ToMonsieurdeMargone。
Ingratefulremembrance，fromhisguestattheChateaudeSache。
DeBalzac。
ANHISTORICALMYSTERY
PARTI
CHAPTERI
JUDAS
Theautumnoftheyear1803wasoneofthefinestintheearlypartofthatperiodofthepresentcenturywhichwenowcall\"Empire。\"RainhadrefreshedtheearthduringthemonthofOctober，sothatthetreeswerestillgreenandleafyinNovember。TheFrenchpeoplewerebeginningtoputfaithinasecretunderstandingbetweentheskiesandBonaparte，thendeclaredConsulforlife，——abeliefinwhichthatmanowespartofhisprestige；strangetosay，onthedaythesunfailedhim，in1812，hisluckceased！
AboutfourintheafternoononthefifteenthofNovember，1803，thesunwascastingwhatlookedlikescarletdustuponthevenerabletopsoffourrowsofelmsinalongbaronialavenue，andsparklingonthesandandgrassyplacesofanimmense/rond-point/，suchasweoftenseeinthecountrywherelandischeapenoughtobesacrificedtoornament。Theairwassopure，theatmospheresotemperedthatafamilywassittingoutofdoorsasifitweresummer。Amandressedinahunting-jacketofgreendrillingwithgreenbuttons，andbreechesofthesamestuff，andwearingshoeswiththinsolesandgaiterstotheknee，wascleaningagunwiththeminutecareaskilfulhuntsmangivestotheworkinhisleisurehours。Thismanhadneithergamenorgame-
bag，noranyoftheaccoutrementswhichdenoteeitherdepartureforahuntorthereturnfromit；andtwowomensittingnearwerelookingathimasthoughbesetbyaterrortheycouldill-conceal。Anyoneobservingthescenetakingplaceinthisleafynookwouldhaveshuddered，astheoldmother-in-lawandthewifeofthemanwespeakofwerenowshuddering。Ahuntsmandoesnottakesuchminuteprecautionswithhisweapontokillsmallgame，neitherdoesheuse，inthedepartmentoftheAube，aheavyrifledcarbine。
\"Shallyoukillaroe-buck，Michu？\"saidhishandsomeyoungwife，tryingtoassumealaughingair。
Beforereplying，Michulookedathisdog，whichhadbeenlyinginthesun，itspawsstretchedoutanditsnoseonitspaws，inthecharmingattitudeofatrainedhunter。Theanimalhadjustraiseditsheadandwassnuffingtheair，firstdowntheavenuenearlyamilelongwhichstretchedbeforethem，andthenupthecrossroadwhereitenteredthe/rond-point/totheleft。
\"No，\"answeredMichu，\"butabruteIdonotwishtomiss，alynx。\"
Thedog，amagnificentspaniel，whitewithbrownspots，growled。
\"Hah！\"saidMichu，talkingtohimself，\"spies！thecountryswarmswiththem。\"
MadameMichulookedappealinglytoheaven。Abeautifulfairwomanwithblueeyes，composedandthoughtfulinexpressionandmadelikeanantiquestatue，sheseemedtobeapreytosomedarkandbittergrief。
Thehusband’sappearancemayexplaintoacertainextenttheevidentfearofthetwowomen。Thelawsofphysiognomyareprecise，notonlyintheirapplicationtocharacter，butalsoinrelationtothedestiniesoflife。Thereissuchathingaspropheticphysiognomy。Ifitwerepossibleandsuchavitalstatisticwouldbeofvaluetosocietytoobtainexactlikenessesofthosewhoperishonthescaffold，thescienceofLavatarandalsothatofGallwouldproveunmistakablythattheheadsofallsuchpersons，eventhosewhoareinnocent，showpropheticsigns。Yes，fatesetsitsmarkonthefacesofthosewhoaredoomedtodieaviolentdeathofanykind。Now，thissign，thisseal，visibletotheeyeofanobserver，wasimprintedontheexpressivefaceofthemanwiththerifledcarbine。Shortandstout，abruptandactiveinhismotionsasamonkey，thoughcalmintemperament，Michuhadawhitefaceinjectedwithblood，andfeaturessetclosetogetherlikethoseofaTartar，——alikenesstowhichhiscrinkledredhairconveyedasinisterexpression。Hiseyes，clearandyellowasthoseofatiger，showeddepthsbehindtheminwhichtheglanceofwhoeverexaminedthemanmightloseitselfandneverfindeitherwarmthormotion。Fixed，luminous，andrigid，thoseeyesterrifiedwhoevergazedintothem。ThesingularcontrastbetweentheimmobilityoftheeyesandtheactivityofthebodyincreasedthechillingimpressionconveyedbyafirstsightofMichu。Action，alwayspromptinthisman，wastheoutcomeofasinglethought；justasthelifeofanimalsis，withoutreflection，theoutcomeofinstinct。Since1793hehadtrimmedhisredbeardtotheshapeofafan。EvenifhehadnotbeenashewasduringtheTerrorpresidentofaclubofJacobins，thispeculiarityofhisheadwouldinitselfhavemadehimterribletobehold。HisSocraticfacewithitsbluntnosewassurmountedbyafineforehead，soprojecting，however，thatitoverhungtherestofthefeatures。Theears，welldetachedfromthehead，hadthesortofmobilitywhichwefindinthoseofwildanimals，whichareeveronthequi-vive。Themouth，half-open，asthecustomusuallyisamongcountry-people，showedteeththatwerestrongandwhiteasalmonds，butirregular。Gleamingredwhiskersframedthisface，whichwaswhiteandyetmottledinspots。Thehair，croppedcloseinfrontandallowedtogrowlongatthesidesandonthebackofthehead，broughtintorelief，byitssavageredness，allthestrangeandfatefulpeculiaritiesofthissingularface。Theneckwhichwasshortandthick，seemedtotempttheaxe。
Atthismomentthesunbeams，fallinginlonglinesathwartthegroup，lightedupthethreeheadsatwhichthedogfromtimetotimeglancedup。Thespotonwhichthisscenetookplacewasmagnificentlyfine。
The/rond-point/isattheentranceoftheparkofGondreville，oneofthefinestestatesinFrance，andbyfarthefinestinthedepartmentsoftheAube；itboastsoflongavenuesofelms，acastlebuiltfromdesignsbyMansart，aparkoffifteenhundredacresenclosedbyastonewall，ninelargefarms，aforest，mills，andmeadows。ThisalmostregalpropertybelongedbeforetheRevolutiontothefamilyofSimeuse。XimeusewasafeudalestateinLorraine；thenamewaspronouncedSimeuse，andincourseoftimeitcametobewrittenaspronounced。
ThegreatfortuneoftheSimeusefamily，adherentsoftheHouseofBurgundy，datesfromthetimewhentheGuiseswereinconflictwiththeValois。Richelieufirst，andafterwardsLouisXIV。rememberedtheirdevotiontothefactioushouseofLorraine，andrebuffedthem。
ThentheMarquisdeSimeuse，anoldBurgundian，oldGuiser，oldleaguer，old/frondeur/heinheritedthefourgreatrancorsofthenobilityagainstroyalty，cametoliveatCinq-Cygne。Theformercourtier，rejectedattheLouvre，marriedthewidowoftheComtedeCinq-Cygne，youngerbranchofthefamousfamilyofChargeboeuf，oneofthemostillustriousnamesinChampagne，andnowascelebratedandopulentastheelder。Themarquis，amongtherichestmenofhisday，insteadofwastinghissubstanceatcourt，builtthechateauofGondreville，enlargedtheestatebythepurchaseofothers，andunitedtheseveraldomains，solelyforthepurposesofahunting-ground。HealsobuilttheSimeusemansionatTroyes，notfarfromthatoftheCinq-Cygnes。Thesetwooldhousesandthebishop’spalacewerelongtheonlystonemansionsatTroyes。ThemarquissoldSimeusetotheDucdeLorraine。Hissonwastedthefather’ssavingsandsomepartofhisgreatfortuneunderthereignofLouisXV。，buthesubsequentlyenteredthenavy，becameavice-admiral，andredeemedthefolliesofhisyouthbybrilliantservices。TheMarquisdeSimeuse，sonofthisnavalworthy，perishedwithhiswifeonthescaffoldatTroyes，leavingtwinsons，whoemigratedandwere，atthetimeourhistoryopens，stillinforeignpartsfollowingthefortunesofthehouseofConde。
The/rond-point/wasthesceneofthemeetinthetimeofthe\"GrandMarquis\"——anamegiveninthefamilytotheSimeusewhobuiltGondreville。Since1789Michulivedinthehuntinglodgeattheentrancetothepark，builtinthereignofLouisXIV。，andcalledthepavilionofCinq-Cygne。ThevillageofCinq-CygneisattheendoftheforestofNodesmeacorruptionofNotre-DamewhichwasreachedthroughthefineavenueoffourrowsofelmswhereMichu’sdogwasnowsuspectingspies。AfterthedeathoftheGrandMarquisthispavilionfellintodisuse。Thevice-admiralpreferredthecourtandtheseatoChampagne，andhissongavethedilapidatedbuildingtoMichuforadwelling。
Thisnoblestructureisofbrick，withvermiculatedstone-workattheanglesandonthecasingsofthedoorsandwindows。Oneithersideisagatewayoffinelywroughtiron，eatenwithrustandconnectedbyarailing，beyondwhichisawideanddeepha-ha，fullofvigoroustrees，itsparapetsbristlingwithironarabesques，theinnumerablesharppointsofwhichareawarningtoevil-doers。
Theparkwallsbeginoneachsideofthecircumferenceofthe/rond-
point/；ontheonehandthefinesemi-circleisdefinedbyslopesplantedwithelms；ontheother，withinthepark，acorrespondinghalf-circleisformedbygroupsofraretrees。Thepavilion，therefore，standsatthecentreofthisroundopenspace，whichextendsbeforeitandbehinditintheshapeoftwohorseshoes。Michuhadturnedtheroomsonthelowerfloorintoastable，akitchen，andawood-shed。Theonlytraceremainingoftheirancientsplendorwasanantechamberpavedwithmarbleinsquaresofblackandwhite，whichwasenteredontheparksidethroughadoorwithsmallleadedpanes，suchasmightstillbeseenatVersaillesbeforeLouis-PhilippeturnedthatChateauintoanasylumforthegloriesofFrance。Thepavilionisdividedinsidebyanoldstaircaseofworm-eatenwood，fullofcharacter，whichleadstothefirststory。Abovethatisanimmensegarret。Thisvenerableedificeiscoveredbyoneofthosevastroofswithfoursides，aridgepoledecoratedwithleadenornaments，andaroundprojectingwindowoneachside，suchasMansartveryjustlydelightedin；forinFrance，theItalianatticsandflatroofsareafollyagainstwhichourclimateprotests。Michukepthisfodderinthisgarret。ThatportionoftheparkwhichsurroundstheoldpavilionisEnglishinstyle。Ahundredfeetfromthehouseaformerlake，nowamerepondwellstockedwithfish，makesknownitsvicinityasmuchbyathinmistrisingabovethetree-topsasbythecroakingofathousandfrogs，toads，andotheramphibiousgossipswhodiscourseatsunset。Thetime-wornlookofeverything，thedeepsilenceofthewoods，thelongperspectiveoftheavenue，theforestinthedistance，therustyiron-work，themassesofstonedrapedwithvelvetmosses，allmadepoetryofthisoldstructure，whichstillexists。
AtthemomentwhenourhistorybeginsMichuwasleaningagainstamossyparapetonwhichhehadlaidhispowder-horn，cap，handkerchief，screw-driver，andrags，——infact，alltheutensilsneededforhissuspiciousoccupation。Hiswife’schairwasagainstthewallbesidetheouterdoorofthehouse，abovewhichcouldstillbeseenthearmsoftheSimeusefamily，richlycarved，withtheirnoblemotto，\"Cymeurs。\"Theoldmother，inpeasantdress，hadmovedherchairinfrontofMadameMichu，sothatthelattermightputherfeetupontherungsandkeepthemfromdampness。
\"Where’stheboy？\"saidMichutohiswife。
\"Roundthepond；heiscrazyaboutthefrogsandtheinsects，\"
answeredthemother。
Michuwhistledinawaythatmadehishearerstremble。TherapiditywithwhichhissonranuptohimprovedplainlyenoughthedespoticpowerofthebailiffofGondreville。Since1789，butmoreespeciallysince1793，Michuhadbeenwell-nighmasteroftheproperty。Theterrorheinspiredinhiswife，hismother-in-law，aservant-ladnamedGaucher，andthecooknamedMarianne，wassharedthroughoutaneighborhoodoftwentymilesincircumference。Itmaybewelltogive，withoutfurtherdelay，thereasonsforthisfear，——allthemorebecauseanaccountofthemwillcompletethemoralportraitoftheman。
TheoldMarquisdeSimeusetransferredthegreaterpartofhispropertyin1790；but，overtakenbycircumstances，hehadnotbeenabletoputtheestateofGondrevilleintosurehands。AccusedofcorrespondingwiththeDukeofBrunswickandthePrinceofCobourg，themarquisandhiswifewerethrustintoprisonandcondemnedtodeathbytherevolutionarytribunalofTroyes，ofwhichMadameMichu’sfatherwasthenpresident。ThefinedomainofGondrevillewassoldasnationalproperty。Thehead-keeper，tothehorrorofmany，waspresentattheexecutionofthemarquisandhiswifeinhiscapacityaspresidentoftheclubofJacobinsatArcis。Michu，theorphansonofapeasant，showeredwithbenefactionsbythemarquise，whobroughthimupinherownhomeandgavehimhisplaceaskeeper，wasregardedasaBrutusbyexciteddemagogues；butthepeopleoftheneighborhoodceasedtorecognizehimafterthisactofbaseingratitude。ThepurchaseroftheestatewasamanfromArcisnamedMarion，grandsonofaformerbailiffintheSimeusefamily。Thisman，alawyerbeforeandaftertheRevolution，wasafraidofthekeeper；hemadehimhisbailiffwithasalaryofthreethousandfrancs，andgavehimaninterestinthesalesoftimber；Michu，whowasthoughttohavesometenthousandfrancsofhisownlaidby，marriedthedaughterofatanneratTroyes，anapostleoftheRevolutioninthattown，wherehewaspresidentoftherevolutionarytribunal。Thistanner，amanofprofoundconvictions，whoresembledSaint-Justastocharacter，wasafterwardsmixedupinBaboeuf’sconspiracyandkilledhimselftoescapeexecution。MarthewasthehandsomestgirlinTroyes。InspiteofhershrinkingmodestyshehadbeenforcedbyherformidablefathertoplaythepartofGoddessofLibertyinsomerepublicanceremony。
ThenewproprietorcameonlythreetimestoGondrevilleinthecourseofsevenyears。HisgrandfatherhadbeenbailiffoftheestateundertheSimeusefamily，andallArcistookforgrantedthatthecitizenMarionwasthesecretrepresentativeofthepresentMarquisandhistwinbrother。AslongastheTerrorlasted，Michu，stillbailiffofGondreville，adevotedpatriot，son-in-lawofthepresidentoftherevolutionarytribunalofTroyesandflatteredbyMalin，representativefromthedepartmentoftheAube，wastheobjectofacertainsortofrespect。ButwhentheMountainwasoverthrownandafterhisfather-in-lawcommittedsuicide，hefoundhimselfascape-
goat；everybodyhastenedtoaccusehim，incommonwithhisfather-in-
law，ofactstowhich，sofarashewasconcerned，hewasatotalstranger。Thebailiffresentedtheinjusticeofthecommunity；hestiffenedhisbackandtookanattitudeofhostility。Hetalkedboldly。Butafterthe18thBrumairehemaintainedanunbrokensilence，thephilosophyofthestrong；hestrugglednolongeragainstpublicopinion，andcontentedhimselfwithattendingtohisownaffairs，——
wiseconduct，whichledhisneighborstopronouncehimsly，forheowned，itwassaid，afortuneofnotlessthanahundredthousandfrancsinlandedproperty。Inthefirstplace，hespentnothing；next，thispropertywaslegitimatelyacquired，partlyfromtheinheritanceofhisfather-in-law’sestate，andpartlyfromthesavingsofsix-
thousandfrancsayear，thesalaryhederivedfromhisplacewithitsprofitsandemoluments。HehadbeenbailiffofGondrevilleforthelasttwelveyearsandeveryonehadestimatedtheprobableamountofhissavings，sothatwhen，aftertheConsulatewasproclaimed，heboughtafarmforfiftythousandfrancs，thesuspicionsattachingtohisformeropinionslessened，andthecommunityofArcisgavehimcreditforintendingtorecoverhimselfinpublicestimation。
Unfortunately，attheverymomentwhenpublicopinionwascondoninghispastafoolishaffair，envenomedbythegossipofthecountry-
side，revivedthelatentandverygeneralbeliefintheferocityofhischaracter。
Oneevening，comingawayfromTroyesincompanywithseveralpeasants，amongwhomwasthefarmeratCinq-Cygne，heletfallapaperonthemainroad；thefarmer，whowaswalkingbehindhim，stoopedandpickeditup。Michuturnedround，sawthepaperintheman’shands，pulledapistolfromhisbeltandthreatenedthefarmerwhoknewhowtoread
toblowhisbrainsoutifheopenedthepaper。Michu’sactionwassosuddenandviolent，thetoneofhisvoicesoalarming，hiseyesblazedsosavagely，thatthemenabouthimturnedcoldwithfear。ThefarmerofCinq-Cygnewasalreadyhisenemy。MademoiselledeCinq-Cygne，theman’semployer，wasacousinoftheSimeusebrothers；shehadonlyonefarmleftforhermaintenanceandwasnowresidingatherchateauofCinq-Cygne。Shelivedforhercousinsthetwins，withwhomshehadplayedinchildhoodatTroyesandatGondreville。Heronlybrother，JulesdeCinq-Cygne，whoemigratedbeforethetwins，diedatMayence，butbyaprivilegewhichwassomewhatrareandwillbementionedlater，thenameofCinq-Cygnewasnottoperishthroughlackofmaleheirs。
ThisaffairbetweenMichuandthefarmermadeagreatnoiseinthearrondissementanddarkenedthealreadymysteriousshadowswhichseemedtoveilhim。Norwasittheonlycircumstancewhichmadehimfeared。AfewmonthsafterthisscenethecitizenMarion，presentowneroftheGondrevilleestate，cametoinspectitwiththecitizenMalin。RumorsaidthatMarionwasabouttosellthepropertytohiscompanion，whohadprofitedbypoliticaleventsandhadjustbeenappointedontheCouncilofStatebytheFirstConsul，inreturnforhisservicesonthe18thBrumaire。TheshrewdheadsofthelittletownofArcisnowperceivedthatMarionhadbeentheagentofMalininthepurchaseoftheproperty，andnotofthebrothersSimeuse，aswasfirstsupposed。Theall-powerfulCouncillorofStatewasthemostimportantpersonageinArcis。HehadobtainedforoneofhispoliticalfriendstheprefectureofTroyes，andforafarmeratGondrevilletheexemptionofhissonfromthedraft；infact，hehaddoneservicestomany。Consequently，thesalemetwithnooppositionintheneighborhoodwhereMalinthenreigned，andwherehestillreignssupreme。
TheEmpirewasjustdawning。ThosewhointhesedaysreadthehistoriesoftheFrenchRevolutioncanformnoconceptionofthevastspaceswhichpublicthoughttraversedbetweeneventswhichnowseemtohavebeensoneartogether。ThestrongneedofpeaceandtranquillitywhicheveryonefeltaftertheviolenttumultsoftheRevolutionbroughtaboutacompleteforgetfulnessofimportantanteriorfacts。
Historymaturedrapidlyundertheadvanceofnewandeagerinterests。
Noone，therefore，exceptMichu，lookedintothepastofthisaffair，whichthecommunityacceptedasasimplematter。Marion，whohadboughtGondrevilleforsixhundredthousandfrancsinassignats，solditforthevalueofacoupleofmillionincoin；buttheonlypaymentsactuallymadebyMalinwereforthecostsofregistration。Grevin，aseminarycomradeofMalin，assistedthetransaction，andtheCouncillorrewardedhishelpwiththeofficeofnotaryatArcis。Whenthenewsofthesalereachedthepavilion，broughttherebyafarmerwhosefarm，atGrouage，wassituatedbetweentheforestandtheparkontheleftofthenobleavenue，Michuturnedpaleandleftthehouse。
HelayinwaitforMarion，andfinallymethimaloneinoneoftheshrubberiesofthepark。
\"IsmonsieurabouttosellGondreville？\"askedthebailiff。
\"Yes，Michu，yes。Youwillhaveamanofpowerfulinfluenceforyourmaster。HeisthefriendoftheFirstConsul，andveryintimatewithalltheministers；hewillprotectyou。\"
\"Thenyouwereholdingtheestateforhim？\"
\"Idon’tsaythat，\"repliedMarion。\"AtthetimeIboughtitIwaslookingforaplacetoputmymoney，andIinvestedinnationalpropertyasthebestsecurity。Butitdoesn’tsuitmetokeepanestateoncebelongingtoafamilyinwhichmyfatherwas——\"
\"——aservant，\"saidMichu，violently。\"Butyoushallnotsellit！I
wantit；andIcanpayforit。\"
\"You？\"
\"Yes，I；seriously，ingoodgold，——eighthundredthousandfrancs。\"
\"Eighthundredthousandfrancs！\"exclaimedMarion。\"Wheredidyougetthem？\"
\"That’snoneofyourbusiness，\"repliedMichu；then，softeninghistone，headdedinalowvoice:\"Myfather-in-lawsavedthelivesofmanypersons。\"
\"Youaretoolate，Michu；thesaleismade。\"
\"Youmustputitoff，monsieur！\"criedthebailiff，seizinghismasterbythehandwhichheheldasinavice。\"Iamhated，butIchoosetoberichandpowerful，andImusthaveGondreville。Listentome；I
don’tclingtolife；sellmethatplaceorI’llblowyourbrainsout！——\"
\"ButdogivemetimetogetoffmybargainwithMalin；he’stroublesometodealwith。\"
\"I’llgiveyoutwenty-fourhours。IfyousayawordaboutthismatterI’llchopyourheadoffasIwouldchopaturnip。\"
MarionandMalinleftthechateauinthecourseofthenight。Marionwasfrightened；hetoldMalinofthemeetingandbeggedhimtokeepaneyeonthebailiff。ItwasimpossibleforMariontoavoiddeliveringthepropertytothemanwhohadbeentherealpurchaser，andMichudidnotseemlikelytoadmitanysuchreason。Moreover，thisservicedonebyMariontoMalinwastobe，andinfactendedbybeing，theoriginoftheformer’spoliticalfortune，andalsothatofhisbrother。In1806Malinhadhimappointedchiefjusticeofanimperialcourt，andafterthecreationoftax-collectorshisbrotherobtainedthepostofreceiver-generalforthedepartmentoftheAube。TheStateCouncillortoldMariontostayinParis，andhewarnedtheministerofpolice，whogaveordersthatMichushouldbesecretlywatched。Notwishingtopushthemantoextremes，Malinkepthimonasbailiff，undertheironruleofGrevinthenotaryofArcis。
FromthatmomentMichubecamemoreabsorbedandtaciturnthanever，andobtainedthereputationofamanwhowascapableofcommittingacrime。Malin，theCouncillorofStateafunctionwhichtheFirstConsulraisedtothelevelofaministry，andamakeroftheCode，playedagreatpartinParis，whereheboughtoneofthefinestmansionsintheFaubuorgSaint-GermainaftermarryingtheonlydaughterofarichcontractornamedSibuelle。HenevercametoGondreville；leavingallmattersconcerningthepropertytothemanagementofGrevin，theArcisnotary。Afterall，whathadhetofear？——he，aformerrepresentativeoftheAube，andpresidentofaclubofJacobins。Andyet，theunfavorableopinionofMichuheldbythelowerclasseswassharedbythebourgeoisie，andMarion，Grevin，andMalin，withoutgivinganyreasonorcompromisingthemselvesonthesubject，showedthattheyregardedhimasanextremelydangerousman。
Theauthorities，whowereunderinstructionsfromtheministerofpolicetowatchthebailiff，didnotofcourselessenthisbelief。Theneighborhoodwonderedthathekepthisplace，butsupposeditwasinconsequenceoftheterrorheinspired。Itiseasynow，aftertheseexplanations，tounderstandtheanxietyandsadnessexpressedinthefaceofMichu’swife。
Inthefirstplace，Marthehadbeenpiouslybroughtupbyhermother。
Both，beinggoodCatholics，hadsufferedmuchfromtheopinionsandbehaviorofthetanner。MarthecouldneverthinkwithoutablushofhavingmarchedthroughthestreetofTroyesinthegarbofagoddess。
HerfatherhadforcedhertomarryMichu，whosebadreputationwasthenincreasing，andshefearedhimtoomuchtobeabletojudgehim。
Nevertheless，sheknewthathelovedher，andatthebottomofherheartlaythetruestaffectionforthisawe-inspiringman；shehadneverknownhimtodoanythingthatwasnotjust；neverdidhesayabrutalword，toheratleast；infact，heendeavoredtoforestallhereverywish。Thepoorpariah，believinghimselfdisagreeabletohiswife，spentmostofhistimeoutofdoors。MartheandMichu，distrustfulofeachother，livedinwhatiscalledinthesedaysan\"armedpeace。\"Marthe，whosawnoone，sufferedkeenlyfromtheostracismwhichforthelastsevenyearshadsurroundedherasthedaughterofarevolutionarybutcher，andthewifeofaso-calledtraitor。MorethanonceshehadoverheardthelaborersoftheadjoiningfarmheldbyamannamedBeauvisage，greatlyattachedtotheSimeusefamilysayastheypassedthepavilion，\"That’swhereJudaslives！\"Thesingularresemblancebetweenthebailiff’sheadandthatofthethirteenthapostle，whichhisconductappearedtocarryout，wonhimthatodiousnicknamethroughouttheneighborhood。Itwasthisdistressofmind，addedtovaguebutconstantfearsforthefuture，whichgaveMartheherthoughtfulandsubduedair。Nothingsaddenssodeeplyasunmeriteddegradationfromwhichthereseemsnoescape。ApaintercouldhavemadeafinepictureofthisfamilyofpariahsinthebosomoftheirprettynookinChampagne，wherethelandscapeisgenerallysad。
\"Francois！\"calledthebailiff，tohastenhisson。
FrancoisMichu，achildoften，playedintheparkandforest，andleviedhislittletitheslikeamaster；heatethefruits；hechasedthegame；heatleasthadneithercaresnortroubles。Ofallthefamily，Francoisalonewashappyinahomethusisolatedfromtheneighborhoodbyitspositionbetweentheparkandtheforest，andbythestillgreatermoralsolitudeofuniversalrepulsion。
\"Pickupthesethings，\"saidhisfather，pointingtotheparapet，\"andputthemaway。Lookatme！Youloveyourfatherandyourmother，don’tyou？\"Thechildflunghimselfonhisfatherasiftokisshim，butMichumadeamovementtoshiftthegunandpushedhimback。\"Verygood。Youhavesometimeschatteredaboutthingsthataredonehere，\"
continuedthefather，fixinghiseyes，dangerousasthoseofawild-
cat，ontheboy。\"Nowrememberthis；ifyoutelltheleastlittlethingthathappensheretoGaucher，ortotheGrouageandBellachepeople，oreventoMariannewholovesus，youwillkillyourfather。
Nevertattleagain，andIwillforgivewhatyousaidyesterday。\"Thechildbegantocry。\"Don’tcry；butwhenanyonequestionsyou，say，asthepeasantsdo，’Idon’tknow。’TherearepersonsroamingaboutwhomIdistrust。Runalong！Asforyoutwo，\"headded，turningtothewomen，\"youhaveheardwhatIsaid。Keepaclosemouth，bothofyou。\"
\"Husband，whatareyougoingtodo？\"
Michu，whowascarefullymeasuringachargeofpowder，poureditintothebarrelofhisgun，restedtheweaponagainsttheparapetandsaidtoMarthe:——
\"NooneknowsIownthatgun。Standinfrontofit。\"
Couraut，whohadsprungtohisfeet，wasbarkingfuriously。
\"Good，intelligentfellow！\"criedMichu。\"Iamcertaintherearespiesabout——\"
Manandbeastfeelaspy。CourautandMichu，whoseemedtohaveoneandthesamesoul，livedtogetherastheArabandhishorseinthedesert。Thebailiffknewthemodulationsofthedog’svoice，justasthedogreadhismaster’smeaninginhiseyes，orfeltitexhalingintheairfromhisbody。
\"Whatdoyousaytothat？\"saidMichu，inalowvoice，callinghiswife’sattentiontotwostrangerswhoappearedinaby-pathmakingforthe/rond-point/。
\"Whatcanitmean？\"criedtheoldmother。\"TheyareParisians。\"
\"Heretheycome！\"saidMichu。\"Hidemygun，\"hewhisperedtohiswife。
Thetwomenwhonowcrossedthewideopenspaceofthe/rond-point/
weretypicalenoughforapainter。One，whoappearedtobethesubaltern，woretop-boots，turneddownratherlow，showingwell-madecalves，andcoloredsilkstockingsofdoubtfulcleanliness。Thebreeches，ofribbedcloth，apricotcolorwithmetalbuttons，weretoolarge；theywerebaggyaboutthebody，andthelinesoftheircreasesseemedtoindicateasedentaryman。Amarseilleswaistcoat，overloadedwithembroidery，open，andheldtogetherbyonebuttononlyjustabovethestomach，gavetotheweareradissipatedlook，——allthemoreso，becausehisjetblackhair，incorkscrewcurls，hidhisforeheadandhungdownhischeeks。Twosteelwatch-chainswerefestooneduponhisbreeches。Theshirtwasadornedwithacameoinwhiteandblue。Thecoat，cinnamon-colored，wasatreasuretocaricaturistsbyreasonofitslongtails，which，whenseenfrombehind，boresoperfectaresemblancetoacodthatthenameofthatfishwasgiventothem。Thefashionofcodfishtailslastedtenyears；almostthewholeperiodoftheempireofNapoleon。Thecravat，looselyfastened，andwithnumeroussmallfolds，allowedthewearertoburyhisfaceinituptothenostrils。Hispimpledskin，hislong，thick，brick-dustcolorednose，hishighcheek-bones，hismouth，lackinghalfitsteethbutgreedyforallthatandmenacing，hisearsadornedwithhugegoldrings，hislowforehead，——allthesepersonaldetails，whichmighthaveseemedgrotesqueinmanymen，wererenderedterribleinhimbytwosmalleyessetinhisheadlikethoseofapig，expressiveofinsatiablecovetousness，andofinsolent，half-jovialcruelty。Theseferretingandperspicaciousblueeyes，glassyandglacial，mightbetakenforthemodelofthatfamousEye，theformidableemblemofthepolice，inventedduringtheRevolution。Blacksilkgloveswereonhishandsandhecarriedaswitch。Hewascertainlysomeofficialpersonage，forheshowedinhisbearing，inhiswayoftakingsnuffandrammingitintohisnose，thebureaucraticimportanceofanofficesubordinate，onewhosignsforhissuperiorsandacquiresapassingsovereigntybyenforcingtheirorders。
Theotherman，whosedresswasinthesamestyle，butelegantandelegantlyputonandcarefulinitssmallestdetail，woreboots/ala/
Suwaroffwhichcamehighuponthelegaboveapairoftighttrousers，andcreakedashewalked。Abovehiscoatheworeaspencer，anaristocraticgarmentadoptedbytheClichiensandtheyoungbloodsofParis，whichsurvivedboththeClichiensandthefashionableyouths。
Inthosedaysfashionssometimeslastedlongerthanparties，——asymptomofanarchywhichtheyearofourLord1830hasagainpresentedtous。Thisaccomplisheddandyseemedtobethirtyyearsofage。Hismannerswerethoseofgoodsociety；heworejewelsofvalue；thecollarofhisshirtcametothetopsofhisears。Hisconceitedandevenimpertinentairbetrayedaconsciousnessofhiddensuperiority。
Hispallidfaceseemedbloodless，histhinflatnosehadthesardonicexpressionwhichweseeinadeath’shead，andhisgreeneyeswereinscrutable；theirglancewasdiscreetinmeaningjustasthethinclosedmouthwasdiscreetinwords。Thefirstmanseemedonthewholeagoodfellowcomparedwiththisyoungerman，whowasslashingtheairwithacane，thetopofwhich，madeofgold，glitteredinthesunshine。Thefirstmanmighthavecutoffaheadwithhisownhand，butthesecondwascapableofentanglinginnocence，virtue，andbeautyinthenetsofcalumnyandintrigue，andthenpoisoningthemordrowningthem。Therubicundstrangerwouldhavecomfortedhisvictimwithajest；theotherwasincapableofasmile。Thefirstwasforty-
fiveyearsold，andheloved，undoubtedly，bothwomenandgoodcheer。
Suchmenhavepassionswhichkeepthemslavestotheircalling。Buttheyoungmanwasplainlywithoutpassionsandwithoutvices。Ifhewasaspyhebelongedtodiplomacy，anddidsuchworkfromapureloveofart。Heconceived，theotherexecuted；hewastheidea，theotherwastheform。
\"ThismustbeGondreville，isitnot，mygoodwoman？\"saidtheyoungman。
\"Wedon’tsay’mygoodwoman’here，\"saidMichu。\"Wearestillsimpleenoughtosay’citizen’and’citizeness’intheseparts。\"
\"Ah！\"exclaimedtheyoungman，inanaturalway，andwithoutseemingatallannoyed。
Playersofecarteoftenhaveasenseofinwarddisasterwhensomeunknownpersonsitsdownatthesametablewiththem，whosemanners，look，voice，andmethodofshufflingthecards，all，totheirfancy，foretelldefeat。TheinstantMichulookedattheyoungmanhefeltaninwardandpropheticcollapse。Hewasstruckbyafatalpresentiment；
hehadasuddenconfusedforebodingofthescaffold。Avoicetoldhimthatthatdandywoulddestroyhim，althoughtherewasnothingwhateverincommonbetweenthem。Forthisreasonhisanswerwasrude；hewasandhewishedtobeforbidding。
\"Don’tyoubelongtotheCouncillorofState，Malin？\"saidtheyoungerman。
\"Iammyownmaster，\"answeredMalin。
\"Mesdames，\"saidtheyoungman，assumingamostpoliteair，\"arewenotatGondreville？WeareexpectedtherebyMonsieurMalin。\"
\"There’sthepark，\"saidMichu，pointingtotheopengate。
\"Whyareyouhidingthatgun，myfinegirl？\"saidtheelder，catchingsightofthecarbineashepassedthroughthegate。
\"Youneverletachanceescapeyou，eveninthecountry！\"criedhiscompanion。
Theybothturnedbackwithasenseofdistrustwhichthebailiffunderstoodatonceinspiteoftheirimpassiblefaces。Martheletthemlookatthegun，tothetuneofCouraut’sbark；shewassoconvincedthatherhusbandwasmeditatingsomeevildeedthatshewasthankfulforthecuriosityofthestrangers。
Michuflungalookathiswifewhichmadehertremble；hetookthegunandbegantoloadit，acceptingquietlythefatalill-luckofthisencounterandthediscoveryoftheweapon。Heseemednolongertocareforlife，andhiswifefathomedhisinwardfeeling。
\"Soyouhavewolvesintheseparts？\"saidtheyoungman，watchinghim。
\"Therearealwayswolveswheretherearesheep。YouareinChampagne，andthere’saforest；wehavewild-boars，largeandsmallgameboth，alittleofeverything，\"repliedMichu，inatruculentmanner。
\"I’llbet，Corentin，\"saidtheelderofthetwomen，afterexchangingaglancewithhiscompanion，\"thatthisismyfriendMichu——\"
\"WeneverkeptpigstogetherthatIknowof，\"saidthebailiff。
\"No，butwebothpresidedoverJacobins，citizen，\"repliedtheoldcynic，——\"youatArcis，Ielsewhere。Iseeyou’vekeptyourCarmagnolecivility，butit’snolongerinfashion，mygoodfellow。\"
\"Theparkstrikesmeasratherlarge；wemightloseourway。Ifyouarereallythebailiffshowusthepathtothechateau，\"saidCorentin，inaperemptorytone。
Michuwhistledtohissonandcontinuedtoloadhisgun。CorentinlookedatMarthewithindifference，whilehiscompanionseemedcharmedbyher；buttheyoungmannoticedthesignsofherinwarddistress，whichescapedtheoldlibertine，whohad，however，noticedandfearedthegun。Thenaturesofthetwomenweredisclosedinthistriflingyetimportantcircumstance。
\"I’veanappointmenttheothersideoftheforest，\"saidthebailiff。
\"Ican’tgowithyou，butmysonherewilltakeyoutothechateau。
HowdidyougettoGondreville？didyoucomebyCinq-Cygne？\"
\"Wehad，likeyourself，businessintheforest，\"saidCorentin，withoutapparentsarcasm。
\"Francois，\"criedMichu，\"takethesegentlementothechateaubythewoodpath，sothatnooneseesthem；theydon’tfollowthebeatentracks。Comehere，\"headded，asthestrangersturnedtowalkaway，talkingtogetherastheydidsoinalowvoice。Michucaughttheboyinhisarms，andkissedhimalmostsolemnlywithanexpressionwhichconfirmedhiswife’sfears；coldchillsrandownherback；sheglancedathermotherwithhaggardeyes，forshecouldnotweep。
\"Go，\"saidMichu；andhewatchedtheboyuntilhewasentirelyoutofsight。CourautwasbarkingontheothersideoftheroadinthedirectionofGrouage。\"Oh，that’sViolette，\"remarkedMichu。\"Thisisthethirdtimethatoldfellowhaspassedhereto-day。What’sinthewind？Hush，Couraut！\"
Afewmomentslaterthetrotofaponywasheardapproaching。
CHAPTERII
ACRIMERELINQUISHED
Violette，mountedononeofthoselittlenagswhichthefarmersintheneighborhoodofParisusesomuch，soonappeared，wearingaroundhatwithabroadbrim，beneathwhichhiswood-coloredface，deeplywrinkled，appearedinshadow。Hisgrayeyes，mischievousandlively，concealedinameasurethetreacheryofhisnature。Hisskinnylegs，coveredwithgaitersofwhitelinenwhichcametotheknee，hungratherthanrestedinthestirrups，seeminglyheldinplacebytheweightofhishob-nailedshoes。Abovehisjacketofblueclothheworeacloakofsomecoarsewoollenstuffwoveninblackandwhitestripes。
Hisgrayhairfellincurlsbehindhisears。Thisdress，thegrayhorsewithitsshortlegs，themannerinwhichViolettesathim，stomachprojectingandshouldersthrownback，thebigchappedhandswhichheldtheshabbybridle，alldepictedhimplainlyasthegrasping，ambitiouspeasantwhodesirestoownlandandbuysitatanyprice。Hismouth，withitsbluishlipspartedasifasurgeonhadpriedthemopenwithascalpel，andtheinnumerablewrinklesofhisfaceandforeheadhinderedtheplayoffeatureswhichwereexpressiveonlyintheiroutlines。Thosehard，fixedlinesseemedmenacing，inspiteofthehumilitywhichcountry-folksassumeandbeneathwhichtheyconcealtheiremotionsandschemes，assavagesandEasternshidetheirsbehindanimperturbablegravity。Firstamerelaborer，thenthefarmerofGrouagethroughalongcourseofpersistentill-doing，hecontinuedhisevilpracticesafterconqueringapositionwhichsurpassedhisearlyhopes。Hewishedharmtoallmenandwisheditvehemently。Whenhecouldassistindoingharmhediditeagerly。Hewasopenlyenvious；but，nomatterhowmalignanthemightbe，hekeptwithinthelimitsofthelaw，——neitherbeyonditnorbehindit，likeaparliamentaryopposition。Hebelievedhisprosperitydependedontheruinofothers，andthatwhoeverwasabovehimwasanenemyagainstwhomallweaponsweregood。Acharacterlikethisisverycommonamongthepeasantry。
Violette’spresentbusinesswastoobtainfromMalinanextensionoftheleaseofhisfarm，whichhadonlysixyearslongertorun。Jealousofthebailiff’smeans，hewatchedhimnarrowly。Theneighborsreproachedhimforhisintimacywith\"Judas\"；buttheslyoldfarmer，wishingtoobtainatwelveyears’lease，wasreallylyinginwaitforanopportunitytoserveeitherthegovernmentorMalin，whodistrustedMichu。Violette，bythehelpofthegame-keeperofGondrevilleandothersbelongingtotheestate，keptMalininformedofallMichu’sactions。Malinhadendeavored，fruitlessly，towinoverMarianne，theMichus’servant-woman；butVioletteandhissatellitesheardeverythingfromGaucher，——aladonwhosefidelityMichurelied，butwhobetrayedhimforcast-offclothing，waistcoats，buckles，cottonsocksandsugar-plums。Theboyhadnosuspicionoftheimportanceofhisgossip。VioletteinhisreportsblackenedallMichu’sactionsandgavethemacriminalaspectbyabsurdsuggestions，——unknown，ofcourse，tothebailiff，whowasaware，however，ofthebasepartplayedbythefarmer，andtookdelightinmystifyinghim。
\"YoumusthaveadealofbusinessatBellachetobehereagain，\"saidMichu。
\"Again！isthatmeantasareproach，MonsieurMichu？——Hey！Ididnotknowyouhadthatgun。Youarenotgoingtowhistleforthesparrowsonthatpipe，Isuppose——\"
\"Itgrewinafieldofminewhichbearsguns，\"repliedMichu。\"Look！
thisishowIsowthem。\"
Thebailifftookaimataviperthirtyfeetawayandcutitintwo。
\"Haveyougotthatbandit’sweapontoprotectyourmaster？\"saidViolette。\"Perhapshegaveittoyou。\"
\"HecamefromParisexpresslytobringittome，\"repliedMichu。
\"Peoplearetalkingallroundtheneighborhoodofthisjourneyofhis；
somesayheisindisgraceandhastoretirefromoffice；othersthathewantstoseethingsforhimselfdownhere。Butanyway，whydoeshecome，liketheFirstConsul，withoutgivingwarning？Didyouknowhewascoming？\"
\"Iamnotonsuchtermswithhimastobeinhisconfidence。\"
\"Thenyouhavenotseenhim？\"
\"IdidnotknowhewasheretillIgotbackfrommyroundsintheforest，\"saidMichu，reloadinghisgun。
\"HehassenttoArcisforMonsieurGrevin，\"saidViolette；\"theyareschemingsomething。\"
\"IfyouaregoingroundbyCinq-Cygne，takemeupbehindyou，\"saidthebailiff。\"I’mgoingthere。\"
ViolettewastootimidtohaveamanofMichu’sstrengthonhiscrupper，andhespurredhisbeast。Judasslunghisgunoverhisshoulderandwalkedrapidlyuptheavenue。
\"WhocanitbethatMichuisangrywith？\"saidMarthetohermother。
\"EversinceheheardofMonsieurMalin’sarrivalhehasbeengloomy，\"
repliedtheoldwoman。\"Butitisgettingdamphere，letusgoin。\"
AfterthetwowomenhadsettledthemselvesinthechimneycornertheyheardCouraut’sbark。
\"There’smyhusbandreturning！\"criedMarthe。
Michupassedupthestairs；hiswife，uneasy，followedhimtotheirbedroom。
\"Seeifanyoneisabout，\"hesaidtoher，inavoiceofsomeemotion。
\"Noone，\"shereplied。\"Marianneisinthefieldwiththecow，andGaucher——\"
\"WhereisGaucher？\"heasked。
\"Idon’tknow。\"
\"Idistrustthatlittlescamp。Goupinthegarret，lookinthehay-
loft，lookeverywhereforhim。\"
Marthelefttheroomtoobeytheorder。WhenshereturnedshefoundMichuonhisknees，praying。
\"Whatisthematter？\"shesaid，frightened。
Thebailifftookhiswiferoundthewaistanddrewhertohim，sayinginavoiceofdeepfeeling:\"Ifweneverseeeachotheragainremember，mypoorwife，thatIlovedyouwell。Followminutelytheinstructionswhichyouwillfindinaletterburiedatthefootofthelarchinthatcopse。Itisenclosedinatintube。Donottouchituntilaftermydeath。Andremember，Marthe，whateverhappenstome，thatinspiteofman’sinjustice，myarmhasbeentheinstrumentofthejusticeofGod。\"
Marthe，whoturnedpalebydegrees，becamewhiteasherownlinen；shelookedatherhusbandwithfixedeyeswidenedbyfear；shetriedtospeak，butherthroatwasdry。Michudisappearedlikeashadow，havingtiedCourauttothefootofhisbedwherethedog，afterthemannerofalldogs，howledindespair。
Michu’sangeragainstMonsieurMarionhadseriousgrounds，butitwasnowconcentratedonanotherman，farmorecriminalinhiseyes，——onMalin，whosesecretswereknowntothebailiff，hebeinginabetterpositionthanotherstounderstandtheconductoftheStateCouncillor。Michu’sfather-in-lawhadhad，politicallyspeaking，theconfidenceoftheformerrepresentativetotheConvention，throughGrevin。
PerhapsitwouldbewellheretorelatethecircumstanceswhichbroughttheSimeuseandtheCinq-CygnefamiliesintoconnectionwithMalin，——circumstanceswhichweighedheavilyonthefateofMademoiselledeCinq-Cygne’stwincousins，butstillmoreheavilyonthatofMartheandMichu。
TheCinq-CygnemansionatTroyesstandsoppositetothatofSimeuse。
Whenthepopulace，incitedbymindsthatwereasshrewdastheywerecautious，pillagedthehotelSimeuse，discoveredthemarquisandmarchioness，whowereaccusedofcorrespondingwiththenation’senemies，anddeliveredthemtothenationalguardswhotookthemtoprison，thecrowdshouted，\"NowfortheCinq-Cygnes！\"TotheirmindstheCinq-Cygneswereasguiltyasotheraristocrats。ThebraveandworthyMonsieurdeSimeuseintheendeavortosavehistwosons，theneighteenyearsofage，whosecouragewaslikelytocompromisethem，hadconfidedthem，afewhoursbeforethestormbroke，totheiraunt，theComtessedeCinq-Cygne。TwoservantsattachedtotheSimeusefamilyaccompaniedtheyoungmentoherhouse。Theoldmarquis，whowasanxiousthathisnameshouldnotdieout，requestedthatwhatwashappeningmightbeconcealedfromhissons，evenintheeventofdiredisaster。Laurence，theonlydaughteroftheComtessedeCinq-Cygne，wasthentwelveyearsofage；hercousinsbothlovedherandshelovedthemequally。LikeothertwinstheSimeusebrothersweresoalikethatforalongwhiletheirmotherdressedthemindifferentcolorstoknowthemapart。Thefirstcomer，theeldest，wasnamedPaul-Marie，theotherMarie-Paul。LaurencedeCinq-Cygne，towhomtheirdangerwasrevealed，playedherwoman’spartwellthoughstillamerechild。ShecoaxedandpettedhercousinsandkeptthemoccupieduntiltheverymomentwhenthepopulacesurroundedtheCinq-Cygnemansion。Thetwobrothersthenknewtheirdangerforthefirsttime，andlookedateachother。Theirresolutionwasinstantlytaken；theyarmedtheirownservantsandthoseoftheComtessedeCinq-Cygne，barricadedthedoors，andstoodguardatthewindows，afterclosingthewoodenblinds，withthefivemen-servantsandtheAbbed’Hauteserre，arelativeoftheCinq-Cygnes。Theseeightcourageouschampionspouredadeadlyfireintothecrowd。Everyshotkilledorwoundedanassailant。
Laurence，insteadofwringingherhands，loadedthegunswithextraordinarycoolness，andpassedtheballsandpowdertothosewhoneededthem。TheComtessedeCinq-Cygnewasonherknees。
\"Whatareyoudoing，mother？\"saidLaurence。
\"Iampraying，\"sheanswered，\"forthemandforyou。\"
Sublimewords，——saidalsobythemotherofGodoy，princeofthePeace，inSpain，undersimilarcircumstances。
Inamomentelevenpersonswerekilledandlyingonthegroundamonganumberofwounded。Suchresultseithercoolorexciteapopulace；
eitheritgrowssavageattheworkordiscontinuesit。Onthepresentoccasionthoseinadvancerecoiled；butthecrowdbehindthemweretheretokillandrob，andwhentheysawtheirowndead，theycriedout:\"Murder！Murder！Revenge！\"ThewiserheadswentinsearchoftherepresentativetotheConvention，Malin。Thetwins，bythistimeawareofthedisastrouseventsoftheday，suspectedMalinofdesiringtheruinoftheirfamily，andofcausingthearrestoftheirparents，andthesuspicionsoonbecameacertainty。Theypostedthemselvesbeneaththeporte-cochere，guninhand，intendingtokillMalinassoonashemadehisappearance；butthecountesslostherhead；sheimaginedherhouseinashesandherdaughterassassinated，andsheblamedtheyoungmenfortheirheroicdefenceandcompelledthemtodesist。ItwasLaurencewhoopenedthedoorslightlywhenMalinsummonedthehouseholdtoadmithim。Seeingher，therepresentativereliedupontheaweheexpectedtoinspireinamerechild，andheenteredthehouse。
Tohisfirstwordsofinquiryastowhythefamilyweremakingsucharesistance，thegirlreplied:\"IfyoureallydesiretogivelibertytoFrancehowisitthatyoudonotprotectusinourhomes？Theyaretryingtoteardownthishouse，monsieur，tomurderus，andyousaywehavenorighttoopposeforcetoforce！\"
Malinstoodrootedtotheground。
\"You，thesonofamasonemployedbytheGrandMarquistobuildhiscastle！\"exclaimedMarie-Paul，\"youhaveletthemdragourfathertoprison——youhavebelievedcalumnies！\"
\"Heshallbereleasedatonce，\"saidMalin，whothoughthimselflostwhenhesaweachyouthclutchhisweaponconvulsively。
\"Youoweyourlifetothatpromise，\"saidMarie-Paul，solemnly。\"Ifitisnotfulfilledto-nightweshallfindyouagain。\"
\"Astothathowlingpopulace，\"saidLaurence，\"Ifyoudonotsendthemaway，thenextbloodwillbeyours。Now，MonsieurMalin，leavethishouse！\"
TheConventionalistdidleaveit，andheharanguedthecrowd，dwellingonthesacredrightsofthedomestichearth，thehabeascorpusandtheEnglish\"home。\"Hetoldthemthatthelawandthepeopleweresovereigns，thatthelaw/was/thepeople，andthatthepeoplecouldonlyactthroughthelaw，andthatpowerwasvestedinthelaw。Theparticularlawofpersonalnecessitymadehimeloquent，andhemanagedtodispersethecrowd。Butheneverforgotthecontemptuousexpressionofthetwobrothers，northe\"Leavethishouse！\"ofMademoiselledeCinq-Cygne。Therefore，whenitwasaquestionofsellingtheestatesoftheComtedeCinq-Cygne，Laurence’sbrother，asnationalproperty，thesalewasrigorouslymade。TheagentsleftnothingforLaurencebutthechateau，theparkandgardens，andonefarmcalledthatofCinq-
Cygne。MalininstructedtheappraisersthatLaurencehadnorightsbeyondherlegalshare，——thenationtakingpossessionofallthatbelongedtoherbrother，whohademigratedand，aboveall，hadbornearmsagainsttheRepublic。
Theeveningafterthisterribletumult，Laurencesoentreatedhercousinstoleavethecountry，fearingtreacheryonthepartofMalin，orsometrapintowhichtheymightfall，thattheytookhorsethatnightandgainedthePrussianoutposts。TheyhadscarcelyreachedtheforestofGondrevillebeforethehotelCinq-Cygnewassurrounded；
MalincamehimselftoarresttheheirsofthehouseofSimeuse。HedarednotlayhandsontheComtessedeCinq-Cygne，whowasinbedwithanervousfever，noronLaurence，achildoftwelve。Theservants，fearingtheseverityoftheRepublic，haddisappeared。ThenextdaythenewsoftheresistanceofthebrothersandtheirflighttoPrussiawasknowntotheneighborhood。AcrowdofthreethousandpersonsassembledbeforethehoteldeCinq-Cygne，whichwasdemolishedwithincrediblerapidity。MadamedeCinq-Cygne，carriedtothehotelSimeuse，diedtherefromtheeffectsofthefeveraggravatedbyterror。
Michudidnotappearinthepoliticalarenauntilaftertheseevents，forthemarquisandhiswiferemainedinprisonoverfivemonths。
DuringthistimeMalinwasawayonamission。ButwhenMonsieurMarionsoldGondrevilletotheCouncillorofState，Michuunderstoodthelatter’sgame，——orrather，hethoughthedid；forMalinwas，likeFouche，oneofthosepersonageswhoareofsuchdepthinalltheirdifferentaspectsthattheyareimpenetrablewhentheyplayapart，andareneverunderstooduntillongaftertheirdramaisended。
InallthechiefcircumstancesofMalin’slifehehadneverfailedtoconsulthisfaithfulfriendGrevin，thenotaryofArcis，whosejudgmentonmenandthingswas，atadistance，clear-cutandprecise。
Thisfacultyisthewisdomandmakesthestrengthofsecond-ratemen。
Now，inNovember，1803，acombinationofeventsalreadyrelatedinthe\"Deputed’Arcis\"madematterssoseriousfortheCouncillorofStatethatalettermighthavecompromisedthetwofriends。Malin，whohopedtobeappointedsenator，wasafraidtoofferhisexplanationsinParis。HecametoGondreville，givingtheFirstConsulonlyoneofthereasonsthatmadehimwishtobethere；thatreasongavehimanappearanceofzealintheeyesofBonaparte；whereashisjourney，farfromconcerningtheinterestsoftheState，relatedtohisowninterestsonly。Onthisparticularday，asMichuwaswatchingtheparkandexpecting，afterthemannerofaredIndian，apropitiousmomentforhisvengeance，theastuteMalin，accustomedtoturnalleventstohisownprofit，wasleadinghisfriendGrevintoalittlefieldintheEnglishgarden，alonelyspotinthepark，favorableforasecretconference。There，standinginthecentreofthegrassplotandspeakinglow，thefriendswereattoogreatadistancetobeoverheardifanyonewerelurkingnearenoughtolistentothem；theywerealsosureoftimetochangetheconversationifothersunwarilyapproached。
\"Whycouldn’twehavestayedinaroominthechateau？\"askedGrevin。
\"Didn’tyoutakenoticeofthosetwomenwhomtheprefectofpolicehassentheretome？\"
ThoughFouchemadehimselfinthematterofthePichegru，Georges，Moreau，andPolignacconspiracythesouloftheConsularcabinet，hedidnotatthistimecontroltheministryofpolice，butwasmerelyacouncillorofStatelikeMalin。
\"Thosemen，\"continuedMalin，\"areFouche’stwoarms。One，thatdandyCorentin，whosefaceislikeaglassoflemonade，vinegaronhislipsandverjuiceinhiseyes，putanendtotheinsurrectionattheWestintheyearVII。inlessthanfifteendays。TheotherisadiscipleofLenoir；heistheonlyonewhopreservesthegreattraditionsofthepolice。Ihadaskedforanagentofnogreataccount，backedbysomeofficialpersonage，andtheysendmethosepast-mastersofthebusiness！Ah，Grevin，Fouchewantstopryintomygame。That’swhyI
leftthosefellowsdiningatthechateau；theymaylookintoeverythingforallIcare；theywon’tfindLouisXVIII。noranysignofhim。\"
\"Butseehere，mydearfellow，whatgameareyouplaying？\"criedGrevin。
\"Ha，myfriend，adoublegameisadangerousone，butthis，takingFoucheintoaccount，isatripleone。HemayhavenosedthefactthatIaminthesecretsofthehouseofBourbon。\"
\"You？\"
\"I，\"repliedMalin。
\"HaveyouforgottenFavras？\"
Thewordsmadeanimpressiononthecouncillor。
\"Sincewhen？\"askedGrevin，afterapause。
\"SincetheConsulateforlife。\"
\"Ihopethere’snoproofofit？\"
\"Notthat！\"saidMalin，clickinghisthumb-nailagainsthisteeth。
InfewwordstheCouncillorofStategaveaclearandsuccinctaccountofthecriticalpositioninwhichBonapartewasabouttoholdEngland，bythreateningherwithinvasionfromthecampatBoulogne；heexplainedtoGrevinthebearingsofthatproject，whichwasunobservedbyFranceandEuropebutsuspectedbyPitt；alsothecriticalpositioninwhichEnglandwasabouttoputBonaparte。Apowerfulcoalition，Prussia，Austria，andRussia，paidbyEnglishgold，waspledgedtofurnishsevenhundredthousandmenunderarms。AtthesametimeaformidableconspiracywasthrowinganetworkoverthewholeofFrance，includingamongitsmembersmontagnards，chouans，royalists，andtheirprinces。
\"LouisXVIII。heldthataslongastherewerethreeConsulsanarchywascertain，andthathecouldatsomeopportunemomenttakehisrevengeforthe13thVendemiaireandthe18thFructidor，\"saidMalin，\"buttheConsulateforlifehasunmaskedBonaparte’sintentions——hewillsoonbeemperor。Thelatesub-lieutenantmeanstocreateadynasty！Thistimehislifeisinactualdanger；andtheplotisfarbetterlaidthanthatoftheRueSaint-Nicaise。Pichegru，Georges，Moreau，theDucd’Enghien，PolignacandRiviere，thetwofriendsoftheComted’Artoisareinit。\"
\"Whatanamalgamation！\"criedGrevin。
\"Franceisbeingsilentlyinvaded；nostoneisleftunturned；thethingwillbecarriedwitharush。Ahundredpickedmen，commandedbyGeorges，aretoattacktheConsularguardandtheConsulhandtohand。\"
\"Wellthen，denouncethem。\"
\"ForthelasttwomonthstheConsul，hisministerofpolice，theprefectandFouche，holdsomeofthecluesofthisvastconspiracy；
buttheydon’tknowitsfullextent，andatthisparticularmomenttheyareleavingnearlyalltheconspiratorsfree，soastodiscovermoreaboutit。\"
\"Astorights，\"saidthenotary，\"theBourbonshavemuchmorerighttoconceive，plan，andexecuteaschemeagainstBonaparte，thanBonapartehadonthe18thBrumaireagainsttheRepublic，whoseproducthewas。
Hemurderedhismotheronthatoccasion，buttheseroyalistsonlyseektorecoverwhatwastheirs。Icanunderstandthattheprincesandtheiradherents，seeingthelistsofthe/emigres/closed，mortgagessuppressed，theCatholicfaithrestored，anti-revolutionarydecreesaccumulating，shouldbegintoseethattheirreturnisbecomingdifficult，nottosayimpossible。Bonapartebeingthesoleobstaclenowintheirway，theywanttogetridofhim——nothingsimpler。
Conspiratorsifdefeatedarebrigands，ifsuccessful，heroes；andyourperplexityseemstomeverynatural。\"
\"Thematternowis，\"saidMalin，\"tomakeBonaparteflingtheheadoftheDucd’EnghienattheBourbons，justastheConventionflungtheheadofLouisXVI。atthekings，soastocommithimasfullyaswearetotheRevolution；/orelse/，wemustupsettheidoloftheFrenchpeopleandtheirfutureemperor，andseatthetruethroneuponhisruins。Iamatthemercyofsomeevent，somefortunatepistol-shot，someinfernalmachinewhichdoesitswork。EvenIdon’tknowthewholeconspiracy；theydon’ttellmeall；buttheyhaveaskedmetocalltheCouncilofStateatthecriticalmomentanddirectitsactiontowardstherestorationoftheBourbons。\"
\"Wait，\"saidthenotary。
\"Impossible！Iamcompelledtomakemydecisionatonce。\"
\"Why？\"
\"Well，theSimeusebrothersareintheconspiracy；theyarehereintheneighborhood；Imusteitherhavethemwatched，letthemcompromisethemselves，andsoberidofthem，orelseImustprivatelyprotectthem。Iaskedtheprefectforunderlingsandhehassentmelynxes，whocamethroughTroyesandhavegotthegendarmerietosupportthem。\"
\"Gondrevilleisyourrealobject，\"saidGrevin，\"andthisconspiracyyourbestchanceofkeepingit。Fouche，Talleyrand，andthosetwofellowshavenothingtodowiththat。Thereforeplayfairwiththem。
Whatnonsense！thosewhocutLouisXVI。’sheadoffareinthegovernment；Franceisfullofmenwhohaveboughtnationalproperty，andyetyoutalkofbringingbackthosewhowouldrequireyoutogiveupGondreville！IftheBourbonswerenotimbecilestheywouldpassaspongeoverallwehavedone。WarnBonaparte，that’smyadvice。\"
\"Amanofmyrankcan’tdenounce，\"saidMalin，quickly。
\"Yourrank！\"exclaimedGrevin，smiling。
\"TheyhaveofferedtomakemeKeeperoftheSeals。\"
\"Ah！NowIunderstandyourbewilderment，anditisformetoseeclearinthispoliticaldarknessandfindawayoutforyou。Now，itisquiteimpossibletoforeseewhateventsmayhappentobringbacktheBourbonswhenaGeneralBonaparteisinpossessionofeightylineofbattleshipsandfourhundredthousandmen。Themostdifficultthingofallinexpectantpoliticsistoknowwhenapowerthattotterswillfall；but，myoldman，Bonaparte’spowerisnottottering，itisintheascendant。Don’tyouthinkthatFouchemaybesoundingyousoastogettothebottomofyourmind，andthengetridofyou？\"
\"No；Iamsureofmygo-between。Besides，Fouchewouldnever，underthosecircumstances，sendmesuchfellowsasthese；hewouldknowtheywouldmakemesuspicious。\"
\"Theyalarmme，\"saidGrevin。\"IfFouchedoesnotdistrustyou，andisnotseekingtoprobeyou，whydoeshesendthem？Fouchedoesn’tplaysuchatrickasthatwithoutamotive；whatisit？\"
\"Whatdecidesme，\"saidMalin，\"isthatIshouldneverbeeasywiththosetwoSimeusebrothersinFrance。PerhapsFouche，whoknowshowI
amplacedtowardsthem，wantstomakesuretheydon’tescapehim，andhopesthroughthemtoreachtheCondes。\"
\"That’sright，oldfellow；itisnotunderBonapartethatthepresentpossessorofGondrevillecanbeousted。\"
JustthenMalin，happeningtolookup，sawthemuzzleofagunthroughthefoliageofatalllinden。
\"Iwasnotmistaken，IthoughtIheardtheclickofatrigger，\"hesaidtoGrevin，aftergettingbehindthetrunkofalargetree，wherethenotary，uneasyathisfriend’ssuddenmovement，followedhim。
\"ItisMichu，\"saidGrevin；\"Iseehisredbeard。\"
\"Don’tletusseemafraid，\"saidMalin，whowalkedslowlyaway，sayingatintervals:\"Whyisthatmansobitteragainsttheownersofthisproperty？Itwasnotyouhewascovering。Ifheoverheardushehadbetterasktheprayersofthecongregation！Whothedevilwouldhavethoughtoflookingupintothetrees！\"
\"There’salwayssomethingtolearn，\"saidthenotary。\"Buthewasagooddistanceoff，andwespokelow。\"
\"IshalltellCorentinaboutit，\"repliedMalin。
CHAPTERIII
THEMASKTHROWNOFF
AfewmomentslaterMichureturnedhome，hisfacepale，hisfeaturescontracted。
\"Whatisthematter？\"saidhiswife，frightened。
\"Nothing，\"hereplied，seeingViolettewhosepresencesilencedhim。
Michutookachairandsatdownquietlybeforethefire，intowhichhethrewaletterwhichhedrewfromatintubesuchasaregiventosoldierstoholdtheirpapers。Thisact，whichenabledMarthetodrawalongbreathlikeonerelievedofagreatburden，greatlypuzzledViolette。Thebailifflaidhisgunonthemantel-shelfwithadmirablecomposure。Mariannetheservant，andMarthe’smotherwerespinningbythelightofalamp。
\"Come，Francois，\"saidthefather，presently，\"itistimetogotobed。\"
Heliftedtheboyroughlybythemiddleofhisbodyandcarriedhimoff。
\"Rundowntothecellar，\"hewhispered，whentheyreachedthestairs。
\"EmptyonethirdoutoftwobottlesoftheMaconwine，andfillthemupwiththeCognacbrandywhichisontheshelf。Thenmixabottleofwhitewinewithonehalfbrandy。Doitneatly，andputthethreebottlesontheemptycaskwhichstandsbythecellardoor。Whenyouhearmeopenthewindowinthekitchencomeoutofthecellar，runtothestable，saddlemyhorse，mountit，andgoandwaitformeatPoteaudes-Gueux——Thatlittlescamphatestogotobed，\"saidMichu，returning；\"helikestodoasgrownpeopledo，seeall，hearall，andknowall。Youspoilmypeople，pereViolette。\"
\"Goodness！\"criedViolette，\"whathasloosenedyourtongue？Ineverheardyousayasmuchbefore。\"
\"DoyousupposeIletmyselfbespieduponwithouttakingnoticeofit？Youareonthewrongside，pereViolette。If，insteadofservingthosewhohateme，youwereonmysideIcoulddobetterforyouthanrenewthatleaseofyours。\"
\"How？\"saidthepeasant，openingwidehisavariciouseyes。
\"I’llsellyoumypropertycheap。\"
\"Nothingischeapwhenwehavetopay，\"saidViolette，sententiously。
\"Iwanttoleavetheneighborhood，andI’llletyouhavemyfarmofMousseau，thebuildings，granary，andcattleforfiftythousandfrancs。\"
\"Really？\"
\"Doesthatsuityou？\"
\"Hangit！Imustthink——\"
\"We’lltalkaboutit——Ishallwantearnestmoney。\"
\"Ihavenomoney。\"
\"Well，anote。\"
\"Can’tgiveit。\"
\"Tellmewhosentyouhereto-day。\"
\"IamonmywaybackfromwhereIspentthisafternoon，andIonlystoppedintosaygood-evening。\"
\"Backwithoutyourhorse？Whatafoolyoumusttakemefor！Youarelying，andyoushallnothavemyfarm。\"
\"Well，totellyouthetruth，itwasmonsieurGrevinwhosentme。Hesaid’Violette，wewantMichu；doyougoandgethim；ifheisn’tathome，waitforhim。’IsawIshouldhavetostayhereallthisevening。\"
\"ArethosesharksfromParisstillatthechateau？\"
\"Ah！thatIdon’tknow；buttherewerepeopleinthesalon。\"
\"Youshallhavemyfarm；we’llsettlethetermsnow。Wife，goandgetsomewinetowashdownthecontract。TakethebestRoussillon，thewineoftheex-marquis，——wearenotbabes。You’llfindacoupleofbottlesontheemptycasknearthedoor，andabottleofwhitewine。\"
\"Verygood，\"saidViolette，whonevergotdrunk。\"Letusdrink。\"
\"Youhavefiftythousandfrancsbeneaththefloorofyourbedroomunderyourbed，pereViolette；youwillgivethemtometwoweeksafterwesignthedeedofsalebeforeGrevin——\"ViolettestaredatMichuandgrewlivid。\"Ah！youcameheretospyuponaJacobinwhohadthehonortobepresidentoftheclubatArcis，andyouimaginehewillletyougetthebetterofhim！Ihaveeyes，Isawwhereyourtileshavebeenfreshlycemented，andIconcludedthatyoudidnotprythemuptoplantwheatthere。Come，drink。\"
Violette，muchtroubled，drankalargeglassofwinewithoutnoticingthequality；terrorhadputahotironinhisstomach，thebrandywasnothotterthanhiscupidity。Hewouldhavegivenmanythingstobesafelyhomeandabletochangethehiding-placeofhistreasure。Thethreewomensmiled。
\"Doyoulikethatwine？\"saidMichu，refillinghisglass。
\"Yes，Ido。\"
Afteragoodhalf-hour’sdecisiononthetimewhenthebuyermighttakepossession，andonthevariouspunctilioswhichthepeasantrybringforwardwhenconcludingabargain，——inthemidstofassertionsandcounter-assertions，thefillingandemptyingofglasses，thegivingofpromisesanddenials，Violettesuddenlyfellforwardwithhisheadonthetable，nottipsy，butdead-drunk。TheinstantthatMichusawhiseyesblurheopenedthewindow。
\"Where’sthatscamp，Gaucher？\"hesaidtohiswife。
\"Inbed。\"
\"You，Marianne，\"saidthebailifftohisfaithfulservant，\"standinfrontofhisdoorandwatchhim。You，mother，staydownhere，andkeepaneyeonthisspy；keepyoureyesandearsopenanddon’tunfastenthedoortoanyonebutFrancois。Itisaquestionoflifeordeath，\"
headded，inadeepvoice。\"EverycreaturebeneathmyroofmustrememberthatIhavenotquitteditthisnight；allofyoumustassertthat——eventhoughyourheadswereontheblock。Come，\"hesaidtoMarthe，\"come，wife，putonyourshoes，takeyourcoat，andletusbeoff！Noquestions——Igowithyou。\"