Volume Ii Part 57 (1/2)
And Valentine had already started to go away, but Leodgard detained her, kissing her lovely hands with pa.s.sion, and said:
”How ill you judge me, madame! you should read my heart better. I have but one thought, one purpose, one desire; and that is to realize at the earliest possible moment this future of blissful delight which you offer me. I regret that there are no obstacles to surmount, no rivals to fight, in order to possess you! You would find that I should not hesitate. The only thing that may delay us is this--that, before leaving France for a considerable time, I must arrange certain matters of business, dispose of certain property. But be a.s.sured that I shall do my best to hasten the moment that is to unite us.”
”Forgive me, Leodgard, for misjudging you; and since you love me as I love you, since everything is soon to be common between us, allow me, my friend, to ask you to give me your entire confidence. It may be that what you have in mind at this moment is to procure a considerable amount of money, in order to a.s.sure our future existence. But do not disturb yourself about that; I have a fortune, and it does not belong to the Marquis de Santoval. Thank heaven! I can take money with me, much money; and when mine is all gone, then it will be your turn to draw upon what belongs to you.--Does that arrangement please you?”
”Dear Valentine,--for you will allow me now to address you so,--I am touched by such proofs of your affection; but, I say again, before leaving Paris I must adjust some important matters. I do not need to tell you that henceforth I can think of naught save hastening forward the day that is to mark the beginning of a new life for us!”
”Let it be as you wish, then, my friend; I too will hasten with all my prayers the arrival of that day. You will know now that I am waiting for you, when the time that you fix for our flight has come. Simply send me word on the preceding day. Beginning to-morrow, Miretta will walk here every day at noon, and you will be certain to find her here. As for myself, my departure will not be impeded in any way. Since your duel, the Marquis de Santoval has not the slightest jealous suspicion, and, although he knows that your wound was not fatal, I am at liberty to go and come as I please, without remark from him. However, as we must not defy chance, I will leave you now, Leodgard, and return to the Hotel de Santoval; and when I see you again, it will be to part no more.”
”What!” said Leodgard, pressing Valentine's hand lovingly; ”you are free to do as you please, and, before our final union, you will not come once to pay me a visit at my house in Rue de Bretonvilliers?”
”No, monsieur le comte,” replied Valentine, in a gentle but firm tone.
”As I told you, I do not choose to be your mistress; I wish to be your wife, and in a foreign land I hope that you will give me that t.i.tle; for no one will be there to dispute my right to it. Adieu, Leodgard, or, rather, au revoir!”
Signalling to Miretta by coughing loudly, the marchioness joined her maid, and they disappeared among the paths of the Pre-aux-Clercs.
As for Leodgard, he remained a long while on the bench which he had occupied with the marchioness. Absorbed by his thoughts, and sighing profoundly from time to time, he frequently pa.s.sed his hand across his brow, as if to brush away ghastly memories. At last he rose and walked off in the direction of Rue de Bretonvilliers, saying to himself:
”I must do it! I hoped that I had abandoned that infamous role forever; but I have hardly any money--and money I must have; I must have a great deal! Can I think of living constantly at that woman's expense? Shall I confess to her that I have squandered all of the fortune that was left to me? No, no; it is impossible! Fate wills it; and destiny, which has always been favorable to me, will protect me still!”
A few days later, people began to talk once more of the celebrated robber Giovanni, who had reappeared in Paris, and was exhibiting his too famous talent there, as of old. The streets, which had become dangerous once more, were deserted at an early hour. But the lieutenant of police had sworn a mighty oath that he would capture Giovanni this time and would put an end to the reign of terror inaugurated by him. With that end in view, the streets were patrolled by numerous parties of the watch.
One evening, on returning home after pa.s.sing two or three hours at a large party, the Marquise de Santoval instantly rang for Miretta, and said to her as soon as they were alone:
”Rejoice, little one; it is your turn to be happy; you will be united to the man you love so dearly--unless, indeed, he allows himself to be caught, for the man is playing a bold game.”
”What, madame! can it be that----”
”Yes; Giovanni has reappeared in Paris.”
”I had heard so; but I dared not believe it.”
”You may be certain of it; for the old contractor Ducantal, who was at Madame de Berienne's this evening, was waylaid last night and stripped clean by Giovanni. We could not help laughing as we heard the story, for the old contractor was frantic with rage. He had just come from a gambling den, where he had won a considerable sum, and it was all taken from him, as well as his diamonds--and he had some very handsome ones!--What intensified Monsieur Ducantal's wrath was that he had with him two great footmen, who, instead of defending him, fled at the robber's approach. But, no matter--you should advise your lover to abandon the trade; it will end badly for him!”
”Oh! I will implore him once more to do so, madame. This very night I will go out in search of him. What joy! I am going to see him again at last, and I had lost all hope!”
”But be prudent--do not run any risk.”
”Oh! I am not afraid; and what do I care for danger, so long as I see Giovanni!--Have you any further need of my services, madame?”
”No, I will do without you; I will call Marie. Go; I give you your liberty.”
Miretta was no sooner relieved from duty, than she wrapped herself in her cloak, left the hotel, and wandered about Paris at random. But to no purpose did she search several different quarters, looking into every corner, stopping at the least noise; she met n.o.body but men, from whom she fled, and whom, by virtue of her agility, she always succeeded in eluding. At daybreak, completely exhausted, she returned to the Hotel de Santoval, saying to herself:
”I shall be more fortunate to-morrow, perhaps.”
The concierge and the servants thought that their mistress's maid went out of nights to meet her lover. But as they knew that Miretta stood high in the marchioness's affections, they contented themselves with making these reflections in an undertone.
The next night, Miretta went out again, but had no better fortune. She did not lose courage, however, for, during the day, in the servants'
quarters, she had heard of a recent night attack of which Giovanni was presumed to be the author, and she said to herself that she must surely fall in with him at last.