“Fromeverythingandfromnothing，“repliedOlympe。“Thepoorlittle，thingmoveswiththeslownessofatortoisewhensheisobligedto，obeyme，butsherunslikealizardwhenJustinasksforanything，she，trembleslikealeafatthesoundofhisvoice;andherfaceisthat，ofasaintascendingtoheavenwhenshelooksathim。Butsheknows，nothingaboutlove;shehasnoideathatsheloveshim。”
“Poorchild！”saidthecountesswithasmileandtonethatwerefull，ofnaivete。
“Andso，“continuedMadameMichaud，answeringwithasmilethesmile，ofherlatemistress，“GenevieveisgloomywhenJustinisoutofthe，house;ifIaskherwhatsheisthinkingofsherepliesthatsheis，afraidofMonsieurRigou，orsomesuchnonsense。Shethinkspeople，envyher，thoughsheisasblackastheinsideofachimney。When，JustinispatrollingthewoodsatnightthechildisasanxiousasI
am。IfIopenmywindowtolistenforthetrotofhishorse，Iseea，lightinherroom，whichshowsmethatLaPechinaastheycallhere
iswatchingandwaitingtoo。Shenevergoestobed，anymorethanI
do，tillhecomesin。”
“Thirteen！”exclaimedthecountess;“unfortunatechild！”
“Unfortunate？no。Thispassionwillsaveher。”
“Fromwhat？”askedMadamedeMontcornet。
“Fromthefatewhichovertakesnearlyallthegirlsofheragein，theseparts。SinceIhavetaughthercleanlinesssheismuchlessugly，thanshewas;infact，thereissomethingoddandwildaboutherwhich，attractsmen。Sheissochangedthatyouwouldhardlyrecognizeher。
ThesonofthatinfamousinnkeeperoftheGrand-I-Vert，Nicolas，the，worstfellowinthewholedistrict，wantsher;hehuntsherlikegame。
ThoughIcan’tbelievethatMonsieurRigou，whochangeshisservant-
girlseveryyearortwoispersecutingsuchalittlefright，itis，quitecertainthatNicolasTonsardis。Justintoldmeso。Itwouldbe，adreadfulfate，forthepeopleofthisvalleyactuallylivelike，beasts;butJustinandourtwoservantsandIwatchhercarefully。
Thereforedon’tbeuneasy，madame;shenevergoesoutaloneexceptin，broaddaylight，andthenonlyasfarasthegateofConches。Ifby，chanceshefellintoanambush，herfeelingforJustinwouldgiveher，strengthandwittoescape;forallwomenwhohaveapreferencein，theirheartscanresistamantheyhate。”
“ItwasaboutherthatIcame，“saidthecountess，“andIlittle，thoughtmyvisitcouldbesousefultoyou。Thatchild，youknow，can’tremainthirteen;andshewillprobablygrowbetter-looking。”
“Oh，madame，“repliedOlympe，smiling，“IamquitesureofJustin。
Whataman！whataheart！——Ifyouonlyknewwhatadepthofgratitude，hefeelsforhisgeneral，towhom，hesays，heoweshishappiness。He，isonlytoodevoted;hewouldriskhislifeforhimhere，ashewould，onthefieldofbattle，andheforgetssometimesthathewilloneday，befatherofafamily。”
“Ah！Ionceregrettedlosingyou，“saidthecountess，withaglance，thatmadeOlympeblush;“butIregretitnolonger，forIseeyou，happy。Whatasublimeandnoblethingismarriedlove！”sheadded，speakingoutthethoughtshehadnotdaredexpressbeforetheabbe。
VirginiedeTroisvilledroppedintoarevery，andMadameMichaudkept，silence。
“Well，atleastthegirlishonest，isshenot？”saidthecountess，as，ifwakingfromadream。
“AshonestasIammyself，madame。”
“Discreet？”
“Asthegrave。”
“Grateful？”
“Ah！madame;shehasmomentsofhumilityandgentlenesstowardsme，whichseemtoshowanangelicnature。Shewillkissmyhandsandsay，themostupsettingthings。’Canwedieoflove？’sheaskedme，yesterday。’Whydoyouaskmethat？’Isaid。’Iwanttoknowiflove，isadisease。’“
“Didshereallysaythat？”
“IfIcouldrememberherexactwordsIwouldtellyouagreatdeal，more，“repliedOlympe;“sheappearstoknowmuchmorethanIdo。”
“Doyouthink，mydear，thatshecouldtakeyourplaceinmyservice。
Ican’tdowithoutanOlympe，“saidthecountess，smilinginarather，sadway。
“Notyet，madame，——sheistooyoung;butintwoyears’time，yes。If，itbecomesnecessarythatsheshouldgoawayfromhereIwillletyou，know。Sheoughttobeeducated，andsheknowsnothingoftheworld。
Hergrandfather，PereNiseron，isamanwhowouldlethisthroatbe，cutsoonerthantellalie;hewoulddieofhungerinabaker’sshop;
hehasthestrengthofhisopinions，andthegirlwasbroughtupto，allsuchprinciples。LaPechinawouldconsiderherselfyourequal;for，theoldmanhasmadeher，ashesays，arepublican，——justasPere，FourchonhasmadeMoucheabohemian。Asforme，Ilaughatsuchideas，butyoumightbedispleased。Shewouldrevereyouasherbenefactress，butneverashersuperior。Itcan’tbeotherwise;sheiswildandfree，liketheswallows——hermother’sbloodcountsforagooddealinwhat，sheis。”
“Whowashermother？”
“Doesn’tmadameknowthestory？”saidOlympe。“Well，thesonofthe，oldsextonatBlangy，asplendidfellow，sothepeopleaboutheretell，me，wasdraftedatthegreatconscription。In1809youngNiseronwas，stillonlyanartilleryman，inacorpsd’armeestationedinIllyria，andDalmatiawhenitreceivedsuddenorderstoadvancethroughHungary，andcutofftheretreatoftheAustrianarmyincasetheEmperorwon，thebattleofWagram。MichaudtoldmeallaboutDalmatia，forhewas，there。Niseron，beingsohandsomeaman，captivatedaMontenegringirl，ofZaharaamongthemountains，whowasnotaversetotheFrench，garrison。Thislostherthegood-willofhercompatriots，andlifein，herowntownbecameimpossibleafterthedepartureoftheFrench。Zena，Kropoli，calledinderisiontheFrenchwoman，followedtheartillery，andcametoFranceafterthepeace。AugusteNiseronaskedpermission，tomarryher;butthepoorwomandiedatVincennesinJanuary，1810，aftergivingbirthtoadaughter，ourGenevieve。Thepapersnecessary，tomakethemarriagelegalarrivedafewdayslater。AugusteNiseron，thenwrotetohisfathertocomeandtakethechild，withawetnurse，hehadgotfromitsowncountry;anditwasluckyhedid，forhewas，killedsoonafterbytheburstingofashellatMontereau。Registered，bythenameofGenevieveandbaptizedatSoulanges，thelittle，DalmatianwastakenundertheprotectionofMademoiselleLaguerre，who，wastouchedbyherstory。Itseemsasifitwerethedestinyofthe，childtobetakencareofbytheownersofLesAigues！PereNiseron，obtaineditsclothes，andnowandthensomehelpinmoneyfrom，Mademoiselle。”
ThecountessandOlympewerejustthenstandingbeforeawindowfrom，whichtheycouldseeMichaudapproachingtheabbeandBlondet，who，werewalkingupanddownthewide，semi-circulargravelledspacewhich，repeatedontheparksideofthepaviliontheexteriorhalf-moon;they，wereconversingearnestly。
“Whereisshe？”saidthecountess;“youmakemeanxioustoseeher。”
“SheisgonetocarrymilktoMademoiselleGaillardatthegateof，Conches;shewillsoonbeback，foritismorethananhoursinceshe，started。”
“Well，I’llgoandmeetherwiththosegentlemen，“saidMadamede，Montcornet，goingdownstairs。
Justasthecountessopenedherparasol，Michaudcameupandtoldher，thatthegeneralhadleftherawidowforprobablytwodays。
“MonsieurMichaud，“saidthecountess，eagerly，“don’tdeceiveme，thereissomethingseriousgoingon。Yourwifeisfrightened，andif，therearemanypersonslikePereFourchon，thispartofthecountry，willbeuninhabitable——“
“Ifitwereso，madame，“answeredMichaud，laughing，“weshouldnotbe，inthelandoftheliving，fornothingwouldbeeasierthantomake，awaywithus。Thepeasant’sgrumble，thatisall。Butastopassing，fromgrowlstoblows，frompilferingtocrime，theycaretoomuchfor，lifeandthefreeairofthefields。Olympehasbeensayingsomething，thatfrightenedyou，butyouknowsheisinstatetobefrightenedat，nothing，“headded，drawinghiswife’shandunderhisarmandpressing，ittowarnhertosaynomore。
“Cornevin！Juliette！”criedMadameMichaud，whosoonsawtheheadof，heroldcookatthewindow。“Iamgoingforalittlewalk;takecare，ofthepremises。”
Twoenormousdogs，whobegantobark，provedthattheeffectivenessof，thegarrisonatthegateoftheAvonnewasnottobedespised。Hearing，thedogs，Cornevin，anoldPercheron，Olympe’sfoster-father，came，frombehindthetrees，showingaheadsuchasnootherregionthanLa，Perchecanmanufacture。CornevinwasundoubtedlyaChouanin1794and，1799。
Thewholepartyaccompaniedthecountessalongthatoneofthesix，forestavenueswhichleddirectlytothegateofConches，crossingthe，Silver-springrivulet。MadamedeMontcornetwalkedinfrontwith，Blondet。TheabbeandMichaudandhiswifetalkedinalowvoiceof，therevelationthathadjustbeenmadetothecountessofthestateof，thecountry。
“Perhapsitisprovidential，“saidtheabbe;“forifmadameis，willing，wemight，perhaps，bydintofbenefitsandconstant，considerationoftheirwants，changetheheartsofthesepeople。”
Ataboutsixhundredfeetfromthepavilionandbelowthebrooke，the，countesscaughtsightofabrokenredjugandsomespiltmilk。
“Somethinghashappenedtothepoorchild！”shecried，callingto，Michaudandhiswife，whowerereturningtothepavilion。
“AmisfortunelikePerrette’s，“saidBlondet，laughing。
“No;thepoorchildhasbeensurprisedandpursued，forthejugwas，thrownoutsidethepath，“saidtheabbe，examiningtheground。
“Yes，thatiscertainlyLaPechina’sstep，“saidMichaud;“theprint，ofthefeet，whichhaveturned，yousee，quickly，showssuddenterror。
Thechildmusthavedartedinthedirectionofthepavilion，tryingto，getbackthere。”
Everyonefollowedthetraceswhichthebailiffpointedoutashe，walkedalongexaminingthem。Presentlyhestoppedinthemiddleofthe，pathaboutahundredfeetfromthebrokenjug，wherethegirl’sfoot-
printsceased。
“Here，“hesaid，“sheturnedtowardstheAvonne;perhapsshewas，headedofffromthedirectionofthepavilion。”
“Butshehasbeengonemorethananhour，“criedMadameMichaud。
Alarmwasinallfaces。Theabberantowardsthepavilion，examining，thestateoftheroad，whileMichaud，impelledbythesamethought，wentupthepathtowardsConches。
“GoodGod！shefellhere，“saidMichaud，returningfromaplacewhere，thefootstepsstoppednearthebrook，tothatwheretheyhadturnedin，theroad，andpointingtotheground，headded，“See！”
Themarkswereplainlyseenofabodylyingatfulllengthonthe，sandypath。
“Thefootprintswhichhaveenteredthewoodarethoseofsomeonewho，woreknittedsoles，“saidtheabbe。
“Awoman，then，“saidthecountess。
“Downthere，bythebrokenpitcher，arethefootstepsofaman，“added，Michaud。
“Idon’tseetracesofanyotherfoot，“saidtheabbe，whowas，trackingintothewoodtheprintsofthewoman’sfeet。
“Shemusthavebeenliftedandcarriedintothewood，“criedMichaud。
“Thatcan’tbe，ifitisreallyawoman’sfoot，“saidBlondet。
“Itmustbesometrickofthatwretch，Nicolas，“saidMichaud。“Hehas，beenwatchingLaPechinaforsometime。OnlythismorningIstoodtwo，hoursunderthebridgeoftheAvonnetoseewhathewasabout。Awoman，mayhavehelpedhim。”
“Itisdreadful！”saidthecountess。
“Theycallitamusingthemselves，“addedthepriest，inasadand，grievedtone。
“Oh！LaPechinawouldneverletthemkeepher，“saidthebailiff;“she，isquiteabletoswimacrosstheriver。Ishalllookalongthebanks。
Gohome，mydearOlympe;andyougentlemenandmadame，pleaseto，followtheavenuetowardsConches。”
“Whatacountry！”exclaimedthecountess。
“Therearescoundrelseverywhere，“repliedBlondet。
“Isittrue，Monsieurl’abbe，“askedMadamedeMontcornet，“thatI
savedthepoorchildfromtheclutchesofRigou？”
“Everyyounggirloverfiftenyearsofagewhomyoumayprotectatthe，chateauissavedfromthatmonster，“saidtheabbe。“Intryingtoget，possessionofLaPechinafromherearliestyears，theapostatesought，tosatisfybothhislustandhisvengeance。WhenItookPereNiseron，assextonItoldhimwhatRigou’sintentionswere。Thatisoneofthe，causesofthelatemayor’srancoragainstme;hishatredgrewoutof，it。PereNiseronsaidtohimsolemnlythathewouldkillhimifany，harmcametoGenevieve，andhemadehimresponsibleforallattempts，uponthepoorchild’shonor。Ican’thelpthinkingthatthispursuit，ofNicolasistheresultofsomeinfernalcollusionwithRigou，who，thinkshecandoashelikeswiththesepeople。”
“Doesn’thefearthelaw？”
“Inthefirstplace，heisfather-in-lawoftheprosecuting-attorney，“
saidtheabbe，pausingtolisten。“Andthen，“heresumed，“youhaveno，conceptionoftheutterindifferenceoftheruralpolicetowhatis，donearoundthem。Solongasthepeasantsdonotburnthefarm-houses，andbuildings，commitnomurders，poisonnoone，andpaytheirtaxes，theyletthemdoastheylike;andasthesepeoplearenotrestrained，byanyreligiousprinciple，horriblethingshappeneveryday。Onthe，othersideoftheAvonnehelplessoldmenareafraidtostayintheir，ownhomes，fortheyareallowednothingtoeat;theywanderoutinto，thefieldsasfarastheirtotteringlegscanbearthem，knowingwell，thatiftheytaketotheirbedstheywilldieforwantoffood。
MonsieurSarcus，themagistrate，tellsmethatiftheyarrestedand，triedallcriminals，thecostswouldruinthemunicipality。”
“Thenheatleastseeshowthingsare？”saidBlondet。
“Monseigneurthoroughlyunderstandstheconditionofthevalley，and，especiallythestateofthisdistrict，“continuedtheabbe。“Religion，alonecancuresuchevils;thelawseemstomepowerless，modifiedas，itisnow——“
Thewordswereinterruptedbyloudcriesfromthewoods，andthe，countess，precededbyEmileandtheabbe，sprangbravelyintothe，brushwoodinthedirectionofthesounds。
CHAPTERXI
THEOARISTYS，EIGHTEENTHECLOGUEOFTHEOCRITUS;
LITTLEADMIREDONTHEPOLICECALENDAR
Thesagacityofasavage，whichMichaud’snewoccupationhaddeveloped，amonghisfaculties，joinedtoanacquaintancewiththepassionsand，interestsofBlangy，enabledhimpartiallytounderstandathirdidyll，intheGreekstyle，whichpoorvillagerslikeTonsard，andmiddle-aged，richmenlikeRigou，translateFREELY——tousetheclassicword——inthe，depthsoftheircountrysolitudes。
Nicolas，Tonsard’ssecondson，haddrawnanunluckynumberatarecent，conscription。Twoyearsearlierhiselderbrotherhadbeenpronounced，throughtheinfluenceofSoudry，Gaubertin，andSarcustherich，unfit，formilitaryservice，onaccountofapretendedweaknessinthe，musclesoftherightarm;butasJean-Louishadsincewielded，instrumentsofhusbandrywithremarkableforceandskill，agooddeal，oftalkonthesubjecthadgonethroughthedistrict。Soudry，Rigou，andGaubertin，whowerethespecialprotectorsofthefamily，had，warnedTonsardthathemustnotexpecttosaveNicolas，whowastall，andvigorous，frombeingrecruitedifhedrewafatalnumber。
NeverthelessGaubertinandRigouweresowellawareoftheimportance，ofconciliatingboldmenableandwillingtodomischief，ifproperly，directedagainstLesAigues，thatRigouheldoutcertainhopesof，safetytoTonsardandhisson。Thelatemonkwasoccasionallyvisited，byCatherineTonsardwhowasverydevotedtoherbrotherNicolas;on，onesuchoccasionRigouadvisedhertoappealtothegeneralandthe，countess。
“Theymaybegladtodoyouthisservicetocajoleyou;inthatcase，itisjustsomuchgainedfromtheenemy，“hesaid。“IftheShopman，refuses，thenweshallseewhatweshallsee。”
Rigouforesawthatthegeneral’srefusalwouldpassasonewrongthe，moredonebytheland-ownertothepeasantry，andwouldbindTonsard，byanadditionalmotiveofgratitudetothecoalition，incasethe，craftymindoftheinnkeepercouldsuggesttohimsomeplausibleway，ofliberatingNicolas。
Nicolas，whowassoontoappearbeforetheexaminingboard，hadlittle，hopeofthegeneral’sinterventionbecauseoftheharmdonetoLes，AiguesbyallthemembersoftheTonsardfamily。Hispassion，orto，speakmorecorrectly，hiscapriceandobstinatepursuitofLaPechina，weresoaggravatedbytheprospectofhisimmediatedeparture，which，lefthimnotimetoseduceher，thatheresolvedonattempting，violence。Thechild’scontemptforherprosecutor，plainlyshown，excitedtheLovelaceoftheGrand-I-Verttoahatredwhosefurywas，equalledonlybyhisdesires。Forthelastthreedayshehadbeen，watchingLaPechina，andthepoorchildknewshewaswatched。Between，Nicolasandhispreythesamesortofunderstandingexistedwhich，thereisbetweenthehunterandthegame。Whenthegirlwasatsome，littledistancefromthepavilionshesawNicolasinoneofthepaths，whichranparalleltothewallsofthepark，leadingtothebridgeof，theAvonne。Shecouldeasilyhaveescapedtheman’spursuithadshe，appealedtohergrandfather;butallyounggirls，eventhemost，unsophisticated，haveastrangefear，possiblyinstinctive，of，trustingtotheirnaturalprotectorsunderthelikecircumstances。
GenevievehadheardPereNiserontakeanoathtokillanyman，no，matterwhohewas，whoshoulddaretoTOUCHthatwashiswordhis，granddaughter。Theoldmanthoughtthechildamplyprotectedbythe，haloofwhitehairandhonorwhichaspotlesslifeofthree-score，yearsandtenhadlaiduponhisbrow。Thevisionofbloodyscenes，terrifiestheimaginationofyounggirlssothattheyneednotdiveto，thebottomoftheirheartsforothernumerousandinquisitivereasons，whichsealtheirlips。
WhenLaPechinastartedwiththemilkwhichMadameMichaudhadsentto，thedaughterofGaillard，thekeeperofthegateofConches，whosecow，hadjustcalved，shelookedabouthercautiously，likeacatwhenit，venturesoutontothestreet。ShesawnosignsofNicolas;she，listenedtothesilence，asthepoetsays，andhearingnothing，she，concludedthattherascalhadgonetohisday’swork。Thepeasants，werejustbeginningtocuttherye;fortheywereinthehabitof，gettingintheirownharvestsfirst，soastobenefitbythebest，strengthofthemowers。ButNicolaswasnotamantomindlosinga，day’swork，——especiallynowthatheexpectedtoleavethecountry，afterthefairatSoulangesandbegin，asthecountrypeoplesay，the，newlifeofasoldier。
WhenLaPechina，withthejugonherhead，wasabouthalf-way，Nicolas，slidlikeawild-catdownthetrunkofanelm，amongthebranchesof，whichhewashiding，andfelllikeathunderboltinfrontofthegirl，whoflungawayherpitcherandtrustedtoherfleetlegstoregainthe，pavilion。Butahundredfeetfartheron，CatherineTonsard，whowason，thewatch，rushedoutofthewoodandknockedsoviolentlyagainstthe，flyinggirlthatshewasthrowndown。Theviolenceofthefallmade，herunconscious。Catherinepickedherupandcarriedherintothe，woodstothemiddleofatinymeadowwheretheSilver-springbrook，bubbledup。
CatherineTonsardwastallandstrong，andineveryrespectthetype，ofwomanwhompaintersandsculptorstake，astheRepublicdidin，formerdays，fortheirfiguresofLiberty。Shecharmedtheyoungmen，ofthevalleyoftheAvonnewithhervoluminousbosom，hermuscular，legs，andawaistasrobustasitwasflexible;withherplumparms，hereyesthatcouldflashandsparkle，andherjauntyair;withthe，massesofhairtwistedincoilsaroundherhead，hermasculine，foreheadandherredlipscurlingwiththatsameferocioussmilewhich，EugeneDelacroixandDavidofAngerscaughtandrepresentedso，admirably。TrueimageofthePeople，thisfieryandswarthycreature，seemedtoemitrevoltthroughherpiercingyelloweyes，blazingwith，theinsolenceofasoldier。Sheinheritedfromherfathersoviolenta，naturethatthewholefamily，exceptTonsard，andallwhofrequented，thetavernfearedher。
“Well，howareyounow？”shesaidtoLaPechinaasthelatter，recoveredconsciousness。
Catherinehadplacedhervictimonalittlemoundbesidethebrookand，wasbringinghertohersenseswithdashesofcoldwater。“Wheream，I？”saidthechild，openingherbeautifulblackeyesthroughwhicha，sun-rayseemedtoglide。
“Ah！”saidCatherine，“ifithadn’tbeenformeyou’dhavebeen，killed。”
“Thankyou，“saidthegirl，stillbewildered;“whathappenedtome？”
“Youstumbledoverarootandfellflatintheroadoverthere，asif，shot。Ha！howyoudidrun！”
“Itwasyourbrotherwhomademe，“saidLaPechina，remembering，Nicolas。
“Mybrother？Ididnotseehim，“saidCatherine。“Whatdidhedoto，you，poorfellow，thatshouldmakeyouflyasifhewereawolf？Isn’t，hehandsomerthanyourMonsieurMichaud？”
“Oh！”saidthegirl，contemptuously。
“Seehere，littleone;youarelayingupacropofevilsforyourself，bylovingthosewhopersecuteus。Whydon’tyoukeeptoourside？”
“Whydon’tyoucometochurch;andwhydoyoustealthingsnightand，day？”askedthechild。
“Soyouletthosepeopletalkyouover！”sneeredCatherine。“Theylove，us，don’tthey？——justastheylovetheirfoodwhichtheygetoutof，us，andtheywantnewdisheseveryday。Didyoueverknowoneofthem，tomarryapeasant-girl？Notthey！DoesSarcustherichlethisson，marrythathandsomeGatienneGiboulard？Nothe，thoughsheisthe，daughterofarichupholsterer。YouhaveneverbeenattheTivoliball，atSoulangesinSocquard’stavern;youhadbettercome。You’llsee’em，allthere，thesebourgeoisfellows，andyou’llfindtheyarenotworth，themoneyweshallgetoutofthemwhenwe’vepulledthemdown。Come，tothefairthisyear！”
“Theysayit’sfine，thatSoulangesfair！”criedLaPechina，artlessly。
“I’lltellyouwhatitisintwowords，“saidCatherine。“Ifyouare，handsome，youarewellogled。Whatisthegoodofbeingasprettyas，youareifyouarenotadmiredbythemen？Ha！whenIheardoneof，themsayforthefirsttime，’Whatafinesprigofagirl！’allmy，bloodwasonfire。ItwasatSocquard’s，inthemiddleofadance;my，grandfather，Fourchon，whowasplayingtheclarionet，hearditand，laughed。Tivoliseemedtomeasgrandandfineasheavenitself。It’s，lightedup，mydear，withglasslamps，andyou’llthinkyouarein，paradise。AllthegentlemenofSoulangesandAuxerreandVille-aux-
Fayeswillbethere。EversincethatfirstnightI’velovedtheplace，wherethosewordsranginmyearslikemilitarymusic。It’sworthy，givingyoureternitytohearsuchwordssaidofyoubyamanyou，love。”
“Yes，perhaps，“repliedLaPechina，thoughtfully。
“Thencome，andgetthepraiseofmen;you’resureofit！”cried，Catherine。“Ha！you’llhaveafinechance，handsomeasyouare，to，pickupgoodluck。There’sthesonofMonsieurLupin，Amaury，hemight，marryyou。Butthat’snotall;ifyouonlyknewwhatcomfortsyoucan，findthereagainstvexationandworry。Why，Socquard’sboiledwine，willmakeyouforgeteverytroubleyoueverhad。Fancy！itcanmake，youdream，andfeelaslightasabird。Didn’tyoueverdrinkboiled，wine？Thenyoudon’tknowwhatlifeis。”
Theprivilegeenjoyedbyolderpersonstowettheirthroatswith，boiledwineexcitesthecuriosityofthechildrenofthepeasantry，overtwelveyearsofagetosuchadegreethatGenevievehadonceput，herlipstoaglassofboiledwineorderedbythedoctorforher，grandfatherwhenill。Thetastehadleftasortofmagicinfluencein，thememoryofthepoorchild，whichmayexplaintheinterestwith，whichshelistened，andonwhichtheevil-mindedCatherinecountedto，carryoutaplanalreadyhalf-successful。Nodoubtshewastryingto，bringhervictim，giddyfromthefall，tothemoralintoxicationso，dangeroustoyoungwomenlivinginthewildsofnature，whose，imagination，deprivedofothernourishment，isallthemoreardent，whentheoccasioncomestoexerciseit。Boiledwine，whichCatherine，hadheldinreserve，wastoendthematterbyintoxicatingthevictim。
“Whatdotheyputintoit？”askedLaPechina。
“Allsortsofthings，“repliedCatherine，glancingbacktoseeifher，brotherwerecoming;“inthefirstplace，thosewhatd’yecall’ems，thatcomefromIndia，cinnamon，andherbsthatchangeyoubymagic，——
youfancyyouhaveeverythingyouwishfor;boiledwinemakesyou，happy！youcansnapyourfingersatallyourtroubles！”
“Ishouldbeafraidtodrinkboiledwineatadance，“saidLaPechina。
“Afraidofwhat？”askedCatherine。“There’snottheslightestdanger。
Thinkwhatlotsofpeopletherewillbe。Allthebourgeoiswillbe，lookingatus！Ah！itisoneofthosedaysthatmakeupforallour，misery。Seeitanddie，——forit’senoughtosatisfyanyone。”
“IfMonsieurandMadameMichaudwouldonlytakeme！”criedLaPechina，hereyesblazing。
“AskyourgrandfatherNiseron;youhavenotgivenhimup，poordear，man，andhe’dbepleasedtoseeyouadmiredlikealittlequeen。Why，doyoulikethoseArminacstheMichaudsbetterthanyourgrandfather，andtheBurgundians。It’sbadtoneglectyourownpeople。Besides，why，shouldtheMichaudsobjectifyourgrandfathertakesyoutothefair？
Oh！ifyouknewwhatitistoreignoveramanandputhimbeside，himself，andsaytohim，asIsaytoGodain，’Gothere！’andhegoes，’Dothat！’andhedoesit！You’vegotitinyou，littleone，toturn，theheadofabourgeoislikethatsonofMonsieurLupin。Monsieur，AmaurytookafancytomysisterMariebecausesheisfairandbecause，heishalf-afraidofme;buthe’dadoreyou，foreversincethose，peopleatthepavilionhavesprucedyouupabityou’vegottheairs，ofanempress。”
AdroitlyleadingtheinnocenthearttoforgetNicolasandsoputit，offitsguard，Catherinedistilledintothegirltheinsidiousnectar，ofcompliments。Unawares，shetouchedasecretwound。LaPechina，withoutbeingotherthanapoorpeasantgirl，wasaspecimenof，alarmingprecocity，likemanyanothercreaturedoomedtodieas，prematurelyasitblooms。StrangeproductofBurgundianand，Montenegrinblood，conceivedandbornamidthetoilsofwar，thegirl，wasdoubtlessinmanywaystheresultofhercongenitalcircumstances。
Thin，slender，brownasatobaccoleaf，andshortinstature，she，neverthelesspossessedextraordinarystrength，——astrengthunseenby，theeyesofpeasants，towhomthemysteriesofthenervoussystemare，unknown。Nervesarenotadmittedintothemedicalruralmind。
AtthirteenyearsofageGenevievehadcompletedhergrowth，though，shewashardlyastallasanordinarygirlofherage。Didherface，oweitstopazskin，sodarkandyetsobrilliant，darkintoneand，brilliantinthequalityofitstissue，givingalookofagetothe，childishface，toherMontenegrinorigin，ortotheardentsunof，Burgundy？Medicalsciencemaydismisstheinquiry。Theprematureold，ageonthesurfaceofthefacewascounterbalancedbytheglow，the，fire，thewealthoflightwhichmadetheeyestwostars。Likealleyes，whichfillwithsunlightandneed，perhaps，someshelteringscreen，theeyelidswerefringedwithlashesofextraordinarylength。The，hair，ofabluishblack，longandfineandabundant，crownedabrow，mouldedlikethatoftheFarneseJuno。Thatmagnificentdiademof，hair，thosegrandArmenianeyes，thatcelestialbroweclipsedtherest，oftheface。Thenose，thoughpureinformasitleftthebrow，and，gracefulincurve，endedinflattenedandflaringnostrils。Anger，increasedthiseffectattimes，andthenthefaceworeanabsolutely，furiousexpression。Allthelowerpartoftheface，likethelower，partofthenose，seemedunfinished，asiftheclayinthehandsof，thedivinesculptorhadprovedinsufficient。Betweenthelowerlipand，thechinthespacewassoshortthatanyonetakingLaPechinabythe，chinwouldhaverubbedthelip;buttheteethpreventedallnoticeof，thisdefect。Onemightalmostbelievethoselittleboneshadsouls，so，brilliantwerethey，sopolished，sotransparent，soexquisitely，shaped，disclosedastheywerebytoowideamouth，curvedinlines，thatboreresemblancetothefantasticshapesofcoral。Theshellsof，theearsweresotransparenttothelightthatinthesunshinethey，wererose-colored。Thecomplexion，thoughsun-burned，showeda，marvellousdelicacyinthetextureoftheskin。If，asBuffon，declared，loveliesintouch，thesoftnessofthegirl’sskinmust，havehadthepenetratingandincitinginfluenceofthefragranceof，daturas。Thechestandindeedthewholebodywasalarminglythin;but，thefeetandhands，ofalluringdelicacy，showedremarkablenervous，power，andavigorousorganism。
Thismixtureofdiabolicalimperfectionsanddivinebeauties，harmoniousinspiteofdiscords，fortheyblendedinaspeciesof，savagedignity，alsothistriumphofapowerfulsouloverafeeble，body，aswritteninthoseeyes，madethechild，whenonceseen，unforgettable。Naturehadwishedtomakethatfrailyoungbeinga，woman;thecircumstancesofherconceptionmouldedherwiththeface，andbodyofaboy。Apoetobservingthestrangecreaturewouldhave，declaredhernativeclimetobeArabiatheBlest;shebelongedtothe，AfriteandGeniiofArabiantales。Herfacetoldnolies。Shehadthe，soulofthatglanceoffire，theintellectofthoselipsmade，brilliantbythebewitchingteeth，thethoughtenshrinedwithinthat，gloriousbrow，thepassionofthosenostrilsreadyatallmomentsto，snortflame。Thereforelove，suchasweimagineitonburningsands，inlonelydeserts，filledthatheartoftwentyinthebreastofa，child，doomed，likethesnowyheightsofMontenegro，towearno，flowersofthespring。
ObserversoughtnowtounderstandhowitwasthatLaPechina，from，whompassionissuedbyeverypore，awakenedinpervertednaturesthe，feelingsdeadenedbyabuse;justaswaterfillsthemouthatsightof，thosetwisted，blotched，andspeckledfruitswhichgourmandsknowby，experience，andbeneathwhoseskinnaturehasputtherarestflavors，andperfumes。WhydidNicolas，thatvulgarlaborer，pursuethisbeing，whowasworthyofapoet，whiletheeyesofthecountry-folkpitied，herasasicklydeformity？WhydidRigou，theoldman，feelthe，passionofayoungoneforthisgirl？Whichofthetwomenwasyoung，andwhichwasold？Wastheyoungpeasantasblaseastheoldusurer？
Whydidthesetwoextremesoflifemeetinonecommonanddevilish，caprice？Doesthevigorthatdrawstoitscloseresemblethevigor，thatisonlydawning？Themoralperversitiesofmenaregulfsguarded，bysphinxes;theybeginandendinquestionstowhichthereisno，answer。
Theexclamation，formerlyquoted，ofthecountess，“Piccina！”whenshe，firstsawGenevievebytheroadside，open-mouthedatsightofthe，carriageandtheelegantlydressedwomanwithinit，willbe，understood。Thisgirl，almostadwarf，ofMontenegrinvigor，lovedthe，handsome，noblebailiff，aschildrenofheragelove，whentheydo，love，thatistosay，withchildlikepassion，withthestrengthof，youth，withthedevotionwhichintrulyvirginsoulsgivesbirthto，divinestpoesy。Catherinehadjustswepthercoarsehandsacrossthe，sensitivestringsofthatchoiceharp，strungtothebreaking-point。
TodancebeforeMichaud，toshineattheSoulangesballandinscribe，herselfonthememoryofthatadoredmaster！Whatgloriousthoughts！
Toflingthemintothatvolcanicheadwaslikecastinglivecoalsupon，strawdriedintheAugustsun。
“No，Catherine，“repliedLaPechina，“Iamuglyandpuny;mylotisto，sitinacornerandnevertobemarried，butlivealoneintheworld。”
“Menlikeweaklings，“saidCatherine。“Youseeme，don’tyou？”she，added，showingherhandsome，strongarms。“IpleaseGodain，whoisa，poorstick;IpleasethatlittleCharles，thecount’sgroom;but，Lupin’ssonisafraidofme。Itellyouitisthesmallkindofmen，wholoveme，andwhosaywhentheyseemegobyatVille-aux-Fayesand，atSoulanges，’Ha！whatafinegirl！’NowYOU，that’sanotherthing;
you’llpleasethefinemen。”
“Ah！Catherine，ifitweretrue——that！”criedthebewitchedchild。
“Itistrue，itissotruethatNicolas，thehandsomestmaninthe，canton，ismadaboutyou;hedreamsofyou，heislosinghismind;and，yetalltheothergirlsareinlovewithhim。Heisafinelad！If，you’llputonawhitedressandyellowribbons，andcometoSocquard’s，forthemidsummerball，you’llbethehandsomestgirlthere，andall，thefinepeoplefromVille-aux-Fayeswillseeyou。Come，won’tyou？——
Seehere，I’vebeencuttinggrassforthecows，andIbroughtsome，boiledwineinmygourd;Socquardgaveitmethismorning，“sheadded，quickly，seeingthehalf-deliriousexpressioninLaPechina’seyes，whichwomenunderstandsowell。“We’llshareittogether，andyou’ll，fancythemenareinlovewithyou。”
DuringthisconversationNicolas，choosingthegrassyspotstostep，on，hadnoiselesslyslippedbehindthetrunkofanoldoaknearwhich，hissisterhadseatedLaPechina。Catherine，whohadnowandthencast，hereyesbehindher，sawherbrotherassheturnedtogettheboiled，wine。
“Here，takesome，“shesaid，offeringit。
“Itburnsme！”criedGenevieve，givingbackthegourd，aftertaking，twoorthreeswallowsfromit。
“Sillychild！”repliedCatherine;“seehere！”andsheemptiedthe，rusticbottlewithouttakingbreath。“Seehowitslipsdown;itgoes，likeasunbeamintothestomach。”
“ButIoughttobecarryingthemilktoMademoiselleGaillard，“cried，Genevieve;“anditisallspilt！Nicolasfrightenedmeso！”
“Don’tyoulikeNicolas？”
“No，“answeredGenevieve。“Whydoeshepersecuteme？Hecangetplenty，othergirls，whoarewilling。”
“Butifhelikesyoubetterthanalltheothergirlsinthevalley——“
“Somuchtheworseforhim。”
“Iseeyoudon’tknowhim，“answeredCatherine，assheseizedthegirl，rapidlybythewaistandflungheronthegrass，holdingherdownin，thatpositionwithherstrongarms。AtthismomentNicolasappeared。
Seeingherodiouspersecutor，thechildscreamedwithallhermight，anddrovehimfivefeetawaywithaviolentkickinthestomach;then，shetwistedherselflikeanacrobat，withadexterityforwhich，Catherinewasnotprepared，androsetorunaway。Catherine，stillon，theground，caughtherbyonefootandthrewherheadlongonherface。
Thisfrightfulfallstoppedthebravechild’scriesforamoment。
Nicolasattempted，furiously，toseizehisvictim，butshe，though，giddyfromthewineandthefall，caughthimbythethroatinagrip，ofiron。
“Help！she’sstranglingme，Catherine，“criedNicolas，inastifled，voice。
LaPechinautteredpiercingscreams，whichCatherinetriedtochokeby，puttingherhandsoverthegirl’smouth，butshebitthemanddrew，blood。ItwasatthismomentthatBlondet，thecountess，andtheabbe，appearedattheedgeofthewood。
“HerearethoseAiguespeople！”exclaimedCatherine，helpingGenevieve，torise。
“Doyouwanttolive？”hissedNicolasinthechild’sear。
“Whatthen？”sheasked。
“Tellthemwewereallplaying，andI’llforgiveyou，“saidNicolas，inathreateningvoice。
“Littlewretch，mindyousayit！”repeatedCatherine，whoseglancewas，moreterrifyingthanherbrother’smurderousthreat。
“Yes，Iwill，ifyouletmealone，“repliedthechild。“ButanyhowI
willnevergooutagainwithoutmyscissors。”
“Youaretoholdyourtongue，orI’lldrownyouintheAvonne，“said，Catherine，ferociously。
“Youaremonsters，“criedtheabbe，comingup;“yououghttobe，arrestedandtakentotheassizes。”
“Ha！andpraywhatdoyoudoinyourdrawing-rooms？”saidNicolas，lookingfullatthecountessandBlondet。“Youplayandamuse，yourselves，don’tyou？Well，sodowe，inthefieldswhichareours。
Wecan’talwayswork;wemustplaysometimes，——askmysisterandLa，Pechina。”
“Howdoyoufightifyoucallthatplaying？”criedBlondet。
Nicolasgavehimamurderouslook。
“Speak！”saidCatherine，grippingLaPechinabytheforearmand，leavingabluebraceletontheflesh。“Werenotweamusingourselves？”
“Yes，madame，wewereamusingourselves，“saidthechild，exhaustedby，herdisplayofstrength，andnowbreakingdownasthoughshewere，abouttofaint。
“Youhearwhatshesays，madame，“saidCatherine，boldly，givingthe，countessoneofthoselookswhichwomengiveeachotherlikedagger，thrusts。
Shetookherbrother’sarm，andthepairwalkedoff，notmistakingthe，opiniontheyleftbehindtheminthemindsofthethreepersonswho，hadinterruptedthescene。Nicolastwicelookedback，andtwice，encounteredBlondet’sgaze。Thejournalistcontinuedtowatchthetall，scoundrel，whowasbroadintheshoulders，healthyandvigorousin，complexion，withblackhaircurlingtightly，andwhoserathersoft，faceshoweduponitslipsandaroundthemouthcertainlineswhich，revealthepeculiarcrueltythatcharacterizessluggardsand，voluptaries。Catherineswungherpetticoat，stripedblueandwhite，withanairofinsolentcoquetry。
“Cainandhiswife！”saidBlondettotheabbe。
“Youarenearerthetruththanyouknow，“repliedthepriest。
“Ah！Monsieurlecure，whatwilltheydotome？”saidLaPechina，when，thebrotherandsisterwereoutofsight。
Thecountess，aswhiteasherhandkerchief，wassoovercomethatshe，heardneitherBlondetnortheabbenorLaPechina。
“Itisenoughtodriveonefromthisterrestrialparadise，“shesaid，atlast。“Butthefirstthingofallistosavethatchildfromtheir，claws。”
“Youareright，“saidBlondetinalowvoice。“Thatchildisapoem，a，livingpoem。”
JustthentheMontenegringirlwasinastatewheresoulandbody，smoke，asitwere，aftertheconflagrationofanangerwhichhas，drivenallforces，physicalandintellectual，totheirutmosttension。
Itisanunspeakableandsupremesplendor，whichrevealsitselfonly，underthepressureofsomefrenzy，beitresistanceorvictory，love，ormartyrdom。Shehadlefthomeinadresswithalternatelinesof，brownandyellow，andacollarettewhichshepleatedherselfbyrising，beforedaylight;andshehadnotyetnoticedtheconditionofhergown，soiledbyherstruggleonthegrass，andhercollartornin，Catherine’sgrasp。Feelingherhairhangingloose，shelookedabout，herforacomb。AtthismomentMichaud，alsoattractedbythescreams，cameuponthescene。Seeinghergod，LaPechinarecoveredherfull，strength。“MonsieurMichaud，“shecried，“hedidnoteventouchme！”
Thecry，thelook，theactionofthegirlwereaneloquentcommentary，andtoldmoretoBlondetandtheabbethanMadameMichaudhadtoldthe，countessaboutthepassionofthatstrangenatureforthebailiff，who，wasutterlyunconsciousofit。
“Thescoundrel！”criedMichaud。
Then，withaninvoluntaryandimpotentgesture，suchasmadmenand，wisemencanbothbeforcedintogiving，heshookhisfistinthe，directioninwhichhehadcaughtsightofNicolasdisappearingwith，hissister。
“Thenyouwerenotplaying？”saidtheabbewithasearchinglookatLa，Pechina。
“Don’tfrether，“interposedthecountess;“letusreturntothe，pavilion。”
Genevieve，thoughquiteexhausted，foundstrengthunderMichaud’seyes，towalk。Thecountessfollowedthebailiffthroughoneoftheby-paths，knowntokeepersandpoacherswhereonlytwocangoabreast，andwhich，ledtothegateoftheAvonne。
“Michaud，“saidthecountesswhentheyreachedthedepthofthewood，“Wemustfindsomewayofriddingtheneighborhoodofsuchvile，people;thatchildisactuallyindangerofdeath。”
“Inthefirstplace，“repliedMichaud，“Genevieveshallnotleavethe，pavilion。MywifewillbegladtotakethenephewofVatel，whohas，thecareoftheparkroads，intothehouse。WithGounodthatishis，nameandoldCornevin，mywife’sfoster-father，alwaysathand，La，Pechinaneednevergooutwithoutaprotector。”
“IwilltellMonsieurtomakeupthisextraexpensetoyou，“saidthe，countess。“ButthisdoesnotridusofthatNicolas。Howcanwemanage，that？”
“Themeansareeasyandrightathand，“answeredMichaud。“Nicolasis，toappearverysoonbeforethecourtofappealsonthedraft。The，general，insteadofaskingforhisrelease，astheTonsardsexpect，hasonlytoadvisehisbeingsenttothearmy——“
“Ifnecessary，Iwillgomyself，“saidthecountess，“andseemy，cousin，deCasteran，theprefect。Butuntilthen，Itrembleforthat，child——“
Thewordsweresaidattheendofthepathclosetotheopenspaceby，thebridge。Astheyreachedtheedgeofthebankthecountessgavea，cry;Michaudadvancedtohelpher，thinkingshehadstruckherfoot，againstastone;butheshudderedatthesightthatmethiseyes。
MarieTonsardandBonnebault，seatedbelowthebank，seemedtobe，conversing，butwerenodoubthidingtheretohearwhatpassed。
Evidentlytheyhadleftthewoodasthepartyadvancedtowardsthem。
Bonnebault，atall，wiryfellow，hadlatelyreturnedtoConchesafter，sixyears’serviceinthecavalry，withapermanentdischargedueto，hisevilconduct，——hisexamplebeinglikelytoruinbettermen。He，woremoustachiosandasmallchin-tuft;apeculiaritywhich，joinedto，hismilitarycarriage，madehimthereigningfancyofallthegirlsin，thevalley。Hishair，incommonwiththatofothersoldiers，wascut，veryshortbehind，buthefrizzeditonthetopofhishead，brushing，uptheendswithadandyair;onithisforagingcapwasjauntily，tiltedtooneside。Comparedtothepeasants，whoweremostlyinrags，likeMoucheandFourchon，heseemedgorgeousinhislinentrousers，boots，andshortwaistcoat。Thesearticles，boughtatthetimeofhis，liberation，were，itistrue，somewhattheworseforalifeinthe，fields;butthisvillagecock-of-the-walkhadothersinreservefor，ballsandholidays。Helived，itmustbesaid，onthegiftsofhis，femalefriends，which，liberalastheywere，hardlysufficedforthe，libations，thedissipations，andthesquanderingsofallkindswhich，resultedfromhisintimacywiththeCafedelaPaix。
Cowardiceislikecourage;ofboththerearevariouskinds。Bonnebault，wouldhavefoughtlikeabravesoldier，buthewasweakinpresenceof，hisvicesandhisdesires。Lazyasalizard，thatistosay，active，onlywhenitsuitedhim，withouttheslightestdecency，arrogantand，base，ableformuchbutneglectfulofall，thesolepleasureofthis，“breakerofheartsandplates，“touseabarrackterm，wastodoevil，orinflictdamage。Suchanaturedoesasmuchharminrural，communitiesasitdoesinaregiment。Bonnebault，likeTonsardand，likeFourchon，desiredtolivewellanddonothing;andhehadhis，planslaid。Makingthemostofhisgallantappearancewithincreasing，success，andofhistalentsforbilliardswithalternatelossand，gain，heflatteredhimselfthatthedaywouldcomewhenhecouldmarry，MademoiselleAglaeSocquard，onlydaughteroftheproprietorofthe，CafedelaPaix，aresortwhichwastoSoulangeswhat，relatively，speaking，RanelaghistotheBoisdeBoulogne。Togetintothe，businessoftavern-keeping，tomanagethepublicballs，whatafine，careerforthemarshal’sbatonofane’er-do-well！Thesemorals，this，life，thisnature，weresoplainlystampeduponthefaceofthelow-
livedprofligatethatthecountesswasbetrayedintoanexclamation，whenshebeheldthepair，fortheygaveherthesensationofbeholding，snakes。
Marie，desperatelyinlovewithBonnebault，wouldhaverobbedforhis，benefit。Thosemoustachios，theswaggeringgaitofatrooper，the，fellow’ssmartclothes，allwenttoherheartasthemannersand，charmsofadeMarsaytouchthatofaprettyParisian。Eachsocial，spherehasitsownstandardofdistinction。ThejealousMarierebuffed，AmauryLupin，theotherdandyofthelittletown，hermindbeingmade，uptobecomeMadameBonnebault。
“Hey！youthere，hi！comeon！”criedNicolasandCatherinefromafar，catchingsightofMarieandBonnebault。
Thesharpcallechoedthroughthewoodslikethecryofsavages。
Seeingthepairathisfeet，Michaudshudderedanddeeplyrepented，havingspoken。IfBonnebaultandMarieTonsardhadoverheardthe，conversation，nothingbutharmcouldcomeofit。Thisevent，insignificantasitseems，wasdestined，intheirritatedstateof，feelingthenexistingbetweenLesAiguesandthepeasantry，tohavea，decisiveinfluenceonthefateofall，——justasvictoryordefeatin，battlesometimesdependsuponabrookwhichshepherdsjumpwhile，cannonareunabletopassit。
Gallantlybowingtothecountess，BonnebaultpassedMarie’sarm，throughhisownwithaconqueringairandtookhimselfoff，triumphantly。
“TheKingofHeartsofthevalley，“mutteredMichaudtothecountess。
“Adangerousman。Whenhelosestwentyfrancsatbilliardshewould，murderRigoutogetthemback。Helovesacrimeashedoesa，pleasure。”
“Ihaveseenenoughforto-day;takemehome，gentlemen，“murmuredthe，countess，puttingherhandonEmile’sarm。
ShebowedsadlytoMadameMichaud，afterwatchingLaPechinasafely，backtothepavilion。Olympe’sdepressionwastransferredtoher，mistress。
“Ah，madame，“saidtheabbe，astheycontinuedtheirway，“canitbe，thatthedifficultyofdoinggoodisabouttodeteryou？Forthelast，fiveyearsIhavesleptonapalletinaparsonagewhichhasno，furniture;Isaymassinachurchwithoutbelievers;Ipreachtono，hearers;Iministerwithoutfeesorsalary;Iliveonthesixhundred，francsthelawallowsme，askingnothingofmybishop，andIgivethe，thirdofthatincharity。Still，Iamnothopeless。Ifyouknewwhat，mywintersareinthisplaceyouwouldunderstandthestrengthof，thosewords，——Iamnothopeless。Ikeepmyselfwarmwiththebelief，thatwecansavethisvalleyandbringitbacktoGod。Nomatterfor，ourselves，madame;thinkofthefuture！Ifitisourdutytosayto，thepoor，’Learnhowtobepoor;thatis，howtowork，toendure，to，strive，’itisequallyourdutytosaytotherich，’Learnyourduty，asprosperousmen，’——thatistosay，’Bewise，beintelligentinyour，benevolence;piousandvirtuousintheplacetowhichGodhascalled，you。’Ah！madame，youareonlythestewardofHimwhograntsyou，wealth;ifyoudonotobeyHisbehestsyouwillnevertransmittoyour，childrentheprosperityHegivesyou。Youwillrobyourposterity。If，youfollowinthestepsofthatpoorsinger’sselfishness，which，causedtheevilsthatnowterrifyus，youwillbringbackthe，scaffoldsonwhichyourfathersdiedforthefaultsoftheirfathers。
Todogoodhumbly，inobscurity，incountrysolitudes，asRigounow，doesevil，——ah！thatindeedisprayerinactionanddeartoGod。Ifin，everydistrictthreesoulsonlywouldworkforgood，France，our，country，mightbesavedfromtheabyssthatyawns;intowhichweare，rushingheadlong，throughspiritualindifferencetoallthatisnot，ourownself-interest。Change！youmustchangeyourmorals，change，yourethics，andthatwillchangeyourlaws。”
Thoughdeeplymovedasshelistenedtothisgrandutteranceoftrue，catholiccharity，thecountessansweredinthefatalwords，“Wewill，considerit，“——wordsoftherich，whichcontainthatpromisetothe，earwhichsavestheirpursesandenablesthemtostandwitharms，crossedinpresenceofalldisaster，underpretextthattheywere，powerless。
Hearingthosewords，theabbebowedtoMadamedeMontcornetandturned，offintoapathwhichledhimdirecttothegateofBlangy。
“Belshazzar’sfeastistheeverlastingsymbolofthedyingdaysofa，caste，ofanoligarchy，ofapower！”hethoughtashewalkedaway。“My，God！ifitbeThywilltoloosethepoorlikeatorrenttoreform，society，Iknow，Icomprehend，whyitisthatThouhastabandonedthe，wealthytotheirblindness！”
CHAPTERXII
SHOWETHHOWTHETAVERNISTHEPEOPLE’SPARLIAMENT
OldMotherTonsard’sscreamsbroughtanumberofpeoplefromBlangyto，knowwhatwashappeningattheGrand-I-Vert，thedistancefromthe，villagetotheinnnotbeinggreaterthanthatfromtheinntothe，gateofBlangy。OneoftheseinquiringvisitorswasoldNiseron，La，Pechina’sgrandfather，whowasonhisway，afterringingthesecond，Angelus，todigthevine-rowsinhislastlittlebitofground。
Bentbytoil，withpallidfaceandsilveryhair，theoldvinedresser，nowthesolerepresentativeofcivicvirtueinthecommunity，had，been，duringtheRevolution，presidentoftheJacobinclubatVille-
aux-Fayes，andajurorintherevolutionarytribunalofthedistrict。
Jean-FrancoisNiseron，carvedoutofthewoodthattheapostleswere，madeof，wasofthetypeofSaintPeter;whompaintersandsculptors，haveunitedinrepresentingwiththesquarebrowofthepeople，the，thick，naturallycurlinghairofthelaborer，themusclesoftheman，oftoil，thecomplexionofafisherman;withthelargenose，the，shrewd，half-mockinglipsthatscoffatfate，theneckandshoulders，ofthestrongmanwhocutshiswoodtocookhisdinnerwhilethe，doctrinairesofhisopinionstalk。
Such，atfortyyearsofageonthebreakingoutoftheRevolution，was，thisman，strongasiron，pureasgold。Advocateofthepeople，he，believedinarepublicthroughtheveryrollofthatname，more，formidableinsoundperhapsthaninreality。Hebelievedinthe，republicofJean-JacquesRousseau，inthebrotherhoodofman，inthe，exchangeofnoblesentiments，intheproclamationofvirtue，inthe，choiceofmeritwithoutintrigue，——inshort，inallthatthenarrow，limitsofonearrondissementlikeSpartamadepossible，andwhichthe，vastproportionsofanempiremakechimerical。Hesignedhisbeliefs，withhisblood，——hisonlysonwenttowar;hedidmore，hesignedthem，withtheprosperityofhislife，——lastsacrificeofself。Nephewand，soleheirofthecurateofBlangy，thethenall-powerfultribunemight，haveenforcedhisrightsandrecoveredthepropertyleftbythepriest，tohisprettyservant-girl，Arsene;butherespectedhisuncle’s，wishesandacceptedpoverty，whichcameuponhimasrapidlyasthe，fallofhischerishedrepubliccameuponFrance。
Neverafarthing’sworth，neversomuchasthebranchofatree，belongingtoanotherpassedintothehandsofthisnotablerepublican，whowouldhavemadetherepublicacceptabletotheworldifheand，suchashecouldhaveguidedit。Herefusedtobuythenational，domains;hedeniedtherightoftheRepublictoconfiscateproperty。
Inreplytoalldemandsofthecommitteeofpublicsafetyheasserted，thatthevirtueofcitizenswoulddofortheirsacredcountrywhatlow，politicalintriguersdidformoney。Thispatriotofantiquitypublicly，reprovedGaubertin’sfatherforhissecrettreachery，hisunderhand，bargaining，hismalversations。HereprimandedthevirtuousMouchon，thatrepresentativeofthepeoplewhosevirtuewasnothingmorenor，lessthanincapacity，——asitiswithsomanyotherlegislatorswho，gorgedwiththegreatestpoliticalresourcesthatanynationever，gave，armedwiththewholeforceofapeople，arestillunableto，bringforthfromthemthegrandeurwhichRichelieuwrungforFrance，outoftheweaknessofaking。Consequently，citizenNiseronbecamea，livingreproachtothepeopleabouthim。Theyendeavoredtoputhim，outofsightandmindwiththereproachfulremark，“Nothingsatisfies，thatman。”
ThepatriotpeasantreturnedtohiscotatBlangyandwatchedthe，destruction，onebyone，ofhisillusions;hesawhisrepubliccometo，anendattheheelsofanemperor，whilehehimselffellintoutter，poverty，towhichRigoustealthilymanagedtoreducehim。Andwhy？
BecauseNiseronhadneverbeenwillingtoacceptanythingfromhim。
Reiteratedrefusalsshowedtheex-priestinwhatprofoundcontemptthe，nephewofthecurateheldhim;andnowthaticyscornwasrevengedby，theterriblethreatastohislittlegranddaughter，aboutwhichthe，AbbeBrossettespoketothecountess。
TheoldmanhadcomposedinhisownmindahistoryoftheFrench，republic，filledwiththegloriousfeatureswhichgaveimmortalityto，thatheroicperiodtotheexclusionofallelse。Theinfamousdeeds，themassacres，thespoliations，hisvirtuoussoulignored;headmired，withasinglemind，thedevotednessofthepeople，the“Vengeur，“the，giftstothenation，theuprisingofthecountrytodefendits，frontier;andhestillpursuedhisdreamthathemightsleepinpeace。
TheRevolutionproducedmanypoetslikeoldNiseron，whosangtheir，poemsinthecountrysolitudes，inthearmy，openlyorsecretly，by，deedsburiedbeneaththewhirlwindofthatstorm，justasthewounded，leftbehindtodieinthegreatwarsoftheempirecriedout，“Long，livetheEmperor！”Thissublimityofsoulbelongsespeciallyto，France。TheAbbeBrossetterespectedtheconvictionsoftheoldman，whobecamesimplybutdeeplyattachedtothepriestfromhearinghim，say，“ThetruerepublicisintheGospel。”Thestanchrepublican，carriedthecross，andworethesexton’srobe，half-red，half-black，andwasgraveanddignifiedinchurch，——supportinghimselfbythe，triplefunctionswithwhichhewasinvestedbytheabbe，whowasable，togivethefineoldman，not，tobesure，enoughtoliveon，but，enoughtokeephimfromdyingofhunger。
Niseron，theAristidesofBlangy，spokelittle，likeallnobledupes，whowrapthemselvesinthemantleofresignation;buthewasnever，silentagainstevil，andthepeasantsfearedhimasthievesfearthe，police。HeseldomcamemorethansixtimesayeartotheGrand-I-Vert，thoughhewasalwayswarmlywelcomedthere。Theoldmancursedthe，wantofcharityoftherich，——theirselfishnessdisgustedhim;and，throughthisfiberofhismindheseemedtothepeasantstobelongto，them;theywereinthehabitofsaying，“PereNiserondoesn’tlikethe，rich;he’soneofus。”
Theciviccrownwonbythisnoblelifethroughoutthevalleylayin，thesewords：“ThatgoodoldNiseron！there’snotamorehonestman。”
Oftentakenasumpireincertainkindsofdisputes，heembodiedthe，meaningofthatarchaicterm，——thevillageelder。Alwaysextremely，clean，thoughthreadbare，heworebreeches，coarsewoollenstockings，hob-nailedshoes，thedistinctivelyFrenchcoatwithlargebuttonsand，thebroad-brimmedfelthattowhichalloldpeasantscling;butfor，dailywearhekeptabluejacketsopatchedanddarnedthatitlooked，likeabitoftapestry。Theprideofamanwhofeelsheisfree，and，knowsheisworthyoffreedom，gavetohiscountenanceandhiswhole，bearingaSOMETHINGthatwasinexpressiblynoble;youwouldhavefelt，heworearobe，notrags。
“Hey！what’shappeningsounusual？”hesaid，“Iheardthenoisedown，herefromthebelfry。”
TheytoldhimofVatel’sattackontheoldwoman，talkingallatonce，afterthefashionofcountry-people。
“Ifshedidn’tcutthetree，Vatelwaswrong;butifshedidcutit，youhavedonetwobadactions，“saidPereNiseron。
“Takesomewine，“saidTonsard，offeringafullglasstotheoldman。
“Shallwestart？”saidVermicheltothesheriff’sofficer。
“Yes，“repliedBrunet，“wemustdowithoutPereFourchonandtakethe，assistantatConches。Goonbeforeme;Ihaveapapertocarrytothe，chateau。Rigouhasgainedhissecondsuit，andI’vegottodeliverthe，verdict。”
Sosaying，MonsieurBrunet，allthelivelierforacoupleofglasses，ofbrandy，mountedhisgraymareaftersayinggood-byetoPere，Niseron;forthewholevalleyweredesirousintheirheartsofthe，goodman’sesteem。
Noscience，noteventhatofstatistics，canexplaintherapiditywith，whichnewsfliesinthecountry，norhowitspreadsoverthose，ignorantanduntaughtregionswhichare，inFrance，astanding，reproachtothegovernmentandtocapitalists。Contemporaneoushistory，canshowthatafamousbanker，afterdrivingpost-horsestodeath，betweenWaterlooandPariseverybodyknowswhy——hegainedwhatthe，Emperorhadlost，acommission！carriedthefatalnewsonlythree，hoursinadvanceofrumor。So，notanhouraftertheencounterbetween，oldmotherTonsardandVatel，anumberofthecustomersoftheGrand-
I-Vertassembledtheretohearthetale。
ThefirsttocomewasCourtecuisse，inwhomyouwouldscarcelyhave，recognizedtheoncejovialforester，therubicunddo-nothing，whose，wifemadehismorningcoffeeaswehavebeforeseen。Aged，andthin，andhaggard，hepresentedtoalleyesalessonthatnoonelearned。
“Hetriedtoclimbhigherthantheladder，“waswhathisneighbors，saidwhenotherspitiedhimandblamedRigou。“Hewantedtobea，bourgeoishimself。”
Infact，Courtecuissedidintendtopassforabourgeoisinbuyingthe，Bachelerie，andheevenboastedofit;thoughhiswifewentaboutthe，roadsgatheringupthehorse-droppings。SheandCourtecuissegotup，beforedaylight，dugtheirgarden，whichwasrichlymanured，and，obtainedseveralyearlycropsfromit，withoutbeingabletodomore，thanpaytheinterestduetoRigoufortherestofthepurchase-money。
Theirdaughter，whowaslivingatserviceinAuxerre，sentthemher，wages;butinspiteofalltheirefforts，inspiteofthishelp，the，lastdayforthefinalpaymentwasapproaching，andnotapennyin，handwithwhichtomeetit。MadameCourtecuisse，whoinformertimes，occasionallyallowedherselfabottleofboiledwineorabitofroast，meat，nowdranknothingbutwater。Courtecuissewasafraidtogoto，theGrand-I-Vertlestheshouldhavetoleavethreesousbehindhim。
Deprivedofpower，hehadlosthisprivilegeoffreedrinks，andhe，bitterlycomplained，likeallotherfools，ofman’singratitude。In，short，hefound，accordingtotheexperienceofallpeasantsbitten，withthedemonofproprietorship，thattoilhadincreasedandfood，decreased。
“Courtecuissehasdonetoomuchtotheproperty，“thepeoplesaid，secretlyenvyinghisposition。“Heoughttohavewaitedtillhehad，paidthemoneydownandwasmasterbeforeheputupthosefruit，palings。”
Withthehelpofhiswifehehadmanagedtomanureandcultivatethe，threeacresoflandsoldtohimbyRigou，togetherwiththegarden，adjoiningthehouse，whichwasbeginningtobeproductive;andhewas，indangerofbeingturnedoutofitall。Clothedinragslike，Fourchon，poorCourtecuisse，wholatelyworethebootsandgaitersof，ahuntsman，nowthrusthisfeetintosabotsandaccused“therich“of，LesAiguesofhavingcausedhisdestitution。Thesewearinganxieties，hadgiventothefatlittlemanandhisoncesmilingandrosyfacea，gloomyanddazedexpression，asthoughhewereillfromtheeffectsof，poisonorwithsomechronicmalady。
“What’sthematterwithyou，MonsieurCourtecuisse;isyourtongue，tied？”askedTonsard，asthemancontinuedsilentafterhehadtold，himaboutthebattlewhichhadjusttakenplace。
“No，no！”criedMadameTonsard;“heneedn’tcomplainofthemidwife，whocuthisstring，——shemadeagoodjobofit。”
“Itisenoughtomakeamandumb，thinkingfrommorningtillnightof，somewaytoescapeRigou，“saidtheprematureoldman，gloomily。
“Bah！”saidoldMotherTonsard，“you’vegotaprettydaughter，seventeenyearsold。Ifshe’sagoodgirlyoucaneasilymanage，matterswiththatoldjailbird——“
“WesenthertoAuxerretwoyearsagotoMadameMariottetheelder，to，keepheroutofharm’sway;I’dratherdiethan——“
“Whatafoolyouare！”saidTonsard，“lookatmygirls，——aretheyany，theworse？Hewhodarestosaytheyarenotasvirtuousasmarble，imageswillhavetodowithmygun。”
“It’llbehardtohavetocometothat，“saidCourtecuisse，shaking，hishead。“I’dratherearnthemoneybyshootingoneofthose，Arminacs。”
“Well，Icallitbetterforagirltosaveafatherthantowrapup，hervirtueandletitmildew，“retortedtheinnkeeper。
Tonsardfeltasharptaponhisshoulder，deliveredbyPereNiseron。
“Thatisnotarightthingtosay！”criedtheoldman。“Afatheris，theguardianofthehonorofhisfamily。Itisbybehavingasyoudo，thatscornandcontemptarebroughtuponus;itisbecauseofsuch，conductthatthePeopleareaccusedofbeingunfitforliberty。The，Peopleshouldsetanexampleofcivicvirtueandhonortotherich。
YouallsellyourselvestoRigouforgold;andifyoudon’tsellhim，yourdaughters，atanyrateyousellhimyourhonor，——andit’swrong。”
“JustseewhatapositionCourtecuisseisin，“saidTonsard。
“SeewhatapositionIamin，“repliedPereNiseron;“butIsleepin，peace;therearenothornsinmypillow。”
“Lethimtalk，Tonsard，“whisperedhiswife，“youknowthey’rejust，HISNOTIONS，poordearman。”
BonnebaultandMarie，Catherineandherbrothercameinatthismoment，inastateofexasperation，whichhadbegunwithNicolas’sfailure，andwasraisedtothehighestpitchbyMichaud’sadvicetothe，countessaboutBonnebault。AsNicolasenteredthetavernhewas，utteringfrightfulthreatsagainsttheMichaudfamilyandLesAigues。
“Theharvest’scoming;well，IvowI’llnotgobeforeI’velightedmy，pipeattheirwheat-stacks，“hecried，strikinghisfistonthetable，ashesatdown。
“Mustn’tyelplikethatbeforepeople，“saidGodain，showinghimPere，Niseron。
“Iftheoldfellowtells，I’llwringhisneck，“saidCatherine。“He’s，hadhisday，thatoldpeddleroffoolishreasons！Theycallhim，virtuous;it’shistemperamentthatkeepshimso，that’sall。”
Strangeandnoteworthysight！——thatofthoseliftedheads，thatgroup，ofpersonsgatheredinthereekinghovel，whileoldMotherTonsard，stoodsentinelatthedoorassecurityforthesecretwordsofthe，drinkers。
Ofallthosefaces，thatofGodain，Catherine’ssuitor，wasperhaps，themostalarming，thoughtheleastpronounced。Godain，——amiser，withoutmoney，——thecruelestofmisers，forhewhoseeksmoneysurely，takesprecedenceofhimwhohoardsit，oneturninghiseagerness，withinhimself，theotherlookingoutsidewithterribleintentness，——
Godainrepresentedthetypeofthemajorityofpeasantfaces。
Hewasajourneyman，smallinframe，andsavedfromthedraftbynot，attainingtherequiredmilitaryheight;naturallyleanandmademore，sobyhardworkandtheenforcedsobrietyunderwhichreluctant，workerslikeCourtecuissesuccumb。Hisfacewasnobiggerthanaman’s，fist，andwaslightedbyapairofyelloweyeswithgreenishstrips，andbrownspots，inwhichathirstforthepossessionofpropertywas，mingledwithaconcupiscencewhichhadnoheat，——fordesire，onceat，theboiling-point，hadnowstiffenedlikelava。Hisskin，brownas，thatofamummy，wasgluedtohistemples。Hisscantybeardbristled，amonghiswrinkleslikestubbleinthefurrows。Godainnever，perspired，hereabsorbedhissubstance。Hishairyhands，formedlike，claws，nervous，neverstill，seemedtobemadeofoldwood。Though，scarcelytwenty-sevenyearsofage，whitelineswerebeginningtoshow，inhisrustyblackhair。Heworeablouse，throughthebreastopening，ofwhichcouldbeseenashirtofcoarselinen，soblackthathemust，havewornitamonthandwashedithimselfintheThune。Hissabots，weremendedwitholdiron。Theoriginalstuffofhistrouserswas，unrecognizablefromthedarnsandtheinfinitenumberofpatches。On，hisheadwasahorriblecap，evidentlycastoffandpickedupinthe，doorwayofsomebourgeoishouseinVille-aux-Fayes。
Clear-sightedenoughtoestimatetheelementsofgoodfortunethat，centredinCatherineTonsard，hisambitionwastosucceedherfather，attheGrand-I-Vert。Hemadeuseofallhiscraftinessandallhis，actualpowerstocaptureher;hepromisedherwealth，healsopromised，herthelicensehermotherhadenjoyed;besidesthis，heofferedhis，prospectivefather-in-lawanenormousrental，fivehundredfrancsa，year，forhisinn，untilhecouldbuyhimout，trustingtoan，agreementhehadmadewithMonsieurBrunettopaythesecostsbynotes，onstampedpaper。Bytradeajourneymantool-maker，thisgnomeworked，forthewheelwrightswhenworkwasplentiful，buthealsohired，himselfoutforanyextralaborwhichwaswellpaid。Thoughhe，possessed，unknowntothewholeneighborhood，eighteenhundredfrancs，nowinGaubertin’shands，helivedlikeabeggar，sleptinabarn，and，gleanedattheharvests。HeworeGaubertin’sreceiptforhismoney，sewnintothewaist-beltofhistrousers，——havingitrenewedevery，yearwithitsownaddedinterestandtheamountofhissavings。
“Hey！whatdoIcare，“criedNicolas，replyingtoGodain’sprudent，advicenottotalkbeforeNiseron。“IfI’mdoomedtobeasoldierI’d，ratherthesawdustofthebasketsuckedupmybloodthanhaveit，dribbledoutdropbydropinthebattles。I’lldeliverthiscountryof，atleastoneofthoseArminacsthatthedevilhaslauncheduponus。”
AndherelatedwhathecalledMichaud’splotagainsthim，whichMarie，andBonnebaulthadoverheard。
“WheredoyouexpectFrancetofindsoldiers？”saidthewhite-haired，oldman，risingandstandingbeforeNicolasduringthesilencewhich，followedtheutteranceofthisthreat。
“Weserveourtimeandcomehomeagain，“remarkedBonnebault，twirling，hismoustache。
Observingthatalltheworstcharactersoftheneighborhoodwere，collecting，PereNiseronshookhisheadandleftthetavern，after，offeringafarthingtoMadameTonsardinpaymentforhisglassof，wine。Whentheworthymanhadgonedownthestepsamovementofrelief，andsatisfactionpassedthroughtheassembleddrinkerswhichwould，havetoldwhoeverwatchedthemthateachmaninthatcompanyfelthe，wasridofthelivingimageofhisownconscience。
“Well，whatdoyousaytoallthat，hey，Courtecuisse？”asked，Vaudoyer，whohadjustcomein，andtowhomTonsardhadrelated，Vatel’sattempt。
Courtecuisseclackedhistongueagainsttheroofofhismouth，andset，hisglassonthetable。