”One-halfofsocietyspendsitslifeinwatchingtheotherhalf。Averyoldfriendofmineisanattorney，nowretired，whotoldmethatforfifteenyearspastnotariesandlawyershavedistrustedtheirclientsquiteasmuchastheiradversaries。Yoursonisapleader；hasheneverfoundhimselfcompromisedbytheclientforwhomheheldabrief？””Veryoften，”saidVictorin，withasmile。”Andwhatisthecauseofthisdeep-seatedevil？”askedtheBaroness。”Thedecayofreligion，”saidBianchon，”andthepre-eminenceoffinance，whichissimplysolidifiedselfishness。Moneyusednottobeeverything；thereweresomekindsofsuperioritythatrankedaboveit——nobility，genius，servicedonetotheState。Butnowadaysthelawtakeswealthastheuniversalstandard，andregardsitasthemeasureofpubliccapacity。CertainmagistratesareineligibletotheChamber；
　　Jean-JacquesRousseauwouldbeineligible！Theperpetualsubdivisionofestatecompelseverymantotakecareofhimselffromtheageoftwenty。”Well，then，betweenthenecessityformakingafortuneandthedepravityofspeculationthereisnocheckorhindrance；forthereligioussenseiswhollylackinginFrance，inspiteofthelaudableendeavorsofthosewhoareworkingforaCatholicrevival。Andthisistheopinionofeverymanwho，likeme，studiessocietyatthecore。””Andyouhavefewpleasures？”saidHortense。”Thetruephysician，madame，isinlovewithhisscience，”repliedthedoctor。”Heissustainedbythatpassionasmuchasbythesenseofhisusefulnesstosociety。”Atthisverytimeyouseeinmeasortofscientificrapture，andmanysuperficialjudgeswouldregardmeasamandevoidoffeeling。I
　　havetoannounceadiscoveryto-morrowtotheCollegeofMedicine，forIamstudyingadiseasethathaddisappeared——amortaldiseaseforwhichnocureisknownintemperateclimates，thoughitiscurableintheWestIndies——amaladyknownhereintheMiddleAges。Anoblefightisthatofthephysicianagainstsuchadisease。ForthelasttendaysIhavethoughtofnothingbutthesecases——fortherearetwo，ahusbandandwife——Aretheynotconnectionsofyours？Foryou，madame，aresurelyMonsieurCrevel’sdaughter？”saidhe，addressingCelestine。”What，ismyfatheryourpatient？”askedCelestine。”LivingintheRueBarbet-de-Jouy？””Preciselyso，”saidBianchon。”Andthediseaseisinevitablyfatal？”saidVictorinindismay。”Iwillgotoseehim，”saidCelestine，rising。”Ipositivelyforbidit，madame，”Bianchonquietlysaid。”Thediseaseiscontagious。””Butyougothere，monsieur，”repliedtheyoungwoman。”Doyouthinkthatadaughter’sdutyislessbindingthanadoctor’s？””Madame，aphysicianknowshowtoprotecthimselfagainstinfection，andtherashnessofyourdevotionprovestomethatyouwouldprobablybelessprudentthanI。”
　　Celestine，however，gotupandwenttoherroom，whereshedressedtogoout。”Monsieur，”saidVictorintoBianchon，”haveyouanyhopeofsavingMonsieurandMadameCrevel？””Ihope，butIdonotbelievethatImay，”saidBianchon。”Thecaseistomequiteinexplicable。ThediseaseispeculiartonegroesandtheAmericantribes，whoseskinisdifferentlyconstitutedtothatofthewhiteraces。NowIcantracenoconnectionwiththecopper-coloredtribes，withnegroesorhalf-castes，inMonsieurorMadameCrevel。”Andthoughitisaveryinterestingdiseasetous，itisaterriblethingforthesufferers。Thepoorwoman，whoissaidtohavebeenverypretty，ispunishedforhersins，forsheisnowsqualidlyhideousifsheisstillanythingatall。Sheislosingherhairandteeth，herskinislikealeper’s，sheisahorrortoherself；herhandsarehorrible，coveredwithgreenishpustules，hernailsareloose，andthefleshiseatenawaybythepoisonedhumors。””Andthecauseofsuchadisease？”askedthelawyer。”Oh！”saidthedoctor，”thecauseliesinaformofrapidblood-
　　poisoning；itdegenerateswithterrificrapidity。Ihopetoactontheblood；Iamhavingitanalyzed；andIamnowgoinghometoascertaintheresultofthelaborsofmyfriendProfessorDuval，thefamouschemist，withaviewtotryingoneofthosedesperatemeasuresbywhichwesometimesattempttodefeatdeath。””ThehandofGodisthere！”saidAdeline，inavoicehuskywithemotion。”ThoughthatwomanhasbroughtsorrowsonmewhichhaveledmeinmomentsofmadnesstoinvokethevengeanceofHeaven，Ihope——
　　GodknowsIhope——youmaysucceed，doctor。”
　　Victorinfeltdizzy。Helookedathismother，hissister，andthephysicianbyturns，quakinglesttheyshouldreadhisthoughts。Hefelthimselfamurderer。
　　Hortense，forherpart，thoughtGodwasjust。
　　Celestinecamebacktobegherhusbandtoaccompanyher。”Ifyouinsistongoing，madame，andyoutoo，monsieur，keepatleastafootbetweenyouandthebedofthesufferer，thatisthechiefprecaution。Neitheryounoryourwifemustdreamofkissingthedyingman。And，indeed，yououghttogowithyourwife，MonsieurHulot，tohinderherfromdisobeyingmyinjunctions。”
　　AdelineandHortense，whentheywereleftalone，wenttositwithLisbeth。HortensehadsuchavirulenthatredofValeriethatshecouldnotcontaintheexpressionofit。”CousinLisbeth，”sheexclaimed，”mymotherandIareavenged！thatvenomoussnakeisherselfbitten——sheisrottinginherbed！””Hortense，atthismomentyouarenotaChristian。YououghttopraytoGodtovouchsaferepentancetothiswretchedwoman。””Whatareyoutalkingabout？”saidBetty，risingfromhercouch。”AreyouspeakingofValerie？””Yes，”repliedAdeline；”sheispasthope——dyingofsomehorriblediseaseofwhichthemeredescriptionmakesoneshudder——”
　　Lisbeth’steethchattered，acoldsweatbrokeoutalloverher；theviolenceoftheshockshowedhowpassionateherattachmenttoValeriehadbeen。”Imustgothere，”saidshe。”Butthedoctorforbidsyourgoingout。””Idonotcare——Imustgo！——PoorCrevel！whatastatehemustbein；
　　forhelovesthatwoman。””Heisdyingtoo，”repliedCountessSteinbock。”Ah！allourenemiesareinthedevil’sclutches——””InGod’shands，mychild——”
　　LisbethdressedinthefamousyellowIndianshawlandherblackvelvetbonnet，andputonherboots；inspiteofherrelations’
　　remonstrances，shesetoutasifdrivenbysomeirresistiblepower。
　　ShearrivedintheRueBarbetafewminutesafterMonsieurandMadameHulot，andfoundsevenphysiciansthere，broughtbyBianchontostudythisuniquecase；hehadjustjoinedthem。Thephysicians，assembledinthedrawing-room，werediscussingthedisease；nowoneandnowanotherwentintoValerie’sroomorCrevel’stotakeanote，andreturnedwithanopinionbasedonthisrapidstudy。
　　Theseprincesofscienceweredividedintheiropinions。One，whostoodaloneinhisviews，considereditacaseofpoisoning，ofprivaterevenge，anddenieditsidentitywiththediseaseknownintheMiddleAges。Threeothersregardeditasaspecificdeteriorationofthebloodandthehumors。Therest，agreeingwithBianchon，maintainedthatthebloodwaspoisonedbysomehithertounknownmorbidinfection。
　　BianchonproducedProfessorDuval’sanalysisoftheblood。Theremediestobeapplied，thoughabsolutelyempiricalandwithouthope，dependedontheverdictinthismedicaldilemma。
　　LisbethstoodasifpetrifiedthreeyardsawayfromthebedwhereValerielaydying，asshesawapriestfromSaint-Thomasd’Aquinstandingbyherfriend’spillow，andasisterofcharityinattendance。Religioncouldfindasoultosaveinamassofrottennesswhich，ofthefivesensesofman，hadnowonlythatofsight。ThesisterofcharitywhoalonehadbeenfoundtonurseValeriestoodapart。ThustheCatholicreligion，thatdivineinstitution，alwaysactuatedbythespiritofself-sacrifice，underitstwofoldaspectoftheSpiritandtheFlesh，wastendingthishorribleandatrociouscreature，soothingherdeath-bedbyitsinfinitebenevolenceandinexhaustiblestoresofmercy。
　　Theservants，inhorror，refusedtogointotheroomofeithertheirmasterormistress；theythoughtonlyofthemselves，andjudgedtheirbettersasrighteouslystricken。Thesmellwassofoulthatinspiteofopenwindowsandstrongperfumes，noonecouldremainlonginValerie’sroom。Religionalonekeptguardthere。
　　HowcouldawomansocleverasValeriefailtoaskherselftowhatendthesetworepresentativesoftheChurchremainedwithher？Thedyingwomanhadlistenedtothewordsofthepriest。Repentancehadrisenonherdarkenedsoulasthedevouringmaladyhadconsumedherbeauty。ThefragileValeriehadbeenlessabletoresisttheinroadsofthediseasethanCrevel；shewouldbethefirsttosuccumb，and，indeed，hadbeenthefirstattacked。”IfIhadnotbeenillmyself，Iwouldhavecometonurseyou，”saidLisbethatlast，afteraglanceatherfriend’ssunkeneyes。”Ihavekeptmyroomthisfortnightorthreeweeks；butwhenIheardofyourstatefromthedoctor，Icameatonce。””PoorLisbeth，youatleastlovemestill，Isee！”saidValerie。”Listen。Ihaveonlyadayortwolefttothink，forIcannotsaytolive。Yousee，thereisnothingleftofme——Iamaheapofmud！Theywillnotletmeseemyselfinaglass——Well，itisnomorethanI
　　deserve。Oh，ifImightonlywinmercy，IwouldgladlyundoallthemischiefIhavedone。””Oh！”saidLisbeth，”ifyoucantalklikethat，youareindeedadeadwoman。””Donothinderthiswoman’srepentance，leaveherinherChristianmind，”saidthepriest。”Thereisnothingleft！”saidLisbethinconsternation。”Icannotrecognizehereyesorhermouth！Notafeatureofheristhere！Andherwithasdesertedher！Oh，itisawful！””Youdon’tknow，”saidValerie，”whatdeathis；whatitistobeobligedtothinkofthemorrowofyourlastdayonearth，andofwhatistobefoundinthegrave——Wormsforthebody——andforthesoul，what？——Lisbeth，Iknowthereisanotherlife！AndIamgivenovertoterrorswhichpreventmyfeelingthepangsofmydecomposingbody——I，whocouldlaughatasaint，andsaytoCrevelthatthevengeanceofGodtookeveryformofdisaster——Well，Iwasatrueprophet——Donottriflewithsacredthings，Lisbeth；ifyouloveme，repentasIdo。””I！”saidLisbeth。”IseevengeancewhereverIturninnature；insectsevendietosatisfythecravingforrevengewhentheyareattacked。
　　Anddonotthesegentlementellus”——andshelookedatthepriest——”thatGodisrevenged，andthatHisvengeancelaststhroughalleternity？”
　　ThepriestlookedmildlyatLisbethandsaid：”You，madame，areanatheist！””ButlookwhatIhavecometo，”saidValerie。”Andwheredidyougetthisgangrene？”askedtheoldmaid，unmovedfromherpeasantincredulity。”IhadaletterfromHenriwhichleavesmeinnodoubtastomyfate。
　　Hehasmurderedme。And——justwhenImeanttolivehonestly——todieanobjectofdisgust！”Lisbeth，giveupallnotionsofrevenge。BekindtothatfamilytowhomIhaveleftbymywilleverythingIcandisposeof。Go，child，thoughyouaretheonlycreaturewho，atthishour，doesnotavoidmewithhorror——go，Ibeseechyou，andleaveme——IhaveonlytimetomakemypeacewithGod！””Sheiswanderinginherwits，”saidLisbethtoherself，asshelefttheroom。
　　Thestrongestaffectionknown，thatofawomanforawoman，hadnotsuchheroicconstancyastheChurch。Lisbeth，stifledbythemiasma，wentaway。Shefoundthephysiciansstillinconsultation。ButBianchon’sopinioncarriedtheday，andtheonlyquestionnowwashowtotrytheremedies。”Atanyrate，weshallhaveasplendid/post-mortem/，”saidoneofhisopponents，”andtherewillbetwocasestoenableustomakecomparisons。”
　　LisbethwentinagainwithBianchon，whowentuptothesickwomanwithoutseemingawareofthemalodorousatmosphere。”Madame，”saidhe，”weintendtotryapowerfulremedywhichmaysaveyou——””Andifyousavemylife，”saidshe，”shallIbeasgood-lookingasever？””Possibly，”saidthejudiciousphysician。”Iknowyour/possibly/，”saidValerie。”Ishalllooklikeawomanwhohasfallenintothefire！No，leavemetotheChurch。IcanpleasenoonenowbutGod。IwilltrytobereconciledtoHim，andthatwillbemylastflirtation；yes，ImusttrytocomeroundGod！””ThatismypoorValerie’slastjest；thatisallherself！”saidLisbethintears。
　　LisbeththoughtitherdutytogointoCrevel’sroom，whereshefoundVictorinandhiswifesittingaboutayardawayfromthestrickenman’sbed。”Lisbeth，”saidhe，”theywillnottellmewhatstatemywifeisin；
　　youhavejustseenher——howisshe？””Sheisbetter；shesayssheissaved，”repliedLisbeth，allowingherselfthisplayonthewordtosootheCrevel’smind。”Thatiswell，”saidtheMayor。”IfearedlestIhadbeenthecauseofherillness。Amanisnotatravelerinperfumeryfornothing；Ihadblamedmyself——IfIshouldloseher，whatwouldbecomeofme？Onmyhonor，mychildren，Iworshipthatwoman。”
　　Hesatupinbedandtriedtoassumehisfavoriteposition。”Oh，Papa！”criedCelestine，”ifonlyyoucouldbewellagain，Iwouldmakefriendswithmystepmother——Imakeavow！””PoorlittleCelestine！”saidCrevel，”comeandkissme。”
　　Victorinheldbackhiswife，whowasrushingforward。”Youdonotknow，perhaps，”saidthelawyergently，”thatyourdiseaseiscontagious，monsieur。””Tobesure，”repliedCrevel。”AndthedoctorsarequiteproudofhavingrediscoveredinmesomelonglostplagueoftheMiddleAges，whichtheFacultyhashadcriedlikelostproperty——itisveryfunny！””Papa，”saidCelestine，”bebrave，andyouwillgetthebetterofthisdisease。””Bequiteeasy，mychildren；DeaththinkstwiceofitbeforecarryingoffaMayorofParis，”saidhe，withmonstrouscomposure。”Andif，afterall，mydistrictissounfortunateastoloseamanithastwicehonoredwithitssuffrages——yousee，whataflowofwordsIhave！——
　　Well，Ishallknowhowtopackupandgo。Ihavebeenacommercialtraveler；Iamexperiencedinsuchmatters。Ah！mychildren，Iamamanofstrongmind。””Papa，promisemetoadmittheChurch——””Never，”repliedCrevel。”Whatistobesaid？IdrankthemilkofRevolution；IhavenotBaronHolbach’swit，butIhavehisstrengthofmind。Iammore/Regence/thanever，moreMusketeer，AbbeDubois，andMarechaldeRichelieu！BytheHolyPoker！——Mywife，whoiswanderinginherhead，hasjustsentmeamaninagown——tome！theadmirerofBeranger，thefriendofLisette，thesonofVoltaireandRousseau——
　　Thedoctor，tofeelmypulse，asitwere，andseeifsicknesshadsubduedme——’YousawMonsieurl’Abbe？’saidhe——Well，IimitatedthegreatMontesquieu。Yes，Ilookedatthedoctor——see，likethis，”andheturnedtoshowthree-quartersface，likehisportrait，andextendedhishandauthoritatively——”andIsaid：”Theslavewashere，Heshowedhisorder，buthenothinggained。”/Hisorder/isaprettyjest，showingthatevenindeathMonsieurlePresidentdeMontesquieupreservedhiselegantwit，fortheyhadsenthimaJesuit。Iadmirethatpassage——Icannotsayofhislife，butofhisdeath——thepassage——anotherjoke！——Thepassagefromlifetodeath——thePassageMontesquieu！”
　　Victoringazedsadlyathisfather-in-law，wonderingwhetherfollyandvanitywerenotforcesonaparwithtruegreatnessofsoul。Thecausesthatactonthespringsofthesoulseemtobequiteindependentoftheresults。CanitbethatthefortitudewhichupholdsagreatcriminalisthesameasthatwhichaChampcenetzsoproudlywalkstothescaffold？
　　BytheendoftheweekMadameCrevelwasburied，afterdreadfulsufferings；andCrevelfollowedherwithintwodays。Thusthemarriage-contractwasannulled。CrevelwasheirtoValerie。
　　Ontheverydayafterthefuneral，thefriarcalledagainonthelawyer，whoreceivedhiminperfectsilence。Themonkheldouthishandwithoutaword，andwithoutawordVictorinHulotgavehimeightythousand-francnotes，takenfromasumofmoneyfoundinCrevel’sdesk。
　　YoungMadameHulotinheritedtheestateofPreslesandthirtythousandfrancsayear。
　　MadameCrevelhadbequeathedasumofthreehundredthousandfrancstoBaronHulot。HerscrofulousboyStanislaswastoinherit，athismajority，theHotelCrevelandeightythousandfrancsayear。
　　AmongthemanynobleassociationsfoundedinParisbyCatholiccharity，thereisone，originatedbyMadamedelaChanterie，forpromotingcivilandreligiousmarriagesbetweenpersonswhohaveformedavoluntarybutillicitunion。Legislators，whodrawlargerevenuesfromtheregistrationfees，andtheBourgeoisdynasty，whichbenefitsbythenotary’sprofits，affecttooverlookthefactthatthree-fourthsofthepoorerclasscannotaffordfifteenfrancsforthemarriage-contract。Thepleaders，asufficientlyvilifiedbody，gratuitouslydefendthecasesoftheindigent，whilethenotarieshavenotasyetagreedtochargenothingforthemarriage-contractofthepoor。Astotherevenuecollectors，thewholemachineryofGovernmentwouldhavetobedislocatedtoinducetheauthoritiestorelaxtheirdemands。Theregistrar’sofficeisdeafanddumb。
　　ThentheChurch，too，receivesadutyonmarriages。InFrancetheChurchdependslargelyonsuchrevenues；evenintheHouseofGodittrafficsinchairsandkneelingstoolsinawaythatoffendsforeigners；thoughitcannothaveforgottentheangeroftheSaviourwhodrovethemoney-changersoutoftheTemple。IftheChurchissoloathtorelinquishitsdues，itmustbesupposedthatthesedues，knownasVestrydues，areoneofitssourcesofmaintenance，andthenthefaultoftheChurchisthefaultoftheState。
　　Theco-operationoftheseconditions，atatimewhencharityistoogreatlyconcernedwiththenegroesandthepettyoffendersdischargedfromprisontotroubleitselfabouthonestfolksindifficulties，resultsintheexistenceofanumberofdecentcoupleswhohaveneverbeenlegallymarriedforlackofthirtyfrancs，thelowestfigureforwhichtheNotary，theRegistrar，theMayorandtheChurchwillunitetwocitizensofParis。MadamedelaChanterie’sfund，foundedtorestorepoorhouseholdstotheirreligiousandlegalstatus，huntsupsuchcouples，andwithallthemoresuccessbecauseithelpsthemintheirpovertybeforeattackingtheirunlawfulunion。
　　AssoonasMadameHulothadrecovered，shereturnedtoheroccupations。AndthenitwasthattheadmirableMadamedelaChanteriecametobegthatAdelinewouldaddthelegalizationofthesevoluntaryunionstotheothergoodworksofwhichshewastheinstrument。
　　OneoftheBaroness’firsteffortsinthiscausewasmadeintheominous-lookingdistrict，formerlyknownaslaPetitePologne——LittlePoland——boundedbytheRueduRocher，RuedelaPepiniere，andRuedeMiromenil。ThereexiststhereasortofoffshootoftheFaubourgSaint-Marceau。Togiveanideaofthispartofthetown，itisenoughtosaythatthelandlordsofsomeofthehousestenantedbyworkingmenwithoutwork，bydangerouscharacters，andbytheverypooremployedinunhealthytoil，darenotdemandtheirrents，andcanfindnobailiffsboldenoughtoevictinsolventlodgers。Atthepresenttimespeculatingbuilders，whoarefastchangingtheaspectofthiscornerofParis，andcoveringthewastegroundlyingbetweentheRued’AmsterdamandtheRueFaubourg-du-Roule，willnodoubtalterthecharacteroftheinhabitants；forthetrowelisamorecivilizingagentthanisgenerallysupposed。Byerectingsubstantialandhandsomehouses，withportersatthedoors，byborderingthestreetswithfootwalksandshops，speculation，whileraisingtherents，dispersesthesqualidclass，familiesbereftoffurniture，andlodgersthatcannotpay。Andsothesedistrictsareclearedofsuchobjectionableresidents，andthedensvanishintowhichthepoliceneverventurebutunderthesanctionofthelaw。
　　InJune1844，thepurlieusofthePlacedeLabordewerestillfarfrominviting。Thegenteelpedestrian，whobychanceshouldturnoutoftheRuedelaPepiniereintooneofthosedreadfulside-streets，wouldhavebeendismayedtoseehowvileabohemiadweltcheekbyjowlwiththearistocracy。Insuchplacesasthese，hauntedbyignorantpovertyandmiserydriventobay，flourishthelastpublicletter-writerswhoaretobefoundinParis。Whereveryouseethetwowords”EcrivainPublic”writteninafinecopyhandonasheetofletter-paperstucktothewindowpaneofsomelowentresolormud-splashedground-floorroom，youmaysafelyconcludethattheneighborhoodisthelurkingplaceofmanyunletteredfolks，andofmuchviceandcrime，theoutcomeofmisery；forignoranceisthemotherofallsortsofcrime。
　　Acrimeis，inthefirstinstance，adefectofreasoningpowers。
　　WhiletheBaronesshadbeenill，thisquarter，towhichshewasaminorProvidence，hadseentheadventofapublicwriterwhosettledinthePassageduSoleil——SunAlley——aspotofwhichthenameisoneoftheantithesesdeartotheParisian，forthepassageisespeciallydark。Thiswriter，supposedtobeaGerman，wasnamedVyder，andhelivedonmatrimonialtermswithayoungcreatureofwhomhewassojealousthatheneverallowedhertogoanywhereexceptingtosomehoneststoveandflue-fitters，intheRueSaint-Lazare，Italians，assuchfittersalwaysare，butlongsinceestablishedinParis。Thesepeoplehadbeensavedfromabankruptcy，whichwouldhavereducedthemtomisery，bytheBaroness，actinginbehalfofMadamedelaChanterie。Inafewmonthscomforthadtakentheplaceofpoverty，andReligionhadfoundahomeinheartswhichoncehadcursedHeavenwiththeenergypeculiartoItalianstove-fitters。SooneofMadameHulot’sfirstvisitswastothisfamily。
　　ShewaspleasedatthescenethatpresenteditselftohereyesatthebackofthehousewheretheseworthyfolkslivedintheRueSaint-
　　Lazare，notfarfromtheRueduRocher。Highabovethestoresandworkshops，nowwellfilled，wheretoiledaswarmofapprenticesandworkmen——allItaliansfromthevalleyofDomod’Ossola——themaster’sfamilyoccupiedasetofrooms，whichhardworkhadblessedwithabundance。TheBaronesswashailedliketheVirginMaryinperson。
　　Afteraquarterofanhour’squestioning，Adeline，havingtowaitforthefathertoinquirehowhisbusinesswasprospering，pursuedhersaintlycallingasaspybyaskingwhethertheyknewofanyfamiliesneedinghelp。”Ah，dearlady，youwhocouldsavethedamnedfromhell！”saidtheItalianwife，”thereisagirlquitenearheretobesavedfromperdition。””Agirlwellknowntoyou？”askedtheBaroness。”Sheisthegranddaughterofamastermyhusbandformerlyworkedfor，whocametoFrancein1798，aftertheRevolution，bynameJudici。OldJudici，inNapoleon’stime，wasoneoftheprincipalstove-fittersinParis；hediedin1819，leavinghissonafinefortune。ButtheyoungerJudiciwastedallhismoneyonbadwomen；till，atlast，hemarriedonewhowassharperthantherest，andshehadthispoorlittlegirl，whoisjustturnedfifteen。””Andwhatiswrongwithher？”askedAdeline，struckbytheresemblancebetweenthisJudiciandherhusband。”Well，madame，thischild，namedAtala，ranawayfromherfather，andcametoliveclosebyherewithanoldGermanofeightyatleast，namedVyder，whodoesoddjobsforpeoplewhocannotreadandwrite。
　　Now，ifthisoldsinner，whoboughtthechildofhermother，theysayforfifteenhundredfrancs，wouldbutmarryher，ashecertainlyhasnotlongtolive，andasheissaidtohavesomefewthousandoffrancsayear——well，thepoorthing，whoisasweetlittleangel，wouldbeoutofmischief，andabovewant，whichmustbetheruinofher。””Thankyouverymuchfortheinformation。Imaydosomegood，butI
　　mustactwithcaution——Whoistheoldman？””Oh！madame，heisagoodoldfellow；hemakesthechildveryhappy，andhehassomesensetoo，forheleftthepartoftownwheretheJudicislive，asIbelieve，tosnatchthechildfromhermother’sclutches。Themotherwasjealousofher，andIdaresayshethoughtshecouldmakemoneyoutofherbeautyandmakea/mademoiselle/ofthegirl。”Atalarememberedus，andadvisedhergentlemantosettlenearus；andasthegoodmanseeshowdecentweare，heallowshertocomehere。
　　Butgetthemmarried，madame，andyouwilldoanactionworthyofyou。
　　Oncemarried，thechildwillbeindependentandfreefromhermother，whokeepsaneyeonher，andwho，ifshecouldmakemoneybyher，wouldliketoseeheronthestage，orsuccessfulinthewickedlifeshemeanthertolead。””Whydoesn’ttheoldmanmarryher？””Therewasnonecessityforit，yousee，”saidtheItalian。”AndthougholdVyderisnotabadoldfellow，Ifancyheissharpenoughtowishtoremainthemaster，whileifheoncegotmarried——why，thepoormanisafraidofthestonethathangsroundeveryoldman’sneck。””Couldyousendforthegirltocomehere？”saidMadameHulot。”I
　　shouldseeherquietly，andfindoutwhatcouldbedone——”
　　Thestove-fitter’swifesignedtohereldestgirl，whoranoff。Tenminuteslatershereturned，leadingbythehandachildoffifteenandahalf，abeautyoftheItaliantype。MademoiselleJudiciinheritedfromherfatherthativoryskinwhich，ratheryellowbyday，isbyartificiallightoflily-whiteness；eyesofOrientalbeauty，form，andbrilliancy，closecurlinglasheslikeblackfeathers，hairofebonyhue，andthatnativedignityoftheLombardracewhichmakestheforeigner，ashewalksthroughMilanonaSunday，fancythateveryporter’sdaughterisaprincess。
　　Atala，toldbythestove-fitter’sdaughterthatshewastomeetthegreatladyofwhomshehadheardsomuch，hadhastilydressedinablacksilkgown，asmartlittlecape，andneatboots。Acapwithacherry-coloredbowaddedtothebrillianteffectofhercoloring。Thechildstoodinanattitudeofartlesscuriosity，studyingtheBaronessoutofthecornerofhereye，forherpalsiedtremblingpuzzledhergreatly。
　　Adelinesigheddeeplyasshesawthisjewelofwomanhoodinthemireofprostitution，anddeterminedtorescuehertovirtue。”Whatisyourname，mydear？””Atala，madame。””Andcanyoureadandwrite？””No，madame；butthatdoesnotmatter，asmonsieurcan。””Didyourparentsevertakeyoutochurch？HaveyoubeentoyourfirstCommunion？DoyouknowyourCatechism？””Madame，papawantedtomakemedosomethingofthekindyouspeakof，butmammawouldnothaveit——””Yourmother？”exclaimedtheBaroness。”Isshebadtoyou，then？””Shewasalwaysbeatingme。Idon’tknowwhy，butIwasalwaysbeingquarreledoverbymyfatherandmother——””DidyoueverhearofGod？”criedtheBaroness。
　　Thegirllookedupwide-eyed。”Oh，yes，papaandmammaoftensaid’GoodGod，’and’InGod’sname，’
　　and’God’sthunder，’”saidshe，withperfectsimplicity。”Thenyouneversawachurch？Didyouneverthinkofgoingintoone？””Achurch？——Notre-Dame，thePantheon？——Ihaveseenthemfromadistance，whenpapatookmeintotown；butthatwasnotveryoften。
　　TherearenochurcheslikethoseintheFaubourg。””WhichFaubourgdidyoulivein？””IntheFaubourg。””Yes，butwhich？””IntheRuedeCharonne，madame。”
　　TheinhabitantsoftheFaubourgSaint-Antoinenevercallthatnotoriousdistrictotherthan/the/Faubourg。TothemitistheoneandonlyFaubourg；andmanufacturersgenerallyunderstandthewordsasmeaningtheFaubourgSaint-Antoine。”Didnooneevertellyouwhatwasrightorwrong？””MammausedtobeatmewhenIdidnotdowhatpleasedher。””Butdidyounotknowthatitwasverywickedtorunawayfromyourfatherandmothertogotolivewithanoldman？”
　　AtalaJudicigazedattheBaronesswithahaughtystare，butmadenoreply。”Sheisaperfectlittlesavage，”murmuredAdeline。”ThereareagreatmanylikeherintheFaubourg，madame，”saidthestove-fitter’swife。”Butsheknowsnothing——notevenwhatiswrong。GoodHeavens！——Whydoyounotanswerme？”saidMadameHulot，puttingoutherhandtotakeAtala’s。
　　Atalaindignantlywithdrewastep。”Youareanoldfool！”saidshe。”Why，myfatherandmotherhadhadnothingtoeatforaweek。Mymotherwantedmetodomuchworsethanthat，Ithink，formyfatherthrashedherandcalledherathief！
　　However，MonsieurVyderpaidalltheirdebts，andgavethemsomemoney——oh，abagful！Andhebroughtmeaway，andpoorpapawascrying。Butwehadtopart！——Wasitwicked？”sheasked。”AndareyouveryfondofMonsieurVyder？””Fondofhim？”saidshe。”Ishouldthinkso！Hetellsmebeautifulstories，madame，everyevening；andhehasgivenmenicegowns，andlinen，andashawl。Why，Iamfiggedoutlikeaprincess，andIneverwearsabotsnow。Andthen，Ihavenotknownwhatitistobehungrythesetwomonthspast。AndIdon’tliveonpotatoesnow。Hebringsmebonbonsandburntalmonds，andchocolatealmonds——Aren’ttheygood？——
　　Idoanythinghepleasesforabagofchocolate——ThenmyoldDaddyisverykind；hetakessuchcareofme，andissonice；Iknownowwhatmymotheroughttohavebeen——Heisgoingtogetanoldwomantohelpme，forhedoesn’tlikemetodirtymyhandswithcooking。Forthepastmonth，too，hehasbeenmakingalittlemoney，andhegivesmethreefrancseveryeveningthatIputintoamoney-box。Onlyhewillneverletmeoutexcepttocomehere——andhecallsmehislittlekitten！Mammanevercalledmeanythingbutbadnames——andthief，andvermin！””Well，then，mychild，whyshouldnotDaddyVyderbeyourhusband？””Butheis，madame，”saidthegirl，lookingatAdelinewithcalmpride，withoutablush，herbrowsmooth，hereyessteady。”HetoldmethatIwashislittlewife；butitisahorridboretobeaman’swife——ifitwerenotfortheburntalmonds！””GoodHeaven！”saidtheBaronesstoherself，”whatmonstercanhavehadthehearttobetraysuchperfect，suchholyinnocence？Torestorethischildtothewaysofvirtuewouldsurelyatoneformanysins——I
　　knewwhatIwasdoing。”thoughtshe，rememberingthescenewithCrevel。”Butshe——sheknowsnothing。””DoyouknowMonsieurSamanon？”askedAtala，withaninsinuatinglook。”No，mychild；butwhydoyouask？””Reallyandtruly？”saidtheartlessgirl。”Youhavenothingtofearfromthislady，”saidtheItalianwoman。”Sheisanangel。””ItisbecausemygoodoldboyisafraidofbeingcaughtbySamanon。
　　Heishiding，andIwishhecouldbefree——””Why？””On！thenhewouldtakemetoBobino，perhapstotheAmbigu。””Whatadelightfulcreature！”saidtheBaroness，kissingthegirl。”Areyourich？”askedAtala，whowasfingeringtheBaroness’laceruffles。”Yes，andNo，”repliedMadameHulot。”IamrichfordearlittlegirlslikeyouwhentheyarewillingtobetaughttheirdutiesasChristiansbyapriest，andtowalkintherightway。””Whatwayisthat？”saidAtala；”Iwalkonmytwofeet。””Thewayofvirtue。”
　　AtalalookedattheBaronesswithacraftysmile。”Lookatmadame，”saidtheBaroness，pointingtothestove-fitter’swife，”shehasbeenquitehappybecauseshewasreceivedintothebosomoftheChurch。Youmarriedlikethebeaststhatperish。””I？”saidAtala。”Why，ifyouwillgivemeasmuchasDaddyVydergivesme，Ishallbequitehappyunmarriedagain。Itisagrind——Doyouknowwhatitisto——？””Butwhenonceyouareunitedtoamanasyouare，”theBaronessputin，”virtuerequiresyoutoremainfaithfultohim。””Tillhedies，”saidAtala，withaknowingflash。”Ishallnothavetowaitlong。IfyouonlyknewhowDaddyVydercoughsandblows——Poof，poof，”andsheimitatedtheoldman。”VirtueandmoralityrequirethattheChurch，representingGod，andtheMayor，representingthelaw，shouldconsecrateyourmarriage，”
　　MadameHulotwenton。”Lookatmadame；sheislegallymarried——””Willitmakeitmoreamusing？”askedthegirl。”Youwillbehappier，”saidtheBaroness，”fornoonecouldthenblameyou。YouwouldsatisfyGod！Askherifshewasmarriedwithoutthesacramentofmarriage！”
　　AtalalookedattheItalian。”HowissheanybetterthanIam？”sheasked。”Iamprettierthansheis。””Yes，butIamanhonestwoman，”saidthewife，”andyoumaybecalledbyabadname。””HowcanyouexpectGodtoprotectyouifyoutrampleeverylaw，humananddivine，underfoot？”saidtheBaroness。”Don’tyouknowthatGodhasParadiseinstoreforthosewhoobeytheinjunctionsofHisChurch？””WhatisthereinParadise？Arethereplayhouses？””Paradise！”saidAdeline，”iseveryjoyyoucanconceiveof。Itisfullofangelswithwhitewings。YouseeGodinallHisglory，youshareHispower，youarehappyforeveryminuteofeternity！”
　　Atalalistenedtotheladyasshemighthavelistenedtomusic；butAdeline，seeingthatshewasincapableofunderstandingher，thoughtshehadbettertakeanotherlineofactionandspeaktotheoldman。”Gohome，then，mychild，andIwillgotoseeMonsieurVyder。IsheaFrenchman？””HeisanAlsatian，madame。Buthewillbequiterichsoon。IfyouwouldpaywhatheowestothatvileSamanon，hewouldgiveyoubackyourmoney，forinafewmonthshewillbegettingsixthousandfrancsayear，hesays，andwearetogotoliveinthecountryalongwayoff，intheVosges。”
　　Attheword/Vosges/theBaronesssatlostinreverie。Itcalledupthevisionofhernativevillage。Shewasrousedfromhermelancholymeditationbytheentranceofthestove-fitter，whocametoassureherofhisprosperity。”Inayear’stime，madame，Icanrepaythemoneyyoulentus，foritisGod’smoney，themoneyofthepoorandwretched。IfeverImakeafortune，cometomeforwhatyouwant，andIwillrenderthroughyouthehelptootherswhichyoufirstbroughtus。””Justnow，”saidMadameHulot，”Idonotneedyourmoney，butIaskyourassistanceinagoodwork。IhavejustseenthatlittleJudici，whoislivingwithanoldman，andImeantoseethemregularlyandlegallymarried。””Ah！oldVyder；heisaveryworthyoldfellow，withplentyofgoodsense。Thepooroldmanhasalreadymadefriendsintheneighborhood，thoughhehasbeenherebuttwomonths。Hekeepsmyaccountsforme。
　　Heis，Ibelieve，abraveColonelwhoservedtheEmperorwell。AndhowheadoresNapoleon！——Hehassomeorders，butheneverwearsthem。Heiswaitingtillheisstraightagain，forheisindebt，pooroldboy！
　　Infact，Ibelieveheishiding，threatenedbythelaw——””TellhimthatIwillpayhisdebtsifhewillmarrythechild。””Oh，thatwillsoonbesettled——Supposeyouweretoseehim，madame；
　　itisnottwostepsaway，inthePassageduSoleil。”
　　Sotheladyandthestove-fitterwentout。”Thisway，madame，”saidtheman，turningdowntheRuedelaPepiniere。
　　Thealleyruns，infact，fromthebottomofthisstreetthroughtotheRueduRocher。Halfwaydownthispassage，recentlyopenedthrough，wheretheshopsletataverylowrent，theBaronesssawonawindow，screeneduptoaheightwithagreen，gauzecurtain，whichexcludedthepryingeyesofthepasser-by，thewords：”ECRIVAINPUBLIC”；
　　andonthedoortheannouncement：
　　BUSINESSTRANSACTED。
　　/PetitionsDrawnUp，AccountsAudited，Etc。/
　　/WithSecrecyandDispatch。/
　　Theshopwaslikeoneofthoselittleofficeswheretravelersbyomnibuswaitthevehiclestotakethemontotheirdestination。A
　　privatestaircaseledup，nodoubt，totheliving-roomsontheentresolwhichwereletwiththeshop。MadameHulotsawadirtywriting-tableofsomelightwood，someletter-boxes，andawretchedsecond-handchair。Acapwithapeakandagreasygreenshadefortheeyessuggestedeitherprecautionsfordisguise，orweakeyes，whichwasnotunlikelyinanoldman。”Heisupstairs，”saidthestove-fitter。”Iwillgoupandtellhimtocomedown。”
　　Adelineloweredherveilandtookaseat。Aheavystepmadethenarrowstairscreak，andAdelinecouldnotrestrainapiercingcrywhenshesawherhusband，BaronHulot，inagrayknittedjersey，oldgrayflanneltrousers，andslippers。”Whatisyourbusiness，madame？”saidHulot，withaflourish。
　　Sherose，seizedHulotbythearm，andsaidinavoicehoarsewithemotion：”Atlast——Ihavefoundyou！””Adeline！”exclaimedtheBaroninbewilderment，andhelockedtheshopdoor。”Joseph，gooutthebackway，”headdedtothestove-fitter。”Mydear！”shesaid，forgettingeverythinginherexcessivejoy，”youcancomehometousall；wearerich。Yoursondrawsahundredandsixtythousandfrancsayear！Yourpensionisreleased；therearefifteenthousandfrancsofarrearsyoucangetonshowingthatyouarealive。Valerieisdead，andleftyouthreehundredthousandfrancs。”Yournameisquiteforgottenbythistime；youmayreappearintheworld，andyouwillfindafortuneawaitingyouatyourson’shouse。
　　Come；ourhappinesswillbecomplete。FornearlythreeyearsIhavebeenseekingyou，andIfeltsosureoffindingyouthataroomisreadywaitingforyou。Oh！comeawayfromthis，comeawayfromthedreadfulstateIseeyouin！””Iamverywilling，”saidthebewilderedBaron，”butcanItakethegirl？””Hector，giveherup！DothatmuchforyourAdeline，whohasneverbeforeaskedyoutomakethesmallestsacrifice。IpromiseyouIwillgivethechildamarriageportion；Iwillseethatshemarrieswell，andhassomeeducation。Letitbesaidofoneofthewomenwhohavegivenyouhappinessthatshetooishappy；anddonotrelapseintovice，intothemire。””Soitwasyou，”saidtheBaron，withasmile，”whowantedtoseememarried？——Waitafewminutes，”headded；”Iwillgoupstairsanddress；Ihavesomedecentclothesinatrunk。”
　　Adeline，leftalone，andlookingroundthesqualidshop，meltedintotears。”Hehasbeenlivinghere，andwerollinginwealth！”saidshetoherself。”Poorman，hehasindeedbeenpunished——hewhowaseleganceitself。”
　　Thestove-fitterreturnedtomakehisbowtohisbenefactress，andshedesiredhimtofetchacoach。Whenhecameback，shebeggedhimtogivelittleAtalaJudiciahome，andtotakeherawayatonce。”AndtellherthatifshewillplaceherselfundertheguidanceofMonsieurtheCureoftheMadeleine，onthedaywhensheattendsherfirstCommunionIwillgiveherthirtythousandfrancsandfindheragoodhusband，someworthyyoungman。””Myeldestson，thenmadame！Heistwo-and-twenty，andheworshipsthechild。”
　　TheBaronnowcamedown；thereweretearsinhiseyes。”Youareforcingmetodeserttheonlycreaturewhohadeverbeguntolovemeatallasyoudo！”saidheinawhispertohiswife。”Sheiscryingbitterly，andIcannotabandonherso——””Bequiteeasy，Hector。Shewillfindahomewithhonestpeople，andI
　　willanswerforherconduct。””Well，then，Icangowithyou，”saidtheBaron，escortinghiswifetothecab。
　　Hector，theBarond’Ervyoncemore，hadputonabluecoatandtrousers，awhitewaistcoat，ablackstock，andgloves。WhentheBaronesshadtakenherseatinthevehicle，Atalaslippedinlikeaneel。”Oh，madame，”shesaid，”letmegowithyou。Iwillbesogood，soobedient；Iwilldowhateveryouwish；butdonotpartmefrommyDaddyVyder，mykindDaddywhogivesmesuchnicethings。Ishallbebeaten——””Come，come，Atala，”saidtheBaron，”thisladyismywife——wemustpart——””She！Asoldasthat！andshakinglikealeaf！”saidthechild。”Lookatherhead！”andshelaughinglymimickedtheBaroness’palsy。
　　Thestove-fitter，whohadrunafterthegirl，cametothecarriagedoor。”Takeheraway！”saidAdeline。ThemanputhisarmsroundAtalaandfairlycarriedheroff。”Thanksforsuchasacrifice，mydearest，”saidAdeline，takingtheBaron’shandandclutchingitwithdeliriousjoy。”Howmuchyouarealtered！youmusthavesufferedsomuch！WhatasurpriseforHortenseandforyourson！”
　　Adelinetalkedasloverstalkwhomeetafteralongabsence，ofahundredthingsatonce。
　　IntenminutestheBaronandhiswifereachedtheRueLouis-le-Grand，andthereAdelinefoundthisnoteawaitingher：——”MADAMELABARONNE，——”MonsieurleBaronHulotd’ErvylivedforonemonthintheRuedeCharonneunderthenameofThorec，ananagramofHector。HeisnowinthePassageduSoleilbythenameofVyder。HesaysheisanAlsatian，anddoeswriting，andheliveswithagirlnamedAtalaJudici。Beverycautious，madame，forsearchisonfoot；theBaroniswanted，onwhatscoreIknownot。”Theactresshaskeptherword，andremains，asever，”MadamelaBaronne，yourhumbleservant，”J。M。”
　　TheBaron’sreturnwashailedwithsuchjoyasreconciledhimtodomesticlife。HeforgotlittleAtalaJudici，forexcessesofprofligacyhadreducedhimtothevolatilityoffeelingthatischaracteristicofchildhood。Butthehappinessofthefamilywasdashedbythechangethathadcomeoverhim。Hehadbeenstillhalewhenhehadgoneawayfromhishome；hehadcomebackalmostahundred，broken，bent，andhisexpressionevendebased。
　　Asplendiddinner，improvisedbyCelestine，remindedtheoldmanofthesinger’sbanquets；hewasdazzledbythesplendorofhishome。”Afeastinhonorofthereturnoftheprodigalfather？”saidheinamurmurtoAdeline。”Hush！”saidshe，”allisforgotten。””AndLisbeth？”heasked，notseeingtheoldmaid。”Iamsorrytosaythatsheisinbed，”repliedHortense。”Shecannevergetup，andweshallhavethegriefoflosinghererelong。Shehopestoseeyouafterdinner。”
　　AtdaybreaknextmorningVictorinHulotwasinformedbytheporter’swifethatsoldiersofthemunicipalguardwerepostedallroundthepremises；thepolicedemandedBaronHulot。Thebailiff，whohadfollowedthewoman，laidasummonsindueformbeforethelawyer，andaskedhimwhetherhemeanttopayhisfather’sdebts。TheclaimwasfortenthousandfrancsatthesuitofanusurernamedSamanon，whohadprobablylenttheBarontwoorthreethousandatmost。Victorindesiredthebailifftodismisshismen，andpaid。”Butisitthelast？”heanxiouslywondered。
　　Lisbeth，miserablealreadyatseeingthefamilysoprosperous，couldnotsurvivethishappyevent。ShegrewsorapidlyworsethatBianchongaveherbutaweektolive，conqueredatlastinthelongstruggleinwhichshehadscoredsomanyvictories。
　　Shekeptthesecretofherhatredeventhroughapainfuldeathfrompulmonaryconsumption。And，indeed，shehadthesupremesatisfactionofseeingAdeline，Hortense，Hulot，Victorin，Steinbock，Celestine，andtheirchildrenstandingintearsroundherbedandmourningforherastheangelofthefamily。
　　BaronHulot，enjoyingacourseofsolidfoodsuchashehadnotknownfornearlythreeyears，recoveredfleshandstrength，andwasalmosthimselfagain。ThisimprovementwassuchajoytoAdelinethathernervoustremblingperceptiblydiminished。”Shewillbehappyafterall，”saidLisbethtoherselfonthedaybeforeshedied，asshesawthevenerationwithwhichtheBaronregardedhiswife，ofwhosesufferingshehadheardfromHortenseandVictorin。
　　AndvindictivenesshastenedCousinBetty’send。Thefamilyfollowedher，weeping，tothegrave。
　　TheBaronandBaroness，havingreachedtheagewhichlooksforperfectrest，gaveupthehandsomeroomsonthefirstfloortotheCountandCountessSteinbock，andtookthoseabove。TheBaronbyhisson’sexertionsfoundanofficialpositioninthemanagementofarailroad，in1845，withasalaryofsixthousandfrancs，which，addedtothesixthousandofhispensionandthemoneylefttohimbyMadameCrevel，securedhimanincomeoftwenty-fourthousandfrancs。HortensehavingenjoyedherindependentincomeduringthethreeyearsofseparationfromWenceslas，Victorinnowinvestedthetwohundredthousandfrancshehadintrust，inhissister’snameandheallowedhertwelvethousandfrancs。
　　Wenceslas，asthehusbandofarichwoman，wasnotunfaithful，buthewasanidler；hecouldnotmakeuphismindtobeginanywork，howevertrifling。Oncemorehebecametheartist/inpartibus/；hewaspopularinsociety，andconsultedbyamateurs；inshort，hebecameacritic，likeallthefeeblefolkwhofallbelowtheirpromise。
　　Thuseachhousehold，thoughlivingasonefamily，haditsownfortune。
　　TheBaroness，taughtbybitterexperience，leftthemanagementofmatterstoherson，andtheBaronwasthusreducedtohissalary，inhopethatthesmallnessofhisincomewouldpreventhisrelapsingintomischief。Andbysomesingulargoodfortune，onwhichneitherthemothernorthesonhadreckoned，Hulotseemedtohaveforeswornthefairsex。Hissubduedbehaviour，ascribedtothecourseofnature，socompletelyreassuredthefamily，thattheyenjoyedtothefullhisrecoveredamiabilityanddelightfulqualities。Hewasunfailinglyattentivetohiswifeandchildren，escortedthemtotheplay，reappearedinsociety，anddidthehonorstohisson’shousewithexquisitegrace。Inshort，thisreclaimedprodigalwasthejoyofhisfamily。
　　Hewasamostagreeableoldman，aruin，butfullofwit，havingretainednomoreofhisvicethanmadeitanaddedsocialgrace。
　　Ofcourse，everybodywasquitesatisfiedandeasy。TheyoungpeopleandtheBaronesslaudedthemodelfathertotheskies，forgettingthedeathofthetwouncles。Lifecannotgoonwithoutmuchforgetting！
　　MadameVictorin，whomanagedthisenormoushouseholdwithgreatskill，due，nodoubt，toLisbeth’straining，hadfounditnecessarytohaveaman-cook。Thisagainnecessitatedakitchen-maid。Kitchen-maidsareinthesedaysambitiouscreatures，eagertodetectthe/chef’s/secrets，andtobecomecooksassoonastheyhavelearnttostirasauce。
　　Consequently，thekitchen-maidisliabletofrequentchange。
　　Atthebeginningof1845Celestineengagedaskitchen-maidasturdyNormandypeasantcomefromIsigny——short-waisted，withstrongredarms，acommonface，asdullasan”occasionalpiece”attheplay，andhardlytobepersuadedoutofwearingtheclassicallinencappeculiartothewomenofLowerNormandy。Thisgirl，asbuxomasawet-nurse，lookedasifshewouldburstthebluecottoncheckinwhichsheclothedherperson。Herfloridfacemighthavebeenhewnoutofstone，sohardwereitstawnyoutlines。
　　Ofcoursenoattentionwaspaidtotheadventinthehouseofthisgirl，whosenamewasAgathe——anordinary，wide-awakespecimen，suchasisdailyimportedfromtheprovinces。Agathehadnoattractionsforthecook，hertonguewastoorough，forshehadservedinasuburbaninn，waitingoncarters；andinsteadofmakingaconquestofherchiefandwinningfromhimthesecretsofthehighartofthekitchen，shewastheobjectofhisgreatcontempt。The/chef’s/attentionswere，infact，devotedtoLouise，theCountessSteinbock’smaid。Thecountrygirl，thinkingherselfill-used，complainedbitterlythatshewasalwayssentoutofthewayonsomepretextwhenthe/chef/wasfinishingadishorputtingthecrowningtouchtoasauce。”Iamoutofluck，”saidshe，”andIshallgotoanotherplace。”
　　Andyetshestayedthoughshehadtwicegivennoticetoquit。
　　Onenight，Adeline，rousedbysomeunusualnoise，didnotseeHectorinthebedheoccupiednearhers；fortheysleptsidebysideintwobeds，asbeseemedanoldcouple。Shelayawakeanhour，buthedidnotreturn。Seizedwithapanic，fancyingsometragicendhadovertakenhim——anapoplecticattack，perhaps——shewentupstairstotheflooroccupiedbytheservants，andthenwasattractedtotheroomwhereAgatheslept，partlybyseeingalightbelowthedoor，andpartlybythemurmurofvoices。Shestoodstillindismayonrecognizingthevoiceofherhusband，who，avictimtoAgathe’scharms，tovanquishthisstrappingwench’snotdisinterestedresistance，wenttothelengthofsaying：”Mywifehasnotlongtolive，andifyoulikeyoumaybeaBaroness。”
　　Adelinegaveacry，droppedhercandlestick，andfled。
　　ThreedayslatertheBaroness，whohadreceivedthelastsacraments，wasdying，surroundedbyherweepingfamily。
　　Justbeforeshedied，shetookherhusband’shandandpressedit，murmuringinhisear：”Mydear，Ihadnothinglefttogiveuptoyoubutmylife。Inaminuteortwoyouwillbefree，andcanmakeanotherBaronneHulot。”
　　And，raresight，tearsoozedfromherdeadeyes。
　　Thisdesperatenessofvicehadvanquishedthepatienceoftheangel，who，onthebrinkofeternity，gaveutterancetotheonlyreproachshehadeverspokeninherlife。
　　TheBaronleftParisthreedaysafterhiswife’sfuneral。ElevenmonthsafterVictorinheardindirectlyofhisfather’smarriagetoMademoiselleAgathePiquetard，solemnizedatIsigny，onthe1stFebruary1846。”Parentsmayhindertheirchildren’smarriage，butchildrencannotinterferewiththeinsaneactsoftheirparentsintheirsecondchildhood，”saidMaitreHulottoMaitrePopinot，thesecondsonoftheMinisterofCommerce，whowasdiscussingthismarriage。
　　End