ShewasverymuchfrightenedbytheEgyptians，andwept。
ButhermotherkissedhermorewarmlyandwentawayenchantedwiththegoodfortunewhichthesoothsayershadforetoldforherAgnes。Shewastobeabeauty，virtuous，aqueen。
SoshereturnedtoheratticintheRueFolle-Peine，veryproudofbearingwithheraqueen。Thenextdayshetookadvantageofamomentwhenthechildwasasleeponherbed，fortheyalwaysslepttogether，gentlyleftthedooralittlewayopen，andrantotellaneighborintheRuedelaSéchesserie，thatthedaywouldcomewhenherdaughterAgneswouldbeservedattablebytheKingofEnglandandtheArchdukeofEthiopia，andahundredothermarvels。Onherreturn，hearingnocriesonthestaircase，shesaidtoherself:’Good！thechildisstillasleep！’Shefoundherdoorwideropenthanshehadleftit，butsheentered，poormother，andrantothebed——Thechildwasnolongerthere，theplacewasempty。Nothingremainedofthechild，butoneofherprettylittleshoes。Sheflewoutoftheroom，dasheddownthestairs，andbegantobeatherheadagainstthewall，crying:’Mychild！whohasmychild？Whohastakenmychild？’Thestreetwasdeserted，thehouseisolated；noonecouldtellheranythingaboutit。Shewentaboutthetown，searchedallthestreets，ranhitherandthitherthewholedaylong，wild，besideherself，terrible，snuffingatdoorsandwindowslikeawildbeastwhichhaslostitsyoung。Shewasbreathless，dishevelled，frightfultosee，andtherewasafireinhereyeswhichdriedhertears。Shestoppedthepassers-byandcried:’Mydaughter！mydaughter！myprettylittledaughter！Ifanyonewillgivemebackmydaughter，Iwillhehisservant，theservantofhisdog，andheshalleatmyheartifhewill。’ShemetM。leCuréofSaint-
Remy，andsaidtohim:’Monsieur，Iwilltilltheearthwithmyfinger-nails，butgivemebackmychild！’Itwasheartrending，Oudarde；andILsawaveryhardman，MasterPonceLacabre，theprocurator，weep。Ah！poormother！Intheeveningshereturnedhome。Duringherabsence，aneighborhadseentwogypsiesascenduptoitwithabundleintheirarms，thendescendagain，afterclosingthedoor。Aftertheirdeparture，somethinglikethecriesofachildwereheardinPaquette’sroom。Themother，burstintoshrieksoflaughter，ascendedthestairsasthoughonwings，andentered——A
frightfulthingtotell，Oudarde！InsteadofherprettylittleAgnes，sorosyandsofresh，whowasagiftofthegoodGod，asortofhideouslittlemonster，lame，one-eyed，deformed，wascrawlingandsquallingoverthefloor。Shehidhereyesinhorror。’Oh！’saidshe，’havethewitchestransformedmydaughterintothishorribleanimal？’Theyhastenedtocarryawaythelittleclub-foot；hewouldhavedrivenhermad。Itwasthemonstrouschildofsomegypsywoman，whohadgivenherselftothedevil。Heappearedtobeaboutfouryearsold，andtalkedalanguagewhichwasnohumantongue；therewerewordsinitwhichwereimpossible。LaChantefleurieflungherselfuponthelittleshoe，allthatremainedtoherofallthatsheloved。Sheremainedsolongmotionlessoverit，mute，andwithoutbreath，thattheythoughtshewasdead。
Suddenlyshetrembledallover，coveredherrelicwithfuriouskisses，andburstoutsobbingasthoughherheartwerebroken。
Iassureyouthatwewereallweepingalso。Shesaid:’Oh，mylittledaughter！myprettylittledaughter！whereartthou？’——anditwrungyourveryheart。IweepstillwhenI
thinkofit。Ourchildrenarethemarrowofourbones，yousee——MypoorEustache！thouartsofair！——Ifyouonlyknewhowniceheis！yesterdayhesaidtome:’Iwanttobeagendarme，thatIdo。’Oh！myEustache！ifIweretolosethee！——AllatoncelaChantefleurierose，andsetouttorunthroughReims，screaming:’Tothegypsies’camp！tothegypsies’camp！Police，toburnthewitches！’Thegypsiesweregone。Itwaspitchdark。Theycouldnotbefollowed。
Onthemorrow，twoleaguesfromReims，onaheathbetweenGueuxandTilloy，theremainsofalargefirewerefound，someribbonswhichhadbelongedtoPaquette’schild，dropsofblood，andthedungofaram。ThenightjustpasthadbeenaSaturday。TherewasnolongeranydoubtthattheEgyptianshadheldtheirSabbathonthatheath，andthattheyhaddevouredthechildincompanywithBeelzebub，asthepracticeisamongtheMahometans。WhenLaChantefleurielearnedthesehorriblethings，shedidnotweep，shemovedherlipsasthoughtospeak，butcouldnot。Onthemorrow，herhairwasgray。Onthesecondday，shehaddisappeared。
\"’Tisintruth，afrightfultale，\"saidOudarde，\"andonewhichwouldmakeevenaBurgundianweep。\"
\"Iamnolongersurprised，\"addedGervaise，\"thatfearofthegypsiesshouldspuryouonsosharply。\"
\"Andyoudidallthebetter，\"resumedOudarde，\"tofleewithyourEustachejustnow，sincethesealsoaregypsiesfromPoland。\"
\"No，\"saidGervais，\"’tissaidthattheycomefromSpainandCatalonia。\"
\"Catalonia？’tispossible，\"repliedOudarde。\"Pologne，Catalogue，Valogne，Ialwaysconfoundthosethreeprovinces，Onethingiscertain，thattheyaregypsies。\"
\"Whocertainly，\"addedGervaise，\"haveteethlongenoughtoeatlittlechildren。IshouldnotbesurprisediflaSméraldaatealittleofthemalso，thoughshepretendstobedainty。
Herwhitegoatknowstricksthataretoomaliciousfortherenottobesomeimpietyunderneathitall。\"
Mahiettewalkedoninsilence。Shewasabsorbedinthatreverywhichis，insomesort，thecontinuationofamournfultale，andwhichendsonlyafterhavingcommunicatedtheemotion，fromvibrationtovibration，eventotheverylastfibresoftheheart。Nevertheless，Gervaiseaddressedher，\"AnddidtheyeverlearnwhatbecameoflaChantefleurie？\"
Mahiettemadenoreply。Gervaiserepeatedherquestion，andshookherarm，callingherbyname。Mahietteappearedtoawakenfromherthoughts。
\"WhatbecameoflaChantefleurie？\"shesaid，repeatingmechanicallythewordswhoseimpressionwasstillfreshinherear；then，makinganefforttorecallherattentiontothemeaningofherwords，\"Ah！\"shecontinuedbriskly，\"nooneeverfoundout。\"
Sheadded，afterapause，——
\"SomesaidthatshehadbeenseentoquitReimsatnightfallbytheFléchembaultgate；others，atdaybreak，bytheoldBaséegate。Apoormanfoundhergoldcrosshangingonthestonecrossinthefieldwherethefairisheld。Itwasthatornamentwhichhadwroughtherruin，in’61。ItwasagiftfromthehandsomeVicomtedeCormontreuil，herfirstlover。
Paquettehadneverbeenwillingtopartwithit，wretchedasshehadbeen。Shehadclungtoitastolifeitself。So，whenwesawthatcrossabandoned，weallthoughtthatshewasdead。Nevertheless，therewerepeopleoftheCabaretlesVantes，whosaidthattheyhadseenherpassalongtheroadtoParis，walkingonthepebbleswithherbarefeet。But，inthatcase，shemusthavegoneoutthroughthePortedeVesle，andallthisdoesnotagree。Or，tospeakmoretruly，IbelievethatsheactuallydiddepartbythePortedeVesle，butdepartedfromthisworld。\"
\"Idonotunderstandyou，\"saidGervaise。
\"LaVesle，\"repliedMahiette，withamelancholysmile，\"istheriver。\"
\"PoorChantefleurie！\"saidOudarde，withashiver，——\"drowned！\"
\"Drowned！\"resumedMahiette，\"whocouldhavetoldgoodFatherGuybertant，whenhepassedunderthebridgeofTingueuxwiththecurrent，singinginhisbarge，thatonedayhisdearlittlePaquettewouldalsopassbeneaththatbridge，butwithoutsongorboat。
\"Andthelittleshoe？\"askedGervaise。
\"Disappearedwiththemother，\"repliedMahiette。
\"Poorlittleshoe！\"saidOudarde。
Oudarde，abigandtenderwoman，wouldhavebeenwellpleasedtosighincompanywithMahiette。ButGervaise，morecurious，hadnotfinishedherquestions。
\"Andthemonster？\"shesaidsuddenly，toMahiette。
\"Whatmonster？\"inquiredthelatter。
\"ThelittlegypsymonsterleftbythesorceressesinChantefleurie’schamber，inexchangeforherdaughter。Whatdidyoudowithit？Ihopeyoudrowneditalso。\"
\"No。\"repliedMahiette。
\"What？Youburneditthen？Insooth，thatismorejust。
Awitchchild！\"
\"Neithertheonenortheother，Gervaise。MonseigneurthearchbishopinterestedhimselfinthechildofEgypt，exorcisedit，blessedit，removedthedevilcarefullyfromitsbody，andsentittoParis，tobeexposedonthewoodenbedatNotre-
Dame，asafoundling。\"
\"Thosebishops！\"grumbledGervaise，\"becausetheyarelearned，theydonothinglikeanybodyelse。Ijustputittoyou，Oudarde，theideaofplacingthedevilamongthefoundlings！Forthatlittlemonsterwasassuredlythedevil。
Well，Mahiette，whatdidtheydowithitinParis？Iamquitesurethatnocharitablepersonwantedit。\"
\"Idonotknow，\"repliedtheRémoise，\"’twasjustatthattimethatmyhusbandboughttheofficeofnotary，atBern，twoleaguesfromthetown，andwewerenolongeroccupiedwiththatstory；besides，infrontofBern，standthetwohillsofCernay，whichhidethetowersofthecathedralinReimsfromview。\"
Whilechattingthus，thethreeworthy~bourgeoises~hadarrivedatthePlacedeGrève。Intheirabsorption，theyhadpassedthepublicbreviaryoftheTour-Rolandwithoutstopping，andtooktheirwaymechanicallytowardsthepilloryaroundwhichthethrongwasgrowingmoredensewitheverymoment。Itisprobablethatthespectaclewhichatthatmomentattractedalllooksinthatdirection，wouldhavemadethemforgetcompletelytheRat-Hole，andthehaltwhichtheyintendedtomakethere，ifbigEustache，sixyearsofage，whomMahiettewasdraggingalongbythehand，hadnotabruptlyrecalledtheobjecttothem:\"Mother，\"saidhe，asthoughsomeinstinctwarnedhimthattheRat-Holewasbehindhim，\"canIeatthecakenow？\"
IfEustachehadbeenmoreadroit，thatistosay，lessgreedy，hewouldhavecontinuedtowait，andwouldonlyhavehazardedthatsimplequestion，\"Mother，canIeatthecake，now？\"ontheirreturntotheUniversity，toMasterAndryMusnier’s，RueMadamelaValence，whenhehadthetwoarmsoftheSeineandthefivebridgesofthecitybetweentheRat-Holeandthecake。
Thisquestion，highlyimprudentatthemomentwhenEustacheputit，arousedMahiette’sattention。
\"Bytheway，\"sheexclaimed，\"weareforgettingtherecluse！ShowmetheRat-Hole，thatImaycarryherhercake。\"
\"Immediately，\"saidOudarde，\"’tisacharity。\"
ButthisdidnotsuitEustache。
\"Stop！mycake！\"saidhe，rubbingbothearsalternativelywithhisshoulders，which，insuchcases，isthesupremesignofdiscontent。
Thethreewomenretracedtheirsteps，and，onarrivinginthevicinityoftheTour-Roland，Oudardesaidtotheothertwo，——
\"Wemustnotallthreegazeintotheholeatonce，forfearofalarmingtherecluse。Doyoutwopretendtoreadthe_Dominus_inthebreviary，whileIthrustmynoseintotheaperture；therecluseknowsmealittle。Iwillgiveyouwarningwhenyoucanapproach。\"
Sheproceededalonetothewindow。Atthemomentwhenshelookedin，aprofoundpitywasdepictedonallherfeatures，andherfrank，gayvisagealtereditsexpressionandcolorasabruptlyasthoughithadpassedfromarayofsunlighttoarayofmoonlight；hereyebecamehumid；hermouthcontracted，likethatofapersononthepointofweeping。Amomentlater，shelaidherfingeronherlips，andmadeasigntoMahiettetodrawnearandlook。
Mahiette，muchtouched，steppedupinsilence，ontiptoe，asthoughapproachingthebedsideofadyingperson。
Itwas，infact，amelancholyspectaclewhichpresenteditselftotheeyesofthetwowomen，astheygazedthroughthegratingoftheRat-Hole，neitherstirringnorbreathing。
Thecellwassmall，broaderthanitwaslong，withanarchedceiling，andviewedfromwithin，itboreaconsiderableresemblancetotheinteriorofahugebishop’smitre。Onthebareflagstoneswhichformedthefloor，inonecorner，awomanwassitting，orrather，crouching。Herchinrestedonherknees，whichhercrossedarmspressedforciblytoherbreast。
Thusdoubledup，cladinabrownsack，whichenvelopedherentirelyinlargefolds，herlong，grayhairpulledoverinfront，fallingoverherfaceandalongherlegsnearlytoherfeet，shepresented，atthefirstglance，onlyastrangeformoutlinedagainstthedarkbackgroundofthecell，asortofduskytriangle，whichtherayofdaylightfallingthroughtheopening，cutroughlyintotwoshades，theonesombre，theotherilluminated。Itwasoneofthosespectres，halflight，halfshadow，suchasonebeholdsindreamsandintheextraordinaryworkofGoya，pale，motionless，sinister，crouchingoveratomb，orleaningagainstthegratingofaprisoncell。
Itwasneitherawoman，noraman，noralivingbeing，noradefiniteform；itwasafigure，asortofvision，inwhichtherealandthefantasticintersectedeachother，likedarknessandday。Itwaswithdifficultythatonedistinguished，beneathherhairwhichspreadtotheground，agauntandsevereprofile；herdressbarelyallowedtheextremityofabarefoottoescape，whichcontractedonthehard，coldpavement。
Thelittleofhumanformofwhichonecaughtasightbeneaththisenvelopeofmourning，causedashudder。
Thatfigure，whichonemighthavesupposedtoberivetedtotheflagstones，appearedtopossessneithermovement，northought，norbreath。Lying，inJanuary，inthatthin，linensack，lyingonagranitefloor，withoutfire，inthegloomofacellwhoseobliqueair-holeallowedonlythecoldbreeze，butneverthesun，toenterfromwithout，shedidnotappeartosufferoreventothink。Onewouldhavesaidthatshehadturnedtostonewiththecell，icewiththeseason。Herhandswereclasped，hereyesfixed。Atfirstsightonetookherforaspectre；atthesecond，forastatue。
Nevertheless，atintervals，herbluelipshalfopenedtoadmitabreath，andtrembled，butasdeadandasmechanicalastheleaveswhichthewindsweepsaside。
Nevertheless，fromherdulleyesthereescapedalook，anineffablelook，aprofound，lugubrious，imperturbablelook，incessantlyfixeduponacornerofthecellwhichcouldnotbeseenfromwithout；agazewhichseemedtofixallthesombrethoughtsofthatsoulindistressuponsomemysteriousobject。
Suchwasthecreaturewhohadreceived，fromherhabitation，thenameofthe\"recluse\"；and，fromhergarment，thenameof\"thesackednun。\"
Thethreewomen，forGervaisehadrejoinedMahietteandOudarde，gazedthroughthewindow。Theirheadsinterceptedthefeeblelightinthecell，withoutthewretchedbeingwhomtheythusdeprivedofitseemingtopayanyattentiontothem。\"Donotletustroubleher，\"saidOudarde，inalowvoice，\"sheisinherecstasy；sheispraying。\"
Meanwhile，Mahiettewasgazingwithever-increasinganxietyatthatwan，withered，dishevelledhead，andhereyesfilledwithtears。\"Thisisverysingular，\"shemurmured。
Shethrustherheadthroughthebars，andsucceededincastingaglanceatthecornerwherethegazeoftheunhappywomanwasimmovablyriveted。
Whenshewithdrewherheadfromthewindow，hercountenancewasinundatedwithtears。
\"Whatdoyoucallthatwoman？\"sheaskedOudarde。
Oudardereplied，——
\"WecallherSisterGudule。\"
\"AndI，\"returnedMahiette，\"callherPaquettelaChantefleurie。\"
Then，layingherfingeronherlips，shemotionedtotheastoundedOudardetothrustherheadthroughthewindowandlook。
Oudardelookedandbeheld，inthecornerwheretheeyesofthereclusewerefixedinthatsombreecstasy，atinyshoeofpinksatin，embroideredwithathousandfancifuldesignsingoldandsilver。
GervaiselookedafterOudarde，andthenthethreewomen，gazingupontheunhappymother，begantoweep。
Butneithertheirlooksnortheirtearsdisturbedtherecluse。
Herhandsremainedclasped；herlipsmute；hereyesfixed；
andthatlittleshoe，thusgazedat，broketheheartofanyonewhoknewherhistory。
Thethreewomenhadnotyetutteredasingleword；theydarednotspeak，eveninalowvoice。Thisdeepsilence，thisdeepgrief，thisprofoundoblivioninwhicheverythinghaddisappearedexceptonething，produceduponthemtheeffectofthegrandaltaratChristmasorEaster。Theyremainedsilent，theymeditated，theywerereadytokneel。ItseemedtothemthattheywerereadytoenterachurchonthedayofTenebrae。
AtlengthGervaise，themostcuriousofthethree，andconsequentlytheleastsensitive，triedtomakethereclusespeak:
\"Sister！SisterGudule！\"
Sherepeatedthiscallthreetimes，raisinghervoiceeachtime。Thereclusedidnotmove；notaword，notaglance，notasigh，notasignoflife。
Oudarde，inherturn，inasweeter，morecaressingvoice，——\"Sister！\"
saidshe，\"SisterSainte-Gudule！\"
Thesamesilence；thesameimmobility。
\"Asingularwoman！\"exclaimedGervaise，\"andonenottobemovedbyacatapult！\"
\"Perchancesheisdeaf，\"saidOudarde。
\"Perhapssheisblind，\"addedGervaise。
\"Dead，perchance，\"returnedMahiette。
Itiscertainthatifthesoulhadnotalreadyquittedthisinert，sluggish，lethargicbody，ithadatleastretreatedandconcealeditselfindepthswhithertheperceptionsoftheexteriororgansnolongerpenetrated。
\"Thenwemustleavethecakeonthewindow，\"saidOudarde；
\"somescampwilltakeit。Whatshallwedotorouseher？\"
Eustache，who，uptothatmomenthadbeendivertedbyalittlecarriagedrawnbyalargedog，whichhadjustpassed，suddenlyperceivedthathisthreeconductressesweregazingatsomethingthroughthewindow，and，curiositytakingpossessionofhiminhisturn，heclimbeduponastonepost，elevatedhimselfontiptoe，andappliedhisfat，redfacetotheopening，shouting，\"Mother，letmeseetoo！\"
Atthesoundofthisclear，fresh，ringingchild’svoice，thereclusetrembled；sheturnedherheadwiththesharp，abruptmovementofasteelspring，herlong，fleshlesshandscastasidethehairfromherbrow，andshefixeduponthechild，bitter，astonished，desperateeyes。Thisglancewasbutalightningflash。
\"OhmyGod！\"shesuddenlyexclaimed，hidingherheadonherknees，anditseemedasthoughherhoarsevoicetoreherchestasitpassedfromit，\"donotshowmethoseofothers！\"
\"Goodday，madam，\"saidthechild，gravely。
Nevertheless，thisshockhad，sotospeak，awakenedtherecluse。Alongshivertraversedherframefromheadtofoot；herteethchattered；shehalfraisedherheadandsaid，pressingherelbowsagainstherhips，andclaspingherfeetinherhandsasthoughtowarmthem，——
\"Oh，howcolditis！\"
\"Poorwoman！\"saidOudarde，withgreatcompassion，\"wouldyoulikealittlefire？\"
Sheshookherheadintokenofrefusal。
\"Well，\"resumedOudarde，presentingherwithaflagon；
\"hereissomehippocraswhichwillwarmyou；drinkit。\"
Againsheshookherhead，lookedatOudardefixedlyandreplied，\"Water。\"
Oudardepersisted，——\"No，sister，thatisnobeverageforJanuary。Youmustdrinkalittlehippocrasandeatthisleavenedcakeofmaize，whichwehavebakedforyou。\"
SherefusedthecakewhichMahietteofferedtoher，andsaid，\"Blackbread。\"
\"Come，\"saidGervaise，seizedinherturnwithanimpulseofcharity，andunfasteningherwoolencloak，\"hereisacloakwhichisalittlewarmerthanyours。\"
Sherefusedthecloakasshehadrefusedtheflagonandthecake，andreplied，\"Asack。\"
\"But，\"resumedthegoodOudarde，\"youmusthaveperceivedtosomeextent，thatyesterdaywasafestival。\"
\"Idoperceiveit，\"saidtherecluse；\"’tistwodaysnowsinceIhavehadanywaterinmycrock。\"
Sheadded，afterasilence，\"’Tisafestival，Iamforgotten。
Peopledowell。Whyshouldtheworldthinkofme，whenI
donotthinkofit？Coldcharcoalmakescoldashes。\"
Andasthoughfatiguedwithhavingsaidsomuch，shedroppedherheadonherkneesagain。ThesimpleandcharitableOudarde，whofanciedthatsheunderstoodfromherlastwordsthatshewascomplainingofthecold，repliedinnocently，\"Thenyouwouldlikealittlefire？\"
\"Fire！\"saidthesackednun，withastrangeaccent；\"andwillyoualsomakealittleforthepoorlittleonewhohasbeenbeneaththesodforthesefifteenyears？\"
Everylimbwastrembling，hervoicequivered，hereyesflashed，shehadraisedherselfuponherknees；suddenlysheextendedherthin，whitehandtowardsthechild，whowasregardingherwithalookofastonishment。\"Takeawaythatchild！\"shecried。\"TheEgyptianwomanisabouttopassby。\"
Thenshefellfacedownwardontheearth，andherforeheadstruckthestone，withthesoundofonestoneagainstanotherstone。Thethreewomenthoughtherdead。Amomentlater，however，shemoved，andtheybeheldherdragherself，onherkneesandelbows，tothecornerwherethelittleshoewas。
Thentheydarednotlook；theynolongersawher；buttheyheardathousandkissesandathousandsighs，mingledwithheartrendingcries，anddullblowslikethoseofaheadincontactwithawall。Then，afteroneoftheseblows，soviolentthatallthreeofthemstaggered，theyheardnomore。
\"Canshehavekilledherself？\"saidGervaise，venturingtopassherheadthroughtheair-hole。\"Sister！SisterGudule！\"
\"SisterGudule！\"repeatedOudarde。
\"Ah！goodheavens！shenolongermoves！\"resumedGervaise；
\"isshedead？Gudule！Gudule！\"
Mahiette，chokedtosuchapointthatshecouldnotspeak，madeaneffort。\"Wait，\"saidshe。Thenbendingtowardsthewindow，\"Paquette！\"shesaid，\"PaquetteleChantefleurie！\"
Achildwhoinnocentlyblowsuponthebadlyignitedfuseofabomb，andmakesitexplodeinhisface，isnomoreterrifiedthanwasMahietteattheeffectofthatname，abruptlylaunchedintothecellofSisterGudule。
Thereclusetrembledallover，roseerectonherbarefeet，andleapedatthewindowwitheyessoglaringthatMahietteandOudarde，andtheotherwomanandthechildrecoiledeventotheparapetofthequay。
Meanwhile，thesinisterfaceoftherecluseappearedpressedtothegratingoftheair-hole。\"Oh！oh！\"shecried，withanappallinglaugh；\"’tistheEgyptianwhoiscallingme！\"
Atthatmoment，ascenewhichwaspassingatthepillorycaughtherwildeye。Herbrowcontractedwithhorror，shestretchedhertwoskeletonarmsfromhercell，andshriekedinavoicewhichresembledadeath-rattle，\"So’tisthouoncemore，daughterofEgypt！’Tisthouwhocallestme，stealerofchildren！Well！Bethouaccursed！accursed！accursed！
accursed！\"
CHAPTERIV。
ATEARFORADROPOFWATER。
Thesewordswere，sotospeak，thepointofunionoftwoscenes，whichhad，uptothattime，beendevelopedinparallellinesatthesamemoment，eachonitsparticulartheatre；one，thatwhichthereaderhasjustperused，intheRat-Hole；
theother，whichheisabouttoread，ontheladderofthepillory。Thefirsthadforwitnessesonlythethreewomenwithwhomthereaderhasjustmadeacquaintance；thesecondhadforspectatorsallthepublicwhichwehaveseenabove，collectingonthePlacedeGrève，aroundthepilloryandthegibbet。
Thatcrowdwhichthefoursergeantspostedatnineo’clockinthemorningatthefourcornersofthepilloryhadinspiredwiththehopeofsomesortofanexecution，nodoubt，notahanging，butawhipping，acroppingofears，something，inshort，——thatcrowdhadincreasedsorapidlythatthefourpolicemen，toocloselybesieged，hadhadoccasionto\"press\"
it，astheexpressionthenran，morethanonce，bysoundblowsoftheirwhips，andthehaunchesoftheirhorses。
Thispopulace，disciplinedtowaitingforpublicexecutions，didnotmanifestverymuchimpatience。Itamuseditselfwithwatchingthepillory，averysimplesortofmonument，composedofacubeofmasonryaboutsixfeethighandhollowintheinterior。Averysteepstaircase，ofunhewnstone，whichwascalledbydistinction\"theladder，\"ledtotheupperplatform，uponwhichwasvisibleahorizontalwheelofsolidoak。Thevictimwasbounduponthiswheel，onhisknees，withhishandsbehindhisback。Awoodenshaft，whichsetinmotionacapstanconcealedintheinteriorofthelittleedifice，impartedarotatorymotiontothewheel，whichalwaysmaintaineditshorizontalposition，andinthismannerpresentedthefaceofthecondemnedmantoallquartersofthesquareinsuccession。Thiswaswhatwascalled\"turning\"
acriminal。
Asthereaderperceives，thepilloryoftheGrèvewasfarfrompresentingalltherecreationsofthepilloryoftheHalles。
Nothingarchitectural，nothingmonumental。Norooftotheironcross，nooctagonallantern，nofrail，slendercolumnsspreadingoutontheedgeoftheroofintocapitalsofacanthusleavesandflowers，nowaterspoutsofchimerasandmonsters，oncarvedwoodwork，nofinesculpture，deeplysunkinthestone。
Theywereforcedtocontentthemselveswiththosefourstretchesofrubblework，backedwithsandstone，andawretchedstonegibbet，meagreandbare，ononeside。
TheentertainmentwouldhavebeenbutapooroneforloversofGothicarchitecture。ItistruethatnothingwaseverlesscuriousonthescoreofarchitecturethantheworthygapersoftheMiddleAges，andthattheycaredverylittleforthebeautyofapillory。
Thevictimfinallyarrived，boundtothetailofacart，andwhenhehadbeenhoistedupontheplatform，wherehecouldbeseenfromallpointsofthePlace，boundwithcordsandstrapsuponthewheelofthepillory，aprodigioushoot，mingledwithlaughterandacclamations，burstforthuponthePlace。TheyhadrecognizedQuasimodo。
Itwashe，infact。Thechangewassingular。Pilloriedontheveryplacewhere，onthedaybefore，hehadbeensaluted，acclaimed，andproclaimedPopeandPrinceofFools，inthecortegeoftheDukeofEgypt，theKingofThunes，andtheEmperorofGalilee！Onethingiscertain，andthatis，thattherewasnotasoulinthecrowd，notevenhimself，thoughinturntriumphantandthesufferer，whosetforththiscombinationclearlyinhisthought。Gringoireandhisphilosophyweremissingatthisspectacle。
SoonMichelNoiret，sworntrumpetertotheking，ourlord，imposedsilenceonthelouts，andproclaimedthesentence，inaccordancewiththeorderandcommandofmonsieurtheprovost。
Thenhewithdrewbehindthecart，withhismeninliverysurcoats。
Quasimodo，impassible，didnotwince。Allresistancehadbeenrenderedimpossibletohimbywhatwasthencalled，inthestyleofthecriminalchancellery，\"thevehemenceandfirmnessofthebonds\"whichmeansthatthethongsandchainsprobablycutintohisflesh；moreover，itisatraditionofjailandwardens，whichhasnotbeenlost，andwhichthehandcuffsstillpreciouslypreserveamongus，acivilized，gentle，humanepeoplethegalleysandtheguillotineinparentheses。
Hehadallowedhimselftobeled，pushed，carried，lifted，bound，andboundagain。Nothingwastobeseenuponhiscountenancebuttheastonishmentofasavageoranidiot。
Hewasknowntobedeaf；onemighthavepronouncedhimtobeblind。
Theyplacedhimonhiskneesonthecircularplank；hemadenoresistance。Theyremovedhisshirtanddoubletasfarashisgirdle；heallowedthemtohavetheirway。Theyentangledhimunderafreshsystemofthongsandbuckles；
heallowedthemtobindandbucklehim。Onlyfromtimetotimehesnortednoisily，likeacalfwhoseheadishangingandbumpingovertheedgeofabutcher’scart。
\"Thedolt，\"saidJehanFrollooftheMill，tohisfriendRobinPoussepainforthetwostudentshadfollowedtheculprit，aswastohavebeenexpected，\"heunderstandsnomorethanacockchafershutupinabox！\"
TherewaswildlaughteramongthecrowdwhentheybeheldQuasimodo’shump，hiscamel’sbreast，hiscallousandhairyshoulderslaidbare。Duringthisgayety，amanintheliveryofthecity，shortofstatureandrobustofmien，mountedtheplatformandplacedhimselfnearthevictim。Hisnamespeedilycirculatedamongthespectators。ItwasMasterPierratTorterue，officialtorturertotheChatelet。
Hebeganbydepositingonanangleofthepilloryablackhour-glass，theupperlobeofwhichwasfilledwithredsand，whichitallowedtoglideintothelowerreceptacle；thenheremovedhisparti-coloredsurtout，andtherebecamevisible，suspendedfromhisrighthand，athinandtaperingwhipoflong，white，shining，knotted，plaitedthongs，armedwithmetalnails。Withhislefthand，henegligentlyfoldedbackhisshirtaroundhisrightarm，totheveryarmpit。
Inthemeantime，JehanFrollo，elevatinghiscurlyblondeheadabovethecrowdhehadmountedupontheshouldersofRobinPoussepainforthepurpose，shouted:\"Comeandlook，gentleladiesandmen！theyaregoingtoperemptorilyflagellateMasterQuasimodo，thebellringerofmybrother，monsieurthearchdeaconofJosas，aknaveoforientalarchitecture，whohasabacklikeadome，andlegsliketwistedcolumns！\"
Andthecrowdburstintoalaugh，especiallytheboysandyounggirls。
Atlengththetorturerstampedhisfoot。Thewheelbegantoturn。Quasimodowaveredbeneathhisbonds。Theamazementwhichwassuddenlydepicteduponhisdeformedfacecausedtheburstsoflaughtertoredoublearoundhim。
Allatonce，atthemomentwhenthewheelinitsrevolutionpresentedtoMasterPierrat，thehumpedbackofQuasimodo，MasterPierratraisedhisarm；thefinethongswhistledsharplythroughtheair，likeahandfulofadders，andfellwithfuryuponthewretch’sshoulders。
Quasimodoleapedasthoughawakenedwithastart。Hebegantounderstand。Hewrithedinhisbonds；aviolentcontractionofsurpriseandpaindistortedthemusclesofhisface，butheutterednotasinglesigh。Hemerelyturnedhisheadbackward，totheright，thentotheleft，balancingitasabulldoeswhohasbeenstungintheflanksbyagadfly。
Asecondblowfollowedthefirst，thenathird，andanotherandanother，andstillothers。Thewheeldidnotceasetoturn，northeblowstoraindown。
Soonthebloodburstforth，andcouldbeseentricklinginathousandthreadsdownthehunchback’sblackshoulders；andtheslenderthongs，intheirrotatorymotionwhichrenttheair，sprinkleddropsofituponthecrowd。
Quasimodohadresumed，toallappearance，hisfirstimperturbability。Hehadatfirsttried，inaquietwayandwithoutmuchoutwardmovement，tobreakhisbonds。Hiseyehadbeenseentolightup，hismusclestostiffen，hismemberstoconcentratetheirforce，andthestrapstostretch。Theeffortwaspowerful，prodigious，desperate；buttheprovost’sseasonedbondsresisted。Theycracked，andthatwasall。Quasimodofellbackexhausted。Amazementgaveway，onhisfeatures，toasentimentofprofoundandbitterdiscouragement。Heclosedhissingleeye，allowedhisheadtodroopuponhisbreast，andfeigneddeath。
Fromthatmomentforth，hestirrednomore。Nothingcouldforceamovementfromhim。Neitherhisblood，whichdidnotceasetoflow，northeblowswhichredoubledinfury，northewrathofthetorturer，whogrewexcitedhimselfandintoxicatedwiththeexecution，northesoundofthehorriblethongs，moresharpandwhistlingthantheclawsofscorpions。
AtlengthabailifffromtheChateletcladinblack，mountedonablackhorse，whohadbeenstationedbesidetheladdersincethebeginningoftheexecution，extendedhisebonywandtowardsthehour-glass。Thetorturerstopped。Thewheelstopped。Quasimodo’seyeopenedslowly。
Thescourgingwasfinished。Twolackeysoftheofficialtorturerbathedthebleedingshouldersofthepatient，anointedthemwithsomeunguentwhichimmediatelyclosedallthewounds，andthrewuponhisbackasortofyellowvestment，incutlikeachasuble。Inthemeanwhile，PierratTorterueallowedthethongs，redandgorgedwithblood，todripuponthepavement。
AllwasnotoverforQuasimodo。HehadstilltoundergothathourofpillorywhichMasterFlorianBarbediennehadsojudiciouslyaddedtothesentenceofMessireRobertd’Estouteville；
alltothegreatergloryoftheoldphysiologicalandpsychologicalplayuponwordsofJeandeCumène，~Surdusabsurdus~:adeafmanisabsurd。
Sothehour-glasswasturnedoveroncemore，andtheyleftthehunchbackfastenedtotheplank，inorderthatjusticemightbeaccomplishedtotheveryend。
Thepopulace，especiallyintheMiddleAges，isinsocietywhatthechildisinthefamily。Aslongasitremainsinitsstateofprimitiveignorance，ofmoralandintellectualminority，itcanbesaidofitasofthechild，——
’Tisthepitilessage。
WehavealreadyshownthatQuasimodowasgenerallyhated，formorethanonegoodreason，itistrue。TherewashardlyaspectatorinthatcrowdwhohadnotorwhodidnotbelievethathehadreasontocomplainofthemalevolenthunchbackofNotre-Dame。Thejoyatseeinghimappearthusinthepilloryhadbeenuniversal；andtheharshpunishmentwhichhehadjustsuffered，andthepitifulconditioninwhichithadlefthim，farfromsofteningthepopulacehadrendereditshatredmoremaliciousbyarmingitwithatouchofmirth。
Hence，the\"publicprosecution\"satisfied，asthebigwigsofthelawstillexpressitintheirjargon，theturncameofathousandprivatevengeances。Here，asintheGrandHall，thewomenrenderedthemselvesparticularlyprominent。Allcherishedsomerancoragainsthim，someforhismalice，othersforhisugliness。Thelatterwerethemostfurious。
\"Oh！maskofAntichrist！\"saidone。
\"Rideronabroomhandle！\"criedanother。
\"Whatafinetragicgrimace，\"howledathird，\"andwhowouldmakehimPopeoftheFoolsifto-daywereyesterday？\"
\"’Tiswell，\"struckinanoldwoman。\"Thisisthegrimaceofthepillory。Whenshallwehavethatofthegibbet？\"
\"Whenwillyoubecoiffedwithyourbigbellahundredfeetunderground，cursedbellringer？\"
\"But’tisthedevilwhoringstheAngelus！\"
\"Oh！thedeafman！theone-eyedcreature！thehunch-
back！themonster！\"
\"Afacetomakeawomanmiscarrybetterthanallthedrugsandmedicines！\"
Andthetwoscholars，JehanduMoulin，andRobinPoussepain，sangatthetopoftheirlungs，theancientrefrain，——
\"~UnehartPourlependard！
UnfagotPourlemagot~！\"*
*Aropeforthegallowsbird！Afagotfortheape。
Athousandotherinsultsraineddownuponhim，andhootsandimprecations，andlaughter，andnowandthen，stones。
Quasimodowasdeafbuthissightwasclear，andthepublicfurywasnolessenergeticallydepictedontheirvisagesthanintheirwords。Moreover，theblowsfromthestonesexplainedtheburstsoflaughter。
Atfirstheheldhisground。Butlittlebylittlethatpatiencewhichhadborneupunderthelashofthetorturer，yieldedandgavewaybeforeallthesestingsofinsects。ThebulloftheAsturiaswhohasbeenbutlittlemovedbytheattacksofthepicadorgrowsirritatedwiththedogsandbanderilleras。
Hefirstcastaroundaslowglanceofhatreduponthecrowd。
Butboundashewas，hisglancewaspowerlesstodriveawaythoseflieswhichwerestinginghiswound。Thenhemovedinhisbonds，andhisfuriousexertionsmadetheancientwheelofthepilloryshriekonitsaxle。Allthisonlyincreasedthederisionandhooting。
Thenthewretchedman，unabletobreakhiscollar，likethatofachainedwildbeast，becametranquiloncemore；onlyatintervalsasighofrageheavedthehollowsofhischest。
Therewasneithershamenorrednessonhisface。Hewastoofarfromthestateofsociety，andtoonearthestateofnaturetoknowwhatshamewas。Moreover，withsuchadegreeofdeformity，isinfamyathingthatcanbefelt？Butwrath，hatred，despair，slowlyloweredoverthathideousvisageacloudwhichgrewevermoreandmoresombre，evermoreandmorechargedwithelectricity，whichburstforthinathousandlightningflashesfromtheeyeofthecyclops。
Nevertheless，thatcloudclearedawayforamoment，atthepassageofamulewhichtraversedthecrowd，bearingapriest。
Asfarawayashecouldseethatmuleandthatpriest，thepoorvictim’svisagegrewgentler。Thefurywhichhadcontracteditwasfollowedbyastrangesmilefullofineffablesweetness，gentleness，andtenderness。Inproportionasthepriestapproached，thatsmilebecamemoreclear，moredistinct，moreradiant。ItwaslikethearrivalofaSaviour，whichtheunhappymanwasgreeting。Butassoonasthemulewasnearenoughtothepillorytoallowofitsriderrecognizingthevictim，thepriestdroppedhiseyes，beatahastyretreat，spurredonrigorously，asthoughinhastetoridhimselfofhumiliatingappeals，andnotatalldesirousofbeingsalutedandrecognizedbyapoorfellowinsuchapredicament。
ThispriestwasArchdeaconDomClaudeFrollo。
TheclouddescendedmoreblacklythaneveruponQuasimodo’sbrow。
Thesmilewasstillmingledwithitforatime，butwasbitter，discouraged，profoundlysad。
Timepassedon。Hehadbeenthereatleastanhourandahalf，lacerated，maltreated，mockedincessantly，andalmoststoned。
Allatoncehemovedagaininhischainswithredoubleddespair，whichmadethewholeframeworkthatborehimtremble，and，breakingthesilencewhichhehadobstinatelypreservedhitherto，hecriedinahoarseandfuriousvoice，whichresembledabarkratherthanahumancry，andwhichwasdrownedinthenoiseofthehoots——\"Drink！\"
Thisexclamationofdistress，farfromexcitingcompassion，onlyaddedamusementtothegoodParisianpopulacewhosurroundedtheladder，andwho，itmustbeconfessed，takeninthemassandasamultitude，wasthennolesscruelandbrutalthanthathorribletribeofrobbersamongwhomwehavealreadyconductedthereader，andwhichwassimplythelowerstratumofthepopulace。Notavoicewasraisedaroundtheunhappyvictim，excepttojeerathisthirst。Itiscertainthatatthatmomenthewasmoregrotesqueandrepulsivethanpitiable，withhisfacepurpleanddripping，hiseyewild，hismouthfoamingwithrageandpain，andhistonguelollinghalfout。Itmustalsobestatedthatifacharitablesoulofabourgeoisor~bourgeoise~，intherabble，hadattemptedtocarryaglassofwatertothatwretchedcreatureintorment，therereignedaroundtheinfamousstepsofthepillorysuchaprejudiceofshameandignominy，thatitwouldhavesufficedtorepulsethegoodSamaritan。
Attheexpirationofafewmoments，Quasimodocastadesperateglanceuponthecrowd，andrepeatedinavoicestillmoreheartrending:\"Drink！\"
Andallbegantolaugh。
\"Drinkthis！\"criedRobinPoussepain，throwinginhisfaceaspongewhichhadbeensoakedinthegutter。\"There，youdeafvillain，I’myourdebtor。\"
Awomanhurledastoneathishead，——
\"Thatwillteachyoutowakeusupatnightwithyourpealofadammedsoul。\"
\"He，good，myson！\"howledacripple，makinganefforttoreachhimwithhiscrutch，\"willyoucastanymorespellsonusfromthetopofthetowersofNotre-Dame？\"
\"Here’sadrinkingcup！\"chimedinaman，flingingabrokenjugathisbreast。\"’Twasyouthatmademywife，simplybecauseshepassednearyou，givebirthtoachildwithtwoheads！\"
\"Andmycatbringforthakittenwithsixpaws！\"yelpedanoldcrone，launchingabrickathim。
\"Drink！\"repeatedQuasimodopanting，andforthethirdtime。
Atthatmomenthebeheldthecrowdgiveway。Ayounggirl，fantasticallydressed，emergedfromthethrong。Shewasaccompaniedbyalittlewhitegoatwithgildedhorns，andcarriedatambourineinherhand。
Quasimodo’seyessparkled。Itwasthegypsywhomhehadattemptedtocarryoffontheprecedingnight，amisdeedforwhichhewasdimlyconsciousthathewasbeingpunishedatthatverymoment；whichwasnotintheleastthecase，sincehewasbeingchastisedonlyforthemisfortuneofbeingdeaf，andofhavingbeenjudgedbyadeafman。Hedoubtednotthatshehadcometowreakhervengeancealso，andtodealherblowliketherest。
Hebeheldher，infact，mounttheladderrapidly。Wrathandspitesuffocatehim。Hewouldhavelikedtomakethepillorycrumbleintoruins，andifthelightningofhiseyecouldhavedealtdeath，thegypsywouldhavebeenreducedtopowderbeforeshereachedtheplatform。
Sheapproached，withoututteringasyllable，thevictimwhowrithedinavainefforttoescapeher，anddetachingagourdfromhergirdle，sheraiseditgentlytotheparchedlipsofthemiserableman。
Then，fromthateyewhichhadbeen，uptothatmoment，sodryandburning，abigtearwasseentofall，androllslowlydownthatdeformedvisagesolongcontractedwithdespair。
Itwasthefirst，inallprobability，thattheunfortunatemanhadevershed。
Meanwhile，behadforgottentodrink。Thegypsymadeherlittlepout，fromimpatience，andpressedthespouttothetuskedmonthofQuasimodo，withasmile。
Hedrankwithdeepdraughts。Histhirstwasburning。
Whenhehadfinished，thewretchprotrudedhisblacklips，nodoubt，withtheobjectofkissingthebeautifulhandwhichhadjustsuccouredhim。Buttheyounggirl，whowas，perhaps，somewhatdistrustful，andwhorememberedtheviolentattemptofthenight，withdrewherhandwiththefrightenedgestureofachildwhoisafraidofbeingbittenbyabeast。
Thenthepoordeafmanfixedonheralookfullofreproachandinexpressiblesadness。
Itwouldhavebeenatouchingspectacleanywhere，——thisbeautiful，fresh，pure，andcharminggirl，whowasatthesametimesoweak，thushasteningtothereliefofsomuchmisery，deformity，andmalevolence。Onthepillory，thespectaclewassublime。
Theverypopulacewerecaptivatedbyit，andbegantoclaptheirhands，crying，——
\"Noel！Noel！\"
Itwasatthatmomentthatthereclusecaughtsight，fromthewindowofherbole，ofthegypsyonthepillory，andhurledatherhersinisterimprecation，——
\"Accursedbethou，daughterofEgypt！Accursed！accursed！\"
CHAPTERV。
ENDOFTHESTORYOFTHECAKE。
LaEsmeraldaturnedpaleanddescendedfromthepillory，staggeringasshewent。Thevoiceofthereclusestillpursuedher，——
\"Descend！descend！ThiefofEgypt！thoushaltascenditoncemore！\"
\"Thesackednunisinoneofhertantrums，\"mutteredthepopulace；andthatwastheendofit。Forthatsortofwomanwasfeared；whichrenderedthemsacred。Peopledidnotthenwillinglyattackonewhoprayeddayandnight。
ThehourhadarrivedforremovingQuasimodo。Hewasunbound，thecrowddispersed。
NeartheGrandPont，Mahiette，whowasreturningwithhertwocompanions，suddenlyhalted，——
\"Bytheway，Eustache！whatdidyoudowiththatcake？\"
\"Mother，\"saidthechild，\"whileyouweretalkingwiththatladyinthebole，abigdogtookabiteofmycake，andthenIbititalso。\"
\"What，sir，didyoueatthewholeofit？\"shewenton。
\"Mother，itwasthedog。Itoldhim，buthewouldnotlistentome。ThenIbitintoit，also。\"
\"’Tisaterriblechild！\"saidthemother，smilingandscoldingatoneandthesametime。\"Doyousee，Oudarde？Healreadyeatsallthefruitfromthecherry-treeinourorchardofCharlerange。Sohisgrandfathersaysthatbewillbeacaptain。Justletmecatchyouatitagain，MasterEustache。
Comealong，yougreedyfellow！\"
EndofVolume1。
VOLUMEII。
TABLEOFCONTENTS。
BOOKSEVENTH。
I。TheDangerofConfidingOne’sSecrettoaGoatII。APriestandaPhilosopheraretwoDifferentThingsIII。TheBellsIV。~ANArKH~
V。TheTwoMenClothedinBlackVI。TheEffectwhichSevenOathsintheOpenAircanProduceVII。TheMysteriousMonkVIII。TheUtilityofWindowswhichOpenontheRiverBOOKEIGHTH。
I。TheCrownChangedintoaDryLeafII。ContinuationoftheCrownwhichwasChangedintoaDryLeafIII。EndoftheCrownwhichwasChangedintoaDryLeafIV。~LasciateOgniSperanza~——Leaveallhopebehind，yewhoEnterhereV。TheMotherVI。ThreeHumanHeartsdifferentlyConstructedBOOKNINTH。
I。DeliriumII。Hunchbacked，OneEyed，LameIII。DeafIV。EarthenwareandCrystalV。TheKeytotheRedDoorVI。ContinuationoftheKeytotheRedDoorBOOKTENTH。
I。GringoirehasManyGoodIdeasinSuccession——RuedesBernardinsII。TurnVagabondIII。LongLiveMirthIV。AnAwkwardFriendV。TheRetreatinwhichMonsieurLouisofFrancesayshisPrayersVI。LittleSwordinPocketVII。ChateauperstotheRescueBOOKELEVENTH。
I。TheLittleShoeII。TheBeautifulCreatureCladinWhiteIII。TheMarriageofPinnbusIV。TheMarriageofQuasimodoNoteaddedtoDefinitiveEditionCHAPTERI。
THEDANGEROFCONFIDINGONE’SSECRETTOAGOAT。
Manyweekshadelapsed。
ThefirstofMarchhadarrived。Thesun，whichDubartas，thatclassicancestorofperiphrase，hadnotyetdubbedthe\"Grand-dukeofCandles，\"wasnonethelessradiantandjoyousonthataccount。Itwasoneofthosespringdayswhichpossessessomuchsweetnessandbeauty，thatallParisturnsoutintothesquaresandpromenadesandcelebratesthemasthoughtheywereSundays。Inthosedaysofbrilliancy，warmth，andserenity，thereisacertainhouraboveallothers，whenthefa？adeofNotre-Dameshouldbeadmired。
Itisthemomentwhenthesun，alreadydecliningtowardsthewest，looksthecathedralalmostfullintheface。Itsrays，growingmoreandmorehorizontal，withdrawslowlyfromthepavementofthesquare，andmountuptheperpendicularfa？ade，whosethousandbossesinhighrelieftheycausetostartoutfromtheshadows，whilethegreatcentralrosewindowflamesliketheeyeofacyclops，inflamedwiththereflectionsoftheforge。
Thiswasthehour。
Oppositetheloftycathedral，reddenedbythesettingsun，onthestonebalconybuiltabovetheporchofarichGothichouse，whichformedtheangleofthesquareandtheRueduParvis，severalyounggirlswerelaughingandchattingwitheverysortofgraceandmirth。Fromthelengthoftheveilwhichfellfromtheirpointedcoif，twinedwithpearls，totheirheels，fromthefinenessoftheembroideredchemisettewhichcoveredtheirshouldersandallowedaglimpse，accordingtothepleasingcustomofthetime，oftheswelloftheirfairvirginbosoms，fromtheopulenceoftheirunder-petticoatsstillmorepreciousthantheiroverdressmarvellousrefinement，fromthegauze，thesilk，thevelvet，withwhichallthiswascomposed，and，aboveall，fromthewhitenessoftheirhands，whichcertifiedtotheirleisureandidleness，itwaseasytodivinetheywerenobleandwealthyheiresses。Theywere，infact，DamoiselleFleur-de-LysdeGondelaurierandhercompanions，DianedeChristeuil，AmelottedeMontmichel，ColombedeGaillefontaine，andthelittledeChampchevriermaiden；alldamselsofgoodbirth，assembledatthatmomentatthehouseofthedamewidowdeGondelaurier，onaccountofMonseigneurdeBeaujeuandMadamehiswife，whoweretocometoParisinthemonthofApril，theretochoosemaidsofhonorfortheDauphinessMarguerite，whowastobereceivedinPicardyfromthehandsoftheFlemings。Now，allthesquiresfortwentyleaguesaroundwereintriguingforthisfavorfortheirdaughters，andagoodlynumberofthelatterhadbeenalreadybroughtorsenttoParis。ThesefourmaidenshadbeenconfidedtothediscreetandvenerablechargeofMadameAloisedeGondelaurier，widowofaformercommanderoftheking’scross-bowmen，whohadretiredwithheronlydaughtertoherhouseinthePlaceduParvis，Notre-
Dame，inParis。
Thebalconyonwhichtheseyounggirlsstoodopenedfromachamberrichlytapestriedinfawn-coloredFlandersleather，stampedwithgoldenfoliage。Thebeams，whichcuttheceilinginparallellines，divertedtheeyewithathousandeccentricpaintedandgildedcarvings。Splendidenamelsgleamedhereandthereoncarvedchests；aboar’sheadinfaiencecrownedamagnificentdresser，whosetwoshelvesannouncedthatthemistressofthehousewasthewifeorwidowofaknightbanneret。Attheendoftheroom，bythesideofaloftychimneyblazonedwitharmsfromtoptobottom，inarichredvelvetarm-chair，satDamedeGondelaurier，whosefiveandfiftyyearswerewrittenuponhergarmentsnolessdistinctlythanuponherface。
Besideherstoodayoungmanofimposingmien，althoughpartakingsomewhatofvanityandbravado——oneofthosehandsomefellowswhomallwomenagreetoadmire，althoughgravemenlearnedinphysiognomyshrugtheirshouldersatthem。Thisyoungmanworethegarbofacaptainoftheking’sunattachedarchers，whichbearsfartoomuchresemblancetothecostumeofJupiter，whichthereaderhasalreadybeenenabledtoadmireinthefirstbookofthishistory，forustoinflictuponhimaseconddescription。
Thedamoiselleswereseated，apartinthechamber，apartinthebalcony，someonsquarecushionsofUtrechtvelvetwithgoldencorners，othersonstoolsofoakcarvedinflowersandfigures。Eachofthemheldonherkneeasectionofagreatneedleworktapestry，onwhichtheywereworkingincompany，whileoneendofitlayupontherushmatwhichcoveredthefloor。
Theywerechattingtogetherinthatwhisperingtoneandwiththehalf-stifledlaughspeculiartoanassemblyofyounggirlsinwhosemidstthereisayoungman。Theyoungmanwhosepresenceservedtosetinplayallthesefeminineself-
conceits，appearedtopayverylittleheedtothematter，and，whiletheseprettydamselswerevyingwithoneanothertoattracthisattention，heseemedtobechieflyabsorbedinpolishingthebuckleofhisswordbeltwithhisdoeskinglove。
Fromtimetotime，theoldladyaddressedhiminaverylowtone，andherepliedaswellashewasable，withasortofawkwardandconstrainedpoliteness。
FromthesmilesandsignificantgesturesofDameAloise，fromtheglanceswhichshethrewtowardsherdaughter，Fleur-de-Lys，asshespokelowtothecaptain，itwaseasytoseethattherewashereaquestionofsomebetrothalconcluded，somemarriagenearathandnodoubt，betweentheyoungmanandFleur-de-Lys。Fromtheembarrassedcoldnessoftheofficer，itwaseasytoseethatonhisside，atleast，lovehadnolongeranypartinthematter。Hiswholeairwasexpressiveofconstraintandweariness，whichourlieutenantsofthegarrisonwouldto-daytranslateadmirablyas，\"Whatabeastlybore！\"
Thepoordame，verymuchinfatuatedwithherdaughter，likeanyothersillymother，didnotperceivetheofficer’slackofenthusiasm，andstroveinlowtonestocallhisattentiontotheinfinitegracewithwhichFleur-de-Lysusedherneedleorwoundherskein。
\"Come，littlecousin，\"shesaidtohim，pluckinghimbythesleeve，inordertospeakinhisear，\"Lookather，do！seeherstoop。\"
\"Yes，truly，\"repliedtheyoungman，andfellbackintohisglacialandabsent-mindedsilence。
Amomentlater，hewasobligedtobenddownagain，andDameAloisesaidtohim，——
\"Haveyoueverbeheldamoregayandcharmingfacethanthatofyourbetrothed？Canonebemorewhiteandblonde？
arenotherhandsperfect？andthatneck——doesitnotassumeallthecurvesoftheswaninravishingfashion？HowIenvyyouattimes！andhowhappyyouaretobeaman，naughtylibertinethatyouare！IsnotmyFleur-de-Lysadorablybeautiful，andareyounotdesperatelyinlovewithher？\"
\"Ofcourse，\"hereplied，stillthinkingofsomethingelse。
\"Butdosaysomething，\"saidMadameAloise，suddenlygivinghisshoulderapush；\"youhavegrownverytimid。\"
Wecanassureourreadersthattimiditywasneitherthecaptain’svirtuenorhisdefect。Buthemadeanefforttodowhatwasdemandedofhim。
\"Faircousin，\"hesaid，approachingFleur-de-Lys，\"whatisthesubjectofthistapestryworkwhichyouarefashioning？’
\"Faircousin，\"respondedFleur-de-Lys，inanoffendedtone，\"Ihavealreadytoldyouthreetimes。’TisthegrottoofNeptune。\"
ItwasevidentthatFleur-de-Lyssawmuchmoreclearlythanhermotherthroughthecaptain’scoldandabsent-mindedmanner。Hefeltthenecessityofmakingsomeconversation。
\"AndforwhomisthisNeptuneriedestined？\"
\"FortheAbbeyofSaint-AntoinedesChamps，\"answeredFleur-de-Lys，withoutraisinghereyes。
Thecaptaintookupacornerofthetapestry。
\"Who，myfaircousin，isthisbiggendarme，whoispuffingouthischeekstotheirfullextentandblowingatrumpet？\"
\"’TisTriton，\"shereplied。
TherewasaratherpettishintonationinFleur-de-Lys’s——
laconicwords。Theyoungmanunderstoodthatitwasindispensablethatheshouldwhispersomethinginherear，acommonplace，agallantcompliment，nomatterwhat。Accordinglyhebentdown，buthecouldfindnothinginhisimaginationmoretenderandpersonalthanthis，——
\"Whydoesyourmotheralwayswearthatsurcoatwitharmorialdesigns，likeourgrandmothersofthetimeofCharlesVII。？Tellher，faircousin，that’tisnolongerthefashion，andthatthehingegondandthelaurellaurierembroideredonherrobegivehertheairofawalkingmantlepiece。
Intruth，peoplenolongersitthusontheirbanners，I
assureyou。\"
Fleur-de-Lysraisedherbeautifuleyes，fullofreproach，\"Isthatallofwhichyoucanassureme？\"shesaid，inalowvoice。
Inthemeantime，DameAloise，delightedtoseethemthusbendingtowardseachotherandwhispering，saidasshetoyedwiththeclaspsofherprayer-book，——
\"Touchingpictureoflove！\"
Thecaptain，moreandmoreembarrassed，fellbackuponthesubjectofthetapestry，——\"’Tis，insooth，acharmingwork！\"
heexclaimed。
WhereuponColombedeGaillefontaine，anotherbeautifulblonde，withawhiteskin，dressedtotheneckinbluedamask，venturedatimidremarkwhichsheaddressedtoFleur-de-Lys，inthehopethatthehandsomecaptainwouldreplytoit，\"MydearGondelaurier，haveyouseenthetapestriesoftheH？teldelaRoche-Guyon？\"
\"IsnotthatthehotelinwhichisenclosedthegardenoftheLingèreduLouvre？\"askedDianedeChristeuilwithalaugh；forshehadhandsometeeth，andconsequentlylaughedoneveryoccasion。
\"Andwherethereisthatbig，oldtoweroftheancientwallofParis，\"addedAmelottedeMontmichel，aprettyfreshandcurly-headedbrunette，whohadahabitofsighingjustastheotherlaughed，withoutknowingwhy。
\"MydearColombe，\"interpolatedDameAloise，\"doyounotmeanthehotelwhichbelongedtoMonsieurdeBacqueville，inthereignofKingCharlesVI。？thereareindeedmanysuperbhighwarptapestriesthere。\"
\"CharlesVI。！CharlesVI。！\"mutteredtheyoungcaptain，twirlinghismoustache。\"Goodheavens！whatoldthingsthegooddamedoesremember！\"
MadamedeGondelauriercontinued，\"Finetapestries，intruth。Aworksoesteemedthatitpassesasunrivalled。\"
AtthatmomentBérangèredeChampchevrier，aslenderlittlemaidofsevenyears，whowaspeeringintothesquarethroughthetrefoilsofthebalcony，exclaimed，\"Oh！look，fairGodmotherFleur-de-Lys，atthatprettydancerwhoisdancingonthepavementandplayingthetambourineinthemidstoftheloutishbourgeois！\"
Thesonorousvibrationofatambourinewas，infact，audible。
\"SomegypsyfromBohemia，\"saidFleur-de-Lys，turningcarelesslytowardthesquare。
\"Look！look！\"exclaimedherlivelycompanions；andtheyallrantotheedgeofthebalcony，whileFleur-de-Lys，renderedthoughtfulbythecoldnessofherbetrothed，followedthemslowly，andthelatter，relievedbythisincident，whichputanendtoanembarrassingconversation，retreatedtothefartherendoftheroom，withthesatisfiedairofasoldierreleasedfromduty。Nevertheless，thefairFleur-de-Lys’swasacharmingandnobleservice，andsuchithadformerlyappearedtohim；butthecaptainhadgraduallybecomeblase’；theprospectofaspeedymarriagecooledhimmoreeveryday。Moreover，hewasofafickledisposition，and，mustwesayit，rathervulgarintaste。Althoughofverynoblebirth，hehadcontractedinhisofficialharnessmorethanonehabitofthecommontrooper。Thetavernanditsaccompanimentspleasedhim。Hewasonlyathiseaseamidgrosslanguage，militarygallantries，facilebeauties，andsuccessesyetmoreeasy。Hehad，nevertheless，receivedfromhisfamilysomeeducationandsomepolitenessofmanner；
buthehadbeenthrownontheworldtooyoung，hehadbeeningarrisonattooearlyanage，andeverydaythepolishofagentlemanbecamemoreandmoreeffacedbytheroughfrictionofhisgendarme’scross-belt。Whilestillcontinuingtovisitherfromtimetotime，fromaremnantofcommonrespect，hefeltdoublyembarrassedwithFleur-de-Lys；inthefirstplace，because，inconsequenceofhavingscatteredhisloveinallsortsofplaces，hehadreservedverylittleforher；
inthenextplace，because，amidsomanystiff，formal，anddecentladies，hewasinconstantfearlesthismouth，habituatedtooaths，shouldsuddenlytakethebitinitsteeth，andbreakoutintothelanguageofthetavern。Theeffectcanbeimagined！
Moreover，allthiswasmingledinhim，withgreatpretentionstoelegance，toilet，andafineappearance。Letthereaderreconcilethesethingsasbesthecan。Iamsimplythehistorian。
Hehadremained，therefore，forseveralminutes，leaninginsilenceagainstthecarvedjambofthechimney，andthinkingornotthinking，whenFleur-de-Lyssuddenlyturnedandaddressedhim。Afterall，thepooryounggirlwaspoutingagainstthedictatesofherheart。
\"Faircousin，didyounotspeaktousofalittleBohemianwhomyousavedacoupleofmonthsago，whilemakingthepatrolwiththewatchatnight，fromthehandsofadozenrobbers？\"
\"Ibelieveso，faircousin，。\"saidthecaptain。
\"Well，\"sheresumed，\"perchance’tisthatsamegypsygirlwhoisdancingyonder，onthechurchsquare。Comeandseeifyourecognizeher，fairCousinPhoebus。\"
Asecretdesireforreconciliationwasapparentinthisgentleinvitationwhichshegavehimtoapproachher，andinthecarewhichshetooktocallhimbyname。CaptainPhoebusdeChateaupersforitishewhomthereaderhashadbeforehiseyessincethebeginningofthischapterslowlyapproachedthebalcony。\"Stay，\"saidFleur-de-Lys，layingherhandtenderlyonPhoebus’sarm；\"lookatthatlittlegirlyonder，dancinginthatcircle。IssheyourBohemian？\"
Phoebuslooked，andsaid，——
\"Yes，Irecognizeherbyhergoat。\"
\"Oh！infact，whataprettylittlegoat！\"saidAmelotte，claspingherhandsinadmiration。
\"Arehishornsofrealgold？\"inquiredBérangère。
Withoutmovingfromherarm-chair，DameAloiseinterposed，\"IsshenotoneofthosegypsygirlswhoarrivedlastyearbytheGibardgate？\"
\"Madamemymother，\"saidFleur-de-Lysgently，\"thatgateisnowcalledthePorted’Enfer。\"
MademoiselledeGondelaurierknewhowhermother’santiquatedmodeofspeechshockedthecaptain。Infact，hebegantosneer，andmutteredbetweenhisteeth:\"PorteGibard！PorteGibard！’TisenoughtomakeKingCharlesVI。
passby。\"
\"Godmother！\"exclaimedBérangère，whoseeyes，incessantlyinmotion，hadsuddenlybeenraisedtothesummitofthetowersofNotre-Dame，\"whoisthatblackmanupyonder？\"
Alltheyounggirlsraisedtheireyes。Amanwas，intruth，leaningonthebalustradewhichsurmountedthenortherntower，lookingontheGrève。Hewasapriest。Hiscostumecouldbeplainlydiscerned，andhisfacerestingonbothhishands。Buthestirrednomorethanifhehadbeenastatue。
Hiseyes，intentlyfixed，gazedintothePlace。
Itwassomethingliketheimmobilityofabirdofprey，whohasjustdiscoveredanestofsparrows，andisgazingatit。
\"’TismonsieurthearchdeaconofJosas，\"saidFleur-de-Lys。
\"Youhavegoodeyesifyoucanrecognizehimfromhere，\"
saidtheGaillefontaine。
\"Howheisstaringatthelittledancer！\"wentonDianedeChristeuil。
\"Letthegypsybeware！\"saidFleur-de-Lys，\"forhelovesnotEgypt。\"
\"’Tisagreatshameforthatmantolookuponherthus，\"
addedAmelottedeMontmichel，\"forshedancesdelightfully。\"
\"FaircousinPhoebus，\"saidFleur-de-Lyssuddenly，\"Sinceyouknowthislittlegypsy，makeherasigntocomeuphere。
Itwillamuseus。\"
\"Oh，yes！\"exclaimedalltheyounggirls，clappingtheirhands。
\"Why！’tisnotworthwhile，\"repliedPhoebus。\"Shehasforgottenme，nodoubt，andIknownotsomuchashername。Nevertheless，asyouwishit，youngladies，Iwillmakethetrial。\"Andleaningoverthebalustradeofthebalcony，hebegantoshout，\"Littleone！\"
Thedancerwasnotbeatinghertambourineatthemoment。
Sheturnedherheadtowardsthepointwhencethiscallproceeded，herbrillianteyesrestedonPhoebus，andshestoppedshort。
\"Littleone！\"repeatedthecaptain；andhebeckonedhertoapproach。
Theyounggirllookedathimagain，thensheblushedasthoughaflamehadmountedintohercheeks，and，takinghertambourineunderherarm，shemadeherwaythroughtheastonishedspectatorstowardsthedoorofthehousewherePhoebuswascallingher，withslow，totteringsteps，andwiththetroubledlookofabirdwhichisyieldingtothefascinationofaserpent。
Amomentlater，thetapestryportièrewasraised，andthegypsyappearedonthethresholdofthechamber，blushing，confused，breathless，herlargeeyesdrooping，andnotdaringtoadvanceanotherstep。
Bérangèreclappedherhands。