CHAPTERIII
THETAVERN
ThegateofBlangy，builtbyBouret，wasformedoftwowidepilasters，ofprojectingrough-hewnstone;eachsurmountedbyadogsittingon，hishaunchesandholdinganescutcheonbetweenhisforepaws。The，proximityofasmallhousewherethestewardliveddispensedwiththe，necessityforalodge。Betweenthetwopilasters，asumptuousiron，gate，likethosemadeinBuffon’stimefortheJardindesPlantes，openedonashortpavedwaywhichledtothecountryroad(formerly，keptinorderbyLesAiguesandtheSoulangesfamily)whichunites，Conches，Cerneux，Blangy，andSoulangestoVille-aux-Fayes，likea，wreath，forthewholeroadislinedwithfloweringhedgesandlittle，housescoveredwithrosesandhoney-suckleandotherclimbingplants。
There，alongaprettywallwhichextendsasfarasaterracefrom，whichthelandofLesAiguesfallsrapidlytothevalleytillitmeets，thatofSoulanges，aretherottenposts，theoldwheel，andtheforked，stakeswhichconstitutedthemanufactoryofthevillagerope-maker。
Soonaftermidday，whileBlondetwasseatinghimselfattableopposite，theAbbeBrossetteandreceivingthetenderexpostulationsofthe，countess，PereFourchonandMouchearrivedatthisestablishment。From，thatvantage-groundPereFourchon，underpretenceofrope-making，couldwatchLesAiguesandseeeveryonewhowentinandout。Nothing，escapedhim，theopeningoftheblinds，tete-a-teteloiterings，orthe，leastlittleincidentsofcountrylife，werespieduponbytheold，fellow，whohadsetupthisbusinesswithinthelastthreeyears，——a，triflingcircumstancewhichneitherthemasters，northeservants，nor，thekeepersofLesAigueshadasyetremarkedupon。
“GoroundtothehousebythegateoftheAvonnewhileIputawaythe，tackle，“saidPereFourchontohisattendant，“andwhenyouhave，blabbedaboutthething，they’llnodoubtsendaftermetotheGrand-
I-Vert，whereIamgoingforadropofdrink，——foritmakesone，thirstyenoughtowadeinthewaterthatway。IfyoudojustasItell，you，you’llhookagoodbreakfastoutofthem;trytomeetthe，countess，andgiveaslapatme，andthatwillputitintoherheadto，comeandpreachmoralityorsomething！There’slotsofgoodwineto，getoutofit。”
Aftertheselastinstructions，whichtheslylookinMouche’sface，renderedquitesuperfluous，theoldpeasant，huggingtheotterunder，hisarm，disappearedalongthecountryroad。
Half-waybetweenthegateandthevillagetherestood，atthetime，whenEmileBlondetstayedatLesAigues，oneofthosehouseswhichare，neverseenbutinpartsofFrancewherestoneisscarce。Bitsof，brickspickedupanywhere，cobblestonessetlikediamondsintheclay，mud，formedverysolidwalls，thoughworninplaces;theroofwas，supportedbystoutbranchesandcoveredwithrushesandstraw，while，theclumsyshuttersandthebrokendoor——inshort，everythingabout，thecottagewastheproductofluckyfinds，orofgiftsobtainedby，begging。
Thepeasanthasaninstinctforhishabitationlikethatofananimal，foritsnestoritsburrow，andthisinstinctwasverymarkedinall，thearrangementsofthiscottage。Inthefirstplace，thedoorandthe，windowlookedtothenorth。Thehouse，placedonalittleriseinthe，stoniestangleofavineyard，wascertainlyhealthful。Itwasreached，bythreesteps，carefullymadewithstakesandplanksfilledinwith，brokenstoneandgravel，sothatthewaterranoffrapidly;andasthe，rainseldomcomesfromthenorthwardinBurgundy，nodampnesscould，rotthefoundations，slightastheywere。Belowthestepsandalong，thepathranarusticpaling，hiddenbeneathahedgeofhawthornand，sweet-brier。Anarbor，withafewclumsytablesandwoodenbenches，filledthespacebetweenthecottageandtheroad，andinvitedthe，passers-bytorestthemselves。Attheupperendofthebankbythe，houserosesgrew，andwall-flowers，violets，andotherflowersthat，costnothing。Jessamineandhoney-sucklehadfastenedtheirtendrils，ontheroof，mossyalready，thoughthebuildingwasfarfromold。
Totherightofthehouse，theownerhadbuiltastablefortwocows。
Infrontofthiserectionofoldboards，asunkenpieceofground，servedasayardwhere，inacorner，wasahugemanure-heap。Onthe，othersideofthehouseandthearborstoodathatchedshed，supported，ontrunksoftrees，underwhichthevariousoutdoorpropertiesofthe，peasantrywereputaway，——theutensilsofthevine-dressers，their，emptycasks，logsofwoodpiledaboutamoundwhichcontainedthe，oven，themouthofwhichopened，aswasusualinthehousesofthe，peasantry，underthemantle-pieceofthechimneyinthekitchen。
Aboutanacreoflandadjoinedthehouse，inclosedbyanevergreen，hedgeandplantedwithgrape-vines;tendedaspeasantstendthem，——
thatistosay，well-manured，andduground，andlayeredsothatthey，usuallysettheirfruitbeforethevinesofthelargeproprietorsina，circuitoftenmilesround。Afewtrees，almond，plum，andapricot，showedtheirslimheadshereandthereinthisenclosure。Betweenthe，rowsofvinespotatoesandbeanswereplanted。Inadditiontoall，this，onthesidetowardsthevillageandbeyondtheyardwasabitof，damplowground，favorableforthegrowthofcabbagesandonions，(favoritevegetablesoftheworking-classes)，whichwasclosedbya，woodengate，throughwhichthecowsweredriven，tramplingthepath，intomudandcoveringitwithdung。
Thehouse，whichhadtworoomsontheground-floor，openeduponthe，vineyard。Onthissideanouterstairway，roofedwiththatchand，restingagainstthewallofthehouse，leduptothegarret，whichwas，lightedbyoneroundwindow。Underthisrusticstairwayopeneda，cellarbuiltofBurgundybrick，containingseveralcasksofwine。
Thoughthekitchenutensilsofthepeasantryareusuallyonlytwo，namely，afrying-panandanironpot，withwhichtheymanagetodoall，theircooking，exceptionstothisrule，intheshapeoftwoenormous，saucepanshangingbeneaththemantle-shelfandaboveasmallportable，stove，weretobeseeninthiscottage。Inspite，however，ofthis，indicationofluxury，thefurniturewasinkeepingwiththeexternal，appearanceoftheplace。Ajarheldwater，thespoonswereofwoodor，pewter，thedishes，ofredclaywithoutandwhitewithin，werescaling，offandhadbeenmendedwithpewterrivets;theheavytableandchairs，wereofpinewood，andforflooringtherewasnothingbetterthanthe，hardenedearth。Everyfifthyearthewallsreceivedacoatofwhite-
washandsodidthenarrowbeamsoftheceiling，fromwhichhung，bacon，stringsofonions，bundlesoftallowcandles，andthebagsin，whichapeasantkeepshisseeds;nearthebread-boxstoodanold-
fashionedwardrobeinwalnut，wherethescantyhouseholdlinen，and，theonechangeofgarmentstogetherwiththeholidayattireofthe，entirefamilywerekept。
Abovethemantelofthechimneygleamedapoacher’soldgun，notworth，fivefrancs，——thewoodscorched，thebarreltoallappearancesnever，cleaned。Anobservermightreflectthattheprotectionofahovelwith，onlyalatch，andanoutergatethatwasonlyapalingandnever，closed，needednobetterweapon;butstillthewonderwastowhatuse，itwasput。Inthefirstplace，thoughthewoodwasofthecommonest，kind，thebarrelwascarefullyselected，andcamefromavaluablegun，giveninallprobabilitytoagame-keeper。Moreover，theownerofthis，weaponnevermissedhisaim;therewasbetweenhimandhisgunthe，sameintimateacquaintancethatthereisbetweenaworkmanandhis，tool。Ifthemuzzlemustberaisedorloweredthemerestfractionin，itsaim，becauseitcarriesjustanatomaboveorbelowtherange，the，poacherknowsit;heobeystheruleandnevermisses。Anofficerof，artillerywouldhavefoundtheessentialpartsofthisweaponingood，conditionnotwithstandingitsuncleanlyappearance。Inallthatthe，peasantappropriatestohisuse，inallthatserveshim，hedisplays，justtheamountofforcethatisneeded，neithermorenorless;he，attendstotheessentialandtonothingbeyond。Externalperfectionhe，hasnoconceptionof。Anunerringjudgeofthenecessaryinall，things，hethoroughlyunderstandsdegreesofstrength，andknowsvery，wellwhenworkingforanemployerhowtogivetheleastpossiblefor，themosthecanget。Thiscontemptible-lookinggunwillbefoundto，playaseriouspartinthelifeofthefamilyinhabitingthiscottage，andyouwillpresentlylearnhowandwhy。
Haveyounowtakeninallthemanydetailsofthishovel，planted，aboutfivehundredfeetawayfromtheprettygateofLesAigues？Do，youseeitcrouchingthere，likeabeggarbesideapalace？Well，its，roofcoveredwithvelvetmosses，itsclackinghens，itsgruntingpig，itsstrayingheifer，allitsruralgraceshaveahorriblemeaning。
Fastenedtoapole，whichwasstuckinthegroundbesidetheentrance，throughthefence，wasawitheredbunchofthreepinebranchesand，someoldoak-leavestiedtogetherwitharag。Abovethedoorofthe，housearovingartisthadpainted，probablyinreturnforhis，breakfast，ahugecapital“I“ingreenonawhitegroundtwofeet，square;andforthebenefitofthosewhocouldread，thiswittyjoke，intwelveletters：“AuGrand-I-Vert“(hiver)。Ontheleftofthedoor，wasavulgarsignbearing，incoloredletters，“GoodMarchbeer，“and，thepictureofafoamingpotofthesame，withawoman，inadress，excessivelylow-necked，ononeside，andanhussarontheother，——both，coarselycolored。Consequently，inspiteofthebloomingflowersand，thefreshcountryair，thiscottageexhaledthesamestrongand，nauseousodorofwineandfoodwhichassailsyouinParisasyoupass，thedoorofthecheapcook-shopsofthefaubourg。
Nowyouknowthesurroundings。Beholdtheinhabitantsandheartheir，history，whichcontainsmorethanonelessonforphilanthropists。
TheproprietoroftheGrand-I-Vert，namedFrancoisTonsard，commends，himselftotheattentionofphilosophersbythemannerinwhichhehad，solvedtheproblemofanidlelifeandabusylife，soastomakethe，idlenessprofitable，andoccupationnil。
Ajack-of-all-trades，heknewhowtocultivatetheground，butfor，himselfonly。Forothers，hedugditches，gatheredfagots，barkedthe，trees，orcutthemdown。Inallsuchworktheemployerisatthemercy，oftheworkman。Tonsardownedhisplotofgroundtothegenerosityof，MademoiselleLaguerre。Inhisearlyyouthhehadworkedbythedayfor，thegardeneratLesAigues;andhereallyhadnothisequalin，trimmingtheshrubbery-trees，thehedges，thehorn-beams，andthe，horse-chestnuts。Hisverynameshowshereditarytalent。Inremote，country-placesprivilegesexistwhichareobtainedandpreservedwith，asmuchcareasthemerchantsofacitydisplayingettingtheirs。
MademoiselleLaguerrewasonedaywalkinginthegarden，whenshe，overheardTonsard，thenastrappingfellow，say，“AllIneedtolive，on，andlivehappily，isanacreofland。”Thekindcreature，accustomedtomakeothershappy，gavehimtheacreofvineyardnear，thegateofBlangy，inreturnforonehundreddays’work(adelicate，regardforhisfeelingswhichwaslittleunderstood)，andallowedhim，tostayatLesAigues，wherehelivedwithherservants，whothought，himoneofthebestfellowsinBurgundy。
PoorTonsard(thatiswhateverybodycalledhim)workedaboutthirty，daysoutofthehundredthatheowed;therestofthetimeheidled，about，talkingandlaughingwithMademoiselle’swomen，particularly，withMademoiselleCochet，thelady’smaid，thoughshewasugly，like，allconfidentialmaidsofhandsomeactresses。Laughingwith，MademoiselleCochetsignifiedsomanythingsthatSoudry，the，fortunategendarmementionedinBlondet’sletter，stilllookedaskance，atTonsardafterthelapseofnearlytwenty-fiveyears。Thewalnut，wardrobe，thebedsteadwiththetesterandcurtains，andtheornaments，aboutthebedroomweredoubtlesstheresultofthesaidlaughter。
Onceinpossessionofhiscare，Tonsardrepliedtothefirstperson，whohappenedtomentionthatMademoiselleLaguerrehadgivenitto，him，“I’veboughtitdeucedhard，andpaidwellforit。Dorichfolks，evergiveusanything？Areonehundreddays’worknothing？Ithascost，methreehundredfrancs，andthelandisallstones。”Butthatspeech，nevergotbeyondtheregionsofhisownclass。
Tonsardbuilthishousehimself，pickingupthematerialshereand，thereashecould，——gettingaday’sworkoutofthisoneandthatone，gleaningintherubbishthatwasthrownaway，oftenaskingforthings，andalwaysobtainingthem。Adiscardeddoorcutintwoforconvenience，incarryingawaybecamethedoorofthestable;thewindowwasthe，sashofagreen-house。Inshort，therubbishofthechateau，servedto，buildthefatalcottage。
SavedfromthedraftbyGaubertin，thestewardofLesAigues，whose，fatherwasprosecuting-attorneyofthedepartment，andwho，moreover，couldrefusenothingtoMademoiselleCochet，Tonsardmarriedassoon，ashishousewasfinishedandhisvineshadbeguntobear。Awell-
grownfellowoftwenty-three，ineverybody’sgoodgracesatLes，Aigues，onwhomMademoisellehadbestowedanacreofherland，andwho，appearedtobeagoodworker，hehadthearttoringthepraisesof，hisnegativemerits，andsoobtainedthedaughterofafarmeronthe，Ronquerollesestate，whichliesbeyondtheforestofLesAigues。
Thisfarmerheldtheleaseofhalfafarm，whichwasgoingtoruinin，hishandsforwantofahelpmate。Awidower，andinconsolableforthe，lossofhiswife，hetriedtodrownhistroubles，liketheEnglish，in，wine，andthen，whenhehadputthepoordeceasedoutofhismind，he，foundhimselfmarried，sothevillagemaliciouslydeclared，toawoman，namedBoisson。Frombeingafarmerhebecameoncemorealaborer，but，anidleanddrunkenlaborer，quarrelsomeandvindictive，capableof，anyill-deed，likemostofhisclasswhentheyfallfromawell-to-do，stateoflifeintopoverty。Thisman，whosepracticalinformationand，knowledgeofreadingandwritingplacedhimfarabovehisfellow-
workmen，whilehisviceskepthimatthelevelofpauperism，youhave，alreadyseenonthebanksoftheAvonne，measuringhisclevernesswith，thatofoneofthecleverestmeninParis，inabucolicoverlookedby，Virgil。
PereFourchon，formerlyaschoolmasteratBlangy，lostthatplace，throughmisconductandhissingularideasastopubliceducation。He，helpedthechildrentomakepaperboatswiththeiralphabetsmuch，oftenerthanhetaughtthemhowtospell;hescoldedtheminso，remarkableamannerforpilferingfruitthathislecturesmightreally，havepassedforlessonsonthebestwayofscalingthewalls。From，teacherhebecameapostman。Inthiscapacity，whichservesasa，refugetomanyanoldsoldier，PereFourchonwasdailyreprimanded。
Sometimesheforgotthelettersinatavern，atothertimeshekept，theminhispocket。Whenhewasdrunkheleftthoseforonevillagein，anothervillage;whenhewassoberhereadthem。Consequently，hewas，soondismissed。NolongerabletoservetheState，PereFourchonended，bybecomingamanufacturer。Inthecountryapoormancanalwaysget，somethingtodo，andmakeatleastapretenceofgaininganhonest，livelihood。Atsixty-eightyearsofagetheoldmanstartedhisrope-
walk，amanufactorywhichrequirestheverysmallestcapital。The，workshopis，aswehaveseen，anyconvenientwall;themachinerycosts，abouttenfrancs。Theapprenticeslept，likehismaster，inahay-
loft，andlivedonwhateverhecouldpickup。Therapacityofthelaw，inthematterofdoorsandwindowsexpires“subdio。”Thetowtomake，thefirstropecanbeborrowed。ButtheprincipalrevenueofPere，FourchonandhissatelliteMouche，thenaturalsonofoneofhis，naturaldaughters，camefromtheotters;andthentherewere，breakfastsanddinnersgiventhembypeasantswhocouldneitherread，norwrite，andweregladtousetheoldfellow’stalentswhentheyhad，abilltomakeout，oralettertodispatch。Besidesallthis，heknew，howtoplaytheclarionet，andhewentaboutwithhisfriend，Vermichel，themillerofSoulanges，tovillageweddingsandthegrand，ballsgivenattheTivoliofSoulanges。
Vermichel’snamewasMichelVert，butthetranspositionwasso，generallyusedthatBrunet，theclerkofthemunicipalcourtof，Soulanges，wasinthehabitofwritingMichel-Jean-JeromeVert，called，Vermichel，practitioner。Vermichel，afamousviolinintheBurgundian，regimentofformerdays，hadprocuredforPereFourchon，in，recognitionofcertainservices，asituationaspractitioner，whichin，remotecountry-placesusuallydevolvesonthosewhoareabletosign，theirname。PereFourchonthereforeaddedtohisotheravocationsthat，ofwitness，orpractitioneroflegalpapers，whenevertheSieurBrunet，cametodrawtheminthedistrictsofCerneux，Conches，andBlangy。
VermichelandFourchon，alliedbyafriendshipoftwentyyears’
tippling，mightreallybeconsideredabusinessfirm。
MoucheandFourchon，boundtogetherbyviceasMentorandTelemachus，byvirtue，travelledlikethelatter，insearchoftheirfather，“panisangelorum，“——theonlyLatinwordswhichtheoldfellow’smemory，hadretained。TheywentaboutscrapingupthepickingsoftheGrand-I-
Vert，andthoseoftheadjacentchateaux;forbetweenthem，intheir，busiestandmostprosperousyears，theyhadnevercontrivedtomakeas，muchasthreehundredandsixtyfathomsofrope。Inthefirstplace，nodealerwithinaradiusoffiftymileswouldhavetrustedhistowto，eitherMoucheorFourchon。Theoldman，surpassingthemiraclesof，modernchemistry，knewtoowellhowtoresolvethetowintotheall-
benignantjuiceofthegrape。Moreover，histriplefunctionsofpublic，writerforthreetownships，legalpractitionerforone，andclarionet-
playeratlarge，hindered，sohesaid，thedevelopmentofhis，business。
ThusithappenedthatTonsardwasdisappointedfromthestartinthe，hopehehadindulgedofincreasinghiscomfortbyanincreaseof，propertyinmarriage。Theidleson-in-lawhadchanced，byavery，commonaccident，onanidlerfather-in-law。Matterswentalltheworse，becauseTonsard’swife，giftedwithasortofrusticbeauty，being，tallandwell-made，wasnotfondofworkintheopenair。Tonsard，blamedhiswifeforherfather’sshort-comings，andill-treatedher，withthecustomaryrevengeofthecommonpeople，whosemindstakein，onlyaneffectandrarelylookbacktocauses。
Findingherfettersheavy，thewomanlightenedthem。Sheused，Tonsard’svicestogetthebetterofhim。Lovingcomfortandgood，eatingherself，sheencouragedhisidlenessandgluttony。Inthefirst，place，shemanagedtoprocurethegood-willoftheservantsofthe，chateau，andTonsard，inviewoftheresults，madenocomplaintasto，themeans。Hecaredverylittlewhathiswifedid，solongasshedid，allhewantedofher。Thatisthesecretagreementofmanya，household。MadameTonsardestablishedthewine-shopoftheGrand-I-
Vert，herfirstcustomersbeingtheservantsofLesAiguesandthe，keepersandhuntsmen。
Gaubertin，formerlystewardtoMademoiselleLaguerre，oneofLa，Tonsard’schiefpatrons，gaveherseveralpuncheonsofexcellentwine，toattractcustom。Theeffectofthesegifts(continuedaslongas，Gaubertinremainedabachelor)andthefameofherratherlawless，beautycommendedthisbeautytotheDonJuansofthevalley，and，filledthewine-shopoftheGrand-I-Vert。Beingaloverofgood，eating，LaTonsardwasnaturallyanexcellentcook;andthoughher，talentswereonlyexercisedonthecommondishesofthecountry，juggedhare，gamesauce，stewedfishandomelets，shewasconsidered，inallthecountryroundtobeanadmirablecookofthesortoffood，whichiseatenatacounterandspicedinawaytoexciteadesirefor，drink。Bytheendoftwoyears，shehadmanagedtoruleTonsard，and，turnhimtoevilcourses，which，indeed，heaskednobetterthanto，indulgein。
Therascalwascontinuallypoaching，andwithnothingtofearfromit。
TheintimaciesofhiswifewithGaubertinandthekeepersandthe，ruralauthorities，togetherwiththelaxityofthetimes，securedhim，impunity。Assoonashischildrenwerelargeenoughhemadethem，serviceabletohiscomfort，caringnomorefortheirmoralitythanfor，thatofhiswife。Hehadtwosonsandtwodaughters。Tonsard，who，lived，asdidhiswife，fromhandtomouth，mighthavecometoanend，ofthiseasylifeifhehadnotmaintainedasortofmartiallawover，hisfamily，whichcompelledthemtoworkforthepreservationofit。
Whenhehadbroughtuphischildren，atthecostofthosefromwhom，hiswifewasabletoextortgifts，thefollowingcharterandbudget，werethelawattheGrand-I-Vert。
Tonsard’soldmotherandhistwodaughters，CatherineandMarie，went，intothewoodsatcertainseasonstwicea-day，andcamebackladen，withfagotswhichoverhungthecrutchoftheirpolesatleasttwofeet，beyondtheirheads。Thoughdriedstickswereplacedontheoutsideof，theheap，theinsidewasmadeoflivewoodcutfromyoungtrees。In，plainwords，Tonsardhelpedhimselftohiswinter’sfuelinthewoods，ofLesAigues。Besidesthis，fatherandsonswereconstantlypoaching。
FromSeptembertoMarch，hares，rabbits，partridges，deer，inshort，allthegamethatwasnoteatenatthechateau，wassoldatBlangyand，atSoulanges，whereTonsard’stwodaughterspeddledmilkintheearly，mornings，——comingbackwiththenewsoftheday，inreturnforthe，gossiptheycarriedaboutLesAigues，andCerneux，andConches。Inthe，monthswhenthethreeTonsardswereunabletohuntwithagun，they，settraps。Ifthetrapscaughtmoregamethantheycouldeat，La，TonsardmadepiesofitandsentthemtoVille-aux-Fayes。Inharvest-
timesevenTonsards——theoldmother，thetwosons(untiltheywere，seventeenyearsofage)，thetwodaughters，togetherwitholdFourchon，andMouche——gleaned，andgenerallybroughtinaboutsixteenbushelsa，dayofallgrains，rye，barley，wheat，allgoodtogrind。
Thetwocows，ledtotheroadsidebytheyoungestgirl，alwaysmanaged，tostrayintothemeadowsofLesAigues;butas，ifiteverchanced，thatsometooflagranttrespasscompelledthekeeperstotakenotice，ofit，thechildrenwereeitherwhippedordeprivedofacoveted，dainty，theyhadacquiredsuchextraordinaryaptitudeinhearingthe，enemy’sfootfallthatthebailifforthepark-keeperofLesAigueswas，veryseldomabletodetectthem。Besides，therelationsofthose，estimablefunctionarieswithTonsardandhiswifetiedabandageover，theireyes。Thecows，heldbylongropes，obeyedameretwitchora，speciallowcallbacktotheroadside，knowingverywellthat，the，dangeroncepast，theycouldfinishtheirbrowsinginthenextfield。
OldmotherTonsard，whowasgettingmoreandmoreinfirm，succeeded，Moucheinhisduties，afterFourchon，underpretenceofcaringforhis，naturalgrandson’seducation，kepthimtohimself;whileMarieand，Catherinemadehayinthewoods。Thesegirlsknewtheexactspots，wherethefineforest-grassabounded，andtheretheycutandspread，andcockedandgarneredit，supplyingtwothirds，atleast，ofthe，winterfodder，andleadingthecowsonallfinedaystosheltered，nookswheretheycouldstillfindpasture。Incertainpartsofthe，valleyofLesAigues，asinallplacesprotectedbyachainof，mountains，inPiedmontandinLombardyforinstance，therearespots，wherethegrasskeepsgreenalltheyear。Suchfields，calledinItaly，“marciti，“areofgreatvalue;thoughinFrancetheyareoftenin，dangerofbeinginjuredbysnowandice。Thisphenomenonisdue，no，doubt，tosomefavorableexposure，andtotheinfiltrationofwater，whichkeepsthegroundatawarmertemperature。
Thecalvesweresoldforabouteightyfrancs。Themilk，deductingthe，timewhenthecowscalvedorwentdry，broughtinaboutonehundred，andsixtyfrancsayearbesidessupplyingthewantsofthefamily。
Tonsardhimselfmanagedtoearnanotherhundredandsixtybydoingodd，jobsofonekindoranother。
Thesaleoffoodandwineinthetavern，afterallcostswerepaid，returnedaprofitofaboutthreehundredfrancs，forthegreat，drinking-boutshappenedonlyatcertaintimesandincertainseasons;
andasthetoperswhoindulgedinthemgaveTonsardandhiswifedue，notice，thelatterboughtintheneighboringtowntheexactquantity，ofprovisionsneededandnomore。ThewineproducedbyTonsard’s，vineyardwassoldinordinaryyearsfortwentyfrancsacasktoa，wine-dealeratSoulangeswithwhomTonsardwasintimate。Invery，prolificyearshegotasmuchastwelvecasksfromhisvines;but，eightwastheaverage;andTonsardkepthalfforhisowntraffic。In，allwine-growingdistrictsthegleaningofthelargevineyardsgivesa，goodperquisite，andoutofittheTonsardfamilyusuallymanagedto，obtainthreecasksmore。Butbeing，aswehaveseen，shelteredand，protectedbythekeepers，theyshowednoconscienceintheir，proceedings，——enteringvineyardsbeforetheharvesterswereoutof，them，justastheyswarmedintothewheat-fieldsbeforethesheaves，weremade。So，thesevenoreightcasksofwine，asmuchgleanedas，harvested，weresoldforagoodprice。However，outofthesevarious，proceedstheGrand-I-Vertwasmulctedinagoodsumforthepersonal，consumptionofTonsardandhiswife，whowantedthebestofeverything，toeat，andbetterwinethantheysold，——whichtheyobtainedfrom，theirfriendatSoulangesinpaymentfortheirown。Inshort，the，moneyscrapedtogetherbythisfamilyamountedtoaboutninehundred，francs，fortheyfattenedtwopigsayear，oneforthemselvesandthe，othertosell。
Theidlersandscapegracesandalsothelaborerstookafancytothe，tavernoftheGrand-I-Vert，partlybecauseofLaTonsard’smerits，and，partlyonaccountofthehail-fellow-well-metrelationexisting，betweenthisfamilyandthelowerclassesofthevalley。Thetwo，daughters，bothremarkablyhandsome，followedtheexampleoftheir，motherastomorals。Moreover，thelongestablishedfameoftheGrand-
I-Vert，datingfrom1795，madeitavenerablespotintheeyesofthe，commonpeople。FromConchestoVille-aux-Fayes，workmencamethereto，meetandmaketheirbargainsandhearthenewscollectedbythe，TonsardwomenandbyMoucheandoldFourchon，orsuppliedbyVermichel，andBrunet，thatrenownedofficial，whenhecametothetavernin，searchofhispractitioner。Therethepriceofhayandofwinewas，settled;alsothatofaday’sworkandofpiece-work。Tonsard，a，sovereignjudgeinsuchmatters，gavehisadviceandopinionwhile，drinkingwithhisguests。Soulanges，accordingtoasayinginthese，parts，wasatownforsocietyandamusementonly，whileBlangywasa，businessborough;crushed，however，bythegreatcommercialcentreof，Ville-aux-Fayes，whichhadbecomeinthelasttwenty-fiveyearsthe，capitalofthisflourishingvalley。Thecattleandgrainmarketwas，heldatBlangy，inthepublicsquare，andthepricesthereobtained，servedasatariffforthewholearrondissement。
Bystayinginthehouseanddoingnoout-doorwork，LaTonsard，continuedfreshandfairanddimpled，incomparisonwiththewomenwho，workedinthefieldsandfadedasrapidlyastheflowers，becomingold，andhaggardbeforetheywerethirty。Shelikedtobewell-dressed。In，pointoffact，shewasonlyclean，butinavillagecleanlinessisa，luxury。Thedaughters，betterdressedthantheirmeanswarranted，followedtheirmother’sexample。Beneaththeiroutergarment，which，wasrelativelyhandsome，theyworelinenmuchfinerthanthatofthe，richestpeasantwomen。Onfete-daystheyappearedindressesthatwere，reallypretty，obtained，Heavenknowshow！Foronething，themen-
servantsatLesAiguessoldtothem，atpricesthatwereeasilypaid，thecast-offclothingofthelady’s-maids，which，aftersweepingthe，streetsofParisandbeingmadeovertofitMarieandCatherine，appearedtriumphantlyintheprecinctsoftheGrand-I-Vert。These，girls，bohemiansofthevalley，receivednotonepennyinmoneyfrom，theirparents，whogavethemfoodonly，andthewretchedpalletson，whichtheysleptwiththeirgrandmotherinthebarn，wheretheir，brothersalsoslept，curledupinthehaylikeanimals。Neitherfather，normotherpaidanyheedtothispropinquity。
Theironageandtheageofgoldaremorealikethanwethinkfor。In，theonenothingarousedvigilance;intheother，everythingrousesit;
theresulttosocietyis，perhaps，verymuchthesame。Thepresenceof，oldMotherTonsard，whichwasmoreanecessitythanaprecaution，was，simplyoneimmoralitythemore。AndthusitwasthattheAbbe，Brossette，afterstudyingthemoralsofhisparishioners，madethis，pregnantremarktohisbishop：——
“Monseigneur，whenIobservethestressthatthepeasantrylayon，theirpoverty，Irealizehowtheyfeartolosethatexcusefortheir，immorality。”
Thougheverybodyknewthatthefamilyhadnoprinciplesandno，scruples，nothingwaseversaidagainstthemoralsoftheGrand-I-
Vert。Atthebeginningofthisbookitisnecessarytoexplain，once，forall，topersonsaccustomedtothedecenciesofmiddle-classlife，thatthepeasantshavenodecencyintheirdomestichabitsand，customs。Theymakenoappealtomoralitywhentheirdaughtersare，seduced，unlesstheseducerisrichandtimid。Children，untilthe，Statetakespossessionofthem，areusedeitherascapitaloras，instrumentsofconvenience。Self-interesthasbecome，speciallysince，1789，thesolemotiveofthemasses;theyneveraskifanactionis，legalorimmoral，butonlyifitisprofitable。Morality，whichisnot，tobeconfoundedwithreligion，beginsonlyatacertaincompetence，——
justasonesees，inahighersphere，howdelicacyblossomsinthe，soulwhenfortunedecoratesthefurniture。Apositivelymoraland，uprightmanisrareamongthepeasantry。Doyouaskwhy？Amongthe，manyreasonsthatmaybegivenforthisstateofthings，theprincipal，oneisthis：Throughthenatureoftheirsocialfunctions，the，peasantsliveapurelymateriallifewhichapproximatestothatof，savages，andtheirconstantunionwithnaturetendstofosterit。When，toilexhauststhebodyittakesfromtheminditspurifyingaction，especiallyamongtheignorant。TheAbbeBrossettewasrightinsaying，thatthestatepolicyofthepeasantishispoverty。
Meddlingineverybody’sinterests，Tonsardheardeverybody’s，complaints，andofteninstigatedfraudstobenefittheneedy。His，wife，akindlyappearingwoman，hadagoodwordforevil-doers，and，neverwithheldeitherapprovalorpersonalhelpfromhercustomersin，anythingtheyundertookagainsttherich。Thisinn，anestofvipers，briskandvenomous，seethingandactive，wasahot-bedforthehatred，ofthepeasantsandtheworkingmenagainstthemastersandthe，wealthy。
TheprosperouslifeoftheTonsardswas，therefore，anevilexample。
Othersaskedthemselveswhytheyshouldnottaketheirwood，asthe，Tonsardsdid，fromtheforest;whynotpasturetheircowsandhave，gametoeatandtosellaswellasthey;whynotharvestwithout，sowingthegrapesandthegrain。Accordingly，thepilferingthefts，whichthinthewoodsandtithetheploughedlandsandmeadowsand，vineyardsbecamehabitualinthisvalley，andsoonexistedasaright，throughoutthedistrictsofBlangy，Conches，andCerneux，alladjacent，tothedomainofLesAigues。Thissore，forcertainreasonswhichwill，begiveninduetime，didfargreaterinjurytoLesAiguesthantothe，estatesofRonquerollesorSoulanges。Youmustnot，however，fancy，thatTonsard，hiswifeandchildren，andhisoldmotherever，deliberatelysaidtothemselves，“Wewilllivebytheft，andcommitit，ascleverlyaswecan。”Suchhabitsgrowslowly。Tothedriedsticks，theyadded，inthefirstinstance，asinglebitofgoodwood;then，emboldenedbyhabitandacarefullypreparedimmunity(necessaryto，planswhichthishistorywillunfold)，theyendedatlastincutting，“theirwood，“andstealingalmosttheirentirelivelihood。Pasturage，forthecowsandtheabusesofgleaningwereestablishedascustoms，littlebylittle。WhentheTonsardsandthedo-nothingsofthevalley，hadtastedthesweetsofthesefourrights(thuscapturedbyrural，paupers，andamountingtoactualrobbery)wecaneasilyimaginethey，wouldnevergivethemupunlesscompelledbyapowergreaterthan，theirownaudacity。
AtthetimewhenthishistorybeginsTonsard，thenaboutfiftyyears，ofage，tallandstrong，ratherstoutthanthin，withcurlyblack，hair，skinhighlycoloredandmarbledlikeabrickwithpurple，blotches，yellowwhitestotheeyes，largeearswithbroadflaps，a，muscularframe，encased，however，inflabbyflesh，aretreating，forehead，andahanginglip，——Tonsard，suchasyouseehim，hidhis，realcharacterunderanexternalstupidity，lightenedattimesbya，showofexperience，whichseemedallthemoreintelligentbecausehe，hadacquiredinthecompanyofhisfather-in-lawasortofbantering，talk，muchaffectedbyoldFourchonandVermichel。Hisnose，flattened，attheendasifthefingerofGodintendedtomarkhim，gavehima，voicewhichcamefromhispalate，likethatofallpersonsdisfigured，byadiseasewhichthickensthenasalpassages，throughwhichtheair，thenpasseswithdifficulty。Hisupperteethoverlappedeachother，andthisdefect(whichLavatercallsterrible)wasallthemore，apparentbecausetheywereaswhiteasthoseofadog。Butfora，certainlawlessandslothfulgoodhumor，andthefree-and-easywaysof，arustictippler，themanwouldhavealarmedtheleastobservingof，spectators。
IftheportraitsofTonsard，hisinn，andhisfather-in-lawtakea，prominentplaceinthishistory，itisbecausethatplacebelongsto，himandtotheinnandtothefamily。Inthefirstplace，their，existence，sominutelydescribed，isthetypeofahundredother，householdsinthevalleyofLesAigues。Secondly，Tonsard，without，beingotherthantheinstrumentofdeepandactivehatreds，hadan，immenseinfluenceonthestrugglethatwasabouttotakeplace，being，thefriendandcounsellorofallthecomplainantsofthelower，classes。Hisinn，asweshallpresentlysee，wastherendezvousfor，theaggressors;infact，hebecametheirchief，partlyonaccountof，thefearheinspiredthroughoutthevalley——less，however，byhis，actualdeedsthanbythosethatwereconstantlyexpectedofhim。The，threatofthismanwasasmuchdreadedasthethingthreatened，so，thatheneverhadoccasiontoexecuteit。
Everyrevolt，openorconcealed，hasitsbanner。Thebannerofthe，marauders，thedrunkards，theidlers，thesluggardsofthevalleydes，AigueswastheterribletavernoftheGrand-I-Vert。Itsfrequenters，foundamusementthere，——asrareandmuch-desiredathinginthe，countryasinacity。Moreover，therewasnootherinnalongthe，country-roadforovertwelvemiles，adistancewhichconveyances(even，whenladen)couldeasilydointhreehours;sothatthosewhowent，fromConchestoVille-aux-FayesalwaysstoppedattheGrand-I-Vert，if，onlytorefreshthemselves。ThemillerofLesAigues，whowasalso，assistant-mayor，andhismencamethere。Thegroomsandvaletsofthe，generalwerenotaversetoTonsard’swine，renderedattractiveby，Tonsard’sdaughters;sotheGrand-I-Vertheldsubterraneous，communicationwiththechateauthroughtheservants，andknew，immediatelyeverythingthattheyknew。Itisimpossibleeitherby，benefitsorthroughtheirownself-interests，tobreakupthe，perpetualunderstandingthatexistsbetweentheservantsofa，householdandthepeoplefromwhomtheycome。Domesticserviceisof，themasses，andtothemassesitwilleverremainattached。Thisfatal，comradeshipexplainsthereticenceofthelastwordsofCharlesthe，groom，asheandBlondetreachedtheporticoofthechateau。
CHAPTERIV
ANOTHERIDYLL
“Ha！bymypipe，papa！”exclaimedTonsard，seeinghisfather-in-lawas，theoldmanenteredandsupposinghiminquestoffood，“yourstomach，islivelythismorning！Wehaven’tanythingtogiveyou。Howabout，thatrope，——therope，youknow，youweretomakeforus？Itisamazing，howmuchyoumakeovernightandhowlittlethereismadeinthe，morning！Yououghtlongagotohavetwistedtheonethatistotwist，yououtofexistence;youaregettingtoocostlyforus。”
ThewitofapeasantorlaborerisveryAttic;itconsistsinspeaking，outhismindandgivingitagrotesqueexpression。Wefindthesame，thinginadrawing-room。Delicacyofwittakestheplaceof，picturesquevulgarity，andthatisreallyallthedifferencethereis。
“That’senoughforthefather-in-law！”saidtheoldman。“Talk，business;Iwantabottleofthebest。”
Sosaying，Fourchonrappedafive-francpiecethatgleamedinhishand，ontheoldtableatwhichhewasseated，——which，withitscoatingof，grease，itsscorchedblackmarks，itswinestains，anditsgashes，was，singulartobehold。AtthesoundofcoinMarieTonsard，astrigasa，sloopabouttostartonacruise，glancedathergrandfatherwitha，covetouslookthatshotfromhereyeslikeaspark。LaTonsardcame，outofherbedroom，attractedbythemusicofmetal。
“Youarealwaysroughtomypoorfather，“shesaidtoherhusband，“andyethehasearnedadealofmoneythisyear;Godgranthecameby，ithonestly。Letmeseethat，“sheadded，springingatthecoinand，snatchingitfromFourchon’sfingers。
“Marie，“saidTonsard，gravely，“abovetheboardyou’llfindsome，bottledwine。Goandgetabottle。”
Wineisofonlyonequalityinthecountry，butitissoldasoftwo，kinds，——caskwineandbottledwine。
“Wheredidyougetthis，papa“demandedLaTonsard，slippingthecoin，intoherpocket。
“Philippine！you’llcometoabadend，“saidtheoldman，shakinghis，headbutnotattemptingtorecoverhismoney。Doubtlesshehadlong，realizedthefutilityofastrugglebetweenhisdaughter，histerrible，son-in-law，andhimself。
“Anotherbottleofwineforwhichyougetfivefrancsoutofme，“he，added，inapeevishtone。“Butitshallbethelast。Ishallgivemy，customtotheCafedelaPaix。”
“Holdyourtongue，papa！”remarkedhisfairandfatdaughter，whobore，someresemblancetoaRomanmatron。“Youneedashirt，andapairof，cleantrousers，andahat;andIwanttoseeyouwithawaistcoat。
That’swhatItakethemoneyfor。”
“Ihavetoldyouagainandagainthatsuchthingswouldruinme，“said，theoldman。“Peoplewouldthinkmerichandstopgivingmeanything。”
ThebottlebroughtbyMarieputanendtotheloquacityoftheold，man，whowasnotwithoutthattrait，characteristicofthosewhose，tonguesarereadytotellouteverything，andwhoshrinkfromno，expressionoftheirthought，nomatterhowatrociousitmaybe。
“Thenyoudon’twanttotellwhereyoufilchedthatmoney？”said，Tonsard。“Wemightgoandgetmorewherethatcamefrom，——therestof，us。”
Hewasmakingasnare，andashefinishedittheferociousinnkeeper，happenedtoglanceathisfather-in-law’strousers，andtherehespied，araisedroundspotwhichclearlydefinedasecondfive-francpiece。
“HavingbecomeacapitalistIdrinkyourhealth，“saidPereFourchon。
“Ifyouchoosetobeacapitalistyoucanbe，“saidTonsard;“youhave，themeans，youhave！Butthedevilhasboredaholeinthebackof，yourheadthroughwhicheverythingrunsout。”
“Hey！Ionlyplayedtheottertrickonthatyoungfellowtheyhavegot，atLesAigues。He’sfromParis。That’sallthereistoit。”
“IfcrowdsofpeoplewouldcometoseethesourcesoftheAvonne，you’dberich，GrandpaFourchon，“saidMarie。
“Yes，“hesaid，drinkingthelastglassfulthebottlecontained，“and，I’veplayedtheshamottersolong，theliveottershavegotangry，andoneofthemcamerightbetweenmylegsto-day;Mouchecaughtit，andIamtogettwentyfrancsforit。”
“I’llbetyourotterismadeoftow，“saidTonsard，lookingslylyat，hisfather-in-law。
“Ifyouwillgivemeapairoftrousers，awaistcoat，andsomelist，braces，soasnottodisgraceVermichelonthemusicstandatTivoli，(foroldSocquardisalwaysscoldingaboutmyclothes)，I’llletyou，keepthatmoney，mydaughter;yourideaisagoodone。Icansqueeze，thatrichyoungfellowatLesAigues;maybehe’lltaketootters。”
“Goandgetanotherbottle，“saidTonsardtohisdaughter。“Ifyour，fatherreallyhadanotter，hewouldshowittous，“headded，speakingtohiswifeandtryingtotouchupFourchon。
“I’mtooafraiditwouldgetintoyourfrying-pan，“saidtheoldman，winkingoneofhislittlegreeneyesathisdaughter。“Philippinehas，alreadyhookedmyfive-francpiece;andhowmanymorehaven’tyou，baggedunderpretenceofclothingmeandfeedingme？andnowyousay，thatmystomachistoolively，andthatIgohalf-naked。”
“YousoldyourlastclothestodrinkboiledwineattheCafedela，Paix，papa，“saidhisdaughter，“thoughVermicheltriedtoprevent，it。”
“Vermichel！themanItreated！Vermichelisincapableofbetrayingmy，friendship。Itmusthavebeenthatlumpofoldlardontwolegsthat，heisnotashamedtocallhiswife！”
“Heorshe，“repliedTonsard，“orBonnebault。”
“IfitwasBonnebault，“criedFourchon，“hewhoisoneofthepillars，oftheplace，I’ll——I’ll——Enough！”
“Youoldsot，whathasallthatgottodowithhavingsoldyour，clothes？Yousoldthembecauseyoudidsellthem;you’reofage！”said，Tonsard，slappingtheoldman’sknee。“Come，dohonortomydrinkand，reddenupyourthroat！ThefatherofMamTonsardhasarighttodoso;
andisn’tthatbetterthanspendingyoursilveratSocquard’s？”
“Whatashameitisthatyouhavebeenfifteenyearsplayingfor，peopletodanceatTivoliandyouhaveneveryetfoundouthow，Socquardcookshiswine，——youwhoaresoshrewd！”saidhisdaughter;
“andyetyouknowverywellthatifwehadthesecretweshouldsoon，getasrichasRigou。”
ThroughouttheMorvan，andinthatregionofBurgundywhichliesat，itsfeetonthesidetowardParis，thisboiledwinewithwhichMam，Tonsardreproachedherfatherisarathercostlybeveragewhichplays，agreatpartinthelifeofthepeasantry，andismadebyallgrocers，andwine-dealers，andwhereveradrinking-shopexists。Thisprecious，liquor，madeofchoicewine，sugar，andcinnamonandotherspices，is，preferabletoallthosedisguisesormixturesofbrandycalled，ratafia，one-hundred-and-seven，braveman’scordial，blackcurrant，wine，vespetro，spirit-of-sun，etc。Boiledwineisfoundthroughout，FranceandSwitzerland。AmongtheJura，andinthewilddistricts，troddenonlybyafewspecialtourists，theinnkeeperscallit，onthe，wordofcommercialtravellers，thewineofSyracuse。Excellentitis，however，andtheirguests，hungryashoundsafterascendingthe，surroundingpeaks，verygladlypaythreeandfourfrancsabottlefor，it。InthehomesoftheMorvanandinBurgundytheleastillnessor，theslightestagitationofthenervesisanexcuseforboiledwine。
Beforeandafterchildbirththewomentakeitwiththeadditionof，burntsugar。Boiledwinehassoakedupthepropertyofmanyapeasant，andmorethanoncetheseductiveliquidhasbeenthecauseofmarital，chastisement。
“Ha！there’snochanceofgrabbingthatsecret，“repliedFourchon，“Socquardalwayslockshimselfinwhenheboilshiswine;henever，toldhowhedoesittohislatewife。HesendstoParisforhis，materials。”
“Don’tplagueyourfather，“criedTonsard;“doesn’theknow？well，then，hedoesn’tknow！Peoplecan’tknoweverything！”
Fourchongrewveryuneasyonseeinghowhisson-in-law’scountenance，softenedaswellashiswords。
“Whatdoyouwanttorobmeofnow？”heasked，candidly。
“I？”saidTonsard，“Itakenonebutmylegitimatedues;ifIget，anythingfromyouitisinpaymentofyourdaughter’sportion，which，youpromisedmeandneverpaid。”
Fourchon，reassuredbytheharshnessofthisremark，droppedhishead，onhisbreastasthoughvanquishedandconvinced。
“Lookatthatprettysnare，“resumedTonsard，cominguptohisfather-
in-lawandlayingthetrapuponhisknee。“Someofthesedaysthey’ll，wantgameatLesAigues，andweshallsellthemtheirown，orthere，willbenogoodGodforthepoorfolks。”
“Afinepieceofwork，“saidtheoldman，examiningthemischievous，machine。
“Itisverywelltopickupthesousnow，papa，“saidMamTonsard，“butyouknowwearetohaveourshareinthecakeofLesAigues。”
“Oh，whatchattererswomenare！”criedTonsard。“IfIamhangedit，won’tbeforashotfrommygun，butforthegabbleofyourtongue。”
“AnddoyoureallysupposethatLesAigueswillbecutupandsoldin，lotsforyourpitifulbenefit？”askedFourchon。“Pshaw！haven’tyou，discoveredinthelastthirtyyearsthatoldRigouhasbeensucking，themarrowoutofyourbonesthatthemiddle-classfolksareworse，thanthelords？Markmywords，whenthataffairhappens，mychildren，theSoudrys，theGaubertins，theRigous，willmakeyoukickyourheels，intheair。’I’vethegoodtobacco，itnevershallbethine，’that’s，thenationalairoftherichman，hey？Thepeasantwillalwaysbethe，peasant。Don’tyousee(butyouneverdidunderstandanythingof，politics！)thatgovernmentputssuchheavytaxesonwineonlyto，hinderourprofitsandkeepuspoor？Themiddleclassesandthe，government，theyareallone。Whatwouldbecomeofthemifeverybody，wasrich？Couldtheytilltheirfields？Wouldtheygathertheharvest？
No，theyWANTthepoor！IwasrichfortenyearsandIknowwhatI
thoughtofpaupers。”
“Musthuntwiththem，though，“repliedTonsard，“becausetheymeanto，cutupthegreatestates;afterthat’sdone，wecanturnagainstthem。
IfI’dbeenCourtecuisse，whomthatscoundrelRigouisruining，I’d，havelongagopaidhisbillwithotherballsthanthepoorfellow，giveshim。”
“Rightenough，too，“repliedFourchon。“AsPereNiseronsays(andhe，stayedrepublicanlongaftereverybodyelse)，’Thepeoplearetough;
theydon’tdie;theyhavetimebeforethem。’“
Fourchonfellintoasortofreverie;Tonsardprofitedbyhis，inattentiontotakebackthetrap，andashetookituphecutaslip，belowthecoininhisfather-in-law’spocketatthemomentwhenthe，oldmanraisedhisglasstohislips;thenhesethisfootonthe，five-francpieceasitdroppedontheearthenfloorjustwhereitwas，alwayskeptdampbytheheel-tapswhichthecustomersflungfromtheir，glasses。Thoughquicklyandlightlydone，theoldmanmight，perhaps，havefeltthetheft，ifVermichelhadnothappenedtoappearatthat，moment。
“Tonsard，doyouknowwhereyoufatheris？”calledthatfunctionary，fromthefootofthesteps。
Vermichel’sshout，thetheftofthemoney，andtheemptyingofold，Fourchon’sglass，weresimultaneous。
“Present，captain！”criedFourchon，holdingoutahandtoVermichelto，helphimupthesteps。
OfallBurgundianfigures，Vermichelwouldhaveseemedtoyouthemost，Burgundian。Thepractitionerwasnotred，hewasscarlet。Hisface，likecertaintropicalportionsoftheglobe，wasfissured，hereand，there，withsmallextinctvolcanoes，definedbyflatandgreenish，patcheswhichFourchoncalled，notunpoetically，the“flowersof，wine。”Thisfieryface，thefeaturesofwhichwereswelledoutof，shapebycontinualdrunkenness，lookedcyclopic;foritwaslightedon，therightsidebyagleamingeye，anddarkenedontheotherbya，yellowpatchovertheleftorb。Redhair，alwaystousled，andabeard，likethatofJudas，madeVermichelasformidableinappearanceashe，wasmeekinreality。Hisprominentnoselookedlikeaninterrogation-
mark，towhichthewide-slitmouthseemedtobealwaysanswering，even，whenitdidnotopen。Vermichel，ashortman，worehob-nailshoes，bottle-greenvelveteentrousers，anoldwaistcoatpatchedwithdiverse，stuffswhichseemedtohavebeenoriginallymadeofacounterpane，a，jacketofcoarseblueclothandagrayhatwithabroadbrim。Allthis，luxury，requiredbythetownofSoulangeswhereVermichelfulfilled，thecombinedfunctionsofporteratthetown-hall，drummer，jailer，musician，andpractitioner，wastakencareofbyMadameVermichel，an，alarmingantagonistofRabelaisianphilosophy。Thisviragowith，moustachios，aboutoneyardinwidthandonehundredandtwenty，kilogramsinweight(butveryactive)，ruledVermichelwitharodof，iron。Thrashedbyherwhendrunk，heallowedhertothrashhimstill，whensober;whichcausedPereFourchontosay，withasniffat，Vermichel’sclothes，“Itistheliveryofaslave。”
“Talkofthesunandyou’llseeitsbeams，“criedFourchon，repeating，awell-wornallusiontotherutilantfaceofVermichel，whichreally，didresemblethosecoppersunspaintedontavernsignsinthe，provinces。“HasMamVermichelspiedtoomuchdustonyourback，that，you’rerunningawayfromyourfour-fifths，——forIcan’tcallheryour，betterhalf，thatwoman！Whatbringsyouhereatthishour，drum-
major？”
“Politics，alwayspolitics，“repliedVermichel，whoseemedaccustomed，tosuchpleasantries。
“Ah！businessisbadinBlangy，andthere’llbenotestoprotest，and，writstoissue，“remarkedPereFourchon，fillingaglassforhis，friend。
“ThatAPEofoursisrightbehindme，“repliedVermichel，witha，backwardgesture。
Inworkmen’sslang“ape“meantmaster。Thewordbelongedtothe，dictionaryoftheworthypair。
“What’sMonsieurBrunetcomingbotheringabouthere？”askedTonsard。
“Hey，bythepowers，youfolks！”saidVermichel，“you’vebroughthim，inforthelastthreeyearsmorethanyouareworth。Ha！thatmaster，atLesAigues，hehashiseyeuponyou;he’llpunchyouintheribs;
he’safteryou，theShopman！Brunetsays，iftherewerethreesuch，landlordsinthevalleyhisfortunewouldbemade。”
“Whatnewharmaretheygoingtodotothepoor？”askedMarie。
“Aprettywisethingforthemselves，“repliedVermichel。“Faith！
you’llhavetogivein，intheend。Howcanyouhelpit？They’vegot，thepower。Forthelasttwoyearshaven’ttheyhadthreeforestersand，ahorse-patrol，allasactiveasants，andafield-keeperwhoisa，terror？Besides，thegendarmerieisreadytodotheirdirtyworkat，anytime。They’llcrushyou——“
“Bah！”saidTonsard，“wearetooflat。Thatwhichcan’tbecrushed，isn’tthetrees，it’sground。”
“Don’tyoutrusttothat，“saidFourchontohisson-in-law;“youown，property。”
“Thoserichfolksmustloveyou，“continuedVermichel，“fortheythink，ofnothingelsefrommorningtillnight！Theyaresayingtothemselves，nowlikethis：’Theircattleeatupourpastures;we’llseizetheir，cattle;theycan’teatgrassthemselves。’You’veallbeencondemned，thewarrantsareout，andtheyhavetoldourapetotakeyourcows。We，aretobeginthismorningatConchesbyseizingoldmother，Bonnebault’scowandGodin’scowandMitant’scow。”
ThemomentthenameofBonnebaultwasmentioned，Marie，whowasin，lovewiththeoldwoman’sgrandson，sprangintothevineyardwitha，nodtoherfatherandmother。Sheslippedlikeaneelthroughabreak，inthehedge，andwasoffonthewaytoConcheswiththespeedofa，huntedhare。
“They’lldosomuch，“remarkedTonsard，tranquilly，“thatthey’llget，theirbonesbroken;andthatwillbeapity，fortheirmotherscan’t，makethemanynewones。”
“Well，perhapsso，“saidoldFourchon，“butseehere，Vermichel，I
can’tgowithyouforanhourormore，forIhaveimportantbusiness，atthechateau。”
“Moreimportantthanservingthreewarrantsatfivesouseach？’You，shouldn’tspitintothevintage，’asFatherNoahsays。”
“Itellyou，Vermichel，thatmybusinessrequiresmetogotothe，chateaudesAigues，“repeatedtheoldman，withanairoflaughable，self-importance。
“Andanyhow，“saidMamTonsard，“myfatherhadbetterkeepoutofthe，way。Doyoureallymeantofindthecows？”
“MonsieurBrunet，whoisaverygoodfellow，wouldmuchratherfind，nothingbuttheirdung，“answeredVermichel。“Amanwhoisobligedto，beoutandaboutdayandnighthadbetterbecareful。”
“Ifheis，hehasgoodreasontobe，“saidTonsard，sententiously。
“So，“continuedVermichel，“hesaidtoMonsieurMichaud，’I’llgoas，soonasthecourtisup。’Ifhehadwantedtofindthecowshe’dhave，goneatseveno’clockinthemorning。Butthatdidn’tsuitMichaud，andBrunethashadtobeoff。Youcan’ttakeinMichaud，he’sa，trainedhound！Ha，thebrigand！”
“Oughttohavestayedinthearmy，aswaggererlikethat，“said，Tonsard;“heisonlyfittodealwithenemies。Iwishhewouldcome，andaskmemyname。Hemaycallhimselfaveteranoftheyoungguard，butIknowverywellthatifImeasuredspurswithhim，I’dkeepmy，feathersuplongest。”
“Lookhere！”saidMamTonsardtoVermichel，“whenarethenoticesfor，theballatSoulangescomingout？HereitistheeighthofAugust。”
“ItookthemyesterdaytoMonsieurBournieratVille-aux-Fayes，tobe，printed，“repliedVermichel;“theydotalkoffireworksonthelake。”
“Whatcrowdsofpeopleweshallhave！”criedFourchon。
“ProfitsforSocquard！”saidTonsard，spitefully。
“Ifitdoesn’train，“saidhiswife，bywayofcomfort。
Atthismomentthetrotofahorsecomingfromthedirectionof，Soulangeswasheard，andfiveminuteslaterthesheriff’sofficer，fastenedhishorsetoapostplacedforthepurposenearthewicket，gatethroughwhichthecowsweredriven。Thenheshowedhisheadat，thedooroftheGrand-I-Vert。
“Come，myboys，let’slosenotime，“hesaid，pretendingtobeina，hurry。
“Hey！”saidVermichel。“Here’sarefractory，MonsieurBrunet;Pere，Fourchonwantstodropoff。”
“Hehashadtoomanydropsalready，“saidthesheriff;“butthelawin，thiscasedoesnotrequirethatheshallbesober。”
“Pleaseexcuseme，MonsieurBrunet，“saidFourchon，“Iamexpectedat，LesAiguesonbusiness;theyareintreatyforanotter。”
Brunet，awitheredlittlemandressedfromheadtofootinblack，cloth，withabiliousskin，afurtiveeye，curlyhair，lipstight-
drawn，pinchednose，anxiousexpression，andgruffinspeech，exhibitedthephenomenonofacharacterandbearinginperfectharmony，withhisprofession。Hewassowell-informedastothelaw，or，to，speakmorecorrectly，thequibblesofthelaw，thathehadcometobe，boththeterrorandthecounsellorofthewholecanton。Hewasnot，withoutacertainpopularityamongthepeasantry，fromwhomheusually，tookhispayinkind。Thecompoundofhisactiveandnegative，qualitiesandhisknowledgeofhowtomanagemattersgothimthe，customofthecanton，totheexclusionofhiscoadjutorPlissoud，aboutwhomweshallhavesomethingtosaylater。Thischance，combinationofasheriff’sofficerwhodoeseverythingandasheriff’s，officerwhodoesnothingisnotatalluncommoninthecountryjustice，courts。
“Somattersaregettingwarm，arethey？”saidTonsardtolittle，Brunet。
“Whatcanyouexpect？youpilferthemantoomuch，andhe’sgoingto，protecthimself，“repliedtheofficer。“Itwillbeabadbusinessfor，youintheend;governmentwillinterfere。”
“Thenwe，poorunfortunates，mustgiveuptheghost！”saidMam，Tonsard，offeringhimaglassofbrandyonasaucer。
“Theunfortunatemayalldie，yetthey’llneverbelackinginthe，land，“saidFourchon，sententiously。
“Youdogreatdamagetothewoods，“retortedthesheriff。
“Nowdon’tbelievethat，MonsieurBrunet，“saidMamTonsard;“they，makesuchafussaboutafewmiserablefagots！”
“Wedidn’tcrushtherichlowenoughduringtheRevolution，that’s，what’sthetrouble，“saidTonsard。
Justthenahorrible，andquiteincomprehensiblenoisewasheard。It，seemedtobearushofhurriedfeet，accompaniedwitharattleof，arms，half-drownedbytherustlingofleaves，thedraggingof，branches，andthesoundofstillmorehastyfeet。Twovoices，as，differentasthetwofootsteps，wereventingnoisyexclamations。
Everybodyinsidetheinnguessedatoncethatamanwaspursuinga，woman;butwhy？Theuncertaintydidnotlastlong。
“Itismother！”saidTonsard，jumpingup;“Iknowhershriek。”
Thensuddenly，rushingupthebrokenstepsoftheGrand-I-Vertbya，lasteffortthatcanbemadeonlybythesinewsofsmugglers，old，MotherTonsardfellflatonthefloorinthemiddleoftheroom。The，immensemassofwoodshecarriedonherheadmadeaterriblenoiseas，itcrashedagainstthetopofthedoorandthenupontheground。Every，onehadjumpedoutoftheway。Thetable，thebottles，thechairswere，knockedoverandscattered。Thenoisewasasgreatasifthecottage，itselfhadcometumblingdown。
“I’mdead！Thescoundrelhaskilledme！”
Thewordsandtheflightoftheoldwomanwereexplainedbythe，apparitiononthethresholdofakeeper，dressedingreenlivery，wearingahatedgedwithsilvercord，asabreathisside，aleathern，shoulder-beltbearingthearmsofMontcornetchargedwiththoseofthe，Troisvilles，theregulationredwaistcoat，andbuckskingaiterswhich，cameabovetheknee。
Afteramoment’shesitationthekeepersaid，lookingatBrunetand，Vermichel，“Herearewitnesses。”
“Witnessesofwhat？”saidTonsard。
“Thatwomanhasaten-year-oldoak，cutintologs，insidethose，fagots;itisaregularcrime！”
Themomenttheword“witness“wasutteredVermichelthoughtbestto，breathethefreshairofthevineyard。
“Ofwhat？witnessesofwhat？”criedTonsard，standinginfrontofthe，keeperwhilehiswifehelpeduptheoldwoman。“Doyoumeantoshow，yourclaws，Vatel？Accusepersonsandarrestthemonthehighway，brigand，——that’syourdomain;butgetoutofhere！Aman’shouseis，hiscastle。”
“Icaughtherintheact，andyourmothermustcomewithme。”
“Arrestmymotherinmyhouse？Youhavenorighttodoit。Myhouseis，inviolable，——alltheworldknowsthat，atleast。Haveyougota，warrantfromMonsieurGuerbet，themagistrate？Ha！youmusthavethe，lawbehindyoubeforeyoucomeinhere。Youarenotthelaw，though，youhaveswornanoathtostarveustodeath，youmiserableforest-
gauger，you！”
Thefuryofthekeeperwaxedsohotthathewasonthepointof，seizingholdofthewood，whentheoldwoman，afrightfulbitofblack，parchmentendowedwithmotion，thelikeofwhichcanbeseenonlyin，David’spictureof“TheSabines，“screamedathim，“Don’ttouchit，or，I’llflyatyoureyes！”
“Well，then，undothatpileinpresenceofMonsieurBrunet，“saidthe，keeper。
Thoughthesheriff’sofficerhadassumedtheindifferencethatthe，routineofbusinessdoesreallygivetoofficialsofhisclass，he，threwaglanceatTonsardandhiswifewhichsaidplainly，“Abad，business！”OldFourchonlookedathisdaughter，andslylypointedata，pileofashesinthechimney。MamTonsard，whounderstoodinamoment，fromthatsignificantgestureboththedangerofhermother-in-lawand，theadviceofherfather，seizedahandfulofashesandflungthemin，thekeeper’seyes。Vatelroaredwithpain;Tonsardpushedhimroughly，uponthebrokendoor-stepswheretheblindedmanstumbledandfell，andthenrollednearlydowntothegate，droppinghisgunontheway。
Inaninstanttheloadofstickswasunfastened，andtheoaklogs，pulledoutandhiddenwitharapiditynowordscandescribe。Brunet，anxiousnottowitnessthismanoeuvre，whichhereadilyforesaw，rushedafterthekeepertohelphimup;thenheplacedhimonthebank，andwethishandkerchiefinwatertowashtheeyesofthepoorfellow，who，inspiteofhisagony，wastryingtoreachthebrook。
“Youareinthewrong，Vatel，“saidBrunet;“youhavenorightto，enterhouses，don’tyousee？”
Theoldwoman，alittlehump-backedcreature，stoodonthesillofthe，door，withherhandsonherhips，dartingflashesfromhereyesand，cursesfromherfoaminglipsshrillenoughtobeheardatBlangy。
“Ha！thevillain，’twaswelldone！Mayhellgetyou！Tosuspectmeof，cuttingtrees！——ME，themosthonestwomaninthevillage。Tohuntme，likevermin！I’dliketoseeyouloseyourcursedeyes，forthenwe’d，havepeace。Youarebirdsofill-omen，thewholeofyou;youinvent，shamefulstoriestostirupstrifebetweenyourmasterandus。”
Thekeeperallowedthesherifftobathehiseyesandallthewhilethe，latterkepttellinghimthathewaslegallywrong。
“Theoldthief！shehastiredusout，“saidVatelatlast。“Shehas，beenatworkinthewoodsallnight。”
Asthewholefamilyhadtakenanactivehandinhidingthelivewood，andputtingthingsstraightinthecottage，Tonsardpresentlyappeared，atthedoorwithaninsolentair。“Vatel，myman，ifyoueveragain，daretoforceyourwayintomydomain，mygunshallansweryou，“he，said。“To-dayyouhavehadtheashes;thenexttimeyoushallhavethe，fire。Youdon’tknowyourownbusiness。That’senough。Nowifyoufeel，hotafterthisaffairtakesomewine，Iofferittoyou;andyoumay，comeinandseethatmyoldmother’sbundleoffagotshadn’tascrap，oflivewoodinit;itiseverybitbrushwood。”
“Scoundrel！”saidthekeepertothesheriff，inalowvoice，more，enragedbythisspeechthanbythesmartofhiseyes。
JustthenCharles，thegroom，appearedatthegateoftheGrand-I-
Vert。
“Whatisthematter，Vatel？”hesaid。
“Ah！”saidthekeeper，wipinghiseyes，whichhehadplungedwideopen，intotherivulettogivethemafinalcleansing。“Ihavesomedebtors，intherethatI’llcausetoruethedaytheysawthelight。”
“Ifyoutakeitthatway，MonsieurVatel，“saidTonsard，coldly，“you，willfindwedon’twantforcourageinBurgundy。”
Vateldeparted。Notfeelingmuchcuriositytoknowwhatthetrouble，was，Charleswentupthestepsandlookedintothehouse。
“Cometothechateau，youandyourotter，——ifyoureallyhaveone，“he，saidtoPereFourchon。
Theoldmanrosehurriedlyandfollowedhim。
“Well，whereisit，——thatotterofyours？”saidCharles，smiling，doubtfully。
“Thisway，“saidtheoldfellow，goingtowardtheThune。
Thenameisthatofabrookformedbytheoverflowofthemill-race，andofcertainspringsintheparkofLesAigues。Itrunsbytheside，ofthecountyroadasfarasthelakeletofSoulanges，whichit，crosses，andthenfallsintotheAvonne，afterfeedingthemillsand，pondsontheSoulangesestate。
“Hereitis;Ihiditinthebrook，withastonearounditsneck。”
Ashestoopedandroseagaintheoldmanmissedthecoinoutofhis，pocket，wheremetalwassouncommonthathewaslikelytonoticeits，presenceoritsabsenceimmediately。
“Ah，thesharks！”hecried。“IfIhuntotterstheyhuntfathers-in-
law！TheygetoutofmeallIearn，andtellmeitisformygood！If，itwerenotformypoorMouche，whoisthecomfortofmyoldage，I’d，drownmyself。Children！theyaretheruinoftheirfathers。You，haven’tmarried，haveyou，MonsieurCharles？Thendon’t;neverget，married，andthenyoucan’treproachyourselfforspreadingbadblood。
I，whoexpectedtobuymytowwiththatmoney，andthereitis，filched，stolen！ThatmonsieurupatLesAigues，afineyoungfellow，gavemetenfrancs;ha！well！it’llputupthepriceofmyotternow。”
Charlesdistrustedtheoldmansoprofoundlythathetookhis，grievances(thistimeverysincere)forthepreliminaryofwhathe，called，inservant’sslang，“varnish，“andhemadethegreatmistake，oflettinghisopinionappearinasatiricalgrin，whichthespiteful，oldfellowdetected。
“Come，come！PereFourchon，nowbehaveyourself;youaregoingtosee，Madame，“saidCharles，noticinghowtherubiesflashedonthenoseand，cheeksoftheolddrunkard。
“Iknowhowtoattendtobusiness，Charles;andtheproofisthatif，youwillgetmeoutofthekitchentheremainsofthebreakfastanda，bottleortwoofSpanishwine，I’lltellyousomethingwhichwillsave，youfroma’foul。’“
“Tellme，andFrancoisshallgetMonsieur’sownordertogiveyoua，glassofwine，“saidthegroom。
“Promise？”
“Ipromise。”
“Wellthen，IknowyoumeetmygranddaughterCatherineunderthe，bridgeoftheAvonne。Godainisinlovewithher;hesawyou，andhe，isfoolenoughtobejealous，——Isayfool，forapeasantoughtn’tto，havefeelingswhichbelongonlytorichfolks。Ifyougototheball，ofSoulangesatTivolianddancewithher，you’lldancehigherthan，you’lllike。Godainisrichanddangerous;heiscapableofbreaking，yourarmwithoutyourgettingachancetoarresthim。”
“Thatwouldbetoodear;Catherineisafinegirl，butsheisnot，worthallthat，“repliedCharles。“WhyshouldGodainbesoangry？
othersarenot。”
“Helovesherenoughtomarryher。”
“Ifhedoes，he’llbeather，“saidCharles。
“Idon’tknowaboutthat，“saidtheoldman。“Shetakesafterher，mother，againstwhomTonsardneverraisedafinger，——he’stooafraid，she’llbeoff，hotfoot。Awomanwhoknowshowtoholdherownis，mightyuseful。Besides，ifitcametofisticuffswithCatherine，Godain，thoughhe’sprettystrong，wouldn’tgivethelastblow。”
“Well，thankyou，PereFourchon;here’sfortysoustodrinkmyhealth，incaseIcan’tgetyouthesherry。”
PereFourchonturnedhisheadasideashepocketedthemoneylest，Charlesshouldseetheexpressionofamusementandsarcasmwhichhe，wasunabletorepress。
“Catherine，“heresumed，“isaproudminx;shelikessherry。Youhad，bettertellhertogoandgetitatLesAigues。”
CharleslookedatPereFourchonwithnaiveadmiration，notsuspecting，theeagerinterestthegeneral’senemiestookinslippingonemorespy，intothechateau。
“Thegeneraloughttofeelhappynow，“continuedFourchon;“the，peasantsareallquiet。Whatdoeshesay？Ishesatisfiedwith，Sibilet？”
“ItisonlyMonsieurMichaudwhofindsfaultwithSibilet。Theysay，he’llgethimsentaway。”
“Professionaljealousy！”exclaimedFourchon。“I’llbetyouwouldlike，togetridofFrancoisandtakehisplace。”
“Hangit！hehastwelvehundredfrancswages，“saidCharles;“butthey，can’tsendhimoff，——heknowsthegeneral’ssecrets。”
“JustasMadameMichaudknowsthecountess’s，“remarkedFourchon，watchingtheothercarefully。“Lookhere，myboy，doyouknowwhether，MonsieurandMadamehaveseparaterooms？”
“Ofcourse;iftheydidn’t，Monsieurwouldn’tbesofondofMadame。”
“Isthatallyouknow？”saidFourchon。
Astheywerenowbeforethekitchenwindowsnothingmorewassaid。
