Youareyoungandbeautiful，andwillbefortwentyyearstocome，soIcanspeakofthismatterbeforeyou，”headded，withakeenlookatMademoiselledesTouches。”Inthefirstplacethesemi-dowagers，towhomyoungmenpaytheirfirstcourt，knowmuchbetterhowtomakelovethanyoungerwomen。Anadolescentyouthistoolikeayoungwomanhimselfforayoungwomantopleasehim。SuchapassiontrenchesonthefableofNarcissus。Besidesthatfeelingofrepugnance，thereis，asIthink，amutualsenseofinexperiencewhichseparatesthem。Thereasonwhytheheartsofyoungwomenareonlyunderstoodbymaturemen，whoconcealtheirclevernessunderapassionrealorfeigned，ispreciselythesameallowingforthedifferenceofmindsasthatwhichrendersawomanofacertainagemoreadroitinattractingyouth。Ayoungmanfeelsthatheissuretosucceedwithher，andthevanitiesofthewomanareflatteredbyhissuit。Besides，isn’titnaturalforyouthtoflingitselfonfruits？Theautumnofawoman’slifeoffersmanythatareverytoothsome，——thoselooks，forinstance，bold，andyetreserved，bathedwiththelastraysoflove，sowarm，sosweet；thatall-wiseeleganceofspeech，thosemagnificentshoulders，sonoblydeveloped，thefullandundulatingoutline，thedimpledhands，thehairsowellarranged，socaredfor，thatcharmingnapeoftheneck，wherealltheresourcesofartaredisplayedtoexhibitthecontrastbetweenthehairandtheflesh-tones，andtosetinfullrelieftheexuberanceoflifeandlove。Brunettesthemselvesarefairatsuchtimes，withtheambercolorsofmaturity。Besides，suchwomenrevealintheirsmilesanddisplayintheirwordsaknowledgeoftheworld；theyknowhowtoconverse；theycancallupthewholeofsociallifetomakealoverlaugh；theirdignityandtheirpridearestupendous；or，inothermoods，theycanutterdespairingcrieswhichtouchhissoul，farewellsoflovewhichtheytakecaretorenderuseless，andonlymaketointensifyhispassion。Theirdevotionsareabsolute；theylistentous；theyloveus；theycatch，theyclingtoloveasamancondemnedtodeathclingstotheveriesttriflesofexistence，——inshort，love，absolutelove，isknownonlythroughthem。
Ithinksuchwomencanneverbeforgottenbyaman，anymorethanhecanforgetwhatisgrandandsublime。Ayoungwomanhasathousanddistractions；thesewomenhavenone。Nolongerhavetheyself-love，pettiness，orvanity；theirlove——itistheLoireatitsmouth，itisvast，itisswelledbyalltheillusions，alltheaffluentsoflife，andthisiswhy——butmymuseisdumb，”headded，observingtheecstaticattitudeofMademoiselledesTouches，whowaspressingCalyste’shandwithallherstrength，perhapstothankhimforhavingbeentheoccasionofsuchamoment，ofsuchaneulogy，soloftythatshedidnotseethetrapthatitlaidforher。
DuringtherestoftheeveningClaudeVignonandFelicitesparkledwithwitandhappysayings；theytoldanecdotes，anddescribedParisianlifetoCalyste，whowascharmedwithClaude，formindhasimmenseseductionsforpersonswhoareallheart。”Ishouldn’tbesurprisedtoseetheMarquisedeRochefideandConti，who，ofcourse，willaccompanyher，atthelanding-placeto-morrow，”
saidClaudeVignon，astheeveningended。”WhenIwasatCroisicthisafternoon，thefishermenweresayingthattheyhadseenalittlevessel，Danish，Swedish，orNorwegian，intheoffing。”
ThisspeechbroughtaflushtothecheeksoftheimpassibleCamille。
AgainMadameduGuenicsatuptilloneo’clockthatnight，waitingforherson，unabletoimaginewhyheshouldstaysolateifMademoiselledesTouchesdidnotlovehim。”Hemustbeintheirway，”saidthisadorablemother。”Whatwereyoutalkingabout？”sheasked，whenatlasthecamein。”Oh，mother，Ihaveneverbeforespentsuchadelightfulevening。
Geniusisagreat，asublimething！Whydidn’tyougivemegenius？
Withgeniuswecanmakeourlives，wecanchooseamongallwomenthewomantolove，andshemustbeours。””Howhandsomeyouare，myCalyste！””ClaudeVignonishandsome。Menofgeniushaveluminousforeheadsandeyes，throughwhichthelightningsflash——butI，alas！Iknownothing——onlytolove。””Theysaythatsuffices，myangel，”shesaid，kissinghimontheforehead。”Doyoubelieveit？””Theysayso，butIhaveneverknownit。”
Calystekissedhismother’shandasifitwasasacredthing。”Iwillloveyouforallthosethatwouldhaveadoredyou，”hesaid。”Dearchild！perhapsitisalittlebityourdutytodoso，foryouinheritmynature。But，Calyste，donotbeunwise，imprudent；trytoloveonlynoblewomen，ifloveyoumust。”
IX
AFIRSTMEETING
WhatyoungmanfullofaboundingbutrestrainedlifeandemotionwouldnothavehadthegloriousideaofgoingtoCroisictoseeMadamedeRochefideland，andexamineherincognito？Calystegreatlysurprisedhisfatherandmotherbygoingoffinthemorningwithoutwaitingforthemid-daybreakfast。HeavenknowswithwhatagilitytheyoungBreton’sfeetspedalong。Someunknownvigorseemedlenttohim；hewalkedonair，glidingalongbythewallsofLesTouchesthathemightnotbeseenfromthehouse。Theadorableboywasashamedofhisardor，andafraidofbeinglaughedat；FeliciteandVignonweresoperspicacious！besides，insuchcasesyoungfellowsfancythattheirforeheadsaretransparent。
Hereachedtheshore，strengthenedbyastoneembankment，atthefootofwhichisahousewheretravellerscantakeshelterinstormsofwindorrain。Itisnotalwayspossibletocrossthelittlearmoftheseawhichseparatesthelanding-placeofGuerandefromCroisic；theweathermaybebad，ortheboatsnotready；andduringthistimeofwaiting，itisnecessarytoputnotonlythepassengersbuttheirhorses，donkeys，baggages，andmerchandiseundercover。
CalystepresentlysawtwoboatscomingoverfromCroisic，ladenwithbaggage，——trunks，packages，bags，andchests，——theshapeandappearanceofwhichprovedtoanativeofthesepartsthatsuchextraordinaryarticlesmustbelongtotravellersofdistinction。Inoneoftheboatswasayoungwomaninastrawbonnetwithagreenveil，accompaniedbyaman。Thisboatwasthefirsttoarrive。Calystetrembleduntiloncloserviewhesawtheywereamaidandaman-
servant。”AreyougoingovertoCroisic，MonsieurCalyste？”saidoneoftheboatmen；towhomherepliedwithashakeofthehead，annoyedatbeingcalledbyhisname。
Hewascaptivatedbythesightofachestcoveredwithtarredclothonwhichwerepaintedthewords，MME。LAMARQUISEDEROCHEFIDE。Thenameshonebeforehimlikeatalisman；hefanciedtherewassomethingfatefulinit。Heknewinsomemysteriousway，whichhecouldnotdoubt，thatheshouldlovethatwoman。Why？Intheburningdesertofhisnewandinfinitedesires，stillvagueandwithoutanobject，hisfancyfastenedwithallitsstrengthonthefirstwomanthatpresentedherself。BeatrixnecessarilyinheritedthelovewhichCamillehadrejected。
Calystewatchedthelandingoftheluggage，castingfromtimetotimeaglanceatCroisic，fromwhichhehopedtoseeanotherboatputouttocrosstothelittlepromontory，andshowhimBeatrix，alreadytohiseyeswhatBeatricewastoDante，amarblestatueonwhichtohanghisgarlandsandhisflowers。Hestoodwitharmsfolded，lostinmeditation。Hereisafactworthyofremark，which，nevertheless，hasneverbeenremarked:weoftensubjectourselvestosentimentsbyourownvolition，——deliberatelybindourselves，andcreateourownfate；
chancehasnotasmuchtodowithitaswebelieve。”Idon’tseeanyhorses，”saidthemaid，sittingonatrunk。”AndIdon’tseeanyroad，”saidthefootman。”Horseshavebeenhere，though，”repliedthewoman，pointingtotheproofsoftheirpresence。”Monsieur，”shesaid，addressingCalyste，”isthisreallythewaytoGuerande？””Yes，”hereplied，”areyouexpectingsomeonetomeetyou？””WeweretoldthattheywouldfetchusfromLesTouches。Iftheydon’tcome，”sheaddedtothefootman，”Idon’tknowhowMadamelamarquisewillmanagetodressfordinner。YouhadbettergoandfindMademoiselledesTouches。Oh！whatalandofsavages！”
Calystehadavagueideaofhavingblundered。”IsyourmistressgoingtoLesTouches？”heinquired。”Sheisthere；Mademoisellecameforherthismorningatseveno’clock。Ah！herecomethehorses。”
CalystestartedtowardGuerandewiththelightnessandagilityofachamois，doublinglikeaharethathemightnotreturnuponhistracksormeetanyoftheservantsofLesTouches。Hedid，however，meettwoofthemonthenarrowcausewayofthemarshalongwhichhewent。”ShallIgoin，orshallInot？”hethoughtwhenthepinesofLesTouchescameinsight。Hewasafraid；andcontinuedhiswayrathersulkilytoGuerande，wherehefinishedhisexcursiononthemallandcontinuedhisreflections。”Shehasnoideaofmyagitation，”hesaidtohimself。
Hiscapriciousthoughtsweresomanygrapnelswhichfastenedhishearttothemarquise。HehadknownnoneofthesemysteriousterrorsandjoysinhisintercoursewithCamille。Suchvagueemotionsriselikepoemsintheuntutoredsoul。Warmedbythefirstfiresofimagination，soulslikehishavebeenknowntopassthroughallphasesofpreparationandtoreachinsilenceandsolitudetheveryheightsoflove，withouthavingmettheobjectofsomanyefforts。
PresentlyCalystesaw，comingtowardhim，theChevalierduHalgaandMademoiselledePen-Hoel，whowerewalkingtogetheronthemall。Heheardthemsayhisname，andheslippedasideoutofsight，butnotoutofhearing。Thechevalierandtheoldmaid，believingthemselvesalone，weretalkingaloud。”IfCharlottedeKergarouetcomes，”saidthechevalier，”keepherfourorfivemonths。HowcanyouexpecthertocoquettewithCalyste？Sheisneverherelongenoughtoundertakeit。Whereas，iftheyseeeachothereveryday，thosetwochildrenwillfallinlove，andyoucanmarrythemnextwinter。IfyousaytwowordsaboutittoCharlotteshe’llsayfourtoCalyste，andagirlofsixteencancertainlycarryofftheprizefromawomanofforty。”
HeretheoldpeopleturnedtoretracetheirstepsandCalysteheardnomore。Butrememberingwhathismotherhadtoldhim，hesawMademoiselledePen-Hoel’sintention，and，inthemoodinwhichhethenwas，nothingcouldhavebeenmorefatal。Themereideaofagirlthusimposeduponhimsenthimwithgreaterardorintohisimaginarylove。HehadneverhadafancyforCharlottedeKergarouet，andhenowfeltrepugnanceattheverythoughtofher。Calystewasquiteunaffectedbyquestionsoffortune；frominfancyhehadaccustomedhislifetothepovertyandtherestrictedmeansofhisfather’shouse。A
youngmanbroughtupashehadbeen，andnowpartiallyemancipated，waslikelytoconsidersentimentsonly，andallhissentiments，allhisthoughtnowbelongedtothemarquise。InpresenceoftheportraitwhichCamillehaddrawnforhimofherfriend，whatwasthatlittleCharlotte？thecompanionofhischildhood，whomhethoughtofasasister。
Hedidnotgohometillfiveintheafternoon。Asheenteredthehallhismothergavehim，witharathersadsmile，thefollowingletterfromMademoiselledesTouches:——
MydearCalyste，——Thebeautifulmarquisehascome；wecountonyoutohelpuscelebrateherarrival。Claude，alwayssarcastic，declaresthatyouwillplayBiceandthatshewillbeDante。ItisforourhonorasBretons，andyoursasaduGuenictowelcomeaCasteran。Comesoon。
Yourfriend，CamilleMaupin。
Comeasyouare，withoutceremony；otherwiseyouwillputustotheblush。
Calystegavethelettertohismotheranddeparted。”WhoaretheCasterans？”saidFannytothebaron。”AnoldNormanfamily，alliedtoWilliamtheConqueror，”hereplied。”Theybearonashieldtiercefessedazure，gulesandsable，ahorserearingargent，shodwithgold。ThatbeautifulcreatureforwhomtheGarswaskilledatFougeresin1800wasthedaughterofaCasteranwhomadeherselfanun，andbecameanabbessaftertheDucdeVerneuildesertedher。””AndtheRochefides？””Idon’tknowthatname。Ishouldhavetoseetheblazon，”hereplied。
ThebaronesswassomewhatreassuredonhearingthattheMarquisedeRochefidewasbornofanoblefamily，butshefeltthathersonwasnowexposedtonewseductions。
Calysteashewalkedalongfeltallsortsofviolentandyetsoftinwardmovements；histhroatwastight，hisheartswelled，hisbrainwasfull，afeverpossessedhim。Hetriedtowalkslowly，butsomesuperiorpowerhurriedhim。Thisimpetuosityoftheseveralsensesexcitedbyvagueexpectationisknowntoallyoungmen。Asubtlefireflameswithintheirbreastsanddartsoutwardlyaboutthem，liketheraysofanimbusaroundtheheadsofdivinepersonagesinworksofreligiousart；throughittheyseeallNatureglorious，andwomanradiant。Aretheynotthenlikethosehaloedsaints，fulloffaith，hope，ardor，purity？
TheyoungBretonfoundthecompanyassembledinthelittlesalonofCamille’ssuiteofrooms。Itwasthenaboutsixo’clock；thesun，insetting，castthroughthewindowsitsruddylightchequeredbythetrees；theairwasstill；twilight，belovedofwomen，wasspreadingthroughtheroom。”HerecomesthefuturedeputyofBrittany，”saidCamilleMaupin，smiling，asCalysteraisedthetapestryportiere，——”punctualasaking。””Yourecognizedhisstepjustnow，”saidClaudetoFeliciteinalowvoice。
Calystebowedlowtothemarquise，whoreturnedthesalutationwithaninclinationofherhead；hedidnotlookather；buthetookthehandClaudeVignonheldouttohimandpressedit。”Thisisthecelebratedmanofwhomwehavetalkedsomuch，GennaroConti，”saidCamille，notreplyingtoClaudeVignon’sremark。
ShepresentedtoCalysteamanofmediumheight，thinandslender，withchestnuthair，eyesthatwerealmostred，andawhiteskin，freckledhereandthere，whoseheadwassopreciselythewell-knownheadofLordByronthoughratherbettercarriedonhisshoulders
thatdescriptionissuperfluous。Contiwasratherproudofthisresemblance。”Iamfortunate，”hesaid，”tomeetMonsieurduGuenicduringtheonedaythatIspendatLesTouches。””Itwasformetosaythattoyou，”repliedCalyste，withacertainease。”Heishandsomeasanangel，”saidthemarquiseinanundertonetoFelicite。
Standingbetweenthesofaandthetwoladies，Calysteheardthewordsconfusedly。Heseatedhimselfinanarm-chairandlookedfurtivelytowardthemarquise。Inthesofthalf-lighthesaw，recliningonadivan，asifasculptorhadplaceditthere，awhiteandserpentineshapewhichthrilledhim。Withoutbeingawareofit，Felicitehaddoneherfriendaservice；themarquisewasmuchsuperiortotheunflatteredportraitCamillehaddrawnofherthenightbefore。WasittodohonortotheguestthatBeatrixhadwoundintoherhairthosetuftsofblue-bellsthatgavevaluetothepaletintsofhercrepedcurls，soarrangedastofallaroundherfaceandplayuponthecheeks？Thecircleofhereyes，whichshowedfatigue，wasofthepurestmother-of-pearl，herskinwasasdazzlingastheeyes，andbeneathitswhiteness，delicateasthesatinyliningofanegg，lifeaboundedinthebeautifulblueveins。Thedelicacyofthefeatureswasextreme；theforeheadseemeddiaphanous。Thehead，sosweetandfragrant，admirablyjoinedtoalongneckofexquisitemoulding，lentitselftomanyandmostdiverseexpressions。Thewaist，whichcouldbespannedbythehands，hadacharmingwillowyease；thebareshoulderssparkledinthetwilightlikeawhitecamellia。Thethroat，visibletotheeyethoughcoveredwithatransparentfichu，allowedthegracefuloutlinesofthebosomtobeseenwithcharmingroguishness。Agownofwhitemuslin，strewnwithblueflowers，madewithverylargesleeves，apointedbodyandnobelt，shoeswithstringscrossedontheinstepoverScotchthreadstockings，showedacharmingknowledgeoftheartofdress。Ear-ringsofsilverfilagree，miraclesofGenoesejewelry，destinednodoubttobecomethefashion，wereinperfectharmonywiththedelightfulflowofthesoftcurlsstarredwithblue-bells。
Calyste’seagereyetookinthesebeautiesataglance，andcarvedthemonhissoul。ThefairBeatrixandthedarkFelicitemighthavesatforthosecontrastingportraitsin”keepsakes”whichEnglishdesignersandengraversseeksopersistently。Hereweretheforceandthefeeblenessofwomanhoodinfulldevelopment，aperfectantithesis。
Thesetwowomencouldneverberivals；eachhadherownempire。Herewasthedelicatecampanula，orthelily，besidethescarletpoppy；aturquoiseneararuby。Inamoment，asitwere，——atfirstsight，asthesayingis，——Calystewasseizedwithalovewhichcrownedthesecretworkofhishopes，hisfears，hisuncertainties。MademoiselledesToucheshadawakenedhisnature；Beatrixinflamedbothhisheartandthoughts。TheyoungBretonsuddenlyfeltwithinhimapowertoconquerallthings，andyieldtonothingthatstoodinhisway。HelookedatContiwithanenvious，gloomy，savagerivalryhehadneverfeltforClaudeVignon。Heemployedallhisstrengthtocontrolhimself；buttheinwardtempestwentdownassoonastheeyesofBeatrixturnedtohim，andhersoftvoicesoundedinhisear。Dinnerwasannounced。”Calyste，giveyourarmtothemarquise，”saidMademoiselledesTouches，takingContiwithherrighthand，andClaudeVignonwithherleft，anddrawingbacktoletthemarquisepass。
ThedescentofthatancientstaircasewastoCalystelikethemomentofgoingintobattleforthefirsttime。Hisheartfailedhim，hehadnothingtosay；aslightsweatpearleduponhisforeheadandwethisback；hisarmtrembledsomuchthatastheyreachedtheloweststepthemarquisesaidtohim:”Isanythingthematter？””Oh！”hereplied，inamuffledtone，”Ihaveneverseenanywomansobeautifulasyou，exceptmymother，andIamnotmasterofmyemotions。””ButyouhaveCamilleMaupinbeforeyoureyes。””Ah！whatadifference！”saidCalyste，ingenuously。”Calyste，”whisperedFelicite，whowasjustbehindhim，”didInottellyouthatyouwouldforgetmeasifIhadneverexisted？Sitthere，”shesaidaloud，”besidethemarquise，onherright，andyou，Claude，onherleft。Asforyou，Gennaro，Iretainyoubyme；wewillkeepamutualeyeontheircoquetries。”
ThepeculiaracceptwhichCamillegavetothelastwordstruckClaudeVignon’sear，andhecastthatslybuthalf-abstractedlookuponCamillewhichalwaysdenotedinhimtheclosestobservation。HeneverceasedtoexamineMademoiselledesTouchesthroughoutthedinner。”Coquetries！”repliedthemarquis，takingoffhergloves，andshowingherbeautifulhands；”theopportunityisgood，withapoet，”andshemotionedtoClaude，”ononeside，andpoesytheother。”
AtthesewordsContiturnedandgaveCalystealookthatwasfullofflattery。
Byartificiallight，Beatrixseemedmorebeautifulthanbefore。Thewhitegleamofthecandleslaidasatinylustreonherforehead，lightedthespanglesofhereyes，andranthroughherswayingcurls，touchingthemhereandthereintogold。Shethrewbackthethingauzescarfshewaswearinganddisclosedherneck。Calystethensawitsbeautifulnape，whiteasmilk，andhollowednearthehead，untilitslineswerelosttowardtheshoulderswithsoftandflowingsymmetry。
Thisneck，sodissimilartothatofCamille，wasthesignofatotallydifferentcharacterinBeatrix。
Calystefoundmuchtroubleinpretendingtoeat；nervousmotionswithinhimdeprivedhimofappetite。Likeotheryoungmen，hisnaturewasinthethroesandconvulsionswhichprecedelove，andcarveitindeliblyonthesoul。Athisage，theardoroftheheart，restrainedbymoralardor，leadstoaninwardconflict，whichexplainsthelongandrespectfulhesitations，thetenderdebatings，theabsenceofallcalculation，characteristicofyoungmenwhoseheartsandlivesarepure。Studying，thoughfurtively，soasnottoattractthenoticeofConti，thevariousdetailswhichmadethemarquisesopurelybeautiful，Calystebecame，beforelong，oppressedbyasenseofhermajesty；hefelthimselfdwarfedbythehauteurofcertainofherglances，bytheimposingexpressionofafacethatwaswhollyaristocratic，byasortofpridewhichwomenknowhowtoexpressinslightmotions，turnsofthehead，andslowgestures，effectslessplasticandlessstudiedthanwethink。ThefalsesituationinwhichBeatrixhadplacedherselfcompelledhertowatchherownbehavior，andtokeepherselfimposingwithoutbeingridiculouslyso。Womenofthegreatworldknowhowtosucceedinthis，whichprovesafatalreeftovulgarwomen。
TheexpressionofFelicite’seyesmadeBeatrixawareoftheinwardadorationsheinspiredintheyouthbesideher，andalsothatitwouldbemostunworthyonherparttoencourageit。Shethereforetookoccasionnowandthentogivehimafewrepressiveglances，whichfelluponhisheartlikeanavalancheofsnow。TheunfortunateyoungfellowturnedonFelicitealookinwhichshecouldreadthetearshewassuppressingbysuperhumanefforts。Sheaskedhiminafriendlytonewhyhewaseatingnothing。Thequestionpiquedhim，andhebegantoforcehimselftoeatandtotakepartintheconversation。
Butwhateverhedid，MadamedeRochefidepaidlittleattentiontohim。
MademoiselledesToucheshavingstartedthetopicofherjourneytoItalysherelated，verywittily，manyofitsincidents，whichmadeClaudeVignon，Conti，andFelicitelaugh。”Ah！”thoughtCalyste，”howfarsuchawomanisfromme！Willsheeverdeigntonoticeme？”
MademoiselledesToucheswasstruckwiththeexpressionshenowsawonCalyste’sface，andtriedtoconsolehimwithalookofsympathy。
ClaudeVignoninterceptedthatlook。Fromthatmomentthegreatcriticexpandedintogaietythatoverflowedinsarcasm。HemaintainedtoBeatrixthatloveexistedonlybydesire；thatmostwomendeceivedthemselvesinloving；thattheylovedforreasonsunknowntomenandtothemselves；thattheywantedtodeceivethemselves，andthatthebestamongthemwereartful。”Keeptobooks，anddon’tcriticiseourlives，”saidCamille，glancingathimimperiously。
Thedinnerceasedtobegay。ClaudeVignon’ssarcasmhadmadethetwowomenpensive。CalystewasconsciousofpaininthemidstofthehappinesshefoundinlookingatBeatrix。Contilookedintotheeyesofthemarquisetoguessherthoughts。WhendinnerwasoverMademoiselledesTouchestookCalyste’sarm，gavetheothertwomentothemarquise，andletthempassbeforeher，thatshemightbealonewiththeyoungBretonforamoment。”MydearCalyste，”shesaid，”youareactinginamannerthatembarrassesthemarquise；shemaybedelightedwithyouradmiration，butshecannotacceptit。Praycontrolyourself。””Shewashardtome，shewillnevercareforme，”saidCalyste，”andifshedoesnotIshalldie。””Die！you！MydearCalyste，youareachild。Wouldyouhavediedforme？””Youhavemadeyourselfmyfriend，”heanswered。
Afterthetalkthatfollowscoffee，VignonaskedContitosingsomething。MademoiselledesTouchessatdowntothepiano。TogethersheandGennarosangthe/Dunqueilmiobenetumiasarai/，thelastduetofZingarelli’s”RomeoeGiulietta，”oneofthemostpatheticpagesofmodernmusic。Thepassage/Ditantipalpiti/expressesloveinallitsgrandeur。Calyste，sittinginthesamearm-chairinwhichFelicitehadtoldhimthehistoryofthemarquise，listenedinraptdevotion。BeatrixandVignonwereoneithersideofthepiano。Conti’ssublimevoiceknewwellhowtoblendwiththatofFelicite。Bothhadoftensungthispiece；theyknewitsresources，andtheyputtheirwholemarvellousgiftintobringingthemout。Themusicwasatthismomentwhatitscreatorintended，apoemofdivinemelancholy，thefarewelloftwoswanstolife。Whenitwasover，allpresentwereundertheinfluenceoffeelingssuchascannotexpressthemselvesbyvulgarapplause。”Ah！musicisthefirstofarts！”exclaimedthemarquise。”Camillethinksyouthandbeautythefirstofpoesies，”saidClaudeVignon。
MademoiselledesToucheslookedatClaudewithvagueuneasiness。
Beatrix，notseeingCalyste，turnedherheadasiftoknowwhateffectthemusichadproduceduponhim，lessbywayofinterestinhimthanforthegratificationofConti；shesawawhitefacebathedintears。
Atthesight，andasifsomesuddenpainhadseizedher，sheturnedbackquicklyandlookedatGennaro。NotonlyhadMusicarisenbeforetheeyesofCalyste，touchinghimwithherdivinewanduntilhestoodinpresenceofCreationfromwhichsherenttheveil，buthewasdumfoundedbyConti’sgenius。InspiteofwhatCamillehadtoldhimofthemusician’scharacter，henowbelievedinthebeautyofthesoul，intheheartthatexpressedsuchlove。Howcouldhe，Calyste，rivalsuchasanartist？Whatwomancouldeverceasetoadoresuchgenius？
Thatvoiceenteredthesoullikeanothersoul。Thepoorladwasoverwhelmedbypoesy，andhisowndespair。Hefelthimselfofnoaccount。Thisingenuousadmissionofhisnothingnesscouldbereaduponhisfacemingledwithhisadmiration。HedidnotobservethegesturewithwhichBeatrix，attractedtoCalystebythecontagionofatruefeeling，calledFelicite’sattentiontohim。”Oh！theadorableheart！”criedCamille。”Conti，youwillneverobtainapplauseofone-halfthevalueofthatchild’shomage。Letussingthistrio。Beatrix，mydear，come。”
Whenthemarquise，Camille，andContihadarrangedthemselvesatthepiano，Calysterosesoftly，withoutattractingtheirattention，andflunghimselfononeofthesofasinthebedroom，thedoorofwhichstoodopen，wherehesatwithhisheadinhishands，plungedinmeditation。
X
DRAMA”Whatisit，mychild？”saidClaudeVignon，whohadslippedsilentlyintothebedroomafterCalyste，andnowtookhimbythehand。”Youlove；youthinkyouaredisdained；butitisnotso。Thefieldwillbefreetoyouinafewdaysandyouwillreign——belovedbymorethanone。””Loved！”criedCalyste，springingup，andbeckoningClaudeintothelibrary，”Wholovesmehere？””Camille，”repliedClaude。”Camillelovesme？Andyou！——whatofyou？””I？”answeredClaude，”I——”Hestopped；satdownonasofaandrestedhisheadwithwearysadnessonacushion。”Iamtiredoflife，butI
havenotthecouragetoquitit，”hewenton，afterashortsilence。”IwishIweremistakeninwhatIhavejusttoldyou；butforthelastfewdaysmorethanonevividlighthascomeintomymind。Ididnotwanderaboutthemarshesformypleasure；no，uponmysoulIdidnot！
ThebitternessofmywordswhenIreturnedandfoundyouwithCamilleweretheresultofwoundedfeeling。Iintendtohaveanexplanationwithhersoon。Twomindsasclear-sightedashersandminecannotdeceiveeachother。Betweentwosuchprofessionalduelliststhecombatcannotlastlong。ThereforeImayaswelltellyounowthatIshallleaveLesTouches；yes，to-morrowperhaps，withConti。Afterwearegonestrangethingswillhappenhere。IshallregretnotwitnessingconflictsofpassionofakindsorareinFrance，andsodramatic。Youareveryyoungtoentersuchdangerouslists；youinterestme；wereitnotfortheprofounddisgustIfeelforwomen，Iwouldstayandhelpyouplaythisgame。Itisdifficult；youmayloseit；youhavetodowithtwoextraordinarywomen，andyoufeeltoomuchforonetousetheotherjudiciously。Beatrixisdoggedbynature；Camillehasgrandeur。
Probablyyouwillbewreckedbetweenthosereefs，drawnuponthembythewavesofpassion。Beware！”
Calyste’sstupefactiononhearingthesewordsenabledClaudetosaythemwithoutinterruptionandleavetheyoungBreton，whoremainedlikeatravelleramongtheAlpstowhomaguidehasshownthedepthofsomeabyssbyflingingastoneintoit。TohearfromthelipsofClaudehimselfthatCamillelovedhim，attheverymomentwhenhefeltthathelovedBeatrixforlife，wasaweighttooheavyforhisuntriedsoultobear。Goadedbyanimmenseregretwhichnowfilledallthepast，overwhelmedwithasightofhispositionbetweenBeatrixwhomhelovedandCamillewhomhehadceasedtolove，thepoorboysatdespairingandundecided，lostinthought。HesoughtinvainforthereasonswhichhadmadeFeliciterejecthisloveandbringClaudeVignonfromParistoopposeit。EverynowandthenthevoiceofBeatrixcamefreshandpuretohisearsfromthelittlesalon；asavagedesiretorushinandcarryheroffseizedhimatsuchmoments。
Whatwouldbecomeofhim？Whatmusthedo？CouldhecometoLesTouches？IfCamillelovedhimhowcouldhecometheretoadoreBeatrix？Hesawnosolutiontothesedifficulties。
Insensiblytohimsilencenowreignedinthehouse；heheard，butwithoutnoticing，theopeningandshuttingofdoors。Thensuddenlymidnightsoundedontheclockoftheadjoiningbedroom，andthevoicesofClaudeandCamillerousedhimfullyfromhistorpidcontemplationofthefuture。Beforehecouldriseandshowhimself，heheardthefollowingterriblewordsinthevoiceofClaudeVignon。”YoucametoParislastyeardesperatelyinlovewithCalyste，”ClaudewassayingtoFelicite，”butyouwerehorrifiedatthethoughtoftheconsequencesofsuchapassionatyourage；itwouldleadyoutoagulf，tohell，tosuicideperhaps。Lovecannotexistunlessitthinksitselfeternal，andyousawnotfarbeforeyouahorribleparting；oldageyouknewwouldendthegloriouspoemsoon。Youthoughtof’Adolphe，’thatdreadfulfinaleofthelovesofMadamedeStaelandBenjaminConstant，who，however，werenearerofanagethanyouandCalyste。Thenyoutookme，assoldiersusefascinestobuildentrenchmentsbetweentheenemyandthemselves。YoubroughtmetoLesTouchestomaskyourrealfeelingsandleaveyousafetofollowyourownsecretadoration。Theschemewasgrandandignobleboth；buttocarryitoutyoushouldhavechoseneitheracommonmanoronesopreoccupiedbynoblethoughtsthatyoucouldeasilydeceivehim。Youthoughtmesimpleandeasytomisleadasamanofgenius。Iamnotamanofgenius，Iamamanoftalent，andassuchIhavedivinedyou。
WhenImadethateulogyyesterdayonwomenofyourage，explainingtoyouwhyCalystehadlovedyou，doyousupposeItooktomyselfyourravished，fascinated，fazzlingglance？HadInotreadintoyoursoul？
Theeyeswereturnedonme，buttheheartwasthrobbingforCalyste。
Youhaveneverbeenloved，mypoorMaupin，andyouneverwillbeafterrejectingthebeautifulfruitwhichchancehasofferedtoyouattheportalsofthathellofwoman，thelockofwhichisthenumeral50！””Whyhaslovefledme？”shesaidinalowvoice。”Tellme，youwhoknowall。””Becauseyouarenotlovable，”heanswered。”Youdonotbendtolove；
lovemustbendtoyou。Youmayperhapshaveyieldedtosomefolliesofyouth，buttherewasnoyouthinyourheart；yourmindhastoomuchdepth；youhaveneverbeennaiveandartless，andyoucannotbegintobesonow。Yourcharmcomesfrommystery；itisabstract，notactive。
Yourstrengthrepulsesmenofstrengthwhofearastruggle。Yourpowermaypleaseyoungsouls，likethatofCalyste，whichliketobeprotected；though，eventhemitweariesinthelongrun。Youaregrand，andyouaresublime；bearwiththeconsequenceofthosetwoqualities——theyfatigue。””Whatasentence！”criedCamille。”AmInotawoman？Doyouthinkmeananomaly？””Possibly，”saidClaude。”Wewillsee！”saidthewoman，stungtothequick。”Farewell，mydearCamille；Ileaveto-morrow。Iamnotangrywithyou，mydear；Ithinkyouthegreatestofwomen，butifIcontinuedtoserveyouasascreen，orashield，”saidClaude，withtwosignificantinflectionsofhisvoice，”youwoulddespiseme。Wecanpartnowwithoutpainorremorse；wehaveneitherhappinesstoregretnorhopesbetrayed。Toyou，aswithsomefewbutraremenofgenius，loveisnotwhatNaturemadeit，——animperiousneed，tothesatisfactionofwhichsheattachesgreatandpassingjoys，whichdie。YouseelovesuchasChristianityhascreatedit，——anidealkingdom，fullofnoblesentiments，ofgrandweaknesses，poesies，spiritualsensations，devotionsofmoralfragrance，entrancingharmonies，placedhighaboveallvulgarcoarseness，towhichtwocreaturesasoneangelflyonthewingsofpleasure。ThisiswhatIhopedtoshare；IthoughtIheldinyouakeytothatdoor，closedtosomany，bywhichwemayadvancetowardtheinfinite。Youweretherealready。Inthisyouhavemisledme。Ireturntomymisery，——tomyvastprisonofParis。Suchadeceptionasthis，haditcometomeearlierinlife，wouldhavemademefleefromexistence；to-dayitputsintomysouladisenchantmentwhichwillplungemeforeverintoanawfulsolitude。IamwithoutthefaithwhichhelpedtheFatherstopeopletheirswithsacredimages。Itistothis，mydearCamille，tothisthatthesuperiorityofourmindhasbroughtus；wemay，bothofus，singthatdreadfulhymnwhichapoethasputintothemouthofMosesspeakingtotheAlmighty:’LordGod，Thouhastmademepowerfulandsolitary。’”
AtthismomentCalysteappeared。”IoughtnottoleaveyouignorantthatIamhere，”hesaid。
MademoiselledesTouchesshowedtheutmostfear；asuddenflushcoloredherimpassiblefacewithtintsoffire。Duringthisstrangesceneshewasmorebeautifulthanatanyothermomentofherlife。”Wethoughtyougone，Calyste，”saidClaude。”Butthisinvoluntarydiscretiononbothsideswilldonoharm；perhaps，indeed，youmaybemoreatyoureaseatLesTouchesbyknowingFeliciteassheis。HersilenceshowsmeIamnotmistakenastothepartshemeantmetoplay。AsItoldyoubefore，shelovesyou，butitisforyourself，notforherself，——asentimentthatfewwomenareabletoconceiveandpractise；fewamongthemknowthevoluptuouspleasureofsufferingsbornoflonging，——thatisoneofthemagnificentpassionsreservedforman。Butsheisinsomesenseaman，”headded，sardonically。”YourloveforBeatrixwillmakehersufferandmakeherhappytoo。”
TearswereintheeyesofMademoiselledesTouches，whowasunabletolookeitherattheterribleVignonortheingenuousCalyste。Shewasfrightenedatbeingunderstood；shehadsupposedtoimpossibleforaman，howeverkeenhisperception，toperceiveadelicacysoself-
immolating，aheroismsoloftyasherown。HerevidenthumiliationatthisunveilingofhergrandeurmadeCalystesharetheemotionofthewomanhehadheldsohigh，andnowbeheldsostrickendown。Hethrewhimself，fromanirresistibleimpulse，atherfeet，andkissedherhands，layinghisface，coveredwithtears，uponthem。”Claude，”shesaid，”donotabandonme，orwhatwillbecomeofme？””Whathaveyoutofear？”repliedthecritic。”Calystehasfalleninloveatfirstsightwiththemarquise；youcannotfindabetterbarrierbetweenyouthanthat。ThispassionofhisisworthmoretoyouthanI。Yesterdaytheremighthavebeensomedangerforyouandforhim；to-dayyoucantakeamaternalinterestinhim，”hesaid，withamockingsmile，”andbeproudofhistriumphs。”
MademoiselledesToucheslookedatCalyste，whohadraisedhisheadabruptlyatthesewords。ClaudeVignonenjoyed，forhissolevengeance，thesightoftheirconfusion。”YouyourselfhavedrivenhimtoMadamedeRochefide，”continuedClaude，”andheisnowunderthespell。Youhavedugyourowngrave。
Hadyouconfidedinme，youwouldhaveescapedthesufferingsthatawaityou。””Sufferings！”criedCamilleMaupin，takingCalyste’sheadinherhands，andkissinghishair，onwhichhertearsfellplentifully。”No，Calyste；forgetwhatyouhaveheard；Icountfornothinginallthis。”
Sheroseandstooderectbeforethetwomen，subduingbothwiththelightningofhereyes，fromwhichhersoulshoneout。”WhileClaudewasspeaking，”shesaid，”Iconceivedthebeautyandthegrandeuroflovewithouthope；itisthesentimentthatbringsusnearestGod。Donotloveme，Calyste；butIwillloveyouasnowomanwill！”
Itwasthecryofawoundedeagleseekingitseyrie。Claudehimselfkneltdown，tookCamille’shand，andkissedit。”Leaveusnow，Calyste，”shesaid，”itislate，andyourmotherwillbeuneasy。”
CalystereturnedtoGuerandewithlaggingsteps，turningagainandagain，toseethelightfromthewindowsoftheroominwhichwasBeatrix。HewassurprisedhimselftofindhowlittlepityhefeltforCamille。Butpresentlyhefeltoncemoretheagitationsofthatscene，thetearsshehadleftuponhishair；hesufferedwithhersuffering；
hefanciedheheardthemoansofthatnoblewoman，sobeloved，sodesiredbutafewshortdaysbefore。
Whenheopenedthedoorofhispaternalhome，wheretotalsilencereigned，hesawhismotherthroughthewindow，asshesatsewingbythelightofthecuriouslyconstructedlampwhilesheawaitedhim。
Tearsmoistenedthelad’seyesashelookedather。”Whathashappened？”criedFanny，seeinghisemotion，whichfilledherwithhorribleanxiety。
Forallanswer，Calystetookhismotherinhisarms，andkissedheronhercheeks，herforeheadandhair，withoneofthosepassionateeffusionsoffeelingthatcomfortmothers，andfillthemwiththesubtleflamesofthelifetheyhavegiven。”ItisyouIlove，you！”criedCalyste，——”you，wholiveforme；you，whomIlongtorenderhappy！””Butyouarenotyourself，mychild，”saidthebaroness，lookingathimattentively。”Whathashappenedtoyou？””Camillelovesme，butIlovehernolonger，”heanswered。
Thenextday，CalystetoldGasselintowatchtheroadtoSaint-
Nazaire，andlethimknowifthecarriageofMademoiselledesTouchespassedoverit。Gasselinbroughtwordthatthecarriagehadpassed。”Howmanypersonswereinit？”askedCalyste。”Four，——twoladiesandtwogentlemen。””Thensaddlemyhorseandmyfather’s。”
Gasselindeparted。”My，nephew，whatmischiefisinyounow？”saidhisAuntZephirine。”Lettheboyamusehimself，sister，”criedthebaron。”Yesterdayhewasdullasanowl；to-dayheisgayasalark。””DidyoutellhimthatourdearCharlottewastoarriveto-day？”saidZephirine，turningtohersister-in-law。”No，”repliedthebaroness。”Ithoughtperhapshewasgoingtomeether，”saidMademoiselleduGuenic，slyly。”IfCharlotteistostaythreemonthswithheraunt，hewillhaveplentyofopportunitiestoseeher，”saidhismother。”MademoiselledePen-HoelwantsmetomarryCharlotte，tosavemefromperdition，”saidCalyste，laughing。”IwasonthemallwhensheandtheChevalierduHalgaweretalkingaboutit。Shecan’tseethatitwouldbegreaterperditionformetomarryatmyage——””Itiswrittenabove，”saidtheoldmaid，interruptingCalyste，”thatIshallnotdietranquilorhappy。Iwantedtoseeourfamilycontinued，andsome，atleast，oftheestatesbroughtback；butitisnottobe。Whatcanyou，myfinenephew，putinthescaleagainstsuchduties？IsitthatactressatLesTouches？””What？”saidthebaron；”howcanMademoiselledesToucheshinderCalyste’smarriage，whenitbecomesnecessaryforustomakeit？I
shallgoandseeher。””Iassureyou，father，”saidCalyste，”thatFelicitewillneverbeanobstacletomymarriage。”
Gasselinappearedwiththehorses。”Whereareyougoing，chevalier？”saidhisfather。”ToSaint-Nazaire。””Ha，ha！andwhenisthemarriagetobe？”saidthebaron，believingthatCalystewasreallyinahurrytoseeCharlottedeKergarouet。”ItishightimeIwasagrandfather。Sparethehorses，”hecontinued，ashewentontheporticowithFannytoseeCalystemount；”rememberthattheyhavemorethanthirtymilestogo。”
Calystestartedwithatenderfarewelltohismother。”Deartreasure！”shesaid，asshesawhimlowerhisheadtoridethroughthegateway。”Godkeephim！”repliedthebaron；”forwecannotreplacehim。”
Thewordsmadethebaronessshudder。”MynephewdoesnotloveCharlotteenoughtoridetoSaint-Nazaireafterher，”saidtheoldblindwomantoMariotte，whowasclearingthebreakfast-table。”No；butafinelady，amarquise，hascometoLesTouches，andI’llwarranthe’safterher；that’sthewayathisage，”saidMariotte。”They’llkillhim，”saidMademoiselleduGuenic。”Thatwon’tkillhim，mademoiselle；quitethecontrary，”repliedMariotte，whoseemedtobepleasedwithCalyste’sbehavior。
Theyoungfellowstartedatagreatpace，untilGasselinaskedhimifhewastryingtocatchtheboat，which，ofcourse，wasnotatallhisdesire。HehadnowishtoseeeitherContiorClaudeagain；buthedidexpecttobeinvitedtodrivebackwiththeladies，leavingGasselintoleadhishorse。Hewasgayasabird，thinkingtohimself，——”/She/hasjustpassedhere；/her/eyessawthosetrees！——Whatalovelyroad！”hesaidtoGasselin。”Ah！monsieur，Brittanyisthemostbeautifulcountryinalltheworld，”repliedtheBreton。”Wherecouldyoufindsuchflowersinthehedges，andnicecoolroadsthatwindaboutlikethese？””Nowhere，Gasselin。””/Tiens/！herecomesthecoachfromNazaire，”criedGasselinpresently。”MademoiselledePen-Hoelandherniecewillbeinit。Letushide，”
saidCalyste。”Hide！areyoucrazy，monsieur？Why，weareonthemoor！”
Thecoach，whichwascomingupthesandyhillaboveSaint-Nazaire，wasfull，and，muchtotheastonishmentofCalyste，therewerenosignsofCharlotte。”WehadtoleaveMademoiselledePen-Hoel，hersisterandniece；theyaredreadfullyworried；butallmyseatswereengagedbythecustom-
house，”saidtheconductortoGasselin。”Iamlost！”thoughtCalyste；”theywillmeetmedownthere。”
WhenCalystereachedthelittleesplanadewhichsurroundsthechurchofSaint-Nazaire，andfromwhichisseenPaimboeufandthemagnificentMouthsoftheLoireastheystrugglewiththesea，hefoundCamilleandthemarquisewavingtheirhandkerchiefsasalastadieutotwopassengersonthedeckofthedepartingsteamer。Beatrixwascharmingasshestoodthere，herfeaturessoftenedbytheshadowofarice-
strawhat，onwhichweretuftsandknotsofscarletribbon。Sheworeamuslingownwithapatternofflowers，andwasleaningwithonewell-
glovedhandonaslenderparasol。Nothingisfinertotheeyesthanawomanpoisedonarocklikeastatueonitspedestal。ConticouldseeCalystefromthevesselasheapproachedCamille。”Ithought，”saidtheyoungman，”thatyouwouldprobablycomebackalone。””Youhavedoneright，Calyste，”shereplied，pressinghishand。
Beatrixturnedround，sawheryounglover，andgavehimthemostimperiouslookinherrepertory。Asmile，whichthemarquisedetectedontheeloquentlipsofMademoiselledesTouches，madeherawareofthevulgarityofsuchconduct，worthyonlyofabourgeoise。ShethensaidtoCalyste，smiling，——”AreyounotguiltyofaslightimpertinenceinsupposingthatI
shouldboreCamille，ifleftalonewithher？””Mydear，onemantotwowidowsisnonetoomuch，”saidMademoiselledesTouches，takingCalyste’sarm，andleavingBeatrixtowatchthevesseltillitdisappeared。
AtthismomentCalysteheardtheapproachingvoicesofMademoiselledePen-Hoel，theVicomtessedeKergarouet，Charlotte，andGasselin，whowerealltalkingatonce，likesomanymagpies。TheoldmaidwasquestioningGasselinastowhathadbroughthimandhismastertoSaint-Nazaire；thecarriageofMademoiselledesToucheshadalreadycaughthereye。BeforetheyoungBretoncouldgetoutofsight，Charlottehadseenhim。”Why，there’sCalyste！”sheexclaimedeagerly。”Goandofferthemseatsinmycarriage，”saidCamilletoCalyste；”themaidcansitwiththecoachman。Isawthoseladieslosetheirplacesinthemail-coach。”
Calyste，whocouldnothelphimself，carriedthemessage。AssoonasMadamedeKergarouetlearnedthattheoffercamefromthecelebratedCamilleMaupin，andthattheMarquisedeRochefidewasoftheparty，shewasmuchsurprisedattheobjectionsraisedbyhereldersister，whorefusedpositivelytoprofitbywhatshecalledthedevil’scarryall。AtNantes，whichboastedofmorecivilizationthanGuerande，Camillewasreadandadmired；shewasthoughttobethemuseofBrittanyandanhonortotheregion。TheabsolutiongrantedtoherinParisbysociety，byfashion，wastherejustifiedbyhergreatfortuneandherearlysuccessesinNantes，whichclaimedthehonorofhavingbeen，ifnotherbirthplace，atleasthercradle。Theviscountess，therefore，eagertoseeher，draggedheroldsisterforward，payingnoattentiontoherjeremiads。”Good-morning，Calyste，”saidCharlotte。”Oh！good-morning，Charlotte，”repliedCalyste，notofferinghisarm。
Bothwereconfused；shebyhiscoldness，hebyhiscruelty，astheywalkedupthesortofravine，whichiscalledinSaint-Nazaireastreet，followingthetwosistersinsilence。InamomentthelittlegirlofsixteensawhercastleinSpain，builtandfurnishedwithromantichopes，aheapofruins。SheandCalystehadplayedtogethersomuchinchildhood，shewassoboundupwithhim，asitwere，thatshehadquietlysupposedherfutureunassailable；shearrivednow，sweptalongbythoughtlesshappiness，likeacirclingbirddartingdownuponawheat-field，andlo！shewasstoppedinherflight，unabletoimaginetheobstacle。”Whatisthematter，Calyste？”shesaid，takinghishand。”Nothing，”repliedtheyoungman，releasinghimselfwithcruelhasteasherememberedtheprojectsofhisauntandherfriend。
TearscameintoCharlotte’seyes。ShelookedatthehandsomeCalystewithoutill-humor；butafirstspasmofjealousyseizedher，andshefeltthedreadfulmadnessofrivalrywhenshecameinsightofthetwoParisianwomen，andsuspectedthecauseofhiscoldness。
CharlottedeKergarouetwasagirlofordinaryheight，andcommonplacecoloring；shehadalittleroundface，madelivelybyapairofblackeyeswhichsparkledwithcleverness，abundantbrownhair，aroundwaist，aflatback，thinarms，andthecurt，decidedmannerofaprovincialgirl，whodidnotwanttobetakenforalittlegoose。Shewasthepettedchildofthefamilyonaccountofthepreferenceherauntshowedforher。AtthismomentshewaswrappedinamantleofScotchmerinoinlargeplaids，linedwithgreensilk，whichshehadwornontheboat。Hertravelling-dress，ofsomecommonstuff，chastelymadewithachemisettebodyandapleatedcollar，wasfatedtoappear，eventoherowneyes，horribleincomparisonwiththefreshtoiletsofBeatrixandCamille。Shewaspainfullyawareofthestockingssoiledamongtherocksasshehadjumpedfromtheboat，ofshabbyleathershoes，chosenforthepurposeofnotspoilingbetteronesonthejourney，——afixedprincipleinthemannersandcustomsofprovincials。
AsfortheVicomtessedeKergarouet，shemightstandasthetypeofaprovincialwoman。Tall，hard，withered，fullofpretensions，whichdidnotshowthemselvesuntiltheyweremortified，talkingmuch，andcatching，bydintoftalkingasonecannonsatbilliards，afewideas，whichgaveherthereputationofwit，endeavoringtohumiliateParisians，whenevershemetthem，withanassumptionofcountrywisdomandpatronage，humblingherselftobeexaltedandfuriousatbeingleftuponherknees；fishing，astheEnglishsay，forcompliments，whichshenevercaught；dressedinclothesthatwereexaggeratedinstyle，andyetillcaredfor；mistakingwantofgoodmannersfordignity，andtryingtoembarrassothersbypayingnoattentiontothem；refusingwhatshedesiredinordertohaveitofferedagain，andtoseemtoyieldonlytoentreaty；concernedaboutmattersthatothershavedonewith，andsurprisedatnotbeinginthefashion；andfinally，unabletogetthroughanhourwithoutreferencetoNantes，mattersofsociallifeinNantes，complaintsofNantes，criticismofNantes，andtakingaspersonalitiestheremarkssheforcedoutofabsent-mindedorweariedlisteners。
Hermanners，language，andideashad，moreorless，descendedtoherfourdaughters。ToknowCamilleMaupinandMadamedeRochefidewouldbeforherafuture，andthetopicofahundredconversations。
Consequently，sheadvancedtowardthechurchasifshemeanttotakeitbyassault，wavingherhandkerchief，unfoldedforthepurposeofdisplayingtheheavycornersofdomesticembroidery，andtrimmedwithflimsylace。Hergaitwastolerablyboldandcavalier，which，however，wasofnoconsequenceinawomanforty-sevenyearsofage。”Monsieurlechevalier，”shesaidtoCamilleandBeatrix，pointingtoCalyste，whowasmournfullyfollowingwithCharlotte，”hasconveyedtomeyourfriendlyproposal，butwefear——mysister，mydaughter，andmyself——toinconvenienceyou。””Sister，Ishallnotputtheseladiestoinconvenience，”saidMademoiselledePen-Hoel，sharply；”IcanverywellfindahorseinSaint-Nazairetotakemehome。”
CamilleandBeatrixexchangedanobliqueglance，whichCalysteintercepted，andthatglancesufficedtoannihilateallthememoriesofhischildhood，allhisbeliefsintheKergarouetsandPen-Hoels，andtoputanendforevertotheprojectsofthethreefamilies。”Wecanverywellputfiveinthecarriage，”repliedMademoiselledesTouches，onwhomJacquelineturnedherback，”evenifwewereinconvenienced，whichcannotbethecase，withyourslenderfigures。
Besides，IshouldenjoythepleasureofdoingalittleservicetoCalyste’sfriends。Yourmaid，madame，willfindaseatbythecoachman，andyourluggage，ifyouhaveany，cangobehindthecarriage；Ihavenofootmanwithme。”
Theviscountesswasoverwhelminginthanks，andcomplainedthathersisterJacquelinehadbeeninsuchahurrytoseeherniecethatshewouldnotgivehertimetocomeproperlyinherowncarriagewithpost-horses，though，tobesure，thepost-roadwasnotonlylonger，butmoreexpensive；sheherselfwasobligedtoreturnalmostimmediatelytoNantes，whereshehadleftthreeotherlittlekittens，whowereanxiouslyawaitingher。HeresheputherarmroundCharlotte’sneck。Charlotte，inreply，raisedhereyestohermotherwiththeairofalittlevictim，whichgaveanimpressiontoonlookersthattheviscountessboredherfourdaughtersprodigiouslybydraggingthemonthesceneverymuchasCorporalTrimproduceshiscapin”TristramShandy。””Youareafortunatemotherand——”beganCamille，stoppingshortassherememberedthatBeatrixmusthavepartedfromhersonwhensheleftherhusband’shouse。”Oh，yes！”saidtheviscountess；”ifIhavethemisfortuneofspendingmylifeinthecountry，and，aboveall，atNantes，Ihaveatleasttheconsolationofbeingadoredbymychildren。Haveyouchildren？”shesaidtoCamille。”IamMademoiselledesTouches，”repliedCamille。”MadameistheMarquisedeRochefide。””ThenImustpityyoufornotknowingthegreatesthappinessthatthereisforuspoor，simplewomen——isnotthatso，madame？”saidtheviscountess，turningtoBeatrix。”Butyou，mademoiselle，havesomanycompensations。”
ThetearscameintoMadamedeRochefide’seyes，andsheturnedawaytowardtheparapettohidethem。Calystefollowedher。”Madame，”saidCamille，inalowvoicetotheviscountess，”areyounotawarethatthemarquiseisseparatedfromherhusband？Shehasnotseenhersonfortwoyears，anddoesnotknowwhenshewillseehim。””Youdon’tsayso！”saidMadamedeKergarouet。”Poorlady！isshelegallyseparated？””No，bymutualconsent，”repliedCamille。”Ah，well！Iunderstandthat，”saidtheviscountessboldly。
OldMademoiselledePen-Hoel，furiousatbeingthusdraggedintotheenemy’scamp，hadretreatedtoashortdistancewithherdearCharlotte。Calyste，afterlookingabouthimtomakesurethatnoonecouldseehim，seizedthehandofthemarquise，kissedit，andleftatearuponit。Beatrixturnedround，hertearsdriedbyanger；shewasabouttouttersometerribleword，butitdieduponherlipsasshesawthegriefontheangelicfaceoftheyouth，asdeeplytouchedbyherpresentsorrowasshewasherself。”Goodheavens，Calyste！”saidCamilleinhisear，ashereturnedwithMadamedeRochefide，”areyoutohave/that/foramother-in-law，andthelittleoneforawife？””Becauseherauntisrich，”repliedCalyste，sarcastically。
Thewholepartynowmovedtowardtheinn，andtheviscountessfeltherselfobligedtomakeCamilleaspeechonthesavagesofSaint-
Nazaire。”IloveBrittany，madame，”repliedCamille，gravely。”IwasbornatGuerande。”
CalystecouldnothelpadmiringMademoiselledesTouches，who，bythetoneofhervoice，thetranquillityofherlook，andherquietmanner，puthimathisease，inspiteoftheterribledeclarationsoftheprecedingnight。Sheseemed，however，alittlefatigued；hereyeswereenlargedbydarkcirclesroundthem，showingthathehadnotslept；
butthebrowdominatedtheinwardstormwithcoldplacidity。”Whatqueens！”hesaidtoCharlotte，callingherattentiontothemarquiseandCamilleashegavethegirlhisarm，toMademoiselledePen-Hoel’sgreatsatisfaction。”Whatanideayourmotherhashad，”saidtheoldmaid，takingherniece’sotherarm，”toputherselfinthecompanyofthatreprobatewoman！””Oh，aunt，awomanwhoisthegloryofBrittany！””Theshame，mydear。Mindthatyoudon’tfawnuponherinthatway。””MademoiselleCharlotteisright，”saidCalyste；”youarenotjust。””Oh，you！”repliedMademoiselledePen-Hoel，”shehasbewitchedyou。””Iregardher，”saidCalyste，”withthesamefriendshipthatIfeelforyou。””SincewhenhavetheduGuenicstakentotellinglies？”askedtheoldmaid。”SincethePen-Hoelshavegrowndeaf，”repliedCalyste。”Areyounotinlovewithher？”demandedtheoldmaid。”Ihavebeen，butIamsonolonger，”hesaid。”Badboy！thenwhyhaveyougivenussuchanxiety？Iknowverywellthatloveisonlyfoolishness；thereisnothingsolidbutmarriage，”
sheremarked，lookingatCharlotte。
Charlotte，somewhatreassured，hopedtorecoverheradvantagesbyrecallingthememoriesofchildhood。SheleanedaffectionatelyonCalyste’sarm，whoresolvedinhisownmindtohaveaclearexplanationwiththelittleheiress。”Ah！whatfunweshallhaveat/mouche/，Calyste！”shesaid；”whatgoodlaughsweusedtohaveoverit！”
Thehorseswerenowputin；CamilleplacedMadamedeKergarouetandCharlotteonthebackseat。Jacquelinehavingdisappeared，sheherself，withthemarquise，satforward。Calystewas，ofcourse，obligedtorelinquishthepleasureonwhichhehadcounted，ofdrivingbackwithCamilleandBeatrix，butherodebesidethecarriagealltheway；thehorses，beingtiredwiththejourney，wentslowlyenoughtoallowhimtokeephiseyesonBeatrix。
Historymustlosethecuriousconversationsthatwentonbetweenthesefourpersonswhomaccidenthadsostrangelyunitedinthiscarriage，foritisimpossibletoreportthehundredandmoreversionswhichwenttheroundofNantesontheremarks，replies，andwitticismswhichtheviscountessheardfromthelipsofthecelebratedCamilleMaupin/herself/。Shewas，however，verycarefulnottorepeat，noteventocomprehend，theactualrepliesmadebyMademoiselledesTouchestoherabsurdquestionsaboutCamille’sauthorship，——apenancetowhichallauthorsaresubjected，andwhichoftenmakethemexpiatethefewandrarepleasuresthattheywin。”Howdoyouwriteyourbooks？”shebegan。”Muchasyoudoyourworsted-workorknitting，”repliedCamille。”Butwheredoyoufindthosedeepreflections，thoseseductivepictures？””Whereyoufindthewittythingsyousay，madame；thereisnothingsoeasyastowritebooks，providedyouwill——””Ah！doesitdependwhollyonthewill？Ishouldn’thavethoughtit。
Whichofyourcompositionsdoyouprefer？””Ifinditdifficulttopreferanyofmylittlekittens。””Iseeyouare/blasee/oncompliments；thereisreallynothingnewthatonecansay。””Iassureyou，madame，thatIamverysensibletotheformwhichyougivetoyours。”
Theviscountess，anxiousnottoseemtoneglectthemarquise，remarked，lookingatBeatrixwithameaningair，——”IshallneverforgetthisjourneymadebetweenWitandBeauty。””Youflatterme，madame，”saidthemarquise，laughing。”Iassureyouthatmywitisbutasmallmatter，nottobementionedbythesideofgenius；besides，IthinkIhavenotsaidmuchasyet。”
Charlotte，whokeenlyfelthermother’sabsurdity，lookedather，endeavoringtostopitscourse；butMadamedeKergarouetwentbravelyoninhertiltwiththesatiricalParisians。
Calyste，whowastrottingslowlybesidethecarriage，couldonlyseethefacesofthetwoladiesonthefrontseat，andhiseyesexpressed，fromtimetotime，ratherpainfulthoughts。Forced，byherposition，toletherselfbelookedat，Beatrixconstantlyavoidedmeetingtheyoungman’seyes，andpractisedamanoeuvremostexasperatingtolovers；sheheldhershawlcrossedandherhandscrossedoverit，apparentlyplungedinthedeepestmeditation。
Atapartoftheroadwhichisshaded，dewy，andverdantasaforestglade，wherethewheelsofthecarriagescarcelysounded，andthebreezebroughtdownbalsamicodorsandwavedthebranchesabovetheirheads，CamillecalledMadamedeRochefide’sattentiontotheharmoniesoftheplace，andpressedherkneetomakeherlookatCalyste。”Howwellherides！”shesaid。”Oh！Calystedoeseverythingwell，”saidCharlotte。”HerideslikeanEnglishman，”saidthemarquise，indifferently。”HismotherisIrish，——anO’Brien，”continuedCharlotte，whothoughtherselfinsultedbysuchindifference。
CamilleandthemarquisedrovethroughGuerandewiththeviscountessandherdaughter，tothegreatastonishmentoftheinhabitantsofthetown。TheyleftthemotheranddaughterattheendofthelaneleadingtotheGuenicmansion，whereacrowdcameneargathering，attractedbysounusualasight。Calystehadriddenontoannouncethearrivalofthecompanytohismotherandaunt，whoexpectedthemtodinner，thatmealhavingbeenpostponedtillfouro’clock。Thenhereturnedtothegatetogivehisarmtothetwoladies，andbidCamilleandBeatrixadieu。
HekissedthehandofFelicite，hopingtherebytobeabletodothesametothatofthemarquise；butshestillkeptherarmscrossedresolutely，andhecastmoistglancesofentreatyatheruselessly。”Youlittleninny！”whisperedCamille，lightlytouchinghisearwithakissthatwasfulloffriendship。”Quitetrue，”thoughtCalystetohimselfasthecarriagedroveaway。”Iamforgettingheradvice——butIshallalwaysforgetit，I’mafraid。”
MademoiselledePen-HoelwhohadintrepidlyreturnedtoGuerandeonthebackofahiredhorse，theVicomtessedeKergarouet，andCharlottefounddinnerready，andweretreatedwiththeutmostcordiality，ifluxurywerelacking，bytheduGuenics。MademoiselleZephirinehadorderedthebestwinetobebroughtfromthecellar，andMariottehadsurpassedherselfinherBretondishes。
Theviscountess，proudofhertripwiththeillustriousCamilleMaupin，endeavoredtoexplaintotheassembledcompanythepresentconditionofmodernliterature，andCamille’splaceinit。Buttheliterarytopicmetthefateofwhist；neithertheduGuenics，northeabbe，northeChevalierduHalgaunderstoodonewordofit。Therectorandthechevalierhadarrivedintimefortheliqueursatdessert。
AssoonasMariotte，assistedbyGasselinandMadamedeKergarouet’smaid，hadclearedthetable，therewasageneralandenthusiasticcryfor/mouche/。Joyappearedtoreigninthehousehold。AllsupposedCalystetobefreeofhislateentanglement，andalmostasgoodasmarriedtothelittleCharlotte。Theyoungmanalonekeptsilence。Forthefirsttimeinhislifehehadinstitutedcomparisonsbetweenhislife-longfriendsandthetwoelegantwomen，witty，accomplished，andtasteful，who，atthepresentmoment，mustbelaughingheartilyattheprovincialmotheranddaughter，judgingbythelookheinterceptedbetweenthem。
Hewasseekinginvainforsomeexcusetoleavehisfamilyonthisoccasion，andgoupasusualtoLesTouches，whenMadamedeKergarouetmentionedthatsheregrettednothavingacceptedMademoiselledesTouches’offerofhercarriageforthereturnjourneytoSaint-
Nazaire，whichforthesakeofherthreeother”dearkittens，”shefeltcompelledtomakeonthefollowingday。
Fanny，whoalonesawherson’suneasiness，andthelittleholdwhichCharlotte’scoquetriesandhermother’sattentionsweregainingonhim，cametohisaid。”Madame，”shesaidtotheviscountess，”youwill，Ithink，beveryuncomfortableinthecarrier’svehicle，andespeciallyathavingtostartsoearlyinthemorning。YouwouldcertainlyhavedonebettertotaketheoffermadetoyoubyMademoiselledesTouches。Butitisnottoolatetodosonow。Calyste，gouptoLesTouchesandarrangethematter；butdon’tbelong；returntoussoon。””Itwon’ttakemetenminutes，”criedCalyste，kissinghismotherviolentlyasshefollowedhimtothedoor。