Thebellannounceddinner。ContiofferedhisarmtoCamille；CalystegavehistoBeatrix。Camilledrewbacktoletthemarquisepass，butthelatterhadfoundamomentinwhichtolookatCalyste，andimpressuponhim，byputtingherfingeronherlips，theabsolutenecessityofdiscretion。
Contiwasextremelygayduringthedinner；perhapsthiswasonlyonewayofprobingMadamedeRochefide，whoplayedherpartextremelyill。
Ifherconducthadbeenmerecoquetry，shemighthavedeceivedevenConti；buthernewlovewasreal，anditbetrayedher。Thewilymusician，farfromaddingtoherembarrassment，pretendednottohaveperceivedit。Atdessert，hebroughttheconversationroundtowomen，andlaudedthenobilityoftheirsentiments。Manyawoman，hesaid，whomighthavebeenwillingtoabandonamaninprosperity，wouldsacrificealltohiminmisfortune。Womenhadtheadvantageovermeninconstancy；nothingeverdetachedthemfromtheirfirstlover，towhomtheyclungasamatterofhonor，unlesshewoundedthem；theyfeltthatasecondlovewasunworthyofthem，andsoforth。Hisethicswereofthehighestorder；sheddingincenseonthealtarwhereheknewthatoneheartatleast，piercedbymanyablow，wasbleeding。CamilleandBeatrixaloneunderstoodthebitternessofthesarcasmsshotforthintheguiseofeulogy。Attimestheybothflushedscarlet，buttheywereforcedtocontrolthemselves。Whendinnerwasover，theytookeachotherbythearmtoreturntoCamille’ssalon，and，asifbymutualconsent，theyturnedasideintothegreatsalon，wheretheycouldbealoneforaninstantinthedarkness。”ItisdreadfultoletContirideovermeroughshod；andyetIcan’tdefendmyself，”saidBeatrix，inalowvoice。”Thegalley-slaveisalwaysaslavetohischain-companion。Iamlost；Imustneedsreturntomygalleys！Anditisyou，Camille，whohavecastmethere！Ah！youbroughthimbackadaytoosoon，oradaytoolate。Irecognizeyourinfernaltalentasauthor。Well，yourrevengeiscomplete，thefinaleperfect！””ImayhavetoldyouthatIwouldwritetoConti，buttodoitwasanothermatter，”criedCamille。”Iamincapableofsuchbaseness。Butyouareunhappy，andIwillforgivethesuspicion。””WhatwillbecomeofCalyste？”saidthemarquise，withnaiveself-
conceit。”ThenConticarriesyouoff，doeshe？”askedCamille。”Ah！youthinkyoutriumph！”criedBeatrix。
AngerdistortedherhandsomefaceasshesaidthosebitterwordstoCamille，whowastryingtohidehersatisfactionunderafalseexpressionofsympathy。Unfortunately，thesparkleinhereyesbeliedthesadnessofherface，andBeatrixwaslearnedinsuchdeceptions。
When，afewmomentslater，thetwowomenwereseatedunderastronglightonthatdivanwherethefirstthreeweekssomanycomedieshadbeenplayed，andwherethesecrettragedyofmanythwartedpassionshadbegun，theyexaminedeachotherforthelasttime，andfelttheywereforeverpartedbyanundyinghatred。”Calysteremainstoyou，”saidBeatrix，lookingintoCamille’seyes；”butIamfixedinhisheart，andnowomancaneverdrivemeoutofit。”
Camillereplied，withaninimitabletoneofironythatstruckthemarquisetotheheart，inthefamouswordsofMazarin’sniecetoLouisXIV。，——”Youreign，youlove，andyoudepart！”
NeitherCamillenorBeatrixwasconsciousduringthissharpandbittersceneoftheabsenceofContiandCalyste。Thecomposerhadremainedattablewithhisrival，begginghimtokeephimcompanyinfinishingabottleofchampagne。”Wehavesomethingtosaytoeachother，”addedConti，topreventallrefusalonthepartofCalyste。
Placedastheybothwere，itwasimpossiblefortheyoungBretontorefusethischallenge。”Mydearfriend，”saidthecomposer，inhismostcaressingvoice，assoonasthepoorladhaddrunkacoupleofglassesofchampagne，”wearebothgoodfellows，andwecanspeaktoeachotherfrankly。Ihavenotcomeheresuspiciously。Beatrixlovesme，”——thiswithagestureoftheutmostself-conceit——”butthetruthis，Ihaveceasedtoloveher。
Iamnotheretocarryherawaywithme，buttobreakoffourrelations，andtoleaveherthehonorsoftherupture。Youareyoung；
youdon’tyetknowhowusefulitistoappeartobethevictimwhenyouarereallytheexecutioner。Youngmenspitfireandflame；theyleaveawomanwithnoiseandfury；theyoftendespiseher，andtheymakeherhatethem。ButwisemendoasIamdoing；theygetthemselvesdismissed，assumingamortifiedair，whichleavesregretinthewoman’sheartandalsoasenseofhersuperiority。Youdon’tyetknow，luckilyforyou，howhamperedmenoftenareintheircareersbytherashpromiseswhichwomenaresillyenoughtoacceptwhengallantryobligesustomakenoosestocatchourhappiness。Wesweareternalfaithfulness，anddeclarethatwedesiretopassourliveswiththem，andseemtoawaitahusband’sdeathimpatiently。Lethimdie，andtherearesomeprovincialwomenobtuseorsillyormaliciousenoughtosay:’HereamI，freeatlast。’Thespentballsuddenlycomestolifeagain，andfallsplumbinthemidstofourfinesttriumphsorourmostcarefullyplannedhappiness。IhaveseenthatyouloveBeatrix。I
leaveherthereforeinapositionwhereshelosesnothingofherpreciousmajesty；shewillcertainlycoquetwithyou，ifonlytoteaseandannoythatangelofaCamilleMaupin。Well，mydearfellow，takeher，loveher，you’lldomeagreatservice；Iwanthertoturnagainstme。Ihavebeenafraidofherprideandhervirtue。Perhaps，inspiteofmyapprovalofthematter，itmaytakesometimetoeffectthis/chassez-croissez/。Onsuchoccasionsthewisestplanistotakenostepatall。Idid，justnow，aswewalkedaboutthelawn，attempttoletherseethatIknewall，andwasreadytocongratulateheronhernewhappiness。Well，shewasfurious！AtthismomentIamdesperatelyinlovewiththeyoungestandhandsomestofourprima-
donnas，MademoiselleFalconoftheGrandOpera。Ithinkofmarryingher；yes，Ihavegotasfarasthat。WhenyoucometoParisyouwillseethatIhavechangedamarquiseforaqueen。”
Calyste，whosecandidfacerevealedhissatisfaction，admittedhisloveforBeatrix，whichwasallthatContiwantedtodiscover。Thereisnomanintheworld，however/blase/ordepravedhemaybe，whoselovewillnotflameupagainthemomentheseesitthreatenedbyarival。Hemaywishtoleaveawoman，buthewillneverwillinglyletherleavehim。Whenapairofloversgettothisextremity，boththemanandthewomanstriveforpriorityofaction，sodeepisthewoundtotheirvanity。Questionedbythecomposer，CalysterelatedallthathadhappenedduringthelastthreeweeksatLesTouches，delightedtofindthatConti，whoconcealedhisfuryunderanappearanceofcharminggood-humor，tookitallingoodpart。”Come，letusgoupstairs，”saidthelatter。”Womenaresodistrustful；thosetwowillwonderhowwecansitheretogetherwithouttearingeachother’shairout；theyareevencapableofcomingdowntolisten。I’llserveyoufaithfully，mydearboy。You’llseemeroughandjealouswiththemarquise；Ishallseemtosuspecther；
there’snobetterwaytodriveawomantobetrayyou。Youwillbehappy，andIshallbefree。Seemtopitythatangelforbelongingtoamanwithoutdelicacy；showheratear——foryoucanweep，youarestillyoung。I，alas！canweepnomore；andthat’sagreatadvantagelost。”
CalysteandContiwentuptoCamille’ssalon。Thecomposer，beggedbyhisyoungrivaltosing，gavethemthatgreatestofmusicalmasterpiecesviewedasexecution，thefamous”/Priachespuntil’aurora/，”whichRubinihimselfneverattemptedwithouttrembling，andwhichhadoftenbeenConti’striumph。Neverwashissingingmoreextraordinarythanonthisoccasion，whensomanyfeelingswerecontendinginhisbreast。Calystewasinecstasy。AsContisangthefirstwordsofthecavatina，helookedintentlyatthemarquise，givingtothosewordsacruelsignificationwhichwasfullyunderstood。Camille，whoaccompaniedhim，guessedtheorderthusconveyed，whichbowedtheheadofthelucklessBeatrix。ShelookedatCalyste，andfeltsurethattheyouthhadfallenintosometrapinspiteofheradvice。ThisconvictionbecamecertaintywhentheevidentlyhappyBretoncameuptobidBeatrixgood-night，kissingherhand，andpressingitwithalittleairofhappyconfidence。
BythetimeCalystehadreachedGuerande，theservantswerepackingConti’stravelling-carriage，and”bydawn，”asthesonghadsaid，thecomposerwascarryingBeatrixawaywithCamille’shorsestothefirstrelay。ThemorningtwilightenabledMadamedeRochefidetoseeGuerande，itstowers，whitenedbythedawn，shiningoutuponthestilldarksky。Melancholythoughtspossessedher；shewasleavingthereoneofthesweetestflowersofallherlife，——apurelove，suchasayounggirldreamsof；theonlytrueloveshehadeverknownorwasevertoconceiveof。Thewomanoftheworldobeyedthelawsoftheworld；shesacrificedlovetotheirdemandsjustasmanywomensacrificeittoreligionortoduty。Sometimesmerepridecanriseinactsashighasvirtue。Readthus，thishistoryisthatofmanywomen。
ThenextmorningCalystewenttoLesTouchesaboutmid-day。Whenhereachedthespotfromwhich，thedaybefore，hehadseenBeatrixwatchingforhimatthewindow，hesawCamille，whoinstantlyrandowntohim。Shemethimatthefootofthestaircaseandtoldthecrueltruthinoneword，——”Gone！””Beatrix？”askedCalyste，thunderstruck。”YouhavebeendupedbyConti；youtoldmenothing，andIcoulddonothingforyou。”
Sheledthepoorfellowtoherlittlesalon，whereheflunghimselfonthedivanwherehehadsooftenseenthemarquise，andburstintotears。Felicitesmokedherhookahandsaidnothing，knowingwellthatnowordsorthoughtsarecapableofarrestingthefirstanguishofsuchpain，whichisalwaysdeafanddumb。Calyste，unableeventothink，muchlesstochooseacourse，sattherealldayinastateofcompletetorpidity。Justbeforedinnerwasserved，Camilletriedtosayafewwords，afterbegginghim，veryearnestly，tolistentoher。”Friend，”shesaid，”youcausedmethebitterestsuffering，andIhadnot，likeyou，abeautifulyounglifebeforemeinwhichtohealmyself。Forme，lifehasnolongeranyspring，normysoulalove。So，tofindconsolation，Ihavehadtolookabove。Here，inthisroom，thedaybeforeBeatrixcamehere，Idrewyouherportrait；Ididnotdoherinjustice，oryoumighthavethoughtmejealous。Iwantedyoutoknowherassheis，forthatwouldhavekeptyousafe。Listennowtothefulltruth。MadamedeRochefideiswhollyunworthyofyou。Thescandalofherfallwasnotnecessary；shedidthethingdeliberatelyinordertoplayapartintheeyesofsociety。Sheisoneofthosewomenwhopreferthecelebrityofascandaltotranquilhappiness；
theyflyinthefaceofsocietytoobtainthefatalalmsofarebuke；
theydesiretobetalkedaboutatanycost。Beatrixwaseatenupwithvanity。Herfortuneandherwithadnotgivenherthefeminineroyaltythatshecraved；theyhadnotenabledhertoreignsupremeoverasalon。ShethenbethoughtherselfofseekingthecelebrityoftheDuchessedeLangeaisandtheVicomtessedeBeauseant。Buttheworld，afterall，isjust；itgivesthehomageofitsinteresttorealfeelingsonly。Beatrixplayingcomedywasjudgedtobeasecond-rateactress。Therewasnoreasonwhateverforherflight；theswordofDamocleswasnotsuspendedoverherhead；sheisneithersincere，norloving，nortender；ifshewere，wouldshehavegoneawaywithContithismorning？”
Camilletalkedlongandeloquently；butthislastefforttoopenCalyste’seyeswasuseless，andshesaidnomorewhenheexpressedtoherbyagesturehisabsolutebeliefinBeatrix。
Sheforcedhimtocomedownintothedining-roomandsittherewhileshedined；thoughhehimselfwasunabletoswallowfood。Itisonlyduringextremeyouththatthesecontractionsofthebodilyfunctionsoccur。Later，theorganshaveacquired，asitwere，fixedhabits，andarehardened。Thereactionofthementalandmoralsystemuponthephysicalisnotenoughtoproduceamortalillnessunlessthephysicalsystemretainsitsprimitivepurity。Amanresiststheviolentgriefthatkillsayouth，lessbythegreaterweaknessofhisaffectionthanbythegreaterstrengthofhisorgans。
ThereforeMademoiselledesToucheswasgreatlyalarmedbythecalm，resignedattitudewhichCalystetookafterhisburstoftearshadsubsided。Beforehelefther，heaskedpermissiontogointoBeatrix’sbedroom，wherehehadseenheronthenightofherillness，andtherehelaidhisheadonthepillowwherehershadlain。”Iamcommittingfollies，”hesaid，graspingCamille’shand，andbiddinghergood-nightindeepdejection。
Hereturnedhome，foundtheusualcompanyat/mouche/，andpassedtheremainderoftheeveningsittingbesidehismother。Therector，theChevalierduHalga，andMademoiselledePen-HoelallknewofMadamedeRochefide’sdeparture，andwererejoicinginit。Calystewouldnowreturntothem；andallthreewatchedhimcautiously。Nooneinthatoldmanor-housewascapableofimaginingtheresultofafirstlove，theloveofyouthinaheartsosimpleandsotrueasthatofCalyste。
XVI
SICKNESSUNTODEATH
ForseveraldaysCalystewentregularlytoLesTouches。Hepacedroundandroundthelawn，wherehehadsometimeswalkedwithBeatrixonhisarm。HeoftenwenttoCroisictostanduponthatfatefulrock，orlieforhoursinthebushofbox；for，bystudyingthefootholdsonthesidesofthefissure，hehadfoundameansofgettingupanddown。
Thesesolitarytrips，hissilence，hisgravity，madehismotherveryanxious。Afterabouttwoweeks，duringwhichtimethisconduct，likethatofacagedanimal，lasted，thispoorlover，cagedinhisdespair，ceasedtocrossthebay；hehadscarcelystrengthtodraghimselfalongtheroadfromGuerandetothespotwherehehadseenBeatrixwatchingfromherwindow。Thefamily，delightedatthedepartureof”thoseParisians，”touseatermoftheprovinces，sawnothingfatalordiseasedaboutthelad。Thetwooldmaidsandtherector，pursuingtheirscheme，hadkeptCharlottedeKergarouet，whonightlyplayedoffherlittlecoquetriesonCalyste，obtaininginreturnnothingbetterthanadviceinplaying/mouche/。Duringtheselongevenings，CalystesatbetweenhismotherandthelittleBretongirl，observedbytherectorandCharlotte’saunt，whodiscussedhisgreaterorlessdepressionastheywalkedhometogether。Theirsimplemindsmistookthelethargicindifferenceofthehaplessyouthforsubmissiontotheirplans。OneeveningwhenCalyste，weariedout，wentoffsuddenlytobed，theplayersdroppedtheircardsuponthetableandlookedateachotherastheyoungmanclosedthedoorofhischamber。Oneandallhadlistenedtothesoundofhisrecedingstepswithanxiety。”SomethingisthematterwithCalyste，”saidthebaroness，wipinghereyes。”Nothingisthematter，”repliedMademoiselledePen-Hoel；”butyoushouldmarryhimatonce。””Doyoubelievethatmarriagewoulddiverthismind？”askedthechevalier。
CharlottelookedreprovinglyatMonsieurduHalga，whomshenowbegantothinkill-mannered，depraved，immoral，withoutreligion，andveryridiculousabouthisdog，——opinionswhichheraunt，defendingtheoldsailor，combated。”IshalllectureCalysteto-morrowmorning，”saidthebaron，whomtheothershadthoughtasleep。”Idonotwishtogooutofthisworldwithoutseeingmygrandson，alittlepinkandwhiteGuenicwithaBretoncaponhishead。””Calystedoesn’tsayaword，”saidoldZephirine，”andthere’snomakingoutwhat’sthematterwithhim。Hedoesn’teat；Idon’tseewhatheliveson。IfhegetshismealsatLesTouches，thedevil’skitchendoesn’tnourishhim。””Heisinlove，”saidthechevalier，riskingthatopinionverytimidly。”Come，come，oldgray-beard，you’veforgottentoputinyourstake！”
criedMademoiselledePen-Hoel。”Whenyoubegintothinkofyouryoungdaysyouforgeteverything。””Cometobreakfastto-morrow，”saidoldZephirinetoherfriendJacqueline；”mybrotherwillhavehadatalkwithhisson，andwecansettlethematterfinally。Onenail，youknow，drivesoutanother。””NotamongBretons，”saidthechevalier。
ThenextdayCalystesawCharlotte，asshearriveddressedwithunusualcare，justafterthebaronhadgivenhim，inthedining-room，adiscourseonmatrimony，towhichhecouldmakenoanswer。Henowknewtheignoranceofhisfatherandmotherandalltheirfriends；hehadgatheredthefruitsofthetreeofknowledge，andknewhimselftobeasmuchisolatedasifhedidnotspeakthefamilylanguage。Hemerelyrequestedhisfathertogivehimafewdays’grace。Theoldbaronrubbedhishandswithjoy，andgavefreshlifetothebaronessbywhisperinginherearwhathecalledthegoodnews。
Breakfastwasgay；Charlotte，towhomthebaronhadgivenahint，wassparkling。Afterthemealwasover，Calystewentoutupontheporticoleadingtothegarden，followedbyCharlotte；hegaveherhisarmandledhertothegrotto。Theirparentsandfriendswereatthewindow，lookingatthemwithaspeciesoftenderness。PresentlyCharlotte，uneasyathersuitor’ssilence，lookedbackandsawthem，whichgaveheranopportunityofbeginningtheconversationbysayingtoCalyste，——”Theyarewatchingus。””Theycannothearus，”hereplied。”True；buttheyseeus。””Letussitdown，Charlotte，”repliedCalyste，gentlytakingherhand。”Isittruethatyourbannerusedformerlytofloatfromthattwistedcolumn？”askedCharlotte，withasensethatthehousewasalreadyhers；howcomfortablesheshouldbethere！whatahappysortoflife！”Youwillmakesomechangesinsidethehouse，won’tyou，Calyste？”shesaid。”Ishallnothavetime，mydearCharlotte，”saidtheyoungman，takingherhandsandkissingthem。”Iamgoingnowtotellyoumysecret。I
lovetoowellapersonwhomyouhaveseen，andwholovesme，tobeabletomakethehappinessofanyotherwoman；thoughIknowthatfromourchildhoodyouandIhavebeendestinedforeachotherbyourfriends。””Butsheismarried，Calyste。””Ishallwait，”repliedtheyoungman。”AndI，too，”saidCharlotte，hereyesfillingwithtears。”Youcannotlongloveawomanlikethat，who，theysay，hasgoneoffwithasinger——””Marry，mydearCharlotte，”saidCalyste，interruptingher。”Withthefortuneyourauntintendstogiveyou，whichisenormousforBrittany，youcanchoosesomebettermanthanI。Youcouldmarryatitledman。I
havebroughtyouhere，nottotellyouwhatyoualreadyknew，buttoentreatyou，inthenameofourchildishfriendship，totakethisruptureuponyourself，andsaythatyouhaverejectedme。Saythatyoudonotwishtomarryamanwhoseheartisnotfree；andthusIshallbesparedatleastthesensethatIhavedoneyoupublicwrong。Youdonotknow，Charlotte，howheavyaburdenlifenowistome。Icannotbeartheslighteststruggle；Iamweakenedlikeamanwhosevitalsparkisgone，whosesoulhaslefthim。IfitwerenotforthegriefI
shouldcausemymother，Iwouldhaveflungmyselfbeforenowintothesea；IhavenotreturnedtotherocksatCroisicsincethedaythattemptationbecamealmostirresistible。Donotspeakofthistoanyone。Good-bye，Charlotte。”
Hetooktheyounggirl’sheadandkissedherhair；thenheleftthegardenbythepostern-gateandfledtoLesTouches，wherehestayednearCamilletillpastmidnight。Onreturninghome，atoneinthemorning，hefoundhismotherawaitinghimwithherworsted-work。Heenteredsoftly，claspedherhandinhis，andsaid，——”IsCharlottegone？””Shegoesto-morrow，withheraunt，indespair，bothofthem，”
answeredthebaroness。”CometoIrelandwithme，myCalyste。””ManyatimeIhavethoughtofflyingthere——””Ah！”criedthebaroness。”WithBeatrix，”headded。
SomedaysafterCharlotte’sdeparture，CalystejoinedtheChevalierduHalgainhisdailypromenadeonthemallwithhislittledog。Theysatdowninthesunshineonabench，wheretheyoungman’seyescouldwanderfromthevanesofLesTouchestotherocksofCroisic，againstwhichthewaveswereplayinganddashingtheirwhitefoam。Calystewasthinandpale；hisstrengthwasdiminishing，andhewasconsciousattimesoflittleshuddersatregularintervals，denotingfever。Hiseyes，surroundedbydarkcircles，hadthatsingularbrilliancywhichafixedideagivestotheeyesofhermitsandsolitarysouls，ortheardorofcontesttothoseofthestrongfightersofourpresentcivilization。Thechevalierwastheonlypersonwithwhomhecouldexchangeafewideas。Hehaddivinedinthatoldmananapostleofhisownreligion；herecognizedinhissoulthevestigesofaneternallove。”Haveyoulovedmanywomeninyourlife？”heaskedhimonthesecondoccasion，when，asseamensay，theysailedincompanyalongthemall。”Onlyone，”repliedDuHalga。”Wasshefree？””No，”exclaimedthechevalier。”Ah！howIsuffered！Shewasthewifeofmybestfriend，myprotector，mychief——butwelovedeachotherso！””Didsheloveyou？”saidCalyste。”Passionately，”repliedthechevalier，withafervencynotusualwithhim。”Youwerehappy？””Untilherdeath；shediedattheageofforty-nine，duringtheemigration，atSt。Petersburg，theclimateofwhichkilledher。Shemustbeverycoldinhercoffin。Ihaveoftenthoughtofgoingtheretofetchher，andlayherinourdearBrittany，neartome！Butsheliesinmyheart。”
Thechevalierbrushedawayhistears。Calystetookhishandandpressedit。”Icareforthislittledogmorethanforlifeitself，”saidtheoldman，pointingtoThisbe。”Thelittledarlingispreciselyliketheonesheheldonherkneesandstrokedwithherbeautifulhands。IneverlookatThisbebutwhatIseethehandsofMadamel’Amirale。””DidyouseeMadamedeRochefide？”askedCalyste。”No，”repliedthechevalier。”Itissixty-eightyearssinceIhavelookedatanywomanwithattention——exceptyourmother，whohassomethingofMadamel’Amirale’scomplexion。”
Threedayslater，thechevaliersaidtoCalyste，onthemall，——”Mychild，Ihaveahundredandforty/louis/laidby。WhenyouknowwhereMadamedeRochefideis，comeandgetthemandfollowher。”
Calystethankedtheoldman，whoseexistenceheenvied。Butnow，fromdaytoday，hegrewmorose；heseemedtolovenoone；allthingshurthim；hewasgentleandkindtohismotheronly。Thebaronesswatchedwitheverincreasinganxietytheprogressofhismadness；shealonewasable，byforceofprayerandentreaty，tomakehimswallowfood。
TowardtheendofOctoberthesickladceasedtogoeventothemallinsearchofthechevalier，whonowcamevainlytothehousetotempthimoutwiththecoaxingwisdomofanoldman。”WecantalkofMadamedeRochefide，”hewouldsay。”I’lltellyoumyfirstadventure。””Yoursonisill，”hesaidprivatelytothebaroness，onthedayhebecameconvincedthatallsucheffortswereuseless。
Calysterepliedtoquestionsabouthishealththathewasperfectlywell；butlikeallyoungvictimsofmelancholy，hetookpleasureinthethoughtofdeath。Henolongerleftthehouse，butsatinthegardenonabench，warminghimselfinthepaleandtepidsunshine，alonewithhisonethought，andavoidingallcompanionship。
SoonafterthedaywhenCalysteceasedtogoeventoLesTouches，FeliciterequestedtherectorofGuerandetocomeandseeher。TheassiduitywithwhichtheAbbeGrimontcalledeverymorningatLesTouches，andsometimesdinedthere，becamethegreattopicofthetown；itwastalkedofallovertheregion，andevenreachedNantes。
Nevertheless，therectornevermissedasingleeveningatthehotelduGuenic，wheredesolationreigned。MastersandservantswereallafflictedatCalyste’sincreasingweakness，thoughnoneofthemthoughthimindanger；howcoulditeverenterthemindsofthesegoodpeoplethatyouthmightdieoflove？Eventhechevalierhadnoexampleofsuchadeathamonghismemoriesoflifeandtravel。TheyattributedCalyste’sthinnesstowantoffood。Hismotherimploredhimtoeat。
Calysteendeavoredtoconquerhisrepugnanceinordertocomforther；
butnourishmenttakenagainsthiswillservedonlytoincreasetheslowfeverwhichwasnowconsumingthebeautifulyounglife。
DuringthelastdaysofOctoberthecherishedchildofthehousecouldnolongermountthestairstohischamber，andhisbedwasplacedinthelowerhall，wherehewassurroundedatallhoursbyhisfamily。
TheysentatlastfortheGuerandephysician，whobrokethefeverwithquinineandreduceditinafewdays，orderingCalystetotakeexercise，andfindsomethingtoamusehim。Thebaron，onthis，cameoutofhisapathyandrecoveredalittleofhisoldstrength；hegrewyoungerashissonseemedtoage。WithCalyste，Gasselin，andhistwofinedogs，hestartedfortheforest，andforsomedaysallthreehunted。Calysteobeyedhisfatherandwentwherehewastold，fromforesttoforest，visitingfriendsandacquaintancesintheneighboringchateaus。Buttheyouthhadnospiritorgaiety；nothingbroughtasmiletohisface；hislividandcontractedfeaturesbetrayedanutterlypassivebeing。Thebaron，wornoutatlastbyfatigueconsequentonthisspasmofexertion，wasforcedtoreturnhome，bringingCalysteinastateofexhaustionalmostequaltohisown。Forseveraldaysaftertheirreturnbothfatherandsonweresodangerouslyillthatthefamilywereforcedtosend，attherequestoftheGuerandephysicianhimself，fortwoofthebestdoctorsinNantes。
ThebaronhadreceivedafatalshockonrealizingthechangenowsovisibleinCalyste。Withthatlucidityofmindwhichnaturegivestothedying，hetrembledatthethoughtthathisracewasabouttoperish。Hesaidnoword，butheclaspedhishandsandprayedtoGodashesatinhischair，fromwhichhisweaknessnowpreventedhimfromrising。Thefather’sfacewasturnedtowardthebedwherethesonlay，andhelookedathimalmostincessantly。AttheleastmotionCalystemade，asingularcommotionstirredwithinhim，asiftheflameofhisownlifewereflickering。ThebaronessnolongerlefttheroomwhereZephirinesatknittinginthechimney-cornerinhorribleuneasiness。
Demandsweremadeupontheoldwomanforwood，fatherandsonbothsufferingfromthecold，andforsuppliesandprovisions，sothat，finally，notbeingagileenoughtosupplythesewants，shehadgivenherpreciouskeystoMariotte。Butsheinsistedonknowingeverything；
shequestionedMariotteandhersister-in-lawincessantly，askinginalowvoicetobetold，overandoveragain，thestateofherbrotherandnephew。Onenight，whenfatherandsonweredozing，MademoiselledePen-Hoeltoldherthatshemustresignherselftothedeathofherbrother，whosepallidfacewasnowthecolorofwax。Theoldwomandroppedherknitting，fumbledinherpocketforawhile，andatlengthdrewoutanoldchapletofblackwood，onwhichshebegantopraywithafervorwhichgavetoheroldandwitheredfaceasplendorsovigorousthattheotheroldwomanimitatedherfriend，andthenallpresent，onasignfromtherector，joininginthespiritualupliftingofMademoiselledeGuenic。”Alas！IprayedtoGod，”saidthebaroness，rememberingherprayerafterreadingthefatalletterwrittenbyCalyste，”andhedidnothearme。””Perhapsitwouldbewell，”saidtherector，”ifwebeggedMademoiselledesTouchestocomeandseeCalyste。””She！”criedoldZephirine，”theauthorofallourmisery！shewhohasturnedhimfromhisfamily，whohastakenhimfromus，ledhimtoreadimpiousbooks，taughthimanhereticallanguage！Letherbeaccursed，andmayGodneverpardonher！ShehasdestroyedtheduGuenics！””Shemayperhapsrestorethem，”saidtherector，inagentlevoice。”MademoiselledesTouchesisasaintlywoman；Iamhersuretyforthat。ShehasnonebutgoodintentionstoCalyste。Maysheonlybeenabledtocarrythemout。””Letmeknowthedaywhenshesetsfootinthishouse，thatImaygetoutofit，”criedtheoldwomanpassionately。”Shehaskilledbothfatherandson。DoyouthinkIdon’theardeathinCalyste’svoice？heissofeeblenowthathehasbarelystrengthtowhisper。”
Itwasatthismomentthatthethreedoctorsarrived。TheypliedCalystewithquestions；butasforhisfather，theexaminationwasshort；theyweresurprisedthathestilllivedon。TheGuerandedoctorcalmlytoldthebaronessthatastoCalyste，itwouldprobablybebesttotakehimtoParisandconsultthemostexperiencedphysicians，foritwouldcostoverahundred/louis/tobringonedown。”Peopledieofsomething，butnotoflove，”saidMademoiselledePen-
Hoel。”Alas！whateverbethecause，Calysteisdying，”saidthebaroness。”I
seeallthesymptomsofconsumption，thatmosthorriblediseaseofmycountry，abouthim。””Calystedying！”saidthebaron，openinghiseyes，fromwhichrolledtwolargetearswhichslowlymadetheirway，delayedbywrinkles，alonghischeeks，——theonlytearshehadprobablyevershedinhislife。Suddenlyherosetohisfeet，walkedthefewstepstohisson’sbedside，tookhishand，andlookedearnestlyathim。”Whatisityouwant，father？”saidCalyste。”Thatyoushouldlive！”criedthebaron。”IcannotlivewithoutBeatrix，”repliedCalyste。
Theoldmandroppedintoachair。”Oh！wherecouldwegetahundred/louis/tobringdoctorsfromParis？
Thereisstilltime，”criedthebaroness。”Ahundred/louis！/”criedZephirine；”willthatsavehim？”
Withoutwaitingforhersister-in-law’sreply，theoldmaidranherhandsthroughtheplacket-holesofhergown，unfastenedthepetticoatbeneathit，whichgaveforthaheavysoundasitdroppedtothefloor。
Sheknewsowelltheplaceswhereshehadsewninher/louis/thatshenowrippedthemoutwiththerapidityofmagic。Thegoldpiecesrangastheyfell，onebyone，intoherlap。TheoldPen-Hoelgazedatthisperformanceinstupefiedamazement。”Butthey’llseeyou！”shewhisperedinherfriend’sear。”Thirty-seven，”answeredZephirine，continuingtocount。”Everyonewillknowhowmuchyouhave。””Forty-two。””Double/louis！/allnew！Howdidyougetthem，youwhocan’tseeclearly？””Ifeltthem。Here’sonehundredandfour/louis/，”criedZephirine。”Isthatenough？””Whatisallthis？”askedtheChevalierduHalga，whonowcamein，unabletounderstandtheattitudeofhisoldblindfriend，holdingoutherpetticoatwhichwasfullofgoldcoins。
MademoiselledePen-Hoelexplained。”Iknewit，”saidthechevalier，”andIhavecometobringahundredandforty/louis/whichIhavebeenholdingatCalyste’sdisposition，asheknowsverywell。”
Thechevalierdrewthe/rouleaux/fromhispocketandshowedthem。
Mariotte，seeingsuchwealth，sentGasselintolockthedoors。”Goldwillnotgivehimhealth，”saidthebaroness，weeping。”ButitcantakehimtoParis，wherehecanfindher。Come，Calyste。””Yes，”criedCalyste，springingup，”Iwillgo。””Hewilllive，”saidthebaron，inashakingvoice；”andIcandie——
sendfortherector！”
Thewordscastterroronallpresent。Calyste，seeingthemortalpalenessonhisfather’sface，fortheoldmanwasexhaustedbythecruelemotionsofthescene，cametohisfather’sside。Therector，afterhearingthereportofthedoctors，hadgonetoMademoiselledesTouches，intendingtobringherbackwithhimtoCalyste，forinproportionastheworthymanhadformerlydetestedher，henowadmiredher，andprotectedherasashepherdprotectsthemostpreciousofhisflock。
Whenthenewsofthebaron’sapproachingendbecameknowninGuerande，acrowdgatheredinthestreetandlane；thepeasants，the/paludiers/，andtheservantskneltinthecourt-yardwhiletherectoradministeredthelastsacramentstotheoldBretonwarrior。Thewholetownwasagitatedbythenewsthatthefatherwasdyingbesidehishalf-dyingson。TheprobableextinctionofthisoldBretonracewasfelttobeapubliccalamity。
ThesolemnceremonyaffectedCalystedeeply。Hisfilialsorrowsilencedforamomenttheanguishofhislove。Duringthelasthourofthegloriousolddefenderofthemonarchy，hekneltbesidehim，watchingthecomingonofdeath。Theoldmandiedinhischairinpresenceoftheassembledfamily。”IdiefaithfultoGodandhisreligion，”hesaid。”MyGod！astherewardofmyeffortsgrantthatCalystemaylive！””Ishalllive，father；andIwillobeyyou，”saidtheyoungman。”IfyouwishtomakemydeathashappyasFannyhasmademylife，sweartometomarry。””Ipromiseit，father。”
ItwasatouchingsighttoseeCalyste，orratherhisshadow，leaningonthearmoftheoldChevalierduHalga——aspectreleadingashade——
andfollowingthebaron’scoffinaschiefmourner。Thechurchandthelittlesquarewerecrowdedwiththecountrypeoplecomingintothefuneralfromacircuitofthirtymiles。
ButthebaronessandZephirinesoonsawthat，inspiteofhisintentiontoobeyhisfather’swishes，Calystewasfallingbackintoaconditionoffatalstupor。Onthedaywhenthefamilyputontheirmourning，thebaronesstookhersontoabenchinthegardenandquestionedhimclosely。Calysteansweredgentlyandsubmissively，buthisanswersonlyprovedtoherthedespairofhissoul。”Mother，”hesaid，”thereisnolifeinme。WhatIeatdoesnotfeedme；theairthatentersmylungsdoesnotrefreshme；thesunfeelscold；itseemstoyoutolightthatfrontofthehouse，andshowyoutheoldcarvingsbathedinitsbeams，buttomeitisallablur，amist。IfBeatrixwerehere，itwouldbedazzling。Thereisbutoneonlythingleftinthisworldthatkeepsitsshapeandcolortomyeyes，——thisflower，thisfoliage，”headded，drawingfromhisbreastthewitheredbunchthemarquisehadgivenhimatCroisic。
Thebaronessdarednotsaymore。Herson’sanswerseemedtohermoreindicativeofmadnessthanhissilenceofgrief。Shesawnohope，nolightinthedarknessthatsurroundedthem。
Thebaron’slasthoursanddeathhadpreventedtherectorfrombringingMademoiselledesTouchestoCalyste，asheseemedbentondoing，forreasonswhichhedidnotreveal。Butonthisday，whilemotherandsonstillsatonthegardenbench，CalystequiveredalloveronperceivingFelicitethroughtheoppositewindowsofthecourt-
yardandgarden。SheremindedhimofBeatrix，andhisliferevived。ItwasthereforetoCamillethatthepoorstrickenmotherowedthefirstmotionofjoythatlightenedhermourning。”Well，Calyste，”saidMademoiselledesTouches，whentheymet，”IwantyoutogotoPariswithme。WewillfindBeatrix，”sheaddedinalowvoice。
Thepale，thinfaceoftheyouthflushedred，andasmilebrightenedhisfeatures。”Letusgo，”hesaid。”Weshallsavehim，”saidMademoiselledesTouchestothemother，whopressedherhandsandweptforjoy。
Aweekafterthebaron’sfuneral，MademoiselledesTouches，theBaronneduGuenicandCalystestartedforParis，leavingthehouseholdinchargeofoldZephirine。
XVII
ADEATH:AMARRIAGE
Felicite’stenderlovewaspreparingforCalysteaprosperousfuture。
BeingalliedtothefamilyofGrandlieu，theducalbranchofwhichwasendinginfivedaughtersforlackofamaleheir，shehadwrittentotheDuchessedeGrandlieu，describingCalysteandgivinghishistory，andalsostatingcertainintentionsofherown，whichwereasfollows:
ShehadlatelysoldherhouseintherueduMont-Blanc，forwhichapartyofspeculatorshadgivenhertwomillionsfivehundredthousandfrancs。HermanofbusinesshadsincepurchasedforheracharmingnewhouseintheruedeBourbonforsevenhundredthousandfrancs；onemillionsheintendedtodevotetotherecoveryoftheduGuenicestates，andtherestofherfortuneshedesiredtosettleuponSabinedeGrandlieu。Felicitehadlongknowntheplansofthedukeandduchessastothesettlementoftheirfivedaughters:theyoungestwastomarrytheVicomtedeGrandlieu，theheirtotheirducaltitle；
Clotilde-Frederique，theseconddaughter，desiredtoremainunmarried，inmemoryofamanshehaddeeplyloved，LuciendeRubempre，while，atthesametime，shedidnotwishtobecomeanunlikehereldestsister；twooftheremainingsisterswerealreadymarried，andtheyoungestbutone，theprettySabine，justtwentyyearsold，wastheonlydisposabledaughterleft。ItwasSabineonwhomFeliciteresolvedtolaytheburdenofcuringCalyste’spassionforBeatrix。
DuringthejourneytoParisMademoiselledesTouchesrevealedtothebaronessthesearrangements。ThenewhouseintheruedeBourbonwasbeingdecorated，andsheintendeditforthehomeofSabineandCalysteifherplanssucceeded。
ThepartyhadbeeninvitedtostayatthehoteldeGrandlieu，wherethebaronesswasreceivedwithallthedistinctionduetoherrankasthewifeofaduGuenicandthedaughterofaBritishpeer。
MademoiselledesTouchesurgedCalystetoseeParis，whilesheherselfmadethenecessaryinquiriesaboutBeatrixwhohaddisappearedfromtheworld，andwastravellingabroad，andshetookcaretothrowhimintothemidstofdiversionsandamusementsofallkinds。Theseasonforballsandfeteswasjustbeginning，andtheduchessandherdaughtersdidthehonorsofParistotheyoungBreton，whowasinsensiblydivertedfromhisownthoughtsbythemovementandlifeofthegreatcity。HefoundsomeresemblanceofmindbetweenMadamedeRochefideandSabinedeGrandlieu，whowascertainlyoneofthehandsomestandmostcharminggirlsinParisiansociety，andthisfanciedlikenessmadehimgivetohercoquetriesawillingattentionwhichnootherwomancouldpossiblyhaveobtainedfromhim。SabineherselfwasgreatlypleasedwithCalyste，andmatterswentsowellthatduringthewinterof1837theyoungBaronduGuenic，whoseyouthandhealthhadreturnedtohim，listenedwithoutrepugnancetohismotherwhensheremindedhimofthepromisemadetohisdyingfatherandproposedtohimamarriagewithSabinedeGrandlieu。Still，whileagreeingtofulfilhispromise，heconcealedwithinhissoulanindifferencetoallthings，ofwhichthebaronessalonewasaware，butwhichshetrustedwouldbeconqueredbythepleasuresofahappyhome。
OnthedaywhentheGrandlieufamilyandthebaroness，accompaniedbyherrelationswhocamefromEnglandforthisoccasion，assembledinthegrandsalonofthehoteldeGrandlieutosignthemarriagecontract，andLeopoldHannequin，thefamilynotary，explainedthepreliminariesofthatcontractbeforereadingit，Calyste，onwhoseforeheadeveryonepresentmighthavenoticedclouds，suddenlyandcurtlyrefusedtoacceptthebenefactionsofferedhimbyMademoiselledesTouches。DidhestillcountonFelicite’sdevotiontorecoverBeatrix？Inthemidstoftheembarrassmentandstupefactionoftheassembledfamilies，SabinedeGrandlieuenteredtheroomandgavehimaletter，explainingthatMademoiselledesToucheshadrequestedhertogiveittohimonthisoccasion。
Calysteturnedawayfromthecompanytotheembrasureofawindowandreadasfollows:——
CamilleMaupintoCalyste。
Calyste，beforeIentermyconventcellIampermittedtocastalookupontheworldIamnowtoleaveforalifeofprayerandsolitude。Thatlookistoyou，whohavebeenthewholeworldtomeintheselastmonths。Myvoicewillreachyou，ifmycalculationsdonotmiscarry，atthemomentofaceremonyIamunabletotakepartin。
Onthedaywhenyoustandbeforethealtargivingyourhandandnametoayoungandcharminggirlwhocanloveyouopenlybeforeearthandheaven，IshallbebeforeanotheraltarinaconventatNantesbetrothedforevertoHimwhowillneitherfailnorbetrayme。ButIdonotwritetosaddenyou，——onlytoentreatyounottohinderbyfalsedelicacytheserviceIhavewishedtodoyousincewefirstmet。Donotcontestmyrightssodearlybought。
Ifloveissuffering，ah！Ihavelovedyouindeed，myCalyste。Butfeelnoremorse；theonlyhappinessIhaveknowninlifeIowetoyou；thepangswerecausedbymyownself。Makemecompensation，then，forallthosepangs，thosesorrows，bycausingmeaneverlastingjoy。LetthepoorCamille，who/is/nolonger，stillbesomethinginthematerialcomfortyouenjoy。Dear，letmebelikethefragranceofflowersinyourlife，minglingmyselfwithitunseenandnotimportunate。
Toyou，Calyste，Ishallowemyeternalhappiness；willyounotacceptafewpaltryandfleetingbenefitsfromme？Surelyyouwillnotbewantingingenerosity？Doyounotseeinthisthelastmessageofarenouncedlove？Calyste，theworldwithoutyouhadnothingmoreforme；youmadeitthemostawfulofsolitudes；andyouhavethusbroughtCamilleMaupin，theunbeliever，thewriterofbooks，whichIamsoontorepudiatesolemnly——youhavecasther，daringandperverted，boundhandandfoot，beforeGod。
Iamto-daywhatImighthavebeen，whatIwasborntobe，——
innocent，andachild。Ihavewashedmyrobesinthetearsofrepentance；Icancomebeforethealtarwhithermyguardianangel，mybelovedCalyste，hasledme。WithwhattendercomfortIgiveyouthatname，whichthestepInowtakesanctifies。Iloveyouwithoutself-seeking，asamotherlovesherson，astheChurchlovesherchildren。Icanprayforyouandforyourswithoutonethoughtorwishexceptforyourhappiness。Ah！ifyouonlyknewthesublimetranquillityinwhichIlive，nowthatIhaveriseninthoughtaboveallpettyearthlyinterests，andhowpreciousisthethoughtofDOINGasyournoblemottodaysourduty，youwouldenteryourbeautifulnewlifewithunfalteringstepandneveraglancebehindyouoraboutyou。Aboveall，myearnestprayertoyouisthatyoubefaithfultoyourselfandtothosebelongingtoyou。Dear，society，inwhichyouaretolive，cannotexistwithoutthereligionofduty，andyouwillterriblymistakeit，asI
mistookit，ifyouallowyourselftoyieldtopassionandtofancy，asIdid。Womanistheequalofmanonlyinmakingherlifeacontinualoffering，asthatofmanisaperpetualaction；mylifehasbeen，onthecontrary，onelongegotism。IfmaybethatGodplacedyou，towardevening，bythedoorofmyhouse，asamessengerfromHimself，bearingmypunishmentandmypardon。
Heedthisconfessionofawomantowhomfamehasbeenlikeapharos，warningheroftheonlytruepath。Bewise，benoble；
sacrificeyourfancytoyourduties，asheadofyourrace，ashusband，asfather。RaisethefallenstandardoftheoldduGuenics；showtothiscenturyofirreligionandwantofprinciplewhatagentlemanisinallhisgrandeurandhishonor。Dearchildofmysoul，letmeplaythepartofamothertoyou；yourownmotherwillnotbejealousofthisvoicefromatomb，thesehandsupliftedtoheaven，imploringblessingsonyou。To-day，morethanever，doesrankandnobilityneedfortune。Calyste，acceptapartofmine，andmakeaworthyuseofit。Itisnotagift；itisatrustIplaceinyourhands。IhavethoughtmoreofyourchildrenandofyouroldBretonhousethanofyouinofferingyoutheprofitswhichtimehasbroughttomypropertyinParis。”Letusnowsignthecontract，”saidtheyoungbaron，returningtotheassembledcompany。
TheAbbeGrimont，towhomthehonoroftheconversionofthiscelebratedwomanwasattributed，became，soonafter，vicar-generalofthediocese。
Thefollowingweek，afterthemarriageceremony，which，accordingtothecustomofmanyfamiliesofthefaubourgSaint-Germain，wascelebratedatseveninthemorningatthechurchofSaintThomasd’Aquin，CalysteandSabinegotintotheirprettytravelling-carriage，amidthetears，embraces，andcongratulationsofascoreoffriends，collectedundertheawningofthehoteldeGrandlieu。Thecongratulationscamefromthefourwitnesses，andthemenpresent；thetearswereintheeyesoftheDuchessedeGrandlieuandherdaughterClotilde，whobothtrembledundertheweightofthesamethought，——”Sheislaunchedupontheseaoflife！PoorSabine！atthemercyofamanwhodoesnotmarryentirelyofhisownfreewill。”
Marriageisnotwhollymadeupofpleasures，——asfugitiveinthatrelationasinallothers；itinvolvescompatibilityoftemper，physicalsympathies，harmoniesofcharacter，whichmakeofthatsocialnecessityaneternalproblem。Marriageabledaughters，aswellasmothers，knowthetermsaswellasthedangersofthislottery；andthatiswhywomenweepataweddingwhilemensmile；menbelievethattheyrisknothing，whilewomenknow，orverynearlyknow，whattheyrisk。
Inanothercarriage，whichprecededthemarriedpair，wastheBaronneduGuenic，towhomtheduchesshadsaidatparting，——”Youareamother，thoughyouhaveonlyhadoneson；trytotakemyplacetomydearSabine。”
Ontheboxofthebridalcarriagesata/chasseur/，whoactedascourier，andintherumbleweretwowaiting-maids。Thefourpostilionsdressedintheirfinestuniforms，foreachcarriagewasdrawnbyfourhorses，appearedwithbouquetsontheirbreastsandribbonsontheirhats，whichtheDucdeGrandlieuhadtheutmostdifficultyinmakingthemrelinquish，evenbybribingthemwithmoney。TheFrenchpostilioniseminentlyintelligent，buthelikeshisfun。Thesefellowstooktheirbribesandreplacedtheirribbonsatthebarrier。”Well，good-bye，Sabine，”saidtheduchess；”rememberyourpromise；
writetomeoften。Calyste，Isaynothingmoretoyou，butyouunderstandme。”
Clotilde，leaningontheyoungestsisterAthenais，whowassmilingtotheVicomtedeGrandlieu，castareflectinglookthroughhertearsatthebride，andfollowedthecarriagewithhereyesasitdisappearedtotheclackingoffourwhips，morenoisythantheshotsofapistolgallery。InafewminutesthegayconvoyhadreachedtheesplanadeoftheInvalides，thebarrierofPassybythequayofthePontd’Iena，andwerefairlyonthehigh-roadtoBrittany。
IsitnotasingularthingthattheartisansofSwitzerlandandGermany，andthegreatfamiliesofFranceandEnglandshould，oneandall，followthecustomofsettingoutonajourneyafterthemarriageceremony？Thegreatpeopleshutthemselvesinaboxwhichrollsalong；
thelittlepeoplegailytramptheroads，sittingdowninthewoods，banquetingattheinns，aslongastheirjoy，orrathertheirmoneylasts。Amoralistispuzzledtodecideonwhichsideisthefinersenseofmodesty，——thatwhichhidesfromthepubliceyeandinauguratesthedomestichearthandbedinprivate，astotheworthyburghersofalllands，orthatwhichwithdrawsfromthefamilyandexhibitsitselfpubliclyonthehigh-roadsandinfaceofstrangers。
Onewouldthinkthatdelicatesoulsmightdesiresolitudeandseektoescapeboththeworldandtheirfamily。Thelovewhichbeginsamarriageisapearl，adiamond，ajewelcutbythechoicestofarts，atreasuretoburyinthedepthsofthesoul。
Whocanrelateahoneymoon，unlessitbethebride？Howmanywomenreadingthishistorywilladmittothemselvesthatthisperiodofuncertaindurationistheforecastofconjugallife？ThefirstthreelettersofSabinetohermotherwilldepictasituationnotsurprisingtosomeyoungbridesandtomanyoldwomen。Allthosewhofindthemselvesthesick-nurses，sotospeak，ofahusband’sheart，donot，asSabinedid，discoverthisatonce。ButyounggirlsofthefaubourgSaint-Germain，ifintelligent，arewomeninmind。Beforemarriage，theyhavereceivedfromtheirmothersandtheworldtheyliveinthebaptismofgoodmanners；thoughwomenofrank，anxioustohanddowntheirtraditions，donotalwaysseethebearingoftheirownlessonswhentheysaytotheirdaughters:”Thatisamotionthatmustnotbemade；””Neverlaughatsuchthings；””Noladyeverflingsherselfonasofa；shesitsdownquietly；””Praygiveupsuchdetestableways；””Mydear，thatisathingwhichisneverdone，”etc。
Manybourgeoiscriticsunjustlydenytheinnocenceandvirtueofyounggirlswho，likeSabine，aretrulyvirginatheart，improvedbythetrainingoftheirminds，bythehabitofnoblebearing，bynaturalgoodtaste，while，fromtheageofsixteen，theyhavelearnedhowtousetheiropera-glasses。Sabinewasagirlofthisschool，whichwasalsothatofMademoiselledeChaulieu。Thisinbornsenseofthefitnessofthings，thesegiftsofracemadeSabinedeGrandlieuasinterestingayoungwomanastheheroineofthe”MemoirsoftwoyoungMarriedWomen。”Herletterstohermotherduringthehoneymoon，ofwhichweheregivethreeorfour，willshowthequalitiesofhermindandtemperament。
Guerande，April，1838。
ToMadamelaDuchessedeGrandlieu:
DearMamma，——YouwillunderstandwhyIdidnotwritetoyouduringthejourney，——ourwitsarethenlikewheels。HereIam，forthelasttwodays，inthedepthsofBrittany，atthehotelduGuenic，——ahouseascoveredwithcarvingasasandal-woodbox。InspiteoftheaffectionatedevotionofCalyste’sfamily，Ifeelakeendesiretoflytoyou，totellyoumanythingswhichcanonlybetrustedtoamother。
Calystemarried，dearmamma，withagreatsorrowinhisheart。Weallknewthat，andyoudidnothidefrommethedifficultiesofmyposition；butalas！theyaregreaterthanyouthought。Ah！mydearmother，whatexperienceweacquireintheshortspaceofafewdays——Imightevensayafewhours！Allyourcounselshaveprovedfruitless；youwillseewhyfromonesentence:IloveCalysteasifhewerenotmyhusband，——thatistosay，ifIweremarriedtoanother，andweretravellingwithCalyste，IshouldloveCalysteandhatemyhusband。
Nowthinkofamanbelovedsocompletely，involuntarily，absolutely，andalltheotheradverbsyoumaychoosetoemploy，andyouwillseethatmyservitudeisestablishedinspiteofyourgoodadvice。Youtoldmetobegrand，noble，dignified，andself-
respectinginordertoobtainfromCalystethefeelingsthatareneversubjecttothechancesandchangesoflife，——esteem，honor，andtheconsiderationwhichsanctifiesawomaninthebosomofherfamily。Irememberhowyoublamed，Idaresayjustly，theyoungwomenofthepresentday，who，underpretextoflivinghappilywiththeirhusbands，beginbycompliance，flattery，familiarity，anabandonment，youcalledit，alittletoowantonawordIdidnotfullyunderstand，allofwhich，ifImustbelieveyou，arerelaysthatleadrapidlytoindifferenceandpossiblytocontempt。”RememberthatyouareaGrandlieu！”yes，Irememberthatyoutoldmeallthat——
Butoh！thatadvice，filledwiththematernaleloquenceofafemaleDaedelushashadthefateofallthingsmythological。Dear，belovedmother，couldyoueverhavesupposeditpossiblethatI
shouldbeginbythecatastrophewhich，accordingtoyou，endsthehoneymoonoftheyoungwomenofthepresentday？
WhenCalysteandIwerefairlyaloneinthetravellingcarriage，wefeltratherfoolishineachother’scompany，understandingtheimportanceofthefirstword，thefirstlook；andweboth，bewilderedbythesolemnity，lookedoutofourrespectivewindows。
Itbecamesoridiculousthatwhenwereachedthebarriermonsieurbegan，inarathertroubledtoneofvoice，asetdiscourse，prepared，nodoubt，likeotherimprovisations，towhichIlistenedwithabeatingheart，andwhichItakethelibertyofhereabridging。”MydearSabine，”hesaid，”Iwantyoutobehappy，and，aboveall，doIwishyoutobehappyinyourownway。Therefore，inthesituationinwhichweare，insteadofdeceivingourselvesmutuallyaboutourcharactersandourfeelingsbynoblecompliances，letusendeavortobetoeachotheratoncewhatweshouldbeyearshence。Thinkalwaysthatyouhaveafriendandabrotherinme，asIshallfeelIhaveasisterandafriendinyou。”
Thoughitwasallsaidwiththeutmostdelicacy，Ifoundnothinginthisfirstconjugallove-speechwhichrespondedtothefeelingsinmysoul，andIremainedpensiveafterreplyingthatIwasanimatedbythesamesentiments。Afterthisdeclarationofourrightstomutualcoldness，wetalkedofweather，relays，andsceneryinthemostcharmingmanner，——Iwithratheraforcedlittlelaugh，heabsent-mindedly。
Atlast，aswewereleavingVersailles，IturnedtoCalyste——whomIcalledmydearCalyste，andhecalledmemydearSabine——andaskedhimplainlytotellmetheeventswhichhadledhimtothepointofdeath，andtowhichIwasawarethatIowedthehappinessofbeinghiswife。Hehesitatedlong。Infact，myrequestgaverisetoalittleargumentbetweenus，whichlastedthroughthreerelays，——Iendeavoringtomaintainthepartofanobstinategirl，andtryingtosulk；hedebatingwithinhimselfthequestionwhichthenewspapersusedtoputtoCharlesX。:”Mustthekingyieldornot？”Atlast，afterpassingVerneuil，andexchangingoathsenoughtosatisfythreedynastiesnevertoreproachhimforhisfolly，andnevertotreathimcoldly，etc。，etc。，herelatedtomehisloveforMadamedeRochefide。”Idonotwish，”hesaid，inconclusion，”tohaveanysecretsbetweenus。”
Poor，dearCalyste，itseems，wasignorantthathisfriend，MademoiselledesTouches，andyouhadthoughtitrighttotellmethetruth。Well，mother，——forIcantellalltoamotherastenderasyou，——Iwasdeeplyhurtbyperceivingthathehadyieldedlesstomyrequestthantohisowndesiretotalkofthatstrangepassion。Doyoublameme，darlingmother，forhavingwishedtoreconnoitretheextentofthegrief，theopenwoundoftheheartofwhichyouwarnedme？
So，eighthoursafterreceivingtherector’sblessingatSaint-
Thomasd’Aquin，yourSabinewasintheratherfalsepositionofayoungwifelisteningtoaconfidence，fromtheverylipsofherhusband，ofhismisplacedloveforanunworthyrival。Yes，thereI
was，inthedramaofayoungwomanlearning，officially，asitwere，thatsheowedhermarriagetothedisdainfulrejectionofanoldandfadedbeauty！
Still，IgainedwhatIsought。”Whatwasthat？”youwillask。Ah！
motherdear，Ihaveseentoomuchoflovegoingonaroundmenottoknowhowtoputalittleofitintopractice。Well，Calysteendedthepoemofhismiserieswiththewarmestprotestationsofanabsoluteforgettingofwhathecalledhismadness。Allkindsofaffirmationshavetobesigned，youknow。Thehappyunhappyonetookmyhand，carriedittohislips，and，afterthat，hekeptitforalongtimeclaspedinhisown。Adeclarationfollowed。/Thatone/seemedtomemoreconformablethanthefirsttothedemandsofournewcondition，thoughourlipsneversaidaword。PerhapsI
owedittothevigorousindignationIfeltandshowedatthebadtasteofawomanfoolishenoughnottolovemybeautiful，mygloriousCalyste。
Theyarecallingmetoplayagameofcards，whichIdonotyetunderstand。Iwillfinishmyletterto-morrow。Toleaveyouatthismomenttomakeafifthat/mouche/thatisthenameofthegamecanonlybedoneinthedepthsofBrittany——Adieu。
YourSabine。
Guerande，May，1838。
ItakeupmyOdyssey。Onthethirddayyourchildrennolongerusedtheceremonious”you；”theythee’dandthou’deachotherlikelovers。Mymother-in-law，enchantedtoseeussohappy，istryingtotakeyourplacetome，dearmother，and，asoftenhappenswhenpeopleplayaparttoeffaceothermemories，shehasbeensocharmingthatsheis，/almost/，youtome。
Ithinkshehasguessedtheheroismofmyconduct，foratthebeginningofourjourneyshetriedtohideheranxietywithsuchcarethatitwasvisiblefromexcessiveprecaution。
WhenIsawthetowersofGueranderisinginthedistance，I
whisperedintheearofyourson-in-law，”Haveyoureallyforgottenher？”Myhusband，nowbecome/myangel/，can’tknowanything，Ithink，aboutsincereandsimplelove，forthewordsmadehimwildwithhappiness。Still，IthinkthedesiretoputMadamedeRochefideforeveroutofhismindledmetoofar。ButhowcouldIhelpit？Ilove，andIamhalfaPortuguese，——forIammuchmorelikeyou，mamma，thanlikemyfather。
Calysteacceptsallfrommeasspoiltchildrenacceptthings，theythinkittheirright；heisanonlychild，Irememberthat。But，betweenourselves，IwillnotgivemydaughterifIhaveanydaughterstoanonlyson。Iseeavarietyoftyrantsinanonlyson。So，mamma，wehaveratherinvertedourparts，andIamthedevotedhalfofthepair。Therearedangers，Iknow，indevotion，thoughweprofitbyit；weloseourdignity，foronething。Ifeelboundtotellyouofthewreckofthatsemi-virtue。Dignity，afterall，isonlyascreensetupbeforepride，behindwhichwerageasweplease；buthowcouldIhelpit？youwerenothere，andIsawagulfopeningbeforeme。HadIremaineduponmydignity，Ishouldhavewononlythecoldjoysorpainsofasortofbrotherhoodwhichwouldsoonhavedriftedintoindifference。Whatsortoffuturemightthathaveledto？Mydevotionhas，Iknow，mademeCalyste’sslave；butshallIregretit？Weshallsee。
Asforthepresent，Iamdelightedwithit。IloveCalyste；Ilovehimabsolutely，withthefollyofamother，whothinksthatallhersonmaydoisright，evenifhetyrannizesatrifleoverher。
Guerande，May15th。
Uptothepresentmoment，dearmamma，Ifindmarriageadelightfulaffair，Icanspendallmytendernessonthenoblestofmenwhomafoolishwomandisdainedforafiddler，——forthatwomanevidentlywasafool，andacoldfool，theworstkind！I，inmylegitimatelove，amcharitable；IamcuringhiswoundswhileIlaymyheartopentoincurableones。Yes，themoreIloveCalyste，themoreI
feelthatIshoulddieofgriefifourpresenthappinesseverceased。
ImusttellyouhowthewholefamilyandthecirclewhichmeetsatthehoteldeGuenicadoreme。Theyareallpersonagesbornundertapestriesofthehighestwarp；infact，theyseemtohavesteppedfromthoseoldtapestriesasiftoprovethattheimpossiblemayexist。Someday，whenwearealonetogether，IwilldescribetoyoumyAuntZephirine，MademoiselledePen-Hoel，theChevalierduHalga，theDemoisellesdeKergarouet，andothers。Theyall，eventothetwoservants，GasselinandMariottewhomIwishtheywouldletmetaketoParis，regardmeasanangelsentfromheaven；
theytremblewhenIspeak。Dearpeople！theyoughttobepreservedunderglass。
Mymother-in-lawhassolemnlyinstalledusintheapartmentsformerlyoccupiedbyherselfandherlatehusband。Thescenewastouching。Shesaidtous，——”Ispentmywholemarriedlife，ahappywoman，intheserooms；maytheomenbeahappyoneforyou，mychildren。”
ShehastakenCalyste’sformerroomforhers。Saintlysoul！sheseemsintentonlayingoffhermemoriesandallherconjugaldignitiestoinvestuswiththem。TheprovinceofBrittany，thistown，thisfamilyofancientmoralsandancientcustomshas，inspiteofcertainabsurditieswhichstriketheeyeofafrivolousParisiangirl，somethinginexplicable，somethinggrandioseeveninitstrifles，whichcanonlybedefinedbytheword/sacred/。
AllthetenantsofthevastdomainsofthehouseofGuenic，boughtback，asyouknow，byMademoiselledesToucheswhomwearegoingtovisitinherconvent，havebeeninabodytopaytheirrespectstous。Theseworthypeople，intheirholidaycostumes，expressingtheirgenuinejoyinthefactthatCalystehasnowbecomereallyandtrulytheirmaster，mademeunderstandBrittany，thefeudalsystemand/old/France。ThewholescenewasafestivalIcan’tdescribetoyouinwriting，butIwilltellyouaboutitwhenwemeet。Thetermsoftheleaseshavebeenproposedbythe/gars/themselves。Weshallsignthem，aftermakingatourofinspectionroundtheestates，whichhavebeenmortgagedawayfromusforonehundredandfiftyyears！MademoiselledePen-Hoeltoldmethatthe/gars/havereckoneduptherevenuesandestimatedtherentalswithaveracityandjusticeParisianswouldneverbelieve。
Westartinthreedaysonhorsebackforthistrip。Iwillwriteyouonmyreturn，dearmother。Ishallhavenothingmoretotellyouaboutmyself，formyhappinessisatitsheight——andhowcanthatbetold？Ishallwriteyouonlywhatyouknowalready，andthatis，howIloveyou。
Nantes，June，1838。
Havingnowplayedtheroleofachatelaine，adoredbyhervassalsasiftherevolutionsof1789and1830hadlowerednobanners；andafterridesthroughforests，andhaltsatfarmhouses，dinnersonoakentables，coveredwithcentenarylinen，bendingunderHomericviandsservedonantediluviandishes；afterdrinkingthechoicestwinesingobletstovolleysofmusketry，accompaniedbycriesof”LonglivetheGuenics！”tillIwasdeafened；afterballs，wheretheonlyorchestrawasabagpipe，blownbyamanfortenhours；
andafterbouquets，andyoungbrideswhowantedustoblessthem，anddownrightweariness，whichmademefindinmybedasleepI
neverknewbefore，withdelightfulawakeningswhenloveshoneradiantasthesunpouringinuponme，andscintillatingwithamillionofflies，allbuzzingintheBretondialect！——inshort，afteramostgrotesqueresidenceintheChateauduGuenic，wherethewindowsaregatesandthecowsgracepeacefullyonthegrassinthehallswhichcastlewehavesworntorepairandtoinhabitforawhileveryyeartothewildacclamationsoftheclanduGuenic，a/gars/ofwhichborehighourbanner——ouf！IamatNantes。
Butoh！whatadaywasthatwhenwearrivedattheoldcastle！Therectorcameout，mother，withallhisclergy，crownedwithflowers，toreceiveusandblessus，expressingsuchjoy，——thetearsareinmyeyesasIthinkofit。AndmynobleCalyste！whoplayedhispartofseigneurlikeapersonageinWalterScott！Mylordreceivedhistenants’homageasifhewerebackinthethirteenthcentury。Iheardthegirlsandthewomensayingtoeachother，”Oh，whatabeautifulseigneurwehave！”foralltheworldlikeanoperachorus。TheoldmentalkedofCalyste’sresemblancetotheformerGuenicswhomtheyhadknownintheiryouth。Ah！
noble，sublimeBrittany！landofbeliefandfaith！Butprogresshasgotitseyeuponit；bridgesarebeingbuilt，roadsmade，ideasarecoming，andthenfarewelltothesublime！ThepeasantswillcertainlynotbeasfreeandproudasIhavenowseenthem，whenprogresshasprovedtothemthattheyareCalyste’sequals——
if，indeed，theycouldeverbegottobelieveit。