CONTENTS
ALODGINGFORTHENIGHTbyR。L。StevensonALEAFINTHESTORMbyOuidaATERRIBLYSTRANGEBEDbyWilkieCollinsMICHELLORIO’SCROSSbyHesbaStrettonAPERILOUSAMOURbyStanleyJ。WeymanALODGINGFORTHENIGHT
BY
ROBERTLOUISSTEVENSON
ItwaslateinNovember，1456。ThesnowfelloverPariswithrigorous，relentlesspersistence;sometimesthewindmadeasallyandscattereditinflyingvortices;sometimestherewasalull，andflakeafterflakedescendedoutoftheblacknightair，silent，circuitous，interminable。Topoorpeople，lookingupundermoisteyebrows，itseemedawonderwhereitallcamefrom。MasterFrancisVillonhadpropoundedanalternativethatafternoon，atatavernwindow：wasitonlypaganJupiterpluckinggeeseuponOlympus？orweretheholyangelsmoulting？HewasonlyapoorMasterofArts，hewenton;andasthequestionsomewhattouchedupondivinity，hedurstnotventuretoconclude。AsillyoldpriestfromMontargis，whowasamongthecompany，treatedtheyoungrascaltoabottleofwineinhonourofthejestandgrimaceswithwhichitwasaccompanied，andsworeonhisownwhitebeardthathehadbeenjustsuchanotherirreverentdogwhenhewasVillon’sage。
Theairwasrawandpointed，butnotfarbelowfreezing;andtheflakeswerelarge，damp，andadhesive。Thewholecitywassheetedup。
Anarmymighthavemarchedfromendtoendandnotafootfallgiventhealarm。Iftherewereanybelatedbirdsinheaven，theysawtheislandlikealargewhitepatch，andthebridgeslikeslimwhitesparsontheblackgroundoftheriver。Highupoverheadthesnowsettledamongthetraceryofthecathedraltowers。Manyanichewasdriftedfull;manyastatueworealongwhitebonnetonitsgrotesqueorsaintedhead。Thegargoyleshadbeentransformedintogreatfalsenoses，droopingtowardthepoint。Thecrocketswerelikeuprightpillowsswollenononeside。Intheintervalsofthewindtherewasadullsounddrippingabouttheprecinctsofthechurch。
ThecemeteryofSt。Johnhadtakenitsownshareofthesnow。Allthegravesweredecentlycovered;tallwhitehousetopsstoodaroundingravearray;worthyburgherswerelongagoinbed，be-nightcappedliketheirdomiciles;therewasnolightinalltheneighbourhoodbutalittlepeepfromalampthathungswinginginthechurchchoir，andtossedtheshadowstoandfrointimetoitsoscillations。Theclockwashardontenwhenthepatrolwentbywithhalberdsandalantern，beatingtheirhands;andtheysawnothingsuspiciousaboutthecemeteryofSt。John。
Yettherewasasmallhouse，backedupagainstthecemeterywall，whichwasstillawake，andawaketoevilpurpose，inthatsnoringdistrict。
Therewasnotmuchtobetrayitfromwithout;onlyastreamofwarmvapourfromthechimney-top，apatchwherethesnowmeltedontheroof，andafewhalf-obliteratedfootprintsatthedoor。Butwithin，behindtheshutteredwindows，MasterFrancisVillon，thepoet，andsomeofthethievishcrewwithwhomheconsorted，werekeepingthenightaliveandpassingroundthebottle。
Agreatpileoflivingembersdiffusedastrongandruddyglowfromthearchedchimney。BeforethisstraddledDomNicolas，thePicardymonk，withhisskirtspickedupandhisfatlegsbaredtothecomfortablewarmth。Hisdilatedshadowcuttheroominhalf;andthefirelightonlyescapedoneithersideofhisbroadperson，andinalittlepoolbetweenhisoutspreadfeet。Hisfacehadthebeery，bruisedappearanceofthecontinualdrinker’s;itwascoveredwithanetworkofcongestedveins，purpleinordinarycircumstances，butnowpaleviolet，forevenwithhisbacktothefirethecoldpinchedhimontheotherside。Hiscowlhadhalffallenback，andmadeastrangeexcrescenceoneithersideofhisbull-neck。Sohestraddled，grumbling，andcuttheroominhalfwiththeshadowofhisportlyframe。
Ontheright，VillonandGuyTabarywerehuddledtogetheroverascrapofparchment;Villonmakingaballadewhichhewastocallthe\"BalladeofRoastFish，\"andTabarysputteringadmirationathisshoulder。Thepoetwasaragofaman，dark，little，andlean，withhollowcheeksandthinblacklocks。Hecarriedhisfourandtwentyyearswithfeverishanimation。Greedhadmadefoldsabouthiseyes，evilsmileshadpuckeredhismouth。Thewolfandpigstruggledtogetherinhisface。Itwasaneloquent，sharp，ugly，earthlycountenance。Hishandsweresmallandprehensile，withfingersknottedlikeacord;andtheywerecontinuallyflickeringinfrontofhiminviolentandexpressivepantomime。AsforTabary，abroad，complacent，admiringimbecilitybreathedfromhissquashnoseandslobberinglips;hehadbecomeathief，justashemighthavebecomethemostdecentofburgesses，bytheimperiouschancethatrulesthelivesofhumangeeseandhumandonkeys。
Atthemonk’sotherhand，MontignyandTheveninPenseteplayedagameofchance。Aboutthefirstthereclungsomeflavourofgoodbirthandtraining，asaboutafallenangel;somethinglong，lithe，andcourtlyintheperson;somethingaquilineanddarklingintheface。Thevenin，poorsoul，wasingreatfeather;hehaddoneagoodstrokeofknaverythatafternoonintheFaubourgSt。Jacques，andallnighthehadbeengainingfromMontigny。Aflatsmileilluminatedhisface;hisbaldheadshonerosilyinagarlandofredcurls;hislittleprotuberantstomachshookwithsilentchucklingsashesweptinhisgains。
\"Doublesorquits？\"saidThevenin。
Montignynoddedgrimly。
\"Somemayprefertodineinstate，\"wroteVillon，\"onbreadandcheeseonsilverplate。Or，or——helpmeout，Guido！\"
Tabarygiggled。
\"Orparsleyonagoldendish，\"scribbledthepoet。
Thewindwasfresheningwithout;itdrovethesnowbeforeit，andsometimesraiseditsvoiceinavictoriouswhoop，andmadesepulchralgrumblingsinthechimney。Thecoldwasgrowingsharperasthenightwenton。Villon，protrudinghislips，imitatedthegustwithsomethingbetweenawhistleandagroan。Itwasaneerie，uncomfortabletalentofthepoet’s，muchdetestedbythePicardymonk。
\"Can’tyouhearitrattleinthegibbet？\"saidVillon。\"Theyarealldancingthedevil’sjigonnothing，upthere。Youmaydance，mygallants;you’llbenonethewarmer。Whew，whatagust！Downwentsomebodyjustnow！Amedlarthefeweronthethree-leggedmedlar-tree！
Isay，DomNicolas，it’llbecoldto-nightontheSt。DenisRoad？\"heasked。
DomNicholaswinkedbothhisbigeyes，andseemedtochokeuponhisAdam’sapple。Montfaucon，thegreat，grislyParisgibbet，stoodhardbytheSt。DenisRoad，andthepleasantrytouchedhimontheraw。AsforTabary，helaughedimmoderatelyoverthemedlars;hehadneverheardanythingmorelight-hearted;andheheldhissidesandcrowed。Villonfetchedhimafilliponthenose，whichturnedhismirthintoanattackofcoughing。
\"Oh，stopthatrow，\"saidVillon，\"andthinkofrhymesto’fish’！\"
\"Doublesorquits？SaidMontigny，doggedly。
\"Withallmyheart，\"quothThevenin。
\"Isthereanymoreinthatbottle？\"askedthemonk。
\"Openanother，\"saidVillon。\"Howdoyoueverhopetofillthatbighogshead，yourbody，withlittlethingslikebottles？Andhowdoyouexpecttogettoheaven？Howmanyangels，doyoufancy，canbesparedtocarryupasinglemonkfromPicardy？OrdoyouthinkyourselfanotherElias——andthey’llsendthecoachforyou？\"
\"/Hominibus/impossible，\"repliedthemonk，ashefilledhisglass。
Tabarywasinecstasies。
Villonfillipedhisnoseagain。
\"Laughatmyjokes，ifyoulike，\"hesaid。
Villonmadeafaceathim。\"Thinkofrhymesto’fish，’\"hesaid。\"WhathaveyoutodowithLatin？You’llwishyouknewnoneofitatthegreatassizes，whenthedevilcallsforGuidoTabary，/clericus/——thedevilwiththehumpbackandred-hotfingernails。Talkingofthedevil，\"headded，inawhisper，\"lookatMontigny！\"
Allthreepeeredcovertlyatthegamester。Hedidnotseemtobeenjoyinghisluck。Hismouthwasalittletoaside;onenostrilnearlyshut，andtheothermuchinflated。Theblackdogwasonhisback，aspeoplesay，interrifyingnurserymetaphor;andhebreathedhardunderthegruesomeburden。
\"Helooksasifhecouldknifehim，\"whisperedTabary，withroundeyes。
Themonkshuddered，andturnedhisfaceandspreadhisopenhandstotheredembers。ItwasthecoldthatthusaffectedDomNicolas，andnotanyexcessofmoralsensibility。
\"Comenow，\"saidVillon——\"aboutthisballade。Howdoesitrunsofar？\"
Andbeatingtimewithhishand，hereaditaloudtoTabary。
Theywereinterruptedatthefourthrhymebyabriefandfatalmovementamongthegamesters。Theroundwascompleted，andTheveninwasjustopeninghismouthtoclaimanothervictory，whenMontignyleapedup，swiftasanadder，andstabbedhimtotheheart。Theblowtookeffectbeforehehadtimetoutteracry，beforehehadtimetomove。Atremorortwoconvulsedhisframe;hishandsopenedandshut，hisheelsrattledonthefloor;thenhisheadrolledbackwardoveroneshoulder，witheyeswideopen;andTheveninPensete’sspirithadreturnedtoHimwhomadeit。
Everyonesprangtohisfeet;butthebusinesswasoverintwotwos。
Thefourlivingfellowslookedateachotherinratheraghastlyfashion，thedeadmancontemplatingacorneroftheroofwithasingularanduglyleer。
\"MyGod！\"saidTabary，andhebegantoprayinLatin。
Villonbrokeoutintohystericallaughter。HecameastepforwardandduckedaridiculousbowatThevenin，andlaughedstilllouder。Thenhesatdownsuddenly，allofaheap，uponastool，andcontinuedlaughingbitterly，asthoughhewouldshakehimselftopieces。
Montignyrecoveredhiscomposurefirst。
\"Let’sseewhathehasabouthim，\"heremarked;andhepickedthedeadman’spocketswithapractisedhand，anddividedthemoneyintofourequalportionsonthetable。\"There’sforyou，\"hesaid。
Themonkreceivedhissharewithadeepsigh，andasinglestealthyglanceatthedeadThevenin，whowasbeginningtosinkintohimselfandtopplesidewaysoffthechair。
\"We’reallinforit，\"criedVillon，swallowinghismirth。\"It’sahangingjobforeverymanJackofusthat’shere——nottospeakofthosewhoaren’t。\"Hemadeashockinggestureintheairwithhisraisedrighthand，andputouthistongueandthrewhisheadononeside，soastocounterfeittheappearanceofonewhohasbeenhanged。Thenhepocketedhisshareofthespoil，andexecutedashufflewithhisfeetasiftorestorethecirculation。
Tabarywasthelasttohelphimself;hemadeadashatthemoney，andretiredtotheotherendoftheapartment。
MontignystuckTheveninuprightinthechair，anddrewoutthedagger，whichwasfollowedbyajetofblood。
\"Youfellowshadbetterbemoving，\"hesaid，ashewipedthebladeonhisvictim’sdoublet。
\"Ithinkwehad，\"returnedVillon，withagulp。\"Damnhisfathead！\"hebrokeout。\"Itsticksinmythroatlikephlegm。Whatrighthasamantohaveredhairwhenheisdead？\"Andhefellallofaheapagainuponthestool，andfairlycoveredhisfacewithhishands。
MontignyandDomNicolaslaughedaloud，evenTabaryfeeblychimingin。
\"Cry-baby！\"saidthemonk。
\"Ialwayssaidhewasawoman，\"addedMontigny，withasneer。\"Situp，can’tyou？\"hewenton，givinganothershaketothemurderedbody。
\"Treadoutthatfire，Nick！\"
ButNickwasbetteremployed;hewasquietlytakingVillon’spurse，asthepoetsat，limpandtrembling，onthestoolwherehehadbeenmakingaballadenotthreeminutesbefore。MontignyandTabarydumblydemandedashareofthebooty，whichthemonksilentlypromisedashepassedthelittlebagintothebosomofhisgown。Inmanywaysanartisticnatureunfitsamanforpracticalexistence。
NosoonerhadthetheftbeenaccomplishedthanVillonshookhimself，jumpedtohisfeet，andbeganhelpingtoscatterandextinguishtheembers。MeanwhileMontignyopenedthedoorandcautiouslypeeredintothestreet。Thecoastwasclear;therewasnomeddlesomepatrolinsight。Stillitwasjudgedwisertoslipoutseverally;andasVillonwashimselfinahurrytoescapefromtheneighbourhoodofthedeadThevenin，andtherestwereinastillgreaterhurrytogetridofhimbeforeheshoulddiscoverthelossofhismoney，hewasthefirstbygeneralconsenttoissueforthintothestreet。
Thewindhadtriumphedandsweptallthecloudsfromheaven。Onlyafewvapours，asthinasmoonlight，fleetedrapidlyacrossthestars。Itwasbittercold;and，byacommonopticaleffect，thingsseemedalmostmoredefinitethaninthebroadestdaylight。Thesleepingcitywasabsolutelystill;acompanyofwhitehoods，afieldfulloflittlealps，belowthetwinklingstars。Villoncursedhisfortune。Woulditwerestillsnowing！Now，whereverhewent，heleftanindelibletrailbehindhimontheglitteringstreets;whereverhewent，hewasstilltetheredtothehousebythecemeteryofSt。John;whereverhewent，hemustweave，withhisownploddingfeet，theropethatboundhimtothecrimeandwouldbindhimtothegallows。Theleerofthedeadmancamebacktohimwithnewsignificance。Hesnappedhisfingersasiftopluckuphisownspirits，and，choosingastreetatrandom，steppedboldlyforwardinthesnow。
Twothingspreoccupiedhimashewent：theaspectofthegallowsatMontfauconinthisbright，windyphaseofthenight’sexistence，forone;andforanother，thelookofthedeadmanwithhisbaldheadandgarlandofredcurls。Bothstruckcolduponhisheart，andhekeptquickeninghispaceasifhecouldescapefromunpleasantthoughtsbymerefleetnessoffoot。Sometimeshelookedbackoverhisshoulderwithasuddennervousjerk;buthewastheonlymovingthinginthewhitestreets，exceptwhenthewindswoopedroundacornerandthrewupthesnow，whichwasbeginningtofreeze，inspoutsofglitteringdust。
Suddenlyhesaw，alongwaybeforehim，ablackclumpandacoupleoflanterns。Theclumpwasinmotion，andthelanternsswungasthoughcarriedbymenwalking。Itwasapatrol。Andthoughitwasmerelycrossinghislineofmarchhejudgeditwisertogetoutofeyeshotasspeedilyashecould。Hewasnotinthehumourtobechallenged，andhewasconsciousofmakingaveryconspicuousmarkuponthesnow。Justonhislefthandtherestoodagreathotel，withsometurretsandalargeporchbeforethedoor;itwashalfruinous，heremembered，andhadlongstoodempty;andsohemadethreestepsofit，andjumpedintotheshelteroftheporch。Itwasprettydarkinside，aftertheglimmerofthesnowystreets，andhewasgropingforwardwithoutspreadhands，whenhestumbledoversomesubstancewhichofferedanindescribablemixtureofresistances，hardandsoft，firmandloose。Hisheartgavealeap，andhesprangtwostepsbackandstareddreadfullyattheobstacle。Thenhegavealittlelaughofrelief。Itwasonlyawoman，andshedead。Hekneltbesidehertomakesureuponthislatterpoint。
Shewasfreezingcold，andrigidlikeastick。Alittleraggedfineryflutteredinthewindaboutherhair，andhercheekshadbeenheavilyrougedthatsameafternoon。Herpocketswerequiteempty;butinherstocking，underneaththegarter，Villonfoundtwoofthesmallcoinsthatwentbythenameofwhites。Itwaslittleenough，butitwasalwayssomething;andthepoetwasmovedwithadeepsenseofpathosthatsheshouldhavediedbeforeshehadspenthermoney。Thatseemedtohimadarkandpitiablemystery;andhelookedfromthecoinsinhishandtothedeadwoman，andbackagaintothecoins，shakinghisheadovertheriddleofman’slife。HenryV。ofEngland，dyingatVincennesjustafterhehadconqueredFrance，andthispoorjadecutoffbyacolddraughtinagreatman’sdoorwaybeforeshehadtimetospendhercoupleofwhites——itseemedacruelwaytocarryontheworld。Twowhiteswouldhavetakensuchalittlewhiletosquander;andyetitwouldhavebeenonemoregoodtasteinthemouth，onemoresmackofthelips，beforethedevilgotthesoul，andthebodywaslefttobirdsandvermin。Hewouldliketouseallhistallowbeforethelightwasblownoutandthelanternbroken。
Whilethesethoughtswerepassingthroughhismind，hewasfeeling，halfmechanically，forhispurse。Suddenlyhisheartstoppedbeating;afeelingofcoldscalespassedupthebackofhislegs，andacoldblowseemedtofalluponhisscalp。Hestoodpetrifiedforamoment;thenhefeltagainwithonefeverishmovement;thenhislossburstuponhim，andhewascoveredatoncewithperspiration。Tospendthriftsmoneyissolivingandactual——itissuchathinveilbetweenthemandtheirpleasures！Thereisonlyonelimittotheirfortune——thatoftime;andaspendthriftwithonlyafewcrownsistheEmperorofRomeuntiltheyarespent。Forsuchapersontolosehismoneyistosufferthemostshockingreverse，andfallfromheaventohell，fromalltonothing，inabreath。Andallthemoreifhehasputhisheadinthehalterforit;
ifhemaybehangedto-morrowforthatsamepurse，sodearlyearned，sofoolishlydeparted！Villonstoodandcursed;hethrewthetwowhitesintothestreet;heshookhisfistatheaven;hestamped，andwasnothorrifiedtofindhimselftramplingthepoorcorpse。Thenhebeganrapidlytoretracehisstepstowardthehousebesidethecemetery。Hehadforgottenallfearofthepatrol，whichwaslonggonebyatanyrate，andhadnoideabutthatofhislostpurse。Itwasinvainthathelookedrightandleftuponthesnow;nothingwastobeseen。Hehadnotdroppeditinthestreets。Haditfalleninthehouse？Hewouldhavelikeddearlytogoinandsee;buttheideaofthegrislyoccupantunmannedhim。Andhesawbesides，ashedrewnear，thattheireffortstoputoutthefirehadbeenunsuccessful;onthecontrary，ithadbrokenintoablaze，andachangefullightplayedinthechinksofdoorandwindow，andrevivedhisterrorfortheauthoritiesandParisgibbet。
Hereturnedtothehotelwiththeporch，andgropedaboutuponthesnowforthemoneyhehadthrownawayinhischildishpassion。Buthecouldonlyfindonewhite;theotherhadprobablystrucksidewaysandsunkdeeplyin。Withasinglewhiteinhispocket，allhisprojectsforarousingnightinsomewildtavernvanishedutterlyaway。Anditwasnotonlypleasurethatfledlaughingfromhisgrasp;positivediscomfort，positivepain，attackedhimashestoodruefullybeforetheporch。Hisperspirationhaddrieduponhim;andalthoughthewindhadnowfallen，abindingfrostwassettinginstrongerwitheveryhour，andhefeltbenumbedandsickatheart。Whatwastobedone？Lateaswasthehour，improbableaswashissuccess，hewouldtrythehouseofhisadoptedfather，thechaplainofSt。Benoit。
Heranalltheway，andknockedtimidly。Therewasnoanswer。Heknockedagainandagain，takingheartwitheverystroke;andatlaststepswereheardapproachingfromwithin。Abarredwicketfellopenintheiron-studdeddoor，andemittedagushofyellowlight。
\"Holdupyourfacetothewicket，\"saidthechaplainfromwithin。
\"It’sonlyme，\"whimperedVillon。
\"Oh，it’sonlyyou，isit？\"returnedthechaplain;andhecursedhimwithfoul，unpriestlyoathsfordisturbinghimatsuchanhour，andbadehimbeofftohell，wherehecamefrom。
\"Myhandsarebluetothewrist，\"pleadedVillon;\"myfeetaredeadandfulloftwinges;mynoseacheswiththesharpair;thecoldliesatmyheart。Imaybedeadbeforemorning。Onlythisonce，father，and，beforeGod，Iwillneveraskagain！\"
\"Youshouldhavecomeearlier，\"saidtheecclesiastic，coolly。\"Youngmenrequirealessonnowandthen。\"Heshutthewicketandretireddeliberatelyintotheinteriorofthehouse。
Villonwasbesidehimself;hebeatuponthedoorwithhishandsandfeet，andshoutedhoarselyafterthechaplain。
\"Wormyoldfox！\"hecried。\"IfIhadmyhandunderyourtwist，Iwouldsendyouflyingheadlongintothebottomlesspit。\"
Adoorshutintheinterior，faintlyaudibletothepoetdownlongpassages。Hepassedhishandoverhismouthwithanoath。Andthenthehumourofthesituationstruckhim，andhelaughedandlookedlightlyuptoheaven，wherethestarsseemedtobewinkingoverhisdiscomfiture。
Whatwastobedone？Itlookedverylikeanightinthefrostystreets。
Theideaofthedeadwomanpoppedintohisimagination，andgavehimaheartyfright;whathadhappenedtoherintheearlynightmightverywellhappentohimbeforemorning。Andhesoyoung！Andwithsuchimmensepossibilitiesofdisorderlyamusementbeforehim！Hefeltquitepatheticoverthenotionofhisownfate，asifithadbeensomeoneelse’s，andmadealittleimaginativevignetteofthesceneinthemorningwhentheyshouldfindhisbody。
Hepassedallhischancesunderreview，turningthewhitebetweenhisthumbandforefinger。Unfortunatelyhewasonbadtermswithsomeoldfriendswhowouldoncehavetakenpityonhiminsuchaplight。Hehadlampoonedtheminverses;hehadbeatenandcheatedthem;andyetnow，whenhewasinsocloseapinch，hethoughttherewasatleastonewhomightperhapsrelent。Itwasachance。Itwasworthtryingatleast，andhewouldgoandsee。
Ontheway，twolittleaccidentshappenedtohimwhichcolouredhismusingsinaverydifferentmanner。For，first，hefellinwiththetrackofapatrol，andwalkedinitforsomehundredyards，althoughitlayoutofhisdirection。Andthisspiritedhimup;atleasthehadconfusedhistrail;forhewasstillpossessedwiththeideaofpeopletrackinghimallaboutParisoverthesnow，andcollaringhimnextmorningbeforehewasawake。Theothermatteraffectedhimquitedifferently。Hepassedastreet-cornerwhere，notsolongbefore，awomanandherchildhadbeendevouredbywolves。Thiswasjustthekindofweather，hereflected，whenwolvesmighttakeitintotheirheadstoenterParisagain;andalonemaninthesedesertedstreetswouldrunthechanceofsomethingworsethanamerescare。Hestoppedandlookedupontheplacewithanunpleasantinterest——itwasacentrewhereseverallanesintersectedeachother;andhelookeddownthemall，oneafteranother，andheldhisbreathtolisten，lestheshoulddetectsomegallopingblackthingsonthesnoworhearthesoundofhowlingbetweenhimandtheriver。Herememberedhismothertellinghimthestoryandpointingoutthespot，whilehewasyetachild。Hismother！
Ifheonlyknewwhereshelived，hemightmakesureatleastofshelter。Hedeterminedhewouldinquireuponthemorrow;nay，hewouldgoandseeher，too，pooroldgirl！Sothinking，hearrivedathisdestination——hislasthopeforthenight。
Thehousewasquitedark，likeitsneighbours;andyetafterafewtapsheheardamovementoverhead，adooropening，andacautiousvoiceaskingwhowasthere。Thepoetnamedhimselfinaloudwhisper，andwaited，notwithoutsometrepidation，theresult。Norhadhetowaitlong。Awindowwassuddenlyopened，andapailfulofslopssplasheddownuponthedoor-step。Villonhadnotbeenunpreparedforsomethingofthesort，andhadputhimselfasmuchinshelterasthenatureoftheporchadmitted;butforallthathewasdeplorablydrenchedbelowthewaist。Hishosebegantofreezealmostatonce。Deathfromcoldandexposurestaredhimintheface;herememberedhewasofphthisicaltendency，andbegancoughingtentatively。Butthegravityofthedangersteadiedhisnerves。Hestoppedafewhundredyardsfromthedoorwherehehadbeensorudelyused，andreflectedwithhisfingertohisnose。
Hecouldonlyseeonewayofgettingalodging，andthatwastotakeit。Hehadnoticedahousenotfaraway，whichlookedasifitmightbeeasilybrokeninto;andthitherhebetookhimselfpromptly，entertaininghimselfonthewaywiththeideaofaroomstillhot，withatablestillloadedwiththeremainsofsupper，wherehemightpasstherestoftheblackhours，andwhenceheshouldissue，onthemorrow，withanarmfulofvaluableplate。Heevenconsideredonwhatviandsandwhatwinesheshouldprefer;andashewascallingtherollofhisfavouritedainties，roastfishpresenteditselftohismindwithanoddmixtureofamusementandhorror。
\"Ishallneverfinishthatballade，\"hethoughttohimself;andthen，withanothershudderattherecollection，\"Oh，damnhisfathead！\"herepeated，fervently，andspatuponthesnow。
Thehouseinquestionlookeddarkatfirstsight;butasVillonmadeapreliminaryinspectioninsearchofthehandiestpointofattack，alittletwinkleoflightcaughthiseyefrombehindacurtainedwindow。
\"Thedevil！\"hethought。\"Peopleawake！Somestudentorsomesaint，confoundthecrew！Can’ttheygetdrunkandlieinbedsnoringliketheirneighbours？What’sthegoodofcurfew，andpoordevilsofbell-
ringersjumpingatarope’sendinbell-towers？What’stheuseofday，ifpeoplesitupallnight？Thegripestothem！\"Hegrinnedashesawwherehislogicwasleadinghim。\"Everymantohisbusiness，afterall，\"addedhe，\"andifthey’reawake，bytheLord，Imaycomebyasupperhonestlyforonce，andcheatthedevil。\"
Hewentboldlytothedoorandknockedwithanassuredhand。Onbothpreviousoccasionshehadknockedtimidlyandwithsomedreadofattractingnotice;butnowwhenhehadjustdiscardedthethoughtofaburglariousentry，knockingatadoorseemedamightysimpleandinnocentproceeding。Thesoundofhisblowsechoedthroughthehousewiththin，phantasmalreverberations，asthoughitwerequiteempty;
butthesehadscarcelydiedawaybeforeameasuredtreaddrewnear，acoupleofboltswerewithdrawn，andonewingwasopenedbroadly，asthoughnoguileorfearofguilewereknowntothosewithin。Atallfigureofaman，muscularandspare，butalittlebent，confrontedVillon。Theheadwasmassiveinbulk，butfinelysculptured;thenosebluntatthebottom，butrefiningupwardtowhereitjoinedapairofstrongandhonesteyebrows;themouthandeyessurroundedwithdelicatemarkings;andthewholefacebaseduponathickwhitebeard，boldlyandsquarelytrimmed。Seenasitwasbythelightofaflickeringhand-
lamp，itlookedperhapsnoblerthanithadarighttodo;butitwasafineface，honourableratherthanintelligent，strong，simple，andrighteous。
\"Youknocklate，sir，\"saidtheoldman，inresonant，courteoustones。
Villoncringed，andbroughtupmanyservilewordsofapology;atacrisisofthissort，thebeggarwasuppermostinhim，andthemanofgeniushidhisheadwithconfusion。
\"Youarecold，\"repeatedtheoldman，\"andhungry？Well，stepin。\"Andheorderedhimintothehousewithanobleenoughgesture。
\"Somegreatseigneur，\"thoughtVillon，ashishost，settingdownthelampontheflaggedpavementoftheentry，shottheboltsoncemoreintotheirplaces。
\"YouwillpardonmeifIgoinfront，\"hesaid，whenthiswasdone;andheprecededthepoetupstairsintoalargeapartment，warmedwithapanofcharcoalandlitbyagreatlamphangingfromtheroof。Itwasverybareoffurniture;onlysomegoldplateonasideboard，somefolios，andastandofarmourbetweenthewindows。Somesmarttapestryhunguponthewalls，representingthecrucifixionofourLordinonepiece，andinanotherasceneofshepherdsandshepherdessesbyarunningstream。Overthechimneywasashieldofarms。
\"Willyouseatyourself，\"saidtheoldman，\"andforgivemeifIleaveyou？Iamaloneinmyhouseto-night，andifyouaretoeatImustforageforyoumyself。\"
NosoonerwashishostgonethanVillonleapedfromthechaironwhichhehadjustseatedhimself，andbeganexaminingtheroomwiththestealthandpassionofacat。Heweighedthegoldflagonsinhishand，openedallthefolios，andinvestigatedthearmsupontheshield，andthestuffwithwhichtheseatswerelined。Heraisedthewindowcurtains，andsawthatthewindowsweresetwithrichstainedglassinfigures，sofarashecouldsee，ofmartialimport。Thenhestoodinthemiddleoftheroom，drewalongbreath，andretainingitwithpuffedcheeks，lookedroundandroundhim，turningonhisheels，asiftoimpresseveryfeatureoftheapartmentonhismemory。
\"Sevenpiecesofplate，\"hesaid。\"Iftherehadbeenten，Iwouldhaveriskedit。Afinehouse，andafineoldmaster，sohelpmeallthesaints！\"
Andjustthen，hearingtheoldman’streadreturningalongthecorridor，hestolebacktohischair，andbeganhumblytoastinghiswetlegsbeforethecharcoalpan。
Hisentertainerhadaplateofmeatinonehandandajugofwineintheother。Hesetdowntheplateuponthetable，motioningVillontodrawinhischair，andgoingtothesideboard，broughtbacktwogoblets，whichhefilled。
\"Idrinkyourbetterfortune，\"hesaidgravely，touchingVillon’scupwithhisown。
\"Toourbetteracquaintance，\"saidthepoet，growingbold。Ameremanofthepeoplewouldhavebeenawedbythecourtesyoftheoldseigneur，butVillonwashardenedinthatmatter;hehadmademirthforgreatlordsbeforenow，andfoundthemasblackrascalsashimself。Andsohedevotedhimselftotheviandswitharavenousgusto，whiletheoldman，leaningbackward，watchedhimwithsteady，curiouseyes。
\"Youhavebloodonyourshoulder，myman，\"hesaid。
Montignymusthavelaidhiswetrighthanduponhimasheleftthehouse。HecursedMontignyinhisheart。
\"Itwasnoneofmyshedding，\"hestammered。
\"Ihadnotsupposedso，\"returnedhishost，quietly。\"Abrawl？\"
\"Well，somethingofthatsort，\"Villonadmitted，withaquaver。
\"Perhapsafellowmurdered？\"
\"Ohno，notmurdered，\"saidthepoet，moreandmoreconfused。\"Itwasallfairplay——murderedbyaccident。Ihadnohandinit，Godstrikemedead！\"headded，fervently。
\"Oneroguethefewer，Idaresay，\"observedthemasterofthehouse。
\"Youmaydaretosaythat，\"agreedVillon，infinitelyrelieved。\"AsbigarogueasthereisbetweenhereandJerusalem。Heturneduphistoeslikealamb。Butitwasanastythingtolookat。Idaresayyou’veseendeadmeninyourtime，mylord？\"headded，glancingatthearmour。
\"Many，\"saidtheoldman。\"Ihavefollowedthewars，asyouimagine。\"
Villonlaiddownhisknifeandfork，whichhehadjusttakenupagain。
\"Wereanyofthembald？\"heasked。
\"Ohyes，andwithhairaswhiteasmine。\"
\"Idon’tthinkIshouldmindthewhitesomuch，\"saidVillon。\"Hiswasred。\"Andhehadareturnofhisshudderingandtendencytolaughter，whichhedrownedwithagreatdraughtofwine。\"I’malittleputoutwhenIthinkofit，\"hewenton。\"Iknewhim——damnhim！Andthenthecoldgivesamanfancies——orthefanciesgiveamancold，Idon’tknowwhich。\"
\"Haveyouanymoney？\"askedtheoldman。
\"Ihaveonewhite，\"returnedthepoet，laughing。\"Igotitoutofadeadjade’sstockinginaporch。ShewasasdeadasCaesar，poorwench，andascoldasachurch，withbitsofribbonstickinginherhair。Thisisahardwinterforwolvesandwenchesandpoorrogueslikeme。\"
\"I，\"saidtheoldman，\"amEnguerranddelaFeuillee，seigneurdeBrisetout，bailieduPatatrac。Whoandwhatmayyoube？\"
Villonroseandmadeasuitablereverence。\"IamcalledFrancisVillon，\"hesaid，\"apoorMasterofArtsofthisuniversity。IknowsomeLatin，andadealofvice。IcanmakeChansons，ballades，lais，virelais，androundels，andIamveryfondofwine。Iwasborninagarret，andIshallnotimprobablydieuponthegallows。Imayadd，mylord，thatfromthisnightforwardIamyourlordship’sveryobsequiousservanttocommand。\"
\"Noservantofmine，\"saidtheknight。\"Myguestforthisevening，andnomore。\"
\"Averygratefulguest，\"saidVillon，politely，andhedrankindumbshowtohisentertainer。
\"Youareshrewd，\"begantheoldman，tappinghisforehead，\"veryshrewd;youhavelearning;youareaclerk;andyetyoutakeasmallpieceofmoneyoffadeadwomaninthestreet。Isitnotakindoftheft？\"
\"Itisakindoftheftmuchpractisedinthewars，mylord。\"
\"Thewarsarethefieldofhonour，\"returnedtheoldman，proudly。
\"Thereamanplayshislifeuponthecast;hefightsinthenameofhislordtheking，hisLordGod，andalltheirlordshipstheholysaintsandangels。\"
\"Putit，\"saidVillon，\"thatIwerereallyathief，shouldInotplaymylifealso，andagainstheavierodds？\"
\"Forgain，butnotforhonour。\"
\"Gain？\"repeatedVillon，withashrug。\"Gain！Thepoorfellowwantssupper，andtakesit。Sodoesthesoldierinacampaign。Why，whatarealltheserequisitionswehearsomuchabout？Iftheyarenotgaintothosewhotakethem，theyarelossenoughtotheothers。Themen-at-
armsdrinkbyagoodfire，whiletheburgherbiteshisnailstobuythemwineandwood。Ihaveseenagoodmanyploughmenswingingontreesaboutthecountry;ay，Ihaveseenthirtyononeelm，andaverypoorfiguretheymade;andwhenIaskedsomeonehowallthesecametobehanged，Iwastolditwasbecausetheycouldnotscrapetogetherenoughcrownstosatisfythemen-at-arms。\"
\"Thesethingsareanecessityofwar，whichthelow-bornmustendurewithconstancy。Itistruethatsomecaptainsdriveoverhard;therearespiritsineveryranknoteasilymovedbypity;andindeedmanyfollowarmswhoarenobetterthanbrigands。\"
\"Yousee，\"saidthepoet，\"youcannotseparatethesoldierfromthebrigand;andwhatisathiefbutanisolatedbrigandwithcircumspectmanners？Istealacoupleofmutton-chops，withoutsomuchasdisturbingpeople’ssleep;thefarmergrumblesabit，butsupsnonethelesswholesomelyonwhatremains。Youcomeupblowinggloriouslyonatrumpet，takeawaythewholesheep，andbeatthefarmerpitifullyintothebargain。Ihavenotrumpet;IamonlyTom，Dick，orHarry;Iamarogueandadog，andhanging’stoogoodforme——withallmyheart;butjustaskthefarmerwhichofusheprefers，justfindoutwhichofusheliesawaketocurseoncoldnights。\"
\"Lookatustwo，\"saidhislordship。\"Iamold，strong，andhonoured。
IfIwereturnedfrommyhouseto-morrow，hundredswouldbeproudtoshelterme。Poorpeoplewouldgooutandpassthenightinthestreetswiththeirchildren，ifImerelyhintedthatIwishedtobealone。AndIfindyouup，wanderinghomeless，andpickingfarthingsoffdeadwomenbythewayside！Ifearnomanandnothing;Ihaveseenyoutrembleandlosecountenanceataword。IwaitGod’ssummonscontentedlyinmyownhouse，or，ifitpleasethekingtocallmeoutagain，uponthefieldofbattle。Youlookforthegallows;arough，swiftdeath，withouthopeorhonour。Istherenodifferencebetweenthesetwo？\"
\"Asfarastothemoon，\"Villonacquiesced。\"ButifIhadbeenbornlordofBrisetout，andyouhadbeenthepoorscholarFrancis，wouldthedifferencehavebeenanytheless？ShouldnotIhavebeenwarmingmykneesatthischarcoalpan，andwouldnotyouhavebeengropingforfarthingsinthesnow？ShouldnotIhavebeenthesoldier，andyouthethief？\"
\"Athief？\"criedtheoldman。\"Iathief！Ifyouunderstoodyourwords，youwouldrepentthem。\"
Villonturnedouthishandswithagestureofinimitableimpudence。\"Ifyourlordshiphaddonemethehonourtofollowmyargument！\"hesaid。
\"Idoyoutoomuchhonourinsubmittingtoyourpresence，\"saidtheknight。\"Learntocurbyourtonguewhenyouspeakwitholdandhonourablemen，orsomeonehastierthanImayreproveyouinasharperfashion。\"Andheroseandpacedthelowerendoftheapartment，strugglingwithangerandantipathy。Villonsurreptitiouslyrefilledhiscup，andsettledhimselfmorecomfortablyinthechair，crossinghiskneesandleaninghisheadupononehandandtheelbowagainstthebackofthechair。Hewasnowrepleteandwarm;andhewasinnowisefrightenedforhishost，havinggaugedhimasjustlyaswaspossiblebetweentwosuchdifferentcharacters。Thenightwasfarspent，andinaverycomfortablefashionafterall;andhefeltmorallycertainofasafedepartureonthemorrow。
\"Tellmeonething，\"saidtheoldman，pausinginhiswalk。\"Areyoureallyathief？\"
\"Iclaimthesacredrightsofhospitality，\"returnedthepoet。\"Mylord，Iam。\"
\"Youareveryyoung，\"theknightcontinued。
\"Ishouldneverhavebeensoold，\"repliedVillon，showinghisfingers，\"ifIhadnothelpedmyselfwiththesetentalents。Theyhavebeenmynursingmothersandmynursingfathers。\"
\"Youmaystillrepentandchange。\"
\"Irepentdaily，\"saidthepoet。\"TherearefewpeoplemoregiventorepentancethanpoorFrancis。Asforchange，letsomebodychangemycircumstances。Amanmustcontinuetoeat，ifitwereonlythathemaycontinuetorepent。\"
\"Thechangemustbeginintheheart，\"returnedtheoldman，solemnly。
\"Mydearlord，\"answeredVillon，\"doyoureallyfancythatIstealforpleasure？Ihatestealing，likeanyotherpieceofworkorofdanger。
MyteethchatterwhenIseeagallows。ButImusteat，Imustdrink;I
mustmixinsocietyofsomesort。Whatthedevil！Manisnotasolitaryanimal——/cuiDeusfoeminamtradit/。Makemeking’spantler，makemeAbbotofSt。Denis，makemebailieofthePatatrac，andthenIshallbechangedindeed。ButaslongasyouleavemethepoorscholarFrancisVillon，withoutafarthing，why，ofcourse，Iremainthesame。\"
\"ThegraceofGodisallpowerful。\"
\"Ishouldbeaheretictoquestionit，\"saidFrancis。\"IthasmadeyoulordofBrisetoutandbailieofthePatatrac;ithasgivenmenothingbutthequickwitsundermyhatandthesetentoesuponmyhands。MayI
helpmyselftowine？Ithankyourespectfully。ByGod’sgrace，youhaveaverysuperiorvintage。\"
ThelordofBrisetoutwalkedtoandfrowithhishandsbehindhisback。
Perhapshewasnotyetquitesettledinhismindabouttheparallelbetweenthievesandsoldiers;perhapsVillonhadinterestedhimbysomecross-threadofsympathy;perhapshiswitsweresimplymuddledbysomuchunfamiliarreasoning;butwhateverthecause，hesomehowyearnedtoconverttheyoungmantoabetterwayofthinking，andcouldnotmakeuphismindtodrivehimforthagainintothestreet。
\"ThereissomethingmorethanIcanunderstandinthis，\"hesaidatlength。\"Yourmouthisfullofsubtleties，andthedevilhasledyouveryfarastray;butthedevilisonlyaveryweakspiritbeforeGod’struth，andallhissubtletiesvanishatawordoftruehonour，likedarknessatmorning。Listentomeoncemore。IlearnedlongagothatagentlemanshouldlivechivalrouslyandlovinglytoGodandthekingandhislady;andthoughIhaveseenmanystrangethingsdone，Ihavestillstriventocommandmywaysuponthatrule。Itisnotonlywritteninallnoblehistories，butineveryman’sheart，ifhewilltakecaretoread。Youspeakoffoodandwine，andIknowverywellthathungerisadifficulttrialtoendure;butyoudonotspeakofotherwants;yousaynothingofhonour，offaithtoGodandothermen，ofcourtesy，oflovewithoutreproach。ItmaybethatIamnotverywise，——andyetIthinkI
am，——butyouseemtomelikeonewhohaslosthiswayandmadeagreaterrorinlife。Youareattendingtothelittlewants，andyouhavetotallyforgottenthegreatandonlyrealones，likeamanwhoshouldbedoctoringtoothacheonthejudgmentday。Forsuchthingsashonourandloveandfaitharenotonlynoblerthanfoodanddrink，butindeedIthinkwedesirethemmore，andsuffermoresharplyfortheirabsence。
IspeaktoyouasIthinkyouwillmosteasilyunderstandme。Areyounot，whilecarefultofillyourbelly，disregardinganotherappetiteinyourheart，whichspoilsthepleasureofyourlifeandkeepsyoucontinuallywretched？\"
Villonwassensiblynettledunderallthissermonising。\"YouthinkI
havenosenseofhonour！\"hecried。\"I’mpoorenough，Godknows！It’shardtoseerichpeoplewiththeirgloves，andyoublowinginyourhands。Anemptybellyisabitterthing，althoughyouspeaksolightlyofit。IfyouhadhadasmanyasI，perhapsyouwouldchangeyourtune。
Anyway，I’mathief，——makethemostofthat，——butI’mnotadevilfromhell，Godstrikemedead！IwouldhaveyoutoknowI’veanhonourofmyown，asgoodasyours，thoughIdon’tprateaboutitalldaylong，asifitwasaGod’smiracletohaveany。Itseemsquitenaturaltome;I
keepitinitsboxtillit’swanted。Why，now，lookyouhere，howlonghaveIbeeninthisroomwithyou？Didyounottellmeyouwerealoneinthehouse？Lookatyourgoldplate！You’restrong，ifyoulike，butyou’reoldandunarmed，andIhavemyknife。WhatdidIwantbutajerkoftheelbowandherewouldhavebeenyouwiththecoldsteelinyourbowels，andtherewouldhavebeenme，linkinginthestreets，withanarmfulofgoldencups！DidyousupposeIhadn’twitenoughtoseethat？
andIscornedtheaction。Thereareyourdamnedgoblets，assafeasinachurch;thereareyou，withyourhearttickingasgoodasnew;andhereamI，readytogooutagainaspoorasIcamein，withmyonewhitethatyouthrewinmyteeth！AndyouthinkIhavenosenseofhonour——Godstrikemedead！\"
Theoldmanstretchedouthisrightarm。\"Iwilltellyouwhatyouare，\"hesaid。\"Youarearogue，myman，animpudentandblack-heartedrogueandvagabond。Ihavepassedanhourwithyou。Oh，believeme，I
feelmyselfdisgraced！Andyouhaveeatenanddrunkatmytable。ButnowIamsickatyourpresence;thedayhascome，andthenight-birdshouldbeofftohisroost。Willyougobefore，orafter？\"
\"Whichyouplease，\"returnedthepoet，rising。\"Ibelieveyoutobestrictlyhonourable。\"Hethoughtfullyemptiedhiscup。\"IwishIcouldaddyouwereintelligent，\"hewenton，knockingonhisheadwithhisknuckles。\"Age！age！thebrainsstiffandrheumatic。\"
Theoldmanprecededhimfromapointofself-respect;Villonfollowed，whistling，withhisthumbsinhisgirdle。
\"Godpityyou，\"saidthelordofBrisetoutatthedoor。
\"Good-bye，papa，\"returnedVillon，withayawn。\"Manythanksforthecoldmutton。\"
Thedoorclosedbehindhim。Thedawnwasbreakingoverthewhiteroofs。
Achill，uncomfortablemorningusheredintheday。Villonstoodandheartilystretchedhimselfinthemiddleoftheroad。
\"Averydulloldgentleman，\"hethought。\"Iwonderwhathisgobletsmaybeworth？\"
ALEAFINTHESTORM
BY
OUIDA
TheBerceaudeDieuwasalittlevillageinthevalleyoftheSeine。Asalarkdropsitsnestamongthegrasses，soafewpeasantpeoplehaddroppedtheirlittlefarmsandcottagesamidthegreatgreenwoodsonthewindingriver。Itwasaprettyplace，withonesteep，stonystreet，shadywithpoplarsandwithelms;quainthouses，aboutwhosethatchacloudofwhiteandgraypigeonsflutteredalldaylong;alittleagedchapelwithaconicalredroof;andgreatbarnscoveredwithivyandthickcreepers，redandpurple，andlichensthatwereyellowinthesun。Allarounditwerethebroad，floweringmeadows，withthesleekcattleofNormandyfatteninginthem，andthesweetdimforestswheretheyoungmenandmaidenswentoneveryholydayandfeast-dayinthesummer-timetoseekforwood-anemones，andliliesofthepools，andthewildcampanula，andthefreshdog-rose，andalltheboughsandgrassesthatmadetheirhouse-doorslikegardenbowers，andseemedtotakethecushat’snoteandthelinnet’ssongintotheirlittletempleofGod。
TheBerceaudeDieuwasveryoldindeed。MensaidthatthehamlethadbeenthereinthedayoftheVirginofOrleans;andastonecrossofthetwelfthcenturystillstoodbythegreatpondofwateratthebottomofthestreetunderthechestnut-tree，wherethevillagersgatheredtogossipatsunsetwhentheirworkwasdone。Ithadnocitynearit，andnotownnearerthanfourleagues。Itwasinthegreencareofapastoraldistrict，thicklywoodedandintersectedwithorchards。
Itsproduceofwheatandoatsandcheeseandfruitandeggswasmorethansufficientforitssimpleprosperity。Itspeoplewerehardy，kindly，laborious，happy;livingroundthelittlegraychapelinamityandgood-fellowship。Nothingtroubledit。Warandrumoursofwar，revolutionsandcounter-revolutions，empiresandinsurrections，militaryandpoliticalquestions——theseallwereforitthingsunknownandunheardof，mightywindsthataroseandblewandsweptthelandsaroundit，butnevercamenearenoughtoharmit，lyingthere，asitdidinitslonelinesslikeanylark’snest。EveninthegreatdaysoftheRevolutionithadbeenquiet。Ithadhadalordwhomitlovedintheoldcastleonthehillatwhosefeetitnestled;ithadnevertriedtoharmhim，andithadweptbitterlywhenhehadfallenatJemmapes，andleftnoheir，andthechateauhadcrumbledintoivy-hungruins。Thethunder-heatsofthatdreadtimehadscarcelyscorchedit。IthadseenafewofitsbestyouthmarchawaytothechantoftheMarseillaisetofightontheplainsofChampagne;andithadbeenvisitedbysomepatriotsin/bonnetsrouges/andsoldiersinblueuniforms，whohadgivenittricolouredcockadesandbadeitwearthemintheholynameoftheRepubliconeandindivisible。Butithadnotknownwhatthesemeant，anditsharvestshadbeenreapedwithoutthesoundofashotinitsfieldsoranygleamofsteelbyitsinnocenthearths;sothattheterrorsandthetidingsofthosenobleandghastlyyearshadleftnoimpressonitsgenerations。
ReineAllix，indeed，theoldestwomanamongthemall，numberingmorethanninetyyears，rememberedwhenshewasachildhearingherfatherandhisneighbourstalkinlow，awe-strickentonesonebitterwintrynightofhowakinghadbeenslaintosavethepeople;andsherememberedlikewise——remembereditwell，becauseithadbeenherbetrothalnightandthesixteenthbirthdayofherlife——howahorsemanhadflashedthroughthestartledstreetlikeacomet，andhadcalledaloud，inavoiceoffire，\"/Gloire！gloire！gloire！/——Marengo！
Marengo！Marengo！\"andhowthevillagehaddimlyunderstoodthatsomethingmarvellousforFrancehadhappenedafaroff，andhowherbrothersandhercousinsandherbetrothed，andshewiththem，hadallgoneuptothehighslopeovertheriver，andhadpiledupagreatpyramidofpinewoodandstrawanddriedmosses，andhadsetflametoit，tillithadglowedinitsscarlettriumphallthroughthatwondrousnightofthesultrysummerofvictory。
Theseandthelikememoriesshewouldsometimesrelatetothechildrenateveningwhentheygatheredroundherbeggingforastory。Otherwise，nomemoriesoftheRevolutionortheEmpiredisturbedthetranquilityoftheBerceau;andevenshe，aftershehadtoldthem，wouldadd，\"IamnotsurenowwhatMarengowas。Abattle，nodoubt，butIamnotsurewherenorwhy。ButweheardlaterthatlittleClaudis，myaunt’syoungest-born，avolunteernotnineteen，diedatit。Ifwehadknown，weshouldnothavegoneupandlitthebonfire。\"
Thiswoman，whohadbeenborninthattimeoffamineandflame，wasthehappiestcreatureinthewholehamletoftheBerceau。\"Iamold;yes，I
amveryold，\"shewouldsay，lookingupfromherspinning-wheelinherhouse-door，andshadinghereyesfromthesun，\"veryold——ninety-twolastsummer。Butwhenonehasaroofoverone’shead，andapotofsoupalways，andagrandsonlikemine，andwhenonehaslivedallone’slifeintheBerceaudeDieu，thenitiswelltobesoold。Ah，yes，mylittleones，——yes，thoughyoudoubtit，youlittlebirdsthathavejusttriedyourwings，——itiswelltobesoold。Onehastimetothink，andthankthegoodGod，whichoneneverseemedtohaveaminutetodointhatwork，work，workwhenonewasyoung。\"
ReineAllixwasatallandstrongwoman，verywitheredandverybentandverybrown，yetwithsweet，dark，flashingeyesthathadstilllightinthem，andafacethatwasstillnoble，thoughnearlyacenturyhadbronzeditwithitsharvestsunsandblownonitwithitswinterwinds。
Sheworealwaysthesamegarbofhomelydark-blueserge，alwaysthesametallwhitehead-gear，alwaysthesamepuresilverear-ringsthathadbeenatonceanheirloomandanuptialgift。Shewasalwaysshodinherwoodensabots，andshealwayswalkedabroadwithastaffofash。
ShehadbeenbornintheBerceaudeDieu;hadlivedthereandweddedthere;hadtoiledthereallherlife，andneverleftitforagreaterdistancethanaleague，orforalongertimethanaday。Sheloveditwithanintenselove。Theworldbeyonditwasnothingtoher;shescarcelybelievedinitasexisting。Shecouldneitherreadnorwrite。
Shetoldthetruth，rearedheroffspringinhonesty，andpraisedGodalways——hadpraisedHimwhenstarvinginabitterwinterafterherhusband’sdeath，whentherehadbeennofieldwork，andshehadhadfivechildrentofeedandclothe;andpraisedHimnowthathersonswerealldeadbeforeher，andallshehadlivingofherbloodwashergrandsonBernadou。
Herlifehadbeenahardone。Herparentshadbeenhideouslypoor。Hermarriagehadscarcelybetteredhercondition。Shehadlabouredinthefieldsalways，hoeingandweedingandreapingandcarryingwoodanddrivingmules，andcontinuallyrisingwiththefirststreakofdaybreak。Shehadknownfeverandfamineandallmannerofearthlyills。Butnowinheroldageshehadpeace。Twoofherdeadsons，whohadsoughttheirfortunesintheotherhemisphere，hadleftheralittlemoney，andshehadalittlecottageandaplotofground，andapig，andasmallorchard。Shewaswell-to-do，andcouldleaveitalltoBernadou;andfortenyearsshehadbeenhappy，perfectlyhappy，inthecoolnessandthesweetnessandtheoldfamiliarwaysandhabitsoftheBerceau。
Bernadouwasverygoodtoher。Thelad，asshecalledhim，wasfiveandtwentyyearsold，tallandstraightandclean-limbed，withtheblueeyesoftheNorth，andagentle，frankface。Heworkedearlyandlateintheplotofgroundthatgavehimhislivelihood。Helivedwithhisgrandmother，andtendedherwithagraciouscourtesyandvenerationthatneveraltered。Hewasnotverywise;healsocouldneitherreadnorwrite;hebelievedinhispriestandhishomestead，andlovedthegroundthathehadtroddeneversincehisfirststepsfromthecradlehadbeenguidedbyReineAllix。Hehadneverbeendrawnfortheconscription，becausehewastheonlysupportofawomanofninety;helikewisehadneverbeenhalfadozenkilometresfromhisbirthplace。
Whenhewasbiddentovote，andheaskedwhathisvoteofassentwouldpledgehimtodo，theytoldhim，\"Itwillbindyoutohonouryourgrandmothersolongassheshalllive，andtogetupwiththelark，andtogotomasseverySunday，andtobealoyalsontoyourcountry。
Nothingmore。\"Andthereathehadsmiledandstraightenedhisstalwartframe，andgonerightwillinglytothevoting-urn。
Hewasverystupidinthesethings;andReineAllix，thoughclear-
headedandshrewd，washardlymorelearnedinthemthanhe。
\"Lookyou，\"shehadsaidtohimoftentimes，\"inmybabyhoodtherewastheoldwhiteflaguponthechateau。Well，theypulledthatdownandputuparedone。Thattoppledandfell，andtherewasoneofthreecolours。Thensomebodywithaknotofwhiteliliesinhishandcameonedayandsetuptheoldwhiteoneafresh;andbeforethedaywasdonethatwasdownagainandthetricolouragainupwhereitis。Now，someI
knowfrettedthemselvesgreatlybecauseofallthesechangesoftheflags;butasforme，Icouldnotseethatanyoneofthemmattered：
breadwasjustasdearandsleepwasjustassweetwhicheverofthethreewasuppermost。\"
Bernadou，whohadneverknownbuttheflagofthreecolours，believedher，asindeedhebelievedeverywordthatthosekindlyandresoluteoldlipseverutteredtohim。
Hehadneverbeeninacity，andonlyonce，onthedayofhisfirstcommunion，inthetownfourleaguesaway。Heknewnothingmorethanthissimple，cleanly，honestlifethatheled。Withwhatmendidoutsidehislittleworldofmeadow-landandwoodlandhehadnocarenoranyconcern。OnceamanhadcomethroughthevillageoftheBerceau，atravellinghawkerofcheapprints，——amanwithawildeyeandarestlessbrain，——whotoldBernadouthathewasadowntroddenslave，aclod，abeastlikeamule，whofetchedandcarriedthattherichmightfatten，adolt，anidiot，whocarednothingfortherightsofmanandthewrongsofthepoor。Bernadouhadlistenedwithaperplexedface;
thenwithasmile，thathadcleareditlikesunlight，hehadanswered，inhiscountrydialect，\"Idonotknowofwhatyouspeak。Rights？
Wrongs？Icannottell，ButIhaveneverownedasou;Ihavenevertoldalie;Iamstrongenoughtoholdmyownwithanymanthatfloutsme;
andIamcontentwhereIam。Thatisenoughforme。\"
Thepeddlerhadcalledhimapoor-spiritedbeastofburden，buthadsaidsooutofreachofhisarm，andbynighthadslunkawayfromtheBerceaudeDieu，andhadbeennomoreseentheretovexthequietcontentmentofitspeacefulandpeace-lovingways。
Atnight，indeed，sometimes，thelittlewine-shopofthevillagewouldbefrequentedbysomehalf-dozenofthepeasantproprietorsoftheplace，whotalkedcommunismaftertheirmanner，notaveryclearone，inexcitedtonesandwiththefeverishglancesofconspirators。Butitmeantlittle，andcametoless。Theweatherandthepriceofwheatweredearermatterstothem;andintheendtheyusuallydranktheirredwineinamity，andwentupthevillagestreetarminarm，singingpatrioticsongsuntiltheirangrywivesflungopentheirlatticesandthrusttheirwhitehead-gearoutintothemoonlight，andcalledtothemshrewishlytogettobedandnotmakefoolsofthemselvesinthatfashion;whichusuallysilencedandsoberedthemallinstantly;sothattherevolutionsoftheBerceaudeDieu，ifnotquenchedinawine-pot，werealwayssmotheredinanightcap，andneverbyanychancedisturbeditsrepose。
ButofthesenoisypatriotsBernadouwasneverone。HehadtheinstinctiveconservatismoftheFrenchpeasant，whichisinsuchdirectandtoughantagonismwiththefeverishsocialismoftheFrenchartisan。
Hislovewasforthesoil——alovedeep-rootedastheoaksthatgrewinit。OfParishehadadim，vaguedread，asofasuperbbeastcontinuallydraininganddevouring。Ofallformsofgovernmenthewasalikeignorant。Solongashetilledhislittleangleoflandinpeace，solongasthesunripenedhisfruitsandcorn，solongasfaminewasawayfromhisdoorandhisneighboursdweltingood-fellowshipwithhim，solonghewashappy，andcarednotwhetherhewasthushappyunderamonarchy，anempire，orarepublic。Thiswisdom，whichthepeddlercalledapathyandcursed，theyoungmanhadimbibedfromnatureandtheteachingsofReineAllix。\"Lookathomeandmindthyword，\"shehadsaidalwaystohim。\"Itislabourenoughforamantokeephisownlifecleanandhisownhandshonest。BenotthouatanytimeastheyarewhoareforevertellingthegoodGodhowHemighthavemadetheworldonabetterplan，whiletheratsgnawattheirhay-stacksandthechildrencryoveranemptyplatter。\"
Andhehadtakenheedtoherwords，sothatinallthecountry-sidetherewasnotanyladtruer，gentler，braver，ormorepatientatlabourthanwasBernadou;andthoughsomethoughthimmildeventofoolishness，andmeekeventostupidity，hewasnofool;andhehadacertainroughskillatmusic，andararegiftatthecultureofplants，andmadehislittlehomebrightwithinthewinter-timewithmelody，andinthesummergaywithoutasaking’sparterre。
Atanyrate，ReineAllixandhehadbeenhappytogetherforaquarterofacenturyundertheoldgraythatchofthewaysidecottage，whereitstoodatthefootofthevillagestreet，withitsgreatsycamoresspreadaboveit。Norweretheylesshappywheninmid-April，inthesixandtwentiethyearofhisage，Bernadouhadcomeinwithabunchofprimrosesinhishand，andhadbentdowntoherandsalutedherwitharespectfultenderness，andsaidsoftlyandalittleshyly，\"/Gran’mere/，woulditsuityouifIwereever——tomarry？\"
ReineAllixwassilentaminuteandmore，cherishingtheprimrosesandplacingtheminalittlebrowncupfulofwater。Thenshelookedathimsteadilywithherclear，darkeyes。\"Whoisit，mychild？\"Hewasalwaysachildtoher，thislast-bornofthenumerousbroodthathadoncedweltwithherunderthespreadingbranchesofthesycamores，andhadnowallperishedoffthefaceoftheearth，leavinghimselfandheralone。
Bernadou’seyesmethersfrankly。\"ItisMargotDal。Doesthatpleaseyou，/gran’mere/，orno？\"
\"Itpleasesmewell，\"shesaid，simply。Buttherewasalittlequiveraboutherfirm-setmouth，andheragedheadwasbentovertheprimroses。Shehadforeseenit;shewasgladofit;andyetfortheinstantitwasapangtoher。
\"Iamverythankful，\"saidBernadou，withaflashofjoyonhisface。
Hewasindependentofhisgrandmother;hecouldmakeenoughtomarryuponbyhisdailytoil，andhehadalittlestoreofgoldandsilverinhisbankinthethatch，putbyforarainyday;buthewouldhavenomorethoughtofgoingagainstherwillthanhewouldhavethoughtofliftinghishandagainsther。IntheprimitivehomesteadsoftheBerceaudeDieufilialreverencewasstillaccountedthefirstofvirtues，yetthesimplestandthemostimperative。
\"IwillgoseeMargotthisevening，\"saidReineAllix，afteralittlepause。\"Sheisagoodgirlandabrave，andofpureheartandfairname。Youhavechosenwell，mygrandson。\"
Bernadoustoopedhistall，fair，curlyhead，andshelaidherhandsonhimandblessedhim。
Thatevening，asthesunset，ReineAllixkeptherword，andwenttotheyoungmaidenwhohadalluredtheeyesandheartofBernadou。Margotwasanorphan;shehadnotapennytoherdower;shehadbeenbroughtuponcharity，andshedweltnowinthefamilyofthelargestlandowneroftheplace，amillerwithnumerousoffspring，andseveralheadofcattle，andmanystretchesofpastureandoforchard。Margotworkedforahardmaster，livingindeedasoneofthefamily，butsharplydrivenalldaylongatallmannerofhouseworkandfieldwork。ReineAllixhadkeptherglanceonher，throughsomeinstinctivesenseofthewaythatBernadou’sthoughtswereturning，andshehadseenmuchtopraise，nothingtochide，intheyounggirl’smodest，industrious，cheerful，uncomplaininglife。Margotwasverypretty，too，withthebrownovalfaceandthegreatblacksofteyesandthebeautifulformoftheSouthernbloodthathadrunintheveinsofherfather，whohadbeenasailorofMarseilles，whilehermotherhadbeenanativeoftheProvencalcountry。Altogether，ReineAllixknewthatherbelovedonecouldnothavedonebetterormorewisely，ifchooseatallhemust。
\"Somepeople，indeed，\"shesaidtoherselfassheclimbedthestreetwhosesharp-setflintshadbeentroddenbyherwoodenshoesforninetyyears——\"Somepeoplewouldmournandscoldbecausethereisnostoreoflinen，nopieceofsilverplate，nolittleroundsuminmoneywiththepoorchild。Butwhatdoesitmatter？Wehaveenoughforthree。Itiswickedindeedforparentstolivesothattheyleavetheirdaughterportionless，butitisnofaultofthechild’s。Letthemsaywhattheylike，itisareasonthemorethatsheshouldwantaroofoverherheadandahusbandtocareforhergood。\"
Sosheclimbedthesteepwayandtheslantingroadroundthehill，andwentinbythedoorofthemill-house，andfoundMargotbusyinwashingsomespringlettucesandothergreenthingsinabowlofbrightwater。
ReineAllix，inthefashionofhercountryandherbreeding，wasabouttoconferwiththemasterandmistresseresayingawordtothegirl，buttherewasthatinMargot’sfaceandinhertimidgreetingthatluredspeechoutofher。Shelookedlongandkeenlyintothechild’sdowncastcountenance，thentouchedherwithatendersmile。\"PetiteMargot，thebirdstoldmealittlesecretto-day。Canstguesswhatitis？Say？\"
Margotcolouredandthengrewpale。True，Bernadouhadneverreallyspokentoher，butstill，whenoneisseventeen，andhasdancedafewtimeswiththesameperson，andhaspluckedtheleavesofadaisyawaytolearnone’sfortune，spokenwordsarenotverymuchwanted。