第5章

Sheshallgotoashop，andgetnothingfromme。Shehasn’tasou;letherdoaswedid，——work。"

Vinetdeparted，havingputhisplanintoSylvie’shead，herdoggedobstinacybeingwell—knowntohim。Theoldmaid，hewascertain，wouldthinktheschemeherown，andcarryitout。

Thelawyerfoundthecolonelinthesquare，smokingacigarwhilehewaitedforhim。

"Halt！"saidGouraud;"youhavepulledmedown，butstonesenoughcamewithmetoburyyou——"

"Colonel！——"

"Colonelornot，Ishallgiveyouyourdeserts。Inthefirstplace，youshallnotbedeputy——"

"Colonel！——"

"Icontroltenvotesandtheelectiondependson——"

"Colonel，listentome。IstherenoonetomarrybutthatoldSylvie？

Ihavejustbeendefendingyoutoher;youareaccusedandconvictedofwritingtoPierrette;shesawyouleaveyourhouseatmidnightandcometothegirl’swindow——"

"Stuffandnonsense！"

"ShemeanstomarryherbrothertoBathildeandleaveherfortunetotheirchildren。"

"Rogronwon’thaveany。"

"Yeshewill，"repliedVinet。"ButIpromisetofindyousomeyoungandagreeablewomanwithahundredandfiftythousandfrancs？Don’tbeafool;howcanyouandIaffordtoquarrel？Thingshavegoneagainstyouinspiteofallmycare;butyoudon’tunderstandme。"

"Thenwemustunderstandeachother，"saidthecolonel。"Getmeawifewithahundredandfiftythousandfrancsbeforetheelections;ifnot——lookoutforyourself！Idon’tlikeunpleasantbed—fellows，andyou’vepulledtheblanketsallovertoyourside。Good—evening。"

"Youshallsee，"saidVinet，graspingthecolonel’shandaffectionately。

*****

Aboutoneo’clockthatnightthreeclear，sharpcriesofanowl，wonderfullywellimitated，echoedthroughthesquare。Pierretteheardtheminherfeverishsleep;shejumpedup，moistwithperspiration，openedherwindow，sawBrigaut，andflungdownaballofsilk，towhichhefastenedaletter。Sylvie，agitatedbytheeventsofthedayandherownindecisionofmind，wasnotasleep;sheheardtheowl。

"Ah，birdofill—omen！"shethought。"Why，Pierretteisgettingup！

Whatissheafter？"

Hearingtheatticwindowopensoftly，Sylvierushedtoherownwindowandheardtherustleofpaperagainstherblinds。Shefastenedthestringsofherbed—gownandwentquicklyupstairstoPierrette’sroom，whereshefoundthepoorgirlunwindingthesilkandfreeingtheletter。

"Ha！I’vecaughtyou！"criedtheoldwoman，rushingtothewindow，fromwhichshesawJacquesrunningatfullspeed。"Givemethatletter。"

"No，cousin，"saidPierrette，who，byoneofthosestronginspirationsofyouthsustainedbyherownsoul，rosetoagrandeurofresistancesuchasweadmireinthehistoryofcertainpeoplesreducedtodespair。

"Ha！youwillnot？"criedSylvie，advancinguponthegirlwithafacefullofhatredandfury。

Pierrettefellbacktogettimetoputherletterinherhand，whichsheclenchedwithunnaturalforce。SeeingthismanoeuvreSylviegraspedthedelicatewhitehandofthegirlinherlobsterclawsandtriedtoopenit。Itwasafrightfulstruggle，aninfamousstruggle;

itwasmorethanaphysicalstruggle;itassailedthemind，thesoletreasureofthehumanbeing，thethought，whichGodhasplacedbeyondallearthlypowerandguardsasthesecretwaybetweenthesuffererandHimself。Thetwowomen，onedying，theotherinthevigorofhealth，lookedateachotherfixedly。Pierrette’seyesdartedonherexecutionerthelookthefamousTemplarontherackcastuponPhilippeleBel，whocouldnotbearitandfledthunderstricken。Sylvie，awomanandajealouswoman，answeredthatmagneticlookwithmalignantflashes。Adreadfulsilencereigned。TheclenchedhandoftheBretongirlresistedhercousin’seffortslikeablockofsteel。SylvietwistedPierrette’sarm，shetriedtoforcethefingersopen;unabletodososhestuckhernailsintotheflesh。Atlast，inhermadness，shesetherteethintothewrist，tryingtoconquerthegirlbypain。

Pierrettedefiedherstill，withthatsameterribleglanceofinnocence。Theangeroftheoldmaidgrewtosuchapitchthatitbecameblindfury。SheseizedPierrette’sarmandstrucktheclosedfistuponthewindow—sill，andthenuponthemarbleofthemantelpiece，aswecrackanuttogetthekernel。

"Help！help！"criedPierrette，"theyaremurderingme！"

"Ha！youmaywellscream，whenIcatchyouwithaloverinthedeadofnight。"

Andshebeatthehandpitilessly。

"Help！help！"criedPierrette，thebloodflowing。

Atthatinstant，loudknockswereheardatthefrontdoor。Exhausted，thetwowomenpausedamoment。

Rogron，awakenedanduneasy，notknowingwhatwashappening，hadgotup，gonetohissister’sroom，andnotfindingherwasfrightened。

Hearingtheknockshewentdown，unfastenedthefrontdoor，andwasnearlyknockedoverbyBrigaut，followedbyasortofphantom。

AtthismomentSylvie’seyeschancedtofallonPierrette’scorset，andsherememberedthepapers。Releasingthegirl’swristshespranguponthecorsetlikeatigeronitsprey，andshowedittoPierrettewithasmile，——thesmileofanIroquoisoverhisvictimbeforehescalpshim。

"Iamdying，"saidPierrette，fallingonherknees，"oh，whowillsaveme？"

"I！"saidawomanwithwhitehairandanagedparchmentface，inwhichtwograyeyesglittered。

"Ah！grandmother，youhavecometoolate，"criedthepoorchild，burstingintotears。

Pierrettefelluponherbed，herstrengthallgone，half—deadwiththeexhaustionwhich，inherfeeblestate，followedsoviolentastruggle。

Thetallgraywomantookherinherarms，asanurseliftsachild，andwentout，followedbyBrigaut，withoutawordtoSylvie，onwhomshecastoneglanceofmajesticaccusation。

Theapparitionofthataugustoldwoman，inherBretoncostume，shroudedinhercoif（asortofhoodedmantleofblackcloth），accompaniedbyBrigaut，appalledSylvie;shefanciedshesawdeath。

Sheslowlywentdownthestairs，listenedtothefrontdoorclosingbehindthem，andcamefacetofacewithherbrother，whoexclaimed：

"Thentheyhaven’tkilledyou？"

"Gotobed，"saidSylvie。"To—morrowwewillseewhatwemustdo。"

Shewentbacktoherownbed，rippedopenthecorset，andreadBrigaut’stwoletters，whichconfoundedher。Shewenttosleepinthegreatestperplexity，——notimaginingtheterribleresultstowhichherconductwastolead。

*****

TheletterssentbyBrigauttooldMadameLorrainreachedherinamomentofineffablejoy，whichtheperusalofthemtroubled。ThepooroldwomanhadgrieveddeeplyinlivingwithoutherPierrettebesideher，butshehadconsoledherlonelinesswiththethoughtthatthesacrificeofherselfwasintheinterestsofhergrandchild。Shewasblessedwithoneofthoseever—youngheartswhichareupheldandinvigoratedbytheideaofsacrifice。Heroldhusband，whoseonlyjoywashislittlegranddaughter，hadgrievedforPierrette;everydayhehadseemedtolookforher。Itwasanoldman’sgrief，——onwhichsucholdmenlive，ofwhichtheydie。

Everyonecannowimaginethehappinesswhichthispooroldwoman，livinginasortofalmshouse，feltwhenshelearnedofagenerousaction，rareindeedbutnotimpossibleinFrance。TheheadofthehouseofCollinet，whosefailurein1814hadcausedtheLorrainsalossoftwenty—fourthousandfrancs，hadgonetoAmericawithhischildrenafterhisdisasters。Hehadtoohighacouragetoremainaruinedman。AfterelevenyearsofuntoldeffortcrownedbysuccesshereturnedtoNantestorecoverhisposition，leavinghiseldestsoninchargeofhistransatlantichouse。HefoundMadameLorrainofPen—HoelintheinstitutionofSaint—Jacques，andwaswitnessoftheresignationwithwhichthismostunfortunateofhiscreditorsborehermisery。

"Godforgiveyou！"saidtheoldwoman，"sinceyougivemeonthebordersofmygravethemeansofsecuringthehappinessofmydeargranddaughter;butalas！itwillnotclearthedebtsofmypoorhusband！"

MonsieurCollinetmadeovertothewidowboththecapitalandtheaccruedinterest，amountingtoaboutforty—twothousandfrancs。Hisothercreditors，prosperous，rich，andintelligentmerchants，hadeasilyborntheirlosses，whereasthemisfortunesoftheLorrainsseemedsoirremediabletooldMonsieurCollinetthathepromisedthewidowtopayoffherhusband’sdebts，totheamountoffortythousandfrancsmore。WhentheBourseofNantesheardofthisgenerousreparationtheywishedtoreceiveCollinettotheirboardbeforehiscertificatesweregrantedbytheRoyalcourtatRennes;butthemerchantrefusedthehonor，preferringtosubmittotheordinarycommercialrule。

MadameLorrainhadreceivedthemoneyonlythedaybeforethepostbroughtherBrigaut’sletter，enclosingthatofPierrette。Herfirstthoughthadbeen，asshesignedthereceipt："NowIcanlivewithmyPierretteandmarryhertothatgoodBrigaut，whowillmakeafortunewithmymoney。"

ThereforethemomentshehadreadthefatallettersshemadeinstantpreparationstostartforProvins。SheleftNantesthatnightbythemail;forsomeonehadexplainedtoheritscelerity。InParisshetookthediligenceforTroyes，whichpassesthroughProvins，andbyhalf—pastelevenatnightshereachedFrappier’s，whereBrigaut，shockedatherdespairinglooks，toldherofPierrette’sstateandpromisedtobringthepoorgirltoherinstantly。Hiswordssoterrifiedthegrandmotherthatshecouldnotcontrolherimpatienceandfollowedhimtothesquare。WhenPierrettescreamed，thehorrorofthatcrywenttoherheartassharplyasitdidtoBrigaut’s。TogethertheywouldhaverousedtheneighborhoodifRogron，inhisterror，hadnotopenedthedoor。ThescreamoftheyounggirlatbaygavehergrandmotherthesuddenstrengthofangerwithwhichshecarriedherdearPierretteinherarmstoFrappier’shouse，whereMadameFrappierhastilyarrangedBrigaut’sownroomfortheoldwomanandhertreasure。Inthatpoorroom，onabedhalf—made，thesuffererwasdeposited;andthereshefaintedaway，holdingherhandstillclenched，wounded，bleeding，withthenailsdeepbeddedintheflesh。

Brigaut，Frappier，hiswife，andtheoldwomanstoodlookingatPierretteinsilence，allfouroftheminastateofindescribableamazement。

"Whyisherhandbloody？"saidthegrandmotheratlast。

Pierrette，overcomebythesleepwhichfollowsallabnormaldisplaysofstrength，anddimlyconsciousthatshewassafefromviolence，graduallyunbentherfingers。Brigaut’sletterfellfromthemlikeananswer。

"Theytriedtotakemyletterfromher，"saidBrigaut，fallingonhiskneesandpickingupthelinesinwhichhehadtoldhislittlefriendtocomeinstantlyandsoftlyawayfromthehouse。Hekissedwithpiouslovethemartyr’shand。

Itwasasightthatmadethosepresenttremblewhentheysawtheoldgraywoman，asublimespectre，standingbesidehergrandchild’spillow。Terrorandvengeancewrotetheirfierceexpressionsinthewrinklesthatlinedherskinofyellowivory;herforehead，halfhiddenbythestragglingmeshesofhergrayhair，expressedasolemnanger。Sheread，withapowerofintuitiongiventotheagedwhenneartheirgrave，Pierrette’swholelife，onwhichhermindhaddweltthroughoutherjourney。Shedivinedtheillnessofherdarling，andknewthatshewasthreatenedwithdeath。Twobigtearspainfullyroseinherwangrayeyes，fromwhichhertroubleshadwornbothlashesandeyebrows，twopearlsofanguish，formingwithinthemandgivingthemadreadfulbrightness;theneachtearswelledandrolleddownthewitheredcheek，butdidnotwetit。

"Theyhavekilledher！"shesaidatlast，claspingherhands。

Shefellonherkneeswhichstrucksharpblowsonthebrick—laidfloor，makingavownodoubttoSaintAnned’Auray，themostpowerfulofthemadonnasofBrittany。

"AdoctorfromParis，"shesaidtoBrigaut。"Goandfetchone，Brigaut，go！"

Shetookhimbytheshoulderandgavehimadespoticpushtosendhimfromtheroom。

"Iwascoming，mylad，whenyouwroteme;Iamrich，——here，takethis，"shecried，recallinghim，andunfasteningasshespokethestringsthattiedhershort—gown。Thenshedrewapaperfromherbosominwhichwereforty—twobank—bills，saying，"Takewhatisnecessary，andbringbackthegreatestdoctorinParis。"

"Keepthose，"saidFrappier;"hecan’tchangethousandfrancnotesnow。Ihavemoney，andthediligencewillbepassingpresently;hecancertainlyfindaplaceonit。ButbeforehegoeswehadbetterconsultDoctorMartener;hewilltellusthebestphysicianinParis。Thediligencewon’tpassforoveranhour，——wehavetimeenough。"

BrigautwokeupMonsieurMartener，andbroughthimatonce。ThedoctorwasnotalittlesurprisedtofindMademoiselleLorrainatFrappier’s。

BrigauttoldhimofthescenethathadjusttakenplaceattheRogrons’;butevensothedoctordidnotatfirstsuspectthehorrorofit，northeextentoftheinjurydone。MartenergavetheaddressofthecelebratedHoraceBianchon，andBrigautstartedforParisbythediligence。MonsieurMartenerthensatdownandexaminedfirstthebruisedandbloodyhandwhichlayoutsidethebed。

"Shecouldnothavegiventhesewoundsherself，"hesaid。

"No;thehorriblewomantowhomIhadthemisfortunetotrustherwasmurderingher，"saidthegrandmother。"MypoorPierrettewasscreaming’Help！help！I’mdying，’——enoughtotouchtheheartofanexecutioner。"

"Butwhywasit？"saidthedoctor，feelingPierrette’spulse。"Sheisveryill，"headded，examiningherwithalight。"Shemusthavesufferedterribly;Idon’tunderstandwhyshehasnotbeenproperlycaredfor。"

"Ishallcomplaintotheauthorities，"saidthegrandmother。"ThoseRogronsaskedmeformychildinaletter，sayingtheyhadtwelvethousandfrancsayearandwouldtakecareofher;hadtheytherighttomakehertheirservantandforcehertodoworkforwhichshehadnotthestrength？"

"Theydidnotchoosetoseethemostvisibleofallmaladiestowhichyounggirlsareliable。Sheneededtheutmostcare，"criedMonsieurMartener。

PierrettewasawakenedbythelightwhichMadameFrappierwasholdingnearherface，andbythehorriblesufferingsinherheadcausedbythereactionofherstruggle。

"Ah！MonsieurMartener，Iamveryill，"shesaidinherprettyvoice。

"Whereisthepain，mylittlefriend？"askedthedoctor。

"Here，"shesaid，touchingherheadabovetheleftear。

"There’sanabscess，"saidthedoctor，afterfeelingtheheadforalongtimeandquestioningPierretteonhersufferings。"Youmusttellusall，mychild，sothatwemayknowhowtocureyou。Whyisyourhandlikethis？Youcouldnothavegivenyourselfthatwound。"

PierretterelatedthestrugglebetweenherselfandhercousinSylvie。

"Makehertalk，"saidthedoctortothegrandmother，"andfindoutthewholetruth。IwillawaitthearrivalofthedoctorfromParis;andwewillsendforthesurgeoninchargeofthehospitalhere，andhaveaconsultation。Thecaseseemstomeaveryseriousone。MeantimeIwillsendyouaquietingdraughtsothatmademoisellemaysleep;sheneedssleep。"

LeftalonewithhergranddaughtertheoldBretonwomanexertedherinfluenceoverthechildandmadehertellall;sheletherknowthatshehadmoneyenoughnowforallthree，andpromisedthatBrigautshouldlivewiththem。Thepoorgirladmittedhermartyrdom，notimaginingtheeventstowhichheradmissionswouldgiverise。ThemonstrosityoftwobeingswithoutaffectionandwithoutconceptionoffamilylifeopenedtotheoldwomanaworldofwoeasfarfromherknowledgeasthemoralsofsavagesmayhaveseemedtothefirstdiscovererswhosetfootinAmerica。

Thearrivalofhergrandmother，thecertaintyoflivingwithherincomfortsoothedPierrette’smindasthesleepingdraughtsoothedherbody。Theoldwomanwatchedherdarling，kissingherforehead，hair，andhands，astheholywomenofoldkissedthehandsofJesuswhentheylaidhiminthetomb。

IX

THEFAMILYCOUNCIL

Atnineo’clockthatmorningMonsieurMartenerwenttoseeMonsieurTiphaine，andrelatedtohimthescenebetweenPierretteandSylvie，andthetorturesofallkinds，moralandphysical，towhichtheRogronshadsubjectedtheircousin，andthetwoalarmingformsofillnesswhichtheircrueltyhaddeveloped。MonsieurTiphainesentforAuffraythenotary，oneofPierrette’sownrelationsonthematernalside。

AtthisparticulartimethewarbetweentheVinetpartyandtheTiphainepartywasatitsheight。ThescandalswhichtheRogronsandtheiradherentsweredisseminatingthroughthetownabouttheliaisonofMadameTiphaine’smotherwiththebankerduTillet，andthebankruptcyofherfather（aforger，theysaid），wereallthemoreexasperatingtotheTiphainesbecausethesethingsweremalicioustruths，notlibels。Suchwoundscutdeep;theygotothequickoffeelingsandofinterests。Thesespeeches，repeatedtothepartisansoftheTiphainesbythesamemouthswhichtoldtheRogronsofthesneersof"thosewomen"oftheTiphaineclique，fedthehatredsofbothsides，nowincreasedbythepoliticalelement。TheanimositiescausedatthistimeinFrancebythespiritofparty，theviolencesofwhichwereexcessive，wereeverywheremixedup，asinProvins，withselfishschemesandwoundedorvindictiveindividualinterests。Eachpartyeagerlyseizedonwhatevermightinjuretherivalparty。

Personalhatredsandself—lovemingledasmuchaspoliticalanimosityineventhesmallestmatters，andwerecarriedtohithertounheard—oflengths。Awholetownwouldberousedtoexcitementoversomeprivatestruggle，untilittookthecharacterofapoliticaldebate。

MonsieurTiphaineatonceperceivedinthecaseofPierretteagainsttheRogronsameansofhumbling，mortifying，anddishonoringthemastersofthatsalonwhereplansagainstthemonarchyweremadeandanoppositionjournalborn。Thepublicprosecutorwascalledin;andtogetherwithMonsieurAuffraythenotary，Pierrette’srelation，andMonsieurMartener，acautiousconsultationwasheldintheutmostsecrecyastothepropercoursetofollow。MonsieurMarteneragreedtoadvisePierrette’sgrandmothertoapplytothecourtstohaveAuffrayappointedguardiantohisyoungrelation。Theguardiancouldthenconvenea"FamilyCouncil，"and，backedbythetestimonyofthreedoctors，demandthegirl’sreleasefromtheauthorityoftheRogrons。

Theaffairthusmanagedwouldhavetogobeforethecourts，andthepublicprosecutor，MonsieurLesourd，wouldseethatitwastakentoacriminalcourtbydemandinganinquiry。

TowardsmiddayallProvinswasrousedbythestrangenewsofwhathadhappenedduringthenightattheRogrons’。Pierrette’scrieshadbeenfaintlyheard，thoughtheyweresoonover。Noonehadrisentoinquirewhattheymeant，buteveryonesaidthenextday，"Didyouhearthosescreamsaboutoneinthemorning？"Gossipandcommentssoonmagnifiedthehorribledrama，andacrowdcollectedinfrontofFrappier’sshop，askingtheworthycabinet—makerforinformation，andhearingfromhimhowPierrettewasbroughttohishousewithherfingersbrokenandthehandbloody。

Towardsoneintheafternoonthepost—chaiseofDoctorBianchon，whowasaccompaniedbyBrigaut，stoppedbeforethehouse，andMadameFrappierwentatoncetosummonMonsieurMartenerandthesurgeoninchargeofthehospital。Thusthegossipofthetownreceivedconfirmation。TheRogronsweredeclaredtohaveill—usedtheircousindeliberately，andtohavecomenearkillingher。Vinetheardthenewswhileattendingtohisbusinessinthelawcourts;helefteverythingandhurriedtotheRogrons。Rogronandhissisterhadjustfinishedbreakfast。Sylviewasreluctanttotellherbrotherofherdiscomfitureofthenightbefore;buthepressedherwithquestions，towhichshewouldmakenoanswerthan，"That’snotyourbusiness。"

Shewentandcamefromthekitchentothedining—roomonpretenceofpreparingthebreakfast，butchieflytoavoiddiscussion。ShewasalonewhenVinetentered。

"Youknowwhat’shappened？"saidthelawyer。

"No，"saidSylvie。

"Youwillbearrestedonacriminalcharge，"repliedVinet，"fromthewaythingsarenowgoingaboutPierrette。"

"Acriminalcharge！"criedRogron，whohadcomeintotheroom。"Why？

Whatfor？"

"Firstofall，"saidthelawyer，lookingatSylvie，"explaintomewithoutconcealmentandasifyoustoodbeforeGod，whathappenedinthishouselastnight——theytalkofamputatingPierrette’shand。"

Sylvieturnedlividandshuddered。

"Thenthereissometruthinit？"saidVinet。

MademoiselleRogronrelatedthescene，tryingtoexcuseherself;but，proddedwithquestions，sheacknowledgedthefactsofthehorriblestruggle。

"Ifyouhaveonlyinjuredherfingersyouwillbetakenbeforethepolicecourtforamisdemeanor;butiftheycutoffherhandyoumaybetriedattheAssizesforaworseoffence。TheTiphaineswilldotheirbesttogetyouthere。"

Sylvie，moredeadthanalive，confessedherjealousy，and，whatwashardertodo，confessedalsothathersuspicionswereunfounded。

"Heavens，whatacasethiswillmake！"criedthelawyer。"Youandyourbrothermayberuinedbyit;youwillbeabandonedbymostpeoplewhetheryouwinorlose。Ifyoulose，youwillhavetoleaveProvins。"

"Oh，mydearMonsieurVinet，youwhoaresuchagreatlawyer，"saidRogron，terrified，"adviseus！saveus！"

ThecraftyVinetworkedtheterrorofthetwoimbecilestoitsutmost，declaringthatMadameandMademoiselledeChargeboeufmightbeunwillingtoentertheirhouseagain。Tobeabandonedbywomenoftheirrankwouldbeaterriblecondemnation。Atlength，afteranhourofadroitmanoeuvring，itwasagreedthatVinetmusthavesomepowerfulmotiveintakingthecase，thatwouldimpressthemindsofallProvinsandexplainhiseffortsonbehalfoftheRogrons。ThismotivetheydeterminedshouldbeRogron’smarriagetoMademoiselledeChargeboeuf;itshouldbeannouncedthatverydayandthebannspublishedonSunday。Thecontractcouldbedrawnimmediately。

MademoiselleRogronagreed，inconsiderationofthemarriage，toappearinthecontractassettlinghercapitalonherbrother，retainingonlytheincomeofit。VinetmadeRogronandhissistercomprehendthenecessityofantedatingthedocumentbytwoorthreedays，soastocommitthemotheranddaughterintheeyesofthepublicandgivethemareasonforcontinuingtheirvisits。

"SignthatcontractandI’lltakeuponmyselftogetyousafelyoutofthisaffair，"saidthelawyer。"Therewillbeaterriblefight;butI

willputmywholesoulintoit——you’llhavetomakemeavotiveoffering。"

"Oh，yes，yes，"saidRogron。

Byhalf—pasteleventhelawyerhadplenarypowerstodrawthecontractandconductthedefenceoftheRogrons。Attwelveo’clockapplicationwasmadetoMonsieurTiphaine，asajudgesittinginchambers，againstBrigautandthewidowLorrainforhavingabductedPierretteLorrain，aminor，fromthehouseofherlegalguardian。InthiswaytheboldlawyerbecametheaggressorandmadeRogrontheinjuredparty。Hespokeofthematterfromthispointofviewinthecourt—house。

Thejudgepostponedthehearingtillfouro’clock。Needlesstodescribetheexcitementinthetown。MonsieurTiphaineknewthatbythreeo’clocktheconsultationofdoctorswouldbeoverandtheirreportdrawnup;hewishedAuffray，assurrogate—guardian，tobeatthehearingarmedwiththatreport。

TheannouncementofRogron’smarriageandthesacrificesmadetoitbySylvieinthecontractalienatedtwoimportantsupportersfromthebrotherandsister，namely，——MademoiselleHabertandthecolonel，whosehopeswerethusannihilated。Theyremained，however，ostensiblyontheRogronsideforthepurposeofinjuringit。Consequently，assoonasMonsieurMartenermentionedthealarmingconditionofPierrette’shead，CelesteandthecoloneltoldoftheblowshehadgivenherselfduringtheeveningwhenSylviehadforcedhertoleavethesalon;andtheyrelatedtheoldmaid’sbarbarousandunfeelingcomments，withotherstatementsprovinghercrueltytohersufferingcousin。Vinethadforeseenthisstorm;buthehadsecuredtheentirefortuneoftheRogronsforMademoiselledeChargeboeuf，andhepromisedhimselfthatinafewweekssheshouldbemistressoftheRogronhouse，andreignwithhimoverProvins，andevenbringaboutafusionwiththeBreauteysandthearistocratsintheinterestsofhisambition。

Frommiddaytofouro’clockalltheladiesoftheTiphainecliquesenttoinquireafterMademoiselleLorrain。She，poorgirl，waswhollyignorantofthecommotionshewascausinginthelittletown。InthemidstofhersufferingsshewasineffablyhappyinrecoveringhergrandmotherandBrigaut，thetwoobjectsofheraffection。Brigaut’seyeswereconstantlyfulloftears。Theoldgrandmothersatbythebedandcaressedherdarling。TothethreedoctorsshetoldeverydetailshehadobtainedfromPierretteastoherlifeintheRogronhouse。

HoraceBianchonexpressedhisindignationinvehementlanguage。

Shockedatsuchbarbarityheinsistedonallthephysiciansinthetownbeingcalledintoseethecase;theconsequencewasthatDr。

Neraud，thefriendoftheRogrons，waspresent。Thereportwasunanimouslysigned。Itisuselesstogiveatextofithere。IfMoliere’smedicaltermswerebarbarous，thoseofmodernsciencehavetheadvantageofbeingsoclearthattheexplanationofPierrette’smalady，thoughnaturalandunfortunatelycommon，horrifiedallears。

Atfouro’clock，aftertheusualrisingofthecourt，presidentTiphaineagaintookhisseat，whenMadameLorrain，accompaniedbyMonsieurAuffrayandBrigautandacrowdofinterestedpersons，enteredthecourt—room。Vinetwasalone。Thiscontraststruckthemindsofthosepresent。Thelawyer，whostillworehisrobe，turnedhiscoldfacetothejudge，settledhisspectaclesonhispallidgreeneyes，andtheninashrill，persistentvoicehestatedthattwostrangershadforcedthemselvesatnightintotheRogrondomicileandhadabductedtherefromtheminorLorrain。Thelegalrightswerewiththeguardian，whonowdemandedtherestorationofhisward。

MonsieurAuffrayrose，assurrogate—guardian，andrequestedtobeheard。

"Ifthejudge，"hesaid，"willadmitthereport，whichIholdinmyhand，signedbyoneofthemostfamousphysiciansinParis，andbyallthephysiciansinProvins，hewillunderstandnotonlythatthedemandoftheSieurRogronissenseless，butalsothatthegrandmotheroftheminorhadgravecausetoinstantlyremoveherfromherpersecutors。

Herearethefacts。Thereportofthesephysiciansattributethealmostdyingconditionofthesaidminortotheill—treatmentshehasreceivedfromtheSieurRogronandhissister。Weshall，asthelawdirects，convokeaFamilyCouncilwiththeleastpossibledelay，anddiscussthequestionastowhetherornottheguardianshouldbedeposed。Andwenowaskthattheminorbenotreturnedtothedomicileofthesaidguardianbutthatshebeconfidedtosomememberofherfamilywhoshallbedesignatedbythejudge。"

Vinetreplied，declaringthatthephysicians’reportoughttohavebeensubmittedtohiminorderthathemighthavedisprovedit。

"Notsubmittedtoyourside，"saidthejudge，severely，"butpossiblytothe/procureurduroi/。Thecaseisheard。"

Thejudgethenwroteatthebottomofthepetitionthefollowingorder：——

"Whereasitappears，fromadeliberateandunanimousreportofallthephysiciansofthistown，togetherwithDoctorBianchonofthemedicalfacultyofParis，thattheminorLorrain，claimedbyJerome—DenisRogron，herguardian，isextremelyillinconsequenceofill—treatmentandpersonalassaultinthehouseofthesaidguardianandhissister：

"We，presidentofthecourtofProvins，passinguponthesaidpetition，orderthatuntiltheFamilyCouncilisheldtheminorLorrainisnottobereturnedtothehouseholdofhersaidguardian，butshallbekeptinthatofhersurrogate—guardian。

"Andfurther，consideringthestateinwhichthesaidminornowis，andthetracesofviolencewhich，accordingtothereportofthephysicians，arenowuponherperson，wecommissiontheattendingphysicianandthesurgeoninchargeofthehospitalofProvinstovisither，andincasetheinjuriesfromthesaidassaultbecomealarming，thematterwillbeheldtoawaittheactionofthecriminalcourts;andthiswithoutprejudicetothecivilsuitundertakenbyAuffraythesurrogate—guardian。"

ThisseverejudgmentwasreadoutbyPresidentTiphaineinaloudanddistinctvoice。

"Whynotsendthemtothegalleysatonce？"saidVinet。"Andallthisfussaboutagirlwhowascarryingonanintriguewithanapprenticetoacabinet—maker！Ifthecasegoesoninthisway，"hecried，insolently，"weshalldemandotherjudgesonthegroundoflegitimatesuspicion。"

Vinetleftthecourt—room，andwentamongthechiefmenofhispartytoexplainRogron’sposition，declaringthathehadneversomuchasgivenafliptohiscousin，andthatthejudgehadviewedhimmuchlessasPierrette’sguardianthanasaleadingelectorinProvins。

TohearVinet，peoplemighthavesupposedthattheTiphainesweremakingagreatfussaboutnothing;themountingwasbringingforthamouse。Sylvie，aneminentlyvirtuousandpiouswoman，haddiscoveredanintriguebetweenherbrother’swardandaworkman，aBretonnamedBrigaut。Thescoundrelknewverywellthatthegirlwouldhavehergrandmother’smoney，andhewishedtoseduceher（Vinettotalkofthat！）。MademoiselleRogron，whohaddiscoveredlettersprovingthedepravityofthegirl，wasnotasmuchtoblameastheTiphainesweretryingtomakeout。Ifshedidusesomeviolencetogetpossessionofthoseletters（whichwasnowonder，whenweconsiderwhatBretonobstinacyis），howcouldRogronbeconsideredresponsibleforallthat？

Thelawyerwentontomakethematterapartisanaffair，andtogiveitapoliticalcolor。

"Theywholistentoonlyonebellhearonlyonesound，"saidthewisemen。"HaveyouheardwhatVinetsays？Vinetexplainsthingsclearly。"

Frappier’shousebeingthoughtinjurioustoPierrette，owingtothenoiseinthestreetwhichincreasedthesufferingsinherhead，shewastakentothatofhersurrogateguardian，thechangebeingasnecessarymedicallyasitwasjudicially。Theremovalwasmadewiththeutmostcaution，andwascalculatedtoproduceagreatpubliceffect。Pierrettewaslaidonamattressandcarriedonastretcherbytwomen;aGraySisterwalkedbesideherwithabottleofsalvolatileinherhand，whilethegrandmother，Brigaut，MadameAuffray，andhermaidfollowed。Peoplewereattheirwindowsanddoorstoseetheprocessionpass。CertainlythestateinwhichtheysawPierrette，paleasdeath，gaveimmenseadvantagetothepartyagainsttheRogrons。TheAuffraysweredeterminedtoprovetothewholetownthatthejudgewasrightinthedecisionhehadgiven。PierretteandhergrandmotherwereinstalledonthesecondfloorofMonsieurAuffray’shouse。Thenotaryandhiswifegavehereverycarewiththegreatesthospitality，whichwasnotwithoutalittleostentationinit。Pierrettehadhergrandmothertonurseher;andMonsieurMartenerandthehead—surgeonofthehospitalattendedher。

Ontheeveningofthisdayexaggerationsbeganonbothsides。TheRogronsalonwascrowded。VinethadstirredupthewholeLiberalpartyonthesubject。TheChargeboeufladiesdinedwiththeRogrons，forthecontractwastobesignedthatevening。Vinethadhadthebannspostedatthemayor’sofficeintheafternoon。HemadelightofthePierretteaffair。IftheProvinscourtwasprejudiced，theRoyalcourtswouldappreciatethefacts，hesaid，andtheAuffrayswouldthinktwicebeforetheyflungthemselvesintosuchasuit。TheallianceoftheRogronswiththeChargeboeufswasanimmenseconsiderationinthemindsofacertainclassofpeople。TothemitmadetheRogronsaswhiteassnowandPierretteanevillydisposedlittlegirl，aserpentwarmedintheirbosom。

InMadameTiphaine’ssalonvengeancewashadforallthemischievousscandalsthattheVinetpartyhaddisseminatedforthepasttwoyears。

TheRogronsweremonsters，andtheguardianshouldundergoacriminaltrial。IntheLowertown，Pierrettewasquitewell;intheUppertownshewasdying;attheRogrons’shescratchedherwrist;atMadameTiphaine’sherfingerswerefracturedandonewastobecutoff。Thenextdaythe"CourrierdeProvins，"hadaplausiblearticle，extremelywell—written，amasterpieceofinsinuationsmixedwithlegalpoints，whichshowedthattherewasnocasewhateveragainstRogron。The"Bee—

hive，"whichdidnotappeartilltwodayslater，couldnotanswerwithoutbecomingdefamatory;itreplied，however，thatinanaffairlikethisitwasbesttowaituntilthelawtookitscourse。

TheFamilyCouncilwasselectedbythe/jugedepaix/ofthecantonofProvins，andconsistedofRogronandthetwoMessieursAuffray，thenearestrelatives，andMonsieurCiprey，nephewofPierrette’smaternalgrandmother。TothesewerejoinedMonsieurHabert，Pierrette’sconfessor，andColonelGouraud，whohadalwaysprofessedhimselfacomradeandfriendofherfather，ColonelLorrain。Theimpartialityofthejudgeintheseselectionswasmuchapplauded，——MonsieurHabertandColonelGouraudbeingconsideredthefirmfriendsoftheRogrons。

TheserioussituationinwhichRogronfoundhimselfmadehimaskfortheassistanceofalawyer（andhenamedVinet）attheFamilyCouncil。

Bythismanoeuvre，evidentlyadvisedbyVinethimself，RogronsucceededinpostponingthemeetingofthecounciltilltheendofDecember。AtthattimeMonsieurTiphaineandhiswifewouldbesettledinParisfortheopeningoftheChambers;andtheministerialpartywouldbeleftwithoutitshead。VinethadalreadyworkeduponDesfondrilles，thedeputy—judge，incasethemattershouldgo，afterthehearingbeforethecouncil，tothecriminalcourts。

VinetspokeforthreehoursbeforetheFamilyCouncil;heprovedtheexistenceofanintriguebetweenPierretteandBrigaut，whichjustifiedallMademoiselleRogron’sseverity。Heshowedhownaturalitwasthattheguardianshouldhaveleftthemanagementofhiswardtoawoman;hedweltonthefactthatRogronhadnotinterferedwithPierrette’seducationasplannedbyhissisterSylvie。ButinspiteofVinet’seffortstheCouncilwereunanimousinremovingRogronfromtheguardianship。MonsieurAuffraywasappointedinhisplace，andMonsieurCipreywasmadesurrogate。TheCouncilsummonedbeforeitandexaminedAdele，theservant—woman，whotestifiedagainstherlatemasters;alsoMademoiselleHabert，whorelatedthecruelremarksmadebyMademoiselleRogronontheeveningwhenPierrettehadgivenherselfafrightfulblow，heardbyallthecompany，andthespeechofMadamedeChargeboeufaboutthegirl’shealth。BrigautproducedtheletterhehadreceivedfromPierrette，whichprovedtheirinnocenceandstatedherill—treatment。Proofwasgiventhattheconditionoftheminorwastheresultofneglectonthepartoftheguardian，whowasresponsibleforallthatconcernedhisward。Pierrette’sillnesshadbeenapparenttoeveryone，eventopersonsinthetownwhowerestrangerstothefamily，yettheguardianhaddonenothingforher。Thechargeofill—

treatmentwasthereforesustainedagainstRogron;andthecasewouldnowgobeforethepublic。

Rogron，advisedbyVinet，opposedtheacceptanceofthereportoftheCouncilbythecourt。TheauthoritiesthenintervenedinconsequenceofPierrette’sstate，whichwasdailygrowingworse。Thetrialofthecase，thoughplacedatonceuponthedocket，waspostponeduntilthemonthofMarch，1828，towaitevents。

X

VERDICTS——LEGALANDOTHER

MeantimeRogron’smarriagewithMademoiselledeChargeboeuftookplace。Sylviemovedtothesecondfloorofthehouse，whichshesharedwithMadamedeChargeboeuf，forthefirstfloorwasentirelytakenupbythenewwife。ThebeautifulMadameRogronsucceededtothesocialplaceofthebeautifulMadameTiphaine。Theinfluenceofthemarriagewasimmense。NoonenowcametovisitSylvie，butMadameRogron’ssalonwasalwaysfull。

Sustainedbytheinfluenceofhismother—in—lawandthebankersduTilletandNucingen，MonsieurTiphainewasfortunateenoughtodosomeservicetotheadministration;hebecameoneofitschieforators，wasmadejudgeinthecivilcourts，andobtainedtheappointmentofhisnephewLesourdtohisownvacantplaceaspresidentofthecourtofProvins。ThisappointmentgreatlyannoyedDesfondrilles。TheKeeperoftheSealssentdownoneofhisownprotegestofillLesourd’splace。

ThepromotionofMonsieurTiphaineandhistranslationtoPariswerethereforeofnobenefitatalltotheVinetparty;butVinetneverthelessmadeacleveruseoftheresult。HehadalwaystoldtheProvinspeoplethattheywerebeingusedasastepping—stonetoraisethecraftyMadameTiphaineintograndeur;Tiphainehimselfhadtrickedthem;MadameTiphainedespisedbothProvinsanditspeopleinherheart，andwouldneverreturnthereagain。JustatthiscrisisMonsieurTiphaine’sfatherdied;hissoninheritedafineestateandsoldhishouseinProvinstoMonsieurJulliard。ThesaleprovedtothemindsofallhowlittletheTiphainesthoughtofProvins。Vinetwasright;Vinethadbeenatrueprophet。ThesethingshadgreatinfluenceonthequestionofPierrette’sguardianship。

Thusthedreadfulmartyrdombrutallyinflictedonthepoorchildbytwoimbeciletyrants（whichled，throughitsconsequences，totheterribleoperationoftrepanning，performedbyMonsieurMartenerundertheadviceofDoctorBianchon），——allthishorribledramareducedtojudicialformwaslefttofloatinthevilemesscalledinlegalparlancethecalendar。Thecasewasmadetodragthroughthedelaysandtheinterminablelabyrinthsofthelaw，bytheshufflingsofanunprincipledlawyer;andduringallthistimethecalumniatedgirllanguishedintheagonyoftheworstpainknowntoscience。

MonsieurMartener，togetherwiththeAuffrayfamily，weresooncharmedbythebeautyofPierrette’snatureandthecharacterofheroldgrandmother，whosefeelings，ideas，andwaysborethestampofRomanantiquity，——thismatronoftheMaraiswaslikeawomaninPlutarch。

DoctorMartenerstruggledbravelywithdeath，whichalreadygraspeditsprey。Fromthefirst，BianchonandthehospitalsurgeonhadconsideredPierrettedoomed;andtherenowtookplacebetweenthedoctorandthedisease，theformerrelyingonPierrette’syouth，oneofthosestruggleswhichphysiciansalonecomprehend，——therewardofwhich，incaseofsuccess，isneverfoundinthevenalpaynorinthepatientsthemselves，butinthegentlesatisfactionofconscience，intheinvisibleidealpalmgatheredbytrueartistsfromthecontentmentwhichfillstheirsoulafteraccomplishinganoblework。Thephysicianstrainstowardsgoodasanartisttowardsbeauty，eachimpelledbythatgrandsentimentwhichwecallvirtue。ThisdailycontestwipedoutofDoctorMartener’smindthepettyirritationsofthatothercontestoftheTiphainesandtheVinets，——asalwayshappenstomenwhentheyfindthemselvesfacetofacewithagreatandrealmiserytoconquer。

MonsieurMartenerhadbegunhiscareerinParis;butthecruelactivityofthecityanditsinsensibilitytoitsmassesofsufferinghadshockedhisgentlesoul，fittedonlyforthequietlifeoftheprovinces。Moreover，hewasundertheyokeofhisbeautifulnativeland。HereturnedtoProvins，wherehemarriedandsettled，andcaredalmostlovinglyforthepeople，whoweretohimlikealargefamily。

DuringthewholeofPierrette’sillnesshewascarefulnottospeakofher。Hisreluctancetoanswerthequestionsofthosewhoaskedaboutherwassoevidentthatpersonssoonceasedtoputthem。Pierrettewastohim，whatindeedshetrulywas，apoem，mysterious，profound，vastinsuffering，suchasdoctorsfindattimesintheirterribleexperience。Hefeltanadmirationforthisdelicateyoungcreaturewhichhewouldnotsharewithanyone。

Thisfeelingofthephysicianforhispatientwas，however，unconsciouslycommunicated（likealltruefeelings）toMonsieurandMadameAuffray，whosehousebecame，solongasPierrettewasinit，quietandsilent。Thechildren，whohadformerlyplayedsojoyouslywithher，agreedamongthemselveswiththelovinggraceofchildhoodtobeneithernoisynortroublesome。TheymadeitapointofhonortobegoodbecausePierrettewasill。MonsieurAuffray’shousewasintheUppertown，beneaththeruinsoftheChateau，anditwasbuiltuponasortofterraceformedbytheoverthrowoftheoldramparts。Theoccupantscouldhaveaviewofthevalleyfromthelittlefruit—gardenenclosedbywallswhichoverlookedthetown。Theroofsoftheotherhousescametoaboutthelevelofthelowerwallofthisgarden。Alongtheterraceranapath，bywhichMonsieurAuffray’sstudycouldbeenteredthroughaglassdoor;attheotherendofthepathwasanarborofgrapevinesandafig—tree，beneathwhichstoodaroundtable，abenchandsomechairs，paintedgreen。Pierrette’sbedroomwasabovethestudyofhernewguardian。MadameLorrainsleptinacotbesidehergrandchild。FromherwindowPierrettecouldseethewholeofthegloriousvalleyofProvins，whichshehardlyknew，soseldomhadsheleftthatdreadfulhouseoftheRogrons。Whentheweatherwasfineshelovedtodragherself，restingonhergrandmother’sarm，tothevine—cladarbor。Brigaut，unabletowork，camethreetimesadaytoseehislittlefriend;hewasgnawedbyagriefwhichmadehimindifferenttolife。HelayinwaitlikeadogforMonsieurMartener，andfollowedhimwhenheleftthehouse。Theoldgrandmother，drunkwithgrief，hadthecouragetoconcealherdespair;sheshowedherdarlingthesmilingfacesheformerlyworeatPen—Hoel。Inherdesiretoproducethatillusioninthegirl’smind，shemadeheralittleBretoncapliketheonePierrettehadwornonherfirstarrivalinProvins;itmadethedarlingseemmorelikeherchildlikeself;initshewasdelightfultolookupon，hersweetfacecircledwithahaloofcambricandflutedlace。Herskin，whitewiththewhitenessofunglazedporcelain，herforehead，wheresufferinghadprintedthesemblanceofdeepthought，thepurityofthelinesrefinedbyillness，theslownessoftheglances，andtheoccasionalfixityoftheeyes，madePierretteanalmostperfectembodimentofmelancholy。Shewasservedbyallwithasortoffanaticism;shewasfelttobesogentle，sotender，soloving。MadameMartenersentherpianotohersisterMadameAuffray，thinkingtoamusePierrettewhowaspassionatelyfondofmusic。ItwasapoemtowatchherlisteningtoathemeofWeber，orBeethoven，orHerold，——hereyesraised，herlipssilent，regrettingnodoubtthelifeescapingher。ThecurePerouxandMonsieurHabert，hertworeligiouscomforters，admiredhersaintlyresignation。Surelytheseraphicperfectionofyounggirlsandyoungmenmarkedwiththehecticofdeath，isawonderfulfactworthyoftheattentionalikeofphilosophersandofheedlessminds。Hewhohaseverseenoneofthesesublimedeparturesfromthislifecanneverremain，orbecome，anunbeliever。Suchbeingsexhale，asitwere，acelestialfragrance;

theirglancesspeakofGod;thevoicesareeloquentinthesimplestwords;oftentheyringlikesomeseraphicinstrumentrevealingthesecretsofthefuture。WhenMonsieurMartenerpraisedherforhavingfaithfullyfollowedaharshprescriptionthelittleangelreplied，andwithwhataglance！——

"Iwanttolive，dearMonsieurMartener;butlessformyselfthanformygrandmother，formyBrigaut，forallofyouwhowillgrieveatmydeath。"

ThefirsttimeshewentintothegardenonabeautifulsunnydayinNovemberattendedbyallthehousehold，MadameAuffrayaskedherifshewastired。

"No，nowthatIhavenosufferingsbutthoseGodsendsIcanbearall，"shesaid。"Thejoyofbeinglovedgivesmestrengthtosuffer。"

Thatwastheonlytime（andthenvaguely）thatsheeveralludedtoherhorriblemartyrdomattheRogrons，whomshenevermentioned，andofwhomnooneremindedher，knowingwellhowpainfulthememorymustbe。

"DearMadameAuffray，"shesaidonedayatnoonontheterrace，asshegazedatthevalley，warmedbyaglorioussunandcoloredwiththeglowingtintsofautumn，"mydeathinyourhousegivesmemorehappinessthanIhavehadsinceIleftBrittany。"

MadameAuffraywhisperedinhersisterMartener’sear：——

"Howshewouldhaveloved！"

Intruth，hertones，herlooksgavetoherwordsapricelessvalue。

MonsieurMartenercorrespondedwithDoctorBianchon，anddidnothingofimportancewithouthisadvice。Hehopedinthefirstplacetoregularthefunctionsofnatureandtodrawawaytheabscessintheheadthroughtheear。ThemorePierrettesuffered，themorehehoped。

Hegainedsomeslightsuccessattimes，andthatwasagreattriumph。

ForseveraldaysPierrette’sappetitereturnedandenabledhertotakenourishingfoodforwhichherillnesshadgivenherarepugnance;thecolorofherskinchanged;buttheconditionofherheadwasterrible。

MonsieurMartenerentreatedthegreatphysicianhisadvisertocomedown。Bianchoncame，stayedtwodays，andresolvedtoundertakeanoperation。TosparethefeelingsofpoorMartenerhewenttoParisandbroughtbackwithhimthecelebratedDesplein。Thustheoperationwasperformedbythegreatestsurgeonofancientormoderntimes;butthatterribledivinersaidtoMartenerashedepartedwithBianchon，hisbest—lovedpupil：——

"Nothingbutamiraclecansaveher。AsHoracetoldyou，cariesofthebonehasbegun。Atheragethebonesaresotender。"

TheoperationwasperformedatthebeginningofMarch，1828。Duringallthatmonth，distressedbyPierrette’shorriblesufferings，MonsieurMartenermadeseveraljourneystoParis;thereheconsultedDespleinandBianchon，andevenwentsofarastoproposetothemanoperationofthenatureoflithotrity，whichconsistsinpassingintotheheadahollowinstrumentbythehelpofwhichanheroicremedycanbeappliedtothediseasedbone，toarresttheprogressofthecaries。

EventheboldDespleindarednotattemptthathigh—handedsurgicalmeasure，whichdespairalonehadsuggestedtoMartener。WhenhereturnedhomefromParisheseemedtohisfriendsmoroseandgloomy。

HewasforcedtoannounceonthatfataleveningtotheAuffraysandMadameLorrainandtothetwopriestsandBrigautthatsciencecoulddonomoreforPierrette，whoserecoverywasnowinGod’shandsonly。

Theconsternationamongthemwasterrible。Thegrandmothermadeavow，andrequestedtheprieststosayamasseverymorningatdaybreakbeforePierretterose，——amassatwhichsheandBrigautmightbepresent。

Thetrialcameon。Whilethevictimlaydying，Vinetwascalumniatingherincourt。ThejudgeapprovedandacceptedthereportoftheFamilyCouncil，andVinetinstantlyappealed。Thenewlyappointed/procureurduroi/madearequisitionwhichnecessitatedfreshevidence。Rogronandhissisterwereforcedtogivebailtoavoidgoingtoprison。TheorderforfreshevidenceincludedthatofPierretteherself。WhenMonsieurDesfondrillescametotheAuffrays’toreceiveit，Pierrettewasdying，herconfessorwasatherbedsideabouttoadministerextremeunction。Atthatmomentsheentreatedallpresenttoforgivehercousinsassheherselfforgavethem，sayingwithhersimplegoodsensethatthejudgmentofthesethingsbelongedtoGodalone。

"Grandmother，"shesaid，"leaveallyouhavetoBrigaut"（Brigautburstintotears）;"and，"continuedPierrette，"giveathousandfrancstothatkindAdelewhowarmedmybed。IfAdelehadremainedwithmycousinsIshouldnotnowbedying。"

Itwasatthreeo’clockontheTuesdayofEasterweek，onabeautiful，brightday，thattheangelceasedtosuffer。Herheroicgrandmotherwishedtowatchallthatnightwiththepriests，andtosewwithherstiffoldfingersherdarling’sshroud。TowardseveningBrigautlefttheAuffray’shouseandwenttoFrappier’s。

"Ineednotaskyou，mypoorboy，fornews，"saidthecabinet—maker。

"PereFrappier，yes，itisendedforher——butnotforme。"

Hecastalookuponthedifferentwoodspileduparoundtheshop，——alookofpainfulmeaning。

"Iunderstandyou，Brigaut，"saidhisworthymaster。"Takeallyouwant。"Andheshowedhimtheoakenplanksoftwo—inchthickness。

"Don’thelpme，MonsieurFrappier，"saidtheBreton，"Iwishtodoitalone。"

HepassedthenightinplaningandfittingPierrette’scoffin，andmorethanoncehisplanetookoffatasinglepassaribbonofwoodwhichwaswetwithtears。ThegoodmanFrappiersmokedhispipeandwatchedhimsilently，sayingonly，whenthefourpieceswerejoinedtogether，——

"Makethecovertoslide;herpoorgrandmotherwillnothearthenails。"

AtdaybreakBrigautwentouttofetchtheleadtolinethecoffin。Byastrangechance，thesheetsofleadcostjustthesumhehadgivenPierretteforherjourneyfromNantestoProvins。ThebraveBreton，whowasabletoresisttheawfulpainofhimselfmakingthecoffinofhisdearoneandliningwithhismemoriesthoseburialplanks，couldnotbearupagainstthisstrangereminder。Hisstrengthgaveway;hewasnotabletoliftthelead，andtheplumber，seeingthis，camewithhim，andofferedtoaccompanyhimtothehouseandsolderthelastsheetwhenthebodyhadbeenlaidinthecoffin。

TheBretonburnedtheplaneandallthetoolshehadused。ThenhesettledhisaccountswithFrappierandbadehimfarewell。Theheroismwithwhichthepoorladpersonallyperformed，likethegrandmother，thelastofficesforPierrettemadehimasharerintheawfulscenewhichcrownedthetyrannyoftheRogrons。

BrigautandtheplumberreachedthehouseofMonsieurAuffrayjustintimetodecidebytheirownmainforceaninfamousandshockingjudicialquestion。Theroomwherethedeadgirllaywasfullofpeople，andpresentedtotheeyesofthetwomenasingularsight。TheRogronemissarieswerestandingbesidethebodyoftheirvictim，totortureherevenafterdeath。Thecorpseofthechild，solemninitsbeauty，layonthecot—bedofhergrandmother。Pierrette’seyeswereclosed，thebrownhairsmootheduponherbrow，thebodyswathedinacoarsecottonsheet。

Beforethebed，onherknees，herhairindisorder，herhandsstretchedout，herfaceonfire，theoldLorrainwascryingout，"No，no，itshallnotbedone！"

AtthefootofthebedstoodMonsieurAuffrayandthetwopriests。Thetaperswerestillburning。

Oppositetothegrandmotherwasthesurgeonofthehospital，withanassistant，andnearhimstoodDoctorNeraudandVinet。Thesurgeonworehisdissectingapron;theassistanthadopenedacaseofinstrumentsandwashandinghimaknife。

ThisscenewasinterruptedbythenoiseofthecoffinwhichBrigautandtheplumbersetdownuponthefloor。ThenBrigaut，advancing，washorrifiedatthesightofMadameLorrain，whowasnowweeping。

"Whatisthematter？"heasked，standingbesideherandgraspingthechiselconvulsivelyinhishand。

"This，"saidtheoldwoman，"/this/，Brigaut：theywanttoopenthebodyofmychildandcutintoherhead，andstabherheartafterherdeathastheydidwhenshewasliving。"

"Who？"saidBrigaut，inavoicethatmighthavedeafenedthemenoflaw。

"TheRogrons。"

"InthesacrednameofGod！——"

"Stop，Brigaut，"saidMonsieurAuffray，seeingtheladbrandishhischisel。

"MonsieurAuffray，"saidBrigaut，aswhiteashisdeadcompanion，"I

hearyoubecauseyouareMonsieurAuffray，butatthismomentIwillnotlistento——"

"Thelaw！"saidAuffray。

"Istherelaw？istherejustice？"criedtheBreton。"Justice，thisisit！"andheadvancedtothelawyerandthedoctors，threateningthemwithhischisel。

"Myfriend，"saidthecurate，"thelawhasbeeninvokedbythelawyerofMonsieurRogron，whoisundertheweightofaseriousaccusation;

anditisimpossibleforustorefusehimthemeansofjustification。

ThelawyerofMonsieurRogronclaimsthatifthepoorchilddiedofanabscessinherheadherformerguardiancannotbeblamed，foritisprovedthatPierretteconcealedtheeffectsoftheblowwhichshegavetoherself——"

"Enough！"saidBrigaut。

"Myclient——"beganVinet。

"Yourclient，"criedtheBreton，"shallgotohellandItothescaffold;forifoneofyoudarestotouchherwhomyourclienthaskilled，Iwillkillhimifmyweapondoesitsduty。"

"Thisisinterferencewiththelaw，"saidVinet。"Ishallinstantlyinformthecourt。"

Thefivemenlefttheroom。

"Oh，myson！"criedtheoldwoman，risingfromherkneesandfallingonBrigaut’sneck，"letusburyherquick，——theywillcomeback。"

"Ifwesolderthelead，"saidtheplumber，"theymaynotdaretoopenit。"

MonsieurAuffrayhastenedtohisbrother—in—law，MonsieurLesourd，totryandsettlethematter。Vinetwasnotunwilling。Pierrettebeingdeadthesuitabouttheguardianshipfell，ofcourse，totheground。

Alltheastutelawyerwantedwastheeffectproducedbyhisrequest。

AtmiddayMonsieurDesfondrillesmadehisreportonthecase，andthecourtrenderedadecisionthattherewasnogroundforfurtheraction。

RogrondarednotgotoPierrette’sfuneral，atwhichthewholetownwaspresent。Vinetwishedtoforcehimthere，butthemiserablemanwasafraidofexcitinguniversalhorror。

BrigautleftProvinsafterwatchingthefillingupofthegravewherePierrettelay，andwentonfoottoParis。HewroteapetitiontotheDauphinessasking，inthenameofhisfather，thathemightentertheRoyalguard，towhichhewasatonceadmitted。WhentheexpeditiontoAlgierswasundertakenhewrotetoheragain，toobtainemploymentinit。Hewasthenasergeant;MarshalBourmontgavehimanappointmentassub—lieutenantinalineregiment。Themajor’ssonbehavedlikeamanwhowishedtodie。Deathhas，however，respectedJacquesBrigautuptothepresenttime;althoughhehasdistinguishedhimselfinalltherecentexpeditionshehasneveryetbeenwounded。Heisnowmajorinaregimentofinfantry。Noofficerismoretaciturnormoretrustworthy。Outsideofhisdutyheisalmostmute;hewalksaloneandlivesmechanically。Everyonedivinesandrespectsahiddensorrow。Hepossessesforty—sixthousandfrancs，whicholdMadameLorrain，whodiedinParisin1829，bequeathedtohim。

Attheelectionsof1830Vinetwasmadeadeputy。Theservicesherenderedthenewgovernmenthavenowearnedhimthepositionof/procureur—general/。Hisinfluenceissuchthathewillalwaysremainadeputy。Rogronisreceiver—generalinthesametownwhereVinetfulfilshislegalfunctions;andbyoneofthosecurioustricksofchancewhichdosooftenoccur，MonsieurTiphaineispresidentoftheRoyalcourtinthesametown，——fortheworthymangaveinhisadhesiontothedynastyofJulywithouttheslightesthesitation。Theex—beautifulMadameTiphainelivesonexcellenttermswiththebeautifulMadameRogron。VinetishandinglovewithMadameTiphaine。

AstotheimbecileRogron，hemakessuchremarksas，"Louis—Philippewillneverbereallykingtillheisabletomakenobles。"

Thespeechisevidentlynothisown。Hishealthisfailing，whichallowsMadameRogrontohopeshemaysoonmarrytheGeneralMarquisdeMontriveau，peerofFrance，whocommandsthedepartment，andispayingherattentions。Vinetisinhiselement，seekingvictims;heneverbelievesintheinnocenceofanaccusedperson。Thisthoroughbredprosecutorisheldtobeoneofthemostamiablemenonthecircuit;

andheisnolesslikedinParisandintheChamber;atcourtheisacharmingcourtier。

AccordingtoacertainpromisemadebyVinet，GeneralBaronGouraud，thatnoblerelicofourgloriousarmies，marriedaMademoiselleMatifat，twenty—fiveyearsold，daughterofadruggistintheruedesLombards，whosedowrywasahundredthousandfrancs。Hecommands（asVinetprophesied）adepartmentintheneighborhoodofParis。HewasnamedpeerofFranceforhisconductintheriotswhichoccurredduringtheministryofCasimirPerier。BaronGouraudwasoneofthegeneralswhotookthechurchofSaint—Merry，delightedtorapthoserascallycivilianswhohadvexedhimforyearsovertheknuckles;forwhichservicehewasrewardedwiththegrandcordonoftheLegionofhonor。

NoneofthepersonagesconnectedwithPierrette’sdeatheverfelttheslightestremorseaboutit。MonsieurDesfondrillesisstillarchaeological，but，inordertocompasshisownelection，the/procureurgeneral/VinettookpainstohavehimappointedpresidentoftheProvinscourt。Sylviehasalittlecircle，andmanagesherbrother’sproperty;shelendsherownmoneyathighinterest，anddoesnotspendmorethantwelvehundredfrancsayear。

Fromtimetotime，whensomeformersonordaughterofProvinsreturnsfromParistosettledown，youmayhearthemask，astheyleaveMademoiselleRogron’shouse，"Wasn’tthereapainfulstoryagainsttheRogrons，——somethingaboutaward？"

"Mereprejudice，"repliesMonsieurDesfondrilles。"Certainpersonstriedtomakeusbelievefalsehoods。OutofkindnessofhearttheRogronstookinagirlnamedPierrette，quiteprettybutwithnomoney。Justasshewasgrowingupshehadanintriguewithayoungman，andstoodatherwindowbarefootedtalkingtohim。Theloverspassednotestoeachotherbyastring。Shetookcoldinthiswayanddied，havingnoconstitution。TheRogronsbehavedadmirably。Theymadenoclaimoncertainpropertywhichwastocometoher，——theygaveitalluptothegrandmother。Themoralofitwas，mygoodfriend，thatthedevilpunishesthosewhotrytobenefitothers。"

"Ah！thatisquiteanotherstoryfromtheoneoldFrappiertoldme。"

"Frappierconsultshiswine—cellarmorethanhedoeshismemory，"

remarkedanotherofMademoiselleRogron’svisitors。

"Butthatoldpriest，MonsieurHabertsays——"

"Oh，he！don’tyouknowwhy？"

"No。"

"HewantedtomarryhissistertoMonsieurRogron，thereceiver—

general。"

*****

TwomenthinkofPierrettedaily：DoctorMartenerandMajorBrigaut;

theyaloneknowthehideoustruth。

TogivethattruthitstrueproportionswemusttransportthescenetotheRomeofthemiddleages，whereasublimeyounggirl，BeatriceCenci，wasbroughttothescaffoldbymotivesandintriguesthatwerealmostidenticalwiththosewhichlaidourPierretteinhergrave。

BeatriceCencihadbutonedefender，——anartist，apainter。Inourdayhistory，andlivingmen，onthefaithofGuidoReni’sportrait，condemnthePope，andknowthatBeatricewasamosttendervictimofinfamouspassionsandbasefeuds。

WemustallagreethatlegalitywouldbeafinethingforsocialscoundrelismIFTHEREWERENOGOD。