Foratimethisdidnotsuggestanythingtome。Butwhenwehadalltakenourseatsforsupper，therecameanadditiontotheparty。Thedooropened，andthefellowwhomIhadseenthenightbeforewithMadamedeCocheforetenteredandtookastoolbythefire。IfeltsurethathewasoneoftheservantsattheChateau；andinaflashhispresenceinspiredmewiththemostfeasibleplanforobtainingadmissionwhichIhadyethitupon。
　　Ifeltmyselfgrowhotatthethought——itseemedsofullofpromise，yetsodoubtful——and，ontheinstant，withoutgivingmyselftimetothinktoomuch，Ibegantocarryitintoeffect。
　　Icalledfortwoorthreebottlesofbetterwine，and，assumingajovialair，passeditroundthetable。WhenwehaddrunkafewglassesIfelltotalking，and，choosingpolitics，tookthesideoftheLanguedocpartyandthemalcontentsinsorecklessafashionthattheinnkeeperwasbesidehimselfatmyimprudence。
　　Themerchants，whobelongedtotheclasswithwhomtheCardinalwasalwaysmostpopular，lookedfirstastonishedandthenenraged。ButIwasnottobechecked；hintsandsourlookswerelostuponme。Igrewmoreoutspokenwitheveryglass，IdranktotheRochellois，Isworeitwouldnotbelongbeforetheyraisedtheirheadsagain；and，atlast，whiletheinnkeeperandhiswifewereengagedlightingthelamp，Ipassedroundthebottleandcalledonallforatoast。
　　'I'llgiveyouonetobegin，'Ibraggednoisily。'Agentleman'stoast！Asoutherntoast！HereisconfusiontotheCardinal，andahealthtoallwhohatehim！'
　　'MONDIEU！'oneofthestrangerscried，springingfromhisseatinarage。'Iamnotgoingtostomachthat！Isyourhouseacommontreason-hole，'hecontinued，turningfuriouslyonthelandlord，'thatyousufferthis？'
　　'Hoity-toity！'Ianswered，coollykeepingmyseat。'Whatisallthis？Don'tyourelishmytoast，littleman？'
　　'No——noryou！'heretortedhotly；'whoeveryoumaybe！'
　　'ThenIwillgiveyouanother，'Ianswered，withahiccough。
　　'Perhapsitwillbemoretoyourtaste。HereistheDukeofOrleans，andmayhesoonbeKing！'
　　CHAPTERIII
　　THEHOUSEINTHEWOOD
　　Wordssorecklessfairlyshookthethreemenoutoftheiranger。
　　Foramomenttheyglaredatmeasiftheyhadseenaghost。Thenthewinemerchantclappedhishandonthetable。
　　'Thatisenough，'hesaid，withalookathiscompanions。'I
　　thinkthattherecanbenomistakeaboutthat。AsdamnabletreasonaseverIheardwhispered！Icongratulateyou，sir，onyourboldness。Asforyou，'hecontinued，turningwithanuglysneertothelandlord，'Ishallknownowthecompanyyoukeep！I
　　wasnotawarethatmywinewetwhistlestosuchatune！'
　　Butifhewasstartled，theinnkeeperwasfurious，seeinghischaracterthustakenaway；and，beingatnotimeamanofmanywords，heventedhisrageexactlyinthewayIwished，raisinginatwinklingsuchanuproarascanscarcelybeconceived。Witharoarlikeabull's，heranheadlongatthetable，andoverturneditonthetopofme。Fortunatelythewomansavedthelamp，andfledwithitintoacorner，whencesheandthemanfromtheChateauwatchedtheskirmishinsilence；butthepewtercupsandplattersflewspinningacrossthefloor，whilethetablepinnedmetothegroundamongtheruinsofmystool。Havingmeatthisdisadvantage——foratfirstImadenoresistancethelandlordbegantobelabourmewiththefirstthinghesnatchedup，andwhenItriedtodefendmyself，cursedmewitheachblowforatreacherousrogueandavagrant。Meanwhilethethreemerchants，delightedwiththeturnthingshadtaken，skippedrounduslaughing，andnowhoundedhimon，nowbanteredmewith'howisthatfortheDukeofOrleans？'and'Hownow，traitor？'
　　WhenIthoughtthatthishadlastedlongenough——or，tospeakmoreplainly，whenIcouldstandtheinnkeeper'sdrubbingnolonger——Ithrewhimoff，andstruggledtomyfeet；butstill，thoughthebloodwastricklingdownmyface，Irefrainedfromdrawingmysword。Icaughtupinsteadalegofthestoolwhichlayhandy，and，watchingmyopportunity，dealtthelandlordashrewdblowundertheear，whichlaidhimoutinamomentonthewreckofhisowntable。
　　'Now，'Icried，brandishingmynewweapon，whichfittedthehandtoanicety，'comeon！Comeon！ifyoudaretostrikeablow，youpeddling，truckling，hucksteringknaves！AfigforyouandyourshavelingCardinal！'
　　Thered-facedwinemerchantdrewhisswordinaone-two。
　　'Why，youdrunkenfool，'hesaidwrathfully，'putthatstickdown，orIwillspityoulikealark！'
　　'Larkinyourteeth！'Icried，staggeringasifthewinewereinmyhead。'Andcuckoo，too！Anotherword，andI——'
　　Hemadeacoupleofsavagepassesatme，butinatwinklinghisswordflewacrosstheroom。
　　'VOILA！'Ishouted，lurchingforward，asifIhadluckandnotskilltothankformyvictory。'Now，thenext！Comeon，comeon——youwhite-liveredknaves！'And，pretendingadrunkenfrenzy，Iflungmyweaponbodilyamongstthem，andseizingthenearest，begantowrestlewithhim。
　　Inamomenttheyallthrewthemselvesuponme，and，swearingcopiously，boremebacktothedoor。Thewinemerchantcriedbreathlesslytothewomantoopenit，andinatwinklingtheyhadmethroughit，andhalf-wayacrosstheroad。TheonethingI
　　fearedwasaknife-thrustintheMELEE；butIhadtorunthatrisk，andthemenwerehonest，and，thinkingmedrunk，indulgent。
　　InatriceIfoundmyselfonmybackinthedirt，withmyheadhumming；andheardthebarsofthedoorfallnoisilyintotheirplaces。
　　Igotupandwenttothedoor，and，toplayoutmypart，hammeredonitfrantically；cryingouttothemtoletmein。Butthethreetravellersonlyjeeredatme，andthelandlord，comingtothewindow，withhisheadbleeding，shookhisfistatme，andcursedmeforamischief-maker。
　　Baffledinthis，Iretiredtoalogwhichlayintheroadafewpacesfromthehouse，andsatdownonittoawaitevents。Withtornclothesandbleedingface，hatlessandcoveredwithdirt，I
　　wasinlittlebettercasethanmyopponent。Itwasraining，too，andthedrippingbranchesswayedovermyhead。Thewindwasinthesouth——thecoldestquarter。Ibegantofeelchilledanddispirited。Ifmyschemefailed，Ihadforfeitedroofandbedtonopurpose，andplacedfutureprogressoutofthequestion。Itwasacriticalmoment。
　　ButatlastthathappenedforwhichIhadbeenlooking。Thedoorswungopenafewinches，andamancamenoiselesslyout；itwasquicklybarredbehindhim。Hestoodamoment，waitingonthethresholdandpeeringintothegloom；andseemedtoexpecttobeattacked。Findinghimselfunmolested，however，andallquiet，hewentoffsteadilydownthestreet——towardstheChateau。
　　Iletacoupleofminutesgoby，andthenIfollowed。Ihadnodifficultyinhittingonthetrackattheendofthestreet，butwhenIhadonceplungedintothewood，IfoundmyselfindarknesssointensethatIsoonstrayedfromthepath，andfelloverroots，andtoremyclotheswiththorns，andlostmytempertwentytimesbeforeIfoundthepathagain。However，Igainedthebridgeatlast，andthencecaughtsightofalighttwinklingbeforeme。Tomakeforitacrossthemeadowandterracewasaneasytask；yet，whenIhadreachedthedoorandhadhammereduponit，Iwassowornout，andinsosorryaplightthatIsankdown，andhadlittleneedtoplayapart，orpretendtobeworsethanI
　　was。
　　Foralongtimenooneanswered。Thedarkhousetoweringabovemeremainedsilent。Icouldhear，mingledwiththethrobbingsofmyheart，thesteadycroakingofthefrogsinapondnearthestables；butnoothersound。Inafrenzyofimpatienceanddisgust，Istoodupagainandhammered，kickingwithmyheelsonthenail-studdeddoor，andcryingoutdesperately，——
　　'AMOI！AMOI！'
　　Then，oramomentlater，Iheardaremotedooropened；footstepsasofmorethanonepersondrewnear。Iraisedmyvoiceandcriedagain，——
　　'AMOI！'
　　'Whoisthere？'avoiceasked。
　　'Agentlemanindistress，'Iansweredpiteously，movingmyhandsacrossthedoor。'ForGod'ssakeopenandletmein。Iamhurt，anddyingofcold。'
　　'Whatbringsyouhere？'thevoiceaskedsharply。Despiteitstartness，Ifanciedthatitwasawoman's。
　　'Heavenknows！'Ianswereddesperately。'Icannottell。Theymaltreatedmeattheinn，andthrewmeintothestreet。I
　　crawledaway，andhavebeenwanderinginthewoodforhours。
　　ThenIsawalighthere。'
　　Onthatsomemutteringtookplaceontheothersideofthedoor——
　　towhichIhadmyear。Itendedinthebarsbeinglowered。Thedoorswungpartlyopen，andalightshoneout，dazzlingme。I
　　triedtoshademyeyeswithmyfingers，and，asdidso，fanciedI
　　heardamurmurofpity。ButwhenIlookedinunderscreenofmyhand，Isawonlyoneperson——themanwhoheldthelight，andhisaspectwassostrange，soterrifying，that，shakenasIwasbyfatigue，Irecoiledastep。
　　Hewasatallandverythinman，meanlydressedinashort，scantyjacketandwell-darnedhose。Unable，forsomereason，tobendhisneck，hecarriedhisheadwithastrangestiffness。
　　Andthathead——neverdidlivingmanshowafacesolikedeath。
　　Hisforeheadwasbaldandyellow，hischeek-bonesstoodoutunderthestrainedskin，allthelowerpartofhisfacefellin，hisjawsreceded，hischeekswerehollow，hislipsandchinwerethinandfleshless。Heseemedtohaveonlyoneexpression——afixedgrin。
　　WhileIstoodlookingatthisformidablecreature，hemadeaquickmovementtoshutthedooragain，smilingmorewidely。I
　　hadthepresenceofmindtothrustinmyfoot，and，beforehecouldresenttheact，avoiceinthebackgroundcried，——
　　'Forshame，Clon！Standback，standback！doyouhear？Iamafraid，Monsieur，thatyouarehurt。'
　　Thosewordsweremywelcometothathouse；and，spokenatanhourandincircumstancessogloomy，theymadealastingimpression。
　　Roundthehallranagallery，andthis，theheightoftheapartment，andthedarkpanellingseemedtoswallowupthelight。
　　Istoodwithintheentrance（asitseemedtome）ofahugecave；
　　theskull-headedporterhadtheairofanogre。Onlythevoicewhichgreetedmedispelledtheillusion。Iturnedtremblingtowardsthequarterwhenceitcame，and，shadingmyeyes，madeoutawoman'sformstandinginadoorwayunderthegallery。A
　　secondfigure，whichItooktobethatoftheservantIhadseenattheinn，loomeduncertainlybesideher。
　　Ibowedinsilence。Myteethwerechattering。Iwasfaintwithoutfeigning，andfeltakindofterror，hardtoexplain，atthesoundofthiswoman'svoice。
　　'Oneofourpeoplehastoldmeaboutyou，shecontinued，speakingoutofthedarkness。'Iamsorrythatthishashappenedtoyouhere，butIamafraidthatyouwereindiscreet。'
　　'Itakealltheblame，Madame，'Iansweredhumbly。'Iaskonlyshelterforthenight。'
　　'Thetimehasnotyetcomewhenwecannotgiveourfriendsthat！'
　　sheansweredwithnoblecourtesy。'Whenitdoes，Monsieur，weshallbehomelessourselves。'
　　Ishivered，lookinganywherebutather；for，ifthetruthbetold，Ihadnotsufficientlypicturedthissceneofmyarrival——I
　　hadnotforedrawnitsdetails；andnowItookpartinitIfeltamiserablemeannessweighmedown。Ihadneverfromthefirstlikedthework，butIhadhadnochoice，andIhadnochoicenow。
　　Luckily，theguiseinwhichIcame，myfatigue，andwoundwereasufficientmask，orIshouldhaveincurredsuspicionatonce。
　　ForIamsurethatifeverinthisworldabravemanworeahang-
　　dogair，orGildeBeraultfellbelowhimself，itwasthenandthere——onMadamedeCocheforet'sthreshold，withherwelcomesoundinginmyears。
　　One，Ithink，didsuspectme。Clon，theporter，continuedtoholdthedoorobstinatelyajarandtoeyemewithgrinningspite，untilhismistress，withsomesharpness，badehimdropthebarsandconductmetoaroom。
　　'Doyougoalso，Louis，'shecontinued，speakingtothemanbesideher，'andseethisgentlemancomfortablydisposed。Iamsorry，'sheadded，addressingmeinthegracefultoneshehadbeforeused，andIthoughtthatIcouldseeherheadbendinthedarkness，'thatourpresentcircumstancesdonotpermitustowelcomeyoumorefitly，Monsieur。Butthetroublesofthetimes——however，youwillexcusewhatislacking。Untilto-morrow，I
　　havethehonourtobidyougood-night。'
　　'Good-night，Madame，'Istammered，trembling。Ihadnotbeenabletodistinguishherfaceinthegloomofthedoorway，buthervoice，hergreeting，herpresenceunmannedme。Iwastroubledandperplexed；Ihadnotspirittokickadog。Ifollowedthetwoservantsfromthehallwithoutheedinghowwewent；norwasituntilwecametoafullstopatadoorinawhite-washedcorridor，anditwasforceduponmethatsomethingwasinquestionbetweenmytwoconductorsthatIbegantotakenotice。
　　ThenIsawthatoneofthem，Louis，wishedtolodgemeherewherewestood。Theporter，ontheotherhand，whoheldthekeys，wouldnot。Hedidnotspeakaword，nordidtheother——andthisgaveaqueerominouscharactertothedebate；buthecontinuedtojerkhisheadtowardsthefartherendofthecorridor；and，atlast，hecarriedhispoint。Louisshruggedhisshoulders，andmovedon，glancingaskanceatme；andI，notunderstandingthematterindebate，followedthepairinsilence。
　　Wereachedtheendofthecorridor，andthereforaninstantthemonsterwiththekeyspausedandgrinnedatme。Thenheturnedintoanarrowpassageontheleft，andafterfollowingitforsomepaces，haltedbeforeasmall，strongdoor。Hiskeyjarredinthelock，butheforceditshriekinground，andwithasavageflourishthrewthedooropen。
　　Iwalkedinandsawamean，barechamberwithbarredwindows。
　　Thefloorwasindifferentlyclean，therewasnofurniture。Theyellowlightofthelanthornfallingonthestainedwallsgavetheplacethelookofadungeon。Iturnedtothetwomen。'Thisisnotaverygoodroom，'Isaid。'Anditfeelsdamp。Haveyounoother？'
　　Louislookeddoubtfullyathiscompanion。Buttheportershookhisheadstubbornly。
　　'Whydoeshenotspeak？'Iaskedwithimpatience。
　　'Heisdumb，'Louisanswered。
　　'Dumb！'Iexclaimed。'Buthehears。'
　　'Hehasears，'theservantanswereddrily。'Buthehasnotongue，Monsieur。'
　　Ishuddered。'Howdidheloseit？'Iasked。
　　'AtRochelle。Hewasaspy，andtheking'speopletookhimthedaythetownsurrendered。Theysparedhislife，butcutouthistongue。'
　　'Ah！'Isaid。Iwishedtosaymore，tobenatural，toshowmyselfatmyease。Buttheporter'seyesseemedtoburnintome，andmyowntongueclavetotheroofofmymouth。Heopenedhislipsandpointedtohisthroatwithahorridgesture，andIshookmyheadandturnedfromhim——'Youcanletmehavesomebedding？'
　　Imurmuredhastily，forthesakeofsayingsomething，andtoescape。
　　'Ofcourse，Monsieur，'Louisanswered。'Iwillfetchsome。'
　　Hewentaway，thinkingdoubtlessthatClonwouldstaywithme。
　　Butafterwaitingaminutetheporterstrodeoffalsowiththelanthorn，leavingmetostandinthemiddleofthedamp，darkroomandreflectontheposition。ItwasplainthatClonsuspectedme。Thisprison-likeroom，withitsbarredwindow，atthebackofthehouse，andinthewingfarthestfromthestables，provedsomuch。Clearly，hewasadangerousfellow，ofwhomI
　　mustbeware。IhadjustbeguntowonderhowMadamecouldkeepsuchamonsterinherhouse，whenIheardhisstepreturning。Hecamein，lightingLouis，whocarriedasmallpalletandabundleofcoverings。
　　Thedumbmanhad，besidesthelanthorn，abowlofwaterandapieceofraginhishand。Hesetthemdown，andgoingoutagain，fetchedinastool。Thenhehungupthelanthornonanail，tookthebowlandrag，andinvitedmetositdown。
　　Iwaslothtolethimtouchme；buthecontinuedtostandoverme，pointingandgrinningwithdarkpersistence，andratherthanstandonatrifleIsatdownatlastandgavehimhisway。Hebathedmyheadcarefullyenough，andIdaresaydiditgood；butIunderstood。Iknewthathisonlydesirewastolearnwhetherthecutwasrealorapretence，andIbegantofearhimmoreandmore；untilhewasgonefromtheroom，Idaredscarcelyliftmyfacelestheshouldreadtoomuchinit。
　　Alone，even，Ifeltuncomfortable，thisseemedsosinisterabusiness，andsoillbegun。Iwasinthehouse。ButMadame'sfrankvoicehauntedme，andthedumbman'seyes，fullofsuspicionandmenace。WhenIpresentlygotupandtriedmydoor，Ifounditlocked。Theroomsmeltdankandclose——likeavault。
　　Icouldnotseethroughthebarredwindow，butIcouldheartheboughssweepitinghostlyfashion；andIguessedthatitlookedoutwherethewoodgrewclosetothewallsofthehouse，andthateveninthedaythesunneverpeepedthroughit。
　　Nevertheless，tiredandwornout，Isleptatlast。WhenIawoketheroomwasfullofgreylight，thedoorstoodopen，andLouis，lookingashamedofhimself，waitedbymypalletwithacupofwineinhishand，andsomebreadandfruitonaplatter。
　　'WillMonsieurbegoodenoughtorise？'hesaid。'Itiseighto'clock。'
　　'Willingly，'Iansweredtartly。'Nowthatthedoorisunlocked。'
　　Heturnedred。'Itwasanoversight，'hestammered'Clonisaccustomedtolockthedoor，andhediditinadvertently，forgettingthattherewasanyone——'
　　'Inside，'Isaiddrily。
　　'Precisely，Monsieur。'
　　'Ah！'Ireplied。'Well，IdonotthinktheoversightwouldpleaseMadamedeCocheforetifsheheardofit？'
　　'IfMonsieurwouldhavethekindnessnotto——'
　　'Mentionit，mygoodfellow？'answered，lookingathimwithmeaningasIrose。'No。Butitmustnotoccuragain。'
　　IsawthatthismanwasnotlikeClon。Hehadtheinstinctsofthefamilyservant，andfreedfromtheinfluencesoffearanddarknessfeltashamedofhisconduct。Whilehearrangedmyclothes，helookedroundtheroomwithanairofdistaste，andmutteredonceortwicethatthefurnitureoftheprincipalchamberswaspackedaway。
　　'M。deCocheforetisabroad，Ithink？'IsaidasIdressed。
　　'Andlikelytoremainthere，'themanansweredcarelessly，shrugginghisshoulders。'Monsieurwilldoubtlesshaveheardthatheisintrouble。Inthemeantime，thehouseisTRISTE，andMonsieurmustoverlookmuch，ifhestays。Madamelivesretired，andtheroadsareill-madeandvisitorsfew。'
　　'Whenthelionwasillthejackalslefthim，'Isaid。
　　Louisnodded。'Itistrue，'heansweredsimply。Hemadenoboastorbragonhisownaccount，Inoticed；anditcamehometomethathewasafaithfulfellow，suchasIlove。Iquestionedhimdiscreetly，andlearnedthatheandClonandanoldermanwholivedoverthestablesweretheonlymaleservantsleftofagreathousehold。Madame，hersister-in-law，andthreewomencompletedthefamily。
　　Ittookmesometimetorepairmywardrobe，sothatIdaresayitwasnearlytenwhenIleftmydismallittleroom。IfoundLouiswaitinginthecorridor，andhetoldmethatMadamedeCocheforetandMademoisellewereintherosegarden，andwouldbepleasedtoreceiveme。Inodded，andheguidedmethroughseveraldimpassagestoaparlourwithanopendoor，throughwhichthesunshonegailyonthefloor。Cheeredbythemorningairandthissuddenchangetopleasantnessandlife，Isteppedlightlyout。
　　Thetwoladieswerewalkingupanddownawidepathwhichbisectedthegarden。Theweedsgrewranklyinthegravelunderfoot，therosebusheswhichborderedthewalkthrusttheirbrancheshereandthereinuntrainedfreedom，adarkyewhedgewhichformedthebackgroundbristledwithroughshootsandsadlyneededtrimming。ButIdidnotseeanyofthesethings。Thegrace，thenobleair，thedistinctionofthetwowomenwhopacedslowlytomeetme——andwhosharedallthesequalities，greatlyastheydifferedinothers——leftmenopowertonoticetrifles。
　　MademoisellewasaheadshorterthanherBELLE-SOEUR——aslenderwomanandpetite，withabeautifulfaceandafaircomplexion；awomanwhollywomanly。Shewalkedwithdignity，butbesideMadame'sstatelyfigureshehadanairalmostchildish。AnditwascharacteristicofthetwothatMademoiselleastheydrewneartomeregardedmewithsorrowfulattention，Madamewithagravesmile。
　　Ibowedlow。Theyreturnedthesalute。'Thisismysister，'
　　MadamedeCocheforetsaid，withaveryslightairofcondescension，'Willyoupleasetotellmeyourname，Monsieur？'
　　'IamM。deBarthe，agentlemanofNormandy，'Isaid，takingonimpulsethenameofmymother。Myown，byapossibility，mightbeknown。
　　Madame'sfaceworeapuzzledlook。'Idonotknowthatname，I
　　think，'shesaidthoughtfully。Doubtlessshewasgoingoverinhermindallthenameswithwhichconspiracyhadmadeherfamiliar。
　　Thatismymisfortune，Madame，'Isaidhumbly。
　　'NeverthelessIamgoingtoscoldyou，'sherejoined，stilleyeingmewithsomekeenness。'Iamgladtoseethatyouarenonetheworseforyouradventure——butothersmaybe。Andyoushouldhavebornethatinmind，sir。'
　　'IdonotthinkthatIhurtthemanseriously，'Istammered。
　　'Idonotrefertothat，'sheansweredcoldly。'Youknow，orshouldknow，thatweareindisgracehere；thattheGovernmentregardsusalreadywithanevileye，andthataverysmallthingwouldleadthemtogarrisonthevillage，andperhapsoustusfromthelittlethewarshaveleftus。Youshouldhaveknownthis，andconsideredit，'shecontinued。'Whereas——Idonotsaythatyouareabraggart，M。deBarthe。Butonthisoneoccasionyouseemtohaveplayedthepartofone。'
　　'Madame，Ididnotthink，'Istammered。
　　'Wantofthoughtcausesmuchevil，'sheanswered，smiling。
　　'However，Ihavespoken，andwetrustthatwhileyoustaywithusyouwillbemorecareful。Fortherest，Monsieur，'shecontinuedgraciously，raisingherhandtopreventmespeaking，'wedonotknowwhyyouarehere，orwhatplansyouarepursuing。Andwedonotwishtoknow。Itisenoughthatyouareofourside。Thishouseisatyourserviceaslongasyoupleasetouseit。Andifwecanaidyouinanyotherwaywewilldoso。'
　　'Madame！'Iexclaimed；andthereIstopped。Icouldsaynomore。Therosegarden，withitsairofneglect，theshadowofthequiethousethatfellacrossit，thegreatyewhedgewhichbackedit，andwasthepatternofoneunderwhichIhadplayedinchildhood——allhadpointsthatprickedme。Butthewomen'skindness，theirunquestioningconfidence，thenobleairofhospitalitywhichmovedthem！AgainsttheseandtheirplacidbeautyinitspeacefulframeIhadnoshield，nodefence。I
　　turnedaway，andfeignedtobeovercomebygratitude。
　　'Ihavenowords——tothankyou！'Imutteredpresently。'Iamalittleshakenthismorning。I——pardonme。'
　　'Wewillleaveyouforawhile，'MademoiselledeCocheforetsaidingentlepityingtones。'Theairwillreviveyou。Louisshallcallyouwhenwegotodinner，M。deBarthe。Come，Elise。'
　　Ibowedlowtohidemyface，andtheynoddedpleasantly——notlookingcloselyatme——astheywalkedbymetothehouse。I
　　watchedthetwogracious，pale-robedfiguresuntilthedoorwayswallowedthem，andthenIwalkedawaytoaquietcornerwheretheshrubsgrewhighestandtheyewhedgethrewitsdeepestshadow，andIstoodtothink。
　　And，MONDIEU，strangethoughts。Iftheoakcanthinkatthemomentthewinduprootsit，orthegnarledthorn-bushwhenthelandsliptearsitfromtheslope，theymayhavesuchthoughts，I
　　staredattheleaves，attherottingblossoms，intothedarkcavitiesofthehedge；Istaredmechanically，dazedandwondering。WhatwasthepurposeforwhichIwashere？WhatwastheworkIhadcometodo？Aboveall，how——myGod！howwasItodoitinthefaceofthesehelplesswomen，whotrustedme，whobelievedinme，whoopenedtheirhousetome？Clonhadnotfrightenedme，northelonelinessoftheleaguedvillage，northeremotenessofthiscornerwherethedreadCardinalseemedaname，andtheKing'swritranslowly，andtherebellionlongquenchedelsewhere，stillsmouldered。ButMadame'spurefaith，theyoungerwoman'stenderness——howwasItofacethese？
　　IcursedtheCardinal——wouldhehadstayedatLuchon。IcursedtheEnglishfoolwhohadbroughtmetothis，Icursedtheyearsofplentyandscarceness，andtheQuartierMarais，andZaton's，whereIhadlivedlikeapig，and——
　　Atouchfellonmyarm。Iturned。ItwasClon。Howhehadstolenupsoquietly，howlonghehadbeenatmyelbow，Icouldnottell。Buthiseyesgleamedspitefullyintheirdeepsockets，andhelaughedwithhisfleshlesslips；andIhatedhim。Inthedaylightthemanlookedmorelikeadeath's-headthanever。I
　　fanciedthatIreadinhisfacethatheknewmysecret，andI
　　flashedintorageatsightofhim。
　　'Whatisit？'Icried，withanotheroath。'Don'tlayyourcorpse-clawsonme！'
　　Hemowedatme，and，bowingwithironicalpoliteness，pointedtothehouse。
　　'IsMadameserved？'Isaidimpatiently，crushingdownmyanger。
　　'Isthatwhatyoumean，fool？'
　　Henodded，'Verywell，'Iretorted。'Icanfindmywaythen。Youmaygo！'
　　Hefellbehind，andIstrodebackthroughthesunshineandflowers，andalongthegrass-grownpaths，tothedoorbywhichI
　　hadcomeIwalkedfast，buthisshadowkeptpacewithme，drivingouttheunaccustomedthoughtsinwhichIhadbeenindulging。
　　Slowlybutsurelyitdarkenedmymood。Afterall，thiswasalittle，littleplace；thepeoplewholivedhere——Ishruggedmyshoulders。France，power，pleasure，life，everythingworthwinning，worthhaving，layyonderinthegreatcity。Aboymightwreckhimselfhereforafancy；amanoftheworld，never。WhenIenteredtheroom，wherethetwoladiesstoodwaitingformebythetable，Iwasnearlymyoldselfagain。Andachancewordpresentlycompletedthework。
　　'Clonmadeyouunderstand，then？'theyoungwomansaidkindly，asItookmyseat。
　　'Yes，Mademoiselle，'Ianswered。OnthatIsawthetwosmileatoneanother，andIadded：'Heisastrangecreature。Iwonderthatyoucanbeartohavehimnearyou。'
　　'Poorman！Youdonotknowhisstory？'Madamesaid。
　　'Ihaveheardsomethingofit，'Ianswered。'Louistoldme。'
　　'Well，Idoshudderathimsometimes，'shereplied，inalowvoice。'Hehassuffered——andhorribly，andforus。ButIwishthatithadbeenonanyotherservice。Spiesarenecessarythings，butonedoesnotwishtohavetodowiththem！Anythinginthenatureoftreacheryissohorrible。'
　　'Quick，Louis！'Mademoiselleexclaimed，'thecognac，ifyouhaveanythere！Iamsurethatyouare——stillfeelingill，Monsieur。'
　　'No，Ithankyou，'Imutteredhoarsely，makinganefforttorecovermyself。'Iamquitewell。Itwas——anoldwoundthatsometimestouchesme。'
　　CHAPTERIV
　　MADAMEANDMADEMOISELLE
　　Tobefrank，however，itwasnottheoldwoundthattouchedmesonearly，butMadame'swords；which，finishingwhatClon'ssuddenappearanceinthegardenhadbegun，wentalongwaytowardshardeningmeandthrowingmebackintomyself。Isawwithbitterness——whatIhadperhapsforgottenforamoment——howgreatwasthechasmthatseparatedmefromthesewomen；howimpossibleitwasthatwecouldlongthinkalike；howfarapartinviews，inexperience，inaimswewere。AndwhileImadeamockinmyheartoftheirhigh-flownsentiments——orthoughtIdid——Ilaughednolessatthefollywhichhadledmetodream，evenfora，moment，thatIcould，atmyage，goback——gobackandriskallforawhim，ascruple，thefancyofalonelyhour。
　　Idaresaysomethingofthisshowedinmyface；forMadame'seyesmirroredadimreflectionoftroubleasshelookedatme，andMademoiselletalkednervouslyandatrandom。Atanyrate，I
　　fanciedso，andIhastenedtocomposemyself；andthetwo，inpressinguponmethesimpledaintiesofthetablesoonforgot，orappearedtoforget，theincident。
　　YetinspiteofthisCONTRETEMPS，thatfirstmealhadastrangecharmforme。Theroundtablewhereatwedinedwasspreadinsidetheopendoorwhichledtothegarden，sothattheOctobersunshinefellfullonthespotlesslinenandquaintoldplate，andthefreshbalmyairfilledtheroomwiththescentofsweetherbs。Louisserveduswiththemienofamajor-domo，andsetoneachdishasthoughithadbeenapeacockoramessofortolans。
　　Thewoodsprovidedthelargerportionofourmeal；thegardendiditspart；theconfectionsMademoisellehadcookedwithherownhand。
　　By-and-by，asthemealwenton，asLouistrodtoandfroacrossthepolishedfloor，andthelastinsectsofsummerhummedsleepilyoutside，andthetwograciousfacescontinuedtosmileatmeoutofthegloom——fortheladiessatwiththeirbackstothedoor——Ibegantodreamagain，Ibegantosinkagainintofolly，thatwashalf-pleasure，half-pain。Thefuryofthegaming-houseandtheriotofZaton'sseemedfaraway。Thetriumphsofthefencing-room——eventheygrewcheapandtawdry。I
　　thoughtofexistenceasoneoutsideit，Ibalancedthisagainstthat，andwonderedwhether，afterall，theredsoutaneweresomuchbetterthanthehomelyjerkin，orthefameofadaythaneaseandsafety。
　　AndlifeatCocheforetwasallafterthepatternofthisdinner。
　　Eachday，Imightalmostsayeachmeal，gaverisetothesamesequenceofthoughts。InClon'spresence，orwhensomewordofMadame's，unconsciouslyharsh，remindedmeofthedistancebetweenus，Iwasmyself。Atothertimes，infaceofthispeacefulandintimatelife，whichwasonlyrenderedpossiblebytheremotenessoftheplaceandthepeculiarcircumstancesinwhichtheladiesstood，Ifeltastrangeweakness，Thelonelinessofthewoodsthatencircledthehouse，andonlyhereandthereaffordedadistantglimpseofsnow-cladpeaks；theabsenceofanylinktobindmetotheoldlife，sothatatintervalsitseemedunreal；theremotenessofthegreatworld，alltendedtosapmywillandweakenthepurposewhichhadbroughtmetothisplace。
　　Onthefourthdayaftermycoming，however，somethinghappenedtobreakthespell。ItchancedthatIcamelatetodinner，andenteredtheroomhastilyandwithoutceremony，expectingtofindMadameandhersisteralreadyseated。Instead，Ifoundthemtalkinginalowtonebytheopendoor，witheverymarkofdisorderintheirappearance；whileClonandLouisstoodatalittledistancewithdowncastfacesandperplexedlooks。
　　Ihadtimetoseeallthis，andthenmyentrancewroughtasuddenchange。ClonandLouissprangtoattention；Madameandhersistercametothetableandsatdown，andallmadeashallowpretenceofbeingattheirease。ButMademoiselle'sfacewaspale，herhandtrembled；andthoughMadame'sgreaterself-commandenabledhertocarryoffthematterbetter，Isawthatshewasnotherself。OnceortwiceshespokeharshlytoLouis；shefellatothertimesintoabrownstudy；andwhenshethoughtthatI
　　wasnotwatchingher，herfaceworealookofdeepanxiety。
　　Iwonderedwhatallthismeant；andIwonderedmorewhen，afterthemeal，thetwowalkedinthegardenforanhourwithClon。
　　Mademoisellecamefromthisinterviewalone，andIwassurethatshehadbeenweeping。Madameandthedarkporterstayedoutsidesometimelonger；thenshe，too，camein，anddisappeared。
　　Clondidnotreturnwithher，andwhenIwentintothegardenfiveminuteslater，Louisalsohadvanished。Savefortwowomenwhosatsewingatanupperwindow，thehouseseemedtobedeserted。Notasoundbroketheafternoonstillnessofroomorgarden，andyetIfeltthatmorewashappeninginthissilencethanappearedonthesurface。Ibegintogrowcurious——
　　suspicious，andpresentlyslippedoutmyselfbywayofthestables，andskirtingthewoodatthebackofthehouse，gainedwithalittletroublethebridgewhichcrossedthestreamandledtothevillage。
　　TurningroundatthispointIcouldseethehouse，andImovedalittleasideintotheunderwood，andstoodgazingatthewindows，tryingtounriddlethematter。ItwasnotlikelythatM。deCocheforetwouldrepeathisvisitsosoon；and，besides，thewomen'semotionshadbeenthoseofpuredismayandgrief，unmixedwithanyofthesatisfactiontowhichsuchameeting，thoughsnatchedbystealth，mustgiverise。Idiscardedmyfirstthoughttherefore——thathehadreturnedunexpectedly——andI
　　soughtforanothersolution。
　　Butnootherwasontheinstantforthcoming。Thewindowsremainedobstinatelyblind，nofiguresappearedontheterrace，thegardenlaydeserted，andwithoutlife。Mydeparturehadnot，asIhalfexpecteditwould，drawnthesecretintolight。
　　Iwatchedawhile，attimescursingmyownmeanness；buttheexcitementofthemomentandthequesttidedmeoverthat。ThenIdeterminedtogodownintothevillageandseewhetheranythingwasmovingthere。Ihadbeendowntotheinnonce，andhadbeenreceivedhalfsulkily，halfcourteously，asapersonprivilegedatthegreathouse，andthereforetobeaccepted。ItwouldnotbethoughtoddifIwentagain，andafteramoment'sthought，I
　　starteddownthetrack。
　　This，whereitranthroughthewood，wassodenselyshadedthatthesunpenetratedtoitlittle，andinpatchesonly。Asquirrelstirredattimes，slidingroundatrunk，orscamperingacrossthedryleaves。Occasionallyapiggruntedandmovedfartherintothewood。Buttheplacewasveryquiet，andIdonotknowhowitwasthatIsurprisedCloninsteadofbeingsurprisedbyhim。
　　Hewaswalkingalongthepathbeforemewithhiseyesontheground——walkingsoslowly，andwithhisleanframesobentthatI
　　mighthavesupposedhimillifIhadnotremarkedthesteadymovementofhisheadfromrighttoleft，andthealerttouchwithwhichhenowandagaindisplacedaclodofearthoraclusterofleaves。By-and-byherosestiffly，andlookedroundhimsuspiciously；butbythattimeIhadslippedbehindatrunk，andwasnottobeseen；andafterabriefintervalhewentbacktohistask，stoopingoveritmoreclosely，ifpossible，thanbefore，andapplyinghimselfwithevengreatercare。
　　BythattimeIhadmadeupmymindthathewastrackingsomeone。
　　Butwhom？Icouldnotmakeaguessatthat。Ionlyknewthattheplotwasthickening，andbegantofeeltheeagernessofthechase。Ofcourse，ifthematterhadnottodowithCocheforet，itwasnoaffairofmine；butthoughitseemedunlikelythatanythingcouldbringhimbacksosoon，hemightstillbeatthebottomofthis。And，besides，Ifeltanaturalcuriosity。WhenClonatlastimprovedhispace，andwentontothevillage，I
　　tookuphistask。Icalledtomindallthewood-loreIhadeverlearned，andscannedtroddenmouldandcrushedleaveswitheagereyes。Butinvain。Icouldmakenothingofitall，androseatlastwithanachingbackandnoadvantage。
　　Ididnotgoontothevillageafterthat，butreturnedtothehouse，whereIfoundMadamepacingthegarden。Shelookedupeagerlyonhearingmystep；andIwasmistakenifshewasnotdisappointed——ifshehadnotbeenexpectingsomeoneelse。Shehidthefeelingbravely，however，andmetmewithacarelessword；butsheturnedtothehousemorethanoncewhilewetalked，andsheseemedtobeallthewhileonthewatch，anduneasy。I
　　wasnotsurprisedwhenClon'sfigurepresentlyappearedinthedoorway，andsheleftmeabruptly，andwenttohim。Ionlyfeltmorecertainthanbeforethattherewassomethingstrangeonfoot。Whatitwas，andwhetherithadtodowithM。deCocheforet，Icouldnottell。Butthereitwas，andIgrewmorecuriousthelongerIremainedalone。
　　Shecamebacktomepresently，lookingthoughtfulandatrifledowncast。
　　'ThatwasClon，wasitnot？'Isaid，studyingherface，'Yes，'sheanswered。Shespokeabsently，anddidnotlookatme。
　　'Howdoeshetalktoyou？'Iasked，speakingatriflecurtly。
　　AsIintended，mytonerousedher。'Bysigns，'shesaid。
　　'Ishe——ishenotalittlemad？"Iventured。Iwantedtomakehertalkandforgetherself。
　　Shelookedatmewithsuddenkeenness，thendroppedhereyes，'Youdonotlikehim？'shesaid，anoteofchallengeinhervoice。'Ihavenoticedthat，Monsieur。'
　　'Ithinkhedoesnotlikeme，'Ireplied。
　　'Heislesstrustfulthanweare，'sheanswerednaively。'Itisnaturalthatheshouldbe。Hehasseenmoreoftheworld。'
　　Thatsilencedmeforamoment，butshedidnotseemtonoticeit。
　　'Iwaslookingforhimalittlewhileago，andIcouldnotfindhim，'Isaid，afterapause'Hehasbeenintothevillage，'sheanswered。
　　Ilongedtopursuethematterfurther；butthoughsheseemedtoentertainnosuspicionofme，Idarednotruntherisk。Itriedher，instead，onanothertack。
　　'MademoiselledeCocheforetdoesnotseemverywellto-day？'I
　　said。
　　'No？'sheansweredcarelessly。'Well，nowyouspeakofit，Idonotthinkthatsheis。Sheisoftenanxiousabout——onewelove。'
　　Sheutteredthelastwordswithalittlehesitation，andlookedatmequicklywhenshehadspokenthem。Weweresittingatthemomentonastoneseatwhichhadthewallofthehouseforaback；and，fortunately，Iwastoyingwiththebranchofacreepingplantthathungoverit，sothatshecouldnotseemorethanthesideofmyface。ForIknewthatitaltered。Overmyvoice，however，Ihadmorecontrol，andIhastenedtoanswer，'Yes，Isupposeso，'asinnocentlyaspossible。
　　'HeisatBosost，inSpain。Youknewthat，Iconclude？'shesaid，withacertainsharpness。Andshelookedmeinthefaceagainverydirectly。
　　'Yes，'Ianswered，beginningtotremble。
　　'Isupposeyouhaveheard，too，thathe——thathesometimescrossestheborder？'shecontinuedinalowvoice，butwithacertainringofinsistenceinhertone。'Or，ifyouhavenotheardit，youguessit？'
　　Iwasinaquandary，andgrew，inonesecond，hotallover。
　　UncertainwhatamountofknowledgeIoughttoadmit，Itookrefugeingallantry。
　　'Ishouldbesurprisedifhedidnot，'Ianswered，withabow，'being，asheis，soclose，andhavingsuchaninducementtoreturn，Madame。'
　　Shedrewalong，shiveringsigh，atthethoughtofhisperil，I
　　fancied，andshesatbackagainstthewall。Nordidshesayanymore，thoughIheardhersighagain。Isamomentsherose。
　　'Theafternoonsaregrowingchilly，'shesaid；'IwillgoinandseehowMademoiselleis。Sometimesshedoesnotcometosupper。
　　Ifshecannotdescendthisevening，Iamafraidthatyoumustexcusemetoo，Monsieur。'
　　Isaidwhatwasright，andwatchedhergoin；and，asIdidso，I
　　loathedmyerrand，andthemeancontemptiblecuriositywhichithadplantedinmymind，morethanatanyformertime。Thesewomen——Icouldfinditinmyhearttohatethemfortheirfrankness，fortheirfoolishconfidence，andthesillytrustfulnessthatmadethemsoeasyaprey！
　　NOMDEDIEU！Whatdidthewomanmeanbytellingmeallthis？Tomeetmeinsuchaway，todisarmonebysuchmethods，wastotakeanunfairadvantage。Itputavile——ay，thevilest——aspect，ontheworkIhadtodo。
　　Yetitwasveryodd！WhatcouldM。deCocheforetmeanbyreturningsosoon，ifM。deCocheforetwashere？And，ontheotherhand，ifitwasnothisunexpectedpresencethathadsoupsetthehouse，whatwasthesecret？WhomhadClonbeentracking？AndwhatwasthecauseofMadame'sanxiety？InafewminutesIbegantogrowcuriousagain；and，astheladiesdidnotappearatsupper，Ihadleisuretogivemybrainfulllicence，and，inthecourseofanhour，thoughtofahundredkeystothemystery。Butnoneexactlyfittedthelock，orlaidopenthesecret。
　　Afalsealarmthateveninghelpedtopuzzlemestillmore。Iwassittingaboutanhouraftersupper，onthesameseatinthegarden——Ihadmycloakandwassmoking——whenMadamecameoutlikeaghost，and，withoutseeingme，flittedawaythroughthedarknesstowardthestables。ForamomentIhesitated，andthenIfollowedher。Shewentdownthepathandroundthestables，and，sofar，Isawnothingstrangeinheractions；butwhenshehadinthiswaygainedtherearofthewestwing，shetookatrackthroughthethickettotheeastofthehouseagain，andsocamebacktothegarden。Thisgained，shecameupthepathandwentinthroughtheparlourdoor，anddisappeared——altermakingaclearcircuitofthehouse，andnotoncepausingorlookingtorightorleft！IconfessIwasfairlybaffled。IsankbackontheseatIhadleft，andsaidtomyselfthatthiswasthelamestofallconclusions。Iwassurethatshehadexchangednowordwithanyone。Iwasequallysurethatshehadnotdetectedmypresencebehindher。Why，then，hadshemadethisstrangepromenade，alone，unprotected，anhourafternightfall？Nodoghadbayed，noonehadmoved，shehadnotoncepaused，orlistened，likeapersonexpectingarencontre。Icouldnotmakeitout。AndIcamenonearertosolvingit，thoughIlayawakeanhourbeyondmyusualtime。
　　Inthemorning，neitheroftheladiesdescendedtodinner，andI
　　heardthatMademoisellewasnotsowell。Afteralonelymeal，thereforeImissedthemmorethanIshouldhavesupposed——I
　　retiredtomyfavouriteseatandfelltomeditating。
　　Thedaywasfine，andthegardenpleasant。Sittingtherewithmyeyesontheoldfashionedherb-beds，withtheold-fashionedscentsintheair，andthedarkbeltoftreesboundingtheviewoneitherside，IcouldbelievethatIhadbeenoutofParisnotthreeweeks，butthreemonths。Thequietlappedmeround。I
　　couldfancythatIhadneverlovedanythingelse。Thewood-dovescooedinthestillness；occasionallytheharshcryofajayjarredthesilence。Itwasanhourafternoon，andhot。IthinkInodded。
　　Onasudden，asifinadream，IsawClon'sfacepeeringatmeroundtheangleoftheparlourdoor。Helooked，andinamomentwithdrew，andIheardwhispering。Thedoorwasgentlyclosed。
　　Thenallwasstillagain。
　　ButIwaswideawakenow，andthinking。ClearlythepeopleofthehousewishedtoassurethemselvesthatIwasasleepandsafelyoutoftheway。Asclearly，itwastomyinteresttobeintheway。Givingplacetothetemptation，Irosequietly，and，stoopingbelowthelevelofthewindows，slippedroundtheeastendofthehouse，passingbetweenitandthegreatyewhedge。
　　HereIfoundallstillandnoonestirring；so，keepingawaryeyeaboutme，Iwentonroundthehouse——reversingtheroutewhichMadamehadtakenthenightbefore——untilIgainedtherearofthestables。HereIhadscarcelypausedasecondtoscanthegroundbeforetwopersonscameoutofthestable-court。TheywereMadameandtheporter。
　　Theystoodabriefwhileoutsideandlookedupanddown。ThenMadamesaidsomethingtotheman，andhenodded。Leavinghimstandingwherehewas，shecrossedthegrasswithaquick，lightstep，andvanishedamongthetrees。
　　Inamomentmymindwasmadeuptofollow；and，asClonturnedatonceandwentin，Iwasabletodosobeforeitwastoolate。
　　Bendinglowamongtheshrubs，IranhotfoottothepointwhereMadamehadenteredthewood。HereIfoundanarrowpath，andrannimblyalongit，andpresentlysawhergreyrobeflutteringamongthetreesbeforeme。Itonlyremainedtokeepoutofhersightandgivehernochanceofdiscoveringthatshewasfollowed；andthisIsetmyselftodo。Onceortwicesheglancedround，butthewoodwasofbeech，thelightwhichpassedbetweentheleaveswasmeretwilight，andmyclothesweredark-coloured。Ihadeveryadvantage，therefore，andlittletofearaslongasIcouldkeepherinviewandstillremainmyselfatsuchadistancethattherustleofmytreadwouldnotdisturbher。
　　Assuredthatshewasonherwaytomeetherhusband，whommypresencekeptfromthehouse，Ifeltthatthecrisishadcomeatlast，andIgrewmoreexcitedwitheachstepItook。Idetestedthetaskofwatchingher；itfilledmewithpeevishdisgust。ButinproportionasIhateditIwaseagertohaveitdoneandbedonewithit，andsucceed，andstuffmyearsandbegonefromthescene。Whenshepresentlycametothevergeofthebeechwood，and，enteringalittleopenclearing，seemedtoloiter，Iwentcautiously。This，Ithought，mustbetherendezvous；andIheldbackwarily，lookingtoseehimstepoutofthethicket。
　　Buthedidnot，andby-and-byshequickenedherpace。Shecrossedtheopenandenteredawideridecutthroughalow，densewoodofalderanddwarfoak——awoodsocloselyplantedandsointertwinedwithhazelandelderandboxthatthebranchesroselikeasolidwall，twelvefeethigh，oneithersideofthetrack。
　　Downthisshepassed，andIstoodandwatchedhergo，forIdarednotfollow。Theridestretchedawayasstraightasalineforfourorfivehundredyards，agreenpathbetweengreenwalls。Toenteritwastobeimmediatelydetected，ifsheturned，whilethethicketitselfpermittednopassage。Istoodbaffledandraging，andwatchedherpassalong。Itseemedanagebeforesheatlastreachedtheend，and，turningsharplytotheright，wasinaninstantgonefromsight。
　　Iwaitedthennolonger。Istartedoff，and，runningaslightlyandquietlyasIcould，Ispeddownthegreenalley。Thesunshoneintoit，thetreeskeptoffthewind，andbetweenheatandhasteIsweatedfinely。Buttheturfwassoft，andthegroundfellslightly，andinlittlemorethanaminuteIgainedtheend。
　　FiftyyardsshortoftheturningIstopped，and，stealingon，lookedcautiouslythewayshehadgone。
　　Isawbeforemeasecondride，thetwinoftheother，andahundredandfiftypacesdownithergreyfiguretrippingonbetweenthegreenhedges。Istoodandtookbreath，andcursedthewoodandtheheatandMadame'swariness。Wemusthavecomealeague，ortwo-thirdsofaleague，atleast。Howfardidthemanexpecthertoplodtomeethim？Ibegantogrowangry。Thereismoderationeveninthecookingofeggs，andthiswoodmightstretchintoSpain，forallIknew！
　　Presentlysheturnedthecornerandwasgoneagain，andIhadtorepeatmymanoeuvre。Thistime，surely，Ishouldfindachange。
　　Butno！Anothergreenridestretchedawayintothedepthsoftheforest，withhedgesofvaryingshades——herelightandtheredark，ashazelandelder，orthorn，andyewandboxprevailed——butalwayshighandstiffandimpervious。HalfwaydowntherideMadame'sfiguretrippedsteadilyon，theonlymovingthinginsight。Iwondered，stood，and，whenshevanished，followed-onlytofindthatshehadenteredanothertrack，alittlenarrowerbutineveryotherrespectalike。
　　Andsoitwentonforquitehalfanhour。SometimesMadameturnedtotheright，sometimestotheleft。Themazeseemedtobeendless。OnceortwiceIwonderedwhethershehadlostherway，andwasmerelyseekingtoreturn。Buthersteady，purposefulgait，hermeasuredpace，forbadetheidea。Inoticed，too，thatsheseldomlookedbehindher——rarelytorightorleft。
　　Oncetheridedownwhichshepassedwascarpetednotwithgreen，butwiththesilvery，sheenyleavesofsomecreepingplantthatinthedistancehadashimmerlikethatofwateratevening。Asshetrodthis，withherfacetothelowsun，hertallgreyfigurehadapureairthatforthemomentstartledme——shelookedunearthly。ThenIsworeinscornofmyself，andatthenextcornerIhadmyreward。Shewasnolongerwalkingon。Shehadstopped，Ifound，andseatedherselfonafallentreethatlayintheride。
　　ForsometimeIstoodinambushwatchingher，andwitheachminuteIgrewmoreimpatient。AtlastIbegantodoubt——tohavestrangethoughts。Thegreenwallsweregrowingdark。Thesunwassinking；asharp，whitepeak，milesandmilesaway，whichclosedthevistaoftheride，begantoflushandcolourrosily。
　　Finally，butnotbeforeIhadhadleisuretogrowuneasy，shestoodupandwalkedonmoreslowly。Iwaited，asusual，untilthenextturninghidher。ThenIhastenedafterher，and，warilypassingroundthecornercamefacetofacewithher！
　　Iknewallinamomentsawallinaflash：thatshehadfooledme，trickedme，luredmeaway。Herfacewaswhitewithscorn，hereyesblazed；herfigure，assheconfrontedme，trembledwithangerandinfinitecontempt。
　　'Youspy！'shecried。'Youhound！You——gentleman！Oh，MON
　　DIEU！ifyouareoneofus——ifyouarereallynotoftheCANAILLE——weshallpayforthissomeday！Weshallpayaheavyreckoninginthetimetocome！Ididnotthink，'shecontinued，andhereverysyllablewaslikethelashofawhip，'thattherewasanythingsovileasyouinthisworld！'
　　Istammeredsomething——Idonotknowwhat。Herwordsburnedintome——intomyheart！Hadshebeenaman，Iwouldhavestruckherdead！
　　'Youthoughtthatyoudeceivedmeyesterday，'shecontinued，loweringhertone，butwithnolesseningofthepassion，thecontempt，theindignation，whichcurledherlipandgavefullnesstohervoice。'Youplotter！Yousurfacetrickster！Youthoughtitaneasytasktodeludeawoman——youfindyourselfdeluded。
　　Godgiveyoushamethatyoumaysuffer！'shecontinuedmercilessly。'YoutalkedofClon，butClonbesideyouisthemostspotless，themosthonourableofmen！'
　　'Madame，'Isaidhoarsely——andIknowthatmyfacewasgreyasashes——'letusunderstandoneanother。'
　　'Godforbid！'shecriedontheinstant。'Iwouldnotsoilmyself！'
　　'Fie！Madame，'Isaid，trembling。Butthen，youareawoman。
　　Thatshouldcostamanhislife！'
　　Shelaughedbitterly。
　　'Yousaywell，'sheretorted。'Iamnotaman——andifyouareone，thankGodforit。NeitheramIMadame。MadamedeCocheforethasspentthisafternoon——thankstoyourabsenceandyourimbecility——withherhusband。Yes，Ihopethathurtsyou！'
　　shewenton，savagelysnappingherlittlewhiteteethtogether。
　　'Ihopethatstingsyou；tospyanddovilework，anddoitill，MonsieurMouchard——MonsieurdeMouchard，Ishouldsay——I
　　congratulateyou！'
　　'YouarenotMadamedeCocheforet？'Icried，stunned，eveninthemidstofmyshameandrage，bythisblow。
　　'No，Monsieur！'sheansweredgrimly。'Iamnot！Iamnot。Andpermitmetopointout——forwedonotalllieeasily——thatI
　　neversaidIwas。Youdeceivedyourselfsoskilfullythatwehadnoneedtotrickyou。'
　　'Mademoiselle，then？'Imuttered。
　　'IsMadame！'shecried。'Yes，andIamMademoiselledeCocheforet。Andinthatcharacter，andinallothers，Ibegfromthismomenttocloseouracquaintance，sir。Whenwemeetagain——ifweeverdomeet，whichGodforbid！'shewenton，hereyessparkling——'donotpresumetospeaktome，orIwillhaveyoufloggedbythegrooms。Anddonotstainourroofbysleepingunderitagain。Youmaylieto-nightintheinn。ItshallnotbesaidthatCocheforet，'shecontinuedproudly，'returnedeventreacherywithinhospitality；andIwillgiveorderstothatend。
　　Butto-morrowbegonebacktoyourmaster，likethewhippedcuryouare！Spyandcoward！'
　　Withthoselastwordsshemovedaway。Iwouldhavesaidsomething，Icouldalmosthavefounditinmyhearttostopherandmakeherhear。Nay，Ihaddreadfulthoughts；forIwasthestronger，andImighthavedonewithherasIpleased。Butshesweptbymesofearlessly，asImightpasssomeloathsomecrippleontheroad，thatIstoodturnedtostone。Withoutlookingatme，withoutturningherheadtoseewhetherIfollowedorremained，orwhatIdid，shewentsteadilydownthetrackuntilthetreesandtheshadowandthegrowingdarknesshidhergreyfigurefromme；andIfoundmyselfalone。