate could one depict it? We + should need something impalpable, something unheard of, which would merely + suggest the essence of things and beings.” + </p> + <p> + “But it’s only by material means,” Antoine somewhat roughly replied, “that + art can render the essence of things and beings, that is, their full + significance as we understand it. To transcribe life is my great passion; + and briefly life is the only mystery that there is in things and beings. + When it seems to me that an engraving of mine lives, I’m well pleased, for + I feel that I have created.” + </p> + <p> + Hyacinthe pouted by way of expressing his contempt of all fruitfulness. + Any fool might beget offspring. It was the sexless idea, existing by + itself, that was rare and exquisite. He tried to explain this, but became + confused, and fell back on the conviction which he had brought back from + Norway, that literature and art were done for in France, killed by + baseness and excess of production. + </p> + <p> + “It’s evident!” said Francois gaily by way of conclusion. “To do nothing + already shows that one has some talent!” + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Pierre and Marie listened and gazed around them, somewhat + embarrassed by this strange visit which had set the usually grave and + peaceful workroom topsy-turvy. The little Princess, though, evinced much + amiability, and on drawing near to Marie admired the wonderful delicacy of + some embroidery she was finishing. Before leaving, moreover, Rosemonde + insisted upon Guillaume inscribing his autograph in an album which + Hyacinthe had to fetch from her carriage. The young man obeyed her with + evident boredom. It could be seen that they were already weary of one + another. Pending a fresh caprice, however, it amused Rosemonde to + terrorize her sorry victim. When she at length led him away, after + declaring to Guillaume that she should always regard that visit as a + memorable incident in her life, she made the whole household smile by + saying: “Oh! so your sons knew Hyacinthe at college. He’s a good-natured + little fellow, isn’t he? and he would really be quite nice if he would + only behave like other people.” + </p> + <p> + That same day Janzen and Bache came to spend the evening with Guillaume. + Once a week they now met at Montmartre, as they had formerly done at + Neuilly. Pierre, on these occasions, went home very late, for as soon as + Mere-Grand, Marie, and Guillaume’s sons had retired for the night, there + were endless chats in the workroom, whence Paris could be seen spangled + with thousands of gas lights. Another visitor at these times was Theophile + Morin, but he did not arrive before ten o’clock, as he was detained by the + work of correcting his pupils’ exercises or some other wearisome labour + pertaining to his profession. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Guillaume had told the others of the Princess’s visit that + afternoon, Janzen hastily exclaimed: “But she’s mad, you know. When I + first met her I thought for a moment that I might perhaps utilise her for + the cause. She seemed so thoroughly convinced and bold! But I soon found + that she was the craziest of women, and simply hungered for new emotions!” + </p> + <p> + Janzen was at last emerging from his wonted frigidity and mysteriousness. + His cheeks were quite flushed. In all probability he had suffered from his + rupture with the woman whom he had once called ‘the Queen of the + Anarchists,’ and whose fortune and extensive circle of acquaintance had + seemed to him such powerful weapons of propaganda. + </p> + <p> + “You know,” said he, when he had calmed down, “it was the police who had + her house pillaged and turned into a pigstye. Yes, in view of Salvat’s + trial, which is now near at hand, the idea was to damn Anarchism beyond + possibility of even the faintest sympathy on the part of the <i>bourgeois</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, she told me so,” replied Guillaume, who had become attentive. “But I + scarcely credit the story. If Bergaz had merely acted under such influence + as you suggest, he would have been arrested with the others, just as + Raphanel was taken with those whom he betrayed. Besides, I know something + of Bergaz; he’s a freebooter.” Guillaume made a sorrowful gesture, and + then in a saddened voice continued: “Oh, I can understand all claims and + all legitimate reprisals. But theft, cynical theft for the purpose of + profit and enjoyment, is beyond me! It lowers my hope of a better and more + equitable form of society. Yes, that burglary at the Princess’s house has + greatly distressed me.” + </p> + <p> + An enigmatical smile, sharp like a knife, again played over Janzen’s lips. + “Oh! it’s a matter of heredity with you!” said he. “The centuries of + education and belief that lie behind you compel you to protest. All the + same, however, when people won’t make restoration, things must be taken + from them. What worries me is that Bergaz should have sold himself just + now. The public prosecutor will use that farcical burglary as a crushing + argument when he asks the jury for Salvat’s head.” + </p> + <p> + Such was Janzen’s hatred of the police that he stubbornly clung to his + version of the affair. Perhaps, too, he had quarrelled with Bergaz, with + whom he had at one time freely associated. + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, who understood that all discussion would be useless, contented + himself with replying: “Ah! yes, Salvat! Everything is against that + unhappy fellow, he is certain to be condemned. But you can’t know, my + friends, what a passion that affair of his puts me into. All my ideas of + truth and justice revolt at the thought of it. He’s a madman certainly; + but there are so many excuses to be urged for him. At bottom he is simply + a martyr who has followed the wrong track. And yet he has become the + scapegoat, laden with the crimes of the whole nation, condemned to pay for + one and all!” + </p> + <p> + Bache and Morin nodded without replying. They both professed horror of + Anarchism; while Morin, forgetting that the word if not the thing dated + from his first master Proudhon, clung to his Comtist doctrines, in the + conviction that science alone would ensure the happiness and pacification + of the nations. Bache, for his part, old mystical humanitarian that he + was, claimed that the only solution would come from Fourier, who by + decreeing an alliance of talent, labour and capital, had mapped out the + future in a decisive manner. Nevertheless, both Bache and Morin were so + discontented with the slow-paced <i>bourgeoise</i> Republic of the present + day, and so hurt by the thought that everything was going from bad to + worse through the flouting of their own particular ideas, that they were + quite willing to wax indignant at the manner in which the conflicting + parties of the time were striving to make use of Salvat in order to retain + or acquire power. + </p> + <p> + “When one thinks,” said Bache, “that this ministerial crisis of theirs has + now been lasting for nearly three weeks! Every appetite is openly + displayed, it’s a most disgusting sight! Did you see in the papers this + morning that the President has again been obliged to summon Vignon to the + Elysee?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! the papers,” muttered Morin in his weary way, “I no longer read them! + What’s the use of doing so? They are so badly written, and they all lie!” + </p> + <p> + As Bache had said, the ministerial crisis was still dragging on. The + President of the Republic, taking as his guide the debate in the Chamber + of Deputies, by which the Barroux administration had been overthrown, had + very properly sent for Vignon, the victor on that occasion, and entrusted + him with the formation of a new ministry. It had seemed that this would be + an easy task, susceptible of accomplishment in two or three days at the + utmost, for the names of the friends whom the young leader of the Radical + party would bring to power with him had been freely mentioned for months + past. But all sorts of difficulties had suddenly arisen. For ten days or + so Vignon had struggled on amidst inextricable obstacles. Then, + disheartened and disgusted, fearing, too, that he might use himself up and + shut off the future if he persisted in his endeavours, he had been obliged + to tell the President that he renounced the task. Forthwith the President + had summoned other deputies, and questioned them until he had found one + brave enough to make an attempt on his own account; whereupon incidents + similar to those which had marked Vignon’s endeavours had once more + occurred. At the outset a list was drawn up with every prospect of being + ratified within a few hours, but all at once hesitation arose, some pulled + one way, some another; every effort was slowly paralysed till absolute + failure resulted. It seemed as though the mysterious manoeuvres which had + hampered Vignon had begun again; it was as if some band of invisible + plotters was, for some unknown purpose, doing its utmost to wreck every + combination. A thousand hindrances arose with increasing force from every + side—jealousy, dislike, and even betrayal were secretly prompted by + expert agents, who employed every form of pressure, whether threats or + promises, besides fanning and casting rival passions and interests into + collision. Thus the President, greatly embarrassed by this posture of + affairs, had again found it necessary to summon Vignon, who, after + reflection and negotiation, now had an almost complete list in his pocket, + and seemed likely to perfect a new administration within the next + forty-eight hours. + </p> + <p> + “Still it isn’t settled,” resumed Bache. “Well-informed people assert that + Vignon will fail again as he did the first time. For my part I can’t get + rid of the idea that Duvillard’s gang is pulling the strings, though for + whose benefit is a mystery. You may be quite sure, however, that its chief + purpose is to stifle the African Railways affair. If Monferrand were not + so badly compromised I should almost suspect some trick on his part. Have + you noticed that the ‘Globe,’ after throwing Barroux overboard in all + haste, now refers to Monferrand every day with the most respectful + sympathy? That’s a grave sign; for it isn’t Fonsegue’s habit to show any + solicitude for the vanquished. But what can one expect from that wretched + Chamber! The only point certain is that something dirty is being plotted + there.” + </p> + <p> + “And that big dunderhead Mege who works for every party except his own!” + exclaimed Morin; “what a dupe he is with that idea that he need merely + overthrow first one cabinet and then another, in order to become the + leader of one himself!” + </p> + <p> + The mention of Mege brought them all to agreement, for they unanimously + hated him. Bache, although his views coincided on many points with those + of the apostle of State Collectivism, judged each of his speeches, each of + his actions, with pitiless severity. Janzen, for his part, treated the + Collectivist leader as a mere reactionary <i>bourgeois</i>, who ought to + be swept away one of the first. This hatred of Mege was indeed the common + passion of Guillaume’s friends. They could occasionally show some justice + for men who in no wise shared their ideas; but in their estimation it was + an unpardonable crime for anybody to hold much the same views as + themselves, without being absolutely in agreement with them on every + possible point. + </p> + <p> + Their discussion continued, their various theories mingling or clashing + till they passed from politics to the press, and grew excited over the + denunciations which poured each morning from Sagnier’s newspaper, like + filth from the mouth of a sewer. Thereupon Guillaume, who had become + absorbed in reverie while pacing to and fro according to his habit, + suddenly exclaimed: “Ah! what dirty work it is that Sagnier does! Before + long there won’t be a single person, a single thing left on which he + hasn’t vomited! You think he’s on your side, and suddenly he splashes you + with mire!... By the way, he related yesterday that skeleton keys and + stolen purses were found on Salvat when he was arrested in the Bois de + Boulogne! It’s always Salvat! He’s the inexhaustible subject for articles. + The mere mention of him suffices to send up a paper’s sales! The + bribe-takers of the African Railways shout ‘Salvat!’ to create a + diversion. And the battles which wreck ministers are waged round his name. + One and all set upon him and make use of him and beat him down!” + </p> + <p> + With that cry of revolt and compassion, the friends separated for the + night. Pierre, who sat near the open window, overlooking the sparkling + immensity of Paris, had listened to the others without speaking a word. He + had once more been mastered by his doubts, the terrible struggle of his + heart and mind; and no solution, no appeasement had come to him from all + the contradictory views he had heard—the views of men who only + united in predicting the disappearance of the old world, and could make no + joint brotherly effort to rear the future world of truth and justice. In + that vast city of Paris stretching below him, spangled with stars, + glittering like the sky of a summer’s night, Pierre also found a great + enigma. It was like chaos, like a dim expanse of ashes dotted with sparks + whence the coming aurora would arise. What future was being forged there, + he wondered, what decisive word of salvation and happiness would come with + the dawn, and wing its flight to every point of the horizon? + </p> + <p> + When Pierre, in his turn, was about to retire, Guillaume laid his hands + upon his shoulders, and with much emotion gave him a long look. “Ah! my + poor fellow,” said he, “you’ve been suffering too for some days past, I + have noticed it. But you are the master of your sufferings, for the + struggle you have to overcome is simply in yourself, and you can subdue + it; whereas one cannot subdue the world, when it is the world, its cruelty + and injustice that make one suffer! Good night, be brave, act as your + reason tells you, even if it makes you weep, and you will find peace + surely enough.” + </p> + <p> + Later on, when Pierre again found himself alone in his little house at + Neuilly, where none now visited him save the shades of his father and + mother, he was long kept awake by a supreme internal combat. He had never + before felt so disgusted with the falsehood of his life, that cassock + which he had persisted in wearing, though he was a priest in name only. + Perhaps it was all that he had beheld and heard at his brother’s, the want + and wretchedness of some, the wild, futile agitation of others, the need + of improvement among mankind which remained paramount amidst every + contradiction and form of weakness, that had made him more deeply + conscious of the necessity of living in loyal and normal fashion in the + broad daylight. He could no longer think of his former dream of leading + the solitary life of a saintly priest when he was nothing of the kind, + without a shiver of shame at having lied so long. And now it was quite + decided, he would lie no longer, not even from feelings of compassion in + order that others might retain their religious illusions. And yet how + painful it was to have to divest himself of that gown which seemed to + cling to his skin, and how heartrending the thought that if he did remove + it he would be skinless, lacerated, infirm, unable, do what he might, to + become like other men! + </p> + <p> + It was this recurring thought which again tortured him throughout that + terrible night. Would life yet allow him to enter its fold? Had he not + been branded with a mark which for ever condemned him to dwell apart? He + thought he could feel his priestly vows burning his very flesh like + red-hot iron. What use would it be for him to dress as men dress, if in + reality he was never to be a man? He had hitherto lived in such a + quivering state, in a sphere of renunciation and dreams! To know manhood + never, to be too late for it, that thought filled him with terror. And + when at last he made up his mind to fling aside his cassock, he did so + from a simple sense of rectitude, for all his anguish remained. + </p> + <p> + When he returned to Montmartre on the following day, he wore a jacket and + trousers of a dark colour. Neither an exclamation nor a glance that might + have embarrassed him came from Mere-Grand or the three young men. Was not + the change a natural one? They greeted him therefore in the quiet way that + was usual with them; perhaps, with some increase of affection, as if to + set him the more at his ease. Guillaume, however, ventured to smile + good-naturedly. In that change he detected his own work. Cure was coming, + as he had hoped it would come, by him and in his own home, amid the full + sunlight, the life which ever streamed in through yonder window. + </p> + <p> + Marie, who on her side raised her eyes and looked at Pierre, knew nothing + of the sufferings which he had endured through her simple and logical + inquiry: “Why not take your cassock off?” She merely felt that by removing + it he would be more at ease for his work. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Pierre, just come and look!” she suddenly exclaimed. “I have been + amusing myself with watching all the smoke which the wind is laying yonder + over Paris. One might take it to be a huge fleet of ships shining in the + sunlight. Yes, yes, golden ships, thousands of golden ships, setting forth + from the ocean of Paris to enlighten and pacify the world!” + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0081" id="link2H_4_0081"></a> + III. THE DAWN OF LOVE + </h2> + <p> + A COUPLE of days afterwards, when Pierre was already growing accustomed to + his new attire, and no longer gave it a thought, it so happened that on + reaching Montmartre he encountered Abbe Rose outside the basilica of the + Sacred Heart. The old priest, who at first was quite thunderstruck and + scarcely able to recognise him, ended by taking hold of his hands and + giving him a long look. Then with his eyes full of tears he exclaimed: + “Oh! my son, so you have fallen into the awful state I feared! I never + mentioned it, but I felt that God had withdrawn from you. Ah! nothing + could wound my heart so cruelly as this.” + </p> + <p> + Then, still trembling, he began to lead Pierre away as if to hide such a + scandal from the few people who passed by; and at last, his strength + failing him, he sank upon a heap of bricks lying on the grass of one of + the adjoining work-yards. + </p> + <p> + The sincere grief which his old and affectionate friend displayed upset + Pierre far more than any angry reproaches or curses would have done. Tears + had come to his own eyes, so acute was the suffering he experienced at + this meeting, which he ought, however, to have foreseen. There was yet + another wrenching, and one which made the best of their blood flow, in + that rupture between Pierre and the saintly man whose charitable dreams + and hopes of salvation he had so long shared. There had been so many + divine illusions, so many struggles for the relief of the masses, so much + renunciation and forgiveness practised in common between them in their + desire to hasten the harvest of the future! And now they were parting; he, + Pierre, still young in years, was returning to life, leaving his aged + companion to his vain waiting and his dreams. + </p> + <p> + In his turn, taking hold of Abbe Rose’s hands, he gave expression to his + sorrow. “Ah, my friend, my father,” said he, “it is you alone that I + regret losing, now that I am leaving my frightful torments behind. I + thought that I was cured of them, but it has been sufficient for me to + meet you, and my heart is rent again.... Don’t weep for me, I pray you, + don’t reproach me for what I have done. It was necessary that I should do + it. If I had consulted you, you would yourself have told me that it was + better to renounce the priesthood than to remain a priest without faith or + honour.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” Abbe Rose gently responded, “you no longer had any faith left. + I suspected it. And your rigidity and saintliness of life, in which I + detected such great despair, made me anxious for you. How many hours did I + not spend at times in striving to calm you! And you must listen to me + again, you must still let me save you. I am not a sufficiently learned + theologian to lead you back by discussing texts and dogmas; but in the + name of Charity, my child, yes, in the name of Charity alone, reflect and + take up your task of consolation and hope once more.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre had sat down beside Abbe Rose, in that deserted nook, at the very + foot of the basilica. “Charity! charity!” he replied in passionate + accents; “why, it is its nothingness and bankruptcy that have killed the + priest there was in me. How can you believe that benevolence is + sufficient, when you have spent your whole life in practising it without + any other result than that of seeing want perpetuated and even increased, + and without any possibility of naming the day when such abomination shall + cease?... You think of the reward after death, do you not? The justice + that is to reign in heaven? But that is not justice, it is dupery—dupery + that has brought the world nothing but suffering for centuries past.” + </p> + <p> + Then he reminded the old priest of their life in the Charonne district, + when they had gone about together succouring children in the streets and + parents in their hovels; the whole of those admirable efforts which, so + far as Abbe Rose was concerned, had simply ended in blame from his + superiors, and removal from proximity to his poor, under penalty of more + severe punishment should he persist in compromising religion by the + practice of blind benevolence without reason or object. And now, was he + not, so to say, submerged beneath the ever-rising tide of want, aware that + he would never, never be able to give enough even should he dispose of + millions, and that he could only prolong the agony of the poor, who, even + should they eat today, would starve again on the morrow? Thus he was + powerless. The wound which he tried to dress and heal, immediately + reopened and spread, in such wise that all society would at last be + stricken and carried off by it. + </p> + <p> + Quivering as he listened, and slowly shaking his white head, the old + priest ended by replying: “that does that matter, my child? what does that + matter? One must give, always give, give in spite of everything! There is + no other joy on earth.... If dogmas worry you, content yourself with the + Gospel, and even of that retain merely the promise of salvation through + charity.” + </p> + <p> + But at this Pierre’s feelings revolted. He forgot that he was speaking to + one of simple mind, who was all love and nothing else, and could therefore + not follow him. “The trial has been made,” he answered, “human salvation + cannot be effected by charity, nothing but justice can accomplish it. That + is the gathering cry which is going up from every nation. For nearly two + thousand years now the Gospel has proved a failure. There has been no + redemption; the sufferings of mankind are every whit as great and unjust + as they were when Jesus came. And thus the Gospel is now but an abolished + code, from which society can only draw things that are troublous and + hurtful. Men must free themselves from it.” + </p> + <p> + This was his final conviction. How strange the idea, thought he, of + choosing as the world’s social legislator one who lived, as Jesus lived, + amidst a social system absolutely different from that of nowadays. The age + was different, the very world was different. And if it were merely a + question of retaining only such of the moral teaching of Jesus as seemed + human and eternal, was there not again a danger in applying immutable + principles to the society of every age? No society could live under the + strict law of the Gospel. Was not all order, all labour, all life + destroyed by the teaching of Jesus? Did He not deny woman, the earth, + eternal nature and the eternal fruitfulness of things and beings? + Moreover, Catholicism had reared upon His primitive teaching such a + frightful edifice of terror and oppression. The theory of original sin, + that terrible heredity reviving with each creature born into the world, + made no allowance as Science does for the corrective influences of + education, circumstances and environment. There could be no more pessimist + conception of man than this one which devotes him to the Devil from the + instant of his birth, and pictures him as struggling against himself until + the instant of his death. An impossible and absurd struggle, for it is a + question of changing man in his entirety, killing the flesh, killing + reason, destroying some guilty energy in each and every passion, and of + pursuing the Devil to the very depths of the waters, mountains and + forests, there to annihilate him with the very sap of the world. If this + theory is accepted the world is but sin, a mere Hell of temptation and + suffering, through which one must pass in order to merit Heaven. Ah! what + an admirable instrument for absolute despotism is that religion of death, + which the principle of charity alone has enabled men to tolerate, but + which the need of justice will perforce sweep away. The poor man, who is + the wretched dupe of it all, no longer believes in Paradise, but requires + that each and all should be rewarded according to their deserts upon this + earth; and thus eternal life becomes the good goddess, and desire and + labour the very laws of the world, while the fruitfulness of woman is + again honoured, and the idiotic nightmare of Hell is replaced by glorious + Nature whose travail knows no end. Leaning upon modern Science, clear + Latin reason sweeps away the ancient Semitic conception of the Gospel. + </p> + <p> + “For eighteen hundred years,” concluded Pierre, “Christianity has been + hampering the march of mankind towards truth and justice. And mankind will + only resume its evolution on the day when it abolishes Christianity, and + places the Gospel among the works of the wise, without taking it any + longer as its absolute and final law.” + </p> + <p> + But Abbe Rose raised his trembling hands: “Be quiet, be quiet, my child!” + he cried; “you are blaspheming! I knew that doubt distracted you; but I + thought you so patient, so able to bear suffering, that I relied on your + spirit of renunciation and resignation. What can have happened to make you + leave the Church in this abrupt and violent fashion? I no longer recognise + you. Sudden passion has sprung up in you, an invincible force seems to + carry you away. What is it? Who has changed you, tell me?” + </p> + <p> + Pierre listened in astonishment. “No,” said he, “I assure you, I am such + as you have known me, and in all this there is but an inevitable result + and finish. Who could have influenced me, since nobody has entered my + life? What new feeling could transform me, since I find none in me? I am + the same as before, the same assuredly.” + </p> + <p> + Still there was a touch of hesitation in his voice. Was it really true + that there had been no change within him? He again questioned himself, and + there came no clear answer; decidedly, he would find nothing. It was all + but a delightful awakening, an overpowering desire for life, a longing to + open his arms widely enough to embrace everyone and everything indeed, a + breeze of joy seemed to raise him from the ground and carry him along. + </p> + <p> + Although Abbe Rose was too innocent of heart to understand things clearly, + he again shook his head and thought of the snares which the Devil is ever + setting for men. He was quite overwhelmed by Pierre’s defection. + Continuing his efforts to win him back, he made the mistake of advising + him to consult Monseigneur Martha, for he hoped that a prelate of such + high authority would find the words necessary to restore him to his faith. + Pierre, however, boldly replied that if he was leaving the Church it was + partly because it comprised such a man as Martha, such an artisan of + deception and despotism, one who turned religion into corrupt diplomacy, + and dreamt of winning men back to God by dint of ruses. Thereupon Abbe + Rose, rising to his feet, could find no other argument in his despair than + that of pointing to the basilica which stood beside them, square, huge and + massive, and still waiting for its dome. + </p> + <p> + “That is God’s abode, my child,” said he, “the edifice of expiation and + triumph, of penitence and forgiveness. You have said mass in it, and now + you are leaving it sacrilegiously and forswearing yourself!” + </p> + <p> + But Pierre also had risen; and buoyed up by a sudden rush of health and + strength he answered: “No, no! I am leaving it willingly, as one leaves a + dark vault, to return into the open air and the broad sunlight. God does + not dwell there; the only purpose of that huge edifice is to defy reason, + truth and justice; it has been erected on the highest spot that could be + found, like a citadel of error that dominates, insults and threatens + Paris!” + </p> + <p> + Then seeing that the old priest’s eyes were again filling with tears, and + feeling on his own side so pained by their rupture that he began to sob, + Pierre wished to go away. “Farewell! farewell!” he stammered. + </p> + <p> + But Abbe Rose caught him in his arms and kissed him, as if he were a + rebellious son who yet had remained the dearest. “No, not farewell, not + farewell, my child,” he answered; “say rather till we meet again. Promise + me that we shall see each other again, at least among those who starve and + weep. It is all very well for you to think that charity has become + bankrupt, but shall we not always love one another in loving our poor?” + </p> + <p> + Then they parted. + </p> + <p> + On becoming the companion of his three big nephews, Pierre had in a few + lessons learnt from them how to ride a bicycle, in order that he might + occasionally accompany them on their morning excursions. He went twice + with them and Marie along the somewhat roughly paved roads in the + direction of the Lake of Enghien. Then one morning when the young woman + had promised to take him and Antoine as far as the forest of + Saint-Germain, it was found at the last moment that Antoine could not + come. Marie was already dressed in a chemisette of fawn-coloured silk, and + a little jacket and “rationals” of black serge, and it was such a warm, + bright April day that she was not inclined to renounce her trip. + </p> + <p> + “Well, so much the worse!” she gaily said to Pierre, “I shall take you + with me, there will only be the pair of us. I really want you to see how + delightful it is to bowl over a good road between the beautiful trees.” + </p> + <p> + However, as Pierre was not yet a very expert rider, they decided that they + would take the train as far as Maisons-Laffitte, whence they would proceed + on their bicycles to the forest, cross it in the direction of + Saint-Germain, and afterwards return to Paris by train. + </p> + <p> + “You will be here for <i>dejeuner</i>, won’t you?” asked Guillaume, whom + this freak amused, and who looked with a smile at his brother. The latter, + like Marie, was in black: jacket, breeches and stockings all of the same + hue. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, certainly!” replied Marie. “It’s now barely eight o’clock, so we have + plenty of time. Still you need not wait for us, you know, we shall always + find our way back.” + </p> + <p> + It was a delightful morning. When they started, Pierre could fancy himself + with a friend of his own sex, so that this trip together through the warm + sunlight seemed quite natural. Doubtless their costumes, which were so + much alike, conduced to the gay brotherly feeling he experienced. But + beyond all this there was the healthfulness of the open air, the delight + which exercise brings, the pleasure of roaming in all freedom through the + midst of nature. + </p> + <p> + On taking the train they found themselves alone in a compartment, and + Marie once more began to talk of her college days. “Ah! you’ve no idea,” + said she, “what fine games at baseball we used to have at Fenelon! We used + to tie up our skirts with string so as to run the better, for we were not + allowed to wear rationals like I’m wearing now. And there were shrieks, + and rushes, and pushes, till our hair waved about and we were quite red + with exercise and excitement. Still that didn’t prevent us from working in + the class-rooms. On the contrary! Directly we were at study we fought + again, each striving to learn the most and reach the top of the class!” + </p> + <p> + She laughed gaily as she thus recalled her school life, and Pierre glanced + at her with candid admiration, so pink and healthy did she look under her + little hat of black felt, which a long silver pin kept in position. Her + fine dark hair was caught up behind, showing her neck, which looked as + fresh and delicate as a child’s. And never before had she seemed to him so + supple and so strong. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” she continued in a jesting way, “there is nothing like rationals, + you know! To think that some women are foolish and obstinate enough to + wear skirts when they go out cycling!” + </p> + <p> + Then, as he declared—just by way of speaking the truth, and without + the faintest idea of gallantry—that she looked very nice indeed in + her costume, she responded: “Oh! I don’t count. I’m not a beauty. I simply + enjoy good health.... But can you understand it? To think that women have + an unique opportunity of putting themselves at their ease, and releasing + their limbs from prison, and yet they won’t do so! If they think that they + look the prettier in short skirts like schoolgirls they are vastly + mistaken! And as for any question of modesty, well, it seems to me that it + is infinitely less objectionable for women to wear rationals than to bare + their bosoms at balls and theatres and dinners as society ladies do.” + Then, with a gesture of girlish impulsiveness, she added: “Besides, does + one think of such things when one’s rolling along? ... Yes, rationals are + the only things, skirts are rank heresy!” + </p> + <p> + In her turn, she was now looking at him, and was struck by the + extraordinary change which had come over him since the day when he had + first appeared to her, so sombre in his long cassock, with his face + emaciated, livid, almost distorted by anguish. It was like a resurrection, + for now his countenance was bright, his lofty brow had all the serenity of + hope, while his eyes and lips once more showed some of the confident + tenderness which sprang from his everlasting thirst for love, + self-bestowal and life. All mark of the priesthood had already left him, + save that where he had been tonsured his hair still remained rather short. + </p> + <p> + “Why are you looking at me?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I was noticing how much good has been done you by work and the open air,” + she frankly answered; “I much prefer you as you are. You used to look so + poorly. I thought you really ill.” + </p> + <p> + “So I was,” said he. + </p> + <p> + The train, however, was now stopping at Maisons-Laffitte. They alighted + from it, and at once took the road to the forest. This road rises gently + till it reaches the Maisons gate, and on market days it is often crowded + with carts. + </p> + <p> + “I shall go first, eh?” said Marie gaily, “for vehicles still alarm you.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon she started ahead, but every now and again she turned with a + smile to see if he were following her. And every time they overtook and + passed a cart she spoke to him of the merits of their machines, which both + came from the Grandidier works. They were “Lisettes,” examples of those + popular bicycles which Thomas had helped to perfect, and which the Bon + Marche now sold in large numbers for 250 francs apiece. Perhaps they were + rather heavy in appearance, but on the other hand their strength was + beyond question. They were just the machines for a long journey, so Marie + declared. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! here’s the forest,” she at last exclaimed. “We have now reached the + end of the rise; and you will see what splendid avenues there are. One can + bowl along them as on a velvet carpet.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre had already joined her, and they rode on side by side along the + broad straight avenue fringed with magnificent trees. + </p> + <p> + “I am all right now,” said Pierre; “your pupil will end by doing you + honour, I hope.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I’ve no doubt of it. You already have a very good seat, and before + long you’ll leave me behind, for a woman is never a man’s equal in a + matter like this. At the same time, however, what a capital education + cycling is for women!” + </p> + <p> + In what way?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I’ve certain ideas of my own on the subject; and if ever I have a + daughter I shall put her on a bicycle as soon as she’s ten years old, just + to teach her how to conduct herself in life.” + </p> + <p> + “Education by experience, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, why not? Look at the big girls who are brought up hanging to their + mothers’ apron strings. Their parents frighten them with everything, they + are allowed no initiative, no exercise of judgment or decision, so that at + times they hardly know how to cross a street, to such a degree does the + traffic alarm them. Well, I say that a girl ought to be set on a bicycle + in her childhood, and allowed to follow the roads. She will then learn to + open her eyes, to look out for stones and avoid them, and to turn in the + right direction at every bend or crossway. If a vehicle comes up at a + gallop or any other danger presents itself, she’ll have to make up her + mind on the instant, and steer her course firmly and properly if she does + not wish to lose a limb. Briefly, doesn’t all this supply proper + apprenticeship for one’s will, and teach one how to conduct and defend + oneself?” + </p> + <p> + Pierre had begun to laugh. “You will all be too healthy,” he remarked. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, one must be healthy if one wants to be happy. But what I wish to + convey is that those who learn to avoid stones and to turn properly along + the highways will know how to overcome difficulties, and take the best + decisions in after life. The whole of education lies in knowledge and + energy.” + </p> + <p> + “So women are to be emancipated by cycling?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, why not? It may seem a droll idea; but see what progress has been + made already. By wearing rationals women free their limbs from prison; + then the facilities which cycling affords people for going out together + tend to greater intercourse and equality between the sexes; the wife and + the children can follow the husband everywhere, and friends like ourselves + are at liberty to roam hither and thither without astonishing anybody. In + this lies the greatest advantage of all: one takes a bath of air and + sunshine, one goes back to nature, to the earth, our common mother, from + whom one derives fresh strength and gaiety of heart! Just look how + delightful this forest is. And how healthful the breeze that inflates our + lungs! Yes, it all purifies, calms and encourages one.” + </p> + <p> + The forest, which was quite deserted on week days, stretched out in + quietude on either hand, with sunlight filtering between its deep bands of + trees. At that hour the rays only illumined one side of the avenue, there + gilding the lofty drapery of verdure; on the other, the shady side, the + greenery seemed almost black. It was truly delightful to skim, + swallow-like, over that royal avenue in the fresh atmosphere, amidst the + waving of grass and foliage, whose powerful scent swept against one’s + face. Pierre and Marie scarcely touched the soil: it was as if wings had + come to them, and were carrying them on with a regular flight, through + alternate patches of shade and sunshine, and all the scattered vitality of + the far-reaching, quivering forest, with its mosses, its sources, its + animal and its insect life. + </p> + <p> + Marie would not stop when they reached the crossway of the Croix de + Noailles, a spot where people congregate on Sundays, for she was + acquainted with secluded nooks which were far more charming + resting-places. When they reached the slope going down towards Poissy, she + roused Pierre, and they let their machines rush on. Then came all the + joyous intoxication of speed, the rapturous feeling of darting along + breathlessly while the grey road flees beneath one, and the trees on + either hand turn like the opening folds of a fan. The breeze blows + tempestuously, and one fancies that one is journeying yonder towards the + horizon, the infinite, which ever and ever recedes. It is like boundless + hope, delivery from every shackle, absolute freedom of motion through + space. And nothing can inspirit one more gloriously—one’s heart + leaps as if one were in the very heavens. + </p> + <p> + “We are not going to Poissy, you know!” Marie suddenly cried; “we have to + turn to the left.” + </p> + <p> + They took the road from Acheres to the Loges, which ascends and contracts, + thus bringing one closer together in the shade. Gradually slowing down, + they began to exert themselves in order to make their way up the incline. + This road was not so good as the others, it had been gullied by the recent + heavy rains, and sand and gravel lay about. But then is there not even a + pleasure in effort? + </p> + <p> + “You will get used to it,” said Marie to Pierre; “it’s amusing to overcome + obstacles. For my part I don’t like roads which are invariably smooth. A + little ascent which does not try one’s limbs too much rouses and inspirits + one. And it is so agreeable to find oneself strong, and able to go on and + on in spite of rain, or wind, or hills.” + </p> + <p> + Her bright humour and courage quite charmed Pierre. “And so,” said he, “we + are off for a journey round France?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, we’ve arrived. You won’t dislike a little rest, eh? And now, tell + me, wasn’t it worth our while to come on here and rest in such a nice + fresh, quiet spot.” + </p> + <p> + She nimbly sprang off her machine and, bidding him follow her, turned into + a path, along which she went some fifty paces. They placed their bicycles + against some trees, and then found themselves in a little clearing, the + most exquisite, leafy nest that one could dream of. The forest here + assumed an aspect of secluded sovereign beauty. The springtide had endowed + it with youth, the foliage was light and virginal, like delicate green + lace flecked with gold by the sun-rays. And from the herbage and the + surrounding thickets arose a breath of life, laden with all the powerful + aroma of the earth. + </p> + <p> + “It’s not too warm as yet, fortunately,” exclaimed Marie, as she seated + herself at the foot of a young oak-tree, against which she leant. “In July + ladies get rather red by the time they reach this spot, and all the powder + comes off their faces. However, one can’t always be beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I’m not cold by any means,” replied Pierre, as he sat at her feet + wiping his forehead. + </p> + <p> + She laughed, and answered that she had never before seen him with such a + colour. Then they began to talk like children, like two young friends, + finding a source of gaiety in the most puerile things. She was somewhat + anxious about his health, however, and would not allow him to remain in + the cool shade, as he felt so very warm. In order to tranquillise her, he + had to change his place and seat himself with his back to the sun. Then a + little later he saved her from a large black spider, which had caught + itself in the wavy hair on the nape of her neck. At this all her womanly + nature reappeared, and she shrieked with terror. “How stupid it was to be + afraid of a spider!” she exclaimed a moment afterwards; yet, in spite of + her efforts to master herself, she remained pale and trembling. + </p> + <p> + Silence at last fell between them, and they looked at one another with a + smile. In the midst of that delicate greenery they felt drawn together by + frank affection—the affection of brother and sister, so it seemed to + them. It made Marie very happy to think that she had taken an interest in + Pierre, and that his return to health was largely her own work. However, + their eyes never fell, their hands never met, even as they sat there + toying with the grass, for they were as pure, as unconscious of all evil, + as were the lofty oaks around them. + </p> + <p> + At last Marie noticed that time was flying. “You know that they expect us + back to lunch,” she exclaimed. “We ought to be off.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon they rose, wheeled their bicycles back to the highway, and + starting off again at a good pace passed the Loges and reached + Saint-Germain by the fine avenue which conducts to the chateau. It charmed + them to take their course again side by side, like birds of equal flight. + Their little bells jingled, their chains rustled lightly, and a fresh + breeze swept past them as they resumed their talk, quite at ease, and so + linked together by friendship that they seemed far removed from all the + rest of the world. + </p> + <p> + They took the train from Saint-Germain to Paris, and on the journey Pierre + suddenly noticed that Marie’s cheeks were purpling. There were two ladies + with them in the compartment. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said he, “so you feel warm in your turn now?” + </p> + <p> + But she protested the contrary, her face glowing more and more brightly as + she spoke, as if some sudden feeling of shame quite upset her. “No, I’m + not warm,” said she; “just feel my hands.... But how ridiculous it is to + blush like this without any reason for it!” + </p> + <p> + He understood her. This was one of those involuntary blushing fits which + so distressed her, and which, as Mere-Grand had remarked, brought her + heart to her very cheeks. There was no cause for it, as she herself said. + After slumbering in all innocence in the solitude of the forest her heart + had begun to beat, despite herself. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, over yonder at Montmartre, Guillaume had spent his morning in + preparing some of that mysterious powder, the cartridges of which he + concealed upstairs in Mere-Grand’s bedroom. Great danger attended this + manufacture. The slightest forgetfulness while he was manipulating the + ingredients, any delay, too, in turning off a tap, might lead to a + terrible explosion, which would annihilate the building and all who might + be in it. For this reason he preferred to work when he was alone, so that + on the one hand there might be no danger for others, and on the other less + likelihood of his own attention being diverted from his task. That + morning, as it happened, his three sons were working in the room, and + Mere-Grand sat sewing near the furnace. Truth to tell, she did not count, + for she scarcely ever left her place, feeling quite at ease there, however + great might be the peril. Indeed, she had become so well acquainted with + the various phases of Guillaume’s delicate operations, and their terrible + possibilities, that she would occasionally give him a helping hand. + </p> + <p> + That morning, as she sat there mending some house linen,—her + eyesight still being so keen that in spite of her seventy years she wore + no spectacles,—she now and again glanced at Guillaume as if to make + sure that he forgot nothing. Then feeling satisfied, she would once more + bend over her work. She remained very strong and active. Her hair was only + just turning white, and she had kept all her teeth, while her face still + looked refined, though it was slowly withering with age and had acquired + an expression of some severity. As a rule she was a woman of few words; + her life was one of activity and good management. When she opened her lips + it was usually to give advice, to counsel reason, energy and courage. For + some time past she had been growing more taciturn than ever, as if all her + attention were claimed by the household matters which were in her sole + charge; still, her fine eyes would rest thoughtfully on those about her, + on the three young men, and on Guillaume, Marie and Pierre, who all obeyed + her as if she were their acknowledged queen. If she looked at them in that + pensive way, was it that she foresaw certain changes, and noticed certain + incidents of which the others remained unconscious? Perhaps so. At all + events she became even graver, and more attentive than in the past. It was + as if she were waiting for some hour to strike when all her wisdom and + authority would be required. + </p> + <p> + “Be careful, Guillaume,” she at last remarked, as she once more looked up + from her sewing. “You seem absent-minded this morning. Is anything + worrying you?” + </p> + <p> + He glanced at her with a smile. “No, nothing, I assure you,” he replied. + “But I was thinking of our dear Marie, who was so glad to go off to the + forest in this bright sunshine.” + </p> + <p> + Antoine, who heard the remark, raised his head, while his brothers + remained absorbed in their work. “What a pity it is that I had this block + to finish,” said he; “I would willingly have gone with her.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no matter,” his father quietly rejoined. “Pierre is with her, and he + is very cautious.” + </p> + <p> + For another moment Mere-Grand continued scrutinising Guillaume; then she + once more reverted to her sewing. + </p> + <p> + If she exercised such sway over the home and all its inmates, it was by + reason of her long devotion, her intelligence, and the kindliness with + which she ruled. Uninfluenced by any religious faith, and disregarding all + social conventionalities, her guiding principle in everything was the + theory of human justice which she had arrived at after suffering so + grievously from the injustice that had killed her husband. She put her + views into practice with wonderful courage, knowing nothing of any + prejudices, but accomplishing her duty, such as she understood it, to the + very end. And in the same way as she had first devoted herself to her + husband, and next to her daughter Marguerite, so at present she devoted + herself to Guillaume and his sons. Pierre, whom she had first studied with + some anxiety, had now, too, become a member of her family, a dweller in + the little realm of happiness which she ruled. She had doubtless found him + worthy of admission into it, though she did not reveal the reason why. + After days and days of silence she had simply said, one evening, to + Guillaume, that he had done well in bringing his brother to live among + them. + </p> + <p> + Time flew by as she sat sewing and thinking. Towards noon Guillaume, who + was still at work, suddenly remarked to her: “As Marie and Pierre haven’t + come back, we had better let the lunch wait a little while. Besides, I + should like to finish what I’m about.” + </p> + <p> + Another quarter of an hour then elapsed. Finally, the three young men rose + from their work, and went to wash their hands at a tap in the garden. + </p> + <p> + “Marie is very late,” now remarked Mere-Grand. “We must hope that nothing + has happened to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! she rides so well,” replied Guillaume. “I’m more anxious on account + of Pierre.” + </p> + <p> + At this the old lady again fixed her eyes on him, and said: “But Marie + will have guided Pierre; they already ride very well together.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt; still I should be better pleased if they were back home.” + </p> + <p> + Then all at once, fancying that he heard the ring of a bicycle bell, he + called out: “There they are!” And forgetting everything else in his + satisfaction, he quitted his furnace and hastened into the garden in order + to meet them. + </p> + <p> + Mere-Grand, left to herself, quietly continued sewing, without a thought + that the manufacture of Guillaume’s powder was drawing to an end in an + apparatus near her. A couple of minutes later, however, when Guillaume + came back, saying that he had made a mistake, his eyes suddenly rested on + his furnace, and he turned quite livid. Brief as had been his absence the + exact moment when it was necessary to turn off a tap in order that no + danger might attend the preparation of his powder had already gone by; and + now, unless someone should dare to approach that terrible tap, and boldly + turn it, a fearful explosion might take place. Doubtless it was too late + already, and whoever might have the bravery to attempt the feat would be + blown to pieces. + </p> + <p> + Guillaume himself had often run a similar risk of death with perfect + composure. But on this occasion he remained as if rooted to the floor, + unable to take a step, paralysed by the dread of annihilation. He + shuddered and stammered in momentary expectation of a catastrophe which + would hurl the work-shop to the heavens. + </p> + <p> + “Mere-Grand, Mere-Grand,” he stammered. “The apparatus, the tap... it is + all over, all over!” + </p> + <p> + The old woman had raised her head without as yet understanding him. “Eh, + what?” said she; “what is the matter with you?” Then, on seeing how + distorted were his features, how he recoiled as if mad with terror, she + glanced at the furnace and realised the danger. “Well, but it’s simple + enough,” said she; “it’s only necessary to turn off the tap, eh?” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, without any semblance of haste, in the most easy and natural + manner possible, she deposited her needlework on a little table, rose from + her chair, and turned off the tap with a light but firm hand. “There! it’s + done,” said she. “But why didn’t you do it yourself, my friend?” + </p> + <p> + He had watched her in bewilderment, chilled to the bones, as if touched by + the hand of death. And when some colour at last returned to his cheeks, + and he found himself still alive in front of the apparatus whence no harm + could now come, he heaved a deep sigh and again shuddered. “Why did I not + turn it off?” he repeated. “It was because I felt afraid.” + </p> + <p> + At that very moment Marie and Pierre came into the work-shop all chatter + and laughter, delighted with their excursion, and bringing with them the + bright joyousness of the sunlight. The three brothers, Thomas, Francis and + Antoine, were jesting with them, and trying to make them confess that + Pierre had at least fought a battle with a cow on the high road, and + ridden into a cornfield. All at once, however, they became quite anxious, + for they noticed that their father looked terribly upset. + </p> + <p> + “My lads,” said he, “I’ve just been a coward. Ah! it’s a curious feeling, + I had never experienced it before.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he recounted his fears of an accident, and how quietly + Mere-Grand had saved them all from certain death. She waved her hand, + however, as if to say that there was nothing particularly heroic in + turning off a tap. The young men’s eyes nevertheless filled with tears, + and one after the other they went to kiss her with a fervour instinct with + all the gratitude and worship they felt for her. She had been devoting + herself to them ever since their infancy, she had now just given them a + new lease of life. Marie also threw herself into her arms, kissing her + with gratitude and emotion. Mere-Grand herself was the only one who did + not shed tears. She strove to calm them, begging them to exaggerate + nothing and to remain sensible. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you must at all events let me kiss you as the others have done,” + Guillaume said to her, as he recovered his self-possession. “I at least + owe you that. And Pierre, too, shall kiss you, for you are now as good for + him as you have always been for us.” + </p> + <p> + At table, when it was at last possible for them to lunch, he reverted to + that attack of fear which had left him both surprised and ashamed. He who + for years had never once thought of death had for some time past found + ideas of caution in his mind. On two occasions recently he had shuddered + at the possibility of a catastrophe. How was it that a longing for life + had come to him in his decline? Why was it that he now wished to live? At + last with a touch of tender affection in his gaiety, he remarked: “Do you + know, Marie, I think it is my thoughts of you that make me a coward. If + I’ve lost my bravery it’s because I risk something precious when any + danger arises. Happiness has been entrusted to my charge. Just now when I + fancied that we were all going to die, I thought I could see you, and my + fear of losing you froze and paralysed me.” + </p> + <p> + Marie indulged in a pretty laugh. Allusions to her coming marriage were + seldom made; however, she invariably greeted them with an air of happy + affection. + </p> + <p> + “Another six weeks!” she simply said. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Mere-Grand, who had been looking at them, turned her eyes + towards Pierre. He, however, like the others was listening with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “That’s true,” said the old lady, “you are to be married in six weeks’ + time. So I did right to prevent the house from being blown up.” + </p> + <p> + At this the young men made merry; and the repast came to an end in very + joyous fashion. + </p> + <p> + During the afternoon, however, Pierre’s heart gradually grew heavy. + Marie’s words constantly returned to him: “Another six weeks!” Yes, it was + indeed true, she would then be married. But it seemed to him that he had + never previously known it, never for a moment thought of it. And later on, + in the evening, when he was alone in his room at Neuilly, his heart-pain + became intolerable. Those words tortured him. Why was it that they had not + caused him any suffering when they were spoken, why had he greeted them + with a smile? And why had such cruel anguish slowly followed? All at once + an idea sprang up in his mind, and became an overwhelming certainty. He + loved Marie, he loved her as a lover, with a love so intense that he might + die from it. + </p> + <p> + With this sudden consciousness of his passion everything became clear and + plain. He had been going perforce towards that love ever since he had + first met Marie. The emotion into which the young woman had originally + thrown him had seemed to him a feeling of repulsion, but afterwards he had + been slowly conquered, all his torments and struggles ending in this love + for her. It was indeed through her that he had at last found quietude. And + the delightful morning which he had spent with her that day, appeared to + him like a betrothal morning, in the depths of the happy forest. Nature + had resumed her sway over him, delivered him from his sufferings, made him + strong and healthy once more, and given him to the woman he adored. The + quiver he had experienced, the happiness he had felt, his communion with + the trees, the heavens, and every living creature—all those things + which he had been unable to explain, now acquired a clear meaning which + transported him. In Marie alone lay his cure, his hope, his conviction + that he would be born anew and at last find happiness. In her company he + had already forgotten all those distressing problems which had formerly + haunted him and bowed him down. For a week past he had not once thought of + death, which had so long been the companion of his every hour. All the + conflict of faith and doubt, the distress roused by the idea of nihility, + the anger he had felt at the unjust sufferings of mankind, had been swept + away by her fresh cool hands. She was so healthy herself, so glad to live, + that she had imparted a taste for life even to him. Yes, it was simply + that: she was making him a man, a worker, a lover once more. + </p> + <p> + Then he suddenly remembered Abbe Rose and his painful conversation with + that saintly man. The old priest, whose heart was so ingenuous, and who + knew nothing of love and passion, was nevertheless the only one who had + understood the truth. He had told Pierre that he was changed, that there + was another man in him. And he, Pierre, had foolishly and stubbornly + declared that he was the same as he had always been; whereas Marie had + already transformed him, bringing all nature back to his breast—all + nature, with its sunlit countrysides, its fructifying breezes, and its + vast heavens, whose glow ripens its crops. That indeed was why he had felt + so exasperated with Catholicism, that religion of death; that was why he + had shouted that the Gospel was useless, and that the world awaited + another law—a law of terrestrial happiness, human justice and living + love and fruitfulness! + </p> + <p> + Ah, but Guillaume? Then a vision of his brother rose before Pierre, that + brother who loved him so fondly, and who had carried him to his home of + toil, quietude and affection, in order to cure him of his sufferings. If + he knew Marie it was simply because Guillaume had chosen that he should + know her. And again Marie’s words recurred to him: “Another six weeks!” + Yes, in six weeks his brother would marry the young woman. This thought + was like a stab in Pierre’s heart. Still, he did not for one moment + hesitate: if he must die of his love, he would die of it, but none should + ever know it, he would conquer himself, he would flee to the ends of the + earth should he ever feel the faintest cowardice. Rather than bring a + moment’s pain to that brother who had striven to resuscitate him, who was + the artisan of the passion now consuming him, who had given him his whole + heart and all he had—he would condemn himself to perpetual torture. + And indeed, torture was coming back; for in losing Marie he could but sink + into the distress born of the consciousness of his nothingness. As he lay + in bed, unable to sleep, he already experienced a return of his abominable + torments—the negation of everything, the feeling that everything was + useless, that the world had no significance, and that life was only worthy + of being cursed and denied. And then the shudder born of the thought of + death returned to him. Ah! to die, to die without even having lived! + </p> + <p> + The struggle was a frightful one. Until daybreak he sobbed in martyrdom. + Why had he taken off his cassock? He had done so at a word from Marie; and + now another word from her gave him the despairing idea of donning it once + more. One could not escape from so fast a prison. That black gown still + clung to his skin. He fancied that he had divested himself of it, and yet + it was still weighing on his shoulders, and his wisest course would be to + bury himself in it for ever. By donning it again he would at least wear + mourning for his manhood. + </p> + <p> + All at once, however, a fresh thought upset him. Why should he struggle in + that fashion? Marie did not love him. There had been nothing between them + to indicate that she cared for him otherwise than as a charming, + tender-hearted sister. It was Guillaume that she loved, no doubt. Then he + pressed his face to his pillow to stifle his sobs, and once more swore + that he would conquer himself and turn a smiling face upon their + happiness. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0082" id="link2H_4_0082"></a> + IV. TRIAL AND SENTENCE + </h2> + <p> + HAVING returned to Montmartre on the morrow Pierre suffered so grievously + that he did not show himself there on the two following days. He preferred + to remain at home where there was nobody to notice his feverishness. On + the third morning, however, whilst he was still in bed, strengthless and + full of despair, he was both surprised and embarrassed by a visit from + Guillaume. + </p> + <p> + “I must needs come to you,” said the latter, “since you forsake us. I’ve + come to fetch you to attend Salvat’s trial, which takes place to-day. I + had no end of trouble to secure two places. Come, get up, we’ll have <i>dejeuner</i> + in town, so as to reach the court early.” + </p> + <p> + Then, while Pierre was hastily dressing, Guillaume, who on his side seemed + thoughtful and worried that morning, began to question him: “Have you + anything to reproach us with?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, nothing. What an idea!” was Pierre’s reply. + </p> + <p> + “Then why have you been staying away? We had got into the habit of seeing + you every day, but all at once you disappear.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre vainly sought a falsehood, and all his composure fled. “I had some + work to do here,” said he, “and then, too, my gloomy ideas cane back to + me, and I didn’t want to go and sadden you all.” + </p> + <p> + At this Guillaume hastily waved his hand. “If you fancy that your absence + enlivens us you’re mistaken,” he replied. “Marie, who is usually so well + and happy, had such a bad headache on the day before yesterday that she + was obliged to keep her room. And she was ill at ease and nervous and + silent again yesterday. We spent a very unpleasant day.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke Guillaume looked Pierre well in the face, his frank loyal eyes + clearly revealing the suspicions which had come to him, but which he would + not express in words. + </p> + <p> + Pierre, quite dismayed by the news of Marie’s indisposition, and + frightened by the idea of betraying his secret, thereupon managed to tell + a lie. “Yes, she wasn’t very well on the day when we went cycling,” he + quietly responded. “But I assure you that I have had a lot to do here. + When you came in just now I was about to get up and go to your house as + usual.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume kept his eyes on him for a moment longer. Then, either believing + him or deciding to postpone his search for the truth to some future time, + he began speaking affectionately on other subjects. With his keen + brotherly love, however, there was blended such a quiver of impending + distress, of unconfessed sorrow, which possibly he did not yet realise, + that Pierre in his turn began to question him. “And you,” said he, “are + you ill? You seem to me to have lost your usual serenity.” + </p> + <p> + “I? Oh! I’m not ill. Only I can’t very well retain my composure; Salvat’s + affair distresses me exceedingly, as you must know. They will all end by + driving me mad with the monstrous injustice they show towards that unhappy + fellow.” + </p> + <p> + Thenceforward Guillaume went on talking of Salvat in a stubborn passionate + way, as if he wished to find an explanation of all his pain and unrest in + that affair. While he and Pierre were partaking of <i>dejeuner</i> at a + little restaurant on the Boulevard du Palais he related how deeply touched + he was by the silence which Salvat had preserved with regard both to the + nature of the explosive employed in the bomb and the few days’ work which + he had once done at his house. It was, thanks to this silence, that he, + Guillaume, had not been worried or even summoned as a witness. Then, in + his emotion, he reverted to his invention, that formidable engine which + would ensure omnipotence to France, as the great initiatory and liberative + power of the world. The results of the researches which had occupied him + for ten years past were now out of danger and in all readiness, so that if + occasion required they might at once be delivered to the French + government. And, apart from certain scruples which came to him at the + thought of the unworthiness of French financial and political society; he + was simply delaying any further steps in the matter until his marriage + with Marie, in order that he might associate her with the gift of + universal peace which he imagined he was about to bestow upon the world. + </p> + <p> + It was through Bertheroy and with great difficulty that Guillaume had + managed to secure two seats in court for Salvat’s trial. When he and + Pierre presented themselves for admission at eleven o’clock, they fancied + that they would never be able to enter. The large gates of the Palace of + Justice were kept closed, several passages were fenced off, and terror + seemed to reign in the deserted building, as if indeed the judges feared + some sudden invasion of bomb-laden Anarchists. Each door and barrier, too, + was guarded by soldiers, with whom the brothers had to parley. When they + at last entered the Assize Court they found it already crowded with + people, who were apparently quite willing to suffocate there for an hour + before the arrival of the judges, and to remain motionless for some seven + or eight hours afterwards, since it was reported that the authorities + wished to get the case over in a single sitting. In the small space + allotted to the standing public there was a serried mass of sightseers who + had come up from the streets, a few companions and friends of Salvat + having managed to slip in among them. In the other compartment, where + witnesses are generally huddled together on oak benches, were those + spectators who had been allowed admittance by favour, and these were so + numerous and so closely packed that here and there they almost sat upon + one another’s knees. Then, in the well of the court and behind the bench, + were rows of chairs set out as for some theatrical performance, and + occupied by privileged members of society, politicians, leading + journalists, and ladies. And meantime a number of gowned advocates sought + refuge wherever chance offered, crowding into every vacant spot, every + available corner. + </p> + <p> + Pierre had never before visited the Assize Court, and its appearance + surprised him. He had expected much pomp and majesty, whereas this temple + of human justice seemed to him small and dismal and of doubtful + cleanliness. The bench was so low that he could scarcely see the armchairs + of the presiding judge and his two assessors. Then he was struck by the + profusion of old oak panels, balustrades and benches, which helped to + darken the apartment, whose wall hangings were of olive green, while a + further display of oak panelling appeared on the ceiling above. From the + seven narrow and high-set windows with scanty little white curtains there + fell a pale light which sharply divided the court. On one hand one saw the + dock and the defending counsel’s seat steeped in frigid light, while, on + the other, was the little, isolated jury box in the shade. This contrast + seemed symbolical of justice, impersonal and uncertain, face to face with + the accused, whom the light stripped bare, probed as it were to his very + soul. Then, through a kind of grey mist above the bench, in the depths of + the stern and gloomy scene, one could vaguely distinguish the heavy + painting of “Christ Crucified.” A white bust of the Republic alone showed + forth clearly against the dark wall above the dock where Salvat would + presently appear. The only remaining seats that Guillaume and Pierre could + find were on the last bench of the witnesses’ compartment, against the + partition which separated the latter from the space allotted to the + standing public. Just as Guillaume was seating himself, he saw among the + latter little Victor Mathis, who stood there with his elbows leaning on + the partition, while his chin rested on his crossed hands. The young man’s + eyes were glowing in his pale face with thin, compressed lips. Although + they recognised one another, Victor did not move, and Guillaume on his + side understood that it was not safe to exchange greetings in such a + place. From that moment, however, he remained conscious that Victor was + there, just above him, never stirring, but waiting silently, fiercely and + with flaming eyes, for what was going to happen. + </p> + <p> + Pierre, meantime, had recognised that most amiable deputy Duthil, and + little Princess Rosemonde, seated just in front of him. Amidst the hubbub + of the throng which chatted and laughed to while away the time, their + voices were the gayest to be heard, and plainly showed how delighted they + were to find themselves at a spectacle to which so many desired + admittance. Duthil was explaining all the arrangements to Rosemonde, + telling her to whom or to what purpose each bench and wooden box was + allotted: there was the jury-box, the prisoner’s dock, the seats assigned + to counsel for the defence, the public prosecutor, and the clerk of the + court, without forgetting the table on which material evidence was + deposited and the bar to which witnesses were summoned. There was nobody + as yet in any of these places; one merely saw an attendant giving a last + look round, and advocates passing rapidly. One might indeed have thought + oneself in a theatre, the stage of which remained deserted, while the + spectators crowded the auditorium waiting for the play to begin. To fill + up the interval the little Princess ended by looking about her for persons + of her acquaintance among the close-pressed crowd of sight-seers whose + eager faces were already reddening. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! isn’t that Monsieur Fonsegue over there behind the bench, near that + stout lady in yellow?” she exclaimed. “Our friend General de Bozonnet is + on the other side, I see. But isn’t Baron Duvillard here?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! no,” replied Duthil; “he could hardly come; it would look as if he + were here to ask for vengeance.” Then, in his turn questioning Rosemonde, + the deputy went on: “Do you happen to have quarrelled with your handsome + friend Hyacinthe? Is that the reason why you’ve given me the pleasure of + acting as your escort to-day?” + </p> + <p> + With a slight shrug of her shoulders, the Princess replied that poets were + beginning to bore her. A fresh caprice, indeed, was drawing her into + politics. For a week past she had found amusement in the surroundings of + the ministerial crisis, into which the young deputy for Angouleme had + initiated her. “They are all a little bit crazy at the Duvillards’, my + dear fellow,” said she. “It’s decided, you know, that Gerard is to marry + Camille. The Baroness has resigned herself to it, and I’ve heard from a + most reliable quarter that Madame de Quinsac, the young man’s mother, has + given her consent.” + </p> + <p> + At this Duthil became quite merry. He also seemed to be well informed on + the subject. “Yes, yes, I know,” said he. “The wedding is to take place + shortly, at the Madeleine. It will be a magnificent affair, no doubt. And + after all, what would you have? There couldn’t be a better finish to the + affair. The Baroness is really kindness personified, and I said all along + that she would sacrifice herself in order to ensure the happiness of her + daughter and Gerard. In point of fact that marriage will settle + everything, put everything in proper order again.” + </p> + <p> + “And what does the Baron say?” asked Rosemonde. + </p> + <p> + “The Baron? Why, he’s delighted,” replied Duthil in a bantering way. “You + read no doubt this morning that Dauvergne is given the department of + Public Instruction in the new Ministry. This means that Silviane’s + engagement at the Comedic is a certainty. Dauvergne was chosen simply on + that account.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the conversation was interrupted by little Massot, who, + after a dispute with one of the ushers some distance away, had perceived a + vacant place by the side of the Princess. He thereupon made her a + questioning sign, and she beckoned to him to approach. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said he, as he installed himself beside her, “I have not got here + without trouble. One’s crushed to death on the press bench, and I’ve an + article to write. You are the kindest of women, Princess, to make a little + room for your faithful admirer, myself.” Then, after shaking hands with + Duthil, he continued without any transition: “And so there’s a new + ministry at last, Monsieur le Depute. You have all taken your time about + it, but it’s really a very fine ministry, which everybody regards with + surprise and admiration.” + </p> + <p> + The decrees appointing the new ministers had appeared in the “Journal + Officiel” that very morning. After a long deadlock, after Vignon had for + the second time seen his plans fail through ever-recurring obstacles, + Monferrand, as a last resource, had suddenly been summoned to the Elysee, + and in four-and-twenty hours he had found the colleagues he wanted and + secured the acceptance of his list, in such wise that he now triumphantly + re-ascended to power after falling from it with Barroux in such wretched + fashion. He had also chosen a new post for himself, relinquishing the + department of the Interior for that of Finances, with the Presidency of + the Council, which had long been his secret ambition. His stealthy labour, + the masterly fashion in which he had saved himself while others sank, now + appeared in its full beauty. First had come Salvat’s arrest, and the use + he had made of it, then the wonderful subterranean campaign which he had + carried on against Vignon, the thousand obstacles which he had twice set + across his path, and finally the sudden <i>denouement</i> with that list + he held in readiness, that formation of a ministry in a single day as soon + as his services were solicited. + </p> + <p> + “It is fine work, I must compliment you on it,” added little Massot by way + of a jest. + </p> + <p> + “But I’ve had nothing to do with it,” Duthil modestly replied. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing to do with it! Oh! yes you have, my dear sir, everybody says so.” + </p> + <p> + The deputy felt flattered and smiled, while the other rattled on with his + insinuations, which were put in such a humorous way that nothing he said + could be resented. He talked of Monferrand’s followers who had so + powerfully helped him on to victory. How heartily had Fonsegue finished + off his old friend Barroux in the “Globe”! Every morning for a month past + the paper had published an article belabouring Barroux, annihilating + Vignon, and preparing the public for the return of a saviour of society + who was not named. Then, too, Duvillard’s millions had waged a secret + warfare, all the Baron’s numerous creatures had fought like an army for + the good cause. Duthil himself had played the pipe and beaten the drum, + while Chaigneux resigned himself to the baser duties which others would + not undertake. And so the triumphant Monferrand would certainly begin by + stifling that scandalous and embarrassing affair of the African Railways, + and appointing a Committee of Inquiry to bury it. + </p> + <p> + By this time Duthil had assumed an important air. “Well, my dear fellow,” + said he, “at serious moments when society is in peril, certain + strong-handed men, real men of government, become absolutely necessary. + Monferrand had no need of our friendship, his presence in office was + imperiously required by the situation. His hand is the only one that can + save us!” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” replied Massot scoffingly. “I’ve even been told that if + everything was settled straight off so that the decrees might be published + this morning, it was in order to instil confidence into the judges and + jurymen here, in such wise that knowing Monferrand’s fist to be behind + them they would have the courage to pronounce sentence of death this + evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, public safety requires a sentence of death, and those who have to + ensure that safety must not be left ignorant of the fact that the + government is with them, and will know how to protect them, if need be.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment a merry laugh from the Princess broke in upon the + conversation. “Oh! just look over there!” said she; “isn’t that Silviane + who has just sat down beside Monsieur Fonsegue?” + </p> + <p> + “The Silviane ministry!” muttered Massot in a jesting way. “Well, there + will be no boredom at Dauvergne’s if he ingratiates himself with + actresses.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume and Pierre heard this chatter, however little they cared to + listen to it. Such a deluge of society tittle-tattle and political + indiscretion brought the former a keen heart-pang. So Salvat was sentenced + to death even before he had appeared in court. He was to pay for the + transgressions of one and all, his crime was simply a favourable + opportunity for the triumph of a band of ambitious people bent on power + and enjoyment! Ah! what terrible social rottenness there was in it all; + money corrupting one and another, families sinking to filth, politics + turned into a mere treacherous struggle between individuals, and power + becoming the prey of the crafty and the impudent! Must not everything + surely crumble? Was not this solemn assize of human justice a derisive + parody, since all that one found there was an assembly of happy and + privileged people defending the shaky edifice which sheltered them, and + making use of all the forces they yet retained, to crush a fly—that + unhappy devil of uncertain sanity who had been led to that court by his + violent and cloudy dream of another, superior and avenging justice? + </p> + <p> + Such were Guillaume’s thoughts, when all at once everybody around him + started. Noon was now striking, and the jurymen trooped into court in + straggling fashion and took their seats in their box. Among them one saw + fat fellows clad in their Sunday best and with the faces of simpletons, + and thin fellows who had bright eyes and sly expressions. Some of them + were bearded and some were bald. However, they all remained rather + indistinct, as their side of the court was steeped in shade. After them + came the judges, headed by M. de Larombiere, one of the Vice-Presidents of + the Appeal Court, who in assuming the perilous honour of conducting the + trial had sought to increase the majesty of his long, slender, white face, + which looked the more austere as both his assessors, one dark and the + other fair, had highly coloured countenances. The public prosecutor’s seat + was already occupied by one of the most skilful of the advocates-general, + M. Lehmann, a broad-shouldered Alsatian Israelite, with cunning eyes, + whose presence showed that the case was deemed exceptionally important. At + last, amidst the heavy tread of gendarmes, Salvat was brought in, at once + rousing such ardent curiosity that all the spectators rose to look at him. + He still wore the cap and loose overcoat procured for him by Victor + Mathis, and everybody was surprised to see his emaciated, sorrowful, + gentle face, crowned by scanty reddish hair, which was turning grey. His + soft, glowing, dreamy blue eyes glanced around, and he smiled at someone + whom he recognised, probably Victor, but perhaps Guillaume. After that he + remained quite motionless. + </p> + <p> + The presiding judge waited for silence to fall, and then came the + formalities which attend the opening of a court of law, followed by the + perusal of the lengthy indictment, which a subordinate official read in a + shrill voice. The scene had now changed, and the spectators listened + wearily and somewhat impatiently, as, for weeks past, the newspapers had + related all that the indictment set forth. At present not a corner of the + court remained unoccupied, there was scarcely space enough for the + witnesses to stand in front of the bench. The closely packed throng was + one of divers hues, the light gowns of ladies alternating with the black + gowns of advocates, while the red robes of the judges disappeared from + view, the bench being so low that the presiding judge’s long face scarcely + rose above the sea of heads. Many of those present became interested in + the jurors, and strove to scrutinise their shadowy countenances. Others, + who did not take their eyes off the prisoner, marvelled at his apparent + weariness and indifference, which were so great that he scarcely answered + the whispered questions of his counsel, a young advocate with a wide-awake + look, who was nervously awaiting the opportunity to achieve fame. Most + curiosity, however, centred in the table set apart for the material + evidence. Here were to be seen all sorts of fragments, some of the + woodwork torn away from the carriage-door of the Duvillard mansion, some + plaster that had fallen from the ceiling, a paving-stone which the + violence of the explosion had split in halves, and other blackened + remnants. The more moving sights, however, were the milliner’s bonnet-box, + which had remained uninjured, and a glass jar in which something white and + vague was preserved in spirits of wine. This was one of the poor errand + girl’s little hands, which had been severed at the wrist. The authorities + had been unable to place her poor ripped body on the table, and so they + had brought that hand! + </p> + <p> + At last Salvat rose, and the presiding judge began to interrogate him. The + contrast in the aspect of the court then acquired tragic force: in the + shrouding shade upon one hand were the jurors, their minds already made up + beneath the pressure of public terror, while in the full, vivid light on + the other side was the prisoner, alone and woeful, charged with all the + crimes of his race. Four gendarmes watched over him. He was addressed by + M. de Larombiere in a tone of contempt and disgust. The judge was not + deficient in rectitude; he was indeed one of the last representatives of + the old, scrupulous, upright French magistracy; but he understood nothing + of the new times, and he treated prisoners with the severity of a Biblical + Jehovah. Moreover, the infirmity which was the worry of his life, the + childish lisp which, in his opinion, had alone prevented him from shining + as a public prosecutor, made him ferociously ill-tempered, incapable of + any intelligent indulgence. There were smiles, which he divined, as soon + as he raised his sharp, shrill little voice, to ask his first questions. + That droll voice of his took away whatever majesty might have remained + attached to these proceedings, in which a man’s life was being fought for + in a hall full of inquisitive, stifling and perspiring folks, who fanned + themselves and jested. Salvat answered the judge’s earlier questions with + his wonted weariness and politeness. While the judge did everything to + vilify him, harshly reproaching him with his wretched childhood and youth, + magnifying every stain and every transgression in his career, referring to + the promiscuity of his life between Madame Theodore and little Celine as + something bestial, he, the prisoner, quietly said yes or no, like a man + who has nothing to hide and accepts the full responsibility of his + actions. He had already made a complete confession of his crime, and he + calmly repeated it without changing a word. He explained that if he had + deposited his bomb at the entrance of the Duvillard mansion it was to give + his deed its true significance, that of summoning the wealthy, the + money-mongers who had so scandalously enriched themselves by dint of theft + and falsehood, to restore that part of the common wealth which they had + appropriated, to the poor, the working classes, their children and their + wives, who perished of starvation. It was only at this moment that he grew + excited; all the misery that he had endured or witnessed rose to his + clouded, semi-educated brain, in which claims and theories and exasperated + ideas of absolute justice and universal happiness had gathered confusedly. + And from that moment he appeared such as he really was, a sentimentalist, + a dreamer transported by suffering, proud and stubborn, and bent on + changing the world in accordance with his sectarian logic. + </p> + <p> + “But you fled!” cried the judge in a voice such as would have befitted a + grasshopper. “You must not say that you gave your life to your cause and + were ready for martyrdom!” + </p> + <p> + Salvat’s most poignant regret was that he had yielded in the Bois de + Boulogne to the dismay and rage which come upon a tracked and hunted man + and impel him to do all he can to escape capture. And on being thus + taunted by the judge he became quite angry. “I don’t fear death, you’ll + see that,” he replied. “If all had the same courage as I have, your rotten + society would be swept away to-morrow, and happiness would at last dawn.” + </p> + <p> + Then the interrogatory dealt at great length with the composition and + manufacture of the bomb. The judge, rightly enough, pointed out that this + was the only obscure point of the affair. “And so,” he remarked, “you + persist in saying that dynamite was the explosive you employed? Well, you + will presently hear the experts, who, it is true, differ on certain + points, but are all of opinion that you employed some other explosive, + though they cannot say precisely what it was. Why not speak out on the + point, as you glory in saying everything?” + </p> + <p> + Salvat, however, had suddenly calmed down, giving only cautious + monosyllabic replies. “Well, seek for whatever you like if you don’t + believe me,” he now answered. “I made my bomb by myself, and under + circumstances which I’ve already related a score of times. You surely + don’t expect me to reveal names and compromise comrades?” + </p> + <p> + From this declaration he would not depart. It was only towards the end of + the interrogatory that irresistible emotion overcame him on the judge + again referring to the unhappy victim of his crime, the little errand + girl, so pretty and fair and gentle, whom ferocious destiny had brought to + the spot to meet such an awful death. “It was one of your own class whom + you struck,” said M. de Larombiere; “your victim was a work girl, a poor + child who, with the few pence she earned, helped to support her aged + grandmother.” + </p> + <p> + Salvat’s voice became very husky as he answered: “That’s really the only + thing I regret.... My bomb certainly wasn’t meant for her; and may all the + workers, all the starvelings, remember that she gave her blood as I’m + going to give mine!” + </p> + <p> + In this wise the interrogatory ended amidst profound agitation. Pierre had + felt Guillaume shuddering beside him, whilst the prisoner quietly and + obstinately refused to say a word respecting the explosive that had been + employed, preferring as he did to assume full responsibility for the deed + which was about to cost him his life. Moreover, Guillaume, on turning + round, in compliance with an irresistible impulse, had perceived Victor + Mathis still motionless behind him: his elbows ever leaning on the rail of + the partition, and his chin still resting on his hands, whilst he listened + with silent, concentrated passion. His face had become yet paler than + before, and his eyes glowed as with an avenging fire, whose flames would + never more be extinguished. + </p> + <p> + The interrogatory of the prisoner was followed by a brief commotion in + court. + </p> + <p> + “That Salvat looks quite nice, he has such soft eyes,” declared the + Princess, whom the proceedings greatly amused. “Oh! don’t speak ill of + him, my dear deputy. You know that I have Anarchist ideas myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I speak no ill of him,” gaily replied Duthil. “Nor has our friend Amadieu + any right to speak ill of him. For you know that this affair has set + Amadieu on a pinnacle. He was never before talked about to such an extent + as he is now; and he delights in being talked about, you know! He has + become quite a social celebrity, the most illustrious of our investigating + magistrates, and will soon be able to do or become whatever he pleases.” + </p> + <p> + Then Massot, with his sarcastic impudence, summed up the situation. “When + Anarchism flourishes, everything flourishes, eh? That bomb has helped on + the affairs of a good many fine fellows that I know. Do you think that my + governor Fonsegue, who’s so attentive to Silviane yonder, complains of it? + And doesn’t Sagnier, who’s spreading himself out behind the presiding + judge, and whose proper place would be between the four gendarmes—doesn’t + he owe a debt to Salvat for all the abominable advertisements he has been + able to give his paper by using the wretched fellow’s back as a big drum? + And I need not mention the politicians or the financiers or all those who + fish in troubled waters.” + </p> + <p> + “But I say,” interrupted Duthil, “it seems to me that you yourself made + good use of the affair. Your interview with the little girl Celine brought + you in a pot of money.” + </p> + <p> + Massot, as it happened, had been struck with the idea of ferreting out + Madame Theodore and the child, and of relating his visit to them in the + “Globe,” with an abundance of curious and touching particulars. The + article had met with prodigious success, Celine’s pretty answers + respecting her imprisoned father having such an effect on ladies with + sensitive hearts that they had driven to Montmartre in their carriages in + order to see the two poor creatures. Thus alms had come to them from all + sides; and strangely enough the very people who demanded the father’s head + were the most eager to sympathise with the child. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don’t complain of my little profits,” said the journalist in + answer to Duthil. “We all earn what we can, you know.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment Rosemonde, while glancing round her, recognised Guillaume + and Pierre, but she was so amazed to see the latter in ordinary civilian + garb that she did not dare to speak to him. Leaning forward she acquainted + Duthil and Massot with her surprise, and they both turned round to look. + From motives of discretion, however, they pretended that they did not + recognise the Froments. + </p> + <p> + The heat in court was now becoming quite unbearable, and one lady had + already fainted. At last the presiding judge again raised his lisping + voice, and managed to restore silence. Salvat, who had remained standing, + now held a few sheets of paper, and with some difficulty he made the judge + understand that he desired to complete his interrogatory by reading a + declaration, which he had drawn up in prison, and in which he explained + his reasons for his crime. For a moment M. de Larombiere hesitated, all + surprise and indignation at such a request; but he was aware that he could + not legally impose silence on the prisoner, and so he signified his + consent with a gesture of mingled irritation and disdain. Thereupon Salvat + began his perusal much after the fashion of a schoolboy, hemming and + hawing here and there, occasionally becoming confused, and then bringing + out certain words with wonderful emphasis, which evidently pleased him. + This declaration of his was the usual cry of suffering and revolt already + raised by so many disinherited ones. It referred to all the frightful want + of the lower spheres; the toiler unable to find a livelihood in his toil; + a whole class, the most numerous and worthy of the classes, dying of + starvation; whilst, on the other hand, were the privileged ones, gorged + with wealth, and wallowing in satiety, yet refusing to part with even the + crumbs from their tables, determined as they were to restore nothing + whatever of the wealth which they had stolen. And so it became necessary + to take everything away from them, to rouse them from their egotism by + terrible warnings, and to proclaim to them even with the crash of bombs + that the day of justice had come. The unhappy man spoke that word + “justice” in a ringing voice which seemed to fill the whole court. But the + emotion of those who heard him reached its highest pitch when, after + declaring that he laid down his life for the cause, and expected nothing + but a verdict of death from the jury, he added, as if prophetically, that + his blood would assuredly give birth to other martyrs. They might send him + to the scaffold, said he, but he knew that his example would bear fruit. + After him would come another avenger, and yet another, and others still, + until the old and rotten social system should have crumbled away so as to + make room for the society of justice and happiness of which he was one of + the apostles. + </p> + <p> + The presiding judge, in his impatience and agitation, twice endeavoured to + interrupt Salvat. But the other read on and on with the imperturbable + conscientiousness of one who fears that he may not give proper utterance + to his most important words. He must have been thinking of that perusal + ever since he had been in prison. It was the decisive act of his suicide, + the act by which he proclaimed that he gave his life for the glory of + dying in the cause of mankind. And when he had finished he sat down + between the gendarmes with glowing eyes and flushed cheeks, as if he + inwardly experienced some deep joy. + </p> + <p> + To destroy the effect which the declaration had produced—a + commingling of fear and compassion—the judge at once wished to + proceed with the hearing of the witnesses. Of these there was an + interminable procession; though little interest attached to their + evidence, for none of them had any revelations to make. Most attention + perhaps was paid to the measured statements of Grandidier, who had been + obliged to dismiss Salvat from his employ on account of the Anarchist + propaganda he had carried on. Then the prisoner’s brother-in-law, + Toussaint, the mechanician, also seemed a very worthy fellow if one might + judge him by the manner in which he strove to put things favourably for + Salvat, without in any way departing from the truth. After Toussaint’s + evidence considerable time was taken up by the discussions between the + experts, who disagreed in public as much as they had disagreed in their + reports. Although they were all of opinion that dynamite could not have + been the explosive employed in the bomb, they indulged in the most + extraordinary and contradictory suppositions as to this explosive’s real + nature. Eventually a written opinion given by the illustrious <i>savant</i> + Bertheroy was read; and this, after clearly setting forth the known facts, + concluded that one found oneself in presence of a new explosive of + prodigious power, the formula of which he himself was unable to specify. + </p> + <p> + Then detective Mondesir and commissary Dupot came in turn to relate the + various phases of the man hunt in the Bois de Boulogne. In Mondesir + centred all the gaiety of the proceedings, thanks to the guardroom sallies + with which he enlivened his narrative. And in like way the greatest grief, + a perfect shudder of revolt and compassion, was roused by the errand + girl’s grandmother, a poor, bent, withered old woman, whom the prosecution + had cruelly constrained to attend the court, and who wept and looked quite + dismayed, unable as she was to understand what was wanted of her. When she + had withdrawn, the only remaining witnesses were those for the defence, a + procession of foremen and comrades, who all declared that they had known + Salvat as a very worthy fellow, an intelligent and zealous workman, who + did not drink, but was extremely fond of his daughter, and incapable of an + act of dishonesty or cruelty. + </p> + <p> + It was already four o’clock when the evidence of the witnesses came to an + end. The atmosphere in court was now quite stifling, feverish fatigue + flushed every face, and a kind of ruddy dust obscured the waning light + which fell from the windows. Women were fanning themselves and men were + mopping their foreheads. However, the passion roused by the scene still + brought a glow of cruel delight to every eye. And no one stirred. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” sighed Rosemonde all at once, “to think that I hoped to drink a cup + of tea at a friend’s at five o’clock. I shall die of thirst and starvation + here.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall certainly be kept till seven,” replied Massot. “I can’t offer to + go and fetch you a roll, for I shouldn’t be readmitted.” + </p> + <p> + Then Duthil, who had not ceased shrugging his shoulders while Salvat read + his declaration, exclaimed: “What childish things he said, didn’t he? And + to think that the fool is going to die for all that! Rich and poor, + indeed! Why, there will always be rich and poor. And it’s equally certain + that when a man is poor his one great desire is to become rich. If that + fellow is in the dock to-day it’s simply because he failed to make money.” + </p> + <p> + While the others were thus conversing, Pierre for his part was feeling + extremely anxious about his brother, who sat beside him in silence, pale + and utterly upset. Pierre sought his hand and covertly pressed it. Then in + a low voice he inquired: “Do you feel ill? Shall we go away?” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume answered him by discreetly and affectionately returning his + handshake. He was all right, he would remain till the end, however much he + might be stirred by exasperation. + </p> + <p> + It was now Monsieur Lehmann, the public prosecutor, who rose to address + the court. He had a large, stern mouth, and was squarely built, with a + stubborn Jewish face. Nevertheless he was known to be a man of dexterous, + supple nature, one who had a foot in every political camp, and invariably + contrived to be on good terms with the powers that were. This explained + his rapid rise in life, and the constant favour he enjoyed. In the very + first words he spoke he alluded to the new ministry gazetted that morning, + referring pointedly to the strong-handed man who had undertaken the task + of reassuring peaceable citizens and making evil-doers tremble. Then he + fell upon the wretched Salvat with extraordinary vehemence, recounting the + whole of his life, and exhibiting him as a bandit expressly born for the + perpetration of crime, a monster who was bound to end by committing some + abominable and cowardly outrage. Next he flagellated Anarchism and its + partisans. The Anarchists were a mere herd of vagabonds and thieves, said + he. That had been shown by the recent robbery at the Princess de Harn’s + house. The ignoble gang that had been arrested for that affair had given + the apostles of the Anarchist doctrine as their references! And that was + what the application of Anarchist theories resulted in—burglary and + filth, pending a favourable hour for wholesale pillage and murder! For + nearly a couple of hours the public prosecutor continued in this fashion, + throwing truth and logic to the winds, and exclusively striving to alarm + his hearers. He made all possible use of the terror which had reigned in + Paris, and figuratively brandished the corpse of the poor little victim, + the pretty errand girl, as if it were a blood-red flag, before pointing to + the pale hand, preserved in spirits of wine, with a gesture of + compassionate horror which sent a shudder through his audience. And he + ended, as he had begun, by inspiriting the jurors, and telling them that + they might fearlessly do their duty now that those at the head of the + State were firmly resolved to give no heed to threats. + </p> + <p> + Then the young advocate entrusted with the defence in his turn spoke. And + he really said what there was to say with great clearness and precision. + He was of a different school from that of the public prosecutor: his + eloquence was very simple and smooth, his only passion seemed to be zeal + for truth. Moreover, it was sufficient for him to show Salvat’s career in + its proper light, to depict him pursued by social fatalities since his + childhood, and to explain the final action of his career by all that he + had suffered and all that had sprung up in his dreamy brain. Was not his + crime the crime of one and all? Who was there that did not feel, if only + in a small degree, responsible for that bomb which a penniless, starving + workman had deposited on the threshold of a wealthy man’s abode—a + wealthy man whose name bespoke the injustice of the social system: so much + enjoyment on the one hand and so much privation on the other! If one of us + happened to lose his head, and felt impelled to hasten the advent of + happiness by violence in such troublous times, when so many burning + problems claimed solution, ought he to be deprived of his life in the name + of justice, when none could swear that they had not in some measure + contributed to his madness? Following up this question, Salvat’s counsel + dwelt at length on the period that witnessed the crime, a period of so + many scandals and collapses, when the old world was giving birth to a new + one amidst the most terrible struggles and pangs. And he concluded by + begging the jury to show themselves humane, to resist all passion and + terror, and to pacify the rival classes by a wise verdict, instead of + prolonging social warfare by giving the starvelings yet another martyr to + avenge. + </p> + <p> + It was past six o’clock when M. de Larombiere began to sum up in a partial + and flowery fashion, in which one detected how grieved and angry he was at + having such a shrill little voice. Then the judges and the jurors + withdrew, and the prisoner was led away, leaving the spectators waiting + amidst an uproar of feverish impatience. Some more ladies had fainted, and + it had even been necessary to carry out a gentleman who had been overcome + by the cruel heat. However, the others stubbornly remained there, not one + of them quitting his place. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! it won’t take long now,” said Massot. “The jurors brought their + verdict all ready in their pockets. I was looking at them while that + little advocate was telling them such sensible things. They all looked as + if they were comfortably asleep in the gloom.” + </p> + <p> + Then Duthil turned to the Princess and asked her, “Are you still hungry?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I’m starving,” she replied. “I shall never be able to wait till I get + home. You will have to take me to eat a biscuit somewhere.... All the + same, however, it’s very exciting to see a man’s life staked on a yes or a + no.” + </p> + <p> + Meantime Pierre, finding Guillaume still more feverish and grieved, had + once again taken hold of his hand. Neither of them spoke, so great was the + distress that they experienced for many reasons which they themselves + could not have precisely defined. It seemed to them, however, that all + human misery—inclusive of their own, the affections, the hopes, the + griefs which brought them suffering—was sobbing and quivering in + that buzzing hall. Twilight had gradually fallen there, but as the end was + now so near it had doubtless been thought unnecessary to light the + chandeliers. And thus large vague shadows, dimming and shrouding the + serried throng, now hovered about in the last gleams of the day. The + ladies in light gowns yonder, behind the bench, looked like pale phantoms + with all-devouring eyes, whilst the numerous groups of black-robed + advocates formed large sombre patches which gradually spread everywhere. + The greyish painting of the Christ had already vanished, and on the walls + one only saw the glaring white bust of the Republic, which resembled some + frigid death’s head starting forth from the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” Massot once more exclaimed, “I knew that it wouldn’t take long!” + </p> + <p> + Indeed, the jurors were returning after less than a quarter of an hour’s + absence. Then the judges likewise came back and took their seats. + Increased emotion stirred the throng, a great gust seemed to sweep through + the court, a gust of anxiety, which made every head sway. Some people had + risen to their feet, and others gave vent to involuntary exclamations. The + foreman of the jury, a gentleman with a broad red face, had to wait a + moment before speaking. At last in a sharp but somewhat sputtering voice + he declared: “On my honour and my conscience, before God and before man, + the verdict of the jury is: on the question of Murder, yes, by a majority + of votes.” * + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * English readers may be reminded that in France the verdict of + a majority of the jury suffices for conviction or acquittal. + If the jury is evenly divided the prisoner is acquitted.—Trans. +</pre> + <p> + The night had almost completely fallen when Salvat was once more brought + in. In front of the jurors, who faded away in the gloom, he stood forth, + erect, with a last ray from the windows lighting up his face. The judges + themselves almost disappeared from view, their red robes seemed to have + turned black. And how phantom-like looked the prisoner’s emaciated face as + he stood there listening, with dreamy eyes, while the clerk of the court + read the verdict to him. + </p> + <p> + When silence fell and no mention was made of extenuating circumstances, he + understood everything. His face, which had retained a childish expression, + suddenly brightened. “That means death. Thank you, gentlemen,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Then he turned towards the public, and amidst the growing darkness + searched for the friendly faces which he knew were there; and this time + Guillaume became fully conscious that he had recognised him, and was again + expressing affectionate and grateful thanks for the crust he had received + from him on a day of want. He must have also bidden farewell to Victor + Mathis, for as Guillaume glanced at the young man, who had not moved, he + saw that his eyes were staring wildly, and that a terrible expression + rested on his lips. + </p> + <p> + As for the rest of the proceedings, the last questions addressed to the + jury and the counsel, the deliberations of the judges and the delivery of + sentence—these were all lost amidst the buzzing and surging of the + crowd. A little compassion was unconsciously manifested; and some stupor + was mingled with the satisfaction that greeted the sentence of death. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had Salvat been condemned, however, than he drew himself up to + his full height, and as the guards led him away he shouted in a stentorian + voice: “Long live Anarchy!” + </p> + <p> + Nobody seemed angered by the cry. The crowd went off quietly, as if + weariness had lulled all its passions. The proceedings had really lasted + too long and fatigued one too much. It was quite pleasant to inhale the + fresh air on emerging from such a nightmare. + </p> + <p> + In the large waiting hall, Pierre and Guillaume passed Duthil and the + Princess, whom General de Bozonnet had stopped while chatting with + Fonsegue. All four of them were talking in very loud voices, complaining + of the heat and their hunger, and agreeing that the affair had not been a + particularly interesting one. Yet, all was well that ended well. As + Fonsegue remarked, the condemnation of Salvat to death was a political and + social necessity. + </p> + <p> + When Pierre and Guillaume reached the Pont Neuf, the latter for a moment + rested his elbows on the parapet of the bridge. His brother, standing + beside him, also gazed at the grey waters of the Seine, which here and + there were fired by the reflections of the gas lamps. A fresh breeze + ascended from the river; it was the delightful hour when night steals + gently over resting Paris. Then, as the brothers stood there breathing + that atmosphere which usually brings relief and comfort, Pierre on his + side again became conscious of his heart-wound, and remembered his promise + to return to Montmartre, a promise that he must keep in spite of the + torture there awaiting him; whilst Guillaume on the other hand experienced + a revival of the suspicion and disquietude that had come to him on seeing + Marie so feverish, changed as it were by some new feeling, of which she + herself was ignorant. Were further sufferings, struggles, and obstacles to + happiness yet in store for those brothers who loved one another so dearly? + At all events their hearts bled once more with all the sorrow into which + they had been cast by the scene they had just witnessed: that assize of + justice at which a wretched man had been condemned to pay with his head + for the crimes of one and all. + </p> + <p> + Then, as they turned along the quay, Guillaume recognised young Victor + going off alone in the gloom, just in front of them. The chemist stopped + him and spoke to him of his mother. But the young man did not hear; his + thin lips parted, and in a voice as trenchant as a knife-thrust he + exclaimed: “Ah! so it’s blood they want. Well, they may cut off his head, + but he will be avenged!” + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0083" id="link2H_4_0083"></a> + V. SACRIFICE + </h2> + <p> + THE days which followed Salvat’s trial seemed gloomy ones up yonder in + Guillaume’s workroom, which was usually so bright and gay. Sadness and + silence filled the place. The three young men were no longer there. Thomas + betook himself to the Grandidier works early every morning in order to + perfect his little motor; Francois was so busy preparing for his + examination that he scarcely left the Ecole Normale; while Antoine was + doing some work at Jahan’s, where he delighted to linger and watch his + little friend Lise awakening to life. Thus Guillaume’s sole companion was + Mere-Grand, who sat near the window busy with her needlework; for Marie + was ever going about the house, and only stayed in the workroom for any + length of time when Pierre happened to be there. + </p> + <p> + Guillaume’s gloom was generally attributed to the feelings of anger and + revolt into which the condemnation of Salvat had thrown him. He had flown + into a passion on his return from the Palace of Justice, declaring that + the execution of the unhappy man would simply be social murder, deliberate + provocation of class warfare. And the others had bowed on hearing that + pain-fraught violent cry, without attempting to discuss the point. + Guillaume’s sons respectfully left him to the thoughts which kept him + silent for hours, with his face pale and a dreamy expression in his eyes. + His chemical furnace remained unlighted, and his only occupation from morn + till night was to examine the plans and documents connected with his + invention, that new explosive and that terrible engine of war, which he + had so long dreamt of presenting to France in order that she might impose + the reign of truth and justice upon all the nations. However, during the + long hours which he spent before the papers scattered over his table, + often without seeing them, for his eyes wandered far away, a multitude of + vague thoughts came to him—doubts respecting the wisdom of his + project, and fears lest his desire to pacify the nations should simply + throw them into an endless war of extermination. Although he really + believed that great city of Paris to be the world’s brain, entrusted with + the task of preparing the future, he could not disguise from himself that + with all its folly and shame and injustice it still presented a shocking + spectacle. Was it really ripe enough for the work of human salvation which + he thought of entrusting to it? Then, on trying to re-peruse his notes and + verify his formulas, he only recovered his former energetic determination + on thinking of his marriage, whereupon the idea came to him that it was + now too late for him to upset his life by changing such long-settled + plans. + </p> + <p> + His marriage! Was it not the thought of this which haunted Guillaume and + disturbed him far more powerfully than his scientific work or his + humanitarian passion? Beneath all the worries that he acknowledged, there + was another which he did not confess even to himself, and which filled him + with anguish. He repeated day by day that he would reveal his invention to + the Minister of War as soon as he should be married to Marie, whom he + wished to associate with his glory. Married to Marie! Each time he thought + of it, burning fever and secret disquietude came over him. If he now + remained so silent and had lost his quiet cheerfulness, it was because he + had felt new life, as it were, emanating from her. She was certainly no + longer the same woman as formerly; she was becoming more and more changed + and distant. He had watched her and Pierre when the latter happened to be + there, which was now but seldom. He, too, appeared embarrassed, and + different from what he had been. On the days when he came, however, Marie + seemed transformed; it was as if new life animated the house. Certainly + the intercourse between her and Pierre was quite innocent, sisterly on the + one hand, brotherly on the other. They simply seemed to be a pair of good + friends. And yet a radiance, a vibration, emanated from them, something + more subtle even than a sun-ray or a perfume. After the lapse of a few + days Guillaume found himself unable to doubt the truth any longer. And his + heart bled, he was utterly upset by it. He had not found them in fault in + any way, but he was convinced that these two children, as he so paternally + called them, really adored one another. + </p> + <p> + One lovely morning when he happened to be alone with Mere-Grand, face to + face with sunlit Paris, he fell into a yet more dolorous reverie than + usual. He seemed to be gazing fixedly at the old lady, as, seated in her + usual place, she continued sewing with an air of queenly serenity. + Perhaps, however, he did not see her. For her part she occasionally raised + her eyes and glanced at him, as if expecting a confession which did not + come. At last, finding such silence unbearable, she made up her mind to + address him: “What has been the matter with you, Guillaume, for some time + past? Why don’t you tell me what you have to tell me?” + </p> + <p> + He descended from the clouds, as it were, and answered in astonishment: + “What I have to tell you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know it as well as you do, and I thought you would speak to me of + it, since it pleases you to do nothing here without consulting me.” + </p> + <p> + At this he turned very pale and shuddered. So he had not been mistaken in + the matter, even Mere-Grand knew all about it. To talk of it, however, was + to give shape to his suspicions, to transform what, hitherto, might merely + have been a fancy on his part into something real and definite. + </p> + <p> + “It was inevitable, my dear son,” said Mere-Grand. “I foresaw it from the + outset. And if I did not warn you of it, it was because I believed in some + deep design on your part. Since I have seen you suffering, however, I have + realised that I was mistaken.” Then, as he still looked at her quivering + and distracted, she continued: “Yes, I fancied that you might have wished + it, that in bringing your brother here you wished to know if Marie loved + you otherwise than as a father. There was good reason for testing her—for + instance, the great difference between your ages, for your life is drawing + to a close, whilst hers is only beginning. And I need not mention the + question of your work, the mission which I have always dreamt of for you.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, with his hands raised in prayerful fashion, Guillaume drew near + to the old lady and exclaimed: “Oh! speak out clearly, tell me what you + think. I don’t understand, my poor heart is so lacerated; and yet I should + so much like to know everything, so as to be able to act and take a + decision. To think that you whom I love, you whom I venerate as much as if + you were my real mother, you whose profound good sense I know so well that + I have always followed your advice—to think that you should have + foreseen this frightful thing and have allowed it to happen at the risk of + its killing me!... Why have you done so, tell me, why?” + </p> + <p> + Mere-Grand was not fond of talking. Absolute mistress of the house as she + was, managing everything, accountable to nobody for her actions, she never + gave expression to all that she thought or all that she desired. Indeed, + there was no occasion for it, as Guillaume, like the children, relied upon + her completely, with full confidence in her wisdom. And her somewhat + enigmatical ways even helped to raise her in their estimation. + </p> + <p> + “What is the use of words, when things themselves speak?” she now gently + answered, while still plying her needle. “It is quite true that I approved + of the plan of a marriage between you and Marie, for I saw that it was + necessary that she should be married if she was to stay here. And then, + too, there were many other reasons which I needn’t speak of. However, + Pierre’s arrival here has changed everything, and placed things in their + natural order. Is not that preferable?” + </p> + <p> + He still lacked the courage to understand her. “Preferable! When I’m in + agony? When my life is wrecked?” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon she rose and came to him, tall and rigid in her thin black gown, + and with an expression of austerity and energy on her pale face. “My son,” + she said, “you know that I love you, and that I wish you to be very noble + and lofty. Only the other morning, you had an attack of fright, the house + narrowly escaped being blown up. Then, for some days now you have been + sitting over those documents and plans in an absent-minded, distracted + state, like a man who feels weak, and doubts, and no longer knows his way. + Believe me, you are following a dangerous path; it is better that Pierre + should marry Marie, both for their sakes and for your own.” + </p> + <p> + “For my sake? No, no! What will become of me!” + </p> + <p> + “You will calm yourself and reflect, my son. You have such serious duties + before you. You are on the eve of making your invention known. It seems to + me that something has bedimmed your sight, and that you will perhaps act + wrongly in this respect, through failing to take due account of the + problem before you. Perhaps there is something better to be done.... At + all events, suffer if it be necessary, but remain faithful to your ideal.” + </p> + <p> + Then, quitting him with a maternal smile, she sought to soften her + somewhat stern words by adding: “You have compelled me to speak + unnecessarily, for I am quite at ease; with your superior mind, whatever + be in question, you can but do the one right thing that none other would + do.” + </p> + <p> + On finding himself alone Guillaume fell into feverish uncertainty. What + was the meaning of Mere-Grand’s enigmatical words? He knew that she was on + the side of whatever might be good, natural, and necessary. But she seemed + to be urging him to some lofty heroism; and indeed what she had said threw + a ray of light upon the unrest which had come to him in connection with + his old plan of going to confide his secret to some Minister of War or + other, whatever one might happen to be in office at the time. Growing + hesitation and repugnance stirred him as he fancied he could again hear + her saying that perhaps there might be some better course, that would + require search and reflection. But all at once a vision of Marie rose + before him, and his heart was rent by the thought that he was asked to + renounce her. To lose her, to give her to another! No, no, that was beyond + his strength. He would never have the frightful courage that was needed to + pass by the last promised raptures of love with disdain! + </p> + <p> + For a couple of days Guillaume struggled on. He seemed to be again living + the six years which the young woman had already spent beside him in that + happy little house. She had been at first like an adopted daughter there; + and later on, when the idea of their marriage had sprung up, he had viewed + it with quiet delight in the hope that it would ensure the happiness of + all around him. If he had previously abstained from marrying again it was + from the fear of placing a strange mother over his children; and if he + yielded to the charm of loving yet once more, and no longer leading a + solitary life, it was because he had found at his very hearth one of such + sensible views, who, in the flower of youth, was willing to become his + wife despite the difference in their ages. Then months had gone by, and + serious occurrences had compelled them to postpone the wedding, though + without undue suffering on his part. Indeed, the certainty that she was + waiting for him had sufficed him, for his life of hard work had rendered + him patient. Now, however, all at once, at the threat of losing her, his + hitherto tranquil heart ached and bled. He would never have thought the + tie so close a one. But he was now almost fifty, and it was as if love and + woman were being wrenched away from him, the last woman that he could love + and desire, one too who was the more desirable, as she was the incarnation + of youth from which he must ever be severed, should he indeed lose her. + Passionate desire, mingled with rage, flared up within him at the thought + that someone should have come to take her from him. + </p> + <p> + One night, alone in his room, he suffered perfect martyrdom. In order that + he might not rouse the house he buried his face in his pillow so as to + stifle his sobs. After all, it was a simple matter; Marie had given him + her promise, and he would compel her to keep it. She would be his, and his + alone, and none would be able to steal her from him. Then, however, there + rose before him a vision of his brother, the long-forgotten one, whom, + from feelings of affection, he had compelled to join his family. But his + sufferings were now so acute that he would have driven that brother away + had he been before him. He was enraged, maddened, by the thought of him. + His brother—his little brother! So all their love was over; hatred + and violence were about to poison their lives. For hours Guillaume + continued complaining deliriously, and seeking how he might so rid himself + of Pierre that what had happened should be blotted out. Now and again, + when he recovered self-control, he marvelled at the tempest within him; + for was he not a <i>savant</i> guided by lofty reason, a toiler to whom + long experience had brought serenity? But the truth was that this tempest + had not sprung up in his mind, it was raging in the child-like soul that + he had retained, the nook of affection and dreaminess which remained + within him side by side with his principles of pitiless logic and his + belief in proven phenomena only. His very genius came from the duality of + his nature: behind the chemist was a social dreamer, hungering for justice + and capable of the greatest love. And now passion was transporting him, + and he was weeping for the loss of Marie as he would have wept over the + downfall of that dream of his, the destruction of war <i>by</i> war, that + scheme for the salvation of mankind at which he had been working for ten + years past. + </p> + <p> + At last, amidst his weariness, a sudden resolution calmed him. He began to + feel ashamed of despairing in this wise when he had no certain grounds to + go upon. He must know everything, he would question the young woman; she + was loyal enough to answer him frankly. Was not this a solution worthy of + them both? An explanation in all sincerity, after which they would be able + to take a decision. Then he fell asleep; and, tired though he felt when he + rose in the morning, he was calmer. It was as if some secret work had gone + on in his heart during his few hours of repose after that terrible storm. + </p> + <p> + As it happened Marie was very gay that morning. On the previous day she + had gone with Pierre and Antoine on a cycling excursion over frightful + roads in the direction of Montmorency, whence they had returned in a state + of mingled anger and delight. When Guillaume stopped her in the little + garden, he found her humming a song while returning bare-armed from the + scullery, where some washing was going on. + </p> + <p> + “Do you want to speak to me?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my dear child, it’s necessary for us to talk of some serious + matters.” + </p> + <p> + She at once understood that their marriage was in question, and became + grave. She had formerly consented to that marriage because she regarded it + as the only sensible course she could take, and this with full knowledge + of the duties which she would assume. No doubt her husband would be some + twenty years older than herself, but this circumstance was one of somewhat + frequent occurrence, and as a rule such marriages turned out well, rather + than otherwise. Moreover, she was in love with nobody, and was free to + consent. And she had consented with an impulse of gratitude and affection + which seemed so sweet that she thought it the sweetness of love itself. + Everybody around her, too, appeared so pleased at the prospect of this + marriage, which would draw the family yet more closely together. And, on + her side, she had been as it were intoxicated by the idea of making others + happy. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” she now asked Guillaume in a somewhat anxious voice. + “No bad news, I hope?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” he answered. “I’ve simply something to say to you.” + </p> + <p> + Then he led her under the plum-trees to the only green nook left in the + garden. An old worm-eaten bench still stood there against the + lilac-bushes. And in front of them Paris spread out its sea of roofs, + looking light and fresh in the morning sunlight. + </p> + <p> + They both sat down. But at the moment of speaking and questioning Marie, + Guillaume experienced sudden embarrassment, while his heart beat violently + at seeing her beside him, so young and adorable with her bare arms. + </p> + <p> + “Our wedding-day is drawing near,” he ended by saying. And then as she + turned somewhat pale, perhaps unconsciously, he himself suddenly felt + cold. Had not her lips twitched as if with pain? Had not a shadow passed + over her fresh, clear eyes? + </p> + <p> + “Oh! we still have some time before us,” she replied. + </p> + <p> + Then, slowly and very affectionately, he resumed: “No doubt; still it is + necessary to attend to the formalities. And it is as well, perhaps, that I + should speak of those worries to-day, so that I may not have to bother you + about them again.” + </p> + <p> + Then he gently went on telling her all that would have to be done, keeping + his eyes on her whilst he spoke, watching for such signs of emotion as the + thought of her promise’s early fulfilment might bring to her face. She sat + there in silence, with her hands on her lap, and her features quite still, + thus giving no certain sign of any regret or trouble. Still she seemed + rather dejected, compliant, as it were, but in no wise joyous. + </p> + <p> + “You say nothing, my dear Marie,” Guillaume at last exclaimed. “Does + anything of all this displease you?” + </p> + <p> + “Displease me? Oh, no!” + </p> + <p> + “You must speak out frankly, if it does, you know. We will wait a little + longer if you have any personal reasons for wishing to postpone the date + again.” + </p> + <p> + “But I’ve no reasons, my friend. What reasons could I have? I leave you + quite free to settle everything as you yourself may desire.” + </p> + <p> + Silence fell. While answering, she had looked him frankly in the face; but + a little quiver stirred her lips, and gloom, for which she could not + account, seemed to rise and darken her face, usually as bright and gay as + spring water. In former times would she not have laughed and sung at the + mere announcement of that coming wedding? + </p> + <p> + Then Guillaume, with an effort which made his voice tremble, dared to + speak out: “You must forgive me for asking you a question, my dear Marie. + There is still time for you to cancel your promise. Are you quite certain + that you love me?” + </p> + <p> + At this she looked at him in genuine stupefaction, utterly failing to + understand what he could be aiming at. And—as she seemed to be + deferring her reply, he added: “Consult your heart. Is it really your old + friend or is it another that you love?” + </p> + <p> + “I? I, Guillaume? Why do you say that to me? What can I have done to give + you occasion to say such a thing!” + </p> + <p> + All her frank nature revolted as she spoke, and her beautiful eyes, + glowing with sincerity, gazed fixedly on his. + </p> + <p> + “I love Pierre! I do, I?... Well, yes, I love him, as I love you all; I + love him because he has become one of us, because he shares our life and + our joys! I’m happy when he’s here, certainly; and I should like him to be + always here. I’m always pleased to see him and hear him and go out with + him. I was very much grieved recently when he seemed to be relapsing into + his gloomy ideas. But all that is natural, is it not? And I think that I + have only done what you desired I should do, and I cannot understand how + my affection for Pierre can in any way exercise an influence respecting + our marriage.” + </p> + <p> + These words, in her estimation, ought to have convinced Guillaume that she + was not in love with his brother; but in lieu thereof they brought him + painful enlightenment by the very ardour with which she denied the love + imputed to her. + </p> + <p> + “But you unfortunate girl!” he cried. “You are betraying yourself without + knowing it.... It is quite certain you do not love me, you love my + brother!” + </p> + <p> + He had caught hold of her wrists and was pressing them with despairing + affection as if to compel her to read her heart. And she continued + struggling. A most loving and tragic contest went on between them, he + seeking to convince her by the evidence of facts, and she resisting him, + stubbornly refusing to open her eyes. In vain did he recount what had + happened since the first day, explaining the feelings which had followed + one upon another in her heart and mind: first covert hostility, next + curiosity regarding that extraordinary young priest, and then sympathy and + affection when she had found him so wretched and had gradually cured him + of his sufferings. They were both young and mother Nature had done the + rest. However, at each fresh proof and certainty which he put before her, + Marie only experienced growing emotion, trembling at last from head to + foot, but still unwilling to question herself. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said she, “I do not love him. If I loved him I should know it + and would acknowledge it to you; for you are well aware that I cannot tell + an untruth.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, however, had the cruelty to insist on the point, like some + heroic surgeon cutting into his own flesh even more than into that of + others, in order that the truth might appear and everyone be saved. + “Marie,” said he, “it is not I whom you love. All that you feel for me is + respect and gratitude and daughterly affection. Remember what your + feelings were at the time when our marriage was decided upon. You were + then in love with nobody, and you accepted the offer like a sensible girl, + feeling certain that I should render you happy, and that the union was a + right and satisfactory one.... But since then my brother has come here; + love has sprung up in your heart in quite a natural way; and it is Pierre, + Pierre alone, whom you love as a lover and a husband should be loved.” + </p> + <p> + Exhausted though she was, utterly distracted, too, by the light which, + despite herself, was dawning within her, Marie still stubbornly and + desperately protested. + </p> + <p> + “But why do you struggle like this against the truth, my child?” said + Guillaume; “I do not reproach you. It was I who chose that this should + happen, like the old madman I am. What was bound to come has come, and + doubtless it is for the best. I only wanted to learn the truth from you in + order that I might take a decision and act uprightly.” + </p> + <p> + These words vanquished her, and her tears gushed forth. It seemed as + though something had been rent asunder within her; and she felt quite + overcome, as if by the weight of a new truth of which she had hitherto + been ignorant. “Ah! it was cruel of you,” she said, “to do me such + violence so as to make me read my heart. I swear to you again that I did + not know I loved Pierre in the way you say. But you have opened my heart, + and roused what was quietly slumbering in it.... And it is true, I do love + Pierre, I love him now as you have said. And so here we are, all three of + us supremely wretched through your doing!” + </p> + <p> + She sobbed, and with a sudden feeling of modesty freed her wrists from his + grasp. He noticed, however, that no blush rose to her face. Truth to tell, + her virginal loyalty was not in question; she had no cause to reproach + herself with any betrayal; it was he alone, perforce, who had awakened her + to love. For a moment they looked at one another through their tears: she + so strong and healthy, her bosom heaving at each heart-beat, and her white + arms—arms that could both charm and sustain—bare almost to her + shoulders; and he still vigorous, with his thick fleece of white hair and + his black moustaches, which gave his countenance such an expression of + energetic youth. But it was all over, the irreparable had swept by, and + utterly changed their lives. + </p> + <p> + “Marie,” he nobly said, “you do not love me, I give you back your + promise.” + </p> + <p> + But with equal nobility she refused to take it back. “Never will I do so,” + she replied. “I gave it to you frankly, freely and joyfully, and my + affection and admiration for you have never changed.” + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, with more firmness in his hitherto broken voice, Guillaume + retorted: “You love Pierre, and it is Pierre whom you ought to marry.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” she again insisted, “I belong to you. A tie which years have + tightened cannot be undone in an hour. Once again, if I love Pierre I + swear to you that I was ignorant of it this morning. And let us leave the + matter as it is; do not torture me any more, it would be too cruel of + you.” + </p> + <p> + Then, quivering like a woman who suddenly perceives that she is bare, in a + stranger’s presence, she hastily pulled down her sleeves, and even drew + them over her hands as if to leave naught of her person visible. And + afterwards she rose and walked away without adding a single word. + </p> + <p> + Guillaume remained alone on the bench in that leafy corner, in front of + Paris, to which the light morning sunshine lent the aspect of some + quivering, soaring city of dreamland. A great weight oppressed him, and it + seemed to him as if he would never be able to rise from the seat. That + which brought him most suffering was Marie’s assurance that she had till + that morning been ignorant of the fact that she was in love with Pierre. + She had been ignorant of it, and it was he, Guillaume, who had brought it + to her knowledge, compelled her to confess it! He had now firmly planted + it in her heart, and perhaps increased it by revealing it to her. Ah! how + cruel the thought—to be the artisan of one’s own torment! Of one + thing he was now quite certain: there would be no more love in his life. + At the idea of this, his poor, loving heart sank and bled. And yet amidst + the disaster, amidst his grief at realising that he was an old man, and + that renunciation was imperative, he experienced a bitter joy at having + brought the truth to light. This was very harsh consolation, fit only for + one of heroic soul, yet he found lofty satisfaction in it, and from that + moment the thought of sacrifice imposed itself upon him with extraordinary + force. He must marry his children; there lay the path of duty, the only + wise and just course, the only certain means of ensuring the happiness of + the household. And when his revolting heart yet leapt and shrieked with + anguish, he carried his vigorous hands to his chest in order to still it. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow came the supreme explanation between Guillaume and Pierre, + not in the little garden, however, but in the spacious workroom. And here + again one beheld the vast panorama of Paris, a nation as it were at work, + a huge vat in which the wine of the future was fermenting. Guillaume had + arranged things so that he might be alone with his brother; and no sooner + had the latter entered than he attacked him, going straight to the point + without any of the precautions which he had previously taken with Marie. + </p> + <p> + “Haven’t you something to say to me, Pierre?” he inquired. “Why won’t you + confide in me?” + </p> + <p> + The other immediately understood him, and began to tremble, unable to find + a word, but confessing everything by the distracted, entreating expression + of his face. + </p> + <p> + “You love Marie,” continued Guillaume, “why did you not loyally come and + tell me of your love?” + </p> + <p> + At this Pierre recovered self-possession and defended himself vehemently: + “I love Marie, it’s true, and I felt that I could not conceal it, that you + yourself would notice it at last. But there was no occasion for me to tell + you of it, for I was sure of myself, and would have fled rather than have + allowed a single word to cross my lips. I suffered in silence and alone, + and you cannot know how great my torture was! It is even cruel on your + part to speak to me of it; for now I am absolutely compelled to leave + you.... I have already, on several occasions, thought of doing so. If I + have come back here, it was doubtless through weakness, but also on + account of my affection for you all. And what mattered my presence here? + Marie ran no risk. She does not love me.” + </p> + <p> + “She does love you!” Guillaume answered. “I questioned her yesterday, and + she had to confess that she loved you.” + </p> + <p> + At this Pierre, utterly distracted, caught Guillaume by the shoulders and + gazed into his eyes. “Oh! brother, brother! what is this you say? Why say + a thing which would mean terrible misfortune for us all? Even if it were + true, my grief would far exceed my joy, for I will not have you suffer. + Marie belongs to you. To me she is as sacred as a sister. And if there be + only my madness to part you, it will pass by, I shall know how to conquer + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Marie loves you,” repeated Guillaume in his gentle, obstinate way. “I + don’t reproach you with anything. I well know that you have struggled, and + have never betrayed yourself to her either by word or glance. Yesterday + she herself was still ignorant that she loved you, and I had to open her + eyes.... What would you have? I simply state a fact: she loves you.” + </p> + <p> + This time Pierre, still quivering, made a gesture of mingled rapture and + terror, as if some divine and long-desired blessing were falling upon him + from heaven and crushing him beneath its weight. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” he said, after a brief pause, “it is all over.... Let us + kiss one another for the last time, and then I’ll go.” + </p> + <p> + “Go? Why? You must stay with us. Nothing could be more simple: you love + Marie and she loves you. I give her to you.” + </p> + <p> + A loud cry came from Pierre, who wildly raised his hands again with a + gesture of fright and rapture. “You give me Marie?” he replied. “You, who + adore her, who have been waiting for her for months? No, no, it would + overcome me, it would terrify me, as if you gave me your very heart after + tearing it from your breast. No, no! I will not accept your sacrifice!” + </p> + <p> + “But as it is only gratitude and affection that Marie feels for me,” said + Guillaume, “as it is you whom she really loves, am I to take a mean + advantage of the engagements which she entered into unconsciously, and + force her to a marriage when I know that she would never be wholly mine? + Besides, I have made a mistake, it isn’t I who give her to you, she has + already given herself, and I do not consider that I have any right to + prevent her from doing so.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! I will never accept, I will never bring such grief upon you... + Kiss me, brother, and let me go.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Guillaume caught hold of Pierre and compelled him to sit down by + his side on an old sofa near the window. And he began to scold him almost + angrily while still retaining a smile, in which suffering and kindliness + were blended. “Come,” said he, “we are surely not going to fight over it. + You won’t force me to tie you up so as to keep you here? I know what I’m + about. I thought it all over before I spoke to you. No doubt, I can’t tell + you that it gladdens me. I thought at first that I was going to die; I + should have liked to hide myself in the very depths of the earth. And + then, well, it was necessary to be reasonable, and I understood that + things had arranged themselves for the best, in their natural order.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, unable to resist any further, had begun to weep with both hands + raised to his face. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t grieve, brother, either for yourself or for me,” said Guillaume. + “Do you remember the happy days we lately spent together at Neuilly after + we had found one another again? All our old affection revived within us, + and we remained for hours, hand in hand, recalling the past and loving one + another. And what a terrible confession you made to me one night, the + confession of your loss of faith, your torture, the void in which you were + rolling! When I heard of it my one great wish was to cure you. I advised + you to work, love, and believe in life, convinced as I was that life alone + could restore you to peace and health.... And for that reason I afterwards + brought you here. You fought against it, and it was I who forced you to + come. I was so happy when I found that you again took an interest in life, + and had once more become a man and a worker! I would have given some of my + blood if necessary to complete your cure.... Well, it’s done now, I have + given you all I had, since Marie herself has become necessary to you, and + she alone can save you.” + </p> + <p> + Then as Pierre again attempted to protest, he resumed: “Don’t deny it. It + is so true indeed, that if she does not complete the work I have begun, + all my efforts will have been vain, you will fall back into your misery + and negation, into all the torments of a spoilt life. She is necessary to + you, I say. And do you think that I no longer know how to love you? Would + you have me refuse you the very breath of life that will truly make you a + man, after all my fervent wishes for your return to life? I have enough + affection for you both to consent to your loving one another.... Besides, + I repeat it, nature knows what she does. Instinct is a sure guide, it + always tends to what is useful and trite. I should have been a sorry + husband, and it is best that I should keep to my work as an old <i>savant</i>; + whereas you are young and represent the future, all fruitful and happy + life.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre shuddered as he heard this, for his old fears returned to him. Had + not the priesthood for ever cut him off from life, had not his long years + of chaste celibacy robbed him of his manhood? “Fruitful and happy life!” + he muttered, “ah! if you only knew how distressed I feel at the idea that + I do not perhaps deserve the gift you so lovingly offer me! You are worth + more than I am; you would have given her a larger heart, a firmer brain, + and perhaps, too, you are really a younger man than myself.... There is + still time, brother, keep her, if with you she is likely to be happier and + more truly and completely loved. For my part I am full of doubts. Her + happiness is the only thing of consequence. Let her belong to the one who + will love her best!” + </p> + <p> + Indescribable emotion had now come over both men. As Guillaume heard his + brother’s broken words, the cry of a love that trembled at the thought of + possible weakness, he did for a moment waver. With a dreadful heart-pang + he stammered despairingly: “Ah! Marie, whom I love so much! Marie, whom I + would have rendered so happy!” + </p> + <p> + At this Pierre could not restrain himself; he rose and cried: “Ah! you see + that you love her still and cannot renounce her.... So let me go! let me + go!” + </p> + <p> + But Guillaume had already caught him around the body, clasping him with an + intensity of brotherly love which was increased by the renunciation he was + resolved upon: “Stay!” said he. “It wasn’t I that spoke, it was the other + man that was in me, he who is about to die, who is already dead! By the + memory of our mother and our father I swear to you that the sacrifice is + consummated, and that if you two refuse to accept happiness from me you + will but make me suffer.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment the weeping men remained in one another’s arms. They had + often embraced before, but never had their hearts met and mingled as they + did now. It was a delightful moment, which seemed an eternity. All the + grief and misery of the world had disappeared from before them; there + remained naught save their glowing love, whence sprang an eternity of love + even as light comes from the sun. And that moment was compensation for all + their past and future tears, whilst yonder, on the horizon before them, + Paris still spread and rumbled, ever preparing the unknown future. + </p> + <p> + Just then Marie herself came in. And the rest proved very simple. + Guillaume freed himself from his brother’s clasp, led him forward and + compelled him and Marie to take each other by the hand. At first she made + yet another gesture of refusal in her stubborn resolve that she would not + take her promise back. But what could she say face to face with those two + tearful men, whom she had found in one another’s arms, mingling together + in such close brotherliness? Did not those tears and that embrace sweep + away all ordinary reasons, all such arguments as she held in reserve? Even + the embarrassment of the situation disappeared, it seemed as if she had + already had a long explanation with Pierre, and that he and she were of + one mind to accept that gift of love which Guillaume offered them with so + much heroism. A gust of the sublime passed through the room, and nothing + could have appeared more natural to them than this extraordinary scene. + Nevertheless, Marie remained silent, she dared not give her answer, but + looked at them both with her big soft eyes, which, like their own, were + full of tears. + </p> + <p> + And it was Guillaume who, with sudden inspiration, ran to the little + staircase conducting to the rooms overhead, and called: “Mere-Grand! + Mere-Grand! Come down at once, you are wanted.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as soon as she was there, looking slim and pale in her black gown, + and showing the wise air of a queen-mother whom all obeyed, he said: “Tell + these two children that they can do nothing better than marry one another. + Tell them that we have talked it over, you and I, and that it is your + desire, your will that they should do so.” + </p> + <p> + She quietly nodded her assent, and then said: “That is true, it will be by + far the most sensible course.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Marie flung herself into her arms, consenting, yielding to the + superior forces, the powers of life, that had thus changed the course of + her existence. Guillaume immediately desired that the date of the wedding + should be fixed, and accommodation provided for the young couple in the + rooms overhead. And as Pierre glanced at him with some remaining anxiety + and spoke of travelling, for he feared that his wound was not yet healed, + and that their presence might bring him suffering, Guillaume responded: + “No, no, I mean to keep you. If I’m marrying you, it is to have you both + here. Don’t worry about me. I have so much work to do, I shall work.” + </p> + <p> + In the evening when Thomas and Francois came home and learnt the news, + they did not seem particularly surprised by it. They had doubtless felt + that things would end like this. And they bowed to the <i>denouement</i>, + not venturing to say a word, since it was their father himself who + announced the decision which had been taken, with his usual air of + composure. As for Antoine, who on his own side quivered with love for + Lise, he gazed with doubting, anxious eyes at his father, who had thus had + the courage to pluck out his heart. Could he really survive such a + sacrifice, must it not kill him? Then Antoine kissed his father + passionately, and the elder brothers in their turn embraced him with all + their hearts. Guillaume smiled and his eyes became moist. After his + victory over his horrible torments nothing could have been sweeter to him + than the embraces of his three big sons. + </p> + <p> + There was, however, further emotion in store for him that evening. Just as + the daylight was departing, and he was sitting at his large table near the + window, again checking and classifying the documents and plans connected + with his invention, he was surprised to see his old master and friend + Bertheroy enter the workroom. The illustrious chemist called on him in + this fashion at long intervals, and Guillaume felt the honour thus + conferred on him by this old man to whom eminence and fame had brought so + many titles, offices and decorations. Moreover, Bertheroy, with his + position as an official <i>savant</i> and member of the Institute, showed + some courage in thus venturing to call on one whom so-called respectable + folks regarded with contumely. And on this occasion, Guillaume at once + understood that it was some feeling of curiosity that had brought him. And + so he was greatly embarrassed, for he hardly dared to remove the papers + and plans which were lying on the table. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t be frightened,” gaily exclaimed Bertheroy, who, despite his + careless and abrupt ways, was really very shrewd. “I haven’t come to pry + into your secrets.... Leave your papers there, I promise you that I won’t + read anything.” + </p> + <p> + Then, in all frankness, he turned the conversation on the subject of + explosives, which he was still studying, he said, with passionate + interest. He had made some new discoveries which he did not conceal. + Incidentally, too, he spoke of the opinion he had given in Salvat’s + affair. His dream was to discover some explosive of great power, which one + might attempt to domesticate and reduce to complete obedience. And with a + smile he pointedly concluded: “I don’t know where that madman found the + formula of his powder. But if you should ever discover it, remember that + the future perhaps lies in the employment of explosives as motive power.” + </p> + <p> + Then, all at once, he added: “By the way, that fellow Salvat will be + executed on the day after to-morrow. A friend of mine at the Ministry of + Justice has just told me so.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume had hitherto listened to him with an air of mingled distrust and + amusement. But this announcement of Salvat’s execution stirred him to + anger and revolt, though for some days past he had known it to be + inevitable, in spite of the sympathy which the condemned man was now + rousing in many quarters. + </p> + <p> + “It will be a murder!” he cried vehemently. + </p> + <p> + Bertheroy waved his hand: “What would you have?” he answered: “there’s a + social system and it defends itself when it is attacked. Besides, those + Anarchists are really too foolish in imagining that they will transform + the world with their squibs and crackers! In my opinion, you know, science + is the only revolutionist. Science will not only bring us truth but + justice also, if indeed justice ever be possible on this earth. And that + is why I lead so calm a life and am so tolerant.” + </p> + <p> + Once again Bertheroy appeared to Guillaume as a revolutionist, one who was + convinced that he helped on the ruin of the ancient abominable society of + today, with its dogmas and laws, even whilst he was working in the depths + of his laboratory. He was, however, too desirous of repose, and had too + great a contempt for futilities to mingle with the events of the day, and + he preferred to live in quietude, liberally paid and rewarded, and at + peace with the government whatever it might be, whilst at the same time + foreseeing and preparing for the formidable parturition of the future. + </p> + <p> + He waved his hand towards Paris, over which a sun of victory was setting, + and then again spoke: “Do you hear the rumble? It is we who are the + stokers, we who are ever flinging fresh fuel under the boiler. Science + does not pause in her work for a single hour, and she is the artisan of + Paris, which—let us hope it—will be the artisan of the future. + All the rest is of no account.” + </p> + <p> + But Guillaume was no longer listening to him. He was thinking of Salvat + and the terrible engine of war he had invented, that engine which before + long would shatter cities. And a new idea was dawning and growing in his + mind. He had just freed himself of his last tie, he had created all the + happiness he could create around him. Ah! to recover his courage, to be + master of himself once more, and, at any rate, derive from the sacrifice + of his heart the lofty delight of being free, of being able to lay down + even his life, should he some day deem it necessary! + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0084" id="link2H_4_0084"></a> + BOOK V. + </h2> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0085" id="link2H_4_0085"></a> + I. THE GUILLOTINE + </h2> + <p> + FOR some reason of his own Guillaume was bent upon witnessing the + execution of Salvat. Pierre tried to dissuade him from doing so; and + finding his efforts vain, became somewhat anxious. He accordingly resolved + to spend the night at Montmartre, accompany his brother and watch over + him. In former times, when engaged with Abbe Rose in charitable work in + the Charonne district, he had learnt that the guillotine could be seen + from the house where Mege, the Socialist deputy, resided at the corner of + the Rue Merlin. He therefore offered himself as a guide. As the execution + was to take place as soon as it should legally be daybreak, that is, about + half-past four o’clock, the brothers did not go to bed but sat up in the + workroom, feeling somewhat drowsy, and exchanging few words. Then as soon + as two o’clock struck, they started off. + </p> + <p> + The night was beautifully serene and clear. The full moon, shining like a + silver lamp in the cloudless, far-stretching heavens, threw a calm, dreamy + light over the vague immensity of Paris, which was like some spell-bound + city of sleep, so overcome by fatigue that not a murmur arose from it. It + was as if beneath the soft radiance which spread over its roofs, its + panting labour and its cries of suffering were lulled to repose until the + dawn. Yet, in a far, out of the way district, dark work was even now + progressing, a knife was being raised on high in order that a man might be + killed. + </p> + <p> + Pierre and Guillaume paused in the Rue St. Eleuthere, and gazed at the + vaporous, tremulous city spread out below then. And as they turned they + perceived the basilica of the Sacred Heart, still domeless but already + looking huge indeed in the moonbeams, whose clear white light accentuated + its outlines and brought them into sharp relief against a mass of shadows. + Under the pale nocturnal sky, the edifice showed like a colossal monster, + symbolical of provocation and sovereign dominion. Never before had + Guillaume found it so huge, never had it appeared to him to dominate + Paris, even in the latter’s hours of slumber, with such stubborn and + overwhelming might. + </p> + <p> + This wounded him so keenly in the state of mind in which he found himself, + that he could not help exclaiming: “Ah! they chose a good site for it, and + how stupid it was to let them do so! I know of nothing more nonsensical; + Paris crowned and dominated by that temple of idolatry! How impudent it + is, what a buffet for the cause of reason after so many centuries of + science, labour, and battle! And to think of it being reared over Paris, + the one city in the world which ought never to have been soiled in this + fashion! One can understand it at Lourdes and Rome; but not in Paris, in + the very field of intelligence which has been so deeply ploughed, and + whence the future is sprouting. It is a declaration of war, an insolent + proclamation that they hope to conquer Paris also!” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume usually evinced all the tolerance of a <i>savant</i>, for whom + religions are simply social phenomena. He even willingly admitted the + grandeur or grace of certain Catholic legends. But Marie Alacoque’s famous + vision, which has given rise to the cult of the Sacred Heart, filled him + with irritation and something like physical disgust. He suffered at the + mere idea of Christ’s open, bleeding breast, and the gigantic heart which + the saint asserted she had seen beating in the depths of the wound—the + huge heart in which Jesus placed the woman’s little heart to restore it to + her inflated and glowing with love. What base and loathsome materialism + there was in all this! What a display of viscera, muscles and blood + suggestive of a butcher’s shop! And Guillaume was particularly disgusted + with the engraving which depicted this horror, and which he found + everywhere, crudely coloured with red and yellow and blue, like some badly + executed anatomical plate. + </p> + <p> + Pierre on his side was also looking at the basilica as, white with + moonlight, it rose out of the darkness like a gigantic fortress raised to + crush and conquer the city slumbering beneath it. It had already brought + him suffering during the last days when he had said mass in it and was + struggling with his torments. “They call it the national votive offering,” + he now exclaimed. “But the nation’s longing is for health and strength and + restoration to its old position by work. That is a thing the Church does + not understand. It argues that if France was stricken with defeat, it was + because she deserved punishment. She was guilty, and so to-day she ought + to repent. Repent of what? Of the Revolution, of a century of free + examination and science, of the emancipation of her mind, of her + initiatory and liberative labour in all parts of the world? That indeed is + her real transgression; and it is as a punishment for all our labour, + search for truth, increase of knowledge and march towards justice that + they have reared that huge pile which Paris will see from all her streets, + and will never be able to see without feeling derided and insulted in her + labour and glory.” + </p> + <p> + With a wave of his hand he pointed to the city, slumbering in the + moonlight as beneath a sheet of silver, and then set off again with his + brother, down the slopes, towards the black and deserted streets. + </p> + <p> + They did not meet a living soul until they reached the outer boulevard. + Here, however, no matter what the hour may be, life continues with + scarcely a pause. No sooner are the wine shops, music and dancing halls + closed, than vice and want, cast into the street, there resume their + nocturnal existence. Thus the brothers came upon all the homeless ones: + low prostitutes seeking a pallet, vagabonds stretched on the benches under + the trees, rogues who prowled hither and thither on the lookout for a good + stroke. Encouraged by their accomplice—night, all the mire and woe + of Paris had returned to the surface. The empty roadway now belonged to + the breadless, homeless starvelings, those for whom there was no place in + the sunlight, the vague, swarming, despairing herd which is only espied at + night-time. Ah! what spectres of destitution, what apparitions of grief + and fright there were! What a sob of agony passed by in Paris that + morning, when as soon as the dawn should rise, a man—a pauper, a + sufferer like the others—was to be guillotined! + </p> + <p> + As Guillaume and Pierre were about to descend the Rue des Martyrs, the + former perceived an old man lying on a bench with his bare feet protruding + from his gaping, filthy shoes. Guillaume pointed to him in silence. Then, + a few steps farther on, Pierre in his turn pointed to a ragged girl, + crouching, asleep with open month, in the corner of a doorway. There was + no need for the brothers to express in words all the compassion and anger + which stirred their hearts. At long intervals policemen, walking slowly + two by two, shook the poor wretches and compelled them to rise and walk on + and on. Occasionally, if they found them suspicious or refractory, they + marched them off to the police-station. And then rancour and the contagion + of imprisonment often transformed a mere vagabond into a thief or a + murderer. + </p> + <p> + In the Rue des Martyrs and the Rue du Faubourg-Montmartre, the brothers + found night-birds of another kind, women who slunk past them, close to the + house-fronts, and men and hussies who belaboured one another with blows. + Then, upon the grand boulevards, on the thresholds of lofty black houses, + only one row of whose windows flared in the night, pale-faced individuals, + who had just come down from their clubs, stood lighting cigars before + going home. A lady with a ball wrap over her evening gown went by + accompanied by a servant. A few cabs, moreover, still jogged up and down + the roadway, while others, which had been waiting for hours, stood on + their ranks in rows, with drivers and horses alike asleep. And as one + boulevard after another was reached, the Boulevard Poissonniere, the + Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, the Boulevard St. Denis, and so forth, as far as + the Place de la Republique, there came fresh want and misery, more + forsaken and hungry ones, more and more of the human “waste” that is cast + into the streets and the darkness. And on the other hand, an army of + street-sweepers was now appearing to remove all the filth of the past four + and twenty hours, in order that Paris, spruce already at sunrise, might + not blush for having thrown up such a mass of dirt and loathsomeness in + the course of a single day. + </p> + <p> + It was, however, more particularly after following the Boulevard Voltaire, + and drawing near to the districts of La Roquette and Charonne, that the + brothers felt they were returning to a sphere of labour where there was + often lack of food, and where life was but so much pain. Pierre found + himself at home here. In former days, accompanied by good Abbe Rose, + visiting despairing ones, distributing alms, picking up children who had + sunk to the gutter, he had a hundred times perambulated every one of those + long, densely populated streets. And thus a frightful vision arose before + his mind’s eye; he recalled all the tragedies he had witnessed, all the + shrieks he had heard, all the tears and bloodshed he had seen, all the + fathers, mothers and children huddled together and dying of want, dirt and + abandonment: that social hell in which he had ended by losing his last + hopes, fleeing from it with a sob in the conviction that charity was a + mere amusement for the rich, and absolutely futile as a remedy. It was + this conviction which now returned to him as he again cast eyes upon that + want and grief stricken district which seemed fated to everlasting + destitution. That poor old man whom Abbe Rose had revived one night in + yonder hovel, had he not since died of starvation? That little girl whom + he had one morning brought in his arms to the refuge after her parents’ + death, was it not she whom he had just met, grown but fallen to the + streets, and shrieking beneath the fist of a bully? Ah! how great was the + number of the wretched! Their name was legion! There were those whom one + could not save, those who were hourly born to a life of woe and want, even + as one may be born infirm, and those, too, who from every side sank in the + sea of human injustice, that ocean which has ever been the same for + centuries past, and which though one may strive to drain it, still and for + ever spreads. How heavy was the silence, how dense the darkness in those + working-class streets where sleep seems to be the comrade of death! Yet + hunger prowls, and misfortune sobs; vague spectral forms slink by, and + then are lost to view in the depths of the night. + </p> + <p> + As Pierre and Guillaume went along they became mixed with dark groups of + people, a whole flock of inquisitive folk, a promiscuous, passionate + tramp, tramp towards the guillotine. It came from all Paris, urged on by + brutish fever, a hankering for death and blood. In spite, however, of the + dull noise which came from this dim crowd, the mean streets that were + passed remained quite dark, not a light appeared at any of their windows; + nor could one hear the breathing of the weary toilers stretched on their + wretched pallets from which they would not rise before the morning + twilight. + </p> + <p> + On seeing the jostling crowd which was already assembled on the Place + Voltaire, Pierre understood that it would be impossible for him and his + brother to ascend the Rue de la Roquette. Barriers, moreover, must + certainly have been thrown across that street. In order therefore to reach + the corner of the Rue Merlin, it occurred to him to take the Rue de la + Folie Regnault, which winds round in the rear of the prison, farther on. + </p> + <p> + Here indeed they found solitude and darkness again. + </p> + <p> + The huge, massive prison with its great bare walls on which a moonray + fell, looked like some pile of cold stones, dead for centuries past. At + the end of the street they once more fell in with the crowd, a dim + restless mass of beings, whose pale faces alone could be distinguished. + The brothers had great difficulty in reaching the house in which Mege + resided at the corner of the Rue Merlin. All the shutters of the + fourth-floor flat occupied by the Socialist deputy were closed, though + every other window was wide open and crowded with surging sightseers. + Moreover, the wine shop down below and the first-floor room connected with + it flared with gas, and were already crowded with noisy customers, waiting + for the performance to begin. + </p> + <p> + “I hardly like to go and knock at Mege’s door,” said Pierre. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, you must not do so!” replied Guillaume. + </p> + <p> + “Let us go into the wine shop. We may perhaps be able to see something + from the balcony.” + </p> + <p> + The first-floor room was provided with a very large balcony, which women + and gentlemen were already filling. The brothers nevertheless managed to + reach it, and for a few minutes remained there, peering into the darkness + before them. The sloping street grew broader between the two prisons, the + “great” and the “little” Roquette, in such wise as to form a sort of + square, which was shaded by four clumps of plane-trees, rising from the + footways. The low buildings and scrubby trees, all poor and ugly of + aspect, seemed almost to lie on a level with the ground, under a vast sky + in which stars were appearing, as the moon gradually declined. And the + square was quite empty save that on one spot yonder there seemed to be + some little stir. Two rows of guards prevented the crowd from advancing, + and even threw it back into the neighbouring streets. On the one hand, the + only lofty houses were far away, at the point where the Rue St. Maur + intersects the Rue de la Roquette; while, on the other, they stood at the + corners of the Rue Merlin and the Rue de la Folie Regnault, so that it was + almost impossible to distinguish anything of the execution even from the + best placed windows. As for the inquisitive folk on the pavement they only + saw the backs of the guards. Still this did not prevent a crush. The human + tide flowed on from all sides with increasing clamour. + </p> + <p> + Guided by the remarks of some women who, leaning forward on the balcony, + had been watching the square for a long time already, the brothers were at + last able to perceive something. It was now half-past three, and the + guillotine was nearly ready. The little stir which one vaguely espied + yonder under the trees, was that of the headsman’s assistants fixing the + knife in position. A lantern slowly came and went, and five or six shadows + danced over the ground. But nothing else could be distinguished, the + square was like a large black pit, around which ever broke the waves of + the noisy crowd which one could not see. And beyond the square one could + only identify the flaring wine shops, which showed forth like lighthouses + in the night. All the surrounding district of poverty and toil was still + asleep, not a gleam as yet came from workrooms or yards, not a puff of + smoke from the lofty factory chimneys. + </p> + <p> + “We shall see nothing,” Guillaume remarked. + </p> + <p> + But Pierre silenced him, for he has just discovered that an elegantly + attired gentleman leaning over the balcony near him was none other than + the amiable deputy Duthil. He had at first fancied that a woman muffled in + wraps who stood close beside the deputy was the little Princess de Harn, + whom he had very likely brought to see the execution since he had taken + her to see the trial. On closer inspection, however, he had found that + this woman was Silviane, the perverse creature with the virginal face. + Truth to tell, she made no concealment of her presence, but talked on in + an extremely loud voice, as if intoxicated; and the brothers soon learnt + how it was that she happened to be there. Duvillard, Duthil, and other + friends had been supping with her at one o’clock in the morning, when on + learning that Salvat was about to be guillotined, the fancy of seeing the + execution had suddenly come upon her. Duvillard, after vainly entreating + her to do nothing of the kind, had gone off in a fury, for he felt that it + would be most unseemly on his part to attend the execution of a man who + had endeavoured to blow up his house. And thereupon Silviane had turned to + Duthil, whom her caprice greatly worried, for he held all such loathsome + spectacles in horror, and had already refused to act as escort to the + Princess. However, he was so infatuated with Silviane’s beauty, and she + made him so many promises, that he had at last consented to take her. + </p> + <p> + “He can’t understand people caring for amusement,” she said, speaking of + the Baron. “And yet this is really a thing to see.... But no matter, + you’ll find him at my feet again to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Duthil smiled and responded: “I suppose that peace has been signed and + ratified now that you have secured your engagement at the Comedie.” + </p> + <p> + “Peace? No!” she protested. “No, no. There will be no peace between us + until I have made my <i>debut</i>. After that, we’ll see.” + </p> + <p> + They both laughed; and then Duthil, by way of paying his court, told her + how good-naturedly Dauvergne, the new Minister of Public Instruction and + Fine Arts, had adjusted the difficulties which had hitherto kept the doors + of the Comedie closed upon her. A really charming man was Dauvergne, the + embodiment of graciousness, the very flower of the Monferrand ministry. + His was the velvet hand in that administration whose leader had a hand of + iron. + </p> + <p> + “He told me, my beauty,” said Duthil, “that a pretty girl was in place + everywhere.” And then as Silviane, as if flattered, pressed closely beside + him, the deputy added: “So that wonderful revival of ‘Polyeucte,’ in which + you are going to have such a triumph, is to take place on the day after + to-morrow. We shall all go to applaud you, remember.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, on the evening of the day after to-morrow,” said Silviane, “the very + same day when the wedding of the Baron’s daughter will take place. + There’ll be plenty of emotion that day!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! yes, of course!” retorted Duthil, “there’ll be the wedding of our + friend Gerard with Mademoiselle Camille to begin with. We shall have a + crush at the Madeleine in the morning and another at the Comedie in the + evening. You are quite right, too; there will be several hearts throbbing + in the Rue Godot-de-Mauroy.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon they again became merry, and jested about the Duvillard family—father, + mother, lover and daughter—with the greatest possible ferocity and + crudity of language. Then, all at once Silviane exclaimed: “Do you know, + I’m feeling awfully bored here, my little Duthil. I can’t distinguish + anything, and I should like to be quite near so as to see it all plainly. + You must take me over yonder, close to that machine of theirs.” + </p> + <p> + This request threw Duthil into consternation, particularly as at that same + moment Silviane perceived Massot outside the wine shop, and began calling + and beckoning to him imperiously. A brief conversation then ensued between + the young woman and the journalist: “I say, Massot!” she called, “hasn’t a + deputy the right to pass the guards and take a lady wherever he likes?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all!” exclaimed Duthil. “Massot knows very well that a deputy + ought to be the very first to bow to the laws.” + </p> + <p> + This exclamation warned Massot that Duthil did not wish to leave the + balcony. “You ought to have secured a card of invitation, madame,” said + he, in reply to Silviane. “They would then have found you room at one of + the windows of La Petite Roquette. Women are not allowed elsewhere.... But + you mustn’t complain, you have a very good place up there.” + </p> + <p> + “But I can see nothing at all, my dear Massot.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you will in any case see more than Princess de Harn will. Just now + I came upon her carriage in the Rue du Chemin Vert. The police would not + allow it to come any nearer.” + </p> + <p> + This news made Silviane merry again, whilst Duthil shuddered at the idea + of the danger he incurred, for Rosemonde would assuredly treat him to a + terrible scene should she see him with another woman. Then, an idea + occurring to him, he ordered a bottle of champagne and some little cakes + for his “beautiful friend,” as he called Silviane. She had been + complaining of thirst, and was delighted with the opportunity of + perfecting her intoxication. When a waiter had managed to place a little + table near her, on the balcony itself, she found things very pleasant, and + indeed considered it quite brave to tipple and sup afresh, while waiting + for that man to be guillotined close by. + </p> + <p> + It was impossible for Pierre and Guillaume to remain up there any longer. + All that they heard, all that they beheld filled them with disgust. The + boredom of waiting had turned all the inquisitive folks of the balcony and + the adjoining room into customers. The waiter could hardly manage to serve + the many glasses of beer, bottles of expensive wine, biscuits, and plates + of cold meat which were ordered of him. And yet the spectators here were + all <i>bourgeois</i>, rich gentlemen, people of society! On the other + hand, time has to be killed somehow when it hangs heavily on one’s hands; + and thus there were bursts of laughter and paltry and horrible jests, + quite a feverish uproar arising amidst the clouds of smoke from the men’s + cigars. When Pierre and Guillaume passed through the wine shop on the + ground-floor they there found a similar crush and similar tumult, + aggravated by the disorderly behaviour of the big fellows in blouses who + were drinking draught wine at the pewter bar which shone like silver. + There were people, too, at all the little tables, besides an incessant + coming and going of folks who entered the place for a “wet,” by way of + calming their impatience. And what folks they were! All the scum, all the + vagabonds who had been dragging themselves about since daybreak on the + lookout for whatever chance might offer them, provided it were not work! + </p> + <p> + On the pavement outside, Pierre and Guillaume felt yet a greater + heart-pang. In the throng which the guards kept back, one simply found so + much mire stirred up from the very depths of Paris life: prostitutes and + criminals, the murderers of to-morrow, who came to see how a man ought to + die. Loathsome, bareheaded harlots mingled with bands of prowlers or ran + through the crowd, howling obscene refrains. Bandits stood in groups + chatting and quarrelling about the more or less glorious manner in which + certain famous <i>guillotines</i> had died. Among these was one with + respect to whom they all agreed, and of whom they spoke as of a great + captain, a hero whose marvellous courage was deserving of immortality. + Then, as one passed along, one caught snatches of horrible phrases, + particulars about the instrument of death, ignoble boasts, and filthy + jests reeking with blood. And over and above all else there was bestial + fever, a lust for death which made this multitude delirious, an eagerness + to see life flow forth fresh and ruddy beneath the knife, so that as it + coursed over the soil they might dip their feet in it. As this execution + was not an ordinary one, however, there were yet spectators of another + kind; silent men with glowing eyes who came and went all alone, and who + were plainly thrilled by their faith, intoxicated with the contagious + madness which incites one to vengeance or martyrdom. + </p> + <p> + Guillaume was just thinking of Victor Mathis, when he fancied that he saw + him standing in the front row of sightseers whom the guards held in check. + It was indeed he, with his thin, beardless, pale, drawn face. Short as he + was, he had to raise himself on tiptoes in order to see anything. Near him + was a big, red-haired girl who gesticulated; but for his part he never + stirred or spoke. He was waiting motionless, gazing yonder with the round, + ardent, fixed eyes of a night-bird, seeking to penetrate the darkness. At + last a guard pushed him back in a somewhat brutal way; but he soon + returned to his previous position, ever patient though full of hatred + against the executioners, wishing indeed to see all he could in order to + increase his hate. + </p> + <p> + Then Massot approached the brothers. This time, on seeing Pierre without + his cassock, he did not even make a sign of astonishment, but gaily + remarked: “So you felt curious to see this affair, Monsieur Froment?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I came with my brother,” Pierre replied. “But I very much fear that + we shan’t see much.” + </p> + <p> + “You certainly won’t if you stay here,” rejoined Massot. And thereupon in + his usual good-natured way—glad, moreover, to show what power a + well-known journalist could wield—he inquired: “Would you like me to + pass you through? The inspector here happens to be a friend of mine.” + </p> + <p> + Then, without waiting for an answer, he stopped the inspector and hastily + whispered to him that he had brought a couple of colleagues, who wanted to + report the proceedings. At first the inspector hesitated, and seemed + inclined to refuse Massot’s request; but after a moment, influenced by the + covert fear which the police always has of the press, he made a weary + gesture of consent. + </p> + <p> + “Come, quick, then,” said Massot, turning to the brothers, and taking them + along with him. + </p> + <p> + A moment later, to the intense surprise of Pierre and Guillaume, the + guards opened their ranks to let them pass. They then found themselves in + the large open space which was kept clear. And on thus emerging from the + tumultuous throng they were quite impressed by the death-like silence and + solitude which reigned under the little plane-trees. The night was now + paling. A faint gleam of dawn was already falling from the sky. + </p> + <p> + After leading his companions slantwise across the square, Massot stopped + them near the prison and resumed: “I’m going inside; I want to see the + prisoner roused and got ready. In the meantime, walk about here; nobody + will say anything to you. Besides, I’ll come back to you in a moment.” + </p> + <p> + A hundred people or so, journalists and other privileged spectators, were + scattered about the dark square. Movable wooden barriers—such as are + set up at the doors of theatres when there is a press of people waiting + for admission—had been placed on either side of the pavement running + from the prison gate to the guillotine; and some sightseers were already + leaning over these barriers, in order to secure a close view of the + condemned man as he passed by. Others were walking slowly to and fro, and + conversing in undertones. The brothers, for their part, approached the + guillotine. + </p> + <p> + It stood there under the branches of the trees, amidst the delicate + greenery of the fresh leaves of spring. A neighbouring gas-lamp, whose + light was turning yellow in the rising dawn, cast vague gleams upon it. + The work of fixing it in position—work performed as quietly as could + be, so that the only sound was the occasional thud of a mallet—had + just been finished; and the headsman’s “valets” or assistants, in + frock-coats and tall silk hats, were waiting and strolling about in a + patient way. But the instrument itself, how base and shameful it looked, + squatting on the ground like some filthy beast, disgusted with the work it + had to accomplish! What! those few beams lying on the ground, and those + others barely nine feet high which rose from it, keeping the knife in + position, constituted the machine which avenged Society, the instrument + which gave a warning to evil-doers! Where was the big scaffold painted a + bright red and reached by a stairway of ten steps, the scaffold which + raised high bloody arms over the eager multitude, so that everybody might + behold the punishment of the law in all its horror! The beast had now been + felled to the ground, where it simply looked ignoble, crafty and cowardly. + If on the one hand there was no majesty in the manner in which human + justice condemned a man to death at its assizes: on the other, there was + merely horrid butchery with the help of the most barbarous and repulsive + of mechanical contrivances, on the terrible day when that man was + executed. + </p> + <p> + As Pierre and Guillaume gazed at the guillotine, a feeling of nausea came + over them. Daylight was now slowly breaking, and the surroundings were + appearing to view: first the square itself with its two low, grey prisons, + facing one another; then the distant houses, the taverns, the marble + workers’ establishments, and the shops selling flowers and wreaths, which + are numerous hereabouts, as the cemetery of Pere-Lachaise is so near. + Before long one could plainly distinguish the black lines of the + spectators standing around in a circle, the heads leaning forward from + windows and balconies, and the people who had climbed to the very house + roofs. The prison of La Petite Roquette over the way had been turned into + a kind of tribune for guests; and mounted Gardes de Paris went slowly to + and fro across the intervening expanse. Then, as the sky brightened, + labour awoke throughout the district beyond the crowd, a district of + broad, endless streets lined with factories, work-shops and work-yards. + Engines began to snort, machinery and appliances were got ready to start + once more on their usual tasks, and smoke already curled away from the + forest of lofty brick chimneys which, on all sides, sprang out of the + gloom. + </p> + <p> + It then seemed to Guillaume that the guillotine was really in its right + place in that district of want and toil. It stood in its own realm, like a + <i>terminus</i> and a threat. Did not ignorance, poverty and woe lead to + it? And each time that it was set up amidst those toilsome streets, was it + not charged to overawe the disinherited ones, the starvelings, who, + exasperated by everlasting injustice, were always ready for revolt? It was + not seen in the districts where wealth and enjoyment reigned. It would + there have seemed purposeless, degrading and truly monstrous. And it was a + tragical and terrible coincidence that the bomb-thrower, driven mad by + want, should be guillotined there, in the very centre of want’s dominion. + </p> + <p> + But daylight had come at last, for it was nearly half-past four. The + distant noisy crowd could feel that the expected moment was drawing nigh. + A shudder suddenly sped through the atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + “He’s coming,” exclaimed little Massot, as he came back to Pierre and + Guillaume. “Ah! that Salvat is a brave fellow after all.” + </p> + <p> + Then he related how the prisoner had been awakened; how the governor of + the prison, magistrate Amadieu, the chaplain, and a few other persons had + entered the cell where Salvat lay fast asleep; and then how the condemned + man had understood the truth immediately upon opening his eyes. He had + risen, looking pale but quite composed. And he had dressed himself without + assistance, and had declined the nip of brandy and the cigarette proffered + by the good-hearted chaplain, in the same way as with a gentle but + stubborn gesture he had brushed the crucifix aside. Then had come the + “toilette” for death. With all rapidity and without a word being + exchanged, Salvat’s hands had been tied behind his back, his legs had been + loosely secured with a cord, and the neckband of his shirt had been cut + away. He had smiled when the others exhorted him to be brave. He only + feared some nervous weakness, and had but one desire, to die like a hero, + to remain the martyr of the ardent faith in truth and justice for which he + was about to perish. + </p> + <p> + “They are now drawing up the death certificate in the register,” continued + Massot in his chattering way. “Come along, come along to the barriers if + you wish a good view.... I turned paler, you know, and trembled far more + than he did. I don’t care a rap for anything as a rule; but, all the same, + an execution isn’t a pleasant business.... You can’t imagine how many + attempts were made to save Salvat’s life. Even some of the papers asked + that he might be reprieved. But nothing succeeded, the execution was + regarded as inevitable, it seems, even by those who consider it a blunder. + Still, they had such a touching opportunity to reprieve him, when his + daughter, little Celine, wrote that fine letter to the President of the + Republic, which I was the first to publish in the ‘Globe.’ Ah! that + letter, it cost me a lot of running about!” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, who was already quite upset by this long wait for the horrible + scene, felt moved to tears by Massot’s reference to Celine. He could again + see the child standing beside Madame Theodore in that bare, cold room + whither her father would never more return. It was thence that he had set + out on a day of desperation with his stomach empty and his brain on fire, + and it was here that he would end, between yonder beams, beneath yonder + knife. + </p> + <p> + Massot, however, was still giving particulars. The doctors, said he, were + furious because they feared that the body would not be delivered to them + immediately after the execution. To this Guillaume did not listen. He + stood there with his elbows resting on the wooden barrier and his eyes + fixed on the prison gate, which still remained shut. His hands were + quivering, and there was an expression of anguish on his face as if it + were he himself who was about to be executed. The headsman had again just + left the prison. He was a little, insignificant-looking man, and seemed + annoyed, anxious to have done with it all. Then, among a group of + frock-coated gentlemen, some of the spectators pointed out Gascogne, the + Chief of the Detective Police, who wore a cold, official air, and Amadieu, + the investigating magistrate, who smiled and looked very spruce, early + though the hour was. He had come partly because it was his duty, and + partly because he wished to show himself now that the curtain was about to + fall on a wonderful tragedy of which he considered himself the author. + Guillaume glanced at him, and then as a growing uproar rose from the + distant crowd, he looked up for an instant, and again beheld the two grey + prisons, the plane-trees with their fresh young leaves, and the houses + swarming with people beneath the pale blue sky, in which the triumphant + sun was about to appear. + </p> + <p> + “Look out, here he comes!” + </p> + <p> + Who had spoken? A slight noise, that of the opening gate, made every heart + throb. Necks were outstretched, eyes gazed fixedly, there was laboured + breathing on all sides. Salvat stood on the threshold of the prison. The + chaplain, stepping backwards, had come out in advance of him, in order to + conceal the guillotine from his sight, but he had stopped short, for he + wished to see that instrument of death, make acquaintance with it, as it + were, before he walked towards it. And as he stood there, his long, aged + sunken face, on which life’s hardships had left their mark, seemed + transformed by the wondrous brilliancy of his flaring, dreamy eyes. + Enthusiasm bore him up—he was going to his death in all the + splendour of his dream. When the executioner’s assistants drew near to + support him he once more refused their help, and again set himself in + motion, advancing with short steps, but as quickly and as straightly as + the rope hampering his legs permitted. + </p> + <p> + All at once Guillaume felt that Salvat’s eyes were fixed upon him. Drawing + nearer and nearer the condemned man had perceived and recognised his + friend; and as he passed by, at a distance of no more than six or seven + feet, he smiled faintly and darted such a deep penetrating glance at + Guillaume, that ever afterwards the latter felt its smart. But what last + thought, what supreme legacy had Salvat left him to meditate upon, perhaps + to put into execution? It was all so poignant that Pierre feared some + involuntary call on his brother’s part; and so he laid his hand upon his + arm to quiet him. + </p> + <p> + “Long live Anarchy!” + </p> + <p> + It was Salvat who had raised this cry. But in the deep silence his husky, + altered voice seemed to break. The few who were near at hand had turned + very pale; the distant crowd seemed bereft of life. The horse of one of + the Gardes de Paris was alone heard snorting in the centre of the space + which had been kept clear. + </p> + <p> + Then came a loathsome scramble, a scene of nameless brutality and + ignominy. The headsman’s helps rushed upon Salvat as he came up slowly + with brow erect. Two of them seized him by the head, but finding little + hair there, could only lower it by tugging at his neck. Next two others + grasped him by the legs and flung him violently upon a plank which tilted + over and rolled forward. Then, by dint of pushing and tugging, the head + was got into the “lunette,” the upper part of which fell in such wise that + the neck was fixed as in a ship’s port-hole—and all this was + accomplished amidst such confusion and with such savagery that one might + have thought that head some cumbrous thing which it was necessary to get + rid of with the greatest speed. But the knife fell with a dull, heavy, + forcible thud, and two long jets of blood spurted from the severed + arteries, while the dead man’s feet moved convulsively. Nothing else could + be seen. The executioner rubbed his hands in a mechanical way, and an + assistant took the severed blood-streaming head from the little basket + into which it had fallen and placed it in the large basket into which the + body had already been turned. + </p> + <p> + Ah! that dull, that heavy thud of the knife! It seemed to Guillaume that + he had heard it echoing far away all over that district of want and toil, + even in the squalid rooms where thousands of workmen were at that moment + rising to perform their day’s hard task! And there the echo of that thud + acquired formidable significance; it spoke of man’s exasperation with + injustice, of zeal for martyrdom, and of the dolorous hope that the blood + then spilt might hasten the victory of the disinherited. + </p> + <p> + Pierre, for his part, at the sight of that loathsome butchery, the abject + cutthroat work of that killing machine, had suddenly felt his chilling + shudder become more violent; for before him arose a vision of another + corpse, that of the fair, pretty child ripped open by a bomb and stretched + yonder, at the entrance of the Duvillard mansion. Blood streamed from her + delicate flesh, just as it had streamed from that decapitated neck. It was + blood paying for blood; it was like payment for mankind’s debt of + wretchedness, for which payment is everlastingly being made, without man + ever being able to free himself from suffering. + </p> + <p> + Above the square and the crowd all was still silent in the clear sky. How + long had the abomination lasted? An eternity, perhaps, compressed into two + or three minutes. And now came an awakening: the spectators emerged from + their nightmare with quivering hands, livid faces, and eyes expressive of + compassion, disgust and fear. + </p> + <p> + “That makes another one. I’ve now seen four executions,” said Massot, who + felt ill at ease. “After all, I prefer to report weddings. Let us go off, + I have all I want for my article.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume and Pierre followed him mechanically across the square, and + again reached the corner of the Rue Merlin. And here they saw little + Victor Mathis, with flaming eyes and white face, still standing in silence + on the spot where they had left him. He could have seen nothing + distinctly; but the thud of the knife was still echoing in his brain. A + policeman at last gave him a push, and told him to move on. At this he + looked the policeman in the face, stirred by sudden rage and ready to + strangle him. Then, however, he quietly walked away, ascending the Rue de + la Roquette, atop of which the lofty foliage of Pere-Lachaise could be + seen, beneath the rising sun. + </p> + <p> + The brothers meantime fell upon a scene of explanations, which they heard + without wishing to do so. Now that the sight was over, the Princess de + Harn arrived, and she was the more furious as at the door of the wine shop + she could see her new friend Duthil accompanying a woman. + </p> + <p> + “I say!” she exclaimed, “you are nice, you are, to have left me in the + lurch like this! It was impossible for my carriage to get near, so I’ve + had to come on foot through all those horrid people who have been jostling + and insulting me.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Duthil, with all promptitude, introduced Silviane to her, + adding, in an aside, that he had taken a friend’s place as the actress’s + escort. And then Rosemonde, who greatly wished to know Silviane, calmed + down as if by enchantment, and put on her most engaging ways. “It would + have delighted me, madame,” said she, “to have seen this sight in the + company of an <i>artiste</i> of your merit, one whom I admire so much, + though I have never before had an opportunity of telling her so.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, dear me, madame,” replied Silviane, “you haven’t lost much by + arriving late. We were on that balcony there, and all that I could see + were a few men pushing another one about.... It really isn’t worth the + trouble of coming.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, now that we have become acquainted, madame,” said the Princess, “I + really hope that you will allow me to be your friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, madame, my friend; and I shall be flattered and delighted to + be yours.” + </p> + <p> + Standing there, hand in hand, they smiled at one another. Silviane was + very drunk, but her virginal expression had returned to her face; whilst + Rosemonde seemed feverish with vicious curiosity. Duthil, whom the scene + amused, now had but one thought, that of seeing Silviane home; so calling + to Massot, who was approaching, he asked him where he should find a + cab-rank. Rosemonde, however, at once offered her carriage, which was + waiting in an adjacent street. + </p> + <p> + She would set the actress down at her door, said she, and the deputy at + his; and such was her persistence in the matter that Duthil, greatly + vexed, was obliged to accept her offer. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, till to-morrow at the Madeleine,” said Massot, again quite + sprightly, as he shook hands with the Princess. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, till to-morrow, at the Madeleine and the Comedie.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! yes, of course!” he repeated, taking Silviane’s hand, which he + kissed. “The Madeleine in the morning and the Comedie in the evening... . + We shall all be there to applaud you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I expect you to do so,” said Silviane. “Till to-morrow, then!” + </p> + <p> + “Till to-morrow!” + </p> + <p> + The crowd was now wearily dispersing, to all appearance disappointed and + ill at ease. A few enthusiasts alone lingered in order to witness the + departure of the van in which Salvat’s corpse would soon be removed; while + bands of prowlers and harlots, looking very wan in the daylight, whistled + or called to one another with some last filthy expression before returning + to their dens. The headsman’s assistants were hastily taking down the + guillotine, and the square would soon be quite clear. + </p> + <p> + Pierre for his part wished to lead his brother away. Since the fall of the + knife, Guillaume had remained as if stunned, without once opening his + lips. In vain had Pierre tried to rouse him by pointing to the shutters of + Mege’s flat, which still remained closed, whereas every other window of + the lofty house was wide open. Although the Socialist deputy hated the + Anarchists, those shutters were doubtless closed as a protest against + capital punishment. Whilst the multitude had been rushing to that + frightful spectacle, Mege, still in bed, with his face turned to the wall, + had probably been dreaming of how he would some day compel mankind to be + happy beneath the rigid laws of Collectivism. Affectionate father as he + was, the recent death of one of his children had quite upset his private + life. His cough, too, had become a very bad one; but he ardently wished to + live, for as soon as that new Monferrand ministry should have fallen + beneath the interpellation which he already contemplated, his own turn + would surely come: he would take the reins of power in hand, abolish the + guillotine and decree justice and perfect felicity. + </p> + <p> + “Do you see, Guillaume?” Pierre gently repeated. “Mege hasn’t opened his + windows. He’s a good fellow, after all; although our friends Bache and + Morin dislike him.” Then, as his brother still refrained from answering, + Pierre added, “Come, let us go, we must get back home.” + </p> + <p> + They both turned into the Rue de la Folie Regnault, and reached the outer + Boulevards by way of the Rue du Chemin Vert. All the toilers of the + district were now at work. In the long streets edged with low buildings, + work-shops and factories, one heard engines snorting and machinery + rumbling, while up above, the smoke from the lofty chimneys was assuming a + rosy hue in the sunrise. Afterwards, when the brothers reached the + Boulevard de Menilmontant and the Boulevard de Belleville, which they + followed in turn at a leisurely pace, they witnessed the great rush of the + working classes into central Paris. The stream poured forth from every + side; from all the wretched streets of the faubourgs there was an endless + exodus of toilers, who, having risen at dawn, were now hurrying, in the + sharp morning air, to their daily labour. Some wore short jackets and + others blouses; some were in velveteen trousers, others in linen overalls. + Their thick shoes made their tramp a heavy one; their hanging hands were + often deformed by work. And they seemed half asleep, not a smile was to be + seen on any of those wan, weary faces turned yonder towards the + everlasting task—the task which was begun afresh each day, and which—‘twas + their only chance—they hoped to be able to take up for ever and + ever. There was no end to that drove of toilers, that army of various + callings, that human flesh fated to manual labour, upon which Paris preys + in order that she may live in luxury and enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + Then the procession continued across the Boulevard de la Villette, the + Boulevard de la Chapelle, and the Boulevard de Rochechouart, where one + reached the height of Montmartre. More and more workmen were ever coming + down from their bare cold rooms and plunging into the huge city, whence, + tired out, they would that evening merely bring back the bread of rancour. + And now, too, came a stream of work-girls, some of them in bright skirts, + some glancing at the passers-by; girls whose wages were so paltry, so + insufficient, that now and again pretty ones among them never more turned + their faces homewards, whilst the ugly ones wasted away, condemned to mere + bread and water. A little later, moreover, came the <i>employes</i>, the + clerks, the counter-jumpers, the whole world of frock-coated penury—“gentlemen” + who devoured a roll as they hastened onward, worried the while by the + dread of being unable to pay their rent, or by the problem of providing + food for wife and children until the end of the month should come.* And + now the sun was fast ascending on the horizon, the whole army of ants was + out and about, and the toilsome day had begun with its ceaseless display + of courage, energy and suffering. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * In Paris nearly all clerks and shop-assistants receive + monthly salaries, while most workmen are paid once a + fortnight.—Trans. +</pre> + <p> + Never before had it been so plainly manifest to Pierre that work was a + necessity, that it healed and saved. On the occasion of his visit to the + Grandidier works, and later still, when he himself had felt the need of + occupation, there had cone to him the thought that work was really the + world’s law. And after that hateful night, after that spilling of blood, + after the slaughter of that toiler maddened by his dreams, there was + consolation and hope in seeing the sun rise once more, and everlasting + labour take up its wonted task. However hard it might prove, however + unjustly it might be lotted out, was it not work which would some day + bring both justice and happiness to the world? + </p> + <p> + All at once, as the brothers were climbing the steep hillside towards + Guillaume’s house, they perceived before and above them the basilica of + the Sacred Heart rising majestically and triumphantly to the sky. This was + no sublunar apparition, no dreamy vision of Domination standing face to + face with nocturnal Paris. The sun now clothed the edifice with splendour, + it looked golden and proud and victorious, flaring with immortal glory. + </p> + <p> + Then Guillaume, still silent, still feeling Salvat’s last glance upon him, + seemed to come to some sudden and final decision. He looked at the + basilica with glowing eyes, and pronounced sentence upon it. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0086" id="link2H_4_0086"></a> + II. IN VANITY FAIR + </h2> + <p> + THE wedding was to take place at noon, and for half an hour already guests + had been pouring into the magnificently decorated church, which was leafy + with evergreens and balmy with the scent of flowers. The high altar in the + rear glowed with countless candles, and through the great doorway, which + was wide open, one could see the peristyle decked with shrubs, the steps + covered with a broad carpet, and the inquisitive crowd assembled on the + square and even along the Rue Royale, under the bright sun. + </p> + <p> + After finding three more chairs for some ladies who had arrived rather + late, Duthil remarked to Massot, who was jotting down names in his + note-book: “Well, if any more come, they will have to remain standing.” + </p> + <p> + “Who were those three?” the journalist inquired. + </p> + <p> + “The Duchess de Boisemont and her two daughters.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! All the titled people of France, as well as all the financiers + and politicians, are here! It’s something more even than a swell Parisian + wedding.” + </p> + <p> + As a matter of fact all the spheres of “society” were gathered together + there, and some at first seemed rather embarrassed at finding themselves + beside others. Whilst Duvillard’s name attracted all the princes of + finance and politicians in power, Madame de Quinsac and her son were + supported by the highest of the French aristocracy. The mere names of the + witnesses sufficed to indicate what an extraordinary medley there was. On + Gerard’s side these witnesses were his uncle, General de Bozonnet, and the + Marquis de Morigny; whilst on Camille’s they were the great banker + Louvard, and Monferrand, the President of the Council and Minister of + Finances. The quiet bravado which the latter displayed in thus supporting + the bride after being compromised in her father’s financial intrigues + imparted a piquant touch of impudence to his triumph. And public curiosity + was further stimulated by the circumstance that the nuptial blessing was + to be given by Monseigneur Martha, Bishop of Persepolis, the Pope’s + political agent in France, and the apostle of the endeavours to win the + Republic over to the Church by pretending to “rally” to it. + </p> + <p> + “But, I was mistaken,” now resumed Massot with a sneer. “I said a really + Parisian wedding, did I not? But in point of fact this wedding is a + symbol. It’s the apotheosis of the <i>bourgeoisie</i>, my dear fellow—the + old nobility sacrificing one of its sons on the altar of the golden calf + in order that the Divinity and the gendarmes, being the masters of France + once more, may rid us of those scoundrelly Socialists!” + </p> + <p> + Then, again correcting himself, he added: “But I was forgetting. There are + no more Socialists. Their head was cut off the other morning.” + </p> + <p> + Duthil found this very funny. Then in a confidential way he remarked: “You + know that the marriage wasn’t settled without a good deal of + difficulty.... Have you read Sagnier’s ignoble article this morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes; but I knew it all before, everybody knew it.” + </p> + <p> + Then in an undertone, understanding one another’s slightest allusion, they + went on chatting. It was only amidst a flood of tears and after a + despairing struggle that Baroness Duvillard had consented to let her lover + marry her daughter. And in doing so she had yielded to the sole desire of + seeing Gerard rich and happy. She still regarded Camille with all the + hatred of a defeated rival. Then, an equally painful contest had taken + place at Madame de Quinsac’s. The Countess had only overcome her revolt + and consented to the marriage in order to save her son from the dangers + which had threatened him since childhood; and the Marquis de Morigny had + been so affected by her maternal abnegation, that in spite of all his + anger he had resignedly agreed to be a witness, thus making a supreme + sacrifice, that of his conscience, to the woman whom he had ever loved. + And it was this frightful story that Sagnier—using transparent + nicknames—had related in the “Voix du Peuple” that morning. He had + even contrived to make it more horrid than it really was; for, as usual, + he was badly informed, and he was naturally inclined to falsehood and + invention, as by sending an ever thicker and more poisonous torrent from + his sewer, he might, day by day, increase his paper’s sales. Since + Monferrand’s victory had compelled him to leave the African Railways + scandal on one side, he had fallen back on scandals in private life, + stripping whole families bare and pelting them with mud. + </p> + <p> + All at once Duthil and Massot were approached by Chaigneux, who, with his + shabby frock coat badly buttoned, wore both a melancholy and busy air. + “Well, Monsieur Massot,” said he, “what about your article on Silviane? Is + it settled? Will it go in?” + </p> + <p> + As Chaigneux was always for sale, always ready to serve as a valet, it had + occurred to Duvillard to make use of him to ensure Silviane’s success at + the Comedie. He had handed this sorry deputy over to the young woman, who + entrusted him with all manner of dirty work, and sent him scouring Paris + in search of applauders and advertisements. His eldest daughter was not + yet married, and never had his four women folk weighed more heavily on his + hands. His life had become a perfect hell; they had ended by beating him, + if he did not bring a thousand-franc note home on the first day of every + month. + </p> + <p> + “My article!” Massot replied; “no, it surely won’t go in, my dear deputy. + Fonsegue says that it’s written in too laudatory a style for the ‘Globe.’ + He asked me if I were having a joke with the paper.” + </p> + <p> + Chaigneux became livid. The article in question was one written in + advance, from the society point of view, on the success which Silviane + would achieve in “Polyeucte,” that evening, at the Comedie. The + journalist, in the hope of pleasing her, had even shown her his “copy”; + and she, quite delighted, now relied upon finding the article in print in + the most sober and solemn organ of the Parisian press. + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens! what will become of us?” murmured the wretched Chaigneux. + “It’s absolutely necessary that the article should go in.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I’m quite agreeable. But speak to the governor yourself. He’s + standing yonder between Vignon and Dauvergne, the Minister of Public + Instruction.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I certainly will speak to him—but not here. By-and-by in the + sacristy, during the procession. And I must also try to speak to + Dauvergne, for our Silviane particularly wants him to be in the + ministerial box this evening. Monferrand will be there; he promised + Duvillard so.” + </p> + <p> + Massot began to laugh, repeating the expression which had circulated + through Paris directly after the actress’s engagement: “The Silviane + ministry.... Well, Dauvergne certainly owes that much to his godmother!” + said he. + </p> + <p> + Just then the little Princess de Harn, coming up like a gust of wind, + broke in upon the three men. “I’ve no seat, you know!” she cried. + </p> + <p> + Duthil fancied that it was a question of finding her a well-placed chair + in the church. “You mustn’t count on me,” he answered. “I’ve just had no + end of trouble in stowing the Duchess de Boisemont away with her two + daughters.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but I’m talking of this evening’s performance. Come, my dear Duthil, + you really must find me a little corner in somebody’s box. I shall die, I + know I shall, if I can’t applaud our delicious, our incomparable friend!” + </p> + <p> + Ever since setting Silviane down at her door on the previous day, + Rosemonde had been overflowing with admiration for her. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you won’t find a single remaining seat, madame,” declared Chaigneux, + putting on an air of importance. “We have distributed everything. I have + just been offered three hundred francs for a stall.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s true, there has been a fight even for the bracket seats, however + badly they might be placed,” Duthil resumed. “I am very sorry, but you + must not count on me.... Duvillard is the only person who might take you + in his box. He told me that he would reserve me a seat there. And so far, + I think, there are only three of us, including his son.... Ask Hyacinthe + by-and-by to procure you an invitation.” + </p> + <p> + Rosemonde, whom Hyacinthe had so greatly bored that she had given him his + dismissal, felt the irony of Duthil’s suggestion. Nevertheless, she + exclaimed with an air of delight: “Ah, yes! Hyacinthe can’t refuse me + that. Thanks for your information, my dear Duthil. You are very nice, you + are; for you settle things gaily even when they are rather sad.... And + don’t forget, mind, that you have promised to teach me politics. Ah! + politics, my dear fellow, I feel that nothing will ever impassion me as + politics do!” + </p> + <p> + Then she left them, hustled several people, and in spite of the crush + ended by installing herself in the front row. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! what a crank she is!” muttered Massot with an air of amusement. + </p> + <p> + Then, as Chaigneux darted towards magistrate Amadieu to ask him in the + most obsequious way if he had received his ticket, the journalist said to + Duthil in a whisper: “By the way, my dear friend, is it true that + Duvillard is going to launch his famous scheme for a Trans-Saharan + railway? It would be a gigantic enterprise, a question of hundreds and + hundreds of millions this time.... At the ‘Globe’ office yesterday + evening, Fonsegue shrugged his shoulders and said it was madness, and + would never come off!” + </p> + <p> + Duthil winked, and in a jesting way replied: “It’s as good as done, my + dear boy. Fonsegue will be kissing the governor’s feet before another + forty-eight hours are over.” + </p> + <p> + Then he gaily gave the other to understand that golden manna would + presently be raining down on the press and all faithful friends and + willing helpers. Birds shake their feathers when the storm is over, and + he, Duthil, was as spruce and lively, as joyous at the prospect of the + presents he now expected, as if there had never been any African Railways + scandal to upset him and make him turn pale with fright. + </p> + <p> + “The deuce!” muttered Massot, who had become serious. “So this affair here + is more than a triumph: it’s the promise of yet another harvest. Well, I’m + no longer surprised at the crush of people.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the organs suddenly burst into a glorious hymn of greeting. + The marriage procession was entering the church. A loud clamour had gone + up from the crowd, which spread over the roadway of the Rue Royale and + impeded the traffic there, while the <i>cortege</i> pompously ascended the + steps in the bright sunshine. And it was now entering the edifice and + advancing beneath the lofty, re-echoing vaults towards the high altar + which flared with candles, whilst on either hand crowded the congregation, + the men on the right and the women on the left. They had all risen and + stood there smiling, with necks outstretched and eyes glowing with + curiosity. + </p> + <p> + First, in the rear of the magnificent beadle, came Camille, leaning on the + arm of her father, Baron Duvillard, who wore a proud expression befitting + a day of victory. Veiled with superb <i>point d’Alencon</i> falling from + her diadem of orange blossom, gowned in pleated silk muslin over an + underskirt of white satin, the bride looked so extremely happy, so radiant + at having conquered, that she seemed almost pretty. Moreover, she held + herself so upright that one could scarcely detect that her left shoulder + was higher than her right. + </p> + <p> + Next came Gerard, giving his arm to his mother, the Countess de Quinsac,—he + looking very handsome and courtly, as was proper, and she displaying + impassive dignity in her gown of peacock-blue silk embroidered with gold + and steel beads. But it was particularly Eve whom people wished to see, + and every neck was craned forward when she appeared on the arm of General + Bozonnet, the bridegroom’s first witness and nearest male relative. She + was gowned in “old rose” taffetas trimmed with Valenciennes of priceless + value, and never had she looked younger, more deliciously fair. Yet her + eyes betrayed her emotion, though she strove to smile; and her languid + grace bespoke her widowhood, her compassionate surrender of the man she + loved. Monferrand, the Marquis de Morigny, and banker Louvard, the three + other witnesses, followed the Baroness and General Bozonnet, each giving + his arm to some lady of the family. A considerable sensation was caused by + the appearance of Monferrand, who seemed on first-rate terms with himself, + and jested familiarly with the lady he accompanied, a little brunette with + a giddy air. Another who was noticed in the solemn, interminable + procession was the bride’s eccentric brother Hyacinthe, whose dress coat + was of a cut never previously seen, with its tails broadly and + symmetrically pleated. + </p> + <p> + When the affianced pair had taken their places before the prayer-stools + awaiting them, and the members of both families and the witnesses had + installed themselves in the rear in large armchairs, all gilding and red + velvet, the ceremony was performed with extraordinary pomp. The cure of + the Madeleine officiated in person; and vocalists from the Grand Opera + reinforced the choir, which chanted the high mass to the accompaniment of + the organs, whence came a continuous hymn of glory. All possible luxury + and magnificence were displayed, as if to turn this wedding into some + public festivity, a great victory, an event marking the apogee of a class. + Even the impudent bravado attaching to the loathsome private drama which + lay behind it all, and which was known to everybody, added a touch of + abominable grandeur to the ceremony. But the truculent spirit of + superiority and domination which characterised the proceedings became most + manifest when Monseigneur Martha appeared in surplice and stole to + pronounce the blessing. Tall of stature, fresh of face, and faintly + smiling, he had his wonted air of amiable sovereignty, and it was with + august unction that he pronounced the sacramental words, like some pontiff + well pleased at reconciling the two great empires whose heirs he united. + His address to the newly married couple was awaited with curiosity. It + proved really marvellous, he himself triumphed in it. Was it not in that + same church that he had baptised the bride’s mother, that blond Eve, who + was still so beautiful, that Jewess whom he himself had converted to the + Catholic faith amidst the tears of emotion shed by all Paris society? Was + it not there also that he had delivered his three famous addresses on the + New Spirit, whence dated, to his thinking, the rout of science, the + awakening of Christian spirituality, and that policy of rallying to the + Republic which was to lead to its conquest? + </p> + <p> + So it was assuredly allowable for him to indulge in some delicate + allusions, by way of congratulating himself on his work, now that he was + marrying a poor scion of the old aristocracy to the five millions of that + <i>bourgeoise</i> heiress, in whose person triumphed the class which had + won the victory in 1789, and was now master of the land. The fourth + estate, the duped, robbed people, alone had no place in those festivities. + But by uniting the affianced pair before him in the bonds of wedlock, + Monseigneur Martha sealed the new alliance, gave effect to the Pope’s own + policy, that stealthy effort of Jesuitical Opportunism which would take + democracy, power and wealth to wife, in order to subdue and control them. + When the prelate reached his peroration he turned towards Monferrand, who + sat there smiling; and it was he, the Minister, whom he seemed to be + addressing while he expressed the hope that the newly married pair would + ever lead a truly Christian life of humility and obedience in all fear of + God, of whose iron hand he spoke as if it were that of some gendarme + charged with maintaining the peace of the world. Everybody was aware that + there was some diplomatic understanding between the Bishop and the + Minister, some secret pact or other whereby both satisfied their passion + for authority, their craving to insinuate themselves into everything and + reign supreme; and thus when the spectators saw Monferrand smiling in his + somewhat sly, jovial way, they also exchanged smiles. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” muttered Massot, who had remained near Duthil, “how amused old + Justus Steinberger would be, if he were here to see his granddaughter + marrying the last of the Quinsacs!” + </p> + <p> + “But these marriages are quite the thing, quite the fashion, my dear + fellow,” the deputy replied. “The Jews and the Christians, the <i>bourgeois</i> + and the nobles, do quite right to come to an understanding, so as to found + a new aristocracy. An aristocracy is needed, you know, for otherwise we + should be swept away by the masses.” + </p> + <p> + None the less Massot continued sneering at the idea of what a grimace + Justus Steinberger would have made if he had heard Monseigneur Martha. It + was rumoured in Paris that although the old Jew banker had ceased all + intercourse with his daughter Eve since her conversion, he took a keen + interest in everything she was reported to do or say, as if he were more + than ever convinced that she would prove an avenging and dissolving agent + among those Christians, whose destruction was asserted to be the dream of + his race. If he had failed in his hope of overcoming Duvillard by giving + her to him as a wife, he doubtless now consoled himself with thinking of + the extraordinary fortune to which his blood had attained, by mingling + with that of the harsh, old-time masters of his race, to whose corruption + it gave a finishing touch. Therein perhaps lay that final Jewish conquest + of the world of which people sometimes talked. + </p> + <p> + A last triumphal strain from the organ brought the ceremony to an end; + whereupon the two families and the witnesses passed into the sacristy, + where the acts were signed. And forthwith the great congratulatory + procession commenced. + </p> + <p> + The bride and bridegroom at last stood side by side in the lofty but + rather dim room, panelled with oak. How radiant with delight was Camille + at the thought that it was all over, that she had triumphed and married + that handsome man of high lineage, after wresting him with so much + difficulty from one and all, her mother especially! She seemed to have + grown taller. Deformed, swarthy, and ugly though she was, she drew herself + up exultingly, whilst scores and scores of women, friends or + acquaintances, scrambled and rushed upon her, pressing her hands or + kissing her, and addressing her in words of ecstasy. Gerard, who rose both + head and shoulders above his bride, and looked all the nobler and stronger + beside one of such puny figure, shook hands and smiled like some Prince + Charming, who good-naturedly allowed himself to be loved. Meanwhile, the + relatives of the newly wedded pair, though they were drawn up in one line, + formed two distinct groups past which the crowd pushed and surged with + arms outstretched. Duvillard received the congratulations offered him as + if he were some king well pleased with his people; whilst Eve, with a + supreme effort, put on an enchanting mien, and answered one and all with + scarcely a sign of the sobs which she was forcing back. Then, on the other + side of the bridal pair, Madame de Quinsac stood between General de + Bozonnet and the Marquis de Morigny. Very dignified, in fact almost + haughty, she acknowledged most of the salutations addressed to her with a + mere nod, giving her little withered hand only to those people with whom + she was well acquainted. A sea of strange countenances encompassed her, + and now and again when some particularly murky wave rolled by, a wave of + men whose faces bespoke all the crimes of money-mongering, she and the + Marquis exchanged glances of deep sadness. This tide continued sweeping by + for nearly half an hour; and such was the number of those who wanted to + shake hands with the bridal pair and their relatives, that the latter soon + felt their arms ache. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, some folks lingered in the sacristy; little groups collected, + and gay chatter rang out. Monferrand was immediately surrounded. Massot + pointed out to Duthil how eagerly Public Prosecutor Lehmann rushed upon + the Minister to pay him court. They were immediately joined by + investigating magistrate Amadieu. And even M. de Larombiere, the judge, + approached Monferrand, although he hated the Republic, and was an intimate + friend of the Quinsacs. But then obedience and obsequiousness were + necessary on the part of the magistracy, for it was dependent on those in + power, who alone could give advancement, and appoint even as they + dismissed. As for Lehmann, it was alleged that he had rendered assistance + to Monferrand by spiriting away certain documents connected with the + African Railways affair, whilst with regard to the smiling and extremely + Parisian Amadieu, was it not to him that the government was indebted for + Salvat’s head? + </p> + <p> + “You know,” muttered Massot, “they’ve all come to be thanked for + guillotining that man yesterday. Monferrand owes that wretched fellow a + fine taper; for in the first place his bomb prolonged the life of the + Barroux ministry, and later on it made Monferrand prime minister, as a + strong-handed man was particularly needed to strangle Anarchism. What a + contest, eh? Monferrand on one side and Salvat on the other. It was all + bound to end in a head being cut off; one was wanted.... Ah! just listen, + they are talking of it.” + </p> + <p> + This was true. As the three functionaries of the law drew near to pay + their respects to the all-powerful Minister, they were questioned by lady + friends whose curiosity had been roused by what they had read in the + newspapers. Thereupon Amadieu, whom duty had taken to the execution, and + who was proud of his own importance, and determined to destroy what he + called “the legend of Salvat’s heroic death,” declared that the scoundrel + had shown no true courage at all. His pride alone had kept him on his + feet. Fright had so shaken and choked him that he had virtually been dead + before the fall of the knife. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that’s true!” cried Duthil. “I was there myself.” + </p> + <p> + Massot, however, pulled him by the arm, quite indignant at such an + assertion, although as a rule he cared a rap for nothing. “You couldn’t + see anything, my dear fellow,” said he; “Salvat died very bravely. It’s + really stupid to continue throwing mud at that poor devil even when he’s + dead.” + </p> + <p> + However, the idea that Salvat had died like a coward was too pleasing a + one to be rejected. It was, so to say, a last sacrifice deposited at + Monferrand’s feet with the object of propitiating him. He still smiled in + his peaceful way, like a good-natured man who is stern only when necessity + requires it. And he showed great amiability towards the three judicial + functionaries, and thanked them for the bravery with which they had + accomplished their painful duty to the very end. On the previous day, + after the execution, he had obtained a formidable majority in the Chamber + on a somewhat delicate matter of policy. Order reigned, said he, and all + was for the very best in France. Then, on seeing Vignon—who like a + cool gamester had made a point of attending the wedding in order to show + people that he was superior to fortune—the Minister detained him, + and made much of him, partly as a matter of tactics, for in spite of + everything he could not help fearing that the future might belong to that + young fellow, who showed himself so intelligent and cautious. When a + mutual friend informed them that Barroux’ health was now so bad that the + doctors had given him up as lost, they both began to express their + compassion. Poor Barroux! He had never recovered from that vote of the + Chamber which had overthrown him. He had been sinking from day to day, + stricken to the heart by his country’s ingratitude, dying of that + abominable charge of money-mongering and thieving; he who was so upright + and so loyal, who had devoted his whole life to the Republic! But then, as + Monferrand repeated, one should never confess. The public can’t understand + such a thing. + </p> + <p> + At this moment Duvillard, in some degree relinquishing his paternal + duties, came to join the others, and the Minister then had to share the + honours of triumph with him. For was not this banker the master? Was he + not money personified—money, which is the only stable, everlasting + force, far above all ephemeral tenure of power, such as attaches to those + ministerial portfolios which pass so rapidly from hand to hand? Monferrand + reigned, but he would pass away, and a like fate would some day fall on + Vignon, who had already had a warning that one could not govern unless the + millions of the financial world were on one’s side. So was not the only + real triumpher himself, the Baron—he who laid out five millions of + francs on buying a scion of the aristocracy for his daughter, he who was + the personification of the sovereign <i>bourgeoisie</i>, who controlled + public fortune, and was determined to part with nothing, even were he + attacked with bombs? All these festivities really centred in himself, he + alone sat down to the banquet, leaving merely the crumbs from his table to + the lowly, those wretched toilers who had been so cleverly duped at the + time of the Revolution. + </p> + <p> + That African Railways affair was already but so much ancient history, + buried, spirited away by a parliamentary commission. All who had been + compromised in it, the Duthils, the Chaigneux, the Fonsegues and others, + could now laugh merrily. They had been delivered from their nightmare by + Monferrand’s strong fist, and raised by Duvillard’s triumph. Even + Sagnier’s ignoble article and miry revelations in the “Voix du Peuple” + were of no real account, and could be treated with a shrug of the + shoulders, for the public had been so saturated with denunciation and + slander that it was now utterly weary of all noisy scandal. The only thing + which aroused interest was the rumour that Duvillard’s big affair of the + Trans-Saharan Railway was soon to be launched, that millions of money + would be handled, and that some of them would rain down upon faithful + friends. + </p> + <p> + Whilst Duvillard was conversing in a friendly way with Monferrand and + Dauvergne, the Minister of Public Instruction, who had joined them, Massot + encountered Fonsegue, his editor, and said to him in an undertone: “Duthil + has just assured me that the Trans-Saharan business is ready, and that + they mean to chance it with the Chamber. They declare that they are + certain of success.” + </p> + <p> + Fonsegue, however, was sceptical on the point. “It’s impossible,” said he; + “they won’t dare to begin again so soon.” + </p> + <p> + Although he spoke in this fashion, the news had made him grave. He had + lately had such a terrible fright through his imprudence in the African + Railways affair, that he had vowed he would take every precaution in + future. Still, this did not mean that he would refuse to participate in + matters of business. The best course was to wait and study them, and then + secure a share in all that seemed profitable. In the present instance he + felt somewhat worried. However, whilst he stood there watching the group + around Duvillard and the two ministers, he suddenly perceived Chaigneux, + who, flitting hither and thither, was still beating up applauders for that + evening’s performance. He sang Silviane’s praises in every key, predicted + a most tremendous success, and did his very best to stimulate curiosity. + At last he approached Dauvergne, and with his long figure bent double + exclaimed: “My dear Minister, I have a particular request to make to you + on the part of a very charming person, whose victory will not be complete + this evening if you do not condescend to favour her with your vote.” + </p> + <p> + Dauvergne, a tall, fair, good-looking man, whose blue eyes smiled behind + his glasses, listened to Chaigneux with an affable air. He was proving a + great success at the Ministry of Public Instruction, although he knew + nothing of University matters. However, like a real Parisian of Dijon, as + people called him, he was possessed of some tact and skill, gave + entertainments at which his young and charming wife outshone all others, + and passed as being quite an enlightened friend of writers and artists. + Silviane’s engagement at the Comedie, which so far was his most notable + achievement, and which would have shaken the position of any other + minister, had by a curious chance rendered him popular. It was regarded as + something original and amusing. + </p> + <p> + On understanding that Chaigneux simply wished to make sure of his presence + at the Comedie that evening, he became yet more affable. “Why, certainly, + I shall be there, my dear deputy,” he replied. “When one has such a + charming god-daughter one mustn’t forsake her in a moment of danger.” + </p> + <p> + At this Monferrand, who had been lending ear, turned round. “And tell + her,” said he, “that I shall be there, too. She may therefore rely on + having two more friends in the house.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Duvillard, quite enraptured, his eyes glistening with emotion + and gratitude, bowed to the two ministers as if they had granted him some + never-to-be-forgotten favour. + </p> + <p> + When Chaigneux, on his side also, had returned thanks with a low bow, he + happened to perceive Fonsegue, and forthwith he darted towards him and led + him aside. “Ah! my dear colleague,” he declared, “it is absolutely + necessary that this matter should be settled. I regard it as of supreme + importance.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you speaking of?” inquired Fonsegue, much surprised. + </p> + <p> + “Why, of Massot’s article, which you won’t insert.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, the director of the “Globe” plumply declared that he could not + insert the article. He talked of his paper’s dignity and gravity; and + declared that the lavishing of such fulsome praise upon a hussy—yes, + a mere hussy, in a journal whose exemplary morality and austerity had cost + him so much labour, would seem monstrous and degrading. Personally, he did + not care a fig about it if Silviane chose to make an exhibition of + herself, well, he would be there to see; but the “Globe” was sacred. + </p> + <p> + Disconcerted and almost tearful, Chaigneux nevertheless renewed his + attempt. “Come, my dear colleague,” said he, “pray make a little effort + for my sake. If the article isn’t inserted, Duvillard will think that it + is my fault. And you know that I really need his help. My eldest + daughter’s marriage has again been postponed, and I hardly know where to + turn.” Then perceiving that his own misfortunes in no wise touched + Fonsegue, he added: “And do it for your own sake, my dear colleague, your + own sake. For when all is said Duvillard knows what is in the article, and + it is precisely because it is so favourable a one that he wishes to see it + in the ‘Globe.’ Think it over; if the article isn’t published, he will + certainly turn his back on you.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment Fonsegue remained silent. Was he thinking of the colossal + Trans-Saharan enterprise? Was he reflecting that it would be hard to + quarrel at such a moment and miss his own share in the coming distribution + of millions among faithful friends? Perhaps so; however, the idea that it + would be more prudent to await developments gained the day with him. “No, + no,” he said, “I can’t, it’s a matter of conscience.” + </p> + <p> + In the mean time congratulations were still being tendered to the newly + wedded couple. It seemed as if all Paris were passing through the + sacristy; there were ever the same smiles and the same hand shakes. + Gerard, Camille and their relatives, however weary they might feel, were + forced to retain an air of delight while they stood there against the + wall, pent up by the crowd. The heat was now becoming unbearable, and a + cloud of dust arose as when some big flock goes by. + </p> + <p> + All at once little Princess de Harn, who had hitherto lingered nobody knew + where, sprang out of the throng, flung her arms around Camille, kissed + even Eve, and then kept Gerard’s hand in her own while paying him + extraordinary compliments. Then, on perceiving Hyacinthe, she took + possession of him and carried him off into a corner. “I say,” she + exclaimed, “I have a favour to ask you.” + </p> + <p> + The young man was wonderfully silent that day. His sister’s wedding seemed + to him a contemptible ceremony, the most vulgar that one could imagine. So + here, thought he, was another pair accepting the horrid sexual law by + which the absurdity of the world was perpetuated! For his part, he had + decided that he would witness the proceedings in rigid silence, with a + haughty air of disapproval. When Rosemonde spoke to him, he looked at her + rather nervously, for he was glad that she had forsaken him for Duthil, + and feared some fresh caprice on her part. At last, opening his mouth for + the first time that day, he replied: “Oh, as a friend, you know, I will + grant you whatever favour you like.” + </p> + <p> + Forthwith the Princess explained that she would surely die if she did not + witness the <i>debut</i> of her dear friend Silviane, of whom she had + become such a passionate admirer. So she begged the young man to prevail + on his father to give her a seat in his box, as she knew that one was left + there. + </p> + <p> + Hyacinthe smiled. “Oh, willingly, my dear,” said he; “I’ll warn papa, + there will be a seat for you.” + </p> + <p> + Then, as the procession of guests at last drew to an end and the vestry + began to empty, the bridal pair and their relatives were able to go off + through the chattering throng, which still lingered about to bow to them + and scrutinise them once more. + </p> + <p> + Gerard and Camille were to leave for an estate which Duvillard possessed + in Normandy, directly after lunch. This repast, served at the princely + mansion of the Rue Godot-de-Mauroy, provided an opportunity for fresh + display. The dining-room on the first floor had been transformed into a + buffet, where reigned the greatest abundance and the most wonderful + sumptuousness. Quite a reception too was held in the drawing-rooms, the + large red <i>salon</i>, the little blue and silver <i>salon</i> and all + the others, whose doors stood wide open. Although it had been arranged + that only family friends should be invited, there were quite three hundred + people present. The ministers had excused themselves, alleging that the + weighty cares of public business required their presence elsewhere. But + the magistrates, the deputies and the leading journalists who had attended + the wedding were again assembled together. And in that throng of hungry + folks, longing for some of the spoils of Duvillard’s new venture, the + people who felt most out of their element were Madame de Quinsac’s few + guests, whom General de Bozonnet and the Marquis de Morigny had seated on + a sofa in the large red <i>salon</i>, which they did not quit. + </p> + <p> + Eve, who for her part felt quite overcome, both her moral and physical + strength being exhausted, had seated herself in the little blue and silver + drawing-room, which, with her passion for flowers, she had transformed + into an arbour of roses. She would have fallen had she remained standing, + the very floor had seemed to sink beneath her feet. Nevertheless, whenever + a guest approached her she managed to force a smile, and appear beautiful + and charming. Unlooked-for help at last came to her in the person of + Monseigneur Martha, who had graciously honoured the lunch with his + presence. He took an armchair near her, and began to talk to her in his + amiable, caressing way. He was doubtless well aware of the frightful + anguish which wrung the poor woman’s heart, for he showed himself quite + fatherly, eager to comfort her. She, however, talked on like some + inconsolable widow bent on renouncing the world for God, who alone could + bring her peace. Then, as the conversation turned on the Asylum for the + Invalids of Labour, she declared that she was resolved to take her + presidency very seriously, and, in fact, would exclusively devote herself + to it, in the future. + </p> + <p> + “And as we are speaking of this, Monseigneur,” said she, “I would even ask + you to give me some advice.... I shall need somebody to help me, and I + thought of securing the services of a priest whom I much admire, Monsieur + l’Abbe Pierre Froment.” + </p> + <p> + At this the Bishop became grave and embarrassed; but Princess Rosemonde, + who was passing by with Duthil, had overheard the Baroness, and drawing + near with her wonted impetuosity, she exclaimed: “Abbe Pierre Froment! Oh! + I forgot to tell you, my dear, that I met him going about in jacket and + trousers! And I’ve been told too that he cycles in the Bois with some + creature or other. Isn’t it true, Duthil, that we met him?” + </p> + <p> + The deputy bowed and smiled, whilst Eve clasped her hands in amazement. + “Is it possible! A priest who was all charitable fervour, who had the + faith and passion of an apostle!” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Monseigneur intervened: “Yes, yes, great sorrows occasionally + fall upon the Church. I heard of the madness of the unhappy man you speak + of. I even thought it my duty to write to him, but he left my letter + unanswered. I should so much have liked to stifle such a scandal! But + there are abominable forces which we cannot always overcome; and so a day + or two ago the archbishop was obliged to put him under interdict.... You + must choose somebody else, madame.” + </p> + <p> + It was quite a disaster. Eve gazed at Rosemonde and Duthil, without daring + to ask them for particulars, but wondering what creature could have been + so audacious as to turn a priest from the path of duty. She must assuredly + be some shameless demented woman! And it seemed to Eve as if this crime + gave a finishing touch to her own misfortune. With a wave of the arm, + which took in all the luxury around her, the roses steeping her in + perfume, and the crush of guests around the buffet, she murmured: “Ah! + decidedly there’s nothing but corruption left; one can no longer rely on + anybody!” + </p> + <p> + Whilst this was going on, Camille happened to be alone in her own room + getting ready to leave the house with Gerard. And all at once her brother + Hyacinthe joined her there. “Ah! it’s you, youngster!” she exclaimed. + “Well, make haste if you want to kiss me, for I’m off now, thank + goodness!” + </p> + <p> + He kissed her as she suggested, and then in a doctoral way replied: “I + thought you had more self-command. The delight you have been showing all + this morning quite disgusts me.” + </p> + <p> + A quiet glance of contempt was her only answer. However, he continued: + “You know very well that she’ll take your Gerard from you again, directly + you come back to Paris.” + </p> + <p> + At this Camille’s cheeks turned white and her eyes flared. She stepped + towards her brother with clenched fists: “She! you say that she will take + him from me!” + </p> + <p> + The “she” they referred to was their own mother. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, my boy! I’ll kill her first!” continued Camille. “Ah, no! she + needn’t hope for that. I shall know how to keep the man that belongs to + me.... And as for you, keep your spite to yourself, for I know you, + remember; you are a mere child and a fool!” + </p> + <p> + He recoiled as if a viper were rearing its sharp, slender black head + before him; and having always feared her, he thought it best to beat a + retreat. + </p> + <p> + While the last guests were rushing upon the buffet and finishing the + pillage there, the bridal pair took their leave, before driving off to the + railway station. General de Bozonnet had joined a group in order to vent + his usual complaints about compulsory military service, and the Marquis de + Morigny was obliged to fetch him at the moment when the Countess de + Quinsac was kissing her son and daughter-in-law. The old lady trembled + with so much emotion that the Marquis respectfully ventured to sustain + her. Meantime, Hyacinthe had started in search of his father, and at last + found him near a window with the tottering Chaigneux, whom he was + violently upbraiding, for Fonsegue’s conscientious scruples had put him in + a fury. Indeed, if Massot’s article should not be inserted in the “Globe,” + Silviane might lay all the blame upon him, the Baron, and wreak further + punishment upon him. However, upon being summoned by his son he had to don + his triumphal air once more, kiss his daughter on the forehead, shake + hands with his son-in-law, jest and wish them both a pleasant journey. + Then Eve, near whom Monseigneur Martha had remained, smiling, in her turn + had to say farewell. In this she evinced touching bravery; her + determination to remain beautiful and charming until the very end lent her + sufficient strength to show herself both gay and motherly. + </p> + <p> + She took hold of the slightly quivering hand which Gerard proffered with + some embarrassment, and ventured to retain it for a moment in her own, in + a good-hearted, affectionate way, instinct with all the heroism of + renunciation. “Good by, Gerard,” she said, “keep in good health, be + happy.” Then turning to Camille she kissed her on both cheeks, while + Monseigneur Martha sat looking at them with an air of indulgent sympathy. + They wished each other “Au revoir,” but their voices trembled, and their + eyes in meeting gleamed like swords; in the same way as beneath the kisses + they had exchanged they had felt each other’s teeth. Ah! how it enraged + Camille to see her mother still so beautiful and fascinating in spite of + age and grief! And for Eve how great the torture of beholding her + daughter’s youth, that youth which had overcome her, and was for ever + wresting love from within her reach! No forgiveness was possible between + them; they would still hate one another even in the family tomb, where + some day they would sleep side by side. + </p> + <p> + All the same, that evening Baroness Duvillard excused herself from + attending the performance of “Polyeucte” at the Comedie Francaise. She + felt very tired and wished to go to bed early, said she. As a matter of + fact she wept on her pillow all night long. Thus the Baron’s stage-box on + the first balcony tier contained only himself, Hyacinthe, Duthil, and + little Princess de Harn. + </p> + <p> + At nine o’clock there was a full house, one of the brilliant chattering + houses peculiar to great dramatic solemnities. All the society people who + had marched through the sacristy of the Madeleine that morning were now + assembled at the theatre, again feverish with curiosity, and on the + lookout for the unexpected. One recognised the same faces and the sane + smiles; the women acknowledged one another’s presence with little signs of + intelligence, the men understood each other at a word, a gesture. One and + all had kept the appointment, the ladies with bared shoulders, the + gentlemen with flowers in their button-holes. Fonsegue occupied the + “Globe’s” box, with two friendly families. Little Massot had his customary + seat in the stalls. Amadieu, who was a faithful patron of the Comedie, was + also to be seen there, as well as General de Bozonnet and Public + Prosecutor Lehmann. The man who was most looked at, however, on account of + his scandalous article that morning, was Sagnier, the terrible Sagnier, + looking bloated and apoplectical. Then there was Chaigneux, who had kept + merely a modest bracket-seat for himself, and who scoured the passages, + and climbed to every tier, for the last time preaching enthusiasm. + Finally, the two ministers Monferrand and Dauvergne appeared in the box + facing Duvillard’s; whereupon many knowing smiles were exchanged, for + everybody was aware that these personages had come to help on the success + of the <i>debutante</i>. + </p> + <p> + On the latter point there had still been unfavourable rumours only the + previous day. Sagnier had declared that the <i>debut</i> of such a + notorious harlot as Silviane at the Comedie Francaise, in such a part too + as that of “Pauline,” which was one of so much moral loftiness, could only + be regarded as an impudent insult to public decency. The whole press, + moreover, had long been up in arms against the young woman’s extraordinary + caprice. But then the affair had been talked of for six months past, so + that Paris had grown used to the idea of seeing Silviane at the Comedie. + And now it flocked thither with the one idea of being entertained. Before + the curtain rose one could tell by the very atmosphere of the house that + the audience was a jovial, good-humoured one, bent on enjoying itself, and + ready to applaud should it find itself at all pleased. + </p> + <p> + The performance really proved extraordinary. When Silviane, chastely + robed, made her appearance in the first act, the house was quite + astonished by her virginal face, her innocent-looking mouth, and her eyes + beaming with immaculate candour. Then, although the manner in which she + had understood her part at first amazed people, it ended by charming them. + From the moment of confiding in “Stratonice,” from the moment of relating + her dream, she turned “Pauline” into a soaring mystical creature, some + saint, as it were, such as one sees in stained-glass windows, carried + along by a Wagnerian Brunhilda riding the clouds. It was a thoroughly + ridiculous conception of the part, contrary to reason and truth alike. + Still, it only seemed to interest people the more, partly on account of + mysticism being the fashion, and partly on account of the contrast between + Silviane’s assumed candour and real depravity. Her success increased from + act to act, and some slight hissing which was attributed to Sagnier only + helped to make the victory more complete. Monferrand and Dauvergne, as the + newspapers afterwards related, gave the signal for applause; and the whole + house joined in it, partly from amusement and partly perhaps in a spirit + of irony. + </p> + <p> + During the interval between the fourth and fifth acts there was quite a + procession of visitors to Duvillard’s box, where the greatest excitement + prevailed. Duthil, however, after absenting himself for a moment, came + back to say: “You remember our influential critic, the one whom I brought + to dinner at the Cafe Anglais? Well, he’s repeating to everybody that + ‘Pauline’ is merely a little <i>bourgeoise</i>, and is not transformed by + the heavenly grace until the very finish of the piece. To turn her into a + holy virgin from the outset simply kills the part, says he.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh!” repeated Duvillard, “let him argue if he likes, it will be all the + more advertisement.... The important point is to get Massot’s article + inserted in the ‘Globe’ to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + On this point, unfortunately, the news was by no means good. Chaigneux, + who had gone in search of Fonsegue, declared that the latter still + hesitated in the matter in spite of Silviane’s success, which he declared + to be ridiculous. Thereupon, the Baron became quite angry. “Go and tell + Fonsegue,” he exclaimed, “that I insist on it, and that I shall remember + what he does.” + </p> + <p> + Meantime Princess Rosemonde was becoming quite delirious with enthusiasm. + “My dear Hyacinthe,” she pleaded, “please take me to Silviane’s + dressing-room; I can’t wait, I really must go and kiss her.” + </p> + <p> + “But we’ll all go!” cried Duvillard, who heard her entreaty. + </p> + <p> + The passages were crowded, and there were people even on the stage. + Moreover, when the party reached the door of Silviane’s dressing-room, + they found it shut. When the Baron knocked at it, a dresser replied that + madame begged the gentlemen to wait a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! a woman may surely go in,” replied Rosemonde, hastily slipping + through the doorway. “And you may come, Hyacinthe,” she added; “there can + be no objection to you.” + </p> + <p> + Silviane was very hot, and a dresser was wiping her perspiring shoulders + when Rosemonde darted forward and kissed her. Then they chatted together + amidst the heat and glare from the gas and the intoxicating perfumes of + all the flowers which were heaped up in the little room. Finally, + Hyacinthe heard them promise to see one another after the performance, + Silviane even inviting Rosemonde to drink a cup of tea with her at her + house. At this the young man smiled complacently, and said to the actress: + “Your carriage is waiting for you at the corner of the Rue Montpensier, is + it not? Well, I’ll take the Princess to it. That will be the simpler plan, + you can both go off together!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! how good of you,” cried Rosemonde; “it’s agreed.” + </p> + <p> + Just then the door was opened, and the men, being admitted, began to pour + forth their congratulations. However, they had to regain their seats in + all haste so as to witness the fifth act. This proved quite a triumph, the + whole house bursting into applause when Silviane spoke the famous line, “I + see, I know, I believe, I am undeceived,” with the rapturous enthusiasm of + a holy martyr ascending to heaven. Nothing could have been more soul-like, + it was said. And so when the performers were called before the curtain, + Paris bestowed an ovation on that virgin of the stage, who, as Sagnier put + it, knew so well how to act depravity at home. + </p> + <p> + Accompanied by Duthil, Duvillard at once went behind the scenes in order + to fetch Silviane, while Hyacinthe escorted Rosemonde to the brougham + waiting at the corner of the Rue Montpensier. Having helped her into it, + the young man stood by, waiting. And he seemed to grow quite merry when + his father came up with Silviane, and was stopped by her, just as, in his + turn, he wished to get into the carriage. + </p> + <p> + “There’s no room for you, my dear fellow,” said she. “I’ve a friend with + me.” + </p> + <p> + Rosemonde’s little smiling face then peered forth from the depths of the + brougham. And the Baron remained there open-mouthed while the vehicle + swiftly carried the two women away! + </p> + <p> + “Well, what would you have, my dear fellow?” said Hyacinthe, by way of + explanation to Duthil, who also seemed somewhat amazed by what had + happened. “Rosemonde was worrying my life out, and so I got rid of her by + packing her off with Silviane.” + </p> + <p> + Duvillard was still standing on the pavement and still looking dazed when + Chaigneux, who was going home quite tired out, recognised him, and came up + to say that Fonsegue had thought the matter over, and that Massot’s + article would be duly inserted. In the passages, too, there had been a + deal of talk about the famous Trans-Saharan project. + </p> + <p> + Then Hyacinthe led his father away, trying to comfort him like a sensible + friend, who regarded woman as a base and impure creature. “Let’s go home + to bed,” said he. “As that article is to appear, you can take it to her + to-morrow. She will see you, sure enough.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon they lighted cigars, and now and again exchanging a few words, + took their way up the Avenue de l’Opera, which at that hour was deserted + and dismal. Meantime, above the slumbering houses of Paris the breeze + wafted a prolonged sigh, the plaint, as it were, of an expiring world. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0087" id="link2H_4_0087"></a> + III. THE GOAL OF LABOUR + </h2> + <p> + EVER since the execution of Salvat, Guillaume had become extremely + taciturn. He seemed worried and absent-minded. He would work for hours at + the manufacture of that dangerous powder of which he alone knew the + formula, and the preparation of which was such a delicate matter that he + would allow none to assist him. Then, at other times he would go off, and + return tired out by some long solitary ramble. He remained very gentle at + home, and strove to smile there. But whenever anybody spoke to him he + started as if suddenly called back from dreamland. + </p> + <p> + Pierre imagined his brother had relied too much upon his powers of + renunciation, and found the loss of Marie unbearable. Was it not some + thought of her that haunted him now that the date fixed for the marriage + drew nearer and nearer? One evening, therefore, Pierre ventured to speak + out, again offering to leave the house and disappear. + </p> + <p> + But at the first words he uttered Guillaume stopped him, and + affectionately replied: “Marie? Oh! I love her, I love her too well to + regret what I have done. No, no! you only bring me happiness, I derive all + my strength and courage from you now that I know you are both happy. ... + And I assure you that you are mistaken, there is nothing at all the matter + with me; my work absorbs me, perhaps, but that is all.” + </p> + <p> + That same evening he managed to cast his gloom aside, and displayed + delightful gaiety. During dinner he inquired if the upholsterer would soon + call to arrange the two little rooms which Marie was to occupy with her + husband over the workroom. The young woman, who since her marriage with + Pierre had been decided had remained waiting with smiling patience, + thereupon told Guillaume what it was she desired—first some hangings + of red cotton stuff, then some polished pine furniture which would enable + her to imagine she was in the country, and finally a carpet on the floor, + because a carpet seemed to her the height of luxury. She laughed as she + spoke, and Guillaume laughed with her in a gay and fatherly way. His good + spirits brought much relief to Pierre, who concluded that he must have + been mistaken in his surmises. + </p> + <p> + On the very morrow, however, Guillaume relapsed into a dreamy state. And + so disquietude again came upon Pierre, particularly when he noticed that + Mere-Grand also seemed to be unusually grave and silent. Not daring to + address her, he tried to extract some information from his nephews, but + neither Thomas nor Francois nor Antoine knew anything. Each of them + quietly devoted his time to his work, respecting and worshipping his + father, but never questioning him about his plans or enterprises. Whatever + he might choose to do could only be right and good; and they, his sons, + were ready to do the same and help him at the very first call, without + pausing to inquire into his purpose. It was plain, however, that he kept + them apart from anything at all perilous, that he retained all + responsibility for himself, and that Mere-Grand alone was his <i>confidante</i>, + the one whom he consulted and to whom he perhaps listened. Pierre + therefore renounced his hope of learning anything from the sons, and + directed his attention to the old lady, whose rigid gravity worried him + the more as she and Guillaume frequently had private chats in the room she + occupied upstairs. They shut themselves up there all alone, and remained + together for hours without the faintest sound coming from the seemingly + lifeless chamber. + </p> + <p> + One day, however, Pierre caught sight of Guillaume as he came out of it, + carrying a little valise which appeared to be very heavy. And Pierre + thereupon remembered both his brother’s powder, one pound weight of which + would have sufficed to destroy a cathedral, and the destructive engine + which he had purposed bestowing upon France in order that she might be + victorious over all other nations, and become the one great initiatory and + liberative power. Pierre remembered too that the only person besides + himself who knew his brother’s secret was Mere-Grand, who, at the time + when Guillaume was fearing some perquisition on the part of the police, + had long slept upon the cartridges of the terrible explosive. But now why + was Guillaume removing all the powder which he had been preparing for some + time past? As this question occurred to Pierre, a sudden suspicion, a + vague dread, came upon him, and gave him strength to ask his brother: + “Have you reason to fear anything, since you won’t keep things here? If + they embarrass you, they can all be deposited at my house, nobody will + make a search there.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, whom these words astonished, gazed at Pierre fixedly, and then + replied: “Yes, I have learnt that the arrests and perquisitions have begun + afresh since that poor devil was guillotined; for they are in terror at + the thought that some despairing fellow may avenge him. Moreover, it is + hardly prudent to keep destructive agents of such great power here. I + prefer to deposit them in a safe place. But not at Neuilly—oh! no + indeed! they are not a present for you, brother.” Guillaume spoke with + outward calmness; and if he had started with surprise at the first moment, + it had been scarcely perceptible. + </p> + <p> + “So everything is ready?” Pierre resumed. “You will soon be handing your + engine of destruction over to the Minister of War, I presume?” + </p> + <p> + A gleam of hesitation appeared in the depths of Guillaume’s eyes, and he + was for a moment about to tell a falsehood. However, he ended by replying + “No, I have renounced that intention. I have another idea.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke these last words with so much energy and decision that Pierre did + not dare to question him further, to ask him, for instance, what that + other idea might be. From that moment, however, he quivered with anxious + expectancy. From hour to hour Mere-Grand’s lofty silence and Guillaume’s + rapt, energetic face seemed to tell him that some huge and terrifying + scheme had come into being, and was growing and threatening the whole of + Paris. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon, just as Thomas was about to repair to the Grandidier works, + some one came to Guillaume’s with the news that old Toussaint, the + workman, had been stricken with a fresh attack of paralysis. Thomas + thereupon decided that he would call upon the poor fellow on his way, for + he held him in esteem and wished to ascertain if he could render him any + help. Pierre expressed a desire to accompany his nephew, and they started + off together about four o’clock. + </p> + <p> + On entering the one room which the Toussaints occupied, the room where + they ate and slept, the visitors found the mechanician seated on a low + chair near the table. He looked half dead, as if struck by lightning. It + was a case of hemiplegia, which had paralysed the whole of his right side, + his right leg and right arm, and had also spread to his face in such wise + that he could no longer speak. The only sound he could raise was an + incomprehensible guttural grunt. His mouth was drawn to the right, and his + once round, good-natured-looking face, with tanned skin and bright eyes, + had been twisted into a frightful mask of anguish. At fifty years of age, + the unhappy man was utterly done for. His unkempt beard was as white as + that of an octogenarian, and his knotty limbs, preyed upon by toil, were + henceforth dead. Only his eyes remained alive, and they travelled around + the room, going from one to another. By his side, eager to do what she + could for him, was his wife, who remained stout even when she had little + to eat, and still showed herself active and clear-headed, however great + her misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + “It’s a friendly visit, Toussaint,” said she. “It’s Monsieur Thomas who + has come to see you with Monsieur l’Abbe.” Then quietly correcting herself + she added: “With Monsieur Pierre, his uncle. You see that you are not yet + forsaken.” + </p> + <p> + Toussaint wished to speak, but his fruitless efforts only brought two big + tears to his eyes. Then he gazed at his visitors with an expression of + indescribable woe, his jaws trembling convulsively. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t put yourself out,” repeated his wife. “The doctor told you that it + would do you no good.” + </p> + <p> + At the moment of entering the room, Pierre had already noticed two persons + who had risen from their chairs and drawn somewhat on one side. And now to + his great surprise he recognised that they were Madame Theodore and + Celine, who were both decently clad, and looked as if they led a life of + comfort. On hearing of Toussaint’s misfortune they had come to see him, + like good-hearted creatures, who, on their own side, had experienced the + most cruel suffering. Pierre, on noticing that they now seemed to be + beyond dire want, remembered what he had heard of the wonderful sympathy + lavished on the child after her father’s execution, the many presents and + donations offered her, and the generous proposals that had been made to + adopt her. These last had ended in her being adopted by a former friend of + Salvat, who had sent her to school again, pending the time when she might + be apprenticed to some trade, while, on the other hand, Madame Theodore + had been placed as a nurse in a convalescent home. In such wise both had + been saved. + </p> + <p> + When Pierre drew near to little Celine in order to kiss her, Madame + Theodore told her to thank Monsieur l’Abbe—for so she still + respectfully called him—for all that he had previously done for her. + “It was you who brought us happiness, Monsieur l’Abbe,” said she. “And + that’s a thing one can never forget. I’m always telling Celine to remember + you in her prayers.” + </p> + <p> + “And so, my child, you are now going to school again,” said Pierre. + </p> + <p> + “Oh yes, Monsieur l’Abbe, and I’m well pleased at it. Besides, we no + longer lack anything.” Then, however, sudden emotion came over the girl, + and she stammered with a sob: “Ah! if poor papa could only see us!” + </p> + <p> + Madame Theodore, meanwhile, had begun to take leave of Madame Toussaint. + “Well, good by, we must go,” said she. “What has happened to you is very + sad, and we wanted to tell you how much it grieved us. The worry is that + when misfortune falls on one, courage isn’t enough to set things right.. + .. Celine, come and kiss your uncle.... My poor brother, I hope you’ll get + back the use of your legs as soon as possible.” + </p> + <p> + They kissed the paralysed man on the cheeks, and then went off. Toussaint + had looked at them with his keen and still intelligent eyes, as if he + longed to participate in the life and activity into which they were + returning. And a jealous thought came to his wife, who usually was so + placid and good-natured. “Ah! my poor old man!” said she, after propping + him up with a pillow, “those two are luckier than we are. Everything + succeeds with them since that madman, Salvat, had his head cut off. + They’re provided for. They’ve plenty of bread on the shelf.” + </p> + <p> + Then, turning towards Pierre and Thomas, she continued: “We others are + done for, you know, we’re down in the mud, with no hope of getting out of + it. But what would you have? My poor husband hasn’t been guillotined, he’s + done nothing but work his whole life long; and now, you see, that’s the + end of him, he’s like some old animal, no longer good for anything.” + </p> + <p> + Having made her visitors sit down she next answered their compassionate + questions. The doctor had called twice already, and had promised to + restore the unhappy man’s power of speech, and perhaps enable him to crawl + round the room with the help of a stick. But as for ever being able to + resume real work that must not be expected. And so what was the use of + living on? Toussaint’s eyes plainly declared that he would much rather die + at once. When a workman can no longer work and no longer provide for his + wife he is ripe for the grave. + </p> + <p> + “Savings indeed!” Madame Toussaint resumed. “There are folks who ask if we + have any savings.... Well, we had nearly a thousand francs in the Savings + Bank when Toussaint had his first attack. And some people don’t know what + a lot of prudence one needs to put by such a sum; for, after all, we’re + not savages, we have to allow ourselves a little enjoyment now and then, a + good dish and a good bottle of wine.... Well, what with five months of + enforced idleness, and the medicines, and the underdone meat that was + ordered, we got to the end of our thousand francs; and now that it’s all + begun again we’re not likely to taste any more bottled wine or roast + mutton.” + </p> + <p> + Fond of good cheer as she had always been, this cry, far more than the + tears she was forcing back, revealed how much the future terrified her. + She was there erect and brave in spite of everything; but what a downfall + if she were no longer able to keep her room tidy, stew a piece of veal on + Sundays, and gossip with the neighbours while awaiting her husband’s + return from work! Why, they might just as well be thrown into the gutter + and carried off in the scavenger’s cart. + </p> + <p> + However, Thomas intervened: “Isn’t there an Asylum for the Invalids of + Labour, and couldn’t your husband get admitted to it?” he asked. “It seems + to me that is just the place for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh dear, no,” the woman answered. “People spoke to me of that place + before, and I got particulars of it. They don’t take sick people there. + When you call they tell you that there are hospitals for those who are + ill.” + </p> + <p> + With a wave of his hand Pierre confirmed her statement: it was useless to + apply in that direction. He could again see himself scouring Paris, + hurrying from the Lady President, Baroness Duvillard, to Fonsegue, the + General Manager, and only securing a bed for Laveuve when the unhappy man + was dead. + </p> + <p> + However, at that moment an infant was heard wailing, and to the amazement + of both visitors Madame Toussaint entered the little closet where her son + Charles had so long slept, and came out of it carrying a child, who looked + scarcely twenty months old. “Well, yes,” she explained, “this is Charles’s + boy. He was sleeping there in his father’s old bed, and now you hear him, + he’s woke up.... You see, only last Wednesday, the day before Toussaint + had his stroke, I went to fetch the little one at the nurse’s at St. + Denis, because she had threatened to cast him adrift since Charles had got + into bad habits, and no longer paid her. I said to myself at the time that + work was looking up, and that my husband and I would always be able to + provide for a little mouth like that.... But just afterwards everything + collapsed! At the same time, as the child’s here now I can’t go and leave + him in the street.” + </p> + <p> + While speaking in this fashion she walked to and fro, rocking the baby in + her arms. And naturally enough she reverted to Charles’s folly with the + girl, who had run away, leaving that infant behind her. Things might not + have been so very bad if Charles had still worked as steadily as he had + done before he went soldiering. In those days he had never lost an hour, + and had always brought all his pay home! But he had come back from the + army with much less taste for work. He argued, and had ideas of his own. + He certainly hadn’t yet come to bomb-throwing like that madman Salvat, but + he spent half his time with Socialists and Anarchists, who put his brain + in a muddle. It was a real pity to see such a strong, good-hearted young + fellow turning out badly like that. But it was said in the neighbourhood + that many another was inclined the same way; that the best and most + intelligent of the younger men felt tired of want and unremunerative + labour, and would end by knocking everything to pieces rather than go on + toiling with no certainty of food in their old age. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! yes,” continued Madame Toussaint, “the sons are not like the fathers + were. These fine fellows won’t be as patient as my poor husband has been, + letting hard work wear him away till he’s become the sorry thing you see + there.... Do you know what Charles said the other evening when he found + his father on that chair, crippled like that, and unable to speak? Why, he + shouted to him that he’d been a stupid jackass all his life, working + himself to death for those <i>bourgeois</i>, who now wouldn’t bring him so + much as a glass of water. Then, as he none the less has a good heart, he + began to cry his eyes out.” + </p> + <p> + The baby was no longer wailing, still the good woman continued walking to + and fro, rocking it in her arms and pressing it to her affectionate heart. + Her son Charles could do no more for them, she said; perhaps he might be + able to give them a five-franc piece now and again, but even that wasn’t + certain. It was of no use for her to go back to her old calling as a + seamstress, she had lost all practice of it. And it would even be + difficult for her to earn anything as charwoman, for she had that infant + on her hands as well as her infirm husband—a big child, whom she + would have to wash and feed. And so what would become of the three of + them? She couldn’t tell; but it made her shudder, however brave and + motherly she tried to be. + </p> + <p> + For their part, Pierre and Thomas quivered with compassion, particularly + when they saw big tears coursing down the cheeks of the wretched, stricken + Toussaint, as he sat quite motionless in that little and still cleanly + home of toil and want. The poor man had listened to his wife, and he + looked at her and at the infant now sleeping in her arms. Voiceless, + unable to cry his woe aloud, he experienced the most awful anguish. What + dupery his long life of labour had been! how frightfully unjust it was + that all his efforts should end in such sufferings! how exasperating it + was to feel himself powerless, and to see those whom he loved and who were + as innocent as himself suffer and die by reason of his own suffering and + death! Ah! poor old man, cripple that he was, ending like some beast of + burden that has foundered by the roadside—that goal of labour! And + it was all so revolting and so monstrous that he tried to put it into + words, and his desperate grief ended in a frightful, raucous grunt. + </p> + <p> + “Be quiet, don’t do yourself harm!” concluded Madame Toussaint. “Things + are like that, and there’s no mending them.” + </p> + <p> + Then she went to put the child to bed again, and on her return, just as + Thomas and Pierre were about to speak to her of Toussaint’s employer, M. + Grandidier, a fresh visitor arrived. Thereupon the others decided to wait. + </p> + <p> + The new comer was Madame Chretiennot, Toussaint’s other sister, eighteen + years younger than himself. Her husband, the little clerk, had compelled + her to break off almost all intercourse with her relatives, as he felt + ashamed of them; nevertheless, having heard of her brother’s misfortune, + she had very properly come to condole with him. She wore a gown of cheap + flimsy silk, and a hat trimmed with red poppies, which she had freshened + up three times already; but in spite of this display her appearance + bespoke penury, and she did her best to hide her feet on account of the + shabbiness of her boots. Moreover, she was no longer the beautiful + Hortense. Since a recent miscarriage, all trace of her good looks had + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + The lamentable appearance of her brother and the bareness of that home of + suffering chilled her directly she crossed the threshold. And as soon as + she had kissed Toussaint, and said how sorry she was to find him in such a + condition, she began to lament her own fate, and recount her troubles, for + fear lest she should be asked for any help. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my dear,” she said to her sister-in-law, “you are certainly much to + be pitied! But if you only knew! We all have our troubles. Thus in my + case, obliged as I am to dress fairly well on account of my husband’s + position, I have more trouble than you can imagine in making both ends + meet. One can’t go far on a salary of three thousand francs a year, when + one has to pay seven hundred francs’ rent out of it. You will perhaps say + that we might lodge ourselves in a more modest way; but we can’t, my dear, + I must have a <i>salon</i> on account of the visits I receive. So just + count!... Then there are my two girls. I’ve had to send them to school; + Lucienne has begun to learn the piano and Marcelle has some taste for + drawing.... By the way, I would have brought them with me, but I feared it + would upset them too much. You will excuse me, won’t you?” + </p> + <p> + Then she spoke of all the worries which she had had with her husband on + account of Salvat’s ignominious death. Chretiennot, vain, quarrelsome + little fellow that he was, felt exasperated at now having a <i>guillotine</i> + in his wife’s family. And he had lately begun to treat the unfortunate + woman most harshly, charging her with having brought about all their + troubles, and even rendering her responsible for his own mediocrity, + embittered as he was more and more each day by a confined life of office + work. On some evenings they had downright quarrels; she stood up for + herself, and related that when she was at the confectionery shop in the + Rue des Martyrs she could have married a doctor had she only chosen, for + the doctor found her quite pretty enough. Now, however, she was becoming + plainer and plainer, and her husband felt that he was condemned to + everlasting penury; so that their life was becoming more and more dismal + and quarrelsome, and as unbearable—despite the pride of being + “gentleman” and “lady”—as was the destitution of the working + classes. + </p> + <p> + “All the same, my dear,” at last said Madame Toussaint, weary of her + sister-in-law’s endless narrative of worries, “you have had one piece of + luck. You won’t have the trouble of bringing up a third child, now.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s true,” replied Hortense, with a sigh of relief. “How we should + have managed, I don’t know.... Still, I was very ill, and I’m far from + being in good health now. The doctor says that I don’t eat enough, and + that I ought to have good food.” + </p> + <p> + Then she rose for the purpose of giving her brother another kiss and + taking her departure; for she feared a scene on her husband’s part should + he happen to come home and find her absent. Once on her feet, however, she + lingered there a moment longer, saying that she also had just seen her + sister, Madame Theodore, and little Celine, both of them comfortably clad + and looking happy. And with a touch of jealousy she added: “Well, my + husband contents himself with slaving away at his office every day. He’ll + never do anything to get his head cut off; and it’s quite certain that + nobody will think of leaving an income to Marcelle and Lucienne.... Well, + good by, my dear, you must be brave, one must always hope that things will + turn out for the best.” + </p> + <p> + When she had gone off, Pierre and Thomas inquired if M. Grandidier had + heard of Toussaint’s misfortune and agreed to do anything for him. Madame + Toussaint answered that he had so far made only a vague promise; and on + learning this they resolved to speak to him as warmly as they could on + behalf of the old mechanician, who had spent as many as five and twenty + years at the works. The misfortune was that a scheme for establishing a + friendly society, and even a pension fund, which had been launched before + the crisis from which the works were now recovering, had collapsed through + a number of obstacles and complications. Had things turned out otherwise, + Thomas might have had a pittance assured him, even though he was unable to + work. But under the circumstances the only hope for the poor stricken + fellow lay in his employer’s compassion, if not his sense of justice. + </p> + <p> + As the baby again began to cry, Madame Toussaint went to fetch it, and she + was once more carrying it to and fro, when Thomas pressed her husband’s + sound hand between both his own. “We will come back,” said the young man; + “we won’t forsake you, Toussaint. You know very well that people like you, + for you’ve always been a good and steady workman. So rely on us, we will + do all we can.” + </p> + <p> + Then they left him tearful and overpowered, in that dismal room, while, up + and down beside him, his wife rocked the squealing infant—that other + luckless creature, who was now so heavy on the old folks’ hands, and like + them was fated to die of want and unjust toil. + </p> + <p> + Toil, manual toil, panting at every effort, this was what Pierre and + Thomas once more found at the works. From the slender pipes above the + roofs spurted rhythmical puffs of steam, which seemed like the very breath + of all that labour. And in the work-shops one found a continuous rumbling, + a whole army of men in motion, forging, filing, and piercing, amidst the + spinning of leather gearing and the trembling of machinery. The day was + ending with a final feverish effort to complete some task or other before + the bell should ring for departure. + </p> + <p> + On inquiring for the master Thomas learnt that he had not been seen since + <i>dejeuner</i>, which was such an unusual occurrence that the young man + at once feared some terrible scene in the silent pavilion, whose shutters + were ever closed upon Grandidier’s unhappy wife—that mad but + beautiful creature, whom he loved so passionately that he had never been + willing to part from her. The pavilion could be seen from the little + glazed work-shop which Thomas usually occupied, and as he and Pierre stood + waiting there, it looked very peaceful and pleasant amidst the big + lilac-bushes planted round about it. Surely, they thought, it ought to + have been brightened by the gay gown of a young woman and the laughter of + playful children. But all at once a loud, piercing shriek reached their + ears, followed by howls and moans, like those of an animal that is being + beaten or possibly slaughtered. Ah! those howls ringing out amidst all the + stir of the toiling works, punctuated it seemed by the rhythmical puffing + of the steam, accompanied too by the dull rumbling of the machinery! The + receipts of the business had been doubling and doubling since the last + stock-taking; there was increase of prosperity every month, the bad times + were over, far behind. Grandidier was realising a large fortune with his + famous bicycle for the million, the “Lisette”; and the approaching vogue + of motor-cars also promised huge gains, should he again start making + little motor-engines, as he meant to do, as soon as Thomas’s + long-projected motor should be perfected. But what was wealth when in that + dismal pavilion, whose shutters were ever closed, those frightful shrieks + continued, proclaiming some terrible drama, which all the stir and bustle + of the prosperous works were unable to stifle? + </p> + <p> + Pierre and Thomas looked at one another, pale and quivering. And all at + once, as the cries ceased and the pavilion sank into death-like silence + once more, the latter said in an undertone: “She is usually very gentle, + she will sometimes spend whole days sitting on a carpet like a little + child. He is fond of her when she is like that; he lays her down and picks + her up, caresses her and makes her laugh as if she were a baby. Ah! how + dreadfully sad it is! When an attack comes upon her she gets frantic, + tries to bite herself, and kill herself by throwing herself against the + walls. And then he has to struggle with her, for no one else is allowed to + touch her. He tries to restrain her, and holds her in his arms to calm + her.... But how terrible it was just now! Did you hear? I do not think she + has ever had such a frightful attack before.” + </p> + <p> + For a quarter of an hour longer profound silence prevailed. Then + Grandidier came out of the pavilion, bareheaded and still ghastly pale. + Passing the little glazed work-shop on his way, he perceived Thomas and + Pierre there, and at once came in. But he was obliged to lean against a + bench like a man who is dazed, haunted by a nightmare. His good-natured, + energetic face retained an expression of acute anguish; and his left ear + was scratched and bleeding. However, he at once wished to talk, overcome + his feelings, and return to his life of activity. “I am very pleased to + see you, my dear Thomas,” said he, “I have been thinking over what you + told me about our little motor. We must go into the matter again.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing how distracted he was, it occurred to the young man that some + sudden diversion, such as the story of another’s misfortunes, might + perhaps draw him from his haunting thoughts. “Of course I am at your + disposal,” he replied; “but before talking of that matter I should like to + tell you that we have just seen Toussaint, that poor old fellow who has + been stricken with paralysis. His awful fate has quite distressed us. He + is in the greatest destitution, forsaken as it were by the roadside, after + all his years of labour.” + </p> + <p> + Thomas dwelt upon the quarter of a century which the old workman had spent + at the factory, and suggested that it would be only just to take some + account of his long efforts, the years of his life which he had devoted to + the establishment. And he asked that he might be assisted in the name both + of equity and compassion. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! monsieur,” Pierre in his turn ventured to say. “I should like to take + you for an instant into that bare room, and show you that poor, aged, + worn-out, stricken man, who no longer has even the power of speech left + him to tell people his sufferings. There can be no greater wretchedness + than to die in this fashion, despairing of all kindliness and justice.” + </p> + <p> + Grandidier had listened to them in silence. But big tears had irresistibly + filled his eyes, and when he spoke it was in a very low and tremulous + voice: “The greatest wretchedness, who can tell what it is? Who can speak + of it if he has not known the wretchedness of others? Yes, yes, it’s sad + undoubtedly that poor Toussaint should be reduced to that state at his + age, not knowing even if he will have food to eat on the morrow. But I + know sorrows that are just as crushing, abominations which poison one’s + life in a still greater degree.... Ah! yes, food indeed! To think that + happiness will reign in the world when everybody has food to eat! What an + idiotic hope!” + </p> + <p> + The whole grievous tragedy of his life was in the shudder which had come + over him. To be the employer, the master, the man who is making money, who + disposes of capital and is envied by his workmen, to own an establishment + to which prosperity has returned, whose machinery coins gold, apparently + leaving one no other trouble than that of pocketing one’s profits; and yet + at the same time to be the most wretched of men, to know no day exempt + from anguish, to find each evening at one’s hearth no other reward or prop + than the most atrocious torture of the heart! Everything, even success, + has to be paid for. And thus that triumpher, that money-maker, whose pile + was growing larger at each successive inventory, was sobbing with bitter + grief. + </p> + <p> + However, he showed himself kindly disposed towards Toussaint, and promised + to assist him. As for a pension that was an idea which he could not + entertain, as it was the negation of the wage-system such as it existed. + He energetically defended his rights as an employer, repeating that the + strain of competition would compel him to avail himself of them so long as + the present system should endure. His part in it was to do good business + in an honest way. However, he regretted that his men had never carried out + the scheme of establishing a relief fund, and he said that he would do his + best to induce them to take it in hand again. + </p> + <p> + Some colour had now come back to his checks; for on returning to the + interests of his life of battle he felt his energy restored. He again + reverted to the question of the little motor, and spoke of it for some + time with Thomas, while Pierre waited, feeling quite upset. Ah! he + thought, how universal was the thirst for happiness! Then, in spite of the + many technical terms that were used he caught a little of what the others + were saying. Small steam motors had been made at the works in former + times; but they had not proved successes. In point of fact a new + propelling force was needed. Electricity, though everyone foresaw its + future triumph, was so far out of the question on account of the weight of + the apparatus which its employment necessitated. So only petroleum + remained, and the inconvenience attaching to its use was so great that + victory and fortune would certainly rest with the manufacturer who should + be able to replace it by some other hitherto unknown agent. In the + discovery and adaptation of the latter lay the whole problem. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am eager about it now,” at last exclaimed Grandidier in an + animated way. “I allowed you to prosecute your experiments without + troubling you with any inquisitive questions. But a solution is becoming + imperative.” + </p> + <p> + Thomas smiled: “Well, you must remain patient just a little longer,” said + he; “I believe that I am on the right road.” + </p> + <p> + Then Grandidier shook hands with him and Pierre, and went off to make his + usual round through his busy, bustling works, whilst near at hand, + awaiting his return, stood the closed pavilion, where every evening he was + fated to relapse into endless, incurable anguish. + </p> + <p> + The daylight was already waning when Pierre and Thomas, after re-ascending + the height of Montmartre, walked towards the large work-shop which Jahan, + the sculptor, had set up among the many sheds whose erection had been + necessitated by the building of the Sacred Heart. There was here a stretch + of ground littered with materials, an extraordinary chaos of building + stone, beams and machinery; and pending the time when an army of navvies + would come to set the whole place in order, one could see gaping trenches, + rough flights of descending steps and fences, imperfectly closing doorways + which conducted to the substructures of the basilica. + </p> + <p> + Halting in front of Jahan’s work-shop, Thomas pointed to one of these + doorways by which one could reach the foundation works. “Have you never + had an idea of visiting the foundations?” he inquired of Pierre. “There’s + quite a city down there on which millions of money have been spent. They + could only find firm soil at the very base of the height, and they had to + excavate more than eighty shafts, fill them with concrete, and then rear + their church on all those subterranean columns.... Yes, that is so. Of + course the columns cannot be seen, but it is they who hold that insulting + edifice aloft, right over Paris!” + </p> + <p> + Having drawn near to the fence, Pierre was looking at an open doorway + beyond it, a sort of dark landing whence steps descended as if into the + bowels of the earth. And he thought of those invisible columns of + concrete, and of all the stubborn energy and desire for domination which + had set and kept the edifice erect. + </p> + <p> + Thomas was at last obliged to call him. “Let us make haste,” said he, “the + twilight will soon be here. We shan’t be able to see much.” + </p> + <p> + They had arranged to meet Antoine at Jahan’s, as the sculptor wished to + show them a new model he had prepared. When they entered the work-shop + they found the two assistants still working at the colossal angel which + had been ordered for the basilica. Standing on a scaffolding they were + rough-hewing its symmetrical wings, whilst Jahan, seated on a low chair, + with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and his hands soiled with clay, + was contemplating a figure some three feet high on which he had just been + working. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! it’s you,” he exclaimed. “Antoine has been waiting more than half an + hour for you. He’s gone outside with Lise to see the sun set over Paris, I + think. But they will soon be back.” + </p> + <p> + Then he relapsed into silence, with his eyes fixed on his work. + </p> + <p> + This was a bare, erect, lofty female figure, of such august majesty, so + simple were its lines, that it suggested something gigantic. The figure’s + abundant, outspread hair suggested rays around its face, which beamed with + sovereign beauty like the sun. And its only gesture was one of offer and + of greeting; its arms were thrown slightly forward, and its hands were + open for the grasp of all mankind. + </p> + <p> + Still lingering in his dream Jahan began to speak slowly: “You remember + that I wanted a pendant for my figure of Fecundity. I had modelled a + Charity, but it pleased me so little and seemed so commonplace that I let + the clay dry and spoil.... And then the idea of a figure of Justice came + to me. But not a gowned figure with the sword and the scales! That wasn’t + the Justice that inspired me. What haunted my mind was the other Justice, + the one that the lowly and the sufferers await, the one who alone can some + day set a little order and happiness among us. And I pictured her like + that, quite bare, quite simple, and very lofty. She is the sun as it were, + a sun all beauty, harmony and strength; for justice is only to be found in + the sun which shines in the heavens for one and all, and bestows on poor + and rich alike its magnificence and light and warmth, which are the source + of all life. And so my figure, you see, has her hands outstretched as if + she were offering herself to all mankind, greeting it and granting it the + gift of eternal life in eternal beauty. Ah! to be beautiful and strong and + just, one’s whole dream lies in that.” + </p> + <p> + Jahan relighted his pipe and burst into a merry laugh. “Well, I think the + good woman carries herself upright.... What do you fellows say?” + </p> + <p> + His visitors highly praised his work. Pierre for his part was much + affected at finding in this artistic conception the very idea that he had + so long been revolving in his mind—the idea of an era of Justice + rising from the ruins of the world, which Charity after centuries of trial + had failed to save. + </p> + <p> + Then the sculptor gaily explained that he had prepared his model there + instead of at home, in order to console himself a little for his big dummy + of an angel, the prescribed triteness of which disgusted him. Some fresh + objections had been raised with respect to the folds of the robe, which + gave some prominence to the thighs, and in the end he had been compelled + to modify all of the drapery. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! it’s just as they like!” he cried; “it’s no work of mine, you know; + it’s simply an order which I’m executing just as a mason builds a wall. + There’s no religious art left, it has been killed by stupidity and + disbelief. Ah! if social or human art could only revive, how glorious to + be one of the first to bear the tidings!” + </p> + <p> + Then he paused. Where could the youngsters, Antoine and Lise, have got to, + he wondered. He threw the door wide open, and, a little distance away, + among the materials littering the waste ground, one could see Antoine’s + tall figure and Lise’s short slender form standing out against the + immensity of Paris, which was all golden amidst the sun’s farewell. The + young man’s strong arm supported Lise, who with this help walked beside + him without feeling any fatigue. Slender and graceful, like a girl + blossoming into womanhood, she raised her eyes to his with a smile of + infinite gratitude, which proclaimed that she belonged to him for + evermore. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! they are coming back,” said Jahan. “The miracle is now complete, you + know. I’m delighted at it. I did not know what to do with her; I had even + renounced all attempts to teach her to read; I left her for days together + in a corner, infirm and tongue-tied like a lack-wit.... But your brother + came and took her in hand somehow or other. She listened to him and + understood him, and began to read and write with him, and grow intelligent + and gay. Then, as her limbs still gained no suppleness, and she remained + infirm, ailing and puny, he began by carrying her here, and then helped + her to walk in such wise that she can now do so by herself. In a few + weeks’ time she has positively grown and become quite charming. Yes, I + assure you, it is second birth, real creation. Just look at them!” + </p> + <p> + Antoine and Lise were still slowly approaching. The evening breeze which + rose from the great city, where all was yet heat and sunshine, brought + them a bath of life. If the young man had chosen that spot, with its + splendid horizon, open to the full air which wafted all the germs of life, + it was doubtless because he felt that nowhere else could he instil more + vitality, more soul, more strength into her. And love had been created by + love. He had found her asleep, benumbed, without power of motion or + intellect, and he had awakened her, kindled life in her, loved her, that + he might be loved by her in return. She was his work, she was part of + himself. + </p> + <p> + “So you no longer feel tired, little one?” said Jahan. + </p> + <p> + She smiled divinely. “Oh! no, it’s so pleasant, so beautiful, to walk + straight on like this.... All I desire is to go on for ever and ever with + Antoine.” + </p> + <p> + The others laughed, and Jahan exclaimed in his good-natured way: “Let us + hope that he won’t take you so far. You’ve reached your destination now, + and I shan’t be the one to prevent you from being happy.” + </p> + <p> + Antoine was already standing before the figure of Justice, to which the + falling twilight seemed to impart a quiver of life. “Oh! how divinely + simple, how divinely beautiful!” said he. + </p> + <p> + For his own part he had lately finished a new wood engraving, which + depicted Lise holding a book in her hand, an engraving instinct with truth + and emotion, showing her awakened to intelligence and love. And this time + he had achieved his desire, making no preliminary drawing, but tackling + the block with his graver, straight away, in presence of his model. And + infinite hopefulness had come upon him, he was dreaming of great original + works in which the whole period that he belonged to would live anew and + for ever. + </p> + <p> + Thomas now wished to return home. So they shook hands with Jahan, who, as + his day’s work was over, put on his coat to take his sister back to the + Rue du Calvaire. + </p> + <p> + “Till to-morrow, Lise,” said Antoine, inclining his head to kiss her. + </p> + <p> + She raised herself on tip-toes, and offered him her eyes, which he had + opened to life. “Till to-morrow, Antoine,” said she. + </p> + <p> + Outside, the twilight was falling. Pierre was the first to cross the + threshold, and as he did so, he saw so extraordinary a sight that for an + instant he felt stupefied. But it was certain enough: he could plainly + distinguish his brother Guillaume emerging from the gaping doorway which + conducted to the foundations of the basilica. And he saw him hastily climb + over the palings, and then pretend to be there by pure chance, as though + he had come up from the Rue Lamarck. When he accosted his two sons, as if + he were delighted to meet them, and began to say that he had just come + from Paris, Pierre asked himself if he had been dreaming. However, an + anxious glance which his brother cast at him convinced him that he had + been right. And then he not only felt ill at ease in presence of that man + whom he had never previously known to lie, but it seemed to him that he + was at last on the track of all he had feared, the formidable mystery that + he had for some time past felt brewing around him in the little peaceful + house. + </p> + <p> + When Guillaume, his sons and his brother reached home and entered the + large workroom overlooking Paris, it was so dark that they fancied nobody + was there. + </p> + <p> + “What! nobody in?” said Guillaume. + </p> + <p> + But in a somewhat low, quiet voice Francois answered out of the gloom: + “Why, yes, I’m here.” + </p> + <p> + He had remained at his table, where he had worked the whole afternoon, and + as he could no longer read, he now sat in a dreamy mood with his head + resting on his hands, his eyes wandering over Paris, where night was + gradually falling. As his examination was now near at hand, he was living + in a state of severe mental strain. + </p> + <p> + “What, you are still working there!” said his father. “Why didn’t you ask + for a lamp?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I wasn’t working, I was looking at Paris,” Francois slowly answered. + “It’s singular how the night falls over it by degrees. The last district + that remained visible was the Montague Ste. Genevieve, the plateau of the + Pantheon, where all our knowledge and science have grown up. A sun-ray + still gilds the schools and libraries and laboratories, when the low-lying + districts of trade are already steeped in darkness. I won’t say that the + planet has a particular partiality for us at the Ecole Normale, but it’s + certain that its beams still linger on our roofs, when they are to be seen + nowhere else.” + </p> + <p> + He began to laugh at his jest. Still one could see how ardent was his + faith in mental effort, how entirely he gave himself to mental labour, + which, in his opinion, could alone bring truth, establish justice and + create happiness. + </p> + <p> + Then came a short spell of silence. Paris sank more and more deeply into + the night, growing black and mysterious, till all at once sparks of light + began to appear. + </p> + <p> + “The lamps are being lighted,” resumed Francois; “work is being resumed on + all sides.” + </p> + <p> + Then Guillaume, who likewise had been dreaming, immersed in his fixed + idea, exclaimed: “Work, yes, no doubt! But for work to give a full harvest + it must be fertilised by will. There is something which is superior to + work.” + </p> + <p> + Thomas and Antoine had drawn near. And Francois, as much for them as for + himself, inquired: “What is that, father?” + </p> + <p> + “Action.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment the three young men remained silent, impressed by the + solemnity of the hour, quivering too beneath the great waves of darkness + which rose from the vague ocean of the city. Then a young voice remarked, + though whose it was one could not tell: “Action is but work.” + </p> + <p> + And Pierre, who lacked the respectful quietude, the silent faith, of his + nephews, now felt his nervousness increasing. That huge and terrifying + mystery of which he was dimly conscious rose before him, while a great + quiver sped by in the darkness, over that black city where the lamps were + now being lighted for a whole passionate night of work. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0088" id="link2H_4_0088"></a> + IV. THE CRISIS + </h2> + <p> + A GREAT ceremony was to take place that day at the basilica of the Sacred + Heart. Ten thousand pilgrims were to be present there, at a solemn + consecration of the Holy Sacrament; and pending the arrival of four + o’clock, the hour fixed for the service, Montmartre would be invaded by + people. Its slopes would be black with swarming devotees, the shops where + religious emblems and pictures were sold would be besieged, the cafes and + taverns would be crowded to overflowing. It would all be like some huge + fair, and meantime the big bell of the basilica, “La Savoyarde,” would be + ringing peal on peal over the holiday-making multitude. + </p> + <p> + When Pierre entered the workroom in the morning he perceived Guillaume and + Mere-Grand alone there; and a remark which he heard the former make caused + him to stop short and listen from behind a tall-revolving bookstand. + Mere-Grand sat sewing in her usual place near the big window, while + Guillaume stood before her, speaking in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “Mother,” said he, “everything is ready, it is for to-day.” + </p> + <p> + She let her work fall, and raised her eyes, looking very pale. “Ah!” she + said, “so you have made up your mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, irrevocably. At four o’clock I shall be yonder, and it will all be + over.” + </p> + <p> + “‘Tis well—you are the master.” + </p> + <p> + Silence fell, terrible silence. Guillaume’s voice seemed to come from far + away, from somewhere beyond the world. It was evident that his resolution + was unshakable, that his tragic dream, his fixed idea of martyrdom, wholly + absorbed him. Mere-Grand looked at him with her pale eyes, like an heroic + woman who had grown old in relieving the sufferings of others, and had + ever shown all the abnegation and devotion of an intrepid heart, which + nothing but the idea of duty could influence. She knew Guillaume’s + terrible scheme, and had helped him to regulate the pettiest details of + it; but if on the one hand, after all the iniquity she had seen and + endured, she admitted that fierce and exemplary punishment might seem + necessary, and that even the idea of purifying the world by the fire of a + volcano might be entertained, on the other hand, she believed too strongly + in the necessity of living one’s life bravely to the very end, to be able, + under any circumstances, to regard death as either good or profitable. + </p> + <p> + “My son,” she gently resumed, “I witnessed the growth of your scheme, and + it neither surprised nor angered me. I accepted it as one accepts + lightning, the very fire of the skies, something of sovereign purity and + power. And I have helped you through it all, and have taken upon myself to + act as the mouthpiece of your conscience.... But let me tell you once + more, one ought never to desert the cause of life.” + </p> + <p> + “It is useless to speak, mother,” Guillaume replied: “I have resolved to + give my life and cannot take it back.... Are you now unwilling to carry + out my desires, remain here, and act as we have decided, when all is + over?” + </p> + <p> + She did not answer this inquiry, but in her turn, speaking slowly and + gravely, put a question to him: “So it is useless for me to speak to you + of the children, myself and the house?” said she. “You have thought it all + over, you are quite determined?” And as he simply answered “Yes,” she + added: “‘Tis well, you are the master.... I will be the one who is to + remain behind and act. And you may be without fear, your bequest is in + good hands. All that we have decided together shall be done.” + </p> + <p> + Once more they became silent. Then she again inquired: “At four o’clock, + you say, at the moment of that consecration?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, at four o’clock.” + </p> + <p> + She was still looking at him with her pale eyes, and there seemed to be + something superhuman in her simplicity and grandeur as she sat there in + her thin black gown. Her glance, in which the greatest bravery and the + deepest sadness mingled, filled Guillaume with acute emotion. His hands + began to tremble, and he asked: “Will you let me kiss you, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! right willingly, my son,” she responded. “Your path of duty may not + be mine, but you see I respect your views and love you.” + </p> + <p> + They kissed one another, and when Pierre, whom the scene had chilled to + his heart, presented himself as if he were just arriving, Mere-Grand had + quietly taken up her needlework once more, while Guillaume was going to + and fro, setting one of his laboratory shelves in order with all his + wonted activity. + </p> + <p> + At noon when lunch was ready, they found it necessary to wait for Thomas, + who had not yet come home. His brothers Francois and Antoine complained in + a jesting way, saying that they were dying of hunger, while for her part + Marie, who had made a <i>creme</i>, and was very proud of it, declared + that they would eat it all, and that those who came late would have to go + without tasting it. When Thomas eventually put in an appearance he was + greeted with jeers. + </p> + <p> + “But it wasn’t my fault,” said he; “I stupidly came up the hill by way of + the Rue de la Barre, and you can have no notion what a crowd I fell upon. + Quite ten thousand pilgrims must have camped there last night. I am told + that as many as possible were huddled together in the St. Joseph Refuge. + The others no doubt had to sleep in the open air. And now they are busy + eating, here, there and everywhere, all over the patches of waste ground + and even on the pavements. One can scarcely set one foot before the other + without risk of treading on somebody.” + </p> + <p> + The meal proved a very gay one, though Pierre found the gaiety forced and + excessive. Yet the young people could surely know nothing of the + frightful, invisible thing which to Pierre ever seemed to be hovering + around in the bright sunlight of that splendid June day. Was it that the + dim presentiment which comes to loving hearts when mourning threatens + them, swept by during the short intervals of silence that followed the + joyous outbursts? Although Guillaume looked somewhat pale, and spoke with + unusual caressing softness, he retained his customary bright smile. But, + on the other hand, never had Mere-Grand been more silent or more grave. + </p> + <p> + Marie’s <i>creme</i> proved a great success, and the others congratulated + her on it so fulsomely that they made her blush. Then, all at once, heavy + silence fell once more, a deathly chill seemed to sweep by, making every + face turn pale—even while they were still cleaning their plates with + their little spoons. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that bell,” exclaimed Francois; “it is really intolerable. I can feel + my head splitting.” + </p> + <p> + He referred to “La Savoyarde,” the big bell of the basilica, which had now + begun to toll, sending forth deep sonorous volumes of sound, which ever + and ever winged their flight over the immensity of Paris. In the workroom + they were all listening to the clang. + </p> + <p> + “Will it keep on like that till four o’clock?” asked Marie. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! at four o’clock,” replied Thomas, “at the moment of the consecration + you will hear something much louder than that. The great peals of joy, the + song of triumph will then ring out.” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume was still smiling. “Yes, yes,” said he, “those who don’t want to + be deafened for life had better keep their windows closed. The worst is, + that Paris has to hear it whether it will or no, and even as far away as + the Pantheon, so I’m told.” + </p> + <p> + Meantime Mere-Grand remained silent and impassive. Antoine for his part + expressed his disgust with the horrible religious pictures for which the + pilgrims fought—pictures which in some respects suggested those on + the lids of sweetmeat boxes, although they depicted the Christ with His + breast ripped open and displaying His bleeding heart. There could be no + more repulsive materialism, no grosser or baser art, said Antoine. Then + they rose from table, talking at the top of their voices so as to make + themselves heard above the incessant din which came from the big bell. + </p> + <p> + Immediately afterwards they all set to work again. Mere-Grand took her + everlasting needlework in hand once more, while Marie, sitting near her, + continued some embroidery. The young men also attended to their respective + tasks, and now and again raised their heads and exchanged a few words. + Guillaume, for his part, likewise seemed very busy; Pierre alone coming + and going in a state of anguish, beholding them all as in a nightmare, and + attributing some terrible meaning to the most innocent remarks. During <i>dejeuner</i>, + in order to explain the frightful discomfort into which he was thrown by + the gaiety of the meal, he had been obliged to say that he felt poorly. + And now he was looking and listening and waiting with ever-growing + anxiety. + </p> + <p> + Shortly before three o’clock, Guillaume glanced at his watch and then + quietly took up his hat. “Well,” said he, “I’m going out.” + </p> + <p> + His sons, Mere-Grand and Marie raised their heads. + </p> + <p> + “I’m going out,” he repeated, “<i>au revoir</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Still he did not go off. Pierre could divine that he was struggling, + stiffening himself against the frightful tempest which was raging within + him, striving to prevent either shudder or pallor from betraying his awful + secret. Ah! he must have suffered keenly; he dared not give his sons a + last kiss, for fear lest he might rouse some suspicion in their minds, + which would impel them to oppose him and prevent his death! At last with + supreme heroism he managed to overcome himself. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Au revoir</i>, boys.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Au revoir</i>, father. Will you be home early?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes.... Don’t worry about me, do plenty of work.” + </p> + <p> + Mere-Grand, still majestically silent, kept her eyes fixed upon him. Her + he had ventured to kiss, and their glances met and mingled, instinct with + all that he had decided and that she had promised: their common dream of + truth and justice. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Guillaume,” exclaimed Marie gaily, “will you undertake a + commission for me if you are going down by way of the Rue des Martyrs?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, certainly,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, please look in at my dressmaker’s, and tell her that I shan’t + go to try my gown on till to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + It was a question of her wedding dress, a gown of light grey silk, the + stylishness of which she considered very amusing. Whenever she spoke of + it, both she and the others began to laugh. + </p> + <p> + “It’s understood, my dear,” said Guillaume, likewise making merry over it. + “We know it’s Cinderella’s court robe, eh? The fairy brocade and lace that + are to make you very beautiful and for ever happy.” + </p> + <p> + However, the laughter ceased, and in the sudden silence which fell, it + again seemed as if death were passing by with a great flapping of wings + and an icy gust which chilled the hearts of everyone remaining there. + </p> + <p> + “It’s understood; so now I’m really off,” resumed Guillaume. “<i>Au revoir</i>, + children.” + </p> + <p> + Then he sallied forth, without even turning round, and for a moment they + could hear the firm tread of his feet over the garden gravel. + </p> + <p> + Pierre having invented a pretext was able to follow him a couple of + minutes afterwards. As a matter of fact there was no need for him to dog + Guillaume’s heels, for he knew where his brother was going. He was + thoroughly convinced that he would find him at that doorway, conducting to + the foundations of the basilica, whence he had seen him emerge two days + before. And so he wasted no time in looking for him among the crowd of + pilgrims going to the church. His only thought was to hurry on and reach + Jahan’s workshop. And in accordance with his expectation, just as he + arrived there, he perceived Guillaume slipping between the broken palings. + The crush and the confusion prevailing among the concourse of believers + favored Pierre as it had his brother, in such wise that he was able to + follow the latter and enter the doorway without being noticed. Once there + he had to pause and draw breath for a moment, so greatly did the beating + of his heart oppress him. + </p> + <p> + A precipitous flight of steps, where all was steeped in darkness, + descended from the narrow entry. It was with infinite precaution that + Pierre ventured into the gloom, which ever grew denser and denser. He + lowered his feet gently so as to make no noise, and feeling the walls with + his hands, turned round and round as he went lower and lower into a kind + of well. However, the descent was not a very long one. As soon as he found + beaten ground beneath his feet he paused, no longer daring to stir for + fear of betraying his presence. The darkness was like ink, and there was + not a sound, a breath; the silence was complete. + </p> + <p> + How should he find his way? he wondered. Which direction ought he to take? + He was still hesitating when some twenty paces away he suddenly saw a + bright spark, the gleam of a lucifer. Guillaume was lighting a candle. + Pierre recognised his broad shoulders, and from that moment he simply had + to follow the flickering light along a walled and vaulted subterranean + gallery. It seemed to be interminable and to run in a northerly direction, + towards the nave of the basilica. + </p> + <p> + All at once the little light at last stopped, while Pierre, anxious to see + what would happen, continued to advance, treading as softly as he could + and remaining in the gloom. He found that Guillaume had stood his candle + upon the ground in the middle of a kind of low rotunda under the crypt, + and that he had knelt down and moved aside a long flagstone which seemed + to cover a cavity. They were here among the foundations of the basilica; + and one of the columns or piles of concrete poured into shafts in order to + support the building could be seen. The gap, which the stone slab removed + by Guillaume had covered, was by the very side of the pillar; it was + either some natural surface flaw, or a deep fissure caused by some + subsidence or settling of the soil. The heads of other pillars could be + descried around, and these the cleft seemed to be reaching, for little + slits branched out in all directions. Then, on seeing his brother leaning + forward, like one who is for the last time examining a mine he has laid + before applying a match to the fuse, Pierre suddenly understood the whole + terrifying business. Considerable quantities of the new explosive had been + brought to that spot. Guillaume had made the journey a score of times at + carefully selected hours, and all his powder had been poured into the gap + beside the pillar, spreading to the slightest rifts below, saturating the + soil at a great depth, and in this wise forming a natural mine of + incalculable force. And now the powder was flush with the flagstone which + Guillaume has just moved aside. It was only necessary to throw a match + there, and everything would be blown into the air! + </p> + <p> + For a moment an acute chill of horror rooted Pierre to the spot. He could + neither have taken a step nor raised a cry. He pictured the swarming + throng above him, the ten thousand pilgrims crowding the lofty naves of + the basilica to witness the solemn consecration of the Host. Peal upon + peal flew from “La Savoyarde,” incense smoked, and ten thousand voices + raised a hymn of magnificence and praise. And all at once came thunder and + earthquake, and a volcano opening and belching forth fire and smoke, and + swallowing up the whole church and its multitude of worshippers. Breaking + the concrete piles and rending the unsound soil, the explosion, which was + certain to be one of extraordinary violence, would doubtless split the + edifice atwain, and hurl one-half down the slopes descending towards + Paris, whilst the other on the side of the apse would crumble and collapse + upon the spot where it stood. And how fearful would be the avalanche; a + broken forest of scaffoldings, a hail of stonework, rushing and bounding + through the dust and smoke on to the roofs below; whilst the violence of + the shock would threaten the whole of Montmartre, which, it seemed likely, + must stagger and sink in one huge mass of ruins! + </p> + <p> + However, Guillaume had again risen. The candle standing on the ground, its + flame shooting up, erect and slender, threw his huge shadow all over the + subterranean vault. Amidst the dense blackness the light looked like some + dismal stationary star. Guillaume drew near to it in order to see what + time it was by his watch. It proved to be five minutes past three. So he + had nearly another hour to wait. He was in no hurry, he wished to carry + out his design punctually, at the precise moment he had selected; and he + therefore sat down on a block of stone, and remained there without moving, + quiet and patient. The candle now cast its light upon his pale face, upon + his towering brow crowned with white hair, upon the whole of his energetic + countenance, which still looked handsome and young, thanks to his bright + eyes and dark moustaches. And not a muscle of his face stirred; he simply + gazed into the void. What thoughts could be passing through his mind at + that supreme moment? Who could tell? There was not a quiver; heavy night, + the deep eternal silence of the earth reigned all around. + </p> + <p> + Then Pierre, having quieted his palpitating heart, drew near. At the sound + of his footsteps Guillaume rose menacingly, but he immediately recognised + his brother, and did not seem astonished to see him. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! it’s you,” he said, “you followed me.... I felt that you possessed my + secret. And it grieves me that you should have abused your knowledge to + join me here. You might have spared me this last sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre clasped his trembling hands, and at once tried to entreat him. + “Brother, brother,” he began. + </p> + <p> + “No, don’t speak yet,” said Guillaume, “if you absolutely wish it I will + listen to you by-and-by. We have nearly an hour before us, so we can chat. + But I want you to understand the futility of all you may think needful to + tell me. My resolution is unshakable; I was a long time coming to it, and + in carrying it out I shall simply be acting in accordance with my reason + and my conscience.” + </p> + <p> + Then he quietly related that having decided upon a great deed he had long + hesitated as to which edifice he should destroy. The opera-house had + momentarily tempted him, but he had reflected that there would be no great + significance in the whirlwind of anger and justice destroying a little set + of enjoyers. In fact, such a deed might savour of jealousy and + covetousness. Next he had thought of the Bourse, where he might strike a + blow at money, the great agent of corruption, and the capitalist society + in whose clutches the wage-earners groaned. Only, here again the blow + would fall upon a restricted circle. Then an idea of destroying the Palace + of Justice, particularly the assize court, had occurred to him. It was a + very tempting thought—to wreak justice upon human justice, to sweep + away the witnesses, the culprit, the public prosecutor who charges the + latter, the counsel who defends him, the judges who sentence him, and the + lounging public which comes to the spot as to the unfolding of some + sensational serial. And then too what fierce irony there would be in the + summary superior justice of the volcano swallowing up everything + indiscriminately without pausing to enter into details. However, the plan + over which he had most lingered was that of blowing up the Arc de + Triomphe. This he regarded as an odious monument which perpetuated + warfare, hatred among nations, and the false, dearly purchased, + sanguineous glory of conquerors. That colossus raised to the memory of so + much frightful slaughter which had uselessly put an end to so many human + lives, ought, he considered, to be slaughtered in its turn. Could he so + have arranged things that the earth should swallow it up, he might have + achieved the glory of causing no other death than his own, of dying alone, + struck down, crushed to pieces beneath that giant of stone. What a tomb, + and what a memory might he thus have left to the world! + </p> + <p> + “But there was no means of approaching it,” he continued, “no basement, no + cellar, so I had to give up the idea.... And then, although I’m perfectly + willing to die alone, I thought what a loftier and more terrible lesson + there would be in the unjust death of an innocent multitude, of thousands + of unknown people, of all those that might happen to be passing. In the + same way as human society by dint of injustice, want and harsh regulations + causes so many innocent victims, so must punishment fall as the lightning + falls, indiscriminately killing and destroying whatever it may encounter + in its course. When a man sets his foot on an ant-hill, he gives no heed + to all the lives which he stamps out.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, whom this theory rendered quite indignant, raised a cry of + protest: “Oh! brother, brother, is it you who are saying such things?” + </p> + <p> + Yet, Guillaume did not pause: “If I have ended by choosing this basilica + of the Sacred Heart,” he continued, “it is because I found it near at hand + and easy to destroy. But it is also because it haunts and exasperates me, + because I have long since condemned it.... As I have often said to you, + one cannot imagine anything more preposterous than Paris, our great Paris, + crowned and dominated by this temple raised to the glorification of the + absurd. Is it not outrageous that common sense should receive such a smack + after so many centuries of science, that Rome should claim the right of + triumphing in this insolent fashion, on our loftiest height in the full + sunlight? The priests want Paris to repent and do penitence for its + liberative work of truth and justice. But its only right course is to + sweep away all that hampers and insults it in its march towards + deliverance. And so may the temple fall with its deity of falsehood and + servitude! And may its ruins crush its worshippers, so that like one of + the old geological revolutions of the world, the catastrophe may resound + through the very entrails of mankind, and renew and change it!” + </p> + <p> + “Brother, brother!” again cried Pierre, quite beside himself, “is it you + who are talking? What! you, a great scientist, a man of great heart, you + have come to this! What madness is stirring you that you should think and + say such abominable things? On the evening when we confessed our secrets + one to the other, you told me of your proud and lofty dream of ideal + Anarchy. There would be free harmony in life, which left to its natural + forces would of itself create happiness. But you still rebelled against + the idea of theft and murder. You would not accept them as right or + necessary; you merely explained and excused them. What has happened then + that you, all brain and thought, should now have become the hateful hand + that acts?” + </p> + <p> + “Salvat has been guillotined,” said Guillaume simply, “and I read his will + and testament in his last glance. I am merely an executor.... And what has + happened, you ask? Why, all that has made me suffer for four months past, + the whole social evil which surrounds us, and which must be brought to an + end.” + </p> + <p> + Silence fell. The brothers looked at one another in the darkness. And + Pierre now understood things. He saw that Guillaume was changed, that the + terrible gust of revolutionary contagion sweeping over Paris had + transformed him. It had all come from the duality of his nature, the + presence of contradictory elements within him. On one side one found a + scientist whose whole creed lay in observation and experiment, who, in + dealing with nature, evinced the most cautious logic; while on the other + side was a social dreamer, haunted by ideas of fraternity, equality and + justice, and eager for universal happiness. Thence had first come the + theoretical anarchist that he had been, one in whom science and chimeras + were mingled, who dreamt of human society returning to the harmonious law + of the spheres, each man free, in a free association, regulated by love + alone. Neither Theophile Morin with the doctrines of Proudhon and Comte, + nor Bache with those of St. Simon and Fourier, had been able to satisfy + his desire for the absolute. All those systems had seemed to him imperfect + and chaotic, destructive of one another, and tending to the same + wretchedness of life. Janzen alone had occasionally satisfied him with + some of his curt phrases which shot over the horizon, like arrows + conquering the whole earth for the human family. And then in Guillaume’s + big heart, which the idea of want, the unjust sufferings of the lowly and + the poor exasperated, Salvat’s tragic adventure had suddenly found place, + fomenting supreme rebellion. For long weeks he had lived on with trembling + hands, with growing anguish clutching at his throat. First had come that + bomb and the explosion which still made him quiver, then the vile cupidity + of the newspapers howling for the poor wretch’s head, then the search for + him and the hunt through the Bois de Boulogne, till he fell into the hands + of the police, covered with mud and dying of starvation. And afterwards + there had been the assize court, the judges, the gendarmes, the witnesses, + the whole of France arrayed against one man and bent on making him pay for + the universal crime. And finally, there had come the guillotine, the + monstrous, the filthy beast consummating irreparable injustice in human + justice’s name. One sole idea now remained to Guillaume, that idea of + justice which maddened him, leaving naught in his mind save the thought of + the just, avenging flare by which he would repair the evil and ensure that + which was right for all time forward. Salvat had looked at him, and + contagion had done its work; he glowed with a desire for death, a desire + to give his own blood and set the blood of others flowing, in order that + mankind, amidst its fright and horror, should decree the return of the + golden age. + </p> + <p> + Pierre understood the stubborn blindness of such insanity; and he felt + utterly upset by the fear that he should be unable to overcome it. “You + are mad, brother!” he exclaimed, “they have driven you mad! It is a gust + of violence passing; they were treated in a wrong way and too relentlessly + at the outset, and now that they are avenging one another, it may be that + blood will never cease to flow.... But, listen, brother, throw off that + nightmare. You can’t be a Salvat who murders or a Bergaz who steals! + Remember the pillage of the Princess’s house and remember the fair-haired, + pretty child whom we saw lying yonder, ripped open.... You do not, you + cannot belong to that set, brother—” + </p> + <p> + With a wave of his hand, Guillaume brushed these vain reasons aside. Of + what consequence were a few lives, his own included? No change had ever + taken place in the world without millions and millions of existences being + stamped out. + </p> + <p> + “But you had a great scheme in hand,” cried Pierre, hoping to save him by + reviving his sense of duty. “It isn’t allowable for you to go off like + this.” + </p> + <p> + Then he fervently strove to awaken his brother’s scientific pride. He + spoke to him of his secret, of that great engine of warfare, which could + destroy armies and reduce cities to dust, and which he had intended to + offer to France, so that on emerging victorious from the approaching war, + she might afterwards become the deliverer of the world. And it was this + grand scheme that he had abandoned, preferring to employ his explosive in + killing innocent people and overthrowing a church, which would be built + afresh, whatever the cost, and become a sanctuary of martyrs! + </p> + <p> + Guillaume smiled. “I have not relinquished my scheme,” said he, “I have + simply modified it. Did I not tell you of my doubts, my anxious + perplexity? Ah! to believe that one holds the destiny of the world in + one’s grasp, and to tremble and hesitate and wonder if the intelligence + and wisdom, that are needful for things to take the one wise course, will + be forthcoming! At sight of all the stains upon our great Paris, all the + errors and transgressions which we lately witnessed, I shuddered. I asked + myself if Paris were sufficiently calm and pure for one to entrust her + with omnipotence. How terrible would be the disaster if such an invention + as mine should fall into the hands of a demented nation, possibly a + dictator, some man of conquest, who would simply employ it to terrorize + other nations and reduce them to slavery.... Ah! no, I do not wish to + perpetuate warfare, I wish to kill it.” + </p> + <p> + Then in a clear firm voice he explained his new plan, in which Pierre was + surprised to find some of the ideas which General de Bozonnet had one day + laid before him in a very different spirit. Warfare was on the road to + extinction, threatened by its very excesses. In the old days of + mercenaries, and afterwards with conscripts, the percentage of soldiers + designated by chance, war had been a profession and a passion. But + nowadays, when everybody is called upon to fight, none care to do so. By + the logical force of things, the system of the whole nation in arms means + the coming end of armies. How much longer will the nations remain on a + footing of deadly peace, bowed down by ever increasing “estimates,” + spending millions and millions on holding one another in respect? Ah! how + great the deliverance, what a cry of relief would go up on the day when + some formidable engine, capable of destroying armies and sweeping cities + away, should render war an impossibility and constrain every people to + disarm! Warfare would be dead, killed in her own turn, she who has killed + so many. This was Guillaume’s dream, and he grew quite enthusiastic, so + strong was his conviction that he would presently bring it to pass. + </p> + <p> + “Everything is settled,” said he; “if I am about to die and disappear, it + is in order that my idea may triumph.... You have lately seen me spend + whole afternoons alone with Mere-Grand. Well, we were completing the + classification of the documents and making our final arrangements. She has + my orders, and will execute them even at the risk of her life, for none + has a braver, loftier soul.... As soon as I am dead, buried beneath these + stones, as soon as she has heard the explosion shake Paris and proclaim + the advent of the new era, she will forward a set of all the documents I + have confided to her—the formula of my explosive, the drawings of + the bomb and gun—to each of the great powers of the world. In this + wise I shall bestow on all the nations the terrible gift of destruction + and omnipotence which, at first, I wished to bestow on France alone; and I + do this in order that the nations, being one and all armed with the + thunderbolt, may at once disarm, for fear of being annihilated, when + seeking to annihilate others.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre listened to him, gaping, amazed at this extraordinary idea, in + which childishness was blended with genius. “Well,” said he, “if you give + your secret to all the nations, why should you blow up this church, and + die yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Why! In order that I may be believed!” cried Guillaume with extraordinary + force of utterance. Then he added, “The edifice must lie on the ground, + and I must be under it. If the experiment is not made, if universal horror + does not attest and proclaim the amazing destructive power of my + explosive, people will consider me a mere schemer, a visionary!... A lot + of dead, a lot of blood, that is what is needed in order that blood may + for ever cease to flow!” Then, with a broad sweep of his arm, he again + declared that his action was necessary. “Besides,” he said, “Salvat left + me the legacy of carrying out this deed of justice. If I have given it + greater scope and significance, utilising it as a means of hastening the + end of war, this is because I happen to be a man of intellect. It would + have been better possibly if my mind had been a simple one, and if I had + merely acted like some volcano which changes the soil, leaving life the + task of renewing humanity.” + </p> + <p> + Much of the candle had now burnt away, and Guillaume at last rose from the + block of stone. He had again consulted his watch, and found that he had + ten minutes left him. The little current of air created by his gestures + made the light flicker, while all around him the darkness seemed to grow + denser. And near at hand ever lay the threatening open mine which a spark + might at any moment fire. + </p> + <p> + “It is nearly time,” said Guillaume. “Come, brother, kiss me and go away. + You know how much I love you, what ardent affection for you has been + awakened in my old heart. So love me in like fashion, and find love enough + to let me die as I want to die, in carrying out my duty. Kiss me, kiss me, + and go away without turning your head.” + </p> + <p> + His deep affection for Pierre made his voice tremble, but he struggled on, + forced back his tears, and ended by conquering himself. It was as if he + were no longer of the world, no longer one of mankind. + </p> + <p> + “No, brother, you have not convinced me,” said Pierre, who on his side did + not seek to hide his tears, “and it is precisely because I love you as you + love me, with my whole being, my whole soul, that I cannot go away. It is + impossible! You cannot be the madman, the murderer you would try to be.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? Am I not free. I have rid my life of all responsibilities, all + ties.... I have brought up my sons, they have no further need of me. But + one heart-link remained—Marie, and I have given her to you.” + </p> + <p> + At this a disturbing argument occurred to Pierre, and he passionately + availed himself of it. “So you want to die because you have given me + Marie,” said he. “You still love her, confess it!” + </p> + <p> + “No!” cried Guillaume, “I no longer love her, I swear it. I gave her to + you. I love her no more.” + </p> + <p> + “So you fancied; but you can see now that you still love her, for here you + are, quite upset; whereas none of the terrifying things of which we spoke + just now could even move you.... Yes, if you wish to die it is because you + have lost Marie!” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume quivered, shaken by what his brother said, and in low, broken + words he tried to question himself. “No, no, that any love pain should + have urged me to this terrible deed would be unworthy—unworthy of my + great design. No, no, I decided on it in the free exercise of my reason, + and I am accomplishing it from no personal motive, but in the name of + justice and for the benefit of humanity, in order that war and want may + cease.” + </p> + <p> + Then, in sudden anguish, he went on: “Ah! it is cruel of you, brother, + cruel of you to poison my delight at dying. I have created all the + happiness I could, I was going off well pleased at leaving you all happy, + and now you poison my death. No, no! question it how I may, my heart does + not ache; if I love Marie, it is simply in the same way as I love you.” + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, he remained perturbed, as if fearing lest he might be lying + to himself; and by degrees gloomy anger came over him: “Listen, that is + enough, Pierre,” he exclaimed, “time is flying.... For the last time, go + away! I order you to do so; I will have it!” + </p> + <p> + “I will not obey you, Guillaume.... I will stay, and as all my reasoning + cannot save you from your insanity, fire your mine, and I will die with + you.” + </p> + <p> + “You? Die? But you have no right to do so, you are not free!” + </p> + <p> + “Free, or not, I swear that I will die with you. And if it merely be a + question of flinging this candle into that hole, tell me so, and I will + take it and fling it there myself.” + </p> + <p> + He made a gesture at which his brother thought that he was about to carry + out his threat. So he caught him by the arm, crying: “Why should you die? + It would be absurd. That others should die may be necessary, but you, no! + Of what use could be this additional monstrosity? You are endeavouring to + soften me, you are torturing my heart!” Then all at once, imagining that + Pierre’s offer had concealed another design, Guillaume thundered in a + fury: “You don’t want to take the candle in order to throw it there. What + you want to do is to blow it out! And you think I shan’t be able then—ah! + you bad brother!” + </p> + <p> + In his turn Pierre exclaimed: “Oh! certainly, I’ll use every means to + prevent you from accomplishing such a frightful and foolish deed!” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll prevent me!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I’ll cling to you, I’ll fasten my arms to your shoulders, I’ll hold + your hands if necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you’ll prevent me, you bad brother! You think you’ll prevent me!” + </p> + <p> + Choking and trembling with rage, Guillaume had already caught hold of + Pierre, pressing his ribs with his powerful muscular arms. They were + closely linked together, their eyes fixed upon one another, and their + breath mingling in that kind of subterranean dungeon, where their big + dancing shadows looked like ghosts. They seemed to be vanishing into the + night, the candle now showed merely like a little yellow tear in the midst + of the darkness; and at that moment, in those far depths, a quiver sped + through the silence of the earth which weighed so heavily upon them. + Distant but sonorous peals rang out, as if death itself were somewhere + ringing its invisible bell. + </p> + <p> + “You hear,” stammered Guillaume, “it’s their bell up there. The time has + come. I have vowed to act, and you want to prevent me!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I’ll prevent you as long as I’m here alive.” + </p> + <p> + “As long as you are alive, you’ll prevent me!” + </p> + <p> + Guillaume could hear “La Savoyarde” pealing joyfully up yonder; he could + see the triumphant basilica, overflowing with its ten thousand pilgrims, + and blazing with the splendour of the Host amidst the smoke of incense; + and blind frenzy came over him at finding himself unable to act, at + finding an obstacle suddenly barring the road to his fixed idea. + </p> + <p> + “As long as you are alive, as long as you are alive!” he repeated, beside + himself. “Well, then, die, you wretched brother!” + </p> + <p> + A fratricidal gleam had darted from his blurred eyes. He hastily stooped, + picked up a large brick forgotten there, and raised it with both hands as + if it were a club. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I’m willing,” cried Pierre. “Kill me, then; kill your own brother + before you kill the others!” + </p> + <p> + The brick was already descending, but Guillaume’s arms must have deviated, + for the weapon only grazed one of Pierre’s shoulders. Nevertheless, he + sank upon his knees in the gloom. When Guillaume saw him there he fancied + he had dealt him a mortal blow. What was it that had happened between + them, what had he done? For a moment he remained standing, haggard, his + mouth open, his eyes dilating with terror. He looked at his hands, + fancying that blood was streaming from them. Then he pressed them to his + brow, which seemed to be bursting with pain, as if his fixed idea had been + torn from him, leaving his skull open. And he himself suddenly sank upon + the ground with a great sob. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! brother, little brother, what have I done?” he called. “I am a + monster!” + </p> + <p> + But Pierre had passionately caught him in his arms again. “It is nothing, + nothing, brother, I assure you,” he replied. “Ah! you are weeping now. How + pleased I am! You are saved, I can feel it, since you are weeping. And + what a good thing it is that you flew into such a passion, for your anger + with me has dispelled your evil dream of violence.” + </p> + <p> + “I am horrified with myself,” gasped Guillaume, “to think that I wanted to + kill you! Yes, I’m a brute beast that would kill his brother! And the + others, too, all the others up yonder.... Oh! I’m cold, I feel so cold.” + </p> + <p> + His teeth were chattering, and he shivered. It was as if he had awakened, + half stupefied, from some evil dream. And in the new light which his + fratricidal deed cast upon things, the scheme which had haunted him and + goaded him to madness appeared like some act of criminal folly, projected + by another. + </p> + <p> + “To kill you!” he repeated almost in a whisper. “I shall never forgive + myself. My life is ended, I shall never find courage enough to live.” + </p> + <p> + But Pierre clasped him yet more tightly. “What do you say?” he answered. + “Will there not rather be a fresh and stronger tie of affection between + us? Ah! yes, brother, let me save you as you saved me, and we shall be yet + more closely united! Don’t you remember that evening at Neuilly, when you + consoled me and held me to your heart as I am holding you to mine? I had + confessed my torments to you, and you told me that I must live and + love!... And you did far more afterwards: you plucked your own love from + your breast and gave it to me. You wished to ensure my happiness at the + price of your own! And how delightful it is that, in my turn, I now have + an opportunity to console you, save you, and bring you back to life!” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, the bloodstain is there and it is ineffaceable. I can hope no + more!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, you can. Hope in life as you bade me do! Hope in love and hope + in labour!” + </p> + <p> + Still weeping and clasping one another, the brothers continued speaking in + low voices. The expiring candle suddenly went out unknown to them, and in + the inky night and deep silence their tears of redeeming affection flowed + freely. On the one hand, there was joy at being able to repay a debt of + brotherliness, and on the other, acute emotion at having been led by a + fanatical love of justice and mankind to the very verge of crime. And + there were yet other things in the depths of those tears which cleansed + and purified them; there were protests against suffering in every form, + and ardent wishes that the world might some day be relieved of all its + dreadful woe. + </p> + <p> + At last, after pushing the flagstone over the cavity near the pillar, + Pierre groped his way out of the vault, leading Guillaume like a child. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Mere-Grand, still seated near the window of the workroom, had + impassively continued sewing. Now and again, pending the arrival of four + o’clock, she had looked up at the timepiece hanging on the wall on her + left hand, or else had glanced out of the window towards the unfinished + pile of the basilica, which a gigantic framework of scaffoldings + encompassed. Slowly and steadily plying her needle, the old lady remained + very pale and silent, but full of heroic serenity. On the other hand, + Marie, who sat near her, embroidering, shifted her position a score of + times, broke her thread, and grew impatient, feeling strangely nervous, a + prey to unaccountable anxiety, which oppressed her heart. For their part, + the three young men could not keep in place at all; it was as if some + contagious fever disturbed them. Each had gone to his work: Thomas was + filing something at his bench; Francois and Antoine were on either side of + their table, the first trying to solve a mathematical problem, and the + other copying a bunch of poppies in a vase before him. It was in vain, + however, that they strove to be attentive. They quivered at the slightest + sound, raised their heads, and darted questioning glances at one another. + What could be the matter? What could possess them? What did they fear? Now + and again one or the other would rise, stretch himself, and then, resume + his place. However, they did not speak; it was as if they dared not say + anything, and thus the heavy silence grew more and more terrible. + </p> + <p> + When it was a few minutes to four o’clock Mere-Grand felt weary, or else + desired to collect her thoughts. After another glance at the timepiece, + she let her needlework fall on her lap and turned towards the basilica. It + seemed to her that she had only enough strength left to wait; and she + remained with her eyes fixed on the huge walls and the forest of + scaffolding which rose over yonder with such triumphant pride under the + blue sky. Then all at once, however brave and firm she might be, she could + not restrain a start, for “La Savoyarde” had raised a joyful clang. The + consecration of the Host was now at hand, the ten thousand pilgrims filled + the church, four o’clock was about to strike. And thereupon an + irresistible impulse forced the old lady to her feet; she drew herself up, + quivering, her hands clasped, her eyes ever turned yonder, waiting in mute + dread. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” cried Thomas, who noticed her. “Why are you + trembling, Mere-Grand?” + </p> + <p> + Francois and Antoine raised their heads, and in turn sprang forward. + </p> + <p> + “Are you ill? Why are you turning so pale, you who are so courageous?” + </p> + <p> + But she did not answer. Ah! might the force of the explosion rend the + earth asunder, reach the house and sweep it into the flaming crater of the + volcano! Might she and the three young men, might they all die with the + father, this was her one ardent wish in order that grief might be spared + them. And she remained waiting and waiting, quivering despite herself, but + with her brave, clear eyes ever gazing yonder. + </p> + <p> + “Mere-Grand, Mere-Grand!” cried Marie in dismay; “you frighten us by + refusing to answer us, by looking over there as if some misfortune were + coming up at a gallop!” + </p> + <p> + Then, prompted by the same anguish, the same cry suddenly came from + Thomas, Francois and Antoine: “Father is in peril—father is going to + die!” + </p> + <p> + What did they know? Nothing precise, certainly. Thomas no doubt had been + astonished to see what a large quantity of the explosive his father had + recently prepared, and both Francois and Antoine were aware of the ideas + of revolt which he harboured in his mind. But, full of filial deference, + they never sought to know anything beyond what he might choose to confide + to them. They never questioned him; they bowed to whatever he might do. + And yet now a foreboding came to them, a conviction that their father was + going to die, that some most frightful catastrophe was impending. It must + have been that which had already sent such a quiver through the atmosphere + ever since the morning, making them shiver with fever, feel ill at ease, + and unable to work. + </p> + <p> + “Father is going to die, father is going to die!” + </p> + <p> + The three big fellows had drawn close together, distracted by one and the + same anguish, and furiously longing to know what the danger was, in order + that they might rush upon it and die with their father if they could not + save him. And amidst Mere-Grand’s stubborn silence death once more flitted + through the room: there came a cold gust such as they had already felt + brushing past them during <i>dejeuner</i>. + </p> + <p> + At last four o’clock began to strike, and Mere-Grand raised her white + hands with a gesture of supreme entreaty. It was then that she at last + spoke: “Father is going to die. Nothing but the duty of living can save + him.” + </p> + <p> + At this the three young men again wished to rush yonder, whither they knew + not; but they felt that they must throw down all obstacles and conquer. + Their powerlessness rent their hearts, they were both so frantic and so + woeful that their grandmother strove to calm them. “Father’s own wish was + to die,” said she, “and he is resolved to die alone.” + </p> + <p> + They shuddered as they heard her, and then, on their side, strove to be + heroic. But the minutes crept by, and it seemed as if the cold gust had + slowly passed away. Sometimes, at the twilight hour, a night-bird will + come in by the window like some messenger of misfortune, flit round the + darkened room, and then fly off again, carrying its sadness with it. And + it was much like that; the gust passed, the basilica remained standing, + the earth did not open to swallow it. Little by little the atrocious + anguish which wrung their hearts gave place to hope. And when at last + Guillaume appeared, followed by Pierre, a great cry of resurrection came + from one and all: “Father!” + </p> + <p> + Their kisses, their tears, deprived him of his little remaining strength. + He was obliged to sit down. He had glanced round him as if he were + returning to life perforce. Mere-Grand, who understood what bitter + feelings must have followed the subjugation of his will, approached him + smiling, and took hold of both his hands as if to tell him that she was + well pleased at seeing him again, and at finding that he accepted his task + and was unwilling to desert the cause of life. For his part he suffered + dreadfully, the shock had been so great. The others spared him any + narrative of their feelings; and he, himself, related nothing. With a + gesture, a loving word, he simply indicated that it was Pierre who had + saved him. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, in a corner of the room, Marie flung her arms round the young + man’s neck. “Ah! my good Pierre, I have never yet kissed you,” said she; + “I want it to be for something serious the first time.... I love you, my + good Pierre, I love you with all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + Later that same evening, after night had fallen, Guillaume and Pierre + remained for a moment alone in the big workroom. The young men had gone + out, and Mere-Grand and Marie were upstairs sorting some house linen, + while Madame Mathis, who had brought some work back, sat patiently in a + dim corner waiting for another bundle of things which might require + mending. The brothers, steeped in the soft melancholy of the twilight + hour, and chatting in low tones, had quite forgotten her. + </p> + <p> + But all at once the arrival of a visitor upset them. It was Janzen with + the fair, Christ-like face. He called very seldom nowadays; and one never + knew from what gloomy spot he had come or into what darkness he would + return when he took his departure. He disappeared, indeed, for months + together, and was then suddenly to be seen like some momentary passer-by + whose past and present life were alike unknown. + </p> + <p> + “I am leaving to-night,” he said in a voice sharp like a knife. + </p> + <p> + “Are you going back to your home in Russia?” asked Guillaume. + </p> + <p> + A faint, disdainful smile appeared on the Anarchist’s lips. “Home!” said + he, “I am at home everywhere. To begin with, I am not a Russian, and then + I recognise no other country than the world.” + </p> + <p> + With a sweeping gesture he gave them to understand what manner of man he + was, one who had no fatherland of his own, but carried his gory dream of + fraternity hither and thither regardless of frontiers. From some words he + spoke the brothers fancied he was returning to Spain, where some + fellow-Anarchists awaited him. There was a deal of work to be done there, + it appeared. He had quietly seated himself, chatting on in his cold way, + when all at once he serenely added: “By the by, a bomb had just been + thrown into the Cafe de l’Univers on the Boulevard. Three <i>bourgeois</i> + were killed.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre and Guillaume shuddered, and asked for particulars. Thereupon + Janzen related that he had happened to be there, had heard the explosion, + and seen the windows of the cafe shivered to atoms. Three customers were + lying on the floor blown to pieces. Two of them were gentlemen, who had + entered the place by chance and whose names were not known, while the + third was a regular customer, a petty cit of the neighbourhood, who came + every day to play a game at dominoes. And the whole place was wrecked; the + marble tables were broken, the chandeliers twisted out of shape, the + mirrors studded with projectiles. And how great the terror and the + indignation, and how frantic the rush of the crowd! The perpetrator of the + deed had been arrested immediately—in fact, just as he was turning + the corner of the Rue Caumartin. + </p> + <p> + “I thought I would come and tell you of it,” concluded Janzen; “it is well + you should know it.” + </p> + <p> + Then as Pierre, shuddering and already suspecting the truth, asked him if + he knew who the man was that had been arrested, he slowly replied: “The + worry is that you happen to know him—it was little Victor Mathis.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre tried to silence Janzen too late. He had suddenly remembered that + Victor’s mother had been sitting in a dark corner behind them a short time + previously. Was she still there? Then he again pictured Victor, slight and + almost beardless, with a straight, stubborn brow, grey eyes glittering + with intelligence, a pointed nose and thin lips expressive of stern will + and unforgiving hatred. He was no simple and lowly one from the ranks of + the disinherited. He was an educated scion of the <i>bourgeoisie</i>, and + but for circumstances would have entered the Ecole Normale. There was no + excuse for his abominable deed, there was no political passion, no + humanitarian insanity, in it. He was the destroyer pure and simple, the + theoretician of destruction, the cold energetic man of intellect who gave + his cultivated mind to arguing the cause of murder, in his desire to make + murder an instrument of the social evolution. True, he was also a poet, a + visionary, but the most frightful of all visionaries: a monster whose + nature could only be explained by mad pride, and who craved for the most + awful immortality, dreaming that the coming dawn would rise from the arms + of the guillotine. Only one thing could surpass him: the scythe of death + which blindly mows the world. + </p> + <p> + For a few seconds, amidst the growing darkness, cold horror reigned in the + workroom. “Ah!” muttered Guillaume, “he had the daring to do it, he had.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, however, lovingly pressed his arm. And he felt that he was as + distracted, as upset, as himself. Perhaps this last abomination had been + needed to ravage and cure him. + </p> + <p> + Janzen no doubt had been an accomplice in the deed. He was relating that + Victor’s purpose had been to avenge Salvat, when all at once a great sigh + of pain was heard in the darkness, followed by a heavy thud upon the + floor. It was Madame Mathis falling like a bundle, overwhelmed by the news + which chance had brought her. At that moment it so happened that + Mere-Grand came down with a lamp, which lighted up the room, and thereupon + they hurried to the help of the wretched woman, who lay there as pale as a + corpse in her flimsy black gown. + </p> + <p> + And this again brought Pierre an indescribable heart-pang. Ah! the poor, + sad, suffering creature! He remembered her at Abbe Rose’s, so discreet, so + shamefaced, in her poverty, scarce able to live upon the slender resources + which persistent misfortunes had left her. Hers had indeed been a cruel + lot: first, a home with wealthy parents in the provinces, a love story and + elopement with the man of her choice; next, ill-luck steadily pursuing + her, all sorts of home troubles, and at last her husband’s death. Then, in + the retirement of her widowhood, after losing the best part of the little + income which had enabled her to bring up her son, naught but this son had + been left to her. He had been her Victor, her sole affection, the only one + in whom she had faith. She had ever striven to believe that he was very + busy, absorbed in work, and on the eve of attaining to some superb + position worthy of his merits. And now, all at once, she had learnt that + this fondly loved son was simply the most odious of assassins, that he had + flung a bomb into a cafe, and had there killed three men. + </p> + <p> + When Madame Mathis had recovered her senses, thanks to the careful tending + of Mere-Grand, she sobbed on without cessation, raising such a continuous + doleful wail, that Pierre’s hand again sought Guillaume’s, and grasped it, + whilst their hearts, distracted but healed, mingled lovingly one with the + other. + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div class="chapter"> + + <h2><a name="link2H_4_0089" id="link2H_4_0089"></a> + V. LIFE’S WORK AND PROMISE + </h2> + <p> + FIFTEEN months later, one fine golden day in September, Bache and + Theophile Morin were taking <i>dejeuner</i> at Guillaume’s, in the big + workroom overlooking the immensity of Paris. + </p> + <p> + Near the table was a cradle with its little curtains drawn. Behind them + slept Jean, a fine boy four months old, the son of Pierre and Marie. The + latter, simply in order to protect the child’s social rights, had been + married civilly at the town-hall of Montmartre. Then, by way of pleasing + Guillaume, who wished to keep them with him, and thus enlarge the family + circle, they had continued living in the little lodging over the + work-shop, leaving the sleepy house at Neuilly in the charge of Sophie, + Pierre’s old servant. And life had been flowing on happily for the + fourteen months or so that they had now belonged to one another. + </p> + <p> + There was simply peace, affection and work around the young couple. + Francois, who had left the Ecole Normale provided with every degree, every + diploma, was now about to start for a college in the west of France, so as + to serve his term of probation as a professor, intending to resign his + post afterwards and devote himself, if he pleased, to science pure and + simple. Then Antoine had lately achieved great success with a series of + engravings he had executed—some views and scenes of Paris life; and + it was settled that he was to marry Lise Jahan in the ensuing spring, when + she would have completed her seventeenth year. Of the three sons, however, + Thomas was the most triumphant, for he had at last devised and constructed + his little motor, thanks to a happy idea of his father’s. One morning, + after the downfall of all his huge chimerical schemes, Guillaume, + remembering the terrible explosive which he had discovered and hitherto + failed to utilise, had suddenly thought of employing it as a motive force, + in the place of petroleum, in the motor which his eldest son had so long + been trying to construct for the Grandidier works. So he had set to work + with Thomas, devising a new mechanism, encountering endless difficulties, + and labouring for a whole year before reaching success. But now the father + and son had accomplished their task; the marvel was created, and stood + there riveted to an oak stand, and ready to work as soon as its final + toilet should have been performed. + </p> + <p> + Amidst all the changes which had occurred, Mere-Grand, in spite of her + great age, continued exercising her active, silent sway over the + household, which was now again so gay and peaceful. Though she seldom + seemed to leave her chair in front of her work-table, she was really here, + there and everywhere. Since the birth of Jean, she had talked of rearing + the child in the same way as she had formerly reared Thomas, Francois and + Antoine. She was indeed full of the bravery of devotion, and seemed to + think that she was not at all likely to die so long as she might have + others to guide, love and save. Marie marvelled at it all. She herself, + though she was always gay and in good health, felt tired at times now that + she was suckling her infant. Little Jean indeed had two vigilant mothers + near his cradle; whilst his father, Pierre, who had become Thomas’s + assistant, pulled the bellows, roughened out pieces of metal, and + generally completed his apprenticeship as a working mechanician. + </p> + <p> + On the particular day when Bache and Theophile Morin came to Montmartre, + the <i>dejeuner</i> proved even gayer than usual, thanks perhaps to their + presence. The meal was over, the table had been cleared, and the coffee + was being served, when a little boy, the son of a doorkeeper in the Rue + Cortot, came to ask for Monsieur Pierre Froment. When they inquired his + business, he answered in a hesitating way that Monsieur l’Abbe Rose was + very ill, indeed dying, and that he had sent him to fetch Monsieur Pierre + Froment at once. + </p> + <p> + Pierre followed the lad, feeling much affected; and on reaching the Rue + Cortot he there found Abbe Rose in a little damp ground-floor room + overlooking a strip of garden. The old priest was in bed, dying as the boy + had said, but he still retained the use of his faculties, and could speak + in his wonted slow and gentle voice. A Sister of Charity was watching + beside him, and she seemed so surprised and anxious at the arrival of a + visitor whom she did not know, that Pierre understood she was there to + guard the dying man and prevent him from having intercourse with others. + The old priest must have employed some stratagem in order to send the + doorkeeper’s boy to fetch him. However, when Abbe Rose in his grave and + kindly way begged the Sister to leave them alone for a moment, she dared + not refuse this supreme request, but immediately left the room. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my dear child,” said the old man, “how much I wanted to speak to you! + Sit down there, close to the bed, so that you may be able to hear me, for + this is the end; I shall no longer be here to-night. And I have such a + great service to ask of you.” + </p> + <p> + Quite upset at finding his friend so wasted, with his face white like a + sheet, and scarce a sign of life save the sparkle of his innocent, loving + eyes, Pierre responded: “But I would have come sooner if I had known you + were in need of me! Why did you not send for me before? Are people being + kept away from you?” + </p> + <p> + A faint smile of shame and confession appeared on the old priest’s + embarrassed face. “Well, my dear child,” said he, “you must know that I + have again done some foolish things. Yes, I gave money to some people who, + it seems, were not deserving of it. In fact, there was quite a scandal; + they scolded me at the Archbishop’s palace, and accused me of compromising + the interests of religion. And when they heard that I was ill, they put + that good Sister beside me, because they said that I should die on the + floor, and give the very sheets off my bed if I were not prevented.” + </p> + <p> + He paused to draw breath, and then continued: “So you understand, that + good Sister—oh! she is a very saintly woman—is here to nurse + me and prevent me from still doing foolish things. To overcome her + vigilance I had to use a little deceit, for which God, I trust, will + forgive me. As it happens, it’s precisely my poor who are in question; it + was to speak to you about them that I so particularly wished to see you.” + </p> + <p> + Tears had come to Pierre’s eyes. “Tell me what you want me to do,” he + answered; “I am yours, both heart and soul.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, I know it, my dear child. It was for that reason that I thought + of you—you alone. In spite of all that has happened, you are the + only one in whom I have any confidence, who can understand me, and give me + a promise which will enable me to die in peace.” + </p> + <p> + This was the only allusion he would venture to make to the cruel rupture + which had occurred after the young man had thrown off his cassock and + rebelled against the Church. He had since heard of Pierre’s marriage, and + was aware that he had for ever severed all religious ties. But at that + supreme moment nothing of this seemed of any account to the old priest. + His knowledge of Pierre’s loving heart sufficed him, for all that he now + desired was simply the help of that heart which he had seen glowing with + such passionate charity. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he resumed, again finding sufficient strength to smile, “it is a + very simple matter. I want to make you my heir. Oh! it isn’t a fine legacy + I am leaving you; it is the legacy of my poor, for I have nothing else to + bestow on you; I shall leave nothing behind me but my poor.” + </p> + <p> + Of these unhappy creatures, three in particular quite upset his heart. He + recoiled from the prospect of leaving them without chance of succour, + without even the crumbs which he had hitherto distributed among them, and + which had enabled them to live. One was the big Old’un, the aged carpenter + whom he and Pierre had vainly sought one night with the object of sending + him to the Asylum for the Invalids of Labour. He had been sent there a + little later, but he had fled three days afterwards, unwilling as he was + to submit to the regulations. Wild and violent, he had the most detestable + disposition. Nevertheless, he could not be left to starve. He came to Abbe + Rose’s every Saturday, it seemed, and received a franc, which sufficed him + for the whole week. Then, too, there was a bedridden old woman in a hovel + in the Rue du Mont-Cenis. The baker, who every morning took her the bread + she needed, must be paid. And in particular there was a poor young woman + residing on the Place du Tertre, one who was unmarried but a mother. She + was dying of consumption, unable to work, and tortured by the idea that + when she should have gone, her daughter must sink to the pavement like + herself. And in this instance the legacy was twofold: there was the mother + to relieve until her death, which was near at hand, and then the daughter + to provide for until she could be placed in some good household. + </p> + <p> + “You must forgive me, my dear child, for leaving you all these worries,” + added Abbe Rose. “I tried to get the good Sister, who is nursing me, to + take an interest in these poor people, but when I spoke to her of the big + Old’un, she was so alarmed that she made the sign of the cross. And it’s + the same with my worthy friend Abbe Tavernier. I know nobody of more + upright mind. Still I shouldn’t be at ease with him, he has ideas of his + own.... And so, my dear child, there is only you whom I can rely upon, and + you must accept my legacy if you wish me to depart in peace.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre was weeping. “Ah! certainly, with my whole soul,” he answered. “I + shall regard your desires as sacred.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! I knew you would accept.... So it is agreed: a franc for the big + Old’un every Saturday, the bread for the bedridden woman, some help for + the poor young mother, and then a home for her little girl. Ah! if you + only knew what a weight it is off my heart! The end may come now, it will + be welcome to me.” + </p> + <p> + His kind white face had brightened as if with supreme joy. Holding + Pierre’s hand within his own he detained him beside the bed, exchanging a + farewell full of serene affection. And his voice weakening, he expressed + his whole mind in faint, impressive accents: “Yes, I shall be pleased to + go off. I could do no more, I could do no more! Though I gave and gave, I + felt that it was ever necessary to give more and more. And how sad to find + charity powerless, to give without hope of ever being able to stamp out + want and suffering! I rebelled against that idea of yours, as you will + remember. I told you that we should always love one another in our poor, + and that was true, since you are here, so good and affectionate to me and + those whom I am leaving behind. But, all the same, I can do no more, I can + do no more; and I would rather go off, since the woes of others rise + higher and higher around me, and I have ended by doing the most foolish + things, scandalising the faithful and making my superiors indignant with + me, without even saving one single poor person from the ever-growing + torrent of want. Farewell, my dear child. My poor old heart goes off + aching, my old hands are weary and conquered.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre embraced him with his whole soul, and then departed. His eyes were + full of tears and indescribable emotion wrung his heart. Never had he + heard a more woeful cry than that confession of the impotence of charity, + on the part of that old candid child, whose heart was all simplicity and + sublime benevolence. Ah! what a disaster, that human kindness should be + futile, that the world should always display so much distress and + suffering in spite of all the compassionate tears that had been shed, in + spite of all the alms that had fallen from millions and millions of hands + for centuries and centuries! No wonder that it should bring desire for + death, no wonder that a Christian should feel pleased at escaping from the + abominations of this earth! + </p> + <p> + When Pierre again reached the workroom he found that the table had long + since been cleared, and that Bache and Morin were chatting with Guillaume, + whilst the latter’s sons had returned to their customary occupations. + Marie, also, had resumed her usual place at the work-table in front of + Mere-Grand; but from time to time she rose and went to look at Jean, so as + to make sure that he was sleeping peacefully, with his little clenched + fists pressed to his heart. And when Pierre, who kept his emotion to + himself, had likewise leant over the cradle beside the young woman, whose + hair he discreetly kissed, he went to put on an apron in order that he + might assist Thomas, who was now, for the last time, regulating his motor. + </p> + <p> + Then, as Pierre stood there awaiting an opportunity to help, the room + vanished from before his eyes; he ceased to see or hear the persons who + were there. The scent of Marie’s hair alone lingered on his lips amidst + the acute emotion into which he had been thrown by his visit to Abbe Rose. + A recollection had come to him, that of the bitterly cold morning when the + old priest had stopped him outside the basilica of the Sacred Heart, and + had timidly asked him to take some alms to that old man Laveuve, who soon + afterwards had died of want, like a dog by the wayside. How sad a morning + it had been; what battle and torture had Pierre not felt within him, and + what a resurrection had come afterwards! He had that day said one of his + last masses, and he recalled with a shudder his abominable anguish, his + despairing doubts at the thought of nothingness. Two experiments which he + had previously made had failed most miserably. First had come one at + Lourdes, where the glorification of the absurd had simply filled him with + pity for any such attempt to revert to the primitive faith of young + nations, who bend beneath the terror born of ignorance; and, secondly, + there had been an experiment at Rome, which he had found incapable of any + renewal, and which he had seen staggering to its death amidst its ruins, a + mere great shadow, which would soon be of no account, fast sinking, as it + was, to the dust of dead religions. And, in his own mind, Charity itself + had become bankrupt; he no longer believed that alms could cure the + sufferings of mankind, he awaited naught but a frightful catastrophe, fire + and massacre, which would sweep away the guilty, condemned world. His + cassock, too, stifled him, a lie alone kept it on his shoulders, the idea, + unbelieving priest though he was, that he could honestly and chastely + watch over the belief of others. The problem of a new religion, a new + hope, such as was needful to ensure the peace of the coming democracies + tortured him, but between the certainties of science and the need of the + Divine, which seemed to consume humanity, he could find no solution. If + Christianity crumbled with the principle of Charity, there could remain + nothing else but Justice, that cry which came from every breast, that + battle of Justice against Charity in which his heart must contend in that + great city of Paris. It was there that began his third and decisive + experiment, the experiment which was to make truth as plain to him as the + sun itself, and give him back health and strength and delight in life. + </p> + <p> + At this point of his reverie Pierre was roused by Thomas, who asked him to + fetch a tool. As he did so he heard Bache remarking: “The ministry + resigned this morning. Vignon has had enough of it, he wants to reserve + his remaining strength.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, he has lasted more than a twelvemonth,” replied Morin. “That’s + already an achievement.” + </p> + <p> + After the crime of Victor Mathis, who had been tried and executed within + three weeks, Monferrand had suddenly fallen from power. What was the use + of having a strong-handed man at the head of the Government if bombs still + continued to terrify the country? Moreover, he had displeased the Chamber + by his voracious appetite, which had prevented him from allowing others + more than an infinitesimal share of all the good things. And this time he + had been succeeded by Vignon, although the latter’s programme of reforms + had long made people tremble. He, Vignon, was honest certainly, but of all + these reforms he had only been able to carry out a few insignificant ones, + for he had found himself hampered by a thousand obstacles. And thus he had + resigned himself to ruling the country as others had done; and people had + discovered that after all there were but faint shades of difference + between him and Monferrand. + </p> + <p> + “You know that Monferrand is being spoken of again?” said Guillaume. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and he has some chance of success. His creatures are bestirring + themselves tremendously,” replied Bache, adding, in a bitter, jesting way, + that Mege, the Collectivist leader, played the part of a dupe in + overthrowing ministry after ministry. He simply gratified the ambition of + each coterie in turn, without any possible chance of attaining to power + himself. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Guillaume pronounced judgment. “Oh! well, let them devour one + another,” said he. “Eager as they all are to reign and dispose of power + and wealth, they only fight over questions of persons. And nothing they do + can prevent the evolution from continuing. Ideas expand, and events occur, + and, over and above everything else, mankind is marching on.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre was greatly struck by these words, and he again recalled the past. + His dolorous Parisian experiment had begun, and he was once more roaming + through the city. Paris seemed to him to be a huge vat, in which a world + fermented, something of the best and something of the worst, a frightful + mixture such as sorceresses might have used; precious powders mingled with + filth, from all of which was to come the philter of love and eternal + youth. And in that vat Pierre first marked the scum of the political + world: Monferrand who strangled Barroux, who purchased the support of + hungry ones such as Fonsegue, Duthil and Chaigneux, who made use of those + who attained to mediocrity, such as Taboureau and Dauvergne; and who + employed even the sectarian passions of Mege and the intelligent ambition + of Vignon as his weapons. Next came money the poisoner, with that affair + of the African Railways, which had rotted the Parliament and turned + Duvillard, the triumphant <i>bourgeois</i>, into a public perverter, the + very cancer as it were of the financial world. Then as a just consequence + of all this there was Duvillard’s own home infected by himself, that + frightful drama of Eve contending with her daughter Camille for the + possession of Gerard, then Camille stealing him from her mother, and + Hyacinthe, the son, passing his crazy mistress Rosemonde on to that + notorious harlot Silviane, with whom his father publicly exhibited + himself. Then there was the old expiring aristocracy, with the pale, sad + faces of Madame de Quinsac and the Marquis de Morigny; the old military + spirit whose funeral was conducted by General de Bozonnet; the magistracy + which slavishly served the powers of the day, Amadieu thrusting himself + into notoriety by means of sensational cases, Lehmann, the public + prosecutor, preparing his speeches in the private room of the Minister + whose policy he defended; and, finally, the mendacious and cupid Press + which lived upon scandal, the everlasting flood of denunciation and filth + which poured from Sagnier, and the gay impudence shown by the unscrupulous + and conscienceless Massot, who attacked all and defended all, by + profession and to order! And in the same way as insects, on discovering + one of their own kind dying, will often finish it off and fatten upon it, + so the whole swarm of appetites, interests and passions had fallen upon a + wretched madman, that unhappy Salvat, whose idiotic crime had brought them + all scrambling together, gluttonously eager to derive some benefit from + that starveling’s emaciated carcass. And all boiled in the huge vat of + Paris; the desires, the deeds of violence, the strivings of one and + another man’s will, the whole nameless medley of the bitterest ferments, + whence, in all purity, the wine of the future would at last flow. + </p> + <p> + Then Pierre became conscious of the prodigious work which went on in the + depths of the vat, beneath all the impurity and waste. As his brother had + just said, what mattered the stains, the egotism and greed of politicians, + if humanity were still on the march, ever slowly and stubbornly stepping + forward! What mattered, too, that corrupt and emasculate <i>bourgeoisie</i>, + nowadays as moribund as the aristocracy, whose place it took, if behind it + there ever came the inexhaustible reserve of men who surged up from the + masses of the country-sides and the towns! What mattered the debauchery, + the perversion arising from excess of wealth and power, the luxuriousness + and dissoluteness of life, since it seemed a proven fact that the capitals + that had been queens of the world had never reigned without extreme + civilisation, a cult of beauty and of pleasure! And what mattered even the + venality, the transgressions and the folly of the press, if at the same + time it remained an admirable instrument for the diffusion of knowledge, + the open conscience, so to say, of the nation, a river which, though there + might be horrors on its surface, none the less flowed on, carrying all + nations to the brotherly ocean of the future centuries! The human lees + ended by sinking to the bottom of the vat, and it was not possible to + expect that what was right would triumph visibly every day; for it was + often necessary that years should elapse before the realisation of some + hope could emerge from the fermentation. Eternal matter is ever being cast + afresh into the crucible and ever coming from it improved. And if in the + depths of pestilential workshops and factories the slavery of ancient + times subsists in the wage-earning system, if such men as Toussaint still + die of want on their pallets like broken-down beasts of burden, it is + nevertheless a fact that once already, on a memorable day of tempest, + Liberty sprang forth from the vat to wing her flight throughout the world. + And why in her turn should not Justice spring from it, proceeding from + those troubled elements, freeing herself from all dross, flowing forth + with dazzling limpidity and regenerating the nations? + </p> + <p> + However, the voices of Bache and Morin, rising in the course of their chat + with Guillaume, once more drew Pierre from his reverie. They were now + speaking of Janzen, who after being compromised in a fresh outrage at + Barcelona had fled from Spain. Bache fancied that he had recognised him in + the street only the previous day. To think that a man with so clear a mind + and such keen energy should waste his natural gifts in such a hateful + cause! + </p> + <p> + “When I remember,” said Morin slowly, “that Barthes lives in exile in a + shabby little room at Brussels, ever quivering with the hope that the + reign of liberty is at hand—he who has never had a drop of blood on + his hands and who has spent two-thirds of his life in prison in order that + the nations may be freed!” + </p> + <p> + Bache gently shrugged his shoulders: “Liberty, liberty, of course,” said + he; “only it is worth nothing if it is not organised.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon their everlasting discussion began afresh, with Saint-Simon and + Fourier on one side and Proudhon and Auguste Comte on the other. Bache + gave a long account of the last commemoration which had taken place in + honour of Fourier’s memory, how faithful disciples had brought wreaths and + made speeches, forming quite a meeting of apostles, who all stubbornly + clung to their faith, as confident in the future as if they were the + messengers of some new gospel. Afterwards Morin emptied his pockets, which + were always full of Positivist tracts and pamphlets, manifestos, answers + and so forth, in which Comte’s doctrines were extolled as furnishing the + only possible basis for the new, awaited religion. Pierre, who listened, + thereupon remembered the disputes in his little house at Neuilly when he + himself, searching for certainty, had endeavoured to draw up the century’s + balance-sheet. He had lost his depth, in the end, amidst the + contradictions and incoherency of the various precursors. Although Fourier + had sprung from Saint-Simon, he denied him in part, and if Saint-Simon’s + doctrine ended in a kind of mystical sensuality, the other’s conducted to + an inacceptable regimenting of society. Proudhon, for his part, demolished + without rebuilding anything. Comte, who created method and declared + science to be the one and only sovereign, had not even suspected the + advent of the social crisis which now threatened to sweep all away, and + had finished personally as a mere worshipper of love, overpowered by + woman. Nevertheless, these two, Comte and Proudhon, entered the lists and + fought against the others, Fourier and Saint-Simon; the combat between + them or their disciples becoming so bitter and so blind that the truths + common to them all at first seemed obscured and disfigured beyond + recognition. Now, however, that evolution had slowly transformed Pierre, + those common truths seemed to him as irrefutable, as clear as the sunlight + itself. Amidst the chaos of conflicting assertions which was to be found + in the gospels of those social messiahs, there were certain similar + phrases and principles which recurred again and again, the defence of the + poor, the idea of a new and just division of the riches of the world in + accordance with individual labour and merit, and particularly the search + for a new law of labour which would enable this fresh distribution to be + made equitably. Since all the precursory men of genius agreed so closely + upon those points, must they not be the very foundations of to-morrow’s + new religion, the necessary faith which this century must bequeath to the + coming century, in order that the latter may make of it a human religion + of peace, solidarity and love? + </p> + <p> + Then, all at once, there came a leap in Pierre’s thoughts. He fancied + himself at the Madeleine once more, listening to the address on the New + Spirit delivered by Monseigneur Martha, who had predicted that Paris, now + reconverted to Christianity, would, thanks to the Sacred Heart, become the + ruler of the world. But no, but no! If Paris reigned, it was because it + was able to exercise its intelligence freely. To set the cross and the + mystic and repulsive symbolism of a bleeding heart above it was simply so + much falsehood. Although they might rear edifices of pride and domination + as if to crush Paris with their very weight, although they might try to + stop science in the name of a dead ideal and in the hope of setting their + clutches upon the coming century, these attempts would be of no avail. + Science will end by sweeping away all remnants of their ancient + sovereignty, their basilica will crumble beneath the breeze of Truth + without any necessity of raising a finger against it. The trial has been + made, the Gospel as a social code has fallen to pieces, and human wisdom + can only retain account of its moral maxims. Ancient Catholicism is on all + sides crumbling into dust, Catholic Rome is a mere field of ruins from + which the nations turn aside, anxious as they are for a religion that + shall not be a religion of death. In olden times the overburdened slave, + glowing with a new hope and seeking to escape from his gaol, dreamt of a + heaven where in return for his earthly misery he would be rewarded with + eternal enjoyment. But now that science has destroyed that false idea of a + heaven, and shown what dupery lies in reliance on the morrow of death, the + slave, the workman, weary of dying for happiness’ sake, demands that + justice and happiness shall find place upon this earth. Therein lies the + new hope—Justice, after eighteen hundred years of impotent Charity. + Ah! in a thousand years from now, when Catholicism will be naught but a + very ancient superstition of the past, how amazed men will be to think + that their ancestors were able to endure that religion of torture and + nihility! How astonished they will feel on finding that God was regarded + as an executioner, that manhood was threatened, maimed and chastised, that + nature was accounted an enemy, that life was looked upon as something + accursed, and that death alone was pronounced sweet and liberating! For + well-nigh two thousand years the onward march of mankind has been hampered + by the odious idea of tearing all that is human away from man: his + desires, his passions, his free intelligence, his will and right of + action, his whole strength. And how glorious will be the awakening when + such virginity as is now honoured by the Church is held in derision, when + fruitfulness is again recognised as a virtue, amidst the hosanna of all + the freed forces of nature—man’s desires which will be honoured, his + passions which will be utilised, his labour which will be exalted, whilst + life is loved and ever and ever creates love afresh! + </p> + <p> + A new religion! a new religion! Pierre remembered the cry which had + escaped him at Lourdes, and which he had repeated at Rome in presence of + the collapse of old Catholicism. But he no longer displayed the same + feverish eagerness as then—a puerile, sickly desire that a new + Divinity should at once reveal himself, an ideal come into being, complete + in all respects, with dogmas and form of worship. The Divine certainly + seemed to be as necessary to man as were bread and water; he had ever + fallen back upon it, hungering for the mysterious, seemingly having no + other means of consolation than that of annihilating himself in the + unknown. But who can say that science will not some day quench the thirst + for what lies beyond us? If the domain of science embraces the acquired + truths, it also embraces, and will ever do so, the truths that remain to + be acquired. And in front of it will there not ever remain a margin for + the thirst of knowledge, for the hypotheses which are but so much + ideality? Besides, is not the yearning for the divine simply a desire to + behold the Divinity? And if science should more and more content the + yearning to know all and be able to do all, will not that yearning be + quieted and end by mingling with the love of acquired truth? A religion + grafted on science is the indicated, certain, inevitable finish of man’s + long march towards knowledge. He will come to it at last as to a natural + haven, as to peace in the midst of certainty, after passing every form of + ignorance and terror on his road. And is there not already some indication + of such a religion? Has not the idea of the duality of God and the + Universe been brushed aside, and is not the principle of unity, <i>monisme</i>, + becoming more and more evident—unity leading to solidarity, and the + sole law of life proceeding by evolution from the first point of the ether + that condensed to create the world? But if precursors, scientists and + philosophers—Darwin, Fourier and all the others—have sown the + seed of to-morrow’s religion by casting the good word to the passing + breeze, how many centuries will doubtless be required to raise the crop! + People always forget that before Catholicism grew up and reigned in the + sunlight, it spent four centuries in germinating and sprouting from the + soil. Well, then, grant some centuries to this religion of science of + whose sprouting there are signs upon all sides, and by-and-by the + admirable ideas of some Fourier will be seen expanding and forming a new + gospel, with desire serving as the lever to raise the world, work accepted + by one and all, honoured and regulated as the very mechanism of natural + and social life, and the passions of man excited, contented and utilised + for human happiness! The universal cry of Justice, which rises louder and + louder, in a growing clamour from the once silent multitude, the people + that have so long been duped and preyed upon, is but a cry for this + happiness towards which human beings are tending, the happiness that + embodies the complete satisfaction of man’s needs, and the principle of + life loved for its own sake, in the midst of peace and the expansion of + every force and every joy. The time will come when this Kingdom of God + will be set upon the earth; so why not close that other deceptive + paradise, even if the weak-minded must momentarily suffer from the + destruction of their illusions; for it is necessary to operate even with + cruelty on the blind if they are to be extricated from their misery, from + their long and frightful night of ignorance! + </p> + <p> + All at once a feeling of deep joy came over Pierre. A child’s faint cry, + the wakening cry of his son Jean had drawn him from his reverie. And he + had suddenly remembered that he himself was now saved, freed from + falsehood and fright, restored to good and healthy nature. How he quivered + as he recalled that he had once fancied himself lost, blotted out of life, + and that a prodigy of love had extricated him from his nothingness, still + strong and sound, since that dear child of his was there, sturdy and + smiling. Life had brought forth life; and truth had burst forth, as + dazzling as the sun. He had made his third experiment with Paris, and this + had been conclusive; it had been no wretched miscarriage with increase of + darkness and grief, like his other experiments at Lourdes and Rome. In the + first place, the law of labour had been revealed to him, and he had + imposed upon himself a task, as humble a one as it was, that manual + calling which he was learning so late in life, but which was, + nevertheless, a form of labour, and one in which he would never fail, one + too that would lend him the serenity which comes from the accomplishment + of duty, for life itself was but labour: it was only by effort that the + world existed. And then, moreover, he had loved; and salvation had come to + him from woman and from his child. Ah! what a long and circuitous journey + he had made to reach this finish at once so natural and so simple! How he + had suffered, how much error and anger he had known before doing what all + men ought to do! That eager, glowing love which had contended against his + reason, which had bled at sight of the arrant absurdities of the + miraculous grotto of Lourdes, which had bled again too in presence of the + haughty decline of the Vatican, had at last found contentment now that he + was husband and father, now that he had confidence in work and believed in + the just laws of life. And thence had come the indisputable truth, the one + solution—happiness in certainty. + </p> + <p> + Whilst Pierre was thus plunged in thought, Bache and Morin had already + gone off with their customary handshakes and promises to come and chat + again some evening. And as Jean was now crying more loudly, Marie took him + in her arms and unhooked her dress-body to give him her breast. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! the darling, it’s his time, you know, and he doesn’t forget it!” she + said. “Just look, Pierre, I believe he has got bigger since yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + She laughed; and Pierre, likewise laughing, drew near to kiss the child. + And afterwards he kissed his wife, mastered as he was by emotion at the + sight of that pink, gluttonous little creature imbibing life from that + lovely breast so full of milk. + </p> + <p> + “Why! he’ll eat you,” he gaily said to Marie. “How he’s pulling!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! he does bite me a little,” she replied; “but I like that the better, + it shows that he profits by it.” + </p> + <p> + Then Mere-Grand, she who as a rule was so serious and silent, began to + talk with a smile lighting up her face: “I weighed him this morning,” said + she, “he weighs nearly a quarter of a pound more than he did the last + time. And if you had only seen how good he was, the darling! He will be a + very intelligent and well-behaved little gentleman, such as I like. When + he’s five years old, I shall teach him his alphabet, and when he’s + fifteen, if he likes, I’ll tell him how to be a man.... Don’t you agree + with me, Thomas? And you, Antoine, and you, too, Francois?” + </p> + <p> + Raising their heads, the three sons gaily nodded their approval, grateful + as they felt for the lessons in heroism which she had given them, and + apparently finding no reason why she might not live another twenty years + in order to give similar lessons to Jean. + </p> + <p> + Pierre still remained in front of Marie, basking in all the rapture of + love, when he felt Guillaume lay his hands upon his shoulders from behind. + And on turning round he saw that his brother was also radiant, like one + who felt well pleased at seeing them so happy. “Ah! brother,” said + Guillaume softly, “do you remember my telling you that you suffered solely + from the battle between your mind and your heart, and that you would find + quietude again when you loved what you could understand? It was necessary + that our father and mother, whose painful quarrel had continued beyond the + grave, should be reconciled in you. And now it’s done, they sleep in peace + within you, since you yourself are pacified.” + </p> + <p> + These words filled Pierre with emotion. Joy beamed upon his face, which + was now so open and energetic. He still had the towering brow, that + impregnable fortress of reason, which he had derived from his father, and + he still had the gentle chin and affectionate eyes and mouth which his + mother had given him, but all was now blended together, instinct with + happy harmony and serene strength. Those two experiments of his which had + miscarried, were like crises of his maternal heredity, the tearful + tenderness which had come to him from his mother, and which for lack of + satisfaction had made him desperate; and his third experiment had only + ended in happiness because he had contented his ardent thirst for love in + accordance with sovereign reason, that paternal heredity which pleaded so + loudly within him. Reason remained the queen. And if his sufferings had + thus always come from the warfare which his reason had waged against his + heart, it was because he was man personified, ever struggling between his + intelligence and his passions. And how peaceful all seemed, now that he + had reconciled and satisfied them both, now that he felt healthy, perfect + and strong, like some lofty oak, which grows in all freedom, and whose + branches spread far away over the forest. + </p> + <p> + “You have done good work in that respect,” Guillaume affectionately + continued, “for yourself and for all of us, and even for our dear parents + whose shades, pacified and reconciled, now abide so peacefully in the + little home of our childhood. I often think of our dear house at Neuilly, + which old Sophie is taking care of for us; and although, out of egotism, a + desire to set happiness around me, I wished to keep you here, your Jean + must some day go and live there, so as to bring it fresh youth.” + </p> + <p> + Pierre had taken hold of his brother’s hands, and looking into his eyes he + asked: “And you—are you happy?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, very happy, happier than I have ever been; happy at loving you as I + do, and happy at being loved by you as no one else will ever love me.” + </p> + <p> + Their hearts mingled in ardent brotherly affection, the most perfect and + heroic affection that can blend men together. And they embraced one + another whilst, with her babe on her breast, Marie, so gay, healthful and + loyal, looked at them and smiled, with big tears gathering in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Thomas, however, having finished his motor’s last toilet, had just set it + in motion. It was a prodigy of lightness and strength, of no weight + whatever in comparison with the power it displayed. And it worked with + perfect smoothness, without noise or smell. The whole family was gathered + round it in delight, when there came a timely visit, one from the learned + and friendly Bertheroy, whom indeed Guillaume had asked to call, in order + that he might see the motor working. + </p> + <p> + The great chemist at once expressed his admiration; and when he had + examined the mechanism and understood how the explosive was employed as + motive power—an idea which he had long recommended,—he + tendered enthusiastic congratulations to Guillaume and Thomas. “You have + created a little marvel,” said he, “one which may have far-reaching + effects both socially and humanly. Yes, yes, pending the invention of the + electrical motor which we have not yet arrived at, here is an ideal one, a + system of mechanical traction for all sorts of vehicles. Even aerial + navigation may now become a possibility, and the problem of force at home + is finally solved. And what a grand step! What sudden progress! Distance + again diminished, all roads thrown open, and men able to fraternise! This + is a great boon, a splendid gift, my good friends, that you are bestowing + on the world.” + </p> + <p> + Then he began to jest about the new explosive, whose prodigious power he + had divined, and which he now found put to such a beneficent purpose. “And + to think, Guillaume,” he said, “that I fancied you acted with so much + mysteriousness and hid the formula of your powder from me because you had + an idea of blowing up Paris!” + </p> + <p> + At this Guillaume became grave and somewhat pale. And he confessed the + truth. “Well, I did for a moment think of it.” + </p> + <p> + However, Bertheroy went on laughing, as if he regarded this answer as mere + repartee, though truth to tell he had felt a slight chill sweep through + his hair. “Well, my friend,” he said, “you have done far better in + offering the world this marvel, which by the way must have been both a + difficult and dangerous matter. So here is a powder which was intended to + exterminate people, and which in lieu thereof will now increase their + comfort and welfare. In the long run things always end well, as I’m quite + tired of saying.” + </p> + <p> + On beholding such lofty and tolerant good nature, Guillaume felt moved. + Bertheroy’s words were true. What had been intended for purposes of + destruction served the cause of progress; the subjugated, domesticated + volcano became labour, peace and civilisation. Guillaume had even + relinquished all idea of his engine of battle and victory; he had found + sufficient satisfaction in this last invention of his, which would relieve + men of some measure of weariness, and help to reduce their labour to just + so much effort as there must always be. In this he detected some little + advance towards Justice; at all events it was all that he himself could + contribute to the cause. And when on turning towards the window he caught + sight of the basilica of the Sacred Heart, he could not explain what + insanity had at one moment cone over him, and set him dreaming of idiotic + and useless destruction. Some miasmal gust must have swept by, something + born of want that scattered germs of anger and vengeance. But how blind it + was to think that destruction and murder could ever bear good fruit, ever + sow the soil with plenty and happiness! Violence cannot last, and all it + does is to rouse man’s feeling of solidarity even among those on whose + behalf one kills. The people, the great multitude, rebel against the + isolated individual who seeks to wreak justice. No one man can take upon + himself the part of the volcano; this is the whole terrestrial crust, the + whole multitude which internal fire impels to rise and throw up either an + Alpine chain or a better and freer society. And whatever heroism there may + be in their madness, however great and contagious may be their thirst for + martyrdom, murderers are never anything but murderers, whose deeds simply + sow the seeds of horror. And if on the one hand Victor Mathis had avenged + Salvat, he had also slain him, so universal had been the cry of + reprobation roused by the second crime, which was yet more monstrous and + more useless than the first. + </p> + <p> + Guillaume, laughing in his turn, replied to Bertheroy in words which + showed how completely he was cured: “You are right,” he said, “all ends + well since all contributes to truth and justice. Unfortunately, thousands + of years are sometimes needed for any progress to be accomplished.... + However, for my part, I am simply going to put my new explosive on the + market, so that those who secure the necessary authorisation may + manufacture it and grow rich. Henceforth it belongs to one and all.... And + I’ve renounced all idea of revolutionising the world.” + </p> + <p> + But Bertheroy protested. This great official scientist, this member of the + Institute laden with offices and honours, pointed to the little motor, and + replied with all the vigour of his seventy years: “But that is revolution, + the true, the only revolution. It is with things like that and not with + stupid bombs that one revolutionises the world! It is not by destroying, + but by creating, that you have just done the work of a revolutionist. And + how many times already have I not told you that science alone is the + world’s revolutionary force, the only force which, far above all paltry + political incidents, the vain agitation of despots, priests, sectarians + and ambitious people of all kinds, works for the benefit of those who will + come after us, and prepares the triumph of truth, justice and peace.... + Ah, my dear child, if you wish to overturn the world by striving to set a + little more happiness in it, you have only to remain in your laboratory + here, for human happiness can spring only from the furnace of the + scientist.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke perhaps in a somewhat jesting way, but one could feel that he was + convinced of it all, that he held everything excepting science in utter + contempt. He had not even shown any surprise when Pierre had cast his + cassock aside; and on finding him there with his wife and child he had not + scrupled to show him as much affection as in the past. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, however, the motor was travelling hither and thither, making no + more noise than a bluebottle buzzing in the sunshine. The whole happy + family was gathered about it, still laughing with delight at such a + victorious achievement. And all at once little Jean, Monsieur Jean, having + finished sucking, turned round, displaying his milk-smeared lips, and + perceived the machine, the pretty plaything which walked about by itself. + At sight of it, his eyes sparkled, dimples appeared on his plump cheeks, + and, stretching out his quivering chubby hands, he raised a crow of + delight. + </p> + <p> + Marie, who was quietly fastening her dress, smiled at his glee and brought + him nearer, in order that he might have a better view of the toy. “Ah! my + darling, it’s pretty, isn’t it? It moves and it turns, and it’s strong; + it’s quite alive, you see.” + </p> + <p> + The others, standing around, were much amused by the amazed, enraptured + expression of the child, who would have liked to touch the machine, + perhaps in the hope of understanding it. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” resumed Bertheroy, “it’s alive and it’s powerful like the sun, like + that great sun shining yonder over Paris, and ripening men and things. And + Paris too is a motor, a boiler in which the future is boiling, while we + scientists keep the eternal flame burning underneath. Guillaume, my good + fellow, you are one of the stokers, one of the artisans of the future, + with that little marvel of yours, which will still further extend the + influence of our great Paris over the whole world.” + </p> + <p> + These words impressed Pierre, and he again thought of a gigantic vat + stretching yonder from one horizon to the other, a vat in which the coming + century would emerge from an extraordinary mixture of the excellent and + the vile. But now, over and above all passions, ambitions, stains and + waste, he was conscious of the colossal expenditure of labour which marked + the life of Paris, of the heroic manual efforts in work-shops and + factories, and the splendid striving of the young men of intellect whom he + knew to be hard at work, studying in silence, relinquishing none of the + conquests of their elders, but glowing with desire to enlarge their + domain. And in all this Paris was exalted, together with the future that + was being prepared within it, and which would wing its flight over the + world bright like the dawn of day. If Rome, now so near its death, had + ruled the ancient world, it was Paris that reigned with sovereign sway + over the modern era, and had for the time become the great centre of the + nations as they were carried on from civilisation to civilisation, in a + sunward course from east to west. Paris was the world’s brain. Its past so + full of grandeur had prepared it for the part of initiator, civiliser and + liberator. Only yesterday it had cast the cry of Liberty among the + nations, and to-morrow it would bring them the religion of Science, the + new faith awaited by the democracies. And Paris was also gaiety, kindness + and gentleness, passion for knowledge and generosity without limit. Among + the workmen of its faubourgs and the peasants of its country-sides there + were endless reserves of men on whom the future might freely draw. And the + century ended with Paris, and the new century would begin and spread with + it. All the clamour of its prodigious labour, all the light that came from + it as from a beacon overlooking the earth, all the thunder and tempest and + triumphant brightness that sprang from its entrails, were pregnant with + that final splendour, of which human happiness would be compounded. + </p> + <p> + Marie raised a light cry of admiration as she pointed towards the city. + “Look! just look!” she exclaimed; “Paris is all golden, covered with a + harvest of gold!” + </p> + <p> + They all re-echoed her admiration, for the effect was really one of + extraordinary magnificence. The declining sun was once more veiling the + immensity of Paris with golden dust. But this was no longer the city of + the sower, a chaos of roofs and edifices suggesting brown land turned up + by some huge plough, whilst the sun-rays streamed over it like golden + seed, falling upon every side. Nor was it the city whose divisions had one + day seemed so plain to Pierre: eastward, the districts of toil, misty with + the grey smoke of factories; southward, the districts of study, serene and + quiet; westward, the districts of wealth, bright and open; and in the + centre the districts of trade, with dark and busy streets. It now seemed + as if one and the same crop had sprung up on every side, imparting harmony + to everything, and making the entire expanse one sole, boundless field, + rich with the same fruitfulness. There was corn, corn everywhere, an + infinity of corn, whose golden wave rolled from one end of the horizon to + the other. Yes, the declining sun steeped all Paris in equal splendour, + and it was truly the crop, the harvest, after the sowing! + </p> + <p> + “Look! just look,” repeated Marie, “there is not a nook without its sheaf; + the humblest roofs are fruitful, and every blade is full-eared wherever + one may look. It is as if there were now but one and the same soil, + reconciled and fraternal. Ah! Jean, my little Jean, look! see how + beautiful it is!” + </p> + <p> + Pierre, who was quivering, had drawn close beside her. And Mere-Grand and + Bertheroy smiled upon that promise of a future which they would not see, + whilst beside Guillaume, whom the sight filled with emotion, were his + three big sons, the three young giants, looking quite grave, they who ever + laboured and were ever hopeful. Then Marie, with a fine gesture of + enthusiasm, stretched out her arms and raised her child aloft, as if + offering it in gift to the huge city. + </p> + <p> + “See, Jean! see, little one,” she cried, “it’s you who’ll reap it all, + who’ll store the whole crop in the barn!” + </p> + <p> + And Paris flared—Paris, which the divine sun had sown with light, + and where in glory waved the great future harvest of Truth and of Justice. + </p> + <p> + THE END + </p> + +</div><!--end chapter--> + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PARIS ***</div> +<div style='text-align:left'> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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