AsIturnedfromthewindow，myeyesalightedontheportrait。Ithadfallendead，likeacandleaftersunrise。itfollowedmewitheyesofpaint。Iknewittobelike，andmarvelledatthetenacityoftypeinthatdecliningrace。butthelikenesswasswallowedupindifference。Irememberedhowithadseemedtomeathingunapproachableinthelife，acreatureratherofthepainter’scraftthanofthemodestyofnature，andImarvelledatthethought，andexultedintheimageofOlalla。BeautyIhadseenbefore，andnotbeencharmed，andIhadbeenoftendrawntowomen，whowerenotbeautifulexcepttome。butinOlallaallthatI
desiredandhadnotdaredtoimaginewasunited。
Ididnotseeherthenextday，andmyheartachedandmyeyeslongedforher，asmenlongformorning。Butthedayafter，whenI
returned，aboutmyusualhour，shewasoncemoreonthegallery，andourlooksoncemoremetandembraced。Iwouldhavespoken，I
wouldhavedrawnneartoher。butstronglyasshepluckedatmyheart，drawingmelikeamagnet，somethingyetmoreimperiouswithheldme。andIcouldonlybowandpassby。andshe，leavingmysalutationunanswered，onlyfollowedmewithhernobleeyes。
Ihadnowherimagebyrote，andasIconnedthetraitsinmemoryitseemedasifIreadherveryheart。Shewasdressedwithsomethingofhermother’scoquetry，andloveofpositivecolour。
Herrobe，whichIknowshemusthavemadewithherownhands，clungaboutherwithacunninggrace。Afterthefashionofthatcountry，besides，herbodicestoodopeninthemiddle，inalongslit，andhere，inspiteofthepovertyofthehouse，agoldcoin，hangingbyaribbon，layonherbrownbosom。Thesewereproofs，hadanybeenneeded，ofherinborndelightinlifeandherownloveliness。Ontheotherhand，inhereyesthathunguponmine，Icouldreaddepthbeyonddepthofpassionandsadness，lightsofpoetryandhope，blacknessesofdespair，andthoughtsthatwereabovetheearth。Itwasalovelybody，buttheinmate，thesoul，wasmorethanworthyofthatlodging。ShouldIleavethisincomparableflowertowitherunseenontheseroughmountains？ShouldIdespisethegreatgiftofferedmeintheeloquentsilenceofhereyes？Herewasasoulimmured。shouldInotburstitsprison？Allsideconsiderationsfellofffromme。wereshethechildofHerodIsworeIshouldmakehermine。andthatveryeveningIsetmyself，withamingledsenseoftreacheryanddisgrace，tocaptivatethebrother。PerhapsI
readhimwithmorefavourableeyes，perhapsthethoughtofhissisteralwayssummonedupthebetterqualitiesofthatimperfectsoul。buthehadneverseemedtomesoamiable，andhisverylikenesstoOlalla，whileitannoyed，yetsoftenedme。
Athirddaypassedinvain-anemptydesertofhours。Iwouldnotloseachance，andloiteredallafternooninthecourtwheretogivemyselfacountenanceIspokemorethanusualwiththeSenora。
GodknowsitwaswithamosttenderandsincereinterestthatInowstudiedher。andevenasforFelipe，sonowforthemother，Iwasconsciousofagrowingwarmthoftoleration。AndyetIwondered。
EvenwhileIspokewithher，shewoulddozeoffintoalittlesleep，andpresentlyawakeagainwithoutembarrassment。andthiscomposurestaggeredme。Andagain，asImarkedhermakeinfinitesimalchangesinherposture，savouringandlingeringonthebodilypleasureofthemovement，Iwasdriventowonderatthisdepthofpassivesensuality。Shelivedinherbody。andherconsciousnesswasallsunkintoanddisseminatedthroughhermembers，whereitluxuriouslydwelt。Lastly，Icouldnotgrowaccustomedtohereyes。Eachtimesheturnedonmethesegreatbeautifulandmeaninglessorbs，wideopentotheday，butclosedagainsthumaninquiry-eachtimeIhadoccasiontoobservethelivelychangesofherpupilswhichexpandedandcontractedinabreath-Iknownotwhatitwascameoverme，Icanfindnonameforthemingledfeelingofdisappointment，annoyance，anddistastethatjarredalongmynerves。Itriedheronavarietyofsubjects，equallyinvain。andatlastledthetalktoherdaughter。Buteventheresheprovedindifferent。saidshewaspretty，whichaswithchildrenwasherhighestwordofcommendation，butwasplainlyincapableofanyhigherthought。andwhenIremarkedthatOlallaseemedsilent，merelyyawnedinmyfaceandrepliedthatspeechwasofnogreatusewhenyouhadnothingtosay。’Peoplespeakmuch，verymuch，’sheadded，lookingatmewithexpandedpupils。andthenagainyawnedandagainshowedmeamouththatwasasdaintyasatoy。ThistimeItookthehint，and，leavinghertoherrepose，wentupintomyownchambertositbytheopenwindow，lookingonthehillsandnotbeholdingthem，sunkinlustrousanddeepdreams，andhearkeninginfancytothenoteofavoicethatI
hadneverheard。
Iawokeonthefifthmorningwithabrightnessofanticipationthatseemedtochallengefate。Iwassureofmyself，lightofheartandfoot，andresolvedtoputmyloveincontinentlytothetouchofknowledge。Itshouldlienolongerunderthebondsofsilence，adumbthing，livingbytheeyeonly，liketheloveofbeasts。butshouldnowputonthespirit，andenteruponthejoysofthecompletehumanintimacy。Ithoughtofitwithwildhopes，likeavoyagertoElDorado。intothatunknownandlovelycountryofhersoul，Inolongertrembledtoadventure。YetwhenIdidindeedencounterher，thesameforceofpassiondescendedonmeandatoncesubmergedmymind。speechseemedtodropawayfrommelikeachildishhabit。andIbutdrewneartoherasthegiddymandrawsneartothemarginofagulf。ShedrewbackfrommealittleasI
came。buthereyesdidnotwaverfrommine，andtheseluredmeforward。Atlast，whenIwasalreadywithinreachofher，I
stopped。Wordsweredeniedme。ifIadvancedIcouldbutclasphertomyheartinsilence。andallthatwassaneinme，allthatwasstillunconquered，revoltedagainstthethoughtofsuchanaccost。
Sowestoodforasecond，allourlifeinoureyes，exchangingsalvosofattractionandyeteachresisting。andthen，withagreateffortofthewill，andconsciousatthesametimeofasuddenbitternessofdisappointment，Iturnedandwentawayinthesamesilence。
WhatpowerlayuponmethatIcouldnotspeak？Andshe，whywasshealsosilent？Whydidshedrawawaybeforemedumbly，withfascinatedeyes？Wasthislove？orwasitamerebruteattraction，mindlessandinevitable，likethatofthemagnetforthesteel？Wehadneverspoken，wewerewhollystrangers：andyetaninfluence，strongasthegraspofagiant，sweptussilentlytogether。Onmyside，itfilledmewithimpatience。andyetIwassurethatshewasworthy。Ihadseenherbooks，readherverses，andthus，inasense，divinedthesoulofmymistress。Butonherside，itstruckmealmostcold。Ofme，sheknewnothingbutmybodilyfavour。shewasdrawntomeasstonesfalltotheearth。thelawsthatruletheearthconductedher，unconsenting，tomyarms。andIdrewbackatthethoughtofsuchabridal，andbegantobejealousformyself。
ItwasnotthusthatIdesiredtobeloved。AndthenIbegantofallintoagreatpityforthegirlherself。Ithoughthowsharpmustbehermortification，thatshe，thestudent，therecluse，Felipe’ssaintlymonitress，shouldhavethusconfessedanoverweeningweaknessforamanwithwhomshehadneverexchangedaword。Andatthecomingofpity，allotherthoughtswereswallowedup。andIlongedonlytofindandconsoleandreassureher。totellherhowwhollyherlovewasreturnedonmyside，andhowherchoice，evenifblindlymade，wasnotunworthy。
Thenextdayitwasgloriousweather。depthupondepthofblueover-canopiedthemountains。thesunshonewide。andthewindinthetreesandthemanyfallingtorrentsinthemountainsfilledtheairwithdelicateandhauntingmusic。YetIwasprostratedwithsadness。MyheartweptforthesightofOlalla，asachildweepsforitsmother。Isatdownonaboulderonthevergeofthelowcliffsthatboundtheplateautothenorth。ThenceIlookeddownintothewoodedvalleyofastream，wherenofootcame。InthemoodIwasin，itwaseventouchingtobeholdtheplaceuntenanted。
itlackedOlalla。andIthoughtofthedelightandgloryofalifepassedwhollywithherinthatstrongair，andamongtheseruggedandlovelysurroundings，atfirstwithawhimperingsentiment，andthenagainwithsuchafieryjoythatIseemedtogrowinstrengthandstature，likeaSamson。
AndthensuddenlyIwasawareofOlalladrawingnear。Sheappearedoutofagroveofcork-trees，andcamestraighttowardsme。andI
stoodupandwaited。Sheseemedinherwalkingacreatureofsuchlifeandfireandlightnessasamazedme。yetshecamequietlyandslowly。Herenergywasintheslowness。butforinimitablestrength，Ifeltshewouldhaverun，shewouldhaveflowntome。
Still，assheapproached，shekepthereyesloweredtotheground。
andwhenshehaddrawnquitenear，itwaswithoutoneglancethatsheaddressedme。AtthefirstnoteofhervoiceIstarted。ItwasforthisIhadbeenwaiting。thiswasthelasttestofmylove。
Andlo，herenunciationwaspreciseandclear，notlispingandincompletelikethatofherfamily。andthevoice，thoughdeeperthanusualwithwomen，wasstillbothyouthfulandwomanly。Shespokeinarichchord。goldencontraltostrainsmingledwithhoarseness，astheredthreadsweremingledwiththebrownamonghertresses。Itwasnotonlyavoicethatspoketomyheartdirectly。butitspoketomeofher。Andyetherwordsimmediatelyplungedmebackupondespair。
’Youwillgoaway，’shesaid，’to-day。’
Herexamplebrokethebondsofmyspeech。Ifeltaslightenedofaweight，orasifaspellhadbeendissolved。IknownotinwhatwordsIanswered。but，standingbeforeheronthecliffs，Ipouredoutthewholeardourofmylove，tellingherthatIliveduponthethoughtofher，sleptonlytodreamofherloveliness，andwouldgladlyforswearmycountry，mylanguage，andmyfriends，toliveforeverbyherside。Andthen，stronglycommandingmyself，I
changedthenote。Ireassured，Icomfortedher。ItoldherIhaddivinedinherapiousandheroicspirit，withwhichIwasworthytosympathise，andwhichIlongedtoshareandlighten。’Nature，’
Itoldher，’wasthevoiceofGod，whichmendisobeyatperil。andifwewerethushumblydrawntogether，ay，evenasbyamiracleoflove，itmustimplyadivinefitnessinoursouls。wemustbemade，’Isaid-’madeforoneanother。Weshouldbemadrebels，’I
criedout-’madrebelsagainstGod，nottoobeythisinstinct。’
Sheshookherhead。’Youwillgoto-day，’sherepeated，andthenwithagesture，andinasudden，sharpnote-’no，notto-day，’shecried，’to-morrow！’
Butatthissignofrelenting，powercameinuponmeinatide。I
stretchedoutmyarmsandcalleduponhername。andsheleapedtomeandclungtome。Thehillsrockedaboutus，theearthquailed。
ashockasofablowwentthroughmeandleftmeblindanddizzy。
Andthenextmomentshehadthrustmeback，brokenrudelyfrommyarms，andfledwiththespeedofadeeramongthecork-trees。
Istoodandshoutedtothemountains。Iturnedandwentbacktowardstheresidencia，waltzinguponair。Shesentmeaway，andyetIhadbuttocalluponhernameandshecametome。Thesewerebuttheweaknessesofgirls，fromwhichevenshe，thestrangestofhersex，wasnotexempted。Go？NotI，Olalla-O，notI，Olalla，myOlalla！Abirdsangnearby。andinthatseason，birdswererare。Itbademebeofgoodcheer。Andoncemorethewholecountenanceofnature，fromtheponderousandstablemountainsdowntothelightestleafandthesmallestdartingflyintheshadowofthegroves，begantostirbeforemeandtoputonthelineamentsoflifeandwearafaceofawfuljoy。Thesunshinestruckuponthehills，strongasahammerontheanvil，andthehillsshook。theearth，underthatvigorousinsulation，yieldedupheadyscents。thewoodssmoulderedintheblaze。Ifeltthethrilloftravailanddelightrunthroughtheearth。Somethingelemental，somethingrude，violent，andsavage，inthelovethatsanginmyheart，waslikeakeytonature’ssecrets。andtheverystonesthatrattledundermyfeetappearedaliveandfriendly。Olalla！Hertouchhadquickened，andrenewed，andstrungmeuptotheoldpitchofconcertwiththeruggedearth，toaswellingofthesoulthatmenlearntoforgetintheirpoliteassemblies。Loveburnedinmelikerage。tendernesswaxedfierce。Ihated，Iadored，Ipitied，I
reveredherwithecstasy。Sheseemedthelinkthatboundmeinwithdeadthingsontheonehand，andwithourpureandpityingGodupontheother：athingbrutalanddivine，andakinatoncetotheinnocenceandtotheunbridledforcesoftheearth。
Myheadthusreeling，Icameintothecourtyardoftheresidencia，andthesightofthemotherstruckmelikearevelation。Shesatthere，allslothandcontentment，blinkingunderthestrongsunshine，brandedwithapassiveenjoyment，acreaturesetquiteapart，beforewhommyardourfellawaylikeathingashamed。I
stoppedamoment，and，commandingsuchshakentonesasIwasable，saidawordortwo。Shelookedatmewithherunfathomablekindness。hervoiceinreplysoundedvaguelyoutoftherealmofpeaceinwhichsheslumbered，andtherefellonmymind，forthefirsttime，asenseofrespectforonesouniformlyinnocentandhappy，andIpassedoninakindofwonderatmyself，thatIshouldbesomuchdisquieted。
OnmytabletherelayapieceofthesameyellowpaperIhadseeninthenorthroom。itwaswrittenonwithpencilinthesamehand，Olalla’shand，andIpickeditupwithasuddensinkingofalarm，andread，’IfyouhaveanykindnessforOlalla，ifyouhaveanychivalryforacreaturesorelywrought，gofromhereto-day。inpity，inhonour，forthesakeofHimwhodied，Isupplicatethatyoushallgo。’Ilookedatthisawhileinmerestupidity，thenI
begantoawakentoawearinessandhorroroflife。thesunshinedarkenedoutsideonthebarehills，andIbegantoshakelikeamaninterror。Thevacancythussuddenlyopenedinmylifeunmannedmelikeaphysicalvoid。Itwasnotmyheart，itwasnotmyhappiness，itwaslifeitselfthatwasinvolved。Icouldnotloseher。Isaidso，andstoodrepeatingit。Andthen，likeoneinadream，Imovedtothewindow，putforthmyhandtoopenthecasement，andthrustitthroughthepane。Thebloodspurtedfrommywrist。andwithaninstantaneousquietudeandcommandofmyself，Ipressedmythumbonthelittleleapingfountain，andreflectedwhattodo。Inthatemptyroomtherewasnothingtomypurpose。I
felt，besides，thatIrequiredassistance。ThereshotintomymindahopethatOlallaherselfmightbemyhelper，andIturnedandwentdownstairs，stillkeepingmythumbuponthewound。
TherewasnosignofeitherOlallaorFelipe，andIaddressedmyselftotherecess，whithertheSenorahadnowdrawnquitebackandsatdozingclosebeforethefire，fornodegreeofheatappearedtoomuchforher。
’Pardonme，’saidI，’ifIdisturbyou，butImustapplytoyouforhelp。’
Shelookedupsleepilyandaskedmewhatitwas，andwiththeverywordsIthoughtshedrewinherbreathwithawideningofthenostrilsandseemedtocomesuddenlyandfullyalive。
’Ihavecutmyself，’Isaid，’andratherbadly。See！’AndIheldoutmytwohandsfromwhichthebloodwasoozinganddripping。
Hergreateyesopenedwide，thepupilsshrankintopoints。aveilseemedtofallfromherface，andleaveitsharplyexpressiveandyetinscrutable。AndasIstillstood，marvellingalittleatherdisturbance，shecameswiftlyuptome，andstoopedandcaughtmebythehand。andthenextmomentmyhandwasathermouth，andshehadbittenmetothebone。Thepangofthebite，thesuddenspurtingofblood，andthemonstroushorroroftheact，flashedthroughmeallinone，andIbeatherback。andshesprangatmeagainandagain，withbestialcries，criesthatIrecognised，suchcriesashadawakenedmeonthenightofthehighwind。Herstrengthwaslikethatofmadness。minewasrapidlyebbingwiththelossofblood。mymindbesideswaswhirlingwiththeabhorrentstrangenessoftheonslaught，andIwasalreadyforcedagainstthewall，whenOlallaranbetwixtus，andFelipe，followingatabound，pinneddownhismotheronthefloor。
Atrance-likeweaknessfelluponme。Isaw，heard，andfelt，butI
wasincapableofmovement。Iheardthestrugglerolltoandfrouponthefloor，theyellsofthatcatamountringinguptoHeavenasshestrovetoreachme。IfeltOlallaclaspmeinherarms，herhairfallingonmyface，and，withthestrengthofaman，raiseandhalfdrag，halfcarrymeupstairsintomyownroom，whereshecastmedownuponthebed。ThenIsawherhastentothedoorandlockit，andstandaninstantlisteningtothesavagecriesthatshooktheresidencia。Andthen，swiftandlightasathought，shewasagainbesideme，bindingupmyhand，layingitinherbosom，moaningandmourningoveritwithdove-likesounds。Theywerenotwordsthatcametoher，theyweresoundsmorebeautifulthanspeech，infinitelytouching，infinitelytender。andyetasIlaythere，athoughtstungtomyheart，athoughtwoundedmelikeasword，athought，likeaworminaflower，profanedtheholinessofmylove。Yes，theywerebeautifulsounds，andtheywereinspiredbyhumantenderness。butwastheirbeautyhuman？
AlldayIlaythere。Foralongtimethecriesofthatnamelessfemalething，asshestruggledwithherhalf-wittedwhelp，resoundedthroughthehouse，andpiercedmewithdespairingsorrowanddisgust。Theywerethedeath-cryofmylove。mylovewasmurdered。wasnotonlydead，butanoffencetome。andyet，thinkasIpleased，feelasImust，itstillswelledwithinmelikeastormofsweetness，andmyheartmeltedatherlooksandtouch。
Thishorrorthathadsprungout，thisdoubtuponOlalla，thissavageandbestialstrainthatrannotonlythroughthewholebehaviourofherfamily，butfoundaplaceintheveryfoundationsandstoryofourlove-thoughitappalled，thoughitshockedandsickenedme，wasyetnotofpowertobreaktheknotofmyinfatuation。
Whenthecrieshadceased，therecameascrapingatthedoor，bywhichIknewFelipewaswithout。andOlallawentandspoketohim-
Iknownotwhat。Withthatexception，shestayedclosebesideme，nowkneelingbymybedandferventlypraying，nowsittingwithhereyesuponmine。Sothen，forthesesixhoursIdrankinherbeauty，andsilentlyperusedthestoryinherface。Isawthegoldencoinhoveronherbreaths。Isawhereyesdarkenandbrighter，andstillspeaknolanguagebutthatofanunfathomablekindness。Isawthefaultlessface，and，throughtherobe，thelinesofthefaultlessbody。Nightcameatlast，andinthegrowingdarknessofthechamber，thesightofherslowlymelted。
buteventhenthetouchofhersmoothhandlingeredinmineandtalkedwithme。Toliethusindeadlyweaknessanddrinkinthetraitsofthebeloved，istoreawaketolovefromwhatevershockofdisillusion。Ireasonedwithmyself。andIshutmyeyesonhorrors，andagainIwasveryboldtoaccepttheworst。Whatmatteredit，ifthatimperioussentimentsurvived。ifhereyesstillbeckonedandattachedme。ifnow，evenasbefore，everyfibreofmydullbodyyearnedandturnedtoher？Lateoninthenightsomestrengthrevivedinme，andIspoke：-
’Olalla，’Isaid，’nothingmatters。Iasknothing。Iamcontent。I
loveyou。’
Shekneltdownawhileandprayed，andIdevoutlyrespectedherdevotions。Themoonhadbeguntoshineinupononesideofeachofthethreewindows，andmakeamistyclearnessintheroom，bywhichIsawherindistinctly。Whensherearoseshemadethesignofthecross。
’Itisformetospeak，’shesaid，’andforyoutolisten。Iknow。
youcanbutguess。Iprayed，howIprayedforyoutoleavethisplace。Ibeggeditofyou，andIknowyouwouldhavegrantedmeeventhis。orifnot，Oletmethinkso！’
’Iloveyou，’Isaid。
’Andyetyouhavelivedintheworld，’shesaid。afterapause，’youareamanandwise。andIambutachild。Forgiveme，ifI
seemtoteach，whoamasignorantasthetreesofthemountain。butthosewholearnmuchdobutskimthefaceofknowledge。theyseizethelaws，theyconceivethedignityofthedesign-thehorrorofthelivingfactfadesfromtheirmemory。Itiswewhositathomewithevilwhoremember，Ithink，andarewarnedandpity。Go，rather，gonow，andkeepmeinmind。SoIshallhavealifeinthecherishedplacesofyourmemory：alifeasmuchmyown，asthatwhichIleadinthisbody。’
’Iloveyou，’Isaidoncemore。andreachingoutmyweakhand，tookhers，andcarriedittomylips，andkissedit。Nordidsheresist，butwincedalittle。andIcouldseeherlookuponmewithafrownthatwasnotunkindly，onlysadandbaffled。Andthenitseemedshemadeacalluponherresolution。pluckedmyhandtowardsher，herselfatthesametimeleaningsomewhatforward，andlaiditonthebeatingofherheart。’There，’shecried，’youfeeltheveryfootfallofmylife。Itonlymovesforyou。itisyours。Butisitevenmine？Itismineindeedtoofferyou，asImighttakethecoinfrommyneck，asImightbreakalivebranchfromatree，andgiveityou。Andyetnotmine！Idwell，orIthinkIdwellifIexistatall，somewhereapart，animpotentprisoner，andcarriedaboutanddeafenedbyamobthatIdisown。Thiscapsule，suchasthrobsagainstthesidesofanimals，knowsyouatatouchforitsmaster。ay，itlovesyou！Butmysoul，doesmysoul？I
thinknot。Iknownot，fearingtoask。Yetwhenyouspoketomeyourwordswereofthesoul。itisofthesoulthatyouask-itisonlyfromthesoulthatyouwouldtakeme。’
’Olalla，’Isaid，’thesoulandthebodyareone，andmostlysoinlove。Whatthebodychooses，thesoulloves。wherethebodyclings，thesoulcleaves。bodyforbody，soultosoul，theycometogetheratGod’ssignal。andthelowerpartifwecancallaughtlowisonlythefootstoolandfoundationofthehighest。’
’Haveyou，’shesaid，’seentheportraitsinthehouseofmyfathers？HaveyoulookedatmymotheroratFelipe？Haveyoureyesneverrestedonthatpicturethathangsbyyourbed？Shewhosatforitdiedagesago。andshedidevilinherlife。But，look-
again：thereismyhandtotheleastline，therearemyeyesandmyhair。Whatismine，then，andwhatamI？Ifnotacurveinthispoorbodyofminewhichyoulove，andforthesakeofwhichyoudotinglydreamthatyoulovemenotagesturethatIcanframe，notatoneofmyvoice，notanylookfrommyeyes，no，notevennowwhenIspeaktohimIlove，buthasbelongedtoothers？Others，agesdead，havewooedothermenwithmyeyes。othermenhaveheardthepleadingofthesamevoicethatnowsoundsinyourears。Thehandsofthedeadareinmybosom。theymoveme，theypluckme，theyguideme。Iamapuppetattheircommand。andIbutreinformfeaturesandattributesthathavelongbeenlaidasidefromevilinthequietofthegrave。Isitmeyoulove，friend？ortheracethatmademe？Thegirlwhodoesnotknowandcannotanswerfortheleastportionofherself？orthestreamofwhichsheisatransitoryeddy，thetreeofwhichsheisthepassingfruit？Theraceexists。itisold，itiseveryoung，itcarriesitseternaldestinyinitsbosom。uponit，likewavesuponthesea，individualsucceedstoindividual，mockedwithasemblanceofself-control，buttheyarenothing。Wespeakofthesoul，butthesoulisintherace。’
’Youfretagainstthecommonlaw，’Isaid。’YourebelagainstthevoiceofGod，whichhehasmadesowinningtoconvince，soimperioustocommand。Hearit，andhowitspeaksbetweenus！Yourhandclingstomine，yourheartleapsatmytouch，theunknownelementsofwhichwearecompoundedawakeandruntogetheratalook。theclayoftheearthremembersitsindependentlifeandyearnstojoinus。wearedrawntogetherasthestarsareturnedaboutinspace，orasthetidesebbandflow，bythingsolderandgreaterthanweourselves。’
’Alas！’shesaid，’whatcanIsaytoyou？Myfathers，eighthundredyearsago，ruledallthisprovince：theywerewise，great，cunning，andcruel。theywereapickedraceoftheSpanish。theirflagsledinwar。thekingcalledthemhiscousin。thepeople，whentheropewasslungforthemorwhentheyreturnedandfoundtheirhovelssmoking，blasphemedtheirname。Presentlyachangebegan。
Manhasrisen。ifhehassprungfromthebrutes，hecandescendagaintothesamelevel。Thebreathofwearinessblewontheirhumanityandthecordsrelaxed。theybegantogodown。theirmindsfellonsleep，theirpassionsawokeingusts，headyandsenselesslikethewindintheguttersofthemountains。beautywasstillhandeddown，butnolongertheguidingwitnorthehumanheart。theseedpassedon，itwaswrappedinflesh，thefleshcoveredthebones，buttheywerethebonesandthefleshofbrutes，andtheirmindwasasthemindofflies。IspeaktoyouasIdare。butyouhaveseenforyourselfhowthewheelhasgonebackwardwithmydoomedrace。Istand，asitwere，uponalittlerisinggroundinthisdesperatedescent，andseebothbeforeandbehind，bothwhatwehavelostandtowhatwearecondemnedtogofartherdownward。
AndshallI-Ithatdwellapartinthehouseofthedead，mybody，loathingitsways-shallIrepeatthespell？ShallIbindanotherspirit，reluctantasmyown，intothisbewitchedandtempest-brokentenementthatInowsufferin？ShallIhanddownthiscursedvesselofhumanity，chargeitwithfreshlifeaswithfreshpoison，anddashit，likeafire，inthefacesofposterity？Butmyvowhasbeengiven。theraceshallceasefromofftheearth。Atthishourmybrotherismakingready。hisfootwillsoonbeonthestair。andyouwillgowithhimandpassoutofmysightforever。
Thinkofmesometimesasonetowhomthelessonoflifewasveryharshlytold，butwhohearditwithcourage。asonewholovedyouindeed，butwhohatedherselfsodeeplythatherlovewashatefultoher。asonewhosentyouawayandyetwouldhavelongedtokeepyouforever。whohadnodearerhopethantoforgetyou，andnogreaterfearthantobeforgotten。’
Shehaddrawntowardsthedoorasshespoke，herrichvoicesoundingsofterandfartheraway。andwiththelastwordshewasgone，andIlayaloneinthemoonlitchamber。WhatImighthavedonehadnotIlainboundbymyextremeweakness，Iknownot。butasitwastherefelluponmeagreatandblankdespair。Itwasnotlongbeforethereshoneinatthedoortheruddyglimmerofalantern，andFelipecoming，chargedmewithoutaworduponhisshoulders，andcarriedmedowntothegreatgate，wherethecartwaswaiting。Inthemoonlightthehillsstoodoutsharply，asiftheywereofcardboard。ontheglimmeringsurfaceoftheplateau，andfromamongthelowtreeswhichswungtogetherandsparkledinthewind，thegreatblackcubeoftheresidenciastoodoutbulkily，itsmassonlybrokenbythreedimlylightedwindowsinthenorthernfrontabovethegate。TheywereOlalla’swindows，andasthecartjoltedonwardsIkeptmyeyesfixeduponthemtill，wheretheroaddippedintoavalley，theywerelosttomyviewforever。Felipewalkedinsilencebesidetheshafts，butfromtimetotimehewouldcheekthemuleandseemtolookbackuponme。andatlengthdrewquitenearandlaidhishanduponmyhead。Therewassuchkindnessinthetouch，andsuchasimplicity，asofthebrutes，thattearsbrokefrommeliketheburstingofanartery。
’Felipe，’Isaid，’takemewheretheywillasknoquestions。’
Hesaidneveraword，butheturnedhismuleabout，endforend，retracedsomepartofthewaywehadgone，and，strikingintoanotherpath，ledmetothemountainvillage，whichwas，aswesayinScotland，thekirktonofthatthinlypeopleddistrict。Somebrokenmemoriesdwellinmymindofthedaybreakingovertheplain，ofthecartstopping，ofarmsthathelpedmedown，ofabareroomintowhichIwascarried，andofaswoonthatfelluponmelikesleep。
Thenextdayandthedaysfollowingtheoldpriestwasoftenatmysidewithhissnuff-boxandprayerbook，andafterawhile，whenI
begantopickupstrength，hetoldmethatIwasnowonafairwaytorecovery，andmustassoonaspossiblehurrymydeparture。
whereupon，withoutnaminganyreason，hetooksnuffandlookedatmesideways。Ididnotaffectignorance。IknewhemusthaveseenOlalla。’Sir，’saidI，’youknowthatIdonotaskinwantonness。
Whatofthatfamily？’
Hesaidtheywereveryunfortunate。thatitseemedadecliningrace，andthattheywereverypoorandhadbeenmuchneglected。
’Butshehasnot，’Isaid。’Thanks，doubtless，toyourself，sheisinstructedandwisebeyondtheuseofwomen。’
’Yes，’hesaid。’theSenoritaiswell-informed。Butthefamilyhasbeenneglected。’
’Themother？’Iqueried。
’Yes，themothertoo，’saidthePadre，takingsnuff。’ButFelipeisawell-intentionedlad。’
’Themotherisodd？’Iasked。
’Veryodd，’repliedthepriest。
’Ithink，sir，webeataboutthebush，’saidI。’Youmustknowmoreofmyaffairsthanyouallow。Youmustknowmycuriositytobejustifiedonmanygrounds。Willyounotbefrankwithme？’
’Myson，’saidtheoldgentleman，’Iwillbeveryfrankwithyouonmatterswithinmycompetence。onthoseofwhichIknownothingitdoesnotrequiremuchdiscretiontobesilent。Iwillnotfencewithyou，Itakeyourmeaningperfectly。andwhatcanIsay，butthatweareallinGod’shands，andthatHiswaysarenotasourways？Ihaveevenadvisedwithmysuperiorsinthechurch，butthey，too，weredumb。Itisagreatmystery。’
’Isshemad？’Iasked。
’Iwillansweryouaccordingtomybelief。Sheisnot，’returnedthePadre，’orshewasnot。Whenshewasyoung-Godhelpme，I
fearIneglectedthatwildlamb-shewassurelysane。andyet，althoughitdidnotruntosuchheights，thesamestrainwasalreadynotable。ithadbeensobeforeherinherfather，ay，andbeforehim，andthisinclinedme，perhaps，tothinktoolightlyofit。Butthesethingsgoongrowing，notonlyintheindividualbutintherace。’
’Whenshewasyoung，’Ibegan，andmyvoicefailedmeforamoment，anditwasonlywithagreateffortthatIwasabletoadd，’wasshelikeOlalla？’
’NowGodforbid！’exclaimedthePadre。’Godforbidthatanymanshouldthinksoslightinglyofmyfavouritepenitent。No，no。theSenoritabutforherbeauty，whichIwishmosthonestlyshehadlessofhasnotahair’sresemblancetowhathermotherwasatthesameage。Icouldnotbeartohaveyouthinkso。though，Heavenknows，itwere，perhaps，betterthatyoushould。’
Atthis，Iraisedmyselfinbed，andopenedmyhearttotheoldman。tellinghimofourloveandofherdecision，owningmyownhorrors，myownpassingfancies，buttellinghimthatthesewereatanend。andwithsomethingmorethanapurelyformalsubmission，appealingtohisjudgment。
Heheardmeverypatientlyandwithoutsurprise。andwhenIhaddone，hesatforsometimesilent。Thenhebegan：’Thechurch，’
andinstantlybrokeoffagaintoapologise。’Ihadforgotten，mychild，thatyouwerenotaChristian，’saidhe。’Andindeed，uponapointsohighlyunusual，eventhechurchcanscarcebesaidtohavedecided。Butwouldyouhavemyopinion？TheSenoritais，inamatterofthiskind，thebestjudge。Iwouldacceptherjudgment。’
Onthebackofthathewentaway，norwashethenceforwardsoassiduousinhisvisits。indeed，evenwhenIbegantogetaboutagain，heplainlyfearedanddeprecatedmysociety，notasindistastebutmuchasamanmightbedisposedtofleefromtheriddlingsphynx。Thevillagers，too，avoidedme。theywereunwillingtobemyguidesuponthemountain。Ithoughttheylookedatmeaskance，andImadesurethatthemoresuperstitiouscrossedthemselvesonmyapproach。AtfirstIsetthisdowntomyhereticalopinions。butitbeganatlengthtodawnuponmethatifIwasthusredoubteditwasbecauseIhadstayedattheresidencia。
Allmendespisethesavagenotionsofsuchpeasantry。andyetIwasconsciousofachillshadowthatseemedtofallanddwelluponmylove。Itdidnotconquer，butImaynotdeifythatitrestrainedmyardour。
Somemileswestwardofthevillagetherewasagapinthesierra，fromwhichtheeyeplungeddirectupontheresidencia。andthitheritbecamemydailyhabittorepair。Awoodcrownedthesummit。andjustwherethepathwayissuedfromitsfringes，itwasoverhungbyaconsiderableshelfofrock，andthat，initsturn，wassurmountedbyacrucifixofthesizeoflifeandmorethanusuallypainfulindesign。Thiswasmyperch。thence，dayafterday，Ilookeddownupontheplateau，andthegreatoldhouse，andcouldseeFelipe，nobiggerthanafly，goingtoandfroaboutthegarden。Sometimesmistswoulddrawacrosstheview，andbebrokenupagainbymountainwinds。sometimestheplainslumberedbelowmeinunbrokensunshine。itwouldsometimesbeallblottedoutbyrain。Thisdistantpost，theseinterruptedsightsoftheplacewheremylifehadbeensostrangelychanged，suitedtheindecisionofmyhumour。
Ipassedwholedaysthere，debatingwithmyselfthevariouselementsofourposition。nowleaningtothesuggestionsoflove，nowgivinganeartoprudence，andintheendhaltingirresolutebetweenthetwo。
Oneday，asIwassittingonmyrock，therecamebythatwayasomewhatgauntpeasantwrappedinamantle。Hewasastranger，andplainlydidnotknowmeevenbyrepute。for，insteadofkeepingtheotherside，hedrewnearandsatdownbesideme，andwehadsoonfallenintalk。Amongotherthingshetoldmehehadbeenamuleteer，andinformeryearshadmuchfrequentedthesemountains。
lateron，hehadfollowedthearmywithhismules，hadrealisedacompetence，andwasnowlivingretiredwithhisfamily。
’Doyouknowthathouse？’Iinquired，atlast，pointingtotheresidencia，forIreadilyweariedofanytalkthatkeptmefromthethoughtofOlalla。
Helookedatmedarklyandcrossedhimself。
’Toowell，’hesaid，’itwastherethatoneofmycomradessoldhimselftoSatan。theVirginshieldusfromtemptations！Hehaspaidtheprice。heisnowburninginthereddestplaceinHell！’
Afearcameuponme。Icouldanswernothing。andpresentlythemanresumed，asiftohimself：’Yes，’hesaid，’Oyes，Iknowit。I
havepasseditsdoors。Therewassnowuponthepass，thewindwasdrivingit。sureenoughtherewasdeaththatnightuponthemountains，buttherewasworsebesidethehearth。Itookhimbythearm，Senor，anddraggedhimtothegate。Iconjuredhim，byallhelovedandrespected，togoforthwithme。Iwentonmykneesbeforehiminthesnow。andIcouldseehewasmovedbymyentreaty。Andjustthenshecameoutonthegallery，andcalledhimbyhisname。andheturned，andtherewasshestandingwithalampinherhandandsmilingonhimtocomeback。IcriedoutaloudtoGod，andthrewmyarmsabouthim，butheputmeby，andleftmealone。Hehadmadehischoice。Godhelpus。Iwouldprayforhim，buttowhatend？therearesinsthatnoteventhePopecanloose。’
’Andyourfriend，’Iasked，’whatbecameofhim？’
’Nay，Godknows，’saidthemuleteer。’Ifallbetruethatwehear，hisendwaslikehissin，athingtoraisethehair。’
’Doyoumeanthathewaskilled？’Iasked。
’Sureenough，hewaskilled，’returnedtheman。’Buthow？Ay，how？Butthesearethingsthatitissintospeakof。’
’Thepeopleofthathouse……’Ibegan。
Butheinterruptedmewithasavageoutburst。’Thepeople？’hecried。’Whatpeople？ThereareneithermennorwomeninthathouseofSatan’s！What？haveyoulivedheresolong，andneverheard？’Andhereheputhismouthtomyearandwhispered，asifeventhefowlsofthemountainmighthaveover-heardandbeenstrickenwithhorror。
Whathetoldmewasnottrue，norwasitevenoriginal。being，indeed，butanewedition，vampedupagainbyvillageignoranceandsuperstition，ofstoriesnearlyasancientastheraceofman。Itwasrathertheapplicationthatappalledme。Intheolddays，hesaid，thechurchwouldhaveburnedoutthatnestofbasilisks。butthearmofthechurchwasnowshortened。hisfriendMiguelhadbeenunpunishedbythehandsofmen，andlefttothemoreawfuljudgmentofanoffendedGod。Thiswaswrong。butitshouldbesonomore。
ThePadrewassunkinage。hewasevenbewitchedhimself。buttheeyesofhisflockwerenowawaketotheirowndanger。andsomeday-ay，andbeforelong-thesmokeofthathouseshouldgouptoheaven。
Heleftmefilledwithhorrorandfear。WhichwaytoturnIknewnot。whetherfirsttowarnthePadre，ortocarrymyill-newsdirecttothethreatenedinhabitantsoftheresidencia。Fatewastodecideforme。for，whileIwasstillhesitating，Ibeheldtheveiledfigureofawomandrawingneartomeupthepathway。Noveilcoulddeceivemypenetration。byeverylineandeverymovementIrecognisedOlalla。andkeepinghiddenbehindacorneroftherock，Isufferedhertogainthesummit。ThenIcameforward。Sheknewmeandpaused，butdidnotspeak。I，too，remainedsilent。andwecontinuedforsometimetogazeuponeachotherwithapassionatesadness。
’Ithoughtyouhadgone，’shesaidatlength。’Itisallthatyoucandoforme-togo。ItisallIeveraskedofyou。Andyoustillstay。Butdoyouknow，thateverydayheapsuptheperilofdeath，notonlyonyourhead，butonours？Areporthasgoneaboutthemountain。itisthoughtyouloveme，andthepeoplewillnotsufferit。’
Isawshewasalreadyinformedofherdanger，andIrejoicedatit。
’Olalla，’Isaid，’Iamreadytogothisday，thisveryhour，butnotalone。’
Shesteppedasideandkneltdownbeforethecrucifixtopray，andI
stoodbyandlookednowatherandnowattheobjectofheradoration，nowatthelivingfigureofthepenitent，andnowattheghastly，daubedcountenance，thepaintedwounds，andtheprojectedribsoftheimage。Thesilencewasonlybrokenbythewailingofsomelargebirdsthatcircledsidelong，asifinsurpriseoralarm，aboutthesummitofthehills。PresentlyOlallaroseagain，turnedtowardsme，raisedherveil，and，stillleaningwithonehandontheshaftofthecrucifix，lookeduponmewithapaleandsorrowfulcountenance。
’Ihavelaidmyhanduponthecross，’shesaid。’ThePadresaysyouarenoChristian。butlookupforamomentwithmyeyes，andbeholdthefaceoftheManofSorrows。WeareallsuchasHewas-
theinheritorsofsin。wemustallbearandexpiateapastwhichwasnotours。thereisinallofus-ay，eveninme-asparkleofthedivine。LikeHim，wemustendureforalittlewhile，untilmorningreturnsbringingpeace。Suffermetopassonuponmywayalone。itisthusthatIshallbeleastlonely，countingformyfriendHimwhoisthefriendofallthedistressed。itisthusthatIshallbethemosthappy，havingtakenmyfarewellofearthlyhappiness，andwillinglyacceptedsorrowformyportion。’
Ilookedatthefaceofthecrucifix，and，thoughIwasnofriendtoimages，anddespisedthatimitativeandgrimacingartofwhichitwasarudeexample，somesenseofwhatthethingimpliedwascarriedhometomyintelligence。Thefacelookeddownuponmewithapainfulanddeadlycontraction。buttheraysofagloryencircledit，andremindedmethatthesacrificewasvoluntary。Itstoodthere，crowningtherock，asitstillstandsonsomanyhighwaysides，vainlypreachingtopassers-by，anemblemofsadandnobletruths。thatpleasureisnotanend，butanaccident。thatpainisthechoiceofthemagnanimous。thatitisbesttosufferallthingsanddowell。Iturnedandwentdownthemountaininsilence。andwhenIlookedbackforthelasttimebeforethewoodclosedaboutmypath，IsawOlallastillleaningonthecrucifix。
THETREASUREOFFRANCHARD。
CHAPTERI。BYTHEDYINGMOUNTEBANK。
TheyhadsentforthedoctorfromBourronbeforesix。Abouteightsomevillagerscameroundfortheperformance，andweretoldhowmattersstood。Itseemedalibertyforamountebanktofallilllikerealpeople，andtheymadeoffagainindudgeon。BytenMadameTentaillonwasgravelyalarmed，andhadsentdownthestreetforDoctorDesprez。
TheDoctorwasatworkoverhismanuscriptsinonecornerofthelittledining-room，andhiswifewasasleepoverthefireinanother，whenthemessengerarrived。
’Sapristi！’saidtheDoctor，’youshouldhavesentformebefore。
Itwasacaseforhurry。’Andhefollowedthemessengerashewas，inhisslippersandskull-cap。
Theinnwasnotthirtyyardsaway，butthemessengerdidnotstopthere。hewentinatonedoorandoutbyanotherintothecourt，andthenledthewaybyaflightofstepsbesidethestable，totheloftwherethemountebanklaysick。IfDoctorDesprezweretoliveathousandyears，hewouldneverforgethisarrivalinthatroom。
fornotonlywasthescenepicturesque，butthemomentmadeadateinhisexistence。Wereckonourlives，Ihardlyknowwhy，fromthedateofourfirstsorryappearanceinsociety，asiffromafirsthumiliation。fornoactorcancomeuponthestagewithaworsegrace。Nottogofurtherback，whichwouldbejudgedtoocurious，therearesubsequentlymanymovinganddecisiveaccidentsinthelivesofall，whichwouldmakeaslogicalaperiodasthisofbirth。Andhere，forinstance，DoctorDesprez，amanpastforty，whohadmadewhatiscalledafailureinlife，andwasmoreovermarried，foundhimselfatanewpointofdeparturewhenheopenedthedooroftheloftaboveTentaillon’sstable，Itwasalargeplace，lightedonlybyasinglecandlesetuponthefloor。Themountebanklayonhisbackuponapallet。alargeman，withaQuixoticnoseinflamedwithdrinking。MadameTentaillonstoopedoverhim，applyingahotwaterandmustardembrocationtohisfeet。andonachairclosebysatalittlefellowofelevenortwelve，withhisfeetdangling。Thesethreeweretheonlyoccupants，excepttheshadows。Buttheshadowswereacompanyinthemselves。theextentoftheroomexaggeratedthemtoagiganticsize，andfromthelowpositionofthecandlethelightstruckupwardsandproduceddeformedforeshortenings。Themountebank’sprofilewasenlargeduponthewallincaricature，anditwasstrangetoseehisnoseshortenandlengthenastheflamewasblownaboutbydraughts。AsforMadameTentaillon，hershadowwasnomorethanagrosshumpofshoulders，withnowandagainahemisphereofhead。Thechairlegswerespindledoutaslongasstilts，andtheboysetperchedatopofthem，likeacloud，inthecorneroftheroof。
ItwastheboywhotooktheDoctor’sfancy。Hehadagreatarchedskull，theforeheadandthehandsofamusician，andapairofhauntingeyes。Itwasnotmerelythattheseeyeswerelarge，orsteady，orthesoftestruddybrown。Therewasalookinthem，besides，whichthrilledtheDoctor，andmadehimhalfuneasy。Hewassurehehadseensuchalookbefore，andyethecouldnotrememberhoworwhere。Itwasasifthisboy，whowasquiteastrangertohim，hadtheeyesofanoldfriendoranoldenemy。
Andtheboywouldgivehimnopeace。heseemedprofoundlyindifferenttowhatwasgoingon，orratherabstractedfromitinasuperiorcontemplation，beatinggentlywithhisfeetagainstthebarsofthechair，andholdinghishandsfoldedonhislap。But，forallthat，hiseyeskeptfollowingtheDoctorabouttheroomwithathoughtfulfixityofgaze。Desprezcouldnottellwhetherhewasfascinatingtheboy，ortheboywasfascinatinghim。Hebusiedhimselfoverthesickman：heputquestions，hefeltthepulse，hejested，hegrewalittlehotandswore：andstill，wheneverhelookedround，therewerethebrowneyeswaitingforhiswiththesameinquiring，melancholygaze。
AtlasttheDoctorhitonthesolutionataleap。Herememberedthelooknow。Thelittlefellow，althoughhewasasstraightasadart，hadtheeyesthatgousuallywithacrookedback。hewasnotatalldeformed，andyetadeformedpersonseemedtobelookingatyoufrombelowhisbrows。TheDoctordrewalongbreath，hewassomuchrelievedtofindatheoryforhelovedtheoriesandtoexplainawayhisinterest。
Forallthat，hedespatchedtheinvalidwithunusualhaste，and，stillkneelingwithonekneeonthefloor，turnedalittleroundandlookedtheboyoverathisleisure。Theboywasnotintheleastputout，butlookedplacidlybackattheDoctor。
’Isthisyourfather？’askedDesprez。
’Oh，no，’returnedtheboy。’mymaster。’
’Areyoufondofhim？’continuedtheDoctor。
’No，sir，’saidtheboy。
MadameTentaillonandDesprezexchangedexpressiveglances。
’Thatisbad，myman，’resumedthelatter，withashadeofsternness。’Everyoneshouldbefondofthedying，orconcealtheirsentiments。andyourmasterhereisdying。IfIhavewatchedabirdalittlewhilestealingmycherries，Ihaveathoughtofdisappointmentwhenhefliesawayovermygardenwall，andIseehimsteerfortheforestandvanish。Howmuchmoreacreaturesuchasthis，sostrong，soastute，sorichlyendowedwithfaculties！
WhenIthinkthat，inafewhours，thespeechwillbesilenced，thebreathextinct，andeventheshadowvanishedfromthewall，Iwhoneversawhim，thisladywhoknewhimonlyasaguest，aretouchedwithsomeaffection。’
Theboywassilentforalittle，andappearedtobereflecting。
’Youdidnotknowhim，’herepliedatlast，’hewasabadman。’
’Heisalittlepagan，’saidthelandlady。’Forthatmatter，theyareallthesame，thesemountebanks，tumblers，artists，andwhatnot。Theyhavenointerior。’
ButtheDoctorwasstillscrutinisingthelittlepagan，hiseyebrowsknottedanduplifted。
’Whatisyourname？’heasked。
’Jean-Marie，’saidthelad。
Desprezleapeduponhimwithoneofhissuddenflashesofexcitement，andfelthisheadalloverfromanethnologicalpointofview。
’Celtic，Celtic！’hesaid。
’Celtic！’criedMadameTentaillon，whohadperhapsconfoundedthewordwithhydrocephalous。’Poorlad！isitdangerous？’
’Thatdepends，’returnedtheDoctorgrimly。Andthenoncemoreaddressingtheboy：’Andwhatdoyoudoforyourliving，Jean-
Marie？’heinquired。
’Itumble，’wastheanswer。
’So！Tumble？’repeatedDesprez。’Probablyhealthful。Ihazardtheguess，MadameTentaillon，thattumblingisahealthfulwayoflife。Andhaveyouneverdoneanythingelsebuttumble？’
’BeforeIlearnedthat，Iusedtosteal，’answeredJean-Mariegravely。
’Uponmyword！’criedthedoctor。’Youareanicelittlemanforyourage。Madame，whenmyCONFREREcomesfromBourron，youwillcommunicatemyunfavourableopinion。Ileavethecaseinhishands。butofcourse，onanyalarmingsymptom，aboveallifthereshouldbeasignofrally，donothesitatetoknockmeup。Iamadoctornolonger，IthankGod。butIhavebeenone。Goodnight，madame。Goodsleeptoyou，Jean-Marie。’
CHAPTERII。MORNINGTALK
DOCTORDESPREZalwaysroseearly。Beforethesmokearose，beforethefirstcartrattledoverthebridgetotheday’slabourinthefields，hewastobefoundwanderinginhisgarden。Nowhewouldpickabunchofgrapes。nowhewouldeatabigpearunderthetrellice。nowhewoulddrawallsortsoffanciesonthepathwiththeendofhiscane。nowhewouldgodownandwatchtheriverrunningendlesslypastthetimberlanding-placeatwhichhemooredhisboat。Therewasnotime，heusedtosay，formakingtheoriesliketheearlymorning。’Iriseearlierthananyoneelseinthevillage，’heonceboasted。’ItisafairconsequencethatIknowmoreandwishtodolesswithmyknowledge。’
TheDoctorwasaconnoisseurofsunrises，andlovedagoodtheatricaleffecttousherintheday。Hehadatheoryofdew，bywhichhecouldpredicttheweather。Indeed，mostthingsservedhimtothatend：thesoundofthebellsfromalltheneighbouringvillages，thesmelloftheforest，thevisitsandthebehaviourofbothbirdsandfishes，thelookoftheplantsinhisgarden，thedispositionofcloud，thecolourofthelight，andlast，althoughnotleast，thearsenalofmeteorologicalinstrumentsinalouvre-
boardedhutchuponthelawn。EversincehehadsettledatGretz，hehadbeengrowingmoreandmoreintothelocalmeteorologist，theunpaidchampionofthelocalclimate。Hethoughtatfirsttherewasnoplacesohealthfulinthearrondissement。Bytheendofthesecondyear，heprotestedtherewasnonesowholesomeinthewholedepartment。AndforsometimebeforehemetJean-MariehehadbeenpreparedtochallengeallFranceandthebetterpartofEuropeforarivaltohischosenspot。
’Doctor，’hewouldsay-’doctorisafoulword。Itshouldnotbeusedtoladies。Itimpliesdisease。Iremarkit，asaflawinourcivilisation，thatwehavenottheproperhorrorofdisease。NowI，formypart，havewashedmyhandsofit。Ihaverenouncedmylaureation。Iamnodoctor。IamonlyaworshipperofthetruegoddessHygieia。Ah，believeme，itisshewhohasthecestus！
Andhere，inthisexiguoushamlet，hassheplacedhershrine：hereshedwellsandlavisheshergifts。hereIwalkwithherintheearlymorning，andsheshowsmehowstrongshehasmadethepeasants，howfruitfulshehasmadethefields，howthetreesgrowuptallandcomelyunderhereyes，andthefishesintheriverbecomecleanandagileatherpresence-Rheumatism！’hewouldcry，onsomemalapertinterruption，’O，yes，Ibelievewedohavealittlerheumatism。Thatcouldhardlybeavoided，youknow，onariver。Andofcoursetheplacestandsalittlelow。andthemeadowsaremarshy，there’snodoubt。But，mydearsir，lookatBourron！Bourronstandshigh。Bourronisclosetotheforest。
plentyofozonethere，youwouldsay。Well，comparedwithGretz，Bourronisaperfectshambles。’
Themorningafterhehadbeensummonedtothedyingmountebank，theDoctorvisitedthewharfatthetailofhisgarden，andhadalonglookattherunningwater。Thishecalledprayer。butwhetherhisadorationswereaddressedtothegoddessHygieiaorsomemoreorthodoxdeity，neverplainlyappeared。Forhehaduttereddoubtfuloracles，sometimesdeclaringthatariverwasthetypeofbodilyhealth，sometimesextollingitasthegreatmoralpreacher，continuallypreachingpeace，continuity，anddiligencetoman’stormentedspirits。Afterhehadwatchedamileorsooftheclearwaterrunningbybeforehiseyes，seenafishortwocometothesurfacewithagleamofsilver，andsufficientlyadmiredthelongshadowsofthetreesfallinghalfacrosstheriverfromtheoppositebank，withpatchesofmovingsunlightinbetween，hestrolledoncemoreupthegardenandthroughhishouseintothestreet，feelingcoolandrenovated。
Thesoundofhisfeetuponthecausewaybeganthebusinessoftheday。forthevillagewasstillsoundasleep。Thechurchtowerlookedveryairyinthesunlight。afewbirdsthatturnedaboutit，seemedtoswiminanatmosphereofmorethanusualrarity。andtheDoctor，walkinginlongtransparentshadows，filledhislungsamply，andproclaimedhimselfwellcontentedwiththemorning。
OnoneofthepostsbeforeTentaillon’scarriageentryheespiedalittledarkfigureperchedinameditativeattitude，andimmediatelyrecognisedJean-Marie。
’Aha！’hesaid，stoppingbeforehimhumorously，withahandoneitherknee。’Soweriseearlyinthemorning，dowe？Itappearstomethatwehaveallthevicesofaphilosopher。’
Theboygottohisfeetandmadeagravesalutation。
’Andhowisourpatient？’askedDesprez。
Itappearedthepatientwasaboutthesame。
’Andwhydoyouriseearlyinthemorning？’hepursued。
Jean-Marie，afteralongsilence，professedthathehardlyknew。
’Youhardlyknow？’repeatedDesprez。’Wehardlyknowanything，myman，untilwetrytolearn。Interrogateyourconsciousness。Come，pushmethisinquiryhome。Doyoulikeit？’
’Yes，’saidtheboyslowly。’yes，Ilikeit。’
’Andwhydoyoulikeit？’continuedtheDoctor。’WearenowpursuingtheSocraticmethod。Whydoyoulikeit？’
’Itisquiet，’answeredJean-Marie。’andIhavenothingtodo。andthenIfeelasifIweregood。’
DoctorDespreztookaseatonthepostattheoppositeside。Hewasbeginningtotakeaninterestinthetalk，fortheboyplainlythoughtbeforehespoke，andtriedtoanswertruly。’Itappearsyouhaveatasteforfeelinggood，’saidtheDoctor。’Now，thereyoupuzzlemeextremely。forIthoughtyousaidyouwereathief。
andthetwoareincompatible。’
’Isitverybadtosteal？’askedJean-Marie。
’Suchisthegeneralopinion，littleboy，’repliedtheDoctor。
’No。butImeanasIstole，’explainedtheother。’ForIhadnochoice。Ithinkitissurelyrighttohavebread。itmustberighttohavebread，therecomessoplainawantofit。AndthentheybeatmecruellyifIreturnedwithnothing，’headded。’Iwasnotignorantofrightandwrong。forbeforethatIhadbeenwelltaughtbyapriest，whowasverykindtome。’TheDoctormadeahorriblegrimaceattheword’priest。’’Butitseemedtome，whenonehadnothingtoeatandwasbeaten，itwasadifferentaffair。Iwouldnothavestolenfortartlets，Ibelieve。butanyonewouldstealforbaker’sbread。’
’AndsoIsuppose，’saidtheDoctor，witharisingsneer，’youprayedGodtoforgiveyou，andexplainedthecasetoHimatlength。’
’Why，sir？’askedJean-Marie。’Idonotsee。’
’Yourpriestwouldsee，however，’retortedDesprez。
’Wouldhe？’askedtheboy，troubledforthefirsttime。’IshouldhavethoughtGodwouldhaveknown。’
’Eh？’snarledtheDoctor。
’IshouldhavethoughtGodwouldhaveunderstoodme，’repliedtheother。’Youdonot，Isee。butthenitwasGodthatmademethinkso，wasitnot？’
’Littleboy，littleboy，’saidDr。Desprez，’Itoldyoualreadyyouhadthevicesofphilosophy。ifyoudisplaythevirtuesalso，I
mustgo。Iamastudentoftheblessedlawsofhealth，anobserverofplainandtemperatenatureinhercommonwalks。andIcannotpreservemyequanimityinpresenceofamonster。Doyouunderstand？’
’No，sir，’saidtheboy。
’Iwillmakemymeaningcleartoyou，’repliedthedoctor。’Lookthereatthesky-behindthebelfryfirst，whereitissolight，andthenupandup，turningyourchinback，righttothetopofthedome，whereitisalreadyasblueasatnoon。Isnotthatabeautifulcolour？Doesitnotpleasetheheart？Wehaveseenitallourlives，untilithasgrowninwithourfamiliarthoughts。
Now，’changinghistone，’supposethatskytobecomesuddenlyofaliveandfieryamber，likethecolourofclearcoals，andgrowingscarlettowardsthetop-Idonotsayitwouldbeanythelessbeautiful。butwouldyoulikeitaswell？’
’Isupposenot，’answeredJean-Marie。
’NeitherdoIlikeyou，’returnedtheDoctor，roughly。’Ihatealloddpeople，andyouarethemostcuriouslittleboyinalltheworld。’
Jean-Marieseemedtoponderforawhile，andthenheraisedhisheadagainandlookedoverattheDoctorwithanairofcandidinquiry。’Butarenotyouaverycuriousgentleman？’heasked。
TheDoctorthrewawayhisstick，boundedontheboy，claspedhimtohisbosom，andkissedhimonbothcheeks。’Admirable，admirableimp！’hecried。’Whatamorning，whatanhourforatheoristofforty-two！No，’hecontinued，apostrophisingheaven，’Ididnotknowsuchboysexisted。Iwasignoranttheymadethemso。Ihaddoubtedofmyrace。andnow！Itislike，’headded，pickinguphisstick，’likealovers’meeting。Ihavebruisedmyfavouritestaffinthatmomentofenthusiasm。Theinjury，however，isnotgrave。’
Hecaughttheboylookingathiminobviouswonder，embarrassment，andalarm。’Hullo！’saidhe，’whydoyoulookatmelikethat？
Egad，Ibelievetheboydespisesme。Doyoudespiseme，boy？’
’O，no，’repliedJean-Marie，seriously。’onlyIdonotunderstand。’
’Youmustexcuseme，sir，’returnedtheDoctor，withgravity。’Iamstillsoyoung。O，hanghim！’headdedtohimself。Andhetookhisseatagainandobservedtheboysardonically。’Hehasspoiledthequietofmymorning，’thoughthe。’Ishallbenervousallday，andhaveafebriculewhenIdigest。Letmecomposemyself。’Andsohedismissedhispre-occupationsbyaneffortofthewillwhichhehadlongpractised，andlethissoulroamabroadinthecontemplationofthemorning。Heinhaledtheair，tastingitcriticallyasaconnoisseurtastesavintage，andprolongingtheexpirationwithhygienicgusto。Hecountedthelittleflecksofcloudalongthesky。Hefollowedthemovementsofthebirdsroundthechurchtower-makinglongsweeps，hangingpoised，orturningairysomersaultsinfancy，andbeatingthewindwithimaginarypinions。Andinthiswayheregainedpeaceofmindandanimalcomposure，consciousofhislimbs，consciousofthesightofhiseyes，consciousthattheairhadacooltaste，likeafruit，atthetopofhisthroat。andatlast，incompleteabstraction，hebegantosing。TheDoctorhadbutoneair-，’Malbroucks’enva-t-enguerre。’evenwiththathewasontermsofmerepoliteness。andhismusicalexploitswerealwaysreservedformomentswhenhewasaloneandentirelyhappy。
Hewasrecalledtoearthrudelybyapainedexpressionontheboy’sface。’Whatdoyouthinkofmysinging？’heinquired，stoppinginthemiddleofanote。andthen，afterhehadwaitedsomelittlewhileandreceivednoanswer，’Whatdoyouthinkofmysinging？’herepeated，imperiously。
’Idonotlikeit，’falteredJean-Marie。
’Oh，come！’criedtheDoctor。’Possiblyyouareaperformeryourself？’
’Isingbetterthanthat，’repliedtheboy。
TheDoctoreyedhimforsomesecondsinstupefaction。Hewasawarethathewasangry，andblushedforhimselfinconsequence，whichmadehimangrier。’Ifthisishowyouaddressyourmaster！’hesaidatlast，withashrugandaflourishofhisarms。
’Idonotspeaktohimatall，’returnedtheboy。’Idonotlikehim。’
’Thenyoulikeme？’snappedDoctorDesprez，withunusualeagerness。
’Idonotknow，’answeredJean-Marie。
TheDoctorrose。’Ishallwishyouagoodmorning，’hesaid。’Youaretoomuchforme。Perhapsyouhavebloodinyourveins，perhapscelestialichor，orperhapsyoucirculatenothingmoregrossthanrespirableair。butofonethingIaminexpugnablyassured：-thatyouarenohumanbeing。No，boy’-shakinghisstickathim-’youarenotahumanbeing。Write，writeitinyourmemory-Iamnotahumanbeing-Ihavenopretensiontobeahumanbeing-Iamadive，adream，anangel，anacrostic，anillusion-whatyouplease，butnotahumanbeing。Andsoacceptmyhumblesalutationsandfarewell！’
AndwiththattheDoctormadeoffalongthestreetinsomeemotion，andtheboystood，mentallygaping，wherehelefthim。
CHAPTERIII。THEADOPTION。
MADAMEDESPREZ，whoansweredtotheChristiannameofAnastasie，presentedanagreeabletypeofhersex。exceedinglywholesometolookupon，astoutBRUNE，withcoolsmoothcheeks，steady，darkeyes，andhandsthatneitherartnornaturecouldimprove。Shewasthesortofpersonoverwhomadversitypasseslikeasummercloud。
shemight，intheworstofconjunctions，knitherbrowsintooneverticalfurrowforamoment，butthenextitwouldbegone。Shehadmuchoftheplacidityofacontentednun。withlittleofherpiety，however。forAnastasiewasofaverymundanenature，fondofoystersandoldwine，andsomewhatboldpleasantries，anddevotedtoherhusbandforherownsakeratherthanforhis。Shewasimperturbablygood-natured，buthadnoideaofself-sacrifice。Toliveinthatpleasantoldhouse，withagreengardenbehindandbrightflowersaboutthewindow，toeatanddrinkofthebest，togossipwithaneighbourforaquarterofanhour，nevertowearstaysoradressexceptwhenshewenttoFontainebleaushopping，tobekeptinacontinualsupplyofracynovels，andtobemarriedtoDoctorDesprezandhavenogroundofjealousy，filledthecupofhernaturetothebrim。ThosewhohadknowntheDoctorinbachelordays，whenhehadairedquiteasmanytheories，butofadifferentorder，attributedhispresentphilosophytothestudyofAnastasie。
Itwasherbruteenjoymentthatherationalisedandperhapsvainlyimitated。
MadameDesprezwasanartistinthekitchen，andmadecoffeetoanicety。Shehadaknackoftidiness，withwhichshehadinfectedtheDoctor。everythingwasinitsplace。everythingcapableofpolishshonegloriously。anddustwasathingbanishedfromherempire。Aline，theirsingleservant，hadnootherbusinessintheworldbuttoscourandburnish。SoDoctorDesprezlivedinhishouselikeafattedcalf，warmedandcossetedtohisheart’scontent。
Themiddaymealwasexcellent。Therewasaripemelon，afishfromtheriverinamemorableBearnaisesauce，afatfowlinafricassee，andadishofasparagus，followedbysomefruit。TheDoctordrankhalfabottlePLUSoneglass，thewifehalfabottleMINUSthesamequantity，whichwasamaritalprivilege，ofanexcellentCote-Rotie，sevenyearsold。Thenthecoffeewasbrought，andaflaskofChartreuseformadame，fortheDoctordespisedanddistrustedsuchdecoctions。andthenAlinelefttheweddedpairtothepleasuresofmemoryanddigestion。
’Itisaveryfortunatecircumstance，mycherishedone，’observedtheDoctor-’thiscoffeeisadorable-averyfortunatecircumstanceuponthewhole-Anastasie，Ibeseechyou，gowithoutthatpoisonforto-day。onlyoneday，andyouwillfeelthebenefit，Ipledgemyreputation。’
’Whatisthisfortunatecircumstance，myfriend？’inquiredAnastasie，notheedinghisprotest，whichwasofdailyrecurrence。
’Thatwehavenochildren，mybeautiful，’repliedtheDoctor。’I
thinkofitmoreandmoreastheyearsgoon，andwithmoreandmoregratitudetowardsthePowerthatdispensessuchafflictions。
Yourhealth，mydarling，mystudiousquiet，ourlittlekitchendelicacies，howtheywouldallhavesuffered，howtheywouldallhavebeensacrificed！Andforwhat？Childrenarethelastwordofhumanimperfection。Healthfleesbeforetheirface。Theycry，mydear。theyputvexatiousquestions。theydemandtobefed，tobewashed，tobeeducated，tohavetheirnosesblown。andthen，whenthetimecomes，theybreakourhearts，asIbreakthispieceofsugar。Apairofprofessedegoists，likeyouandme，shouldavoidoffspring，likeaninfidelity。’
’Indeed！’saidshe。andshelaughed。’Now，thatislikeyou-totakecreditforthethingyoucouldnothelp。’
’Mydear，’returnedtheDoctor，solemnly，’wemighthaveadopted。’
’Never！’criedmadame。’Never，Doctor，withmyconsent。Ifthechildweremyownfleshandblood，Iwouldnotsayno。Buttotakeanotherperson’sindiscretiononmyshoulders，mydearfriend，I
havetoomuchsense。’
’Precisely，’repliedtheDoctor。’Webothhad。AndIamallthebetterpleasedwithourwisdom，because-because-’Helookedathersharply。
’Becausewhat？’sheasked，withafaintpremonitionofdanger。
’BecauseIhavefoundtherightperson，’saidtheDoctorfirmly，’andshalladopthimthisafternoon。’
Anastasielookedathimoutofamist。’Youhavelostyourreason，’shesaid。andtherewasaclanginhervoicethatseemedtothreatentrouble。
’Notso，mydear，’hereplied。’Iretainitscompleteexercise。Totheproof：insteadofattemptingtocloakmyinconsistency，Ihave，bywayofpreparingyou，thrownitintostrongrelief。Youwillthere，Ithink，recognisethephilosopherwhohastheecstasytocallyouwife。Thefactis，Ihavebeenreckoningallthiswhilewithoutanaccident。Ineverthoughttofindasonofmyown。
Now，lastnight，Ifoundone。Donotunnecessarilyalarmyourself，mydear。heisnotadropofbloodtomethatIknow。Itishismind，darling，hismindthatcallsmefather。’
’Hismind！’sherepeatedwithatitterbetweenscornandhysterics。
’Hismind，indeed！Henri，isthisanidioticpleasantry，orareyoumad？Hismind！Andwhatofmymind？’
’Truly，’repliedtheDoctorwithashrug，’youhaveyourfingeronthehitch。HewillbestrikinglyantipathetictomyeverbeautifulAnastasie。Shewillneverunderstandhim。hewillneverunderstandher。Youmarriedtheanimalsideofmynature，dearanditisonthespiritualsidethatIfindmyaffinityforJean-Marie。Somuchso，that，tobeperfectlyfrank，Istandinsomeaweofhimmyself。
YouwilleasilyperceivethatIamannouncingacalamityforyou。
Donot，’hebrokeoutintonesofrealsolicitude-’donotgivewaytotearsafterameal，Anastasie。Youwillcertainlygiveyourselfafalsedigestion。’
Anastasiecontrolledherself。’YouknowhowwillingIamtohumouryou，’shesaid，’inallreasonablematters。Butonthispoint-’
’Mydearlove，’interruptedtheDoctor，eagertopreventarefusal，’whowishedtoleaveParis？Whomademegiveupcards，andtheopera，andtheboulevard，andmysocialrelations，andallthatwasmylifebeforeIknewyou？HaveIbeenfaithful？HaveIbeenobedient？HaveInotbornemydoomwithcheerfulness？Inallhonesty，Anastasie，haveInotarighttoastipulationonmyside？
Ihave，andyouknowit。Istipulatemyson。’
Anastasiewasawareofdefeat。shestruckhercoloursinstantly。