ItiscertainthatJehanhadmadeaverybadchoiceofnamesforhistwofriends。Herealizedittoolate。
\"Andthen，\"pursuedthesagaciousClaude，\"whatsortofaninfant’soutfitisitthatistocostthreeforms，andthatforthechildofaHaudriette？SincewhenhavetheHaudriettewidowstakentohavingbabesinswaddling-clothes？\"
Jehanbroketheiceoncemore。
\"Eh，well！yes！IneedmoneyinordertogoandseeIsabeaulaThierryeto-night；intheVal-d’Amour！\"
\"Impurewretch！\"exclaimedthepriest。
\"~Avayveia~！\"saidJehan。
Thisquotation，whichthescholarborrowedwithmalice，perchance，fromthewallofthecell，producedasingulareffectonthearchdeacon。Hebithislipsandhiswrathwasdrownedinacrimsonflush。
\"Begone，\"hesaidtoJehan。\"Iamexpectingsomeone。\"
Thescholarmadeonemoreeffort。
\"BrotherClaude，givemeatleastonelittleparisistobuysomethingtoeat。\"
\"HowfarhaveyougoneintheDecretalsofGratian？\"
demandedDomClaude。
\"Ihavelostmycopybooks。
\"WhereareyouinyourLatinhumanities？\"
\"MycopyofHoracehasbeenstolen。\"
\"WhereareyouinAristotle？\"
\"I’faith！brotherwhatfatherofthechurchisit，whosaysthattheerrorsofhereticshavealwayshadfortheirlurkingplacethethicketsofAristotle’smetaphysics？AplagueonAristotle！Icarenottotearmyreligiononhismetaphysics。\"
\"Youngman，\"resumedthearchdeacon，\"attheking’slastentry，therewasayounggentleman，namedPhilippedeComines，whoworeembroideredonthehousingsofhishorsethisdevice，uponwhichIcounselyoutomeditate:~Quinonlaborat，nonmanducet~。\"
Thescholarremainedsilentforamoment，withhisfingerinhisear，hiseyesontheground，andadiscomfitedmien。
AllatonceheturnedroundtoClaudewiththeagilequicknessofawagtail。
\"So，mygoodbrother，yourefusemeasouparisis，wherewithtobuyacrustatabaker’sshop？\"
\"~Quinonlaborat，nonmanducet~。\"
Atthisresponseoftheinflexiblearchdeacon，Jehanhidhisheadinhishands，likeawomansobbing，andexclaimedwithanexpressionofdespair:\"~Orororororoi~。\"
\"Whatisthemeaningofthis，sir？\"demandedClaude，surprisedatthisfreak。
\"Whatindeed！\"saidthescholar；andheliftedtoClaudehisimpudenteyesintowhichhehadjustthrusthisfistsinordertocommunicatetothemtherednessoftears；\"’tisGreek！’tisananapaestofAEschyluswhichexpressesgriefperfectly。\"
Andhereheburstintoalaughsodrollandviolentthatitmadethearchdeaconsmile。ItwasClaude’sfault，infact:
whyhadhesospoiledthatchild？
\"Oh！goodBrotherClaude，\"resumedJehan，emboldenedbythissmile，\"lookatmywornoutboots。Isthereacothurnusintheworldmoretragicthantheseboots，whosesolesarehangingouttheirtongues？\"
Thearchdeaconpromptlyreturnedtohisoriginalseverity。
\"Iwillsendyousomenewboots，butnomoney。\"
\"Onlyapoorlittleparisis，brother，\"continuedthesuppliantJehan。\"IwilllearnGratianbyheart，IwillbelievefirmlyinGod，IwillbearegularPythagorasofscienceandvirtue。Butonelittleparisis，inmercy！Wouldyouhavefaminebitemewithitsjawswhicharegapinginfrontofme，blacker，deeper，andmorenoisomethanaTartarusorthenoseofamonk？\"
DomClaudeshookhiswrinkledhead:\"~Quinonlaborat~——\"
Jehandidnotallowhimtofinish。
\"Well，\"heexclaimed，\"tothedevilthen！Longlivejoy！I
willliveinthetavern，Iwillfight，IwillbreakpotsandIwillgoandseethewenches。\"Andthereupon，hehurledhiscapatthewall，andsnappedhisfingerslikecastanets。
Thearchdeaconsurveyedhimwithagloomyair。
\"Jehan，youhavenosoul。\"
\"Inthatcase，accordingtoEpicurius，Ilackasomethingmadeofanothersomethingwhichhasnoname。\"
\"Jehan，youmustthinkseriouslyofamendingyourways。\"
\"Oh，comenow，\"criedthestudent，gazinginturnathisbrotherandthealembicsonthefurnace，\"everythingispreposteroushere，bothideasandbottles！\"
\"Jehan，youareonaveryslipperydownwardroad。Doyouknowwhitheryouaregoing？\"
\"Tothewine-shop，\"saidJehan。
\"Thewine-shopleadstothepillory。\"
\"’Tisasgoodalanternasanyother，andperchancewiththatone，Diogeneswouldhavefoundhisman。\"
\"Thepilloryleadstothegallows。\"
\"Thegallowsisabalancewhichhasamanatoneendandthewholeearthattheother。’Tisfinetobetheman。\"
\"Thegallowsleadstohell。\"
\"’Tisabigfire。\"。
\"Jehan，Jehan，theendwillbebad。\"
\"Thebeginningwillhavebeengood。\"
Atthatmoment，thesoundofafootstepwasheardonthestaircase。
\"Silence！\"saidthearchdeacon，layinghisfingeronhismouth，\"hereisMasterJacques。Listen，Jehan，\"headded，inalowvoice；\"haveacarenevertospeakofwhatyoushallhaveseenorheardhere。Hideyourselfquicklyunderthefurnace，anddonotbreathe。\"
Thescholarconcealedhimself；justthenahappyideaoccurredtohim。
\"Bytheway，BrotherClaude，aformfornotbreathing。\"
\"Silence！Ipromise。\"
\"Youmustgiveittome。\"
\"Takeit，then！\"saidthearchdeaconangrily，flinginghispurseathim。
Jehandartedunderthefurnaceagain，andthedooropened。
CHAPTERV。
THETWOMENCLOTHEDINBLACK。
Thepersonagewhoenteredworeablackgownandagloomymien。ThefirstpointwhichstrucktheeyeofourJehanwho，asthereaderwillreadilysurmise，hadensconcedhimselfinhisnookinsuchamannerastoenablehimtoseeandheareverythingathisgoodpleasurewastheperfectsadnessofthegarmentsandthevisageofthisnew-corner。
Therewas，nevertheless，somesweetnessdiffusedoverthatface，butitwasthesweetnessofacatorajudge，anaffected，treacheroussweetness。Hewasverygrayandwrinkled，andnotfarfromhissixtiethyear，hiseyesblinked，hiseyebrowswerewhite，hislippendulous，andhishandslarge。WhenJehansawthatitwasonlythis，thatistosay，nodoubtaphysicianoramagistrate，andthatthismanhadanoseveryfarfromhismouth，asignofstupidity，henestleddowninhishole，indespairatbeingobligedtopassanindefinitetimeinsuchanuncomfortableattitude，andinsuchbadcompany。
Thearchdeacon，inthemeantime，hadnotevenrisentoreceivethispersonage。Hehadmadethelatterasigntoseathimselfonastoolnearthedoor，and，afterseveralmomentsofasilencewhichappearedtobeacontinuationofaprecedingmeditation，hesaidtohiminaratherpatronizingway，\"Goodday，MasterJacques。\"
\"Greeting，master，\"repliedthemaninblack。
Therewasinthetwowaysinwhich\"MasterJacques\"
waspronouncedontheonehand，andthe\"master\"bypreeminenceontheother，thedifferencebetweenmonseigneurandmonsieur，between~domine~and~domne~。Itwasevidentlythemeetingofateacherandadisciple。
\"Well！\"resumedthearchdeacon，afterafreshsilencewhichMasterJacquestookgoodcarenottodisturb，\"howareyousucceeding？\"
\"Alas！master，\"saidtheother，withasadsmile，\"Iamstillseekingthestone。Plentyofashes。Butnotasparkofgold。\"
DomClaudemadeagestureofimpatience。\"Iamnottalkingtoyouofthat，MasterJacquesCharmolue，butofthetrialofyourmagician。IsitnotMarcCenainethatyoucallhim？thebutleroftheCourtofAccounts？Doesheconfesshiswitchcraft？Haveyoubeensuccessfulwiththetorture？\"
\"Alas！no，\"repliedMasterJacques，stillwithhissadsmile；\"wehavenotthatconsolation。Thatmanisastone。
WemighthavehimboiledintheMarchéauxPourceaux，beforehewouldsayanything。Nevertheless，wearesparingnothingforthesakeofgettingatthetruth；heisalreadythoroughlydislocated，weareapplyingalltheherbsofSaintJohn’sday；
assaiththeoldcomedianPlautus，——
~’Advorsumstimulos，laminas，crucesque，compedesque，Nerros，catenas，carceres，numellas，pedicas，boias~。’
Nothinganswers；thatmanisterrible。Iamatmywit’sendoverhim。\"
\"Youhavefoundnothingnewinhishouse？\"
\"I’faith，yes，\"saidMasterJacques，fumblinginhispouch；
\"thisparchment。Therearewordsinitwhichwecannotcomprehend。Thecriminaladvocate，MonsieurPhilippeLheulier，nevertheless，knowsalittleHebrew，whichhelearnedinthatmatteroftheJewsoftheRueKantersten，atBrussels。\"
Sosaying，MasterJacquesunrolledaparchment。\"Giveithere，\"saidthearchdeacon。Andcastinghiseyesuponthiswriting:\"Puremagic，MasterJacques！\"heexclaimed。
\"’Emen-Hétan！’’Tisthecryofthevampireswhentheyarriveatthewitches’sabbath。~Peripsum，etcumipso，etinipso~！’Tisthecommandwhichchainsthedevilinhell。
~Hax，pax，max~！thatreferstomedicine。Aformulaagainstthebiteofmaddogs。MasterJacques！youareprocuratortothekingintheEcclesiasticalCourts:thisparchmentisabominable。\"
\"Wewillputthemantothetortureoncemore。Hereagain，\"addedMasterJacques，fumblingafreshinhispouch，\"issomethingthatwehavefoundatMarcCenaine’shouse。\"
ItwasavesselbelongingtothesamefamilyasthosewhichcoveredDomClaude’sfurnace。
\"Ah！\"saidthearchdeacon，\"acrucibleforalchemy。\"
\"Iwillconfesstoyou，\"continuedMasterJacques，withhistimidandawkwardsmile，\"thatIhavetrieditoverthefurnace，butIhavesucceedednobetterthanwithmyown。\"
Thearchdeaconbegananexaminationofthevessel。
\"Whathasheengravedonhiscrucible？~Och！och~！
thewordwhichexpelsfleas！ThatMarcCenaineisanignoramus！Iverilybelievethatyouwillnevermakegoldwiththis！’Tisgoodtosetinyourbedroominsummerandthatisall！\"
\"Sincewearetalkingabouterrors，\"saidtheking’sprocurator，\"Ihavejustbeenstudyingthefiguresontheportalbelowbeforeascendinghither；isyourreverencequitesurethattheopeningoftheworkofphysicsisthereportrayedonthesidetowardstheH？tel-Dieu，andthatamongthesevennudefigureswhichstandatthefeetofNotre-Dame，thatwhichhaswingsonhisheelsisMercurius？\"
\"Yes，\"repliedthepriest；\"’tisAugustinNyphowhowritesit，thatItaliandoctorwhohadabeardeddemonwhoacquaintedhimwithallthings。However，wewilldescend，andIwillexplainittoyouwiththetextbeforeus。\"
\"Thanks，master，\"saidCharmolue，bowingtotheearth。
\"Bytheway，Iwasonthepointofforgetting。WhendothitpleaseyouthatIshallapprehendthelittlesorceress？\"
\"Whatsorceress？\"
\"Thatgypsygirlyouknow，whocomeseverydaytodanceonthechurchsquare，inspiteoftheofficial’sprohibition！
Shehathademoniacgoatwithhornsofthedevil，whichreads，whichwrites，whichknowsmathematicslikePicatrix，andwhichwouldsufficetohangallBohemia。Theprosecutionisallready；’twillsoonbefinished，Iassureyou！A
prettycreature，onmysoul，thatdancer！Thehandsomestblackeyes！TwoEgyptiancarbuncles！Whenshallwebegin？\"
Thearchdeaconwasexcessivelypale。
\"Iwilltellyouthathereafter，\"hestammered，inavoicethatwasbarelyarticulate；thenheresumedwithaneffort，\"BusyyourselfwithMarcCenaine。\"
\"Beatease，\"saidCharmoluewithasmile；\"I’llbucklehimdownagainforyouontheleatherbedwhenIgethome。
But’tisadevilofaman；heweariesevenPierratTorteruehimself，whohathhandslargerthanmyown。AsthatgoodPlautussaith，——
’~Nudusvinctus，centumpondo，esquandopendesperpedes~。’
Thetortureofthewheelandaxle！’Tisthemosteffectual！
Heshalltasteit！\"
DomClaudeseemedabsorbedingloomyabstraction。HeturnedtoCharmolue，——
\"MasterPierrat——MasterJacques，Imean，busyyourselfwithMarcCenaine。\"
\"Yes，yes，DomClaude。Poorman！hewillhavesufferedlikeMummol。Whatanideatogotothewitches’sabbath！
abutleroftheCourtofAccounts，whooughttoknowCharlemagne’stext；~Strygavelmasea~！——Inthematterofthelittlegirl，——Smelarda，astheycallher，——Iwillawaityourorders。Ah！aswepassthroughtheportal，youwillexplaintomealsothemeaningofthegardenerpaintedinrelief，whichoneseesasoneentersthechurch。IsitnottheSower？Hé！
master，ofwhatareyouthinking，pray？\"
DomClaude，buriedinhisownthoughts，nolongerlistenedtohim。Charmolue，followingthedirectionofhisglance，perceivedthatitwasfixedmechanicallyonthegreatspider’swebwhichdrapedthewindow。Atthatmoment，abewilderedflywhichwasseekingtheMarchsun，flungitselfthroughthenetandbecameentangledthere。Ontheagitationofhisweb，theenormousspidermadeanabruptmovefromhiscentralcell，thenwithonebound，rusheduponthefly，whichhefoldedtogetherwithhisforeantennae，whilehishideousproboscisdugintothevictim’sbead。\"Poorfly！\"
saidtheking’sprocuratorintheecclesiasticalcourt；andheraisedhishandtosaveit。Thearchdeacon，asthoughrousedwithastart，withheldhisarmwithconvulsiveviolence。
\"MasterJacques，\"hecried，\"letfatetakeitscourse！\"
Theprocuratorwheeledroundinaffright；itseemedtohimthatpincersofironhadclutchedhisarm。Thepriest’seyewasstaring，wild，flaming，andremainedrivetedonthehorriblelittlegroupofthespiderandthefly。
\"Oh，yes！\"continuedthepriest，inavoicewhichseemedtoproceedfromthedepthsofhisbeing，\"beholdhereasymbolofall。Sheflies，sheisjoyous，sheisjustborn；sheseeksthespring，theopenair，liberty:oh，yes！butlethercomeincontactwiththefatalnetwork，andthespiderissuesfromit，thehideousspider！Poordancer！poor，predestinedfly！Letthingstaketheircourse，MasterJacques，’tisfate！
Alas！Claude，thouartthespider！Claude，thouarttheflyalso！Thouwertflyingtowardslearning，light，thesun。
Thouhadstnoothercarethantoreachtheopenair，thefulldaylightofeternaltruth；butinprecipitatingthyselftowardsthedazzlingwindowwhichopensupontheotherworld，——upontheworldofbrightness，intelligence，andscience——blindfly！senseless，learnedman！thouhastnotperceivedthatsubtlespider’sweb，stretchedbydestinybetwixtthelightandthee——thouhastflungthyselfheadlongintoit，andnowthouartstrugglingwithheadbrokenandmangledwingsbetweentheironantennaeoffate！MasterJacques！MasterJacques！letthespiderworkitswill！\"
\"Iassureyou，\"saidCharmolue，whowasgazingathimwithoutcomprehendinghim，\"thatIwillnottouchit。Butreleasemyarm，master，forpity’ssake！Youhaveahandlikeapairofpincers。\"
Thearchdeacondidnothearhim。\"Oh，madman！\"hewenton，withoutremovinghisgazefromthewindow。\"Andevencouldstthouhavebrokenthroughthatformidableweb，withthygnat’swings，thoubelievestthatthoucouldsthavereachedthelight？Alas！thatpaneofglasswhichisfurtheron，thattransparentobstacle，thatwallofcrystal，harderthanbrass，whichseparatesallphilosophiesfromthetruth，howwouldstthouhaveovercomeit？Oh，vanityofscience！howmanywisemencomeflyingfromafar，todashtheirheadsagainstthee！Howmanysystemsvainlyflingthemselvesbuzzingagainstthateternalpane！\"
Hebecamesilent。Theselastideas，whichhadgraduallyledhimbackfromhimselftoscience，appearedtohavecalmedhim。JacquesCharmoluerecalledhimwhollytoasenseofrealitybyaddressingtohimthisquestion:\"Come，now，master，whenwillyoucometoaidmeinmakinggold？Iamimpatienttosucceed。\"
Thearchdeaconshookhishead，withabittersmile。\"MasterJacquesreadMichelPsellus’’~DialogusdeEnergiaetOperationeDaemonum~_。’Whatwearedoingisnotwhollyinnocent。\"
\"Speaklower，master！Ihavemysuspicionsofit，\"saidJacquesCharmolue。\"Butonemustpractiseabitofhermeticsciencewhenoneisonlyprocuratorofthekingintheecclesiasticalcourt，atthirtycrownstournoisayear。Onlyspeaklow。\"
Atthatmomentthesoundofjawsintheactofmastication，whichproceededfrombeneaththefurnace，struckCharmolue’suneasyear。
\"What’sthat？\"heinquired。
Itwasthescholar，who，illatease，andgreatlyboredinhishiding-place，hadsucceededindiscoveringthereastalecrustandatriangleofmouldycheese，andhadsettodevouringthewholewithoutceremony，bywayofconsolationandbreakfast。
Ashewasveryhungry，hemadeagreatdealofnoise，andheaccentedeachmouthfulstrongly，whichstartledandalarmedtheprocurator。
\"’Tisacatofmine，\"saidthearchdeacon，quickly，\"whoisregalingherselfundertherewithamouse，\"
ThisexplanationsatisfiedCharmolue。
\"Infact，master，\"hereplied，witharespectfulsmile，\"allgreatphilosophershavetheirfamiliaranimal。YouknowwhatServiussaith:’~Nullusenimlocussinegenioest~，——forthereisnoplacethathathnotitsspirit。’\"
ButDomClaude，whostoodinterrorofsomenewfreakonthepartofJehan，remindedhisworthydisciplethattheyhadsomefiguresonthefa？adetostudytogether，andthetwoquittedthecell，totheaccompanimentofagreat\"ouf！\"fromthescholar，whobegantoseriouslyfearthathiskneewouldacquiretheimprintofhischin。
CHAPTERVI。
THEEFFECTWHICHSEVENOATHSINTHEOPENAIRCANPRODUCE。
\"~TeDeumLaudamus~！\"exclaimedMasterJehan，creepingoutfromhishole，\"thescreech-owlshavedeparted。Och！
och！Hax！pax！max！fleas！maddogs！thedevil！Ihavehadenoughoftheirconversation！Myheadishumminglikeabelltower。Andmouldycheesetoboot！Comeon！Letusdescend，takethebigbrother’spurseandconvertallthesecoinsintobottles！\"
Hecastaglanceoftendernessandadmirationintotheinteriorofthepreciouspouch，readjustedhistoilet，rubbeduphisboots，dustedhispoorhalfsleeves，allgraywithashes，whistledanair，indulgedinasportivepirouette，lookedabouttoseewhethertherewerenotsomethingmoreinthecelltotake，gathereduphereandthereonthefurnacesomeamuletinglasswhichmightservetobestow，intheguiseofatrinket，onIsabeaulaThierrye，finallypushedopenthedoorwhichhisbrotherhadleftunfastened，asalastindulgence，andwhichhe，inhisturn，leftopenasalastpieceofmalice，anddescendedthecircularstaircase，skippinglikeabird。
Inthemidstofthegloomofthespiralstaircase，heelbowedsomethingwhichdrewasidewithagrowl；hetookitforgrantedthatitwasQuasimodo，anditstruckhimassodrollthathedescendedtheremainderofthestaircaseholdinghissideswithlaughter。OnemerginguponthePlace，helaughedyetmoreheartily。
Hestampedhisfootwhenhefoundhimselfonthegroundonceagain。\"Oh！\"saidhe，\"goodandhonorablepavementofParis，cursedstaircase，fittoputtheangelsofJacob’sladderoutofbreath！WhatwasIthinkingoftothrustmyselfintothatstonegimletwhichpiercesthesky；allforthesakeofeatingbeardedcheese，andlookingatthebell-
towersofParisthroughaholeinthewall！\"
Headvancedafewpaces，andcaughtsightofthetwoscreechowls，thatistosay，DomClaudeandMasterJacquesCharmolue，absorbedincontemplationbeforeacarvingonthefa？ade。Heapproachedthemontiptoe，andheardthearchdeaconsayinalowtonetoCharmolue:\"’TwasGuillaumedePariswhocausedaJobtobecarveduponthisstoneofthehueoflapis-lazuli，gildedontheedges。Jobrepresentsthephilosopher’sstone，whichmustalsobetriedandmartyrizedinordertobecomeperfect，assaithRaymondLulle:~Subconservationeformoespeciftoesalvaanima~。\"
\"Thatmakesnodifferencetome，\"saidJehan，\"’tisIwhohavethepurse。\"
Atthatmomentheheardapowerfulandsonorousvoicearticulatebehindhimaformidableseriesofoaths。\"~SangDieu！Ventre。Dieu！Bédieu！CorpsdeDieu！NombrildeBelzebuth！Nomd’unpape！Comeettonnerre~。\"
\"Uponmysoul！\"exclaimedJehan，\"thatcanonlybemyfriend，CaptainPhoebus！\"
ThisnameofPhoebusreachedtheearsofthearchdeaconatthemomentwhenhewasexplainingtotheking’sprocuratorthedragonwhichishidingitstailinabath，fromwhichissuesmokeandtheheadofaking。DomClaudestarted，interruptedhimselfand，tothegreatamazementofCharmolue，turnedroundandbeheldhisbrotherJehanaccostingatallofficeratthedooroftheGondelauriermansion。
Itwas，infact，CaptainPhoebusdeChateaupers。Hewasbackedupagainstacornerofthehouseofhisbetrothedandswearinglikeaheathen。
\"Bymyfaith！CaptainPhoebus，\"saidJehan，takinghimbythehand，\"youarecursingwithadmirablevigor。\"
\"Hornsandthunder！\"repliedthecaptain。
\"Hornsandthunderyourself！\"repliedthestudent。\"Comenow，faircaptain，whencecomesthisoverflowoffinewords？\"
\"Pardonme，goodcomradeJehan，\"exclaimedPhoebus，shakinghishand，\"ahorsegoingatagallopcannothaltshort。Now，Iwasswearingatahardgallop。Ihavejustbeenwiththoseprudes，andwhenIcomeforth，Ialwaysfindmythroatfullofcurses，Imustspitthemoutorstrangle，~ventreettonnerre~！\"
\"Willyoucomeanddrink？\"askedthescholar。
Thispropositioncalmedthecaptain。
\"I’mwilling，butIhavenomoney。\"
\"ButIhave！\"
\"Bah！let’sseeit！\"
Jehanspreadoutthepursebeforethecaptain’seyes，withdignityandsimplicity。Meanwhile，thearchdeacon，whohadabandonedthedumbfoundedCharmoluewherehestood，hadapproachedthemandhaltedafewpacesdistant，watchingthemwithouttheirnoticinghim，sodeeplyweretheyabsorbedincontemplationofthepurse。
Phoebusexclaimed:\"Apurseinyourpocket，Jehan！
’tisthemooninabucketofwater，oneseesittherebut’tisnotthere。Thereisnothingbutitsshadow。Pardieu！letuswagerthatthesearepebbles！\"
Jehanrepliedcoldly:\"HerearethepebbleswherewithIpavemyfob！\"
Andwithoutaddinganotherword，heemptiedthepurseonaneighboringpost，withtheairofaRomansavinghiscountry。
\"TrueGod！\"mutteredPhoebus，\"targes，big-blanks，littleblanks，mailles，*everytwoworthoneofTournay，farthingsofParis，realeagleliards！’Tisdazzling！\"
*Anancientcoppercoin，theforty-fourthpartofasouorthetwelfthpartofafarthing。
Jehanremaineddignifiedandimmovable。Severalliardshadrolledintothemud；thecaptaininhisenthusiasmstoopedtopickthemup。Jehanrestrainedhim。
\"Fye，CaptainPhoebusdeChateaupers！\"
Phoebuscountedthecoins，andturningtowardsJehanwithsolemnity，\"Doyouknow，Jehan，thattherearethreeandtwentysousparisis！whomhaveyouplunderedto-night，intheStreetCut-Weazand？\"
Jehanflungbackhisblondeandcurlyhead，andsaid，half-
closinghiseyesdisdainfully，——
\"Wehaveabrotherwhoisanarchdeaconandafool。\"
\"~CornedeDieu~！\"exclaimedPhoebus，\"theworthyman！\"
\"Letusgoanddrink，\"saidJehan。
\"Whereshallwego？\"saidPhoebus；\"’ToEve’sApple。’\"
\"No，captain，to’AncientScience。’Anoldwomansawingabaskethandle*；’tisarebus，andIlikethat。\"
*~Uneviellequiscieuneanse~。
\"Aplagueonrebuses，Jehan！thewineisbetterat’Eve’sApple’；andthen，besidethedoorthereisavineinthesunwhichcheersmewhileIamdrinking。\"
\"Well！heregoesforEveandherapple，\"saidthestudent，andtakingPhoebus’sarm。\"Bytheway，mydearcaptain，youjustmentionedtheRueCoupe-Gueule*Thatisaverybadformofspeech；peoplearenolongersobarbarous。Theysay，Coupe-Gorge**。\"
*Cut-WeazandStreet。
**Cut-ThroatStreet。
Thetwofriendssetouttowards\"Eve’sApple。\"Itisunnecessarytomentionthattheyhadfirstgatheredupthemoney，andthatthearchdeaconfollowedthem。
Thearchdeaconfollowedthem，gloomyandhaggard。WasthisthePhoebuswhoseaccursednamehadbeenmingledwithallhisthoughtseversincehisinterviewwithGringoire？Hedidnotknowit，butitwasatleastaPhoebus，andthatmagicnamesufficedtomakethearchdeaconfollowthetwoheedlesscomradeswiththestealthytreadofawolf，listeningtotheirwordsandobservingtheirslightestgestureswithanxiousattention。Moreover，nothingwaseasierthantoheareverythingtheysaid，astheytalkedloudly，notintheleastconcernedthatthepassers-byweretakenintotheirconfidence。Theytalkedofduels，wenches，winepots，andfolly。
Attheturningofastreet，thesoundofatambourinereachedthemfromaneighboringsquare。DomClaudeheardtheofficersaytothescholar，——
\"Thunder！Letushastenoursteps！\"
\"Why，Phoebus？\"
\"I’mafraidlesttheBohemianshouldseeme。\"
\"WhatBohemian？\"
\"Thelittlegirlwiththegoat。\"
\"LaSmeralda？\"
\"That’sit，Jehan。Ialwaysforgetherdevilofaname。
Letusmakehaste，shewillrecognizeme。Idon’twanttohavethatgirlaccostmeinthestreet。\"
\"Doyouknowher，Phoebus？\"
HerethearchdeaconsawPhoebussneer，benddowntoJehan’sear，andsayafewwordstohiminalowvoice；
thenPhoebusburstintoalaugh，andshookhisheadwithatriumphantair。
\"Truly？\"saidJehan。
\"Uponmysoul！\"saidPhoebus。
\"Thisevening？\"
\"Thisevening。\"
\"Areyousurethatshewillcome？\"
\"Areyouafool，Jehan？Doesonedoubtsuchthings？\"
\"CaptainPhoebus，youareahappygendarme！\"
Thearchdeaconheardthewholeofthisconversation。Histeethchattered；avisibleshiverranthroughhiswholebody。
Hehaltedforamoment，leanedagainstapostlikeadrunkenman，thenfollowedthetwomerryknaves。
Atthemomentwhenheovertookthemoncemore，theyhadchangedtheirconversation。Heheardthemsingingatthetopoftheirlungstheancientrefrain，——
~LesenfantsdesPetits-CarreauxSefontpendrecornmedesveaux~*。
*ThechildrenofthePetitsCarreauxletthemselvesbehunglikecalves。
CHAPTERVII。
THEMYSTERIOUSMONK。
Theillustriouswineshopof\"Eve’sApple\"wassituatedintheUniversity，atthecorneroftheRuedelaRondelleandtheRuedelaBatonnier。Itwasaveryspaciousandverylowhailonthegroundfloor，withavaultedceilingwhosecentralspringresteduponahugepillarofwoodpaintedyellow；
tableseverywhere，shiningpewterjugshangingonthewalls，alwaysalargenumberofdrinkers，aplentyofwenches，awindowonthestreet，avineatthedoor，andoverthedooraflaringpieceofsheet-iron，paintedwithanappleandawoman，rustedbytherainandturningwiththewindonanironpin。Thisspeciesofweather-vanewhichlookeduponthepavementwasthesignboard。
Nightwasfalling；thesquarewasdark；thewine-shop，fullofcandles，flamedafarlikeaforgeinthegloom；thenoiseofglassesandfeasting，ofoathsandquarrels，whichescapedthroughthebrokenpanes，wasaudible。Throughthemistwhichthewarmthoftheroomspreadoverthewindowinfront，ahundredconfusedfigurescouldbeseenswarming，andfromtimetotimeaburstofnoisylaughterbrokeforthfromit。Thepassers-bywhoweregoingabouttheirbusiness，slippedpastthistumultuouswindowwithoutglancingatit。
Onlyatintervalsdidsomelittleraggedboyraisehimselfontiptoeasfarastheledge，andhurlintothedrinking-shop，thatancient，jeeringhoot，withwhichdrunkenmenwerethenpursued:\"AuxHouls，saouls，saouls，saouls！\"
Nevertheless，onemanpacedimperturbablybackandforthinfrontofthetavern，gazingatitincessantly，andgoingnofurtherfromitthanapikernanfromhissentry-box。Hewasenvelopedinamantletohisverynose。Thismantlehehadjustpurchasedoftheold-clothesman，inthevicinityofthe\"Eve’sApple，\"nodoubttoprotecthimselffromthecoldoftheMarchevening，possiblyalso，toconcealhiscostume。
Fromtimetotimehepausedinfrontofthedimwindowwithitsleadenlattice，listened，looked，andstampedhisfoot。
Atlengththedoorofthedram-shopopened。Thiswaswhatheappearedtobewaitingfor。Twobooncompanionscameforth。Therayoflightwhichescapedfromthedoorcrimsonedforamomenttheirjovialfaces。
Themaninthemantlewentandstationedhimselfonthewatchunderaporchontheothersideofthestreet。
\"~Corneettonnerre~！\"saidoneofthecomrades。\"Seveno’clockisonthepointofstriking。’Tisthehourofmyappointedmeeting。\"
\"Itellyou，\"repeatedhiscompanion，withathicktongue，\"thatIdon’tliveintheRuedesMauvaisesParoles，~indignusquiintermalaverbahabitat~。IhavealodgingintheRueJean-Pain-Mollet，~invicoJohannisPain-Mollet~。Youaremorehornedthanaunicornifyouassertthecontrary。
Everyoneknowsthathewhooncemountsastrideabearisneverafterafraid；butyouhaveanoseturnedtodaintieslikeSaint-Jacquesofthehospital。\"
\"Jehan，myfriend，youaredrunk，\"saidtheother。
Theotherrepliedstaggering，\"Itpleasesyoutosayso，Phoebus；butithathbeenprovedthatPlatohadtheprofileofahound。\"
Thereaderhas，nodoubt，alreadyrecognizedourtwobravefriends，thecaptainandthescholar。Itappearsthatthemanwhowaslyinginwaitforthemhadalsorecognizedthem，forheslowlyfollowedallthezigzagsthatthescholarcausedthecaptaintomake，whobeingamorehardeneddrinkerhadretainedallhisself-possession。Bylisteningtothemattentively，themaninthemantlecouldcatchinitsentiretythefollowinginterestingconversation，——
\"~Corbacque~！Dotrytowalkstraight，masterbachelor；
youknowthatImustleaveyou。Hereitisseveno’clock。
Ihaveanappointmentwithawoman。\"
\"Leavemethen！Iseestarsandlancesoffire。YouareliketheChateaudeDampmartin，whichisburstingwithlaughter。\"
\"Bythewartsofmygrandmother，Jehan，youareravingwithtoomuchrabidness。Bytheway，Jehan，haveyouanymoneyleft？\"
\"MonsieurRector，thereisnomistake；thelittlebutcher’sshop，~parvaboucheria~。\"
\"Jehau！myfriendJehan！YouknowthatImadeanappointmentwiththatlittlegirlattheendofthePontSaint-
Michel，andIcanonlytakehertotheFalourdel’s，theoldcroneofthebridge，andthatImustpayforachamber。Theoldwitchwithawhitemoustachewouldnottrustme。Jehan！
forpity’ssake！Havewedrunkupthewholeofthecuré’spurse？Haveyounotasingleparisisleft？\"
\"Theconsciousnessofhavingspenttheotherhourswellisajustandsavorycondimentforthetable。\"
\"Bellyandguts！atrucetoyourwhimsicalnonsense！Tellme，Jehanofthedevil！haveyouanymoneyleft？Giveittome，~bédieu~！\"orIwillsearchyou，wereyouasleprousasJob，andasscabbyasCaesar！\"
\"Monsieur，theRueGaliacheisastreetwhichhathatoneendtheRuedelaVerrerie，andattheothertheRuedelaTixeranderie。\"
\"Well，yes！mygoodfriendJehan，mypoorcomrade，theRueGaliacheisgood，verygood。Butinthenameofheavencollectyourwits。Imusthaveasouparisis，andtheappointmentisforseveno’clock。\"
\"Silencefortherondo，andattentiontotherefrain，——
\"~Quandlesratsmangerontlescas，Leroiseraseigneurd’Arras；
Quandlamer，quiestgrandeetleeSeraalaSaint-Jeangelee，Onverra，par-dessuslaglace，Sortirceuxd’Arrasdeleurplace~*。\"
*Whentheratseatthecats，thekingwillbelordofArras；
whentheseawhichisgreatandwide，isfrozenoveratSt。
John’stide，menwillseeacrosstheice，thosewhodwellinArrasquittheirplace。
\"Well，scholarofAntichrist，mayyoubestrangledwiththeentrailsofyourmother！\"exclaimedPhoebus，andhegavethedrunkenscholararoughpush；thelatterslippedagainstthewall，andslidflabbilytothepavementofPhilipAugustus。Aremnantoffraternalpity，whichneverabandonstheheartofadrinker，promptedPhoebustorollJehanwithhisfootupononeofthosepillowsofthepoor，whichProvidencekeepsinreadinessatthecornerofallthestreetpostsofParis，andwhichtherichblightwiththenameof\"arubbish-
heap。\"ThecaptainadjustedJehan’sheaduponaninclinedplaneofcabbage-stumps，andontheveryinstant，thescholarfelltosnoringinamagnificentbass。Meanwhile，allmalicewasnotextinguishedinthecaptain’sheart。\"Somuchtheworseifthedevil’scartpicksyouuponitspassage！\"hesaidtothepoor，sleepingclerk；andhestrodeoff。
Themaninthemantle，whohadnotceasedtofollowhim，haltedforamomentbeforetheprostratescholar，asthoughagitatedbyindecision；then，utteringaprofoundsigh，healsostrodeoffinpursuitofthecaptain。
We，likethem，willleaveJehantoslumberbeneaththeopensky，andwillfollowthemalso，ifitpleasesthereader。
OnemergingintotheRueSaint-André-des-Arcs，CaptainPhoebusperceivedthatsomeonewasfollowinghim。Onglancingsidewaysbychance，heperceivedasortofshadowcrawlingafterhimalongthewalls。Hehalted，ithalted；heresumedhismarch，itresumeditsmarch。Thisdisturbedhimnotovermuch。\"Ah，bah！\"hesaidtohimself，\"Ihavenotasou。\"
HepausedinfrontoftheColleged’Autun。Itwasatthiscollegethathehadsketchedoutwhathecalledhisstudies，and，throughascholar’steasinghabitwhichstilllingeredinhim，heneverpassedthefa？adewithoutinflictingonthestatueofCardinalPierreBertrand，sculpturedtotherightoftheportal，theaffrontofwhichPriapuscomplainssobitterlyinthesatireofHorace，~Olimtruncuseramficulnus~。Hehaddonethiswithsomuchunrelentinganimositythattheinscription，~Eduensisepiscopus~，hadbecomealmosteffaced。
Therefore，hehaltedbeforethestatueaccordingtohiswont。
Thestreetwasutterlydeserted。Atthemomentwhenhewascoollyretyinghisshoulderknots，withhisnoseintheair，hesawtheshadowapproachinghimwithslowsteps，soslowthathehadampletimetoobservethatthisshadowworeacloakandahat。Onarrivingnearhim，ithaltedandremainedmoremotionlessthanthestatueofCardinalBertrand。
Meanwhile，itriveteduponPhoebustwointenteyes，fullofthatvaguelightwhichissuesinthenighttimefromthepupilsofacat。
Thecaptainwasbrave，andwouldhavecaredverylittleforahighwayman，witharapierinhishand。Butthiswalkingstatue，thispetrifiedman，frozehisblood。Therewerethenincirculation，strangestoriesofasurlymonk，anocturnalprowleraboutthestreetsofParis，andtheyrecurredconfusedlytohismemory。Heremainedforseveralminutesinstupefaction，andfinallybrokethesilencewithaforcedlaugh。
\"Monsieur，ifyouarearobber，asIhopeyouare，youproduceuponmetheeffectofaheronattackinganutshell。I
amthesonofaruinedfamily，mydearfellow。Tryyourhandnearbyhere。Inthechapelofthiscollegethereissomewoodofthetruecrosssetinsilver。\"
ThehandoftheshadowemergedfrombeneathitsmantleanddescendeduponthearmofPhoebuswiththegripofaneagle’stalon；atthesametimetheshadowspoke，——
\"CaptainPhoebusdeChateaupers！\"
What，thedevil！\"saidPhoebus，\"youknowmyname！\"
\"Iknownotyournamealone，\"continuedthemaninthemantle，withhissepulchralvoice。\"Youhavearendezvousthisevening。\"
\"Yes，\"repliedPhoebusinamazement。
\"Atseveno’clock。\"
\"Inaquarterofanhour。\"
\"AtlaFalourdel’s。\"
\"Precisely。\"
\"ThelewdhagofthePontSaint-Michel。\"
\"OfSaintMichelthearchangel，asthePaterNostersaith。\"
\"Impiouswretch！\"mutteredthespectre。\"Withawoman？\"
\"~Confiteor~，——Iconfess。\"
\"Whoiscalled——？\"
\"LaSmeralda，\"saidPhoebus，gayly。Allhisheedlessnesshadgraduallyreturned。
Atthisname，theshadow’sgraspshookthearmofPhoebusinafury。
\"CaptainPhoebusdeChateaupers，thouliest！\"
Anyonewhocouldhavebeheldatthatmomentthecaptain’sinflamedcountenance，hisleapbackwards，soviolentthathedisengagedhimselffromthegripwhichheldhim，theproudairwithwhichheclappedhishandonhisswordhilt，and，inthepresenceofthiswraththegloomyimmobilityofthemaninthecloak，——anyonewhocouldhavebeheldthiswouldhavebeenfrightened。TherewasinitatouchofthecombatofDonJuanandthestatue。
\"ChristandSatan！\"exclaimedthecaptain。\"ThatisawordwhichrarelystrikestheearofaChateaupers！Thouwiltnotdarerepeatit。\"
\"Thouliest！\"saidtheshadowcoldly。
Thecaptaingnashedhisteeth。Surlymonk，phantom，superstitions，——hehadforgottenallatthatmoment。Henolongerbeheldanythingbutaman，andaninsult。
\"Ah！thisiswell！\"hestammered，inavoicestifledwithrage。Hedrewhissword，thenstammering，forangeraswellasfearmakesamantremble:\"Here！Onthespot！Comeon！Swords！Swords！Bloodonthepavement！\"
Buttheotherneverstirred。Whenhebeheldhisadversaryonguardandreadytoparry，——
\"CaptainPhoebus，\"hesaid，andhistonevibratedwithbitterness，\"youforgetyourappointment。\"
TheragesofmenlikePhoebusaremilk-soups，whoseebullitioniscalmedbyadropofcoldwater。Thissimpleremarkcausedtheswordwhichglitteredinthecaptain’shandtobelowered。
\"Captain，\"pursuedtheman，\"to-morrow，thedayafterto-morrow，amonthhence，tenyearshence，youwillfindmereadytocutyourthroat；butgofirsttoyourrendezvous。\"
\"Insooth，\"saidPhoebus，asthoughseekingtocapitulatewithhimself，\"thesearetwocharmingthingstobeencounteredinarendezvous，——aswordandawench；butI
donotseewhyIshouldmisstheoneforthesakeoftheother，whenIcanhaveboth。\"
Hereplacedhisswordinitsscabbard。
\"Gotoyourrendezvous，\"saidtheman。
\"Monsieur，\"repliedPhoebuswithsomeembarrassment，\"manythanksforyourcourtesy。Infact，therewillbeampletimeto-morrowforustochopupfatherAdam’sdoubletintoslashesandbuttonholes。Iamobligedtoyouforallowingmetopassonemoreagreeablequarterofanhour。I
certainlydidhopetoputyouinthegutter，andstillarriveintimeforthefairone，especiallyasithasabetterappearancetomakethewomenwaitalittleinsuchcases。Butyoustrikemeashavingtheairofagallantman，anditissafertodeferouraffairuntilto-morrow。SoIwillbetakemyselftomyrendezvous；itisforseveno’clock，asyouknow。\"HerePhoebusscratchedhisear。\"Ah。~CorneDieu~！Ihadforgotten！
Ihaven’tasoutodischargethepriceofthegarret，andtheoldcronewillinsistonbeingpaidinadvance。Shedistrustsme。\"
\"Hereisthewherewithaltopay。\"
Phoebusfeltthestranger’scoldhandslipintohisalargepieceofmoney。Hecouldnotrefrainfromtakingthemoneyandpressingthehand。
\"~VraiDieu~！\"heexclaimed，\"youareagoodfellow！\"
\"Onecondition，\"saidtheman。\"ProvetomethatIhavebeenwrongandthatyouwerespeakingthetruth。HidemeinsomecornerwhenceIcanseewhetherthiswomanisreallytheonewhosenameyouuttered。\"
\"Oh！\"repliedPhoebus，\"’tisallonetome。Wewilltake，theSainte-Marthechamber；youcanlookatyoureasefromthekennelhardby。\"
\"Comethen，\"saidtheshadow。
\"Atyourservice，\"saidthecaptain，\"IknownotwhetheryouareMesserDiavolusinperson；butletusbegoodfriendsforthisevening；to-morrowIwillrepayyouallmydebts，bothofpurseandsword。\"
Theysetoutagainatarapidpace。Attheexpirationofafewminutes，thesoundoftheriverannouncedtothemthattheywereonthePontSaint-Michel，thenloadedwithhouses。
\"Iwillfirstshowyoutheway，\"saidPhoebustohiscompanion，\"IwillthengoinsearchofthefaironewhoisawaitingmenearthePetit-Chatelet。\"
Hiscompanionmadenoreply；hehadnotutteredawordsincetheyhadbeenwalkingsidebyside。Phoebushaltedbeforealowdoor，andknockedroughly；alightmadeitsappearancethroughthecracksofthedoor。
\"Whoisthere？\"criedatoothlessvoice。
\"~Corps-Dieu！Tête-Dieu！Ventre-Dieu~！\"repliedthecaptain。
Thedooropenedinstantly，andallowedthenew-cornerstoseeanoldwomanandanoldlamp，bothofwhichtrembled。
Theoldwomanwasbentdouble，cladintatters，withashakinghead，piercedwithtwosmalleyes，andcoiffedwithadishclout；wrinkledeverywhere，onhandsandfaceandneck；herlipsretreatedunderhergums，andabouthermouthshehadtuftsofwhitehairswhichgaveherthewhiskeredlookofacat。
Theinteriorofthedenwasnolessdilapitatedthanshe；
therewerechalkwalls，blackenedbeamsintheceiling，adismantledchimney-piece，spiders’websinallthecorners，inthemiddleastaggeringherdoftablesandlamestools，adirtychildamongtheashes，andatthebackastaircase，orrather，awoodenladder，whichendedinatrapdoorintheceiling。
Onenteringthislair，Phoebus’smysteriouscompanionraisedhismantletohisveryeyes。Meanwhile，thecaptain，swearinglikeaSaracen，hastenedto\"makethesunshineinacrown\"assaithouradmirableRégnier。
\"TheSainte-Marthechamber，\"saidhe。
Theoldwomanaddressedhimasmonseigneur，andshutupthecrowninadrawer。ItwasthecoinwhichthemanintheblackmantlehadgiventoPhoebus。Whileherbackwasturned，thebushy-headedandraggedlittleboywhowasplayingintheashes，adroitlyapproachedthedrawer，abstractedthecrown，andputinitsplaceadryleafwhichhehadpluckedfromafagot。
Theoldcronemadeasigntothetwogentlemen，asshecalledthem，tofollowher，andmountedtheladderinadvanceofthem。Onarrivingattheupperstory，shesetherlamponacoffer，and，Phoebus，likeafrequentvisitorofthehouse，openedadoorwhichopenedonadarkhole。\"Enterhere，mydearfellow，\"hesaidtohiscompanion。Themaninthemantleobeyedwithoutawordinreply，thedoorcloseduponhim；heheardPhoebusboltit，andamomentlaterdescendthestairsagainwiththeagedhag。Thelighthaddisappeared。
CHAPTERVIII。
THEUTILITYOFWINDOWSWHICHOPENONTHERIVER。
ClaudeFrolloforwepresumethatthereader，moreintelligentthanPhoebus，hasseeninthiswholeadventurenoothersurlymonkthanthearchdeacon，ClaudeFrollogropedaboutforseveralmomentsinthedarklairintowhichthecaptainhadboltedhim。Itwasoneofthosenookswhicharchitectssometimesreserveatthepointofjunctionbetweentheroofandthesupportingwall。Averticalsectionofthiskennel，asPhoebushadsojustlystyledit，wouldhavemadeatriangle。
Moreover，therewasneitherwindownorair-hole，andtheslopeoftheroofpreventedonefromstandingupright。Accordingly，Claudecroucheddowninthedust，andtheplasterwhichcrackedbeneathhim；hisheadwasonfire；rummagingaroundhimwithhishands，befoundonthefloorabitofbrokenglass，whichhepressedtohisbrow，andwhosecool-
nessaffordedhimsomerelief。
Whatwastakingplaceatthatmomentinthegloomysoulofthearchdeacon？Godandhimselfcouldaloneknow。
InwhatorderwashearranginginhismindlaEsmeralda，Phoebus，JacquesCharmolue，hisyoungbrothersobeloved，yetabandonedbyhiminthemire，hisarchdeacon’scassock，hisreputationperhapsdraggedtolaFalourdel’s，alltheseadventures，alltheseimages？Icannotsay。Butitiscertainthattheseideasformedinhismindahorriblegroup。
Hehadbeenwaitingaquarterofanhour；itseemedtohimthathehadgrownacenturyolder。Allatoncebeheardthecreakingoftheboardsofthestairway；someonewasascending。Thetrapdooropenedoncemore；alightreappeared。
Therewasatolerablylargecrackintheworm-eatendoorofhisden；heputhisfacetoit。Inthismannerhecouldseeallthatwentonintheadjoiningroom。Thecat-facedoldcronewasthefirsttoemergefromthetrap-door，lampinhand；thenPhoebus，twirlinghismoustache，thenathirdperson，thatbeautifulandgracefulfigure，laEsmeralda。
Thepriestbeheldherrisefrombelowlikeadazzlingapparition。Claudetrembled，acloudspreadoverhiseyes，hispulsesbeatviolently，everythingrustledandwhirledaroundhim；henolongersawnorheardanything。
Whenherecoveredhimself，PhoebusandEsmeraldawerealoneseatedonthewoodencofferbesidethelampwhichmadethesetwoyouthfulfiguresandamiserablepalletattheendoftheatticstandoutplainlybeforethearchdeacon’seyes。
Besidethepalletwasawindow，whosepanesbrokenlikeaspider’swebuponwhichrainhasfallen，allowedaview，throughitsrentmeshes，ofacornerofthesky，andthemoonlyingfarawayonaneiderdownbedofsoftclouds。
Theyounggirlwasblushing，confused，palpitating。Herlong，droopinglashesshadedhercrimsoncheeks。Theofficer，towhomshedarednotlifthereyes，wasradiant。Mechanically，andwithacharminglyunconsciousgesture，shetracedwiththetipofherfingerincoherentlinesonthebench，andwatchedherfinger。Herfootwasnotvisible。Thelittlegoatwasnestlinguponit。
Thecaptainwasverygallantlyclad；hehadtuftsofembroideryathisneckandwrists；agreateleganceatthatday。
ItwasnotwithoutdifficultythatDomClaudemanagedtohearwhattheyweresaying，throughthehummingoftheblood，whichwasboilinginhistemples。
Aconversationbetweenloversisaverycommonplaceaffair。Itisaperpetual\"Iloveyou。\"Amusicalphrasewhichisveryinsipidandverybaldforindifferentlisteners，whenitisnotornamentedwithsome~fioriture~；butClaudewasnotanindifferentlistener。
\"Oh！\"saidtheyounggirl，withoutraisinghereyes，\"donotdespiseme，monseigneurPhoebus。IfeelthatwhatIamdoingisnotright。\"
\"Despiseyou，myprettychild！\"repliedtheofficerwithanairofsuperioranddistinguishedgallantry，\"despiseyou，~tête-Dieu~！andwhy？\"
\"Forhavingfollowedyou！\"
\"Onthatpoint，mybeauty，wedon’tagree。Ioughtnottodespiseyou，buttohateyou。\"
Theyounggirllookedathiminaffright:\"Hateme！whathaveIdone？\"
\"Forhavingrequiredsomuchurging。\"
\"Alas！\"saidshe，\"’tisbecauseIambreakingavow。I
shallnotfindmyparents！Theamuletwillloseitsvirtue。
Butwhatmattersit？WhatneedhaveIoffatherormothernow？\"
Sosaying，shefixeduponthecaptainhergreatblackeyes，moistwithjoyandtenderness。
\"DeviltakemeifIunderstandyou！\"exclaimedPhoebus。
LaEsmeraldaremainedsilentforamoment，thenateardroppedfromhereyes，asighfromherlips，andshesaid，——
\"Oh！monseigneur，Iloveyou。\"
Suchaperfumeofchastity，suchacharmofvirtuesurroundedtheyounggirl，thatPhoebusdidnotfeelcompletelyathiseasebesideher。Butthisremarkemboldenedhim:
\"Youloveme！\"hesaidwithrapture，andhethrewhisarmroundthegypsy’swaist。Hehadonlybeenwaitingforthisopportunity。
Thepriestsawit，andtestedwiththetipofhisfingerthepointofaponiardwhichheworeconcealedinhisbreast。
\"Phoebus，\"continuedtheBohemian，gentlyreleasingherwaistfromthecaptain’stenacioushands，\"Youaregood，youaregenerous，youarehandsome；yousavedme，mewhoamonlyapoorchildlostinBohemia。Ihadlongbeendreamingofanofficerwhoshouldsavemylife。’TwasofyouthatI
wasdreaming，beforeIknewyou，myPhoebus；theofficerofmydreamhadabeautifuluniformlikeyours，agrandlook，asword；yournameisPhoebus；’tisabeautifulname。Iloveyourname；Iloveyoursword。Drawyoursword，Phoebus，thatImayseeit。\"
\"Child！\"saidthecaptain，andheunsheathedhisswordwithasmile。
Thegypsylookedatthehilt，theblade；examinedthecipherontheguardwithadorablecuriosity，andkissedthesword，saying，——
Youaretheswordofabraveman。Ilovemycaptain。\"
Phoebusagainprofitedbytheopportunitytoimpressuponherbeautifulbentneckakisswhichmadetheyounggirlstraightenherselfupasscarletasapoppy。Thepriestgnashedhisteethoveritinthedark。
\"Phoebus，\"resumedthegypsy，\"letmetalktoyou。Praywalkalittle，thatImayseeyouatfullheight，andthatI
mayhearyourspursjingle。Howhandsomeyouare！\"
Thecaptainrosetopleaseher，chidingherwithasmileofsatisfaction，——
\"Whatachildyouare！Bytheway，mycharmer，haveyouseenmeinmyarcher’sceremonialdoublet？\"
\"Alas！no，\"shereplied。
\"Itisveryhandsome！\"
Phoebusreturnedandseatedhimselfbesideher，butmuchcloserthanbefore。
\"Listen，mydear——\"
Thegypsygavehimseverallittletapswithherprettyhandonhismouth，withachildishmirthandgraceandgayety。
\"No，no，Iwillnotlistentoyou。Doyouloveme？Iwantyoutotellmewhetheryouloveme。\"
\"DoIlovethee，angelofmylife！\"exclaimedthecaptain，halfkneeling。\"Mybody，myblood，mysoul，allarethine；
allareforthee。Ilovethee，andIhaveneverlovedanyonebutthee。\"
Thecaptainhadrepeatedthisphrasesomanytimes，inmanysimilarconjunctures，thathedelivereditallinonebreath，withoutcommittingasinglemistake。Atthispassionatedeclaration，thegypsyraisedtothedirtyceilingwhichservedfortheskiesaglancefullofangelichappiness。
\"Oh！\"shemurmured，\"thisisthemomentwhenoneshoulddie！\"
Phoebusfound\"themoment\"favorableforrobbingherofanotherkiss，whichwenttotorturetheunhappyarchdeaconinhisnook。\"Die！\"exclaimedtheamorouscaptain，\"Whatareyousaying，mylovelyangel？’Tisatimeforliving，orJupiterisonlyascamp！Dieatthebeginningofsosweetathing！~Corne-de-boeuf~，whatajest！Itisnotthat。Listen，mydearSimilar，Esmenarda——Pardon！youhavesoprodigiouslySaracenanamethatInevercangetitstraight。’Tisathicketwhichstopsmeshort。\"
\"Goodheavens！\"saidthepoorgirl，\"andIthoughtmynameprettybecauseofitssingularity！Butsinceitdispleasesyou，IwouldthatIwerecalledGoton。\"
\"Ah！donotweepforsuchatrifle，mygracefulmaid！
’tisanametowhichonemustgetaccustomed，thatisall。
WhenIonceknowitbyheart，allwillgosmoothly。Listenthen，mydearSimilar；Iadoreyoupassionately。Iloveyousothat’tissimplymiraculous。Iknowagirlwhoisburstingwithrageoverit——\"
Thejealousgirlinterruptedhim:\"Who？\"
\"Whatmattersthattous？\"saidPhoebus；\"doyouloveme？\"
\"Oh！\"——saidshe。
\"Well！thatisall。YoushallseehowIloveyoualso。
MaythegreatdevilNeptunusspearmeifIdonotmakeyouthehappiestwomanintheworld。Wewillhaveaprettylittlehousesomewhere。Iwillmakemyarchersparadebeforeyourwindows。Theyareallmounted，andsetatdefiancethoseofCaptainMignon。Thereare~voulgiers，cranequiniers~andhand~couleveiniers~*。IwilltakeyoutothegreatsightsoftheParisiansatthestorehouseofRully。
Eightythousandarmedmen，thirtythousandwhiteharnesses，shortcoatsorcoatsofmail；thesixty-sevenbannersofthetrades；
thestandardsoftheparliaments，ofthechamberofaccounts，ofthetreasuryofthegenerals，oftheaidesofthemint；adevilishfinearray，inshort！IwillconductyoutoseethelionsoftheH？telduRoi，whicharewildbeasts。Allwomenlovethat。\"
*Varietiesofthecrossbow。
Forseveralmomentstheyounggirl，absorbedinhercharmingthoughts，wasdreamingtothesoundofhisvoice，withoutlisteningtothesenseofhiswords。
\"Oh！howhappyyouwillbe！\"continuedthecaptain，andatthesametimehegentlyunbuckledthegypsy’sgirdle。
\"Whatareyoudoing？\"shesaidquickly。This\"actofviolence\"hadrousedherfromherrevery。
\"Nothing，\"repliedPhoebus，\"Iwasonlysayingthatyoumustabandonallthisgarboffolly，andthestreetcornerwhenyouarewithme。\"
\"WhenIamwithyou，Phoebus！\"saidtheyounggirltenderly。
Shebecamepensiveandsilentoncemore。
Thecaptain，emboldenedbyhergentleness，claspedherwaistwithoutresistance；thenbegansoftlytounlacethepoorchild’scorsage，anddisarrangedhertuckertosuchanextentthatthepantingpriestbeheldthegypsy’sbeautifulshoulderemergefromthegauze，asroundandbrownasthemoonrisingthroughthemistsofthehorizon。