XI
　　FEMALEDIPLOMACY
　　CalysteranwiththelightnessofayoungfawntoLesTouchesandreachedtheporticojustasCamilleandBeatrixwereleavingthegrandsalonaftertheirdinner。HehadthesensetoofferhisarmtoFelicite。”Soyouhaveabandonedyourviscountessandherdaughterforus，”shesaid，pressinghisarm；”weareablenowtounderstandthefullmeritofthatsacrifice。””AretheseKergarouetsrelatedtothePortendueres，andtooldAdmiraldeKergarouet，whosewidowmarriedCharlesdeVandenesse？”askedMadamedeRochefide。”Theviscountessistheadmiral’sgreat-niece，”repliedCamille。”Well，she’sacharminggirl，”saidBeatrix，placingherselfgracefullyinaGothicchair。”Shewilljustdoforyou，MonsieurduGuenic。””Themarriagewillnevertakeplace，”saidCamillehastily。
　　Mortifiedbythecold，calmairwithwhichthemarquiseseemedtoconsidertheBretongirlastheonlycreaturefittomatehim，Calysteremainedspeechlessandevenmindless。”Whyso，Camille？”askedMadamedeRochefide。”Really，mydear，”saidCamille，seeingCalyste’sdespair，”youarenotgenerous；didIadviseContitomarry？”
　　Beatrixlookedatherfriendwithasurprisethatwasmingledwithindefinablesuspicions。
　　Calyste，unabletounderstandCamille’smotive，butfeelingthatshecametohisassistanceandseeinginhercheeksthatfaintspotofcolorwhichheknewtomeanthepresenceofsomeviolentemotion，wentuptoherratherawkwardlyandtookherhand。Butshelefthimandseatedherselfcarelesslyatthepiano，likeawomansosureofherfriendandloverthatshecanaffordtoleavehimwithanotherwoman。
　　Sheplayedvariations，improvisingthemassheplayed，oncertainthemeschosen，unconsciouslytoherself，bytheimpulseofhermind；
　　theyweremelancholyintheextreme。
　　Beatrixseemedtolistentothemusic，butshewasreallyobservingCalyste，who，muchtooyoungandartlessforthepartwhichCamillewasintendinghimtoplay，remainedinraptadorationbeforehisrealidol。
　　Afteraboutanhour，duringwhichtimeCamillecontinuedtoplay，Beatrixroseandretiredtoherapartments。CamilleatoncetookCalysteintoherchamberandclosedthedoor，fearingtobeoverheard；
　　forwomenhaveanamazinginstinctofdistrust。”Mychild，”shesaid，”ifyouwanttosucceedwithBeatrix，youmustseemtolovemestill，oryouwillfail。Youareachild；youknownothingofwomen；allyouknowishowtolove。Nowlovingandmakingone’sselfbelovedaretwoverydifferentthings。Ifyougoyourownwayyouwillfallintohorriblesuffering，andIwishtoseeyouhappy。Ifyourouse，notthepride，buttheself-will，theobstinacywhichisastrongfeatureinhercharacter，sheiscapableofgoingoffatanymomenttoParisandrejoiningConti；andwhatwillyoudothen？””Ishallloveher。””Youwon’tseeheragain。””Oh！yes，Ishall，”hesaid。”How？””Ishallfollowher。””Why，youareaspoorasJob，mydearboy。””Myfather，Gasselin，andIlivedforthreemonthsinVendeeononehundredandfiftyfrancs，marchingnightandday。””Calyste，”saidMademoiselledesTouches，”nowlistentome。Iknowthatyouhavetoomuchcandortoplayapart，toomuchhonestytodeceive；andIdon’twanttocorruptsuchanatureasyours。YetdeceptionistheonlywaybywhichyoucanwinBeatrix；Itakeitthereforeuponmyself。Inaweekfromnowsheshallloveyou。””Isitpossible？”hesaidclaspinghishands。”Yes，”repliedCamille，”butitwillbenecessarytoovercomecertainpledgeswhichshehasmadetoherself。Iwilldothatforyou。YoumustnotinterfereintheratherarduoustaskIshallundertake。Themarquisehasatruearistocraticdelicacyofperception；sheiskeenlydistrustful；nohuntercouldmeetwithgamemorewaryormoredifficulttocapture。Youarewhollyunabletocopewithher；willyoupromisemeablindobedience？””WhatmustIdo？”repliedtheyouth。”Verylittle，”saidCamille。”Comehereeverydayanddevoteyourselftome。Cometomyrooms；avoidBeatrixifyoumeether。Wewillstaytogethertillfouro’clock；youshallemploythetimeinstudy，andI
　　insmoking。Itwillbehardforyounottoseeher，butIwillfindyouanumberofinterestingbooks。YouhavereadnothingasyetofGeorgeSand。IwillsendoneofmypeoplethisveryeveningtoNantestobuyherworksandthoseofotherauthorswhomyououghttoknow。
　　Theeveningswewillspendtogether，andIpermityoutomakelovetomeifyoucan——itwillbeforthebest。””Iknow，Camille，thatyouraffectionformeisgreatandsorarethatitmakesmewishIhadnevermetBeatrix，”herepliedwithsimplegoodfaith；”butIdon’tseewhatyouhopefromallthis。””Ihopetomakeherloveyou。””Goodheavens！itcannotbepossible！”hecried，againclaspinghishandstowardCamille，whowasgreatlymovedonseeingthejoythatshegavehimatherownexpense。”Nowlistentomecarefully，”shesaid。”Ifyoubreaktheagreementbetweenus，ifyouhave——notalongconversation——butamereexchangeofwordswiththemarquiseinprivate，ifyouletherquestionyou，ifyoufailinthesilentpartIaskyoutoplay，whichiscertainlynotaverydifficultone，Idoassureyou，”shesaidinaserioustone，”youwillloseherforever。””Idon’tunderstandthemeaningofwhatyouaresayingtome，”criedCalyste，lookingatCamillewithadorablenaivete。”Ifyoudidunderstandit，youwouldn’tbethenobleandbeautifulCalystethatyouare，”shereplied，takinghishandandkissingit。
　　Calystethendidwhathehadneverbeforedone；hetookCamilleroundthewaistandkissedhergently，notwithlovebutwithtenderness，ashekissedhismother。MademoiselledesTouchesdidnotrestrainhertears。”Gonow，”shesaid，”mychild；andtellyourviscountessthatmycarriageisathercommand。”
　　Calystewantedtostaylonger，buthewasforcedtoobeyherimperiousandimperativegesture。
　　Hewenthomegaily；hebelievedthatinaweekthebeautifulBeatrixwouldlovehim。Theplayersat/mouche/foundhimoncemoretheCalystetheyhadmissedforthelasttwomonths。Charlotteattributedthischangetoherself。MademoiselledePen-Hoelwascharmingtohim。
　　TheAbbeGrimontendeavoredtomakeoutwhatwaspassinginthemother’smind。TheChevalierduHalgarubbedhishands。Thetwooldmaidswereaslivelyaslizards。Theviscountesslostonehundredsousbyaccumulated/mouches/，whichsoexcitedthecupidityofZephirinethatsheregrettednotbeingabletoseethecards，andevenspokesharplytohersister-in-law，whoactedastheproxyofhereyes。
　　Thepartylastedtilleleveno’clock。Thereweretwodefections，thebaronandthechevalier，whowenttosleepintheirrespectivechairs。
　　Mariottehadmadegalettesofbuckwheat，thebaronessproducedatea-
　　caddy。TheillustrioushouseofduGuenicservedalittlesupperbeforethedepartureofitsguests，consistingoffreshbutter，fruits，andcream，inadditiontoMariotte’scakes；forwhichfestaleventissuedfromtheirwrappingsasilverteapotandsomebeautifuloldEnglishchinasenttothebaronessbyheraunts。Thisappearanceofmodernsplendorintheancienthall，togetherwiththeexquisitegraceofitsmistress，broughtuplikeatrueIrishladytomakeandpouroutteathatmightyaffairtoEnglishwomen，hadsomethingcharmingaboutthem。Themostexquisiteluxurycouldneverhaveattainedtothesimple，modest，nobleeffectproducedbythissentimentofjoyfulhospitality。
　　AfewmomentsafterCalyste’sdeparturefromLesTouches，Beatrix，whohadheardhimgo，returnedtoCamille，whomshefoundwithhumideyeslyingbackonhersofa。”Whatisit，Felicite？”askedthemarquise。”Iamfortyyearsold，andIlovehim！”saidMademoiselledesTouches，withdreadfultonesofagonyinhervoice，hereyesbecominghardandbrilliant。”Ifyouknew，Beatrix，thetearsIhaveshedoverthelostyearsofmyyouth！Tobelovedoutofpity！toknowthatoneowesone’shappinessonlytoperpetualcare，totheslynessofcats，totrapslaidforinnocenceandalltheyouthfulvirtues——oh，itisinfamous！Ifitwerenotthatonefindsabsolutioninthemagnitudeoflove，inthepowerofhappiness，inthecertaintyofbeingforeveraboveallotherwomeninhismemory，thefirsttocarveonthatyounghearttheineffaceablehappinessofanabsolutedevotion，Iwould——
　　yes，ifheaskedit，——Iwouldflingmyselfintothesea。SometimesI
　　findmyselfwishingthathewouldaskit；itwouldthenbeanoblation，notasuicide。Ah，Beatrix，bycominghereyouhave，unconsciously，setmeahardtask。Iknowitwillbedifficulttokeephimagainstyou；butyouloveConti，youarenobleandgenerous，youwillnotdeceiveme；onthecontrary，youwillhelpmetoretainmyCalyste’slove。Iexpectedtheimpressionyouwouldmakeuponhim，butIhavenotcommittedthemistakeofseemingjealous；thatwouldonlyhaveaddedfueltotheflame。Onthecontrary，beforeyoucame，I
　　describedyouinsuchglowingcolorsthatyouhardlyrealizetheportrait，althoughyouare，itseemstome，morebeautifulthanever。”
　　Thisvehementelegy，inwhichtruthwasmingledwithdeception，completelydupedthemarquise。ClaudeVignonhadtoldContithereasonsforhisdeparture，andBeatrixwas，ofcourse，informedofthem。ShedeterminedthereforetobehavewithgenerosityandgivethecoldshouldertoCalyste；butatthesameinstanttherecameintohersoulthatquiverofjoywhichvibratesintheheartofeverywomanwhenshefindsherselfbeloved。Theloveawomaninspiresinanyman’sheartisflatterywithouthypocrisy，anditisimpossibleforsomewomentoforegoit；butwhenthatmanbelongstoafriend，hishomagegivesmorethanpleasure，——itgivesdelight。Beatrixsatdownbesideherfriendandbegantocoaxherprettily。”Youhavenotawhitehair，”shesaid；”youhaven’tevenawrinkle；
　　yourtemplesarejustasfreshasever；whereasIknowmorethanonewomanofthirtywhoisobligedtocoverhers。Look，dear，”sheadded，liftinghercurls，”seewhatthatjourneytoItalyhascostme。”
　　Hertemplesshowedanalmostimperceptiblewitheringofthetextureofthedelicateskin。SheraisedhersleevesandshowedCamillethesameslightwitheringofthewrists，wherethetransparenttissuesufferedthebluenetworkofswollenveinstobevisible，andthreedeeplinesmadeabraceletofwrinkles。”There，mydear，aretwospotswhich——asacertainwriterferretingforthemiseriesofwomen，hassaid——neverlie，”shecontinued。”Onemustneedshavesufferedtoknowthetruthofhisobservation。Happilyforus，mostmenknownothingaboutit；theydon’treaduslikethatdreadfulauthor。””Yourlettertoldmeall，”repliedCamille；”happinessignoreseverythingbutitself。Youboastedtoomuchofyourstobereallyhappy。Truthisdeaf，dumb，andblindwherelovereallyis。
　　Consequently，seeingveryplainlythatyouhaveyourreasonsforabandoningConti，Ihavefearedtohaveyouhere。Mydear，Calysteisanangel；heisasgoodasheisbeautiful；hisinnocentheartwillnotresistyoureyes；alreadyheadmiresyoutoomuchnottoloveyouatthefirstencouragement；yourcoldnesscanalonepreservehimtome。Iconfesstoyou，withthecowardiceoftruepassion，thatifheweretakenfrommeIshoulddie。ThatdreadfulbookofBenjaminConstant，’Adolphe，’tellsusonlyofAdolphe’ssorrows；butwhataboutthoseofthewoman，hey？Themandidnotobservethemenoughtodescribethem；andwhatwomanwouldhavedaredtorevealthem？Theywoulddishonorhersex，humiliateitsvirtues，andpassintovice。Ah！
　　Imeasuretheabyssbeforemebymyfears，bythesesufferingsthatarethoseofhell。But，Beatrix，Iwilltellyouthis:incaseIamabandoned，mychoiceismade。””Whatisit？”criedBeatrix，withaneagernessthatmadeCamilleshudder。
　　ThetwofriendslookedateachotherwiththekeenattentionofVenetianinquisitors；theirsoulsclashedinthatrapidglance，andstruckfirelikeflints。Themarquiseloweredhereyes。”Afterman，thereisnoughtbutGod，”saidthecelebratedwoman。”GodistheUnknown。Ishallflingmyselfintothatasintosomevastabyss。Calystehassworntomethatheadmiresyouonlyashewouldapicture；butalas！youarebuttwenty-eight，inthefullmagnificenceofyourbeauty。Thestrugglethusbeginsbetweenhimandmebyfalsehood。ButIhaveonesupport；happilyIknowameanstokeephimtruetome，andIshalltriumph。””Whatmeans？””Thatismysecret，dear。Letmehavethebenefitsofmyage。IfClaudeVignon，asContihasdoubtlesstoldyou，flingsmebackintothegulf，I，whohadclimbedtoarockwhichIthoughtinaccessible，——
　　Iwillatleastgatherthepaleandfragile，butdelightfulflowersthatgrowinitsdepths。”
　　MadamedeRochefidewasmouldedlikewaxinthoseablehands。Camillefeltanalmostsavagepleasureinthusentrappingherrivalinhertoils。Shesenthertobedthatnightpiquedbycuriosity，floatingbetweenjealousyandgenerosity，butmostassuredlywithhermindfullofthebeautifulCalyste。”Shewillbeenchantedtodeceiveme，”thoughtCamille，asshekissedhergood-night。
　　Then，whenshewasalone，theauthor，theconstructorofdramas，gaveplacetothewoman，andsheburstintotears。Fillingherhookahwithtobaccosoakedinopium，shespentthegreaterpartofthenightinsmoking，dullingthusthesufferingsofhersoul，andseeingthroughthecloudsaboutherthebeautifulyoungheadofherlatelover。”Whatagloriousbooktowrite，ifIwereonlytoexpressmypain！”
　　shesaidtoherself。”Butitiswrittenalready；Sappholivedbeforeme。AndSapphowasyoung。Afineandtouchingheroinetruly，awomanofforty！Ah！mypoorCamille，smokeyourhookah；youhaven’teventheresourceofmakingapoemofyourmisery——that’sthelastdropofanguishinyourcup！”
　　ThenextmorningCalystecamebeforemid-dayandslippedupstairs，ashewastold，intoCamille’sownroom，wherehefoundthebooks。
　　Felicitesatbeforethewindow，smoking，contemplatinginturnthemarshes，thesea，andCalyste，towhomshenowandthensaidafewwordsaboutBeatrix。Atonetime，seeingthemarquisestrollingaboutthegarden，sheraisedacurtaininawaytoattractherattention，andalsotothrowabandoflightacrossCalyste’sbook。”To-day，mychild，Ishallaskyoutostaytodinner；butyoumustrefuse，withaglanceatthemarquise，whichwillshowherhowmuchyouregretnotstaying。”
　　Whenthethreeactorsmetinthesalon，andthiscomedywasplayed，Calystefeltforamomenthisequivocalposition，andtheglancethathecastonBeatrixwasfarmoreexpressivethanFeliciteexpected。
　　Beatrixhaddressedherselfcharmingly。”Whatabewitchingtoilet，mydearest！”saidCamille，whenCalystehaddeparted。
　　Thesemanoeuvreslastedsixdays，duringwhichtimemanyconversations，intowhichCamilleMaupinputallherability，tookplace，unknowntoCalyste，betweenherselfandthemarquise。Theywerelikethepreliminariesofaduelbetweentwowomen，——aduelwithouttruce，inwhichtheassaultwasmadeonbothsideswithsnares，feints，falsegenerosities，deceitfulconfessions，craftyconfidences，bywhichonehidandtheotherbaredherlove；andinwhichthesharpsteelofCamille’streacherouswordsenteredtheheartofherfriend，andleftitspoisonthere。BeatrixatlasttookoffenceatwhatshethoughtCamille’sdistrust；sheconsidereditoutofplacebetweenthem。Atthesametimeshewasenchantedtofindthegreatwriteravictimtothepettinessofhersex，andsheresolvedtoenjoythepleasureofshowingherwherehergreatnessended，andhowevenshecouldbehumiliated。”Mydear，whatistobetheexcuseto-dayforMonsieurduGuenic’snotdiningwithus？”sheasked，lookingmaliciouslyatherfriend。”Mondayyousaidwehadengagements；Tuesdaythedinnerwaspoor；Wednesdayyouwereafraidhismotherwouldbeangry；Thursdayyouwantedtotakeawalkwithme；andyesterdayyousimplydismissedhimwithoutareason。To-dayIshallhavemyway，andImeanthatheshallstay。””Already，mydear！”saidCamille，withcuttingirony。Themarquiseblushed。”Stay，MonsieurduGuenic，”saidCamille，inthetoneofaqueen。
　　Beatrixbecamecoldandhard，contradictoryintone，epigrammatic，andalmostrudetoCalyste，whomFelicitesenthometoplay/mouche/withCharlottedeKergarouet。”/She/isnotdangerousatanyrate，”saidBeatrix，sarcastically。
　　Youngloversarelikehungrymen；kitchenodorswillnotappeasetheirhunger；theythinktoomuchofwhatiscomingtocareforthemeansthatbringit。AsCalystewalkedbacktoGuerande，hissoulwasfullofBeatrix；hepaidnoheedtotheprofoundfeminineclevernesswhichFelicitewasdisplayingonhisbehalf。DuringthisweekthemarquisehadonlywrittenoncetoConti，asymptomofindifferencewhichhadnotescapedthewatchfuleyesofCamille，whoimpartedittoCalyste。
　　AllCalyste’slifewasconcentratedintheshortmomentofthedayduringwhichhewasallowedtoseethemarquise。Thisdropofwater，farfromallayinghisthirst，onlyredoubledit。Themagicpromise，”Beatrixshallloveyou，”madebyCamille，wasthetalismanwithwhichhestrovetorestrainthefieryardorofhispassion。Butheknewnothowtoconsumethetime；hecouldnotsleep，andspentthehoursofthenightinreading；everyeveninghebroughtbackwithhim，asMariotteremarked，cartloadsofbooks。
　　HisauntcalleddownmaledictionsontheheadofMademoiselledesTouches；buthismother，whohadgoneonseveraloccasionstohisroomonseeinghislightburningfarintothenight，knewbythistimethesecretofhisconduct。Thoughforherlovewasasealedbook，andshewasevenunawareofherownignorance，Fannyrosethroughmaternaltendernessintocertainideasofit；butthedepthsofsuchsentimentbeingdarkandobscuredbycloudstohermind，shewasshockedatthestateinwhichshesawhim；thesolitaryuncomprehendeddesireofhissoul，whichwasevidentlyconsuminghim，simplyterrifiedher。Calystehadbutonethought；Beatrixwasalwaysbeforehim。Intheevenings，whilecardswerebeingplayed，hisabstractionresembledhisfather’ssomnolence。FindinghimsodifferentfromwhathewaswhenhelovedCamille，thebaronessbecameaware，withasortofhorror，ofthesymptomsofreallove，——aspeciesofpossessionwhichhadseizeduponherson，——aloveunknownwithinthewallsofthatoldmansion。
　　Feverishirritability，aconstantabsorptioninthought，madeCalystealmostdoltish。Oftenhewouldsitforhourswithhiseyesfixedonsomefigureinthetapestry。OnemorninghismotherimploredhimtogiveupLesTouches，andleavethetwowomenforever。”NotgotoLesTouches！”hecried。”Oh！yes，yes，go！donotlookso，mydarling！”shecried，kissinghimontheeyesthathadflashedsuchflames。
　　UnderthesecircumstancesCalysteoftencamenearlosingthefruitofCamille’splotthroughtheBretonfuryofhislove，ofwhichhewasceasingtobethemaster。Finally，hesworetohimself，inspiteofhispromisetoFelicite，toseeBeatrix，andspeaktoher。Hewantedtoreadhereyes，tobatheintheirlight，toexamineeverydetailofherdress，breatheitsperfume，listentothemusicofhervoice，watchthegracefulcompositionofhermovements，embraceataglancethewholefigure，andstudyherasageneralstudiesthefieldwherehemeanstowinadecisivebattle。Hewilledasloverswill；hewasgraspedbydesireswhichclosedhisearsanddarkenedhisintellect，andthrewhimintoanunnaturalstateinwhichhewasconsciousofneitherobstacles，nordistances，northeexistenceevenofhisownbody。
　　OnemorningheresolvedtogotoLesTouchesatanearlierhourthanthatagreedupon，andendeavortomeetBeatrixinthegarden。Heknewshewalkedtheredailybeforebreakfast。
　　MademoiselledesTouchesandthemarquisehadgone，asithappened，toseethemarshesandthelittlebaywithitsmarginoffinesand，wheretheseapenetratesandlieslikealakeinthemidstofthedunes。
　　Theyhadjustreturned，andwerewalkingupagardenpathbesidethelawn，conversingastheywalked。”Ifthescenerypleasesyou，”saidCamille，”wemusttakeCalysteandmakeatriptoCroisic。Therearesplendidrocksthere，cascadesofgranite，littlebayswithnaturalbasins，charminglyunexpectedandcapriciousthings，besidestheseaitself，withitsstoreofmarblefragments，——aworldofamusement。Alsoyouwillseewomenmakingfuelwithcow-dung，whichtheynailagainstthewallsoftheirhousestodryinthesun，afterwhichtheypileitupaswedopeatinParis。””What！willyoureallyriskCalyste？”criedthemarquise，laughing，inatonewhichprovedthatCamille’srusehadanswereditspurpose。”Ah，mydear，”shereplied，”ifyoudidbutknowtheangelicsoulofthatdearchild，youwouldunderstandme。Inhim，merebeautyisnothing；onemustenterthatpureheart，whichisamazedateverystepittakesintothekingdomoflove。Whatfaith！whatgrace！whatinnocence！Theancientswererightenoughintheworshiptheypaidtosacredbeauty。Sometraveller，Iforgetwho，relatesthatwhenwildhorseslosetheirleadertheychoosethehandsomesthorseintheherdforhissuccessor。Beauty，mydear，isthegeniusofthings；itistheensignwhichNaturehoistsoverhermostpreciouscreations；itisthetrustofsymbolsasitisthegreatestofaccidents。Didanyoneeversupposethatangelscouldbedeformed？aretheynotnecessarilyacombinationofgraceandstrength？WhatisitthatmakesusstandforhoursbeforesomepictureinItaly，wheregeniushasstriventhroughyearsoftoiltorealizebutoneofthoseaccidentsofNature？Come，callupyoursenseofthetruthofthingsandanswerme；isitnottheIdeaofBeautywhichoursoulsassociatewithmoralgrandeur？Well，Calysteisoneofthosedreams，thosevisions，realized。Hehastheregalpowerofalion，tranquillyunsuspiciousofitsroyalty。Whenhefeelsathisease，heiswitty；andIlovehisgirlishtimidity。Mysoulrestsinhisheartawayfromallcorruptions，allideasofknowledge，literature，theworld，society，politics，——thoseuselessaccessoriesunderwhichwestiflehappiness。IamwhatIhaveneverbeen，——achild！Iamsureofhim，butIliketoplayatjealousy；helikesittoo。Besides，thatispartofmysecret。”
　　Beatrixwalkedonpensively，insilence。Camilleenduredunspeakablemartyrdom，andshecastasidelonglookathercompanionwhichlookedlikeflame。”Ah，mydear；but/you/arehappy，”saidBeatrixpresently，layingherhandonCamille’sarmlikeawomanweariedoutwithsomeinwardstruggle。”Yes，happyindeed！”repliedFelicite，withsavagebitterness。
　　Thetwowomendroppeduponabenchfromasenseofexhaustion。NocreatureofhersexwaseverplayeduponlikeaninstrumentwithmoreMachiavellianpenetrationthanthemarquisethroughoutthisweek。”Yes，youarehappy，butI！”shesaid，——”toknowofConti’sinfidelities，andhavetobearthem！””Whynotleavehim？”saidCamille，seeingthehourhadcometostrikeadecisiveblow。”CanI？””Oh！poorboy！”
　　Bothweregazingintoaclumpoftreeswithastupefiedair。
　　Camillerose。”Iwillgoandhastenbreakfast；mywalkhasgivenmeanappetite，”
　　shesaid。”Ourconversationhastakenawaymine，”remarkedBeatrix。
　　Themarquiseinhermorningdresswasoutlinedinwhiteagainstthedarkgreensofthefoliage。Calyste，whohadslippedthroughthesalonintothegarden，tookapath，alongwhichhesaunteredasthoughheweremeetingherbyaccident。Beatrixcouldnotrestrainaquiverasheapproachedher。”Madame，inwhatwaydidIdispleaseyouyesterday？”hesaid，afterthefirstcommonplacesentenceshadbeenexchanged。”Butyouhaveneitherpleasedmenordispleasedme，”shesaid，inagentlevoice。
　　Thetone，air，andmannerinwhichthemarquisesaidthesewordsencouragedCalyste。”AmIsoindifferenttoyou？”hesaidinatroubledvoice，asthetearscameintohiseyes。”Oughtwenottobeindifferenttoeachother？”repliedthemarquise。”Havewenot，eachofus，another，andabindingattachment？””Oh！”criedCalyste，”ifyoumeanCamille，Ididloveher，butIlovehernolonger。””Thenwhyareyoushutuptogethereverymorning？”shesaid，withatreacheroussmile。”Idon’tsupposethatCamille，inspiteofherpassionfortobacco，prefershercigartoyou，orthatyou，inyouradmirationforfemaleauthors，spendfourhoursadayinreadingtheirromances。””Sothenyouknow——”begantheguilelessyoungBreton，hisfaceglowingwiththehappinessofbeingfacetofacewithhisidol。”Calyste！”criedCamille，angrily，suddenlyappearingandinterruptinghim。Shetookhisarmanddrewhimawaytosomedistance。”Calyste，isthiswhatyoupromisedme？”
　　BeatrixheardthesewordsofreproachasMademoiselledesTouchesdisappearedtowardthehouse，takingCalystewithher。Shewasstupefiedbytheyoungman’sassertion，andcouldnotcomprehendit；
　　shewasnotasstrongasClaudeVignon。Intruth，thepartbeingplayedbyCamilleMaupin，asshockingasitwasgrand，isoneofthosewickedgrandeurswhichwomenonlypractisewhendriventoextremity。
　　Byittheirheartsarebroken；initthefeelingsoftheirsexarelosttothem；itbeginsanabnegationwhichendsbyeitherplungingthemtohell，orliftingthemtoheaven。
　　Duringbreakfast，whichCalystewasinvitedtoshare，themarquise，whosesentimentscouldbenobleandgenerous，madeasuddenreturnuponherself，resolvingtostiflethegermsoflovewhichwererisinginherheart。ShewasneithercoldnorhardtoCalyste，butgentlyindifferent，——acoursewhichtorturedhim。Felicitebroughtforwardapropositionthattheyshouldmake，onthenextdaybutone，anexcursionintothecuriousandinterestingcountrylyingbetweenLesTouches，Croisic，andthevillageofBatz。ShebeggedCalystetoemployhimselfonthemorrowinhiringaboatandsailorstotakethemacrossthelittlebay，undertakingherselftoprovidehorsesandprovisions，andallelsethatwasnecessaryforapartyofpleasure，inwhichtherewastobenofatigue。Beatrixstoppedthemattershort，however，bysayingthatshedidnotwishtomakeexcursionsroundthecountry。Calyste’sface，whichhadbeamedwithdelightattheprospect，wassuddenlyoverclouded。”Whatareyouafraidof，mydear？”askedCamille。”MypositionissodelicateIdonotwishtocompromise——Iwillnotsaymyreputation，butmyhappiness，”shesaid，meaningly，withaglanceattheyoungBreton。”YouknowverywellhowsuspiciousConticanbe；ifheknew——””Whowilltellhim？””Heiscomingbackheretofetchme，”saidBeatrix。
　　Calysteturnedpale。InspiteofallthatCamillecouldurge，inspiteofCalyste’sentreaties，MadamedeRochefideremainedinflexible，andshowedwhatCamillehadcalledherobstinacy。CalysteleftLesTouchesthevictimofoneofthosedepressionsoflovewhichthreaten，incertainmen，toturnintomadness。HebegantorevolveinhismindsomedecidedmeansofcomingtoanexplanationwithBeatrix。
　　XII
　　CORRESPONDENCE
　　WhenCalystereachedhome，hedidnotleavehisroomuntildinnertime；andafterdinnerhewentbacktoit。Atteno’clockhismother，uneasyathisabsence，wenttolookforhim，andfoundhimwritinginthemidstofapileofblottedandhalf-tornpaper。HewaswritingtoBeatrix，fordistrustofCamillehadcomeintohismind。Theairandmannerofthemarquiseduringtheirbriefinterviewinthegardenhadsingularlyencouragedhim。
　　Nofirstlove-lettereverwasoreverwillbe，asmayreadilybesupposed，abrillianteffortofthemind。Inallyoungmennottaintedbycorruptionsuchaletteriswrittenwithgushingsfromtheheart，toooverflowing，toomultifariousnottobetheessence，theelixirofmanyotherlettersbegun，rejected，andrewritten。
　　HereistheonethatCalystefinallycomposedandwhichhereadaloudtohispoor，astonishedmother。Tohertheoldmansionseemedtohavetakenfire；thisloveofhersonflamedupinitliketheglareofaconflagration。
　　CalystetoMadamelaMarquisedeRochefide。
　　Madame，——Ilovedyouwhenyouweretomebutadream；judge，therefore，oftheforcemyloveacquiredwhenIsawyou。Thedreamwasfarsurpassedbythereality。Itismygriefandmymisfortunetohavenothingtosaytoyouthatyoudonotknowalreadyofyourbeautyandyourcharms；andyet，perhaps，theyhaveawakenedinnootherheartsodeepasentimentastheyhaveinme。
　　Insomanywaysyouarebeautiful；IhavestudiedyousomuchwhilethinkingofyoudayandnightthatIhavepenetratedthemysteriesofyourbeing，thesecretsofyourheart，andyourdelicacy，solittleappreciated。Haveyoueverbeenloved，understood，adoredasyoudeservetobe？
　　Letmetellyounowthatthereisnotatraitinyournaturewhichmyheartdoesnotinterpret；yourprideisunderstoodbymine；thegrandeurofyourglance，thegraceofyourbearing，thedistinctionofyourmovements，——allthingsaboutyourpersonareinharmonywiththethoughts，thehopes，thedesireshiddeninthedepthsofyoursoul；itisbecauseIhavedivinedthemallthatI
　　thinkmyselfworthyofyournotice。IfIhadnotbecome，withinthelastfewdays，anotheryourself，Icouldnotspeaktoyouofmyself；thisletter，indeed，relatesfarmoretoyouthanitdoestome。
　　Beatrix，inordertowritetoyou，Ihavesilencedmyyouth，I
　　havelaidasidemyself，Ihaveagedmythoughts，——or，rather，itisyouwhohaveagedthem，bythisweekofdreadfulsufferingscaused，innocentlyindeed，byyou。
　　DonotthinkmeoneofthosecommonloversatwhomIhaveheardyoulaughsojustly。Whatmeritisthereinlovingayoungandbeautifulandwiseandnoblewoman。Alas！Ihavenomerit！WhatcanIbetoyou？Achild，attractedbyeffulgenceofbeautyandbymoralgrandeur，astheinsectsareattractedtothelight。Youcannotdootherwisethantreadupontheflowersofmysoul；theyarethereatyourfeet，andallmyhappinessconsistsinyoursteppingonthem。
　　Absolutedevotion，unboundedfaith，loveunquenchable，——allthesetreasuresofatrueandtenderheartarenothing，nothing！theyserveonlytolovewith，theycannotwinthelovewecrave。
　　SometimesIdonotunderstandwhyaworshipsoardentdoesnotwarmitsidol；andwhenImeetyoureye，socold，sostern，Iturntoicewithinme。Yourdisdain，/that/istheactingforcebetweenus，notmyworship。Why？YoucannothatemeasmuchasIloveyou；
　　why，then，doestheweakerfeelingrulethestronger？IlovedFelicitewithallthepowersofmyheart；yetIforgotherinaday，inamoment，whenIsawyou。Shewasmyerror；youaremytruth。
　　Youhave，unknowingly，destroyedmyhappiness，andyetyouowemenothinginreturn。IlovedCamillewithouthope，andIhavenohopefromyou；nothingischangedbutmydivinity。Iwasapagan；
　　IamnowaChristian，thatisall——
　　Exceptthis:youhavetaughtmethattoloveisthegreatestofalljoys；thejoyofbeinglovedcomeslater。AccordingtoCamille，itisnotlovingtoloveforashorttimeonly；thelovethatdoesnotgrowfromdaytoday，fromhourtohour，isamerewretchedpassion。Inordertogrow，lovemustnotseeitsend；andshesawtheendofours，thesettingofoursunoflove。WhenI
　　beheldyou，Iunderstoodherwords，which，untilthen，Ihaddisputedwithallmyyouth，withalltheardorofmydesires，withthedespoticsternnessoftwentyyears。ThatgrandandnobleCamillemingledhertearswithmine，andyetshefirmlyrejectedtheloveshesawmustend。ThereforeIamfreetoloveyouhereonearthandintheheavenaboveus，asweloveGod。Ifyoulovedme，youwouldhavenosuchargumentsasCamilleusedtooverthrowmylove。Wearebothyoung；wecouldflyonequalwingacrossoursunnyheaven，notfearingstormsasthatgrandeaglefearedthem。
　　Butha！whatamIsaying？mythoughtshavecarriedmebeyondthehumilityofmyrealhopes。Believeme，believeinthesubmission，thepatience，themuteadorationwhichIonlyaskyounottowounduselessly。Iknow，Beatrix，thatyoucannotlovemewithoutthelossofyourself-esteem；thereforeIaskfornoreturn。Camilleoncesaidtherewassomehiddenfatalityinnames，/apropos/ofhers。ThatfatalityIfeltformyselfonthejettyofGuerande，whenIreadontheshoresoftheoceanyourname。Yes，youwillpassthroughmylifeasBeatricepassedthroughthatofDante。Myheartwillbeapedestalforthatwhitestatue，cold，distant，jealous，andoppressive。
　　Itisforbiddentoyoutoloveme；Iknowthat。Youwillsufferathousanddeaths，youwillbebetrayed，humiliated，unhappy；butyouhaveinyouadevil’spride，whichbindsyoutothatcolumnyouhaveonceembraced，——youarelikeSamson，youwillperishbyholdingtoit。ButthisIhavenotdivined；myloveistooblindforthat；Camillehastoldittome。Itisnotmymindthatspeakstoyouofthis，itishers。IhavenomindwithwhichtoreasonwhenIthinkofyou；bloodgushesfrommyheart，anditshotwavedarkensmyintellect，weakensmystrength，paralyzesmytongue，andbendsmyknees。Icanonlyadoreyou，whateveryoumaydotome。
　　Camillecallsyourresolutionobstinacy；Idefendyou，andIcallitvirtue。Youareonlythemorebeautifulbecauseofit。Iknowmydestiny，andtheprideofaBretoncanrisetotheheightofthewomanwhomakesherprideavirtue。
　　Therefore，dearBeatrix，bekind，beconsolingtome。Whenvictimswereselected，theycrownedthemwithflowers；sodoyoutome；
　　youowemetheflowersofpity，themusicofmysacrifice。AmI
　　notaproofofyourgrandeur？Willyounotrisetothelevelofmydisdainedlove，——disdainedinspiteofitssincerity，inspiteofitsimmortalpassion？
　　AskCamillehowIbehavedtoherafterthedayshetoldme，onherreturntoLesTouches，thatshelovedClaudeVignon。Iwasmute；I
　　sufferedinsilence。Well，foryouIwillshowevengreaterstrength，——Iwillburymyfeelingsinmyheart，ifyouwillnotdrivemetodespair，ifyouwillonlyunderstandmyheroism。A
　　singlewordofpraisefromyouisenoughtomakemebearthepainsofmartyrdom。
　　Butifyoupersistinthiscoldsilence，thisdeadlydisdain，youwillmakemethinkyoufearme。Ah，Beatrix，bewithmewhatyouare，——charming，witty，gay，andtender。TalktomeofConti，asCamillehastalkedtomeofClaude。Ihavenootherspiritinmysoul，noothergeniusbutthatoflove；nothingistherethatcanmakeyoufearme；IwillbeinyourpresenceasifIlovedyounot。
　　Canyourejectsohumbleaprayer？——theprayerofachildwhoonlyasksthathisLightshalllightenhim，thathisSunmaywarmhim。
　　Hewhomyoulovecanbewithyouatalltimes，butI，poorCalyste！havesofewdaysinwhichtoseeyou；youwillsoonbefreedfromme。ThereforeImayreturntoLesTouchesto-morrow，mayInot？Youwillnotrefusemyarmforthatexcursion？WeshallgotogethertoCroisicandtoBatz？IfyoudonotgoIshalltakeitforananswer，——Calystewillunderstandit！
　　Therewerefourmorepagesofthesamesortinclose，finewriting，whereinCalysteexplainedthesortofthreatconveyedinthelastwords，andrelatedhisyouthandlife；butthetalewaschieflytoldinexclamatoryphrases，withmanyofthosepointsanddashesofwhichmodernliteratureissoprodigalwhenitcomestocrucialpassages，——
　　asthoughtheywereplanksofferedtothereader’simagination，tohelphimacrosscrevasses。Therestofthisartlessletterwasmerelyrepetition。ButifitwasnotlikelytotouchMadamedeRochefide，andwouldveryslightlyinteresttheadmirersofstrongemotions，itmadethemotherweep，asshesaidtoherson，inhertendervoice，——”Mychild，youarenothappy。”
　　ThistumultuouspoemofsentimentswhichhadarisenlikeastorminCalyste’sheart，terrifiedthebaroness；forthefirsttimeinherlifeshereadalove-letter。
　　Calystewasstandingindeepperplexity；howcouldhesendthatletter？Hefollowedhismotherbackintothesalonwiththeletterinhispocketandburninginhisheartlikefire。TheChevalierduHalgawasstillthere，andthelastdealofalively/mouche/wasgoingon。
　　CharlottedeKergarouet，indespairatCalyste’sindifference，waspayingattentiontohisfatherasameansofpromotinghermarriage。
　　Calystewanderedhitherandthitherlikeabutterflywhichhadflownintotheroombymistake。Atlast，when/mouche/wasover，hedrewtheChevalierduHalgaintothegreatsalon，fromwhichhesentawayMademoiselledePen-Hoel’spageandMariotte。”Whatdoeshewantofthechevalier？”saidoldZephirine，addressingherfriendJacqueline。”Calystestrikesmeashalf-crazy，”repliedMademoiselledePen-Hoel。”HepaysCharlottenomoreattentionthanifshewerea/paludiere/。”
　　RememberingthattheChevalierduHalgahadthereputationofhavingnavigatedinhisyouththewatersofgallantry，itcameintoCalyste’sheadtoconsulthim。”Whatisthebestwaytosendalettersecretlytoone’smistress，”hesaidtotheoldgentlemaninawhisper。”Well，youcanslipitintothehandofhermaidwithalouisortwounderneathit；forsoonerorlaterthemaidwillfindoutthesecret，anditisjustaswelltoletherintoitatonce，”repliedthechevalier，onwhosefacewasthegleamofasmile。”But，onthewhole，itisbesttogivetheletteryourself。””Alouisortwo！”exclaimedCalyste。
　　HesnatcheduphishatandrantoLesTouches，whereheappearedlikeanapparitioninthelittlesalon，guidedthitherbythevoicesofCamilleandBeatrix。Theyweresittingonthesofatogether，apparentlyonthebestofterms。Calyste，withtheheadlongimpulseoflove，flunghimselfheedlesslyonthesofabesidethemarquise，tookherhand，andslippedtheletterwithinit。HedidthissorapidlythatFelicite，watchfulasshewas，didnotperceiveit。Calyste’sheartwastinglingwithanemotionhalfsweet，halfpainful，ashefeltthehandofBeatrixpresshisown，andsawher，withoutinterruptingherwords，orseemingintheleastdisconcerted，sliptheletterintoherglove。”Youflingyourselfonawoman’sdresswithoutmercy，”shesaid，laughing。”Calysteisaboywhoiswantingincommon-sense，”saidFelicite，notsparinghimanopenrebuke。
　　Calysterose，tookCamille’shand，andkissedit。Thenhewenttothepianoandranhisfinger-nailoverthenotes，makingthemallsoundatonce，likearapidscale。ThisexuberanceofjoysurprisedCamille，andmadeherthoughtful；shesignedtoCalystetocometoher。”Whatisthematterwithyou？”shewhisperedinhisear。”Nothing，”hereplied。”Thereissomethingbetweenthem，”thoughtMademoiselledesTouches。
　　Themarquisewasimpenetrable。CamilletriedtomakeCalystetalk，hopingthathisartlessmindwouldbetrayitself；buttheyouthexcusedhimselfonthegroundthathismotherexpectedhim，andheleftLesTouchesateleveno’clock，——not，however，withouthavingfacedthefireofapiercingglancefromCamille，towhomthatexcusewasmadeforthefirsttime。
　　AftertheagitationsofawakefulnightfilledwithvisionsofBeatrix，andaftergoingascoreoftimesthroughthechiefstreetofGuerandeforthepurposeofmeetingtheanswertohisletter，whichdidnotcome，Calystefinallyreceivedthefollowingreply，whichthemarquise’swaiting-woman，enteringthehotelduGuenic，presentedtohim。Hecarriedittothegarden，andthere，inthegrotto，hereadasfollows:——
　　MadamedeRochefidetoCalyste。
　　Youareanoblechild，butyouareonlyachild。YouareboundtoCamille，whoadoresyou。Youwouldnotfindinmeeithertheperfectionsthatdistinguishherorthehappinessthatshecangiveyou。Whateveryoumaythink，sheisyoungandIamold；herheartisfulloftreasures，mineisempty；shehasforyouadevotionyouillappreciate；sheisunselfish；shelivesonlyforyouandinyou。I，ontheotherhand，amfullofdoubts；Ishoulddragyoudowntoawearisomelife，withoutgrandeurofanykind，——
　　aliferuinedbymyownconduct。Camilleisfree；shecangoandcomeasshewill；Iamaslave。
　　YouforgetthatIloveandambeloved。ThesituationinwhichI
　　haveplacedmyselfforbidsmyacceptinghomage。Thatamanshouldloveme，orsayhelovesme，isaninsult。Toturntoanotherwouldbetoplacemyselfatthelevelofthelowestofmysex。
　　You，whoareyoungandfullofdelicacy，howcanyouobligemetosaythesethings，whichrendmyheartastheyissuefromit？
　　Ipreferredthescandalofanirreparabledeedtotheshameofconstantdeception；myownlossofstationtoalossofhonesty。
　　IntheeyesofmanypersonswhoseesteemIvalue，Iamstillworthy；butifIpermittedanothermantoloveme，Ishouldfallindeed。Theworldisindulgenttothosewhoseconstancycovers，aswithamantle，theirregularityoftheirhappiness；butitispitilesstovice。
　　YouseeIfeelneitherdisdainnoranger；Iamansweringyourletterfranklyandwithsimplicity。Youareyoung；youareignorantoftheworld；youarecarriedawaybyfancy；youareincapable，likeallwhoselivesarepure，ofmakingthereflectionswhichevilsuggests。ButIwillgostillfurther。
　　WereIdestinedtobethemosthumiliatedofwomen，wereIforcedtohidefearfulsorrows，wereIbetrayed，abandoned，——which，thankGod，iswhollyimpossible，——nooneinthisworldwouldseememore。Yes，IbelieveIshouldfindcouragetokillamanwho，seeingmeinthatsituation，shouldtalktomeoflove。
　　Younowknowmymindtoitsdepths。PerhapsIoughttothankyouforhavingwrittentome。Afterreceivingyourletter，and，aboveall，aftermakingyouthisreply，IcouldbeatmyeasewithyouinCamille’shouse，Icouldactoutmynaturalself，andbewhatyouaskofme；butIhardlyneedspeaktoyouofthebitterridiculethatwouldoverwhelmmeifmyeyesormymannerceasedtoexpressthesentimentsofwhichyoucomplain。AsecondrobberyfromCamillewouldbeaproofofherwantofpowerwhichnowomancouldtwiceforgive。EvenifIlovedyou，ifIwereblindtoallelse，ifIforgotallelse，IshouldstillseeCamille！Herloveforyouisabarriertoohightobeo’erleapedbyanypower，evenbythewingsofanangel；nonebutadevilwouldfailtorecoilbeforesuchtreachery。Inthis，mydearCalyste，aremanymotiveswhichdelicateandnoblewomenkeeptothemselves，ofwhichyoumenknownothing；norcouldyouunderstandthem，eventhoughyouwereallaslikeoursexasyouyourselfappeartobeatthismoment。
　　Mychild，youhaveamotherwhohasshownyouwhatyououghttobeinlife。Sheispureandspotless；shefulfilsherdestinynobly；
　　whatIhaveheardofherhasfilledmyeyeswithtears，andinthedepthsofmyheartIenvyher。I，too，mighthavebeenwhatsheis！Calyste，thatisthewomanyourwifeshouldbe，andsuchshouldbeherlife。Iwillneversendyouback，injest，asIhavedone，tothatlittleCharlotte，whowouldwearyyoutodeath；butIdocommendyoutosomedivineyounggirlwhoisworthyofyourlove。
　　IfIwereyours，yourlifewouldbeblighted。Youwouldhavegivenmeyourwholeexistence，andI——yousee，Iamfrank——Ishouldhavetakenit；Ishouldhavegonewithyou，Heavenknowswhere，farfromtheworld！ButIshouldhavemadeyoumostunhappy；forIamjealous。Iseelionslurkinginthepath，andmonstersindropsofwater。Iammadewretchedbytriflesthatmostwomenputupwith；
　　inexorablethoughts——frommyheart，notyours——wouldpoisonourexistenceanddestroymylife。Ifaman，aftertenyears’
　　happiness，werenotasrespectfulandasdelicateashewastomeatfirst，Ishouldresentthechange；itwouldabasemeinmyowneyes！SuchalovercouldnotbelieveintheAmadisandtheCyrusofmydreams。To-daytrueloveisbutadream，notareality。I
　　seeinyoursonlythejoyofadesiretheendofwhichis，asyet，unperceivedbyyou。
　　Formyself，Iamnotfortyyearsold；Ihavenotbentmypridebeneaththeyokeofexperience，——inshort，Iamawomantooyoungtobeanythingbutodious。Iwillnotanswerformytemper；mygraceandcharmareallexternal。PerhapsIhavenotyetsufferedenoughtohavetheindulgentmannersandtheabsolutetendernesswhichcometousfromcrueldisappointments。Happinesshasitsinsolence，andI，Ifear，aminsolent。Camillewillbealwaysyourdevotedslave；Ishouldbeanunreasonabletyrant。Besides，Camillewasbroughttoyoubyyourguardianangel，attheturningpointofyourlife，toshowyouthecareeryououghttofollow，——acareerinwhichyoucannotfail。
　　IknowFelicite！hertendernessisinexhaustible；shemayignorethegracesofoursex，butshepossessesthatfruitfulstrength，thatgeniusforconstancy，thatnobleintrepiditywhichmakesuswillingtoaccepttherest。Shewillmarryyoutosomeyounggirl，nomatterwhatshesuffers。ShewillfindyouafreeBeatrix——ifitisaBeatrixindeedwhoanswerstoyourdesiresinawife，andtoyourdreams；shewillsmoothallthedifficultiesinyourway。
　　ThesaleofasingleacreofhergroundinPariswouldfreeyourpropertyinBrittany；shewillmakeyouherheir；areyounotalreadyhersonbyadoption？
　　Alas！whatcouldIdoforyourhappiness？Nothing。Donotbetraythatinfinitelovewhichcontentsitselfwiththedutiesofmotherhood。Ah！Ithinkherveryfortunate，myCamille！ShecanwellaffordtoforgiveyourfeelingforpoorBeatrix；womenofherageareindulgenttosuchfancies。Whentheyaresureofbeingloved，theywillpardonapassinginfidelity；infact，itisoftenoneoftheirkeenestpleasurestotriumphoverayoungerrival。
　　Camilleisabovesuchwomen，andthatremarkdoesnotrefertoher；butImakeittoeaseyourmind。
　　IhavestudiedCamilleclosely；sheis，tomyeyes，oneofthegreatestwomenofourage。Shehasmindandshehasgoodness，——twoqualitiesalmostirreconcilableinwoman；sheisgenerousandsimple，——twoothergrandeursseldomfoundtogetherinoursex。I
　　haveseeninthedepthsofhersoulsuchtreasuresthatthebeautifullineofDanteoneternalhappiness，whichIheardherinterpretingtoyoutheotherday，”Senzabramasicuraricchezza，”
　　seemsasifmadeforher。Shehastalkedtomeofhercareer；shehasrelatedherlife，showingmehowlove，thatobjectofourprayers，ourdreams，hasevereludedher。Irepliedthatsheseemedtomeaninstanceofthedifficulty，ifnottheimpossibility，ofunitinginonepersontwogreatglories。
　　You，Calyste，areoneoftheangelicsoulswhosemateitseemsimpossibletofind；butCamillewillobtainforyou，evenifshediesindoingso，thehandofsomeyounggirlwithwhomyoucanmakeahappyhome。
　　Formyself，Iholdouttoyouafriendlyhand，andIcount，notonyourheart，butonyourmind，tomakeyouinfutureabrothertome，asIshallbeasistertoyou；andIdesirethatthislettermayterminateacorrespondencewhich，betweenLesTouchesandGuerande，isratherabsurd。
　　BeatrixdeCasteran。
　　Thebaroness，stirredtothedepthsofhersoulbythestrangeexhibitionsandtherapidchangesofherboy’semotions，couldnolongersitquietlyatherworkintheancienthall。AfterlookingatCalystefromtimetotime，shefinallyroseandcametohiminamannerthatwashumble，andyetbold；shewantedhimtograntafavorwhichshefeltshehadarighttodemand。”Well，”shesaid，trembling，andlookingattheletter，butnotdirectlyaskingforit。
　　Calystereaditaloudtoher。Andthesetwonoblesouls，sosimple，soguileless，sawnothinginthatwilyandtreacherousepistleofthemaliceorthesnareswhichthemarquisehadwrittenintoit。”Sheisanoblewoman，agrandwoman！”saidthebaroness，withmoistenedeyes。”IwillpraytoGodforher。Ididnotknowthatawomancouldabandonherhusbandandchild，andyetpreserveasoulsovirtuous。Sheisindeedworthyofpardon。””HaveInoteveryreasontoadoreher？”criedCalyste。”Butwherewillthisloveleadyou？”saidthebaroness。”Ah，mychild，howdangerousarewomenwithnoblesentiments！Thereislesstofearinthosewhoarebad！MarryCharlottedeKergarouetandreleasetwo-
　　thirdsoftheestate。Bysellingafewfarms，MademoiselledePen-Hoelcanbestowthatgrandresultuponyouinthemarriagecontract，andshewillalsohelpyou，withherexperience，tomakethemostofyourproperty。Youwillbeabletoleaveyourchildrenagreatname，andafineestate。””ForgetBeatrix！”saidCalyste，inamuffledvoice，withhiseyesontheground。
　　Heleftthebaroness，andwentuptohisownroomtowriteananswertothemarquise。
　　MadameduGuenic，whoseheartretainedeverywordofMadamedeRochefide’sletter，felttheneedofsomehelpincomprehendingitmoreclearly，andalsothegroundsofCalyste’shope。AtthishourtheChevalierduHalgawasalwaystobeseentakinghisdogforawalkonthemall。Thebaroness，certainoffindinghimthere，putonherbonnetandshawlandwentout。
　　ThesightoftheBaronneduGuenicwalkinginGuerandeelsewherethantochurch，oronthetwoprettyroadsselectedaspromenadeson/fete/
　　days，accompaniedbythebaronandMademoiselledePen-Hoel，wasaneventsoremarkablethattwohourslater，throughoutthewholetown，peopleaccostedeachotherwiththeremark，——”MadameduGuenicwentoutto-day；didyoumeether？”
　　AssoonasthisamazingnewsreachedtheearsofMademoiselledePen-
　　Hoel，shesaidtoherniece，——”SomethingveryextraordinaryishappeningattheduGuenics。””CalysteismadlyinlovewiththatbeautifulMarquisedeRochefide，”
　　saidCharlotte。”IoughttoleaveGuerandeandreturntoNantes。”
　　TheChevalierduHalga，muchsurprisedatbeingsoughtbythebaroness，releasedthechainofhislittledog，awarethathecouldnotdividehimselfbetweenthetwointerests。”Chevalier，”beganthebaroness，”youusedtopractisegallantry？”
　　HeretheChevalierduHalgastraightenedhimselfupwithanairthatwasnotalittlevain。MadameduGuenic，withoutnaminghersonorthemarquise，repeated，asnearlyaspossible，thelove-letter，andaskedthechevaliertoexplaintoherthemeaningofsuchananswer。DuHalgasnuffedtheairandstrokedhischin；helistenedattentively；
　　hemadegrimaces；andfinally，helookedfixedlyatthebaronesswithaknowingair，ashesaid，——”Whenthoroughbredhorseswanttoleapabarrier，theygouptoreconnoitreit，andsmellitover。Calysteisaluckydog！””Oh，hush！”shecried。”I’mmute。Ah！intheoldentimeIknewallaboutit，”saidtheoldchevalier，strikinganattitude。”Theweatherwasfine，thebreezenor’east。/Tudieu/！howthe’Belle-Poule’keptclosetothewindthatdaywhen——Oh！”hecried，interruptinghimself，”weshallhaveachangeofweather；myearsarebuzzing，andIfeelthepaininmyribs！Youknow，don’tyou，thatthebattleofthe’Belle-Poule’wassofamousthatwomenworehead-dresses’/ala/Belle-Poule。’MadamedeKergarouetwasthefirsttocometotheoperainthathead-dress，andIsaidtoher:’Madame，youaredressedforconquest。’Thespeechwasrepeatedfromboxtoboxallthroughthehouse。”
　　Thebaronesslistenedpleasantlytotheoldhero，who，faithfultothelawsofgallantry，escortedhertothealleyofherhouse，neglectingThisbe。ThesecretofThisbe’sexistencehadonceescapedhim。ThisbewasthegranddaughterofadelightfulThisbe，thepetofMadamel’AmiraledeKergarouet，firstwifeoftheComtedeKergarouet，thechevalier’scommandingofficer。ThepresentThisbewaseighteenyearsold。
　　ThebaronessranuptoCalyste’sroom。Hewasabsent；shesawaletter，notsealed，butaddressedtoMadamedeRochefide，lyingonthetable。Aninvinciblecuriositycompelledtheanxiousmothertoreadit。Thisactofindiscretionwascruellypunished。TheletterrevealedtoherthedepthsofthegulfintowhichhispassionwashurlingCalyste。
　　CalystetoMadamelaMarquisedeRochefide。
　　WhatcareIfortheraceoftheduGuenicsinthesedays，Beatrix？
　　whatistheirnametome？MynameisBeatrix；thehappinessofBeatrixismyhappiness；herlifeismylife，andallmyfortuneisinherheart。Ourestateshavebeenmortgagedthesetwohundredyears，andsotheymayremainfortwohundredmore；ourfarmershavechargeofthem；noonecantakethemfromus。Toseeyou，toloveyou，——thatismyproperty，myobject，myreligion！
　　Youtalktomeofmarrying！theverythoughtconvulsesmyheart。
　　IsthereanotherBeatrix？Iwillmarrynoonebutyou；Iwillwaitforyoutwentyyears，ifneedbe。Iamyoung，andyouwillbeeverbeautiful。Mymotherisasaint。Idonotblameher，butshehasneverloved。Iknownowwhatshehaslost，andwhatsacrificesshehasmade。Youhavetaughtme，Beatrix，toloveherbetter；sheisinmyheartwithyou，andnoothercaneverbethere；sheisyouronlyrival，——isnotthistosaythatyoureigninthatheartsupreme？Thereforeyourargumentshavenoforceuponmymind。
　　AsforCamille，youneedonlysaytheword，orgivemeameresign，andIwillaskhertotellyouherselfthatIdonotloveher。Sheisthemotherofmyintellect；nothingmore，nothingless。FromthemomentthatIfirstsawyoushebecametomeasister，afriend，acomrade，whatyouwillofthatkind；butwehavenorightsotherthanthoseoffriendshipuponeachother。I
　　tookherforawomanuntilIsawyou。YouhaveprovedtomethatCamilleisaman；sheswims，hunts，smokes，drinks，ridesonhorseback，writesandanalyzesheartsandbooks；shehasnoweaknesses；shemarchesoninallherstrength；hermotionsevenhavenoresemblancetoyourgracefulmovements，toyourstep，airyastheflightofabird。Neitherhassheyourvoiceoflove，yourtendereyes，yourgraciousmanner；sheisCamilleMaupin；thereisnothingofthewomanabouther，whereasinyouareallthethingsofwomanhoodthatIlove。Ithasseemedtome，fromthefirstmomentwhenIsawyou，thatyouweremine。
　　Youwilllaughatthatfancy，butithasgrownandisgrowing。Itseemstomeunnatural，anomalousthatweshouldbeapart。Youaremysoul，mylife；Icannotlivewhereyouarenot！
　　Letmeloveyou！Letusfly！letusgointosomecountrywhereyouknownoone，whereonlyGodandIcanreachyourheart！Mymother，wholovesyou，mightsomedayfollowus。Irelandisfullofcastles；mymother’sfamilywilllendusone。Ah，Beatrix，letusgo！Aboat，afewsailors，andwearethere，beforeanyonecanknowwehavefledthisworldyoufearsomuch。
　　Youhaveneverbeenloved。IfeelitasIre-readyourletter，inwhichIfancyIcanseethatifthereasonsyoubringforwarddidnotexist，youwouldletyourselfbelovedbyme。Beatrix，asacredlovewipesoutthepast。Yes，IloveyousotrulythatI
　　couldwishyoudoublyshamedifsomylovemightproveitselfbyholdingyouasaint！
　　Youcallmyloveaninsult。Oh，Beatrix，youdonotthinkitso！
　　Theloveofnobleyouth——andyouhavecalledmethat——wouldhonoraqueen。Therefore，to-morrowletuswalkaslovers，handinhand，amongtherocksandbesidethesea；yourstepuponthesandsofmyoldBrittanywillblessthemanewtome！Givemethisdayofhappiness；andthatpassingalms，unremembered，alas！byyou，willbeeternalrichestoyourCalyste。
　　Thebaronessletfalltheletter，withoutreadingallofit。Shekneltuponachair，andmadeamentalprayertoGodtosaveherCalyste’sreason，toputhismadness，hiserrorfarawayfromhim；toleadhimfromthepathinwhichshenowbeheldhim。”Whatareyoudoing，mother？”saidCalyste，enteringtheroom。”IamprayingtoGodforyou，”sheanswered，simply，turninghertearfuleyesuponhim。”Ihavecommittedthesinofreadingthatletter。MyCalysteismad！””Asweetmadness！”saidtheyoungman，kissingher。”IwishIcouldseethatwoman，”shesighed。”Mamma，”saidCalyste，”weshalltakeaboatto-morrowandcrosstoCroisic。Ifyouareonthejettyyoucanseeher。”
　　Sosaying，hesealedhisletteranddepartedforLesTouches。
　　Thatwhich，aboveall，terrifiedthebaronesswastoseeasentimentattaining，bytheforceofitsowninstinct，totheclear-sightednessofpractisedexperience。Calyste’slettertoBeatrixwassuchastheChevalierduHalga，withhisknowledgeoftheworld，mighthavedictated。
　　XIII
　　DUELBETWEENWOMEN
　　Perhapsoneofthegreatestenjoymentsthatsmallmindsorinferiormindscanobtainisthatofdeceivingagreatsoul，andlayingsnaresforit。BeatrixknewherselffarbeneathCamilleMaupin。Thisinferioritylaynotonlyinthecollectionofmentalandmoralqualitieswhichwecall/talent/，butinthethingsoftheheartcalled/passion/。
　　AtthemomentwhenCalystewashurryingtoLesToucheswiththeimpetuosityofafirstloveborneonthewingsofhope，themarquisewasfeelingakeendelightinknowingherselftheobjectofthefirstloveofsocharmingayoungman。Shedidnotgosofarastowishherselfasharerinthesentiment，butshethoughtitheroismonherparttorepressthe/capriccio/，astheItalianssay。ShethoughtshewasequallingCamille’sdevotion，andtoldherself，moreover，thatshewassacrificingherselftoherfriend。ThevanitiespeculiartoFrenchwomen，whichconstitutethecelebratedcoquetryofwhichshewassosignalaninstance，wereflatteredanddeeplysatisfiedbyCalyste’slove。Assailedbysuchpowerfulseduction，shewasresistingit，andhervirtuessanginhersoulaconcertofpraiseandself-
　　approval。