CHAPTER XLII. DOUBTS.
On hearing the accusation brought against Rodin, Mdlle. de Cardovillelooked at the denunciator with new astonishment. Before continuing thisscene, we may say that Mother Bunch was no longer clad in her poor, oldclothes, but was dressed in black, with as much simplicity as taste. Thesad color seemed to indicate her renunciation of all human vanity, theeternal mourning of her heart, and the austere duties imposed upon herby her devotion to misfortune. With her black gown, she wore a largefalling collar, white and neat as her little gauze cap, with its grayribbons, which, revealing her bands of fine brown hair, set off toadvantage her pale and melancholy countenance, with its soft blue eyes.Her long, delicate hands, preserved from the cold by gloves, were nolonger, as formerly, of a violet hue, but of an almost transparentwhiteness.
Her agitated features expressed a lively uneasiness. Extremelysurprised, Mdlle. de Cardoville exclaimed: "What do you say?"
"M. Rodin betrays you, madame."
"M. Rodin? Impossible!"
"Oh, madame! my presentiments did not deceive me."
"Your presentiments?"
"The first time I saw M. Rodin, I was frightened in spite of myself. Myheart sank within me, and I trembled--for you, madame."
"For me?" said Adrienne. "Why did you not tremble for yourself, my poorfriend?"
"I do not know, madame; but such was my first impression. And this fearwas so invincible, that, notwithstanding the kindness that M. Rodinshowed my sister, he frightened me, none the less."
"That is strange. I can understand as well as any one the almostirresistible influence of sympathies or aversions; but, in thisinstance--However," resumed Adrienne, after a moment's reflection, "nomatter for that; how have these suspicions been changed to certainty?"
"Yesterday, I went to take to my sister Cephyse, the assistance that M.Rodin had given me, in the name of a charitable person. I did not findCephyse at the friend's who had taken care of her; I therefore beggedthe portress, to inform my sister that I would call again this morning.That is what I did; but you must excuse me, madame, some necessarydetails."
"Speak, speak, my dear."
"The young girl who had received my sister," said Mother Bunch, withembarrassment, casting down her eyes and blushing, "does not lead a veryregular life. A person, with whom she has gone on several parties ofpleasure, one M. Dumoulin, had informed her of the real name of M.Rodin, who has a kind of lodging in that house, and there goes by thename of Charlemagne."
"That is just what he told us at Dr. Baleinier's; and, the day beforeyesterday, when I again alluded to the circumstance, he explained tome the necessity in which he was, for certain reasons, to have a humbleretreat in that remote quarter--and I could not but approve of hismotives."
"Well, then! yesterday, M. Rodin received a visit from the Abbed'Aigrigny."
"The Abbe d'Aigrigny!" exclaimed Mdlle. de Cardoville.
"Yes, madame; he remained for two hours shut up with M. Rodin."
"My child, you must have been deceived."
"I was told, madame, that the Abbe d'Aigrigny had called in the morningto see M. Rodin; not finding him at home, he had left with the portresshis name written on a slip of paper, with the words, 'I shall returnin two hours.' The girl of whom I spoke, madame, had seen this slip ofpaper. As all that concerns M. Rodin appears mysterious enough, shehad the curiosity to wait for M. d'Aigrigny in the porter's lodge, and,about two hours afterwards, he indeed returned, and saw M. Rodin."
"No, no," said Adrienne, shuddering; "it is impossible. There must besome mistake."
"I think not, madame; for, knowing how serious such a discovery wouldbe, I begged the young girl to describe to me the appearance of M.d'Aigrigny."
"Well?"
"The Abbe d'Aigrigny, she told me, is about forty years of age. He istall and upright, dresses plainly, but with care; has gray eyes, verylarge and piercing, thick eyebrows, chestnut-colored hair, a faceclosely shaved, and a very decided aspect."
"It is true," said Adrienne, hardly able to believe what she heard. "Thedescription is exact."
"Wishing to have all possible details," resumed Mother Bunch, "I askedthe portress if M. Rodin and the Abbe d'Aigrigny appeared to be atvariance when they quitted the house? She replied no, but that theAbbe said to M. Rodin, as they parted at the door: 'I will write to youtomorrow, as agreed.'"
"Is it a dream? Good heaven!" said Adrienne, drawing her hands acrossher forehead in a sort of stupor. "I cannot doubt your word, my poorfriend; and yet it is M. Rodin who himself sent you to that house, togive assistance to your sister: would he have wilfully laid open to youhis secret interviews with the Abbe d'Aigrigny? It would have been badpolicy in a traitor."
"That is true, and the same reflection occurred to me. And yet themeeting of these two men appeared so dangerous to you, madame, that Ireturned home full of terror."
Characters of extreme honesty are very hard to convince of the treacheryof others: the more infamous the deception, the more they are inclinedto doubt it. Adrienne was one of these characters, rectitude being aprime quality of her mind. Though deeply impressed by the communication,she remarked: "Come, my dear, do not let us frighten ourselves too soon,or be over-hasty in believing evil. Let us try to enlighten ourselves byreasoning, and first of all remember facts. M. Rodin opened for me thedoors of Dr. Baleinier's asylum; in my presence, he brought, his chargeagainst the Abbe d'Aigrigny; he forced the superior of the conventto restore Marshal Simon's daughters, he succeeded in discovering theretreat of Prince Djalma--he faithfully executed my intentions withregard to my young cousin; only yesterday, he gave me the most usefuladvice. All this is true--is it not?"
"Certainly, madame."
"Now suppose that M. Rodin, putting things in their worst light,had some after-thought--that he hopes to be liberally rewarded, forinstance; hitherto, at least, he has shown complete disinterestedness."
"That also is true, madame," said poor Mother Bunch, obliged, likeAdrienne, to admit the evidence of fixed facts.
"Now let us look to the possibility of treachery. Unite with the Abbed'Aigrigny to betray me! Betray me?--how? and for what purpose? Whathave I to fear? Is it not the Abbe d'Aigrigny, on the contrary, isit not Madame de Saint-Dizier, who have to render an account for theinjuries they have done me?"
"But, then, madame, how do you explain the meeting of these two men,who have so many motives for mutual aversion? May there not be some darkproject still behind? Besides, madame, I am not the only one to thinkso."
"How is that?"
"This morning, on my return, I was so much agitated, that Mdlle. Florineasked me the cause of my trouble. I know, madame, how much she isdevoted to you."
"Nobody could be more so; only recently, you yourself informed me of thesignal service she rendered, during my confinement at Dr. Baleinier's."
"Well, madame, this morning, on my return, thinking it necessary to haveyou informed as soon as possible, I told all to Mdlle. Florine. Likeme--even more, perhaps--she was terrified at the meeting of Rodin and M.d'Aigrigny.
"After a moment's reflection, she said to me: 'It is, I think, uselessto disturb my mistress at present; it can be of no importance whethershe is informed of this treachery two or three hours sooner or later;during that time I may be able to discover something more. I have anidea, which I think a good one. Make my excuses to my mistress; I shallsoon be back.' Then Florine sent for a hackney-coach, and went out."
"Florine is an excellent girl," said Mdlle. de Cardoville, with a smile,for further reflection had quite reassured her: "but, on this occasion,I think that her zeal and good heart have deceived her, as they haveyou, my poor friend. Do you know, that we are two madcaps, you and I,not to have thought of one thing, which would have put us quite at ourease?"
"How so, madame?"
"The Abbe d'Aigrigny fears M. Rodin; he may have sought him out,to entreat his forbearance. Do you not find this explanation bothsatisfactory and reasonable?"
"Perhaps so, madame,
" said Mother Bunch, after a moment's reflection;"yes, it is probable." But after another silence, and as if yielding toa conviction superior to every possible argument, she exclaimed:"And yet, no; believe me, madame, you are deceived. I feel it. Allappearances may be against what I affirm; yet, believe me, thesepresentiments are too strong not to be true. And have you not guessedthe most secret instincts of my heart? Why should I not be able to guessthe dangers with which you are menaced?"
"What do you say? what have I guessed?" replied Mdlle. de Cardoville,involuntarily impressed by the other's tone of conviction and alarm.
"What have you guessed?" resumed the latter. "All the troublesomesusceptibility of an unfortunate creature, to whom destiny has decreed alife apart. If I have hitherto been silent, it is not from ignoranceof what I owe you. Who told you, madame, that the only way to make meaccept your favors without blushing, was to give me some employment,that would enable me to soothe the misfortunes I had so long shared? Whotold you, when you wished me to have a seat at your table, and to treatas your friend the poor needlewoman, in whose person you sought tohonor, resignation and honest industry--who told you, when I answeredwith tears of gratitude and regret, that it was not false modesty, buta consciousness of my own ridiculous deformity, that made me refuseyour offer? Who told you that, but for this, I should have accepted itproudly, in the name of all my low-born sisters? But you replied to mewith the touching words: 'I understand your refusal, my friend; it isnot occasioned by false modesty, but by a sentiment of dignity thatI love and respect.' Who told you," continued the workgirl, withincreasing animation, "that I should be so happy to find a littlesolitary retreat in this magnificent house, which dazzles me with itssplendor? Who guided you in the choice of the apartment (still fartoo good) that you have provided for me? Who taught you, that, withoutenvying the beauty of the charming creatures that surround you, and whomI love because they love you, I should always feel, by an involuntarycomparison, embarrassed and ashamed before them? Who told you thereforeto send them away, whenever you wished to speak with me? Yes! whohas revealed to you all the painful and secret susceptibilities of aposition like mine! Who has revealed them to you? God, no doubt! who inHis infinite majesty creates worlds, and yet cares for the poor littleinsect hidden beneath the grass. And you think, that the gratitude ofa heart you have understood so well, cannot rise in its turn to theknowledge of what may be hurtful to you? No, no, lady; some people havethe instinct of self preservation; others have the still more preciousinstinct that enables them to preserve those they love. God has givenme this instinct. I tell you that you are betrayed!" And with animatedlook, and cheeks slightly colored with emotion, the speaker laid suchstress upon the last words, and accompanied them with such energeticgesture, that Mdlle. de Cardoville already shaken by the girl's warmth,began almost to share in her apprehensions. Then, although she hadbefore learned to appreciate the superior intelligence of this poorchild of the people, Mdlle. de Cardoville had never till now heard herfriend express herself with so much eloquence--an eloquence, too, thatwas inspired by the noblest sentiments. This circumstance added tothe impression made upon Adrienne. But at the moment she was about toanswer, a knock was heard at the door of the room, and Florine entered.
On seeing the alarmed countenance of her waiting-maid, Mdlle. deCardoville said hastily: "Well, Florine! what news? Whence come you, mychild?"
"From Saint-Dizier House, madame."
"And why did you go there?" asked Mdlle. de Cardoville, with surprise.
"This morning," said Florine, glancing at the workgirl, "madame, there,confided to me her suspicions and uneasiness. I shared in them. Thevisit of the Abbe d'Aigrigny to M. Rodin appeared to me very serious.I thought, if it should turn out that M. Rodin had been during the lastfew days to Saint-Dizier House, there would be no longer any doubt ofhis treachery."
"True," said Adrienne, more and more uneasy. "Well?"
"As I had been charged to superintend the removal from the lodge, I knewthat several things had remained there. To obtain admittance, I had toapply to Mrs. Grivois. I had thus a pretext for returning to the hotel."
"What next, Florine, what next?"
"I endeavored to get Mrs. Grivois to talk of M. Rodin; but it was invain."
"She suspected you," said the workgirl. "It was to be anticipated."
"I asked her," continued Florine, "if they had seen M. Rodin at thehotel lately. She answered evasively. Then despairing of gettinganything out of her," continued Florine, "I left Mrs. Grivois, and thatmy visit might excite no suspicion, I went to the pavilion--when, as Iturn down the avenue--whom do I see? why, M. Rodin himself, hasteningtowards the little garden-door, wishing no doubt to depart unnoticed bythat way."
"Madame, you hear," cried Mother Bunch, clasping her hands with asupplicating air; "such evidence should convince you."
"M. Rodin at the Princess de Saint-Dizier's!" cried Mdlle. deCardoville, whose glance, generally so mild, now suddenly flashed withvehement indignation. Then she added, in a tone of considerable emotion,"Continue, Florine."
"At sight of M. Rodin, I stopped," proceeded Florine, "and keeping alittle on one side, I gained the pavilion without being seen. I lookedout into the street, through the closed blinds, and perceived a hackneycoach. It was waiting for M. Rodin, for, a minute after, he got into it,saying to the coachman, 'No. 39, Rue Blanche.'
"The prince's!" exclaimed Mdlle. de Cardoville.
"Yes, madame."
"Yes, M. Rodin was to see him to-day," said Adrienne, reflecting.
"No doubt he betrays you, madame, and the prince also; the latter willbe made his victim more easily than you."
"Shame! shame!" cried Mdlle. de Cardoville, on a sudden, as she rose,all her features contracted with painful anger. "After such a pieceof treachery, it is enough to make us doubt of everything--even ofourselves."
"Oh, madame! is it not dreadful?" said Mother Bunch, shuddering.
"But, then, why did he rescue me and mine, and accuse the Abbed'Aigrigny?" wondered Mdlle. de Cardoville. "Of a truth, it is enoughto make one lose one's reason. It is an abyss--but, oh! how frightful isdoubt!"
"As I returned," said Florine, casting a look of affectionate devotionon her mistress, "I thought of a way to make all clear; but there is nota minute to lose."
"What do you mean?" said Adrienne, looking at Florine with surprise.
"M. Rodin will soon be alone with the prince," said Florine.
"No doubt," replied Adrienne.
"The prince always sits in a little room that opens upon a greenhouse.It is there that he will receive M. Rodin."
"What then?" resumed Adrienne.
"This greenhouse, which I had arranged according to your orders, hasonly one issue--by a door leading into a little lane. The gardenergets in that way every morning, so as not to have to pass through theapartments. Having finished his work, he does not return thither duringthe day."
"What do you mean? what is your project?" said Adrienne, looking atFlorine with growing surprise.
"The plants are so disposed, that, I think, if even the shade werenot there, which screens the glass that separates the saloon from thegreenhouse, one might get near enough to hear what was passing in theroom, without being seen. When I was superintending the arrangements, Ialways entered by this greenhouse door. The gardener had one key, and Ianother. Luckily, I have not yet parted with mine. Within an hour, youmay know how far to trust M. Rodin. If he betrays the prince, he betraysyou also."
"What say you?" cried Mdlle. de Cardoville.
"Set out instantly with me; we reach the side door; I enter alone, forprecaution sake--if all is right, I return--"
"You would have me turn spy?" said Mdlle. de Cardoville, haughtily,interrupting Florine. "You cannot think it.
"I beg your pardon, madame," said the girl, casting down her eyes, withconfused and sorrowful air; "you had suspicions, and me seems 'tis theonly way to confirm or destroy them."
"Stoop to listen to a conversation--never!" re
plied Adrienne.
"Madame," said Mother Bunch, suddenly, after same moments' thought,"permit me to tell you that Mdlle. Florine is right. The plan proposedis a painful one, but it is the only way in which you can clear up,perhaps, for ever, your doubts as to M. Rodin. Notwithstanding theevidence of facts, in spite of the almost certainty of my presentiments,appearances may deceive us. I was the first who accused M. Rodin to you.I should not forgive myself all the rest of my life, did I accuse himwrongfully. Beyond doubt, it is painful, as you say, madame, to listento a conversation--" Then, with a violent effort to console herself, sheadded, as she strove to repress her tears, "Yet, as your safety isat stake, madame--for, if this be treachery, the future prospect isdreadful--I will go in your place--to--"
"Not a word more, I entreat you," cried Mdlle. de Cardoville,interrupting. "Let you, my poor friend, do for me what I thoughtdegrading to do myself? Never!"
Then, turning to Florine, she added, "Tell M. de Bonneville to have thecarriage got ready on the instant."
"You consent, then!" cried Florine, clasping her hands, and not seekingto conceal her joy; and her eyes also became full of tears.
"Yes, I consent," answered Adrienne, with emotion. "If it is to bewar--war to the knife, that they would wage with me--I must be preparedfor it; and, come to think of it, it would only be weakness and follynot to put myself on my guard. No doubt this step costs me much, and isvery repugnant to me, but it is the only way to put an end to suspicionsthat would be a continual torment to me, and perhaps to prevent stillgreater evils. Yes! for many important reasons, this interview ofM. Rodin with Prince Djalma may be doubly decisive to me--as to theconfidence, or the inexorable hate, that I must henceforth feel for M.Rodin. So, Florine, quick!--my cloak and bonnet, and the carriage. Youwill go with me. As for you, my dear, pray wait for me here," she added,turning to the work girl.
Half an hour after this conversation, Adrienne's carriage stopped, aswe have before seen, at the little garden-gate of the house in theRue Blanche. Florine entered the greenhouse and soon returned to hermistress. "The shade is down, madame. M. Rodin has just entered theprince's room." Mdlle. de Cardoville was, therefore, present, thoughinvisible, at the following scene, which took place between Rodin andDjalma.