Heputhisfollyfromhimand-wenton，seekingtoholdhismindtotheplanningofhisto-morrow”sjourneyanditsbusiness。HehadnomeanstoknowthatatthatveryhourValeriewasonherkneesbyherlittlewhitebed，intheNorthernTowerofCondillac，prayingforthereposeofthesoulofMonsieurdeGarnache-thebravestgentleman，thenoblestfriendshehadeverknown。Forsheaccountedhimdead，andshethoughtwithhorrorofhisbodylyingintheslimeunderthecoldwatersofthemoatbeneaththewindowofherantechamber。Achangeseemedtohavecomeuponher。Hersoulwasnumb，hercourageseemeddead，andlittlecarehadsheinthathourofwhatmightbetidehernow。
　　Florimondwascoming，sheremembered：comingtowedher。Ah，well！
　　Itmatteredlittle，sinceMonsieurdeGarnachewasdead-asthoughitcouldhavematteredhadhebeenliving！
　　ThreehoursofhislongstridingbroughtGarnacheatlasttoVoiron，andtheechoofhisfootstepsrangthroughthesilentstreetsandscaredastraycatortwothatwerepreyingoutofdoors。Therewasnowatchinthelittletownshipandnolights，butbythemoon”sfaintglimmerGarnachesoughttheinnoftheBeauPaon，andfounditattheendofalittlewandering。Agaudypeacock，withtailspreadwide，wasthesignabovethedooronwhichhethumpedandkickedasifhewouldhavebeatenitdown。
　　Itopenedaftersomedelay，andaman，halfclad，candleinhand，anight-caponhishoarylocks，showedanangryfaceattheopening。
　　Atsightofthegaunt，bedraggledfigurethatcravedadmittance，thelandlordwouldhaveshutthedooragain，fearingthathehadtodowithsomewildbanditfromthehills。ButGarnachethrusthisfootintheway。
　　“ThereisamannamedRabecque，fromParis，lodginghere。Imusthaveinstantspeechwithhim，“saidhe；andhiswords，togetherwiththecrisp，commandingtonesinwhichtheywereuttered，hadtheireffectuponthehost。
　　RabecquehadbeenplayingthegreatlordduringtheweekhehadspentatVoiron，andhadknownhowtocommandacertaindeferenceandregard。Thatthistatterdemalion，withthehaughtyvoice，shoulddemandtoseehimatthathourofthenight，withsuchscantunconcernofhowfarhemightincommodethegreatMonsieurRabecque，earnedforhimtooacertainmeasureofregard，thoughstillalloyedwithsomesuspicion。
　　Thelandlordbadehimenter。HedidnotknowwhetherMonsieurRabecquewouldforgivehimforbeingdisturbed；hecouldnotsaywhetherMonsieurRabecquewouldconsenttoseethisvisitoratsuchanhour；veryprobablyhewouldnot。Still，monsieurmightenter。
　　Garnachecuthimshortbeforehehadhalfdone，announcedhisnameandbadehimconveyittoRabecque。Thealacritywithwhichthelackeystirredfromhisbeduponhearingwhoitwasthathadarrivedimpressedthehostnotalittle，butnothalfsomuchasitimpressedhimpresentlytoobservethedeferencewithwhichthisgreatMonsieurRabecqueofParisconfrontedthescarecrowbelowstairswhenhewasbroughtintoitspresence。
　　“Youaresafeandsound，monsieur？“hecried，indeferentialjoy。
　　“Aye，byamiracle，monfils，“Garnacheansweredhim，withashortlaugh。“Helpmetobed；thenbringmeacupofspicedwine。Ihaveswumamoatanddoneotherwondersintheseclothes。”
　　ThehostandRabecquebustlednowtoministertohiswantsbetweenthem，andwhen，jadedandworn，Garnachelayatlastbetweengood-smellingsheetswiththefeelinginhimthathewasliketosleepuntilthedayofjudgment，heissuedhisfinalorders。
　　“Awakemeatdaybreak，Rabecque，“saidhedrowsily。“Wemustbestirringthen。Havehorsereadyandclothesforme。IshallneedyoutowashmecleanandshavemeandmakemewhatIwasbeforeyourtricksanddyesturnedmeintowhatIhavebeenthisweekandmore。Takeawaythelight。Atdaybreak！Don”tletmesleepbeyondthatasyouvalueyourplacewithme。Weshallhavebriskworkto-morrow。At-daybreak-Rabecque！“
　　CHAPTERXX
　　FLORIMONDDECONDILLAC
　　ItwasnoonofthenextdaywhentwohorsemengainedtheheightsaboveLaRochetteandpausedtobreathetheirnagsandtakeasurveyofthelittletownshipintheplainattheirfeet。OneofthesewasMonsieurdeGarnache，theotherwashismanRabecque。ButitwasnolongerthetravestiedGarnachethatCondillachadknownas“Battista“duringthepastdays，itwasthatgentlemanashehadbeenwhenfirsthepresentedhimselfatthechateau。Rabecquehadshavedhim，andbymeansofcertainunguentshadcleansedhisskinandhairofthedyeswithwhichhehadearlieroverlaidthem。
　　Thatmetamorphosis，ofitself，wasenoughtosetGarnacheinagoodhumour；hefelthimselfagain，andthefeelinggavehimconfidence。
　　Hismustachiosbristledasfiercelyasofold，hisskinwasclearandhealthy，andhisdarkbrownhairshowedashenatthetemples。
　　Hewasbecominglyarrayedinasuitofdarkbrowncamlet，withrowsofclose-setgoldbuttonsrunninguphishangingsleeves；aleatherjerkinhidmuchofhisfinery，andhisgreatbootsencasedhislegs。
　　Heworeabrownhat，withatallishcrownandaredfeather，andRabecquecarriedhiscloakforhim，forthepersistentSaintMartin”ssummerrenderedthatdayofNovemberratherasoneofearlyautumn。
　　Afloodofsunshinedescendedfromacloudlessskytodrenchthecountryattheirfeet，andallaboutthemthetreespreservedagreenthatwasbutlittletouchedbyautumnalbrowning。
　　Awhilehepausedthereontheheights；thenhegavehishorseatouchofthespur，andtheystarteddownthewindingroadthatledintoLaRochette。Ahalf-hourlatertheywereridingundertheportecochereoftheinnoftheBlackBoar。OftheostlerwhohastenedforwardtotaketheirreinsMonsieurdeGarnacheinquirediftheMarquisdeCondillacwerelodgedthere。Hewasansweredintheaffirmative，andhegotdownatoncefromhishorse。Indeed，butfortheformalityofthething，hemighthavesparedhimselfthequestion，forloungingaboutthecourtyardwereascoreofstalwartweather-tannedfellows，whoseairandaccoutrementsproclaimedthemsoldiers。ItrequiredlittleshrewdnesstoguessinthemthepersonalfollowersoftheMarquis，theremainderofthelittletroopthathadfollowedtheyoungseigneurtothewarswhen，somethreeyearsago，hehadsetoutfromCondillac。
　　Garnachegaveordersforthehorsestobecaredfor，andbadeRabecquegethimselffedinthecommonroom。Heraldedbythehost，theParisianthenmountedthestairstoMonsieurdeCondillac”sapartments。
　　Thelandlordledthewaytotheinn”sbestroom，turnedthehandle，and，throwingwidethedoor，stoodasideforMonsieurdeGarnachetoenter。
　　>Fromwithinthechambercamethesoundsofascuffle，aman”ssoftlaugh，andagirl”ssofterintercession。
　　“Letmego，monsieur。Ofyourpity，letmego。Someoneiscoming。”
　　“AndwhatcareIwhocomes？“answeredavoicethatseemedoppressedbylaughter。
　　Garnachestrodeintothechamber-spaciousandhandsomelyfurnishedasbecamethebestroomoftheAubergeduSanglierNoir-tofindamealspreadonthetable，steamingwithanodourpromisingofgoodthings，butneglectedbytheguestforthecharmsoftheserving-wench，whosewaisthehadimprisoned。AsGarnache”stallfigureloomedbeforehimheletthegirlgoandturnedahalf-laughing，half-startledfaceupontheintruder。
　　“Whothedevilmayyoube？“heinquired，andabrowneye，rakishandrovinginitsglance，playedbrisklyovertheParisian，whilstGarnachehimselfreturnedthecompliment，andcalmlysurveyedthisfloridgentlemanofmiddleheightwiththefairhairandregularfeatures。
　　Thegirlscurriedbyanddartedfromtheroom，dodgingthesmitinghandwhichthehostraisedassheflewpasthim。TheParisianfelthisgorgerising。WasthisthesortoffeverthathadkeptMonsieurleMarquisatLaRochette，whilstmademoisellewassufferinginduranceatCondillac？Hislastnight”sjealousspeculationstouchingamanhedidnotknowhadleastwaysledhimintonoexaggeration。
　　Hefoundjustsuchamanashehadpictured-alightly-loving，pleasure-takingroysterer，withneverathoughtbeyondtheamusementwhichthehouraffordedhim。
　　WithcurlinglipGarnachebowedstiffly，andinacold，formalvoiceheannouncedhimself。
　　“MynameisMartinMarieRigobertdeGarnache。IamanemissarydispatchedfromParisbyherMajestytheQueen-mothertoprocuretheenlargementofMademoiselledeLaVauvrayefromtheduranceinwhichsheisheldbymadameyourstepmother。”
　　Thepleasantgentleman”seyebrowswentup；asmilethatwasalmostinsolentbrokeonhisface。
　　“Thatbeingso，monsieur，whythedevilareyouhere？“
　　“Iamhere，monsieur，“answeredhimGarnache，throwingbackhishead，hisnostrilsquivering，“becauseyouarenotatCondillac。”
　　Thetonewastruculenttothepointofdefiance，fordespitethefirmresolvehehadtakenlastnightneveragaintolethistemperovermasterhim，alreadyGarnache”sself-controlwasslippingaway。
　　TheMarquisnotedthetone，andobservedtheman。Intheirwayhelikedboth；intheirwayhedislikedboth。Butheclearlysawthatthispepperygentlemanmustbetreatedlesscavalierly，ortroublewouldcomeofit。Sohewavedhimgracefullytothetable，whereabraceofflagonsstoodamidthesteamingviands。
　　“Youwilldinewithme，monsieur，“saidhe，theutmostpolitenessmarkinghisutterancenow。“Itakeitthatsinceyouhavecomehereinquestofmeyouhavesomethingtotellme。Shallwetalkasweeat？Idetestalonelymeal。”
　　Thefloridgentleman”stoneandmannerweremollifyingintheextreme。Garnachehadrisenearlyandriddenfar；thesmelloftheviandshadquickenedanappetitealreadyverykeen；moreover，sinceheandthisgentlemanweretobeallies，itwasaswelltheyshouldnotbeginbyquarrelling。
　　Hebowedlessstiffly，expressedhiswillingnessandhisthanks，laidhatandwhipandcloakaside，unbuckledandsetdownhissword，and，thatdone，tookattabletheplacewhichhishosthimselfpreparedhim。
　　GarnachetookmorecarefulstockoftheMarquisnow。Hefoundmuchtolikeinhiscountenance。Itwasfrankandjovial；obviouslythatofasensualist，but，leastways，anhonestsensualist。Hewasdressedinblack，asbecameamanwhomournedhisfather，yetwithastrikingrichnessofmaterial，whilsthisbroadcollaroffinepointandthelacecuffsofhisdoubletwereworthafortune。
　　WhattimetheyateMonsieurdeGarnachetoldofhisjourneyfromParisandofhisdealingswithTressanandhissubsequentadventuresatCondillac。Hedweltpassinglyuponthemannerinwhichtheyhadtreatedhim，andfounditdifficulttochoosewordstoexpressthereasonforhisreturningindisguisetoplaytheknight-erranttoValerie。Hepassedontospeakoflastnight”shappeningsandofhisescape。Throughout，theMarquisheardhimwithagravecountenanceandasober，attentiveglance，yet，whenhehadfinishedasmilecreptroundthesensuallips。
　　“TheletterthatIhadatMilanpreparedmeforsomesuchtroubleasthis，“saidhe，andGarnachewasamazedatthelightnessofhistone，justashehadbeenamazedtoseethefellowkeephiscountenanceatthenarrativeofmademoiselle”sposition。“Iguessedthatmybeautifulstepmotherintendedmesomesuchscurvinessfromthecircumstanceofherhavingkeptmeinignoranceofmyfather”sdeath。Butfrankly，sir，yourtalebyfaroutstripsmywildestimaginings。Youhavebehavedvery-verybravelyinthisaffair。
　　Youseem，infact，tohavetakenagreaterinterestinMademoiselledeLaVauvraye”senlargementthantheQueencouldhavearighttoexpectofyou。”Andhesmiled，aworldofsuggestioninhiseyes。
　　Garnachesatbackinhischairandstaredattheman。
　　“Thislevity，monsieur，onsuchasubject，leavesmethunderstruck，“
　　hesaidatlast。
　　“Diable！“laughedtheother。“Youaretooprone，afteryourtrials；
　　toviewitstragicratherthanitscomicside。ForgivemeifIamsmittenonlywiththehumourofthething。”
　　“Thehumourofthething！“gurgledGarnache，hiseyesstartingfromhishead。Thenoutleaptthattemperofhislikeaneagerhoundthathasbeensuddenlyunleashed。Hebroughtdownhisclenchedhanduponthetable，caughtinpassingaflagon，andsentitcrashingtothefloor。Iftherewasatablenearathandwhenhistemperwent，heneverfailedtotreatitso。
　　“ParlamortDieu！monsieur，youseebutthehumourofit，doyou？
　　Andwhatofthatpoorchildwhoislyingthere，sufferingthisincarcerationbecauseofherfidelitytoapromisegivenyou？“
　　Thestatementwashardlyfullyaccurate。Butitserveditspurpose。
　　Theother”sfacebecameinstantly，grave。
　　“Calmyourself，Ibeg，monsieur，“hecried，raisingasoothinghand。
　　“Ihaveoffendedyousomewhere；thatisplain。ThereissomethingherethatIdonotaltogetherunderstand。YousaythatValeriehassufferedonaccountofapromisegivenme？Towhatareyoureferring？“
　　“Theyholdheraprisoner，monsieur，becausetheywishtowedhertoMarius，“answeredGarnache，strivinghardtocoolhisanger。
　　“Parfaitement！ThatmuchIunderstood。”
　　“Well，then，monsieur，istherestnotplain？Becausesheisbetrothedtoyou-“Hepaused。Hesaw，atlast，thathewasstatingsomethingnotaltogetheraccurate。Buttheothertookhismeaningthereandthen，laybackinhischair，andburstoutlaughing。
　　ThebloodhummedthroughGarnache”sheadashetightenedhislipsandwatchedthisgentlemanindulgehisinexplicablemirth。SurelyMonsieurdeCondillacwaspossessedofthekeenestsenseofhumourinallFrance。Helaughedwithawill，andGarnachesentupadevoutprayerthatthelaughmightchokehim。Thenoiseofitfilledthehostelry。
　　“Sir，“saidGarnache，withanever-increasingtartness，“thereisaby-wordhasit”Muchlaughter，littlewit。”Inconfidencewon，isthatyourcase，monsieur？“
　　Theotherlookedathimsoberlyamoment，thenwentoffagain。
　　“Monsieur，monsieur！“hegasped，“you”llbethedeathofme。FortheloveofHeavenlooklessfierce。IsitmyfaultthatImustlaugh？Thefollyofitallissocolossal。Threeyearsfromhome，yetthereisawomankeepsfaithfulandholdstoapromisegivenforher。Come，monsieur，youwhohaveseentheworld，youmustagreethatthereisinthissomethingthatispassingsingular，extravagantlyamusing。MypoorlittleValerie！“hesplutteredthroughhishalf-checkedmirth，“doesshewaitformestill？doesshecountmestillbetrothedtoher？Andbecauseofthat，says”No”tobrotherMarius！Deathofmylife！Ishalldieofit。”
　　“Ihaveanotionthatyoumay，monsieur，“raspedGarnache”svoice，andwithitraspedGarnache”schairupontheboards。Hehadrisen，andhewasconfrontinghismerryhostveryfiercely，whitetothelips，hiseyesaflame。Therewasnomistakinghisattitude，nomistakinghiswords。
　　“Eh？“gaspedtheother，recoveringhimselfatlasttoenvisagewhatappearedtodevelopintoaserioussituation。
　　“Monsieur，“saidGarnache，hisvoiceverycold，“doIunderstandthatyounolongerintendtocarryoutyourengagementandwedMademoiselledeLaVauvraye？“
　　AdullflushspreadupontheMarquis”sface。Herosetoo，andacrossthetableheconfrontedhisguest，hismienhaughty，hiseyesimperious。
　　“Ithought，monsieur，“saidhe，withagreatdignity，“IthoughtwhenIinvitedyoutositatmytablethatyourbusinesswastoserveme，howeverlittleImightbeconsciousofhavingmeritedthehonour。Itseemsinsteadthatyouarecomehithertoaffrontme。Youaremyguest，monsieur。LetmebegthatyouwilldepartbeforeIresentaquestiononamatterwhichconcernsmyselfalone。”
　　Themanwasright，andGarnachewaswrong。HehadnotitletotakeuptheaffairsofMademoiselledeLaVauvraye。Buthewaspastreasonnow，andhewasnotthemantobrookhaughtiness，howevercourteouslyitmightbecloaked。HeeyedtheMarquis”sflushedaceacrosstheboard，andhislipcurled。
　　“Monsieur，“saidhe，“Itakeyourmeaningveryfully。Halfawordwithmeisasgoodasawholesentencewithanother。Youhavedubbedmeinpolitephrasesanimpertinent。ThatIamnot；andI
　　resenttheimputation。”
　　“Oh，that！“saidtheMarquis，withahalf-laughandashrug。“Ifyouresentit-“Hissmileandhisgesturemadetherestplain。
　　“Exactly，monsieur，“wasGarnache”sanswer。“ButIdonotfightsickmen。”
　　Florimond”sbrowsgrewwrinkled，hiseyespuzzled。
　　“Sickmen！“heechoed。“Awhileago，monsieur，youappearedtocastadoubtuponmysanity。Isitacaseofthedrunkardwhothinksalltheworlddrunkbuthimself？“
　　Garnachegazedathim。Thatdoubthehadentertainedgrewnowintosomethinglikeassurance。
　　“Iknownotwhetheritisthefevermakesyourtonguerunso-“
　　hebegan，whentheotherbrokein，asuddenlightofunderstandinginhiseyes。
　　“Youareatfault，“hecried。“Ihavenofever。”
　　“ButthenyourlettertoCondillac？“demandedGarnache，lostnowinutteramazement。
　　“Whatofit？I”llswearIneversaidIhadafever。”
　　“I”llswearyoudid。”
　　“Yougivemethelie，then？“
　　ButGarnachewavedhishandsasifheimploredtheother，tohavedonewithgivingandtakingoffence。Therewassomemisunderstandingsomewhere，herealized，andsheerastonishmenthadcooledhisanger。
　　Hisonlyaimnowwastohavethisobscurethingmadeclear。
　　“No，no，“hecried。“Iamseekingenlightenment。”
　　Florimondsmiled。
　　“Imayhavesaidthatweweredetainedbyafever；butIneversaidthepatientwasmyself。”
　　“Whothen？Whoelse？“criedGarnache。
　　“Why，nowIunderstand，monsieur。Butitismywifewhohasthefever。”
　　“Your-！“Garnachedarednottrusthimselftouttertheword。
　　“Mywife，monsieur，“theMarquisrepeated。“Thejourneyprovedtoomuchforher，travellingattherateshedid。”
　　Asilencefell。Garnache”slongchinsankontohisbreast，andhestoodthere，hiseyesuponthetablecloth，histhoughtswiththepoorinnocentchildwhowaitedatCondillac，sofulloftrustandfaithandloyaltytothisbetrothedofherswhohadcomehomewithawifeoutofItaly。
　　Andthen，whilehestoodsoandFlorimondwasregardinghimcuriously，thedooropened，andthehostappeared。
　　“MonsieurleMarquis，“saidhe，“therearetwogentlemenbelowaskingtoseeyou。OneofthemisMonsieurMariusdeCondillac。”
　　“Marius？“criedtheMarquis，andhestartedroundwithafrown。
　　“Marius？“breathedGarnache，andthen，realizingthattheassassinshadfollowedsocloseuponhisheels，heputallthoughtsfromhismindotherthanthatoftheimmediatebusiness。Hehad，himself，ascoretosettlewiththem。Thetimewasnow。Heswungroundonhisheel，andbeforeheknewwhathehadsaidthewordswereout：
　　“Bringthemup，Monsieurl”Hote。”
　　Florimondlookedathiminsurprise。
　　“Oh，byallmeans，ifmonsieurwishesit，“saidhe，withafineirony。
　　Garnachelookedathim，thenbackatthehesitatinghost。
　　“Youhaveheard，“saidhecoolly。“Bringthemup。”
　　“Bien，monsieur，“repliedthehost，withdrawingandclosingthedoorafterhim。
　　“Yourinterferenceinmyaffairsgrowsreallydroll，monsieur，“
　　saidtheMarquistartly。
　　“WhenyoushallhavelearnedtowhatpurposeIaminterfering，you”llfindit，possibly，notquitesodroll，“wastheanswer，nolesstart。“Wehavebutamoment，monsieur。ListenwhileItellyouthenatureoftheirerrand。”
　　CHAPTERXXI
　　THEGHOSTINTHECUPBOARD
　　Garnachehadbutafewminutesinwhichtounfoldhisstory，andheneeded，inaddition，asecondortwoinwhichtoponderthesituationashenowfoundit。
　　HisfirstreflectionwasthatFlorimond，sincehewasnowmarried，mightperhaps，insteadofprovingValerie”ssaviourfromMarius，joinforceswithhisbrotherincoercingherintothisalliancewithhim。ButfromwhatValerieherselfhadtoldhimhewasinclinedtothinkmorefavourablyofFlorimondandtosuppresssuchdoubtsasthese。Stillhecouldincurnorisks；isbusinesswastoserveValerieandValerieonly；toprocureatallcostsherpermanentliberationfromthepoweroftheCondillacs。TomakesureofthishemustplayuponFlorimond”sanger，lettinghimknowthatMariushadjourneyedtoLaRochetteforthepurposeofmurderinghishalf-brother。ThathebutsoughttomurderhimtotheendthathemightberemovedfromhispathtoValerie，wasacircumstancethatneednottooprominentlybepresented。Still，presenteditmustbe，forFlorimondwouldrequiretoknowbywhatmotivehisbrotherwasimpellederehecouldcredithimcapableofsuchvillainy。
　　Succinctly，buttellingly，GarnachebroughtoutthestoryoftheplotthathadbeenlaidforFlorimond”sassassination，anditjoyedhimtoseetheangerrisingintheMarquis”sfaceandflashingfromhiseyes。
　　“Whatreasonhavetheyforsodamnableadeed？“hecried，betweenincredulityandindignation。
　　“Theiroverweeningambition。MariuscovetsMademoiselledeLaVauvraye”sestates。”
　　“Andtogainhisendshewouldnotstopatmurderingme？Isit，indeed，thetruthyoutellme？“
　　“Ipledgemyhonourforthetruthofit，“answeredGarnache，watchinghimclosely。Florimondlookedathimamoment。Thesteadyglanceofthoseblueeyesandthesteadytoneofthatcrispvoicescatteredhislastdoubt。
　　“Thevillains！“criedtheMarquis。“Thefools！“headded。“Forme，MariushadbeenwelcometoValerie。Hemighthavefoundinmeanallytoaidhimintheurgingofhissuit。Butnow-“Heraisedhisclenchedhandandshookitintheair，asifinpromiseofthebattlehewoulddeliver。
　　“Good，“saidGarnache，reassured。“Iheartheirstepsuponthestairs。Theymustnotfindmewithyou。”
　　Amomentlaterthedooropened，andMarius，verybravelyarrayed，enteredtheroom，followedcloselybyFortunio。Neithershowedmuchilleffectsoflastnight”shappenings，saveforalongdark-brownscarthatranathwartthecaptain”scheek，whereGarnache”sswordhadploughedit。
　　TheyfoundFlorimondseatedquietlyattable，andastheyenteredheroseandcameforwardwithafriendlysmiletogreethisbrother。
　　Hissenseofhumourwasbeingexcited；hewassomethingofanactor，andtherolehehadadoptedinthecomedytobeplayedgavehimacertaingrimsatisfaction。HewouldtestforhimselfthetruthofwhatMonsieurdeGarnachehadtoldhimconcerninghisbrother”sintentions。Mariusreceivedhisadvancesverycoolly。Hetookhisbrother”shand，submittedtohisbrother”skiss；butneitherkissnorhand-pressuredidhereturn。Florimondaffectednottonoticethis。
　　“Youarewell，mydearMarius，Ihope，“saidhe，andthrustinghimoutatarms”length，heheldhimbytheshouldersandregardedhimcritically。“Mafoi，butyouarechangedintoacomelywell-grownman。Andyourmother-sheiswell，too，Itrust。”
　　“Ithankyou，Florimond，sheiswell，“saidMariusstiffly。
　　TheMarquistookhishandsfromhisbrother”sshoulders；hisflorid，good-naturedfacesmilingever，asifthiswerethehappiestmomentofhislife。
　　“ItisgoodtoseeFranceagain，mydearMarius，“hetoldhisbrother。“Iwasafooltohaveremainedawaysolong。IampiningtobeatCondillaconcemore。”
　　Mariuseyeinghim，lookedinvainforsignsofthefever。Hehadexpectedtofindadebilitated，emaciatedman；instead，hesawaverylusty，healthy，heartyfellow，fullofgoodhumour，andseeminglyfullofstrength。Hebegantolikehispurposeless，despitesuchencouragementashegatheredfromthesupportofFortunio。Still，itmustbegonethroughwith。
　　“Youwroteusthatyouhadthefever，“hesaid，halfinquiringly。
　　“Pooh！Thatisnaught。”AndFlorimondsnappedastrongfingeragainstastrongerthumb。“Butwhomhaveyouwithyou？“heasked，andhiseyestookthemeasureofFortunio，standingapaceortwobehindhismaster。
　　Mariuspresentedhisbravo。
　　“ThisisCaptainFortunio，thecommanderofourgarrisonofCondillac。”
　　TheMarquisnoddedgood-humouredlytowardsthecaptain。
　　“CaptainFortunio？Heiswellnamedforasoldieroffortune。Mybrother，nodoubt，willhavefamilymatterstotellmeof。Ifyouwillstepbelow，MonsieurleCapitaine，anddrinkahealthorsowhileyouwait，Ishallbehonoured。”
　　Thecaptain，nonplussed，lookedatMarius，andFlorimondsurprisedthelook。ButMarius”smannerbecamestillchillier。
　　“Fortuniohere，“saidhe，andhehalfturnedandlethishandfallonthecaptain”sshoulder，“ismyverygoodfriend。Ihavenosecretsfromhim。”
　　TheinstantliftofFlorimond”seyebrowswasfullofinsolent，superciliousdisdain。YetMariusdidnotfastenhisquarreluponthat。HehadcometoLaRochetteresolvedthatanypretextwouldservehisturn。Butthesightofhisbrothersoinflamedhisjealousythathehadnowdeterminedthatthequarrelshouldbepickedontheactualgroundinwhichithaditsroots。
　　“Oh，asyouwill，“saidtheMarquiscoolly。“Perhapsyourfriendwillbeseated，andyou，too，mydearMarius。”Andheplayedthehosttothemwithabriskcharm。Settingchairs，heforcedthemtosit，andpressedwineuponthem。
　　MariuscasthishatandcloakonthechairwhereGarnache”shadbeenleft。TheParisian”shatandcloak，henaturallyassumedtobelongtohisbrother。Thesmashedflagonandthemessofwineuponthefloorhescarceobserved，settingitdowntosomeclumsiness，eitherhisbrother”soraservant”s。Theybothdrank，Mariusinsilence，thecaptainwithatoast。
　　“Yourgoodreturn，MonsieurleMarquis，“saidhe，andFlorimondthankedhimbyaninclinationofthehead。Then，turningtoMarius：
　　“Andso，“hesaid，“youhaveagarrisonatCondillac。Whatthedevilhasbeentakingplacethere？Ihavehadsomeoddnewsofyou。
　　ItwouldalmostseemasifyouweresettingupasrebelsinourquietlittlecornerofDauphiny。”
　　Mariusshruggedhisshoulders；hisfacesuggestedthathewasill-humoured。
　　“MadametheQueen-Regenthasseenfittointerfereinourconcerns。
　　WeCondillacsdonotlightlybrookinterference。”
　　Florimondshowedhisteethinapleasantsmile。
　　“Thatistrue，thatisverytrue，Pardieu！ButwhatwarrantedthisactionofHerMajesty”s？“
　　Mariusfeltthatthetimefordeedswascome。Thisfatuousconversationwasbutafutilewasteoftime。Hesetdownhisglass，andsittingbackinhischairhefixedhissullenblackeyesfulluponhishalf-brother”ssmilingbrownones。
　　“Ithinkwehaveexchangedcomplimentsenough，“saidhe，andFortuniowaggedhisheadapprovingly。Thereweretoomanymeninthecourtyardforhisliking，andthemoretimetheywaited，themorelikelyweretheytosufferinterruption。Theiraimmustbetogetthethingdonequickly，andthenquicklytodepartbeforeanalarmcouldberaised。“OurtroubleatCondillacconcernsMademoiselledeLaVauvraye。”
　　Florimondstartedforward，withareadyassumptionoflover-likesolicitude。
　　“Noharmhascometoher？“hecried。“Tellmethatnoharmhascometoher。”
　　“Reassureyourself，“answeredMarius，withasneer，agreynessthatwasofjealousrageoverspreadinghisface。“Noharmhascometoherwhatever。ThetroublewasthatIsoughttowedher，andshe，becausesheisbetrothedtoyou，wouldhavenoneofme。SowebroughthertoCondillac，hopingalwaystopersuadeher。Youwillrememberthatshewasundermymother”stutelage。Thegirl，however，couldnotbeconstrained。ShesubornedoneofourmentobearalettertoParisforher，andinanswertoittheQueensentahot-headed，rashblundererdowntoDauphinytoprocureherliberation。HeliesnowatthebottomofthemoatofCondillac。”
　　Florimond”sfacehadassumedalookofhorrorandindignation。
　　“Doyoudaretellmethis？“hecried。
　　“Dare？“answeredMarius，withanuglylaugh。“Menenoughhavediedoverthisaffairalready。ThatfellowGarnacheleftsomebodiesonourhandslastnightbeforehesetoutforanotherworldhimself。
　　Youlittledreamhowfarmydaringgoesinthismatter。I”lladdasmanymoreasneedbetothedeathrollthatwehavealready，beforeyousetfootinCondillac。”
　　“Ah！“saidFlorimond，asoneuponwhosemindalightbreakssuddenly。
　　“So，thatisthebusinessonwhichyoucometome。Idoubtedyourbrotherliness，Imustconfess，mydearMarius。Buttellme，brothermine，whatofourfather”swishesinthismatter？Haveyounorespectforthose？“
　　“Whatrespecthadyou？“flashedbackMarius，hisvoicenowraisedinanger。“Wasitlikealovertoremainawayforthreeyears-toletallthattimegobywithouteverawordfromyoutoyourbetrothed？Whathaveyoudonetomakegoodyourclaimtoher？“
　　“Nothing，Iconfess；yet-“
　　“Well，youshalldosomethingnow，“exclaimedMarius，rising。“I
　　amheretoaffordyoutheopportunity。IfyouwouldstillwinMademoiselledeLaVauvraye，youshallwinherfromme-atpointofsword。Fortunio，seetothedoor。”
　　“Wait，Marius！“criedFlorimond，andhelookedgenuinelyaghast。
　　“Donotforgetthatwearebrothers，menofthesameblood；thatmyfatherwasyourfather。”
　　“Ichoosetorememberratherthatwearerivals，“answeredMarius，andhedrewhisrapier。Fortunioturnedthekeyinthelock。
　　Florimondgavehisbrotheralongsearchinglook，thenwithasighhepickeduphisswordwhereitlayreadytohishandandthoughtfullyunsheathedit。Holdingthehiltinonehandandthebladeintheotherhestood，bendingtheweaponlikeawhip，whilstagainhesearchinglyregardedhisbrother。
　　“Hearmeamoment，“saidhe。“Ifyouwillforcethisunnaturalquarreluponme，atleastletthethingbedecentlydone。Nothere，notinthesecrampedquarters，butoutintheopenletourmeetingtakeplace。Ifthecaptain，there，willactforyou，I”llfindafriendtodomethelikeservice。”
　　“Wesettlethismatterhereandnow，“Mariusansweredhim，inatoneofcalmfinality。
　　“ButifIweretokillyou-“Florimondbegan。
　　“Reassureyourself，“saidMariuswithanuglysmile。
　　“Verywell，then；eitheralternativewillsuitthecaseIwishtoput。Ifyouweretokillme-itmayberankedasmurder。Theirregularityofitcouldnotbeoverlooked。”
　　“Thecaptain，here，willactforbothofus。”
　　“Iamentirelyatyourservice，gentlemen，“repliedFortuniopleasantly，bowingtoeachinturn。
　　Florimondconsideredhim。“Idonotlikehislooks，“heobjected。
　　“Hemaybethefriendofyourbosom，Marius；youmayhavenosecretsfromhim；butformypart，frankly，Ishouldpreferthepresenceofsomefriendofmyowntokeephisbladeengaged。”
　　TheMarquis”smannerwasaffableintheextreme。Nowthatitwassettledthattheymustfight，heappearedtohavecastasideallscruplesbasedupontheirconsanguinity，andhediscussedtheaffairwiththegreatestbonhomie，asthoughheweredisposingofamatterofhowtheyshouldsitdowntotable。
　　Itgavethempause。Thechangewastooabrupt。Theydidnotlikeit。Itwasasthecalmthatscreenssomesurprise。Yetitwasimpossibleheshouldhavebeenforewarned；impossiblehecouldhavehadwordofhowtheyproposedtodealwithhim。
　　Mariusshruggedhisshoulders。
　　“Thereisreasoninwhatyousay，“heacknowledged；“butIaminhaste。Icannotwaitwhileyougoinsearchofafriend。”
　　“Whythen，“heanswered，withacarelesslaugh，“Imustraiseonefromthedead。”
　　Bothstaredathim。Washemad？Hadthefevertouchedhisbrain？
　　Wasthathealthycolourbutthebrandofamaladythatrenderedhimdelirious？
　　“Dieu！Howyoustare！“hecontinued，laughingintheirfaces。
　　“Youshallseesomethingtocompensateyouforyourjourney，messieurs。IhavelearntsomeoddtricksinItaly；theyareacuriouspeoplebeyondtheAlps。WhatdidyousaywasthenameofthemantheQueenhadsentfromParis？-hewholiesatthebottomofthemoatofCondillac？“
　　“Lettherebeanendtothisjesting，“growledMarius。“Onguard，MonsieurleMarquis！“
　　“Patience！patience！“Florimondimploredhim。“Youshallhaveyourwaywithme，Ipromiseyou。Butofyourcharity，messieurs，tellmefirstthenameofthatman。”
　　“ItwasGarnache，“saidFortunio，“andiftheinformationwillserveyou，itwasIwhoslewhim。”
　　“You？“criedFlorimond。“Tellmeofit，Ibegyou。”
　　“Doyoufoolus？“questionedMariusinaragethatovermasteredhisastonishment，hisgrowingsuspicionthathereallwasnotquiteasitseemed。
　　“Foolyou？Butno。IdobutwishtoshowyousomethingthatI
　　learnedinItaly。Tellmehowyouslewhim，MonsieurleCapitaine。”
　　“Ithinkwearewastingtime，“saidthecaptain，angrytoo。Hefeltthatthissmilinggentlemanwasderidingthepairofthem；itcrossedhismindthatforsomepurposeofhisowntheMarquiswasseekingtogaintime。Hedrewhissword。
　　Florimondsawtheact，watchedit，andhiseyestwinkled。SuddenlyMarius”sswordshotoutathim。Heleaptbackbeyondthetable，andthrewhimselfonguard，hislipsstillwreathedintheirmysterioussmile。
　　“Thetimehascome，messieurs，“saidhe。“IshouldhavepreferredtoknowmoreofhowyouslewthatMonsieurdeGarnache；butsinceyoudenymetheinformation，Ishalldomybestwithoutit。I”lltrytoconjureuphisghost，tokeepyouentertained，MonsieurleCapitaine。”
　　Andthen，raisinghisvoice，hissword，engagingnowhisbrother”s：
　　“Ola，MonsieurdeGarnache！“hecried。“Tome！“
　　AndthenitseemedtothoseassassinsthattheMarquishadbeenneithermadnorboastfulwhenhehadspokenofstrangethingshehadlearnedbeyondtheAlps，orelseitwastheythemselveswereturnedlight-headed，forthedoorsofacupboardatthefarendoftheroomflewopensuddenly，andfrombetweenthemsteppedthestalwartfigureofMartindeGarnache，agrimsmileliftingthecornersofhismustachios，anakedswordinhishandflashingbackthesunlightthatfloodedthroughthewindow。
　　Theypaused，aghast，andtheyturnedashen；andtheninthemindofeacharosethesameexplanationofthisphenomenon。ThisGarnacheworetheappearanceofthemanwhohadannouncedhimselfbythatnamewhenhecametoCondillacafortnightago。Then，thesallow，black-hairedknavewhohadlastnightproclaimedhimselfasGarnacheindisguisewassomeimpostor。Thatwastheconclusiontheypromptlyarrivedat，andhowevergreatlytheymightbedismayedbytheappearanceofthisallyofFlorimond”s，yettheconclusionheartenedthemanew。ButscarcehadtheyarrivedatitwhenMonsieurdeGarnache”scrispvoicecameswiftlytodispelit。
　　“MonsieurleCapitaine，“itsaid，andFortunioshiveredatthesound，foritwasthevoicehehadheardbutafewhoursago，“Iwelcometheopportunityofresumingourlastnight”sinterruptedsword-play。”
　　Andheadvanceddeliberately。
　　Marius”sswordhadfallenawayfromhisbrother”s，andthetwocombatantsstoodpausing。Fortuniowithoutmoreadomadeforthedoor。ButGarnachecrossedtheinterveningspaceinabound。
　　“Turn！“hecried。“Turn，orI”llputmyswordthroughyourback。
　　Thedoorshallserveyoupresently，butitisoddsthatitwillneedacoupleofmentobearyouthroughit。Looktoyourdirtyskin！“
　　CHAPTERXXII
　　THEOFFICESOFMOTHERCHURCH
　　AcoupleofhoursaftertheengagementintheMarquisdeCondillac”sapartmentsattheSanglierNoiratLaRochette，MonsieurdeGarnache，attendedonlybyRabecque，rodebrisklyintoFranceoncemoreandmadeforthelittletownofCheylas，whichisontheroadthatleadsdowntothevalleyoftheIsereandtoCondillac。Butnotasfarasthetownshipdidhejourney。Onahill，theslopesallcultivatedintoanopulentvineyard，sometwomileseastofCheylas，stoodthelow，squaregreybuildingoftheConventofSaintFrancis。ThitherdidMonsieurdeGarnachebendhishorse”ssteps。UpthelongwhiteroadthatcreptzigzagthroughtheFranciscans”vineyardsrodetheParisianandhisservantunderthewelcomesunshineofthatNovemberafternoon。
　　Garnache”sfacewasgloomyandhiseyessad，forhisthoughtswereallofValerie，andhewaspreytoahundredanxietiesregardingher。
　　Theygainedtheheightsatlast，andRabecquegotdowntobeatwithhiswhipupontheconventgates。
　　Alay-brothercametoopen，andinreplytoGarnache”srequestthathemighthaveawordwiththeFatherAbbot，invitedhimtoenter。
　　Throughthecloistersaboutthegreatquadrangle，whereacoupleofmonks，theirhabitsgirthighastheirknees，werebusyatgardeners”
　　work，Garnachefollowedhisconductor，andupthestepstotheAbbot”schamber。
　　ThemasteroftheConvent”ofSaintFrancisofCheylasatall，leanmanwithanasceticface，prominentcheekbones，andanosenotunlikeGarnache”sown-thenoseofamanofactionratherthanofprayer-bowedgravelytothisstalwartstranger，andincourteousaccentsbeggedtobeinformedinwhathemightservehim。
　　Hatinhand，Garnachetookastepforwardinthatbare，scantilyfurnishedlittleroom，permeatedbythefaint，waxlikeodourthatispeculiartotheabodeofconventuals。Withouthesitationhestatedthereasonofhisvisit。
　　“Father，“saidhe，“asonofthehouseofCondillacmethisendthismorningatLaRochette。”
　　Themonk”seyesseemedtoquicken，asthoughhisinterestintheouterworldhadsuddenlyrevived。
　　“ItistheHandofGod，“hecried。“TheirevilwayshaveprovokedatlasttheangerofHeaven。Howdidthisunfortunatemeethisdeath？“
　　Garnacheshruggedhisshoulders。
　　“Demortuisnilnisibonum，“saidhe。Hisairwasgrave，hisblueeyessolemn，andtheAbbothadlittlecausetosuspecttheclosenesswithwhichthatpairofeyeswaswatchinghim。Hecolouredfaintlyattheimpliedrebuke，butheinclinedhisheadasifsubmissivetothecorrection，andwaitedfortheothertoproceed。
　　“Thereistheneed，Father，togivehisbodyburial，“saidGarnachegently。
　　Butatthatthemonkraisedhishead，andadeeperflushtheflushofanger-spreadnowuponhissallowcheeks。Garnacheobservedit，andwasglad。
　　“Whydoyoucometome？“heasked。
　　“Why？“echoedGarnache，andtherewashesitancynowinhisvoice。
　　“IsnottheburialofthedeadenjoinedbyMotherChurch？Isitnotapartofyoursacredoffice？“
　　“Youaskmethisasyouwouldchallengemyreply，“saidthemonk，shakinghishead。“Itisasyousay，butitisnotwithinourofficetoburytheimpiousdead，northosewhoinlifewereexcommunicateanddiedwithoutrepentance。”
　　“Howcanyouassumehediedwithoutrepentance？“
　　“Idonot；butIassumehediedwithoutabsolution，forthereisnopriestwho，knowinghisname，woulddaretoshrivehim，andifoneshoulddoitinignoranceofhisnameandexcommunication，whythenitisnotdoneatall。BidothersburythissonofthehouseofCondillac；itmattersnomorebywhathandsorinwhatgroundhebeburiedthanifhewerethehorseherodeorthehoundthatfollowedhim。”
　　“TheChurchisveryharsh，Father，“saidGarnachesternly。
　　“TheChurchisveryjust，“thepriestansweredhim，moresternlystill，aholywrathkindlinghissombreeyes。
　　“Hewasinlifeapowerfulnoble，“saidGarnachethoughtfully。“Itisbutfittingthat，beingdead，honourandreverenceshouldbeshownhisbody。”
　　“ThenletthosewhohavethemselvesbeenhonouredbytheCondillacshonourthisdeadCondillacnow。TheChurchisnotofthatnumber，monsieur。SincethelateMarquis”sdeaththehouseofCondillachasbeeninrebellionagainstus；ourpriestshavebeenmaltreated，ourauthorityflouted；theypaidnotithes，approachednosacraments。
　　WearyoftheirungodlinesstheChurchplaceditsbanuponthemunderthisbanitseemstheydie。Myheartgrievesforthem；but-“
　　Hespreadhishands，longandalmosttransparentintheirleanness，andonhisfaceacloudofsorrowrested。
　　“Nevertheless，Father，“saidGarnache，“twentybrothersofSaintFrancisshallbearthebodyhometoCondillac，andyouyourselfshallheadthisgrimprocession。”
　　“I？“Themonkshrankbackbeforehim，andhisfigureseemedtogrowtaller。“Whoareyou，sir，thatsaytomewhatIshalldo，theChurch”slawdespite？“
　　GarnachetooktheAbbotbythesleeveofhisroughhabitanddrewhimgentlytowardsthewindow。Therewasapersuasivesmileonhislipsandinhiskeeneyeswhichthemonk，almostunconsciously，obeyed。
　　“Iwilltellyou，“saidGarnache，“andatthesametimeIshallseektoturnyoufromyourharshpurpose。”
　　AtthehouratwhichMonsieurdeGarnachewasseekingtopersuadetheAbbotofSaintFrancisofCheylastoadoptapointofviewmorekindlytowardsadeadman，MadamedeCondillacwasatdinner，andwithherwasValeriedeLaVauvraye。Neitherwomanateappreciably。
　　Theonewasoppressedbysorrow，theotherbyanxiety，andthecircumstancethattheywerebothafflictedservedperhapstorendertheDowagergentlerinhermannertowardsthegirl。
　　ShewatchedthepalefaceandtroubledeyesofValerie；sheobservedthealmostlifelessmannerinwhichshecameandwentasshewasbidden，asthoughapartofherhadceasedtoexist，andthatpartthepartthatmattersmost。Itdidcrosshermindthatinthisconditionmademoisellemightthemorereadilybebenttotheirwill，butshedweltnotoverlonguponthatreflection。Ratherwashermoodcharitable，nodoubtbecauseshefeltherselftheneedofcharity，thewantofsympathy。
　　Shewastormentedbyfearsaltogetherdisproportionatetotheircause。AhundredtimesshetoldherselfthatnoillcouldbefallMarius。Florimondwasasickman，andwereheotherwise，therewasstillFortuniotostandbyandseetoitthattherightswordpiercedtherightheart，elsewouldhispistolesbelosttohim。
　　Neverthelessshewasfrettedbyanxiety，andshewaitedimpatientlyfornews，fumingatthedelay，yetknowingfullwellthatnewscouldnotyetreachher。
　　OnceshereprovedValerieforherlackofappetite，andtherewasinhervoiceakindnessValeriehadnotheardformonths-notsincetheoldMarquisdied，nordidshehearitnow，or，hearingit，shedidnotheedit。
　　“Youarenoteating，child，“theDowagersaid，andhereyesweregentle。
　　Valerielookeduplikeonesuddenlyawakened；andinthatmomenthereyesfilledwithtears。ItwasasiftheDowager”svoicehadopenedthefloodgatesofhersorrowandletoutthetearsthathithertohadbeenrepressed。TheMarquiseroseandwavedthepageandanattendantlackeyfromtheroom。ShecrossedtoValerie”ssideandputherarmaboutthegirl”sshoulder。
　　“Whatailsyou，child？“sheasked。Foramomentthegirlsufferedthecaress；almostsheseemedtonestleclosertotheDowager”sshoulder。Then，asifunderstandinghadcometohersuddenly，shedrewbackandquietlydisengagedherselffromtheother”sarms。Hertearsceased；thequiverpassedfromherlip。
　　“Youareverygood，madame，“shesaid，withacoldnessthatrenderedthecourteouswordsalmostinsulting，“butnothingailsmesaveawishtobealone。”
　　“Youhavebeenalonetoomuchoflate，“theDowageranswered，persistinginherwishtoshowkindnesstoValerie；forallthat，hadshelookedintoherownheart，shemighthavebeenpuzzledtofindareasonforhermood-unlessthereasonlayinherownafflictionofanxietyforMarius。
　　“PerhapsIhave，“saidthegirl，inthesamecold，almoststrainedvoice。“Itwasnotbymyowncontriving。”
　　“Ah，butitwas，child；indeeditwas。Hadyoubeenreasonableyouhadfounduskinder。Wehadnevertreatedyouaswehavedone，nevermadeaprisonerofyou。”
　　Valerielookedupintothebeautifulivory-whiteface，withitsblackeyesandsingularlyscarletlips，andawansmileraisedthecornersofhergentlemouth。
　　“Youhadnoright-noneevergaveityou-tosetconstraintandrestraintuponme。”
　　“Ihad-indeed，indeedIhad，“theMarquiseansweredher，inatoneofsadprotest。“Yourfathergavemesucharightwhenhegavemechargeofyou。”
　　“WasitapartofyourchargetoseektoturnmefrommyloyaltytoFlorimond，andendeavourtocompelmebymeansgentleorungentleintomarriagewithMarius？“
　　“WethoughtFlorimonddead；or，ifnotdead，thencertainlyunworthyofyoutoleaveyouwithoutnewsofhimforyearstogether。Andifhewasnotdeadthen，itisoddshewillbedeadbynow。”Thewordsslippedoutalmostunconsciously，andtheMarquisebitherlipandstraightenedherself，fearinganexplosion。Butnonecame。Thegirllookedacrossthetableatthefirethatsmoulderedonthehearthinneedofbeingreplenished。
　　“Whatdoyoumean，madame？“sheasked；buthertonewaslistless，apathetic，asofonewhothoughutteringaquestionisincuriousastowhattheanswermaybe。
　　“Wehadnewssomedaysagothathewasjourneyinghomewards，butthathewasdetainedbyfeveratLaRochette。Wehavesinceheardthathisfeverhasgrownsoseriousthatthereislittlehopeofhisrecovery。”
　　“AnditwastosolacehislastmomentsthatMonsieurMariusleftCondillacthismorning？“
　　TheDowagerlookedsharplyatthegirl；butValerie”sfacecontinuedaverted，hergazerestingonthefire。Hertonesuggestednothingbeyondanaturalcuriosity。
　　“Yes，“saidtheDowager。
　　“AndlesthisowneffortstohelphisbrotheroutofthisworldshouldproveinsufficienthetookCaptainFortuniowithhim？“saidValerie，inthesameindifferentvoice。
　　“Whatdoyoumean？“theMarquisealmosthissedintothegirl”sear。
　　Valerieturnedtoher，afaintcolourstirringinherwhiteface。
　　“JustwhatIhavesaid，madame。WouldyouknowwhatIhaveprayed？
　　AllnightwasIuponmykneesfromthemomentthatIrecoveredconsciousness，andmyprayerswerethatHeavenmightseefittoletFlorimonddestroyyourson。NotthatIdesireFlorimond”sreturn，forIcarenotifIneverseteyesonhimagain。Thereisacurseuponthishouse，madame，“thegirlcontinued，risingfromherchairandspeakingnowwithagreateranimation，whilsttheMarquiserecoiledastep，herfacestrangelyalteredandsuddenlygonegrey，“andIhaveprayedthatthatcursemightbeworkedoutuponthatassassin，Marius。Afinehusband，madame，youwouldthrustuponthedaughterofGastondeLaVauvraye。”
　　Andturning，withoutwaitingforananswer，shemovedslowlydowntheroom，andtookherwaytoherowndesolateapartments，sofullofmemoriesofhimshemourned-ofhim，itseemedtoher，shemustalwaysmourn；ofhimwholaydeadintheblackwatersofthemoatbeneathherwindow。
　　Strickenwithasudden，inexplicableterror，theDowager，whoforallherspiritwasnotwithoutacertainsuperstition，feltherkneesloosen，andshesanklimplyintoachair。ShewasamazedattheextentofValerie”sknowledge，andpuzzledbyit；shewasamazed，too，attheseemingapathyofValerieforthedangerinwhichFlorimondstood，andatheravowalthatshedidnotcareifsheneveragainbeheldhim。Butsuchamazementascametoherwaswhelmedfathoms-deepinhersuddenfearsforMarius。Ifheshoulddie！Shegrewcoldatthethought，andshesatthere，herhandsfoldedinherlap，herfacegrey。ThatmentionofthecursetheChurchhadputuponthemhadfrozenherquickbloodandturnedherstoutspirittomerewater。
　　Atlastsheroseandwentoutintotheopentoinquireifnomessengerhadyetarrived，forallthatsheknewtherewasnotyettimeforanymessengertohavereachedthechateau。Shemountedthewindingstaircaseofstonethatledtotheramparts，andtherealone，intheNovembersunshine，shepacedtoandfroforhours，waitingfornews，straininghereyestogazeupthevalleyoftheIsere，watchingforthehorsemanthatmustcomethatway。Then，astimespedonandthesunapproacheditssettingandstillnoonecame，shebethoughtherthatifharmhadbefallenMarius，nonewouldridethatnighttoCondillac。Thisverydelayseemedpregnantwithnewsofdisaster。Andthensheshookoffherfearsandtriedtocomfortherself。Therewasnotyettime。Besides，whathadshetofearforMarius？Hewasstrongandquick，andFortuniowasbyhisside。AmanwassurelydeadbynowatLaRochette；butthatmancouldnotbeMarius。
　　Atlast，inthedistance，sheespiedamovingobject，anddownonthesilentairofeventidecamethefar-offrattleofahorse”shoofs。
　　Someonewasriding，gallopingthatway。Hewasreturnedatlast。
　　Sheleanedonthebattlements，herbreathcominginquick，shortgasps，andwatchedthehorsemangrowinglargerwitheverystrideofhishorse。
　　Amistwasrisingfromtheriver，anditdimmedthefigure；andshecursedthemistforheighteningheranxiety，forstrainingfurtherherimpatience。Thenanewfearwasbegotteninhermind。Whycameonehorsemanonlywheretwoshouldhaveridden？Whowasitthatreturned，andwhathadbefallenhiscompanion？Godsend，atleast，itmightbeMariuswhorodethus，atsuchabreakneckpace。
　　Atlastshecouldmakehimout。Hewasclosetothechateaunow，andshenoticedthathisrightarmwasbandagedandhanginginasling。Andthenascreambrokefromher，andshebitherliphardtokeepanotherincheck，forshehadseenthehorseman”sface，anditwasFortunio”s。Fortunio-andwounded！Then，assuredly，Mariuswasdead！
　　Sheswayedwhereshestood。Shesetherhandonherbosom，aboveherheart，asifshewouldhaverepressedthebeatingoftheone，theheavingoftheother；hersoulsickened，andhermindseemedtoturnnumb，asshewaitedthereforthenewsthatshouldconfirmherfears。
　　Thehoofsofhishorsethunderedovertheplanksofthedrawbridge，andcameclatteringlytohaltasheharshlydrewreininthecourtyardbelow。Therewasasoundofrunningfeetandmensprangtohisassistance。Madamewouldhavegonebelowtomeethim；butherlimbsseemedtorefusetheiroffice。Sheleanedagainstoneofthemerlonsoftheembattledparapet，hereyesonthespotwhereheshouldemergefromthestairs，andthusshewaited，hereyeshaggard，herfacedrawn。
　　Hecameatlast，lurchinginhiswalk，beingoverstifffromhislongride。Shetookastepforwardtomeethim。Herlipsparted。
　　“Well？“sheaskedhim，andhervoicesoundedharshandstrained。
　　“Howhastheventuresped？“
　　“Theonlywayitcould，“heanswered。“Asyouwouldwishit。”
　　Atthatshethoughtthatshemustfaint。Hetlungsseemedtowritheforair，andsheopenedherlipsandtooklongdraughtsoftherisingmist，neverspeakingforamomentortwountilshehadsufficientlyrecoveredfromthistremendousrevulsionfromherfears。
　　“Then，whereisMarius？“sheaskedatlast。
　　“Hehasremainedbehindtoaccompanythebodyhome。Theyarebringingithere。”
　　“They？“sheechoed。“Whoarethey？“
　　“ThemonksofSaintFrancisofCheylas，“heanswered。
　　Asomethinginhistone，asomethinginhisshiftyeyes，aclouduponhisfairandusuallysoingenuouslookingcountenancearousedhersuspicionsandgaveherresurrectedcouragepause。
　　Shecaughthimviciouslybythearms，andforcedhisglancetomeetherowninthefadingdaylight。
　　“Itisthetruthyouaretellingme，Fortunio？“shesnapped，andhervoicewashalf-angry，half-fearful。
　　Hefacedhernow，hiseyesbold。Heraisedahandtolendemphasistohiswords。
　　“Iswear，madame，bymysalvation，thatMonsieurMariusissoundandwell。”
　　Shewassatisfied。Shereleasedhisarm。
　　“Doeshecometo-night？“sheasked。
　　“Theywillbehereto-morrow，madame。Irodeontotellyouso。”
　　“Anoddfancy，thisofhis。But“-andasuddensmileoverspreadherface-“wemayfindamoreusefulpurposeforoneofthesemonks。”
　　AnhouragoshewouldwillinglyhavesetmademoiselleatlibertyinexchangefortheassurancethatMariushadbeensuccessfulinthebusinessthathadtakenhimovertheborderintoSavoy。Shewouldhavedoneitgladly，contentthatMariusshouldbeheirtoCondillac。
　　ButnowthatCondillacwasassuredherson，shemusthavemoreforhim；herinsatiablegreedforhisadvancementandprosperitywasagainuponher。Now，morethanever-nowthatFlorimondwasdead-mustshehaveLaVauvrayeforMarius，andshethoughtthatmademoisellewouldnolongerbedifficulttobend。ThechildhadfalleninlovewiththatmadGarnache，andwhenawomaniscrossedinlove，whilehergrieflastsitmatterslittletoherwheresheweds。Didshenotknowitoutofthefundofherownbitterexperience？Wasitnotthat-thecompulsionherownfatherhademployedtomakeherfindamateinamansomucholderthanherselfasCondillac-thathadwarpedherownnature，anddonemuchtomakeherwhatshewas？
　　Alovershehadhad，andwhilsthelivedshehadresistedthem，andstoodoutagainstthisodiousmarriagethatforconvenience”saketheyforceduponher。HewaskilledinParisinaduel，andwhenthenewsofitcametoher，shehadfoldedherhandsandletthemwedhertowhomtheylisted。
　　OfjustsuchadejectionofspirithadsheobservedthesignsinValerie；letthemprofitbyitwhileitlasted。TheyhadbeenlongenoughwithoutChurchceremoniesatCondillac。Thereshouldbetwoto-morrowtomakeupfortheemptytime-aweddingandaburial。
　　Shewasgoingdownthestairs，Fortunioastepbehindher，whenhermindrevertedtothehappeningatLaRochette。
　　“Wasitwelldone？“sheasked。
　　“Itmadesomestir，“saidhe。“TheMarquishadmenwithhim，andhadtheaffairtakenplaceinFranceillmighthavecomeofit。”
　　“Youshallgivemeafullaccountofit，“saidshe，rightlythinkingthattherewasstillsomethingtobeexplained。Thenshelaughedsoftly。“Yes，itwasaluckychanceforus，hisstayingatLaRochette。Florimondwasbornunderanunluckystar，Ithink，andyouunderaluckyone，Fortunio。”
　　“Ithinkso，too，asregardsmyself，“heansweredgrimly，andhethoughtoftheswordthathadploughedhischeeklastnightandpiercedhissword-armthatmorning，andhethankedsuchgodsasinhisgodlessnessheownedfortheluckthathadkeptthatswordfromfindingouthisheart。
　　CHAPTERXXIII
　　THEJUDGMENTOFGARNACHE
　　Onthemorrow，whichwasaFridayandthetenthofNovember-adatetobehereaftergravenonthememoryofallconcernedintheaffairsofCondillac-theDowagerrosebetimes，and，fordecency”ssake，havinginmindthebusinessoftheday，shegownedherselfinblack。
　　Betimes，too，theLordSeneschalrodeoutofGrenoble，attendedbyacoupleofgrooms，andheadedforCondillac，indoingwhich-littlethoughhesuspectedit-hewasservingnobody”sinterestsmorethoroughlythanMonsieurdeGarnache”s。
　　Madamereceivedhimcourteously。Shewasinablithe-andhappymoodthatmorning-thereactionfromheryesterday”sdistressofmind。Theworldwasfullofpromise，andallthingshadprosperedwithherandMarius。HerboywaslordofCondillac；Florimond，whomshehadhatedandwhohadstoodinthewayofherboy”sadvancement，wasdeadandonhiswaytoburial；Garnache，themanfromPariswhomighthavemadetroubleforthemhadheriddenhomeagainwiththetaleoftheirresistance，wassilencedforalltime，andthecarpinthemoatwouldbefeastingbynowuponwhatwasleftofhim；
　　ValeriedeLaVauvrayewasinadejectedframeofmindthatauguredwellforthesuccessoftheDowager”splansconcerningher，andbynoonatlatesttherewouldbepriestsatCondillac，and，ifMariusstillwishedtomarrytheobstinatebaggage，therewouldbenodifficultyastothat。
　　Itwasagloriousmorning，mildandsunnyasanAprilday，asthoughNaturetookahandintheDowager”striumphandwishedtomakethebestofitswintrygarbinhonourofit。
　　Thepresenceofthisgrosssuitorofhersaffordedheranothersourceofsatisfaction。Therewouldnolongerbethenecessitysheoncehaddreadedoflisteningtohissuitforlongerthanitshouldbeherpleasuretobeamusedbyhim。ButwhenTressanspoke，hestruckthefirstnoteofdiscordintheperfectharmonywhichtheDowagerimaginedexisted。
　　“Madame，“saidhe，“IamdesolatedthatIamnotabearerofbettertidings。Butforallthatwehavemadethemostdiligentsearch，themanRabecquehasnotyetbeenapprehended。Still，wehavenotabandonedhope，“headded，bywayofshowingthattherewasasilverliningtohiscloudofdanger。
　　Forjustamomentmadame”sbrowswereknitted。ShehadforgottenRabecqueuntilnow；butaninstant”sreflectionassuredherthatinforgettinghimshehaddonehimnomorethansuchhonourashedeserved。Shelaughed，assheledthewaydownthegardensteps-themildnessofthedayandthebrightnessofhermoodhadmovedhertheretoreceivetheSeneschal。
　　“Fromthesombrenessofyourtoneonemightfearyournewstobeofthenatureofsomecatastrophe。WhatshallitsignifythatRabecqueeludesyourmen？Heisbutalackeyafterall。”
　　“True，“saidtheSeneschal，verysoberly；“butdonotforget，Ibeg，thatheisthebeareroflettersfromonewhoisnotalackey。”
　　Thelaughterwentoutofherfaceatthat。Herewassomethingthathadbeenlostsightofintheall-absorbingjoyofotherthings。
　　IncallingtheforgottenRabecquetomindshehadbutimaginedthatitwasnomorethanamatterofthetalehemighttell-atalenotdifficulttorefute，shethought。Herwordshouldalwaysweighagainstalackey”s。Butthatletterwasavastlydifferentmatter。
　　“Hemustbefound，Tressan，“shesaidsharply。
　　Tressansmileduneasily，andchewedathisbeard。
　　“Noeffortshallbespared，“hepromisedher。“Ofthatyoumaybeverysure。Theaffairsoftheprovinceareatastandstill，“headded，thatvanityofhisforappearingamanofinfinitebusinessrisingeveninanhourofsuchanxiety，fortohimself，nolessthantoher，wastheredangershouldRabecqueeverreachhisdestinationwiththepapersGarnachehadsaidhecarried。