 Book 3, Chapter 6, of the Crossing, by Winston Churchill. Hesitating on the step, a lady stood in the vine-covered doorway, a study in black and white in a frame of pink roses. The sash at her waist, the lace mantilla that clung about her throat, the deftly coiled hair with its sheen of the night waters, these black, the simple gown, a tribute to the art of her countrywomen in white. Mrs. Temple had gone forward to meet her, but I stood staring, marveling, forgetful in the path. They were talking, they were coming towards me, and I heard Mrs. Temple pronounce my name in hers. Madame de Montmarré, I bowed, she curtsied. There was a baffling light in the lady's brown eyes when I dared to glance at them, and a smile playing around her mouth. Was there no word in the two languages to find its way to my lips? Mrs. Temple laid her hand on my arm. David is not what one might call a lady's man, Madame, she said. The lady laughed. Isn't he? She said. I'm sure you will frighten him with your wit, answered Mrs. Temple, smiling. He's worth sparing. He is worth frightening, then, said the lady in exquisite English, and she looked at me again. You and David should like each other, said Mrs. Temple, you are both capable persons, friends of the friendless, and towers of strength to the weak. The lady's face became serious, but still there was the expression I could not make out. In an instant she seemed to have scrutinized me with a precision from which there could be no appeal. I seem to know, Mr. Richie, she said, and added quickly. Mrs. Clive has talked a great deal about you. She has made you out to be a very wonderful person. My dear, said Mrs. Temple, the wonderful people of this world are those who find time to comfort and help the unfortunate. That is why you and David are wonderful. No one knows better than I how easy it is to be selfish. I have brought you an English novel. Said Madame de Montemarie, turning abruptly to Mrs. Temple, but you must not read it at night. Lindy is not to let you have it until tomorrow. There, said Mrs. Temple gaily to me, Madame is not happy unless she is controlling someone, and I am a rebellious subject. You have not been taking care of yourself, said Madame. She glanced at me and bit her lips as though guessing the emotion which my visit had caused. Listen, she said, the Vesper bells, you must go into the house and Mr. Richie and I must leave you. She took Mrs. Temple by the arm and led her, unresisting along the path. I followed a thousand thoughts and conjectures spinning in my brain. They reached the bench under the little tree beside the door, and stood talking for a moment of the routine of Mrs. Temple's life. Some it seemed had prescribed a regimen and meant to have it followed. Suddenly I saw Mrs. Temple take the lady's arm and sink down upon the bench. Then we were both beside her, bending over her, she sitting upright and smiling at us. It is nothing, she said. I am so easily tired. Her lips were ashen and her breath came quickly. Madame acted with that instant promptness which I expected of her. We must carry her in, Mr. Richie, she said quietly. No, it is only momentary, David, said Mrs. Temple. I remember how pitifully frail and light she was, as I picked her up and followed Madame through the doorway into the little bedroom. I laid Mrs. Temple on the bed. Sin Lindy here, said Madame. Lindy was in the front room with the niggers whom Madame had brought with her. They were not talking. I supposed, then, this was because Lindy did not speak French. I did not know that Madame de Montmarré's maid was a mute. Both of them went into the bedroom and I was left alone. The door and windows were closed and a green, myrtleberry candle was burning on the table. I looked about me with astonishment. But for the low ceiling and the wide, cypress punch-ins of the floor, the room might have been a boudoir in a manor house. On the slender-legged, polished mahogany table lay books and paceful bindings. A diamond-pained bookcase stood in the corner. A fontuole and various other chairs which might have come from the hands of an atom were ranged about. Tall, silver candlesticks graced each end of the little mantel shelf and between them were two low-staffed vases having the temple coat of arms. It might have been half an hour that I waited, now pacing the floor, now throwing myself into the arm-chair by the fireplace. Anxiety for Mrs. Temple, problems that lost themselves than a dozen conjectures, all idle. These agitated me almost beyond my power of self-control. Once I felt for the miniature, took it out and put it back without looking at it. At last I was startled to my feet by the opening of the door, and Madame de Monterey came in. She closed the door softly behind her, with the deaf quickness and decision of movement which a sixth sense had told me she possessed. Crossed the room swiftly and stood confronting me. She's easy again now, she said simply. It's one of her attacks. I wish you might have seen me before you told her what you had to say to her. I wish indeed I had known you were here. She ignored this, whether intentionally, I know not. It is her heart, poor lady, I am afraid she cannot live long. She seated herself in one of the straight chairs. Sit down, Mr. Richie, she said. I'm glad you waited. I wanted to talk with you. I thought that you might, Madame la Vicumtessa, I answered. She made no gesture, either of surprise or displeasure. So you knew, she said quietly. I knew you the moment you appeared in the doorway, I replied. It was not just what I meant to say. There flashed over her face that expression of the miniature, the mouth repressing the laughter in the brown eyes. Montemarie is one of my husband's places, she said. When Antoinette asked me to come here and watch over Mrs. Temple, I chose the name. And Mrs. Temple has never suspected you? I think not. She thinks I came at Mr. Clark's request. And, being a lady, she does not ask questions. She accepts me for what I appear to be. It seemed so strange to me to be talking here in New Orleans in this little Spanish house, with a French Vicumtessa brought up near the court of the unfortunate Marie Antoinette. Nay with a lien de Saint-Grie, whose portrait had twice come into my life by a kind of strange fatality, and was at that moment in my pocket, that I could scarce maintain my self-possession in her presence. I had given the portrait two attributes and a character, and I found myself watching the lady with a breathless interest, lest she should fail in any of these. In the animacy of the little room I felt as if I had known her always, and again that she was as distant from me in my life as the court from which she had come. I found myself glancing continually at her face, on which the candlelight shone. The Vicumtessa might have been four and twenty. Save for the sober gown she wore, she seemed scarce older than the young girl in the miniature who had the presence of a woman of the world. Suddenly I discovered with a flush that she was looking at me intently, without embarrassment, but with an expression that seemed to hit of humor in the situation. To my astonishment she laughed a little. You are a very odd person, Mr. Ritchie, she said. I've heard so much of you from Mrs. Temple, from Antoinette, that I know something of your strange life. After all, she added, with a trace of sadness, it has been no stranger than my own. First I will answer your questions, and then I shall ask some. But I've asked no questions, Madame la Vicumtessa, I said. And you are a very simple person, Mr. Ritchie, continued Madame la Vicumtessa, smiling. It is what I've been led to suppose, a serious person. As the friend of Mr. Nicholas Temple, as the relation, and may I say, benefactor of this poor lady here, it is fitting that you should know certain things. I will not worry you with the reasons and events which led to my coming from Europe to New Orleans, except to say that I, like all of my class who have escaped the horrors of the revolution, am a wanderer, and grateful to Monsieur des Saint-Grieves for the shelter he gives me. His letter reached me in England, and I arrived three months ago. She hesitated. Nay, I should rather say paused, for there was little hesitation in what she did. She paused, as though weighing what she was to say next. When I came to Laëls, I saw there was a sorrow weighing upon the family, and it took no great astuteness on my part, Mr. Ritchie, to discover that Antoinette was the cause of it. One has only to see Antoinette, to love her. I wondered why she had not married, and yet I saw that there had been an affair. It seemed very strange to me, Mr. Ritchie, for with us you understand marriages are arranged. Antoinette really has beauty. She is the daughter of a man of importance in the colony. Her strength of character saves her from being listless. I found a girl with originality of expression, with a sense of the fitness of things, devoted to charitable works who had not taken the veil. That was on her father's account. As you know they are inseparable. Monsieur Philippe des Saint-Grieves is a remarkable man, with certain vigorous ideas not in accordance with the customs of his neighbors. It was he who first confided in me that he would not force Antoinette to marry. It was she, at length, who told me the story of Nicholas Temple and his mother. She paused again, and reading between the lines, I perceived that Madame Lavique-Mtessa had become essential to the household at Laëlle's. Philippe des Saint-Grieves was not a man to misplace a confidence. It was then that I first heard of you, Mr. Richie, and of the part which you played in that affair. It was then I had my first real insight into Antoinette's character. Her affection for Mrs. Temple astonished me, bewildered me. The woman had deceived her and her family, and yet Antoinette gave up her lover because he would not take his mother back. Had Mrs. Temple been willing to return to Laëlle's after you had providentially taken her away, they would have received her. Philippe des Saint-Grieves is not a man to listen to criticism. As it was, Antoinette did not rest until she found where Mrs. Temple had hidden herself, and then she came here to her. It is not for us to judge any of them. In sending Antoinette away the poor lady denied herself the only consolation that was left to her. Antoinette understood. Every week she has had news of Mrs. Temple from Mr. Clark, and when I came and learned her trouble, Antoinette begged me to come here and be Mrs. Temple's friend. Mr. Richie, she is a very ill woman, and a very sad woman, the saddest woman I've ever known, and I have seen many. And Madame Iselle des Saint-Grieves, I asked, tell me about this man for whom Antoinette has ruined her life, said Madame Laëlle Bicomtesse brusquely. Is he worth it? No, no man is worth what she has suffered. What has become of him? Where is he? Did you not tell her that you would bring him back? I said that I would bring him back if I could, I answered. And I meant it, Madame—Madame La Bicomtesse bitter lip. Had she known me better she might have smiled. As for me, I was wholly puzzled to account for these fleeting changes in her humour. You have taken a great deal upon your shoulders, Mr. Richie, she said. They are from all accounts broad ones. There I was wrong to be indignant in your presence. You who seem to have spent your life in trying to get others out of difficulties. Mercy, she said, with a quick gesture at my protest. There are a few men with whom one might talk thus in so short an acquaintance. I love the girl and I cannot help being angry with Mr. Temple. I suppose there's something to be said on his side. Let us hear it. I daresay he could not have a better advocate. She finished with an indefinable smile. I began at the wrong end of my narrative for it was some time before I had my facts arranged in proper sequence. I could not forget that Madame La Bicomtesse was looking at me fixedly. I reviewed Nick's neglected childhood, painted as well I might treat his temperament and character, his generosity and fearlessness, his recklessness and improvidence, his loyalty to those he loved, his detestation of those he hated. I told how under these conditions the sins and vagaries of his parents had gone far to wreck his life at the beginning of it. I told how I had found him again with Sevier, how he had come to New Orleans with me for the first time, how he had loved Antoinette and how he had disappeared after the dreadful scene in the garden at Les Elles, how I had not seen him again for five years. Here I hesitated, little knowing how to tell the Bicomtesse of that affair in Louisville, though I had a sense that I could not keep the truth from so discerning a person, I was startled to find this to be so. Yes, yes, I understand, she said quickly, and in the morning he had flown with the most worthy of my relatives, Auguste de Saint-Grie. I looked at her, finding no words to express my astonishment at this perspicacity. And now what do you intend to do? She asked. Find him in New Orleans, if you can, of course. But how? She rose quickly, went to the fireplace, and stood for a moment with her back to me. Suddenly she turned. It ought not to be difficult, after all. de Saint-Grie is a fool, and he confirms what you say of the expedition. He is, indeed, a pretty person to choose for an intrigue of this kind. And your cousin, what shall we call him? To say the least, secrecy is not Nick's forte, I answered, catching her mood. She was silent a while. It would be a blessing if Monsieur Le Baron could hang Auguste privately, as for your cousin, he may be worth saving, after all. I know Monsieur de Claude Delay, and he has no patience with conspirators of this sort. I think he would not hesitate to make examples of them. However, we will try to save them. We, I repeated unwittingly. Madame Lavicomteça looked at me, and laughed outright. Yes, she said, you will do some things, I others. There are the gaming-clubs with their ridiculous names, L'Amour, L'Aminone, la Deseret. She counted them reflectively on her fingers. Both of our gentlemen's might be tempted into one of these. You will drop into them, Mr. Richie. Then there is Madame Beauvais. Auguste would scarcely go there, I objected. Ah, said Madame Lavicomteça, but Madame Beauvais will know the names of some of Auguste's intimates. Miss Beauvais is evidently a good person. Perhaps she will do more for you. I understand that she has a weak spot in her heart for Auguste. Madame Lavicomteça turned her back again. Had she heard how Madame Beauvais had begged me to buy the miniature? Have you any other suggestions to make? She said, putting a foot on the fender. They have all been yours so far, I answered. But yet you are a man of action, of expedience, she murmured, without turning. Where are your wits, Mr. Richie? Have you any plan? I've been so used to rely on myself, Madame, I replied. That you do not like to have your affairs meddled with by a woman, she said, into the fireplace. I give you the credit to believe that you are too clever to misunderstand me, Madame, I said. You must know that your help is most welcome. At that she swung around and regarded me strangely, mirth lurking in her eyes. She seemed about to retort, and then to conquer the impulse. The effect of this was to make me anything but self-complacent. She sat down in the chair, and for a little while she was silent. Suppose we do find them, she said suddenly. What shall we do with them? She looked up at me, questioningly, seriously. Is it likely that your Mr. Temple will be reconciled with his mother? Is it likely that he is still in love with Antoinette? I think it's likely that he's still in love with Madame Moselle de Saint-Grie, I answered, though I have no reason for saying so. You are very honest, Mr. Richie. We must look at this problem from all sides. If he is not reconciled with his mother, Antoinette will not receive him. And if he is, we have the question to consider whether he is still worthy of her. The agents of Providence must not be heedless, she added, with a smile. I'm sure that Nick would alter his life if it became worth living, I said. I will answer for that much. Then he must be reconciled with his mother. She replied with dissusion. Mrs. Temple has suffered enough, and he must be found before he gets sufficiently into the bad graces of the barren, decorone delay. These two things are clear, she rose. Come here to-morrow evening, at the same time. She started quickly for the bedroom door, but something troubled me still. Madam, I said, yes, she answered, turning quickly. I did not know how to begin. There were many things I wished to say, to know, but she was a woman whose mind seemed to leap the chasms, whose words touched only upon those points which might not be understood. She regarded me with seeming patience. I should think that Mrs. Temple might have recognized you, I said, for want of a better opening. From the miniature, she said, I flushed furiously, and it seemed to burn me through the lining of my pocket. That was my salvation, she said. Mrs. Temple has never seen the miniature. I have heard how you rescued it, Mr. Richie, she added, with a curious smile. Monsieur Philippe de Saint-Grie told me. Then he knew, I stammered. She laughed. I have told you you are a very simple person, she said. Even you are not given to intrigues. I thank you for rescuing me. I flushed more hotly than before. I never expected to see you, I said. It must have been a shock, she said. I was dumb. I had my hand in my coat. I fully intended to give her the miniature. It was my plain duty, and, suddenly overwhelmed, I remembered that it was wrapped in Polly Ann's silk handkerchief. Madame Lavika Mtesa remained for a moment where she was. Do not do anything until the morning, she said. You must go back to your lodgings at once. That would be to lose time, I answered. You must think of yourself a little, she said. Do as I say. I've heard that two cases of the yellow fever have broken out this afternoon, and you, who are not used to the climate, must not be out after dark. And you, I said. I'm used to it, she replied. I've been here three months. Lest anything should happen, it might be well for you to give me your address. I am with Madame Gravois in the Rue Bienville. Madame Gravois in the Rue Bienville, she repeated. I shall remember. A domain, monsieur. She curtsied and went swiftly into Mrs. Temple's room. Seizing my hat, I opened the door and found myself in the dark street. End of chapter 6. Book 3, chapter 7 of The Crossing by Winston Churchill. This Liber-Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 7. The Disposal of the Sewer de Sangre. I had met Helene de Sangre at last. And what a fool she must think me. As I hurried along the dark banquets, this thought filled my brain for a time to the exclusion of all others, so strongly as vanity ingrained in us. After all, what did it matter what she thought? Madame la vie comtesse d'Ivree, la tour. I had never shown, and it was rather late to begin. But I possessed at least average common sense, and I had given no proof even of this. I wandered on, not heeding the command which she had given me to go home. The scent of camellias and magnolias floated on the heavy air of the night from the courtyards, reminding me of her. Laughter and soft voices came from the galleries. Despite the terror, despite the fall-berg, saw Antoine, despite the rites of man and the wars and suffering arising therefrom, despite the scourge which might come tomorrow, life went gaily on. The cabarets echoed, and behind the tight blinds, lines of light showed where the creole gentry gamed at their tables. For chants in the very clubs Madame la vie comtesse had mentioned. The moon, in her first quarter, floated in a haze, washed by her light the quaintly wrought balconies and heavy-tiled roofs of the Spanish buildings, risen from the charred embers, took on a touch of romance. I paused once with a twinge of remembrance before the long line of the Ursuline Convent, with its latticed bill-free against the sky. There was the lodge, with its iron gate shut, and the wall which Nick had threatened to climb. As I passed the great square of the new barracks, a sereno, so the night-watchman were called, was crying the hour. I came to the rambling market stalls, casting black shadows on the river-road, empty now to be filled in the morning with shouting march-ons. The promenade under the willows was deserted, the great river stretched away under the moon towards the forest line of the Father Shore, filmy and indistinct. A black wisp of smoke rose from the gullible of a flatboat, and I stopped to listen to the weird song of a negro, which I have heard many times since. En ditois, Caroline, qu'est-ce qu'elle comait comme un charret? En ditois, Caroline, qu'est-ce qu'elle crée, ma charret? Ma la mette au tucconica, c'est-ce qu'on l'aie, c'est-ce qu'on l'aie, ma lamente au tucconica, c'est-ce qu'on l'aie, c'est-ce qu'on l'aie. Gaining the promenade, I came presently to the new hotel which had been built for the governor, with its balconies, windows, looking across the river, the mansion of Mosher Le Baron de Caron de l'Aix. Even as I sat on the bench in the shadow of the willows, watching the sentry who paced before the arched entrance, I caught sight of a man stealing along the banquette on the other side of the road. Twice he paused to look behind him, and when he reached the corner of the street he stopped for some time to survey the governor's house, opposite. Suddenly I was on my feet, every sense of alert, staring. In the moonlight, made milky by the haze, he was indistinct, and yet I could have taken oath that the square diminutive figure with the head set forward on the shoulders was Gino's. If this man were not Gino, then the Lord had cast two in a strange mold. And what was Gino doing in New Orleans? As if in answer to the question, two men emerged from the dark archway of the governor's house, passed the sentry, and stood for an instant on the edge of the shadow. One wore a long Spanish cloak, and the other a uniform I could not make out. A word was spoken, and then my man was ambling across to meet them, and the three walked away, up Toulouse Street. I was in a fire of conjecture. I did not dare to pass the sentry and follow them, so I made round as fast as I could by the rue Saint-Paris, which borders the plus-darms, and then crossed to Toulouse again by sharts. The three were nowhere to be seen. I paused on the corner for thought, and at length came to a reluctant but prudent conclusion that I had best go back to my lodging and seek Monschur early in the morning. Madame Gravois was awaiting me. Was Monschur mad to remain out at night? Had Monschur not heard of the yellow fever? Madame Gravois even had prepared some concoction which she poured out of a bottle, and which I took with the docility of a child. Monschur Vigo had called, and there was a note. A note? It was a small note. I glanced stupidly at the seal, recognized the swan of the song Greek crest, broke it, and read. Mr. Ritchie will confer a favor upon La Vicantessa d'Ivry Latour if he will come to Monschur to St. Greece's house at eight tomorrow morning. I bade the reluctant Madame Gravois good night, gained my room, threw off my clothes, and covered myself with the mosquito-bar. There was no question of sleep, for the events of the day and surmises for the morrow tortured me as I tossed in the heat. Had the man been Genoux? If so, he was in league with Carone de Lé's police. I believed him fully capable of this. And if he knew Knicks were about, since on Greece, they would both be behind the iron gate of the Calaboso in the morning. Monschur Vigo had pointed out to me that day the gloomy, heavy-walled prison in the rear of the Cabildo. I, and he had spoken of its instruments of torture. What could the Vicantessa want? Truly, I thought, with remorse. She had been more industrious than I. I fell at length into a fevered sleep and awoke, a thirst, with the light trickling through my lattices. Contrary to Madame Gravois's orders, I had opened the glass of my window. Glancing at my watch, which I had bought in Philadelphia, I saw that the hands pointed to half after seven. I had scarcely finished my toilette before there was a knock at the door, and Madame Gravois entered with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and her bottle of medicine in the other. I did not wake Monschur, she said, for he was tired. She gave me another dose of the medicine, made me drink two cups of coffee, and then I started out with all dispatch for the house of the lions. As I turned into the Ruchart, I saw ahead of me four horses, with their bridles bunched and held by a negro-lad waiting in the street. Yes, they were in front of the house. There it was, with its solid green gates between the lions, its yellow walls with the fringe of peeping magnolias and oranges with its green lattice gallery, from which Monschur Auguste had let himself down after stealing the miniature. I knocked at the wicked. The same guardian answered the call, smiled, led me through the cool paved archway which held in its frame the green of the court beyond, and up the stairs, with the quaint balustrade which I had mounted five years before, to meet Philippe Desangrées. As I reached the gallery, Madame La Vicumtesse, gowned in Brownland in Fort Riding, rose quickly from her chair and came forward to meet me. You have news? I asked, as I took her hand. I have the kind of news I expected, she answered, a smile tempering the gravity of her face. Auguste is, as usual, in need of money. Then you found them, I answered, my voice portraying my admiration for the feet. Madame La Vicumtesse shrugged her shoulders slightly. I did nothing, she said. From what you told me, I suspected that as soon as Auguste reached Louisiana he would have a strong desire to go away again. This is undoubtedly what has happened. In any event I knew he would want money, and that he would apply to a source which, as hitherto, never failed him. Madame Iselle Antoinette, I said, precisely, answered Madame La Vicumtesse. When I reached home last night I questioned Antoinette, and I discovered that by a singular chance a message from Auguste had already reached her. Where is he? I demanded. I do not know, she replied, but he will be behind the hedge of the garden at Les Elles at eleven o'clock, unless he has lost before then his love of money, which is to say, he will be there unless he is dead. That is why I sent for you, Monsieur, she glanced at me. Sometimes it is convenient to have a man. I was astonished. When I smiled the affair was so ridiculously simple, and Monsieur disengue, I questioned. He has gone for a week with Madame to visit the estimable Monsieur Paudras at Pan-Coupé. Madame La Vicumtesse, who had better use for her words than to waste them at such a time, left me, went to the balcony, and began to give the guardian in the court below swift directions in French. Then she turned to me again. Are you prepared to ride with Antoinette and me to Les Elles Monsieur? She asked. I am, I answered. It must have been my readiness that made her smile. Then her eyes rested on mine. You look tired, Mr. Richie, she said. You did not obey me and go home last night. How did you know that? I asked, with a thrill at her interest. Because Madame Gravois told my messenger that you were out. I was silent. You must take care of yourself, she said briefly. Come, there are some things which I wish to say to you before Antoinette is ready. She led me toward the end of the gallery where a bright screen of morning glory shaded us from the sun. But we had scarce reached the place ere the sound of steps made us turn, and there was Madame Iselle Antoinette herself facing us. I went forward a few steps, hesitated and bowed. She curtsied. My name faltering on her lips. Yes, it was Antoinette. Not the light-hearted girl we had heard singing Mahle-Raw in the garden. But a woman now with a strange beauty that astonished me. Hers was the dignity that comes from unselfish service, the calm that is far from resignation, though the black veil caught upon her sapoo-de-pee gave her the air of a sister of mercy. Antoinette had inherited the energies as well as the features of the sangris, yet there was a painful moment as she stood there, striving to put down the agitation the sight of me gave her. As for me I was bereft of speech, not knowing what to say or how far to go. My last thought was of the remarkable quality in this woman before me, which had held her true to Mrs. Temple, and which sent her so courageously to her duty now. Madame Lavicum-Tessa, as I had hoped, relieved the situation. She knew how to broach a dreaded subject. Mr. Ritchie is going with us, Antoinette, she said. It is perhaps best to explain everything to him before we start. I was about to tell you, Mr. Ritchie, she continued turning to me, that Auguste has given no hint in his note of Mr. Temple's presence in Louisiana, and yet you told me that they were to have come here together. Yes, I answered, and I have no reason to think they have separated. I was merely going to suggest, said the Vicum-Tessa, firmly. I was merely going to suggest the possibility of our meeting, Mr. Temple, with Auguste. It was Antoinette who answered, with a force that revealed a new side of her character. Mr. Temple will not be there, she said, flashing a glance upon us. Do you think he would come to me? Haleen laid her hand upon the girl's arm. My dear, I think nothing, she said quietly, but it is best for us to be prepared against any surprise. Remember that I do not know, Mr. Temple, and that you have not seen him for five years. It is not like him. You know it's not like him, exclaimed Antoinette, looking at me. I know it's not like him, mademoiselle, I replied. Madame de Vicum-Tessa from behind the girl gave me a significant look. This occurred to me, she went on, in an undisturbed tone, that Mr. Temple might come with Auguste to protest against the proceeding, and even to defend himself against the imputation that he was to make use of this money in any way. I wish you to realize, Antoinette, before you decide to go, that you may meet Mr. Temple. Would it not be better to let Mr. Ricci go alone? I'm sure that we could find no better emissary. Auguste is here, said Antoinette. I must see him, her voice caught. I may never see him again. He may be ill, he may be starving, and I know that he is in trouble, whether her voice caught, whether Mr. Temple is with him or not, I mean to go. Then it would be well to start, said the Vicum-Tessa. Deathly dropping her veil, she picked up a riding whip that lay on the railing and descended the stairs to the courtyard. Antoinette and I followed. As we came through the archway I saw André, Monsieur de Saint Gris malato, holding open the wicket for us to pass. He helped the ladies to mount the ponies, lengthened my own stirrups for me, swung into the saddle himself, and then the four of us were picking our way down the Rue Chart at an easy amble. Turning to the right beyond the cool garden of the Ursulins, past the yellow barracks, we came to the riverfront beside the fortifications. A score of negroes were sweating there in the sun, swinging into position the long logs of the palisades, nearly completed. They were like those of Cascasquia and our own frontier forts in Kentucky, with a forty-foot ditch in front of them. Seated on a horse, talking to the overseer, was a fat little man in white linen who pulled off his hat and bowed profoundly to the ladies. His face gave me a start, and then I remembered that I had seen him only the day before, resplendent, coming out of the church. He was the Baron de Caron de Lé. There was a sentry standing under the crepe-mirtle, where the royal road ran through the gateway. Behind him was a diminutive five-sided brick fort with a dozen little cannon on top of it. The sentry came forward, brought his musket to a salute, and halted before my horse. You will have to show your passport, Mermid Madame Lavicumtesa. I drew the document from my pocket. It was signed by Delemos, and duly countersigned by the officer of the port. The man bowed, and I passed on. It was a strange, silent ride through the stinging heat to Laels. The brown dust hanging behind us like a cloud to settle slowly on the wayside shrubbery. Across the levee bank the river was low, listless, giving off hot breath like a monster in distress. The forest pools were cracked and dry. The Spanish moss was a haggard gray, and under the sun was the haze which covered the land like a saffron mantle. At times a listlessness came over me, such as I had never known, to make me forget the presence of the women at my side, the very errand on which we rode. From time to time I was roused into admiration of the horsemanship of Madame Lavicumtesa, for the restive Texas pony which she rode was stung to madness by the flies. As for Antoinette she glanced neither right nor left through her veil, but rode unmindful of the way, heedless of heat and discomfort, erect, motionless save for the easy gait of her horse. At length we turned into the avenue through the forest, lined by wild orange trees, came inside of the low, belvedured plantation house, and drew rain at the foot of the steps. Antoinette was the first to dismount and passed in silence through the group of surprised house servants gathering at the door. I assisted the Vicumtesa, who paused to bid the negroes disperse, and we lingered for a moment on the gallery together. "'Poor Antoinette,' she said, "'I wish we might have saved her this.' She looked up at me. How she defended him!' She exclaimed. "'She loves him,' I answered. Madam Vicumtesa sighed. "'I suppose there's no help for it,' she said. But it is very difficult not to be angry with Mr. Temple. The girl cared for his mother, gave her a home, clung to her when he and the world would have cast her off, sacrificed her happiness for them both. If I see him I believe I shall shake him, and if he doesn't fall down on his knees to her I shall ask the baron to hang him. We must bring him to his senses, Mr. Richie. He must not leave Louisiana until he sees her. Then he will marry her.' She paused, scrutinized me in her quick way, and added, "'You see that I take your estimation of his character. You ought to be flattered.' "'I am flattered by any confidence you repose in me, Madam Vicumtesa.' She laughed. I was not flattered then, but cursed myself for the quaint awkwardness in my speech that amused her. And she was astonishingly quick to perceive my moods. "'There, don't be angry. You will never be a courtier, my honest friend, and you may thank God for it. How sweet the shrubs are! Your chief business and life seems to be getting people out of trouble, and I'm going to help you with this case. It was my turn to laugh. "'You are going to help?' I exclaimed. "'My services have been heavy so far. You should not walk around at night,' she replied, irreverently. Suddenly I remembered Jeannot. But even as I was about to tell her of the incident Antoinette appeared in the doorway. She was very pale, but her lips were set with excitement and her eyes shone strangely. She was still in her riding gown, in her hand she carried a leather bag, and behind her stood André with a bundle. "'Quick,' she said, we're wasting time, and he may be gone. Checking an exclamation which could hardly have been complementary to Auguste, the Vicomtessa crossed quickly to her and put her arm about her. "'We will follow you, Menome,' she said in French. "'Must you come?' said Antoinette, appealingly. "'He may not appear if he sees anyone. "'We shall have to risk that,' said the Vicomtessa, dryly, with a glance at me. "'You shall not go alone, but we will wait a few moments at the hedge.' We took the well-remembered way through the golden green light under the trees, Antoinette leading, and the sight of the garden brought back to me poignantly the scene in the moonlight with Mrs. Temple. There was no sound save the languid morning notes of the birds and the humming of the bees among the flowers, as Antoinette went trembling down the path, and paused, listening, under the branches of that oak where I had first beheld her. Then with a little cry we saw her run forward into the arms of Auguste de Solgrie. It was a pitiful thing to look upon. Antoinette had led her brother to the seat under the oak. How long we waited, I know not, but at length we heard their voices raised, and without more ado, Madame Leves-comtesse beckoning me passed quickly through the gap in the hedge and went towards them. I followed with André. Auguste rose with an oath, and then stood facing his cousin like a man struck dumb. His hands dropped. He was a sorry sight indeed, unshaven, unkempt, dark circles under his eyes, clothes torn. "'Heline, you hear! In America!' he cried in French, staring at her. "'Yes, Auguste,' she replied, quite simply, "'I am here.' He would have come towards her, but there was a note in her voice which arrested him. "'And, Monsieur Leves-comtesse, André,' he said, "'I found myself listening tensely for the answer. André is in Austria, fighting for his king, I hope,' said Madame Leves-comtesse. "'So Madame Leves-comtesse is a refugee?' he said with a bow and a smile that made me very angry. "'Monsieur Leves-comtesse?' I asked. At the sound of my voice he started and gave back, for he had not perceived me. He recovered his balance, such as it was, instantly. "'Monsieur seems to take an extraordinary interest in my affairs,' he said, jauntedly. "'Only when they are to the detriment of other persons who are my friends,' I said. "'Monsieur has intruded in a family matter,' said Auguste grandly, still in French. "'My invitation of those most concerned, Monsieur,' I answered, for I could have throttled him. Auguste had developed. He had learned well that affronteries often the best weapon of an adventurer. He turned from me disdainfully, petulantly, and addressed the Vicomtesse once more. "'I wish to be alone with Antoinette,' he said. "'No doubt,' said the Vicomtesse. "'I demanded,' said Auguste. "'The demand is not granted,' said the Vicomtesse. "'That is why we have come. Your sister has already made enough sacrifices for you. "'I know you, Monsieur,' Auguste disongree, she continued, with quiet contempt. "'It is not for love of Antoinette that you have sought this meeting. It is because,' she said, riding down a torrent of words which began to escape from him, "'it is because you are in a predicament, as usual, and you need money.' "'Haleen!' it was Antoinette who spoke.' She had risen and was standing behind Auguste. She still held the leather bag in her hand. "'Perhaps the psalm is not enough,' she said. "'He has to get to France. Perhaps we could borrow more until my father comes home.' She looked questioningly at us. Medame, la Vicomtesse, was truly a woman of decision. One more adieu, she took the bag from Antoinette's unresisting hands and put it into mine. I was no less astonished than the rest of them. "'Mr. Richie will keep this until the negotiations are finished,' said the Vicomtesse. "'Degotiations,' cried Auguste, beside himself. "'This is insolence, madam. Be careful, sir,' I said. "'Auguste!' cried Antoinette, putting her hand on his arm. "'Why did you tell them?' he demanded, turning on her. "'Because I trust them,' Auguste Antoinette answered. She spoke without anger, as one whose sorrow had put her beyond it. Her speech had a dignity and force which might have awed a worthy man. His disappointment and chagrin brought him beyond bounds. "'You trust them?' he cried. "'You trust them when they tell you to give your brother who is starving and in peril of his life eight hundred leveries?' "'Eight hundred leveries?' pondant. "'And your brother?' "'It is all I have, Auguste,' said his sister sadly. "'Ha!' he said dramatically. "'I see. They seek my destruction. "'This man, pointing at me, is a Federalist in Madame la Vicomtesse.' He bowed ironically. "'It's a Royalist.' "'Bitch!' said the Vicomtesse impatiently. "'It would be an easy matter to have you sent to the morrow. A word to Montchur du Coron de l'Auguste. "'Do you believe, for a moment, that in your father's absence I would have allowed Antoinette to come here alone? And it was a happy circumstance that I could call on such a man as Mr. Richie to come with us. It seems to me that Mr. Richie and his friends have already brought sufficient misfortune on the family. It was a villainous speech. Antoinette turned away, her shoulders quivering, and I took a step towards him. But Madame la Vicomtesse made a swift gesture, and I stopped. I know not why. She gave an exclamation so sharp that he flinched physically as though he had been struck. But it was characteristic of her that when she began to speak her words cut rather than lashed. "'Auguste de Saint-Grie,' she said. "'I know you. The tribunal is merciful compared to you. There's no one on earth whom you would not torture for your selfish ends. No one whom you would not sell out without compunction for your pleasure. There are things that a woman should not mention, and yet I will tell them without shame to your face were it not for your sister. If it were not for her, I would not have you in my presence. Shall I speak of your career in France? There's Valenciennes, for example,' she stopped abruptly. The man was gray, but not on his account did the Vicomtesse stay her speech. She forgot him as though he did not exist, and by one of those swift transitions which thrilled me had gone to the sobbing Antoinette and taken her in her arms, murmuring endearments of which our language is not capable. I, too, forgot Auguste. But no rebuke, however stinging, could make him forget himself, and before we realized it he was talking again he had changed his tactics. "'This is my home,' he said, where I might expect shelter and comfort. You make me an outcast,' Antoinette disengaged herself from Helene with a cry, but he turned away from her and shrugged. A stranger would have fared better. Perhaps you will have more consideration for a stranger. There is a French ship at the Terre-au-Bouf in the English turn, which sails to-night. I appeal to you, Mr. Ritchie,' he was still talking in French, "'I appeal to you, who are a man of affairs,' and he swept me about. If a captain would risk taking a future gift of France for eight hundred liverys, pardon, I could get no farther than the Belize for that. M'a sure,' he added, meaningly. "'You have an interest in this. There are two of us to go. The amazing effrontery of this move made me gasp. Yet it was neither the Vicomtessa nor myself who answered him. We turned by common impulse to Antoinette. And she was changed. Her breath came quickly, her eyes flashed. Her anger made her magnificent. "'It is not true,' she cried. "'You know it is not true,' he lifted his shoulders and smiled. "'You are my brother, and I am ashamed to acknowledge you. I was willing to give you my last sue, to sell my belongings, to take from the poor to help you, until you defamed a good man. You cannot make me believe,' she cried, unheeding the color that surged into her cheeks. "'You cannot make me believe that he would use this money. You cannot make me believe it. Let us do him the credit, a thinking that he means to repay it,' said Agusté. Antoinette's eyes filled with tears, tears of pride, of humiliation, eye and of an anger of which I had not thought her capable. She was indeed a superb creature then, a personage I had not imagined. Gathering up her gown she passed Agusté and turned on him swiftly. "'If you were to bring that to him,' she said, pointing to the bag in my hand, he would not so much as touch it. "'Tomorrow I shall go to the Ursulins, and I thank God I shall never see you again. I thank God I shall no longer be your sister. Give me sure of the bundle,' she said to the frightened André, who still stood by the hedge. He may need food and clothes for his journey.' She left us. We stood watching her until her gown had disappeared amongst the foliage. André came forward and held out the bundle to Agusté, who took it mechanically. Then Madame Lavique and Tessa, motioned to André to leave, and gave me a glance, and it was part of the deep understanding of her I had that I took its meaning. I had my forebodings at what this last conversation with Agusté might bring forth, and I wished heartily that we were rid of him. "'C'est sangree,' I said. I understood you to say that a ship is lying at the English turn, some five leagues below us, on which you are to take passage at once.' He turned and glared at me, some devilish retort on his lips which he held back. Suddenly he became suave. "'I shall want two thousand libraires, monsieur.' It was the sum I asked for. It is not a question of what you asked for,' I answered. "'Since when did Monsieur assume this intimate position in my family?' he said, glancing at the Vicum Tessa. "'Monsieur de Saint-Grie,' I replied with difficulty. "'You will confine yourself to the matter in hand. You are in no situation to demand terms. You must take or leave what is offered to you. Last night the man called Gino, who was of your party, was at the Governor's house. At this he started perceptibly. Ha! I thought he was a traitor,' he cried. Strangely enough he did not doubt my word in this. "'I am surprised that your father's house has not been searched this morning,' I continued, astonished at my own moderation. "'The sentiments of the Baron de Carone de Lé are no doubt known to you, and you are aware that your family or your friends can not save you if you are arrested. You may have this money on two conditions. The first is that you leave the province immediately, the second that you reveal the whereabouts of Mr. Nicholas Temple. "'Monsieur is very kind,' he replied, and added the taunt, and well versed in the conduct of affairs of money. "'Does Monsieur de Saint-Grie accept?' I asked. He threw out his hands with a gesture of resignation. "'Who am I to accept?' he said, a fugitive, an outcast. And I should like to remind Monsieur that time passes. It is a sensible observation,' said I, meaning that it was the first. His sudden docility made me suspicious. What preparations have you made to go?' "'They're not a labyrinth, Monsieur, but they are complete. When I leave you I step into the prog, which is tied to the river bank.' "'Ah!' I replied. And Mr. Temple, madame Lavicomteza, smiled, for Auguste was fairly cult. He had not the astuteness to be a rogue. Oddly he had the sense to know that he could fool us no longer. "'Temple is at Lamarck's,' he answered sullenly. I glanced questioningly at the Vicomteza. "'Lamarck is an old pensioner of Monsieur de Saint-Grie,' said she. "'He has a house and an arpen of land not far below here.' "'Exactly,' said Auguste, and if Mr. Richie believes that he will save money by keeping Mr. Temple in Louisiana instead of giving him this opportunity to escape, it is no concern of mine. I reflected a moment on this, for it was another sensible remark. "'It is indeed no concern of yours,' said madame Lavicomteza. He shrugged his shoulders. "'And now,' he said, I take it that there are no further conscientious scruples against my receiving this paltry sum. "'I will go with you to your parogue,' I answered. "'When you embark, you shall have it.' "'I too will go,' said madame Lavicomteza. "'You overwhelm me with civility, madame,' said the sewer de Saint-Grie, bowing low. "'Leave the way, Monsieur,' I said. He took his bundle and started off down the garden path with a grand air. I looked at the Vicomteza inquiringly, and there was laughter in her eyes. "'I must show you the way to Lamarck's,' and then she whispered. "'You have done well, Mr. Richie. I did not return her look, but waited until she took the path ahead of me. In silence we followed Auguste through the depths of the woods, turning here and there to avoid a fallen tree or a sinkhole where the water still remained. At length we came out in the glare of the sun and crossed the dusty road to the levee-bank. Some forty yards below us was the canoe, and we walked to it still in silence. Auguste flung in his bundle and turned to us. "'Perhaps, Monsieur, is satisfied,' he said. I handed him the bag, and he took it with an elaborate air of thankfulness. Nay, the rascal opened it, as if to ensure himself that he was not tricked at the last. At the sight of the gold and silver which Antoinette had hastily collected, he turned to Madame Levi-comtesse. Should I have the good fortune to meet Monsieur Lecomte in France, I shall assure him that Madame is in good hands. He swept an exultant look at me, and enjoying herself. I could have flung him into the river, money-bag and all, but Madame Levi-comtesse made him a courtesy. There on the river-bank, and said sweetly, "'That is very good of you, Auguste. As for you, Monsieur,' he said, and now his voice shook with uncontrolled rage. I am in no condition to repay your kindness, but I have no doubt that you will not object to keeping the miniature a while longer. I was speechless with anger and shame, and though I felt the eyes of the Vicomtesse upon me, I dared not look at her. I heard Auguste, but indistinctly, as he continued, "'Should you need the frame, Monsieur, you will doubtless find it still with Monsieur Isidore, the Jew, in the rue Toulouse.' With that he leaped into the boat, seized the paddle, and laughed as he headed into the current. How long I stood watching him as he drifted lazily in the sun, I know not. But at length the voice of Madame La Vicomtesse aroused me. "'He is a pleasant person,' she said. End of chapter 7. Book 3, Chapter 8 of the Crossing by Winston Churchill. This labor-vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 8. At La Marx. Until then it seemed as if the sun had gotten into my brain and set it on fire. Her words had the strange effect of clearing my head, though I was still in as sad a predicament as ever I found myself. There was the thing in my pocket still wrapped in Polly Ann's hackerchief. I glanced at the Vicomtesse shyly and turned away again. Her face was all repressed laughter, the expression I knew so well. "'I think we should feel better in the shade, Mr. Richie,' she said in English, and, leaping lightly down from the bank, crossed the road again, I followed her perforce. "'I will show you the way to La Marx,' she said. "'Madame La Vicomtesse,' I cried, had she no curiosity, was she going to let pass what Auguste had hinted? Lifting up her skirts she swung round and faced me. In her eyes was a calmness more baffling than the light I had seen there but a moment since. How to begin, I knew not, and yet I was launched. "'Madame La Vicomtesse, there was once a certain many a tour painted of you.' "'By Bas, Monsieur,' she answered readily enough. The embarrassment was all on my side. We spoke of it last evening. I remember well when it was taken. It was the costume I wore at Chantilly, and, Monsieur Le Prince complimented me, and the next day the painter himself came to our hotel in the rue de Bretagne and asked the honor of painting me.' She sighed. Ah, those were happy days. Her Majesty was very angry with me. And why?' I asked, forgetful of my predicament, for sending it to Louisiana, to Antoinette. And why did you send it? A whim, said Vicomtesse. I had always written twice a year, either to Montchurla-Saint-Grie or Antoinette, and although I had never seen them, I loved them. Perhaps it was because they had patience to read my letters and the manners to say they liked them. "'Surely not, Madame,' I said. Montchurla-Saint-Grie spoke often to me of the wonderful pictures you drew of the personages at court. Madame La Vicomtesse had an answer on the tip of her tongue. I know now that she spared me. Then what of this miniature-mâchur, she asked? What became of it after you restored it to its rightful owner? I flushed furiously and fumbled in my pocket. "'I obtained it again, Madame,' I said. "'You obtained it?' she cried. I'm not sure to this day whether in consternation or jest. In passing it was not just what I wanted to say. "'I meant to give it to you last night,' I said. "'And why did you not?' she demanded severely. I felt her eyes on me, and it seemed to me as if she were looking into my very soul. Even had it been otherwise, I could not have told her how I'd lived with this picture night and day, how I had dreamed of it, how it had been my inspiration and counsel. I drew it from my pocket, wrapped as it was in the handkerchief, and uncovered it with a reverence which she must have marked, for she turned away to pick a yellow flower by the roadside. I thank heaven that she did not laugh. Indeed, she seemed to be far from laughter. "'You have taken good care of it, Marshaire,' she said. I thank you. It was not mine, Madame,' I answered. "'And if it had been?' she asked. It was a strange prompting. If it had been, I could have taken no better care of it,' I answered, and I held it towards her. She took it simply. "'And the handkerchief?' she said. The handkerchief was Polly Ann's,' I answered. She stopped to pick a second flower that had grown by the first. "'Who is Polly Ann?' she said. When I was eleven years of age and ran away from Temple Bow after my father died, Polly Ann found me in the hills. When she married Tom Machestny she took me across the mountains into Kentucky with them. Polly Ann has been more than a mother to me. "'Oh,' said Madame La Vicumtessa, then she looked at me with a stranger expression than I had yet seen in her face. She thrust the miniature in her gown, turned, and walked in silence a while. Then she said, "'So, Auguste sold it again?' "'Yes,' I said. "'He seems to have found a ready market only in you,' said the Vicumtessa, without turning her head. Here we are at Lamarck's. What I saw was a low, weather-beaten cabin on the edge of a clearing, and behind it stretched away in primrose the vegetables which the old Frenchman had planted. There was a little flower garden, too, and an orchard. A path of beaten earth led to the door which was open. There we paused. Seated at a rude table was Lamarck himself. His hoary head bent over the cards he held in his hand. Opposite him was Mr. Nicholas Temple, in the act of playing the Ace of Spades. I think it was the laughter of Madame La Vicumtessa that first disturbed them, and even then she had time to turn to me. "'I like your cousin,' she whispered. "'Sat you, songry?' said Nick. "'I wish to the devil you would learn not to sneak. You frighten me.' "'Where the deuce did you go to?' But Lamarck had seen the lady, stared at her wildly for a moment, and rose, dropping his cards on the floor. He bowed humbly, not without trepidation. "'Madame La Vicumtessa,' he said. By this time Nick had risen, and he, too, was staring at her. How he managed to appear so well dressed was a puzzle to me. "'Madame,' he said, bowing. "'I beg your pardon. I thought you were that. I beg your pardon. I understand your feeling, sir,' answered the Vicumtessa as she curtsied. "'Eget!' said Nick, and looked at her again. "'Eget! I'll be hanged if it's not.' It was the first time I had seen the Vicumtessa in confusion, and indeed if it were confusion she recovered instantly. "'You will probably be hanged, sir, if you do not mend your company,' she said. "'Do you not think so, Mr. Ritchie?' "'David,' he cried, and catching sight of me in the doorway over her shoulder. As he followed me here, too, running past the Vicumtessa, he seized me in his impulsive way, and searched my face. "'So you've followed me here, old faithful?' "'Madame,' he added, turning to the Vicumtessa. "'There is some excuse for my getting into trouble. What excuse, monsieur?' she asked. She was smiling, yet looking at us with shining eyes. "'The pleasure of having Mr. Ritchie get me out,' he answered. "'He has never failed me. "'You're far from being out of this,' I said. "'If the Baron de Carone Delay does not hang you or put you in the muro, he will not have me to thank. It will be Madame la Vicumtessa de Ivory Latour.' "'Madame la Vicumtessa,' exclaimed Nick, puzzled, "'May I present to you, Madame, Mr. Nicholas Temple?' I asked. Nick bowed, and she curtsied again. "'So monsieur la Baron is really after us,' said Nick. He opened his eyes, slapped his knee, and laughed. "'That may account for the citizen captain, the Sainte Grise absence,' he said. "'By the way, Davy, you haven't happened by any chance to meet him?' The Vicumtessa and I exchanged a look of understanding. Relief was plain on her face. It was she who answered. "'We have met him, by chance, Monsieur. He has just left for Théore-a-Bouf.' "'Théore-a-Bouf? What the deff—' "'I beg your pardon, Madame la Vicumtessa, but you give me something of a surprise. Is there another conspiracy at Théore-a-Bouf's? Or does somebody live there who has never before lent Auguste money?' Madame la Vicumtessa laughed. Then she grew serious again. "'You did not know where he had gone?' she said. "'I did not even know he had gone,' said Nick. "'Citizen Lamarque and I were having a little game of piquette, for vegetables. Ah, citizen!' Madame la Vicumtessa laughed again, and once more the shade of sadness came into her eyes. "'They are the same the world over,' she said. "'And I knew that she was thinking of her own kind in France, who faced the guillotine without sense of danger.' She turned to Nick. "'You may be interested to know, Mr. Temple,' she added, that Auguste is on his way to the English turn to take a ship for France. Nick regarded her for a moment, and then his face lighted up with that smile which won everyone he met, which inevitably made them smile back at him. "'The news is certainly unexpected, Madame,' he said. "'But then, after one has traveled much with Auguste, it is difficult to take a great deal of interest in him. "'It might have been sent to France, too?' he asked. "'Not if it can be helped,' replied the Vicumtessa seriously. "'Mr. Richie will tell you, however, that you are in no small danger. "'And outlish you know it. "'Mrs. Shirley Baron de Corondele considers that the intrigues "'of the French Revolutionist in Louisiana have already robbed him "'of several years of his life. "'He is not disposed to be lenient towards persons connected "'with that cause. "'What have you been doing since you arrived here on this "'ridiculous mission?' I demanded impatiently. "'My cousin is a narrow man, Madame Le Vicumtessa,' said Nick. "'We enjoy ourselves in different ways. "'I thought there might be some excitement in this matter, "'and I was sadly mistaken. "'It is not over yet,' said the Vicumtessa. "'And Davy,' continued Nick, bowing to me, "'gets his pleasures and excitement by extracting me from my "'various entanglements. "'Well, there's not much to tell. "'Songri and I were joined above Natchez by that little "'pig, Citizen Genot, and we shot past Delamos in the night. "'Since then we've been permitted to sleep no more at various "'plantations. "'We've been waked up at barbarous hours in the morning "'and handed on, as it were. "'They were all fond of us, but likewise they were all "'afraid of the Baron. "'What day is today? "'Monday? "'Then it was Saturday we lost Genot. "'I have reason to think that he has already sold out to "'the Baron,' I put in. "'Ah, I saw him in communication with the police at the Governor's "'hotel last night,' I answered. Nick was silent for a moment. "'Well,' he said, that may make some excitement.' Then he laughed. "'I wonder why Auguste didn't think of doing that,' he said. "'And now, what? "'How did you get to this house?' I said. "'We came down on Saturday night after we had lost Genot "'above the city. "'Do you know where you are?' I asked. "'Not I,' said Nick. "'I've been playing piquette with Le Marc most of the time "'since I arrived. "'He's one of the pleasantest men I've met in Louisiana, "'although a little taciturn, as you perceive, "'and more than a little deaf. "'I think he does not like Auguste. "'He seems to have known him and his youth.' "'Madame, let the Contessa looked at him with interest. "'You're Atle-L's, Nick,' I said. "'You're almost sure to songreeze plantation, "'and within a quarter of a mile of his house. "'His face became grave all at once. "'He seized me by both shoulders and looked into my face. "'You say that we are Atle-L's?' he repeated slowly. "'I nodded, seeing the deception which Auguste "'had evidently practiced in order to get him here. "'Then Nick dropped his arms, went to the door, "'and stood for a long time with his back turned to us, "'looking out over the fields. "'When finally he spoke it was in the tone he used in anger. "'If I had him now, I think I would kill him,' he said. "'Auguste had deluded him and other things, "'had run away and deserted him in a strange land. "'But this matter of bringing him to Atle-L's was past pardon. "'It was another face,' he turned to the Vicum-Tessa, "'a stronger face, a face ennobled by just anger. "'Madame la Vicum-Tessa,' he said, "'I have a vague notion that you are related "'to mon sure to songreeze. "'I give you my word of honor, as a gentleman, "'that I had no thought of trespassing upon him in any way. "'Mr. Temple, we were so sure of that, Mr. Ritchie and I, "'that we should not have sought for you here otherwise,' she replied quickly. "'Zin' she glanced at me as though seeking my approval "'for her next move. "'It was characteristic of her that she did not now shirk a task "'imposed by her sense of duty. "'We have little time, Mr. Temple, and much to say. "'Perhaps she will excuse us, Lamarck,' she added graciously in French. "'Madame la Vicum-Tessa,' said the old man, "'and with the tact of his race he bowed, and retired.' The Vicum-Tessa seated herself on one of the rude chairs and looked at Nick curiously. There was no such thing as embarrassment in her manner, no trace of misgiving that she would not move properly in the affair. Knowing Nick as I did, the difficulty of the task appalled me, for no man was likelier than he to fly off at a misplaced word. Her beginning was so bold that I held my breath, knowing full well as I did that she had chosen the very note. "'Sit down, Mr. Temple,' she said. "'I wish to speak to you about your mother.' He stomped like a man who had been struck, straightened, and stared at her as though he had not taken her meaning. Then he swung on me. "'Your mother's in New Orleans,' I said. "'I would have told you in Louisville had you given me the chance.' "'It is an interesting piece of news,' David,' he answered, "'which you might have spared me.' Mrs. Temple did not think herself necessary to my welfare when I was young, and now I've learned to live without her. "'Is there no such thing as expiation, Monsure?' said the Vicum-Tessa. "'Madame,' he said. "'She made me what I am, and when I might have redeemed "'to myself, she came between me and happiness.' "'Monsure,' said the Vicum-Tessa. "'Have you ever considered her sufferings?' He looked at the Vicum-Tessa with a new interest. She was not so far beyond his experience as mine. "'Her sufferings,' he repeated, and smiled. "'Madame, the Vicum-Tessa should know them,' I interrupted, and without heeding her glance of protest, I continued. "'It is she who has cared for Mrs. Temple.' "'You, madame,' he exclaimed. "'Do not deny your own share in it, Mr. Richie,' she answered. "'As for me, Monsure,' she went on, turning to Nick. "'I have done nothing that was not selfish. "'I have been in the world. "'I have lived my life. "'Misfortunes have come upon me, too. "'My visits to your mother have been to me a comfort, a pleasure, for she is a rare person. "'I have never found her so, madame,' he said briefly. "'I am sure it is your misfortune rather than your fault, Mr. Temple. "'It is because you do not know her now.' Again he looked at me, puzzled, uneasy, like a man who would run if he could. But by a kind of fascination his eyes went back to this woman who dared a subject sore to the touch, who pressed it gently, but with determination, never doubting her powers, yet with a kindness and sympathy of tone which few women of the world possess. The Vicomtessa began to speak again, evenly, gently. "'Mr. Temple,' said she, "'I am merely going to tell you some things which I am sure you do not know. "'And when I have finished I shall not appeal to you. "'It would be useless for me to try to influence you. "'And from what Mr. Richie and others have told me of your character I am sure that no influence would be necessary. "'And,' she added with a smile, "'it would be much more comfortable for us both if you set down.' He obeyed her without a word. "'No wonder Madame La Vicomtessa "'had such an influence at court.' "'There,' she said, "'if any reference I am about to make gives you pain, "'I am sorry,' she paused briefly. "'After Mr. Richie took your mother from here "'to New Orleans some five years ago, "'she rented a little house in the Rue Bourbon "'with a screen of yellow and red tiles "'at the edge of the roof. "'It is on the south side next to the corner "'of the Rue Saint Philippe. "'There she lives absolutely alone except for a servant. "'Mr. Clark, who has charge of her affairs, "'was the only person she allowed to visit her. "'For her pride, however, misplaced, "'and for her spirit we must all admire her. "'The friend who discovered where she was, "'who went to her and implored Mrs. Temple to let her stay, "'she refused. "'The friend,' he repeated in a low tone. "'I scarcely dared to glance at the Vicomtessa.' "'Yes, it was Antoinette,' she answered. "'He did not reply, but his eyes fell. "'Antoinette went to her, would have comforted her, "'would have cared for her, but your mother sent her away. "'For five years she has lived there, Mr. Temple, "'alone with her past, alone with her sorrow and remorse. "'You must draw the picture for yourself. "'If the world had a more terrible punishment, "'I have not heard of it. "'And when some months ago I came, "'and Antoinette sent me to her, "'sent you to her,' he said, "'raising his head quickly. "'Under another name than my own,' Haleen continued, "'apparently taking no notice of his interruption. "'She leaned toward him, and her voice faltered. "'I found your mother dying,' he said nothing, "'but got to his feet and walked slowly to the door, "'where he stood looking out again. "'I felt for him. "'I would have gone to him then, "'had it not been for the sense in me "'that Haleen did not wish it. "'As for Haleen,' she said, "'waiting for him to turn back to her. "'And at length he did. "'Yes,' he said. "'It is her heart, Mr. Temple, that we fear the most. "'Last night I thought the end had come. "'It cannot be very far away now. "'Sorrow and remorse have killed her, Mosheura. "'The one thing she has prayed for "'through the long nights "'is that she might see you once again "'and obtain your forgiveness. "'God himself does not withhold forgiveness, Mr. Temple,' said the Vicum Tessa gently. "'Shall any of us presume to?' "'A spasm of pain crossed his face "'and then his expression hardened. "'I might have been a useful man,' he said. "'She ruined my life, and you would allow her "'to ruin the rest of it?' asked the Vicum Tessa. "'He stared at her. "'If you do not go to her and forgive her, "'you will remember it until you die,' she said. "'He sank down on the chair opposite to her, "'his head bowed into his hands, "'his elbows on the table among the cards. "'At length I went and laid my hands upon his shoulder, "'and at my touch he started. "'Then he did a singular thing, an impulsive thing, "'characteristic of the old nick I had known. "'He reached across the table "'and seized the hand of the Vicum Tessa. "'She did not resist, and her smile I shall always remember. "'It was the smile of a woman who has suffered and understands.' "'I will go to her, madam,' he said, springing to his feet. "'I will go to her. "'I—I was wrong.' "'She rose to. "'He still clinging to her hand. "'She still unresisting. "'His eye fell upon me. "'Where's my hat, Davy?' he asked. "'The Vicum Tessa withdrew her hand and looked at me. "'Alas, it is not quite so simple as that, Mr. Temple,' she said. "'Monsure de Caron d'Lay has first to be reckoned with. "'She's dying, you say? "'Then I will go to her. "'After that, Monsure de Caron d'Lay may throw me into prison. "'May hang me. "'May do anything he chooses. "'But I will go to her.' "'I glanced anxiously at the Vicum Tessa, "'well knowing how woeful he was when aroused. "'Admiration was in her eyes, seeing that he was heedless "'of his own danger. "'You would not get through the gates of the city. "'Monsure de Caron requires passports now,' she said. "'At that he began to paste the little room "'his hands clenched. "'I could use your passport, Davy,' he cried. "'Let me have it. "'Pardon me, Mr. Temple. "'I do not think you could,' said the Vicum Tessa. "'I flushed. "'I suppose the remark was not to be resisted. "'Then I will go to-night,' he said, with determination. "'It will be no trouble to steal into the city.' "'You say the house is yellow and red tiles, "'and is near the roof of St. Philippe?' "'Heline laid her fingers on his arm. "'Listen, Monsure, there is a better way,' she said. "'Monsure-le-Baron is doubtless very angry with you, "'and I am sure that this is chiefly "'because he does not know you. "'For instance, if someone were to tell him "'that you are a straightforward, courageous young man, "'a gentleman with an unquenchable taste for danger, "'that you are not a low-born adventurer and intriguer, "'that you have nothing in particular "'against his government, he might not be quite so angry. "'Pardon me if I say that he is not disposed "'to take your expedition any more seriously "'than your own federal government. "'The Little Baron is a rassable, caloric stern, "'or else good-natured, good-hearted, and charitable, "'just as one happens to take him. "'As we say in France, it is not well "'to strike Flint and Steele in his presence. "'He might blow up and destroy one. "'Suppose someone were to go to Monsure "'to Caron Delay and tell him what a really "'estilable person you are, and assure him "'that you will go quietly out of his province "'at the first opportunity, and be good, "'so far as he is concerned, forever after. "'Mark me, I merely say, suppose. "'I do not know how far things have gone "'or what he may have heard. "'But suppose a person whom I have reason "'to believe he likes, and trusts, and respects, "'a person who understands his vagaries "'should go to him on such an errand. "'And where's such a person to be found?' said Nick, "'amused in spite of himself. "'Madame Laficumtesa, curtsied. "'Monsure, she is before you,' she said. "'Egaid!' he cried. "'You mean to say, madame, that you will go "'to the Baron on my behalf? "'As soon as I ever get to town,' she said. "'He will have to be waked from his siesta, "'and he does not like that. "'But he will forgive you,' said Nick, quick as a flash. "'I have reason to believe he will,' said Madame Laficumtesa. "'Faith!' cried Nick. "'He would not be flesh and blood if he didn't. "'At that Laficumtesa laughed, "'and her eye rested judicially on me. "'I was standing rather glumly, I fear, in the corner. "'Are you going to take him with you?' said Nick. "'I was thinking of it,' said the Vicumtesa. "'Mr. Richie knows you, and he is such a reliable "'and reputable person.' "'Nick bowed. "'You should have seen him marching "'in the Jacobin procession, madame,' he said. "'He follows his friends into strange places,' she retorted. "'And now, Mr. Temple,' she added, "'may we trust you to stay here with Lamarck "'until you have word from us? "'You know I cannot stay here,' he cried. "'And why not, Meshura? "'If I were captured here, I should get Monschur de Sangre "'into trouble. "'And besides,' he said, with a touch of coldness, "'I cannot be beholden to Monschur de Sangre. "'I cannot remain on his land.' "'As forgetting Monschur de Sangre into trouble, "'his own son could not involve him more with the Baron,' "'answered madame Levic-Mtessa. "'And it seems to me, Meshura, "'that you are already so far beholden to Monschur de Sangre "'that you cannot quibble about going a little more "'into his debt. "'Come, Mr. Temple, how has Monschur de Sangre "'ever offended you?' "'Madame,' he began, Monschur, "'she said with an air not to be denied. "'I believe I can discern a point of honor as well as you. "'I fail to see that you have a case.' "'He was indeed no match for her. "'He turned to me appealingly, his brows bent. "'But I had no mind to meddle.' "'He swung back to her. "'But, madame,' he cried. "'She was arranging the cards neatly on the table.' "'Monschur, you are tiresome,' she said. "'What is it now?' "'He took a step towards her, "'speaking in a low tone, his voice shaking. "'But true to himself,' he spoke plainly. "'As for me, I looked on frightened, "'as though watching a contest, "'almost a gape to see what a clever woman could do. "'There is Mademoiselle de Sangre.' "'Yes,' repeated the Vicumtessa, toying with the cards. "'His face lighted, though his lips twitched with pain. "'She is still—she is still Mademoiselle de Sangre, "'if that is what you mean. "'And what will she think if I stay here?' "'Ah, do you care what she thinks, Mr. Temple?' said the Vicumtessa, raising her head quickly. "'From what I have heard, I should not have thought you could. "'God help me,' he answered simply. "'I do care.' Helene's eyes softened as she looked at him, and my pride in him was never greater than at that moment. "'Mr. Temple,' she said gently, "'remain where you are and have faith in us. "'I begin to see now why you are so fortunate in your friends. "'Her glance rested for a brief instant on me. "'Mr. Richie and I will go to New Orleans, talk to the Baron, "'and send André at once with a message. "'If it is in our power, you shall see your mother very soon.' "'She held out her hand to him, and he bent and kissed it reverently. "'With an ease I envied. "'He followed us to the door, "'and when the Vicumtessa had gone a little way down the path, "'she looked at him over her shoulder. "'Do not despair, Mr. Temple,' she said. "'It was an answer to a yearning in his face.' "'He gripped me by the shoulders. "'God bless you, Davy,' he whispered and added. "'God bless you both.' "'I overtook her where the path ran into the forest as shade, "'and for a long while I walked with her, "'not breaking her silence, my eyes upon her, "'a strange throbbing in my forehead, which I did not heed. "'At last, when the perfumes of the flowers told us "'we were nearing the garden, she turned to me. "'I like Mr. Temple,' she said again. "'He's a honest gentleman,' I answered. "'One meets very few of them,' she said, speaking in a low voice. "'You and I will go to the governor, "'and after that, have you any idea where you will go?' "'No,' I replied, troubled by her regard. "'Then I will tell you. "'I intend to send you to Madame Gravoise, "'and she will compel you to go to bed and rest. "'I do not mean to allow you to kill yourself.'" End of Chapter 8 Book 3 Chapter 9 of the Crossing by Winston Churchill. This Liber-Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 9, Monchur Le Baronne. The sun beat down mercilessly on the thatch and terrace, the yellow walls flung back to quivering heat, as Madame La Vicumtessa and I walked through the empty streets towards the governor's house. We were followed by André and Madame's maid. The sleepy orderly started up from under the archway at our approach. Val profoundly to Madame looked to scant at me and declared with a thousand regrets that Monchur Le Baronne was having his siesta. "'Then you will wake him,' said Madame La Vicumtessa. "'Wake, Monchur Le Baronne? "'When a steus, did Madame understand "'what he meant to wake his Excellency? "'His Excellency had first be angry. "'No doubt angry, as an endolution bull, Madame. "'Once when his Excellency had first come to the province, "'he, the orderly, had presumed to awake him.' "'A sea,' said Madame, so suddenly, "'that the man straightened and looked at her again. "'You will wake Monchur Le Baronne "'and tell him that Madame La Vicumtessa, "'de Aire le Tour, has something of importance "'to say to him. "'Madame had the air and the tidal carried "'with a Spanish soldier in New Orleans in those days. "'The orderly fairly swept the ground "'and led us through a door where the sun "'drew bewildering hot odors from the fruits and flowers, "'into a darkened room which was the baronne's cabinet. "'I remember it vaguely, for my head was hot "'in throbbing from my exertions in such a climate. "'It was a new room, the hotel being newly built, "'with white walls, a picture of his Catholic majesty "'and the royal arms of Spain, a map of Louisiana, "'another of New Orleans fortified, some walnut chairs, "'a desk with ink and sand and a seal, and a window, "'the closed, lavish shutters of which "'showed streaks of light green light. "'These doubtless opened on the royal road "'and looked across the levy esplanade "'on the waters of the Mississippi. "'Madame LaVicantessa ceded herself, and with a gesture "'which was an order, bade me do likewise. "'He will be angry, the dear Baron,' she said. "'He is harassed to death with republics. "'No offence, Mr. Ridgey. "'He's up at dawn looking at the forts and palisades "'to guard against such foolish enterprises "'as this of Mr. Temples. "'And to be waked out of a well-earned siesta "'save a gentleman who has come here to make things "'unpleasant for him, is carrying a joke a little far. "'Me, what do you?' "'She gave a little shrug to her slim shoulders "'as she smiled at me, and she seemed not a wit disturbed "'concerning the conversation with his excellency. "'I wondered whether this were birth or training or both, "'or the natural ability to cope with affairs. "'The women of her order had long been used "'to intercede with sovereigns, to play a part in matters of state. "'Suddenly I became aware that she was looking at me. "'What was you thinking of?' she demanded and continued "'without waiting for a reply. "'You strange man!' "'I was thinking how odd it was,' I replied, "'that I should have known you all these years by a portrait, "'that we should finally be thrown together, "'and that you should be so exactly like the person "'I had supposed you to be.' "'She lured her eyes, but she did not seem to take offense. "'I met none.' "'And you,' she answered, "'are continually reminding me of an Englishman I knew "'when I was a girl. "'He was a very queer fellow to be attached to the embassy. "'Not a courtier, but a serious literal person like you, "'Mr. Richie, and he resembled you very much. "'I was very fond of him. "'And what became of him?' I asked. "'Other questions rose to my lips, but I put them down. "'I will tell you,' she answered, bending forward a little. "'He did something which I believe you might have done. "'A certain Marquis spoke lightly of a lady, "'an Englishwoman at our court, "'and my Englishman ran him through one morning at Masai. "'She paused, and I saw that her breath was coming "'more quickly at the remembrance. "'And then he fled to England. "'He was a younger son and poor. "'But his king heard of the affair, "'had it investigated and restored him to the service. "'I have never seen him since,' she said, "'but I have often thought of him. "'There,' she added, after a silence "'with a lightness which seem assumed, "'I have given you a romance. "'How long the baron takes to dress?' "'At that moment there were footsteps in the courtyard "'and the orderly appeared at the door, "'soluting and speaking in Spanish. "'His Excellency the Governor! "'We rose, and Madame was curtsying, "'and I was bowing to the little man. "'He was in uniform, his face perspiring in the creases, "'his plump calves stretching his white stockings "'to the full. "'Madame extended her hand, and he kissed it, "'albeit he did not bend easily. "'He spoke in French, and his voice "'betrayed the fact that his temper "'was nearly slipping its leash. "'The baron was a native of Flanders. "'To what happy circumstance do I owe the honor "'of this visit, madame la Vicumdessa?' he asked. "'To a woman's whim, monsieur la baron,' she answered, "'for a man would not have dared to disturb you. "'May I present to your Excellency "'Mr. David Richie of Kentucky?' "'His Excellency bowed stiffly, "'looked at me with no pretense of pleasure, "'and I had had sufficient dealings with men to divine that. "'In the coming conversation, the overflow of his temper "'would be poured upon me. "'His first sensation was surprise. "'An American,' he said, in a tone that implied reproach "'to madame la Vicumdessa, for having fallen "'into such company.' "'Ah!' he cried, breathing hard "'in the manner of stout people. "'I remember you came down with Monsieur Vigo, Monsieur. "'Did you not?' "'It was my turn to be surprised. "'If the baron took a light cognizance "'of all my countrymen who came to New Orleans, "'he was a busy man indeed. "'Yes, your Excellency,' I answered. "'And you are a Federalist,' he said, though petulantly. "'I am your Excellency.' "'Is your nation to overrun the earth?' said the baron. "'Every morning when I ride through the streets "'it seems to me that more Americans have come. "'Pardon, I declare every day that if it were not "'for the Americans, I should have ten years more "'of life ahead of me. "'I could not resist the temptation to glance "'in madame la Vicumdessa. "'Her eyes, half-closed, betrayed an amusement "'that was scarce repressed.' "'Come, my chur, la baron,' she said. "'You and I have like beliefs, upon most matters. "'We have both suffered at the hands of people "'who have mistaken a fiend for a lady. "'You would have me believe, madame!' "'The baron put in, with a wit I had not thought in him, "'that Mr. Richard knows a lady when he sees one. "'I can readily believe it.' "'But I'll laugh. "'He at least has a negative knowledge,' she replied. "'And he has brought into New Orleans no coins, boxes, "'or clocks, against your Excellency's orders, "'with the image and supersubscription of the goddess "'in whose name all things are done. "'He has not sung Cairo at the theaters, "'and he detests the tricolored cockades as much as you do. "'The baron laughed in spite of himself, and began to thaw. "'There was a little more friendliness in his next glance at me. "'What images have you brought in, Mr. Richie?' he asked. "'We all worshiped the sex in some form, "'however misplaced our notions of it. "'There was not the least doubt that for the sake "'of the Vicum Tessa he was trying to be genial "'and that his remark was a purely random one. "'But the roots of my hair seemed to have taken fire. "'I saw the baron as in a glass, darkly. "'But I kept my head, principally, "'because the situation had elements of danger. "'The image of Madame Le Vicum Tessa, Monsieur?' I said. "'Dame!' exclaimed his Excellency, "'ying me with a new interest. "'I did not suspect you of being a courtier. "'No more he is, Monsieur Le Baron,' said the Vicum Tessa, "'for he speaks the truth. "'His Excellency looked blank. "'As for me I held my breath, "'wondering what coup Madame was meditating. "'Mr. Richie brought down from Kentucky "'a miniature of me by Bose "'that was painted in a costume I once wore at Chantilly. "'Comment, Diablé!' exclaimed the baron. "'And how did such a thing get into Kentucky, Madame?' "'You have brought me to the point,' she replied, "'which is no small triumph for your Excellency. "'Mr. Richie bought the miniature "'from that most estinable of my relations, "'Monsieur Auguste de Saint-Grie.' "'The baron sat down and began to fan himself. "'He even grew a little purple. "'He looked at Madame, sputtered, "'and I began to think that if he didn't relieve himself, "'his head might blow off. "'As for the Vicum Tessa, she wore an ingenious air "'of detachment and seemed supremely unconscious "'of the volcano by her side.' "'So, Madame,' cried the Governor at length, "'after I know not what repressions, "'you have come here in behalf of that of Auguste de Saint-Grie? "'As far as I'm concerned, Monsieur,' "'answered the Vicum Tessa, calmly, "'you may hang Auguste, put him in prison, drown him, "'or do anything you like with him.' "'God help me,' said the poor man, "'searching for his handkerchief and utterly confounded. "'Why is it you have come to me then? "'Why did you wake me up?' he added, "'so far forgetting himself. "'I came in behalf of the gentleman "'who had the indiscretion to accompany Auguste "'to Louisiana,' she continued. "'In behalf of Mr. Nicholas Temple, "'who is a cousin of Mr. Richie.' "'The Baron started abruptly from his chair. "'I have heard of him,' he cried. "'Madame knows where he is. "'I know where he is. "'It is that which I came to tell your Excellency.' "'Hein!' said his Excellency, again non-plus. "'You came to tell me where he is? "'And where the other one is?' "'Perfez-moi,' said madame. "'But before I tell you where they are, "'I wish to tell you something about Mr. Temple.' "'Madame, I know something of him already,' said the Baron, impatiently. "'Ah,' she said, from Gineau. "'And what do you hear from Gineau?' "'This was another shock "'under which the Baron fairly staggered. "'Diable, is madame a-become Tessa in the plot?' he cried. "'What does madame know of Gineau?' "'Madame's manner suddenly froze. "'I am likely to be in the plot,' must sure,' she said. "'I am likely to be in a plot which has for its furtherance "'that abominable anarchy which deprived me of my home "'and estates, of my relatives, and friends, and my sovereign.' "'A thousand pardoned, madame, la vie-com Tessa,' said the Baron, "'more at sea than ever. "'I have had much to do these last years, "'and the heat and the Republicans have got on my temper. "'Will madame la vie-com Tessa pray, explain?' "'I was about to do so when your excellency interrupted,' said madame. "'You see before you Mr. Richie, Barrister of Louisville, Kentucky, "'whose character of sobriety, dependence, and ability—' "'There was a little gleam in her eyes,' she gave me, "'this array of virtues—' "'can be perfectly established. "'When he came to New Orleans some years ago, he brought letters "'to Monsieur de Saint-Grie, from Monsieur Gratiott "'and Colonel Chateau of St. Louis, and he is known to Mr. Clark "'and to Monsieur Viggo. "'He is a Federalist, as you know, and has no sympathy "'with the Jacobins. "'Abe-en, Mr. Richie,' said the Baron, getting his breath. "'You are fortunate in your advocate. "'Madame, la vie-com Tessa neglected to say that she was "'a friend, and greatest of all recommendations in my eyes. "'You are delightful, Monsieur Le Baron,' said the vie-com Tessa. "'Perhaps Mr. Richie can tell me something of this expedition,' said the Baron, his eyes growing smaller as he looked at me. "'Willingly,' I answered, although I know that your excellency "'is well-informed, and that Monsieur Viggo has doubtless "'given you many of the details that I know. "'He interrupted me with a grunt. "'The Americans are clever people, Monsieur,' he said. "'You can try to combine shrewdness with frankness. "'If I had anything to hide from your excellency, I should not be here,' I answered. "'The expedition, as you know, has been as much of a farce "'as Citizen Genet's Commissions, but it has been a sad farce "'to me, in as much as it involves the honor of my old friend "'and Colonel General Clark, and the safety of my cousin, "'Mr. Temple, so you were with Clark in Illinois,' said the Baron craftily. "'Pardon me, Mr. Richie, but I should have said that you are too young. Monsieur Viggo will tell you that I was the drummer-boy of the regiment and the sort of ward of the Colonel's. I used to clean his guns and cook his food. "'And you did not see fit to follow your Colonel to Louisiana?' said his excellency, for he had been trained in a service of suspicion. "'General Clark is not what he was,' I answered, chafing a little at his manner. "'Your excellency knows that, and I put loyalty to my government before friendship, and I might remind your excellency that I am neither an adventurer nor a fool.' The little Baron surprised me by laughing. His irritability and his good nature ran in streaks. "'There's no occasion to, Mr. Richie,' he answered. "'I have seen something of men in my time. In which category do you place your cousin, Mr. Temple? If a love of travel and excitement and danger constitutes an adventurer, Mr. Temple, as such,' I said. Fortunately the main spur of the adventurous character is lacking in his case. I refer to the desire for money. Mr. Temple has an annuity from his father's estate in Charleston, which puts him beyond the pale of the fortune-seeker. And I firmly believe that if your excellency sees fit to allow him to leave the province, and if certain disquieting elements can be removed from his life,' I glanced at the Vicumtessa, he will settle down and become a useful citizen of the United States. As much as I dislike to submit to a stranger private details in the life of a member of my family, I feel that I must tell your excellency something of Mr. Temple's career, in order that you may know that restlessness and the thirst for adventure were the only motives that led him into this foolish undertaking. "'Pray proceed, Mr. Richie,' said the Baron. I was surprised not to find him more restless, and in addition the glance of appropriation which the Vicumtessa gave me spurred me on. However distasteful, I had the sense to see that I must hold nothing back of which his excellency might at any time become cogsinant. And therefore I told him as briefly as possible Nick's story, leaving out only the episode with Antoinette. When I came to the relation of the affairs which occurred at L'El's five years before, and told his excellency that Mrs. Temple had since been living in the Rue Bourbon as Mrs. Clive, unknown to her son, the Baron broke in upon me. "'So the mystery of that woman is clear at last,' he said, and turned to the Vicumtessa. "'I have learned that you have been a frequent visitor, madame. Not a sparrow falls to the ground in Louisiana that your excellency does not hear of it,' she answered. "'And you know,' he said, speaking to me again. "'As I told you, Miss Sheller Baron,' I answered, "'I have come to New Orleans at a personal sacrifice to induce my cousin to abandon this matter, and I went out last evening to try and get a word of him. This was not strictly true. I saw Monsieur Genot in conference with some of your officers who came out of this hotel. "'You have sharp eyes, Monsieur,' he remarked. "'I suspected the man when I met him in Kentucky,' I continued, not heeding this. Monsieur Vigo himself distressed at him, to say that Genot were deep in the counsels of the expedition, that he held a commission from Citizen Genet, I realized will have no weight with your excellency, provided the man is in the secret service of his majesty the king of Spain. "'Mr. Richie,' said the Baron, "'you are a young man, and I am an old one. If I tell you that I have a great respect for your stuteness and ability, do not put it down to flattery. I wish that your countrymen, who are coming down the river like Driftwood, more resembled you, as for Citizen Genot,' he went on smiling and wiping his face. "'Let not your heart be troubled. His Majesty's minister in Philadelphia has written me letters on the subject. I am contemplating for Monsieur Genot a sea voyage to Havana, and he is at present partaking of my hospitality in the calaboso.' "'In the calaboso?' I cried, overwhelmed at this example of Spanish justice and omniscience. Precisely,' said the Baron, drumming with his fingers on his fat knee. "'And now,' he added, "'perhaps Madame la Vicumtessa is ready to tell me the whereabouts of Mr. Temple and her estonable cousin Auguste. It may interest her to know why I have allowed them their liberty so long, a point on which I have been consumed with curiosity since I have begun to tremble at the amazing thoroughness of your Excellency's system,' said the Vicumtessa. His Excellency scarcely looked the tyrant, as he said before us, with his calves crossed and his hands folded on his westcoat and his little black eyes twinkling. "'It is because,' he said, "'there are many French planters in the province bitten with the three horrors,' he meant liberty, equality, and fraternity. I have sent six to Havana, and if most sure Antean de Bore had not in the nick of time for him discovered how to make sugar he would have gone too. I had an idea that the sur de sangree and Mr. Temple might act as a bait to reveal the disease in some others. Ah! I am cleverer than you thought, Mr. Ritchie. You are surprised,' I was surprised, and showed it. "'Come,' he said, "'you are astute. Why did you think I let them at liberty? I thought your Excellency believed them to be harmless as they are,' I replied. He turned again to the Vicumtessa. "'You have picked up a diplomat, madame. I must confess that I misjudged him when you introduced him to me. And again, where are Mr. Temple and your estonable cousin? Shall I tell you? They are at Ola Marks, on the plantation of Philippe de Sangree. They were your Excellency,' said the Vicumtessa. Eh! exclaimed the Baron, jumping. "'Madame de Sangree has given her brother eight hundred liveries, and he is probably by this time on board a French ship at the English turn. He is very badly frightened. I will give your Excellency one more surprise.' "'Madame la Vicumtessa,' said the Baron, "'I have heard that for your coolness and adroitness, Monsieur Levicomte, your husband, and several other noblemen, and their ladies, and some of her Majesty's letters and jewels would never have gotten out of France. I take this opportunity of saying that I have the greatest respect for your intelligence. Now, what is the surprise? That your Excellency intended that both Mr. Temple and Auguste de Sangree were to escape on that ship.' "'Mille ténéris,' exclaimed the Baron, staring at her, and straightway he fell into a fit of laughter that left him coughing and choking, and perspiring, as only a man in his condition of flesh can perspire. To say that I was bewildered by this last evidence of the inside of the woman beside me would be to put it mildly. The Vicumtessa set quietly, watching him, the wanted look of the repressed laughter on her face, and by degrees his Excellency grew calm again. "'Mondue,' said he, "'I always like to cross swords with you, Madame la Vicumtessa. Yet this encounter has been more pleasurable than any I've had since I came to Louisiana.' "'But Diable,' he cried, "'just as I was congratulating myself that I was to have one American the less, you come and tell me that he has refused to flee. Out of consideration for the character and services of Manchur Philippe de Sangree, I was willing to let them both escape. But now—' "'Mr. Temple is not known in New Orleans except to the Sangree family,' said the Vicumtessa. He is a man of honor. Because Mr. Ritchie were to bring him to your Excellency, and he were to give you his word that he would leave the province at the first opportunity, he now wishes to see his mother before she dies, and it was as much as we could do this morning to persuade him from going to her openly in the face of arrest. But the Baron was old in a service which did not do things hastily. He is well enough where he is for to-day,' said his Excellency, resuming his official manner. "'Tonight after dark I will send down an officer and have him brought before me. He will not then be seen in custody by any one, and provided I am satisfied with him, he may go to the Reuborban.' The little Baron rose and bowed to the Vicumtessa to signify that the audience was ended, and he added as he kissed her hand. Madame Vicumtessa, it is a pleasure to be able to serve such a woman as you.