Heputhisfollyfromhimand-wenton，seekingtoholdhismindtotheplanningofhisto-morrow”sjourneyanditsbusiness。HehadnomeanstoknowthatatthatveryhourValeriewasonherkneesbyherlittlewhitebed，intheNorthernTowerofCondillac，prayingforthereposeofthesoulofMonsieurdeGarnache-thebravestgentleman，thenoblestfriendshehadeverknown。Forsheaccountedhimdead，andshethoughtwithhorrorofhisbodylyingintheslimeunderthecoldwatersofthemoatbeneaththewindowofherantechamber。Achangeseemedtohavecomeuponher。Hersoulwasnumb，hercourageseemeddead，andlittlecarehadsheinthathourofwhatmightbetidehernow。
Florimondwascoming，sheremembered：comingtowedher。Ah，well！
Itmatteredlittle，sinceMonsieurdeGarnachewasdead-asthoughitcouldhavematteredhadhebeenliving！
ThreehoursofhislongstridingbroughtGarnacheatlasttoVoiron，andtheechoofhisfootstepsrangthroughthesilentstreetsandscaredastraycatortwothatwerepreyingoutofdoors。Therewasnowatchinthelittletownshipandnolights，butbythemoon”sfaintglimmerGarnachesoughttheinnoftheBeauPaon，andfounditattheendofalittlewandering。Agaudypeacock，withtailspreadwide，wasthesignabovethedooronwhichhethumpedandkickedasifhewouldhavebeatenitdown。
Itopenedaftersomedelay，andaman，halfclad，candleinhand，anight-caponhishoarylocks，showedanangryfaceattheopening。
Atsightofthegaunt，bedraggledfigurethatcravedadmittance，thelandlordwouldhaveshutthedooragain，fearingthathehadtodowithsomewildbanditfromthehills。ButGarnachethrusthisfootintheway。
“ThereisamannamedRabecque，fromParis，lodginghere。Imusthaveinstantspeechwithhim，“saidhe；andhiswords，togetherwiththecrisp，commandingtonesinwhichtheywereuttered，hadtheireffectuponthehost。
RabecquehadbeenplayingthegreatlordduringtheweekhehadspentatVoiron，andhadknownhowtocommandacertaindeferenceandregard。Thatthistatterdemalion，withthehaughtyvoice，shoulddemandtoseehimatthathourofthenight，withsuchscantunconcernofhowfarhemightincommodethegreatMonsieurRabecque，earnedforhimtooacertainmeasureofregard，thoughstillalloyedwithsomesuspicion。
Thelandlordbadehimenter。HedidnotknowwhetherMonsieurRabecquewouldforgivehimforbeingdisturbed；hecouldnotsaywhetherMonsieurRabecquewouldconsenttoseethisvisitoratsuchanhour；veryprobablyhewouldnot。Still，monsieurmightenter。
Garnachecuthimshortbeforehehadhalfdone，announcedhisnameandbadehimconveyittoRabecque。Thealacritywithwhichthelackeystirredfromhisbeduponhearingwhoitwasthathadarrivedimpressedthehostnotalittle，butnothalfsomuchasitimpressedhimpresentlytoobservethedeferencewithwhichthisgreatMonsieurRabecqueofParisconfrontedthescarecrowbelowstairswhenhewasbroughtintoitspresence。
“Youaresafeandsound，monsieur？“hecried，indeferentialjoy。
“Aye，byamiracle，monfils，“Garnacheansweredhim，withashortlaugh。“Helpmetobed；thenbringmeacupofspicedwine。Ihaveswumamoatanddoneotherwondersintheseclothes。”
ThehostandRabecquebustlednowtoministertohiswantsbetweenthem，andwhen，jadedandworn，Garnachelayatlastbetweengood-smellingsheetswiththefeelinginhimthathewasliketosleepuntilthedayofjudgment，heissuedhisfinalorders。
“Awakemeatdaybreak，Rabecque，“saidhedrowsily。“Wemustbestirringthen。Havehorsereadyandclothesforme。IshallneedyoutowashmecleanandshavemeandmakemewhatIwasbeforeyourtricksanddyesturnedmeintowhatIhavebeenthisweekandmore。Takeawaythelight。Atdaybreak！Don”tletmesleepbeyondthatasyouvalueyourplacewithme。Weshallhavebriskworkto-morrow。At-daybreak-Rabecque！“
CHAPTERXX
FLORIMONDDECONDILLAC
ItwasnoonofthenextdaywhentwohorsemengainedtheheightsaboveLaRochetteandpausedtobreathetheirnagsandtakeasurveyofthelittletownshipintheplainattheirfeet。OneofthesewasMonsieurdeGarnache，theotherwashismanRabecque。ButitwasnolongerthetravestiedGarnachethatCondillachadknownas“Battista“duringthepastdays，itwasthatgentlemanashehadbeenwhenfirsthepresentedhimselfatthechateau。Rabecquehadshavedhim，andbymeansofcertainunguentshadcleansedhisskinandhairofthedyeswithwhichhehadearlieroverlaidthem。
Thatmetamorphosis，ofitself，wasenoughtosetGarnacheinagoodhumour；hefelthimselfagain，andthefeelinggavehimconfidence。
Hismustachiosbristledasfiercelyasofold，hisskinwasclearandhealthy，andhisdarkbrownhairshowedashenatthetemples。
Hewasbecominglyarrayedinasuitofdarkbrowncamlet，withrowsofclose-setgoldbuttonsrunninguphishangingsleeves；aleatherjerkinhidmuchofhisfinery，andhisgreatbootsencasedhislegs。
Heworeabrownhat，withatallishcrownandaredfeather，andRabecquecarriedhiscloakforhim，forthepersistentSaintMartin”ssummerrenderedthatdayofNovemberratherasoneofearlyautumn。
Afloodofsunshinedescendedfromacloudlessskytodrenchthecountryattheirfeet，andallaboutthemthetreespreservedagreenthatwasbutlittletouchedbyautumnalbrowning。
Awhilehepausedthereontheheights；thenhegavehishorseatouchofthespur，andtheystarteddownthewindingroadthatledintoLaRochette。Ahalf-hourlatertheywereridingundertheportecochereoftheinnoftheBlackBoar。OftheostlerwhohastenedforwardtotaketheirreinsMonsieurdeGarnacheinquirediftheMarquisdeCondillacwerelodgedthere。Hewasansweredintheaffirmative，andhegotdownatoncefromhishorse。Indeed，butfortheformalityofthething，hemighthavesparedhimselfthequestion，forloungingaboutthecourtyardwereascoreofstalwartweather-tannedfellows，whoseairandaccoutrementsproclaimedthemsoldiers。ItrequiredlittleshrewdnesstoguessinthemthepersonalfollowersoftheMarquis，theremainderofthelittletroopthathadfollowedtheyoungseigneurtothewarswhen，somethreeyearsago，hehadsetoutfromCondillac。
Garnachegaveordersforthehorsestobecaredfor，andbadeRabecquegethimselffedinthecommonroom。Heraldedbythehost，theParisianthenmountedthestairstoMonsieurdeCondillac”sapartments。
Thelandlordledthewaytotheinn”sbestroom，turnedthehandle，and，throwingwidethedoor，stoodasideforMonsieurdeGarnachetoenter。
>Fromwithinthechambercamethesoundsofascuffle，aman”ssoftlaugh，andagirl”ssofterintercession。
“Letmego，monsieur。Ofyourpity，letmego。Someoneiscoming。”
“AndwhatcareIwhocomes？“answeredavoicethatseemedoppressedbylaughter。
Garnachestrodeintothechamber-spaciousandhandsomelyfurnishedasbecamethebestroomoftheAubergeduSanglierNoir-tofindamealspreadonthetable，steamingwithanodourpromisingofgoodthings，butneglectedbytheguestforthecharmsoftheserving-wench，whosewaisthehadimprisoned。AsGarnache”stallfigureloomedbeforehimheletthegirlgoandturnedahalf-laughing，half-startledfaceupontheintruder。
“Whothedevilmayyoube？“heinquired，andabrowneye，rakishandrovinginitsglance，playedbrisklyovertheParisian，whilstGarnachehimselfreturnedthecompliment，andcalmlysurveyedthisfloridgentlemanofmiddleheightwiththefairhairandregularfeatures。
Thegirlscurriedbyanddartedfromtheroom，dodgingthesmitinghandwhichthehostraisedassheflewpasthim。TheParisianfelthisgorgerising。WasthisthesortoffeverthathadkeptMonsieurleMarquisatLaRochette，whilstmademoisellewassufferinginduranceatCondillac？Hislastnight”sjealousspeculationstouchingamanhedidnotknowhadleastwaysledhimintonoexaggeration。
Hefoundjustsuchamanashehadpictured-alightly-loving，pleasure-takingroysterer，withneverathoughtbeyondtheamusementwhichthehouraffordedhim。
WithcurlinglipGarnachebowedstiffly，andinacold，formalvoiceheannouncedhimself。
“MynameisMartinMarieRigobertdeGarnache。IamanemissarydispatchedfromParisbyherMajestytheQueen-mothertoprocuretheenlargementofMademoiselledeLaVauvrayefromtheduranceinwhichsheisheldbymadameyourstepmother。”
Thepleasantgentleman”seyebrowswentup；asmilethatwasalmostinsolentbrokeonhisface。
“Thatbeingso，monsieur，whythedevilareyouhere？“
“Iamhere，monsieur，“answeredhimGarnache，throwingbackhishead，hisnostrilsquivering，“becauseyouarenotatCondillac。”
Thetonewastruculenttothepointofdefiance，fordespitethefirmresolvehehadtakenlastnightneveragaintolethistemperovermasterhim，alreadyGarnache”sself-controlwasslippingaway。
TheMarquisnotedthetone，andobservedtheman。Intheirwayhelikedboth；intheirwayhedislikedboth。Butheclearlysawthatthispepperygentlemanmustbetreatedlesscavalierly，ortroublewouldcomeofit。Sohewavedhimgracefullytothetable，whereabraceofflagonsstoodamidthesteamingviands。
“Youwilldinewithme，monsieur，“saidhe，theutmostpolitenessmarkinghisutterancenow。“Itakeitthatsinceyouhavecomehereinquestofmeyouhavesomethingtotellme。Shallwetalkasweeat？Idetestalonelymeal。”
Thefloridgentleman”stoneandmannerweremollifyingintheextreme。Garnachehadrisenearlyandriddenfar；thesmelloftheviandshadquickenedanappetitealreadyverykeen；moreover，sinceheandthisgentlemanweretobeallies，itwasaswelltheyshouldnotbeginbyquarrelling。
Hebowedlessstiffly，expressedhiswillingnessandhisthanks，laidhatandwhipandcloakaside，unbuckledandsetdownhissword，and，thatdone，tookattabletheplacewhichhishosthimselfpreparedhim。
GarnachetookmorecarefulstockoftheMarquisnow。Hefoundmuchtolikeinhiscountenance。Itwasfrankandjovial；obviouslythatofasensualist，but，leastways，anhonestsensualist。Hewasdressedinblack，asbecameamanwhomournedhisfather，yetwithastrikingrichnessofmaterial，whilsthisbroadcollaroffinepointandthelacecuffsofhisdoubletwereworthafortune。
WhattimetheyateMonsieurdeGarnachetoldofhisjourneyfromParisandofhisdealingswithTressanandhissubsequentadventuresatCondillac。Hedweltpassinglyuponthemannerinwhichtheyhadtreatedhim，andfounditdifficulttochoosewordstoexpressthereasonforhisreturningindisguisetoplaytheknight-erranttoValerie。Hepassedontospeakoflastnight”shappeningsandofhisescape。Throughout，theMarquisheardhimwithagravecountenanceandasober，attentiveglance，yet，whenhehadfinishedasmilecreptroundthesensuallips。
“TheletterthatIhadatMilanpreparedmeforsomesuchtroubleasthis，“saidhe，andGarnachewasamazedatthelightnessofhistone，justashehadbeenamazedtoseethefellowkeephiscountenanceatthenarrativeofmademoiselle”sposition。“Iguessedthatmybeautifulstepmotherintendedmesomesuchscurvinessfromthecircumstanceofherhavingkeptmeinignoranceofmyfather”sdeath。Butfrankly，sir，yourtalebyfaroutstripsmywildestimaginings。Youhavebehavedvery-verybravelyinthisaffair。
Youseem，infact，tohavetakenagreaterinterestinMademoiselledeLaVauvraye”senlargementthantheQueencouldhavearighttoexpectofyou。”Andhesmiled，aworldofsuggestioninhiseyes。
Garnachesatbackinhischairandstaredattheman。
“Thislevity，monsieur，onsuchasubject，leavesmethunderstruck，“
hesaidatlast。
“Diable！“laughedtheother。“Youaretooprone，afteryourtrials；
toviewitstragicratherthanitscomicside。ForgivemeifIamsmittenonlywiththehumourofthething。”
“Thehumourofthething！“gurgledGarnache，hiseyesstartingfromhishead。Thenoutleaptthattemperofhislikeaneagerhoundthathasbeensuddenlyunleashed。Hebroughtdownhisclenchedhanduponthetable，caughtinpassingaflagon，andsentitcrashingtothefloor。Iftherewasatablenearathandwhenhistemperwent，heneverfailedtotreatitso。
“ParlamortDieu！monsieur，youseebutthehumourofit，doyou？
Andwhatofthatpoorchildwhoislyingthere，sufferingthisincarcerationbecauseofherfidelitytoapromisegivenyou？“
Thestatementwashardlyfullyaccurate。Butitserveditspurpose。
Theother”sfacebecameinstantly，grave。
“Calmyourself，Ibeg，monsieur，“hecried，raisingasoothinghand。
“Ihaveoffendedyousomewhere；thatisplain。ThereissomethingherethatIdonotaltogetherunderstand。YousaythatValeriehassufferedonaccountofapromisegivenme？Towhatareyoureferring？“
“Theyholdheraprisoner，monsieur，becausetheywishtowedhertoMarius，“answeredGarnache，strivinghardtocoolhisanger。
“Parfaitement！ThatmuchIunderstood。”
“Well，then，monsieur，istherestnotplain？Becausesheisbetrothedtoyou-“Hepaused。Hesaw，atlast，thathewasstatingsomethingnotaltogetheraccurate。Buttheothertookhismeaningthereandthen，laybackinhischair，andburstoutlaughing。
ThebloodhummedthroughGarnache”sheadashetightenedhislipsandwatchedthisgentlemanindulgehisinexplicablemirth。SurelyMonsieurdeCondillacwaspossessedofthekeenestsenseofhumourinallFrance。Helaughedwithawill，andGarnachesentupadevoutprayerthatthelaughmightchokehim。Thenoiseofitfilledthehostelry。
“Sir，“saidGarnache，withanever-increasingtartness，“thereisaby-wordhasit”Muchlaughter，littlewit。”Inconfidencewon，isthatyourcase，monsieur？“
Theotherlookedathimsoberlyamoment，thenwentoffagain。
“Monsieur，monsieur！“hegasped，“you”llbethedeathofme。FortheloveofHeavenlooklessfierce。IsitmyfaultthatImustlaugh？Thefollyofitallissocolossal。Threeyearsfromhome，yetthereisawomankeepsfaithfulandholdstoapromisegivenforher。Come，monsieur，youwhohaveseentheworld，youmustagreethatthereisinthissomethingthatispassingsingular，extravagantlyamusing。MypoorlittleValerie！“hesplutteredthroughhishalf-checkedmirth，“doesshewaitformestill？doesshecountmestillbetrothedtoher？Andbecauseofthat，says”No”tobrotherMarius！Deathofmylife！Ishalldieofit。”
“Ihaveanotionthatyoumay，monsieur，“raspedGarnache”svoice，andwithitraspedGarnache”schairupontheboards。Hehadrisen，andhewasconfrontinghismerryhostveryfiercely，whitetothelips，hiseyesaflame。Therewasnomistakinghisattitude，nomistakinghiswords。
“Eh？“gaspedtheother，recoveringhimselfatlasttoenvisagewhatappearedtodevelopintoaserioussituation。
“Monsieur，“saidGarnache，hisvoiceverycold，“doIunderstandthatyounolongerintendtocarryoutyourengagementandwedMademoiselledeLaVauvraye？“
AdullflushspreadupontheMarquis”sface。Herosetoo，andacrossthetableheconfrontedhisguest，hismienhaughty，hiseyesimperious。
“Ithought，monsieur，“saidhe，withagreatdignity，“IthoughtwhenIinvitedyoutositatmytablethatyourbusinesswastoserveme，howeverlittleImightbeconsciousofhavingmeritedthehonour。Itseemsinsteadthatyouarecomehithertoaffrontme。Youaremyguest，monsieur。LetmebegthatyouwilldepartbeforeIresentaquestiononamatterwhichconcernsmyselfalone。”
Themanwasright，andGarnachewaswrong。HehadnotitletotakeuptheaffairsofMademoiselledeLaVauvraye。Buthewaspastreasonnow，andhewasnotthemantobrookhaughtiness，howevercourteouslyitmightbecloaked。HeeyedtheMarquis”sflushedaceacrosstheboard，andhislipcurled。
“Monsieur，“saidhe，“Itakeyourmeaningveryfully。Halfawordwithmeisasgoodasawholesentencewithanother。Youhavedubbedmeinpolitephrasesanimpertinent。ThatIamnot；andI
resenttheimputation。”
“Oh，that！“saidtheMarquis，withahalf-laughandashrug。“Ifyouresentit-“Hissmileandhisgesturemadetherestplain。
“Exactly，monsieur，“wasGarnache”sanswer。“ButIdonotfightsickmen。”
Florimond”sbrowsgrewwrinkled，hiseyespuzzled。
“Sickmen！“heechoed。“Awhileago，monsieur，youappearedtocastadoubtuponmysanity。Isitacaseofthedrunkardwhothinksalltheworlddrunkbuthimself？“
Garnachegazedathim。Thatdoubthehadentertainedgrewnowintosomethinglikeassurance。
“Iknownotwhetheritisthefevermakesyourtonguerunso-“
hebegan，whentheotherbrokein，asuddenlightofunderstandinginhiseyes。
“Youareatfault，“hecried。“Ihavenofever。”
“ButthenyourlettertoCondillac？“demandedGarnache，lostnowinutteramazement。
“Whatofit？I”llswearIneversaidIhadafever。”
“I”llswearyoudid。”
“Yougivemethelie，then？“
ButGarnachewavedhishandsasifheimploredtheother，tohavedonewithgivingandtakingoffence。Therewassomemisunderstandingsomewhere，herealized，andsheerastonishmenthadcooledhisanger。
Hisonlyaimnowwastohavethisobscurethingmadeclear。
“No，no，“hecried。“Iamseekingenlightenment。”
Florimondsmiled。
“Imayhavesaidthatweweredetainedbyafever；butIneversaidthepatientwasmyself。”
“Whothen？Whoelse？“criedGarnache。
“Why，nowIunderstand，monsieur。Butitismywifewhohasthefever。”
“Your-！“Garnachedarednottrusthimselftouttertheword。
“Mywife，monsieur，“theMarquisrepeated。“Thejourneyprovedtoomuchforher，travellingattherateshedid。”
Asilencefell。Garnache”slongchinsankontohisbreast，andhestoodthere，hiseyesuponthetablecloth，histhoughtswiththepoorinnocentchildwhowaitedatCondillac，sofulloftrustandfaithandloyaltytothisbetrothedofherswhohadcomehomewithawifeoutofItaly。
Andthen，whilehestoodsoandFlorimondwasregardinghimcuriously，thedooropened，andthehostappeared。
“MonsieurleMarquis，“saidhe，“therearetwogentlemenbelowaskingtoseeyou。OneofthemisMonsieurMariusdeCondillac。”
“Marius？“criedtheMarquis，andhestartedroundwithafrown。
“Marius？“breathedGarnache，andthen，realizingthattheassassinshadfollowedsocloseuponhisheels，heputallthoughtsfromhismindotherthanthatoftheimmediatebusiness。Hehad，himself，ascoretosettlewiththem。Thetimewasnow。Heswungroundonhisheel，andbeforeheknewwhathehadsaidthewordswereout：
“Bringthemup，Monsieurl”Hote。”
Florimondlookedathiminsurprise。
“Oh，byallmeans，ifmonsieurwishesit，“saidhe，withafineirony。
Garnachelookedathim，thenbackatthehesitatinghost。
“Youhaveheard，“saidhecoolly。“Bringthemup。”
“Bien，monsieur，“repliedthehost，withdrawingandclosingthedoorafterhim。
“Yourinterferenceinmyaffairsgrowsreallydroll，monsieur，“
saidtheMarquistartly。
“WhenyoushallhavelearnedtowhatpurposeIaminterfering，you”llfindit，possibly，notquitesodroll，“wastheanswer，nolesstart。“Wehavebutamoment，monsieur。ListenwhileItellyouthenatureoftheirerrand。”
CHAPTERXXI
THEGHOSTINTHECUPBOARD
Garnachehadbutafewminutesinwhichtounfoldhisstory，andheneeded，inaddition，asecondortwoinwhichtoponderthesituationashenowfoundit。
HisfirstreflectionwasthatFlorimond，sincehewasnowmarried，mightperhaps，insteadofprovingValerie”ssaviourfromMarius，joinforceswithhisbrotherincoercingherintothisalliancewithhim。ButfromwhatValerieherselfhadtoldhimhewasinclinedtothinkmorefavourablyofFlorimondandtosuppresssuchdoubtsasthese。Stillhecouldincurnorisks；isbusinesswastoserveValerieandValerieonly；toprocureatallcostsherpermanentliberationfromthepoweroftheCondillacs。TomakesureofthishemustplayuponFlorimond”sanger，lettinghimknowthatMariushadjourneyedtoLaRochetteforthepurposeofmurderinghishalf-brother。ThathebutsoughttomurderhimtotheendthathemightberemovedfromhispathtoValerie，wasacircumstancethatneednottooprominentlybepresented。Still，presenteditmustbe，forFlorimondwouldrequiretoknowbywhatmotivehisbrotherwasimpellederehecouldcredithimcapableofsuchvillainy。
Succinctly，buttellingly，GarnachebroughtoutthestoryoftheplotthathadbeenlaidforFlorimond”sassassination，anditjoyedhimtoseetheangerrisingintheMarquis”sfaceandflashingfromhiseyes。
“Whatreasonhavetheyforsodamnableadeed？“hecried，betweenincredulityandindignation。
“Theiroverweeningambition。MariuscovetsMademoiselledeLaVauvraye”sestates。”
“Andtogainhisendshewouldnotstopatmurderingme？Isit，indeed，thetruthyoutellme？“
“Ipledgemyhonourforthetruthofit，“answeredGarnache，watchinghimclosely。Florimondlookedathimamoment。Thesteadyglanceofthoseblueeyesandthesteadytoneofthatcrispvoicescatteredhislastdoubt。
“Thevillains！“criedtheMarquis。“Thefools！“headded。“Forme，MariushadbeenwelcometoValerie。Hemighthavefoundinmeanallytoaidhimintheurgingofhissuit。Butnow-“Heraisedhisclenchedhandandshookitintheair，asifinpromiseofthebattlehewoulddeliver。
“Good，“saidGarnache，reassured。“Iheartheirstepsuponthestairs。Theymustnotfindmewithyou。”
Amomentlaterthedooropened，andMarius，verybravelyarrayed，enteredtheroom，followedcloselybyFortunio。Neithershowedmuchilleffectsoflastnight”shappenings，saveforalongdark-brownscarthatranathwartthecaptain”scheek，whereGarnache”sswordhadploughedit。
TheyfoundFlorimondseatedquietlyattable，andastheyenteredheroseandcameforwardwithafriendlysmiletogreethisbrother。
Hissenseofhumourwasbeingexcited；hewassomethingofanactor，andtherolehehadadoptedinthecomedytobeplayedgavehimacertaingrimsatisfaction。HewouldtestforhimselfthetruthofwhatMonsieurdeGarnachehadtoldhimconcerninghisbrother”sintentions。Mariusreceivedhisadvancesverycoolly。Hetookhisbrother”shand，submittedtohisbrother”skiss；butneitherkissnorhand-pressuredidhereturn。Florimondaffectednottonoticethis。
“Youarewell，mydearMarius，Ihope，“saidhe，andthrustinghimoutatarms”length，heheldhimbytheshouldersandregardedhimcritically。“Mafoi，butyouarechangedintoacomelywell-grownman。Andyourmother-sheiswell，too，Itrust。”
“Ithankyou，Florimond，sheiswell，“saidMariusstiffly。
TheMarquistookhishandsfromhisbrother”sshoulders；hisflorid，good-naturedfacesmilingever，asifthiswerethehappiestmomentofhislife。
“ItisgoodtoseeFranceagain，mydearMarius，“hetoldhisbrother。“Iwasafooltohaveremainedawaysolong。IampiningtobeatCondillaconcemore。”
Mariuseyeinghim，lookedinvainforsignsofthefever。Hehadexpectedtofindadebilitated，emaciatedman；instead，hesawaverylusty，healthy，heartyfellow，fullofgoodhumour，andseeminglyfullofstrength。Hebegantolikehispurposeless，despitesuchencouragementashegatheredfromthesupportofFortunio。Still，itmustbegonethroughwith。
“Youwroteusthatyouhadthefever，“hesaid，halfinquiringly。
“Pooh！Thatisnaught。”AndFlorimondsnappedastrongfingeragainstastrongerthumb。“Butwhomhaveyouwithyou？“heasked，andhiseyestookthemeasureofFortunio，standingapaceortwobehindhismaster。
Mariuspresentedhisbravo。
“ThisisCaptainFortunio，thecommanderofourgarrisonofCondillac。”
TheMarquisnoddedgood-humouredlytowardsthecaptain。
“CaptainFortunio？Heiswellnamedforasoldieroffortune。Mybrother，nodoubt，willhavefamilymatterstotellmeof。Ifyouwillstepbelow，MonsieurleCapitaine，anddrinkahealthorsowhileyouwait，Ishallbehonoured。”
Thecaptain，nonplussed，lookedatMarius，andFlorimondsurprisedthelook。ButMarius”smannerbecamestillchillier。
“Fortuniohere，“saidhe，andhehalfturnedandlethishandfallonthecaptain”sshoulder，“ismyverygoodfriend。Ihavenosecretsfromhim。”
TheinstantliftofFlorimond”seyebrowswasfullofinsolent，superciliousdisdain。YetMariusdidnotfastenhisquarreluponthat。HehadcometoLaRochetteresolvedthatanypretextwouldservehisturn。Butthesightofhisbrothersoinflamedhisjealousythathehadnowdeterminedthatthequarrelshouldbepickedontheactualgroundinwhichithaditsroots。
“Oh，asyouwill，“saidtheMarquiscoolly。“Perhapsyourfriendwillbeseated，andyou，too，mydearMarius。”Andheplayedthehosttothemwithabriskcharm。Settingchairs，heforcedthemtosit，andpressedwineuponthem。
MariuscasthishatandcloakonthechairwhereGarnache”shadbeenleft。TheParisian”shatandcloak，henaturallyassumedtobelongtohisbrother。Thesmashedflagonandthemessofwineuponthefloorhescarceobserved，settingitdowntosomeclumsiness，eitherhisbrother”soraservant”s。Theybothdrank，Mariusinsilence，thecaptainwithatoast。
“Yourgoodreturn，MonsieurleMarquis，“saidhe，andFlorimondthankedhimbyaninclinationofthehead。Then，turningtoMarius：
“Andso，“hesaid，“youhaveagarrisonatCondillac。Whatthedevilhasbeentakingplacethere？Ihavehadsomeoddnewsofyou。
ItwouldalmostseemasifyouweresettingupasrebelsinourquietlittlecornerofDauphiny。”
Mariusshruggedhisshoulders；hisfacesuggestedthathewasill-humoured。
“MadametheQueen-Regenthasseenfittointerfereinourconcerns。
WeCondillacsdonotlightlybrookinterference。”
Florimondshowedhisteethinapleasantsmile。
“Thatistrue，thatisverytrue，Pardieu！ButwhatwarrantedthisactionofHerMajesty”s？“
Mariusfeltthatthetimefordeedswascome。Thisfatuousconversationwasbutafutilewasteoftime。Hesetdownhisglass，andsittingbackinhischairhefixedhissullenblackeyesfulluponhishalf-brother”ssmilingbrownones。
“Ithinkwehaveexchangedcomplimentsenough，“saidhe，andFortuniowaggedhisheadapprovingly。Thereweretoomanymeninthecourtyardforhisliking，andthemoretimetheywaited，themorelikelyweretheytosufferinterruption。Theiraimmustbetogetthethingdonequickly，andthenquicklytodepartbeforeanalarmcouldberaised。“OurtroubleatCondillacconcernsMademoiselledeLaVauvraye。”
Florimondstartedforward，withareadyassumptionoflover-likesolicitude。
“Noharmhascometoher？“hecried。“Tellmethatnoharmhascometoher。”
“Reassureyourself，“answeredMarius，withasneer，agreynessthatwasofjealousrageoverspreadinghisface。“Noharmhascometoherwhatever。ThetroublewasthatIsoughttowedher，andshe，becausesheisbetrothedtoyou，wouldhavenoneofme。SowebroughthertoCondillac，hopingalwaystopersuadeher。Youwillrememberthatshewasundermymother”stutelage。Thegirl，however，couldnotbeconstrained。ShesubornedoneofourmentobearalettertoParisforher，andinanswertoittheQueensentahot-headed，rashblundererdowntoDauphinytoprocureherliberation。HeliesnowatthebottomofthemoatofCondillac。”
Florimond”sfacehadassumedalookofhorrorandindignation。
“Doyoudaretellmethis？“hecried。
“Dare？“answeredMarius，withanuglylaugh。“Menenoughhavediedoverthisaffairalready。ThatfellowGarnacheleftsomebodiesonourhandslastnightbeforehesetoutforanotherworldhimself。
Youlittledreamhowfarmydaringgoesinthismatter。I”lladdasmanymoreasneedbetothedeathrollthatwehavealready，beforeyousetfootinCondillac。”
“Ah！“saidFlorimond，asoneuponwhosemindalightbreakssuddenly。
“So，thatisthebusinessonwhichyoucometome。Idoubtedyourbrotherliness，Imustconfess，mydearMarius。Buttellme，brothermine，whatofourfather”swishesinthismatter？Haveyounorespectforthose？“
“Whatrespecthadyou？“flashedbackMarius，hisvoicenowraisedinanger。“Wasitlikealovertoremainawayforthreeyears-toletallthattimegobywithouteverawordfromyoutoyourbetrothed？Whathaveyoudonetomakegoodyourclaimtoher？“
“Nothing，Iconfess；yet-“
“Well，youshalldosomethingnow，“exclaimedMarius，rising。“I
amheretoaffordyoutheopportunity。IfyouwouldstillwinMademoiselledeLaVauvraye，youshallwinherfromme-atpointofsword。Fortunio，seetothedoor。”
“Wait，Marius！“criedFlorimond，andhelookedgenuinelyaghast。
“Donotforgetthatwearebrothers，menofthesameblood；thatmyfatherwasyourfather。”
“Ichoosetorememberratherthatwearerivals，“answeredMarius，andhedrewhisrapier。Fortunioturnedthekeyinthelock。
Florimondgavehisbrotheralongsearchinglook，thenwithasighhepickeduphisswordwhereitlayreadytohishandandthoughtfullyunsheathedit。Holdingthehiltinonehandandthebladeintheotherhestood，bendingtheweaponlikeawhip，whilstagainhesearchinglyregardedhisbrother。
“Hearmeamoment，“saidhe。“Ifyouwillforcethisunnaturalquarreluponme，atleastletthethingbedecentlydone。Nothere，notinthesecrampedquarters，butoutintheopenletourmeetingtakeplace。Ifthecaptain，there，willactforyou，I”llfindafriendtodomethelikeservice。”
“Wesettlethismatterhereandnow，“Mariusansweredhim，inatoneofcalmfinality。
“ButifIweretokillyou-“Florimondbegan。
“Reassureyourself，“saidMariuswithanuglysmile。
“Verywell，then；eitheralternativewillsuitthecaseIwishtoput。Ifyouweretokillme-itmayberankedasmurder。Theirregularityofitcouldnotbeoverlooked。”
“Thecaptain，here，willactforbothofus。”
“Iamentirelyatyourservice，gentlemen，“repliedFortuniopleasantly，bowingtoeachinturn。
Florimondconsideredhim。“Idonotlikehislooks，“heobjected。
“Hemaybethefriendofyourbosom，Marius；youmayhavenosecretsfromhim；butformypart，frankly，Ishouldpreferthepresenceofsomefriendofmyowntokeephisbladeengaged。”
TheMarquis”smannerwasaffableintheextreme。Nowthatitwassettledthattheymustfight，heappearedtohavecastasideallscruplesbasedupontheirconsanguinity，andhediscussedtheaffairwiththegreatestbonhomie，asthoughheweredisposingofamatterofhowtheyshouldsitdowntotable。
Itgavethempause。Thechangewastooabrupt。Theydidnotlikeit。Itwasasthecalmthatscreenssomesurprise。Yetitwasimpossibleheshouldhavebeenforewarned；impossiblehecouldhavehadwordofhowtheyproposedtodealwithhim。
Mariusshruggedhisshoulders。
“Thereisreasoninwhatyousay，“heacknowledged；“butIaminhaste。Icannotwaitwhileyougoinsearchofafriend。”
“Whythen，“heanswered，withacarelesslaugh，“Imustraiseonefromthedead。”
Bothstaredathim。Washemad？Hadthefevertouchedhisbrain？
Wasthathealthycolourbutthebrandofamaladythatrenderedhimdelirious？
“Dieu！Howyoustare！“hecontinued，laughingintheirfaces。
“Youshallseesomethingtocompensateyouforyourjourney，messieurs。IhavelearntsomeoddtricksinItaly；theyareacuriouspeoplebeyondtheAlps。WhatdidyousaywasthenameofthemantheQueenhadsentfromParis？-hewholiesatthebottomofthemoatofCondillac？“
“Lettherebeanendtothisjesting，“growledMarius。“Onguard，MonsieurleMarquis！“
“Patience！patience！“Florimondimploredhim。“Youshallhaveyourwaywithme，Ipromiseyou。Butofyourcharity，messieurs，tellmefirstthenameofthatman。”
“ItwasGarnache，“saidFortunio，“andiftheinformationwillserveyou，itwasIwhoslewhim。”
“You？“criedFlorimond。“Tellmeofit，Ibegyou。”
“Doyoufoolus？“questionedMariusinaragethatovermasteredhisastonishment，hisgrowingsuspicionthathereallwasnotquiteasitseemed。
“Foolyou？Butno。IdobutwishtoshowyousomethingthatI
learnedinItaly。Tellmehowyouslewhim，MonsieurleCapitaine。”
“Ithinkwearewastingtime，“saidthecaptain，angrytoo。Hefeltthatthissmilinggentlemanwasderidingthepairofthem；itcrossedhismindthatforsomepurposeofhisowntheMarquiswasseekingtogaintime。Hedrewhissword。
Florimondsawtheact，watchedit，andhiseyestwinkled。SuddenlyMarius”sswordshotoutathim。Heleaptbackbeyondthetable，andthrewhimselfonguard，hislipsstillwreathedintheirmysterioussmile。
“Thetimehascome，messieurs，“saidhe。“IshouldhavepreferredtoknowmoreofhowyouslewthatMonsieurdeGarnache；butsinceyoudenymetheinformation，Ishalldomybestwithoutit。I”lltrytoconjureuphisghost，tokeepyouentertained，MonsieurleCapitaine。”
Andthen，raisinghisvoice，hissword，engagingnowhisbrother”s：
“Ola，MonsieurdeGarnache！“hecried。“Tome！“
AndthenitseemedtothoseassassinsthattheMarquishadbeenneithermadnorboastfulwhenhehadspokenofstrangethingshehadlearnedbeyondtheAlps，orelseitwastheythemselveswereturnedlight-headed，forthedoorsofacupboardatthefarendoftheroomflewopensuddenly，andfrombetweenthemsteppedthestalwartfigureofMartindeGarnache，agrimsmileliftingthecornersofhismustachios，anakedswordinhishandflashingbackthesunlightthatfloodedthroughthewindow。
Theypaused，aghast，andtheyturnedashen；andtheninthemindofeacharosethesameexplanationofthisphenomenon。ThisGarnacheworetheappearanceofthemanwhohadannouncedhimselfbythatnamewhenhecametoCondillacafortnightago。Then，thesallow，black-hairedknavewhohadlastnightproclaimedhimselfasGarnacheindisguisewassomeimpostor。Thatwastheconclusiontheypromptlyarrivedat，andhowevergreatlytheymightbedismayedbytheappearanceofthisallyofFlorimond”s，yettheconclusionheartenedthemanew。ButscarcehadtheyarrivedatitwhenMonsieurdeGarnache”scrispvoicecameswiftlytodispelit。
“MonsieurleCapitaine，“itsaid，andFortunioshiveredatthesound，foritwasthevoicehehadheardbutafewhoursago，“Iwelcometheopportunityofresumingourlastnight”sinterruptedsword-play。”
Andheadvanceddeliberately。
Marius”sswordhadfallenawayfromhisbrother”s，andthetwocombatantsstoodpausing。Fortuniowithoutmoreadomadeforthedoor。ButGarnachecrossedtheinterveningspaceinabound。
“Turn！“hecried。“Turn，orI”llputmyswordthroughyourback。
Thedoorshallserveyoupresently，butitisoddsthatitwillneedacoupleofmentobearyouthroughit。Looktoyourdirtyskin！“
CHAPTERXXII
THEOFFICESOFMOTHERCHURCH
AcoupleofhoursaftertheengagementintheMarquisdeCondillac”sapartmentsattheSanglierNoiratLaRochette，MonsieurdeGarnache，attendedonlybyRabecque，rodebrisklyintoFranceoncemoreandmadeforthelittletownofCheylas，whichisontheroadthatleadsdowntothevalleyoftheIsereandtoCondillac。Butnotasfarasthetownshipdidhejourney。Onahill，theslopesallcultivatedintoanopulentvineyard，sometwomileseastofCheylas，stoodthelow，squaregreybuildingoftheConventofSaintFrancis。ThitherdidMonsieurdeGarnachebendhishorse”ssteps。UpthelongwhiteroadthatcreptzigzagthroughtheFranciscans”vineyardsrodetheParisianandhisservantunderthewelcomesunshineofthatNovemberafternoon。
Garnache”sfacewasgloomyandhiseyessad，forhisthoughtswereallofValerie，andhewaspreytoahundredanxietiesregardingher。
Theygainedtheheightsatlast，andRabecquegotdowntobeatwithhiswhipupontheconventgates。
Alay-brothercametoopen，andinreplytoGarnache”srequestthathemighthaveawordwiththeFatherAbbot，invitedhimtoenter。
Throughthecloistersaboutthegreatquadrangle，whereacoupleofmonks，theirhabitsgirthighastheirknees，werebusyatgardeners”
work，Garnachefollowedhisconductor，andupthestepstotheAbbot”schamber。
ThemasteroftheConvent”ofSaintFrancisofCheylasatall，leanmanwithanasceticface，prominentcheekbones，andanosenotunlikeGarnache”sown-thenoseofamanofactionratherthanofprayer-bowedgravelytothisstalwartstranger，andincourteousaccentsbeggedtobeinformedinwhathemightservehim。
Hatinhand，Garnachetookastepforwardinthatbare，scantilyfurnishedlittleroom，permeatedbythefaint，waxlikeodourthatispeculiartotheabodeofconventuals。Withouthesitationhestatedthereasonofhisvisit。
“Father，“saidhe，“asonofthehouseofCondillacmethisendthismorningatLaRochette。”
Themonk”seyesseemedtoquicken，asthoughhisinterestintheouterworldhadsuddenlyrevived。
“ItistheHandofGod，“hecried。“TheirevilwayshaveprovokedatlasttheangerofHeaven。Howdidthisunfortunatemeethisdeath？“
Garnacheshruggedhisshoulders。
“Demortuisnilnisibonum，“saidhe。Hisairwasgrave，hisblueeyessolemn，andtheAbbothadlittlecausetosuspecttheclosenesswithwhichthatpairofeyeswaswatchinghim。Hecolouredfaintlyattheimpliedrebuke，butheinclinedhisheadasifsubmissivetothecorrection，andwaitedfortheothertoproceed。
“Thereistheneed，Father，togivehisbodyburial，“saidGarnachegently。
Butatthatthemonkraisedhishead，andadeeperflushtheflushofanger-spreadnowuponhissallowcheeks。Garnacheobservedit，andwasglad。
“Whydoyoucometome？“heasked。
“Why？“echoedGarnache，andtherewashesitancynowinhisvoice。
“IsnottheburialofthedeadenjoinedbyMotherChurch？Isitnotapartofyoursacredoffice？“
“Youaskmethisasyouwouldchallengemyreply，“saidthemonk，shakinghishead。“Itisasyousay，butitisnotwithinourofficetoburytheimpiousdead，northosewhoinlifewereexcommunicateanddiedwithoutrepentance。”
“Howcanyouassumehediedwithoutrepentance？“
“Idonot；butIassumehediedwithoutabsolution，forthereisnopriestwho，knowinghisname，woulddaretoshrivehim，andifoneshoulddoitinignoranceofhisnameandexcommunication，whythenitisnotdoneatall。BidothersburythissonofthehouseofCondillac；itmattersnomorebywhathandsorinwhatgroundhebeburiedthanifhewerethehorseherodeorthehoundthatfollowedhim。”
“TheChurchisveryharsh，Father，“saidGarnachesternly。
“TheChurchisveryjust，“thepriestansweredhim，moresternlystill，aholywrathkindlinghissombreeyes。
“Hewasinlifeapowerfulnoble，“saidGarnachethoughtfully。“Itisbutfittingthat，beingdead，honourandreverenceshouldbeshownhisbody。”
“ThenletthosewhohavethemselvesbeenhonouredbytheCondillacshonourthisdeadCondillacnow。TheChurchisnotofthatnumber，monsieur。SincethelateMarquis”sdeaththehouseofCondillachasbeeninrebellionagainstus；ourpriestshavebeenmaltreated，ourauthorityflouted；theypaidnotithes，approachednosacraments。
WearyoftheirungodlinesstheChurchplaceditsbanuponthemunderthisbanitseemstheydie。Myheartgrievesforthem；but-“
Hespreadhishands，longandalmosttransparentintheirleanness，andonhisfaceacloudofsorrowrested。
“Nevertheless，Father，“saidGarnache，“twentybrothersofSaintFrancisshallbearthebodyhometoCondillac，andyouyourselfshallheadthisgrimprocession。”
“I？“Themonkshrankbackbeforehim，andhisfigureseemedtogrowtaller。“Whoareyou，sir，thatsaytomewhatIshalldo，theChurch”slawdespite？“
GarnachetooktheAbbotbythesleeveofhisroughhabitanddrewhimgentlytowardsthewindow。Therewasapersuasivesmileonhislipsandinhiskeeneyeswhichthemonk，almostunconsciously，obeyed。
“Iwilltellyou，“saidGarnache，“andatthesametimeIshallseektoturnyoufromyourharshpurpose。”
AtthehouratwhichMonsieurdeGarnachewasseekingtopersuadetheAbbotofSaintFrancisofCheylastoadoptapointofviewmorekindlytowardsadeadman，MadamedeCondillacwasatdinner，andwithherwasValeriedeLaVauvraye。Neitherwomanateappreciably。
Theonewasoppressedbysorrow，theotherbyanxiety，andthecircumstancethattheywerebothafflictedservedperhapstorendertheDowagergentlerinhermannertowardsthegirl。
ShewatchedthepalefaceandtroubledeyesofValerie；sheobservedthealmostlifelessmannerinwhichshecameandwentasshewasbidden，asthoughapartofherhadceasedtoexist，andthatpartthepartthatmattersmost。Itdidcrosshermindthatinthisconditionmademoisellemightthemorereadilybebenttotheirwill，butshedweltnotoverlonguponthatreflection。Ratherwashermoodcharitable，nodoubtbecauseshefeltherselftheneedofcharity，thewantofsympathy。
Shewastormentedbyfearsaltogetherdisproportionatetotheircause。AhundredtimesshetoldherselfthatnoillcouldbefallMarius。Florimondwasasickman，andwereheotherwise，therewasstillFortuniotostandbyandseetoitthattherightswordpiercedtherightheart，elsewouldhispistolesbelosttohim。
Neverthelessshewasfrettedbyanxiety，andshewaitedimpatientlyfornews，fumingatthedelay，yetknowingfullwellthatnewscouldnotyetreachher。
OnceshereprovedValerieforherlackofappetite，andtherewasinhervoiceakindnessValeriehadnotheardformonths-notsincetheoldMarquisdied，nordidshehearitnow，or，hearingit，shedidnotheedit。
“Youarenoteating，child，“theDowagersaid，andhereyesweregentle。
Valerielookeduplikeonesuddenlyawakened；andinthatmomenthereyesfilledwithtears。ItwasasiftheDowager”svoicehadopenedthefloodgatesofhersorrowandletoutthetearsthathithertohadbeenrepressed。TheMarquiseroseandwavedthepageandanattendantlackeyfromtheroom。ShecrossedtoValerie”ssideandputherarmaboutthegirl”sshoulder。
“Whatailsyou，child？“sheasked。Foramomentthegirlsufferedthecaress；almostsheseemedtonestleclosertotheDowager”sshoulder。Then，asifunderstandinghadcometohersuddenly，shedrewbackandquietlydisengagedherselffromtheother”sarms。Hertearsceased；thequiverpassedfromherlip。
“Youareverygood，madame，“shesaid，withacoldnessthatrenderedthecourteouswordsalmostinsulting，“butnothingailsmesaveawishtobealone。”
“Youhavebeenalonetoomuchoflate，“theDowageranswered，persistinginherwishtoshowkindnesstoValerie；forallthat，hadshelookedintoherownheart，shemighthavebeenpuzzledtofindareasonforhermood-unlessthereasonlayinherownafflictionofanxietyforMarius。
“PerhapsIhave，“saidthegirl，inthesamecold，almoststrainedvoice。“Itwasnotbymyowncontriving。”
“Ah，butitwas，child；indeeditwas。Hadyoubeenreasonableyouhadfounduskinder。Wehadnevertreatedyouaswehavedone，nevermadeaprisonerofyou。”
Valerielookedupintothebeautifulivory-whiteface，withitsblackeyesandsingularlyscarletlips，andawansmileraisedthecornersofhergentlemouth。
“Youhadnoright-noneevergaveityou-tosetconstraintandrestraintuponme。”
“Ihad-indeed，indeedIhad，“theMarquiseansweredher，inatoneofsadprotest。“Yourfathergavemesucharightwhenhegavemechargeofyou。”
“WasitapartofyourchargetoseektoturnmefrommyloyaltytoFlorimond，andendeavourtocompelmebymeansgentleorungentleintomarriagewithMarius？“
“WethoughtFlorimonddead；or，ifnotdead，thencertainlyunworthyofyoutoleaveyouwithoutnewsofhimforyearstogether。Andifhewasnotdeadthen，itisoddshewillbedeadbynow。”Thewordsslippedoutalmostunconsciously，andtheMarquisebitherlipandstraightenedherself，fearinganexplosion。Butnonecame。Thegirllookedacrossthetableatthefirethatsmoulderedonthehearthinneedofbeingreplenished。
“Whatdoyoumean，madame？“sheasked；buthertonewaslistless，apathetic，asofonewhothoughutteringaquestionisincuriousastowhattheanswermaybe。
“Wehadnewssomedaysagothathewasjourneyinghomewards，butthathewasdetainedbyfeveratLaRochette。Wehavesinceheardthathisfeverhasgrownsoseriousthatthereislittlehopeofhisrecovery。”
“AnditwastosolacehislastmomentsthatMonsieurMariusleftCondillacthismorning？“
TheDowagerlookedsharplyatthegirl；butValerie”sfacecontinuedaverted，hergazerestingonthefire。Hertonesuggestednothingbeyondanaturalcuriosity。
“Yes，“saidtheDowager。
“AndlesthisowneffortstohelphisbrotheroutofthisworldshouldproveinsufficienthetookCaptainFortuniowithhim？“saidValerie，inthesameindifferentvoice。
“Whatdoyoumean？“theMarquisealmosthissedintothegirl”sear。
Valerieturnedtoher，afaintcolourstirringinherwhiteface。
“JustwhatIhavesaid，madame。WouldyouknowwhatIhaveprayed？
AllnightwasIuponmykneesfromthemomentthatIrecoveredconsciousness，andmyprayerswerethatHeavenmightseefittoletFlorimonddestroyyourson。NotthatIdesireFlorimond”sreturn，forIcarenotifIneverseteyesonhimagain。Thereisacurseuponthishouse，madame，“thegirlcontinued，risingfromherchairandspeakingnowwithagreateranimation，whilsttheMarquiserecoiledastep，herfacestrangelyalteredandsuddenlygonegrey，“andIhaveprayedthatthatcursemightbeworkedoutuponthatassassin，Marius。Afinehusband，madame，youwouldthrustuponthedaughterofGastondeLaVauvraye。”
Andturning，withoutwaitingforananswer，shemovedslowlydowntheroom，andtookherwaytoherowndesolateapartments，sofullofmemoriesofhimshemourned-ofhim，itseemedtoher，shemustalwaysmourn；ofhimwholaydeadintheblackwatersofthemoatbeneathherwindow。
Strickenwithasudden，inexplicableterror，theDowager，whoforallherspiritwasnotwithoutacertainsuperstition，feltherkneesloosen，andshesanklimplyintoachair。ShewasamazedattheextentofValerie”sknowledge，andpuzzledbyit；shewasamazed，too，attheseemingapathyofValerieforthedangerinwhichFlorimondstood，andatheravowalthatshedidnotcareifsheneveragainbeheldhim。Butsuchamazementascametoherwaswhelmedfathoms-deepinhersuddenfearsforMarius。Ifheshoulddie！Shegrewcoldatthethought，andshesatthere，herhandsfoldedinherlap，herfacegrey。ThatmentionofthecursetheChurchhadputuponthemhadfrozenherquickbloodandturnedherstoutspirittomerewater。
Atlastsheroseandwentoutintotheopentoinquireifnomessengerhadyetarrived，forallthatsheknewtherewasnotyettimeforanymessengertohavereachedthechateau。Shemountedthewindingstaircaseofstonethatledtotheramparts，andtherealone，intheNovembersunshine，shepacedtoandfroforhours，waitingfornews，straininghereyestogazeupthevalleyoftheIsere，watchingforthehorsemanthatmustcomethatway。Then，astimespedonandthesunapproacheditssettingandstillnoonecame，shebethoughtherthatifharmhadbefallenMarius，nonewouldridethatnighttoCondillac。Thisverydelayseemedpregnantwithnewsofdisaster。Andthensheshookoffherfearsandtriedtocomfortherself。Therewasnotyettime。Besides，whathadshetofearforMarius？Hewasstrongandquick，andFortuniowasbyhisside。AmanwassurelydeadbynowatLaRochette；butthatmancouldnotbeMarius。
Atlast，inthedistance，sheespiedamovingobject，anddownonthesilentairofeventidecamethefar-offrattleofahorse”shoofs。
Someonewasriding，gallopingthatway。Hewasreturnedatlast。
Sheleanedonthebattlements，herbreathcominginquick，shortgasps，andwatchedthehorsemangrowinglargerwitheverystrideofhishorse。
Amistwasrisingfromtheriver，anditdimmedthefigure；andshecursedthemistforheighteningheranxiety，forstrainingfurtherherimpatience。Thenanewfearwasbegotteninhermind。Whycameonehorsemanonlywheretwoshouldhaveridden？Whowasitthatreturned，andwhathadbefallenhiscompanion？Godsend，atleast，itmightbeMariuswhorodethus，atsuchabreakneckpace。
Atlastshecouldmakehimout。Hewasclosetothechateaunow，andshenoticedthathisrightarmwasbandagedandhanginginasling。Andthenascreambrokefromher，andshebitherliphardtokeepanotherincheck，forshehadseenthehorseman”sface，anditwasFortunio”s。Fortunio-andwounded！Then，assuredly，Mariuswasdead！
Sheswayedwhereshestood。Shesetherhandonherbosom，aboveherheart，asifshewouldhaverepressedthebeatingoftheone，theheavingoftheother；hersoulsickened，andhermindseemedtoturnnumb，asshewaitedthereforthenewsthatshouldconfirmherfears。
Thehoofsofhishorsethunderedovertheplanksofthedrawbridge，andcameclatteringlytohaltasheharshlydrewreininthecourtyardbelow。Therewasasoundofrunningfeetandmensprangtohisassistance。Madamewouldhavegonebelowtomeethim；butherlimbsseemedtorefusetheiroffice。Sheleanedagainstoneofthemerlonsoftheembattledparapet，hereyesonthespotwhereheshouldemergefromthestairs，andthusshewaited，hereyeshaggard，herfacedrawn。
Hecameatlast，lurchinginhiswalk，beingoverstifffromhislongride。Shetookastepforwardtomeethim。Herlipsparted。
“Well？“sheaskedhim，andhervoicesoundedharshandstrained。
“Howhastheventuresped？“
“Theonlywayitcould，“heanswered。“Asyouwouldwishit。”
Atthatshethoughtthatshemustfaint。Hetlungsseemedtowritheforair，andsheopenedherlipsandtooklongdraughtsoftherisingmist，neverspeakingforamomentortwountilshehadsufficientlyrecoveredfromthistremendousrevulsionfromherfears。
“Then，whereisMarius？“sheaskedatlast。
“Hehasremainedbehindtoaccompanythebodyhome。Theyarebringingithere。”
“They？“sheechoed。“Whoarethey？“
“ThemonksofSaintFrancisofCheylas，“heanswered。
Asomethinginhistone，asomethinginhisshiftyeyes，aclouduponhisfairandusuallysoingenuouslookingcountenancearousedhersuspicionsandgaveherresurrectedcouragepause。
Shecaughthimviciouslybythearms，andforcedhisglancetomeetherowninthefadingdaylight。
“Itisthetruthyouaretellingme，Fortunio？“shesnapped，andhervoicewashalf-angry，half-fearful。
Hefacedhernow，hiseyesbold。Heraisedahandtolendemphasistohiswords。
“Iswear，madame，bymysalvation，thatMonsieurMariusissoundandwell。”
Shewassatisfied。Shereleasedhisarm。
“Doeshecometo-night？“sheasked。
“Theywillbehereto-morrow，madame。Irodeontotellyouso。”
“Anoddfancy，thisofhis。But“-andasuddensmileoverspreadherface-“wemayfindamoreusefulpurposeforoneofthesemonks。”
AnhouragoshewouldwillinglyhavesetmademoiselleatlibertyinexchangefortheassurancethatMariushadbeensuccessfulinthebusinessthathadtakenhimovertheborderintoSavoy。Shewouldhavedoneitgladly，contentthatMariusshouldbeheirtoCondillac。
ButnowthatCondillacwasassuredherson，shemusthavemoreforhim；herinsatiablegreedforhisadvancementandprosperitywasagainuponher。Now，morethanever-nowthatFlorimondwasdead-mustshehaveLaVauvrayeforMarius，andshethoughtthatmademoisellewouldnolongerbedifficulttobend。ThechildhadfalleninlovewiththatmadGarnache，andwhenawomaniscrossedinlove，whilehergrieflastsitmatterslittletoherwheresheweds。Didshenotknowitoutofthefundofherownbitterexperience？Wasitnotthat-thecompulsionherownfatherhademployedtomakeherfindamateinamansomucholderthanherselfasCondillac-thathadwarpedherownnature，anddonemuchtomakeherwhatshewas？
Alovershehadhad，andwhilsthelivedshehadresistedthem，andstoodoutagainstthisodiousmarriagethatforconvenience”saketheyforceduponher。HewaskilledinParisinaduel，andwhenthenewsofitcametoher，shehadfoldedherhandsandletthemwedhertowhomtheylisted。
OfjustsuchadejectionofspirithadsheobservedthesignsinValerie；letthemprofitbyitwhileitlasted。TheyhadbeenlongenoughwithoutChurchceremoniesatCondillac。Thereshouldbetwoto-morrowtomakeupfortheemptytime-aweddingandaburial。
Shewasgoingdownthestairs，Fortunioastepbehindher，whenhermindrevertedtothehappeningatLaRochette。
“Wasitwelldone？“sheasked。
“Itmadesomestir，“saidhe。“TheMarquishadmenwithhim，andhadtheaffairtakenplaceinFranceillmighthavecomeofit。”
“Youshallgivemeafullaccountofit，“saidshe，rightlythinkingthattherewasstillsomethingtobeexplained。Thenshelaughedsoftly。“Yes，itwasaluckychanceforus，hisstayingatLaRochette。Florimondwasbornunderanunluckystar，Ithink，andyouunderaluckyone，Fortunio。”
“Ithinkso，too，asregardsmyself，“heansweredgrimly，andhethoughtoftheswordthathadploughedhischeeklastnightandpiercedhissword-armthatmorning，andhethankedsuchgodsasinhisgodlessnessheownedfortheluckthathadkeptthatswordfromfindingouthisheart。
CHAPTERXXIII
THEJUDGMENTOFGARNACHE
Onthemorrow，whichwasaFridayandthetenthofNovember-adatetobehereaftergravenonthememoryofallconcernedintheaffairsofCondillac-theDowagerrosebetimes，and，fordecency”ssake，havinginmindthebusinessoftheday，shegownedherselfinblack。
Betimes，too，theLordSeneschalrodeoutofGrenoble，attendedbyacoupleofgrooms，andheadedforCondillac，indoingwhich-littlethoughhesuspectedit-hewasservingnobody”sinterestsmorethoroughlythanMonsieurdeGarnache”s。
Madamereceivedhimcourteously。Shewasinablithe-andhappymoodthatmorning-thereactionfromheryesterday”sdistressofmind。Theworldwasfullofpromise，andallthingshadprosperedwithherandMarius。HerboywaslordofCondillac；Florimond，whomshehadhatedandwhohadstoodinthewayofherboy”sadvancement，wasdeadandonhiswaytoburial；Garnache，themanfromPariswhomighthavemadetroubleforthemhadheriddenhomeagainwiththetaleoftheirresistance，wassilencedforalltime，andthecarpinthemoatwouldbefeastingbynowuponwhatwasleftofhim；
ValeriedeLaVauvrayewasinadejectedframeofmindthatauguredwellforthesuccessoftheDowager”splansconcerningher，andbynoonatlatesttherewouldbepriestsatCondillac，and，ifMariusstillwishedtomarrytheobstinatebaggage，therewouldbenodifficultyastothat。
Itwasagloriousmorning，mildandsunnyasanAprilday，asthoughNaturetookahandintheDowager”striumphandwishedtomakethebestofitswintrygarbinhonourofit。
Thepresenceofthisgrosssuitorofhersaffordedheranothersourceofsatisfaction。Therewouldnolongerbethenecessitysheoncehaddreadedoflisteningtohissuitforlongerthanitshouldbeherpleasuretobeamusedbyhim。ButwhenTressanspoke，hestruckthefirstnoteofdiscordintheperfectharmonywhichtheDowagerimaginedexisted。
“Madame，“saidhe，“IamdesolatedthatIamnotabearerofbettertidings。Butforallthatwehavemadethemostdiligentsearch，themanRabecquehasnotyetbeenapprehended。Still，wehavenotabandonedhope，“headded，bywayofshowingthattherewasasilverliningtohiscloudofdanger。
Forjustamomentmadame”sbrowswereknitted。ShehadforgottenRabecqueuntilnow；butaninstant”sreflectionassuredherthatinforgettinghimshehaddonehimnomorethansuchhonourashedeserved。Shelaughed，assheledthewaydownthegardensteps-themildnessofthedayandthebrightnessofhermoodhadmovedhertheretoreceivetheSeneschal。
“Fromthesombrenessofyourtoneonemightfearyournewstobeofthenatureofsomecatastrophe。WhatshallitsignifythatRabecqueeludesyourmen？Heisbutalackeyafterall。”
“True，“saidtheSeneschal，verysoberly；“butdonotforget，Ibeg，thatheisthebeareroflettersfromonewhoisnotalackey。”
Thelaughterwentoutofherfaceatthat。Herewassomethingthathadbeenlostsightofintheall-absorbingjoyofotherthings。
IncallingtheforgottenRabecquetomindshehadbutimaginedthatitwasnomorethanamatterofthetalehemighttell-atalenotdifficulttorefute，shethought。Herwordshouldalwaysweighagainstalackey”s。Butthatletterwasavastlydifferentmatter。
“Hemustbefound，Tressan，“shesaidsharply。
Tressansmileduneasily，andchewedathisbeard。
“Noeffortshallbespared，“hepromisedher。“Ofthatyoumaybeverysure。Theaffairsoftheprovinceareatastandstill，“headded，thatvanityofhisforappearingamanofinfinitebusinessrisingeveninanhourofsuchanxiety，fortohimself，nolessthantoher，wastheredangershouldRabecqueeverreachhisdestinationwiththepapersGarnachehadsaidhecarried。