Whentheyreachedthebridge，theyturnedtotheright，andgotthefreshbreezefromtheriver，whichrolledalong，calmandmelancholy，borderedbytallpoplartrees，whilethestarslookedasiftheywerefloatingonthewaterandwere—movingwiththecurrent.Aslightwhitemistthatfloatedovertheoppositebanks，filledtheirlungswithasensationofcold，andCaravanstoppedsuddenly，forhewasstruckbythatsmellfromthewaterwhichbroughtbackoldmemoriestohismind.For，inhismind，hesuddenlysawhismotheragain，inPicardy，ashehadseenheryearsbefore，kneelinginfrontoftheirdoor，andwashingtheheapsoflinenathersideinthestreamthatranthroughtheirgarden.Healmostfanciedthathecouldhearthesoundofthewoodenpaddlewithwhichshebeatthelineninthecalmsilenceofthecountry，andhervoice，asshecalledouttohim：\"Alfred，bringmesomesoap.\"Andhesmelledthatodorofrunningwater，ofthemistrisingfromthewetground，thatmarshysmell，whichheshouldneverforget，andwhichcamebacktohimonthisveryeveningonwhichhismotherhaddied.
Hestopped，seizedwithafeelingofdespair.Asuddenflashseemedtorevealtohimtheextentofhiscalamity，andthatbreathfromtheriverplungedhimintoanabyssofhopelessgrief.Hislifeseemedcutinhalf，hisyouthdisappeared，swallowedupbythatdeath.Alltheformerdayswereoveranddonewith，alltherecollectionsofhisyouthhadbeensweptaway;forthefuture，therewouldbenobodytotalktohimofwhathadhappenedindaysgoneby，ofthepeoplehehadknownofold，ofhisownpartofthecountry，andofhispastlife;thatwasapartofhisexistencewhichexistednolonger，andtherestmightaswellendnow.
Andthenhesaw\"themother\"asshewaswhenyoung，wearingwell—worndresses，whichherememberedforsuchalongtimethattheyseemedinseparablefromher;herecollectedhermovements，thedifferenttonesofhervoice，herhabits，herpredilections，herfitsofanger，thewrinklesonherface，themovementsofherthinfingers，andallherwell—knownattitudes，whichshewouldneverhaveagain，andclutchingholdofthedoctor，hebegantomoanandweep.Histhinlegsbegantotremble，hiswholestoutbodywasshakenbyhissobs，allhecouldsaywas：
\"Mymother，mypoormother，mypoormother！\"
Buthiscompanion，whowasstilldrunk，andwhointendedtofinishtheeveningincertainplacesofbadreputethathefrequentedsecretly，madehimsitdownonthegrassbytheriverside，andlefthimalmostimmediately，underthepretextthathehadtoseeapatient.
Caravanwentoncryingforsometime，andwhenhehadgottotheendofhistears，whenhisgriefhad，sotosay，runout，heagainfeltrelief，reposeandsuddentranquillity.
Themoonhadrisen，andbathedthehorizoninitssoftlight.
Thetallpoplartreeshadasilverysheenonthem，andthemistontheplainlookedlikedriftingsnow;theriver，inwhichthestarswerereflected，andwhichhadasheenasofmother—of—pearl，wasgentlyrippledbythewind.Theairwassoftandsweet，andCaravaninhaleditalmostgreedily，andthoughtthathecouldperceiveafeelingoffreshness，ofcalmandofsuperhumanconsolationpervadinghim.
Heactuallyresistedthatfeelingofcomfortandrelief，andkeptonsayingtohimself：\"Mypoormother，mypoormother！\"andtriedtomakehimselfcry，fromakindofconscientiousfeeling;buthecouldnotsucceedindoingsoanylonger，andthosesadthoughts，whichhadmadehimsobsobitterlyashoretimebefore，hadalmostpassedaway.Inafewmoments，herosetogohome，andreturnedslowly，undertheinfluenceofthatserenenight，andwithaheartsoothedinspiteofhimself.
Whenhereachedthebridge，hesawthatthelasttramcarwasreadytostart，andbehinditwerethebrightlylightedwindowsoftheCafeduGlobe.Hefeltalongingtotellsomebodyofhisloss，toexcitepity，tomakehimselfinteresting.Heputonawoefulface，pushedopenthedoor，andwentuptothecounter，wherethelandlordstillwas.Hehadcountedoncreatingasensation，andhadhopedthateverybodywouldgetupandcometohim.withoutstretchedhands，andsay：\"Why，whatisthematterwithyou？\"Butnobodynoticedhisdisconsolateface，soherestedhistwoelbowsonthecounter，and，buryinghisfaceinhishands，hemurmured：\"MonDieu！MonDieu！\"
Thelandlordlookedathimandsaid：\"Areyouill，MonsieurCaravan？\"
\"No，myfriend，\"hereplied，\"butmymotherhasjustdied.\"
\"Ah！\"theotherexclaimed，andasacustomerattheotherendoftheestablishmentaskedforaglassofBavarianbeer，hewenttoattendtohim，leavingCaravandumfoundedathiswantofsympathy.
Thethreedominoplayersweresittingatthesametablewhichtheyhadoccupiedbeforedinner，totallyabsorbedintheirgame，andCaravanwentuptothem，insearchofpity，butasnoneofthemappearedtonoticehimhemadeuphismindtospeak.
\"AgreatmisfortunehashappenedtomesinceIwashere，\"hesaid.
Allthreeslightlyraisedtheirheadsatthesameinstant，butkeepingtheireyesfixedonthepieceswhichtheyheldintheirhands.
\"Whatdoyousay？\"
\"Mymotherhasjustdied\";whereupononeofthemsaid：
\"Oh！thedevil，\"withthatfalseairofsorrowwhichindifferentpeopleassume.Another，whocouldnotfindanythingtosay，emittedasortofsympatheticwhistle，shakinghisheadatthesametime，andthethirdturnedtothegameagain，asifheweresayingtohimself：\"Isthatall！\"
Caravanhadexpectedsomeoftheseexpressionsthataresaidto\"comefromtheheart，\"andwhenhesawhowhisnewswasreceived，heleftthetable，indignantattheircalmnessattheirfriend’ssorrow，althoughthissorrowhadstupefiedhimsothathescarcelyfeltitanylonger.
Whenhegothomehiswifewaswaitingforhiminhernightgown，andsittinginalowchairbytheopenwindow，stillthinkingoftheinheritance.
\"Undressyourself，\"shesaid;\"wecangoontalking.\"
Heraisedhishead，andlookingattheceiling，said：
\"But——thereisnobodyupstairs.\"
\"Ibegyourpardon，Rosalieiswithher，andyoucangoandtakeherplaceatthreeo’clockinthemorning，whenyouhavehadsomesleep.\"
Heonlypartiallyundressed，however，soastobereadyforanythingthatmighthappen，andaftertyingasilkhandkerchiefroundhishead，helaydowntorest，andforsometimeneitherofthemspoke.MadameCaravanwasthinking.
Hernightcapwasadornedwitharedbow，andwaspushedrathertooneside，aswasthewaywithallthecapsshewore，andpresentlysheturnedtowardshimandsaid：
\"Doyouknowwhetheryourmothermadeawill？\"
Hehesitatedforamoment，andthenreplied：
\"I——Idonotthinkso.No，Iamsurethatshedidnot.\"
Hiswifelookedathim，andshesaid，inalaw，angrytone：
\"Icallthatinfamous;herewehavebeenwearingourselvesoutfortenyearsinlookingafterher，andhaveboardedandlodgedher！Yoursisterwouldnothavedonesomuchforher，norIeither，ifIhadknownhowI
wastoberewarded！Yes，itisadisgracetohermemory！Idaresaythatyouwilltellmethatshepaidus，butonecannotpayone’schildreninreadymoneyforwhattheydo;thatobligationisrecognizedafterdeath;atanyrate，thatishowhonorablepeopleact.SoIhavehadallmyworryandtroublefornothing！Oh，thatisnice！thatisverynice！\"
PoorCaravan，whowasalmostdistracted，keptonrepeating：
\"Mydear，mydear，please，pleasebequiet.\"
Shegrewcalmerbydegrees，and，resumingherusualvoiceandmanner，shecontinued：
\"Wemustletyoursisterknowto—morrow.\"
Hestarted，andsaid：
\"Ofcoursewemust;Ihadforgottenallaboutit;Iwillsendheratelegramthefirstthinginthemorning.\"
\"No，\"shereplied，likeawomanwhohadforeseeneverything;\"no，donotsenditbeforetenoreleveno’clock，sothatwemayhavetimetoturnroundbeforeshecomes.ItdoesnottakemorethantwohourstogetherefromCharenton，andwecansaythatyoulostyourheadfromgrief.Ifweletherknowinthecourseoftheday，thatwillbesoonenough，andwillgiveustimetolookround.\"
Caravanputhishandtohisforehead，and，inthecametimidvoiceinwhichhealwaysspokeofhischief，theverythoughtofwhommadehimtremble，hesaid：
\"Imustletthemknowattheoffice.\"
\"Why？\"shereplied.\"Onoccasionslikethis，itisalwaysexcusabletoforget.Takemyadvice，anddon’tlethimknow;yourchiefwillnotbeabletosayanythingtoyou，andyouwillputhiminanicefix.
\"Oh！yes，thatIshall，andhewillbeinaterriblerage，too，whenhenoticesmyabsence.Yes，youareright;itisacapitalidea，andwhenI
tellhimthatmymotherisdead，hewillbeobligedtoholdhistongue.\"
Andherubbedhishandsindelightatthejoke，whenhethoughtofhischief’sface;whileupstairslaythebodyofthedeadoldwoman，withtheservantasleepbesideit.
ButMadameCaravangrewthoughtful，asifshewerepreoccupiedbysomethingwhichshedidnotcaretomention，andatlastshesaid：
\"Yourmotherhadgivenyouherclock，hadshenot——thegirlplayingatcupandball？\"
Hethoughtforamoment，andthenreplied：
\"Yes，yes;shesaidtome（butitwasalongtimeago，whenshefirstcamehere）：’Ishallleavetheclocktoyou，ifyoulookaftermewell.’\"
MadameCaravanwasreassured，andregainedherserenity，andsaid：
\"Well，then，youmustgoandfetchitoutofherroom，forifwegetyoursisterhere，shewillpreventusfromtakingit.\"
Hehesitated.
\"Doyouthinkso？\"
Thatmadeherangry.
\"Icertainlythinkso;onceitisinourpossession，shewillknownothingatallaboutwhereitcamefrom;itbelongstous.Itisjustthesamewiththechestofdrawerswiththemarbletop，thatisinherroom;shegaveitmeonedaywhenshewasinagoodtemper.Wewillbringitdownatthesametime.\"
Caravan，however，seemedincredulous，andsaid：
\"But，mydear，itisagreatresponsibility！\"
Sheturnedonhimfuriously.
\"Oh！Indeed！Willyouneverchange？Youwouldletyourchildrendieofhunger，ratherthanmakeamove.Doesnotthatchestofdrawersbelongtous，asshegaveittome？Andifyoursisterisnotsatisfied，lethertellmeso，me！Idon’tcareastrawforyoursister.Come，getup，andwewillbringdownwhatyourmothergaveus，immediately.\"
Tremblingandvanquished，hegotoutofbedandbegantoputonhistrousers，butshestoppedhim：
\"Itisnotworthwhiletodressyourself;yourunderwearisquiteenough.
ImeantogoasIam.\"
Theybothlefttheroomintheirnightclothes，wentupstairsquitenoiselessly，openedthedoorandwentintotheroom，wherethefourlightedtapersandtheplatewiththesprigofboxaloneseemedtobewatchingtheoldwomaninherrigidrepose，forRosalie，whowaslyingbackintheeasychairwithherlegsstretchedout，herhandsfoldedinherlap，andherheadononeside，wasalsoquitemotionless，andwassnoringwithhermouthwideopen.
Caravantooktheclock，whichwasoneofthosegrotesqueobjectsthatwereproducedsoplentifullyundertheEmpire.Agirlingiltbronzewasholdingacupandball，andtheballformedthependulum.
\"Givethattome，\"hiswifesaid，\"andtakethemarbleslaboffthechestofdrawers.\"
Heputthemarbleslabonhisshoulderwithconsiderableeffort，andtheylefttheroom.Caravanhadtostoopinthedoorway，andtrembledashewentdownstairs，whilehiswifewalkedbackwards，soastolighthim，andheldthecandlestickinonehand，carryingtheclockundertheotherarm.
Whentheywereintheirownroom，sheheavedasigh.
\"Wehavegotovertheworstpartofthejob，\"shesaid;\"sonowletusgoandfetchtheotherthings.\"
Butthebureaudrawerswerefulloftheoldwoman’swearingapparel，whichtheymustmanagetohidesomewhere，andMadameCaravansoonthoughtofaplan.
\"Goandgetthatwoodenpackingcaseinthevestibule;itishardlyworthanything，andwemayjustaswellputithere.\"
Andwhenhehadbroughtitupstairstheybegantofillit.Onebyonetheytookoutallthecollars，cuffs，chemises，caps，allthewell—wornthingsthathadbelongedtothepoorwomanlyingtherebehindthem，andarrangedthemmethodicallyinthewoodenboxinsuchamannerastodeceiveMadameBraux，thedeceasedwoman’sotherchild，whowouldbecomingthenextday.
Whentheyhadfinished，theyfirstofallcarriedthebureaudrawersdownstairs，andtheremainingportionafterwards，eachofthemholdinganend，anditwassometimebeforetheycouldmakeuptheirmindswhereitwouldstandbest;butatlasttheydecidedupontheirownroom，oppositethebed，betweenthetwowindows，andassoonasitwasinitsplaceMadameCaravanfilleditwithherownthings.Theclockwasplacedonthechimney—pieceinthedining—room，andtheylookedtoseewhattheeffectwas，andwerebothdelightedwithitandagreedthatnothingcouldbebetter.Thentheyretired，sheblewoutthecandle，andsooneverybodyinthehousewasasleep.
Itwasbroaddaylightwhen.Caravanopenedhiseyesagain.Hismindwasratherconfusedwhenhewokeup，andhedidnotclearlyrememberwhathadhappenedforafewminutes;whenhedid，hefeltaweightathisheart，andjumpedoutofbed，almostreadytocryagain.
Hehastenedtotheroomoverhead，whereRosaliewasstillsleepinginthesamepositionasthenightbefore，nothavingawakenedonce.Hesenthertodoherwork，putfreshtapersintheplaceofthosethathadburntout，andthenhelookedathismother，revolvinginhisbrainthoseapparentlyprofoundthoughts，thosereligiousandphilosophicalcommonplaceswhichtroublepeopleofmediocreintelligenceinthepresenceofdeath.
But，ashiswifewascallinghim，hewentdownstairs.Shehadwrittenoutalistofwhathadtobedoneduringthemorning，andhewashorrifiedwhenbesawthememorandum：
1.Reportthedeathatthemayor’soffice.
2.Seethedoctorwhohadattendedher.
3.Orderthecoffin.
4.Givenoticeatthechurch.
5.Gototheundertaker.
6.Orderthenoticesofherdeathattheprinter’s.
7.Gotothelawyer.
8.Telegraphthenewstoallthefamily.
Besidesallthis，therewereanumberofsmallcommissions;sohetookhishatandwentout.Asthenewshadspreadabroad，MadameCaravan’sfemalefriendsandneighborssoonbegantocomeinandbeggedtobeallowedtoseethebody.Therehadbeenascenebetweenhusbandandwifeatthehairdresser’sonthegroundflooraboutthematter，whileacustomerwasbeingshaved.Thewife，whowasknittingsteadily，said：
\"Well，thereisoneless，andasgreatamiserasoneevermeetswith.
Icertainlydidnotcareforher;but，nevertheless，Imustgoandhavealookather.\"
Thehusband，whilelatheringhispatient’schin，said：\"Thatisanotherqueerfancy！Nobodybutawomanwouldthinkofsuchathing.Itisnotenoughforthemtoworryyouduringlife，buttheycannotevenleaveyouatpeacewhenyouaredead：\"Buthiswife，withoutbeingintheleastdisconcerted，replied：\"ThefeelingisstrongerthanIam，andImustgo.
Ithasbeenonmesincethemorning.IfIwerenottoseeher，Ishouldthinkaboutitallmylife;butwhenIhavehadagoodlookather，I
shallbesatisfied.\"
Theknightoftherazorshruggedhisshouldersandremarkedinalowvoicetothegentlemanwhosecheekhewasscraping：\"Ijustaskyou，whatsortofideasdoyouthinktheseconfoundedfemaleshave？Ishouldnotamusemyselfbygoingtoseeacorpse！\"Buthiswifehadheardhimandrepliedveryquietly：\"Butitisso，itisso.\"Andthen，puttingherknittingonthecounter，shewentupstairstothefirstfloor，whereshemettwootherneighbors，whohadjustcome，andwhowerediscussingtheeventwithMadameCaravan，whowasgivingthemthedetails，andtheyallwenttogethertothedeathchamber.Thefourwomenwentinsoftly，and，oneaftertheother，sprinkledthebedclotheswiththesaltwater，kneltdown，madethesignofthecrosswhiletheymumbledaprayer.Thentheyrosefromtheirkneesandlookedforsometimeatthecorpsewithround，wide—openeyesandmouthspartlyopen，whilethedaughter—in—lawofthedeadwoman，withherhandkerchieftoherface，pretendedtobesobbingpiteously.
WhensheturnedabouttowalkawaywhomshouldsheperceivestandingclosetothedoorbutMarie—LouiseandPhilippe—Auguste，whowerecuriouslytakingstockofallthatwasgoingon.Then，forgettingherpretendedgrief，shethrewherselfuponthemwithupliftedhands，cryingoutinafuriousvoice，\"Willyougetoutofthis，youhorridbrats！\"
Tenminuteslater，goingupstairsagainwithanothercontingentofneighbors，sheprayed，weptprofusely，performedallherduties，andfoundoncemorehertwochildren，whohadfollowedherupstairs.Sheagainboxedtheirearssoundly，butthenexttimeshepaidnoheedtothem，andateachfresharrivalofvisitorsthetwourchinsalwaysfollowedinthewake，kneelingdowninacornerandimitatingslavishlyeverythingtheysawtheirmotherdo.
Whentheafternooncamethecrowdsofinquisitivepeoplebegantodiminish，andsoontherewerenomorevisitors.MadameCaravan，returningtoherownapartments，begantomakethenecessarypreparationsforthefuneralceremony，andthedeceasedwasleftalone.
Thewindowoftheroomwasopen.Atorridheatentered，alongwithcloudsofdust;theflamesofthefourcandleswereflickeringbesidetheimmobilecorpse，andupontheclothwhichcoveredtheface，theclosedeyes，thetwostretched—outhands，smallfliesalighted，came，wentandcareeredupanddownincessantly，beingtheonlycompanionsoftheoldwomanforthetimebeing.
Marie—LouiseandPhilippe—Auguste，however，hadnowleftthehouseandwererunningupanddownthestreet.Theyweresoonsurroundedbytheirplaymates，bylittlegirlsespecially，whowereolderandwhoweremuchmoreinterestedinallthemysteriesoflife，askingquestionsasiftheyweregrownpeople.
\"Thenyourgrandmotherisdead？\"\"Yes，shediedyesterdayevening.\"
\"Whatdoesadeadpersonlooklike？\"
ThenMariebegantoexplain，tellingallaboutthecandles，thesprigofboxandthefaceofthecorpse.Itwasnotlongbeforegreatcuriositywasarousedinthemindsofallthechildren，andtheyaskedtobeallowedtogoupstairstolookatthedeparted.
Marie—Louiseatonceorganizedafirstexpedition，consistingoffivegirlsandtwoboys——thebiggestandthemostcourageous.Shemadethemtakeofftheirshoessothattheymightnotbediscovered.Thetroupefiledintothehouseandmountedthestairsasstealthilyasanarmyofmice.
Onceinthechamber，thelittlegirl，imitatinghermother，regulatedtheceremony.Shesolemnlywalkedinadvanceofhercomrades，wentdownonherknees，madethesignofthecross，movedherlipsasinprayer，rose，sprinkledthebed，andwhilethechildren，allcrowdedtogether，wereapproaching——frightenedandcuriousandeagertolookatthefaceandhandsofthedeceased——shebegansuddenlytosimulatesobbingandtoburyhereyesinherlittlehandkerchief.Then，becominginstantlyconsoled，onthinkingoftheotherchildrenwhoweredownstairswaitingatthedoor，sherandownstairsfollowedbytherest，returninginaminutewithanothergroup，thenathird;forallthelittleragamuffinsofthecountryside，eventothelittlebeggarsinrags，hadcongregatedinordertoparticipateinthisnewpleasure;andeachtimesherepeatedhermother’sgrimaceswithabsoluteperfection.
Atlength，however，shebecametired.Somegameorotherdrewthechildrenawayfromthehouse，andtheoldgrandmotherwasleftalone，forgottensuddenlybyeverybody.
Theroomwasgrowingdark，anduponthedryandrigidfeaturesofthecorpsethefitfulflamesofthecandlescastpatchesoflight.
Towards8o’clockCaravanascendedtothechamberofdeath，closedthewindowsandrenewedthecandles.Hewasnowquitecomposedonenteringtheroom，accustomedalreadytoregardthecorpseasthoughithadbeenthereformonths.Heevenwentthelengthofdeclaringthat，asyet，therewerenosignsofdecomposition，makingthisremarkjustatthemomentwhenheandhiswifewereabouttositdownattable.\"Pshaw！\"
sheresponded，\"sheisnowstarkandstiff;shewillkeepforayear.\"
Thesoupwaseateninsilence.Thechildren，whohadbeenlefttothemselvesallday，nowwornoutbyfatigue，weresleepingsoundlyontheirchairs，andnobodyventuredtobreakthesilence.
Suddenlytheflameofthelampwentdown.MadameCaravanimmediatelyturnedupthewick，ahollowsoundensued，andthelightwentout.Theyhadforgottentobuyoil.Tosendforitnowtothegrocer’swouldkeepbackthedinner，andtheybegantolookforcandles，butnoneweretobefoundexceptthetaperswhichhadbeenplaceduponthetableupstairsinthedeathchamber.
MadameCaravan，alwayspromptinherdecisions，quicklydespatchedMarie—
Louisetofetchtwo，andherreturnwasawaitedintotaldarkness.
Thefootstepsofthegirlwhohadascendedthestairsweredistinctlyheard.Therewassilenceforafewsecondsandthenthechilddescendedprecipitately.Shethrewopenthedoorandinachokingvoicemurmured：
\"Oh！papa，grandmammaisdressingherself！\"
Caravanboundedtohisfeetwithsuchprecipitancethathischairfelloveragainstthewall.Hestammeredout：\"Yousay？Whatareyousaying？\"
ButMarie—Louise，gaspingwithemotion，repeated：\"Grand——grand——
grandmammaisputtingonherclothes，sheiscomingdownstairs.\"
Caravanrushedboldlyupthestaircase，followedbyhiswife，dumfounded;
buthecametoastandstillbeforethedoorofthesecondfloor，overcomewithterror，notdaringtoenter.Whatwashegoingtosee？MadameCaravan，morecourageous，turnedthehandleofthedoorandsteppedforwardintotheroom.
Theoldwomanwasstandingup.Inawakeningfromherlethargicsleep，beforeevenregainingfullconsciousness，inturninguponhersideandraisingherselfonherelbow，shehadextinguishedthreeofthecandleswhichburnednearthebed.Then，gainingstrength，shegotoffthebedandbegantolookforherclothes.Theabsenceofherchestofdrawershadatfirstworriedher，but，afteralittle，shehadsucceededinfindingherthingsatthebottomofthewoodenbox，andwasnowquietlydressing.Sheemptiedtheplatefulofwater，replacedthesprigofboxbehindthelooking—glass，andarrangedthechairsintheirplaces，andwasreadytogodownstairswhenthereappearedbeforeherhersonanddaughter—in—law.
Caravanrushedforward，seizedherbythehands，embracedherwithtearsinhiseyes，whilehiswife，whowasbehindhim，repeatedinahypocriticaltoneofvoice：\"Oh，whatablessing！oh，whatablessing！\"
Buttheoldwoman，withoutbeingatallmoved，withoutevenappearingtounderstand，rigidasastatue，andwithglazedeyes，simplyasked：\"Willdinnersoonbeready？\"
Hestammeredout，notknowingwhathesaid：
\"Oh，yes，mother，wehavebeenwaitingforyou.\"
Andwithanalacrityunusualinhim，hetookherarm，whileMadameCaravan，theyounger，seizedthecandleandlightedthemdownstairs，walkingbackwardsinfrontofthem，stepbystep，justasshehaddonethepreviousnightforherhusband，whowascarryingthemarble.
Onreachingthefirstfloor，shealmostranagainstpeoplewhowereascendingthestairs.ItwastheCharentonfamily，MadameBraux，followedbyherhusband.
Thewife，tallandstout，withaprominentstomach，openedwideherterrifiedeyesandwasreadytomakeherescape.Thehusband，asocialistshoemaker，alittlehairyman，theperfectimageofamonkey，murmuredquiteunconcerned：\"Well，whatnext？Issheresurrected？\"
AssoonasMadameCaravanrecognizedthem，shemadefranticgesturestothem;then，speakingaloud，shesaid：\"Why，hereyouare！Whatapleasantsurprise！\"
ButMadameBraux，dumfounded，understoodnothing.Sherespondedinalowvoice：\"Itwasyourtelegramthatbroughtus;wethoughtthatallwasover.\"
Herhusband，whowasbehindher，pinchedhertomakeherkeepsilent.
Headdedwithaslylaugh，whichhisthickbeardconcealed：\"Itwasverykindofyoutoinviteushere.Wesetoutposthaste，\"whichremarkshowedthehostilitywhichhadforalongtimereignedbetweenthehouseholds.Then，justastheoldwomanreachedthelaststeps，hepushedforwardquicklyandrubbedhishairyfaceagainsthercheeks，shoutinginherear，onaccountofherdeafness：\"Howwellyoulook，mother;sturdyasusual，hey！\"
MadameBraux，inherstupefactionatseeingtheoldwomanalive，whomtheyallbelievedtobedead，darednotevenembraceher;andherenormousbulkblockedupthepassagewayandhinderedtheothersfromadvancing.Theoldwoman，uneasyandsuspicious，butwithoutspeaking，lookedateveryonearoundher;andherlittlegrayeyes，piercingandhard，fixedthemselvesnowononeandnowontheother，andtheyweresofullofmeaningthatthechildrenbecamefrightened.
Caravan，toexplainmatters，said：\"Shehasbeensomewhatill，butsheisbetternow;quitewell，indeed，areyounot，mother？\"
Thenthegoodwoman，continuingtowalk，repliedinahuskyvoice，asthoughitcamefromadistance：\"Itwassyncope.Iheardyouallthewhile.\"
Anembarrassingsilencefollowed.Theyenteredthedining—room，andinafewminutesallsatdowntoanimproviseddinner.
OnlyM.Brauxhadretainedhisself—possession.Hisgorillafeaturesgrinnedwickedly，whileheletfallsomewordsofdoublemeaningwhichpainfullydisconcertedeveryone.
Butthedoorbellkeptringingeverysecond，andRosalie，distracted，cametocallCaravan，whorushedout，throwingdownhisnapkin.Hisbrother—in—lawevenaskedhimwhetheritwasnotoneofhisreceptiondays，towhichhestammeredoutinanswer：\"No，onlyafewpackages;
nothingmore.\"
Aparcelwasbroughtin，whichhebegantoopencarelessly，andthemourningannouncementswithblackbordersappearedunexpectedly.
Reddeninguptotheveryeyes，heclosedthepackagehurriedlyandpusheditunderhiswaistcoat.
Hismotherhadnotseenit！Shewaslookingintentlyatherclockwhichstoodonthemantelpiece，andtheembarrassmentincreasedinmidstofadeadsilence.Turningherwrinkledfacetowardsherdaughter，theoldwoman，inwhoseeyesgleamedmalice，said：\"OnMondayyoumusttakemeawayfromhere，sothatIcanseeyourlittlegirl.Iwantsomuchtoseeher.\"MadameBraux，herfeaturesallbeaming，exclaimed：\"Yes，mother，thatIwill，\"whileMadameCaravan，theyounger，whohadturnedpale，wasreadytofaintwithannoyance.Thetwomen，however，graduallydriftedintoconversationandsoonbecameembroiledinapoliticaldiscussion.Brauxmaintainedthemostrevolutionaryandcommunisticdoctrines，hiseyesglowing，andgesticulatingandthrowingabouthisarms.\"Property，sir，\"hesaid，\"isarobberyperpetratedontheworkingclasses;thelandisthecommonpropertyofeveryman;hereditaryrightsareaninfamyandadisgrace.\"Butherehesuddenlystopped，lookingasifhehadjustsaidsomethingfoolish，thenaddedinsoftertones：\"Butthisisnotthepropermomenttodiscusssuchthings.\"
ThedoorwasopenedandDr.Chenetappeared.Foramomentheseemedbewildered，butregaininghisusualsmirkingexpressionofcountenance，hejauntilyapproachedtheoldwomanandsaid：\"Aha！mamma;youarebetterto—day.Oh！Ineverhadanydoubtbutyouwouldcomeroundagain;
infact，IsaidtomyselfasIwasmountingthestaircase，’IhaveanideathatIshallfindtheoldladyonherfeetoncemore’;\"andashepattedhergentlyontheback：\"Ah！sheisassolidasthePont—Neuf，shewillburyusall;seeifshedoesnot.\"
Hesatdown，acceptedthecoffeethatwasofferedhim，andsoonbegantojoinintheconversationofthetwomen，backingupBraux，forhehimselfhadbeenmixedupintheCommune.
Theoldwoman，nowfeelingherselffatigued，wishedtoretire.Caravanrushedforward.Shelookedhimsteadilyintheeyeandsaid：\"You，youmustcarrymyclockandchestofdrawersupstairsagainwithoutamoment’sdelay.\"\"Yes，mamma，\"hereplied，gasping;\"yes，Iwilldoso.\"
Theoldwomanthentookthearmofherdaughterandwithdrewfromtheroom.ThetwoCaravansremainedastounded，silent，plungedinthedeepestdespair，whileBrauxrubbedhishandsandsippedhiscoffeegleefully.
SuddenlyMadameCaravan，consumedwithrage，rushedathim，exclaiming：
\"Youareathief，afootpad，acur！Iwouldspitinyourface！I——I——
would————\"Shecouldfindnothingfurthertosay，suffocatingasshewaswithrage，whilehewentonsippinghiscoffeewithasmile.
Hiswifereturningjustthen，MadameCaravanattackedhersister—in—law，andthetwowomen——theonewithherenormousbulk，theotherepilepticandspare，withchangedvoicesandtremblinghandsflewatoneanotherwithwordsofabuse.
ChenetandBrauxnowinterposed，andthelatter，takinghisbetterhalfbytheshoulders，pushedheroutofthedoorbeforehim，shouting：\"Goon，youslut;youtalktoomuch\";andthetwowereheardinthestreetquarrellinguntiltheydisappearedfromsight.
M.Chenetalsotookhisdeparture，leavingtheCaravansalone，facetoface.Thehusbandfellbackonhischair，andwiththecoldsweatstandingoutinbeadsonhistemples，murmured：\"WhatshallIsaytomychiefto—morrow？\"
BESIDESCHOPENHAUER’SCORPSE
Hewasslowlydying，asconsumptivesdie.Isawhimeachday，abouttwoo’clock，sittingbeneaththehotelwindowsonabenchinthepromenade，lookingoutonthecalmsea.Heremainedforsometimewithoutmoving，intheheatofthesun，gazingmournfullyattheMediterranean.Everynowandthen，hecastaglanceattheloftymountainswithbecloudedsummitsthatshutinMentone;then，withaveryslowmovement，hewouldcrosshislonglegs，sothinthattheyseemedliketwobones，aroundwhichflutteredtheclothofhistrousers，andhewouldopenabook，alwaysthesamebook.Andthenhedidnotstiranymore，butreadon，readonwithhiseyeandhismind;allhiswastingbodyseemedtoread，allhissoulplunged，lost，disappeared，inthisbook，uptothehourwhenthecoolairmadehimcoughalittle.Then，hegotupandreenteredthehotel.
HewasatallGerman，withfairbeard，whobreakfastedanddinedinhisownroom，andspoketonobody.
Avague，curiosityattractedmetohim.Oneday，Isatdownbyhisside，havingtakenupabook，too，tokeepupappearances，avolumeofMusset’spoems.
AndIbegantolookthrough\"Rolla.\"
Suddenly，myneighborsaidtome，ingoodFrench：
\"DoyouknowGerman，monsieur？\"
\"Notatall，monsieur.\"
\"Iamsorryforthat.Sincechancehasthrownussidebyside，Icouldhavelentyou，Icouldhaveshownyou，aninestimablething——thisbookwhichIholdinmyhand.\"
\"Whatisit，pray？\"
\"Itisacopyofmymaster，Schopenhauer，annotatedwithhisownhand.
Allthemargins，asyoumaysee，arecoveredwithhishandwriting.\"
Itookthebookfromhimreverently，andIgazedattheseformsincomprehensibletome，butwhichrevealedtheimmortalthoughtsofthegreatestshattererofdreamswhohadeverdweltonearth.
AndMusset’sversesaroseinmymemory：
\"Hastthoufoundout，Voltaire，thatitisblisstodie，Anddoesthyhideoussmileoverthybleachedbonesfly？\"
AndinvoluntarilyIcomparedthechildishsarcasm，thereligioussarcasmofVoltairewiththeirresistibleironyoftheGermanphilosopherwhoseinfluenceishenceforthineffaceable.
Letusprotestandletusbeangry，letusbeindignant，orletusbeenthusiastic，Schopenhauerhasmarkedhumanitywiththesealofhisdisdainandofhisdisenchantment.
Adisabusedpleasure—seeker，heoverthrewbeliefs，hopes，poeticidealsandchimeras，destroyedtheaspirations，ravagedtheconfidenceofsouls，killedlove，draggeddownthechivalrousworshipofwomen，crushedtheillusionsofhearts，andaccomplishedthemostgigantictaskeverattemptedbyscepticism.Hesparednothingwithhismockingspirit，andexhaustedeverything.Andevento—daythosewhoexecratehimseemtocarryintheirownsoulsparticlesofhisthought.
\"So，then，youwereintimatelyacquaintedwithSchopenhauer？\"IsaidtotheGerman.
Hesmiledsadly.
\"Uptothetimeofhisdeath，monsieur.\"
Andhespoketomeaboutthephilosopherandtoldmeaboutthealmostsupernaturalimpressionwhichthisstrangebeingmadeonallwhocamenearhim.
HegavemeanaccountoftheinterviewoftheoldiconoclastwithaFrenchpolitician，adoctrinaireRepublican，whowantedtogetaglimpseofthisman，andfoundhiminanoisytavern，seatedinthemidstofhisdisciples，dry，wrinkled，laughingwithanunforgettablelaugh，attackingandtearingtopiecesideasandbeliefswithasingleword，asadogtearswithonebiteofhisteeththetissueswithwhichheplays.
HerepeatedformethecommentofthisFrenchmanashewentaway，astonishedandterrified：\"IthoughtIhadspentanhourwiththedevil.\"
Thenheadded：
\"Hehad，indeed，monsieur，afrightfulsmile，whichterrifiedusevenafterhisdeath.Icantellyouananecdoteaboutitthatisnotgenerallyknown，ifitwouldinterestyou.\"
Andhebegan，inalanguidvoice，interruptedbyfrequentfitsofcoughing.
\"Schopenhauerhadjustdied，anditwasarrangedthatweshouldwatch，inturn，twobytwo，tillmorning.
\"Hewaslyinginalargeapartment，verysimple，vastandgloomy.Twowaxcandleswereburningonthestandbythebedside.
\"ItwasmidnightwhenIwentonwatch，togetherwithoneofourcomrades.
Thetwofriendswhomwereplacedhadlefttheapartment，andwecameandsatdownatthefootofthebed.
\"Thefacewasnotchanged.Itwaslaughing.Thatpuckerwhichweknewsowelllingeredstillaroundthecornersofthelips，anditseemedtousthathewasabouttoopenhiseyes，tomoveandtospeak.Histhought，orratherhisthoughts，envelopedus.Wefeltourselvesmorethaneverintheatmosphereofhisgenius，absorbed，possessedbyhim.
Hisdominationseemedtobeevenmoresovereignnowthathewasdead.
Afeelingofmysterywasblendedwiththepowerofthisincomparablespirit.
\"Thebodiesofthesemendisappear，buttheythemselvesremain;andinthenightwhichfollowsthecessationoftheirheart’spulsationIassureyou，monsieur，theyareterrifying.
\"Andinhushedtoneswetalkedabouthim，recallingtomindcertainsayings，certainformulasofhis，thosestartlingmaximswhicharelikejetsofflameflung，inafewwords，intothedarknessoftheUnknownLife.
\"’Itseemstomethatheisgoingtospeak，’saidmycomrade.Andwestaredwithuneasinessborderingonfearatthemotionlessface，withitseternallaugh.Gradually，webegantofeelillatease，oppressed，onthepointoffainting.Ifaltered：
\"’Idon’tknowwhatisthematterwithme，but，IassureyouIamnotwell.’
\"Andatthatmomentwenoticedthattherewasanunpleasantodorfromthecorpse.
\"Then，mycomradesuggestedthatweshouldgointotheadjoiningroom，andleavethedooropen;andIassentedtohisproposal.
\"Itookoneofthewaxcandleswhichburnedonthestand，andIleftthesecondbehind.Thenwewentandsatdownattheotherendoftheadjoiningapartment，insuchapositionthatwecouldseethebedandthecorpse，clearlyrevealedbythelight.
\"Buthestillheldpossessionofus.Onewouldhavesaidthathisimmaterialessence，liberated，free，all—powerfulanddominating，wasflittingaroundus.Andsometimes，too，thedreadfulodorofthedecomposedbodycametowardusandpenetratedus，sickeningandindefinable.
\"Suddenlyashiverpassedthroughourbones：asound，aslightsound，camefromthedeath—chamber.Immediatelywefixedourglancesonhim，andwesaw，yes，monsieur，wesawdistinctly，bothofus，somethingwhitepassacrossthebed，fallonthecarpet，andvanishunderanarmchair.
\"Wewereonourfeetbeforewehadtimetothinkofanything，distractedbystupefyingterror，readytorunaway.Thenwestaredateachother.
Wewerehorriblypale.Ourheartsthrobbedfiercelyenoughtohaveraisedtheclothingonourchests.Iwasthefirsttospeak：
\"’Didyousee？’
\"’Yes，Isaw.’
\"’Canitbethatheisnotdead？’
\"’Why，whenthebodyisputrefying？’
\"’Whatarewetodo？’
\"Mycompanionsaidinahesitatingtone：
\"’Wemustgoandlook.’
\"Itookourwaxcandleandenteredfirst，glancingintoallthedarkcornersinthelargeapartment.Nothingwasmovingnow，andIapproachedthebed.ButIstoodtransfixedwithstuporandfright：
Schopenhauerwasnolongerlaughing！Hewasgrinninginahorriblefashion，withhislipspressedtogetheranddeephollowsinhischeeks.
Istammeredout：
\"’Heisnotdead！’
\"Buttheterribleodorascendedtomynoseandstifledme.AndInolongermoved，butkeptstaringfixedlyathim，terrifiedasifinthepresenceofanapparition.
\"Thenmycompanion，havingseizedtheotherwaxcandle，bentforward.
Next，hetouchedmyarmwithoututteringaword.Ifollowedhisglance，andsawontheground，underthearmchairbythesideofthebed，standingoutwhiteonthedarkcarpet，andopenasiftobite，Schopenhauer’ssetofartificialteeth.
\"Theworkofdecomposition，looseningthejaws，hadmadeitjumpoutofthemouth.
\"Iwasreallyfrightenedthatday，monsieur.\"
Andasthesunwassinkingtowardtheglitteringsea，theconsumptiveGermanrosefromhisseat，gavemeapartingbow，andretiredintothehotel.
EndOriginalShortStories，Vol.3.
ByGuydeMaupassantVOLUMEIII.
MISSHARRIET
LITTLELOUISEROQUE
THEDONKEY
MOIRON
THEDISPENSEROFHOLYWATER
THEPARRICIDE
BERTHA
THEPATRON
THEDOOR
ASALE
THEIMPOLITESEX
AWEDDINGGIFT
THERELIC
MISSHARRIET
Thereweresevenofusonadrag，fourwomenandthreemen;oneofthelattersatontheboxseatbesidethecoachman.Wewereascending，atasnail’space，thewindingroadupthesteepcliffalongthecoast.
SettingoutfromEtretatatbreakofdayinordertovisittheruinsofTancarville，wewerestillhalfasleep，benumbedbythefreshairofthemorning.Thewomenespecially，whowerelittleaccustomedtotheseearlyexcursions，halfopenedandclosedtheireyeseverymoment，noddingtheirheadsoryawning，quiteinsensibletothebeautiesofthedawn.
Itwasautumn.Onbothsidesoftheroadstretchedthebarefields，yellowedbythestubbleofwheatandoatswhichcoveredthesoillikeabeardthathadbeenbadlyshaved.Themoistearthseemedtosteam.
Larksweresinginghighupintheair，whileotherbirdspipedinthebushes.
Thesunroseatlengthinfrontofus，brightredontheplaneofthehorizon，andinproportionasitascended，growingclearerfromminutetominute，thecountryseemedtoawake，tosmile，toshakeitselflikeayounggirlleavingherbedinherwhiterobeofvapor.TheComted’Etraille，whowasseatedonthebox，cried：
\"Look！look！ahare！\"andheextendedhisarmtowardtheleft，pointingtoapatchofclover.Theanimalscurriedalong，almosthiddenbytheclover，onlyitslargeearsshowing.Thenitswervedacrossafurrow，stopped，startedoffagainatfullspeed，changeditscourse，stoppedanew，uneasy，spyingouteverydanger，uncertainwhatroutetotake，whensuddenlyitbegantorunwithgreatbounds，disappearingfinallyinalargepatchofbeet—root.Allthemenhadwakeduptowatchthecourseoftheanimal.
ReneLamanoirexclaimed：
\"Wearenotatallgallantthismorning，\"and;regardinghisneighbor，thelittleBaronessdeSerennes，whostruggledagainstsleep，hesaidtoherinalowtone：\"Youarethinkingofyourhusband，baroness.Reassureyourself;hewillnotreturnbeforeSaturday，soyouhavestillfourdays.\"
Sheansweredwithasleepysmile：
\"Howstupidyouare！\"Then，shakingoffhertorpor，sheadded：\"Now，letsomebodysaysomethingtomakeuslaugh.You，MonsieurChenal，whohavethereputationofhavinghadmoreloveaffairsthantheDuedeRichelieu，tellusalovestoryinwhichyouhaveplayedapart;anythingyoulike.\"
LeonChenal，anoldpainter，whohadoncebeenveryhandsome，verystrong，veryproudofhisphysiqueandverypopularwithwomen，tookhislongwhitebeardinhishandandsmiled.Then，afterafewmoments’
reflection，hesuddenlybecameserious.
\"Ladies，itwillnotbeanamusingtale，forIamgoingtorelatetoyouthesaddestloveaffairofmylife，andIsincerelyhopethatnoneofmyfriendsmayeverpassthroughasimilarexperience.
\"Iwastwenty—fiveyearsofageandwaspillagingalongthecoastofNormandy.Icall’pillaging’wanderingabout，withaknapsackonone’sback，frominntoinn，underthepretextofmakingstudiesandsketchinglandscapes.Iknewnothingmoreenjoyablethanthathappy—go—luckywanderinglife，inwhichoneisperfectlyfree，withoutshacklesofanykind，withoutcare，withoutpreoccupation，withoutthinkingevenofthemorrow.Onegoesinanydirectiononepleases，withoutanyguidesavehisfancy，withoutanycounsellorsavehiseyes.Onestopsbecausearunningbrookattractsone，becausethesmellofpotatoesfryingticklesone’solfactoriesonpassinganinn.Sometimesitistheperfumeofclematiswhichdecidesoneinhischoiceortheroguishglanceoftheservantataninn.Donotdespisemeformyaffectionfortheserustics.
Thesegirlshaveasoulaswellassenses，nottomentionfirmcheeksandfreshlips;whiletheirheartyandwillingkisseshavetheflavorofwildfruit.Loveisalwayslove，comewhenceitmay.Aheartthatbeatsatyourapproach，aneyethatweepswhenyougoawayarethingssorare，sosweet，sopreciousthattheymustneverbedespised.
\"Ihavehadrendezvousinditchesfullofprimroses，behindthecowstableandinbarnsamongthestraw，stillwarmfromtheheatoftheday.
Ihaverecollectionsofcoarsegrayclothcoveringsupplepeasantskinandregretsforsimple，frankkisses，moredelicateintheirunaffectedsinceritythanthesubtlefavorsofcharminganddistinguishedwomen.
\"Butwhatonelovesmostamidallthesevariedadventuresisthecountry，thewoods，therisingofthesun，thetwilight，themoonlight.Theseare，forthepainter，honeymoontripswithNature.Oneisalonewithherinthatlongandquietassociation.Yougotosleepinthefields，amidmargueritesandpoppies，andwhenyouopenyoureyesinthefullglareofthesunlightyoudescryinthedistancethelittlevillagewithitspointedclocktowerwhichsoundsthehourofnoon.
\"Yousitdownbythesideofaspringwhichgushesoutatthefootofanoak，amidagrowthoftall，slenderweeds，glisteningwithlife.Yougodownonyourknees，bendforwardanddrinkthatcold，pellucidwaterwhichwetsyourmustacheandnose;youdrinkitwithaphysicalpleasure，asthoughyoukissedthespring，liptolip.Sometimes，whenyoufindadeepholealongthecourseofthesetinybrooks，youplungeinquitenaked，andyoufeelonyourskin，fromheadtofoot，asitwere，anicyanddeliciouscaress，thelightandgentlequiveringofthestream.
\"Youaregayonthehills，melancholyontheedgeofponds，inspiredwhenthesunissettinginanoceanofblood—redcloudsandcastsredreflectionsortheriver.Andatnight，underthemoon，whichpassesacrossthevaultofheaven，youthinkofathousandstrangethingswhichwouldneverhaveoccurredtoyourmindunderthebrilliantlightofday.
\"So，inwanderingthroughthesamecountrywherewe，arethisyear，I
cametothelittlevillageofBenouville，onthecliffbetweenYportandEtretat.IcamefromFecamp，followingthecoast，ahighcoastasstraightasawall，withitsprojectingchalkcliffsdescendingperpendicularlyintothesea.Ihadwalkedsinceearlymorningontheshortgrass，smoothandyieldingasacarpet，thatgrowsontheedgeofthecliff.And，singinglustily，Iwalkedwithlongstrides，lookingsometimesattheslowcirclingflightofagullwithitswhitecurvedwingsoutlinedonthebluesky，sometimesatthebrownsailsofafishingbarkonthegreensea.Inshort，Ihadpassedahappyday，adayoflibertyandoffreedomfromcare.
\"Alittlefarmhousewheretravellerswerelodgedwaspointedouttome，akindofinn，keptbyapeasantwoman，whichstoodinthecentreofaNormancourtyardsurroundedbyadoublerowofbeeches.
\"Leavingthecoast，Ireachedthehamlet，whichwashemmedinbygreattrees，andIpresentedmyselfatthehouseofMotherLecacheur.
\"Shewasanold，wrinkledandsternpeasantwoman，whoseemedalwaystoreceivecustomersunderprotest，withakindofdefiance.
\"ItwasthemonthofMay.Thespreadingappletreescoveredthecourtwithashowerofblossomswhichrainedunceasinglybothuponpeopleanduponthegrass.
\"Isaid：’Well，MadameLecacheur，haveyouaroomforme？’
\"AstonishedtofindthatIknewhername，sheanswered：
\"’Thatdepends;everythingislet，butallthesameIcanfindout.\"
\"Infiveminuteswehadcometoanagreement，andIdepositedmybagupontheearthenfloorofarusticroom，furnishedwithabed，twochairs，atableandawashbowl.Theroomlookedintothelarge，smokykitchen，wherethelodgerstooktheirmealswiththepeopleofthefarmandthelandlady，whowasawidow.
\"Iwashedmyhands，afterwhichIwentout.Theoldwomanwasmakingachickenfricasseefordinnerinthelargefireplaceinwhichhungtheironpot，blackwithsmoke.
\"’Youhavetravellers，then，atthepresenttime？’saidItoher.
\"Sheansweredinanoffendedtoneofvoice：
\"’Ihavealady，anEnglishlady，whohasreachedyearsofmaturity.Sheoccupiestheotherroom.’
\"Iobtained，bymeansofanextrafivesousaday，theprivilegeofdiningaloneoutintheyardwhentheweatherwasfine.
\"Myplacewassetoutsidethedoor，andIwasbeginningtognawtheleanlimbsoftheNormandychicken，todrinktheclearciderandtomunchthehunkofwhitebread，whichwasfourdaysoldbutexcellent.
\"Suddenlythewoodengatewhichgaveonthehighwaywasopened，andastrangeladydirectedherstepstowardthehouse.Shewasverythin，verytall，sotightlyenvelopedinaredScotchplaidshawlthatonemighthavesupposedshehadnoarms，ifonehadnotseenalonghandappearjustabovethehips，holdingawhitetouristumbrella.Herfacewaslikethatofamummy，surroundedwithcurlsofgrayhair，whichtossedaboutateverystepshetookandmademethink，Iknownotwhy，ofapickledherringincurlpapers.Loweringhereyes，shepassedquicklyinfrontofmeandenteredthehouse.
\"Thatsingularapparitioncheeredme.Sheundoubtedlywasmyneighbor，theEnglishladyofmatureageofwhomourhostesshadspoken.
\"Ididnotseeheragainthatday.Thenextday，whenIhadsettledmyselftocommencepaintingattheendofthatbeautifulvalleywhichyouknowandwhichextendsasfarasEtretat，Iperceived，onliftingmyeyessuddenly，somethingsingularstandingonthecrestofthecliff，onemighthavesaidapoledeckedoutwithflags.Itwasshe.Onseeingme，shesuddenlydisappeared.Ireenteredthehouseatmiddayforlunchandtookmyseatatthegeneraltable，soastomaketheacquaintanceofthisoddcharacter.Butshedidnotrespondtomypoliteadvances，wasinsensibleeventomylittleattentions.Ipouredoutwaterforherpersistently，Ipassedherthedisheswithgreateagerness.Aslight，almostimperceptible，movementoftheheadandanEnglishword，murmuredsolowthatIdidnotunderstandit，wereheronlyacknowledgments.
\"Iceasedoccupyingmyselfwithher，althoughshehaddisturbedmythoughts.
\"AttheendofthreedaysIknewasmuchaboutherasdidMadameLecacheurherself.
\"ShewascalledMissHarriet.Seekingoutasecludedvillageinwhichtopassthesummer，shehadbeenattractedtoBenouvillesomesixmonthsbeforeanddidnotseemdisposedtoleaveit.Sheneverspokeattable，aterapidly，readingallthewhileasmallbookoftheProtestantpropaganda.Shegaveacopyofittoeverybody.Thecurehimselfhadreceivednolessthanfourcopies，conveyedbyanurchintowhomshehadpaidtwosouscommission.Shesaidsometimestoourhostessabruptly，withoutpreparingherintheleastforthedeclaration：
\"’IlovetheSaviourmorethanall.Iadmirehiminallcreation;
Iadorehiminallnature;Icarryhimalwaysinmyheart.’
\"Andshewouldimmediatelypresenttheoldwomanwithoneofhertractswhichweredestinedtoconverttheuniverse.
\"In，thevillageshewasnotliked.Infact，theschoolmasterhavingpronouncedheranatheist，akindofstigmaattachedtoher.Thecure，whohadbeenconsultedbyMadameLecacheur，responded：
\"’Sheisaheretic，butGoddoesnotwishthedeathofthesinner，andI
believehertobeapersonofpuremorals.’
\"Thesewords，’atheist，’’heretic，’wordswhichnoonecanpreciselydefine，threwdoubtsintosomeminds.Itwasasserted，however，thatthisEnglishwomanwasrichandthatshehadpassedherlifeintravellingthrougheverycountryintheworldbecauseherfamilyhadcastheroff.Whyhadherfamilycastheroff？Becauseofherimpiety，ofcourse！
\"Shewas，infact，oneofthosepeopleofexaltedprinciples;oneofthoseopinionatedpuritans，ofwhichEnglandproducessomany;oneofthosegoodandinsupportableoldmaidswhohauntthetablesd’hoteofeveryhotelinEurope，whospoilItaly，poisonSwitzerland，renderthecharmingcitiesoftheMediterraneanuninhabitable，carryeverywheretheirfantasticmaniastheirmannersofpetrifiedvestals，theirindescribabletoiletsandacertainodorofindia—rubberwhichmakesonebelievethatatnighttheyareslippedintoarubbercasing.
\"WheneverIcaughtsightofoneoftheseindividualsinahotelIfledlikethebirdswhoseeascarecrowinafield.
\"Thiswoman，however，appearedsoverysingularthatshedidnotdispleaseme.
\"MadameLecacheur，hostilebyinstincttoeverythingthatwasnotrustic，feltinhernarrowsoulakindofhatredfortheecstaticdeclarationsoftheoldmaid.Shehadfoundaphrasebywhichtodescribeher，atermofcontemptthatrosetoherlips，calledforthbyIknownotwhatconfusedandmysteriousmentalratiocination.Shesaid：’Thatwomanisademoniac.’Thisepithet，appliedtothataustereandsentimentalcreature，seemedtomeirresistiblydroll.Imyselfnevercalledheranythingnowbut’thedemoniac，’experiencingasingularpleasureinpronouncingaloudthiswordonperceivingher.
\"OnedayIaskedMotherLecacheur：’Well，whatisourdemoniacaboutto—
day？’
\"Towhichmyrusticfriendrepliedwithashockedair：
\"’Whatdoyouthink，sir？Shepickedupatoadwhichhadhaditspawcrushedandcarriedittoherroomandhasputitinherwashbasinandbandageditasifitwereaman.IfthatisnotprofanationIshouldliketoknowwhatis！’
\"Onanotheroccasion，whenwalkingalongtheshoresheboughtalargefishwhichhadjustbeencaught，simplytothrowitbackintotheseaagain.Thesailorfromwhomshehadboughtit，althoughshepaidhimhandsomely，nowbegantoswear，moreexasperated，indeed，thanifshehadputherhandintohispocketandtakenhismoney.Formorethanamonthhecouldnotspeakofthecircumstancewithoutbecomingfuriousanddenouncingitasanoutrage.Oh，yes！Shewasindeedademoniac，thisMissHarriet，andMotherLecacheurmusthavehadaninspirationinthuschristeningher.
\"Thestableboy，whowascalledSapeur，becausehehadservedinAfricainhisyouth，entertainedotheropinions.Hesaidwitharoguishair：
’Sheisanoldhagwhohasseenlife.’
\"Ifthepoorwomanhadbutknown！
\"Thelittlekind—heartedCelestedidnotwaituponherwillingly，butI
wasneverabletounderstandwhy.Probablyheronlyreasonwasthatshewasastranger，ofanotherrace;ofadifferenttongueandofanotherreligion.Shewas，infact，ademoniac！
\"Shepassedhertimewanderingaboutthecountry，adoringandseekingGodinnature.Ifoundheroneeveningonherkneesinaclusterofbushes.
Havingdiscoveredsomethingredthroughtheleaves，Ibrushedasidethebranches，andMissHarrietatoncerosetoherfeet，confusedathavingbeenfoundthus，fixingonmeterrifiedeyeslikethoseofanowlsurprisedinopenday.
\"Sometimes，whenIwasworkingamongtherocks，Iwouldsuddenlydescryherontheedgeoftheclifflikealighthousesignal.Shewouldbegazinginraptureatthevastseaglitteringinthesunlightandtheboundlessskywithitsgoldentints.SometimesIwoulddistinguishherattheendofthevalley，walkingquicklywithherelasticEnglishstep，andIwouldgotowardher，attractedbyIknownotwhat，simplytoseeherilluminatedvisage，herdried—up，ineffablefeatures，whichseemedtoglowwithinwardandprofoundhappiness.
\"Iwouldoftenencounterheralsointhecornerofafield，sittingonthegrassundertheshadowofanappletree，withherlittlereligiousbookletlyingopenonherkneewhileshegazedoutatthedistance.
\"Icouldnottearmyselfawayfromthatquietcountryneighborhood，towhichIwasattachedbyathousandlinksofloveforitswideandpeacefullandscape.Iwashappyinthissequesteredfarm，farremovedfromeverything，butintouchwiththeearth，thegood，beautiful，greenearth.And——mustIavowit？——therewas，besides，alittlecuriositywhichretainedmeattheresidenceofMotherLecacheur.IwishedtobecomeacquaintedalittlewiththisstrangeMissHarrietandtoknowwhattranspiresinthesolitarysoulsofthosewanderingoldEnglishwomen.
\"Webecameacquaintedinarathersingularmanner.Ihadjustfinishedastudywhichappearedtometobeworthsomething，andsoitwas，asitsoldfortenthousandfrancsfifteenyearslater.Itwasassimple，however，astwoandtwomakefourandwasnotaccordingtoacademicrules.Thewholerightsideofmycanvasrepresentedarock，anenormousrock，coveredwithsea—wrack，brown，yellowandred，acrosswhichthesunpouredlikeastreamofoil.Thelightfellupontherockasthoughitwereaflamewithoutthesun，whichwasatmyback，beingvisible.Thatwasall.Afirstbewilderingstudyofblazing，gorgeouslight.
\"Ontheleftwasthesea，notthebluesea，theslate—coloredsea，butaseaofjade，greenish，milkyandsolidbeneaththedeep—coloredsky.
\"IwassopleasedwithmyworkthatIdancedfromsheerdelightasI
carrieditbacktotheinn.Iwouldhavelikedthewholeworldtoseeitatonce.IcanrememberthatIshowedittoacowthatwasbrowsingbythewayside，exclaimingasIdidso：’Lookatthat，myoldbeauty;youwillnotoftenseeitslikeagain.’
\"WhenIhadreachedthehouseIimmediatelycalledouttoMotherLecacheur，shoutingwithallmymight：
\"’Hullo，there！Mrs.Landlady，comehereandlookatthis.’
\"Therusticapproachedandlookedatmyworkwithherstupideyeswhichdistinguishednothingandcouldnoteventellwhetherthepicturerepresentedanoxorahouse.
\"MissHarrietjustthencamehome，andshepassedbehindmejustasIwasholdingoutmycanvasatarm’slength，exhibitingittoourlandlady.
Thedemoniaccouldnothelpbutseeit，forItookcaretoexhibitthethinginsuchawaythatitcouldnotescapehernotice.Shestoppedabruptlyandstoodmotionless，astonished.Itwasherrockwhichwasdepicted，theonewhichsheclimbedtodreamawayhertimeundisturbed.
\"SheutteredaBritish’Aoh，’whichwasatoncesoaccentuatedandsoflatteringthatIturnedroundtoher，smiling，andsaid：
\"’Thisismylateststudy，mademoiselle.’
\"Shemurmuredrapturously，comicallyandtenderly：
\"’Oh！monsieur，youunderstandnatureasalivingthing.’
\"Icoloredandwasmoretouchedbythatcomplimentthanifithadcomefromaqueen.Iwascaptured，conquered，vanquished.Icouldhaveembracedher，uponmyhonor.
\"Itookmyseatattablebesideherasusual.Forthefirsttimeshespoke，thinkingaloud：
\"’Oh！Idolovenature.’
\"Ipassedhersomebread，somewater，somewine.Shenowacceptedthesewithalittlesmileofamummy.Ithenbegantotalkaboutthescenery.
\"Afterthemealwerosefromthetabletogetherandwalkedleisurelyacrossthecourtyard;then，attracteddoubtlessbythefieryglowwhichthesettingsuncastoverthesurfaceofthesea，Iopenedthegatewhichledtothecliff，andwewalkedalongsidebyside，ascontentedastwopersonsmightbewhohavejustlearnedtounderstandandpenetrateeachother’smotivesandfeelings.
\"Itwasoneofthosewarm，softeveningswhichimpartasenseofeasetofleshandspiritalike.Allisenjoyment，everythingcharms.Thebalmyair，ladenwiththeperfumeofgrassesandthesmellofseaweed，soothestheolfactorysensewithitswildfragrance，soothesthepalatewithitsseasavor，soothesthemindwithitspervadingsweetness.
\"Wewerenowwalkingalongtheedgeofthecliff，highabovetheboundlessseawhichrolleditslittlewavesbelowusatadistanceofahundredmetres.Andwedrankinwithopenmouthandexpandedchestthatfreshbreeze，brinyfromkissingthewaves，thatcamefromtheoceanandpassedacrossourfaces.
\"Wrappedinherplaidshawl，withalookofinspirationasshefacedthebreeze，theEnglishwomangazedfixedlyatthegreatsunballasitdescendedtowardthehorizon.Faroffinthedistanceathree—masterinfullsailwasoutlinedontheblood—redskyandasteamship，somewhatnearer，passedalong，leavingbehinditatrailofsmokeonthehorizon.
Theredsunglobesankslowlylowerandlowerandpresentlytouchedthewaterjustbehindthemotionlessvessel，which，initsdazzlingeffulgence，lookedasthoughframedinaflameoffire.Wesawitplunge，growsmalleranddisappear，swallowedupbytheocean.
\"MissHarrietgazedinraptureatthelastgleamsofthedyingday.Sheseemedlongingtoembracethesky，thesea，thewholelandscape.
\"Shemurmured：’Aoh！Ilove——Ilove’Isawatearinhereye.Shecontinued：’IwishIwerealittlebird，sothatIcouldmountupintothefirmament.’
\"SheremainedstandingasIhadoftenbeforeseenher，perchedonthecliff，herfaceasredashershawl.Ishouldhavelikedtohavesketchedherinmyalbum.Itwouldhavebeenacaricatureofecstasy.
\"Iturnedawaysoasnottolaugh.
\"IthenspoketoherofpaintingasIwouldhavedonetoafellowartist，usingthetechnicaltermscommonamongthedevoteesoftheprofession.
Shelistenedattentively，eagerlyseekingtodivinethemeaningoftheterms，soastounderstandmythoughts.Fromtimetotimeshewouldexclaim：
’Oh！Iunderstand，Iunderstand.Itisveryinteresting.’
\"Wereturnedhome.
\"Thenextday，onseeingme，sheapproachedme，cordiallyholdingoutherhand;andweatoncebecamefirmfriends.
\"Shewasagoodcreaturewhohadakindofsoulonsprings，whichbecameenthusiasticatabound.Shelackedequilibriumlikeallwomenwhoarespinstersattheageoffifty.Sheseemedtobepreservedinapickleofinnocence，butherheartstillretainedsomethingveryyouthfulandinflammable.Shelovedbothnatureandanimalswithafervor，alovelikeoldwinefermentedthroughage，withasensuouslovethatshehadneverbestowedonmen.
\"Onethingiscertain，thatthesightofabitchnursingherpuppies，amareroaminginameadowwithafoalatitsside，abird’snestfullofyoungones，screaming，withtheiropenmouthsandtheirenormousheads，affectedherperceptibly.
\"Poor，solitary，sad，wanderingbeings！IloveyoueversinceIbecameacquaintedwithMissHarriet.
\"Isoondiscoveredthatshehadsomethingshewouldliketotellme，butdarenot，andIwasamusedathertimidity.WhenIstartedoutinthemorningwithmyknapsackonmyback，shewouldaccompanymeinsilenceasfarastheendofthevillage，evidentlystrugglingtofindwordswithwhichtobeginaconversation.Thenshewouldleavemeabruptlyandwalkawayquicklywithherspringystep.
\"Oneday，however，shepluckedupcourage：
\"Iwouldliketoseehowyoupaintpictures.Areyouwilling？Ihavebeenverycurious.’
\"Andsheblushedasifshehadsaidsomethingveryaudacious.
\"IconductedhertothebottomofthePetit—Val，whereIhadbegunalargepicture.
\"Sheremainedstandingbehindme，followingallmygestureswithconcentratedattention.Then，suddenly，fearingperhapsthatshewasdisturbingme，shesaid：’Thankyou，’andwalkedaway.
\"Butshesoonbecamemorefriendly，andaccompaniedmeeveryday，hercountenanceexhibitingvisiblepleasure.Shecarriedhercampstoolunderherarm，notpermittingmetocarryit.Shewouldremainthereforhours，silentandmotionless，followingwithhereyesthepointofmybrush，initseverymovement.WhenIobtainedunexpectedlyjusttheeffectIwantedbyadashofcolorputonwiththepaletteknife，sheinvoluntarilyutteredalittle’Ah！’ofastonishment，ofjoy，ofadmiration.Shehadthemosttenderrespectformycanvases，analmostreligiousrespectforthathumanreproductionofapartofnature’sworkdivine.Mystudiesappearedtoherakindofreligiouspictures，andsometimesshespoketomeofGod，withtheideaofconvertingme.
\"Oh，hewasaqueer，good—naturedbeing，thisGodofhers！Hewasasortofvillagephilosopherwithoutanygreatresourcesandwithoutgreatpower，forshealwaysfiguredhimtoherselfasinconsolableoverinjusticescommittedunderhiseyes，asthoughhewerepowerlesstopreventthem.
\"Shewas，however，onexcellenttermswithhim，affectingeventobetheconfidanteofhissecretsandofhistroubles.Shewouldsay：
\"’Godwills’or’Goddoesnotwill，’justlikeasergeantannouncingtoarecruit：’Thecolonelhascommanded.’
\"AtthebottomofherheartshedeploredmyignoranceoftheintentionsoftheEternal，whichsheendeavoredtoimparttome.
\"AlmosteverydayIfoundinmypockets，inmyhatwhenIlifteditfromtheground，inmypaintbox，inmypolishedshoes，standinginfrontofmydoorinthemorning，thoselittlepioustractswhichshenodoubt，receiveddirectlyfromParadise.
\"Itreatedherasonewouldanoldfriend，withunaffectedcordiality.