Theintelligencewehadfromherinspiredustopushforward,sparingneitherspurnorhorseflesh,inthehopethatwemightovertakeBruhlbeforenightshouldexposehiscaptivestofreshhardshipsanddangers.ButthepitchtowhichthedismalsightsandsoundsIhavementioned,andahundredlikethem,hadraisedthefearsofmyfollowingdidmuchtobalkmyendeavours.Forawhile,indeed,undertheinfluenceofmomentaryexcitement,theyspurredtheirhorsestothegallop,asiftheirmindsweremadeuptofacetheworst;butpresentlytheycheckedthemdespiteallmyefforts,and,laggingslowlyandmoreslowly,seemedtoloseallspiritandenergy.Thedesolationwhichmetoureyesoneveryside,nolessthanthedeath-likestillnesswhichprevailed,eventhebirds,asitseemedtous,beingsilent,chilledthemostrecklesstotheheart.Maignan\'sfacelostitscolour,hisvoiceitsring.Asfortherest,startingatasoundandwincingifaleathergalledthem,theyglancedbackwardstwiceforoncetheylookedforwards,andheldthemselvesreadytotaketotheirheelsandbegoneattheleastalarm.
Notingthesesigns,anddoubtingifIcouldtrustevenMaignan,I
thoughtitprudenttochangemyplace,andfallingtotherear,rodetherewithagrimfaceandapistolreadytomyhand.ItwasnottheleastofmyannoyancesthatM.d\'Agenappearedtobeignorantofanycauseforapprehensionsavesuchaslaybeforeus,andridingoninthesamegloomyfitwhichhadpossessedhimfromthemomentofstarting,neithersoughtmyopinionnorgavehisown,butseemedtohaveundergonesocompleteandmysteriousachangethatIcouldthinkofonethingonlythatcouldhavepowertoeffectsomarvellousatransformation.Ifelthispresenceatrialratherthanahelp,andreviewingthecourseofourshortfriendship,whichadayortwobeforehadbeensogreatadelighttome——asthefriendshipofayoungmancommonlyistoonegrowingold——Ipuzzledmyselfwithmuchwonderingwhethertherecouldberivalrybetweenus.
Sunset,whichwaswelcometomycompany,sinceitremovedthehaze,whichtheyregardedwithsuperstitiousdread,foundusstillploddingthroughacountryoflowridgesandshallowvalleys,bothclothedinoak-woods.Itsshortbrightnessdiedaway,andwithitmylasthopeofsurprisingBruhlbeforeI
slept.Darknessfelluponusaswewendedourwayslowlydownasteephillsidewherethepathwassonarrowanddifficultastopermitonlyonetodescendatatime.Astreamofsomesize,ifwemightjudgefromthenoiseitmade,pouredthroughtheravinebelowus,andpresently,atthepointwherewebelievedthecrossingtobe,weespiedasolitarylightshiningintheblackness.Toproceedfartherwasimpossible,forthegroundgrewmoreandmoreprecipitous;and,seeingthis,IbadeMaignandismount,andleavinguswherewewere,goforaguidetothehousefromwhichthelightissued.
Heobeyed,andplungingintothenight,whichinthatpit;
betweenthehillswasofaninkydarkness,presentlyreturnedwithapeasantandalanthorn.Iwasabouttobidthemanguideustotheford,ortosomelevelgroundwherewecouldpicketthehorses,whenMaignangleefullycriedoutthathehadnews.I
askedwhatnews.
\'Speakup,MANANT!\'hesaid,holdinguphislanthornsothatthelightfellontheman\'shaggardfaceandunkempthair.\'TellhisExcellencywhatyouhavetoldme,orIwillskinyoualive,littleman!\'
\'Yourotherpartycametothefordanhourbeforesunset,\'thepeasantanswered,staringdullyatus.\'Isawthemcoming,andhidmyself.Theyquarrelledbytheford.Somewereforcrossing,andsomenot.\'
\'Theyhadladieswiththem?\'M.d\'Agensaidsuddenly.
\'Ay,two,yourExcellency,\'theclownanswered,\'ridinglikemen.
Intheendtheydidnotcrossforfearoftheplague,butturneduptheriver,androdewestwardstowardsSt.Gaultier.\'
\'St.Gaultier!\'Isaid,\'Whereisthat?Wheredoestheroadtoitgotobesides?\'
Butthepeasant\'sknowledgewasconfinedtohisownneighbourhood.HeknewnoworldbeyondSt.Gaultier,andcouldnotanswermyquestion.Iwasabouttobidhimshowusthewaydown,whenMaignancriedoutthatheknewmore.
\'What?\'Iasked.
\'Arnidieu!heheardthemsaywheretheyweregoingtospendthenight!\'
\'Ha!\'Icried.\'Where?\'
\'Inanoldruinedcastletwoleaguesfromthis,andbetweenhereandSt.Gaultier,\'theequerryanswered,forgettinginhistriumphbothplagueandpanic.\'Whatdoyousaytothat,yourExcellency?Itisso,sirrah,isitnot?\'hecontinued,turningtothepeasant.\'Speak,MasterJacques,orIwillroastyoubeforeaslowfire!\'
ButIdidnotwaittoheartheanswer.Leapingtotheground,I
tooktheCid\'sreinonmyarm,andcriedimpatientlytothemantoleadusdown.
CHAPTERXXVIII.
THECASTLEONTHEHILL.
ThecertaintythatBruhlandhiscaptiveswerenotfaroff,andthelikelihoodthatwemightbeengagedwithinthehour,expelledfromthemindsofeventhemosttimorousamongusthevapourishfearswhichhadbeforehauntedthem.Inthehurriedscramblewhichpresentlylandedusonthebankofthestream,menwhohadriddenforhoursinsulkysilencefoundtheirvoices,andfromcursingtheirhorses\'blunderssoonadvancedtoswearingandsingingafterthefashionoftheirkind.Thischange,byrelievingmeofagreatfear,leftmeatleisuretoconsiderourposition,andestimatemoreclearlythanImighthavedonetheadvantagesofhastening,orpostponing,anattack.Wenumberedeleven;theenemy,tothebestofmybelief,twelve.OfthisslightsuperiorityIshouldhavereekedlittleinthedaytime;
nor,perhaps,countingMaignanastwo,haveallowedthatitexisted.Buttheresultofanightattackismoredifficulttoforecast;andIhadalsototakeintoaccounttheperilstowhichthetwoladieswouldbeexposed,betweenthedarknessandtumult,intheeventoftheissueremainingforatimeindoubt.
Theseconsiderations,andparticularlythelast,weighedsopowerfullywithme,thatbeforeIreachedthebottomofthegorgeIhaddecidedtopostponetheattackuntilmorning.TheanswerstosomequestionswhichIputtotheinhabitantofthehousebythefordassoonasIreachedlevelgroundonlyconfirmedmeinthisresolution.TheroadBruhlhadtakenranforadistancebytheriverside,andalongthebottomofthegorge;and,difficultbyday,wasreportedtobeimpracticableforhorsesbynight.
Thecastlehehadmentionedlayfulltwoleaguesaway,andonthefartheredgeofatractofroughwoodland.Finally,Idoubtedwhether,intheabsenceofanyotherreasonfordelay,Icouldhavemarchedmymen,wearyastheywere,totheplacebeforedaybreak.
WhenIcametoannouncethisdecision,however,andtoinquirewhataccommodationthepeasantcouldaffordus,Ifoundmyselfintrouble.Fanchette,mademoiselle\'swoman,suddenlyconfrontedme,herfacescarletwithrage.Thrustingherselfforwardintothecircleoflightcastbythelanthorn,sheassailedmewithavirulenceandfiercenesswhichsaidmoreforherdevotiontohermistressthanherrespectforme.Herwildgesticulations,herthreats,andtheappealswhichshemadenowtome,andnowtothemenwhostoodinacircleroundus,theirfacesinshadow,discomfitedasmuchastheysurprisedme.
\'What!\'shecriedviolently,\'youcallyourselfagentleman,andliehereandletmymistressbemurdered,orworse,withinaleagueofyou!Twoleagues?Agroatforyourtwoleagues!I
wouldwalkthembarefoot,ifthatwouldshameyou.Andyou,youcallyourselvesmen,andsufferit!ItisGod\'struthyouareasetofcravensandsluggards.Givemeasmanywomen,andI
would——\'
\'Peace,woman!\'Maignansaidinhisdeepvoice.\'Youhadyourwayandcamewithus,andyouwillobeyordersaswellasanother!Beoff,andseetothevictualsbeforeworsehappentoyou!\'
\'Ay,seetothevictuals!\'sheretorted.\'Seetothevictuals,forsooth!Thatisallyouthinkof——toliewarmandeatyourfill!Asetofdastardly,drinking,droningguzzlersyouare!
Youare!\'sheretorted,hervoicerisingtoashriek.\'Maytheplaguetakeyou!\'
\'Silence!\'Maignangrowledfiercely,\'orhaveacaretoyourself!Foracopper-pieceIwouldsendyoutocoolyourheelsinthewaterbelow——forthatlastword!Begone,doyouhear,\'hecontinued,seizingherbytheshoulderandthrustinghertowardsthehouse,\'orworsemayhappentoyou.Weareroughcustomers,asyouwillfindifyoudonotlockupyourtongue!\'
Iheardhergowailingintothedarkness;andHeavenknowsitwasnotwithoutcompunctionIforcedmyselftoremaininactiveinthefaceofadevotionwhichseemedsomuchgreaterthanmine.Themenfellawayonebyonetolooktotheirhorsesandchoosesleeping-quartersforthenight;andpresentlyM.d\'AgenandI
wereleftalonestandingbesidethelanthorn,whichthemanhadhungonabushbeforehisdoor.Thebrawlingofthewaterasitpouredbetweenthebanks,ascoreofpacesfromus,andtheblackdarknesswhichhideverythingbeyondthelittleringoflightinwhichwestood——sothatforallwecouldseewewereinapit——
hadtheairofisolatingusfromalltheworld.
Ilookedattheyoungman,whohadnotoncelispedthatday;andIplainlyreadinhisattitudehisdisapprovalofmycaution.
Thoughhedeclinedtomeetmyeye,hestoodwithhisarmsfoldedandhisheadthrownback,makingnoattempttodisguisethescornandill-temperwhichhisfaceexpressed.Hurtbythewoman\'staunts,andpossiblyshakeninmyopinion,Igrewrestiveunderhissilence,andunwiselygavewaytomyfeelings.
\'Youdonotappeartoapproveofmydecision,M.d\'Agen?\'I
said.
\'Itisyourstocommand,sir,\'heansweredproudly.
Therearetruismswhichhavemorepowertoannoythantheveriestreproaches.Ishouldhaveborneinmindthesuspenseandanxietyhewassuffering,andwhichhadsochangedhimthatIscarcelyknewhimforthegayyoungsparkonwhosetoeIhadtrodden.I
shouldhaverememberedthathewasyoungandIold,andthatitbehovedmetobepatient.Butonmysidealsotherewasanxiety,andresponsibilityaswell;and,aboveall,aranklingsoreness,towhichIrefrainfromgivingthenameofjealousy,thoughitcameasneartothatfeelingasthedifferenceinouragesandpersonaladvantageswhereofthebalancewasallonhisside
wouldpermit.This,nodoubt,itwaswhichimpelledmetocontinuetheargument.
\'Youwouldgoon?\'Isaidpersistently.
\'ItisidletosaywhatIwoulddo,\'heansweredwithaflashofanger.
\'Iaskedforyouropinion,sir,\'Irejoinedstiffly.
\'Towhatpurpose?\'heretorted,strokinghissmallmoustachehaughtily,\'Welookatthethingfromoppositepoints.You,aregoingaboutyourbusiness,whichappearstobetherescuingofladieswhoare——mayIventuretosayit?sounfortunateastoentrustthemselvestoyourcharge.I,M.deMarsac,ammoredeeplyinterested.Moredeeplyinterested,\'herepeatedlamely.
\'I——inaword,Iamprepared,sir,todowhatothersonlytalkof——andifIcannotfollowotherwise,wouldfollowonmyfeet!\'
\'Whom?\'Iaskedcurtly,stungbythisrepetitionofmyownwords.
Helaughedharshlyandbitterly.\'Whyexplain?orwhyquarrel?\'
herepliedcynically.\'Godknows,ifIcouldaffordtoquarrelwithyou,Ishouldhavedonesofiftyhoursago.ButIneedyourhelp;and,needingit,Iampreparedtodothatwhichmustseemtoapersonofyourcalmpassionsandperfectjudgmentalikefutileandincredible——paythefullpriceforit.\'
\'Thefullpriceforit!\'Imuttered,understandingnothing,exceptthatIdidnotunderstand.
\'Ay,thefullpriceforit!\'herepeated.AndashespokehelookedatmewithanexpressionofragesofiercethatIrecoiledastep.Thatseemedtorestorehiminsomedegreetohimself,forwithoutgivingmeanopportunityofansweringheturnedhastilyfromme,and,stridingaway,wasinamomentlostinthedarkness.
Heleftmeamazedbeyondmeasure.Istoodrepeatinghisphraseabout\'thefullprice\'ahundredtimesover,butstillfounditandhispassioninexplicable.Tocutthemattershort,Icouldcometonootherconclusionthanthathedesiredtoinsultme,andawareofmypovertyandtheequivocalpositioninwhichI
stoodtowardsmademoiselle,chosehiswordsaccordingly.ThisseemedathingunworthyofoneofwhomIhadbeforethoughthighly;butcalmerreflectionenablingmetoseesomethingofyouthfulbombastinthetiradehehaddelivered,Ismiledalittlesadly,anddeterminedtothinknomoreofthematterforthepresent,buttopersistfirmlyinthatwhichseemedtometobetherightcourse.
Havingsettledthis,Iwasabouttoenterthehouse,whenMaignanstoppedme,tellingmethattheplaguehadkilledfivepeopleinit,lettingonlythemanwehadseen;whohad,indeed,beenseized,butrecovered.Thisghastlynewshadscaredmycompanytosuchadegreethattheyhadgoneasfarfromthehouseasthelevelgroundpermitted,andtherelightedafire,roundwhichtheyweregoingtopassthenight.Fanchettehadtakenupherquartersinthestable,andtheequerryannouncedthathehadkeptashedfullofsweet,hayforM.d\'Agenandmyself.I
assentedtothisarrangement,andaftersuppingoffsoupandblackbread,whichwasallwecouldprocure,badethepeasantrouseustwohoursbeforesunrise;andso,beingtoowearyandoldinservicetoremainawakethinking,Ifellasleep,andslept;soundlytillalittleafterfour.
Myfirstbusinessonrisingwastoseethatthemenbeforemountingmadeameal,foritisillworkfightingempty.Iwentroundalsoandsawthatallhadtheirarms,andthatsuchascarriedpistolshadthemloadedandprimed.Francoisdidnotputinanappearanceuntilthisworkwasdone,andthenshowedaverypaleandgloomycountenance.Itooknoheedofhim,however,andwiththefirststreakofdaylightwestartedinsinglefileandatasnail\'spaceupthevalley,thepeasant,whomIplacedinMaignan\'scharge,goingbeforetoguideus,andM.d\'AgenandI
ridingintherear.Bythetimethesunroseandwarmedourchilledandshiveringframeswewereovertheworstoftheground,andwereabletoadvanceatsomespeedalongatrackcutthroughadenseforestofoak-trees.
Thoughwehadnowrisenoutofthevalley,theclose-settrunksandtheundergrowthroundthempreventedourseeinginanydirection.Foramileormorewerodeonblindly,andpresentlystartedonfindingourselvesonthebrowofahill,lookingdownintoavalley,thenearerendofwhichwasclothedinwoods,whilethefartherwidenedintogreenslopingpastures.Fromthemidstoftheseahillormountrosesharplyup,untilitendedinwallsofgreystonescarcetobedistinguishedatthatdistancefromthenativerockonwhichtheystood.
\'See!\'criedourguide.\'Thereisthecastle!\'
Biddingthemendismountinhaste,thatthechanceofourbeingseenbytheenemy——whichwasnotgreat——mightbefartherlessened,Ibegantoinspectthepositionatleisure;myfirstfeelingwhiledoingsobeingoneofthankfulnessthatIhadnotattemptedanightattack,whichmustinevitablyhavemiscarried,possiblywithlosstoourselves,andcertainlywiththeresultofinformingtheenemyofourpresence.Thecastle,ofwhichwehadatolerableview,waslongandnarrowinshape,consistingoftwotowersconnectedbywalls,Thenearertower,throughwhichlaytheentrance,wasroofless,andineverywayseemedtobemoreruinousthantheinnerone,whichappearedtobeperfectinbothitsstories.Thisdefectnotwithstanding,theplacewassostrongthatmyheartsanklowerthelongerIlooked;andaglanceatMaignan\'sfaceassuredmethathisexperiencewasalsoatfault.ForM.d\'Agen,Iclearlysaw,whenIturnedtohim,thathehadneveruntilthismomentrealisedwhatwehadtoexpect,but,regardingourpursuitinthelightofahunting-party,hadlookedtoseeitendinlikeeasyfashion.Hisblank,surprisedface,ashestoodeyeingthestoutgreywalls,saidasmuchasthis.
\'Arnidieu!\'Maignanmuttered,\'givemetenmen,andIwouldholditagainstahundred!\'
\'Tut,man,ThereismorethanonewaytoRome!\'Iansweredoracularly,thoughIwasfarfromfeelingasconfidentasI
seemed.\'Come,letusdescendandviewthisnutalittlenearer.\'
Webegantotraildownwardsinsilence,andasthepathletusforawhile,outofsightofthecastle,wewereabletoproceedwithlesscaution.Wehadnearlyreachedwithoutadventurethefatherskirtsofthewood,betweenwhichandtheruinlayanintervalofopenground,whenwecamesuddenly,attheedgeofalittleclearing,onanoldhag;whowassointent;upontyingupfaggotsthatshedidnotseeusuntilMaignan\'shandwasonhershoulder.Whenshedid,shescreamedout,andescapingfromhimwithanactivitywonderfulinawomanofherage,ranwithgreatswiftnesstothesideofanoldmanwholayatthefootofatreehalfabowshotoff;andwhomwehadnotbeforeseen.Snatchingupanaxe,sheputherselfinapostureofdefencebeforehimwithgesturesandinamannerastouchingintheeyesofsomeamongusastheywereludicrousinthoseofothers;whocriedtoMaignanthathehadmethismatchatlast,withothergibesofthekindthatpasscurrentincamps.
Icalledtohimtoletherbe,andwentforwardmyselftotheoldman,wholayonarudebedofleaves,andseemedunabletorise.
Appealingtomewithafaceofagonynottohurthiswife,hebadeheragainandagainlaydownheraxe;butshewouldnotdothisuntilIhadassuredherthatwemeanthimnoharm,andthatmymenshouldmolestneithertheonenortheother.
\'Weonlywanttoknowthis,\'Isaid,speakingslowly,infearlestmylanguageshouldbelittlemoreintelligibletothemthantheirPATOIStome.\'Thereareadozenhorsemenintheoldcastlethere,aretherenot?\'
Themanstilledhiswife,whocontinuedtochatterandmowatus,andansweredeagerlythattherewere;adding,withatremblingoath,thattherobbershadbeatenhim,robbedhimofhissmallstoreofmeal,andwhenhewouldhaveprotested,thrownhimout,breakinghisleg.
\'Thenhowcameyouhere?\'Isaid.
\'Shebroughtmeonherback,\'heansweredfeebly.
Doubtlessthereweremeninmytrainwhowouldhavedoneallthattheseothershaddone;buthearingthesimplestorytold,theystampedandsworegreatoathsofindignation;andone,theroughestoftheparty,tookoutsomeblackbreadandgaveittothewoman,whomunderothercircumstanceshewouldnothavehesitatedtorob.Maignan,whoknewallartsappertainingtowar,examinedtheman\'slegandmadeakindofcradleforit,whileIquestionedthewoman.
\'Theyaretherestill?\'Isaid.\'Isawtheirhorsestetheredunderthewalls.\'
\'Yes,Godrequitethem!\'sheanswered,tremblingviolently.
\'Tellmeaboutthecastle,mygoodwoman,\'Isaid.\'Howmanyroadsintoitarethere?\'
\'Onlyone.\'
\'Throughthenearertower?\'
Shesaidyes,andfindingthatsheunderstoodme,andwaslessdullofintellectthanherwretchedappearanceledmetoexpect,Iputaseriesofquestionstoherwhichitwouldbetedioustodetail.SufficeitthatIlearnedthatitwasimpossibletoenterorleavetheruinexceptthroughthenearertower;thataricketytemporarygatebarredtheentrance,andthatfromthistower,whichwasamereshelloffourwalls,anarrowsquare-
headeddoorwaywithoutadoorledintothecourt,beyondwhichrosethehabitabletoweroftwostories.
\'Doyouknowiftheyintendtostaythere?\'Iasked\'Oh,ay,theybademebringthemfaggotsfortheirfirethismorning,andIshouldhaveahandfulofmyownmealback,\'sheansweredbitterly;andfellthereonintoapassionofimpotentrage,shakingbothherclenchedhandsinthedirectionofthecastle,andscreamingfrenziedmaledictionsinhercrackedandquaveringvoice.
Iponderedawhileoverwhatshehadsaid;likingverylittlethethoughtofthatnarrowsquare-headeddoorwaythroughwhichwemustpassbeforewecouldeffectanything.Andthegate,too,troubledme.Itmightnotbeastrongone,butwehadneitherpowder,norguns,noranysiegeimplements,andcouldnotpulldownstonewallswithournakedhands.ByseizingthehorseswecouldindeedcutoffBruhl\'sretreat;buthemightstillescapeinthenight;andinanycaseourpainswouldonlyincreasethewomen\'shardshipswhileaddingfueltohisrage.Wemusthavesomeotherplan.
Thesunwashighbythistime;theedgeofthewoodscarcelyahundredpacesfromus.ByadvancingafewyardsthroughthetreesIcouldseethehorsesfeedingpeacefullyatthefootofthesunnyslope,andevenfollowwithmyeyesthefainttrackwhichzigzaggedupthehilltotheclosedgate.Nooneappeared——doubtlesstheyweresleepingoffthefatigueofthejourney——
andIdrewnoinspirationthence;butasIturnedtoconsultMaignanmyeyelitonthefaggots,andIsawinaflashthatherewasachanceofputtingintopracticeastratagemasoldasthehills,yeteverfresh,andnotseldomsuccessful.
Itwasnotimeforover-refinement.Myknaveswerebeginningtostrayforwardoutofcuriosity,andatanymomentoneofourhorses,scentingthoseoftheenemy,mightneighandgivethealarm.HastilycallingM.d\'AgenandMaignantome,Ilaidmyplanbeforethem,andsatisfiedmyselfthatithadtheirapproval;thefactthatIhadreservedaspecialpartfortheformerservingtothawthereservewhichhadsucceededtohisoutbreakofthenightbefore.AftersomedebateMaignanpersuadedmethattheoldwomanhadnotsufficientnervetoplaythepartIproposedforher,andnamedFanchette;whobeingcalledintocouncil,didnotbelietheopinionwehadformedofhercourage.Inafewmomentsourpreparationswerecomplete:I
haddonnedtheoldcharcoal-burner\'souterrags,Fanchettehadassumedthoseofthewoman,whileM.d\'Agen,whowasforatimeataloss,andbetrayedlesstasteforthispartoftheplanthanforanyother,endedbyputtingonthejerkinandhoseofthemanwhohadservedusasguide.
WhenallwasreadyIcommendedthetrooptoMaignan\'sdiscretion,charginghimintheeventofanythinghappeningtoustocontinuethemostpersistenteffortsformademoiselle\'srelease,andonnoaccounttoabandonher.Havingreceivedhispromisetothiseffect,andbeingsatisfiedthathewouldkeepit,wetookupeachofusagreatfaggot,whichbeingborneontheheadandshouldersservedtohidethefeaturesveryeffectually;andthusdisguisedweboldlylefttheshelterofthetrees.FanchetteandIwentfirst,totteringinamostnaturalfashionundertheweightofourburdens,whileM.d\'Agenfollowedahundredyardsbehind.IhadgivenMaignanorderstomakeadashforthegatethemomenthesawthelastnamedstarttorun.
Theperfectstillnessofthevalley,theclearnessoftheair,andtheabsenceofanysignoflifeinthecastlebeforeus——
whichmighthavebeenthatoftheSleepingPrincess,sofairy-
likeitlookedagainstthesky——withthesuspenseandexcitementinourownbreasts,whichthesepeculiaritiesseemedtoincreaseahundred-fold,madethetimethatfollowedoneofthestrangestinmyexperience.Itwasnearlyteno\'clock,andthewarmsunshinefloodingeverythingaboutusrenderedtheascent,ladenaswewere,laboriousintheextreme.Thecrisp,shortturf,whichhadscarcelygotitsspringgrowth,wasslipperyandtreacherous.Wedarednothasten,forweknewnotwhateyeswereuponus,andwedaredaslittleafterwehadgonehalf-way——layourfaggotsdown,lesttheactionshoulddisclosetoomuchofourfeatures.
Whenwehadreachedapointwithinahundredpacesofthegate,whichstillremainedobstinatelyclosed,westoodtobreatheourselves,andbalancingmybundleonmyhead,Iturnedtomakesurethatallwasrightbehindus.IfoundthatM.d\'Agen,intentonkeepinghisdistance,hadchosenthesamemomentforrest,andwassittinginaverynaturalmanneronhisfaggot,moppinghisfacewiththesleeveofhisjerkin.Iscannedthebrownleaflesswood,inwhichwehadleftMaignanandourmen;
butIcoulddetectnoglitteramongthetreesnoranyappearancelikelytobetrayus.Satisfiedonthesepoints,ImutteredafewwordsofencouragementtoFanchette,whosefacewasstreamingwithperspiration;andtogetherweturnedandaddressedourselvestoourtask,fatigue——forwehadhadnopracticeincarryingburdensonthehead——enablingustocounterfeitthedecrepitudeofagealmosttothelife.
Thesamesilenceprevailingaswedrewnearerinspiredmewithnotafewdoubtsandmisgivings.Eventhebleatofasheepwouldhavebeenwelcomeinthemidstofastillnesswhichseemedominous.Butnosheepbleated,novoicehailedus.Thegate,ill-hungandfulloffissures,remainedclosed.Stepbystepwestaggereduptoit,andatlengthreachedit.Afraidtospeaklestmyaccentshouldbetrayme,Istrucktheforepartofmyfaggotagainstitandwaited:doubtingwhetherourwholestratagemhadnotbeenperceivedfromthebeginning,andapistol-shotmightnotbetheretort.
Nothingofthekindhappened,however.Thesoundoftheblow,whichechoeddullythroughthebuilding,diedaway,andtheoldsilenceresumeditssway.Weknockedagain,butfullytwominuteselapsedbeforeagrumblingvoice,asofamanarousedfromsleep,washearddrawingnear,andfootstepscameslowlyandheavilytothegate.Probablythefellowinspectedusthroughaloophole,forhepausedamoment,andmyheartsank;butthenext,seeingnothingsuspicious,heunbarredthegatewithaquerulousoath,and,pushingitopen,badeusenterandbequickaboutit.
Istumbledforwardintothecool,darkshadow,andthewomanfollowedme,whiletheman,steppingoutwithayawn,stoodintheentrance,stretchinghimselfinthesunshine.Therooflesstower,whichsmelleddankandunwholesome,wasempty,orcumberedonlywithrubbishandheapsofstones;butlookingthroughtheinnerdoorIsawinthecourtyardasmoulderingfireandhalfadozenmenintheactofrousingthemselvesfromsleep.Istoodasecondbalancingmyfaggot,asifindoubtwheretolayitdown;
andthenassuringmyselfbyaswiftglancethatthemanwhohadletusinstillhadhisbacktowardsus,Idroppeditacrosstheinnerdoorway,Fanchette,asshehadbeeninstructed,plumpedhersuponit,andatthesamemomentIsprangtothedoor,andtakingthemantherebysurprise,dealthimaviolentblowbetweentheshoulders,whichsenthimheadlongdowntheslope.
Acrybehindme,followedbyanoathofalarm,toldmethattheactionwasobservedandthatnowwasthepinch.InasecondI
wasbackatthefaggots,anddrawingapistolfromundermyblousewasintimetomeettherushofthenearestman,who,comprehendingall,sprangup,andmadeforme,withhissheathedsword.Ishothiminthechestasheclearedthefaggots——which,standingnearlyashighasaman\'swaist,formedatolerableobstacle——andhepitchedforwardatmyfeet.
Thisbalkedhiscompanions,whodrewback;butunfortunatelyitwasnecessaryformetostooptogetmysword,whichwashiddeninthefaggotIhadcarried.Theforemostoftherascalstookadvantageofthis.Rushingatmewithalongknife,hefailedtostabme——forIcaughthiswrist——buthesucceededinbringingmetotheground.IthoughtIwasundone.Ilookedtohavetheothersswarmoveruponus;andsoitwoulddoubtlesshavehappenedhadnotFanchette,withrarecourage,dealtthefirstwhofollowedalustyblowonthebodywithagreatstickshesnatchedup.Themancollapsedonthefaggots,andthishamperedtherest.Thecheckwasenough.ItenabledM.d\'Agentocomeup,who,dashinginthroughthegate,shotdownthefirsthesawbeforehim,andrunningatthedoorwaywithhisswordwithincrediblefuryandthecouragewhichIhadalwaysknownhimtopossess,cleareditinatwinkling.ThemanwithwhomIwasengagedontheground,seeingwhathadhappened,wrestedhimselffreewiththestrengthofdespair,anddashingthroughtheouterdoor,narrowlyescapedbeingriddendownbymyfollowersastheysweptuptothegateatagallop,anddismountedamidawhirlwindofcries.
Inamomenttheythrongedinonuspell-mell,andassoonasI
couldlaymyhandonmyswordIledthemthroughthedoorwaywithacheer,hopingtobeabletoenterthefarthertowerwiththeenemy.Butthelatterhadtakenthealarmtooearlyandtoothoroughly.Thecourtwasempty.Wewerebarelyintimetoseethelastmandartupaflightofoutsidestairs,whichledtothefirststory,anddisappear,closingaheavydoorbehindhim.I
rushedtothefootofthestepsandwouldhaveascendedalso,hopingagainsthopetofindthedoorunsecured;butashotwhichwasfiredthroughaloopholeandnarrowlymissedmyhead,andanotherwhichbroughtdownoneofmymen,mademepause.
DiscerningalltheadvantagetobeonBruhl\'sside,sincehecouldshootusdownfromhiscover,Icriedaretreat;theissueofthematterleavingusmastersoftheentrance-tower,whiletheyretainedtheinnerandstrongertower,thenarrowcourtbetweenthetwobeingneutralgroundunsafeforeitherparty.
Twooftheirmenhadfledoutwardsandweregone,andtwolaydead;whilethelossonoursidewasconfinedtothemanwhowasshot,andFanchette,whohadreceivedablowontheheadintheMELEE,andwasfound,whenweretreated,lyingsickanddazedagainstthewall.
Itsurprisedmemuch,whenIcametothinkuponit,thatIhadseennothingofBruhl,thoughtheskirmishhadlastedtwoorthreeminutesfromthefirstoutcry,andbeenattendedbyanabundanceofnoise.OfFresnoy,too,InowrememberedthatIhadcaughtaglimpseonly.ThesetwofactsseemedsostrangethatI
wasbeginningtoaugurtheworst,thoughIscarcelyknowwhy,whenmyspiritsweremarvellouslyraisedandmyfearsrelievedbyathingwhichMaignan,whowasthefirsttonoticeit,pointedouttome.Thiswastheappearanceatanupperwindowofawhite\'kerchief,whichwaswavedseveraltimestowardsus.Thewindowwaslittlemorethananarrow-slit,andsonarrowandhighbesidesthatitwasimpossibletoseewhogavethesignal;butmyexperienceofmademoiselle\'scoolnessandresourceleftmeinnodoubtonthepoint.WithhighhopesandalighterheartthanI
hadwornforsometimeIbestirredmyselftotakeeveryprecaution,andbeganbybiddingMaignanselecttwomenandrideroundthehill,tomakesurethattheenemyhadnowayofretreatopentohim.
CHAPTERXXIX.
PESTILENCEANDFAMINE.
WhileMaignanwasawayaboutthisbusinessIdespatchedtwomentocatchourhorses,whichwererunninglooseinthevalley,andtoremovethoseofBruhl\'spartytoasafedistancefromthecastle.Ialsoblockedupthelowerpartofthedoorleadingintothecourtyard,andnamedfourmentoremainunderarmsbesideit,thatwemightnotbetakenbysurprise;aneventofwhichIhadthelessfear,however,sincetheenemywerenowreducedtoeightswords,andcouldonlyescape,aswecouldonlyenter,throughthisdoorway.IwasstillbusiedwiththesearrangementswhenM.d\'Agenjoinedme,andIbrokeofftocomplimenthimonhiscourage,acknowledginginparticulartheservicehehaddonemepersonally.Theheatoftheconflicthadmeltedtheyoungman\'sreserve,andflushedhisfacewithpride;
butashelistenedtomehegraduallyfrozeagain,andwhenI
endedheregardedmewiththesamecoldhostility.
\'Iamobligedtoyou,\'hesaid,bowing.\'ButmayIaskwhatnext,M.deMarsac?\'
\'Wehavenochoice,\'Ianswered.\'Wecanonlystarvethemout.\'
\'Buttheladies?\'hesaid,startingslightly.\'Whatofthem?\'
\'Theywillsufferlessthanthemen,\'Ireplied.\'Trustme,thelatterwillnotbearstarvinglong.\'
Heseemedsurprised,butIexplainedthatwithoursmallnumberswecouldnothopetostormthetower,andmightthinkourselvesfortunatethatwenowhadtheenemycoopedupwherehecouldnotescape,andmusteventuallysurrender.
\'Ay,butinthemeantimehowwillyouensurethewomenagainstviolence?\'heasked,withanairwhichshowedhewasfarfromsatisfied.
\'IwillseetothatwhenMaignancomesback,\'Iansweredprettyconfidently.
Theequerryappearedinamomentwiththeassurancethategressfromthefarthersideofthetowerwasimpossible.Ibadehimneverthelesskeepahorsemanmovingroundthehill,thatwemighthaveintelligenceofanyattempt.Theorderwasscarcelygivenwhenaman——oneofthoseIhadleftonguardatthedoorofthecourtyard——cametotellmethatFresnoydesiredtospeakwithmeonbehalfofM.deBruhl.
\'Whereishe?\'Iasked.
\'Attheinnerdoorwithaflagoftruce,\'wastheanswer.
\'Tellhim,then,\'Isaid,withoutofferingtomove,\'thatIwillcommunicatewithnooneexcepthisleader,M.deBruhl.Andaddthis,myfriend,\'Icontinued.\'Sayitaloudthatiftheladieswhomhehasinchargeareinjuredbysomuchasahair,Iwillhangeverymanwithinthesewalls,fromM.deBruhltotheyoungestlackey.\'AndIaddedasolemnoathtothateffect.
Themannodded,andwentonhiserrand,whileIandM.d\'Agen,withMaignan,remainedstandingoutsidethegate,lookingidlyoverthevalleyandthebrownwoodsthroughwhichwehadriddenintheearlymorning.Myeyesrestedchieflyonthelatter,Maignan\'sasitprovedontheformer.Doubtlessweallhadourownthoughts.CertainlyIhad,andforawhile,inmysatisfactionattheresultoftheattackandthemannerinwhichwehadBruhlconfined,Ididnotremarkthegravitywhichwasgraduallyoverspreadingtheequerry\'scountenance.WhenIdidI
tookthealarm,andaskedhimsharplywhatwasthematter.\'I
don\'tlikethat,yourExcellency,\'heanswered,pointingintothevalley.
Ilookedanxiously,andlooked,andsawnothing.
\'What?\'Isaidinastonishment.
\'Thebluemist,\'hemuttered,withashiver.\'Ihavebeenwatchingitthishalf-hour,yourExcellency.Itisrisingfast.\'
Icriedoutonhimforamaudlinfool,andM.d\'Agensworeimpatiently;butforallthat,anddespitethecontemptIstrovetoexhibit,IfeltasuddenchillatmyheartasIrecognisedinthevalleybelowthesamebluehazewhichhadattendedusthroughyesterday\'sride,andleftusonlyatnightfall.Involuntarilywebothfelltowatchingitasitroseslowlyandmoreslowly,firstenvelopingthelowerwoods,andthenspreadingitselfabroadinthesunshine.Itishardtowitnessaboldman\'sterrorandremainunaffectedbyit;andIconfessItrembled.
Here,inthemomentofourseemingsuccess,wassomethingwhichI
hadnottakenintoaccount,somethingagainstwhichIcouldnotguardeithermyselforothers!
\'See!\'Maignanwhisperedhoarsely,pointingagainwithhislinger.\'ItistheAngelofDeath,yourExcellency!Wherehekillsbyonesandtwos,heisinvisible.Butwhenheslaysbyhundredsandbythousands,menseetheshadowofhiswings!\'
\'Chut,fool!\'Iretortedwith,anger,whichwassecretlyproportionedtotheimpressionhisweirdsayingmadeonme.\'Youhavebeeninbattles!Didyoueverseehimthere?oratasack?
Atrucetothisfolly,\'Icontinued.\'Anddoyougoandinquirewhatfoodwehavewithus.Itmaybenecessarytosendforsome.\'
Iwatchedhimgodoggedlyoff,andknowingthestoutnatureofthemanandhisdevotiontohismaster,Ihadnofearthathewouldfailus;buttherewereothers,almostasnecessarytous,inwhomIcouldnotplacethesameconfidence.Andthesehadalsotakenthealarm.WhenIturnedIfoundgroupsofpale-facedmen,standingbytwosandthreesatmyback;who,pointingandmutteringandtellingoneanotherwhatMaignanhadtoldus,lookedwherewehadlooked.Asonespokeandanotherlistened,I
sawtheoldpanicreviveintheireyes.Menwhoanhourortwobeforehadcrossedthecourtunderfirewiththeutmostresolution,anddaredinstantdeathwithoutathought,grewpale,andlookingfromthissideofthevalleytothat;withfalteringeyes,seemedtobeseeking,likehuntedanimals,aplaceofrefuge.Fear,oncearoused,hungistheair.Mentalkedinwhispersoftheabnormalheat,and,gazingatthecloudlesssky,fledfromthesunshinetotheshadow;or,lookingovertheexpanseofwoods,longedtobeundercoverandawayfromthisloftyeyrie,whichtotheirmorbideyesseemedatargetforalltheshaftsofdeath.
\'Iwasnotslowtoperceivetheperilwithwhichthesefearsandapprehensions,whichrapidlybecamegeneral,threatenedmyplans.
Istrovetokeepthemenemployed,andtooccupytheirthoughtsasfaraspossiblewiththeenemyandhisproceedings;butIsoonfoundthatevenhereadangerlurked;forMaignan,comingtomeby-and-bywithagraveface,toldmethatoneofBruhl\'smenhadventuredout,andwasparleyingwiththeguardonoursideofthecourt.Iwentatonceandbrokethematteroff,threateningtoshootthefellowifhewasnotundercoverbeforeIcountedten.
Butthescared,sultryfacesheleftbehindhimtoldmethatthemischiefwasdone,andIcouldthinkofnobetterremedyforitthantogiveM.d\'Agenahint,andstationhimattheoutergatewithhispistolsready.
Thequestionofprovisions,too,threatenedtobecomeaseriousone;Idarednotleavetoprocurethemmyself,norcouldItrustanyofmymenwiththemission.Infactthebesiegerswererapidlybecomingthebesieged.Intentontherisinghazeandtheirownterrors,theyforgotallelse.Vigilanceandcautionwerethrowntothewinds.Thestillnessofthevalley,itsisolation,thedistantwoodsthatencircledusandhungquiveringintheheatedair,alladdedtothepanic.Despiteallmyeffortsandthreats,themengraduallylefttheirposts,andgettingtogetherinlittlepartiesatthegate,workedthemselvesuptosuchapitchofdreadthatbytwohoursafternoontheywerefitforanyfolly;andatthemerecryof\'plague!\'wouldhaverushedtotheirhorsesandriddenineverydirection.
ItwasplainthatIcoulddependforusefulserviceonmyselfandthreeothersonly——ofwhom,tohiscreditbeitsaid,SimonFleixwasone.Seeingthis,IwasimmenselyrelievedwhenIpresentlyheardthatFresnoywasagainseekingtospeakwithme.Iwasnolonger,itwillbebelieved,forstandingonformalities;butgladtowaiveinsilencethepunctilioonwhichIhadbeforeinsisted,andanxioustoaffordhimnoopportunityofmarkingtheslacknesswhichprevailedamongmymen,IhastenedtomeethimatthedoorofthecourtyardwhereMaignanhaddetainedhim.
Imighthavesparedmypains,however.IhadnomorethansalutedhimandexchangedthemerestpreliminariesbeforeIsawthathewasinastateofpanicfarexceedingthatofmyfollowing.Hiscoarseface,whichhadneverbeenprepossessing,wasmottledandbedabbledwithsweat;hisbloodshoteyes,whentheymetmine,worethefierceyetterrifiedexpressionofananimalcaughtinatrap.Thoughhisfirstwordwasanoath,swornforthepurposeofraisinghiscourage,thebully\'sblusterwasgone.Hespokeinalowvoice,andhishandsshook;andforapenny-pieceIsawhewouldhaveboltedpastmeandtakenhischanceinopenflight.
Ijudgedfromhisfirstwords,uttered,asIhavesaid,withanoath,thathewasawareofhisstate.\'M.deMarsac,\'hesaid,whininglikeacur,\'youknowme,tobeamanofcourage.\'
Ineedednothingafterthistoassuremethathemeditatedsomethingofthebasest;andItookcarehowIansweredhim.\'I
haveknownyoustiffenoughuponoccasions,\'Ireplieddrily.
\'Andthen,again,Ihaveknownyounotsostiff,M.Fresnoy.\'
\'Onlywhenyouwereinquestion,\'hemutteredwithanotheroath.
\'Butfleshandbloodcannotstandthis.Youcouldnotyourself.
BetweenhimandthemIamfairlywornout.Givemegoodterms——
goodterms,youunderstand,M.deMarsac?\'hewhisperedeagerly,sinkinghisvoicestilllower,\'andyoushallhaveallyouwant.\'
\'Yourlives,andlibertytogowhereyouplease,\'Iansweredcoldly.\'Thetwoladiestobefirstgivenuptomeuninjured.
Thosearetheterms.\'
\'Butforme?\'hesaidanxiously.
\'Foryou?Thesameastheothers,\'Iretorted.\'OrIwillmakeadistinctionforoldacquaintancesake,M.Fresnoy;andiftheladieshaveaughttocomplainof,Iwillhangyoufirst.\'
Hetriedtoblusterandholdoutforasumofmoney,oratleastforhishorsetobegivenuptohim.ButIhadmadeupmymindtorewardmyfollowerswithapresentofahorseapiece;andI
wasbesideswellawarethatthiswasonlyanafterthoughtonhispart,andthathehadfullydecidedtoyield.Istoodfast,therefore.Theresultjustifiedmyfirmness,forhepresentlyagreedtosurrenderonthoseterms.
\'Ay,butM.deBruhl?\'Isaid,desiringtolearnclearlywhetherhehadauthoritytotreatforall.\'Whatofhim?\'
Helookedatmeimpatiently.\'Comeandsee!\'hesaid,withanuglysneer.
\'No,no,myfriend,\'Ianswered,shakingmyheadwarily.\'Thatisnotaccordingtorule.Youarethesurrenderingparty,anditisforyoutotrustus.Bringouttheladies,thatImayhavespeechwiththem,andthenIwilldrawoffmymen.\'
\'NomdeDieu!\'hecriedhoarsely,withsomuchfearandrageinhisfacethatIrecoiledfromhim.\'ThatisjustwhatIcannotdo.\'
\'Youcannot?\'Irejoinedwithasuddenthrillofhorror.\'Whynot?whynot,man?\'Andintheexcitementofthemoment,conceivingtheideathattheworsthadhappenedtothewomen,I
pushedhimbackwithsomuchfurythathelaidhishandonhissword.
\'Confoundyou!\'hestuttered,\'standback!Itisnotthat,I
tellyou!Mademoiselleissafeandsound,andmadame,ifshehadhersenses,wouldbesoundtoo.Itisnotourfaultifsheisnot.ButIhavenotgotthekeyoftherooms.ItisinBruhl\'spocket,Itellyou!\'
\'Oh!\'Imadeanswerdrily.\'AndBruhl?\'
\'Hush,man,\'Fresnoyreplied,wipingtheperspirationfromhisbrow,andbringinghispallid,uglyface,neartomine,\'hehasgottheplague!\'
Istaredathimforamomentinsilence;whichhewasthefirsttobreak.\'Hush!\'hemutteredagain,layingatremblinghandonmyarm,\'ifthemenknewit——andnotseeinghimtheyarebeginningtosuspectit——theywouldriseonus.Thedevilhimselfcouldnotkeepthemhere.BetweenhimandthemIamonarazor\'sedge.
Madameiswithhim,andthedoorislocked.Mademoiselleisinaroomupstairs,andthedoorislocked.Andhehasthekeys.
WhatcanIdo?WhatcanIdo,man?\'hecried,hisvoicehoarsewithterroranddismay.
\'Getthekeys,\'Isaidinstinctively.
\'What?\'Fromhim?\'hemuttered,withanirrepressibleshudder,whichshookhisbloatedcheeks.\'GodforbidIshouldseehim!
Ittakesstoutmeninfallibly.Ishouldbedeadbynight!ByGod,Ishould!\'hecontinued,whining.\'Nowyouarenotstout,M.deMarsac.IfyouwillcomewithmeIwilldrawoffthemenfromthatpart;andyoumaygoinandgetthekeyfromhim.\'
Histerror,whichsurpassedallfeeling,andsatisfiedmewithoutdoubtthathewasinearnest,wassointensethatitcouldnotfailtoinfectme.Ifeltmyface,asIlookedintohis,growtothesamehue.Itrembledashedidandgrewsick.Forifthereisawordwhichblanchesthesoldier\'scheekandtrieshisheartmorethananother,itisthenameofthediseasewhichtravelsinthehotnoonday,and,taintingthestrongestasheridesinhispride,leaveshiminafewhoursapoormassofcorruption.Thestoutestandthemostrecklessfearit;norcouldI,morethananother,boastmyselfindifferenttoit,orthinkofitspresencewithoutshrinking.Buttherespectinwhichamanofbirthholdshimselfsaveshimfromtheunreasoningfearwhichmastersthevulgar;andinamomentIrecoveredmyself,andmadeupmymindwhatitbehovedmetodo.
\'Waitawhile,\'Isaidsternly,\'andIwillcomewithyou.\'
Hewaitedaccordingly,thoughwithmanifestimpatience,whileI
sentforM.d\'Agen,andcommunicatedtohimwhatIwasabouttodo.Ididnotthinkitnecessarytoenterintodetails,ortomentionBruhl\'sstate,forsomeofthemenwerewellinhearing.
Iobservedthattheyounggentlemanreceivedmydirectionswithagloomyanddissatisfiedair.ButIhadbecomebythistimesousedtohismoods,andfoundmyselfsomuchmistakeninhischaracter,thatIscarcelygavethematterasecondthought.I
crossedthecourtwithFresnoy,andinamomenthadmountedtheoutsidestaircaseandpassedthroughtheheavydoorway.
ThemomentIentered,IwasforcedtodoFresnoythejusticeofadmittingthathehadnotcometomebeforehewasobliged.Thethreemenwhowereonguardinsidetosseddowntheirweaponsatsightofme,whileafourth,whowaspostedataneighbouringwindow,hailedmewithacryofrelief.FromthemomentI
crossedthethresholdthedefencewaspracticallyatanend.I
might,hadIchosenorfounditconsistentwithhonour,havecalledinmyfollowingandsecuredtheentrance.Withoutpausing,however,Ipassedontothefootofagloomystonestaircasewindingupbetweenwallsofroughmasonry;andhereFresnoystoodononesideandstopped.Hepointedupwardswithapalefaceandmuttered,\'Thedoorontheleft.\'
LeavinghimtherewatchingmeasIwentupwards,Imountedslowlytothelanding,andbythelightofanarrow-slitwhichdimlylittheruinousplacefoundthedoorhehaddescribed,andtrieditwithmyhand.Itwaslocked,butIheardsomeonemoanintheroom,andastepcrossedthefloor,asifheoranothercametothedoorandlistened.Iknocked,hearingmyheartbeatinthesilence.Atlastavoicequitestrangetomecried,\'Whoisit?\'
\'Afriend,\'Imuttered,strivingtodullmyvoicethattheymightnothearmebelow.
\'Afriend!\'thebitteranswercame.\'Go!Youhavemadeamistake!Wehavenofriends.\'
\'ItisI,M.deMarsac,\'Irejoined,knockingmoreimperatively.
\'IwouldseeM.deBruhl.Imustseehim.\'
Thepersoninside,atwhoseidentityIcouldnowmakeaguess,utteredalowexclamation,andstillseemedtohesitate.ButonmyrepeatingmydemandIheardarustyboltwithdrawn,andMadamedeBruhl,openingthedoorafewinches,showedherfaceinthegap.\'Whatdoyouwant?\'shemurmuredjealously.
PreparedasIwastoseeher,Iwasshockedbythechangeinherappearance,achangewhicheventhatimperfectlightfailedtohide.Herblueeyeshadgrownlargerandharder,andthereweredarkmarksunderthem.Herface,oncesobrilliant,wasgreyandpinched;herhairhadlostitsgoldenlustre.\'Whatdoyouwant?\'sherepeated,eyeingmefiercely.
\'Toseehim,\'Ianswered.
\'Youknow?\'shemuttered.\'Youknowthathe——\'
Inodded.
Andyoustillwanttocomein?MyGod!Swearyouwillnothurthim?\'
\'Heavenforbid!\'Isaid;andonthatsheheldthedooropenthatImightenter.ButIwasnothalf-wayacrosstheroombeforeshehadpassedme,andwasagainbetweenmeandthewretchedmakeshiftpallet.Nay,whenIstoodandlookeddownathim,ashemoanedandrolledinsenselessagony,withlividfaceanddistortedfeatureswhichthecoldgreylightofthatmiserableroomrendereddoublyappalling,shehungoverhimandfencedhimfromme:sothatlookingonhimandher,andrememberinghowhehadtreatedher,andwhyhecametobeinthisplace,Ifeltunmanlytearsrisetomyeyes.Theroomwasstillaprison,aprisonwithbrokenmortarcoveringthefloorandloopholesforwindows;butthecaptivewasheldbyotherchainsthanthoseofforce.Whenshemighthavegonefree,herwoman\'slovesurvivingallthathehaddonetokillit,chainedhertohissidewithfetterswhicholdwrongsandpresentdangerwerepowerlesstobreak.