TableofContentsACatCanDoMorethanLookatAKingSurvivingEvilsoftheReignofTerrorTheRogue’sGalleryofaFatherShouldbeExhibitedtoaDaughterwithParticularCare"ButSpareYourCountry’sFlag"
NeronottheLastViolinistofhisKindTheEverUnpracticalFeminineTheComedianATaleofaPoliticalDifferenceTheRuleoftheRegentEchoesofaSerenadeAVoiceinaGardenTheRoomintheCupolaTheTocsinTheFirmofGrayandVanrevelWhenJuneCame"ThoseEndearingYoungCharms"
ThePriceofSilenceTheUniformTheFlagGoesMarchingBy"Good-by"
CHAPTERI
ACatCanDoMorethanLookataKingItwaslongagointhedayswhenmensighedwhentheyfellinlove；whenpeopledancedbycandleandlamp，anddiddance，too，insteadofsolemnlyglidingabout；inthatmellowtimesolongago，whentheyoungwereromanticandsummerwasrosesandwine，oldCarewebroughthislovelydaughterhomefromtheconventtowrecktheheartsoftheyouthofRouen。
Thatwasnotafarjourney；onlyanafternoon’sdrivethroughthewoodsandbytheriver，inanApril，longago；MissBetty’sharpcarefullystrappedbehindthegreatlumberingcarriage，herguitaronthefrontseat，half-buriedunderamoundofbouquetsandoddlyshapedlittlebundles，farewellgiftsofhercomradesandthegoodSisters。Inherlefthandsheclutchedasmalllacehandkerchief，withwhichshenowandthentouchedhereyes，brimmedwiththepartingfromSisterCecilia，SisterMaryBazilede，theoldstonestepsandallthegirls：butforeverytimethatsheliftedthedaintykerchieftobrushawaytheedgeofatear，shetookadeepbreathoftheWesternwoodlandairandsmiledatleasttwice；
fortheyearsofstrictinclosurewithinSt。Mary’swallsandstillgardenswerefinishedanddonewith，andatlastthemany-coloredworldflashedanddancedinamysterybeforeher。Thismysterywasbrillianttotheconvent-girlbecauseitcontainedmen；shewaseagertobeholdit。
Theyrumbledintotownaftersunset，inthefairtwilight，thedogsbarkingbeforethem，andeveryonewouldhavebeensurprisedtoknowthatTomVanrevel，insteadofMr。CraileyGray，wasthefirsttoseeher。Bythemerestaccident，TomwasstrollingneartheCareweplaceatthetime；
andwhenthecarriageswungintothegates，withrattleandclinkandcloudsofdustatthefinish，itwasnottoosoonlostbehindtheshrubberyandtreesforTomtocatchsomethingmorethanaglimpseofagrayskirtbehindamoundofflowers，andofacharmingfacewithpartedlipsanddarkeyesbeneaththescuttleofanenormousbonnet。Ithappened——perhapsitismoreaccuratetosaythatTomthoughtithappened——
thatshewasjustclearingawayherveilwhenheturnedtolook。Sheblushedsuddenly，somuchwasnottobemistaken；andtheeyesthatmethiswereremarkableforotherreasonsthanthesheerlovelinessofthem，inthat，evenintheoneflashofthemhecaught，theymeantsomanythingsatonetime。Theyweresparkling，yetmournful；andtheywerewistful，althoughundeniablylivelywiththegayestcomprehensionoftherecipientoftheirglance，seemingtosay，"Oh，it’syou，youngman，isit！"Andtheywereshyandmysteriouswithyouth，fullofthatwonderattheworldwhichhastheappearance，sometimes，ofwisdomgatheredintheunknownoutofwhichwecame。But，aboveall，theseeyeswerefullyconsciousofTomVanrevel。
Withoutrealizingwhathedid，Mr。Vanrevelstoppedshort。Hehadbeenswingingawalkingstick，which，describingabriefarc，remainedpoisedhalf-wayinitsdescent。Therewasonlythatoneglancebetweenthem；andthecarriagedisappeared，leavingascentofspringflowersintheair。
Theyoungmanwasleftstandingonthewoodenpavementinthemidstofagreatloneliness，yetenvelopedintheafterglow，hissoulroseate，hisbeingquavering，hisexpression，likehiscane，instantaneouslyarrested。
Withsuchpromptitudeandfinishwashedisposedof，that，hadMissCarewebeenawareofhisnameandtheconditionwroughtinhimbythesinglestroke，shecouldhavesoughtonlytheterseRichardofEnglandforalikeexecutiveability，"Offwithhishead！SomuchforVanrevel！"
Shehadliftedaslenderhandtotheflutteringveil，ahandinawhiteglovewithasmalllacegauntletatthewrist。Thisgesturewasthefinaldivinityoftheradiantvisionwhichremainedwiththedazedyoungmanashewentdownthestreet；anditmayhavebeenthree-quartersofanhourlaterwhenthebackgroundofthepicturebecamevividtohim：acarefullydressedgentlemanwithheavybrowsandahandsomehighnose，whosatstifflyuprightbesidethegirl，hisverybrighteyesquiteasconsciousofthestrickenpedestrianaswerehers，vastlydifferent，however，inthis：thattheyglittered，nay，almostbristled，withhostility；whileeverypolishedbuttonofhisbluecoatseemedtoreflecttheirmalignancy，andtodartlittleechoingshaftsofvenomatMr。Vanrevel。
Tomwasdismayedbytheacutenessofhisperceptionthatamanwhodoesnotspeaktoyouhasnorighttohaveadaughterliketheladyinthecarriage；and，themomentofthisrealizationoccurringashesatmakingapoorpretencetoeathiseveningmealatthe"RouenHouse，"hedroppedhisforkrattlinguponhisplateandleanedback，staringatnothing，aproceedingofwhichhistable-mate，Mr。WilliamCummings，theeditoroftheRouenJournal，wastoobusyoverhisriverbasstotakenote。
"Haveyouheardwhat’snewintown？"askedCummingspresently，lookingup。
"No，"saidTomtruthfully，forhehadseenwhatwasnew，butnotheardit。
"OldCarewe’sbroughthisdaughterhome。FanchonBareaudwaswithheratSt。Mary’suntillastyearandFanchonsaysshe’snotonlyagreatbeautybutagreatdear。"
"Ah！"rejoinedtheotherwithmasterlyindifference。"Daresay——daresay。"
"Nowonderyou’renotinterested，"saidCummingscheerfully，returningtothediscussionofhisbass。"Theoldvillainwilltakepreciousgoodcareyoudon’tcomenearher。"
Mr。Vanrevelalreadypossessedaprofoundconvictiontothesameeffect。
RobertMeilhacCarewewasknownnotonlyasthewealthiestcitizenofRouen，butalsoasitsheartiestandmoststeadfasthater：and，althoughtherewereonlyfiveorsixthousandinhabitants，neitherwasasmalldistinction。ForRouenwasranked，inthoseeasydays，asawealthytown；
evenasitwascalledanoldtown；proudofitsageanditsriches，andbitterinitspolitics，ofcourse。TheFrenchhadbuiltafortthere，soonafterLaSalle’slastvoyage，and，asCraileyGraysaid，hadsettledtheplace，andhadthenbeensettledthemselvesbythepioneermilitia。
AftertheRevolution，CaroliniansandVirginianshadcome，bywayofTennesseeandKentucky；whiletheadventurouscountrymenfromConnecticut，travellingthithertosell，remainedtobuy——andthensell——whenthecountrywasinitsteens。Incourseoftimethelittletrading-postoftheNorthwestTerritoryhadgrowntobetheleadingcentreofeleganceandcultureintheOhioValley——atleasttheysaidsoinRouen；onlyafewpeopleinthecountry，suchasMr。IrvingofTarrytown，forinstance，questioningwhetheracentrecouldlead。
Thepivotalfigure，thoughperhapsnottheheart，ofthiscentre，wasunquestionablyMr。Carewe，andabouthimtheneatandtightaristocracyoftheplacerevolved；theoldFrenchremnant，havingliberallyintermarried，formingthenucleus，togetherwithdescendantsoftheCavaliers（andthosewhosaidtheywere）andtheindustriousYankees，byvirtue（ifnotbythevirtues）ofallwhom，thetowngrewandprospered。RobertCarewewasRouen’smagnate，commerciallyandsocially，and，untilanupstartyounglawyernamedVanrevelstruckintohispowerwithabroad-axe，politically。
ThewharveswereCarewe’s；thewarehousesthatstoodbytheriver，andthelineofpacketswhichplieduponit，werehis；halfthetownwashis，andinRouenthismeantthathewaspossessedoftheMiddleJustice，theHighandtheLow。HismotherwasaFrenchwoman，and，inthosedays，whentogoabroadwasaponderousandventuresomeundertaking，thefactthathehadspentmostofhisyouthintheFrenchcapitalwroughtacertainglamourabouthim；fortotheAmerican，PariswasEurope，anditlayshimmeringonthefarhorizonofeveryimagination，agoldencity。Scarceadrawing-
roominRouenlackeditsfearsomeengravingentitled"GrandBallattheTuileries，"norwasGodey’sMagazineevermorepopularthanwhenitcontainedarticleselaborateofsimilarscenesoffestallight，wherebrilliantuniformsmingledwithshiningjewels，fairlocks，andthewhiteshouldersofmagnificentlydressedduchesses，countesses，andladies。
Creditforthisdescriptionshouldbegivenentirelytotheabove-
mentionedperiodical。Furthermore，asojourninPariswasheldtoconfera"certainnamelessandindescribablepolish"uponthemannersofthevisitor；also，therewassomethingcalled"anairofforeigntravel。"
Theytalkedagreatdealaboutpolishinthosedays；andsomeexamplesstillextantdonotdenytheirjustification；butinthecaseofMr。
Carewe，thereexistedacitizenofRouen，onealreadyquoted，whohadthetemeritytodeclarethepolishtobeintruthquitenamelessandindescribableforthereasonthatonecannotpaintavacuum。However，subscriptiontothisopinionshouldnotbeover-hasty，sinceMr。CraileyGrayhadbeennotoriouslyarivalofCarewe’switheveryprettywomanintown，bothhavingthesameeyeinsuchmatters，andalsobecausetheslanderedgentlemancouldassumeamannerwhenhechoseto，whetherornothepossessedit。Athisowntableheexhaledahospitablegraciousnesswhich，fromamanofknowneviltemper，carriedthewinsomenessofsurprise。Whenhewooed，itwaswithanairofstatelydevotion，combinedwiththatknowingnesswhichsometimesoffsetsforawidowerthetendencyagirlhastogiggleathim；andthecombinationhadbeen，onceortwice，toomuchforeventhealluringCrailey。
Mr。Carewelivedinanold-fashionedhouseonthebroad，quiet，shadystreetwhichborehisname。Therewasawidelawninfront，shadowyunderelmandlocusttrees，andboundedbythickshrubberies。Alonggarden，fairwithrosesandhollyhocks，layoutsidethelibrarywindows，anold-
timegarden，withfinegravelpathsandgreenarbors；drowsedoverinsummer-timebythebees，whileoverheadthelocustraspedhisrustycadencesthelivelongday；andafarawaysoundinglove-notefromthehighbranchesbroughttomindtheline，likeanoldrefrain：
"Thevoiceoftheturtlewasheardintheland。"
Betweenthegardenandthecarriagegatestherewasafountainwhereabronzeboywiththedropsy（butnotmindingit）livedinaperpetualbathfromagreengobletheldoverhishead。Nearby，astonesun-dialgleamedagainstaclumpoflilacbushes；anditwasuponthisspotthatthewhitekittenintroducedThomasVanreveltoMissCarewe。
Uponthemorningafterherarrival，havingfinishedherpiano-fortepractice，touchedherharptwice，andarpeggioedtheSpanishFandangoonherguitar，MissBettyreadtwoparagraphsof"Gilbert"（forshewasprofoundlydeterminedtopursuehertaskswithdiligence），buttheopenwindowsdisclosingaworldallsunshineandgreenleaves，shethrewthebookasidewithagoodconscience，anddancedouttothegarden。There，cominguponafuzzy，whiteballrollingintoitselfspirallyonalazypathway，shepouncedatit，whereuponthethinguncurledwithlightningswiftness，andfled，morelikeastreakthanakitten，downthedrive，throughtheopengatesandintothestreet，MissBettyinfullcry。
Acrossthewaytherechancedtobestrollingayoungladyinblue，accompaniedbyagentlemanwhoseleisurelygaitgavenoindicationofthemaneuveringhehaddonetohastentheirwalkintoitspresentdirection。
Hewasapparentlythirtyorthirty-one，tall，verystraight，dark，smooth-
shaven，hiseyeskeen，deep-set，andthoughtful，andhishighwhitehat，whitesatincravat，andcarefulcollar，wereevidenceofanelaborationoftoiletsomewhatunusualinRouenforthemorning；also，hewascarryingapairofwhiteglovesinhishandanddangledaslenderebonycanefromhiswrist。Theflyingkittenheadedtowardthecouple，when，withacelerityonlytobeaccountedforonthetheorythathiseyehadbeenfixedontheCarewegatewayforsometimeprevioustothissuddenapparition，thegentlemanleapedinfrontofthefugitive。
Thekittenattemptedadodgetopass；thegentlemanwastherebeforeit。
Thekittenfeinted；thegentlemanwasaltogethertoomuchonthespot。
Immediately——andjustasMissCarewe，flushedandglowing，ranintothestreet——thesmallanimaldoubled，evadedMissBetty’sfranticclutch，re-
enteredthegateway，andattemptedadisappearanceintothelilacbushes，insteadofgoingroundthem，onlytofinditself，forafataltwoseconds，indifficultieswiththeclose-setthicketofstems。
Inregardtotheextraordinaryagilityofwhichthepursuinggentlemanascapable，itisenoughtosaythathecaughtthecat。Heemergedfromthelilacsholdingitinonehand，hisglovesandwhitehatintheother，andpresentedhimselfbeforeMissBettywithabreathlessnessnotentirelyattributabletohisexertions。
Foramoment，asshecamerunningtowardhimandhemetherflashinglook，brightwithlaughterandrecognitionandhaste，hestammered。Athrillnothinglessthandelirioussentthebloodupbehindhisbrowncheeks，forhesawthatshe，too，knewthatthiswasthesecondtimetheireyeshadmet。Naturally，atthattimehecouldnotknowhowmanyothergentlemenweretofeelthatsamethrill（intheircases，also，delirious，noless）
withthesame，accompanying，mysteriousfeeling，whichcamejustbeforeMissBetty’slashesfell，thatonehadfound，atlast，apreciousthing，lostlongsinceinchildhood，orleft，perhaps，uponsomeotherplanetinalifetenthousandyearsago。
Hecouldnotspeakatonce，butwhenhecould，"Permitme，madam，"hesaidsolemnly，offeringthecaptive，"torestoreyourkitten。"
Anagitatedkittenshouldnotbedetainedbyclaspingitswaist，andalreadytheconquerorwaspayingforhisvictory。Thereensuedafinal，outrageoussquirmofdespair；twofranticclaws，extended，drewonelongredmarkacrossthestranger’swristandanotherdownthebackofhishandtotheknuckles。Theyweregood，heartyscratches，andthebloodfollowedtheartist’slinesrapidly；butofthistheyoungmantooknonote，forheknewthatbewasabouttohearMissCarewe’svoiceforthefirsttime。
"Theysaythebestwaytoholdthem，"heobserved，"isbythescruffoftheneck。"
Beholdinghiswounds，sufferedinhercause，shegaveapityingcrythatmadehisheartleapwiththerichnessandsweetnessofit。Catchingthekittenfromhim，shedroppedittothegroundinsuchwiseastoprovenature’sforesightmostkindincushioningthefeetofcats。
"Ah！Ididn’twantitthatmuch！"
"Acatinthehandisworthtwonightingalesinthebush，"hesaidboldly，andlaughed。"Iwouldshedmorebloodthanthat！"
MissBettyblushedlikeasoutherndawn，andstartedbackfromhim。Fromtheconventbutyesterday——andshehadtakenaman’shandinbothofhers！
Itwastothistableauthattheladyinblueentered，followingthehuntthroughthegates，whereshestoppedwithadiscomposedcountenance。Atonce，however，sheadvanced，andwithacryofgreeting，envelopedMissBettyinabriefembrace，tothereliefofthelatter’sconfusion。ItwasFanchonBareaud，nowtwoyearsemancipatedfromSt。Mary’s，andfargoneintaffeta。Withherlustrefullighthair，absentblueeyes，andhergentlevoice，assmallandprettyasherfaceandfigure，itwasnottoodifficulttojustifyCraileyGray’scharacterizationofherasoneofthosewinsomebaggageswhohadmadeanairoffemininehelplessnessthefashionoftheday。
Itisawickedthingthatsomewomenshouldkisswhenamanisby；inthepresentinstancethegentlemanbecamesomewhatfaint。
"I’msoglad——glad！"exclaimedBetty。"Youwerejustcomingtoseeme，weren’tyou？Myfatherisinthelibrary。Letme——"
MissBareauddrewback。"No，no！"sheinterruptedhastilyandwithevidentperturbation。"I——wemustbeonourwayimmediately。"Shethrewaglanceatthegentleman，whichlethimknowthatshenowcomprehendedhisgloves，andwhytheirstrollhadtrendedtowardCareweStreet。"Comeatonce！"shecommandedhimquickly，inanundertone。
"Butnowthatyou’rehere，"saidMissBetty，wonderingverymuchwhyhewasnotpresentedtoher，"won’tyouwaitandletmegatheranosegayforyou？Ourpansiesandviolets——"
"Icouldhelp，"thegentlemansuggested，withthelookofalamedogatMissBareaud。"Ihavebeenconsideredusefulaboutagarden。"
"Fool！"BettydidnothearthewordthatcamefromMissBareaud’sclosedteeth，thoughshewasmightilysurprisedatthevisibleagitationofherschoolmate，forthelatter’sfacewaspaleandexcited。AndMissCarewe’samazementwascompletewhenFanchon，withoutmorewords，cavalierlyseizedthegentleman’sarmandmovedtowardthestreetwithhimasrapidlyashisperceptiblereluctancetoleavepermitted。ButatthegateMissBareaudturnedandcalledbackoverhershoulder，asifrememberingthenecessityofofferinganexcuseforsoremarkableaproceeding："Ishallcomeagainverysoon。Justnowweareuponanerrandofgreatimportance。Good-
day！"
MissBettywavedherhand，staringafterthem，hereyeslargewithwonder。
Shecompressedherlipstightly："Errand！"Thiswasthefriendofchildhood’shappyhour，andtheyhadnotmetintwoyears！
"Errand！"Sherantothehedge，alongthetopofwhichahighwhitehatwasnowseenperambulating；shepresseddownaloosebranch，andcalledinatendervoicetothestrangerwhomFanchonhadchosenshouldremainnameless：
"Besuretoputsomesalveonyourhand！"
Hemadeabowwhichjustmissedbeingtoolow，butdidmissit。
"Itisthere——already，"hesaid；and，losinghiscourageafterthebow，madehisspeechwithsopalpableagaspbeforethelastwordthatthedullestpersonintheworldcouldhaveseenthathemeantit。
MissBettydisappeared。
TherewasarigidityofexpressionaboutthegentlemouthofFanchonBareaud，whichhercompaniondidnotenjoy，astheywentontheirway，eachpreservinganuneasysilence，untilatherowndoor，sheturnedsharplyuponhim。"TomVanrevel，Ithoughtyouwerethesteadiest——andnowyou’veprovedyourselfthecraziest——soulinRouen！"sheburstout。
"AndIcouldn’tsayworse！"
"Whydidn’tyoupresentmetoher？"askedVanrevel。
"BecauseIthoughtamanofyourgallantrymightprefernottofaceashotguninthepresenceofladies！"
"Pooh！"
"Pooh！"mimickedMissBareaud。"Youcan`pooh’asmuchasyoulike，butifhehadseenusfromthewindow——"Shecoveredherfacewithherhandsforamoment，thendroppedthemandsmileduponhim。"IunderstandperfectlytowhatIowethepleasureofastrollwithyouthismorning，andyourcasualinsistenceontheshadinessofCareweStreet！"Helaughednervously，buthersmilevanished，andshecontinued，"Keepaway，Tom。
Sheisbeautiful，andatSt。Mary’sIalwaysthoughtshehadspiritandwit，too。IonlyhopeCraileywon’tseeherbeforethewedding！Butitisn’tsafeforyou。Goalong，now，andaskCraileypleasetocomeatthreethisafternoon。"
ThismessagefromMr。Gray’sbetrothedwasnotalltheill-starredTomconveyedtohisfriend。Mr。Vanrevelwasordinarilyesteemedapersonofgreatreserveanddiscretion；neverthelesstherewasonemantowhomhetoldeverything，andfromwhomhehadnosecrets。HespentthenoonhourinfeebleattemptstodescribetoCraileyGraytheoutwardappearanceofMissElizabethCarewe；howsheranlikeayoungDiana；whatonefeltuponhearinghervoice；andhepresentedinhimselfanexampleexhibitingsomethingofthecostoflookinginhereyes。Hisconversationwasmoreorlessincoherent，buttheeffectofitwascomplete。
ChapterII
SurvivingEvilsoftheReignofTerrorDoesthereexistanincredulous，orjealous，denizenofanotherportionofourcountrywho，knowingthattheroominthewoodencupolaoverMr。
Carewe’slibrarywascommonlyalludedtobyRouenasthe"TowerChamber，"
willprovehimselfsosectionallyprejudicedastodenythatthetownwasaveritablehotbedofliteraryinterest，orthatSir`WalterScottwasill-appreciatedthere？Someofthemenlookedsly，andothersgrinned，atmentionofthisapartment；buttheromanticwerenotlackingwhospokeofitinwhispers：howthelightssometimesshonethereallnightlong，andthegentlemendroveaway，whitefaced，inthedawn。Thecupola，risingabovethelibrary，overlookedthegarden；andthehouse，saveforthat，wasofasinglestory，withalowverandarunningthelengthofitsfront。
Thewindowsofthelibraryandofarowofbedrooms——-oneofwhichwasMissBetty’s——linedtheveranda，"steamboatfashion；"theinnerdoorsoftheseroomsallopeninguponalonghailwhichbisectedthehouse。hestairwayleadingtotheroominthecupolarosethelibraryitself，whilethebisectinghailaffordedbeonlyaccesstothelibrary；hence，thegossips，`eliacquaintedwiththegeographyoftheplace，conferredseriouslytogetheruponwhateffectMissBetty’shomecomingwouldhaveinthisconnection：
Dranyonegoingtothestairwaymustneedspassherdoor；and，whatwasmoretothepoint，apartyCgentlemendescendinglatefromthemysteriousgarretmightbenotsoquietastheyintended，andtheyoungladysufficientlydisturbedtoinquireofherfatherwhatentertainmentheprovidedthatshouldkeephisguestsuntilfourinthemorning。
Butatpresentitwaswiththeoppositeendofthehousethatthetownwasoccupied，forthere，workmenwerehammeringandsawingandpaintingdaylong，finishingtheadditionMr。Carewewasbuildingforhisdaughter’sdebut。ThishammeringdisturbedMissBetty，whohadbecomealmostasbusywiththeFrenchRevolutionaswithhermantua-maker。Forshehadfoundinherfather’slibrarymanybooksnotforconvent-shelves；andshehadbecomeaGirondin。
Shefoundmemoirs，histories，andtalesofthatdelectableperiod，thennotsodimwithtimebutthatthefiguresofitweremorethantragicshadows；andforaweektherewasnomealinthathousetowhichshesatdownearlierthanhalfanhourJate。Shehadarightfulproperty-interestintheRevolution，herowngreat-unclehavingbeenoneofthosewho"suffered；"not，however，undertheguillotine；fortoGeorgesMeilhacappertainedtheraredistinctionofdeathbyaccidentonthedaywhenthebusiness-likeyoungBonaparteplayeduponthemobwithhiscannon。
Thereweresomeyellowlettersofthisgreatuncle’sinaboxwhichhadbelongedtohergrandmother，arichdiscoveryforMissBetty，whoreadandre-readthemwitheagerandexcitedeyes，livingmoreinPariswithGeorgesandhisfriendsthaninRouenwithherfather。Indeed，shehadlittleelsetodo。Mr。Carewewasnocomradeforher，byfarthereverse。
Sheseldomsawhim，exceptatthetable，whenhesatwithavertedeyes，andtalkedtoherverylittle；and，whilemakingelaboratepreparationforherintroductiontohisfriends（suchwashisphrase）hetreatedherwithaperfunctorycivilitywhichmadeherwonderifheradventwasaltogetherwelcometohim；batwhenshenoticedthathishairlookeddarkerthanusualabouteveryfourthday，shebegantounderstandWhyheappearedungratefultoherforgrowingup。Hewentoutagreatdeal，thoughnovisitorscametothehouse；foritwasknownthatMr。Carewedesiredtopresenthisdaughtertonooneuntilhepresentedhertoall。FanchonBareaud，indeed，madeonehurriedandembarrassedcall，evadingMissBetty’sreferencetothechevalierofthekittenwithadexteritytoonimbletobethoughtunintentional。MissCarewewasforbiddentoreturnherfriend’svisituntilafterherdebut；andMr。CareweexplainedthattherewasalwayssomeworthlessYoungmenhangingabouttheBareaud’s，where（hedidnotadd）theyinterferedwithaworthyohonewhodesiredtohonorFanchon’soldersister，Virginia，withhisattentions。
ThiswasnogreathardshipforMissBetty，as，sinceplungingintotheRevolutionwithhergreat-uncle，shehadlostsomecuriosityconcerningthemenofto-day，doubtingthattheywouldshowforthasheroic，asdebonnair，gayandtragicashe。Hewasthelegendaryheroofherchildhood；sherememberedhermother’sstoriesofhimperhapsmoreclearlythansherememberedhermother；andoneoftheolderSistershadknownhiminParisandhadtalkedofhimatlength，givingtheflavorofhisdandyismandhisbeautyatfirsthandtohisyoungrelative。Hehadbeenoneofthosehardyyoungmenwearingunbelievablegarments，whobegantoappearinthegardenoftheTuilerieswithknivesintheirsleevesandcudgelsintheirhands，aboutApril，1794，andwhosedashandrecklessnessinmanymatterswerethefirstintimationsthattheCitizenTallienwasabouttocausetheCitizenRobespierretoshoothimselfthroughthejaw。
Inthelibraryhungasmall，full-lengthdrawingofGeorges，doneincolorbyMissBetty’sgrandmother；andthisshecarriedtoherownrooman&
studiedlongandardently，untilsometimesthemanhimselfseemedtostandbeforeher，inspiteofthefactthatMile。MeithachadnotadistinguishedtalentandM。Meilhac’sfeaturesmighthavebeenanybody’s。
Itwastobeseen，however，thathewassmiling。
MissBettyhadanimpressionthathergrandmother’sartofportraiturewouldhavebeenmore-successfulwiththeprofilethanthe"full-face。"
Nevertheless，nothingcouldbemoreclearlyindicatedthanthatthehairofM。Melihacwasveryyellow，andhisshort，huge-lapeiledwaistcoatwhite，stripedwithscarlet。Anenormouscravatcoyeredhischin；theheavycollarofhisyellowcoatrosebehindhisears，whileitstailsfelltohisankles；andthetighttrousersofwhiteandyellowstripesweretiedwithwhiteribbonsaboutthemiddleofthecalf；heworewhitestockingsandgold-buckledyellowshoes，andonthebackofhisheadajauntilycockedblackhat。MissBettyinnocentlywonderedwhyhislettersdidnotspeakofP倀ion，ofVergniaud，orofDumoriez，sinceinthehistoricalnovelswhichsheread，thehero’slotwasinevitablylinkedwiththatofeveryoneofimportanceinhisgeneration；yetGeorgesappearedtohavebeenunacquaintedwiththesepersonages，Robespierrebeingtheonlynameofconsequencementionedinhisletters；andthenitappearedinmuchthesamefashionpractisedbyherfatherinalludingtotheGovernoroftheState，whohadthemisfortunetobeunpopularwithMr。
Carewe。Butthisdidnotdimhergreat-uncle’slustreinMissBetty’seyes，norlessenforherthepatheticromanceofthesmilehewore。
Beholdingthissmile，onerememberedtheendtowhichhislightfootstepsbadledhim；anditwasunavoidabletopicturehimleftlyingintheemptystreetbehindtheheelsoftheflyingcrowd，carefullyformingthatsamesmileonhislips，andtakingmuchprideinpassingwithsomesmall，cynicalspeech，murmuredtohimself，concerningthemutilityofagentleman’sgettingshotbyhisfriendsformerelybeingpresenttoapplaudthem。So，fancyinghimthus，withhisyellowhair，hisscarlet-
itripedwaistcoat，andhistragedy，theyounggirlfeltashareoffamilygreatness，or，atleast，ofpicturesqueness，descendtoher。Andshesmiledsadlybackuponthesmileinthepicture，anddreamedaboutitsoriginalnightafternight。
Whetherornoanotherfigure，thatofadarkyoungmaninawhitehat，withawhitekittenetchinghiswristinred，foundanyplaceinherdreams。atthisperiod，-itisimpossibletodetermine。Shedidnotseehimagain。itisquiteanotherthing，hazardoustoventure，tostatethathedidnotseeher。Atallevents，itiscertainthatmanypeoplewhobadneverbeheldherweretalkingofher；thatRouenwasfullofcontentionconcerningherbeautyandhergiftofmusic，forasongcanbeheardthroughanopenwindow。AndhowdidithappenthatCraileyGrayknewthatitwasMissCarewe’shabittostrollinhergardenforhalfanhourorso，eacheveningbeforeretiring，andthatshewenttomasseverymorningsoonaftersunrise？CraileyGrayneverroseat，ornear，sunriseinhislife，thoughhesometimesbeheldit，fromanotherpointofview，astheendoftheevening。Itappearsthatsomeonemusthavetoldhim。
Onenightwhenthemoonlaywhiteonthetreesandhousetops，MissBettypausedinhereveningpromenadeandseatedherselfuponabenchonthebordersofthegarden，"touched，"asthebooksofthetimewouldhaveputit，"bythesweettranquillityofthescene，"andwroughtuponbythetenderincentivetosighsandmelancholywhichyouthinlonelinessfindsinalovelinessoftheearth。Thebreezeborethesmellsoftheold-
fashionedgarden，ofvioletsandcherryblossoms，andasoundofdistantviolinscameontheairplayingthenewsongfromthenewopera。
"ButIalsodreamt，whichpleasedmemost，Thatyoulovedmejustthesame——"
theysang；andwiththeliltofthemandthekeenbeautyofthenight，theinheritedpainoftheagesrosefromthedepthsoftheyounggirl’sheart，sothatshethoughtitmustbreak；forwhatreasonshecouldnothavetold，sinceshewaswithoutcareorsorrowthatsheknew，excepttheFrenchRevolution，yettearsshoneuponthelonglashes。Sheshookthemoffandlookedupwithasuddenoddconsciousness。Thenextsecondshesprangtoherfeetwithagaspandachokedoutcry，herbandspressedtoherbreast。
Tenpacesinfrontofher，agapintheshrubberywheretalltreesroseleftasmallradiantareaofilluminationlikethatofalime-lightinatheatre，itsbrilliancyintensifiedbythedarkfoliagebehind。Itwasopentoviewonlyfromthebenchbywhichshestood，andappeared，indeed，likethestageofalittletheatreastageoccupiedbyabizarrefigure。
For，inthecentreofthisshiningpatch，withthelightstrongonhisface，wasstandingafair-hairedyoungman，dressedinayellowcoat，ascarletandwhitestripedwaistcoat，wearingajauntilycockedblackhatonhisbead。Andeventothelastdetail，theribbonlacesabovetheankleandthegold-buckledshoes，bewasthesketchofGeorgesMeilhacsprungintolife。
Aboutthisslenderfiguretherehungawansweetnesslikeafinemist，almostanetherealityinthatlight；yetinthepalefacelurkedsomethingreckless，somethingoftheactor，too；andthoughhissmilewasgentleandwistful，therewasatwinklebehindit，notseenatfirst，somethingamusedandimpish；asmallsurpriseunderneath，likeafleainarose-jar。
Fixedtothespotbythisapparition，MissBettystoodwildlystaring，herstrainingeyelidsshowingthewhiteaboveandbelowthelargebrowniris。
Herbreathcamefasteranddeeper，until，betweenherpartedlipsitbecamevocalinaquicksoundlikeasob。Atthathespoke。
"Forgiveme！"Thevoicewaslow，vibrant，andsoexceedinglymusicalthathemighthavebeenaccusedofcoollyselectinghisbesttone；anditbecameonlysweeterwhen，evenmoresoftly，inasemi-whisperofalmostcrucialpleading，hesaid，"Ah——don’tgoaway！"
Intruth，shecouldnotgo；shehadbeentoovitallystirred；shebegantotrembleexcessively，andsankbackuponthebench，motioninghimawaywithvaguegesturesofhershakinghands。
ThiswasmorethantheIncroyablehadcountedupon，andfarfromhisdesires。Hestartedforwardwithanexclamation。
"Don’tcomenearme！"shegasped。"Whoareyou？Goaway！"
"Givemeonesecondtoexplain，"hebegan；butwiththeinstantreassuranceofthisbeginningshecuthimoffshort，herfearsdispelledbyhiscommonplace。Nay，indignationdisplacedthemsoquicklythatshefairlyflashedupbeforehimtoherfullheight。
"Youdidnotcomeinbythegate！"shecried。"WhatdoyoumeanbycominghereinthatdressWhatrighthaveyouinmygarden？"
"Justoneword，"hebeggedquickly，butverygently。"You’dallowastreet-beggarthatmuch！"
Shestoodbeforehim，panting，and，ashethought，glorious，inherflushofyouthandanger。TomVanrevelhadpaintedherincoherently，butrichly，inspiteofthat，hiswholeheartbeingintheportrait；and-CraileyGrayhadsmiledatwhathedeemedtheexaggerationofanordinarilyunimpressionablemanwhohadfalleninlove"atfirstsight；"yet，inthepresenceofthereality，theIncroyabledecidedthatTom’scolorshadbeengrayandhumble。Itwasnotthatshewasmerelylovely，thathernosewasstraight，andherchindexterouslywroughtbetweensquareandoval；thatherdarkhairlaysoftasashadowonherwhitebrow；notthatthetremblinghandsheheldagainstherbreastsprangfromataperwristandtaperedagaintothetipsofthelongfingers；northatshewasofthatslendernessasstrongasitisdelicate；notalltheexquisiteregularityoflineandmould，norsimplicityofcolor，gaveherthatsignificancewhichmadetheIncroyabledeclaretohimselfthathestoodforthefirsttimeinthepresenceofBeauty，andthatnowheknewthewomenhehadbeenwonttocallbeautifulwerebutpretty。Andyetherbeauty，hetoldhimself，wastheleastofherloveliness，fortherewasaglamourabouther。Itwasnotonlytherichnessofheryouth；buttherewasanineffableexhalationwhichseemedtobemadepartlyoflight，partlyoftheveryspiritofher，and，oddlyenough，partlyofthescentofthelittlefanthathungbyaribbonfromherwaist。Thiswasawomanlikeawine，hefelt，therewasabouquet。
Inregardtothebouquetoftheyoungmanhimself，ifhepossessedone，itispertinenttorelatethatatthisveryinstantthethoughtskippedacrosshismind（likethehopofafleainarose-jar）thatsomedayhemightfindthemomentwhenhecouldtellherthetruthaboutherself——withahalf-laugh——andsay："Theangelssenttheirhaloesinasandal-woodboxtobemadeintoawoman——anditwasyou！"
"If-youhaveanythingtosayforyourself，sayitquickly！"saidMissBetty。
"Youweresingingawhileago，"heanswered，somewhathuskily，"andI
stoppedonthestreettolisten；thenIcameheretobenearer。Thespellofyourvoice"Hebrokeoffabruptlytochangetheword。"Thespellofthesongcameoverme——itismydearestfavorite——sothatIstoodafterwardinasortoftrance，onlyhearingagain，inthesilence，`Thestolenheart，likethegatheredrose，willbloombutforaday！’Ididnotseeyouuntilyoucametothebench。Youmustbelieveme：Iwouldnothavefrightenedyouforanythingintheworld。"
"Whyareyouwearingthatdress？"
Helaughed，andpointedtowhere，behindhimontheground，layalonggraycloak，uponwhichhadbeentossedawhitemask。"I’monmywaytothemasquerade；"heanswered，withanairygestureinthedirectionoftheviolins。"I’manIncroyable，yousee；andIhadthecostumemadefrommyrecollectionofasketchofyourgreat-uncle。Isawitalongtimeagoinyourlibrary。"
MissCarewe’saccustomedpoisewasquiterecovered；indeed，shewasastonishedtodiscoveradistincttraceofdisappointmentthatthebrilliantapparitionmustoffersotameanexplanation。Whathesaidwaspalpablythetruth；therewasamasqueradethatnight，sheknew，attheMadrillon’s，alittlewayupCareweStreet，andherfatherhadgone，anhourearlier，abluedominooverhisarm。
TheIncroyablewasapersonofalmostmagicalperceptiveness；hefeltthelet-downimmediatelyandfearedafailure。Thiswouldnotdo；theattitudeoftensionbetweenthemmustberenewedatonce。"You’llforgiveme？"hebegan，inaquicklyimpassionedtone。"Itwasonlyafteryousang，adreampossessedme，and——"
"Icannotstaytotalkwithyou，"MissBettyinterrupted，andadded，withastraightforwardnesswhichmadehimafraidshewouldprovelamentablydirect："Idonotknowyou。"
Perhapssherememberedthatalreadyoneyoungmanhadbeenpresentedtoherbynobettersponsorthanawhitecat，andhadnodesiretocarryherunconventionalityfartherthanthat。Inthepresentinstancetherewasnotevenakitten。
Sheturnedtowardthehouse，whereuponhegavealittlepatheticexclamation-ofpleadinginavoicethatwasmasterly，beingassincereasitwasmusical，andhetookafewleaningstepstowardher，bothhandsoutstretched。
"Onemomentmore！"hecried，assheturnedagaintohim。"Itmaybetheonechanceofmylifetospeakwithyou；don’tdenymethis-Alltherestwillmeetyouwhenthehappyeveningcomes，willdancewithyou，talkwithyou，seeyouwhentheylike，listentoyousing。I，alone，musthoveraboutthegates，orsteallikeathiefintoyourgardentohearyoufromadistance。Listentome——justthisonce——foramoment？"
"Icannotlisten，"shesaidfirmly；andstoodquitestill。Shewasnowindeepshadow。
"Iwillnotbelieveyoumerciless！YouwouldnotcondemnthemeanestcriminalunheardI"Rememberingthatshewassolatelyfromtheconvent，heventuredthisspeechinadeep，thrillingvoice，onlytoreceiveadistinctshockforhispains，forshegreeteditwithanirrepressible，mostunexpectedpealofcontraltolaughter，andhislipspartedslightlywiththesurpriseofit。
Theypartedmuchfartherinthenextinstant——ingoodtruth，itmaybestatedofthegentlemanthathewasleftwithhismouthopen——for，suddenlyleaningtowardhimoutoftheshadowintothelight，herfaceshiningasacastoftragedy，shecriedinahoarsewhisper：
"Areyouamurderer？"
Andwiththatandawhiskofherskirts，andafootfallonthegravelpath，shewasgone。Hestooddumbfounded，poorcomedian，havingcometoplaythechiefrole，buttofindthescenetakenoutofhishands。Thencatchingtheflutterofherwrap，asshedisappearedintothedarknessoftheveranda，becriedinaloud，manlyvoice：
"Youareadear！"
Ashecameoutintothestreetthroughagapinthehedge，hepaused，drawinghiscloakabouthim，andliftedhisfacetotheeasternmoon。Itwasastrangeface：themodellingmostlikewhatiscalled"Greek，"saveforthenose，whichwasatrifletooshortforthat，andthefeaturesshowedahappypurityofoutlinealmostchildlike；theblueeyes，clear，fleckless，serenelyirresponsible，withmorethelookofrefusingresponsibilitythanbeingunconsciousofit；eyeswithoutcare，withoutprudence，andwithoutevil。Astrangermighthavesaidbewasabouttwenty-fiveandhadneverathoughtinhislife。Thereweresomeblossomsonthehedge，andhetouchedonelightly，asthoughhechuckeditunderthechin；hesmileduponitthen，butnotashehadsmileduponMissBetty，forthiswashisown，thesmilethatcamewhenhewasalone；and，whenitcame，thefacewasnolongerjoyousasithadbeeninrepose；
therewasaninfinitepatienceandworntolerance-possiblyforhimself。
Thisincongruousandmelancholysmilewasastonishing：onelookedforthelaughterofaboyandfound，instead，agentle，worldly，oldprelate。
Standingthere，allaloneinthemoonlight，bythehedge，heliftedbothhandshighandwavedthemtowardthehouse，aschildrenwavetoeachotheracrosslawnsattwilight。Afterthathemadeafantasticbowtohiscorrugatedshadowontheboardsidewalk。
"Again，yourogue！"beexclaimedaloud。Then，ashefacedaboutandbegantowalkinthedirectionofthebeckoningviolins："IwonderifTom’skittenwasbetter，afterall！"
CHAPTERIII
TheRogue’sGalleryofaFatherShouldbeExhibitedtoaDaughterwithParticularCareThoseangelsappointedtobeguardiansofthemerrypeopleofRouen，poisingonenight，betweenearthandstars，discoveredasinglebrilliantandresonantspot，setinthemidstofthedark，quiettownlikeajewelledmusic-boxonablackcloth。Soundsofrevelryandthedancefromtheluminousspotcameupthroughthesummerstillnesstothewearyguardiansallnightlong，until，atlast，whenaredglowstoleintotheeast，andthedancestillcontinued，nay，grewfasterthanever，thecelestialwatchersfoundtheworktooheavyfortheirstrength，andforthwithdeparted，leavingthedancerstotheirowndevices；for，aseveryoneknows，whenadancelaststilldaylight，guardianangelsflee。
Allnightlongthefiddleshadbeenswingingawayattheirbest；allnightlongthecandleshadshoneinthinrowsofbrightorangethroughtheslitsofthewindow-blinds；butnow，asthedaybrokeoverthemaples，theshutterswereflungopenbylaughingyoungmen，andthedriversofthecarriages，waitinginthedustystreet，pressedupclosertothehedge，orcamewithinandstretchedthemselvesuponthelawn，toseethepeoplewaltzinginthedaylight。Thehorses，havingnosuchdesires，stoodwithloosenedcheck-reins，slightlytwitchingtheirupperlips，wistfulofthetallgrasswhichborderedthewoodensidewalk，thoughnowandthenonewouldlifthisheadhigh，sniffingthemorningairandbendinganearnestgazenotuponthedancersbutupontheflorideast。
OvertheunweariedplaintofFrench-horn，violin，andbassoon，roseasilveryconfusionofvoicesandlaughterandthesoundofahundredfootfallsinunison，while，fromtheopenwindowsthereissuedawarmbreath，heavilyladenwiththesmellofscentedfans，ofrichfabrics，ofdyingroses，tominglewiththespicyperfumeofawildcrab-treeinfullestblossom，whichstoodnearenoughtopeerintotheball-room，and，likeabrocadedbelleherself，challengetherichesttoshowraimentasfine，theloveliesttolookasfairandjoyfulinthedawn……
"Believeme，ofallthoseendearingyoungcharms，WhichIgazeonsofondlyto-day，Weretofadebyto-morrowandfleetfrommyarms，Likefairygiftsfadingaway——"
Sorantheviolinsinwaltztime，sobassoonandhorntothosedulcetmeasures；andthen，withoneaccord，ahundredvoicesjoinedthemintheold，sweetmelody：
"Thouwouldststillbeadoredasthismomentthouart，Letthylovelinessfadeasitwill；
AndaroundthedearruineachwishofmyheartWouldentwineitselfverdantlystill。"
Andthejealouscrab-treefoundbutonetoovermatchitselfinbeauty：aladywhowasthefocusofthesinging；for，bythetimetheshutterswereflungopen，therewasnotayoungmanintheroom，lackedheneversogreatlyinmusicorinvoice，whodidnotheartilydesiretosingtoMissBettyCarewe，andwhodidnotnow（craningneckoverpartner’sshoulder）
seektofixherwithhisglitteringeye，whilehesang"Oh，believeme"
mostdirectlyandconspicuouslyather。ForthatnightwasthebeginningofMissBetty’sfamouscareerasthebelleofRouen，andwasthedatefromwhichstrangersweretohearofheras"thebeautifulMissCarewe，"until"beautiful"wasleftoff，visitorstothetownbeingsupposedtohaveheardatleastthatmuchbeforetheycame。
Therehadbeenmuchdiscussionofher，thoughonlyoneortwohadcaughtglimpsesofher；butmostofthegallantsappearedtoagreewithCraileyGray，whoairedhisopinion——inanexceedinglycasualway——atthelittleclubonMainStreet。Mr。GrayheldthatwhenthedaughterofamanasrichasBobCarewewasheraldedasabeautythechanceswerethatshewouldprovedisappointing，and，forhispart，hewasnoteveninterestedenoughtoattendandinvestigate。Sohewasgoingdowntheriverinacanoeandpreferredtheshynessofbasstothatofagirlofeighteenjustfromtheconvent，hesaid。TomVanrevelwasnotpresentontheoccasionoftheseremarks；andthegeneralconcurrencewithCraileymaybesuspectedasapurelyverbalone，since，whentheeveningcame，twoofthemostenthusiasticdancersandlove-makersofthetown，thehandsomeTappinghamMarshandthatdoughtyex-dragoonandIndianfighter，stoutoldGeneralTrumble，wereuponthefieldbeforetheenemyappeared；thatistosay，theywereinthenewball-roombeforetheirhost；indeed，themusicianshadnotarrived，andNelson，anagednegroservitor，wasengagedinlightingthehouse。
Thecraftypairhadplannedthisearlydescentwithaviewtomonopolybyrightofpriority，incasethegameprovedworththecandle，andtheywereleaningeffectivelyagainstthelittlerailingaboutthemusicians’
platformwhenMr。Careweenteredtheroomwithhisdaughteronhisarm。
Shewasinwhite，touchedwithcountlesssmalllavenderflowers；therewererowsandrowsofwonderfulsilkandlaceflouncesonherskirt，andherfanhungfromaropeofgreatpearls。Ah，hideous，blue，roughclothoftheconvent，unforgotten，butlaidasideforever，whatachrysalisyouwere！
Tappinghamtwitchedhiscompanion’ssleeve，buttheGeneralwasalreadyposing；andneitherheardthewordsofpresentation，becauseMissBettygaveeachofthemaquicklook，thensmileduponthemastheybowed；theslayerswereprostratedbeforetheirprey。Neverwerelady-killersmoreinstantaneouslytamedandsubjugatedbythepowerofthefeminineeye。
WillCummingscameinsoon，and，almostuponhisheels，EugeneMadrillonandyoungFrankChenoweth。Noothersappearedforhalfanhour，andthefivegentlemenlookedatoneanotheraside，eachdivininghisowndiplomacyinhisfellow’seye，andeachlaboriouslyexplainingtotheothershisownmistakeinregardtothehourdesignateduponMr。Carewe’scardsofinvitation。Thissmallembarrassment，however，didnotpreventGeneralTrumbleandyoungMr。ChenowethfromcomingtohighwordsoverMissCarewe’slittle，gilt-filigree"programme"ofdances。
Itmaybenotuntimelytoremark，also，ofthesefiveredoubtablebeaux，that，duringtheevening，itoccurredtoeveryoneofthemtobegladthatCraileyGraywasbetrothedtoFanchonBareaud，andthathewasdownontheRouenRiverwithacanoe，arodandatent。Nay，withoutmorewords，todeclarethetruthinregardtoCrailey，theyfeltgreatersecurityinhisabsencefromthefieldthaninhisbetrothal。AsMr。Chenoweth，ayouthasopenasout-of-doors，bothincountenanceandmind，observedplaintivelytoTappinghamMarshinacorner，whiletheywatchedMissBetty’slavenderflowersmiraculouslyswirlingthroughaquadrille：
"Crailey，youknow，well，Crailey’sbeenengagedbefore！"ItwasnotMr。
Chenoweth’shabittodisguisehisapprehensions，andCraileyGraywouldnotfishforbassforever。
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