TheyounggirlallowedPhoebustohavehisway。Shedidnotappeartoperceiveit。Theeyeoftheboldcaptainflashed。
　　Suddenlysheturnedtowardshim，——
　　"Phoebus，"shesaid，withanexpressionofinfinitelove，"instructmeinthyreligion。"
　　"Myreligion！"exclaimedthecaptain，burstingwithlaughter，"Iinstructyouinmyreligion！~Corneettonnerre~！Whatdoyouwantwithmyreligion？"
　　"Inorderthatwemaybemarried，"shereplied。
　　Thecaptain’sfaceassumedanexpressionofmingledsurpriseanddisdain，ofcarelessnessandlibertinepassion。
　　"Ah，bah！"saidhe，"dopeoplemarry？"
　　TheBohemianturnedpale，andherheaddroopedsadlyonherbreast。
　　"Mybeautifullove，"resumedPhoebus，tenderly，"whatnonsenseisthis？Agreatthingismarriage，truly！oneisnonethelesslovingfornothavingspitLatinintoapriest’sshop！"
　　Whilespeakingthusinhissoftestvoice，heapproachedextremelynearthegypsy；hiscaressinghandsresumedtheirplacearoundhersuppleanddelicatewaist，hiseyeflashedmoreandmore，andeverythingannouncedthatMonsieurPhoebuswasonthevergeofoneofthosemomentswhenJupiterhimselfcommitssomanyfolliesthatHomerisobligedtosummonacloudtohisrescue。
　　ButDomClaudesaweverything。Thedoorwasmadeofthoroughlyrottencaskstaves，whichleftlargeaperturesforthepassageofhishawklikegaze。Thisbrown-skinned，broad-
　　shoulderedpriest，hithertocondemnedtotheausterevirginityofthecloister，wasquiveringandboilinginthepresenceofthisnightsceneofloveandvoluptuousness。Thisyoungandbeautifulgirlgivenoverindisarraytotheardentyoungman，mademeltedleadflowinhis-veins；hiseyesdartedwithsensualjealousybeneathallthoseloosenedpins。Anyonewhocould，atthatmoment，haveseenthefaceoftheunhappymangluedtothewormeatenbars，wouldhavethoughtthathebeheldthefaceofatigerglaringfromthedepthsofacageatsomejackaldevouringagazelle。Hiseyeshonelikeacandlethroughthecracksofthedoor。
　　Allatonce，Phoebus，witharapidgesture，removedthegypsy’sgorgerette。Thepoorchild，whohadremainedpaleanddreamy，awokewithastart；sherecoiledhastilyfromtheenterprisingofficer，and，castingaglanceatherbareneckandshoulders，red，confused，mutewithshame，shecrossedhertwobeautifularmsonherbreasttoconcealit。Haditnotbeenfortheflamewhichburnedinhercheeks，atthesightofhersosilentandmotionless，onewouldhave。
　　declaredherastatueofModesty。Hereyeswerelowered。
　　Butthecaptain’sgesturehadrevealedthemysteriousamuletwhichsheworeaboutherneck。
　　"Whatisthat？"hesaid，seizingthispretexttoapproachoncemorethebeautifulcreaturewhomhehadjustalarmed。
　　"Don’ttouchit！"shereplied，quickly，"’tismyguardian。
　　Itwillmakemefindmyfamilyagain，ifIremainworthytodoso。Oh，leaveme，monsieurlecapitaine！Mymother！
　　Mypoormother！Mymother！Whereartthou？Cometomyrescue！Havepity，MonsieurPhoebus，givemebackmygorgerette！"
　　Phoebusretreatedamidsaidinacoldtone，——
　　"Oh，mademoiselle！Iseeplainlythatyoudonotloveme！"
　　"Idonotlovehim！"exclaimedtheunhappychild，andatthesametimesheclungtothecaptain，whomshedrewtoaseatbesideher。"Idonotlovethee，myPhoebus？Whatartthousaying，wickedman，tobreakmyheart？Oh，takeme！takeall！dowhatyouwillwithme，Iamthine。Whatmatterstometheamulet！Whatmatterstomemymother！
　　’TisthouwhoartmymothersinceIlovethee！Phoebus，mybelovedPhoebus，dostthouseeme？’TisI。Lookatme；
　　’tisthelittleonewhomthouwiltsurelynotrepulse，whocomes，whocomesherselftoseekthee。Mysoul，mylife，mybody，myperson，allisonething——whichisthine，mycaptain。
　　Well，no！Wewillnotmarry，sincethatdispleasesthee；andthen，whatamI？amiserablegirlofthegutters；whilstthou，myPhoebus，artagentleman。Afinething，truly！A
　　dancerwedanofficer！Iwasmad。No，Phoebus，no；Iwillbethymistress，thyamusement，thypleasure，whenthouwilt；
　　agirlwhoshallbelongtothee。Iwasonlymadeforthat，soiled，despised，dishonored，butwhatmattersit？——beloved。
　　Ishallbetheproudestandthemostjoyousofwomen。AndwhenIgrowoldorugly，Phoebus，whenIamnolongergoodtoloveyou，youwillsuffermetoserveyoustill。Otherswillembroiderscarfsforyou；’tisI，theservant，whowillcareforthem。Youwillletmepolishyourspurs，brushyourdoublet，dustyourriding-boots。Youwillhavethatpity，willyounot，Phoebus？Meanwhile，takeme！here，Phoebus，allthisbelongstothee，onlyloveme！Wegypsiesneedonlyairandlove。"
　　Sosaying，shethrewherarmsroundtheofficer’sneck；shelookedupathim，supplicatingly，withabeautifulsmile，andallintears。Herdelicateneckrubbedagainsthisclothdoubletwithitsroughembroideries。Shewrithedonherknees，herbeautifulbodyhalfnaked。TheintoxicatedcaptainpressedhisardentlipstothoselovelyAfricanshoulders。
　　Theyounggirl，hereyesbentontheceiling，assheleanedbackwards，quivered，allpalpitating，beneaththiskiss。
　　Allatonce，abovePhoebus’sheadshebeheldanotherhead；
　　agreen，livid，convulsedface，withthelookofalostsoul；
　　nearthisfacewasahandgraspingaponiard——Itwasthefaceandhandofthepriest；hehadbrokenthedoorandhewasthere。Phoebuscouldnotseehim。Theyounggirlremainedmotionless，frozenwithterror，dumb，beneaththatterribleapparition，likeadovewhichshouldraiseitsheadatthemomentwhenthehawkisgazingintohernestwithitsroundeyes。
　　Shecouldnotevenutteracry。ShesawtheponiarddescenduponPhoebus，andriseagain，reeking。
　　"Maledictions！"saidthecaptain，andfell。
　　Shefainted。
　　Atthemomentwhenhereyesclosed，whenallfeelingvanishedinher，shethoughtthatshefeltatouchoffireimprinteduponherlips，akissmoreburningthanthered-hotironoftheexecutioner。
　　Whensherecoveredhersenses，shewassurroundedbysoldiersofthewatchtheywerecarryingawaythecaptain，bathedinhisbloodthepriesthaddisappeared；thewindowatthebackoftheroomwhichopenedontheriverwaswideopen；theypickedupacloakwhichtheysupposedtobelongtotheofficerandsheheardthemsayingaroundher，"’Tisasorceresswhohasstabbedacaptain。"
　　BOOKEIGHTH。
　　CHAPTERI。
　　THECROWNCHANGEDINTOADRYLEAF。
　　GringoireandtheentireCourtofMiraclesweresufferingmortalanxiety。ForawholemonththeyhadnotknownwhathadbecomeoflaEsmeralda，whichgreatlypainedtheDukeofEgyptandhisfriendsthevagabonds，norwhathadbecomeofthegoat，whichredoubledGringoire’sgrief。Oneeveningthegypsyhaddisappeared，andsincethattimehadgivennosignsoflife。Allsearchhadprovedfruitless。SometormentingbootblackshadtoldGringoireaboutmeetingherthatsameeveningnearthePontSaint-Michel，goingoffwithanofficer；
　　butthishusband，afterthefashionofBohemia，wasanincredulousphilosopher，andbesides，he，betterthananyoneelse，knewtowhatapointhiswifewasvirginal。Hehadbeenabletoformajudgmentastotheunconquerablemodestyresultingfromthecombinedvirtuesoftheamuletandthegypsy，andhehadmathematicallycalculatedtheresistanceofthatchastitytothesecondpower。Accordingly，hewasateaseonthatscore。
　　Stillhecouldnotunderstandthisdisappearance。Itwasaprofoundsorrow。Hewouldhavegrownthinoverit，hadthatbeenpossible。Hehadforgotteneverything，evenhisliterarytastes，evenhisgreatwork，~Defigurisregularibusetirregularibus~，whichitwashisintentiontohaveprintedwiththefirstmoneywhichheshouldprocureforhehadravedoverprinting，eversincehehadseenthe"Didascalon"ofHuguesdeSaintVictor，printedwiththecelebratedcharactersofVindelindeSpire。
　　Oneday，ashewaspassingsadlybeforethecriminalTournelle，heperceivedaconsiderablecrowdatoneofthegatesofthePalaisdeJustice。
　　"Whatisthis？"heinquiredofayoungmanwhowascomingout。
　　"Iknownot，sir，"repliedtheyoungman。"’Tissaidthattheyaretryingawomanwhohathassassinatedagendarme。
　　Itappearsthatthereissorceryatthebottomofit，thearchbishopandtheofficialhaveintervenedinthecase，andmybrother，whoisthearchdeaconofJosas，canthinkofnothingelse。Now，Iwishedtospeakwithhim，butI
　　havenotbeenabletoreachhimbecauseofthethrong，whichvexesmegreatly，asIstandinneedofmoney。"
　　"Alas！sir，"saidGringoire，"IwouldthatIcouldlendyousome，but，mybreechesareworntoholes，and’tisnotcrownswhichhavedoneit。"
　　Hedarednottelltheyoungmanthathewasacquaintedwithhisbrotherthearchdeacon，towhomhehadnotreturnedafterthesceneinthechurch；anegligencewhichembarrassedhim。
　　Thescholarwenthisway，andGringoiresetouttofollowthecrowdwhichwasmountingthestaircaseofthegreatchamber。Inhisopinion，therewasnothinglikethespectacleofacriminalprocessfordissipatingmelancholy，soexhilaratinglystupidarejudgesasarule。Thepopulacewhichhehadjoinedwalkedandelbowedinsilence。Afteraslowandtiresomemarchthroughalong，gloomycorridor，whichwoundthroughthecourt-houseliketheintestinalcanaloftheancientedifice，hearrivednearalowdoor，openinguponahallwhichhisloftystaturepermittedhimtosurveywithaglanceoverthewavingheadsoftherabble。
　　Thehallwasvastandgloomy，whichlatterfactmadeitappearstillmorespacious。Thedaywasdeclining；thelong，pointedwindowspermittedonlyapalerayoflighttoenter，whichwasextinguishedbeforeitreachedthevaultedceiling，anenormoustrellis-workofsculpturedbeams，whosethousandfiguresseemedtomoveconfusedlyintheshadows，manycandleswerealreadylightedhereandthereontables，andbeamingontheheadsofclerksburiedinmassesofdocuments。
　　Theanteriorportionoftheballwasoccupiedbythecrowd；
　　ontherightandleftweremagistratesandtables；attheend，uponaplatform，anumberofjudges，whoserearranksankintotheshadows，sinisterandmotionlessfaces。Thewallsweresownwithinnumerablefleurs-de-lis。AlargefigureofChristmightbevaguelydescriedabovethejudges，andeverywheretherewerepikesandhalberds，uponwhosepointsthereflectionofthecandlesplacedtipsoffire。
　　"Monsieur，"Gringoireinquiredofoneofhisneighbors，"whoareallthosepersonsrangedyonder，likeprelatesincouncil？"
　　"Monsieur，"repliedtheneighbor，"thoseontherightarethecounsellorsofthegrandchamber；thoseontheleft，thecouncillorsofinquiry；themastersinblackgowns，themessiresinred。"
　　"Whoisthatbigredfellow，yonderabovethem，whoissweating？"
　　pursuedGringoire。
　　"Itismonsieurthepresident。"
　　"Andthosesheepbehindhim？"continuedGringoire，whoaswehaveseen，didnotlovethemagistracy，whicharose，possibly，fromthegrudgewhichhecherishedagainstthePalaisdeJusticesincehisdramaticmisadventure。
　　"Theyaremessieursthemastersofrequestsoftheking’shousehold。"
　　"Andthatboarinfrontofhim？"
　　"HeismonsieurtheclerkoftheCourtofParliament。"
　　"Andthatcrocodileontheright？"
　　"MasterPhilippeLheulier，advocateextraordinaryoftheking。"
　　"Andthatbig，blacktom-catontheleft？"
　　"MasterJacquesCharmolue，procuratorofthekingintheEcclesiasticalCourt，withthegentlemenoftheofficialty。"
　　"Comenow，monsieur，saidGringoire，"praywhatareallthosefinefellowsdoingyonder？"
　　"Theyarejudging。"
　　"Judgingwhom？Idonotseetheaccused。"
　　"’Tisawoman，sir。Youcannotseeher。Shehasherbackturnedtous，andsheishiddenfromusbythecrowd。
　　Stay，yondersheis，whereyouseeagroupofpartisans。"
　　"Whoisthewoman？"askedGringoire。"Doyouknowhername？"
　　"No，monsieur，Ihavebutjustarrived。Imerelyassumethatthereissomesorceryaboutit，sincetheofficialispresentatthetrial。"
　　"Come！"saidourphilosopher，"wearegoingtoseeallthesemagistratesdevourhumanflesh。’Tisasgoodaspectacleasanyother。"
　　"Monsieur，"remarkedhisneighbor，"thinkyounot，thatMasterJacquesCharmoluehasaverysweetair？"
　　"Hum！"repliedGringoire。"Idistrustasweetnesswhichhathpinchednostrilsandthinlips。"
　　Herethebystandersimposedsilenceuponthetwochatterers。
　　Theywerelisteningtoanimportantdeposition。
　　"Messeigneurs，"saidanoldwomaninthemiddleofthehall，whoseformwassoconcealedbeneathhergarmentsthatonewouldhavepronouncedherawalkingheapofrags；
　　"Messeigneurs，thethingisastrueasthatIamlaFalourdel，establishedthesefortyyearsatthePontSaintMichel，andpayingregularlymyrents，lord’sdues，andquitrents；atthegateoppositethehouseofTassin-Caillart，thedyer，whichisonthesideuptheriver——apooroldwomannow，butaprettymaidinformerdays，mylords。Someonesaidtomelately，’LaFalourdel，don’tuseyourspinning-wheeltoomuchintheevening；thedevilisfondofcombingthedistaffsofoldwomenwithhishorns。’Tiscertainthatthesurlymonkwhowasroundaboutthetemplelastyear，nowprowlsintheCity。
　　Takecare，LaFalourdel，thathedothnotknockatyourdoor。’OneeveningIwasspinningonmywheel，therecomesaknockatmydoor；Iaskwhoitis。Theyswear。Iopen。
　　Twomenenter。Amaninblackandahandsomeofficer。Oftheblackmannothingcouldbeseenbuthiseyes，twocoalsoffire。Alltherestwashatandcloak。Theysaytome，——’TheSainte-Marthechamber。’——’Tismyupperchamber，mylords，mycleanest。Theygivemeacrown。Iputthecrowninmydrawer，andIsay:’Thisshallgotobuytripeattheslaughter-houseoflaGlorietteto-morrow。’Wegoupstairs。
　　Onarrivingattheupperchamber，andwhilemybackisturned，theblackmandisappears。Thatdazedmeabit。Theofficer，whowasashandsomeasagreatlord，goesdownstairsagainwithme。Hegoesout。Inaboutthetimeittakestospinaquarterofahandfulofflax，bereturnswithabeautifulyounggirl，adollwhowouldhaveshonelikethesunhadshebeencoiffed。Shehadwithheragoat；abigbilly-
　　goat，whetherblackorwhite，Inolongerremember。Thatsetmetothinking。Thegirldoesnotconcernme，butthegoat！Ilovenotthosebeasts，theyhaveabeardandhorns。
　　Theyaresolikeaman。Andthen，theysmackofthewitches，sabbath。However，Isaynothing。Ihadthecrown。Thatisright，isitnot，MonsieurJudge？Ishowthecaptainandthewenchtotheupperchamber，andIleavethemalone；
　　thatistosay，withthegoat。Igodownandsettospinningagain——Imustinformyouthatmyhousehasagroundfloorandstoryabove。IknownotwhyIfelltothinkingofthesurlymonkwhomthegoathadputintomyheadagain，andthenthebeautifulgirlwasratherstrangelydeckedout。Allatonce，Ihearacryupstairs，andsomethingfallsonthefloorandthewindowopens。Iruntominewhichisbeneathit，andIbeholdablackmasspassbeforemyeyesandfallintothewater。Itwasaphantomcladlikeapriest。Itwasamoonlightnight。Isawhimquiteplainly。Hewasswimminginthedirectionofthecity。Then，allofatremble，I
　　callthewatch。Thegentlemenofthepoliceenter，andnotknowingjustatthefirstmomentwhatthematterwas，andbeingmerry，theybeatme。Iexplaintothem。Wegoupstairs，andwhatdowefind？mypoorchamberallblood，thecaptainstretchedoutatfulllengthwithadaggerinhisneck，thegirlpretendingtobedead，andthegoatallinafright。
　　’Prettywork！’Isay，’Ishallhavetowashthatfloorformorethanafortnight。Itwillhavetobescraped；itwillbeaterriblejob。’Theycarriedofftheofficer，pooryoungman，andthewenchwithherbosomallbare。Butwait，theworstisthatonthenextday，whenIwantedtotakethecrowntobuytripe，Ifoundadeadleafinitsplace。"
　　Theoldwomanceased。Amurmurofhorrorranthroughtheaudience。
　　"Thatphantom，thatgoat，——allsmacksofmagic，"saidoneofGringoire’sneighbors。
　　"Andthatdryleaf！"addedanother。
　　"Nodoubtaboutit，"joinedinathird，"sheisawitchwhohasdealingswiththesurlymonk，forthepurposeofplunderingofficers。"
　　Gringoirehimselfwasnotdisinclinedtoregardthisasaltogetheralarmingandprobable。
　　"GoodyFalourdel，"saidthepresidentmajestically，"haveyounothingmoretocommunicatetothecourt？"
　　"No，monseigneur，"repliedthecrone，"exceptthatthereporthasdescribedmyhouseasahovelandstinking；whichisanoutrageousfashionofspeaking。Thehousesonthebridgearenotimposing，becausetherearesuchmultitudesofpeople；but，nevertheless，thebutcherscontinuetodwellthere，whoarewealthyfolk，andmarriedtoveryproperandhandsomewomen。"
　　ThemagistratewhohadremindedGringoireofacrocodilerose，——
　　"Silence！"saidhe。"Ipraythegentlemennottolosesightofthefactthatadaggerwasfoundonthepersonoftheaccused。GoodyFalourdel，haveyoubroughtthatleafintowhichthecrownwhichthedemongaveyouwastransformed？
　　"Yes，monseigneur，"shereplied；"Ifounditagain。Hereitis。"
　　Abailiffbandedthedeadleaftothecrocodile，whomadeadolefulshakeofthehead，andpasseditontothepresident，whogaveittotheprocuratorofthekingintheecclesiasticalcourt，andthusitmadethecircuitofthehail。
　　"Itisabirchleaf，"saidMasterJacquesCharmolue。"A
　　freshproofofmagic。
　　Acounsellortookuptheword。
　　"Witness，twomenwentupstairstogetherinyourhouse:
　　theblackman，whomyoufirstsawdisappearandafterwardsswimmingintheSeine，withhispriestlygarments，andtheofficer。Whichofthetwohandedyouthecrown？"
　　Theoldwomanponderedforamomentandthensaid，——
　　"Theofficer。"
　　Amurmurranthroughthecrowd。
　　"Ah！"thoughtGringoire，"thismakessomedoubtinmymind。"
　　ButMasterPhilippeLheulier，advocateextraordinarytotheking，interposedoncemore。
　　"Iwillrecalltothesegentlemen，thatinthedepositiontakenathisbedside，theassassinatedofficer，whiledeclaringthathehadavagueideawhentheblackmanaccostedhimthatthelattermightbethesurlymonk，addedthatthephantomhadpressedhimeagerlytogoandmakeacquaintancewiththeaccused；anduponhis，thecaptain’s，remarkingthathehadnomoney，hehadgivenhimthecrownwhichthesaidofficerpaidtolaFalourdel。Hence，thatcrownisthemoneyofhell。"
　　ThisconclusiveobservationappearedtodissipateallthedoubtsofGringoireandtheotherscepticsintheaudience。
　　"Youhavethedocuments，gentlemen，"addedtheking’sadvocate，ashetookhisseat；"youcanconsultthetestimonyofPhoebusdeChateaupers。"
　　Atthatname，theaccusedsprangup，herheadroseabovethethrong。GringoirewithhorrorrecognizedlaEsmeralda。
　　Shewaspale；hertresses，formerlysogracefullybraidedandspangledwithsequins，hungindisorder；herlipswereblue，herholloweyeswereterrible。Alas！
　　"Phoebus！"shesaid，inbewilderment；"whereishe？O
　　messeigneurs！beforeyoukillme，tellme，forpitysake，whetherhestilllives？"
　　"Holdyourtongue，woman，"repliedthepresident，"thatisnoaffairofours。"
　　"Oh！formercy’ssake，tellmeifheisalive！"sherepeated，claspingherbeautifulemaciatedhands；andthesoundofherchainsincontactwithherdress，washeard。
　　"Well！"saidtheking’sadvocateroughly，"heisdying。
　　Areyousatisfied？"
　　Theunhappygirlfellbackonhercriminal’sseat，speechless，tearless，whiteasawaxfigure。
　　Thepresidentbentdowntoamanathisfeet，whoworeagoldcapandablackgown，achainonhisneckandawandinhishand。
　　"Bailiff，bringinthesecondaccused。"
　　Alleyesturnedtowardsasmalldoor，whichopened，and，tothegreatagitationofGringoire，gavepassagetoaprettygoatwithhornsandhoofsofgold。Theelegantbeasthaltedforamomentonthethreshold，stretchingoutitsneckasthough，perchedonthesummitofarock，ithadbeforeitseyesanimmensehorizon。Suddenlyitcaughtsightofthegypsygirl，andleapingoverthetableandtheheadofaclerk，intwoboundsitwasatherknees；thenitrolledgracefullyonitsmistress’sfeet，solicitingawordoracaress；buttheaccusedremainedmotionless，andpoorDjalihimselfobtainednotaglance。
　　"Eh，why——’tismyvillanousbeast，"saidoldFalourdel，"Irecognizethetwoperfectly！"
　　JacquesCharmolueinterfered。
　　"Ifthegentlemenplease，wewillproceedtotheexaminationofthegoat。"Hewas，infact，thesecondcriminal。
　　Nothingmoresimpleinthosedaysthanasuitofsorceryinstitutedagainstananimal。Wefind，amongothersintheaccountsoftheprovost’sofficefor1466，acuriousdetailconcerningtheexpensesofthetrialofGillet-Soulartandhissow，"executedfortheirdemerits，"atCorbeil。Everythingisthere，thecostofthepensinwhichtoplacethesow，thefivehundredbundlesofbrushwoodpurchasedattheportofMorsant，thethreepintsofwineandthebread，thelastrepastofthevictimfraternallysharedbytheexecutioner，downtotheelevendaysofguardandfoodforthesow，ateightdeniersparisiseach。Sometimes，theywentevenfurtherthananimals。
　　ThecapitulariesofCharlemagneandofLouisleDébonnaireimposeseverepenaltiesonfieryphantomswhichpresumetoappearintheair。
　　Meanwhiletheprocuratorhadexclaimed:"Ifthedemonwhichpossessesthisgoat，andwhichhasresistedallexorcisms，persistsinitsdeedsofwitchcraft，ifitalarmsthecourtwiththem，wewarnitthatweshallbeforcedtoputinrequisitionagainstitthegallowsorthestake。
　　Gringoirebrokeoutintoacoldperspiration。Charmoluetookfromthetablethegypsy’stambourine，andpresentingittothegoat，inacertainmanner，askedthelatter，——
　　"Whato’clockisit？"
　　Thegoatlookedatitwithanintelligenteye，raiseditsgildedhoof，andstrucksevenblows。
　　Itwas，infact，seveno’clock。Amovementofterrorranthroughthecrowd。
　　Gringoirecouldnotendureit。
　　"Heisdestroyinghimself！"hecriedaloud；"Youseewellthathedoesnotknowwhatheisdoing。"
　　"Silenceamongtheloutsattheendofthehail！"saidthebailiffsharply。
　　JacquesCharmolue，bytheaidofthesamemanoeuvresofthetambourine，madethegoatperformmanyothertricksconnectedwiththedateoftheday，themonthoftheyear，etc。，whichthereaderhasalreadywitnessed。And，byvirtueofanopticalillusionpeculiartojudicialproceedings，thesesamespectatorswhohad，probably，morethanonceapplaudedinthepublicsquareDjali’sinnocentmagicwereterrifiedbyitbeneaththeroofofthePalaisdeJustice。Thegoatwasundoubtedlythedevil。
　　Itwasfarworsewhentheprocuratoroftheking，havingemptieduponaflooracertainbagfilledwithmovableletters，whichDjaliworeroundhisneck，theybeheldthegoatextractwithhishooffromthescatteredalphabetthefatalnameofPhoebus。Thewitchcraftofwhichthecaptainhadbeenthevictimappearedirresistiblydemonstrated，andintheeyesofall，thegypsy，thatravishingdancer，whohadsooftendazzledthepassers-bywithhergrace，wasnolongeranythingbutafrightfulvampire。
　　However，shebetrayednosignoflife；neitherDjali’sgracefulevolutions，northemenacesofthecourt，northesuppressedimprecationsofthespectatorsanylongerreachedhermind。
　　Inordertoarouseher，apoliceofficerwasobligedtoshakeherunmercifully，andthepresidenthadtoraisehisvoice，——"Girl，youareoftheBohemianrace，addictedtodeedsofwitchcraft。You，incomplicitywiththebewitchedgoatimplicatedinthissuit，duringthenightofthetwenty-ninthofMarchlast，murderedandstabbed，inconcertwiththepowersofdarkness，bytheaidofcharmsandunderhandpractices，acaptainoftheking’sarchesofthewatch，PhoebusdeChateaupers。Doyoupersistindenyingit？"
　　"Horror！"exclaimedtheyounggirl，hidingherfaceinherhands。"MyPhoebus！Oh，thisishell！"
　　"Doyoupersistinyourdenial？"demandedthepresidentcoldly。
　　"DoIdenyit？"shesaidwithterribleaccents；andsherosewithflashingeyes。
　　Thepresidentcontinuedsquarely，——
　　"Thenhowdoyouexplainthefactslaidtoyourcharge？"
　　Sherepliedinabrokenvoice，——
　　"Ihavealreadytoldyou。Idonotknow。’Twasapriest，apriestwhomIdonotknow；aninfernalpriestwhopursuesme！"
　　"Thatisit，"retortedthejudge；"thesurlymonk。"
　　"Oh，gentlemen！havemercy！Iambutapoorgirl——"
　　"OfEgypt，"saidthejudge。
　　MasterJacquesCharmolueinterposedsweetly，——
　　"Inviewofthesadobstinacyoftheaccused，Idemandtheapplicationofthetorture。"
　　"Granted，"saidthepresident。
　　Theunhappygirlquiveredineverylimb。Butsheroseatthecommandofthemenwithpartisans，andwalkedwithatolerablyfirmstep，precededbyCharmolueandthepriestsoftheofficiality，betweentworowsofhalberds，towardsamedium-sizeddoorwhichsuddenlyopenedandclosedagainbehindher，andwhichproduceduponthegrief-strickenGringoiretheeffectofahorriblemouthwhichhadjustdevouredher。
　　Whenshedisappeared，theyheardaplaintivebleating；itwasthelittlegoatmourning。
　　Thesittingofthecourtwassuspended。Acounsellorhavingremarkedthatthegentlemenwerefatigued，andthatitwouldbealongtimetowaituntilthetorturewasatanend，thepresidentrepliedthatamagistratemustknowhowtosacrificehimselftohisduty。
　　"Whatanannoyingandvexatioushussy，"saidanagedjudge，"togetherselfputtothequestionwhenonehasnotsupped！"
　　CHAPTERII。
　　CONTINUATIONOFTHECROWNWHICHWASCHANGEDINTOADRYLEAF。
　　Afterascendinganddescendingseveralstepsinthecorridors，whichweresodarkthattheywerelightedbylampsatmid-day，LaEsmeralda，stillsurroundedbyherlugubriousescort，wasthrustbythepoliceintoagloomychamber。
　　Thischamber，circularinform，occupiedthegroundfloorofoneofthosegreattowers，which，eveninourowncentury，stillpiercethroughthelayerofmodernedificeswithwhichmodernParishascoveredancientParis。Therewerenowindowstothiscellar；nootheropeningthantheentrance，whichwaslow，andclosedbyanenormousirondoor。Nevertheless，lightwasnotlacking；afurnacehadbeenconstructedinthethicknessofthewall；alargefirewaslightedthere，whichfilledthevaultwithitscrimsonreflectionsanddeprivedamiserablecandle，whichstoodinonecorner，ofallradiance。Theirongratingwhichservedtoclosetheoven，beingraisedatthatmoment，allowedonlyaviewatthemouthoftheflamingvent-holeinthedarkwall，thelowerextremityofitsbars，likearowofblackandpointedteeth，setflatapart；whichmadethefurnaceresembleoneofthosemouthsofdragonswhichspoutforthflamesinancientlegends。Bythelightwhichescapedfromit，theprisonerbeheld，allabouttheroom，frightfulinstrumentswhoseuseshedidnotunderstand。Inthecentrelayaleathermattress，placedalmostflatupontheground，overwhichhungastrapprovidedwithabuckle，attachedtoabrassringinthemouthofaflat-nosedmonstercarvedinthekeystoneofthevault。
　　Tongs，pincers，largeploughshares，filledtheinteriorofthefurnace，andglowedinaconfusedheaponthecoals。Thesanguinelightofthefurnaceilluminatedinthechamberonlyaconfusedmassofhorriblethings。
　　ThisTartaruswascalledsimply，TheQuestionChamber。
　　Onthebed，inanegligentattitude，satPierratTorterue，theofficialtorturer。Hisunderlings，twognomeswithsquarefaces，leatheraprons，andlinenbreeches，weremovingtheironinstrumentsonthecoals。
　　Invaindidthepoorgirlsummonuphercourage；onenteringthischambershewasstrickenwithhorror。
　　Thesergeantsofthebailiffofthecourtsdrewupinlineononeside，thepriestsoftheofficialityontheother。Aclerk，inkhorn，andatablewereinonecorner。
　　MasterJacquesCharmolueapproachedthegypsywithaverysweetsmile。
　　"Mydearchild，"saidhe，"doyoustillpersistinyourdenial？"
　　"Yes，"shereplied，inadyingvoice。
　　"Inthatcase，"repliedCharmolue，"itwillbeverypainfulforustohavetoquestionyoumoreurgentlythanweshouldlike。Praytakethetroubletoseatyourselfonthisbed。
　　MasterPierrat，makeroomformademoiselle，andclosethedoor。"
　　Pierratrosewithagrowl。
　　"IfIshutthedoor，"hemuttered，"myfirewillgoout。"
　　"Well，mydearfellow，"repliedCharmolue，"leaveitopenthen。"
　　Meanwhile，laEsmeraldahadremainedstanding。Thatleatherbedonwhichsomanyunhappywretcheshadwrithed，frightenedher。Terrorchilledtheverymarrowofherbones；
　　shestoodtherebewilderedandstupefied。AtasignfromCharmolue，thetwoassistantstookherandplacedherinasittingpostureonthebed。Theydidhernoharm；butwhenthesementouchedher，whenthatleathertouchedher，shefeltallherbloodretreattoherheart。Shecastafrightenedlookaroundthechamber。Itseemedtoherasthoughshebeheldadvancingfromallquarterstowardsher，withtheintentionofcrawlingupherbodyandbitingandpinchingher，allthosehideousimplementsoftorture，whichascomparedtotheinstrumentsofallsortsshehadhithertoseen，werelikewhatbats，centipedes，andspidersareamonginsectsandbirds。
　　"Whereisthephysician？"askedCharmolue。
　　"Here，"repliedablackgownwhomshehadnotbeforenoticed。
　　Sheshuddered。
　　"Mademoiselle，"resumedthecaressingvoiceoftheprocucratoroftheEcclesiasticalcourt，"forthethirdtime，doyoupersistindenyingthedeedsofwhichyouareaccused？"
　　Thistimeshecouldonlymakeasignwithherhead。
　　"Youpersist？"saidJacquesCharmolue。"Thenitgrievesmedeeply，butImustfulfilmyoffice。"
　　"MonsieurleProcureurduRoi，"saidPierratabruptly，"Howshallwebegin？"
　　Charmoluehesitatedforamomentwiththeambiguousgrimaceofapoetinsearchofarhyme。
　　"Withtheboot，"hesaidatlast。
　　TheunfortunategirlfeltherselfsoutterlyabandonedbyGodandmen，thatherheadfelluponherbreastlikeaninertthingwhichhasnopowerinitself。
　　Thetormentorandthephysicianapproachedhersimultaneously。
　　Atthesametime，thetwoassistantsbegantofumbleamongtheirhideousarsenal。
　　Attheclankingoftheirfrightfulirons，theunhappychildquiveredlikeadeadfrogwhichisbeinggalvanized。"Oh！"
　　shemurmured，solowthatnooneheardher；"Oh，myPhoebus！"
　　Thenshefellbackoncemoreintoherimmobilityandhermarblesilence。Thisspectaclewouldhaverentanyotherheartthanthoseofherjudges。Onewouldhavepronouncedherapoorsinfulsoul，beingtorturedbySatanbeneaththescarletwicketofhell。Themiserablebodywhichthatfrightfulswarmofsaws，wheels，andrackswereabouttoclaspintheirclutches，thebeingwhowasabouttobemanipulatedbytheharshhandsofexecutionersandpincers，wasthatgentle，white，fragilecreature，apoorgrainofmilletwhichhumanjusticewashandingovertotheterriblemillsoftorturetogrind。Meanwhile，thecalloushandsofPierratTorterue’sassistantshadbaredthatcharmingleg，thattinyfoot，whichhadsooftenamazedthepassers-bywiththeirdelicacyandbeauty，inthesquaresofParis。
　　"’Tisashame！"mutteredthetormentor，glancingatthesegracefulanddelicateforms。
　　Hadthearchdeaconbeenpresent，hecertainlywouldhaverecalledatthatmomenthissymbolofthespiderandthefly。
　　Soontheunfortunategirl，throughamistwhichspreadbeforehereyes，beheldthebootapproach；shesoonbeheldherfootencasedbetweenironplatesdisappearinthefrightfulapparatus。
　　Thenterrorrestoredherstrength。
　　"Takethatoff！"shecriedangrily；anddrawingherselfup，withherhairalldishevelled:"Mercy！"
　　Shedartedfromthebedtoflingherselfatthefeetoftheking’sprocurator，butherlegwasfastintheheavyblockofoakandiron，andshesankdownupontheboot，morecrushedthanabeewithalumpofleadonitswing。
　　AtasignfromCharmolue，shewasreplacedonthebed，andtwocoarsehandsadjustedtoherdelicatewaistthestrapwhichhungfromtheceiling。
　　"Forthelasttime，doyouconfessthefactsinthecase？"
　　demandedCharmolue，withhisimperturbablebenignity。
　　"Iaminnocent。"
　　"Then，mademoiselle，howdoyouexplainthecircumstancelaidtoyourcharge？"
　　"Alas，monseigneur，Idonotknow。"
　　"Soyoudenythem？"
　　"All！"
　　"Proceed，"saidCharmoluetoPierrat。
　　Pierratturnedthehandleofthescrew-jack，thebootwascontracted，andtheunhappygirlutteredoneofthosehorriblecrieswhichhavenoorthographyinanyhumanlanguage。
　　"Stop！"saidCharmoluetoPierrat。"Doyouconfess？"
　　hesaidtothegypsy。
　　"All！"criedthewretchedgirl。"Iconfess！Iconfess！Mercy！"
　　Shehadnotcalculatedherstrengthwhenshefacedthetorture。Poorchild，whoselifeuptothattimehadbeensojoyous，sopleasant，sosweet，thefirstpainhadconqueredher！
　　"Humanityforcesmetotellyou，"remarkedtheking’sprocurator，"thatinconfessing，itisdeaththatyoumustexpect。"
　　"Icertainlyhopeso！"saidshe。Andshefellbackupontheleatherbed，dying，doubledup，allowingherselftohangsuspendedfromthestrapbuckledroundherwaist。
　　"Come，fairone，holdupalittle，"saidMasterPierrat，raisingher。"YouhavetheairofthelamboftheGoldenFleecewhichhangsfromMonsieurdeBourgogne’sneck。"
　　JacquesCharmolueraisedhisvoice，"Clerk，write。YoungBohemianmaid，youconfessyourparticipationinthefeasts，witches’sabbaths，andwitchcraftsofhell，withghosts，hags，andvampires？Answer。"
　　"Yes，"shesaid，solowthatherwordswerelostinherbreathing。
　　"YouconfesstohavingseentheramwhichBeelzebubcausestoappearinthecloudstocalltogetherthewitches’sabbath，andwhichisbeheldbysocerersalone？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"YouconfesstohavingadoredtheheadsofBophomet，thoseabominableidolsoftheTemplars？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Tohavinghadhabitualdealingswiththedevilundertheformofagoatfamiliar，joinedwithyouinthesuit？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Lastly，youavowandconfesstohaving，withtheaidofthedemon，andofthephantomvulgarlyknownasthesurlymonk，onthenightofthetwenty-ninthofMarchlast，murderedandassassinatedacaptainnamedPhoebusdeChateaupers？"
　　Sheraisedherlarge，staringeyestothemagistrate，andreplied，asthoughmechanically，withoutconvulsionoragitation，——
　　"Yes。"
　　Itwasevidentthateverythingwithinherwasbroken。
　　"Write，clerk，"saidCharmolue。And，addressingthetorturers，"Releasetheprisoner，andtakeherbacktothecourt。"
　　Whentheprisonerhadbeen"unbooted，"theprocuratoroftheecclesiasticalcourtexaminedherfoot，whichwasstillswollenwithpain。"Come，"saidhe，"there’snogreatharmdone。Youshriekedingoodseason。Youcouldstilldance，mybeauty！"
　　Thenheturnedtohisacolytesoftheofficiality，——
　　"Beholdjusticeenlightenedatlast！Thisisasolace，gentlemen！Madamoisellewillbearuswitnessthatwehaveactedwithallpossiblegentleness。"
　　CHAPTERIII。
　　ENDOFTHECROWNWHICHWASTURNEDINTOADRYLEAF。
　　Whenshere-enteredtheaudiencehall，paleandlimping，shewasreceivedwithageneralmurmurofpleasure。Onthepartoftheaudiencetherewasthefeelingofimpatiencegratifiedwhichoneexperiencesatthetheatreattheendofthelastentr’acteofthecomedy，whenthecurtainrisesandtheconclusionisabouttobegin。Onthepartofthejudges，itwasthehopeofgettingtheirsupperssooner。
　　Thelittlegoatalsobleatedwithjoy。Hetriedtoruntowardshismistress，buttheyhadtiedhimtothebench。
　　Nightwasfullysetin。Thecandles，whosenumberhadnotbeenincreased，castsolittlelight，thatthewallsofthehallcouldnotbeseen。Theshadowsthereenvelopedallobjectsinasortofmist。Afewapatheticfacesofjudgesalonecouldbedimlydiscerned。Oppositethem，attheextremityofthelonghail，theycouldseeavaguelywhitepointstandingoutagainstthesombrebackground。Thiswastheaccused。
　　Shehaddraggedherselftoherplace。WhenCharmoluehadinstalledhimselfinamagisterialmannerinhisown，heseatedhimself，thenroseandsaid，withoutexhibitingtoomuchself-complacencyathissuccess，——"Theaccusedhasconfessedall。"
　　"Bohemiangirl，"thepresidentcontinued，"haveyouavowedallyourdeedsofmagic，prostitution，andassassinationonPhoebusdeChateaupers。"
　　Herheartcontracted。Shewasheardtosobamidthedarkness。
　　"Anythingyoulike，"sherepliedfeebly，"butkillmequickly！"
　　"Monsieur，procuratorofthekingintheecclesiasticalcourts，"saidthepresident，"thechamberisreadytohearyouinyourcharge。"
　　MasterCharmolueexhibitedanalarmingnotebook，andbegantoread，withmanygesturesandtheexaggeratedaccentuationofthepleader，anorationinLatin，whereinalltheproofsofthesuitwerepiledupinCiceronianperiphrases，flankedwithquotationsfromPlautus，hisfavoritecomicauthor。Weregretthatwearenotabletooffertoourreadersthisremarkablepiece。Theoratorpronounceditwithmarvellousaction。Beforehehadfinishedtheexordium，theperspirationwasstartingfromhisbrow，andhiseyesfromhisbead。
　　Allatonce，inthemiddleofafineperiod，heinterruptedhimself，andhisglance，ordinarilysogentleandevenstupid，becamemenacing。
　　"Gentlemen，"heexclaimedthistimeinFrench，foritwasnotinhiscopybook，"Satanissomixedupinthisaffair，thathereheispresentatourdebates，andmakingsportoftheirmajesty。Behold！"
　　Sosaying，hepointedtothelittlegoat，who，onseeingCharmoluegesticulating，had，inpointoffact，thoughtitappropriatetodothesame，andhadseatedhimselfonhishaunches，reproducingtothebestofhisability，withhisforepawsandhisbeardedheadthepatheticpantomineoftheking’sprocuratorintheecclesiasticalcourt。Thiswas，ifthereaderremembers，oneofhisprettiestaccomplishments。Thisincident，thislastproof，producedagreateffect。Thegoat’shoofsweretied，andtheking’sprocuratorresumedthethreadofhiseloquence。
　　Itwasverylong，buttheperorationwasadmirable。Hereistheconcludingphrase；letthereaderaddthehoarsevoiceandthebreathlessgesturesofMasterCharmolue，"~Ideo，domni，coramstrygademonstrata，criminepatente，intentionecriminisexistente，innorninesanctoeecclesioeNostroe-
　　DominceParisiensisquoeestinsaisinahabendiomnimodamaltametbassamjustitiaminillahacintemerataCivitatisinsula，tenoreproesentiumdeclaremusnosrequirere，primo，aliquamdampecuniariamindemnitatem；secundo，amendationemhonorabilemanteportaliummaximumNostroe-Dominoe，ecclesioecathedralis；
　　tertio，sententianiinvirtutecujusistastyrgacumsuacapella，seuintriviovulgariterdicto~laGrève，~seuininsulaexeunteinfluvioSecanoe，juxtapointamjuardiniregalis，executatoesint~！"*
　　*Thesubstanceofthisexordiumiscontainedinthepresident’ssentence。
　　Heputonhiscapagainandseatedhimself。
　　"Eheu！"sighedthebroken-heartedGringoire，"~bassalatinitas~——bastardlatin！"
　　Anothermaninablackgownroseneartheaccused；hewasherlawyer——Thejudges，whowerefasting，begantogrumble。
　　"Advocate，bebrief，"saidthepresident。
　　"MonsieurthePresident，"repliedtheadvocate，"sincethedefendanthasconfessedthecrime，Ihaveonlyonewordtosaytothesegentlemen。HereisatextfromtheSaliclaw；
　　’Ifawitchhatheatenaman，andifshebeconvictedofit，sheshallpayafineofeightthousanddeniers，whichamounttotwohundredsousofgold。’Mayitpleasethechambertocondemnmyclienttothefine？"
　　"Anabrogatedtext，"saidtheadvocateextraordinaryoftheking。
　　"Nego，Idenyit，"repliedtheadvocate。
　　"Putittothevote！"saidoneofthecouncillors；"thecrimeismanifest，anditislate。"
　　Theyproceededtotakeavotewithoutleavingtheroom。
　　Thejudgessignifiedtheirassentwithoutgivingtheirreasons，theywereinahurry。Theircappedheadswereseenuncoveringoneaftertheother，inthegloom，atthelugubriousquestionaddressedtothembythepresidentinalowvoice。Thepooraccusedhadtheappearanceoflookingatthem，buthertroubledeyenolongersaw。
　　Thentheclerkbegantowrite；thenhehandedalongparch-
　　menttothepresident。
　　Thentheunhappygirlheardthepeoplemoving，thepikesclashing，andafreezingvoicesayingtoher，——"Bohemianwench，onthedaywhenitshallseemgoodtoourlordtheking，atthehourofnoon，youwillbetakeninatumbrel，inyourshift，withbarefeet，andaropeaboutyourneck，beforethegrandportalofNotre-Dame，andyouwilltheremakeanapologywithawaxtorchoftheweightoftwopoundsinyourhand，andthenceyouwillbeconductedtothePlacedeGrève，whereyouwillbehangedandstrangledonthetowngibbet；andlikewiseyourgoat；andyouwillpaytotheofficialthreelionsofgold，inreparationofthecrimesbyyoucommittedandbyyouconfessed，ofsorceryandmagic，debaucheryandmurder，uponthepersonoftheSieurPhoebusdeChateaupers。MayGodhavemercyonyoursoul！"
　　"Oh！’tisadream！"shemurmured；andshefeltroughhandsbearingheraway。
　　CHAPTERIV。
　　~LASCIATEOGNISPERANZA~——LEAVEALLHOPEBEHIND，YEWHOENTERHERE。
　　IntheMiddleAges，whenanedificewascomplete，therewasalmostasmuchofitintheearthasaboveit。Unlessbuiltuponpiles，likeNotre-Dame，apalace，afortress，achurch，hadalwaysadoublebottom。Incathedrals，itwas，insomesort，anothersubterraneancathedral，low，dark，mysterious，blind，andmute，undertheuppernavewhichwasoverflowingwithlightandreverberatingwithorgansandbellsdayandnight。Sometimesitwasasepulchre。Inpalaces，infortresses，itwasaprison，sometimesasepulchrealso，sometimesbothtogether。Thesemightybuildings，whosemodeofformationandvegetationwehaveelsewhereexplained，hadnotsimplyfoundations，but，sotospeak，rootswhichranbranchingthroughthesoilinchambers，galleries，andstaircases，liketheconstructionabove。Thuschurches，palaces，fortresses，hadtheearthhalfwayuptheirbodies。
　　Thecellarsofanedificeformedanotheredifice，intowhichonedescendedinsteadofascending，andwhichextendeditssubterraneangroundsundertheexternalpilesofthemonument，likethoseforestsandmountainswhicharereversedinthemirror-likewatersofalake，beneaththeforestsandmountainsofthebanks。
　　AtthefortressofSaint-Antoine，atthePalaisdeJusticeofParis，attheLouvre，thesesubterraneanedificeswereprisons。
　　Thestoriesoftheseprisons，astheysankintothesoil，grewconstantlynarrowerandmoregloomy。Theyweresomanyzones，wheretheshadesofhorrorweregraduated。Dantecouldneverimagineanythingbetterforhishell。Thesetunnelsofcellsusuallyterminatedinasackofalowestdungeon，withavat-likebottom，whereDanteplacedSatan，wheresocietyplacedthosecondemnedtodeath。Amiserablehumanexistence，onceinterredthere；farewelllight，air，life，~ognisperanza~——everyhope；itonlycameforthtothescaffoldorthestake。Sometimesitrottedthere；humanjusticecalledthis"forgetting。"Betweenmenandhimself，thecondemnedmanfeltapileofstonesandjailersweighingdownuponhishead；andtheentireprison，themassivebastillewasnothingmorethananenormous，complicatedlock，whichbarredhimofffromtherestoftheworld。
　　Itwasinaslopingcavityofthisdescription，inthe~oubliettes~excavatedbySaint-Louis，inthe~inpace~oftheTournelle，thatlaEsmeraldahadbeenplacedonbeingcondemnedtodeath，throughfearofherescape，nodoubt，withthecolossalcourt-houseoverherhead。Poorfly，whocouldnothaveliftedevenoneofitsblocksofstone！
　　Assuredly，Providenceandsocietyhadbeenequallyunjust；
　　suchanexcessofunhappinessandoftorturewasnotnecessarytobreaksofrailacreature。
　　Thereshelay，lostintheshadows，buried，hidden，immured。
　　Anyonewhocouldhavebeheldherinthisstate，afterhavingseenherlaughanddanceinthesun，wouldhaveshuddered。
　　Coldasnight，coldasdeath，notabreathofairinhertresses，notahumansoundinherear，nolongerarayoflightinhereyes；snappedintwain，crushedwithchains，crouchingbesideajugandaloaf，onalittlestraw，inapoolofwater，whichwasformedunderherbythesweatingoftheprisonwalls；
　　withoutmotion，almostwithoutbreath，shehadnolongerthepowertosuffer；Phoebus，thesun，midday，theopenair，thestreetsofParis，thedanceswithapplause，thesweetbabblingsoflovewiththeofficer；thenthepriest，theoldcrone，thepoignard，theblood，thetorture，thegibbet；allthisdid，indeed，passbeforehermind，sometimesasacharmingandgoldenvision，sometimesasahideousnightmare；butitwasnolongeranythingbutavagueandhorriblestruggle，lostinthegloom，ordistantmusicplayedupaboveground，andwhichwasnolongeraudibleatthedepthwheretheunhappygirlhadfallen。
　　Sinceshehadbeenthere，shehadneitherwakednorslept。
　　Inthatmisfortune，inthatcell，shecouldnolongerdistinguishherwakinghoursfromslumber，dreamsfromreality，anymorethandayfromnight。Allthiswasmixed，broken，floating，disseminatedconfusedlyinherthought。Shenolongerfelt，shenolongerknew，shenolongerthought；atthemost，sheonlydreamed。Neverhadalivingcreaturebeenthrustmoredeeplyintonothingness。
　　Thusbenumbed，frozen，petrified，shehadbarelynoticedontwoorthreeoccasions，thesoundofatrapdooropeningsomewhereaboveher，withoutevenpermittingthepassageofalittlelight，andthroughwhichahandhadtossedherabitofblackbread。Nevertheless，thisperiodicalvisitofthejailerwasthesolecommunicationwhichwasleftherwithmankind。
　　Asinglethingstillmechanicallyoccupiedherear；aboveherhead，thedampnesswasfilteringthroughthemouldystonesofthevault，andadropofwaterdroppedfromthematregularintervals。Shelistenedstupidlytothenoisemadebythisdropofwaterasitfellintothepoolbesideher。
　　Thisdropofwaterfallingfromtimetotimeintothatpool，wastheonlymovementwhichstillwentonaroundher，theonlyclockwhichmarkedthetime，theonlynoisewhichreachedherofallthenoisemadeonthesurfaceoftheearth。
　　Totellthewhole，however，shealsofelt，fromtimetotime，inthatcesspoolofmireanddarkness，somethingcoldpassingoverherfootorherarm，andsheshuddered。
　　Howlonghadshebeenthere？Shedidnotknow。Shehadarecollectionofasentenceofdeathpronouncedsomewhere，againstsomeone，thenofhavingbeenherselfcarriedaway，andofwakingupindarknessandsilence，chilledtotheheart。Shehaddraggedherselfalongonherhands。
　　Thenironringsthatcutherankles，andchainshadrattled。
　　Shehadrecognizedthefactthatallaroundherwaswall，thatbelowhertherewasapavementcoveredwithmoistureandatrussofstraw；butneitherlampnorair-hole。Thenshehadseatedherselfonthatstrawand，sometimes，forthesakeofchangingherattitude，onthelaststonestepinherdungeon。
　　Forawhileshehadtriedtocounttheblackminutesmeasuredoffforherbythedropofwater；butthatmelancholylaborofanailingbrainhadbrokenoffofitselfinherhead，andhadleftherinstupor。
　　Atlength，oneday，oronenight，formidnightandmiddaywereofthesamecolorinthatsepulchre，sheheardaboveheraloudernoisethanwasusuallymadebytheturnkeywhenhebroughtherbreadandjugofwater。Sheraisedherhead，andbeheldarayofreddishlightpassingthroughthecrevicesinthesortoftrapdoorcontrivedintheroofofthe~inpace~。
　　Atthesametime，theheavylockcreaked，thetrapgratedonitsrustyhinges，turned，andshebeheldalantern，ahand，andthelowerportionsofthebodiesoftwomen，thedoorbeingtoolowtoadmitofherseeingtheirheads。Thelightpainedhersoacutelythatsheshuthereyes。
　　Whensheopenedthemagainthedoorwasclosed，thelanternwasdepositedononeofthestepsofthestaircase；amanalonestoodbeforeher。Amonk’sblackcloakfelltohisfeet，acowlofthesamecolorconcealedhisface。Nothingwasvisibleofhisperson，neitherfacenorhands。Itwasalong，blackshroudstandingerect，andbeneathwhichsomethingcouldbefeltmoving。Shegazedfixedlyforseveralminutesatthissortofspectre。Butneitherhenorshespoke。Onewouldhavepronouncedthemtwostatuesconfrontingeachother。Twothingsonlyseemedaliveinthatcavern；thewickofthelantern，whichsputteredonaccountofthedampnessoftheatmosphere，andthedropofwaterfromtheroof，whichcutthisirregularsputteringwithitsmonotonoussplash，andmadethelightofthelanternquiverinconcentricwavesontheoilywaterofthepool。
　　Atlasttheprisonerbrokethesilence。
　　"Whoareyou？"
　　"Apriest。"
　　Thewords，theaccent，thesoundofhisvoicemadehertremble。
　　Thepriestcontinued，inahollowvoice，——
　　"Areyouprepared？"
　　"Forwhat？"
　　"Todie。"
　　"Oh！"saidshe，"willitbesoon？"
　　"To-morrow。"
　　Herhead，whichhadbeenraisedwithjoy，fellbackuponherbreast。
　　"’Tisveryfarawayyet！"shemurmured；"whycouldtheynothavedoneitto-day？"
　　"Thenyouareveryunhappy？"askedthepriest，afterasilence。
　　"Iamverycold，"shereplied。
　　Shetookherfeetinherhands，agesturehabitualwithunhappywretcheswhoarecold，aswehavealreadyseeninthecaseoftherecluseoftheTour-Roland，andherteethchattered。
　　Thepriestappearedtocasthiseyesaroundthedungeonfrombeneathhiscowl。
　　"Withoutlight！withoutfire！inthewater！itishorrible！"
　　"Yes，"shereplied，withthebewilderedairwhichunhappinesshadgivenher。"Thedaybelongstoeveryone，whydotheygivemeonlynight？"
　　"Doyouknow，"resumedthepriest，afterafreshsilence，"whyyouarehere？"
　　"IthoughtIknewonce，"shesaid，passingherthinfingersoverhereyelids，asthoughtoaidhermemory，"butIknownolonger。"
　　Allatonceshebegantoweeplikeachild。
　　"Ishouldliketogetawayfromhere，sir。Iamcold，Iamafraid，andtherearecreatureswhichcrawlovermybody。"
　　"Well，followme。"
　　Sosaying，thepriesttookherarm。Theunhappygirlwasfrozentoherverysoul。Yetthathandproducedanimpressionofcolduponher。
　　"Oh！"shemurmured，"’tistheicyhandofdeath。Whoareyou？"
　　Thepriestthrewbackhiscowl；shelooked。Itwasthesinistervisagewhichhadsolongpursuedher；thatdemon’sheadwhichhadappearedatlaFalourdel’s，abovetheheadofheradoredPhoebus；thateyewhichshelasthadseenglitteringbesideadagger。
　　Thisapparition，alwayssofatalforher，andwhichhadthusdrivenheronfrommisfortunetomisfortune，eventotorture，rousedherfromherstupor。Itseemedtoherthatthesortofveilwhichhadlainthickuponhermemorywasrentaway。
　　Allthedetailsofhermelancholyadventure，fromthenocturnalsceneatlaFalourdel’stohercondemnationtotheTournelle，recurredtohermemory，nolongervagueandconfusedasheretofore，butdistinct，harsh，clear，palpitating，terrible。
　　Thesesouvenirs，halfeffacedandalmostobliteratedbyexcessofsuffering，wererevivedbythesombrefigurewhichstoodbeforeher，astheapproachoffirecausesletterstraceduponwhitepaperwithinvisibleink，tostartoutperfectlyfresh。Itseemedtoherthatallthewoundsofherheartopenedandbledsimultaneously。
　　"Hah！"shecried，withherhandsonhereyes，andaconvulsivetrembling，"’tisthepriest！"
　　Thenshedroppedherarmsindiscouragement，andremainedseated，withloweredhead，eyesfixedontheground，muteandstilltrembling。
　　Thepriestgazedatherwiththeeyeofahawkwhichhaslongbeensoaringinacirclefromtheheightsofheavenoverapoorlarkcoweringinthewheat，andhaslongbeensilentlycontractingtheformidablecirclesofhisflight，andhassuddenlyswoopeddownuponhispreylikeaflashoflightning，andholdsitpantinginhistalons。
　　Shebegantomurmurinalowvoice，——
　　"Finish！finish！thelastblow！"andshedrewherheaddowninterrorbetweenhershoulders，likethelambawaitingtheblowofthebutcher’saxe。
　　"SoIinspireyouwithhorror？"hesaidatlength。
　　Shemadenoreply。
　　"DoIinspireyouwithhorror？"herepeated。
　　Herlipscontracted，asthoughwithasmile。
　　"Yes，"saidshe，"theheadsmanscoffsatthecondemned。
　　Herehehasbeenpursuingme，threateningme，terrifyingmeformonths！Haditnotbeenforhim，myGod，howhappyitshouldhavebeen！Itwashewhocastmeintothisabyss！
　　Ohheavens！itwashewhokilledhim！myPhoebus！"
　　Here，burstingintosobs，andraisinghereyestothepriest，——
　　"Oh！wretch，whoareyou？WhathaveIdonetoyou？
　　Doyouthen，hatemeso？Alas！whathaveyouagainstme？"
　　"Ilovethee！"criedthepriest。
　　Hertearssuddenlyceased，shegazedathimwiththelookofanidiot。Hehadfallenonhiskneesandwasdevouringherwitheyesofflame。
　　"Dostthouunderstand？Ilovethee！"hecriedagain。
　　"Whatlove！"saidtheunhappygirlwithashudder。
　　Heresumed，——
　　"Theloveofadamnedsoul。"
　　Bothremainedsilentforseveralminutes，crushedbeneaththeweightoftheiremotions；hemaddened，shestupefied。
　　"Listen，"saidthepriestatlast，andasingularcalmhadcomeoverhim；"youshallknowallIamabouttotellyouthatwhichIhavehithertohardlydaredtosaytomyself，whenfurtivelyinterrogatingmyconscienceatthosedeephoursofthenightwhenitissodarkthatitseemsasthoughGodnolongersawus。Listen。BeforeIknewyou，younggirl，Iwashappy。"
　　"SowasI！"shesighedfeebly。
　　"Donotinterruptme。Yes，Iwashappy，atleastIbelievedmyselftobeso。Iwaspure，mysoulwasfilledwithlimpidlight。Noheadwasraisedmoreproudlyandmoreradiantlythanmine。Priestsconsultedmeonchastity；doctors，ondoctrines。Yes，sciencewasallinalltome；itwasasistertome，andasistersufficed。Notbutthatwithageotherideascametome。Morethanoncemyfleshhadbeenmovedasawoman’sformpassedby。Thatforceofsexandbloodwhich，inthemadnessofyouth，IhadimaginedthatI
　　hadstifledforeverhad，morethanonce，convulsivelyraisedthechainofironvowswhichbindme，amiserablewretch，tothecoldstonesofthealtar。Butfasting，prayer，study，themortificationsofthecloister，renderedmysoulmistressofmybodyoncemore，andthenIavoidedwomen。Moreover，I
　　hadbuttoopenabook，andalltheimpuremistsofmybrainvanishedbeforethesplendorsofscience。Inafewmoments，Ifeltthegrossthingsofearthfleefaraway，andIfoundmyselfoncemorecalm，quieted，andserene，inthepresenceofthetranquilradianceofeternaltruth。Aslongasthedemonsenttoattackmeonlyvagueshadowsofwomenwhopassedoccasionallybeforemyeyesinchurch，inthestreets，inthefields，andwhohardlyrecurredtomydreams，Ieasilyvanquishedhim。Alas！ifthevictoryhasnotremainedwithme，itisthefaultofGod，whohasnotcreatedmanandthedemonofequalforce。Listen。Oneday——
　　Herethepriestpaused，andtheprisonerheardsighsofanguishbreakfromhisbreastwithasoundofthedeathrattle。