Thetwowomenwerehalf-sitting，halflying，inapparentindolenceonthedivanofthelittlesalon，sofilledwithharmonyandthefragranceofflowers。Thewindowswereopen，forthenorthwindhadceasedtoblow。Asoothingsoutherlybreezewasrufflingthesurfaceofthesaltlakebeforethem，andthesunwasglitteringonthesandsoftheshore。Theirsoulswereasdeeplyagitatedasthenaturebeforethemwastranquil，andtheheatwithinwasnotlessardent。
　　Bruisedbytheworkingofthemachinerywhichsheherselfhadsetinmotion，Camillewascompelledtokeepwatchforhersafety，fearingtheamazingclevernessofthefriendlyenemy，or，rather，theinimicalfriendshehadallowedwithinherborders。Toguardherownsecretsandmaintainherselfaloof，shehadtakenoflatetocontemplationsofnature；shecheatedtheachingofherownheartbyseekingameaningintheworldaroundher，findingGodinthatdesertofheavenandearth。WhenanunbelieveronceperceivesthepresenceofGod，heflingshimselfunreservedlyintoCatholicism，which，viewedasasystem，iscomplete。
　　ThatmorningCamille’sbrowhadwornthehaloofthoughtsbornoftheseresearchesduringanight-timeofpainfulstruggle。Calystewaseverbeforeherlikeacelestialimage。Thebeautifulyouth，towhomshehadsecretlydevotedherself，hadbecometoheraguardianangel。
　　Wasitnothewholedherintothoseloftierregions，wheresufferingceasedbeneaththeweightofincommensurableinfinity？andnowacertainairoftriumphaboutBeatrixdisturbedher。Nowomangainsanadvantageoveranotherwithoutallowingittobefelt，howevermuchshemaydenyhavingtakenit。Nothingwasevermorestrangeinitscoursethanthedumb，moralstrugglewhichwasgoingonbetweenthesetwowomen，eachhidingfromtheotherasecret，——eachbelievingherselfgenerousthroughhiddensacrifices。
　　Calystearrived，holdingtheletterbetweenhishandandhisglove，readytoslipitatsomeconvenientmomentintothehandofBeatrix。
　　Camille，whomthesubtlechangeinthemannerofherfriendhadnotescaped，seemednottowatchher，butdidwatchherinamirroratthemomentwhenCalystewasjustenteringtheroom。Thatisalwaysacrucialmomentforwomen。Thecleverestaswellasthesilliestofthem，thefrankestastheshrewdest，areseldomabletokeeptheirsecret；itburstsfromthem，atanyrate，totheeyesofanotherwoman。Toomuchreserveortoolittle；afreeandluminouslook；themysteriousloweringofeyelids，——allbetray，atthatsuddenmoment，thesentimentwhichisthemostdifficultofalltohide；forrealindifferencehassomethingsoradicallycoldaboutitthatitcanneverbesimulated。Womenhaveageniusforshades，——shadesofdetail，shadesofcharacter；theyknowthemall。Therearetimeswhentheireyestakeinarivalfromheadtofoot；theycanguesstheslightestmovementofafootbeneathagown，thealmostimperceptiblemotionofthewaist；theyknowthesignificanceofthingswhich，toaman，seeminsignificant。Twowomenobservingeachotherplayoneofthechoicestscenesofcomedythattheworldcanshow。”Calystehascommittedsomefolly，”thoughtCamille，perceivingineachofherguestsanindefinableairofpersonswhohaveamutualunderstanding。
　　TherewasnolongereitherstiffnessorpretendedindifferenceonthepartofBeatrix；shenowregardedCalysteasherownproperty。Calystewasevenmoretransparent；hecolored，asguiltypeople，orhappypeoplecolor。Heannouncedthathehadcometomakearrangementsfortheexcursiononthefollowingday。”Thenyoureallyintendtogo，mydear？”saidCamille，interrogatively。”Yes，”saidBeatrix。”Howdidyouknowit，Calyste？”askedMademoiselledesTouches。”Icameheretofindout，”repliedCalyste，onalookflashedathimbyMadamedeRochefide，whodidnotwishCamilletogaintheslightestinklingoftheircorrespondence。”Theyhaveanagreementtogether，”thoughtCamille，whocaughtthelookinthepowerfulsweepofhereye。
　　UnderthepressureofthatthoughtahorriblediscomposureoverspreadherfaceandfrightenedBeatrix。”Whatisthematter，mydear？”shecried。”Nothing。Well，then，Calyste，sendmyhorsesandyoursacrosstoCroisic，sothatwemaydrivehomebywayofBatz。WewillbreakfastatCroisic，andgethomeintimefordinner。Youmusttakechargeoftheboatarrangements。Letusstartbyhalf-pasteight。Youwillseesomefinesights，Beatrix，andoneverystrangeone；youwillseeCambremer，amanwhodoespenanceonarockforhavingwilfullykilledhisson。Oh！youareinaprimitiveland，amongaprimitiveraceofpeople，wheremenaremovedbyothersentimentsthanthoseofordinarymortals。Calysteshalltellyouthetale；itisadramaoftheseashore。”
　　Shewentintoherbedroom，forshewasstifling。CalystegavehislettertoBeatrixandfollowedCamille。”Calyste，youareloved，Ithink；butyouarehidingsomethingfromme；youhavedonesomefoolishthing。””Loved！”heexclaimed，droppingintoachair。
　　Camillelookedintothenextroom；Beatrixhaddisappeared。Thefactwasodd。Womendonotusuallyleavearoomwhichcontainsthemantheyadmire，unlesstheyhaveeitherthecertaintyofseeinghimagain，orsomethingbetterstill。MademoiselledesTouchessaidtoherself:——”Canhehavegivenheraletter？”
　　ButshethoughttheinnocentBretonincapableofsuchboldness。”Ifyouhavedisobeyedme，allwillbelost，throughyourownfault，”
　　shesaidtohimverygravely。”Go，now，andmakeyourpreparationsforto-morrow。”
　　ShemadeagesturewhichCalystedidnotventuretoresist。
　　AshewalkedtowardCroisic，toengagetheboatmen，fearscameintoCalyste’smind。Camille’sspeechforeshadowedsomethingfatal，andhebelievedinthesecondsightofhermaternalaffection。Whenhereturned，fourhourslater，verytired，andexpectingtodineatLesTouches，hefoundCamille’smaidkeepingwatchoverthedoor，totellhimthatneitherhermistressnorthemarquisecouldreceivehimthatevening。Calyste，muchsurprised，wishedtoquestionher，butshebadehimhastilygood-nightandclosedthedoor。
　　Sixo’clockwasstrikingonthesteepleofGuerandeasCalysteenteredhisownhouse，whereMariottegavehimhisbelateddinner；afterwhich，heplayed/mouche/ingloomymeditation。Thesealternationsofjoyandgloom，happinessandunhappiness，theextinctionofhopessucceedingtheapparentcertaintyofbeingloved，bruisedandwoundedtheyoungsoulwhichhadflownsohighonoutstretchedwingsthatthefallwasdreadful。”Doesanythingtroubleyou，myCalyste？”saidhismother。”Nothing，”hereplied，lookingatherwitheyesfromwhichthelightofthesoulandthefireoflovewerewithdrawn。
　　Itisnothope，butdespair，whichgivesthemeasureofourambitions。
　　Thefinestpoemsofhopearesunginsecret，butgriefappearswithoutaveil。”Calyste，youarenotnice，”saidCharlotte，aftervainlyattemptingonhimthoselittleprovincialwitcherieswhichdegenerateusuallyintoteasing。”Iamtired，”hesaid，rising，andbiddingthecompanygood-night。”Calysteismuchchanged，”remarkedMademoiselledePen-Hoel。”Wehaven’tbeautifuldressestrimmedwithlace；wedon’tshakeoursleeveslikethis，ortwistourbodieslikethat；wedon’tknowhowtogivesidelongglances，andturnoureyes，”saidCharlotte，mimickingtheair，andattitude，andglancesofthemarquise。”/We/haven’tthatheadvoice，northeinterestinglittlecough，/heu！heu！/whichsoundslikethesighofaspook；/we/havethemisfortuneofbeinghealthyandrobust，andoflovingourfriendswithoutcoquetry；andwhenwelookatthem，wedon’tpretendtostickadartintothem，ortowatchthemslyly；/we/can’tbendourheadslikeaweepingwillow，justtolookthemoreinterestingwhenweraisethem——thisway。”
　　MademoiselledePen-Hoelcouldnothelplaughingatherniece’sgesture；butneitherthechevaliernorthebaronpaidanyheedtothistrulyprovincialsatireagainstParis。”ButtheMarquisedeRochefideisaveryhandsomewoman，”saidtheoldmaid。”Mydear，”saidthebaronesstoherhusband，”IhappentoknowthatsheisgoingovertoCroisicto-morrow。Letuswalkonthejetty；I
　　shouldliketoseeher。”
　　WhileCalystewasrackinghisbrainstoimaginewhatcouldhaveclosedthedoorsofLesTouchestohim，ascenewaspassingbetweenCamilleandBeatrixwhichwastohaveitsinfluenceontheeventsofthemorrow。
　　Calyste’slastletterhadstirredinMadamedeRochefide’sheartemotionshithertounknowntoit。Womenarenotoftenthesubjectofalovesoyoung，guileless，sincere，andunconditionalasthatofthisyouth，thischild。Beatrixhadlovedmorethanshehadbeenloved。
　　Afterbeingallherlifeaslave，shesuddenlyfeltaninexplicabledesiretobeatyrant。But，inthemidstofherpleasure，asshereadandre-readtheletter，shewaspiercedthroughandthroughwithacruelidea。
　　WhatwereCalysteandCamilledoingtogethereversinceClaudeVignon’sdeparture？If，asCalystesaid，hedidnotloveCamille，andifCamilleknewit，howdidtheyemploytheirmornings，andwhyweretheyalonetogether？Memorysuddenlyflashedintohermind，inanswertothesequestions，certainspeechesofCamille；agrinningdevilseemedtoshowher，asinamagicmirror，theportraitofthatheroicwoman，withcertaingestures，certainaspects，whichsuddenlyenlightenedher。What！insteadofbeingherequal，wasshecrushedbyFelicite？insteadofover-reachingher，wasshebeingover-reachedherself？wassheonlyatoy，apleasure，whichCamillewasgivingtoherchild，whomshelovedwithanextraordinarypassionthatwasfreefromallvulgarity？
　　ToawomanlikeBeatrixthisthoughtcamelikeathunder-clap。Shewentoverinhermindminutelythehistoryofthepastweek。InamomentthepartwhichCamillewasplaying，andherown，unrolledthemselvestotheirfullestextentbeforehereyes；shefelthorriblybelittled。Inherfuryofjealousanger，shefanciedshecouldseeinCamille’sconductanintentionofvengeanceagainstConti。Wasthehiddenwrathofthepasttwoyearsreallyactinguponthepresentmoment？
　　Onceonthepathofthesedoubtsandsuperstitions，Beatrixdidnotpause。Shewalkedupanddownherroom，driventorapidmotionbytheimpetuousmovementsofhersoul，sittingdownnowandthen，andtryingtodecideuponacourse，butunabletodoso。Andthussheremained，apreytoindecisionuntilthedinnerhour，whensherosehastily，andwentdownstairswithoutdressing。NosoonerdidCamilleseeher，thanshefeltthatacrisishadcome。Beatrix，inhermorninggown，withachillingairandataciturnmanner，indicatedtoanobserveraskeenasMaupinthecominghostilitiesofanembitteredheart。
　　CamilleinstantlylefttheroomandgavetheorderwhichsoastonishedCalyste；shefearedthathemightarriveinthemidstofthequarrel，andshedeterminedtobealone，withoutwitnesses，infightingthisduelofdeceptiononbothsides。Beatrix，withoutanauxiliary，wouldinfalliblysuccumb。Camillewellknewthebarrennessofthatsoul，thepettinessofthatpride，towhichshehadjustlyappliedtheepithetofobstinate。
　　Thedinnerwasgloomy。Camillewasgentleandkind；shefeltherselfthesuperiorbeing。Beatrixwashardandcutting；shefeltshewasbeingmanagedlikeachild。Duringdinnerthebattlebeganwithglances，gestures，half-spokensentences，——notenoughtoenlightentheservants，butenoughtoprepareanobserverforthecomingstorm。Whenthetimetogoupstairscame，CamilleofferedherarmmaliciouslytoBeatrix，whopretendednottoseeit，andsprangupthestairwayalone。WhencoffeehadbeenservedMademoiselledesTouchessaidtothefootman，”Youmaygo，”——abriefsentence，whichservedasasignalforthecombat。”Thenovelsyoumake，mydear，aremoredangerousthanthoseyouwrite，”saidthemarquise。”Theyhaveoneadvantage，however，”repliedCamille，lightingacigarette。”Whatisthat？”askedBeatrix。”Theyareunpublished，myangel。””Istheoneinwhichyouareputtingmetobeturnedintoabook？””I’venofancyfortheroleofOEdipus；Iknowyouhavethewitandbeautyofasphinx，butdon’tpropoundconundrums。Speakout，plainly，mydearBeatrix。””When，inordertomakeamanhappy，amusehim，pleasehim，andsavehimfromennui，weallowthedeviltohelpus——””Thatmanwouldreproachuslaterforoureffortsonhisbehalf，andwouldthinkthempromptedbythegeniusofdepravity，”saidCamille，takingthecigarettefromherlipstointerruptherfriend。”Heforgetsthelovewhichcarriedusaway，andisoursolejustification——butthat’sthewayofmen，theyareallunjustandungrateful，”continuedBeatrix。”Womenamongthemselvesknoweachother；theyknowhowproudandnobletheirownmindsare，and，letusfranklysayso，howvirtuous！But，Camille，Ihavejustrecognizedthetruthofcertaincriticismsuponyournature，ofwhichyouhavesometimescomplained。Mydear，youhavesomethingofthemanaboutyou；youbehavelikeaman；nothingrestrainsyou；ifyouhaven’tallaman’sadvantages，youhaveaman’sspiritinallyourways；andyousharehiscontemptforwomen。Ihavenoreason，mydear，tobesatisfiedwithyou，andIamtoofranktohidemydissatisfaction。Noonehasevergivenoreverwillgive，perhaps，socruelawoundtomyheartasthatfromwhichIamnowsuffering。Ifyouarenotawomaninlove，youareoneinvengeance。Ittakesa/woman/ofgeniustodiscoverthemostsensitivespotofallinanotherwoman’sdelicacy。I
　　amtalkingnowofCalyste，andthetrickery，mydear，——thatistheword，——/trickery/，——youhaveemployedagainstme。Towhatdepthshaveyoudescended，CamilleMaupin！andwhy？””Moreandmoresphinx-like！”saidCamille，smiling。”YouwantmetoflingmyselfatCalyste’shead；butIamstilltooyoungforthatsortofthing。Tome，loveissacred；loveislovewithallitsemotions，jealousies，anddespotisms。Iamnotanauthor；itisimpossibleformetoseeideaswheretheheartfeelssentiments。””Youthinkyourselfcapableoflovingfoolishly！”saidCamille。”Makeyourselfeasyonthatscore；youstillhaveplentyofsense。Mydear，youcalumniateyourself；Iassureyouthatyournatureiscoldenoughtoenableyourheadtojudgeofeveryactionofyourheart。”
　　Themarquisecoloredhigh；shedartedalookofhatred，avenomouslook，atCamille，andfound，withoutsearching，thesharpestarrowsinherquiver。Camillesmokedcomposedlyasshelistenedtoafurioustirade，whichrangwithsuchcuttinginsultsthatwedonotreproduceithere。Beatrix，irritatedbythecalmnessofheradversary，condescendedeventopersonalitiesonCamille’sage。”Isthatall？”saidFelicite，whenBeatrixpaused，lettingacloudofsmokeexhalefromherlips。”DoyouloveCalyste？””No；ofcoursenot。””Somuchthebetter，”repliedCamille。”Idolovehim——fartoomuchformyownpeaceofmind。Hemay，perhaps，havehadapassingfancyforyou；foryouare，youknow，enchantinglyfair，whileIamasblackasacrow；youareslimandwillowy，whileIhaveaportlydignity；inshort，youare/young/！——that’sthefinalword，andyouhavenotsparedittome。Youhaveabusedyouradvantagesasawomanagainstme。Ihavedonemybesttopreventwhathasnowhappened。Howeverlittleofawomanyoumaythinkme，Iamwomanenough，mydear，nottoallowarivaltotriumphovermeunlessIchoosetohelpher。”Thisremark，madeinapparentlythemostinnocentmanner，cutthemarquisetotheheart。”YoutakemeforaverysillypersonifyoubelieveallthatCalystetriestomakeyouthinkofme。Iamneithersogreatnorsosmall；Iamawoman，andverymuchofawoman。Come，putoffyourgrandairs，andgivemeyourhand！”continuedCamille，takingMadamedeRochefide’shand。”YoudonotloveCalyste，yousay；thatistrue，isitnot？Don’tbeangry，therefore；behard，andcold，andsterntohimto-morrow；hewillendbysubmittingtohisfate，especiallyaftercertainlittlereproacheswhichImeantomaketohim。Still，CalysteisaBreton，andverypersistent；ifheshouldcontinuetopaycourttoyou，tellmefrankly，andIwilllendyoumylittlecountryhousenearParis，whereyouwillfindallthecomfortsoflife，andwhereConticancomeoutandseeyou。YousaidjustnowthatCalystecalumniatedme。Goodheavens！whatofthat？Thepurestloveliestwentytimesaday；itsdeceptionsonlyproveitsstrength。”
　　Camille’sfaceworeanairofsuchsuperbdisdainthatthemarquisegrewfearfulandanxious。Sheknewnothowtoanswer。Camilledealtheralastblow。”Iammoreconfidingandlessbitterthanyou，”shesaid。”Idon’tsuspectyouofattemptingtocoverbyaquarrelasecretinjury，whichwouldcompromisemyverylife。Youknowme；IshallneversurvivethelossofCalyste，butImustlosehimsoonerorlater。Still，Calystelovesmenow；ofthatIamsure。””Hereiswhatheansweredtoaletterofmine，urginghimtobetruetoyou，”saidBeatrix，holdingoutCalyste’slastletter。
　　Camilletookitandreadit；butasshereadit，hereyesfilledwithtears；andpresentlysheweptaswomenweepintheirbitterestsorrows。”MyGod！”shesaid，”howhelovesher！Ishalldiewithoutbeingunderstood——orloved，”sheadded。
　　Shesatforafewmomentswithherheadleaningagainsttheshoulderofhercompanion；hergriefwasgenuine；shefelttotheverycoreofherbeingthesameterribleblowwhichtheBaronneduGuenichadreceivedinreadingthatletter。”Doyoulovehim？”shesaid，straighteningherselfup，andlookingfixedlyatBeatrix。”Haveyouthatinfiniteworshipforhimwhichtriumphsoverallpains，survivescontempt，betrayal，thecertaintythathewillneverloveyou？Doyoulovehimforhimself，andfortheveryjoyoflovinghim？””Dearfriend，”saidthemarquise，tenderly，”behappy，beatpeace；I
　　willleavethisplaceto-morrow。””No，donotgo；helovesyou，Iseethat。Well，IlovehimsomuchthatIcouldnotenduretoseehimwretchedandunhappy。Still，Ihadformedplansforhim，projects；butifhelovesyou，allisover。””AndIlovehim，Camille，”saidthemarquise，withasortof/naivete/，andcoloring。”Youlovehim，andyetyoucasthimoff！”criedCamille。”Ah！thatisnotloving；youdonotlovehim。””Idon’tknowwhatfreshvirtuehehasrousedinme，butcertainlyhehasmademeashamedofmyownself，”saidBeatrix。”IwouldIwerevirtuousandfree，thatImightgivehimsomethingbetterthanthedregsofaheartandtheweightofmychains。Idonotwantahampereddestinyeitherforhimorformyself。””Coldbrain！”exclaimedCamille，withasortofhorror。”Toloveandcalculate！””Callitwhatyoulike，”saidBeatrix，”butIwillnotspoilhislife，orhanglikeamillstoneroundhisneck，tobecomeaneternalregrettohim。IfIcannotbehiswife，Ishallnotbehismistress。Hehas——
　　youwilllaughatme？No？Well，then，hehaspurifiedme。”
　　CamillecastonBeatrixthemostsullen，savagelookthatfemalejealousyevercastuponarival。”Onthatground，IbelievedIstoodalone，”shesaid。”Beatrix，thosewordsofyoursmustseparateusforever；wearenolongerfriends。
　　Herebeginsaterribleconflictbetweenus。Itellyounow；youwilleithersuccumborfly。”
　　Sosaying，Camilleboundedintoherroom，aftershowingherface，whichwasthatofamaddenedlioness，totheastonishedBeatrix。Thensheraisedtheportiereandlookedinagain。”DoyouintendtogotoCroisicto-morrow，”sheasked。”Certainly，”repliedthemarquise，proudly。”Ishallnotfly，andI
　　shallnotsuccumb。””Iplayaboveboard，”repliedCamille；”IshallwritetoConti。”
　　Beatrixbecameaswhiteasthegauzeofherscarf。”Wearestakingourlivesonthisgame，”shereplied，notknowingwhattosayordo。
　　Theviolentpassionsrousedbythisscenebetweenthetwowomencalmeddownduringthenight。Botharguedwiththeirownmindsandreturnedtothosetreacherouslytemporizingcourseswhicharesoattractivetothemajorityofwomen，——anexcellentsystembetweenmenandwomen，butfatallyunsafeamongwomenalone。InthemidstofthistumultoftheirsoulsMademoiselledesToucheshadlistenedtothatgreatVoicewhosecounselssubduethestrongestwill；Beatrixheardonlythepromptingsofworldlywisdom；shefearedthecontemptofsociety。
　　ThusFelicite’slastdeceptionsucceeded；Calyste’sblunderwasrepaired，butafreshindiscretionmightbefataltohim。
　　XIV
　　ANEXCURSIONTOCROISIC
　　ItwasnowtheendofAugust，andtheskywasmagnificentlyclear。
　　Nearthehorizontheseahadtaken，asitiswonttodoinsouthernclimes，atintofmoltensilver；ontheshoreitrippledintinywaves。Asortofglowingvapor，aneffectoftheraysofthesunfallingplumbuponthesands，producedanatmospherelikethatofthetropics。Thesaltshoneuplikebunchesofwhitevioletsonthesurfaceofthemarsh。Thepatient/paludiers/，dressedinwhitetoresisttheactionofthesun，hadbeenfromearlymorningattheirposts，armedwithlongrakes。Somewereleaningonthelowmud-wallsthatdividedthedifferentholdings，whencetheywatchedtheprocessofthisnaturalchemistry，knowntothemfromchildhood。Otherswereplayingwiththeirwivesandchildren。Thosegreendragons，otherwisecalledcustom-houseofficers，weretranquillysmokingtheirpipes。
　　Therewassomethingforeign，perhapsoriental，aboutthescene；atanyrateaParisiansuddenlytransportedthitherwouldneverhavesupposedhimselfinFrance。Thebaronandbaroness，whohadmadeapretextofcomingtoseehowthesaltharvestthrove，wereonthejetty，admiringthesilentlandscape，wheretheseaalonesoundedthemoanofherwavesatregularintervals，whereboatsandvesselstrackedavastexpanse，andthegirdleofgreenearthrichlycultivated，producedaneffectthatwasallthemorecharmingbecausesorareonthedesolateshoresofocean。”Well，myfriends，IwantedtoseethemarshesofGuerandeoncemorebeforeIdie，”saidthebarontothe/paludiers/，whohadgatheredabouttheentranceofthemarshestosalutehim。”CanaGuenicdie？”saidoneofthem。
　　JustthenthepartyfromLesTouchesarrivedthroughthenarrowpathway。Themarquisewalkedfirstalone；CalysteandCamillefollowedarm-in-arm。Gasselinbroughtuptherear。”Therearemyfatherandmother，”saidtheyoungmantoCamille。
　　Themarquisestoppedshort。MadameduGuenicfeltthemostviolentrepulsionattheappearanceofBeatrix，althoughthelatterwasdressedtomuchadvantage。ALeghornhatwithwidebrimsandawreathofblue-bells，hercrimpedhairfluffybeneathit，agownofsomegraywoollenstuff，andabluesashwithfloatingendsgavehertheairofaprincessdisguisedasamilkmaid。”Shehasnoheart，”thoughtthebaroness。”Mademoiselle，”saidCalystetoCamille，”thisisMadameduGuenic，andthisismyfather。”Thenhesaidturningtothebaronandbaroness，”MademoiselledesTouches，andMadamelaMarquisedeRochefide，/nee/deCasteran，father。”
　　ThebaronbowedtoMademoiselledesTouches，whomadearespectfulbow，fullofgratitude，tothebaroness。”Thatone，”thoughtFanny，”reallylovesmyboy；sheseemstothankmeforbringinghimintotheworld。””Isupposeyouhavecometosee，asIhave，whethertheharvestisagoodone。ButIbelieveyouhavebetterreasonsfordoingsothanI，”
　　saidthebarontoCamille。”Youhavepropertyhere，Ithink，mademoiselle。””Mademoiselleisthelargestofalltheowners，”saidoneofthe/paludiers/whoweregroupedaboutthem，”andmayGodpreservehertous，forshe’sa/good/lady。”
　　Thetwopartiesbowedandseparated。”NoonewouldsupposeMademoiselledesTouchestobemorethanthirty，”saidthebarontohiswife。”Sheisveryhandsome。AndCalysteprefersthathaggardParisianmarquisetoasoundBretongirl！””Ifearhedoes，”repliedthebaroness。
　　Aboatwaswaitingatthestepsofthejetty，wherethepartyembarkedwithoutasmile。Themarquisewascoldanddignified。CamillehadlecturedCalysteonhisdisobedience，explainingtohimclearlyhowmattersstood。Calyste，apreytoblackdespair，wascastingglancesatBeatrixinwhichangerandlovestruggledforthemastery。NotawordwassaidbyanyofthemduringtheshortpassagefromthejettyofGuerandetotheextremeendoftheportofCroisic，thepointwheretheboatsdischargethesalt，whichthepeasant-womenthenbearawayontheirheadsinhugeearthenjarsafterthefashionofcaryatides。
　　Thesewomengobarefootedwithveryshortpetticoats。Manyofthemletthekerchiefswhichcovertheirbosomsflycarelesslyopen。Somewearonlyshifts，andarethemoredignified；forthelessclothingawomanwears，themorenoblymodestisherbearing。
　　ThelittleDanishvesselhadjustfinishedlading，thereforethelandingofthetwohandsomeladiesexcitedmuchcuriosityamongthefemalesalt-carriers；andasmuchtoavoidtheirremarksastoserveCalyste，Camillesprangforwardtowardtherocks，leavinghimtofollowwithBeatrix，whileGasselinputadistanceofsometwohundredstepsbetweenhimselfandhismaster。
　　ThepeninsulaofCroisicisflankedontheseasidebygraniterockstheshapesofwhicharesostrangelyfantasticthattheycanonlybeappreciatedbytravellerswhoareinapositiontocomparethemwithothergreatspectaclesofprimevalNature。PerhapstherocksofCroisichavethesameadvantageoversightsofthatkindasthataccordedtotheroadtotheGrandeChartreuseoverallothernarrowvalleys。NeitherthecoastsofCroisic，wherethegranitebulwarkissplitintostrangereefs，northoseofSardinia，whereNatureisdedicatedtograndioseandterribleeffects，noreventhebasalticrocksofthenorthernseascanshowacharactersouniqueandsocomplete。Fancyhashereamuseditselfbycomposinginterminablearabesqueswherethemostfantasticfigureswindandtwine。Allformsarehere。Theimaginationisatlastfatiguedbythisvastgalleryofabnormalshapes，whereinstormyweathertheseamakesroughassaultswhichhaveendedinpolishingallruggedness。
　　Youwillfindunderanaturallyvaultedroof，ofaboldnessimitatedfromafarbyBrunelleschiforthegreatesteffortsofartarealwaysthetimidcopyingofeffectsofnature，arockyhollowpolishedlikeamarblebath-tubandflooredwithfinewhitesand，inwhichisfourfeetoftepidwaterwhereyoucanbathewithoutdanger。Youwalkon，admiringthecoollittlecoversshelteredbygreatportals；roughlycarved，itistrue，butmajestic，likethePittipalace，thatotherimitationofthewhimsofNature。Curiousfeaturesareinnumerable；
　　nothingislackingthatthewildestimaginationcouldinventordesire。
　　Thereevenexistsathingsorareontherockyshoresofoceanthatthismaybethesolitaryinstanceofit，——alargebushofbox。Thisbush，thegreatestcuriosityofCroisic，wheretreeshavenevergrown，isthreemilesdistantfromtheharbor，onthepointofrocksthatrunsfarthestintothesea。Onthisgranitepromontory，whichrisestoaheightthatneitherthewavesnorthespraycantouch，eveninthewildestweather，andfacessoutherly，diluviancapricehasconstructedahollowbasin，whichprojectsaboutfourfeet。Intothisbasin，orcleft，chance，possiblyman，hasconveyedenoughvegetableearthforthegrowthofabox-plant，compact，well-nourished，andsown，nodoubt，bybirds。Theshapeoftherootswouldindicatetoabotanistanexistenceofatleastthreehundredyears。Aboveittherockhasbeenbrokenoffabruptly。Thenaturalconvulsionwhichdidthis，thetracesofwhichareineffaceablywrittenhere，musthavecarriedawaythebrokenfragmentsofthegraniteIknownotwhere。
　　Thesearushesin，meetingnoreefs，tothefootofthiscliff，whichrisestoaheightofsomefourorfivehundredfeet；atitsbaselieseveralscatteredrocks，justreachingthesurfaceathighwater，anddescribingasemi-circle。ItrequiressomenerveandresolutiontoclimbtothesummitofthislittleGibraltar，theshapeofwhichisnearlyround，andfromwhichasuddengustofwindmightprecipitatetherashgazerintothesea，or，stillmoretobefeared，upontherocks。
　　Thisgiganticsentinelresemblesthelook-outtowersofoldcastles，fromwhichtheinhabitantscouldlookthecountryoverandforeseeattacks。ThenceweseetheclocktowersandthearidfieldsofCroisic，withthesandydunes，whichinjurecultivation，andstretchasfarasBatz。Afewoldmendeclarethatindayslongpastafortressoccupiedthespot。Thesardine-fishershavegiventherock，whichcanbeseenfaroutatsea，aname；butitisuselesstowriteithere，itsBretonconsonantsbeingasdifficulttopronounceastoremember。
　　CalysteledBeatrixtothispoint，whencetheviewismagnificent，andwherethenaturalsculptureofthegraniteisevenmoreimposingtothespectatorthanthemassofthehugebreastworkwhenseenfromthesandyroadwhichskirtstheshore。
　　IsitnecessarytoexplainwhyCamillehadrushedawayalone？Likesomewoundedwildanimal，shelongedforsolitude，andwentonandon，threadingherwayamongthefissuresandcavesandlittlepeaksofnature’sfortress。Nottobehamperedinclimbingbywomen’sclothing，sheworetrouserswithfrillededges，ashortblouse，apeakedcap，and，bywayofstaff，shecarriedariding-whip，forCamillehasalwayshadacertainvanityinherstrengthandheragility。Thusarrayed，shelookedfarhandsomerthanBeatrix。SheworealsoalittleshawlofcrimsonChinacrape，crossedonherbosomandtiedbehind，astheydressachild。ForsometimeBeatrixandCalystesawherflittingbeforethemoverthepeaksandchasmslikeaghostorvision；shewastryingtostillherinwardsufferingsbyconfrontingsomeimaginaryperil。
　　Shewasthefirsttoreachtherockinwhichthebox-bushgrew。Thereshesatdownintheshadeofagraniteprojection，andwaslostinthought。Whatcouldawomanlikeherselfdowitholdage，havingalreadydrunkthecupoffamewhichallgreattalents，tooeagertosipslowlythestupidpleasuresofvanity，quaffatasingledraught？
　　Shehassinceadmittedthatitwashere——atthismoment，andonthisspot——thatoneofthosesingularreflectionssuggestedbyamerenothing，byoneofthosechanceaccidentsthatseemnonsensetocommonminds，butwhich，tonoblesouls，dosometimesopenvastdepthsofthought，decidedhertotaketheextraordinarystepbywhichshewastopartforeverfromsociallife。
　　Shedrewfromherpocketalittlebox，inwhichshehadput，incaseofthirst，somestrawberrylozenges；shenowateseveral；andasshedidso，thethoughtcrossedhermindthatthestrawberries，whichexistednolonger，livedneverthelessintheirqualities。Wasitnotsowithourselves？Theoceanbeforeherwasanimageoftheinfinite。
　　Nogreatspiritcanfacetheinfinite，admittingtheimmortalityofthesoul，withouttheconvictionofafutureofholiness。Thethoughtfilledhermind。Howpettythenseemedthepartthatshewasplaying！
　　therewasnorealgreatnessingivingBeatrixtoCalyste！Sothinking，shefelttheearthlywomandiewithinher，andthetruewoman，thenobleandangelicbeing，veileduntilnowbyflesh，aroseinherplace。Hergreatmind，herknowledge，herattainments，herfalseloveshadbroughtherfacetofacewithwhat？Ah！whowouldhavethoughtit？——
　　withthebounteousmother，thecomforteroftroubledspirits，withtheRomanChurch，everkindtorepentance，poetictopoets，childlikewithchildren，andyetsoprofound，sofullofmysterytoanxious，restlessmindsthattheycanburrowthereandsatisfyalllongings，allquestionings，allhopes。Shecasthereyes，asitwere，uponthestrangelydeviousway——likethetortuousrockypathbeforeher——overwhichherloveforCalystehadledher。Ah！Calystewasindeedamessengerfromheaven，herdivineconductor！Shehadstifledearthlylove，andadivinelovehadcomefromit。
　　Afterwalkingforsomedistanceinsilence，Calystecouldnotrefrain，onaremarkofBeatrixaboutthegrandeuroftheocean，sounlikethesmilingbeautyoftheMediterranean，fromcomparingindepth，purity，extent，unchangingandeternalduration，thatoceanwithhislove。”Itismetbyarock！”saidBeatrix，laughing。”Whenyouspeakthus，”heanswered，withasublimelook，”Ihearyou，Iseeyou，andIcansummontomyaidthepatienceoftheangels；butwhenIamalone，youwouldpitymeifyoucouldseemethen。Mymotherweepsformysuffering。””Listentome，Calyste；wemustputanendtoallthis，”saidthemarquise，gazingdownuponthesandyroad。”Perhapswehavenowreachedtheonlypropitiousplacetosaythesethings，forneverinmylifedidIseenaturemoreinkeepingwithmythoughts。IhaveseenItaly，whereallthingstelloflove；IhaveseenSwitzerland，wherealliscoolandfresh，andtellsofhappiness，——thehappinessoflabor；wheretheverdure，thetranquilwaters，thesmilingslopes，areoppressedbythesnow-toppedAlps；butIhaveneverseenanythingthatsodepictstheburningbarrennessofmylifeasthatlittlearidplaindownthere，driedbythesaltseawinds，corrodedbythespray，whereafruitlessagriculturetriestostruggleagainstthewillofthatgreatocean。There，Calyste，youhaveanimageofthisBeatrix。Don’tclingtoit。Iloveyou，butIwillneverbeyoursinanywaywhatever，forIhavethesenseofmyinwarddesolation。Ah！youdonotknowhowcruelIamtomyselfinspeakingthustoyou。No，youshallneverseeyouridoldiminished；sheshallneverfallfromtheheightatwhichyouhaveplacedher。Inowhaveahorrorofanylovewhichdisregardstheworldandreligion。Ishallremaininmypresentbonds；
　　Ishallbethatsandyplainweseebeforeus，withoutfruitorflowersorverdure。””Butifyouareabandoned？”saidCalyste。”ThenIshouldbegmypardonofthemanIhaveoffended。IwillneverruntheriskoftakingahappinessIknowwouldquicklyend。””End！”criedCalyste。
　　Themarquisestoppedthepassionatespeechintowhichherloverwasabouttolaunch，byrepeatingtheword”End！”inatonethatsilencedhim。
　　Thisoppositionrousedintheyoungmanoneofthosemuteinwardfuriesknownonlytothosewholovewithouthope。Theywalkedonseveralhundredstepsintotalsilence，lookingneitheratthesea，northerocks，northeplainofCroisic。”Iwouldmakeyouhappy，”saidCalyste。”Allmenbeginbypromisingthat，”sheanswered，”andtheyendbyabandonmentanddisgust。IhavenoreproachtocastonhimtowhomI
　　shallbefaithful。Hemademenopromises；Iwenttohim；butmyonlymeansoflesseningmyfaultistomakeiteternal。””Sayrather，madame，thatyoufeelnoloveforme。I，wholoveyou，I
　　knowthatlovecannotargue；itisitself；itseesnothingelse。ThereisnosacrificeIwillnotmaketoyou；commandit，andIwilldotheimpossible。Hewhodespisedhismistressforflinginghergloveamongthelions，andorderinghimtobringitbacktoher，didnot/love！/
　　Hedeniedyourrighttotestourhearts，andtoyieldyourselvesonlytoourutmostdevotion。Iwillsacrificetoyoumyfamily，myname，myfuture。””Butwhataninsultinthatword’sacrifice’！”shesaid，inreproachfultones，whichmadepoorCalystefeelthefollyofhisspeech。
　　Nonebutwomenwhotrulylove，orinborncoquettes，knowhowtouseawordasapointfromwhichtomakeaspring。”Youareright，”saidCalyste，lettingfallatear；”thatwordcanonlybesaidofthecruelstruggleswhichyouaskofme。””Hush！”saidBeatrix，struckbyananswerinwhich，forthefirsttime，Calystehadreallymadeherfeelhislove。”Ihavedonewrongenough；temptmenomore。”
　　Atthismomenttheyhadreachedthebaseoftherockonwhichgrewtheplantofbox。Calystefeltathrillofdelightashehelpedthemarquisetoclimbthesteepascenttothesummit，whichshewishedtoreach。Tothepoorladitwasapreciousprivilegetoholdherup，tomakeherleanuponhim，tofeelhertremble；shehadneedofhim。Thisunlooked-forpleasureturnedhishead；hesawnoughtelsebutBeatrix，andheclaspedherroundthewaist。”What！”shesaid，withanimposingair。”Willyouneverbemine？”hedemanded，inavoicethatwaschokedbythetumultofhisblood。”Never，myfriend，”shereplied。”IcanonlybetoyouaBeatrix，——adream。Butisnotthatasweetandtenderthing？Weshallhavenobitterness，nogrief，norepentance。””WillyoureturntoConti？””Imust。””Youshallneverbelongtoanyman！”criedCalyste，pushingherfromhimwithfrenziedviolence。
　　Helistenedforherfall，intendingtospringafterher，butheheardonlyamuffledsound，thetearingofsomestuff，andthenthethudofabodyfallingontheground。Insteadofbeingflungheadforemostdowntheprecipice，Beatrixhadonlyslippedsomeeightortenfeetintothecavitywherethebox-bushgrew；butshemightfromtherehaverolleddownintotheseaifhergownhadnotcaughtuponapointofrock，andbytearingslowlyloweredtheweightofherbodyuponthebush。
　　MademoiselledesTouches，whosawthescene，wasunableinherhorrortocryout，butshesignedtoGasselintocome。Calystewasleaningforwardwithanexpressionofsavagecuriosity；hesawthepositioninwhichBeatrixlay，andheshuddered。Herlipsmoved，——sheseemedtobepraying；infact，shethoughtshewasabouttodie，forshefeltthebushbeginningtogiveway。Withtheagilitywhichdangergivestoyouth，Calystesliddowntotheledgebelowthebush，wherehewasabletograspthemarquiseandholdher，althoughattheriskoftheirbothslidingdownintothesea。Asheheldher，hesawthatshehadfainted；butinthataerialspothecouldfancyherallhis，andhisfirstemotionwasthatofpleasure。”Openyoureyes，”hesaid，”andforgiveme；wewilldietogether。””Die？”shesaid，openinghereyesandunclosingherpallidlips。
　　Calystewelcomedthatwordwithakiss，andfeltthemarquisetrembleunderitconvulsively，withpassionatejoy。AtthatinstantGasselin’shob-nailedshoessoundedontherockabovethem。TheoldBretonwasfollowedbyCamille，andtogethertheysoughtforsomemeansofsavingthelovers。”There’sbutoneway，mademoiselle，”saidGasselin。”Imustslidedownthere，andtheycanclimbonmyshoulders，andyoumustpullthemup。””Andyou？”saidCamille。
　　Themanseemedsurprisedthatheshouldbeconsideredinpresenceofthedangertohisyoungmaster。”YoumustgotoCroisicandfetchaladder，”saidCamille。
　　Beatrixaskedinafeeblevoicetobelaiddown，andCalysteplacedheronthenarrowspacebetweenthebushanditsbackgroundofrock。”Isawyou，Calyste，”saidCamillefromabove。”WhetherBeatrixlivesordies，rememberthatthismustbeanaccident。””Shewillhateme，”hesaid，withmoistenedeyes。”Shewilladoreyou，”repliedCamille。”Butthisputsanendtoourexcursion。WemustgetherbacktoLesTouches。Hadshebeenkilled，Calyste，whatwouldhavebecomeofyou？””Ishouldhavefollowedher。””Andyourmother？”Then，afterapause，sheadded，feebly，”andme？”
　　Calystewasdeadlypale；hestoodwithhisbackagainstthegranitemotionlessandsilent。Gasselinsoonreturnedfromoneofthelittlefarmsscatteredthroughtheneighborhood，bearingaladderwhichhehadborrowed。BythistimeBeatrixhadrecoveredalittlestrength。
　　Theladderbeingplaced，shewasable，bythehelpofGasselin，wholoweredCamille’sredshawltillhecouldgraspit，toreachtheroundtopoftherock，wheretheBretontookherinhisarmsandcarriedhertotheshoreasthoughshewereaninfant。”Ishouldnothavesaidnotodeath——butsuffering！”shemurmuredtoFelicite，inafeeblevoice。
　　Theweakness，infactthecompleteprostration，ofthemarquiseobligedCamilletohavehertakentothefarmhousefromwhichtheladderhadbeenborrowed。Calyste，Gasselin，andCamilletookoffwhatclothestheycouldspareandlaidthemontheladder，makingasortoflitteronwhichtheycarriedBeatrix。Thefarmersgaveherabed。
　　Gasselinthenwenttotheplacewherethecarriagewasawaitingthem，and，takingoneofthehorses，rodetoCroisictoobtainadoctor，tellingtheboatmantorowtothelanding-placethatwasnearesttothefarmhouse。
　　Calyste，sittingonastool，answeredonlybymotionsofthehead，andraremonosyllableswhenspokento；Camille’suneasiness，rousedforBeatrix，wasstillfurtherexcitedbyCalyste’sunnaturalcondition。
　　Whenthephysicianarrived，andBeatrixwasbled，shefeltbetter，begantotalk，andconsentedtoembark；sothatbyfiveo’clocktheyreachedthejettyatGuerande，whenceshewascarriedtoLesTouches。
　　Thenewsoftheaccidenthadalreadyspreadthroughthatlonelyandalmostuninhabitedregionwithincrediblerapidity。
　　CalystepassedthenightatLesTouches，sittingatthefootofBeatrix’sbed，incompanywithCamille。ThedoctorfromGuerandehadassuredthemthatonthefollowingdayalittlestiffnesswouldbeallthatremainedoftheaccident。AcrossthedespairofCalyste’shearttherecameagleamofjoy。Hewasthere，atherfeet；hecouldwatchhersleepingorwaking；hemightstudyherpallidfaceandallitsexpressions。CamillesmiledbitterlyasherkeenmindrecognizedinCalystethesymptomsofapassionsuchasmancanfeelbutonce，——apassionwhichdyeshissoulandhisfacultiesbyminglingwiththefountainofhislifeataperiodwhenneitherthoughtsnorcaresdistractoropposetheinwardworkingofthisemotion。ShesawthatCalystewouldnever，couldneverseetherealwomanthatwasinBeatrix。
　　AndwithwhatguilelessinnocencetheyoungBretonallowedhisthoughtstoberead！Whenhesawthebeautifulgreeneyesofthesickwomanturnedtohim，expressingamixtureoflove，confusion，andevenmischief，hecolored，andturnedawayhishead。”DidInotsaytruly，Calyste，thatyoumenpromisedhappiness，andendedbyflingingusdownaprecipice？”
　　Whenheheardthislittlejest，saidinsweet，caressingtoneswhichbetrayedachangeofheartinBeatrix，Calystekneltdown，tookhermoisthandwhichsheyieldedtohim，andkissedithumbly。”Youhavetherighttorejectmyloveforever，”hesaid，”andI，I
　　havenorighttosayonewordtoyou。””Ah！”criedCamille，seeingtheexpressiononBeatrix’sfaceandcomparingitwiththatobtainedbyherdiplomacy，”lovehasawitofitsown，wiserthanthatofalltheworld！Takeyourcomposing-
　　draught，mydearfriend，andgotosleep。”
　　Thatnight，spentbyCalystebesideMademoiselledesTouches，whoreadabookoftheologicalmysticismwhileCalysteread”Indiana，”——thefirstworkofCamille’scelebratedrival，inwhichisthecaptivatingimageofayoungmanlovingwithidolatryanddevotion，withmysterioustranquillityandforallhislife，awomanplacedinthesamefalsepositionasBeatrixabookwhichhadafatalinfluenceuponhim，——thatnightleftineffaceablemarksupontheheartofthepooryoungfellow，whomFelicitesoothedwiththeassurancethatunlessawomanwereamonstershemustbeflatteredinallhervanitiesbybeingtheobjectofsuchacrime。”Youwouldneverhaveflung/me/intothewater，”saidCamille，brushingawayatear。
　　Towardmorning，Calyste，worn-outwithemotion，fellasleepinhisarm-chair；andthemarquiseinherturn，watchedhischarmingface，paledbyhisfeelingsandhisvigiloflove。Sheheardhimmurmurhernameasheslept。”Heloveswhilesleeping，”shesaidtoCamille。”Wemustsendhimhome，”saidFelicite，wakinghim。
　　NoonewasanxiousatthehotelduGuenic，forMademoiselledesToucheshadwrittenalinetothebaronesstellingheroftheaccident。
　　CalystereturnedtodinneratLesTouchesandfoundBeatrixupanddressed，butpale，feeble，andlanguid。Nolongerwasthereanyharshnessinherwordsoranycoldnessinherlooks。Afterthisevening，filledwithmusicbyCamille，whowenttoherpianotoleaveCalystefreetotakeandpressthehandsofBeatrixthoughbothwereunabletospeak，nostormsoccurredatLesTouches。Felicitecompletelyeffacedherself。
　　Cold，fragile，thin，hardwomenlikeMadamedeRochefide，womenwhosenecksturninamannertogivethemavagueresemblancetothefelinerace，havesoulsofthesamepaletintastheirlighteyes，greenorgray；andtomeltthem，tofusethoseblocksofstoneitneedsathunderbolt。ToBeatrix，Calyste’sfuryofloveandhismadactioncameasthethunderboltthatnoughtresists，whichchangesallnatures，eventhemoststubborn。Shefeltherselfinwardlyhumbled；atrue，purelovebathedherheartwithitssoftandlimpidwarmth。Shebreathedasweetandgenialatmosphereoffeelingshithertounknowntoher，bywhichshefeltherselfmagnified，elevated；infact，sheroseintothatheavenwhereBretonsthroughoutalltimehaveplacedtheWoman。Sherelishedwithdelighttherespectfuladorationoftheyouth，whosehappinesscostherlittle，foragesture，alook，awordwasenoughtosatisfyhim。ThevaluewhichCalyste’sheartgavetothesetriflestouchedherexceedingly；toholdherglovedhandwasmoretothatyoungangelthanthepossessionofherwholepersontothemanwhooughttohavebeenfaithfultoher。Whatacontrastbetweenthem！
　　Fewwomencouldresistsuchconstantdeification。Beatrixfeltherselfsureofbeingobeyedandunderstood。ShemighthaveaskedCalystetoriskhislifefortheslightestofhercaprices，andhewouldneverhavereflectedforamoment。Thisconsciousnessgaveheracertainnobleandimposingair。Shesawloveonthesideofitsgrandeur；andherheartsoughtforsomefootholdonwhichshemightremainforevertheloftiestofwomenintheeyesofheryounglover，overwhomshenowwishedherpowertobeeternal。
　　Hercoquetriesbecamethemorepersistentbecauseshefeltwithinherselfacertainweakness。Sheplayedtheinvalidforawholeweekwithcharminghypocrisy。AgainandagainshewalkedaboutthevelvetturfwhichlaybetweenthehouseandgardenleaningonCalyste’sarminlanguiddependence。”Ah！mydear，youaretakinghimalongjourneyinasmallspace，”
　　saidMademoiselledesTouchesoneday。
　　BeforetheexcursiontoCroisic，thetwowomenwerediscoursingoneeveningaboutlove，andlaughingatthedifferentwaysthatmenadoptedtodeclareit；admittingtothemselvesthatthecleverestmen，andnaturallytheleastloving，didnotliketowanderinthelabyrinthsofsentimentalityandwentstraighttothepoint，——inwhichperhapstheywereright；fortheresultwasthatthosewholovedmostdeeplyandreservedlywere，foratimeatleast，ill-treated。”TheygotoworklikeLaFontaine，whenhewantedtoentertheAcademy，”saidCamille。
　　MadamedeRochefidehadunboundedpowertorestrainCalystewithinthelimitswhereshemeanttokeephim；itsufficedhertoremindhimbyalookorgestureofhishorribleviolenceontherocks。Theeyesofherpoorvictimwouldfillwithtears，hewassilent，swallowingdownhisprayers，hisarguments，hissufferingswithaheroismthatwouldcertainlyhavetouchedanyotherwoman。ShefinallybroughthimbyherinfernalcoquetrytosuchapassthathewentonedaytoCamilleimploringheradvice。
　　Beatrix，armedwithCalyste’sownletter，quotedthepassageinwhichhesaidthattolovewasthefirsthappiness，thatofbeinglovedcamelater；andsheusedthataxiomtorestrainhispassiontothelimitsofrespectfulidolatry，whichpleasedherwell。Shelikedtofeelhersoulcaressedbythosesweethymnsofpraiseandadorationwhichnaturesuggeststoyouth；inthemissomuchartlessart；suchinnocentseductionisintheircries，theirprayers，theirexclamations，theirpledgesofthemselvesinthepromissorynoteswhichtheyofferonthefuture；toallofwhichBeatrixwasverycarefultogivenodefiniteanswer。Yes，sheheardhim；butshedoubted！Lovewasnotyetthequestion；whatheaskedofherwaspermissiontolove。Infact，thatwasallthepoorladreallyaskedfor；hismindstillclungtothestrongestsideoflove，thespiritualside。Butthewomanwhoisfirmestinwordsisoftenthefeeblestinaction。ItisstrangethatCalyste，havingseentheprogresshissuithadmadebypushingBeatrixintothesea，didnotcontinuetourgeitviolently。Butloveinyoungmenissoecstaticandreligiousthattheirinmostdesireistowinitsfruitionthroughmoralconviction。
　　Inthatisthesublimityoftheirlove。
　　NeverthelessthedaycamewhentheBreton，driventodesperation，complainedtoCamilleofBeatrix’sconduct。”Imeanttocureyoubymakingyouquicklyunderstandher，”repliedMademoiselledesTouches；”butyouhavespoiledall。Tendaysagoyouwerehermaster；to-day，mypoorboy，youareherslave。YouwillneverhavethestrengthnowtodoasIadvise。””WhatoughtItodo？””Quarrelwithheronthegroundofherhardness。Awomanisalwaysover-excitedwhenshediscusses；letherbeangryandill-treatyou，andthenstayaway；donotreturntoLesTouchestillsheherselfrecallsyou。”
　　Inallextremeillnessthereisamomentwhenthepatientiswillingtoacceptthecruellestremedyandsubmitstothemosthorribleoperation。Calystehadreachedthatpoint。HelistenedtoCamille’sadviceandstayedathometwowholedays；butonthethirdhewasscratchingatBeatrix’sdoortoletherknowthatheandCamillewerewaitingbreakfastforher。”Anotherchancelost！”Camillesaidtohimwhenshesawhimre-appearsoweakly。
　　Duringhistwodays’absence，BeatrixhadfrequentlylookedthroughthewindowwhichopensontheroadtoGuerande。WhenCamillefoundherdoingso，shetalkedoftheeffectproducedbythegorsealongtheroadway，thegoldenbloomsofwhichweredazzlingintheSeptembersunshine。
　　ThemarquisekeptCamilleandCalystewaitinglongforbreakfast；andthedelaywouldhavebeensignificanttoanyeyesbutthoseofCalyste，forwhenshedidappear，herdressshowedanevidentintentiontofascinatehimandpreventanotherabsence。Afterbreakfastshewenttowalkwithhiminthegardenandfilledhissimpleheartwithjoybyexpressingawishtogoagaintothatrockwhereshehadsonearlyperished。”Willyougowithmealone？”askedCalyste，inatroubledvoice。”IfIrefusedtodoso，”shereplied，”IshouldgiveyoureasontosupposeIthoughtyoudangerous。Alas！asIhavetoldyouagainandagainIbelongtoanother，andImustbehisonly；Ichosehimknowingnothingoflove。Thefaultwasgreat，andbitterismypunishment。”
　　Whenshetalkedthus，hereyesmoistwiththescantytearsshedbythatclassofwoman，Calystewasfilledwithacompassionthatreducedhisfieryardor；headoredherthenashedidaMadonna。Wehavenomorerighttorequiredifferentcharacterstobealikeintheexpressionoffeelingsthanwehavetoexpectthesamefruitsfromdifferenttrees。Beatrixwasatthismomentundergoinganinwardstruggle；shehesitatedbetweenherselfandCalyste，——betweentheworldshestillhopedtore-enter，andtheyounghappinessofferedtoher；betweenasecondandanunpardonablelove，andsocialrehabilitation。Shebegan，therefore，tolisten，withoutevenacteddispleasure，tothetalkoftheyouth’sblindpassion；sheallowedhissoftpitytosootheher。SeveraltimesshehadbeenmovedtotearsasshelistenedtoCalyste’spromises；andshesufferedhimtocommiserateherforbeingboundtoanevilgenius，amanasfalseasConti。MorethanoncesherelatedtohimthemiseryandanguishshehadgonethroughinItaly，whenshefirstbecameawarethatshewasnotaloneinConti’sheart。OnthissubjectCamillehadfullyinformedCalysteandgivenhimseverallecturesonit，bywhichheprofited。”I，”hesaid，”willloveyouonly，youabsolutely。Ihavenotriumphsofart，noapplauseofcrowdsstirredbymygeniustoofferyou；myonlytalentistoloveyou；myhonor，myprideareinyourperfections。Nootherwomancanhavemeritinmyeyes；youhavenoodiousrivalrytofear。Youaremisconceivedandwronged，butIknowyou，andforeverymisconception，foreverywrong，Iwillmakeyoufeelmycomprehensiondaybyday。”
　　Shelistenedtosuchspeecheswithbowedhead，allowinghimtokissherhands，andadmittingsilentlybutgracefullythatshewasindeedanangelmisunderstood。”Iamtoohumiliated，”shewouldsay；”mypasthasrobbedthefutureofallsecurity。”
　　ItwasagloriousdayforCalystewhen，arrivingatLesTouchesatseveninthemorning，hesawfromafarBeatrixatawindowwatchingforhim，andwearingthesamestrawhatshehadwornonthememorabledayoftheirfirstexcursion。Foramomenthewasdazzledandgiddy。
　　Theselittlethingsofpassionmagnifytheworlditself。ItmaybethatonlyFrenchwomenpossesstheartofsuchsceniceffects；theyoweittothegraceoftheirminds；theyknowhowtoputintosentimentasmuchofthepicturesqueastheparticularsentimentcanbearwithoutalossofvigororofforce。
　　Ah！howlightlysherestedonCalyste’sarm！TogethertheyleftLesTouchesbythegarden-gatewhichopensonthedunes。Beatrixthoughtthesandsdelightful；shespiedthehardylittleplantswithrose-
　　coloredflowersthatgrewthere，andshegatheredaquantitytomixwiththeChartreuxpansieswhichalsogrowinthatariddesert，dividingthemsignificantlywithCalyste，towhomthoseflowersandtheirfoliageweretobehenceforthaneternalanddreadfulrelic。”We’lladdabitofbox，”shesaidsmiling。
　　Theysatsometimetogetheronthejetty，andCalyste，whilewaitingfortheboattocomeover，toldherofhisjuvenileactonthedayofherarrival。”Iknewofyourlittleescapade，”shesaid，”anditwasthecauseofmysternnesstoyouthatfirstnight。”
　　DuringtheirwalkMadamedeRochefidehadthelightlyjestingtoneofawomanwholoves，togetherwithacertaintendernessandabandonmentofmanner。Calystehadreasontothinkhimselfbeloved。Butwhen，wanderingalongtheshorebeneaththerocks，theycameupononeofthosecharmingcreekswherethewavesdepositthemostextraordinarymosaicofbrilliantpebbles，andtheyplayedtherelikechildrengatheringtheprettiest，whenCalysteatthesummitofhappinessaskedherplainlytoflywithhimtoIreland，sheresumedherdignifiedanddistantair，askedforhisarm，andcontinuedtheirwalkinsilencetowhatshecalledherTarpeianrock。”Myfriend，”shesaid，mountingwithslowstepsthemagnificentblockofgraniteofwhichshewasmakingforherselfapedestal，”Ihavenotthecouragetoconcealwhatyouaretome。FortenyearsIhavehadnohappinesscomparabletothatwhichwehavejustenjoyedtogether，searchingforshellsamongthoserocks，exchangingpebblesofwhichI
　　shallmakeanecklacemorepreciousfartomethanifitweremadeofthefinestdiamonds。Ihavebeenoncemorealittlegirl，achild，suchasIwasatfourteenorsixteen——whenIwasworthyofyou。TheloveIhavehadthehappinesstoinspireinyourhearthasraisedmeinmyowneyes。Understandthesewordstotheirmagicalextent。Youhavemademetheproudestandhappiestofmysex，andyouwilllivelongerinmyremembrance，perhaps，thanIinyours。”
　　Atthismomenttheyreachedthesummitoftherock，whencetheysawthevastoceanononesideandBrittanyontheother，withitsgoldenisles，itsfeudaltowers，anditsgorse。Neverdidanywomanstandonafinerscenetomakeagreatavowal。”But，”shecontinued，”Idonotbelongtomyself；IammoreboundbymyownwillthanIwasbythelaw。Youmustbepunishedformymisdeed，butbesatisfiedtoknowthatwesuffertogether。DanteneversawhisBeatriceagain；PetrarchneverpossessedhisLaura。Suchdisastersfallonnonebutnoblesouls。But，ifIshouldbeabandoned，ifIfallloweryetintoshameandignominy，ifyourBeatrixiscruellymisjudgedbytheworldsheloathes，ifindeedsheisthelowestofwomen，——then，mychild，myadoredchild，”shesaid，takinghishand，”toyoushewillstillbefirstofall；youwillknowthatsherisestoheavenassheleansonyou；butthen，myfriend，”sheadded，givinghimanintoxicatinglook，”thenifyouwishtocastherdowndonotfailofyourblow；afteryourlove，death！”
　　Calysteclaspedherroundthewaistandpressedhertohisheart。AsiftoconfirmherwordsMadamedeRochefidelaidatender，timidkissuponhisbrow。Whentheyturnedandwalkedslowlyback；talkingtogetherlikethosewhohaveaperfectcomprehensionofeachother，——
　　she，thinkingshehadgainedatruce，henotdoubtingofhishappiness；andbothdeceived。Calyste，fromwhatCamillehadtoldhim，wasconfidentthatContiwouldbeenchantedtofindanopportunitytopartfromBeatrix；Beatrix，yieldingherselfuptothevaguenessofherposition，lookedtochancetoarrangethefuture。
　　TheyreachedLesTouchesinthemostdelightfulofallstatesofmind，enteringbythegardengate，thekeyofwhichCalystehadtakenwithhim。Itwasnearlysixo’clock。Thelusciousodors，thewarmatmosphere，theburnishedraysoftheeveningsunwereallinharmonywiththeirfeelingsandtheirtendertalk。Theirstepsweretakeninunison，——thegaitofalllovers，——theirmovementstoldoftheunionoftheirthoughts。ThesilencethatreignedaboutLesToucheswassoprofoundthatthenoisewhichCalystemadeinopeningandshuttingthegatemusthaveechoedthroughthegarden。Asthetwohadsaidalltoeachotherthatcouldbesaid，andastheirday’sexcursion，sofilledwithemotion，hadphysicallytiredthem，theywalkedslowly，sayingnothing。
　　Suddenly，attheturnofapath，Beatrixwasseizedwithahorribletrembling，withthatcontagioushorrorwhichiscausedbythesightofasnake，andwhichCalystefeltbeforehesawthecauseofit。Onabench，beneaththebranchesofaweepingash，satConti，talkingwithCamilleMaupin。
　　XV
　　CONTI
　　Theinwardandconvulsivetremblingofthemarquisewasmoreapparentthanshewishedittobe；atragicdramadevelopedatthatmomentinthesoulsofallpresent。”Youdidnotexpectmesosoon，Ifancy，”saidConti，offeringhisarmtoBeatrix。
　　ThemarquisecouldnotavoiddroppingCalyste’sarmandtakingthatofConti。Thisignobletransit，imperiouslydemanded，sodishonoringtothenewlove，overwhelmedCalystewhothrewhimselfonthebenchbesideCamille，afterexchangingthecoldestofsalutationswithhisrival。Hewastornbyconflictingemotions。StronginthethoughtthatBeatrixlovedhim，hewantedatfirsttoflinghimselfuponContiandtellhimthatBeatrixwashis；buttheviolenttremblingofthewomanbetrayinghowshesuffered——forshehadreallypaidthepenaltyofherfaultsinthatonemoment——affectedhimsodeeplythathewasdumb，strucklikeherwithasenseofsomeimplacablenecessity。
　　MadamedeRochefideandContipassedinfrontoftheseatwhereCalystehaddroppedbesideCamille，andasshepassed，themarquiselookedatCamille，givingheroneofthoseterribleglancesinwhichwomenhavetheartofsayingallthings。SheavoidedtheeyesofCalysteandturnedherattentiontoConti，whoappearedtobejestingwithher。”Whatwilltheysaytoeachother？”CalysteaskedofCamille。”Dearchild，youdon’tknowasyettheterriblerightswhichanextinguishedlovestillgivestoamanoverawoman。Beatrixcouldnotrefusetotakehisarm。Heis，nodoubt，jokingherabouthernewlove；hemusthaveguesseditfromyourattitudesandthemannerinwhichyouapproachedus。””Jokingher！”criedtheimpetuousyouth，startingup。”Becalm，”saidCamille，”oryouwilllosethelastchancesthatremaintoyou。Ifhewoundsherself-love，shewillcrushhimlikeawormunderherfoot。Butheistooastuteforthat；hewillmanageherwithgreatercleverness。HewillseemnoteventosupposethattheproudMadamedeRochefidecouldbetrayhim；/she/couldneverbeguiltyofsuchdepravityaslovingamanforthesakeofhisbeauty。
　　Hewillrepresentyoutoherasachildambitioustohaveamarquiseinlovewithhim，andtomakehimselfthearbiterofthefateoftwowomen。Inshort，hewillfireabroadsideofmaliciousinsinuations。
　　Beatrixwillthenbeforcedtoparrywithfalseassertionsanddenials，whichhewillsimplymakeuseoftobecomeoncemorehermaster。””Ah！”criedCalyste，”hedoesnotloveher。Iwouldleaveherfree。
　　Truelovemeansachoicemadeanewateverymoment，confirmedfromdaytoday。Themorrowjustifiesthepast，andswellsthetreasuryofourpleasures。Ah！whydidhenotstayawayalittlelonger？Afewdaysmoreandhewouldnothavefoundher。Whatbroughthimback？””Thejestofajournalist，”repliedCamille。”Hisopera，onthesuccessofwhichhecounted，hasfallenflat。Somejournalist，probablyClaudeVignon，remarkedinthefoyer:’Itishardtolosefameandmistressatthesamemoment，’andthespeechcuthiminallhisvanities。Lovebasedonpettysentimentsisalwayspitiless。I
　　havequestionedhim；butwhocanfathomanaturesofalseanddeceiving？Heappearedtobewearyofhistroublesandhislove，——inshort，disgustedwithlife。Heregretshavingalliedhimselfsopubliclywiththemarquise，andmademe，inspeakingofhispasthappiness，amelancholypoem，whichwassomewhattooclevertobetrue。Ithinkhehopedtowormoutofmethesecretofyourlove，inthemidstofthejoyheexpectedhisflatteriestocauseme。””Whatelse？”saidCalyste，watchingBeatrixandConti，whowerenowcomingtowardsthem；buthelistenednolongertoCamille’swords。
　　IntalkingwithConti，Camillehadheldherselfprudentlyonthedefensive；shehadbetrayedneitherCalyste’ssecretnorthatofBeatrix。Thegreatartistwascapableoftreacherytoeveryone，andMademoiselledesToucheswarnedCalystetodistrusthim。”Mydearfriend，”shesaid，”thisisbyfarthemostcriticalmomentforyou。Youneedcautionandasortofclevernessyoudonotpossess；
　　IamafraidyouwillletyourselfbetrickedbythemostwilymanI
　　haveeverknown，andIcandonothingtohelpyou。”