Little Countess E-Book

Max du Veuzit

• Herausgeber: Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 351

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Beschreibung

On the brink of ruin, Mrs Armons urged her son Philippe to marry a rich heiress, Myette Darteuil, who had been living with her mother-in-law since the death of her parents. She leads a miserable existence there that has profoundly altered her health and moral faculties. Kidnapped at night thanks to her guardian, she was soon married to Philippe who did not have the courage to live with her and left for abroad. As for Myette, abandoned and humiliated, she travels to Switzerland with Martine, Philippe's old nurse. In a few months, it is the complete metamorphosis of the woman her husband considers a stranger. Theatre, balls, social gatherings, trips to Italy, Morocco, Tunisia where one of his admirers, Robert Montavel and his grandmother, accompany him. Three years passed without the spouses meeting again, until the day the death of Mrs Armons brought them together. And in the splendid young woman that Myette has become, Philippe does not recognize... his wife! When he learns the truth....

Leseprobe

Little Countess

Max the VeuzitFirst partIIIIIIIVVVIVIIVIIIIXIX - 1XXIIXIIIXIVXVXVIXVIIXVIIISecond partI - 1II - 1III - 1IV - 1V - 1VI - 1VII - 1VIII - 1IX - 2X - 1XIXII - 1XIII - 1XIV - 1Third partI - 2II - 2III - 2IV - 2V - 2VI - 2VII - 2Copyright

Max the Veuzit

Little Countess

Max the Veuzit is the pen name of Alphonsine Zéphirine Vavasseur, born in Petit-Quevilly 29 October 1876 and died in Bois-Colombes 15 April 1952. It is a French language writer, author of numerous romance novels with great success.

First part

I

- Philippe, my child, do you want, or not, seriously consider my proposal? Your stubbornness will cause a catastrophe!

The pleading voice of the old lady made her start the count.

He straightened his height a long meditation, after dinner, had curved toward the embers of the fireplace.

- I do not follow you on this ground, my mother! Besides, how believe in the reality of such a proposal?

- I'll have explained that Mr. Garnier, which is devoted to us, is certain statements advantages. He said twelve million!

- This story is fantastic!

- If you doubt it, consult it; at the same time, it will confirm you that we are on the brink.

- I do not know.

- Yes, but he also tell you that your poor brother does not know which way to turn ... this oil deal he ate it all ... the dowry of his wife spent there, everything is engulfed me and yet Charles also said last week that if he had money, he would continue his research: he is sure there is oil in Chaumes-Reds. He found.

- Insufficiently.

- Because its resources are limited. He would need a sponsor.

Philippe arming made a gesture of indignation.

- After having swallowed everything he had, he might other people's money. It's insane!

But the mother warmly took up the defense of the absent. And her soft voice watched with deep conviction:

- Charles is an honest man. If he says that there is oil, it is that there are. And this is disastrous for him and for us, he could continue his research.

- So this is to allow him to feed his hobby you say to me: "Get married. "

- No, Philip, this is not for your brother withdraws advantage that I propose this new union. It is particularly in the interest of your name and your future.

- Bah! I need so little to live: I bazaaring Orfay if necessary!

The old lady looked at her son with sadness, the carelessness of this tall young man who could not fight against the difficulties of life was painful to him.

He held his father, obviously.

The count had been all his life, a light and selfish man, not knowing whether to compel or restrain, so he had known very quickly the money difficulties.

He had raised his son with the same weight and it was not entirely their fault, endowed both with a good name and a good enough education, they could not take advantage and succeed where d other, less advantaged, arrived without difficulty, because the more energetic.

However, the brain of the mother was recorded last quip:

- bazarding Orfay, she protested, and when you get paid what you have right and left you there remain enough to vegetate only in the house of Willows where you lodge your gamekeeper? Reasons a little before saying stupid things.

- My dream is to leave, to go abroad. I would like to visit India, China.

- To be an explorer and archaeologist - which is your passion - it takes money. You do not have to and I will offer.

Philip shrugged wearily.

- We need to take this money, and your average disgusts me, he observed bitterly. Marry in these conditions is disgusting! I do not understand how you can encourage me!

With a wave of his hand, the mother seemed to want to stop on the lips of her son's disrespectful criticism.

- Before you judge me, Philip, have you thought that to keep you honorable youth that to keep our name - to yours - a bit of the luster it has always been surrounded, I sacrificed my whole fortune personal, all my jewelry, all my trinkets! Your father left me very tangled affairs. I struggled amid a thousand difficulties. You were young ... you especially! It was necessary to raise you and make you learn! I have not upset your vocation; you wanted the School of Charters, you've taken the courses. Now I'm out of resources: our land is mortgaged beyond their value and creditors harassing me to the point that our servants not ignore anything about our real situation.

- If my brother had not undertaken these ridiculous and costly excavations, he might have a little ease your burden.

- Your brother has always sick wife and three little girls to raise. It was sublime vis-a-vis me and it's thanks to him that I could take as long. I do not want you to blame, my little Philippe, but without realizing it, you went so far as a big child, but to face the demands of life.

The count was a gesture of protest.

- I wished often be useful, my mother, but my majority, I found Orfay heavily mortgaged already ... since I could only renew those damned papers.

- You found Orfay as your father had left you.

- I know I know. When I got married ...

- Your marriage was a big mistake, my poor child!

- Please, my mother, he prayed, the sudden painful face.

She nodded sadly.

- Jacqueline was a brave little girl I truly loved, she nodded. Finally, my poor child, it must be that all this is said. Before your marriage, I begged you to conclude an advantageous union that would have helped refloat the boat of arming distraught. You were stubborn ... You loved Jacqueline, it was hoped that his uncle, the commander of Sorelle, would not forget in his will.

- He would have done if she had lived.

- In short, you have stood firm. You were two children, I did not want this marriage unreasonable ... you threatened me to force my hand ... I had to give to you by the worst offerings so that you do not might know, right away , misery ... since, I 'am reduced to expedients to live.

- My poor mother, I know how much you have been good for us.

- It is natural from a mother ... Only Philip, understand me, it's so painful to ask for itself ... I'm out of resources, I fear not tomorrow only for me but also for you and your brother. Granier I had an idea of ​​genius with this marriage that saves the situation and made you rich ... rich! ... since misfortune would have it, you lose your wife a few months after your wedding.

- My poor Jacqueline! groaned the count in a sob.

- You barely thirty. What prevented you love to do the first time, the reason will convince you now.

- But I never thought for a moment that I might marry again! He cried with instinctive horror. Just think, the ashes of my dear wife are hardly cooled and I could ...

- Poor child! said the mother, pity. I torture you and awakens in you cruel memories ... I wanted to spare you the explanation ... and yet, you must. It's a necessary evil. Later, you'll thank me for making you happy.

- Oh ! my happiness ! Now, he can not be in question.

- So for now, let thy peace.

- My material tranquility at most, my mother! As you make cheap my feelings and my tastes. There is not an awful six months typhoid fever has taken my wife to my love, and you just tell me about a new marriage.

- The opportunity presents itself, I have not sought.

- A successor to Jacqueline!

- No, not a replacement, I do not have this illusion! The poor child, which we suggest you hand will be an intruder in your heart ... but it will be the savior of your name, your race and your life, as it will allow you to keep your rank and live honorably amidst the like.

- She will have to share my life, and this is what I have not the courage.

- An honest man must have the courage to do his duty.

- My duty ! Bitter derision! Marry a woman because she is rich and with the certainty of making unhappy?

- Why would make you unhappy? I believe you incapable of this filth there. Can we have ways and attentions for a woman and it is estimated that brings ease, largely assured life without worries, no hassle?

- A woman with whom to spend his days! She should live with me, breathe the air Orfay, move in the same atmosphere that my dead beloved, amidst all that evokes me!

- We will have a day or another you get to marry you ... You can not live without offspring. Our name should not perish, and since your brother has only daughters and his wife is now without hope of another pregnancy, it must be you who Assumes the duty of the survival of our name .

- Duty, you say. Where is he on duty? A name is a matter of prejudice ...

- Do not blaspheme!

- ... But is not it also a duty to preserve intact the memory of the dead? The cult of the dead is the most sacred thing in the world and all people will make it a law. I swore loyalty to Jacqueline. All my life I have to keep his place and not give another name and rights to which it alone.

- Shut up, you ramble! said the old lady with commiseration. Before duty to the dead, there is a duty to the living, to thy seed, to all your ancestors. You speak of the rights of a dead? Then refers to the rights of all the long line of your ancestors ... Talk to your conscience and not with your heart.

She stood up and pointing a dozen tables, hung on the wall, she finished, trembling ardor:

- Interrogate them, ask their advice! Their name should he die because you no longer have the courage to be husband and start a family? Should the house sink into the shame of the trial and the howling of unpaid creditors while it offers you a salvation, and that you only have to sacrifice your personal taste for the good of all?

In his excitement, the mother was beautiful and transfigured. Philip looked at her, shocked by his words that seemed to address truly living characters.

- My son is weak, she continued, because grief has bent his young being, but you knights who now know the nothingness of human passions, do not you help the memory of your warriors and your valour family virtues? The house will sink, help him to save her.

She clasped her hands, pleading with real faith in the efficacy of this prayer to secular manes.

- Calm down, my mother, I beg you, said the count from the circle of his arms. The house will perish, you say, and I can save her. Let it be according to your desire. I have sacrificed my heart and my aspirations to give you satisfaction and ensure calm for your old age ...

- Ah! my Philip, I knew that I did not address myself to your reason in vain.

He smiled sadly.

- You are my mother, everything that binds me to life ... without you, I think I would have followed my dear Jacqueline!

- Oh ! my child, never think of such a thing.

- I have often in recent months, the fear of death. To my mother, I resisted. Today I want to do violence to my personal desires; I will take a wife as desired.

- Thank you, Philip. You'll see, we'll be happy.

- Do not rejoice too soon, my mother. I'm not a hero, and when I will know better your project, it is likely that I will put certain conditions.

- Do not express before being posted. Garnier me come tonight to spend the evening with us, he will tell you himself what it is.

He gave a weak smile.

- When you sent me that telegram Orfay to come immediately to see you, so you were so certain I decide, that Mr. Garnier was also convened?

- I knew we were cornered, he had to act or jump and I was hoping you'd save us.

- It's forced card, then!

- You wilt.

They did not speak. The mother took a job tapestry she had neglected since the arrival of his son, two hours before, and Philip burying his head in his hands, began to painfully think the overwhelming weight suddenly weighed on his shoulders already so heavily bent by his cruel mourning.

II

It was nine o'clock.

A pale autumn sun carded clarity the white walls of the Blanquette, large modern castle with multiple bay windows, the long terrace, the monumental staircase, the brilliant stained glass.

Before continuing on the morning visitor the Paris express had just landed at the next station, stopped and stared at the rich house to which he was heading.

- Darteuil had taste. Damn! ... what a beautiful property! It must be nice to stay here ...

But he nodded.

- And yet ... What will I find drama! Unless it is an excruciating comedy.

He was barely on the imposing front steps a stylish domestic darted toward him.

- Master Savitri, no doubt? Ms. Darteuil expects Mr.

And, while introducing the visitor, the man explained:

- Lady could not get in front of Mr., Miss Darteuil because of ... a crisis ... the poor girl, truly, completely lost his head. The doctor said we should have long been committed.

The visitor did not answer. He examined with some suspicion the one who could express so familiarly its opinion on the girl Darteuil.

Before the prudent silence of the newcomer, the servant heavily added:

- Ms. Darteuil itself tell Monsieur: life is no longer tenable with the poor girl ... besides its majority here that approach and it would be a real misfortune for all, if he needed give the key fields.

- Ah! he said, Ms. Darteuil said it would be a disaster.

- It's almost the opinion of all the friends of Mrs. and Miss Darteuil Edmee, insisted the man strangely fixing the visitor.

- A desaster ? Savitri repeated softly.

- Lady! twelve or fifteen million ... in the hands of ... of ... of a poor fool while ... that would be so well placed with other ... obviously.

- Obviously, stammered Savitri whose eyes rested, inquisitors, those of the servant.

- It is no doubt still insisted heavily or clumsily it.

- Ah! ah! it's possible ! muttered under his breath the visitor.

A gleam of satisfaction lighted up the look of the home.

- The sky has given each ears to hear and eyes to see, he said sententiously.

But turning off the flame of his eyes and resuming his obsequious look:

- I will have the honor of going to announce Ms. Darteuil the arrival of Mr. She is glad that Mr. realizes and decides himself ...

He was going away, but Savitri, a gesture, held him back:

- I think you are very devoted to your mistress, friend ... I like devoted servants.

- I'd give my life for my mistress, the man replied gravely.

- Which of the three? Savitri was suddenly stretching his neck.

In the panic passed in the eyes of the other. The flash of a second, he appeared at the businessman before him a hunted animal, powerless to save themselves.

- Which ? He repeated.

But a sound of a rustling rather be guessed behind the door.

- Ms. Darteuil is the best bosses, pronounced aloud servant. His people adore him and I am very devoted.

He spoke firmly, with warmth, but her pleading eyes riveted to those of the visitor, seemed madly shouting something that the mouth did not say.

The door opened, preventing Savitri to make any other matter.

A woman entered.

She could have fifty years. Fairly large, corpulent, the imbedded features, but had to be beautiful, she gave an impression of strength and energy, quite uncommon in a woman of her condition.

Me Savitri bowed gallantly to the lady while the servant slipped out a coup of intelligence of his mistress eye.

- Your letter gave me remorse.

- What do you mean ?

- For months ... even two years, that I came to the stew and I want to have abandoned long ago my ward.

- Bah! if it can soften your scruples, you say that the poor girl would not have recognized you ... It is completely unconscious now.

- To this point ?

- Mad to bind, dear sir. And what is worse, dangerous. Gorse told me he should have signed for months already, his internment ticket.

- What you are telling me trouble me much. What punishment for my poor friend, if from above, he sees his daughter in this state!

- Alas! Ms. Darteuil whimpered, my poor husband told me that sometimes Myette worried ... his mother was neurasthenic ... he greatly feared that maternal history.

- How Darteuil feared that side? Savitri said, genuinely surprised.

- Alas! repeated the widow in the same tone. It was his most cruel anxiety.

Savitri did not answer. He looked inside himself and saw again eight years ago his friend John Darteuil on his deathbed.

The beautiful head of the dying man stood out in his memory, brilliant intelligence despite the imminent denouement, the white pristine sheets. And he believed still hear the faint voice order:

- I entrust Myette. My wife will raise, but it's you that I recommend is about you that I intend to look after her ...

And the years passed.

The widow who, first lived in Paris for most of the year, came to settle permanently in the stew, deep in the Ardennes at once so beautiful and wild.

For five years, Savitri can hardly see Myette ... Sometimes a letter from the widow comes to give him the news. For two years, even Savitri did not make the trip to come see the daughter of his friend. And now, in his conscience, a terrible doubt rises.

Has it taken sufficient care of the child Jean Darteuil entrusted to him? Can it be said that this woman was good vis-a-vis the mother of the orphan?

agonizing question! for she is also mother of a girl a few years older than Myette ... a girl to establish, now!

- Edmee Perier, he believed, was born of a first marriage contracted by the widow ... Jean Darteuil was only the second husband ... The other was a poor devil journalist, died penniless. Darteuil the contrary, was very rich ...

Edmee Perier should possess anything, while Myette, already rich from his mother's estate, died in putting the world, saw his fortune triple at the death of his father.

All these things rose in crowds in the mind of Savitri.

And was it hallucination or my subconscious he shone his intellect an unexpected prescience, that the voice of the widow falsely rang in his ears! behold all letters received in recent years about Myette, it appeared treacherous and unreliable! This same as the domestic murmur just now "God gave ears and eyes to hear and watch," seemed luminously clear! Here, finally, that, despite the bright sunshine, this cozy house, this cozy room, this smiling woman, a dark veil cast a cloud around him.

He felt, without understanding why, darkness surround him: in the mood, he sniffed the drama; in smiles, he feared hate.

And obscure instinct that governs our actions, almost despite ourselves, made him compose a face, take an attitude and control his voice.

Behold, the words gushed from his lips without him should render account of comedy that was to play and he actually played.

- I'm sorry for what you tell me, 'he said finally bleakly. I was hoping that your letter, written in a moment of maternal panic, exaggerating the truth ... Poor little Myette mad at twenty, it's terrible! If it takes the intern we will advise, but do you know that it will be extremely difficult to get there!

- Alas!

- Finally, hope, placed in a good home ... with special care ... alienation can heal.

- Oh ! I doubt...

- Really ! you think ?

- Gorse said that this state coincided with the age of puberty, it is feared that recovery is impossible ... unless, about fifty years ...

- It's amazing! Gorse and probably not mistaken, approved Savitri his air even tearful, but commonplace.

A flash of joy shone in the eyes of the widow.

- Gorse is not mistaken, she asserted. I checked they all say it is incurable.

- I pity you ! This internment perspective must be terrible for you who have high Myette.

- Yes, I have shed many tears.

- And more cruel to do! He'll have to find a good nursing home. There are many around Paris ...

- Oh ! she interrupted, Gorse believes that air would not change anything at all to him. He knows a great property ...

- Ah! if this question has already been discussed ...

- That is to say, he considered the possibility of continuing his treatment. Finally, she would enjoy preferential treatment ... in a more family supervision.

- Indeed, all would be well.

He seemed delighted not to have to deal with this matter.

And yet, someone who would have intimately known to be worried about the little strange gleam in the depths of his eyes.

- And now that we agree, 'he said, always accommodating, show me a little poor girl.

- You stand to see?

- My God, since I have come so far, so enjoy.

- Previously, I want to warn you against the sad impression that it may cause.

- Actually, his mental state is visible?

- Say it blindingly obvious!

- That much ?

- This unfortunate refuses all cleanliness care and does not support it on any clothes. She tattered anyone you want to force him to wear.

- A strange fad!

- It should also expect to his anger or his moans. With it, there is always the unexpected ... and I wonder how she will welcome you, a stranger?

- Perhaps, instead, to me she will recognize, he watched quietly.

- It would be too good ...!

She hesitated, then, looking at the time the splendid face of the fireplace:

- You always hold to see?

- Yes of course !

- Well ! come, M.; we have time before we table.

She led him by wide staircases and wide corridors to the third floor of the mansion.

- We are here in the attic, she explained. I had to stay in the right wing of the castle is uninhabited for his cries do not impress my people. Here, it is far from everyone. Do you know that by this time of domestic crisis, it is extremely difficult to be served when there is a crazy home.

- Indeed, he said. It should always be fun.

He followed carelessly, it seemed; However, his eyes watching around and retained every detail.

He noticed that a door had recently been put to one end of the corridor ...

The lady pointed to the fact:

- I had to add this barrier to isolate it further.

- She was trying to escape?

- Oh no, that's impossible! It is well kept. But I was afraid that my people should come and torment her or laugh at her extravagances.

The gate, the rest of the corridor formed hallway giving access to the bottom, to a sparsely furnished room.

- This is where Leonardo layer, the servant who brought you. It is he who heals the sick. We are very dedicated ... He knew Darteuil ... It's an old servant who can be counted.

- There are still a few, thankfully!

Savitri's eyes met a whip hanging on the wall. In flash, the odd attitude of servant reappeared him. He thought again:

"Devoted to whom? ... Is it an executioner or a pitying servant? "

And, remembering the Herculean stature of man, Savitri shuddered.

"Poor little Myette! Who never say what treatment you suffered ... "

The widow had stopped.

- Leonardo must be at Myette. Do not enter the room of this child without being certain it's there because it does not accept other care than his.

- We must therefore look this home.

- I'll call.

And a hanging silver whistle on a chain in her bodice, she pulled a long high-pitched sound.

A hidden door under a curtain opened immediately.

- We just see Myette. Is it quiet now?

- Yes, she likes very gently with rags she rips.

- A tattered dress, probably.

- Alas! Always the same.

The man spoke to Mrs. Darteuil without seeming to notice the presence of Mr. Savitri. Not once, since he was there, his eye was turned towards it.

- Well ! entering, the visitor made all these oratorical precautions beginning to annoy.

The servant opened the door, stood aside to let the newcomer.

Savitri and entered the room of the demented.

He stopped immediately, almost stunned.

In the play, an inextricable confusion reigned. On the floor of rags heaps of paper and paperboard, seeming to come from torn books.

In one corner, a mattress ... down, right on the floor ... and in a corner, a poor squatting: two large hollow eyes in a white face ... so white under the heavy brown mane who fantastically framed!

Being nightmare, wearing a blouse in tatters - narrow shoulder gown and if shortened down! Being starved whose hollow cheeks, skinny arms, long hands with bony fingers seemed to accuse a perpetual fast ... human being yet, because large hallucinating eyes on those Savitri appeared distraught shouting a call to help; it was like an endless complaint, unable to express in words, but tragically pleading mercy better than would the words.

And Savitri horrified face tended to be fantastic that he does not expect to see such.

- Myette, he stuttered. It's not possible ... it! no ! ah! my little Myette!

A mocking laugh disturbed the tragic scene.

- I warned you, my dear master, said Ms. Darteuil. You guessed it, I think! ... Do you believe me now?

Savitri had no time to respond.

At the voice of the woman, his insulting laughter, squatting had risen: body of fifteen arrested in his development, perhaps by too much misery, but soft body, nervous, wavy, despite the exaggerated thinness.

And fists forward, a leap, the little creature had crossed the space separating it from the lady; and grasping his hair, clinging to her dress, tried to scratch, bite, all his strength tense to pain, tearing, reduce, revenge surely.

Laughing Ms. Darteuil had turned into horrified grimace.

She squealing, screaming, panicked; not even reaching shake nervous which embrace the pinch, the scratched without thank you, holding to it as the sharp claws of a tiger on its prey.

Chanting Darteuil Ms. Leonard rushed and Savitri.

Both tried to let go of the girl; but while the visitors put its good intentions for this purpose, it seemed to him that his companion while gesturing quick and covering the attacking invective, did not bring the same rush to defend helpful woman attacked.

Illusion, perhaps, even, but when his big hairy legs brushed frail wrists of the tragic child, was barely if he dared to encircle them, snatch their prey thrilling.

And Savitri, looking up at Leonard found in it a long look, profound, eloquent, with inexpressible desire.

A corner of the veil is lifted in the mind of the visitor: it was only a glimmer, but it was intense.

- Which of the three women is man committed? had he asked a few hours earlier.

Now Savitri could answer himself.

- No Mrs. Darteuil, surely!

And this certainty was soft and he departed a little from him the atrocious horror sensation he felt since entering this disgusting room.

They finally cleared the lady and the child rejected at the other end of the room, on his bed where she fell, breathless.

- The wretch! she would have killed me if you had been there, threw, bewildered anger, Ms. Darteuil.

It was in poor condition. Cheeks and scarred hands bloody streaks, crimped hair, torn bodice, sweating, groaning, blower, distraught with pain and anger.

Instinctively, she had left the room and the captive, rushing into that of the maid, now she plunged her swollen face in a bowl of fresh water that, respectfully and with an obsequious alacrity, Leonardo had to pay him.

Savitri, while still troubled by the haunting scene he had just witnessed, remained standing in the doorway, her eyes following the bloody victim Myette.

He suddenly felt a burning hand came to rest on hers, he held mechanically clasped behind his back.

Startled, he turned his head slightly.

Myette, leaving his coat in rags, had approached him crawl.

And as he trembled, perhaps repulsive, in contact being hungry, the child stood up on his knees and humbly placed his lips on the hands of the businessman.

The gesture moved it, that was suddenly as tingling in the throat.

But an instinctive caution made him hide his emotion without it should render account why his mercy, at this moment, going to the aggressor and not to the lady.

He cast a fearful look in the direction of the latter, as if he had been afraid of appearing approve the brutal attack on the child by accepting it came so close to him.

Ms. Darteuil while occupied the care required her condition was not thinking monitor.

Then, gently, almost without change of attitude, he forced the child to stand up.

Obediently, she stood against him.

He took her chin, forcing him to raise his head to better immerse her eyes to the bottom of tragic look.

He saw the tears running silently on ivory cheeks and his heart was moved by this silent despair after a violent rage.

- Poor little girl ! he stammered, so low that only she could hear.

But word of compassion upset the whole.

She finally understood the sky sent her a friend, a supporter, perhaps?

His hands joined and reached out, pleading, to him.

- Please ... save me! It's horrible! ... she said in one breath.

Any human suffering going on in his eyes and the man shuddered.

- I'll take care of you, he promised spontaneously. I...

But she motioned him to lower his voice.

And pointing his finger to the next room, she warned:

- Beware ... If she suspected your mercy, you would be lost!

He almost laughed threat whose daughter wrapped.

What Ms. Darteuil could against him?

But there was such fear in the child looking up at him, he held his untimely merriment. Moreover, did he know his friend's widow enough to say that he had nothing to fear from it, if it annoyed her interests?

So worried despite himself, he turned his head back to the lady. She had her best, repaired the disorder of her hair and now she wiped her hands, his toilet complete.

Without moving the body, his arm went behind push the girl. It was not necessary that the woman saw them together.

The strange child slipped on her bare feet and went backwards on his bed where she fell, poor wreck collapsed that it seemed incapable of effort.

Savitri had perceived remoteness. When he was sure that no suspicion could arise in the mind of the lady, he turned boldly to the little demented.

And aloud:

- Here it is calm now. What rage has taken him to jump on you?

But the woman took care not to come to see or even to raise his voice.

She knew the effect of his view of the isolated and did not care, for now, to revive his anger.

She motioned to follow Savitri and she left the room while the domestic businessman, before walking away, threw a last glance at the small squatting.

The child had not lost eyes. She realized he was probably because, by far, hands joined again in ardent supplication.

- Mercy! Oh ! pity!

And as he walked away after an imperceptible nod, she fell back on his bed, with big convulsive gasps.

III

Ms. Darteuil face was so bad that she had preferred not to appear in the dining room, left to the curiosity of his people who would not have failed to make a thousand guesses.

She had apologized to Savitri, leaving it only to take his lunch at the castle.

He simply accepted the invitation, while including Ms. Darteuil reserve that, after such a savage aggression, was the need to keep the room. Moreover, Savitri was delighted to be alone. Maybe he could more easily and learn something about his unfortunate pupil.

On reflection, indeed, a great disturbance had invaded.

Myette was she mad, or simply a victim of his stepmother?

What about this tantrum pushed climax? Vengeance or dementia?

How to reconcile such a rapid attack, brutal, with calm and humility she had shown vis-a-vis him?

And if the child was right, how could she have left sequester alike? Not counting and intelligent, she would have refused to live almost naked! She would have accepted especially the clothes that he was distributing rather than reduce to shreds!

He had to admit that the poor girl was abnormal, probably prone to fits of madness against which it could not respond. It was the most likely and easiest to reconcile in the mind of Savitri, among many contradictions.

The meal was spent in silence for him. A master obsequious hotel had undertaken, without words, to present the best pieces and fill his glass to wish the best wines.

The stomach satisfied, his coffee cup half empty, still dragging a bit before leaving the table, Savitri enjoyed a big blond cigar chosen from a dozen others in front of him along with several bottles of liqueurs.

It is like a good meal to make optimistic man. And Myette tutor felt suddenly singularly indulgent vis-à-vis the hostess who had so well treated.

- Definitely, I think the poor girl is a dangerous fool, that could harm free. His stepmother is perhaps not the pearl moms, but it has not always been fun to raise the innocent! ... These abnormal beings are unbearable and give a fuss of all the devils those who live with them.

It was there his thoughts when Leonardo made his entrance into the dining room.

- Lady sends me see if Monsieur has a good breakfast and if he lacks nothing.

- The meal was exquisite and you want to convey to Ms. Darteuil my thanks. I hope that she herself goes as smoothly as possible, after the tremor this morning?

- Madam is put to bed The quake, as said Mr. was a little rough! The emotion, fear broke madam!

- It is she bit and scratched, the hussy! A real little lioness!

- Yes, she was a good heart ... it's a relief ...!

A flash of joy shone in the eyes of the servant.

- It took a little strength, since I heals, he remarked quietly.

- Ah! Before? ...

- He was the brother of Mrs. Darteuil who took care ... it did not succeed very well, too ... She became very weak, poor ... This man is dead, there is! a month...

- You never saw Myette before?

- Mr. erred: it was I who was cleaning his room.

- Why did not you ever write to me? He had to tell me that that little was ... suffering.

The man's eyes froze into space.

- You never know if, wanting to do better, we do not do worse: an accident happens so quickly ...!

The tutor started:

- An accident ... ... Against whom?

- Oh ! a figure of speech! ... The brother of Madam was a learned man ... an energetic! His death has deprived Lady valuable support ... He was a man of decision ... Himself alive, we would not need to bother Mr. to settle the fate of his ward.

- We have interned without asking me for advice, probably?

- Mr. must see ... just a poor fool, is not it, it was the interest of all ... Lady would have continued to manage property, very motherly, with the same dedication ...

He spoke quietly as the world, without a gesture, without even raising his voice. And yet there was like a challenge or contempt in his attitude or in his irony.

Savitri stared at him.

The servant was a gruff and uncommunicative appearance.

The face was hard, bony, with highly charged lines. Eyes small, sharp, piercing, sheltering under large thick and long eyebrows, which still pointed to the hardness of the eye; Yet it sometimes in a fleeting emotion, softened up goodness.

Savitri thought:

"Gross beautiful. "

But, above all, to reconcile the seeming interest in him:

- You are not the country, you, friend? Your focus denotes a stranger.

- Oh ! focus does not mean anything. I backpacked everywhere and I understand almost all languages. There is no country in Europe where I've dragged my carcass.

- Why have traveled so much?

- When I was young, I had blood is warm and hot head, I always imagined that I would be better elsewhere. It made me see the world, until Mr. Darteuil met me.

- Ah! you have seen grow Myette?

- Yes.

- And, of course, you're attached to it ...?

- Mr. makes plausible assumptions.

- Ah! said the tutor, a little taken aback by such a subtle response.

"Finally, what do you think of the scene this morning? He insisted.

- Hum! the man began. I think ... to believe that since the war everything changed. Previously, there have certainly been people wonder, whereas now, as said Sir, we can not be explained that his ward as strongly protests.

And Savitri again became uncertain:

- I ask only to teach me. Ask me, you know it ...

But the servant nodded:

- Here is dangerous, there would be better, he whispered.

And aloud:

- Sir he will dine tonight at the castle and does it prepare a room for him?

- Oh ! no ! It is imperative that I be home tomorrow morning.

- Sir will resume the evening train?

- At what time it?

- Ten-nine fifty ... unless Mr. takes one of five in the evening.

- Which would you advise me, friend?

- The first ... unless Mr. does not want dinner at the Inn of the Blanquette ... The food is exquisite and it could be that Mr. found there tasty dishes long forgotten.

Savitri remained puzzled. The tone of veiled irony of his interlocutor did not escape him, but he looked in vain for what it meant to disguise the board dinner at the hotel Blanquette.

- You think this hostel is worth miss the first train?

- Ah! here, I guarantee to Mr. I know the winery, the wines are exquisite there, besides Lucas lady succeeded wonderfully tournedos. Mr. has to present it from me, it will be received as a prince and he will learn what it is that a tournedos ...

- Ah! ah! I will know... ?

- Everything, sir, everything! To believe that Lucas is a woman disguised as a devil cooking. She knows things! ... trifles ... and things! ... Monsieur would be wrong to overlook. There is nothing like a meal neat to see clearly the road. When Mr. resume the train, he will understand that he has not lost his time eating at the Inn of the Blanquette, besides the five o'clock train is a bus that brings thirteen hours to return to Paris, while the nineteen hours is a devouring express stations! ...

Savitri laughed:

- That's what he had to tell me right away, Master Leonardo! The Lucas lady cooking could have left me unmoved, while the prospect of spending a whole night on the train is very unpleasant to me. So I eat the stew.

- Sir will not forget the steaks.

- Ah! ah! you insist? ...

- Lady! What use to stay if Mr. disdained the most important ... If Mr. afraid of forgetting, he has to think: tournedos ... his back ... what is happening back turned ... tournedos, what!

This time Savitri thought he understood.

- I eat, my friend, I eat, you can be sure. Moreover, I love the beef with all sauces: I am a notorious greed and I never missed an opportunity to make a good dinner!

- So tonight, at the Inn of the Blanquette ... it's really a very good idea that Mr. is here, dine here and to require tournedos. God, good idea! Lady Lucas will go that extra mile for Mr.

Stunned, Savitri looked Leonard, laughing silently. And he felt rising in him an irritating concern.

The colossus frightened him suddenly.

What was the inn where he had promised to go at nightfall? What trap could be drawn against him?

Under the domestic words, he believed guess a promise to learn something but was there not, in the irony of laughter, a disguised threat?

But Savitri is recovering soon.

His insight setting awakening can recognize in advance the danger, there was a rat. In his pants pocket, he carried a pistol still loaded. Finally, he felt strong, suddenly excited by the novel task he proposed, defending Myette tragic orphan, against the powerful lady who sequestered.

This thought was a wonderful sacrament. It would support the evening if it were necessary. Now he no longer hesitated. The domestic attitude was strange that the lady too natural! Whatever the true goal we sought, pulling her to the hotel of the Blanquette, he would go without hesitation, because he was certain to find clues to support his faith.

IV

The night had not yet come when Savitri entered the cafe.

It was a long room, a little low ceiling, walls whitewashed.

white wooden tables lined the walls, straw stools ranged themselves under tables.

Two peasants, heavily seated in a corner, finishing emptying a can of beer.

Savitri crossed the entire room darkened by dusk and won a brightly lit adjacent room, as opposed to that he was leaving.

A basket on her knees, with a long table laden with kitchenware, a woman was shelling peas there.

- Mrs Lucas? he asked.

- It's me, sir.

- I come to dinner ... I intend to take the seven o'clock train; you he will be able to prepare a meal there here?

- Hum! It's a bit short! said the woman, after consulting a glance a pendulum clock, standing against the wall.

- Leonard, a servant of the castle, made me hope that I could eat you.

- Ah! is master Leonardo ...

- Yes ... And he told me, even to some tournedos you prepare, it seems, perfectly.

- A Tournedos tournedos! ...