Le Juif errant. English

by Eugène Sue

  CHAPTER LII. THE COUNCIL.

  The following scene took place at Saint-Dizier House, two days afterthe reconciliation of Marshal Simon with his daughters. The princess islistening with the most profound attention to the words of Rodin. Thereverend father, according to his habit, stands leaning against themantelpiece, with his hands thrust into the pockets of his old browngreat-coat. His thick, dirty shoes have left their mark on the erminehearth-rug. A deep sense of satisfaction is impressed on the Jesuit'scadaverous countenance. Princess de Saint-Dizier, dressed with that sortof modest elegance which becomes a mother of the church, keeps hereyes fixed on Rodin--for the latter has completely supplanted Fatherd'Aigrigny in the good graces of this pious lady. The coolness, audacitylofty intelligence, and rough and imperious character of the ex-sociushave overawed this proud woman, and inspired her with a sincereadmiration. Even his filthy habits and often brutal repartees have theircharm for her, and she now prefers them to the exquisite politeness andperfumed elegance of the accomplished Father d'Aigrigny.

  "Yes, madame," said Rodin, in a sanctified tone, for these people do nottake off their masks even with their accomplices, "yes, madame, we haveexcellent news from our house at St. Herem. M. Hardy, the infidel, thefreethinker, has at length entered the pale of the holy Roman Catholicand Apostolic Church." Rodin pronounced these last word with a nasaltwang, and the devout lady bowed her head respectfully.

  "Grace has at length touched the heart of this impious man," continuedRodin, "and so effectually that, in his ascetic enthusiasm, he hasalready wished to take the vows which will bind him forever to ourdivine Order."

  "So soon, father?" said the princess, in astonishment.

  "Our statutes are opposed to this precipitation, unless in the case ofa penitent in articulo mortis--on the very gasp of death--should sucha person consider it necessary for his salvation to die in the habitof our Order, and leave us all his wealth for the greater glory of theLord."

  "And is M. Hardy in so dangerous a condition, father?"

  "He has a violent fever. After so many successive calamities, whichhave miraculously brought him into the path of salvation," said Rodin,piously, "his frail and delicate constitution is almost broken up,morally and physically. Austerities, macerations, and the divine joys ofecstasy, will probably hasten his passage to eternal life, and in a fewclays," said the priest, shaking his head with a solemn air, "perhaps--"

  "So soon as that, father?"

  "It is almost certain. I have therefore made use of my dispensations, toreceive the dear penitent, as in articulo mortis, a member of ourdivine Company, to which, in the usual course, he has made over allhis possessions, present and to come--so that now he can devote himselfentirely to the care of his soul, which will be one victim more rescuedfrom the claws of Satan."

  "Oh, father!" cried the lady, in admiration; "it is a miraculousconversion. Father d'Aigrigny told me how you had to contend against theinfluence of Abbe Gabriel."

  "The Abbe Gabriel," replied Rodin, "has been punished for meddling withwhat did not concern him. I have procured his suspension, and he hasbeen deprived of his curacy. I hear that he now goes about the cholerahospitals to administer Christian consolation; we cannot opposethat--but this universal comforter is of the true heretical stamp."

  "He is a dangerous character, no doubt," answered the princess, "for hehas considerable influence over other men. It must have needed all youradmirable and irresistible eloquence to combat the detestable counselsof this Abbe Gabriel, who had taken it into his head to persuade M.Hardy to return to the life of the world. Really, father, you are asecond St. Chrysostom."

  "Tut, tut, madame!" said Rodin, abruptly, for he was very littlesensible to flattery; "keep that for others."

  "I tell you that you're a second St. Chrysostom father," repeated theprincess with enthusiasm; "like him, you deserve the name of GoldenMouth."

  "Stuff, madame!" said Rodin, brutally, shrugging his shoulders; "my lipsare too pale, my teeth too black, for a mouth of gold. You must be onlyjoking."

  "But, father--"

  "No, madame, you will not catch old birds with chaff," replied Rodin,harshly. "I hate compliments, and I never pay them."

  "Your modesty must pardon me, father," said the princess, humbly; "Icould not resist the desire to express to you my admiration, for, asyou almost predicted, or at least foresaw, two members of the Rennepontfamily, have, within the last few months, resigned all claim to theinheritance."

  Rodin looked at Madame de Saint-Dizier with a softened and approvingair, as he heard her thus describe the position of the two defunctclaimants. For, in Rodin's view of the case, M. Hardy, in consequenceof his donation and his suicidal asceticism, belonged no longer to thisworld.

  The lady continued: "One of these men, a wretched artisan, has been ledto his ruin by the exaggeration of his vices. You have brought theother into the path of salvation, by carrying out his loving and tenderqualities. Honor, then to your foresight, father! for you said that youwould make use of the passions to attain your end."

  "Do not boast too soon," said Rodin, impatiently. "Have you forgottenyour niece, and the Hindoo, and the daughters of Marshal Simon? Havethey also made a Christian end, or resigned their claim to share in thisinheritance?"

  "No, doubtless."

  "Hence, you see, madame, we should not lose time in congratulatingourselves on the past, but make ready for the future. The great dayapproaches. The first of June is not far off. Heaven grant we may notsee the four surviving members of the family continue to live impenitentup to that period, and so take possession of this enormous property--thesource of perdition in their hands--but productive of the glory of theChurch in the hands of our Company!"

  "True, father!"

  "By the way, you were to see your lawyers on the subject of your niece?"

  "I have seen them, father. However uncertain may be the chance of whichI spoke, it is worth trying. I shall know to-day, I hope, if it islegally possible."

  "Perhaps then,--in the new condition of life to which she would bereduced, we might find means to effect her conversion," said Rodin, witha strange and hideous smile; "until now, since she has been so fatallybrought in contact with the Oriental, the happiness of these two pagansappears bright and changeless as the diamond. Nothing bites into it, noteven Faringhea's tooth. Let us hope that the Lord will wreak justice ontheir vain and guilty felicity!"

  This conversation was here interrupted by Father d'Aigrigny, who enteredthe room with an air of triumph, and exclaimed, "Victory!"

  "What do you say"' asked the princess.

  "He is gone--last night," said Father d'Aigrigny.

  "Who?" said Rodin.

  "Marshal Simon," replied the abbe.

  "At last!" said Rodin, unable to hide his joy.

  "It was no doubt his interview with General d'Havrincourt whichfilled up the measure," cried the princess, "for I know he had a longconversation with the general, who like so many others, believed thereports in circulation. All means are good against the impious!" addedthe princess, by way of moral.

  "Have you any details?" asked Rodin.

  "I have just left Robert," said Father d'Aigrigny. "His age anddescription agree with the marshal's, and the latter travels with hispapers. Only one thing has greatly surprised your emissary."

  "What is that?" said Rodin.

  "Until now, he had always to contend with the hesitations of themarshal, and had moreover noticed his gloomy and desponding air.Yesterday, on the contrary, he found him so bright with happiness, thathe could not help asking him the cause of the alteration."

  "Well?" said Rodin and the princess together, both extremely surprised.

  "The marshal answered: 'I am indeed the happiest man in the world; for Iam going joyfully to accomplish a sacred duty!"

  The three actors in this scene looked at each other in silence.

  "And what can have produced this sudden change in the mind of themarshal?" said the princess, with a pensive air. "We rathe
r reckonon sorrow and every kind of irritation to urge him to engage in thisadventurous enterprise."

  "I cannot make it out," said Rodin, reflecting; "but no matter--heis gone. We must not lose a moment, to commence operations on hisdaughters. Has he taken that infernal soldier with him?"

  "No," said Father d'Aigrigny; "unfortunately, he has not done so. Warnedby the past, he will redouble his precautions; and a man, whom wemight have used against him at a pinch, has just been taken with thecontagion."

  "Who is that?" asked the princess.

  "Morok. I could count upon him anywhere and for anything. He is lostto us; for, should he recover from the cholera, I fear he will fall avictim to a horrible and incurable disease."

  "How so?"

  "A few days ago, he was bitten by one of the mastiffs of his menagerie,and, the next day, the dog showed symptoms of hydrophobia."

  "Ah! it is dreadful," cried the princess; "and where is this unfortunateman?"

  "He has been taken to one of the temporary hospitals established inParis, for at present he has only been attacked with cholera. It isdoubly unfortunate, I repeat, for he was a devoted, determined fellow,ready for anything. Now this soldier, who has the care of the orphans,will be very difficult to get at, and yet only through him can we hopeto reach Marshal Simon's daughters."

  "That is clear," said Rodin, thoughtfully.

  "Particularly since the anonymous letters have again awakened hissuspicions," added Father d'Aigrigny "and--"

  "Talking of the anonymous letters," said Rodin suddenly, interruptingFather d'Aigrigny, "there is a fact that you ought to know; I will tellyou why."

  "What is it?"

  "Besides the letters that you know of, Marshal Simon has received anumber of others unknown to you, in which, by every possible means, itis tried to exasperate his irritation against yourself--for they remindhim of all the reasons he has to hate you, and mock at him, because yoursacred character shelters you from his vengeance."

  Father d'Aigrigny looked at Rodin with amazement, colored in spite ofhimself, and said to him: "But for what purpose has your reverence actedin this manner?"

  "First of all, to clear myself of suspicion with regard to the letters;then, to excite the rage of the marshal to madness, by incessantlyreminding him of the just grounds he has to hate you, and of theimpossibility of being avenged upon you. This, joined to the otheremotions of sorrow and anger, which ferment in the savage bosom of thisman of bloodshed, tended to urge him on to the rash enterprise, whichis the consequence and the punishment of his idolatry for a miserableusurper."

  "That may be," said Father d'Aigrigny, with an air of constraint: "butI will observe to your reverence, that it was, perhaps, rather dangerousthus to excite Marshal Simon against me."

  "Why?" asked Rodin, as he fixed a piercing look upon Father d'Aigrigny.

  "Because the marshal, excited beyond all bounds, and remembering onlyour mutual hate, might seek me out--"

  "Well! and what then?"

  "Well! he might forget that I am a priest--"

  "Oh, you are afraid are you?" said Rodin, disdainfully, interruptingFather d'Aigrigny.

  At the words: "You are afraid," the reverend father almost started fromhis chair; but recovering his coolness, he answered: "Your reverenceis right; yes, I should be afraid under such circumstances; I shouldbe afraid of forgetting that I am a priest, and of remembering too wellthat I have been a soldier."

  "Really?" said Rodin, with sovereign contempt. "You are still no furtherthan that stupid and savage point of honor? Your cassock has not yetextinguished the warlike fire? So that if this brawling swordsman, whosepoor, weak head, empty and sonorous as a drum, is so easily turned withthe stupid jargon of 'Military honor, oaths, Napoleon II.'--if thisbrawling bravo, I say, were to commit some violence against you, itwould require a great effort, I suppose, for you to remain calm?"

  "It is useless, I think," said Father d'Aigrigny, quite unableto control his agitation, "for your reverence to enter upon suchquestions."

  "As your superior," answered Rodin, severely, "I have the right to ask.If Marshal Simon had lifted his hand against you--"

  "Sir," cried the reverend father.

  "There are no sirs here--we are only priests," said Rodin, harshly.Father d'Aigrigny held down his head, scarcely able to repress his rage.

  "I ask you," continued Rodin, obstinately, "if Marshal Simon had struckyou? Is that clear?"

  "Enough! in mercy," said Father d'Aigrigny, "enough!"

  "Or, if you like it better, had Marshal Simon left the marks of hisfingers on your cheek?" resumed Rodin, with the utmost pertinacity.

  Father d'Aigrigny, pale as death, ground his teeth in a kind of furyat the very idea of such an insult, while Rodin, who had no doubt hisobject in asking the question, raised his flabby eyelids, and seemedto watch attentively the significant symptoms revealed in the agitatedcountenance of the ex-colonel.

  At length, recovering partly his presence of mind, Father d'Aigrignyreplied, in a forcedly calm tone: "If I were to be exposed to such aninsult, I would pray heaven to give me resignation and humility."

  "And no doubt heaven would hear your prayers," said Rodin, coldly,satisfied with the trial to which he had just put him. "Besides, you arenow warned, and it is not very probable," added he, with a grim smile,"that Marshal Simon will ever return to test your humility. But if hewere to return," said Rodin, fixing on the reverend father a long andpiercing look, "you would know how to show this brutal swordsman, inspite of all his violence, what resignation and humility there is in aChristian soul!"

  Two humble knocks at the door here interrupted the conversation for amoment. A footman entered, bearing a large sealed packet on a salver,which he presented to the princess. After this, he withdrew. Princessde Saint-Dizier, having by a look asked Rodin's permission to open theletter, began to read it--and a cruel satisfaction was soon visible onher face.

  "There is hope," cried she addressing herself to Rodin: "the demand isrigorously legal, and the consequence may be such as we desire. In aword, my niece may, any day, be exposed to complete destitution. She,who is so extravagant! what a change in her life!"

  "We shall then no doubt have some hold on that untamable character,"said Rodin with a meditative air; "for, till now, all has failed inthat direction, and one would suppose some kinds of happiness areinvulnerable," added the Jesuit, gnawing his flat and dirty nails.

  "But, to obtain the result we desire, we must exasperate my niece'spride. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary, that I should see andtalk to her," said the Princess de Saint-Dizier, reflecting.

  "Mdlle. de Cardoville will refuse this interview," said Fatherd'Aigrigny.

  "Perhaps," replied the princess. "But she is so happy that her audacitymust be at its height. Yes, yes--I know her--and I will write in such amanner, that she will come."

  "You think so?" asked Rodin, with a doubtful air.

  "Do not fear it, father," answered the lady, "she will come. And herpride once brought into play, we may hope a good deal from it."

  "We must then act, lady," resumed Rodin; "yes, act promptly. The momentapproaches. Hate and suspicion are awake. There is not a moment tolose."

  "As for hate," replied the princess, "Mdlle. de Cardoville must haveseen to what her lawsuit would lead, about what she called her illegaldetention in a lunatic asylum, and that of the two young ladies in St.Mary's Convent. Thank heaven, we have friends everywhere! I know fromgood authority, that the case will break down from want of evidence, inspite of the animosity of certain parliamentary magistrates, who shallbe well remembered."

  "Under these circumstances," replied Rodin, "the departure of themarshal gives us every latitude. We must act immediately on hisdaughters."

  "But how?" said the princess.

  "We must see them," resumed Rodin, "talk with them, study them. Then weshall act in consequence."

  "But the soldier will not leave them a second," said Father d'Aigrigny.

  "Then," rep
lied Rodin, "we must talk to them in presence of the soldier,and get him on our side."

  "That hope is idle," cried Father d'Aigrigny. "You do not know themilitary honor of his character. You do not know this man."

  "Don't I know him?" said Rodin, shrugging his shoulders. "Did not Mdlle.de Cardoville present me to him as her liberator, when I denounced youas the soul of the conspiracy? Did I not restore to him his ridiculousimperial relic--his cross of honor--when we met at Dr. Baleinier's? DidI not bring him back the girls from the convent, and place them in thearms of their father?"

  "Yes," replied the princess; "but, since that time, my abominable niecehas either guessed or discovered all. She told you so herself, father."

  "She told me, that she considered me her most mortal enemy," saidRodin. "Be it so. But did she tell the same to the marshal? Has sheever mentioned me to him? and if she have done so, has the marshalcommunicated this circumstance to his soldier? It may be so; but it isby no means sure; in any case. I must ascertain the fact; if the soldiertreats me as an enemy, we shall see what is next to be done--but I willfirst try to be received as a friend."

  "When?" asked the princess.

  "To-morrow morning," replied Rodin.

  "Good heaven, my clear father!" cried the Princess de Saint-Dizier, inalarm; "if this soldier were to treat you as an enemy--beware--"

  "I always beware, madame. I have had to face worse enemies than he is,"said the Jesuit showing his black teeth; "the cholera to begin with."

  "But he may refuse to see you, and in what way will you then get atMarshal Simon's daughters?" said Father d'Aigrigny.

  "I do not yet know." answered Rodin. "But as I intend to do it, I shallfind the means."

  "Father," said the princess, suddenly, on reflection, "these girls havenever seen me, and I might obtain admittance to them, without sending inmy name."

  "That would be perfectly useless at present, madame, for I must firstknow what course to take with respect to them. I must see and conversewith them, at any cost, and then, after I have fixed my plan, yourassistance may be very useful. In any case, please to be ready tomorrow, madame, to accompany me."

  "To what place, father?"

  "To Marshal Simon's."

  "To the marshal's?"

  "Not exactly. You will get into your carriage, and I will take ahackney-coach. I will then try to obtain an interview with the girls,and, during that time, you will wait for me at a few yards from thehouse. If I succeed, and require your aid, I will come and fetch you; Ican give you my instructions without any appearance of concert betweenus."

  "I am content, reverend father; but, in truth, I tremble at the thoughtof your interview with that rough trooper."

  "The Lord will watch over his servant, madame!" replied Rodin. "Asfor you, father," added he, addressing the Abbe d'Aigrigny, "despatchinstantly to Vienna the note which is all prepared to announce thedeparture and speedy arrival of the marshal. Every precaution has beentaken. I shall write more fully this evening."

  The next morning, about eight o'clock, the Princess de Saint-Dizier,in her carriage, and Rodin, in his hackney-coach, took the direction ofMarshal Simon's house.