Atsightofhertheeyesoftheoldwomanmoistenedandgrewdimmerthanagehadmadethem;shesmiledstill，butthesmilehadthesweetnessofablessinginit，andnolongerthekindlybanterofhumour。"Youlovehim，mylittleone？"shesaid，inasoft，hushedvoice。
"Ah，madame！"Margotcouldnotsaymore。Shecoveredherfacewithherhands，andturnedtothewall，andweptwithapassionofjoy。
DownintheBerceauthereweregossipswhowouldhavesaid，withwiseshakesoftheirheads，"Tut，tut！howeasyitistomakebelieveinalittlelovewhenoneisaserving-maid，andhasnotasou，noraroof，norafriendintheworld，andacomelyyouthwell-to-doiswillingtomarryus！"
ButReineAllixknewbetter。Shehadnotlivedninetyyearsintheworldnottobeabletodiscernbetweentruefeelingandcounterfeit。
Shewastouched，anddrewthetremblingframeofMargotintoherarms，andkissedhertwiceontheclosed，blue-veinedlidsofherblackeyes。
"Makehimhappy，onlymakehimhappy，"shemurmured;"forIamveryold，Margot，andheisalone，allalone。"
Andthechildcrepttoher，sobbingforveryrapturethatshe，friendless，homeless，andpenniless，shouldbethuselectedforsofairafate，andwhisperedthroughhertears，"Iwill。"
ReineAllixspokeinallformtothemillerandhiswife，andwithasmuchearnestnessinherdemandasthoughshehadbeenseekingthehandofrichYacobe，thetavern-keeper’sonlydaughter。Thepeopleassented;
theyhadnopretexttooppose;andReineAllixwrappedhercloakaboutheranddescendedthehillandthestreetjustasthetwilightclosedinandthelittlelightsbegantoglimmerthroughthelatticesandtheshuttersandthegreenmantleoftheboughs，whiletheredfiresofthesmithyforgeglowedbrightlyinthegloom，andawhitehorsewaitedtobeshod，aboyinablueblouseseatedonitsbackandswitchingawaywithabranchofbuddinghazelthefirstgraygnatsoftheearlyyear。
"Itiswelldone，itiswelldone，"shesaidtoherself，lookingatthelowrosycloudsandthepalegoldofthewaningsky。"Ayearortwo，andIshallbeinmygrave。IshallleavehimeasierifIknowhehassomecreaturetocareforhim，andIshallbequietinmycoffin，knowingthathischildren’schildrenwillliveonandonandonintheBerceau，andsometimesperhapsthinkalittleofmewhenthenightsarelongandtheysitroundthefire。"
Shewentinoutofthedewyair，intothelittlelow，squareroomofhercottage，andwentuptoBernadouandlaidherhandsonhisshoulders。
"Beitwellwiththee，mygrandson，andwiththysons’sonsafterthee，"shesaidsolemnly。"Margotwillbethywife。Maythydaysandhersbelonginthybirthplace！"
Amonthlatertheyweremarried。ItwasthenMay。ThegreennestoftheBerceauseemedtooverflowwiththesingingofbirdsandtheblossomingofflowers。Thecorn-landspromisedarareharvest，andtheappleorchardswereweigheddownwiththeirredandwhiteblossoms。Thelittlebrownstreamsinthewoodsbrimmedoverinthegrass，andtheairwasfullofsweetmellowsunlight，acoolfragrantbreeze，acontinualmusicofhummingbeesandsoaringlarksandmule-bellsringingontheroads，andchildishlaughterechoingfromthefields。
InthisgladspringtimeBernadouandMargotwerewedded，goingwiththeirfriendsonesunnymorningupthewindinghill-pathtothelittlegraychapelwhosewallswerehiddeninivy，andwhosesorrowfulChristlookeddownthroughtheopenporchacrosstheblueandhazywidthoftheriver。Georges，thebaker，whosefiddlemademerrymelodyatallthevillagedances，playedbeforethemtunefully;littlechildren，withtheirhandsfullofwood-flowers，ranbeforethem;hisoldblindpoodlesmeltitswayfaithfullybytheirfootsteps;theirpriestledthewayupwardwiththecrosshelderectagainstthelight;ReineAllixwalkedbesidethem，nearlyasfirmlyasshehadtroddenthesameroadseventyyearsbeforeinherownbridalhour。InthehollowbelowlaytheBerceaudeDieu，withitsredgablesanditsthatchedroofshiddenbeneathleaves，anditspeacefulpasturessmilingunderthesereneblueskiesofFrance。
Theywerehappy——ah，heaven，sohappy！——andalltheirlittleworldrejoicedwiththem。
Theycamehomeandtheirneighboursenteredwiththem，andateanddrank，andgavethemgoodwishesandgaysongs，andtheoldpriestblessedthemwithafather’stendernessupontheirthreshold;andthefiddleofGeorgessentgladdestdance-musicflyingthroughtheopencasements，acrosstheroad，upthehill，farawaytothecloudsandtheriver。
Atnight，whentheguestshaddepartedandallwasquitestillwithinandwithout，ReineAllixsataloneatherwindowintheroof，thinkingoftheirfutureandofherpast，andwatchingthestarscomeout，onebyanother，abovethewoods。Fromherlatticeintheeavesshesawstraightupthevillagestreet;sawthedwellingsofherlifelongneighbours，theslopesoftherichfields，thegleamofthebroadgraywater，thewhitenessofthecrucifixagainstthedarkenedskies。Shesawitall——allsofamiliar，withthatintimateassociationonlypossibletothepeasantwhohasdweltononespotfrombirthtoage。Inthatfaintlight，inthosedeepshadows，shecouldtraceallthesceneasthoughthebrightnessofthemoonshoneonit;itwasall，initshomelinessandsimplicity，intenselydeartoher。Intheplaytimeofherchildhood，inthecourtshipofheryouth，inthejoysandwoesofherwifehoodandwidowhood，thebitterpainsandsweetecstasiesofhermaternity，thehungerandprivationofstrugglingdesolateyears，thecontentmentandserenityofoldage——inallthesehereyeshadrestedonlyonthissmall，quaint，leafystreet，withitsdwellingscloseandlow，likebee-hivesinagarden，anditspasture-landsandcorn-lands，wood-girtandwater-fed，stretchingasfarasthesightcouldreach。
Everyinchofitssoil，everyturnofitspaths，washallowedtoherwithinnumerablememories;allherbeloveddeadweregarneredtherewherethewhiteChristwatchedthem;whenhertimeshouldcome，shethought，shewouldrestwiththemnothingloath。Asshelooked，thetearsofthanksgivingrolleddownherwitheredcheeks，andshebentherfeeblelimbsandkneltdowninthemoonlight，praisingGodthatHehadgivenhertoliveanddieinthischerishedhome，andbeseechingHimforherchildrenthattheylikewisemightdwellinhonesty，andwithlengthofdaysabidebeneaththatroof。
"Godisgood，"shemurmured，asshestretchedherselftosleepbeneaththeeaves，——"Godisgood。Maybe，whenHetakesmetoHimself，ifIbeworthy，HewilltellHisholysaintstogivemealittlecornerinHiskingdom，thatHeshallfashionformeinthelikenessoftheBerceau。"
Foritseemedtoherthat，thantheBerceau，heavenitselfcouldholdnosweeterorfairernookofParadise。
Theyearrolledon，andthecottageunderthesycamoreswasbutthehappierforitsnewinmate。Bernadouwasseriousoftemper，thoughsogentle，andthearch，gayhumourofhisyoungwifewaslikeperpetualsunlightinthehouse。Margot，too，wassodocile，soeager，sobright，andsoimbuedwithdevotionalreverenceforherhusbandandhishome，thatReineAllixdaybydayblessedthefatethathadbroughttoherthisfatherlessandpennilesschild。Bernadouhimselfspokelittle;
wordswerenotinhisway;buthisblue，frankeyesshonewithanuncloudedradiancethatneverchanged，andhisvoice，whenhedidspeak，hadamellowsoftnessinitthatmadehisslightestspeechtothetwowomenwithhimtenderasacaress。
"Thouartahappywoman，mysister，"saidthepriest，whowaswell-nighasoldasherself。
ReineAllixbowedherheadandmadethesignofthecross。"Iam，praisebetoGod！"
Andbeinghappy，shewenttothehovelofpoorMadelonDreux，thecobbler’swidow，andnursedherandherchildrenthroughamalignantfever，sittingearlyandlate，andleavingherownpeacefulhearthforthedesolatehutwiththedeliriousravingsandheartrendingmoansofthefever-stricken。"Howoughtonetodaretobehappyifoneisnotofuse？"shewouldsaytothosewhosoughttodissuadeherfromrunningsuchperil。
MadelonDreuxandherfamilyrecovered，owingtohertheirlives;andshewashappierthanbefore，thinkingofthemwhenshesatonthesettlebeforethewoodfireroastingchestnutsandspinningflaxonthewheel，andeverandagainwatchingtheflamereflectedonthefairheadofBernadouorinthedark，smilingeyesofMargot。
Anotherspringpassedandanotheryearwentby，andthelittlehomeunderthesycamoreswasstillnolesshonestinitslaboursorbrightinitsrest。ItwasoneamongamillionofsuchhomesinFrance，whereasunnytempermademirthwithamealofherbs，andfiliallovetouchedtopoetrytheproseofdailyhouseholdtasks。
AchildwasborntoMargotinthespringtimewiththevioletsanddaisies，andReineAllixwasproudofthefourthgeneration，and，asshecaressedtheboy’shealthy，fairlimbs，thoughtthatGodwasindeedgoodtoher，andthatherracewouldlivelongintheplaceofherbirth。ThechildresembledBernadou，andhadhisclear，candideyes。Itsoonlearnedtoknowthevoiceof"/gran’mere/，"andwouldturnfromitsyoungmother’sbosomtostretchitsarmstoReineAllix。Itgrewfairandstrong，andalltheensuingwinterpasseditshourscurledlikeadormouseorplayinglikeapuppyatherfeetinthechimney-
corner。Anotherspringandsummercame，andtheboywasmorethanayearold，withcurlsofgold，andcheekslikeapples，andamouththatalwayssmiled。Hecouldtalkalittle，andtumbledlikeayoungrabbitamongthefloweringgrasses。ReineAllixwatchedhim，andhereyesfilled。"Godistoogood，"shethought。Shefearedthatsheshouldscarcebesowillingtogotoherlastsleepunderthetreesonthehillsideassheusedtobe。Shecouldnothelpadesiretoseethischild，thissecondBernadou，growuptoyouthandmanhood;andofthissheknewitwaswildtodream。
Itwasripemidsummer。Thefieldswereallrussetandamberwithanabundanceofcorn。Thelittlegardenshadseldomyieldedsorichaproduce。Thecattleandtheflockswereinexcellenthealth。Therehadneverbeenaseasonofgreaterpromiseandprosperityforthelittletrafficthatthevillageanditsfarmsdroveinsendingmilkandsheepandvegetablewealthtothatgreatcitywhichwastoitasadim，wonderful，mysticnamewithoutmeaning。
Oneeveninginthisgraciousandgoldentimethepeoplesatoutasusualwhenthedaywasdone，talkingfromdoortodoor，theoldwomenknittingorspinning，theyoungeronesmendingtheirhusbands’orbrothers’blousesorthelittleblueshirtsoftheirinfants，thechildrenplayingwiththedogsontheswardthatedgedthestonesofthestreet，andaboveallthegreatcalmheavensandtheglowofthesunthathadset。
ReineAllix，liketheothers，satbeforethedoor，foroncedoingnothing，butwithfoldedhandsandbendedheaddreamilytakingpleasureinthecoolnessthathadcomewithevening，andthesmellofthelimesthatwereinblossom，andtheblithechatterofMargotwiththeneighbours。Bernadouwasclosebesidethem，wateringandweedingthoseflowersthatwereatoncehisprideandhisrecreation，makingthefaceofhisdwellingbrightandtheairarounditfulloffragrance。
Thelittlestreetwasquietintheeveninglight，onlythelaughterofthechildrenandthegaygossipoftheirmothersbreakingthepleasantstillness;ithadbeenthusateveningwiththeBerceaucenturiesbeforetheirtime;theythoughtthatitwouldthuslikewisebewhenthecenturiesshouldhaveseentheyoungest-bornthereinhisgrave。
Suddenlycamealongtheroadbetweenthetreesanoldmanandamule;
itwasMathurin，themiller，whohadbeenthatdaytoalittletownfourleaguesoff，whichwasthetrade-martandthecorn-exchangeofthedistrict。HepausedbeforethecottageofReineAllix;hewasdusty，travel-stained，andsad。Margotceasedlaughingamongherflowersasshesawheroldmaster。Noneofthemknewwhy，yetthesightofhimmadetheairseemcoldandthenightseemnear。
"Thereisterriblenews，"hesaid，drawingasheetofprintedwordsfromhiscoat-pocket——"terriblenews！Wearetogotowar。"
"War！"Thewholevillageclusteredroundhim。Theyhadheardofwar，far-offwarsinAfricaandMexico，andsomeoftheirsonshadbeentakenofflikeyoungwheatmownbeforeitstime;butitstillremainedtothemathingremote，impersonal，inconceivable，withwhichtheyhadnothingtodo，noreverwouldhaveanything。
"Read！"saidtheoldman，stretchingouthissheet。Theonlyonetherewhocoulddoso，Picot，thetailor，tookitandspelledthenewsouttotheirwonderingears。ItwasthedeclarationofFranceagainstPrussia。
Therearoseagreatwailfromthemotherswhosesonswereconscripts。
Therestaskedintrembling，"Willittouchus？"
"Us！"echoedPicot，thetailor，incontempt。"Howshouldittouchus？
OurbraveswillbeinBerlinwithanotherfortnight。Thepapersaysso。"
Thepeopleweresilent;theywerenotsurewhathemeantbyBerlin，andtheywereafraidtoask。
"Myboy！myboy！"wailedonewoman，smitingherbreast。Hersonwasinthearmy。
"Marengo！"murmuredReineAllix，thinkingofthatfar-offtimeinherdimyouthwhenthehorsemanhadflownthroughtheduskystreetandthebonfirehadblazedonthehighesthillabovetheriver。
"Breadwillbedear，"mutteredMathurin，themiller，goingonwardwithhisfoot-wearymule。Bernadoustoodsilent，withhisrosesdryandthirstyroundhim。
"Whyartthousad？"whisperedMargot，withwistfuleyes。"Thouartexemptfromwarservice，mylove？"
Bernadoushookhishead。"Thepoorwillsuffersomehow，"wasallheanswered。
Yettohim，astoalltheBerceau，thenewswasnotveryterrible，becauseitwassovagueanddistant——anevilsofaroffandshapeless。
MonsieurPicot，thetailor，whoalonecouldread，ranfromhousetohouse，fromgrouptogroup，breathless，gay，andtriumphant，tellingthemallthatintwoweeksmoretheirbrethrenwouldsupintheking’spalaceatBerlin;andthepeoplebelievedandlaughedandchattered，and，standingoutsidetheirdoorsinthecoolnights，thoughtthatsomegoodhadcometothemandtheirs。
OnlyReineAllixlookeduptothehillabovetheriverandmurmured，"Whenwelitthebonfirethere，Claudislaydead;"andBernadou，standingmusingamonghisroses，said，withasmilethatwasverygrave，"Margot，seehere！WhenPicotshouted，’/ABerlin！/’hetrodonmyGloiredeDijonroseandkilledit。"
Thesultryheatsandcloudlessnightsofthewondrousandawfulsummeroftheyear1870passedby，andtotheBerceaudeDieuitwasasummeroffairpromiseandnobleharvest，andneverhadthelandbroughtforthinricherprofusionformanandbeast。Someoftheyoungestandablest-
bodiedlabourerswereindeeddrawnawaytojointhoseswifttrainsthathurriedthousandsandtensofthousandstothefrontierbytheRhine。
Butmostofthemalepopulationweremarried，andwerethefathersofyoungchildren;andthevillagewasonlymovedtoathrillofloveandofhonestpridetothinkhowitsyoungLouisandJeanandAndreandValentinweregonefullofhighhopeandhighspirit，tocomeback，maybe，——whocouldsaynot？——withepauletsandribbonsofhonour。Whytheyweregonetheyknewnotveryclearly，buttheirsuperiorsaffirmedthattheyweregonetomakegreaterthegreatnessofFrance;andthefolkoftheBerceaubelievedit，havinginacorneroftheirquietheartsacertainvague，dormant，yetdeep-rootedlove，onwhichwaswrittenthenameoftheircountry。
NewscameslowlyandseldomtotheBerceau。Unlesssomeoneofthemenrodehismuletothelittletown，whichwasbutveryrarely，orunlesssomepeddlercamethroughthevillagewithanews-sheetorsoinhispackorrumoursandtidingsonhislips，nothingthatwasdonebeyonditsfieldsandwoodscametoit。Andthetruthofwhatitheardithadnomeansofmeasuringorsifting。Itbelievedwhatitwastold，withoutquestioning;andasitreapedtheharvestsintherichhotsunofAugust，itspeasantslabouredcheerilyinthesimpleandfirmbeliefthatmightythingswerebeingdoneforthemandtheirsinthefareasternprovincesbytheirgreatarmy，andthatLouisandJeanandAndreandValentinandtherest——thoughindeednotidingshadbeenheardofthem——weresafeandwellandglorioussomewhere，awaywherethesunrose，inthesackedpalacesoftheGermanking。ReineAllixaloneofthemwasseriousandsorrowful，shewhosememoriesstretchedbackoverthewidespaceofnearacentury。
"Whyartthouanxious，/gran’mere/？"theysaidtoher。"Thereisnocause。Ourarmyisvictoriouseverywhere;andtheysayourladswillsendusallthePrussians’cornandcattle，sothattheverybeggarswillhavetheirstomachsfull。"
ButReineAllixshookherhead，sittingknittinginthesun。"Mychildren，Irememberthedaysofmyyouth。Ourarmywasvictoriousthen;atleast，theysaidso。Well，allIknowisthatlittleClaudisandtheboyswithhimnevercameback;andasforbread，youcouldnotgetitforloveormoney，andthepeoplelaydeadoffamineoutonthepublicroads。"
"Butthatissolongago，/gran’mere/！"theyurged。
ReineAllixnodded。"Yes，itislongago，mydears。ButIdonotthinkthatthingschangeverymuch。"
Theyweresilentoutofrespectforher，butamongthemselvestheysaid，"Sheisveryold。Nothingisasitwasinhertime。"
Oneevening，whenthesunwassettingredoverthereapenfields，tworidersontremblingandsinkinghorseswentthroughthevillageusingwhipandspur，andscarcelydrewreinastheyshoutedtothecottagerstoknowwhethertheyhadseengobyamanrunningforhislife。Thepeoplerepliedthattheyhadseennothingofthekind，andthehorsemenpressedon，jammingtheirspursintotheirpoorbeasts’steamingflanks。"Ifyouseehim，catchandhanghim，"theyshouted，astheyscouredaway;"heisaPrussianspy！"
"APrussian！"thevillagersechoed，withastupidstare——"aPrussianinFrance！"
Oneoftheriderslookedoverhisshoulderforamoment。"Youfools！doyounotknow？Wearebeaten，——beateneverywhere，——andthePrussianpigsmarchonParis。"
ThespywasnotseenintheBerceau，butthenewsbroughtbyhispursuersscaredsleepfromtheeyesofeverygrownmanthatnightinthelittlevillage。"ItistheaccursedEmpire！"screamedthepatriotsofthewine-shop。Buttherestofthepeopleweretooterrifiedanddown-strickentotakeheedofempiresorpatriots;theyonlythoughtofLouisandJeanandAndreandValentin;andtheycollectedroundReineAllix，whosaidtothem，"Mychildren，forloveofmoneyallourfairestfruitsandflowers——yea，eventothebestblossomsofourmaidenhood——weresenttobeboughtandsoldinParis。Wesinnedtherein，andthisisthewillofGod。"
Thiswasallforatimethattheyheard。Itwasaplacelowlyandobscureenoughtobeleftinpeace。Thelawpounceddownonitonceortwiceandcarriedoffafewmoreofitsmenforarmyservice，andarmsweresenttoitfromitsneighbouringtown，andanoldsoldieroftheFirstEmpiretriedtoinstructitsremainingsonsintheiruse。ButhehadnoaptpupilexceptBernadou，whosoonlearnedtohandleamusketwithskillandwithprecision，andwhocarriedhisstraightformgallantlyandwell，thoughhiswordswereseldomheardandhiseyeswerealwayssad。
"Youwillnotbecalledtillthelast，Bernadou，"saidtheoldsoldier;
"youaremarried，andmaintainyourgrandamandwifeandchild。Butastrong，muscular，well-builtyouthlikeyoushouldnotwaittobecalled;youshouldvolunteertoserveFrance。"
"IwillserveFrancewhenmytimecomes，"saidBernadou，simply，inanswer。Buthewouldnotleavehisfieldsbarren，andhisorcharduncaredfor，andhiswifetosickenandstarve，andhisgrandmothertoperishaloneinherninety-thirdyear。Theyjeeredandfloutedandupbraidedhim，thosepatriotswhoscreamedagainstthefallenEmpireinthewine-shop;buthelookedthemstraightintheeyes，andheldhispeace，anddidhisdailywork。
"Ifheiscalled，hewillnotbefoundwanting，"saidReineAllix，whoknewhimbetterthandideventheyoungwifewhomheloved。
Bernadouclungtohishomewithadoggeddevotion。Hewouldnotgofromittofightunlesscompelled，butforithewouldhavefoughtlikealion。Hisloveforhiscountrywasonlyanindefinite，shadowyexistencethatwasnotcleartohim;hecouldnotsavealandthathehadneverseen，acapitalthatwasonlytohimasanemptyname;norcouldhecomprehendthedangerthathisnationran，norcouldhedesiretogoforthandspendhislife-bloodindefenceofthingsunknowntohim。Hewasonlyapeasant，andhecouldnotreadnorgreatlyunderstand。Butaffectionforhisbirthplacewasapassionwithhim，muteindeed，butdeep-seatedasanoak。Forhisbirthplacehewouldhavestruggledasamancanonlystrugglewhensupremeloveaswellasdutynerveshisarm。NeitherhenorReineAllixcouldseethataman’sdutymightliefromhome，butinthathomebothwerealikereadytodareanythingandtosuffereverything。Itwasanarrowformofpatriotism，yetithadnobleness，endurance，andpatienceinit;insongithasbeenoftentimesdeifiedasheroism，butinmodernwarfareitispunishedastheblackestcrime。
SoBernadoutarriedinhiscottagetillheshouldbecalled，keepingwatchbynightoverthesafetyofhisvillage，andbydaydoingallhecouldtoaidthedesertedwivesandmothersoftheplacebythetillingoftheirgroundforthemandthetendingofsuchpoorcattleaswereleftintheirdesolatefields。HeandMargotandReineAllix，betweenthem，fedmanymouthsthatwouldotherwisehavebeenclosedindeathbyfamine，anddeniedthemselvesallexceptthebarestandmostmeagresubsistence，thattheymightgiveawaythelittletheypossessed。
Andallthiswhilethewarwenton，butseemedfarfromthem，soseldomdidanytidingsofitpiercetheseclusioninwhichtheydwelt。By-and-
by，astheautumnwenton，theylearnedalittlemore。Fugitivescomingtothesmithyforahorse’sshoe;womenfleeingtotheiroldvillagehomesfromtheirbase，gaylifeinthecity;mandatesfromthegovernmentofdefencesenttoeveryhamletinthecountry;straynews-
sheetsbroughtinbycarriersorhawkersandhucksters——allthesebydegreestoldthemoftheperiloftheircountry，vaguelyindeed，andseldomtruthfully，butsothatbymutilatedrumourstheycameatlasttoknowtheawfulfactsofthefateofSedan，thefalloftheEmpire，thesiegeofParis。Itdidnotaltertheirdailylives;itwasstilltoofaroffandtooimpalpable。Butaforeboding，adread，anunspeakablewoesettleddownonthem。Alreadytheirlandsandcattlehadbeenharassedtoyieldprovisionforthearmyandlargetowns;
alreadytheirbesthorseshadbeentakenforthesiege-trainsandtheforage-waggons;alreadytheirploughshareswereperforceidle，andtheirchildrencriedbecauseofthescarcityofnourishment;alreadytheironofwarhadenteredtheirsouls。
Thelittlestreetateveningwasmournfulandverysilent;thefewwhotalkedspokeinwhispers，lestaspyshouldhearthem，andtheyoungoneshadnostrengthtoplay——theywantedfood。
"Itisasitwasinmyyouth，"saidReineAllix，eatingherpieceofblackbreadandputtingasidethebetterfoodpreparedforher，thatshemightsaveit，unseen，forthe"child。"
Itwashorribletoherandtoallofthemtoliveinthatcontinualterrorofanunknownfoe，thatperpetualexpectationofsomeghastly，shapelessmisery。Theywerequiet，——soquiet！——butbyalltheyheardtheyknewthatanynight，astheywenttotheirbeds，thethunderofcannonmightawakenthem;anymorning，astheylookedontheirbelovedfields，theyknewthateresunsettheflamesofwarmighthavedevouredthem。Theyknewsolittletoo;alltheyweretoldwassoindefiniteandgarbledthatsometimestheythoughtthewholewassomehorriddream——
thoughtso，atleast，untiltheylookedattheiremptystables，theiruntilledland，theirchildrenwhocriedfromhunger，theirmotherswhoweptfortheconscripts。
Butasyetitwasnotsoverymuchworsethanithadbeenintimesofbadharvestandofdiredistress;andthestormwhichragedoverthelandhadasyetsparedthislittlegreennestamongthewoodsontheSeine。
Novembercame。"Itisacoldnight，Bernadou;putonsomemorewood，"
saidReineAllix。Fuelattheleastwasplentifulinthatdistrict，andBernadouobeyed。
Hesatatthetable，workingatanewchurnforhiswife;hehadsomeskillatturneryandatinventioninsuchmatters。Thechildsleptsoundlyinitscradlebythehearth，smilingwhileitdreamed。Margotspunatherwheel。ReineAllixsatbythefire，seldomliftingherheadfromherlongknitting-needles，excepttocastalookonhergrandsonoratthesleepingchild。Thelittlewoodenshutterofthehousewasclosed。Somewinterrosesbloomedinapotbeneaththelittlecrucifix。
Bernadou’sflutelayonashelf;hehadnothadheartenoughtoplayitsincethenewsofthewarhadcome。
Suddenlyagreatsobbingcryrosewithout——thecryofmanyvoices，allraisedinwoetogether。Bernadourose，tookhismusketinhishand，undidhisdoor，andlookedout。Allthepeoplewereturnedoutintothestreet，andthewomen，loudlylamenting，beattheirbreastsandstrainedtheirchildrentotheirbosoms。Therewasasullenredlightintheskytotheeastward，andonthewindalow，hollowroarstoletothem。
"Whatisit？"heasked。
"ThePrussiansareonus！"answeredtwentyvoicesinoneaccord。"Thatredglareisthetownburning。"
Thentheywereallstill——astillnessthatwasmorehorriblethantheirlamentations。
ReineAllixcameandstoodbyhergrandson。"Ifwemustdie，letusdie/here/，"shesaid，inavoicethatwaslowandsoftandgrave。
Hetookherhandandkissedit。Shewascontentwithhisanswer。
Margotstoleforthtoo，andcrouchedbehindthem，holdingherchildtoherbreast。"Whatcantheydotous？"sheasked，trembling，withtherichcoloursofherfaceblanchedwhite。
Bernadousmiledonher。"Idonotknow，mydear。Ithinkeventheycanhardlybringdeathuponwomenandchildren。"
"Theycan，andtheywill，"saidavoicefromthecrowd。
Noneanswered。Thestreetwasveryquietinthedarkness。Farawayintheeasttheredglareglowed。Onthewindwasstillthatfaint，distant，raveningroar，liketheroaroffamishedwolves;itwastheroaroffireandofwar。
InthesilenceReineAllixspoke："Godisgood。ShallwenottrustinHim？"
Withonegreatchokingsobthepeopleanswered;theirheartswerebreaking。Allnightlongtheywatchedinthestreet——theywhohaddonenomoretobringthiscurseuponthemthantheflower-rootsthatsleptbeneaththesnow。Theydarednotgototheirbeds;theyknewnotwhentheenemymightbeuponthem。Theydarednotflee;evenintheirownwoodsthefoemightlurkforthem。Onemanindeeddidcryaloud，"Shallwestayhereinourhousestobesmokedoutlikebeesfromtheirhives？
Letusfly！"
Butthecalm，firmvoiceofReineAllixrebukedhim："Letwhowill，runlikeaharefromthehounds。Formeandmine，weabidebyourhomestead。"
Andtheywereashamedtobeoutdonebyawoman，andawomanofninetyyearsold，andnomanspokeanymoreofflight。Allthenightlongtheywatchedinthecoldandthewind，thechildrenshiveringbeneaththeirmothers’skirts，themensullenlywatchingthelightoftheflamesinthedark，starlesssky。Allnightlongtheywereleftalone，thoughfarofftheyheardthedroppingshotsofscatteredfiring，andintheleaflesswoodsaroundthemtheswiftflightofwoodlandbeastsstartledfromtheirsleep，andthehurryingfeetofsheepterrifiedfromtheirfoldsintheoutlyingfields。
Thedaybreakcame，gray，cheerless，verycold。Adensefog，whiteandraw，hungovertheriver;intheeast，wherethesun，theyknew，wasrising，theycouldonlyseethelividlightofthestilltoweringflamesandpillarsofblacksmokeagainsttheleadenclouds。
"Wewillletthemcomeandgoinpeaceiftheywill，"murmuredoldMathurin。"Whatcanwedo？Wehavenoarms，nopowderhardly，nosoldiers，nodefence。"
Bernadousaidnothing，buthestraightenedhistalllimbs，andinhisgraveblueeyesalightgleamed。
ReineAllixlookedathimasshesatinthedoorwayofherhouse。"Thyhandsarehonest，thyheartpure，thyconscienceclear。Benotafraidtodieifneedtherebe，"shesaidtohim。
Helookeddownandsmiledonher。Margotclungtohiminapassionofweeping。Heclaspedhercloseandkissedhersoftly，butthewomanwhoreadhisheartwasthewomanwhohadheldhimathisbirth。
Bydegreesthewomencrepttimidlybackintotheirhouses，hidingtheireyessothattheyshouldnotseethathorridlightagainstthesky，whilethestarvingchildrenclungtotheirbreastsortotheirskirts，wailingaloudinterror。Thefewmentherewereleft，forthemostpartofthemveryoldorelsemerestriplings，gatheredtogetherinahurriedcouncil。OldMathurin，themiller，andthepatriotsofthewine-shopwereagreedthatthereshouldbenoresistance，whatevermightbefallthem;thatitwouldbebesttohidesuchweaponsastheyhadandanyprovisionsthatstillremainedtothem，andyieldupthemselvesandtheirhomeswithhumblegracetothedirefoe。"Ifwedootherwise，"theysaid，"thesoldierswillsurelyslayus，andwhatcanamiserablelittlehamletlikethisachieveagainstcannonandsteelandfire？"
Bernadoualoneraisedhisvoiceinopposition。Hiseyekindled，hischeekflushed，hiswordsforoncesprangfromhislipslikefire。
"What！"hesaidtothem，"shallweyieldupourhomesandourwivesandourinfantswithoutasingleblow？ShallwebesovileastotruckletotheenemiesofFranceandshowthatwecanfearthem？Itwereashame，afoulshame;wewerenotworthyofthenameofmen。LetusprovetothemthattherearepeopleinFrancewhoarenotafraidtodie。Letusholdourownsolongaswecan。Ourmusketsaregood，ourwallsstrong，ourwoodsinthisweathermorassesthatwillsuckinandswallowthemifonlywehavetacttodrivethemthere。Letusdowhatwecan。Thecampofthefrancs-tireursisbutthreeleaguesformus。Theywillbecertaintocometoouraid。Atanyrate，letusdiebravely。Wecandolittle，thatmaybe;butifeverymaninFrancedoesthatlittlethathecan，thatlittlewillbegreatenoughtodrivetheinvadersoffthesoil。"
Mathurinandtheothersscreamedathimandhooted。"Youareafool！"
theyshouted。"Youwillbetheundoingofusall。Doyounotknowthatoneshotfired，nay，onlyonemusketfound，andtheenemyputsatorchtothewholeplace？"
"Iknow，"saidBernadou，withadarkradianceinhisazureeyes。"Butthenitisachoicebetweendisgraceandtheflames;letusonlytakeheedtobeclearofthefirst——thelastmustrageasGodwills。"
Buttheyscreamedandmouthedandhissedathim："Ohyes！finetalk，finetalk！Seeyourownroofinflamesifyouwill;youshallnotruinours。Dowhatyouwillwithyourownneck;keepiterectorhangbyit，asyouchoose。Butyouhavenorighttogiveyourneighboursovertodeath，whethertheywillorno。"
Hestrove，hepleaded，heconjured，hestruggledwiththemhalfthenight，withthesalttearsrunningdownhischeeks，andallhisgentlebloodburningwithrighteouswrathandloathingshame，stirredforthefirsttimeinallhislifetoarude，simple，passionateeloquence。Buttheywerenotpersuaded。Theirfewgoldpieceshiddenintherafters，theirfewfeeblesheepstarvinginthefolds，theirownmiserablelives，allhungry，woe-begone，andspentindailyterrors——thesewerestilldeartothem，andtheywouldnotimperilthem。Theycalledhimamadman;theydenouncedhimasonewhowouldbetheirmurderer;theythrewthemselvesonhimanddemandedhismusket，toburyitwiththerestunderthealtarintheoldchapelonthehill。
Bernadou’seyesflashedfire;hisbreastheaved;hisnervesquivered;
heshookthemoffandstrodeastepforward。"Asyoulive，"hemuttered，"Ihaveamindtofireonyou，ratherthanletyoulivetoshameyourselvesandme！"
ReineAllix，whostoodbyhimsilentallthewhile，laidherhandonhisshoulder。"Myboy，"shesaidinhisear，"youareright，andtheyarewrong。Yetletnotdissensionbetweenbrethrenopenthedoorfortheenemytoentertherebyintoyourhomes。Dowhatyouwillwithyourownlife，Bernadou，——itisyours，——butleavethemtodoastheywillwiththeirs。Youcannotmakesheepintolions，andletnotthefirstbloodshedherebeabrother’s。"
Bernadou’sheaddroppedonhisbreast。"Doasyouwill，"hemutteredtohisneighbours。Theytookhismusketfromhim，andinthedarknessofthenightstolesilentlyupthewoodedchapelhillandburiedit，withalltheirotherarms，underthealtarwherethewhiteChristhung。"Wearesafenow，"saidMathurin，themiller，tothepatriotsofthetavern。"Hadthatmadmanhadhisway，hehaddestroyedusall。"
ReineAllixsoftlyledhergrandsonacrosshisownthreshold，anddrewhisheaddowntohers，andkissedhimbetweentheeyes。"Youdidwhatyoucould，Bernadou，"shesaidtohim;"lettherestcomeasitwill。"
Thensheturnedfromhim，andflunghercloakoverherhead，andsankdown，weepingbitterly;forshehadlivedthroughninety-threeyearsonlytoseethisagonyatthelast。
Bernadou，nowthatallmeansofdefencewasgonefromhim，andtheonlythinglefttohimtodealwithwashisownlife，hadbecomequietandsilentandpassionless，aswashishabit。Hewouldhavefoughtlikeamastiffforhishome，butthistheyhadforbiddenhimtodo，andhewaspassiveandwithouthope。Heshuttohisdoor，andsatdownwithhishandinthatofReineAllixandhisarmaroundhiswife。"Thereisnothingtodobuttowait，"hesaid，sadly。Thedayseemedverylongincoming。
Thefiringceasedforawhile;thenitsrollcommencedafresh，andgrewnearertothevillage。Thenagainallwasstill。
Atnoonashepherdstaggeredintotheplace，pale，bleeding，bruised，coveredwithmire。ThePrussians，hetoldthem，hadforcedhimtobetheirguide，hadknottedhimtighttoatrooper’ssaddle，andhaddraggedhimwiththemuntilhewashalfdeadwithfatigueandpain。Atnighthehadbrokenfromthemandhadfled。Theywerecloseathand，hesaid，andhadburnedthetownfromendtoendbecauseamanhadfiredatthemfromahousetop。Thatwasallheknew。Bernadou，whohadgoneouttohearhisnews，returnedintothehouseandsatdownandhidhisfacewithinhishands。"IfIresistyouarealllost，"hemuttered。
"Andyettoyieldlikeacur！"Itwasapiteousquestion，whethertofollowtheinstinctinhimandseehisbirthplaceinflamesandhisfamilyslaughteredforhisact，ortocrushoutthemanhoodinhimandlive，loathinghimselfasacowardforevermore。
ReineAllixlookedathim，andlaidherhandonhisbowedhead，andhervoicewasstrongandtenderasmusic："Fretnotthyself，mybeloved。
Whenthemomentcomes，thendoasthineownheartandthewhisperofGodinitbidthee。"
Agreatsobansweredher;itwasthefirstsincehisearliestinfancythatshehadeverheardfromBernadou。
Itgrewdark。Theautumndaydied。Thesullencloudsdroppedscatteredrain。Theredleaveswereblowninmillionsbythewind。Thelittlehousesoneithersidetheroadweredark，forthedwellersinthemdarednotshowanylightthatmightbeastartoalluretothemthefootstepsoftheirfoes。Bernadousatwithhisarmsonthetable，andhisheadrestingonthem。Margotnursedherson。ReineAllixprayed。
Suddenlyinthestreetwithouttherewasthesoundofmanyfeetofhorsesandofmen，theshoutingofangryvoices，thesplashingofquickstepsinthewateryways，thescreamsofwomen，theflashofsteelthroughthegloom。Bernadousprangtohisfeet，hisfacepale，hisblueeyesdarkasnight。"Theyarecome！"hesaid，underhisbreath。Itwasnotfearthathefelt，norhorror;itwasratherapassionofloveforhisbirthplaceandhisnation——apassionoflongingtostruggleandtodieforboth。Andhehadnoweapon！
Hedrewhishouse-dooropenwithasteadyhand，andstoodonhisownthresholdandfacedthesehisenemies。Thestreetwasfullofthem，somemounted，someonfoot;crowdsofthemswarmedinthewoodsandontheroads。Theyhadsettledonthevillageasvulturesonadeadlamb’sbody。Itwasalittle，lowlyplace;itmightwellhavebeenleftinpeace。Ithadhadnomoreshareinthewarthanachildstillunborn，butitcameinthevictors’way，andtheirmailedheelcrusheditastheypassed。Theyhadheardthatarmswerehiddenandfrancs-tireursshelteredthere，andtheyhadswoopeddownonitandheldithardandfast。Someweretoldofftosearchthechapel;sometoransackthedwellings;sometoseizesuchfoodandbringsuchcattleastheremightbeleft;sometoseekoutthedeviouspathsthatcrossedandrecrossedthefields;andyetthereremainedinthelittlestreethundredsofarmedmen，forceenoughtoaweacitadelorstormabreach。
Thepeopledidnotattempttoresist。Theystoodpassive，dry-eyedinmisery，lookingonwhilethelittletreasuresoftheirhouseholdlivesweresweptawayforever，andignorantwhatfatebyfireorironmightbetheirportionerethenightwasdone。Theysawthecornthatwastheirwinterstoretosavetheiroffspringfromfaminepouredoutlikeditch-water。Theysawoatsandwheatflungdowntobetroddenintoasloughofmudandfilth。Theysawthewalnutpressesintheirkitchensbrokenopen，andtheiroldheirloomsofsilver，centuriesold，borneawayasbooty。Theysawtheoakcupboardsintheirwives’bed-chambersransacked，andthehomespunlinenandthequaintbitsofplatethathadformedtheirnuptialdowerscastasideinderisionortrampledintoabatteredheap。Theysawthepetlamboftheirinfants，thesilverear-
ringsoftheirbrides，thebravetankardstheyhaddrunktheirmarriagewinein，thetamebirdthatflewtotheirwhistle，allseizedforfoodorseizedforspoil。Theysawallthis，andhadtostandbywithmutetonguesandpassivehands，lestanyglanceofwrathorgestureofrevengeshouldbringtheleadenbulletintheirchildren’sthroatsortheyellowflameamidtheirhomesteads。Greateragonytheworldcannothold。
Undertheporchofthecottage，bythesycamores，onegroupstoodandlooked，silentandverystill：Bernadou，erect，pale，calm，withafiercescornburninginhiseyes;Margot，quietbecausehewishedherso，holdingtohertherosyandgoldenbeautyofherson;ReineAllix，withapatienthorroronherface，herfiguredrawntoitsfullheight，andherhandsholdingtoherbreastthecrucifix。Theystoodthus，waitingtheyknewnotwhat，onlyresolutetoshownocowardiceandmeetnoshame。
Behindthemwasthedull，waningglowofthewoodfireonthehearthwhichhadbeenthecentreofalltheirhopesandjoys;beforethemthedim，darkcountry，andthewoe-strickenfacesoftheirneighbours，andthemovingsoldierywiththeirtorches，andthequiveringformsofthehalf-dyinghorses。
Suddenlyavoicearosefromthearmedmass："Bringmethepeasanthither。"
Bernadouwasseizedbyseveralhandsandforcedanddraggedfromhisdoorouttotheplacewheretheleaderoftheuhlanssatonawhitechargerthatshookandsnortedbloodinitsexhaustion。Bernadoucastoffthealiengraspthatheldhim，andstooderectbeforehisfoes。Hewasnolongerpale，andhiseyeswereclearandsteadfast。
"Youlooklessafoolthantherest，"saidthePrussiancommander。"Youknowthiscountrywell？"
"Well！"Thecountryinwhosefieldsandwoodlandshehadwanderedfromhisinfancy，andwhoseeverymeadow-pathandwaysidetreeandflower-
sownbrookheknewbyheartasaloverknowsthelinesofhismistress’sface！
"Youhavearmshere？"pursuedtheGerman。
"Wehad。"
"Whathaveyoudonewiththem？"
"IfIhadhadmyway，youwouldnotneedask。Youwouldhavefeltthem。"
ThePrussianlookedathimkeenly，doinghomagetotheboldnessoftheanswer。"Willyouconfesswheretheyare？"
"No。"
"Youknowthepenaltyforconcealmentofarmsisdeath？"
"Youhavemadeitso。"
"Wehave，andPrussianwillisFrenchlaw。Youareaboldman;youmeritdeath。Butstill，youknowthecountrywell？"
Bernadousmiled，asamothermightsmilewereanyfoolishenoughtoaskherifsherememberedthelookherdeadchild’sfacehadworn。
"Ifyouknowitwell，"pursuedthePrussian，"Iwillgiveyouachance。
Layholdofmystirrup-leatherandbelashedtoit，andshowmestraightasthecrowfliestowheretheweaponsarehidden。Ifyoudo，Iwillleaveyouyourlife。Ifyoudonot——"
"IfIdonot？"
"Youwillbeshot。"
Bernadouwassilent;hiseyesglancedthroughthemassofsoldierstothelittlecottageunderthetreesopposite。Thetwotherewerestrainingtobeholdhim，butthesoldierspushedthemback，sothatintheflareofthetorchestheycouldnotsee，norinthetumulthear。HethankedGodforit。
"Yourchoice？"askedtheuhlan，impatiently，afteramoment’spause。
Bernadou’slipswerewhite，buttheydidnottrembleasheanswered，"I
amnotraitor。"Andhiseyes，ashespoke，wentsoftlytothelittleporchwherethelightglowedfromthathearthbesidewhichhewouldneveragainsitwiththecreatureshelovedaroundhim。
TheGermanlookedathim。"Isthataboast，orafact？"
"Iamnotraitor，"Bernadouanswered，simply，oncemore。
ThePrussiangaveasigntohistroopers。Therewasthesharpreportofadoubleshot，andBernadoufelldead。Onebullethadpiercedhisbrain，theotherwasbeddedinhislungs。Thesoldierskickedasidethewarmandquiveringbody。Itwasonlyapeasantkilled！
Withashriekthatroseabovetheroarofthewind，andcutlikesteeltoeveryhumanheartthatbeatthere，ReineAllixforcedherwaythroughthethrong，andfellonherkneesbesidehim，andcaughthiminherarms，andlaidhisheaduponherbreast，wherehehadusedtosleephissoftestsleepininfancyandchildhood。"ItisGod’swill！itisGod’swill！"shemuttered;andthenshelaughed——alaughsoterriblethatthebloodoftheboldestthererancold。
Margotfollowedherandlooked，andstooddry-eyedandsilent;thenflungherselfandthechildshecarriedinherarmsbeneaththehoofofthewhitecharger。"Endyourwork！"sheshriekedtothem。"Youhavekilledhim——killus。Haveyounotmercyenoughforthat？"
Thehorse，terrifiedandsnortingblood，plungedandtrampledtheground;hisforefootstruckthechild’sgoldenheadandstampeditsfaceoutofallhumanlikeness。SomepeasantspulledMargotfromthelashinghoofs;shewasquitedead，thoughneitherwoundnorbruisewasonher。
ReineAllixneitherlookednorpaused。WithallherstrengthshehadbeguntodragthebodyofBernadouacrossthethresholdofhishouse。
"Heshalllieathome，heshalllieathome，"shemuttered。Shewouldnotbelievethatalreadyhewasdead。Withalltheforceofherearliestwomanhoodsheliftedhim，andhalfdrew，halfborehimintothehousethathehadloved，andlaidhimdownuponthehearth，andkneltbyhim，caressinghimasthoughhewereoncemoreachild，andsayingsoftly，"Hush！"——forhermindwasgone，andshefanciedthatheonlyslept。
Without，thetumultofthesoldieryincreased。Theyfoundthearmshiddenunderthealtaronthehill;theyseizedfivepeasantstoslaythemforthedireoffence。Themenstruggled，andwouldnotgoasthesheeptotheshambles。Theywereshotdowninthestreet，beforetheeyesoftheirchildren。Thentheorderwasgiventofiretheplaceinpunishment，andleaveittoitsfate。Thetorcheswereflungwithalaughonthedrythatchedroofs;brandssnatchedfromthehousefiresonthehearthsweretossedamongthedwelling-housesandthebarns。Thestrawandtimberflaredalightliketow。
Anoldman，hernearestneighbour，rushedtothecottageofReineAllixandseizedherbythearm。"TheyfiretheBerceau，"hescreamed。
"Quick！quick！oryouwillbeburnedalive！"
ReineAllixlookedupwithasmile。"Bequiet！Doyounotsee！Hesleeps。"
Theoldmanshookher，imploredher，strovetodragheraway;indesperationpointedtotheroofabove，whichwasalreadyinflames。
ReineAllixlooked。Atthatsighthermindcleared，andregainedconsciousness;sherememberedall，sheunderstoodall;sheknewthathewasdead。"Goinpeaceandsaveyourself，"shesaid，intheold，sweet，strongtoneofanearlierday。"Asforme，Iamveryold。Iandmydeadwillstaytogetherathome。"
Themanfled，andlefthertoherchoice。
Thegreatcurledflamesandthelividvapoursclosedaroundher;shenevermoved。Thedeathwasfierce，butswift，andevenindeathsheandtheonewhomshehadlovedandrearedwerenotdivided。Theendsooncame。FromhilltohilltheBerceaudeDieubrokeintoflames。Thevillagewasalakeoffire，intowhichthestatueoftheChrist，burningandreeling，fell。Somefewpeasants，withtheirwivesandchildren，fledtothewoods，andthereescapedonetorturetoperishmoreslowlyofcoldandfamine。Allotherthingsperished。Therapidstreamoftheflamelickedupalltherewasinitspath。Thebaretreesraisedtheirleaflessbranches，onfireatathousandpoints。Thestoresofcornandfruitwerelappedbymillionsofcrimsontongues。
Thepigeonsflewscreamingfromtheirroosts，andsankintothesmoke。
Thedogsweresuffocatedonthethresholdstheyhadguardedalltheirlives。Thesheepranbleatingwiththewoolburningontheirlivingbodies。Thelittlecagedbirdsflutteredhelpless，andthendropped，scorchedtocinders。Theagedandthesickwerestifledintheirbeds。
Allthingsperished。
TheBerceaudeDieuwasasonevastfurnace，inwhicheverylivingcreaturewascaughtandconsumedandchangedtoashes。Thetideofwarhasrolledon，andleftitablackenedwaste，asmokingruin，whereinnotsomuchasamousemaycreeporabirdmaynestle。Itisgone，anditsplacecanknowitnevermore。
Nevermore。Butwhoistheretocare？Itwasbutasaleafwhichthegreatstormsweptawayasitpassed。
THETRAVELLER’SSTORYOFA
TERRIBLYSTRANGEBED
BY
WILKIECOLLINS
PROLOGUETOTHEFIRSTSTORY
BeforeIbegin，bytheaidofmywife’spatientattentionandreadypen，torelateanyofthestorieswhichIhaveheardatvarioustimesfrompersonswhoselikenessesIhavebeenemployedtotake，itwillnotbeamissifItrytosecurethereader’sinterestinthefollowingpagesbybrieflyexplaininghowIbecamepossessedofthenarrativematterwhichtheycontain。
OfmyselfIhavenothingtosay，butthatIhavefollowedtheprofessionofatravellingportrait-painterforthelastfifteenyears。
ThepursuitofmycallinghasnotonlyledmeallthroughEngland，buthastakenmetwicetoScotlandandoncetoIreland。Inmovingfromdistricttodistrict，Iamneverguidedbeforehandbyanysettledplan。
SometimesthelettersofrecommendationwhichIgetfrompersonswhoaresatisfiedwiththeworkIhavedoneforthemdeterminethedirectioninwhichItravel。SometimesIhearofanewneighbourhoodinwhichthereisnoresidentartistofability，andremovethitheronspeculation。Sometimesmyfriendsamongthepicture-dealerssayagoodwordonmybehalftotheirrichcustomers，andsopavethewayformeinthelargetowns。Sometimesmyprosperousandfamousbrotherartists，hearingofsmallcommissionswhichitisnotworththeirwhiletoaccept，mentionmyname，andprocuremeintroductionstopleasantcountryhouses。ThusIgeton，nowinonewayandnowinanother，notwinningareputationormakingafortune，buthappier，perhaps，onthewhole，thanmanymenwhohavegotboththeoneandtheother。So，atleast，Itrytothinknow，thoughIstartedinmyyouthwithashighanambitionasthebestofthem。ThankGod，itisnotmybusinessheretospeakofpasttimesandtheirdisappointments。Atwingeoftheoldhopelessheartachecomesovermesometimesstill，whenIthinkofmystudentdays。
Onepeculiarityofmypresentwayoflifeis，thatitbringsmeintocontactwithallsortsofcharacters。Ialmostfeel，bythistime，asifIhadpaintedeverycivilisedvarietyofthehumanrace。Uponthewhole，myexperienceoftheworld，roughasithasbeen，hasnottaughtmetothinkunkindlyofmyfellow-creatures。IhavecertainlyreceivedsuchtreatmentatthehandsofsomeofmysittersasIcouldnotdescribewithoutsaddeningandshockinganykind-heartedreader;but，takingoneyearandoneplacewithanother，Ihavecausetorememberwithgratitudeandrespect，sometimesevenwithfriendshipandaffection，averylargeproportionofthenumerouspersonswhohaveemployedme。
Someoftheresultsofmyexperiencearecuriousinamoralpointofview。Forexample，Ihavefoundwomenalmostuniformlylessdelicateinaskingmeaboutmyterms，andlessgenerousinremuneratingmeformyservices，thanmen。Ontheotherhand，men，withinmyknowledge，aredecidedlyvaineroftheirpersonalattractions，andmorevexatiouslyanxioustohavethemdonefulljusticetooncanvas，thanwomen。Takingbothsexestogether，Ihavefoundyoungpeople，forthemostpart，moregentle，morereasonable，andmoreconsideratethanold。And，summingup，inageneralway，myexperienceofdifferentranks（whichextends，letmepremise，allthewaydownfrompeerstopublicans），Ihavemetwithmostofmyformalandungraciousreceptionsamongrichpeopleofuncertainsocialstanding;thehighestclassesandthelowestamongmyemployersalmostalwayscontrive——inwidelydifferentways，ofcourse——
tomakemefeelathomeassoonasIentertheirhouses。
TheonegreatobstaclethatIhavetocontendagainstinthepracticeofmyprofessionisnot，assomepersonsmayimagine，thedifficultyofmakingmysitterskeeptheirheadsstillwhileIpaintthem，butthedifficultyofgettingthemtopreservethenaturallookandtheevery-
daypeculiaritiesofdressandmanner。Peoplewillassumeanexpression，willbrushuptheirhair，willcorrectanylittlecharacteristiccarelessnessintheirapparel——will，inshort，whentheywanttohavetheirlikenessestaken，lookasiftheyweresittingfortheirpictures。IfIpaintthemundertheseartificialcircumstances，I
fail，ofcourse，topresentthemintheirhabitualaspect;andmyportrait，asanecessaryconsequence，disappointseverybody，thesitteralwaysincluded。Whenwewishtojudgeofaman’scharacterbyhishandwriting，wewanthiscustomaryscrawldashedoffwithhiscommonworkadaypen，nothisbestsmalltexttracedlaboriouslywiththefinestprocurablecrow-quillpoint。Soitiswithportrait-painting，whichis，afterall，nothingbutarightreadingoftheexternalsofcharacterrecognisablypresentedtotheviewofothers。
Experience，afterrepeatedtrials，hasprovedtomethattheonlywayofgettingsitterswhopersistinassumingasetlooktoresumetheirhabitualexpressionistoleadthemintotalkingaboutsomesubjectinwhichtheyaregreatlyinterested。IfIcanonlybeguilethemintospeakingearnestly，nomatteronwhattopic，Iamsureofrecoveringtheirnaturalexpression;sureofseeingallthelittlepreciousevery-
daypeculiaritiesofthemanorwomanpeepout，oneafteranother，quiteunawares。Thelongmaunderingstoriesaboutnothing，thewearisomerecitalsofpettygrievances，thelocalanecdotesunrelievedbythefaintestsuspicionofanythinglikegeneralinterest，whichI
havebeencondemnedtohear，asaconsequenceofthawingtheiceoffthefeaturesofformalsittersbythemethodjustdescribed，wouldfillhundredsofvolumesandpromotethereposeofthousandsofreaders。Ontheotherhand，ifIhavesufferedunderthetediousnessofthemany，I
havenotbeenwithoutmycompensatinggainsfromthewisdomandexperienceofthefew。TosomeofmysittersIhavebeenindebtedforinformationwhichhasenlargedmymind，tosomeforadvicewhichhaslightenedmyheart，tosomefornarrativesofstrangeadventurewhichrivetedmyattentionatthetime，whichhaveservedtointerestandamusemyfiresidecircleformanyyearspast，andwhicharenow，I
wouldfainhope，destinedtomakekindfriendsformeamongawideraudiencethananythatIhaveyetaddressed。
Singularlyenough，almostallthebeststoriesthatIhaveheardfrommysittershavebeentoldbyaccident。Ionlyremembertwocasesinwhichastorywasvolunteeredtome;and，althoughIhaveoftentriedtheexperiment，Icannotcalltomindevenasingleinstanceinwhichleadingquestions（aslawyerscallthem）onmypart，addressedtoasitter，everproducedanyresultworthrecording。OverandoveragainI
havebeendisastrouslysuccessfulinencouragingdullpeopletowearyme。Butthecleverpeoplewhohavesomethinginterestingtosayseem，sofarasIhaveobservedthem，toacknowledgenootherstimulantthanchance。Foreverystory，exceptingone，Ihavebeenindebted，inthefirstinstance，tothecapriciousinfluenceofthesamechance。
Somethingmysitterhasseenaboutme，somethingIhaveremarkedinmysitter，orintheroominwhichItakethelikeness，orintheneighbourhoodthroughwhichIpassonmywaytowork，hassuggestedthenecessaryassociation，orhasstartedtherighttrainofrecollections，andthenthestoryappearedtobeginofitsownaccord。Occasionallythemostcasualnotice，onmypart，ofsomeveryunpromisingobjecthassmoothedthewayfortherelationofalongandinterestingnarrative。
Ifirstheardoneofthemostdramaticstoriesmerelythroughbeingcarelesslyinquisitivetoknowthehistoryofastuffedpoodle-dog。
ItisthusnotwithoutreasonthatIlaysomestressonthedesirablenessofprefacingthefollowingnarrativebyabriefaccountofthecuriousmannerinwhichIbecamepossessedofit。Astomycapacityforrepeatingthestorycorrectly，Icananswerforitthatmymemorymaybetrusted。Imayclaimitasamerit，becauseitis，afterall，amechanicalone，thatIforgetnothing，andthatIcancalllong-
pastconversationsandeventsasreadilytomyrecollectionasiftheyhadhappenedbutafewweeksago。OftwothingsatleastIfeeltolerablycertainbefore-hand，inmeditatingoveritscontents：first，thatIcanrepeatcorrectlyallthatIhaveheard;and，secondly，thatIhavenevermissedanythingworthhearingwhenmysitterswereaddressingmeonaninterestingsubject。AlthoughIcannottaketheleadintalkingwhileIamengagedinpainting，Icanlistenwhileothersspeak，andworkallthebetterforit。
SomuchinthewayofgeneralprefacetothepagesforwhichIamabouttoaskthereader’sattention。Letmenowadvancetoparticulars，anddescribehowIcametohearthestory。IbeginwithitbecauseitisthestorythatIhaveoftenest"rehearsed，"toborrowaphrasefromthestage。WhereverIgo，Iamsoonerorlatersuretotellit。OnlylastnightIwaspersuadedintorepeatingitoncemorebytheinhabitantsofthefarm-houseinwhichIamnowstaying。
Notmanyyearsago，onreturningfromashortholidayvisittoafriendsettledinParis，Ifoundprofessionallettersawaitingmeatmyagent’sinLondon，whichrequiredmyimmediatepresenceinLiverpool。
Withoutstoppingtounpack，Iproceededbythefirstconveyancetomynewdestination;and，callingatthepicture-dealer’sshopwhereportrait-paintingengagementswerereceivedforme，foundtomygreatsatisfactionthatIhadremunerativeemploymentinprospect，inandaboutLiverpool，foratleasttwomonthstocome。Iwasputtingupmylettersinhighspirits，andwasjustleavingthepicture-dealer’sshoptolookoutforcomfortablelodgings，whenIwasmetatthedoorbythelandlordofoneofthelargesthotelsinLiverpool——anoldacquaintancewhomIhadknownasmanagerofataverninLondoninmystudentdays。
"Mr。Kerby！"heexclaimed，ingreatastonishment。"Whatanunexpectedmeeting！thelastmanintheworldwhomIexpectedtosee，andyettheverymanwhoseservicesIwanttomakeuseof！"
"What！moreworkforme？"saidI。"AreallthepeopleinLiverpoolgoingtohavetheirportraitspainted？"
"Ionlyknowofone，"repliedthelandlord，"agentlemanstayingatmyhotel，whowantsachalkdrawingdoneofhim。Iwasonmywayheretoinquireforanyartistwhomourpicture-dealingfriendcouldrecommend。
HowgladIamthatImetyoubeforeIhadcommittedmyselftoemployingastranger！"
"Isthislikenesswantedatonce？"Iasked，thinkingofthenumberofengagementsthatIhadalreadygotinmypocket。
"Immediately——to-day——thisveryhour，ifpossible，"saidthelandlord。
"Mr。Faulkner，thegentlemanIamspeakingof，wastohavesailedyesterdayfortheBrazilsfromthisplace;butthewindshiftedlastnighttothewrongquarter，andhecameashoreagainthismorning。Hemay，ofcourse，bedetainedhereforsometime;buthemayalsobecalledonboardshipathalfanhour’snotice，ifthewindshiftsbackagainintherightdirection。Thisuncertaintymakesitamatterofimportancethatthelikenessshouldbebegunimmediately。Undertakeitifyoupossiblycan，forMr。Faulknerisaliberalgentleman，whoissuretogiveyouyourownterms。"
Ireflectedforaminuteortwo。Theportraitwasonlywantedinchalk，andwouldnottakelong;besides，Imightfinishitintheevening，ifmyotherengagementspressedharduponmeinthedaytime。Whynotleavemyluggageatthepicture-dealer’s，putofflookingforlodgingstillnight，andsecurethenewcommissionboldlybygoingbackatoncewiththelandlordtothehotel？Idecidedonfollowingthiscoursealmostassoonastheideaoccurredtome;putmychalksinmypocket，andasheetofdrawing-paperinthefirstofmyportfoliosthatcametohand;
andsopresentedmyselfbeforeMr。Faulkner，readytotakehislikeness，literallyatfiveminutes’notice。
Ifoundhimaverypleasant，intelligentman，youngandhandsome。Hehadbeenagreattraveller，hadvisitedallthewondersoftheEast，andwasnowabouttoexplorethewildsofthevastSouthAmericancontinent。Thusmuchhetoldmegood-humouredlyandunconstrainedlywhileIwaspreparingmydrawingmaterials。
AssoonasIhadputhimintherightlightandposition，andhadseatedmyselfoppositetohim，hechangedthesubjectofconversation，andaskedme，alittleconfusedlyasIthought，ifitwasnotacustomarypracticeamongportrait-painterstoglossoverthefaultsintheirsitters’faces，andtomakeasmuchaspossibleofanygoodpointswhichtheirfeaturesmightpossess。
"Certainly，"Ianswered。"Youhavedescribedthewholeartandmysteryofsuccessfulportrait-paintinginafewwords。"
"MayIbeg，then，"saidhe，"thatyouwilldepartfromtheusualpracticeinmycase，anddrawmewithallmydefects，exactlyasIam？
Thefactis，"hewenton，afteramoment’spause，"thelikenessyouarenowpreparingtotakeisintendedformymother。myrovingdispositionmakesmeagreatanxietytoher，andshepartedfrommethislasttimeverysadlyandunwillingly。Idon’tknowhowtheideacameintomyhead，butitstruckmethismorningthatIcouldnotbetteremploythetimewhileIwasdelayedhereonshorethanbygettingmylikenessdonetosendtoherasakeepsake。ShehasnoportraitofmesinceIwasachild，andsheissuretovalueadrawingofmemorethananythingelseIcouldsendtoher。IonlytroubleyouwiththisexplanationtoprovethatIamreallysincereinmywishtobedrawnunflatteringly，exactlyasIam。"
Secretlyrespectingandadmiringhimforwhathehadjustsaid，I
promisedthathisdirectionsshouldbeimplicitlyfollowed，andbegantoworkimmediately。BeforeIhadpursuedmyoccupationfortenminutes，theconversationbegantoflag，andtheusualobstacletomysuccesswithasittergraduallysetitselfupbetweenus。Quiteunconsciously，ofcourse，Mr。Faulknerstiffenedhisneck，shuthismouth，andcontractedhiseyebrows——evidentlyundertheimpressionthathewasfacilitatingtheprocessoftakinghisportraitbymakinghisfaceaslikealifelessmaskaspossible。Alltracesofhisnaturalanimatedexpressionwerefastdisappearing，andhewasbeginningtochangeintoaheavyandrathermelancholy-lookingman。
ThiscompletealterationwasofnogreatconsequencesolongasIwasonlyengagedindrawingtheoutlineofhisfaceandthegeneralformofhisfeatures。Iaccordinglyworkedondoggedlyformorethananhour;
thenleftofftopointmychalksagain，andtogivemysitterafewminutes’rest。ThusfarthelikenesshadnotsufferedthroughMr。
Faulkner’sunfortunatenotionoftherightwayofsittingforhisportrait;butthetimeofdifficulty，asIwellknew，wastocome。ItwasimpossibleformetothinkofputtinganyexpressionintothedrawingunlessIcouldcontrivesomemeans，whenheresumedhischair，ofmakinghimlooklikehimselfagain。"Iwilltalktohimaboutforeignparts，"thoughtI，"andtryifIcan’tmakehimforgetthatheissittingforhispictureinthatway。"
WhileIwaspointingmychalks，Mr。Faulknerwaswalkingupanddowntheroom。HechancedtoseetheportfolioIhadbroughtwithmeleaningagainstthewall，andaskediftherewereanysketchesinit。ItoldhimtherewereafewwhichIhadmadeduringmyrecentstayinParis。
"InParis？"herepeated，withalookofinterest;"mayIseethem？"
Igavehimthepermissionheaskedasamatterofcourse。Sittingdown，hetooktheportfolioonhisknee，andbegantolookthroughit。Heturnedoverthefirstfivesketchesrapidlyenough;butwhenhecametothesixthIsawhisfaceflushdirectly，andobservedthathetookthedrawingoutoftheportfolio，carriedittothewindow，andremainedsilentlyabsorbedinthecontemplationofitforfullfiveminutes。