"Andwhythisproposition？"
"BecauseIaminlovewithyou，ofcourse。"
"No，butbecauseyouloveMarguerite，andyouwanttohaveyourrevengeuponherbybecomingmylover。Youdon'tdeceiveawomanlikeme，mydearfriend；unluckily，Iamstilltooyoungandtoogood-lookingtoacceptthepartthatyouofferme。"
"Soyourefuse？"
"Yes。
"Wouldyourathertakemefornothing？ItisIwhowouldn'tacceptthen。Thinkitover，mydearOlympe；ifIhadsentsomeonetoofferyouthesethreehundredlouisonmybehalf，ontheconditionsIattachtothem，youwouldhaveaccepted。Ipreferredtospeaktoyoumyself。Acceptwithoutinquiringintomyreasons；
saytoyourselfthatyouarebeautiful，andthatthereisnothingsurprisinginmybeinginlovewithyou。"
MargueritewasawomaninthesamepositionasOlympe，andyetI
shouldneverhavedaredsaytoherthefirsttimeImetherwhatIhadsaidtotheotherwoman。IlovedMarguerite。Isawinherinstinctswhichwerelackingintheother，andattheverymomentinwhichImademybargain，IfeltadisgusttowardthewomanwithwhomIwasmakingit。
Sheaccepted，ofcourse，intheend，andatmiddayIleftherhouseasherlover；butIquittedherwithoutarecollectionofthecaressesandofthewordsoflovewhichshehadfeltboundtoshoweruponmeinreturnforthesixthousandfrancswhichIleftwithher。Andyetthereweremenwhohadruinedthemselvesforthatwoman。
FromthatdayIinflictedonMargueriteacontinualpersecution。
Olympeandshegaveupseeingoneanother，asyoumightimagine。
Igavemynewmistressacarriageandjewels。Igambled，I
committedeveryextravagancewhichcouldbeexpectedofamaninlovewithsuchawomanasOlympe。Thereportofmynewinfatuationwasimmediatelyspreadabroad。
Prudenceherselfwastakenin，andfinallythoughtthatIhadcompletelyforgottenMarguerite。Margueriteherself，whethersheguessedmymotiveorwasdeceivedlikeeverybodyelse，preservedaperfectdignityinresponsetotheinsultswhichIheapeduponherdaily。Only，sheseemedtosuffer，forwheneverImethershewasmoreandmorepale，moreandmoresad。Myloveforher，carriedtothepointatwhichitwastransformedintohatred，rejoicedatthesightofherdailysorrow。Often，whenmycrueltytowardherbecameinfamous，MargueritelifteduponmesuchappealingeyesthatIblushedforthepartIwasplaying，andwasreadytoimploreherforgiveness。
Butmyrepentancewasonlyofamoment'sduration，andOlympe，whohadfinallyputasideallself-respect，anddiscoveredthatbyannoyingMargueriteshecouldgetfrommewhatevershewanted，constantlystirredupmyresentmentagainsther，andinsultedherwhenevershefoundanopportunity，withthecowardlypersistenceofawomanlicensedbytheauthorityofaman。
AtlastMargueritegaveupgoingtoballsortheatres，forfearofmeetingOlympeandme。Thendirectimpertinencesgavewaytoanonymousletters，andtherewasnotashamefulthingwhichIdidnotencouragemymistresstorelateandwhichIdidnotmyselfrelateinreferencetoMarguerite。
ToreachsuchapointImusthavebeenliterallymad。Iwaslikeamandrunkuponbadwine，whofallsintooneofthosenervousexaltationsinwhichthehandiscapableofcommittingacrimewithouttheheadknowinganythingaboutit。InthemidstofitallIenduredamartyrdom。Thenotdisdainfulcalm，thenotcontemptuousdignitywithwhichMargueriterespondedtoallmyattacks，andwhichraisedherabovemeinmyowneyes，enragedmestillmoreagainsther。
OneeveningOlympehadgonesomewhereorother，andhadmetMarguerite，whoforoncehadnotsparedthefoolishcreature，sothatshehadhadtoretireinconfusion。Olympereturnedinafury，andMargueritefaintedandhadtobecarriedout。Olymperelatedtomewhathadhappened，declaredthatMarguerite，seeingheralone，hadrevengedherselfuponherbecauseshewasmymistress，andthatImustwriteandtellhertorespectthewomanwhomIloved，whetherIwaspresentorabsent。
IneednottellyouthatIconsented，andthatIputintotheletterwhichIsenttoheraddressthesameday，everythingbitter，shameful，andcruelthatIcouldthinkof。
Thistimetheblowwasmorethantheunhappycreaturecouldendurewithoutreplying。Ifeltsurethatananswerwouldcome，andIresolvednottogooutallday。Abouttwotherewasaring，andPrudenceentered。
ItriedtoassumeanindifferentairasIaskedherwhathadbroughther；butthatdayMme。Duvernoywasnotinalaughinghumour，andinareallymovedvoiceshesaidtomethatsincemyreturn，thatistosayforaboutthreeweeks，IhadleftnooccasionuntriedwhichcouldgivepaintoMarguerite，thatshewascompletelyupsetbyit，andthatthesceneoflastnightandmyangryletterofthemorninghadforcedhertotaketoherbed。
Inshort，withoutmakinganyreproach，Margueritesenttoaskmeforalittlepity，sinceshehadnolongerthemoralorphysicalstrengthtoendurewhatIwasmakinghersuffer。
"ThatMlle。Gautier，"IsaidtoPrudence，"shouldturnmeoutofherownhouseisquitereasonable，butthatsheshouldinsultthewomanwhomIlove，underthepretencethatthiswomanismymistress，isathingIwillneverpermit。"
"Myfriend，"saidPrudence，"youareundertheinfluenceofawomanwhohasneitherheartnorsense；youareinlovewithher，itistrue，butthatisnotareasonfortorturingawomanwhocannotdefendherself。"
"LetMlle。GautiersendmeherComtedeN。andthesideswillbeequal。"
"Youknowverywellthatshewillnotdothat。So，mydearArmand，letheralone。Ifyousawheryouwouldbeashamedofthewayinwhichyouaretreatingher。Sheiswhite，shecoughs——shewon'tlastlongnow。"
AndPrudenceheldoutherhandtome，adding：
"Comeandseeher；itwillmakeherveryhappy。"
"IhavenodesiretomeetM。deN。"
"M。deN。isneverthere。Shecannotendurehim。"
"IfMargueritewishestoseeme，sheknowswhereIlive；lethercometoseeme，but，formypart，IwillneverputfootintheRued'Antin。"
"Willyoureceiveherwell？"
"Certainly。"
"Well，Iamsurethatshewillcome。"
"Lethercome。"
"Shallyoubeoutto-day？"
"Ishallbeathomealltheevening。"
"Iwilltellher。"
AndPrudenceleftme。
IdidnotevenwritetotellOlympenottoexpectme。Inevertroubledmuchabouther，scarcelygoingtoseeheronenightaweek。Sheconsoledherself，Ibelieve，withanactorfromsometheatreorother。
Iwentoutfordinnerandcamebackalmostimmediately。IhadafirelitinmyroomandItoldJosephhecouldgoout。
IcangiveyounoideaofthedifferentimpressionswhichagitatedmeduringthehourinwhichIwaited；butwhen，towardnineo'clock，Iheardaring，theythrongedtogetherintoonesuchemotion，that，asIopenedthedoor，Iwasobligedtoleanagainstthewalltokeepmyselffromfalling。
Fortunatelytheanteroomwasinhalfdarkness，andthechangeinmycountenancewaslessvisible。Margueriteentered。
Shewasdressedinblackandveiled。Icouldscarcelyrecogniseherfacethroughtheveil。Shewentintothedrawing-roomandraisedherveil。Shewaspaleasmarble。
"Iamhere，Armand，"shesaid；"youwishedtoseemeandIhavecome。"
Andlettingherheadfallonherhands，sheburstintotears。
Iwentuptoher。
"Whatisthematter？"Isaidtoherinalowvoice。
Shepressedmyhandwithoutaword，fortearsstillveiledhervoice。Butafterafewminutes，recoveringherselfalittle，shesaidtome：
"Youhavebeenveryunkindtome，Armand，andIhavedonenothingtoyou。"
"Nothing？"Ianswered，withabittersmile。
"Nothingbutwhatcircumstancesforcedmetodo。"
Idonotknowifyouhaveeverinyourlifeexperienced，orifyouwilleverexperience，whatIfeltatthesightofMarguerite。
Thelasttimeshehadcometoseemeshehadsatinthesameplacewhereshewasnowsitting；only，sincethen，shehadbeenthemistressofanotherman，otherkissesthanminehadtouchedherlips，towardwhich，inspiteofmyself，myownreachedout，andyetIfeltthatIlovedthiswomanasmuch，moreperhaps，thanIhadeverlovedher。
Itwasdifficultformetobegintheconversationonthesubjectwhichbroughther。Margueritenodoubtrealizedit，forshewenton：
"Ihavecometotroubleyou，Armand，forIhavetwothingstoask：pardonforwhatIsaidyesterdaytoMlle。Olympe，andpityforwhatyouareperhapsstillreadytodotome。Intentionallyornot，sinceyourreturnyouhavegivenmesomuchpainthatI
shouldbeincapablenowofenduringafourthpartofwhatIhaveenduredtillnow。Youwillhavepityonme，won'tyou？Andyouwillunderstandthatamanwhoisnotheartlesshasothernoblerthingstodothantotakehisrevengeuponasickandsadwomanlikeme。See，takemyhand。Iaminafever。Ileftmybedtocometoyou，andask，notforyourfriendship，butforyourindifference。"
ItookMarguerite'shand。Itwasburning，andthepoorwomanshiveredunderherfurcloak。
Irolledthearm-chairinwhichshewassittinguptothefire。
"Doyouthink，then，thatIdidnotsuffer，"saidI，"onthatnightwhen，afterwaitingforyouinthecountry，IcametolookforyouinParis，andfoundnothingbuttheletterwhichnearlydrovememad？Howcouldyouhavedeceivedme，Marguerite，whenI
lovedyousomuch？
"Donotspeakofthat，Armand；Ididnotcometospeakofthat。I
wantedtoseeyouonlynotanenemy，andIwantedtotakeyourhandoncemore。Youhaveamistress；sheisyoung，pretty，youlovehertheysay。Behappywithherandforgetme。"
"Andyou。Youarehappy，nodoubt？"
"HaveIthefaceofahappywoman，Armand？Donotmockmysorrow，you，whoknowbetterthananyonewhatitscauseanditsdepthare。"
"Itonlydependedonyounottohavebeenunhappyatall，ifyouareasyousay。"
"No，myfriend；circumstanceswerestrongerthanmywill。I
obeyed，nottheinstinctsofalightwoman，asyouseemtosay，butaseriousnecessity，andreasonswhichyouwillknowoneday，andwhichwillmakeyouforgiveme。"
"Whydoyounottellmethosereasonsto-day？"
"Becausetheywouldnotbringaboutanimpossiblereunionbetweenus，andtheywouldseparateyouperhapsfromthosefromwhomyoumustnotbeseparated。"
"Whodoyoumean？"
"Icannottellyou。"
"Thenyouarelyingtome。"
Margueriteroseandwenttowardthedoor。Icouldnotbeholdthissilentandexpressivesorrowwithoutbeingtouched，whenI
comparedinmymindthispaleandweepingwomanwiththemadcapwhohadmadefunofmeattheOperaComique。
"Youshallnotgo，"Isaid，puttingmyselfinfrontofthedoor。
"Why？"
"Because，inspiteofwhatyouhavedonetome，Iloveyoualways，andIwantyoutostayhere。"
"Toturnmeoutto-morrow？No；itisimpossible。Ourdestiniesareseparate；donottrytoreunitethem。Youwilldespisemeperhaps，whilenowyoucanonlyhateme。"
"No，Marguerite，"Icried，feelingallmyloveandallmydesirereawakenatthecontactofthiswoman。"No，Iwillforgeteverything，andwewillbehappyaswepromisedoneanotherthatwewouldbe。"
Margueriteshookherheaddoubtfully，andsaid：
"AmInotyourslave，yourdog？Dowithmewhatyouwill。Takeme；Iamyours。"
Andthrowingoffhercloakandhat，sheflungthemonthesofa，andbeganhurriedlytoundothefrontofherdress，for，byoneofthosereactionssofrequentinhermalady，thebloodrushedtoherheadandstifledher。Ahard，drycoughfollowed。
"Tellmycoachman，"shesaid，"togobackwiththecarriage。"
Iwentdownmyselfandsenthimaway。WhenIreturnedMargueritewaslyinginfrontofthefire，andherteethchatteredwiththecold。
Itookherinmyarms。Iundressedher，withouthermakingamovement，andcarriedher，icycold，tothebed。ThenIsatbesideherandtriedtowarmherwithmycaresses。Shedidnotspeakaword，butsmiledatme。
Itwasastrangenight。AllMarguerite'slifeseemedtohavepassedintothekisseswithwhichshecoveredme，andIlovedhersomuchthatinmytransportsoffeverishloveIaskedmyselfwhetherIshouldnotkillher，sothatshemightneverbelongtoanother。
Amonthoflovelikethat，andtherewouldhaveremainedonlythecorpseofheartorbody。
Thedawnfoundusbothawake。Margueritewaslividwhite。Shedidnotspeakaword。Fromtimetotime，bigtearsrolledfromhereyes，andstayeduponhercheeks，shininglikediamonds。Herthinarmsopened，fromtimetotime，toholdmefast，andfellbackhelplesslyuponthebed。
ForamomentitseemedtomeasifIcouldforgetallthathadpassedsinceIhadleftBougival，andIsaidtoMarguerite：
"ShallwegoawayandleaveParis？"
"No，no！"shesaid，almostwithaffright；"weshouldbetoounhappy。Icandonomoretomakeyouhappy，butwhilethereisabreathoflifeinme，Iwillbetheslaveofyourfancies。Atwhateverhourofthedayornightyouwill，come，andIwillbeyours；butdonotlinkyourfutureanymorewithmine，youwouldbetoounhappyandyouwouldmakemetoounhappy。Ishallstillbeprettyforawhile；makethemostofit，butasknothingmore。"
Whenshehadgone，Iwasfrightenedatthesolitudeinwhichsheleftme。TwohoursafterwardIwasstillsittingonthesideofthebed，lookingatthepillowwhichkepttheimprintofherform，andaskingmyselfwhatwastobecomeofme，betweenmyloveandmyjealousy。
Atfiveo'clock，withoutknowingwhatIwasgoingtodo，IwenttotheRued'Antin。
Nanineopenedtome。
"Madamecannotreceiveyou，"shesaidinanembarrassedway。
"Why？"
"BecauseM。leComtedeN。isthere，andhehasgivenorderstoletnoonein。"
"Quiteso，"Istammered；"Iforgot。"
Iwenthomelikeadrunkenman，anddoyouknowwhatIdidduringthemomentofjealousdeliriumwhichwaslongenoughfortheshamefulthingIwasgoingtodo？Isaidtomyselfthatthewomanwaslaughingatme；Isawheralonewiththecount，sayingovertohimthesamewordsthatshehadsaidtomeinthenight，andtakingafive-hundred-francnoteIsentittoherwiththesewords：
"YouwentawaysosuddenlythatIforgottopayyou。Hereisthepriceofyournight。"
ThenwhentheletterwassentIwentoutasiftofreemyselffromtheinstantaneousremorseofthisinfamousaction。
IwenttoseeOlympe，whomIfoundtryingondresses，andwhenwewerealoneshesangobscenesongstoamuseme。Shewastheverytypeoftheshameless，heartless，senselesscourtesan，formeatleast，forperhapssomemenmighthavedreamedofherasI
dreamedofMarguerite。Sheaskedmeformoney。Igaveittoher，and，freethentogo，Ireturnedhome。
Margueritehadnotanswered。
IneednottellyouinwhatstateofagitationIspentthenextday。Athalfpastnineamessengerbroughtmeanenvelopecontainingmyletterandthefive-hundred-francnote，notawordmore。
"Whogaveyouthis？"Iaskedtheman。
"AladywhowasstartingwithhermaidinthenextmailforBoulogne，andwhotoldmenottotakeituntilthecoachwasoutofthecourtyard。"
IrushedtotheRued'Antin。
"MadameleftforEnglandatsixo'clock，"saidtheporter。
TherewasnothingtoholdmeinParisanylonger，neitherhatenorlove。Iwasexhaustedbythisseriesofshocks。OneofmyfriendswassettingoutonatourintheEast。ItoldmyfatherI
shouldliketoaccompanyhim；myfathergavemedraftsandlettersofintroduction，andeightortendaysafterwardI
embarkedatMarseilles。
ItwasatAlexandriathatIlearnedfromanattacheattheembassy，whomIhadsometimesseenatMarguerite's，thatthepoorgirlwasseriouslyill。
Ithenwrotehertheletterwhichsheansweredinthewayyouknow；IreceiveditatToulon。
Istartedatonce，andyouknowtherest。
NowyouhaveonlytoreadafewsheetswhichJulieDupratgaveme；theyarethebestcommentaryonwhatIhavejusttoldyou。
Chapter25
Armand，tiredbythislongnarrative，ofteninterruptedbyhistears，puthistwohandsoverhisforeheadandclosedhiseyestothink，ortotrytosleep，aftergivingmethepageswrittenbythehandofMarguerite。Afewminutesafter，amorerapidbreathingtoldmethatArmandslept，butthatlightsleepwhichtheleastsoundbanishes。
ThisiswhatIread；Icopyitwithoutaddingoromittingasyllable：
To-dayisthe15thDecember。Ihavebeenillthreeorfourdays。
ThismorningIstayedinbed。Theweatherisdark，Iamsad；
thereisnoonebyme。Ithinkofyou，Armand。Andyou，whereareyou，whileIwritetheselines？FarfromParis，far，far，theytellme，andperhapsyouhavealreadyforgottenMarguerite。Well，behappy；Ioweyoutheonlyhappymomentsinmylife。
Icannothelpwantingtoexplainallmyconducttoyou，andI
havewrittenyoualetter；but，writtenbyagirllikeme，suchalettermightseemtobealie，unlessdeathhadsanctifieditbyitsauthority，and，insteadofaletter，itwereaconfession。
To-dayIamill；Imaydieofthisillness，forIhavealwayshadthepresentimentthatIshalldieyoung。Mymotherdiedofconsumption，andthewayIhavealwayslivedcouldbutincreasetheonlyheritagesheeverleftme。ButIdonotwanttodiewithoutclearingupforyoueverythingaboutme；thatis，if，whenyoucomeback，youwillstilltroubleyourselfaboutthepoorgirlwhomyoulovedbeforeyouwentaway。
Thisiswhatthelettercontained；Ishalllikewritingitoveragain，soastogivemyselfanotherproofofmyownjustification。
Youremember，Armand，howthearrivalofyourfathersurprisedusatBougival；youremembertheinvoluntaryfrightthathisarrivalcausedme，andthescenewhichtookplacebetweenyouandhim，whichyoutoldmeofintheevening。
Nextday，whenyouwereatParis，waitingforyourfather，andhedidnotreturn，amancametothedoorandhandedinaletterfromM。Duval。
Hisletter，whichIinclosewiththis，beggedme，inthemostseriousterms，tokeepyouawayonthefollowingday，onsomeexcuseorother，andtoseeyourfather，whowishedtospeaktome，andaskedmeparticularlynottosayanythingtoyouaboutit。
YouknowhowIinsistedonyourreturningtoParisnextday。
Youhadonlybeengoneanhourwhenyourfatherpresentedhimself。Iwon'tsaywhatimpressionhisseverefacemadeuponme。Yourfatherhadtheoldtheorythatacourtesanisabeingwithoutheartorreason，asortofmachineforcoininggold，alwaysready，likethemachine，tobruisethehandthatgiveshereverything，andtotearinpieces，withoutpityordiscernment，thosewhosetherinmotion。
Yourfatherhadwrittenmeaverypoliteletter，inorderthatI
mightconsenttoseehim；hedidnotpresenthimselfquiteashehadwritten。Hismanneratfirstwassostiff，insolent，andeventhreatening，thatIhadtomakehimunderstandthatIwasinmyownhouse，andthatIhadnoneedtorenderhimanaccountofmylife，exceptbecauseofthesincereaffectionwhichIhadforhisson。
M。Duvalcalmeddownalittle，butstillwentontosaythathecouldnotanylongerallowhissontoruinhimselfoverme；thatIwasbeautiful，itwastrue，but，howeverbeautifulImightbe，IoughtnottomakeuseofmybeautytospoilthefutureofayoungmanbysuchexpenditureasIwascausing。
Atthattherewasonlyonethingtodo，toshowhimtheproofthatsinceIwasyourmistressIhadsparednosacrificetobefaithfultoyouwithoutaskingformoremoneythanyouhadtogiveme。Ishowedhimthepawntickets，thereceiptsofthepeopletowhomIhadsoldwhatIcouldnotpawn；Itoldhimofmyresolvetopartwithmyfurnitureinordertopaymydebts，andlivewithyouwithoutbeingatooheavyexpense。Itoldhimofourhappiness，ofhowyouhadshownmethepossibilityofaquieterandhappierlife，andheendedbygivingintotheevidence，offeringmehishand，andaskingpardonforthewayinwhichhehadatfirstapproachedme。
Thenhesaidtome：
"So，madame，itisnotbyremonstrancesorbythreats，butbyentreaties，thatImustendeavourtoobtainfromyouagreatersacrificethanyouhaveyetmadeformyson。"
Itrembledatthisbeginning。
Yourfathercameovertome，tookbothmyhands，andcontinuedinanaffectionatevoice：
"Mychild，donottakewhatIhavetosaytoyouamiss；onlyrememberthattherearesometimesinlifecruelnecessitiesfortheheart，butthattheymustbesubmittedto。Youaregood，yoursoulhasgenerosityunknowntomanywomenwhoperhapsdespiseyou，andarelessworthythanyou。Butrememberthatthereisnotonlythemistress，butthefamily；thatbesideslovethereareduties；thattotheageofpassionsucceedstheagewhenman，ifheistoberespected，mustplanthimselfsolidlyinaseriousposition。Mysonhasnofortune，andyetheisreadytoabandontoyouthelegacyofhismother。Ifheacceptedfromyouthesacrificewhichyouareonthepointofmaking，hishonouranddignitywouldrequirehimtogiveyou，inexchangeforit，thisincome，whichwouldalwaysputyououtofdangerofadversity。
Buthecannotacceptthissacrifice，becausetheworld，whichdoesnotknowyou，wouldgiveawronginterpretationtothisacceptance，andsuchaninterpretationmustnottarnishthenamewhichwebear。NoonewouldconsiderwhetherArmandlovesyou，whetheryoulovehim，whetherthismutuallovemeanshappinesstohimandredemptiontoyou；theywouldseeonlyonething，thatArmandDuvalallowedakeptwoman（forgiveme，mychild，forwhatIamforcedtosaytoyou）tosellallshehadforhim。Thenthedayofreproachesandregretswouldarrive，besure，foryouorforothers，andyouwouldbothbearachainthatyoucouldnotsever。Whatwouldyoudothen？Youryouthwouldbelost，myson'sfuturedestroyed；andI，hisfather，shouldreceivefromonlyoneofmychildrentherecompensethatIlookforfromboth。
"Youareyoung，beautiful，lifewillconsoleyou；youarenoble，andthememoryofagooddeedwillredeemyoufrommanypastdeeds。DuringthesixmonthsthathehasknownyouArmandhasforgottenme。Iwrotetohimfourtimes，andhehasneveroncereplied。Imighthavediedandhenotknownit！
"Whatevermaybeyourresolutionoflivingotherwisethanasyouhavelived，Armand，wholovesyou，willneverconsenttotheseclusiontowhichhismodestfortunewouldcondemnyou，andtowhichyourbeautydoesnotentitleyou。Whoknowswhathewoulddothen！Hehasgambled，Iknow；withouttellingyouofit，I
knowalso，but，inamomentofmadness，hemighthavelostpartofwhatIhavesaved，duringmanyyears，formydaughter'sportion，forhim，andforthereposeofmyoldage。Whatmighthavehappenedmayyethappen。
"Areyousure，besides，thatthelifewhichyouaregivingupforhimwillneveragaincometoattractyou？Areyousure，youwhohavelovedhim，thatyouwillneverloveanother？Wouldyounot-sufferonseeingthehindrancessetbyyourlovetoyourlover'slife，hindrancesforwhichyouwouldbepowerlesstoconsolehim，if，withage，thoughtsofambitionshouldsucceedtodreamsoflove？Thinkoverallthat，madame。YouloveArmand；
proveittohimbythesolemeanswhichremainstoyouofyetprovingittohim，bysacrificingyourlovetohisfuture。Nomisfortunehasyetarrived，butonewillarrive，andperhapsagreateronethanthosewhichIforesee。Armandmightbecomejealousofamanwhohaslovedyou；hemightprovokehim，fight，bekilled。Think，then，whatyouwouldsufferinthepresenceofafatherwhoshouldcallonyoutorenderanaccountforthelifeofhisson！
"Finally，mydearchild，letmetellyouall，forIhavenotyettoldyouall，letmetellyouwhathasbroughtmetoParis。I
haveadaughter，asIhavetoldyou，young，beautiful，pureasanangel。Sheloves，andshe，too，hasmadethislovethedreamofherlife。IwroteallthattoArmand，but，absorbedinyou，hemadenoreply。Well，mydaughterisabouttomarry。Sheistomarrythemanwhomsheloves；sheentersanhonourablefamily，whichrequiresthatminehastobenolesshonourable。Thefamilyofthemanwhoistobecomemyson-in-lawhaslearnedwhatmanneroflifeArmandisleadinginParis，andhasdeclaredtomethatthemarriagemustbebrokenoffifArmandcontinuesthislife。
Thefutureofachildwhohasdonenothingagainstyou，andwhohastherightoflookingforwardtoahappyfuture，isinyourhands。Haveyoutheright，haveyouthestrength，toshatterit？
Inthenameofyourloveandofyourrepentance，Marguerite，grantmethehappinessofmychild。"
Iweptsilently，myfriend，atallthesereflectionswhichIhadsooftenmade，andwhich，inthemouthofyourfather，tookayetmoreseriousreality。Isaidtomyselfallthatyourfatherdarednotsaytome，thoughithadcometohislipstwentytimes：thatIwas，afterall，onlyakeptwoman，andthatwhateverexcuseI
gaveforourliaison，itwouldalwayslooklikecalculationonmypart；thatmypastlifeleftmenorighttodreamofsuchafuture，andthatIwasacceptingresponsibilitiesforwhichmyhabitsandreputationwerefarfromgivinganyguarantee。Inshort，Ilovedyou，Armand。
ThepaternalwayinwhichM。Duvalhadspokentome；thepurememoriesthatheawakenedinme；therespectofthisoldman，whichIwouldgain；yours，whichIwassureofgaininglateron：
allthatcalledupinmyheartthoughtswhichraisedmeinmyowneyeswithasortofholypride，unknowntillthen。WhenIthoughtthatonedaythisoldman，whowasnowimploringmeforthefutureofhisson，wouldbidhisdaughterminglemynamewithherprayers，asthenameofamysteriousfriend，Iseemedtobecometransformed，andIfeltaprideinmyself。
Theexaltationofthemomentperhapsexaggeratedthetruthoftheseimpressions，butthatwaswhatIfelt，friend，andthesenewfeelingssilencedthememoryofthehappydaysIhadspentwithyou。
"Tellme，sir，"Isaidtoyourfather，wipingawaymytears，"doyoubelievethatIloveyourson？"
"Yes，"saidM。Duval。
"Withadisinterestedlove？"
"Yes。
"DoyoubelievethatIhadmadethislovethehope，thedream，theforgiveness——ofmylife？"
"Implicitly。"
"Well，sir，embracemeonce，asyouwouldembraceyourdaughter，andIsweartoyouthatthatkiss，theonlychastekissIhaveeverhad，willmakemestrongagainstmylove，andthatwithinaweekyoursonwillbeoncemoreatyourside，perhapsunhappyforatime，butcuredforever。"
"Youareanoblechild，"repliedyourfather，kissingmeontheforehead，"andyouaremakinganattemptforwhichGodwillrewardyou；butIgreatlyfearthatyouwillhavenoinfluenceuponmyson。"
"Oh，beatrest，sir；hewillhateme。"
Ihadtosetupbetweenus，asmuchformeasforyou，aninsurmountablebarrier。
IwrotetoPrudencetosaythatIacceptedthepropositionoftheComtedeN。，andthatshewastotellhimthatIwouldsupwithherandhim。Isealedtheletter，and，withouttellinghimwhatitcontained，askedyourfathertohaveitforwardedtoitsaddressonreachingParis。
Heinquiredofmewhatitcontained。
"Yourson'swelfare，"Ianswered。
Yourfatherembracedmeoncemore。Ifelttwogratefultearsonmyforehead，likethebaptismofmypastfaults，andatthemomentwhenIconsentedtogivemyselfuptoanothermanIglowedwithprideatthethoughtofwhatIwasredeemingbythisnewfault。
Itwasquitenatural，Armand。Youtoldmethatyourfatherwasthemosthonestmanintheworld。
M。Duvalreturnedtohiscarriage，andsetoutforParis。
Iwasonlyawoman，andwhenIsawyouagainIcouldnothelpweeping，butIdidnotgiveway。
DidIdoright？ThatiswhatIaskmyselfto-day，asIlieillinmybed，thatIshallneverleave，perhaps，untilIamdead。
YouarewitnessofwhatIfeltasthehourofourseparationapproached；yourfatherwasnolongertheretosupportme，andtherewasamomentwhenIwasonthepointofconfessingeverythingtoyou，soterrifiedwasIattheideathatyouweregoingtobateanddespiseme。
Onethingwhichyouwillnotbelieve，perhaps，Armand，isthatI
prayedGodtogivemestrength；andwhatprovesthatheacceptedmysacrificeisthathegavemethestrengthforwhichIprayed。
AtsupperIstillhadneedofaid，forIcouldnotthinkofwhatIwasgoingtodo，somuchdidIfearthatmycouragewouldfailme。WhowouldeverhavesaidthatI，MargueriteGautier，wouldhavesufferedsoatthemerethoughtofanewlover？Idrankforforgetfulness，andwhenIwokenextdayIwasbesidethecount。
Thatisthewholetruth，friend。judgemeandpardonme，asI
havepardonedyouforallthewrongthatyouhavedonemesincethatday。
Chapter26
WhatfollowedthatfatalnightyouknowaswellasI；butwhatyoucannotknow，whatyoucannotsuspect，iswhatIhavesufferedsinceourseparation。
Iheardthatyourfatherhadtakenyouawaywithhim，butIfeltsurethatyoucouldnotliveawayfrommeforlong，andwhenI
metyouintheChamps-Elysees，Iwasalittleupset，butbynomeanssurprised。
Thenbeganthatseriesofdays；eachofthembroughtmeafreshinsultfromyou。Ireceivedthemallwithakindofjoy，for，besidesprovingtomethatyoustilllovedme，itseemedtomeasifthemoreyoupersecutedmethemoreIshouldberaisedinyoureyeswhenyoucametoknowthetruth。
Donotwonderatmyjoyinmartyrdom，Armand；yourloveformehadopenedmyhearttonobleenthusiasm。
Still，Iwasnotsostrongasthatquiteatonce。
Betweenthetimeofthesacrificemadeforyouandthetimeofyourreturnalongwhileelapsed，duringwhichIwasobligedtohaverecoursetophysicalmeansinordernottogomad，andinordertobeblindedanddeafenedinthewhirloflifeintowhichIflungmyself。Prudencehastoldyou（hasshenot？）howIwenttoallthefetesandballsandorgies。IhadasortofhopethatIshouldkillmyselfbyalltheseexcesses，andIthinkitwillnotbelongbeforethishopeisrealized。Myhealthnaturallygotworseandworse，andwhenIsentMme。DuvernoytoaskyouforpityIwasutterlywornout，bodyandsoul。
Iwillnotremindyou，Armand，ofthereturnyoumadeforthelastproofoflovethatIgaveyou，andoftheoutragebywhichyoudroveawayadyingwoman，whocouldnotresistyourvoicewhenyouaskedherforanightoflove，andwho，likeafool，thoughtforoneinstantthatshemightagainunitethepastwiththepresent。Youhadtherighttodowhatyoudid，Armand；peoplehavenotalwaysputsohighapriceonanightofmine！
Ilefteverythingafterthat。OlympehastakenmyplacewiththeComtedeN。，andhastoldhim，Ihear，thereasonsformyleavinghim。TheComtedeG。wasatLondon。Heisoneofthosemenwhogivejustenoughimportancetomakinglovetowomenlikemeforittobeanagreeablepastime，andwhoarethusabletoremainfriendswithwomen，nothatingthembecausetheyhaveneverbeenjealousofthem，andheis，too，oneofthosegrandseigneurswhoopenonlyapartoftheirheartstous，butthewholeoftheirpurses。ItwasofhimthatIimmediatelythought。IjoinedhiminLondon。Hereceivedmeaskindlyaspossible，buthewastheloverthereofawomaninsociety，andhefearedtocompromisehimselfifhewereseenwithme。Heintroducedmetohisfriends，whogaveasupperinmyhonour，afterwhichoneofthemtookmehomewithhim。
Whatelsewasthereformetodo，myfriend？IfIhadkilledmyselfitwouldhaveburdenedyourlife，whichoughttobehappy，withaneedlessremorse；andthen，whatisthegoodofkillingoneselfwhenoneissoneardyingalready？
Ibecameabodywithoutasoul，athingwithoutathought；I
livedforsometimeinthatautomaticway；thenIreturnedtoParis，andaskedafteryou；Iheardthenthatyouweregoneonalongvoyage。Therewasnothinglefttoholdmetolife。MyexistencebecamewhatithadbeentwoyearsbeforeIknewyou。I
triedtowinbacktheduke，butIhadoffendedhimtoodeeply。
Oldmenarenotpatient，nodoubtbecausetheyrealizethattheyarenoteternal。Igotweakereveryday。Iwaspaleandsadandthinnerthanever。Menwhobuyloveexaminethegoodsbeforetakingthem。AtParistherewerewomeninbetterhealth，andnotsothinasIwas；Iwasratherforgotten。Thatisallthepastuptoyesterday。
NowIamseriouslyill。Ihavewrittentotheduketoaskhimformoney，forIhavenone，andthecreditorshavereturned，andcometomewiththeirbillswithpitilessperseverance。Willthedukeanswer？WhyareyounotinParis，Armand？Youwouldcomeandseeme，andyourvisitswoulddomegood。
December20。
Theweatherishorrible；itissnowing，andIamalone。IhavebeeninsuchafeverforthelastthreedaysthatIcouldnotwriteyouaword。Nonews，myfriend；everydayIhopevaguelyforaletterfromyou，butitdoesnotcome，andnodoubtitwillnevercome。Onlymenarestrongenoughnottoforgive。Thedukehasnotanswered。
Prudenceispawningmythingsagain。
Ihavebeenspittingbloodallthetime。Oh，youwouldbesorryformeifyoucouldseeme。Youareindeedhappytobeunderawarmsky，andnot，likeme，withawholewinteroficeonyourchest。To-dayIgotupforalittlewhile，andlookedoutthroughthecurtainsofmywindow，andwatchedthelifeofParispassingbelow，thelifewithwhichIhavenownothingmoretodo。IsawthefacesofsomepeopleIknew，passingrapidly，joyousandcareless。Notoneliftedhiseyestomywindow。However，afewyoungmenhavecometoinquireforme。OncebeforeIwasill，andyou，thoughyoudidnotknowme，thoughyouhadhadnothingfrommebutanimpertinencethedayImetyoufirst，youcametoinquireaftermeeveryday。Wespentsixmonthstogether。Ihadalltheloveforyouthatawoman'sheartcanholdandgive，andyouarefaraway，youarecursingme，andthereisnotawordofconsolationfromyou。Butitisonlychancethathasmadeyouleaveme，Iamsure，forifyouwereatParis，youwouldnotleavemybedside。
December25。
MydoctortellsmeImustnotwriteeveryday。Andindeedmymemoriesonlyincreasemyfever，butyesterdayIreceivedaletterwhichdidmegood，morebecauseofwhatitsaidthanbythematerialhelpwhichitcontained。Icanwritetoyou，then，to-day。Thisletterisfromyourfather，andthisiswhatitsays：
"MADAME：Ihavejustlearnedthatyouareill。IfIwereatParisIwouldcomeandaskafteryoumyself；ifmysonwerehereI
wouldsendhim；butIcannotleaveC。，andArmandissixorsevenhundredleaguesfromhere；permitme，then，simplytowritetoyou，madame，totellyouhowpainedIamtohearofyourillness，andbelieveinmysincerewishesforyourspeedyrecovery。
Oneofmygoodfriends，M。H。，willcallonyou；willyoukindlyreceivehim？Ihaveintrustedhimwithacommission，theresultofwhichIawaitimpatiently。"Believeme，madame，"Yoursmostfaithfully。"
Thisistheletterhesentme。Yourfatherhasanobleheart；
lovehimwell，myfriend，fortherearefewmensoworthyofbeingloved。Thispapersignedbyhisnamehasdonememoregoodthanalltheprescriptionsofourgreatdoctor。
ThismorningM。H。called。HeseemedmuchembarrassedbythedelicatemissionwhichM。Duvalhadintrustedtohim。Asamatteroffact，hecametobringmethreethousandfrancsfromyourfather。Iwantedtorefuseatfirst，butM。H。toldmethatmyrefusalwouldannoyM。Duval，whohadauthorizedhimtogivemethissumnow，andlateronwhateverImightneed。Iacceptedit，for，comingfromyourfather，itcouldnotbeexactlytakingalms。IfIamdeadwhenyoucomeback，showyourfatherwhatI
havewrittenforhim，andtellhimthatinwritingtheselinesthepoorwomantowhomhewaskindenoughtowritesoconsolingaletterwepttearsofgratitudeandprayedGodforhim。
January4。
Ihavepassedsometerribledays。Ineverknewthebodycouldsufferso。Oh，mypastlife！Ipaydoubleforitnow。
Therehasbeensomeonetowatchbymeeverynight；Icannotbreathe。Whatremainsofmypoorexistenceissharedbetweenbeingdeliriousandcoughing。
Thedining-roomisfullofsweetsandallsortsofpresentsthatmyfriendshavebrought。Someofthem，Idaresay，arehopingthatIshallbetheirmistresslateron。Iftheycouldseewhatsicknesshasmadeofme，theywouldgoawayinterror。
PrudenceisgivingherNewYear'spresentswiththoseIhavereceived。
Thereisathaw，andthedoctorsaysthatImaygooutinafewdaysifthefineweathercontinues。
January8。
Iwentoutyesterdayinmycarriage。Theweatherwaslovely。TheChamps-Elyseeswasfullofpeople。Itwaslikethefirstsmileofspring。Everythingaboutmehadafestalair。Ineverknewbeforethatarayofsunshinecouldcontainsomuchjoy，sweetness，andconsolation。
ImetalmostallthepeopleIknew，allhappy，allabsorbedintheirpleasures。Howmanyhappypeopledon'tevenknowthattheyarehappy！OlympepassedmeinanelegantcarriagethatM。deN。
hasgivenher。Shetriedtoinsultmebyherlook。ShelittleknowshowfarIamfromsuchthingsnow。Anicefellow，whomI
haveknownforalongtime，askedmeifIwouldhavesupperwithhimandoneofhisfriends，who，hesaid，wasveryanxioustomakemyacquaintance。Ismiledsadlyandgavehimmyhand，burningwithfever。Ineversawsuchanastonishedcountenance。
Icameinatfour，andhadquiteanappetiteformydinner。Goingouthasdonemegood。IfIwereonlygoingtogetwell！Howthesightofthelifeandhappinessofothersgivesadesireoflifetothosewho，onlythenightbefore，inthesolitudeoftheirsoulandintheshadowoftheirsick-room，onlywantedtodiesoon！
January10。
Thehopeofgettingbetterwasonlyadream。Iambackinbedagain，coveredwithplasterswhichburnme。IfIweretoofferthebodythatpeoplepaidsodearforonce，howmuchwouldtheygive，Iwonder，to-day？
Wemusthavedonesomethingverywickedbeforewewereborn，orelsewemustbegoingtobeveryhappyindeedwhenwearedead，forGodtoletthislifehaveallthetorturesofexpiationandallthesorrowsofanordeal。
January12。
Iamalwaysill。
TheComtedeN。sentmesomemoneyyesterday。Ididnotkeepit。
Iwon'ttakeanythingfromthatman。Itisthroughhimthatyouarenothere。
Oh，thatgoodtimeatBougival！Whereisitnow？
IfIcomeoutofthisroomaliveIwillmakeapilgrimagetothehousewelivedintogether，butIwillneverleaveituntilIamdead。
WhoknowsifIshallwritetoyouto-morrow？
January25。
Ihavenotsleptforelevennights。Iamsuffocated。IimagineeverymomentthatIamgoingtodie。Thedoctorhasforbiddenmetotouchapen。JulieDuprat，whoislookingafterme，letsmewritethesefewlinestoyou。WillyounotcomebackbeforeI
die？Isitalloverbetweenusforever？ItseemstomeasifI
shouldgetwellifyoucame。Whatwouldbethegoodofgettingwell？
January28。
ThismorningIwasawakenedbyagreatnoise。Julie，whosleptinmyroom，ranintothedining-room。Iheardmen'svoices，andhersprotestingagainsttheminvain。Shecamebackcrying。
Theyhadcometoseizemythings。Itoldhertoletwhattheycalljusticehaveitsway。Thebailiffcameintomyroomwithhishaton。Heopenedthedrawers，wrotedownwhathesaw，anddidnotevenseemtobeawarethattherewasadyingwomaninthebedthatfortunatelythecharityofthelawleavesme。
Hesaid，indeed，beforegoing，thatIcouldappealwithinninedays，butheleftamanbehindtokeepwatch。MyGod！whatistobecomeofme？ThisscenehasmademeworsethanIwasbefore。
Prudencewantedtogoandaskyourfather'sfriendformoney，butIwouldnotlether。
Ireceivedyourletterthismorning。Iwasinneedofit。Willmyanswerreachyouintime？Willyoueverseemeagain？Thisisahappyday，andithasmademeforgetallthedaysIhavepassedforthelastsixweeks。IseemasifIambetter，inspiteofthefeelingofsadnessundertheimpressionofwhichIrepliedtoyou。
Afterall，nooneisunhappyalways。
WhenIthinkthatitmayhappentomenottodie，foryoutocomeback，formetoseethespringagain，foryoustilltoloveme，andforustobeginoveragainourlastyear'slife！
FoolthatIam！IcanscarcelyholdthepenwithwhichIwritetoyouofthiswilddreamofmyheart。
Whateverhappens，Ilovedyouwell，Armand，andIwouldhavediedlongagoifIhadnothadthememoryofyourlovetohelpmeandasortofvaguehopeofseeingyoubesidemeagain。
February4。
TheComtedeG。hasreturned。Hismistresshasbeenunfaithfultohim。Heisverysad；hewasveryfondofher。Hecametotellmeallaboutit。Thepoorfellowisinratherabadwayastomoney；
allthesame，hehaspaidmybailiffandsentawaytheman。
Italkedtohimaboutyou，andhepromisedtotellyouaboutme。
IforgotthatIhadbeenhismistress，andhetriedtomakemeforgetit，too。Heisagoodfriend。
Thedukesentyesterdaytoinquireafterme，andthismorninghecametoseeme。Idonotknowhowtheoldmanstillkeepsalive。
Heremainedwithmethreehoursanddidnotsaytwentywords。TwobigtearsfellfromhiseyeswhenhesawhowpaleIwas。Thememoryofhisdaughter'sdeathmadehimweep，nodoubt。Hewillhaveseenherdietwice。Hisbackwasbowed，hisheadbenttowardtheground，hislipsdrooping，hiseyesvacant。Ageandsorrowweighwithadoubleweightonhisworn-outbody。Hedidnotreproachme。Itlookedasifherejoicedsecretlytoseetheravagesthatdiseasehadmadeinme。Heseemedproudofbeingstillonhisfeet，whileI，whoamstillyoung，wasbrokendownbysuffering。
Thebadweatherhasreturned。Noonecomestoseeme。Juliewatchesbymeasmuchasshecan。Prudence，towhomIcannolongergiveasmuchasIusedto，beginstomakeexcusesfornotcoming。
NowthatIamsoneardeath，inspiteofwhatthedoctorstellme，forIhaveseveral，whichprovesthatIamgettingworse，I
amalmostsorrythatIlistenedtoyourfather；ifIhadknownthatIshouldonlybetakingayearofyourfuture，Icouldnothaveresistedthelongingtospendthatyearwithyou，and，atleast，Ishouldhavediedwithafriendtoholdmyhand。Itistruethatifwehadlivedtogetherthisyear，Ishouldnothavediedsosoon。
God'swillbedone！
February5。
Oh，come，come，Armand！Isufferhorribly；Iamgoingtodie，O
God！IwassomiserableyesterdaythatIwantedtospendtheevening，whichseemedasifitweregoingtobeaslongasthelast，anywherebutathome。Thedukecameinthemorning。Itseemstomeasifthesightofthisoldman，whomdeathhasforgotten，makesmediefaster。
Despitetheburningfeverwhichdevouredme，ImadethemdressmeandtakemetotheVaudeville。Julieputonsomerougeforme，withoutwhichIshouldhavelookedlikeacorpse。IhadtheboxwhereIgaveyouourfirstrendezvous。AllthetimeIhadmyeyesfixedonthestallwhereyousatthatday，thoughasortofcountryfellowsatthere，laughingloudlyatallthefoolishthingsthattheactorssaid。Iwashalfdeadwhentheybroughtmehome。Icoughedandspatbloodallthenight。To-dayIcannotspeak，Icanscarcelymovemyarm。MyGod！MyGod！Iamgoingtodie！Ihavebeenexpectingit，butIcannotgetusedtothethoughtofsufferingmorethanIsuffernow，andif——
AfterthisthefewcharacterstracedbyMargueritewereindecipherable，andwhatfollowedwaswrittenbyJulieDuprat。
February18。
MONSIEURARMAND：
SincethedaythatMargueriteinsistedongoingtothetheatreshehasgotworseandworse。Shehascompletelylosthervoice，andnowtheuseofherlimbs。
Whatourpoorfriendsuffersisimpossibletosay。Iamnotusedtoemotionsofthiskind，andIaminastateofconstantfright。
HowIwishyouwerehere！Sheisalmostalwaysdelirious；butdeliriousorlucid，itisalwaysyournamethatshepronounces，whenshecanspeakaword。
Thedoctortellsmethatsheisnothereforlong。Sinceshegotsoilltheolddukehasnotreturned。Hetoldthedoctorthatthesightwastoomuchforhim。
Mme。Duvernoyisnotbehavingwell。Thiswoman，whothoughtshecouldgetmoremoneyoutofMarguerite，atwhoseexpenseshewaslivingalmostcompletely，hascontractedliabilitieswhichshecannotmeet，andseeingthatherneighbourisnolongerofusetoher，shedoesnotevencometoseeher。Everybodyisabandoningher。M。deG。，prosecutedforhisdebts，hashadtoreturntoLondon。Onleaving，hesentusmoremoney；hehasdoneallhecould，buttheyhavereturnedtoseizethethings，andthecreditorsareonlywaitingforhertodieinordertoselleverything。
Iwantedtousemylastresourcestoputastoptoit，butthebailifftoldmeitwasnouse，andthatthereareotherseizurestofollow。Sinceshemustdie，itisbettertoleteverythinggothantosaveitforherfamily，whomshehasnevercaredtosee，andwhohavenevercaredforher。Youcannotconceiveinthemidstofwhatgildedmiserythepoorthingisdying。Yesterdaywehadabsolutelynomoney。Plate，jewels，shawls，everythingisinpawn；therestissoldorseized。Margueriteisstillconsciousofwhatgoesonaroundher，andshesuffersinbody，mind，andheart。Bigtearstrickledownhercheeks，sothinandpalethatyouwouldneverrecognisethefaceofherwhomyoulovedsomuch，ifyoucouldseeher。Shehasmademepromisetowritetoyouwhenshecannolongerwrite，andIwritebeforeher。Sheturnshereyestowardme，butshenolongerseesme；hereyesarealreadyveiledbythecomingofdeath；yetshesmiles，andallherthoughts，allhersoulareyours，Iamsure。
Everytimethedooropenshereyesbrighten，andshethinksyouaregoingtocomein；then，whensheseesthatitisnotyou，herfaceresumesitssorrowfulexpression，acoldsweatbreaksoutoverit，andhercheek-bonesflush。
February19，midnight。
Whatasaddaywehavehadto-day，poorM。Armand！ThismorningMargueritewasstifling；thedoctorbledher，andhervoicehasreturnedtoherawhile。Thedoctorbeggedhertoseeapriest。
Shesaid"Yes，"andhewenthimselftofetchanabbe'fromSaintRoch。
MeanwhileMargueritecalledmeuptoherbed，askedmetoopenacupboard，andpointedoutacapandalongchemisecoveredwithlace，andsaidinafeeblevoice：
"IshalldieassoonasIhaveconfessed。Thenyouwilldressmeinthesethings；itisthewhimofadyingwoman。？
Thensheembracedmewithtearsandadded：
"Icanspeak，butIamstifledwhenIspeak；Iamstifling。Air！"
Iburstintotears，openedthewindow，andafewminutesafterwardthepriestentered。Iwentuptohim；whenheknewwherehewas，heseemedafraidofbeingbadlyreceived。
"Comeinboldly，father，"Isaidtohim。
Hestayedaveryshorttimeintheroom，andwhenhecameouthesaidtome：
"Shelivedasinner，andshewilldieaChristian。"
Afewminutesafterwardhereturnedwithachoirboybearingacrucifix，andasacristanwhowentbeforethemringingthebelltoannouncethatGodwascomingtothedyingone。
Theywentallthreeintothebed-roomwheresomanystrangewordshavebeensaid，butwasnowasortofholytabernacle。
Ifellonmyknees。IdonotknowhowlongtheimpressionofwhatIsawwilllast，butIdonotthinkthat，tillmyturncomes，anyhumanthingcanmakesodeepanimpressiononme。
Thepriestanointedwithholyoilthefeetandhandsandforeheadofthedyingwoman，repeatedashortprayer，andMargueritewasreadytosetoutfortheheaventowhichIdoubtnotshewillgo，ifGodhasseentheordealofherlifeandthesanctityofherdeath。
Sincethenshehasnotsaidawordormadeamovement。TwentytimesIshouldhavethoughtherdeadifIhadnotheardherbreathingpainfully。
February20，5P。M。
Allisover。
Margueritefellintoherlastagonyatabouttwoo'clock。Neverdidamartyrsuffersuchtorture，tojudgebythecriessheuttered。Twoorthreetimesshesatuprightinthebed，asifshewouldholdontoherlife，whichwasescapingtowardGod。
Twoorthreetimesalsoshesaidyourname；thenallwassilent，andshefellbackonthebedexhausted。Silenttearsflowedfromhereyes，andshewasdead。
ThenIwentuptoher；Icalledher，andasshedidnotanswerI
closedhereyesandkissedherontheforehead。
Poor，dearMarguerite，IwishIwereaholywomanthatmykissmightrecommendyoutoGod。
ThenIdressedherasshehadaskedmetodo。IwenttofindapriestatSaintRoch，Iburnedtwocandlesforher，andIprayedinthechurchforanhour。
Igavethemoneyshelefttothepoor。
Idonotknowmuchaboutreligion，butIthinkthatGodwillknowthatmytearsweregenuine，myprayersfervent，myalms-givingsincere，andthathewillhavepityonherwho，dyingyoungandbeautiful，hasonlyhadmetoclosehereyesandputherinhershroud。
February22。
Theburialtookplaceto-day。ManyofMarguerite'sfriendscametothechurch。Someofthemweptwithsincerity。WhenthefuneralstartedonthewaytoMontmartreonlytwomenfollowedit：theComtedeG。，whocamefromLondononpurpose，andtheduke，whowassupportedbytwofootmen。
Iwriteyouthesedetailsfromherhouse，inthemidstofmytearsandunderthelampwhichburnssadlybesideadinnerwhichIcannottouch，asyoucanimagine，butwhichNaninehasgotforme，forIhaveeatennothingfortwenty-fourhours。
Mylifecannotretainthesesadimpressionsforlong，formylifeisnotmyownanymorethanMarguerite'swashers；thatiswhyIgiveyouallthesedetailsontheveryspotwheretheyoccurred，inthefear，ifalongtimeelapsedbetweenthemandyourreturn，thatImightnotbeabletogivethemtoyouwithalltheirmelancholyexactitude。
Chapter27
"Youhavereadit？"saidArmand，whenIhadfinishedthemanuscript。
"Iunderstandwhatyoumusthavesuffered，myfriend，ifallthatIreadistrue。"
"Myfatherconfirmeditinaletter。"
Wetalkedforsometimeoverthesaddestinywhichhadbeenaccomplished，andIwenthometorestalittle。
Armand，stillsad，butalittlerelievedbythenarrationofhisstory，soonrecovered，andwewenttogethertopayavisittoPrudenceandtoJulieDuprat。
Prudencehadbecomebankrupt。ShetoldusthatMargueritewasthecauseofit；thatduringherillnessshehadlentheralotofmoneyintheformofpromissorynotes，whichshecouldnotpay，Margueritehavingdiedwithouthavingreturnedherthemoney，andwithouthavinggivenherareceiptwithwhichshecouldpresentherselfasacreditor。
Bythehelpofthisfable，whichMme。Duvernoyrepeatedeverywhereinordertoaccountforhermoneydifficulties，sheextractedanoteforathousandfrancsfromArmand，whodidnotbelieveit，butwhopretendedto，outofrespectforallthoseinwhosecompanyMargueritehadlived。
ThenwecalledonJulieDuprat，whotoldusthesadincidentwhichshehadwitnessed，sheddingrealtearsattheremembranceofherfriend。
Lastly，wewenttoMarguerite'sgrave，onwhichthefirstraysoftheAprilsunwerebringingthefirstleavesintobud。
OnedutyremainedtoArmand——toreturntohisfather。Hewishedmetoaccompanyhim。
WearrivedatC。，whereIsawM。Duval，suchasIhadimaginedhimfromtheportraithissonhadmadeofhim，tall，dignified，kindly。
HewelcomedArmandwithtearsofjoy，andclaspedmyhandaffectionately。Iwasnotlonginseeingthatthepaternalsentimentwasthatwhichdominatedallothersinhismind。
Hisdaughter，namedBlanche，hadthattransparenceofeyes，thatserenityofthemouth，whichindicatesasoulthatconceivesonlyholythoughtsandlipsthatrepeatonlypiouswords。Shewelcomedherbrother'sreturnwithsmiles，notknowing，inthepurityofheryouth，thatfarawayacourtesanhadsacrificedherownhappinessatthemereinvocationofhername。
Iremainedforsometimeintheirhappyfamily，fullofindulgentcareforonewhobroughtthemtheconvalescenceofhisheart。
IreturnedtoParis，whereIwrotethisstoryjustasithadbeentoldme。Ithasonlyonemerit，whichwillperhapsbedeniedit；
thatis，thatitistrue。
IdonotdrawfromthisstorytheconclusionthatallwomenlikeMargueritearecapableofdoingallthatshedid——farfromit；
butIhavediscoveredthatoneofthemexperiencedaseriousloveinthecourseofherlife，thatshesufferedforit，andthatshediedofit。IhavetoldthereaderallthatIlearned。Itwasmyduty。
Iamnottheapostleofvice，butIwouldgladlybetheechoofnoblesorrowwhereverIbearitsvoiceinprayer。
ThestoryofMargueriteisanexception，Irepeat；haditnotbeenanexception，itwouldnothavebeenworththetroubleofwritingit。