Thereuponthemonkwentthroughthissaidserviceforher，asitissungongreatfeastdays，withallthegrandeffectsusedinmonasteries，thepsalmswellchantedinfmajor，theflamingtapers，andthechoristers，andexplainedtoherthe/Introit/，andalsothe/itemissaest/，anddeparted，leavinghersosanctifiedthatthewrathofheavenwouldhavegreatdifficultyindiscoveringanyportionofthegirlthatwasnotthoroughlymonasticated。
Byhisorders，PerrotteconductedhimtoMademoiselledeCande，thelord\'ssister，towhomhewentinordertolearnifitwasherdesiretoconfesstohim，becausemonkscamesorarelytothecastle。Theladywasdelighted，aswouldanygoodChristianhavebeen，atsuchachanceofclearingoutherconscience。Amadorrequestedhertoshowhimherconscience，andshehavingallowedhimtoseethatwhichheconsideredtheconscienceofoldmaids，hefounditinabadstate，andtoldherthatthesinsofwomenwereaccomplishedthere；thattobeforthefuturewithoutsinitwasnecessarytohavetheconsciencecorkedupbyamonk\'sindulgence。Thepoorignorantladyhavingrepliedthatshedidnotknowwheretheseindulgencesweretobehad，themonkinformedherthathehadarelicwithhimwhichenabledhimtograntone，thatnothingwasmoreindulgentthanthisrelic，becausewithoutsayingaworditproducedinfinitepleasures，whichisthetrue，eternalandprimarycharacterofanindulgence。Thepoorladywassopleasedwiththisrelic，thevirtueofwhichshetriedinvariousways，thatherbrainbecamemuddled，andshehadsomuchfaithinitthatsheindulgedasdevoutlyinindulgencesastheLadyofCandehadindulgedinvengeances。ThisbusinessofconfessionwokeuptheyoungerDemoiselledeCande，whocametowatchtheproceedings。
Youmayimaginethatthemonkhadhopedforthisoccurrence，sincehismouthhadwateredatthesightofthisfairblossom，whomhealsoconfessed，becausetheelderladycouldnothinderhimfrombestowingupontheyoungerone，whowishedit，whatremainedoftheindulgences。
But，remember，thispleasurewasduetohimforthetroublehehadtaken。Themorninghavingdawned，thepigshavingeatentheirtripe，andthecatshavingbecomedisenchantedwithlove，andhavingwateredalltheplacesrubbedwithherbs，Amadorwenttoresthimselfinhisbed，whichPerrottehadputstraightagain。Everyoneslept，thankstothemonk，solong，thatnooneinthecastlewasupbeforenoon，whichwasthedinnerhour。Theservantsallbelievedthemonktobeadevilwhohadcarriedoffthecats，thepigs，andalsotheirmasters。Inspiteoftheseideashowever，everyonewasintheroomatmealtime。
“Come，myfather，“saidthechatelaine，givingherarmtothemonk，whomsheputathersideinthebaron\'schair，tothegreatastonishmentoftheattendants，becausetheSireofCandesaidnotaword。“Page，givesomeofthistoFatherAmador，“saidmadame。
“FatherAmadorhasneedofsoandso，“saidtheDemoiselledeCande。
“FillupFatherAmador\'sgoblet，“saidthesire。
“FatherAmadorhasnobread，“saidthelittlelady。
“Whatdoyourequire，FatherAmador？”saidPerrotte。
ItwasFatherAmadorhere，andFatherAmadorthere。Hewasregaledlikealittlemaidenonherweddingnight。
“Eat，father，“saidmadame；“youmadesuchabadmealyesterday。“
“Drink，father，“saidthesire。“youare，s\'blood！thefinestmonkI
haveeverseteyeson。“
“FatherAmadorisahandsomemonk，“saidPerrotte。
“Anindulgentmonk，“saidthedemoiselle。
“Abeneficentmonk，“saidthelittleone。
“Agreatmonk，“saidthelady。
“Amonkwhowelldeserveshisname，“saidtheclerkofthecastle。
Amadormunchedandchewed，triedallthedishes，lappedupthehypocras，lickedhischops，sneezed，blewhimselfout，struttedandstampedaboutlikeabullinafield。Theothersregardedhimwithgreatfear，believinghimtobeamagician。Dinnerover，theLadyofCande，thedemoiselle，andthelittleone，besoughttheSireofCandewithathousandfinearguments，toterminatethelitigation。Agreatdealwassaidtohimbymadame，whopointedouttohimhowusefulamonkwasinacastle；bymademoiselle，whowishedforthefuturetopolishupherconscienceeveryday；bythelittleone，whopulledherfather\'sbeard，andaskedthatthismonkmightalwaysbeatCande。Ifeverthedifferencewerearranged，itwouldbebythemonk：themonkwasofagoodunderstanding，gentleandvirtuousasasaint；itwasamisfortunetobeatenmitywithamonasterycontainingsuchmonks。Ifallthemonkswerelikehim，theabbeywouldalwayshaveeverywheretheadvantageofthecastle，andwouldruinit，becausethismonkwasverystrong。Finally，theygaveutterancetoathousandreasons，whichwerelikeadelugeofwords，andweresopluviallyshowereddownthatthesireyielded，saying，thattherewouldneverbeamoment\'speaceinthehouseuntilmattersweresettledtothesatisfactionofthewomen。Thenhesentfortheclerk，whowrotedownforhim，andalsoforthemonk。ThenAmadorsurprisedthemexceedinglybyshowingthemthechartersandthelettersofcredit，whichwouldpreventthesireandhisclerkdelayingthisagreement。WhentheLadyofCandesawthemabouttoputanendtothisoldcase，shewenttothelinenchesttogetsomefineclothtomakeanewgownforherdearAmador。Everyoneinthehousehadnoticedhowthisoldgownwasworn，anditwouldhavebeenagreatshametoleavesuchatreasureinsuchaworn-outcase。
Everyonewaseagertoworkatthegown。Madamecutit，theservantputthehoodon，thedemoisellesewedit，andthelittledemoiselleworkedatthesleeves。Andallsetsoheartilytoworktoadornthemonk，thattherobewasreadybysuppertime，aswasalsothecharterofagreementpreparedandsealedbytheSiredeCande。
“Ah，myfather！”saidthelady，“ifyouloveus，youwillrefreshyourselfafteryourmerrylabourbywashingyourselfinabaththatI
havehadheatedbyPerrotte。“
Amadorwasthenbathedinscentedwater。Whenhecameouthefoundanewrobeoffinelinenandlovelysandalsreadyforhim，whichmadehimappearthemostgloriousmonkintheworld。
MeanwhilethemonksofTurpenayfearingforAmador，hadorderedtwooftheirnumbertospyaboutthecastle。Thesespiescameroundbythemoat，justasPerrottethrewAmador\'sgreasyoldgown，withotherrubbish，intoit。Seeingwhich，theythoughtthatitwasalloverwiththepoormadman。Theythereforereturned，andannouncedthatitwascertainAmadorhadsufferedmartyrdomintheserviceoftheabbey。
HearingwhichtheabbotorderedthemtoassembleinthechapelandpraytoGod，inordertoassistthisdevotedservantinhistorments。
Themonkhavingsupped，puthischarterintohisgirdle，andwishedtoreturntoTurpenay。Thenhefoundatthefootofthestepsmadame\'smare，bridledandsaddled，andheldreadyforhimbyagroom。Thelordhadorderedhismen-at-armstoaccompanythegoodmonk，sothatnoaccidentmightbefallhim。Seeingwhich，Amadorpardonedthetricksofthenightbefore，andbestowedhisbenedictionuponeveryonebeforetakinghisdeparturefromthisconvertedplace。Madamefollowedhimwithhereyes，andproclaimedhimasplendidrider。Perrottedeclaredthatforamonkheheldhimselfmoreuprightinthesaddlethananyofthemen-at-arms。MademoiselledeCandesighed。Thelittleonewishedtohavehimforherconfessor。
“Hehassanctifiedthecastle，“saidthey，whentheywereintheroomagain。
WhenAmadorandhissuitecametothegatesoftheabbey，asceneofterrorensued，sincetheguardianthoughtthattheSiredeCandehadhadhisappetiteformonkswhettedbythebloodofpoorAmador，andwishedtosacktheabbey。ButAmadorshoutedwithhisfinebassvoice，andwasrecognisedandadmittedintothecourtyard；andwhenhedismountedfrommadame\'smaretherewasenoughuproartomakethemonksasawildasAprilmoons。Theygaveventtoshoutsofjoyintherefectory，andallcametocongratulateAmador，whowavedthecharteroverhishead。Themen-at-armswereregaledwiththebestwineinthecellars，whichwasapresentmadetothemonksofTurpenaybythoseofMarmoustier，towhombelongedthelandsofVouvray。ThegoodabbothavinghadthedocumentoftheSieurdeCanderead，wentaboutsaying——
“OnthesedivineoccasionstherealwaysappearsthefingerofGod，towhomweshouldrenderthanks。“
AsthegoodabbotkeptonatthefingerofGod，whenthankingAmador，themonk，annoyedtoseetheinstrumentoftheirdeliverythusdiminished，saidtohim——
“Well，saythatitisthearm，myfather，anddropthesubject。“
TheterminationofthetrialbetweentheSieurdeCandeandtheabbeyofTurpenaywasfollowedbyablessingwhichrenderedhimdevotedtotheChurch，becauseninemonthsafterhehadason。TwoyearsafterwardsAmadorwaschosenasabbotbythemonks，whoreckoneduponamerrygovernmentwithamadcap。ButAmadorbecomeanabbot，becamesteadyandaustere，becausehehadconqueredhisevildesiresbyhislabours，andrecasthisnatureatthefemaleforge，inwhichisthatfirewhichisthemostperfecting，persevering，persistent，perdurable，permanent，perennial，andpermeatingfirethatthereeverwasintheworld。Itisafiretoruineverything，anditruinedsowelltheevilthatwasinAmador，thatitleftonlythatwhichitcouldnoteat——thatis，hiswit，whichwasasclearasadiamond，whichis，aseveryoneknows，aresidueofthegreatfirebywhichourglobewasformerlycarbonised。AmadorwasthentheinstrumentchosenbyProvidencetoreformourillustriousabbey，sinceheputeverythingrightthere，watchednightanddayoverhismonks，madethemallriseatthehoursappointedforprayers，countedtheminchapelasashepherdcountshissheep，keptthemwellinhand，andpunishedtheirfaultsseverely，thathemadethemmostvirtuousbrethren。
Thisteachesustolookuponwomankindmoreastheinstrumentsofoursalvationthanofourpleasure。Besideswhich，thisnarrativeteachesusthatweshouldneverattempttostrugglewiththeChurchmen。
Thekingandthequeenhadfoundthistaleinthebesttaste；thecourtiersconfessedthattheyhadneverheardabetter；andtheladieswouldallwillinglyhavebeentheheroinesofit。
BERTHATHEPENITENT
I
HOWBERTHAREMAINEDAMAIDENINTHEMARRIEDSTATE
AboutthetimeofthefirstflightoftheDauphin，whichthrewourgoodSire，CharlestheVictorious，intoastateofgreatdejection，therehappenedagreatmisfortunetoanobleHouseofTouraine，sinceextinctineverybranch；anditisowingtothisfactthatthismostdeplorablehistorymaynowbesafelybroughttolight。Toaidhiminthisworktheauthorcallstohisassistancetheholyconfessors，martyrs，andothercelestialdominations，who，bythecommandmentsofGod，werethepromotersofgoodinthisaffair。
Fromsomedefectinhischaracter，theSireImbertdeBastarnay，oneofthemostlandedlordsinourlandofTouraine，hadnoconfidenceinthemindofthefemaleofman，whomheconsideredmuchtooanimated，onaccountofhernumerousvagaries，anditmaybehewasright。Inconsequenceofthisideahereachedhisoldagewithoutacompanion，whichwascertainlynottohisadvantage。Alwaysleadingasolitarylife，thissaidmanhadnoideaofmakinghimselfagreeabletoothers，havingonlybeenmixedupwithwarsandtheorgiesofbachelors，withwhomhedidnotputhimselfoutoftheway。Thusheremainedstaleinhisgarments，sweatyinhisaccoutrements，withdirtyhandsandanapishface。Inshort，helookedtheugliestmaninChristendom。Asfarasregardshispersononlythough，sincesofarashisheart，hishead，andothersecretplaceswereconcerned，hehadpropertieswhichrenderedhimmostpraiseworthy。Anangelpraybelievethiswouldhavewalkedalongwaywithoutmeetinganoldwarriorfirmerathispost，alordwithmorespotlessscutcheon，ofshorterspeech，andmoreperfectloyalty。
Certainpeoplehavestated，theyhaveheardthathegavesoundadvice，andwasagoodandprofitablemantoconsult。WasitnotastrangefreakonthepartofGod，whoplayssometimesjokesonus，tohavegrantedsomanyperfectionstoamansobadlyapparelled？
Whenhewassixtyinappearance，althoughonlyfiftyinyears，hedeterminedtotakeuntohimselfawife，inordertoobtainlineage。
Then，whileforagingaboutforaplacewherehemightbeabletofindaladytohisliking，heheardmuchvaunted，thegreatmeritsandperfectionsofadaughteroftheillustrioushouseofRohan，whichatthattimehadsomepropertyintheprovince。TheyoungladyinquestionwascalledBertha，thatbeingherpetname。ImberthavingbeentoseeheratthecastleofMontbazon，was，inconsequenceoftheprettinessandinnocentvirtueofthesaidBerthadeRohan，seizedwithsogreatadesiretopossessher，thathedeterminedtomakeherhiswife，believingthatnevercouldagirlofsuchloftydescentfailinherduty。Thismarriagewassooncelebrated，becausetheSiredeRohanhadsevendaughters，andhardlyknewhowtoprovideforthemall，atatimewhenpeoplewerejustrecoveringfromthelatewars，andpatchinguptheirunsettledaffairs。NowthegoodmanBastarnayhappilyfoundBerthareallyamaiden，whichfactborewitnesstoherproperbringingupandperfectmaternalcorrection。Soimmediatelythenightarrivedwhenitshouldbelawfulforhimtoembraceher，hegotherwithachildsoroughlythathehadproofoftheresulttwomonthsaftermarriage，whichrenderedtheSireImbertjoyfultoadegree。Inorderthatwemayherefinishwiththisportionofthestory，letusatoncestatethatfromthislegitimategrainwasborntheSiredeBastarnay，whowasDukebythegraceofLouistheEleventh，hischamberlain，andmorethanthat，hisambassadorinthecountriesofEurope，andwell-belovedofthismostredoubtablelord，towhomhewasneverfaithless。Hisloyaltywasanheritagefromhisfather，whofromhisearlyyouthwasmuchattachedtotheDauphin，whosefortuneshefollowed，evenintherebellions，sincehewasamantoputChristonthecrossagainifithadbeenrequiredbyhimtodoso，whichisthefloweroffriendshiprarelytobefoundencompassingprincesandgreatpeople。Atfirst，thefairladyofBastarnaycomportedherselfsoloyallythathersocietycausedthosethickvapoursandblackcloudstovanish，whichobscuredthemindofthisgreatman，thebrightnessofthefeminineglory。Now，accordingtothecustomofunbelievers，hepassedfromsuspiciontoconfidencesothoroughly，thatheyieldedupthegovernmentofhishousetothesaidBertha，madehermistressofhisdeedsandactions，queenofhishonour，guardianofhisgreyhairs，andwouldhaveslaughteredwithoutacontestanyonewhohadsaidanevilwordconcerningthismirrorofvirtue，onwhomnobreathhadfallensavethebreathissuedfromhisconjugalandmaritallips，coldandwitheredastheywere。Tospeaktrulyonallpoints，itshouldbeexplained，thattothisvirtuousbehaviourconsiderablyaidedthelittleboy，whoduringsixyearsoccupieddayandnighttheattentionofhisprettymother，whofirstnourishedhimwithhermilk，andmadeofhimalover\'slieutenant，yieldingtohimhersweetbreasts，whichhegnawedat，hungry，asoftenashewould，andwas，likealover，alwaysthere。Thisgoodmotherknewnootherpleasuresthanthoseofhisrosylips，hadnoothercaressesthatthoseofhistinylittlehands，whichranaboutherlikethefeetofplayfulmice，readnootherbookthanthatinhisclearbabyeyes，inwhichtheblueskywasreflected，andlistenedtonoothermusicthanhiscries，whichsoundedinherearsasangels\'
whispers。Youmaybesurethatshewasalwaysfondlinghim，hadadesiretokisshimatdawnofday，kissedhimintheevening，wouldriseinthenighttoeathimupwithkisses，madeherselfachildashewasachild，educatedhimintheperfectreligionofmaternity；
finally，behavedasthebestandhappiestmotherthateverlived，withoutdisparagementtoourLadytheVirgin，whocouldhavehadlittletroubleinbringingupourSaviour，sincehewasGod。
ThisemploymentandthelittletastewhichBerthahadfortheblissesofmatrimonymuchdelightedtheoldman，sincehewouldhavebeenunabletoreturntheaffectionofatooamorouswife，anddesiredtopracticeeconomy，tohavethewherewithalforasecondchild。
Aftersixyearshadpassedaway，themotherwascompelledtogivehersonintothehandsofthegroomsandotherpersonstowhomMessiredeBastarnaycommittedthetasktomouldhimproperly，inorderthathisheirshouldhaveanheritageofthevirtues，qualitiesandcourageofthehouse，aswellasthedomainsandthename。ThendidBerthashedmanytears，herhappinessbeinggone。Forthegreatheartofthismotheritwasnothingtohavethiswell-belovedsonafterothers，andduringonlycertainshortfleetinghours。Thereforeshebecamesadandmelancholy。Noticinghergrief，thegoodmanwishedtobestowuponheranotherchildandcouldnot，andthepoorladywasdispleasedthereat，becauseshedeclaredthatthemakingofachildweariedhermuchandcostherdear。Andthisistrue，ornodoctrineistrue，andyoumustburntheGospelsasapackofstoriesifyouhavenotfaithinthisinnocentremark。
This，nevertheless，tocertainladiesIdidnotmentionmen，sincetheyhaveasmatteringofthescience，willstillseemanuntruth。
Thewriterhastakencareheretogivethemutereasonsforthisstrangeantipathy；ImeanthedistastesofBertha，becauseIlovetheladiesaboveallthings，knowingthatforwantofthepleasureoflove，myfacewouldgrowoldandmyhearttormentme。DidyouevermeetascribesocomplacentandsofondoftheladiesasIam？No；ofcoursenot。Therefore，doIlovethemdevotedly，butnotsooftenasI
couldwish，sinceIhaveoftenerinmyhandsmygoose-quillthanI
havethebarbswithwhichoneticklestheirlipstomakethemlaughandbemerryinallinnocence。Iunderstandthem，andinthisway。
ThegoodmanBastarnaywasnotasmartyoungfellowofanamorousnature，andacquaintedwiththepranksofthething。Hedidnottroublehimselfmuchaboutthefashioninwhichhekilledasoldiersolongashekilledhim；thathewouldhavekilledhiminallwayswithoutsayingawordinbattle，is，ofcourse，understood。Theperfectheedlessnessinthematterofdeathwasinaccordancewiththenonchalanceinthematteroflife，thebirthandmannerofbegettingachild，andtheceremoniestheretoappertaining。Thegoodsirewasignorantofthemanylitigious，dilatory，interlocutoryandproprietaryexploitsandthelittlehumouringsofthelittlefagotsplacedintheoventoheatit；ofthesweetperfumedbranchesgatheredlittlebylittleintheforestsoflove，fondlings，coddlings，huggings，nursing，thebitesatthecherry，thecat-licking，andotherlittletricksandtrafficoflovewhichruffiansknow，whichloverspreserve，andwhichtheladieslovebetterthantheirsalvation，becausethereismoreofthecatthanthewomaninthem。Thisshinesforthinperfectevidenceintheirfeminineways。Ifyouthinkitworthwhilewatchingthem，examinethemattentivelywhiletheyeat：
notoneofthemIamspeakingofwomen，nobleandwell-educatedputsherknifeintheeatablesandthrustsitintohermouth，asdobrutallythemales；no，theyturnovertheirfood，pickthepiecesthatpleasethemastheywouldgraypeasinadovecote；theysuckthesaucesbymouthfuls；playwiththeirknifeandspoonasiftheyareonlyateinconsequenceofajudge\'sorder，somuchdotheydisliketogostraighttothepoint，andmakefreeuseofvariations，finesse，andlittletricksineverything，whichistheespecialattributeofthesecreatures，andthereasonthatthesonsofAdamdelightinthem，sincetheydoeverythingdifferentlytothemselves，andtheydowell。
Youthinksotoo。Good！Iloveyou。
Nowthen，ImbertdeBastarnay，anoldsoldier，ignorantofthetricksoflove，enteredintothesweetgardenofVenusashewouldintoaplacetakenbyassault，withoutgivinganyheedtothecriesofthepoorinhabitantsintears，andplacedachildashewouldanarrowinthedark。AlthoughthegentleBerthawasnotusedtosuchtreatmentpoorchild，shewasbutfifteen，shebelievedinhervirginfaith，thatthehappinessofbecomingamotherdemandedthisterrible，dreadfulbruisingandnastybusiness；soduringhispainfultaskshewouldpraytoGodtoassisther，andrecite/Aves/toourLady，esteemingherlucky，inonlyhavingtheHolyGhosttoendure。Bythismeans，neverhavingexperiencedanythingbutpaininmarriage，shenevertroubledherhusbandtogothroughtheceremonyagain。Nowseeingthattheoldfellowwasscarcelyequaltoit——ashasbeenbeforestated——shelivedinperfectsolitude，likeanun。Shehatedthesocietyofmen，andneversuspectedthattheAuthoroftheworldhadputsomuchjoyinthatfromwhichshehadonlyreceivedinfinitemisery。Butshelovedallthemoreherlittleone，whohadcosthersomuchbeforehewasborn。Donotbeastonished，therefore，thatsheheldalooffromthatgallanttourneyinwhichitisthemarewhogovernshercavalier，guideshim，fatigueshim，andabuseshim，ifhestumbles。Thisisthetruehistoryofcertainunhappyunions，accordingtothestatementoftheoldmenandwomen，andthecertainreasonofthefolliescommittedbycertainwomen，whotoolateperceive，Iknownothow，thattheyhavebeendeceived，andattempttocrowdintoadaymoretimethanitwillhold，tohavetheirpropershareoflife。Thatisphilosophical，myfriends。Thereforestudywellthispage，inorderthatyoumaywiselylooktothepropergovernmentofyourwives，yoursweethearts，andallfemalesgenerally，andparticularlythosewhobychancemaybeunderyourcare，fromwhichGodpreserveyou。
Thusavirginindeed，althoughamother，Berthawasinherone-and-
twentiethyearacastleflower，thegloryofhergoodman，andthehonouroftheprovince。ThesaidBastarnaytookgreatpleasureinbeholdingthischildcome，go，andfriskaboutlikeawillow-switch，aslivelyasaneel，asinnocentasherlittleone，andstillmostsensibleandofsoundunderstanding；somuchsothatheneverundertookanyprojectwithoutconsultingheraboutit，seeingthatifthemindsoftheseangelshavenotbeendisturbedintheirpurity，theygiveasoundanswertoeverythingoneasksofthem。AtthistimeBerthalivednearthetownofLoches，inthecastleofherlord，andthereresided，withnodesiretodoanythingbutlookafterherhouseholdduties，aftertheoldcustomofthegoodhousewives，fromwhichtheladiesofFrancewereledawaywhenQueenCatherineandtheItalianscamewiththeirballsandmerry-makings。TothesepracticesFrancistheFirstandhissuccessors，whoseeasywaysdidasmuchharmtotheStateofFranceasthegoingsonoftheProtestantslenttheiraid。This，however，hasnothingtodowithmystory。
AboutthistimethelordandladyofBastarnaywereinvitedbythekingtocometohistownofLoches，whereforthepresenthewaswithhiscourt，inwhichthebeautyoftheladyofBastarnayhadmadeagreatnoise。BerthacametoLoches，receivedmanykindpraisesfromtheking，wasthecentreofthehomageofalltheyoungnobles，whofeastedtheireyesonthisappleoflove，andoftheoldones，whowarmedthemselvesatthissun。Butyoumaybesurethatallofthem，oldandyoung，wouldhavesuffereddeathathousandtimesovertohaveattheirservicethisinstrumentofjoy，whichdazzledtheireyesandmuddledtheirbrains。BerthawasmoretalkedaboutinLochestheneitherGodortheGospels，whichenragedagreatmanyladieswhowerenotsobountifullyendowedwithcharms，andwouldhavegivenallthatwasleftoftheirhonourtohavesentbacktohercastlethisfairgathererofsmiles。
AyoungladyhavingearlyperceivedthatoneofherloverswassmittenwithBertha，tooksuchahatredtoherthatfromitaroseallthemisfortunesoftheladyofBastarnay；butalsofromthesamesourcecameherhappiness，andherdiscoveryofthegentlelandoflove，ofwhichshewasignorant。Thiswickedladyhadarelationwhohadconfessedtoher，directlyhesawBertha，thattobeherloverhewouldbewillingtodieafteramonth\'shappinesswithher。Bearinmindthatthiscousinwasashandsomeasagirlisbeautiful，hadnohaironhischin，wouldhavegainedhisenemy\'sforgivenessbyaskingforit，somelodiouswashisyoungvoice，andwasscarcelytwentyyearsofage。
“Dearcousin，“saidshetohim，“leavetheroom，andgotoyourhouse；
Iwillendeavourtogiveyouthisjoy。Butdonotletyourselfbeseenbyher，norbythatoldbaboon-facebyanerrorofnatureonaChristian\'sbody，andtowhombelongsthisbeauteousfay。“
Theyounggentlemanoutoftheway，theladycamerubbinghertreacherousnoseagainstBertha\'s，andcalledher“Myfriend，mytreasure，mystarofbeauty“；tryingeverywaytobeagreeabletoher，tomakehervengeancemorecertainonthepoorchildwho，allunwittingly，hadcausedherlover\'shearttobefaithless，which，forwomenambitiousinlove，istheworstofinfidelities。Afteralittleconversation，theplottingladysuspectedthatpoorBerthawasamaideninmattersoflove，whenshesawhereyesfulloflimpidwater，nomarksonthetemples，nolittleblackspeckonthepointofherlittlenose，whiteassnow，whereusuallythemarksoftheamusementarevisible，nowrinkleonherbrow；inshort，nohabitofpleasureapparentonherface——clearasthefaceofaninnocentmaiden。Thenthistraitressputcertainwomen\'squestionstoher，andwasperfectlyassuredbytherepliesofBertha，thatifshehadhadtheprofitofbeingamother，thepleasuresoflovehadbeendeniedtoher。Atthissherejoicedgreatlyonhercousin\'sbehalf——likethegoodwomanshewas。
Thenshetoldher，thatinthetownofLochestherelivedayoungandnoblelady，ofthefamilyofaRohan，whoatthattimehadneedoftheassistanceofaladyofpositiontobereconciledwiththeSireLouisdeRohan；thatifshehadasmuchgoodnessasGodhadgivenherbeauty，shewouldtakeherwithhertothecastle，ascertainforherselfthesanctityofherlife，andbringaboutareconciliationwiththeSiredeRohan，whorefusedtoreceiveher。TothisBerthaconsentedwithouthesitation，becausethemisfortunesofthisgirlwereknowntoher，butnotthepooryoungladyherself，whosenamewasSylvia，andwhomshehadbelievedtobeinaforeignland。
ItisherenecessarytostatewhythekinghadgiventhisinvitationtotheSiredeBastarnay。HehadasuspicionofthefirstflightofhissontheDauphinintoBurgundy，andwishedtodeprivehimofsogoodacounselloraswasthesaidBastarnay。Buttheveteran，faithfultoyoungLouis，hadalready，withoutsayingaword，madeuphismind。
ThereforehetookBerthabacktohiscastle；butbeforetheysetoutshetoldhimshehadtakenacompanionandintroducedhertohim。Itwastheyounglord，disguisedasagirl，withtheassistanceofhiscousin，whowasjealousofBertha，andannoyedathervirtue。ImbertdrewbackalittlewhenhelearnedthatitwasSylviadeRohan，butwasalsomuchaffectedatthekindnessofBertha，whomhethankedforherattempttobringalittlewanderinglambbacktothefold。Hemademuchofhiswife，whenhislastnightathomecame，leftmen-at-armsabouthiscastle，andthensetoutwiththeDauphinforBurgundy，havingacruelenemyinhisbosomwithoutsuspectingit。Thefaceoftheyoungladwasunknowntohim，becausehewasayoungpagecometoseetheking\'scourt，andwhohadbeenbroughtupbytheCardinalDunois，inwhoseservicehewasaknight-bachelor。
Theoldlord，believingthathewasagirl，thoughthimverymodestandtimid，becausethelad，doubtingthelanguageofhiseyes，keptthemalwayscastdown；andwhenBerthakissedhimonthemouth，hetrembledlesthispetticoatmightbeindiscreet，andwouldwalkawaytothewindow，sofearfulwasheofbeingrecognisedasamanbyBastarnay，andkilledbeforehehadmadelovetothelady。
Thereforehewasasjoyfulasanyloverwouldhavebeeninhisplace，whentheportculliswaslowered，andtheoldlordgallopedawayacrossthecountry。HehadbeeninsuchsuspensethathemadeavowtobuildapillarathisownexpenseinthecathedralatTours，becausehehadescapedthedangerofhismadscheme。Hegave，indeed，fiftygoldmarkstopayGodforhisdelight。Butbychancehehadtopayforitoveragaintothedevil，asitappearsfromthefollowingfactsifthetalepleasesyouwellenoughtoinduceyoutofollowthenarrative，whichwillbesuccinct，asallgoodspeechesshouldbe。
II
HOWBERTHABEHAVED，KNOWINGTHEBUSINESSOFLOVE
ThisbachelorwastheyoungSireJehandeSacchez，cousinoftheSieurdeMontmorency，towhom，bythedeathofthesaidJehan，thefiefsofSacchezandotherplaceswouldreturn，accordingtothedeedoftenure。Hewastwentyyearsofageandglowedlikeaburningcoal；
thereforeyoumaybesurethathehadahardjobtogetthroughthefirstday。WhileoldImbertwasgallopingacrossthefields，thetwocousinsperchedthemselvesunderthelanternoftheportcullis，inordertokeephimthelongerinview，andwavedhimsignalsoffarewells。Whenthecloudsofdustraisedbytheheelsofthehorseswerenolongervisibleuponthehorizon，theycamedownandwentintothegreatroomofthecastle。
“Whatshallwedo，dearcousin？”saidBerthatothefalseSylvia。“Doyoulikemusic？Wewillplaytogether。Letussingthelayofsomesweetancientbard。Eh？Whatdoyousay？Cometomyorgan；comealong。
Asyouloveme，sing！”
ThenshetookJehanbythehandandledhimtothekeyboardoftheorgan，atwhichtheyoungfellowseatedhimselfprettily，afterthemannerofwomen。“Ah！sweetcoz，“criedBertha，assoonasthefirstnotestried，theladturnedhisheadtowardsher，inorderthattheymightsingtogether。“Ah！sweetcozyouhaveawonderfulglanceinyoureye；youmoveIknownotwhatinmyheart。“
“Ah！cousin，“repliedthefalseSylvia，“thatitiswhichhasbeenmyruin。AsweetmilordofthelandacrosstheseatoldmesooftenthatIhadfineeyes，andkissedthemsowell，thatIyielded，somuchpleasuredidIfeelinlettingthembekissed。“
“Cousin，doeslovethen，commenceintheeyes？”
“InthemistheforgeofCupid\'sbolts，mydearBertha，“saidthelover，castingfireandflameather。
“Letusgoonwithoursinging。“
Theythensang，byJehan\'sdesire，alayofChristinedePisan，everywordofwhichbreathedlove。
“Ah！cousin，whatadeepandpowerfulvoiceyouhave。Itseemstopierceme。“
“Where？”saidtheimpudentSylvia。
“There，“repliedBertha，touchingherlittlediaphragm，wherethesoundsofloveareunderstoodbetterthanbytheears，butthediaphragmliesnearertheheart，andthatwhichisundoubtedlythefirstbrain，thesecondheart，andthethirdearoftheladies。Isaythis，withallrespectandwithallhonour，forphysicalreasonsandfornoothers。
“Letusleaveoffsinging，“saidBertha；“ithastoogreataneffectuponme。Cometothewindow；wecandoneedleworkuntiltheevening。“
“Ah！dearcousinofmysoul，Idon\'tknowhowtoholdtheneedleinmyfingers，havingbeenaccustomed，tomyperditiontodosomethingelsewiththem。“
“Eh！whatdidyoudothenalldaylong？”
“Ah！Iyieldedtothecurrentoflove，whichmakesdaysseemInstants，monthsseemdays，andyearsmonths；andifitcouldlast，wouldgulpdowneternitylikeastrawberry，seeingthatitisallyouthandfragrance，sweetnessandendlessjoy。“
Thentheyouthdroppedhisbeautifuleyelidsoverhiseyes，andremainedasmelancholyasapoorladywhohasbeenabandonedbyherlover，whoweepsforhim，wishestokisshim，andwouldpardonhisperfidy，ifhewouldbutseekonceagainthesweetpathtohisonce-
lovedfold。
“Cousin，doesloveblossominthemarriedstate？”
“Ohno，“saidSylvia；“becauseinthemarriedstateeverythingisduty，butinloveeverythingisdoneinperfectfreedomofheart。Thisdifferencecommunicatesanindescribablesoftbalmtothosecaresseswhicharetheflowersoflove。“
“Cousin，letuschangetheconversation；itaffectsmemorethandidthemusic。“
Shecalledhastilytoaservanttobringherboytoher，whocame，andwhenSylviasawhim，sheexclaimed——
“Ah！thelittledear，heisasbeautifulaslove。“
Thenshekissedhimheartilyupontheforehead。
“Come，mylittleone，“saidthemother，asthechildclamberedintoherlap。“Thouartthymother\'sblessing，heruncloudedjoy，thedelightofhereveryhour，hercrown，herjewel，herownpurepearl，herspotlesssoul，hertreasure，hermorningandeveningstar，heronlyflame，andherheart\'sdarling。Givemethyhands，thatImayeatthem；givemethineears，thatImaybitethem；givemethyhead，thatImaykissthycurls。Behappysweetflowerofmybody，thatImaybehappytoo。“
“Ah！cousin，“saidSylvia，“youarespeakingthelanguageoflovetohim。“
“Loveisachildthen？”
“Yes，cousin；thereforetheheathenalwaysportrayedhimasalittleboy。“
Andwithmanyotherremarksfertileintheimageryoflove，thetwoprettycousinsamusedthemselvesuntilsuppertime，playingwiththechild。
“Wouldyouliketohaveanother？”whisperedJehan，atanopportunemoment，intohiscousin\'sear，whichhetouchedwithhiswarmlips。
“Ah！Sylvia！forthatIwouldensureahundredyearsofpurgatory，ifitwouldonlypleaseGodtogivemethatjoy。Butinspiteofthework，labour，andindustryofmyspouse，whichcausesmemuchpain，mywaistdoesnotvaryinsize。Alas！Itisnothingtohavebutonechild。IfIhearthesoundofacryinthecastle，myheartbeatsreadytoburst。Ifearmanandbeastalikeforthisinnocentdarling；
Idreadvolts，passes，andmanualexercises；infact，Idreadeverything。Ilivenotinmyself，butinhimalone。And，alas！Iliketoendurethesemiseries，becausewhenIfidget，andtremble，itisasignthatmyoffspringissafeandsound。Tobebrief——forIamneverwearyoftalkingonthissubject——Ibelievethatmybreathisinhim，andnotinmyself。“
Withthesewordsshehuggedhimtoherbreasts，asonlymothersknowhowtohugchildren，withaspiritualforcethatisfeltonlyintheirhearts。Ifyoudoubtthis，watchacatcarryingherkittensinhermouth，notoneofthemgivesasinglemew。Theyouthfulgallant，whohadcertainfearsaboutwateringthisfair，unfertileplain，wasreassuredbythisspeech。HethoughtthenthatitwouldonlybefollowingthecommandmentsofGodtowinthissainttolove；andhethoughtright。AtnightBerthaaskedhercousin——accordingtotheoldcustom，towhichtheladiesofourdayobject——tokeephercompanyinherbigseigneurialbed。TowhichrequestSylviareplied——inordertokeepuptheroleofawell-bornmaiden——thatnothingwouldgivehergreaterpleasure。Thecurfewrang，andfoundthetwocousinsinachamberrichlyornamentedwithcarpeting，fringes，androyaltapestries，andBerthabegangracefullytodisarrayherself，assistedbyherwomen。Youcanimaginethathercompanionmodestlydeclinedtheirservices，andtoldhercousin，withalittleblush，thatshewasaccustomedtoundressherselfeversinceshehadlosttheservicesofherdearlybeloved，whohadputheroutofconceitwithfemininefingersbyhisgentleways；thatthesepreparationsbroughtbacktheprettyspeechesheusedtomake，andhismerryprankswhileplayingthelady\'s-maid；andthattoherinjury，thememoryofallthesethingsbroughtthewaterintohermouth。
ThisdiscourseconsiderablyastonishedtheladyBertha，wholethercousinsayherprayers，andmakeotherpreparationsforthenightbeneaththecurtainsofthebed，intowhichmylord，inflamedwithdesire，soontumbled，happyatbeingabletocatchanoccasionalglimpseofthewondrouscharmsofthechatelaine，whichwereinnowayinjured。Bertha，believingherselftobewithanexperiencedgirl，didnotomitanyoftheusualpractices；shewashedherfeet，notmindingwhethersheraisedthemlittleormuch，exposedherdelicatelittleshoulders，anddidasalltheladiesdowhentheyareretiringtorest。Atlastshecametobed，andsettledherselfcomfortablyinit，kissinghercousinonthelips，whichshefoundremarkablywarm。
“Areyouunwell，Sylvia，thatyouburnso？”saidshe。
“IalwaysburnlikethatwhenIgotobed，“repliedhercompanion，“becauseatthattimetherecomesbacktomymemorytheprettylittletricksthatheinventedtopleaseme，andwhichmakemeburnstillmore。“
“Ah！cousin，tellmeallaboutthishe。Tellallthesweetsoflovetome，wholivebeneaththeshadowofahoaryhead，ofwhichthesnowskeepmefromsuchwarmfeelings。Tellmeall；youarecured。Itwillbeagoodwarningtome，andthenyourmisfortuneswillhavebeenasalutarylessontotwopoorweakwomen。“
“IdonotknowIoughttoobeyyou，sweetcousin，“saidtheyouth。
“Tellme，whynot？”
“Ah！deedsarebetterthanwords，“saidthefalsemaiden，heavingadeepsighasthe/ut/ofanorgan。“ButIamafraidthatthismilordhasencumberedmewithsomuchjoythatyoumaygetalittleofit，whichwouldbeenoughtogiveyouadaughter，sincethepowerofengenderingisweakenedinme。“
“But，“saidBertha，“betweenus，woulditbeasin？”
“Itwouldbe，onthecontrary，ajoybothhereandinheaven；theangelswouldshedtheirfragrancearoundyou，andmakesweetmusicinyourears。“
“Tellmequickly，then，“saidBertha。
“Well，then，thisishowmydearlordmademyheartrejoice。“
WiththesewordsJehantookBerthainhisarms，andstrainedherhungeringtohisheart，forinthesoftlightofthelamp，andclothedwiththespotlesslinen，shewasinthistemptingbed，liketheprettypetalsofalilyatthebottomofthevirgincalyx。
“WhenheheldmeasIholdtheehesaidtome，withavoicefarsweeterthanmine，\'Ah，Bertha，thouartmyeternallove，mypricelesstreasure，myjoybydayandmyjoybynight；thouartfairerthanthedayisday；thereisnaughtsoprettyasthouart。IlovetheemorethanGod，andwouldendureathousanddeathsforthehappinessIaskofthee！\'Thenhewouldkissme，notafterthemannerofhusbands，whichisrough，butinapeculiardove-likefashion。“
Toshowherthereandthenhowmuchbetterwasthemethodoflovers，hesuckedallthehoneyfromBertha\'slips，andtaughtherhow，withherprettytongue，smallandrosyasthatofacat，shecouldspeaktotheheartwithoutsayingasingleword，andbecomingexhaustedatthisgame，Jehanspreadthefireofhiskissesfromthemouthtotheneck，fromthenecktothesweetestformsthateverawomangaveachildtoslakeitsthirstupon。Andwhoeverhadbeeninhisplacewouldhavethoughthimselfawickedmannottoimitatehim。
“Ah！”saidBertha，fastboundinlovewithoutknowingit；“thisisbetter。ImusttakecaretotellImbertaboutit。“
“Areyouinyourpropersenses，cousin？Saynothingaboutittoyouroldhusband。Howcouldhemakehishandspleasantlikemine？Theyareashardaswasherwoman\'sbeetles，andhispiebaldbeardwouldhardlypleasethiscentreofbliss，thatroseinwhichliesourwealth，oursubstance，ourloves，andourfortune。Doyouknowthatitisalivingflower，whichshouldbefondledthus，andnotusedlikeatrombone，orasifitwereacatapultofwar？NowthiswasthegentlewayofmybelovedEnglishman。“
Thussaying，thehandsomeyouthcomportedhimselfsobravelyinthebattlethatvictorycrownedhisefforts，andpoorinnocentBerthaexclaimed——
“Ah！cousin，theangelsarecome！butsobeautifulisthemusic，thatIhearnothingelse，andsoflamingaretheirluminousrays，thatmyeyesareclosing。“
And，indeed，shefaintedundertheburdenofthosejoysoflovewhichburstforthinherlikethehighestnotesoftheorgan，whichglistenedlikethemostmagnificentaurora，whichflowedinherveinslikethefinestmusk，andloosenedtheliensofherlifeingivingherachildoflove，whomadeagreatdealofconfusionintakinguphisquarters。Finally，BerthaimaginedherselftobeinParadise，sohappydidshefeel；andwokefromthisbeautifuldreaminthearmsofJehan，exclaiming——
“Ah！whowouldnothavebeenmarriedinEngland！”
“Mysweetmistress，“saidJehan，whoseecstasywassoonerover，“youaremarriedtomeinFrance，wherethingsaremanagedstillbetter，forIamamanwhowouldgiveathousandlivesforyouifhehadthem。“
PoorBerthagaveashrieksosharpthatitpiercedthewalls，andleaptoutofbedlikeamountebankoftheplainsofEgyptwouldhavedone。Shefelluponherkneesbeforeher/Prie-Dieu/，joinedherhands，andweptmorepearlsthaneverMaryMagdalenewore。
“Ah！Iamdead“shecried；“Iamdeceivedbyadevilwhohastakenthefaceofanangel。Iamlost；Iamthemotherforcertainofabeautifulchild，withoutbeingmoreguiltythanyou，MadametheVirgin。ImplorethepardonofGodforme，ifIhavenotthatofmenuponearth；orletmedie，sothatImaynotblushbeforemylordandmaster。“
Hearingthatshesaidnothingagainsthim，Jehanrose，quiteaghasttoseeBerthatakethischarmingdancefortwosotoheart。ButthemomentsheheardherGabrielmovingshesprangquicklytoherfeet，regardedhimwithatearfulface，andhereyeilluminedwithaholyanger，whichmadehermorelovelytolookupon，exclaimed——
“Ifyouadvanceasinglesteptowardsme，Iwillmakeonetowardsdeath！”
Andshetookherstilettoinherhand。
SoheartrendingwasthetragicspectacleofhergriefthatJehanansweredher——
“Itisnotfortheebutformetodie，mydear，beautifulmistress，moredearlylovedthanwilleverwomanbeagainuponthisearth。“
“Ifyouhadtrulylovedmeyouwouldnothavekilledmeasyouhave，forIwilldiesoonerthanbereproachedbymyhusband。“
“Willyoudie？”saidhe。
“Assuredly，“saidshe。
“Now，ifIamherepiercedwithathousandblows，youwillhaveyourhusband\'spardon，towhomyouwillsaythatifyourinnocencewassurprised，youhaveavengedhishonourbykillingthemanwhohaddeceivedyou；anditwillbethegreatesthappinessthatcouldeverbefallmetodieforyou，themomentyourefusetoliveforme。“
Hearingthistenderdiscoursespokenwithtears，Berthadroppedthedagger；Jehanspranguponit，andthrustitintohisbreast，saying——
“Suchhappinesscanbepaidforbutwithdeath。“
Andfellstiffandstark。
Bertha，terrified，calledaloudforhermaid。Theservantcame，andterriblyalarmedtoseeawoundedmaninMadame\'schamber，andMadameholdinghimup，cryingandsaying，“Whathaveyoudone，mylove？”
becauseshebelievedhewasdead，andrememberedhervanishedjoys，andthoughthowbeautifulJehanmustbe，sinceeveryone，evenImbert，believedhimtobeagirl。Inhersorrowsheconfessedalltohermaid，sobbingandcryingout，“thatitwasquiteenoughtohaveuponhermindthelifeofachildwithouthavingthedeathofamanaswell。“Hearingthisthepoorlovertriedtoopenhiseyes，andonlysucceededinshowingalittlebitofthewhiteofthem。
“Ha！Madame，don\'tcryout，“saidtheservant，“letuskeepoursensestogetherandsavethisprettyknight。IwillgoandseekLaFallotte，inordernottoletanyphysicianorsurgeonintothesecret，andassheisasorceressshewill，topleaseMadame，performthemiracleofhealingthiswoundsonotatraceofitshallremain。
“Run！”repliedBertha。“Iwillloveyou，andwillpayyouwellforthisassistance。“
Butbeforeanythingelsewasdonetheladyandhermaidagreedtobesilentaboutthisadventure，andhideJehanfromeveryeye。ThentheservantwentoutintothenighttoseekLaFallotte，andwasaccompaniedbyhermistressasfarasthepostern，becausetheguardcouldnotraisetheportculliswithoutBertha\'sspecialorder。Berthafoundongoingbackthatherloverhadfainted，forthebloodwasflowingfromthewound。Atthesightshedrankalittleofhisblood，thinkingthatJehanhadsheditforher。Affectedbythisgreatloveandbythedanger，shekissedthisprettyvarletofpleasureontheface，bounduphiswound，bathingitwithhertears，beseechinghimnottodie，andexclaimingthatifhewouldliveshewouldlovehimwithallherheart。YoucanimaginethatthechatelainebecamestillmoreenamouredwhileobservingwhatadifferencetherewasbetweenayoungknightlikeJehan，white，downy，andagreeable，andanoldfellowlikeImbert，bristly，yellow，andwrinkled。Thisdifferencebroughtbacktohermemorythatwhichshehadfoundinthepleasureoflove。Movedbythissouvenir，herkissesbecamesowarmthatJehancamebacktohissenses，hislookimproved，andhecouldseeBertha，fromwhominafeeblevoiceheaskedforgiveness。ButBerthaforbadehimtospeakuntilLaFallottehadarrived。Thenbothofthemconsumedthetimebylovingeachotherwiththeireyes，sinceinthoseofBerthatherewasnothingbutcompassion，andontheseoccasionspityisakintolove。
LaFallottewasahunchback，vehementlysuspectedofdealingsinnecromancy，andofridingtonocturnalorgiesonabroomstick，accordingtothecustomofwitches。Certainpersonshadseenherputtingtheharnessonherbroominthestable，which，aseveryoneknowsisonthehousetops。Totellthetruth，shepossessedcertainmedicalsecrets，andwasofsuchgreatservicetoladiesincertainthings，andtothenobles，thatshelivedinperfecttranquillity，withoutgivinguptheghostonapileoffagots，butonafeatherbed，forshehadmadeahatfulofmoney，althoughthephysicianstormentedherbydeclaringthatshesoldpoisons，whichwascertainlytrue，aswillbeshowninthesequel。TheservantandLaFallottecameonthesameass，makingsuchhastethattheyarrivedatthecastlebeforethedayhadfullydawned。
Theoldhunchbackexclaimed，assheenteredthechamber，“Nowthen，mychildren，whatisthematter？”
Thiswashermanner，whichwasfamiliarwithgreatpeople，whoappearedverysmalltoher。Sheputonherspectacles，andcarefullyexaminedthewound，saying——
“Thisisfineblood，mydear；youhavetastedit。That\'sallright，hehasbledexternally。“
Thenshewashedthewoundwithafinesponge，underthenoseoftheladyandtheservant，whoheldtheirbreath。Tobebrief，Fallottegaveitashermedicalopinion，thattheyouthwouldnotdiefromthisblow，“although，“saidshe，lookingathishand，“hewillcometoaviolentendthroughthisnight\'sdeed。“
ThisdecreeofchiromancyfrightenedconsiderablybothBerthaandthemaid。Fallotteprescribedcertainremedies，andpromisedtocomeagainthefollowingnight。Indeed，shetendedthewoundforawholefortnight，comingsecretlyatnight-time。Thepeopleaboutthecastleweretoldbytheservantsthattheiryounglady，SylviadeRohan，wasindangerofdeath，throughaswellingofthestomach，whichmustremainamysteryforthehonourofMadame，whowashercousin。Eachonewassatisfiedwiththisstory，ofwhichhismouthwassofullthathetoldittohisfellows。
Thegoodpeoplebelievethatitwasthemaladywhichwasfraughtwithdanger；butitwasnot！itwastheconvalescence，forthestrongerJehangrew，theweakerBerthabecame，andsoweakthatsheallowedherselftodriftintothatParadisethegatesofwhichJehanhadopenedforher。Tobebrief，shelovedhimmoreandmore。Butinthemidstofherhappiness，alwaysmingledwithapprehensionatthemenacingwordsofFallotte，andtormentedbyhergreatreligion，shewasingreatfearofherhusband，Imbert，towhomshewascompelledtowritethathehadgivenherachild，whowouldbereadytodelighthimonhisreturn。PoorBerthaavoidedherlover，Jehan，duringthedayonwhichshewrotethelyingletter，overwhichshesoakedherhandkerchiefwithtears。FindinghimselfavoidedfortheyhadpreviouslylefteachothernomorethanfireleavesthewoodithasbittenJehanbelievedthatshewasbeginningtohatehim，andstraightwayhecriedtoo。IntheeveningBertha，touchedbyhistears，whichhadlefttheirmarkuponhiseyes，althoughhehadwelldriedthem，toldhimthecauseofhersorrow，minglingtherewithherconfessionsofherterrorsforthefuture，pointingouttohimhowmuchtheywerebothtoblame，anddiscoursingsobeautifullytohim，gaveutterancetosuchChristiansentences，ornamentedwithholytearsandcontriteprayers，thatJehanwastouchedtothequickbythesincerityofhismistress。Thisloveinnocentlyunitedtorepentance，thisnobilityinsin，thismixtureofweaknessandstrength，would，astheoldauthorssay，havechangedthenatureofatiger，meltingittopity。Youwillnotbeastonishedthen，thatJehanwascompelledtopledgehiswordasaknight-bachelor，toobeyherinwhateversheshouldcommandhim，tosaveherinthisworldandinthenext。
Delightedatthisconfidenceinher，andthisgoodnessofheart，BerthacastherselfatJehan\'sfeet，andkissingthem，exclaimed——
“Oh！mylove，whomIamcompelledtolove，althoughitisamortalsintodoso，thouwhoartsogood，sogentletothypoorBertha，ifthouwouldsthaveheralwaysthinkoftheewithpleasure，andstopthetorrentofhertears，whosesourceissoprettyandsopleasanthere，toshowhimthatitwasso，shelethimstealakiss——Jehan，ifthouwouldstthatthememoryofourcelestialjoys，angelmusic，andthefragranceofloveshouldbeaconsolationtomeinmylonelinessratherthanatorment，dothatwhichtheVirgincommandedmetoordertheeinadream，inwhichIwasbeseechinghertodirectmeinthepresentcase，forIhadaskedhertocometome，andshehadcome。
ThenItoldherthehorribleanguishIshouldendure，tremblingforthislittleone，whosemovementsIalreadyfeel，andfortherealfather，whowouldbeatthemercyoftheother，andmightexpiatehispaternitybyaviolentdeath，sinceitispossiblethatLaFallottesawclearlyintohisfuturelife。ThenthebeautifulVirgintoldme，smiling，thattheChurchoffereditsforgivenessforourfaultsifwefollowedhercommandments；thatitwasnecessarytosaveone\'sselffromthepainsofhell，byreformingbeforeHeavenbecameangry。ThenwithherfingersheshowedmeaJehanlikethee，butdressedasthoushouldstbe，andasthouwiltbe，ifthoudoesbutlovethyBerthawithaloveeternal。“
Jehanassuredherofhisperfectobedience，andraisedher，seatingheronhisknee，andkissingher。TheunhappyBerthatoldhimthenthatthisgarmentwasamonk\'sfrock，andtremblingbesoughthim——
almostfearingarefusal——toentertheChurch，andretiretoMarmoustier，beyondTours，pledginghimherwordthatshewouldgranthimalastnight，afterwhichshewouldbeneitherforhimnorforanyoneelseintheworldagain。Andeachyear，asarewardforthis，shewouldlethimcometoheroneday，inorderthathemightseethechild。Jehan，boundbyhisoath，promisedtoobeyhismistress，sayingthatbythismeanshewouldbefaithfultoher，andwouldexperiencenojoysoflovebutthosetastedinherdivineembrace，andwouldliveuponthedearremembranceofthem。Hearingthesesweetwords，Berthadeclaredtohimthat，howevergreatmighthavebeenhersin，andwhateverGodreservedforher，thishappinesswouldenablehertosupportit，sinceshebelievedshehadnotfallenthroughaman，butthroughanangel。
Thentheyreturnedtothenestwhichcontainedtheirlovebutonlytobidafinaladieutoalltheirlovelyflowers。TherecanbebutlittledoubtthatSeigneurCupidhadsomethingtodowiththisfestival，fornowomaneverexperiencedsuchjoyinanypartoftheworldbefore，andnomanevertookasmuch。Theespecialpropertyoftrueloveisacertainharmony，whichbringsitaboutthatthemoreonegives，themoretheotherreceives，andvice-versa，asincertaincasesinmathematics，wherethingsaremultipliedbythemselveswithoutend。
Thisproblemcanonlybeexplainedtounscientificpeople，byaskingthemtolookintotheirVenetianglasses，inwhicharetobeseenthousandsoffacesproducedbyonealone。Thus，intheheartoftwolovers，therosesofpleasuremultiplywithintheminamannerwhichcausesthemtobeastonishedthatsomuchjoycanbecontained，withoutanythingbursting。BerthaandJehanwouldhavewishedinthisnighttohavefinishedtheirdays，andthought，fromtheexcessivelanguorwhichflowedintheirveins，thatlovehadresolvedtobearthemawayonhiswingswiththekissofdeath；buttheyheldoutinspiteofthesenumerousmultiplications。
Onthemorrow，asthereturnofMonsieurImbertdeBastarnaywascloseathand，theladySylviawascompelledtodepart。Thepoorgirllefthercousin，coveringherwithtearsandwithkisses；itwasalwaysherlast，butthelastlastedtillevening。Thenhewascompelledtoleaveher，andhedidleaveheralthoughthebloodofhisheartcongealed，likethefallenwaxofaPaschalcandle。Accordingtohispromise，hewendedhiswaytowardsMarmoustier，whichheenteredtowardstheeleventhhouroftheday，andwasplacedamongthenovices。
MonseigneurdeBastarnaywasinformedthatSylviahadreturnedtotheLordwhichisthesignificationofleSeigneurintheEnglishlanguage；andthereforeinthisBerthadidnotlie。
Thejoyofherhusband，whenhesawBerthawithoutherwaistband——shecouldnotwearit，somuchhadsheincreasedinsize——commencedthemartyrdomofthispoorwoman，whodidnotknowhowtodeceive，andwho，ateachfalseword，wenttoherPrie-Dieu，weptherbloodawayfromhereyesintears，burstintoprayers，andrecommendedherselftothegracesofMessieurstheSaintsinparadise。IthappenedthatshecriedsoloudlytoGodthatHeheardher，becauseHehearseverything；
Hehearsthestonesthatrollbeneaththewaters，thepoorwhogroan，andtheflieswhowingtheirwaythroughtheair。Itiswellthatyoushouldknowthis，otherwiseyouwouldnotbelieveinwhathappened。
GodcommandedthearchangelMichaeltomakeforthispenitentahelluponearth，sothatshemightenterwithoutdisputeintoParadise。
ThenSt。Michaeldescendedfromtheskiesasfarasthegateofhell，andhandedoverthistriplesoultothedevil，tellinghimthathehadpermissiontotormentitduringtherestofherdays，atthesametimeindicatingtohimBertha，Jehanandthechild。
Thedevil，whobythewillofGod，islordofallevil，toldthearchangelthathewouldobeythemessage。Duringthisheavenlyarrangementlifewentonasusualherebelow。ThesweetladyofBastarnaygavethemostbeautifulchildintheworldtotheSireImbert，aboyallliliesandroses，ofgreatintelligence，likealittleJesus，merryandarchasapaganlove。Hebecamemorebeautifuldaybyday，whiletheelderwasturningintoanape，likehisfather，whomhepainfullyresembled。Theyoungerboywasasbrightasastar，andresembledhisfatherandmother，whosecorporealandspiritualperfectionshadproducedacompoundofillustriousgracesandmarvellousintelligence。Seeingthisperpetualmiracleofbodyandmindblendedwiththeessentialconditions，Bastarnaydeclaredthatforhiseternalsalvationhewouldliketomaketheyoungertheelder，andthathewoulddowiththeking\'sprotection。Berthadidnotknowwhattodo，forsheadoredthechildofJehan，andcouldonlyfeelafeebleaffectionfortheother，whom，neverthelesssheprotectedagainsttheevilintentionsoftheoldfellow，Bastarnay。
Bertha，satisfiedwiththewaythingsweregoing，quietedherconsciencewithfalsehood，andthoughtthatalldangerwaspast，sincetwelveyearshadelapsedwithnootheralloythanthedoubtwhichattimesembitteredherjoy。Eachyear，accordingtoherpledgedfaith，themonkofMarmoustier，whowasunknowntoeveryoneexcepttheservant-maid，cametopassawholedayatthechateautoseehischild，althoughBerthahadmanytimesbesoughtbrotherJehantoyieldhisright。ButJehanpointedtothechild，saying，“Youseehimeverydayoftheyear，andIonlyonce！”Andthepoormothercouldfindnowordtoanswerthisspeechwith。
AfewmonthsbeforethelastrebellionoftheDauphinLouisagainsthisfather，theboywastreadingcloselyontheheelsofhistwelfthyear，andappearedlikelytobecomeagreatsavant，solearnedwasheinallthesciences。OldBastarnayhadneverbeenmoredelightedathavingbeenafatherinhislife，andresolvedtotakehissonwithhimtotheCourtofBurgundy，whereDukeCharlespromisedtomakeforthiswell-belovedsonaposition，whichshouldbetheenvyofprinces，forhewasnotatallaversetocleverpeople。Seeingmattersthusarranged，thedeviljudgedthetimetoberipeforhismischiefs。Hetookhistailandflappeditrightintothemiddleofthishappiness，sothathecouldstiritupinhisownpeculiarway。
III
HORRIBLECHASTISEMENTOFBERTHAANDEXPIATIONOFTHESAME，WHODIEDPARDONED
TheservantoftheladyofBastarnay，whowasthenaboutfive-and-
thirtyyearsold，fellinlovewithoneofthemaster\'smen-at-arms，andwassillyenoughtolethimtakeloavesoutoftheoven，untilthereresultedtherefromanaturalswelling，whichcertainwagsinthesepartscallaninemonths\'dropsy。Thepoorwomanbeggedhermistresstointercedeforherwiththemaster，sothathemightcompelthiswickedmantofinishatthealtarthatwhichhehadcommencedelsewhere。MadamedeBastarnayhadnodifficultyinobtainingthisfavourfromhim，andtheservantwasquitesatisfied。Buttheoldwarrior，whowasalwaysextremelyrough，hastenedintohispretorium，andblewhimupsky-high，orderinghim，underthepainofthegallows，tomarrythegirl；whichthesoldierpreferredtodo，thinkingmoreofhisneckthanofhispeaceofmind。
Bastarnaysentalsoforthefemale，towhomheimagined，forthehonourofhishouse，heoughttosingalitany，mixedwithepithetsandornamentedwithextremelystrongexpressions，andmadeherthink，bywayofpunishment，thatshewasnotgoingtobemarried，butflungintooneofthecellsinthejail。ThegirlfanciedthatMadamewantedtogetridofher，inordertointerthesecretofthebirthofherbelovedson。Withthisimpression，whentheoldapesaidsuchoutrageousthingstoher——namely，thathemusthavebeenafooltokeepaharlotinhishouse——sherepliedthathecertainlywasaverybigfool，seeingthatforalongtimepasthiswifehadbeenplayedtheharlot，andwithamonktoo，whichwastheworstthingthatcouldhappentoawarrior。
Thinkofthegreateststormyoueversawitinyourlife，andyouwillhaveaweaksketchofthefuriousrageintowhichtheoldmanfell，whenthusassailedinaportionofhisheartwhichwasatriplelife。
Heseizedthegirlbythethroat，andwouldhavekilledherthereandthen，butshe，toproveherstory，detailedthehow，thewhy，andthewhen，andsaidthatifhehadnofaithinher，hecouldhavetheevidenceofhisownearsbyhidinghimselfthedaythatFatherJehandeSacchez，thepriorofMarmoustier，came。Hewouldthenhearthewordsofthefather，whosolacedherselfforhisyear\'sfast，andinonedaykissedhissonfortherestoftheyear。
Imbertorderedthiswomaninstantlytoleavethecastle，since，ifheraccusationweretrue，hewouldkillherjustasthoughshehadinventedatissueoflies。Inaninstanthehadgivenherahundredcrowns，besidesherman，enjoiningthemnottosleepinTouraine；andforgreatersecurity，theywereconductedintoBurgundy，bydeBastarnay\'sofficers。Heinformedhiswifeoftheirdeparture，saying，thatasherservantwasadamagedarticlehehadthoughtitbesttogetridofher，buthadgivenherahundredcrowns，andfoundemploymentforthemanattheCourtofBurgundy。Berthawasastonishedtolearnthathermaidhadleftthecastlewithoutreceivingherdismissalfromherself，hermistress；butshesaidnothing。Soonafterwardsshehadotherfishtofry，forshebecameapreytovagueapprehensions，becauseherhusbandcompletelychangedinhismanner，commencedtonoticethelikenessofhisfirst-borntohimself，andcouldfindnothingresemblinghisnose，orhisforehead，histhis，orhisthat，intheyoungesthelovedsowell。
“Heismyveryimage，“repliedBerthaonedaythathewasthrowingoutthesehints。“Knowyounotthatinwellregulatedhouseholds，childrenareformedfromthefatherandmother，eachinturn，oroftenfrombothtogether，becausethemotherminglesherqualitieswiththevitalforceofthefather？Somephysiciansdeclarethattheyhaveknownmanychildrenbornwithoutanyresemblancetoeitherfatherormother，andattributethesemysteriestothewhimoftheAlmighty。“
“Youhavebecomeverylearned，mydear，“repliedBastarnay；“butI，whoamanignoramus，Ishouldfancythatachildwhoresemblesamonk——“
“Hadamonkforafather！”saidBertha，lookingathimwithanunflinchinggaze，althoughiceratherthanbloodwascoursingthroughherveins。
Theoldfellowthoughthewasmistaken，andcursedtheservant；buthewasnonethelessdeterminedtomakesureoftheaffair。AsthedayofFatherJehan\'svisitwascloseathand，Bertha，whosesuspicionswerearousedbythisspeech，wrotehimthatitwasherwishthatheshouldnotcomethisyear，without，however，tellinghimherreason；thenshewentinsearchofLaFallotteatLoches，whowastogiveherlettertoJehan，andbelievedeverythingwassafeforthepresent。Shewasallthemorepleasedathavingwrittentoherfriendtheprior，whenImbert，who，towardsthetimeappointedforthepoormonk\'sannualtreat，hadalwaysbeenaccustomedtotakeajourneyintotheprovinceofMaine，wherehehadconsiderableproperty，remainedthistimeathome，givingashisreasonthepreparationsforrebellionwhichmonseigneurLouiswasthenmakingagainsthisfather，whoaseveryoneknows，wassocutupatthisrevoltthatitcausedhisdeath。Thisreasonwassogoodaone，thatpoorBerthawasquitesatisfiedwithit，anddidnottroubleherself。Ontheregularday，however，thepriorarrivedasusual。Berthaseeinghim，turnedpale，andaskedhimifhehadnotreceivedhermessage。
“Whatmessage？”saidJehan。
“Ah！wearelostthen；thechild，thou，andI，“repliedBertha。
“Whyso？”saidtheprior。
“Iknownot，“saidshe；“butourlastdayhascome。“
SheinquiredofherdearlybelovedsonwhereBastarnaywas。TheyoungmantoldherthathisfatherhadbeensentforbyaspecialmessengertoLoches，andwouldnotbebackuntilevening。ThereuponJehanwished，isspiteofhismistress，toremainwithherandhisdearson，assertingthatnoharmwouldcomeofit，afterthelapseoftwelveyears，sincethebirthoftheirboy。
Thedayswhenthatadventurousnightyouknowofwascelebrated，Berthastayedinherroomwiththepoormonkuntilsuppertime。Butonthisoccasionthelovers——hastenedbytheapprehensionsofBertha，whichwassharedbyJehandirectlyshehadinformedhimofthem——dinedimmediately，althoughthepriorofMarmoustierreassuredBerthabypointingouttohertheprivilegesoftheChurch，andhowBastarnay，alreadyinbadodouratcourt，wouldbeafraidtoattackadignitaryofMarmoustier。Whentheyweresittingdowntotabletheirlittleonehappenedtobeplaying，andinspiteofthereiteratedprayersofhismother，wouldnotstophisgames，sincehewasgallopingaboutthecourtyardonafineSpanishbarb，whichDukeCharlesofBurgundyhadpresentedtoBastarnay。Andbecauseyoungladsliketoshowoff，varletsmakethemselvesbachelorsatarms，andbachelorswishtoplaytheknight，thisboywasdelightedatbeingabletoshowthemonkwhatamanhewasbecoming；hemadethehorsejumplikeafleainthebedclothes，andsatassteadyasatrooperinthesaddle。
“Lethimhavehisway，mydarling，“saidthemonktoBertha。
“Disobedientchildrenoftenbecomegreatcharacters。“
Berthaatesparingly，forherheartwasasswollenasaspongeinwater。Atthefirstmouthful，themonk，whowasagreatscholar，feltinhisstomachapain，andonhispaletteabittertasteofpoisonthatcausedhimtosuspectthattheSiredeBastarnayhadgiventhemalltheirquietus。BeforehehadmadethisdiscoveryBerthahadeaten。
Suddenlythemonkpulledoffthetableclothandflungeverythingintothefireplace，tellingBerthahissuspicion。BerthathankedtheVirginthathersonhadbeensotakenupwithhissport。Retaininghispresenceofmind，Jehan，whohadnotforgottenthelessonhehadlearnedasapage，leapedintothecourtyard，liftedhissonfromthehorse，sprangacrossithimself，andflewacrossthecountrywithsuchspeedthatyouwouldhavethoughthimashooting-starifyouhadseenhimdiggingthespursintothehorse\'sbleedingflanks，andhewasatLochesinFallotte\'shouseinthesamespaceoftimethatonlythedevilcouldhavedonethejourney。Hestatedthecasetoherintwowords，forthepoisonwasalreadyfryinghismarrow，andrequestedhertogivehimanantidote。
“Alas，“saidthesorceress，“hadIknownthatitwasforyouIwasgivingthispoison，Iwouldhavereceivedinmybreastthedagger\'spoint，withwhichIwasthreatened，andwouldhavesacrificedmypoorlifetosavethatofamanofGod，andofthesweetestwomanthateverblossomedonthisearth；foralas！mydearfriend，Ihaveonlytwodropsofthecounter-poisonthatyouseeinthisphial。“
“Isthereenoughforher？”
“Yes，butgoatonce，“saidtheoldhag。