ChapterI
　　Inmyopinion，itisimpossibletocreatecharactersuntilonehasspentalongtimeinstudyingmen，asitisimpossibletospeakalanguageuntilithasbeenseriouslyacquired。Notbeingoldenoughtoinvent，Icontentmyselfwithnarrating，andIbegthereadertoassurehimselfofthetruthofastoryinwhichallthecharacters，withtheexceptionoftheheroine，arestillalive。Eye-witnessesofthegreaterpartofthefactswhichI
　　havecollectedaretobefoundinParis，andImightcalluponthemtoconfirmmeifmytestimonyisnotenough。And，thankstoaparticularcircumstance，Ialonecanwritethesethings，forI
　　aloneamabletogivethefinaldetails，withoutwhichitwouldhavebeenimpossibletomakethestoryatonceinterestingandcomplete。
　　Thisishowthesedetailscametomyknowledge。Onthe12thofMarch，1847，IsawintheRueLafitteagreatyellowplacardannouncingasaleoffurnitureandcuriosities。Thesalewastotakeplaceonaccountofthedeathoftheowner。Theowner'snamewasnotmentioned，butthesalewastobeheldat9，Rued'Antin，onthe16th，from12to5。Theplacardfurtherannouncedthattheroomsandfurniturecouldbeseenonthe13thand14th。
　　Ihavealwaysbeenveryfondofcuriosities，andImadeupmymindnottomisstheoccasion，ifnotofbuyingsome，atalleventsofseeingthem。NextdayIcalledat9，Rued'Antin。
　　Itwasearlyintheday，andyettherewerealreadyanumberofvisitors，bothmenandwomen，andthewomen，thoughtheyweredressedincashmereandvelvet，andhadtheircarriageswaitingforthematthedoor，gazedwithastonishmentandadmirationattheluxurywhichtheysawbeforethem。
　　Iwasnotlongindiscoveringthereasonofthisastonishmentandadmiration，for，havingbeguntoexaminethingsalittlecarefully，IdiscoveredwithoutdifficultythatIwasinthehouseofakeptwoman。Now，ifthereisonethingwhichwomeninsocietywouldliketosee（andthereweresocietywomenthere），itisthehomeofthosewomenwhosecarriagessplashtheirowncarriagesdaybyday，who，likethem，sidebysidewiththem，havetheirboxesattheOperaandattheItaliens，andwhoparadeinParistheopulentinsolenceoftheirbeauty，theirdiamonds，andtheirscandal。
　　Thisonewasdead，sothemostvirtuousofwomencouldenterevenherbedroom。Deathhadpurifiedtheairofthisabodeofsplendidfoulness，andifmoreexcusewereneeded，theyhadtheexcusethattheyhadmerelycometoasale，theyknewnotwhose。Theyhadreadtheplacards，theywishedtoseewhattheplacardshadannounced，andtomaketheirchoicebeforehand。Whatcouldbemorenatural？Yet，allthesame，inthemidstofallthesebeautifulthings，theycouldnothelplookingaboutforsometracesofthiscourtesan'slife，ofwhichtheyhadheard，nodoubt，strangeenoughstories。
　　Unfortunatelythemysteryhadvanishedwiththegoddess，and，foralltheirendeavours，theydiscoveredonlywhatwasonsalesincetheowner'sdecease，andnothingofwhathadbeenonsaleduringherlifetime。Fortherest，therewereplentyofthingsworthbuying。Thefurniturewassuperb；therewererosewoodandbuhlcabinetsandtables，SevresandChinesevases，Saxestatuettes，satin，velvet，lace；therewasnothinglacking。
　　Isaunteredthroughtherooms，followingtheinquisitiveladiesofdistinction。TheyenteredaroomwithPersianhangings，andI
　　wasjustgoingtoenterinturn，whentheycameoutagainalmostimmediately，smiling，andasifashamedoftheirowncuriosity。I
　　wasallthemoreeagertoseetheroom。Itwasthedressing-room，laidoutwithallthearticlesoftoilet，inwhichthedeadwoman'sextravaganceseemedtobeseenatitsheight。
　　Onalargetableagainstthewall，atablethreefeetinwidthandsixinlength，glitteredallthetreasuresofAucocandOdiot。Itwasamagnificentcollection，andtherewasnotoneofthosethousandlittlethingssonecessarytothetoiletofawomanofthekindwhichwasnotingoldorsilver。Suchacollectioncouldonlyhavebeengottogetherlittlebylittle，andthesameloverhadcertainlynotbegunandendedit。
　　Notbeingshockedatthesightofakeptwoman'sdressing-room，I
　　amusedmyselfwithexaminingeverydetail，andIdiscoveredthatthesemagnificentlychiselledobjectsboredifferentinitialsanddifferentcoronets。Ilookedatoneafteranother，eachrecallingaseparateshame，andIsaidthatGodhadbeenmercifultothepoorchild，innothavinglefthertopaytheordinarypenalty，butrathertodieinthemidstofherbeautyandluxury，beforethecomingofoldage，thecourtesan'sfirstdeath。
　　Isthereanythingsadderintheworldthantheoldageofvice，especiallyinwoman？Shepreservesnodignity，sheinspiresnointerest。Theeverlastingrepentance，notoftheevilwaysfollowed，butoftheplansthathavemiscarried，themoneythathasbeenspentinvain，isassaddeningathingasonecanwellmeetwith。Iknewanagedwomanwhohadoncebeen"gay，"whoseonlylinkwiththepastwasadaughteralmostasbeautifulassheherselfhadbeen。Thispoorcreaturetowhomhermotherhadneversaid，"Youaremychild，"excepttobidhernourishheroldageassheherselfhadnourishedheryouth，wascalledLouise，and，beingobedienttohermother，sheabandonedherselfwithoutvolition，withoutpassion，withoutpleasure，asshewouldhaveworkedatanyotherprofessionthatmighthavebeentaughther。
　　Theconstantsightofdissipation，precociousdissipation，inadditiontoherconstantsicklystate，hadextinguishedinhermindalltheknowledgeofgoodandevilthatGodhadperhapsgivenher，butthatnoonehadeverthoughtofdeveloping。I
　　shallalwaysrememberher，asshepassedalongtheboulevardsalmosteverydayatthesamehour，accompaniedbyhermotherasassiduouslyasarealmothermighthaveaccompaniedherdaughter。
　　Iwasveryyoungthen，andreadytoacceptformyselftheeasymoralityoftheage。Iremember，however，thecontemptanddisgustwhichawokeinmeatthesightofthisscandalouschaperoning。Herface，too，wasinexpressiblyvirginalinitsexpressionofinnocenceandofmelancholysuffering。ShewaslikeafigureofResignation。
　　Onedaythegirl'sfacewastransfigured。Inthemidstofallthedebauchesmappedoutbyhermother，itseemedtoherasifGodhadleftoverforheronehappiness。AndwhyindeedshouldGod，whohadmadeherwithoutstrength，haveleftherwithoutconsolation，underthesorrowfulburdenofherlife？Oneday，then，sherealizedthatshewastohaveachild，andallthatremainedtoherofchastityleapedforjoy。Thesoulhasstrangerefuges。Louiserantotellthegoodnewstohermother。Itisashamefulthingtospeakof，butwearenottellingtalesofpleasantsins；wearetellingoftruefacts，whichitwouldbebetter，nodoubt，topassoverinsilence，ifwedidnotbelievethatitisneedfulfromtimetotimetorevealthemartyrdomofthosewhoarecondemnedwithoutbearing，scornedwithoutjudging；
　　shamefulitis，butthismotheransweredthedaughterthattheyhadalreadyscarceenoughfortwo，andwouldcertainlynothaveenoughforthree；thatsuchchildrenareuseless，andalying-inissomuchtimelost。
　　Nextdayamidwife，ofwhomallwewillsayisthatshewasafriendofthemother，visitedLouise，whoremainedinbedforafewdays，andthengotuppalerandfeeblerthanbefore。
　　Threemonthsafterwardamantookpityonherandtriedtohealher，morallyandphysically；butthelastshockhadbeentooviolent，andLouisediedofit。Themotherstilllives；how？Godknows。
　　ThisstoryreturnedtomymindwhileIlookedatthesilvertoiletthings，andacertainspaceoftimemusthaveelapsedduringthesereflections，fornoonewasleftintheroombutmyselfandanattendant，who，standingnearthedoor，wascarefullywatchingmetoseethatIdidnotpocketanything。
　　Iwentuptotheman，towhomIwascausingsomuchanxiety。
　　"Sir，"Isaid，"canyoutellmethenameofthepersonwhoformerlylivedhere？"
　　"MademoiselleMargueriteGautier。"
　　Iknewherbynameandbysight。
　　"What！"Isaidtotheattendant；"MargueriteGautierisdead？"
　　"Yes，sir。"
　　"Whendidshedie？"
　　"Threeweeksago，Ibelieve。"
　　"Andwhyaretheroomsonview？"
　　"Thecreditorsbelievethatitwillsenduptheprices。Peoplecanseebeforehandtheeffectofthethings；youseethatinducesthemtobuy。"
　　"Shewasindebt，then？"
　　"Toanyextent，sir。"
　　"Butthesalewillcoverit？"
　　"Andmoretoo。"
　　"Whowillgetwhatremainsover？"
　　"Herfamily。"
　　"Shehadafamily？"
　　"Itseemsso。"
　　"Thanks。"
　　Theattendant，reassuredastomyintentions，touchedhishat，andIwentout。
　　"Poorgirl！"IsaidtomyselfasIreturnedhome；"shemusthavehadasaddeath，for，inherworld，onehasfriendsonlywhenoneisperfectlywell。"AndinspiteofmyselfIbegantofeelmelancholyoverthefateofMargueriteGautier。
　　Itwillseemabsurdtomanypeople，butIhaveanunboundedsympathyforwomenofthiskind，andIdonotthinkitnecessarytoapologizeforsuchsympathy。
　　Oneday，asIwasgoingtothePrefectureforapassport，Isawinoneoftheneighbouringstreetsapoorgirlwhowasbeingmarchedalongbytwopolicemen。Idonotknowwhatwasthematter。AllIknowisthatshewasweepingbitterlyasshekissedaninfantonlyafewmonthsold，fromwhomherarrestwastoseparateher。SincethatdayIhaveneverdaredtodespiseawomanatfirstsight。
　　Chapter2
　　Thesalewastotakeplaceonthe16th。Aday'sintervalhadbeenleftbetweenthevisitingdaysandthesale，inordertogivetimefortakingdownthehangings，curtains，etc。Ihadjustreturnedfromabroad。ItwasnaturalthatIhadnotheardofMarguerite'sdeathamongthepiecesofnewswhichone'sfriendsalwaystellonreturningafteranabsence。Margueritewasaprettywoman；butthoughthelifeofsuchwomenmakessensationenough，theirdeathmakesverylittle。Theyaresunswhichsetastheyrose，unobserved。Theirdeath，whentheydieyoung，isheardofbyalltheirloversatthesamemoment，forinParisalmostalltheloversofawell-knownwomanarefriends。Afewrecollectionsareexchanged，andeverybody'slifegoesonasiftheincidenthadneveroccurred，withoutsomuchasatear。
　　Nowadays，attwenty-five，tearshavebecomesorareathingthattheyarenottobesquanderedindiscriminately。Itisthemostthatcanbeexpectediftheparentswhopayforbeingweptoverareweptoverinreturnforthepricetheypay。
　　Asforme，thoughmyinitialsdidnotoccuronanyofMarguerite'sbelongings，thatinstinctiveindulgence，thatnaturalpitythatIhavealreadyconfessed，setmethinkingoverherdeath，moreperhapsthanitwasworththinkingover。I
　　rememberedhavingoftenmetMargueriteintheBois，whereshewentregularlyeverydayinalittlebluecoupedrawnbytwomagnificentbays，andIhadnoticedinheradistinctionquiteapartfromotherwomenofherkind，adistinctionwhichwasenhancedbyareallyexceptionalbeauty。
　　Theseunfortunatecreatureswhenevertheygooutarealwaysaccompaniedbysomebodyorother。Asnomancarestomakehimselfconspicuousbybeingseenintheircompany，andastheyareafraidofsolitude，theytakewiththemeitherthosewhoarenotwellenoughofftohaveacarriage，oroneoranotherofthoseelegant，ancientladies，whoseeleganceisalittleinexplicable，andtowhomonecanalwaysgoforinformationinregardtothewomenwhomtheyaccompany。
　　InMarguerite'scaseitwasquitedifferent。ShewasalwaysalonewhenshedroveintheChamps-Elysees，lyingbackinhercarriageasmuchaspossible，dressedinfursinwinter，andinsummerwearingverysimpledresses；andthoughsheoftenpassedpeoplewhomsheknew，hersmile，whenshechosetosmile，wasseenonlybythem，andaduchessmighthavesmiledinjustsuchamanner。
　　Shedidnotdrivetoandfroliketheothers，fromtheRond-PointtotheendoftheChamps-Elysees。ShedrovestraighttotheBois。
　　Thereshelefthercarriage，walkedforanhour，returnedtohercarriage，anddroverapidlyhome。
　　AllthesecircumstanceswhichIhadsooftenwitnessedcamebacktomymemory，andIregrettedherdeathasonemightregretthedestructionofabeautifulworkofart。
　　ItwasimpossibletoseemorecharminbeautythaninthatofMarguerite。Excessivelytallandthin，shehadinthefullestdegreetheartofrepairingthisoversightofNaturebythemerearrangementofthethingsshewore。Hercashmerereachedtotheground，andshowedoneachsidethelargeflouncesofasilkdress，andtheheavymuffwhichsheheldpressedagainstherbosomwassurroundedbysuchcunninglyarrangedfoldsthattheeye，howeverexacting，couldfindnofaultwiththecontourofthelines。Herhead，amarvel，wastheobjectofthemostcoquettishcare。Itwassmall，andhermother，asMussetwouldsay，seemedtohavemadeitsoinordertomakeitwithcare。
　　Set，inanovalofindescribablegrace，twoblackeyes，surmountedbyeyebrowsofsopureacurvethatitseemedasifpainted；veiltheseeyeswithlovelylashes，which，whendrooped，casttheirshadowontherosyhueofthecheeks；traceadelicate，straightnose，thenostrilsalittleopen，inanardentaspirationtowardthelifeofthesenses；designaregularmouth，withlipspartedgraciouslyoverteethaswhiteasmilk；colourtheskinwiththedownofapeachthatnohandhastouched，andyouwillhavethegeneralaspectofthatcharmingcountenance。
　　Thehair，blackasjet，wavingnaturallyornot，waspartedontheforeheadintwolargefoldsanddrapedbackoverthehead，leavinginsightjustthetipoftheears，inwhichthereglitteredtwodiamonds，worthfourtofivethousandfrancseach。
　　HowitwasthatherardentlifehadleftonMarguerite'sfacethevirginal，almostchildlikeexpression，whichcharacterizedit，isaproblemwhichwecanbutstate，withoutattemptingtosolveit。
　　Margueritehadamarvellousportraitofherself，byVidal，theonlymanwhosepencilcoulddoherjustice。Ihadthisportraitbymeforafewdaysafterherdeath，andthelikenesswassoastonishingthatithashelpedtorefreshmymemoryinregardtosomepointswhichImightnototherwisehaveremembered。
　　Someamongthedetailsofthischapterdidnotreachmeuntillater，butIwritethemheresoasnottobeobligedtoreturntothemwhenthestoryitselfhasbegun。
　　Margueritewasalwayspresentateveryfirstnight，andpassedeveryeveningeitheratthetheatreortheball。Whenevertherewasanewpieceshewascertaintobeseen，andsheinvariablyhadthreethingswithherontheledgeofherground-floorbox：
　　heropera-glass，abagofsweets，andabouquetofcamellias。
　　Fortwenty-fivedaysofthemonththecamelliaswerewhite，andforfivetheywerered；nooneeverknewthereasonofthischangeofcolour，whichImentionthoughIcannotexplainit；itwasnoticedbothbyherfriendsandbythehabitue'softhetheatrestowhichshemostoftenwent。Shewasneverseenwithanyflowersbutcamellias。Attheflorist's，MadameBarjon's，shehadcometobecalled"theLadyoftheCamellias，"andthenamestucktoher。
　　LikeallthosewhomoveinacertainsetinParis，IknewthatMargueritehadlivedwithsomeofthemostfashionableyoungmeninsociety，thatshespokeofitopenly，andthattheythemselvesboastedofit；sothatallseemedequallypleasedwithoneanother。Nevertheless，foraboutthreeyears，afteravisittoBagnees，shewassaidtobelivingwithanoldduke，aforeigner，enormouslyrich，whohadtriedtoremoveherasfaraspossiblefromherformerlife，and，asitseemed，entirelytoherownsatisfaction。
　　ThisiswhatIwastoldonthesubject。Inthespringof1847
　　Margueritewassoillthatthedoctorsorderedhertotakethewaters，andshewenttoBagneres。Amongtheinvalidswasthedaughterofthisduke；shewasnotonlysufferingfromthesamecomplaint，butshewassolikeMargueriteinappearancethattheymighthavebeentakenforsisters；theyoungduchesswasinthelaststageofconsumption，andafewdaysafterMarguerite'sarrivalshedied。Onemorning，theduke，whohadremainedatBagnerestobenearthesoilthathadburiedapartofhisheart，caughtsightofMargueriteataturnoftheroad。Heseemedtoseetheshadowofhischild，andgoinguptoher，hetookherhands，embracedandweptoverher，andwithoutevenaskingherwhoshewas，beggedhertolethimloveinherthelivingimageofhisdeadchild。Marguerite，aloneatBagnereswithhermaid，andnotbeinginanyfearofcompromisingherself，grantedtheduke'srequest。Somepeoplewhoknewher，happeningtobeatBagneres，tookuponthemselvestoexplainMademoiselleGautier'struepositiontotheduke。Itwasablowtotheoldman，fortheresemblancewithhisdaughterwasendedinonedirection，butitwastoolate。Shehadbecomeanecessitytohisheart，hisonlypretext，hisonlyexcuse，forliving。Hemadenoreproaches，hehadindeednorighttodoso，butheaskedherifshefeltherselfcapableofchanginghermodeoflife，offeringherinreturnforthesacrificeeverycompensationthatshecoulddesire。Sheconsented。
　　ItmustbesaidthatMargueritewasjustthenveryill。Thepastseemedtohersensitivenatureasifitwereoneofthemaincausesofherillness，andasortofsuperstitionledhertohopethatGodwouldrestoretoherbothhealthandbeautyinreturnforherrepentanceandconversion。Bytheendofthesummer，thewaters，sleep，thenaturalfatigueoflongwalks，hadindeedmoreorlessrestoredherhealth。ThedukeaccompaniedhertoParis，wherehecontinuedtoseeherashehaddoneatBagneres。
　　Thisliaison，whosemotiveandoriginwerequiteunknown，causedagreatsensation，fortheduke，alreadyknownforhisimmensefortune，nowbecameknownforhisprodigality。Allthiswassetdowntothedebaucheryofaricholdman，andeverythingwasbelievedexceptthetruth。Thefather'ssentimentforMargueritehad，intruth，sopureacausethatanythingbutacommunionofheartswouldhaveseemedtohimakindofincest，andhehadneverspokentoherawordwhichhisdaughtermightnothaveheard。
　　Farbeitfrommetomakeoutourheroinetobeanythingbutwhatshewas。AslongassheremainedatBagneres，thepromiseshehadmadetothedukehadnotbeenhardtokeep，andshehadkeptit；
　　but，oncebackinParis，itseemedtoher，accustomedtoalifeofdissipation，ofballs，oforgies，asifthesolitude，onlyinterruptedbytheduke'sstatedvisits，wouldkillherwithboredom，andthehotbreathofheroldlifecamebackacrossherheadandheart。
　　WemustaddthatMargueritehadreturnedmorebeautifulthanshehadeverbeen；shewasbuttwenty，andhermalady，sleepingbutnotsubdued，continuedtogiveherthosefeverishdesireswhicharealmostalwaystheresultofdiseasesofthechest。
　　Itwasagreatgrieftothedukewhenhisfriends，alwaysonthelookoutforsomescandalonthepartofthewomanwithwhom，itseemedtothem，hewascompromisinghimself，cametotellhim，indeedtoprovetohim，thatattimeswhenshewassureofnotseeinghimshereceivedothervisits，andthatthesevisitswereoftenprolongedtillthefollowingday。Onbeingquestioned，Margueriteadmittedeverythingtotheduke，andadvisedhim，withoutarriere-pensee，toconcernhimselfwithhernolonger，forshefeltincapableofcarryingoutwhatshehadundertaken，andshedidnotwishtogoonacceptingbenefitsfromamanwhomshewasdeceiving。Thedukedidnotreturnforaweek；itwasallhecoulddo，andontheeighthdayhecametobegMargueritetolethimstillvisither，promisingthathewouldtakeherasshewas，solongashemightseeher，andswearingthathewouldneverutterareproachagainsther，notthoughheweretodieofit。
　　This，then，wasthestateofthingsthreemonthsafterMarguerite'sreturn；thatistosay，inNovemberorDecember，1842。
　　Chapter3
　　Atoneo'clockonthe16thIwenttotheRued'Antin。Thevoiceoftheauctioneercouldbeheardfromtheouterdoor。Theroomswerecrowdedwithpeople。Therewereallthecelebritiesofthemostelegantimpropriety，furtivelyexaminedbycertaingreatladieswhohadagainseizedtheopportunityofthesaleinordertobeabletosee，closeathand，womenwhomtheymightneverhaveanotheroccasionofmeeting，andwhomtheyenviedperhapsinsecretfortheireasypleasures。TheDuchessofF。elbowedMlle。
　　A。，oneofthemostmelancholyexamplesofourmoderncourtesan；
　　theMarquisdeT。hesitatedoverapieceoffurniturethepriceofwhichwasbeingrunhighbyMme。D。，themostelegantandfamousadulteressofourtime；theDukeofY。，whoinMadridissupposedtoberuininghimselfinParis，andinParistoberuininghimselfinMadrid，andwho，asamatteroffact，neverevenreachesthelimitofhisincome，talkedwithMme。M。，oneofourwittieststory-tellers，whofromtimetotimewriteswhatshesaysandsignswhatshewrites，whileatthesametimeheexchangedconfidentialglanceswithMme。deN。，afairornamentoftheChamps-Elysees，almostalwaysdressedinpinkorblue，anddrivingtwobigblackhorseswhichTonyhadsoldherfor10，000
　　francs，andforwhichshehadpaid，afterherfashion；finally，Mlle。R。，whomakesbyhermeretalenttwicewhatthewomenoftheworldmakebytheirdotandthreetimesasmuchastheothersmakebytheiramours，hadcome，inspiteofthecold，tomakesomepurchases，andwasnottheleastlookedatamongthecrowd。
　　Wemightcitetheinitialsofmanymoreofthosewhofoundthemselves，notwithoutsomemutualsurprise，sidebysideinoneroom。Butwefeartowearythereader。Wewillonlyaddthateveryonewasinthehighestspirits，andthatmanyofthosepresenthadknownthedeadwoman，andseemedquiteobliviousofthefact。Therewasasoundofloudlaughter；theauctioneersshoutedatthetopoftheirvoices；thedealerswhohadfilledthebenchesinfrontoftheauctiontabletriedinvaintoobtainsilence，inordertotransacttheirbusinessinpeace。Neverwasthereanoisieroramorevariedgathering。
　　Islippedquietlyintothemidstofthistumult，sadtothinkofwhenonerememberedthatthepoorcreaturewhosegoodswerebeingsoldtopayherdebtshaddiedinthenextroom。Havingcomerathertoexaminethantobuy，Iwatchedthefacesoftheauctioneers，noticinghowtheybeamedwithdelightwheneveranythingreachedapricebeyondtheirexpectations。Honestcreatures，whohadspeculateduponthiswoman'sprostitution，whohadgainedtheirhundredpercentoutofher，whohadplaguedwiththeirwritsthelastmomentsofherlife，andwhocamenowafterherdeathtogatherinatoncethefruitsoftheirdishonourablecalculationsandtheinterestontheirshamefulcredit，HowwiseweretheancientsinhavingonlyoneGodfortradersandrobbers！
　　Dresses，cashmeres，jewels，weresoldwithincrediblerapidity。
　　TherewasnothingthatIcaredfor，andIstillwaited。AllatonceIheard："Avolume，beautifullybound，gilt-edged，entitledManonLescaut。Thereissomethingwrittenonthefirstpage。Tenfrancs。"
　　"Twelve，"saidavoiceafteralongishsilence。
　　"Fifteen，"Isaid。
　　Why？Ididnotknow。Doubtlessforthesomethingwritten。
　　"Fifteen，"repeatedtheauctioneer。
　　"Thirty，"saidthefirstbidderinatonewhichseemedtodefyfurthercompetition。
　　Ithadnowbecomeastruggle。"Thirty-five，"Icriedinthesametone。
　　"Forty。"
　　"Fifty。"
　　"Sixty。"
　　"Ahundred。"
　　IfIhadwishedtomakeasensationIshouldcertainlyhavesucceeded，foraprofoundsilencehadensued，andpeoplegazedatmeasiftoseewhatsortofapersonitwas，whoseemedtobesodeterminedtopossessthevolume。
　　TheaccentwhichIhadgiventomylastwordseemedtoconvincemyadversary；hepreferredtoabandonaconflictwhichcouldonlyhaveresultedinmakingmepaytentimesitspriceforthevolume，and，bowing，hesaidverygracefully，thoughindeedalittlelate：
　　"Igiveway，sir。"
　　Nothingmorebeingoffered，thebookwasassignedtome。
　　AsIwasafraidofsomenewfitofobstinacy，whichmyamourpropremighthavesustainedsomewhatbetterthanmypurse，I
　　wrotedownmyname，hadthebookputononeside，andwentout。I
　　musthavegivenconsiderablefoodforreflectiontothewitnessesofthisscene，whowouldnodoubtaskthemselveswhatmypurposecouldhavebeeninpayingahundredfrancsforabookwhichI
　　couldhavehadanywhereforten，or，attheoutside，fifteen。
　　Anhourafter，Isentformypurchase。Onthefirstpagewaswritteninink，inaneleganthand，aninscriptiononthepartofthegiver。Itconsistedofthesewords：
　　ManontoMarguerite。
　　Humility。
　　ItwassignedArmandDuval。
　　WhatwasthemeaningofthewordHumility？WasManontorecogniseinMarguerite，intheopinionofM。ArmandDuval，hersuperiorinviceorinaffection？Thesecondinterpretationseemedthemoreprobable，forthefirstwouldhavebeenanimpertinentpieceofplainspeakingwhichMarguerite，whateverheropinionofherself，wouldneverhaveaccepted。
　　Iwentoutagain，andthoughtnomoreofthebookuntilatnight，whenIwasgoingtobed。
　　ManonLescautisatouchingstory。Iknoweverydetailofit，andyetwheneverIcomeacrossthevolumethesamesympathyalwaysdrawsmetoit；Iopenit，andforthehundredthtimeIliveoveragainwiththeheroineoftheAbbePrevost。NowthisheroineissotruetolifethatIfeelasifIhadknownher；andthusthesortofcomparisonbetweenherandMargueritegavemeanunusualinclinationtoreadit，andmyindulgencepassedintopity，almostintoakindofloveforthepoorgirltowhomIowedthevolume。Manondiedinthedesert，itistrue，butinthearmsofthemanwholovedherwiththewholeenergyofhissoul；who，whenshewasdead，dugagraveforher，andwatereditwithhistears，andburiedhisheartinit；whileMarguerite，asinnerlikeManon，andperhapsconvertedlikeher，haddiedinasumptuousbed（itseemed，afterwhatIhadseen，thebedofherpast），butinthatdesertoftheheart，amorebarren，avaster，amorepitilessdesertthanthatinwhichManonhadfoundherlastresting-place。
　　Marguerite，infact，asIhadfoundfromsomefriendswhoknewofthelastcircumstancesofherlife，hadnotasinglerealfriendbyherbedsideduringthetwomonthsofherlongandpainfulagony。
　　ThenfromManonandMargueritemymindwanderedtothosewhomI
　　knew，andwhomIsawsingingalongthewaywhichledtojustsuchanotherdeath。Poorsouls！ifitisnotrighttolovethem，isitnotwelltopitythem？Youpitytheblindmanwhohasneverseenthedaylight，thedeafwhohasneverheardtheharmoniesofnature，thedumbwhohasneverfoundavoiceforhissoul，and，underafalsecloakofshame，youwillnotpitythisblindnessofheart，thisdeafnessofsoul，thisdumbnessofconscience，whichsetsthepoorafflictedcreaturebesideherselfandmakesher，inspiteofherself，incapableofseeingwhatisgood，ofbearingtheLord，andofspeakingthepurelanguageofloveandfaith。
　　HugohaswrittenMarionDelorme，MussethaswrittenBernerette，AlexandreDumashaswrittenFernande，thethinkersandpoetsofalltimehavebroughttothecourtesantheofferingoftheirpity，andattimesagreatmanhasrehabilitatedthemwithhisloveandevenwithhisname。IfIinsistonthispoint，itisbecausemanyamongthosewhohavebeguntoreadmewillbereadytothrowdownabookinwhichtheywillfeartofindanapologyforviceandprostitution；andtheauthor'sagewilldosomething，nodoubt，toincreasethisfear。Letmeundeceivethosewhothinkthus，andletthemgoonreading，ifnothingbutsuchafearhindersthem。
　　Iamquitesimplyconvincedofacertainprinciple，whichis：Forthewomanwhoseeducationhasnottaughtherwhatisright，Godalmostalwaysopenstwowayswhichleadthitherthewaysofsorrowandoflove。Theyarehard；thosewhowalkinthemwalkwithbleedingfeetandtornhands，buttheyalsoleavethetrappingsofviceuponthethornsofthewayside，andreachthejourney'sendinanakednesswhichisnotshamefulinthesightoftheLord。
　　Thosewhomeettheseboldtravellersoughttosuccourthem，andtotellallthattheyhavemetthem，forinsodoingtheypointouttheway。Itisnotaquestionofsettingattheoutsetoflifetwosign-posts，onebearingtheinscription"TheRightWay，"
　　theothertheinscription"TheWrongWay，"andofsayingtothosewhocomethere，"Choose。"Onemustneeds，likeChrist，pointoutthewayswhichleadfromthesecondroadtothefirst，tothosewhohavebeeneasilyledastray；anditisneedfulthatthebeginningofthesewaysshouldnotbetoopainfulnorappeartooimpenetrable。
　　HereisChristianitywithitsmarvellousparableoftheProdigalSontoteachusindulgenceandpardon。Jesuswasfullofloveforsoulswoundedbythepassionsofmen；helovedtobinduptheirwoundsandtofindinthoseverywoundsthebalmwhichshouldhealthem。ThushesaidtotheMagdalen："Muchshallbeforgiventheebecausethouhastlovedmuch，"asublimityofpardonwhichcanonlyhavecalledforthasublimefaith。
　　WhydowemakeourselvesmorestrictthanChrist？Why，holdingobstinatelytotheopinionsoftheworld，whichhardensitselfinorderthatitmaybethoughtstrong，dowereject，asitrejects，soulsbleedingatwoundsbywhich，likeasickman'sbadblood，theeviloftheirpastmaybehealed，ifonlyafriendlyhandisstretchedouttolavethemandsetthemintheconvalescenceoftheheart？
　　ItistomyowngenerationthatIspeak，tothoseforwhomthetheoriesofM。deVoltairehappilyexistnolonger，tothosewho，likemyself，realizethathumanity，fortheselastfifteenyears，hasbeeninoneofitsmostaudaciousmomentsofexpansion。Thescienceofgoodandevilisacquiredforever；faithisrefashioned，respectforsacredthingshasreturnedtous，andiftheworldhasnotallatoncebecomegood，ithasatleastbecomebetter。Theeffortsofeveryintelligentmantendinthesamedirection，andeverystrongwillisharnessedtothesameprinciple：Begood，beyoung，betrue！Evilisnothingbutvanity，letushavetheprideofgood，andaboveallletusneverdespair。Donotletusdespisethewomanwhoisneithermother，sister，maid，norwife。Donotletuslimitesteemtothefamilynorindulgencetoegoism。Since"thereismorejoyinheavenoveronesinnerthatrepenteththanoverninetyandninejustpersonsthatneednorepentance，"letusgivejoytoheaven。Heavenwillrenderitbacktouswithusury。Letusleaveonourwaythealmsofpardonforthosewhomearthlydesireshavedrivenastray，whomadivinehopeshallperhapssave，and，asoldwomensaywhentheyofferyou。somehomelyremedyoftheirown，ifitdoesnogooditwilldonoharm。
　　DoubtlessitmustseemaboldthingtoattempttodeducethesegrandresultsoutofthemeagresubjectthatIdealwith；butI
　　amoneofthosewhobelievethatallisinlittle。Thechildissmall，andheincludestheman；thebrainisnarrow，anditharboursthought；theeyeisbutapoint，anditcoversleagues。
　　Chapter4
　　Twodaysafter，thesalewasended。Ithadproduced3。50，000
　　francs。Thecreditorsdividedamongthemtwothirds，andthefamily，asisterandagrand-nephew，receivedtheremainder。
　　Thesisteropenedhereyesverywidewhenthelawyerwrotetoherthatshehadinherited50，000francs。Thegirlhadnotseenhersisterforsixorsevenyears，anddidnotknowwhathadbecomeofherfromthemomentwhenshehaddisappearedfromhome。ShecameuptoParisinhaste，andgreatwastheastonishmentofthosewhohadknownMargueritewhentheysawasheronlyheirafine，fatcountrygirl，whountilthenhadneverlefthervillage。Shehadmadethefortuneatasinglestroke，withoutevenknowingthesourceofthatfortune。Shewentback，Iheardafterward，tohercountryside，greatlysaddenedbyhersister'sdeath，butwithasadnesswhichwassomewhatlightenedbytheinvestmentatfourandahalfpercentwhichshehadbeenabletomake。
　　Allthesecircumstances，oftenrepeatedinParis，themothercityofscandal，hadbeguntobeforgotten，andIwasevenlittlebylittleforgettingthepartIhadtakeninthem，whenanewincidentbroughttomyknowledgethewholeofMarguerite'slife，andacquaintedmewithsuchpatheticdetailsthatIwastakenwiththeideaofwritingdownthestorywhichInowwrite。
　　Therooms，nowemptiedofalltheirfurniture，hadbeentoletforthreeorfourdayswhenonemorningtherewasaringatmydoor。
　　Myservant，or，rather，myporter，whoactedasmyservant，wenttothedoorandbroughtmeacard，sayingthatthepersonwhohadgivenittohimwishedtoseeme。
　　Iglancedatthecardandtherereadthesetwowords：ArmandDuval。
　　ItriedtothinkwhereIhadseenthename，andrememberedthefirstleafofthecopyofManonLescaut。WhatcouldthepersonwhohadgiventhebooktoMargueritewantofme？Igaveorderstoaskhiminatonce。
　　Isawayoungman，blond，tall，pale，dressedinatravellingsuitwhichlookedasifhehadnotchangeditforsomedays，andhadnoteventakenthetroubletobrushitonarrivingatParis，foritwascoveredwithdust。
　　M。Duvalwasdeeplyagitated；hemadenoattempttoconcealhisagitation，anditwaswithtearsinhiseyesandatremblingvoicethathesaidtome：
　　"Sir，Ibegyoutoexcusemyvisitandmycostume；butyoungpeoplearenotveryceremoniouswithoneanother，andIwassoanxioustoseeyouto-daythatIhavenotevengonetothehoteltowhichIhavesentmyluggage，andhaverushedstraighthere，fearingthat，afterall，Imightmissyou，earlyasitis。"
　　IbeggedM。Duvaltositdownbythefire；hedidso，and，takinghishandkerchieffromhispocket，hidhisfaceinitforamoment。
　　"Youmustbeatalosstounderstand，"hewenton，sighingsadly，"forwhatpurposeanunknownvisitor，atsuchanhour，insuchacostume，andintears，canhavecometoseeyou。Ihavesimplycometoaskofyouagreatservice。"
　　"Speakon，sir，Iamentirelyatyourdisposal。"
　　"YouwerepresentatthesaleofMargueriteGautier？"
　　Atthiswordtheemotion，whichhehadgotthebetterofforaninstant，wastoomuchforhim，andhewasobligedtocoverhiseyeswithhishand。
　　"Imustseemtoyouveryabsurd，"headded，"butpardonme，andbelievethatIshallneverforgetthepatiencewithwhichyouhavelistenedtome。"
　　"Sir，"Ianswered，"iftheservicewhichIcanrenderyouisabletolessenyourtroublealittle，tellmeatoncewhatIcandoforyou，andyouwillfindmeonlytoohappytoobligeyou。"
　　M。Duval'ssorrowwassympathetic，aridinspiteofmyselfIfeltthedesireofdoinghimakindness。Thereuponhesaidtome：
　　"YouboughtsomethingatMarguerite'ssale？"
　　"Yes，abook。"
　　"ManonLescaut？"
　　"Precisely。"
　　"Haveyouthebookstill？"
　　"Itisinmybedroom。"
　　Onhearingthis，ArmandDuvalseemedtoberelievedofagreatweight，andthankedmeasifIhadalreadyrenderedhimaservicemerelybykeepingthebook。
　　Igotupandwentintomyroomtofetchthebook，whichIhandedtohim。
　　"Thatisitindeed，"hesaid，lookingattheinscriptiononthefirstpageandturningovertheleaves；"thatisitindeed，"andtwobigtearsfellonthepages。"Well，sir，"saidhe，liftinghishead，andnolongertryingtohidefrommethathehadweptandwaseventhenonthepointofweeping，"doyouvaluethisbookverygreatly？"
　　"Why？"
　　"BecauseIhavecometoaskyoutogiveituptome。"
　　"Pardonmycuriosity，butwasityou，then，whogaveittoMargueriteGautier？"
　　"Itwas！"
　　"Thebookisyours，sir；takeitback。Iamhappytobeabletohanditovertoyou。"
　　"But，"saidM。Duvalwithsomeembarrassment，"theleastIcandoistogiveyouinreturnthepricewhichyoupaidforit。"
　　"Allowmetoofferittoyou。Thepriceofasinglevolumeinasaleofthatkindisamerenothing，andIdonotrememberhowmuchIgaveforit。"
　　"Yougaveonehundredfrancs。"
　　"True，"Isaid，embarrassedinmyturn，"howdoyouknow？"
　　"Itisquitesimple。IhopedtoreachParisintimeforthesale，andIonlymanagedtogetherethismorning。Iwasabsolutelyresolvedtohavesomethingwhichhadbelongedtoher，andI
　　hastenedtotheauctioneerandaskedhimtoallowmetoseethelistofthethingssoldandofthebuyers'names。Isawthatthisvolumehadbeenboughtbyyou，andIdecidedtoaskyoutogiveituptome，thoughthepriceyouhadsetuponitmademefearthatyoumightyourselfhavesomesouvenirinconnectionwiththepossessionofthebook。"
　　Ashespoke，itwasevidentthathewasafraidIhadknownMargueriteashehadknownher。Ihastenedtoreassurehim。
　　"IknewMlle。Gautieronlybysight，"Isaid；"herdeathmadeonmetheimpressionthatthedeathofaprettywomanmustalwaysmakeonayoungmanwhohadlikedseeingher。Iwishedtobuysomethingathersale，andIbidhigherandhigherforthisbookoutofmereobstinacyandtoannoysomeoneelse，whowasequallykeentoobtainit，andwhoseemedtodefymetothecontest。I
　　repeat，then，thatthebookisyours，andoncemoreIbegyoutoacceptit；donottreatmeasifIwereanauctioneer，andletitbethepledgebetweenusofalongerandmoreintimateacquaintance。"
　　"Good，"saidArmand，holdingouthishandandpressingmine；"I
　　accept，andIshallbegratefultoyouallmylife。"
　　IwasveryanxioustoquestionArmandonthesubjectofMarguerite，fortheinscriptioninthebook，theyoungman'shurriedjourney，hisdesiretopossessthevolume，piquedmycuriosity；butIfearedifIquestionedmyvisitorthatImightseemtohaverefusedhismoneyonlyinordertohavetherighttopryintohisaffairs。
　　Itwasasifheguessedmydesire，forhesaidtome：
　　"Haveyoureadthevolume？"
　　"Allthrough。"
　　"WhatdidyouthinkofthetwolinesthatIwroteinit？"
　　"Irealizedatoncethatthewomantowhomyouhadgiventhevolumemusthavebeenquiteoutsidetheordinarycategory，forI
　　couldnottakethosetwolinesasamereemptycompliment。"
　　"Youwereright。Thatwomanwasanangel。See，readthisletter。"
　　Andhehandedtomeapaperwhichseemedtohavebeenmanytimesreread。
　　Iopenedit，andthisiswhatitcontained：
　　"MYDEARARMAND：——Ihavereceivedyourletter。Youarestillgood，andIthankGodforit。Yes，myfriend，Iamill，andwithoneofthosediseasesthatneverrelent；buttheinterestyoustilltakeinmemakesmysufferingless。Ishallnotlivelongenough，Iexpect，tohavethehappinessofpressingthehandwhichhaswrittenthekindletterIhavejustreceived；thewordsofitwouldbeenoughtocureme，ifanythingcouldcureme。I
　　shallnotseeyou，forIamquiteneardeath，andyouarehundredsofleaguesaway。Mypoorfriend！yourMargueriteofoldtimesissadlychanged。Itisbetterperhapsforyounottoseeheragainthantoseeherassheis。YouaskifIforgiveyou；
　　oh，withallmyheart，friend，forthewayyouhurtmewasonlyawayofprovingtheloveyouhadforme。Ihavebeeninbedforamonth，andIthinksomuchofyouresteemthatIwriteeverydaythejournalofmylife，fromthemomentwelefteachothertothemomentwhenIshallbeabletowritenolonger。Iftheinterestyoutakeinmeisreal，Armand，whenyoucomebackgoandseeJulieDuprat。Shewillgiveyoumyjournal。Youwillfindinitthereasonandtheexcuseforwhathaspassedbetweenus。Julieisverygoodtome；weoftentalkofyoutogether。Shewastherewhenyourlettercame，andwebothcriedoverit。
　　"Ifyouhadnotsentmeanyword，IhadtoldhertogiveyouthosepaperswhenyoureturnedtoFrance。Donotthankmeforit。
　　Thisdailylookingbackontheonlyhappymomentsofmylifedoesmeanimmenseamountofgood，andifyouwillfindinreadingitsomeexcuseforthepast。I，formypart，findacontinualsolaceinit。Ishouldliketoleaveyousomethingwhichwouldalwaysremindyouofme，buteverythingherehasbeenseized，andIhavenothingofmyown。
　　"Doyouunderstand，myfriend？Iamdying，andfrommybedIcanhearamanwalkingtoandfrointhedrawing-room；mycreditorshaveputhimtheretoseethatnothingistakenaway，andthatnothingremainstomeincaseIdonotdie。Ihopetheywillwaittilltheendbeforetheybegintosell。
　　"Oh，menhavenopity！orrather，Iamwrong，itisGodwhoisjustandinflexible！
　　"Andnow，dearlove，youwillcometomysale，andyouwillbuysomething，forifIputasidetheleastthingforyou，theymightaccuseyouofembezzlingseizedgoods。
　　"ItisasadlifethatIamleaving！
　　"ItwouldbegoodofGodtoletmeseeyouagainbeforeIdie。
　　Accordingtoallprobability，good-bye，myfriend。PardonmeifI
　　donotwritealongerletter，butthosewhosaytheyaregoingtocuremewearmeoutwithbloodletting，andmyhandrefusestowriteanymore。
　　"MARGUERITEGAUTIER。"
　　Thelasttwowordswerescarcelylegible。IreturnedthelettertoArmand，whohad，nodoubt，readitoveragaininhismindwhileIwasreadingitonpaper，forhesaidtomeashetookit：
　　"Whowouldthinkthatakeptwomancouldhavewrittenthat？"And，overcomebyrecollections，hegazedforsometimeatthewritingoftheletter，whichhefinallycarriedtohislips。
　　"AndwhenIthink，"hewenton，"thatshediedbeforeIcouldseeher，andthatIshallneverseeheragain，whenIthinkthatshedidformewhatnosisterwouldeverhavedone，Icannotforgivemyselfforhavinglefthertodielikethat。Dead！Deadandthinkingofme，writingandrepeatingmyname，poordearMarguerite！"
　　AndArmand，givingfreeoutlettohisthoughtsandhistears，heldouthishandtome，andcontinued：
　　"Peoplewouldthinkitchildishenoughiftheysawmelamentlikethisoveradeadwomansuchasshe；noonewilleverknowwhatI
　　madethatwomansuffer，howcruelIhavebeentoher！howgood，howresignedshewas！IthoughtitwasIwhohadtoforgiveher，andto-dayIfeelunworthyoftheforgivenesswhichshegrantsme。Oh，Iwouldgivetenyearsofmylifetoweepatherfeetforanhour！"
　　Itisalwaysdifficulttoconsoleasorrowthatisunknowntoone，andneverthelessIfeltsolivelyasympathyfortheyoungman，hemademesofranklytheconfidantofhisdistress，thatI
　　believedawordfrommewouldnotbeindifferenttohim，andI
　　said：
　　"Haveyounoparents，nofriends？Hope。Goandseethem；theywillconsoleyou。Asforme，Icanonlypityyou。"
　　"Itistrue，"hesaid，risingandwalkingtoandfrointheroom，"Iamwearyingyou。Pardonme，Ididnotreflecthowlittlemysorrowmustmeantoyou，andthatIamintrudinguponyousomethingwhichcannotandoughtnottointerestyouatall。"
　　"Youmistakemymeaning。Iamentirelyatyourservice；onlyI
　　regretmyinabilitytocalmyourdistress。Ifmysocietyandthatofmyfriendscangiveyouanydistraction，if，inshort，youhaveneedofme，nomatterinwhatway，Ihopeyouwillrealizehowmuchpleasureitwillgivemetodoanythingforyou。"
　　"Pardon，pardon，"saidhe；"sorrowsharpensthesensations。Letmestayhereforafewminuteslonger，longenoughtodrymyeyes，sothattheidlersinthestreetmaynotlookuponitasacuriositytoseeabigfellowlikemecrying。Youhavemademeveryhappybygivingmethisbook。IdonotknowhowIcaneverexpressmygratitudetoyou。"
　　"Bygivingmealittleofyourfriendship，"saidI，"andbytellingmethecauseofyoursuffering。Onefeelsbetterwhiletellingwhatonesuffers。"
　　"Youareright。Butto-dayIhavetoomuchneedoftears；Icannotverywelltalk。OnedayIwilltellyouthewholestory，andyouwillseeifIhavereasonforregrettingthepoorgirl。Andnow，"headded，rubbinghiseyesforthelasttime，andlookingathimselfintheglass，"saythatyoudonotthinkmetooabsolutelyidiotic，andallowmetocomebackandseeyouanothertime。"
　　Hecastonmeagentleandamiablelook。Iwasnearembracinghim。Asforhim，hiseyesagainbegantofillwithtears；hesawthatIperceiveditandturnedawayhishead。
　　"Come，"Isaid，"courage。"
　　"Good-bye，"hesaid。
　　And，makingadesperateefforttorestrainhistears，herushedratherthanwentoutoftheroom。
　　Iliftedthecurtainofmywindow，andsawhimgetintothecabrioletwhichawaitedhimatthedoor；butscarcelywasheseatedbeforeheburstintotearsandhidhisfaceinhispocket-handkerchief。
　　Chapter5
　　AgoodwhileelapsedbeforeIheardanythingmoreofArmand，but，ontheotherhand，IwasconstantlyhearingofMarguerite。
　　Idonotknowifyouhavenoticed，ifoncethenameofanybodywhomightinthenaturalcourseofthingshavealwaysremainedunknown，oratalleventsindifferenttoyou，shouldhementionedbeforeyou，immediatelydetailsbegintogroupthemselvesaboutthename，andyoufindallyourfriendstalkingtoyouaboutsomethingwhichtheyhavenevermentionedtoyoubefore。Youdiscoverthatthispersonwasalmosttouchingyouandhaspassedclosetoyoumanytimesinyourlifewithoutyournoticingit；
　　youfindcoincidencesintheeventswhicharetoldyou，arealaffinitywithcertaineventsofyourownexistence。IwasnotabsolutelyatthatpointinregardtoMarguerite，forIhadseenandmether，Iknewherbysightandbyreputation；nevertheless，sincethemomentofthesale，hernamecametomyearssofrequently，and，owingtothecircumstancethatIhavementionedinthelastchapter，thatnamewasassociatedwithsoprofoundasorrow，thatmycuriosityincreasedinproportionwithmyastonishment。TheconsequencewasthatwheneverImetfriendstowhomIhadneverbreathedthenameofMarguerite，Ialwaysbeganbysaying：
　　"DidyoueverknowacertainMargueriteGautier？"
　　"TheLadyoftheCamellias？"
　　"Exactly。"
　　"Oh，verywell！"
　　Thewordwassometimesaccompaniedbyasmilewhichcouldleavenodoubtastoitsmeaning。
　　"Well，whatsortofagirlwasshe？"
　　"Agoodsortofgirl。"
　　"Isthatall？"
　　"Oh，yes；moreintelligenceandperhapsalittlemoreheartthanmost。"
　　"Doyouknowanythingparticularabouther？"
　　"SheruinedBarondeG。"
　　"Nomorethanthat？"
　　"ShewasthemistressoftheoldDukeof……"
　　"Wasshereallyhismistress？"
　　"Sotheysay；atallevents，hegaveheragreatdealofmoney。"
　　Thegeneraloutlineswerealwaysthesame。NeverthelessIwasanxioustofindoutsomethingabouttherelationsbetweenMargueriteandArmand。Meetingonedayamanwhowasconstantlyaboutwithknownwomen，Iaskedhim："DidyouknowMargueriteGautier？"
　　Theanswerwastheusual："Verywell。"
　　"Whatsortofagirlwasshe？"
　　"Afine，goodgirl。Iwasverysorrytohearofherdeath。"
　　"HadshenotalovercalledArmandDuval？"
　　"Tallandblond？"
　　"Yes。
　　"Itisquitetrue。"
　　"WhowasthisArmand？"
　　"Afellowwhosquanderedonherthelittlemoneyhehad，andthenhadtoleaveher。Theysayhewasquitewildaboutit。"
　　"Andshe？"
　　"Theyalwayssayshewasverymuchinlovewithhim，butasgirlslikethatareinlove。Itisnogoodtoaskthemforwhattheycannotgive。"
　　"WhathasbecomeofArmand？"
　　"Idon'tknow。Weknewhimverylittle。HewaswithMargueriteforfiveorsixmonthsinthecountry。Whenshecameback，hehadgone。"
　　"Andyouhaveneverseenhimsince？"
　　"Never。"
　　I，too，hadnotseenArmandagain。Iwasbeginningtoaskmyselfif，whenhehadcometoseeme，therecentnewsofMarguerite'sdeathhadnotexaggeratedhisformerlove，andconsequentlyhissorrow，andIsaidtomyselfthatperhapshehadalreadyforgottenthedeadwoman，andalongwithherhispromisetocomeandseemeagain。Thissuppositionwouldhaveseemedprobableenoughinmostinstances，butinArmand'sdespairtherehadbeenanaccentofrealsincerity，and，goingfromoneextremetoanother，Iimaginedthatdistresshadbroughtonanillness，andthatmynotseeinghimwasexplainedbythefactthathewasill，perhapsdead。
　　Iwasinterestedintheyoungmaninspiteofmyself。Perhapstherewassomeselfishnessinthisinterest；perhapsIguessedatsomepatheticlovestoryunderallthissorrow；perhapsmydesiretoknowallaboutithadmuchtodowiththeanxietywhichArmand'ssilencecausedme。SinceM。Duvaldidnotreturntoseeme，Idecidedtogoandseehim。Apretextwasnotdifficulttofind；unluckilyIdidnotknowhisaddress，andnooneamongthosewhomIquestionedcouldgiveittome。
　　IwenttotheRued'Antin；perhapsMarguerite'sporterwouldknowwhereArmandlived。Therewasanewporter；heknewaslittleaboutitasI。IthenaskedinwhatcemeteryMlle。Gautierhadbeenburied。ItwastheMontmartreCemetery。ItwasnowthemonthofApril；theweatherwasfine，thegraveswerenotlikelytolookassadanddesolateastheydoinwinter；inshort，itwaswarmenoughforthelivingtothinkalittleofthedead，andpaythemavisit。Iwenttothecemetery，sayingtomyself："OneglanceatMarguerite'sgrave，andIshallknowifArmand'ssorrowstillexists，andperhapsImayfindoutwhathasbecomeofhim。"
　　Ienteredthekeeper'slodge，andaskedhimifonthe22ndofFebruaryawomannamedMargueriteGautierhadnotbeenburiedintheMontmartreCemetery。Heturnedoverthepagesofabigbookinwhichthosewhoenterthislastresting-placeareinscribedandnumbered，andrepliedthatonthe22ndofFebruary，at12
　　o'clock，awomanofthatnamehadbeenburied。