Fromtheseconsiderationsonthingsingeneral，thePrinceconductsustoNapoleoninparticular，andenterslargelyintoadiscussionofthemeritsoftheimperialsystem。OurauthorspeaksoftheEmperor’sadventinthefollowinggrandioseway：——
Napoleon，onarrivingatthepublicstage，sawthathispartwastobetheTESTAMENTARYEXECUTORoftheRevolution。Thedestructivefireofpartieswasextinct。andwhentheRevolution，dying，butnotvanquished，delegatedtoNapoleontheaccomplishmentofherlastwill，shesaidtohim，’Establishuponsolidbasestheprincipalresultofmyefforts。UnitedividedFrenchmen。DefeatfeudalEuropethatisleaguedagainstme。Cicatrizemywounds。
Enlightenthenations。Executethatinwidth，whichIhavehadtoperformindepth。BeforEuropewhatIhavebeenforFrance。And，evenifyoumustwaterthetreeofcivilizationwithyourblood——ifyoumustseeyourprojectsmisunderstood，andyoursonswithoutacountry，wanderingoverthefaceoftheearth，neverabandonthesacredcauseoftheFrenchpeople。Insureitstriumphbyallthemeanswhichgeniuscandiscoverandhumanityapprove。’
ThisgrandmissionNapoleonperformedtotheend。Histaskwasdifficult。Hehadtoplaceuponnewprinciplesasocietystillboilingwithhatredandrevenge。andtouse，forbuildingup，thesameinstrumentswhichhadbeenemployedforpullingdown。
Thecommonlotofeverynewtruththatarises，istowoundratherthantoconvince——ratherthantogainproselytes，toawakenfear。
For，oppressedasitlonghasbeen，itrushesforwardwithadditionalforce。havingtoencounterobstacles，itiscompelledtocombatthem，andoverthrowthem。until，atlength，comprehendedandadoptedbythegenerality，itbecomesthebasisofnewsocialorder。
LibertywillfollowthesamemarchastheChristianreligion。
ArmedwithdeathfromtheancientsocietyofRome，itforalongwhileexcitedthehatredandfearofthepeople。Atlast，byforceofmartyrdomsandpersecutions，thereligionofChristpenetratedintotheconscienceandthesoul。itsoonhadkingsandarmiesatitsorders，andConstantineandCharlemagneboreittriumphantthroughoutEurope。Religionthenlaiddownherarmsofwar。Itlaidopentoalltheprinciplesofpeaceandorderwhichitcontained。itbecamethepropofGovernment，asitwastheorganizingelementofsociety。Thuswillitbewithliberty。In1793itfrightenedpeopleandsovereignsalike。then，havingclotheditselfinamildergarb，ITINSINUATEDITSELFEVERYWHEREIN
THETRAINOFOURBATTALIONS。In1815allpartiesadopteditsflag，andarmedthemselveswithitsmoralforce——coveredthemselveswithitscolors。Theadoptionwasnotsincere，andlibertywassoonobligedtoreassumeitswarlikeaccoutrements。Withthecontesttheirfearsreturned。Letushopethattheywillsooncease，andthatlibertywillsoonresumeherpeacefulstandards，toquitthemnomore。
TheEmperorNapoleoncontributedmorethananyoneelsetowardsacceleratingthereignofliberty，bysavingthemoralinfluenceoftherevolution，anddiminishingthefearswhichitimposed。
WithouttheConsulateandtheEmpire，therevolutionwouldhavebeenonlyagranddrama，leavinggrandrevolutionsbutnotraces：
therevolutionwouldhavebeendrownedinthecounter-revolution。
Thecontrary，however，wasthecase。NapoleonrootedtherevolutioninFrance，andintroduced，throughoutEurope，theprincipalbenefitsofthecrisisof1789。Tousehisownwords，’Hepurifiedtherevolution，heconfirmedkings，andennobledpeople。’Hepurifiedtherevolution，inseparatingthetruthswhichitcontainedfromthepassionsthat，duringitsdelirium，disfiguredit。Heennobledthepeopleingivingthemtheconsciousnessoftheirforce，andthoseinstitutionswhichraisemenintheirowneyes。TheEmperormaybeconsideredastheMessiahofthenewideas。for——andwemustconfessit——inthemomentsimmediatelysucceedingasocialrevolution，itisnotsoessentialtoputrigidlyintopracticeallthepropositionsresultingfromthenewtheory，buttobecomemasteroftheregenerativegenius，toidentifyone’sselfwiththesentimentsofthepeople，andboldlytodirectthemtowardsthedesiredpoint。
ToaccomplishsuchataskYOURFIBRESHOULDRESPONDTOTHATOFTHE
PEOPLE，astheEmperorsaid。youshouldfeellikeit，yourinterestsshouldbesointimatelyraisedwithitsown，thatyoushouldvanquishorfalltogether。
Letustakebreathafterthesebigphrases，——grandroundfiguresofspeech，——which，whenputtogether，amountlikecertainothercombinationsofroundfigurestoexactly0。WeshallnotstoptoarguethemeritsanddemeritsofPrinceLouis’snotablecomparisonbetweentheChristianreligionandtheImperial-revolutionarysystem。Therearemanyblundersintheaboveextractaswereadit。blunderingmetaphors，blunderingarguments，andblunderingassertions。butthisissurelythegrandestblunderofall。andonewondersattheblindnessofthelegislatorandhistorianwhocanadvancesuchaparallel。AndwhatarewetosayofthelegacyofthedyingrevolutiontoNapoleon？Revolutionsdonotdie，and，ontheirdeath-beds，makingfinespeeches，handovertheirpropertytoyoungofficersofartillery。Wehaveallreadthehistoryofhisrise。TheconstitutionoftheyearIII。wascarried。OldmenoftheMontagne，disguisedroyalists，Parissections，PITTETCOBOURG，aboveall，withhismoney-bags，thoughtthatherewasafineopportunityforarevolt，andopposedthenewconstitutioninarms：
thenewconstitutionhadknowledgeofayoungofficerwhowouldnothesitatetodefenditscause，andwhoeffectuallybeatthemajority。Thetalemaybefoundineveryaccountoftherevolution，andtherestofhisstoryneednotbetold。Weknoweverystepthathetook：weknowhow，bydosesofcannon-ballspromptlyadministered，hecuredthefeverofthesections——thatfeverwhichanothercamp-physicianMenoudeclinedtoprescribefor。weknowhowheabolishedtheDirectory。andhowtheConsulshipcame。andthentheEmpire。andthenthedisgrace，exile，andlonelydeath。Hasnotallthisbeenwrittenbyhistoriansinalltongues？——bymemoir-writingpages，chamberlains，marshals，lackeys，secretaries，contemporaries，andladiesofhonor？Notawordofmiracleisthereinallthisnarration。notawordofcelestialmissions，orpoliticalMessiahs。FromNapoleon’srisetohisfall，thebayonetmarchesalongsideofhim：nowhepointsitatthetailsofthescamperingfivehundred，——nowhechargeswithitacrossthebloodyplanksofArcola——nowhefliesbeforeitoverthefatalplainofWaterloo。
Unwilling，however，ashemaybetograntthatthereareanyspotsinthecharacterofhishero’sgovernment，thePrinceis，nevertheless，obligedtoallowthatsuchexisted。thattheEmperor’smannerofrulewasalittlemoreabruptanddictatorialthanmightpossiblybeagreeable。ForthisthePrincehasalwaysananswerready——itisthesamepooronethatNapoleonutteredamillionoftimestohiscompanionsinexile——theexcuseofnecessity。HeWOULDhavebeenveryliberal，butthatthepeoplewerenotfitforit。orthatthecursedwarpreventedhim——oranyotherreasonwhy。Hisfirstduty，however，sayshisapologist，wastoformageneralunionofFrenchmen，andhesetabouthisplaninthiswise：——
Letusnotforget，thatallwhichNapoleonundertook，inordertocreateageneralfusion，heperformedwithoutrenouncingtheprinciplesoftherevolution。Herecalledtheemigres，withouttouchinguponthelawbywhichtheirgoodshadbeenconfiscatedandsoldaspublicproperty。HereestablishedtheCatholicreligionatthesametimethatheproclaimedthelibertyofconscience，andendowedequallytheministersofallsects。HecausedhimselftobeconsecratedbytheSovereignPontiff，withoutconcedingtothePope’sdemandanyofthelibertiesoftheGallicanchurch。HemarriedadaughteroftheEmperorofAustria，withoutabandoninganyoftherightsofFrancetotheconquestsshehadmade。Hereestablishednobletitles，withoutattachingtothemanyprivilegesorprerogatives，andthesetitleswereconferredonallranks，onallservices，onallprofessions。Undertheempireallideaofcastewasdestroyed。nomaneverthoughtofvauntinghispedigree——nomaneverwasaskedhowhewasborn，butwhathehaddone。
Thefirstqualityofapeoplewhichaspirestoliberalgovernment，isrespecttothelaw。Now，alawhasnootherpowerthanliesintheinterestwhicheachcitizenhastodefendortocontraveneit。
Inordertomakeapeoplerespectthelaw，itwasnecessarythatitshouldbeexecutedintheinterestofall，andshouldconsecratetheprincipleofequalityinallitsextension。ItwasnecessarytorestoretheprestigewithwhichtheGovernmenthadbeenformerlyinvested，andtomaketheprinciplesoftherevolutiontakerootinthepublicmanners。Atthecommencementofanewsociety，itisthelegislatorwhomakesorcorrectsthemanners。later，itisthemannerswhichmakethelaw，orpreserveitfromagetoageintact。
Someofthesefusionsareamusing。Nomanintheempirewasaskedhowhewasborn，butwhathehaddone。and，accordingly，asaman’sactionsweresufficienttoillustratehim，theEmperortookcaretomakeahostofnewtitle-bearers，princes，dukes，barons，andwhatnot，whoserankhasdescendedtotheirchildren。HemarriedaprincessofAustria。but，forallthat，didnotabandonhisconquests——perhapsnotactually。butheabandonedhisallies，and，eventually，hiswholekingdom。WhodoesnotrecollecthisanswertothePoles，atthecommencementoftheRussiancampaign？ButforNapoleon’simperialfather-in-law，Polandwouldhavebeenakingdom，andhisrace，perhaps，imperialstill。WhywashetofetchthisprincessoutofAustriatomakeheirsforhisthrone？
Whydidnotthemanofthepeoplemarryagirlofthepeople？WhymusthehaveaPopetocrownhim——halfadozenkingsforbrothers，andabevyofaides-de-campdressedoutlikesomanymountebanksfromAstley’s，withdukes’coronets，andgrandbluevelvetmarshals’batons？Wehaverepeatedlyhiswordsforit。Hewantedtocreateanaristocracy——anotheracknowledgmentonhispartoftheRepublicandilemma——anotherapologyfortherevolutionaryblunder。
Tokeeptherepublicwithinbounds，adespotismisnecessary。torallyroundthedespotism，anaristocracymustbecreated。andforwhathavewebeenlaboringallthiswhile？forwhathavebastilesbeenbattereddown，andking’sheadshurled，asagageofbattle，inthefaceofarmedEurope？TohaveaDukeofOtrantoinsteadofaDukedelaTremouille，andEmperorStorkinplaceofKingLog。O
lameconclusion！IstheblessedrevolutionwhichisprophesiedforusinEnglandonlytoendinestablishingaPrinceFergusO’Connor，oraCardinalWade，oraDukeDanielWhittleHarvey？Greatasthosepatriotsare，welovethembetterundertheirsimplefamilynames，andscorntitlesandcoronets。
Atpresent，inFrance，thedelicatematteroftitlesseemstobebetterarranged，anygentleman，sincetheRevolution，beingfreetoadoptanyonehemayfixupon。anditappearsthattheCrownnolongerconfersanypatentsofnobility，butcontentsitselfwithsaying，asinthecaseofM。dePontois，theotherday，LeRoitrouveconvenablethatyoutakethetitleof，&c。
Toexecutethelegacyoftherevolution，then。tofulfilhisprovidentialmission。tokeephisplace，——inotherwords，forthesimplestarealwaysthebest，——tokeephisplace，andtokeephisGovernmentindecentorder，theEmperorwasobligedtoestablishamilitarydespotism，tore-establishhonorsandtitles。itwasnecessary，asthePrinceconfesses，torestoretheoldprestigeoftheGovernment，inordertomakethepeoplerespectit。andheadds——atruthwhichonehardlywouldexpectfromhim，——Atthecommencementofanewsociety，itisthelegislatorwhomakesandcorrectsthemanners。later，itisthemannerswhichpreservethelaws。Ofcourse，andhereisthegreatriskthatallrevolutionizingpeoplerun——theymusttendtodespotism。theymustpersonifythemselvesinaman，isthePrince’sphrase。and，accordingasishistemperamentordisposition——accordingasheisaCromwell，aWashington，oraNapoleon——therevolutionbecomestyrannyorfreedom，prospersorfalls。
SomewhereintheSt。Helenamemorials，NapoleonreportsamessageofhistothePope。TellthePope，hesaystoanarchbishop，torememberthatIhavesixhundredthousandarmedFrenchmen，quimarcherontavecmoi，pourmoi，etcommemoi。Andthisisthelegacyoftherevolution，theadvancementoffreedom！Ahundredvolumesofimperialspecialpleadingwillnotavailagainstsuchaspeechasthis——onesoinsolent，andatthesametimesohumiliating，whichgivesunwittinglythewholeoftheEmperor’sprogress，strength，andweakness。ThesixhundredthousandarmedFrenchmenwereusedup，andthewholefabricfalls。thesixhundredthousandarereducedtosixtythousand，andstraightwayalltherestofthefineimperialschemevanishes：themiserablesenate，socrawlingandabjectbutnow，becomesofasuddenendowedwithawondrousindependence。themiserableshamnobles，shamempress，shamkings，dukes，princes，chamberlains，packuptheirplumesandembroideries，pounceuponwhatmoneyandplatetheycanlaytheirhandson，andwhenthealliesappearbeforeParis，whenforcourageandmanlinessthereisyethope，whenwithfiercemarcheshasteningtothereliefofhiscapital，burstingthroughranksuponranksoftheenemy，andcrushingorscatteringthemfromthepathofhisswiftandvictoriousdespair，theEmperoratlastisathome，——
wherearethegreatdignitariesandthelieutenant-generalsoftheempire？WhereisMariaLouisa，theEmpressEagle，withherlittlecallowkingofRome？Isshegoingtodefendhernestandhereaglet？Notshe。Empress-queen，lieutenant-general，andcourtdignitaries，areoffonthewingsofallthewinds——profligatisunt，theyareawaywiththemoney-bags，andLouisStanislasXavierrollsintothepalaceofhisfathers。
WithregardtoNapoleon’sexcellencesasanadministrator，alegislator，aconstructorofpublicworks，andaskilfulfinancier，hisnephewspeakswithmuchdiffusepraise，andfewpersons，wesuppose，willbedisposedtocontradicthim。WhethertheEmperorcomposedhisfamouscode，orborrowedit，isoflittleimportance。
butheestablishedit，andmadethelawequalforeverymaninFranceexceptone。Hisvastpublicworksandvasterwarswerecarriedonwithoutnewloansorexorbitanttaxes。itwasonlythebloodandlibertyofthepeoplethatweretaxed，andweshallwantabetteradvocatethanPrinceLouistoshowusthatthesewerenotmostunnecessarilyandlavishlythrownaway。Asfortheformerandmaterialimprovements，itisnotnecessarytoconfessherethatadespoticenergycaneffectsuchfarmorereadilythanaGovernmentofwhichthestrengthisdiffusedinmanyconflictingparties。Nodoubt，ifwecouldcreateadespoticalgoverningmachine，asteamautocrat，——passionless，untiring，andsupreme，——weshouldadvancefurther，andlivemoreateasethanunderanyotherformofgovernment。Ministersmightenjoytheirpensionsandfollowtheirowndevices。LordJohnmightcomposehistoriesortragediesathisleisure，andLordPalmerston，insteadofrackinghisbrainstowriteleadingarticlesforCupid，mightcrownhislockswithflowers，andsing[Greektextomitted]，hisnaturalAnacreontics。
butalas！notso：ifthedespoticGovernmenthasitsgoodside，PrinceLouisNapoleonmustacknowledgethatithasitsbad，anditisforthisthatthecivilizedworldiscompelledtosubstituteforitsomethingmoreorderlyandlesscapricious。GoodastheImperialGovernmentmighthavebeen，itmustberecollected，too，thatsinceitsfirstfall，boththeEmperorandhisadmirerandwould-besuccessorhavehadtheirchanceofre-establishingit。
Flyfromsteepletosteepletheeaglesoftheformerdidactually，andaccordingtopromiseperchforawhileonthetowersofNotreDame。Weknowtheevent：ifthefateofwardeclaredagainsttheEmperor，thecountrydeclaredagainsthimtoo。and，witholdLafayetteforamouthpiece，therepresentativesofthenationdid，inaneatspeech，pronouncethemselvesinpermanence，butspokenomoreoftheEmperorthanifhehadneverbeen。
ThereupontheEmperorproclaimedhissontheEmperorNapoleonII。
L’Empereurestmort，vivel’Empereur！shoutedPrinceLucien。
Psha！notasoulechoedthewords：theplaywasplayed，andasforoldLafayetteandhispermanentrepresentatives，acorporalwithahammernailedupthedooroftheirspouting-club，andoncemoreLouisStanislasXavierrolledbacktothebosomofhispeople。
InlikemannerNapoleonIII。returnedfromexile，andmadehisappearanceonthefrontier。HiseagleappearedatStrasburg，andfromStrasburgadvancedtothecapital。butitarrivedatPariswithakeeper，andinapost-chaise。whence，bytheordersofthesovereign，itwasremovedtotheAmericanshores，andtheremagnanimouslyletloose。Whoknows，however，howsoonitmaybeonthewingagain，andwhataflightitwilltake？
THESTORYOFMARYANCEL。
Go，mynephew，saidoldFatherJacobtome，andcompletethystudiesatStrasburg：Heavensurelyhathordainedtheefortheministryinthesetimesoftrouble，andmyexcellentfriendSchneiderwillworkoutthedivineintention。
SchneiderwasanoldcollegefriendofuncleJacob’s，wasaBenedictinemonk，andamanfamousforhislearning。asforme，Iwasatthattimemyuncle’schorister，clerk，andsacristan。
Isweptthechurch，chantedtheprayerswithmyshrilltreble，andswungthegreatcopperincense-potonSundaysandfeasts。andI
toiledovertheFathersfortheotherdaysoftheweek。
Theoldgentlemansaidthatmyprogresswasprodigious，and，withoutvanity，Ibelievehewasright，forIthenverilyconsideredthatprayingwasmyvocation，andnotfighting，asIhavefoundsince。
YouwouldhardlyconceivesaidtheCaptain，swearingagreatoath
howdevoutandhowlearnedIwasinthosedays。ItalkedLatinfasterthanmyownbeautifulpatoisofAlsacianFrench。IcouldutterlyoverthrowinargumenteveryProtestanthereticswecalledthemparsonintheneighborhood，andtherewasaconfoundedsprinklingoftheseunbelieversinourpartofthecountry。I
prayedhalfadozentimesaday。Ifastedthriceinaweek。and，asforpenance，Iusedtoscourgemylittlesides，tilltheyhadnomorefeelingthanapeg-top：suchwasthegodlylifeIledatmyuncleJacob’sinthevillageofSteinbach。
Ourfamilyhadlongdweltinthisplace，andalargefarmandapleasanthouseweretheninthepossessionofanotheruncle——uncleEdward。Hewastheyoungestofthethreesonsofmygrandfather。
butJacob，theelder，hadshownadecidedvocationforthechurch，from，Ibelieve，theageofthree，andnowwasbynomeanstiredofitatsixty。Myfather，whowastohaveinheritedthepaternalproperty，was，asIhear，aterriblescampandscapegrace，quarrelledwithhisfamily，anddisappearedaltogether，livinganddyingatParis。sofarweknewthroughmymother，whocame，poorwoman，withme，achildofsixmonths，onherbosom，wasrefusedallshelterbymygrandfather，butwashousedandkindlycaredforbymygooduncleJacob。
Hereshelivedforaboutsevenyears，andtheoldgentleman，whenshedied，weptoverhergraveagreatdealmorethanIdid，whowasthentooyoungtomindanythingbuttoysorsweetmeats。
Duringthistimemygrandfatherwaslikewisecarriedoff：heleft，asIsaid，thepropertytohissonEdward，withasmallprovisoinhiswillthatsomethingshouldbedoneforme，hisgrandson。
Edwardwashimselfawidower，withonedaughter，Mary，aboutthreeyearsolderthanI，andcertainlyshewasthedearestlittletreasurewithwhichProvidenceeverblessedamiserlyfather。bythetimeshewasfifteen，fivefarmers，threelawyers，twelveProtestantparsons，andalieutenantofDragoonshadmadeheroffers：itmustnotbedeniedthatshewasanheiressaswellasabeauty，which，perhaps，hadsomethingtodowiththeloveofthesegentlemen。However，Marydeclaredthatsheintendedtolivesingle，turnedawayherloversoneafteranother，anddevotedherselftothecareofherfather。
UncleJacobwasasfondofherashewasofanysaintormartyr。
Asforme，atthematureageoftwelveIhadmadeakindofdivinityofher，andwhenwesangAveMariaonSundaysIcouldnotrefrainfromturningtoher，wheresheknelt，blushingandprayingandlookinglikeanangel，asshewas。Besidesherbeauty，Maryhadathousandgoodqualities。shecouldplaybetterontheharpsichord，shecoulddancemorelightly，shecouldmakebetterpicklesandpuddings，thananygirlinAlsace。therewasnotawantorafancyoftheoldhunksherfather，orawishofmineormyuncle’s，thatshewouldnotgratifyifshecould。asforherself，thesweetsoulhadneitherwantsnorwishesexcepttoseeushappy。
Icouldtalktoyouforayearofalltheprettykindnessesthatshewoulddoforme。how，whenshefoundmeofearlymorningsamongmybooks，herpresencewouldcastalightupontheday。howsheusedtosmoothandfoldmylittlesurplice，andembroidermecapsandgownsforhighfeast-days。howsheusedtobringflowersforthealtar，andwhocoulddeckitsowellasshe？Butsentimentdoesnotcomegliblyfromunderagrizzledmoustache，soIwilldropit，ifyouplease。
Amongstotherfavorssheshowedme，Maryusedtobeparticularlyfondofkissingme：itwasathingIdidnotsomuchvalueinthosedays，butIfoundthatthemoreIgrewalivetotheextentofthebenefit，thelessshewouldcondescendtoconferitonme。tillatlast，whenIwasaboutfourteen，shediscontinueditaltogether，ofherownwishatleast。onlysometimesIusedtoberude，andtakewhatshehadnowbecomesomightyunwillingtogive。
IwasengagedinacontestofthissortonedaywithMary，when，justasIwasabouttocarryoffakissfromhercheek，Iwassalutedwithastaggeringslaponmyown，whichwasbestowedbyuncleEdward，andsentmereelingsomeyardsdownthegarden。
Theoldgentleman，whosetonguewasgenerallyascloseashispurse，nowpouredforthafloodofeloquencewhichquiteastonishedme。Ididnotthinkthatsomuchwastobesaidonanysubjectashemanagedtoutteronone，andthatwasabuseofme。hestamped，heswore，hescreamed。andthen，fromcomplimentingme，heturnedtoMary，andsalutedherinamannerequallyforcibleandsignificant。she，whowasverymuchfrightenedatthecommencementofthescene，grewveryangryatthecoarsewordsheused，andthewickedmotivesheimputedtoher。
Thechildisbutfourteen，shesaid。heisyourownnephew，andacandidateforholyorders：——father，itisashamethatyoushouldthusspeakofme，yourdaughter，orofoneofhisholyprofession。
Ididnotparticularlyadmirethisspeechmyself，butithadaneffectonmyuncle，andwasthecauseofthewordswithwhichthishistorycommences。TheoldgentlemanpersuadedhisbrotherthatI
mustbesenttoStrasburg，andtherekeptuntilmystudiesforthechurchwereconcluded。Iwasfurnishedwithalettertomyuncle’soldcollegechum，ProfessorSchneider，whowastoinstructmeintheologyandGreek。
IwasnotsorrytoseeStrasburg，ofthewondersofwhichIhadheardsomuch。butfeltverylothasthetimedrewnearwhenImustquitmyprettycousin，andmygoodolduncle。MaryandImanaged，however，apartingwalk，inwhichanumberoftenderthingsweresaidonbothsides。IamtoldthatyouEnglishmenconsideritcowardlytocry。asforme，Iweptandroaredincessantly：whenMarysqueezedme，forthelasttime，thetearscameoutofmeasifIhadbeenneithermorenorlessthanagreatwetsponge。Mycousin’seyeswerestoicallydry。herladyshiphadaparttoplay，anditwouldhavebeenwrongforhertobeinlovewithayoungchitoffourteen——soshecarriedherselfwithperfectcoolness，asiftherewasnothingthematter。Ishouldnothaveknownthatshecaredforme，haditnotbeenforaletterwhichshewrotemeamonthafterwards——THEN，nobodywasby，andtheconsequencewasthattheletterwashalfwashedawaywithherweeping。ifshehadusedawatering-potthethingcouldnothavebeenbetterdone。
Well，IarrivedatStrasburg——adismal，old-fashioned，ricketytowninthosedays——andstraightwaypresentedmyselfandletteratSchneider’sdoor。overitwaswritten——
COMITEDESALUTPUBLIC。
Wouldyoubelieveit？Iwassoignorantayoungfellow，thatIhadnoideaofthemeaningofthewords。however，Ienteredthecitizen’sroomwithoutfear，andsatdowninhisante-chamberuntilIcouldbeadmittedtoseehim。
HereIfoundveryfewindicationsofhisreverence’sprofession。
thewallswerehungroundwithportraitsofRobespierre，Marat，andthelike。agreatbustofMirabeau，mutilated，withthewordTraitreunderneath。listsandrepublicanproclamations，tobacco-
pipesandfire-arms。Atadeal-table，stainedwithgreaseandwine，satagentleman，withahugepigtaildanglingdowntothatpartofhispersonwhichimmediatelysucceedshisback，andarednightcap，containingaTRICOLORcockadeaslargeasapancake。Hewassmokingashortpipe，readingalittlebook，andsobbingasifhisheartwouldbreak。Everynowandthenhewouldmakebriefremarksuponthepersonagesortheincidentsofhisbook，bywhichIcouldjudgethathewasamanoftheverykeenestsensibilities——
Ah，brigand！Omalheureuse！OCharlotte，Charlotte！TheworkwhichthisgentlemanwasperusingiscalledTheSorrowsofWerter。itwasalltherage，inthosedays，andmyfriendwasonlyfollowingthefashion。IaskedhimifIcouldseeFatherSchneider？heturnedtowardsmeahideous，pimpledface，whichI
dreamofnowatfortyyears’distance。
Fatherwho？saidhe。DoyouimaginethatcitizenSchneiderhasnotthrownofftheabsurdmummeryofpriesthood？IfyouwerealittleolderyouwouldgotoprisonforcallinghimFatherSchneider——manyamanhasdiedforless。andhepointedtoapictureofaguillotine，whichwashangingintheroom。
Iwasinamazement。
Whatishe？IshenotateacherofGreek，anabbe，amonk，untilmonasterieswereabolished，thelearnededitorofthesongsof’Anacreon？’
HeWASallthis，repliedmygrimfriend。heisnowaMemberoftheCommitteeofPublicSafety，andwouldthinknomoreoforderingyourheadoffthanofdrinkingthistumblerofbeer。
Heswallowed，himself，thefrothyliquid，andthenproceededtogivemethehistoryofthemantowhommyunclehadsentmeforinstruction。
Schneiderwasbornin1756：wasastudentatWurzburg，andafterwardsenteredaconvent，whereheremainednineyears。Heherebecamedistinguishedforhislearningandhistalentsasapreacher，andbecamechaplaintoDukeCharlesofWurtemberg。ThedoctrinesoftheIlluminatibeganaboutthistimetospreadinGermany，andSchneiderspeedilyjoinedthesect。HehadbeenaprofessorofGreekatCologne。andbeingcompelled，onaccountofhisirregularity，togiveuphischair，hecametoStrasburgatthecommencementoftheFrenchRevolution，andactedforsometimeaprincipalpartasarevolutionaryagentatStrasburg。
[HeavenknowswhatwouldhavehappenedtomehadIcontinuedlongunderhistuition！saidtheCaptain。Iowethepreservationofmymoralsentirelytomyenteringthearmy。Aman，sir，whoisasoldier，hasverylittletimetobewicked。exceptinthecaseofasiegeandthesackofatown，whenalittlelicensecanoffendnobody。]
BythetimethatmyfriendhadconcludedSchneider’sbiography，wehadgrowntolerablyintimate，andIimpartedtohimwiththatexperiencesoremarkableinyouthmywholehistory——mycourseofstudies，mypleasantcountrylife，thenamesandqualitiesofmydearrelations，andmyoccupationsinthevestrybeforereligionwasabolishedbyorderoftheRepublic。InthecourseofmyspeechIrecurredsooftentothenameofmycousinMary，thatthegentlemancouldnotfailtoperceivewhatatenderplaceshehadinmyheart。
ThenwerevertedtoTheSorrowsofWerter，anddiscussedthemeritsofthatsublimeperformance。AlthoughIhadbeforefeltsomemisgivingsaboutmynewacquaintance，myheartnowquiteyearnedtowardshim。HetalkedaboutloveandsentimentinamannerwhichmademerecollectthatIwasinlovemyself。andyouknowthatwhenamanisinthatcondition，histasteisnotveryrefined，anymaudlintrashofproseorverseappearingsublimetohim，provideditcorrespond，insomedegree，withhisownsituation。
Candidyouth！criedmyunknown，Ilovetohearthyinnocentstoryandlookonthyguilelessface。Thereis，alas！somuchofthecontraryinthisworld，somuchterrorandcrimeandblood，thatwewhominglewithitareonlytoogladtoforgetit。Wouldthatwecouldshakeoffourcaresasmen，andbeboys，asthouart，again！
Heremyfriendbegantoweeponcemore，andfondlyshookmyhand。
IblessedmystarsthatIhad，attheveryoutsetofmycareer，metwithonewhowassolikelytoaidme。Whataslanderousworlditis，thoughtI。thepeopleinourvillagecalltheseRepublicanswickedandbloody-minded。alambcouldnotbemoretenderthanthissentimentalbottle-nosedgentleman！TheworthymanthengavemetounderstandthatheheldaplaceunderGovernment。Iwasbusyinendeavoringtodiscoverwhathissituationmightbe，whenthedoorofthenextapartmentopened，andSchneidermadehisappearance。
Atfirsthedidnotnoticeme，butheadvancedtomynewacquaintance，andgavehim，tomyastonishment，somethingverylikeablow。
Youdrunken，talkingfool，hesaid，youarealwaysafteryourtime。Fourteenpeoplearecoolingtheirheelsyonder，waitinguntilyouhavefinishedyourbeerandyoursentiment！
Myfriendslunkmutteringoutoftheroom。
Thatfellow，saidSchneider，turningtome，isourpublicexecutioner：acapitalhandtooifhewouldbutkeepdecenttime。
butthebruteisalwaysdrunk，andblubberingover’TheSorrowsofWerter！’
Iknownotwhetheritwashisoldfriendshipformyuncle，ormypropermerits，whichwontheheartofthisthesternestruffianofRobespierre’screw。butcertainitis，thathebecamestrangelyattachedtome，andkeptmeconstantlyabouthisperson。AsforthepriesthoodandtheGreek，theywereofcourseverysoonoutofthequestion。TheAustrianswereonourfrontier。everydaybroughtusaccountsofbattleswon。andtheyouthofStrasburg，andofallFrance，indeed，wereburstingwithmilitaryardor。Asforme，Isharedthegeneralmania，andspeedilymountedacockadeaslargeasthatofmyfriend，theexecutioner。
Theoccupationsofthisworthywereunremitting。SaintJust，whohadcomedownfromParistopresideoverourtown，executedthelawsandthearistocratswithterriblepunctuality。andSchneiderusedtomakecountryexcursionsinsearchofoffenderswiththisfellow，asaprovost-marshal，athisback。Inthemeantime，havingenteredmysixteenthyear，andbeingaproperladofmyage，Ihadjoinedaregimentofcavalry，andwasscamperingnowaftertheAustrianswhomenacedus，andnowthreateningtheEmigres，whowerebandedatCoblentz。Myloveformydearcousinincreasedasmywhiskersgrew。andwhenIwasscarcelyseventeen，Ithoughtmyselfmanenoughtomarryher，andtocutthethroatofanyonewhoshouldventuretosaymenay。
IneednottellyouthatduringmyabsenceatStrasburg，greatchangeshadoccurredinourlittlevillage，andsomewhatoftherevolutionaryragehadpenetratedeventothatquietanddistantplace。ThehideousFeteoftheSupremeBeinghadbeencelebratedatParis。thepracticeofourancientreligionwasforbidden。itsprofessorsweremostoftheminconcealment，orinexile，orhadexpiatedonthescaffoldtheircrimeofChristianity。Inourpoorvillagemyuncle’schurchwasclosed，andhe，himself，aninmateinmybrother’shouse，onlyowinghissafetytohisgreatpopularityamonghisformerflock，andtheinfluenceofEdwardAncel。
ThelatterhadtakenintheRevolutionasomewhatprominentpart。
thatis，hehadengagedinmanycontractsforthearmy，attendedtheclubsregularly，correspondedwiththeauthoritiesofhisdepartment，andwasloudinhisdenunciationsofthearistocratsintheneighborhood。Butowing，perhaps，totheGermanoriginofthepeasantry，andtheirquietandrusticlives，therevolutionaryfurywhichprevailedinthecitieshadhardlyreachedthecountrypeople。TheoccasionalvisitofacommissaryfromParisorStrasburgservedtokeeptheflamealive，andtoremindtheruralswainsoftheexistenceofaRepublicinFrance。
Nowandthen，whenIcouldgainaweek’sleaveofabsence，I
returnedtothevillage，andwasreceivedwithtolerablepolitenessbymyuncle，andwithawarmerfeelingbyhisdaughter。
Iwon’tdescribetoyoutheprogressofourlove，orthewrathofmyuncleEdward，whenhediscoveredthatitstillcontinued。Hesworeandhestormed。helockedMaryintoherchamber，andvowedthathewouldwithdrawtheallowancehemademe，ifeverIventurednearher。Hisdaughter，hesaid，shouldnevermarryahopeless，pennilesssubaltern。andMarydeclaredshewouldnotmarrywithouthisconsent。WhathadItodo？——todespairandtoleaveher。AsformypooruncleJacob，hehadnocounseltogiveme，and，indeed，nospiritleft：hislittlechurchwasturnedintoastable，hissurplicetornoffhisshoulders，andhewasonlytooluckyinkeepingHISHEADonthem。Abrightthoughtstruckhim：supposeyouweretoasktheadviceofmyoldfriendSchneiderregardingthismarriage？hehaseverbeenyourfriend，andmayhelpyounowasbefore。
HeretheCaptainpausedalittle。Youmayfancycontinuedhe
thatitwasdrolladviceofareverendgentlemanlikeuncleJacobtocounselmeinthismanner，andtobidmemakefriendswithsuchamurderouscut-throatasSchneider。butwethoughtnothingofitinthosedays。guillotiningwasascommonasdancing，andamanwasonlythoughtthebetterpatriotthemoreseverehemightbe。I
departedforthwithtoStrasburg，andrequestedthevoteandinterestoftheCitizenPresidentoftheCommitteeofPublicSafety。
Heheardmewithagreatdealofattention。Idescribedtohimmostminutelythecircumstance，expatiateduponthecharmsofmydearMary，andpaintedhertohimfromheadtofoot。Hergoldenhairandherbrightblushingcheeks，herslimwaistandhertrippingtinyfeet。andfurthermore，Iaddedthatshepossessedafortunewhichought，byrights，tobemine，butforthemiserlyoldfather。Cursehimforanaristocrat！concludedI，inmywrath。
AsIhadbeendiscoursingaboutMary’scharmsSchneiderlistenedwithmuchcomplacencyandattention：whenIspokeaboutherfortune，hisinterestredoubled。andwhenIcalledherfatheranaristocrat，theworthyex-Jesuitgaveagrinofsatisfaction，whichwasreallyquiteterrible。OfoolthatIwastotrusthimsofar！
TheverysameeveninganofficerwaiteduponmewiththefollowingnotefromSaintJust：——
STRASBURG，FifthyearoftheRepublic，oneandindivisible，11
Ventose。
ThecitizenPierreAncelistoleaveStrasburgwithintwohours，andtocarrytheencloseddespatchestothePresidentoftheCommitteeofPublicSafetyatParis。Thenecessaryleaveofabsencefromhismilitarydutieshasbeenprovided。Instantpunishmentwillfollowtheslightestdelayontheroad。
SalutetFraternite。
Therewasnochoicebutobedience，andoffIspedonmywearywaytothecapital。
AsIwasridingoutoftheParisgateImetanequipagewhichI
knewtobethatofSchneider。TheruffiansmiledatmeasI
passed，andwishedmeabonvoyage。Behindhischariotcameacuriousmachine，orcart。agreatbasket，threestoutpoles，andseveralplanks，allpaintedred，werelyinginthisvehicle，onthetopofwhichwasseatedmyfriendwiththebigcockade。ItwasthePORTABLEGUILLOTINEwhichSchneideralwayscarriedwithhimonhistravels。ThebourreauwasreadingTheSorrowsofWerter，andlookedassentimentalasusual。
IwillnotspeakofmyvoyageinordertorelatetoyouSchneider’s。Mystoryhadawakenedthewretch’scuriosityandavarice，andhewasdeterminedthatsuchaprizeasIhadshownmycousintobeshouldfallintonohandsbuthisown。Nosooner，infact，hadIquittedhisroomthanheprocuredtheorderformyabsence，andwasonthewaytoSteinbachasImethim。
Thejourneyisnotaverylongone。andonthenextdaymyuncleJacobwassurprisedbyreceivingamessagethatthecitizenSchneiderwasinthevillage，andwascomingtogreethisoldfriend。OldJacobwasinanecstasy，forhelongedtoseehiscollegeacquaintance，andhehopedalsothatSchneiderhadcomeintothatpartofthecountryuponthemarriage-businessofyourhumbleservant。OfcourseMarywassummonedtogiveherbestdinner，andwearherbestfrock。andherfathermadereadytoreceivethenewStatedignitary。
Schneider’scarriagespeedilyrolledintothecourt-yard，andSchneider’sCARTfollowed，asamatterofcourse。Theex-priestonlyenteredthehouse。hiscompanionremainingwiththehorsestodineinprivate。HerewasamosttouchingmeetingbetweenhimandJacob。Theytalkedovertheiroldcollegepranksandsuccesses。
theycappedGreekverses，andquotedancientepigramsupontheirtutors，whohadbeendeadsincetheSevenYears’War。Marydeclareditwasquitetouchingtolistentothemerryfriendlytalkofthesetwooldgentlemen。
Aftertheconversationhadcontinuedforatimeinthisstrain，Schneiderdrewupallofasudden，andsaidquietly，thathehadcomeonparticularandunpleasantbusiness——hintingabouttroublesometimes，spies，evilreports，andsoforth。ThenhecalleduncleEdwardaside，andhadwithhimalongandearnestconversation：soJacobwentoutandtalkedwithSchneider’sFRIEND。
theyspeedilybecameveryintimate，fortheruffiandetailedallthecircumstancesofhisinterviewwithme。Whenhereturnedintothehouse，sometimeafterthispleasingcolloquy，hefoundthetoneofthesocietystrangelyaltered。EdwardAncel，paleasasheet，trembling，andcryingformercy。poorMaryweeping。andSchneiderpacingenergeticallyabouttheapartment，ragingabouttherightsofman，thepunishmentoftraitors，andtheoneandindivisiblerepublic。
Jacob，hesaid，asmyuncleenteredtheroom，Iwaswilling，forthesakeofouroldfriendship，toforgetthecrimesofyourbrother。Heisaknownanddangerousaristocrat。heholdscommunicationswiththeenemyonthefrontier。heisapossessorofgreatandill-gottenwealth，ofwhichhehasplunderedtheRepublic。Doyouknow，saidhe，turningtoEdwardAncel，wheretheleastofthesecrimes，orthemeresuspicionofthem，wouldleadyou？
PoorEdwardsattremblinginhischair，andanswerednotaword。
Heknewfullwellhowquickly，inthisdreadfultime，punishmentfollowedsuspicion。and，thoughguiltlessofalltreasonwiththeenemy，perhapshewasawarethat，incertaincontractswiththeGovernment，hehadtakentohimselfamorethanpatrioticshareofprofit。
Doyouknow，resumedSchneider，inavoiceofthunder，forwhatpurposeIcamehither，andbywhomIamaccompanied？IamtheadministratorofthejusticeoftheRepublic。Thelifeofyourselfandyourfamilyisinmyhands：yonderman，whofollowsme，istheexecutorofthelaw。hehasridthenationofhundredsofwretcheslikeyourself。Asinglewordfromme，andyourdoomissealedwithouthope，andyourlasthouriscome。Ho！Gregoire！shoutedhe。isallready？
Gregoirerepliedfromthecourt，Icanputupthemachineinhalfanhour。ShallIgodowntothevillageandcallthetroopsandthelawpeople？
Doyouhearhim？saidSchneider。Theguillotineisinthecourt-yard。yournameisonmylist，andIhavewitnessestoproveyourcrime。Haveyouawordinyourdefence？
Notawordcame。theoldgentlemanwasdumb。buthisdaughter，whodidnotgivewaytohisterror，spokeforhim。
Youcannot，sir，saidshe，althoughyousayit，FEELthatmyfatherisguilty。youwouldnothaveenteredourhousethusaloneifyouhadthoughtit。Youthreatenhiminthismannerbecauseyouhavesomethingtoaskandtogainfromus：whatisit，citizen？——
tellushowmuchyouvalueourlives，andwhatsumwearetopayforourransom？
Sum！saiduncleJacob。hedoesnotwantmoneyofus：myoldfriend，mycollegechum，doesnotcomehithertodrivebargainswithanybodybelongingtoJacobAncel？
Oh，no，sir，no，youcan’twantmoneyofus，shriekedEdward。wearethepoorestpeopleofthevillage：ruined，MonsieurSchneider，ruinedinthecauseoftheRepublic。
Silence，father，saidmybraveMary。thismanwantsaPRICE：hecomes，withhisworthyfriendyonder，tofrightenus，nottokillus。Ifwedie，hecannottouchasouofourmoney。itisconfiscatedtotheState。Tellus，sir，whatisthepriceofoursafety？
Schneidersmiled，andbowedwithperfectpoliteness。
MademoiselleMarie，hesaid，isperfectlycorrectinhersurmise。Idonotwantthelifeofthispoordrivellingoldman：
myintentionsaremuchmorepeaceable，beassured。ItrestsentirelywiththisaccomplishedyoungladywhosespiritIlike，andwhosereadywitIadmire，whetherthebusinessbetweenusshallbeamatterofloveordeath。Ihumblyoffermyself，citizenAncel，asacandidateforthehandofyourcharmingdaughter。Hergoodness，herbeauty，andthelargefortunewhichIknowyouintendtogiveher，wouldrenderheradesirablematchfortheproudestmanintherepublic，and，Iamsure，wouldmakemethehappiest。
Thismustbeajest，MonsieurSchneider，saidMary，trembling，andturningdeadlypale：youcannotmeanthis。youdonotknowme：
youneverheardofmeuntilto-day。
Pardonme，belledame，repliedhe。yourcousinPierrehasoftentalkedtomeofyourvirtues。indeed，itwasbyhisspecialsuggestionthatImadethevisit。
Itisfalse！——itisabaseandcowardlylie！exclaimedshefortheyounglady’scouragewasup，——Pierrenevercouldhaveforgottenhimselfandmesoastooffermetoonelikeyou。Youcomeherewithalieonyourlips——alieagainstmyfather，toswearhislifeaway，againstmydearcousin’shonorandlove。Itisuselessnowtodenyit：father，IlovePierreAncel。Iwillmarrynootherbuthim——no，thoughourlastpennywerepaidtothismanasthepriceofourfreedom。
Schneider’sonlyreplytothiswasacalltohisfriendGregoire。
Senddowntothevillageforthemaireandsomegendarmes。andtellyourpeopletomakeready。
ShallIputTHEMACHINEup？shoutedheofthesentimentalturn。
Youhearhim，saidSchneider。MarieAncel，youmaydecidethefateofyourfather。Ishallreturninafewhours，concludedhe，andwillthenbegtoknowyourdecision。
Theadvocateoftherightsofmanthenlefttheapartment，andleftthefamily，asyoumayimagine，innoverypleasantmood。
OlduncleJacob，duringthefewminuteswhichhadelapsedintheenactmentofthisstrangescene，satstaringwildlyatSchneider，andholdingMaryonhisknees：thepoorlittlethinghadfledtohimforprotection，andnottoherfather，whowaskneelingalmostsenselessatthewindow，gazingattheexecutionerandhishideouspreparations。Theinstinctofthepoorgirlhadnotfailedher。
sheknewthatJacobwasheronlyprotector，ifnotofherlife——
heavenblesshim！——ofherhonor。Indeed，theoldmansaid，inastoutvoice，thismustneverbe，mydearestchild——youmustnotmarrythisman。IfitbethewillofProvidencethatwefall，weshallhaveatleastthethoughttoconsoleusthatwedieinnocent。
AnymaninFranceatatimelikethis，wouldbeacowardandtraitorifhefearedtomeetthefateofthethousandbraveandgoodwhohaveprecededus。
Whospeaksofdying？saidEdward。You，BrotherJacob？——youwouldnotlaythatpoorgirl’sheadonthescaffold，ormine，yourdearbrother’s。Youwillnotletusdie，Mary。youwillnot，forasmallsacrifice，bringyourpooroldfatherintodanger？
Marymadenoanswer。Perhaps，shesaid，thereistimeforescape：heistobeherebutintwohours。intwohourswemaybesafe，inconcealment，oronthefrontier。Andsherushedtothedoorofthechamber，asifshewouldhaveinstantlymadetheattempt：twogendarmeswereatthedoor。Wehaveorders，Mademoiselle，theysaid，toallownoonetoleavethisapartmentuntilthereturnofthecitizenSchneider。
Alas！allhopeofescapewasimpossible。Marybecamequitesilentforawhile。shewouldnotspeaktouncleJacob。and，inreplytoherfather’seagerquestions，sheonlyreplied，coldly，thatshewouldanswerSchneiderwhenhearrived。
Thetwodreadfulhourspassedawayonlytooquickly。and，punctualtohisappointment，theex-monkappeared。Directlyheentered，Maryadvancedtohim，andsaid，calmly，——
Sir，IcouldnotdeceiveyouifIsaidthatIfreelyacceptedtheofferwhichyouhavemademe。Iwillbeyourwife。butItellyouthatIloveanother。andthatitisonlytosavethelivesofthosetwooldmenthatIyieldmypersonuptoyou。
Schneiderbowed，andsaid，——
Itisbravelyspoken。Ilikeyourcandor——yourbeauty。Asforthelove，excusemeforsayingthatisamatteroftotalindifference。Ihavenodoubt，however，thatitwillcomeassoonasyourfeelingsinfavoroftheyounggentleman，yourcousin，havelosttheirpresentfervor。Thatengagingyoungmanhas，atpresent，anothermistress——Glory。Heoccupies，Ibelieve，thedistinguishedpostofcorporalinaregimentwhichisabouttomarchto——Perpignan，Ibelieve。
Itwas，infact，MonsieurSchneider’spoliteintentiontobanishmeasfaraspossiblefromtheplaceofmybirth。andhehad，accordingly，selectedtheSpanishfrontierasthespotwhereIwastodisplaymyfuturemilitarytalents。
Marygavenoanswertothissneer：sheseemedperfectlyresignedandcalm：sheonlysaid，——
Imustmake，however，someconditionsregardingourproposedmarriage，whichagentlemanofMonsieurSchneider’sgallantrycannotrefuse。
Praycommandme，repliedthehusbandelect。Fairlady，youknowIamyourslave。
Youoccupyadistinguishedpoliticalrank，citizenrepresentative，
saidshe。andweinourvillagearelikewiseknownandbeloved。I
shouldbeashamed，Iconfess，towedyouhere。forourpeoplewouldwonderatthesuddenmarriage，andimplythatitwasonlybycompulsionthatIgaveyoumyhand。Letus，then，performthisceremonyatStrasburg，beforethepublicauthoritiesofthecity，withthestateandsolemnitywhichbefitsthemarriageofoneofthechiefmenoftheRepublic。
Beitso，madam，heanswered，andgallantlyproceededtoembracehisbride。
Marydidnotshrinkfromthisruffian’skiss。nordidshereplywhenpooroldJacob，whosatsobbinginacorner，burstout，andsaid，——
OMary，Mary，Ididnotthinkthisofthee！
Silence，brother！hastilysaidEdward。mygoodson-in-lawwillpardonyourill-humor。
IbelieveuncleEdwardinhisheartwaspleasedatthenotionofthemarriage。heonlycaredformoneyandrank，andwaslittlescrupulousastothemeansofobtainingthem。
Thematterthenwasfinallyarranged。andpresently，afterSchneiderhadtransactedtheaffairswhichbroughthimintothatpartofthecountry，thehappybridalpartysetforwardforStrasburg。UnclesJacobandEdwardoccupiedthebackseatoftheoldfamilycarriage，andtheyoungbrideandbridegroomhewasnearlyJacob’sagewereseatedmajesticallyinfront。Maryhasoftensincetalkedtomeofthisdreadfuljourney。ShesaidshewonderedatthescrupulouspolitenessofSchneiderduringtheroute。nay，thatatanotherperiodshecouldhavelistenedtoandadmiredthesingulartalentofthisman，hisgreatlearning，hisfancy，andwit。buthermindwasbentuponotherthings，andthepoorgirlfirmlythoughtthatherlastdaywascome。
Inthemeantime，byablessedchance，IhadnotriddenthreeleaguesfromStrasburg，whentheofficerofapassingtroopofacavalryregiment，lookingatthebeastonwhichIwasmounted，waspleasedtotakeafancytoit，andorderedme，inanauthoritativetone，todescend，andtogiveupmysteedforthebenefitoftheRepublic。Irepresentedtohim，invain，thatIwasasoldier，likehimself，andthebearerofdespatchestoParis。Fool！hesaid。doyouthinktheywouldsenddespatchesbyamanwhocanrideatbestbuttenleaguesaday？Andthehonestsoldierwassowrothatmysupposedduplicity，thathenotonlyconfiscatedmyhorse，butmysaddle，andthelittleportmanteauwhichcontainedthechiefpartofmyworldlygoodsandtreasure。Ihadnothingforitbuttodismount，andtakemywayonfootbackagaintoStrasburg。Iarrivedthereintheevening，determiningthenextmorningtomakemycaseknowntothecitizenSt。Just。andthoughI
mademyentrywithoutasou，Idon’tknowwhatsecretexultationI
feltatagainbeingabletoreturn。
Theante-chamberofsuchagreatmanasSt。Justwas，inthosedays，toocrowdedforanunprotectedboytoobtainanearlyaudience。twodayspassedbeforeIcouldobtainasightofthefriendofRobespierre。Onthethirdday，asIwasstillwaitingfortheinterview，Iheardagreatbustleinthecourtyardofthehouse，andlookedoutwithmanyothersatthespectacle。
Anumberofmenandwomen，singingepithalamiums，anddressedinsomeabsurdimitationofRomancostume，atroopofsoldiersandgendarmerie，andanimmensecrowdofthebadaudsofStrasburg，weresurroundingacarriagewhichthenenteredthecourtofthemayoralty。Inthiscarriage，greatGod！IsawmydearMary，andSchneiderbyherside。Thetruthinstantlycameuponme：thereasonforSchneider’skeeninquiriesandmyabruptdismissal。butIcouldnotbelievethatMarywasfalsetome。Ihadonlytolookinherface，whiteandrigidasmarble，toseethatthisproposedmarriagewasnotwithherconsent。
IfellbackinthecrowdastheprocessionenteredthegreatroominwhichIwas，andhidmyfaceinmyhands：Icouldnotlookuponherasthewifeofanother，——uponhersolonglovedandtruly——thesaintofmychildhood——theprideandhopeofmyyouth——tornfrommeforever，anddeliveredovertotheunholyarmsofthemurdererwhostoodbeforeme。
ThedoorofSt。Just’sprivateapartmentopened，andhetookhisseatatthetableofmayoraltyjustasSchneiderandhiscortegearrivedbeforeit。
SchneiderthensaidthathecameinbeforetheauthoritiesoftheRepublictoespousethecitoyenneMarieAncel。
Issheaminor？askedSt。Just。
Sheisaminor，butherfatherisheretogiveheraway。
Iamhere，saiduncleEdward，comingeagerlyforwardandbowing。
EdwardAncel，sopleaseyou，citizenrepresentative。TheworthycitizenSchneiderhasdonemethehonorofmarryingintomyfamily。
Butmyfatherhasnottoldyouthetermsofthemarriage，saidMary，interruptinghim，inaloud，clearvoice。
HereSchneiderseizedherhand，andendeavoredtopreventherfromspeaking。Herfatherturnedpale，andcried，Stop，Mary，stop！
Forheaven’ssake，rememberyourpooroldfather’sdanger！
Sir，mayIspeak？
Lettheyoungwomanspeak，saidSt。Just，ifshehaveadesiretotalk。Hedidnotsuspectwhatwouldbethepurportofherstory。
Sir，shesaid，twodayssincethecitizenSchneiderenteredforthefirsttimeourhouse。andyouwillfancythatitmustbealoveofverysuddengrowthwhichhasbroughteitherhimormebeforeyouto-day。Hehadheardfromapersonwhoisnowunhappilynotpresent，ofmynameandofthewealthwhichmyfamilywassaidtopossess。andhencearosethismaddesignconcerningme。Hecameintoourvillagewithsupremepower，anexecutionerathisheels，andthesoldieryandauthoritiesofthedistrictentirelyunderhisorders。Hethreatenedmyfatherwithdeathifherefusedtogiveuphisdaughter。andI，whoknewthattherewasnochanceofescape，exceptherebeforeyou，consentedtobecomehiswife。MyfatherIknowtobeinnocent，forallhistransactionswiththeStatehavepassedthroughmyhands。Citizenrepresentative，I
demandtobefreedfromthismarriage。andIchargeSchneiderasatraitortotheRepublic，asamanwhowouldhavemurderedaninnocentcitizenforthesakeofprivategain。
Duringthedeliveryofthislittlespeech，uncleJacobhadbeensobbingandpantinglikeabroken-windedhorse。andwhenMaryhaddone，herusheduptoherandkissedher，andheldhertightinhisarms。Blessthee，mychild！hecried，forhavinghadthecouragetospeakthetruth，andshamethyoldfatherandme，whodarednotsayaword。
Thegirlamazesme，saidSchneider，withalookofastonishment。
Ineversawher，itistrue，tillyesterday。butIusednoforce：
herfathergavehertomewithhisfreeconsent，andsheyieldedasgladly。Speak，EdwardAncel，wasitnotso？
Itwas，indeed，bymyfreeconsent，saidEdward，trembling。
Forshame，brother！criedoldJacob。Sir，itwasbyEdward’sfreeconsentandmyniece’s。buttheguillotinewasinthecourt-
yard！QuestionSchneider’sfamulus，themanGregoire，himwhoreads‘TheSorrowsofWerter。’
Gregoiresteppedforward，andlookedhesitatinglyatSchneider，ashesaid，Iknownotwhattookplacewithindoors。butIwasorderedtoputupthescaffoldwithout。andIwastoldtogetsoldiers，andletnooneleavethehouse。
CitizenSt。Just，criedSchneider，youwillnotallowthetestimonyofaruffianlikethis，ofafoolishgirl，andamadex-
priest，toweighagainstthewordofonewhohasdonesuchservicetotheRepublic：itisabaseconspiracytobetrayme。thewholefamilyisknowntofavortheinterestoftheemigres。
Andthereforeyouwouldmarryamemberofthefamily，andallowtheotherstoescape。youmustmakeabetterdefence，citizenSchneider，saidSt。Just，sternly。
HereIcameforward，andsaidthat，threedayssince，IhadreceivedanordertoquitStrasburgforParisimmediatelyafteraconversationwithSchneider，inwhichIhadaskedhimhisaidinpromotingmymarriagewithmycousin，MaryAncel。thathehadheardfrommefullaccountsregardingherfather’swealth。andthathehadabruptlycausedmydismissal，inordertocarryonhisschemeagainsther。
Youareintheuniformofaregimentofthistown。whosentyoufromit？saidSt。Just。
Iproducedtheorder，signedbyhimself，andthedespatcheswhichSchneiderhadsentme。
Thesignatureismine，butthedespatchesdidnotcomefrommyoffice。CanyouproveinanywayyourconversationwithSchneider？
Why，saidmysentimentalfriendGregoire，forthematterofthat，Icananswerthattheladwasalwaystalkingaboutthisyoungwoman：hetoldmethewholestoryhimself，andmanyagoodlaughI
hadwithcitizenSchneideraswetalkedaboutit。
ThechargeagainstEdwardAncelmustbeexaminedinto，saidSt。
Just。Themarriagecannottakeplace。ButifIhadratifiedit，MaryAncel，whatthenwouldhavebeenyourcourse？
Maryfeltforamomentinherbosom，andsaid——Hewouldhavediedto-night——Iwouldhavestabbedhimwiththisdagger。*
*Thisreply，and，indeed，thewholeofthestory，ishistorical。
Anaccount，byCharlesNodier，intheRevuedeParis，suggestedittothewriter。
Therainwasbeatingdownthestreets，andyettheywerethronged。
alltheworldwashasteningtothemarket-place，wheretheworthyGregoirewasabouttoperformsomeofthepleasantdutiesofhisoffice。Onthisoccasion，itwasnotdeaththathewastoinflict。
hewasonlytoexposeacriminalwhowastobesentonafterwardstoParis。St。JusthadorderedthatSchneidershouldstandforsixhoursinthepublicplaceofStrasburg，andthenbesentontothecapitaltobedealtwithastheauthoritiesmightthinkfit。
Thepeoplefollowedwithexecrationsthevillaintohisplaceofpunishment。andGregoiregrinnedashefixeduptothepostthemanwhoseordershehadobeyedsooften——whohaddeliveredovertodisgraceandpunishmentsomanywhomeriteditnot。
Schneiderwasleftforseveralhoursexposedtothemockeryandinsultsofthemob。hewasthen，accordingtohissentence，marchedontoParis，whereitisprobablethathewouldhaveescapeddeath，butforhisownfault。Hewasleftforsometimeinprison，quiteunnoticed，perhapsforgotten：daybydayfreshvictimswerecarriedtothescaffold，andyettheAlsaciantribuneremainedalive。atlast，bythemediationofoneofhisfriends，alongpetitionwaspresentedtoRobespierre，statinghisservicesandhisinnocence，anddemandinghisfreedom。Thereplytothiswasanorderforhisinstantexecution：thewretchdiedinthelastdaysofRobespierre’sreign。Hiscomrade，St。Just，followedhim，asyouknow。butEdwardAncelhadbeenreleasedbeforethis，fortheactionofmybraveMaryhadcreatedastrongfeelinginhisfavor。
AndMary？saidI。
HereastoutandsmilingoldladyenteredtheCaptain’slittleroom：shewasleaningonthearmofamilitary-lookingmanofsomefortyyears，andfollowedbyanumberofnoisy，rosychildren。
ThisisMaryAncel，saidtheCaptain，andIamCaptainPierre，andyonderistheColonel，myson。andyouseeushereassembledinforce，foritisthefeteoflittleJacobyonder，whosebrothersandsistershaveallcomefromtheirschoolstodanceathisbirthday。
BEATRICEMERGER。
BeatriceMerger，whosenamemightfigureattheheadofoneofMr。
Colburn’spolitestromances——sosmoothandaristocraticdoesitsound——isnoheroine，exceptofherownsimplehistory。sheisnotafashionableFrenchCountess，norevenavictimoftheRevolution。
Sheisastout，sturdygirloftwo-and-twenty，withafacebeamingwithgoodnature，andmarkeddreadfullybysmallpox。andapairofblackeyes，whichmighthavedonesomeexecutionhadtheybeenplacedinasmootherface。Beatrice’sstationinsocietyisnotveryexalted。sheisaservantofall-work：shewilldressyourwife，yourdinner，yourchildren。shedoesbeefsteaksandplainwork。shemakesbeds，blacksboots，andwaitsattable——such，atleast，weretheofficeswhichsheperformedinthefashionableestablishmentofthewriterofthisbook：perhapsherhistorymaynotinaptlyoccupyafewpagesofit。
Myfatherdied，saidBeatrice，aboutsixyearssince，andleftmypoormotherwithlittleelsebutasmallcottageandastripofland，andfourchildrentooyoungtowork。Itwashardenoughinmyfather’stimetosupplysomanylittlemouthswithfood。andhowwasapoorwidowedwomantoprovideforthemnow，whohadneitherthestrengthnortheopportunityforlabor？
Besidesus，tobesure，therewasmyoldaunt。andshewouldhavehelpedus，butshecouldnot，fortheoldwomanisbed-ridden。soshedidnothingbutoccupyourbestroom，andgrumblefrommorningtillnight：heavenknows，pooroldsoul，thatshehadnogreatreasontobeveryhappy。foryouknow，sir，thatitfretsthetempertobesick。andthatitisworsestilltobesickandhungrytoo。
Atthattime，inthecountrywherewelivedinPicardy，notveryfarfromBoulogne，timesweresobadthatthebestworkmancouldhardlyfindemploy。andwhenhedid，hewashappyifhecouldearnamatteroftwelvesousaday。Mother，workasshewould，couldnotgainmorethansix。anditwasahardjob，outofthis，toputmeatintosixbellies，andclothingonsixbacks。OldAuntBridgetwouldscold，asshegotherportionofblackbread。andmylittlebrothersusedtocryiftheirsdidnotcomeintime。I，too，usedtocrywhenIgotmyshare。formotherkeptonlyalittle，littlepieceforherself，andsaidthatshehaddinedinthefields，——Godpardonherforthelie！andblessher，asIamsureHedid。for，butforHim，noworkingmanorwomancouldsubsistuponsuchawretchedmorselasmydearmothertook。
Iwasathin，ragged，barefootedgirl，then，andsicklyandweakforwantoffood。butIthinkIfeltmother’shungermorethanmyown：andmanyandmanyabitternightIlayawake，crying，andprayingtoGodtogivememeansofworkingformyselfandaidingher。Andhehas，indeed，beengoodtome，saidpiousBeatrice，forHehasgivenmeallthis！
Well，timerolledon，andmattersgrewworsethanever：wintercame，andwascoldertousthananyotherwinter，forourclotheswerethinnerandmoretorn。mothersometimescouldfindnowork，forthefieldsinwhichshelaboredwerehiddenunderthesnow。sothatwhenwewantedthemmostwehadthemleast——warmth，work，orfood。
Iknewthat，dowhatIwould，motherwouldneverletmeleaveher，becauseIlookedtomylittlebrothersandmyoldcrippleofanaunt。butstill，breadwasbetterforusthanallmyservice。andwhenIleftthemthesixwouldhaveaslicemore。soIdeterminedtobidgood-bytonobody，buttogoaway，andlookforworkelsewhere。OneSunday，whenmotherandthelittleoneswereatchurch，IwentintoAuntBridget，andsaid，‘Tellmother，whenshecomesback，thatBeatriceisgone。’Ispokequitestoutly，asifI
didnotcareaboutit。
‘Gone！gonewhere？’saidshe。‘Youain’tgoingtoleavemealone，younastything。youain’tgoingtothevillagetodance，youragged，barefootedslut：you’reallofapieceinthishouse——yourmother，yourbrothers，andyou。Iknowyou’vegotmeatinthekitchen，andyouonlygivemeblackbread。’andheretheoldladybegantoscreamasifherheartwouldbreak。butwedidnotmindit，weweresousedtoit。
’Aunt，’saidI，’I’mgoing，andtookthisveryopportunitybecauseyouWEREalone：tellmotherIamtoooldnowtoeatherbread，anddonoworkforit：Iamgoing，pleaseGod，whereworkandbreadcanbefound：’andsoIkissedher：shewassoastonishedthatshecouldnotmoveorspeak。andIwalkedawaythroughtheoldroom，andthelittlegarden，Godknowswhither！
Iheardtheoldwomanscreamingafterme，butIdidnotstopnorturnround。Idon’tthinkIcould，formyheartwasveryfull。andifIhadgonebackagain，Ishouldneverhavehadthecouragetogoaway。SoIwalkedalong，longway，untilnightfell。andI
thoughtofpoormothercominghomefrommass，andnotfindingme。
andlittlePierreshoutingout，inhisclearvoice，forBeatricetobringhimhissupper。IthinkIshouldliketohavediedthatnight，andIthoughtIshouldtoo。forwhenIwasobligedtothrowmyselfonthecold，hardground，myfeetweretootornandwearytobearmeanyfurther。
Justthenthemoongotup。anddoyouknowIfeltacomfortinlookingatit，forIknewitwasshiningonourlittlecottage，anditseemedlikeanoldfriend’sface？Alittlewayon，asIsawbythemoon，wasavillage：andIsaw，too，thatamanwascomingtowardsme。hemusthaveheardmecrying，Isuppose。
WasnotGodgoodtome？Thismanwasafarmer，whohadneedofagirlinhishouse。hemademetellhimwhyIwasalone，andItoldhimthesamestoryIhavetoldyou，andhebelievedmeandtookmehome。Ihadwalkedsixlongleaguesfromourvillagethatday，askingeverywhereforworkinvain。andhere，atbedtime，Ifoundabedandasupper！
HereIlivedverywellforsomemonths。mymasterwasverygoodandkindtome。but，unluckily，toopoortogivemeanywages。sothatIcouldsavenothingtosendtomypoormother。Mymistressusedtoscold。butIwasusedtothatathome，fromAuntBridget：
andshebeatmesometimes，butIdidnotmindit。foryourhardycountrygirlisnotlikeyourtendertownlasses，whocryifapinpricksthem，andgivewarningtotheirmistressesatthefirsthardword。Theonlydrawbacktomycomfortwas，thatIhadnonewsofmymother。Icouldnotwritetoher，norcouldshehavereadmyletter，ifIhad。sothereIwas，atonlysixleagues’distancefromhome，asfaroffasifIhadbeentoParisorto’Merica。
However，inafewmonthsIgrewsolistlessandhomesick，thatmymistresssaidshewouldkeepmenolonger。andthoughIwentawayaspoorasIcame，Iwasstilltoogladtogobacktotheoldvillageagain，andseedearmother，ifitwerebutforaday。I
knewshewouldsharehercrustwithme，asshehaddoneforsolongatimebefore。andhopedthat，now，asIwastallerandstronger，I
mightfindworkmoreeasilyintheneighborhood。
YoumayfancywhatafeteitwaswhenIcameback。thoughI’msurewecriedasmuchasifithadbeenafuneral。Mothergotintoafit，whichfrightenedusall。andasforAuntBridget，sheSKREELED
awayforhourstogether，anddidnotscoldfortwodaysatleast。
LittlePierreofferedmethewholeofhissupper。poorlittleman！
hissliceofbreadwasnobiggerthanbeforeIwentaway。
Well，Igotalittleworkhereandalittlethere。butstillIwasaburdenathomeratherthanabread-winner。and，attheclosing-inofthewinter，wasverygladtohearofaplaceattwoleagues’
distance，wherework，theysaid，wastobehad。OffIset，onemorning，tofindit，butmissedmyway，somehow，untilitwasnight-timebeforeIarrived。Night-timeandsnowagain。itseemedasifallmyjourneysweretobemadeinthisbitterweather。
WhenIcametothefarmer’sdoor，hishousewasshutup，andhispeoplealla-bed。Iknockedforalongwhileinvain。atlasthemadehisappearanceatawindowupstairs，andseemedsofrightened，andlookedsoangrythatIsupposehetookmeforathief。ItoldhimhowIhadcomeforwork。’Whocomesforworkatsuchanhour？’
saidhe。’Gohome，youimpudentbaggage，anddonotdisturbhonestpeopleoutoftheirsleep。’Hebangedthewindowto。andsoIwasleftalonetoshiftformyselfasImight。Therewasnoshed，nocow-house，whereIcouldfindabed。soIgotunderacart，onsomestraw。itwasnoverywarmberth。Icouldnotsleepforthecold：
andthehourspassedsoslowly，thatitseemedasifIhadbeenthereaweekinsteadofanight。butstillitwasnotsobadasthefirstnightwhenIlefthome，andwhenthegoodfarmerfoundme。