Forthelastthreequartersofanhourtheman’sdemeanorandglancewereofdespoticauthority，all-powerful，irresistible，drawnfromthesamemysterioussourcefromwhichgreatgeneralsonfieldsofbattlewhoinflameanarmy，greatoratorsinspiringvastaudiences，and(itmustbesaid)greatcriminalsperpetratingboldcrimesderivetheirinspiration。Atsuchtimesinvincibleinfluenceseemstoexhalefromtheheadandissuefromthetongue；thegestureevencaninjectthewilloftheonemanintoothers。Thethreewomenknewthatsomedreadfulcrisiswasathand；withoutwarningofitsnaturetheyfeltitintherapidactionsoftheman，whosecountenanceshone，whoseforeheadspoke，whosebrillianteyesglitteredlikestars；theysawitinthesweatthatcoveredhisbrowtotherootsofhishair，whilemorethanoncehisvoicevibratedwithimpatienceandfury。Martheobeyedpassively。ArmedtotheteethandwithhisgunoverhisshoulderMichudashedintotheavenue，followedbyhiswife。Theysoonreachedthecross-roadswhereFrancoiswasinwaitinghiddenamongthebushes。
\"Theboyisintelligent，\"saidMichu，whenhecaughtsightofhim。
Thesewerehisfirstwords。Hiswifehadrushedafterhim，unabletospeak。
\"Gobacktothehouse，hideinathicktree，andwatchthecountryandthepark，\"hesaidtohisson。\"Wehaveallgonetobed，nooneisstirring。Yourgrandmotherwillnotopenthedooruntilyouaskhertoletyouin。RemembereverywordIsaytoyou。Thelifeofyourfatherandmotherdependsonit。Noonemustknowwedidnotsleepathome。\"
Afterwhisperingthesewordstotheboy，whoinstantlydisappearedintheforestlikeaneelinthemud，Michuturnedtohiswife。
\"Mountbehindme，\"hesaid，\"andpraythatGodbewithus。Sitfirm，thebeastmaydieofit。\"Sosayinghekickedthehorsewithbothheels，pressinghimwithhispowerfulknees，andtheanimalsprangforwardwiththerapidityofahunter，seemingtounderstandwhathismasterwantedofhim，andcrossedtheforestinfifteenminutes。ThenMichu，whohadnotswervedfromtheshortestway，pulledup，foundaspotattheedgeofthewoodsfromwhichhecouldseetheroofsofthechateauofCinq-Cygnelightedbythemoon，tiedhishorsetoatree，andfollowedbyhiswife，gainedalittleeminencewhichoverlookedthevalley。
Thechateau，whichMartheandMichulookedattogetherforamoment，makesacharmingeffectinthelandscape。Thoughithaslittleextentandisofnoimportancewhateverasarchitecture，yetarchaeologicallyitisnotwithoutacertaininterest。Thisoldedificeofthefifteenthcentury，placedonaneminence，surroundedonallsidesbyamoat，orratherbydeep，wideditchesalwaysfullofwater，isbuiltincobble-stonesburiedincement，thewallsbeingsevenfeetthick。
Itssimplicityrecallstheroughandwarlikelifeoffeudaldays。Thechateau，plainandunadorned，hastwolargereddishtowersateitherend，connectedbyalongmainbuildingwithcasementwindows，thestonemullionsofwhich，beingroughlycarved，bearsomeresemblancetovine-shoots。Thestairwayisoutsidethehouse，atthemiddle，inasortofpentagonaltowerenteredthroughasmallarcheddoor。Theinterioroftheground-floortogetherwiththeroomsonthefirststoreyweremodernizedinthetimeofLouisXIV。，andthewholebuildingissurmountedbyanimmenseroofbrokenbycasementwindowswithcarvedtriangularpediments。Beforethecastleliesavastgreenswardthetreesofwhichhadrecentlybeencutdown。Oneithersideoftheentrancebridgearetwosmalldwellingswherethegardenerslive，connectedacrosstheroadbyapaltryironrailingwithoutcharacter，evidentlymodern。Torightandleftofthelawn，whichisdividedintwobyapavedroad-way，arethestables，cow-sheds，barns，wood-
house，bakery，poultry-yard，andtheoffices，placedinwhatweredoubtlesstheremainsoftwowingsoftheoldbuildingsimilartothosethatwerestillstanding。Thetwolargetowers，withtheirpepper-potroofswhichhadnotbeenrased，andthebelfryofthemiddletower，gaveanairofdistinctiontothevillage。Thechurch，alsoveryold，showednearbyitspointedsteeple，whichharmonizedwellwiththesolidmassesofthecastle。Themoonbroughtoutinfullreliefthevariousroofsandtowersonwhichitplayedandsparkled。
Michugazedatthisbaronialstructureinamannerthatupsetallhiswife’sideasabouthim；hisface，nowcalm，worealookofhopeandalsoasortofpride。Hiseyesscannedthehorizonwithaglanceofdefiance；helistenedforsoundsintheair。Itwasnownineo’clock；
themoonwasbeginningtocastitslightuponthemarginoftheforestandtoilluminethelittlebluffonwhichtheystood。Thepositionstruckhimasdangerousandheleftit，fearfulofbeingseen。ButnosuspiciousnoisetroubledthepeaceofthebeautifulvalleyencircledonthissidebytheforestofNodesme。Marthe，exhaustedandtrembling，wasawaitingsomeexplanationoftheirhurriedride。Whatwassheengagedin？Wasshetoaidinagooddeedoranevilone？AtthatinstantMichubenttohiswife’searandwhispered:——
\"GothehouseandasktospeaktotheComtessedeCinq-Cygne；whenyouseeherbeghertospeaktoyoualone。Ifnoonecanoverhearyou，saytoher:’Mademoiselle，thelivesofyourtwocousinsareindanger，andhewhocanexplainthehowandwhyiswaitingtospeaktoyou。’Ifsheseemsafraid，ifshedistrustsyou，addthesewords:’TheyareconspiringagainsttheFirstConsulandtheconspiracyisdiscovered。’
Don’tgiveyourname；theydistrustustoomuch。\"
Martheraisedherfacetowardsherhusbandandsaid:——
\"Canitbethatyouservethem？\"
\"WhatifIdo？\"hesaid，frowning，takingherwordsasareproach。
\"Youdon’tunderstandme，\"criedMarthe，seizinghislargehandandfallingonherkneesbesidehimasshekisseditandcovereditwithhertears。
\"Go，go，youshallcrylater，\"hesaid，kissinghervehemently。
Whenhenolongerheardherstephiseyesfilledwithtears。HehaddistrustedMartheonaccountofherfather’sopinions；hehadhiddenthesecretsofhislifefromher；butthebeautyofhersimplenaturehadsuddenlyappearedtohim，justasthegrandeurofhishad，assuddenly，revealeditselftoher。Marthehadpassedinamomentfromthedeephumiliationcausedbythedegradationofthemanwhosenameshebore，totheexaltationgivenbyasenseofhisnobleness。Thechangewasinstantaneous，withouttransition；itwasenoughtomakehertremble。Shetoldhimlaterthatshewent，asitwere，throughbloodfromthepaviliontotheedgeoftheforest，andtherewasliftedtoheaven，inamoment，amongtheangels。Michu，whohadknownhewasnotappreciated，andwhomistookhiswife’sgrievedandmelancholymannerforlackofaffection，andhadlefthertoherself，livingchieflyoutofdoorsandreservingallhistendernessforhisboy，instantlyunderstoodthemeaningofhertears。Shehadcursedthepartwhichherbeautyandherfather’swillhadforcedhertotake；
butnowhappiness，inthemidstofthisgreatstorm，played，withabeautifulflamelikeavividlightningaboutthem。Anditwaslightning！Eachthoughtofthelasttenyearsofmisconception，andtheyblamedthemselvesonly。Michustoodmotionless，hiselbowonhisgun，hischinonhishand，lostindeepreverie。Suchamomentinaman’slifemakeshimwillingtoacceptthesaddestmomentsofapainfulpast。
Marthe，agitatedbythesamethoughtsasthoseofherhusband，wasalsotroubledinheartbythedangeroftheSimeusebrothers；forshenowunderstoodall，eventhefacesofthetwoParisians，thoughshestillcouldnotexplaintoherselfherhusband’sgun。Shedartedforwardlikeadoe，andsoonreachedtheroadtothechateau。Thereshewassurprisedbythestepsofamanfollowingbehindher；sheturned，withacry，andherhusband’slargehandclosedhermouth。
\"FromthehillupthereIsawthesilverlaceofthegendarmes’hats。
GoinbythebreachinthemoatbetweenMademoiselle’stowerandthestables。Thedogswon’tbarkatyou。Gothroughthegardenandcallthecountessbythewindow；orderthemtosaddleherhorse，andaskhertocomeoutthroughthebreach。I’llbethere，afterdiscoveringwhattheParisiansareplanning，andhowtoescapethem。\"
Danger，whichseemedtoberollinglikeanavalancheuponthem，gavewingstoMarthe’sfeet。
CHAPTERIV
LAURENCEDECINQ-CYGNE
TheoldFranknameoftheCinq-CygnesandtheChargeboeufswasDuineff。Cinq-CygnebecamethatoftheyoungerbranchoftheChargeboeufsafterthedefenceofacastlemade，duringtheirfather’sabsence，byfivedaughtersofthatrace，allremarkablyfair，andofwhomnooneexpectedsuchheroism。OneofthefirstComtesdeChampagnewished，bybestowingthisprettyname，toperpetuatethememoryoftheirdeedaslongasthefamilyexisted。Laurence，thelastofherrace，was，contrarytoSaliclaw，heiressofthename，thearms，andthemanor。ShewasthereforeComtessedeCinq-Cygneinherownright；herhusbandwouldhavetotakebothhernameandherblazon，whichborefordevicethegloriousanswermadebytheelderofthefivesisterswhensummonedtosurrenderthecastle，\"Wediesinging。\"Worthydescendantofthesenobleheroines，Laurencewasfairandlily-whiteasthoughnaturehadmadeherforawager。Thelinesofherblueveinscouldbeseenthroughthedelicateclosetextureofherskin。Herbeautifulgoldenhairharmonizeddelightfullywitheyesofthedeepestblue。Everythingaboutherbelongedtothetypeofdelicacy。Withinthatfragilethoughactivebody，andindefianceasitwereofitspearlywhiteness，livedasoullikethatofamanofnoblenature；butnoone，notevenacloseobserver，wouldhavesuspecteditfromthegentlecountenanceandroundedfeatureswhich，whenseeninprofile，boresomeslightresemblancetothoseofalamb。
Thisextremegentleness，thoughnoble，hadsomethingofthestupidityofthelittleanimal。\"Ilooklikeadreamysheep，\"shewouldsay，smiling。Laurence，whotalkedlittle，seemednotsomuchdreamyasdormant。But，didanyimportantcircumstancearise，thehiddenJudithwasrevealed，sublime；andcircumstanceshad，unfortunately，notbeenwanting。
Atthirteenyearsofage，Laurence，aftertheeventsalreadyrelated，wasanorphanlivinginahouseoppositetotheemptyspacewheresorecentlyhadstoodoneofthemostcuriousspecimensinFranceofsixteenth-centuryarchitecture，thehotelCinq-Cygne。Monsieurd’Hauteserre，herrelation，nowherguardian，tooktheyoungheiresstoliveinthecountryatherchateauofCinq-Cygne。Thatbraveprovincialgentleman，alarmedatthedeathofhisbrother，theAbbed’Hauteserre，whowasshotintheopensquareashewasabouttoescapeinthedressofapeasant，wasnotinapositiontodefendtheinterestsofhisward。Hehadtwosonsinthearmyoftheprinces，andeveryday，attheslightestunusualsound，hebelievedthatthemunicipalsofArciswerecomingtoarresthim。Laurence，proudofhavingsustainedasiegeandofpossessingthehistoricwhitenessofherswan-likeancestors，despisedtheprudentcowardiceoftheoldmanwhobenttothestorm，anddreamedonlyofdistinguishingherself。So，sheboldlyhungtheportraitofCharlotteCordayonthewallsofherpoorsalonatCinq-Cygne，andcrowneditwithoak-leaves。Shecorrespondedbymessengerwithhertwincousins，indefianceofthelaw，whichpunishedtheact，whendiscovered，withdeath。Themessenger，whoriskedhislife，broughtbacktheanswers。Laurencelivedonly，afterthecatastrophesatTroyes，forthetriumphoftheroyalcause。AftersoberlyjudgingMonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserre(wholivedwithheratthechateaudeCinq-Cygne)，andrecognizingtheirhonest，butstolidnatures，sheputthemoutsidethelinesofherownlife。Shehad，moreover，toogoodamindandtoosoundajudgmenttocomplainoftheirnatures；alwayskind，amiable，andaffectionatetowardsthem，sheneverthelesstoldthemnoneofhersecrets。Nothingformsacharactersomuchasthepracticeofconstantconcealmentinthebosomofafamily。
AftersheattainedhermajorityLaurenceallowedMonsieurd’Hauteserretomanageheraffairsasinthepast。Solongasherfavoritemarewaswell-groomed，hermaidCatherinedressedtopleaseher，andGothardthelittlepagewassuitablyclothed，shecaredfornothingelse。Herthoughtswereaimedtoohightocomedowntooccupationsandinterestswhichinothertimesthanthesewoulddoubtlesshavepleasedher。
Dresswasasmallmattertohermind；moreoverhercousinswerenottheretoseeher。Sheworeadark-greenhabitwhensherode，andagownofsomecommonwoollenstuffwithacapetrimmedwithbraidwhenshewalked；inthehouseshewasalwaysseeninasilkwrapper。
Gothard，thelittlegroom，abraveandcleverladoffifteen，attendedherwherevershewent，andshewasnearlyalwaysoutofdoors，ridingorhuntingoverthefarmsofGondreville，withoutobjectionbeingmadebyeitherMichuorthefarmers。Sherodeadmirablywell，andherclevernessinhuntingwasthoughtmiraculous。Inthecountryshewasnevercalledanythingbut\"Mademoiselle\"evenduringtheRevolution。
Whoeverhasreadthefineromanceof\"RobRoy\"willrememberthatrarewomanforwhosemakingWalterScott’simaginationabandoneditscustomarycoldness，——DianaVernon。TherecollectionwillservetomakeLaurenceunderstoodif，tothenoblequalitiesoftheScottishhuntressyouaddtherestrainedexaltationofCharlotteCorday，surpassing，however，thecharmingvivacitywhichrenderedDianasoattractive。Theyoungcountesshadseenhermotherdie，theAbbed’Hauteserreshotdown，theMarquisdeSimeuseandhiswifeexecuted；
heronlybrotherhaddiedofhiswounds；hertwocousinsservinginConde’sarmymightbekilledatanymoment；and，finally，thefortunesoftheSimeuseandtheCinq-CygnefamilieshadbeenseizedandwastedbytheRepublicwithoutbeingofanybenefittothenation。Hergravedemeanor，nowlapsingintoapparentstolidity，canbereadilyunderstood。
Monsieurd’Hauteserreprovedanuprightandmostcarefulguardian。
UnderhisadministrationCinq-Cygnebecameasortoffarm。Thegoodman，whowasfarmoreofaclosemanagerthanaknightoftheoldnobility，hadturnedtheparkandgardenstoprofit，andusedtheirtwohundredacresofgrassandwoodlandaspasturageforhorsesandfuelforthefamily。Thankstohissevereeconomythecountess，oncomingofage，hadrecoveredbyhisinvestmentsintheStatefundsacompetentfortune。In1798shepossessedabouttwentythousandfrancsayearfromthosesources，onwhich，infact，somedividendswerestilldue，andtwelvethousandfrancsayearfromtherentalsatCinq-
Cygne，whichhadlatelybeenrenewedatanotableincrease。MonsieurandMadamed’HauteserrehadprovidedfortheiroldagebythepurchaseofanannuityofthreethousandfrancsintheTontinesLafarge。ThatfragmentoftheirformermeansdidnotenablethemtoliveelsewherethanatCinq-Cygne，andLaurence’sfirstactoncomingtohermajoritywastogivethemtheuseforlifeofthewingofthechateauwhichtheyoccupied。
TheHauteserres，asniggardlyfortheirwardastheywereforthemselves，laidupeveryyearnearlythewholeoftheirannuityforthebenefitoftheirsons，andkepttheyoungheiressonmiserablefare。ThewholecostoftheCinq-Cygnehouseholdneverexceededfivethousandfrancsayear。ButLaurence，whocondescendedtonodetails，wassatisfied。Herguardianandhiswife，unconsciouslyruledbytheimperceptibleinfluenceofherstrongcharacter，whichwasfelteveninlittlethings，hadendedbyadmiringherwhomtheyhadknownandtreatedasachild，——asufficientlyrarefeeling。Butinhermanner，herdeepvoice，hercommandingeye，Laurenceheldthatinexplicablepowerwhichrulesallmen，——evenwhenitsstrengthismereappearance。
Tovulgarmindsrealdepthisincomprehensible；itisperhapsforthatreasonthatthepopulaceissopronetoadmirewhatitcannotunderstand。MonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserre，impressedbythehabitualsilenceanderratichabitsoftheyounggirl，wereconstantlyexpectingsomeextraordinarythingofher。
Laurence，whodidgoodintelligentlyandneverallowedherselftobedeceived，washeldintheutmostrespectbythepeasantryalthoughshewasanaristocrat。Hersex，name，andgreatmisfortunes，alsotheoriginalityofherpresentlife，contributedtogiveherauthorityovertheinhabitantsofthevalleyofCinq-Cygne。Shewassometimesabsentfortwodays，attendedbyGothard，butneitherMonsieurnorMadamed’Hauteserrequestionedher，onherreturn，astothereasonsofherabsence。Pleaseobserve，however，thattherewasnothingoddoreccentricaboutLaurence。Whatshewasandwhatshedidwasmasked，asitwere，byafeminineandevenfragileappearance。Herheartwasfullofextremesensibility，thoughherheadcontainedastoicalfirmnessandthevirilegiftofresolution。Herclear-seeingeyesknewnothowtoweep；butnoonewouldhaveimaginedthatthedelicatewhitewristwithitstraceryofblueveinscoulddefythatoftheboldesthorseman。Herhand，sonoble，soflexible，couldhandlegunorpistolwiththeeaseofapractisedmarksman。Shealwaysworewhenoutofdoorsthecoquettishlittlecapwithvisorandgreenveilwhichwomenwearonhorseback。Herdelicatefairface，thusprotected，andherwhitethroattiedwithablackcravat，wereneverinjuredbyherlongridesinallweathers。
UndertheDirectoryandatthebeginningoftheConsulate，Laurencehadbeenabletoescapetheobservationofothers；butsincethegovernmenthadbecomeamoresettledthing，thenewauthorities，theprefectoftheAube，Malin’sfriends，andMalinhimselfhadendeavoredtoundermineherinthecommunity。HerpreoccupyingthoughtwastheoverthrowofBonaparte，whoseambitionanditstriumphsexcitedtheangerofhersoul，——acold，deliberateanger。Theobscureandhiddenenemyofamanatthepinnacleofglory，shekepthergazeuponhimfromthedepthsofhervalleyandherforests，withrelentlessfixity；
thereweretimeswhenshethoughtofkillinghimintheroadsaboutMalmaisonorSaint-Cloud。Plansfortheexecutionofthisideamayhavebeenthecauseofmanyofherpastactions，buthavingbeeninitiated，afterthepeaceofAmiens，intotheconspiracyofthemenwhoexpectedtomakethe18thBrumairerecoilupontheFirstConsul，shehadthenceforthsubordinatedherfacultiesandherhatredtotheirvastandwelllaidscheme，whichwastostrikeatBonaparteexternallybythevastcoalitionofRussia，Austria，andPrussia(vanquishedatAusterlitz)andinternallybythecoalitionofmenpoliticallyopposedtoeachother，butunitedbytheircommonhatredofamanwhosedeathsomeofthemweremeditating，likeLaurenceherself，withoutshrinkingfromthewordassassination。Thisyounggirl，sofragiletotheeye，sopowerfultothosewhoknewherwell，wasatthepresentmomentthefaithfulguideandassistantoftheexiledgentlemenwhocamefromEnglandtotakepartinthisdeadlyenterprise。
Fouchereliedontheco-operationofthe/emigres/everywherebeyondtheRhinetoluretheDucd’Enghienintotheplot。ThepresenceofthatprinceintheBadenterritory，notfarfromStrasburg，gavemuchweightlatertotheaccusation。Thegreatquestionofwhethertheprincereallyknewoftheenterprise，andwaswaitingonthefrontiertoenterFranceonitssuccess，isoneofthosesecretsaboutwhich，asaboutseveralothers，thehouseofBourbonhasmaintainedanunbrokensilence。Asthehistoryofthatperiodrecedesintothepast，impartialhistorianswilldeclaretheimprudence，tosaytheleast，oftheDucd’Enghieninplacinghimselfclosetothefrontieratatimewhenavastconspiracywasabouttobreakforth，thesecretofwhichwasundoubtedlyknowntoeverymemberoftheBourbonfamily。
ThecautionwhichMalindisplayedintalkingwithGrevinintheopenair，Laurenceappliedtohereveryaction。ShemettheemissariesandconferredwiththemeitheratvariouspointsintheNodesmeforest，orbeyondthevalleyoftheCinq-Cygne，betweenthevillagesofSezanneandBrienne。OftensherodefortymilesonastretchwithGothard，andreturnedtoCinq-Cygnewithouttheleastsignofwearinessorpre-occupationonherfairyoungface。
Someyearsearlier，Laurencehadseenintheeyesofalittlecow-boy，thennineyearsold，theartlessadmirationwhichchildrenfeelforeverythingthatisoutofthecommonway。Shemadehimherpage，andtaughthimtogroomahorsewiththenicetyandcareofanEnglishman。
Shesawintheladadesiretodowell，abrightintelligence，andatotalabsenceofslymotives；shetestedhisdevotionandfoundhehadnotonlymindbutnobilityofcharacter；heneverdreamedofreward。
Theyounggirltrainedthissoulthatwasstillsoyoung；shewasgoodtohim，goodwithdignity；sheattachedhimtoherbyattachingherselftohim，andbyherselfpolishinganaturethatwashalfwild，withoutdestroyingitsfreshnessoritssimplicity。Whenshehadsufficientlytestedthealmostcaninefidelityshehadnurtured，Gothardbecameherintelligentandingenuousaccomplice。Thelittlepeasant，whomnoonecouldsuspect，wentfromCinq-CygnetoNancy，andoftenreturnedbeforeanyonehadmissedhimfromtheneighborhood。Heknewhowtopractiseallthetricksofaspy。Theextremedistrustandcautionhismistresshadtaughthimdidnotchangehisnaturalself。
Gothard，whopossessedallthecraftofawoman，thecandorofachild，andtheceaselessobservationofaconspirator，hideveryoneoftheseadmirablequalitiesbeneaththetorporanddullignoranceofacountrylad。Thelittlefellowhadasilly，weak，andclumsyappearance；butonceatworkhewasactiveasafish；heescapedlikeaneel；heunderstood，asthedogsdo，themerestglance；henosedathought。Hisgoodfatface，bothroundandred，hissleepybrowneyes，hishair，cutinthepeasantfashion，hisclothes，andhisslowgrowthgavehimtheappearanceofachildoften。
Thetwoyoungd’HauteserresandthetwinbrothersSimeuse，undertheguidanceoftheircousinLaurence，whohadbeenwatchingovertheirsafetyandthatoftheother/emigres/whoaccompaniedthemfromStrasburgtoBar-sur-Aube，hadjustpassedthroughAlsaceandLorraine，andwerenowinChampagnewhileotherconspirators，notlessbold，wereenteringFrancebythecliffsofNormandy。Dressedasworkmenthed’HauteserresandtheSimeusetwinshadwalkedfromforesttoforest，guidedontheirwaybyrelaysofpersons，chosenbyLaurenceduringthelastthreemonthsfromamongtheleastsuspectedoftheBourbonadherentslivingineachneighborhood。The/emigres/
sleptbydayandtravelledbynight。Eachbroughtwithhimtwofaithfulsoldiers；oneofwhomwentbeforetowarnofdanger，theotherbehindtoprotectaretreat。Thankstothesemilitaryprecautions，thisvaluabledetachmenthadatlastreached，withoutaccident，theforestofNodesme，whichwaschosenastherendezvous。
Twenty-sevenothergentlemenhadenteredFrancefromSwitzerlandandcrossedBurgundy，guidedtowardsPariswiththesamecaution。
MonsieurdeRivierecountedoncollectingfivehundredmen，onehundredofwhomwereyoungnobles，theofficersofthissacredlegion。
MonsieurdePolignacandMonsieurdeRiviere，whoseconductaschiefsofthisadvancewasmostremarkable，afterwardspreservedanimpenetrablesecrecyastothenamesofthoseoftheiraccompliceswhowerenotdiscovered。Itmaybesaid，therefore，nowthattheRestorationhasmademattersclearer，thatBonaparteneverknewtheextentofthedangerhethenran，anymorethanEnglandknewtheperilshehadescapedfromthecampatBoulogne；andyetthepoliceofFrancewasnevermoreintelligentlyorablymanaged。
Attheperiodwhenthishistorybegins，acoward——forcowardsarealwaystobefoundinconspiracieswhicharenotconfinedtoasmallnumberofequallystrongmen——aswornconfederate，broughtfacetofacewithdeath，gavecertaininformation，happilyinsufficienttocovertheextentoftheconspiracy，butpreciseenoughtoshowtheobjectoftheenterprise。Thepolicehadtherefore，asMalintoldGrevin，lefttheconspiratorsatliberty，thoughallthewhilewatchingthem，hopingtodiscovertheramificationsoftheplot。
Nevertheless，thegovernmentfounditshandtoacertainextentforcedbyGeorgesCadoudal，amanofactionwhotookcounselofhimselfonly，andwhowashidinginPariswithtwenty-five/chouans/forthepurposeofattackingtheFirstConsul。
Laurencecombinedbothhatredandlovewithinherbreast。TodestroyBonaparteandbringbacktheBourbonswastorecoverGondrevilleandmakethefortuneofhercousins。Thetwosentiments，onethecounterpartoftheother，weresufficient，moreespeciallyattwenty-
threeyearsofage，toexciteallthefacultiesofhersoulandallthepowersofherbeing。So，forthelasttwomonths，shehadseemedtotheinhabitantsofCinq-Cygnemorebeautifulthanatanyotherperiodofherlife。Hercheeksbecamerosy；hopegavepridetoherbrow；butwhenoldd’HauteserrereadtheGazetteatnightanddiscussedtheconservativecourseoftheFirstConsulsheloweredhereyestoconcealherpassionatehopesofthecomingfallofthatenemyoftheBourbons。
Nooneatthechateauhadthefaintestideathattheyoungcountesshadmethercousinsthenightbefore。ThetwosonsofMonsieurandMadamed’HauteserrehadpassedtheprecedingnightinLaurence’sownroom，underthesameroofwiththeirfatherandmother；andLaurence，afterknowingthemsafelyinbedhadgonebetweenoneandtwoo’clockinthemorningtoarendezvouswithhercousinsintheforest，whereshehidtheminthedesertedhutofawood-dealer’sagent。Thefollowingday，certainofseeingthemagain，sheshowednosignsofherjoy；nothingaboutherbetrayedemotion；shewasabletoeffacealltracesofpleasureathavingmetthemagain；infact，shewasimpassible。Catherine，herprettymaid，daughterofherformernurse，andGothard，bothinthesecret，modelledtheirbehavioruponhers。
Catherinewasnineteenyearsold。Atthatageagirlisafanaticandwouldletherthroatbecutbeforebetrayingathoughtofonesheloves。AsforGothard，merelytoinhaletheperfumewhichthecountessusedinherhairandamongherclotheshewouldhaveborntherackwithoutaword。
CHAPTERV
ROYALISTHOMESANDPORTRAITSUNDERTHECONSULATE
AtthemomentwhenMarthe，drivenbytheimminenceoftheperil，wasglidingwiththerapidityofashadowtowardsthebreachofwhichMichuhadtoldher，thesalonofthechateauofCinq-Cygnepresentedapeacefulsight。Itsoccupantsweresofarfromsuspectingthestormthatwasabouttoburstuponthemthattheirquietaspectwouldhaverousedthecompassionofanyonewhoknewtheirsituation。Inthelargefireplace，themantelofwhichwasadornedwithamirrorwithshepherdessesinpanierspaintedonitsframe，burnedafiresuchascanbeseenonlyinchateausborderingonforests。Atthecornerofthisfireplace，onalargesquaresofaofgildedwoodwithamagnificentbrocadedcover，theyoungcountesslayasitwereextended，inanattitudeofutterweariness。Returningatsixo’clockfromtheconfinesofBrie，havingplayedthepartofscouttothefourgentlemenwhomsheguidedsafelytotheirlasthalting-placebeforetheyenteredParis，shehadfoundMonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserrejustfinishingtheirdinner。Pressedbyhungershesatdowntotablewithoutchangingeitherhermuddyhabitorherboots。Insteadofdoingsoatonceafterdinner，shewassuddenlyovercomewithfatigueandallowedherheadwithitsbeautifulfaircurlstodroponthebackofthesofa，herfeetbeingsupportedinfrontofherbyastool。Thewarmthofthefirehaddriedthemudonherhabitandonherboots。
Herdoeskinglovesandthelittlepeakedcapwithitsgreenveilandawhiplayonthetablewhereshehadflungthem。ShelookedsometimesattheoldBouleclockwhichstoodonthemantelshelfbetweenthecandelabra，perhapstojudgeifherfourconspiratorswereasleep，andsometimesatthecard-tableinfrontofthefirewhereMonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserre，thecureofCinq-Cygne，andhissisterwereplayingagameofboston。
Evenifthesepersonageswerenotembeddedinthisdrama，theirportraitswouldhavethemeritofrepresentingoneoftheaspectsofthearistocracyafteritsoverthrowin1793。Fromthispointofview，asketchofthesalonatCinq-Cygnehastheracinessofhistoryseenindishabille。
Monsieurd’Hauteserre，thenfifty-twoyearsofage，tall，spare，high-
colored，androbustinhealth，wouldhaveseemedtheembodimentofvigorifitwerenotforapairofporcelainblueeyes，theglanceofwhichdenotedthemostabsolutesimplicity。Inhisface，whichendedinalongpointedchin，therewas，judgingbytherulesofdesign，anunnaturaldistancebetweenhisnoseandmouthwhichgavehimasubmissiveair，whollyinkeepingwithhischaracter，whichharmonized，infact，withotherdetailsofhisappearance。Hisgrayhair，flattenedbyhishat，whichheworenearlyallday，lookedmuchlikeaskull-caponhishead，anddefineditspear-shapedoutline。Hisforehead，muchwrinkledbylifeintheopenairandbyconstantanxieties，wasflatandexpressionless。Hisaquilinenoseredeemedthefacesomewhat；butthesoleindicationofanystrengthofcharacterlayinthebushyeyebrowswhichretainedtheirblackness，andinthebrilliantcoloringofhisskin。Thesesignswereinsomerespectsnotmisleading，fortheworthygentlemen，thoughsimpleandverygentle，wasCatholicandmonarchicalinfaith，andnoconsiderationonearthcouldmakehimchangehisviews。Neverthelesshewouldhavelethimselfbearrestedwithoutaneffortatdefence，andwouldhavegonetothescaffoldquietly。Hisannuityofthreethousandfrancskepthimfromemigrating。Hethereforeobeyedthegovernment/defacto/withoutceasingtolovetheroyalfamilyandtoprayfortheirreturn，thoughhewouldfirmlyhaverefusedtocompromisehimselfbyanyeffortintheirfavor。Hebelongedtothatclassofroyalistswhoceaselesslyrememberedthattheywerebeatenandrobbed；andwhoremainedthenceforthdumb，economical，rancorous，withoutenergy；incapableofabjuringthepast，butequallyincapableofsacrifice；waitingtogreettriumphantroyalty；truetoreligionandtruetothepriesthood，butfirmlyresolvedtobearinsilencetheshocksoffate。Suchanattitudecannotbeconsideredthatofmaintainingopinions，itbecomessheerobstinacy。Actionistheessenceofparty。Withoutintelligence，butloyal，miserlyasapeasantyetnobleindemeanor，boldinhiswishesbutdiscreetinwordandaction，turningallthingstoprofit，willingeventobemademayorofCinq-Cygne，Monsieurd’HauteserrewasanadmirablerepresentativeofthosehonorablegentlemenonwhosebrowGodHimselfhaswrittentheword/mites/，——FrenchmenwhoburrowedintheircountryhomesandletthestormsoftheRevolutionpassabovetheirheads；whocameoncemoretothesurfaceundertheRestoration，richwiththeirhiddensavings，proudoftheirdiscreetattachmenttothemonarchy，andwho，after1830，recoveredtheirestates。
Monsieurd’Hauteserre’scostume，expressiveenvelopeofhisdistinctivecharacter，describedtotheeyeboththemanandhisperiod。Healwaysworeoneofthosenut-coloredgreat-coatswithsmallcollarswhichtheDucd’OrleansmadethefashionafterhisreturnfromEngland，andwhichwere，duringtheRevolution，asortofcompromisebetweenthehideouspopulargarmentsandtheelegantsurtoutsofthearistocracy。Hisvelvetwaistcoatwithfloweredstripes，thestyleofwhichrecalledthoseofRobespierreandSaint-Just，showedtheupperpartofashirt-frillinfineplaits。Hestillworebreeches；buthiswereofcoarsebluecloth，withburnishedsteelbuckles。Hisstockingsofblackspun-silkdefinedhisdeer-likelegs，thefeetofwhichwereshodinthickshoes，heldinplacebygaitersofblackcloth。Heretainedtheformerfashionofamuslincravatininnumerablefoldsfastenedbyagoldbuckleatthethroat。Theworthymanhadnotintendedanactofpoliticaleclecticisminadoptingthiscostume，whichcombinedthestylesofpeasant，revolutionist，andaristocrat；
hesimplyandinnocentlyobeyedthedictatesofcircumstances。
Madamed’Hauteserre，fortyyearsofageandwastedbyemotions，hadafadedfacewhichseemedtobealwaysposingforitsportrait。Alacecap，trimmedwithbowsofwhitesatin，contributedsingularlytogiveherasolemnair。Shestillworepowder，inspiteofawhitekerchief，andagownofpuce-coloredsilkwithtightsleevesandfullskirt，thesadlastgarmentsofMarie-Antoinette。Hernosewaspinched，herchinsharp，thewholefacenearlytriangular，theeyesworn-outwithweeping；butshenowworeatouchofrougewhichbrightenedtheirgrayness。Shetooksnuff，andeachtimethatshedidsosheemployedalltheprettyprecautionsofthefashionablewomenofherearlydays；
thedetailsofthissnuff-takingconstitutedaceremonywhichcouldbeexplainedbyonefact——shehadveryprettyhands。
ForthelasttwoyearstheformertutoroftheSimeusetwins，afriendofthelateAbbed’Hauteserre，namedGoujet，AbbedesMinimes，hadtakenchargeoftheparishofCinq-Cygneoutoffriendshipforthed’Hauteserresandtheyoungcountess。Hissister，MademoiselleGoujet，whopossessedalittleincomeofsevenhundredfrancs，addedthatsumtothemeagresalaryofherbrotherandkepthishouse。NeitherchurchnorparsonagehadbeensoldduringtheRevolutiononaccountoftheirsmallvalue。Theabbeandhissisterlivedclosetothechateau，forthewalloftheparsonagegardenandthatoftheparkwerethesameinplaces。Twiceaweekthepairdinedatthechateau，buttheycameeveryeveningtoplaybostonwiththed’Hauteserres；forLaurence，unabletoplayagame，didnotevenknowonecardfromanother。
TheAbbeGoujet，anoldmanwithwhitehairandafaceaswhiteasthatofanoldwoman，endowedwithakindlysmileandagentleandpersuasivevoice，redeemedtheinsipidityofhisrathermincingfacebyafineintellectualbrowandapairofkeeneyes。Ofmediumheight，andverywellmade，hestillworetheold-fashionedblackcoat，silvershoe-buckles，breeches，blacksilkstockings，andablackwaistcoatonwhichlayhisclericalbands，givinghimadistinguishedairwhichdetractednothingfromhisdignity。Thisabbe，whobecamebishopofTroyesaftertheRestoration，hadlongmadeastudyofyoungpeopleandfullyunderstoodthenoblecharacteroftheyoungcountess；heappreciatedheratherfullvalue，andhadshownher，fromthefirst，arespectfuldeferencewhichcontributedmuchtoherindependenceatCinq-Cygne，foritledtheaustereoldladyandthekindoldgentlemantoyieldtotheyounggirl，whobyrightsshouldhaveyieldedtothem。
ForthelastsixmonthstheabbehadwatchedLaurencewiththeintuitionpeculiartopriests，themostsagaciousofmen；andalthoughhedidnotknowthatthisgirloftwenty-threewasthinkingofoverturningBonaparteasshelaytheretwistingwithslenderfingersthefroggedlacingofherriding-habit，hewaswellawarethatshewasagitatedbysomegreatproject。
MademoiselleGoujetwasoneofthoseunmarriedwomenwhoseportraitcanbedrawninonewordwhichwillenabletheleastimaginativemindtopictureher；shewasungainly。Sheknewherownuglinessandwasthefirsttolaughatit，showingherlongteeth，yellowashercomplexionandherbonyhands。Shewasgayandhearty。Sheworethefamousshortgownofformerdays，averyfullskirtwithpocketsfullofkeys，acapwithribbonsandafalsefront。Shewasfortyyearsofageveryearly，buthad，soshesaid，caughtupwithherselfbykeepingatthatagefortwentyyears。Shereveredthenobility；andknewwellhowtopreserveherowndignitybygivingtopersonsofnoblebirththerespectanddeferencethatwereduetothem。
Thislittlecompanywasagod-sendtoMadamed’Hauteserre，whohadnot，likeherhusband，ruraloccupations，nor，likeLaurence，thetonicofhatred，toenablehertobearthedulnessofaretiredlife。
Manythingshadhappenedtoamelioratethatlifewithinthelastsixyears。TherestorationofCatholicworshipallowedthefaithfultofulfiltheirreligiousduties，whichplaymoreofapartincountrylifethanelsewhere。ProtectedbytheconservativeedictsoftheFirstConsul，MonsieurandMadamed’Hauteserrehadbeenabletocorrespondwiththeirsons，andnolongerindreadofwhatmighthappentothemcouldevenhopefortheerasureoftheirnamesfromthelistsoftheproscribedandtheirconsequentreturntoFrance。TheTreasuryhadlatelymadeupthearrearagesandnowpaiditsdividendspromptly；sothatthed’Hauteserresreceived，overandabovetheirannuity，abouteightthousandfrancsayear。Theoldmancongratulatedhimselfonthesagacityofhisforesightinhavingputallhissavings，amountingtotwentythousandfrancs，togetherwiththoseofhisward，inthepublicFundsbeforethe18thBrumaire，which，asweallknow，sentthosestocksupfromtwelvetoeighteenfrancs。
ThechateauofCinq-Cygnehadlongbeenemptyanddenudedoffurniture。Theprudentguardianwascarefulnottoalteritsaspectduringtherevolutionarytroubles；butafterthepeaceofAmienshemadeajourneytoTroyesandbroughtbackvariousrelicsofthepillagedmansionswhichheobtainedfromthedealersinsecond-handfurniture。Thesalonwasfurnishedforthefirsttimesincetheiroccupationofthehouse。Handsomecurtainsofwhitebrocadewithgreenflowers，fromthehoteldeSimeuse，drapedthesixwindowsofthesalon，inwhichthefamilywerenowassembled。Thewallsofthisvastroomwereentirelyofwood，withpanelsencasedinbeadedmouldingswithmasksattheangles；thewholepaintedintwoshadesofgray。Thespacesoverthefourdoorswerefilledwiththosedesigns，paintedincameooftwocolors，whichweresomuchinvogueunderLouisXV。
Monsieurd’HauteserrehadpickedupatTroyescertaingildedpier-
tables，asofaingreendamask，acrystalchandelier，acard-tableofmarquetry，amongotherthingsthatservedhimtorestorethechateau。
In1792allthefurnitureofthehousehadbeentakenordestroyed，forthepillageofthemansionsintownwasimitatedinthevalley。
EachtimethattheoldmanwenttoTroyeshereturnedwithsomerelicoftheformersplendor，sometimesafinecarpetforthefloorofthesalon，atothertimespartofadinnerservice，orabitofrareoldporcelainofeitherSevresorDresden。Duringthelastsixmonthshehadventuredtodigupthefamilysilver，whichthecookhadburiedinthecellarofalittlehousebelongingtohimattheendofoneofthelongfaubourgsinTroyes。
Thatfaithfulservant，namedDurieu，andhiswifehadfollowedthefortunesoftheiryoungmistress。Durieuwasthefactotumofthechateau，andhiswifewasthehousekeeper。HewashelpedinthecookingbythesisterofCatherine，Laurence’smaid，towhomhewasteachinghisartandwhogavepromiseofbecominganexcellentcook。
Anoldgardener，hiswife，asonpaidbytheday，andadaughterwhoservedasadairy-woman，madeupthehousehold。MadameDurieuhadlatelyandsecretlyhadtheCinq-Cygneliveriesmadeforthegardener’ssonandforGothard。ThoughblamedforthisimprudencebyMonsieurd’Hauteserre，thehousekeepertookgreatpleasureinseeingthedinnerservedonthefestivalofSaint-Laurence，thecountess’sfete-day，withalmostasmuchstyleasinformertimes。
ThisslowanddifficultrestorationofdepartedthingswasthedelightofMonsieurandMadamed’HauteserreandtheDurieus。Laurencesmiledatwhatshethoughtnonsense。Buttheworthyoldd’Hauteserredidnotforgetthemoresolidmatters；herepairedthebuildings，putupthewalls，plantedtreeswherevertherewasachancetomakethemgrow，anddidnotleaveaninchofunproductiveland。Thewholevalleyregardedhimasanoracleinthematterofagriculture。Hehadmanagedtorecoverahundredacresofcontestedland，notsoldasnationalproperty，beinginsomewayconfoundedwiththatofthetownship。Thislandhehadturnedintofieldswhichaffordedgoodpasturageforhishorsesandcattle，andheplantedthemroundwithpoplars，whichnow，attheendofsixyears，weremakingafinegrowth。Heintendedtobuybacksomeofthelostestate，andtoutilizealltheout-buildingsofthechateaubymakingasecondfarmandmanagingithimself。
Lifeatthechateauhadthusbecomeduringthelasttwoyearsprosperousandalmosthappy。Monsieurd’Hauteserrewasoffatdaybreakstooverlookhislaborers，forheemployedtheminallweathers。Hecamehometobreakfast，mountedhisfarmponyassoonasthemealwasover，andmadehisroundsoftheestatelikeabailiff，——
gettinghomeintimefordinner，andfinishingthedaywithagameofboston。Alltheinhabitantsofthechateauhadtheirstatedoccupations；lifewasascloselyregulatedthereasinaconvent。
Laurencealonedisturbeditseventenorbyhersuddenjourneys，heruncertainreturns，andbywhatMadamed’Hauteserrecalledherpranks。
ButwithallthispeacefulnessthereexistedatCinq-Cygneconflictinginterestsandcertaincausesofdissension。InthefirstplaceDurieuandhiswifewerejealousofCatherineandGothard，wholivedingreaterintimacywiththeiryoungmistress，theidolofthehousehold，thantheydid。Thenthetwod’Hauteserres，encouragedbyMademoiselleGoujetandtheabbe，wantedtheirsonsaswellastheSimeusebrotherstotaketheoathandreturntothisquietlife，insteadoflivingmiserablyinforeigncountries。Laurencescoutedtheodiouscompromiseandstoodfirmlyforthemonarchy，militantandimplacable。Thefouroldpeople，anxiousthattheirpresentpeacefulexistenceshouldnotberisked，northeirspotofrefuge，savedfromthefuriouswatersoftherevolutionarytorrent，lost，didtheirbesttoconvertLaurencetotheircautiousviews，believingthatherinfluencecountedformuchintheunwillingnessoftheirsonsandtheSimeusetwinstoreturntoFrance。Thesuperbdisdainwithwhichshemettheprojectfrightenedthesepoorpeople，whowerenotmistakenintheirfearsthatshewasmeditatingwhattheycalledknight-errantry。ThisjarringofopinioncametothesurfaceaftertheexplosionoftheinfernalmachineintherueSaint-Nicaise，thefirstroyalistattemptagainsttheconquerorofMarengoafterhisrefusaltotreatwiththehouseofBourbon。Thed’HauteserresconsidereditfortunatethatBonaparteescapedthatdanger，believingthattherepublicanshadinstigatedit。ButLaurenceweptwithragewhensheheardhewassafe。Herdespairovercameherusualreticence，andshevehementlycomplainedthatGodhaddesertedthesonsofSaint-Louis。
\"I，\"sheexclaimed，\"Icouldhavesucceeded！Havewenoright，\"sheadded，seeingthestupefactionherwordsproducedonthefacesabouther，andaddressingtheabbe，\"norighttoattacktheusurperbyeverymeansinourpower？\"
\"Mychild，\"repliedtheabbe，\"theChurchhasbeengreatlyblamedbyphilosophersfordeclaringinformertimesthatthesameweaponsmightbeemployedagainstusurperswhichtheusurpersthemselveshademployedtosucceed；butinthesedaystheChurchowesfartoomuchtotheFirstConsulnottoprotecthimagainstthatmaxim，——which，bytheby，wasduetotheJesuits。\"
\"SotheChurchabandonsus！\"sheanswered，gloomily。
FromthatdayforthwheneverthefouroldpeopletalkedofsubmittingtothedecreesofProvidence，Laurencelefttheroom。Oflate，theabbe，shrewderthanMonsieurd’Hauteserre，insteadofdiscussingprinciples，drewpicturesofthematerialadvantagesoftheconsularrule，lesstoconvertthecountessthantodetectinhereyessomeexpressionwhichmightenlightenhimastoherprojects。Gothard’sfrequentdisappearances，thelongridesofhismistress，andherevidentpreoccupation，which，forthelastfewdays，hadappearedinherface，togetherwithotherlittlesignsnottobehiddeninthesilenceandtranquillityofsuchalife，hadrousedthefearsofthesesubmissiveroyalists。Still，asnoeventhappened，andperfectquietappearedtoreigninthepoliticalatmosphere，themindsofthelittlehouseholdweresoothedintopeace，andthecountess’slongrideswereonemoreattributedtoherpassionforhunting。
Itiseasytoimaginethedeepsilencewhichreignedatnineo’clockintheeveninginthepark，courtyards，andgardensofCinq-Cygne，whereatthatparticularmomentthepersonswehavedescribedwereharmoniouslygrouped，whereperfectpeacepervadedallthings，wherecomfortandabundancewereagainenjoyed，andwheretheworthyandjudiciousoldgentlemanwasstillhopingtoconverthislatewardtohissystemofobediencetotherulingpowersbytheargumentofwhatwemaycallthecontinuityofprosperousresults。
Theseroyalistscontinuedtoplaytheirboston，agamewhichspreadideasofindependenceunderafrivolousformoverthewholeofFrance；
foritwasfirstinventedinhonoroftheAmericaninsurgents，itsverytermsapplyingtothestrugglewhichLouisXVI。encouraged。Whilemakingtheir\"independences\"and\"poverties，\"theplayerskeptaneyeonthecountess，whohadfallenasleep，overcomebyfatigue，withasingularsmileonherlips，herlastwakingthoughthavingbeenoftheterrortwowordscouldinspireinthemindsofthepeacefulcompanybyinformingthed’Hauteserresthattheirsonshadpassedtheprecedingnightunderthatroof。Whatyounggirloftwenty-threewouldnothavebeen，asLaurencewas，proudtoplaythepartofDestiny？andwhowouldnothavefelt，asshedid，asenseofcompassionforthosewhomshefelttobesofarbelowherinloyalty？
\"Shesleeps，\"saidtheabbe。\"Ihaveneverseenhersowearied。\"
\"Durieutellsmehermareisalmostfoundered，\"remarkedMadamed’Hauteserre。\"Hergunhasnotbeenfired；thebreechisclean；shehasevidentlynothunted。\"
\"Oh！that’sneitherherenorthere，\"saidtheabbe。
\"Bah？\"criedMademoiselleGoujet；\"whenIwastwenty-threeandsawI
shouldbeanoldmaidallmylife，Irushedaboutandfatiguedmyselfinadozenways。Iunderstandhowthecountesscanscourthecountryforhourswithoutthinkingofthegame。Itisnearlytwelveyearsnowsinceshehasseenhercousins，andyouknowshelovesthem。Well，ifIwereshe，ifIwereasyoungandpretty，I’dmakeastraightlineforGermany！Poordarling，perhapssheisthinkingofthefrontier，andthatmaybethereasonwhysheridessofartowardsit。\"
\"Youarerathergiddy，MademoiselleGoujet，\"saidtheabbe，smiling。
\"Notatall，\"shereplied。\"Iseeyoualluneasyaboutthegoingsonofayounggirl，andIamexplainingthemtoyou。\"
\"Hercousinswillsubmitandreturnsoon；theywillallberich，andshewillendbycalmingdown，\"saidoldd’Hauteserre。
\"Godgrantit！\"saidhiswife，takingoutagoldsnuff-boxwhichhadagainseenthelightundertheConsulate。
\"Thereissomethingstirringintheneighborhood，\"remarkedMonsieurd’Hauteserretotheabbe。\"MalinhasbeentwodaysatGondreville。\"
\"Malin！\"criedLaurence，rousedbythename，thoughhersleepwassound。
\"Yes，\"repliedtheabbe，\"butheleavesto-night；everybodyisconjecturingthemotiveofthishastyvisit。\"
\"Thatman，\"saidLaurence，\"istheevilgeniusofourtwohouses。\"
ThecountesshadbeendreamingofhercousinsandtheyoungHauteserres；shesawtheminperil。HerbeautifuleyesgrewfixedandglassyashermindthuswarneddwelledonthedangerstheywereabouttoincurinParis。Sherosesuddenlyandwenttoherbedroomwithoutspeaking。Herbedroomwasthebestinthehouse；nextcameadressing-
roomandanoratory，inthetowerwhichfacedtowardstheforest。Soonaftershehadleftthesalonthedogsbarked，thebellofthesmallgaterang，andDurieurushedintothesalonwithafrightenedface。
\"Hereisthemayor！\"hesaid。\"Somethingisthematter。\"
CHAPTERVI
ADOMICILIARYVISIT
Themayor，aformerhuntsmanofthehouseofSimeuse，cameoccasionallytothechateau，wherethed’Hauteserresshowedhimoutofpolicy，adeferencetowhichheattachedgreatvalue。HisnamewasGoulard；hehadmarriedarichwomanofTroyes，whoseproperty，whichwasinthecommuneofCinq-Cygne，hehadfurtherincreasedbythepurchaseofafineabbeyanditslands，inwhichheinvestedallhissavings。ThevastabbeyofVal-des-Preux，standingaboutamilefromthechateau，hehadturnedintoadwellingthatwasalmostassplendidasGondreville；inithiswifeandhewerenowlivinglikeratsinacathedral。\"Ah！Goulard，youhavebeengreedy，\"MademoisellehadsaidtohimwithalaughthefirsttimeshereceivedhimatCinq-Cygne。
ThoughgreatlyattachedtotheRevolutionandcoldlyreceivedbythecountess，themayoralwaysfelthimselfboundbytiesofrespecttotheCinq-CygneandSimeusefamilies。Hethereforeshuthiseyestowhatwentonatthechateau。HecalledshuttinghiseyesnotseeingtheportraitsofLouisXVI。，MarieAntoinette，andtheroyalchildren，andthoseofMonsieur，theComted’Artois，CazalesandCharlotteCorday，whichfilledthevariouspanelsofthesalon；notresentingeitherthewishesfreelyexpressedinhispresencefortheruinoftheRepublic，ortheridiculeflungatthefivedirectorsandalltheothergovernmentalcombinationsofthattime。Thepositionofthisman，who，likemanyparvenus，havingoncemadehisfortune，revertedtohisearlyfaithintheoldfamilies，andsoughttoattachhimselftothem，wasnowbeingmadeuseofbythetwomembersoftheParispolicewhoseprofessionhadbeensoquicklyguessedbyMichu，andwho，beforegoingtoGondrevillehadreconnoitredtheneighborhood。
Theworthydescribedasthedepositaryofthebesttraditionsoftheoldpolice，andCorentinphoenixofspies，wereinfactemployedonasecretmission。Malinwasnotmistakeninattributingadoublepurposetothosestarsoftragicfarces。But，beforeseeingthematwork，itisadvisabletoshowtheheadofwhichtheywerethearms。WhenBonapartebecameFirstConsulhefoundFoucheattheheadofthepolice。TheRevolutionhadfranklyandwithgoodreasonmadethemanagementofthepoliceintoaspecialministry。ButafterhisreturnfromMarengo，Bonapartecreatedtheprefectureofpolice，placedDuboisinchargeofit，andcalledFouchetotheCouncilofState，namingashissuccessorintheministryaconventionalnamedCochon，sinceknownasComtedeLapparent。Fouche，whoconsideredtheministryofpoliceasbyfarthemostimportantinagovernmentofbroadideasandfixedpolicy，sawdisgraceoratanyratedistrustinthechange。
AfterNapoleonbecameawareoftheimmensesuperiorityofthisgreatstatesman，asevidencedintheaffairoftheinfernalmachineandintheconspiracywithwhichwearenowconcerned，hereturnedhimtotheministryofpolice。Laterstill，becomingalarmedatthepowersFouchedisplayedduringhisabsenceatthetimeoftheaffairatWalcheren，theEmperorgavethatministrytotheDucdeRovigo，andsentFouche(Ducd’Otrante)asgovernortotheIllyrianprovinces，——anappointmentwhichwasinfactanexile。
Thesingulargeniusofthisman，Fouche，whichhadthepowerofinspiringNapoleonwithasortoffear，didnotrevealitselfallatonce。Thisobscureconventional，oneofthemostextraordinarymenofourtime，andthemostmisjudged，wasmoulded，asitwere，bythewhirlwindofevents。HeraisedhimselfundertheDirectorytotheheightfromwhichmenofgeniuscouldseethefutureandjudgethepast，andthen，likecertaincommonplaceactorswhosuddenlybecomeadmirablethroughthelightofsomevividperception，hegaveproofsofhisdexterityduringtherapidrevolutionofthe18thBrumaire。
Thismanwiththepallidface，educatedtomonasticdissimulation，possessingthesecretsofthe/montagnards/towhomhebelonged，andthoseoftheroyaliststowhomheendedbybelonging，hadslowlyandsilentlystudiedthemen，theevents，andtheinterestsonthepoliticalstage；hepenetratedNapoleon’ssecrets，hegavehimusefulcounselandpreciousinformation。Satisfiedwithhavingprovenhiscapacityandhisusefulness，Fouchewascarefulnottodisclosehimselfcompletely。Hewishedtoremainattheheadofaffairs，buttheEmperor’srestlessuneasinessabouthimcosthimhisplace。
TheingratitudeorratherthedistrustshownbyNapoleonaftertheaffairatWalcheren，givesthekey-notetothecharacterofamanwho，unfortunatelyforhimself，wasnotagreat/seigneur/，andwhoseconductwasmodelledonthatofTalleyrand。Atthattimeneitherhisformercolleaguesnorhispresentoneshadsuspectedtheamplitudeofhisgenius，whichwaspurelyministerial，essentiallygovernmental，justinitsforecastsandincrediblysagacious。To-day，everyimpartialhistorianperceivesthatNapoleon’sinordinateself-lovewasamongthechiefcausesofhisfall，apunishmentwhichcruellyexpiatedhiswrong-doing。Inthemindofthatdistrustfulsovereignlurkedaconstantjealousyforhisownrisingpower，whichinfluencedallhisactions，andcausedhissecrethatredformenoftalent，thepreciouslegacyoftheRevolution，withwhomhemighthavemadehimselfacabinetcapableofbeingatruerepositoryforhisthoughts。
TalleyrandandFouchewerenottheonlyoneswhogavehimumbrage。Themisfortuneofusurpersisthatthosewhohavegiventhemacrownareasmuchtheirenemiesasthosefromwhomtheysnatchit。Napoleon’ssovereigntywasneverconvincinglyfeltbythosewhowereoncehissuperiorsorhisequals，norbythosewhostillheldtothedoctrineofrights；noneofthemregardedtheiroathofallegiancetohimasbinding。
Malin，aninferiorman，incapableofcomprehendingFouche’shiddengenius，orofdistrustinghisownperceptions，burnedhimself，likeamothinacandle，byaskinghimconfidentiallytosendagentstoGondreville，where，hesaid，hehopedtoobtaincertaincluestotheconspiracy。Fouche，withoutalarminghisfriendbyanyquestions，askedhimselfwhyMalinwasgoingtoGondreville，andwhyhedidnotimmediatelyandwithoutlossoftime，givetheinformationhealreadypossessed。Theex-Oratorian，fedfromhisyouthupontrickery，andwellawareofthedoublepartplayedbyagoodmanyoftheconventionals，saidtohimself:\"FromwhomisMalinlikelytoobtaininformationwhenweourselvesknowlittleornothing？\"Foucheconcludedthereforethattherewassomeeitherlatentorprospectivecollusion，andtookcaretosaynothingaboutittotheFirstConsul。
HepreferredtomakeMalinhisinstrumentratherthandestroyhim。ItwasFouche’shabittokeeptohimselfagoodpartofthesecretshedetected，andhethusobtainedforhisownpurposesapoweroverthoseconcernedwhichwasevengreaterthanthatofBonaparte。ThisduplicitywasoneoftheEmperor’schargesagainsthisminister。
FoucheknewoftheswindlingtransactionbywhichMalinbecamepossessedofGondrevilleandwhichledhimtokeephiseyessoanxiouslyontheSimeusebrothers。ThesegentlemenwerenowservinginthearmyofConde；MademoiselledeCinq-Cygnewastheircousin；
possiblytheywereinherneighborhood，andweresharersintheconspiracy；ifso，itwouldimplicatethehouseofCondetowhichtheyweredevoted。TalleyrandandFouchewerebentoncastinglightintothisdarkcorneroftheconspiracyof1803。AlltheseconsiderationsFouchesawataglance，rapidlyandwithgreatclearness。ButbetweenMalin，Talleyrand，andhimselftherewerestrongtieswhichforcedhimtotheutmostcircumspection，andmadehimanxioustoknowtheexactstateofthingswithinthewallsofGondreville。CorentinwasunreservedlyattachedtoFouche，justasMonsieurdelaBesnardierewastoTalleyrand，GentztoMonsieurdeMetternich，DundastoPitt，DuroctoNapoleon，ChavignytoCardinalRichelieu。Corentinwasnotthecounsellorofhismaster，buthisinstrument，theTristantothisLouisXI。oflowestate。Fouchehadkepthimintheministryofthepolicewhenhehimselfleftit，soastostillkeepaneyeandafingerinit。ItwassaidthatCorentinbelongedtoFouchebysomeunavowedrelationship，forherewardedhimlavishlyaftereveryservice。CorentinhadafriendinPeyrade，theoldpupilofthelastlieutenantofpolice；buthekeptagoodmanyofhissecretsfromhim。
FouchegaveCorentinanordertoexplorethechateauofGondreville，togettheplanofitintohismemory，andtoknoweveryhiding-placewithinitswalls。
\"Wemaybeobligedtoreturnthere，\"saidtheex-minister，preciselyasNapoleontoldhislieutenantstoexplorethefieldofAusterlitzonwhichheintendedtofallback。
CorentinwasalsotostudyMalin’sconduct，discoverwhatinfluencehehadintheneighborhood，andobservethemenheemployed。FoucheregardeditascertainthattheSimeusebrotherswereinthatpartofthecountry。Bycautiouslywatchingthetwoofficers，whowerecloselyalliedwiththePrincedeConde，PeyradeandCorentincouldobtainpreciouslightontheramificationsoftheconspiracybeyondtheRhine。Inanycase，however，Corentinreceivedthemeans，theorders，andtheagents，tosurroundthechateauofCinq-Cygneandwatchthewholeregion，fromtheforestofNodesmeintoParis。Foucheinsistedontheutmostcaution，andwouldonlyallowadomiciliaryvisittoCinq-CygneincaseMalingavethempositiveinformationwhichmadeitnecessary。BywayofinstructionsheexplainedtoCorentintheotherwiseinexplicablepersonalityofMichu，whohadbeenwatchedbythepoliceforthelastthreeyears。Corentin’sideawasthatofhismaster:\"Malinknowsallabouttheconspiracy——But，\"headdedtohimself，\"perhapsFouchedoes，too；whoknows？\"
Corentin，havingstartedforTroyesbeforeMalin，hadmadearrangementswiththecommandantofthegendarmerieinthattown，whopickedoutanumberofhismostintelligentmenandplacedthemunderordersofanablecaptain。CorentinchoseGondrevilleastheplaceofrendezvous，anddirectedthecaptaintosendsomeofhismenatnightinfourdetachmentstodifferentpointsofthevalleyofCinq-Cygneatsufficientdistancefromeachothertocausenoalarm。ThesefourpicketsweretoformasquareandcloseinaroundthechateauofCinq-
Cygne。ByleavingCorentinaloneatGondrevilleduringhisconsultationinthefieldswithGrevin，MalinhadenabledhimtofulfilpartofFouche’sordersandexplorethehouse。WhentheCouncillorofStatereturnedhomehetoldCorentinsopositivelythatthed’HauteserreandSimeusebrotherswereintheneighborhoodandprobablyatCinq-Cygnethatthetwoagentsdespatchedthecaptainwiththerestofhiscompany，who，fortunatelyforthefourgentlemen，crossedtheforestontheirwaytothechateauduringthetimewhenMichuwasmakingViolettedrunk。MalinhadtoldCorentinandPeyradeoftheescapehehadfromlyinginwaitforhim。Thetwoagentsrelatedtheincidentoftheguntheyhadseenthebailiffload，andGrevinhadsentViolettetoobtaininformationastowhatwasgoingonatMichu’shouse。CorentinadvisedthenotarytotakeMalintohisownhouseinthelittletownofArcis，andlethimsleepthereasameasureofprecaution。AtthemomentwhenMichuandhiswifewererushingthroughtheforestontheirwaytoCinq-Cygne，PeyradeandCorentinwerestartingfromGondrevilleforCinq-Cygneinashabbywickercarriage，drawnbyonepost-horsedrivenbythecorporalofArcis，oneoftheshrewdestmenintheLegion，whomthecommandantatTroyesadvisedthemtoemploy。
\"Thesurestwaytoseizethemallistowarnthem，\"saidPeyradetoCorentin。\"Atthemomentwhentheyarewellfrightenedandaretryingtosavetheirpapersortoescapewe’llfalluponthemlikeathunderbolt。Thegendarmessurroundthechateaunowandareasgoodasanet。Wesha’n’tloseoneofthem！\"
\"Youhadbettersendthemayortowarnthem，\"saidthecorporal。\"Heisfriendlytothemandwouldn’tliketoseethemharmed；theywon’tdistrusthim。\"
JustasGoulardwaspreparingtogotobed，Corentin，whostoppedthevehicleinalittlewood，wenttohishouseandtoldhim，confidentially，thatinafewmomentsanemissaryfromthegovernmentwouldrequirehimtoenterthechateauofCinq-Cygneandarrestthebrothersd’HauteserreandSimeuse；andincasetheyhadalreadydisappearedhewouldhavetoascertainiftheyhadslepttherethenightbefore，searchMademoiselledeCinq-Cygne’spapers，and，possibly，arrestboththemastersandservantsofthehousehold。
\"MademoiselledeCinq-Cygne，\"saidCorentin，\"isundoubtedlyprotectedbysomegreatpersonages，forIhavereceivedprivateorderstowarnherofthisvisit，andtodoallIcantosaveherwithoutcompromisingmyself。Onceontheground，Ishallnolongerbeabletodoso，forIamnotalone；gotothechateauyourselfandwarnthem。\"
Themayor’svisitatthattimeofnightwasallthemorebewilderingtothecard-playerswhentheysawtheagitationofhisface。
\"Whereisthecountess？\"werehisfirstwords。
\"Shehasgonetobed，\"saidMadamed’Hauteserre。
Themayor，incredulous，listenedtonoisesthatwereheardontheupperfloor。
\"Whatisthematterwithyou，Goulard？\"saidMonsieurd’Hauteserre。
Goulardwasdumbwithsurpriseashenotedthetranquileaseofthefacesabouthim。Observingthepeacefulandinnocentgameofcardswhichhehadthusinterrupted，hewasunabletoimaginewhattheParisianpolicemeantbytheirsuspicions。
AtthatmomentLaurence，kneelinginheroratory，wasprayingferventlyforthesuccessoftheconspiracy。SheprayedtoGodtosendhelpandsuccortothemurderersofBonaparte。SheimploredHimardentlytodestroythatfatalbeing。ThefanaticismofHarmodius，Judith，JacquesClement，Ankarstroem，ofCharlotteCordayandLimoelan，inspiredthispureandvirginspirit。Catherinewaspreparingthebed，Gothardwasclosingtheblinds，whenMartheMichucomingunderthewindowsflungapebbleontheglassandwasseenatonce。
\"Mademoiselle，here’ssomeone，\"saidGothard，seeingawoman。
\"Hush！\"saidMarthe，inalowvoice。\"Comedownandspeaktome。\"
Gothardwasinthegardeninlesstimethanabirdwouldhavetakentoflydownfromatree。
\"Inaminutethechateauwillbesurroundedbythegendarmerie。Saddlemademoiselle’shorsewithoutmakinganynoiseandtakeitdownthroughthebreachinthemoatbetweenthestablesandthistower。\"
MarthequiveredwhenshesawLaurence，whohadfollowedGothard，standingbesideher。
\"Whatisit？\"askedLaurence，quietly。
\"TheconspiracyagainsttheFirstConsulisdiscovered，\"repliedMarthe，inawhisper。\"Myhusband，whoseekstosaveyourtwocousins，sendsmetoaskyoutocomeandspeaktohim。\"
LaurencedrewbackandlookedatMarthe。\"Whoareyou？\"shesaid。
\"MartheMichu。\"
\"Idonotknowwhatyouwantofme，\"repliedthecountess，coldly。
\"Takecare，youwillkillthem。Comewithme，IimploreyouintheSimeusename，\"saidMarthe，claspingherhandsandstretchingthemtowardsLaurence。\"Haveyoupapersherewhichmaycompromiseyou？Ifso，destroythem。Fromtheheightsovertheremyhusbandhasjustseenthesilver-lacedhatsandthemusketsofthegendarmerie。\"
Gothardhadalreadyclamberedtothehay-loftandseenthesamesight；
heheardinthestillnessoftheeveningthesoundoftheirhorses’
hoofs。Downheslippedintothestableandsaddledhismistress’smare，whosefeetCatherine，atawordfromthelad，muffledinlinen。
\"WhereamItogo？\"saidLaurencetoMarthe，whoselookandlanguageboretheunmistakablesignsofsincerity。
\"Throughthebreach，\"shereplied；\"mynoblehusbandisthere。Youshalllearnthevalueofa’Judas’！\"
Catherinewentquicklyintothesalon，pickedupthehat，veil，whip，andglovesofhermistress，anddisappeared。Thissuddenapparitionandactionweresostrikingacommentaryonthemayor’sinquirythatMadamed’Hauteserreandtheabbeexchangedglanceswhichcontainedthemelancholythought:\"Farewelltoallourpeace！Laurenceisconspiring；shewillbethedeathofhercousins。\"
\"Butwhatdoyoureallymean？\"saidMonsieurd’Hauteserretothemayor。
\"Thechateauissurrounded。Youareabouttoreceiveadomiciliaryvisit。Ifyoursonsareheretellthemtoescape，andtheSimeusebrotherstoo，iftheyarewiththem。\"
\"Mysons！\"exclaimedMadamed’Hauteserre，stupefied。
\"Wehaveseennoone，\"saidMonsieurd’Hauteserre。
\"Somuchthebetter，\"saidGoulard；\"butIcaretoomuchfortheCinq-
CygneandSimeusefamiliestoletanyharmcometothem。Listentome。
Ifyouhaveanycompromisingpapers——\"
\"Papers！\"repeatedtheoldgentleman。
\"Yes，ifyouhaveany，burnthematonce，\"saidthemayor。\"I’llgoandamusethepoliceagents。\"
Goulard，whoseobjectwastorunwiththeroyalisthareandholdwiththerepublicanhounds，lefttheroom；atthatmomentthedogsbarkedviolently。
\"Thereisnolongertime，\"saidtheabbe，\"heretheycome！Butwhoistowarnthecountess？Whereisshe？\"
\"Catherinedidn’tcomeforherhatandwhiptomakerelicsofthem，\"
remarkedMademoiselleGoujet。
Goulardtriedtodetainthetwoagentsforafewmoments，assuringthemoftheperfectignoranceofthefamilyatCinq-Cygne。
\"Youdon’tknowthesepeople！\"saidPeyrade，laughingathim。
Thetwoagents，insinuatinglydangerous，enteredthehouseatonce，followedbythecorporalfromArcisandonegendarme。Thesightofthemparalyzedthepeacefulcard-players，whokepttheirseatsatthetable，terrifiedbysuchadisplayofforce。Thenoiseproducedbyadozengendarmeswhosehorseswerestampingontheterrace，washeardwithout。
\"IdonotseeMademoiselledeCinq-Cygne，\"saidCorentin。
\"Sheisprobablyasleepinherbedroom，\"saidMonsieurd’Hauteserre。
\"Comewithme，ladies，\"saidCorentin，turningtopassthroughtheante-chamberandupthestaircase，followedbyMademoiselleGoujetandMadamed’Hauteserre。\"Relyuponme，\"hewhisperedtotheoldlady。\"I
aminyourinterests。Isentthemayortowarnyou。Distrustmycolleagueandlooktome。Icansaveeveryoneofyou。\"
\"Butwhatisitallabout？\"saidMademoiselleGoujet。
\"Amatteroflifeanddeath；youmustknowthat，\"repliedCorentin。
Madamed’Hauteserrefainted。ToMademoiselleGoujet’sgreatastonishmentandCorentin’sdisappointment，Laurence’sroomwasempty。
Certainthatnoonecouldhaveescapedfromtheparkorthechateau，foralltheissueswereguarded，Corentinstationedagendarmeineveryroomandorderedotherstosearchthefarmbuildings，stables，andsheds。Thenhereturnedtothesalon，whereDurieuandhiswifeandtheotherservantshadrushedinthewildestexcitement。Peyradewasstudyingtheirfaceswithhislittleblueeye，coldandcalminthemidstoftheuproar。JustasCorentinreappearedalone(MademoiselleGoujetremainingbehindtotakecareofMadamed’Hauteserre)thetrampofhorseswasheard，andpresentlythesoundofachild’sweeping。Thehorsesenteredbythesmallgate；andthegeneralsuspensewasputanendtobyacorporalappearingatthedoorofthesalonpushingGothard，whosehandsweretied，andCatherinewhomheledtotheagents。
\"Herearesomeprisoners，\"hesaid；\"thatlittlescampwasescapingonhorseback。\"
\"Fool！\"saidCorentin，inhisear，\"whydidn’tyoulethimalone？Youcouldhavefoundoutsomethingbyfollowinghim。\"
Gothardhadchosentoburstintotearsandbehavelikeanidiot。
Catherinetookanattitudeofartlessinnocencewhichmadetheoldagentreflective。ThepupilofLenoir，afterconsideringthetwoprisonerscarefully，andnotingthevacantairoftheoldgentlemanwhomhetooktobesly，theintelligenteyeoftheabbewhowasstillfingeringthecards，andtheutterstupefactionoftheservantsandDurieu，approachedCorentinandwhisperedinhisear，\"Wearenotdealingwithninnies。\"
Corentinansweredwithalookatthecard-table；thenheadded，\"Theywereplayingatboston！Mademoiselle’sbedwasjustbeingmadeforthenight；sheescapedinahurry；itisaregularsurprise；weshallcatchthem。\"
