THE SHIPWRECK.
While the bailiff was gone to the sea-shore, to render help to those of the passengers who might escape from the inevitable shipwreck, M.Rodin, conducted by Catherine to the Green Chamber, had there found the articles that he was to take with him to Paris.
After passing two hours in this apartment, very indifferent to the fate of the shipwrecked persons, which alone absorbed the attention of the inhabitants of the Castle, Rodin returned to the chamber commonly occupied by the bailiff, a room which opened upon a long gallery.When he entered it he found nobody there.Under his arm he held a casket, with silver fastenings, almost black from age, whilst one end of a large red morocco portfolio projected from the breast-pocket of his half-
buttoned great coat.
Had the cold and livid countenance of the Abbe d'Aigrigny's secretary been able to express joy otherwise than by a sarcastic smile, his features would have been radiant with delight; for, just then, he was under the influence of the most agreeable thoughts.Having placed the casket upon a table, it was with marked satisfaction that he thus communed with himself:
"All goes well.It was prudent to keep these papers here till this moment, for one must always be on guard against the diabolical spirit of that Adrienne de Cardoville, who appears to guess instinctively what it is impossible she should know.Fortunately, the time approaches when we shall have no more need to fear her.Her fate will be a cruel one; it must be so.Those proud, independent characters are at all times our natural enemies--they are so by their very essence--how much more when they show themselves peculiarly hurtful and dangerous! As for La Sainte-
Colombe, the bailiff is sure to act for us; between what the fool calls his conscience, and the dread of being at his age deprived of a livelihood, he will not hesitate.I wish to have him because he will serve us better than a stranger; his having been here twenty years will prevent all suspicion on the part of that dull and narrow-minded woman.
Once in the hands of our man at Roiville, I will answer for the result.
The course of all such gross and stupid women is traced beforehand: in their youth, they serve the devil; in riper years, they make others serve him; in their old age, they are horribly afraid of him; and this fear must continue till she has left us the Chateau de Cardoville, which, from its isolated position, will make us an excellent college.All then goes well.As for the affair of the medals, the 13th of February approaches, without news from Joshua--evidently, Prince Djalma is still kept prisoner by the English in the heart of India, or I must have received letters from Batavia.The daughters of General Simon will be detained at Leipsic for at least a month longer.All our foreign relations are in the best condition.As for our internal affairs--"
Here M.Rodin was interrupted in the current of his reflections by the entrance of Madame Dupont, who was zealously engaged in preparations to give assistance in case of need.
"Now," said she to the servant, "light a fire in the next room; put this warm wine there; your master may be in every minute."
"Well, my dear madam," said Rodin to her, "do they hope to save any of these poor creatures?"
"Alas! I do not know, sir.My husband has been gone nearly two hours.I am terribly uneasy on his account.He is so courageous, so imprudent, if once he thinks he can be of any service."
"Courageous even to imprudence," said Rodin to himself, impatiently; "I do not like that."
"Well," resumed Catherine, "I have here at hand my hot linen, my cordials--heaven grant it may all be of use!"
"We may at least hope so, my dear madam.I very much regretted that my age and weakness did not permit me to assist your excellent husband.I also regret not being able to wait for the issue of his exertions, and to wish him joy if successful--for I am unfortunately compelled to depart, my moments are precious.I shall be much obliged if you will have the carriage got ready."
"Yes, Sir; I will see about it directly."
"One word, my dear, good Madame Dupont.You are a woman of sense, and excellent judgment.Now I have put your husband in the way to keep, if he will, his situation as bailiff of the estate--"
"Is it possible? What gratitude do we not owe you! Without this place what would become of us at our time of life?"
"I have only saddled my promise with two conditions--mere trifles--he will explain all that to you."
"Ah, sir! we shall regard you as our deliverer."
"You are too good.Only, on two little conditions--"
"If there were a hundred, sir we should gladly accept them.Think what we should be without this place--penniless--absolutely penniless!"
"I reckon upon you then; for the interest of your husband, you will try to persuade him."
"Missus! I say, missus! here's master come back," cried a servant, rushing into the chamber.
"Has he many with him?"
"No, missus; he is alone."
"Alone! alone?"
"Quite alone, missus."
A few moments after, M.Dupont entered the room; his clothes were streaming with water; to keep his hat on in the midst of the storm, he had tied it down to his head by means of his cravat, which was knotted under his chin; his gaiters were covered with chalky stains.
"There I have thee, my dear love!" cried his wife, tenderly embracing him."I have been so uneasy!"
"Up to the present moment--THREE SAVED."
"God be praised, my dear M.Dupont!" said Rodin; "at least your efforts will not have been all in vain."
"Three, only three?" said Catherine."Gracious heaven!"
"I only speak of those I saw myself, near the little creek of Goelands.
Let us hope there may be more saved on other parts of the coast."
"Yes, indeed; happily, the shore is not equally steep in all parts."
"And where are these interesting sufferers, my dear sir?" asked Rodin, who could not avoid remaining a few instants longer.