Thoughhehadbegunlifeasacook，fewcouldbemorearrogantthanVarennesonoccasion；buthepossessedthevaluableknackofknowingwithwhomhecouldpresume，andneverattemptedtoimposeonme。Apologisingwiththeeasygraceofamanwhohadriseninlifebypleasing，hesatwithmeawhile，recallingolddaysandfeats，andthenleft，givingmetounderstandthatImightdependonhimtodisabusetheKing\'smind。
Asafact，Henryvisitedmethateveningwithoutraisingthesubject；norhadIanyreasontocomplainofhisgenerosity，albeithetookcaretoexactfromtheSuperintendentoftheFinancesmorethanhegavehisservant，andforonegifttoPetergottwoPaulssatisfied。Toobtainthemoneyheneededinthemostcommodiousmanner，Ispentthegreaterpartoftwodaysinaccounts，andhadnotyetsettledthewarrantstomyliking，whenLaTrapecominginwithcandlesonthesecondeveningdisturbedmysecretaries。Themenyawneddiscreetly；andreflectingthatwehadhadalongdayIdismissedthem，andstayedmyselfonlyforthepurposeofsecuringoneortwopapersofaprivatenature。ThenIbadeLaTrapelightmetomycloset。
Instead，hestoodandcravedleavetospeaktome。\"Aboutwhat，sirrah？\"Isaid。
\"Ihavereceivedanoffer，yourexcellency，\"heansweredwithacraftylook。
\"What！Toleavemyservice？\"Iexclaimed，insurprise。
\"No，yourexcellency，\"heanswered。\"Todoaserviceforanother——M。Pimentel。ThePortuguesegentlemanstoppedmeinthestreetto-day，andofferedmefiftycrowns。\"
\"Todowhat？\"Iasked。
\"TotellhimwheretheyoungladywithMadamelies；andlendhimthekeyofthegardengateto-night。\"
Istaredatthefellow。\"TheyoungladywithMadame？\"Isaid。
HereturnedmylookwithastupiditywhichIknewwasassumed。
\"Yes，yourexcellency。Theyoungladywhocamethismorning，\"hesaid。
ThenIknewthatIhadbeenbetrayed，andhadgivenmyenemiessuchahandleastheywouldnotbeslowtoseize；andIstoodinthemiddleoftheroomintheutmostgriefandconsternation。Atlast，\"Stayhere，\"Isaidtotheman，assoonasIcouldspeak。
\"nonotmovefromthespotwhereyoustanduntilIcomeback！\"
ItwasmyalmostinvariablecustomtobeannouncedwhenIvisitedmywife\'scloset；butIhadnomindnowforsuchformalities，andswiftlypassingtwoorthreescaredservantsonthestairs，I
madestraightforherroom，tappedandentered。Abruptasweremymovements，however，someonehadcontrivedtowarnher；forthoughtwoofherwomensatworkingonstoolsnearher，Iheardahastyfootflying，andcaughtthelastflutterofaskirtasitdisappearedthroughaseconddoor。Mywiferosefromherseat，andlookedatmeguiltily。
\"Madame，\"Isaid，\"sendthesewomenaway。Now，\"Icontinuedwhentheyhadgone，\"whowasthatwithyou？\"Shelookedawaydumbly。
\"Youdowellnottotrytodeceiveme，Madame，\"Icontinuedseverely。\"ItwasMademoiselleD\'Oyley。\"
Shemuttered，notdaringtomeetmyeye，thatitwas。
\"WhohasabsentedherselffromtheQueen\'sservice，\"Iansweredbitterly，\"andchosentohideherselfhereofallplaces！
Madame，\"Icontinued，withaseveritywhichthesenseofmyfalsepositionamplyjustified，\"areyouawarethatyouhavemademedishonourmyself？Thatyouhavemademelie；notonce，butthreetimes？Thatyouhavemademedeceivemymaster？\"
Shecriedoutatthat，beingfrightened，that\"shehadmeantnoharm；thatthegirlcomingtoheringreatgriefandtrouble——\"
\"BecausetheQueenhadscoldedherforbreakingachinajar！\"I
said，contemptuously。
\"No，Monsieur；hertroublewasofquiteanotherkind，\"mywifeansweredwithmorespiritthanIhadexpected。
\"Pshaw！\"Iexclaimed。
\"Itisplainthatyoudonotyetunderstandthecase，\"Madamepersisted，facingmewithtremblinghardihood。\"MademoiselleD\'OyleyhasbeenpersecutedforsometimebythesuitofamanforwhomIknowyou，Monsieur，havenorespect:amanwhomnoFrenchwomanoffamilyshouldbeforcedtomarry。\"
\"Whoisit？\"Isaidcurtly。
\"M。Pimentel。\"
\"Ah！AndtheQueen？\"
\"Hasmadehissuitherown。DoubtlessherMajesty，\"MadamedeSullycontinuedwithgrimness，\"whoplayswithhimsomuch，isunderobligationstohim，andhasherreasons。TheKing，too，isonhisside，sothatMademoiselle——\"
\"Whohasanotherlover，Isuppose？\"Isaidharshly。
Mywifelookedatmeintrepidation。\"Itmaybeso，Monsieur，\"
shesaidhesitating\"Itisso，Madame；andyouknowit，\"Iansweredinthesametone。
\"M。Vallonistheman。\"
\"Oh！\"sheexclaimedwithagestureofalarm。\"Youknow！\"
\"Iknow，Madame，\"Ireplied，withvigour，\"thattopleasethislove-sickgirlyouhaveplacedmeinapositionoftheutmostdifficulty；thatyouhavejeopardisedtheconfidencewhichmymaster，whomIhaveneverwillinglydeceived，placesinme；andthatoutofallthisIseeonlyonewayofescape，andthatisbyafullandfrankconfession，whichyoumustmaketotheQueen。\"
\"Oh，Monsieur，\"shesaidfaintly。
\"Thegirl，ofcourse，mustbeimmediatelygivenup。\"
Mywifebegantosobatthat，aswomenwill；butIhadtookeenasenseofthedifficultiesintowhichshehadplungedmebyherdeceit，topityherovermuch。And，doubtless，IshouldhavecontinuedintheresolutionIhadformed，andwhichappearedtoholdouttheonlyhopeofavoidingthemaliceofthoseenemieswhomeverymaninpowerpossesses——andnonecanaffordtodespise——ifLaTrape\'swords，whenhebetrayedthesecrettome，hadnotrecurredtomymindandsuggestedotherreflections。
Doubtless，Mademoisellehadbeenwatchedintomyhouse，andmyill-wisherswouldtaketheearliestopportunityofbringingtheliehometome。Mywife\'sconfession，undersuchcircumstances，wouldhavebutasimpleair，andbelievedbysomewouldberidiculedbymore。Itmight，andprobablywould，savemycreditwiththeKing；butitwouldnotexaltmeinothers\'eyes，orincreasemyreputationasamanager。Iftherewereanyotherway——andsoreflecting，IthoughtofLaTrapeandhisstory。
StillIwashalfwaytothedoorwhenIpaused，andturned。Mywifewasstillweeping。\"Itisnogoodcryingoverspilledmilk，Madame，\"Isaidseverely。\"Ifthegirlwerenotafool，shewouldhavegonetotheUrsulines。Theabbesshasastiffneck，andisasbigasimpletontobootasyouare。Itisonlyastep，too，fromheretotheUrsulines，ifshehadhadthesensetogoon。\"
Mywifeliftedherhead，andlookedatmeeagerly；butIavoidedhergazeandwentoutwithoutmore，anddownstairstomystudy，whereIfoundLaTrapeawaitingme。\"GotoMadamelaDuchesse，\"
Isaidtohim。\"Whenyouhavedonewhatsheneeds，cometomeinmycloset。\"
Heobeyed，andafteranintervalofabouthalfanhour，duringwhichIhadtimetomaturemyplan，presentedhimselfagainbeforeme。\"Pimentelhadanotionthattheyoungladywasherethen？\"Isaidcarelessly。
\"Yes，yourexcellency。\"
\"Someofhispeoplefanciedthattheysawherenter，perhaps？\"
\"Yes，yourexcellency。\"
\"Theyweremistaken，ofcourse？\"
\"Ofcourse，\"heanswered，dutifully。
\"Orshemayhavecometothedoorandgoneagain？\"Isuggested。
\"Possibly，yourexcellency。\"
\"Goneonwithoutbeingseen，Imean？\"
\"IfshewentinthedirectionoftheRueSt。Marcel，\"heansweredstolidly，\"shewouldnotbeseen。\"
TheconventoftheUrsulinesisintheRueSt。Marcel。Iknew，therefore，thatMadamehadhadthesensetoactonmyhint；andafterreflectingamomentIcontinued，\"SoPimentelwishedtoknowwhereshewaslodged？\"
\"That，andtohavethekey，yourexcellency。\"
\"To-night？\"
\"Yes，yourexcellency。\"
\"Well，youareatlibertytoaccepttheoffer，\"Iansweredcarelessly。\"Itwillnotclashwithmyservice。\"Andthen，ashestoodstaringinastonishment，strivingtoreadtheriddle，I
continued，\"Bytheway，aretheroomsinthelittleGardenPavilionaired？Theymaybeneedednextweek；seethatoneofthewomensleepsthereto-night；awomanyoucandependon。\"
\"Ah，Monsieur！\"
Hesaidnomore，butIsawthatheunderstood；andbiddinghimbecarefulinfollowingmyinstructions，Idismissedhim。ThelineIhaddeterminedtotakewasattendedbymanyuncertainties，however；andmorethanonceIrepentedthatIhadnotfollowedmyfirst；instinct，andavowedthetruth。Ahundredthingsmightfallouttofrustratemyschemeandplacemeinafalseposition；
fromwhich——sincetheconfidenceofhissovereignisthebreathofaminister，andaseasilydestroyedasawoman\'sreputation——
Imightfinditimpossibletoextricatemyselfwithcredit。
Islept，therefore，butillthatnight；andinconjuncturesapparentlymoreserioushavefeltlesstrepidation。Butexperiencehaslongagotaughtmethattrifles，notgreatevents，unseatthestatesman，andthatofallintriguesthosewhichrevolveroundawomanarethemostdangerous。Iroseearly，therefore，andrepairedtoCourtbeforemyusualhour，itbeingtheessenceofmyplantoattack，insteadofwaitingtobeattacked。DoubtlessmyearlyappearancewastakentocorroboratetherumourthatIhadmadeafalsestep，andwasindifficulties；
forscarcelyhadIcrossedthethresholdoftheante-chamberbeforetheattitudeofthecourtierscaughtmyattention。Somewhotwenty-fourhoursearlierwouldhavebeenonlytoogladtomeetmyeyeandobtainawordofrecognition，appearedtobeabsorbedinconversation。Others，lesstransparentorbetterinclinedtome，greetedmewithunnaturaleffusion。Onewhoboreagrudgeagainstme，buthadneverbeforedaredtodomorethangrin，nowscowledopenly；whileasecond，perhapsthemostfoolishofall，cametomewithadvice，drewmewithinsistencyintoanichenearthedoor，andadjuredmetobecautious。
\"Youaretoobold，\"hesaid；\"andthatwayyourenemiesfindtheiropening。DonotgototheKingnow。Heisincensedagainstyou。Butweallknowthathelovesyou；wait，therefore，myfriend，untilhehashadhisday\'shunting——heisjustnowbootinghimselfandseehimwhenhehasriddenoffhisannoyance。\"
\"Andwhenmyfriends，mydearMarquis，havehadtimetopoisonhismindagainstme？No，no，\"Ianswered，wonderingmuchwhetherhewereassimpleashelooked。
\"ButtheQueeniswithhimnow，\"hepersisted，seizingthelappelofmycoattostayme，\"andshewillbesuretoputinawordagainstyou。\"
\"Therefore，\"Ianswereddrily，\"IhadbetterseehisMajestybeforetheonewordbecomestwo。\"
\"Bepersuaded，\"heentreatedme。\"Seehimnow，andnothingbutillwillcomeofit。\"
\"Nothingbutillforsome，\"Iretorted，lookingsokeenlyathimthathisvisagefell。Andwiththatheletmego，andwithasmileIpassedthroughthedoor。Therumourhadnotyetgainedsuchsubstancethatthecrowdhadlostallrespectforme；itrolledback，andIpassedthroughittowardstheendofthechamber，wheretheKingwasstoopingtodrawononeofhisboots。
TheQueenstoodnotfarfromhim，gazingintothefirewithanairofill-temperwhichthecircle，seriousandsilent，seemedtoreflect，IlookedeverywhereforthePortuguese，buthewasnottobeseen。
ForamomenttheKingaffectedtobeunawareofmypresence，andeventurnedhisshouldertome；butIobservedthathereddened，andfidgetednervouslywiththebootwhichhewasdrawingon。
Nothingdaunted，therefore，Iwaiteduntilheperforcediscoveredme，andwasobligedtogreetme。\"Youareearlythismorning，\"
hesaid，atlast，withagrudgingair。
\"Forthebestofreasons，sire，\"Iansweredhardily。\"Iamillplacedathome，andcometoyouforjustice。\"
\"Whatisit？\"hesaidchurlishlyandunwillingly。
Iwasabouttoanswer，whentheQueeninterposedwithasneer。
\"IthinkthatIcantellyou，sire，\"shesaid。\"M。deSullyisoldenoughtoknowtheadage，\'Bitebeforeyouarebitten。\'\"
\"Madame，\"Isaid，respectfullybutwithfirmness。\"Iknowthisonly，thatmyhousewaslastnightthesceneofagrossoutrage；
andbyallIcanlearnitwasperpetratedbyonewhoisunderyourMajesty\'sprotection。\"
\"Hisname？\"shesaid，withahaughtygesture。
\"M。Pimentel。\"
TheQueenbegantosmile。\"Whatwasthisgrossoutrage？\"sheaskeddrily。
\"Inthecourseoflastnighthebrokeintomyhousewithagangofwretches，andboreoffoneoftheinmates。\"
TheQueen\'ssmilegrewbroader；theKingbegantogrin。Someofthecircle，watchingthemclosely，venturedtosmilealso。
\"Come，myfriend，\"Henrysaid，almostwithgoodhumour，\"thisisallverywell。Butthisinmateofyours——wasaveryrecentone。\"
\"Was，infact，Isuppose，therebelliouslittlewenchofwhomyouknewnothingyesterday！\"theQueencriedharshly，andwithanairofopentriumph。\"Therecanbenostealingofstolengoods，sir；andifM。Pimentel，whohadatleastasmuchrightasyoutothegirl——andmore，forIamherguardian——hascarriedheroff，youhavesmallgroundtocomplain，\"
\"But，Madame，\"Isaid，withanairofbewilderment，\"Ireallydonot——itmustbemyfault，butIdonotunderstand。\"
Twoorthreesniggered，seeingmeapparentlycheckmatedandattheendofmyresources。AndtheKinglaughedoutwithkindlymalice。\"Come，GrandMaster，\"hesaid，\"Ithinkthatyoudo。
However，ifPimentelhascarriedoffthedamsel，there，itseemstome，isanendofthematter。\"
\"But，sire，\"Ianswered，lookingsternlyroundthegrinningcircle，\"amImad，oristheresomemysteryhere？IassuredyourMajestyyesterdaythatMademoiselleD\'Oyleywasnotinmyhouse。
Isaythesameto-day。Sheisnot；yourofficersmaysearcheveryroomandcloset。AndforthewomanwhomM。Pimentelhascarriedoff，sheisnomoreMademoiselleD\'OyleythanIam；sheisoneofmywife\'swaiting-maids。Ifyoudoubtme，\"I
continued，\"youhaveonlytosendandask。AskthePortuguesehimself。\"
TheKingstaredatme。\"Nonsense！\"hesaid，sharply。\"IfPimentelhascarriedoffanyone，itmustbeMademoiselleD\'Oyley。\"
\"Butitisnot，sire，\"Iansweredwithpersistence。\"Hehasbrokenintomyhouse，andabductedmyservant。ForMademoiselle，sheisnottheretobestolen。\"
\"LetsomeonegoforPimentel，\"theKingsaidcurtly。
ButthePortuguese，asithappened，wasatthedooreventhen，andbeingcalled，hadnoalternativebuttocomeforward。Hisfaceandmienasheenteredandreluctantlyshowedhimselfweremorethanenoughtodissipateanydoubtswhichthecourtiershadhithertoentertained；theformerbeingasgloomyanddowncastasthelatterwastimidandcringing。Itistruehemadesomeattemptatfirst，andforatime，tofacethematterout；
stammeringandstuttering，andlookingpiteouslytotheQueenforhelp。Buthecouldnotlongdelaythecrisis，nordenythatthepersonhehadsocunninglyabductedwasoneofmywaiting-women；
andthemomentthatthisconfessionwasmadehiscasewasatanend，thestatementbeingreceivedwithsouniversalapealoflaughter，theKingleading，asatoneandthesametimediscomfitedhim，andmusthavepersuadedanyindifferentlistenerthatall，fromthefirst，hadbeeninthesecret。
Afterthathewouldhavespenthimselfinvain，hadhecontendedthatMademoiselleD\'Oyleywasatmyhouse；andsoclearwasthisthathemadenosecondattempttodoso，butatonceadmittingthathispeoplehadmadeamistake，heprofferedmeahandsomeapology，anddesiredtheKingtospeaktomeinhisbehalf。
ThisI，onmyside，waspleasedtotakeingoodpart；andhavinglethimoffeasilywithamildrebuke，turnedfromhimtotheQueen，andinformedherwithmuchrespectthatIhadlearnedatlengthwhereMademoiselleD\'Oyleyhadtakenrefuge。
\"Where，sir？\"sheasked，eyeingmesuspiciouslyandwithnolittledisfavour。
\"AttheUrsulines，Madame，\"Ianswered，Shewinced，forshehadalreadyquarrelledwiththeabbesswithoutadvantage。Andthereforthemomentthematterended。
AtalaterperiodItookcaretoconfessalltotheKing，andhedidnotfailtolaughheartilyattheclevermannerinwhichI
hadoutwittedPimentel。ButthiswasnotuntilthePortuguesehadleftthecountryandgonetoItaly，theaffairbetweenhimandMademoiselleD\'OyleywhichresolveditselfintoacontestbetweentheQueenandtheUrsulineshavingcometoacloseundercircumstanceswhichitmaybemydutytorelateinanotherplace。
X。FARMINGTHETAXES。
Inthesummeroftheyear1608，determiningtotakeupmyabode，whennotinParis，atVillebon，whereIhadlatelyenlargedmyproperty，IwentthitherfromRouenwithmywife，tosuperintendthebuildingandmarkoutcertainplantationswhichIprojected。
Astheheatthatmonthwasgreat，andthedustofthetrainannoying，Imadeeachstageintheeveningandonhorseback，leavingmywifetoproceedatherleisure。InthiswayIwasable，bytakingroughpaths，todointwoorthreehoursadistancewhichhercoacheshadscarcelycoveredintheday；butonthethirdevening，intendingtomakeashortcutbyafordontheVaucouleurs，Ifound，tomychagrin，theadvantageontheotherside，theford，whenIreacheditatsunset，provingimpracticable。Astherewaseveryprospect，however，thatthewaterwouldfallwithinafewhours，Ideterminednottoretracemysteps；buttowaitwhereIwasuntilmorning，andcompletemyjourneytoHoudanintheearlyhours。
Therewasapoorinnneartheford，amerehovelofwoodonabrickfoundation，yetwithtwostoreys。ImademywaytothiswithMaignanandLaTrape，whoformed，withtwogrooms，myonlyattendance；butoncomingnearthehouse，andlookingaboutwithacuriouseye，Iremarkedsomethingwhichfixedmyattention，and，forthemoment，broughtmetoahalt。Thiswasthespectacleofthreehorses，offairquality，feedinginafieldofgrowingcorn，whichwastheonlyenclosureneartheinn。Theyweretramplingandspoilingmorethantheyate；and，supposingthattheyhadstrayedintotheplace，andthehouseshowingnosignsoflife，Ibademygroomsfetchthemout。Thesunwasaboutsetting，andIstoodamomentwatchingthelongshadowsofthemenastheyploddedthroughthecorn，andtheattitudesofthehorsesas，withheadsraised，theylookeddoubtfullyatthenewcomers。
Suddenlyamancameroundthecornerofthehouse，andseeingus，andwhatmymenweredoing，begantogesticulateviolently，butwithoutsound。Thegroomssawhimtoo，andstood；andheranuptomystirrup，hisfaceflushedandsullen。
\"Doyouwanttoseeusallruined？\"hemuttered。Andhebeggedmetocallmymenoutofthecorn。
\"Youaremorelikelytoberuinedthatway，\"Ianswered，lookingdownathim。\"Why，man，isitthecustominyourcountrytoturnhorsesintothehalf-ripecorn？\"
Heshookhisfiststealthily。\"Godforbid！\"hesaid。\"Butthedeviliswithindoors，andwemustdohisbidding。\"
\"Ah！\"Ireplied，mycuriosityaroused\"Ishouldliketoseehim。\"
Theboorshadedhiseyes，andlookedatmesulkilyfromunderhismattedandtangledhair。\"Youarenotofhiscompany？\"hesaidwithsuspicion。
\"Ihopenot，\"Ianswered，smilingathissimplicity。\"Butyourcornisyourown。Iwillcallthemenout。\"OnwhichImadeasigntothemtoreturn。\"Now，\"Isaid，asIwalkedmyhorseslowlytowardsthehouse，whilehetrampedalongbesideme，\"whoiswithin？\"
\"M。Gringuet，\"hesaid，withanotherstealthygesture。
\"Ah！\"Isaid，\"IamafraidthatIamnowiser。\"
\"Thetax-gatherer。\"
\"Oh！Andthosearehishorses？\"Henodded。
\"Still，Idonotseewhytheyareinthecorn？\"
\"Ihavenohay。\"
\"Butthereisgrass。\"
\"Ay，\"theinn-keeperansweredbitterly。
\"AndhesaidthatImighteatit。Itwasnotgoodenoughforhishorses。Theymusthavehayorcorn；andifIhadnone，somuchtheworseforme。\"
Fullofindignation，ImadeinmymindanoteofM。Gringuet\'sname；butatthemomentIsaidnomore，andweproceededtothehouse，theexteriorofwhich，thoughmeagre，andevenmiserable，gavemeanimpressionofneatness。Fromtheinside，however，ahoarse，continuousnoisewasissuing，whichresolveditselfaswecrossedthethresholdintoaman\'svoice。Thespeakerwasoutofsight，inanupperroomtowhichaladdergaveaccess，buthisoaths，complaints，andimprecationsalmostshookthehouse。A
middle-agedwoman，scantilydressed，wasbusyonthehearth；butperhapsthatwhich，nexttotheperpetualscoldingthatwasgoingonabove，mosttookmyattentionwasagreatlumpofsaltthatstoodonthetableatthewoman\'selbow，andseemedtobeevidenceofgreaterluxury——fortheGABELLEhadnotatthattimebeenreduced——thanIcouldeasilyassociatewiththeplace。
Theroaringandblusteringcontinuingupstairs，Istoodamomentinsheerastonishment。\"IsthatM。Gringuet？\"Isaidatlast。
Theinn-keepernoddedsullenly，whilehiswifestaredatme。
\"Butwhat；isthematterwithhim？\"Isaid。
\"Thegout。ButforthathewouldhavebeengonethesetwodaystocollectatLeMesnil。\"
\"Ah！\"Ianswered，beginningtounderstand。\"Andthesaltisforabathforhisfeet，isit？\"
Thewomannodded。
\"Well，\"Isaid，asMaignancameinwithmysaddlebagsandlaidthemonthefloor，\"hewillswearstilllouderwhenhegetsthebill，Ishouldthink。\"
\"Bill？\"thehousewifeansweredbitterly，lookingupagainfromherpots。\"Atax-gatherer\'sbill？Gotothedeadmanandaskforthepriceofhiscoffin；ortothebabeforanurse-fee！Youwillgetpaidassoon。Atax-gatherer\'sbill？Bethankfulifhedoesnottakethedishwiththesop！\"
Shespokeplainly；yetIfoundaclearerproofoftheslaveryinwhichthemanheldthemintheperfectindifferencewithwhichtheyregardedmyarrival——thoughaguestwithtwoservantsmusthavebeenararityinsuchaplace——andthelistlesswayinwhichtheysetaboutattendingtomywants。KeenlyrememberingthatnotlongbeforethismyenemieshadstriventoprejudicemeintheKing\'seyesbyallegingthat，thoughIfilledhiscoffers，I
wasgrindingthepoorintothedust——andeven，bymyexactions，provokingarebellionIwasinnomoodtolookwithanindulgenteyeonthosewhofurnishedsuchcalumnieswithashowofreason。
Butithasneverbeenmywonttoacthastily；andwhileIstoodinthemiddleofthekitchen，debatingwhetherIshouldordertheservantstoflingthefellowout，andbidhimappearbeforemeatVillebon，orshouldinsteadhavehimbroughtupthereandthen，theman\'scoarsevoice，whichhadneverceasedtogrowlandsnarlaboveus，roseonasuddenstilllouder。Somethingfellontheflooroverourheadsandrolledacrossit；andimmediatelyayounggirl，barefootandshort-skirted，scrambledhurriedlyandblindlydowntheladderandlandedamongus。
Shewassobbing，andalittlebloodwasflowingfromacutinherlip；andshetrembledallover。Atsightofthebloodandhertearsthewomanseemedtobetransported。Snatchingupasaucepan，shesprangtowardstheladderwithagestureofrage，andinamomentwouldhaveascendedifherhusbandhadnotfollowedanddraggedherback。Thegirlalso，assoonasshecouldspeak，addedherentreatiestohis，whileMaignanandLaTrapelookedsharplyatme，asiftheyexpectedasignal。
Allthiswhile，thebullyabovecontinuedhismaledictions。
\"Sendthatslutbacktome！\"heroared。\"DoyouthinkthatIamgoingtobeleftaloneinthishole？Sendherback，or——\"andheaddedhalf-a-dozenoathsofakindtomakeanhonestman\'sbloodboil。Inthemidstofthis，however，andwhilethewomanwasstillcontendingwithherhusband，hesuddenlystoppedandshriekedinanguish，cryingoutforthesalt-bath。
Butthewoman，whomherhusbandhadonlyhalf-pacified，shookherfistattheceilingwithalaughofdefiance。\"Shriek；ay，youmayshriek，youwretch！\"shecried。\"Youmustbewaitedonbymygirl，mustyou——noolderfacewilldoforyou——andyoubeather？Yourhorsesmusteatcorn，mustthey，whileweeatgrass？
Andwebuysaltforyou，andwheatenbreadforyou，andarebeggarsforyou！Foryou，youthievingwretch，whotaxthepoorandlettherichgofree；who——\"
\"Silence，woman！\"herhusbandcried，cuttinghershort，withapaleface。\"Hush，hush；hewillhearyou！\"
Butthewomanwastoofargoneinragetoobey。\"What！andisitnottrue？\"sheanswered，hereyesglittering。\"Willhenotto-morrowgotoLeMesnilandsqueezethepoor？Ay，andwillnotLescautsthecorn-dealer，andPhilipponthesilk-merchant，cometohimwithbribes，andgofree？AnddeFonvelleanddeCurtin——
theywithaDE，forsooth！——pleadtheirnobility，andgreasehishands，andgofree？Ay，and——\"
\"Silence，woman！\"themansaidagain，lookingapprehensivelyatme，andfrommetomyattendants，whoweregrinningbroadly。
\"Youdonotknowthatthisgentlemanisnot——\"
\"Atax-gatherer？\"Isaid，smiling。\"No。Buthowlonghasyourfriendupstairsbeenhere？\"
\"Twodays，Monsieur，\"sheanswered，wipingtheperspirationfromherbrow，andspeakingmorequietly。\"HeistalkingofsendingonadeputytoLeMesnil；butHeavensendhemayrecover，andgofromherehimself！\"
\"Well，\"Ianswered，\"atanyrate，wehavehadenoughofthisnoise。Myservantshallgoupandtellhimthatthereisagentlemanherewhocannotputupwithadisturbance。Maignan，\"I
continued，\"seetheman，andtellhimthattheinnisnothisprivatehouse，andthathemustgroanmoresoftly；butdonotmentionmyname。Andlethimhavehisbrinebath，ortherewillbenopeaceforanyone。\"
MaignanandLaTrape，whoknewme，andhadcountedonaverydifferentorder，staredatme，wonderingatmyeasinessandcomplaisance；forthereisaspeciesoftyranny，unassociatedwithrank，thateventhecoarsestviewwithindignation。Butthewoman\'sstatement，which，despiteitswildnessandherexcitement，Isawnoreasontodoubt，hadsuggestedtomeaschemeofpunishmentmorerefined；andwhichmight，atoneandthesametime，beofprofittotheKing\'streasuryandalessontoGringuet。TocarryitthroughIhadtosubmittosomeinconvenience，andparticularlytoanightpassedunderthesameroofwiththerogue；butasthenewsthatatravellerofconsequencewascomehadtheeffect，aidedbyafewsharpwordsfromMaignan，ofloweringhistone，andforcinghimtokeepwithinbounds，Iwasabletoendurethisandoverlooktheoccasionaloutburstsofspleenwhichhisdiseaseandpamperedtemperstilldrewfromhim。
Histwomen，whohadbeenabsentonanerrandatthetimeofmyarrival，presentlyreturned，andweredoubtlesssurprisedtofindasecondcompanyinpossession。Theytriedmyattendantswithanumberofquestions，butwithoutsuccess；whileI，bylisteningwhileIhadmysupper，learnedmoreoftheirmaster\'shabitsandintentionsthantheysupposed。Theysuspectednothing，andatday-breakweleftthem；and，thewaterhavingdulyfalleninthenight，wecrossedtheriverwithoutmishap，andforaleaguepursuedourproperroad。ThenIhalted，anddespatchingthetwogroomstoHoudanwithaletterformywife，Itook，myself，theroadtoLeMesnil，whichliesaboutthreeleaguestothewest。
Atalittleinn，aleagueshortofLeMesnil，Istopped，andinstructingmytwoattendantsinthepartstheyweretoplay，prepared，withthehelpoftheseals，whichneverleftMaignan\'scustody，thepapersnecessarytoenablemetoenacttheroleofGringuet\'sdeputy。ThoughIhadbeentwoorthreetimestoVillebon，IhadneverbeenwithintwoleaguesofLeMesnil，andhadnoreasontosupposethatIshouldberecognised；buttolessentheprobabilityofthisIputonaplainsuitbelongingtoMaignan，withablack-hiltedsword，andnoornaments。I
furthermorewaitedtoenterthetownuntilevening，sothatmypresence，beingreported，mightbetakenforgrantedbeforeIwasseen。
Inalargerplacemyschememusthavemiscarried，butinthislittletownonthehill，lookingovertheplainofvineyardsandcornfields，withinn，market-house，andchurchinthesquare，andonthefourthsidetheopenbattlements，whencethetowersofChartrescouldbeseenonaclearday，Ilookedtohavetodoonlywithsmallmen，andsawnoreasonwhyitshouldfail。
Accordingly，ridinguptotheinnaboutsunset，Icalled，withanair，forthelandlord。Therewerehalf-a-dozenloungersseatedinarowonabenchbeforethedoor，andoneofthesewentintofetchhim。Whenthehostcameout，withhisaprontwistedroundhiswaist，Iaskedhimifhehadaroom。
\"Yes，\"hesaid，shadinghiseyestolookatme，\"Ihave。\"
\"Verywell，\"Iansweredpompously，consideringthatIhadjustsuchanaudienceasIdesired——bywhichImeanonethat，withoutbeingtoocritical，wouldspreadthenews。\"IamM。Gringuet\'sdeputy，andIamherewithauthoritytocollectandremit，receiveandgivereceiptsfor，hisMajesty\'staxes，tolls，anddues，now，ortobe，dueandowing。Therefore，myfriend，Iwilltroubleyoutoshowmetomyroom。
IthoughtthatthisannouncementwouldimpresshimasmuchasI
desired；but，tomysurprise，heonlystaredatme。\"Eh！\"heexclaimedatlast，inafalteringtone，\"M。Gringuet\'sdeputy？\"
\"Yes，\"Isaid，dismountingsomewhatimpatiently；\"heisillwiththegoutandcannotcome。\"
\"Andyou——arehisdeputy？\"
\"Ihavesaidso。\"
Stillhedidnotmovetodomybidding，butcontinuedtorubhisbaldheadandstareatmeasifIfascinatedhim。\"Well，Iam——I
mean——Ithinkwearefull，\"hestammeredatlast，withhiseyeslikesaucers。
Ireplied，withsomeimpatience，thathehadjustsaidthathehadaroom；adding，thatifIwasnotinitandcomfortablysettledbeforefiveminuteswereupIwouldknowthereason。I
thoughtthatthiswouldsettlethematter，whatevermaggothadgotintotheman\'shead；and，inaway，itdidso，forhebeggedmypardonhastily，andmadewayformetoenter，calling，atthesametime，toaladwhowasstandingby，toattendtothehorses。
Butwhenwewereinsidethedoor，insteadofshowingmethroughthekitchentomyroom，hemutteredsomething，andhurriedaway；
leavingmetowonderwhatwasamisswithhim，andwhytheloungersoutside，whohadlistenedwithalltheirearstoourconversation，hadcomeinafterusasfarastheydared，andwereregardinguswithanoddmixtureofsuspicionandamusement。
Thelandlordremainedlongaway，andseemed，fromsoundsthatcametomyears，tobetalkingwithsomeoneinadistantroom。
Atlength，however，hereturned，bearingacandleandfollowedbyaserving-man。Iaskedhimroughlywhyhehadbeensolong，andbegantoratehim；buthetookthewordsoutofmymouthbyhishumility，andgoingbeforemethroughthekitchen——wherehiswifeandtwoorthreemaidswhowereaboutthefirestoppedtolookatus，withthebastingspoonsintheirhands——heopenedadoorwhichledagainintotheouterair。
\"Itisacrosstheyard，\"hesaidapologetically，ashewentbefore，andopeningaseconddoor，stoodasideforustoenter。
\"Butitisagoodroom，and，ifyouplease，afireshallbelighted。Theshuttersareclosed，\"hecontinued，aswepassedhim，Maignanand\"LaTrapecarryingmybaggage，\"buttheyshallbeopened。Hallo！Pierre！Pierre，there！Opentheseshut——\"
Onthewordhisvoicerose——andbroke；andinamomentthedoor，throughwhichwehadallpassedunsuspecting，felltowithacrashbehindus。Beforewecouldmoveweheardthebarsdropacrossit。Alittlebefore，LaTrapehadtakenacandlefromsomeone\'shandtolightmethebetter；andthereforewewerenotindarkness。Butthelightthisgaveonlyservedtoimpressonuswhatthefallingbarsandtherisingsoundofvoicesoutsidehadalreadytoldus——thatwewereoutwitted！Wewereprisoners。
Theroominwhichwestood，lookingfoolishlyatoneanother，wasagreatbarn-likechamber，withsmallwindowshighintheunplaisteredwalls。Alongboardsetontrestles，andtwoorthreestoolsplacedroundit——ontheoccasion，perhaps，ofsomerecentfestivity——hadforamomentdeceivedus，andplayedthelandlord\'sgame。
Inthefirstshockofthediscovery，hearingthebarsdrophome，westoodgaping，andwonderingwhatitmeant。ThenMaignan，withanoath，sprangtothedoorandtriedit——fruitlessly。
Ijoinedhimmoreatmyleisure，andraisingmyvoice，askedangrilywhatthisfollymeant。\"Openthedoorthere！Doyouhear，landlord？\"Icried。
Noonemoved，thoughMaignancontinuedtorattlethedoorfuriously。
\"Doyouhear？\"Irepeated，betweenangerandamazementatthefixinwhichwehadplacedourselves。\"Open！\"
But，althoughthemurmurofvoicesoutsidethedoorgrewlouder，nooneanswered，andIhadtimetotakeinthefullabsurdityoftheposition；tomeasuretheheight；ofthewindowswithmyeyeandplumbthedarkshadowsundertherafters，wherethefeeblerraysofourcandlelostthemselves；toappreciate，inaword，theextentofourpredicament。Maignanwasfurious，LaTrapevicious，whilemyownequanimityscarcelysupportedmeagainstthethoughtthatweshouldprobablybewherewewereuntilthearrivalofmypeople，whomIhaddirectedmywifetosendtoLeMesnilatnoonnextday。Theircomingwouldfreeus，indeed，butatthecostofridiculeandlaughter。Neverwasmanworseplaced。
Wincingatthethought，IbadeMaignanbesilent；and，drummingonthedoormyself，Icalledforthelandlord。Someonewhohadbeengivingdirectionsinatoneofgreat，consequenceceasedspeaking，andcameclosetothedoor。Afterlisteningamoment，hestruckitwithhishand。
\"Silence，rogues！\"hecried。\"Doyouhear？Silencethere，unlessyouwantyourearsnailedtothepost。\"
\"Fool！\"Ianswered。\"Openthedoorinstantly！Areyouallmadhere，thatyoushutuptheKing\'sservantsinthisway？\"
\"TheKing\'sservants！\"becried，jeeringatus。\"Wherearethey？\"
\"Here！\"Ianswered，swallowingmyrageaswellasImight。\"I
amM。Gringuet\'sdeputy，andifyoudonotthisinstant——\"
\"M。Gringuet\'sdeputy！Ho！ho！\"hesaid。\"Why，youfool，M。
Gringuet\'sdeputyarrivedtwohoursbeforeyou。Youmustgetupalittleearlieranothertime。Theyarepoortricksterswhoaretoolateforthefair。Andnowbesilent，anditmaysaveyouastripeortwoto-morrow。\"
Therearesituationsinwhicheventhegreatestfindithardtomaintaintheirdignity，andthiswasone。IlookedatMaignanandLaTrape，andtheyatme，andbythelightofthelanthornwhichthelatterheldIsawthattheyweresmiling，doubtlessatthedilemmainwhichwehadinnocentlyplacedourselves。ButI
foundnothingtolaughatintheposition；sincethepeopleoutsidemightatanymomentleaveuswhereweweretofastuntilmorning；and，afteramoment\'sreflection，Icalledouttoknowwhothespeakerontheothersidewas。
\"IamM。deFonvelle，\"heanswered。
\"Well，M。deFonvelle，\"Ireplied，\"Iadviseyoutohaveacarewhatyoudo。IamM。Gringuet\'sdeputy。Theothermanisanimpostor。\"
Helaughed。
\"Hehasnopapers，\"Icried。
\"Oh，yes，hehas！\"heanswered，mockingme。\"M。Curtinhasseenthem，myfinefellow，andheisnotonetopaymoneywithoutwarrant。\"
Atthisseverallaughed，andaquaveringvoicechimedinwith\"Oh，yes，hehaspapers！Ihaveseenthem。Still，inacase——\"
\"There！\"M。Fonvellecried，drowningtheother\'swords。\"Nowareyousatisfied——youinthere？\"
ButM。Curtinhadnotdone。\"Hehaspapers，\"hepipedagaininhisthinvoice。
\"Still，M。deFonvelle，itiswelltobecautious，and——\"
\"Tut，tut！itisallright。\"
\"Hehaspapers，buthehasnoauthority！\"Ishouted。
\"Hehasseals，\"Fonvelleanswered。\"Itisallright。\"
\"Itisallwrong！\"Iretorted。\"Wrong，Isay！Gotoyourman，andyouwillfindhimgone——gonewithyourmoney，M。Curtin。\"
Twoorthreelaughed，butIheardthesoundoffeethurryingaway，andIguessedthatCurtinhadretiredtosatisfyhimself。
Nevertheless，themomentwhichfollowedwasananxiousone，since，ifmyrandomshotmissed，IknewthatIshouldfindmyselfinaworsepositionthanbefore。Butjudging——fromthefactthatthedeputyhadnotconfrontedushimself——thathewasanimpostor，towhomGringuet\'sillnesshadsuggestedtheschemeonwhichIhadmyselfhit，Ihopedforthebest；and，tobesure，inamomentanoutcryaroseinthehouseandquicklyspread。Ofthoseatthedoor，somecriedtotheirfellowstohearken，whileothershastenedofftosee。Yetstillalittletimeelapsed，duringwhichIburnedwithimpatience；andthenthecrowdcametramplingback，allwranglingandspeakingatonce。
Atthedoorthechatteringceased，and，ahandbeinglaidonthebar，inamomentthedoorwasthrownopen，andIwalkedoutwithwhatdignityImight。Outside，thescenewhichmetmyeyesmighthavebeen，underothercircumstances，diverting。Beforemestoodthelandlordoftheinn，bowingwithalightineachhand，asifthemorehebenthisbackbonethemorehemustpropitiateme；
whileafat，middle-agedmanathiselbow，whomItooktobeFonvelle，smiledfeeblyatmewithachapfallenexpression。A
littleaside，Curtin，ashrivelledoldfellow，waswringinghishandsoverhisloss；andbehindandroundthese，peepingovertheirshouldersandstaringundertheirarms，clusteredacuriouscrowdofbusybodies，who，betweenamusementatthejokeandaweofthegreatmen，hadmuchadotocontroltheirmerriment。
Thehostbegantomutterapologies，butIcuthimshort。\"Iwilltalktoyouto-morrow！\"Isaid，inavoicewhichmadehimshakeinhisshoes。\"Nowgivemesupper，lights，andaroom——andhurry。Foryou，M。Fonvelle，youareanass！Andforthegentlemanthere，whohasfilledtherogue\'spurse，hewilldowellanothertimetopaytheKinghisdues！\"
WiththatIleftthetwo——Fonvellepurplewithindignation，andCurtinwitheyesandmouthagapeandtearsstayed——andfollowedmyhosttohisbestroom，MaignanandLaTrapeattendingmewithverygrimfaces。Herethelandlordwouldhaverepeatedhisapologies，butmythoughtsbeginningtoreverttothepurposewhichhadbroughtmehither，Iaffectedtobeoffended，that，bykeepingallatadistance，Imightthemoreeasilypreservemycharacter。
Isucceededsowellthat，thoughhalfthetown，throughwhichthenewsofmyadventurehadspread，asfirespreadsintinder，wereassembledoutsidetheinnuntilalatehour，noonewasadmittedtoseeme；andwhenImademyappearancenextmorninginthemarket-placeandtookmyseat，withmytwoattendants，atatablebythecorn-measures，thisreservehadsofarimpressedthepeoplethatthesmileswhichgreetedmescarcelyexceededthosewhichcommonlywelcomeatax-collector。Somehadpaid，and，foreseeingthenecessityofpayingagain，foundlittlethatwasdivertinginthejest。Othersthoughtitnolaughingmattertopayonce；andafewhadcomeasilloutoftheadventureasI
had。Underthesecircumstances，wequicklysettledtowork，nooneentertainingtheslightestsuspicion；andLaTrape，whocouldaccommodatehimselftoanything，playingthepartofclerk，Iwaspresentlyreceivingmoneyandhearingexcuses；theminuteacquaintancewiththeroutineofthefinances，whichIhadmadeitmybusinesstoacquire，renderingtheworkeasytome。
Wehadnotbeenlongengaged，however，whenFonvelleputinanappearance，andelbowingthepeasantsaside，beggedtospeakwithmeapart。Iroseandsteppedbackwithhimtwoorthreepaces；
onwhichhewinkedatmeinaveryknowingfashion，\"IamM。deFonvelle，\"hesaid。Andhewinkedagain。
\"Ah！\"Isaid。
\"Mynameisnotinyourlist。\"
\"Ifinditthere，\"Ireplied，raisingahandtomyear。
\"Tut，tut！youdonotunderstand，\"hemuttered。\"HasnotGringuettoldyou？\"
\"What？\"Isaid，pretendingtobealittledeaf。
\"Hasnot——\"
Ishookmyhead。
\"HasnotGringuettoldyou？\"herepeated，reddeningwithanger；
andthistimespeaking，oncompulsion，soloudlythatthepeasantscouldhearhim。
Iansweredhiminthesametone。\"Yes，\"Isaidroundly。\"Hehastoldme；ofcourse，thateveryyearyougivehimtwohundredlivrestoomityourname。\"
Heglancedbehindhimwithanoath。\"Man，areyoumad？\"hegasped，hisjawfalling。\"Theywillhearyou。\"
\"Yes，\"Isaidloudly，\"Imeanthemtohearme。\"
Idonotknowwhathethoughtofthis——perhapsthatIwasmad——
buthestaggeredbackfromme，andlookedwildlyround。Findingeveryonelaughing，helookedagainatme，butstillfailedtounderstand；onwhich，withanotheroath，heturnedonhisheel，andforcinghiswaythroughthegrinningcrowd，wasoutofsightinamoment。
Iwasabouttoreturntomyseat，whenapursy，pale-facedman，withsmalleyesandaheavyjowl，whomIhadbeforenoticed，pushedhiswaythroughtheline，andcametome。Thoughhisneighbourswerealllaughinghewassober，andinamomentI
understoodwhy。
\"Iamverydeaf，\"hesaidinawhisper。\"Myname，Monsieur，isPhilippon。Iama——\"
ImadeasigntohimthatIcouldnothear。
\"Iamthesilkmerchant，\"hecontinuedprettyaudibly，butwithasuspiciousglancebehindhim。\"Probablyyouhave——\"
AgainIsignedtohimthatIcouldnothear。
\"Youhaveheardofme？\"
\"FromM。Gringuet？\"Isaidveryloudly。
\"Yes，\"heansweredinasimilartone；for，awarethatdeafpersonscannotheartheirownvoicesandareseldomabletojudgehowloudlytheyarespeaking，Ihadledhimtothis。\"AndI
supposethatyouwilldoashedid？\"
\"How？\"Iasked。\"Inwhatway？\"
Hetouchedhispocketwithastealthygesture，unseenbythepeoplebehindhim。
AgainImadeasignasifIcouldnothear。
\"Taketheusuallittlegift？\"hesaid，findinghimselfcompelledtospeak。
\"Icannothearaword，\"Ibellowed。Bythistimethecrowdwereshakingwithlaughter。
\"Accepttheusualgift？\"hesaid，hisfat，palefaceperspiring，andhislittlepig\'seyesregardingmebalefully。
\"Andletyoupayonequarter？\"Isaid。
\"Yes，\"heanswered。
Butthis，andthesimplicitywithwhichhesaidit，drewsoloudaroaroflaughterfromthecrowdaspenetratedeventohisdulledsenses。Turningabruptly，asifabeehadstunghim，hefoundtheplaceconvulsedwithmerriment；andperceiving，inaninstant，thatIhadplayeduponhim，thoughhecouldnotunderstandhoworwhy，heglaredabouthimamoment，mutteredsomethingwhichIcouldnotcatch，andstaggeredawaywiththegaitofadrunkenman。
Afterthis，itwasuselesstosupposethatIcouldamusemyselfwithothers。Thecrowd，whichhadneverdreamedofsuchatax-
collector，andcouldscarcelybelieveeithereyesorears，hesitatedtocomeforwardeventopay；andIwasconsideringwhatIshoulddonext，whenacommotioninonecornerofthesquaredrewmyeyestothatquarter。IlookedandsawatfirstonlyCurtin。Then，thecrowddividingandmakingwayforhim，I
perceivedthathehadtherealGringuetwithhim——Gringuet，whorodethroughthemarketwithanairofgrimmajesty，withonefootinahugeslipperandeyesglaringwithill-temper。
DoubtlessCurtin，goingtohimonthechanceofhearingsomethingoftheroguewhohadcheatedhim，hadapprisedthetax-collectorofthewholematter；foronseeingmeinmychairofstate，hemerelygrinnedinaviciousway，andcriedtothenearestnottoletmeescape。\"Wehavelostonerogue，butwewillhangtheother，\"hesaid。Andwhilethetownsfolkstooddumbfoundedroundus，heslippedwithagroanfromhishorse，andbadehistwoservantsseizeme。
\"Anddoyou，\"hecalledtothehost，\"seethatyouhelp，myman！
Youhaveharbouredhim，andyoushallpayforitifheescapes。\"
Withthathehoppedastepnearer；andthen，notdreamingofresistance，sankwithanothergroan——forhisfootwasimmenselyswollenbythejourney——intothechairfromwhichIhadrisen。
Aglanceshowedmethat，ifIwouldnotbedrawnintoanunseemlybrawl，Imustact；andmeetingMaignan\'seagereyefixeduponmyface，Inodded。InasecondheseizedtheunsuspectingGringuetbytheneck，snatchedhimupfromthechair，andflunghimhalf-
a-dozenpacesaway。\"Liethere，\"hecried，\"youinsolentrascal！
Whotoldyoutositbeforeyourbetters？\"
Theviolenceoftheaction，andMaignan\'sheat，weresuchthatthenearestdrewbackaffrighted；andevenGringuet\'sservantsrecoiled，whilethemarketpeoplegaspedwithastonishment。ButIknewthattherespitewouldlastamomentonly，andIstoodforward。\"Arrestthatman，\"Isaid，pointingtothecollector，whowasgrovellingontheground，nursinghisfootandshriekingfoulthreatsatus。
Inasecondmytwomenstoodoverhim。\"IntheKing\'sname，\"LaTrapecried；\"letnomaninterfere。\"
\"Raisehimup，\"Icontinued，\"andsethimbeforeme；andCurtinalso，andFonvelle，andPhilippon；andLescaut，thecorn-dealer，ifheishere。\"
Ispokeboldly，butIfeltsomemisgiving。Somighty，however，isthehabitofcommand，thatthecrowd，farfromresisting，thrustforwardthemenInamed。Still，Icouldnotcountonthisobedience，anditwaswithpleasurethatIsawatthismoment，asIlookedovertheheadsofthecrowd，abodyofhorsemenenteringthesquare。Theyhaltedaninstant，lookingattheunusualconcourse；whilethetownsfolk，interruptedinthemiddleofthedrama，knewnotwhichwaytostare。ThenBoisrueil，seeingme，andthatIwasholdingsomesortofcourt，spurredhishorsethroughthepress，andsalutedme。
\"Lethalf-a-dozenofyourvarletsdismountandguardthesemen，\"
Isaid；\"anddoyou，yourogue，\"Icontinued，addressingGringuet，\"answerme，andtellmethetruth。HowmuchdoeseachoftheseknavesgiveyoutocheattheKing，andyourmaster？
Curtinfirst。Howmuchdoeshegiveyou？\"
\"Mylord，\"heanswered，paleandshaking，yetwithamutinousgleaminhiseyes，\"IhavearighttoknowfirstbeforewhomI
stand。\"
\"Enough，\"Ithundered，\"thatitisbeforeonewhohastherighttoquestionyou！answerme，villain，andbequick。WhatisthesumofCurtin\'sbribe？\"
Hestoodwhiteandmute。
\"Fonvelle\'s？\"
Stillhestoodsilent，glaringwiththedevilinhiseyes；whiletheothermenwhimperedandprotestedtheirinnocence，andthecrowdstaredasiftheycouldneverseeenough。
\"Philippon\'s？\"
\"Itakenobribes，\"hemuttered。
\"Lescaut\'s？\"
\"Notadenier。\"
\"Liar！\"Iexclaimed。\"Liar，whodevourwidows\'housesandpoormen\'scorn！WhogrindtheweakandsayitistheKing；andlettherichgofree。Answerme，andanswerthetruth。Howmuchdothesemengiveyou？\"
\"Nothing，\"hesaiddefiantly。
\"Verywell，\"Ianswered；\"thenIwillhavethelist。Itisinyourshoe。\"
\"Ihavenolist，\"hesaid，beginningtotremble。
\"Itisinyourshoe，\"Irepeated，pointingtohisgoutyfoot。
\"Maignan，offwithhisshoe，andlookinit。\"
Disregardinghisshrieksofpain，theytoreitoffandlookedinit。Therewasnolist。
\"Offwithhisstocking，\"Isaidroundly。
\"Itisthere。\"
Heflunghimselfdownatthat，cursingandprotestingbyturns。
ButIrememberedthetrampledcorn，andthegirl\'sbleedingface，andIwasinexorable。Thestockingwasdrawnoff，nottootender]y，andturnedinsideout。Stillnolistwasfound。
\"Hehasit，\"Ipersisted。\"Wehavetriedtheshoeandwehavetriedthestocking，nowwemusttrythefoot。Fetchastirrup-
leather，anddoyouholdhim，andletoneofthegroomsgivehimadozenonthatfoot。\"
Butatthathegaveway；heflunghimselfonhisknees，screamingformercy。
\"Thelist！\"Isaid，\"Ihavenolist！Ihavenone！\"hewailed。
\"Thengiveitmeoutofyourhead。Curtin，howmuch？\"
HeglancedatthemanInamed，andshivered，andforamomentwassilent。Butoneofthegroomsapproachingwiththestirrup-
leather，hefoundhisvoice。\"Fortycrowns，\"hemuttered。
\"Fonvelle？\"
\"Thesame。\"
ImadehimconfessalsothesumswhichhehadreceivedfromLescautandPhilippon，andthenthenamesofsevenotherswhohadbeeninthehabitofbribinghim。Satisfiedthathehadsofartoldthetruth，Ibadehimputonhisstockingandshoe。\"Andnow，\"IsaidtoBoisrueil，whenthiswasdone，\"takehimtothewhipping-postthere，andtiehimup；andseethateachmanoftheelevengiveshimastripeforeverycrownwithwhichhehasbribedhim——andgoodones，orIwillhavethemtiedupinhisplace。Doyouhear，yourascals？\"Icontinuedtothetremblingculprits。\"Off，anddoyourduty，orIwillhaveyourbacksbare。\"
Butthewretch，ascowardlyashehadbeencruel，flunghimselfdownandcrawled，sobbingandcrying，tomyfeet。Ihadnomercy，however。\"Takehimaway，\"Isaid，\"Itissuchmenasthesegivekingsabadname。Takehimaway，andseeyouflayhimwell。\"
Hesprangupthen，forgettinghisgout，andmadeafranticattempttoescape。Butinamomenthewasovercome，hauledaway，andtiedup；andthoughIdidnotwaittoseethesentencecarriedout，butenteredtheinn，theshrillscreamsheutteredunderthepunishmentreachedme，eventhere，andsatisfiedmethatFonvelleandhisfellowswerenot；holdingtheirhands。
Itisasadreflection，however，thatforonesuchsinnerbroughttojusticeten，whocommitthesamecrimes，gofree，andflourishingoniniquity，bringtheKing\'sservice，andhisofficers，intoevilrepute。
XI。THECATANDTHEKING。
Itwasinthespringoftheyear1609thatattheKing\'sinstanceIhadasuiteofapartmentsfittedupforhimattheArsenal，thathemightvisitme，wheneveritpleasedhim，withoutputtingmyfamilytoinconvenience；inanotherplacewillbefoundanaccountofthesixthousandcrownsayearwhichhewassoobligingastoallowmeforthispurpose。Hehonouredmebyusingtheserooms，whichconsistedofahall，achamber，awardrobe，andacloset，twoorthreetimesinthecourseofthatyear，availinghimselfofmyattendantsandcook；andthefreeopportunitiesofconsultingmeontheGreatUndertaking，whichthisplanafforded，ledmetohopethatnotwithstandingtheenvyofmydetractors，hewouldcontinuetoadoptit。Thathedidnotdoso，norevervisitedmeafterthecloseofthatyear，wasduenotsomuchtothelamentableevent，soontoberelated，whichwithinafewmonthsdeprivedFranceofhergreatestsovereign，astoastrangematterthatattendedhislaststaywithme。Ihavesincehadcausetothinkthatthisdidnotreceiveatthetimeasmuchattentionasitdeserved；andhaveevenimaginedthathadI
gropedalittledeeperintothemysteryImighthavefoundacluetothefutureaswellasthepast，andavertedonemore，andthelast，dangerfrommybelovedmaster。ButProvidencewouldnothaveitso；aslightindispositionunderwhichIwassufferingatthetimerenderedmelessable，bothinmindandbody；theresultbeingthatHenry，whowasalwaysaversetothepublicationoftheseominousepisodes，andheldthatbeingknowntheybredthelikeinmischievousminds，hadhisway，thecaseendinginnomorethanthepunishmentofacarelessrascal。
Ontheoccasionofthislastvisit——thethird，Ithink，thathepaidme——theKing，whohadbeenstayingatChantilly，cametomefromLusarche，wherehelaytheinterveningnight。Mycoacheswenttomeethimatthegatesalittlebeforenoon，buthedidnotimmediatelyarrive，andbeingatleisureandhavingassuredmyselfthatthedinneroftwelvecovers，whichhehaddirectedtobeready，wasincourseofpreparation，Iwentwithmywifetoinspecthisroomsandsatisfymyselfthateverythingwasinorder。
TheywereinchargeofLaTrape，amanofaddressandintelligence，whomIhavehadcausetomentionmorethanonceinthecourseofthesememoirs。Hemetmeatthedoorandconductedusthroughtheroomswithanairofsatisfaction；norcouldI
findtheslightestfault，untilmywife，lookingaboutherwithawoman\'seyeforminutethings，pausedbythebedinthechamber，anddirectedmyattentiontosomethingonthefloor。
Shestoopedoverit。\"Whatisthis？\"sheasked。\"Hassomethingbeen——\"
\"Upsethere？\"Isaid，lookingalso。Therewasalittlepoolofwhiteliquidonthefloorbesidethebed。
LaTrapeutteredanexclamationofannoyance，andexplainedthathehadnotseenitbefore；thatithadnotbeentherefiveminutesearlier；andthathedidnotknowhowitcametobetherenow。
\"Whatisit？\"Isaid，lookingaboutforsomepitcherthatmight；
haveoverflowed；butfindingnone。\"Isitmilk？\"
\"Idon\'tknow，yourexcellency，\"heanswered。\"Butitshallberemovedatonce。\"
\"Seethatitis，\"Isaid。\"Aretheboughsinthefire-placefresh？\"Fortheweatherwasstillwarmandwehadnotlitafire。
\"Yes，yourexcellency；quitefresh。\"
\"Well，seetothat，andremoveit，\"Isaid，pointingtothemess。
\"Itlooksill。\"
Andwiththatthematterpassedfrommymind；themorecompletelyasIheardatthatmomentthesoundoftheKing\'sapproach，andwentintothecourt-yardtoreceivehim。HebroughtwithhimRoquelaure，deVic，Erardtheengineer，andsomeothers，butnonewhomhedidnotknowthatIshouldbegladtoreceive。Hedinedwell，andafterdinneramusedhimselfwithseeingtheyoungmenrideatthering，andevenrodeacoursehimselfwithhisusualskill；thatbeing，ifIrememberrightly，thelastoccasiononwhichIeversawhimtakealance。Beforesupperhewalkedforatimeinthehall，withSillery，forwhomhehadsent；andaftersupper，pronouncinghimselftired，hedismissedall，andretiredwithmetohischamber。HerewehadsometalkonasubjectthatIgreatlydreaded——ImeanhisinfatuationforMadamedeConde；
butabouteleveno\'clockheyawned，and，afterthankingmeforareceptionwhichhesaidwasquitetohismind，hebademegotobed。
Iwashalfwaytothedoorwhenhecalledmeback。\"Why，GrandMaster，\"hesaid，pointingtothelittletablebytheheadofthebedonwhichhisnightdrinksstood，\"youmightbegoingtodrownme。Doyouexpectmetodrinkalltheseinthenight？\"
\"Ithinkthatthereisonlyyourposset，sire，\"Isaid，\"andthelemon-waterwhichyougenerallydrink。\"
\"Andtwoorthreeotherthings？\"
\"PerhapstheyhavegivenyourmajestysomeoftheArboiswinethatyouweregoodenoughto——\"
\"Tut-tut！\"hesaid，liftingthecoverofoneofthecups。\"Thisisnotwine。Itmaybeamilk-posset。\"
\"Yes，sire；verylikely，\"Isaiddrowsily。
\"Butitisnot！\"heanswered，whenhehadsmelledit。\"Itisplainmilk！Come，myfriend，\"hecontinued，lookingdrollyatme，\"haveyouturnedleech，orIbabeisarmsthatyouputsuchstrongliquorsbeforeme？However，toshowyouthatIhavesomechildishtastesleft，andamnotsodepravedasyouhavebeentryingtomakemeoutforthelasthour——Iwilldrinkyourhealthinit。ItwouldserveyourightifImadeyoupledgemeinthesameliquor！\"
ThecupwasathislipswhenIsprangforwardand，heedlessofceremony，caughthisarm。\"Pardon，sire！\"Icried，insuddenagitation。\"Ifthatismilk，Igavenoorderthatitshouldbeplacedhere；andIknownothingofitsorigin。Ibegthatyouwillnotdrinkit，untilIhavemadesomeinquiry。\"
\"Theyhaveallbeentasted？\"heasked，stillholdingthecupinhishandwiththelidraised，butlookingatitgravely。
\"Theyshouldhavebeen！\"Ianswered。\"ButLaTrape，whomImadeanswerableforthat，isoutside。Iwillgoandquestionhim。Ifyouwillwait，sire，amoment——\"
\"No，\"Henrysaid。\"Havehimhere。\"
Igavetheordertothepageswhowerewaitingoutside，andinamomentLaTrapeappeared，lookingstartledanduncomfortable。
Naturally，hisfirstglancewasgiventotheKing，whohadtakenhisseatontheedgeofthebed，butstillheldthecupinhishand。AfteraskingtheKing\'spermission，Isaid，\"Whatdrinksdidyouplaceonthetable，here，sirrah？\"