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diff --git a/old/8drag10h.htm b/old/8drag10h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8c148c3 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/8drag10h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7869 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Room in the Dragon Volant, + by J. Sheridan LeFanu. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + * { font-family: Times;} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + font-size: 12pt; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; } + PRE { font-family: Courier, monospaced; } + // --> + </style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's The Room in the Dragon Volant, by J. Sheridan LeFanu + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Room in the Dragon Volant + +Author: J. Sheridan LeFanu + +Release Date: December, 2005 [EBook #9502] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on October 6, 2003] +[Date last updated: December 22, 2004] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ROOM IN THE DRAGON VOLANT *** + + + + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, David Garcia and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + +</pre> + + + <p> + + </p> + <h1> + The Room in the Dragon Volant + </h1> + <center> + <b>By J. Sheridan LeFanu</b> + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + + <p> + + </p> + <h3> + <i>Other books by J. Sheridan LeFanu</i> + </h3> + <pre> + The Cock and Anchor + Torlogh O'Brien + The Home by the Churchyard + Uncle Silas + Checkmate + Carmilla + The Wyvern Mystery + Guy Deverell + Ghost Stories and Tales of Mystery + The Chronicles of Golden Friars + In a Glass Darkly + The Purcell Papers + The Watcher and Other Weird Stories + A Chronicle of Golden Friars and Other Stories + Madam Crowl's Ghost and Other Tales of Mystery + Green Tea and Other Stones + Sheridan LeFanu: The Diabolic Genius + Best Ghost Stories of J.S. LeFanu + The Best Horror Stories + The Vampire Lovers and Other Stories + Ghost Stories and Mysteries + The Hours After Midnight + J.S. LeFanu: Ghost Stories and Mysteries + Ghost and Horror Stones + Green Tea and Other Ghost Stories + Carmilla and Other Classic Tales of Mystery +</pre> + <h3> + The Room in the Dragon Volant + </h3> + + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <hr> + <p> + <a href="#PRO">Prologue</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH1">Chapter I. ON THE ROAD</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH2">Chapter II. THE INN-YARD OF THE BELLE + ÉTOILE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH3">Chapter III. DEATH AND LOVE TOGETHER MATED</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH4">Chapter IV. MONSIEUR DROQVILLE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH5">Chapter V. SUPPER AT THE BELLE + ÉTOILE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH6">Chapter VI. THE NAKED SWORD</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH7">Chapter VII. THE WHITE ROSE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH8">Chapter VIII. A THREE MINUTES' VISIT</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH9">Chapter IX. GOSSIP AND COUNSEL</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH10">Chapter X. THE BLACK VEIL</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH11">Chapter XI. THE DRAGON VOLANT</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH12">Chapter XII. THE MAGICIAN</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH13">Chapter XIII. THE ORACLE TELLS ME WONDERS</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH14">Chapter XIV. MADEMOISELLE DE LA + VALLIÈRE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH15">Chapter XV. STRANGE STORY OF THE DRAGON + VOLANT</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH16">Chapter XVI. THE PARC OF THE CHÂTEAU DE + LA CARQUE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH17">Chapter XVII. THE TENANT OF THE PALANQUIN</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH18">Chapter XVIII. THE CHURCHYARD</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH19">Chapter XIX. THE KEY</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH20">Chapter XX. A HIGH-CAULD-CAP</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH21">Chapter XXI. I SEE THREE MEN IN A MIRROR</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH22">Chapter XXII. RAPTURE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH23">Chapter XXIII. A CUP OF COFFEE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH24">Chapter XXIV. HOPE</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH25">Chapter XXV. DESPAIR</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#CH26">Chapter XXVI. CATASTROPHE</a> + </p> + <hr> + <center> + [Transcriber's Note: Contents section was generated.] + </center> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="PRO"><!-- PRO --></a> + <h2> + Prologue + </h2> + <p> + <i>The curious case which I am about to place before you, is + referred to, very pointedly, and more than once, in the + extraordinary Essay upon the Drug of the Dark and the Middle + Ages, from the pen of Doctor Hesselius</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>This Essay he entitles</i> Mortis Imago, <i>and he, + therein, discusses the</i> Vinum letiferum, <i>the</i> + Beatifica, <i>the</i> Somnus Angelorum, <i>the</i> Hypnus + Sagarum, <i>the</i> Aqua Thessalliae, <i>and about twenty + other infusions and distillations, well known to the sages of + eight hundred years ago, and two of which are still, he + alleges, known to the fraternity of thieves, and, among them, + as police-office inquiries sometimes disclose to this day, in + practical use</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>The Essay,</i> Mortis Imago, <i>will occupy, as nearly as + I can at present calculate, two volumes, the ninth and tenth, + of the collected papers of Dr. Martin Hesselius</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>This Essay, I may remark in conclusion, is very curiously + enriched by citations, in great abundance, from medieval + verse and prose romance, some of the most valuable of which, + strange to say, are Egyptian</i>. + </p> + <p> + <i>I have selected this particular statement from among many + cases equally striking, but hardly, I think, so effective as + mere narratives; in this irregular form of publication, it is + simply as a story that I present it</i>. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH1"><!-- CH1 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter I + </h2> + <center> + ON THE ROAD + </center> + <p> + In the eventful year, 1815, I was exactly three-and-twenty, + and had just succeeded to a very large sum in consols and + other securities. The first fall of Napoleon had thrown the + continent open to English excursionists, anxious, let us + suppose, to improve their minds by foreign travel; and + I—the slight check of the "hundred days" removed, by + the genius of Wellington, on the field of Waterloo—was + now added to the philosophic throng. + </p> + <p> + I was posting up to Paris from Brussels, following, I + presume, the route that the allied army had pursued but a few + weeks before—more carriages than you could believe were + pursuing the same line. You could not look back or forward, + without seeing into far perspective the clouds of dust which + marked the line of the long series of vehicles. We were + perpetually passing relays of return-horses, on their way, + jaded and dusty, to the inns from which they had been taken. + They were arduous times for those patient public servants. + The whole world seemed posting up to Paris. + </p> + <p> + I ought to have noted it more particularly, but my head was + so full of Paris and the future that I passed the intervening + scenery with little patience and less attention; I think, + however, that it was about four miles to the frontier side of + a rather picturesque little town, the name of which, as of + many more important places through which I posted in my + hurried journey, I forget, and about two hours before sunset, + that we came up with a carriage in distress. + </p> + <p> + It was not quite an upset. But the two leaders were lying + flat. The booted postilions had got down, and two servants + who seemed very much at sea in such matters, were by way of + assisting them. A pretty little bonnet and head were popped + out of the window of the carriage in distress. Its + <i>tournure</i>, and that of the shoulders that also appeared + for a moment, was captivating: I resolved to play the part of + a good Samaritan; stopped my chaise, jumped out, and with my + servant lent a very willing hand in the emergency. Alas! the + lady with the pretty bonnet wore a very thick black veil. I + could see nothing but the pattern of the Brussels lace as she + drew back. + </p> + <p> + A lean old gentleman, almost at the same time, stuck his head + out of the window. An invalid he seemed, for although the day + was hot he wore a black muffler which came up to his ears and + nose, quite covering the lower part of his face, an + arrangement which he disturbed by pulling it down for a + moment, and poured forth a torrent of French thanks, as he + uncovered his black wig, and gesticulated with grateful + animation. + </p> + <p> + One of my very few accomplishments, besides boxing, which was + cultivated by all Englishmen at that time, was French; and I + replied, I hope and believe grammatically. Many bows being + exchanged, the old gentleman's head went in again, and the + demure, pretty little bonnet once more appeared. + </p> + <p> + The lady must have heard me speak to my servant, for she + framed her little speech in such pretty, broken English, and + in a voice so sweet, that I more than ever cursed the black + veil that baulked my romantic curiosity. + </p> + <p> + The arms that were emblazoned on the panel were peculiar; I + remember especially one device—it was the figure of a + stork, painted in carmine, upon what the heralds call a + "field or." The bird was standing upon one leg, and in the + other claw held a stone. This is, I believe, the emblem of + vigilance. Its oddity struck me, and remained impressed upon + my memory. There were supporters besides, but I forget what + they were. The courtly manners of these people, the style of + their servants, the elegance of their traveling carriage, and + the supporters to their arms, satisfied me that they were + noble. + </p> + <p> + The lady, you may be sure, was not the less interesting on + that account. What a fascination a title exercises upon the + imagination! I do not mean on that of snobs or moral + flunkies. Superiority of rank is a powerful and genuine + influence in love. The idea of superior refinement is + associated with it. The careless notice of the squire tells + more upon the heart of the pretty milk-maid than years of + honest Dobbin's manly devotion, and so on and up. It is an + unjust world! + </p> + <p> + But in this case there was something more. I was conscious of + being good-looking. I really believe I was; and there could + be no mistake about my being nearly six feet high. Why need + this lady have thanked me? Had not her husband, for such I + assumed him to be, thanked me quite enough and for both? I + was instinctively aware that the lady was looking on me with + no unwilling eyes; and, through her veil, I felt the power of + her gaze. + </p> + <p> + She was now rolling away, with a train of dust behind her + wheels in the golden sunlight, and a wise young gentleman + followed her with ardent eyes and sighed profoundly as the + distance increased. + </p> + <p> + I told the postilions on no account to pass the carriage, but + to keep it steadily in view, and to pull up at whatever + posting-house it should stop at. We were soon in the little + town, and the carriage we followed drew up at the Belle + Étoile, a comfortable old inn. They got out of the + carriage and entered the house. + </p> + <p> + At a leisurely pace we followed. I got down, and mounted the + steps listlessly, like a man quite apathetic and careless. + </p> + <p> + Audacious as I was, I did not care to inquire in what room I + should find them. I peeped into the apartment to my right, + and then into that on my left. <i>My</i> people were not + there. I ascended the stairs. A drawing-room door stood open. + I entered with the most innocent air in the world. It was a + spacious room, and, beside myself, contained but one living + figure—a very pretty and lady-like one. There was the + very bonnet with which I had fallen in love. The lady stood + with her back toward me. I could not tell whether the envious + veil was raised; she was reading a letter. + </p> + <p> + I stood for a minute in fixed attention, gazing upon her, in + vague hope that she might turn about and give me an + opportunity of seeing her features. She did not; but with a + step or two she placed herself before a little + cabriole-table, which stood against the wall, from which rose + a tall mirror in a tarnished frame. + </p> + <p> + I might, indeed, have mistaken it for a picture; for it now + reflected a half-length portrait of a singularly beautiful + woman. + </p> + <p> + She was looking down upon a letter which she held in her + slender fingers, and in which she seemed absorbed. + </p> + <p> + The face was oval, melancholy, sweet. It had in it, + nevertheless, a faint and undefinably sensual quality also. + Nothing could exceed the delicacy of its features, or the + brilliancy of its tints. The eyes, indeed, were lowered, so + that I could not see their color; nothing but their long + lashes and delicate eyebrows. She continued reading. She must + have been deeply interested; I never saw a living form so + motionless—I gazed on a tinted statue. + </p> + <p> + Being at that time blessed with long and keen vision, I saw + this beautiful face with perfect distinctness. I saw even the + blue veins that traced their wanderings on the whiteness of + her full throat. + </p> + <p> + I ought to have retreated as noiselessly as I came in, before + my presence was detected. But I was too much interested to + move from the spot, for a few moments longer; and while they + were passing, she raised her eyes. Those eyes were large, and + of that hue which modern poets term "violet." + </p> + <p> + These splendid melancholy eyes were turned upon me from the + glass, with a haughty stare, and hastily the lady lowered her + black veil, and turned about. + </p> + <p> + I fancied that she hoped I had not seen her. I was watching + every look and movement, the minutest, with an attention as + intense as if an ordeal involving my life depended on them. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH2"><!-- CH2 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter II + </h2> + <center> + THE INN-YARD OF THE BELLE ÉTOILE + </center> + <p> + The face was, indeed, one to fall in love with at first + sight. Those sentiments that take such sudden possession of + young men were now dominating my curiosity. My audacity + faltered before her; and I felt that my presence in this room + was probably an impertinence. This point she quickly settled, + for the same very sweet voice I had heard before, now said + coldly, and this time in French, "Monsieur cannot be aware + that this apartment is not public." + </p> + <p> + I bowed very low, faltered some apologies, and backed to the + door. + </p> + <p> + I suppose I looked penitent, and embarrassed. I certainly + felt so; for the lady said, by way it seemed of softening + matters, "I am happy, however, to have an opportunity of + again thanking Monsieur for the assistance, so prompt and + effectual, which he had the goodness to render us today." + </p> + <p> + It was more the altered tone in which it was spoken, than the + speech itself, that encouraged me. It was also true that she + need not have recognized me; and if she had, she certainly + was not obliged to thank me over again. + </p> + <p> + All this was indescribably flattering, and all the more so + that it followed so quickly on her slight reproof. The tone + in which she spoke had become low and timid, and I observed + that she turned her head quickly towards a second door of the + room; I fancied that the gentleman in the black wig, a + jealous husband perhaps, might reappear through it. Almost at + the same moment, a voice at once reedy and nasal was heard + snarling some directions to a servant, and evidently + approaching. It was the voice that had thanked me so + profusely, from the carriage windows, about an hour before. + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur will have the goodness to retire," said the lady, + in a tone that resembled entreaty, at the same time gently + waving her hand toward the door through which I had entered. + Bowing again very low, I stepped back, and closed the door. + </p> + <p> + I ran down the stairs, very much elated. I saw the host of + the Belle Étoile which, as I said, was the sign and + designation of my inn. + </p> + <p> + I described the apartment I had just quitted, said I liked + it, and asked whether I could have it. + </p> + <p> + He was extremely troubled, but that apartment and two + adjoining rooms were engaged. + </p> + <p> + "By whom?" + </p> + <p> + "People of distinction." + </p> + <p> + "But who are they? They must have names or titles." + </p> + <p> + "Undoubtedly, Monsieur, but such a stream is rolling into + Paris, that we have ceased to inquire the names or titles of + our guests—we designate them simply by the rooms they + occupy." + </p> + <p> + "What stay do they make?" + </p> + <p> + "Even that, Monsieur, I cannot answer. It does not interest + us. Our rooms, while this continues, can never be, for a + moment, disengaged." + </p> + <p> + "I should have liked those rooms so much! Is one of them a + sleeping apartment?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir, and Monsieur will observe that people do not + usually engage bedrooms unless they mean to stay the night." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I can, I suppose, have some rooms, any, I don't care + in what part of the house?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, Monsieur can have two apartments. They are the + last at present disengaged." + </p> + <p> + I took them instantly. + </p> + <p> + It was plain these people meant to make a stay here; at least + they would not go till morning. I began to feel that I was + all but engaged in an adventure. + </p> + <p> + I took possession of my rooms, and looked out of the window, + which I found commanded the inn-yard. Many horses were being + liberated from the traces, hot and weary, and others fresh + from the stables being put to. A great many + vehicles—some private carriages, others, like mine, of + that public class which is equivalent to our old English + post-chaise, were standing on the pavement, waiting their + turn for relays. Fussy servants were to-ing and fro-ing, and + idle ones lounging or laughing, and the scene, on the whole, + was animated and amusing. + </p> + <p> + Among these objects, I thought I recognized the traveling + carriage, and one of the servants of the "persons of + distinction" about whom I was, just then, so profoundly + interested. + </p> + <p> + I therefore ran down the stairs, made my way to the back + door; and so, behold me, in a moment, upon the uneven + pavement, among all these sights and sounds which in such a + place attend upon a period of extraordinary crush and + traffic. By this time the sun was near its setting, and threw + its golden beams on the red brick chimneys of the offices, + and made the two barrels, that figured as pigeon-houses, on + the tops of poles, look as if they were on fire. Everything + in this light becomes picturesque; and things interest us + which, in the sober grey of morning, are dull enough. + </p> + <p> + After a little search I lighted upon the very carriage of + which I was in quest. A servant was locking one of the doors, + for it was made with the security of lock and key. I paused + near, looking at the panel of the door. + </p> + <p> + "A very pretty device that red stork!" I observed, pointing + to the shield on the door, "and no doubt indicates a + distinguished family?" + </p> + <p> + The servant looked at me for a moment, as he placed the + little key in his pocket, and said with a slightly sarcastic + bow and smile, "Monsieur is at liberty to conjecture." + </p> + <p> + Nothing daunted, I forthwith administered that laxative + which, on occasion, acts so happily upon the tongue—I + mean a "tip." + </p> + <p> + The servant looked at the Napoleon in his hand, and then in + my face, with a sincere expression of surprise. "Monsieur is + very generous!" + </p> + <p> + "Not worth mentioning—who are the lady and gentleman + who came here in this carriage, and whom, you may remember, I + and my servant assisted today in an emergency, when their + horses had come to the ground?" + </p> + <p> + "They are the Count, and the young lady we call the + Countess—but I know not, she may be his daughter." + </p> + <p> + "Can you tell me where they live?" + </p> + <p> + "Upon my honor, Monsieur, I am unable—I know not." + </p> + <p> + "Not know where your master lives! Surely you know something + more about him than his name?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing worth relating, Monsieur; in fact, I was hired in + Brussels, on the very day they started. Monsieur Picard, my + fellow-servant, Monsieur the Comte's gentleman, he has been + years in his service, and knows everything; but he never + speaks except to communicate an order. From him I have + learned nothing. We are going to Paris, however, and there I + shall speedily pick up all about them. At present I am as + ignorant of all that as Monsieur himself." + </p> + <p> + "And where is Monsieur Picard?" + </p> + <p> + "He has gone to the cutler's to get his razors set. But I do + not think he will tell anything." + </p> + <p> + This was a poor harvest for my golden sowing. The man, I + think, spoke truth, and would honestly have betrayed the + secrets of the family, if he had possessed any. I took my + leave politely; and mounting the stairs again, I found myself + once more in my room. + </p> + <p> + Forthwith I summoned my servant. Though I had brought him + with me from England, he was a native of France—a + useful fellow, sharp, bustling, and, of course, quite + familiar with the ways and tricks of his countrymen. + </p> + <p> + "St. Clair, shut the door; come here. I can't rest till I + have made out something about those people of rank who have + got the apartments under mine. Here are fifteen francs; make + out the servants we assisted today have them to a <i>petit + souper</i>, and come back and tell me their entire history. I + have, this moment, seen one of them who knows nothing, and + has communicated it. The other, whose name I forget, is the + unknown nobleman's valet, and knows everything. Him you must + pump. It is, of course, the venerable peer, and not the young + lady who accompanies him, that interests me—you + understand? Begone! fly! and return with all the details I + sigh for, and every circumstance that can possibly interest + me." + </p> + <p> + It was a commission which admirably suited the tastes and + spirits of my worthy St. Clair, to whom, you will have + observed, I had accustomed myself to talk with the peculiar + familiarity which the old French comedy establishes between + master and valet. + </p> + <p> + I am sure he laughed at me in secret; but nothing could be + more polite and deferential. + </p> + <p> + With several wise looks, nods and shrugs, he withdrew; and + looking down from my window, I saw him with incredible + quickness enter the yard, where I soon lost sight of him + among the carriages. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH3"><!-- CH3 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter III + </h2> + <center> + DEATH AND LOVE TOGETHER MATED + </center> + <p> + When the day drags, when a man is solitary, and in a fever of + impatience and suspense; when the minute hand of his watch + travels as slowly as the hour hand used to do, and the hour + hand has lost all appreciable motion; when he yawns, and + beats the devil's tattoo, and flattens his handsome nose + against the window, and whistles tunes he hates, and, in + short, does not know what to do with himself, it is deeply to + be regretted that he cannot make a solemn dinner of three + courses more than once in a day. The laws of matter, to which + we are slaves, deny us that resource. + </p> + <p> + But in the times I speak of, supper was still a substantial + meal, and its hour was approaching. This was consolatory. + Three-quarters of an hour, however, still interposed. How was + I to dispose of that interval? + </p> + <p> + I had two or three idle books, it is true, as + companions-companions; but there are many moods in which one + cannot read. My novel lay with my rug and walking-stick on + the sofa, and I did not care if the heroine and the hero were + both drowned together in the water barrel that I saw in the + inn-yard under my window. I took a turn or two up and down my + room, and sighed, looking at myself in the glass, adjusted my + great white "choker," folded and tied after Brummel, the + immortal "Beau," put on a buff waist-coat and my blue + swallow-tailed coat with gilt buttons; I deluged my + pocket-handkerchief with Eau-de-Cologne (we had not then the + variety of bouquets with which the genius of perfumery has + since blessed us) I arranged my hair, on which I piqued + myself, and which I loved to groom in those days. That + dark-brown <i>chevelure</i>, with a natural curl, is now + represented by a few dozen perfectly white hairs, and its + place—a smooth, bald, pink head—knows it no more. + But let us forget these mortifications. It was then rich, + thick, and dark-brown. I was making a very careful toilet. I + took my unexceptionable hat from its case, and placed it + lightly on my wise head, as nearly as memory and practice + enabled me to do so, at that very slight inclination which + the immortal person I have mentioned was wont to give to his. + A pair of light French gloves and a rather club-like knotted + walking-stick, such as just then came into vogue for a year + or two again in England, in the phraseology of Sir Walter + Scott's romances "completed my equipment." + </p> + <p> + All this attention to effect, preparatory to a mere lounge in + the yard, or on the steps of the Belle Étoile, was a + simple act of devotion to the wonderful eyes which I had that + evening beheld for the first time, and never, never could + forget! In plain terms, it was all done in the vague, very + vague hope that those eyes might behold the unexceptionable + get-up of a melancholy slave, and retain the image, not + altogether without secret approbation. + </p> + <p> + As I completed my preparations the light failed me; the last + level streak of sunlight disappeared, and a fading twilight + only remained. I sighed in unison with the pensive hour, and + threw open the window, intending to look out for a moment + before going downstairs. I perceived instantly that the + window underneath mine was also open, for I heard two voices + in conversation, although I could not distinguish what they + were saying. + </p> + <p> + The male voice was peculiar; it was, as I told you, reedy and + nasal. I knew it, of course, instantly. The answering voice + spoke in those sweet tones which I recognized only too + easily. The dialogue was only for a minute; the repulsive + male voice laughed, I fancied, with a kind of devilish + satire, and retired from the window, so that I almost ceased + to hear it. + </p> + <p> + The other voice remained nearer the window, but not so near + as at first. + </p> + <p> + It was not an altercation; there was evidently nothing the + least exciting in the colloquy. What would I not have given + that it had been a quarrel—a violent one—and I + the redresser of wrongs, and the defender of insulted beauty! + Alas! so far as I could pronounce upon the character of the + tones I heard, they might be as tranquil a pair as any in + existence. In a moment more the lady began to sing an odd + little chanson. I need not remind you how much farther the + voice is heard singing than speaking. I could distinguish the + words. The voice was of that exquisitely sweet kind which is + called, I believe, a semi-contralto; it had something + pathetic, and something, I fancied, a little mocking in its + tones. I venture a clumsy, but adequate translation of the + words: + </p> + <pre> + "Death and Love, together mated, + Watch and wait in ambuscade; + At early morn, or else belated, + They meet and mark the man or maid. + + Burning sigh, or breath that freezes, + Numbs or maddens man or maid; + Death or Love the victim seizes, + Breathing from their ambuscade." +</pre> + <p> + "Enough, Madame!" said the old voice, with sudden severity. + "We do not desire, I believe, to amuse the grooms and + hostlers in the yard with our music." + </p> + <p> + The lady's voice laughed gaily. + </p> + <p> + "You desire to quarrel, Madame!" And the old man, I presume, + shut down the window. Down it went, at all events, with a + rattle that might easily have broken the glass. + </p> + <p> + Of all thin partitions, glass is the most effectual excluder + of sound. I heard no more, not even the subdued hum of the + colloquy. + </p> + <p> + What a charming voice this Countess had! How it melted, + swelled, and trembled! How it moved, and even agitated me! + What a pity that a hoarse old jackdaw should have power to + crow down such a Philomel! "Alas! what a life it is!" I + moralized, wisely. "That beautiful Countess, with the + patience of an angel and the beauty of a Venus and the + accomplishments of all the Muses, a slave! She knows + perfectly who occupies the apartments over hers; she heard me + raise my window. One may conjecture pretty well for whom that + music was intended—aye, old gentleman, and for whom you + suspected it to be intended." + </p> + <p> + In a very agreeable flutter I left my room and, descending + the stairs, passed the Count's door very much at my leisure. + There was just a chance that the beautiful songstress might + emerge. I dropped my stick on the lobby, near their door, and + you may be sure it took me some little time to pick it up! + Fortune, nevertheless, did not favor me. I could not stay on + the lobby all night picking up my stick, so I went down to + the hall. + </p> + <p> + I consulted the clock, and found that there remained but a + quarter of an hour to the moment of supper. + </p> + <p> + Everyone was roughing it now, every inn in confusion; people + might do at such a juncture what they never did before. Was + it just possible that, for once, the Count and Countess would + take their chairs at the table-d'hôte? + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH4"><!-- CH4 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter IV + </h2> + <center> + MONSIEUR DROQVILLE + </center> + <p> + Full of this exciting hope I sauntered out upon the steps of + the Belle Étoile. It was now night, and a pleasant + moonlight over everything. I had entered more into my romance + since my arrival, and this poetic light heightened the + sentiment. What a drama if she turned out to be the Count's + daughter, and in love with me! What a + delightful—<i>tragedy</i> if she turned out to be the + Count's wife! In this luxurious mood I was accosted by a tall + and very elegantly made gentleman, who appeared to be about + fifty. His air was courtly and graceful, and there was in his + whole manner and appearance something so distinguished that + it was impossible not to suspect him of being a person of + rank. + </p> + <p> + He had been standing upon the steps, looking out, like me, + upon the moonlight effects that transformed, as it were, the + objects and buildings in the little street. He accosted me, I + say, with the politeness, at once easy and lofty, of a French + nobleman of the old school. He asked me if I were not Mr. + Beckett? I assented; and he immediately introduced himself as + the Marquis d'Harmonville (this information he gave me in a + low tone), and asked leave to present me with a letter from + Lord R——, who knew my father slightly, and had + once done me, also, a trifling kindness. + </p> + <p> + This English peer, I may mention, stood very high in the + political world, and was named as the most probable successor + to the distinguished post of English Minister at Paris. I + received it with a low bow, and read: + </p> + <pre> + My Dear Beckett, +</pre> + <p> + I beg to introduce my very dear friend, the Marquis + d'Harmonville, who will explain to you the nature of the + services it may be in your power to render him and us. + </p> + <p> + He went on to speak of the Marquis as a man whose great + wealth, whose intimate relations with the old families, and + whose legitimate influence with the court rendered him the + fittest possible person for those friendly offices which, at + the desire of his own sovereign, and of our government, he + has so obligingly undertaken. It added a great deal to my + perplexity, when I read, further: + </p> + <p> + By-the-bye, Walton was here yesterday, and told me that your + seat was likely to be attacked; something, he says, is + unquestionably going on at Domwell. You know there is an + awkwardness in my meddling ever so cautiously. But I advise, + if it is not very officious, your making Haxton look after it + and report immediately. I fear it is serious. I ought to have + mentioned that, for reasons that you will see, when you have + talked with him for five minutes, the Marquis—with the + concurrence of all our friends—drops his title, for a + few weeks, and is at present plain Monsieur Droqville. I am + this moment going to town, and can say no more. + </p> + <pre> + Yours faithfully, + R—— +</pre> + <p> + I was utterly puzzled. I could scarcely boast of Lord + R——'s I acquaintance. I knew no one named Haxton, + and, except my hatter, no one called Walton; and this peer + wrote as if we were intimate friends! I looked at the back of + the letter, and the mystery was solved. And now, to my + consternation—for I was plain Richard Beckett—I + read: + </p> + <pre> + "<i>To George Stanhope Beckett, Esq., M.P.</i>" +</pre> + <p> + I looked with consternation in the face of the Marquis. + </p> + <p> + "What apology can I offer to Monsieur the Mar—— + to Monsieur Droqville? It is true my name is Beckett—it + is true I am known, though very slightly, to Lord + R——; but the letter was not intended for me. My + name is Richard Beckett—this is to Mr. Stanhope + Beckett, the member for Shillingsworth. What can I say, or + do, in this unfortunate situation? I can only give you my + honor as a gentleman, that, for me, the letter, which I now + return, shall remain as unviolated a secret as before I + opened it. I am so shocked and grieved that such a mistake + should have occurred!" + </p> + <p> + I dare say my honest vexation and good faith were pretty + legibly written in my countenance; for the look of gloomy + embarrassment which had for a moment settled on the face of + the Marquis, brightened; he smiled, kindly, and extended his + hand. + </p> + <p> + "I have not the least doubt that Monsieur Beckett will + respect my little secret. As a mistake was destined to occur, + I have reason to thank my good stars that it should have been + with a gentleman of honor. Monsieur Beckett will permit me, I + hope, to place his name among those of my friends?" + </p> + <p> + I thanked the Marquis very much for his kind expressions. He + went on to say: + </p> + <p> + "If, Monsieur, I can persuade you to visit me at + Claironville, in Normandy, where I hope to see, on the 15th + of August, a great many friends, whose acquaintance it might + interest you to make, I shall be too happy." + </p> + <p> + I thanked him, of course, very gratefully for his + hospitality. He continued: "I cannot, for the present, see my + friends, for reasons which you may surmise, at my house in + Paris. But Monsieur will be so good as to let me know the + hotel he means to stay at in Paris; and he will find that + although the Marquis d'Harmonville is not in town, that + Monsieur Droqville will not lose sight of him." + </p> + <p> + With many acknowledgments I gave him, the information he + desired. + </p> + <p> + "And in the meantime," he continued, "if you think of any way + in which Monsieur Droqville can be of use to you, our + communication shall not be interrupted, and I shall so manage + matters that you can easily let me know." + </p> + <p> + I was very much flattered. The Marquis had, as we say, taken + a fancy to me. Such likings at first sight often ripen into + lasting friendships. To be sure it was just possible that the + Marquis might think it prudent to keep the involuntary + depositary of a political secret, even so vague a one, in + good humor. + </p> + <p> + Very graciously the Marquis took his leave, going up the + stairs of the Belle Étoile. + </p> + <p> + I remained upon the steps for a minute, lost in speculation + upon this new theme of interest. But the wonderful eyes, the + thrilling voice, the exquisite figure of the beautiful lady + who had taken possession of my imagination, quickly + re-asserted their influence. I was again gazing at the + sympathetic moon, and descending the steps I loitered along + the pavements among strange objects, and houses that were + antique and picturesque, in a dreamy state, thinking. + </p> + <p> + In a little while I turned into the inn-yard again. There had + come a lull. Instead of the noisy place it was an hour or two + before, the yard was perfectly still and empty, except for + the carriages that stood here and there. Perhaps there was a + servants' table-d'hôte just then. I was rather pleased + to find solitude; and undisturbed I found out my lady-love's + carriage, in the moonlight. I mused, I walked round it; I was + as utterly foolish and maudlin as very young men, in my + situation, usually are. The blinds were down, the doors, I + suppose, locked. The brilliant moonlight revealed everything, + and cast sharp, black shadows of wheel, and bar, and spring, + on the pavement. I stood before the escutcheon painted on the + door, which I had examined in the daylight. I wondered how + often her eyes had rested on the same object. I pondered in a + charming dream. A harsh, loud voice, over my shoulder, said + suddenly: "A red stork—good! The stork is a bird of + prey; it is vigilant, greedy, and catches gudgeons. Red, + too!—blood red! Hal ha! the symbol is appropriate." + </p> + <p> + I had turned about, and beheld the palest face I ever saw. It + was broad, ugly, and malignant. The figure was that of a + French officer, in undress, and was six feet high. Across the + nose and eyebrow there was a deep scar, which made the + repulsive face grimmer. + </p> + <p> + The officer elevated his chin and his eyebrows, with a + scoffing chuckle, and said: "I have shot a stork, with a + rifle bullet, when he thought himself safe in the clouds, for + mere sport!" (He shrugged, and laughed malignantly.) "See, + Monsieur; when a man like me—a man of energy, you + understand, a man with all his wits about him, a man who has + made the tour of Europe under canvas, and, <i>parbleu</i>! + often without it— resolves to discover a secret, expose + a crime, catch a thief, spit a robber on the point of his + sword, it is odd if he does not succeed. Ha! ha! ha! Adieu, + Monsieur!" + </p> + <p> + He turned with an angry whisk on his heel, and swaggered with + long strides out of the gate. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH5"><!-- CH5 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter V + </h2> + <center> + SUPPER AT THE BELLE ÉTOILE + </center> + <p> + The French army were in a rather savage temper just then. The + English, especially, had but scant courtesy to expect at + their hands. It was plain, however, that the cadaverous + gentleman who had just apostrophized the heraldry of the + Count's carriage, with such mysterious acrimony, had not + intended any of his malevolence for me. He was stung by some + old recollection, and had marched off, seething with fury. + </p> + <p> + I had received one of those unacknowledged shocks which + startle us, when, fancying ourselves perfectly alone, we + discover on a sudden that our antics have been watched by a + spectator, almost at our elbow. In this case the effect was + enhanced by the extreme repulsiveness of the face, and, I may + add, its proximity, for, as I think, it almost touched mine. + The enigmatical harangue of this person, so full of hatred + and implied denunciation, was still in my ears. Here at all + events was new matter for the industrious fancy of a lover to + work upon. + </p> + <p> + It was time now to go to the table-d'hôte. Who could + tell what lights the gossip of the supper-table might throw + upon the subject that interested me so powerfully! + </p> + <p> + I stepped into the room, my eyes searching the little + assembly, about thirty people, for the persons who specially + interested me. It was not easy to induce people, so hurried + and overworked as those of the Belle Étoile just now, + to send meals up to one's private apartments, in the midst of + this unparalleled confusion; and, therefore, many people who + did not like it might find themselves reduced to the + alternative of supping at the table-d'hôte or starving. + </p> + <p> + The Count was not there, nor his beautiful companion; but the + Marquis d'Harmonville, whom I hardly expected to see in so + public a place, signed, with a significant smile, to a vacant + chair beside himself. I secured it, and he seemed pleased, + and almost immediately entered into conversation with me. + </p> + <p> + "This is, probably, your first visit to France?" he said. + </p> + <p> + I told him it was, and he said: + </p> + <p> + "You must not think me very curious and impertinent; but + Paris is about the most dangerous capital a high-spirited and + generous young gentleman could visit without a Mentor. If you + have not an experienced friend as a companion during your + visit—." He paused. + </p> + <p> + I told him I was not so provided, but that I had my wits + about me; that I had seen a good deal of life in England, and + that I fancied human nature was pretty much the same in all + parts of the world. The Marquis shook his head, smiling. + </p> + <p> + "You will find very marked differences, notwithstanding," he + said. "Peculiarities of intellect and peculiarities of + character, undoubtedly, do pervade different nations; and + this results, among the criminal classes, in a style of + villainy no less peculiar. In Paris the class who live by + their wits is three or four times as great as in London; and + they live much better; some of them even splendidly. They are + more ingenious than the London rogues; they have more + animation and invention, and the dramatic faculty, in which + your countrymen are deficient, is everywhere. These + invaluable attributes place them upon a totally different + level. They can affect the manners and enjoy the luxuries of + people of distinction. They live, many of them, by play." + </p> + <p> + "So do many of our London rogues." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but in a totally different way. They are the + <i>habitués</i> of certain gaming-tables, + billiard-rooms, and other places, including your races, where + high play goes on; and by superior knowledge of chances, by + masking their play, by means of confederates, by means of + bribery, and other artifices, varying with the subject of + their imposture, they rob the unwary. But here it is more + elaborately done, and with a really exquisite <i>finesse</i>. + There are people whose manners, style, conversation, are + unexceptionable, living in handsome houses in the best + situations, with everything about them in the most refined + taste, and exquisitely luxurious, who impose even upon the + Parisian bourgeois, who believe them to be, in good faith, + people of rank and fashion, because their habits are + expensive and refined, and their houses are frequented by + foreigners of distinction, and, to a degree, by foolish young + Frenchmen of rank. At all these houses play goes on. The + ostensible host and hostess seldom join in it; they provide + it simply to plunder their guests, by means of their + accomplices, and thus wealthy strangers are inveigled and + robbed." + </p> + <p> + "But I have heard of a young Englishman, a son of Lord + Rooksbury, who broke two Parisian gaming tables only last + year." + </p> + <p> + "I see," he said, laughing, "you are come here to do + likewise. I, myself, at about your age, undertook the same + spirited enterprise. I raised no less a sum than five hundred + thousand francs to begin with; I expected to carry all before + me by the simple expedient of going on doubling my stakes. I + had heard of it, and I fancied that the sharpers, who kept + the table, knew nothing of the matter. I found, however, that + they not only knew all about it, but had provided against the + possibility of any such experiments; and I was pulled up + before I had well begun by a rule which forbids the doubling + of an original stake more than four times consecutively." + </p> + <p> + "And is that rule in force still?" I inquired, chapfallen. + </p> + <p> + He laughed and shrugged, "Of course it is, my young friend. + People who live by an art always understand it better than an + amateur. I see you had formed the same plan, and no doubt + came provided." + </p> + <p> + I confessed I had prepared for conquest upon a still grander + scale. I had arrived with a purse of thirty thousand pounds + sterling. + </p> + <p> + "Any acquaintance of my very dear friend, Lord + R——, interests me; and, besides my regard for + him, I am charmed with you; so you will pardon all my, + perhaps, too officious questions and advice." + </p> + <p> + I thanked him most earnestly for his valuable counsel, and + begged that he would have the goodness to give me all the + advice in his power. + </p> + <p> + "Then if you take my advice," said he, "you will leave your + money in the bank where it lies. Never risk a Napoleon in a + gaming house. The night I went to break the bank I lost + between seven and eight thousand pounds sterling of your + English money; and my next adventure, I had obtained an + introduction to one of those elegant gaming-houses which + affect to be the private mansions of persons of distinction, + and was saved from ruin by a gentleman whom, ever since, I + have regarded with increasing respect and friendship. It + oddly happens he is in this house at this moment. I + recognized his servant, and made him a visit in his + apartments here, and found him the same brave, kind, + honorable man I always knew him. But that he is living so + entirely out of the world, now, I should have made a point of + introducing you. Fifteen years ago he would have been the man + of all others to consult. The gentleman I speak of is the + Comte de St. Alyre. He represents a very old family. He is + the very soul of honor, and the most sensible man in the + world, except in one particular." + </p> + <p> + "And that particular?" I hesitated. I was now deeply + interested. + </p> + <p> + "Is that he has married a charming creature, at least + five-and-forty years younger than himself, and is, of course, + although I believe absolutely without cause, horribly + jealous." + </p> + <p> + "And the lady?" + </p> + <p> + "The Countess is, I believe, in every way worthy of so good a + man," he answered, a little dryly. "I think I heard her sing + this evening." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I daresay; she is very accomplished." After a few + moments' silence he continued. + </p> + <p> + "I must not lose sight of you, for I should be sorry, when + next you meet my friend Lord R——, that you had to + tell him you had been pigeoned in Paris. A rich Englishman as + you are, with so large a sum at his Paris bankers, young, + gay, generous, a thousand ghouls and harpies will be + contending who shall be the first to seize and devour you." + </p> + <p> + At this moment I received something like a jerk from the + elbow of the gentleman at my right. It was an accidental jog, + as he turned in his seat. + </p> + <p> + "On the honor of a soldier, there is no man's flesh in this + company heals so fast as mine." + </p> + <p> + The tone in which this was spoken was harsh and stentorian, + and almost made me bounce. I looked round and recognized the + officer whose large white face had half scared me in the + inn-yard, wiping his mouth furiously, and then with a gulp of + Magon, he went on: + </p> + <p> + "No one! It's not blood; it is ichor! it's miracle! Set aside + stature, thew, bone, and muscle—set aside courage, and + by all the angels of death, I'd fight a lion naked, and dash + his teeth down his jaws with my fist, and flog him to death + with his own tail! Set aside, I say, all those attributes, + which I am allowed to possess, and I am worth six men in any + campaign, for that one quality of healing as I do—rip + me up, punch me through, tear me to tatters with bomb-shells, + and nature has me whole again, while your tailor would + fine—draw an old coat. <i>Parbleu</i>! gentlemen, if + you saw me naked, you would laugh! Look at my hand, a + saber-cut across the palm, to the bone, to save my head, + taken up with three stitches, and five days afterwards I was + playing ball with an English general, a prisoner in Madrid, + against the wall of the convent of the Santa Maria de la + Castita! At Arcola, by the great devil himself! that was an + action. Every man there, gentlemen, swallowed as much smoke + in five minutes as would smother you all in this room! I + received, at the same moment, two musket balls in the thighs, + a grape shot through the calf of my leg, a lance through my + left shoulder, a piece of a shrapnel in the left deltoid, a + bayonet through the cartilage of my right ribs, a cut-cut + that carried away a pound of flesh from my chest, and the + better part of a congreve rocket on my forehead. Pretty well, + ha, ha! and all while you'd say bah! and in eight days and a + half I was making a forced march, without shoes, and only one + gaiter, the life and soul of my company, and as sound as a + roach!" + </p> + <p> + "Bravo! Bravissimo! Per Bacco! un gallant' uomo!" exclaimed, + in a martial ecstasy, a fat little Italian, who manufactured + toothpicks and wicker cradles on the island of Notre Dame; + "your exploits shall resound through Europe! and the history + of those wars should be written in your blood!" + </p> + <p> + "Never mind! a trifle!" exclaimed the soldier. "At Ligny, the + other day, where we smashed the Prussians into ten hundred + thousand milliards of atoms, a bit of a shell cut me across + the leg and opened an artery. It was spouting as high as the + chimney, and in half a minute I had lost enough to fill a + pitcher. I must have expired in another minute, if I had not + whipped off my sash like a flash of lightning, tied it round + my leg above the wound, whipt a bayonet out of the back of a + dead Prussian, and passing it under, made a tourniquet of it + with a couple of twists, and so stayed the haemorrhage and + saved my life. But, <i>sacrebleu</i>! gentlemen, I lost so + much blood, I have been as pale as the bottom of a plate ever + since. No matter. A trifle. Blood well spent, gentlemen." He + applied himself now to his bottle of <i>vin ordinaire</i>. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis had closed his eyes, and looked resigned and + disgusted, while all this was going on. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Garçon</i>," said the officer, for the first time + speaking in a low tone over the back of his chair to the + waiter; "who came in that traveling carriage, dark yellow and + black, that stands in the middle of the yard, with arms and + supporters emblazoned on the door, and a red stork, as red as + my facings?" + </p> + <p> + The waiter could not say. + </p> + <p> + The eye of the eccentric officer, who had suddenly grown grim + and serious, and seemed to have abandoned the general + conversation to other people, lighted, as it were + accidentally, on me. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me, Monsieur," he said. "Did I not see you examining + the panel of that carriage at the same time that I did so, + this evening? Can you tell me who arrived in it?" + </p> + <p> + "I rather think the Count and Countess de St. Alyre." + </p> + <p> + "And are they here, in the Belle Étoile?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "They have got apartments upstairs," I answered. + </p> + <p> + He started up, and half pushed his chair from the table. He + quickly sat down again, and I could hear him + <i>sacré</i>-ing and muttering to himself, and + grinning and scowling. I could not tell whether he was + alarmed or furious. + </p> + <p> + I turned to say a word or two to the Marquis, but he was + gone. Several other people had dropped out also, and the + supper party soon broke up. Two or three substantial pieces + of wood smoldered on the hearth, for the night had turned out + chilly. I sat down by the fire in a great armchair of carved + oak, with a marvelously high back that looked as old as the + days of Henry IV. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Garçon</i>," said I, "do you happen to know who + that officer is?" + </p> + <p> + "That is Colonel Gaillarde, Monsieur." + </p> + <p> + "Has he been often here?" + </p> + <p> + "Once before, Monsieur, for a week; it is a year since." + </p> + <p> + "He is the palest man I ever saw." + </p> + <p> + "That is true, Monsieur; he has been often taken for a + <i>revenant</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Can you give me a bottle of really good Burgundy?" + </p> + <p> + "The best in France, Monsieur." + </p> + <p> + "Place it, and a glass by my side, on this table, if you + please. I may sit here for half-an-hour." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, Monsieur." + </p> + <p> + I was very comfortable, the wine excellent, and my thoughts + glowing and serene. "Beautiful Countess! Beautiful Countess! + shall we ever be better acquainted?" + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH6"><!-- CH6 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter VI + </h2> + <center> + THE NAKED SWORD + </center> + <p> + A man who has been posting all day long, and changing the air + he breathes every half hour, who is well pleased with + himself, and has nothing on earth to trouble him, and who + sits alone by a fire in a comfortable chair after having + eaten a hearty supper, may be pardoned if he takes an + accidental nap. + </p> + <p> + I had filled my fourth glass when I fell asleep. My head, I + daresay, hung uncomfortably; and it is admitted that a + variety of French dishes is not the most favorable precursor + to pleasant dreams. + </p> + <p> + I had a dream as I took mine ease in mine inn on this + occasion. I fancied myself in a huge cathedral, without + light, except from four tapers that stood at the corners of a + raised platform hung with black, on which lay, draped also in + black, what seemed to me the dead body of the Countess de St. + Alyre. The place seemed empty, it was cold, and I could see + only (in the halo of the candles) a little way round. + </p> + <p> + The little I saw bore the character of Gothic gloom, and + helped my fancy to shape and furnish the black void that + yawned all round me. I heard a sound like the slow tread of + two persons walking up the flagged aisle. A faint echo told + of the vastness of the place. An awful sense of expectation + was upon me, and I was horribly frightened when the body that + lay on the catafalque said (without stirring), in a whisper + that froze me, "They come to place me in the grave alive; + save me." + </p> + <p> + I found that I could neither speak nor move. I was horribly + frightened. + </p> + <p> + The two people who approached now emerged from the darkness. + One, the Count de St. Alyre, glided to the head of the figure + and placed his long thin hands under it. The white-faced + Colonel, with the scar across his face, and a look of + infernal triumph, placed his hands under her feet, and they + began to raise her. + </p> + <p> + With an indescribable effort I broke the spell that bound me, + and started to my feet with a gasp. + </p> + <p> + I was wide awake, but the broad, wicked face of Colonel + Gaillarde was staring, white as death, at me from the other + side of the hearth. "Where is she?" I shuddered. + </p> + <p> + "That depends on who she is, Monsieur," replied the Colonel, + curtly. + </p> + <p> + "Good heavens!" I gasped, looking about me. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel, who was eyeing me sarcastically, had had his + <i>demitasse</i> of <i>café noir</i>, and now drank + his <i>tasse</i>, diffusing a pleasant perfume of brandy. + </p> + <p> + "I fell asleep and was dreaming," I said, lest any strong + language, founded on the <i>rôle</i> he played in my + dream, should have escaped me. "I did not know for some + moments where I was." + </p> + <p> + "You are the young gentleman who has the apartments over the + Count and Countess de St. Alyre?" he said, winking one eye, + close in meditation, and glaring at me with the other. + </p> + <p> + "I believe so—yes," I answered. + </p> + <p> + "Well, younker, take care you have not worse dreams than that + some night," he said, enigmatically, and wagged his head with + a chuckle. "Worse dreams," he repeated. + </p> + <p> + "What does Monsieur the Colonel mean?" I inquired. + </p> + <p> + "I am trying to find that out myself," said the Colonel; "and + I think I shall. When <i>I</i> get the first inch of the + thread fast between my finger and thumb, it goes hard but I + follow it up, bit by bit, little by little, tracing it this + way and that, and up and down, and round about, until the + whole clue is wound up on my thumb, and the end, and its + secret, fast in my fingers. Ingenious! Crafty as five foxes! + wide awake as a weasel! <i>Parbleu</i>! if I had descended to + that occupation I should have made my fortune as a spy. Good + wine here?" he glanced interrogatively at my bottle. + </p> + <p> + "Very good," said I. "Will Monsieur the Colonel try a glass?" + </p> + <p> + He took the largest he could find, and filled it, raised it + with a bow, and drank it slowly. "Ah! ah! Bah! That is not + it," he exclaimed, with some disgust, filling it again. "You + ought to have told <i>me</i> to order your Burgundy, and they + would not have brought you that stuff." + </p> + <p> + I got away from this man as soon as I civilly could, and, + putting on my hat, I walked out with no other company than my + sturdy walking-stick. I visited the inn-yard, and looked up + to the windows of the Countess's apartments. They were + closed, however, and I had not even the unsubstantial + consolation of contemplating the light in which that + beautiful lady was at that moment writing, or reading, or + sitting and thinking of—anyone you please. + </p> + <p> + I bore this serious privation as well as I could, and took a + little saunter through the town. I shan't bore you with + moonlight effects, nor with the maunderings of a man who has + fallen in love at first sight with a beautiful face. My + ramble, it is enough to say, occupied about half an hour, + and, returning by a slight détour, I found myself in a + little square, with about two high gabled houses on each + side, and a rude stone statue, worn by centuries of rain, on + a pedestal in the center of the pavement. Looking at this + statue was a slight and rather tall man, whom I instantly + recognized as the Marquis d'Harmonville: he knew me almost as + quickly. He walked a step towards me, shrugged and laughed: + </p> + <p> + "You are surprised to find Monsieur Droqville staring at that + old stone figure by moonlight. Anything to pass the time. + You, I see, suffer from <i>ennui</i>, as I do. These little + provincial towns! Heavens! what an effort it is to live in + them! If I could regret having formed in early life a + friendship that does me honor, I think its condemning me to a + sojourn in such a place would make me do so. You go on + towards Paris, I suppose, in the morning?" + </p> + <p> + "I have ordered horses." + </p> + <p> + "As for me I await a letter, or an arrival, either would + emancipate me; but I can't say how soon either event will + happen." + </p> + <p> + "Can I be of any use in this matter?" I began. + </p> + <p> + "None, Monsieur, I thank you a thousand times. No, this is a + piece in which every <i>rôle</i> is already cast. I am + but an amateur, and induced solely by friendship, to take a + part." + </p> + <p> + So he talked on, for a time, as we walked slowly toward the + Belle Étoile, and then came a silence, which I broke + by asking him if he knew anything of Colonel Gaillarde. + </p> + <p> + "Oh! yes, to be sure. He is a little mad; he has had some bad + injuries of the head. He used to plague the people in the War + Office to death. He has always some delusion. They contrived + some employment for him—not regimental, of + course—but in this campaign Napoleon, who could spare + nobody, placed him in command of a regiment. He was always a + desperate fighter, and such men were more than ever needed." + </p> + <p> + There is, or was, a second inn in this town called + l'Écu de France. At its door the Marquis stopped, bade + me a mysterious good-night, and disappeared. + </p> + <p> + As I walked slowly toward my inn, I met, in the shadow of a + row of poplars, the garçon who had brought me my + Burgundy a little time ago. I was thinking of Colonel + Gaillarde, and I stopped the little waiter as he passed me. + </p> + <p> + "You said, I think, that Colonel Gaillarde was at the Belle + Étoile for a week at one time." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Monsieur." + </p> + <p> + "Is he perfectly in his right mind?" + </p> + <p> + The waiter stared. "Perfectly, Monsieur." + </p> + <p> + "Has he been suspected at any time of being out of his mind?" + </p> + <p> + "Never, Monsieur; he is a little noisy, but a very shrewd + man." + </p> + <p> + "What is a fellow to think?" I muttered, as I walked on. + </p> + <p> + I was soon within sight of the lights of the Belle + Étoile. A carriage, with four horses, stood in the + moonlight at the door, and a furious altercation was going on + in the hall, in which the yell of Colonel Gaillarde + out-topped all other sounds. + </p> + <p> + Most young men like, at least, to witness a row. But, + intuitively, I felt that this would interest me in a very + special manner. I had only fifty yards to run, when I found + myself in the hall of the old inn. The principal actor in + this strange drama was, indeed, the Colonel, who stood facing + the old Count de St. Alyre, who, in his traveling costume, + with his black silk scarf covering the lower part of his + face, confronted him; he had evidently been intercepted in an + endeavor to reach his carriage. A little in the rear of the + Count stood the Countess, also in traveling costume, with her + thick black veil down, and holding in her delicate fingers a + white rose. You can't conceive a more diabolical effigy of + hate and fury than the Colonel; the knotted veins stood out + on his forehead, his eyes were leaping from their sockets, he + was grinding his teeth, and froth was on his lips. His sword + was drawn in his hand, and he accompanied his yelling + denunciations with stamps upon the floor and flourishes of + his weapon in the air. + </p> + <p> + The host of the Belle Étoile was talking to the + Colonel in soothing terms utterly thrown away. Two waiters, + pale with fear, stared uselessly from behind. The Colonel + screamed and thundered, and whirled his sword. "I was not + sure of your red birds of prey; I could not believe you would + have the audacity to travel on high roads, and to stop at + honest inns, and lie under the same roof with honest men. + You! <i>you! both</i>—vampires, wolves, ghouls. Summon + the <i>gendarmes</i>, I say. By St. Peter and all the devils, + if either of you try to get out of that door I'll take your + heads off." + </p> + <p> + For a moment I had stood aghast. Here was a situation! I + walked up to the lady; she laid her hand wildly upon my arm. + "Oh! Monsieur," she whispered, in great agitation, "that + dreadful madman! What are we to do? He won't let us pass; he + will kill my husband." + </p> + <p> + "Fear nothing, Madame," I answered, with romantic devotion, + and stepping between the Count and Gaillarde, as he shrieked + his invective, "Hold your tongue, and clear the way, you + ruffian, you bully, you coward!" I roared. + </p> + <p> + A faint cry escaped the lady, which more than repaid the risk + I ran, as the sword of the frantic soldier, after a moment's + astonished pause, flashed in the air to cut me down. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH7"><!-- CH7 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter VII + </h2> + <center> + THE WHITE ROSE + </center> + <p> + I was too quick for Colonel Gaillarde. As he raised his + sword, reckless of all consequences but my condign punishment + and quite resolved to cleave me to the teeth, I struck him + across the side of his head with my heavy stick, and while he + staggered back I struck him another blow, nearly in the same + place, that felled him to the floor, where he lay as if dead. + </p> + <p> + I did not care one of his own regimental buttons, whether he + was dead or not; I was, at that moment, carried away by such + a tumult of delightful and diabolical emotions! + </p> + <p> + I broke his sword under my foot, and flung the pieces across + the street. The old Count de St. Alyre skipped nimbly without + looking to the right or left, or thanking anybody, over the + floor, out of the door, down the steps, and into his + carriage. Instantly I was at the side of the beautiful + Countess, thus left to shift for herself; I offered her my + arm, which she took, and I led her to the carriage. She + entered, and I shut the door. All this without a word. + </p> + <p> + I was about to ask if there were any commands with which she + would honor me—my hand was laid upon the lower edge of + the window, which was open. + </p> + <p> + The lady's hand was laid upon mine timidly and excitedly. Her + lips almost touched my cheek as she whispered hurriedly: + </p> + <p> + "I may never see you more, and, oh! that I could forget you. + Go—farewell—for God's sake, go!" + </p> + <p> + I pressed her hand for a moment. She withdrew it, but + tremblingly pressed into mine the rose which she had held in + her fingers during the agitating scene she had just passed + through. + </p> + <p> + All this took place while the Count was commanding, + entreating, cursing his servants, tipsy, and out of the way + during the crisis, my conscience afterwards insinuated, by my + clever contrivance. They now mounted to their places with the + agility of alarm. The postilions' whips cracked, the horses + scrambled into a trot, and away rolled the carriage, with its + precious freightage, along the quaint main street, in the + moonlight, toward Paris. + </p> + <p> + I stood on the pavement till it was quite lost to eye and ear + in the distance. + </p> + <p> + With a deep sigh, I then turned, my white rose folded in my + handkerchief—the little parting <i>gage</i>—the + </p> + <pre> + Favor secret, sweet, and precious, +</pre> + <p> + which no mortal eye but hers and mine had seen conveyed to + me. + </p> + <p> + The care of the host of the Belle Étoile, and his + assistants, had raised the wounded hero of a hundred fights + partly against the wall, and propped him at each side with + portmanteaus and pillows, and poured a glass of brandy, which + was duly placed to his account, into his big mouth, where, + for the first time, such a godsend remained unswallowed. + </p> + <p> + A bald-headed little military surgeon of sixty, with + spectacles, who had cut off eighty-seven legs and arms to his + own share, after the battle of Eylau, having retired with his + sword and his saw, his laurels and his sticking-plaster to + this, his native town, was called in, and rather thought the + gallant Colonel's skull was fractured; at all events, there + was concussion of the seat of thought, and quite enough work + for his remarkable self-healing powers to occupy him for a + fortnight. + </p> + <p> + I began to grow a little uneasy. A disagreeable surprise, if + my excursion, in which I was to break banks and hearts, and, + as you see, heads, should end upon the gallows or the + guillotine. I was not clear, in those times of political + oscillation, which was the established apparatus. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel was conveyed, snorting apoplectically, to his + room. + </p> + <p> + I saw my host in the apartment in which we had supped. + Wherever you employ a force of any sort, to carry a point of + real importance, reject all nice calculations of economy. + Better to be a thousand per cent, over the mark, than the + smallest fraction of a unit under it. I instinctively felt + this. + </p> + <p> + I ordered a bottle of my landlord's very best wine; made him + partake with me, in the proportion of two glasses to one; and + then told him that he must not decline a trifling + <i>souvenir</i> from a guest who had been so charmed with all + he had seen of the renowned Belle Étoile. Thus saying, + I placed five-and-thirty Napoleons in his hand: at touch of + which his countenance, by no means encouraging before, grew + sunny, his manners thawed, and it was plain, as he dropped + the coins hastily into his pocket, that benevolent relations + had been established between us. + </p> + <p> + I immediately placed the Colonel's broken head upon the + <i>tapis</i>. We both agreed that if I had not given him that + rather smart tap of my walking-cane, he would have beheaded + half the inmates of the Belle Étoile. There was not a + waiter in the house who would not verify that statement on + oath. + </p> + <p> + The reader may suppose that I had other motives, beside the + desire to escape the tedious inquisition of the law, for + desiring to recommence my journey to Paris with the least + possible delay. Judge what was my horror then to learn that, + for love or money, horses were nowhere to be had that night. + The last pair in the town had been obtained from the + Écu de France by a gentleman who dined and supped at + the Belle Étoile, and was obliged to proceed to Paris + that night. + </p> + <p> + Who was the gentleman? Had he actually gone? Could he + possibly be induced to wait till morning? + </p> + <p> + The gentleman was now upstairs getting his things together, + and his name was Monsieur Droqville. + </p> + <p> + I ran upstairs. I found my servant St. Clair in my room. At + sight of him, for a moment, my thoughts were turned into a + different channel. + </p> + <p> + "Well, St. Clair, tell me this moment who the lady is?" I + demanded. + </p> + <p> + "The lady is the daughter or wife, it matters not which, of + the Count de St. Alyre—the old gentleman who was so + near being sliced like a cucumber tonight, I am informed, by + the sword of the general whom Monsieur, by a turn of fortune, + has put to bed of an apoplexy." + </p> + <p> + "Hold your tongue, fool! The man's beastly drunk—he's + sulking—he could talk if he liked—who cares? Pack + up my things. Which are Monsieur Droqville's apartments?" + </p> + <p> + He knew, of course; he always knew everything. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later Monsieur Droqville and I were traveling + towards Paris in my carriage and with his horses. I ventured + to ask the Marquis d'Harmonville, in a little while, whether + the lady, who accompanied the Count, was certainly the + Countess. "Has he not a daughter?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; I believe a very beautiful and charming young + lady—I cannot say—it may have been she, his + daughter by an earlier marriage. I saw only the Count himself + today." + </p> + <p> + The Marquis was growing a little sleepy, and, in a little + while, he actually fell asleep in his corner. I dozed and + nodded; but the Marquis slept like a top. He awoke only for a + minute or two at the next posting-house where he had + fortunately secured horses by sending on his man, he told me. + "You will excuse my being so dull a companion," he said, "but + till tonight I have had but two hours' sleep, for more than + sixty hours. I shall have a cup of coffee here; I have had my + nap. Permit me to recommend you to do likewise. Their coffee + is really excellent." He ordered two cups of <i>café + noir</i>, and waited, with his head from the window. "We will + keep the cups," he said, as he received them from the waiter, + "and the tray. Thank you." + </p> + <p> + There was a little delay as he paid for these things; and + then he took in the little tray, and handed me a cup of + coffee. + </p> + <p> + I declined the tray; so he placed it on his own knees, to act + as a miniature table. + </p> + <p> + "I can't endure being waited for and hurried," he said, "I + like to sip my coffee at leisure." + </p> + <p> + I agreed. It really <i>was</i> the very perfection of coffee. + </p> + <p> + "I, like Monsieur le Marquis, have slept very little for the + last two or three nights; and find it difficult to keep + awake. This coffee will do wonders for me; it refreshes one + so." + </p> + <p> + Before we had half done, the carriage was again in motion. + </p> + <p> + For a time our coffee made us chatty, and our conversation + was animated. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis was extremely good-natured, as well as clever, + and gave me a brilliant and amusing account of Parisian life, + schemes, and dangers, all put so as to furnish me with + practical warnings of the most valuable kind. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the amusing and curious stories which the Marquis + related with so much point and color, I felt myself again + becoming gradually drowsy and dreamy. + </p> + <p> + Perceiving this, no doubt, the Marquis good-naturedly + suffered our conversation to subside into silence. The window + next him was open. He threw his cup out of it; and did the + same kind office for mine, and finally the little tray flew + after, and I heard it clank on the road; a valuable waif, no + doubt, for some early wayfarer in wooden shoes. + </p> + <p> + I leaned back in my corner; I had my beloved + souvenir—my white rose—close to my heart, folded, + now, in white paper. It inspired all manner of romantic + dreams. I began to grow more and more sleepy. But actual + slumber did not come. I was still viewing, with my + half-closed eyes, from my corner, diagonally, the interior of + the carriage. + </p> + <p> + I wished for sleep; but the barrier between waking and + sleeping seemed absolutely insurmountable; and, instead, I + entered into a state of novel and indescribable indolence. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis lifted his dispatch-box from the floor, placed it + on his knees, unlocked it, and took out what proved to be a + lamp, which he hung with two hooks, attached to it, to the + window opposite to him. He lighted it with a match, put on + his spectacles, and taking out a bundle of letters began to + read them carefully. + </p> + <p> + We were making way very slowly. My impatience had hitherto + employed four horses from stage to stage. We were in this + emergency, only too happy to have secured two. But the + difference in pace was depressing. + </p> + <p> + I grew tired of the monotony of seeing the spectacled Marquis + reading, folding, and docketing, letter after letter. I + wished to shut out the image which wearied me, but something + prevented my being able to shut my eyes. I tried again and + again; but, positively, I had lost the power of closing them. + </p> + <p> + I would have rubbed my eyes, but I could not stir my hand, my + will no longer acted on my body—I found that I could + not move one joint, or muscle, no more than I could, by an + effort of my will, have turned the carriage about. + </p> + <p> + Up to this I had experienced no sense of horror. Whatever it + was, simple night-mare was not the cause. I was awfully + frightened! Was I in a fit? + </p> + <p> + It was horrible to see my good-natured companion pursue his + occupation so serenely, when he might have dissipated my + horrors by a single shake. + </p> + <p> + I made a stupendous exertion to call out, but in vain; I + repeated the effort again and again, with no result. + </p> + <p> + My companion now tied up his letters, and looked out of the + window, humming an air from an opera. He drew back his head, + and said, turning to me: + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I see the lights; we shall be there in two or three + minutes." + </p> + <p> + He looked more closely at me, and with a kind smile, and a + little shrug, he said, "Poor child! how fatigued he must have + been—how profoundly he sleeps! when the carriage stops + he will waken." + </p> + <p> + He then replaced his letters in the box-box, locked it, put + his spectacles in his pocket, and again looked out of the + window. + </p> + <p> + We had entered a little town. I suppose it was past two + o'clock by this time. The carriage drew up, I saw an inn-door + open, and a light issuing from it. + </p> + <p> + "Here we are!" said my companion, turning gaily to me. But I + did not awake. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, how tired he must have been!" he exclaimed, after he + had waited for an answer. My servant was at the carriage + door, and opened it. + </p> + <p> + "Your master sleeps soundly, he is so fatigued! It would be + cruel to disturb him. You and I will go in, while they change + the horses, and take some refreshment, and choose something + that Monsieur Beckett will like to take in the carriage, for + when he awakes by-and-by, he will, I am sure, be hungry." + </p> + <p> + He trimmed his lamp, poured in some oil; and taking care not + to disturb me, with another kind smile and another word of + caution to my servant he got out, and I heard him talking to + St. Clair, as they entered the inn-door, and I was left in my + corner, in the carriage, in the same state. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH8"><!-- CH8 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter VIII + </h2> + <center> + A THREE MINUTES' VISIT + </center> + <p> + I have suffered extreme and protracted bodily pain, at + different periods of my life, but anything like that misery, + thank God, I never endured before or since. I earnestly hope + it may not resemble any type of death to which we are liable. + I was, indeed, a spirit in prison; and unspeakable was my + dumb and unmoving agony. + </p> + <p> + The power of thought remained clear and active. Dull terror + filled my mind. How would this end? Was it actual death? + </p> + <p> + You will understand that my faculty of observing was + unimpaired. I could hear and see anything as distinctly as + ever I did in my life. It was simply that my will had, as it + were, lost its hold of my body. + </p> + <p> + I told you that the Marquis d'Harmonville had not + extinguished his carriage lamp on going into this village + inn. I was listening intently, longing for his return, which + might result, by some lucky accident, in awaking me from my + catalepsy. + </p> + <p> + Without any sound of steps approaching, to announce an + arrival, the carriage-door suddenly opened, and a total + stranger got in silently and shut the door. + </p> + <p> + The lamp gave about as strong a light as a wax-candle, so I + could see the intruder perfectly. He was a young man, with a + dark grey loose surtout, made with a sort of hood, which was + pulled over his head. I thought, as he moved, that I saw the + gold band of a military undress cap under it; and I certainly + saw the lace and buttons of a uniform, on the cuffs of the + coat that were visible under the wide sleeves of his outside + wrapper. + </p> + <p> + This young man had thick moustaches and an imperial, and I + observed that he had a red scar running upward from his lip + across his cheek. + </p> + <p> + He entered, shut the door softly, and sat down beside me. It + was all done in a moment; leaning toward me, and shading his + eyes with his gloved hand, he examined my face closely for a + few seconds. + </p> + <p> + This man had come as noiselessly as a ghost; and everything + he did was accomplished with the rapidity and decision that + indicated a well-defined and pre-arranged plan. His designs + were evidently sinister. I thought he was going to rob and, + perhaps, murder me. I lay, nevertheless, like a corpse under + his hands. He inserted his hand in my breast pocket, from + which he took my precious white rose and all the letters it + contained, among which was a paper of some consequence to me. + </p> + <p> + My letters he glanced at. They were plainly not what he + wanted. My precious rose, too, he laid aside with them. It + was evidently about the paper I have mentioned that he was + concerned; for the moment he opened it he began with a + pencil, in a small pocket-book, to make rapid notes + </p> + <pre> +This man seemed to glide through his work with a noiseless and cool +celerity which argued, I thought, the training of the police department. +</pre> + <pre> +He re-arranged the papers, possibly in the very order in which he had +found them, replaced them in my breast-pocket, and was gone. His visit, +I think, did not quite last three minutes. Very soon after his +disappearance I heard the voice of the Marquis once more. He got in, and +I saw him look at me and smile, half-envying me, I fancied, my sound +repose. If he had but known all! +</pre> + <pre> +He resumed his reading and docketing by the light of the little lamp +which had just subserved the purposes of a spy. +</pre> + <pre> +We were now out of the town, pursuing our journey at the same moderate +pace. We had left the scene of my police visit, as I should have termed +it, now two leagues behind us, when I suddenly felt a strange throbbing +in one ear, and a sensation as if air passed through it into my throat. +It seemed as if a bubble of air, formed deep in my ear, swelled, and +burst there. The indescribable tension of my brain seemed all at once to +give way; there was an odd humming in my head, and a sort of vibration +through every nerve of my body, such as I have experienced in a limb +that has been, in popular phraseology, asleep. I uttered a cry and half +rose from my seat, and then fell back trembling, and with a sense of +mortal faintness. +</pre> + <pre> +The Marquis stared at me, took my hand, and earnestly asked if I was +ill. I could answer only with a deep groan. +</pre> + <pre> +Gradually the process of restoration was completed; and I was able, +though very faintly, to tell him how very ill I had been; and then to +describe the violation of my letters, during the time of his absence +from the carriage. +</pre> + <pre> +"Good heaven!" he exclaimed, "the miscreant did not get at my box-box?" +</pre> + <pre> +I satisfied him, so far as I had observed, on that point. He placed the +box on the seat beside him, and opened and examined its contents very +minutely. +</pre> + <pre> +"Yes, undisturbed; all safe, thank heaven!" he murmured. "There are +half-a-dozen letters here that I would not have some people read for a +great deal." +</pre> + <pre> +He now asked with a very kind anxiety all about the illness I complained +of. When he had heard me, he said: +</pre> + <pre> +"A friend of mine once had an attack as like yours as possible. It was +on board ship, and followed a state of high excitement. He was a brave +man like you; and was called on to exert both his strength and his +courage suddenly. An hour or two after, fatigue overpowered him, and he +appeared to fall into a sound sleep. He really sank into a state which +he afterwards described so that I think it must have been precisely the +same affection as yours." +</pre> + <pre> +"I am happy to think that my attack was not unique. Did he ever +experience a return of it?" +</pre> + <pre> +"I knew him for years after, and never heard of any such thing. What +strikes me is a parallel in the predisposing causes of each attack. Your +unexpected and gallant hand-to-hand encounter, at such desperate odds, +with an experienced swordsman, like that insane colonel of dragoons, +your fatigue, and, finally, your composing yourself, as my other friend +did, to sleep." +</pre> + <pre> +"I wish," he resumed, "one could make out who the <i>coquin</i> was who +examined your letters. It is not worth turning back, however, because we +should learn nothing. Those people always manage so adroitly. I am +satisfied, however, that he must have been an agent of the police. A +rogue of any other kind would have robbed you." +</pre> + <pre> +I talked very little, being ill and exhausted, but the Marquis talked on +agreeably. +</pre> + <pre> +"We grow so intimate," said he, at last, "that I must remind you that I +am not, for the present, the Marquis d'Harmonville, but only Monsieur +Droqville; nevertheless, when we get to Paris, although I cannot see you +often I may be of use. I shall ask you to name to me the hotel at which +you mean to put up; because the Marquis being, as you are aware, on his +travels, the Hotel d'Harmonville is, for the present, tenanted only by +two or three old servants, who must not even see Monsieur Droqville. +That gentleman will, nevertheless, contrive to get you access to the box +of Monsieur le Marquis, at the Opera, as well, possibly, as to other +places more difficult; and so soon as the diplomatic office of the +Marquis d'Harmonville is ended, and he at liberty to declare himself, he +will not excuse his friend, Monsieur Beckett, from fulfilling his +promise to visit him this autumn at the Château d'Harmonville." +</pre> + <pre> +You may be sure I thanked the Marquis. +</pre> + <pre> +The nearer we got to Paris, the more I valued his protection. The +countenance of a great man on the spot, just then, taking so kind an +interest in the stranger whom he had, as it were, blundered upon, might +make my visit ever so many degrees more delightful than I had +anticipated. +</pre> + <pre> +Nothing could be more gracious than the manner and looks of the Marquis; +and, as I still thanked him, the carriage suddenly stopped in front of +the place where a relay of horses awaited us, and where, as it turned +out, we were to part. +</pre> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH9"><!-- CH9 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter IX + </h2> + <center> + GOSSIP AND COUNSEL + </center> + <p> + My eventful journey was over at last. I sat in my hotel + window looking out upon brilliant Paris, which had, in a + moment, recovered all its gaiety, and more than its + accustomed bustle. Everyone had read of the kind of + excitement that followed the catastrophe of Napoleon, and the + second restoration of the Bourbons. I need not, therefore, + even if, at this distance, I could, recall and describe my + experiences and impressions of the peculiar aspect of Paris, + in those strange times. It was, to be sure, my first visit. + But often as I have seen it since, I don't think I ever saw + that delightful capital in a state, pleasurably so excited + and exciting. + </p> + <p> + I had been two days in Paris, and had seen all sorts of + sights, and experienced none of that rudeness and insolence + of which others complained from the exasperated officers of + the defeated French army. + </p> + <p> + I must say this, also. My romance had taken complete + possession of me; and the chance of seeing the object of my + dream gave a secret and delightful interest to my rambles and + drives in the streets and environs, and my visits to the + galleries and other sights of the metropolis. + </p> + <p> + I had neither seen nor heard of Count or Countess, nor had + the Marquis d'Harmonville made any sign. I had quite + recovered the strange indisposition under which I had + suffered during my night journey. + </p> + <p> + It was now evening, and I was beginning to fear that my + patrician acquaintance had quite forgotten me, when the + waiter presented me the card of "Monsieur Droqville"; and, + with no small elation and hurry, I desired him to show the + gentleman up. + </p> + <p> + In came the Marquis d'Harmonville, kind and gracious as ever. + </p> + <p> + "I am a night-bird at present," said he, so soon as we had + exchanged the little speeches which are usual. "I keep in the + shade during the daytime, and even now I hardly ventured to + come in a close carriage. The friends for whom I have + undertaken a rather critical service, have so ordained it. + They think all is lost if I am known to be in Paris. First, + let me present you with these orders for my box. I am so + vexed that I cannot command it oftener during the next + fortnight; during my absence I had directed my secretary to + give it for any night to the first of my friends who might + apply, and the result is, that I find next to nothing left at + my disposal." + </p> + <p> + I thanked him very much. + </p> + <p> + "And now a word in my office of Mentor. You have not come + here, of course, without introductions?" + </p> + <p> + I produced half-a-dozen letters, the addresses of which he + looked at. + </p> + <p> + "Don't mind these letters," he said. "I will introduce you. I + will take you myself from house to house. One friend at your + side is worth many letters. Make no intimacies, no + acquaintances, until then. You young men like best to exhaust + the public amusements of a great city, before embarrassing + yourselves with the engagements of society. Go to all these. + It will occupy you, day and night, for at least three weeks. + When this is over, I shall be at liberty, and will myself + introduce you to the brilliant but comparatively quiet + routine of society. Place yourself in my hands; and in Paris + remember, when once in society, you are always there." + </p> + <p> + I thanked him very much, and promised to follow his counsels + implicitly. He seemed pleased, and said: "I shall now tell + you some of the places you ought to go to. Take your map, and + write letters or numbers upon the points I will indicate, and + we will make out a little list. All the places that I shall + mention to you are worth seeing." + </p> + <p> + In this methodical way, and with a great deal of amusing and + scandalous anecdote, he furnished me with a catalogue and a + guide, which, to a seeker of novelty and pleasure, was + invaluable. + </p> + <p> + "In a fortnight, perhaps in a week," he said, "I shall be at + leisure to be of real use to you. In the meantime, be on your + guard. You must not play; you will be robbed if you do. + Remember, you are surrounded, here, by plausible swindlers + and villains of all kinds, who subsist by devouring + strangers. Trust no one but those you know." + </p> + <p> + I thanked him again, and promised to profit by his advice. + But my heart was too full of the beautiful lady of the Belle + Étoile, to allow our interview to close without an + effort to learn something about her. I therefore asked for + the Count and Countess de St. Alyre, whom I had had the good + fortune to extricate from an extremely unpleasant row in the + hall of the inn. + </p> + <p> + Alas! he had not seen them since. He did not know where they + were staying. They had a fine old house only a few leagues + from Paris; but he thought it probable that they would + remain, for a few days at least, in the city, as preparations + would, no doubt, be necessary, after so long an absence, for + their reception at home. + </p> + <p> + "How long have they been away?" + </p> + <p> + "About eight months, I think." + </p> + <p> + "They are poor, I think you said?" + </p> + <p> + "What <i>you</i> would consider poor. But, Monsieur, the + Count has an income which affords them the comforts and even + the elegancies of life, living as they do, in a very quiet + and retired way, in this cheap country." + </p> + <p> + "Then they are very happy?" + </p> + <p> + "One would say they <i>ought</i> to be happy." + </p> + <p> + "And what prevents?" + </p> + <p> + "He is jealous." + </p> + <p> + "But his wife—she gives him no cause." + </p> + <p> + "I am afraid she does." + </p> + <p> + "How, Monsieur?" + </p> + <p> + "I always thought she was a little too—<i>a great + deal</i> too—" + </p> + <p> + "Too <i>what</i>, Monsieur?" + </p> + <p> + "Too handsome. But although she has remarkable fine eyes, + exquisite features, and the most delicate complexion in the + world, I believe that she is a woman of probity. You have + never seen her?" + </p> + <p> + "There was a lady, muffled up in a cloak, with a very thick + veil on, the other night, in the hall of the Belle + Étoile, when I broke that fellow's head who was + bullying the old Count. But her veil was so thick I could not + see a feature through it!" My answer was diplomatic, you + observe. "She may have been the Count's daughter. Do they + quarrel?" + </p> + <p> + "Who, he and his wife?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "A little." + </p> + <p> + Oh! and what do they quarrel about?" + </p> + <p> + "It is a long story; about the lady's diamonds. They are + valuable—they are worth, La Perelleuse says, about a + million of francs. The Count wishes them sold and turned into + revenue, which he offers to settle as she pleases. The + Countess, whose they are, resists, and for a reason which, I + rather think, she can't disclose to him." + </p> + <p> + "And pray what is that?" I asked, my curiosity a good deal + piqued. + </p> + <p> + "She is thinking, I conjecture, how well she will look in + them when she marries her second husband." + </p> + <p> + "Oh?—yes, to be sure. But the Count de St. Alyre is a + good man?" + </p> + <p> + "Admirable, and extremely intelligent." + </p> + <p> + "I should wish so much to be presented to the Count: you tell + me he's so—" + </p> + <p> + "So agreeably married. But they are living quite out of the + world. He takes her now and then to the Opera, or to a public + entertainment; but that is all." + </p> + <p> + "And he must remember so much of the old + <i>régime</i>, and so many of the scenes of the + revolution!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, the very man for a philosopher, like you! And he falls + asleep after dinner; and his wife don't. But, seriously, he + has retired from the gay and the great world, and has grown + apathetic; and so has his wife; and nothing seems to interest + her now, not even—her husband!" + </p> + <p> + The Marquis stood up to take his leave. + </p> + <p> + "Don't risk your money," said he. "You will soon have an + opportunity of laying out some of it to great advantage. + Several collections of really good pictures, belonging to + persons who have mixed themselves up in this Bonapartist + restoration, must come within a few weeks to the hammer. You + can do wonders when these sales commence. There will be + startling bargains! Reserve yourself for them. I shall let + you know all about it. By-the-by," he said, stopping short as + he approached the door, "I was so near forgetting. There is + to be next week, the very thing you would enjoy so much, + because you see so little of it in England—I mean a + <i>bal masqué</i>, conducted, it is said, with more + than usual splendor. It takes place at Versailles—all + the world will be there; there is such a rush for cards! But + I think I may promise you one. Good-night! Adieu!" + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH10"><!-- CH10 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter X + </h2> + <center> + THE BLACK VEIL + </center> + <p> + Speaking the language fluently, and with unlimited money, + there was nothing to prevent my enjoying all that was + enjoyable in the French capital. You may easily suppose how + two days were passed. At the end of that time, and at about + the same hour, Monsieur Droqville called again. + </p> + <p> + Courtly, good-natured, gay, as usual, he told me that the + masquerade ball was fixed for the next Wednesday, and that he + had applied for a card for me. + </p> + <p> + How awfully unlucky. I was so afraid I should not be able to + go. + </p> + <p> + He stared at me for a moment with a suspicious and menacing + look, which I did not understand, in silence, and then + inquired rather sharply. And will Monsieur Beckett be good + enough to say why not? + </p> + <p> + I was a little surprised, but answered the simple truth: I + had made an engagement for that evening with two or three + English friends, and did not see how I could. + </p> + <p> + "Just so! You English, wherever you are, always look out for + your English boors, your beer and <i>'bifstek'</i>; and when + you come here, instead of trying to learn something of the + people you visit, and pretend to study, you are guzzling and + swearing, and smoking with one another, and no wiser or more + polished at the end of your travels than if you had been all + the time carousing in a booth at Greenwich." + </p> + <p> + He laughed sarcastically, and looked as if he could have + poisoned me. + </p> + <p> + "There it is," said he, throwing the card on the table. "Take + it or leave it, just as you please. I suppose I shall have my + trouble for my pains; but it is not usual when a man such as + I takes trouble, asks a favor, and secures a privilege for an + acquaintance, to treat him so." + </p> + <p> + This was astonishingly impertinent. + </p> + <p> + I was shocked, offended, penitent. I had possibly committed + unwittingly a breach of good breeding, according to French + ideas, which almost justified the brusque severity of the + Marquis's undignified rebuke. + </p> + <p> + In a confusion, therefore, of many feelings, I hastened to + make my apologies, and to propitiate the chance friend who + had showed me so much disinterested kindness. + </p> + <p> + I told him that I would, at any cost, break through the + engagement in which I had unluckily entangled myself; that I + had spoken with too little reflection, and that I certainly + had not thanked him at all in proportion to his kindness, and + to my real estimate of it. + </p> + <p> + "Pray say not a word more; my vexation was entirely on your + account; and I expressed it, I am only too conscious, in + terms a great deal too strong, which, I am sure, your good + nature will pardon. Those who know me a little better are + aware that I sometimes say a good deal more than I intend; + and am always sorry when I do. Monsieur Beckett will forget + that his old friend Monsieur Droqville has lost his temper in + his cause, for a moment, and—we are as good friends as + before." + </p> + <p> + He smiled like the Monsieur Droqville of the Belle + Étoile, and extended his hand, which I took very + respectfully and cordially. + </p> + <p> + Our momentary quarrel had left us only better friends. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis then told me I had better secure a bed in some + hotel at Versailles, as a rush would be made to take them; + and advised my going down next morning for the purpose. + </p> + <p> + I ordered horses accordingly for eleven o'clock; and, after a + little more conversation, the Marquis d'Harmonville bade me + good-night, and ran down the stairs with his handkerchief to + his mouth and nose, and, as I saw from my window, jumped into + his close carriage again and drove away. + </p> + <p> + Next day I was at Versailles. As I approached the door of the + Hotel de France it was plain that I was not a moment too + soon, if, indeed, I were not already too late. + </p> + <p> + A crowd of carriages were drawn up about the entrance, so + that I had no chance of approaching except by dismounting and + pushing my way among the horses. The hall was full of + servants and gentlemen screaming to the proprietor, who in a + state of polite distraction was assuring them, one and all, + that there was not a room or a closet disengaged in his + entire house. + </p> + <p> + I slipped out again, leaving the hall to those who were + shouting, expostulating, and wheedling, in the delusion that + the host might, if he pleased, manage something for them. I + jumped into my carriage and drove, at my horses' best pace, + to the Hotel du Reservoir. The blockade about this door was + as complete as the other. The result was the same. It was + very provoking, but what was to be done? My postilion had, a + little officiously, while I was in the hall talking with the + hotel authorities, got his horses, bit by bit, as other + carriages moved away, to the very steps of the inn door. + </p> + <p> + This arrangement was very convenient so far as getting in + again was concerned. But, this accomplished, how were we to + get on? There were carriages in front, and carriages behind, + and no less than four rows of carriages, of all sorts, + outside. + </p> + <p> + I had at this time remarkably long and clear sight, and if I + had been impatient before, guess what my feelings were when I + saw an open carriage pass along the narrow strip of roadway + left open at the other side, a barouche in which I was + certain I recognized the veiled Countess and her husband. + This carriage had been brought to a walk by a cart which + occupied the whole breadth of the narrow way, and was moving + with the customary tardiness of such vehicles. + </p> + <p> + I should have done more wisely if I had jumped down on the + <i>trottoir</i>, and run round the block of carriages in + front of the barouche. But, unfortunately, I was more of a + Murat than a Moltke, and preferred a direct charge upon my + object to relying on <i>tactique</i>. I dashed across the + back seat of a carriage which was next mine, I don't know + how; tumbled through a sort of gig, in which an old gentleman + and a dog were dozing; stepped with an incoherent apology + over the side of an open carriage, in which were four + gentlemen engaged in a hot dispute; tripped at the far side + in getting out, and fell flat across the backs of a pair of + horses, who instantly began plunging and threw me head + foremost in the dust. + </p> + <p> + To those who observed my reckless charge, without being in + the secret of my object, I must have appeared demented. + Fortunately, the interesting barouche had passed before the + catastrophe, and covered as I was with dust, and my hat + blocked, you may be sure I did not care to present myself + before the object of my Quixotic devotion. + </p> + <p> + I stood for a while amid a storm of <i>sacré</i>-ing, + tempered disagreeably with laughter; and in the midst of + these, while endeavoring to beat the dust from my clothes + with my handkerchief, I heard a voice with which I was + acquainted call, "Monsieur Beckett." + </p> + <p> + I looked and saw the Marquis peeping from a carriage-window. + It was a welcome sight. In a moment I was at his carriage + side. + </p> + <p> + "You may as well leave Versailles," he said; "you have + learned, no doubt, that there is not a bed to hire in either + of the hotels; and I can add that there is not a room to let + in the whole town. But I have managed something for you that + will answer just as well. Tell your servant to follow us, and + get in here and sit beside me." + </p> + <p> + Fortunately an opening in the closely-packed carriages had + just occurred, and mine was approaching. + </p> + <p> + I directed the servant to follow us; and the Marquis having + said a word to his driver, we were immediately in motion. + </p> + <p> + "I will bring you to a comfortable place, the very existence + of which is known to but few Parisians, where, knowing how + things were here, I secured a room for you. It is only a mile + away, and an old comfortable inn, called the Le Dragon + Volant. It was fortunate for you that my tiresome business + called me to this place so early." + </p> + <p> + I think we had driven about a mile-and-a-half to the further + side of the palace when we found ourselves upon a narrow old + road, with the woods of Versailles on one side, and much + older trees, of a size seldom seen in France, on the other. + </p> + <p> + We pulled up before an antique and solid inn, built of Caen + stone, in a fashion richer and more florid than was ever + usual in such houses, and which indicated that it was + originally designed for the private mansion of some person of + wealth, and probably, as the wall bore many carved shields + and supporters, of distinction also. A kind of porch, less + ancient than the rest, projected hospitably with a wide and + florid arch, over which, cut in high relief in stone, and + painted and gilded, was the sign of the inn. This was the + Flying Dragon, with wings of brilliant red and gold, + expanded, and its tail, pale green and gold, twisted and + knotted into ever so many rings, and ending in a burnished + point barbed like the dart of death. + </p> + <p> + "I shan't go in—but you will find it a comfortable + place; at all events better than nothing. I would go in with + you, but my incognito forbids. You will, I daresay, be all + the better pleased to learn that the inn is haunted—I + should have been, in my young days, I know. But don't allude + to that awful fact in hearing of your host, for I believe it + is a sore subject. Adieu. If you want to enjoy yourself at + the ball, take my advice and go in a domino. I think I shall + look in; and certainly, if I do, in the same costume. How + shall we recognize one another? Let me see, something held in + the fingers—a flower won't do, so many people will have + flowers. Suppose you get a red cross a couple of inches + long— you're an Englishman—stitched or pinned on + the breast of your domino, and I a white one? Yes, that will + do very well; and whatever room you go into keep near the + door till we meet. I shall look for you at all the doors I + pass; and you, in the same way, for me; and we <i>must</i> + find each other soon. So that is understood. I can't enjoy a + thing of that kind with any but a young person; a man of my + age requires the contagion of young spirits and the + companionship of someone who enjoys everything spontaneously. + Farewell; we meet tonight." + </p> + <p> + By this time I was standing on the road; I shut the + carriage-door; bid him good-bye; and away he drove. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH11"><!-- CH11 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XI + </h2> + <center> + THE DRAGON VOLANT + </center> + <p> + I took one look about me. + </p> + <p> + The building was picturesque; the trees made it more so. The + antique and sequestered character of the scene contrasted + strangely with the glare and bustle of the Parisian life, to + which my eye and ear had become accustomed. + </p> + <p> + Then I examined the gorgeous old sign for a minute or two. + Next I surveyed the exterior of the house more carefully. It + was large and solid, and squared more with my ideas of an + ancient English hostelrie, such as the Canterbury Pilgrims + might have put up at, than a French house of entertainment. + Except, indeed, for a round turret, that rose at the left + flank of the house, and terminated in the extinguisher-shaped + roof that suggests a French château. + </p> + <p> + I entered and announced myself as Monsieur Beckett, for whom + a room had been taken. I was received with all the + consideration due to an English milord, with, of course, an + unfathomable purse. + </p> + <p> + My host conducted me to my apartment. It was a large room, a + little somber, paneled with dark wainscoting, and furnished + in a stately and somber style, long out of date. There was a + wide hearth, and a heavy mantelpiece, carved with shields, in + which I might, had I been curious enough, have discovered a + correspondence with the heraldry on the outer walls. There + was something interesting, melancholy, and even depressing in + all this. I went to the stone-shafted window, and looked out + upon a small park, with a thick wood, forming the background + of a château which presented a cluster of such + conical-topped turrets as I have just now mentioned. + </p> + <p> + The wood and château were melancholy objects. They + showed signs of neglect, and almost of decay; and the gloom + of fallen grandeur, and a certain air of desertion hung + oppressively over the scene. + </p> + <p> + I asked my host the name of the château. + </p> + <p> + "That, Monsieur, is the Château de la Carque," he + answered. + </p> + <p> + "It is a pity it is so neglected," I observed. "I should say, + perhaps, a pity that its proprietor is not more wealthy?" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps so, Monsieur." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Perhaps</i>?" I repeated, and looked at him. "Then I + suppose he is not very popular." + </p> + <p> + "Neither one thing nor the other, Monsieur," he answered; "I + meant only that we could not tell what use he might make of + riches." + </p> + <p> + "And who is he?" I inquired. + </p> + <p> + "The Count de St. Alyre." + </p> + <p> + "Oh! The Count! You are quite sure?" I asked, very eagerly. + </p> + <p> + It was now the innkeeper's turn to look at me. + </p> + <p> + "<i>Quite</i> sure, Monsieur, the Count de St. Alyre." + </p> + <p> + "Do you see much of him in this part of the world?" + </p> + <p> + "Not a great deal, Monsieur; he is often absent for a + considerable time." + </p> + <p> + "And is he poor?" I inquired. + </p> + <p> + "I pay rent to him for this house. It is not much; but I find + he cannot wait long for it," he replied, smiling satirically. + </p> + <p> + "From what I have heard, however, I should think he cannot be + very poor?" I continued. + </p> + <p> + "They say, Monsieur, he plays. I know not. He certainly is + not rich. About seven months ago, a relation of his died in a + distant place. His body was sent to the Count's house here, + and by him buried in Père la Chaise, as the poor + gentleman had desired. The Count was in profound affliction; + although he got a handsome legacy, they say, by that death. + But money never seems to do him good for any time." + </p> + <p> + "He is old, I believe?" + </p> + <p> + "Old? We call him the 'Wandering Jew,' except, indeed, that + he has not always the five <i>sous</i> in his pocket. Yet, + Monsieur, his courage does not fail him. He has taken a young + and handsome wife." + </p> + <p> + "And she?" I urged— + </p> + <p> + "Is the Countess de St. Alyre." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; but I fancy we may say something more? She has + attributes?" + </p> + <p> + "Three, Monsieur, three, at least most amiable." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! And what are they?" + </p> + <p> + "Youth, beauty, and—diamonds." + </p> + <p> + I laughed. The sly old gentleman was foiling my curiosity. + </p> + <p> + "I see, my friend," said I, "you are reluctant—" + </p> + <p> + "To quarrel with the Count," he concluded. "True. You see, + Monsieur, he could vex me in two or three ways, so could I + him. But, on the whole, it is better each to mind his + business, and to maintain peaceful relations; you + understand." + </p> + <p> + It was, therefore, no use trying, at least for the present. + Perhaps he had nothing to relate. Should I think differently, + by-and-by, I could try the effect of a few Napoleons. + Possibly he meant to extract them. + </p> + <p> + The host of the Dragon Volant was an elderly man, thin, + bronzed, intelligent, and with an air of decision, perfectly + military. I learned afterwards that he had served under + Napoleon in his early Italian campaigns. + </p> + <p> + "One question, I think you may answer," I said, "without + risking a quarrel. Is the Count at home?" + </p> + <p> + "He has many homes, I conjecture," said the host evasively. + "But—but I think I may say, Monsieur, that he is, I + believe, at present staying at the Château de la + Carque." + </p> + <p> + I looked out of the window, more interested than ever, across + the undulating grounds to the château, with its gloomy + background of foliage. + </p> + <p> + "I saw him today, in his carriage at Versailles," I said. + </p> + <p> + "Very natural." + </p> + <p> + "Then his carriage, and horses, and servants, are at the + château?" + </p> + <p> + "The carriage he puts up here, Monsieur, and the servants are + hired for the occasion. There is but one who sleeps at the + château. Such a life must be terrifying for Madame the + Countess," he replied. + </p> + <p> + "The old screw!" I thought. "By this torture, he hopes to + extract her diamonds. What a life! What fiends to contend + with—jealousy and extortion!" + </p> + <p> + The knight having made his speech to himself, cast his eyes + once more upon the enchanter's castle, and heaved a gentle + sigh—a sigh of longing, of resolution, and of love. + </p> + <p> + What a fool I was! And yet, in the sight of angels, are we + any wiser as we grow older? It seems to me, only, that our + illusions change as we go on; but, still, we are madmen all + the same. + </p> + <p> + "Well, St. Clair," said I, as my servant entered, and began + to arrange my things. + </p> + <p> + "You have got a bed?" + </p> + <p> + "In the cock-loft, Monsieur, among the spiders, and, <i>par + ma foi</i>! the cats and the owls. But we agree very well. + <i>Vive la bagatelle</i>!" + </p> + <p> + "I had no idea it was so full." + </p> + <p> + "Chiefly the servants, Monsieur, of those persons who were + fortunate enough to get apartments at Versailles." + </p> + <p> + "And what do you think of the Dragon Volant?" + </p> + <p> + "The Dragon Volant! Monsieur; the old fiery dragon! The devil + himself, if all is true! On the faith of a Christian, + Monsieur, they say that diabolical miracles have taken place + in this house." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean? <i>Revenants</i>?" + </p> + <p> + "Not at all, sir; I wish it was no worse. <i>Revenants</i>? + No! People who have never returned—who vanished, before + the eyes of half-a-dozen men all looking at them." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean, St. Clair? Let us hear the story, or + miracle, or whatever it is." + </p> + <p> + "It is only this, Monsieur, that an ex-master-of-the-horse of + the late king, who lost his head—Monsieur will have the + goodness to recollect, in the revolution—being + permitted by the Emperor to return to France, lived here in + this hotel, for a month, and at the end of that time + vanished, visibly, as I told you, before the faces of + half-a-dozen credible witnesses! The other was a Russian + nobleman, six feet high and upwards, who, standing in the + center of the room, downstairs, describing to seven gentlemen + of unquestionable veracity the last moments of Peter the + Great, and having a glass of <i>eau de vie</i> in his left + hand, and his <i>tasse de cafe,</i> nearly finished, in his + right, in like manner vanished. His boots were found on the + floor where he had been standing; and the gentleman at his + right found, to his astonishment, his cup of coffee in his + fingers, and the gentleman at his left, his glass of <i>eau + de vie</i>—" + </p> + <p> + "Which he swallowed in his confusion," I suggested. + </p> + <p> + "Which was preserved for three years among the curious + articles of this house, and was broken by the + <i>curé</i> while conversing with Mademoiselle Fidone + in the housekeeper's room; but of the Russian nobleman + himself, nothing more was ever seen or heard. <i>Parbleu</i>! + when <i>we</i> go out of the Dragon Volant, I hope it may be + by the door. I heard all this, Monsieur, from the postilion + who drove us." + </p> + <p> + "Then it <i>must</i> be true!" said I, jocularly: but I was + beginning to feel the gloom of the view, and of the chamber + in which I stood; there had stolen over me, I know not how, a + presentiment of evil; and my joke was with an effort, and my + spirit flagged. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH12"><!-- CH12 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XII + </h2> + <center> + THE MAGICIAN + </center> + <p> + No more brilliant spectacle than this masked ball could be + imagined. Among other <i>salons</i> and galleries, thrown + open, was the enormous Perspective of the "Grande Galerie des + Glaces," lighted up on that occasion with no less than four + thousand wax candles, reflected and repeated by all the + mirrors, so that the effect was almost dazzling. The grand + suite of <i>salons</i> was thronged with masques, in every + conceivable costume. There was not a single room deserted. + Everyplace was animated with music voices, brilliant colors, + flashing jewels, the hilarity of extemporized comedy, and all + the spirited incidents of a cleverly sustained masquerade. I + had never seen before anything in the least comparable to + this magnificent <i>fete.</i> I moved along, indolently, in + my domino and mask, loitering, now and then, to enjoy a + clever dialogue, a farcical song, or an amusing monologue, + but, at the same time, keeping my eyes about me, lest my + friend in the black domino, with the little white cross on + his breast, should pass me by. + </p> + <p> + I had delayed and looked about me, specially, at every door I + passed, as the Marquis and I had agreed; but he had not yet + appeared. + </p> + <p> + While I was thus employed, in the very luxury of lazy + amusement, I saw a gilded sedan chair, or, rather, a Chinese + palanquin, exhibiting the fantastic exuberance of "Celestial" + decoration, borne forward on gilded poles by four + richly-dressed Chinese; one with a wand in his hand marched + in front, and another behind; and a slight and solemn man, + with a long black beard, a tall fez, such as a dervish is + represented as wearing, walked close to its side. A + strangely-embroidered robe fell over his shoulders, covered + with hieroglyphic symbols; the embroidery was in black and + gold, upon a variegated ground of brilliant colors. The robe + was bound about his waist with a broad belt of gold, with + cabalistic devices traced on it in dark red and black; red + stockings, and shoes embroidered with gold, and pointed and + curved upward at the toes, in Oriental fashion, appeared + below the skirt of the robe. The man's face was dark, fixed, + and solemn, and his eyebrows black, and enormously + heavy—he carried a singular-looking book under his arm, + a wand of polished black wood in his other hand, and walked + with his chin sunk on his breast, and his eyes fixed upon the + floor. The man in front waved his wand right and left to + clear the way for the advancing palanquin, the curtains of + which were closed; and there was something so singular, + strange and solemn about the whole thing, that I felt at once + interested. + </p> + <p> + I was very well pleased when I saw the bearers set down their + burthen within a few yards of the spot on which I stood. + </p> + <p> + The bearers and the men with the gilded wands forthwith + clapped their hands, and in silence danced round the + palanquin a curious and half-frantic dance, which was yet, as + to figures and postures, perfectly methodical. This was soon + accompanied by a clapping of hands and a ha-ha-ing, + rhythmically delivered. + </p> + <p> + While the dance was going on a hand was lightly laid on my + arm, and, looking round, a black domino with a white cross + stood beside me. + </p> + <p> + "I am so glad I have found you," said the Marquis; "and at + this moment. This is the best group in the rooms. <i>You</i> + must speak to the wizard. About an hour ago I lighted upon + them, in another <i>salon,</i> and consulted the oracle by + putting questions. I never was more amazed. Although his + answers were a little disguised it was soon perfectly plain + that he knew every detail about the business, which no one on + earth had heard of but myself, and two or three other men, + about the most cautious Persons in France. I shall never + forget that shock. I saw other people who consulted him, + evidently as much surprised and more frightened than I. I + came with the Count de St. Alyre and the Countess." + </p> + <p> + He nodded toward a thin figure, also in a domino. It was the + Count. + </p> + <p> + "Come," he said to me, "I'll introduce you." + </p> + <p> + I followed, you may suppose, readily enough. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis presented me, with a very prettily-turned + allusion to my fortunate intervention in his favor at the + Belle Étoile; and the Count overwhelmed me with polite + speeches, and ended by saying, what pleased me better still: + </p> + <p> + "The Countess is near us, in the next salon but one, chatting + with her old friend the Duchesse d'Argensaque; I shall go for + her in a few minutes; and when I bring her here, she shall + make your acquaintance; and thank you, also, for your + assistance, rendered with so much courage when we were so + very disagreeably interrupted." + </p> + <p> + "You must, positively, speak with the magician," said the + Marquis to the Count de St. Alyre, "you will be so much + amused. <i>I</i> did so; and, I assure you, I could not have + anticipated such answers! I don't know what to believe." + </p> + <p> + "Really! Then, by all means, let us try," he replied. + </p> + <p> + We three approached, together, the side of the palanquin, at + which the black-bearded magician stood. + </p> + <p> + A young man, in a Spanish dress, who, with a friend at his + side, had just conferred with the conjuror, was saying, as he + passed us by: + </p> + <p> + "Ingenious mystification! Who is that in the palanquin? He + seems to know everybody!" + </p> + <p> + The Count, in his mask and domino, moved along, stiffly, with + us, toward the palanquin. A clear circle was maintained by + the Chinese attendants, and the spectators crowded round in a + ring. + </p> + <p> + One of these men—he who with a gilded wand had preceded + the procession—advanced, extending his empty hand, palm + upward. + </p> + <p> + "Money?" inquired the Count. + </p> + <p> + "Gold," replied the usher. + </p> + <p> + The Count placed a piece of money in his hand; and I and the + Marquis were each called on in turn to do likewise as we + entered the circle. We paid accordingly. + </p> + <p> + The conjuror stood beside the palanquin, its silk curtain in + his hand; his chin sunk, with its long, jet-black beard, on + his chest; the outer hand grasping the black wand, on which + he leaned; his eyes were lowered, as before, to the ground; + his face looked absolutely lifeless. Indeed, I never saw face + or figure so moveless, except in death. The first question + the Count put, was: "Am I married, or unmarried?" + </p> + <p> + The conjuror drew back the curtain quickly, and placed his + ear toward a richly-dressed Chinese, who sat in the litter; + withdrew his head, and closed the curtain again; and then + answered: "Yes." + </p> + <p> + The same preliminary was observed each time, so that the man + with the black wand presented himself, not as a prophet, but + as a medium; and answered, as it seemed, in the words of a + greater than himself. + </p> + <p> + Two or three questions followed, the answers to which seemed + to amuse the Marquis very much; but the point of which I + could not see, for I knew next to nothing of the Count's + peculiarities and adventures. + </p> + <p> + "Does my wife love me?" asked he, playfully. + </p> + <p> + "As well as you deserve." + </p> + <p> + "Whom do I love best in the world?" + </p> + <p> + "Self." + </p> + <p> + "Oh! That I fancy is pretty much the case with everyone. But, + putting myself out of the question, do I love anything on + earth better than my wife?" + </p> + <p> + "Her diamonds." + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" said the Count. The Marquis, I could see, laughed. + </p> + <p> + "Is it true," said the Count, changing the conversation + peremptorily, "that there has been a battle in Naples?" + </p> + <p> + "No; in France." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed," said the Count, satirically, with a glance round. + </p> + <p> + "And may I inquire between what powers, and on what + particular quarrel?" + </p> + <p> + "Between the Count and Countess de St. Alyre, and about a + document they subscribed on the 25th July, 1811." + </p> + <p> + The Marquis afterwards told me that this was the date of + their marriage settlement. + </p> + <p> + The Count stood stock-still for a minute or so; and one could + fancy that they saw his face flushing through his mask. + </p> + <p> + Nobody, but we two, knew that the inquirer was the Count de + St. Alyre. + </p> + <p> + I thought he was puzzled to find a subject for his next + question; and, perhaps, repented having entangled himself in + such a colloquy. If so, he was relieved; for the Marquis, + touching his arms, whispered. + </p> + <p> + "Look to your right, and see who is coming." + </p> + <p> + I looked in the direction indicated by the Marquis, and I saw + a gaunt figure stalking toward us. It was not a masque. The + face was broad, scarred, and white. In a word, it was the + ugly face of Colonel Gaillarde, who, in the costume of a + corporal of the Imperial Guard, with his left arm so adjusted + as to look like a stump, leaving the lower part of the + coat-sleeve empty, and pinned up to the breast. There were + strips of very real sticking-plaster across his eyebrow and + temple, where my stick had left its mark, to score, + hereafter, among the more honorable scars of war. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH13"><!-- CH13 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XIII + </h2> + <center> + THE ORACLE TELLS ME WONDERS + </center> + <p> + I forgot for a moment how impervious my mask and domino were + to the hard stare of the old campaigner, and was preparing + for an animated scuffle. It was only for a moment, of course; + but the count cautiously drew a little back as the + gasconading corporal, in blue uniform, white vest, and white + gaiters—for my friend Gaillarde was as loud and + swaggering in his assumed character as in his real one of a + colonel of dragoons—drew near. He had already twice all + but got himself turned out of doors for vaunting the exploits + of Napoleon le Grand, in terrific mock-heroics, and had very + nearly come to hand-grips with a Prussian hussar. In fact, he + would have been involved in several sanguinary rows already, + had not his discretion reminded him that the object of his + coming there at all, namely, to arrange a meeting with an + affluent widow, on whom he believed he had made a tender + impression, would not have been promoted by his premature + removal from the festive scene of which he was an ornament, + in charge of a couple of <i>gendarmes</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Money! Gold! Bah! What money can a wounded soldier like your + humble servant have amassed, with but his sword-hand left, + which, being necessarily occupied, places not a finger at his + command with which to scrape together the spoils of a routed + enemy?" + </p> + <p> + "No gold from him," said the magician. "His scars frank him." + </p> + <p> + "Bravo, Monsieur le prophète! Bravissimo! Here I am. + Shall I begin, <i>mon sorcier</i>, without further loss of + time, to question you?" + </p> + <p> + Without waiting for an answer, he commenced, in stentorian + tones. After half-a-dozen questions and answers, he asked: + "Whom do I pursue at present?" + </p> + <p> + "Two persons." + </p> + <p> + "Ha! Two? Well, who are they?" + </p> + <p> + "An Englishman, whom if you catch, he will kill you; and a + French widow, whom if you find, she will spit in your face." + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur le magicien calls a spade a spade, and knows that + his cloth protects him. No matter! Why do I pursue them?" + </p> + <p> + "The widow has inflicted a wound on your heart, and the + Englishman a wound on your head. They are each separately too + strong for you; take care your pursuit does not unite them." + </p> + <p> + "Bah! How could that be?" + </p> + <p> + "The Englishman protects ladies. He has got that fact into + your head. The widow, if she sees, will marry him. It takes + some time, she will reflect, to become a colonel, and the + Englishman is unquestionably young." + </p> + <p> + "I will cut his cock's-comb for him," he ejaculated with an + oath and a grin; and in a softer tone he asked, "Where is + she?" + </p> + <p> + "Near enough to be offended if you fail." + </p> + <p> + "So she ought, by my faith. You are right, Monsieur le + prophète! A hundred thousand thanks! Farewell!" And + staring about him, and stretching his lank neck as high as he + could, he strode away with his scars, and white waistcoat and + gaiters, and his bearskin shako. + </p> + <p> + I had been trying to see the person who sat in the palanquin. + I had only once an opportunity of a tolerably steady peep. + What I saw was singular. The oracle was dressed, as I have + said, very richly, in the Chinese fashion. He was a figure + altogether on a larger scale than the interpreter, who stood + outside. The features seemed to me large and heavy, and the + head was carried with a downward inclination! The eyes were + closed, and the chin rested on the breast of his embroidered + pelisse. The face seemed fixed, and the very image of apathy. + Its character and <i>pose</i> seemed an exaggerated + repetition of the immobility of the figure who communicated + with the noisy outer world. This face looked blood-red; but + that was caused, I concluded, by the light entering through + the red silk curtains. All this struck me almost at a glance; + I had not many seconds in which to make my observation. The + ground was now clear, and the Marquis said, "Go forward, my + friend." + </p> + <p> + I did so. When I reached the magician, as we called the man + with the black wand, I glanced over my shoulder to see + whether the Count was near. + </p> + <p> + No, he was some yards behind; and he and the Marquis, whose + curiosity seemed to be by this time satisfied, were now + conversing generally upon some subject of course quite + different. + </p> + <p> + I was relieved, for the sage seemed to blurt out secrets in + an unexpected way; and some of mine might not have amused the + Count. + </p> + <p> + I thought for a moment. I wished to test the prophet. A + Church-of-England man was a <i>rara avis</i> in Paris. + </p> + <p> + "What is my religion?" I asked. + </p> + <p> + "A beautiful heresy," answered the oracle instantly. + </p> + <p> + "A heresy?—and pray how is it named?" + </p> + <p> + "Love." + </p> + <p> + "Oh! Then I suppose I am a polytheist, and love a great + many?" + </p> + <p> + "One." + </p> + <p> + "But, seriously," I asked, intending to turn the course of + our colloquy a little out of an embarrassing channel, "have I + ever learned any words of devotion by heart?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Can you repeat them?" + </p> + <p> + "Approach." + </p> + <p> + I did, and lowered my ear. + </p> + <p> + The man with the black wand closed the curtains, and + whispered, slowly and distinctly, these words which, I need + scarcely tell you, I instantly recognized: + </p> + <p> + <i>"I may never see you more; and, oh! I that I could forget + you!—go—farewell—for God's sake, go!"</i> + </p> + <p> + I started as I heard them. They were, you know, the last + words whispered to me by the Countess. + </p> + <p> + "Good Heavens! How miraculous! Words heard most assuredly, by + no ear on earth but my own and the lady's who uttered them, + till now!" + </p> + <p> + I looked at the impassive face of the spokesman with the + wand. There was no trace of meaning, or even of a + consciousness that the words he had uttered could possibly + interest me. + </p> + <p> + "What do I most long for?" I asked, scarcely knowing what I + said. + </p> + <p> + "Paradise." + </p> + <p> + "And what prevents my reaching it?" + </p> + <p> + "A black veil." + </p> + <p> + Stronger and stronger! The answers seemed to me to indicate + the minutest acquaintance with every detail of my little + romance, of which not even the Marquis knew anything! And I, + the questioner, masked and robed so that my own brother could + not have known me! + </p> + <p> + "You said I loved someone. Am I loved in return?" I asked. + </p> + <p> + "Try." + </p> + <p> + I was speaking lower than before, and stood near the dark man + with the beard, to prevent the necessity of his speaking in a + loud key. + </p> + <p> + "Does anyone love me?" I repeated. + </p> + <p> + "Secretly," was the answer. + </p> + <p> + "Much or little?" I inquired. + </p> + <p> + "Too well." + </p> + <p> + "How long will that love last?" + </p> + <p> + "Till the rose casts its leaves." + </p> + <p> + The rose—another allusion! + </p> + <p> + "Then—darkness!" I sighed. "But till then I live in + light." + </p> + <p> + "The light of violet eyes." + </p> + <p> + Love, if not a religion, as the oracle had just pronounced + it, is, at least, a superstition. How it exalts the + imagination! How it enervates the reason! How credulous it + makes us! + </p> + <p> + All this which, in the case of another I should have laughed + at, most powerfully affected me in my own. It inflamed my + ardor, and half crazed my brain, and even influenced my + conduct. + </p> + <p> + The spokesman of this wonderful trick—if trick it + were—now waved me backward with his wand, and as I + withdrew, my eyes still fixed upon the group, and this time + encircled with an aura of mystery in my fancy; backing toward + the ring of spectators, I saw him raise his hand suddenly, + with a gesture of command, as a signal to the usher who + carried the golden wand in front. + </p> + <p> + The usher struck his wand on the ground, and, in a shrill + voice, proclaimed: "The great Confu is silent for an hour." + </p> + <p> + Instantly the bearers pulled down a sort of blind of bamboo, + which descended with a sharp clatter, and secured it at the + bottom; and then the man in the tall fez, with the black + beard and wand, began a sort of dervish dance. In this the + men with the gold wands joined, and finally, in an outer + ring, the bearers, the palanquin being the center of the + circles described by these solemn dancers, whose pace, little + by little, quickened, whose gestures grew sudden, strange, + frantic, as the motion became swifter and swifter, until at + length the whirl became so rapid that the dancers seemed to + fly by with the speed of a mill-wheel, and amid a general + clapping of hands, and universal wonder, these strange + performers mingled with the crowd, and the exhibition, for + the time at least, ended. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis d'Harmonville was standing not far away, looking + on the ground, as one could judge by his attitude and musing. + I approached, and he said: + </p> + <p> + "The Count has just gone away to look for his wife. It is a + pity she was not here to consult the prophet; it would have + been amusing, I daresay, to see how the Count bore it. + Suppose we follow him. I have asked him to introduce you." + </p> + <p> + With a beating heart, I accompanied the Marquis + d'Harmonville. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH14"><!-- CH14 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XIV + </h2> + <center> + MADEMOISELLE DE LA VALLIÈRE + </center> + <p> + We wandered through the <i>salons</i>, the Marquis and I. It + was no easy matter to find a friend in rooms so crowded. + </p> + <p> + "Stay here," said the Marquis, "I have thought of a way of + finding him. Besides, his jealousy may have warned him that + there is no particular advantage to be gained by presenting + you to his wife; I had better go and reason with him, as you + seem to wish an introduction so very much." + </p> + <p> + This occurred in the room that is now called the "Salon + d'Apollon." The paintings remained in my memory, and my + adventure of that evening was destined to occur there. + </p> + <p> + I sat down upon a sofa, and looked about me. Three or four + persons beside myself were seated on this roomy piece of + gilded furniture. They were chatting all very gaily; + all—except the person who sat next me, and she was a + lady. Hardly two feet interposed between us. The lady sat + apparently in a reverie. Nothing could be more graceful. She + wore the costume perpetuated in Collignan's full-length + portrait of Mademoiselle de la Valière. It is, as you + know, not only rich, but elegant. Her hair was powdered, but + one could perceive that it was naturally a dark brown. One + pretty little foot appeared, and could anything be more + exquisite than her hand? + </p> + <p> + It was extremely provoking that this lady wore her mask, and + did not, as many did, hold it for a time in her hand. + </p> + <p> + I was convinced that she was pretty. Availing myself of the + privilege of a masquerade, a microcosm in which it is + impossible, except by voice and allusion, to distinguish + friend from foe, I spoke: + </p> + <p> + "It is not easy, Mademoiselle, to deceive me," I began. + </p> + <p> + "So much the better for Monsieur," answered the mask, + quietly. + </p> + <p> + "I mean," I said, determined to tell my fib, "that beauty is + a gift more difficult to conceal than Mademoiselle supposes." + </p> + <p> + "Yet Monsieur has succeeded very well," she said in the same + sweet and careless tones. + </p> + <p> + "I see the costume of this, the beautiful Mademoiselle de la + Valière, upon a form that surpasses her own; I raise + my eyes, and I behold a mask, and yet I recognize the lady; + beauty is like that precious stone in the 'Arabian Nights,' + which emits, no matter how concealed, a light that betrays + it." + </p> + <p> + "I know the story," said the young lady. "The light betrayed + it, not in the sun but in darkness. Is there so little light + in these rooms, Monsieur, that a poor glowworm can show so + brightly? I thought we were in a luminous atmosphere, + wherever a certain Countess moved?" + </p> + <p> + Here was an awkward speech! How was I to answer? This lady + might be, as they say some ladies are, a lover of mischief, + or an intimate of the Countess de St. Alyre. Cautiously, + therefore, I inquired, + </p> + <p> + "What Countess?" + </p> + <p> + "If you know me, you must know that she is my dearest friend. + Is she not beautiful?" + </p> + <p> + "How can I answer, there are so many countesses." + </p> + <p> + "Everyone who knows me, knows who my best beloved friend is. + You don't know me?" + </p> + <p> + "That is cruel. I can scarcely believe I am mistaken." + </p> + <p> + "With whom were you walking, just now?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "A gentleman, a friend," I answered. + </p> + <p> + "I saw him, of course, a friend; but I think I know him, and + should like to be certain. Is he not a certain Marquis?" + </p> + <p> + Here was another question that was extremely awkward. + </p> + <p> + "There are so many people here, and one may walk, at one time + with one, and at another with a different one, that—" + </p> + <p> + "That an unscrupulous person has no difficulty in evading a + simple question like mine. Know then, once for all, that + nothing disgusts a person of spirit so much as suspicion. + You, Monsieur, are a gentleman of discretion. I shall respect + you accordingly." + </p> + <p> + "Mademoiselle would despise me, were I to violate a + confidence." + </p> + <p> + "But you don't deceive me. You imitate your friend's + diplomacy. I hate diplomacy. It means fraud and cowardice. + Don't you think I know him? The gentleman with the cross of + white ribbon on his breast? I know the Marquis d'Harmonville + perfectly. You see to what good purpose your ingenuity has + been expended." + </p> + <p> + "To that conjecture I can answer neither yes nor no." + </p> + <p> + "You need not. But what was your motive in mortifying a + lady?" + </p> + <p> + "It is the last thing on earth I should do." + </p> + <p> + "You affected to know me, and you don't; through caprice, or + listlessness, or curiosity, you wished to converse, not with + a lady, but with a costume. You admired, and you pretend to + mistake me for another. But who is quite perfect? Is truth + any longer to be found on earth?" + </p> + <p> + "Mademoiselle has formed a mistaken opinion of me." + </p> + <p> + "And you also of me; you find me less foolish than you + supposed. I know perfectly whom you intend amusing with + compliments and melancholy declamation, and whom, with that + amiable purpose, you have been seeking." + </p> + <p> + "Tell me whom you mean," I entreated. "Upon one condition." + </p> + <p> + "What is that?" + </p> + <p> + "That you will confess if I name the lady." + </p> + <p> + "You describe my object unfairly," I objected. "I can't admit + that I proposed speaking to any lady in the tone you + describe." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I shan't insist on that; only if I name the lady, you + will promise to admit that I am right." + </p> + <p> + "<i>Must</i> I promise?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly not, there is no compulsion; but your promise is + the only condition on which I will speak to you again." + </p> + <p> + I hesitated for a moment; but how could she possibly tell? + The Countess would scarcely have admitted this little romance + to anyone; and the mask in the La Vallière costume + could not possibly know who the masked domino beside her was. + </p> + <p> + "I consent," I said, "I promise." + </p> + <p> + "You must promise on the honor of a gentleman." + </p> + <p> + "Well, I do; on the honor of a gentleman." + </p> + <p> + "Then this lady is the Countess de St. Alyre." + </p> + <p> + I was unspeakably surprised; I was disconcerted; but I + remembered my promise, and said: + </p> + <p> + "The Countess de St. Alyre <i>is</i>, unquestionably, the + lady to whom I hoped for an introduction tonight; but I beg + to assure you, also on the honor of a gentleman, that she has + not the faintest imaginable suspicion that I was seeking such + an honor, nor, in all probability, does she remember that + such a person as I exists. I had the honor to render her and + the Count a trifling service, too trifling, I fear, to have + earned more than an hour's recollection." + </p> + <p> + "The world is not so ungrateful as you suppose; or if it be, + there are, nevertheless, a few hearts that redeem it. I can + answer for the Countess de St. Alyre, she never forgets a + kindness. She does not show all she feels; for she is + unhappy, and cannot." + </p> + <p> + "Unhappy! I feared, indeed, that might be. But for all the + rest that you are good enough to suppose, it is but a + flattering dream." + </p> + <p> + "I told you that I am the Countess's friend, and being so I + must know something of her character; also, there are + confidences between us, and I may know more than you think of + those trifling services of which you suppose the recollection + is so transitory." + </p> + <p> + I was becoming more and more interested. I was as wicked as + other young men, and the heinousness of such a pursuit was as + nothing, now that self-love and all the passions that mingle + in such a romance were roused. The image of the beautiful + Countess had now again quite superseded the pretty + counterpart of La Vallièe, who was before me. I would + have given a great deal to hear, in solemn earnest, that she + did remember the champion who, for her sake, had thrown + himself before the saber of an enraged dragoon, with only a + cudgel in his hand, and conquered. + </p> + <p> + "You say the Countess is unhappy," said I. "What causes her + unhappiness?" + </p> + <p> + "Many things. Her husband is old, jealous, and tyrannical. Is + not that enough? Even when relieved from his society, she is + lonely." + </p> + <p> + "But you are her friend?" I suggested. + </p> + <p> + "And you think one friend enough?" she answered; "she has one + alone, to whom she can open her heart." + </p> + <p> + "Is there room for another friend?" + </p> + <p> + "Try." + </p> + <p> + "How can I find a way?" + </p> + <p> + "She will aid you." + </p> + <p> + "How?" + </p> + <p> + She answered by a question. "Have you secured rooms in either + of the hotels of Versailles?" + </p> + <p> + "No, I could not. I am lodged in the Dragon Volant, which + stands at the verge of the grounds of the Château de la + Carque." + </p> + <p> + "That is better still. I need not ask if you have courage for + an adventure. I need not ask if you are a man of honor. A + lady may trust herself to you, and fear nothing. There are + few men to whom the interview, such as I shall arrange, could + be granted with safety. You shall meet her at two o'clock + this morning in the Park of the Château de la Carque. + What room do you occupy in the Dragon Volant?" + </p> + <p> + I was amazed at the audacity and decision of this girl. Was + she, as we say in England, hoaxing me? + </p> + <p> + "I can describe that accurately," said I. "As I look from the + rear of the house, in which my apartment is, I am at the + extreme right, next the angle; and one pair of stairs up, + from the hall." + </p> + <p> + "Very well; you must have observed, if you looked into the + park, two or three clumps of chestnut and lime trees, growing + so close together as to form a small grove. You must return + to your hotel, change your dress, and, preserving a + scrupulous secrecy as to why or where you go, leave the + Dragon Volant, and climb the park wall, unseen; you will + easily recognize the grove I have mentioned; there you will + meet the Countess, who will grant you an audience of a few + minutes, who will expect the most scrupulous reserve on your + part, and who will explain to you, in a few words, a great + deal which I could not so well tell you here." + </p> + <p> + I cannot describe the feeling with which I heard these words. + I was astounded. Doubt succeeded. I could not believe these + agitating words. + </p> + <p> + "Mademoiselle will believe that if I only dared assure myself + that so great a happiness and honor were really intended for + me, my gratitude would be as lasting as my life. But how dare + I believe that Mademoiselle does not speak, rather from her + own sympathy or goodness, than from a certainty that the + Countess de St. Alyre would concede so great an honor?" + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur believes either that I am not, as I pretend to be, + in the secret which he hitherto supposed to be shared by no + one but the Countess and himself, or else that I am cruelly + mystifying him. That I am in her confidence, I swear by all + that is dear in a whispered farewell. By the last companion + of this flower!" and she took for a moment in her fingers the + nodding head of a white rosebud that was nestled in her + bouquet. "By my own good star, and hers—or shall I call + it our 'belle étoile?' Have I said enough?" + </p> + <p> + "Enough?" I repeated, "more than enough—a thousand + thanks." + </p> + <p> + "And being thus in her confidence, I am clearly her friend; + and being a friend would it be friendly to use her dear name + so; and all for sake of practicing a vulgar trick upon + you—a stranger?" + </p> + <p> + "Mademoiselle will forgive me. Remember how very precious is + the hope of seeing, and speaking to the Countess. Is it + wonderful, then, that I should falter in my belief? You have + convinced me, however, and will forgive my hesitation." + </p> + <p> + "You will be at the place I have described, then, at two + o'clock?" + </p> + <p> + "Assuredly," I answered. + </p> + <p> + "And Monsieur, I know, will not fail through fear. No, he + need not assure me; his courage is already proved." + </p> + <p> + "No danger, in such a case, will be unwelcome to me." + </p> + <p> + "Had you not better go now, Monsieur, and rejoin your + friend?" + </p> + <p> + "I promised to wait here for my friend's return. The Count de + St. Alyre said that he intended to introduce me to the + Countess." + </p> + <p> + "And Monsieur is so simple as to believe him?" + </p> + <p> + "Why should I not?" + </p> + <p> + "Because he is jealous and cunning. You will see. He will + never introduce you to his wife. He will come here and say he + cannot find her, and promise another time." + </p> + <p> + "I think I see him approaching, with my friend. + No—there is no lady with him." + </p> + <p> + "I told you so. You will wait a long time for that happiness, + if it is never to reach you except through his hands. In the + meantime, you had better not let him see you so near me. He + will suspect that we have been talking of his wife; and that + will whet his jealousy and his vigilance." + </p> + <p> + I thanked my unknown friend in the mask, and withdrawing a + few steps, came, by a little "circumbendibus," upon the flank + of the Count. I smiled under my mask as he assured me that + the Duchess de la Roqueme had changed her place, and taken + the Countess with her; but he hoped, at some very early time, + to have an opportunity of enabling her to make my + acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + I avoided the Marquis d'Harmonville, who was following the + Count. I was afraid he might propose accompanying me home, + and had no wish to be forced to make an explanation. + </p> + <p> + I lost myself quickly, therefore, in the crowd, and moved, as + rapidly as it would allow me, toward the Galerie des Glaces, + which lay in the direction opposite to that in which I saw + the Count and my friend the Marquis moving. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH15"><!-- CH15 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XV + </h2> + <center> + STRANGE STORY OF THE DRAGON VOLANT + </center> + <p> + These <i>fêtes</i> were earlier in those days, and in + France, than our modern balls are in London. I consulted my + watch. It was a little past twelve. + </p> + <p> + It was a still and sultry night; the magnificent suite of + rooms, vast as some of them were, could not be kept at a + temperature less than oppressive, especially to people with + masks on. In some places the crowd was inconvenient, and the + profusion of lights added to the heat. I removed my mask, + therefore, as I saw some other people do, who were as + careless of mystery as I. I had hardly done so, and began to + breathe more comfortably, when I heard a friendly English + voice call me by my name. It was Tom Whistlewick, of the + —th Dragoons. He had unmasked, with a very flushed + face, as I did. He was one of those Waterloo heroes, new from + the mint of glory, whom, as a body, all the world, except + France, revered; and the only thing I knew against him, was a + habit of allaying his thirst, which was excessive at balls, + <i>fêtes</i>, musical parties, and all gatherings, + where it was to be had, with champagne; and, as he introduced + me to his friend, Monsieur Carmaignac, I observed that he + spoke a little thick. Monsieur Carmaignac was little, lean, + and as straight as a ramrod. He was bald, took snuff, and + wore spectacles; and, as I soon learned, held an official + position. + </p> + <p> + Tom was facetious, sly, and rather difficult to understand, + in his present pleasant mood. He was elevating his eyebrows + and screwing his lips oddly, and fanning himself vaguely with + his mask. + </p> + <p> + After some agreeable conversation I was glad to observe that + he preferred silence, and was satisfied with the + <i>rôle</i> of listener, as I and Monsieur Carmaignac + chatted; and he seated himself, with extraordinary caution + and indecision, upon a bench, beside us, and seemed very soon + to find a difficulty in keeping his eyes open. + </p> + <p> + "I heard you mention," said the French gentleman, "that you + had engaged an apartment in the Dragon Volant, about half a + league from this. When I was in a different police + department, about four years ago, two very strange cases were + connected with that house. One was of a wealthy + <i>émigré</i>, permitted to return to France by + the Em—by Napoleon. He vanished. The + other—equally strange—was the case of a Russian + of rank and wealth. He disappeared just as mysteriously." + </p> + <p> + "My servant," I said, "gave me a confused account of some + occurrences, and, as well as I recollect, he described the + same persons—I mean a returned French nobleman and a + Russian gentleman. But he made the whole story so + marvelous—I mean in the supernatural sense—that, + I confess, I did not believe a word of it." + </p> + <p> + "No, there was nothing supernatural; but a great deal + inexplicable," said the French gentleman. "Of course, there + may be theories; but the thing was never explained, nor, so + far as I know, was a ray of light ever thrown upon it." + </p> + <p> + "Pray let me hear the story," I said. "I think I have a + claim, as it affects my quarters. You don't suspect the + people of the house?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh! it has changed hands since then. But there seemed to be + a fatality about a particular room." + </p> + <p> + "Could you describe that room?" + </p> + <p> + "Certainly. It is a spacious, paneled bedroom, up one pair of + stairs, in the back of the house, and at the extreme right, + as you look from its windows." + </p> + <p> + "Ho! Really? Why, then, I have got the very room!" I said, + beginning to be more interested—perhaps the least bit + in the world, disagreeably. "Did the people die, or were they + actually spirited away?" + </p> + <p> + "No, they did not die—they disappeared very oddly. I'll + tell you the particulars—I happen to know them exactly, + because I made an official visit, on the first occasion, to + the house, to collect evidence; and although I did not go + down there, upon the second, the papers came before me, and I + dictated the official letter dispatched to the relations of + the people who had disappeared; they had applied to the + government to investigate the affair. We had letters from the + same relations more than two years later, from which we + learned that the missing men had never turned up." + </p> + <p> + He took a pinch of snuff, and looked steadily at me. + </p> + <p> + "Never! I shall relate all that happened, so far as we could + discover. The French noble, who was the Chevalier Chateau + Blassemare, unlike most <i>émigrés</i> had + taken the matter in time, sold a large portion of his + property before the revolution had proceeded so far as to + render that next to impossible, and retired with a large sum. + He brought with him about half a million of francs, the + greater part of which he invested in the French funds; a much + larger sum remained in Austrian land and securities. You will + observe then that this gentleman was rich, and there was no + allegation of his having lost money, or being in any way + embarrassed. You see?" + </p> + <p> + I assented. + </p> + <p> + "This gentleman's habits were not expensive in proportion to + his means. He had suitable lodgings in Paris; and for a time, + society, and theaters, and other reasonable amusements, + engrossed him. He did not play. He was a middleaged man, + affecting youth, with the vanities which are usual in such + persons; but, for the rest, he was a gentle and polite + person, who disturbed nobody—a person, you see, not + likely to provoke an enmity." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly not," I agreed. + </p> + <p> + "Early in the summer of 1811 he got an order permitting him + to copy a picture in one of these <i>salons</i>, and came + down here, to Versailles, for the purpose. His work was + getting on slowly. After a time he left his hotel here, and + went, by way of change, to the Dragon Volant; there he took, + by special choice, the bedroom which has fallen to you by + chance. From this time, it appeared, he painted little; and + seldom visited his apartments in Paris. One night he saw the + host of the Dragon Volant, and told him that he was going + into Paris, to remain for a day or two, on very particular + business; that his servant would accompany him, but that he + would retain his apartments at the Dragon Volant, and return + in a few days. He left some clothes there, but packed a + portmanteau, took his dressing case and the rest, and, with + his servant behind his carriage, drove into Paris. You + observe all this, Monsieur?" + </p> + <p> + "Most attentively," I answered. + </p> + <p> + "Well, Monsieur, as soon as they were approaching his + lodgings, he stopped the carriage on a sudden, told his + servant that he had changed his mind; that he would sleep + elsewhere that night, that he had very particular business in + the north of France, not far from Rouen, that he would set + out before daylight on his journey, and return in a + fortnight. He called a <i>fiacre</i>, took in his hand a + leather bag which, the servant said, was just large enough to + hold a few shirts and a coat, but that it was enormously + heavy, as he could testify, for he held it in his hand, while + his master took out his purse to count thirty-six Napoleons, + for which the servant was to account when he should return. + He then sent him on, in the carriage; and he, with the bag I + have mentioned, got into the <i>fiacre</i>. Up to that, you + see, the narrative is quite clear." + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly," I agreed. + </p> + <p> + "Now comes the mystery," said Monsieur Carmaignac. "After + that, the Count Chateau Blassemare was never more seen, so + far as we can make out, by acquaintance or friend. We learned + that the day before the Count's stockbroker had, by his + direction, sold all his stock in the French funds, and handed + him the cash it realized. The reason he gave him for this + measure tallied with what he said to his servant. He told him + that he was going to the north of France to settle some + claims, and did not know exactly how much might be required. + The bag, which had puzzled the servant by its weight, + contained, no doubt, a large sum in gold. Will Monsieur try + my snuff?" + </p> + <p> + He politely tendered his open snuff-box, of which I partook, + experimentally. + </p> + <p> + "A reward was offered," he continued, "when the inquiry was + instituted, for any information tending to throw a light upon + the mystery, which might be afforded by the driver of the + <i>fiacre</i> 'employed on the night of' (so-and-so), 'at + about the hour of half-past ten, by a gentleman, with a + black-leather bag-bag in his hand, who descended from a + private carriage, and gave his servant some money, which he + counted twice over.' About a hundred-and-fifty drivers + applied, but not one of them was the right man. We did, + however, elicit a curious and unexpected piece of evidence in + quite another quarter. What a racket that plaguey harlequin + makes with his sword!" + </p> + <p> + "Intolerable!" I chimed in. + </p> + <p> + The harlequin was soon gone, and he resumed. + </p> + <p> + "The evidence I speak of came from a boy, about twelve years + old, who knew the appearance of the Count perfectly, having + been often employed by him as a messenger. He stated that + about half-past twelve o'clock, on the same night—upon + which you are to observe, there was a brilliant moon—he + was sent, his mother having been suddenly taken ill, for the + <i>sage femme</i> who lived within a stone's throw of the + Dragon Volant. His father's house, from which he started, was + a mile away, or more, from that inn, in order to reach which + he had to pass round the park of the Chéteau de la + Carque, at the site most remote from the point to which he + was going. It passes the old churchyard of St. Aubin, which + is separated from the road only by a very low fence, and two + or three enormous old trees. The boy was a little nervous as + he approached this ancient cemetery; and, under the bright + moonlight, he saw a man whom he distinctly recognized as the + Count, whom they designated by a sobriquet which means 'the + man of smiles.' He was looking rueful enough now, and was + seated on the side of a tombstone, on which he had laid a + pistol, while he was ramming home the charge of another. + </p> + <p> + "The boy got cautiously by, on tiptoe, with his eyes all the + time on the Count Chateau Blassernare, or the man he mistook + for him—his dress was not what he usually wore, but the + witness swore that he could not be mistaken as to his + identity. He said his face looked grave and stern; but though + he did not smile, it was the same face he knew so well. + Nothing would make him swerve from that. If that were he, it + was the last time he was seen. He has never been heard of + since. Nothing could be heard of him in the neighborhood of + Rouen. There has been no evidence of his death; and there is + no sign that he is living." + </p> + <p> + "That certainly is a most singular case," I replied, and was + about to ask a question or two, when Tom Whistlewick who, + without my observing it, had been taking a ramble, returned, + a great deal more awake, and a great deal less tipsy. + </p> + <p> + "I say, Carmaignac, it is getting late, and I must go; I + really must, for the reason I told you—and, Beckett, we + must soon meet again." + </p> + <p> + "I regret very much, Monsieur, my not being able at present + to relate to you the other case, that of another tenant of + the very same room—a case more mysterious and sinister + than the last—and which occurred in the autumn of the + same year." + </p> + <p> + "Will you both do a very good-natured thing, and come and + dine with me at the Dragon Volant tomorrow?" + </p> + <p> + So, as we pursued our way along the Galerie des Glaces, I + extracted their promise. + </p> + <p> + "By Jove!" said Whistlewick, when this was done; "look at + that pagoda, or sedan chair, or whatever it is, just where + those fellows set it down, and not one of them near it! I + can't imagine how they tell fortunes so devilish well. Jack + Nuffles—I met him here tonight—says they are + gypsies—where are they, I wonder? I'll go over and have + a peep at the prophet." + </p> + <p> + I saw him plucking at the blinds, which were constructed + something on the principle of Venetian blinds; the red + curtains were inside; but they did not yield, and he could + only peep under one that did not come quite down. + </p> + <p> + When he rejoined us, he related: "I could scarcely see the + old fellow, it's so dark. He is covered with gold and red, + and has an embroidered hat on like a mandarin's; he's fast + asleep; and, by Jove, he smells like a polecat! It's worth + going over only to have it to say. Fiew! pooh! oh! It is a + perfume. Faugh!" + </p> + <p> + Not caring to accept this tempting invitation, we got along + slowly toward the door. I bade them good-night, reminding + them of their promise. And so found my way at last to my + carriage; and was soon rolling slowly toward the Dragon + Volant, on the loneliest of roads, under old trees, and the + soft moonlight. + </p> + <p> + What a number of things had happened within the last two + hours! what a variety of strange and vivid pictures were + crowded together in that brief space! What an adventure was + before me! + </p> + <p> + The silent, moonlighted, solitary road, how it contrasted + with the many-eddied whirl of pleasure from whose roar and + music, lights, diamonds and colors I had just extricated + myself. + </p> + <p> + The sight of lonely nature at such an hour, acts like a + sudden sedative. The madness and guilt of my pursuit struck + me with a momentary compunction and horror. I wished I had + never entered the labyrinth which was leading me, I knew not + whither. It was too late to think of that now; but the bitter + was already stealing into my cup; and vague anticipations + lay, for a few minutes, heavy on my heart. It would not have + taken much to make me disclose my unmanly state of mind to my + lively friend Alfred Ogle, nor even to the milder ridicule of + the agreeable Tom Whistlewick. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH16"><!-- CH16 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XVI + </h2> + <center> + THE PARC OF THE CHÂTEAU DE LA CARQUE + </center> + <p> + There was no danger of the Dragon Volant's closing its doors + on that occasion till three or four in the morning. There + were quartered there many servants of great people, whose + masters would not leave the ball till the last moment, and + who could not return to their corners in the Dragon Volant + till their last services had been rendered. + </p> + <p> + I knew, therefore, I should have ample time for my mysterious + excursion without exciting curiosity by being shut out. + </p> + <p> + And now we pulled up under the canopy of boughs, before the + sign of the Dragon Volant, and the light that shone from its + hall-door. + </p> + <p> + I dismissed my carriage, ran up the broad stair-case, mask in + hand, with my domino fluttering about me, and entered the + large bedroom. The black wainscoting and stately furniture, + with the dark curtains of the very tall bed, made the night + there more somber. + </p> + <p> + An oblique patch of moonlight was thrown upon the floor from + the window to which I hastened. I looked out upon the + landscape slumbering in those silvery beams. There stood the + outline of the Château de la Carque, its chimneys and + many turrets with their extinguisher-shaped roofs black + against the soft grey sky. There, also, more in the + foreground, about midway between the window where I stood and + the château, but a little to the left, I traced the + tufted masses of the grove which the lady in the mask had + appointed as the trysting-place, where I and the beautiful + Countess were to meet that night. + </p> + <p> + I took "the bearings" of this gloomy bit of wood, whose + foliage glimmered softly at top in the light of the moon. + </p> + <p> + You may guess with what a strange interest and swelling of + the heart I gazed on the unknown scene of my coming + adventure. + </p> + <p> + But time was flying, and the hour already near. I threw my + robe upon a sofa; I groped out a pair of hoots, which I + substituted for those thin heelless shoes, in those days + called "pumps," without which a gentleman could not attend an + evening party. I put on my hat and, lastly, I took a pair of + loaded pistols, which I had been advised were satisfactory + companions in the then unsettled state of French society; + swarms of disbanded soldiers, some of them alleged to be + desperate characters, being everywhere to be met with. These + preparations made, I confess I took a looking-glass to the + window to see how I looked in the moonlight; and being + satisfied, I replaced it, and ran downstairs. + </p> + <p> + In the hall I called for my servant. + </p> + <p> + "St. Clair," said I; "I mean to take a little moonlight + ramble, only ten minutes or so. You must not go to bed until + I return. If the night is very beautiful, I may possibly + extend my ramble a little." + </p> + <p> + So down the steps I lounged, looking first over my right, and + then over my left shoulder, like a man uncertain which + direction to take, and I sauntered up the road, gazing now at + the moon, and now at the thin white clouds in the opposite + direction, whistling, all the time, an air which I had picked + up at one of the theatres. + </p> + <p> + When I had got a couple of hundred yards away from the Dragon + Volant, my minstrelsy totally ceased; and I turned about, and + glanced sharply down the road, that looked as white as + hoar-frost under the moon, and saw the gable of the old inn, + and a window, partly concealed by the foliage, with a dusky + light shining from it. + </p> + <p> + No sound of footstep was stirring; no sign of human figure in + sight. I consulted my watch, which the light was sufficiently + strong to enable me to do. It now wanted but eight minutes of + the appointed hour. A thick mantle of ivy at this point + covered the wall and rose in a clustering head at top. + </p> + <p> + It afforded me facilities for scaling the wall, and a partial + screen for my operations if any eye should chance to be + looking that way. And now it was done. I was in the park of + the Château de la Carque, as nefarious a poacher as + ever trespassed on the grounds of unsuspicious lord! + </p> + <p> + Before me rose the appointed grove, which looked as black as + a clump of gigantic hearse plumes. It seemed to tower higher + and higher at every step; and cast a broader and blacker + shadow toward my feet. On I marched, and was glad when I + plunged into the shadow which concealed me. Now I was among + the grand old lime and chestnut trees—my heart beat + fast with expectation. + </p> + <p> + This grove opened, a little, near the middle; and, in the + space thus cleared, there stood with a surrounding flight of + steps a small Greek temple or shrine, with a statue in the + center. It was built of white marble with fluted Corinthian + columns, and the crevices were tufted with grass; moss had + shown itself on pedestal and cornice, and signs of long + neglect and decay were apparent in its discolored and + weather-worn marble. A few feet in front of the steps a + fountain, fed from the great ponds at the other side of the + château, was making a constant tinkle and splashing in + a wide marble basin, and the jet of water glimmered like a + shower of diamonds in the broken moonlight. The very neglect + and half-ruinous state of all this made it only the prettier, + as well as sadder. I was too intently watching for the + arrival of the lady, in the direction of the château, + to study these things; but the half-noted effect of them was + romantic, and suggested somehow the grotto and the fountain, + and the apparition of Egeria. + </p> + <p> + As I watched a voice spoke to me, a little behind my left + shoulder. I turned, almost with a start, and the masque, in + the costume of Mademoiselle de la Vallière, stood + there. + </p> + <p> + "The Countess will be here presently," she said. The lady + stood upon the open space, and the moonlight fell unbroken + upon her. Nothing could be more becoming; her figure looked + more graceful and elegant than ever. "In the meantime I shall + tell you some peculiarities of her situation. She is unhappy; + miserable in an ill—assorted marriage, with a jealous + tyrant who now would constrain her to sell her diamonds, + which are—" + </p> + <p> + "Worth thirty thousand pounds sterling. I heard all that from + a friend. Can I aid the Countess in her unequal struggle? Say + but how the greater the danger or the sacrifice, the happier + will it make me. <i>Can</i> I aid her?" + </p> + <p> + "If you despise a danger—which, yet, is not a danger; + if you despise, as she does, the tyrannical canons of the + world; and if you are chivalrous enough to devote yourself to + a lady's cause, with no reward but her poor gratitude; if you + can do these things you can aid her, and earn a foremost + place, not in her gratitude only, but in her friendship." + </p> + <p> + At those words the lady in the mask turned away and seemed to + weep. + </p> + <p> + I vowed myself the willing slave of the Countess. "But," I + added, "you told me she would soon be here." + </p> + <p> + "That is, if nothing unforeseen should happen; but with the + eye of the Count de St. Alyre in the house, and open, it is + seldom safe to stir." + </p> + <p> + "Does she wish to see me?" I asked, with a tender hesitation. + </p> + <p> + "First, say have you really thought of her, more than once, + since the adventure of the Belle Étoile?" + </p> + <p> + "She never leaves my thoughts; day and night her beautiful + eyes haunt me; her sweet voice is always in my ear." + </p> + <p> + "Mine is said to resemble hers," said the mask. + </p> + <p> + "So it does," I answered. "But it is only a resemblance." + </p> + <p> + "Oh! then mine is better?" + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me, Mademoiselle, I did not say that. Yours is a + sweet voice, but I fancy a little higher." + </p> + <p> + "A little shriller, you would say," answered the De la + Vallière, I fancied a good deal vexed. + </p> + <p> + "No, not shriller: your voice is not shrill, it is + beautifully sweet; but not so pathetically sweet as hers." + </p> + <p> + "That is prejudice, Monsieur; it is not true." + </p> + <p> + I bowed; I could not contradict a lady. + </p> + <p> + "I see, Monsieur, you laugh at me; you think me vain, because + I claim in some points to be equal to the Countess de St. + Alyre. I challenge you to say, my hand, at least, is less + beautiful than hers." As she thus spoke she drew her glove + off, and extended her hand, back upward, in the moonlight. + </p> + <p> + The lady seemed really nettled. It was undignified and + irritating; for in this uninteresting competition the + precious moments were flying, and my interview leading + apparently to nothing. + </p> + <p> + "You will admit, then, that my hand is as beautiful as hers?" + </p> + <p> + "I cannot admit it. Mademoiselle," said I, with the honesty + of irritation. "I will not enter into comparisons, but the + Countess de St. Alyre is, in all respects, the most beautiful + lady I ever beheld." + </p> + <p> + The masque laughed coldly, and then, more and more softly, + said, with a sigh, "I will prove all I say." And as she spoke + she removed the mask: and the Countess de St. Alyre, smiling, + confused, bashful, more beautiful than ever, stood before me! + </p> + <p> + "Good Heavens!" I exclaimed. "How monstrously stupid I have + been. And it was to Madame la Comtesse that I spoke for so + long in the <i>salon!</i>" I gazed on her in silence. And + with a low sweet laugh of good nature she extended her hand. + I took it and carried it to my lips. + </p> + <p> + "No, you must not do that," she said quietly, "we are not old + enough friends yet. I find, although you were mistaken, that + you do remember the Countess of the Belle Étoile, and + that you are a champion true and fearless. Had you yielded to + the claims just now pressed upon you by the rivalry of + Mademoiselle de la Valière, in her mask, the Countess + de St. Alyre should never have trusted or seen you more. I + now am sure that you are true, as well as brave. You now know + that I have not forgotten you; and, also, that if you would + risk your life for me, I, too, would brave some danger, + rather than lose my friend forever. I have but a few moments + more. Will you come here again tomorrow night, at a quarter + past eleven? I will be here at that moment; you must exercise + the most scrupulous care to prevent suspicion that you have + come here, Monsieur. <i>You owe that to me</i>." + </p> + <p> + She spoke these last words with the most solemn entreaty. + </p> + <p> + I vowed again and again that I would die rather than permit + the least rashness to endanger the secret which made all the + interest and value of my life. + </p> + <p> + She was looking, I thought, more and more beautiful every + moment. My enthusiasm expanded in proportion. + </p> + <p> + "You must come tomorrow night by a different route," she + said; "and if you come again, we can change it once more. At + the other side of the château there is a little + churchyard, with a ruined chapel. The neighbors are afraid to + pass it by night. The road is deserted there, and a stile + opens a way into these grounds. Cross it and you can find a + covert of thickets, to within fifty steps of this spot." + </p> + <p> + I promised, of course, to observe her instructions + implicitly. + </p> + <p> + "I have lived for more than a year in an agony of + irresolution. I have decided at last. I have lived a + melancholy life; a lonelier life than is passed in the + cloister. I have had no one to confide in; no one to advise + me; no one to save me from the horrors of my existence. I + have found a brave and prompt friend at last. Shall I ever + forget the heroic tableau of the hall of the Belle + Étoile? Have you—have you really kept the rose I + gave you, as we parted? Yes—you swear it. You need not; + I trust you. Richard, how often have I in solitude repeated + your name, learned from my servant. Richard, my hero! Oh! + Richard! Oh, my king! I love you!" + </p> + <p> + I would have folded her to my heart—thrown myself at + her feet. But this beautiful and—shall I say + it—inconsistent woman repelled me. + </p> + <p> + "No, we must not waste our moments in extravagances. + Understand my case. There is no such thing as indifference in + the married state. Not to love one's husband," she continued, + "is to hate him. The Count, ridiculous in all else, is + formidable in his jealousy. In mercy, then, to me, observe + caution. Affect to all you speak to, the most complete + ignorance of all the people in the Château de la + Carque; and, if anyone in your presence mentions the Count or + Countess de St. Alyre, be sure you say you never saw either. + I shall have more to say to you tomorrow night. I have + reasons that I cannot now explain, for all I do, and all I + postpone. Farewell. Go! Leave me." + </p> + <p> + She waved me back, peremptorily. I echoed her "farewell," and + obeyed. + </p> + <p> + This interview had not lasted, I think, more than ten + minutes. I scaled the park wall again, and reached the Dragon + Volant before its doors were closed. + </p> + <p> + I lay awake in my bed, in a fever of elation. I saw, till the + dawn broke, and chased the vision, the beautiful Countess de + St. Alyre, always in the dark, before me. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH17"><!-- CH17 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XVII + </h2> + <center> + THE TENANT OF THE PALANQUIN + </center> + <p> + The Marquis called on me next day. My late breakfast was + still upon the table. He had come, he said, to ask a favor. + An accident had happened to his carriage in the crowd on + leaving the ball, and he begged, if I were going into Paris, + a seat in mine. I was going in, and was extremely glad of his + company. He came with me to my hotel; we went up to my rooms. + I was surprised to see a man seated in an easy chair, with + his back towards us, reading a newspaper. He rose. It was the + Count de St. Alyre, his gold spectacles on his nose; his + black wig, in oily curls, lying close to his narrow head, and + showing like carved ebony over a repulsive visage of boxwood. + His black muffler had been pulled down. His. right arm was in + a sling. I don't know whether there was anything unusual in + his countenance that day, or whether it was but the effect of + prejudice arising from all I had heard in my mysterious + interview in his park, but I thought his countenance was more + strikingly forbidding than I had seen it before. + </p> + <p> + I was not callous enough in the ways of sin to meet this man, + injured at least in intent, thus suddenly, without a + momentary disturbance. + </p> + <p> + He smiled. + </p> + <p> + "I called, Monsieur Beckett, in the hope of finding you + here," he croaked, "and I meditated, I fear, taking a great + liberty, but my friend the Marquis d'Harmonville, on whom I + have perhaps some claim, will perhaps give me the assistance + I require so much." + </p> + <p> + "With great pleasure," said the Marquis, "but not till after + six o'clock. I must go this moment to a meeting of three or + four people whom I cannot disappoint, and I know, perfectly, + we cannot break up earlier." + </p> + <p> + "What am I to do?" exclaimed the Count, "an hour would have + done it all. Was ever <i>contretemps</i> so unlucky?" + </p> + <p> + "I'll give you an hour, with pleasure," said I. + </p> + <p> + "How very good of you, Monsieur, I hardly dare to hope it. + The business, for so gay and charming a man as Monsieur + Beckett, is a little <i>funeste</i>. Pray read this note + which reached me this morning." + </p> + <p> + It certainly was not cheerful. It was a note stating that the + body of his, the Count's cousin, Monsieur de St. Amand, who + had died at his house, the Château Clery, had been, in + accordance with his written directions, sent for burial at + Père la Chaise, and, with the permission of the Count + de St. Alyre, would reach his house (the Château de la + Carque) at about ten o'clock on the night following, to be + conveyed thence in a hearse, with any member of the family + who might wish to attend the obsequies. + </p> + <p> + "I did not see the poor gentleman twice in my life," said the + Count, "but this office, as he has no other kinsman, + disagreeable as it is, I could scarcely decline, and so I + want to attend at the office to have the book signed, and the + order entered. But here is another misery. By ill luck I have + sprained my thumb, and can't sign my name for a week to come. + However, one name answers as well as another. Yours as well + as mine. And as you are so good as to come with me, all will + go right." + </p> + <p> + Away we drove. The Count gave me a memorandum of the + Christian and surnames of the deceased, his age, the + complaint he died of, and the usual particulars; also a note + of the exact position in which a grave, the dimensions of + which were described, of the ordinary simple kind, was to be + dug, between two vaults belonging to the family of St. Amand. + The funeral, it was stated, would arrive at half—past + one o'clock A.M. (the next night but one); and he handed me + the money, with extra fees, for a burial by night. It was a + good deal; and I asked him, as he entrusted the whole affair + to me, in whose name I should take the receipt. + </p> + <p> + "Not in mine, my good friend. They wanted me to become an + executor, which I, yesterday, wrote to decline; and I am + informed that if the receipt were in my name it would + constitute me an executor in the eye of the law, and fix me + in that position. Take it, pray, if you have no objection, in + your own name." + </p> + <p> + This, accordingly, I did. + </p> + <p> + You will see, by—and—by, why I am obliged to + mention all these particulars. + </p> + <p> + The Count, meanwhile, was leaning back in the carriage, with + his black silk muffler up to his nose, and his hat shading + his eyes, while he dozed in his corner; in which state I + found him on my return. + </p> + <p> + Paris had lost its charm for me. I hurried through the little + business I had to do, longed once more for my quiet room in + the Dragon Volant, the melancholy woods of the Château + de la Carque, and the tumultuous and thrilling influence of + proximity to the object of my wild but wicked romance. + </p> + <p> + I was delayed some time by my stockbroker. I had a very large + sum, as I told you, at my banker's, uninvested. I cared very + little for a few day's interest—very little for the + entire sum, compared with the image that occupied my + thoughts, and beckoned me with a white arm, through the dark, + toward the spreading lime trees and chestnuts of the + Château de la Carque. But I had fixed this day to meet + him, and was relieved when he told me that I had better let + it lie in my banker's hands for a few days longer, as the + funds would certainly fall immediately. This accident, too, + was not without its immediate bearing on my subsequent + adventures. + </p> + <p> + When I reached the Dragon Volant, I found, in my + sitting-room, a good deal to my chagrin, my two guests, whom + I had quite forgotten. I inwardly cursed my own stupidity for + having embarrassed myself with their agreeable society. It + could not be helped now, however, and a word to the waiters + put all things in train for dinner. + </p> + <p> + Tom Whistlewick was in great force; and he commenced almost + immediately with a very odd story. + </p> + <p> + He told me that not only Versailles, but all Paris was in a + ferment, in consequence of a revolting, and all but + sacrilegious practical joke, played of on the night before. + </p> + <p> + The pagoda, as he persisted in calling the palanquin, had + been left standing on the spot where we last saw it. Neither + conjuror, nor usher, nor bearers had ever returned. When the + ball closed, and the company at length retired, the servants + who attended to put out the lights, and secure the doors, + found it still there. + </p> + <p> + It was determined, however, to let it stand where it was + until next morning, by which time, it was conjectured, its + owners would send messengers to remove it. + </p> + <p> + None arrived. The servants were then ordered to take it away; + and its extraordinary weight, for the first time, reminded + them of its forgotten human occupant. Its door was forced; + and, judge what was their disgust, when they discovered, not + a living man, but a corpse! Three or four days must have + passed since the death of the burly man in the Chinese tunic + and painted cap. Some people thought it was a trick designed + to insult the Allies, in whose honor the ball was got up. + Others were of opinion that it was nothing worse than a + daring and cynical jocularity which, shocking as it was, + might yet be forgiven to the high spirits and irrepressible + buffoonery of youth. Others, again, fewer in number, and + mystically given, insisted that the corpse was <i>bona + fide</i> necessary to the exhibition, and that the + disclosures and allusions which had astonished so many people + were distinctly due to necromancy. + </p> + <p> + "The matter, however, is now in the hands of the police," + observed Monsieur Carmaignac, "and we are not the body they + were two or three months ago, if the offenders against + propriety and public feeling are not traced and convicted, + unless, indeed, they have been a great deal more cunning than + such fools generally are." + </p> + <p> + I was thinking within myself how utterly inexplicable was my + colloquy with the conjuror, so cavalierly dismissed by + Monsieur Carmaignac as a "fool"; and the more I thought the + more marvelous it seemed. + </p> + <p> + "It certainly was an original joke, though not a very clear + one," said Whistlewick. + </p> + <p> + "Not even original," said Carmaignac. "Very nearly the same + thing was done, a hundred years ago or more, at a state ball + in Paris; and the rascals who played the trick were never + found out." + </p> + <p> + In this Monsieur Carmaignac, as I afterwards discovered, + spoke truly; for, among my books of French anecdote and + memoirs, the very incident is marked by my own hand. + </p> + <p> + While we were thus talking the waiter told us that dinner was + served, and we withdrew accordingly; my guests more than + making amends for my comparative taciturnity. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH18"><!-- CH18 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XVIII + </h2> + <center> + THE CHURCHYARD + </center> + <p> + Our dinner was really good, so were the wines; better, + perhaps, at this out-of-the-way inn, than at some of the more + pretentious hotels in Paris. The moral effect of a really + good dinner is immense—we all felt it. The serenity and + good nature that follow are more solid and comfortable than + the tumultuous benevolences of Bacchus. + </p> + <p> + My friends were happy, therefore, and very chatty; which + latter relieved me of the trouble of talking, and prompted + them to entertain me and one another incessantly with + agreeable stories and conversation, of which, until suddenly + a subject emerged which interested me powerfully, I confess, + so much were my thoughts engaged elsewhere, I heard next to + nothing. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Carmaignac, continuing a conversation which had + escaped me, "there was another case, beside that Russian + nobleman, odder still. I remembered it this morning, but + cannot recall the name. He was a tenant of the very same + room. By-the-by, Monsieur, might it not be as well," he + added, turning to me with a laugh, half joke whole earnest, + as they say, "if you were to get into another apartment, now + that the house is no longer crowded? that is, if you mean to + make any stay here." + </p> + <p> + "A thousand thanks! no. I'm thinking of changing my hotel; + and I can run into town so easily at night; and though I stay + here for this night at least, I don't expect to vanish like + those others. But you say there is another adventure, of the + same kind, connected with the same room. Do let us hear it. + But take some wine first." + </p> + <p> + The story he told was curious. + </p> + <p> + "It happened," said Carmaignac, "as well as I recollect, + before either of the other cases. A French gentleman—I + wish I could remember his name—the son of a merchant, + came to this inn (the Dragon Volant), and was put by the + landlord into the same room of which we have been speaking. + <i>Your</i> apartment, Monsieur. He was by no means + young—past forty—and very far from good-looking. + The people here said that he was the ugliest man, and the + most good-natured, that ever lived. He played on the fiddle, + sang, and wrote poetry. His habits were odd and desultory. He + would sometimes sit all day in his room writing, singing, and + fiddling, and go out at night for a walk. An eccentric man! + He was by no means a millionaire, but he had a <i>modicum + bonum</i>, you understand—a trifle more than half a + million of francs. He consulted his stockbroker about + investing this money in foreign stocks, and drew the entire + sum from his banker. You now have the situation of affairs + when the catastrophe occurred." + </p> + <p> + "Pray fill your glass," I said. + </p> + <p> + "Dutch courage, Monsieur, to face the catastrophe!" said + Whistlewick, filling his own. + </p> + <p> + "Now, that was the last that ever was heard of his money," + resumed Carmaignac. "You shall hear about himself. The night + after this financial operation he was seized with a poetic + frenzy: he sent for the then landlord of this house, and told + him that he long meditated an epic, and meant to commence + that night, and that he was on no account to be disturbed + until nine o'clock in the morning. He had two pairs of wax + candles, a little cold supper on a side-table, his desk open, + paper enough upon it to contain the entire Henriade, and a + proportionate store of pens and ink. + </p> + <p> + "Seated at this desk he was seen by the waiter who brought + him a cup of coffee at nine o'clock, at which time the + intruder said he was writing fast enough to set fire to the + paper—that was his phrase; he did not look up, he + appeared too much engrossed. But when the waiter came back, + half an hour afterwards, the door was locked; and the poet, + from within, answered that he must not be disturbed. + </p> + <p> + "Away went the <i>garçon</i>, and next morning at nine + o'clock knocked at his door and, receiving no answer, looked + through the key-hole; the lights were still burning, the + window-shutters were closed as he had left them; he renewed + his knocking, knocked louder, no answer came. He reported + this continued and alarming silence to the innkeeper, who, + finding that his guest had not left his key in the lock, + succeeded in finding another that opened it. The candles were + just giving up the ghost in their sockets, but there was + light enough to ascertain that the tenant of the room was + gone! The bed had not been disturbed; the window-shutter was + barred. He must have let himself out, and, locking the door + on the outside, put the key in his pocket, and so made his + way out of the house. Here, however, was another difficulty: + the Dragon Volant shut its doors and made all fast at twelve + o'clock; after that hour no one could leave the house, except + by obtaining the key and letting himself out, and of + necessity leaving the door unsecured, or else by collusion + and aid of some person in the house. + </p> + <p> + "Now it happened that, some time after the doors were + secured, at half-past twelve, a servant who had not been + apprised of his order to be left undisturbed, seeing a light + shine through the key-hole, knocked at the door to inquire + whether the poet wanted anything. He was very little obliged + to his disturber, and dismissed him with a renewed charge + that he was not to be interrupted again during the night. + This incident established the fact that he was in the house + after the doors had been locked and barred. The inn-keeper + himself kept the keys, and swore that he found them hung on + the wall above his head, in his bed, in their usual place, in + the morning; and that nobody could have taken them away + without awakening him. That was all we could discover. The + Count de St. Alyre, to whom this house belongs, was very + active and very much chagrined. But nothing was discovered." + </p> + <p> + "And nothing heard since of the epic poet?" I asked. + </p> + <p> + "Nothing—not the slightest clue—he never turned + up again. I suppose he is dead; if he is not, he must have + got into some devilish bad scrape, of which we have heard + nothing, that compelled him to abscond with all the secrecy + and expedition in his power. All that we know for certain is + that, having occupied the room in which you sleep, he + vanished, nobody ever knew how, and never was heard of + since." + </p> + <p> + "You have now mentioned three cases," I said, "and all from + the same room." + </p> + <p> + "Three. Yes, all equally unintelligible. When men are + murdered, the great and immediate difficulty the assassins + encounter is how to conceal the body. It is very hard to + believe that three persons should have been consecutively + murdered in the same room, and their bodies so effectually + disposed of that no trace of them was ever discovered." + </p> + <p> + From this we passed to other topics, and the grave Monsieur + Carmaignac amused us with a perfectly prodigious collection + of scandalous anecdote, which his opportunities in the police + department had enabled him to accumulate. + </p> + <p> + My guests happily had engagements in Paris, and left me about + ten. + </p> + <p> + I went up to my room, and looked out upon the grounds of the + Château de la Carque. The moonlight was broken by + clouds, and the view of the park in this desultory light + acquired a melancholy and fantastic character. + </p> + <p> + The strange anecdotes recounted of the room in which I stood + by Monsieur Carmaignac returned vaguely upon my mind, + drowning in sudden shadows the gaiety of the more frivolous + stories with which he had followed them. I looked round me on + the room that lay in ominous gloom, with an almost + disagreeable sensation. I took my pistols now with an + undefined apprehension that they might be really needed + before my return tonight. This feeling, be it understood, in + no wise chilled my ardor. Never had my enthusiasm mounted + higher. My adventure absorbed and carried me away; but it + added a strange and stern excitement to the expedition. + </p> + <p> + I loitered for a time in my room. I had ascertained the exact + point at which the little churchyard lay. It was about a mile + away. I did not wish to reach it earlier than necessary. + </p> + <p> + I stole quietly out and sauntered along the road to my left, + and thence entered a narrower track, still to my left, which, + skirting the park wall and describing a circuitous route all + the way, under grand old trees, passes the ancient cemetery. + That cemetery is embowered in trees and occupies little more + than half an acre of ground to the left of the road, + interposing between it and the park of the Château de + la Carque. + </p> + <p> + Here, at this haunted spot, I paused and listened. The place + was utterly silent. A thick cloud had darkened the moon, so + that I could distinguish little more than the outlines of + near objects, and that vaguely enough; and sometimes, as it + were, floating in black fog, the white surface of a tombstone + emerged. + </p> + <p> + Among the forms that met my eye against the iron-grey of the + horizon, were some of those shrubs or trees that grow like + our junipers, some six feet high, in form like a miniature + poplar, with the darker foliage of the yew. I do not know the + name of the plant, but I have often seen it in such funereal + places. + </p> + <p> + Knowing that I was a little too early, I sat down upon the + edge of a tombstone to wait, as, for aught I knew, the + beautiful Countess might have wise reasons for not caring + that I should enter the grounds of the château earlier + than she had appointed. In the listless state induced by + waiting, I sat there, with my eyes on the object straight + before me, which chanced to be that faint black outline I + have described. It was right before me, about half-a-dozen + steps away. + </p> + <p> + The moon now began to escape from under the skirt of the + cloud that had hid her face for so long; and, as the light + gradually improved, the tree on which I had been lazily + staring began to take a new shape. It was no longer a tree, + but a man standing motionless. Brighter and brighter grew the + moonlight, clearer and clearer the image became, and at last + stood out perfectly distinctly. It was Colonel Gaillarde. + Luckily, he was not looking toward me. I could only see him + in profile; but there was no mistaking the white moustache, + the <i>farouche</i> visage, and the gaunt six-foot stature. + There he was, his shoulder toward me, listening and watching, + plainly, for some signal or person expected, straight in + front of him. + </p> + <p> + If he were, by chance, to turn his eyes in my direction, I + knew that I must reckon upon an instantaneous renewal of the + combat only commenced in the hall of Belle Étoile. In + any case, could malignant fortune have posted, at this place + and hour, a more dangerous watcher? What ecstasy to him, by a + single discovery, to hit me so hard, and blast the Countess + de St. Alyre, whom he seemed to hate. + </p> + <p> + He raised his arm; he whistled softly; I heard an answering + whistle as low; and, to my relief, the Colonel advanced in + the direction of this sound, widening the distance between us + at every step; and immediately I heard talking, but in a low + and cautious key. I recognized, I thought, even so, the + peculiar voice of Gaillarde. I stole softly forward in the + direction in which those sounds were audible. In doing so, I + had, of course, to use the extremest caution. + </p> + <p> + I thought I saw a hat above a jagged piece of ruined wall, + and then a second—yes, I saw two hats conversing; the + voices came from under them. They moved off, not in the + direction of the park, but of the road, and I lay along the + grass, peeping over a grave, as a skirmisher might observing + the enemy. One after the other, the figures emerged full into + view as they mounted the stile at the roadside. The Colonel, + who was last, stood on the wall for awhile, looking about + him, and then jumped down on the road. I heard their steps + and talk as they moved away together, with their backs toward + me, in the direction which led them farther and farther from + the Dragon Volant. + </p> + <p> + I waited until these sounds were quite lost in distance + before I entered the park. I followed the instructions I had + received from the Countess de St. Alyre, and made my way + among brushwood and thickets to the point nearest the ruinous + temple, and crossed the short intervening space of open + ground rapidly. + </p> + <p> + I was now once more under the gigantic boughs of the old lime + and chestnut trees; softly, and with a heart throbbing fast, + I approached the little structure. + </p> + <p> + The moon was now shining steadily, pouring down its radiance + on the soft foliage, and here and there mottling the verdure + under my feet. + </p> + <p> + I reached the steps; I was among its worn marble shafts. She + was not there, nor in the inner sanctuary, the arched windows + of which were screened almost entirely by masses of ivy. The + lady had not yet arrived. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH19"><!-- CH19 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XIX + </h2> + <center> + THE KEY + </center> + <p> + I stood now upon the steps, watching and listening. In a + minute or two I heard the crackle of withered sticks trod + upon, and, looking in the direction, I saw a figure + approaching among the trees, wrapped in a mantle. + </p> + <p> + I advanced eagerly. It was the Countess. She did not speak, + but gave me her hand, and I led her to the scene of our last + interview. She repressed the ardor of my impassioned greeting + with a gentle but peremptory firmness. She removed her hood, + shook back her beautiful hair, and, gazing on me with sad and + glowing eyes, sighed deeply. Some awful thought seemed to + weigh upon her, + </p> + <p> + "Richard, I must speak plainly. The crisis of my life has + come. I am sure you would defend me. I think you pity me; + perhaps you even love me." + </p> + <p> + At these words I became eloquent, as young madmen in my + plight do. She silenced me, however, with the same melancholy + firmness. + </p> + <p> + "Listen, dear friend, and then say whether you can aid me. + How madly I am trusting you; and yet my heart tells me how + wisely! To meet you here as I do—what insanity it + seems! How poorly you must think of me! But when you know + all, you will judge me fairly. Without your aid I cannot + accomplish my purpose. That purpose unaccomplished, I must + die. I am chained to a man whom I despise—whom I abhor. + I have resolved to fly. I have jewels, principally diamonds, + for which I am offered thirty thousand pounds of your English + money. They are my separate property by my marriage + settlement; I will take them with me. You are a judge, no + doubt, of jewels. I was counting mine when the hour came, and + brought this in my hand to show you. Look." + </p> + <p> + "It is magnificent!" I exclaimed, as a collar of diamonds + twinkled and flashed in the moonlight, suspended from her + pretty fingers. I thought, even at that tragic moment, that + she prolonged the show, with a feminine delight in these + brilliant toys. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she said, "I shall part with them all. I will turn + them into money and break, forever, the unnatural and wicked + bonds that tied me, in the name of a sacrament, to a tyrant. + A man young, handsome, generous, brave, as you, can hardly be + rich. Richard, you say you love me; you shall share all this + with me. We will fly together to Switzerland; we will evade + pursuit; in powerful friends will intervene and arrange a + separation, and shall, at length, be happy and reward my + hero." + </p> + <p> + You may suppose the style, florid and vehement, in which + poured forth my gratitude, vowed the devotion of my life, and + placed myself absolutely at her disposal. + </p> + <p> + "Tomorrow night," she said, "my husband will attend the + remains of his cousin, Monsieur de St. Amand, to Père + la Chaise. The hearse, he says, will leave this at half-past + nine. You must be here, where we stand, at nine o'clock." + </p> + <p> + I promised punctual obedience. + </p> + <p> + "I will not meet you here; but you see a red light in the + window of the tower at that angle of the château?" + </p> + <p> + I assented. + </p> + <p> + "I placed it there, that, tomorrow night, when it comes, you + may recognize it. So soon as that rose-colored light appears + at that window, it will be a signal to you that the funeral + has left the château, and that you may approach safely. + Come, then, to that window; I will open it and admit you. + Five minutes after a carriage-carriage, with four horses, + shall stand ready in the <i>porte-cochère</i>. I will + place my diamonds in your hands; and so soon as we enter the + carriage our flight commences. We shall have at least five + hours' start; and with energy, stratagem, and resource, I + fear nothing. Are you ready to undertake all this for my + sake?" + </p> + <p> + Again I vowed myself her slave. + </p> + <p> + "My only difficulty," she said, "is how we shall quickly + enough convert my diamonds into money; I dare not remove them + while my husband is in the house." + </p> + <p> + Here was the opportunity I wished for. I now told her that I + had in my banker's hands no less a sum than thirty thousand + pounds, with which, in the shape of gold and notes, I should + come furnished, and thus the risk and loss of disposing of + her diamonds in too much haste would be avoided. + </p> + <p> + "Good Heaven!" she exclaimed, with a kind of disappointment. + "You are rich, then? and I have lost the felicity of making + my generous friend more happy. Be it so! since so it must be. + Let us contribute, each, in equal shares, to our common fund. + Bring you, your money; I, my jewels. There is a happiness to + me even in mingling my resources with yours." + </p> + <p> + On this there followed a romantic colloquy, all poetry and + passion, such as I should in vain endeavor to reproduce. Then + came a very special instruction. + </p> + <p> + "I have come provided, too, with a key, the use of which I + must explain." + </p> + <p> + It was a double key—a long, slender stem, with a key at + each end—one about the size which opens an ordinary + room door; the other as small, almost, as the key of a + dressing-case. + </p> + <p> + "You cannot employ too much caution tomorrow night. An + interruption would murder all my hopes. I have learned that + you occupy the haunted room in the Dragon Volant. It is the + very room I would have wished you in. I will tell you + why—there is a story of a man who, having shut himself + up in that room one night, disappeared before morning. The + truth is, he wanted, I believe, to escape from creditors; and + the host of the Dragon Volant at that time, being a rogue, + aided him in absconding. My husband investigated the matter, + and discovered how his escape was made. It was by means of + this key. Here is a memorandum and a plan describing how they + are to be applied. I have taken them from the Count's + escritoire. And now, once more I must leave to your ingenuity + how to mystify the people at the Dragon Volant. Be sure you + try the keys first, to see that the locks turn freely. I will + have my jewels ready. You, whatever we divide, had better + bring your money, because it may be many months before you + can revisit Paris, or disclose our place of residence to + anyone: and our passports—arrange all that; in what + names, and whither, you please. And now, dear Richard" (she + leaned her arm fondly on my shoulder, and looked with + ineffable passion in my eyes, with her other hand clasped in + mine), "my very life is in your hands; I have staked all on + your fidelity." + </p> + <p> + As she spoke the last word, she, on a sudden, grew deadly + pale, and gasped, "Good God! who is here?" + </p> + <p> + At the same moment she receded through the door in the marble + screen, close to which she stood, and behind which was a + small roofless chamber, as small as the shrine, the window of + which was darkened by a clustering mass of ivy so dense that + hardly a gleam of light came through the leaves. + </p> + <p> + I stood upon the threshold which she had just crossed, + looking in the direction in which she had thrown that one + terrified glance. No wonder she was frightened. Quite close + upon us, not twenty yards away, and approaching at a quick + step, very distinctly lighted by the moon, Colonel Gaillarde + and his companion were coming. The shadow of the cornice and + a piece of wall were upon me. Unconscious of this, I was + expecting the moment when, with one of his frantic yells, he + should spring forward to assail me. + </p> + <p> + I made a step backward, drew one of my pistols from my + pocket, and cocked it. It was obvious he had not seen me. + </p> + <p> + I stood, with my finger on the trigger, determined to shoot + him dead if he should attempt to enter the place where the + Countess was. It would, no doubt, have been a murder; but, in + my mind, I had no question or qualm about it. When once we + engage in secret and guilty practices we are nearer other and + greater crimes than we at all suspect. + </p> + <p> + "There's the statue," said the Colonel, in his brief + discordant tones. "That's the figure." + </p> + <p> + "Alluded to in the stanzas?" inquired his companion. + </p> + <p> + "The very thing. We shall see more next time. Forward, + Monsieur; let us march." And, much to my relief, the gallant + Colonel turned on his heel and marched through the trees, + with his back toward the château, striding over the + grass, as I quickly saw, to the park wall, which they crossed + not far from the gables of the Dragon Volant. + </p> + <p> + I found the Countess trembling in no affected, but a very + real terror. She would not hear of my accompanying her toward + the château. But I told her that I would prevent the + return of the mad Colonel; and upon that point, at least, + that she need fear nothing. She quickly recovered, again bade + me a fond and lingering good-night, and left me, gazing after + her, with the key in my hand, and such a phantasmagoria + floating in my brain as amounted very nearly to madness. + </p> + <p> + There was I, ready to brave all dangers, all right and + reason, plunge into murder itself, on the first summons, and + entangle myself in consequences inextricable and horrible + (what cared I?) for a woman of whom I knew nothing, but that + she was beautiful and reckless! + </p> + <p> + I have often thanked heaven for its mercy in conducting me + through the labyrinths in which I had all but lost myself. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH20"><!-- CH20 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XX + </h2> + <center> + A HIGH-CAULD-CAP + </center> + <p> + I was now upon the road, within two or three hundred yards of + the Dragon Volant. I had undertaken an adventure with a + vengeance! And by way of prelude, there not improbably + awaited me, at my inn, another encounter, perhaps, this time, + not so lucky, with the grotesque sabreur. + </p> + <p> + I was glad I had my pistols. I certainly was bound by no law + to allow a ruffian to cut me down, unresisting. + </p> + <p> + Stooping boughs from the old park, gigantic poplars on the + other side, and the moonlight over all, made the narrow road + to the inn-door picturesque. + </p> + <p> + I could not think very clearly just now; events were + succeeding one another so rapidly, and I, involved in the + action of a drama so extravagant and guilty, hardly knew + myself or believed my own story, as I slowly paced towards + the still open door of the Flying Dragon. No sign of the + Colonel, visible or audible, was there. In the hall I + inquired. No gentleman had arrived at the inn for the last + half hour. I looked into the public room. It was deserted. + The clock struck twelve, and I heard the servant barring the + great door. I took my candle. The lights in this rural + hostelry were by this time out, and the house had the air of + one that had settled to slumber for many hours. The cold + moonlight streamed in at the window on the landing as I + ascended the broad staircase; and I paused for a moment to + look over the wooded grounds to the turreted château, + to me, so full of interest. I bethought me, however, that + prying eyes might read a meaning in this midnight gazing, and + possibly the Count himself might, in his jealous mood, + surmise a signal in this unwonted light in the stair-window + of the Dragon Volant. + </p> + <p> + On opening my room door, with a little start, I met an + extremely old woman with the longest face I ever saw; she had + what used to be termed a high-cauld-cap on, the white border + of which contrasted with her brown and yellow skin, and made + her wrinkled face more ugly. She raised her curved shoulders, + and looked up in my face, with eyes unnaturally black and + bright. + </p> + <p> + "I have lighted a little wood, Monsieur, because the night is + chill." + </p> + <p> + I thanked her, but she did not go. She stood with her candle + in her tremulous fingers. + </p> + <p> + "Excuse an old woman, Monsieur," she said; "but what on earth + can a young English <i>milord</i>, with all Paris at his + feet, find to amuse him in the Dragon Volant?" + </p> + <p> + Had I been at the age of fairy tales, and in daily + intercourse with the delightful Countess d'Aulnois, I should + have seen in this withered apparition, the <i>genius + loci</i>, the malignant fairy, at the stamp of whose foot the + ill-fated tenants of this very room had, from time to time, + vanished. I was past that, however; but the old woman's dark + eyes were fixed on mine with a steady meaning that plainly + told me that my secret was known. I was embarrassed and + alarmed; I never thought of asking her what business that was + of hers. + </p> + <p> + "These old eyes saw you in the park of the château + tonight." + </p> + <p> + "<i>I</i>!" I began, with all the scornful surprise I could + affect. + </p> + <p> + "It avails nothing, Monsieur; I know why you stay here; and I + tell you to begone. Leave this house tomorrow morning, and + never come again." + </p> + <p> + She lifted her disengaged hand, as she looked at me with + intense horror in her eyes. + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing on earth—I don't know what you mean," + I answered, "and why should you care about me?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't care about you, Monsieur—I care about the + honor of an ancient family, whom I served in their happier + days, when to be noble was to be honored. But my words are + thrown away, Monsieur; you are insolent. I will keep my + secret, and you, yours; that is all. You will soon find it + hard enough to divulge it." + </p> + <p> + The old woman went slowly from the room and shut the door, + before I had made up my mind to say anything. I was standing + where she had left me, nearly five minutes later. The + jealousy of Monsieur the Count, I assumed, appears to this + old creature about the most terrible thing in creation. + Whatever contempt I might entertain for the dangers which + this old lady so darkly intimated, it was by no means + pleasant, you may suppose, that a secret so dangerous should + be so much as suspected by a stranger, and that stranger a + partisan of the Count de St. Alyre. + </p> + <p> + Ought I not, at all risks, to apprise the Countess, who had + trusted me so generously, or, as she said herself, so madly, + of the fact that our secret was, at least, suspected by + another? But was there not greater danger in attempting to + communicate? What did the beldame mean by saying, "Keep your + secret, and I'll keep mine?" + </p> + <p> + I had a thousand distracting questions before me. My progress + seemed like a journey through the Spessart, where at every + step some new goblin or monster starts from the ground or + steps from behind a tree. + </p> + <p> + Peremptorily I dismissed these harassing and frightful + doubts. I secured my door, sat myself down at my table and, + with a candle at each side, placed before me the piece of + vellum which contained the drawings and notes on which I was + to rely for full instructions as to how to use the key. + </p> + <p> + When I had studied this for awhile I made my investigation. + The angle of the room at the right side of the window was cut + off by an oblique turn in the wainscot. I examined this + carefully, and, on pressure, a small bit of the frame of the + woodwork slid aside, and disclosed a key-hole. On removing my + finger, it shot back to its place again, with a spring. So + far I had interpreted my instructions successfully. A similar + search, next the door, and directly under this, was rewarded + by a like discovery. The small end of the key fitted this, as + it had the upper key-hole; and now, with two or three hard + jerks at the key, a door in the panel opened, showing a strip + of the bare wall and a narrow, arched doorway, piercing the + thickness of the wall; and within which I saw a screw + staircase of stone. + </p> + <p> + Candle in hand I stepped in. I do not know whether the + quality of air, long undisturbed, is peculiar; to me it has + always seemed so, and the damp smell of the old masonry hung + in this atmosphere. My candle faintly lighted the bare stone + wall that enclosed the stair, the foot of which I could not + see. Down I went, and a few turns brought me to the stone + floor. Here was another door, of the simple, old, oak kind, + deep sunk in the thickness of the wall. The large end of the + key fitted this. The lock was stiff; I set the candle down + upon the stair, and applied both hands; it turned with + difficulty and, as it revolved, uttered a shriek that alarmed + me for my secret. + </p> + <p> + For some minutes I did not move. In a little time, however, I + took courage, and opened the door. The night-air floating in + puffed out the candle. There was a thicket of holly and + underwood, as dense as a jungle, close about the door. I + should have been in pitch-darkness, were it not that through + the topmost leaves there twinkled, here and there, a glimmer + of moonshine. + </p> + <p> + Softly, lest anyone should have opened his window at the + sound of the rusty bolt, I struggled through this till I + gained a view of the open grounds. Here I found that the + brushwood spread a good way up the park, uniting with the + wood that approached the little temple I have described. + </p> + <p> + A general could not have chosen a more effectually-covered + approach from the Dragon Volant to the trysting-place where + hitherto I had conferred with the idol of my lawless + adoration. + </p> + <p> + Looking back upon the old inn I discovered that the stair I + descended was enclosed in one of those slender turrets that + decorate such buildings. It was placed at that angle which + corresponded with the part of the paneling of my room + indicated in the plan I had been studying. + </p> + <p> + Thoroughly satisfied with my experiment I made my way back to + the door with some little difficulty, remounted to my room, + locked my secret door again; kissed the mysterious key that + her hand had pressed that night, and placed it under my + pillow, upon which, very soon after, my giddy head was laid, + not, for some time, to sleep soundly. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH21"><!-- CH21 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XXI + </h2> + <center> + I SEE THREE MEN IN A MIRROR + </center> + <p> + I awoke very early next morning, and was too excited to sleep + again. As soon as I could, without exciting remark, I saw my + host. I told him that I was going into town that night, and + thence to ——, where I had to see some people on + business, and requested him to mention my being there to any + friend who might call. That I expected to be back in about a + week, and that in the meantime my servant, St. Clair, would + keep the key of my room and look after my things. + </p> + <p> + Having prepared this mystification for my landlord, I drove + into Paris, and there transacted the financial part of the + affair. The problem was to reduce my balance, nearly thirty + thousand pounds, to a shape in which it would be not only + easily portable, but available, wherever I might go, without + involving correspondence, or any other incident which would + disclose my place of residence for the time being. All these + points were as nearly provided for as, they could be. I need + not trouble you about my arrangements for passports. It is + enough to say that the point I selected for our flight was, + in the spirit of romance, one of the most beautiful and + sequestered nooks in Switzerland. + </p> + <p> + Luggage, I should start with none. The first considerable + town we reached next morning, would supply an extemporized + wardrobe. It was now two o'clock; <i>only</i> two! How on + earth was I to dispose of the remainder of the day? + </p> + <p> + I had not yet seen the cathedral of Notre Dame, and thither I + drove. I spent an hour or more there; and then to the + Conciergerie, the Palais de Justice, and the beautiful Sainte + Chapelle. Still there remained some time to get rid of, and I + strolled into the narrow streets adjoining the cathedral. I + recollect seeing, in one of them, an old house with a mural + inscription stating that it had been the residence of Canon + Fulbert, the uncle of Abelard's Eloise. I don't know whether + these curious old streets, in which I observed fragments of + ancient Gothic churches fitted up as warehouses, are still + extant. I lighted, among other dingy and eccentric shops, + upon one that seemed that of a broker of all sorts of old + decorations, armor, china, furniture. I entered the shop; it + was dark, dusty, and low. The proprietor was busy scouring a + piece of inlaid armor, and allowed me to poke about his shop, + and examine the curious things accumulated there, just as I + pleased. Gradually I made my way to the farther end of it, + where there was but one window with many panes, each with a + bull's eye in it, and in the dirtiest Possible state. When I + reached this window, I turned about, and in a recess, + standing at right angles with the side wall of the shop, was + a large mirror in an old-fashioned dingy frame. Reflected in + this I saw what in old houses I have heard termed an + "alcove," in which, among lumber and various dusty articles + hanging on the wall, there stood a table, at which three + persons were seated, as it seemed to me, in earnest + conversation. Two of these persons I instantly recognized; + one was Colonel Gaillarde, the other was the Marquis + d'Harmonville. The third, who was fiddling with a pen, was a + lean, pale man, pitted with the small-pox, with lank black + hair, and about as mean-looking a person as I had ever seen + in my life. The Marquis looked up, and his glance was + instantaneously followed by his two companions. For a moment + I hesitated what to do. But it was plain that I was not + recognized, as indeed I could hardly have been, the light + from the window being behind me, and the portion of the shop + immediately before me being very dark indeed. + </p> + <p> + Perceiving this, I had presence of mind to affect being + entirely engrossed by the objects before me, and strolled + slowly down the shop again. I paused for a moment to hear + whether I was followed, and was relieved when I heard no + step. You may be sure I did not waste more time in that shop, + where I had just made a discovery so curious and so + unexpected. + </p> + <p> + It was no business of mine to inquire what brought Colonel + Gaillarde and the Marquis together, in so shabby and even + dirty a place, or who the mean person, biting the feather end + of his pen, might be. Such employments as the Marquis had + accepted sometimes make strange bed-fellows. + </p> + <p> + I was glad to get away, and just as the sun set I had reached + the steps of the Dragon Volant, and dismissed the vehicle in + which I arrived, carrying in my hand a strong box, of + marvelously small dimensions considering all it contained, + strapped in a leather cover which disguised its real + character. + </p> + <p> + When I got to my room I summoned St. Clair. I told him nearly + the same story I had already told my host. I gave him fifty + pounds, with orders to expend whatever was necessary on + himself, and in payment for my rooms till my return. I then + ate a slight and hasty dinner. My eyes were often upon the + solemn old clock over the chimney-piece, which was my sole + accomplice in keeping tryst in this iniquitous venture. The + sky favored my design, and darkened all things with a sea of + clouds. + </p> + <p> + The innkeeper met me in the hall, to ask whether I should + want a vehicle to Paris? I was prepared for this question, + and instantly answered that I meant to walk to Versailles and + take a carriage there. I called St. Clair. + </p> + <p> + "Go," said I, "and drink a bottle of wine with your friends. + I shall call you if I should want anything; in the meantime, + here is the key to my room; I shall be writing some notes, so + don't allow anyone to disturb me for at least half an hour. + At the end of that time you will probably find that I have + left this for Versailles; and should you not find me in the + room, you may take that for granted; and you take charge of + everything, and lock the door, you understand?" + </p> + <p> + St. Clair took his leave, wishing me all happiness, and no + doubt promising himself some little amusement with my money. + With my candle in my hand, I hastened upstairs. It wanted now + but five minutes to the appointed time. I do not think there + is anything of the coward in my nature; but I confess, as the + crisis approached, I felt something of the suspense and awe + of a soldier going into action. Would I have receded? Not for + all this earth could offer. + </p> + <p> + I bolted my door, put on my greatcoat, and placed my pistols + one in each pocket. I now applied my key to the secret locks; + drew the wainscot door a little open, took my strong box + under my arm, extinguished my candle, unbolted my door, + listened at it for a few moments to be sure that no one was + approaching, and then crossed the floor of my room swiftly, + entered the secret door, and closed the spring lock after me. + I was upon the screw-stair in total darkness, the key in my + fingers. Thus far the undertaking was successful. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH22"><!-- CH22 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XXII + </h2> + <center> + RAPTURE + </center> + <p> + Down the screw-stair I went in utter darkness; and having + reached the stone floor I discerned the door and groped out + the key-hole. With more caution, and less noise than upon the + night before, I opened the door and stepped out into the + thick brushwood. It was almost as dark in this jungle. + </p> + <p> + Having secured the door I slowly pushed my way through the + bushes, which soon became less dense. Then, with more case, + but still under thick cover, I pursued in the track of the + wood, keeping near its edge. + </p> + <p> + At length, in the darkened air, about fifty yards away, the + shafts of the marble temple rose like phantoms before me, + seen through the trunks of the old trees. Everything favored + my enterprise. I had effectually mystified my servant and the + people of the Dragon Volant, and so dark was the night, that + even had I alarmed the suspicions of all the tenants of the + inn, I might safely defy their united curiosity, though + posted at every window of the house. + </p> + <p> + Through the trunks, over the roots of the old trees, I + reached the appointed place of observation. I laid my + treasure in its leathern case in the embrasure, and leaning + my arms upon it, looked steadily in the direction of the + château. The outline of the building was scarcely + discernible, blending dimly, as it did, with the sky. No + light in any window was visible. I was plainly to wait; but + for how long? + </p> + <p> + Leaning on my box of treasure, gazing toward the massive + shadow that represented the château, in the midst of my + ardent and elated longings, there came upon me an odd + thought, which you will think might well have struck me long + before. It seemed on a sudden, as it came, that the darkness + deepened, and a chill stole into the air around me. + </p> + <p> + Suppose I were to disappear finally, like those other men + whose stories I had listened to! Had I not been at all the + pains that mortal could to obliterate every trace of my real + proceedings, and to mislead everyone to whom I spoke as to + the direction in which I had gone? + </p> + <p> + This icy, snake-like thought stole through my mind, and was + gone. + </p> + <p> + It was with me the full-blooded season of youth, conscious + strength, rashness, passion, pursuit, the adventure! Here + were a pair of double-barreled pistols, four lives in my + hands? What could possibly happen? The Count—except for + the sake of my dulcinea, what was it to me whether the old + coward whom I had seen, in an ague of terror before the + brawling Colonel, interposed or not? I was assuming the worst + that could happen. But with an ally so clever and courageous + as my beautiful Countess, could any such misadventure befall? + Bah! I laughed at all such fancies. + </p> + <p> + As I thus communed with myself, the signal light sprang up. + The rose-colored light, <i>couleur de rose</i>, emblem of + sanguine hope and the dawn of a happy day. + </p> + <p> + Clear, soft, and steady, glowed the light from the window. + The stone shafts showed black against it. Murmuring words of + passionate love as I gazed upon the signal, I grasped my + strong box under my arm, and with rapid strides approached + the Château de la Carque. No sign of light or life, no + human voice, no tread of foot, no bark of dog indicated a + chance of interruption. A blind was down; and as I came close + to the tall window, I found that half-a-dozen steps led up to + it, and that a large lattice, answering for a door, lay open. + </p> + <p> + A shadow from within fell upon the blind; it was drawn aside, + and as I ascended the steps, a soft voice + murmured—"Richard, dearest Richard, come, oh! come! how + I have longed for this moment!" + </p> + <p> + Never did she look so beautiful. My love rose to passionate + enthusiasm. I only wished there were some real danger in the + adventure worthy of such a creature. When the first + tumultuous greeting was over, she made me sit beside her on a + sofa. There we talked for a minute or two. She told me that + the Count had gone, and was by that time more than a mile on + his way, with the funeral, to Père la Chaise. Here + were her diamonds. She exhibited, hastily, an open casket + containing a profusion of the largest brilliants. + </p> + <p> + "What is this?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "A box containing money to the amount of thirty thousand + pounds," I answered. + </p> + <p> + "What! all that money?" she exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + "Every <i>sou</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Was it not unnecessary to bring so much, seeing all these?" + she said, touching her diamonds. "It would have been kind of + you to allow me to provide for both, for a time at least. It + would have made me happier even than I am." + </p> + <p> + "Dearest, generous angel!" Such was my extravagant + declamation. "You forget that it may be necessary, for a long + time, to observe silence as to where we are, and impossible + to communicate safely with anyone." + </p> + <p> + "You have then here this great sum—are you certain; + have you counted it?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, certainly; I received it today," I answered, perhaps + showing a little surprise in my face. "I counted it, of + course, on drawing it from my bankers." + </p> + <p> + "It makes me feel a little nervous, traveling with so much + money; but these jewels make as great a danger; that can add + but little to it. Place them side by side; you shall take off + your greatcoat when we are ready to go, and with it manage to + conceal these boxes. I should not like the drivers to suspect + that we were conveying such a treasure. I must ask you now to + close the curtains of that window, and bar the shutters." + </p> + <p> + I had hardly done this when a knock was heard at the room + door. + </p> + <p> + "I know who this is," she said, in a whisper to me. + </p> + <p> + I saw that she was not alarmed. She went softly to the door, + and a whispered conversation for a minute followed. + </p> + <p> + "My trusty maid, who is coming with us. She says we cannot + safely go sooner than ten minutes. She is bringing some + coffee to the next room." + </p> + <p> + She opened the door and looked in. + </p> + <p> + "I must tell her not to take too much luggage. She is so odd! + Don't follow—stay where you are—it is better that + she should not see you." + </p> + <p> + She left the room with a gesture of caution. + </p> + <p> + A change had come over the manner of this beautiful woman. + For the last few minutes a shadow had been stealing over her, + an air of abstraction, a look bordering on suspicion. Why was + she pale? Why had there come that dark look in her eyes? Why + had her very voice become changed? Had anything gone suddenly + wrong? Did some danger threaten? + </p> + <p> + This doubt, however, speedily quieted itself. If there had + been anything of the kind, she would, of course, have told + me. It was only natural that, as the crisis approached, she + should become more and more nervous. She did not return quite + so soon as I had expected. To a man in my situation absolute + quietude is next to impossible. I moved restlessly about the + room. It was a small one. There was a door at the other end. + I opened it, rashly enough. I listened, it was perfectly + silent. I was in an excited, eager state, and every faculty + engrossed about what was coming, and in so far detached from + the immediate present. I can't account, in any other way, for + my having done so many foolish things that night, for I was, + naturally, by no means deficient in cunning. About the most + stupid of those was, that instead of immediately closing that + door, which I never ought to have opened, I actually took a + candle and walked into the room. + </p> + <p> + There I made, quite unexpectedly, a rather startling + discovery. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH23"><!-- CH23 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XXIII + </h2> + <center> + A CUP OF COFFEE + </center> + <p> + The room was carpetless. On the floor were a quantity of + shavings, and some score of bricks. Beyond these, on a narrow + table, lay an object which I could hardly believe I saw + aright. + </p> + <p> + I approached and drew from it a sheet which had very slightly + disguised its shape. There was no mistake about it. It was a + coffin; and on the lid was a plate, with the inscription in + French: + </p> + <pre> + PIERRE DE LA ROCHE ST. AMAND. + ÂGÉ DE XXIII ANS. +</pre> + <p> + I drew back with a double shock. So, then, the funeral after + all had not yet left! Here lay the body. I had been deceived. + This, no doubt, accounted for the embarrassment so manifest + in the Countess's manner. She would have done more wisely had + she told me the true state of the case. + </p> + <p> + I drew back from this melancholy room, and closed the door. + Her distrust of me was the worst rashness she could have + committed. There is nothing more dangerous than misapplied + caution. In entire ignorance of the fact I had entered the + room, and there I might have lighted upon some of the very + persons it was our special anxiety that I should avoid. + </p> + <p> + These reflections were interrupted, almost as soon as began, + by the return of the Countess de St. Alyre. I saw at a glance + that she detected in my face some evidence of what had + happened, for she threw a hasty look towards the door. + </p> + <p> + "Have you seen anything—anything to disturb you, dear + Richard? Have you been out of this room?" + </p> + <p> + I answered promptly, "Yes," and told her frankly what had + happened. + </p> + <p> + "Well, I did not like to make you more uneasy than necessary. + Besides, it is disgusting and horrible. The body is there; + but the Count had departed a quarter of an hour before I + lighted the colored lamp, and prepared to receive you. The + body did not arrive till eight or ten minutes after he had + set out. He was afraid lest the people at Père la + Chaise should suppose that the funeral was postponed. He knew + that the remains of poor Pierre would certainly reach this + tonight, although an unexpected delay has occurred; and there + are reasons why he wishes the funeral completed before + tomorrow. The hearse with the body must leave this in ten + minutes. So soon as it is gone, we shall be free to set out + upon our wild and happy journey. The horses are to the + carriage in the <i>porte-cochère</i>. As for this + <i>funeste</i> horror" (she shuddered very prettily), "let us + think of it no more." + </p> + <p> + She bolted the door of communication, and when she turned it + was with such a pretty penitence in her face and attitude, + that I was ready to throw myself at her feet. + </p> + <p> + "It is the last time," she said, in a sweet sad little + pleading, "I shall ever practice a deception on my brave and + beautiful Richard—my hero! Am I forgiven?" + </p> + <p> + Here was another scene of passionate effusion, and lovers' + raptures and declamations, but only murmured lest the ears of + listeners should be busy. + </p> + <p> + At length, on a sudden, she raised her hand, as if to prevent + my stirring, her eyes fixed on me and her ear toward the door + of the room in which the coffin was placed, and remained + breathless in that attitude for a few moments. Then, with a + little nod towards me, she moved on tip-toe to the door, and + listened, extending her hand backward as if to warn me + against advancing; and, after a little time, she returned, + still on tip-toe, and whispered to me, "They are removing the + coffin—come with me." + </p> + <p> + I accompanied her into the room from which her maid, as she + told me, had spoken to her. Coffee and some old china cups, + which appeared to me quite beautiful, stood on a silver tray; + and some liqueur glasses, with a flask, which turned out to + be noyau, on a salver beside it. + </p> + <p> + "I shall attend you. I'm to be your servant here; I am to + have my own way; I shall not think myself forgiven by my + darling if he refuses to indulge me in anything." + </p> + <p> + She filled a cup with coffee and handed it to me with her + left hand; her right arm she fondly passed over my shoulder, + and with her fingers through my curls, caressingly, she + whispered, "Take this, I shall take some just now." + </p> + <p> + It was excellent; and when I had done she handed me the + liqueur, which I also drank. + </p> + <p> + "Come back, dearest, to the next room," she said. "By this + time those terrible people must have gone away, and we shall + be safer there, for the present, than here." + </p> + <p> + "You shall direct, and I obey; you shall command me, not only + now, but always, and in all things, my beautiful queen!" I + murmured. + </p> + <p> + My heroics were unconsciously, I daresay, founded upon my + ideal of the French school of lovemaking. I am, even now, + ashamed as I recall the bombast to which I treated the + Countess de St. Alyre. + </p> + <p> + "There, you shall have another miniature glass—a fairy + glass—of noyau," she said gaily. In this volatile + creature, the funereal gloom of the moment before, and the + suspense of an adventure on which all her future was staked, + disappeared in a moment. She ran and returned with another + tiny glass, which, with an eloquent or tender little speech, + I placed to my lips and sipped. + </p> + <p> + I kissed her hand, I kissed her lips, I gazed in her + beautiful eyes, and kissed her again unresisting. + </p> + <p> + "You call me Richard, by what name am I to call my beautiful + divinity?" I asked. + </p> + <p> + "You call me Eugenie, it is my name. Let us be quite real; + that is, if you love as entirely as I do." + </p> + <p> + "Eugenie!" I exclaimed, and broke into a new rapture upon the + name. + </p> + <p> + It ended by my telling her how impatient I was to set out + upon our journey; and, as I spoke, suddenly an odd sensation + overcame me. It was not in the slightest degree like + faintness. I can find no phrase to describe it, but a sudden + constraint of the brain; it was as if the membrane in which + it lies, if there be such a thing, contracted, and became + inflexible. + </p> + <p> + "Dear Richard! what is the matter?" she exclaimed, with + terror in her looks. "Good Heavens! are you ill? I conjure + you, sit down; sit in this chair." She almost forced me into + one; I was in no condition to offer the least resistance. I + recognized but too truly the sensations that supervened. I + was lying back in the chair in which I sat, without the + power, by this time, of uttering a syllable, of closing my + eyelids, of moving my eyes, of stirring a muscle. I had in a + few seconds glided into precisely the state in which I had + passed so many appalling hours when approaching Paris, in my + night-drive with the Marquis d'Harmonville. + </p> + <p> + Great and loud was the lady's agony. She seemed to have lost + all sense of fear. She called me by my name, shook me by the + shoulder, raised my arm and let it fall, all the time + imploring of me, in distracting sentences, to make the + slightest sign of life, and vowing that if I did not, she + would make away with herself. + </p> + <p> + These ejaculations, after a minute or two, suddenly subsided. + The lady was perfectly silent and cool. In a very + business-like way she took a candle and stood before me, pale + indeed, very pale, but with an expression only of intense + scrutiny with a dash of horror in it. She moved the candle + before my eyes slowly, evidently watching the effect. She + then set it down, and rang a handball two or three times + sharply. She placed the two cases (I mean hers containing the + jewels and my strong box) side by side on the table; and I + saw her carefully lock the door that gave access to the room + in which I had just now sipped my coffee. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH24"><!-- CH24 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XXIV + </h2> + <center> + HOPE + </center> + <p> + She had scarcely set down my heavy box, which she seemed to + have considerable difficulty in raising on the table, when + the door of the room in which I had seen the coffin, opened, + and a sinister and unexpected apparition entered. + </p> + <p> + It was the Count de St. Alyre, who had been, as I have told + you, reported to me to be, for some considerable time, on his + way to Pèe la Chaise. He stood before me for a moment, + with the frame of the doorway and a background of darkness + enclosing him like a portrait. His slight, mean figure was + draped in the deepest mourning. He had a pair of black gloves + in his hand, and his hat with crape round it. + </p> + <p> + When he was not speaking his face showed signs of agitation; + his mouth was puckering and working. He looked damnably + wicked and frightened. + </p> + <p> + "Well, my dear Eugenie? Well, child—eh? Well, it all + goes admirably?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," she answered, in a low, hard tone. "But you and + Planard should not have left that door open." + </p> + <p> + This she said sternly. "He went in there and looked about + wherever he liked; it was fortunate he did not move aside the + lid of the coffin." + </p> + <p> + "Planard should have seen to that," said the Count, sharply. + "<i>Ma foi!</i> I can't be everywhere!" He advanced + half-a-dozen short quick steps into the room toward me, and + placed his glasses to his eyes. + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur Beckett," he cried sharply, two or three times, + "Hi! don't you know me?" + </p> + <p> + He approached and peered more closely in my face; raised my + hand and shook it, calling me again, then let it drop, and + said: "It has set in admirably, my pretty <i>mignonne</i>. + When did it commence?" + </p> + <p> + The Countess came and stood beside him, and looked at me + steadily for some seconds. You can't conceive the effect of + the silent gaze of those two pairs of evil eyes. + </p> + <p> + The lady glanced to where, I recollected, the mantel piece + stood, and upon it a clock, the regular click of which I + sharply heard. "Four—five—six minutes and a + half," she said slowly, in a cold hard way. + </p> + <p> + "Brava! Bravissima! my beautiful queen! my little Venus! my + Joan of Arc! my heroine! my paragon of women!" + </p> + <p> + He was gloating on me with an odious curiosity, smiling, as + he groped backward with his thin brown fingers to find the + lady's hand; but she, not (I dare say) caring for his + caresses, drew back a little. + </p> + <p> + "Come, <i>ma chère,</i> let us count these things. + What is it? Pocket-book? Or—or—<i>what?</i>" + </p> + <p> + "It is <i>that</i>!" said the lady, pointing with a look of + disgust to the box, which lay in its leather case on the + table. + </p> + <p> + "Oh! Let us see—let us count—let us see," he + said, as he was unbuckling the straps with his tremulous + fingers. "We must count them—we must see to it. I have + pencil and pocket-book—but—where's the key? See + this cursed lock! My—! What is it? Where's the key?" + </p> + <p> + He was standing before the Countess, shuffling his feet, with + his hands extended and all his fingers quivering. + </p> + <p> + "I have not got it; how could I? It is in his pocket, of + course," said the lady. + </p> + <p> + In another instant the fingers of the old miscreant were in + my pockets; he plucked out everything they contained, and + some keys among the rest. + </p> + <p> + I lay in precisely the state in which I had been during my + drive with the Marquis to Paris. This wretch, I knew, was + about to rob me. The whole drama, and the Countess's + <i>rôle</i> in it, I could not yet comprehend. I could + not be sure—so much more presence of mind and + histrionic resource have women than fall to the lot of our + clumsy sex—whether the return of the Count was not, in + truth, a surprise to her; and this scrutiny of the contents + of my strong box, an extempore undertaking of the Count's. + But it was clearing more and more every moment: and I was + destined, very soon, to comprehend minutely my appalling + situation. + </p> + <p> + I had not the power of turning my eyes this way or that, the + smallest fraction of a hair's breadth. But let anyone, placed + as I was at the end of a room, ascertain for himself by + experiment how wide is the field of sight, without the + slightest alteration in the line of vision, he will find that + it takes in the entire breadth of a large room, and that up + to a very short distance before him; and imperfectly, by a + refraction, I believe, in the eye itself, to a point very + near indeed. Next to nothing that passed in the room, + therefore, was hidden from me. + </p> + <p> + The old man had, by this time, found the key. The leather + case was open. The box cramped round with iron was next + unlocked. He turned out its contents upon the table. + </p> + <p> + "Rouleaux of a hundred Napoleons each. One, two, three. Yes, + quick. Write down a thousand Napoleons. One, two; yes, right. + Another thousand, <i>write</i>!" And so on and on till the + gold was rapidly counted. Then came the notes. + </p> + <p> + "Ten thousand francs. <i>Write</i>. Then thousand francs + again. Is it written? Another ten thousand francs: is it + down? Smaller notes would have been better. They should have + been smaller. These are horribly embarrassing. Bolt that door + again; Planard would become unreasonable if he knew the + amount. Why did you not tell him to get it in smaller notes? + No matter now—go on—it can't be + helped—<i>write</i>—another ten thousand + francs—another—another." And so on, till my + treasure was counted out before my face, while I saw and + heard all that passed with the sharpest distinctness, and my + mental perceptions were horribly vivid. But in all other + respects I was dead. + </p> + <p> + He had replaced in the box every note and rouleau as he + counted it, and now, having ascertained the sum total, he + locked it, replaced it very methodically in its cover, opened + a buffet in the wainscoting, and, having placed the Countess' + jewel-case and my strong box in it, he locked it; and + immediately on completing these arrangements he began to + complain, with fresh acrimony and maledictions of Planard's + delay. + </p> + <p> + He unbolted the door, looked in the dark room beyond, and + listened. He closed the door again and returned. The old man + was in a fever of suspense. + </p> + <p> + "I have kept ten thousand francs for Planard," said the + Count, touching his waistcoat pocket. + </p> + <p> + "Will that satisfy him?" asked the lady. + </p> + <p> + "Why—curse him!" screamed the Count. "Has he no + conscience? I'll swear to him it's half the entire thing." + </p> + <p> + He and the lady again came and looked at me anxiously for a + while, in silence; and then the old Count began to grumble + again about Planard, and to compare his watch with the clock. + The lady seemed less impatient; she sat no longer looking at + me, but across the room, so that her profile was toward + me—and strangely changed, dark and witch-like it + looked. My last hope died as I beheld that jaded face from + which the mask had dropped. I was certain that they intended + to crown their robbery by murder. Why did they not dispatch + me at once? What object could there be in postponing the + catastrophe which would expedite their own safety. I cannot + recall, even to myself, adequately the horrors unutterable + that I underwent. You must suppose a real night-mare—I + mean a night-mare in which the objects and the danger are + real, and the spell of corporal death appears to be + protractible at the pleasure of the persons who preside at + your unearthly torments. I could have no doubt as to the + cause of the state in which I was. + </p> + <p> + In this agony, to which I could not give the slightest + expression, I saw the door of the room where the coffin had + been, open slowly, and the Marquis d'Harmonville entered the + room. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH25"><!-- CH25 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XXV + </h2> + <center> + DESPAIR + </center> + <p> + A moment's hope, hope violent and fluctuating, hope that was + nearly torture, and then came a dialogue, and with it the + terrors of despair. + </p> + <p> + "Thank Heaven, Planard, you have come at last," said the + Count, taking him with both hands by the arm, and clinging to + it and drawing him toward me. "See, look at him. It has all + gone sweetly, sweetly, sweetly up to this. Shall I hold the + candle for you?" + </p> + <p> + My friend d'Harmonville, Planard, whatever he was, came to + me, pulling off his gloves, which he popped into his pocket. + </p> + <p> + "The candle, a little this way," he said, and stooping over + me he looked earnestly in my face. He touched my forehead, + drew his hand across it, and then looked in my eyes for a + time. + </p> + <p> + "Well, doctor, what do you think?" whispered the Count. + </p> + <p> + "How much did you give him?" said the Marquis, thus suddenly + stunted down to a doctor. + </p> + <p> + "Seventy drops," said the lady. + </p> + <p> + "In the hot coffee?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes; sixty in a hot cup of coffee and ten in the liqueur." + </p> + <p> + Her voice, low and hard, seemed to me to tremble a little. It + takes a long course of guilt to subjugate nature completely, + and prevent those exterior signs of agitation that outlive + all good. + </p> + <p> + The doctor, however, was treating me as coolly as he might a + subject which he was about to place on the dissecting-table + for a lecture. + </p> + <p> + He looked into my eyes again for awhile, took my wrist, and + applied his fingers to the pulse. + </p> + <p> + "That action suspended," he said to himself. + </p> + <p> + Then again he placed something, that for the moment I saw it + looked like a piece of gold-beater's leaf, to my lips, + holding his head so far that his own breathing could not + affect it. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," he said in soliloquy, very low. + </p> + <p> + Then he plucked my shirt-breast open and applied the + stethoscope, shifted it from point to point, listened with + his ear to its end, as if for a very far-off sound, raised + his head, and said, in like manner, softly to himself, "All + appreciable action of the lungs has subsided." + </p> + <p> + Then turning from the sound, as I conjectured, he said: + </p> + <p> + "Seventy drops, allowing ten for waste, ought to hold him + fast for six hours and a half-that is ample. The experiment I + tried in the carriage was only thirty drops, and showed a + highly sensitive brain. It would not do to kill him, you + know. You are certain you did not exceed <i>seventy</i>?" + </p> + <p> + "Perfectly," said the lady. + </p> + <p> + "If he were to die the evaporation would be arrested, and + foreign matter, some of it poisonous, would be found in the + stomach, don't you see? If you are doubtful, it would be well + to use the stomach-pump." + </p> + <p> + "Dearest Eugenie, be frank, be frank, do be frank," urged the + Count. + </p> + <p> + "I am <i>not</i> doubtful, I am <i>certain</i>," she + answered. + </p> + <p> + "How long ago, exactly? I told you to observe the time." + </p> + <p> + "I did; the minute-hand was exactly there, under the point of + that Cupid's foot." + </p> + <p> + "It will last, then, probably for seven hours. He will + recover then; the evaporation will be complete, and not one + particle of the fluid will remain in the stomach." + </p> + <p> + It was reassuring, at all events, to hear that there was no + intention to murder me. No one who has not tried it knows the + terror of the approach of death, when the mind is clear, the + instincts of life unimpaired, and no excitement to disturb + the appreciation of that entirely new horror. + </p> + <p> + The nature and purpose of this tenderness was very, very + peculiar, and as yet I had not a suspicion of it. + </p> + <p> + "You leave France, I suppose?" said the ex-Marquis. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, certainly, tomorrow," answered the Count. + </p> + <p> + "And where do you mean to go?" + </p> + <p> + "That I have not yet settled," he answered quickly. + </p> + <p> + "You won't tell a friend, eh?" + </p> + <p> + "I can't till I know. This has turned out an unprofitable + affair." + </p> + <p> + "We shall settle that by-and-by." + </p> + <p> + "It is time we should get him lying down, eh," said the + Count, indicating me with one finger. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, we must proceed rapidly now. Are his night-shirt and + night-cap—you understand—here?" + </p> + <p> + "All ready," said the Count. + </p> + <p> + "Now, Madame," said the doctor, turning to the lady, and + making her, in spite of the emergency, a bow, "it is time you + should retire." + </p> + <p> + The lady passed into the room in which I had taken my cup of + treacherous coffee, and I saw her no more. The Count took a + candle and passed through the door at the further end of the + room, returning with a roll of linen in his hand. He bolted + first one door then the other. + </p> + <p> + They now, in silence, proceeded to undress me rapidly. They + were not many minutes in accomplishing this. + </p> + <p> + What the doctor had termed my night-shirt, a long garment + which reached below my feet, was now on, and a cap, that + resembled a female nightcap more than anything I had ever + seen upon a male head, was fitted upon mine, and tied under + my chin. + </p> + <p> + And now, I thought, I shall be laid in a bed to recover how I + can, and, in the meantime, the conspirators will have escaped + with their booty, and pursuit be in vain. + </p> + <p> + This was my best hope at the time; but it was soon clear that + their plans were very different. The Count and Planard now + went, together, into the room that lay straight before me. I + heard them talking low, and a sound of shuffling feet; then a + long rumble; it suddenly stopped; it recommenced; it + continued; side by side they came in at the door, their backs + toward me. They were dragging something along the floor that + made a continued boom and rumble, but they interposed between + me and it, so that I could not see it until they had dragged + it almost beside me; and then, merciful heaven! I saw it + plainly enough. It was the coffin I had seen in the next + room. It lay now flat on the floor, its edge against the + chair in which I sat. Planard removed the lid. The coffin was + empty. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p><a name="CH26"><!-- CH26 --></a> + <h2> + Chapter XXVI + </h2> + <center> + CATASTROPHE + </center> + <p> + "Those seem to be good horses, and we change on the way," + said Planard. "You give the men a Napoleon or two; we must do + it within three hours and a quarter. Now, come; I'll lift him + upright, so as to place his feet in their proper berth, and + you must keep them together and draw the white shirt well + down over them." + </p> + <p> + In another moment I was placed, as he described, sustained in + Planard's arms, standing at the foot of the coffin, and so + lowered backward, gradually, till I lay my length in it. Then + the man, whom he called Planard, stretched my arms by my + sides, and carefully arranged the frills at my breast and the + folds of the shroud, and after that, taking his stand at the + foot of the coffin made a survey which seemed to satisfy him. + </p> + <p> + The Count, who was very methodical, took my clothes, which + had just been removed, folded them rapidly together and + locked them up, as I afterwards heard, in one of the three + presses which opened by doors in the panel. + </p> + <p> + I now understood their frightful plan. This coffin had been + prepared for me; the funeral of St. Amand was a sham to + mislead inquiry; I had myself given the order at Père + la Chaise, signed it, and paid the fees for the interment of + the fictitious Pierre de St. Amand, whose place I was to + take, to lie in his coffin with his name on the plate above + my breast, and with a ton of clay packed down upon me; to + waken from this catalepsy, after I had been for hours in the + grave, there to perish by a death the most horrible that + imagination can conceive. + </p> + <p> + If, hereafter, by any caprice of curiosity or suspicion, the + coffin should be exhumed, and the body it enclosed examined, + no chemistry could detect a trace of poison, nor the most + cautious examination the slightest mark of violence. + </p> + <p> + I had myself been at the utmost pains to mystify inquiry, + should my disappearance excite surmises, and had even written + to my few correspondents in England to tell them that they + were not to look for a letter from me for three weeks at + least. + </p> + <p> + In the moment of my guilty elation death had caught me, and + there was no escape. I tried to pray to God in my unearthly + panic, but only thoughts of terror, judgment, and eternal + anguish crossed the distraction of my immediate doom. + </p> + <p> + I must not try to recall what is indeed + indescribable—the multiform horrors of my own thoughts. + I will relate, simply, what befell, every detail of which + remains sharp in my memory as if cut in steel. + </p> + <p> + "The undertaker's men are in the hall," said the Count. + </p> + <p> + "They must not come till this is fixed," answered Planard. + "Be good enough to take hold of the lower part while I take + this end." I was not left long to conjecture what was coming, + for in a few seconds more something slid across, a few inches + above my face, and entirely excluded the light, and muffled + sound, so that nothing that was not very distinct reached my + ears henceforward; but very distinctly came the working of a + turnscrew, and the crunching home of screws in succession. + Than these vulgar sounds, no doom spoken in thunder could + have been more tremendous. + </p> + <p> + The rest I must relate, not as it then reached my ears, which + was too imperfectly and interruptedly to supply a connected + narrative, but as it was afterwards told me by other people. + </p> + <p> + The coffin-lid being screwed down, the two gentlemen arranged + the room and adjusted the coffin so that it lay perfectly + straight along the boards, the Count being specially anxious + that there should be no appearance of hurry or disorder in + the room, which might have suggested remark and conjecture. + </p> + <p> + When this was done, Doctor Planard said he would go to the + hall to summon the men who were to carry the coffin out and + place it in the hearse. The Count pulled on his black gloves, + and held his white handkerchief in his hand, a very + impressive chief-mourner. He stood a little behind the head + of the coffin, awaiting the arrival of the persons who + accompanied Planard, and whose fast steps he soon heard + approaching. + </p> + <p> + Planard came first. He entered the room through the apartment + in which the coffin had been originally placed. His manner + was changed; there was something of a swagger in it. + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur le Comte," he said, as he strode through the door, + followed by half-a-dozen persons, "I am sorry to have to + announce to you a most unseasonable interruption. Here is + Monsieur Carmaignac, a gentleman holding an office in the + police department, who says that information to the effect + that large quantities of smuggled English and other goods + have been distributed in this neighborhood, and that a + portion of them is concealed in your house. I have ventured + to assure him, of my own knowledge, that nothing can be more + false than that information, and that you would be only too + happy to throw open for his inspection, at a moment's notice, + every room, closet, and cupboard in your house." + </p> + <p> + "Most assuredly," exclaimed the Count, with a stout voice, + but a very white face. "Thank you, my good friend, for having + anticipated me. I will place my house and keys at his + disposal, for the purpose of his scrutiny, so soon as he is + good enough to inform me of what specific contraband goods he + comes in search." + </p> + <p> + "The Count de St. Alyre will pardon me," answered Carmaignac, + a little dryly. "I am forbidden by my instructions to make + that disclosure; and that I <i>am</i> instructed to make a + general search, this warrant will sufficiently apprise + Monsieur le Comte." + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur Carmaignac, may I hope," interposed Planard, "that + you will permit the Count de St. Alyre to attend the funeral + of his kinsman, who lies here, as you see—" (he pointed + to the plate upon the coffin)—"and to convey whom to + Pere la Chaise, a hearse waits at this moment at the door." + </p> + <p> + "That, I regret to say, I cannot permit. My instructions are + precise; but the delay, I trust, will be but trifling. + Monsieur le Comte will not suppose for a moment that I + suspect him; but we have a duty to perform, and I must act as + if I did. When I am ordered to search, I search; things are + sometimes hid in such bizarre places. I can't say, for + instance, what that coffin may contain." + </p> + <p> + "The body of my kinsman, Monsieur Pierre de St. Amand," + answered the Count, loftily. + </p> + <p> + "Oh! then you've seen him?" + </p> + <p> + "Seen him? Often, too often." The Count was evidently a good + deal moved. + </p> + <p> + "I mean the body?" + </p> + <p> + The Count stole a quick glance at Planard. + </p> + <p> + "N—no, Monsieur—that is, I mean only for a + moment." + </p> + <p> + Another quick glance at Planard. + </p> + <p> + "But quite long enough, I fancy, to recognize him?" + insinuated that gentleman. + </p> + <p> + "Of course—of course; instantly—perfectly. What! + Pierre de St. Amand? Not know him at a glance? No, no, poor + fellow, I know him too well for that." + </p> + <p> + "The things I am in search of," said Monsieur Carmaignac, + "would fit in a narrow compass—servants are so + ingenious sometimes. Let us raise the lid." + </p> + <p> + "Pardon me, Monsieur," said the Count, peremptorily, + advancing to the side of the coffin and extending his arm + across it, "I cannot permit that indignity—that + desecration." + </p> + <p> + "There shall be none, sir—simply the raising of the + lid; you shall remain in the room. If it should prove as we + all hope, you shall have the pleasure of one other look, + really the last, upon your beloved kinsman." + </p> + <p> + "But, sir, I can't." + </p> + <p> + "But, Monsieur, I must." + </p> + <p> + "But, besides, the thing, the turnscrew, broke when the last + screw was turned; and I give you my sacred honor there is + nothing but the body in this coffin." + </p> + <p> + "Of course, Monsieur le Comte believes all that; but he does + not know so well as I the legerdemain in use among servants, + who are accustomed to smuggling. Here, Philippe, you must + take off the lid of that coffin." + </p> + <p> + The Count protested; but Philippe—a man with a bald + head and a smirched face, looking like a working + blacksmith—placed on the floor a leather bag of tools, + from which, having looked at the coffin, and picked with his + nail at the screw-heads, he selected a turnscrew and, with a + few deft twirls at each of the screws, they stood up like + little rows of mushrooms, and the lid was raised. I saw the + light, of which I thought I had seen my last, once more; but + the axis of vision remained fixed. As I was reduced to the + cataleptic state in a position nearly perpendicular, I + continued looking straight before me, and thus my gaze was + now fixed upon the ceiling. I saw the face of Carmaignac + leaning over me with a curious frown. It seemed to me that + there was no recognition in his eyes. Oh, Heaven! that I + could have uttered were it but one cry! I saw the dark, mean + mask of the little Count staring down at me from the other + side; the face of the pseudo-Marquis also peering at me, but + not so full in the line of vision; there were other faces + also. + </p> + <p> + "I see, I see," said Carmaignac, withdrawing. "Nothing of the + kind there." + </p> + <p> + "You will be good enough to direct your man to re-adjust the + lid of the coffin, and to fix the screws," said the Count, + taking courage; "and—and—really the funeral must + proceed. It is not fair to the people, who have but moderate + fees for night-work, to keep them hour after hour beyond the + time." + </p> + <p> + "Count de St. Alyre, you shall go in a very few minutes. I + will direct, just now, all about the coffin." + </p> + <p> + The Count looked toward the door, and there saw a + <i>gendarme</i>; and two or three more grave and stalwart + specimens of the same force were also in the room. The Count + was very uncomfortably excited; it was growing insupportable. + </p> + <p> + "As this gentleman makes a difficulty about my attending the + obsequies of my kinsman, I will ask you, Planard, to + accompany the funeral in my stead." + </p> + <p> + "In a few minutes;" answered the incorrigible Carmaignac. "I + must first trouble you for the key that opens that press." + </p> + <p> + He pointed direct at the press in which the clothes had just + been locked up. + </p> + <p> + "I—I have no objection," said the Count—"none, of + course; only they have not been used for an age. I'll direct + someone to look for the key." + </p> + <p> + "If you have not got it about you, it is quite unnecessary. + Philippe, try your skeleton-keys with that press. I want it + opened. Whose clothes are these?" inquired Carmaignac, when, + the press having been opened, he took out the suit that had + been placed there scarcely two minutes since. + </p> + <p> + "I can't say," answered the Count. "I know nothing of the + contents of that press. A roguish servant, named Lablais, + whom I dismissed about a year ago, had the key. I have not + seen it open for ten years or more. The clothes are probably + his." + </p> + <p> + "Here are visiting cards, see, and here a marked + pocket-handkerchief—'R.B.' upon it. He must have stolen + them from a person named Beckett—R. Beckett. 'Mr. + Beckett, Berkeley Square,' the card says; and, my faith! + here's a watch and a bunch of seals; one of them with the + initials 'R.B.' upon it. That servant, Lablais, must have + been a consummate rogue!" + </p> + <p> + "So he was; you are right, Sir." + </p> + <p> + "It strikes me that he possibly stole these clothes," + continued Carmaignac, "from the man in the coffin, who, in + that case, would be Monsieur Beckett, and not Monsieur de St. + Amand. For wonderful to relate, Monsieur, the watch is still + going! The man in the coffin, I believe, is not dead, but + simply drugged. And for having robbed and intended to murder + him, I arrest you, Nicolas de la Marque, Count de St. Alyre." + </p> + <p> + In another moment the old villain was a prisoner. I heard his + discordant voice break quaveringly into sudden vehemence and + volubility; now croaking—now shrieking as he oscillated + between protests, threats, and impious appeals to the God who + will "judge the secrets of men!" And thus lying and raving, + he was removed from the room, and placed in the same coach + with his beautiful and abandoned accomplice, already + arrested; and, with two <i>gendarmes</i> sitting beside them, + they were immediate driving at a rapid pace towards the + Conciergerie. + </p> + <p> + There were now added to the general chorus two voices, very + different in quality; one was that of the gasconading Colonel + Gaillarde, who had with difficulty been kept in the + background up to this; the other was that of my jolly friend + Whistlewick, who had come to identify me. + </p> + <p> + I shall tell you, just now, how this project against my + property and life, so ingenious and monstrous, was exploded. + I must first say a word about myself. I was placed in a hot + bath, under the direction of Planard, as consummate a villain + as any of the gang, but now thoroughly in the interests of + the prosecution. Thence I was laid in a warm bed, the window + of the room being open. These simple measures restored me in + about three hours; I should otherwise, probably, have + continued under the spell for nearly seven. + </p> + <p> + The practices of these nefarious conspirators had been + carried on with consummate skill and secrecy. Their dupes + were led, as I was, to be themselves auxiliary to the mystery + which made their own destruction both safe and certain. + </p> + <p> + A search was, of course, instituted. Graves were opened in + Pere la Chaise. The bodies exhumed had lain there too long, + and were too much decomposed to be recognized. One only was + identified. The notice for the burial, in this particular + case, had been signed, the order given, and the fees paid, by + Gabriel Gaillarde, who was known to the official clerk, who + had to transact with him this little funereal business. The + very trick that had been arranged for me, had been + successfully practiced in his case. The person for whom the + grave had been ordered, was purely fictitious; and Gabriel + Gaillarde himself filled the coffin, on the cover of which + that false name was inscribed as well as upon a tomb-stone + over the grave. Possibly the same honor, under my pseudonym, + may have been intended for me. + </p> + <p> + The identification was curious. This Gabriel Gaillarde had + had a bad fall from a runaway horse about five years before + his mysterious disappearance. He had lost an eye and some + teeth in this accident, beside sustaining a fracture of the + right leg, immediately above the ankle. He had kept the + injuries to his face as profound a secret as he could. The + result was, that the glass eye which had done duty for the + one he had lost remained in the socket, slightly displaced, + of course, but recognizable by the "artist" who had supplied + it. + </p> + <p> + More pointedly recognizable were the teeth, peculiar in + workmanship, which one of the ablest dentists in Paris had + himself adapted to the chasms, the cast of which, owing to + peculiarities in the accident, he happened to have preserved. + This cast precisely fitted the gold plate found in the mouth + of the skull. The mark, also, above the ankle, in the bone, + where it had reunited, corresponded exactly with the place + where the fracture had knit in the limb of Gabriel Gaillarde. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel, his younger brother, had been furious about the + disappearance of Gabriel, and still more so about that of his + money, which he had long regarded as his proper keepsake, + whenever death should remove his brother from the vexations + of living. He had suspected for a long time, for certain + adroitly discovered reasons, that the Count de St. Alyre and + the beautiful lady, his companion, countess, or whatever else + she was, had pigeoned him. To this suspicion were added some + others of a still darker kind; but in their first shape, + rather the exaggerated reflections of his fury, ready to + believe anything, than well-defined conjectures. + </p> + <p> + At length an accident had placed the Colonel very nearly upon + the right scent; a chance, possibly lucky, for himself, had + apprised the scoundrel Planard that the + conspirators—himself among the number—were in + danger. The result was that he made terms for himself, became + an informer, and concerted with the police this visit made to + the Château de la Carque at the critical moment when + every measure had been completed that was necessary to + construct a perfect case against his guilty accomplices. + </p> + <p> + I need not describe the minute industry or forethought with + which the police agents collected all the details necessary + to support the case. They had brought an able physician, who, + even had Planard failed, would have supplied the necessary + medical evidence. + </p> + <p> + My trip to Paris, you will believe, had not turned out quite + so agreeably as I had anticipated. I was the principal + witness for the prosecution in this <i>cause + célèbre</i>, with all the + <i>agrémens</i> that attend that enviable position. + Having had an escape, as my friend Whistlewick said, "with a + squeak" for my life, I innocently fancied that I should have + been an object of considerable interest to Parisian society; + but, a good deal to my mortification, I discovered that I was + the object of a good-natured but contemptuous merriment. I + was a <i>balourd, a benêt, un âne</i>, and + figured even in caricatures. I became a sort of public + character, a dignity, + </p> + <pre> + "Unto which I was not born," +</pre> + <p> + and from which I fled as soon as I conveniently could, + without even paying my friend, the Marquis d'Harmonville, a + visit at his hospitable chateau. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis escaped scot-free. His accomplice, the Count, was + executed. The fair Eugenie, under extenuating + circumstances—consisting, so far as I could discover of + her good looks—got off for six years' imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Gaillarde recovered some of his brother's money, out + of the not very affluent estate of the Count and soi-disant + Countess. This, and the execution of the Count, put him in + high good humor. So far from insisting on a hostile meeting, + he shook me very graciously by the hand, told me that he + looked upon the wound on his head, inflicted by the knob of + my stick, as having been received in an honorable though + irregular duel, in which he had no disadvantage or unfairness + to complain of. + </p> + <p> + I think I have only two additional details to mention. The + bricks discovered in the room with the coffin, had been + packed in it, in straw, to supply the weight of a dead body, + and to prevent the suspicions and contradictions that might + have been excited by the arrival of an empty coffin at the + chateau. + </p> + <p> + Secondly, the Countess's magnificent brilliants were examined + by a lapidary, and pronounced to be worth about five pounds + to a tragedy queen who happened to be in want of a suite of + paste. + </p> + <p> + The Countess had figured some years before as one of the + cleverest actresses on the minor stage of Paris, where she + had been picked up by the Count and used as his principal + accomplice. + </p> + <p> + She it was who, admirably disguised, had rifled my papers in + the carriage on my memorable night-journey to Paris. She also + had figured as the interpreting magician of the palanquin at + the ball at Versailles. So far as I was affected by that + elaborate mystification it was intended to re-animate my + interest, which, they feared, might flag in the beautiful + Countess. It had its design and action upon other intended + victims also; but of them there is, at present, no need to + speak. The introduction of a real corpse—procured from + a person who supplied the Parisian anatomists—involved + no real danger, while it heightened the mystery and kept the + prophet alive in the gossip of the town and in the thoughts + of the noodles with whom he had conferred. + </p> + <p> + I divided the remainder of the summer and autumn between + Switzerland and Italy. + </p> + <p> + As the well-worn phrase goes, I was a sadder if not a wiser + man. A great deal of the horrible impression left upon my + mind was due, of course, to the mere action of nerves and + brain. But serious feelings of another and deeper kind + remained. My afterlife was ultimately formed by the shock I + had then received. Those impressions led me—but not + till after many years—to happier though not less + serious thoughts; and I have deep reason to be thankful to + the all-merciful Ruler of events for an early and terrible + lesson in the ways of sin. + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + <p> + + </p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Room in the Dragon Volant +by J. Sheridan LeFanu + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ROOM IN THE DRAGON VOLANT *** + +This file should be named 8drag10h.htm or 8drag10h.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, 8drag11h.htm +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, 8drag10ah.htm + +Produced by Suzanne Shell, David Garcia and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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