Then，asthebloodwasmakingapoolonthedeckoftheboat，oneofthesailorscried："Hewillbleedtodeath，wemustbindthevein."
　　Sotheytookacord，athick，brown，tarrycord，andtwistingitaroundthearmabovethewound，tighteneditwithalltheirmight.Thebloodceasedtospurtbyslowdegrees，and，presently，stoppedaltogether.
　　YoungJavelrose，hisarmhangingathisside.Hetookholdofitwiththeotherhand，raisedit，turneditover，shookit.Itwasallmashed，thebonesbroken，themusclesaloneholdingittogether.Helookedatitsadly，reflectively.Thenhesatdownonafoldedsailandhiscomradesadvisedhimtokeepwettingthearmconstantlytopreventitfrommortifying.
　　Theyplacedapailofwaterbesidehim，andeveryfewminuteshedippedaglassintoitandbathedthefrightfulwound，lettingtheclearwatertrickleontoit.
　　"Youwouldbebetterinthecabin，"saidhisbrother.Hewentdown，butcameupagaininanhour，notcaringtobealone.And，besides，hepreferredthefreshair.Hesatdownagainonhissailandbegantobathehisarm.
　　Theymadeagoodhaul.Thebroadfishwiththeirwhitebellieslaybesidehim，quiveringinthethroesofdeath;helookedatthemashecontinuedtobathehiscrushedflesh.
　　AstheywereabouttoreturntoBoulognethewindsprangupanew，andthelittleboatresumeditsmadcourse，boundingandtumblingabout，shakingupthepoorwoundedman.
　　Nightcameon.Thesearanhighuntildawn.AsthesunrosetheEnglishcoastwasagainvisible，but，astheweatherhadabatedalittle，theyturnedbacktowardstheFrenchcoast，tackingastheywent.
　　TowardseveningJavel，junior，calledhiscomradesandshowedthemsomeblackspots，allthehorribletokensofmortificationintheportionofthearmbelowthebrokenbones.
　　Thesailorsexaminedit，givingtheiropinion.
　　"Thatmightbethe’Black，’"thoughtone.
　　"Heshouldputsaltwateronit，"saidanother.
　　Theybroughtsomesaltwaterandpoureditonthewound.Theinjuredmanbecamelivid，groundhisteethandwrithedalittle，butdidnotexclaim.
　　Then，assoonasthesmartinghadabated，hesaidtohisbrother：
　　"Givemeyourknife."
　　Thebrotherhandedittohim.
　　"Holdmyarmup，quitestraight，andpullit."
　　Theydidasheaskedthem.
　　Thenhebegantocutoffhisarm.Hecutgently，carefully，severingalthetendonswiththisbladethatwassharpasarazor.And，presently，therewasonlyastumpleft.Hegaveadeepsighandsaid：
　　"Ithadtobedone.Itwasdonefor."
　　Heseemedrelievedandbreathedloud.Hethenbeganagaintopourwateronthestumpofarmthatremained.
　　Theseawasstillroughandtheycouldnotmaketheshore.
　　Whenthedaybroke，Javel，junior，tooktheseveredportionofhisarmandexamineditforalongtime.Gangrenehadsetin.Hiscomradesalsoexamineditandhandeditfromonetotheother，feelingit，turningitover，andsniffingatit.
　　"Youmustthrowthatintotheseaatonce，"saidhisbrother.
　　ButJavel，junior，gotangry.
　　"Oh，no！Oh，no！Idon’twantto.Itbelongstome，doesitnot，asitismyarm？"
　　Andhetookandplaceditbetweenhisfeet.
　　"Itwillputrefy，justthesame，"saidtheolderbrother.Thenanideacametotheinjuredman.Inordertopreservethefishwhentheboatwaslongatsea，theypackeditinsalt，inbarrels.Heasked：
　　"WhycanInotputitinpickle？"
　　"Why，that’safact，"exclaimedtheothers.
　　Thentheyemptiedoneofthebarrels，whichwasfullfromthehaulofthelastfewdays;andrightatthebottomofthebarreltheylaidthedetachedarm.Theycovereditwithsalt，andthenputbackthefishonebyone.
　　Oneofthesailorssaidbywayofjoke：
　　"Ihopewedonotsellitatauction."
　　Andeveryonelaughed，exceptthetwoJavels.
　　Thewindwasstillboisterous.TheytackedwithinsightofBoulogneuntilthefollowingmorningatteno’clock.YoungJavelcontinuedtobathehiswound.Fromtimetotimeheroseandwalkedfromoneendtotheotheroftheboat.
　　Hisbrother，whowasatthetiller，followedhimwithglances，andshookhishead.
　　Atlasttheyranintoharbor.
　　Thedoctorexaminedthewoundandpronouncedittobeingoodcondition.
　　Hedresseditproperlyandorderedthepatienttorest.ButJavelwouldnotgotobeduntilhegotbackhisseveredarm，andhereturnedatoncetothedocktolookforthebarrelwhichhehadmarkedwithacross.
　　Itwasemptiedbeforehimandheseizedthearm，whichwaswellpreservedinthepickle，hadshrunkandwasfreshened.Hewrappeditupinatowelhehadbroughtforthepurposeandtookithome.
　　Hiswifeandchildrenlookedforalongtimeatthisfragmentoftheirfather，feelingthefingers，andremovingthegrainsofsaltthatwereunderthenails.Thentheysentforacarpentertomakealittlecoffin.
　　Thenextdaytheentirecrewofthetrawlingsmackfollowedthefuneralofthedetachedarm.Thetwobrothers，sidebyside，ledtheprocession;
　　theparishbeadlecarriedthecorpseunderhisarm.
　　Javel，junior，gaveupthesea.Heobtainedasmallpositiononthedock，andwhenhesubsequentlytalkedabouthisaccident，hewouldsayconfidentiallytohisauditors：
　　"Ifmybrotherhadbeenwillingtocutawaythenet，Ishouldstillhavemyarm，thatissure.Buthewasthinkingonlyofhisproperty."
　　MINUET
　　Greatmisfortunesdonotaffectmeverymuch，saidJohnBridelle，anoldbachelorwhopassedforasceptic.Ihaveseenwaratquiteclosequarters;Iwalkedacrosscorpseswithoutanyfeelingofpity.Thegreatbrutalfactsofnature，orofhumanity，maycallforthcriesofhorrororindignation，butdonotcauseusthattighteningoftheheart，thatshudderthatgoesdownyourspineatsightofcertainlittleheartrendingepisodes.
　　Thegreatestsorrowthatanyonecanexperienceiscertainlythelossofachild，toamother;andthelossofhismother，toaman.Itisintense，terrible，itrendsyourheartandupsetsyourmind;butoneishealedoftheseshocks，justaslargebleedingwoundsbecomehealed.Certainmeetings，certainthingshalfperceived，orsurmised，certainsecretsorrows，certaintricksoffatewhichawakeinusawholeworldofpainfulthoughts，whichsuddenlyunclosetousthemysteriousdoorofmoralsuffering，complicated，incurable;allthedeeperbecausetheyappearbenign，allthemorebitterbecausetheyareintangible，allthemoretenaciousbecausetheyappearalmostfactitious，leaveinoursoulsasortoftrailofsadness，atasteofbitterness，afeelingofdisenchantment，fromwhichittakesalongtimetofreeourselves.
　　Ihavealwayspresenttomymindtwoorthreethingsthatotherswouldsurelynothavenoticed，butwhichpenetratedmybeinglikefine，sharpincurablestings.
　　YoumightnotperhapsunderstandtheemotionthatIretainedfromthesehastyimpressions.Iwilltellyouoneofthem.Shewasveryold，butaslivelyasayounggirl.Itmaybethatmyimaginationaloneisresponsibleformyemotion.
　　Iamfifty.Iwasyoungthenandstudyinglaw.Iwasrathersad，somewhatofadreamer，fullofapessimisticphilosophyanddidnotcaremuchfornoisycafes，boisterouscompanions，orstupidgirls.Iroseearlyandoneofmychiefenjoymentswastowalkaloneabouteighto’clockinthemorninginthenurserygardenoftheLuxembourg.
　　Youpeopleneverknewthatnurserygarden.Itwaslikeaforgottengardenofthelastcentury，asprettyasthegentlesmileofanoldlady.
　　Thickhedgesdividedthenarrowregularpaths，——peacefulpathsbetweentwowallsofcarefullytrimmedfoliage.Thegardener’sgreatshearswerepruningunceasinglytheseleafypartitions，andhereandthereonecameacrossbedsofflowers，linesoflittletreeslookinglikeschoolboysoutforawalk，companiesofmagnificentrosebushes，orregimentsoffruittrees.
　　Anentirecornerofthischarmingspotwasinhabitedbybees.Theirstrawhivesskillfullyarrangedatdistancesonboardshadtheirentrances——aslargeastheopeningofathimble——turnedtowardsthesun，andallalongthepathsoneencounteredthesehummingandgildedflies，thetruemastersofthispeacefulspot，therealpromenadersofthesequietpaths.
　　Icametherealmosteverymorning.Isatdownonabenchandread.
　　SometimesIletmybookfallonmyknees，todream，tolistentothelifeofParisaroundme，andtoenjoytheinfinitereposeoftheseold—
　　fashionedhedges.
　　ButIsoonperceivedthatIwasnottheonlyonetofrequentthisspotassoonasthegateswereopened，andIoccasionallymetfacetoface，ataturninthepath，astrangelittleoldman.
　　Heworeshoeswithsilverbuckles，knee—breeches，asnuff—coloredfrockcoat，alacejabot，andanoutlandishgrayhatwithwidebrimandlong—
　　hairedsurfacethatmighthavecomeoutoftheark.
　　Hewasthin，verythin，angular，grimacingandsmiling.Hisbrighteyeswererestlessbeneathhiseyelidswhichblinkedcontinuously.Healwayscarriedinhishandasuperbcanewithagoldknob，whichmusthavebeenforhimsomeglorioussouvenir.
　　Thisgoodmanastonishedmeatfirst，thencausedmetheintensestinterest.Iwatchedhimthroughtheleafywalls，Ifollowedhimatadistance，stoppingataturninthehedgesoasnottobeseen.
　　Andonemorningwhenhethoughthewasquitealone，hebegantomakethemostremarkablemotions.Firsthewouldgivesomelittlesprings，thenmakeabow;then，withhisslimlegs，hewouldgivealivelyspringintheair，clappinghisfeetashedidso，andthenturnroundcleverly，skippingandfriskingaboutinacomicalmanner，smilingasifhehadanaudience，twistinghispoorlittlepuppet—likebody，bowingpatheticandridiculouslittlegreetingsintotheemptyair.Hewasdancing.
　　Istoodpetrifiedwithamazement，askingmyselfwhichofuswascrazy，heorI.
　　Hestoppedsuddenly，advancedasactorsdoonthestage，thenbowedandretreatedwithgracioussmiles，andkissinghishandasactorsdo，histremblinghand，tothetworowsoftrimmedbushes.
　　Thenhecontinuedhiswalkwithasolemndemeanor.
　　AfterthatIneverlostsightofhim，andeachmorninghebegananewhisoutlandishexercises.
　　Iwaswildlyanxioustospeaktohim.Idecidedtoriskit，andoneday，aftergreetinghim，Isaid：
　　"Itisabeautifulday，monsieur."
　　Hebowed.
　　"Yes，sir，theweatherisjustasitusedtobe."
　　AweeklaterwewerefriendsandIknewhishistory.Hehadbeenadancingmasterattheopera，inthetimeofLouisXV.HisbeautifulcanewasapresentfromtheComtedeClermont.Andwhenwespokeaboutdancingheneverstoppingtalking.
　　Onedayhesaidtome：
　　"ImarriedLaCastris，monsieur.Iwillintroduceyoutoherifyouwishit，butshedoesnotgetheretilllater.Thisgarden，yousee，isourdelightandourlife.Itisallthatremainsofformerdays.Itseemsasthoughwecouldnotexistifwedidnothaveit.Itisoldanddistingue，isitnot？IseemtobreatheanairherethathasnotchangedsinceIwasyoung.MywifeandIpassallourafternoonshere，butI
　　comeinthemorningbecauseIgetupearly."
　　AssoonasIhadfinishedluncheonIreturnedtotheLuxembourg，andpresentlyperceivedmyfriendofferinghisarmceremoniouslytoaveryoldlittleladydressedinblack，towhomheintroducedme.ItwasLaCastris，thegreatdancer，belovedbyprinces，belovedbytheking，belovedbyallthatcenturyofgallantrythatseemstohaveleftbehinditintheworldanatmosphereoflove.
　　Wesatdownonabench.ItwasthemonthofMay.Anodorofflowersfloatedintheneatpaths;ahotsunglideditsraysbetweenthebranchesandcovereduswithpatchesoflight.TheblackdressofLaCastrisseemedtobesaturatedwithsunlight.
　　Thegardenwasempty.Weheardtherattlingofvehiclesinthedistance.
　　"Tellme，"Isaidtotheolddancer，"whatwastheminuet？"
　　Hegaveastart.
　　"Theminuet，monsieur，isthequeenofdances，andthedanceofqueens，doyouunderstand？Sincethereisnolongeranyroyalty，thereisnolongeranyminuet."
　　AndhebeganinapompousmanneralongdithyrambiceulogywhichIcouldnotunderstand.Iwantedtohavethesteps，themovements，thepositions，explainedtome.Hebecameconfused，wasamazedathisinabilitytomakemeunderstand，becamenervousandworried.
　　Thensuddenly，turningtohisoldcompanionwhohadremainedsilentandserious，hesaid：
　　"Elise，wouldyoulike——say——wouldyoulike，itwouldbeveryniceofyou，wouldyouliketoshowthisgentlemanwhatitwas？"
　　Sheturnedeyesuneasilyinalldirections，thenrosewithoutsayingawordandtookherpositionoppositehim.
　　ThenIwitnessedanunheard—ofthing.
　　Theyadvancedandretreatedwithchildlikegrimaces，smiling，swingingeachother，bowing，skippingaboutliketwoautomatondollsmovedbysomeoldmechanicalcontrivance，somewhatdamaged，butmadebyacleverworkmanaccordingtothefashionofhistime.
　　AndIlookedatthem，myheartfilledwithextraordinaryemotions，mysoultouchedwithanindescribablemelancholy.Iseemedtoseebeforemeapatheticandcomicalapparition，theout—of—dateghostofaformercentury.
　　Theysuddenlystopped.Theyhadfinishedallthefiguresofthedance.
　　Forsomesecondstheystoodoppositeeachother，smilinginanastonishingmanner.Thentheyfelloneachother’sneckssobbing.
　　Ileftfortheprovincesthreedayslater.Ineversawthemagain.
　　WhenIreturnedtoParis，twoyearslater，thenurseryhadbeendestroyed.Whatbecameofthem，deprivedofthedeargardenofformerdays，withitsmazes，itsodorofthepast，andthegracefulwindingsofitshedges？
　　Aretheydead？Aretheywanderingamongmodernstreetslikehopelessexiles？Aretheydancing——grotesquespectres——afantasticminuetinthemoonlight，amidthecypressesofacemetery，alongthepathwaysborderedbygraves？
　　Theirmemoryhauntsme，obsessesme，tormentsme，remainswithmelikeawound.Why？Idonotknow.
　　Nodoubtyouthinkthatveryabsurd？
　　THESON
　　Thetwooldfriendswerewalkinginthegardeninbloom，wherespringwasbringingeverythingtolife.
　　Onewasasenator，theotheramemberoftheFrenchAcademy，bothseriousmen，fullofverylogicalbutsolemnarguments，menofnoteandreputation.
　　Theytalkedfirstofpolitics，exchangingopinions;notonideas，butonmen，personalitiesinthisregardtakingthepredominanceoverability.
　　Thentheyrecalledsomememories.Thentheywalkedalonginsilence，enervatedbythewarmthoftheair.
　　Alargebedofwallflowersbreathedoutadelicatesweetness.Amassofflowersofallspeciesandcolorflungtheirfragrancetothebreeze，whileacytisuscoveredwithyellowclustersscattereditsfinepollenabroad，agoldencloud，withanodorofhoneythatboreitsbalmyseedacrossspace，similartothesachet—powdersofperfumers.
　　Thesenatorstopped，breathedinthecloudoffloatingpollen，lookedatthefertileshrub，yellowasthesun，whoseseedwasfloatingintheair，andsaid：
　　"Whenoneconsidersthattheseimperceptiblefragrantatomswillcreateexistencesatahundredleaguesfromhere，willsendathrillthroughthefibresandsapoffemaletreesandproducebeingswithroots，growingfromagerm，justaswedo，mortallikeourselves，andwhowillbereplacedbyotherbeingsofthesameorder，likeourselvesagain！"
　　And，standinginfrontofthebrilliantcytisus，whoselivepollenwasshakenoffbyeachbreathofair，thesenatoradded：
　　"Ah，oldfellow，ifyouhadtokeepcountofallyourchildrenyouwouldbemightilyembarrassed.Hereisonewhogeneratesfreely，andthenletsthemgowithoutapangandtroubleshimselfnomoreaboutthem."
　　"Wedothesame，myfriend，"saidtheacademician.
　　"Yes，Idonotdenyit;weletthemgosometimes，"resumedthesenator，"butweareawarethatwedo，andthatconstitutesoursuperiority."
　　"No，thatisnotwhatImean，"saidtheother，shakinghishead.
　　"Yousee，myfriend，thatthereisscarcelyamanwhohasnotsomechildrenthathedoesnotknow，children——’fatherunknown’——whomhehasgeneratedalmostunconsciously，justasthistreereproduces.
　　"Ifwehadtokeepaccountofouramours，weshouldbejustasembarrassedasthiscytisuswhichyouapostrophizedwouldbeincountinguphisdescendants，shouldwenot？
　　"Fromeighteentofortyyears，infact，countingineverychancecursoryacquaintanceship，wemaywellsaythatwehavebeenintimatewithtwoorthreehundredwomen.
　　"Well，then，myfriend，amongthisnumbercanyoubesurethatyouhavenothadchildrenbyatleastoneofthem，andthatyouhavenotinthestreets，orinthebagnio，someblackguardofasonwhostealsfromandmurdersdecentpeople，i.e.，ourselves;orelseadaughterinsomedisreputableplace，or，ifshehasthegoodfortunetobedesertedbyhermother，ascookinsomefamily？
　　"Consider，also，thatalmostallthosewhomwecall’prostitutes’haveoneortwochildrenofwhosepaternalparentagetheyareignorant，generatedbychanceatthepriceoftenortwentyfrancs.Ineverybusinessthereisprofitandloss.Thesewildingsconstitutethe’loss’
　　intheirprofession.Whogeneratedthem？You——I——wealldid，themencalled’gentlemen’！Theyaretheconsequencesofourjoviallittledinners，ofourgayevenings，ofthosehourswhenourcomfortablephysicalbeingimpelsustochanceliaisons.
　　"Thieves，marauders，allthesewretches，infact，areourchildren.
　　Andthatisbetterforusthanifweweretheirchildren，forthosescoundrelsgeneratealso！
　　"IhaveinmymindaveryhorriblestorythatIwillrelatetoyou.Ithascausedmeincessantremorse，and，furtherthanthat，acontinualdoubt，adisquietinguncertainty，that，attimes，tormentsmefrightfully.
　　"WhenIwastwenty—fiveIundertookawalkingtourthroughBrittanywithoneofmyfriends，nowamemberofthecabinet.
　　"AfterwalkingsteadilyforfifteenortwentydaysandvisitingtheCotes—du—NordandpartofFinisterewereachedDouarnenez.FromtherewewentwithouthaltingtothewildpromontoryofRazbythebayofLesTrepaases，andpassedthenightinavillagewhosenameendsin’of.’
　　Thenextmorningastrangelassitudekeptmyfriendinbed;Isaybedfromhabit，forourcouchconsistedsimplyoftwobundlesofstraw.
　　"Itwouldneverdotobeillinthisplace.SoImadehimgetup，andwereachedAndierneaboutfourorfiveo’clockintheevening.
　　"Thefollowingdayhefeltalittlebetter，andwesetoutagain.Butontheroadhewasseizedwithintolerablepain，andwecouldscarcelygetasfarasPontLabbe.
　　"Here，atleast，therewasaninn.Myfriendwenttobed，andthedoctor，whohadbeensentforfromQuimper，announcedthathehadahighfever，withoutbeingabletodetermineitsnature.
　　"DoyouknowPontLabbe？No？Well，then，itisthemostBretonofallthisBretonBrittany，whichextendsfromthepromontoryofRaztotheMorbihan，ofthislandwhichcontainstheessenceoftheBretonmanners，legendsandcustoms.Evento—daythiscornerofthecountryhasscarcelychanged.Isay’evento—day，’forInowgothereeveryyear，alas！
　　"Anoldchateaulavesthewallsofitstowersinagreatmelancholypond，melancholyandfrequentedbyflightsofwildbirds.Ithasanoutletinariveronwhichboatscannavigateasfarasthetown.Inthenarrowstreetswiththeirold—timehousesthemenwearbighats，embroideredwaistcoatsandfourcoats，oneontopoftheother;theinsideone，aslargeasyourhand，barelycoveringtheshoulder—blades，andtheoutsideonecomingtojustabovetheseatofthetrousers.
　　"Thegirls，tall，handsomeandfreshhavetheirbosomscrushedinaclothbodicewhichmakesanarmor，compressesthem，notallowingoneeventoguessattheirrobustandtorturedneck.Theyalsowearastrangeheaddress.Ontheirtemplestwobandsembroideredincolorsframetheirface，inclosingthehair，whichfallsinashoweratthebackoftheirheads，andisthenturnedupandgatheredontopoftheheadunderasingularcap，oftenwovenwithgoldorsilverthread.
　　"Theservantatourinnwaseighteenatmost，withveryblueeyes，apalebluewithtwotinyblackpupils，shortteethclosetogether，whichsheshowedcontinuallywhenshelaughed，andwhichseemedstrongenoughtogrindgranite.
　　"ShedidnotknowawordofFrench，speakingonlyBreton，asdidmostofhercompanions.
　　"Asmyfrienddidnotimprovemuch，andalthoughhehadnodefinitemalady，thedoctorforbadehimtocontinuehisjourneyyet，orderingcompleterest.Ispentmydayswithhim，andthelittlemaidwouldcomeinincessantly，bringingeithermydinnerorsomeherbtea.
　　"Iteasedheralittle，whichseemedtoamuseher，butwedidnotchat，ofcourse，aswecouldnotunderstandeachother.
　　"Butonenight，afterIhadstayedquitelatewithmyfriendandwasgoingbacktomyroom，Ipassedthegirl，whowasgoingtoherroom.
　　Itwasjustoppositemyopendoor，and，withoutreflection，andmoreforfunthananythingelse，Iabruptlyseizedherroundthewaist，andbeforesherecoveredfromherastonishmentIhadthrownherdownandlockedherinmyroom.Shelookedatme，amazed，excited，terrified，notdaringtocryoutforfearofascandalandofbeingprobablydrivenout，firstbyheremployersandthen，perhaps，byherfather.
　　"Ididitasajokeatfirst.Shedefendedherselfbravely，andatthefirstchancesherantothedoor，drewbacktheboltandfled.
　　"Iscarcelysawherforseveraldays.Shewouldnotletmecomenearher.ButwhenmyfriendwascuredandweweretogetoutonourtravelsagainIsawhercomingintomyroomaboutmidnightthenightbeforeourdeparture，justafterIhadretired.
　　"Shethrewherselfintomyarmsandembracedmepassionately，givingmealltheassurancesoftendernessanddespairthatawomancangivewhenshedoesnotknowawordofourlanguage.
　　"AweeklaterIhadforgottenthisadventure，socommonandfrequentwhenoneistravelling，theinnservantsbeinggenerallydestinedtoamusetravellersinthisway.
　　"IwasthirtybeforeIthoughtofitagain，orreturnedtoPontLabbe.
　　"Butin1876IrevisiteditbychanceduringatripintoBrittany，whichImadeinordertolookupsomedataforabookandtobecomepermeatedwiththeatmosphereofthedifferentplaces.
　　"Nothingseemedchanged.Thechateaustilllaveditsgraywallinthepondoutsidethelittletown;theinnwasthesame，thoughithadbeenrepaired，renovatedandlookedmoremodern.AsIentereditIwasreceivedbytwoyoungBretongirlsofeighteen，freshandpretty，boundupintheirtightclothbodices，withtheirsilvercapsandwideembroideredbandsontheirears.
　　"Itwasaboutsixo’clockintheevening.Isatdowntodinner，andasthehostwasassiduousinwaitingonmehimself，fate，nodoubt，impelledmetosay：
　　"’Didyouknowtheformerproprietorsofthishouse？Ispentabouttendaysherethirtyyearsago.Iamtalkingoldtimes.’
　　"’Thoseweremyparents，monsieur，’hereplied.
　　"ThenItoldhimwhywehadstayedoveratthattime，howmycomradehadbeendelayedbyillness.Hedidnotletmefinish.
　　"’Oh，Irecollectperfectly.Iwasaboutfifteenorsixteen.YousleptintheroomattheendandyourfriendintheoneIhavetakenformyself，overlookingthestreet.’
　　"Itwasonlythenthattherecollectionofthelittlemaidcamevividlytomymind.Iasked：’Doyourememberaprettylittleservantwhowastheninyourfather’semploy，andwhohad，ifmymemorydoesnotdeceiveme，prettyeyesandfreshlookingteeth？’
　　"’Yes，monsieur;shediedinchildbirthsometimeafter.’
　　"And，pointingtothecourtyardwhereathin，lamemanwasstirringupthemanure，headded：
　　"’Thatisherson.’
　　"Ibegantolaugh：
　　"’Heisnothandsomeanddoesnotlookmuchlikehismother.Nodoubthelookslikehisfather.’
　　"’Thatisverypossible，’repliedtheinnkeeper;’butweneverknewwhosechilditwas.Shediedwithouttellinganyone，andnoonehereknewofherhavingabeau.Everyonewashugelyastonishedwhentheyheardshewasenceinte，andnoonewouldbelieveit.’
　　"Asortofunpleasantchillcameoverme，oneofthosepainfulsurfacewoundsthataffectusliketheshadowofanimpendingsorrow.AndI
　　lookedatthemanintheyard.Hehadjustdrawnwaterforthehorsesandwascarryingtwobuckets，limpingashewalked，withapainfuleffortofhisshorterleg.Hisclotheswereragged，hewashideouslydirty，withlongyellowhair，sotangledthatitlookedlikestrandsofropefallingdownateithersideofhisface.
　　"’Heisnotworthmuch，’continuedtheinnkeeper;’wehavekepthimforcharity’ssake.Perhapshewouldhaveturnedoutbetterifhehadbeenbroughtuplikeotherfolks.Butwhatcouldonedo，monsieur？Nofather，nomother，nomoney！Myparentstookpityonhim，buthewasnottheirchild，youunderstand.’
　　"Isaidnothing.
　　"Isleptinmyoldroom，andallnightlongIthoughtofthisfrightfulstableman，sayingtomyself：’Supposingitismyownson？CouldIhavecausedthatgirl’sdeathandprocreatedthisbeing？Itwasquitepossible！’
　　"Iresolvedtospeaktothismanandtofindouttheexactdateofhisbirth.Avariationoftwomonthswouldsetmydoubtsatrest.
　　"Isentforhimthenextday.ButhecouldnotspeakFrench.Helookedasifhecouldnotunderstandanything，beingabsolutelyignorantofhisage，whichIhadinquiredofhimthroughoneofthemaids.Hestoodbeforemelikeanidiot，twirlinghishatin’hisknotted，disgustinghands，laughingstupidly，withsomethingofhismother’slaughinthecornersofhismouthandofhiseyes.
　　"Thelandlord，appearingonthescene，wenttolookforthebirthcertificateofthiswretchedbeing.Hewasborneightmonthsandtwenty—
　　sixdaysaftermystayatPontLabbe，forIrecollectperfectlythatwereachedLorientonthefifteenthofAugust.Thecertificatecontainedthisdescription：’Fatherunknown.’ThemothercalledherselfJeanneKerradec.
　　"Thenmyheartbegantobeatrapidly.Icouldnotutteraword，forI
　　feltasifIwerechoking.Ilookedatthisanimalwhoselongyellowhairremindedmeofastrawheap，andthebeggar，embarrassedbymygaze，stoppedlaughing，turnedhisheadaside，andwantedtogetaway.
　　"AlldaylongIwanderedbesidethelittleriver，givingwaytopainfulreflections.Butwhatwastheuseofreflection？Icouldbesureofnothing.ForhoursandhoursIweighedalltheprosandconsinfavoroforagainsttheprobabilityofmybeingthefather，growingnervousoverinexplicablesuppositions，onlytoreturnincessantlytothesamehorribleuncertainty，thentothestillmoreatrociousconvictionthatthismanwasmyson.
　　"Icouldeatnodinner，andwenttomyroom.
　　Ilayawakeforalongtime，andwhenIfinallyfellasleepIwashauntedbyhorriblevisions.Isawthislaborerlaughinginmyfaceandcallingme’papa.’Thenhechangedintoadogandbitthecalvesofmylegs，andnomatterhowfastIranhestillfollowedme，andinsteadofbarking，talkedandreviledme.ThenheappearedbeforemycolleaguesattheAcademy，whohadassembledtodecidewhetherIwasreallyhisfather;andoneofthemcriedout：’Therecanbenodoubtaboutit！Seehowheresembleshim.’And，indeed，Icouldseethatthismonsterlookedlikeme.AndIawokewiththisideafixedinmymindandwithaninsanedesiretoseethemanagainandassuremyselfwhetherornotwehadsimilarfeatures.
　　"Ijoinedhimashewasgoingtomass（itwasSunday）andIgavehimfivefrancsasIgazedathimanxiously.Hebegantolaughinanidioticmanner，tookthemoney，andthen，embarrassedafreshatmygaze，heranoff，afterstammeringanalmostinarticulatewordthat，nodoubt，meant’thankyou.’
　　"Mydaypassedinthesamedistressofmindasonthepreviousnight.
　　Isentforthelandlord，and，withthegreatestcaution，skillandtact，ItoldhimthatIwasinterestedinthispoorcreature，soabandonedbyeveryoneanddeprivedofeverything，andIwishedtodosomethingforhim.
　　"Butthemanreplied：’Oh，donotthinkofit，monsieur;heisofnoaccount;youwillonlycauseyourselfannoyance.Iemployhimtocleanoutthestable，andthatisallhecando.Igivehimhisboardandlethimsleepwiththehorses.Heneedsnothingmore.Ifyouhaveanoldpairoftrousers，youmightgivethemtohim，buttheywillbeinragsinaweek.’
　　"Ididnotinsist，intendingtothinkitover.
　　"Thepoorwretchcamehomethateveningfrightfullydrunk，camenearsettingfiretothehouse，killedahorsebyhittingitwithapickaxe，andendedupbylyingdowntosleepinthemudinthemidstofthepouringrain，thankstomydonation.
　　"Theybeggedmenextdaynottogivehimanymoremoney.Brandydrovehimcrazy，andassoonashehadtwosousinhispockethewouldspenditindrink.Thelandlordadded：’Givinghimmoneyisliketryingtokillhim.’Themanhadnever，neverinhislifehadmorethanafewcentimes，throwntohimbytravellers，andheknewofnodestinationforthismetalbutthewineshop.
　　"IspentseveralhoursinmyroomwithanopenbookbeforemewhichI
　　pretendedtoread，butinrealitylookingatthisanimal，myson！myson！
　　tryingtodiscoverifhelookedanythinglikeme.AftercarefulscrutinyIseemedtorecognizeasimilarityinthelinesoftheforeheadandtherootofthenose，andIwassoonconvincedthattherewasaresemblance，concealedbythedifferenceingarbandtheman’shideousheadofhair.
　　"Icouldnotstayhereanylongerwithoutarousingsuspicion，andIwentaway，myheartcrushed，leavingwiththeinnkeepersomemoneytosoftentheexistenceofhisservant.
　　"ForsixyearsnowIhavelivedwiththisideainmymind，thishorribleuncertainty，thisabominablesuspicion.AndeachyearanirresistibleforcetakesmebacktoPontLabbe.EveryyearIcondemnmyselftothetortureofseeingthisanimalrakingthemanure，imaginingthatheresemblesme，andendeavoring，alwaysvainly，torenderhimsomeassistance.AndeachyearIreturnmoreuncertain，moretormented，moreworried.
　　"Itriedtohavehimtaught，butheisahopelessidiot.Itriedtomakehislifelesshard.Heisanirreclaimabledrunkard，andspendsindrinkallthemoneyonegiveshim，andknowsenoughtosellhisnewclothesinordertogetbrandy.
　　"Itriedtoawakenhismaster’ssympathy，sothatheshouldlookafterhim，offeringtopayhimfordoingso.Theinnkeeper，finallysurprised，said，verywisely：’Allthatyoudoforhim，monsieur，willonlyhelptodestroyhim.Hemustbekeptlikeaprisoner.Assoonashehasanysparetime，oranycomfort，hebecomeswicked.Ifyouwishtodogood，thereisnolackofabandonedchildren，butselectonewhowillappreciateyourattention.’
　　"WhatcouldIsay？
　　"IfIallowedtheslightestsuspicionofthedoubtsthattorturedmetoescape，thisidiotwouldassuredlybecomecunning，inordertoblackmailme，tocompromisemeandruinme.Hewouldcallout’papa，’asinmydream.
　　"AndIsaidtomyselfthatIhadkilledthemotherandlostthisatrophiedcreature，thislarvaofthestable，bornandraisedamidthemanure，thismanwho，ifbroughtuplikeothers，wouldhavebeenlikeothers.
　　"Andyoucannotimaginewhatastrange，embarrassedandintolerablefeelingcomesovermewhenhestandsbeforemeandIreflectthathecamefrommyself，thathebelongstomethroughtheintimatebondthatlinksfatherandson，that，thankstotheterriblelawofheredity，heismyownselfinathousandways，inhisbloodandhisflesh，andthathehaseventhesamegermsofdisease，thesameleavenofemotions.
　　"Ihaveanincessantrestless，distressinglongingtoseehim，andthesightofhimcausesmeintensesuffering，asIlookdownfrommywindowandwatchhimforhoursremovingandcartingthehorsemanure，sayingtomyself：’Thatismyson.’
　　"AndIsometimesfeelanirresistiblelongingtoembracehim.Ihavenevereventouchedhisdirtyhand."
　　Theacademicianwassilent.Hiscompanion，atactfulman，murmured：
　　"Yes，indeed，weoughttotakeacloserinterestinchildrenwhohavenofather."
　　Agustofwindpassingthroughthetreeshookitsyellowclusters，envelopinginafragrantanddelicatemistthetwooldmen，whoinhaledinthefragrancewithdeepbreaths.
　　Thesenatoradded："Itisgoodtobetwenty—fiveandeventohavechildrenlikethat."
　　THATPIGOFAMORIN
　　"Here，myfriend，"IsaidtoLabarbe，"youhavejustrepeatedthosefivewords，thatpigofaMorin.WhyonearthdoIneverhearMorin’snamementionedwithouthisbeingcalledapig？"
　　Labarbe，whoisadeputy，lookedatmewithhisowl—likeeyesandsaid：
　　"DoyoumeantosaythatyoudonotknowMorin’sstoryandyoucomefromLaRochelle？"IwasobligedtodeclarethatIdidnotknowMorin’sstory，soLabarberubbedhishandsandbeganhisrecital.
　　"YouknewMorin，didyounot，andyourememberhislargelinen—draper’sshopontheQuaidelaRochelle？"
　　"Yes，perfectly."
　　"Well，then.Youmustknowthatin1862or’63MorinwenttospendafortnightinParisforpleasure;orforhispleasures，butunderthepretextofrenewinghisstock，andyoualsoknowwhatafortnightinParismeanstoacountryshopkeeper;itfireshisblood.Thetheatreeveryevening，women’sdressesrustlingupagainstyouandcontinualexcitement;onegoesalmostmadwithit.Oneseesnothingbutdancersintights，actressesinverylowdresses，roundlegs，fatshoulders，allnearlywithinreachofone’shands，withoutdaring，orbeingable，totouchthem，andonescarcelytastesfood.Whenoneleavesthecityone’sheartisstillallinaflutterandone’smindstillexhilaratedbyasortoflongingforkisseswhichticklesone’slips.
　　"MorinwasinthatconditionwhenhetookhisticketforLaRochellebytheeight—fortynightexpress.Ashewaswalkingupanddownthewaiting—roomatthestationhestoppedsuddenlyinfrontofayoungladywhowaskissinganoldone.Shehadherveilup，andMorinmurmuredwithdelight：’ByJovewhataprettywoman！’
　　"Whenshehadsaid’good—by’totheoldladyshewentintothewaiting—
　　room，andMorinfollowedher;thenshewentontheplatformandMorinstillfollowedher;thenshegotintoanemptycarriage，andheagainfollowedher.Therewereveryfewtravellersontheexpress.Theenginewhistledandthetrainstarted.Theywerealone.Morindevouredherwithhiseyes.Sheappearedtobeaboutnineteenortwentyandwasfair，tall，withaboldlook.Shewrappedarailwayrugroundherandstretchedherselfontheseattosleep.
　　"Morinaskedhimself：’Iwonderwhosheis？’Andathousandconjectures，athousandprojectswentthroughhishead.Hesaidtohimself：’Somanyadventuresaretoldashappeningonrailwayjourneysthatthismaybeonethatisgoingtopresentitselftome.Whoknows？Apieceofgoodlucklikethathappensverysuddenly，andperhapsIneedonlybealittleventuresome.WasitnotDantonwhosaid："Audacity，moreaudacityandalwaysaudacity"？IfitwasnotDantonitwasMirabeau，butthatdoesnotmatter.ButthenIhavenoaudacity，andthatisthedifficulty.
　　Oh！Ifoneonlyknew，ifonecouldonlyreadpeople’sminds！Iwillbetthateverydayonepassesbymagnificentopportunitieswithoutknowingit，thoughagesturewouldbeenoughtoletmeknowhermind.’
　　"Thenheimaginedtohimselfcombinationswhichconductedhimtotriumph.
　　Hepicturedsomechivalrousdeedormerelysomeslightservicewhichherenderedher，alively，gallantconversationwhichendedinadeclaration.
　　"Buthecouldfindnoopening，hadnopretext，andhewaitedforsomefortunatecircumstance，withhisheartbeatingandhismindtopsy—turvy.
　　Thenightpassedandtheprettygirlstillslept，whileMorinwasmeditatinghisownfall.Thedaybrokeandsoonthefirstrayofsunlightappearedinthesky，along，clearraywhichshoneonthefaceofthesleepinggirlandwokeher.Shesatup，lookedatthecountry，thenatMorinandsmiled.Shesmiledlikeahappywoman，withanengagingandbrightlook，andMorintrembled.Certainlythatsmilewasintendedforhim;itwasdiscreetinvitation，thesignalwhichhewaswaitingfor.Thatsmilemeanttosay：’Howstupid，whataninny，whatadolt，whatadonkeyyouare，tohavesatthereonyourseatlikeapostallnight！
　　"’Justlookatme，amInotcharming？Andyouhavesatlikethatforthewholenight，whenyouhavebeenalonewithaprettywoman，yougreatsimpleton！’
　　"Shewasstillsmilingasshelookedathim;sheevenbegantolaugh;andhelosthisheadtryingtofindsomethingsuitabletosay，nomatterwhat.Buthecouldthinkofnothing，nothing，andthen，seizedwithacoward’scourage，hesaidtohimself：
　　’Somuchtheworse，Iwillriskeverything，’andsuddenly，withouttheslightestwarning，hewenttowardher，hisarmsextended，hislipsprotruding，and，seizingherinhisarms，hekissedher.
　　"Shesprangupimmediatelywithabound，cryingout：’Help！help！’andscreamingwithterror;andthensheopenedthecarriagedoorandwavedherarmout，madwithterrorandtryingtojumpout，whileMorin，whowasalmostdistractedandfeelingsurethatshewouldthrowherselfout，heldherbytheskirtandstammered：’Oh，madame！oh，madame！’
　　"Thetrainslackenedspeedandthenstopped.Twoguardsrushedupattheyoungwoman’sfranticsignals.Shethrewherselfintotheirarms，stammering：’Thatmanwanted——wanted——to——to——’Andthenshefainted.
　　"TheywereatMauzestation，andthegendarmeondutyarrestedMorin.
　　Whenthevictimofhisindiscreetadmirationhadregainedherconsciousness，shemadeherchargeagainsthim，andthepolicedrewitup.Thepoorlinendraperdidnotreachhometillnight，withaprosecutionhangingoverhimforanoutragetomoralsinapublicplace.
　　II
　　"AtthattimeIwaseditoroftheFanaldesCharentes，andIusedtomeetMorineverydayattheCafeduCommerce，andthedayafterhisadventure.
　　hecametoseeme，ashedidnotknowwhattodo.Ididnothidemyopinionfromhim，butsaidtohim：’Youarenobetterthanapig.Nodecentmanbehaveslikethat.’
　　"Hecried.Hiswifehadgivenhimabeating，andheforesawhistraderuined，hisnamedraggedthroughthemireanddishonored，hisfriendsscandalizedandtakingnonoticeofhim.Intheendheexcitedmypity，andIsentformycolleague，Rivet，ajocularbutverysensiblelittleman，togiveushisadvice.
　　"Headvisedmetoseethepublicprosecutor，whowasafriendofmine，andsoIsentMorinhomeandwenttocallonthemagistrate.Hetoldmethatthewomanwhohadbeeninsultedwasayounglady，MademoiselleHenrietteBonnel，whohadjustreceivedhercertificateasgovernessinParisandspentherholidayswithheruncleandaunt，whowereveryrespectabletradespeopleinMauze.WhatmadeMorin’scaseallthemoreseriouswasthattheunclehadlodgedacomplaint，butthepublicofficialhadconsentedtoletthematterdropifthiscomplaintwerewithdrawn，sowemusttryandgethimtodothis.
　　"IwentbacktoMorin’sandfoundhiminbed，illwithexcitementanddistress.Hiswife，atallraw—bonedwomanwithabeard，wasabusinghimcontinually，andsheshowedmeintotheroom，shoutingatme：’SoyouhavecometoseethatpigofaMorin.Well，thereheis，thedarling！’
　　Andsheplantedherselfinfrontofthebed，withherhandsonherhips.
　　Itoldhimhowmattersstood，andhebeggedmetogoandseethegirl’suncleandaunt.Itwasadelicatemission，butIundertookit，andthepoordevilneverceasedrepeating：’IassureyouIdidnotevenkissher;
　　no，noteventhat.Iwilltakemyoathtoit！’
　　"Ireplied：’Itisallthesame;youarenothingbutapig.’AndItookathousandfrancswhichhegavemetoemployasIthoughtbest，butasI
　　didnotcaretoventuretoheruncle’shousealone，IbeggedRivettogowithme，whichheagreedtodoonconditionthatwewentimmediately，forhehadsomeurgentbusinessatLaRochellethatafternoon.Sotwohourslaterwerangatthedoorofaprettycountryhouse.Anattractivegirlcameandopenedthedoortousassuredlytheyoungladyinquestion，andIsaidtoRivetinalowvoice：’Confoundit！IbegintounderstandMorin！’
　　"Theuncle，MonsieurTonnelet，subscribedtotheFanal，andwasaferventpoliticalcoreligionistofours.Hereceiveduswithopenarmsandcongratulatedusandwishedusjoy;hewasdelightedathavingthetwoeditorsinhishouse，andRivetwhisperedtome：’IthinkweshallbeabletoarrangethematterofthatpigofaMorinforhim.’
　　"TheniecehadlefttheroomandIintroducedthedelicatesubject.
　　Iwavedthespectreofscandalbeforehiseyes;Iaccentuatedtheinevitabledepreciationwhichtheyoungladywouldsufferifsuchanaffairbecameknown，fornobodywouldbelieveinasimplekiss，andthegoodmanseemedundecided，buthecouldnotmakeuphismindaboutanythingwithouthiswife，whowouldnotbeinuntillatethatevening.
　　Butsuddenlyheutteredanexclamationoftriumph：’Lookhere，Ihaveanexcellentidea;Iwillkeepyouheretodineandsleep，andwhenmywifecomeshomeIhopeweshallbeabletoarrangematters：
　　"Rivetresistedatfirst，butthewishtoextricatethatpigofaMorindecidedhim，andweacceptedtheinvitation，andtheunclegotupradiant，calledhisnieceandproposedthatweshouldtakeastrollinhisgrounds，saying：’Wewillleaveseriousmattersuntilthemorning.’
　　Rivetandhebegantotalkpolitics，whileIsoonfoundmyselflaggingalittlebehindwith’thegirlwhowasreallycharming——charming——andwiththegreatestprecautionIbegantospeaktoheraboutheradventureandtrytomakehermyally.Shedidnot，however，appeartheleastconfused，andlistenedtomelikeapersonwhowasenjoyingthewholethingverymuch.
　　"Isaidtoher：’Justthink，mademoiselle，howunpleasantitwillbeforyou.Youwillhavetoappearincourt，toencountermaliciouslooks，tospeakbeforeeverybodyandtorecountthatunfortunateoccurrenceintherailwaycarriageinpublic.Doyounotthink，betweenourselves，thatitwouldhavebeenmuchbetterforyoutohaveputthatdirtyscoundrelbackinhisplacewithoutcallingforassistance，andmerelytochangeyourcarriage？’Shebegantolaughandreplied：’Whatyousayisquitetrue，butwhatcouldIdo？Iwasfrightened，andwhenoneisfrightenedonedoesnotstoptoreasonwithone’sself.AssoonasIrealizedthesituationIwasverysorry，thatIhadcalledout，butthenitwastoolate.Youmustalsorememberthattheidiotthrewhimselfuponmelikeamadman，withoutsayingawordandlookinglikealunatic.Ididnotevenknowwhathewantedofme.’
　　"ShelookedmefullinthefacewithoutbeingnervousorintimidatedandIsaidtomyself：’Sheisaqueersortofgirl，that：IcanquiteseehowthatpigMorincametomakeamistake，’andIwentonjokingly：’Come，mademoiselle，confessthathewasexcusable，for，afterall，amancannotfindhimselfoppositesuchaprettygirlasyouarewithoutfeelinganaturaldesiretokissher.’
　　"Shelaughedmorethaneverandshowedherteethandsaid：’Betweenthedesireandtheact，monsieur，thereisroomforrespect.’Itwasanoddexpressiontouse，althoughitwasnotveryclear，andIaskedabruptly：
　　’Well，now，supposeIweretokissyou，whatwouldyoudo？’Shestoppedtolookatmefromheadtofootandthensaidcalmly：’Oh，you？Thatisquiteanothermatter.’
　　"Iknewperfectlywell，byJove，thatitwasnotthesamethingatall，aseverybodyintheneighborhoodcalledme’HandsomeLabarbe’——Iwasthirtyyearsoldinthosedays——butIaskedher：’Andwhy，pray？’Sheshruggedhershouldersandreplied：’Well！becauseyouarenotsostupidasheis.’Andthensheadded，lookingatmeslyly：’Norsougly，either：AndbeforeshecouldmakeamovementtoavoidmeIhadimplantedaheartykissonhercheek.Shesprangaside，butitwastoolate，andthenshesaid：’Well，youarenotverybashful，either！Butdon’tdothatsortofthingagain.’
　　"Iputonahumblelookandsaidinalowvoice：’Oh，mademoiselle！asforme，ifIlongforonethingmorethananotheritistobesummonedbeforeamagistrateforthesamereasonasMorin.’
　　"’Why？’sheasked.And，lookingsteadilyather，Ireplied：’Becauseyouareoneofthemostbeautifulcreaturesliving;becauseitwouldbeanhonorandagloryformetohavewishedtoofferyouviolence，andbecausepeoplewouldhavesaid，afterseeingyou："Well，Labarbehasrichlydeservedwhathehasgot，butheisaluckyfellow，allthesame.’"
　　"Shebegantolaughheartilyagainandsaid：’Howfunnyyouare！’Andshehadnotfinishedtheword’funny’beforeIhadherinmyarmsandwaskissingherardentlywhereverIcouldfindaplace，onherforehead，onhereyes，onherlipsoccasionally，onhercheeks，alloverherhead，somepartofwhichshewasobligedtoleaveexposed，inspiteofherself，todefendtheothers;butatlastshemanagedtoreleaseherself，blushingandangry.’Youareveryunmannerly，monsieur，’shesaid，’andIamsorryIlistenedtoyou.’
　　"Itookherhandinsomeconfusionandstammeredout：’Ibegyourpardon.
　　Ibegyourpardon，mademoiselle.Ihaveoffendedyou;Ihaveactedlikeabrute！DonotbeangrywithmeforwhatIhavedone.Ifyouknew——’
　　Ivainlysoughtforsomeexcuse，andinafewmomentsshesaid：’Thereisnothingformetoknow，monsieur.’ButIhadfoundsomethingtosay，andIcried：’Mademoiselle，Iloveyou！’
　　"Shewasreallysurprisedandraisedhereyestolookatme，andIwenton：’Yes，mademoiselle，andpraylistentome.IdonotknowMorin，andIdonotcareanythingabouthim.Itdoesnotmattertometheleastifheiscommittedfortrialandlockedupmeanwhile.Isawyouherelastyear，andIwassotakenwithyouthatthethoughtofyouhasneverleftmesince，anditdoesnotmattertomewhetheryoubelievemeornot.
　　Ithoughtyouadorable，andtheremembranceofyoutooksuchaholdonmethatIlongedtoseeyouagain，andsoImadeuseofthatfoolMorinasapretext，andhereIam.Circumstanceshavemademeexceedtheduelimitsofrespect，andIcanonlybegyoutopardonme.’
　　"ShelookedatmetoseeifIwasinearnestandwasreadytosmileagain.Thenshemurmured：’Youhumbug！’ButIraisedmyhandandsaidinasincerevoice（andIreallybelievethatIwassincere）：’IsweartoyouthatIamspeakingthetruth，’andsherepliedquitesimply：’Don’ttalknonsense！’
　　"Wewerealone，quitealone，asRivetandherunclehaddisappeareddownasidewalk，andImadeherarealdeclarationoflove，whileIsqueezedandkissedherhands，andshelistenedtoitastosomethingnewandagreeable，withoutexactlyknowinghowmuchofitshewastobelieve，whileintheendIfeltagitated，andatlastreallymyselfbelievedwhatIsaid.Iwaspale，anxiousandtrembling，andIgentlyputmyarmroundherwaistandspoketohersoftly，whisperingintothelittlecurlsoverherears.Sheseemedinatrance，soabsorbedinthoughtwasshe.
　　"Thenherhandtouchedmine，andshepressedit，andIgentlysqueezedherwaistwithatrembling，andgraduallyfirmer，grasp.Shedidnotmovenow，andItouchedhercheekwithmylips，andsuddenlywithoutseekingthemmylipsmethers.Itwasalong，longkiss，anditwouldhavelastedlongerstillifIhadnotheardahm！hm！justbehindme，atwhichshemadeherescapethroughthebushes，andturningroundIsawRivetcomingtowardme，and，standinginthemiddleofthepath，hesaidwithoutevensmiling：’SothatisthewayyousettletheaffairofthatpigofaMorin.’AndIrepliedconceitedly：’Onedoeswhatonecan，mydearfellow.Butwhatabouttheuncle？Howhaveyougotonwithhim？
　　Iwillanswerfortheniece.’’Ihavenotbeensofortunatewithhim，’
　　hereplied.
　　"WhereuponItookhisarmandwewentindoors，III
　　"Dinnermademelosemyheadaltogether.Isatbesideher，andmyhandcontinuallymethersunderthetablecloth，myfoottouchedhersandourglancesmet.
　　"Afterdinnerwetookawalkbymoonlight，andIwhisperedallthetenderthingsIcouldthinkoftoher.Iheldherclosetome，kissedhereverymoment，whileheruncleandRivetwerearguingastheywalkedinfrontofus.Theywentin，andsoonamessengerbroughtatelegramfromheraunt，sayingthatshewouldnotreturnuntilthenextmorningatseveno’clockbythefirsttrain.
　　"’Verywell，Henriette，’herunclesaid，’goandshowthegentlementheirrooms.’SheshowedRivethisfirst，andhewhisperedtome：’Therewasnodangerofhertakingusintoyoursfirst.’Thenshetookmetomyroom，andassoonasshewasalonewithmeItookherinmyarmsagainandtriedtoarouseheremotion，butwhenshesawthedangersheescapedoutoftheroom，andIretiredverymuchputoutandexcitedandfeelingratherfoolish，forIknewthatIshouldnotsleepmuch，andIwaswonderinghowIcouldhavecommittedsuchamistake，whentherewasagentleknockatmydoor，andonmyaskingwhowastherealowvoicereplied：’I’
　　"Idressedmyselfquicklyandopenedthedoor，andshecamein.
　　’Iforgottoaskyouwhatyoutakeinthemorning，’shesaid;’chocolate，teaorcoffee？’Iputmyarmsroundherimpetuouslyandsaid，devouringherwithkisses：’Iwilltake——Iwilltake——’
　　"Butshefreedherselffrommyarms，blewoutmycandleanddisappearedandleftmealoneinthedark，furious，tryingtofindsomematches，andnotabletodoso.AtlastIgotsomeandIwentintothepassage，feelinghalfmad，withmycandlestickinmyhand.
　　"WhatwasIabouttodo？Ididnotstoptoreason，Ionlywantedtofindher，andIwould.Iwentafewstepswithoutreflecting，butthenI
　　suddenlythought：’SupposeIshouldwalkintotheuncle’sroomwhatshouldIsay？’AndIstoodstill，withmyheadavoidandmyheartbeating.ButinafewmomentsIthoughtofananswer：’Ofcourse，I
　　shallsaythatIwaslookingforRivet’sroomtospeaktohimaboutanimportantmatter，’andIbegantoinspectallthedoors，tryingtofindhers，andatlastItookholdofahandleataventure，turneditandwentin.TherewasHenriette，sittingonherbedandlookingatmeintears.SoIgentlyturnedthekey，andgoinguptoherontiptoeIsaid：
　　’Iforgottoaskyouforsomethingtoread，mademoiselle.’
　　"Iwasstealthilyreturningtomyroomwhenaroughhandseizedmeandavoice——itwasRivet’s—whisperedinmyear：’SoyouhavenotyetquitesettledthataffairofMorin’s？’
　　"Atseveno’clockthenextmorningHenrietteherselfbroughtmeacupofchocolate.Ineverhavedrunkanythinglikeit，soft，velvety，perfumed，delicious.Icouldhardlytakeawaymylipsfromthecup，andshehadhardlylefttheroomwhenRivetcamein.Heseemednervousandirritable，likeamanwhohadnotslept，andhesaidtomecrossly：
　　’IfyougoonlikethisyouwillendbyspoilingtheaffairofthatpigofaMorin！’
　　"Ateighto’clocktheauntarrived.Ourdiscussionwasveryshort，fortheywithdrewtheircomplaint，andIleftfivehundredfrancsforthepoorofthetown.Theywantedtokeepusfortheday，andtheyarrangedanexcursiontogoandseesomeruins.Henriettemadesignstometostay，behindherparents’back，andIaccepted，butRivetwasdeterminedtogo，andthoughItookhimasideandbeggedandprayedhimtodothisforme，heappearedquiteexasperatedandkeptsayingtome：’IhavehadenoughofthatpigofaMorin’saffair，doyouhear？’
　　"OfcourseIwasobligedtoleavealso，anditwasoneofthehardestmomentsofmylife.IcouldhavegoneonarrangingthatbusinessaslongasIlived，andwhenwewereintherailwaycarriage，aftershakinghandswithherinsilence，IsaidtoRivet：’Youareamerebrute！’Andhereplied：’Mydearfellow，youwerebeginningtoannoymeconfoundedly.’
　　"OngettingtotheFanaloffice，Isawacrowdwaitingforus，andassoonastheysawustheyallexclaimed：’Well，haveyousettledtheaffairofthatpigofaMorin？’AllLaRochellewasexcitedaboutit，andRivet，whohadgotoverhisill—humoronthejourney，hadgreatdifficultyinkeepinghimselffromlaughingashesaid：’Yes，wehavemanagedit，thankstoLabarbe：AndwewenttoMorin’s.
　　"Hewassittinginaneasy—chairwithmustardplastersonhislegsandcoldbandagesonhishead，nearlydeadwithmisery.Hewascoughingwiththeshortcoughofadyingman，withoutanyoneknowinghowhehadcaughtit，andhiswifelookedathimlikeatigressreadytoeathim，andassoonashesawushetrembledsoviolentlyastomakehishandsandkneesshake，soIsaidtohimimmediately：’Itisallsettled，youdirtyscamp，butdon’tdosuchathingagain.’
　　"Hegotup，choking，tookmyhandsandkissedthemasiftheyhadbelongedtoaprince，cried，nearlyfainted，embracedRivetandevenkissedMadameMorin，whogavehimsuchapushastosendhimstaggeringbackintohischair;buthenevergotovertheblow;hismindhadbeentoomuchupset.Inallthecountryround，moreover，hewascallednothingbut’thatpigofaMorin，’andthatepithetwentthroughhimlikeasword—thrusteverytimeheheardit.Whenastreetboycalledafterhim’Pig！’heturnedhisheadinstinctively.Hisfriendsalsooverwhelmedhimwithhorriblejokesandusedtoaskhim，whenevertheywereeatingham，’Isitabitofyourself？’Hediedtwoyearslater.
　　"Asformyself，whenIwasacandidatefortheChamberofDeputiesin1875，IcalledonthenewnotaryatFousserre，MonsieurBelloncle，tosolicithisvote，andatall，handsomeandevidentlywealthyladyreceivedme.’Youdonotknowmeagain？’shesaid.AndIstammeredout：
　　’Why——no——madame.’’HenrietteBonnel.’’Ah！’AndIfeltmyselfturningpale，whilesheseemedperfectlyathereaseandlookedatmewithasmile.
　　"Assoonasshehadleftmealonewithherhusbandhetookbothmyhands，and，squeezingthemasifhemeanttocrushthem，hesaid：’Ihavebeenintendingtogoandseeyouforalongtime，mydearsir，formywifehasveryoftentalkedtomeaboutyou.Iknow——yes，Iknowunderwhatpainfulcircumstancesyoumadeheracquaintance，andIknowalsohowperfectlyyoubehaved，howfullofdelicacy，tactanddevotionyoushowedyourselfintheaffair——’Hehesitatedandthensaidinalowertone，asifhehadbeensayingsomethinglowandcoarse，’intheaffairofthatpigofaMorin.’"
　　SAINTANTHONY
　　TheycalledhimSaintAnthony，becausehisnamewasAnthony，andalso，perhaps，becausehewasagoodfellow，jovial，aloverofpracticaljokes，atremendouseaterandaheavydrinkerandagayfellow，althoughhewassixtyyearsold.
　　HewasabigpeasantofthedistrictofCaux，witharedface，largechestandstomach，andperchedontwolegsthatseemedtooslightforthebulkofhisbody.
　　Hewasawidowerandlivedalonewithhistwomenservantsandamaidonhisfarm，whichheconductedwithshrewdeconomy.Hewascarefulofhisowninterests，understoodbusinessandtheraisingofcattle，andfarming.Histwosonsandhisthreedaughters，whohadmarriedwell，werelivingintheneighborhoodandcametodinewiththeirfatheronceamonth.Hisvigorofbodywasfamousinallthecountryside."HeisasstrongasSaintAnthony，"hadbecomeakindofproverb.
　　AtthetimeofthePrussianinvasionSaintAnthony，atthewineshop，promisedtoeatanarmy，forhewasabraggart，likeatrueNorman，abitofa，cowardandablusterer.Hebangedhisfistonthewoodentable，makingthecupsandthebrandyglassesdance，andcriedwiththeassumedwrathofagoodfellow，withaflushedfaceandaslylookinhiseye：
　　"Ishallhavetoeatsomeofthem，nomdeDieu！"HereckonedthatthePrussianswouldnotcomeasfarasTanneville，butwhenheheardtheywereatRautotheneverwentoutofthehouse，andconstantlywatchedtheroadfromthelittlewindowofhiskitchen，expectingatanymomenttoseethebayonetsgoby.
　　Onemorningashewaseatinghisluncheonwiththeservantsthedooropenedandthemayorofthecommune，MaitreChicot，appeared，followedbyasoldierwearingablackcopper—pointedhelmet.SaintAnthonyboundedtohisfeetandhisservantsalllookedathim，expectingtoseehimslashthePrussian.Buthemerelyshookhandswiththemayor，whosaid：
　　"Hereisoneforyou，SaintAnthony.Theycamelastnight.Don’tdoanythingfoolish，aboveallthings，fortheytalkedofshootingandburningeverythingifthereistheslightestunpleasantness，Ihavegivenyouwarning.Givehimsomethingtoeat;helookslikeagoodfellow.
　　Good—day.Iamgoingtocallontherest.Thereareenoughforall."
　　Andhewentout.
　　FatherAnthony，whohadturnedpale，lookedatthePrussian.Hewasabig，youngfellowwithplump，whiteskin，blueeyes，fairhair，unshaventohischeekbones，wholookedstupid，timidandgood.TheshrewdNormanreadhimatonce，and，reassured，hemadehimasigntositdown.Thenhesaid："Willyoutakesomesoup？"
　　Thestrangerdidnotunderstand.Anthonythenbecamebolder，andpushingaplatefulofsouprightunderhisnose，hesaid："Here，swallowthat，bigpig！
　　Thesoldier，answered"Ya，"andbegantoeatgreedily，whilethefarmer，triumphant，feelinghehadregainedhisreputation，winkedhiseyeattheservants，whoweremakingstrangegrimaces，whatwiththeirterrorandtheirdesiretolaugh.
　　WhenthePrussianhaddevouredhissoup，SaintAnthonygavehimanotherplateful，whichdisappearedinlikemanner;butheflinchedatthethirdwhichthefarmertriedtoinsistonhiseating，saying："Come，putthatintoyourstomach;’twillfattenyouoritisyourownfault，eh，pig！"
　　Thesoldier，understandingonlythattheywantedtomakehimeatallhissoup，laughedinacontentedmanner，makingasigntoshowthathecouldnotholdanymore.
　　ThenSaintAnthony，becomequitefamiliar，tappedhimonthestomach，saying："My，thereisplentyinmypig’sbelly！"Butsuddenlyhebegantowrithewithlaughter，unabletospeak.Anideahadstruckhimwhichmadehimchokewithmirth."That’sit，that’sit，SaintAnthonyandhispig.There’smypig！"Andthethreeservantsburstoutlaughingintheirturn.
　　Theoldfellowwassopleasedthathehadthebrandybroughtin，goodstuff，’filendix’，andtreatedeveryone.TheyclinkedglasseswiththePrussian，whoclackedhistonguebywayofflatterytoshowthatheenjoyedit.AndSaintAnthonyexclaimedinhisface："Eh，isnotthatsuperfine？Youdon’tgetanythinglikethatinyourhome，pig！"
　　FromthattimeFatherAnthonyneverwentoutwithouthisPrussian.Hehadgotwhathewanted.Thiswashisvengeance，thevengeanceofanoldrogue.Andthewholecountryside，whichwasinterror，laughedtosplititssidesatSaintAnthony’sjoke.Truly，therewasnoonelikehimwhenitcametohumor.Noonebuthewouldhavethoughtofathinglikethat.
　　Hewasabornjoker！
　　Hewenttoseehisneighborseveryday，arminarmwithhisGerman，whomheintroducedinajovialmanner，tappinghimontheshoulder："See，hereismypig;lookandseeifheisnotgrowingfat，theanimal！"
　　Andthepeasantswouldbeamwithsmiles."Heissocomical，thatrecklessfellow，Antoine！"
　　"Iwillsellhimtoyou，Cesaire，forthreepistoles"（thirtyfrancs）.
　　"Iwilltakehim，Antoine，andIinviteyoutoeatsomeblackpudding."
　　"WhatIwantishisfeet."
　　"Feelhisbelly;youwillseethatitisallfat."
　　Andtheyallwinkedateachother，butdarednotlaughtooloud，forfearthePrussianmightfinallysuspecttheywerelaughingathim.Anthony，alonegrowingboldereveryday，pinchedhisthighs，exclaiming，"Nothingbutfat";tappedhimontheback，shouting，"Thatisallbacon";liftedhimupinhisarmsasanoldColossusthatcouldhaveliftedananvil，declaring，"Heweighssixhundredandnowaste."
　　Hehadgotintothehabitofmakingpeopleofferhis"pig"somethingtoeatwherevertheywenttogether.Thiswasthechiefpleasure，thegreatdiversioneveryday."Givehimwhateveryouplease，hewillswalloweverything."Andtheyofferedthemanbreadandbutter，potatoes，coldmeat，chitterlings，whichcausedtheremark，"Someofyourown，andchoiceones."
　　Thesoldier，stupidandgentle，atefrompoliteness，charmedattheseattentions，makinghimselfillratherthanrefuse，andhewasactuallygrowingfatandhisuniformbecomingtightforhim.ThisdelightedSaintAnthony，whosaid："Youknow，mypig，thatweshallhavetohaveanothercagemadeforyou."
　　Theyhad，however，becomethebestfriendsintheworld，andwhentheoldfellowwenttoattendtohisbusinessintheneighborhoodthePrussianaccompaniedhimforthesimplepleasureofbeingwithhim.
　　Theweatherwassevere;itwasfreezinghard.Theterriblewinterof1870seemedtobringallthescourgesonFranceatonetime.
　　FatherAntoine，whomadeprovisionbeforehand，andtookadvantageofeveryopportunity，foreseeingthatmanurewouldbescarceforthespringfarming，boughtfromaneighborwhohappenedtobeinneedofmoneyallthathehad，anditwasagreedthatheshouldgoeveryeveningwithhiscarttogetaload.
　　SoeverydayattwilighthesetoutforthefarmofHaules，halfaleaguedistant，alwaysaccompaniedbyhis"pig."Andeachtimeitwasafestival，feedingtheanimal.AlltheneighborsranoverthereastheywouldgotohighmassonSunday.
　　Butthesoldierbegantosuspectsomething，bemistrustful，andwhentheylaughedtooloudhewouldrollhiseyesuneasily，andsometimestheylightedupwithanger.
　　Oneeveningwhenhehadeatenhisfillherefusedtoswallowanothermorsel，andattemptedtorisetoleavethetable.ButSaintAnthonystoppedhimbyaturnofthewristand，placinghistwopowerfulhandsonhisshoulders，hesathimdownagainsoroughlythatthechairsmashedunderhim.
　　Awildburstoflaughterbrokeforth，andAnthony，beaming，pickeduphispig，actedasthoughheweredressinghiswounds，andexclaimed："Sinceyouwillnoteat，youshalldrink，nomdeDieu！"Andtheywenttothewineshoptogetsomebrandy.
　　Thesoldierrolledhiseyes，whichhadawickedexpression，buthedrank，nevertheless;hedrankaslongastheywantedhim，andSaintAnthonyheldhisheadtothegreatdelightofhiscompanions.
　　TheNorman，redasatomato，hiseyesablaze，filleduptheglassesandclinked，saying："Here’stoyou！".AndthePrussian，withoutspeakingaword，poureddownoneafteranotherglassfulsofcognac.
　　Itwasacontest，abattle，arevenge！Whowoulddrinkthemost，nomd’unnom！Theycouldneitherofthemstandanymorewhentheliterwasemptied.Butneitherwasconquered.Theyweretied，thatwasall.Theywouldhavetobeginagainthenextday.
　　Theywentoutstaggeringandstartedforhome，walkingbesidethedungcartwhichwasdrawnalongslowlybytwohorses.
　　Snowbegantofallandthemoonlessnightwassadlylightedbythisdeadwhitenessontheplain.Themenbegantofeelthecold，andthisaggravatedtheirintoxication.SaintAnthony，annoyedatnotbeingthevictor，amusedhimselfbyshovinghiscompanionsoastomakehimfalloverintotheditch.Theotherwoulddodgebackwards，andeachtimehedidheutteredsomeGermanexpressioninanangrytone，whichmadethepeasantroarwithlaughter.FinallythePrussianlosthistemper，andjustasAnthonywasrollingtowardshimherespondedwithsuchaterrificblowwithhisfistthattheColossusstaggered.
　　Then，excitedbythebrandy，theoldmanseizedthepugilistroundthewaist，shookhimforafewmomentsashewouldhavedonewithalittlechild，andpitchedhimatrandomtotheothersideoftheroad.Then，satisfiedwiththispieceofwork，hecrossedhisarmsandbegantolaughafresh.
　　Butthesoldierpickedhimselfupinahurry，hisheadbare，hishelmethavingrolledoff，anddrawinghisswordherushedovertoFatherAnthony.
　　Whenhesawhimcomingthepeasantseizedhiswhipbythetopofthehandle，hisbighollywoodwhip，straight，strongandsuppleasthesinewofanox.
　　ThePrussianapproached，hisheaddown，makingalungewithhissword，sureofkillinghisadversary.Buttheoldfellow，squarelyhittingtheblade，thepointofwhichwouldhavepiercedhisstomach，turneditaside，andwiththebuttendofthewhipstruckthesoldierasharpblowonthetempleandhefelltotheground.
　　Thenhe，gazedaghast，stupefiedwithamazement，atthebody，twitchingconvulsivelyatfirstandthenlyingproneandmotionless.Hebentoverit，turneditonitsback，andgazedatitforsometime.Theman’seyeswereclosed，andbloodtrickledfromawoundatthesideofhisforehead.
　　Althoughitwasdark，FatherAnthonycoulddistinguishthebloodstainonthewhitesnow.
　　Heremainedthere，athiswit’send，whilehiscartcontinuedslowlyonitsway.
　　Whatwashetodo？Hewouldbeshot！Theywouldburnhisfarm，ruinhisdistrict！Whatshouldhedo？Whatshouldhedo？Howcouldhehidethebody，concealthefactofhisdeath，deceivethePrussians？Heheardvoicesinthedistance，amidtheutterstillnessofthesnow.Allatonceherousedhimself，andpickingupthehelmetheplaceditonhisvictim’shead.Then，seizinghimroundthebody，heliftedhimupinhisarms，andthusrunningwithhim，heovertookhisteam，andthrewthebodyontopofthemanure.Onceinhisownhousehewouldthinkupsomeplan.
　　Hewalkedslowly，rackinghisbrain，butwithoutresult.Hesaw，hefelt，thathewaslost.Heenteredhiscourtyard.Alightwasshininginoneoftheatticwindows;hismaidwasnotasleep.Hehastilybackedhiswagontotheedgeofthemanurehollow.Hethoughtthatbyoverturningthemanurethebodylyingontopofitwouldfallintotheditchandbeburiedbeneathit，andhedumpedthecart.