CHAPTER LXVIII.
THE NIGHT.
That day, at four o'clock, a man on horseback stopped in the outskirtsof the park, just behind the baths of Apollo, where M. de Rohan used towait. He got off, and looked at the places where the grass had beentrodden down. "Here are the traces," thought he; "it is as I supposed.M. de Charny has returned for a fortnight, and this is where he entersthe park." And he sighed. "Leave him to his happiness. God gives to one,and denies to another. But I will have proof to-night. I will hide inthe bushes, and see what happens."
As for Charny, obedient to the queen's commands, he waited for orders;but it was half-past ten, and no one appeared. He waited with impatientanxiety. Then he began to think she had deceived him, and had promisedwhat she did not mean to perform. "How could I be so foolish--I, who sawher--to be taken in by her words and promises!" At last he saw a figureapproaching, wrapped in a large black mantle, and he uttered a cry ofjoy, for he recognized the queen. He ran to her, and fell at her feet.
"Ah, here you are, sir! it is well."
"Ah, madame! I scarcely hoped you were coming."
"Have you your sword?"
"Yes, madame."
"Where do you say those people came in?"
"By this door."
"At what time?"
"At midnight each time."
"There is no reason why they should not come again to-night. You havenot spoken to any one."
"To no one."
"Come into the thick wood, and let us watch, I have not spoken of thisto M. de Crosne. I have already mentioned this creature to him, and ifshe be not arrested, he is either incapable, or in league with myenemies. It seems incredible that any one should dare to play suchtricks under my eyes, unless they were sure of impunity. Therefore, Ithink it is time to take the care of my reputation on myself. What doyou think?"
"Oh, madame! allow me to be silent! I am ashamed of all I have said."
"At least you are an honest man," replied the queen, "and speak to theaccused face to face. You do not stab in the dark."
"Oh, madame, it is eleven o'clock! I tremble."
"Look about, that no one is here."
Charny obeyed.
"No one," said he.
"Where did the scenes pass that you have described?"
"Oh, madame! I had a shock when I returned to you; for she stood justwhere you are at this moment."
"Here!" cried the queen, leaving the place with disgust.
"Yes, madame; under the chestnut tree."
"Then, sir, let us move, for they will most likely come here again."
He followed the queen to a different place. She, silent and proud,waited for the proof of her innocence to appear. Midnight struck. Thedoor did not open. Half an hour passed, during which the queen asked tentimes if they had always been punctual.
Three-quarters struck--the queen stamped with impatience. "They will notcome," she cried; "these misfortunes only happen to me;" and she lookedat Charny, ready to quarrel with him, if she saw any expression oftriumph or irony: but he, as his suspicions began to return, grew sopale and looked so melancholy, that he was like the figure of a martyr.
At last she took his arm, and led him under the chestnut tree. "Yousay," she murmured, "that it was here you saw her?"
"Yes, madame."
"Here that she gave the rose?" And the queen, fatigued and wearied withwaiting and disappointment leaned against the tree, and covered her facewith her hands, but Charny could see the tears stealing through. At lastshe raised her head:
"Sir," said she, "I am condemned. I promised to prove to you to-day thatI was calumniated; God does not permit it, and I submit. I have donewhat no other woman, not to say queen, would have done. What a queen!who cannot reign over one heart, who cannot obtain the esteem of onehonest man. Come, sir, give me your arm, if you do not despise me toomuch."
"Oh, madame!" cried he, falling at her feet, "if I were only an unhappyman who loves you, could you not pardon me?"
"You!" cried she, with a bitter laugh, "you love me! and believe meinfamous!"
"Oh, madame!"
"You accuse me of giving roses, kisses, and love. No, sir, nofalsehoods! you do not love me."
"Madame, I saw these phantoms. Pity me, for I am on the rack."
She took his hands. "Yes, you saw, and you think it was I. Well, if hereunder this same tree, you at my feet, I press your hands, and say toyou, 'M, de Charny, I love you, I have loved, and shall love no one elsein this world, may God pardon me'--will that convince you? Will youbelieve me then?" As she spoke, she came so close to him that he felther breath on his lips. "Oh!" cried Charny, "now I am ready to die."
"Give me your arm," said she, "and teach me where they went, and whereshe gave the rose,"--and she took from her bosom a rose and held it tohim. He took it and pressed it to his heart.
"Then," continued she, "the other gave him her hand to kiss."
"Both her hands," cried Charny, pressing his burning lips passionatelyon hers.
"Now they visited, the baths--so will we; follow me to the place." Hefollowed her, like a man in a strange, happy dream. They looked allround, then opened the door, and walked through. Then they came outagain: two o'clock struck. "Adieu," said she; "go home until to-morrow."And she walked away quickly towards the chateau.
When they were gone, a man rose from among the bushes. He had heard andseen all.