Sheshallgotoashop，andgetnothingfromme。Shehasn’tasou;letherdoaswedid，——work。"
　　Vinetdeparted，havingputhisplanintoSylvie’shead，herdoggedobstinacybeingwell—knowntohim。Theoldmaid，hewascertain，wouldthinktheschemeherown，andcarryitout。
　　Thelawyerfoundthecolonelinthesquare，smokingacigarwhilehewaitedforhim。
　　"Halt！"saidGouraud;"youhavepulledmedown，butstonesenoughcamewithmetoburyyou——"
　　"Colonel！——"
　　"Colonelornot，Ishallgiveyouyourdeserts。Inthefirstplace，youshallnotbedeputy——"
　　"Colonel！——"
　　"Icontroltenvotesandtheelectiondependson——"
　　"Colonel，listentome。IstherenoonetomarrybutthatoldSylvie？
　　Ihavejustbeendefendingyoutoher;youareaccusedandconvictedofwritingtoPierrette;shesawyouleaveyourhouseatmidnightandcometothegirl’swindow——"
　　"Stuffandnonsense！"
　　"ShemeanstomarryherbrothertoBathildeandleaveherfortunetotheirchildren。"
　　"Rogronwon’thaveany。"
　　"Yeshewill，"repliedVinet。"ButIpromisetofindyousomeyoungandagreeablewomanwithahundredandfiftythousandfrancs？Don’tbeafool;howcanyouandIaffordtoquarrel？Thingshavegoneagainstyouinspiteofallmycare;butyoudon’tunderstandme。"
　　"Thenwemustunderstandeachother，"saidthecolonel。"Getmeawifewithahundredandfiftythousandfrancsbeforetheelections;ifnot——lookoutforyourself！Idon’tlikeunpleasantbed—fellows，andyou’vepulledtheblanketsallovertoyourside。Good—evening。"
　　"Youshallsee，"saidVinet，graspingthecolonel’shandaffectionately。
　　*****
　　Aboutoneo’clockthatnightthreeclear，sharpcriesofanowl，wonderfullywellimitated，echoedthroughthesquare。Pierretteheardtheminherfeverishsleep;shejumpedup，moistwithperspiration，openedherwindow，sawBrigaut，andflungdownaballofsilk，towhichhefastenedaletter。Sylvie，agitatedbytheeventsofthedayandherownindecisionofmind，wasnotasleep;sheheardtheowl。
　　"Ah，birdofill—omen！"shethought。"Why，Pierretteisgettingup！
　　Whatissheafter？"
　　Hearingtheatticwindowopensoftly，Sylvierushedtoherownwindowandheardtherustleofpaperagainstherblinds。Shefastenedthestringsofherbed—gownandwentquicklyupstairstoPierrette’sroom，whereshefoundthepoorgirlunwindingthesilkandfreeingtheletter。
　　"Ha！I’vecaughtyou！"criedtheoldwoman，rushingtothewindow，fromwhichshesawJacquesrunningatfullspeed。"Givemethatletter。"
　　"No，cousin，"saidPierrette，who，byoneofthosestronginspirationsofyouthsustainedbyherownsoul，rosetoagrandeurofresistancesuchasweadmireinthehistoryofcertainpeoplesreducedtodespair。
　　"Ha！youwillnot？"criedSylvie，advancinguponthegirlwithafacefullofhatredandfury。
　　Pierrettefellbacktogettimetoputherletterinherhand，whichsheclenchedwithunnaturalforce。SeeingthismanoeuvreSylviegraspedthedelicatewhitehandofthegirlinherlobsterclawsandtriedtoopenit。Itwasafrightfulstruggle，aninfamousstruggle;
　　itwasmorethanaphysicalstruggle;itassailedthemind，thesoletreasureofthehumanbeing，thethought，whichGodhasplacedbeyondallearthlypowerandguardsasthesecretwaybetweenthesuffererandHimself。Thetwowomen，onedying，theotherinthevigorofhealth，lookedateachotherfixedly。Pierrette’seyesdartedonherexecutionerthelookthefamousTemplarontherackcastuponPhilippeleBel，whocouldnotbearitandfledthunderstricken。Sylvie，awomanandajealouswoman，answeredthatmagneticlookwithmalignantflashes。Adreadfulsilencereigned。TheclenchedhandoftheBretongirlresistedhercousin’seffortslikeablockofsteel。SylvietwistedPierrette’sarm，shetriedtoforcethefingersopen;unabletodososhestuckhernailsintotheflesh。Atlast，inhermadness，shesetherteethintothewrist，tryingtoconquerthegirlbypain。
　　Pierrettedefiedherstill，withthatsameterribleglanceofinnocence。Theangeroftheoldmaidgrewtosuchapitchthatitbecameblindfury。SheseizedPierrette’sarmandstrucktheclosedfistuponthewindow—sill，andthenuponthemarbleofthemantelpiece，aswecrackanuttogetthekernel。
　　"Help！help！"criedPierrette，"theyaremurderingme！"
　　"Ha！youmaywellscream，whenIcatchyouwithaloverinthedeadofnight。"
　　Andshebeatthehandpitilessly。
　　"Help！help！"criedPierrette，thebloodflowing。
　　Atthatinstant，loudknockswereheardatthefrontdoor。Exhausted，thetwowomenpausedamoment。
　　Rogron，awakenedanduneasy，notknowingwhatwashappening，hadgotup，gonetohissister’sroom，andnotfindingherwasfrightened。
　　Hearingtheknockshewentdown，unfastenedthefrontdoor，andwasnearlyknockedoverbyBrigaut，followedbyasortofphantom。
　　AtthismomentSylvie’seyeschancedtofallonPierrette’scorset，andsherememberedthepapers。Releasingthegirl’swristshespranguponthecorsetlikeatigeronitsprey，andshowedittoPierrettewithasmile，——thesmileofanIroquoisoverhisvictimbeforehescalpshim。
　　"Iamdying，"saidPierrette，fallingonherknees，"oh，whowillsaveme？"
　　"I！"saidawomanwithwhitehairandanagedparchmentface，inwhichtwograyeyesglittered。
　　"Ah！grandmother，youhavecometoolate，"criedthepoorchild，burstingintotears。
　　Pierrettefelluponherbed，herstrengthallgone，half—deadwiththeexhaustionwhich，inherfeeblestate，followedsoviolentastruggle。
　　Thetallgraywomantookherinherarms，asanurseliftsachild，andwentout，followedbyBrigaut，withoutawordtoSylvie，onwhomshecastoneglanceofmajesticaccusation。
　　Theapparitionofthataugustoldwoman，inherBretoncostume，shroudedinhercoif（asortofhoodedmantleofblackcloth），accompaniedbyBrigaut，appalledSylvie;shefanciedshesawdeath。
　　Sheslowlywentdownthestairs，listenedtothefrontdoorclosingbehindthem，andcamefacetofacewithherbrother，whoexclaimed：
　　"Thentheyhaven’tkilledyou？"
　　"Gotobed，"saidSylvie。"To—morrowwewillseewhatwemustdo。"
　　Shewentbacktoherownbed，rippedopenthecorset，andreadBrigaut’stwoletters，whichconfoundedher。Shewenttosleepinthegreatestperplexity，——notimaginingtheterribleresultstowhichherconductwastolead。
　　*****
　　TheletterssentbyBrigauttooldMadameLorrainreachedherinamomentofineffablejoy，whichtheperusalofthemtroubled。ThepooroldwomanhadgrieveddeeplyinlivingwithoutherPierrettebesideher，butshehadconsoledherlonelinesswiththethoughtthatthesacrificeofherselfwasintheinterestsofhergrandchild。Shewasblessedwithoneofthoseever—youngheartswhichareupheldandinvigoratedbytheideaofsacrifice。Heroldhusband，whoseonlyjoywashislittlegranddaughter，hadgrievedforPierrette;everydayhehadseemedtolookforher。Itwasanoldman’sgrief，——onwhichsucholdmenlive，ofwhichtheydie。
　　Everyonecannowimaginethehappinesswhichthispooroldwoman，livinginasortofalmshouse，feltwhenshelearnedofagenerousaction，rareindeedbutnotimpossibleinFrance。TheheadofthehouseofCollinet，whosefailurein1814hadcausedtheLorrainsalossoftwenty—fourthousandfrancs，hadgonetoAmericawithhischildrenafterhisdisasters。Hehadtoohighacouragetoremainaruinedman。AfterelevenyearsofuntoldeffortcrownedbysuccesshereturnedtoNantestorecoverhisposition，leavinghiseldestsoninchargeofhistransatlantichouse。HefoundMadameLorrainofPen—HoelintheinstitutionofSaint—Jacques，andwaswitnessoftheresignationwithwhichthismostunfortunateofhiscreditorsborehermisery。
　　"Godforgiveyou！"saidtheoldwoman，"sinceyougivemeonthebordersofmygravethemeansofsecuringthehappinessofmydeargranddaughter;butalas！itwillnotclearthedebtsofmypoorhusband！"
　　MonsieurCollinetmadeovertothewidowboththecapitalandtheaccruedinterest，amountingtoaboutforty—twothousandfrancs。Hisothercreditors，prosperous，rich，andintelligentmerchants，hadeasilyborntheirlosses，whereasthemisfortunesoftheLorrainsseemedsoirremediabletooldMonsieurCollinetthathepromisedthewidowtopayoffherhusband’sdebts，totheamountoffortythousandfrancsmore。WhentheBourseofNantesheardofthisgenerousreparationtheywishedtoreceiveCollinettotheirboardbeforehiscertificatesweregrantedbytheRoyalcourtatRennes;butthemerchantrefusedthehonor，preferringtosubmittotheordinarycommercialrule。
　　MadameLorrainhadreceivedthemoneyonlythedaybeforethepostbroughtherBrigaut’sletter，enclosingthatofPierrette。Herfirstthoughthadbeen，asshesignedthereceipt："NowIcanlivewithmyPierretteandmarryhertothatgoodBrigaut，whowillmakeafortunewithmymoney。"
　　ThereforethemomentshehadreadthefatallettersshemadeinstantpreparationstostartforProvins。SheleftNantesthatnightbythemail;forsomeonehadexplainedtoheritscelerity。InParisshetookthediligenceforTroyes，whichpassesthroughProvins，andbyhalf—pastelevenatnightshereachedFrappier’s，whereBrigaut，shockedatherdespairinglooks，toldherofPierrette’sstateandpromisedtobringthepoorgirltoherinstantly。Hiswordssoterrifiedthegrandmotherthatshecouldnotcontrolherimpatienceandfollowedhimtothesquare。WhenPierrettescreamed，thehorrorofthatcrywenttoherheartassharplyasitdidtoBrigaut’s。TogethertheywouldhaverousedtheneighborhoodifRogron，inhisterror，hadnotopenedthedoor。ThescreamoftheyounggirlatbaygavehergrandmotherthesuddenstrengthofangerwithwhichshecarriedherdearPierretteinherarmstoFrappier’shouse，whereMadameFrappierhastilyarrangedBrigaut’sownroomfortheoldwomanandhertreasure。Inthatpoorroom，onabedhalf—made，thesuffererwasdeposited;andthereshefaintedaway，holdingherhandstillclenched，wounded，bleeding，withthenailsdeepbeddedintheflesh。
　　Brigaut，Frappier，hiswife，andtheoldwomanstoodlookingatPierretteinsilence，allfouroftheminastateofindescribableamazement。
　　"Whyisherhandbloody？"saidthegrandmotheratlast。
　　Pierrette，overcomebythesleepwhichfollowsallabnormaldisplaysofstrength，anddimlyconsciousthatshewassafefromviolence，graduallyunbentherfingers。Brigaut’sletterfellfromthemlikeananswer。
　　"Theytriedtotakemyletterfromher，"saidBrigaut，fallingonhiskneesandpickingupthelinesinwhichhehadtoldhislittlefriendtocomeinstantlyandsoftlyawayfromthehouse。Hekissedwithpiouslovethemartyr’shand。
　　Itwasasightthatmadethosepresenttremblewhentheysawtheoldgraywoman，asublimespectre，standingbesidehergrandchild’spillow。Terrorandvengeancewrotetheirfierceexpressionsinthewrinklesthatlinedherskinofyellowivory;herforehead，halfhiddenbythestragglingmeshesofhergrayhair，expressedasolemnanger。Sheread，withapowerofintuitiongiventotheagedwhenneartheirgrave，Pierrette’swholelife，onwhichhermindhaddweltthroughoutherjourney。Shedivinedtheillnessofherdarling，andknewthatshewasthreatenedwithdeath。Twobigtearspainfullyroseinherwangrayeyes，fromwhichhertroubleshadwornbothlashesandeyebrows，twopearlsofanguish，formingwithinthemandgivingthemadreadfulbrightness;theneachtearswelledandrolleddownthewitheredcheek，butdidnotwetit。
　　"Theyhavekilledher！"shesaidatlast，claspingherhands。
　　Shefellonherkneeswhichstrucksharpblowsonthebrick—laidfloor，makingavownodoubttoSaintAnned’Auray，themostpowerfulofthemadonnasofBrittany。
　　"AdoctorfromParis，"shesaidtoBrigaut。"Goandfetchone，Brigaut，go！"
　　Shetookhimbytheshoulderandgavehimadespoticpushtosendhimfromtheroom。
　　"Iwascoming，mylad，whenyouwroteme;Iamrich，——here，takethis，"shecried，recallinghim，andunfasteningasshespokethestringsthattiedhershort—gown。Thenshedrewapaperfromherbosominwhichwereforty—twobank—bills，saying，"Takewhatisnecessary，andbringbackthegreatestdoctorinParis。"
　　"Keepthose，"saidFrappier;"hecan’tchangethousandfrancnotesnow。Ihavemoney，andthediligencewillbepassingpresently;hecancertainlyfindaplaceonit。ButbeforehegoeswehadbetterconsultDoctorMartener;hewilltellusthebestphysicianinParis。Thediligencewon’tpassforoveranhour，——wehavetimeenough。"
　　BrigautwokeupMonsieurMartener，andbroughthimatonce。ThedoctorwasnotalittlesurprisedtofindMademoiselleLorrainatFrappier’s。
　　BrigauttoldhimofthescenethathadjusttakenplaceattheRogrons’;butevensothedoctordidnotatfirstsuspectthehorrorofit，northeextentoftheinjurydone。MartenergavetheaddressofthecelebratedHoraceBianchon，andBrigautstartedforParisbythediligence。MonsieurMartenerthensatdownandexaminedfirstthebruisedandbloodyhandwhichlayoutsidethebed。
　　"Shecouldnothavegiventhesewoundsherself，"hesaid。
　　"No;thehorriblewomantowhomIhadthemisfortunetotrustherwasmurderingher，"saidthegrandmother。"MypoorPierrettewasscreaming’Help！help！I’mdying，’——enoughtotouchtheheartofanexecutioner。"
　　"Butwhywasit？"saidthedoctor，feelingPierrette’spulse。"Sheisveryill，"headded，examiningherwithalight。"Shemusthavesufferedterribly;Idon’tunderstandwhyshehasnotbeenproperlycaredfor。"
　　"Ishallcomplaintotheauthorities，"saidthegrandmother。"ThoseRogronsaskedmeformychildinaletter，sayingtheyhadtwelvethousandfrancsayearandwouldtakecareofher;hadtheytherighttomakehertheirservantandforcehertodoworkforwhichshehadnotthestrength？"
　　"Theydidnotchoosetoseethemostvisibleofallmaladiestowhichyounggirlsareliable。Sheneededtheutmostcare，"criedMonsieurMartener。
　　PierrettewasawakenedbythelightwhichMadameFrappierwasholdingnearherface，andbythehorriblesufferingsinherheadcausedbythereactionofherstruggle。
　　"Ah！MonsieurMartener，Iamveryill，"shesaidinherprettyvoice。
　　"Whereisthepain，mylittlefriend？"askedthedoctor。
　　"Here，"shesaid，touchingherheadabovetheleftear。
　　"There’sanabscess，"saidthedoctor，afterfeelingtheheadforalongtimeandquestioningPierretteonhersufferings。"Youmusttellusall，mychild，sothatwemayknowhowtocureyou。Whyisyourhandlikethis？Youcouldnothavegivenyourselfthatwound。"
　　PierretterelatedthestrugglebetweenherselfandhercousinSylvie。
　　"Makehertalk，"saidthedoctortothegrandmother，"andfindoutthewholetruth。IwillawaitthearrivalofthedoctorfromParis;andwewillsendforthesurgeoninchargeofthehospitalhere，andhaveaconsultation。Thecaseseemstomeaveryseriousone。MeantimeIwillsendyouaquietingdraughtsothatmademoisellemaysleep;sheneedssleep。"
　　LeftalonewithhergranddaughtertheoldBretonwomanexertedherinfluenceoverthechildandmadehertellall;sheletherknowthatshehadmoneyenoughnowforallthree，andpromisedthatBrigautshouldlivewiththem。Thepoorgirladmittedhermartyrdom，notimaginingtheeventstowhichheradmissionswouldgiverise。ThemonstrosityoftwobeingswithoutaffectionandwithoutconceptionoffamilylifeopenedtotheoldwomanaworldofwoeasfarfromherknowledgeasthemoralsofsavagesmayhaveseemedtothefirstdiscovererswhosetfootinAmerica。
　　Thearrivalofhergrandmother，thecertaintyoflivingwithherincomfortsoothedPierrette’smindasthesleepingdraughtsoothedherbody。Theoldwomanwatchedherdarling，kissingherforehead，hair，andhands，astheholywomenofoldkissedthehandsofJesuswhentheylaidhiminthetomb。
　　IX
　　THEFAMILYCOUNCIL
　　Atnineo’clockthatmorningMonsieurMartenerwenttoseeMonsieurTiphaine，andrelatedtohimthescenebetweenPierretteandSylvie，andthetorturesofallkinds，moralandphysical，towhichtheRogronshadsubjectedtheircousin，andthetwoalarmingformsofillnesswhichtheircrueltyhaddeveloped。MonsieurTiphainesentforAuffraythenotary，oneofPierrette’sownrelationsonthematernalside。
　　AtthisparticulartimethewarbetweentheVinetpartyandtheTiphainepartywasatitsheight。ThescandalswhichtheRogronsandtheiradherentsweredisseminatingthroughthetownabouttheliaisonofMadameTiphaine’smotherwiththebankerduTillet，andthebankruptcyofherfather（aforger，theysaid），wereallthemoreexasperatingtotheTiphainesbecausethesethingsweremalicioustruths，notlibels。Suchwoundscutdeep;theygotothequickoffeelingsandofinterests。Thesespeeches，repeatedtothepartisansoftheTiphainesbythesamemouthswhichtoldtheRogronsofthesneersof"thosewomen"oftheTiphaineclique，fedthehatredsofbothsides，nowincreasedbythepoliticalelement。TheanimositiescausedatthistimeinFrancebythespiritofparty，theviolencesofwhichwereexcessive，wereeverywheremixedup，asinProvins，withselfishschemesandwoundedorvindictiveindividualinterests。Eachpartyeagerlyseizedonwhatevermightinjuretherivalparty。
　　Personalhatredsandself—lovemingledasmuchaspoliticalanimosityineventhesmallestmatters，andwerecarriedtohithertounheard—oflengths。Awholetownwouldberousedtoexcitementoversomeprivatestruggle，untilittookthecharacterofapoliticaldebate。
　　MonsieurTiphaineatonceperceivedinthecaseofPierretteagainsttheRogronsameansofhumbling，mortifying，anddishonoringthemastersofthatsalonwhereplansagainstthemonarchyweremadeandanoppositionjournalborn。Thepublicprosecutorwascalledin;andtogetherwithMonsieurAuffraythenotary，Pierrette’srelation，andMonsieurMartener，acautiousconsultationwasheldintheutmostsecrecyastothepropercoursetofollow。MonsieurMarteneragreedtoadvisePierrette’sgrandmothertoapplytothecourtstohaveAuffrayappointedguardiantohisyoungrelation。Theguardiancouldthenconvenea"FamilyCouncil，"and，backedbythetestimonyofthreedoctors，demandthegirl’sreleasefromtheauthorityoftheRogrons。
　　Theaffairthusmanagedwouldhavetogobeforethecourts，andthepublicprosecutor，MonsieurLesourd，wouldseethatitwastakentoacriminalcourtbydemandinganinquiry。
　　TowardsmiddayallProvinswasrousedbythestrangenewsofwhathadhappenedduringthenightattheRogrons’。Pierrette’scrieshadbeenfaintlyheard，thoughtheyweresoonover。Noonehadrisentoinquirewhattheymeant，buteveryonesaidthenextday，"Didyouhearthosescreamsaboutoneinthemorning？"Gossipandcommentssoonmagnifiedthehorribledrama，andacrowdcollectedinfrontofFrappier’sshop，askingtheworthycabinet—makerforinformation，andhearingfromhimhowPierrettewasbroughttohishousewithherfingersbrokenandthehandbloody。
　　Towardsoneintheafternoonthepost—chaiseofDoctorBianchon，whowasaccompaniedbyBrigaut，stoppedbeforethehouse，andMadameFrappierwentatoncetosummonMonsieurMartenerandthesurgeoninchargeofthehospital。Thusthegossipofthetownreceivedconfirmation。TheRogronsweredeclaredtohaveill—usedtheircousindeliberately，andtohavecomenearkillingher。Vinetheardthenewswhileattendingtohisbusinessinthelawcourts;helefteverythingandhurriedtotheRogrons。Rogronandhissisterhadjustfinishedbreakfast。Sylviewasreluctanttotellherbrotherofherdiscomfitureofthenightbefore;buthepressedherwithquestions，towhichshewouldmakenoanswerthan，"That’snotyourbusiness。"
　　Shewentandcamefromthekitchentothedining—roomonpretenceofpreparingthebreakfast，butchieflytoavoiddiscussion。ShewasalonewhenVinetentered。
　　"Youknowwhat’shappened？"saidthelawyer。
　　"No，"saidSylvie。
　　"Youwillbearrestedonacriminalcharge，"repliedVinet，"fromthewaythingsarenowgoingaboutPierrette。"
　　"Acriminalcharge！"criedRogron，whohadcomeintotheroom。"Why？
　　Whatfor？"
　　"Firstofall，"saidthelawyer，lookingatSylvie，"explaintomewithoutconcealmentandasifyoustoodbeforeGod，whathappenedinthishouselastnight——theytalkofamputatingPierrette’shand。"
　　Sylvieturnedlividandshuddered。
　　"Thenthereissometruthinit？"saidVinet。
　　MademoiselleRogronrelatedthescene，tryingtoexcuseherself;but，proddedwithquestions，sheacknowledgedthefactsofthehorriblestruggle。
　　"Ifyouhaveonlyinjuredherfingersyouwillbetakenbeforethepolicecourtforamisdemeanor;butiftheycutoffherhandyoumaybetriedattheAssizesforaworseoffence。TheTiphaineswilldotheirbesttogetyouthere。"
　　Sylvie，moredeadthanalive，confessedherjealousy，and，whatwashardertodo，confessedalsothathersuspicionswereunfounded。
　　"Heavens，whatacasethiswillmake！"criedthelawyer。"Youandyourbrothermayberuinedbyit;youwillbeabandonedbymostpeoplewhetheryouwinorlose。Ifyoulose，youwillhavetoleaveProvins。"
　　"Oh，mydearMonsieurVinet，youwhoaresuchagreatlawyer，"saidRogron，terrified，"adviseus！saveus！"
　　ThecraftyVinetworkedtheterrorofthetwoimbecilestoitsutmost，declaringthatMadameandMademoiselledeChargeboeufmightbeunwillingtoentertheirhouseagain。Tobeabandonedbywomenoftheirrankwouldbeaterriblecondemnation。Atlength，afteranhourofadroitmanoeuvring，itwasagreedthatVinetmusthavesomepowerfulmotiveintakingthecase，thatwouldimpressthemindsofallProvinsandexplainhiseffortsonbehalfoftheRogrons。ThismotivetheydeterminedshouldbeRogron’smarriagetoMademoiselledeChargeboeuf;itshouldbeannouncedthatverydayandthebannspublishedonSunday。Thecontractcouldbedrawnimmediately。
　　MademoiselleRogronagreed，inconsiderationofthemarriage，toappearinthecontractassettlinghercapitalonherbrother，retainingonlytheincomeofit。VinetmadeRogronandhissistercomprehendthenecessityofantedatingthedocumentbytwoorthreedays，soastocommitthemotheranddaughterintheeyesofthepublicandgivethemareasonforcontinuingtheirvisits。
　　"SignthatcontractandI’lltakeuponmyselftogetyousafelyoutofthisaffair，"saidthelawyer。"Therewillbeaterriblefight;butI
　　willputmywholesoulintoit——you’llhavetomakemeavotiveoffering。"
　　"Oh，yes，yes，"saidRogron。
　　Byhalf—pasteleventhelawyerhadplenarypowerstodrawthecontractandconductthedefenceoftheRogrons。Attwelveo’clockapplicationwasmadetoMonsieurTiphaine，asajudgesittinginchambers，againstBrigautandthewidowLorrainforhavingabductedPierretteLorrain，aminor，fromthehouseofherlegalguardian。InthiswaytheboldlawyerbecametheaggressorandmadeRogrontheinjuredparty。Hespokeofthematterfromthispointofviewinthecourt—house。
　　Thejudgepostponedthehearingtillfouro’clock。Needlesstodescribetheexcitementinthetown。MonsieurTiphaineknewthatbythreeo’clocktheconsultationofdoctorswouldbeoverandtheirreportdrawnup;hewishedAuffray，assurrogate—guardian，tobeatthehearingarmedwiththatreport。
　　TheannouncementofRogron’smarriageandthesacrificesmadetoitbySylvieinthecontractalienatedtwoimportantsupportersfromthebrotherandsister，namely，——MademoiselleHabertandthecolonel，whosehopeswerethusannihilated。Theyremained，however，ostensiblyontheRogronsideforthepurposeofinjuringit。Consequently，assoonasMonsieurMartenermentionedthealarmingconditionofPierrette’shead，CelesteandthecoloneltoldoftheblowshehadgivenherselfduringtheeveningwhenSylviehadforcedhertoleavethesalon;andtheyrelatedtheoldmaid’sbarbarousandunfeelingcomments，withotherstatementsprovinghercrueltytohersufferingcousin。Vinethadforeseenthisstorm;buthehadsecuredtheentirefortuneoftheRogronsforMademoiselledeChargeboeuf，andhepromisedhimselfthatinafewweekssheshouldbemistressoftheRogronhouse，andreignwithhimoverProvins，andevenbringaboutafusionwiththeBreauteysandthearistocratsintheinterestsofhisambition。
　　Frommiddaytofouro’clockalltheladiesoftheTiphainecliquesenttoinquireafterMademoiselleLorrain。She，poorgirl，waswhollyignorantofthecommotionshewascausinginthelittletown。InthemidstofhersufferingsshewasineffablyhappyinrecoveringhergrandmotherandBrigaut，thetwoobjectsofheraffection。Brigaut’seyeswereconstantlyfulloftears。Theoldgrandmothersatbythebedandcaressedherdarling。TothethreedoctorsshetoldeverydetailshehadobtainedfromPierretteastoherlifeintheRogronhouse。
　　HoraceBianchonexpressedhisindignationinvehementlanguage。
　　Shockedatsuchbarbarityheinsistedonallthephysiciansinthetownbeingcalledintoseethecase;theconsequencewasthatDr。
　　Neraud，thefriendoftheRogrons，waspresent。Thereportwasunanimouslysigned。Itisuselesstogiveatextofithere。IfMoliere’smedicaltermswerebarbarous，thoseofmodernsciencehavetheadvantageofbeingsoclearthattheexplanationofPierrette’smalady，thoughnaturalandunfortunatelycommon，horrifiedallears。
　　Atfouro’clock，aftertheusualrisingofthecourt，presidentTiphaineagaintookhisseat，whenMadameLorrain，accompaniedbyMonsieurAuffrayandBrigautandacrowdofinterestedpersons，enteredthecourt—room。Vinetwasalone。Thiscontraststruckthemindsofthosepresent。Thelawyer，whostillworehisrobe，turnedhiscoldfacetothejudge，settledhisspectaclesonhispallidgreeneyes，andtheninashrill，persistentvoicehestatedthattwostrangershadforcedthemselvesatnightintotheRogrondomicileandhadabductedtherefromtheminorLorrain。Thelegalrightswerewiththeguardian，whonowdemandedtherestorationofhisward。
　　MonsieurAuffrayrose，assurrogate—guardian，andrequestedtobeheard。
　　"Ifthejudge，"hesaid，"willadmitthereport，whichIholdinmyhand，signedbyoneofthemostfamousphysiciansinParis，andbyallthephysiciansinProvins，hewillunderstandnotonlythatthedemandoftheSieurRogronissenseless，butalsothatthegrandmotheroftheminorhadgravecausetoinstantlyremoveherfromherpersecutors。
　　Herearethefacts。Thereportofthesephysiciansattributethealmostdyingconditionofthesaidminortotheill—treatmentshehasreceivedfromtheSieurRogronandhissister。Weshall，asthelawdirects，convokeaFamilyCouncilwiththeleastpossibledelay，anddiscussthequestionastowhetherornottheguardianshouldbedeposed。Andwenowaskthattheminorbenotreturnedtothedomicileofthesaidguardianbutthatshebeconfidedtosomememberofherfamilywhoshallbedesignatedbythejudge。"
　　Vinetreplied，declaringthatthephysicians’reportoughttohavebeensubmittedtohiminorderthathemighthavedisprovedit。
　　"Notsubmittedtoyourside，"saidthejudge，severely，"butpossiblytothe/procureurduroi/。Thecaseisheard。"
　　Thejudgethenwroteatthebottomofthepetitionthefollowingorder：——
　　"Whereasitappears，fromadeliberateandunanimousreportofallthephysiciansofthistown，togetherwithDoctorBianchonofthemedicalfacultyofParis，thattheminorLorrain，claimedbyJerome—DenisRogron，herguardian，isextremelyillinconsequenceofill—treatmentandpersonalassaultinthehouseofthesaidguardianandhissister：
　　"We，presidentofthecourtofProvins，passinguponthesaidpetition，orderthatuntiltheFamilyCouncilisheldtheminorLorrainisnottobereturnedtothehouseholdofhersaidguardian，butshallbekeptinthatofhersurrogate—guardian。
　　"Andfurther，consideringthestateinwhichthesaidminornowis，andthetracesofviolencewhich，accordingtothereportofthephysicians，arenowuponherperson，wecommissiontheattendingphysicianandthesurgeoninchargeofthehospitalofProvinstovisither，andincasetheinjuriesfromthesaidassaultbecomealarming，thematterwillbeheldtoawaittheactionofthecriminalcourts;andthiswithoutprejudicetothecivilsuitundertakenbyAuffraythesurrogate—guardian。"
　　ThisseverejudgmentwasreadoutbyPresidentTiphaineinaloudanddistinctvoice。
　　"Whynotsendthemtothegalleysatonce？"saidVinet。"Andallthisfussaboutagirlwhowascarryingonanintriguewithanapprenticetoacabinet—maker！Ifthecasegoesoninthisway，"hecried，insolently，"weshalldemandotherjudgesonthegroundoflegitimatesuspicion。"
　　Vinetleftthecourt—room，andwentamongthechiefmenofhispartytoexplainRogron’sposition，declaringthathehadneversomuchasgivenafliptohiscousin，andthatthejudgehadviewedhimmuchlessasPierrette’sguardianthanasaleadingelectorinProvins。
　　TohearVinet，peoplemighthavesupposedthattheTiphainesweremakingagreatfussaboutnothing;themountingwasbringingforthamouse。Sylvie，aneminentlyvirtuousandpiouswoman，haddiscoveredanintriguebetweenherbrother’swardandaworkman，aBretonnamedBrigaut。Thescoundrelknewverywellthatthegirlwouldhavehergrandmother’smoney，andhewishedtoseduceher（Vinettotalkofthat！）。MademoiselleRogron，whohaddiscoveredlettersprovingthedepravityofthegirl，wasnotasmuchtoblameastheTiphainesweretryingtomakeout。Ifshedidusesomeviolencetogetpossessionofthoseletters（whichwasnowonder，whenweconsiderwhatBretonobstinacyis），howcouldRogronbeconsideredresponsibleforallthat？
　　Thelawyerwentontomakethematterapartisanaffair，andtogiveitapoliticalcolor。
　　"Theywholistentoonlyonebellhearonlyonesound，"saidthewisemen。"HaveyouheardwhatVinetsays？Vinetexplainsthingsclearly。"
　　Frappier’shousebeingthoughtinjurioustoPierrette，owingtothenoiseinthestreetwhichincreasedthesufferingsinherhead，shewastakentothatofhersurrogateguardian，thechangebeingasnecessarymedicallyasitwasjudicially。Theremovalwasmadewiththeutmostcaution，andwascalculatedtoproduceagreatpubliceffect。Pierrettewaslaidonamattressandcarriedonastretcherbytwomen;aGraySisterwalkedbesideherwithabottleofsalvolatileinherhand，whilethegrandmother，Brigaut，MadameAuffray，andhermaidfollowed。Peoplewereattheirwindowsanddoorstoseetheprocessionpass。CertainlythestateinwhichtheysawPierrette，paleasdeath，gaveimmenseadvantagetothepartyagainsttheRogrons。TheAuffraysweredeterminedtoprovetothewholetownthatthejudgewasrightinthedecisionhehadgiven。PierretteandhergrandmotherwereinstalledonthesecondfloorofMonsieurAuffray’shouse。Thenotaryandhiswifegavehereverycarewiththegreatesthospitality，whichwasnotwithoutalittleostentationinit。Pierrettehadhergrandmothertonurseher;andMonsieurMartenerandthehead—surgeonofthehospitalattendedher。
　　Ontheeveningofthisdayexaggerationsbeganonbothsides。TheRogronsalonwascrowded。VinethadstirredupthewholeLiberalpartyonthesubject。TheChargeboeufladiesdinedwiththeRogrons，forthecontractwastobesignedthatevening。Vinethadhadthebannspostedatthemayor’sofficeintheafternoon。HemadelightofthePierretteaffair。IftheProvinscourtwasprejudiced，theRoyalcourtswouldappreciatethefacts，hesaid，andtheAuffrayswouldthinktwicebeforetheyflungthemselvesintosuchasuit。TheallianceoftheRogronswiththeChargeboeufswasanimmenseconsiderationinthemindsofacertainclassofpeople。TothemitmadetheRogronsaswhiteassnowandPierretteanevillydisposedlittlegirl，aserpentwarmedintheirbosom。
　　InMadameTiphaine’ssalonvengeancewashadforallthemischievousscandalsthattheVinetpartyhaddisseminatedforthepasttwoyears。
　　TheRogronsweremonsters，andtheguardianshouldundergoacriminaltrial。IntheLowertown，Pierrettewasquitewell;intheUppertownshewasdying;attheRogrons’shescratchedherwrist;atMadameTiphaine’sherfingerswerefracturedandonewastobecutoff。Thenextdaythe"CourrierdeProvins，"hadaplausiblearticle，extremelywell—written，amasterpieceofinsinuationsmixedwithlegalpoints，whichshowedthattherewasnocasewhateveragainstRogron。The"Bee—
　　hive，"whichdidnotappeartilltwodayslater，couldnotanswerwithoutbecomingdefamatory;itreplied，however，thatinanaffairlikethisitwasbesttowaituntilthelawtookitscourse。
　　TheFamilyCouncilwasselectedbythe/jugedepaix/ofthecantonofProvins，andconsistedofRogronandthetwoMessieursAuffray，thenearestrelatives，andMonsieurCiprey，nephewofPierrette’smaternalgrandmother。TothesewerejoinedMonsieurHabert，Pierrette’sconfessor，andColonelGouraud，whohadalwaysprofessedhimselfacomradeandfriendofherfather，ColonelLorrain。Theimpartialityofthejudgeintheseselectionswasmuchapplauded，——MonsieurHabertandColonelGouraudbeingconsideredthefirmfriendsoftheRogrons。
　　TheserioussituationinwhichRogronfoundhimselfmadehimaskfortheassistanceofalawyer（andhenamedVinet）attheFamilyCouncil。
　　Bythismanoeuvre，evidentlyadvisedbyVinethimself，RogronsucceededinpostponingthemeetingofthecounciltilltheendofDecember。AtthattimeMonsieurTiphaineandhiswifewouldbesettledinParisfortheopeningoftheChambers;andtheministerialpartywouldbeleftwithoutitshead。VinethadalreadyworkeduponDesfondrilles，thedeputy—judge，incasethemattershouldgo，afterthehearingbeforethecouncil，tothecriminalcourts。
　　VinetspokeforthreehoursbeforetheFamilyCouncil;heprovedtheexistenceofanintriguebetweenPierretteandBrigaut，whichjustifiedallMademoiselleRogron’sseverity。Heshowedhownaturalitwasthattheguardianshouldhaveleftthemanagementofhiswardtoawoman;hedweltonthefactthatRogronhadnotinterferedwithPierrette’seducationasplannedbyhissisterSylvie。ButinspiteofVinet’seffortstheCouncilwereunanimousinremovingRogronfromtheguardianship。MonsieurAuffraywasappointedinhisplace，andMonsieurCipreywasmadesurrogate。TheCouncilsummonedbeforeitandexaminedAdele，theservant—woman，whotestifiedagainstherlatemasters;alsoMademoiselleHabert，whorelatedthecruelremarksmadebyMademoiselleRogronontheeveningwhenPierrettehadgivenherselfafrightfulblow，heardbyallthecompany，andthespeechofMadamedeChargeboeufaboutthegirl’shealth。BrigautproducedtheletterhehadreceivedfromPierrette，whichprovedtheirinnocenceandstatedherill—treatment。Proofwasgiventhattheconditionoftheminorwastheresultofneglectonthepartoftheguardian，whowasresponsibleforallthatconcernedhisward。Pierrette’sillnesshadbeenapparenttoeveryone，eventopersonsinthetownwhowerestrangerstothefamily，yettheguardianhaddonenothingforher。Thechargeofill—
　　treatmentwasthereforesustainedagainstRogron;andthecasewouldnowgobeforethepublic。
　　Rogron，advisedbyVinet，opposedtheacceptanceofthereportoftheCouncilbythecourt。TheauthoritiesthenintervenedinconsequenceofPierrette’sstate，whichwasdailygrowingworse。Thetrialofthecase，thoughplacedatonceuponthedocket，waspostponeduntilthemonthofMarch，1828，towaitevents。
　　X
　　VERDICTS——LEGALANDOTHER
　　MeantimeRogron’smarriagewithMademoiselledeChargeboeuftookplace。Sylviemovedtothesecondfloorofthehouse，whichshesharedwithMadamedeChargeboeuf，forthefirstfloorwasentirelytakenupbythenewwife。ThebeautifulMadameRogronsucceededtothesocialplaceofthebeautifulMadameTiphaine。Theinfluenceofthemarriagewasimmense。NoonenowcametovisitSylvie，butMadameRogron’ssalonwasalwaysfull。
　　Sustainedbytheinfluenceofhismother—in—lawandthebankersduTilletandNucingen，MonsieurTiphainewasfortunateenoughtodosomeservicetotheadministration;hebecameoneofitschieforators，wasmadejudgeinthecivilcourts，andobtainedtheappointmentofhisnephewLesourdtohisownvacantplaceaspresidentofthecourtofProvins。ThisappointmentgreatlyannoyedDesfondrilles。TheKeeperoftheSealssentdownoneofhisownprotegestofillLesourd’splace。
　　ThepromotionofMonsieurTiphaineandhistranslationtoPariswerethereforeofnobenefitatalltotheVinetparty;butVinetneverthelessmadeacleveruseoftheresult。HehadalwaystoldtheProvinspeoplethattheywerebeingusedasastepping—stonetoraisethecraftyMadameTiphaineintograndeur;Tiphainehimselfhadtrickedthem;MadameTiphainedespisedbothProvinsanditspeopleinherheart，andwouldneverreturnthereagain。JustatthiscrisisMonsieurTiphaine’sfatherdied;hissoninheritedafineestateandsoldhishouseinProvinstoMonsieurJulliard。ThesaleprovedtothemindsofallhowlittletheTiphainesthoughtofProvins。Vinetwasright;Vinethadbeenatrueprophet。ThesethingshadgreatinfluenceonthequestionofPierrette’sguardianship。
　　Thusthedreadfulmartyrdombrutallyinflictedonthepoorchildbytwoimbeciletyrants（whichled，throughitsconsequences，totheterribleoperationoftrepanning，performedbyMonsieurMartenerundertheadviceofDoctorBianchon），——allthishorribledramareducedtojudicialformwaslefttofloatinthevilemesscalledinlegalparlancethecalendar。Thecasewasmadetodragthroughthedelaysandtheinterminablelabyrinthsofthelaw，bytheshufflingsofanunprincipledlawyer;andduringallthistimethecalumniatedgirllanguishedintheagonyoftheworstpainknowntoscience。
　　MonsieurMartener，togetherwiththeAuffrayfamily，weresooncharmedbythebeautyofPierrette’snatureandthecharacterofheroldgrandmother，whosefeelings，ideas，andwaysborethestampofRomanantiquity，——thismatronoftheMaraiswaslikeawomaninPlutarch。
　　DoctorMartenerstruggledbravelywithdeath，whichalreadygraspeditsprey。Fromthefirst，BianchonandthehospitalsurgeonhadconsideredPierrettedoomed;andtherenowtookplacebetweenthedoctorandthedisease，theformerrelyingonPierrette’syouth，oneofthosestruggleswhichphysiciansalonecomprehend，——therewardofwhich，incaseofsuccess，isneverfoundinthevenalpaynorinthepatientsthemselves，butinthegentlesatisfactionofconscience，intheinvisibleidealpalmgatheredbytrueartistsfromthecontentmentwhichfillstheirsoulafteraccomplishinganoblework。Thephysicianstrainstowardsgoodasanartisttowardsbeauty，eachimpelledbythatgrandsentimentwhichwecallvirtue。ThisdailycontestwipedoutofDoctorMartener’smindthepettyirritationsofthatothercontestoftheTiphainesandtheVinets，——asalwayshappenstomenwhentheyfindthemselvesfacetofacewithagreatandrealmiserytoconquer。
　　MonsieurMartenerhadbegunhiscareerinParis;butthecruelactivityofthecityanditsinsensibilitytoitsmassesofsufferinghadshockedhisgentlesoul，fittedonlyforthequietlifeoftheprovinces。Moreover，hewasundertheyokeofhisbeautifulnativeland。HereturnedtoProvins，wherehemarriedandsettled，andcaredalmostlovinglyforthepeople，whoweretohimlikealargefamily。
　　DuringthewholeofPierrette’sillnesshewascarefulnottospeakofher。Hisreluctancetoanswerthequestionsofthosewhoaskedaboutherwassoevidentthatpersonssoonceasedtoputthem。Pierrettewastohim，whatindeedshetrulywas，apoem，mysterious，profound，vastinsuffering，suchasdoctorsfindattimesintheirterribleexperience。Hefeltanadmirationforthisdelicateyoungcreaturewhichhewouldnotsharewithanyone。
　　Thisfeelingofthephysicianforhispatientwas，however，unconsciouslycommunicated（likealltruefeelings）toMonsieurandMadameAuffray，whosehousebecame，solongasPierrettewasinit，quietandsilent。Thechildren，whohadformerlyplayedsojoyouslywithher，agreedamongthemselveswiththelovinggraceofchildhoodtobeneithernoisynortroublesome。TheymadeitapointofhonortobegoodbecausePierrettewasill。MonsieurAuffray’shousewasintheUppertown，beneaththeruinsoftheChateau，anditwasbuiltuponasortofterraceformedbytheoverthrowoftheoldramparts。Theoccupantscouldhaveaviewofthevalleyfromthelittlefruit—gardenenclosedbywallswhichoverlookedthetown。Theroofsoftheotherhousescametoaboutthelevelofthelowerwallofthisgarden。Alongtheterraceranapath，bywhichMonsieurAuffray’sstudycouldbeenteredthroughaglassdoor;attheotherendofthepathwasanarborofgrapevinesandafig—tree，beneathwhichstoodaroundtable，abenchandsomechairs，paintedgreen。Pierrette’sbedroomwasabovethestudyofhernewguardian。MadameLorrainsleptinacotbesidehergrandchild。FromherwindowPierrettecouldseethewholeofthegloriousvalleyofProvins，whichshehardlyknew，soseldomhadsheleftthatdreadfulhouseoftheRogrons。Whentheweatherwasfineshelovedtodragherself，restingonhergrandmother’sarm，tothevine—cladarbor。Brigaut，unabletowork，camethreetimesadaytoseehislittlefriend;hewasgnawedbyagriefwhichmadehimindifferenttolife。HelayinwaitlikeadogforMonsieurMartener，andfollowedhimwhenheleftthehouse。Theoldgrandmother，drunkwithgrief，hadthecouragetoconcealherdespair;sheshowedherdarlingthesmilingfacesheformerlyworeatPen—Hoel。Inherdesiretoproducethatillusioninthegirl’smind，shemadeheralittleBretoncapliketheonePierrettehadwornonherfirstarrivalinProvins;itmadethedarlingseemmorelikeherchildlikeself;initshewasdelightfultolookupon，hersweetfacecircledwithahaloofcambricandflutedlace。Herskin，whitewiththewhitenessofunglazedporcelain，herforehead，wheresufferinghadprintedthesemblanceofdeepthought，thepurityofthelinesrefinedbyillness，theslownessoftheglances，andtheoccasionalfixityoftheeyes，madePierretteanalmostperfectembodimentofmelancholy。Shewasservedbyallwithasortoffanaticism;shewasfelttobesogentle，sotender，soloving。MadameMartenersentherpianotohersisterMadameAuffray，thinkingtoamusePierrettewhowaspassionatelyfondofmusic。ItwasapoemtowatchherlisteningtoathemeofWeber，orBeethoven，orHerold，——hereyesraised，herlipssilent，regrettingnodoubtthelifeescapingher。ThecurePerouxandMonsieurHabert，hertworeligiouscomforters，admiredhersaintlyresignation。Surelytheseraphicperfectionofyounggirlsandyoungmenmarkedwiththehecticofdeath，isawonderfulfactworthyoftheattentionalikeofphilosophersandofheedlessminds。Hewhohaseverseenoneofthesesublimedeparturesfromthislifecanneverremain，orbecome，anunbeliever。Suchbeingsexhale，asitwere，acelestialfragrance;
　　theirglancesspeakofGod;thevoicesareeloquentinthesimplestwords;oftentheyringlikesomeseraphicinstrumentrevealingthesecretsofthefuture。WhenMonsieurMartenerpraisedherforhavingfaithfullyfollowedaharshprescriptionthelittleangelreplied，andwithwhataglance！——
　　"Iwanttolive，dearMonsieurMartener;butlessformyselfthanformygrandmother，formyBrigaut，forallofyouwhowillgrieveatmydeath。"
　　ThefirsttimeshewentintothegardenonabeautifulsunnydayinNovemberattendedbyallthehousehold，MadameAuffrayaskedherifshewastired。
　　"No，nowthatIhavenosufferingsbutthoseGodsendsIcanbearall，"shesaid。"Thejoyofbeinglovedgivesmestrengthtosuffer。"
　　Thatwastheonlytime（andthenvaguely）thatsheeveralludedtoherhorriblemartyrdomattheRogrons，whomshenevermentioned，andofwhomnooneremindedher，knowingwellhowpainfulthememorymustbe。
　　"DearMadameAuffray，"shesaidonedayatnoonontheterrace，asshegazedatthevalley，warmedbyaglorioussunandcoloredwiththeglowingtintsofautumn，"mydeathinyourhousegivesmemorehappinessthanIhavehadsinceIleftBrittany。"
　　MadameAuffraywhisperedinhersisterMartener’sear：——
　　"Howshewouldhaveloved！"
　　Intruth，hertones，herlooksgavetoherwordsapricelessvalue。
　　MonsieurMartenercorrespondedwithDoctorBianchon，anddidnothingofimportancewithouthisadvice。Hehopedinthefirstplacetoregularthefunctionsofnatureandtodrawawaytheabscessintheheadthroughtheear。ThemorePierrettesuffered，themorehehoped。
　　Hegainedsomeslightsuccessattimes，andthatwasagreattriumph。
　　ForseveraldaysPierrette’sappetitereturnedandenabledhertotakenourishingfoodforwhichherillnesshadgivenherarepugnance;thecolorofherskinchanged;buttheconditionofherheadwasterrible。
　　MonsieurMartenerentreatedthegreatphysicianhisadvisertocomedown。Bianchoncame，stayedtwodays，andresolvedtoundertakeanoperation。TosparethefeelingsofpoorMartenerhewenttoParisandbroughtbackwithhimthecelebratedDesplein。Thustheoperationwasperformedbythegreatestsurgeonofancientormoderntimes;butthatterribledivinersaidtoMartenerashedepartedwithBianchon，hisbest—lovedpupil：——
　　"Nothingbutamiraclecansaveher。AsHoracetoldyou，cariesofthebonehasbegun。Atheragethebonesaresotender。"
　　TheoperationwasperformedatthebeginningofMarch，1828。Duringallthatmonth，distressedbyPierrette’shorriblesufferings，MonsieurMartenermadeseveraljourneystoParis;thereheconsultedDespleinandBianchon，andevenwentsofarastoproposetothemanoperationofthenatureoflithotrity，whichconsistsinpassingintotheheadahollowinstrumentbythehelpofwhichanheroicremedycanbeappliedtothediseasedbone，toarresttheprogressofthecaries。
　　EventheboldDespleindarednotattemptthathigh—handedsurgicalmeasure，whichdespairalonehadsuggestedtoMartener。WhenhereturnedhomefromParisheseemedtohisfriendsmoroseandgloomy。
　　HewasforcedtoannounceonthatfataleveningtotheAuffraysandMadameLorrainandtothetwopriestsandBrigautthatsciencecoulddonomoreforPierrette，whoserecoverywasnowinGod’shandsonly。
　　Theconsternationamongthemwasterrible。Thegrandmothermadeavow，andrequestedtheprieststosayamasseverymorningatdaybreakbeforePierretterose，——amassatwhichsheandBrigautmightbepresent。
　　Thetrialcameon。Whilethevictimlaydying，Vinetwascalumniatingherincourt。ThejudgeapprovedandacceptedthereportoftheFamilyCouncil，andVinetinstantlyappealed。Thenewlyappointed/procureurduroi/madearequisitionwhichnecessitatedfreshevidence。Rogronandhissisterwereforcedtogivebailtoavoidgoingtoprison。TheorderforfreshevidenceincludedthatofPierretteherself。WhenMonsieurDesfondrillescametotheAuffrays’toreceiveit，Pierrettewasdying，herconfessorwasatherbedsideabouttoadministerextremeunction。Atthatmomentsheentreatedallpresenttoforgivehercousinsassheherselfforgavethem，sayingwithhersimplegoodsensethatthejudgmentofthesethingsbelongedtoGodalone。
　　"Grandmother，"shesaid，"leaveallyouhavetoBrigaut"（Brigautburstintotears）;"and，"continuedPierrette，"giveathousandfrancstothatkindAdelewhowarmedmybed。IfAdelehadremainedwithmycousinsIshouldnotnowbedying。"
　　Itwasatthreeo’clockontheTuesdayofEasterweek，onabeautiful，brightday，thattheangelceasedtosuffer。Herheroicgrandmotherwishedtowatchallthatnightwiththepriests，andtosewwithherstiffoldfingersherdarling’sshroud。TowardseveningBrigautlefttheAuffray’shouseandwenttoFrappier’s。
　　"Ineednotaskyou，mypoorboy，fornews，"saidthecabinet—maker。
　　"PereFrappier，yes，itisendedforher——butnotforme。"
　　Hecastalookuponthedifferentwoodspileduparoundtheshop，——alookofpainfulmeaning。
　　"Iunderstandyou，Brigaut，"saidhisworthymaster。"Takeallyouwant。"Andheshowedhimtheoakenplanksoftwo—inchthickness。
　　"Don’thelpme，MonsieurFrappier，"saidtheBreton，"Iwishtodoitalone。"
　　HepassedthenightinplaningandfittingPierrette’scoffin，andmorethanoncehisplanetookoffatasinglepassaribbonofwoodwhichwaswetwithtears。ThegoodmanFrappiersmokedhispipeandwatchedhimsilently，sayingonly，whenthefourpieceswerejoinedtogether，——
　　"Makethecovertoslide;herpoorgrandmotherwillnothearthenails。"
　　AtdaybreakBrigautwentouttofetchtheleadtolinethecoffin。Byastrangechance，thesheetsofleadcostjustthesumhehadgivenPierretteforherjourneyfromNantestoProvins。ThebraveBreton，whowasabletoresisttheawfulpainofhimselfmakingthecoffinofhisdearoneandliningwithhismemoriesthoseburialplanks，couldnotbearupagainstthisstrangereminder。Hisstrengthgaveway;hewasnotabletoliftthelead，andtheplumber，seeingthis，camewithhim，andofferedtoaccompanyhimtothehouseandsolderthelastsheetwhenthebodyhadbeenlaidinthecoffin。
　　TheBretonburnedtheplaneandallthetoolshehadused。ThenhesettledhisaccountswithFrappierandbadehimfarewell。Theheroismwithwhichthepoorladpersonallyperformed，likethegrandmother，thelastofficesforPierrettemadehimasharerintheawfulscenewhichcrownedthetyrannyoftheRogrons。
　　BrigautandtheplumberreachedthehouseofMonsieurAuffrayjustintimetodecidebytheirownmainforceaninfamousandshockingjudicialquestion。Theroomwherethedeadgirllaywasfullofpeople，andpresentedtotheeyesofthetwomenasingularsight。TheRogronemissarieswerestandingbesidethebodyoftheirvictim，totortureherevenafterdeath。Thecorpseofthechild，solemninitsbeauty，layonthecot—bedofhergrandmother。Pierrette’seyeswereclosed，thebrownhairsmootheduponherbrow，thebodyswathedinacoarsecottonsheet。
　　Beforethebed，onherknees，herhairindisorder，herhandsstretchedout，herfaceonfire，theoldLorrainwascryingout，"No，no，itshallnotbedone！"
　　AtthefootofthebedstoodMonsieurAuffrayandthetwopriests。Thetaperswerestillburning。
　　Oppositetothegrandmotherwasthesurgeonofthehospital，withanassistant，andnearhimstoodDoctorNeraudandVinet。Thesurgeonworehisdissectingapron;theassistanthadopenedacaseofinstrumentsandwashandinghimaknife。
　　ThisscenewasinterruptedbythenoiseofthecoffinwhichBrigautandtheplumbersetdownuponthefloor。ThenBrigaut，advancing，washorrifiedatthesightofMadameLorrain，whowasnowweeping。
　　"Whatisthematter？"heasked，standingbesideherandgraspingthechiselconvulsivelyinhishand。
　　"This，"saidtheoldwoman，"/this/，Brigaut：theywanttoopenthebodyofmychildandcutintoherhead，andstabherheartafterherdeathastheydidwhenshewasliving。"
　　"Who？"saidBrigaut，inavoicethatmighthavedeafenedthemenoflaw。
　　"TheRogrons。"
　　"InthesacrednameofGod！——"
　　"Stop，Brigaut，"saidMonsieurAuffray，seeingtheladbrandishhischisel。
　　"MonsieurAuffray，"saidBrigaut，aswhiteashisdeadcompanion，"I
　　hearyoubecauseyouareMonsieurAuffray，butatthismomentIwillnotlistento——"
　　"Thelaw！"saidAuffray。
　　"Istherelaw？istherejustice？"criedtheBreton。"Justice，thisisit！"andheadvancedtothelawyerandthedoctors，threateningthemwithhischisel。
　　"Myfriend，"saidthecurate，"thelawhasbeeninvokedbythelawyerofMonsieurRogron，whoisundertheweightofaseriousaccusation;
　　anditisimpossibleforustorefusehimthemeansofjustification。
　　ThelawyerofMonsieurRogronclaimsthatifthepoorchilddiedofanabscessinherheadherformerguardiancannotbeblamed，foritisprovedthatPierretteconcealedtheeffectsoftheblowwhichshegavetoherself——"
　　"Enough！"saidBrigaut。
　　"Myclient——"beganVinet。
　　"Yourclient，"criedtheBreton，"shallgotohellandItothescaffold;forifoneofyoudarestotouchherwhomyourclienthaskilled，Iwillkillhimifmyweapondoesitsduty。"
　　"Thisisinterferencewiththelaw，"saidVinet。"Ishallinstantlyinformthecourt。"
　　Thefivemenlefttheroom。
　　"Oh，myson！"criedtheoldwoman，risingfromherkneesandfallingonBrigaut’sneck，"letusburyherquick，——theywillcomeback。"
　　"Ifwesolderthelead，"saidtheplumber，"theymaynotdaretoopenit。"
　　MonsieurAuffrayhastenedtohisbrother—in—law，MonsieurLesourd，totryandsettlethematter。Vinetwasnotunwilling。Pierrettebeingdeadthesuitabouttheguardianshipfell，ofcourse，totheground。
　　Alltheastutelawyerwantedwastheeffectproducedbyhisrequest。
　　AtmiddayMonsieurDesfondrillesmadehisreportonthecase，andthecourtrenderedadecisionthattherewasnogroundforfurtheraction。
　　RogrondarednotgotoPierrette’sfuneral，atwhichthewholetownwaspresent。Vinetwishedtoforcehimthere，butthemiserablemanwasafraidofexcitinguniversalhorror。
　　BrigautleftProvinsafterwatchingthefillingupofthegravewherePierrettelay，andwentonfoottoParis。HewroteapetitiontotheDauphinessasking，inthenameofhisfather，thathemightentertheRoyalguard，towhichhewasatonceadmitted。WhentheexpeditiontoAlgierswasundertakenhewrotetoheragain，toobtainemploymentinit。Hewasthenasergeant;MarshalBourmontgavehimanappointmentassub—lieutenantinalineregiment。Themajor’ssonbehavedlikeamanwhowishedtodie。Deathhas，however，respectedJacquesBrigautuptothepresenttime;althoughhehasdistinguishedhimselfinalltherecentexpeditionshehasneveryetbeenwounded。Heisnowmajorinaregimentofinfantry。Noofficerismoretaciturnormoretrustworthy。Outsideofhisdutyheisalmostmute;hewalksaloneandlivesmechanically。Everyonedivinesandrespectsahiddensorrow。Hepossessesforty—sixthousandfrancs，whicholdMadameLorrain，whodiedinParisin1829，bequeathedtohim。
　　Attheelectionsof1830Vinetwasmadeadeputy。Theservicesherenderedthenewgovernmenthavenowearnedhimthepositionof/procureur—general/。Hisinfluenceissuchthathewillalwaysremainadeputy。Rogronisreceiver—generalinthesametownwhereVinetfulfilshislegalfunctions;andbyoneofthosecurioustricksofchancewhichdosooftenoccur，MonsieurTiphaineispresidentoftheRoyalcourtinthesametown，——fortheworthymangaveinhisadhesiontothedynastyofJulywithouttheslightesthesitation。Theex—beautifulMadameTiphainelivesonexcellenttermswiththebeautifulMadameRogron。VinetishandinglovewithMadameTiphaine。
　　AstotheimbecileRogron，hemakessuchremarksas，"Louis—Philippewillneverbereallykingtillheisabletomakenobles。"
　　Thespeechisevidentlynothisown。Hishealthisfailing，whichallowsMadameRogrontohopeshemaysoonmarrytheGeneralMarquisdeMontriveau，peerofFrance，whocommandsthedepartment，andispayingherattentions。Vinetisinhiselement，seekingvictims;heneverbelievesintheinnocenceofanaccusedperson。Thisthoroughbredprosecutorisheldtobeoneofthemostamiablemenonthecircuit;
　　andheisnolesslikedinParisandintheChamber;atcourtheisacharmingcourtier。
　　AccordingtoacertainpromisemadebyVinet，GeneralBaronGouraud，thatnoblerelicofourgloriousarmies，marriedaMademoiselleMatifat，twenty—fiveyearsold，daughterofadruggistintheruedesLombards，whosedowrywasahundredthousandfrancs。Hecommands（asVinetprophesied）adepartmentintheneighborhoodofParis。HewasnamedpeerofFranceforhisconductintheriotswhichoccurredduringtheministryofCasimirPerier。BaronGouraudwasoneofthegeneralswhotookthechurchofSaint—Merry，delightedtorapthoserascallycivilianswhohadvexedhimforyearsovertheknuckles;forwhichservicehewasrewardedwiththegrandcordonoftheLegionofhonor。
　　NoneofthepersonagesconnectedwithPierrette’sdeatheverfelttheslightestremorseaboutit。MonsieurDesfondrillesisstillarchaeological，but，inordertocompasshisownelection，the/procureurgeneral/VinettookpainstohavehimappointedpresidentoftheProvinscourt。Sylviehasalittlecircle，andmanagesherbrother’sproperty;shelendsherownmoneyathighinterest，anddoesnotspendmorethantwelvehundredfrancsayear。
　　Fromtimetotime，whensomeformersonordaughterofProvinsreturnsfromParistosettledown，youmayhearthemask，astheyleaveMademoiselleRogron’shouse，"Wasn’tthereapainfulstoryagainsttheRogrons，——somethingaboutaward？"
　　"Mereprejudice，"repliesMonsieurDesfondrilles。"Certainpersonstriedtomakeusbelievefalsehoods。OutofkindnessofhearttheRogronstookinagirlnamedPierrette，quiteprettybutwithnomoney。Justasshewasgrowingupshehadanintriguewithayoungman，andstoodatherwindowbarefootedtalkingtohim。Theloverspassednotestoeachotherbyastring。Shetookcoldinthiswayanddied，havingnoconstitution。TheRogronsbehavedadmirably。Theymadenoclaimoncertainpropertywhichwastocometoher，——theygaveitalluptothegrandmother。Themoralofitwas，mygoodfriend，thatthedevilpunishesthosewhotrytobenefitothers。"
　　"Ah！thatisquiteanotherstoryfromtheoneoldFrappiertoldme。"
　　"Frappierconsultshiswine—cellarmorethanhedoeshismemory，"
　　remarkedanotherofMademoiselleRogron’svisitors。
　　"Butthatoldpriest，MonsieurHabertsays——"
　　"Oh，he！don’tyouknowwhy？"
　　"No。"
　　"HewantedtomarryhissistertoMonsieurRogron，thereceiver—
　　general。"
　　*****
　　TwomenthinkofPierrettedaily：DoctorMartenerandMajorBrigaut;
　　theyaloneknowthehideoustruth。
　　TogivethattruthitstrueproportionswemusttransportthescenetotheRomeofthemiddleages，whereasublimeyounggirl，BeatriceCenci，wasbroughttothescaffoldbymotivesandintriguesthatwerealmostidenticalwiththosewhichlaidourPierretteinhergrave。
　　BeatriceCencihadbutonedefender，——anartist，apainter。Inourdayhistory，andlivingmen，onthefaithofGuidoReni’sportrait，condemnthePope，andknowthatBeatricewasamosttendervictimofinfamouspassionsandbasefeuds。
　　WemustallagreethatlegalitywouldbeafinethingforsocialscoundrelismIFTHEREWERENOGOD。