Myintendantwasstilltalkingofme。Theroomwascrowded，forRodenardalonehadbroughtwithhimmytwentyfollowers。OneoftheselookedupasIbrushedpasthim，andutteredacryofsurpriseuponrecognizingme。ButRodenardtalkedon，engrossedinhisthemetotheexclusionofallelse。
“MonsieurleMarquis。”hewassaying，“isagentlemanwhomitis，indeed，anhonourtoserve-“
Ascreamburstfromhimwiththelastword，forthelashofmywhiphadburntawhealuponhiswell-fedsides。
“Itisanhonourthatshallbeyoursnomore，youdog！“Icried。
Heleapthighintotheairasmywhipcuthimagain。Heswunground，hisfacetwistedwithpain，hisflabbycheekswhitewithfear，andhiseyeswildwithanger，forasyetthefullforceofthesituationhadnotbeenborneinuponhim。Then，seeingmethere，andcatchingsomethingoftheawfulpassionthatmusthavebeenstampeduponmyface，hedroppedonhiskneesandcriedoutsomethingthatIdidnotunderstandforIwaspastunderstandingmuchjustthen。
Thelashwhistledthroughtheairagainandcaughthimabouttheshoulders。Hewrithedandroaredinhisanguishofbothfleshandspirit。ButIwaspitiless。Hehadruinedmylifeformewithhistalking，and，asGodlived，heshouldpaytheonlypricethatitlayinhispowertopay-thepriceofphysicalsuffering。Againandagainmywhiphissedabouthisheadandcutintohissoftwhiteflesh，whilstroaringformercyhemovedandrockedonhiskneesbeforeme。Instinctivelyheapproachedmetohampermymovements，whilstImovedbacktogivemylashthebetterplay。Heheldouthisarmsandjoinedhisfathandsinsupplication，butthelashcaughttheminitssinuoustormentingembrace，andstartedaredwhealacrosstheirwhiteness。Hetuckedthemintohisarmpitswithascream，andfellproneupontheground。
ThenIrememberthatsomeofmymenessayedtorestrainme，whichtomypassionwasasthewindtoablaze。Icrackedmywhipabouttheirheads，commandingthemtokeeptheirdistancelesttheyweremindedtosharehiscastigation。AndsofearfulanairmustI
haveworn，that，daunted，theyhungbackandwatchedtheirleader’spunishmentinsilence。
WhenIthinkofitnow，ItakenolittleshameatthememoryofhowIbeathim。Itis，indeed，withdeepreluctanceandyetdeepershamethatIhavebroughtmyselftowriteofit。IfIoffendyouwiththisaccountofthathorsewhipping，letnecessitybemyapology;
forthehorsewhippingitselfIhave，unfortunately，noapology，savetheblindfurythatobsessedme-whichisnoapologyatall。
UponthemorrowIrepentedmealreadywithmuchbitterness。ButinthathourIknewnoreason。Iwasmad，andofmymadnesswasbornthisharshbrutality。
“Youwouldtalkofmeandmyaffairsinatavern，youhound！“I
cried，outofbreathbothbyvirtueofmypassionandmyexertions。
“Letthememoryofthisactasacurbuponyourpoisonoustongueinfuture。”
“Monseigneur！“hescreamed。“Misericorde，monseigneur！“
“Aye，youshallhavemercy-justsomuchmercyasyoudeserve。
HaveItrustedyoualltheseyears，anddidmyfathertrustyoubeforeme，forthis？Haveyougrownsleekandfatandsmuginmyservicethatyoushouldrequitemethus？Sangdieu，Rodenard！Myfatherhadhangedyouforthehalfofthetalkingthatyouhavedonethisnight。Youdog！Youmiserableknave！“
“Monseigneur。”heshriekedagain，“forgive！Foryoursaintedmother’ssake，forgive！Monseigneur，Ididnotknow-“
“Butyouarelearning，cur;youarelearningbythepainofyourfatcarcase;isitnotso，carrion？”
Hesankdown，hisstrengthexhausted，alimp，moaning，bleedingmassofflesh，intowhichmywhipstillcutrelentlessly。
Ihaveapicturemmymindofthatill-lightedroom，ofthestartledfacesonwhichtheflickeringglimmerofthecandlesshedoddshadows;ofthehummingandcrackingofmywhip;ofmyownvoiceraisedinoathsandepithetsofcontempt;ofRodenard’sscreams;ofthecriesraisedhereandthereinremonstranceorinentreaty，andofsomemoreboldthatcalledshameuponme。Thenotherstookupthatcryof“Shame！“sothatatlastIpausedandstoodtheredrawnuptomyfullheight，asifinchallenge。Toweringabovetheheadsofanyinthatroom，Iheldmywhipmenacingly。Iwasunusedtocriticism，andtheirexpressionsofcondemnationrousedme。
“Whoquestionsmyright？”Idemandedarrogantly，whereupontheyoneandallfellsilent。“Ifanyherebeboldenoughtostepout，heshallhavemyanswer。”Then，asnoneresponded，Isignifiedmycontemptforthembyalaugh。
“Monseigneur！“wailedRodenardatmyfeet，hisvoicegrowingfeeble。
Bywayofanswer，Igavehimafinalcut，thenIflungthewhip-
whichhadgrownraggedinthefray-backtotheostlerfromwhomI
hadborrowedit。
“Letthatsufficeyou，Rodenard。”Isaid，touchinghimwithmyfoot。
“SeethatIneverseteyesuponyouagain，ifyoucherishyourmiserablelife！“
“Notthat，monseigneur。”groanedthewretch。“Oh，notthat！Youhavepunishedme;youhavewhippedmeuntilIcannotstand;forgiveme，monseigneur，forgivemenow！“
“Ihaveforgivenyou，butIneverwishtoseeyouagain，lestI
shouldforgetthatIhaveforgivenyou。Takehimaway，someofyou。”
Ibademymen，andinswift，silentobediencetwoofthemsteppedforwardandborethegroaning，sobbingfellowfromtheroom。Whenthatwasdone“Host。”Icommanded，“preparemearoom。Attendme，acoupleofyou。”
Igaveordersthereafterforthedisposalofmybaggage，someofwhichmylacqueysbroughtuptothechamberthatthelandlordhadinhastemadereadyforme。InthatchamberIsatuntilverylate;
apreytotheutmostmiseryanddespair。Myragebeingspent，I
mighthavetakensomethoughtforpoorGanymedeandhiscondition，butmyownaffairscrowdedover-heavilyuponmymind，andsattheundisputedrulersofmythoughtsthatnight。
AtonemomentIconsideredjourneyingtoLavedan，onlytodismisstheideathenext。Whatcoulditavailmenow？WouldRoxalannebelievethetaleIhadtotell？Wouldshenotthink，naturallyenough，thatIwasbutmakingthebestofthesituation，andthatmyavowalofthetruthofastorywhichitwasnotinmypowertodenywasnotspontaneous，butforcedfrommebycircumstances？No，therewasnothingmoretobedone。Ascoreofamourshadclaimedmyattentioninthepastandreceivedit;yettherewasnotoneofthoseaffairswhosemiscarriagewouldhaveaffordedmetheslightestconcernormortification。Itseemedlikeanirony，likeaDiesire，thatitshouldhavebeenlefttothisfirsttruepassionofmylifetohavegoneawry。
IsleptillwhenatlastIsoughtmybed，andthroughthenightI
nursedmybittergrief，huddlingtomethecorpseoftheloveshehadbornemeasamothermaythecorpseofherfirst-born。
OnthemorrowIresolvedtoleaveToulouse-toquitthisprovincewhereinsomuchhadbefallenmeandrepairtoBeaugency，theretogrowoldinmisanthropicalseclusion。IhaddonewithCourts，I
haddonewithloveandwithwomen;Ihaddone，itseemedtome，withlifeitself。ProdigalhaditbeeningiftsthatIhadnotsoughtofit。Ithadspreadmytablewiththerichestofferings，buttheyhadbeenlittletomypalate，andIhadnauseatedquickly。Andnow，whenhereinthisremotecornerofFranceithadshownmetheoneprizeIcoveted，ithadbeenswifttoplaceitbeyondmyreach，therebysowingeverlastingdiscontentandmiseryinmyhithertopamperedheart。
IsawCastelrouxthatday，butIsaidnowordtohimofmyaffliction。HebroughtmenewsofChatellerault。TheCountwaslyinginadangerousconditionattheAubergeRoyale，andmightnotbemoved。Thephysicianattendinghimallbutdespairedofhislife。
“Heisaskingtoseeyou。”saidCastelroux。
ButIwasnotmindedtorespond。Forallthathehaddeeplywrongedme，forallthatIdespisedhimverycordially，thesightofhiminhispresentconditionmightarousemypity，andIwasinnomoodtowasteuponsuchaoneasChatelleraultevenonhisdeathbed-aqualityofwhichIhadsodireaneedjustthenformyowncase。
“Iwillnotgo。”saidI，afterdeliberation。“TellhimfrommethatIforgivehimfreelyifitbethatheseeksmyforgiveness;tellhimthatIbearhimnorancour，and-thathehadbettermakehiswill，tosavemetroublehereafter，ifheshouldchancetodie。”
IsaidthisbecauseIhadnomind，ifheshouldperishintestate，togoinquestofhisnextheirsandadvisethemthatmylatePicardyestateswerenowtheirproperty。
CastelrouxsoughtyettopersuademetovisittheCount，butIheldfirmlytomyresolve。
“IamleavingToulouseto-day。”Iannounced。
“Whitherdoyougo？”
“Tohell，ortoBeaugency-Iscarceknowwhich，nordoesitmatter。”
Helookedatmeinsurprise，but，beingamanofbreeding，askednoquestionsuponmattersthatheaccountedsecret。
“ButtheKing？”heventuredpresently。
“HisMajestyhasalreadydispensedmefrommydutiesbyhim。”
Nevertheless，Ididnotgothatday。Imaintainedtheintentionuntilsunset;then，seeingthatitwastoolate，Ipostponedmydepartureuntilthemorrow。Icanassignnoreasonformydallyingmood。Perhapsitsprangfromtheinertnessthatpervadedme，perhapssomemysterioushanddetainedme。Bethatasitmay，thatIremainedanothernightattheHoteldel’Epeewasoneofthosecontingencieswhich，thoughslightandseeminglyinconsequentialinthemselves，leadtogreatissues。HadIdepartedthatdayforBeaugency，itislikelythatyouhadneverheardofme——leastways，notfrommyownpen-forinwhatsofarIhavetoldyou，withoutthatwhichistofollow，thereishaplylittlethatwasworththelabourofsettingdown。
Inthemorning，then，Isetout;buthavingstartedlate，wegotnofartherthanGrenade，wherewelaythenightoncemoreattheHoteldelaCouronne。Andso，throughhavingdelayedmydeparturebyasingleday，diditcometopassthatamessagereachedmebeforeitmighthavebeentoolate。
Itwashighnoonofthemorrow。Ourhorsesstoodsaddled;indeed，someofmymenwerealreadymounted-forIwasnotmindedtodisbandthemuntilBeaugencywasreached-andmytwocoacheswerebothreadyforthejourney。ThehabitsofalifetimearenotsoeasytoabandonevenwhenNecessityraiseshercompellingvoice。
Iwasintheactofsettlingmyscorewiththelandlordwhenofasuddentherewerequickstepsinthepassage，theclankofarapieragainstthewall，andavoice-thevoiceofCastelroux-callingexcitedly“Bardelys！MonsieurdeBardelys！“
“Whatbringsyouhere？”Icriedingreeting，ashesteppedintotheroom。
“AreyoustillforBeaugency？”heaskedsharply，throwingbackhishead。
“Why，yes。”Ianswered，wonderingatthisexcitement。
“ThenyouhaveseennothingofSaint-Eustacheandhismen？”
“Nothing。”
“Yettheymusthavepassedthiswaynotmanyhoursago。”Thentossinghishatonthetableandspeakingwithsuddenvehemence:
“IfyouhaveanyinterestinthefamilyofLavedan，youwillreturnupontheinstanttoToulouse。”
ThementionofLavedanwasenoughtoquickenmypulses。YetinthepasttwodaysIhadmasteredresignation，andindoingthatweschoolourselvestomuchrestraint。Iturnedslowly，andsurveyedthelittleCaptainattentively。Hisblackeyessparkled，andhismoustachesbristledwithexcitement。Clearlyhehadnewsofimport。
Iturnedtothelandlord。
“Leaveus，Monsieurl’Hote。”saidIshortly;andwhenhehaddeparted，“WhatoftheLavedanfamily，Castelroux？”IinquiredascalmlyasImight。
“TheChevalierdeSaint-EustacheleftToulouseatsixo’clockthismorningforLavedan。”
Swiftthesuspicionofhiserrandbrokeuponmymind。
“HehasbetrayedtheVicomte？”Ihalfinquired，halfasserted。
Castelrouxnodded。“HehasobtainedawarrantforhisapprehensionfromtheKeeperoftheSeals，andisgonetoexecuteit。InthecourseofafewdaysLavedanwillbeindangerofbeingnomorethananame。ThisSaint-Eustacheisdrivingabrisktrade，byGod，andsomefineprizeshavealreadyfallentohislot。Butifyouaddthemalltogether，theyarenotlikelytoyieldasmuchasthishislatestexpedition。Unlessyouintervene，Bardelys，theVicomtedeLavedanisdoomedandhisfamilyhouseless。”
“Iwillintervene。”Icried。“ByGod，Iwill！AndasforSaint-Eustache-hewasbornunderapropitiousstar，indeed，ifheescapesthegallows。HelittledreamsthatIamstilltobereckonedwith。There，Castelroux，IwillstartforLavedanatonce。”
AlreadyIwasstridingtothedoor，whentheGasconcalledmeback。
“Whatgoodwillthatdo？”heasked。“WereitnotbetterfirsttoreturntoToulouseandobtainacounter-warrantfromtheKing？”
Therewaswisdominhiswords-muchwisdom。Butmybloodwasafire，andIwasintoohotahastetoreason。
“ReturntoToulouse？”Iechoedscornfully。“Awasteoftime，Captain。No，IwillgostraighttoLavedan。Ineednocounter-warrant。IknowtoomuchofthisChevalier’saffairs，andmyverypresenceshouldbeenoughtostayhishand。Heisasfoulatraitorasyou’llfindinFrance;butforthemomentGodblesshimforaveryopportuneknave。Gilles！“Icalled，throwingwidethedoor。“Gilles！“
“Monseigneur。”heanswered，hasteningtome。
“Putbackthecarriagesandsaddlemeahorse。”Icommanded。“Andbidyourfellowsmountatonceandawaitmeinthecourtyard。WearenotgoingtoBeaugency，Gilles。Weridenorth-toLavedan。”
CHAPTERXVIII
SAINT-EUSTACHEISOBSTINATE
0ntheoccasionofmyfirstvisittoLavedanIhaddisregarded-or，rather，FatehadcontrivedthatIshoulddisregard-Chatellerault’ssuggestionthatIshouldgowithallthepanoplyofpower-withmyfollowers，myliveries，andmyequipagestocomposethemagnificenceallFrancehadcometoassociatewithmyname，andthusdazzlebymybrilliantlustretheladyIwascometowin。Asyoumayremember，Ihadcreptintothechateaulikeathiefinthenight，-wounded，bedraggled，andofmiserableaspect，seekingtoprovokecompassionratherthanadmiration。
NotsonowthatImademysecondvisit。IavailedmyselfofallthesplendourtowhichIowedmytitleof“Magnificent。”androdeintothecourtyardoftheChateaudeLavedanprecededbytwentywell-mountedknaveswearingthegorgeousSaint-Polliveriesofscarletandgold，withtheBardelysescutcheonbroideredonthebreastsoftheirdoublets-onafieldorabarazuresurchargedbythreeliliesofthefield。Theywerearmedwithswordsandmusketoons，andhadmoretheairofaroyalbodyguardthanofacompanyofattendantservants。
Ourcomingwasinawaywelltimed。IdoubtifwecouldhavestayedtheexecutionofSaint-Eustache’swarrantevenhadwearrivedearlier。Butforeffect-toproduceastrikingcoupdetheatre-
wecouldnothavecomemoreopportunely。
Acoachstoodinthequadrangle，atthefootofthechateausteps:
downthesetheVicomtewasdescending，withtheVicomtesse-grimandblasphemantasever，ononeside，andhisdaughter，whiteoffaceandwithtightlycompressedlips，ontheother。Betweenthesetwowomen-hiswifeandhischild-asdifferentinbodyastheyweredifferentinsoul，cameLavedanwithafirmstep，agoodcolour，andalookofwell-bred，loftyindifferencetohisfate。
Hedisposedhimselftoenterthecarriagewhichwastobearhimtoprisonwithmuchthesameairhewouldhaveassumedhadhisdestinationbeenaroyallevee。
AroundthecoachweregroupedascoreofmenofSaint-Eustache’scompany-halfsoldiers，halfploughboys-ill-garbedandindifferentlyaccoutredindullbreastplatesandsteelcaps，manyofwhichwererusted。Bythecarriagedoorstoodthelong，lankfigureoftheChevalierhimself，dressedwithhiswontedcare，andperfumed，curled，andberibbonedbeyondbelief。Hisweak，boyishfacesoughtbyscowlsandbytheadoptionofagrimsmiletoassumeanairofmartialferocity。
Suchwasthegroupinginthequadranglewhenmymen，withGillesattheirhead，thunderedacrossthedrawbridge，givingpausetothosewithin，anddrawinguponthemselvestheeyesofall，astheyrode，twobytwo，undertheold-worldarchofthekeepintothecourtyard。
AndGilles，whoknewourerrand，andwhowasasready-wittedarogueaseverrodewithme，tookinthesituationataglance。KnowinghowmuchIdesiredtomakeagoodlyshow，hewhisperedanorder。
Thisresultedinthecouplesdividingatthegateway，onegoingtotheleftandonetotheright，sothatastheycametheyspreadthemselvesinacrescent，anddrawingrein，theyfacedforward，confrontingandhalfsurroundingtheChevalier’scompany。
Aseachcoupleappeared，thecuriosity-theuneasiness，probably-ofSaint-Eustacheandhismen，hadincreased，andtheirexpectancywasontiptoetoseewhatlorditwaswentabroadwithsuchregalpomp，whenIappearedinthegatewayandadvancedatthetrotintothemiddleofthequadrangle。ThereIdrewreinanddoffedmyhattothemastheystood，open-mouthedandgapingoneandall。Ifitwasatheatricaldisplay，aparadeworthyofatilt-ground，itwasyetanobleandimposingadvent，andtheirgapingtoldmethatitwasnotwithouteffect。ThemenlookeduneasilyattheChevalier;
theChevalierlookeduneasilyathismen;mademoiselle，verypale，loweredhereyesandpressedherlipsyetmoretightly;theVicomtesseutteredanoathofastonishment;whilstLavedan，toodignifiedtomanifestsurprise，greetedmewithasoberbow。
BehindthemonthestepsIcaughtsightofagroupofdomestics，oldAnatolestandingslightlyinadvanceofhisfellows，andwondering，nodoubt，whetherthiswere，indeed，thebedraggledLesperonofalittlewhileago-forifIhadthoughtofpompinthedisplayofmylacqueys，nolesshadIconsidereditinthedeckingofmyownperson。Withoutanyoftheribbonsandfopperiesthatmarkthecoxcomb，yetwasIclad，plumed，andarmedwithamagnificencesuchasI’llswearhadnotbeenseenwithinthegreywallsofthatoldcastleinthelifetimeofanyofthosethatwerenowpresent。
GillesleaptfromhishorseasIdrewrein，andhastenedtoholdmystirrup，withamurmured“Monsieur。”whichtitledrewafreshastonishmentintotheeyesofthebeholders。
IadvancedleisurelytowardsSaint-Eustache，andaddressedhimwithsuchcondescensionasImightagroom，toimpressandquellamanofthistypeyourbestweaponisthearrogancethatanoblerspiritwouldresent。
“Aworldofoddmeetingsthis，Saint-Eustache。”Ismileddisdainfully。
“Aworldofstrangecomingsandgoings，andofrangetransformations。
ThelasttimewewereherewestoodmutuallyasguestsofMonsieurleVicomte;atpresentyouappeartobeofficiatingasa-atipstaff。”
“Monsieur！“Hecoloured，andheutteredthewordinaccentsofawakeningresentment。Ilookedintohiseyes，coldly，impassively，asifwaitingtohearwhathemighthavetoadd，andsoIstayeduntilhisglancefellandhisspiritwasfrozeninhim。Heknewme，andheknewhowmuchIwastobefeared。AwordfrommetotheKingmightsendhimtothewheel。ItwasuponthisIplayed。Presently，ashiseyefell“Isyourbusinesswithme，MonsieurdeBardelys？”heasked，andatthatutteranceofmynametherewasacommotiononthesteps，whilsttheVicomtestarted，andhiseyesfrowneduponme，andtheVicomtesselookedupsuddenlytoscanmewithafreshinterest。
Shebeheldatlastinthefleshthegentlemanwhohadplayedsonotoriousapart，tenyearsago，inthatscandalconnectedwiththeDuchessedeBourgogne，ofwhichshenevertiredofrecitingthedetails。Andthinkthatshehadsatattablewithhimdaybydayandbeenunconsciousofthatmomentousfact！Such，Imakenodoubt，waswhatpassedthroughhermindatthemoment，and，tojudgefromherexpression，IshouldsaythattheexcitementofbeholdingtheMagnificentBardelyshadforthenonceeclipsedbeholdingevenherhusband’sconditionandtheimminentsequestrationofLavedan。
“Mybusinessiswithyou，Chevalier。”saidI。“Itrelatestoyourmissionhere。”
Hisjawfell。“Youwish-？”
“TodesireyoutowithdrawyouramenandquitLavedanatonce，abandoningtheexecutionofyourwarrant。”
Heflashedmealookofimpotenthate。“Youknowoftheexistenceofmywarrant，MonsieurdeBardelys，andyoumustthereforerealizethataroyalmandatealonecanexemptmefromdeliveringMonsieurdeLavedantotheKeeperoftheSeals。”
“Myonlywarrant。”Ianswered，somewhatbaffled，butfarfromabandoninghope，“ismyword。YoushallsaytotheGardedesSceauxthatyouhavedonethisupontheauthorityoftheMarquisdeBardelys，andyouhavemypromisethatHisMajestyshallconfirmmyaction。”
InsayingthatIsaidtoomuch，asIwasquicklytorealize。
“HisMajestywillconfirmit，monsieur？”hesaidinterrogatively，andheshookhishead。“ThatisariskIdarenotrun。MywarrantsetsmeunderimperativeobligationswhichImustdischarge-youwillseethejusticeofwhatIstate。”
Histonewasallhumility，allsubservience，neverthelessitwasfirmtothepointofbeinghard。Butmylastcard，thecarduponwhichIwasdepending，wasyettobeplayed。
“Willyoudomethehonourtostepasidewithme，Chevalier？”I
commandedratherthanbesought。
“Atyourservice，sir。”saidhe;andIdrewhimoutofearshotofthoseothers。
“Now，Saint-Eustache，wecantalk。”saidI，withanabruptchangeofmannerfromthecoldlyarroganttothecoldlymenacing。“I
marvelgreatlyatyourtemerityinpursuingthisIscariotbusinessafterlearningwhoIam，atToulousetwonightsago。”
Heclenchedhishands，andhisweakfacehardened。
“Iwouldbegyoutoconsideryourexpressions，monsieur，andtocontrolthem。”saidheinathickvoice。
Ivouchsafedhimastareoffreezingamazement。“YouwillnodoubtrememberinwhatcapacityIfindyouemployed。Nay，keepyourhandsstill，Saint-Eustache。Idon’tfightcatchpolls，andifyougivemetroublemymenareyonder。”AndIjerkedmythumbovermyshoulder。
“Andnowtobusiness。Iamnotmindedtotalkallday。IwassayingthatImarvelatyourtemerity，andmoreparticularlyatyourhavinglaidinformationagainstMonsieurdeLavedan，andhavingcomeheretoarresthim，knowing，asyoumustknow，thatIaminterestedintheVicomte。”
“Ihaveheardofthatinterest，monsieur。”saidhe，withasneerforwhichIcouldhavestruckhim。
“Thisactofyours。”Ipursued，ignoringhisinterpolation，“savoursverymuchofflyinginthefaceofDestiny。Italmostseemstomeasifyouweredefyingme。”
Hisliptrembled，andhiseyesshunnedmyglance。
“Indeed-indeed，monsieur-“hewasprotesting，whenIcuthimshort。
“YoucannotbesogreatafoolbutthatyoumustrealizethatifI
telltheKingwhatIknowofyou，youwillbestrippedofyourill-gottengains，andbrokenonthewheelforadoubletraitor-abetrayerofyourfellow-rebels。”
“Butyouwillnotdothat，monsieur？”hecried。“Itwouldbeunworthyinyou。”
AtthatIlaughedinhisface。“HeartofGod！Areyoutobewhatyouplease，anddoyoustillexpectthatmenshallbeniceindealingwithyou？Iwoulddothisthing，and，bymyfaith，MonsieurdeEustache，Iwilldoit，ifyoucompelme！“
Hereddenedandmovedhisfootuneasily。PerhapsIdidnottakethebestwaywithhim，afterall。Imighthaveconfinedmyselftosowingfearinhisheart;thatalonemighthavehadtheeffectI
desired;byvisitinguponhimatthesametimetheinsultsIcouldnotrepress，Imayhavearousedhisresistance，andexcitedhisdesireaboveallelsetothwartme。
“Whatdoyouwantofme？”hedemanded，withasuddenarrogancewhichalmostcastmineintotheshade。
“Iwantyou。”saidI，deemingthetimeripetomakeaplaintaleofit，“towithdrawyourmen，andtoridebacktoToulousewithoutMonsieurdeLavedandan，theretoconfesstotheKeeperoftheSealsthatyoursuspicionswereunfounded，andthatyouhaveculledevidencethattheVicomtehashadnorelationswithMonsieurtheKing’sbrother。”
Helookedatmeinamazement-amusedly，almost。
“AlikelystorythattobeartotheastutegentlemeninToulouse。”
saidhe。
“Aye，mafoi，amostlikelystory。”saidI。“WhentheycometoconsidertheprofitthatyouarelosingbynotapprehendingtheVicomte，andcanthinkofnonethatyouaremaking，theywillhavelittledifficultyinbelievingyou。”
“Butwhatofthisevidenceyoureferto？”
“Youhave，Itakeit，discoverednoincriminatingevidence-nodocumentsthatwilltellagainsttheVicomte？”
“No，monsieur，itistruethatIhavenot-“
Hestoppedandbithislip，mysmilemakinghimawareofhisindiscretion。
“Verywell，then，youmustinventsomeevidencetoprovethathewasinnoway，associatedwiththerebellion。”
“MonsieurdeBardelys。”saidheveryinsolently，“wewastetimeinidlewords。IfyouthinkthatIwillimperilmyneckforthesakeofservingyouortheVicomte，youaremostprodigiouslyatfault。”
“Ihaveneverthoughtso。ButIhavethoughtthatyoumightbeinducedtoimperilyourneck-asyouhave，it-foritsownsake，andtotheendthatyoumightsaveit。”
Hemovedaway。“Monsieur，youtalkinvain。Youhavenoroyalwarranttosupersedemine。DowhatyouwillwhenyoucometoToulouse。”andhesmileddarkly。“Meanwhile，theVicomtegoeswithme。”
“Youhavenoevidenceagainsthim！“Icried，scarcebelievingthathewoulddaretodefymeandthatIhadfailed。
“Ihavetheevidenceofmyword。IamreadytosweartowhatIknow-that，whilstIwashereatLavedan，someweeksago，Idiscoveredhisconnectionwiththerebels。”
“Andwhatthinkyou，miserablefool，shallyourwordweighagainstmine？”Icried。“Neverfear，MonsieurleChevalier，IshallbeinToulousetogiveyoutheliebyshowingthatyourwordisawordtowhichnomanmayattachfaith，andbyexposingtotheKingyourpastconduct。Ifyouthinkthat，afterIhavespoken，KingLouiswhomtheynamethejustwillsufferthetrialoftheVicomtetogofurtheronyourinstigation，orifyouthinkthatyouwillbeabletoslipyourownneckfromthenooseIshallhavesetaboutit，youareaninfinitelygreaterfoolthanIdeemyou。”
Hestoodandlookedatmeoverhisshoulder，hisfacecrimson，andhisbrowsblackasathundercloud。
“AllthismaybetidewhenyoucometoToulouse，MonsieurdeBardelys。”saidhedarkly，“butfromheretoToulouseitisamatterofsometwentyleagues。”
Withthat，heturnedonhisheelandleftme，baffledandangry，topuzzleouttheinnermeaningofhispartingwords。
Hegavehismentheordertomount，andbadeMonsieurdeLavedanenterthecoach，whereuponGillesshotmeaglanceofinquiry。Forasecond，asIsteppedslowlyaftertheChevalier，Iwasmindedtotryarmedresistance，andtoconvertthatgreycourtyardintoashambles。ThenIsawbetimesthefutilityofsuchastep，andI
shruggedmyshouldersinanswertomyservant’sglance。
IwouldhavespokentotheVicomteerehedeparted，butIwastoodeeplychagrinedandhumiliatedbymy，defeat。SomuchsothatI
hadnoroominmythoughtsevenfortheverynaturalconjectureofwhatLavedanmustbethinkingofme。IrepentedmethenofmyrashnessincomingtoLavedanwithouthavingseentheKing-asCastelrouxhadcounselledme。IhadcomeindulgingvaindreamsofasplendidoverthrowofSaint-Eustache。IhadthoughttoshineheroicallyinMademoiselle’seyes，andthusIhadhopedthatbothgratitudeforhavingsavedherfatherandadmirationatthemannerinwhichIhadachieveditwouldpredisposehertograntmeahearinginwhichImightpleadmyrehabilitation。Oncethatwereaccordedme，IdidnotdoubtIshouldprevail。
Nowmydreamwasalldispelled，andmypridehadsufferedjustsuchahumiliatingfallasthemoraliststelluspridemusteversuffer。
Thereseemedlittleleftmebuttogohencewithlambenttail，likeadogthathasbeenwhipped-mydazzlingescortbecomeamockerybutthatitservedthemoreloudlytoadvertisemytrueimpotency。
AsIapproachedthecarriage，theVicomtessesweptsuddenlydownthestepsandcametowardsmewithafriendlysmile。“MonsieurdeBardelys。”saidshe，“wearegratefulforyourinterventioninthecauseofthatrebelmyhusband。”
“Madame。”Ibesoughther，undermybreath，“ifyouwouldnottotallydestroyhim，Ibeseechyoutobecautious。Byyourleave，Iwillhavemymenrefreshed，andthereafterIshalltaketheroadtoToulouseagain。IcanonlyhopethatmyinterventionwiththeKingmaybearbetterfruit。”
AlthoughIspokeinasubduedkey，Saint-Eustache，whostoodnearus，overheardme，ashisfaceveryclearlytestified。
“Remainhere，sir。”shereplied，withsomeeffusion，“andfollowuswhenyouarerested。”
“Followyou？”Iinquired。“DoyouthengowithMonsieurdeLavedan？”
“No，Anne。”saidtheVicomtepolitelyfromthecarriage。“Itwillbetiringyouunnecessarily。Youwerebetteradvisedtoremainhereuntilmyreturn。”
IdoubtnotthatthepoorVicomtewasmoreconcernedwithhowshewouldtirehimthanwithhowthejourneymighttireher。ButtheVicomtessewasnottobegainsaid。TheChevalierhadsneeredwhentheVicomtespokeofreturning。Madamehadcaughtthatsneer，andsheswungrounduponhimnowwiththevehementfuryofavirago。
“He’llnotreturn，you，think，youJudas！“shesnarledathim，herlean，swarthyfacegrowingveryeviltosee。“Butheshall-byGod，heshall！Andlooktoyourskinwhenhedoes，monsieurthecatchpoll，for，onmyhonour，youshallhaveaforetasteofhellforyourtroubleinthismatter。”
TheChevaliersmiledwithmuchrestraint。“Awoman’stongue。”saidhe，“doesnoinjury。”
“Willawoman’sarm，thinkyou？”demandedthatwarlikematron。“Youmusk-stinkingtipstaff，I’ll-“
“Anne，mylove。”imploredtheVicomtesoothingly，“Ibegthatyouwillcontrolyourself。”
“ShallIsubmittotheinsolenceofthismisbegottenvassal？ShallI-“
“Rememberratherthatitdoesnotbecomethedignityofyourstationtoaddressthefellow。Weavoidvenomousreptiles，butwedonotpausetoreproachthemwiththeirvenom。Godmadethemso。”
Saint-Eustachecolouredtotherootsofhishair，then，turninghastilytothedriver，hebadehimstart。Hewouldhaveclosedthedoorwiththat，butthatmadamethrustherselfforward。
ThatwastheChevalier’schancetobeavenged。“Youcannotgo。”
saidhe。
“Cannot？”Hercheeksreddened。“Whynot，monsieurLesperon？
“Ihavenoreasonstoaffordyou。”heansweredbrutally。“Youcannotgo。”
“Yourpardon，Chevalier。”Iinterposed。“Yougobeyondyourrightsinseekingtopreventher。MonsieurleVicomteisnotyetconvicted。
Donot，Ibeseechyou，transcendthealreadyodiouscharacterofyourwork。”
AndwithoutmoreadoIshoulderedhimaside，andheldthedoorthatshemightenter。Sherewardedmewithasmile-halfvicious，halfwhimsical，andmountedthestep。Saint-Eustachewouldhaveinterfered。Hecameatmeasifresentingthatshoulder-thrustofmine，andforasecondIalmostthoughthewouldhavecommittedthemadnessofstrikingme。
“Takecare，Saint-Eustache。”Isaidveryquietly，myeyesfixedonhis。AndmuchasdeadCaesar’sghostmayhavethreatenedBrutuswithPhilippi“WemeetatToulouse，Chevalier。”saidI，andclosingthecarriagedoorIsteppedback。
Therewasaflutterofskirtsbehindme。Itwasmademoiselle。Sobraveandoutwardlysocalmuntilnow，themomentofactualseparation-andaddedthereuntoperhapshermother’sgoingandthelonelinessthatforherselfsheforesaw-provedmorethanshecouldendure。Isteppedaside，andshesweptpastmeandcaughtattheleathercurtainofthecoach。
“Father！“shesobbed。
Therearesomethingsthatamanofbreedingmaynotwitness-somethingstolookuponwhichisnearakintoeavesdroppingorreadingthelettersofanother。SuchascenedidInowaccountthepresentone，and，turning，Imovedaway。ButSaint-Eustachecutitshort，forscarcehadItakenthreepaceswhenhisvoicerangoutthecommandtomove。Thedriverhesitated，forthegirlwasstillhangingatthewindow。Butasecondcommand，accompaniedbyavigorousoath，overcame-hishesitation。Hegathereduphisreins，crackedhiswhip，andthelumberingwheelsbegantomove。
“Haveacare，child！“IheardtheVicomtecry“haveacare！Adieu，monenfant！“
Shesprangback，sobbing，andassuredlyshewouldhavefallen，thrownoutofbalancebythemovementofthecoach，butthatIputforthmyhandsandcaughther。
Idonotthinksheknewwhosewerethearmsthatheldherforthatbriefspace，sodesolatedwasshebythegriefsolongrepressed。
AtlastsherealizedthatitwasthisworthlessBardelysagainstwhomsherested;thismanwhohadwageredthathewouldwinandwedher;thisimpostorwhohadcometoherunderanassumedname;thisknavewhohadliedtoherasnogentlemancouldhavelied，swearingtoloveher，whilst，inreality，hedidnomorethanseektowinawager。Whenallthissherealized，sheshudderedasecond，thenmovedabruptlyfrommygrasp，and，withoutsomuchasaglanceatme，sheleftme，and，ascendingthestepsofthechateau，shepassedfrommysight。
IgavetheordertodismountasthelastofSaint-Eustache’sfollowersvanishedundertheportcullis。
CHAPTERXIX
THEFLINTANDTHESTEEL
Mademoisellewillseeyou，monsieur。”saidAnatoleatlast。
TwicealreadyhadhecarriedunavailinglymyrequestthatRoxalanneshouldaccordmeaninterviewereIdeparted。OnthisthethirdoccasionIhadbiddenhimsaythatIwouldnotstirfromLavedanuntilshehaddonemethehonourofhearingme。Seeminglythatthreathadprevailedwhereentreatieshadbeenscorned。
IfollowedAnatolefromthehalf-lightofthehallinwhichIhadbeenpacingintothesalonoverlookingtheterracesandtheriver，whereRoxalanneawaitedme。Shewasstandingatthefartherendoftheroombyoneofthelongwindows，whichwasopen，for，althoughwewerealreadyinthefirstweekofOctober，theairofLanguedocwasaswarmandbalmyasthatofParisorPicardyisinsummer。
Iadvancedtothecentreofthechamber，andthereIpausedandwaiteduntilitshouldpleasehertoacknowledgemypresenceandturntofaceme。Iwasnofledgling。Ihadseenmuch，Ihadlearntmuchandbeeninmanyplaces，andmybearingwaswonttoconveyit。
NeverinmylifehadIbeengauche，forwhichIthankmyparents，andifyearsago-longyearsago-acertaintimidityhadmarkedmyfirstintroductionstotheLouvreandtheLuxembourg，thattimiditywassomethingfromwhichIhadlongsincepartedcompany。Andyetitseemedtome，asIstoodinthatpretty，sunlitroomawaitingthepleasureofthatchild，scarceoutofherteens，thatsomeoftheawkwardnessIhadescapedinearlieryears，someofthetimidityoflongago，cametomethen。Ishiftedtheweightofmybodyfromonelegtotheother;IfingeredthetablebywhichIstood;IpulledatthehatIheld;mycolourcameandwent;Ilookedatherfurtivelyfromunderbentbrows，andIthankedGodthatherbackbeingtowardsmeshemightnotseetheclownImusthaveseemed。
Atlength，unablelongertobrookthatdiscomposingsilence-
“Mademoiselle！“Icalledsoftly。Thesoundofmyownvoiceseemedtoinvigorateme，tostripmeofmyawkwardnessandself-consciousness。
Itbrokethespellthatforamomenthadbeenoverme，andbroughtmebacktomyself-tothevain，self-confident，flamboyantBardelysthatperhapsyouhavepicturedfrommywritings。
“Ihope，monsieur。”sheanswered，withoutturning，“thatwhatyoumayhavetosaymayjustifyinsomemeasureyourveryimportunateinsistence。”
Onmylife，thiswasnotencouraging。ButnowthatIwasmasterofmyself，Iwasnotagainsoeasilytobedisconcerted。Myeyesresteduponherasshestoodalmostframedintheopeningofthatlongwindow。Howstraightandsuppleshewas，yethowdaintyandslightwithal！Shewasfarfrombeingatallwoman，buthercleanlengthoflimb，herveryslightness，andthehigh-bredpoiseofhershapelyhead，conveyedanillusionofheightunlessyoustoodbesideher。Theillusiondidnotswaymethen。Isawonlyachild;butachildwithagreatspirit，withagreatsoulthatseemedtoaccentuateherphysicalhelplessness。Thathelplessness，whichI
feltratherthansaw，woveintothewarpofmylove。Shewasingriefjustthen-ingriefatthearrestofherfather，andatthedarkfatethatthreatenedhim;ingriefattheunworthinessofalover。Ofthetwowhichmightbethemorebitteritwasnotminetojudge，butIburnedtogatherhertome，tocomfortandcherishher，tomakeheronewithme，andthus，whilstgivinghersomethingofmyman’sheightandstrength，cullfromhersomethingofthatpure，noblespirit，andthussanctifymyown。
Ihadamoment’sweaknesswhenshespoke。IwaswithinanaceofadvancingandcastingmyselfuponmykneeslikeanyLentenpenitent，tosueforgiveness。ButIsettheinclinationdownbetimes。Suchexpedientswouldnotavailmehere。
“WhatIhavetosay，mademoiselle。”Iansweredafterapause，“wouldjustifyasaintdescendinginto，hell;or，rather，tomakemymetaphormoreapt，wouldwarrantasinner’sintrusionintoheaven。”
Ispokesolemnly，yetnottoosolemnly;theleastslurofasardonichumourwasinmytones。
Shemovedherheaduponthewhitecolumnofherneck，andwiththegestureoneofherbrowncurlsbecamedisordered。Icouldfancytheupwardtiltofherdelicatenose，thescornfulcurveofherlipassheansweredshortly“Thensayitquickly，monsieur。”
And，beingthusbidden，Isaidquickly“Iloveyou，Roxalanne。”
Herheelbeattheshimmeringparquetofthefloor;shehalfturnedtowardsme，hercheekflushed，herliptremulouswithanger。
“Willyousaywhatyouhavetosay，monsieur？”shedemandedinaconcentratedvoice，“andhavingsaidit，willyougo？”
“Mademoiselle，Ihavealreadysaidit。”Ianswered，withawistfulsmile。
“Oh！“shegasped。Thensuddenlyfacingrounduponme，aworldofangerinherblueeyes-eyesthatIhadknowndreamy，butwhichwerenowverywideawake。“Wasittooffermethislastinsultyouforcedyourpresenceuponme？Wasittomockmewiththosewords，me-awoman，withnomanaboutmetopunishyou？Shame，sir！YetitisnomorethanImightlookforinyou。”
“Mademoiselle，youdomegrievouswrong-“Ibegan。
“Idoyounowrong。”sheansweredhotly，thenstopped，unwillinghaplytobedrawnintocontentionwithme。“Enfin，sinceyouhavesaidwhatyoucametosaywillyougo？”Andshepointedtothedoor。
“Mademoiselle，mademoiselle-“Ibeganinavoiceofearnestintercession。
“Go！“sheinterruptedangrily，andforasecondtheviolenceofhervoiceandgesturealmostremindedmeoftheVicomtesse。“Iwillhearnomorefromyou。”
“Mademoiselle，youshall。”Ianswerednowhitlessfirmly。
“Iwillnotlistentoyou。Talkifyouwill。Youshallhavethewallsforaudience。”Andshemovedtowardsthedoor，butIbarredherpassage。Iwascourteoustotinelastdegree;IbowedlowbeforeherasIputmyselfinherway。
“Itisallthatwaswanting-thatyoushouldoffermeviolence！“
sheexclaimed。
“Godforbid！“saidI:
“Thenletmepass。”
“Aye，whenyouhaveheardme。”
“Idonotwishtohearyou。Nothingthatyoumaysaycammattertome。Oh，monsieur，ifyouhaveanyinstinctsofgentility，ifyouhaveanypretensiontobeaccountedanythingbutamauvaissujet，I
beg;ofyoutorespectmygrief。Youwitnessed，yourself，thearrestofmyfather。Thisisnoseasonforsuchassceneasyouarecreating。”
“Pardon！Itisinsuchaseasonasthisthatyouneedthecomfortandsupportthatthemanyoulovealonecangiveyou。”
“ThemanIlove？”sheechoed，andfromPushedthattheyhadbeen，hercheekswentverypale。Hereyesfellforaninstant，then-
theywereraised;again，andtheirbluedepthswereofferedme。“I
think，sir。”shesaid，throughherteeth，“thatyourinsolencetranscendsallbelief。”
“Canyoudenyit？”Icried。“Canyoudenythatyouloveme？Ifyoucan-why，then，youliedtomethreenightsagoatToulouse！“
Thatsmoteherhard-sohardthatsheforgotherassurancethatshewouldnotlistentome-herpromisetoherselfthatshewouldstooptonocontentionwithme。
“If，inamomentaryweakness，inmynescienceofyouasyoutrulyare，Ididmakesomesuchadmission，Ididentertainsuchfeelingsforyou，thingshavecometomyknowledgesincethen，monsieur，thathaverevealedyoutomeasanotherman;IhavelearntsomethingthathasutterlywitheredsuchloveasIthenconfessed。Now，monsieur，areyousatisfied，andwillyouletmepass？”Shesaidthelastwordswithareturnofherimperiousness，alreadyangryathavingbeendrawnsofar。
“Iamsatisfied，mademoiselle。”Iansweredbrutally，“thatyoudidnotspeakthetruththreenightsago。Youneverlovedme。Itwaspitythatdeludedyou，shamethaturgedyou-shameattheDelilahpartyouhadplayedandatyourbetrayalofme。Now，mademoiselle，youmaypass。”saidI。
AndIstoodaside，assuredthatasshewasawomanshewouldnotpassmenow。Nordidshe。Sherecoiledastepinstead。Herlipquivered。Thensherecoveredquickly。Hermothermighthavetoldherthatshewasafoolforengagingherselfinsuchaduelwithme-me，theveteranofahundredamorouscombats。YetthoughIdoubtnotitwasherfirstassault-at-armsofthisdescription，shewasmorethanamatchforme，ashernextwordsproved。
“Monsieur，Ithankyouforenlighteningme。Icannot，indeed，havespokenthetruththreenightsago。Youareright，Idonotdoubtitnow，andyouliftfrommealoadofshame。”
Dieu！Itwaslikeathrustinthehighlines，anditshurtfulviolencestaggeredme。Iwasfinished，itseemed。Thevictorywashers，andshebutachildwithnopracticeofCupid’sartoffence！
“Now，monsieur。”sheadded，“nowthatyouaresatisfiedthatyoudidwrongtosayIlovedyou，nowthatwehavedisposedofthatquestion-adieu！“
“Amomentyet！“Icried。“Wehavedisposedofthat，buttherewasanotherpoint，anearlierone，whichforthemomentwehavedisregarded。Wehave-youhavedisprovedtheloveIwassopresumptuousastobelieveyoufosteredforme。WehaveyettoreckonwiththeloveIbearyou，mademoiselle，andofthatweshallnotbeabletodisposesoreadily。”
Withagestureofwearinessorofimpatience，sheturnedaside。
“Whatisityouwant？Whatdoyouseektogainbythusprovokingme？Towinyourwager？”Hervoicewascold。Whotohavelookeduponthatchildlikeface，uponthosemeek，ponderingeyes，couldhavebelievedhercapableofsomuchcruelty？
“Therecannolongerbeanyquestionofmywager;Ihavelostandpaidit。”saidI。
Shelookedupsuddenly。Herbrowsmetinafrownofbewilderment。
Clearlythisinterestedher。Againwasshedrawn。
“How？”sheasked。“Youhavelostandpaidit？”
“Evenso。Thatodious，cursed，infamouswager，wasthesomethingwhichIhintedatsooftenasstandingbetweenyouandme。TheconfessionthatsooftenIwasonthepointofmaking-thatsooftenyouurgedmetomake-concernedthatwager。WouldtoGod，Roxalanne，thatIhadtoldyou！“Icried，anditseemedtomethatthesincerityringinginmyvoicedrovesomeoftheharshnessfromhercountenance，someofthecoldnessfromherglance。
“Unfortunately。”Ipursued，“italwaysseemedtomeeithernotyettime，oralreadytoolate。YetsosoonasIregainedmyliberty，myfirstthoughtwasofthat。WhilethewagerexistedImightnotaskyoutobecomemywife，lestIshouldseemtobecarryingouttheoriginalintentionwhichembarkedmeuponthebusinessofwooingyou，andbroughtmeheretoLanguedoc。AndsomyfirststepwastoseekoutChatelleraultanddeliverhimmynoteofhandformyPicardypossessions，thebulk-byfarthegreaterbulk-ofallmyfortune。MysecondstepwastorepairtoyouattheHoteldel’Epee。
“AtlastIcouldapproachyouwithcleanhands;IcouldconfesswhatIhaddone;andsinceitseemedtomethatIhadmadetheutmostatonement，Iwasconfidentofsuccess。Alas！Icametoolate。IntheporchoftheaubergeImetyouasyoucameforth。FrommytalkativeintendantyouhadlearntalreadythestoryofthatbargainintowhichBardelyshadentered。YouhadlearntwhoIwas，andyouthoughtthatyouhadlearntwhyIwooedyou。Accordinglyyoucouldbutdespiseme。”
Shehadsunkintoachair。Herhandswerefoldedinalistlessmannerinherlap，andhereyeswerelowered，hercheekspale。Buttheswiftheaveofherbosomtoldmethatmywordswerenotwithouteffect。”DoyouknownothingofthebargainthatImadewithChatellerault？”sheaskedinavoicethatheld，Ithought，sometraceofmisery。
“Chatelleraultwasacheat！“Icried。“NomanofhonourinFrancewouldhaveaccountedhimselfunderobligationtopaythatwager。I
paidit，notbecauseIthoughtthepaymentdue，butthatbyitspaymentImightofferyouaculminatingproofofmysincerity。”
“Bethatasitmay。”saidshe，“Ipassedhimmywordto-tomarryhim，ifhesetyouatliberty。”
“Thepromisedoesnothold，forwhenyoumadeitIwasatlibertyalready。Besides，Chatelleraultisdeadbynow-orverynearit。”
“Dead？”sheechoed，lookingup。
“Yes，dead。Wefought-“Theghostofasmile，ofsudden，ofscornfulunderstanding，passedlikearayoflightacrossherface。
“Pardieu！“Icried，“youdomeawrongthere。Itwasnotbymyhandsthathefell。Itwasnotbymethattheduelwasinstigated。”
AndwiththatIgaveherthewholedetailsoftheaffair，includingtheinformationthatChatelleraulthadbeennopartytomyrelease，andthatforhisattemptedjudicialmurderofmetheKingwouldhavedealtveryhardlywithhimhadhenotsavedtheKingthetroublebythrowinghimselfuponhissword:
TherewasasilencewhenIhaddone。Roxalannesaton，andseemedtoponder。ToletallthatIhadsaidsinkinandadvocatemycause，astomewasveryclearitmust，Iturnedasideandmovedtooneofthewindows。
“Whydidyounottellmebefore？”sheaskedsuddenly。“Why-oh，why-didyounotconfesstomethewholeinfamousaffairassoonasyoucametoloveme，asyousayyoudid？”
“AsIsayIdid？”Irepeatedafterher。“Doyoudoubtit？CanyoudoubtitinthefaceofwhatIhavedone？”
“Oh，Idon’tknowwhattobelieve！“shecried，asobinhervoice。
“Youhavedeceivedmesofar，sooften。Whydidyounottellmethatnightontheriver？Orlater，whenIpressedyouinthisveryhouse？Oragain，theothernightintheprisonofToulouse？”
“Youaskmewhy。Canyounotanswerthequestionforyourself？
Canyounotconceivethefearthatwasinmethatyoushouldshrinkawayfrommeinloathing？Thefearthatifyoucaredalittle，I
mightforalltimestiflesuchaffectionasyouboreme？ThefearthatImustruinyourtrustinme？Oh，mademoiselle，canyounotseehowmyonlyhopelayinfirstowningdefeattoChatellerault，infirstpayingthewager？”
“Howcouldyouhavelentyourselftosuchabargain？”washernextquestion。
“How，indeed？”Iaskedinmyturn。“FromyourmotheryouhaveheardsomethingofthereputationthatattachestoBardelys。Iwasamanofcarelessways，satiatedwithallthesplendourslifecouldgiveme，nauseatedbyallitsluxuries。WasitwonderfulthatI
allowedmyselftobeluredintothisaffair？Itpromisedsomeexcitement，acertainnovelty，difficultiesinapaththatIhad-
alas！-everfoundalltoosmooth-forChatelleraulthadmadeyourreputedcoldnessthechiefbolsterofhisopinionthatIshouldnotwin。
“Again，Iwasnotgiventoover-nicescruples。Imakenosecretofmyinfirmities，butdonotblamemetoomuch。IfyoucouldseethefinedemoiselleswehaveinParis，ifyoucouldlistentotheirtenetsandtakeadeeplookintotheirlives，youwouldnotmarvelatme。Ihadneverknownanybutthese。OnthenightofmycomingtoLavedan，yoursweetness，yourpureinnocence，youralmostchildishvirtue，dazedmebytheirnovelty。FromthatfirstmomentIbecameyourslave。ThenIwasinyourgardendaybyday。Andhere，inthisoldLanguedocgardenwithyouandyourroses，duringthelanguorousdaysofmyconvalescence，isitwonderfulthatsomeofthepurity，someofthesweetnessthatwasofyouandofyourroses，shouldhavecreptintomyheartandcleanseditalittle？Ah，mademoiselle！“Icried-and，comingclosetoher，Iwouldhavebentmykneeinintercessionbutthatsherestrainedme。
“Monsieur。”sheinterrupted，“weharassourselvesinvain。Thiscanhavebutoneending。”
Hertoneswerecold，butthecoldnessIknewwasforced-elsehadshenotsaid“weharassourselves。”Insteadofquellingmyardour，itgaveitfuel。
“True，mademoiselle。”Icried，almostexultantly。“Itcanendbutoneway！“
Shecaughtmymeaning，andherfrowndeepened。Iwenttoofast，itseemed。
“Ithadbetterendnow，monsieur。Thereistoomuchbetweenus。
Youwageredtowinmetowife。”Sheshuddered。“Icouldneverforgetit。”
“Mademoiselle。”Ideniedstoutly，“Ididnot。”
“How？”Shecaughtherbreath。“Youdidnot？”
“No。”Ipursuedboldly。“Ididnotwagertowinyou。IwageredtowinacertainMademoiselledeLavedan，whowasunknowntome-
butnotyou，notyou。”
Shesmiled，withneversoslightatouchofscorn。
“Yourdistinctionsareveryfine-toofineforme，monsieur。”
“Iimploreyoutobereasonable。Thinkreasonably。”
“AmInotreasonable？DoInotthink？Butthereissomuchtothinkof！“shesighed。“Youcarriedyourdeceptionsofar。Youcamehere，forinstance，asMonsieurdeLesperon。Whythatduplicity？”
“Again，mademoiselle，Ididnot。”saidI。
Sheglancedatmewithpatheticdisdain。
“Indeed，indeed，monsieur，youdenythingsverybravely。”
“DidItellyouthatmynamewasLesperon？”DidIpresentmyselftomonsieuryourfatherasLesperon？”
“Surely-yes。”
“Surelyno;athousandtimesno。Iwasthevictimofcircumstancesinthat，andifIturnedthemtomyownaccountaftertheyhadbeenforceduponme，shallIbeblamedandaccountedacheat？WhilstI
wasunconscious，yourfather，seekingforacluetomyidentity，madeaninspectionofmyclothes。
“InthepocketofmydoublettheyfoundsomepapersaddressedtoRenedeLesperon-someloveletters，acommunicationfromtheDucd’Orleans，andawoman’sportrait。FromallofthisitwasassumedthatIwasthatLesperon。Uponmyreturntoconsciousnessyourfathergreetedmeeffusively，whereatIwondered;hepassedontodiscuss-nay，totellmeof-thestateoftheprovinceandofhisownconnectionwiththerebels，untilIlaygaspingathisegregioustemerity。Then，whenhegreetedmeasMonsieurdeLesperon，Ihadtheexplanationofit，buttoolate。CouldIdenytheidentitythen？