Foratimethisdidnotsuggestanythingtome。Butwhenwehadalltakenourseatsforsupper，therecameanadditiontotheparty。Thedooropened，andthefellowwhomIhadseenthenightbeforewithMadamedeCocheforetenteredandtookastoolbythefire。IfeltsurethathewasoneoftheservantsattheChateau；andinaflashhispresenceinspiredmewiththemostfeasibleplanforobtainingadmissionwhichIhadyethitupon。

Ifeltmyselfgrowhotatthethought——itseemedsofullofpromise，yetsodoubtful——and，ontheinstant，withoutgivingmyselftimetothinktoomuch，Ibegantocarryitintoeffect。

Icalledfortwoorthreebottlesofbetterwine，and，assumingajovialair，passeditroundthetable。WhenwehaddrunkafewglassesIfelltotalking，and，choosingpolitics，tookthesideoftheLanguedocpartyandthemalcontentsinsorecklessafashionthattheinnkeeperwasbesidehimselfatmyimprudence。

Themerchants，whobelongedtotheclasswithwhomtheCardinalwasalwaysmostpopular，lookedfirstastonishedandthenenraged。ButIwasnottobechecked；hintsandsourlookswerelostuponme。Igrewmoreoutspokenwitheveryglass，IdranktotheRochellois，Isworeitwouldnotbelongbeforetheyraisedtheirheadsagain；and，atlast，whiletheinnkeeperandhiswifewereengagedlightingthelamp，Ipassedroundthebottleandcalledonallforatoast。

'I'llgiveyouonetobegin，'Ibraggednoisily。'Agentleman'stoast！Asoutherntoast！HereisconfusiontotheCardinal，andahealthtoallwhohatehim！'

'MONDIEU！'oneofthestrangerscried，springingfromhisseatinarage。'Iamnotgoingtostomachthat！Isyourhouseacommontreason-hole，'hecontinued，turningfuriouslyonthelandlord，'thatyousufferthis？'

'Hoity-toity！'Ianswered，coollykeepingmyseat。'Whatisallthis？Don'tyourelishmytoast，littleman？'

'No——noryou！'heretortedhotly；'whoeveryoumaybe！'

'ThenIwillgiveyouanother，'Ianswered，withahiccough。

'Perhapsitwillbemoretoyourtaste。HereistheDukeofOrleans，andmayhesoonbeKing！'

CHAPTERIII

THEHOUSEINTHEWOOD

Wordssorecklessfairlyshookthethreemenoutoftheiranger。

Foramomenttheyglaredatmeasiftheyhadseenaghost。Thenthewinemerchantclappedhishandonthetable。

'Thatisenough，'hesaid，withalookathiscompanions。'I

thinkthattherecanbenomistakeaboutthat。AsdamnabletreasonaseverIheardwhispered！Icongratulateyou，sir，onyourboldness。Asforyou，'hecontinued，turningwithanuglysneertothelandlord，'Ishallknownowthecompanyyoukeep！I

wasnotawarethatmywinewetwhistlestosuchatune！'

Butifhewasstartled，theinnkeeperwasfurious，seeinghischaracterthustakenaway；and，beingatnotimeamanofmanywords，heventedhisrageexactlyinthewayIwished，raisinginatwinklingsuchanuproarascanscarcelybeconceived。Witharoarlikeabull's，heranheadlongatthetable，andoverturneditonthetopofme。Fortunatelythewomansavedthelamp，andfledwithitintoacorner，whencesheandthemanfromtheChateauwatchedtheskirmishinsilence；butthepewtercupsandplattersflewspinningacrossthefloor，whilethetablepinnedmetothegroundamongtheruinsofmystool。Havingmeatthisdisadvantage——foratfirstImadenoresistancethelandlordbegantobelabourmewiththefirstthinghesnatchedup，andwhenItriedtodefendmyself，cursedmewitheachblowforatreacherousrogueandavagrant。Meanwhilethethreemerchants，delightedwiththeturnthingshadtaken，skippedrounduslaughing，andnowhoundedhimon，nowbanteredmewith'howisthatfortheDukeofOrleans？'and'Hownow，traitor？'

WhenIthoughtthatthishadlastedlongenough——or，tospeakmoreplainly，whenIcouldstandtheinnkeeper'sdrubbingnolonger——Ithrewhimoff，andstruggledtomyfeet；butstill，thoughthebloodwastricklingdownmyface，Irefrainedfromdrawingmysword。Icaughtupinsteadalegofthestoolwhichlayhandy，and，watchingmyopportunity，dealtthelandlordashrewdblowundertheear，whichlaidhimoutinamomentonthewreckofhisowntable。

'Now，'Icried，brandishingmynewweapon，whichfittedthehandtoanicety，'comeon！Comeon！ifyoudaretostrikeablow，youpeddling，truckling，hucksteringknaves！AfigforyouandyourshavelingCardinal！'

Thered-facedwinemerchantdrewhisswordinaone-two。

'Why，youdrunkenfool，'hesaidwrathfully，'putthatstickdown，orIwillspityoulikealark！'

'Larkinyourteeth！'Icried，staggeringasifthewinewereinmyhead。'Andcuckoo，too！Anotherword，andI——'

Hemadeacoupleofsavagepassesatme，butinatwinklinghisswordflewacrosstheroom。

'VOILA！'Ishouted，lurchingforward，asifIhadluckandnotskilltothankformyvictory。'Now，thenext！Comeon，comeon——youwhite-liveredknaves！'And，pretendingadrunkenfrenzy，Iflungmyweaponbodilyamongstthem，andseizingthenearest，begantowrestlewithhim。

Inamomenttheyallthrewthemselvesuponme，and，swearingcopiously，boremebacktothedoor。Thewinemerchantcriedbreathlesslytothewomantoopenit，andinatwinklingtheyhadmethroughit，andhalf-wayacrosstheroad。TheonethingI

fearedwasaknife-thrustintheMELEE；butIhadtorunthatrisk，andthemenwerehonest，and，thinkingmedrunk，indulgent。

InatriceIfoundmyselfonmybackinthedirt，withmyheadhumming；andheardthebarsofthedoorfallnoisilyintotheirplaces。

Igotupandwenttothedoor，and，toplayoutmypart，hammeredonitfrantically；cryingouttothemtoletmein。Butthethreetravellersonlyjeeredatme，andthelandlord，comingtothewindow，withhisheadbleeding，shookhisfistatme，andcursedmeforamischief-maker。

Baffledinthis，Iretiredtoalogwhichlayintheroadafewpacesfromthehouse，andsatdownonittoawaitevents。Withtornclothesandbleedingface，hatlessandcoveredwithdirt，I

wasinlittlebettercasethanmyopponent。Itwasraining，too，andthedrippingbranchesswayedovermyhead。Thewindwasinthesouth——thecoldestquarter。Ibegantofeelchilledanddispirited。Ifmyschemefailed，Ihadforfeitedroofandbedtonopurpose，andplacedfutureprogressoutofthequestion。Itwasacriticalmoment。

ButatlastthathappenedforwhichIhadbeenlooking。Thedoorswungopenafewinches，andamancamenoiselesslyout；itwasquicklybarredbehindhim。Hestoodamoment，waitingonthethresholdandpeeringintothegloom；andseemedtoexpecttobeattacked。Findinghimselfunmolested，however，andallquiet，hewentoffsteadilydownthestreet——towardstheChateau。

Iletacoupleofminutesgoby，andthenIfollowed。Ihadnodifficultyinhittingonthetrackattheendofthestreet，butwhenIhadonceplungedintothewood，IfoundmyselfindarknesssointensethatIsoonstrayedfromthepath，andfelloverroots，andtoremyclotheswiththorns，andlostmytempertwentytimesbeforeIfoundthepathagain。However，Igainedthebridgeatlast，andthencecaughtsightofalighttwinklingbeforeme。Tomakeforitacrossthemeadowandterracewasaneasytask；yet，whenIhadreachedthedoorandhadhammereduponit，Iwassowornout，andinsosorryaplightthatIsankdown，andhadlittleneedtoplayapart，orpretendtobeworsethanI

was。

Foralongtimenooneanswered。Thedarkhousetoweringabovemeremainedsilent。Icouldhear，mingledwiththethrobbingsofmyheart，thesteadycroakingofthefrogsinapondnearthestables；butnoothersound。Inafrenzyofimpatienceanddisgust，Istoodupagainandhammered，kickingwithmyheelsonthenail-studdeddoor，andcryingoutdesperately，——

'AMOI！AMOI！'

Then，oramomentlater，Iheardaremotedooropened；footstepsasofmorethanonepersondrewnear。Iraisedmyvoiceandcriedagain，——

'AMOI！'

'Whoisthere？'avoiceasked。

'Agentlemanindistress，'Iansweredpiteously，movingmyhandsacrossthedoor。'ForGod'ssakeopenandletmein。Iamhurt，anddyingofcold。'

'Whatbringsyouhere？'thevoiceaskedsharply。Despiteitstartness，Ifanciedthatitwasawoman's。

'Heavenknows！'Ianswereddesperately。'Icannottell。Theymaltreatedmeattheinn，andthrewmeintothestreet。I

crawledaway，andhavebeenwanderinginthewoodforhours。

ThenIsawalighthere。'

Onthatsomemutteringtookplaceontheothersideofthedoor——

towhichIhadmyear。Itendedinthebarsbeinglowered。Thedoorswungpartlyopen，andalightshoneout，dazzlingme。I

triedtoshademyeyeswithmyfingers，and，asdidso，fanciedI

heardamurmurofpity。ButwhenIlookedinunderscreenofmyhand，Isawonlyoneperson——themanwhoheldthelight，andhisaspectwassostrange，soterrifying，that，shakenasIwasbyfatigue，Irecoiledastep。

Hewasatallandverythinman，meanlydressedinashort，scantyjacketandwell-darnedhose。Unable，forsomereason，tobendhisneck，hecarriedhisheadwithastrangestiffness。

Andthathead——neverdidlivingmanshowafacesolikedeath。

Hisforeheadwasbaldandyellow，hischeek-bonesstoodoutunderthestrainedskin，allthelowerpartofhisfacefellin，hisjawsreceded，hischeekswerehollow，hislipsandchinwerethinandfleshless。Heseemedtohaveonlyoneexpression——afixedgrin。

WhileIstoodlookingatthisformidablecreature，hemadeaquickmovementtoshutthedooragain，smilingmorewidely。I

hadthepresenceofmindtothrustinmyfoot，and，beforehecouldresenttheact，avoiceinthebackgroundcried，——

'Forshame，Clon！Standback，standback！doyouhear？Iamafraid，Monsieur，thatyouarehurt。'

Thosewordsweremywelcometothathouse；and，spokenatanhourandincircumstancessogloomy，theymadealastingimpression。

Roundthehallranagallery，andthis，theheightoftheapartment，andthedarkpanellingseemedtoswallowupthelight。

Istoodwithintheentrance（asitseemedtome）ofahugecave；

theskull-headedporterhadtheairofanogre。Onlythevoicewhichgreetedmedispelledtheillusion。Iturnedtremblingtowardsthequarterwhenceitcame，and，shadingmyeyes，madeoutawoman'sformstandinginadoorwayunderthegallery。A

secondfigure，whichItooktobethatoftheservantIhadseenattheinn，loomeduncertainlybesideher。

Ibowedinsilence。Myteethwerechattering。Iwasfaintwithoutfeigning，andfeltakindofterror，hardtoexplain，atthesoundofthiswoman'svoice。

'Oneofourpeoplehastoldmeaboutyou，shecontinued，speakingoutofthedarkness。'Iamsorrythatthishashappenedtoyouhere，butIamafraidthatyouwereindiscreet。'

'Itakealltheblame，Madame，'Iansweredhumbly。'Iaskonlyshelterforthenight。'

'Thetimehasnotyetcomewhenwecannotgiveourfriendsthat！'

sheansweredwithnoblecourtesy。'Whenitdoes，Monsieur，weshallbehomelessourselves。'

Ishivered，lookinganywherebutather；for，ifthetruthbetold，Ihadnotsufficientlypicturedthissceneofmyarrival——I

hadnotforedrawnitsdetails；andnowItookpartinitIfeltamiserablemeannessweighmedown。Ihadneverfromthefirstlikedthework，butIhadhadnochoice，andIhadnochoicenow。

Luckily，theguiseinwhichIcame，myfatigue，andwoundwereasufficientmask，orIshouldhaveincurredsuspicionatonce。

ForIamsurethatifeverinthisworldabravemanworeahang-

dogair，orGildeBeraultfellbelowhimself，itwasthenandthere——onMadamedeCocheforet'sthreshold，withherwelcomesoundinginmyears。

One，Ithink，didsuspectme。Clon，theporter，continuedtoholdthedoorobstinatelyajarandtoeyemewithgrinningspite，untilhismistress，withsomesharpness，badehimdropthebarsandconductmetoaroom。

'Doyougoalso，Louis，'shecontinued，speakingtothemanbesideher，'andseethisgentlemancomfortablydisposed。Iamsorry，'sheadded，addressingmeinthegracefultoneshehadbeforeused，andIthoughtthatIcouldseeherheadbendinthedarkness，'thatourpresentcircumstancesdonotpermitustowelcomeyoumorefitly，Monsieur。Butthetroublesofthetimes——however，youwillexcusewhatislacking。Untilto-morrow，I

havethehonourtobidyougood-night。'

'Good-night，Madame，'Istammered，trembling。Ihadnotbeenabletodistinguishherfaceinthegloomofthedoorway，buthervoice，hergreeting，herpresenceunmannedme。Iwastroubledandperplexed；Ihadnotspirittokickadog。Ifollowedthetwoservantsfromthehallwithoutheedinghowwewent；norwasituntilwecametoafullstopatadoorinawhite-washedcorridor，anditwasforceduponmethatsomethingwasinquestionbetweenmytwoconductorsthatIbegantotakenotice。

ThenIsawthatoneofthem，Louis，wishedtolodgemeherewherewestood。Theporter，ontheotherhand，whoheldthekeys，wouldnot。Hedidnotspeakaword，nordidtheother——andthisgaveaqueerominouscharactertothedebate；buthecontinuedtojerkhisheadtowardsthefartherendofthecorridor；and，atlast，hecarriedhispoint。Louisshruggedhisshoulders，andmovedon，glancingaskanceatme；andI，notunderstandingthematterindebate，followedthepairinsilence。

Wereachedtheendofthecorridor，andthereforaninstantthemonsterwiththekeyspausedandgrinnedatme。Thenheturnedintoanarrowpassageontheleft，andafterfollowingitforsomepaces，haltedbeforeasmall，strongdoor。Hiskeyjarredinthelock，butheforceditshriekinground，andwithasavageflourishthrewthedooropen。

Iwalkedinandsawamean，barechamberwithbarredwindows。

Thefloorwasindifferentlyclean，therewasnofurniture。Theyellowlightofthelanthornfallingonthestainedwallsgavetheplacethelookofadungeon。Iturnedtothetwomen。'Thisisnotaverygoodroom，'Isaid。'Anditfeelsdamp。Haveyounoother？'

Louislookeddoubtfullyathiscompanion。Buttheportershookhisheadstubbornly。

'Whydoeshenotspeak？'Iaskedwithimpatience。

'Heisdumb，'Louisanswered。

'Dumb！'Iexclaimed。'Buthehears。'

'Hehasears，'theservantanswereddrily。'Buthehasnotongue，Monsieur。'

Ishuddered。'Howdidheloseit？'Iasked。

'AtRochelle。Hewasaspy，andtheking'speopletookhimthedaythetownsurrendered。Theysparedhislife，butcutouthistongue。'

'Ah！'Isaid。Iwishedtosaymore，tobenatural，toshowmyselfatmyease。Buttheporter'seyesseemedtoburnintome，andmyowntongueclavetotheroofofmymouth。Heopenedhislipsandpointedtohisthroatwithahorridgesture，andIshookmyheadandturnedfromhim——'Youcanletmehavesomebedding？'

Imurmuredhastily，forthesakeofsayingsomething，andtoescape。

'Ofcourse，Monsieur，'Louisanswered。'Iwillfetchsome。'

Hewentaway，thinkingdoubtlessthatClonwouldstaywithme。

Butafterwaitingaminutetheporterstrodeoffalsowiththelanthorn，leavingmetostandinthemiddleofthedamp，darkroomandreflectontheposition。ItwasplainthatClonsuspectedme。Thisprison-likeroom，withitsbarredwindow，atthebackofthehouse，andinthewingfarthestfromthestables，provedsomuch。Clearly，hewasadangerousfellow，ofwhomI

mustbeware。IhadjustbeguntowonderhowMadamecouldkeepsuchamonsterinherhouse，whenIheardhisstepreturning。Hecamein，lightingLouis，whocarriedasmallpalletandabundleofcoverings。

Thedumbmanhad，besidesthelanthorn，abowlofwaterandapieceofraginhishand。Hesetthemdown，andgoingoutagain，fetchedinastool。Thenhehungupthelanthornonanail，tookthebowlandrag，andinvitedmetositdown。

Iwaslothtolethimtouchme；buthecontinuedtostandoverme，pointingandgrinningwithdarkpersistence，andratherthanstandonatrifleIsatdownatlastandgavehimhisway。Hebathedmyheadcarefullyenough，andIdaresaydiditgood；butIunderstood。Iknewthathisonlydesirewastolearnwhetherthecutwasrealorapretence，andIbegantofearhimmoreandmore；untilhewasgonefromtheroom，Idaredscarcelyliftmyfacelestheshouldreadtoomuchinit。

Alone，even，Ifeltuncomfortable，thisseemedsosinisterabusiness，andsoillbegun。Iwasinthehouse。ButMadame'sfrankvoicehauntedme，andthedumbman'seyes，fullofsuspicionandmenace。WhenIpresentlygotupandtriedmydoor，Ifounditlocked。Theroomsmeltdankandclose——likeavault。

Icouldnotseethroughthebarredwindow，butIcouldheartheboughssweepitinghostlyfashion；andIguessedthatitlookedoutwherethewoodgrewclosetothewallsofthehouse，andthateveninthedaythesunneverpeepedthroughit。

Nevertheless，tiredandwornout，Isleptatlast。WhenIawoketheroomwasfullofgreylight，thedoorstoodopen，andLouis，lookingashamedofhimself，waitedbymypalletwithacupofwineinhishand，andsomebreadandfruitonaplatter。

'WillMonsieurbegoodenoughtorise？'hesaid。'Itiseighto'clock。'

'Willingly，'Iansweredtartly。'Nowthatthedoorisunlocked。'

Heturnedred。'Itwasanoversight，'hestammered'Clonisaccustomedtolockthedoor，andhediditinadvertently，forgettingthattherewasanyone——'

'Inside，'Isaiddrily。

'Precisely，Monsieur。'

'Ah！'Ireplied。'Well，IdonotthinktheoversightwouldpleaseMadamedeCocheforetifsheheardofit？'

'IfMonsieurwouldhavethekindnessnotto——'

'Mentionit，mygoodfellow？'answered，lookingathimwithmeaningasIrose。'No。Butitmustnotoccuragain。'

IsawthatthismanwasnotlikeClon。Hehadtheinstinctsofthefamilyservant，andfreedfromtheinfluencesoffearanddarknessfeltashamedofhisconduct。Whilehearrangedmyclothes，helookedroundtheroomwithanairofdistaste，andmutteredonceortwicethatthefurnitureoftheprincipalchamberswaspackedaway。

'M。deCocheforetisabroad，Ithink？'IsaidasIdressed。

'Andlikelytoremainthere，'themanansweredcarelessly，shrugginghisshoulders。'Monsieurwilldoubtlesshaveheardthatheisintrouble。Inthemeantime，thehouseisTRISTE，andMonsieurmustoverlookmuch，ifhestays。Madamelivesretired，andtheroadsareill-madeandvisitorsfew。'

'Whenthelionwasillthejackalslefthim，'Isaid。

Louisnodded。'Itistrue，'heansweredsimply。Hemadenoboastorbragonhisownaccount，Inoticed；anditcamehometomethathewasafaithfulfellow，suchasIlove。Iquestionedhimdiscreetly，andlearnedthatheandClonandanoldermanwholivedoverthestablesweretheonlymaleservantsleftofagreathousehold。Madame，hersister-in-law，andthreewomencompletedthefamily。

Ittookmesometimetorepairmywardrobe，sothatIdaresayitwasnearlytenwhenIleftmydismallittleroom。IfoundLouiswaitinginthecorridor，andhetoldmethatMadamedeCocheforetandMademoisellewereintherosegarden，andwouldbepleasedtoreceiveme。Inodded，andheguidedmethroughseveraldimpassagestoaparlourwithanopendoor，throughwhichthesunshonegailyonthefloor。Cheeredbythemorningairandthissuddenchangetopleasantnessandlife，Isteppedlightlyout。

Thetwoladieswerewalkingupanddownawidepathwhichbisectedthegarden。Theweedsgrewranklyinthegravelunderfoot，therosebusheswhichborderedthewalkthrusttheirbrancheshereandthereinuntrainedfreedom，adarkyewhedgewhichformedthebackgroundbristledwithroughshootsandsadlyneededtrimming。ButIdidnotseeanyofthesethings。Thegrace，thenobleair，thedistinctionofthetwowomenwhopacedslowlytomeetme——andwhosharedallthesequalities，greatlyastheydifferedinothers——leftmenopowertonoticetrifles。

MademoisellewasaheadshorterthanherBELLE-SOEUR——aslenderwomanandpetite，withabeautifulfaceandafaircomplexion；awomanwhollywomanly。Shewalkedwithdignity，butbesideMadame'sstatelyfigureshehadanairalmostchildish。AnditwascharacteristicofthetwothatMademoiselleastheydrewneartomeregardedmewithsorrowfulattention，Madamewithagravesmile。

Ibowedlow。Theyreturnedthesalute。'Thisismysister，'

MadamedeCocheforetsaid，withaveryslightairofcondescension，'Willyoupleasetotellmeyourname，Monsieur？'

'IamM。deBarthe，agentlemanofNormandy，'Isaid，takingonimpulsethenameofmymother。Myown，byapossibility，mightbeknown。

Madame'sfaceworeapuzzledlook。'Idonotknowthatname，I

think，'shesaidthoughtfully。Doubtlessshewasgoingoverinhermindallthenameswithwhichconspiracyhadmadeherfamiliar。

Thatismymisfortune，Madame，'Isaidhumbly。

'NeverthelessIamgoingtoscoldyou，'sherejoined，stilleyeingmewithsomekeenness。'Iamgladtoseethatyouarenonetheworseforyouradventure——butothersmaybe。Andyoushouldhavebornethatinmind，sir。'

'IdonotthinkthatIhurtthemanseriously，'Istammered。

'Idonotrefertothat，'sheansweredcoldly。'Youknow，orshouldknow，thatweareindisgracehere；thattheGovernmentregardsusalreadywithanevileye，andthataverysmallthingwouldleadthemtogarrisonthevillage，andperhapsoustusfromthelittlethewarshaveleftus。Youshouldhaveknownthis，andconsideredit，'shecontinued。'Whereas——Idonotsaythatyouareabraggart，M。deBarthe。Butonthisoneoccasionyouseemtohaveplayedthepartofone。'

'Madame，Ididnotthink，'Istammered。

'Wantofthoughtcausesmuchevil，'sheanswered，smiling。

'However，Ihavespoken，andwetrustthatwhileyoustaywithusyouwillbemorecareful。Fortherest，Monsieur，'shecontinuedgraciously，raisingherhandtopreventmespeaking，'wedonotknowwhyyouarehere，orwhatplansyouarepursuing。Andwedonotwishtoknow。Itisenoughthatyouareofourside。Thishouseisatyourserviceaslongasyoupleasetouseit。Andifwecanaidyouinanyotherwaywewilldoso。'

'Madame！'Iexclaimed；andthereIstopped。Icouldsaynomore。Therosegarden，withitsairofneglect，theshadowofthequiethousethatfellacrossit，thegreatyewhedgewhichbackedit，andwasthepatternofoneunderwhichIhadplayedinchildhood——allhadpointsthatprickedme。Butthewomen'skindness，theirunquestioningconfidence，thenobleairofhospitalitywhichmovedthem！AgainsttheseandtheirplacidbeautyinitspeacefulframeIhadnoshield，nodefence。I

turnedaway，andfeignedtobeovercomebygratitude。

'Ihavenowords——tothankyou！'Imutteredpresently。'Iamalittleshakenthismorning。I——pardonme。'

'Wewillleaveyouforawhile，'MademoiselledeCocheforetsaidingentlepityingtones。'Theairwillreviveyou。Louisshallcallyouwhenwegotodinner，M。deBarthe。Come，Elise。'

Ibowedlowtohidemyface，andtheynoddedpleasantly——notlookingcloselyatme——astheywalkedbymetothehouse。I

watchedthetwogracious，pale-robedfiguresuntilthedoorwayswallowedthem，andthenIwalkedawaytoaquietcornerwheretheshrubsgrewhighestandtheyewhedgethrewitsdeepestshadow，andIstoodtothink。

And，MONDIEU，strangethoughts。Iftheoakcanthinkatthemomentthewinduprootsit，orthegnarledthorn-bushwhenthelandsliptearsitfromtheslope，theymayhavesuchthoughts，I

staredattheleaves，attherottingblossoms，intothedarkcavitiesofthehedge；Istaredmechanically，dazedandwondering。WhatwasthepurposeforwhichIwashere？WhatwastheworkIhadcometodo？Aboveall，how——myGod！howwasItodoitinthefaceofthesehelplesswomen，whotrustedme，whobelievedinme，whoopenedtheirhousetome？Clonhadnotfrightenedme，northelonelinessoftheleaguedvillage，northeremotenessofthiscornerwherethedreadCardinalseemedaname，andtheKing'swritranslowly，andtherebellionlongquenchedelsewhere，stillsmouldered。ButMadame'spurefaith，theyoungerwoman'stenderness——howwasItofacethese？

IcursedtheCardinal——wouldhehadstayedatLuchon。IcursedtheEnglishfoolwhohadbroughtmetothis，Icursedtheyearsofplentyandscarceness，andtheQuartierMarais，andZaton's，whereIhadlivedlikeapig，and——

Atouchfellonmyarm。Iturned。ItwasClon。Howhehadstolenupsoquietly，howlonghehadbeenatmyelbow，Icouldnottell。Buthiseyesgleamedspitefullyintheirdeepsockets，andhelaughedwithhisfleshlesslips；andIhatedhim。Inthedaylightthemanlookedmorelikeadeath's-headthanever。I

fanciedthatIreadinhisfacethatheknewmysecret，andI

flashedintorageatsightofhim。

'Whatisit？'Icried，withanotheroath。'Don'tlayyourcorpse-clawsonme！'

Hemowedatme，and，bowingwithironicalpoliteness，pointedtothehouse。

'IsMadameserved？'Isaidimpatiently，crushingdownmyanger。

'Isthatwhatyoumean，fool？'

Henodded，'Verywell，'Iretorted。'Icanfindmywaythen。Youmaygo！'

Hefellbehind，andIstrodebackthroughthesunshineandflowers，andalongthegrass-grownpaths，tothedoorbywhichI

hadcomeIwalkedfast，buthisshadowkeptpacewithme，drivingouttheunaccustomedthoughtsinwhichIhadbeenindulging。

Slowlybutsurelyitdarkenedmymood。Afterall，thiswasalittle，littleplace；thepeoplewholivedhere——Ishruggedmyshoulders。France，power，pleasure，life，everythingworthwinning，worthhaving，layyonderinthegreatcity。Aboymightwreckhimselfhereforafancy；amanoftheworld，never。WhenIenteredtheroom，wherethetwoladiesstoodwaitingformebythetable，Iwasnearlymyoldselfagain。Andachancewordpresentlycompletedthework。

'Clonmadeyouunderstand，then？'theyoungwomansaidkindly，asItookmyseat。

'Yes，Mademoiselle，'Ianswered。OnthatIsawthetwosmileatoneanother，andIadded：'Heisastrangecreature。Iwonderthatyoucanbeartohavehimnearyou。'

'Poorman！Youdonotknowhisstory？'Madamesaid。

'Ihaveheardsomethingofit，'Ianswered。'Louistoldme。'

'Well，Idoshudderathimsometimes，'shereplied，inalowvoice。'Hehassuffered——andhorribly，andforus。ButIwishthatithadbeenonanyotherservice。Spiesarenecessarythings，butonedoesnotwishtohavetodowiththem！Anythinginthenatureoftreacheryissohorrible。'

'Quick，Louis！'Mademoiselleexclaimed，'thecognac，ifyouhaveanythere！Iamsurethatyouare——stillfeelingill，Monsieur。'

'No，Ithankyou，'Imutteredhoarsely，makinganefforttorecovermyself。'Iamquitewell。Itwas——anoldwoundthatsometimestouchesme。'

CHAPTERIV

MADAMEANDMADEMOISELLE

Tobefrank，however，itwasnottheoldwoundthattouchedmesonearly，butMadame'swords；which，finishingwhatClon'ssuddenappearanceinthegardenhadbegun，wentalongwaytowardshardeningmeandthrowingmebackintomyself。Isawwithbitterness——whatIhadperhapsforgottenforamoment——howgreatwasthechasmthatseparatedmefromthesewomen；howimpossibleitwasthatwecouldlongthinkalike；howfarapartinviews，inexperience，inaimswewere。AndwhileImadeamockinmyheartoftheirhigh-flownsentiments——orthoughtIdid——Ilaughednolessatthefollywhichhadledmetodream，evenfora，moment，thatIcould，atmyage，goback——gobackandriskallforawhim，ascruple，thefancyofalonelyhour。

Idaresaysomethingofthisshowedinmyface；forMadame'seyesmirroredadimreflectionoftroubleasshelookedatme，andMademoiselletalkednervouslyandatrandom。Atanyrate，I

fanciedso，andIhastenedtocomposemyself；andthetwo，inpressinguponmethesimpledaintiesofthetablesoonforgot，orappearedtoforget，theincident。

YetinspiteofthisCONTRETEMPS，thatfirstmealhadastrangecharmforme。Theroundtablewhereatwedinedwasspreadinsidetheopendoorwhichledtothegarden，sothattheOctobersunshinefellfullonthespotlesslinenandquaintoldplate，andthefreshbalmyairfilledtheroomwiththescentofsweetherbs。Louisserveduswiththemienofamajor-domo，andsetoneachdishasthoughithadbeenapeacockoramessofortolans。

Thewoodsprovidedthelargerportionofourmeal；thegardendiditspart；theconfectionsMademoisellehadcookedwithherownhand。

By-and-by，asthemealwenton，asLouistrodtoandfroacrossthepolishedfloor，andthelastinsectsofsummerhummedsleepilyoutside，andthetwograciousfacescontinuedtosmileatmeoutofthegloom——fortheladiessatwiththeirbackstothedoor——Ibegantodreamagain，Ibegantosinkagainintofolly，thatwashalf-pleasure，half-pain。Thefuryofthegaming-houseandtheriotofZaton'sseemedfaraway。Thetriumphsofthefencing-room——eventheygrewcheapandtawdry。I

thoughtofexistenceasoneoutsideit，Ibalancedthisagainstthat，andwonderedwhether，afterall，theredsoutaneweresomuchbetterthanthehomelyjerkin，orthefameofadaythaneaseandsafety。

AndlifeatCocheforetwasallafterthepatternofthisdinner。

Eachday，Imightalmostsayeachmeal，gaverisetothesamesequenceofthoughts。InClon'spresence，orwhensomewordofMadame's，unconsciouslyharsh，remindedmeofthedistancebetweenus，Iwasmyself。Atothertimes，infaceofthispeacefulandintimatelife，whichwasonlyrenderedpossiblebytheremotenessoftheplaceandthepeculiarcircumstancesinwhichtheladiesstood，Ifeltastrangeweakness，Thelonelinessofthewoodsthatencircledthehouse，andonlyhereandthereaffordedadistantglimpseofsnow-cladpeaks；theabsenceofanylinktobindmetotheoldlife，sothatatintervalsitseemedunreal；theremotenessofthegreatworld，alltendedtosapmywillandweakenthepurposewhichhadbroughtmetothisplace。

Onthefourthdayaftermycoming，however，somethinghappenedtobreakthespell。ItchancedthatIcamelatetodinner，andenteredtheroomhastilyandwithoutceremony，expectingtofindMadameandhersisteralreadyseated。Instead，Ifoundthemtalkinginalowtonebytheopendoor，witheverymarkofdisorderintheirappearance；whileClonandLouisstoodatalittledistancewithdowncastfacesandperplexedlooks。

Ihadtimetoseeallthis，andthenmyentrancewroughtasuddenchange。ClonandLouissprangtoattention；Madameandhersistercametothetableandsatdown，andallmadeashallowpretenceofbeingattheirease。ButMademoiselle'sfacewaspale，herhandtrembled；andthoughMadame'sgreaterself-commandenabledhertocarryoffthematterbetter，Isawthatshewasnotherself。OnceortwiceshespokeharshlytoLouis；shefellatothertimesintoabrownstudy；andwhenshethoughtthatI

wasnotwatchingher，herfaceworealookofdeepanxiety。

Iwonderedwhatallthismeant；andIwonderedmorewhen，afterthemeal，thetwowalkedinthegardenforanhourwithClon。

Mademoisellecamefromthisinterviewalone，andIwassurethatshehadbeenweeping。Madameandthedarkporterstayedoutsidesometimelonger；thenshe，too，camein，anddisappeared。

Clondidnotreturnwithher，andwhenIwentintothegardenfiveminuteslater，Louisalsohadvanished。Savefortwowomenwhosatsewingatanupperwindow，thehouseseemedtobedeserted。Notasoundbroketheafternoonstillnessofroomorgarden，andyetIfeltthatmorewashappeninginthissilencethanappearedonthesurface。Ibegintogrowcurious——

suspicious，andpresentlyslippedoutmyselfbywayofthestables，andskirtingthewoodatthebackofthehouse，gainedwithalittletroublethebridgewhichcrossedthestreamandledtothevillage。

TurningroundatthispointIcouldseethehouse，andImovedalittleasideintotheunderwood，andstoodgazingatthewindows，tryingtounriddlethematter。ItwasnotlikelythatM。deCocheforetwouldrepeathisvisitsosoon；and，besides，thewomen'semotionshadbeenthoseofpuredismayandgrief，unmixedwithanyofthesatisfactiontowhichsuchameeting，thoughsnatchedbystealth，mustgiverise。Idiscardedmyfirstthoughttherefore——thathehadreturnedunexpectedly——andI

soughtforanothersolution。

Butnootherwasontheinstantforthcoming。Thewindowsremainedobstinatelyblind，nofiguresappearedontheterrace，thegardenlaydeserted，andwithoutlife。Mydeparturehadnot，asIhalfexpecteditwould，drawnthesecretintolight。

Iwatchedawhile，attimescursingmyownmeanness；buttheexcitementofthemomentandthequesttidedmeoverthat。ThenIdeterminedtogodownintothevillageandseewhetheranythingwasmovingthere。Ihadbeendowntotheinnonce，andhadbeenreceivedhalfsulkily，halfcourteously，asapersonprivilegedatthegreathouse，andthereforetobeaccepted。ItwouldnotbethoughtoddifIwentagain，andafteramoment'sthought，I

starteddownthetrack。

This，whereitranthroughthewood，wassodenselyshadedthatthesunpenetratedtoitlittle，andinpatchesonly。Asquirrelstirredattimes，slidingroundatrunk，orscamperingacrossthedryleaves。Occasionallyapiggruntedandmovedfartherintothewood。Buttheplacewasveryquiet，andIdonotknowhowitwasthatIsurprisedCloninsteadofbeingsurprisedbyhim。

Hewaswalkingalongthepathbeforemewithhiseyesontheground——walkingsoslowly，andwithhisleanframesobentthatI

mighthavesupposedhimillifIhadnotremarkedthesteadymovementofhisheadfromrighttoleft，andthealerttouchwithwhichhenowandagaindisplacedaclodofearthoraclusterofleaves。By-and-byherosestiffly，andlookedroundhimsuspiciously；butbythattimeIhadslippedbehindatrunk，andwasnottobeseen；andafterabriefintervalhewentbacktohistask，stoopingoveritmoreclosely，ifpossible，thanbefore，andapplyinghimselfwithevengreatercare。

BythattimeIhadmadeupmymindthathewastrackingsomeone。

Butwhom？Icouldnotmakeaguessatthat。Ionlyknewthattheplotwasthickening，andbegantofeeltheeagernessofthechase。Ofcourse，ifthematterhadnottodowithCocheforet，itwasnoaffairofmine；butthoughitseemedunlikelythatanythingcouldbringhimbacksosoon，hemightstillbeatthebottomofthis。And，besides，Ifeltanaturalcuriosity。WhenClonatlastimprovedhispace，andwentontothevillage，I

tookuphistask。Icalledtomindallthewood-loreIhadeverlearned，andscannedtroddenmouldandcrushedleaveswitheagereyes。Butinvain。Icouldmakenothingofitall，androseatlastwithanachingbackandnoadvantage。

Ididnotgoontothevillageafterthat，butreturnedtothehouse，whereIfoundMadamepacingthegarden。Shelookedupeagerlyonhearingmystep；andIwasmistakenifshewasnotdisappointed——ifshehadnotbeenexpectingsomeoneelse。Shehidthefeelingbravely，however，andmetmewithacarelessword；butsheturnedtothehousemorethanoncewhilewetalked，andsheseemedtobeallthewhileonthewatch，anduneasy。I

wasnotsurprisedwhenClon'sfigurepresentlyappearedinthedoorway，andsheleftmeabruptly，andwenttohim。Ionlyfeltmorecertainthanbeforethattherewassomethingstrangeonfoot。Whatitwas，andwhetherithadtodowithM。deCocheforet，Icouldnottell。Butthereitwas，andIgrewmorecuriousthelongerIremainedalone。

Shecamebacktomepresently，lookingthoughtfulandatrifledowncast。

'ThatwasClon，wasitnot？'Isaid，studyingherface，'Yes，'sheanswered。Shespokeabsently，anddidnotlookatme。

'Howdoeshetalktoyou？'Iasked，speakingatriflecurtly。

AsIintended，mytonerousedher。'Bysigns，'shesaid。

'Ishe——ishenotalittlemad？"Iventured。Iwantedtomakehertalkandforgetherself。

Shelookedatmewithsuddenkeenness，thendroppedhereyes，'Youdonotlikehim？'shesaid，anoteofchallengeinhervoice。'Ihavenoticedthat，Monsieur。'

'Ithinkhedoesnotlikeme，'Ireplied。

'Heislesstrustfulthanweare，'sheanswerednaively。'Itisnaturalthatheshouldbe。Hehasseenmoreoftheworld。'

Thatsilencedmeforamoment，butshedidnotseemtonoticeit。

'Iwaslookingforhimalittlewhileago，andIcouldnotfindhim，'Isaid，afterapause'Hehasbeenintothevillage，'sheanswered。

Ilongedtopursuethematterfurther；butthoughsheseemedtoentertainnosuspicionofme，Idarednotruntherisk。Itriedher，instead，onanothertack。

'MademoiselledeCocheforetdoesnotseemverywellto-day？'I

said。

'No？'sheansweredcarelessly。'Well，nowyouspeakofit，Idonotthinkthatsheis。Sheisoftenanxiousabout——onewelove。'

Sheutteredthelastwordswithalittlehesitation，andlookedatmequicklywhenshehadspokenthem。Weweresittingatthemomentonastoneseatwhichhadthewallofthehouseforaback；and，fortunately，Iwastoyingwiththebranchofacreepingplantthathungoverit，sothatshecouldnotseemorethanthesideofmyface。ForIknewthatitaltered。Overmyvoice，however，Ihadmorecontrol，andIhastenedtoanswer，'Yes，Isupposeso，'asinnocentlyaspossible。

'HeisatBosost，inSpain。Youknewthat，Iconclude？'shesaid，withacertainsharpness。Andshelookedmeinthefaceagainverydirectly。

'Yes，'Ianswered，beginningtotremble。

'Isupposeyouhaveheard，too，thathe——thathesometimescrossestheborder？'shecontinuedinalowvoice，butwithacertainringofinsistenceinhertone。'Or，ifyouhavenotheardit，youguessit？'

Iwasinaquandary，andgrew，inonesecond，hotallover。

UncertainwhatamountofknowledgeIoughttoadmit，Itookrefugeingallantry。

'Ishouldbesurprisedifhedidnot，'Ianswered，withabow，'being，asheis，soclose，andhavingsuchaninducementtoreturn，Madame。'

Shedrewalong，shiveringsigh，atthethoughtofhisperil，I

fancied，andshesatbackagainstthewall。Nordidshesayanymore，thoughIheardhersighagain。Isamomentsherose。

'Theafternoonsaregrowingchilly，'shesaid；'IwillgoinandseehowMademoiselleis。Sometimesshedoesnotcometosupper。

Ifshecannotdescendthisevening，Iamafraidthatyoumustexcusemetoo，Monsieur。'

Isaidwhatwasright，andwatchedhergoin；and，asIdidso，I

loathedmyerrand，andthemeancontemptiblecuriositywhichithadplantedinmymind，morethanatanyformertime。Thesewomen——Icouldfinditinmyhearttohatethemfortheirfrankness，fortheirfoolishconfidence，andthesillytrustfulnessthatmadethemsoeasyaprey！

NOMDEDIEU！Whatdidthewomanmeanbytellingmeallthis？Tomeetmeinsuchaway，todisarmonebysuchmethods，wastotakeanunfairadvantage。Itputavile——ay，thevilest——aspect，ontheworkIhadtodo。

Yetitwasveryodd！WhatcouldM。deCocheforetmeanbyreturningsosoon，ifM。deCocheforetwashere？And，ontheotherhand，ifitwasnothisunexpectedpresencethathadsoupsetthehouse，whatwasthesecret？WhomhadClonbeentracking？AndwhatwasthecauseofMadame'sanxiety？InafewminutesIbegantogrowcuriousagain；and，astheladiesdidnotappearatsupper，Ihadleisuretogivemybrainfulllicence，and，inthecourseofanhour，thoughtofahundredkeystothemystery。Butnoneexactlyfittedthelock，orlaidopenthesecret。

Afalsealarmthateveninghelpedtopuzzlemestillmore。Iwassittingaboutanhouraftersupper，onthesameseatinthegarden——Ihadmycloakandwassmoking——whenMadamecameoutlikeaghost，and，withoutseeingme，flittedawaythroughthedarknesstowardthestables。ForamomentIhesitated，andthenIfollowedher。Shewentdownthepathandroundthestables，and，sofar，Isawnothingstrangeinheractions；butwhenshehadinthiswaygainedtherearofthewestwing，shetookatrackthroughthethickettotheeastofthehouseagain，andsocamebacktothegarden。Thisgained，shecameupthepathandwentinthroughtheparlourdoor，anddisappeared——altermakingaclearcircuitofthehouse，andnotoncepausingorlookingtorightorleft！IconfessIwasfairlybaffled。IsankbackontheseatIhadleft，andsaidtomyselfthatthiswasthelamestofallconclusions。Iwassurethatshehadexchangednowordwithanyone。Iwasequallysurethatshehadnotdetectedmypresencebehindher。Why，then，hadshemadethisstrangepromenade，alone，unprotected，anhourafternightfall？Nodoghadbayed，noonehadmoved，shehadnotoncepaused，orlistened，likeapersonexpectingarencontre。Icouldnotmakeitout。AndIcamenonearertosolvingit，thoughIlayawakeanhourbeyondmyusualtime。

Inthemorning，neitheroftheladiesdescendedtodinner，andI

heardthatMademoisellewasnotsowell。Afteralonelymeal，thereforeImissedthemmorethanIshouldhavesupposed——I

retiredtomyfavouriteseatandfelltomeditating。

Thedaywasfine，andthegardenpleasant。Sittingtherewithmyeyesontheoldfashionedherb-beds，withtheold-fashionedscentsintheair，andthedarkbeltoftreesboundingtheviewoneitherside，IcouldbelievethatIhadbeenoutofParisnotthreeweeks，butthreemonths。Thequietlappedmeround。I

couldfancythatIhadneverlovedanythingelse。Thewood-dovescooedinthestillness；occasionallytheharshcryofajayjarredthesilence。Itwasanhourafternoon，andhot。IthinkInodded。

Onasudden，asifinadream，IsawClon'sfacepeeringatmeroundtheangleoftheparlourdoor。Helooked，andinamomentwithdrew，andIheardwhispering。Thedoorwasgentlyclosed。

Thenallwasstillagain。

ButIwaswideawakenow，andthinking。ClearlythepeopleofthehousewishedtoassurethemselvesthatIwasasleepandsafelyoutoftheway。Asclearly，itwastomyinteresttobeintheway。Givingplacetothetemptation，Irosequietly，and，stoopingbelowthelevelofthewindows，slippedroundtheeastendofthehouse，passingbetweenitandthegreatyewhedge。

HereIfoundallstillandnoonestirring；so，keepingawaryeyeaboutme，Iwentonroundthehouse——reversingtheroutewhichMadamehadtakenthenightbefore——untilIgainedtherearofthestables。HereIhadscarcelypausedasecondtoscanthegroundbeforetwopersonscameoutofthestable-court。TheywereMadameandtheporter。

Theystoodabriefwhileoutsideandlookedupanddown。ThenMadamesaidsomethingtotheman，andhenodded。Leavinghimstandingwherehewas，shecrossedthegrasswithaquick，lightstep，andvanishedamongthetrees。

Inamomentmymindwasmadeuptofollow；and，asClonturnedatonceandwentin，Iwasabletodosobeforeitwastoolate。

Bendinglowamongtheshrubs，IranhotfoottothepointwhereMadamehadenteredthewood。HereIfoundanarrowpath，andrannimblyalongit，andpresentlysawhergreyrobeflutteringamongthetreesbeforeme。Itonlyremainedtokeepoutofhersightandgivehernochanceofdiscoveringthatshewasfollowed；andthisIsetmyselftodo。Onceortwicesheglancedround，butthewoodwasofbeech，thelightwhichpassedbetweentheleaveswasmeretwilight，andmyclothesweredark-coloured。Ihadeveryadvantage，therefore，andlittletofearaslongasIcouldkeepherinviewandstillremainmyselfatsuchadistancethattherustleofmytreadwouldnotdisturbher。

Assuredthatshewasonherwaytomeetherhusband，whommypresencekeptfromthehouse，Ifeltthatthecrisishadcomeatlast，andIgrewmoreexcitedwitheachstepItook。Idetestedthetaskofwatchingher；itfilledmewithpeevishdisgust。ButinproportionasIhateditIwaseagertohaveitdoneandbedonewithit，andsucceed，andstuffmyearsandbegonefromthescene。Whenshepresentlycametothevergeofthebeechwood，and，enteringalittleopenclearing，seemedtoloiter，Iwentcautiously。This，Ithought，mustbetherendezvous；andIheldbackwarily，lookingtoseehimstepoutofthethicket。

Buthedidnot，andby-and-byshequickenedherpace。Shecrossedtheopenandenteredawideridecutthroughalow，densewoodofalderanddwarfoak——awoodsocloselyplantedandsointertwinedwithhazelandelderandboxthatthebranchesroselikeasolidwall，twelvefeethigh，oneithersideofthetrack。

Downthisshepassed，andIstoodandwatchedhergo，forIdarednotfollow。Theridestretchedawayasstraightasalineforfourorfivehundredyards，agreenpathbetweengreenwalls。Toenteritwastobeimmediatelydetected，ifsheturned，whilethethicketitselfpermittednopassage。Istoodbaffledandraging，andwatchedherpassalong。Itseemedanagebeforesheatlastreachedtheend，and，turningsharplytotheright，wasinaninstantgonefromsight。

Iwaitedthennolonger。Istartedoff，and，runningaslightlyandquietlyasIcould，Ispeddownthegreenalley。Thesunshoneintoit，thetreeskeptoffthewind，andbetweenheatandhasteIsweatedfinely。Buttheturfwassoft，andthegroundfellslightly，andinlittlemorethanaminuteIgainedtheend。

FiftyyardsshortoftheturningIstopped，and，stealingon，lookedcautiouslythewayshehadgone。

Isawbeforemeasecondride，thetwinoftheother，andahundredandfiftypacesdownithergreyfiguretrippingonbetweenthegreenhedges。Istoodandtookbreath，andcursedthewoodandtheheatandMadame'swariness。Wemusthavecomealeague，ortwo-thirdsofaleague，atleast。Howfardidthemanexpecthertoplodtomeethim？Ibegantogrowangry。Thereismoderationeveninthecookingofeggs，andthiswoodmightstretchintoSpain，forallIknew！

Presentlysheturnedthecornerandwasgoneagain，andIhadtorepeatmymanoeuvre。Thistime，surely，Ishouldfindachange。

Butno！Anothergreenridestretchedawayintothedepthsoftheforest，withhedgesofvaryingshades——herelightandtheredark，ashazelandelder，orthorn，andyewandboxprevailed——butalwayshighandstiffandimpervious。HalfwaydowntherideMadame'sfiguretrippedsteadilyon，theonlymovingthinginsight。Iwondered，stood，and，whenshevanished，followed-onlytofindthatshehadenteredanothertrack，alittlenarrowerbutineveryotherrespectalike。

Andsoitwentonforquitehalfanhour。SometimesMadameturnedtotheright，sometimestotheleft。Themazeseemedtobeendless。OnceortwiceIwonderedwhethershehadlostherway，andwasmerelyseekingtoreturn。Buthersteady，purposefulgait，hermeasuredpace，forbadetheidea。Inoticed，too，thatsheseldomlookedbehindher——rarelytorightorleft。

Oncetheridedownwhichshepassedwascarpetednotwithgreen，butwiththesilvery，sheenyleavesofsomecreepingplantthatinthedistancehadashimmerlikethatofwateratevening。Asshetrodthis，withherfacetothelowsun，hertallgreyfigurehadapureairthatforthemomentstartledme——shelookedunearthly。ThenIsworeinscornofmyself，andatthenextcornerIhadmyreward。Shewasnolongerwalkingon。Shehadstopped，Ifound，andseatedherselfonafallentreethatlayintheride。

ForsometimeIstoodinambushwatchingher，andwitheachminuteIgrewmoreimpatient。AtlastIbegantodoubt——tohavestrangethoughts。Thegreenwallsweregrowingdark。Thesunwassinking；asharp，whitepeak，milesandmilesaway，whichclosedthevistaoftheride，begantoflushandcolourrosily。

Finally，butnotbeforeIhadhadleisuretogrowuneasy，shestoodupandwalkedonmoreslowly。Iwaited，asusual，untilthenextturninghidher。ThenIhastenedafterher，and，warilypassingroundthecornercamefacetofacewithher！

Iknewallinamomentsawallinaflash：thatshehadfooledme，trickedme，luredmeaway。Herfacewaswhitewithscorn，hereyesblazed；herfigure，assheconfrontedme，trembledwithangerandinfinitecontempt。

'Youspy！'shecried。'Youhound！You——gentleman！Oh，MON

DIEU！ifyouareoneofus——ifyouarereallynotoftheCANAILLE——weshallpayforthissomeday！Weshallpayaheavyreckoninginthetimetocome！Ididnotthink，'shecontinued，andhereverysyllablewaslikethelashofawhip，'thattherewasanythingsovileasyouinthisworld！'

Istammeredsomething——Idonotknowwhat。Herwordsburnedintome——intomyheart！Hadshebeenaman，Iwouldhavestruckherdead！

'Youthoughtthatyoudeceivedmeyesterday，'shecontinued，loweringhertone，butwithnolesseningofthepassion，thecontempt，theindignation，whichcurledherlipandgavefullnesstohervoice。'Youplotter！Yousurfacetrickster！Youthoughtitaneasytasktodeludeawoman——youfindyourselfdeluded。

Godgiveyoushamethatyoumaysuffer！'shecontinuedmercilessly。'YoutalkedofClon，butClonbesideyouisthemostspotless，themosthonourableofmen！'

'Madame，'Isaidhoarsely——andIknowthatmyfacewasgreyasashes——'letusunderstandoneanother。'

'Godforbid！'shecriedontheinstant。'Iwouldnotsoilmyself！'

'Fie！Madame，'Isaid，trembling。Butthen，youareawoman。

Thatshouldcostamanhislife！'

Shelaughedbitterly。

'Yousaywell，'sheretorted。'Iamnotaman——andifyouareone，thankGodforit。NeitheramIMadame。MadamedeCocheforethasspentthisafternoon——thankstoyourabsenceandyourimbecility——withherhusband。Yes，Ihopethathurtsyou！'

shewenton，savagelysnappingherlittlewhiteteethtogether。

'Ihopethatstingsyou；tospyanddovilework，anddoitill，MonsieurMouchard——MonsieurdeMouchard，Ishouldsay——I

congratulateyou！'

'YouarenotMadamedeCocheforet？'Icried，stunned，eveninthemidstofmyshameandrage，bythisblow。

'No，Monsieur！'sheansweredgrimly。'Iamnot！Iamnot。Andpermitmetopointout——forwedonotalllieeasily——thatI

neversaidIwas。Youdeceivedyourselfsoskilfullythatwehadnoneedtotrickyou。'

'Mademoiselle，then？'Imuttered。

'IsMadame！'shecried。'Yes，andIamMademoiselledeCocheforet。Andinthatcharacter，andinallothers，Ibegfromthismomenttocloseouracquaintance，sir。Whenwemeetagain——ifweeverdomeet，whichGodforbid！'shewenton，hereyessparkling——'donotpresumetospeaktome，orIwillhaveyoufloggedbythegrooms。Anddonotstainourroofbysleepingunderitagain。Youmaylieto-nightintheinn。ItshallnotbesaidthatCocheforet，'shecontinuedproudly，'returnedeventreacherywithinhospitality；andIwillgiveorderstothatend。

Butto-morrowbegonebacktoyourmaster，likethewhippedcuryouare！Spyandcoward！'

Withthoselastwordsshemovedaway。Iwouldhavesaidsomething，Icouldalmosthavefounditinmyhearttostopherandmakeherhear。Nay，Ihaddreadfulthoughts；forIwasthestronger，andImighthavedonewithherasIpleased。Butshesweptbymesofearlessly，asImightpasssomeloathsomecrippleontheroad，thatIstoodturnedtostone。Withoutlookingatme，withoutturningherheadtoseewhetherIfollowedorremained，orwhatIdid，shewentsteadilydownthetrackuntilthetreesandtheshadowandthegrowingdarknesshidhergreyfigurefromme；andIfoundmyselfalone。

【推荐阅读】幽幽深宫，醒来一梦似千年，重生于下堂妃身躯中的她，将如何手刃仇人? 点击阅读