"Butafearcametome：’Howcanyoumeasureherunlessyouputherintotheliquid？’
　　"Thenheexplainedhisidea，notwithoutdifficultyforhewasfull.Hesaidtome：’Itakeabarrel，andfillitwithwatertothebrim.Iputherinit.Allthewaterthatcomesoutwewillmeasure，thatisthewaytofixit.’
　　"Isaid：’Isee，Iunderstand.Butthiswaterthatoverflowswillrunaway;howareyougoingtogatheritup？’
　　"Thenhebeganstuffingmeandexplainedtomethatallweshouldhavetodowouldbetorefillthebarrelwiththewaterhiswifehaddisplacedassoonassheshouldhaveleft.Allthewaterweshouldpourinwouldbethemeasure.Isupposedabouttenpails;thatwouldbeacubicmetre.
　　Heisn’tafool，allthesame，whenheisdrunk，thatoldhorse.
　　"Tobebrief，wereachedhishouseandItookalookatitsmistress.A
　　beautifulwomanshecertainlywasnot.Anyonecanseeher，fortheresheis.Isaidtomyself：’Iamdisappointed，butnevermind，shewillbeofvalue;handsomeorugly，itisallthesame，isitnot，monsieurlepresident？’AndthenIsawthatshewasasthinasarail.Isaidtomyself：’Shewillnotmeasurefourhundredlitres.’Iunderstandthematter，itbeinginliquids.
　　"Shetoldyouabouttheproceeding.Ievenletherkeeponherchemiseandstockings，tomyowndisadvantage.
　　"Whenthatwasdonesheranaway.Isaid：’Lookout，Brument！sheisescaping.’
　　"Hereplied：’Donotbeafraid.Iwillcatchherallright.Shewillhavetocomebacktosleep，Iwillmeasurethedeficit.’
　　"Wemeasured.Notfourpailfuls.Ha，Ha，Ha！"
　　Thewitnessbegantolaughsopersistentlythatagendarmewasobligedtopunchhimintheback.Havingquieteddown，heresumed：
　　"Inshort，Brumentexclaimed：’Nothingdoing，thatisnotenough.’I
　　bawledandbawled，andbawledagain，hepunchedme，Ihitback.ThatwouldhavekeptontilltheDayofjudgment，seeingwewerebothdrunk.
　　"Thencamethegendarmes！Theysworeatus，theytookusofftoprison.
　　Iwantdamages."
　　Hesatdown.
　　Brumentconfirmedineveryparticularthestatementsofhisaccomplice.
　　Thejury，inconsternation，retiredtodeliberate.
　　Attheendofanhourtheyreturnedaverdictofacquittalforthedefendants，withsomeseverestricturesonthedignityofmarriage，andestablishingthepreciselimitationsofbusinesstransactions.
　　Brumentwenthometothedomesticroofaccompaniedbyhiswife.
　　Cornuwentbacktohisbusiness.
　　THEIMPOLITESEX
　　MadamedeX.toMadamedeL.
　　ETRETAT，Friday.
　　MyDearAunt：
　　Iamcomingtoseeyouwithoutanyoneknowingit.IshallbeatLesFresnesonthe2dofSeptember，thedaybeforethehuntingseasonopens，asIdonotwanttomissit，sothatImayteasethesegentlemen.Youaretoogood，aunt，andyouwillallowthem，asyouusuallydowhentherearenostrangeguests，tocometotable，underpretextoffatigue，withoutdressingorshavingfortheoccasion.
　　Theyaredelighted，ofcourse，whenIamnotpresent.ButIshallbethereandwillholdareview，likeageneral，atdinnertime;and，ifI
　　findasingleoneofthematallcarelessindress，nomatterhowlittle，Imeantosendthemdowntothekitchenwiththeservants.
　　Themenofto—dayhavesolittleconsiderationforothersandsolittlegoodmannersthatonemustbealwaysseverewiththem.Weliveindeedinanageofvulgarity.Whentheyquarrel，theyinsulteachotherintermsworthyoflongshoremen，and，inourpresence，theydonotconductthemselvesevenaswellasourservants.Itisattheseasidethatyouseethismostclearly.Theyaretobefoundthereinbattalions，andyoucanjudgetheminthelump.Oh！whatcoarsebeingstheyare！
　　Justimagine，inatrain，agentlemanwholookedwell，asIthoughtatfirstsight，thankstohistailor，carefullytookoffhisbootsinordertoputonapairofoldshoes！Another，anoldmanwhowasprobablysomewealthyupstart（thesearethemostill—bred），whilesittingoppositetome，hadthedelicacytoplacehistwofeetontheseatquiteclosetome.
　　Thisisapositivefact.
　　Atthewatering—placesthevulgarityisunrestrained.Imustheremakeoneadmission——thatmyindignationisperhapsduetothefactthatIamnotaccustomedtoassociate，asarule，withthesortofpeopleonecomesacrosshere，forIshouldbelessshockedbytheirmannersifIhadtheopportunityofobservingthemoftener.IntheofficeofthehotelIwasnearlythrowndownbyayoungmanwhosnatchedthekeyovermyhead.
　　Anotherknockedagainstmesoviolentlywithoutbeggingmypardonorliftinghishat，comingawayfromaballattheCasino，thatitgavemeapaininthechest.Itisthesamewaywithallofthem.Watchthemaddressingladiesontheterrace;theyscarcelyeverbow.Theymerelyraisetheirhandstotheirheadgear.But，indeed，astheyareallmoreorlessbald，itisthebestplan.
　　Butwhatexasperatesanddisgustsmeparticularlyisthelibertytheytakeoftalkinginpublic，withoutanykindofprecaution，aboutthemostrevoltingadventures.Whentwomenaretogether，theyrelatetoeachother，inthebroadestlanguageandwiththemostabominablecommentsreallyhorriblestories，withoutcaringintheslightestdegreewhetherawoman’seariswithinreachoftheirvoices.Yesterday，onthebeach，I
　　wasforcedtoleavetheplacewhereIwassittinginordernottobeanylongertheinvoluntaryconfidanteofanobsceneanecdote，toldinsuchimmodestlanguagethatIfeltjustashumiliatedasindignantathavingheardit.Wouldnotthemostelementarygood—breedingteachthemtospeakinalowertoneaboutsuchmatterswhenwearenearathand.
　　Etretatis，moreover，thecountryofgossipandscandal.Fromfivetoseveno’clockyoucanseepeoplewanderingaboutinquestofscandal，whichtheyretailfromgrouptogroup.Asyouremarkedtome，mydearaunt，tittle—tattleisthemarkofpettyindividualsandpettyminds.
　　Itisalsotheconsolationofwomenwhoarenolongerlovedorsoughtafter.Itisenoughformetoobservethewomenwhoarefondestofgossipingtobepersuadedthatyouarequiteright.
　　TheotherdayIwaspresentatamusicaleveningattheCasino，givenbyaremarkableartist，MadameMasson，whosingsinatrulydelightfulmanner.ItooktheopportunityofapplaudingtheadmirableCoquelin，aswellastwocharmingvaudevilleperformers，M————andMeillet.Imet，onthisoccasion，allthebatherswhowereatthebeach.Itisnogreatdistinctionthisyear.
　　NextdayIwenttolunchatYport.Inoticedatallmanwithabeard，comingoutofalargehouselikeacastle.Itwasthepainter，JeanPaulLaurens.Heisnotsatisfiedapparentlywithimprisoningthesubjectsofhispictures，heinsistsonimprisoninghimself.
　　ThenIfoundmyselfseatedontheshingleclosetoamanstillyoung，ofgentleandrefinedappearance，whowasreadingpoetry.Buthereaditwithsuchconcentration，withsuchpassion，Imaysay，thathedidnotevenraisehiseyestowardsme.Iwassomewhatastonishedandaskedtheproprietorofthebaths，withoutappearingtobemuchconcerned，thenameofthisgentleman.Ilaughedtomyselfalittleatthisreaderofrhymes;heseemedbehindtheage，foraman.Thisperson，Ithought，mustbeasimpleton.Well，aunt，Iamnowinfatuatedaboutthisstranger.Justfancy，hisnameisSullyPrudhomme！Iwentbackandsatdownbesidehimagainsoastogetagoodlookathim.Hisfacehasanexpressionofcalmnessandofpenetration.Somebodycametolookforhim，andIheardhisvoice，whichissweetandalmosttimid.Hewouldcertainlynottellobscenestoriesaloudinpublicorknockupagainstladieswithoutapologizing.Heisassuredlyamanofrefinement，buthisrefinementisofanalmostmorbid，sensitivecharacter，Iwilltrythiswintertogetanintroductiontohim.
　　Ihavenomorenews，mydearaunt，andImustfinishthisletterinhaste，asthemailwillsoonclose.Ikissyourhandsandyourcheeks.
　　Yourdevotedniece，BERTHEDEX.
　　P.S.——Ishouldadd，however，bywayofjustificationofFrenchpoliteness，thatourfellow—countrymenare，whentravelling，modelsofgoodmannersincomparisonwiththeabominableEnglish，whoseemtohavebeenbroughtupinastable，socarefularetheynottodiscommodethemselvesinanyway，whiletheyalwaysdiscommodetheirneighbors.
　　MadamedeL.toMadamedeX.
　　LESFRESNES，Saturday.
　　MyDearChild：
　　Manyofthethingsyouhavesaidtomeareverysensible，butthatdoesnotpreventyoufrombeingwrong.Likeyou，Iusedformerlytofeelveryindignantattheimpolitenessofmen，who，asIsupposed，constantlytreatedmewithneglect;but，asIgrewolderandreflectedoneverything，puttingasidecoquetry，andobservingthingswithouttakinganypartinthemmyself，Iperceivedthismuch——thatifmenarenotalwayspolite，womenarealwaysindescribablyrude.
　　Weimaginethatweshouldbepermittedtodoanything，mydarling，andatthesametimeweconsiderthatwehavearighttotheutmostrespect，andinthemostflagrantmannerwecommitactionsdevoidofthatelementarygood—breedingofwhichyouspeaksofeelingly.
　　Ifind，onthecontrary，thatmenconsiderusmuchmorethanweconsiderthem.Besides，darling，menmustneedsbe，andare，whatwemakethem.
　　Inastateofsociety，wherewomenarealltruegentlewomen，allmenwouldbecomegentlemen.
　　Comenow;justobserveandreflect.
　　Lookattwowomenmeetinginthestreet.Whatanattitudeeachassumestowardstheother！Whatdisparaginglooks！Whatcontempttheythrowintoeachglance！Howtheytosstheirheadswhiletheyinspecteachothertofindsomethingtocondemn！And，ifthefootpathisnarrow，doyouthinkonewomanwouldmakeroomforanother，orwouldbegpardonasshesweepsby？Never！Whentwomenjostleeachotherbyaccidentinsomenarrowlane，eachofthembowsandatthesametimegetsoutoftheother’sway，whilewewomenpressagainsteachotherstomachtostomach，facetoface，insolentlystaringeachotheroutofcountenance.
　　Lookattwowomenwhoareacquaintancesmeetingonastaircaseoutsidethedoorofafriend’sdrawing—room，oneofthemjustleaving，theotherabouttogoin.Theybegintotalktoeachotherandblockupallthelanding.Ifanyonehappenstobecomingupbehindthem，manorwoman，doyouimaginethattheywillputthemselveshalfaninchoutoftheirway？
　　Never！never！
　　Iwaswaitingmyself，withmywatchinmyhands，onedaylastwinteratacertaindrawing—roomdoor.And，behindme，twogentlemenwerealsowaitingwithoutshowinganyreadiness，asIdid，tolosetheirtemper.
　　Thereasonwasthattheyhadlonggrownaccustomedtoourunconscionableinsolence.
　　Theotherday，beforeleavingParis，Iwenttodinewithnolessapersonthanyourhusband，intheChampsElysees，inordertoenjoythefreshair.Everytablewasoccupied.Thewaiteraskedustowaitandtherewouldsoonbeavacanttable.
　　AtthatmomentInoticedanelderlyladyofnoblefigure，who，havingpaidforherdinner，seemedonthepointofgoingaway.Shesawme，scannedmefromheadtofoot，anddidnotbudge.Formorethanaquarterofanhourshesatthere，immovable，puttingonhergloves，andcalmlystaringatthosewhowerewaitinglikemyself.Now，twoyoungmenwhowerejustfinishingtheirdinner，havingseenmeintheirturn，hastilysummonedthewaiter，paidwhattheyowed，andatonceofferedmetheirseats，eveninsistingonstandingwhilewaitingfortheirchange.And，bearinmind，myfairniece，thatIamnolongerpretty，likeyou，butoldandwhite—haired.
　　Itiswe，yousee，whoshouldbetaughtpoliteness，andthetaskwouldbesuchadifficultonethatHerculeshimselfwouldnotbeequaltoit.YouspeaktomeaboutEtretatandaboutthepeoplewhoindulgedin"tittle—
　　tattle"alongthebeachofthatdelightfulwatering—place.Itisaspotnowlosttome，athingofthepast，butIfoundmuchamusementthereindaysgoneby.
　　Therewereonlyafewofus，peopleingoodsociety，reallygoodsociety，andafewartists，andweallfraternized.Wepaidlittleattentiontogossipinthosedays.
　　AswehadnomonotonousCasino，wherepeopleonlygatherforshow，wheretheywhisper，wheretheydancestupidly，wheretheysucceedinthoroughlyboringoneanother，wesoughtsomeotherwayofpassingoureveningspleasantly.Now，justguesswhatcameintotheheadofoneofourhusbands？Nothinglessthantogoanddanceeachnightinoneofthefarm—housesintheneighborhood.
　　Westartedoutinagroupwithastreet—organ，generallyplayedbyLePoittevin，thepainter，withacottonnightcaponhishead.Twomencarriedlanterns.Wefollowedinprocession，laughingandchatteringlikeapackoffools.
　　Wewokeupthefarmerandhisservant—maidsandfarmhands.Wegotthemtomakeonionsoup（horror！），andwedancedundertheappletrees，tothesoundofthebarrel—organ.Thecockswakingupbegantocrowinthedarknessoftheout—houses;thehorsesbeganprancingonthestrawoftheirstables.Thecoolairofthecountrycaressedourcheekswiththesmellofgrassandofnew—mownhay.
　　Howlongagoitis！Howlongagoitis！Itisthirtyyearssincethen！
　　Idonotwantyou，mydarling，tocomefortheopeningofthehuntingseason.Whyspoilthepleasureofourfriendsbyinflictingonthemfashionabletoilettesonthisdayofvigorousexerciseinthecountry？
　　Thisistheway，child，thatmenarespoiled.Iembraceyou.Youroldaunt，GENEVIEVEDEL.
　　AWEDDINGGIFT
　　ForalongtimeJacquesBourdillerehadswornthathewouldnevermarry，buthesuddenlychangedhismind.Ithappenedsuddenly，onesummer，attheseashore.
　　Onemorningashelaystretchedoutonthesand，watchingthewomencomingoutofthewater，alittlefoothadstruckhimbyitsneatnessanddaintiness.Heraisedhiseyesandwasdelightedwiththewholeperson，althoughinfacthecouldseenothingbuttheanklesandtheheademergingfromaflannelbathrobecarefullyheldclosed.Hewassupposedtobesensualandafastliver.Itwasthereforebythemeregraceoftheformthathewasatfirstcaptured.Thenhewasheldbythecharmoftheyounggirl’ssweetmind，sosimpleandgood，asfreshashercheeksandlips.
　　Hewaspresentedtothefamilyandpleasedthem.Heimmediatelyfellmadlyinlove.WhenhesawBertheLannisinthedistance，onthelongyellowstretchofsand，hewouldtingletotherootsofhishair.Whenhewasnearherhewouldbecomesilent，unabletospeakoreventothink，withakindofthrobbingathisheart，andabuzzinginhisears，andabewildermentinhismind.Wasthatlove？
　　Hedidnotknoworunderstand，buthehadfullydecidedtohavethischildforhiswife.
　　Herparentshesitatedforalongtime，restrainedbytheyoungman’sbadreputation.Itwassaidthathehadanoldsweetheart，oneofthesebindingattachmentswhichonealwaysbelievestobebrokenoffandyetwhichalwayshold.
　　Besides，forashorterorlongerperiod，helovedeverywomanwhocamewithinreachofhislips.
　　Thenhesettleddownandrefused，evenonce，toseetheonewithwhomhehadlivedforsolong.Afriendtookcareofthiswoman’spensionandassuredheranincome.Jacquespaid，buthedidnotevenwishtohearofher，pretendingeventoignorehername.Shewrotehimletterswhichheneveropened.Everyweekhewouldrecognizetheclumsywritingoftheabandonedwoman，andeveryweekagreaterangersurgedwithinhimagainsther，andhewouldquicklyteartheenvelopeandthepaper，withoutopeningit，withoutreadingonesingleline，knowinginadvancethereproachesandcomplaintswhichitcontained.
　　Asnoonehadmuchfaithinhisconstancy，thetestwasprolongedthroughthewinter，andBerthe’shandwasnotgrantedhimuntilthespring.TheweddingtookplaceinParisatthebeginningofMay.
　　Theyoungcouplehaddecidednottotaketheconventionalweddingtrip，butafteralittledancefortheyoungercousins，whichwouldnotbeprolongedaftereleveno’clock，inorderthatthisdayoflengthyceremoniesmightnotbetootiresome，theyoungpairweretospendthefirstnightintheparentalhomeandthen，onthefollowingmorning，toleaveforthebeachsodeartotheirhearts，wheretheyhadfirstknownandlovedeachother.
　　Nighthadcome，andthedancewasgoingoninthelargeparlor.’ThetwohadretiredintoalittleJapaneseboudoirhungwithbrightsilksanddimlylightedbythesoftraysofalargecoloredlanternhangingfromtheceilinglikeagiganticegg.Throughtheopenwindowthefreshairfromoutsidepassedovertheirfaceslikeacaress，forthenightwaswarmandcalm，fulloftheodorofspring.
　　Theyweresilent，holdingeachother’shandsandfromtimetotimesqueezingthemwithalltheirmight.Shesattherewithadreamylook，feelingalittlelostatthisgreatchangeinherlife，butsmiling，moved，readytocry，oftenalsoalmostreadytofaintfromjoy，believingthewholeworldtobechangedbywhathadjusthappenedtoher，uneasy，sheknewnotwhy，andfeelingherwholebodyandsoulfilledwithanindefinableanddeliciouslassitude.
　　Hewaslookingatherpersistentlywithafixedsmile.Hewishedtospeak，butfoundnothingtosay，andsosatthere，expressingallhisardorbypressuresofthehand.Fromtimetotimehewouldmurmur：
　　"Berthe！"Andeachtimeshewouldraisehereyestohimwithalookoftenderness;theywouldlookateachotherforasecondandthenherlook，piercedandfascinatedbyhis，wouldfall.
　　Theyfoundnothoughtstoexchange.Theyhadbeenleftalone，butoccasionallysomeofthedancerswouldcastarapidglanceatthem，asthoughtheywerethediscreetandtrustywitnessesofamystery.
　　Adooropenedandaservantentered，holdingonatrayaletterwhichamessengerhadjustbrought.Jacques，trembling，tookthispaper，overwhelmedbyavagueandsuddenfear，themysteriousterrorofswiftmisfortune.
　　Helookedforalongtimeattheenvelope，thewritingonwhichhedidnotknow，notdaringtoopenit，notwishingtoreadit，withawilddesiretoputitinhispocketandsaytohimself："I’llleavethattillto—
　　morrow，whenI’mfaraway！"Butononecornertwobigwords，underlined，"Veryurgent，"filledhimwithterror.Saying，"Pleaseexcuseme，mydear，"hetoreopentheenvelope.Hereadthepaper，grewfrightfullypale，lookedoveritagain，and，slowly，heseemedtospellitoutwordforword.
　　Whenheraisedhisheadhiswholeexpressionshowedhowupsethewas.Hestammered："Mydear，it’s——it’sfrommybestfriend，whohashad，averygreatmisfortune.Hehasneedofmeimmediately——foramatteroflifeordeath.WillyouexcusemeifIleaveyouforhalfanhour？I’llberightback."
　　Tremblinganddazed，shestammered："Go，mydear！"nothavingbeenhiswifelongenoughtodaretoquestionhim，todemandtoknow.Hedisappeared.Sheremainedalone，listeningtothedancingintheneighboringparlor.
　　Hehadseizedthefirsthatandcoathecametoandrusheddownstairsthreestepsatatime.Ashewasemergingintothestreethestoppedunderthegas—jetofthevestibuleandrereadtheletter.Thisiswhatitsaid：
　　SIR：AgirlbythenameofRavet，anoldsweetheartofyours，itseems，hasjustgivenbirthtoachildthatshesaysisyours.Themotherisabouttodieandisbeggingforyou.Itakethelibertytowriteandaskyouifyoucangrantthislastrequesttoawomanwhoseemstobeveryunhappyandworthyofpity.
　　Yourstruly，DR.BONNARD.
　　Whenhereachedthesick—roomthewomanwasalreadyonthepointofdeath.Hedidnotrecognizeheratfirst.Thedoctorandtwonursesweretakingcareofher.Andeverywhereonthefloorwerepailsfulloficeandragscoveredwithblood.Waterfloodedthecarpet;twocandleswereburningonabureau;behindthebed，inalittlewickercrib，thechildwascrying，andeachtimeitwouldmoanthemother，intorture，wouldtrytomove，shiveringunderhericebandages.
　　Shewasmortallywounded，killedbythisbirth.Herlifewasflowingfromher，and，notwithstandingtheiceandthecare，themercilesshemorrhagecontinued，hasteningherlasthour.
　　SherecognizedJacquesandwishedtoraiseherarms.Theyweresoweakthatshecouldnotdoso，buttearscourseddownherpallidcheeks.
　　Hedroppedtohiskneesbesidethebed，seizedoneofherhandsandkisseditfrantically.Then，littlebylittle，hedrewclosetothethinface，whichstartedatthecontact.Oneofthenurseswaslightingthemwithacandle，andthedoctorwaswatchingthemfromthebackoftheroom.
　　Thenshesaidinavoicewhichsoundedasthoughitcamefromadistance：
　　"Iamgoingtodie，dear.Promisetostaytotheend.Oh！don’tleavemenow.Don’tleavemeinmylastmoments！"
　　Hekissedherfaceandherhair，and，weeping，hemurmured："Donotbeuneasy;Iwillstay."
　　Itwasseveralminutesbeforeshecouldspeakagain，shewassoweak.
　　Shecontinued："Thelittleoneisyours.IswearitbeforeGodandonmysoul.IswearitasIamdying！Ihaveneverlovedanothermanbutyou——promisetotakecareofthechild."
　　Hewastryingtotakethispoorpain—rackedbodyinhisarms.Maddenedbyremorseandsorrow，hestammered："IsweartoyouthatIwillbringhimupandlovehim.Heshallneverleaveme."
　　ThenshetriedtokissJacques.Powerlesstoliftherhead，sheheldoutherwhitelipsinanappealforakiss.Heapproachedhislipstorespondtothispiteousentreaty.
　　Assoonasshefeltalittlecalmer，shemurmured："Bringhimhereandletmeseeifyoulovehim."
　　Hewentandgotthechild.Heplacedhimgentlyonthebedbetweenthem，andthelittleonestoppedcrying.Shemurmured："Don’tmoveanymore！"
　　Andhewasquiet.Andhestayedthere，holdinginhisburninghandthisotherhandshakinginthechillofdeath，justas，awhileago，hehadbeenholdingahandtremblingwithlove.Fromtimetotimehewouldcastaquickglanceattheclock，whichmarkedmidnight，thenoneo’clock，thentwo.
　　Thephysicianhadreturned.Thetwonurses，afternoiselesslymovingabouttheroomforawhile，werenowsleepingonchairs.Thechildwasasleep，andthemother，witheyesshut，appearedalsotoberesting.
　　Suddenly，justaspaledaylightwascreepinginbehindthecurtains，shestretchedoutherarmswithsuchaquickandviolentmotionthatshealmostthrewherbabyonthefloor.Akindofrattlewasheardinherthroat，thenshelayonherbackmotionless，dead.
　　Thenursessprangforwardanddeclared："Allisover！"
　　Helookedoncemoreatthiswomanwhomhehadsoloved，thenattheclock，whichpointedtofour，andheranaway，forgettinghisovercoat，intheeveningdress，withthechildinhisarms.
　　Afterhehadleftheralonetheyoungwifehadwaited，calmlyenoughatfirst，inthelittleJapaneseboudoir.Then，asshedidnotseehimreturn，shewentbacktotheparlorwithanindifferentandcalmappearance，butterriblyanxious.Whenhermothersawheralonesheasked："Whereisyourhusband？"Sheanswered："Inhisroom;heiscomingrightback."
　　Afteranhour，wheneverybodyhadquestionedher，shetoldabouttheletter，Jacques’upsetappearanceandherfearsofanaccident.
　　Stilltheywaited.Theguestsleft;onlythenearestrelativesremained.
　　Atmidnightthebridewasputtobed，sobbingbitterly.Hermotherandtwoaunts，sittingaroundthebed，listenedtohercrying，silentandindespair.Thefatherhadgonetothecommissaryofpolicetoseeifhecouldobtainsomenews.
　　Atfiveo’clockaslightnoisewasheardinthehall.Adoorwassoftlyopenedandclosed.Thensuddenlyalittlecrylikethemewingofacatwasheardthroughoutthesilenthouse.
　　AllthewomenstartedforwardandBerthesprangaheadofthemall，pushingherwaypastheraunts，wrappedinabathrobe.
　　Jacquesstoodinthemiddleoftheroom，paleandoutofbreath，holdinganinfantinhisarms.Thefourwomenlookedathim，astonished;butBerthe，whohadsuddenlybecomecourageous，rushedforwardwithanguishinherheart，exclaiming："Whatisit？What’sthematter？"
　　Helookedabouthimwildlyandansweredshortly：
　　"I——Ihaveachildandthemotherhasjustdied."
　　Andwithhisclumsyhandsheheldoutthescreaminginfant.
　　Withoutsayingaword，Bertheseizedthechild，kisseditandhuggedittoher.Thensheraisedhertear—filledeyestohim，asking："Didyousaythatthemotherwasdead？"Heanswered："Yes——justnow——inmyarms.
　　Ihadbrokenwithhersincesummer.Iknewnothing.Thephysiciansentforme."
　　ThenBerthemurmured："Well，wewillbringupthelittleone."
　　THERELIC
　　"TotheAbbeLouisd’Ennemare，atSoissons.
　　MyDearAbbe.
　　"Mymarriagewithyourcousinisbrokenoffinthemoststupidway，allonaccountofanidiotictrickwhichIalmostinvoluntarilyplayedmyintedded.InmyperplexityIturntoyou，myoldschoolchum，foryoumaybeabletohelpmeoutofthedifficulty.Ifyoucan，IshallbegratefultoyouuntilIdie.
　　"YouknowGilberte，or，rather，youthinkyouknowher，butdoweeverunderstandwomen？Alltheiropinions，theirideas，theircreeds，areasurprisetous.Theyareallfulloftwistsandturns，cftheunforeseen，ofunintelligiblearguments，ofdefectivelogicandofobstinateideas，whichseemfinal，butwhichtheyalterbecausealittlebirdcameandperchedonthewindowledge.
　　"Ineednottellyouthatyourcousinisveryreligious，asshewasbroughtupbytheWhite（orwasittheBlack？）LadiesatNancy.YouknowthatbetterthanIdo，butwhatyouperhapsdonotknowis，thatsheisjustasexcitableaboutothermattersassheisaboutreligion.Herheadfliesaway，justasaleafiswhirledawaybythewind;andsheisatruewoman，or，rather，girl，forsheismovedormadeangryinamoment，startingoffatagallopinaffection，justasshedoesinhatred，andreturninginthesamemanner;andsheispretty——asyouknow，andmorecharmingthanIcansay——asyouwillneverknow.
　　"Well，webecameengaged，andIadoredher，asIadoreherstill，andsheappearedtoloveme.
　　"Oneevening，IreceivedatelegramsummoningmetoCologneforaconsultation，whichmightbefollowedbyaseriousanddifficultoperation，andasIhadtostartthenextmorning，IwenttowishGilbertegood—by，andtellherwhyIcouldnotdinewiththemonWednesday，butwoulddosoonFriday，thedayofmyreturn.Ah！BewareofFridays，forIassureyoutheyareunlucky！
　　"WhenItoldherthatIhadtogotoGermany，Isawthathereyesfilledwithtears，butwhenIsaidIshouldbebackverysoon，sheclappedherhands，andsaid：
　　"’Iamverygladyouaregoing，then！Youmustbringmebacksomething;
　　ameretrifle，justasouvenir，butasouvenirthatyouhavechosenforme.YoumustguesswhatIshouldlikebest，doyouhear？AndthenI
　　shallseewhetheryouhaveanyimagination.’
　　"Shethoughtforafewmoments，andthenadded：
　　"’Iforbidyoutospendmorethantwentyfrancsonit.Iwantitfortheintention，andforaremembranceofyourpenetration，andnotforitsintrinsicvalue：
　　"Andthen，afteranothermoment’ssilence，shesaid，inalowvoice，andwithdowncasteyes：
　　"’Ifitcostsyounothinginmoney，butissomethingveryingeniousandpretty，Iwill——Iwillkissyou.’
　　"ThenextdayIwasinCologne.Itwasacaseofaterribleaccident，whichhadplungedawholefamilyintodespair，andadifficultamputationwasnecessary.Theylodgedmeinthehouse;Imightsay，theyalmostlockedmeup，andIsawnobodybutpeopleintears，whoalmostdeafenedmewiththeirlamentations;Ioperatedonamanwhoappearedtobeinamoribundstate，andwhonearlydiedundermyhands，andwithwhomI
　　remainedtwonights;andthen，whenIsawthattherewasachanceofhisrecovery，Idrovetothestation.Ihad，however，madeamistakeinthetrains，andIhadanhourtowait，andsoIwanderedaboutthestreets，stillthinkingofmypoorpatient，whenamanaccostedme.IdonotknowGerman，andhewastotallyignorantofFrench，butatlastImadeoutthathewasofferingmesomerelics.IthoughtofGilberte，forIknewherfanaticaldevotion，andherewasmypresentreadytohand，soI
　　followedthemanintoashopwherereligiousobjectswereforsale，andI
　　boughtasmallpieceofaboneofoneoftheElevenThousandVirgins.
　　"Thepretendedrelicwasinclosedinacharmingoldsilverbox，andthatdeterminedmychoice，and，puttingmypurchaseintomypocket，Iwenttotherailwaystation，andsoontoParis.
　　"AssoonasIgothome，Iwishedtoexaminemypurchaseagain，andontakingholdofit，Ifoundthattheboxwasopen，andtherelicmissing！
　　Isearchedinvaininmypocket，andturneditinsideout;thesmallbitofbone，whichwasnobiggerthanhalfapin，haddisappeared.
　　"Youknow，mydearlittleAbbe，thatmyfaithisnotveryfervent，but，asmyfriend，youaremagnanimousenoughtoputupwithmylukewarmness，andtoleavemealone，andtowaitforthefuture，soyousay.ButI
　　absolutelydisbelieveintherelicsofsecondhanddealersinpiety，andyousharemydoubtsinthatrespect.Therefore，thelossofthatbitofsheep’scarcassdidnotgrieveme，andIeasilyprocuredasimilarfragment，whichIcarefullyfastenedinsidemyjewel—box，andthenIwenttoseemyintended.
　　"Assoonasshesawme，sheranuptome，smilingandeager，and，saidtome：
　　"’Whathaveyoubroughtme？’
　　"Ipretendedtohaveforgotten，butshedidnotbelieveme，andImadeherbeg，andevenbeseechme.ButwhenIsawthatshewasdevouredbycuriosity，Igaveherthesacredsilverbox.Sheappearedoverjoyed.
　　"’Arelic！Oh！Arelic！’
　　"Andshekissedtheboxpassionately，sothatIwasashamedofmydeception.Shewasnotquitesatisfied，however，andheruneasinesssoonturnedtoterriblefear，andlookingstraightintomyeyes，shesaid：
　　"’Areyousure—thatitisgenuine？’
　　"’Absolutelycertain.’
　　"’Howcanyoubesocertain？’
　　"Iwastrapped;fortosaythatIhadboughtitofamaninthestreetswouldbemydestruction.WhatwasItosay？Awildideastruckme，andIsaid，inalow，mysteriousvoice：
　　"’Istoleitforyou.’
　　"Shelookedatmewithastonishmentanddelightinherlargeeyes.
　　"’Oh！Youstoleit？Where？’
　　"’Inthecathedral;intheveryshrineoftheElevenThousandVirgins.’
　　"Herheartbeatwithpleasure，andshemurmured：
　　"’Oh！Didyoureallydothat—forme？Tellme—allaboutit！’
　　"Thatwastheclimax;IcouldnotretractwhatIhadsaid.Imadeupafancifulstory;withprecisedetails：Ihadgiventhecustodianofthebuildingahundredfrancstobeallowedtogoaboutthebuildingbymyself;theshrinewasbeingrepaired，butIhappenedtobethereatthebreakfasthouroftheworkmenandclergy;byremovingasmallpanel，I
　　hadbeenenabledtoseizeasmallpieceofbone（oh！sosmall），amongaquantityofothers（Isaidaquantity，asIthoughtoftheamountthattheremainsoftheskeletonsofeleventhousandvirginsmustproduce）.
　　ThenIwenttoagoldsmith’sandboughtacasketworthyoftherelic;andIwasnotsorrytoletherknowthatthesilverboxcostmefivehundredfrancs.
　　"Butshedidnotthinkofthat;shelistenedtome，trembling，inanecstasy，andwhispering：’HowIloveyou！’shethrewherselfintomyarms.
　　"Justnotethis：Ihadcommittedsacrilegeforhersake.Ihadcommittedatheft;Ihadviolatedachurch;Ihadviolatedashrine;violatedandstolenholyrelics，andforthatsheadoredme，thoughtmeperfect，tender，divine.Suchiswoman，mydearAbbe，everywoman.
　　"FortwomonthsIwasthemostadmirableoflovers.Inherroom，shehadmadeakindofmagnificentchapelinwhichtokeepthisbitofmuttonchop，which，asshethought，hadmademecommitthatdivinelove—crime，andsheworkedupherreligiousenthusiasminfrontofiteverymorningandevening.Ihadaskedhertokeepthemattersecret，forfear，asI
　　said，thatImightbearrested，condemned，andgivenovertoGermany，andshekeptherpromise.
　　"Well，atthebeginningofthesummer，shewasseizedwithanirresistibledesiretoseethesceneofmyexploit，andsheteasedherfathersopersistently（withouttellinghimhersecretreason），thathetookhertoCologne，butwithouttellingmeoftheirtrip，accordingtohisdaughter’swish.
　　"IneednottellyouthatIhadnotseentheinteriorofthecathedral.
　　Idonotknowwherethetomb（iftherebeatomb）oftheElevenThousandVirginsis;andthen，itappears，itisunapproachable，alas！
　　"Aweekafterward，Ireceivedtenlines，breakingoffourengagement，andthenanexplanatoryletterfromherfather，whomshehad，somewhatlate，takenintoherconfidence.
　　"Atthesightoftheshrine，shehadsuddenlyseenthroughmytrickeryandmylie，andatthesametimediscoveredmyrealinnocenceofanycrime.Havingaskedthekeeperoftherelicswhetheranyrobberyhadbeencommitted，themanbegantolaugh，andpointedouttothemhowimpossiblesuchacrimewas.But，fromthemomentthatIhadnotplungedmyprofanehandintovenerablerelics，Iwasnolongerworthyofmyfair—
　　haired，sensitivebetrothed.
　　"Iwasforbiddenthehouse;Ibeggedandprayedinvain;nothingcouldmovethefairdevotee，andIbecameillfromgrief.Well，lastweek，hercousin，Madamed’Arville，whoisyourcousinalso，sentmewordthatsheshouldliketoseeme，andwhenIcalled，shetoldmeonwhatconditionsImightobtainmypardon，andheretheyare.Imustbringherarelic，areal，authenticrelicofsomevirginandmartyr，certifiedtobesuchbyourHolyFather，thePope，andIamgoingmadfromembarrassmentandanxiety.
　　"IwillgotoRome，ifneedful，butIcannotcallonthePopeunexpectedly，totellhimmystupidmisadventure;and，besides，Idoubtwhethertheyallowprivateindividualstohaverelics.Couldnotyougivemeanintroductiontosomecardinal，oreventosomeFrenchprelatewhopossessessomeremainsofafemalesaint？Or，perhaps，youmayhavethepreciousobjectshewantsinyourcollection？
　　"Helpmeoutofmydifficulty，mydearAbbe，andIpromiseyouthatI
　　willbeconvertedtenyearssoonerthanIotherwiseshouldbe！
　　"Madamed’Arville，whotakesthematterseriously，saidtometheotherday：
　　"’PoorGilbertewillnevermarry.’
　　"Mydearoldschoolmate，willyouallowyourcousintodiethevictimofastupidpieceofsubterfugeonmypart？Praypreventherfrombeingvirgineleventhousandandone.
　　"Pardonme，Iamunworthy，butIembracevou，andloveyouwithallmyheart.
　　"Youroldfriend，"HENRIFONTAL."
　　EndOriginalShortStories，Vol.4.
　　ByGuydeMaupassantVOLUMEIV.
　　THEMORIBUND
　　THEGAMEKEEPER
　　THESTORYOFAFARMGIRL
　　THEWRECK
　　THEODULESABOT’SCONFESSION
　　THEWRONGHOUSE
　　THEDIAMONDNECKLACE
　　THEMARQUISDEFUMEROL
　　THETRIPOFTHEHORLA
　　FAREWELL
　　THEWOLF
　　THEINN
　　THEMORIBUND
　　Thewarmautumnsunwasbeatingdownonthefarmyard.Underthegrass，whichhadbeencroppedclosebythecows，theearthsoakedbyrecentrains，wassoftandsankinunderthefeetwithasoggynoise，andtheappletrees，loadedwithapples，weredroppingtheirpalegreenfruitinthedarkgreengrass.
　　Fouryoungheifers，tiedinaline，weregrazingandattimeslookingtowardthehouseandlowing.Thefowlsmadeacoloredpatchonthedung—
　　heapbeforethestable，scratching，movingaboutandcackling，whiletworoosterscrowedcontinually，diggingwormsfortheirhens，whomtheywerecallingwithaloudclucking.
　　Thewoodengateopenedandamanentered.Hemighthavebeenfortyyearsold，buthelookedatleastsixty，wrinkled，bent，walkingslowly，impededbytheweightofheavywoodenshoesfullofstraw.Hislongarmshungdownonbothsidesofhisbody.Whenhegotnearthefarmayellowcur，tiedatthefootofanenormouspeartree，besideabarrelwhichservedashiskennel，beganatfirsttowaghistailandthentobarkforjoy.Themancried：
　　"Down，Finot！"
　　Thedogwasquiet.
　　Apeasantwomancameoutofthehouse.Herlarge，flat，bonybodywasoutlinedunderalongwoollenjacketdrawninatthewaist.Agrayskirt，tooshort，felltothemiddleofherlegs，whichwereencasedinbluestockings.She，too，worewoodenshoes，filledwithstraw.Thewhitecap，turnedyellow，coveredafewhairswhichwereplasteredtothescalp，andherbrown，thin，ugly，toothlessfacehadthatwild，animalexpressionwhichisoftentobefoundonthefacesofthepeasants.
　　Themanasked：
　　"Howishegettin’along？"
　　Thewomananswered：
　　"Thepriestsaidit’stheend——thathewillneverlivethroughthenight."
　　Bothofthemwentintothehouse.
　　Afterpassingthroughthekitchen，theyenteredalow，darkroom，barelylightedbyonewindow，infrontofwhichapieceofcalicowashanging.
　　Thebigbeams，turnedbrownwithageandsmoke，crossedtheroomfromonesidetotheother，supportingthethinfloorofthegarret，whereanarmyofratsranaboutdayandnight.
　　Themoist，lumpyearthenfloorlookedgreasy，and，atthebackoftheroom，thebedmadeanindistinctwhitespot.Aharsh，regularnoise，adifficult，hoarse，wheezingbreathing，likethegurglingofwaterfromabrokenpump，camefromthedarkenedcouchwhereanoldman，thefatherofthepeasantwoman，wasdying.
　　Themanandthewomanapproachedthedyingmanandlookedathimwithcalm，resignedeyes.
　　Theson—in—lawsaid：
　　"Iguessit’sallupwithhimthistime;hewillnotlastthenight."
　　Thewomananswered：
　　"He’sbeengurglin’likethateversincemidday."Theyweresilent.Thefather’seyeswereclosed，hisfacewasthecoloroftheearthandsodrythatitlookedlikewood.Throughhisopenmouthcamehisharsh，rattlingbreath，andthegraylinensheetroseandfellwitheachrespiration.
　　Theson—in—law，afteralongsilence，said：
　　"There’snothingmoretodo;Ican’thelphim.It’sanuisance，justthesame，becausetheweatherisgoodandwe’vegotalotofworktodo."
　　Hiswifeseemedannoyedatthisidea.Shereflectedafewmomentsandthensaid：
　　Hewon’tbeburiedtillSaturday，andthatwillgiveyoualldaytomorrow."
　　Thepeasantthoughtthematteroverandanswered：
　　"Yes，butto—morrowI’llhavetoinvitethepeopletothefuneral.ThatmeansfiveorsixhourstogoroundtoTourvilleandManetot，andtoseeeverybody."
　　Thewoman，aftermeditatingtwoorthreeminutes，declared：
　　"Itisn’tthreeo’clockyet.YoucouldbeginthiseveningandgoallroundthecountrytoTourville.Youcanjustaswellsaythathe’sdead，seem’ashe’sasgoodasthatnow."
　　Themanstoodperplexedforawhile，weighingtheprosandconsoftheidea.Atlasthedeclared：
　　"Well，I’llgo！"
　　Hewasleavingtheroom，butcamebackafteraminute’shesitation：
　　"Asyouhaven’tgotanythin’todoyoumightshakedownsomeapplestobakeandmakefourdozendumplingsforthosewhocometothefuneral，foronemusthavesomethingtocheerthem.Youcanlightthefirewiththewoodthat’sundertheshed.It’sdry."
　　Helefttheroom，wentbackintothekitchen，openedthecupboard，tookoutasix—poundloafofbread，cutoffaslice，andcarefullygatheredthecrumbsinthepalmofhishandandthrewthemintohismouth，soasnottoloseanything.Then，withtheendofhisknife，hescrapedoutalittlesaltbutterfromthebottomofanearthenjar，spreaditonhisbreadandbegantoeatslowly，ashedideverything.
　　Herecrossedthefarmyard，quietedthedog，whichhadstartedbarkingagain，wentoutontheroadborderingonhisditch，anddisappearedinthedirectionofTourville.
　　Assoonasshewasalone，thewomanbegantowork.Sheuncoveredthemeal—binandmadethedoughforthedumplings.Shekneadeditalongtime，turningitoverandoveragain，punching，pressing，crushingit.
　　Finallyshemadeabig，round，yellow—whiteball，whichsheplacedonthecornerofthetable.
　　Thenshewenttogetherapples，and，inordernottoinjurethetreewithapole，sheclimbedupintoitbyaladder.Shechosethefruitwithcare，onlytakingtheripeones，andgatheringtheminherapron.
　　Avoicecalledfromtheroad：
　　"Hey，MadameChicot！"
　　Sheturnedround.Itwasaneighbor，OsimeFavet，themayor，onhiswaytofertilizehisfields，seatedonthemanure—wagon，withhisfeethangingovertheside.Sheturnedroundandanswered：
　　"WhatcanIdoforyou，MaitreOsime？"
　　"Andhowisthefather？"
　　Shecried：
　　"Heisasgoodasdead.ThefuneralisSaturdayatseven，becausethere’slotsofworktobedone."
　　Theneighboranswered：
　　"So！Goodlucktoyou！Takecareofyourself."
　　Tohiskindremarkssheanswered："
　　"Thanks;thesametoyou."
　　Andshecontinuedpickingapples.
　　Whenshewentbacktothehouse，shewentovertolookatherfather，expectingtofindhimdead.Butassoonasshereachedthedoorsheheardhismonotonous，noisyrattle，and，thinkingitawasteoftimetogoovertohim，shebegantoprepareherdumplings.Shewrappedupthefruit，onebyone，inathinlayerofpaste，thenshelinedthemupontheedgeofthetable.Whenshehadmadeforty—eightdumplings，arrangedindozens，oneinfrontoftheother，shebegantothinkofpreparingsupper，andshehungherkettleoverthefiretocookpotatoes，forshejudgedituselesstoheattheoventhatday，asshehadallthenextdayinwhichtofinishthepreparations.
　　Herhusbandreturnedataboutfive.Assoonashehadcrossedthethresholdheasked：
　　"Isitover？"
　　Sheanswered：
　　"Notyet;he’sstillgurglin’."
　　Theywenttolookathim.Theoldmanwasinexactlythesamecondition.
　　Hishoarserattle，asregularasthetickingofaclock，wasneitherquickernorslower.Itreturnedeverysecond，thetonevaryingalittle，accordingastheairenteredorlefthischest.
　　Hisson—in—lawlookedathimandthensaid：
　　"He’llpassawaywithoutournoticin’it，justlikeacandle."
　　Theyreturnedtothekitchenandstartedtoeatwithoutsayingaword.
　　Whentheyhadswallowedtheirsoup，theyateanotherpieceofbreadandbutter.Then，assoonasthedisheswerewashed，theyreturnedtothedyingman.
　　Thewoman，carryingalittlelampwithasmokywick，helditinfrontofherfather’sface.Ifhehadnotbeenbreathing，onewouldcertainlyhavethoughthimdead.
　　Thecouple’sbedwashiddeninalittlerecessattheotherendoftheroom.Silentlytheyretired，putoutthelight，closedtheireyes，andsoontwounequalsnores，onedeepandtheothershriller，accompaniedtheuninterruptedrattleofthedyingman.
　　Theratsranaboutinthegarret.
　　Thehusbandawokeatthefirststreaksofdawn.Hisfather—in—lawwasstillalive.Heshookhiswife，worriedbythetenacityoftheoldman.
　　"Say，Phemie，hedon’twanttoquit.Whatwouldyoudo？"
　　Heknewthatshegavegoodadvice.
　　Sheanswered：
　　"Youneedn’tbeafraid;hecan’tlivethroughtheday.Andthemayorwon’tstopourburyinghimto—morrow，becausehealloweditforMaitreRenard’sfather，whodiedjustduringtheplantingseason."
　　Hewasconvincedbythisargument，andleftforthefields.
　　Hiswifebakedthedumplingsandthenattendedtoherhousework.
　　Atnoontheoldmanwasnotdead.Thepeoplehiredfortheday’sworkcamebygroupstolookathim.Eachonehadhissay.Thentheyleftagainforthefields.
　　Atsixo’clock，whentheworkwasover，thefatherwasstillbreathing.
　　Atlasthisson—in—lawwasfrightened.
　　"Whatwouldyoudonow，Phemie？"
　　Shenolongerknewhowtosolvetheproblem.Theywenttothemayor.Hepromisedthathewouldclosehiseyesandauthorizethefuneralforthefollowingday.Theyalsowenttothehealthofficer，wholikewisepromised，inordertoobligeMaitreChicot，toantedatethedeathcertificate.Themanandthewomanreturned，feelingmoreatease.
　　Theywenttobedandtosleep，justastheydidtheprecedingday，theirsonorousbreathingblendingwiththefeeblebreathingoftheoldman.
　　Whentheyawoke，hewasnotyetdead.
　　Thentheybegantobefrightened.Theystoodbytheirfather，watchinghimwithdistrust，asthoughhehadwishedtoplaythemameantrick，todeceivethem，toannoythemonpurpose，andtheywerevexedathimforthetimewhichhewasmakingthemlose.
　　Theson—in—lawasked：
　　"WhatamIgoin’todo？"
　　Shedidnotknow.Sheanswered：
　　"Itcertainlyisannoying！"
　　Theguestswhowereexpectedcouldnotbenotified.Theydecidedtowaitandexplainthecasetothem.
　　Towardaquartertoseventhefirstonesarrived.Thewomeninblack，theirheadscoveredwithlargeveils，lookingverysad.Thenmen，illateaseintheirhomespuncoats，werecomingforwardmoreslowly，incouples，talkingbusiness.
　　MaitreChicotandhiswife，bewildered，receivedthemsorrowfully，andsuddenlybothofthemtogetherbegantocryastheyapproachedthefirstgroup.Theyexplainedthematter，relatedtheirdifficulty，offeredchairs，bustledabout，triedtomakeexcuses，attemptingtoprovethateverybodywouldhavedoneastheydid，talkingcontinuallyandgivingnobodyachancetoanswer.
　　Theyweregoingfromonepersontoanother：
　　"Ineverwouldhavethoughtit;it’sincrediblehowhecanlastthislong！"
　　Theguests，takenaback，alittledisappointed，asthoughtheyhadmissedanexpectedentertainment，didnotknowwhattodo，someremainingseated.othersstanding.Severalwishedtoleave.MaitreChicotheldthemback：
　　"Youmusttakesomething，anyhow！Wemadesomedumplings;mightaswellmakeuseof’em."
　　Thefacesbrightenedatthisidea.Theyardwasfillinglittlebylittle;theearlyarrivalsweretellingthenewstothosewhohadarrivedlater.Everybodywaswhispering.Theideaofthedumplingsseemedtocheereveryoneup.
　　Thewomenwentintotakealookatthedyingman.Theycrossedthemselvesbesidethebed，mutteredaprayerandwentoutagain.Themen，lessanxiousforthisspectacle，castalookthroughthewindow，whichhadbeenopened.
　　MadameChicotexplainedherdistress：
　　"That’showhe’sbeenfortwodays，neitherbetternorworse.Doesn’thesoundlikeapumpthathasgonedry？"
　　Wheneverybodyhadhadalookatthedyingman，theythoughtoftherefreshments;butasthereweretoomanypeopleforthekitchentohold，thetablewasmovedoutinfrontofthedoor.Thefourdozengoldendumplings，temptingandappetizing，arrangedintwobigdishes，attractedtheeyesofall.Eachonereachedouttotakehis，fearingthattherewouldnotbeenough.Butfourremainedover.
　　MaitreChicot，hismouthfull，said：
　　"Fatherwouldfeelsadifheweretoseethis.Helovedthemsomuchwhenhewasalive."
　　Abig，jovialpeasantdeclared：
　　"Hewon’teatanymorenow.Eachoneinhisturn."
　　Thisremark，insteadofmakingtheguestssad，seemedtocheerthemup.
　　Itwastheirturnnowtoeatdumplings.
　　MadameChicot，distressedattheexpense，keptrunningdowntothecellarcontinuallyforcider.Thepitcherswereemptiedinquicksuccession.
　　Thecompanywaslaughingandtalkingloudnow.Theywerebeginningtoshoutastheydoatfeasts.
　　Suddenlyanoldpeasantwomanwhohadstayedbesidethedyingman，heldtherebyamorbidfearofwhatwouldsoonhappentoherself，appearedatthewindowandcriedinashrillvoice：
　　"He’sdead！he’sdead！"
　　Everybodywassilent.Thewomenarosequicklytogoandsee.
　　Hewasindeeddead.Therattlehadceased.Themenlookedateachother，lookingdown，illatease.Theyhadn’tfinishedeatingthedumplings.Certainlytherascalhadnotchosenapropitiousmoment.
　　TheChicotswerenolongerweeping.Itwasover;theywererelieved.
　　Theykeptrepeating：
　　"Iknewitcouldn’t’last.Ifhecouldonlyhavedoneitlastnight，itwouldhavesavedusallthistrouble."
　　Well，anyhow，itwasover.TheywouldburyhimonMonday，thatwasall，andtheywouldeatsomemoredumplingsfortheoccasion.
　　Theguestswentaway，talkingthematterover，pleasedathavinghadthechancetoseehimandofgettingsomethingtoeat.
　　Andwhenthehusbandandwifewerealone，facetoface，shesaid，herfacedistortedwithgrief：
　　"We’llhavetobakefourdozenmoredumplings！Whycouldn’thehavemadeuphismindlastnight？"
　　Thehusband，moreresigned，answered：
　　"Well，we’llnothavetodothiseveryday."
　　THEGAMEKEEPER
　　Itwasafterdinner，andweweretalkingaboutadventuresandaccidentswhichhappenedwhileoutshooting.
　　Anoldfriend，knowntoallofus，M.Boniface，agreatsportsmanandaconnoisseurofwine，amanofwonderfulphysique，wittyandgay，andendowedwithanironicalandresignedphilosophy，whichmanifesteditselfincaustichumor，andneverinmelancholy，suddenlyexclaimed：
　　"Iknowastory，orratheratragedy，whichissomewhatpeculiar.Itisnotatalllikethosewhichonehearsofusually，andIhavenevertoldit，thinkingthatitwouldinterestnoone.
　　"Itisnotatallsympathetic.Imeanbythat，thatitdoesnotarousethekindofinterestwhichpleasesorwhichmovesoneagreeably.
　　"Hereisthestory：
　　"Iwasthenaboutthirty—fiveyearsofage，andamostenthusiasticsportsman.
　　"InthosedaysIownedalonelybitofpropertyintheneighborhoodofJumieges，surroundedbyforestsandaboundinginharesandrabbits.
　　Iwasaccustomedtospendingfourorfivedaysalonethereeachyear，therenotbeingroomenoughtoallowofmybringingafriendwithme.
　　"Ihadplacedthereasgamekeeper，anoldretiredgendarme，agoodman，hot—tempered，aseveredisciplinarian，aterrortopoachersandfearingnothing.Helivedallalone，farfromthevillage，inalittlehouse，orratherhut，consistingoftworoomsdownstairs，withkitchenandstore—
　　room，andtwoupstairs.Oneofthem，akindofboxjustlargeenoughtoaccommodateabed，acupboardandachair，wasreservedformyuse.
　　"OldmanCavalierlivedintheotherone.WhenIsaidthathewasaloneinthisplace，Iwaswrong.Hehadtakenhisnephewwithhim，ayoungscampaboutfourteenyearsold，whousedtogotothevillageandrunerrandsfortheoldman.
　　"Thisyoungscapegracewaslongandlanky，withyellowhair，solightthatitresembledthefluffofapluckedchicken，sothinthatheseemedbald.Besidesthis，hehadenormousfeetandthehandsofagiant.
　　"Hewascross—eyed，andneverlookedatanyone.Hestruckmeasbeinginthesamerelationtothehumanraceasill—smellingbeastsaretotheanimalrace.Heremindedmeofapolecat.
　　"Hesleptinakindofholeatthetopofthestairswhichledtothetworooms.
　　"ButduringmyshortsojournsatthePavilion——soIcalledthehut——
　　MariuswouldgiveuphisnooktoanoldwomanfromEcorcheville，calledCeleste，whousedtocomeandcookforme，asoldmanCavalier’sstewswerenotsufficientformyhealthyappetite.
　　"Younowknowthecharactersandthelocality.Hereisthestory：
　　"ItwasonthefifteenthofOctober，1854——IshallrememberthatdateaslongasIlive.
　　"IleftRouenonhorseback，followedbymydogBock，abigDalmatianhoundfromPoitou，full—chestedandwithaheavyjaw，whichcouldretrieveamongthebusheslikeaPont—Andemerspaniel.
　　"Iwascarryingmysatchelslungacrossmybackandmygundiagonallyacrossmychest.Itwasacold，windy，gloomyday，withcloudsscurryingacrossthesky.
　　"AsIwentupthehillatCanteleu，IlookedoverthebroadvalleyoftheSeine，theriverwindinginandoutalongitscourseasfarastheeyecouldsee.TotherightthetowersofRouenstoodoutagainstthesky，andtotheleftthelandscapewasboundedbythedistantslopescoveredwithtrees.ThenIcrossedtheforestofRoumareand，towardfiveo’clock，reachedthePavilion，whereCavalierandCelestewereexpectingme.
　　"FortenyearsIhadappearedthereatthesametime，inthesamemanner;
　　andfortenyearsthesamefaceshadgreetedmewiththesamewords：
　　"’Welcome，master！Wehopeyourhealthisgood.’
　　"Cavalierhadhardlychanged.Hewithstoodtimelikeanoldtree;butCeleste，especiallyinthepastfouryears，hadbecomeunrecognizable.
　　"Shewasbentalmostdouble，and，althoughstillactive，whenshewalkedherbodywasalmostatrightanglestoherlegs.
　　"Theoldwoman，whowasverydevotedtome，alwaysseemedaffectedatseeingmeagain，andeachtime，asIleft，shewouldsay：
　　"’Thismaybethelasttime，master.’
　　"Thesad，timidfarewellofthisoldservant，thishopelessresignationtotheinevitablefatewhichwasnotfaroffforher，movedmestrangelyeachyear.
　　"Idismounted，andwhileCavalier，whomIhadgreeted，wasleadingmyhorsetothelittleshedwhichservedasastable，Ienteredthekitchen，whichalsoservedasdining—room，followedbyCeleste.
　　"Herethegamekeeperjoinedus.Isawatfirstglancethatsomethingwasthematter.Heseemedpreoccupied，illatease，worried.
　　"Isaidtohim：
　　"’Well，Cavalier，iseverythingallright？’
　　"Hemuttered：
　　"’Yesandno.TherearethingsIdon’tlike.’
　　"Iasked：
　　"’What？Tellmeaboutit.’
　　"Butheshookhishead.
　　"’No，notyet，monsieur.Idonotwishtobotheryouwithmylittletroublessosoonafteryourarrival.’
　　"Iinsisted，butheabsolutelyrefusedtogivemeanyinformationbeforedinner.Fromhisexpression，Icouldtellthatitwassomethingveryserious.
　　"Notknowingwhattosaytohim，Iasked：
　　"’Howaboutgame？Muchofitthisyear？’
　　"’Oh，yes！You’llfindallyouwant.Thankheaven，Ilookedoutforthat.’
　　"Hesaidthiswithsomuchseriousness，withsuchsadsolemnity，thatitwasreallyalmostfunny.Hisbiggraymustacheseemedalmostready，todropfromhislips.
　　"SuddenlyIrememberedthatIhadnotyetseenhisnephew.
　　"’WhereisMarius？Whydoeshenotshowhimself？’
　　"The"Thegamekeeperstarted，lookingmesuddenlyintheface：
　　"Well，monsieur，Ihadrathertellyouthewholebusinessrightaway;
　　it’sonaccountofhimthatIamworrying.’
　　"’Ah！Well，whereishe？’
　　"’Overinthestable，monsieur.Iwaswaitingfortherighttimetobringhimout.’
　　"’Whathashedone？’
　　"’Well，monsieur————’
　　"Thegamekeeper，however，hesitated，hisvoicealteredandshaky，hisfacesuddenlyfurrowedbythedeeplinesofanoldman.
　　"Hecontinuedslowly：
　　"’Well，Ifoundout，lastwinter，thatsomeonewaspoachinginthewoodsofRoseraies，butIcouldn’tseemtocatchtheman.Ispentnightafternightonthelookoutforhim.Invain.DuringthattimetheybeganpoachingoverbyEcorcheville.Iwasgrowingthinfromvexation.Butasforcatchingthetrespasser，impossible！Onemighthavethoughtthattherascalwasforewarnedofmyplans.
　　"’Butoneday，whileIwasbrushingMarius’Sundaytrousers，Ifoundfortycentsinhispocket.Wheredidhegetit？
　　"’Ithoughtthematteroverforaboutaweek，andInoticedthatheusedtogoout;hewouldleavethehousejustasIwascominghometogotobed——yes，monsieur.
　　"’ThenIstartedtowatchhim，withouttheslightestsuspicionoftherealfacts.Onemorning，justafterIhadgonetobedbeforehim，Igotrightupagain，andfollowedhim.Forshadowingaman，thereisnobodylikeme，monsieur.
　　"’AndIcaughthim，Marius，poachingonyourland，monsieur;hemynephew，Iyourkeeper！
　　"’Thebloodrushedtomyhead，andIalmostkilledhimonthespot，Ihithimsohard.Oh！yes，Ithrashedhimallright.AndIpromisedhimthathewouldgetanotherbeatingfrommyhand，inyourpresence，asanexample.
　　"’There！Ihavegrownthinfromsorrow.Youknowhowitiswhenoneisworriedlikethat.Buttellme，whatwouldyouhavedone？Theboyhasnofatherormother，andIamthelastoneofhisblood;Ikepthim，I
　　couldn’tdrivehimout，couldI？
　　"’ItoldhimthatifithappenedagainIwouldhavenomorepityforhim，allwouldbeover.There！DidIdoright，monsieur？’
　　"Ianswered，holdingoutmyhand：
　　"’Youdidwell，Cavalier;youareanhonestman.’
　　"Herose.
　　"’Thankyou，monsieur.NowIamgoingtofetchhim.Imustgivehimhisthrashing，asanexample.’
　　"Iknewthatitwashopelesstotryandturntheoldmanfromhisidea.
　　Ithereforelethimhavehisownway.
　　"Hegottherascalandbroughthimbackbytheear.
　　"Iwasseatedonacanechair，withthesolemnexpressionofajudge.
　　"Mariusseemedtohavegrown;hewashomeliereventhantheyearbefore，withhisevil，sneakingexpression.
　　"Hisbighandsseemedgigantic.
　　"Hisunclepushedhimuptome，and，inhissoldierlyvoice，said：
　　"’Begthegentleman’spardon.’
　　"Theboydidn’tsayaword.
　　"Thenputtingonearmroundhim，theformergendarmeliftedhimrightofftheground，andbegantowhackhimwithsuchforcethatIrosetostoptheblows.
　　"Theboywasnowhowling：’Mercy！mercy！mercy！Ipromise————’
　　"Cavalierputhimbackonthegroundandforcedhimtohisknees：
　　"’Begforpardon，’hesaid.
　　"Witheyeslowered，thescampmurmured：
　　"’Iaskforpardon！’
　　"Thenhisuncleliftedhimtohisfeet，anddismissedhimwithacuffwhichalmostknockedhimdownagain.
　　"Hemadehisescape，andIdidnotseehimagainthatevening.
　　"Cavalierappearedoverwhelmed.’
　　"’Heisabadegg，’hesaid.
　　"Andthroughoutthewholedinner，hekeptrepeating：
　　"’Oh！thatworriesme，monsieur，thatworriesme.’
　　"Itriedtocomforthim，butinvain.
　　"Iwenttobedearly，sothatImightstartoutatdaybreak.
　　"Mydogwasalreadyasleeponthefloor，atthefootofmybed，whenI
　　putoutthelight.
　　"IwasawakenedtowardmidnightbythefuriousbarkingofmydogBock.I
　　immediatelynoticedthatmyroomwasfullofsmoke.Ijumpedoutofbed，struckalight，rantothedoorandopenedit.Acloudofflamesburstin.Thehousewasonfire.
　　"Iquicklyclosedtheheavyoakdoorand，drawingonmytrousers，Ifirstloweredthedogthroughthewindow，bymeansofaropemadeofmysheets;
　　then，havingthrownouttherestofmyclothes，mygame—bagandmygun，I
　　inturnescapedthesameway.
　　"Ibegantoshoutwithallmymight：’Cavalier！Cavalier！Cavalier！’
　　"Butthegamekeeperdidnotwakeup.Hesleptsoundlylikeanoldgendarme.
　　"However，Icouldseethroughthelowerwindowsthatthewholeground—
　　floorwasnothingbutaroaringfurnace;Ialsonoticedthatithadbeenfilledwithstrawtomakeitburnreadily.
　　"Somebodymustpurposelyhavesetfiretotheplace！
　　"Icontinuedshriekingwildly：’Cavalier！’
　　"Thenthethoughtstruckmethatthesmokemightbesuffocatinghim.Anideacametome.Islippedtwocartridgesintomygun，andshotstraightathiswindow.
　　"Thesixpanesofglassshatteredintotheroominacloudofglass.
　　Thistimetheoldmanhadheardme，andheappeared，dazed，inhisnightshirt，bewilderedbytheglarewhichilluminedthewholefrontofhis’house.
　　"Icriedtohim：
　　"’Yourhouseisonfire！Escapethroughthewindow！Quick！Quick！’
　　"Theflameswerecomingoutthroughallthecracksdownstairs，werelickingalongthewall，werecreepingtowardhimandgoingtosurroundhim.Hejumpedandlandedonhisfeet，likeacat.
　　"Itwasnonetoosoon.Thethatchedroofcrackedinthemiddle，rightoverthestaircase，whichformedakindofflueforthefiredownstairs;
　　andanimmenseredjetjumpedupintotheair，spreadinglikeastreamofwaterandsprinklingashowerofsparksaroundthehut.Inafewsecondsitwasnothingbutapoolofflames.
　　"Cavalier，thunderstruck，asked：
　　"’Howdidthefirestart？’
　　"Ianswered：
　　"’Somebodylititinthekitchen.’
　　"Hemuttered：
　　"’Whocouldhavestartedthefire？’
　　"AndI，suddenlyguessing，answered：
　　"’Marius！’
　　"Theoldmanunderstood.Hestammered：
　　"’GoodGod！Thatiswhyhedidn’treturn.’
　　"Aterriblethoughtflashedthroughmymind.Icried：
　　"’AndCeleste！Celeste！’
　　"Hedidnotanswer.Thehousecavedinbeforeus，formingonlyanenormous，bright，blindingbrazier，anawe—inspiringfuneral—pile，wherethepoorwomancouldnolongerbeanythingbutaglowingember，aglowingemberofhumanflesh.
　　"Wehadnotheardasinglecry.
　　"Asthefirecrepttowardtheshed，Isuddenlybethoughtmeofmyhorse，andCavalierrantofreeit.
　　"Hardlyhadheopenedthedoorofthestable，whenasupple，nimblebodydartedbetweenhislegs，andthrewhimonhisface.ItwasMarius，runningforallhewasworth.
　　"Themanwasupinasecond.Hetriedtorunafterthewretch，but，seeingthathecouldnotcatchhim，andmaddenedbyanirresistibleanger，yieldingtooneofthosethoughtlessimpulseswhichwecannotforeseeorprevent，hepickedupmygun，whichwaslyingontheground.
　　nearhim，putittohisshoulder，and，beforeIcouldmakeamotion，hepulledthetriggerwithoutevennoticingwhetherornottheweaponwasloaded.
　　"OneofthecartridgeswhichIhadputintoannouncethefirewasstillintact，andthechargecaughtthefugitiverightintheback，——throwinghimforwardontheground，bleedingprofusely.Heimmediatelybegantoclawtheearthwithhishandsandwithhisknees，asthoughtryingtorunonallfourslikearabbitwhohasbeenmortallywounded，andseesthehunterapproaching.
　　"Irushedforwardtotheboy，butIcouldalreadyhearthedeath—rattle.
　　Hepassedawaybeforethefirewasextinguished，withouthavingsaidaword.
　　"Cavalier，stillinhisshirt，hislegsbare，wasstandingnearus，motionless，dazed.
　　"Whenthepeoplefromthevillagearrived，mygamekeeperwastakenaway，likeaninsaneman.
　　"Iappearedatthetrialaswitness，andrelatedthefactsindetail，withoutchangingathing.Cavalierwasacquitted.Hedisappearedthatveryday，leavingthecountry.
　　"Ihaveneverseenhimsince.
　　"There，gentlemen，thatismystory."
　　THESTORYOFAFARMGIRL
　　PARTI
　　Astheweatherwasveryfine，thepeopleonthefarmhadhurriedthroughtheirdinnerandhadreturnedtothefields.
　　Theservant，Rose，remainedaloneinthelargekitchen，wherethefirewasdyingoutonthehearthbeneaththelargeboilerofhotwater.Fromtimetotimeshedippedoutsomewaterandslowlywashedherdishes，stoppingoccasionallytolookatthetwostreaksoflightwhichthesunthrewacrossthelongtablethroughthewindow，andwhichshowedthedefectsintheglass.
　　Threeventuresomehenswerepickingupthecrumbsunderthechairs，whilethesmellofthepoultryyardandthewarmthfromthecowstallcameinthroughthehalf—opendoor，andacockwasheardcrowinginthedistance.
　　Whenshehadfinishedherwork，wipeddownthetable，dustedthemantelpieceandputtheplatesonthehighdresserclosetothewoodenclockwithitsloudtick—tock，shedrewalongbreath，asshefeltratheroppressed，withoutexactlyknowingwhy.Shelookedattheblackclaywalls，theraftersthatwereblackenedwithsmokeandfromwhichhungspiders’webs，smokedherringsandstringsofonions，andthenshesatdown，ratherovercomebythestaleodorfromtheearthenfloor，onwhichsomanythingshadbeencontinuallyspilledandwhichtheheatbroughtout.Withthistherewasmingledthesoursmellofthepansofmilkwhichweresetouttoraisethecreamintheadjoiningdairy.
　　Shewantedtosew，asusual，butshedidnotfeelstrongenough，andsoshewenttothedoortogetamouthfuloffreshair，whichseemedtodohergood.
　　Thefowlswerelyingonthesteamingdunghill;someofthemwerescratchingwithoneclawinsearchofworms，whilethecockstoodupproudlyintheirmidst.Whenhecrowed，thecocksinalltheneighboringfarmyardsrepliedtohim，asiftheywereutteringchallengesfromfarmtofarm.
　　Thegirllookedatthemwithoutthinking，andthensheraisedhereyesandwasalmostdazzledatthesightoftheappletreesinblossom.Justthenacolt，fulloflifeandfriskiness，jumpedovertheditchesandthenstoppedsuddenly，asifsurprisedatbeingalone.