“Whencecomesyoursadness，sweetheart？”saidhe。
“Fromshame。“
“Whatthenaffrontsyou？”
“Thenotbeingagoodwoman；becauseIamwithoutachild，andyouwithoutlineage！Isonealadywithoutprogeny？Nay！Look！……Allmyneighbourshaveit，andIwasmarriedtohaveit，asyoutogiveittome；thenoblesofTouraineareallamplyfurnishedwithchildren，andtheirwivesgivethemlapfuls，youalonehavenone，theylaughatyouthere。Whatwillbecomeofyournameandyourfiefsandyourseigniories？Achildisournaturalcompany；itisadelighttoustomakeafrightofit，tofondleit，toswaddleit，todressandundressit，tocuddleit，tosingitlullabies，tocradleit，togetitup，toputittobed，andtonourishit，andIfeelthatifIhadonlythehalfofone，Iwouldkissit，swaddleit，andunharnessit，andI
wouldmakeitjumpandcrowalldaylong，astheotherladiesdo。“
“Wereitnotthatingivingthembirthwomendie，andthatforthisyouarestilltoodelicateandtoocloseinthebud，youwouldalreadybeamother，“repliedtheseneschal，madegiddywiththeflowofwords。“Butwillyoubuyoneready-made？——thatwillcostyouneitherpainnorlabour。“
“But，“saidshe，“Iwantthepainandlabour，withoutwhichitwillnotbeours。Iknowverywellitshouldbethefruitofmybody，becauseatchurchtheysaythatJesuswasthefruitoftheVirgin'swomb。“
“Verywell，thenprayGodthatitmaybeso，“criedtheseneschal，“andintercedewiththeVirginofEgrignolles。Manyaladyhasconceivedaftertheneuvaine；youmustnotfailtodoone。“
ThenthesamedayBlanchesetouttowardsNotre-Damedel'Egrignolles，deckedoutlikeaqueenridingherbeautifulmare，havingonherarobeofgreenvelvet，laceddownwithfinegoldlace，openatthebreast，havingsleevesofscarlet，littleshoesandahighhatornamentedwithpreciousstones，andagoldwaistbandthatshowedoffherlittlewaist，asslimasapole。ShewishedtogiveherdresstoMadametheVirgin，andinfactpromisedittoher，forthedayofherchurching。TheSiredeMontsoreaugallopedbeforeher，hiseyebrightasthatofahawk，keepingthepeoplebackandguardingwithhisknightsthesecurityofthejourney。NearMarmoustierstheseneschal，renderedsleepybytheheat，seeingitwasthemonthofAugust，waggledaboutinhissaddle，likeadiademupontheheadofacow，andseeingsofrolicsomeandsoprettyaladybythesideofsooldafellow，apeasantgirl，whowassquattingnearthetrunkofatreeanddrinkingwateroutofherstonejuginquiredofatoothlessoldhag，whopickedupatriflebygleaning，ifthisprincesswasgoingtoburyherdead。
“Nay，“saidtheoldwoman，“itisourladyofRoche-Corbon，wifeoftheseneschalofPoitouandTouraine，inquestofachild。“
“Ah！Ah！”saidtheyounggirl，laughinglikeaflyjustsatisfied；
thenpointingtothehandsomeknightwhowasattheheadoftheprocession——“hewhomarchesattheheadwouldmanagethat；shewouldsavethewax-candlesandthevow。“
“Ha！mylittleone，“repliedthehag，“IamrathersurprisedthatsheshouldgotoNotre-Damedel'Egrignollesseeingthattherearenohandsomeprieststhere。ShemightverywellstopforashorttimebeneaththeshadowthebelfryofMarmoustiers；shewouldsoonbefertile，thosegoodfathersaresolively。“
“Byanun'soath！”saidatrampwalkingup，“look；theSiredeMontsoreauislivelyanddelicateenoughtoopenthelady'sheart，themoresoasheiswellformedtodoso。“
Andallcommencedalaugh。TheSiredeMontsoreauwishedtogotothemandhangtheminlime-treebytheroadasapunishmentfortheirbadwords，butBlanchecriedoutquickly——
“Oh，sir，donothangthemyet。Theyhavenotsaidalltheymean；andweshallseethemonourreturn。“
Sheblushed，andtheSiredeMontsoreaulookedathereagerly，asthoughtoshootintoherthemysticcomprehensionsoflove，buttheclearingoutofherintelligencehadalreadybeencommencedbythesayingsofthepeasantswhichwerefructifyinginherunderstanding——
herinnocencewasliketouchwood，therewasonlyneedforawordtoinflameit。
ThusBlancheperceivednowthenotableandphysicaldifferencesbetweenthequalitiesofheroldhusbandandperfectionsofthesaidGauttier，agentlemanwhowasnotoveraffectedwithhistwenty-threeyears，butheldhimselfuprightasaninepininthesaddle，andaswide-awakeasthematinchimes，whileincontrasttohim，slepttheseneschal；hehadcourageanddexteritytherewherehismasterfailed。
Hewasoneofthosesmartfellowswhomthejadeswouldsoonerwearatnightthanaleatherngarment，becausetheythennolongerfearthefleas；therearesomewhovituperatethem，butnooneshouldbeblamed，becauseeveryoneshouldsleepashelikes。
Somuchdidtheseneschal'sladythink，andsoimperiallywell，thatbythetimeshearrivedatthebridgeofTours，shelovedGauttiersecretly，asamaidenloves，withoutsuspectingthatitislove。Fromthatshebecameaproperwoman，thatistosay，shedesiredthegoodofothers，thebestthatmenhave，shefellintoafitoflove-
sickness，goingatthefirstjumptothedepthofhermisery，seeingthatallisflamebetweenthefirstcovetingandthelastdesire，andsheknewnothowshethenlearnedthatbytheeyescanflowinasubtleessence，causingsuchpowerfulcorrosionsinalltheveinsofthebody，recessesoftheheart，nervesofthemembers，rootsofthehair，perspirationofthesubstance，limboofthebrain，orificesoftheepidermis，windingsofthepluck，tubesofthehypochondriacandotherchannelswhichinherwassuddenlydilated，heated，tickled，envenomed，clawed，harrowed，anddisturbed，asifshehadabasketfulofneedlesinherinside。Thiswasamaiden'sdesire，awell-
conditioneddesire，whichtroubledhersighttosuchadegreethatshenolongersawheroldspouse，butclearlytheyoungGauttier，whosenaturewasasampleasthegloriouschinofanabbot。WhenthegoodmanenteredTourstheAh！Ah！ofthecrowdwokehimup，andhecamewithgreatpompwithhissuitetotheChurchofNotre-Damedel'Egrignolles，formerlycalledlagreigneur，asifyousaidthatwhichhasthemostmerit。BlanchewentintothechapelwherechildrenareaskedtoGodandoftheVirgin，andwenttherealone，aswasthecustom，alwayshoweverinthepresenceoftheseneschal，ofhisvarletsandtheloitererswhoremainedoutsidethegrill。Whenthecountesssawthepriestcomewhohadchargeofthemassessaidforchildren，andwhoreceivedthesaidvows，sheaskedhimifthereweremanybarrenwomen。Towhichthegoodpriestreplied，thathemustnotcomplain，andthatthechildrenweregoodrevenuetotheChurch。
“Anddoyouoftensee，“saidBlanche，“youngwomenwithsucholdhusbandsasmylord？”
“Rarely，“saidhe。
“Buthavethoseobtainedoffspring？”
“Always，“repliedthepriestsmiling。
“Andtheotherswhosecompanionsarenotsoold？”
“Sometimes。“
“Oh！Oh！”saidshe，“thereismorecertaintythenwithoneliketheseneschal？”
“Tobesure，“saidthepriest。
“Why？”saidshe。
“Madame，“gravelyrepliedpriest，“beforethatageGodaloneinterfereswiththeaffair，after，itisthemen。“
Atthistimeitwasatruethingthatallthewisdomhadgonetotheclergy。Blanchmadehervow，whichwasaveryprofitableone，seeingthatherdecorationswereworthquitetwothousandgoldcrowns。
“Youareveryjoyful！”saidtheoldseneschaltoherwhenonthehomejourneyshemadehermareprance，jump，andfrisk。
“Yes，yes！”saidshe。“Thereisnolongeranydoubtaboutmyhavingachild，becauseanyonecanhelpme，thepriestsaid：IshalltakeGauttier。“
Theseneschalwishedtogoandslaythemonk，buthethoughtthatwasacrimewhichwouldcosthimtoomuch，andheresolvedcunninglytoarrangehisvengeancewiththehelpofthearchbishop；andbeforethehousetopsofRoche-CorboncameinsighthehadorderedtheSiredeMontsoreautoseekalittleretirementinhisowncountry，whichtheyoungGauttierdid，knowingthewaysofthelord。TheseneschalputintheplaceofthesaidGauttierthesonoftheSiredeJallanges，whosefiefwasheldfromRoche-Corbon。HewasayoungboynamedRene，approachingfourteenyears，andhemadehimapage，awaitingthetimewhenheshouldbeoldenoughtobeanequerry，andgavethecommandofhismentoanoldcripple，withwhomhehadknockedaboutagreatdealinPalestineandotherplaces。Thusthegoodmanbelievedhewouldavoidthehornedtrappingsofcuckoldom，andwouldstillbeabletogirth，bridle，andcurbthefactiousinnocenceofhiswife，whichstruggledlikeamuleheldbyarope。
THATWHICHISONLYAVENIALSIN。
TheSundayfollowingthearrivalofReneatthemanorofRoche-Corbon，Blanchewentouthuntingwithouthergoodman，andwhenshewasintheforestnearLesCarneaux，sawamonkwhoappearedtobepushingagirlaboutmorethanwasnecessary，andspurredonherhorse，sayingtoherpeople，“Hothere！Don'tlethimkillher。“Butwhentheseneschal'sladyarrivedclosetothem，sheturnedherhorse'sheadquicklyandthesightshebeheldpreventedherfromhunting。Shecamebackpensive，andthenthelanternofherintelligenceopened，andreceivedabrightlight，whichmadeathousandthingsclear，suchaschurchandotherpictures，fables，andlaysofthetroubadours，orthedomesticarrangementsofbirds；suddenlyshediscoveredthesweetmysteryoflovewritteninalllanguages，eveninthatoftheCarps'。Isitnotsillythustosealthissciencefrommaidens？SoonBlanchewenttobed，andsoonsaidshetotheseneschal——
“Bruyn，youhavedeceivedme，yououghttobehaveasthemonkoftheCarneauxbehavedtothegirl。“
OldBruynsuspectedtheadventure，andsawwellthathisevilhourwasathand。HeregardedBlanchewithtoomuchfireinhiseyesforthesameardourtobelowerdown，andansweredhersoftly——
“Alas！sweetheart，intakingyouformywifeIhadmorelovethanstrength，andIhavetakenadvantageofyourclemencyandvirtue。Thegreatsorrowofmylifeistofeelallmycapabilityinmyheartonly。
Thissorrowhastensmydeathlittlebylittle，sothatyouwillsoonbefree。Waitformydeparturefromthisworld。Thatisthesolerequestthathemakesofyou，hewhoisyourmaster，andwhocouldcommandyou，butwhowishesonlytobeyourprimeministerandslave。
Donotbetraythehonourofmywhitehairs！Underthesecircumstancestherehavebeenlordswhohaveslaintheirwives。
“Alas！youwillnotkillme？”saidshe。
“No，“repliedtheoldman，“Ilovetheetoomuch，littleone；why，thouarttheflowerofmyoldage，thejoyofmysoul。Thouartmywell-beloveddaughter；thesightoftheedoesgoodtomineeyes，andfromtheeIcouldendureanything，beitasorroworajoy，providedthatthoudoesnotcursetoomuchthepoorBruynwhohasmadetheeagreatlady，richandhonoured。Wiltthounotbealovelywidow？Andthyhappinesswillsoftenthepangsofdeath。“
Andhefoundinhisdried-upeyesstillonetearwhichtrickledquitewarmdownhisfir-conecolouredface，andfelluponthehandofBlanche，who，grievedtobeholdthisgreatloveofheroldspousewhowouldputhimselfunderthegroundtopleaseher，saidlaughingly——
“There！there！don'tcry，Iwillwait。“
Thereupontheseneschalkissedherhandsandregaledherwithlittleendearments，sayingwithavoicequiveringwithemotion——
“Ifyouknew，Blanchemydarling，howIdevourtheeinthysleepwithcaresses，nowhere，nowthere！”Andtheoldapepattedherwithhistwohands，whichwerenothingbutbones。Andhecontinued，“Idarednotwakenthecatthatwouldhavestrangledmyhappiness，sinceatthisoccupationofloveIonlyembracedwithmyheart。“
“Ah！”repliedshe，“youcanfondlemethusevenwhenmyeyesareopen；
thathasnottheleasteffectuponme。“
Atthesewordsthepoorseneschal，takingthelittledaggerwhichwasonthetablebythebed，gaveittoher，sayingwithpassion——
“Mydarling，killme，orletmebelievethatyoulovemealittle！”
“Yes，yes，“saidshe，quitefrightened，“Iwilltrytoloveyoumuch。“
Beholdhowthisyoungmaidenhoodmadeitselfmasterofthisoldmanandsubduedhim，forinthenameofthesweetfaceofVenus，Blanche，endowedwiththenaturalartfulnessofwomen，madeheroldBruyncomeandgolikeamiller'smule。
“MygoodBruyn，Iwantthis！Bruyn，Iwantthat——goonBruyn！”Bruyn！
Bruyn！AndalwaysBruyninsuchawaythatBruynwasmoreworn-outbytheclemencyofhiswifethanhewouldhavebeenbyherunkindness。
Sheturnedhisbrainwishingthateverythingshouldbeinscarlet，makinghimturneverythingtopsy-turvyattheleastmovementofhereyebrow，andwhenshewassadtheseneschaldistracted，wouldsaytoeverythingfromhisjudicialseat，“Hanghim！”Anotherwouldhavediedlikeaflyatthisconflictwiththemaid'sinnocence，butBruynwasofsuchanironnaturethatitwasdifficulttofinishhimoff。OneeveningthatBlanchehadturnedthehouseupside-down，upsetthemenandthebeasts，andwouldbyheraggravatinghumourhavemadetheeternalfatherdesperate——hewhohassuchaninfinitetreasureofpatiencesinceheenduresus——shesaidtotheseneschalwhilegettingintobed，“MygoodBruyn，Ihavelowdownfancies，thatbiteandprickme；thencetheyriseintomyheart，inflamemybrain，incitemethereintoevildeeds，andinthenightIdreamofthemonkoftheCarneaux。“
“Mydear，“repliedtheseneschal，“thesearedevilriesandtemptationsagainstwhichthemonksandnunsknowhowtodefendthemselves。Ifyouwillgainsalvation，goandconfesstotheworthyAbbotofMarmoustiers，ourneighbour；hewilladviseyouwellandwillholilydirectyouinthegoodway。“
“TomorrowIwillgo，“saidshe。
Andindeeddirectlyitwasday，shetrottedofftothemonasteryofthegoodbrethren，whomarvelledtoseeamongthemsoprettyalady；
committedmorethanonesinthroughherintheevening；andforthepresentledherwithgreatceremonytotheirreverendabbot。
Blanchefoundthesaidgoodmaninaprivategardennearthehighrockunderaflowerarcade，andremainedstrickenwithrespectatthecountenanceoftheholyman，althoughshewasaccustomednottothinkmuchofgreyhairs。
“Godpreserveyou，Madame；whatcanyouhavetoseekofonesoneardeath，yousoyoung？”
“Yourpreciousadvice，“saidshe，salutinghimwithacourtesy；“andifitwillpleaseyoutoguidesoundutifulasheep，Ishallbewellcontenttohavesowiseaconfessor。“
“Mydaughter，“answeredthemonk，withwhomoldBruynhadarrangedthishypocrisyandtheparttoplay，“ifIhadnotthechillsofahundredwintersuponthisunthatchedhead，Ishouldnotdaretolistentoyoursins，butsayon；ifyouenterparadise，itwillbethroughme。“
Thentheseneschal'swifesetforththesmallfryofherstockinhand，andwhenshewaspurgedofherlittleiniquities，shecametothepostscriptofherconfession。
“Ah！myfather！”saidshe，“ImustconfesstoyouthatIamdailyexercisedbythedesiretohaveachild。Isitwrong？”
“No，“saidtheabbot。
Butshewenton，“Itisbynaturecommandedtomyhusbandnottodrawfromhiswealthtobringabouthispoverty，astheoldwomensaybytheway。“
“Then，“repliedthepriest，“youmustlivevirtuouslyandabstainfromallthoughtsofthiskind。“
“ButIhavehearditprofessedbytheLadyofJallanges，thatitwasnotasinwhenfromitonederivedneitherprofitnorpleasure。“
“Therealwaysispleasure，“saidtheabbot，“butdon'tcountuponthechildasaprofit。Nowfixthisinyourunderstanding，thatitwillalwaysbeamortalsinbeforeGodandacrimebeforementobringforthachildthroughtheembracesofamantowhomoneisnotecclesiasticallymarried。Thusthosewomenwhooffendagainsttheholylawsofmarriage，suffergreatpenaltiesintheotherworld，areinthepowerofhorriblemonsterswithsharpandtearingclaws，whothrustthemintoflamingfurnacesinremembranceofthefactthatherebelowtheyhavewarmedtheirheartsalittlemorethanwaslawful。“
ThereuponBlanchescratchedherear，andhavingthoughttoherselfforalittlewhile，shesaidtothepriest，“HowthendidtheVirginMary？”
“Ah！”repliedabbot，“thatitisamystery。“
“Andwhatisamystery？”
“Athingthatcannotbeexplained，andwhichoneoughttobelievewithoutenquiringintoit。“
“Wellthen，“saidshe，“cannotIperformamystery？”
“Thisone，“saidtheAbbot，“onlyhappenedonce，becauseitwastheSonofGod。“
“Alas！myfather，isitthenthewillofGodthatIshoulddie，orthatfromwiseandsoundcomprehensionmybrainshouldbeturned？Ofthisthereisagreatdanger。Nowinmesomethingmovesandexcitesme，andIamnolongerinmysenses。Icarefornothing，andtofindamanIwouldleapthewalls，dashoverthefieldswithoutshameandtearmythingsintotatters，onlytoseethatwhichsomuchexcitedthemonkoftheCarneaux；andduringthesepassionswhichworkandprickmymindandbody，thereisneitherGod，devil，norhusband。I
spring，Irun，Ismashupthewash-tubs，thepots，thefarmimplements，afowl-house，thehouseholdthings，andeverything，inawaythatIcannotdescribe。ButIdarenotconfesstoyouallmymisdeeds，becausespeakingofthemmakesmymouthwater，andthethingwithwhichGodcursesmemakesmeitchdreadfully。Ifthisfollybitesandpricksme，andslaysmyvirtue，willGod，whohasplacedthisgreatloveinmybody，condemnmetoperdition？”
Atthisquestionitwasthepriestwhoscratchedhisear，quitedumbfoundedbythelamentations，profoundwisdom，controversiesandintelligencethatthisvirginitysecreted。
“Mydaughter，“saidhe，“Godhasdistinguishedusfromthebeastsandmadeusaparadisetogain，andforthisgivenusreason，whichisaruddertosteerusagainsttempestsandourambitiousdesires，andthereisameansofeasingtheimaginationsofone'sbrainbyfasting，excessivelabours，andothervirtues；andinsteadoffriskingandfrettinglikeachildletloosefromschool，youshouldpraytothevirgin，sleeponahardboard，attendtoyourhouseholdduties，andneverbeidle。“
“Ah！myfather，whenIamatchurchinmyseat，Iseeneitherthepriestnorthealtar，onlytheinfantJesus，whobringsthethingintomyhead。Buttofinish，ifmyheadisturnedandmymindwanders，Iaminthelime-twigsoflove。“
“Ifthusyouwere，“saidtheabbot，imprudently，“youwouldbeinthepositionofSaintLidoire，whoinadeepsleeponeday，oneleghereandonelegthere，throughthegreatheatandscantilyattired，wasapproachedbyayoungmanfullofmischief，whodexterouslyseducedher，andasofthistrickthesaintwasthoroughlyignorant，andmuchsurprisedatbeingbroughttobed，thinkingthatherunusualsizewasaseriousmalady，shedidpenanceforitasavenialsin，asshehadnopleasureinthiswickedbusiness，accordingtothestatementofthewickedman，whosaiduponthescaffoldwherehewasexecuted，thatthesainthadinnowisestirred。“
“Oh，myfather，“saidshe，“besurethatIshouldnotstirmorethanshedid！”
Withthisstatementshewentawayprettilyandgracefully，smilingandthinkinghowshecouldcommitavenialsin。Onherreturnfromthegreatmonastery，shesawinthecourtyardofhercastlethelittleJallanges，whounderthesuperintendenceofanoldgroomwasturningandwheelingaboutonafinehorse，bendingwiththemovementsoftheanimal，dismountingandmountingagainwithvaultsandleapsmostgracefully，andwithlissomethighs，sopretty，sodextrous，souprightastobeindescribable，somuchso，thathewouldhavemadetheQueenLucrecelongforhim，shewhokilledherselffromhavingbeencontaminatedagainstherwill。
“Ah！”saidBlanche，“ifonlythispagewerefifteen，Iwouldgotosleepcomfortablyveryneartohim。“
Then，inspiteofthetoogreatyouthofthischarmingservitor，duringthecollationandsupper，sheeyedfrequentlytheblackhair，thewhiteskin，thegraceofRene，aboveallhiseyes，wherewasanabundanceoflimpidwarmthandagreatfireoflife，whichhewasafraidtoshootout——childthathewas。
Nowintheevening，astheseneschal'swifesatthoughtfullyinherchairinthecornerofthefireplace，oldBruyninterrogatedherastohertrouble。
“Iamthinking。“saidshe，“thatyoumusthavefoughtthebattlesofloveveryearly，tobethuscompletelybrokenup。“
“Oh！”smiledhe，smilinglikealloldmenquestionedupontheiramorousremembrances，“attheageofthirteenandahalfIhadovercomethescruplesofmymother'swaitingwoman。“
Blanchewishedtohearnothingmore，butbelievedthepageReneshouldbeequallyadvanced，andshewasquitejoyousandpractisedlittleallurementsonthegoodman，andwallowedsilentlyinherdesire，likeacakewhichisbeingfloured。
HOWANDBYWHOMTHESAIDCHILDWASPROCURED。
Theseneschal'swifedidnotthinklongoverthebestwayquicklytoawakentheloveofthepage，andhadsoondiscoveredthenaturalambuscadeinthewhichthemostwaryaretaken。Thisishow：atthewarmesthourofthedaythegoodmantookhissiestaaftertheSaracenfashion，ahabitinwhichhehadneverfailed，sincehisreturnfromtheHolyLand。DuringthistimeBlanchewasaloneinthegrounds，wherethewomenworkattheirminoroccupations，suchasbroideringandstitching，andoftenremainedintheroomslookingafterthewashing，puttingtheclothestidy，orrunningaboutatwill。Thensheappointedthisquiethourtocompletetheeducationofthepage，makinghimreadbooksandsayhisprayers。Nowonthemorrow，whenatthemid-dayhourtheseneschalslept，succumbingtothesunwhichwarmswithitsmostluminousraystheslopesofRoche-Corbon，somuchsothatoneisobligedtosleep，unlessannoyed，upset，andcontinuallyrousedbyadevilofayoungwoman。Blanchethengracefullyperchedherselfinthegreatseignorialchairofhergoodman，whichshedidnotfindanytoohigh，sinceshecounteduponthechancesofperspective。Thecunningjadesettledherselfdextrouslytherein，likeaswallowinitsnest，andleanedherheadmaliciouslyuponherarmlikeachildthatsleeps；butinmakingherpreparationssheopenedfondeyes，thatsmiledandwinkedinadvanceofthelittlesecretthrills，sneezes，squints，andtrancesofthepagewhowasabouttolieatherfeet，separatedfromherbythejumpofanoldflea；andinfactsheadvancedsomuchandsonearthesquareofvelvetwherethepoorchildshouldkneel，whoselifeandsoulshetrifledwith，thathadhebeenasaintofstone，hisglancewouldhavebeenconstrainedtofollowtheflexousitiesofthedressinordertoadmireandre-admiretheperfectionsandbeautiesoftheshapelyleg，whichmouldedthewhitestockingoftheseneschal'slady。Thusitwascertainthataweakvarletwouldbetakeninthesnare，whereinthemostvigorousknightwouldwillinglyhavesuccumbed。Whenshehadturned，returned，placedanddisplacedherbody，andfoundthesituationinwhichthepagewouldbemostcomfortable，shecried，gently。“Rene！”Rene，whomsheknewwellwasintheguard-room，didnotfailtoruninandquicklythrusthisbrownheadbetweenthetapestriesofthedoor。
“Whatdoyoupleasetowish？”saidthepage。Andheheldwithgreatrespectinhishandhisshaggyscarletcap，lessredthanhisfreshdimpledcheeks。
“Comehither，“repliedshe，underherbreath，forthechildattractedhersostronglythatshewasquiteovercome。
AndforsooththerewerenojewelssosparklingastheeyesofRene，novellumwhiterthanhisskin，nowomanmoreexquisiteinshape——andsoneartoherdesire，shefoundhimstillmoresweetlyformed——andwascertainthatthemerryfrolicsoflovewouldradiatewellfromthisyouth，thewarmsun，thesilence，etcetera。
“ReadmethelitaniesofMadametheVirgin，“saidshetohim，pushinganopenbookhimonherprieu-dieu。“Letmeseeifyouarewelltaughtbyyourmaster。“
“DoyounotthinktheVirginbeautiful？”askedsheofhim，smilingwhenheheldtheilluminatedprayer-bookinwhichglowedthesilverandgold。
“Itisapainting，“repliedhe，timidly，andcastingalittleglanceuponhissograciousmistress。
“Read！read！”
ThenRenebegantorecitethesosweetandsomysticlitanies；butyoumayimaginethatthe“Orapronobis“ofBlanchebecamestillfainterandfainter，likethesoundofthehorninthewoodlands，andwhenthepagewenton，“Oh，Roseofmystery，“thelady，whocertainlyhearddistinctly，repliedbyagentlesigh。ThereuponRenesuspectedthathismistressslept。Thenhecommencedtocoverherwithhisregard，admiringherathisleisure，andhadthennowishtoutteranyanthemsavetheanthemoflove。Hishappinessmadehisheartleapandboundintohisthroat；thus，aswasbutnatural，thesetwoinnocentsburnedoneagainsttheother，butiftheycouldhaveforeseenneverwouldhaveintermingled。Renefeastedhiseyes，planninginhismindathousandfruitionsoflovethatbroughtthewaterintohismouth。Inhisecstasyhelethisbookfall，whichmadehimfeelassheepishasamonksurprisedatachild'stricks；butalsofromthatheknewthatBlanchewassoundasleep，forshedidnotstir，andthewilyjadewouldnothaveopenedhereyesevenatthegreatestdangers，andreckonedonsomethingelsefallingaswellasthebookofprayer。
Thereisnoworselongingthanthelongingofawomanincertaincondition。Now，thepagenoticedhislady'sfoot，whichwasdelicatelyslipperedinalittleshoeofadelicatebluecolour。Shehadangularlyplaceditonafootstool，sinceshewastoohighintheseneschal'schair。Thisfootwasofnarrowproportions，delicatelycurved，asbroadastwofingers，andaslongasasparrow，tailincluded，smallatthetop——atruefootofdelight，avirginalfootthatmeritedakissasarobberdoesthegallows；aroguishfoot；afootwantonenoughtodamnanarchangel；anominousfoot；adevilishlyenticingfoot，whichgaveoneadesiretomaketwonewonesjustlikeittoperpetuateinthislowerworldthegloriousworksofGod。Thepagewastemptedtotaketheshoefromthispersuasivefoot。Toaccomplishthishiseyesglowingwiththefireofhisage，wentswiftly，liketheclapperofabell，fromthissaidfootofdelectationtothesleepingcountenanceofhisladyandmistress，listeningtoherslumber，drinkinginherrespirationagainandagain，itdidnotknowwhereitwouldbesweetesttoplantakiss——whetherontheriperedlipsoftheseneschal'swifeoronthisspeakingfoot。Atlength，fromrespectorfear，orperhapsfromgreatlove，hechosethefoot，andkissedithastily，likeamaidenwhodaresnot。Thenimmediatelyhetookuphisbook，feelinghisredcheeksredderstill，andexercisedwithhispleasure，hecriedlikeablindman——“Januacoeli，：gateofHeaven。“ButBlanchedidnotmove，makingsurethatthepagewouldgofromfoottoknee，andthenceto“Januacoeli，：gateofHeaven。“Shewasgreatlydisappointedwhenthelitaniesfinishedwithoutanyothermischief，andRene，believinghehadhadenoughhappinessforoneday，ranoutoftheroomquitelively，richerfromthishardykissthanarobberwhohasrobbedthepoor-box。
Whentheseneschal'sladywasalone，shethoughttoherselfthatthispagewouldberatheralongtimeathistaskifheamusedhimselfwiththesingingoftheMagnificatatmatins。Thenshedeterminedonthemorrowtoraiseherfootalittle，andthentobringtolightthosehiddenbeautiesthatarecalledperfectinTouraine，becausetheytakenohurtintheopenair，andarealwaysfresh。Youcanimaginethatthepage，burnedbyhisdesireandhisimagination，heatedbythedaybefore，awaitedimpatientlythehourtoreadinthisbreviaryofgallantry，andwascalled；andtheconspiracyofthelitaniescommencedagain，andBlanchedidnotfailtofallasleep。ThistimethesaidRenefondledwithhishandtheprettylimb，andevenventuredsofarastoverifyifthepolishedkneeanditssurroundingsweresatin。Atthissightthepoorchild，armedagainsthisdesire，sogreatwashisfear，daredonlytomakebriefdevotionandcurtcaresses，andalthoughhekissedsoftlythisfairsurface，heremainedbashful，thewhich，feelingbythesensesofhersoulandtheintelligenceofherbody，theseneschal'sladywhotookgreatcarenottomove，calledouttohim——“Ah，Rene，Iamasleep。“
Hearingwhathebelievedtobeasternreproach，thepagefrightenedranaway，leavingthebooks，thetask，andall。Thereupon，theseneschal'sbetterhalfaddedthisprayertothelitany——“HolyVirgin，howdifficultchildrenaretomake。“
Atdinnerherpageperspiredalldownhisbackwhilewaitingonhisladyandherlord；buthewasverymuchsurprisedwhenhereceivedfromBlanchethemostshamelessofallglancesthateverwomancast，andverypleasantandpowerfulitwas，seeingthatitchangedthischildintoamanofcourage。Now，thesameeveningBruynstayingalittlelongerthanwashiscustominhisownapartment，thepagewentinsearchofBlanche，andfoundherasleep，andmadeherdreamabeautifuldream。
Heknockedoffthechainsthatweighedsoheavilyuponher，andsoplentifullybestoweduponherthesweetsoflove，thatthesurpluswouldhavesufficedtorendertoothersblessedwiththejoysofmaternity。Sothentheminx，seizingthepagebytheheadandsqueezinghimtoher，criedout——“Oh，Rene！Thouhastawakenedme！”
Andinfacttherewasnosleepcouldstandagainstit，anditiscertainthatsaintsmustsleepverysoundly。Fromthisbusiness，withoutanyothermystery，andbyabenignfacultywhichistheassistingprincipleofspouses，thesweetandgracefulplumage，suitabletocuckolds，wasplacedupontheheadofthegoodhusbandwithouthisexperiencingtheslightestshock。
Afterthissweetrepast，theseneschal'sladytookkindlytohersiestaaftertheFrenchfashion，whileBruyntookhisaccordingtotheSaracen。Butbythesaidsiestashelearnedhowthegoodyouthofthepagehadabettertastethanthatoftheoldseneschal，andatnightsheburiedherselfinthesheetsfarawayfromherhusband，whomshefoundstrongandstale。Andfromsleepingandwakingupintheday，fromtakingsiestasandsayinglitanies，theseneschal'swifefeltgrowingwithinherthattreasureforwhichshehadsooftenandsoardentlysighed；butnowshelikedmorethecommencementthanthefructifyingofit。
YoumaybesurethatReneknewhowtoread，notonlyinbooks，butintheeyesofhissweetlady，forwhomhewouldhaveleapedintoaflamingpile，haditbeenherwishheshoulddoso。Whenwellandamply，morethanahundredtimes，thetrainhadbeenlaidbythem，thelittleladybecameanxiousabouthersoulandthefutureofherfriendthepage。Nowonerainyday，astheywereplayingattouch-tag，liketwochildren，innocentfromheadtofoot，Blanche，whowasalwayscaught，saidtohim——
“Comehere，Rene；doyouknowthatwhileIhaveonlycommittedvenialsinsbecauseIwasasleep，youhavecommittedmortalones？”
“Ah，Madame！”saidhe，“wherethenwillGodstowawayallthedamnedifthatistosin！”
Blancheburstoutlaughing，andkissedhisforehead。
“Bequiet，younaughtyboy；itisaquestionofparadise，andwemustlivetheretogetherifyouwishalwaystobewithme。“
“Oh，myparadiseishere。“
“Leaveoff，“saidshe。“Youarealittlewretch——ascapegracewhodoesnotthinkofthatwhichIlove——yourself！YoudonotknowthatIamwithchild，andthatinalittlewhileIshallbenomoreabletoconcealitthanmynose。Now，whatwilltheabbotsay？Whatwillmylordsay？Hewillkillyouifheputshimselfinapassion。Myadviceislittleone，thatyougototheabbotofMarmoustiers，confessyoursinstohim，askinghimtoseewhathadbetterbedoneconcerningmyseneschal。
“Alas，“saidtheartfulpage，“ifItellthesecretofourjoys，hewillputhisinterdictuponourlove。“
“Verylikely，“saidshe；“butthyhappinessintheotherworldisathingsoprecioustome。“
“Doyouwishitmydarling？”
“Yes，“repliedsheratherfaintly。
“Well，Iwillgo，butsleepagainthatImaybidyouadieu。“
AndthecouplerecitedthelitanyofFarewellsasiftheyhadbothforeseenthattheirlovemustfinishinitsApril。Andonthemorrow，moretosavehisdearladythantosavehimself，andalsotoobeyher，RenedeJallangessetouttowardsthegreatmonastery。
HOWTHESAIDLOVE-SINWASREPENTEDOFANDLEDTOGREATMOURNING。
“GoodGod！”criedtheabbot，whenthepagehadchantedtheKyrieeleisonofhissweetsins，“thouarttheaccompliceofagreatfelony，andthouhasbetrayedthylord。Dostthouknowpageofdarkness，thatforthisthouwiltburnthroughalleternity？anddostthouknowwhatitistoloseforevertheheavenaboveforaperishableandchangefulmomentherebelow？Unhappywretch！IseetheeprecipitatedforeverinthegulfsofhellunlessthoupayesttoGodinthisworldthatwhichthouowesthimforsuchoffence。“
Thereuponthegoodoldabbot，whowasofthatfleshofwhichsaintsaremade，andwhohadgreatauthorityinthecountryofTouraine，terrifiedtheyoungmanbyaheapofrepresentations，Christiandiscourses，remembrancesofthecommandmentsoftheChurch，andathousandeloquentthings——asmanyasadevilcouldsayinsixweekstoseduceamaiden——butsomanythatRene，whowasintheloyalfervourofinnocence，madehissubmissiontothegoodabbot。Thesaidabbot，wishingtomakeforeveragoodandvirtuousmanofthischild，nowinafairwaytobeawickedone，commandedhimfirsttogoandprostratehimselfbeforehislord，toconfesshisconducttohim，andthenifheescapedfromthisconfession，todepartinstantlyfortheCrusades，andgostraighttotheHolyLand，whereheshouldremainfifteenyearsofthetimeappointedtogivebattletotheInfidels。
“Alas，myreverendfather，“saidhe，quiteunmoved，“willfifteenyearsbeenoughtoacquitmeofsomuchpleasure？Ah！Ifyouknew，I
havehadjoyenoughforathousandyears。“
“Godwillbegenerous。Go，“repliedtheoldabbot，“andsinnomore。
Onthisaccountegoteabsolvo。“
PoorRenereturnedthereuponwithgreatcontritiontothecastleofRoche-Corbonandthefirstpersonhemetwastheseneschal，whowaspolishinguphisarms，helmets，gauntlets，andotherthings。Hewassittingonagreatmarblebenchintheopenair，andwasamusinghimselfbymakingshineagainthesplendidtrappingswhichbroughtbacktohimthemerrypranksintheHolyLand，thegoodjokes，andthewenches，etcetera。WhenRenefelluponhiskneesbeforehim，thegoodlordwasmuchastonished。
“Whatisit？”saidhe。
“Mylord，“repliedRene，“orderthesepeopletoretire。“
Whichtheservantshavingdone，thepageconfessedhisfault，recountinghowhehadassailedhisladyinhersleep，andthatforcertainhehadmadeheramotherinimitationofthemanandthesaint，andcamebyorderoftheconfessortoputhimselfatthedispositionoftheoffendedperson。Havingsaidwhich，RenedeJallangescastdownhislovelyeyes，whichhadproducedallthemischief，andremainedabashed，prostratewithoutfear，hisarmshangingdown，hisheadbare，awaitinghispunishment，andhumblinghimselftoGod。Theseneschalwasnotsowhitethathecouldnotbecomewhiter，andnowheblanchedlikelinennewlydried，remainingdumbwithpassion。Andthisoldmanwhohadnotinhisveinsthevitalforcetoprocreateachild，foundinthismomentoffurymorevigourthanwasnecessarytoundoaman。Heseizedwithhishairyrighthandhisheavyclub，liftedit，brandisheditandadjusteditsoeasilyyoucouldhavethoughtitabowlatagameofskittles，tobringitdownuponthepaleforeheadofthesaidRene，whoknowingthathewasgreatlyinfaulttowardshislord，remainedplacid，andstretchinghisneck，thoughtthathewasabouttoexpiatehissinforhissweetheartinthisworldandintheother。
Buthisfairyouth，andallthenaturalseductionsofthissweetcrime，foundgracebeforethetribunaloftheheartofthisoldman，althoughBruynwasstillsevere，andthrowinghisclubawayontoadogwhowascatchingbeetles，hecriedout，“Mayathousandmillionclaws，tearduringalleternity，alltheentrailsofhim，whomadehim，whoplantedtheoak，thatmadethechair，onwhichthouhastantleredme——andthesametothosewhoengenderedthee，cursedpageofmisfortune！Gettheetothedevil，whencethoucamest——gooutfrombeforeme，fromthecastle，fromthecountry，andstaynothereonemomentmorethanisnecessary，otherwiseIwillsurelypreparefortheeadeathbyslowfirethatshallmaketheecursetwentytimesanhourthyvillainousandribaldpartner！”
Hearingthecommencementoftheselittlespeechesoftheseneschal，whoseyouthcamebackinhisoaths，thepageranaway，escapingtherest：andhedidwell。Bruyn，burningwithafiercerage，gainedthegardensspeedily，revilingeverythingbytheway，strikingandswearing；heevenknockedoverthreelargepansheldbyoneofhisservants，wascarryingthemesstothedogs，andhewassobesidehimselfthathewouldhavekilledalabourerfora“thankyou。“Hesoonperceivedhisunmaidenlymaiden，whowaslookingtowardstheroadtothemonastery，waitingforthepage，andunawarethatshewouldneverseehimagain。
“Ah，mylady！Bythedevil'sredthree-prongedfork，amIaswalloweroftarradiddlesandachild，tobelievethatyouaresofashionedthatapagecanbehaveinthismannerandyounotknowit？Bythedeath！Bythehead！Bytheblood！”
“Hold！”shereplied，seeingthattheminewassprung，“Iknewitwellenough，butasyouhadnotinstructedmeinthesemattersIthoughtthatIwasdreaming！”
Thegreatireoftheseneschalmeltedlikesnowinthesun，forthedirestangerofGodhimselfwouldhavevanishedatasmilefromBlanche。
“Mayathousandmillionsofdevilscarryoffthisalienchild！Iswearthat——“
“There！there！donotswear，“saidshe。“Ifitisnotyours，itismine；andtheothernightdidyounottellmeyoulovedeverythingthatcamefromme？”
Thereuponsheranonwithsuchalotofarguments，hardwords，complaints，quarrels，tears，andotherpaternostersofwomen；suchas——firstlytheestateswouldnothavetobereturnedtotheking；thatneverhadachildbeenbroughtmoreinnocentlyintotheworld，thatthis，thatthat，athousandthings；untilthegoodcuckoldrelented，andBlanche，seizingapropitiousinterruptionsaid——
“Andwhereitisthepage？”
“Gonetothedevil！”
“What，haveyoukilledhim？”saidshe。Sheturnedpaleandtottered。
Bruyndidnotknowwhatwouldbecomeofhimwhenhesawthusfallallthehappinessofhisoldage，andhewouldtosaveherhaveshownherthispage。Heorderedhimtobesought，butRenehadrunoffatfullspeed，fearingheshouldbekilled；anddepartedforthelandsbeyondtheseas，inordertoaccomplishhisvowofreligion。WhenBlanchehadlearnedfromtheabove-mentionedabbotthepenitenceimposeduponherwellbeloved，shefellintoastateofgreatmelancholy，sayingattimes，“Whereishe，thepoorunfortunate，whoisinthemiddleofgreatdangersforloveofme？”
Andalwayskeptonasking，likeachildwhogivesitsmothernorestuntilitsrequestbegrantedit。Attheselamentationsthepoorseneschal，feelinghimselftoblame，endeavouredtodoathousandthings，puttingoneoutofthequestion，inordertomakeBlanchehappy；butnothingwasequaltothesweetcaressesofthepage。
However，shehadonedaythechildsomuchdesired。Youmaybesurethatwasafinefestivalforthegoodcuckold，fortheresemblancetothefatherwasdistinctlyengraveduponthefaceofthissweetfruitoflove。Blancheconsoledherselfgreatly，andpickedupagainalittleofheroldgaietyandflowerofinnocence，whichrejoicedtheagedhoursoftheseneschal。Fromconstantlyseeingthelittleonerunabout，watchingitslaughsanswerthoseofthecountess，hefinishedbylovingit，andwouldhavebeeninagreatragewithanyonewhohadnotbelievedhimitsfather。
NowastheadventureofBlancheandherpagehadnotbeencarriedbeyondthecastle，itwasrelatedthroughoutTourainethatMessireBruynhadstillfoundhimselfsufficientlyinfundstoaffordachild。
IntactremainedthevirtueofBlanche，andbythequintessenceofinstructiondrawnbyherfromthenaturalreservoirofwomen，sherecognisedhownecessaryitwastobesilentconcerningthevenialsinwithwhichherchildwascovered。Soshebecamemodestandgood，andwascitedasavirtuousperson。Andthentomakeuseofhimsheexperimentedonthegoodnessofhergoodman，andwithoutgivinghimleavetogofurtherthanherchin，sinceshelookeduponherselfasbelongingtoRene，Blanche，inreturnfortheflowersofagewhichBruynofferedher，coddledhim，smileduponhim，kepthimmerry，andfondledhimwithprettywaysandtricks，whichgoodwivesbestowuponthehusbandstheydeceive；andallsowell，thattheseneschaldidnotwishtodie，squattedcomfortablyinhischair，andthemorehelivedthemorehebecamepartialtolife。Buttobebrief，onenighthediedwithoutknowingwherehewasgoing，forhesaidtoBlanche，“Ho！ho！
Mydear，Iseetheenolonger！Isitnight？”
Itwasthedeathofthejust，andhehadwellmeriteditasarewardforhislaboursintheHolyLand。
Blancheheldforhisdeathagreatandtruemourning，weepingforhimasoneweepsforone'sfather。Sheremainedmelancholy，withoutwishingtolendhereartothemusicofasecondwedding，forwhichshewaspraisedbyallgoodpeople，whoknewnotthatshehadahusbandinherheart，alifeinhope；butshewasthegreaterpartofhertimeawidowinfactandwidowinheart，becausehearingnonewsofherloverattheCrusades，thepoorCountessreputedhimdead，andduringcertainnightsseeinghimwoundedandlyingatfulllength，shewouldwakeupintears。Shelivedthusforfourteenyearsintheremembranceofonedayofhappiness。Finally，onedaywhenshehadwithhercertainladiesofTouraine，andtheyweretalkingtogetherafterdinner，beholdherlittleboy，whowasatthattimeaboutthirteenandahalf，andresembledRenemorethanitisallowableforachildtoresemblehisfather，andhadnothingoftheSireBruynabouthimbuthisname——beholdthelittleone，amadcapandprettylikehismother，whocameinfromthegarden，running，perspiring，panting，jumping，scatteringallthingsinhisway，aftertheusesandcustomsofinfancy，andwhoranstraighttohiswell-belovedmother，jumpingintoherlap，andinterruptingtheconversation，criedout——
“Oh，motherIwanttospeaktoyou，Ihaveseeninthecourtyardapilgrim，whosqueezedmeverytight。“
“Ah！”criedthechatelaine，hurryingtowardsoneoftheservantswhohadchargeoftheyoungcountandwatchedoverhispreciousdays，“I
haveforbiddenyouevertoleavemysoninthehandsofstrangers，noteveninthoseoftheholiestmanintheworld。Youquitmyservice。“
“Alas！mylady，“repliedtheoldequerry，quiteovercome，“thisonewishedhimnoharmforheweptwhilekissinghimpassionately。“
“Hewept？”saidshe；“ah！it'sthefather。“
Havingsaidwhich，sheleanedherheadofuponthechairinwhichshewassitting，andwhichyoumaybesurewasthechairinwhichshehassinned。
Hearingthesestrangewordstheladieswassosurprisedthatatfirsttheydidnotperceivethattheseneschal'swidowwasdead，withoutitseverbeenknownifhersuddendeathwascausedbyhersorrowatthedepartureofherlover，who，faithfultohisvow，didnotwishtoseeher，orfromgreatjoyathisreturnandthehopeofgettingtheinterdictremovedwhichtheAbbotofMarmoustiershadplacedupontheirloves。Andtherewasagreatmourningforher，fortheSiredeJallangeslosthisspiritswhenhesawhisladylaidintheground，andbecameamonkofMarmoustiers，whichatthattimewascalledbysomeMaimoustier，asmuchastosayMaiusMonasterium，thelargestmonastery，anditwasindeedthefinestinallFrance。
THEKING'SSWEETHEART
TherelivedatthistimeattheforgesofthePont-aux-Change，agoldsmithwhosedaughterwastalkedaboutinParisonaccountofhergreatbeauty，andrenownedaboveallthingsforherexceedinggracefulness。Therewerethosewhosoughtherfavoursbytheusualtricksofloveand，butothersofferedlargesumsofmoneytothefathertogivethemhisdaughterinlawfulwedlock，thewhichpleasedhimnotalittle。
Oneofhisneighbours，aparliamentaryadvocate，whobysellinghiscunningdevicestothepublichadacquiredasmanylandsasadoghasfleas，tookitintohisheadtoofferthesaidfatheradomaininconsiderationofhisconsenttothismarriage，whichheardentlydesiredtoundertake。Tothisarrangementourgoldsmithwasnothingloth。Hebargainedawayhisdaughter，withouttakingintoconsiderationthefactthatherpatched-upoldsuitorhadthefeaturesofanapeandhadscarcelyatoothinhisjaws。Thesmellwhichemanatedfromhismouthdidnothoweverdisturbhisownnostrils，althoughhewasfilthyandhighflavoured，asareallthosewhopasstheirlivesamidthesmokeofchimneys，yellowparchment，andotherblackproceedings。Immediatelythissweetgirlsawhimsheexclaimed，“GreatHeaven！Iwouldrathernothavehim。“
“Thatconcernsmenot，“saidthefather，whohadtakenaviolentfancytotheproffereddomain。“Igivehimtoyouforahusband。Youmustgetonaswellasyoucantogether。Thatishisbusinessnow，andhisdutyistomakehimselfagreeabletoyou。“
“Isitso？”saidshe。“Wellthen，beforeIobeyyourordersI'lllethimknowwhathemayexpect。“
Andthesameevening，aftersupper，whenthelove-sickmanoflawwaspleadinghiscause，tellingherhewasmadforher，andpromisingheralifeofeaseandluxury，shetakinghimup，quicklyremarked——
“Myfatherhadsoldmetoyou，butifyoutakeme，youwillmakeabadbargain，seeingthatIwouldratheroffermyselftothepassers-bythantoyou。Ipromiseyouadisloyaltythatwillonlyfinishwithdeath——yoursormine。“
Thenshebegantoweep，likeallyoungmaidenswillbeforetheybecomeexperienced，forafterwardstheynevercrywiththeireyes。Thegoodadvocatetookthisstrangebehaviourforoneofthoseartificesbywhichthewomenseektofantheflamesofloveandturnthedevotionoftheiradmirersintothemoretendercaressandmoredaringosculationthatspeaksahusband'sright。Sothattheknavetooklittlenoticeofit，butlaughingatthecomplaintsofthecharmingcreature，askedhertofixtheday。
“To-morrow，“repliedshe，“forthesoonerthisodiousmarriagetakesplace，thesoonerIshallbefreetohavegallantsandtoleadthegaylifeofthosewholovewhereitpleasesthem。“
Thereuponthefoolishfellow——asfirmlyfixedasaflyinagluepot——
wentaway，madehispreparations，spokeatthePalace，rantotheHighCourt，boughtdispensations，andconductedhispurchasemorequicklythanheeverdoneonebefore，thinkingonlyofthelovelygirl。
Meanwhiletheking，whohadjustreturnedfromajourney，heardnothingspokenofatcourtbutthemarvellousbeautyofthejeweller'sdaughterwhohadrefusedathousandcrownsfromthisone，snubbedthatone；infact，wouldyieldtonoone，butturneduphernoseatthefinestyoungmenofthecity，gentlemenwhowouldhaveforfeitedtheirseatinparadiseonlytopossessoneday，thislittledragonofvirtue。
Thegoodking，wasajudgeofsuchgame，strolledintothetown，pasttheforges，andenteredthegoldsmith'sshop，forthepurposeofbuyingjewelsfortheladyofhisheart，butatthesametimetobargainforthemostpreciousjewelintheshop。Thekingnottakingafancytothejewels，ortheynotbeingtohistaste，thegoodmanlookedinasecretdrawerforabigwhitediamond。
“Sweetheart，“saidhe，tothedaughter，whileherfather'snosewasburiedinthedrawer，“sweetheart，youwerenotmadetosellpreciousstones，buttoreceivethem，andifyouweretogivemeallthelittleringsintheplacetochoosefrom，Iknowonethatmanyherearemadfor；thatpleasesme；towhichIshouldeverbesubjectandservant；
andwhosepricethewholekingdomofFrancecouldneverpay。“
“Ah！，sire！”repliedthemaid，“Ishallbemarriedto-morrow，butifyouwilllendmethedaggerthatisinyourbelt，Iwilldefendmyhonour，andyoushalltakeit，thatthegospelmadebeobservedwhereinitsays，'RenderuntoCaesarthethingswhichbeCaesar's'……“
Immediatelythekinggaveherthelittledagger，andherbravereplyrenderedhimsoamorousthathelosthisappetite。Hehadanapartmentprepared，intendingtolodgehisnewlady-loveintheRueal'Hirundelle，inoneofhispalaces。
Andnowbeholdmyadvocate，inagreathurrytogetmarried，tothedisgustofhisrivals，theleadinghisbridetothealtartotheclangofbellsandthesoundofmusic，sotimedastoprovokethequalmsofdiarrhoea。Intheevening，aftertheball，comesheintothenuptialchamber，whereshouldbereposinghislovelybride。Nolongerisshealovelybride——butafury——awildshe-devil，who，seatedinanarmchair，refuseshershareofherlord'scouch，andsitsdefiantlybeforethefirewarmingatthesametimeherireandhercalves。Thegoodhusband，quiteastonished，kneelsdowngentlybeforeher，invitinghertothefirstpassageofarmsinthatcharmingbattlewhichheraldsafirstnightoflove；butsheuttersnotaword，andwhenhetriestoraisehergarment，onlyjusttoglanceatthecharmsthathavecosthimsodear，shegiveshimaslapthatmakeshisbonesrattle，andrefusestoutterasyllable。
Thisamusement，however，bynomeansdispleasedourfriendtheadvocate，whosawattheendofhistroublesthatwhichyoucanaswellimagineashedid；soplayedhehisshareofthegamemanfully，takingcheerfullythepunishmentbestoweduponhim。Bysomuchhustlingabout，scuffling，andstrugglinghemanagedatlasttotearawayasleeve，toslitapetticoat，untilhewasabletoplacehishanduponhisownproperty。ThisboldendeavourbroughtMadametoherfeetanddrawingtheking'sdagger，“Whatwouldyouwithme？”shecried。
“Everything，“answeredhe。
“Ha！Ishouldbeagreatfooltogivemyselfagainstmyinclination！
Ifyoufanciedyouwouldfindmyvirtueunarmedyoumadeagreaterror。Beholdtheponiardoftheking，withwhichIwillkillyouifyoumakethesemblanceofasteptowardsme。“
Sosaying，shetookacinder，andhavingstillhereyesuponherlordshedrewacircleonthefloor，adding，“Thesearetheconfinesoftheking'sdomain。Bewarehowyoupassthem。“
Theadvocate，withwhoseideasoflove-makingthedaggersadlyinterfered，stoodquitediscomfited，butatthesametimeheheardthecruelspeechofhistormentorhecaughtsightthroughtheslitsandtearsinherrobeofasweetsampleofaplumpwhitethigh，andsuchvoluptuousspecimensofhiddenmysteries，etcetera，thatdeathseemedsweettohimifhecouldonlytasteofthemalittle。Sothatherushedwithinthedomainoftheking，saying，“Imindnotdeath。“Infacthecamewithsuchforcethathischarmerfellbackwardsontothebed，butkeepingherpresenceofmindshedefendedherselfsogallantlythattheadvocateenjoyednofurtheradvantagethanaknockatthedoorthatwouldnotadmithim，andhegainedaswellalittlestabfromtheponiardwhichdidnotwoundhimdeeply，sothatitdidnotcosthimverydearly，hisattackupontherealmofhissovereign。
Butmaddenedwiththisslightadvantage，hecried，“Icannotlivewithoutthepossessionofthatlovelybody，andthosemarvelsoflove。
Killmethen！”Andagainheattackedtheroyalpreserves。Theyoungbeauty，whoseheadwasfulloftheking，wasnoteventouchedbythisgreatlove，saidgravely，“Ifyoumenacemefurther，itisnotyoubutmyselfIwillkill。“Sheglaredathimsosavagelythatthepoormanwasquiteterrified，andcommencedtodeploretheevilhourinwhichhehadtakenhertowife，andthusthenightwhichshouldhavebeensojoyous，waspassedintears，lamentations，prayers，andejaculations。
Invainhetemptedherwithpromises；sheshouldeatoutofgold，sheshouldbeagreatlady，hewouldbuyhousesandlandsforher。Oh！ifshewouldonlylethimbreakonelancewithherinthesweetconflictoflove，hewouldleaveherforeverandpasstheremainderofhislifeaccordingtoherfantasy。Butshe，stillunyielding，saidshewouldpermithimtodie，andthatwastheonlythinghecoulddotopleaseher。
“Ihavenotdeceivedyou，“saidshe。“Agreeabletomypromise，Ishallgivemyselftotheking，makingyouapresentofthepeddler，chancepassers，andstreetloungerswithwhomIthreatenedyou。“
Whenthedaybrokesheputonherweddinggarmentsandwaitedpatientlytillthepoorhusbandhadtodeparttohisofficeclient'sbusiness，andthenranoutintothetowntoseektheking。Butshehadnotgoneabow-shotfromthehousebeforeoneoftheking'sservantswhohadwatchedthehousefromdawn，stoppedherwiththequestion——
“Doyouseektheking？”
“Yes，“saidshe。
“Good；thenallowmetobeyourgoodfriend，“saidthesubtlecourtier。“Iaskyouraidandprotection，asnowIgiveyoumine。“
Withthathetoldherwhatsortofamanthekingwas，whichwashisweakside，thathewaspassionateonedayandsilentthenext，thatshewouldluxuriouslylodgedandwellkept，butthatshemustkeepthekingwellinhand；inshort，hechattedsopleasantlythatthetimepassedquicklyuntilshefoundherselfintheHoteldel'HirundellewhereafterwardslivedMadamed'Estampes。Thepoorhusbandshedscaldingtears，whenhefoundhislittlebirdhadflown，andbecamemelancholyandpensive。HisfriendsandneighboursedifiedhisearswithasmanytauntsandjeersasSaintJacqueshadthehonourofreceivinginCompostella，butthepoorfellowtookitsotoheart，thatatlasttheytriedrathertoassuagehisgrief。Theseartfulcompeersbyaspeciesoflegalchicanery，decreedthatthegoodmanwasnotacuckold，seeingthathiswifehadrefusedaconsummation，andiftheplanterofhornshadbeenanyonebuttheking，thesaidmarriagemighthavebeendissolved；buttheamorousspousewaswretcheduntodeathatmylady'strick。However，helefthertotheking，determiningonedaytohavehertohimself，andthinkingthatalife-longshamewouldnotbetoodearapaymentforanightwithher。
Onemustlovewelltolovelikethat，eh？andtherearemanyworldlyones，whomockatsuchaffection。Buthe，stillthinkingofher，neglectedhiscasesandhisclients，hisrobberiesandeverything。Hewenttothepalacelikeamisersearchingforalostsixpence，boweddown，melancholy，andabsent-minded，somuchso，thatonedayherelievedhimselfagainsttherobeofacounsellor，believingallthewhilehestoodagainstawall。Meanwhilethebeautifulgirlwaslovednightanddaybytheking，whocouldnottearhimselffromherembraces，becauseinamorousplayshewassoexcellent，knowingaswellhowtofantheflameofloveastoextinguishit——to-daysnubbinghim，to-morrowpettinghim，neverthesame，andwithitathousandlittletrickstocharmtheardentlover。
AlordofBridorekilledhimselfthroughher，becauseshewouldnotreceivehisembraces，althoughheofferedherhisland，BridoreinTouraine。OfthesegallantsofTouraine，whogaveanestateforonetiltwithlove'slance，therearenoneleft。Thisdeathmadethefaironesad，andsinceherconfessorlaidtheblameofituponher，shedeterminedforthefuturetoacceptalldomainsandsecretlyeasetheirowner'samorouspainsforthebettersavingoftheirsoulsfromperdition。'Twasthusshecommencedtobuildupthatgreatfortunewhichmadeherapersonofconsiderationinthetown。Bythismeansshepreventedmanygallantgentlemenfromperishing，playinghergamesowell，andinventingsuchfinestories，thathisMajestylittleguessedhowmuchsheaidedhiminsecuringthehappinessofhissubjects。Thefactis，shehassuchaholdoverhimthatshecouldhavemadehimbelievethefloorwastheceiling，whichwasperhapseasierforhimtothinkthananyoneelseseeingthatattheRued'Hirundellemylordkingpassedthegreaterportionofhistimeembracingheralwaysasthoughhewouldseeifsuchalovelyarticlewouldwearaway：butheworehimselfoutfirst，poorman，seeingthatheeventuallydiedfromexcessoflove。Althoughshetookcaretograntherfavoursonlytothebestandnoblestinthecourt，andthatsuchoccasionswererareasmiracles，therewerenotwantingthoseamongherenemiesandrivalswhodeclaredthatfor10，000crownsasimplegentlemanmighttastethepleasuresofhissovereign，whichwasfalseaboveallfalseness，forwhenherlordtaxedherwithit，didshenotreply，“Abominablewretches！Cursethedevilswhoputthisideainyourhead！Ineveryetdidhavemanwhospentlessthan30，000
crownsuponme。“
Theking，althoughvexedcouldnotrepressasmile，andkeptheronamonthtosilencescandal。Andlast，lademoiselledePisseleu，anxioustoobtainherplace，broughtaboutherruin。Manywouldhavelikedtoberuinedinthesameway，seeingshewastakenbyayounglord，washappywithhim，thefiresofloveinherbeingstillunquenched。Buttotakeupthethreadagain。Onedaythattheking'ssweetheartwaspassingthroughthetowninherlittertobuylaces，furs，velvets，broideries，andotherammunition，andsocharminglyattired，andlookingsolovely，thatanyone，especiallytheclerks，wouldhavebelievedtheheavenswereopenabovethem，behold，hergoodman，whocomesuponherneartheoldcross。She，atthattimelazilyswinginghercharminglittlefootoverthesideofthelitter，drewinherheadasthoughshehadseenanadder。Shewasagoodwife，forIknowsomewhowouldhaveproudlypassedtheirhusbands，totheirshameandtothegreatdisrespectofconjugalrights。
“Whatisthematter？”askedoneM。deLannoy，whohumblyaccompaniedher。
“Nothing，“shewhispered；“butthatpersonismyhusband。Poorman，howchangedhelooks。Formerlyhewasthepictureofamonkey；todayheistheveryimageofaJob。“
Thepooradvocatestoodopened-mouthed。Hisheartbeatrapidlyatthesightofthatlittlefoot——ofthatwifesowildlyloved。
Observingwhich，theSiredeLannoysaidtohim，withcourtlyinnocence——
“Ifyouareherhusband，isthatanyreasonyoushouldstopherpassage？”
Atthissheburstoutlaughing，andthegoodhusbandinsteadofkillingherbravely，shedscaldingtearsatthatlaughwhichpiercedhisheart，hissoul，hiseverything，somuchthathenearlytumbledoveranoldcitizenwhomthesightoftheking'ssweethearthaddrivenagainstthewall。Theaspectofthisweakflower，whichhadbeenhisinthebud，butfarfromhimhadspreaditslovelyleaves；ofthefairyfigure，thevoluptuousbust——allthismadethepooradvocatemorewretchedandmoremadforherthanitispossibletoexpressinwords。Youmusthavebeenmadlyinlovewithawomanwhorefusesyouradvancesthoroughlytounderstandtheagonyofthisunhappyman。Rareindeedisittobesoinfatuatedashewas。Hesworethatlife，fortune，honour——allmightgo，butthatforonceatleasthewouldbeflesh-to-fleshwithher，andmakesograndarepastoffherdaintybodyaswouldsufficehimallhislife。Hepassedthenightsaying，“ohyes；ah！I'llhaveher！”and“CursesamInotherhusband？”and“Deviltakeme，“strikinghimselfontheforeheadandtossingabout。
Therearechancesandoccasionswhichoccursoopportunelyinthisworldthatlittle-mindedmenrefusethemcredence，sayingtheyaresupernatural，butmenofhighintellectknowthemtobetruebecausetheycouldnotbeinvented。Oneofthechancescametothepooradvocate，eventhedayafterthatterribleonewhichhadbeensosoreatrialtohim。Oneofhisclients，amanofgoodrenown，whohadhisaudienceswiththeking，cameonemorningtotheadvocate，sayingthatherequiredimmediatelyalargesumofmoney，about12，000crowns。Towhichtheartfulfellowreplied，12，000crownswerenotsooftenmetatthecornerofastreetasthatwhichoftenisseenatthecornerofthestreet；thatbesidesthesuretiesandguaranteesofinterest，itwasnecessarytofindamanwhohadabouthim12，000crowns，andthatthosegentlemenwerenotnumerousinParis，bigcityasitwas，andvariousotherthingsofalikecharacterthemanofcunningremarked。
“Isittrue，mylord，theyouhaveahungryandrelentlesscreditor？”
saidhe。
“Yes，yes，“repliedtheother，“itconcernsthemistressoftheking。
Don'tbreatheasyllable；butthisevening，inconsiderationof20，000
crownsandmydomainofBrie，Ishalltakehermeasure。“
Uponthistheadvocateblanched，andthecourtierperceivedhetouchedatenderpoint。Ashehadonlylatelyreturnedfromthewars，hedidnotknowthatthelovelywomanadoredbythekinghadahusband。
“Youappearill，“hesaid。
“Ihaveafever，“repliedtheknave。“Butisittoherthatyougivethecontractandthemoney？”
“Yes。“
“Whothenmanagesthebargain？Isitshealso？”
“No，“saidthenoble；“herlittlearrangementsareconcludedthroughaservantofhers，thecleverestlittleladies'-maidthateverwas。
She'ssharperthanmustard，andthesenightsstolenfromthekinghavelinedherpocketswell。“
“IknowaLombardwhowouldaccommodateyou。Butnothingcanbedone；
ofthe12，000crownsyoushallnothaveabrassfarthingifthissameladies'-maiddoesnotcomeheretotakethepriceofthearticlethatissogreatanalchemistthatturnsbloodintogold，byHeaven！”
“Itwillbeagoodtricktomakehersignthereceipt，“repliedthelord，laughing。
Theservantcamefaithfullytotherendezvouswiththeadvocate，whohadbeggedthelordtobringher。Theducatslookedbrightandbeautiful。Theretheylayallinarow，likenunsgoingtovespers。
Spreadoutuponthetabletheywouldhavemadeadonkeysmile，evenifhewerebeingguttedalive；solovely，sosplendid，werethosebravenobleyoungpiles。Thegoodadvocate，however，hadpreparedthisviewfornoass，forthelittlehandmaidenlooklonginglyatthegoldenheap，andmutteredaprayeratthesightofthem。Seeingwhich，thehusbandwhisperedinherearhisgoldenwords，“Theseareforyou。“
“Ah！”saidshe；“Ihaveneverbeensowellpaid。“
“Mydear，“repliedthedearman，“youshallhavethemwithoutbeingtroubledwithme；“andturningherround，“YourclienthasnottoldyouwhoIam，eh？No？Learnthen，Iamthehusbandoftheladywhomthekinghasdebauched，andwhomyouserve。Carryherthesecrowns，andcomebackhere。Iwillhandoveryourstoyouonaconditionwhichwillbetoyourtaste。“
Theservantdidasshewasbidden，andbeingverycurioustoknowhowshecouldget12，000crownswithoutsleepingwiththeadvocate，wasverysoonbackagain。
“Now，mylittleone，“saidhe，“hereare12，000crowns。WiththissumIcouldbuylands，men，women，andtheconscienceofthreepriestsatleast；sothatIbelieveifIgiveittoyouIcanhaveyou，body，soul，andtoenails。AndIshallhavefaithinyoulikeanadvocate，I
expectthatyouwillgotothelordwhoexpectstopassthenightwithmywife，andyouwilldeceivehim，bytellinghimthatthekingiscomingtosupperwithher，andthatto-nighthemustseekhislittleamusementselsewhere。BysodoingIshallbeabletotakehisplaceandtheking's。“
“Buthow？”saidshe。
“Oh！”repliedhe；“Ihaveboughtyou，youandyourtricks。Youwon'thavetolookatthesecrownstwicewithoutfindingmeawaytohavemywife。Inbringingthisconjunctionaboutyoucommitnosin。Itisaworkofpietytobringtogethertwopeoplewhosehandsonlybeenputoneintotheother，andthatbythepriest。“
“Bymyfaith，come，“saidshe；“aftersupperthelightswillbeputout，andyoucanenjoyMadameifyouremainsilent。Luckily，onthesejoyfuloccasionsshecriesmorethanshespeaks，andasksquestionswithherhandsalone，forsheisverymodest，anddoesnotlikeloosejokes，liketheladiesoftheCourt。“
“Oh，“criedtheadvocate，“look，takethe12，000crowns，andIpromiseyoutwiceasmuchmoreifIgetbyfraudthatwhichbelongstomebyright。“
Thenhearrangedthehour，thedoor，thesignal，andall；andtheservantwentaway，bearingwithheronthebackofthemulesthegoldentreasurewrungbyfraudandtrickeryfromthewidowandtheorphan，andtheywereallgoingtothatplacewhereeverythinggoes——saveourlives，whichcomefromit。Nowbeholdmyadvocate，whoshaveshimself，scentshimself，goeswithoutonionsfordinnerthathisbreathmaybesweet，anddoeseverythingtomakehimselfaspresentableasagallantsignor。Hegiveshimselftheairsofayoungdandy，triestobelitheandfriskyandtodisguisehisuglyface；hemighttryallheknew，healwayssmeltofthemustylawyer。HewasnotsocleverastheprettywasherwomanofPortillonwhoonedaywishingtoappearatherbestbeforeoneofherlovers，gotridofadisagreeableodourinamannerwellknowntoyoungwomenofaninventiveturnofmind。Butourcraftyfellowfanciedhimselfthenicestmanintheworld，althoughinspiteofhisdrugsandperfumeshewasreallythenastiest。Hedressedhimselfinhisthinnestclothesalthoughthecoldpinchedhimlikearopecollarandsalliedforth，quicklygainingtheRued'Hirundelle。Therehehadtowaitsometime。
Butjustashewasbeginningtothinkhehadbeenmadeafoolof，andjustasitwasquitedark，themaidcamedownandopenedalikethedoortohimandgoodhusbandslippedgleefullyintotheking'sapartment。Thegirllockedhimcarefullyinacupboardthatwasclosetohiswife'sbed，andthroughacrackhefeastedhiseyesuponherbeauty，forsheundressedherselfbeforethefire，andputonathinnightgown，throughwhichhercharmswereplainlyvisible。Believingherselfalonewithhermaidshemadethoselittlejokesthatwomenwillwhenundressing。“AmInotworth20，000crownsto-night？IsthatoverpaidwithacastleinBrie？”
Andsayingthisshegentlyraisedtwowhitesupports，firmasrocks，whichhadwellsustainedmanyassaults，seeingtheyhadbeenfuriouslyattackedandhadnotsoftened。“Myshouldersaloneareworthakingdom；nokingcouldmaketheirequal。ButIamtiredofthislife。
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