Thoughhehadbegunlifeasacook，fewcouldbemorearrogantthanVarennesonoccasion；buthepossessedthevaluableknackofknowingwithwhomhecouldpresume，andneverattemptedtoimposeonme。Apologisingwiththeeasygraceofamanwhohadriseninlifebypleasing，hesatwithmeawhile，recallingolddaysandfeats，andthenleft，givingmetounderstandthatImightdependonhimtodisabusetheKing'smind。
　　Asafact，Henryvisitedmethateveningwithoutraisingthesubject；norhadIanyreasontocomplainofhisgenerosity，albeithetookcaretoexactfromtheSuperintendentoftheFinancesmorethanhegavehisservant，andforonegifttoPetergottwoPaulssatisfied。Toobtainthemoneyheneededinthemostcommodiousmanner，Ispentthegreaterpartoftwodaysinaccounts，andhadnotyetsettledthewarrantstomyliking，whenLaTrapecominginwithcandlesonthesecondeveningdisturbedmysecretaries。Themenyawneddiscreetly；andreflectingthatwehadhadalongdayIdismissedthem，andstayedmyselfonlyforthepurposeofsecuringoneortwopapersofaprivatenature。ThenIbadeLaTrapelightmetomycloset。
　　Instead，hestoodandcravedleavetospeaktome。"Aboutwhat，sirrah？"Isaid。
　　"Ihavereceivedanoffer，yourexcellency，"heansweredwithacraftylook。
　　"What！Toleavemyservice？"Iexclaimed，insurprise。
　　"No，yourexcellency，"heanswered。"Todoaserviceforanother——M。Pimentel。ThePortuguesegentlemanstoppedmeinthestreetto-day，andofferedmefiftycrowns。"
　　"Todowhat？"Iasked。
　　"TotellhimwheretheyoungladywithMadamelies；andlendhimthekeyofthegardengateto-night。"
　　Istaredatthefellow。"TheyoungladywithMadame？"Isaid。
　　HereturnedmylookwithastupiditywhichIknewwasassumed。
　　"Yes，yourexcellency。Theyoungladywhocamethismorning，"hesaid。
　　ThenIknewthatIhadbeenbetrayed，andhadgivenmyenemiessuchahandleastheywouldnotbeslowtoseize；andIstoodinthemiddleoftheroomintheutmostgriefandconsternation。Atlast，"Stayhere，"Isaidtotheman，assoonasIcouldspeak。
　　"nonotmovefromthespotwhereyoustanduntilIcomeback！"
　　ItwasmyalmostinvariablecustomtobeannouncedwhenIvisitedmywife'scloset；butIhadnomindnowforsuchformalities，andswiftlypassingtwoorthreescaredservantsonthestairs，I
　　madestraightforherroom，tappedandentered。Abruptasweremymovements，however，someonehadcontrivedtowarnher；forthoughtwoofherwomensatworkingonstoolsnearher，Iheardahastyfootflying，andcaughtthelastflutterofaskirtasitdisappearedthroughaseconddoor。Mywiferosefromherseat，andlookedatmeguiltily。
　　"Madame，"Isaid，"sendthesewomenaway。Now，"Icontinuedwhentheyhadgone，"whowasthatwithyou？"Shelookedawaydumbly。
　　"Youdowellnottotrytodeceiveme，Madame，"Icontinuedseverely。"ItwasMademoiselleD'Oyley。"
　　Shemuttered，notdaringtomeetmyeye，thatitwas。
　　"WhohasabsentedherselffromtheQueen'sservice，"Iansweredbitterly，"andchosentohideherselfhereofallplaces！
　　Madame，"Icontinued，withaseveritywhichthesenseofmyfalsepositionamplyjustified，"areyouawarethatyouhavemademedishonourmyself？Thatyouhavemademelie；notonce，butthreetimes？Thatyouhavemademedeceivemymaster？"
　　Shecriedoutatthat，beingfrightened，that"shehadmeantnoharm；thatthegirlcomingtoheringreatgriefandtrouble——"
　　"BecausetheQueenhadscoldedherforbreakingachinajar！"I
　　said，contemptuously。
　　"No，Monsieur；hertroublewasofquiteanotherkind，"mywifeansweredwithmorespiritthanIhadexpected。
　　"Pshaw！"Iexclaimed。
　　"Itisplainthatyoudonotyetunderstandthecase，"Madamepersisted，facingmewithtremblinghardihood。"MademoiselleD'OyleyhasbeenpersecutedforsometimebythesuitofamanforwhomIknowyou，Monsieur，havenorespect:amanwhomnoFrenchwomanoffamilyshouldbeforcedtomarry。"
　　"Whoisit？"Isaidcurtly。
　　"M。Pimentel。"
　　"Ah！AndtheQueen？"
　　"Hasmadehissuitherown。DoubtlessherMajesty，"MadamedeSullycontinuedwithgrimness，"whoplayswithhimsomuch，isunderobligationstohim，andhasherreasons。TheKing，too，isonhisside，sothatMademoiselle——"
　　"Whohasanotherlover，Isuppose？"Isaidharshly。
　　Mywifelookedatmeintrepidation。"Itmaybeso，Monsieur，"
　　shesaidhesitating"Itisso，Madame；andyouknowit，"Iansweredinthesametone。
　　"M。Vallonistheman。"
　　"Oh！"sheexclaimedwithagestureofalarm。"Youknow！"
　　"Iknow，Madame，"Ireplied，withvigour，"thattopleasethislove-sickgirlyouhaveplacedmeinapositionoftheutmostdifficulty；thatyouhavejeopardisedtheconfidencewhichmymaster，whomIhaveneverwillinglydeceived，placesinme；andthatoutofallthisIseeonlyonewayofescape，andthatisbyafullandfrankconfession，whichyoumustmaketotheQueen。"
　　"Oh，Monsieur，"shesaidfaintly。
　　"Thegirl，ofcourse，mustbeimmediatelygivenup。"
　　Mywifebegantosobatthat，aswomenwill；butIhadtookeenasenseofthedifficultiesintowhichshehadplungedmebyherdeceit，topityherovermuch。And，doubtless，IshouldhavecontinuedintheresolutionIhadformed，andwhichappearedtoholdouttheonlyhopeofavoidingthemaliceofthoseenemieswhomeverymaninpowerpossesses——andnonecanaffordtodespise——ifLaTrape'swords，whenhebetrayedthesecrettome，hadnotrecurredtomymindandsuggestedotherreflections。
　　Doubtless，Mademoisellehadbeenwatchedintomyhouse，andmyill-wisherswouldtaketheearliestopportunityofbringingtheliehometome。Mywife'sconfession，undersuchcircumstances，wouldhavebutasimpleair，andbelievedbysomewouldberidiculedbymore。Itmight，andprobablywould，savemycreditwiththeKing；butitwouldnotexaltmeinothers'eyes，orincreasemyreputationasamanager。Iftherewereanyotherway——andsoreflecting，IthoughtofLaTrapeandhisstory。
　　StillIwashalfwaytothedoorwhenIpaused，andturned。Mywifewasstillweeping。"Itisnogoodcryingoverspilledmilk，Madame，"Isaidseverely。"Ifthegirlwerenotafool，shewouldhavegonetotheUrsulines。Theabbesshasastiffneck，andisasbigasimpletontobootasyouare。Itisonlyastep，too，fromheretotheUrsulines，ifshehadhadthesensetogoon。"
　　Mywifeliftedherhead，andlookedatmeeagerly；butIavoidedhergazeandwentoutwithoutmore，anddownstairstomystudy，whereIfoundLaTrapeawaitingme。"GotoMadamelaDuchesse，"
　　Isaidtohim。"Whenyouhavedonewhatsheneeds，cometomeinmycloset。"
　　Heobeyed，andafteranintervalofabouthalfanhour，duringwhichIhadtimetomaturemyplan，presentedhimselfagainbeforeme。"Pimentelhadanotionthattheyoungladywasherethen？"Isaidcarelessly。
　　"Yes，yourexcellency。"
　　"Someofhispeoplefanciedthattheysawherenter，perhaps？"
　　"Yes，yourexcellency。"
　　"Theyweremistaken，ofcourse？"
　　"Ofcourse，"heanswered，dutifully。
　　"Orshemayhavecometothedoorandgoneagain？"Isuggested。
　　"Possibly，yourexcellency。"
　　"Goneonwithoutbeingseen，Imean？"
　　"IfshewentinthedirectionoftheRueSt。Marcel，"heansweredstolidly，"shewouldnotbeseen。"
　　TheconventoftheUrsulinesisintheRueSt。Marcel。Iknew，therefore，thatMadamehadhadthesensetoactonmyhint；andafterreflectingamomentIcontinued，"SoPimentelwishedtoknowwhereshewaslodged？"
　　"That，andtohavethekey，yourexcellency。"
　　"To-night？"
　　"Yes，yourexcellency。"
　　"Well，youareatlibertytoaccepttheoffer，"Iansweredcarelessly。"Itwillnotclashwithmyservice。"Andthen，ashestoodstaringinastonishment，strivingtoreadtheriddle，I
　　continued，"Bytheway，aretheroomsinthelittleGardenPavilionaired？Theymaybeneedednextweek；seethatoneofthewomensleepsthereto-night；awomanyoucandependon。"
　　"Ah，Monsieur！"
　　Hesaidnomore，butIsawthatheunderstood；andbiddinghimbecarefulinfollowingmyinstructions，Idismissedhim。ThelineIhaddeterminedtotakewasattendedbymanyuncertainties，however；andmorethanonceIrepentedthatIhadnotfollowedmyfirst；instinct，andavowedthetruth。Ahundredthingsmightfallouttofrustratemyschemeandplacemeinafalseposition；
　　fromwhich——sincetheconfidenceofhissovereignisthebreathofaminister，andaseasilydestroyedasawoman'sreputation——
　　Imightfinditimpossibletoextricatemyselfwithcredit。
　　Islept，therefore，butillthatnight；andinconjuncturesapparentlymoreserioushavefeltlesstrepidation。Butexperiencehaslongagotaughtmethattrifles，notgreatevents，unseatthestatesman，andthatofallintriguesthosewhichrevolveroundawomanarethemostdangerous。Iroseearly，therefore，andrepairedtoCourtbeforemyusualhour，itbeingtheessenceofmyplantoattack，insteadofwaitingtobeattacked。DoubtlessmyearlyappearancewastakentocorroboratetherumourthatIhadmadeafalsestep，andwasindifficulties；
　　forscarcelyhadIcrossedthethresholdoftheante-chamberbeforetheattitudeofthecourtierscaughtmyattention。Somewhotwenty-fourhoursearlierwouldhavebeenonlytoogladtomeetmyeyeandobtainawordofrecognition，appearedtobeabsorbedinconversation。Others，lesstransparentorbetterinclinedtome，greetedmewithunnaturaleffusion。Onewhoboreagrudgeagainstme，buthadneverbeforedaredtodomorethangrin，nowscowledopenly；whileasecond，perhapsthemostfoolishofall，cametomewithadvice，drewmewithinsistencyintoanichenearthedoor，andadjuredmetobecautious。
　　"Youaretoobold，"hesaid；"andthatwayyourenemiesfindtheiropening。DonotgototheKingnow。Heisincensedagainstyou。Butweallknowthathelovesyou；wait，therefore，myfriend，untilhehashadhisday'shunting——heisjustnowbootinghimselfandseehimwhenhehasriddenoffhisannoyance。"
　　"Andwhenmyfriends，mydearMarquis，havehadtimetopoisonhismindagainstme？No，no，"Ianswered，wonderingmuchwhetherhewereassimpleashelooked。
　　"ButtheQueeniswithhimnow，"hepersisted，seizingthelappelofmycoattostayme，"andshewillbesuretoputinawordagainstyou。"
　　"Therefore，"Ianswereddrily，"IhadbetterseehisMajestybeforetheonewordbecomestwo。"
　　"Bepersuaded，"heentreatedme。"Seehimnow，andnothingbutillwillcomeofit。"
　　"Nothingbutillforsome，"Iretorted，lookingsokeenlyathimthathisvisagefell。Andwiththatheletmego，andwithasmileIpassedthroughthedoor。Therumourhadnotyetgainedsuchsubstancethatthecrowdhadlostallrespectforme；itrolledback，andIpassedthroughittowardstheendofthechamber，wheretheKingwasstoopingtodrawononeofhisboots。
　　TheQueenstoodnotfarfromhim，gazingintothefirewithanairofill-temperwhichthecircle，seriousandsilent，seemedtoreflect，IlookedeverywhereforthePortuguese，buthewasnottobeseen。
　　ForamomenttheKingaffectedtobeunawareofmypresence，andeventurnedhisshouldertome；butIobservedthathereddened，andfidgetednervouslywiththebootwhichhewasdrawingon。
　　Nothingdaunted，therefore，Iwaiteduntilheperforcediscoveredme，andwasobligedtogreetme。"Youareearlythismorning，"
　　hesaid，atlast，withagrudgingair。
　　"Forthebestofreasons，sire，"Iansweredhardily。"Iamillplacedathome，andcometoyouforjustice。"
　　"Whatisit？"hesaidchurlishlyandunwillingly。
　　Iwasabouttoanswer，whentheQueeninterposedwithasneer。
　　"IthinkthatIcantellyou，sire，"shesaid。"M。deSullyisoldenoughtoknowtheadage，'Bitebeforeyouarebitten。'"
　　"Madame，"Isaid，respectfullybutwithfirmness。"Iknowthisonly，thatmyhousewaslastnightthesceneofagrossoutrage；
　　andbyallIcanlearnitwasperpetratedbyonewhoisunderyourMajesty'sprotection。"
　　"Hisname？"shesaid，withahaughtygesture。
　　"M。Pimentel。"
　　TheQueenbegantosmile。"Whatwasthisgrossoutrage？"sheaskeddrily。
　　"Inthecourseoflastnighthebrokeintomyhousewithagangofwretches，andboreoffoneoftheinmates。"
　　TheQueen'ssmilegrewbroader；theKingbegantogrin。Someofthecircle，watchingthemclosely，venturedtosmilealso。
　　"Come，myfriend，"Henrysaid，almostwithgoodhumour，"thisisallverywell。Butthisinmateofyours——wasaveryrecentone。"
　　"Was，infact，Isuppose，therebelliouslittlewenchofwhomyouknewnothingyesterday！"theQueencriedharshly，andwithanairofopentriumph。"Therecanbenostealingofstolengoods，sir；andifM。Pimentel，whohadatleastasmuchrightasyoutothegirl——andmore，forIamherguardian——hascarriedheroff，youhavesmallgroundtocomplain，"
　　"But，Madame，"Isaid，withanairofbewilderment，"Ireallydonot——itmustbemyfault，butIdonotunderstand。"
　　Twoorthreesniggered，seeingmeapparentlycheckmatedandattheendofmyresources。AndtheKinglaughedoutwithkindlymalice。"Come，GrandMaster，"hesaid，"Ithinkthatyoudo。
　　However，ifPimentelhascarriedoffthedamsel，there，itseemstome，isanendofthematter。"
　　"But，sire，"Ianswered，lookingsternlyroundthegrinningcircle，"amImad，oristheresomemysteryhere？IassuredyourMajestyyesterdaythatMademoiselleD'Oyleywasnotinmyhouse。
　　Isaythesameto-day。Sheisnot；yourofficersmaysearcheveryroomandcloset。AndforthewomanwhomM。Pimentelhascarriedoff，sheisnomoreMademoiselleD'OyleythanIam；sheisoneofmywife'swaiting-maids。Ifyoudoubtme，"I
　　continued，"youhaveonlytosendandask。AskthePortuguesehimself。"
　　TheKingstaredatme。"Nonsense！"hesaid，sharply。"IfPimentelhascarriedoffanyone，itmustbeMademoiselleD'Oyley。"
　　"Butitisnot，sire，"Iansweredwithpersistence。"Hehasbrokenintomyhouse，andabductedmyservant。ForMademoiselle，sheisnottheretobestolen。"
　　"LetsomeonegoforPimentel，"theKingsaidcurtly。
　　ButthePortuguese，asithappened，wasatthedooreventhen，andbeingcalled，hadnoalternativebuttocomeforward。Hisfaceandmienasheenteredandreluctantlyshowedhimselfweremorethanenoughtodissipateanydoubtswhichthecourtiershadhithertoentertained；theformerbeingasgloomyanddowncastasthelatterwastimidandcringing。Itistruehemadesomeattemptatfirst，andforatime，tofacethematterout；
　　stammeringandstuttering，andlookingpiteouslytotheQueenforhelp。Buthecouldnotlongdelaythecrisis，nordenythatthepersonhehadsocunninglyabductedwasoneofmywaiting-women；
　　andthemomentthatthisconfessionwasmadehiscasewasatanend，thestatementbeingreceivedwithsouniversalapealoflaughter，theKingleading，asatoneandthesametimediscomfitedhim，andmusthavepersuadedanyindifferentlistenerthatall，fromthefirst，hadbeeninthesecret。
　　Afterthathewouldhavespenthimselfinvain，hadhecontendedthatMademoiselleD'Oyleywasatmyhouse；andsoclearwasthisthathemadenosecondattempttodoso，butatonceadmittingthathispeoplehadmadeamistake，heprofferedmeahandsomeapology，anddesiredtheKingtospeaktomeinhisbehalf。
　　ThisI，onmyside，waspleasedtotakeingoodpart；andhavinglethimoffeasilywithamildrebuke，turnedfromhimtotheQueen，andinformedherwithmuchrespectthatIhadlearnedatlengthwhereMademoiselleD'Oyleyhadtakenrefuge。
　　"Where，sir？"sheasked，eyeingmesuspiciouslyandwithnolittledisfavour。
　　"AttheUrsulines，Madame，"Ianswered，Shewinced，forshehadalreadyquarrelledwiththeabbesswithoutadvantage。Andthereforthemomentthematterended。
　　AtalaterperiodItookcaretoconfessalltotheKing，andhedidnotfailtolaughheartilyattheclevermannerinwhichI
　　hadoutwittedPimentel。ButthiswasnotuntilthePortuguesehadleftthecountryandgonetoItaly，theaffairbetweenhimandMademoiselleD'OyleywhichresolveditselfintoacontestbetweentheQueenandtheUrsulineshavingcometoacloseundercircumstanceswhichitmaybemydutytorelateinanotherplace。
　　X。FARMINGTHETAXES。
　　Inthesummeroftheyear1608，determiningtotakeupmyabode，whennotinParis，atVillebon，whereIhadlatelyenlargedmyproperty，IwentthitherfromRouenwithmywife，tosuperintendthebuildingandmarkoutcertainplantationswhichIprojected。
　　Astheheatthatmonthwasgreat，andthedustofthetrainannoying，Imadeeachstageintheeveningandonhorseback，leavingmywifetoproceedatherleisure。InthiswayIwasable，bytakingroughpaths，todointwoorthreehoursadistancewhichhercoacheshadscarcelycoveredintheday；butonthethirdevening，intendingtomakeashortcutbyafordontheVaucouleurs，Ifound，tomychagrin，theadvantageontheotherside，theford，whenIreacheditatsunset，provingimpracticable。Astherewaseveryprospect，however，thatthewaterwouldfallwithinafewhours，Ideterminednottoretracemysteps；buttowaitwhereIwasuntilmorning，andcompletemyjourneytoHoudanintheearlyhours。
　　Therewasapoorinnneartheford，amerehovelofwoodonabrickfoundation，yetwithtwostoreys。ImademywaytothiswithMaignanandLaTrape，whoformed，withtwogrooms，myonlyattendance；butoncomingnearthehouse，andlookingaboutwithacuriouseye，Iremarkedsomethingwhichfixedmyattention，and，forthemoment，broughtmetoahalt。Thiswasthespectacleofthreehorses，offairquality，feedinginafieldofgrowingcorn，whichwastheonlyenclosureneartheinn。Theyweretramplingandspoilingmorethantheyate；and，supposingthattheyhadstrayedintotheplace，andthehouseshowingnosignsoflife，Ibademygroomsfetchthemout。Thesunwasaboutsetting，andIstoodamomentwatchingthelongshadowsofthemenastheyploddedthroughthecorn，andtheattitudesofthehorsesas，withheadsraised，theylookeddoubtfullyatthenewcomers。
　　Suddenlyamancameroundthecornerofthehouse，andseeingus，andwhatmymenweredoing，begantogesticulateviolently，butwithoutsound。Thegroomssawhimtoo，andstood；andheranuptomystirrup，hisfaceflushedandsullen。
　　"Doyouwanttoseeusallruined？"hemuttered。Andhebeggedmetocallmymenoutofthecorn。
　　"Youaremorelikelytoberuinedthatway，"Ianswered，lookingdownathim。"Why，man，isitthecustominyourcountrytoturnhorsesintothehalf-ripecorn？"
　　Heshookhisfiststealthily。"Godforbid！"hesaid。"Butthedeviliswithindoors，andwemustdohisbidding。"
　　"Ah！"Ireplied，mycuriosityaroused"Ishouldliketoseehim。"
　　Theboorshadedhiseyes，andlookedatmesulkilyfromunderhismattedandtangledhair。"Youarenotofhiscompany？"hesaidwithsuspicion。
　　"Ihopenot，"Ianswered，smilingathissimplicity。"Butyourcornisyourown。Iwillcallthemenout。"OnwhichImadeasigntothemtoreturn。"Now，"Isaid，asIwalkedmyhorseslowlytowardsthehouse，whilehetrampedalongbesideme，"whoiswithin？"
　　"M。Gringuet，"hesaid，withanotherstealthygesture。
　　"Ah！"Isaid，"IamafraidthatIamnowiser。"
　　"Thetax-gatherer。"
　　"Oh！Andthosearehishorses？"Henodded。
　　"Still，Idonotseewhytheyareinthecorn？"
　　"Ihavenohay。"
　　"Butthereisgrass。"
　　"Ay，"theinn-keeperansweredbitterly。
　　"AndhesaidthatImighteatit。Itwasnotgoodenoughforhishorses。Theymusthavehayorcorn；andifIhadnone，somuchtheworseforme。"
　　Fullofindignation，ImadeinmymindanoteofM。Gringuet'sname；butatthemomentIsaidnomore，andweproceededtothehouse，theexteriorofwhich，thoughmeagre，andevenmiserable，gavemeanimpressionofneatness。Fromtheinside，however，ahoarse，continuousnoisewasissuing，whichresolveditselfaswecrossedthethresholdintoaman'svoice。Thespeakerwasoutofsight，inanupperroomtowhichaladdergaveaccess，buthisoaths，complaints，andimprecationsalmostshookthehouse。A
　　middle-agedwoman，scantilydressed，wasbusyonthehearth；butperhapsthatwhich，nexttotheperpetualscoldingthatwasgoingonabove，mosttookmyattentionwasagreatlumpofsaltthatstoodonthetableatthewoman'selbow，andseemedtobeevidenceofgreaterluxury——fortheGABELLEhadnotatthattimebeenreduced——thanIcouldeasilyassociatewiththeplace。
　　Theroaringandblusteringcontinuingupstairs，Istoodamomentinsheerastonishment。"IsthatM。Gringuet？"Isaidatlast。
　　Theinn-keepernoddedsullenly，whilehiswifestaredatme。
　　"Butwhat；isthematterwithhim？"Isaid。
　　"Thegout。ButforthathewouldhavebeengonethesetwodaystocollectatLeMesnil。"
　　"Ah！"Ianswered，beginningtounderstand。"Andthesaltisforabathforhisfeet，isit？"
　　Thewomannodded。
　　"Well，"Isaid，asMaignancameinwithmysaddlebagsandlaidthemonthefloor，"hewillswearstilllouderwhenhegetsthebill，Ishouldthink。"
　　"Bill？"thehousewifeansweredbitterly，lookingupagainfromherpots。"Atax-gatherer'sbill？Gotothedeadmanandaskforthepriceofhiscoffin；ortothebabeforanurse-fee！Youwillgetpaidassoon。Atax-gatherer'sbill？Bethankfulifhedoesnottakethedishwiththesop！"
　　Shespokeplainly；yetIfoundaclearerproofoftheslaveryinwhichthemanheldthemintheperfectindifferencewithwhichtheyregardedmyarrival——thoughaguestwithtwoservantsmusthavebeenararityinsuchaplace——andthelistlesswayinwhichtheysetaboutattendingtomywants。KeenlyrememberingthatnotlongbeforethismyenemieshadstriventoprejudicemeintheKing'seyesbyallegingthat，thoughIfilledhiscoffers，I
　　wasgrindingthepoorintothedust——andeven，bymyexactions，provokingarebellionIwasinnomoodtolookwithanindulgenteyeonthosewhofurnishedsuchcalumnieswithashowofreason。
　　Butithasneverbeenmywonttoacthastily；andwhileIstoodinthemiddleofthekitchen，debatingwhetherIshouldordertheservantstoflingthefellowout，andbidhimappearbeforemeatVillebon，orshouldinsteadhavehimbroughtupthereandthen，theman'scoarsevoice，whichhadneverceasedtogrowlandsnarlaboveus，roseonasuddenstilllouder。Somethingfellontheflooroverourheadsandrolledacrossit；andimmediatelyayounggirl，barefootandshort-skirted，scrambledhurriedlyandblindlydowntheladderandlandedamongus。
　　Shewassobbing，andalittlebloodwasflowingfromacutinherlip；andshetrembledallover。Atsightofthebloodandhertearsthewomanseemedtobetransported。Snatchingupasaucepan，shesprangtowardstheladderwithagestureofrage，andinamomentwouldhaveascendedifherhusbandhadnotfollowedanddraggedherback。Thegirlalso，assoonasshecouldspeak，addedherentreatiestohis，whileMaignanandLaTrapelookedsharplyatme，asiftheyexpectedasignal。
　　Allthiswhile，thebullyabovecontinuedhismaledictions。
　　"Sendthatslutbacktome！"heroared。"DoyouthinkthatIamgoingtobeleftaloneinthishole？Sendherback，or——"andheaddedhalf-a-dozenoathsofakindtomakeanhonestman'sbloodboil。Inthemidstofthis，however，andwhilethewomanwasstillcontendingwithherhusband，hesuddenlystoppedandshriekedinanguish，cryingoutforthesalt-bath。
　　Butthewoman，whomherhusbandhadonlyhalf-pacified，shookherfistattheceilingwithalaughofdefiance。"Shriek；ay，youmayshriek，youwretch！"shecried。"Youmustbewaitedonbymygirl，mustyou——noolderfacewilldoforyou——andyoubeather？Yourhorsesmusteatcorn，mustthey，whileweeatgrass？
　　Andwebuysaltforyou，andwheatenbreadforyou，andarebeggarsforyou！Foryou，youthievingwretch，whotaxthepoorandlettherichgofree；who——"
　　"Silence，woman！"herhusbandcried，cuttinghershort，withapaleface。"Hush，hush；hewillhearyou！"
　　Butthewomanwastoofargoneinragetoobey。"What！andisitnottrue？"sheanswered，hereyesglittering。"Willhenotto-morrowgotoLeMesnilandsqueezethepoor？Ay，andwillnotLescautsthecorn-dealer，andPhilipponthesilk-merchant，cometohimwithbribes，andgofree？AnddeFonvelleanddeCurtin——
　　theywithaDE，forsooth！——pleadtheirnobility，andgreasehishands，andgofree？Ay，and——"
　　"Silence，woman！"themansaidagain，lookingapprehensivelyatme，andfrommetomyattendants，whoweregrinningbroadly。
　　"Youdonotknowthatthisgentlemanisnot——"
　　"Atax-gatherer？"Isaid，smiling。"No。Buthowlonghasyourfriendupstairsbeenhere？"
　　"Twodays，Monsieur，"sheanswered，wipingtheperspirationfromherbrow，andspeakingmorequietly。"HeistalkingofsendingonadeputytoLeMesnil；butHeavensendhemayrecover，andgofromherehimself！"
　　"Well，"Ianswered，"atanyrate，wehavehadenoughofthisnoise。Myservantshallgoupandtellhimthatthereisagentlemanherewhocannotputupwithadisturbance。Maignan，"I
　　continued，"seetheman，andtellhimthattheinnisnothisprivatehouse，andthathemustgroanmoresoftly；butdonotmentionmyname。Andlethimhavehisbrinebath，ortherewillbenopeaceforanyone。"
　　MaignanandLaTrape，whoknewme，andhadcountedonaverydifferentorder，staredatme，wonderingatmyeasinessandcomplaisance；forthereisaspeciesoftyranny，unassociatedwithrank，thateventhecoarsestviewwithindignation。Butthewoman'sstatement，which，despiteitswildnessandherexcitement，Isawnoreasontodoubt，hadsuggestedtomeaschemeofpunishmentmorerefined；andwhichmight，atoneandthesametime，beofprofittotheKing'streasuryandalessontoGringuet。TocarryitthroughIhadtosubmittosomeinconvenience，andparticularlytoanightpassedunderthesameroofwiththerogue；butasthenewsthatatravellerofconsequencewascomehadtheeffect，aidedbyafewsharpwordsfromMaignan，ofloweringhistone，andforcinghimtokeepwithinbounds，Iwasabletoendurethisandoverlooktheoccasionaloutburstsofspleenwhichhisdiseaseandpamperedtemperstilldrewfromhim。
　　Histwomen，whohadbeenabsentonanerrandatthetimeofmyarrival，presentlyreturned，andweredoubtlesssurprisedtofindasecondcompanyinpossession。Theytriedmyattendantswithanumberofquestions，butwithoutsuccess；whileI，bylisteningwhileIhadmysupper，learnedmoreoftheirmaster'shabitsandintentionsthantheysupposed。Theysuspectednothing，andatday-breakweleftthem；and，thewaterhavingdulyfalleninthenight，wecrossedtheriverwithoutmishap，andforaleaguepursuedourproperroad。ThenIhalted，anddespatchingthetwogroomstoHoudanwithaletterformywife，Itook，myself，theroadtoLeMesnil，whichliesaboutthreeleaguestothewest。
　　Atalittleinn，aleagueshortofLeMesnil，Istopped，andinstructingmytwoattendantsinthepartstheyweretoplay，prepared，withthehelpoftheseals，whichneverleftMaignan'scustody，thepapersnecessarytoenablemetoenacttheroleofGringuet'sdeputy。ThoughIhadbeentwoorthreetimestoVillebon，IhadneverbeenwithintwoleaguesofLeMesnil，andhadnoreasontosupposethatIshouldberecognised；buttolessentheprobabilityofthisIputonaplainsuitbelongingtoMaignan，withablack-hiltedsword，andnoornaments。I
　　furthermorewaitedtoenterthetownuntilevening，sothatmypresence，beingreported，mightbetakenforgrantedbeforeIwasseen。
　　Inalargerplacemyschememusthavemiscarried，butinthislittletownonthehill，lookingovertheplainofvineyardsandcornfields，withinn，market-house，andchurchinthesquare，andonthefourthsidetheopenbattlements，whencethetowersofChartrescouldbeseenonaclearday，Ilookedtohavetodoonlywithsmallmen，andsawnoreasonwhyitshouldfail。
　　Accordingly，ridinguptotheinnaboutsunset，Icalled，withanair，forthelandlord。Therewerehalf-a-dozenloungersseatedinarowonabenchbeforethedoor，andoneofthesewentintofetchhim。Whenthehostcameout，withhisaprontwistedroundhiswaist，Iaskedhimifhehadaroom。
　　"Yes，"hesaid，shadinghiseyestolookatme，"Ihave。"
　　"Verywell，"Iansweredpompously，consideringthatIhadjustsuchanaudienceasIdesired——bywhichImeanonethat，withoutbeingtoocritical，wouldspreadthenews。"IamM。Gringuet'sdeputy，andIamherewithauthoritytocollectandremit，receiveandgivereceiptsfor，hisMajesty'staxes，tolls，anddues，now，ortobe，dueandowing。Therefore，myfriend，Iwilltroubleyoutoshowmetomyroom。
　　IthoughtthatthisannouncementwouldimpresshimasmuchasI
　　desired；but，tomysurprise，heonlystaredatme。"Eh！"heexclaimedatlast，inafalteringtone，"M。Gringuet'sdeputy？"
　　"Yes，"Isaid，dismountingsomewhatimpatiently；"heisillwiththegoutandcannotcome。"
　　"Andyou——arehisdeputy？"
　　"Ihavesaidso。"
　　Stillhedidnotmovetodomybidding，butcontinuedtorubhisbaldheadandstareatmeasifIfascinatedhim。"Well，Iam——I
　　mean——Ithinkwearefull，"hestammeredatlast，withhiseyeslikesaucers。
　　Ireplied，withsomeimpatience，thathehadjustsaidthathehadaroom；adding，thatifIwasnotinitandcomfortablysettledbeforefiveminuteswereupIwouldknowthereason。I
　　thoughtthatthiswouldsettlethematter，whatevermaggothadgotintotheman'shead；and，inaway，itdidso，forhebeggedmypardonhastily，andmadewayformetoenter，calling，atthesametime，toaladwhowasstandingby，toattendtothehorses。
　　Butwhenwewereinsidethedoor，insteadofshowingmethroughthekitchentomyroom，hemutteredsomething，andhurriedaway；
　　leavingmetowonderwhatwasamisswithhim，andwhytheloungersoutside，whohadlistenedwithalltheirearstoourconversation，hadcomeinafterusasfarastheydared，andwereregardinguswithanoddmixtureofsuspicionandamusement。
　　Thelandlordremainedlongaway，andseemed，fromsoundsthatcametomyears，tobetalkingwithsomeoneinadistantroom。
　　Atlength，however，hereturned，bearingacandleandfollowedbyaserving-man。Iaskedhimroughlywhyhehadbeensolong，andbegantoratehim；buthetookthewordsoutofmymouthbyhishumility，andgoingbeforemethroughthekitchen——wherehiswifeandtwoorthreemaidswhowereaboutthefirestoppedtolookatus，withthebastingspoonsintheirhands——heopenedadoorwhichledagainintotheouterair。
　　"Itisacrosstheyard，"hesaidapologetically，ashewentbefore，andopeningaseconddoor，stoodasideforustoenter。
　　"Butitisagoodroom，and，ifyouplease，afireshallbelighted。Theshuttersareclosed，"hecontinued，aswepassedhim，Maignanand"LaTrapecarryingmybaggage，"buttheyshallbeopened。Hallo！Pierre！Pierre，there！Opentheseshut——"
　　Onthewordhisvoicerose——andbroke；andinamomentthedoor，throughwhichwehadallpassedunsuspecting，felltowithacrashbehindus。Beforewecouldmoveweheardthebarsdropacrossit。Alittlebefore，LaTrapehadtakenacandlefromsomeone'shandtolightmethebetter；andthereforewewerenotindarkness。Butthelightthisgaveonlyservedtoimpressonuswhatthefallingbarsandtherisingsoundofvoicesoutsidehadalreadytoldus——thatwewereoutwitted！Wewereprisoners。
　　Theroominwhichwestood，lookingfoolishlyatoneanother，wasagreatbarn-likechamber，withsmallwindowshighintheunplaisteredwalls。Alongboardsetontrestles，andtwoorthreestoolsplacedroundit——ontheoccasion，perhaps，ofsomerecentfestivity——hadforamomentdeceivedus，andplayedthelandlord'sgame。
　　Inthefirstshockofthediscovery，hearingthebarsdrophome，westoodgaping，andwonderingwhatitmeant。ThenMaignan，withanoath，sprangtothedoorandtriedit——fruitlessly。
　　Ijoinedhimmoreatmyleisure，andraisingmyvoice，askedangrilywhatthisfollymeant。"Openthedoorthere！Doyouhear，landlord？"Icried。
　　Noonemoved，thoughMaignancontinuedtorattlethedoorfuriously。
　　"Doyouhear？"Irepeated，betweenangerandamazementatthefixinwhichwehadplacedourselves。"Open！"
　　But，althoughthemurmurofvoicesoutsidethedoorgrewlouder，nooneanswered，andIhadtimetotakeinthefullabsurdityoftheposition；tomeasuretheheight；ofthewindowswithmyeyeandplumbthedarkshadowsundertherafters，wherethefeeblerraysofourcandlelostthemselves；toappreciate，inaword，theextentofourpredicament。Maignanwasfurious，LaTrapevicious，whilemyownequanimityscarcelysupportedmeagainstthethoughtthatweshouldprobablybewherewewereuntilthearrivalofmypeople，whomIhaddirectedmywifetosendtoLeMesnilatnoonnextday。Theircomingwouldfreeus，indeed，butatthecostofridiculeandlaughter。Neverwasmanworseplaced。
　　Wincingatthethought，IbadeMaignanbesilent；and，drummingonthedoormyself，Icalledforthelandlord。Someonewhohadbeengivingdirectionsinatoneofgreat，consequenceceasedspeaking，andcameclosetothedoor。Afterlisteningamoment，hestruckitwithhishand。
　　"Silence，rogues！"hecried。"Doyouhear？Silencethere，unlessyouwantyourearsnailedtothepost。"
　　"Fool！"Ianswered。"Openthedoorinstantly！Areyouallmadhere，thatyoushutuptheKing'sservantsinthisway？"
　　"TheKing'sservants！"becried，jeeringatus。"Wherearethey？"
　　"Here！"Ianswered，swallowingmyrageaswellasImight。"I
　　amM。Gringuet'sdeputy，andifyoudonotthisinstant——"
　　"M。Gringuet'sdeputy！Ho！ho！"hesaid。"Why，youfool，M。
　　Gringuet'sdeputyarrivedtwohoursbeforeyou。Youmustgetupalittleearlieranothertime。Theyarepoortricksterswhoaretoolateforthefair。Andnowbesilent，anditmaysaveyouastripeortwoto-morrow。"
　　Therearesituationsinwhicheventhegreatestfindithardtomaintaintheirdignity，andthiswasone。IlookedatMaignanandLaTrape，andtheyatme，andbythelightofthelanthornwhichthelatterheldIsawthattheyweresmiling，doubtlessatthedilemmainwhichwehadinnocentlyplacedourselves。ButI
　　foundnothingtolaughatintheposition；sincethepeopleoutsidemightatanymomentleaveuswhereweweretofastuntilmorning；and，afteramoment'sreflection，Icalledouttoknowwhothespeakerontheothersidewas。
　　"IamM。deFonvelle，"heanswered。
　　"Well，M。deFonvelle，"Ireplied，"Iadviseyoutohaveacarewhatyoudo。IamM。Gringuet'sdeputy。Theothermanisanimpostor。"
　　Helaughed。
　　"Hehasnopapers，"Icried。
　　"Oh，yes，hehas！"heanswered，mockingme。"M。Curtinhasseenthem，myfinefellow，andheisnotonetopaymoneywithoutwarrant。"
　　Atthisseverallaughed，andaquaveringvoicechimedinwith"Oh，yes，hehaspapers！Ihaveseenthem。Still，inacase——"
　　"There！"M。Fonvellecried，drowningtheother'swords。"Nowareyousatisfied——youinthere？"
　　ButM。Curtinhadnotdone。"Hehaspapers，"hepipedagaininhisthinvoice。
　　"Still，M。deFonvelle，itiswelltobecautious，and——"
　　"Tut，tut！itisallright。"
　　"Hehaspapers，buthehasnoauthority！"Ishouted。
　　"Hehasseals，"Fonvelleanswered。"Itisallright。"
　　"Itisallwrong！"Iretorted。"Wrong，Isay！Gotoyourman，andyouwillfindhimgone——gonewithyourmoney，M。Curtin。"
　　Twoorthreelaughed，butIheardthesoundoffeethurryingaway，andIguessedthatCurtinhadretiredtosatisfyhimself。
　　Nevertheless，themomentwhichfollowedwasananxiousone，since，ifmyrandomshotmissed，IknewthatIshouldfindmyselfinaworsepositionthanbefore。Butjudging——fromthefactthatthedeputyhadnotconfrontedushimself——thathewasanimpostor，towhomGringuet'sillnesshadsuggestedtheschemeonwhichIhadmyselfhit，Ihopedforthebest；and，tobesure，inamomentanoutcryaroseinthehouseandquicklyspread。Ofthoseatthedoor，somecriedtotheirfellowstohearken，whileothershastenedofftosee。Yetstillalittletimeelapsed，duringwhichIburnedwithimpatience；andthenthecrowdcametramplingback，allwranglingandspeakingatonce。
　　Atthedoorthechatteringceased，and，ahandbeinglaidonthebar，inamomentthedoorwasthrownopen，andIwalkedoutwithwhatdignityImight。Outside，thescenewhichmetmyeyesmighthavebeen，underothercircumstances，diverting。Beforemestoodthelandlordoftheinn，bowingwithalightineachhand，asifthemorehebenthisbackbonethemorehemustpropitiateme；
　　whileafat，middle-agedmanathiselbow，whomItooktobeFonvelle，smiledfeeblyatmewithachapfallenexpression。A
　　littleaside，Curtin，ashrivelledoldfellow，waswringinghishandsoverhisloss；andbehindandroundthese，peepingovertheirshouldersandstaringundertheirarms，clusteredacuriouscrowdofbusybodies，who，betweenamusementatthejokeandaweofthegreatmen，hadmuchadotocontroltheirmerriment。
　　Thehostbegantomutterapologies，butIcuthimshort。"Iwilltalktoyouto-morrow！"Isaid，inavoicewhichmadehimshakeinhisshoes。"Nowgivemesupper，lights，andaroom——andhurry。Foryou，M。Fonvelle，youareanass！Andforthegentlemanthere，whohasfilledtherogue'spurse，hewilldowellanothertimetopaytheKinghisdues！"
　　WiththatIleftthetwo——Fonvellepurplewithindignation，andCurtinwitheyesandmouthagapeandtearsstayed——andfollowedmyhosttohisbestroom，MaignanandLaTrapeattendingmewithverygrimfaces。Herethelandlordwouldhaverepeatedhisapologies，butmythoughtsbeginningtoreverttothepurposewhichhadbroughtmehither，Iaffectedtobeoffended，that，bykeepingallatadistance，Imightthemoreeasilypreservemycharacter。
　　Isucceededsowellthat，thoughhalfthetown，throughwhichthenewsofmyadventurehadspread，asfirespreadsintinder，wereassembledoutsidetheinnuntilalatehour，noonewasadmittedtoseeme；andwhenImademyappearancenextmorninginthemarket-placeandtookmyseat，withmytwoattendants，atatablebythecorn-measures，thisreservehadsofarimpressedthepeoplethatthesmileswhichgreetedmescarcelyexceededthosewhichcommonlywelcomeatax-collector。Somehadpaid，and，foreseeingthenecessityofpayingagain，foundlittlethatwasdivertinginthejest。Othersthoughtitnolaughingmattertopayonce；andafewhadcomeasilloutoftheadventureasI
　　had。Underthesecircumstances，wequicklysettledtowork，nooneentertainingtheslightestsuspicion；andLaTrape，whocouldaccommodatehimselftoanything，playingthepartofclerk，Iwaspresentlyreceivingmoneyandhearingexcuses；theminuteacquaintancewiththeroutineofthefinances，whichIhadmadeitmybusinesstoacquire，renderingtheworkeasytome。
　　Wehadnotbeenlongengaged，however，whenFonvelleputinanappearance，andelbowingthepeasantsaside，beggedtospeakwithmeapart。Iroseandsteppedbackwithhimtwoorthreepaces；
　　onwhichhewinkedatmeinaveryknowingfashion，"IamM。deFonvelle，"hesaid。Andhewinkedagain。
　　"Ah！"Isaid。
　　"Mynameisnotinyourlist。"
　　"Ifinditthere，"Ireplied，raisingahandtomyear。
　　"Tut，tut！youdonotunderstand，"hemuttered。"HasnotGringuettoldyou？"
　　"What？"Isaid，pretendingtobealittledeaf。
　　"Hasnot——"
　　Ishookmyhead。
　　"HasnotGringuettoldyou？"herepeated，reddeningwithanger；
　　andthistimespeaking，oncompulsion，soloudlythatthepeasantscouldhearhim。
　　Iansweredhiminthesametone。"Yes，"Isaidroundly。"Hehastoldme；ofcourse，thateveryyearyougivehimtwohundredlivrestoomityourname。"
　　Heglancedbehindhimwithanoath。"Man，areyoumad？"hegasped，hisjawfalling。"Theywillhearyou。"
　　"Yes，"Isaidloudly，"Imeanthemtohearme。"
　　Idonotknowwhathethoughtofthis——perhapsthatIwasmad——
　　buthestaggeredbackfromme，andlookedwildlyround。Findingeveryonelaughing，helookedagainatme，butstillfailedtounderstand；onwhich，withanotheroath，heturnedonhisheel，andforcinghiswaythroughthegrinningcrowd，wasoutofsightinamoment。
　　Iwasabouttoreturntomyseat，whenapursy，pale-facedman，withsmalleyesandaheavyjowl，whomIhadbeforenoticed，pushedhiswaythroughtheline，andcametome。Thoughhisneighbourswerealllaughinghewassober，andinamomentI
　　understoodwhy。
　　"Iamverydeaf，"hesaidinawhisper。"Myname，Monsieur，isPhilippon。Iama——"
　　ImadeasigntohimthatIcouldnothear。
　　"Iamthesilkmerchant，"hecontinuedprettyaudibly，butwithasuspiciousglancebehindhim。"Probablyyouhave——"
　　AgainIsignedtohimthatIcouldnothear。
　　"Youhaveheardofme？"
　　"FromM。Gringuet？"Isaidveryloudly。
　　"Yes，"heansweredinasimilartone；for，awarethatdeafpersonscannotheartheirownvoicesandareseldomabletojudgehowloudlytheyarespeaking，Ihadledhimtothis。"AndI
　　supposethatyouwilldoashedid？"
　　"How？"Iasked。"Inwhatway？"
　　Hetouchedhispocketwithastealthygesture，unseenbythepeoplebehindhim。
　　AgainImadeasignasifIcouldnothear。
　　"Taketheusuallittlegift？"hesaid，findinghimselfcompelledtospeak。
　　"Icannothearaword，"Ibellowed。Bythistimethecrowdwereshakingwithlaughter。
　　"Accepttheusualgift？"hesaid，hisfat，palefaceperspiring，andhislittlepig'seyesregardingmebalefully。
　　"Andletyoupayonequarter？"Isaid。
　　"Yes，"heanswered。
　　Butthis，andthesimplicitywithwhichhesaidit，drewsoloudaroaroflaughterfromthecrowdaspenetratedeventohisdulledsenses。Turningabruptly，asifabeehadstunghim，hefoundtheplaceconvulsedwithmerriment；andperceiving，inaninstant，thatIhadplayeduponhim，thoughhecouldnotunderstandhoworwhy，heglaredabouthimamoment，mutteredsomethingwhichIcouldnotcatch，andstaggeredawaywiththegaitofadrunkenman。
　　Afterthis，itwasuselesstosupposethatIcouldamusemyselfwithothers。Thecrowd，whichhadneverdreamedofsuchatax-
　　collector，andcouldscarcelybelieveeithereyesorears，hesitatedtocomeforwardeventopay；andIwasconsideringwhatIshoulddonext，whenacommotioninonecornerofthesquaredrewmyeyestothatquarter。IlookedandsawatfirstonlyCurtin。Then，thecrowddividingandmakingwayforhim，I
　　perceivedthathehadtherealGringuetwithhim——Gringuet，whorodethroughthemarketwithanairofgrimmajesty，withonefootinahugeslipperandeyesglaringwithill-temper。
　　DoubtlessCurtin，goingtohimonthechanceofhearingsomethingoftheroguewhohadcheatedhim，hadapprisedthetax-collectorofthewholematter；foronseeingmeinmychairofstate，hemerelygrinnedinaviciousway，andcriedtothenearestnottoletmeescape。"Wehavelostonerogue，butwewillhangtheother，"hesaid。Andwhilethetownsfolkstooddumbfoundedroundus，heslippedwithagroanfromhishorse，andbadehistwoservantsseizeme。
　　"Anddoyou，"hecalledtothehost，"seethatyouhelp，myman！
　　Youhaveharbouredhim，andyoushallpayforitifheescapes。"
　　Withthathehoppedastepnearer；andthen，notdreamingofresistance，sankwithanothergroan——forhisfootwasimmenselyswollenbythejourney——intothechairfromwhichIhadrisen。
　　Aglanceshowedmethat，ifIwouldnotbedrawnintoanunseemlybrawl，Imustact；andmeetingMaignan'seagereyefixeduponmyface，Inodded。InasecondheseizedtheunsuspectingGringuetbytheneck，snatchedhimupfromthechair，andflunghimhalf-
　　a-dozenpacesaway。"Liethere，"hecried，"youinsolentrascal！
　　Whotoldyoutositbeforeyourbetters？"
　　Theviolenceoftheaction，andMaignan'sheat，weresuchthatthenearestdrewbackaffrighted；andevenGringuet'sservantsrecoiled，whilethemarketpeoplegaspedwithastonishment。ButIknewthattherespitewouldlastamomentonly，andIstoodforward。"Arrestthatman，"Isaid，pointingtothecollector，whowasgrovellingontheground，nursinghisfootandshriekingfoulthreatsatus。
　　Inasecondmytwomenstoodoverhim。"IntheKing'sname，"LaTrapecried；"letnomaninterfere。"
　　"Raisehimup，"Icontinued，"andsethimbeforeme；andCurtinalso，andFonvelle，andPhilippon；andLescaut，thecorn-dealer，ifheishere。"
　　Ispokeboldly，butIfeltsomemisgiving。Somighty，however，isthehabitofcommand，thatthecrowd，farfromresisting，thrustforwardthemenInamed。Still，Icouldnotcountonthisobedience，anditwaswithpleasurethatIsawatthismoment，asIlookedovertheheadsofthecrowd，abodyofhorsemenenteringthesquare。Theyhaltedaninstant，lookingattheunusualconcourse；whilethetownsfolk，interruptedinthemiddleofthedrama，knewnotwhichwaytostare。ThenBoisrueil，seeingme，andthatIwasholdingsomesortofcourt，spurredhishorsethroughthepress，andsalutedme。
　　"Lethalf-a-dozenofyourvarletsdismountandguardthesemen，"
　　Isaid；"anddoyou，yourogue，"Icontinued，addressingGringuet，"answerme，andtellmethetruth。HowmuchdoeseachoftheseknavesgiveyoutocheattheKing，andyourmaster？
　　Curtinfirst。Howmuchdoeshegiveyou？"
　　"Mylord，"heanswered，paleandshaking，yetwithamutinousgleaminhiseyes，"IhavearighttoknowfirstbeforewhomI
　　stand。"
　　"Enough，"Ithundered，"thatitisbeforeonewhohastherighttoquestionyou！answerme，villain，andbequick。WhatisthesumofCurtin'sbribe？"
　　Hestoodwhiteandmute。
　　"Fonvelle's？"
　　Stillhestoodsilent，glaringwiththedevilinhiseyes；whiletheothermenwhimperedandprotestedtheirinnocence，andthecrowdstaredasiftheycouldneverseeenough。
　　"Philippon's？"
　　"Itakenobribes，"hemuttered。
　　"Lescaut's？"
　　"Notadenier。"
　　"Liar！"Iexclaimed。"Liar，whodevourwidows'housesandpoormen'scorn！WhogrindtheweakandsayitistheKing；andlettherichgofree。Answerme，andanswerthetruth。Howmuchdothesemengiveyou？"
　　"Nothing，"hesaiddefiantly。
　　"Verywell，"Ianswered；"thenIwillhavethelist。Itisinyourshoe。"
　　"Ihavenolist，"hesaid，beginningtotremble。
　　"Itisinyourshoe，"Irepeated，pointingtohisgoutyfoot。
　　"Maignan，offwithhisshoe，andlookinit。"
　　Disregardinghisshrieksofpain，theytoreitoffandlookedinit。Therewasnolist。
　　"Offwithhisstocking，"Isaidroundly。
　　"Itisthere。"
　　Heflunghimselfdownatthat，cursingandprotestingbyturns。
　　ButIrememberedthetrampledcorn，andthegirl'sbleedingface，andIwasinexorable。Thestockingwasdrawnoff，nottootender]y，andturnedinsideout。Stillnolistwasfound。
　　"Hehasit，"Ipersisted。"Wehavetriedtheshoeandwehavetriedthestocking，nowwemusttrythefoot。Fetchastirrup-
　　leather，anddoyouholdhim，andletoneofthegroomsgivehimadozenonthatfoot。"
　　Butatthathegaveway；heflunghimselfonhisknees，screamingformercy。
　　"Thelist！"Isaid，"Ihavenolist！Ihavenone！"hewailed。
　　"Thengiveitmeoutofyourhead。Curtin，howmuch？"
　　HeglancedatthemanInamed，andshivered，andforamomentwassilent。Butoneofthegroomsapproachingwiththestirrup-
　　leather，hefoundhisvoice。"Fortycrowns，"hemuttered。
　　"Fonvelle？"
　　"Thesame。"
　　ImadehimconfessalsothesumswhichhehadreceivedfromLescautandPhilippon，andthenthenamesofsevenotherswhohadbeeninthehabitofbribinghim。Satisfiedthathehadsofartoldthetruth，Ibadehimputonhisstockingandshoe。"Andnow，"IsaidtoBoisrueil，whenthiswasdone，"takehimtothewhipping-postthere，andtiehimup；andseethateachmanoftheelevengiveshimastripeforeverycrownwithwhichhehasbribedhim——andgoodones，orIwillhavethemtiedupinhisplace。Doyouhear，yourascals？"Icontinuedtothetremblingculprits。"Off，anddoyourduty，orIwillhaveyourbacksbare。"
　　Butthewretch，ascowardlyashehadbeencruel，flunghimselfdownandcrawled，sobbingandcrying，tomyfeet。Ihadnomercy，however。"Takehimaway，"Isaid，"Itissuchmenasthesegivekingsabadname。Takehimaway，andseeyouflayhimwell。"
　　Hesprangupthen，forgettinghisgout，andmadeafranticattempttoescape。Butinamomenthewasovercome，hauledaway，andtiedup；andthoughIdidnotwaittoseethesentencecarriedout，butenteredtheinn，theshrillscreamsheutteredunderthepunishmentreachedme，eventhere，andsatisfiedmethatFonvelleandhisfellowswerenot；holdingtheirhands。
　　Itisasadreflection，however，thatforonesuchsinnerbroughttojusticeten，whocommitthesamecrimes，gofree，andflourishingoniniquity，bringtheKing'sservice，andhisofficers，intoevilrepute。
　　XI。THECATANDTHEKING。
　　Itwasinthespringoftheyear1609thatattheKing'sinstanceIhadasuiteofapartmentsfittedupforhimattheArsenal，thathemightvisitme，wheneveritpleasedhim，withoutputtingmyfamilytoinconvenience；inanotherplacewillbefoundanaccountofthesixthousandcrownsayearwhichhewassoobligingastoallowmeforthispurpose。Hehonouredmebyusingtheserooms，whichconsistedofahall，achamber，awardrobe，andacloset，twoorthreetimesinthecourseofthatyear，availinghimselfofmyattendantsandcook；andthefreeopportunitiesofconsultingmeontheGreatUndertaking，whichthisplanafforded，ledmetohopethatnotwithstandingtheenvyofmydetractors，hewouldcontinuetoadoptit。Thathedidnotdoso，norevervisitedmeafterthecloseofthatyear，wasduenotsomuchtothelamentableevent，soontoberelated，whichwithinafewmonthsdeprivedFranceofhergreatestsovereign，astoastrangematterthatattendedhislaststaywithme。Ihavesincehadcausetothinkthatthisdidnotreceiveatthetimeasmuchattentionasitdeserved；andhaveevenimaginedthathadI
　　gropedalittledeeperintothemysteryImighthavefoundacluetothefutureaswellasthepast，andavertedonemore，andthelast，dangerfrommybelovedmaster。ButProvidencewouldnothaveitso；aslightindispositionunderwhichIwassufferingatthetimerenderedmelessable，bothinmindandbody；theresultbeingthatHenry，whowasalwaysaversetothepublicationoftheseominousepisodes，andheldthatbeingknowntheybredthelikeinmischievousminds，hadhisway，thecaseendinginnomorethanthepunishmentofacarelessrascal。
　　Ontheoccasionofthislastvisit——thethird，Ithink，thathepaidme——theKing，whohadbeenstayingatChantilly，cametomefromLusarche，wherehelaytheinterveningnight。Mycoacheswenttomeethimatthegatesalittlebeforenoon，buthedidnotimmediatelyarrive，andbeingatleisureandhavingassuredmyselfthatthedinneroftwelvecovers，whichhehaddirectedtobeready，wasincourseofpreparation，Iwentwithmywifetoinspecthisroomsandsatisfymyselfthateverythingwasinorder。
　　TheywereinchargeofLaTrape，amanofaddressandintelligence，whomIhavehadcausetomentionmorethanonceinthecourseofthesememoirs。Hemetmeatthedoorandconductedusthroughtheroomswithanairofsatisfaction；norcouldI
　　findtheslightestfault，untilmywife，lookingaboutherwithawoman'seyeforminutethings，pausedbythebedinthechamber，anddirectedmyattentiontosomethingonthefloor。
　　Shestoopedoverit。"Whatisthis？"sheasked。"Hassomethingbeen——"
　　"Upsethere？"Isaid，lookingalso。Therewasalittlepoolofwhiteliquidonthefloorbesidethebed。
　　LaTrapeutteredanexclamationofannoyance，andexplainedthathehadnotseenitbefore；thatithadnotbeentherefiveminutesearlier；andthathedidnotknowhowitcametobetherenow。
　　"Whatisit？"Isaid，lookingaboutforsomepitcherthatmight；
　　haveoverflowed；butfindingnone。"Isitmilk？"
　　"Idon'tknow，yourexcellency，"heanswered。"Butitshallberemovedatonce。"
　　"Seethatitis，"Isaid。"Aretheboughsinthefire-placefresh？"Fortheweatherwasstillwarmandwehadnotlitafire。
　　"Yes，yourexcellency；quitefresh。"
　　"Well，seetothat，andremoveit，"Isaid，pointingtothemess。
　　"Itlooksill。"
　　Andwiththatthematterpassedfrommymind；themorecompletelyasIheardatthatmomentthesoundoftheKing'sapproach，andwentintothecourt-yardtoreceivehim。HebroughtwithhimRoquelaure，deVic，Erardtheengineer，andsomeothers，butnonewhomhedidnotknowthatIshouldbegladtoreceive。Hedinedwell，andafterdinneramusedhimselfwithseeingtheyoungmenrideatthering，andevenrodeacoursehimselfwithhisusualskill；thatbeing，ifIrememberrightly，thelastoccasiononwhichIeversawhimtakealance。Beforesupperhewalkedforatimeinthehall，withSillery，forwhomhehadsent；andaftersupper，pronouncinghimselftired，hedismissedall，andretiredwithmetohischamber。HerewehadsometalkonasubjectthatIgreatlydreaded——ImeanhisinfatuationforMadamedeConde；
　　butabouteleveno'clockheyawned，and，afterthankingmeforareceptionwhichhesaidwasquitetohismind，hebademegotobed。
　　Iwashalfwaytothedoorwhenhecalledmeback。"Why，GrandMaster，"hesaid，pointingtothelittletablebytheheadofthebedonwhichhisnightdrinksstood，"youmightbegoingtodrownme。Doyouexpectmetodrinkalltheseinthenight？"
　　"Ithinkthatthereisonlyyourposset，sire，"Isaid，"andthelemon-waterwhichyougenerallydrink。"
　　"Andtwoorthreeotherthings？"
　　"PerhapstheyhavegivenyourmajestysomeoftheArboiswinethatyouweregoodenoughto——"
　　"Tut-tut！"hesaid，liftingthecoverofoneofthecups。"Thisisnotwine。Itmaybeamilk-posset。"
　　"Yes，sire；verylikely，"Isaiddrowsily。
　　"Butitisnot！"heanswered，whenhehadsmelledit。"Itisplainmilk！Come，myfriend，"hecontinued，lookingdrollyatme，"haveyouturnedleech，orIbabeisarmsthatyouputsuchstrongliquorsbeforeme？However，toshowyouthatIhavesomechildishtastesleft，andamnotsodepravedasyouhavebeentryingtomakemeoutforthelasthour——Iwilldrinkyourhealthinit。ItwouldserveyourightifImadeyoupledgemeinthesameliquor！"
　　ThecupwasathislipswhenIsprangforwardand，heedlessofceremony，caughthisarm。"Pardon，sire！"Icried，insuddenagitation。"Ifthatismilk，Igavenoorderthatitshouldbeplacedhere；andIknownothingofitsorigin。Ibegthatyouwillnotdrinkit，untilIhavemadesomeinquiry。"
　　"Theyhaveallbeentasted？"heasked，stillholdingthecupinhishandwiththelidraised，butlookingatitgravely。
　　"Theyshouldhavebeen！"Ianswered。"ButLaTrape，whomImadeanswerableforthat，isoutside。Iwillgoandquestionhim。Ifyouwillwait，sire，amoment——"
　　"No，"Henrysaid。"Havehimhere。"
　　Igavetheordertothepageswhowerewaitingoutside，andinamomentLaTrapeappeared，lookingstartledanduncomfortable。
　　Naturally，hisfirstglancewasgiventotheKing，whohadtakenhisseatontheedgeofthebed，butstillheldthecupinhishand。AfteraskingtheKing'spermission，Isaid，"Whatdrinksdidyouplaceonthetable，here，sirrah？"