 Chapter 25 of Balsamo the Magician by Alexander Dumas, translated by Henry L. Williams, this LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Gilles Bairr snaps golden chains. It is time to return to Gilles Bairr. Our little philosopher had cooled in his admiration for Chaun, since at the outbreak of the collision between Chevaillet Jean and Philip of Tavernay he had learnt the name of his protectress. Often, at Tavernay, when he was skulking and listening to the chat of the Baron and his daughter, he had heard the old noble express himself plainly about the favourite, Doubari. His interested hatred had found a sympathetic echo in the boy's bosom, and Andrea never contradicted her father's abuse, for it must be allowed. Lady Doubari's name was deeply scorned in the country. What completely ranked Gilles Bairr on the side of the old noble was that Nicole had sometimes exclaimed, I wish I were Doubari. Chaun was too busy after the duel to think about Gilles Bairr, who forgot his bad impression as he entered the court capital in his frank admiration. He was still under the spell when he slept in the attic of the Royal Palace. The only matter in his dreams was that he, the poor boy, was lodged like the foremost and nobleman of France without his being a courtier or a lackey. Gilles Bairr was in one of the thinking fits common to him when events surpassed his will or comprehension, when he was told that Mademoiselle Chaun wanted to see him. She was waiting in her carriage for him to accompany her on a ride. She sat in the front seat with a large chest and a small dog. Gilles Bairr and a steward named Croncha were to have the other places. To preserve his position, Gilles Bairr sat behind Chaun and the steward, without even thinking of objecting, sat behind the dog in box. Like all who lived in Versailles, Chaun drew a free breath with pleasure in quitting the grand palace for the woods and pastures, and said as she turned half-round on their leaving the town, how does the philosopher like Versailles? It is very fine. So we are quitting it so soon. We are going to our place. Your place, you mean? Grumbled Gilles Bairr in the tone of a bear becoming tamed. I mean that I am going to introduce you to my sister, whom you must try to please, for she is hand and glove with all the great lords of the kingdom. By the way, Master Croncha, we must have a suit of clothes made for this young gentleman. The ordinary livery, queried the man. Livery, snarled Gilles Bairr, giving the upper servant a fierce look. Oh, no! I will tell you the style after I communicate my notion to my sister, but it must be ready at the same time as Zemmour's new clothes. Gilles Bairr was startled at this talk. Zemmour is a little play-fellow for you, the governor of the royal castle of Luchienne. Explain Chaun. Make friends with him, as he is a good fellow, in spite of his color. Gilles Bairr was eager to know what color Zemmour was, but he reflected that philosopher's ought not to be reproved for inquisitiveness, and he contained himself. I will try, replied the youth, with a smile which he thought full of dignity. Luchienne was what had been described to him. So this is the pleasure-house which has cost the country so dearly. He amused. Joyous dogs and eager servants came to greet the mistresses' sister. Jean had not commened. Chaun was glad to see her, first of all. Sylvie, she said to a pretty girl who came to take the lapdog in the chest, give me a poof and the pox to cruncher, and take my little philosopher to Zemmour. The chambermaid did not know what kind of animal a philosopher was, but Chaun's glance directed her to Gilles Bairr, and she beckoned him to follow her. But for the tone of command which Chaun had used, the youth would have taken Sylvie for other than a servant. She was dressed more like Andrea than Nicole. She gave Gilles Bairr a smile for the recommendation denoted that Chaun had a fancy, if not affection, for the newcomer. Gilles Bairr was rather daunted by the idea of appearing before so grand and official as a royal governor, but the words that Zemmour was a good fellow reassured him. Friend of a viscount and a court lady already, he might face a governor. How the court is slandered, he thought. For it is easy to make friends among the courtiers. They are kind and hospitable. In a noble Roman room on cushions with cross legs, squatted Zemmour, eating candies out a satin bag. Ho! exclaimed the incipient philosopher. What do you call this thing? Me no ting, me gubbana. Blubbered Zemmour, Gilles Bairr had never before seen a negro, the uneasy glance which he turned up to Sylvie caused that lively girl to burst into a peel of laughter. Grave and motionless as an idol, Zemmour kept on diving with his paw in the bag of sweet meats and munching away. At this moment, the door opened to give admission to Stuart Cronch and a tailor to take the measurements of Gilles Bairr. Do not pull him about too much, said the steward. Oh, I am done, said the knight of the thimble. The costume of Sir Gunner Miller is a loose one, and we never bother about the fit. Oh, he will look fine, said Sir Gunner Miller, said Sylvie. And is he to have the high hat like Mother Goose's? Gilles Bairr did not hear the reply as he pushed aside the tailor and would not help any more preparations. He did not know that Sir Gunner Miller was a comic character in a popular play, but he saw that it was a ludicrous one, and he was enlightened further by Sylvie's laughter. She departed with the tailor and steward, leaving him alone with the black boy who continued to roll his eyes and devour the bonbons. What riddles for the country boy? What dreads and pangs for the philosopher who guessed that his manly dignity was in as much danger in Luchien as at Tavernay? Still, he tried to talk to Zamor, but that interesting African, sitting astride of a chair on casters, made it run him round the room a dozen times with a celerity which ought to have shown by anticipation that the Velocipede was a practical machine. Suddenly, a bell tinkled and Zamor darted out of the room with as much rapidity as he had shown in the novel Quadrocycle. Gilles Bairr would have followed, but on looking through the doorway he saw the passage so crowded with servants guarding noblemen in gay clothes that he shivered and slunk back. An hour passed without the return of Zamor or Sylvie. Gilles Bairr was longing for human company when a footman came to take him to Manwazel, Chon. Free. After having informed her sister how she had conducted the mission to Lady Bayern, Chon was breakfasting with a hearty appetite in a loose dressing gown in a morning room. She cast a glance on Gilles Bairr without offering him a seat. How have you hit off with Zamor? She inquired after tossing off a glass of wine like liquid topaz. How could I make the acquaintance of a black boy who does not speak but stares and gulps down candies? I thought you said all were equal. He may be my equal, but I do not think him so, answered Gilles Bairr. What fun he is, muttered Chon. You seem not to give away your heart in a hurry. With slowness, lady. I hoped you held me in affection. I have considerable liking for you personally, but thanks for so much you overpower me. How long does it take for one to win the good graces of so disdainful a fellow? Much time. Some would never win them. Ha! This explains why you could suddenly leave Tavernay Castle after staying there eighteen years. It appears that its masters could not obtain your friendship and confidence. Not all. What did they do? Who displeased you? I am not complaining. Oh, very well. If you do not want to give your confidence, I might help you to come out even with these Tavernays if you told me what they are like. I take no revenge. Or I take it with my own hand, said Gilles Bairr proudly. Still, as you bear a grudge against them, or several, and we have one, we ought to be allies. You are wrong, lady. I feel very different toward different members of the family. Is Lord Philip one whom you paint black or rosy? I bear no ill to Master Philip who has done nothing to me one way or another. Then you would not be a witness against him in favor of my brother about that duel? I should be bound to speak the truth, and that would be unfavorable toward Chevalier du Barry. Do you make him out wrong? He was so, to insult the Delphines. Are you upholding the Delphines? I stand for justice. You are mad, boy. Never talk of justice in a royal residence. When one serves a master, he takes the responsibility. Not so. Every man should obey his conscience. Anyway, I have no master. I did not ask to come here, and now I will go away, freely, as I came. No, you don't, cried Chaun, amazed at this rebellion and getting angered. Guilbert frowned. No, no, let us have peace. Here, you will have but three persons to please, the king, my sister, and myself. How am I to please you? Well, you have seen Zemur. He gets already so much a year out of the royal private purse. He is governor of Luchien, and though he may be laughed at for his blubber lips and complexion, he is courted and called my lord. I shall not do that. What? When you assert that all men are brothers? That is the reason why I will not acknowledge him, my lord. Chaun was beaten with her own weapons. She bit her lips. You do not seem to be ambitious. Yes, I am, and his eyes sparkled. To be a doctor? You shall be a doctor. That was the costume you were measured for. Royal physician, too. I, who know not the ABC of medical science, you are mocking at me, lady. Does Zemur know anything about governing a castle? I see. You want me to be a sham doctor, a buffoon, the king wants another merry-maker. Why not? Don't you know that the Duke of Tramé begs my sister to appoint him her monkey? But don't hang your head. Keep that lumpish air for your doctoral uniform. Meanwhile, as you must live on something better than your pills, go and have breakfast with the governor. With Zemur, I am not hungry. You will be before evening. If we must give you an appetite, we will call in the whipper to the royal pages. The youth trembled and turned pale. Go back to my lord, Zemur. Continued charm, taking the silence for consent, or at least submission. You will find that he is fed daintily, mind not to be an ingrate, or you will be taught what gratitude is. A lackey conducted gilbert to the mock governor's dining room, but he would not eat anything. Nevertheless, when the costume of the doctor in Molière's comedy was brought, he submitted to being shown how he was to wear it. I thought that the doctors of that time carried an incorn and a quill to write out their prescriptions, suggested gilbert. I drove they did, exclaimed the steward, let us have the complete while we are about it. The foreman charged to get the articles also acquainted John, who was going to join her sister in Paris with the astonishing willingness of her pet. She was so pleased that she sent a little purse with some silver in it to be added to the doctor's girdle along with the incorn. Gilbert sent his thanks and expressed a wish to be left alone to put on the costume. Make haste, said the steward, that the young lady may see you before she is off to Paris. Gilbert looked out of the window to see how the gardens were arranged. Returning to the table, he tore the long black doctoral gown into three strips, which he made a rope of by, tying the ends together. On the table he laid the hat and the purse and the following declaration which he wrote, Lady, the foremost of boons is liberty. The holiest of duties is to preserve it. As you do violence to my feelings, I set myself free. He addressed this epistle to Chaun, tied his twelve feet of serger rope to the windowsill, glided down like a serpent and dropped on the terrace at risk of breaking his neck. Though stunned a little by the fall, he ran to some trees, scrambled up among the bowels, slipped downward till he was on a lower level and could reach the ground where he ran away with all his might. When they came for him half an hour after, he was far beyond their reach. End of Chapter 25 Recording by John Van Stan Savannah, Georgia Chapter 26 Of Balsam of the Magician by Alexandre Dumas Translated by Henry L. Williams This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. The Old Botanist On the trunk of a tree overthrown by a storm in Moydan Woods a man was seated. Under his grizzled wig he showed a mild and shrewd visage. His brown coat was of good cloth as were his breeches, and his grey waistcoat was worked on the flaps. His grey cotton stockings imprisoned well-made and muscular legs. His buckled shoes, though dusty in patches, had been washed at the top by the morning dews. Near him on the trunk was a green box open and stuffed with freshly gathered plants. Between his legs he held a cane with a crutch handle ending in a sort of pick. He was eating a piece of bread and tossing crumbs to the wild birds which flew down on the pieces and took them off to their nooks with joyful peeps. Suddenly he heard hurried steps and, seeing on looking up, a young man with disquieting aspect he rose. He buttoned up his coat and closed his overcoat above it. His air was so calming that the intruder on his piece came to a stop and doffed his hat. It was Gilbert. Gilbert much the worse for his roaming the woods through the night since he had fled from Luchien in order not to lose his freedom. Remarking this sudden timidity the old man appeared to be put at ease by it. Do you want to speak to me, my friend? He asked, smiling and laying the piece of bread on the tree. Yes, for I see that you are throwing away bread on the birds as though it were not written that the Lord provides for the sparrows. The Lord provides return the old gentlemen no doubt young man but the hand of man is one of the means. You are wrong if you said that as a reproach for never is cast away bread in the desert or on the crowded street lost to living creatures. Here the birds get it. They're the beggars. Though this be the wilds I know of a man who wants to dispute that bread with the birds said Gilbert though struck by the soft and penetrating voice of the stranger. Are you the man and are you hungered sharply so and if you would allow with eager compassion the gentlemen took up the crust but suddenly reflecting he scrutinized Gilbert with a quick yet profound glance Gilbert was not so like a starving man that the meditation was warranted. His dress was decent though earth stained in places his linen was white for he had at Versailles on the previous evening changed his shirt out of his parcel but from its dampness it was visible that he had slept in the woods. In all this and his white and taper hands the man of vague reverie was revealed rather than a worker. Not wanting for tact Gilbert understood the distrust and hesitation of the stranger in respect to him and hastened to annul conjectures which might be unfavorable. After twelve hours hunger begins and I've eaten nothing for four and twenty he observed the truth of the words was supported by his emotion the quaver of his voice and the pallor of his face for rather to fear he held out not only the bread but a handkerchief in which he was carrying cherries I thank you said Gilbert repulsing the fruit gently only the bread which is ample breaking the crust in two he took one portion and pushed back the other then he sat on the grass a yard or two away from the old gentleman who viewed him with increasing wonder the meal did not last long it was scant and Gilbert hungry with no words did the observer trouble him but continued his mutant furtive examination while apparently only attending to his plants and flowers in the box but seeing that Gilbert was going to drink at a pool he quickly caught out do not drink that water young man it is infected by the detritus of the plants dead last year and by the frog spawns swimming on the surface you had better take some cherries as they will quench thirst better than water I invite you partake as I see you are not an important guest it is true sir importunity is the opposite of my nature I fear nothing so much as being important as I have just been proving at Versailles oh so you come from Versailles queried the stranger looking hard at him a rich place where only the proud or the poor dive want I am both, sir have you quarreled with your master I have no master that is a very lofty answer said the other putting away the plants in the box while regarding the young man still it is exact no young man for everybody has a master here as we all suffer the domination of a higher power some are ruled by men some by principles and the sternest masters are not always those who order or strike with the human voice or hand I confess I am ruled by principles replied Gilbert they are the only masters which the mind may acknowledge without shame oh those are your principles are they you seem very young to have any settled principles I am young but I have studied or rather read a little in such works as on the inequality of classes and the social contract out of them comes all my knowledge and perhaps all my dreams these words kindled a flame in the hearer's eyes he so started that he broke a flower rebellious to being packed away these may not be your principles but they are resource dry stuff for a youth said the other sad matter for contemplation at twenty years of age a dry and scentless flower for imagination in the spring tide of life misfortune ripens a man unseasonably sir as you study the philosopher of Geneva do you make a personal illusion there I do not know anything about him rejoined guild bear candidly no young man that he is an unhappy creature with a sigh he said it impossible Jean-Jacques Rousseau unhappy is there no justice above more than on earth the man unhappy who has consecrated his life to the welfare of the race I plainly see that you do not know him so let us rather speak of yourself wither are you going to Paris do you belong there so far as I am living there but I was not born in it why the question it is attached to the subject we were talking of if you live in Paris you may have seen the philosopher Rousseau oh yes I have seen him he is looked at as he passes along they point to him as the benefactor of humanity no the children follow him and encouraged by their parents throw stones at him gracious still he has the consolation of being rich said Gilbert with painful stupefaction like yourself he often wonders where the next meal is coming from but though poor he is powerful respected and well considered he does not know of a night in lying down that he will not wake in the Bastille how he must hate men he neither loves nor hates them they fill him with disgust that is all I do not understand how he cannot hate those who ill use him exclaimed Gilbert Rousseau has always been free and strong enough to rely on himself strength and liberty make men meek and good it is only weakness and slavery which create the wicked I guessed this as you explain it and that is why I wish to be free I see that we agree on one point are liking for Rousseau speak for yourself young man youth is the season for illusions nay one may be deceived upon things but not on men alas you will learn by and by and that it is men particularly about whom deception is easiest perhaps Rousseau is a little fairer than other men but he has his faults the great ones Gilbert shook his head but the stranger continued to treat him with the same favor though he was so uncivil you said you had no master none though it dwelt with me to have a most illustrious one but I refused on the condition that I should make the amusement of noble idlers being young able to study and make my way not to lose the precious time of youth and compromise in my person the dignity of man this was right said the stranger gravely but have you determined on a career I should like to be a physician a grand and noble career where one may decide between true science modest and martyr-like and quackery impudent rich and bloated if you love truth young man be a doctor if you love popular applause be a doctor I am afraid it will cost a lot of money to study although Rousseau learned for nothing nothing oh young man said the plant collector with a mournful smile do you call nothing the most precious of heavenly blessings candor health and sleep that was the price the genivian seeker of wisdom paid for the little he knows little when he is a great musical composer poo because the king sings I have lost my servant that does not prove the village sorcerer to be a good opera he is a noted botanist an herb-gatherer very humble and ignorant amid the marvels known as plants and flowers he is a Latin scholar for I read that he had translated tessitus ba because in his conceit he wanted to be master of all crafts but tacitus who is a rough antagonist to wrestle with tired him no, no my good young man in spite of your admiration there are no more admirable critons on what man gains in breath is in depth Rousseau is a superficial man whose surface is a trifle wider than most men's that is all many would like to attain his mark said the youth do you slur at me asked the stranger with a good nature disarming Gilbert God forbid for it is too much pleasure to chat for me to disuplies you you draw me out and I am amazed at the language I am using for I only picked it out of books which I did not clearly follow I have read too much but I will read again with care but I forget that while your talk is valuable to me might only waste your time for you are herb-gathering no said the botanist fixing his gray eyes on the youth who made a move to go but wanted to be detained my box is clearly full and I only want certain mosses I hear the capillary grows round here stay I saw some yonder how do you know capillaries I was born on the woodland the daughter of the nobleman on whose estate I was reared like botany in the section and the objects had their names on labels attached I noticed that what she called capillary was called by us rustics maiden hair fern so you took a taste for botany it was this way I sometimes heard Nicole she is the maid to mademoiselle hundred a tavern a say that her mistress wanted such and such a plant for her herbarium I asked her to get a sketch of them and I searched in the woods till I raked them up then I transplanted them where she must find them and used to hear the lady in taking her walk cry out how odd here is the very thing I was looking for the old gentleman looked with more heed and it made Gilbert lower his eyes blushing for the interest had tenderness in it continue to study botany flowery path to medicine Paris has free schools and I suppose your folks will supply your maintenance I have no relations but I can earn my living at some trade yes Rousseau says in his emil that everyone should learn a trade even though he were a prince's son I have not read that book but I have heard baron tavern a mock at the maxim and pretend grief at not having made his son a joiner instead he made him a soldier so that he will dismember instead of joining yes these nobles bring their sons up to kill and not to nourish when revolution comes they will be forced to beg their bread abroad or sell their sword to the foreigners which is more shameful but you are not noble and you have a craft no I have a horror for rough toil but give me a study and see how I will wear out night and day in my tasks you have been to school if not to college I know but to read and write said gilbert shaking his head my mother taught me to read for seeing me slight and physique she said you will never be a good workman but you must try to be priest or scholar learn to read gilbert and you will not have to split wood guide the plower hew stone unhappily my mother died before I could more than read so I taught myself writing first I trace letters on sand with a sharp stick till I found that the letters used in writing were not those of print which I was copying hence I hope to meet someone who will need my pen a blind man who will need my eyes or a dummy who needs my tongue you appear to have willingness and courage but do you know what it will cost you to live in town at least three times what it did in the country well suppose I have shelter and for rest after toil I can shift on six cents a day that is the right talk I like this kind of man said the plant collector come with me to Paris and I will find you an independent profession by which you may live oh my friend exclaimed guild bear intoxicated with delight I accept your offer and I am grateful but what will I have to do in your company nothing but toil but you will meet out the amount of your work you will exercise your right of youth freedom happiness and even of idleness after you earn the right to be at leisure added the unnamed benefactor smiling as though in spite of his will then raising his eyes to heaven he ejaculated oh youth vigor and liberty with an inexpressibly poetical melancholy spreading over his fine pure lineaments now lead me to the spot where one hair is to be found he said guild bear stepped out before the old gentleman and the pair disappeared in the underwood end of Chapter 26 recording by John Van Stan Savannah Georgia Chapter 27 of Balsamo the Magician by Alexandre Dumas translated by Henry L. Williams this Libravox recording is in the public domain Master Jacques before the day was over the pair could enter the capital the young man's heartbeat as he perceived Notre Dame Cathedral Towers and the ocean of house tops oh Paris he cried with rapture yes Paris a mass of buildings a gulf of evils said the old gentleman on each stone yonder you would see a drop of blood a tear if the miseries within those abodes could show themselves without guild bear repressed his enthusiasm which cooled of itself they entered by a poor district and the sights were hideous it is going on eight said the conductor let us be quick young man for goodness's sake guild bear hurried on I forgot to say that I am a married man said the stranger after a cold silence which began to worry the youth and my wife who is a genuine Parisian will probably grumble at our coming home late besides she does not like strangers still I have invited you so come along or rather here we are by the last sunbeams guild bear looking up saw the name-plate of Plastrier Street at a corner the other paused before an alley door with iron bars to the upper portion he pulled a leather thong hanging out of a hole and this opened the door come quickly he called to the youth who hesitated on the threshold he closed the alley door after them at the end of a few steps up the dark passage guild bear stumbled on the lower step of a black steep flight of stairs used to the locality the old gentleman had gone up a dozen steps guild bear rejoined him and stopped only when he did on a landing worn by feet on which opened two doors the stranger pulled a hairs foot hanging at one and a shrill bell tinkled inside the room a woman some fifty years of age appeared and she and the man spoke together is it very late, Teresa asked the latter timidly a nice hour to come to supper, Jacques snarled the woman come, come we will make up for the delay said the one called Jacques shutting the door and taking the collecting case from Pierre's hands have we a messenger boy here exclaimed the old woman we only wanted him to complete the merry company so you can no longer do so much as carry your heap of weeds and grass master Jacques does the grand with a boy to carry his trash I beg his pardon he is becoming quite a great nobleman be a little quiet, Teresa pay the boy and get rid of him we want no spies here Pierre was death Gilbert sprang toward the door but Jacques stopped him saying with some firmness this is not a messenger boy or a spy he is a guest whom I bring home a guest and the hag let her hands drop along her hips this is the last straw light up Teresa said the host still kindly but showing more will I am warm and we are hungry the vixen's grumbling diminished in loudness she drew fire with flint and steel while Gilbert stood still by the sill which he regretted he had crossed Jacques perceived what he suffered and begged him to come forward Pierre saw the hag's yellow and morose face by the first glimmer of the thin candle stuck in a brass candlestick it inspired him with dislike on her part the varago is far from liking the pale fine countenance circumspect silence and rigidity of the youth I do not wonder at your being heated and hungry she growled it must be tiresome to go browsing when it is awful hard work to stoop from time to time to pick up a route for I suppose this person gathers leaves and buds too for herb collecting is the trade for those who do not any work this is a good and honest young man said Jacques in a still firmer voice who has honored me with his company all day and whom my good Teresa will greet as a friend I am sure enough for two is scant for three she grumbled we are both frugal I know your kind of frugality my declare that there is not enough bread in the house for such abstinousness and that I am not going down three flights of stairs for more anyway the baker's is shut up then I will go said Jacques frowning open the door for I mean it oh in that case I suppose I must do it said the scold what am I for but to carry out your freaks come and have supper a table was set in the next room small and square with cherry wood chairs having straw bottoms and a bureau full of darned hoes Gilbert took a chair the old woman placed a plate and the apprentices all worn with hard use before him with a pewter goblet I thought you were going after the bread said Jacques never mind I found a roll in the cupboard and you ought to manage on a pound and a half of bread eh saying she put the soup on the board all three had good appetites but Gilbert held in his but he was the first to get through who has called today inquired the host to change the term against ideas the whole world as usual you promised Lady Boufflé four squires of music Lady Asca to Arias and Lady Pantiva a quartet with accompaniment they came more sent but the ladies must go without their music because our lord was out plucking dandelions Jacques did not show anger though Gilbert expected him to do so for he was used to this manner the soup was followed by a chunk of boiled beef on a delft plate grooved with knife points the host served Gilbert scantily as Teresa was watching took the same sized piece and passed the plate to his zantipi she handed a slice of bread to the guest it was so small that Jacques blushed but he waited until she had helped him and herself when he took the loaf from her he handed it to Gilbert and made him cut off according to his wants thank you said Gilbert as some beans and butter were served but I have no longer any hunger I never eat but one dish drink only water Jacques had a little wine for himself you must see about the young man's bed said the latter putting down the bottle he must be tired Teresa dropped her fork and stared at the speaker sleep here you must be mad bring people home to sleep I expect you want to give up your own bed to them you must be off your head is it keeping a lodging house you are about if this is so don't look to me get a cook and servants it is bad enough to be yours without waiting on Tom, Dick and Harry Teresa listen to me replied Jacques with his grave even voice it is for one night only one has never set foot in Paris and comes under my safe conduct I am not going to have him go to an inn though he has to have my own bed look you Teresa understood that struggle was out of the question for the present and she changed her tactics by fighting for Gilbert but as an ally who would stab him in the back at the first chance I dare say you know all about him or you would have not brought him home and he ought to stay here I will shake up some kind of a bed in your study among the papers no, no a study is not fit for a sleeping room a light might set fire to the writings which would be no loss sneered Teresa there is the Garrett the room with a fine outlook over such gardens as are scarce in Paris have no anxiety Teresa the young man will not be a burden he will earn his own living take a candle and follow me Teresa sighed but she was mastered Gilbert gravely rose followed his benefactor on the landing Gilbert saw drinking water in a tank is water dear in town he inquired they charge for it but anyway bread and water are two things which man has no right to refuse his fellow man but that tavern a water ran freely and the luxury of the poor is cleanliness take as much as you like my friend said master Jacques Gilbert filled a crock and followed the host who was astonished at so young a man allying the firmness of the people with the instinct of the aristocratic end of chapter 27 recording by John Van Stan Savannah Georgia chapter 28 of balsam o the magician by Alexander Dumas translated by Henry L. Williams this recording is in the public domain in the loft to tell the truth the loft where Jacques stowed his guest was not fit for habitation the mattress was on the floor and the chief article of furniture rats had pulled about and gnawed a heap of yellowed papers on clothes lines across the attic were paper bags in which were drying beans herbs and household linen it is not nice to look upon apologize the host but sleep and darkness make the sumptuous palace and the meanest cottage much alike sleep as youth can do and nothing will prevent you thinking you slept in the royal palace but mind you do not set the house a fire we will talk over matters in the morning good night and hearty thanks said gildbear left alone in the garret with all the precaution recommended he took up the light and made the rounds of the room as the newspapers and pamphlets were tied in bails he did not open them but the bean bags were made of printed pages of a book which caught his eye with the lines one sack knocked off the line by his head burst on the floor and in trying to replace the beans he fell to reading the wrappers it was a page from the love of a poor youth for a lovely and fashionable lady named lady warrens gildbear was congratulating himself on having the whole night to read this love story on the wrappers when the candle went out and left him in gloom he was ready to weep with rage he dropped the papers on the heap of beans and flung himself on his couch where he slept deeply in spite of his disappointment he was roused only by the grating of the lock it was bright day gildbear saw his host gently enter good morning he muttered with the red of shame on his cheeks as he saw Jacques staring at the beans and empty bags did you sleep soundly yes nay are you not a sleepwalker alas let's see why you say that I sat up reading till the candle was burnt out from the first sheet on which my eyes fell so greatly interested me do you who know so much know to what lovely novel those pages belong I do not know but as I notice the words confessions on the headline I should think it was memoirs oh no thinking is not doing so of himself the avowals are too frank the opinions too impartial I think you are wrong said the old gentleman quickly the author wanted to set an example of showing himself to his fellows as heaven created him do you know the author the writer is Jean Jacques Rousseau these are stray pages out of his confessions so this undone poor obscure youth almost begging his way a foot on the high roads was the man who was to write a meal and the social contract yes or rather no said the other with unspeakable sadness this author is the man disenchanted with life glory society and almost with heaven but the other Rousseau Lady Warren's was the youth entering life by the same door as Aurora comes into the world youth with his joys and hopes an abyss divides the two Rousseau's 30 years wide the old gentleman shook his head that his arms sadly droop and appeared to sink into deep musing so went on Gilbert it is possible for the meanly born like Rousseau to win the love of a mighty and beautiful lady this is calculated to drive those mad who have lifted their eyes to those above their sphere are you in love and do you see some likeness between your case and Rousseau's ask the old gentleman Gilbert blushed without answering the question but he won because he was Rousseau he observed yet were I to feel a spark of his name of genius I should aspire to the star and seek to wear it even though you had to commit a crime Jacques started and cut short the interview by saying I think my wife must be up we will go downstairs besides a working day never begins too soon come young man on going forth Jacques secured the garret door with a padlock this time he guided his ward into what Theresa called the study the furniture of this little room was composed of glazed cases of butterflies herbs and minerals framed in ebonized wood books in a walnut case a long narrow table covered with a worn and blackened cloth with manuscripts orderly arranged on it and four wooden chairs covered in horse hair all was glossy lustrous irreproachable in order and cleanness but cold to sight and heart from the light through the galls curtains being gray and weakened luxury or comfort itself being far from this cold ashy and black fireside a small rosewood piano stood on four legs and a clock on the mantelpiece alone showed any life in this domestic tomb Gilbert walked in respectfully for it was grand in his eyes almost as rich as tavernay and the waxed floor imposed on him I am going to show you the nature of your work said the old gentleman this is music paper when I copy a page I earn ten cents the price I myself fix do you know music I know the names of the notes but not their value as well as these signs in the house where I lived was a young lady who played the harpsichord and Gilbert hung his head coloring oh the same who studied botany query jock precisely and she played very well this does not account for your learning music Russo says that the man is incomplete who enjoys a result without seeking the cause yes but also that man in perfecting himself by the discovery loses his happiness freshness and instincts what matter if what he gains compensates him for what he loses God you are not only a botanist and a musician but a logician at present we only require a copyist while copying you will train your hand to write more easily when you compose for yourself meanwhile with a couple of hours copy work at night you may earn the wherewithal to follow the courses in the colleges of medicine surgery and botany I understand you exclaimed Gilbert and I thank you from the bottom of my heart he settled himself to begin work on the sheet of paper held out by the kind gentlemen end of chapter 28 recording by John Van Stan Savannah Georgia 29 of Balsamo the Magician by Alexander Dumas translated by Henry L. Williams this leperbox recording is in the public domain who master Jacques was while the novice was covering the paper with his first attempts the old gentleman sent to reading printers proofs long leaves blank on one side like the paper of which was made the bean bags at nine Teresa rushed in she cried to Jacques who raised his head come out it is a prince who calls goodness me when will this procession of high coccolorum cease I hope this one will not take it into his head to have breakfast with us like the Duke of Chatra the other day which prince is this one asked Jacques in an undertone his highness the Prince of Condi Gilbert a blob of ink fall on the paper much more resembling a blot than a full note Jacques went out smiling behind Teresa who shut the door after them Prince is here thought Gilbert Dukes calling on a copy of music with his heart singularly beating he went up to the door to listen I want to take you with me said a strange voice for what purpose Prince inquired Jacques to present you to the Delfiness a new era opens for philosophers in her coming reign I am a thousand times thankful to your highness but my infirmities keep me indoors enjoy missanthropy suppose it were that it is so curious the thing that I should take myself out for it come and I will spare you the grand reception at the celebration at Saint Denis and take you on to Mouette where her royal highness will pass the night in a couple of days does she get to Saint Denis the day after tomorrow with her whole retinue come the princess is a pupil of Gluck and an excellent musician Pierre did not listen to any more after hearing that it Alphaneses retinue would be at Saint Denis only a few miles out in a day or two he might soon be within view of Andréa this idea dazzled him like a flash from a looking glass in his face when he opened his eyes after this giddiness they fell on a book which happened to be open on the sideboard it was Rousseau's Confessions adorned with a portrait of the author the very thing I was looking for I had never seen what he was like he quickly turned over the tissue paper on the steel plate and as he looked the door opened and the living original of the portrait returned with extended hands dropping the volume and trembling all over he muttered oh I am under the roof of Jean-Jacques Rousseau the old gentlemen smiled with more happiness at this unstudied ovation than at the thousand triumphs of his glorious life yes, my friend you are in Rousseau's house pray forgive me for the nonsense I have talked said the hero worshipper clasping his hands and about to fall on his knees did it require a prince's call for you to recognize the executed philosopher of Geneva poor child but lucky one who is ignorant of persecution oh I am happy to see you to know you to dwell by you yes yes that is all very well but we must earn our living you shall have copied this piece for you have practiced enough to make a start you will have earned your keep today I charge nothing for the lodging only do not sit up late and burn up the candles for Theresa will scold what was left over from supper last night will be our breakfast but this will be the last meal we take together unless I invite you in the street is a cheap dining house for artisans where you will fare nicely I recommend it in the meantime let us breakfast Gilbert followed without a word for he was conquered for the first time but then this was a man superior to others after the first mouthfuls he left the table the shock had spoiled his appetite at eight in the evening he had copied a piece of music not artistically but legibly and Rousseau paid him the sixth sense we have plenty of bread remarked Theresa on whom the young man's gentleness application and discretion had produced good effect I shall never forget your kindness madame he said about to excuse himself when he caught the host's eye and guessed that it would offend him I accept he said he went up to his loft with the bread and money at last I am my own master he said to himself or should be but for this bread which is from charity although hungry and did not touch it during the night though famine made him remember it he woke up had daylight but still he did not eat the bread he took it up though and at five o'clock went down and outdoors from suspicion or merely to study his guest Rousseau was on the lookout and he followed the youth up the street a beggar coming up to Gilbert he gave him the hunk of bread entering the bakers he bought another roll he is going to the eating-house thought the watcher where the money will soon fly but Gilbert munched part of the roll while strolling he washed down the rest at the public fountain washed his hands and sauntered home by my faith I believe that I am happier than Diogenes and have found an honest man thought Rousseau the day passed in uninterrupted labour at eleven Gilbert had turned out seven pages of copy if not elegant faultless he tested in his hand the money received for it with ardent satisfaction you are my master he said since I find work in your place and you give me lodgings gratis I should therefore lay myself open to be badly thought of by you if I acted without consulting you what? said Rousseau frightened what are you going to do going off elsewhere to work no only I want a holiday with your leave tomorrow too idle no to go to St. Denis to see the Dauphinès arrive I thought you scorned the pumps of this worldly show said Rousseau I though an obscure citizen despised the invitation of these great people to be of the reception party Gilbert nodded approval I am not philosophic said he but I am discreet this word struck the tutor who saw there was some mystery in this behaviour and he looked at the speaker with admiration I am glad to see you have a motive yes and one which does not resemble the curiosity of a man at a show it is for the better or for the worse for your look is deep young man and I seek in it in vain for youthful calm and candour I told you I was unfortunate returned Gilbert and such have no youth but at the hour when you are seeing all the pumps of society glitter before you I shall open one of my herbariums and review the magnificence of nature but you would not have turned your back on herbariums if you were going to see your sweetheart the one to whom you tossed a bunch of cherries quite true and you are young go to the show my boy it is not ambition in him but love he commented when Gilbert had gone out gleefully end of Chapter 29 recording by John Van Stan Savannah Georgia Chapter 30 of Balsamo the Magician Peter Dumas translated by Henry L. Williams is in the public domain old patricians and new when the news spread of the Royal Splendor over the reception of the Bride from Austria the dreadful curiosity of the Parisians was sharpened and they were to be seen flocking out to St. Denis by scores hundreds and thousands Gilbert was lost in the multitude but seeing some urchins and the exercise being child's play to him he clambered into a lintry and perched on a bow to wait half an hour after drums beat, cannon thundered and the majestic cathedral bell began to boom in the distance a shrill cry arose but became full and more deep as it drew near it made Gilbert prick up the ear and his whole body quiver long life to the king it was the customary cheer a herd of horses neighing under housings of gold and purple swarmed on the highway they were the royal household troops guards, swish dragoons musketeers and gendarm then a massive and magnificent coach loomed up Gilbert perceived a stately head under a hat when all were uncovered in a blue sash he saw the royal glance cold and penetrative before which all bowed and heads were layered, fascinated intoxicated, panting and frozen he forgot to lift his hat a violent blow drew him from his ecstasy his hat had been knocked off with a stroke of a soldier's halberd I beg pardon he stammered, I am fresh from the country then learn that you must salute all the royal carriages whoever may be in them said the halberd ear gruffly if you do not know the emblem of the lily flower I will teach you you would need not I know said Gilbert the royal acropages passed in a prolonged line Gilbert gazed on them so intently that he seemed stupefied at the royal abbey doors they stopped successively to let the noblemen and ladies alight these setting down movements caused halts of a few minutes in one of them Gilbert felt a burning dart rush through his heart he was dazzled so that all was afaced from his sight and so violent a shivering overwhelmed him that he was forced to catch at the branch not to tumble off right in front of him not ten paces off in one of the vehicles with the lily brand which she had been advised to salute he perceived the splendidly luminous face of Andrea Tavernay she was clad in white like an angel or a ghost he uttered a faint outcry then triumphing over his emotions which had mastered him altogether he commanded his heart to cease to beat that he might look at the star such was the young man's power over himself that he succeeded wishful to learn why the horses had been reigned in Andrea leaned out and as her bright blue eyes traveled round she caught sight of Gilbert and recognized him Gilbert suspected that she would be surprised by the father of the discovery as he sat next to her he was not wrong for Andrea called the Baron's attention to the youth Gilbert said the nobleman who was puffing himself up at the coach window in his handsome red sash of the Order of Nighthood he here who was taking care of my hound then hearing the words the young man respectfully bowed to Andrea and her father but it took him all his powers to make the effort it is so it is the rascal in person said the Baron on Andrea's face observed by Gilbert with sustained attention was perfect calm under slight surprise leaning out of the carriage the Baron beckoned to his ex-retainer but the soldier who had given the youth a lesson and etiquette stopped him let the lad come to me said the Lord I have a couple of words to say to him you may go half a dozen my lord said the sergeant flattered by the nobleman addressing him plenty of time for they are speechifying under the porch pass yonker come hither rogue said the Baron on Gilbert affecting not to hurry himself out of his usual walk tell me by what chance you are out here at Saint Denis when you ought to be at Tavernay it is no chance replied Gilbert saluting Lord and Lady for the second time but the act of my free will what do you mean by your will, Varlet have you such a thing as will of your own why not every free man has his own free man do you fancy yourself free you unhappy dog of course since I parted with my freedom to no one on my word here's a pretty nave said the Baron taken aback by the coolness of the speaker how dare you be in town and how did you manage to get here I walked it said Gilbert shortly walked repeated Andrea with some pity but I ask what you have come here for continued the Baron to get an education which has assured me and make my fortune which I hope for what are you doing meanwhile begging reiterated Gilbert with superb scorn thieving then I never stole anything from Tavernay retorted Gilbert with such proud and wild firmness that it riveted the girl's attention on him for a space what mischief does your idle hand find to do then what a genius is doing whom I seek to resemble if only by perseverance I copy music replied the rebel you copy music queried Andrea turning round then you know it in a tone of one saying you are a liar I know the notes and that is enough for copying I like music dearly and I used to listen to the lady playing at the harpsichord you eavesdropper I got the airs by heart to begin with and next as I saw they were written in a book I saw a method in it and I learned it you dared to touch my book said Andrea at the height of indignation I had no need to touch it it lay open I looked and there is no soiling a printed page by a look let me tell you sneered the baron that we shall have this imp declare that he can play the piano like he did I might have learned that if I had presumed to touch the keys said the youth confidently against her inclination Andrea cast a second look on the face animated by a feeling like a martyrs in fanaticism but the lord who had not his daughter's calmness and clear head felt his wrath kindle at the youth being right and there being inhumane and leaving him with the watchdog at tavernay it is hard to forgive an inferior for the wrong which he may convict us with hence he grew heated as his daughter cooled you rapscallion he said if desert and play the vagabond and spout such tomfoolery as we hear when you are brought to task but as I do not wish the king's highway to be infested with gypsy tramps and thieves Andrea held up her hand to appease the patrician whose exaggeration annulled his superiority but he put her aside and continued I shall tell chief of police sartina about you and have you locked up in the house of correction you fledgling philosopher lord baron returned gilbert drawing back but slapping his hat down on his head with the ire which made him white I have found patrons in town at whose door your sartina answers attendance the deuce you say so continued the baron you shall taste the stirrup leather anyway and Andrea called your brother who is close to hand Andrea stooped out toward the offender and made him be gone in an imperious voice Philip called the old noble gilbert stood on the spot mute and unmoving as in ecstatic worship it was the night of red castle joyous and brilliant in a captain's uniform why it is gilbert he exclaimed the idea of his being here good day gilbert what do you want father I want you to whip this Malapair with your sword scabbard roared the old patrician pale with anger what has he done inquired Philip looking with growing astonishment from his father in age to the youth who had tranquilly returned his greeting never mind what he has done but lash him Philip as you would a dog what has he done asked the chevalier turning to a sister has he insulted you I insult her repeated gilbert not at all he has done nothing father let his passion get the upper hand of him gilbert is no longer in our service and has the right to go wherever he likes father does not understand this and flew into a rage is that all asked captain Philip oh brother and I do not understand father's wrath about such stuff and for the trash who do not deserve a look just see if we are not to go again Philip subdued by his daughter's serenity the baron was quiet crushed by such scorn gilbert lowered his head something ran through his heart much like hatred he would have preferred Philip taverné's sword or even a cut of his whip he came near swooning luckily the speechmaking was over and the procession moved forward once more Andreo was carried on and faded as in a dream father thought he was alone in his grief believing that he could never support the weight of such misfortune but a hand was laid on his shoulder turning he saw Philip who came smiling toward him having dismounted and given his steed to his orderly to hold I should like to hear what has happened he said and how my poor gilbert has come to Paris this frank and cordial greeting touched the young man what was I to do on the old place he asked with a sigh torn from his wild stoicism I should have died of hunger ignorance and despair Philip started for his impartial mind like Andreo's was struck by the painful loneliness in which the youth was left but do you imagine that you can succeed in Paris a poor boy without resources and protectors I do the man who can work rarely dies of want where so many want to live without working the hearer started at this reply previously he had regarded him as a dependent of no importance I earned my daily bread Captain Philip and that is a great pain for one who was blamed for eating bread which he did nothing for I hope you are not referring to what you had at tavern A for your father and mother were good tenants and you were often useful I only did my duty Mark me Gilbert continued the young gentleman you know I always liked you I looked upon you differently to others the future will show whether I was right or wrong to me your standing aloof was fastidiousness your plain spokenness I called you straight forward thanks said the young man breathing delightedly it follows that I wish you well young like you and unhappy as I was situated I thus understood you fortunate smile upon me let me help you in anticipation of the lady on the wheel smiling on you likewise I thank you do you blush to take my help when all brothers Gilbert fastened his intelligent eyes on the speaker's noble features astonished at hearing the language from his lips such as the talk of the new generation said he opinion shared by the Dauphin himself do not be proud with me but take what you may return me another day who knows but that you may be a great financier or statement or doctor surgeon said Gilbert just as you please here is my purse take half I thank you but I need nothing replied the unconquerable young man softened by Phillips admirable brotherly love but be sure that I am more grateful to you than if I had accepted your offer he mingled with the mob leaving Phillips stupefied for several seconds unable to credit sight and hearing seeing Gilbert did not reappear he mounted his horse and regained his place end of chapter 30 recording by John Van Stan Savannah Georgia Chapter 31 of Balsamo the Magician by Alexander Dumas translated by Henry L. Williams this sleeper box recording is in the public domain the magician's wife all the rumbling of the coaches the booming of the bells swinging to the full extent the rolling of the drums all the majesty of the society the princess Louise had discarded in order to live in the nunnery glided over her soul and died away at the base of her cell wall like the useless tide she had refused to return to the court and while her sisterhood were still agitated by the royal visit she alone did not quiver when the heavy door banged and shut out the world from her solitude she summoned her treasurer to her during these two days of frivolous uproar she inquired have the poor been visited the sick attended and those soldiers on guard given bread and wine nobody has wanted in this house suddenly the kick of a horse was heard against the woodwork of the stables what is that has any courtier remained only his eminence the cardinal rohan that is the horse of the Italian lady who came here yesterday to crave hospitality of your highness true I remember where is she in her room or in the church she refuses all food save bread and prayed in the chapel all through the night some very guilty person no doubt said the lady superior frowning I know not for she speaks to no one what is she like handsome but proud along with tenderness how did she act during the royal ceremony she peeped out of her window hiding in the curtains and examined everybody as though she feared to see an enemy some member of the class I have reigned over what is her name Lorenza Feliciani I know of no person of that name but show her in Princess Louise sat in an ancient oak chair carved in the reign of Henry II and used by nine carmelite abesses before the seat of justice many poor novices had quailed between spiritual and temporal power a moment following the treasurer returned ushering in the foreigner whom we know she wore a long veil with the piercing eye of her race Princess Louise studied Lorenza on her entering the closet but her hostile feelings became sisterly and benevolent on seeing so much grace and humility in the visitor so much sublime beauty and in short so much innocence in the large black eyes wet with tears the princess prevented her dropping on her knees drawn near and speak said she are you called Lorenza Feliciani yes lady you want to confide a secret to me I am dying with the desire but why do you not go to the penitential chamber I have no power but to console a priest can comfort and forgive she spoke the last word hesitatingly I need comfort alone and to a woman alone can I entrust my confession will you listen patiently to my most strange story to be told to you alone for you are mighty and I require the hand of heaven to defend me defend are you pursued and attacked yes indeed my lady said the fugitive with unutterable fright reflect madame nunnery and not a castle said the princess what agitates mankind enters here but to be extinguished weapons to use against man are not here it is the abode of god not of might repression and justice the very thing I seek answered Lorenza in the abode of god alone can I find a life of rest but not a vengeance if you want reprisal on your foes apply to the magistrates they can do nothing against the man whom I dread who can he be asked the lady superior with secret and involuntary fright who? said the Italian approaching the princess under the sway of mysterious exaltation I am certain that he is one of those devils who war against mankind endowed by their prince satan with superhuman power what are you telling me said the other regarding the woman to make sure that she was not mad what a wretch I am to have fallen across the path of this demon groaned Lorenza writhing her lovely arms seemingly reft from a flawless ancient statue I am possessed of a fiend she gasped going up to the lady and speaking in a low voice as if afraid to hear her own tones possessed speak out if you are in your senses I am not mad though I may become so if you drive me away but allow me to say that I see you like a creature favored by heaven you seem rich and are beautyous you express yourself correctly and your face does not wear traces of the terrible and mysterious complaint called it demoniac possession in my life madame and its adventures resides the sinister secret which I wish I could keep for myself lady I am a roman when my father came of the old patricians but like most roman nobles I have also a mother and elder brother in France when an aristocratic family has a son and a daughter she is put into a nunnery that the money which should have been her marriage portion shall buy the son a military commission among us the daughter is sacrificed to help the son rise in holy orders I was given no education while my brother was trained to be a cardinal as my mother simply said I was destined to take the veil among the subiaco carmelites such a future had been held out to me from my youth as a necessity I had no will or strength in the matter I was not consulted but ordered and had to obey we roman girls love society without knowing anything about it as the suffering souls in paradise love heaven I was surrounded by examples which would have doomed me but had the idea of resistance come to me but none such came but my mother foundled me a little more than usual when the fatal day dawned my father gathered five hundred roman crowns to pay my entrance fee into the convent and we set out for subiaco it is some nine leagues from Rome but the mountain roads were so bad that we were five hours getting over three of them but the journey pleased me though it might be fatiguing I smiled on it as my last pleasure and along the road bade farewell to the trees bushes, stones and the dried grass itself I feared that in the nunnery would be not even grass and flowers suddenly amid my dreams and as we were passing between a grove and a pile of rocks the carriage stopped I heard my mother scream and my father jumped to get his pistols my eyes and mind dropped to the earth for we were stopped by highwaymen poor girl exclaimed princess louise interested in the tale I was not frightened for the brigands way laid us for money and what they took was to pay my way into the nunnery hence there would be a delay until I was made up again and I knew that it would take time and trouble but when after sharing this plunder instead of letting us go our way sprang upon me and I saw my father's efforts to defend me and my mother's tears in entreaty then I comprehended that a great though unknown misfortune threatened me and I began to call for mercy it was natural though I knew that it was useless calling and that nobody would hear in this wild spot hence without heeding my father's struggles my mother's weeping or my appeals E.T. tied my hands behind my back and began throwing dice on one of their handkerchiefs spread on the ground while burning me with hideous glances which I understood from terror giving me clearness of sight what most frightened me was not to see any stake on the board I shuddered as the dice cut past from hand to hand at the thought that I was the stake all of a sudden one of them with a yell of triumph I jumped up while the others ground their teeth and swore he ran up to me, took me in his arms and pressed his lips to mine the contact of red hot iron could not have drawn a more heart-renting scream for me rather death oh God I shrieked my mother writhed on the ground where my father lay in a dead swoon my only hope was that one of the losing villains would kill me out of spite with the dagger he held in his clenched fist I waited for this stroke longed, prayed for it suddenly a horseman who rode up the path he spoke to one of the sentinels who let him pass exchanging a sign with him he was of medium stature imposing in mean and resolute and gaze he came on at the walking pace of his horse calm and tranquil he stopped in front of me the bandit who had clutched me turned the round sharply at the first blow of the whistle which the stranger carried in the handle of his riding whip he let me drop to the ground come here said the horseman and as the bandit hesitated he formed a triangle with his arms crossing his forefingers upon his breast as though this were the token of a mighty master the robber went up to the stranger who stooped down to his ear and said Mark I am sure he uttered but this single word for I looked at him as one looks at the knife about to slay oneself and listened as one does for the sentence of life or death Ben Nock answered the highwayman subdued like a lion with growling he returned to me untied the ropes round my wrists and did the same release for my parents as the coin had been shared every man went and put his portion on a flat rock not a piece was missing meanwhile I felt myself coming to life again in the hands of my father and mother be off said the deliverer to the robbers who obeyed and dived into the wood to the last man Lorenza Feliziani said the stranger covering me with a superhuman gaze you are free to go your own way my mother and father thanked the stranger who knew me and yet was unknown to us they stepped into the carriage where I followed them with regret for some unknown power irresistibly attracted me toward my saviour he remained unsteering in the same spot as if to continue between us and harm I looked at him as long as I could and the oppression in my bosom did not go off until he was lost in view in a couple of hours we reached subiaco but who was this extraordinary man cried princess louise moved by the simplicity of the story kindly let me finish alas this is not the whole of it on the road we three did nothing but talk about the singular liberator who had come mysteriously and powerfully like an agent of heaven less credulous than me my father suspected him to be one of those heads of the robber leagues infesting the suburbs of Rome who have absolute authority to reward, punish and share though I could not argue against my father's experience I obeyed instinct and the effect of my gratitude and did not believe him a robber in my prayers to the Madonna I set aside a special one for her to bless my saviour that same day I entered the convent as the money was ready nothing prevented my reception I was sad but more resigned than ever a superstitious Italian I believe that heaven had protected me from the devils to hand me over pure to the religious haven so I yielded with eagerness to the wishes of my parents and the lady superior a petition to me made a nun without having to go through the novitiate in the white veil was placed before me my father had written it in such fervent strains that the pope must have thought the request was the ardent aspiration of a soul disgusted with the world and turning to solitude the plea was granted and I only had to be a novice for one month the news caused me neither joy nor displeasure I seemed already to be dead to the world and a corpse with simply the impassable spirit outliving it they kept me immured a fortnight for fear the worldly craving would seize me and on the fifteenth morning ordered me to go down into the chapel with the other sisters in Italy the convent chapels are public churches the pope not believing that priest should make a private house of any place set aside for the worshipers of the divine I went into the choir and took my place the man's gains supposed to veil the choir in was a space through which the nave could be viewed by this peep crack out on the world I saw a man standing by himself among the kneeling crowd this previous feeling of uneasiness came over me once more the superhuman attraction to my soul to draw it forth as I have seen my brother move iron filings on a sheet of paper by waving a magnet underneath it yes vanquished and subjugated with no power to withstand this attraction I bent toward him clasping my hands as in worship and with lips and heart I sent him my thanks my sisters stared at me with surprise they had not comprehended my words nor my movements to follow the direction of my gesture and glance they rose on tiptoe to peer over the nave and I trembled the stranger had disappeared they questioned me but I only blushed and faltered as next I turned pale from that time madame said Lorenza in despair I have lived in the control of the devil I cannot say I see anything supernatural in this observed the princess with a smile pray be calm and proceed you do not know what I feel the demon possesses me entirely body and soul love would not make me suffer so much would not shake me like a tree by the storm and would not give me the wicked thoughts coming to me I ought to confess these to the priest and the demons bids me not to think of such a thing one day a pious friend a neighbour and a roman lady came to see me for the image of the virgin that night in undressing I found a note in the lining of my robe it contained these lines it is death here in Rome for a nun to love a man but will you not risk death for him who saved your life that made his possession of me complete lady for I should lie if I said that I thought about anybody more than I do about that man frightened at her own words Lorenzo stopped to study the Abessa's sweet and intelligent countenance this is not demoniac possession said Louise of France with firmness it is but an unfortunate passion and unless in the state of regret human passions have no business here regret you see me in tears on my knees in treating you to deliver me from the power of this infernal wretch and you talk of my regret more than that I feel remorse my misery could not escape my companion's eyes the superior was notified and she acquainted my mother only three days after I had taken the vows I saw the three persons enter my cell who were my only kin my mother father and brother they came to embrace me for the last time they said but I saw that they had another aim left alone with me my mother questioned me the influence of the demon was plain once more for I was stubbornly silent the day when I was to take the black veil came amid a terrible struggle with myself for I feared that then the fiend would work his worst yet I trusted that heaven would save me as it had when the robbers ceased me forgetting that heaven had sent that man to rescue me the hour of the ceremonial arrived pale, uneasy but not apparently more agitated than usual I went down into the church I hurriedly assented to everything for was I not in the holy edifice and was I not in my own mistress while that demon was out of the way all at once I felt that his step was on the sill irresistible attraction as before caused me to turn my eyes away from the altar whatever my efforts all my strength fled me even while the scissors were thrust forward to cut my hair off my soul seemed to leap out of my throat to go and meet him and I fell prostrate on the stone slabs not like a woman swooning but like one in a trance I only heard a murmur when the ceremony was interrupted by a dreadful tumult the princess clasped her hands in compassion was not this a dreadful event said the Roman in which it was easy to recognize the intervention of the enemy of mankind poor woman said the Abess with tender pity take care I am afraid that you are apt to attribute to the wonderful what was but natural weakness I suppose you saw this man and you fainted away there was nothing more continue madame when I came to my senses said Lorenza it was night I expected to find myself in the chapel or in my cell but I saw rocks and trees around me clouds I was in a grotto and beside me was a man that persecutor I touched myself to make sure if I was alive and not dreaming I screamed for I was clad in bridal white on my brow was a wreath or white roses such as the bride of man or in religion wears the princess uttered an exclamation next day resumed the Italian sobbing and hiding her head in her hands I reckoned the time which had elapsed I had been three days in the trance ignorant of what transpired End of Chapter 31 Recording by John Van Stan Savannah, Georgia