The man of her life E-Book

Max du Veuzit

• Herausgeber: Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Seitenzahl: 256

Beschreibung

United, under strange circumstances, to Yves Le Kermeur, Noële Sabatier discovers with amazement that her marriage was only a deception. No intimacy exists between the young spouses during their honeymoon. What motives prompted Yves to want, under these conditions, to unite his life with his own? For it is a man unknown to her, barely seen in the darkness of the bridal chamber, who takes her lips and murmurs words of love to her. What is the identity of the night visitor? When Noële, meets her, when she asks her husband for explanations, he can only answer: "You were for him "the temptation". So, she replied, you offered me your name when your brother, who loved me, would have wanted to marry me and his horrible wounds, after disfiguring him, did not allow him to do so? Now I want to get out of here, because I know. You can't, Noële,, because you're my wife. But you've always despised me! ». There are insults, humiliations that a wife cannot forget. Will Yves be able to hold back Noële, and make up for his disdain?

Leseprobe

The man of her life

Pages de titreIIIIIIIVVVIVIIVIIIIXXXIXIICopyright

Max the Veuzit

The man of her life

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.

I

Noële Sabatier was nineteen years old when Narcissus Bonnet, his tutor, came to withdraw definitively from the orphanage where she was raised.

His mother had died giving her birth and her father, future surgeon, survived him only a few years.

He died after the war, following a infective bite contracted by operating a casualty.

There were speeches on his grave, they spoke of him as a victim of duty heroes. Posthumously, even he was awarded the Cross of the Legion of Honor; but he was penniless, and he left behind a seven year old girl that no parent cared to raise.

A chemist, Narcissus Bonnet, then sixty-three years, offered to take charge of the orphan. There were many known his father, and in a generous impulse whose child was to be forever grateful to him, he accepted his tutelage and saved public assistance.

Unfortunately, the best movements do not always carry with them their reward.

The war had just ended and, although seriously increased already high prices do not as hard raged she had to do a few years later.

The profession of chemist has many hazards and has no reputation to enrich her man. We must believe that he was so good to Narcisse Bonnet.

Noële knew with him a few months of tranquility that softened his orphan debut and allowed him not to despair of life.

Then suddenly, with price increases of any kind, embarrassment crack appeared in the housing of modest chemist, a maid came to clean every morning. At the same time, the presence of the girl under his roof suddenly brought discomfort and embarrassment that was the old bachelor Narcisse Bonnet.

A child, even wise and loving, is always a link that hampers movement.

In order not to leave her alone at home at night, his tutor was to deprive him of his card game at the cafe.

also finished the movie nights, small dinners we enjoyed alone, gourmet, in a selected restaurant, the drinks we offer to meet friend for Complacency still on his success sexagenarian unrepentant.

Gone, all that!

And when it's because of a girl of seven, on which there has been too easily moved, we suffered all these small hardships, we quickly regret the nice gesture that we had ... and, sorry, it even faster pass the means to return to old habits!

This is what happened to Narcissus Bonnet.

Six months after the death of Raoul Sabatier, the old chemist was entering her daughter at St. Mark monastery in Nanterre, where, for a modest annual fee, she was admitted in the middle of three hundred girls and orphans without family.

For many years, the tutor seemed to forget Noële. the few times he came to visit her; But mostly, he just sent at the beginning of the year, the modest compensation representing the price of his pension and its maintenance.

She remained in Saint-Marc until the age of nineteen. Then, one morning his tutor came to fetch her. He was with a woman of a certain age, he presented himself as a sister came to live with him.

The woman was not very friendly, from the first, to the orphan. His first looks retailed from head to toe, and it seemed that there was malice in his review.

The nuns of St. Mark, she left in tears, allowed him to take his modest effects and the few memories she had earned during her internship so long.

Noële, from the convent, was therefore charged enough and both arms were cluttered with a bunch of poorly wrapped packages and insufficiently tied, she risked losing at every turn.

It would have been natural Bonnet Narcisse's sister charitably offer him to take on a few.

It did not happen, and his valuables piled against it, arms wide open to encircle all, the girl followed the couple, by a tram, brought her back, after eleven years in the house of the old chemist.

It was not to stay, as we understand him right away.

- You may not be aware, Noële, said the old man, what is exactly your situation. I'm an old man deep in my books, and it is a burden damn I took the death of your father instructing me to take care of you.

She bowed her head humbly before this preamble that presaged the worst.

- I am deeply grateful to you, she stammered sincerity, but embarrassed as a culprit.

- I'm not asking for recognition, the old man replied, a bit gruff. The little that your father left you served to raise you up to the age of fifteen. I could then make you work and you would have perhaps earned your keep. I have a small merit: that of wanting you to finish your studies. It would have been unpleasant but think that the daughter of Sabatier would have only an elementary education when his father was my friend. It is not for you I have done: it is for the peace of my conscience.

- But, monsieur, I contracted a great debt ...

- Ta ta ta! Again, I ask nothing of you ... if you shoot for any single case, now. I am old and my means do not allow me to feed a useless mouth. You have to win your life now.

- Yes ! Yes ! She stated, all confused he should insist so strongly to a question it was natural that she was far from wanting to steal. It is my greatest desire; tell me what to do and I will obey you.

- I expected no less of your good will, the woman remarked unkindly. But I know the "youth of today"! Always up, always evaporated, they do not hold up and are poorly everywhere. But my poor brother does not need all that fuss at her age.

A little shame made her blush orphan at the thought of belonging to these scabrous "youth of today".

- I'll do my best, Madam, she asserted again with a poor gesture of humility.

- Well ! listen to me, I found you an enviable location, if you know you stand there ... I am informed, is a serious site. In a castle of the South, we ask an educated person to serve as secretary. You're going to go.

- In the South? Noële said, startled. My God ! Where did you send me?

- What bothers you to go there?

- I have never traveled, the girl confessed fearfully.

- Exactly, that'll teach you to fend for yourself alone! For a start, it is a salutary exercise.

- But do I know go so far alone? insisted pitifully orphan.

- You are foolish, my poor girl! When one has a good address in his pocket and that has a tongue to ask the way, we need to know is directing. So you will go there tonight.

- My God ! protect me, the child stammered, alarmed by the prospect of this night journey. Go so far! without ever traveled! ... Oh! Mrs ! Take me!

A badly repressed sob interrupted her voice.

- I'm never out alone, do you understand, Madam?

- Come on! intervened with authority the sister of the chemist, you are even more stupid than I imagined me to believe that I could accompany you to the French Riviera! Wipe your eyes, small ass, and listen without interrupting. Your train leaves tonight at nine. It will introduce you tomorrow about three o'clock in Nice. From there, another train will take you to the village of Roquebillière, where Castle Montjoya located.

And, handing him a paper Noële, frightened, took no further protest:

- Here's your itinerary ... I noticed all the information and the exact address of where you need to go. Finally, here is a letter of introduction to Mr. Le Kermeur, the owner of Montjoya, which asks a secretary. carefully tighten these three papers in your pocket and help me to gather all your packages because you can not travel and decked out!

This was done so that the woman wished, including Noële that we should not try to discuss the orders he was given.

Two large boxes which had contained dresses, were enough to cram the modest underwear, thin effects and trinkets of the orphan. A good string together the whole, making a very clean package to carry.

Then the woman began to hand in a basket, bread, cheese and two apples.

- Your mouth provisions. Do not eat them all at once, because you will arrive tomorrow, late in the afternoon, in Roquebillière. And your award will be slight, means my brother not allowing him to better fill your wallet.

Yet she handed him a small sum of money.

- Here are twelve francs. Do not spend, to cater for events. The price of your ticket, third class, is a big sacrifice that is needed my brother ... And try to please you there, my dear, because it would be physically impossible for you to return.

The girl nodded. Too shy to dare to express her thoughts, she well understood, however, that it was the last aid she received from her guardian, and he would never be resorted to his generosity.

The old man, however, was a boost to her when the time came for departure.

- My little Noële, he said, kissing her, be honest and courageous, brave as your father. I regret that my ability will allow me to take care of you more. I am old and I need my sister.

He pointed to the room where it had gone to his mantle to lead the orphan train station.

- You saw, he continued, lowering his voice; she does not want that you give me the embarrassment. I think she's right and that, before the difficulties of high prices, it is a necessity.

He stopped, hesitated a second; Then, after making sure that his sister could not see, he added, softly:

- Take this, Noële, and hide it so that it does not find it; I do not want you to know completely devoid of money! Later, when you have succeeded, write me to give me your good news.

Despite the singular selfishness of that recommendation, Noële warmly embraced the old chemist.

This fifty-franc note that he had slipped into his hand, secretly, was to represent him many hardships. And suddenly the girl realized that she must have cost him many sacrifices to date.

It was this final impression of the goodness of her guardian that took the orphan like a comforting Viaticum, leaving Paris. Alone in the world, now, there was yet someone charitable to look to its isolated distress and give it the illusion of caring affection.

*

In the corner of the third-class compartment where the sister of the chemist had installed Noële be made small, a little frightened at the strange faces around him.

Yet its immediate neighbors, nor the woman sitting across from her, seemed not to pay attention to its modest person. But there was at the other end of the two young people who cheered strongly compartment.

And sometimes it seemed that their mocking eyes turned his way.

She was wearing the costume of the orphanage of St. Mark, that is to say a large gray blouse that adorned a simple white collar. A stiff straw boater danced over her hair pulled back in a bun rolled heavily on the neck. Finally, his feet were shod in heavy boots studded, almost military boots.

The set was nothing elegant, far from it, and this outfit does not seem unsightly Noële no charm.

Without being flirtatious, the poor kid was aware of his attire, but she could do nothing. This coat, the hat and the shoes she accounted for her Sunday best, and that was all she had better in her wardrobe.

At boarding school, where all the girls, dressed alike, wearing uniforms, the orphan had never had to be ashamed of his costume. But in this train rolling towards the French Riviera, the elegant guest did not escape him; and horribly embarrassed his livery of misery, she was meeting as possible in the corner of the compartment.

It was for her a relief to see his fellow passengers dozing under a night light setting.

And, as in every jolt of the train hat danced up against the glass and miserably pulled her hair, she dared remove it and put it in the net.

The girl had promised all night, as the novelty of the situation, among strangers, gave her fears; but, at the age of Noële, sleep was because the biggest concerns, and soon she was fast asleep.

The cries of the employees, train whistles, calls of travelers who crowded around the buffet, awoke in the Valencia train station. His stomach cried famine and Noële envied the hot chocolate that travelers absorbed on the dock, in a large cup of cardboard. Wisely, she merely some bread spread with cheese. Then she stood, nose against the pane, scroll to see the landscape.

After Marseille, the sea, she had not seen since his early childhood, filled with admiration. The train, the coast is gorgeous and takes a thousand ways.

Noële stood in the corridor of the car, so as not to lose the splendid view of blue waves perpetually agitated and sunny coast, where thousands of sumptuous villas are nestled among the flowers, palm trees and dark aloe.

One disappointment, however, expected the orphan in Nice.

First, he had to change the station, the line she had to borrow not part of the same company. Then, when she won the other network, she learned with a big disappointment that the trains were not up Roquebillière, where it was down to Montjoya.

- Bah! advised the employee quietly, always win Vésubie. Arriving there, you will surely find a car to go further.

The advice was given some slightly since it does not take into account the arrival time of the train.

Night falls quickly in February, and when Noële arrived at the terminus of the train, there was already a long time it was completely black. She could not think, in complete darkness, to proceed. Besides, at that time, there were more cars going to Roquebillière.

Force was therefore her to sleep at the hotel. And though she knew to settle for a modest room, a bowl of soup and a slice of bread, this unexpected expense heavily Greva budget and antagonized the orphan.

But what a surprise in the morning!

Du Midi Noële had glimpsed so far the vast blue sea and the sunny villas. Having to guide them in the long journey that the route drawn up by the sister of his guardian, she made only a vague account of his destination.

Also when lifted in the morning, as usual, she saw rise up around it the tops of the Maritime Alps, with, at his feet, the Var and pebbles, while on the other side stood like two castles on the rock edges, villages and Bonson Gilette, the orphan suddenly wondered what the new region's destiny was guiding.

- The mountain ! she stammered, choking with emotion. The real mountain!

Never again, Noële had seen so beautiful show. His heart trembled in an intense emotion made of admiration and enthusiasm, along with his youth is quite scared of this new world she saw for the first time.

Dominating all, and stronger than the attraction of novelty, an irrational fear pitched against the unknown that awaited.

The steep sides of the mountains, these spaced houses that seemed nestled in the rock hollow, these inaccessible villages built centuries ago to defend against the savage hordes, as against wild beasts, all contributed to frighten the orphan.

An ardent prayer slid it to the Master of all things.

- My God ! protect me, I am so small, and it is the vastness!

Wanting to better realize its destination, she entered one of the village shops, and bought a map of the area.

A few minutes later, the map spread out on a coffee table, frowning with the effort of attention, she followed the finger at the road line that had brought her so far ... the one she had to follow to reach Montjoya!

She recorded the meandering path and the dominant altitudes. How his career followed the valley of Vésubie, this was it a relief to see that it does not rise too quickly.

- Nevertheless, she realized, it sinks! Roquebillière is completely in the mountains ... my guardian could explain it to me.

She thought of the good nuns and her companions of St. Mark that she had left two days earlier, and it seemed to her that she was the opposite of Paris.

- As is away, my God! I never see them again ... Here, it is quite exile.

And tiny insect in the middle of the splendid and magnificent scenery, attached to the ground like a prisoner in chains between high walls, Noële looked up at the azure skies that ran freely.

It seemed that the sky freed the contemplation of his discomfort. Under the beautiful sky of Provence, worries faded. Solace came to him from up there!

"All the same, she philosophized with courage, the sky is the same as in Paris and the stars, it's the same! it is always France, what! "

So ?

This beneficial contemplation made him accept the adventure. She adopted the unknown region.

Since Montjoya there was in road to Montjoya! ... bravely and without unnecessary regrets!

*

It was nearly ten o'clock when the long bus where Noële had sat her down in Roquebillière.

Only now, at the edge of a highway, with two boxes placed on the ground, the orphan, a moment, looked around.

The appearance of the small town with its antiquated houses, discolored roofs, climbing and bumpy streets, did not seem hostile to him. A belt of mountains with green slopes bounded the horizon. Halfway up, the village of Belvedere extended down coquettishly among many villas. On the right bank of Vésubie, a small church stood his humble stone carcass remnant of an extinct population; places, after all, were pleasant and welcoming.

Not knowing how to move the landscape, the orphan asked a passerby about the location of Montjoya.

The man, a farm worker, stopped and pointed to one of the highest peaks beyond the valley.

- There, the Montjoya.

For a moment she looked without understanding, the dark mountain peak pristine snow that designated him. Then, sensing a misunderstanding, she clarified:

- I'm talking about a house that belongs to Mr. Kermeur The ... A house called Montjoya.

The man seemed to search his memory:

- I do not ... unless it be this mansion that stands on the other side of Gordolasque towards Tres-Crous.

He stopped, gave a little hiss, then continued:

- If it's this house is far from here.

- Which side ?

- There, in the hills ... quite the mountain.

The girl's eyes followed the direction was indicated the man's arm.

- From St. Rock, one sees the house as the crow flies. To get there, to go through the Planet and Saint John. It's not here, you see.

- Indeed ! Noële was prohibited by so many unknown places.

- But we must make sure that I do not confuse. Look, here's the factor: it will inform you better than me.

Questioned in turn, confirmed that the newcomer Montjoya was located on the other side of Gordolasque in the rocks of the Traverse.

Laughing, he observed:

- Sure it do not be afraid of loneliness to settle so far from any other dwelling! This is the desert around Montjoya, the nearest house is located two hours away.

And as the girl listened, stunned, he continued, happy to chat.

- My father knew the location in his youth.

There were only stones and some sections of walls still upright. It is claimed that these remains dated back to the Romans ... a bastion defending the valley. And here at the end of the last century a very rich original came into the country. He bought the entire plateau and used the stones to build huge buildings. One time there was up to thirty servants and three hundred head of cattle up there! This is huge as building: a large building and lots of common round about. All this after a green and fertile plateau. The site is wonderful, there is a splendid view of where we discover more than thirty villages spread over the banks of the Vésubie and Gordolasque. For that, there is no better location: the place is unique ... when we got there! Because to climb it, it is another matter. A true road of the devil ... unless it is the way to heaven!

His loud laugh, shared by the villagers burst loudly as if he had done a good joke.

But the little face Noële is not lighted. For several minutes even, its mine terribly stretched.

- I will never go so far away. And with my package, yet.

- We are waiting for you ?

- Yes.

- Mr. Le Kermeur could have sent one of these cars in your way. Before the rise of the Traverse, he installed a large garage where several cars are garaged and has a cable car, which significantly reduces the ride. It was not the luxury to get to you.

- Mr. Le Kermeur knew the exact day of my arrival.

- It would have been wise to prevent.

- It's too late now. And I would so arrive before night. How to go there?

- We need a car to go up to St. Rock. You can not go wrong then everywhere we discover buildings Montjoya.

- But where to find this car? And, she admitted ruefully, if it's too expensive, I can not pay.

She thought of hotel expenses, the sum required by the bus driver to drive here, and a heavy heart hugged her with the prospect of a new expense that would completely melt his last money.

- Listen, lady, 'said the kindly postman, if you want to accompany me, it will cause the road. I returned to the office; but going outside the hotel for tourists, I could see if there is not some customer may climb to Belvedere. In your interest, I see nothing better to advise you.

- I ask only to follow your advice, sir; anything that will shorten my route will be a blessing.

All her fears returned against the hostile mountain. She thought that this February the days were short and cold. Could it get to your destination before dark?

She was lucky, thanks to good factor, you can use the car of a traveling salesman who was going in the desired direction.

Holy Rock, which showed him the finger on the side of a hill, had seemed too distant.

She was surprised long detours zigzag and always amount it would take to get there.

For the first time, she had the impression of what actually the mountain, and the length of the winding roads that crisscrossed. And when his companion pointed to the finger, the other side of a valley walls Montjoya, it is not glad to be so close to a goal more apparent than real.

- For your convenience, I will start my tour by the end of the country. I will put you at the foot of the road to Montjoya.

She put in her thank all the gratitude she felt fulfilled for so complacently. And when she went ahead, only finally on the stony and bushy that climbed the steep slopes, she walked briskly with the impression to touch the end of his journey.

After an hour, however, it hardly seemed to have advanced. When a place was enough out to allow it to examine the surroundings, she felt at his feet and close to her St. Rock merged with Roquebillière while up there, buildings Montjoya slept, very far, under the blue sky bordered by snowy sites.

A second hour walk put the finishing touch to his weariness. She no longer walked in small steps, the stumbling feet on the sharp stones of the footpath, arms cut off by the burden of his pack. Several times, she had collapsed on the hard ground, asking fearfully if she would have the strength to stand up again and resume the long climb. She had thought herself good walker as she lacked training, and that his long confinement within the walls of the orphanage made her anemic despite his fine constitution.

So long as either a road, yet when the nibble feet long, it always end in sight.

Between the big bare trees, Noële, after more than three hours of walking, saw suddenly arise clarity. Soon she was on the set where in the bright and transparent air, Montjoya rose to bare his thick gray stone walls and crenellated tower.

It was in her relief.

Finally ! She had arrived!

His legs were so tired that she sat for a moment to take breath better.

An instinct of coquetry raised it to wipe his face, smoothing her dark hair, brushing hand soiled clothing; then, heart pounding and striving to overcome her emotion, she walked over to the main house so weary she tottered on his legs.

An old woman preceded her to a workroom she opened the door.

- Sir, a lady asks.

In the twilight of the late afternoon winter Noële distinguished a man from thirty to thirty-five.

From above a large book that ransacking, he looked up at the newcomer.

- Mr. Le Kermeur? it asked shyly.

- It's me, miss; you want?

Without a word, she handed the letter. Surprised, the man took it and read it. Profound astonishment spread over his face. Then Noële recorded a kind of tension that disturbed him.

- This is insane! I ask a secretary, I said for what works and what site we are ... and they send me a woman, a young girl! What do you want me to do for you here, my poor child?

- I can do the same job as any other secretary.

- There is no room in my house for a secretary of your age! This is quite ridiculous and I am sorry to disappoint you, but I can not accept you.

- Oh ! stammered Noële who believed suddenly see all the objects rotate around it. This does not mean you send me?

- I can not keep you, however, miss.

- I came because you asked someone, sir.

- Of course, but you do not do all my business.

- I have my diplomas, my wherry ... I speak English.

- Would you know the Chinese that my answer would be the same: I do not want a woman home. This is final and no exceptions.

The traveler bowed his head, sorry for his misfortune, his weariness ... ... All of this reception danced before her eyes and she thought she would faint in the office, at the feet of this man without pity .

His back against the wall, she stood, eyes closed, so pale that it would have melted the least sensitive of hearts.

But the man was already more attention to it. The head plunged again, again, in his books, he seemed to have forgotten the presence of the visitor.

However, as it did not move, he pressed his finger on an electric button. And the servant hastened to his call, he ordered:

- dropping off miss.

Noële had the desire to implore. She held out her hands to him, but he was not looking, and she understood how any insistence would be futile.

So staggering, she mechanically followed the woman who was driving the outside.

When the girl, his bundle under his arm, found himself on the edge of the path, his strength left him suddenly and she collapsed, overcome by fatigue as much as by his disappointment.

This crushing of his whole being was beneficial to him; few tears she then poured relieved her of her nervousness. Soon she could sit and, head in hands, she tried to consider her situation.

Apart Montjoya which had just banned it, it was far from any inhabited place and in the physical impossibility of winning walk another house.

Besides, what would she have done to the Belvedere or Roquebillière? There was no need to probe the flanks of his wallet to find that it contained more than enough to pay for a house.

On the other hand, his guardian had forbidden him to use it, and even assuming he still consented some help, it is sent too late succeed as using religious orphanage she might implore -being.

It was at once that she needed assistance, and in the wilderness, at this hour and in this season, the abandoned saw no support for hope.

Outside the castle there was no refuge for her.

Poor passive being, he was told to leave and she was starting, obeying the directive given. His goal was to reach Mr. Le Kermeur, and she came up to him ...

Where did they want her to go now? Towards what destination bear it?

It seemed not even that she had to seek other.

Besides, the woods were dark at that hour. Already, the trail distinguished it no longer seemed dangerous and mountain slopes with steep and gigantic scallops.

As for the valley, stay happy men, lukewarm homes, closed houses at night, a large dark mist invaded gradually and every corner is were wadding mist.

Soon, the mountain itself shadow bury.

A terrible fear was in Noële: to spend the night outside, lost in this vastness. Shivering, arms crossed over his chest in an instinctive gesture of defense, she stood up and looked around.

Although his legs were stiff and sore feet, abandoning his pack on site, the girl walked along the fence of piled stones that lined this side, the huge property.

Barking dogs in their kennels, signaled in passing his disturbing presence here.

Now, would it not in this mansion a human being who would have pity on her distress and save the darkness?

Never as in this instance, she had suffered so much to be alone in the world.

She thought of her mother she had never known the caresses.

God could not allow that his paradise disinterestedness a mother of the child left on earth.

From up there, the mother was her protection. And the orphan had to dead this desperate plea:

" Oh ! my mother, do not abandon me. You who have paid my birth in your life, can you forget me in such distress? "

This certainty that his dead mother still had duties to fulfill vis-à-vis she made him raise his head to the sky, as if, beyond the clouds, his eyes could ascend to God and claim assistance he owed to every human creature for the sole fact of having created.

Worms she repeated once, in kindergarten, returned to his memory and were sweet to her heart.

Small birds, God gives food ...

Let his children he never in need?

Sentences hope that, despite the hostility of things, made him believe in an unexpected emergency.

In the yard behind the house, Noële saw a shed filled with straw. She thought that the darkness came, she would slip between the boots and be based there warmly, if not quietly, as she had the instinctive fear of darkness.

She spotted the place well, then she returned to her package from which she sat, less discouraged about where in other shelter default, it could spend the night.

A remaining bread, Nicole took his pack, was all it took for food, she would gladly have eaten three times, but it was all that remained of their meager provisions.

The girl carefully finished picking up the crumbs on his knees, when, in the dark, a feminine form stood before her.

- The master sent me to fetch you. He said you could stay here tonight. You will sleep Montjoya.

The orphan naturally followed the woman, as if she expected to charity this late ... Was it not, in fact, God's help she had hoped?

But it does no illusions: she knew that the same difficulties would stand for it the next morning.

For now, in his mind weakened by fatigue and misery, one thing prevailed and plunged into a beatitude: she was sleeping away ... in a bed under a roof ... with of civilized beings, and protected against the beasts of the mysterious mountain.