^, a » V] <^ / "K^"^^ ^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) so&biKx-.. Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716)873-4503 •'w*>'iaWw'*fr- -1* t CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historicai IVIicroreproductlons / institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques i Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques ,#' The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below L'Institut a microfilm6 le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 6X6 possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-Stre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger una modification dans la m6thode normale de filmage sont IndiquSs ci-dessous. ^ Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur I I Covers damaged/ Couverture endommag§e D D Coloured pages/ Pages de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endommag^es □ Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaur^e et/ou pelliculSe D Cover title missing/ v Le titre de couverture manque D D Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restaur^es et/ou pelliculSes Page!i« discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages dScolor^es, tachetSes ou piqu6es D D Coloured maps/ Cartes gdographiques en couleur Coloured Ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) D D Pages detached/ Pages d^tachdes Showthrough/ Transparence D Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur D Quality of print varies/ Qualit^ in^gale de I'impression # ^ D D D Bound with other material/ Reli6 avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La reliure serr^e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge intSrieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajoutSes lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, lorsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6t6 film6es. D D D Includes supplementary material/ Comprend du materiel supplementaire Only edition available/ Seule Edition disponible Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been ref limed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont 6t6 filmSes d nouveau de fa9on d obtenir la meilleure image possible. D Additional comments:/ Commentaires suppl6mentaires: This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est film6 au taux de reduction indiqu6 ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 12X 16X 20X E 24X 26X SOX 28X 32X \ re i^tails es du modifier er une lilmage ies / errata id to It le pelure, 9on d 32X The copy filmed here has been reproduced thenks to the generosity of: Library of Congress Photoduplication Service The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustiated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol —»- (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol V (meaning "END"), whichever applies. IVIaps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: 1 2 3 L'exemplaire film6 fut reproduit grdce d la gAnArositA de: Library of Congress Photoduplication Service Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition et de la nettetA de l'exemplaire film6, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimte sont fiim^s en commenpant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernlAre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmfo en commenpant par la premiere page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaltra sur la derniAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole -^ signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbole y signifie "FIN ". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc.. peuvent dtre filmte A des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, 11 est film6 i partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images nicessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 4 4'.> 6 .Aj^ag fUO t ai^^ i iMH * imfMmm MM u I.! An Anonymous Letter: A NOVEL. TRANSLATED FROM THE ITALIAN Teacher of French and Italian. Una Lettera Anonima: II VERSIONE ITALIANA, DEL SIGNOK BUFFALO: ' Baker, Jone.s &'Co., Printers and Binders, mi. /»! ^ '^. ■ \ 'f ^<^\^<> lie Entered aocordiDg to Act of Congress, in the year 1R85, by A. A. Nohili, In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Wasliington, A. NoHiLi, in the on, U "Oreaolt EunUo." TO MY FORMER SUBSCRIBERS: Your kindness in patronizing my " Miscellaneous Transla- tions" is ftilly appreciated. Since that publication, another year has been numbered amonj? the past, and after struggling with financial difficulty, I now have succeeded in publishing this little volume, which I submit to your kind consideration. For the convenience of the lovers of ihe Italian language, I have placed the original in my beautiful native tongue, opposite to the almost universal English one. With the hope that you will continue your patronage, I remain, yours respectfully, Buffalo, December, 1885. A. A. NOBILB. LIST OF SUBSCEIBBRa. Abbott, J. B., Montreal, Quebec. Alexander, Mrs. J. E., Belleville, Out. Alexander, J. W., M. D., Quebec. Alexander, M. C, Montreal, Qnebeu Allen, James A., Buffalo, N. Y. Anderson, D., Montreal, Quebec. Andrews, J. A., Quebec. Andrews, B. B., BowmanvUle, Ont. Andrews, W., St. Mary's, Ont. Antlifife, Rev. J. C, Brantford, Out. Aidi^b, J. A., Barrie, Ont. Argo, James, Argus, Ont. Armstrong, Archibald, Richmond, Ont Armstrong, Rev. J., St. John's, Quebea Arthur, K C, Stratford, Ont. VI. LIST OF BDfii401llJt£BJ9. Ault, W., Barrie, Ont. BwIkIc/, Rev. E. J.. Cobourg, Ont. Budgley, Hon. W., Moiitreul, Queboo. Buin, A. K., Cobourg, Ont. Baldwin, Right Rev. M. B., D. D., Ix>nd()n, Onl. Bui four, Rev. A. G., Richmond, Ont. Hall, Hon. B., Woodstock, Ont. Ball, W. F., Richmond, Ont. Balliintine, Rev. Jamet), Pitrin, Onl. Ballentine, Mrs. E., Somnierville College, Mich. Baptie, O., Ottawa, Ont. Barclay, L. J., Whitby, Ont. Barrett, R. G., Toronto, Ont. Beattie, Rev,, Uuelph, Ont. Beattie, J. R., Brantford, Ont. Beatty, Hon. W. H.. M. P., Toronto, Ont. Beckett, W., Montreal, Quebec. Beique, J. L., Montreal, Quebec. Bean, ti. L., Woodstock, Ont. Bell, A. J., Cobourg, Ont. Bell, John, Belleville, Ont. Bendelari, Cav. Enrico, Toronto, Ont. Berryniun, Miss Coeie, Toronto, Ont. Bethune, Rev. C. J. 8., Principal, Port Hope, Ont. Bethune, R. A., Toronto, Ont. Bettridge, W., M. D., Strathroy, Out. Biggar, C. R. W., Toronto, Ont. Bg^ar, W. H., Belleville, Ont. BiHliop E., Montreal, Quebec. Blake, Hon. E., M. P., Toronto, Ont Blake, Hon. 8. C, Toronto, Ont. Bland, Rev. Edward M., Ingersoll, Ont. Body, Rev. C. W. E., Provost Trinity College, Toronto, Ont. Boddy, Ven. Samuel J., Toronto, Ont. Bogaert, Rev. D., Belleville, Ont Bond, 8., Sherbrooke, Ont. Booth, Rev. Oliver, St. Catherines, v)nt. Bottani, W., Buflalo, N. Y. Boucher, R. P., M. D., Peterborough, Ont. Bowes, R. H., Toronto, Ont. Bowes, Robert, Toronto, Ont. Boyd, Hon. J. A., Toronto, Ont. Boyd, W. E., Montreal, Quebec. )nt. LIST OB' BUBBCIUIJEIW. th. BoTl6, Rer. W. II. W., Purw, Ont. Boys, U«v., Prof. Algernon Trinity College, loronto, Unt. B«zenta, Conte, Pulund. Bronson, Ell., Ottawa, Ont. Brown, Mrs. George, Toronto, Ont. Brown, Rev. J. \V., D. D., Buliiilo, N. Y. Browne, A. A., Montreal, Quebci;. Browne, O. M., Buftalo, N. Y. Browne, John J., Montreal, Quebec. Buchanan, Peter T., Ottawa, Ont. , „ ^ , „ ^ Buckham, Rev. A. B., Normal bchool, Buffalo, N. X, Buggin, Hev. George, Drayton, Ont. Buntin, Mrs,, Montreal, Quebec. Burgess, A. W., Ottawa, Ont. Burke, Itev. J. W., Belleville, Ont. Burnham, Hon. John, M. P., Peterborough, Ont. lUirng, Rev. A., D. D., Principal Ladies' CoUego, Hamilton, Ont. Burns, Edwanj, Elora, Ont. Burrows, D., M. D., Lindsay, Ont. Burson, George, St. Catherines, ( )nt. Burwush, Rev. G. N., Cobourg, Ont. Buttus, Mrs. J., Stanstead, Ont. Cameron, A., Montreal, Quebec. Cameron, Mrs. A., Toronto, Ont. Cameron, John (ilobe, Toronto, Ont. Cameron, K. 8. U., Strathroy, Ont. Cameron. Hon. M. C, Toronto, Ont. Campbell, Rev. John, Harriston, Ont. Campbell, Sir A., M. P., Ottawa, Ont. Campbell, C, M. D., London, Ont. Campbell, J. R , M. D., Bufliilo, N. Y. Campbell, Hill, Ottawa, Ont. Carling, Hon. John, M. P., Ottawa, Ont. Carlyle, W., Woodstock, Ont. Carmichael, Rev. H., Hamilton, Ont Carr, Harris R^, Kingston, Ont. Carson, J. L.,' Montreal, Quebec. Carter, Christopher B., Montreal, Quebec. Cartwright, Hon. R. J., Ottawa, Ont. Carty, Miss Marta, Toronto, Ont. Cnscaden, Thomas, Gait, Ont. Casey, Hon. G. W., M. P., Fimjal, Ont. Cass, Miss Ella L., Montreal, Quebec. rtxL LIST OF 8UU.S('ltlUt:Ud. CSuHtdjr, R«T. H., St. Catherines, Ont. CmmIr, Iluniilton, Toronto, Ont. Cameki, Wulter, loronto, Ont. Caven, Rev. W.. Principal Knox College, Toronto, Ont. Cayley, Kev. John, Toronto, Ont. Chambllm, W. P., Cobuurg, Ont. Checkiey, Rer. FranciH L, London, Ont. Childa, G. W., Editor Ledger, Philmlelphia, Pa. Chester, Uev. A. 8., D. D., Printipiii Biiflalo Academy, Biidiilo, N. Y. Christie, W. C. Esq., Ottawa, Ont. ChristiniM, F. H,, Hjmi, Montreal, (^oebec. Clark, Miss Elizabeth, Hamilton, Out. Clark, George, St. Catherines, Ont. Clark, Rev. W., Prof. Trinity College, Toronto, Ont. Clark, Rev. \V. B., Queliec. Clarke, Colonel C, Speaker Toronto Assembly, Elora, Ont. Clarke, Hon. W. H., M. P., Toronto, Ont. Clouston, E. 8., Montreal, Quebec. Cochran, Robert, Toronto. Cochrane, Rev. W., D. D., Brantford, Ont. Colbv, Hon. 0. C. M. P., Sherbrooke, Out. Colghoun, J., Berlin, Ont. Collie, John, Gait, Ont. Colville, A. L., Campbellford, Ont. Comfort, J. B^ M. D., St. Catherines, Ont. Conger. Miss Helene, Toronto, Ont. GooK, A. H., Quebec. Cooke, Rev. G. B., Harriston, Ont. Cooper, Thomas D., St. Catherines, Ont. Copeland, John, Cornwall, Ont. Corvan, W. Whitby, Ont. Courtenay, J. H., Toronto, Ont. Cousin, Clark, St. John's, Quebec. Cox, George, Peterborough, Ont. Coxe, Right Rev. A. C, Bishop W. N, Y., Buffalo, N. T. Crane, Prof. Thomas F., M. A. C, Cornell University, Ithaca N. Y. Crews, H. W, Strathroy, Ont. Crookshank, Rev. S., Richmond, Ont. Gross, Selkirk, Montreal, Ont. Orossew, Mrs. James, Cobourg, Oak Davidson, Charles, Elora, Ont. Davis, A. J. Peterborough, Ont Dawson, J. W., Principal McGill University, Montreal, Quebec. iirtiilo, N. Y. haca N.Y. Quebec. LUiT OF HUBUCKIUKRS. DeCeJllii, A. D., Ottawa, Ont. DeGrajiBi, A. W., M. D., Lindmay, Ont. DeLumutho, Mn., Montreal, Ont. Delunmtre, Henry, Owen l^und, Ont> Del'Ktoile, J., Ottawa, Ont. Demill, N. IV. Whitby, Ont. Devey, Mrs. J., Kiclitnond, Ont. Dick, A. F., Brampton, Ont. Diokson, George, Iluuulton, Ont. Digby, Juiuus, M. D., Uruutford, Ont. Dixon, Rev. A™ Quelph, Ont. Dobwn, John, Lindsii/, Ont. Doherty, Charles, P^sq., Montreal, Quebec. Donaldson, J. C, Fergus, Ont. Douglass, P. B^ Ottawa, Ont. Downey, KeT. W. 8., St. CatherineH, Ont. Drew, G. A., Elora, Ont. DufT, John. Kingston, Ont. Dugas, C. Aime. Montreal, Quebec. Dugdale, J. J., M. D., Montreal, Quebea Dnnfield, John, M. D., Pe >Ua, Ont. Dunne, Ilenry, Montreal, Out. Dunning^ J. P., Toronto, Ont. Dapuis, N. F» Prof., Kingston, Ont. Durie, Miss, Orillia, Oat. Duval, Prof. W. A., R. M. C, Kingston, OnU Eakin, G. G., Campbellsford, Ont. Earle, J. B., Bellevide, Ont. Eastwood, J. W., M. D, Whitby, Ont. Ebbels, W. D., Harriston, Ont. Eccles, W. R., London, Ont. Elliott, Mrs. John, London, Ont. Elliott Mrs^ Toronto, Ont. Ellis, Prof. W. H., Toronto University. Ernes, A. A., M.D., Drayton, Ont. Empson, Rev. J., D. D., Montreal, Quebec. English, E. W., London, Ont. Eustaphieve, Mrs. E. C, Bufl'alo, N. Y. Falconbridge, W. G., Toronto, Ont. Falkiner, N. B., Belleville, Ont. Fava, Barone Ferd., Minister of Italy, Wnsliington, D. CL Fellman, J. B., Berlin, Ont. Fennell, J., Berlin, Ont. U. ^•'' j ?g.Wg^lW»)j«lW S t»il' |l 'f"VI.»< < ! ilii ,Uffi li p |l U X. LldT or tiUliiCJ.IBEIW, Ferguson, A., Ottawa, Ont. Femell, Itev. J., iSt. Catherines, Ont Ferrier, A. D., Fergus, Ont. Fife, Joseph, M. D., Peterborough, Ont. Fisher, D., BowmanTiUe, Ont. Fleming, Ch. E., Toronto, Ont. Fleming, James, Brampton, Ont. Fletcher, Asliton, Woodstock, Ont Fie cher. Prof. J., Kingston, Ont. Fleury, W. II., Aurora, Ont. Flint, Mrs. W. B., Buffalo, N. Y. Forbes, Prof. J. H., Buffalo, N. Y. Forrest, W., M. D., Bradford, Ont. Forster, Ch. E., Washington, D. C. Forater, D. M., Guelph, Ont. Forster, W. A., Toronto, Ont. Foster, Hon. G. E., Ottawa, On*.. French, Hon. B. J.. M. P., Prescott, Ont. Friend, B., Toronto, Ont. Fry, E. C, Quebec. Fulton, Prof. John, M. D., Toronto, Ont. Gabel, John, Listowel, Ont. Gait, Lady, Montreal, Quebec. Gardiner, Kev. R., Welland, Ont. Gedham, Kev. W. H., Lennoxville, Ont. Geikie, Prof. W. B., M. D., Toronto, Ont Gianelli, Zeffiro, Buffalo, N. Y. Giannelli, Cav. A. M^ Montreal, Ont. Gibbons, George, M. 1)., London, Ont. Gibson, S., Kapanee, Ont. Gildersleev^ C. F., Kingston, Ont. Gilbert, F. D., M. D., Sherbrooke, Ont. Gilfillan, James, Bowmanville, Ont. Gillispie, G. E., Ottawa, Ont. Gilmour, W. A., Brookville, Ont, Godden, Eev. Thomas, Stirling, Ont Gooderham, A., Toronto, Ont. Gooderham, Henry, Toronto, Ont. Gooderham, R. T., Toronto, Ont. Goodeve, W. M., Ottawa, Ont. Goodman, £., St (.'atherines, Ont Oorbould, Mrs., Orillia, Ont uS i rtari'taminn t ma - m T r jmit'u, LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Goveller, George, Napauee, Ont. Gow, Peter, Guelph, Ont. Gowan, Hon. J. B., Ottawa, Ont. Graham, Moon, Esq^ Ottawa, Ont. Grahame, Rev. W. E., St. Catherines, Ont. Grant, James, Montreal, Quebec. Greener, Rev. James, Lindsay, Ont. Gregg, Rev., Prof. William, Knox Ciollege, Toronto, Out Grier, Mrs. R. J. E., Toronto, Ont. Griffin, W. H., Ottawa, Ont. Groves, A., Fei^is, Ont. Guillemont, Rev. Charles B., London, Ont. Gunn, A., Kingston, Ont. Guthrie, D., Guelpli, Ont. Gzowski, Colonel, Toronto, Ont. Hagarty, Hon. John H., Toronto, Ont. Hague, John, Toronto, Ont. Hague, President Bank Montreal. Hale, G. H., OriUia, Ont. Hall, J. B., Montreal, Quebec. Hall, Robert, Stanstead, Ont. Halliday, M. D., Peterborough, Ont. Hamilton, W., Belleville, Ont. Hare, J. J., Whitby, Ont. Harcourt, Richard, Welland, Ont. Harper, J. W., Quebec. Harris, Rev. C. M., Marmora, Ont. Harty, W., Kingston, Ont. Haslam, Prof. George, Toronto, Ont. Hatch, W., Ottawa, Ont. Hiiuenstein, Miss Eugenie, Buffalo, N. Y. , r i j Haviland, Hon. E. Heath, Governor Prince Edward Island. Hay, H., Barrie, Ont. Heiner, Joseph, Montreal, Quebec, Hellmuth, J. F., London, Ont. Henderson, Rev. A. Henderson, J., Barrie, Ont. Henderson, Rev. J. M., Buffalo, N. Y. Henderson, M^ Montreal, Quebec. Heneker, R. W- Sherbrooke, Ont. Hess, Hon. G. M., M. P., Listowel, OnU Hesson, 8. R^ Stratford, Ont. Hickson, J., Montreal, Quebec. XL • ■■■^ii^.-i:^ ix ^i^'^/fT''^} XII. LIST OF 8CBSCR1BEBS. Higginbothain, J. W., Oshawa, Ont Hill, Arundel C, Strathroy, Ont. Hillj Newton, Meaford, Ont. Hilliard, George, Peterborough, Ont Hilliary, Miss Nora, Toronto, Ont. Hilliary. B. W., M. D., Aurora, Onfc Hinck, A., Napanee, Ont. HingBton, B. £., Brussels, Ont Hedging John, Ottawa, Out Holbrook, J. M ., Ottawa, Ont Holland, Eev. H, St Catherines, Ont Holland, N^ Buffalo, N. Y. ' Holbrook, 6. M., Ottawa, Ont HoIme& Mrs. J. B., Buflalo, N. Y. Horn, J. E., Eochester, N. Y. Hossack, G. C, Quebec. Houston, W., Toronto, Ont Howland, Oliver A^ Toronto, Ont Rowland, W. H., Toronto, Ont Howland, Sir W. P., Toronto, Ont. Hudderfield, J. H., M. D., M. P., Newmarket, Ont Hughes, Henry, Paris, Ont Hunter, D. H., Ingersoll, Ont Hunter, Eev. W. A., Toronto, Ont Huntington, Eight Eev. Fred. Dan., D. D., Bishop ol Central New ''York, Syracuse, N. Y. Hurlburt, G. W., Meafoid, Ont Hutchinson, John, M. D., OoUingwood, Ont Hntton, Prof. Maurice, Toronto University. Inglis, George, Orangeville, Ont Intema6cia,Ilev. A., Montreal, Quebec, loerger, Valentine, Listowel, Ont Irvin, B., Montreal, Quebec. Iwes, Eev. W. B- Sherbrooke, Ont Jackson, W. F., Bichmond, Ont Jaert, J. W., Elora, Ont Jarwii, F. W., Toronto, Ont Jennings, W. J. Palmerston, Ont Joly, Hon. H. G, M. P., Quebec. Johnson, Arthur, M. D., Toronto, Ont Johnson, W. H.LFergus, Ont Johnston, Eev. Hugh, D. D., Toronto, Ont Johnstone, E. F. B., Guelph, Ont [New LIST OF BTTB8CIIIBBBS. Jones, Bev. Septimus, Toronto, Ont. Jones, Prof. Rev. W., Trinity College, Toronto, Ont. Jones, T. J., Brantford, Ont. Joseph, G., Montreal, Qnebec. Judah, F. P., Montreal, Quebec. Junkers, S. W., Slierbrooke, Ont Kay, John, St. Catherines, Ont. Eeifer, A., OtUwa. Ont. Keifer, By BrookvUle, Ont. Kelley, F. W., Montreal, Quebec. Kellond, B. A., Montreal, Quebec. Kennedy, A., M. D., Montreal, Quebeo. Ker, Ber. Robert, Quebec. Ker, W., Montreal, Qnebec. Kerr, Bev. J., Durham, Ont, Kettlewell, W., Ingersoll, Ont. Keye, Prof.D. R., Uniyereity, Toronto, Ont Kincaird, M.D., Peterborough, Ont. Kirkland, Prof. Thomas, Toronto, Ont. Kirkpatrick, Bey. J. W., Kingston, Ont. Kirkpatrick, Hon. G. A., Speaker Senate, Ottawa, Ont. Kranji, Hon. H., M. P., Berlin, Ont. Labatt, Mrs. George, Montreal, Quebec. Lakttt, G., London, Ont. Labatt, J., Prescott, Ont, Laftear, Paul F., Ottawa, Ont. Laiklung, Montreal, Quebec. Laird, Bey. J. C, Orangeyille, Ont Langton, Thomas, Toronto, Ont. Langtry, Bey. John, Toronto, Ont Lancey, W. F., Fergus Ont Lash, Li. a., Toronto, Ont. Lawrence, N. D.. Sherbrooke, Ont Leach, W. J., Montreal, Quebec. Lebon, Frank, BrusBels, Ont Lee, Bey. C. Buasell, Thorbum, Ont Lee, Cyrus K, Bufl&lo, N. Y. Lee, W. 8., Toronto, Ont. Leitch, A., M. D., St. Catherines, Ont Letchworth, Mrs. G. J^ Buflalo, N. Y. Lewis, Mis. G. H., Buffido, N. Y. Lindsay, Mrs. W. B., Montreal, Quebea Litdehalei^ L., Hamilton, Ont XSU. xrv. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 11 Livingstone, John Montreal, Quebec. Lobley, J. A., Lennoxville, Out. Longhi, L. D,, Cobourg, Ont. Loudon, Prof. J , Toronto Univereity, Toronto, Ont. Lowell, Sarah, Montreal, Qnebec. Lundy, J. B., M. D , Gait, Ont. Lyster, J., LL. D . Kingston, Ont. McCabe, Prof. J. A , Ottawa, Out. McCaul, Bey. Janie^, Montreal, Quebec. McCullock, 11. M., Gait, Ont. McDongall, Berlin, Ont. McGee, J. M , Whitby, Ont. McGennan, James, Toronto, Ont. McGill, Major Sidenham, Kingnton, Ont. McGiUivray, Rev. John, Belleville, Ont. Mclntyre, A. F., Ottawa, Ont. Mclntyre, John, Kingston, Ont. McKay, A., M. D., Ingersoll, Ont. McLaren, John, Orangeville, Ont. McLaren, John, Toronto, Ont. McLaren, Eev., Prof W , Knox College, Toronto, Ont. McMurrick, W. Barclay, Toronto, Ont. McBae, W. E., Kingston, Ont. Macadam, Thomas, Strathroy, Ont. Macdonald, A. H., Guelph, Ont. Macdonald, Sir John A., Ottawa, Ont. Macdonald, J, Grant, Toronto, Ont. Macdonell, Rev. D. J., Toronto, Ont. Maodonell, G. M., Toronto, Ont. Macdougall, Frank M., Ottawa, Ont. Mack. W., Cornwall, Ont. Mackenzie, J., A. M., Woodstock, Out. Maclean, W., Belleville, Ont. Macmech an, Archibald, Gait, Ont. Macmillan, F., Brantford, Ont. Macmillan, J., Ottawa, Ont. Macnab, Rev. Alex., Bowmanville, Ont. Maooun, Prof. John, Ottawa, Ont. Mqor, F., Montreal, Ont. Malloch, A. H., Toronto, Ont. Marsden, W., M. D., Quebec. Msthewaon, J., Montreal, Ont. Mechanio^B Institute, Belleville, Oni tABt OP S UBF( I1IBER8. Mechanics' Institute, Rowmanville, Ont. " ' Montreal, Quubec. Merchant, F. W., Ingersoll, Ont. Mer«>dith, Mrs. E. A., Toronto, Ont. Millar, Alex., Berlin, Ont. Milburn, Mr. J. C , Buffalo, N. Y. Mills, Hon. David, M. P., London, Ont. Mills, Prof. James, Ouelph, Ont. Mitchell, John, Montreal, Quebec. Mitchell, Joseph, Montreal, Quebec. Mixer, Prof. A. H., Eochester, N. Y. Molson, J. E., Montreal, Quebec. Mouk, F. D., Montreal, Quebec. Montgomery, H., Buffalo, N. Y. Moore, C. G., M. D., liondon. Out Moore, G., Berlin, Ont. Moore, W., Montreal, Ont. Morden, A. L., Napanee, Ont. Morris, Hon. Alex. Toronto, Ont, Morse, W. M., Toronto, Ont. Morse, Charles, Toronto, Ont. Mowat, Rev. Prof. J. B., Kingston, Ont. Mowat, Hon. Oliver, Premier of Ontario. Mulholknd, Rev. Canon. Mulock, IJoD. W., M. P., Toronto, Ont. Murray, Alexander, Brampton, Ont. Murray, Mrs. G,, Toront' Ont. Murray, H. E., Montreal, Quebec. Mnrray, Rev., London, Ont Nelles, liev. Prof. S. S., D. D., Cobourg, On» Nicholson, Prof A. B., Kingston, Ont. Norman, Rev. Canon, Montreal, Quebec. Norris, Hon. James, St. Catherines, Ont. North, Rev. Walter, Buffalo, N. Y. Nosworthy, J. C, Ingersoll, Ont. Nunc, Prof. James, Buffalo, N. Y Oldright. W., M. D., Toronto, Ont. Oliver, \V'., Brantford, Ont. Onetto, L , Buflalo, N. Y. Orr, R. K , Whitby, Ont. Outerbridge, Rochester, N. Y. Palmer, J. H., Montreal, Quebec. Pardee, Hon. T. B., Toronto, Ont. iV. XVI. LIST OF BtrB8CRIBE«8. Parks, J. C, Moulreal. Quebec. Pasini, P., Buffalo, N. Y. Pateraon, J. N., Owen Sound, Ont. PattereoD, Hon. C 8., Toronto, Ont. "attereon, J. C, M. P., OtUwa, Ont. Pearson, M., Toronto, Ont. Petch, John, Brantford, Ont. Philps, Rev. John, Toronto, Ont. Piche, A., M. D.. Montreal, Quebec. Pinto, J., Chilian Legation, Waalnngton, U. O. Piritte, W., Brantford, Ont. Ponton, E. G., Belleville, Ont. Pope, Hon., Ottawa, Ont. . Potts, Rev. John, D. D , Montreal, Ont. Proudfoot, Hon. W., Toronto, Ont. Putnam, Hon. James O., Buffalo, N. x. Rad<^e, J. W., St Catherines, Ob*. Raymond, li. D., Welland, Ont. Ranforu, E J., ()t;awa, Ont. Bead, W., Montren). Quebec. Reid, W. W., Toronto, Ont. Reynar, Prof. A. B.-, Cobourg, Ont. Rice, Hon A. M., Boston, Mass. Richard, Rev. F. B., Toronto, Ont. Rickey, Hon. MathewH., Governor of Nova bcoti*. Richmond, J. M., Buffalo. N. Y. Riel, Joseph, Montreal, Queliec. Ritchie, Thomas, Belleville, Ont. Bobbins, B. P., U. S. C, Ottawa, Ont. Robertson, Alex., Belleville, Ont. Robertson, J., Toronto, Ont Bobinson, Hon. J. B, Governor of Ontario. Bobinson, Sir James L., Toronto, Ont. Boe, Francis, Whitby, Ont. Eoi), J. B., Buffalo, N. Y. Bogers, Sherman S., Buffalo, N. Y. Boot, Ella A., Buffalo, N. Y. Bose, John E., Toronto, Ont. Rossi, Antonio, Toronto, Ont. Ross, Hon., Toronto, Ont Ross, Rev. P. B., Ingertoll, Ont. Bothwell, E. E., Monti-eal, Quebec. Rpwand, W. L. H., Knox College, Toronto, Ont. If ■ ■*l«v.-j.:'»~.i.T'V, I LIST OF BUasCRIBEBS. XVII. Riisiel], Henry, M. D., Quebec. Hussell, J. ]{ , M. D., Toronto, Ont. Ryordon, Charles, St. Catlierines, Out. « Soirth, J. L» Toronto, Ont. Schartz, E., QueJwv'. Schneider, Prof. G. A., Trinity College, Toronto, Oit. Scott, Rev. A. II., Owen Sound, Ont. Scott, (Charles J., Montreal, Quebec. Scringer, Prof. John, Montreal, Quebec Sellstedt, L. G., Buffalo, N. Y. Sheard, Prof. Charles, M. D., Toronto, Out. Sheldon, Prof. Ed Stevens, Harvard, Cambridge, Man. Shaw, George E., Toronto, Ont. Sibbald, E. W., Belleville, Ont. Simpson, D., Bowmanville, Ont. Sinker, E. J., Newmarket, Ont. Slade, VV. H , Buffalo, N. Y. Smith, D., Guelph, Ont. Smith, Prof. Gotdwin, Toronto, Ont. Smith, Rev. F. Ralston, D. D., Buffhlo, N. Y. Smith, Harley, Sti throy, Ont. Smith, J., Montreal, Quebec. Smith, J. C, Knox College, Toronto, Ont. Spence, George, Owen Sound, Ont. Spra^ue, Hon. J., Godefrey, Toronto, Ont. Squair, Prof. J., Toronto, OnU Steele, Alexander, Orangeville, Ont. Steiner, Joseph, Montreal, Quebec. Stephens, A. J. , Montreal, Quebec. Stevenson, M. D., Strathroy, Ont. Stevenson, Rev. J. J., Montreal, Quebec. Stone, Emily H , M. D., Toronto, Ont. Stuart, J. , Montreal, Quebec. Sutherland, Rev. A., D. D., Toronto, Ont. Sutiierland, Rev. D. G., London, Ont. Sweetman, Right Rev. Arthur, D. D., Bishop of Toronto, Oct Tane, Rev. Francis R., Bath, Ont. Tifand, L , Montreal, Quebec. Tiffin, Mrs. J., Montreal, Quebec. Tilley, Hon. Sir Leonard, Ottawa, Ont, Tindall, W , M D , Washington, D. C. Thomas, H. L., Washington. Thompson, W. G., Welland, Ont. JO' XVIII. LIST OF SlIBSfHlBERS. Tremayne, Rev. J., Mimico, Out. Trenholme, N- W., Montreal, Qiieliec. Tupper, Sir Charles, Ottawa, Ont. Tyler, Prof. W., Quelph, Ont. Van Bokelen, Rev. L., Bufliilo N. Y. Van Dick. Rev. L. B., Buflalo, N. Y. Wallace, Sir Richard, London, Enxland. Walker, J. B.. Belleville, Ont „ ^ . „ „ Ward, James W., Grosvenor Library, Biitfulo, N. Y. Watson, Montreal. Quebec. Wells, Rev. G. H, , Montreal, Quebec. Wheatham, Charles, Toronto, Ont. Whycoff, C. C, M. D., Buffalo, N. Y. White, James, St. Catherines, Ont. White, M.. Ottawa, Ont. Whitney, A., Presiwtt, Ont. Whitney, Montreal, Quebec. Wild, Rev. Joseph, D. D., Toronto, Ont. Wilkes, Mrs. R., 1'oronto, Ont. Williamson, Prof. Rev. James, Kingston, Ont. Wilmot, Hon. R. Duncan. Governor New Brunswick. Wilson, J. P., St. Catherines, Ont Wilson, Prof. Daniel, LL D , President University of Toronto. Wilson, John, Cobourg, Ont. Withrow, Rev. W. H., D. D , Toronto, Ont. Williams, W., Woodstock, Ont. Workman, Prof. G. C, Cobourg, Ont. Workman, J., M. D., Toronto, Ont. Wood, John, Montreal, Quebec. Wood, Hon. Samuel C, Toronto, Ont. Woods, Rev. 8., Ladies' College, Ottawa, Ont. Wright, Goorge, M. D., Toronto, Ont. Wright, Prof. R. R , Toronto, Ont. Wurtele, Hon. H. J., Montreal, Ont. Young, Prof., Toronto, Ont. Young, John B., Montreal, Quebec. ^fwitf>a»^t. ftfc ift g *««*aM^.'jM^,»¥y .V'«»«a:J wt,'*o«(E?«'f^js«fl««i^'^^ii*&safej:saMLfet* onto. mati—mtaittllttmr INDEX. I. TiiE Public WurrErt Page 2 II. Thk L0VEK8 " 40 III. The Fkiend " 72 IV. The Trial " IK) V. The Autoghai'ii " 138 VI. The Reveiise of the Cauds " 176 Ejuuxjue " 210 INDICE. I. Lo ScRiVANO PuHiujco Pji«?ina 3 II. Gli Amanti ^' 41 III. L' Amiga " 73 IV. L' ESPEBIENZA " 111 V. L' AUTOGRAFO " 139 VI. lii R0VE8C10 DELLE Carte " 177 RiEPiLooo " 217 An Anonymous Letter. THE PUBLIC WRITER. Fifteen or sixteen yeai-a ago, the courtyard of the Holy Chapel presented quite a different aspect from the present one. It is not because many changes have been made, or because the streets leading to it have been improved or widened. No, indeed, everything has remained in nearly the same primitive state. The wooden wall, which once enclosed the staircase by which the people ascended to the corridor communicat- ing with the public Hall of the pas perdm, though a little elevated, still encircles the old monument; but with the increasing activity which took place in the locality, many of the characteristic marks of old Paris have gradually disappeared. Before the oponmjg of r. Una lettcra Anonima. : of the ct from ges have it have jrything G. The •case by tnunicat- iiough a ent; but J in the >ld Paris suing of I. LO SCRIVANO PUBBLICO. Quindici o sedici anni fa la corte della Santa Capel- la presentava un aspetto ditfercntisslrao da qiicUo che oggi oi offre. Non h giA, perch^ vi siano stati ese- guiti molti cambiamenti, o perchfe se ne siano abbelli- ti od allargati gli sbocchi adiacenti pei quali vi si giunge. No, tutto ci6 e rimasto quasi nello stato pri- mitivo. II muro in tavole, che altravolta chiiideva la scalinata per la quale si saliva al corridoio che comu- nicava coUa sala dei passi perdnti, abbencho un |)oco rialzato, adesso tuttavia gira atlorno al vecchio monu- mento; per6 la crescente attiviti stabilitasi in questo circondario poco a poco ha f atto scomparire molte del- le marche caratteristicho del vecchio Parigi. Prima 4 AN ANONYMOUS LETTBR. this new thoroughfaro the court of the Holy Chapel was almost as a nuhurb of the city where every track of Parisian socicjty was lost, one aft«r another. This courtyard formed a little world by itself, which hivd its own invariable customs; now noisy, now silent und always frequented by the same people. Early in the morning by the ushera of the Supreme Court who remained till the hour at Avhich the referonduires were used to arrive, by the clerks of a lawyer's office situated ujjon the threshold of the den of sophistry, and by the housckeepei-s of the neighborhood, who mingled with the water earners at the corner of the little street of St. 'Ann. At twelve o'clock, when all was quiety the honorable membei-s of public surety, whoso barracks were not far off, and who, without any ettbrt of imag- ination, could have been compared to the paltoniefsoi old times, were used to come to wann themselves in the sunshine. Every day at about the same time the courtyard resounded with the noise of heavy vans whose, stables were at the northern comer of the Carte dei Conti. At this place, in a recess, behind the staircase and precisely under the hall of the first chamber of Supreme Court had lived for fifteen or twenty years a man called Duverrier, a contractor of the prisoners' conveyance, an industry advantageous enough to allow him the gratification 6f the luxury of y Chapel ery truck another. If, which ow silent Early in Aurt who ires were a Hitunt()d nd by the ;lcd with street of [uiety the burracka of iniug- tonlei'sot iselves in time the avy vans r of the }, behind the first fifteen or ;ractor of mtageoiis uxury of ITNA I,KrrK«A ANONIMA. che qucsto nuovo transito fosse apert« la corto dclla Santa Cappella era i)or cos\ dire un subborgo della citt:\, dove I'un dopo I'altro scoiupararivano i ve-^ tigi della societA parigina. (^ucsta corte formava un piccolo mondo a parte che aveva lo sue invariabili abitudini, quando chiassoso, quando silenzioso o scmpro frequentato dalla mcdeai- ma popola-'/ionc; sul bol mattino dagli uscieri dclla Corte doi Conti dw rinianovano fino all'ora in cui ginn- gevano i n^forciularii, dagritnpiegati di un uftido di causidico situato sul limitaro dell'antro dei cavilli e dalle coramari dello caso circonvicine le quali si nic- scolavano coi portatori d'ac(iua aggruppati prosso la fontjuia. Sul mozzod'i allorquando tiitto era tranquillo, gli onorovoli nicnibri della brigata di i)ul)blicasicurcz- za, di cui il quartioro generale trovavaai pochi pass; distante e che senza grando sforzo d'immaginazione si sarebbero potuto paragonair agli antichi paltonieri venivano a riscaldarsi al sole. Tutti i giorni circa la fltessa ora il cortile rimbombava del runioro di pcHanti carrctte, di cui le stidle trovavansi airangolo settentrio- nale della Corte dei Conti. In questo luogo in un fondo, dietro la scalinata e precisamente sotto la sala d'udienza della prima camera del Regio Tribunale dw quindici o venti anni alloggiava un buon' uomo chia matoDuverrierintraprenditoredcltrasporto dei prigio nieri, industria sufficientemente lucrativa da permet tergli la soddisfazione di una passione fortissima chV *is'Ev'«M^i;Ti!i5a>iie«iJB'jfi»- ■ 6 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. rare flowers which was his strongest passion. The entrance of that dark cavern, which he inhabited, gi'eatly resembled a florist's stall, and the grass which was growing amidst the pavement prolonged the ver dure a few feet further than the narrow space Avhich he used as a gai'den. At twilight, when the mopoton- ous silence was only broken by the steps of the senti- nel beneath the gas, burning before the palace, this slimly lighted and almost deserted place was the ren- dezvous of the lovers from the surrounding streets. Each morning resembled the preceding, always the same events, and, we may say, almost the same con- vei-sations exchanged by the same people. On account of the increasing activity many offices of public writers had been opened around the walls of the Holy Chapel, but at the time at which our narrat- ive begins only one of these offices had been left. It was situated at the right hand of the covered passage leading to the Rue de la Bar'devie. Every morning the tenant of this hole as big as a sentinel's box used to hang at the most conspicuous place a frame con- taining many specimens of different kinds of writing, which, profusely decorated with flourishes, were hard- ly intelligi ble. It was almost impossible for the owner to look at those testimonials of his calligraphic ability without raising his eyes to Heaven, and without heav- ing a deep sigh, as if they awakened in him the mem- sion. The inhabited, yrass which ed the ver pace v.'hich lo niopoton- E the sentl- palace, this as the ren- ng streete. always the same con- lany offices ;he walk of our narrat- en left. It ■ed passage J morning s box used frame con- of writing, were hard- >r the owner phic ability ithout heav- n the mem- XJNA LETTEEA ANONIMA. • gU aveva pel fiori rari. L'entrata di quell' antro buio nel quale cgli viveva, rassomigliava molto ad una bot- tega da fioraio, e I'erba che cresceva nel selciato pro- lungava la verdura qualche piede sldllk del ristretto spazio che gU serviva da giardino. Al cadere della notte, allorquando il monotono silenzio era solo inter- rotto dai passi della sentineUa la quale passeggiava al- ia luce del lampione acceso dinanzi al palazzo, questo luogo deserto poveramente illuminato diventavailcon- vegno degl'innamorati del vicinato. Ogai domani rassomigliava al d\ precedente, sempre gli stessi avve- mmenti, e con pochissima differenza potremmo dire, sempre le medesime conversazioni scambiate fra le medesime persone. 'A motive dell'aumento del movimento erano state aperte diverse botteghe di pubblici scrivani addossate al muro della Santa Cappella; per5 all'epoca in cui cominciailnostroracconto, di quelle botteghe ne rima- neva una sola situata suUa dritta del voltone che con- duce alia via della Barillene. II pigionale di queUa bicocca grande al pari del casotto di una sentinella so- leva Bospendere al lato ch'era piu in cvidenza un qua- dro rappresentante modclli di scritture di differente genere che circondati comfrano da infiniti omamenti appena potevano essere decifrati. Era pel proprietar rio cosa impossibile il mirare quel saggi della sua ability senza soUevare le pupiUe al cielo, e senza get- tare un proiEondo sospiro, quasi che la loro visia risve- m I* AN ANONYMOUS LETTEK. morics of better times and sorrows at the unjust con- tempt in which he had fallen. On the four opaque and dirty panes of glass, through which light penetrated in this box, was written with yellow letters: "Editorials, Memorials, Petitions, Letters of Compliments for Christmas and New- Years," and on the other side: "A. C. Ternisien, * 5}x-Professor of PENMANsmp in the Universiiy." Notwithstanding the above high qualification and the complete absence of competition, the sign produced very little effect, as one would infer by the dress of the poor writer. In winter as in summer his suit was always tlie same. A black silk scull-cap on .which rested continually a hat, made water-proof by a thick coat of gi-ease, while as his only suit he always carried a thin alpaca coat, the original color of which, together with its lining, had ceased to be determined, and whose torn and opened pockets, always empty, yawned at pleasure, a waistcoat with metal buttons, a worn-out pair of black trousers, shrunken and scarcely reaching to his ankles, a very coarse pair of felt stockings and wooden shoes filled with straw, completed the dress; and yet, with all these rags, Ternisien appeared in no way disgusting or repulsive, because in his countenance beamed an honesty and kindness which were not feigned. Ib him every one could easily recognize a JiBli'MM^Wl'-C I MiliilliBMii UNA LETTEltA ANONIMA. 9 unjust con- jlass, through written with a, Petitions, ^8 AND New- ). Teknisien, Jniversitt." ition and the gn produced the dress of : his suit was »p on .which f by a thick ways carried ich, together d, and whose , yawned at a worn-out !ely reaching ocldngs and :d the dress; redinnoway countenance h were not recognize a gliasse sempre in lui il ricordo di uno stato pifi pro- spero ed il sentimento dell'ingiusto disprczzo in cui egli era caduto. Sulla porta omata di quattro vetri opachi e siidici dai quali la luce entrava nel bugigattolo vedevnsi si»rit- to in lettcre gialle, da una parte; Kedazioni, Memokie, Suri'LiCHE, Letteue onomasticiie e di capod'anno; e dalFaltra, A. C. Terniwen, ex profkssore di cal- UGKAFiA deix'Universita. Questa insegna, quan- tunque accompagnata da cosi ampoUosa qualilica e non ostante la totale assenza di concon-enza, produceva mediocrissimo rcsultato, secongetturaredovevasidagli abiti del povero scrivano. II suo abbigliamento d'in vemo come di state era sempre lo stesso. Un beiTct- tino di seta ncra sormontato da un cappello rcso im- permeabile da un denso strato di unto era sempre suUa sua testa, e trascinava seco qual'unico abbigliamento un abituccio di alpaga che unitamente alia fodora ave- va perduto il suo primitivo colore, e del quale le logore ed apci-te tasche sbadigliavano sempre, perche vuote; un panciotto serrato con bottoni di metallo; un paio di pantaloni neri consunti e dall' uso scorciati fino agli stinchi; delle grossolano calze di feltro, dei zoccoli ripieni di ficno completavano il suo vestito. Eppure Teraisien con tutti quel cenci nulla aveva diripugnan- te e stomachevole, a cagione di un' aria proba ed ones- ta che non era aifatto simulata. Si riconosceva facil mente in lui I'uomo decaduto da una posizione miglio- i 10 A» ANONTMOUS LETTER. gentleman fallen from a better standing, neither brut- alized nor degraded by misery or by drunkenness, the vice generally belonging to those who suffer hunger. His face and hands were always cleaner than his dress; his voice was very melodious; and his features expressed resignation, even when, as a daily occurrence, he was complaining to his neighbor Duverrier, and often his complaint would have lasted all day but for (lie arrival of some customers, who happened to come and interrupt them. In spite of his excessive economy, ais work would not have been sufficient for his daily wants, if he had not been the possessor of a little capital, with great pain acquired in better times, and which was destined to buy for him a bed in some hospital, when old age, which was approaching with hurried steps, would have deprived him of his sight. For this reason, these sav- ings were sacred to him. He considered them as a deposit which the old professor of penmanship had trusted to the hands of the public writer. It was very painful to him not to be able to add the interest to the capital. Even if his office had been richly furnished, or in a better position, it is more probable that the up- right Temisien would not have realized profits in pro- portion to his labors. The poor man possessed one fault, the drawbacks of tMVM i lJWiiM^tWaWJMilWmife. :^ UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 11 neither brut- kenness, the Fer hunger, icr than his his features occurrence, verrier, and day but for ned to come work would 3, if he had I, with great itavii qualchc piccolo colpodifoi'tunachepernK'ttcvanil di aspcttarc pazienlo- mente,e che coniiHinsavaigiorni nciqualinon lavorava. LA accanto, ncUo studio dell' avvooato vi cnino ecccl- lenti avv<'ntori. (^uando i comnwjssi av(!vnno niolto da fare, e che avcvano volontA di f'ivertii'si, di nas- costo mi port'i vano dclle copie. Pagavano son/u osscr- vtuioni e senza mcrcantcggiai'o e per mo era un lavoro t'acilissimo, che mi veniva sempro raccomandato di farli non intcUigibili. "E perche di grazia, adesso non si dirigono piu a vol?" "Perchfe non no hanno bisogno. Non e stata forso inventata la litogi-afia c 1' autogratia ? Jl lavoro h fatto pill presto, e costa meno. Ecco in (jual modo gli ar- tieti vengono rovinati; fremo a pensarvi, e questo e 1' ultimo colpo dato alia cailigrafia. Io, che adesso vi parlo, altravolta dava le«ioni a tre lire 1' una, ho inse- gnato la posizione del corpo ed ho spiegatoilmaneggio ' M 20 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. age the pen to lads of the first families, to misses who had hands whiter and softer than the paper on which they used to write. I taught in a college of the capi- tal, and, to become perfect, two years of application were necessary. We taught by principles, and slow- ly, while now some charlatans, who have turned every- thing topsy-turvy, pretend to teach penmanship in six weeks. All that made me shudder. Truly, I am no longer a young man, but my eye is good and my hand does not tremble yet, and if the old methods were esteemed as they deserve, I should not be a pub- lic writer." Ternisien had never before delivered so long a speech. He felt the need of resting himself, wiped his nose and offered Duverrier his snuff-box. The latter took advantage of this pause to say: ■ "Why do you not employ the new methods if the old ones are no longer useful 1" ••'I!" replied the old professor with a look of con- tempt; "I ! Should I then have wasted twenty yeai-s of mylifein studying the art of writing well? Should T have overcome all the difficulties and learned all the forms of penmanship — round Jtand^ Gothic, Italian, etc.— only in order to approve now with my example a bad innovation ? Never ! And by the way, do you know this renowned and extolled invention, about UNA LETTERA ANONBU. 21 misses who V on which )f the capi- application , and slow- medevery- iship in six ly, I am no id and my d methods it be a pub- so long a self, wiped o say: lods if the ok of con- v^enty yeai-s 1? Should •ned all the ic, Italian, ly example 'ay, do you tion, about della penna a giovinetti appartenenti alle prime fami- glie, a signorine chepossedevanodellemanipiubiancho e pill liscie della carta vellna sulla quale tracciavano le lettere. Sono stato professore in un coUegio della ca- pitale ed in quel tempo per giungere alia perfezione ri- chiedtivansi due annidi studio; s' imparava lentamente, secondo le regole, adesso invece, certi ciarlatani che hanno scompigliato tutto, pretendono d' insegnare la calligrafia in sei settimane, Tutto questo mi fa strin- gere le spalle. Egli e vero che non sono piii giovine, ma 1' occhio e buono e la mano non trema ancora, e se i vecchi metodi fossero stimati come dovrebbero esscrlo, oggi io non sarei scrivano pubblico ?" Ternwien clie mai aveva pronunziato un cosi lungo discoi-so in un sol tratto provo il bisogno di riposai-si, si soffio il naso ed off ri a Duverrier una presa di tabacco. Quest' ultimo profitto di quel riposo per doman- dargli; ''Perchfe non mettete in pratica i nuovi metodi, se i vecchi non sono piii in vogaf "Io!" riprese il vecehio professore, "io! Avrei dunque passato venti anni di mia vita nello studiare i scgreti dell' arte di scrivere, avrei superate tutte le dif- ficolt^ ed imparate tutte le forme dei caratteri, roton- do, gotico, inglese al solo fine di approvare col mio esempio una dannosa innovazione ? Mai, e poi mai ! E sapete a che si induce questa decantata e famosa ii^- ©MSjfc*i5*VWt*li*. 28 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. which Carstairs and his pupils made so much noise} It is simply the inclined calligraphy which they impru- dently have disfigured and by a mechanical process, apart from the intellect, have made uniform for every- body. And here is where the evil lies I A cook may write as well as his own teacher,and their handwriting will be so similar that no difference can be distinguished, and then of what use will be that other useful and pre- cious art of guessing the moral character of an individ- ual by his handwriting, I should ask you. No, no, Chrisostomus Ternisien will never countenance the propagation of such impious inventions. I am ready to change my profession, and by compelling me to leave this place they will perhaps confer me a favor. ." * His interlocutor was already preparing himself to ask of him the explanation of these last words, but was prevented from doing so by the arrival of a lad between twelve and thirteen years old, resolute in his bearing, bold and quick like a true gamvn. of Paris, who, turning his eyes from one to another, ended by asking: "Are you the writer?" Duverrier went away, leaving Ternisien alone with his customer. "What do you want, young manf ' uch noise? ;hey impru- al process, 1 forevery- L cook may andwriting binguished, :ul and pre- an individ- No, no, Dnance the [ am ready [ling me to ! a favor. ." himself to words, but of a lad )lute in his of Paris, ended by ilone with UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 23 venzione di cui Carstairs ed i suoi discepoli hanno me- nato tanto rumore? Nella scrittura ineguale, la calli- grafia legata ed inclinata ch' essi sf acciatamente hanno sfigurata, e per mezzo di un procedimento meccanico nel quale 1' intelletto non c' entra per nulla hanno reso uniforme per tutti. Ecco dove sta il vcro danno. Una cuoca pu6 scrivere al pari del suo maestro, e la callignifia della prima sarA, talmcnte rassomigliante a queUa del secondo da non potere essere liconosciuta, ed in questo caso a che cosa serve 1' altra cosi preziosa ed utile arte d' indovinare dalla calligi'afia i diversi ca- ratteri degl' individui? Ve lo domando un po'; no, CrisostomoTemisien non prester^ il suo concorso alia propagazione di cosl fatte invenzioni e di cosl fatte pemiciose dottrine. Sono piuttosto deciso a cambiare di professione e costringendomi a sloggiare di qui for- se mi farebbero un favore. n suo interlocutorc giA si accingeva a domandargli conto di queste ultime parole ma ne f u prevenuto dal- 1' arrivo di un ragazzo fra gli undici, o tredici anni di et^ dal portamento risoluto, sveglio ed ardito a m6 di un vero biricchino di Parigi il quale volgendo gli sguardi ora suU' uno, ora sull' altro,fin\perdomandare: "Siete voi lo scrivano?" Duverrier si ritir6 lasciando Ternisien a quattr' occhi col suo cliente. 'Che cosa vuoi giovinotto T gli domand6 TelHisien. «r M AN ANONYMOUS LETTEH. i i "I wish you to copy this," answered the youth, showing him a piece of paper which he folded in his fingers. Ternisien glanced at it without reading it, and only assured himself of the quantity of the work. After this first inspection, going out of the shop and bringing his customer before the frame, he asked him: "What sort of writing do you wish?" and with his fingei"8 pointed out the different specimens. The lad looked at him, and finally told him to choose the cheapest. Ternisien went to his seat, prepared a beautiful sheet of paper, cut a new pen and began the reading of the manuscript. After a few lines he stopped, raised his eyes to the little urchin, who was standing with his shoulders against the posts of the door, and who, with crossed arms and legs, was whistling an air with variations of his own. Any one, who might have observed the looks of Ternisien, could have easily per- ceived an expression of doubt and astonishment, when he turned his face to the boy. It was a moment in which he opened his mouth as if to call him, but seeing him so careless and so little concerned regarding what passed on behind his shoul- ders, he pui-suod his reading. As he progressed, his eves became animutedj curiositjr and interest appeai-ed be youth, ed in hia eading it, the work, shop and isked him: I with his a to choose beautiful le reading i stopped, i standing door, and ling an air aighthave easily per- lent, when mouth as d so little his shoul- •essed, his tappeai-ed tJNA T^TTERA ANONIMA. 26 "Dovreste copiarmi questo," riprose il giovine, mo&- trandogli un pezzo di carta ch' ei volgeva fra le dita. Teniisien vi gettu un colpo d'^ oochio scnza logfrei'o e solo per assicurarsi dclla quantity del Invoro. l^opo questo primo esame uscito dalla bottoga, trntto il giovine dinnanzi al quadro, gli domand«'): "Quale specie di carattere vxioi?" e col dito gl' indi- cava i differenti modelli. II ragazzo lo guavdava ed in risposta gli disse di farlo in quel carattere che costava :ncno. Terniwlen and6 a sedersi, prepar6 un bel foglio di carta da lette- re, tempero una penna nuova e coniincio la lettura del manoscritto. Percorse poche lineo si fermo, ed alz(') gli occhi sul monello ch' era rimasto inpicdlcoUespal- le appoggiate ad uno degli stipiti della bottega, e cho iucrocicchiate le braccia e le gambe lischiava un' ariet- ta con variazioni di sua invenzlone. Chiunque avesse attentamente osservato gli occhi diTemisienfacilraente vi avrebbe rimarcato un' espressione di sorpresa e di dubbio nel uiomento in cui volgeva la testa verso il ragazzo. Fuwi persino un moniento in cui apri la bocca per chiamarlo, ma vedendolo cosi tspensierato e cosl poco occupato di quanto accadeva diotro di lui, riprese a leggere. Mano a mano per6 ch' egli progrediva nella lettura, il suo occhio si rianimava, la curiosity e 1' in- teresse si dipingevano sul sua volto, sembrava ch' ei 26 AN ANONYMOUS LETTBR. in his face, it seemed that he was trying to solve a problem which required all the effort of his imagina- tion. The boy continued to whistle as a lark, and Temi- sien did not mind it Having taken the pen, he examined it, putting it be- tween him and the light, and already dipping in the ink and flourishing it, was ready to trace the first let- ter, when suddenly be entered into a new and different order of idcjis. Hesitation succeeded the interest with which he h ad read those li nes. Evidently he struggled between the mechanical work of his profession and the appreciation of the writing he had under his eyes.ITer- nisien's intelligence was not bright ; constantly closed in the narrow circle of .•, specialty, which did not re- quire any effort of imagination, he confined himself to the form of the thoughts without trying to penetrate them. He was like those materialistic philosopher to whom the creature hides the creator, and inasmuch as misfortune brings always the sure effect of reviving conviction in men who are suffering, the more his name was spurned, the more he exaggerated his own importance. Of all his sufferings he had formed a sort of religion of which he was the martyr. But if in his poor brain reason had darkened itself to such an extent, his soul had kept its candor and all its primi- tive uprightness. Straightforward with his custom- to solve a i imagina- md Terni- tting it be- ng in the e first let- id different terestwith 5 struggled ion and the eyes.I Ter- itly closed iid not re- himself to penetrate lilosophers . inasmuch )£ reviving more his i his own formed a . But if to such an its primi- is custom- tJNA LETTERA ANOIJIMA. 97 cercasse d' indovinare un enigma il ((uale richiedesso tatti gli sforzi della sua imniaginazione. II ragazzo continuava a fischiare come un merlo. Temisien non vi faceva attenzione. Presa la penna, 1' esamino situandolt fra lui e la luce e dopo averla bagnataneirinchiostro,gi{l pronto atrac- ciare la prima lettera la dondolava sopra il foglio di carta, quando di botto sembro entrasse in un nuovo ordine d' idee. Alia premura coUa quale aveva letto quelle righe successe 1' esitazione. Evidcntemente ei lottava fra 1' atto manuale delja sua professione e 1' ap- prezzamento morale dello scritto die aveva sott' occhi. L' intelligenza di Ternisien non era molto vivida; con- stantemente rinchiusa nello stretto circolo di una spe- ciality che non domandava alcun sforzo d' immagina- zione, essa si era feimata alia forma del-pensiero senza studiarsi di penetrarlo. Egli era simile a quel filosoti materialisti ai quali la creatura nasconde il creatore, e siccome la sventura ha per effetto sicuro di ravvivare la convinzione in coloro che soffrono, piti il suo noma veniva disprezzato, piii egli esageravasi la sua impor- tanza. Dei suoi patimcnti ne aveva fatto una specie di religione di cui egli era il martire. Se per6 nel suo povero cervello il ragionamento si era oscurato a que- sto punto, la sua anima aveva eonservato tutto il can- dore e tutta la sua primitiva onestA. Coscienzioso coi suoi avventori, egli lo era egualmente secu stesso. i'&'fcaWS'^uAt'-' i\ 28 AN ANONYMOUS LETTEB. ere, he was also straightforward with himself. His pride as professor was mortified at descending to the position of an employee, and he only yielded to ne- cessity every time that for a moderate price ho wrote insignificant lines; but he often shuddered when lie thought that he might lend the aid of his pen to sin- ful words, and feared that he who was incapable of telling a lie even for his own advantage, sometimes may be an instrument of calumny and falsehood. This has been precisely the secret feeling he intended to express when he had said, compelling me to leave this place they will perhaps confer a favor on me. His impossibility to exercise any othcsr profession obliged him to remain in this. The writing to be copied was of such a nature as to inspire him with reflections very embarrassing to his conscience. In spite of his cleverness in interpreting the hand- writing in presence of those lines, he remained uncer- tain, and convicted of impotence in the same way as an academician stands in the presence of a hierogly- phical inscription. His position was graver and more serious and painful. Of what interest in liistory indeed is a false statement or mistake? What is false- hood or truth to those who are dead, and even to those who are alive? In his case instead, although he did not know by whom the letter had been written, and to whom it was addressed, nor what sincere or 3lf. His iiig to the led to ne- ho wrote when ho )en to sin- iapablo of sometimes od. This tended to leave this me. His m obliged iopied was jtions very the hand- tied uncer- aie way as \ liiei'ogly- r and more in liistovy liat is false- id even to ilthough he Q written, sincere or UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 99 n suo orgoglio di profcssore si rassegnava alia parte d' impiegato o cedeva alia nct'cssitA tulte le volte che per un niodico prezzo egli scriveva delle linee insigni- ticanti, raaspessosi spaventava nel pensare ch' egli per avventura potcsse prestare il concoi-so delhi sua penna a colpevoli parole, e temova ch' egli 11 qniilo oia im-a pace di dire una biigia anchc nel suo piopiio intorosso potesso qualchivol'aservire d'ins(rinnoiito alia biigia ed alia calunnia. Questo appunto era stiito il sogroto sentiraento che avevacreduto di esprimere e di far comprendere al suo amico Duverrior, allorquando- aveva detto: e costrlngendomi a sloggiav di qui forse m ! fwrebbero unfeaorv' L' irapossibilitfV in cui si trovava di poter esercitare un' altra differente professione lo face^a continuare nella stessa, Lo scritto ch' egli do- vevacopiaro era di tale natura da inspirargli riflessioni imbarazzantissime per la sua coscienza. Non ostanto la sua ability nell' interpretaro le scritture, ei dinnanzi a quel caratteri rimase irresolute e convinto d' impo- tenza come un' accaderaico innanzi a dei geroglltici. La sua posizione pero era molto piii grave e penosa. Che cosa h, infine dei conti, nella storia una data falsa o un errore ? VeritA o bugia che cosa importa a colo- ro che sono morti ed anche a coloro che vivono ? In questa circostanza invece quantunque egli nh conosces- se da chi la lettera fosse stata scritta, ne a chi fosse di- retta, ne qual' interesse sincero o perfido 1' avesse det- so AN ANONTMOU8 LK1T14S. perfidious interest Iiod dictated it, lie was afraid in thinlcing of tlie consequencea that letter might bring. The wretched man, lost in this labyrintli, had vainly asked advice of his uhuuI counsellor. He rolled be- tween the thumb and forcHnger of tlie left hand a pinch of snuff which he took from time to time; he applied to the gift of writing the same apologue Kso- pus had applied to the speech, and allowing himself to be carried away by tlie strength of his learned di- gi'essions and by his classical remembrances, iu a solemn voice he cried: "If like Achilles' spear wliu-h cured the wound made by itself ! " "What is the matter?" asked the boy, turning around, "have you finished perchance 1" "I have not yet began." "Oh I perhaps you do not know how to write, or are you waiting for some one to h<'ip yoa Give mo back my paper or hn.sten, 1 am it?. ». Imrry and somtv body is waiting for me." "Perhaps the same pei-son who gave you this let- ter?" asked Temisien. "No, but some of my friends with whom I was play- ing marbles, I left my tum to another boy who does not play as well as I, and having ten cents in the game, I would be glad to know how business was standing. Quickly, move around, double quick, as I have yet ITNA LETTEIU ANOMMA. 81 tata egli si spaventava pensando aUe consequence ch' essa dovova produrro. II poveretto perduto in quel dedalo invano aveva domandato avviso al euo or- dinario consigliere. Ei raggirava fra 1' indice cd il poUice delln niano sinistra una prosa di tubacco che aspirava di tempo in tempo, applioava alia scrittura r apologo di Esopo sulla parola, e lasciandosi traspor- tnre dalla foga dello sue dotte digressioni e dai suoi clasaici ricordi g^id(^ in tuono solonne: "Se al pari della lancia di Achille, cho sanava le fe- rite da lei fatte 1" "Che c' 6," disse voltandosi il ragazzo, "avete forse finito?" "Non ho ancora principiato." **0h 1 Forse che non sapete sen vera, owero, aspettate che vengano ad aiutarvi, rispose 1' altro. Restituitcmi il foglio, oppure sbrigatevi, ho premura, sono atteso." "Forse dalla persona che vi consegn6 la lettera?" domand6 Temisien. "No, ma dai miei compagni coi quali giocava alle piastrelle. Ho lasciato il mio turno ad un ragazzo che non t ;a cosi bene ed avendo dieci soldi impegnatinella partita sarei contento di sapcre come vadano gli afiari. Presto, al galoppo, giacchfe ho anche un' altra corsa da fare; dubitate forse del pagamento ? Ecco sedici soldi anticipati, non mercanteggio io, per6 ho premura e iMiii mm 82 AN ANONYMOUS I.ETTRR. another errand to do; an^ you perhaps fiightened about the payments Hero it i«, I pay you Hixtcon cents in advance. I do not wrangle, but 1 am in a huiTy and yyj. •"M8t bo quick." Without bcui<,' moved, without sharing in this im- patience, the old writer Kald to the btiy: "Who sent you on this errand <" The boy looking at him, answered: ♦'Somebody," and then turned up his nose and shick out his tongue and his lower lip. Any other man would have punished this very disrespectful act, but the kind old man renewed the question. "If formerly I answered you somebody," said the boy, "it is quitc! clear that you ought to know no more than that. What else i They gave mo the letter with the instructions to have it copied by a public writer ; they gave me the money and 1 wont away to execute their orders. I pray you, why then do you not do your duty? That's all. Woijfd you like me to whistle you another air < Perhaps it will please you," and he began to whistle a ballad which was then very "When love was constant, etc." Temisien again had put before him on the table, which was his desk, the letter and the paper, and had again taken up the pen. It was not the desire of earaing the sixteen cents, magnificent recompense for a few minutes' work, that had decided him to do KMtfaMl mxaam^ [ about onta in ry and bis im- ci sttick ui* nmn st, but aid the 10 more er with writer ; execute nut do me to e you," len very e table, and had esire of )mpen8o en to do UNA I.KTTEUA ANONIMA. 88 bisognu oho non pcrdiute tempo, e vi shrijjhiiito." Scnza commuovorsi, e sonz' nffatto dividero queata impiizienza, 11 vecchio scriviuio, gli doniand6 t "Chi ti Iia d«to qncstii coiiiinis.si()no 'i " II ri>;rd ex. UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 36 gli era per scrivere poteva essere cos\ bene una bugia come una veritj\; e i)oi, ritiutandosi egli, un altro colle- ga si sarebbe mostrato meno scrupuloso. Bisogna anche confessare ch' egli era vivamento soUeticato dal- la curiosity, ed aspettava il momento in cui, sull' indi- cazione senz' alcun dubbio glA, data al ragazzo, egli scriverebbe il nome e 1' indirizzo della persona alia quale era diretto quell' avviso. NuUameno prima di cominciare a scrivere, ei domand6 : " Hai tu letto questa lettera ? " "lo ! 6 che so leggere, io ? noh conosco il nome del- le lettere, e mi rlncrescerebbe molto di essere uu uomo dotto come voi . . . . " "Perch^?" Bella domanda, perchfe n^ voi avreste avuto 51 pia- cere di vedermi, ne io quello di dirvi che farcste me- glio di far correre la vostrapenna chela vostra lingua. La persona che mi ha dato cotesto foglio mi doman- d6 prima di tutto se sapessi leggere ed io le risposi di no. AUora ho ricevuto le mie istruzioni con tre lire, suUa qual somtna vi daro sedici soldi se vi spiccerete, e voi invece andate a passo di lumaca. Ternisien vedendo qualmente uon avrebbe ottenuto maggiori schiarimenti pose mano al lavoro. Egli ave- va con tanta atteuzione lette e pesate tutte le parole del foglio che quasi ne aveva imparato a mente il contenu- to. Ogni motto esprimeva fatti cosi serii, rivelazio- -"W^ m hi 86 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER, pressed such serious facts, such important revelations, that they had engraved themselves on his memory and had taken away any possible distraction. Contrary to his habit, he copied the paper without a single mis- take. As soon as ho had done, he folded the sheet, and turning to the boy: "Did they give you the name and address to which it is going?" "Yes," answered he, extending his hand on the ta- ble with celerity and without being noticed, "yes, it is written with a pencil on a piece of paper which is in the left pocket of my waistcoat, but you must not know it." At the same time, he took the letter and jumping backward moved to leave the shop. "Some other one is going to scribble this address, " he added ; "I have my ordei-s." "Give me back that letter," asked Ternisien ; "so many precautions do not mean anything good." "No," answered the boy, "I will not give it back, and even you will return to me the copy I have brought you, or you will tear it in pieces in my own presence. This order has been strictly given to me." "Even tliat!" exclaimed the Avriter, clasping his hands. "Ah! from this time I swear nevermore to copy anonymous letters. They surely intend to destroy the traces of this one, and I ought to have refused it." "What a stupid old man," said the boy; "he looks ilations, oiy and traryto :le mis- 3 sheet, ) which the iiir 'yes, it ch is in 1st not imping Jress, " ti; "so b back, rought eseuce. ig his o copy Jesti'oy mi it." 9 looks ii J UNA LETTRKA ANONIMA. 37 ni oosi importanti ch' essa si era scolpita nel sue spi- rlto e ne aveva discacciato qualsiasi possibile distra- zione. Contrariamente alia sua abitudine copio il fo- glio senz' errori. Finite il lavoro, piegata la letlera si voltu dal lato del ragazzo : "Ti hanno dato il nome e 1' indirizzo dove va spe- dita?" gli domandd. "•Si," rispose questi, allungando con destrezza e scnz' cssere osservato la maiio suUa tavola, "si, sta stritto con matita sii di un pezzo di carta che tmvasi qui nella tasca sinistra del mio pancioito, ma voi non lo saprete." Cio dicendo, affeiT6 la lettera, e facendo un salto indieti'o usci dalla bottega. " Altri deve scarabocchiare questo," egli .soggiunse, "ho le mie istruzioni." "Rendimi la lettera," esclamo Ternisien, "tante precauzioni non presagiscono nulla di buono, rendimi la lettera." "No," rispose il ragazzo, "non ve la restituir^, in- vece voi mi restituireto la brutta copia che vi ho por- tata, ov\ero la strapperete in mia presenza, m e stato formalmente raccomandato di agire cosl." " Anche questo ! " gridd lo scrivano, congiungendo ambo le mani. " Ah ! d' ora in poi giuro di mai piii copiare lettere anonime. Senza dubbio si vuole di- struggere la traccia di questa, avrei dovuto rifiutare." "Che veccbio scimunito!" mormor6 il monello, :M 88 AN ANONTMOUS LETTER, as if he were saying his prayers. Well, then, good man, you must come to a decision. Tear up the paper or you will not get your money." And already the sixteen cents from the table had returned to his hands. Searching on the table for the paper, which in the tii-st movement he had pushed and mixed with others, Ternisien tore it in a thousand pieces and threw them in the face of the boy, saying to him : "Away with you ! young rascal." "A rascal ? Yes, but not a thief, " replied the boy ; "here is your cash." And taking his aim, he threw the eight two-cent pieces into the big pocket which yawned at the side of the writer's coat, and in which they fell as in a ravine. He then retired, walking backward and laughing at the ex-professor, and bold and impudent, went away like a sparrow who laughs at those who try to catch him. Ternisien for a while remained in deep meditation. At last he got up, put his papers in order, took with him a sheet of paper, shut his office, and crossing the courtyard, went to speak with his neighbor who was watering his camelUas. The boy, faithfully following the orders he had received, brought the letter to another public writer and then posted it. It was addressed : Julius Valabert, Esq., Auditor of the State Council, £ue de Lille, 84. en, good he paper eady the is hands. li in the h others, 3W them bhe boy ; le threw st which jx which walking nd bold » laughs litation. ok with sing the vhowaa he had ! writer >, 84. UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 89 " sembra che si confessi. Via brav' uomo bisogna do- cidersi e strappare la carta, o non avrete il denaro ; " e gik i sedici soldi dallu tavola erano ritornati nella sua mano. Cercata sul tavolino la carta che nel primo movimcnto aveva respinta e mescolata colle altre, Ter- nisien lu lacor6 in cento framiuenti e la gett6 nel viso del ragazzo, dicendogli : " Vattene monello 1 " "Monello si, ma non ladro," grid6 quest' ultimo, "ecco i noccioli" e,prendendo di mira il punto che vole- va colpire,lanci6 gli otto pezzi da due soldi nell' enorme tasca,che sbadigliava al fianco dell' abito dello scrivano, nella quale cadder6 come in un precipizio. Camminando all' indietro si allontano, beffando 1' ex-professore, e parti disinvolto e sfacciato a mo' di un passerotto che si ride di colui che cerca di pren- derlo. 'Temisien per un momento rimase in profonda me- ditazione. Da ultimo si alz6, pose in ordine le sue carte, prese con lui un foglio, chiuse la bottega e tra- versando il cortile ando a ciarlare col vicino che inaf- fiava le sue camelie. Dal canto suo il ragazzo eseguendo fedelmente gli ordini ricevuti, portt!) la letteru ad un altro scrivano pubblico, e poi la gett6 alia posta. Essa era diretta : Al Signor Giulio Valabert, Auditore pvesso il Consiglio di Stato, Via di Lilla, 34. W AN ANONTTvioUS LETTER. II. THE LOVERS. What we have nan-ated is, in a certain way, the prologue of our tale. We must go back a little t« present to our readers the principal persons who will hgure m this story. And to begin, we will introduce thein to a house in Fjrstemberg street, in the most distant part of St. Germain's thoroughfare. The apartment in the second story is neither rich nor luxurious ; there one does not see expensive furni- ture, nor rich curtains, nor costly bric-a-brac,— in the parlor only a looking-glass, in the windows 'plain cotton curtains, some easy chairs but not a sofa, a bare ceilmg and a simple carpet, gi-een like the wall paper of the room. The only object which seemed of any value was a piano of the newest fashion, and near which were piled many books of songs and complete operas. In spite of the modest value of the objects which furnished this principal room, the good taste which had presided over the harmony of the whole gaVe to it an aspect of elegance, and it could easily be surmised that this so clean and so well-kept apartment belonged to a lady. In fact, near the window, before a tapestry frame, a beautiful young perscm was seated, hastily finishing a very pretty piece of work. She was dressed in a way, the a little to 18 who will I introduce 1 the most either rich sive ftrnii- «, — ^in the 5W8' plain afa, a bare fail paper ed of any and near complete le objects ood taate ;he whole lid easily well-kept y frame, finishing ■essed in UNA LKTTERA ANONIMA. 41 II. GLI AMANTI. Quanto abbiamo racoontato ^ per cos\ dire il prolo- **' le >8tra storia. Convier" '"'Uetreggiare qual- cuv pocv. .iir conoscere ai nostk 'nj^iori i principali attori che figureranno in questa novella, o per comin- ciare lo introdnrremo in una casa delia via Furetem- berg nel fondo del piii lontano quailiore del subborgo San Germano. L' appartamento del secondo piano non e ricco, nh suntuoso, non vi si vedono mobili di lusso, ne splen- dide cortine, n^ preziose bagatelle. Nella sala un solo specchio, alle finestre delle semplici (;ortinc di mus solo, qualche poltrona ma non canape, un soffitto nudo ed un semplicissimo tappeto verde al pari del fondo della tapezzeria in carta. L' unico oggetto di lusso che sembrava avesse un valore intrinseco era un piano- forte della forma la piii moderna e vicino al quale era- no ammucchiati quaderni di musica ed intieri spartiti. Non ostante il modesto valore dei diflferenti oggetti che adobbavano quella camera principale, il buon gusto che aveva presieduto all' aimonia dell' assieme dava ai suo aspetto una specie di eleganza, e facilmente indo- vinavasi come quell' appartamento cos\ netto e ben tenuto fosse occupato da una donna. Difatti presso la finestra, innanzi ad un telaio di ta- pezzcria, una bella giovine seduta terminava in fretta ^^ AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. white, and the simplicity of her toilet harmonized thoroughly with that of the place in which she lived. Her long, dark eyebrows, lowered upon her work, rose only at intervals, and then her beai tiful dark eyes ran to the clock, the hands of which seemed to move too quickly for her. Her hand«, of a wonderful white- ness, could have served as a model to a portrait painter if the extremities of the fingers had been thinner. Her neck, finely shaped, was of perfect form and beauty, and imparted grace and flexibility to every movement of the head. Finally the moment arrived when the young gu-l consulted the clock with pleasure and cut the last thread of the tapestry, r Getting up from the chair and giving a hist glance at the whole of her work, she rang. An old servant appeared. " Marion," she said to her with a joy which sparkled in her eyes ml was evident in her voice, "at last this work is finished. What do you think of it ? " Marion approved with a majestic air, and struck with the brightness of the colors and the exquisite taste with which they were arranged, exclaimed : "It is a master-piece ! and if you would let me act accord- ing to my own fancy, you would receive a better price. " "You know that every work is already sold at the same store and at the same price." intionized she lived, ler work, dark eyes '. to move Pul white- it painter ler. Her 1 beauty, lovement vhen the and cut st glance I servant sparkled liist this i struck sxquisite ed: "It ; accord- r price." d at the tiNA LETtERA ANONtMA. 4S un delizioso lavoro. Dessa era vcstita di bianco e la semplicitA della sua toeletta era in perfetto accordo con quel la del luogo in cui abitava. Le sue lunghe brune palpcbre abbassate sul suo lavoro si alzavano le;;- germente ad intei-valli, ed allora i suoi bogli occhi neri si dirigevano sul pendolo di cui la sfera sembrava procedesse troppo sollecita per lei. Le sue muni di una maravigliosa bianchezza avrobbero potuto servire di modello ad un pittore di ritratti da donne, se I'estre- niitd deUe ditu fossero state piii sottili. 11 suo collo era di una forma e di una bellezza finita, o communi- cava grazia e pieghevolezza a tutti i movimenti della testa. Giunse un momento in cui la donzella cousulto con piacere il pendolo e taglio 1' ultimo filo della tapez- zeria. Alzatasi, dopo aver gettato un colpo d'occhio suU'as- sieme del lavoi'o, suono. Una vecchia serva comparve. "Marianna," le disse con gioia semplicissima ohe scintillava nei suoi occhi o ncl suono della sua voce, "ecco finito questo nuovo lavoro, come lo trovi?" Marianna si avvicino con ai-ia magistrale, mise gli occhiali, e colpita dulla vivacitii, del color! e dal gusto immenso col quale crano assortiti. "Bel capo-lavoro," essaesclamo, "se mi lascereste fare a modo mio, ne trurreste un prezzo migliore degli altri?" " Sai bene," interruppe la giovine, "come quanto fo h gi& veuduto alio stesso magazzino e per lo stesso prezzo." I lit Hi III 3' P 44 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. "Jews I" mnrniured th«' old woiniin. "It isn't right, Marion, to treat in such a way kind pcojile who haA'e procured for nie a stean truth, I wayii in n, while [it when seldom, clarion's the tap- wire. es," said that bo VTNA ANONIMA I.KTrKRA. 48 "Dojrii rhroi ! " niormoro la vccchiii. "\on ist)\ bono, Miui.tiina
  • r .FuliuM doon not like niyrttcry." *' Alas I God only knows how much it cost* me to have u secret from him." She made a sign and Marion went ont, leaving her niiHtresH in deep tliought, thia briot conviTsation hav- ing I wen sufficient to recall to her mind her present itituation. Fanny was throe years old when she lost her mother. Her father, a teacher in a provincial town, spared nrA l.KnKKA. 47 "Biidato il signor Oiuiio non ania i mistori." *' Ahim^ i Soh) Iddlu sa ({tianto mi costi 1' avcme pn* hii." Ivsna feco un cenno a Marianna od esc\ hisciando la padrona innuei'Ha in profoiidu riik'ssioni, quei^to jorto coll()(jiiio essendo stato sidKriei. u a riehianiaro il pen- siero suila sua prcsente sitna/Ziunu. Fanny avcva tre anni allonpiando pordetto la geni- trico. Suo pach'e in.stitiitore in una (iittil di provincia non risparinio no pono, ni* cure per cducarl.i. La en .i, hi sua unica tiglia era seniprt; la migliore e la ^^n n.i fra le sue allieve. Mostrando una decisa vocazioLO per la mtisica, le venni- dato apposito maetf lo. In tutto fece ra[)idl {)r()grt>ssl ed in poco tempo uo j^adri con orgoglio pott) vederla <]uale la desiderava. Aveva sedici anni appena ed il signor Dusmenil, contento di avorla premunita in termini generali dei pericoli die minacciano le zitelle, le lasciava nel rosto una libertA, cho per un cuore teneio di natura e facile ad impres sionarsi potova av(M'e molti inconvonienti. Fra le al- tre licenze le wi permetteva di rimancre giorni intieri col figlio di un viciao, a nonie Ernesto, giovinetto assai leggiadro e ihe non manoavA di spirito. Egli h vero cho il signor Dusmcp!' vedeva in Ernesto educate con sua tiglia, e tino a qu( I •• po innocente compagno dei suoi studii o dei suoi giuoohi, il futuro sposo ch' ei scgretamente destinava a Fanny e perci6 non disap- [I Hi iiu marriage. 48 AN ANONYMOUS LETTKU. therefoi'e, did not discourage an intimacy which would afford them the opportunity of mutually knowing each other. This time that which had been antici- pated did not happen. Fanny, in the presence of her childhood's friend, ex- perienced no emotion, either because her hour had not yet arrived or else because it is almost impossible that true friendship should change into love. The time was passing pleasantly and her future seemed smiling and flatten ng,Avhen she was overtaken by u dreadful misfortune. Her father died almost suddenly, leaving no fortune. Inmost was then ab- sent, and his family, on account of Fanny's povei-t}', did not show further desire to carry out the proposed Fanny resolved not to wait for Ernest's return and left, retiring to an old rchitive's, whose only assist ance consisted in advising her to employ the little money she yet possessed in developing her talents and in taking a few lessons before beginning to teach. She soon succeeded in securing a few pupils, from which means, little by little, she derived a certain amount of comfort. One day she was called to a house in the Ghjaimsee d? Antin, to teach music to a young lady about ten years old, named Eliza Saint-Gilles. The family into which she was introduced consisted a g ^ ' .l!!*f,^U^-liilW- i l.H » *MW Wi UNA LKTl'ERA ANONIMA. 49 provava una intimittV cho permetteva loro di mutual- mente conoscersi. Questa volta per6 non avvenne quuiito era statu preveduto. Fanny in presenza del suo aniico d' int'anzia non provava alcun turbaniento, sia perche non fosse ancora suonata la sua ora, sia perche e cosa quasi del tutto impossibile die la veraaniiciziasi transformi in amore. La situazione scorreva placida, ed il siio t'uturo sem- brava sorridente e pieno di speranze, quando essa venne colpita da una tenibilo sventura. Suo padre venne a morire quasi repentinamente lasciundo un limi- tatissimo patrimonio. I^rnesto in quel tempo trova- vasi assente e la di lui fauiiirlia a cagione della poverta di Fanny, non si mostro desitlerosa di realizzare il progettato matrinonio. .Fanny si decise di non aspettare il ritorno di Er- nesto e parti ritirandosi presso una vecchia parente la quale per tutta assistenza le dette il consiglio d' inipie- gare il poco denaro clie ancora possedeva nel perfezio- nare i suoi talcnti e nel prendere lezioni prima di cominciare a darne. Presto le riescl di trovare delle scol^re pel qual mezzo poco a poco si procuro una comparativa agiatezza. Un giorno ella venne chiamata in una casa della Chmmsee d'Antin per inseguare la uiusica ad una signo- rina di circa dieci anni a nonie P^lisa Saint-Gilles. La famiglia uella quale veune introdotta era com- MiM 60 AN ANONVMOU8 LETTER. influential people, proud of their riches. Being re- quested to play, she performed a selection which en- raptured all those present. Among others, a young man made himself conspicuous for his lively admira- tion, although Fanny, on her part, paid no attention to his compliments. The following day, at the time of the lesson, the young gentleman happened to be in the room and continued to come every day, sometimes at the beginning and at other times at the end of it. His eyes, constantly fixed on the teacher, forced her to blush and in spite of herself troubled her. Chance one day left him alone with Fanny at the moment in which her lesson had ended and while her pupil was going out for a walk. Persuaded that he would find little severity in a young girl who was living alone and who, on account of her profession, was dependent upon the public, he spoke to her of love with an air of as- surance and self-conceit, and tried to approach her. A gesture full of dignity forced him to stop. "I am an orphan," she said to him; "I have no relatives, no defender; my only support is this," point- ing to the piano, "and you are trying to deprive me of it, because it is certain that I should no longer dare to come to this house." After saying these words, Fanny went out, but on reaching home still aflFected and her eyes filled with tears, she received a letter in which Mr. Julius Vala- UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 51 leing re- hich en- a young admira- ittention the time to be in metimes id of it. sd her to Chance tment in iipil was >uld lind lone and nt upon ir of as- Lch her. have no ," point- irive me longer but on ed with is Valtt- posta di pcrsonaggi importanti tronfi delle loro ric chezzo. Invitata a suonare ella esegui un pezzo ch' estasi6 tutte le persone present). Fra gli altri un giovine si fece rimarcare per la vivacity della sua am- mirazione senza che Fanpy dal canto stxo facesse atten- zione ai suoi complimenti. L' indoinani all' ora della lezione, il giovine si trovo nella camera e continuo a ritornarvi i giorni consecutivi qualche volta 8ul coniin- ciare, tal' altra sul finire della lezione, ed i suoi sguardi constantementc diretti sulla giovine, laconstringevuno mi arrossire e suo malgnido la turbavano. 11 caso voile, che una volta ei si trovasse solo a solo con Fanny nel momento in cui la lezione finiva e che la scolare esciva al pa.sseggio. Pei-suaso ch' egli avrebbe incon- Irato pocliissima severifcl da parte di una giovine che vivcva senza compagnia e clie a cagione della sua pro- fessione dipendcva da tutti, ei le parlo di amore (!on un fare mezzo convinto e presuiitiioso, e tento di appres- sarsele. Un gesto piono di dignity lo costrinse a fermarsi. "Sono orfana," ella gli disse, "non ho n^ appoggi, nh famiglia ; la mia sola ri.sor.sa e questa," indicando il piano-forte e voi fate di tutto per privarmene, giac- che, egli h ben certo, che mai piii osero di comparire in questa casa. Pronunziate queste parole Fanny eso\, ma appena giunta a casa ancora tutta commossa e cogli occhi ripieni di lagrirae, ella ricevette una lettera colla quale < I ii*' 62 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. bert, acknowledging what kind of a woman he had oflended, presented his most respectful apologies and entreated her not to add to the faults with which he already repronched himself that of having caused her departure from the house of Saint-Gilles, and prom^ ided her never more to go there. If Fanny had had a mother, her conduct would have been traced. The culprit's repentjmce found favor with Fanny. The fear of an unpleasant scandal if the reason of her not going any more to the lesson should have been guessed and the security inspired by the said letter, caused her to return to Mrs. SaintrGillea' house. The young man appeared there no more. The human heart is always full of strange contradictions, and even the sincerest is the most ingenious in deceiving itself. Fanny, in returning to that house, had really thought she would not again meet Mr. Valabert; and yet, without knowing it, she was dominated by a vague hope that Julius would have come in person to pre- sent his apologies. Vainly she prolonged her lessons beyond the time she ought to have given them ; the interest which she used to take in the progress of her pupil was no longer the same, and her zeal in teaching was infinitely diminished. Was she comprehending her real feeimgs ! No ; without doubt she did not understaud herself until the day when, arriving earlier thau usual, she noticed the presence of Julius. E, i iTi:rrii i ij"TJ3iiMi i i.i i I he had jgios and which he lused her id proia^ had had ;d. I Fanny. )nof her ave been d letter, se. The » human and even tig itself. thought and yet, a vague n to pre- r lessons lem ; the igress of ' zeal in 5? No; elf until I noticed UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 68 11 sifrnor Giulio Valabert, riconoscendo quale donna ci uvesse offeso, le presentuva le sue rispettosissime 8C11ISC e la supplicava di non aggiungere ai riniproveri clio giil ei fac'ova a se stesso quoUo di averia allonta- natii dalla cas:i della signoiJi Saint-Gilles, e le proniet- teva di mai piu licompariivi. Se Fanny avesse avuto l!i luadre la sua condotta sarebhe stata tracciata. 11 pentiniento del c()li)evolo trovo grazia presso Fanny. 11 tlniore di un dispiacevole scandalo se vonisse indovinato il motivo del sno cessare le le/ioni, lasicurozzain.>*pirataleda quella lettcra la ricondussero all' abitazionc della signora Saint-Gillcs. II giovine pi ii non vi si faceva vedcre. II cuore uniano e sempre pieno di strane contradizioni ed anche il piu sincero e ingegnosissimo nell' ingannare se medcsiino. Fanny ritornando in quella casa aveva realmente creduto di non piu incontrai-si col signor Valabert ; eppure a sua insai)uta era dominata da una vaga speranza che Giulio sarebbe venuto personalmente ad offrirlo le sue scuse. Invano essa prolungava le lezioni al di 1^ del tempo che doveva consacrarvi ; 1' interesse che soleva avere pel progrcsso della sua scolara non era piu lo stcsso, ed il suo zelo nell' anuuaestrarla erasi inlinitamentc raffreddato. Rendevasi ella conto dei suoi intei-ni sentimenti? No, essa scnza dubbio non si comproso lino al giorno in cui arrivando un })oc() ])iu pn-slo del cunsucto ella si accorse della prcsonza di Giulio. Wlf^ ■4^^%'^^f^>-«'^^^'i*i^i^^''^-^C^^^i'^^T'^^^ J 54 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. By the blushes which she felt suffuse her face, by the sudden palpitation of her heart, she understood what she had tried to hide from hereelf, .that she loved Julius. When he timidly a«kcd of her, as a great favor, per- mission to be present at the lesson, she had no strength to refuse him, so great was her inward joy. That day she accompanied badly and sang out of tune, but on the following day, already prepared for the pres- ence of Julius, who did not move from the parlor, she sung with euch expression and inspired so much soul into the notes that the enamored and ecstasied youth could only thank her with his eyes for the pleasure he had felt in listening to her. The girl's joy was intense and easily noticeable. A few days afterwards they ventured to sing together, a dangerous experiment which was repeated many times, and the harmonious, fascinating music achieved the seduction. This would have been the right time for her to fly, but she had not the courage to do so. No one was there to teach her that sentiment of reason which she lacked, and, not knowing how to close her .!ai-s to the language of a young and sincere lover, she had the weakness to betray herself. On his part, he passionately begged of her to grant hhn the happiness of seeing her alone and of being i-eceived at hei home ; his grief was so violent, his tears so sincere, his passioa so prevailing, that one iie day UNA I.ETTERA ANONIMA. 85 Al rossore che senti afiluire sul suo volto, all' improv- viso palpitare del suo cuore, ella si accorse di quanto finora aveva o«lato a se medesinui, cioe, eh' ella aniava Giulio. AUorquando quest! tiraidamente le (lom«nd6 a titolo di favore, 11 permesso di assistere alia lezione, ella non ebbe la forza di dargli una ncgativa, tiujta era la sua interna gioia. Quel giomo essa acconipagn6 male e cant6 in falso ; ma 11 giorno sussoquente git\ preparatw alia presenza di (iiulio, il quale non si mosse dalla sala, mise tanta espressione, tanta azione nel canto che il giovine innamorato ed estatico con una sola occhiatsi la ringrazi6 del piacore che aveva provato nell' ascol tarla. II giubilo della giovinetta era ininienso e facile a riconoscersi. Varii giomi dopo si azzardarono di cantare insiemc, pericolosissimo cinuuto, che si rin- nov6 pill volte, e 1' armoniosa niusica corrutrice degli animi compi la seduzione. Questo sarebbe stato il momento opportune di fu«r- gire pero non n' ebbe il coraggio. Nesisuno potettc consigliarle quel sentiinento di ragionevolezza che le niancava e non sapendo chiudere 1' oreccliio al linguag gio di un amore giovine e sincero, essa ebbe la debo- lezza di tradirsi. Dal canto suo, egli con tanto ardore soUecitt^ la feli- oit4 di vederla da solo a solo, e di essere ricevuto da lei, 11 suo dolore fu cosi violento, le sue lagrime cosi sincere, la sua passione cosi insinuante che un giomo ;i^i5i^^'<«®^5S8S*fiS*S»!»Wi£rfeiSKWSiW^ 56 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. he knelt at the feet of Fanny, in her little apartment in Fui-8tenil)urg street. Alas ! Fanny had no mother. Six months after, when we meet Fanny, in spite of the great love of Julius, which seemed to increase daily in intensity, she felt a dcap and strong sorrow which poisoned her happiness. At the side of Julius she endeavored to overcome it, asking from love the oblivion of her remoi-so. But in the houi-s of solitude and reflection, a lively grief mastered her heart, tears flowed abundantly as goon as her thoughts departed from the present, marching toward the future. Her only hope reposed on the uncertain duration of the love of Julius. For although he was most tender and affectionatt!, yet he hud some faults which rightly grieved her. The principal ones were mistrust and jealousy. Already, to please him, she hod been obliged to discontinue her lessons, as Julius thought that profession a little wandering, because he, with his experience, had learned to what dangers a young teacher is exposed ; and, though renouncing in this way the exercise of her talents she had lost much, yet she would accept nothing from her lover. Fanny succeeded in pei-suading Ji lius that she had still a small in(!ome arising from the united legacies of her father and an old aunt, which, together with some little savings, (now almost exhausted,) was enough for a iffurarfi . - l iitiiiiiiii ii i i mtn i miwnii nent in ther. ipito of icrejiae sorrow JuliuH 3ve the olitude t, teiu"8 (parted Her of the ler and rightly ^t and been lought , with young n this •h, yet Fanny still a of her some gh for UNA LETTKRA ANOXmA. 67 cadde alio ginocchia di Fanny ncl piccolo apparta- raento della via di Fui-stcmberg. Ahiine I Fanny non aveva la madre ! Dopo sei mesi all' epoca in cui ritroviamo Fanny in onta deir imnienso amore di Giulio che sembni\'a giornalmcnte crcHccre in intonsitj\ essa provava un forte e pungente dolore che avvolonava la si a felicifcV. Al fianco di CJiulio si sforznva di caimarlo doinundando air aniorc 1' ol»lio del rinioi'so. Peru nelle ore di soli- tudine e di riflossione nn vivo dolore h' iinpadroniya del suo cuore, le lagrinie sgorgavano in abbondanza dal momenlo in cui il sno pensicro si allontanava dal presente e si dirigeva verso 1' avvenirc. L' unica sua speranza riposava mW ineerta durata della passione di Giulio. Per quanto quosti fosse tenero ed affezionato atutta prova, pure possedeva qualche difetto dei quali a giustn ragione ella s'inquietava. 1 principali erano la diifidenza e la gelosia. Cii\ per contentarlo aveva do- vuto cessare le sue lezioni, dappoiche Giulio prendeva ombra di quella professione un po' vngabonda avendo egli stesso, coUa propria esperienza iniparato a quali pericoli andasse esposta una maestra, e quantunque rinunciando all' esercizio del suo talento essa avesse perduto molto, pure non aveva volute accettare nulla dal suo amante. Fanny riesci a persuadere Giulio che delle riunite ereditil del padre e di una vecohia zia, le restava ancora una piccola rendita, che riunita a certe economic (quasi per intero consumate) bastava ai suoi -^^^mm^^^-i^^i^i^ei^i^sii^semi£^smmm»i^»::iiMmmii-'.i-i»'--^i ■ r wiaw. ws --^T«mi-" ^«5«EVSS3Kr^ I: ^^ AN ANONYMOUS LRTTRU. Iht needs. We have Hlreiuly seem how the poor girl added to her sctiiity income by the Hiile of her tn{)eHtry- work, in which, jw in many other things, she was indeed very skillful. Very few ininiites had passed since Marion had gone, when Fanny was disturljcd in her meditations l»y a sharp pull at the hell, which restored her gayety. "At last!" she thought, and ran to open the door. Julius entered. He was a young man about thirty years old. with dark hair and rather pallid complexion. The habit of serious study had imparted to his coun- tenance a premature gravity, and although naturally kind and inclined to indulgence, one might have no- ticed in his looks that distrust common to all those who, on accoimt of their studies, keep aloof fi-om the world, and who are not accustomed to judge of men and things at a single glance. At the moment Julius appeared, he had the thoughtful mien of a man who has taken an important resolution and has prepared himself to disclose it. After having glanced around him, he asked Avhere Marion wjis. "I sent her on an errand," answered Fanny, with- out any further explanation. Julius entered the parlor, took Fanny's beautiful hands in his own, kissed them, and motioning her to » seat, seated himself near her. "Fanny, "he began with the sweetest voice, "Fanny, are you happy ? " oor girl u{)eHtiy- he was on had iitntions f?'»y«ty. lo door. ; thirty )loxion. s conn- itu rally ave no- li thOHO •oin tho f)f men ; Julius an who 'epared around , with- sautiful her to Fanny, UNA r.RTTRRA ANONIMA. 50 biflo^!. Abbiamo gi:l veduto in qual inaniera, invoco, la poverina suppliHso a questi ultinii colla nascosta vendita dei suoi lavori di ta[)o/.zeria nei quali come in tante altre coso era abiliHsiina. Erano forse HuorHi appenii j)0chi minuti dacch^ Ma. rianiia era uncita, quando di reponte Fanny venne di. 8turt)ata nei suoi ponHieri da una scanipanellata ohe le it!8titii\ il buon' umore. " '' Finalmente," essa pci s6, e corse ad aprire la poi-ta, Giulio entri). Era desso un giovino sulla trontina, bruno ed alquanto pailido. L' abitudine. di uerii stndii nveva improsso siii suoi linoumenti una prccoce wravitiL Abbenchu fosse di natura buono e propenso al- I'indulgenza sni suoi sjfuurdi vi A .scorgcva quella diffi- denza propria di tutti coloro che a motivo dei loro studii Bono lontani dal niondo e che non sono esercitati a giu- dicare uomini e cose con un scmplice colpo d' occhio. Nei presentai-si avcva il fare pensieroso di un uonu) uhe ha preso una risoluzione importante e che si pre- para a manifestarla. Dopo avere date un' occhiata intorno a lui domand6 dove fosse Marianna. "L' ho mandata fuori," rispose Fanny, senz' altro oomuiento. Giulio passo nella sala, prese le belle mani di Fanny, vi scocc6 un bacio e facendolc segno di sedere si assise accanto a lei. "Fanny," ei comincio col piii dolce tuono, "cara Fanny, sei tu felicel 60 AN ANONriMOUS LOTTKR. '•Certninly," whe nnHwcred, "and how could it be otherwise y Is not your love alwuyH the Hiiine i Kvery lime you wish to know if I aui huppy, iwk yourself if you lovo me. " "And nevertheless," replied Julius, "you are suf- fering without confiding it to me. as if your heart ought to hide something from mo. More than once 1 have discovered traces of teai-s on your face; more than once I thought I had guessed the agitations of your soul. From whence that grief which your feigned gayety cannot hide from me i Speak, Fanny, have confidence in me; what do you wish? What do you require of me v " " Nothing I Have I not told you often, your love isemmgh for me^" ♦' Do you not possess it entirely ? I know well you do not iLsk for the splendor of luxury or the pleasures of vanity (( You refused my gifts, and I was obliged to yield to a pride I so much appreciated. Fanny, that which you wish for, the desire which troubles your joy and quiet, and perhaps injures your health also, is then greater than my riches, greater than my love?" " Can you think so ? " He smiled sweetly, ndding in a most encouraging tone : "Speak, tell me it, open your heart to me." Fanny answered : " Friend, I do not complain of my lot, I made it what it is. I love you, and so '. ong as (1 it be Kvery iroolf if are snf- ir lieart I once 1 ); more tions of h your Fanny, ^liat (io lur love '^ell you easnrcs obliged Fanny, roubles • health ban my iragmg ne." >lain of dongas UNA I.KTTFRA ANONIMA. dl " Si(!Uraniont('." ella rmpose, "come non potroi esHorlo ? II tuo aniore nou e scin{)ie 11 niodosinio ? Tutto le volte die vuoi conoHcere se io mi sia folice, (lomandati se tu mi ami sempro." " Kppure," viprese Giulio," tu soflVi sonza pnle- sarmelo, quiwi clie il tuo cuorc dovesse nascondcro qualche aegicto. Piii di una volta, ho scopcrto sid tuo viso le tniccie dclle tuc Iniriime; piii di una volta ho creduto d' indovinure V ngitazioiic dclla tuaaiiiina. Percht' quest' abbattimcnto die la tiia simulata alle- gria non puo riescire a nascondenui '. Parla, Fanny, sii liduciosa, cho cosa dcsideri ? Che vuoi da mo i " "Nulla, gii\ tel dissi latua tenere//-a mi basta." " Non la possiedi fovsio intevamente { So bene cho tu non mi domandi Io splendoie del Iuh^o ed i piaccri della vanitA. Tu hai respinto i miei doni, ed ho do vuto cedere ad un orgoglio die appiez/.o intinitamen- te. Cit) che tu desideri, Fanny, (piewto bene di cui la brama tormenta la tua gioia ed il tuo riposo, e forso ingiuria e pregiudica la tua salute, i' dun(|ue maggioro delle ricchezze e piu pre/ioso del mio amoro ? " " Puoi suppodo ? " Egli sorrise dolcemente, dicendole colla piii inco- rairaiante inflessione di voce : " Pada, dimmelo, apdmi la tua anima." Rimettendosi al suo posto Fanny rispose : '' Amico, non mi lamento del mio destino, io mede- sima Id feci qual' e. Ti ho amato e finche tu mi amc- i i — ;s;iarJ^/^;;t ' ?gaiUit.AA!tHi.i^.'«'4J^-o '«i-j--''MW-i.«>-^---i.-.' 62 AN ANONYMOUS LKTlKR. you will love uie 1 shall have no other grief. Forgive me if some remembrance of the past comes to my mind, and tries to disturb the happiness I feel with you. Alas I despite of myself, against my wishes, I often fancy 1 see my father, my poor father who loved me so much, appear before me with angry face, ask- ing a strict account of the principles in which he had educated me. I have no reason to reproach you. I aske' only for your love, and until now you have ffiven it. You had only promised me faithfulness, and you have kept your promise. What reason have I, then, to complain ! What are the causes of my grief. 1 am happy, you know it veiy well." While Baying these words, she wiped a falling tear. Julius, pressing her head to his breast, answered : "Yes, dear Fanny, without doubt I promised you my love, but this love is capable of anything ; it will not slop short of sacrifices which will cease to be called such the moment when through them you recover your peace and happiness. " What do you mean i " she asked, raising her beau- tiful eyes, full of wonder. " Yesterday you confided me something." ■ She blushed and bent her head. "To- questa donna Fanny sel tu, qucsto nome o il mio, io te 1' offro, lo vuoi tu ? " Jja poverina a\'eva a-scoltato quelle parole come se non ne avesse con preso il signilicato. Allorche Giulio ebbe finito, essa i imase ancora un instante colle manl giunte ed in atto di guardarlo ed ascoltarlo. Giulio le atferro I.i mano contcmplandola con amore. "Davvero?" mormoro linalmente, "nou e questo un sogno ? " "No, no, sarebbe uno scherzo troppo crudele." "Ah! caro!" ed in cio dire si lascio cadere nelle braccia di Giulio, riiti inimediatamente distaccandosene cadde ginocchioni, dicendo ; "Ohl padre mio I" Un pensiero attrav, i-so la -ua mt-are, ed alzatasl pallida si avvicino a Giulio. t ii.s.-iundoIo in volto tutto il tempo ch' ella parlo, cosi gli disse : "Grazie, caro, di Uui' . .lenerositil. 3e ti fosse dato 66 AN ANONYMOUS LE'lTEK. read my heart, what gratituiie and new love would you discover in it. I have yet a question to ask you. Listen ; these words are serious, and 1 pray you seri- ously to answer them. If what you told me is only dictated by conscience, if you offer me your hand, this precious present by me so long wished for, only as the performance of a sacred duty, if some day in the future your heart should munnnr against the sacrifice you arc now niakmg for my sake, then how great may be my grief ; and although I have no longer the right to refuse you, because I have no i*ight to think of myself alone, yet I should prefer to hide my lone- liness and shame in some unknown place rather than to live with you, spurned and despised by a husband Avho would soon repent of the concessions given in a moment when ptission overpowered him." " Fanny," replied the youth, " I swear to you that my heart only has urged me to take such a step." Again she fell at his feet. He raised her, and in a few minutes Julius was kneeling before her, saying : "Now, Fanny, will you refu.se me what I am going to ask of you ? " "What can I refuse? What do you wish from me?" " A proof of love. As you well know, I always feared that your heart, before being acquainted with me, had loved another. You have always assured me of the contrary, nevertheless this fear often returns to would isk you. ou seri- is only mil, this only as y in the sacrifice w great iger the to think ay lone- ler than msband en in a jrou that 3p." and in a y^ing : n going ih from always ^d with ired me turns to i UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 67 di leggere nel mio cuore quanta riconosoenza e quanto novello amore non vi scoin'iresti. Ho un' alti-a do- manda a farti. Ascoltsmii, parlo sul .mtIo, e ti prego di seriamente i-ispondornii. Se quanto poco fa mi di- cesti fu solo dettato dalla coscien/a ; se mi offri la lua mano,que8to benecos'i prezioso da me tanto de&iderato, solo per compiere nn sacro dovere; se infine un giorno il cuore tuo dovesse mormorare contro il sajrriticio chv^ oggi mi fai; ebbene, allora, per quanto forte possa es- sere il mio dolore e quantunque forse io non mi abbia pill il diritto di rifiutarti, giacche non mi licedi per .-"vo a me soltanto, pure amt^rci nieglio nascondere in qu. !- chc sconosciuto ritiro il mio abbandono e la mia ver- gogna che vivere presso di te importuna e disprezzata da uno sposo che si ripentirebbo delle concepsion' strappategli in un momento di passione." " Fanny," ripete il giovino, "ti gluro che il cuore eolo mi ha consigliato questa risoluzioue." Di bel nuovo essasi gett<) ai suoi piedi; egli larialzo, e pochi moment! dopo (riulio a suo turno trovavasi in ginocchio dinnnzi a lei, dicendole : "Adesso, Fan.iy, mi ririuterai tu la domanda che sono per farti." " Che cosa poss' io rifiutarti ? Che vuoi tu da me? " "Una prova d' aniore. ilo .senqjre temuto, come tu ben sal, die prima cli conosecrmi 11 tuo cuore avesso amato altri. Tu mi liai scmpre assicurato del con- trario, pu;- tuttavia questo timore spesso ritoma alia -L .^^A'>«t%ni ^--^sAtfTunt .:.'/ f!A '?• ■» 'T 68 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. my thoughts. To-day I doubt no more. I can assure you of it. You have told me a thousand times that you have kci)t nothing of the past but reme'^.i- brances of your childhood and of your family. You have jealously kept as a treasure a ring, in which your mother had put a lock of your liair when you were so young you could only answer her by caresses. I wish to have this ring ; give it to me — to me, your lawful husband, now that in nie is concentrated your whole family that you huve lost. Give me what remains to you that belonged to your molhei'." She was about to rise, but pausing, "Later," she said. "Why notnoAV?" "Dear, I alwav!-- bi-lieved in the sincerity of your love. I inferred it from your jealous feai-s, and my only sorrow was in not being able to quiet your suspi- cions. All you have now told me cei-tainly fills me with joy, but does not at all surprise me. I was wait- ing tliiit word which should take away all guilt from us ; I was waiting because I knew you loved me, also because you are good and generous. Listen, then: On the da}- of our mnrriage I will give you that ring, which I cannot part from except for the sake of him whom I love. This has always been my thought. On the hapi)y day of our union I cannot put on my head the orange crown every bride is accustomed to weju* in going to the altar. That ring is all that be- longs tx) me, and at the same time is the only thing I ,.-■1 UNA LETTERA ANOXIMA. 69 mir. mente. Oggi piii non dubito, te lo giuro. Tu mille volte mi hai ripetuto avere conaervato del passato solamente ricordi d' infanzia e di faniiglia. Tu hai ge- losamcnte cui^tudito, quale un tesoro, un ancllo nel quale tua madre racchiuse i tuoi capelli, allorche troppo giovine ancora, tu non potevi rispondere alle sue car rezze. Bramo di possedere quell' anello, dammelo, dallo a me, tuo sposo, oggi chu in me si concentra tutta la famiglia che tu hai perduta. Dammi cio che ti resta di tua madre." Fatto un movimento per alzarsi, e quindi arrestatasi di bel nuovo : "Pititardi," ella rispose. "Perchfe?" "Ho sempre creduto, caro, alia sinct^ritA del tuo amore verso di me, lo argomentai dai tuoi gelosi timori, ed il mio unico dolore era quello di non riescire a cal- mare quel tuoi sosjjetti. Qnanto ora mi dicesti senza ch' io te lo domandassi mi colma di vera gioia, ma non mi reca sorpresa lo aspettava questa paroia che scan- cella qualunque colpa fra noi, I'aspettava, perchfe tu mi ami, e pcrche sei buono e gencroso. Ebbene! II giorno dellc nostre nozze ti daro quell' anello di cui non posso privarmi che solo in favore di colui che amo. Ebbi sempre questo pensiero. Nel giorno felice della nostra unione, io non potro porre sul capo quella co- rona oJie tutte le zitelle sogiiono porre nel recarsi all' al- tare. Quest anello h quanto mi appartiene, ed e la .„ ^«'r ' RW"J ' iBligii>. ' ,J".''.-».- '•'iiii ••'rf 'mi 'rn' • irillriWIIiMnnni r 70 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. have not given to you. It will be my nupf'^'.l gift," J«'Uu8 would, perhaps, have insisted, bat just at that moment Marion entered. She seemed disap- pointed. By means of signs, she made her mistress undei-stjind that she had not found the usual buyer and that consequently she had brought the tapes- tiy I atk. "What is the matter?" asked Julius, who had already noticed some of tL se signs. " Nothing, " answered Fui ly, smiling. "Always some mysteries? " " No," and she embraced him. - In order to change the couree of Julius' thoughts, she added : "Have you pondered all the obstacles to this union?" Before he had time to answer, a loud noise was heard in the street, usually so quiet Julius ran to the window, and a few steps from the house he saw a fainting woman surrounded by a crowd. He imme- diately descended into the street in ordt-r to briniy help, and a few niin-ites afterward returned. "Strange,"" he said, "the hox-se of my cousin, Mre. de Launay, who had gone to her business man to talce an impoi-tant document, has fallea, and although not wounded, the fright she experienced baa caused her ikL '•".1 gift." t ju8t at 3cl disap- ' niistroHS lal buyei* le tapes- whu hud houghts, to this oiso was IS run to he anw a e imnit;- to bring in, Mi-s. I to take •ugh not sed. her UNA LRTTERA ANONIMA. 71 sola cosa ch' io non ti ahbia ancora dato; esso sari 11 mio regulo di nozze." Giulio avrebbe foi-se insistito, ma in qupsto monionto entro Marianna. Essa scunbrava di cattivo vmiore. A forza di cenni fece coniprendero alia sua pudrona di non avere trovato la venditrice e di avere rocato indic- tro la tapezzeria. "Che cosac' fe," doinando Giulio, oho avova sorpre- 8() quel cenni. *' Nulla ! " risposc Fanny sorridendo. " Sempi-e misteri ! " " No," ed essa lo al^braccio. Per far cambiarc il corso delle idee di GitiHo, cssa riprese. ' 'Hai tu calcolato gli ostacoli a questa nostra unione ?" Prima che Giulio avesse il tempo di rispondero, udissi un gran rumoro nella strada ordinariamente si quieta. Giulio corse alia finestra ed a pochi passi scorse una giovine donna svenuta circondata da vario persone. Discese immantinente per aiutare in portarle soc- corso, e pochi minuti dopo risalito : " Strana coincidenza, " ei disse, "il cavallo del car- rozzino della signora de Launay, mia cugina, venuta presso il suo uomo d'affiiri per prendere un documento importante, e caduto, e la paura ch' essa ha provato, le ha accagionato imo svenimento ; pero essa non h stata ferita. Vado ad acconipiignarla a casa, a 78 AN ANONYWOUfl LRTTKIt. toHwoon. I shall go und boo hor homo. Good -byo till to-morrow " Emhraring Fimny, he quickly dcptirtod. Fanny went U) the window to sec him go. Julius dare not look ut her. III. THE FKIEND. On the f«>llowing day, while Julius was at Fanny's house, a scene was l>eing enacted in the rue of Lille, tlie consequences of which might have destroyed all the projects of the two lovei-s. Mrs. Valabert had re- ceived a visit from the Countess of Septeuil, a lady of ancient nobility, inmicusely wealthy and in friendly h. 3rcourse with many persons having influence at court. The conversation between those two had been quite long. As this visit was a very important and not an ordinary one, the conversation, at the beginning cold and reserved, had gradually become lively and confidential, till both ladies, after a long diplomatical discourse, had thought it convenient to explain the cause which had brought them together. The interview had ended, and Mrs. Valabert was already accompanying the countess to the door of the hall, and the two ladies had reciprocally exchanged imm» d-hyo till Fanny dure nut UNA t.KITKUA ANONIMA. 78 riv««(U'm a doniani " Aldn-acciata Fanny proclpi- tatauifntc hi allontano. Fanny, «i pose alia Hnestm per vcdcrlo partirc. ma (iinlio non oso rivojfjen' 1 8U<)i occhi verso di lei. - Fanny's of Lille, royed all d had re- a lady of friendly inence at een quite and not eginning vely and lomatical >lain the bert was or of the ichanged ill. Nel giorno jiUHsiij lenlo ineati Giulio trovavasi dft Funny nella via di Lilla aveva liiogo una seena di cui lo scioglimonto se si fosse realizzato avrebbe foi-se di- strutto i progetti dt'i due anianli. La signora Vala- bert avcva ricevuto la visita (Uilla contessa di Septeuil dama di antica nobiltA,, iinniensamente ricca od in in- tima relazione con molti personnaggi in grandissimo credito presao la Corte. Fra lore la convei-saz.ione era statu assai lunga. Sul bel principio fredda e riservata da parte cd altra, giao- che non si trattava di tna semplice visita, ma di un coUoquio molto inipoi-tante, poco alia volta la conver- sazione si era aniuiata, ed era addivenuta assai intinia, quando ognuna delle due signore dopo lunghi diplo- matici raggiri avea giudicato bene di spiegare il mo- tivo pel quale erano venute ad abboccamcnto. La conferenza era terniinata o gi}\ la signora Vala- bert aveva accompagnata la contessa all' uscio del sa- lotto, giA le due signore avevano vicendevolniente scam- J i' 74 AN ANONYMOUS F-RTTKB. pHitinjj snlulations, fiicndly. iilthoiijrli full of dignity, Avlien the nrriviil of two other porHons delayed th«ir separntion a few niiiiutes. One of the two new conj- ei'rt was a frontlenian of al)out forty or forty-fivo yoara of age, with an open fate which indicated most splen- did health and complete al)senco of all sorrow. His manners were those of a man who, although accus- tomed to mingle in high society, lacks grace and elegance of carriage. His proiwinent grey eyes ex- pressed a constant satisfacition and happiness. Ha held his head aloft like those who, proud of them- selves, believe that they ploduco in others the same favorable impression they feel whenever they place themselves before a mirror. Mr. SaintGilles had left the army at the time of the second restoration and t- frown himself into speculations, and, like many ouiei-s, hud succeeded without knowing what he was doing. Chance had made him a wealthy man and riches made him fat. The person who accompanied him was a young lady who may have been about twenty-six years of age, and who appeared neither more nor less. Her features had kept the freshness and delicacy of youth, her smile was enchanting and all her movements were calm, pleasant and Bymmet- rical. Her beauty was not that which strikes one at the first glance, but rather that which insinuates itself ElL. »f dignity, lyed their now coni- ■Hvo years lost splen- •ow. His igh accua- pa{;o and r eyes ex- loss. Ho of them- tlie same hoy phice rilles had •ation and lie many lit he was man and ompanied 5eu about d neither freshness iting and syniniet- ces one at utes itself V m. m '41 IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 l^|28 |2.5 | io '"^~ HS^B — sI^IS 1.1 l.-^l^ 1-25 1 1.4 III 1.6 «, 6" ► Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 873-4503 — ■•- '•.■feraaaa*^ . m MM A .GiUos,on perceiving the countess of Septeuil, assumed a more contented air, and his eyes were enabled to express something a little resembling thought. With an awkward and very evident inten- .,.>A.«^:.^..rt.^,.-;^,..J^-^ , ^ f; ^ |^ ^^ |Hl^|-^^. ^ .y^|.-~-,-j Jfci le same — a lany years lost ruined 3W scheme 'emotencss le remains lods which fifty per self at the n his wife aiting for id saved a and could usin, who e her, had Y. Adele time leav- ovements, ig her age ag in that I Septeuil, eyes wei'e •esembling ient inten- UNA LETFERA ANONIMA. 7S manifesto di tutti quei suoi viaggi era stato sempre lo stesso, ima perdita, cioe, tanto di tempo, quanto di capitale. Dopo varii anni dl questa nomade esistenza il signor de Launay qaasi rovinato, ma non corretto si era da ultimo lasciat.) adescare da un nuovo progetto che lo aveva sedotto a cagione della loiitananzae delia proba bilitA di successo. Coi rimasugli di sua fortuna aveva caricato un bastimento di oggetti che pretendeva di ven- dcre al 50-100 di beneficio nell' America meridionale, e si era messo alia testa della spedizione, questa volta solo, giacch^ per comune accordo sua moglie rimaneva a Parigi per ricevere i gallioni. .Delia propria dote la signora de Launay aveva con- servato un centomila lire che suo maiito non aveva po tuto toccare. La signora Valabert sua lontana eugina che spesso aveva avuto 1' occasione di apprezzarla, V aveva pregata di recarsi ad abitare con lei. Adele aveva accettato qupsta proposta che lasciandola al tempo stesso libera e padrona delle sue azioni le oflriva una protezione ed un asilo necessario alia sua etti, ed alia sua posizione isolata e gik da circa sei mesi ella viveva in quella casa, buona ed aflfettuos i con tutti, discreta ma . non indifferente ed occupandosi degli affari della fami- glia solo quando veniva consultata. Saint-Gilles nel vedere la contessa di Septeuil as- sunse un' aria piii gioviale ed i suoi occhi giunsero perfino ad esprimere qualche cosa che rassomigliava AH/>.i- -A JL 80 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. tion of joking, he addressed a few compliments to the noble hidy, and congratulations upon meeting her at Mrs. Valabert's. On her part, Adele de Launay had contented herself with bowing to Mi-s. Septeuil. As Boon as the countess had left, Saint-Gilles and the two ladies went into the parlor. There Mrs. Valabert addressed Adele thus : "Cousin, you well know our agreement, absolute and full freedom as well for you as for me. This morning you wished Saint-Gilles to accompany you while shopping at several places. Be pleased now to give him back to me as we have need to converse to- gether." "Since you wish to be alone, I will retire." "Before you go," replied Mrs. Valabert, "allow me to repair an involuntary negligence. Yesterday I was somewhat ill, this morning you went out early without my having the pleasure of seeing you. I hope you have not received bad news ? " " None, my dear cousin," answered Adele, '' and I thank you heartily for the interest you take in all that concerns me." After these remarks, she retired to her own apart- ments. Saint-Gilles gazed after her, saying: " That crazy fellow, de Launay, is happier than he deserves to be. Here is a woman who loves him in 'vJ^tut 'xaiviKtiii0-ii»» lirfi -|-i"Hlii«Bifi"Mit. . ■■I ments to the eting her at Launay had epteuil. As and the two rs. Valabert ent, absolute r me. This smpany you sased now to > converse to- tire." aert, "allow Yesterday ent out early sing you. I iele, '' and I ke in all that 3r own apart- }pier than he loves him in I UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 81 ; d un pensioro. Con una jcfofta o visibilissima inten- /lone di nializia, ei dirosso dei complimenti alia nobile da na e si fclicito d' incontrarla in casa della signora Valabert. Dal suo lato Adelo de Launay si era con- tjntata di ealutare la signora di Septeuil. Partita che fu la oontessa, Saint-Gilles e le duo signore entrarono nel salone. AUorala signora Valabert disse ad Adele. "Cugina, I ens pete i nostri patti; assoluta e per- fetta liberty tualo per voi quanto per me. Questa mattina avete desiderato che il signor Saint Gilles vi accompagnasse nelle corse che dovevate fare per com- prare diversi oggetti, abbiate adesso la bont^ di resti- tuirmelo giacchfe abbiamo bisogno di parlare insieme." "Desiderate rimar^re soli, mo ne vado." "Prima di ritirarvi," riprese la signora Valabert, " pei'mettetemi di riparare una volontaria negligenza. So che avete ricevuto lettere da vostro marito. ler- sora fui alquanto indisposta, questa mattina siete uscita per tempo senza che avessi il pin cere di vedervi. Spero non abbiate ricevuto alcuna cattiva notizia." "Nessuna, cara cugina," rispose Adele un po'com- mossa, "e di vero cuore vi ringrazio dell' interesse che prendete per tutto cio che mi concerne," Pronunziate questa parole csci e si ritiro nel suo ap- pa tamento. Saint-Gilles le tenne dietro cogli a^iardi. " Quel matto di de Launay h pi a fell e di quello che meriterebbe. Ecco una donna che lo ama non ostante i 8§ AN ANONYMOUS LETTRR. spite of all his extravagances. If ho would write her to join him, I would not be surprised if she should at once obey. While he could havy quietly enjoyed such a treasure at home, he became a merchant of Cologne water and English soap in the other hemisphere. There are some persons who, although their heads were full of eyes, would not be able to see clearly." " Yes," answered Mrs. Valabert, sadly, "there are passions impossible to be explained ; some spurn virtue, Bome do not know vice." "Oh 1" said SaintrGilles, who had already without ceremony seated himself in an easy-chair, his legf- crossed and his body reclining, "what has happened? Did the countess depart disappointed V' "Yes, friend." "Why sol" "Because there exists an obstacle which you do not know, and which we cannot say that we will be able to overcome." "What is it?" "It is just to speak to you of it and to ank your advice that I have wished to be alone with you. ' Mrs. Valabert brought another easy-chair near Mr. Saint-Gilles, and sat down beside him. Before we let them begin their confidences, it is necessary to explain briefly the friendship which existed between tJiese two persons : «J 'a [i J r3 8 ii.ii[ B teffiataAiif fe tf';.i 1 write her should at [)yctl such f Cologne misphere. eir heads early." ' there are irn virtue, y without , his legt* mppened ? h you do re will be ask yuur you. ' ■ near Mr. noes, it is lip which UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 83 tutto le sue stravuganze. Se egli le scrivesse di an- dare a raggiungorlo non sarci aliutto sorpreso ch' ella r ubbidirebbe subito, Mentre avrebbe potato tran- quillamento godei-si tale toHoro eccolo chc pensa di farsi negoziante di a«qua di Cologna e di Hnpone in- glese neir altro emist'eio. Vi sono poreone che anche colla testa circoudata da miilo occhi nan urrivertibbero a vedervi chiaro." *'Si," rispose tristainente la signora Valabert, "esi- stono pasaioni impossibili a spiegarsi, taluni disprez- zano la virtu, altri non sanno couoscere il vizio." -"Ehl buon Dio!" disse Saint-Gillcs, che giA erasi seduto senza ceniuionie colle gambe accavalcate ed il dosso rovesciato fjulla spalliera di unit, poltrona; "cosa h mai accaduto? Forse la contessa se n' ^ ita dispia- ciuta?" "S\,amico." "Ebbene?" " Ebbene, hawi un ostacolo che vol non conoscete, e non so se riescircmo a sormontarlo." "Quale?" " Ho voluto rimanere sola con voi appunto per ren. dervene istrutto e doniandarvi il vostio consifflio." La signora Valabert avvicino una poltrona e s' assise al fianco di Saint>Gilles. .Prima di lasciarla corainc'iare la sua confidcnza fa d' uopo 61 spiegare con poche parole 1' amicizia ch' esi. steva f ra queste due persone. I 84 AX ANONYMOUS LKTTER. Siiiiit-Gilka was a bachelor, Mre. Valabcrt was a widow, but whi(!h is rarely the case, their relations were truly based upon pure and holy friendnhip. Julius' mother was virtuous not only on account of her training, but by nature. Cold and calm in her youth, she had never admitted the possibility of a fault, and the love which enraptured the senses, love without mairiago, was considered by her a chimera or a vice without excuse, like hypocrisy, falsehood or theft. Saint-Gilles had received many favors from Mrs. Valrtbert, for which he had shown himself very grate- ful. , He continued to visit the widow, and little by little made himself indispensable to her. He had no etiuai in bestowing trifling attentions and in busying himself with other people's alFairs. Always at the disposal of whoever needed him, he collected rents, canvassed for mortgages to place money, arranged preliminaries of marriages and took upon himself all sorts of troubles and every kind of work. In short, he was a most clever and indefatigable '• '■factotum.'" "Friend," began Mrs. Valabert, "to you am I indebted for the acquaintance of the coimtess of Sep- teuil. You were the first who thought of this mar- riage, so advantageous for my son. The count<>8s gave her consent to this union, and has given me the assurance that her daughter had no opposition to it whatever. With sorrow I have discovered a secret i UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 85 Shint-Gillea non era ttiiTmogliuto, hi sipjnora Vala- b«rt era vedovu, ma, cosa rara, le loro rclazioni erano realinentti l)a8ato sulla pura c santa amici/ia. La ma- dre di Ginlio era virtuosa non solo a cagiono doi prin- cipii ricevuti, nia anche per natura. Froddti e calma, nolla sua gioventu nonavevamai anuncsso per un solo instante la possibilittV di una colpa, e 1' amore che com- miiove i sensi, 1' amove sonza il matrimonio era da lei considerato quale una chimera, oppuro quale un vizio senza scuwa simile all' ipocrisia, alia bugia, al furto. ^ Saint^Gillos aveva ricevuto dal signor Valabert dei favori pei quali erasi mostrato riconosconto. Egli con- tinuo di far visita alia vedova e pr)Co a pocx) si rese in- dispensabile. Egli non aveva il huo eguale per le pic- cole attenzioni e per occuparsi degli aft'ari altrui. Sempre a disposizione di chiunque volesso servirsi di lui egli riscuoteva le rendite,andava in cerca d' ipotechc pel coUocamente di somme di danaro, cominciava pre- liminari di matrimonio, s' incaricava di tutte le com- missioni ed accettava qualunque f atica. Insomma era il factottim il piii intelligente ed il piii instancabile. " Amico," cominci6 la signora Valabert, "a voi vado debitore della conoscenza della signora contessa di Septeuil; foste voi che il primo pensaste ad un matrimo- nio che sarebbe cosi avvantaggioso per mio figlio. La contessa accord6 il suo consenso e mi ha accertato che sua iiglia non vi metteva ostacolo. Con mio dispia- oere ho saputo un segreto ch' io sospettava gi^ da ■4 fi r J. 86 AN ANONYMOUS LEITER. which for a long time I had suspected, namely, that Julius huA a guilty relation with a person whom he is passionately in love with." "Oh!" replied Saint-Gilles in a very easy way, "at his age that is a very coininon occurrence." " Yes, but he will not part from this woman I " "Poh ! Julius is a young man of spirit, who will not sacrifice his future to a caprice. Be at ease. Be- sides, he knows of the negotiations begun with the countess and he has already seen her daughter. It is true that he has not consented, openly but neither has he refused. If he Lad not had good intentions, he would not have let us take these steps, since at the point where we now stand it would be almost impos- sible to break them oil' without a strong and reason- able motive." ''We have not positively consulted him, and only taken his silence for consent. Perhaps Julius does not even know that the countess came this morning to visit me. Do not be mistaken about the character of my son. I can and do know it better than you. He is a man who waits for the last moment, not to make a definite decision, but only to communicate to you his resolve. To display courage, he needs to feel danger. He loves me, it is true, but if his love is sincere and deep, he will not yield to me." "And who is the object of his passion?" asked g W.i iSiS i";Wi»tex. She ere does ve." 3, rising. !st in me ay steps, see this 9 Julius, UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 89 mand6 Saint-Giles, ' 'f orse qualche donnicciuola 1 Forse un attrice ? Forse una ballerina ? " " Chiunque essa sia, percerto dev' essere una donna di perduti costimi," riprese la signora Valabert, "a quanto mi si disse h giovine, bella, appartiene ad un' onesta famiglia e per sventura ha ricevuto una distinta educazione. E' una maestra di musica a nomo Fanny . . . . " ♦' Fanny Dusmenil ? " " Appunto la conoscete forse? " *'Per Baccol Per qualche tempo dette lezioni ad una mia nipotina. Bellissima creatura ! bel boccone ! ve lo giuro; un portamento! e poi, e poi, che oo- chil che mani superbe 1 a tutto questo aggiungete del talento, e molte anchel Giulio 1' ha veduta da mia sorella. Un bel giorno essa mando ad avvisare che non sarebbe piii venuta; s' ignorava 11 motivo di una cosl fatta risoluzione; eccolo conosciuto adesso; aff^ mia, nessuno lo avrebbe suj posto. CoUasua aria modesta dev' essere volpe e jhia. Non bisogna che creda di passarsela cosi liscia. Dove abita ? " "Qui vicino, via Furstemberg, cos'i credo." "Vicorro subito," disse Saint-Gilles, alzandosi. " Amico non ho mai posto in dubbio il vostro affetto per me e la vostra premura per quanto possa interes- sarmi. Prima di fare qualunque passo debbo doman- darvi un altro favore. Invece di vedere questa gio. vine che se ne lamenterebbe con Giulio, snaturando le 't [• I ; QO AN ANONYMOUS LKTTEB. exaggerating your words, would it not be better to ad- dress your remarks to my son ? I hcsit"te to speak to him. He is no more a boy ; I cannot scold him, and in spite of my love I could with great diffi- culty decide to be a witness to his blindness and to hear him praise the woman who deceives him, f(»r how can we believe in the virtue of a woman who even for once has forgotten her duty ? '" "It was my intention," answered Saint-Gilles, "to employ the quickest means to cut the evil at its root; but, as you wish it, I will speak to Julius. It is impossible that he will not recollect himself. Did they tell you that he intended to marry her ? " " No, but if perchance he were about to do so ? " "Oh! before all," replied Saint-Gilles, "we must not trust this princess. I pretend to be a good physi- ognomist, and yet I would have given her the com- munion without confession. We have no time to lose ; all these creatures have a fondness for marriage. I hope Julius will open his eyes. He is in love. Very well ; he will fall in love with his bride, who is also a beautiful woman, and after eight days he will think of the other no more. After all, we have a last re- source to dry the tears of his Ariadne. What does she wish for? A position? money? we will giVe her half of what she asks, showing ourselves good and settling the matter conveniently. With twenty to twenty-five bills of a thousand each, all will be made tter to ad- e to speak cold him, ;reat diffi- 388 and to I him, f(»r oman who Jilles, "to it its root; us. It is self. Did ?" do so ? " "we must ood physi- r the com- ne to lose ; image. 1 )ve. Very 10 is idso a will think a last re- Vhat does II give her good and twenty to I be made UNA UlTTERA ANONIMA. 91 vostre parole non sarcbbe forse meglio di dirigersi a mio liglio ? lo esito a parlargli, egli non e piii un fan ftiullo, non posso sgridarlo e malgrndo il mio amore per lui difficilmente mi docidcrei di cssere tcstimone del suo accccamento e sentirgli fare 1' clogio di quella donna che certamente loinganna; perocchL' come poter prestar fede alia virtu di una donna che per una sola volta sia giunta a dimenticare il proprio dovere?" "Era mia intenzionc," disse Saint-Gilles, " d' im- piegarc i mezzi piu solleciti e tagliare il male' alia ra- dice. Giaccli' y my hands not severe nd possible believe that well avoid lover, I am We shall try to cheer longer, and alabert not iations with us did not i excuse us I'casons he ; ; it will bo jm were re- to that class :o others by ot asked. • was com- ither's tears as possible, ainly Adele )avei'sation. derA. la signorina ai suoi penati ed alia sua musica con variazioni e col tempo sposeri un artista ch' essa renderilk. felice. lo m' inoarico delle trattativo. E poi chi saed and in r son, she that you )n, and if this even- na, previdento, amabilo piii del solito, ma in sua pre- sen/a non venivano scambiato s))iegazioni, ne cssa domandava di esscre chianiata in conlidenza, di ma- nicra ehe ignorando hi cagiono di quella freddez/.a, non [)()teva in ulcun modo provocareuna decisiva spie gazione. Dal canto suo Giiilio aveva lasciato Fanny all' (i.scuro dell' opposizione ch' egli incontrava du parte di sua mntlre, della quale Saint-Gilles era il por- tiivoce. Egli s' incorraggiava nella resistenza, seni- pro paventando il monicnto in cui avrebbe dovuto in una maniera irrevocabile significare la sua ferma de- cisione. Egli sperava che Saint-Gilles riconoscendo 1' inutilitsV dei suoi tentativi e stanco di lotta rinun- ziercbbe alle suo ossessioni. In questa falsa si tuazione passarono cos\ varii giorni; pero di necessitii doveva avere una tine. Un bel mat- tino la casa della signora Valabert prese un aspetto di festa; i servitori andavano e venivano con un' aria af- faccendata. Giulio, rientrundo a mezzod^,rimarcu tutto quel mo\imento, ne sapeva a che cosa attribuirlo. Gid ei correva a domandarne laspiegazione,allorche I'uscio del salotto in cui si trovava si aprl. La signora Vala- bert veniva dal suo apj)ai'tamento, pronta ad uscire. Fcrmandosi innanzi al hglio gli disse : " Sono contentissima d' incontrarvi, spero che questo dopo pranzo non abbiate alcun' affare d' imporianza ; e se la vostraintenzione fosse di non rimanere in casa, vi pregh ei per quest' oggi di farmi il sagrificio dcUu :i 96 , AK ANONYMOUS CiRTTER. ing to mo, ns 1 am expecting u numerous compnny.'* " >VTiom ? " "Many friends, among whom will be the countess of Septeuil and her daughter." "Madam ! " interrupted Julius. But his mother, who had spoken these words almost huiTiedly, as one who could see no reason for objec- tion, had already crossed the parlor. A servant came to tell her that the carriage was ready. In his first emotion of surprise, Julius had let her go. Immediately he understood that by disposing of him in such a way his mother had made the last oflfort In that manner he would have l)een under the necessity of letting othei-s believe in his silent ap- proval, or by refusing to be present to break all the negotiations in an unforeseen way, which could have been considered bad manners, and would have com- promised even his mother. And yet this was the only course left to him. This elaborate snare, so easily to be avoided, in which they were trying to entrap him, was more un- bearable than serious and strong obstacles. He had seated himself, pondering how to act. Julius thought himself alone, and was amazed to feel a hand laid on the back of his easy chair, while a sweet voice thus spoke : "You are sad, cousin; is it not true i" i'.'iM^ifcSri^SWW- •"' ■ -M tfi.tfr^^m^'i , )♦ npnny QountetiH s almost ir objec- nt cimie let her osing of the liist 1 under ilent np- c nil the lid have ve com- rvas the ided, in lore un- Hehad thought md laid ice thus UNA LETTRRA ANONIMA. 97 vostra sera giaccho uspetto numerosn compagnia. " "Chir' " Varii amici e fra gli altri la oontesua di Septeuil con sua figlia," •' Signora 1 " interruppe Giulio. Ma gill sua madre, che aveva pronun/.iato queste parole in frett:», quasi non prevedesse ulcuna obiezione aveva attraveraato la sala. Un domestico era venuto ud annunziarle come la carrozza fosse pronta. Nel 8UO primo movimento di sorpresa, Giulio 1' ave va lasciata partire. A prima vista ei cap! come quel C08\ dispon'e del la sua persona fosse uno sforzo di- sperato. In cotesto modo ei si sarebbe trovato nella necessity, o di lasciar credere al suo tacito consenso assistendo alia seratu, ovvero, ricusandovisi, di essere forzato di romperla in una certa maniera impreve- duta e che poteva essere tacciata di cattiva educa- zione, cosa che avrebbe potuto eziandio compromet- tere la madre. Eppure quello si era 11 solo partite che gli rimaneva Questa elaborata trappola cos! facile ad evitarsi e nella quale si cercava di farlo cadere gli era piu insof- fribile di ostacoli serii o forti. Egli si era seduto e pensava a trarsi da quell' imbarazzo. Giulio credeva di essere solo e fu sorpreso nel sentire una mano po- sarsi sulla spalliera della sua poltrona, nel mentre che una voce dolce cos! si (Bsprimeva : "Siete afflitto, buon cugino, non h egli vero ? " 08 AN ANONYMOUS I-KTlKlt. "Julius turned nnd saw Mrs. de Lannuy gazing at him with intoro>t. "How long hiivo yon been there?" ho nskcd. "I do not remember having seen you come in." "I was in your motlier's room. I arrived just wjjen she left the drawing-room, but lovers have nci- th(!r eara nor eyes, and I am not offended at your altsentmindedness. All your attention must be given U) IIER." "Then you know all?" "Yes; this evening party had already been arranged four days ago. It is a little plot prepared by Mr. Saint-Gilles, to which my cousin has given her con- sent. Neither the former nor the latter will believe that your love is deep and sincere." ' "And do you believe it to be so 'i " "I? I ought to have been a diviner, as neither you nor your mother ever spoke to me of it. All that I do know I have learned from your sadness and from some few words heard by chimce or willingly listened to." "If they had consulted you, what would have been your answer ? " " I should have refused to enter into this plot." "Why?" "Because one cannot betray one's allies." " Then you pity me." "If I had not, would you have seen me here? " *fr«fliw*awwit,'»,-^**'iv.«»'*'">f."3n UNA LRllT-RA ANONTMA. v" Gnilio si rlvolso o soorse la slgnorii do Lnnnny che lo riinirfiva con intcrosso. «'Da quanto tt'inpo oravnte qui ? " le :ji» ,i ' J «a---JiriU;^f.\r"^T i V,.ir.;--«8««i-#>,mi«»r,iM>;i»-jrai^ : unhappy." loved i " . happiness itcn to me : men, know >ng passion, ire ready to low to bear jar to brinff O day?" er I" I fear that ay may be it a friend e, when an- f torturing ), then. Is ut I meant at he soon eceive mei UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. lOt "Buona Adele I lo soffro, si sono disgraziato." "Eppure amate e siete riamato I " '« Senza 1' ombra di un dubbio." "Che cosa dimque vi manca? Una felicity che dipende solo da voi. Ascoltatemi, ho sempre crediito che le donne sapessero amare meglio degli uomini,per- che allorquando esse hanno nel cuore una profonda passione non conoscono ostacoli e sanno sfidare la morte; mentre che voi altri uomini non sapete soffrire un moment(. di vergogna o d' imbarazzo." " Avete ragione," disse Giulio, " sono debole e temo di affliggere mia madre." ^ "Ovveropentirvi un giorno." " Oh ! mai 1 e poi mat 1 Se la conosceste I .... " "Su via parlatemi a cuore aperto. Temo bf.ne che qnanto dico e fo in questo momento sia mal fatto, do- vrei rimanere neutrale. Forse h lecito ad un' arnica di domandare la vostra fiducia allorquando un altro che non avete consultato si e assunto il diritto di tor- mentarvi. Rispondetemi; ^ essa bella?" "Senza di lei non potro vivere." "Essa h bella! si, senza dubbio, pero intendo dire, bellissima, bellissima ! " "Pill di voi, cugina," e subito aggiunse " almeno cosi credo." "Ne siete sicuro e non m' ingannate. Ha essa dello Bpirito?" "Moltissimo, unito alia semplicit^, quelle spiri- rfe 102 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. "Very much indeed and, joined with simplicity, that spirit which comes from the heart, like youra, cousin." "Pray do not use me as a comparison," answered Adele, smiling, •' and I am not questioning you about her only in order to hear her praises. After all, you love her, and this is the main point. Are you sure that she also loves you, and that she never loved another ? Is she viraious 'i " "He who would tiy to say the contrary, must prove his word or I should have his life." "Oh, friend! if your heart would be completely free and you would be the absolute master in choosing a wife, could you dare to hope to have in her united, talents, spirit, virtue ? and because you have been so fortunate as to find such a woman and to possess such a treasure, you spurn it 1 And what for ? Julius, search your heart Have you never reproached her with the love you have inspired in her ? " " Can you judge me so unjust ? No; Fanny, to my eyes, is the most virtuous woman in all the world." "Marry her, then, and do not ask me for advice." "I shall take advice only from myself, my good cousin. My present embarrassment lies in findinw a way to break this projected marriage." " It is your own fault Why have you not spoken a month ago ? " "I am well decided not to a^ lear this evening, but how to avoid a scandal 2 " (licity, that •s, cousin." answered you about ;er all, you B you sure iver loved nust prove sompletely n choosing aer united, ve been so )ssess such ? Julius, >ached her iny, to my world." •r advice." my good I finding a lot spoken ening, but UNA LETTERA ANONI.MA. 108 to che proviene dal cuore, come il vostro, cugina." "Non voglio scrvirle di paragone," rlspose Adcle sorridendo, "e non vi parlo di lei, perchfe facciate il mio clogio. In somma vol V amate, ecco il punto principaie. Siete poi sicuro ch' essa vi ami e che non abbia amato alcun altro ? E' dessa virtuosa? " " Colui che volesse sostenere il contrario dovrebbe provarmelo altrimenti n' esigerei la vita." "Oh, amicol se il vostro cuore fosse completa- mente libero, e se foste 1' arbitro assoluto di scegliervi una sposa non osereste sperare di trovare in essa riu- nite labeM, la gioventu, i talenti, lo spirito e la virtii; e perche siete stato cosi fortunato di porre la mano sopra una simile donna c di possedere questo tesoro, voi lo sdegnate. E per qual motivo ? Giulio scendete in voi medesimo. Non le avete mai rimproverato r amore che avete saputo inspirarle ? " *'Potete giudicarmi cos\ ingiusto? No, agli occhi miei Fanny h la donna la piii virtuosa del mondo in- tero." "Sposatela dunque e non mi domandate consiglio." "Prendero consiglio solo da me, buona cugina. 11 mio imbarazzo in questo momento consiste nel trovare un mezzo per rompere questa progettata unione." "Voi stesso ci colpat«. Perch^ non parlare un inesefa." "'Sono deciso di non comparire questa sera. Come per5 evitare uno scandalo ? " ■J mm m^ i 104 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. *'I do not sec any way. The rupture ought to come from the countess, not from you. Were I you, I would not worry myself until to-night. Yes, on my word, Wlio knows but some good angel will watch over you ? Often, just when we feel very un- happy, we find ourselves near to happiness, Hope I these moments of tranquillity Avill be so many stolen from future grief, and perhaps even these last will not come." Before Julius, who shared not this confidence, could ask her what cause inspired her with it, the drawing- room door opened and Mrs. Valabert came in. She had a serious and preoccupied mien, and was crump- ling in her hand a letter which had arrived in her absence and which had been given her by the porter on her return. "My son," she said, in a voice which hardly con- cealed her emotion, "you are free and master of your evening. Lady Septeuil writes me that she is not able to accept my invitation. Send a servant to Mr. Saint-Gilles, and, if he is at home, tell him to call as soon as possible," and she departed, murmurino- a few words that her son was not able to understand. This second apparition, so difierent from the first, amazed Julius. Glancing at his cousin, he said : " Adele, what were you saying a little while ago ; that the rupture ought to come from Mrs. de Septeuil ? "fH5"!S5SSR? ' ought to ''ere I you. Yes, on angel will A very un- Hope ! lany stolen e last will mce, could 8 drawing- ! in. She '^as crump- led in her the porter ardly con- er of your she is not mt to Mr. t to call as muring a jrstaud. I the first, said: i^hile ago ; Septeuil? UNA LFTTERA ANONUIA. 105 *'Non ci vedo alcun rimedio Bisognerebbe che la rottura provenisse non da voi ma dalla contessa. Nei vostri panni fino a questa sera non vorrei tonnentarmi. Oh 1 Per Bacco 1 Chi sa che qualche buon' nngelo non vegli su voi ! Spesso al momento in cui ci crediamo piu in£elici,ci troviamo invece vicini a toccare la felicity. Sperate ! Questi moment! di quiete saranno altrettanti strappati al venturo dolorc, e forse i momenti del do- lore ncppure giungeranno," Prima che Giulio il quale non divldeva affatto questa fiducia, potesse domandare ad Adele qual motive gliela inspirasse la porta del salone si apri, e la signora Valabert entro. Essa aveva la cera seria e preoccu- pata e spiegazzava nelle mani una lettera arrivala nel tempo della sua assenza e che appunto allora le era stata. consegnata dal portinaio. "Figlio," disse con voce che a stento celava la sua emozione, " siete libero e padrone della vostra serata. La signora di Septeuil mi scrive di non potere acce1> tai-e il mio invito. Mandate un servo a casa di Saint- Gilles, e se ^ in casa, fatelo pregare di venire da me," e si albontan6 mormorando poche parole che suo figlio- non pote arrivare a comprendere. Questa seconda compai-sa cosi diflercnte dalla prima aveva strabiliato Giulio. Fissando in viso sua cugina : "Adele che dicevate poc' anzi? Sarebbe d' uopo che la rottura veuisse da parte della signora di ,^ep- t^- u ff 106 AN ANOMYMOUS LETTER. il i I But this seems a true rupture; you, perhaps, were cognizant of it?" "I had hoped for it." "The angel who was watching over me was then yoiirsel''?" " Hush ! " said she, " be silent I " He replied in a low voice : "But how happened all this ? Please explain yourself, that I may be ab^e to thank you. " " What I have done is of little importance. I will tell you about it later, if you will be so good as not to reproach me with having guessed what you had not told me. Now let us part — not a word more, not a sign nor a look of intelligence. 1 saw you so un- happy, here is the excuse and explanation of my con- duct ; to morrow, or in a few days, you will entreat your mother, and she, perhaps, will be moved by your prayer. Do not waste your time with me, go to her; go, friend, and love her always because she is worthy of you. Good-bye." Mi-s. Valabert's pride had been offended by the refusal of the countess; and the latter was too proud to go back. All the diplomacy of Mr. Saint-Gilles failed to again bring forth the negotiations. Mrs. de Launay, fearing sooner or later to be obliged to take sides in these family discussions, went into the country for a few days, to the residence of a friend of Julius' mother. haps, were 3 was then ippened all be ab'e to ce. I will ;()od as not oil had not lore, not a '^ou so un- 3f my con- rill entreat 3d by your go to her; ) is worthy led by the too proud Jaint-Gilles . Mrs. de [ed to take the country 1 of Juhus' UNA LETFERA ANONIMA. 107 teuil, ma questo sombra una vera rottura. Lo sape- vate torse 'i " "Losperava." " L' angelo cbe vegliava su me eravate dunque voi ?" " Zitto," gli disse, " tacete I " Egli riprese a voce bassa : "Ma come h accaduto tutto cio? Oh, spiegatevi perch' io possa ringraziarvene." '• Cio che ho fatto e cosa di poco valore, ve lo dir6 pill tardi, se non mi rimprovererete di avere indovi- nato un dolore ehe non mi a\'evate confidato. Adesso separiamoci. Non una parola di piii, non un cenno, non uno sguardo d' intelligenza. Vi ho veduto tanto Infelice ! Ecco la scusa della mia condotta, domani fra qualche giorno pregherete vostra madre e for- se le vostre preghiere la commoveranno. Non per- dete il tempo nieco, andate iresso di lei, andate, amico, ed amatcla senipi'c dacche e degna di voi. A rivedcrci.'" L' orgoglio della signora Valabert era stato offeso dal rifiuto della contessa e quest' ultima era troppo su- perba per ritornare sul fatto. Tutta la diplomazia del signor Saint-Giiles non pote riescire a riappicare le trattative. La signora de La.may, temendo senza dubbio di vedersi costretta presto o tardi di prendere partito in queste discnssioni di famiglia ando 'i passare alcuui giorui alia villeggiatura in casa di uu' aioica della madre di Giuiio, .'.ii.an i in.lt,Mfe;yt;s. - M^ 108 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. Julius was not able immediately to obtain the con- sent he asked for. Every time Mrs. Valabert was moved by her son's j)rayers, Saint-Gilles, who had considered as his own business the rupture of this marriage, reproached her with her feebleness. Saint Gilles had not been able to put in execution his first scheme of addressing himself to Fanny, because Julius was continually with her. Finally, frightened at .the anxiety and agitation of her sou, Mrs. Vala- bert yielded on condition that she should not see her daughter-in-law. Julius, at about twenty leagues from Paris, owned a villa which was comprised in his father's estate. The interesting condition of Fanny not permitting him to present her in society, he had resolved to take her to this little country residence. In order to announce to her the day fixed for the mar- riage and make known to her his last arrangements, he Avent as usual to the house in Furstemberg street. Occupied with his thoughts and absent-minded, he was walking rapidly. Just as he was nearing the door of Fanny's house, he rushed upon a young man com- ing from it While ringing the bell, his heart was throbbing. He reproached himself for the injurious suspicions continually torturing him in spite of his love. On entering, it seemed to him that Marion was confused and that Fanny blushed when he narrated his encounter, but he ended by being ashamed of his jeal ous suspicions, and siion restored by Fanny's tender ',ma»iinissjif his jeal- Y's tender UNA f^ETTERA ANOPTTM A. lOf) Qnosti non aveva potuto ottcnore suhito il consenso che (iouiamUiva. Tutte le volte chc la hignoni Vala- bert si lasciava intcnerire dalle pregbiere dA liglio, Saint-Gilles, ch' erasi fatto un caso di coscionzu dt^lla rottura di questo niatrinionio lo riniproverava la sua debolezza. Saint-Gilles non potcva porro in csccu- zione la sua priraitiva idea di dirigci-si a Fanny a nio- tivo che Giulio rinianova ct)ntinuamente con lei. Spa- ventata in ultimo dalle snianio e dall' agitazionc del figlio, lasignora Valal)ert ccdt'ttc a condi/ione di non vodere la nuora. Giulio a circa venti Icght; da Parigi possedeva una campagnu che gli provenia da) la fortuna del padre. La posizione interessante di Fanny non perniottendogli di presentarla in societii. aveva deciso condurla in quclla villa. Per annunziare a Fanny r epoca del niatrinionio e comunicarle lo sue ultime disposizioni come al consueto si rec6 nella via Furstem- berg. Preoccupato dei suoi peusieri camminava sollecito e distratto. Al momento in cui era per giungere alia porta della casa di Fanny si urtA con un giovine che appunto ne usciva, Tirando il carapanello il cuore gli batteva fortemcnte, e si rimproverava gl' ingiusti sospetti che a dispetto del suo aniore incessantemento lo torturavano. Nell' entrare gli sembr6 chc Marian- na fosse turbata e che Fanny arrossisse allorche ei raccontava loro il suoincontro; raa fin\ col vergognarsi di quel gelosisospetti,e presto riassicurato da tenere ed Jl 110 AN ANONYMOUS I.ETTRll. and affectionate looks, he forgot all, to think only of the near future which promised to be so cahn and happy. The villa to which he intended to take his wife had not been inhabited for three years. It was necessary to put it in order to sojourn in. It was agreed that Julius should go alone and remain absent from Paris for eight days, the time needed to com- plete the preparations. From the moment when they had begun to love each other, this was their lirst sepa/- ration, and although it would not liisl long, the parting was as painful us if they were never to meet again. On his return to Paris, Julius Valabert received the anonymous letter copied by Ternisien, the address of which, as stated in the fii-st chapter, had been written by a difi'ei'eut person. IV. THE TRIAL. Seated in the same room where we saw her before, Fanny let her eyes sadly wander from the window to the door, listening to every noise and showing in her features fear rather than hope. Do you remem- ber with what joy she had been exhihu-ated when Julius br(»ught her the announcement of his re- solve i Why, instead, do we find her so sad to-day' ■ twAW j WhiJMkiitetS 1 nk only of calm and o tuko his 9. It was I. It was uin absent d to com- vvlien they first separ le parting t again. Reived the iddress of jn written Br before, window owing in a remem- ed when : his re- [J to-day* UNA LBTTERA ANONTOA. H 1 affettiiose ocohiate dimentic6 tutto per prnsare al pros- simo avvenire che promcttcva di esscre cos\ calmo e felice. La villa nella quale doveva condurre sua mo- glie era rimaj^ta inabitata gW datre anni: abbisognava metterla in state da potervi soggiornare. F»i conve- nuto che Giulio partirebbe solo e resterebbe assente da Parigi per otto giomi tempo neeessario per conjple- tarev.'gli ultimi preparativi. Dal niouiento in cui ave- vano cominciato ad amai-si questa era la loro prima 8eparazione,ed abbench^ di breve durata esaa fu mestji e dolorosa quasi ohe non avessero dovuto pid rivo- derai. ' Al suo ritomo in Parigi Giulio Valabert ricevctte la kttera anonima copiatsi da Ternisien e 1' indirizzo della quhle come venne detto nel primo capitolo. era stato scritto da una mano differente. IV. L' E8PERIENZA. Nella stessa camera ove altre volte la vcdemmo, Fanny assisa iasciava errare tristamento il suo sguardo dalla finestra alia porta, attenta al benche minimo ru- more e mostrando suUa sua tisionomia timore anzichfe speranza. Vi ricordate da quale gioia foss' ella ine- briata allorch^ Giulio le aveva annunziato la presa rifloluzioneJ Perch^ oggi la troviamo invece cosl A 112 AN ANONYMOUS LEITKR. Ik'causu tho noaror tlio time appointid for hor nup- iinls approiiilie^, Uu; more she feels her heart op. pressed by u fatal present iincnt. Eight days had already passed since Julius' departure, and 'his ab- sence, the first she experieneed, had left her alone with the fears of her lu-art without defense, and at the same time had exposed her to some intrigues which had come to poison her solitude. The day following the departure of Julius, a gen- tleman whom she remembered to have seen previously at the house (.f her young pupil, Miss Saint-Gilles, had called on her and without preamble or formality had spoken to her of the schemes of Julius' family, of the brilliant hopes destroyed by his love for her, of the grief that every one had felt and tho pain with which they had consented to this union, and finally he mentioned a last hope placed in Fanny's delicacy, that she might pei-suado Julius to come himself to consent to what was wished from him. Saint-Gilles did not forget to adorn his speech with flattering words and praises : Fanny to be esteemed by everybody; no one would be surprised to hear that she, herself, learning of tJie existing difficulties, had sacrificed her own love to the future happiness of Julius; that all knew her to be so unselfish as not to hesitate before such a sacrifice. They knew also that she was so sincere in her love that she would prefer the interests of Julius •WBIMBWSBIai^sr:' ler nup- jait oji. tiys had 'his ab- T alone (1 at the 6 which , a gen- iviously t-Gilles, rmality iiily, of hor, of in with lally he 3y, that Jonsent iid not (Is and no one laming ir own I knew such a 3ere in Julius Wli'i'Hl^iSilftS' UNA r-RTTKRA ANOKtMA. 113 afflittn? Poroho, quanto nmpgiomu'nto vedcva appios- Hiniarsi l' epoca del 8Uo niutrinionio, tanto piu Hciitiva 11 8U() cuore opprcnso da un fatal(( presentinicnto. Erano giil scorsi gli otto giorni dacchi) Giulio era i)ar- tito e quest' asscn/.a la primada lei soflcrta 1' avova gettata sola senza difcsa nello ticpidazioni del suo cuore c .contemporaneanionto 1' aveva esposta a taluni intrighi ch' erano venuti ad avvclenare la suasolitudino. L' indomani della partenza di Giulio un gentiluomo ch' essa sovvenivasi di aver veduto altra volta nel sa- lone doi genitori dclla sua giovine scolare Saint-Gilles, si era presentato a lei e senza preaniboli, ne cerinionie le aveva parlato del progetti della famiglia di Giulio, delle brillanti speranze che il suo aniore per loi aveva distrutto, dell' afflizione che se ne risentiva, del dolore col quale si era dato il consenso alia prOpettata unione e finalmente di un' ultima speran/a riposta nella doli- catezza di Fanny, perche pcrsuadesse Giulio a rien- trare in sfe ed acconsentire a quanto da lui si desido- rava. Saint-Gilles non dimentic6 di adornare questo discorso con parole lusinghiere ed elogi : Fanny essere tenuta da tutti in grande stima, ncssuno si sorprende- rebbe nel vedere com' ella niedesima istrutta delle esi- stenti difficoltA. averse sjiputo sagrifioare la sua passione air av venire della feliciti di Giulio; conoscersi egual- mente essere ella cosl disinteressata da non esiiare in questo sacrificio, ed essere cosl sincera nel suo amore da far precedere gl' interessi di Giulio ai pro- s' m '**,/» . -J>r'tei'-|iiVii;.-i 114 AN ANONYMOUS LETl'EB. to her own. All these things had been spoken cau- tiously but with a tone in which one could easily per- ceive the skepticism of a worldly man, read}' to deny every kind of true and sublime affection. There still I'emained the last persuasive, that of pecuniary com- pensation in exchange for so many destroyed hopes. Although Saint-Gilles had relied very much upon the strength of this argument, he dare not speak of it. Fanny's demeanor had made such an impression as to prevont him from uttering the words, "pecuniary compemation.^' Saint-Gilles took leave without re- cei\ina: a positive answer, but obtained from her a promise to let him know her decision. The following day, after a night of wakefulness and fever, she sent him a note containing these sim- ple words : " Address yourself to Juliusy Thus the negotiations were sent again to the same field on which he had always been beaten. These attempts, this ap- peal to her generosity and this exaggerated picture of Mrs. Valabert's grief destroyed Fanny's confidence by showing the present full of struggles and dangers, the future dark and uncertain. For the first time she paused to ponder on the intrigues and plots of every kind which a powerful and ambitious family might organize against her. She had been unable to give a very clear answer to Mr. Saint-Gilles, because she ~iMii^ ipoken can- easily per- ,dy to deny There still iniary com- yed hopes, h upon the peak of it. pression as ^'pecuniary vjthout re- rom her a i^akefulness these sim- Thns the d on which ts, this ap- picture of ifidence by i dangers, st time she s of every nily might »le to give lecause she UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 11« prii. Tntto qxiesto era detto con precauzione, ma con \m fare in cui scorgevasi lo scctticismo dell' uomo di mondo pronto a negare qualunqne siasi affetto vero e sublime. Rimaneva un ultimo argomento, quello, cioe, del risarcimento pecuniario in cambio di tante deluse spevuuzo. Quantunque da quest' ar- gomento egli si fosse ripromesso un gran suc- cesso, pure ei non oso presentarlo. II contegno di Fanny aveva fatto su lui una cosi grande impressione da impedire che quosta parola, risarcimmto jpeGunia- rio escisse dalla sua bocca. SaintGilles si congedO) senz' avere ricevuto definitivari9posta,limitandosi solo a pregarla di volergli fare conoscere la sua dccisione. L' indomani dopo una notte di veglia e di febbre, Fanny sped\ a SaintGilles un laconico biglietto nel quale trovavansi queste semplici parole. Dlrigetevi a Giiilio. Di tal fatta il negoziatore veniva rinviato sul terreno sul quale era giil stato constantemente battuto. Questi tentativi, quest' appello alia sua gene- rosity, questo quadro un po' esagerato del diapia- cere della signora Valabert, avevano distrutto la sicu- rezza di Fanny, mostrandole il presente pieno di peri- pezie e lotte, e 1' avvenire incoi'to ed oscuro. Per la prima volta si fermo a riflettere sugl' intrighi e sulle macchinazioni di ogni specie che una famiglia potente ed ambiziosa poteva organizzai'o contro di lei. Essa non aveva potuto dare una risposta chiara al signer Saint^Gilles, giacchfe non aveva osato confessare a *w 116 AN ANONTMOUS LETTER. dnrc not reveal to this railcr tho sacred motive which made it a duty for her to resist his insinuations. "If, instead of this man," she said to herself, " Julius' mother, with eyes full of teai-s, had come in person to me, I would have thrown myself at her feet and spoken thus : ' Pity, and do not despise me? If it were only a question of my happiness, I would sacrifice it without hesitation; if I had only to renounce Julius, although I love him with all the strength of my soul, I would depart, I would hide myself, and neither you nor he nor any living person would hear of me again. Perhaps, finally, he would be able to forget me and might some day be happy, and you, enjoying his happiness, would think of me absent, and in your heart thank me, and this thought will bring only consolation. But, alas ! if I should act in such a manner, another voice would rise to ac- cuse me, a being dear to me, whom I must love as you, madam, love your son, would ask of me an account of a sacrifice which would deprive him of a name, of family, of a future, and you, yourself, who are so good, would you advise me to become a bad mother ? ' " Carried away by her grief for an instant, she thought of going to Mrs. Valabert, to declare all to her and place hei-self under her protection, but was prevented by shame. If she had been acquainted with Mrs. de •VMM mi'm '!.M"', ' ^w"ii-;i; /SlS^i^iiii..-^fi^- f-^ifijliifi ve which )ns. herself, ad come (If at her spise mer I would only to 1 all the uld hide g person le would e happy, ik of me thought I should ise to ac- e as you, account a name, 3 are so other?'" thought her and revented Mrs. de ONA LETTERA ANONIMA. H • questo beffardo il motivo segreto che le faceva un da verc di resistere alle sue insinuazioni. "Se invece di quest' uomo," diceva essa, "lama- dre di Giulio versando lagrime amare fosse venuta da me, mi sarei gettata ai suoi piedi e le avrei detto: Ab- biate piet^ di me e non mi disprezzate; se si trattasse solamente della mia feUcit^ senz' esitare la sagrifiche- rei,se dovessi solo rinunziare aGiulio,ebbene, quantun- que io lo ami con tutta la forza doll' anima mia, fuggi- vei; ini nasconderei, e n^ voi, ne egli, n^ anima viva udrebbe piu parlare di me. Fovs' egli giungerebbe a dime nticarmi ed un giomo sarebbe felice e voi goden- do della sua felicity pensereste a me assente, e nel vos- tro cuore mi ringi-aziereste, e quest' idea f ormerebbe la mia consolazione. Ma, ahimfe 1 ove agissi in tal modo un' altra voce si levcrebbe ad accusarmi. Un ente ben caro e ch' io debbo amare come voi, signora amate vostro figlio, mi domanderebbe conto di questo sacrificio che lo priverebbe di un nome; di una fami- glia di un avvenirc, e voi medesima, voi che siete cosi buona mi consigliereste voi di diventare una cattiva madre?" Esaltata dal dolorele venne in mente di recarsi dalla signora Valabert, di confessarle il tutto e di mettersi sotto la sua protezione, ma fu trattenuta dalla ver- gogna. Se avesse conosciuto la signora de Launay, queir amica s\ sincera e si indulgent© deUa quale Giu- Uo le aveva raccontato il generoso modo di procedere, I iii '^' i lflfr'n^ iittlStr ^■^® AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. Launay, that friend so sincere and indulgent, whose generous act Julius had narrated to her, she would have confided in her and thought hereelf safe. Tim- idity detained her, • Thus for eight mortal days, alone, a prey to her fears, she saw no other help than Julius, who was ab- sent, and whose weakness of character she dreaded How many varied tortures afflicted her mind, always disposed to exaggerate evil I The humiliation she ex- pected and the repentance that Julius would perhaps experience when his passion had abated, would leave him under the ascendancy of his mother. Perhaps also, that jealousy which he was unable to control would someday bring him to suspect her who had not known how to resist his seductions because, stran-e as It IS, ladies are always punished for their sins by the same persons for whose sake they sin, and who gather in the fruit of their crime. In this manner, after the infatuation of her passion Fanny was experiencing the first trial of life and in' stead of peace and happiness in her soul, 'she met doubts and fears at every step. As a last refuge, there remained to her the remem brance and thought of Julius. She plunged so deeply mto It as to forget everything else. Had she been possessed of cooler blood, or, better, if she had had a more complete knowledge of evil and of the advantage that slander takes of every clrcum.^tance even the most h: iL^ fa-'ff iiJi^,jt(|^ - nt, whose ihe would fe. Tim- y to her o was ab- dreaded. 1, always n she ex- perhaps lid leave Perhaps, > control (vho had , strange sins by md who passion, and, in- 3he met remera- » deeply le been d had a i^antage le uiost ^^ ,:^x-,-,^'ddi: i^--PM'f^^^^^^^^'^^''''''^^'^^ USX LBTTERA ANONIMA. 119 ella si sarebbe confidata a lei, e si earebbe creduta salva. I a timidity la trattenne. In tal n^odo per lo spazio di otto mortal! giorni, sola, abbandonata ai suoi timori, cisa non vedeva altro appoggio se non Giulio, il quale trovavasi lontano da lei, e del quale ella paventava la debolezza di carattere. Quante diverse altre torture agitavano la sua anima pro- pensa ad esagerarsi il male ! L' umiliazione che I'aspel^ tava^ul pentimento che foi-se Giulio potrebbe risentire allorch^ estinta la sua passione si troverebbe sotto r ascendente della madre? Fore' anche quella diffi- dente gelosia oh' ei non aveva la forza di domare lo condurrebbe un giorno a sospettare di lei che non aveva saputo resistere alia sue seduzioni; imperocchfe cosa strana, le donne sono quasi sempre punite delle loro colpe dalla persona medosima in favore della quale peccarono e che raccolse il frutto del loro peccato. ,Ecco in qual modo dopo 1' ebbrezza della passione, Fanny faceva la prima esperienza della vita ed invece della felicity e tranquillity d' animo ad ogni passo s' imbatteva in dubbi e timori. Quale unico rif ugio le rimaneva il ricordo ed il pen- siero di Giulio, ed essa talmeiite s' immerse in questo da non sapere pensare ad altro. Se avesse possednto una maggiore dose di sangue f reddo, o meglio se mag- giormente avesse conosciuto il male, ed avesse pensato al danno ed al partito cho la calunnia sa trarre dalle minime circostanze auohe le piii equivoche, essa mms ?9!pp- 120 AN ANONYMOUS LETTEB. equivocal, 8he would have tried by anticipation to explain the unhappy circumstances which in case of need could have borne testimony against her reputa- tion. She would have felt the necessity of giving an account, and of explaining another mysterious visit she had received after that of Saint-Gilles. Her love made her forget all thU, her only thought being of her Julius. At last, as we have said, the eight days of Julius' absence were past. She was waiting for him, when she was aroused by a sharp pull at the door-bell. •'Here he comes 1" she cried, and ran to the door. Julius entered. Fanny's joy was of short duration ; Julius seemed not the same man. His face was fearfully pale his eyes glaring, his lips trembling. She tried to speak but courage failed, and in silence ihe stood gazing at him. Without uttering a single word, he shut the door and hurriedly crossed the room. Fanny fol- lowed him. Julius cast at her a dreadful glance, which seemed to penetrate her heart. One of his hands, placed un- der his coat, was agitated by a convulsive movement. With the other he seized Fanny by the arm, forcing her to remain at his side. 'What ails you? Julius, you frighten me." . 4(1 ipation to in case of ler reputa- giving an rious visit Her love ; being of of Julius' im, wlien ■bell, the door. IS seemed pale, his to speak, gazing at shut the inny fol- li seemed aced un- ivement. forcing UNA LETTERA ANOKIMA. 1 21 avrebbe anticipatainente cercato di salvare le infelici apparenze che in caso di bisogno potevano testimo- niare contro di lei; avrebbe provatala necesiiti di dar conto e di spiegare un' altra visita misteriosa che aveva ricevuto dopo quella di Saint-Gilles. II suo amore le f aceva dimcnticare tutto il rcsto e solo si occupava del suo Giulio. Finalmente, come giA, dicemmo, gli otto giorni dell' asscnza di Giuiio erano trascorsi. Essa lo aspet- tava. Una violenta tii-ata di cauipanello la scosse. "Eccolo!" ella grido e si prcoipit6 verso la porta. Giulio entro. La gioia di Fanny fu di brove durata. Giulio non sembrava piii lo stosso. II suo viso era orribilmente pallido, i suoi occhi larapcggiavano, le sue labbra tre- mavano. Essa tent6 di parlare, non n' ebbe la forza e silenziosa si ribtctta a contemplarlo. Senza pronun- ziare un dctto, Giulio chiuse la porta e rapidamente traverse la stanza. Fanny gli tenne dietro. Giulio le gett6 ima terribile occhiata che sembrava volesse penetrare nel profondo del suo cuore. Una delle sue mani passata sotto 1' abito era agitata da un convulso movimento ; coll' alti'a mano egli afferro Fanny pel braccio contringendola a rimanere accanto a lui. Quell' occhiata ma sopratutto quel silenzio era spa- ventoso. ' ' Mio Dio, che avete mai i Giulio voi mi fate paura. " '>-*gs- 122 AN ANONITMOUS LBITEB. "Sit down," he answered with a gloomy and threatening voice. She sat down mechanically, subdued by that com- mand and the gesture by which it was accompanied. Julius had made an unspeakable effort to overcome the emotion which oppressed him. He waa no longer able to restrain himself. For a few moments he was silent, as if collecting himself to enjoy at his leisure the continually increasing agitation of the unfortunate Fanny. Then, without even ceasing to stare at her, and as if he wished to test her, he coldly and briefly said : " So, then, you have deceived me I " The poor girl, dumb with amazement, threw herself back. In her turn she felt the words dying on her lips, and her voice strangled in her throat. Julius, who yet held her by the hand, and who saw her cast down by such an unexpected accusation, shook her fiercely, and with a tone full of rage, con- tinued : " Answer 1 answer me ! " Vainly he endeavored to awaken her out of that dreadful dream. She answered no mure, inasmuch as the thought of being adjudged guilty had never oc- curred to her mind. All her preceding fears were justified; the intrigues, the plots she dreaded came to attack her. Fearful suspicion ! Julius, perhaps, loved her no more; Julius, conquered by the prayei-s of his family and in compact with them, was now searching pvmm loomy and f thnt com- mpanied. o overcome IS no lunger ents he was his leisure unfortunate itare at her, and briefly irew herself '^ing on her id who saw accusation, f rage, con- out of that inasmuch as d never oc- fears were ied came to I'haps, loved ttjei-s of his '.v searching UNA liETTERA ANONIMA. 123 **Sedetevi," egli rispose con voce cupa e niinac- olosa." Essa sedette macchinalnicnte 8op:at« da qucUa voce e dal gesto col quale era stata acc()nii)agnata. Giulio aveva fatto uno sforzo incrcdibilo per donii- nare 1' emozione che 1' opprimeva. Non potcva piu coutenersi. Rimase silcn/ioso ancora per qualche mo- mento, quasi si raccogliesse per godcre a suo bell' agio deir ognora crescente agitaziono dell' infelice Fanny. In sognito senza pur cessare di fissarla e quasi volesse provarla, fi'cddamente e concisamente lo disse : "Dunque, mi aveto ingannato 1 " La povera giovine, muta dallo stupore, rovesciossi indietro. A suo turno ella sent! la parola morirsi suUe labbra, e la voce arrestiirsi nello fauci. Giulio checontinuavaasoiTcggerlacolIamano eche la vedeva atterrata da questa imprevveduta accusa, la Bcosse fortemente o con accento pieno di rabbia, con- tinu6 : " Rispondete, ma rispondete dunque." Invano egli si sforzava di destarla da quell' orribile sogno, essa piti non rispondeva, dal perch^ alia sua imaginazione mai si era presentato il pensiero di po- tere essere sospettata colpevole. Tutti 1 suoi prece- denti timori erano giustificati; gl' intrighi, lemanovre da lei paventate venivano ad attaccarla. Onibile so- Bpetto ! Giulio forse piii non 1' amava; Giulio vinto dallti preghiere della famiglia, d' accordo colla stessa 1 ISA AN ANONYMOUS LBTTER. for a pretext for rupture. A fearful abyss had opened at her feet, and she had fallen into it. Julius, afraid of such an eaay triumph, repressing himself, thus continued : "I shiill try to be calm. Listen to me. This in terview, porhnps, will be the last one betwi^en us ; if you cannot justify youi-sclf, it will be an everlasting rupture, but I shall not judge without having first hoard you. If you have deceived me, you were very guilty, because I had perfect confidence in you ; I would have bi-i^n ashamed of watching your conduct. I loved you and to you I would have sacrificed all, — friends, fortune, mother " • .Fanny made a movement. Finally she undei-stood that she was accused of infamy and falseness. Blushes suflfused her face and her cheeks, and when Julius' eyes again asked her for an answer, she this time pur- posely remained silent, because she felt wounded in her virtue. Another pause followed, and then Julius began : "Speak to me frankly, Fanny. Am 1 the only person who has put his foot in this apartment ? Think well.: Have you received any other V "Ah! if that is the question," she replied, "yes ; another person has been here whom you know, one of your friends, Mr. Saint-Gilles." " Saint-Gilles ! " said Julius, completely astonished. "By his remarks he prepared me for this altercation." HH niiiinisiipaiiiii ia^asusijiiSfcaSsixuisa, i^'^i^^iSi^Ktm ad opened Ins, afraid self, thus This in een us ; if iverlasting ving first wore very in you ; I V conduct, ritiued all, indei'stood . Blushes len Julius' ( time pur- ounded in began : L the only nent ? rV ed, "yes; know, one istonished. terctttion." S^^^^SMk- UNA LKTTERA ANONIMA. 125 cercava adopso un pretesto di rotturn, Un nhisso spaventcvole si era apcrto sotto i Huoi i)io(li edos-sii vi si era preoipitatii. Giuiio shigottito dii qucsto facile trionfo, raffronandosi ri prose : " Mi provcro a riniancrc calmo. Uditi-nii. Quosto colloquio sanV foi-so 1' ultimo; se non potete giustHi- carvi san\ ima roltin-a ctorna, pero non vi giudichero scnza pria avervi ascoltato. Se mi avete ingannato, siete colpevolissima; dappoiche in voi io avcva inticra tiducia, avrci arroswito »li sorvcgliare le vostre azioni, vi amava ed avrci per voi sagriticato tutto, amici, for- tuna, madro, . . . . " Fanny fcce un movimcnto. Alfine capiva ch'cssa era accusata di mcnzogna, d' infamia. II suo viso e le sue guancie si soffusscro di rossore, ed allorche gli occhi di Giuiio di bel novo le domandarono una risposta,vo- lontariamente qucsta volta cUa rinuuio silcnziosa pcr- che scntivasi fcritji nella sua virtii. Ne segu\ una nviova pausa ed indi Giuiio continue) : "Parlatemi schicttamente, Fanny, sono io il solo che abbia posto i piedi in quest' appartamento i Riflettete bene avete ricevuto altri ? " "Ah, so si trattu solo di cio,'' essa rispose. "Si, qui h ben venuto una poreona ( iC voi conoscete, un vostro amico, il signor Saint-Gilles." "Saint-Gilles V ripresc G iullo sommamente sorpreso. " Coi suoi discorsi mi aveva preparato alia barrulia che adesso mi fate." ■ i I'lJ 198 AN ANON YMOU8 LETTEB. "Hef He must explain to mo his way of acting. It is not of liim that I am speaking ; you do not sjjeuk to me of anotlier young man wliose mysterious call has been revealed to me." "Ah I " answered Fanny, "what has been reported to you 't " "This is what I have heard," cried Julius, rumpling u paper which he took from his breast: "It has been narrated to me that diu'ing my absence, the day be- fore yesterday in the evening, a young man wrapped in a cloak had entered your house, secretly intro- duced by Marion ; that he had left two hours after; that this young gentleman had called often, thougli you had never spoken to me of it; lastly, that lie had known you before myself ; that he loved you, and that you were to marry him. Is all this true ? Is it ne- cessary that I should also tell you his name ? " "It is- needless," replied Fanny with dignity; "who gave you these paiticulars ? " " This letter," said Julius, "can you contradict it ? " "Who signed it?" "Signed it is not, but what care I if it tells the truth ?" "An anonymous letter I " said she with contempt; " and you tiiist it i A vile denunciation has in your heart a stronger influence than the thousand proofs of love which 1 gave you ? You have for me so much esteem that the first comer can slander and calumniate me without being forced to answer for his savings? ilMi iJi».p-w-,J5.!M«t'*&SM&s*i; 'li'vai iiii« ^fl of acting. not upeuk erious call ti reported rumpling t htw been ic irthplace Qce to re- fumilies, I did not lat he re- 3fore yes- eal from iuct, nor resigned, this visit and if I •ecause it little by In pro- ^^^SSmm&J!' (( UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 131 vegno. lersera il signor Ernesto Gairal h penetrate " in casa con molta precauzione e dopo due ore egli h "parti to " "Per sempre 1 " esclamo Fanny alzandosi, per sem- pre!" ' ' Conf essate dunque ch' egli h venuto ? * "Si, ora compiacetevi di ascoltarmi." " No, nulla, nulla 1 " riprese Giulio fremendo. " Ascoltatemi. Si condanna f orse alcuno senza per- mettergli di rispondere? lo sono innocente. II mio torto e quello di avere avuto un mistero motivato dalla vostra gelosia ch' io temeva. Quel giovine altra volta mi venne scelto a marito da mio padre. Non provava per lui ne odio, ne amore; lasciai il paese senza nem- meno a\ .1.. lo. Si presento qui una volta per ricor- darmi le irv. * ;" delle nostre rispettivefamiglie, non gli lasciai fc u, iv i di soi-ta, eppure, in quell' epoca, Giulio, ancoru ;o non vi conoscea. Mi am6, h v^o. Di bel nuovo h ritornato a visitarmi, e anche vero, ed avant' ieri h nuovamente venuto qui. Non gli ho na- scosto r amore mio per voi, ne la vostra generosa con- dotta, ne il destine che mi attendeva. Ei rassegnato mi lasci6, e come vi dissi, per sempre. Per me, amico, questa visita non aveva importanza alcuna, mi giunse inaspettata e se prima non ve ne parlai fu solo perche mi sfuggi di mente." Questa discolpa cosi semplice aveva presso a poco distrutto quasi tutti i sospetti di Giulio. A misura 183 AN ANONTTMOUS LETTER. portion as she spoke, the confusion and agitation of his heart faded away to give place U» the shame of having shown himself so cruel. Moved by the sincere tone of these explanations, he was already prepared to fail at the feet of that woman Avho had once more become his idol, when his eyes rested on the end of the letter, which he had not yet read. He 'vished for a final trial. ' ' Forgive me, Fanny. I ask you a thousand pardons if I have wronged you or susjjected you unjustly. My excessive love made me unj ust. Bo not provoked at my anger. The secrete hidden by you may ^erve suj an excuse for this moment of rage. Do you for- give me ? " She placed one of her hands on her heart, and oflFering the other, which he covered with kisses, said: "Ahl Julius, what pain you have given me I I should never have thought I could suffer so much without dying." "Now," he added, "as a guarantee of this recon- ciliation, give me the token which till now you have refused— the ring, the only souvenir of your mother. The more dear it is to your heart the more acceptal)le to me will the sacrifice be." Fanny answered, smiling : "Have you forgotten what I have already told you? Why this so earnest desire ? And what high value could it have to you ? " " Does it not contain the hair of my Funny ^— hair i4M mmmmm SSWi^SW^«^i^K^^^« tation of jliame of e sincere [)repared ice moi*e 3 end of J wished pardons injustly. rovoked !iy serve you for- ai-t, and es, said: me I I 9 much i recon- m have mother. }eptat)le •rgotten earnest »you?" i — hair UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 133 ch'essa parlava, la confii>>ioneed ilturbamonto del auo cuore dissipavansi per far luogc alia vergogna di es- sersi mostrato cosi crudole. Commosso dal tuono sin- cero di quesla difesa, egli glA era pronto a gettai*si ai piedi di quella donna ridivenuta il suo idolo, allor- che i suoi occhi si arrestarono suUa fine della lettera, ch' esrli ancora non aveva letto. Voile tentare un ultimo esperimento. VPordonami, Fanny, ti domando mille perdoni, se ti ho (jconosciuta, se ti sospettai ingiustamente. L' ec- cesso del mio amore mi rende ingiusto. Non corruc- ciarti del mio sdegno. I segreti da te nascosti del)- bono servile di scusa a questo mio momcnto di rabbia. Mi perdoni taV Essa poso una delle sue mani sul cuore ed abban- donandogli 1' altra ch' ei ricopri di baci, gli disse : *'Ah! Giulio che dolore mi avete fatto, non avrei creduto di poter soft'rire tanto senza morire. " '"Adesso," ei riprese, " per garanzia di questa ricon- ciliazione, accordami il pegno che tin qui constante- mente mi hai rifiutato, 1' anello che solo ti resta dell' ei*editi\ di tua madre. Piu e desso caro al tuo cuore, piu aceetto me ne sar^ il sagiiiicio." Fanny rispose sorridendo : "Haitu diraenticato quanto gik ti dissi? Perche questo tuo cosl vivo desiderio < E qual gran pregio esso possiede ai tuoi occhi ? " " Non contiene forse i capelli della raia Fanny, ca- I 13* AN ANONYMOUS LETTEJH. takfii from her head when a child? Do not refuse it to me, I entreat you. I know where you keep it. It is in a little casket at the bottom of the first drawer of this secretaire. Please ^ive me the key." His looks were always sweet and affectionate, hut his voice trembled and had a strange tone of rage. Fanny perceived it. " Oh ! " she said, ' 'you are asking for your pardon. " She hid the key in her bosom and withdrew a few steps. "I do wish it," cried Julius, giving free course to the anger he had restrained withsomu«!h difficulty. " I do wish this key, I need it, even if I must wring it from you " " Always suspicious ! " *' Always some mystery ! " "Well, then, I shall disclose you everything. If till now I have refused to you to open ray secretaire, it was only because in it you would find some accounts, some documenlB which would have revealed to you that instead of living upon an income bequeathed to me, as I always told you, 1 lived by my labor. I did not confess the truth to you, because 1 was too proud to accept your gifts. Have I committed a crime? and those who have written to you, will they yet maintain that I am a woman, moved by interest?" "Then you could deceive me for so long a time, refuse it p it. It drawer late, hut )f rage. tardon." w a few course fBculty. t wring ng. If taire, it icounts, to you thed to I did > proud crime ? ley yet It?" a time, UNA LEITERA ANONIMA. 135 pelH stftccati dalla sua fronte allorchfe era bambinetta? Non rifiutarmelo te lo scongiuro. lo so dove lo chiu- di. Esso trovasi in un piccolo scrigno nel fondo della prima cassetta di questo armadio. Damniene la chiave, te ne prego." I suoi sguardi erano semj \ow nffettuosi la sua voce pero tremava ed aveva uno h^.ano accento di ra])bia. Fanny ne fece 1' osservnzione. «' Ah !" diss' ella, *' domandatc il vostro pordono." Essa nascose la chiave nel seno ed indietroggio al- cuni passi. " La voglio," insistette Giulio, lasciando libero cor- so all' ira che con tanto stento aveva trattenuta. " Si, voglio quella chiave, ne ho bisogno, e piuttosto ve la strapper6 . . . . " " Sempre sospetti ! * "Sempre mistori !" «-Ebbene vi sveler6 il tutto. Se finora ricusai di aprirvi quel mobile fu soltanto; perche nello stesso vi trovereste alcuni conti, alcune carte, che vi svelerebbe- ro qualmente,invece di vivere con una pensioue che mi era stata legata, siccome sempre vi assicurai, io viveva col prodotto del mio lavoro. Non vi confessai la ve- rity per essere troppo orgogliosa da ricevere ed accet- tare i vostri doni. Ho io commesso un delitto ? e co- lore che vi scrivono, sosterranno ancora essere io una donna mossa dall' interesse ? " " Dunque avete potuto ingannarmi o siffatta menso- ■j^awawwifewiwmwg'it^ '^.^ > ' v■Awa^»l>«K^WAa■..^■..JR'..J ' M!l^..^''l'^■> ' '-•^^^■^ ' -"-^Jl^^'.^ ' ^wwl.lulJM!^.p | ,,'i ' ^^^ AN ANONVMOU8 LETTER. and you could repeat to me this falsehood so many times without my detecting it, so great was the sin- cerity which shone in your face, so innocent was your mouth, as it is at this very moment, in which you are agam deceiving me." So saying, he wrung the kcA- from her hanusness, ly seiz- before etwecn led, the lairal'tt tHte an before ly ring e jeul- hajr." TJNA LinTKRA ANOVTMA. 137 gna avete potuto ripetermela tante volte, senza ch' io me ne addasai, tanta era la sinccriUl che traspariva dal vostro sguardo, cosl 8oniV)lii« era la vostra bocca come lo h adesso, in qucsto sti-sso monicnto in cui di bel nuovo m' ingannato." Cort\ parlundo, le strapp6 dalle mani la cliiave. Stupefatta da questa violcnza Fanny cadde tranioi-tita suUa poltiona. Giulio apri lo scrittoio, quindi il cassettino, poi lo scrigno 1' anollo non vi era. " Ah ! " Egli e8clam6 " n' era pei-suaso ! " A questo parole, Fanny si rianim6, corse alio scrit- toio ed essa pure si dette a cere-are. "II mio anello ! 11 mio anello ! " "Scomparso." "Rubatol Kubato!" "Si, rubato !" ripete Giulio ed aflferrando lagiovine donna pel braccio le pose sotto gli occhi la lettera c termino di leggerla ad alta voce." " La prova, signore, che tutte le relazioni fra co- " testa donna e 1' antico suo amante non sono ancora " interamente cessate, la prova ch' essi si amano sem- "pre, e che la pai-tenza di Ernesto Gairal servir do " vea soltanto a facilitare un av vantaggiosomatrimonio " sta nel fatto che prima di separai-si essa ha voluto •'dargli un anello di ftuniglia, anello appartcncnte a "sua madre ch' essa gelosament* conservava e nel "quale sono racchiusi i suoi capelli." "Ebbene," prosegul Giulio, "negate ora se osate. I 138 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. " Well," pui-8ued Julius, "will you deny it now? This ring you had refused mo; the key, too, you were refusing not long ngo. Knavery on knavery 1 false- hood on falsehood I " "Marion," cried Fanny. "Ah, you well know that she is not at home. I alone will answi-r you. I euiso you and hate the day in which I became acquainted with you. Farewell I farewell I Say to your lover that he can now n^turn." In depart! II f-, he cast a last look at F.mny. She was lying on the tioor immovable, pale, in a state near to death. Ho made a few steps to help her, but his feel- ino:s of anger and contempt returning, he called an old woman, her neighbor, and after pointing out to her the fainted Fanny : "Take care of that woman ! " he said, and, throw- ing her a puree tilled with gold, disappeared. V. THE AUTOGRAPH. At the moment in which Romeo receives from his servant, Balthazar, the now< of Juliet's death, he pro- nounces these simple words : " Indeed I Now, ene- mies, stars, I challenge you I " and aftenvards buys the poison. This deep grief, so parsimonious of com- plaints, impresses more than any exciting paraphrase. In fact, our nature usu ..ly takes interest in the doings ill I iiiiif Itlliliii. ft now? on were ( ! false- ome. I the (lay irowell I return." She wus I noiir to his feol- rtlled nn [ out to , throw- Tom his he pro- 3W, ene- l8 buys of com- iphrase. 3 doings TTNA TiETTKRA ANONTMA. 139 Qnesto anello lo avote ricusato a nie! La chiave pure mo la ricrusavate. Furberia m furboria 1 Eu- gia 8U bugia I " • ' Mariunna, " grido Fanny. " Oh, voi ben sapete com' oRsa non sia in ensn ! To solo vi rispondero. lo vi maledico e detcsto il giorno in cui vi conobbi. Addio ! addio ! dite al vostro amante ch' adeHso egli piio lil)cram(nte ritornure." Ncl partire getto m Fanny un' ultima occhiata. Essa era distosa bocconi a terra in uno stato vicino a morte. ' Ei avanz6 per venirle in soccorso, nia ritor- nando ai suoi sentinionti di sdegno ♦• di dibprez/.o, U8cl, chiamo una vechia vicina ed ndditandole Fanny svenuta. " Abbiate cnra di questa donna," le disso : o gettun- dole una borsa plena d' oro sconiparvo. V. L' AUTOGRAFO. Nel memento in cui Romeo riceve dal suo servitore Baldassare la notizia della morte di Giulietta, ei pro- raunzia queste semplice parole : "Davvero ! Adesso, neniiche stelle, io vi sfido," e poscla compra il veleno. Questo cupo dolore cosi parco di lamenti impressiona piu di qualpiasi commovente parafrasi. Infatti, la nostra natura suole interessarsi all' operato dei nostri m .?{j.J..', iiMiiauMVMHiijiiwimm^. i =jl 140 AN ANONTMOU8 LRTIER. of our fpllowd, wlintcver they aim at, and sometimes even when their sentiments and fedinpjs arc not in harmony with onrH. This interent hists while iiopo supports it and imtil unceilainty delays tlie result, but from the moment in wliich his destiny is accom- plished, it is necessary that he in whom wo were in- terested spare us his joy or grief. A settled mutter excites our attention no longer. Wo, too, will spare our readers the description of Julius Valabort's mental Bufferings. After the dreadful scene we have narrated, we will pass over an interval of eighteen months, and wo shall find him married for a year, and at the moment in which the wife, opening the door of his oftice, with a sweet and timid voice says to him : "Excuse me if I am intruding, but the pei-son you sent for has arrived. Do you wish to receive him now, or do you prefer that he should wait ? " Julius had married his kind cousin, Adele de Lau- nay. Very few words are necessary to explain the change whicsh had taken place in the respective posi- tions of these two persons. As a result of the rupture with Fannj'^, a violent fever had endangered the life of Julius. He would certainly have died without the constant care of his mother and Adele. Friendship and love had re- otnetimes ro not in hilo hope lie rcHult, is acconi- 3 were in- cd mutter w'\\l Hpare b's mental I, we will 1 wo shall onient in -•e, with a ii-son you leive him > a de Lau- plain the tive posi- a violent ie would ire of his had re- -rnnr—' "-'ifiirrM i «-i - --r- •' • iTnni ii iii ii t-' iiT t fiMii - UNA liRTTERA ANOMMA. 141 simili, quaIiin(|Uo no 8ia lo scopo che si prefiggonf), c (pialchevoltu auehe allorquando i loro sontiraonti o hi loro piiHsioni non si confucciH.iocollonostrc; quest' in toresse dunifincliH In speranzu lo soMticne e finch6 I'in- wirUvMi ne ritardu lo soiogliniciitoidall' instante pcro in cui il loro destino 6 couii)iuto, fu d' uopo oho colui al quale c' interessiaino ci rispniini la sua gioia ed il suo dolore. Fatto compiiitA) piii non eecita la no- stra uttenzione- Noi pure riHjMU'niimeiuo ai nostri lettori il racoonto doi patiminti morall di Giulio Va- lahert. Dopo la terriliile scena tent^ da noi narrata aalttv renio un intervfdlo di dieciotto niesi e ritrovorenio Giulio unuuogliato da circa un anno «• nel momento in cui la consorte, aprendo la porta del suo studio, gli dice con voce dolce e tiniida. '* Scusa, se ti disturbo, caro, pevh la persona da te fatta ricercare 6 qui. Vuoi tu ri^everla adesso, o con- iriono farla aspettare ? " Giulio aveva sposato la sua antica arnica, la sua buona cugina Adele de Launay. Alcune poche parole sono indispensabili per spie- gare il cambiamento accaduto nella posizione di que- sti due pcrsonnaggi. Dopo la rottura con Fanny, una violente febbre avea messo a repentaglio la vita di Giulio. Ei certamente sarebbe perito senza le infinite solle- oitudiui di sua madre e di Adele. L' amicizia e la 11 142 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. stored him to life. A deep sadness and protracted lanetween the egan. The es, who had y to be the :'ed to speak t^A LETTBRA ANONMA. 146 samo suUe ferite lo piii vivu, ogni giorao che muore strappa una dello spine che fanuo sanguiuare il cuore. Nel corso dei primi mesi passati alia campagna Giulio non esperiment^ visibili miglioria. I giorni erano ec- cessivamente caldi, e le tiepidi notti troppo pesanti pel suo debole corpo. I fiori che si trovavano in tutta la loro bellezza, il loro prof umo, i frutti dorati della terra, le pianure ricoperte di verdura, il folto fogliame dei lioschi, quel potente germe di vita che circolava in ab- bondanza nella natura, tutte quelle magnificenze del cielo e della terra l' opprimevano quale una pungente ironia, quasi una completa antitesi del suo cuore nel quale nulla germogliava tranne un pungente dolore ch' ei si ostinava a tenere celato. Poco a poco i fiori inaridirono, 1' autunno comparve col suo corteggio d' ombra e 1' aria piena di rugiada, col suo paUido sole risplendente a traverso le nebbie come un sorriso a traverso le lagrime. Giulio sent! espandei-si in lui queir iramenso dolore. La tristezza ed il lutto degli oggetti che lo circondavano armonizzava coUa sua tri- stezza e lo invitavano alle confidenze. Le sue solitarie passeggiate vennero sostituite da altre in compngnia della madre e di Adele de Launay; e fra lui e quest' ultima comincio a stabilirsi una piii grande intimity La donna che aveva prevenuto i suoi desiderii, che altravoita aveva diviso le sue spe- ranze non doveva forse essere naturalmente la prima a cousolarlo i Solo con lei egli ardiva parlare di Fan- -j i wiuji. i tia milimmmimim m- 146 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. of Fanny. In these long private conversations, which became of daily occurrence, in those prolonged chat, torings near the fire in the evenings, she narrated by what means she had caused the rupture of his mar- riage with Miss de Septeuil • how without any one knowing it, an act justiHcd by her intention, she had in her hand the thread of that intrigue; how by means of suspicions dexterously insiiuiatcd she had prepared the countess for the tirst refusal ; how, at the «ame time, having learned that Miss Septeuil, with no love for Julius, only obeyed her mother, taking advantage of that first moment of spite, she had advised a prior suitor to renew his courtship. From confidence to confidence she ended by revealing to hini a secret which she had concealed from all in order not to add her own griefs to those which Julius already felt. She had not wished to take for herself any of the consolations due to him. Mr. de Launay had died, and that sad intellig(mce had been received by Adcle a little before the time at which Julius had thought he was betrayed in his love. The youth wa« never tired of admiring such inexhaustible kindness, always ready to sacrifice itself for othera. This trea- sure at this moment belonged to n- one. Their in- terviews were becoming longer and more frequent, and without having lost any of their intimacy and )n8, which nged chat, ir rated by t his mar- t any one 0, she had ; how by d she had ; how, at Septeuil, r mother, spite, she courtship, revealing :oni all in ich Julius for herself e Lauhay n received Julius had youth wa« kindness. This trea- Their in- frequent, macy and UNA LKTTEKA ANONIMA. 14? ny. Nei suoi lunghi colloquil ii quattr' occhi ch" nd- divvonnero giornulicnM. in f|Uf'llo ciarlc i)r()lungate la sera presso il fu ico. clla gli narro con i-Hy«iv, ulwjiys avoided speaking of the pant. To the wnrli which had usually kept Valabert busy had l)een added othei-s, viz.: the pufting in order of family papers, tiio examination of tlu- titles of suc- cession, tie copying of letters and other papei-s. He had, therefore, given ordei-s to search for an hont^t and reliable man to whom could l)e entrusted a little wink, and as we have said at the beginning of this chapter, his wife had announced to him the arrival of that man. To the question, " Uo you wish to receive him ? " Valabert had answered with an affirmative nod. "Dear," addeil his wife, " would you permit me to remain present { " "Without doubt; but what inspires you with this desire 'i It is only a question of business, of (!n uld havo anie con- 1 1 might ipse rich, how to punished ourself. " ■nisien at glad to ill, I can without »«8ment, hile you e I have 3 of the conomy, ng him- lanners, UNA I.KTTKUA ANONIMA. 155 ^ ordini del vostro signor sposo, mu pcnnfindo a quel tempo mi Hcnto ringloviniiv. VihIpIc. signora, non birtognii por nu'uto allii manicru con cui vado vcHtito. Questa niattiiia, por venire da voi h() spu/zolato e i)U- lito pill che potci «iu('«ti ccnci, nm il tutto, lo so bene, h molto vecchio I'd in pcHslnu) Htato. Entrantlo provavu vergogna, e we non vi trovavato lt\ proHontc, i vostri Bcrvitori mi avn^bbero caiciato via al ptui di un accat- tono. AUora mi sono confuso, ho fatto degl' inchini vili, vilissimi, peiclic mi vonii^se perdonata la proaonza o I'intrusionc in quonti ricchi e splendid! aijpartamenti. In aUri tempi, io pure sapeva presentanni convene- volmente,o 8ignora,ed ho sgridato e posto in penitenza signorine belle e ricche al par di voi." A dele sorriae con una tal' aria di bont^ che fin\ di riassicurare Ternisicn. "In verittV, riprese Giulio, sono felice e contento di ritrovarvi." " Ed io pure, " rispose questi. "Via, non siete cam- biato; sempre buono e senza fjuperbia. Giacche mi togliete la soggezione, mentre mi spiegheiete in che cosa possa servirvi, vi domandero il permessodi seder- mi presso il fuoco. Da tanto tempo in casa mia non ho visto altro fuoco che quello della candela seppuro per cagion d' ecouomia non mi vado a uorituro auU' im- brunire." E nel cosi purlare, Ternisien presa una sedia, e sedu- tovisi senza cerimonie intieramente dimentico dell' eti- - ^fpfJ'-i^^^llitfflif ""■■<"' "^■--^fe-'- -" '-^'"-" ■' '^■-'"-'^ ^■^,:,^j / i^ ^. aHHiWiaMIHHi 156 A^ ANONYMOUS LETTER. extended his feet on the fender, while, with his two elbows resting on his knees, he stretched out his meagre and wrinkled hands toward the tire. Julius Valabert, who found his professor as he had left him, simple and full of kindness, was gazing at him with true pleasure. " Poor Ternisien !" he said to him. "I see that you have not been happy, but as you remember me, why have you not called on me i lu every case, you would have been kindly received." "Yes, perhaps I was wrong; but you, used to riches, know only one side of almsgiving. To give, Avhen one wishes it and aftbrds it, is very easy, but to ask is more difficult." "After all, I thank chance that has at last united us again. Here is some work for a few weeks, and I hope you will not refuse that 1 shall fix the price myself." "We will fix it together. The little talent which I have is completely at your disposal.*' "You, perhaps, live ne:u- h(^re, as I had ordered that before locking elsewhere they should search in our ward." " Yes, I live in a little room at No. 4 Furstemberg street." Tei-nisien did not perceive the profound impression his answer produced on Julius and his wife. A pause of a few minutes followed, taking advantage of which ^i iJA:..£„.iiiSjaHft»sijr.„":- . with his two jhed out hiti [ire. sor as he had i^as gazing at see that you ber me, why e, you would 'ou, used to ?. To give, vy easy, but t last united weeks, and I ix the price talent which lad ordered Id search in i'urstemberg I impression 3. A pause ge of which UNA LEITEKA ANONIMA. 157 chetta allungo i picdi sugli alari, mentre che coi due gomiti appoggiati suUe ginocchia avvicino al fuoco le sue scarne mani. Giulio Valabert che ritrovava il suo professore quale lo aveva lasciato semplice e pieno di bonomiu, r osservava con vero piacere. "Mio povero Ternisien," gli disse, " vedo bene che non siete stato felice. Ma, poiche vi ricordavate di me perchfe non siete venuto a trovarmi ? In ogni modo sareste stato sempre ben ricevuto." "Si, forse ho avuto torto. Ma voi uso alia ri- chezza conoscete un lato solo dell' eleniosina. II dare quando si vuole e quando si pu6, e cosa facile; il do- mandare pero h cosa molto piu malagevole." " In somma ringrazio 1' azzardo che ci ha riuniti. Ecco del lavoro per qualche settimana, e spero non ritiutei'ete di farvene fissare il prezzo da me." "Lo fisseremo insieme. II poco talento che mi rimane h completaniente a vostra disposizione. " *' Abitate, forse, qui vicino, giacche prima che ne- gli altri quartieri aveva ordinato si facesse ricerca qui nel proprio." " Si, occupo una cameretta al numero quattro della via Farstemberg." Ternisien non die mente alia profonda impressione che la sua risposta aveva prodctto su Giulio e la sua consorte. Ne successe un breve silenzio di pochi mi- nuti profittando dei quali Valabei't ed Adele su cui que- 158 AN ANONYMOUS LETl'EK. ValaT>ert and Adele, in whom these words had awak- ened the same remembrances, exchanged between themselves furtive glances. "Let us see, Mr. Julius, how I can serve you." Valabert placed before the eyes of Ternisien a file of papers which were to be copied. Having agreed upon the price, Ternisien was ready to depart, but Julius detained him. He feared to question him, and at the same time he wished that he would speak. Those two words, " Furstembei-g street," resounded in his ears. If his wife had been absent, he would have directly questioned his old professor, who, lodg- ing in the same house where he had ceased to go, would perhaps have been able to explain what to him had remained & mystery. The presence of Adele, who seemed very little disposed to leave, obliged Jidius to take a round-about turn of words. "What have you followed during the last few years T' "A trade which did not suit me," answered Terni- sien. "I had lost my professorship at the Univer- sity, my pupils had left me, although I was still capa- ble of teaching. Certainly my hand wjis heavier, but the principles, you know well, were good, and expe- rience supplies the lack of the happy li/eliness of youth. However, all this was of no use ; I was oblige d to resign and become a public writer. For some years I worked dissatisfied with my vocation. Often 1 had 4 l| »!i||. i' !«H l ,niJ 3 had awak- 3d between ve you." nisien a file rmfy ai^reed depart, but estion him, ould speak. ' resounded ;, he would , who, lodg- >sed to go, k'hat to him » of Adele, ve, obliged le last few ered Terni- he Univer- s still capa- icavier, but , and expe- '/eliness of ^as oblige d some years )ften 1 had UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 169 ste parole avevano risvegliato gli stessi ricordi, vicen- devohnent« si scambiarono una furtiva occhiata. " Vediamo," signor Giulio, "in che posso 8ervir\'i? Valabert pose sotto gli occlvi di Ternisien una filza di carte che dovevano essere copiate. Convenuti del prezzo Ternisien gik stava per ritirarsi, ma Giulio lo trattenue. Temeva d' interrogarlo ed al tempo stesso desiderava ch' ei parlasse. Quoste due pai-ole via Fur- stemherff, risuonavano nelle sue orecchie. Se sua moglie fosse !?tata assente, egli avrebbe direttamente interrogate il suo antico profossore, il quale alloggiato nella stessa casa dov' egli aveva cessato di recarsi avrebbe potuto i)alesurgli quanto per lui era rimasto un mistero. La presenza di Adele la quale sembrava poco disposta a lasciarlo, lo costrinse ad iiupieg tre un lungo giro di parole. "Che cosa avete fatto nello spazio di questi ultimi anni i" "Un mestiere che non mi conveniva," lispose Ternisien. "Aveva perduto il mio posto di professore neir universitfi. i miei scolari mi avevano lasciato quantunque fossi ancora adatto all' insegnamento, per cei-to la mano era meno leggera, ma i principii, voi ben lo sapete. erano eccellenti e 1' esperienza rim- piazza la felice vivacita della gioventu. Tutto cio non servi a molto,abbisogn6 rassegnai-si e mi feci pubblico scrivano. Per alcuni anni lavorai malcontento del luio destino e del mio nuovo mestiere. Spesso avea [ I 160 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. had the intention to give it up. A circumstance which, in spite of myself, poisoned my conscience : a letter that I had the weakness to copy for a miser- able recompense, decided me." "A letter?" asked Julius, with indifference. "Yes, an anonymous letter which contained very heavy accusations. First of all, you must know th/it I ahvays nourished a profound contempt for all denun- ciations of that kind which one has not the courage to sign, and it seems to me that truth ought not to have any fear of expressing itself operJy. Is not this your opinion also, Mr. Julius ? " "Yes," answered he, who, entirely absorbed in Temisien'a narration, no longer observed his wife, and continued : "How could that letter have made such an impres- sion on your mind as to put in execution such a resolve ? " "Because that letter might compromise very much and perhaps even kill an innocent person as well as it denounced a great perfidy." "Why, then," interrupted Mrs. Valabert, who upon the face of her husba,nd htid guessed what kind of feelings he was endeavoring to conceal, "why did you not accept the second supposition, which was an probable as the first one ? " Ternisien raised his eyes to the sky and heaved a deep sigh. •cumstance onscience : or a miscr- nce. lined very know that all denun- courage to lOt to have t this your sorbed in i wife, and m impres- 3n such a ery much I aa well, Jert, who ivhat kind ' why did oh was as heaved a w- ' '"i ' i^^ i ." Wij..._ tTNA LETTEBA ANONIMA. 161 avuto I'idea di abbandonarlo. Una circo8tanza,che mio malgrado, attossicava la mia coscienza, una lettei*a che aveva avuto la debolezza di copiare per una misera- bile liieicede finl per decidermivi. " " Una lettera ?" domando Giulio con indifferenza. "Si, una lettera anouima che conteneva accuse gra- vissime. Anzitutto h bene che sappiate come ho sempre nutrito il piti profondo disprezzo per tutte le denunzie di questo genere che non si ha il coraggio di firmare e mi sembra che la veritA non debba temere di esprimei-si eziandio a viso scoperto. Non h questa pure la vostra opinione, signor Giulio ? " " Si," rispose questi, che assorto intieramente nel racconto di Ternisien non osservava piu sua moglie, e ehe riprese : " Come questa lettera aveva potuto impressionare il vostro spirito in siifatta maniera da decidervi a pren- dere una simile risoluzione ? " "Perche quella lettera poteva compromettere mol- tissimo e fors' anche uccidere una pei-sona innocente; come del pari poteva avvertirne un' altra, smasche- rando la pivi nera perfidia," '♦Perch^ dunque," int3rruppe la signora Valabert, che sul volto del raarito indovinava i sentimenti ch' egli sforzavasi di nascondere, "perche non accoglieste que- sta seconda ipotf u tanto probabile quanto la prima 'i " Ternisien alzo gli occhi al cielo,ed emise un pro- fondo sospiro. Il'" w ?•■■ ' ■■T ^^2 AN ANONYMOUS LKTTEK. "You are right, madam, then I could, but to- day " "To-day ? " repeated Julius. ' ' I cannot any more. My fear was a presentiment. Alas! it was soon resized in the most painful and cruel manner." "Of whom did that letter speak ? " "Of a young lady." "And to whom was it addressed ? " " I was never able to loarn. The boy who brought the letter to be copied had ordei-s to have the address written by another hand, and was unwilling to t«ll me whether he had received these ordei-s fi-om a gen- tleman or a lady. Such a great loystery troubled me. This was not the first time that I had felt scruples about lettei-s of that sort, but they had never made such an impression upon me, and I reproached my- self continually with an action so simple and ^natural belonging to my vocation, as if I had committed a cnme. At that time they were making objections to my remaining any longer in the court of the Holy Chapel. I left the shop and rented, at No. 4 Fu^^t- emberg street, a little room vacated by an old woman. The first two nighte passed in this, my new lodging, were calm and silent, but in the midst of the third one I ^aa awakened by sighs and smothered moans, and from time to time by distressful cries, the effects of pain. The following day it was said to me that i, but to- jentiment. liuful and brouffht e address ig to tell )m a gen- ibled me. scruples t^er made 5hed my- i.jiatural initted a ictions to he Holy 4 Fuj-st- woman. lodging, he third 1 moans, le effecls me that UNA LETTEBA ANONIMA. 163 " Siete nel vero, signora, alloi? lo poteva, per6 oggi...." 'Oggi?" ripetfeGiulio. "Nol pos.o pill. II mio timore era un presenti- mento, Ahime \ presto questo si realizzo nella piu penosa e crudele manicra. " "Di chi dunque parlava qiiella letteral" *'Di una giovinetta." " Ed a chi era diretta ? " *' Non ho mai potiito saperlo. II ragazzo che porto la lettera per farla copiare aveva ordlne di far scrivere da altri 1' indirizzo, e nomnieno voile dirmi, so avesse ricevuto questi ordini da un uomo,ovvero da una don- na. Un cosi gran mistero m' inquietava. Non era giA, la prima voltache scrupoli di tal sorta intorno a lettere di simile natura mi avessero tormentato, ma mai mi avevano impressionato si fattamente e sempre mi rim- proverava quell' Jitto cos\ semplice e cosi naturale della mia professione, quasi avessi commessa una mal'azi^ne. In quel tempo appunto mi si facevano pbiezioni per lasciarmi piii a lungo nella corte della Santa Cappella. Abbandonai la mia bottega ed aflSttai al numero quat- tro della via Furstemberg una cameretta lasciata da una vecchia. Lo due prime notti passate in quosto mio nuovo alloggio furono calme e silenziose, ma ncl bel mezzo della terza fui svegliato da gemiti, da la- menti soffocati e di tratto in tratto da forti grida strap- pate al dolore. L' indomani mi venne detto che 1' ap- 11 'ii '^* AN ANONYMOUS LETTEB. the little apartment near the room I occupied was in- babited by a young lady at the point of death. "A few days had passed when one day, retuminff home at about three o'clock, I was surprised to sec the dooi^ of the said apartment wide open. I looked int» the first room, -nobody was there,-no one in the second, -everywhere the same dreadful silence. I entered the last room, and there, lying insensible on her bed, 1 saw a young woman whose features, al- though altered by protracted illness, showed that she must have been beautiful when she was happy. "1 followed the first impulse of pity. I replaced on the pillow the head whi(!h hung oflT the bed I caused her to inhale from a smelling bottle which I found on the mantel and tried to restore her to con- sciousness. When she opened her eyes, ashamed to be alone m a room with a young woman, I apolo- gized and hurriedly retired. The poller, whom I questioned, told me that on the same day her servant had left her. Without inquiring what were her means, I ran for and brought with me a nurse to watch over her. Happily, there was some gold in her house. Miss Fanny Dusmenil was her name; I had forgotten to mention it before." At these words Julius rose. Ternisien, interrupt- ing his nan-ative, saw him, pale, subdued, and his fauld have ity of the death, of hough for '88 may bo n perhaps tting him 8ibly left ; her bed- 8 than an ained the common ^:. •*lte-„ riii^Hlfx-i^^'^^. a,^^,^.e^ -.w-.-.-^-^-ii. -- .:,^g^^^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) a US m ■AO 12.0 |l.25 |,,.4 |,.6 ^ 6" » «' V Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques tJNA T.ETTERA ANOXrvfA. TO biato un addio ainichevt)le quantunque piono di di- gnity, allorche 1' arrlvo di due nuove persone ritardcN di qnalclie niinnto In loro separaziono. L' uno dei due venuti era un ino.sui quaranta ai quavantacin- que anni di eta con viso aperto annunziante la piii fio- rida salute e la totale assenza di qualunque siasi in- terno disi)iaeere. II suo niodo di agire era quello di un uomo abituato a viv(!re ncl gran raondo, quantun- que privo di gia/ia.di eleganza e di di-stinzione. I suoi occhi grigi al livello della testa esprimevano un per- pctuo contento. Aveva senipre il naso al vento al pari di coloro che superbi di loro stessi credono di produrre suirli altri la stessa deliziosa e favorevole iuipressione cbe sono soliti di esperimentare allorche si riniirano in uno specchio. II signor Saint-Gilles aveva abbando- nato il servizio militare all' epoca della secouda risto- razione, si era slanciato nellc speculazioni, ed al pai'i di tanti altri vi era riescito senza rendersi conto di quanto facesse. L' azzardo lo aveva arricchito e la ricchezza lo ingrassava. L' altra persona che lo accompagnava era una donna tuttavia giovine che poteva avei-e ventisei anni di etd, e che non ne diniostrava piu, ne nieno. I suoi linea- menti avevano conservato la liuezza e la fresehezza della gioventu, il suo sorriso era incantatore, tutti i suoi movinienti erano calini, soavi, simmetrici. La sua bellezza non ei-a di quelle che colinscono a colpo d' occhio,ma piuttosto delle altre che s' iutiltrano poco ■•I 76 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. little by little and engraves itself on the heart, and which, though scarcely exciting desire, is yet the most certain to retain the love it has produced. Her dark complexion was in strong contrast with her blue eyes and fair hair, but these almost sure signs of a pas- sionate organization, in which are mixed tAvo different and opposite natures, voluptuous langmir and ardent vivacity, were belied by her quiet behavior and an expression of kindness. When she used to raise her eyes toward any person, one would say that she was looking for some grief to console, and would suppose that only the troubles of other people could ruffle the quietness of her soul. In spite of all these qualities, Adele de Launay had never been happy. At twenty-one she had married a man of twice her age. Not having known love's infatuation, she had not even had the opportunity of experiencing that quiet happiness which surely pos- sesses a gieater value and lasts longer. Her husband was one of those men Avithout vices or virtues, whose lives run from one project to another, planning schemes which are soon given up for new ones ; one of those incomplete natures, without will or patience, that vegetate e\crywhei'e without bearing fruit. She had followed him to various cities where he had gone for foolish experiments or for unsuccessful industrial speculations, and the clearest and most evident result 1 1 UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. W a poco e si scolpiscono nel cuore, e che difficili ad ecci- tare desiderio, sonoper6 molto piu sicure di conservare r amore che hanno saputo destare. La sua bvuna car- nagioue faceva contrasto coi suoi capcUi biondi e cogli occhi cerulei, ma questo contrasto indizio quasi certo di una passionataorganizzazionenella quale sono confuse due opposte nature, il languore voluttuoso e 1' arden- te vivacity era smentito dal suo riservato conteguo e' dair espressione di bont^ sparsa sul suo volto. Quan- d' essa alzava gli occhi su qualche persona, sarebbesi detto che andasse in ccrca di un dolore per consolarlo, e si sarebbe iramaginato che soltanto gli altrui afianni potessero turbare la serenit4 del suo aninio. "A dispetto di queste qualittl Adole de Launay non era mai stata feliee. All' cfcV diventun anno maritata con un uomo che aveva piu del doppio della sua eta, non avendo conosciuto 1' ebbrezza dell' amore non aveva avuto 1' occasione di provare la felicity tran- quilla che scnza dubbio possiede un maggior valore e dura pivi a lungo. Suo marito era uno di quegli uomini seuza vizii, nh virtu dei quali la vita trascorre passando da una idea all' altra, formando progetti che vengono abbandonati per altri, nature incomplete aprowedute di pazienza e di volonti che vegetano per ogni dove senza produrre f rutto alcuno. Essa lo aveva accompagnatoin varie cittil dove erasi recatoper falliti tentativi, per csperienze mancate, o per speculazioni in- dustriali andato a vuoto ed il resultato piu netto e piu 1 I 78 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. of all these journej-ings had always been the same — a loss of time and capital. Fiiiiilly, after many years of this roving existence, Mr. de Launay, almost ruined but not reformed, had been enticed into a new scheme which had alhired him on account of its remoteness and the probability of its success. With the remains of his fortune, he had laden a ship with goods which he intended to sell in South America at fifty per cent, profit, and this time he had put himself at the head of the expedition, having agreed with his wife that she should remain in Paris while waiting for the "gallons." Of her own dowry Mrs. de Launay had saved a hundred thousand francs, which her husband could not touch. Mrs. Valabei-t, her distant cousin, who had many times had occasion to appreciate her, had requested her to come and reside with her. Adele had accepted this offer, which at the same time leav- ing her free and mistress of her own movements, afforded her protection and a home befitting her age and position, and she had now been residing in that house for six months. Saint-Gilles,on perceiving the countess of Septeuil, assumed a more contented air, and his eyes were enabled to express something a little resembling thought With an awkward and vei-y evident inten- 1 e same — a any years ost ruined !W scheme emoteness e remains ods which fifty per olf at the 1 his wife aiting for d saved a md could isin, who 3 her, had f. Adele time leav- avements, ig her age ig in thiit Septeuil, iyes wei'e esembllng lent inten- UNA LETTEHA ANONIMA. 7fi manifesto di tutti quei suoi viaggi era stato sempre lo stesso. una pcrdita, cioe, tanto di tempo, quunto di capitate. Dopo varii anni dl questa nomade esistenza il signor de Launay quasi rovinato, ma non corretto si era da ultimo lasciab) adescaro da un nuovo progetto che lo aveva sedotto a cagione della lontananzae della proba bilitA, di succcsso. Coi rimasngli di sua fortuna aveva caricato un bastimento di oggetti che pretendeva di ven- dcre al 50-100 di beneficio nell' America meridionale, e si era messo alia testa della spedizione, questa volta solo, giacch^ per comime accordo sua moglie rimaneva a Parigi per ricevere i gallioni. ..Delia propria dote la signora de Launay aveva con- servato un centomila lire che suo maiito non aveva po tuto toccare. La signora Valabert sua lontana cugina che spesso aveva avuto 1' occasione di apprezzarla, I' aveva pregata di recarsi ad abitare con lei. Adele aveva accettato questa proposta che lasciandola al tempo stesso libera e padrona delle sue azioni le ofl'riva una protezione ed un aeilo necessario alia sua etk ed alia sua posizione isolata e gik da circa sei mesi ella viveva in quella casa, buona ed affettuos i con tutti, discreta ma . non indifferente ed occupandosi degli affari della fami- glia solo quando veniva consultata. Sain^Gilles nel vedere la contessa di Septeuil as- sunse un' aria piu gioviale ed i suoi occhi giunsero pei-fino ad esprimere qualche cosa che rassomigliava ^^i??* r i) 80 AN ANONYMOUS LETl'BB. tion of joking, he addressed a few compliments to the noble lady, and congratulations upon meeting her at Mrs. Valabert's. On her part, Adele de Launay had contented herself with bowing to Mi-s. Septeuil. As soon as the countess had left, Saint-Gilles and the two ladies went into the parlor. There Mrs. Valabert addressed Adele thus : "Cousin, you well know our agreement, absolute and full froedom as well for you as for me. This morning you wished Saint-Gilles to accompany you while shopping at several places. Be pleased now to give him back to me as we have need to converse to- gether." "Since you wish to be alone, I will retire." "Before you go," replied Mrs. Valabert, "allow me to repair an involuntary negligence. Yesterday I was somewhat ill, this morning you went out early without my having the pleasure of seeing you. I hope you have not received bad news ? " " None, my dear cousin," answered Adele, '♦and I thank you heartily for the interest you take in all that concerns me." After these remarks, she retired to her own apart- ments. * Saint-Gilles gazed after her, saying: " That crazy fellow, de Launay, is happier than he deserves to be. Here is a woman who loves him in n «HMI UNA LETTEnA ANONIMA. 81 ents to the Ing her fit auuay hud (teuil. As nd the two . Valabert t, absolute me. This ipany you sed now to onveree to- rt, "allow Yesterday it out early g you. le, '♦and I ) in all that own apart- ier than he ves him in ! d un pensioro. Con una goft'ii o visibilissima inten- zione tli malizia, ei dlresso dei complimenti alia nobile da na e si felicito d' incontrai'la in casa della signora Valabert. Dal suo lato Adelc de Launay si era con- tjntata di ealutare la signora di Septeuil. Partita che fa la contessa, Saint-Gilles e le due signore entrarono nel salone. Allora la signora Valabert disse ad Adele. "Cugina, I en 3 pete i nostri patti; assoluta e per- fetta liberty tan to per voi quanto per me. Questa mattina avete desiderato che il signor Saint-Gilles vi accompagnasse nelle corse che dovevate fare per com- prare diversi oggetti, abbiate adesso la bonti di resti- tuirmelo giacchfe abbiamo bisogno di parlare insieme." "Desiderate rimanere soli, me ne vado." "Prima di ritirarvi," riprese la signora Valabert, " pei'mettetemi di riparare una volontaria negligen/tu So che avete ricevuto lettere da vostro marito. ler- sora fui alquanto indisposta, questa mattina siete uscita per tempo senza che avessi il piacere di vedervi. Spero non abbiate ricevuto alcuna cattiva notizia." "Nessuna, cara cugina," rispose Adele un po' com- mossa, "e di vero cuore vi ringrazio dell' interesse che prendete per tutto cio che mi concerne," Pronunziate questa parole csci e si ritiro nel suo ap- pa tamento. Saint-Gilles k ■> ne dietro cogli sguardi. " Quel matto di ^. e Launay h pi a fell e di quello che meriterebbe. Ecco una donna che lo ama non ostante 1 "♦ $ »!W^ 83 AK ANONYMOUS LETTRR. bpiteof all his extravagances. If ho would write her to join him, I would not be surprised if she should at once obey. While he could have quietly enjoyed such a treasure at home, he became a merchant of Cologne water and English soap in the other hemisphere. There are some persons who, although their heads were full of eyes, would not be able to see clearly." " Yes," answered Mrs. Valabert, sadly, "there are passions impossible to be explained ; some spurn virtue, some do not know vice." "Oh 1 " said SaintrGilles, who had already without ceremony seated himself in an easy-chair, his legf. crossed and his body reclining, "what has happened ? Did the countess depart disappointed <" "Yes, friend." "Why so?" "Because there exists an obstacle which you do not know, and which we cannot say that we will be able to overcome." "What is it?" "It is just to speak to you of it and to ask your advice that I have wished to be alone with you. ' Mrs. Valabert brought another easy-chair near Mr. Saint-Gilles, and sat dovra beside him. Before we let them begin their confidences, it is necessary to explain briefly the friendship which existed between these two persons : UNA I^TTEHA ANONIMA. 83 yrite her ihould at ycd such Cologne lisphere. lir heads sarly." there are :n virtue, r without his legh ippened ? 1 you do e will be ask your ou. " near Mr. ices, it is ip which tutto le sue stravuganze. Se egli le scrivesse di an- dare a raggiungcrio non sarci allutto sorpreso ch' elhi r ubbidirebbe subito. Mcntre uvrebbe potuto tran- quillamonte godei-si tale toworo eccolo cho pensa di tarsi negoziante di acqua di Cologna e di wapone in- glese neir altro emisfcro. Vi sono poi-soue che anche colla testa circondata da millo occhi non arrivercbbero a vedervi chiaro." *'Si," rispose tristainente la signora Valabcrt, "esi- Btono passioni impossibili a spiegarsi, taluni disprez- zano la virtix, altri non sanno conoscere il vizio." -"Eh! buonDio!" disse Saint-Gillcs, che gii erasi seduto senza ceromonie colle gambe accavalcate ed il dosso rovesciato tmlla spalliera di una, poltrona; "cosa h mai accaduto? Fowe la contessa se n' ^ ita dispia- ciuta?" "S\,amico." "Ebbene?" " Ebbene, hawi un ostacolo che voi non conosccte, e non so se riesciremo a sormontarlo." "Quale?" " Ho voluto rimanere sola con voi appunto per ren. dervene istrutto e domandarvi il vostro consisrlio." La signora Valabei-t avvicino una polti-onu e s' assise al fianco di Saint>Gille8. .Prima di lasciarla cominc'iai-e la sua confidenza fa d' uopo dj spiegare con poche parole 1' amicizia ch' esL steva fra queste due persone. •mm- P,^ AN ANONTMOTIR LFTTER. Saiiit-Gillert wius a Imchelor, Mrs. Valabort was a widow, but whiiih Is rarely the case, their rehitious were truly hosed upon pure and holy fricnd»hip. Julius' mother was virtuous not only on account oi her trainiufr, but by nature. Cold and calm in her youth, she had never admitted the poHHibility of a fault, and the lovo which enraptured the senses, love Avithout marriage, was conrtidered by her u chimera or a vice without excuse, like hypocrisy, falsehood or theft. Saint-Gilles had received many favors from Mrs. Valabert, for which he had shown himself very grate- ful. , He continued to visit the widow, and little by little made himself indispensable to her. He had no equal in bestowing trifling attentiona and in busying himself with other people's affairs. Always at the ilisposal of whoever needed him, he collected rents, canvassed for mortgages to place money, arranged preliminaries of marriages and took upon himself all sorts of troubles and every kind of work. In short, he was a most clever and indefatigable "/actoiww." '^ Friend," began Mrs. Valabert, "to you am I indebted for the acquaintance of the countess of Sep- teuil. You were the fii-st who thought of this mar- riage, so advantageous for my son. The counttss crave her consent to this union, and has given me the assurance that her daughter had no opposition to it whatever. With sorrow I have discovered a secret I TTI crt wnB a ' rehitions i'ii » i -^r'TM i ini-BfTTn i i » «fTnr i wTT in l nq w il'jyiWnH M MI HIi r i n l l l WTW ill H I W^ I W I 92 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. right With this sum we shall send this young lady to her penates and her music with variations, and after a time she will marry some young ai-tist, whom she will make happy. I will take it into my hands and then who shall know ? Though I am not severe like you, I think it really very probable and possible that she may deceive Julius. I can easily believe that a woman, if mistress of itself, can very well avoid lovers, but as soon as I know she has a lover, I am justified in supposing her with two lovers. We shall see ; and while you are awaiting the result, try to cheer yourself." The convei-sation was pursued a little longer, and Saint-Gilles temporarily persuadeci Jhs. Valabert not to alarm herself and to continue the negotiations with the countess. His arguments with Julius did not secure the result desired. The reader will excuse us from repeating here the very excellent reasons he presented and urged in speaking to Julius ; it will be enough for him to know that none of them were re- ceived with favor. Saint-Gillos belonged to that class of persons who believe in being useful to others by giving them advice for which they have not asked. The happy tranquillity of that family was com- pletely changed. Julius, fearing his mother's tears and prayers, avoided her presence as much as possible, and, when with her, kept a cold silence. Vainly Adele de Launay endeavored to enliven the couveraation. i# ~ls*SAI»ln-^^-i,.J iroung lady ations, and [•tist, whom > my hands not severe nd possible believe that well avoid lover, I am We shall try to cheer longer, and 'alabert not iations with us did not [I excuse us reasons he I ; it will be sm were re- to that class ;o others by lot asked. ' was com- ither's tears as possible, 'ainly Adele juvei'sation. UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 93 derA. la signorina ai suoi penati ed alia sua musica con variazioni e col tempo sposerA un artista ch' essa render^ f elice. lo m' inoarico delle trattative. E poi chi sail Senz' essere eevero al pari di voi, nel ton- do pcnso essere cosa pi'obabile anzi possibilissima ch' ella inganni Giulio. Posso ben credere che una donna, abbenche asaoluta padrona di s^ stessa, faccia a meno di amanti, pero dal momento in cui vengo a sa- pere ch' essa ne ha uno, posso anche supporgljene due. Vedromo ! ed aspettando fatevi buon' animo." La conversazione prolungossi ancora un poco, e Saint-Gilles prowisoriamente indusse la signora Vala- bert a non ailannarsi ed a continuare le trattative colla contessa di Septeuil. La sua eloquenza non produsse su Giulio il risultato ch' erasene ripromesso. II lettore vorrA dispensarci dal ripetere qui tutte le eccellentis- sime ragioni da lui addotte e fatte valere parlando con Giulio, gli basti solo sapere come nessuna di quelle ragioni fu da quest' ultimo accolta favorevolmcnte.' Saint-Gilles apparteneva allaclasse di quelle persona che credono di essere utili ad altre prodigando avvisi e consigli che nessuno loro doraanda. La pacifica vita di quella famiglia era totalmente mutata. Giulio temendo i pianti e le preghiere di sua madre, quanto piti poteva, n' evitava la presen za ed allorch^ si trovava con lei manteneva un freddo silenzio. Invano Adele de Launay si sforzava di rianimare la conversazione. Essa si mostrava buo- I 1 . 4 i.;i» W AN ANONY5IOU8 LETTER. She showed herself more than usually good, thought- ful and amiable, but no explanation had ever taken place in her presence ; neither had she been admitted into contidonue, so that, jjranted that she did not know the cause of tliis coldness, she was in no way author- ized to provoke a decisive explanation. Julius, on the other hand, had completely concealed from Fanny the opposition he experienced from his mother, whose mouth-piece was Saint-Gilles. He strengthened him- self in the resistance, always fearing the moment when in an irre\ ocable manner ho would be obliged to sig- nify his tirni resolve. He hoped that Saint-Gilles, acknowledging the inutility of his attempt and tired of the struggle, would cease his annoyance. In this false situation many days passed, but the end must necessarily come. One morning Mrs. Val- abert's house took on the appearance of festivity ; the servants were going and coming with a busy air. Julius, on returning home at noon, noticed all this stir, and was at a loss to know how to account for it. Just as he was going to ask the reason of it, the door of the parlor in which he was, opened. Mrs. Vala- bei-t was coming from her apartments, dressed and in the act of going out Stopping before her son, she said to him : " I am very glad to meet you. I hope that you will have no engagement for this afternoon, and if you intend to be out, I beg you to sacriface this eve» I «t(«W»«lfcf*i*l»f*^W^'! i*»'*»iiiBeSS»Si^.-'"« UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. m , thoiight- ver taken admitted not know ly aiithor- riiliiw, on )m Fanny ler, whose 3nod him- icnt when fvd to niff- int-Gilk'8, and tired I, but the Mrs. Val- ivity; the busy air. d all this mt for It. , the door Ira. Vala- ;ed and in r son, she that you )n, and if this even na, previdente, araabilo piu del solito, ma in sua pre- sen'/a non venivano scambiato spiegazioni, ne essa domandava di esscre chiainata in contidenza, di ma- niera cho igiiorando hi cagiono di quella freddezza, non poteva in aicun modo provocare una decisiva spie gaziune, Dal canto suo Giulio uveva lasciato Fanny all' oscuro dell' opposizione ch' egli incontrava da parte di ana madre, della quale Saint-Gilles era il por- tavoce. Kgli s' incorraggiava nelia resistenza, seni- pre paventando il momento in cui avrebbe dovuto in una maniera irrevocabile significare la sua ferma de- cisione. Egli sperava che Saint-(iilles riconoscendo 1' inutilitA dei suoi tentaf ivi e stanco di lotta rinun- zierebbe alle sue ossessioni. In questa falsa situazionepassaronocosl varii giorni; pero di necessity doveva avcre una line. Un bel mat- tino la casa della signora Valabert prese un aspetto di festa; i servitori andavano e venivano con un' aria af- faccendata. Giulio, rientrando a mezzod\,rimarcu tutto quel mo>imento, ne sapeva a rhe josa attribuirlo. GiA ei correva a doniandarne la 8piegazione,allorch6 1'uscio del salotto in cui si trovava si apri. La signora Vala- bert veniva dal suo app;u"t imento, pronta ad uscire. Fcrmandosi innanzi al t'/^li j gli disse : " Sono contentissima u' incontrarvi, spero che questo dopo pranzo non abbiate aicun' affai-e d' imporianza ; e se la vostraintenzione tosse di non rimanere in casa, vi prcgherei per quest' oggi di f armi il sagrificio della I 06 . AN ANONYMOUS liKTTER. ing to mo, as 1 am expecting u numerous company." "\Vhom?" "Many tnends, among whom will be the countos's of Septeuil and her daughter." "Madam! " interrupted Julius. But his mother, who had spoken these words almost huiTiedly, as one who could see no reason for objec- tion, had already crossed the parlor. A servant came to tell her that the carriage was ready. In his first emotion of surprise, Julius had let her go. Immediately he understood that by disposing of him in such a way his mother had made the last effort In that manner he would have been under the necessity of letting others believe in his silent aj)- proval, or by refusing to be present to break all the negotiations in an unforeseen way, which could have been considered bad manners, and would have com- promised even his mother. And yet this was the only course left to him. This elaborate snare, so easily to be avoided, in which they were trying to entrap him, was more un- bearable than serious and strong obstacles. He had seated himself, pondering how to act. Julius thought himself alone, and Wiis amazed to feel a hand laid on the back of his easy chair, while a sweet voice thus spoke : "You are sad, cousin; is it not true?" Ts^^^wM UNA LKTTRRA ANONIMA. 97 . )« npnny jountesis s almost r objec- nt came let her )8ing of the lu8t I under lent nj)- : all the Id have ve com- mas the ided, in lore un- Hehad ;hought nd laid ice thus vostra sera giacclio uspetto numcrona compagnia. " ''Chir' " Varii amici e fra gli altri la oontestfa di Septeuil con sua figlia." " Signora 1 " interruppe Giulio. Ma gisl sua madro, che avevu pronun/.iato queste parole in frettu, quasi non prevedesse alcuna obiezione aveva attraveraato la sala. Un domestico era venuto ud annunziarle come la carrozza fosse i)ronta. Nel suo primo movimento di sorpresa, Giulio 1* ave va lasciata partire. A prima vista ei cap! come quel cos\ dispon'e del la sua persona fosse uno sforzo di- sperato. In cotesto modo ei si sarebbe trovato nella necessity, o di lasciar credere al suo tacito consenso assistendo alia serata, ovvero, ricusandovisi, di essere forzato di romperla in una certa maniera impreve- diita e che poteva essere tacciata di cattiva educa- zione, cosa che avrebbe potuto eziandio compromet- tere la madre. £ppure quello si era il solo partito che gli rimaneva. Questa elaborata trappola cosl facile ad evitarsi e nella quale si cercava di farlo cadere gli era piu insof- fribiie di ostacoli serii o forti. Egli si era seduto e pensava a trarsi da quell' imbarazzo. Giulio credeva di essere solo e fu sorpi-eso nel sentire una mano po- sarsi suUa spalliera della sua poltrona, nel mentre che una voce doice cosl si iesprimeva : "Siete afflitto, buon cugino, non h egli vero ? " :ll 08 AN ANONYMOUS l-KTTBK. "Julius turned Bnd saw Mrs. de Luunny gazing at him with intoirst. "How loiijo: have you been there?" ho nsked. "I do not renienibcr havinjr socn you conio in." "I wfiH in your niothcr'H room. I tirrived just wlion she left the drnwinji-room, but lovers hiive nei- tlier eurs nor eyes, and I am not oHended at your nltsentmindedness. All your attention nuwt be given t-t)IIER." "Then you know all?* "Yes; this evening party had already been arranged four days ago. It is a little plot prepared by Mr. Saint-Gilles, to which my cousin has given her con- Kent Neither the former nor the latter will believe that your love is deep and sincere." ' " And do you believe it to be so ? " •'I? I ought to have been a diviner, as neither you nor your mother ever spoke to mo of it. All that I do know I have learned from your sadness and from some few words heard by chance or willingly listened to." "If they had consulted you, what would have been your answer ? " " I should have refused to enter into this plot." "Why?" "Because one cannot betray one's allies." " Then you pity me." "If I had not, would you have seen mo here? " SSrSSBB'*^ ;azing at kcd. "I ved jnst tmve noi- at your be given xrrnngetl by Mr. her con- l beliovo I neither it. All ncss and ivillingly ave been plot." 3re?" UNA I,K ITKRA ANONIMA. •• Giulio si rivol80 e sforso iu signorii do Lnimay ch« lo vimirfiVtt con intcrosse. "Da qunnio tcinpo eriivatc qui ? '' lo doinando. "Non mi sovvengo di iivcrvi vodulo cntnuv." "Mi trovHva nellii camera di vostra madre, sono ar- rivata appunto al momonto in cui essa iiscivu; pcrcN le ptTHone innaniorato non vcdono, nt- ascoltuno; nt' mi otlcndo doUa vostra distruzione. Nou potcto uvcre rignardi che per LKl. "Voi dnnque sap^-to tuito!" ''Si, quest' invito h stato fatto ffiil da quadro giomi." Qucsta e una i)iccola conglura traniata dul signer Saint-Gillcs ed -;)provata da raia eugina. N6 r uno, ntj 1' altra vogliono credere che il vostro amoro sia sinceroetorte." »' E voi 1 lo crcdi'te tale 1 " "lo? " avrei dovuto esscre indovina, dappoichJj n^ voi mi avetc scelto per contidente, ne vostra madre me no ha parlato. Quello ch' io so, 1' ho ppreso dalla vostra tristezza, da qualche parola raccolta a caso, ed ascoltando." " Se foste stata consultata che cosa avreste risposto {" "Avrei ricusato di far parte di quest' alleanza." "Perchfe?" "Perchfe gU alleati non debbono essere traditi." " Allora voi mi compiangete ? " "Se non sentissi piet4 di voi, mi vedreste oggi qui •coanto a voi ? " I aii TMi^ . ^«rf:.^.ji«..->f>^ 100 AN ANONTTMOUS LETTER, "Kind Adelo, I am sufforinp:; yos, I am unhappy." "And, nevertheless, you h)ve and are loved?" *' Without ft shadow of doubt." "What else, then, do you want? A happiness which only depends upon yourself ! Listen to me : I always thought that women, better than men, know how to love, because when they feel a strong passion, they do not look at the difficulties and are ready to defy death, while you men do not know how to bear a moment of embarrassment or of shame." " You ai*e right ; I am feeble, and 1 fear to bring affliction to my mother." "Or, perhaps, to repent yourself some day?" " Oh ! never, never ! If you knew her !" "Speak to me, then, with open heart. I fear that am now going to do or to say may be ought to remain neutral. But a friend all that I wrong. I will be allowed to ask for your confidence, when an- other has taken upon himself the right of torturing you without consulting you. Answer me, then. Is she beautiful ? " "Without her I cannot live." "She is beautiful, yes, without doubt, but I meant to say remarkably beautiful " "More so than yourself, my cousin;" but he soon added, "at least I believe so." "Are you sure of it? and do you not deceive me? Has she spirit T' •ffrfllilrllHIWiltiWltli.i ihappy." ed?" appinoss I to me : 3n, know passion, ready to ' to bear to bring !" fear that may be a friend vhen an- orturing !ien. Is I meant he soon live me? UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. tOl "Buona Adele 1 lo soffro, si sono disgiaziato." "Eppure amate e siete riamato ! " '« Senza 1' ombra di un dubbio." *'Che cosa dunque vi manca? Una felicity che dipende solo da vol. Ascoltatemi, ho sempre creduto che le donne sapessero amaremegliodegliuoraini,per- chfe allorquando esse hanno nel more una profonda passione non conoscono ostacoli e sanno sfidare la morte; mentre che vol altri uomini non sapete sott'rire un mon^.ento di vergogna o d' imbarazzo." " Avete ragione," disse Giulio, " sono debole e temo di afliiggere niia madre." "Ovvero pentirvi un giorno." *' Oh ! mai 1 e poi mai ! Se la conosceste I . "Su via parlatemi a cuoi-e aperto. Temo bf.ne che qnanto dico e fo in questo momento sia mai fatto, do- vrei rimanere neutrale. Forse h lecito ad un' arnica di domandare la vostra fiducia allorquando un altro che non avete consultato si h assunto il diritto di tor- mentarvi. Rispondetemi; ^ essa bella?" "Senza di lei non potr6 vivere." "Essa h bellal si, senza dubbio, per6 intendo dire, bellissima, bellissima ! " "Piiidivoi, cugina," e subito aggiunse " aUneno cosi credo." "Ne siete sicuro e non ra' ingannate. Ha essa dello apirito?" «Moltis8imo, unito alia semplicitA, quello spiri- » ft3 B t « iftrri !»i WWt"-«rtf l ,« i rtM ..i 102 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. "Very much indeed and, joined with simplicity, that spirit which comes from the heart, like youi-s, cousin." "Pray do not use me as a comparison," answered Adele, smiling, "and I am not questioning you about her only in order to hear her praises. After all, you love her, and this is the main point. Are you sure that she also loves you, and that she never loved another? Is she virtuous ? " * "He who would try to say the contrary, must prove his word or I should have his life." "Oh, friend! if your heart would be completely free and you would be the absolute master in choosing a wife, could you dare to hope to have in her united, talents, spirit, virtue ? and because you have been so fortunate as to find such a woman and to possess such a treasure, you spurn it 1 And what for ? Julius, search your heart Have you never reproached her with the love you have inspired in her ? " " Can you judge me so unjust ? No; Fanny, to my eyes, is the most virtuous woman in all the M^orld." "Marry her, then, and do not ask me for advice." "I shall take advice only from myself, my good cousin. My present embarrassment lies in findinff a way to break this projected marriage." *' It is your own fault Why have you not spoken a month ago ? " "I am well decided not to appear this evening, but how to avoid a scandal ? " n^ plicity, that 1*3, cousin." ' answered ; you about ter all, you •e you sure ever loved must prove completely in choosing her united, ive been so ossess such • 'i Julius, oached her any, to my M^orld." L»r advice." , my good Q finding a lot spoken ening, but UNA LETTKnA ANONIMA. 103 to che proviene dal cuore, come il vostro, cugina." "Non voglio servirle di paragone," rispose Adcle sorridendo, "e non vi parlo di lei, perchfe facciate il mio clogio. In somma voi I' amate, ecco il punto principtile. Siete poi sicuro ch' cssa vi ami e che non abbia amato alcun altro ? E' dessa virtuosa? " " Colui che volesse sostcnero il contrario dovrebbe provarmelo aitrimenti n' esigerei la vita." "Oh, amico! se il vostro cuore fosse completa- mente libero, e se foste 1' arbitro assoluto di sccgliervi una sposa non osereste spoi-are di trovare in essa rin- nite labeltA, la gioventii, i talcnti, lo spirito e la virtii; e perchfe siete stato cosi fortunato di porre la mano sopra una simile donna e di possedere questo tesoro, voi lo sdegnate. E per qual niotivo ? Giulio scendet" in voi medesimo. Non le aveto mai rimprovcrato r amore che avctp saputo inspirarle ? " ''Potete giudicarmi cos\ ingiusto? No, agli occhi miei Fanny h la donna la piii virtuosa del mondo in- tero." "Sposatela dunque e non mi domandate consiglio." "Prendero consiglio solo da me, buona cugina. 11 mio imbarazzo in questo momento consiste nel trovare un mezzo per rompere questa progettata unione." "Voi stesso ci colpate. Perchfe non parlare un mese fa," '" Sono deciso di non comparire questa sera. Come per6 evitare uno scandalo ? " fl WIBWBiBSffSBSSSr? 104 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. *'I do not see any way. The rupture ought to come from the countess, not from you. Were I you, I would not worry myself until to-night. Yes, on my word. Wlio knows but some good angel will watch over you ? Often, just when we feel very un- happy, we find ourselves near to happiness. Hope ! these moments of tranquillity will be so many stolen from future grief, and perhaps even these last will not come." Before Julius, who shared not this confidence, could ask her what cause inspired her with it, the drawing- room door opened and Mrs. Vahibert came in. She had a serious and preoccupied mien, and was crump- ling in her hand a letter which had arrived in her absence and which had been given her by the porter on her return. "My son," she said, in a voice which hardly con- cealed her emotion, "you are free and master of your evening. Lady Scpteuil writes me that she is not able to accept my invitation. Send a servant to Mr. Saint-Gilles, and, if he is at home, tell him to call as soon as possible," and she departed, murmurino" a few words that her son was not able to understand. This second apparition, so diflferent from the first, amazed Julius. Glancing at his cousin, he said : " Adele, what were you saying a little while ago ; that the rupture ought to come from Mrs. de Septeuil ? e ouj^fht to Vere I you, • Yes, on angel will el very un- 3. Hope ! aany stolen 3e last will ence, could le drawing- e in. She ivas crump- ved in her the porter lardly con- ter of your she is not ant to Mr. n to call as rmuring a lerstaud. Q the first, isaid: while ago ; 9 Septeuil? UNA LF.TTERA ANONUIA. 106 "Non ci vedo alcun rimedio Bisognerebbe che la rottura provenisse non da voi ma dalla contessa. Nei vostri panni fino a questa sera non vorrei tormenturmi. Oh 1 Per Bacco ! Chi sa che qualche buon' ungelo non vegli su voi 1 Spesso al moniento in cui ci crediamo pill infelici,ci troviamo invece vicini a toccare la felicity. Sperate I Questi momenti di quiete saranno altrcttanti strappati al ventui'o dolorc, e forse i momenti del do- lore ncppure giungoranno." Prima che Giulio il quale non divideva aflFatto questa fiducia, potesse domandaro ad Adelc qual motivo gliela inspiraese la porta del salone si apri, e la signora Valabert entro. Essa aveva la cera seria e preoccu- pata e spiegazzava nelle mani una lettera arrivata nel tempo della sua assenza e che appunto allora le era stata. consegnata dal portinaio. "Figlio," disse con voce che a stento celava la sua emozione, " siete libero e padrone della vostra serata. La signora di Septeuil mi acrive di non potere accet- tai*e il mio invito. Mandate un servo a casa di Saint- Gilles, e se ^ in casa, fatelo pregare di venire da me," e si albontan6 mormorando poche parole che suo figlici non pote arrivare a comprendere. Questa seconda comparaa cosi diflercnte dalla prima aveva strabiliato Giulio. Fissando in viso sua cugina : " Adele che dicevate poc' anzi? Sarebbe d' uopo che la rottura venisse da parte della signora di ,Sep- lOH AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. But this seems a true rupture; you, perhaps, were cognizant of it?" "I had hoped for it." "The angel who was watching over me was then yourself?" " Hush ! " said she, " be silent ! " He replied in a low voice : "But how happened all thio ? Please explain yourself, that I may be able to thank you." " What I have done is of little importance. I will tell you about it later, if you will be so good as not to reproach me with having guessed what you had not told mc. Now let us pai't — not a word more, not a sign nor a k)ok of intelligence. 1 saw you so un- happy, here is the excuse and explanation of my con- duct ; to morrow, or in a few days, you will entreat your mother, and she, perhaps, will be moved by your prayer. Do not waste your time with me, go to her; go, friend, and love her always because she is worthy of you. Good-bye." Mi-s. Valabert's pride had been offended by the refusal of the countess; and the latter was too proud to go back. All the diplomacy of Mr. Saint-Gilles failed to again bring forth the negotiations. Mrs. de Launay, fearing sooner or later to be obliged to take sides in these family discussions, went into the country for a few days, to the residence of a friend of Julius' mother. mmm Vkw^i*..yitj/;, - rhaps, were le was then nppencd all y bo able to ice. I will ^oud as not f'ou had not iiore, not a you so un- of my con- ivill entreat 'cd by your go to her; e is worthy ded by the i too proud Saint-Gilles i. Mrs. do ged to take the country d of Julius' 'V^ UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 107 teuil, ma qucsto sombra una vera rottura. Lo sape- vate forsc ? " " Lo sperava." " L' angelo che vegliava su me oravate dunque vol ?" «' Zitto," gli disse, " taceto I " Egli riprese a voce bassa : "Ma come h accaduto tutto cio! Oh, spiegatevi perch' io possa ringraziarvcne." '* Cio che ho fatto e cosa di poco valore, ve lo dir6 pill tardi, so non mi rimprovererete di avere indovi- nato un dolore ehe non mi avevate confidato. Adesso separiaraoci. Non una parola di piu, non un cenno, non uno sguardo d' intelligonza. Vi ho veduto tanto iiifelice ! Ecco la scusa della mia condotta, domani fra qualche giorno preghereto vostra madre e for- 86 le vostre preghiere la commoveranno. Non per- dete il tempo meco, andate jresso di lei, andate, amico, ed amatela sempre dacche e degna di vol. A rivedcrci.'" L' orgoglio della signora Valabert era state offeso dal rifiuto della contessa e quest' ultima era troppo su- perba per ritornare sul fatto. Tutta la diplomazia del signor Saint-Giiles non pote riescire a riappicare le trattative. La signora do La.may, temendo senza dubbio di vedersi costretta presto o tardi di prendere partito in queste discussioni di famiglia and6 a passare alcuui giorui alia villoggiatura in casa di un' arnica della madre di Giulio, i 108 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. Julius was not able immediately to obtain the con- sent he asked for. Every time Mrs. Valabert wiw moved by her son's i)niyers, Saint-Gilles, who had considored as his own business the rupture of this marriage, reproached her with hor feel)leness. Saintr Gilles had not been able to put in execution his first scheme of addressing himself to Fanny, because Julius was continually with her. Finally, frightened at .the anxiety and agitation of her son, Mrs. Vala- bert yielded on condition that she should not see her daughter-in-law. Julius, at about twenty leagues from Paris, owned a villa which was comprised in his father's estate. The interesting condition of Fanny not permitting him to present her in soc* oty, he had resolved to take her to this little country residence. In order to announce to her the day fixed for the mar- riage and make known to her his last arrangements, he went as usual to the house in l^'urstemberg street. Occupied with his thoughts and absent-minded, he was walking rapidly. Just as he was nearing the door of Fanny's house, he rushed upon a young man com- ing from it. While ringing the bell, his heart was throbbing. He reproached himself for the injurious suspicions continually torturing him in spite of his love. On entering, it seemed to him that Marion was confused and that Fanny blushed when he narrated his encounter, but he ended by being ashamed of his jeal- ous suspicions, and soon restored by Fanny'is tendei* ■HMMMBtn** UNA I>ETTERA ANONTMA. 100 in the con- iabert was who hntl re of this 98. Siiint,- Bution his y, because frightened yirs. Vala- ot see her :y leagues (iprised in I of Fanny ty, he had residence. )r the mar- ngements, erg street, linded, he g the door man corn- heart was J injurious )ite of his [arion was irrated his of his jeal- ly'is tendei- Questi non aveva potuto ottenere suhito il const'ii-so die iloniantlava. Tutte le v<>Uc' chc la hignora Vala- bert si iaaciava intenmi-e dalle preghiere del liglio, Saint-Gilles, ch' erasi fatto un caso di coseicnza della rottura di questo matrimonio lo rimprovcrava la sua debolezza. Saint-Gilles non poteva porro in t'sccu- zione la sua priniitiva idea di dirigcisi a Fanny a mo- tivo che Giulio rimanova continuamente con lei. Spa- ventjita in ultimo dalle snianie e dall' agitazione del figlio, la signora Valabert ccdcttc a condizione di non vodere la nuora. Giulio a circa venti legh ev ulone 1(1 at the M which f, a gcn- eviously it-Gilles, wmality mily, of hor, of tin with imlly he icy, that consent did not ids and no one earning er own 11 knew such a icere in Julius UNA LRTTERA ANONIMA. 118 afflitta? Peroht'", quaiito nuipgiornicnto veilcva approa- Hiniursi l' epoca del suo nuitrinioiiio, tanto piii st-iitivu il suo cuore oppresso da \m fatalo presentliiu'nto. Erano giiV scorsi gli otto piornl dacchi) Giulio era par- tito quest' asH(!nza la prinuula lei softerta 1' aveva gettata sola senza difcwa ncllo tropu'.azioni del suo cuore e conteinporaneamcuto 1' aveva esposta a taluni intrif^hi ch' erano vemitl ad iivvelenare lasuasolitudine. L' indomani della piutenza di Giulio un gentiluoi o ch' essa sovvenivasi di aver veduto .iltra volta nel hp lone doi genitori della sua giovine t jolare SaintrGille si era presentato a lei e senzu prou iboli, nh cn'imunui le aveva parlato dei progetti della famiglia dl Giulio, delle brillanti speranze che il suo anioro per loi lucva distrutto, dell' afflizione chc se ne riscntiva, del doloro col quale si era dato il consenso alia progettata uniono e finalmente di un' ultima speranza riposta nella doli- catezza di Fanny, perchfe pereuadcsse Giulio a rien- trare in sh ed acconsentire a quanto da lui si deside- rava. Saint-Gille^* non diment'c<^ di adornnro questo discorso con paiolo lusinghiere ad elogi : Fanny essere tenuta da tutti in grande stima, nessuno si sorprende- rebbe nel vedere com' ella nietiesima istrutta delle esi- stenti difficoltil averse siiputo sagrificare k sua passiono air Hvvenire della felicibV di Giulio; cono^cei-si egual- mente essere ella cosV disinteressata da non esitare in questo sacrificio. ed essere cos! sincera nel suo am ore da far precedere gl' interessi di Giulio ai pro- ^'-itms. . 114 AN ANONYMOUS LBTTEK. to her own. All these things had been spoken cau- tiously but with a tone in which one could easily per- ceive the skepticism of a worldly man, ready to deny every kind of true and sublime affection. There still remained the last persuasive, that of pecuniary com- pensation in exchange for so many destroyed hopes. Although Saint-Gilles had relied very much upon the strength of this argument, he dare not speak of it. Fanny's demeanor had made such an impression as to prevent him from uttering the words, "pecuniary coinpenmtlon.^' Saint-Gilles took leave without re- cei\ing a positive answer, but obtained from her a promise to let him know her decision. The following day, after a night of wakefulness and fever, she sent him a note containing these sim- ple words : " Address yourself to Julius.^' Thus the negotiations were sent again to the same field on which he had always been beaten. These attempts, this ap- peal to her generosity and this exaggerated picture of Mrs. Valiibert's grief destroyed Fanny's confidence by showing the present full of struggles and dangers, the future dark and uncertain. For the first time she paused to ponder on the intrigues and plots of every kind which a powerful and ambitious family might organize against her. She had been unable to give a very clear answer to Mr. Saint-Gilles, because ^he ■laPi ' j^ i JtJJiiywg.gs-ifeiifeA'-i g.- .Yaji'fai- i.p.6v,.j, tTNA LETTERA ANONIMA, 115 ken cau- sily per- to deny ere still iry com- [ hopes, pon the k of it. ission as Guniary lout re- »-!£ safe. Tim- idity detained her. • Thus for eight mortal days, alone, a prey to her fears, she saw no other help than Julius, who was ab- sent, and whose weakness of character she dreaded How many varied tortures afflicted her mind, always disposed to exaggerate evil 1 The humiliation she ex- pected and the repenlnnce that Julius would perhaps experience when his passion had al)ated, would leave him under the ascendancy of his mother. Perhaps also that jealousy which he was unable to control would someday bring him to suspect her who had not known how to resist his seductions because, stran-e as It 18, ladies are always punished for their sins bv the same persons for whose sake they sin, and who gather in the fruit of their crime. In this manner, after the infatuation of her passion Fanny wjis experiencing the first trial of life and in' st^ad of peace and happiness in her soul, 'she met doubts and fears at every step. As a last refuge, there remained to her the remem brance and thought of Julius. She plunged so deeply into It as to forget everything else. Had she been possersed of cooler blood, or, better, if she had had a more complete knowledge of evil and of the advantage that slander takes of every circumstance even the most omniiiiMmiiii snt, whose she would ife. Tim- 3y to her lo wjis ab- dreaded. d, always )n she ex- i perhaps uld leave Perhaps, control who had i, strange i* sins by and who passion, and, in- she met remem- deeply he been >d had a vantage be most TWA LBTTERA ANONIMA. H^ ella si sarebbe confidata a lei, e ai sarebbe creduta salva. La timiditi la trattenne. In tal modo per lo spazio di otto mortal! giomi, sola, abbandonata ai suoi timori.essa non vedeva altro appoggio se non Giulio, il quale trovavasi lontano da lei, e del quale ella paventava la debolezza di carattere. Quante diverse altre torture agitavano la sua anima pro- pensa ad esagerarsi il male ! L' umiliazione che I'aspet- tava^^il pentimento che forse Giulio potrebbe risentire allorch^ estinta la sua passione si troverebbe sotto r ascendente della madre? Fors' anche quella diffi- dente gelosia ch' el non aveva la forza di domare lo condurrebbe un giomo a sospettare di lei che non aveva saputo resistere alia sue seduzioni; imperocch^ cosa strana, le donne sono quasi sempre punite delle loro colpe dalla persona medosima in favore della quale peccarono e che raccolse il fruttc del loro peccato. ,Ecco in qual modo dopo 1' ebbrezza della passione, Fanny faceva la prima esperieuza della vita ed invece della feliciti e tranquillity d' animo ad ogni passo s' imbatteva in dubbi e timori. Quale unico rifugio le rimaneva il ricordo ed il pen- siero di Giulio, ed essa talmente s' immerse in questo da non sapere pensare ad altro. Se avesse posseduto unamaggiore dose di sangue freddo, o meglio se mag- giormente avesse conosciuto il male, ed avesse pensato al danno ed al partito cho la calunnia sa trarre dalle minime circostanze anche le piii equivoche, fjsa ^mmi.--: 120 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. equivocal, she would have tried by anticipation to explain the unhappy circumstances which in case of need could have borne testimony against her reputa- tion. She would have felt the necessity of giving an account, and of explaining another mysterious visit she had received after that of Saint-Gilles. Her love made her forget all this, her only thought being of her Julius. At last, as we have said, the eight days of Julius' absence were past. She was waiting for him, when she was aroused by a sharp pull at the door-bell. "Here he comes 1 » she cried, and ran to the door. Julius entered. Fanny's joy was of short duration ; Julius seemed not the iame man. His face was fearfully pale his eyes glaring, his lips trembling. She tried to speak but courage failed, and in silence she stood gazing at him. Without uttering a single word, he shut the door and hurriedly crossed the room. Fanny fol- lowed him. Julius cast at her a dreadful glance, which seemed to penetrate her heart. One of his hands, placed un- der his coat, was agitated by a convulsive movement With the other he seized Fanny by the arm, forcing her to remain at his side. "What ails you? Julius, you frighten me." • wmm sipation to in case of her reputa- giving an irious visit Her love t being of of Julius' lira, when >bell. the door. us seemed pale, his to speak, gazing at shut the anny fol- 'h seemed laced un- ovement. I, forcing UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 1 91 avrebbe anticipatainente cercato di salvare le infelioi apparenze che in cjiso di bisogno potevano tcstiino- niare contro di lei; avrebbe pi'ovatala neces^it^ di dar conto e di spiegare im' altra visita misteriosa che aveva ricevuto dopo quella di Saint-Gilles. II suo amore le faceva dimenticare tutwO il rcsto e solo si occupava del suo Giulio. Finalmente, come gik dicemmo, gli otto giorni dell' assenza di Giulio erano trascorsi. Essa lo aspet- tava. Una violenta tirata di canipanello la scosse. "Eccolo!" cUa grido e si preoipit6 vcvso la porta. Giulio entro. La gioia di Fanny fu di breve durata. Giulio non sembrava piu lo stesso. II suo viso era orribilmente pallido, i suoi occhi lampoggiavano, le sue labbra tre- mavano, Essa tent6 di parlure, non n' ebbe la forza e silenziosa si ristetta a contemplarlo. Senza pronun- ziare un dctto, Giulio chiuse la porta e rapidamente traverso la stanza. Fanny gli tenne diotro. Giulio le gett6 una terribile occhiata che sembrava volesse penetrare nel profondo del suo cuore. Una delle sue mani passata sotto 1' abito era agiUita da un convulso movimento ; coll' alti'a mano egli afferr6 Fanny pel braccio contringendola a rimanere accanto alui. Queir occhiata ma sopratutto quel silenzio era spa- ventoso. ♦ ' Mio Dio, che avete mai I Giulio voi mi fate paura. " 122 AN ANONITMOUS LETTEB. "Sit down," he answered with a gloomy and threatening voice- She sat down mechanically, subdued by that com- mand and the gesture by which it was accompanied. Julius had made an unspeakable effort to overcome the emotion which oppressed him. He was no longer able to restrain himself. For a few moments he was silent, as if collecting himself to enjoy at his leisure the continually increasing agitation of the unfortunate Fanny. Then, without even ceasing to stare at her, and as if he wished to test her, he coldly and briefly said : *' So, then, you have deceived me I " The poor girl, dumb with amazement, threw herself back. In her turn she felt the words dying on her lips, and her voice strangled in her throat. Julius, who yet held her by the hand, and who saw her cast down by such an unexpected accusation, shook her fiercely, and Avith a tone full of rage, con- tinued : " Answer ! answer me 1 " Vainly he endeavored to awaken her out of that dreadful dream. She answered no mure, inasmuch as the thought of being adjudged guilty had never oc- curred to her mind. All her preceding fears were justified; the intrigues, the plots she dreaded came to attack her. Fearful suspicion ! Julius, perhaps, loved her no more; Julius, conquered by the prayei-s of his family and in compact with them, was now searching gloomy and y that com- itnpanied. to overcome as no lunger tents he was his leisure unfortunate stare at her, ' and briefly drew herself ying on her nd who saw accusation, )f rage, con- out of that intismuch as id never oc- j fears were ded came to rhaps, loved •ayera of his iw searching 1 1 UNA LBrrFKA ANONIMA. 123 "Sedetevi," egli rispose con voce cupa e niinac- oiosa." Essa sfidette macohinalmcnte sojrfiiojiata da qucUa voce e dal gesto col quale era stata accorapagnata. Giulio aveva fatto uno sforzo incredil)ilo per domi- nare 1' emozione che 1' opprimcva. Non potcva piu contenersi. Rimaee silonzioso ancora per qualche mo mento, quasi si raccogliesse per godere a suo bell' agio dcir ognora crescente agitazione dell' infelice Fanny. In scguito senza pur cessare di fissarla e quasi voless'j provarl'!, freddamente o concisamente lo disse ; "Dunque, mi aveto ingannato 1" La povera giovine, muta dallo stupore, rovesciossi indieti'o. A suo turno ella senti la parola morirsi suUe labbra, e la voce arrestarsi ncllo fauci. Giulio che continuava asoiTeggerlacoUa mano e che la vedeva atterrata da questa imprevveduta accusa, la Bcosse fortemente e con accento pieno di rabbia, con- tinu6: " Rispondete, ma rispondete dunque." Invano egli si sforzava di destarla da quell' orribile sogno, essa pih non rispondeva, dal perch^ alia eua unaginazione mai si era presentato 11 pensiero di po- tere essere sospettata colpevole. 'lutti i suoi prece- dent! timori erano giustificati; gl' intrighi, lemanovre da lei paventate venivano ad attaccirla. Orribile so- npetto 1 Giulio forse piii non 1' amava; Giulio vinto dsiL6 preghiere della famiglia, d' accordo colla stesso 1 ■: ! \ \ i ■I' 124 AN ANONYMOUS L.MTER. for a pretext for rupture. A fearful abyss had opened at her feet, and she had fallen into it. Julius, afraid of such an easy triuuiph, repressing himself, thus continued : '*I shall try to be calm. Listen to me. This in- terview, perhiips, will be the last one betw«!en us ; if you cannot justify youi-self, it will be an everlasting rupture, but I shall not judge without having first hoard you. If you have deceived me, you were very guilty, because I had perfect confidence in you ; I would have bi'(m ashamed of watching your conduct. I loved you and to you I would have sacrificed all, — friends, fortune, mother " ■ .Fanny made a movement. Finally she understood that she was accused of infamy and falseness. Blushes suffused her face and her cheeks, and when Julius' eyes again asked her for an answer, she this time pur- posely remp,iuou dil«'nt, because she felt wounded in her virtue. Another pau j followed, and then Julius l)egan : "Speak to me frankly, Fanuy. Am 1 the only person who has put his foot in this apartment ? Think well.- Have you received any other ?" "Ah! if that is the question," she replied, "yes ; another person has been here whom you know, one of your friends, Mr. Saint-Gilles." " Saint-Gilles ! " said Julius, completely astonished. "By his remarks he prepared me for this altercation." ■m id opened 118, afraid lelf, thus This in !on U8 ; if /erlasting ring first vore very n you; I conduct, ificed all, aderstood Bhi-shtw 3n Julius' time pur- lunded in began : the only lent ? .?" 3d, "yes ; stonished. creation." UNA LKTTERA ANONTMA. 126 cercava adcsso un pretesto di rottura. Un ahisso spaventevole si era aperto sotto i suoi picdi otl ossa vi si era precipitatn. Giulio shigottito da questo facile trionfo, raflTronandosi ri prose : " Mi provcro a rimancro cahno. Uditcmi. Questo colloquio sar!\ forso 1' ultimo; se non potete giustiti- carvi sanV una roltura ctcrna, pero non vi giudichcro sen/a pria avcrvi ascoltato. Se mi avete ingannato, siete colpevolissinm; dappoiche in voi io aveva intiora tiducia, avrci arrossiU) ili sorvcgUarc le vostre azioni, vi amava ed avrei per voi sagriticato tutto, amici, for- tune, madre, . . . . " Funny fece un movinumto. Alfine capiva ch'essa era accusata di mcnzogna, d' infamia. II suo visoe le suo guancio si soffusscro di rossore, ed allorche gli occhi di Giulio di bel nuovo le domandarono una risposta,vo- lontariamente questa volta ella rimaae silenziosa per- che sentivasi fcrita nella sua virtu. Ne segul una nuova pausa ed indi Giulio continuo : "Parlatemi schiottamcntc, Fanny, sono io il solo che abbia posto i piedi in quest' appartamcnto ? Eiflettc'te bene. . . . avete ricevuto altri ?" "Ah, se si tratta solo di cio,'' essa rispose. "Si, qui h ben venuto una pei-sona chc voi conoscete, un vostro amico, il signor Suint-Gilles." "Saint-Gilles?" riprese Giulio sommamentesori^rcso. " Coi suoi discoi-si mi avova preparato alia banufla che adesso mi fate." w 196 AN ANON YMOIJ8 LETTEB. "Hef He inust explain to mo his way of acting. It is not of him that I am spoaiiing ; you do not Hjiealc to me of another young man wliose mysterious call has l)t!en revealed to me." " Ah ! " answered Fanny, ''whathns been reported to you 'i " "This is what I have heord," cried Julius, rumpling a paper which he took from his breast: "It has been narrated to me tb"*^ d".u'l!ig my absence, the day be- fore yesterday in the evening, a young man wrapped in a cloak had entered your house, secretly intro- duced by Marion ; that he had loft two hours after; that this young gentleman had called often, though you had never spoken to me of it; lastly, that he had known you before myself ; that he loved you, and that you were to marry him. Is all this true ? Is it ne- cessary that I should alsc* tell you his name ? " "It is- needless," replied Fanny with dignity; "who gave you these particulars ? " "This letter," said Julius, "can you contradict it I " "Who signed it ?» ' ' Signed it is not, but what care I if it tells the truth ?" "An anonymous letter ! " said she with contempt; " and you tnist it i A vile denunciation has in your heart a stronger influence than the thousand proofs of love which 1 gave you ? You have for me so nmcb esteem that the first comer can slander and calumniate U*Q without being forced to answer for bis sayings 1 IHHi Y of acting, lo not H])euk tfterious call sen reported IS, rumpling It htw been the (lay be- an wrapped iretly intro- liours after; ;en, though that he had )u, and that ? la it ne- e?» nity; "who tradictit?" the truth?" contempt ; as in your 1 proofs of le so niucb calumniate 3 sayings? UNA LRTTRRA ANONTMA. 127 "Egli ? Bisogner^ ch' el mi spicghi il suo modo di agire. Non h \wti> dl lul che qui si tratta, voi non mi parlato di un altro, di un giovine di cui mi venno rive- lata la misteriosa visita." "Ah!" soggiunse Fanny, "Che cosa vi h state riferitol" "Ci6 che ho saputo," grid6 Giulio spiegazzando un foglio che trasse dal petto. Mi h stato raccontato ch^ nel tempo dclla mia asscn/a, avant' ici'i sulla sera, un giovine avvolto in un mantello era entratc in vo- stra casa, segretamente introdotto da Marian nn, e che n' era partito solo dopo due ore; che questo giovine era coniparso qui spesso, abbench^ mai voi mo ne abbiate parlato, intino ch' cgli vi nvova conosciuto prima. di me, che vi amava, e che dovevate sponarlo; h egli vero tutto ci6? Fa d' uopo che io ve ne dica anche il nome ? " "Egli h del tutto inutile," soggiimse Fanny con di- gnitA, " chi vi dctte simili dettagli ? " "Questa lettera," rispose Giulio, "la smentirete voi?" "Dachifefirmata?" * ' Firmata ? non lo ^ ma che importa, se dice il vero 1" "Una lettera anoniraa I" riprese Fanny con disprez- zo. "Ad essa prestate fede? Una vile denunzia ha sul vostro cuore una influenza maggiore delle mille prove ch' io vi detti del mio amore? Voi nutrite per me tanta e cosi grande stima che il primo venuto pu6 ca- J 128 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. Ah ! sir, what future are yon preparing for both of us ?'' " Instead of accusing, defend yourself. If the au- thor of this letter has stated a falsehood, I will dis- cover him, and I swear by heaven I will punish him. But if, instead, he has opened my eyes in regard to you and to a perlidy of which I would have been the victim, then he is a friend and it is my duty to thank him. Hear what he writes, and afterward tell me which name he deserves." Opening the paper, with a choking voice he read: " Sir: A person who takes an interest in you, but " who wishes not to expose himself to the hatred of "any one, thinks it his duty to take the veil of the " anonymous to enlighten you about a woman who " is on the point of receiving your name. I do not " know whether you were the fii-st in her aflection, but " I do know that you are not the first that ought to " to have led her to the altar. A young man of her "own place, united to her by a friendship of long " standing, was deeply in love with her and he ought " to marry her. This union cannot be compared with " the one you offer her. She had to renounce him, " but in doing so she has not ceased to see him. At " the beginning of your acquaintance, he presented " himself at her house. Afterward he called again ; " once you met him before the door, and now that he " is obliged to depart, she has received his farewell. '* Your absence from Paris favored this last meeting. 1 f '^♦"•^'"^■♦e.'KirwBiM UNA LRTTERA ANONIMA. 129 lunniarmi presso voi sonza nommcmo cssere costret- to a rendeivi con to delle sue parole? Oh, signore, qual' avvenire ne preparate ad ambcdue?" '• In luoffo di accusare difendetevi. Se 1' autore di questu lettcra ha mentito io sapro scoprh-lo, e giuro al cielo lo puniro, ma se invece mi apn gli occhi siil vo- stro conto e su di una perfidia della quale sarei stato la vittima, allora eglie un amico, ed e mio dovere il rin- grnziarlo. Ascoltate quanto mi scrive e diterai po- scia qual nome egli si meriti." Spiegando 11 foglio, ei Icssc con voce soflfocata : " Signore : Una persona che s' interessa a voi, ma "chenonvuole esporsi all' odio di chicchesia, crede " sue dovere assumere il velo dell' anonimo per illu- "minarvi sul conto di una persona oh' e in procinto " di ricevere il vostro nomo. Ignoro sic siatc il primo " nel suo affetto, so pero che non siete il primo che do- " vete condurla all' altare. Un giovine del suo paese, " unito a lei da un' amicizia di lunga data 1' amava " perdutamente e doveva sposarla. Quest' unione " non poteva porsi a paragone con quella che ora "voi le offrite. Essa dovette rinunziare a lui, ma " rinunziandovi non ha cessato di vederlo. Gitl sui " primordii della vostra conoscenza si era presentato "alia sua casa; vi e dappoi ritornato, voi lo incon- " traste una volta innanzi la porta, ed adesso che deve " allontanarsi, essa ha ricevuto i suoi addii. La vo- "Btra assenza da Parigi t'avoriva quest' ultimo con- ii ■4';-! 180 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. " Yesterday evening, Mr. Ernest Gairal, with many ** precautions, entered her house, und after two houi-s "he left " "Forever," exclaimed Fanny, rising, "forever 1 " " You then confess that he has come ? " " Yes, please now listen to me." "No, nothing! nothing!" replied Julius, raging. "Listen. One condemns a person, then, without allowing him to answer? I am innocent. I was wrong in keeping it a secret because of your jealousy, which I feared. This young man had been chosen for my husband by my father. For him I did not experience either hatred or love. I left my birthplace without even telling him. He came here c. -o tc re- mind me of the intentions of our respecti* p t' iUis, and I did not give him any hope, although u < iot then know you. He loved me, it is time; thn' ae re- turned to visit me is also true; and the day before yes- terday he again returned. I did not conceal from him my love for you, or your generous conduct, nor the destiny which awaits me. He left me resigned, and, as I told you, forever. For me, dear, this visit had no importance; it came unexpectedly, and if I have not spoken to you before, it is only because it passed away from ray mind." This defence, so simple, had destroyed, little by little, almost all the suspicions of Julius. In pro- ith many wo houi-s sver 1 " , raging. without. I was jealousy, m chosen did not iilihplace tc re- i' ii'Ts, u ' :0t III' ae re- >fore yes- eal from luct, nor resigned, this visit and if I ecause it little by In pro- TJNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 131 "vegno. lersera il signor Ernesto Gairal h penetrate " in casa con molta precauzione e dopo due ore egli h "partito " "Per sempre 1" esclamo Fanny alzandosi, per sem- pre!" "Confessate dunque ch' egli fe venuto?" "Si, ora compiacetevi di ascoltanni." " No, nulla, nulla !" riprese Giulio fremendo. « Ascoltatemi. Si condanna foi-se alcuno senza per- mettergli di rispondere? lo sono innocente. II raio torto e quello di avere avuto un mistero motivato dalla vostra gelosia ch' io temeva. Quel giovine allra volta mi venne scelto a marito da mio padre. Non provava per lui ne odio, ne amore; lasciai il paese senza nem- meno awisarlo. Si present6 qui una volta per ricor- danni le intenzioni delle nostre rispettivefamiglie,non gli lasciai speranza di soita, eppure, in quell' epoca, Giulio, ancora io non vi conoscea. Mi am6, e \^o. Di bel nuovo h ritornato a visitarmi, h ani;he vero, ed avant' ieri h nuovamente venuto qui, Non gli ho na- scosto r amore mio per voi, ne la vostra generosa con- dotta, ne il destino che mi attendeva. Ei rassegnato mi lasci6, e come vi dissi, per sempre. Per me, amico, qucsta visita non aveva importanza alcuna, mi giunse inaspettata e se prima non ve ne parlai fu solo perche mi sfuggi di mente." Questa discolpa cosi semplice aveva presao a poco distrutto quasi tutti 1 sospetti di Giulio. A misura :^mm 8SSWP- 133 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. portion as she spoke, thu confusion and agitiition of his heart faded away to give pJace U> the siiame of having shown himself so cruel. Moved by the sincere tone of these explanations, he was already prepared to fall at the feet of that wi)nian who had cnco more become his idol, when his eyes rested on the end of the letter, which he had not yet read. He wished for a final trial. ' ' Forgive me, Fanny. I ask you a thousand pardons if I have wronged you or suspected you unjustlv. My excessive love made me uuj ust. Be not provoked at my anger. The secrets hidden hy you may serve as an excuse for this moment of rage. Do you for- give me ? " She placed one of her hands on her heart, and offering the other, which he covered with kisses, said: "Ahl Julius, what pain you have given me I 1 should never have thought 1 could suffer so much without dying." "Now," he added, "as a guarantee of this recon- ciliation, give me the token which till now you have refused— tlie ring, the only souvenir of your mother. The more dear it is to your heart the more acceptable to me will the sacrifice be." Fanny answered, smiling : "Have you forgotten what I have already told you? Why this so earnest desire ? And what high value could it have to you ? " " Does it not contain the hair of my Fanny ^— hair jltation of I shame of he sincere I)repured >nco more tie end of [e wished d pardons unjustly, provoked nay serve I you for- eart, and 3ses, said: I me 1 I so much is recon- fou have ■ motlier. cceptal)le forgotten 3 earnest t<»you?" f if— hair UNA LBTTERA ANONIMA. 183 ch'essa parlava, la confusioneed ilturbamcnto del suo cuore disslpavansi per far luogo alia vergogna di es- sei-si mostrato cosi cmdele. Commosso dal tuono sin- cero di questa difesa, egli gii\ era pronto a g-pttai-s: ai piedi di quella donna ridivenuta il suo idolo, allor- che i suoi occhi si arreatarono sulla fine della lettera, ch' egli ancora non aveva letto. Voile tentare un ultimo esperimento. ♦'Pcrdonami, Fanny, ti domando mille perdoni, se ti ho Bconosciuta, se ti sospcttai ingiustamente. L' ec- cesso del mio amore mi rende ingiusto. Non corruc- eiarti del mio sdogno. I segi-cti da te nascosti deli- bono servire di scusa a questo mio momcnto di rabbia. Mi perdoni tui" Essa p(is6 una delle sue mani sul cuore ed abban- donandogli 1' altra ch' ci ricoprl di baci, gli disse : " Ah ! Giulio che dolore mi avete fatto, non avrei creduto di poter soflfrire tanto senza morire." •"Adesso," ei riprese, " per garanzia di questa ricon- ciliazione, accordami il pegno che tin qui constante- mente mi hai ritiutato, 1' anello che solo ti resta deir ereditA di tua madre. Piii e desso caro al tuo cuore, pill accetto me ne sar^ il sagiiticio." Fanny rispose sorridendo : "Haitu dimenticato quanto gvk ti dissi? Perche questo tuo cos\ vivo desiderio i E qual gran pregio esso possiede ai tuoi occhi ? " " Non contiene forse i capelli della mia Fanny, car m^ ^aOtSB -J* 134: AN ANONYMOUS LETTEjR. taken from her head when a child? Do not refuse it to me, I entreat you. I know where you keep it. It is in a little casket at the bottom of the first drawer of this secretaire. Please give me the key." His looks were always sweet and affectionate, but his voice trembled and had a strange tone of rage. Fanny perceived it. " Oh ! " she said, ' 'you are asking for your pardon. " She hid the key in her bosom and withdrew a few steps. "I do wish it," cried Julius, giving free course to the anger he had restrained withsomucli difficulty. " I do wish this key, I need it, even if I must wring it from you " "Always suspicious ! " *' Always some mystery ! " "Well, then, I shall disclose you everything. If till now I have refused to you to open my secreiaire it was only because in it you would find some accounts, some documenta which would have revealed to you that instead of living upon an income bequeathed to me, as I always told you, I lived by my labor. I did not confess the truth to you, because I was too proud to accept your gifts. Have I committed a crime 2 and those who have written to you, will they yet maintain that I am a woman, moved by interest? " "Then you could deceive me for so long a time, imin refuse it 3p it. It i drawer date, but of rage. pardon." !W a few J course Ifficulty. it wring ing. If ftaire, it ccounts, to you ithed to . I did proud crime ? \iey yet 8t?» a time, UNA LBn'ERA ANONIMA. 1^5 pelli staccati dalla sua fronte allorchfe era bambinettal Non rifiutarmelo te lo scongiuro. lo so dove lo chiu- di. Esso trovasi in un piccolo scrigno nel fondo della prima cassetta di questo armadio. Dammene la chiave, te ne nrejro." I suoi sgua. '■ mo serapre dolci ed affettuosi la sua voce pero trcmava ed aveva uno strano accento di rabbia. Fanny ne fece 1' osservazione. " Ah !" diss' elk, " domandate il vostro perdono." Essa nascose la chiave nel seno ed indietrcggio al- cuni passi. " La voglio," insistette Giulio, lasciando libero cor- so all' ira che con tanto stento aveva trattenuta. " Si, voglio quella chiave, ne ho bisogno, e piuttosto ve la strapper6 . . . . " " 8empre sospotti 1 " " Sempre misteri !" *-Ebbene vi 8veler6 il tutto. Se finora ricusai dl aprirvi quel mobile fu soltanto; perche nello stesso vi trovereste alcuni conti, alcune carte, che vi svelerebbe- ro qualmente,invece di vivere con una pensione che mi era stata legata, siccome sempre vi assicurai, io viveva col prodotto del mio lavoro. Non vi confessai la ve- rity per essere troppo orgogliosa da ricevere ed accet- tare i vostri doni. Ho io commesso un delitto ? e co- loro che vi scrivono, sosterranno ancora essere io una donna mossa dall' interesse ? " "Dunqueavete potuto ingannarroi e siffatta menso- . If '«*^f1fqil!?(!!!P!?!!9ni!*!^!*^ •m f laf' *'^ AN ANONVJIOUS LETTEK. nnd you could repeat to me this falsehood so many tunes without my detecting it, so great was the sin- cerity which shone in your face, so innocent was your mouth, as it is at this veiy- moment, in which you are agam deceiving me." So saying, he wrung the kcA- from her hands. Amazed by such violence, Fanny fell senseless into the arm-chair. Julius opened the secretaire, then the drawer and the casket but the ring was not there. " Ah I " he exclaimed, "I was quite sure of it." At these words, Fanny recovered her consciousness, ran to the secretaire and also began to search. "My ring I my ring!" "Disappeared!" "Stolen! stolon I" "Yes, stolen," repeated Julius, and violently seiz- ing the girl by the arm, he thrust the letter before her eyes and finished reading it aloud : "The proof, sir, that all the relations between "that woman and her first lover are not ended, the "proof that they loved each other and that Gairal's "departure had for its purpose only to facilitate an "advantageous marriage, is in the fact that before "they parted she wished him to accept a family rin- "which had belonged to her mother, which she jeaf- 'ously kept, and in which was enclosed her hair." so many 3 the sin- vm your you are the kcA- >, Fanny 'ned the -but the fit." i)U8nes8, Hy sciz- r before )etween led, the Sairal's itjjte an before ly ring le jeal- hair." XTNA LliTTERA ANONTMA. 137 gna avete potato ripotermela tante volte, senza eh' io me ne addasai, tanta era la sinecritA die traspariva dal vostro sguardo, c()s\ scmplice era la vostra bocca come lo h adenso, in qucsto slosso monionto in cui di bel nuovo ra' ingannate." Co»\ parlando, le strapp6 dalle mani la chiuve. Stupefatta da questa violenza Fanny cadde traniortita suUa poltrona. Giulio apri lo scrittoio, quindi il cassettinc poi lo scrigno 1' anello non vi era. «' Ah ! " Egli esclam^ ' ' n' era persuaso ! " A questo parole, Fanny si rianiracN, corse alio scrit- toio ed essa pure si dette a cer('are. ♦ ' II mio anello I 11 mio audio 1 " "Scomparso." *'llubatol Rubatol" « Si, rubato ! " ripete Giulio ed afferrando la giovine donna pel bracdo le pose sotto gli occhi la lettera c termino di leggerla ad alta voce." " La prova, signore, che tutte le relazioni fra co- " testa donna e 1' antico suo amante non sono ancora " interamente cessate, la prova ch' essi si aniano sem- "pre, e che la pai-tenza di Ernesto Gairal servir do " vea soltanto a facilitare un av vantaggiosomatrinionio " sta nel fatto che prima di separai-si essa ha voluto "dargli un anello di famiglia, andlo appartenente a "sua madre ch' essa gelosamente conservava e nel "quale sono racchiusi i suoi capelli." "Ebbene," prosegul Giulio, "negate ora se osate. ,ri» 188 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. " Well," pui-8ued Julius, "will you deny it now? This rinjr you had refused me; the key, too, you were refusing not long ngo. Knuvery on knavery I false- hood on falsehood I •' "Marion," cried Fanny. "Ah, you well know that she is not at home. I alone will answer you. 1 cuiso you and hate the day in which I became acquainted with you. Farewell ! farewell I Say to your lover that ho can now return." In departiiir, he cast a Inst look at Faimy. She was lying on the tioor immovable, pale, in a state near to death. He made a few steps to help her, but his feel- ings of anger and contempt returning, he called an old womun, her neighbor, and after pointing out to her the faiiited Fanny : " Take care of that woman ! " he said, and, throw- ing hei: a purse tilled with gold, disappeared. V. THE AUTOGRAPH. At the moment in which Romeo receives from his servant, Balthazar, the nt w^ of Juliet's death, he pro- nounces these simple words : " Indeed I Now, ene- mies, stars, I challenge you I " and aftenvards buys the poison. This deep grief, so parsimonious of com- plaints, impresses more than any exciting paraphrase. In fact, our nature usually takes interest in the doings iiii>yiM«*fan ItT "■ ■ it now? ^ou were y ! false- lome. I ) the (lay arowell ! return. " She was 3 near to his fcol- sallod an 5 out to 1, throw- from his , he pro- bw, ene- d8 buys I of com- aphrase. e doings UNA T.ETTKRA ANONIMA. 130 Quosto ancUo lo uvete ricuHato a mo I La chiave pure ino la licuHavate. Furberia su furbena I Bu- gia 8U bugla I " • ' Marianna, " prido Fanny. " Oh, voi ben sapete com' essa non sia in casa ! lo solo vi rispondoro. lo vi maledico o dftcsto il giorno in cui vi, conobbi. Addiol addio ! dite al vostro amanto ch' adesso ogli puo liboranu-nto ritornare." Nel partiro getto su Fanny un' ultima occhiata. Essa era distosa bocconi a icrra in uno stato vie ino a morte. " Ei avanz6 per vcnirlo in soccorso, ma ritor- nando ai suoi sentimenti di sdogno o di dispi-ezzo, mc\ chiam6 una vechia vicina ed additimdole Fanny svenuta. " Abhiate cnra di questa donna," le disso : e gettun- dole una borsa pieua d' oro scomparve. V. L' AUTOGRAFO. Nel inomento in cui Romeo riceve dal suo servitoro Baldassare la notizia della morte di Giulietta, ei pro- munzia queste semplice parole : "Davvero ! Adesso, nemiche stelle, io vi sfido," e poscia compra il veleno. Questo cupo dolore cosi parco di lamenti impressiona piii di qualsiasi commovente parafrasi. Infatti, la nostra natura suoie mteressarsi all' operate dei nostri 1 ^■ i:; I ■y'B'ig,WiWj»Ma]4iiuiyyw".ia,'AU!i».."jj,i<. i *i>X ' W'. ' g v?' - ^^^ .^»» •MilUyMMKaHl 140 AN ANONTMOU8 LKTI'BK. of onr fpllows, wlintever thoy aim nt, nnd Bomotimps even when their spntimentM nnd foi'llnpe uvp not in hurniony with ouih. This intercat hints whllo liope suppoi-tH it unci until uncertainty delnys tlie result, but from the moment in wliich his (l«'stiny is accom- plished, it is necesstuy tliiit he in wliom we wore in- terested spiire us liis joy or jjiiof. A settled mutter excites our attention no lonf^ei. We, too, will spare our readers the description of Julius Valabert's mental sufferings. After the dreadful scene we have narrated, we will pass over an interval of eighteen months, and we shall find him married for a year, and at the moment in which the wife, opening the door of his office, with a sweet and timid voice says to him : ''Excuse me if I am intruding, but the pei-son you sent for has arrived. Do you wish to receive him now, or do you prefer that he should wait ? " Julius had married his kind cousin, Adele de Lau- nay. Very few words are necessary to explain the change which had taken place in the respective posi- tions of these two persons. As a result of the rupture with Fann}^ a violent fever had endangered the life of Julius. He would certainly have died without the constant care of his mother and Adele. Friendship and love had re- Hi somotimps u-(> not in t'hilu hope he result, is acconi- e wore in- lod mutter will spare t'a mental [1, we will d we shall loment in oe, with a ei-son you ui'ive him e de Lau- :pluin the :;tive posi- a violent He would are of his ) had re- i^L MMiin riiniiiiiii iwiV -ifiiriiwii*! UNA FiRTrERA ANONIMA. 141 simili, quiilun(|uo no sia lo scojx) che si prefiggono, e quah^hevoltu luicho allorqiiundo i loro sentimonti o le loro pnssioru non si confucciunocollonostre; quest' in ten'Hse dunilinch« lii sporanzu lo so.sticno e fincht) Tin cert^zza no rittirda lo soioglinu iito;dair instante pcro in cui il loro lestino 6 compiuts fa ...mcnti r rali a Giulio Vu- lahert. Dopo la terrihile scena test (;a noi narrata salU*- remo un intervallo d' ^ifciotto niesi e > ■trovereriio (jriulio anunogliato da cnci un anno «■ nei nioniento in cui la consorte, aprcndo la porta del suo studio, gll dice con voce dolce e timida. " Scusa, se ti disturbo, caro, pei(\ la pereona da te fatta ricercare fe qui. Vuoi tu riite'wwa«u»MWWMJjMM*wi'u.' i i^ 142 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. stored him to life. A deep sadness and protracted languor followed his delirium; without will and with- out opposition he allowed himself to be carried to the country, where, according to the doctor's opinion, the pure, fresh air would restore his energ}', and Avhere the sight of new objects would cancel, little by little, the remembrance of the sad c\'ent. In com- pany with his mother and cousin, he went to the neighborhood of Lyons. There was a moment whi^n they thought to have the company of Mr. Saint-Gilles, but the presence of this gentleman was obnoxious to Julius, who did not doubt that the anonymous letter was his work, although inwardly he sincerely thanked him for having enlightened him. All that reminded him of the infamous treachery caused painful and gi-ievous emotion. Perhaps, in his heart, he had flattered himself with the expectation of receiving a letter from Fanny, in which she would try to justify herself. However, he had not hiNird from her; all those who approached him kept silent, and Julius, blushing and ashamed of his weakness, dare not con- tide in any one of his friends. Thus he left Paris hiding in himself the dumb grief which gnawed within, too offended to think of a rec- onciliation and yet too deeply in love to unbosom his grief to othei-s. But every hour which ^jasses pours a drop of balm rotracted iind with- ied to the opinion, 3rg3', and , little by In com- nt to the lent when int-Gilles, loxious to lous letter Y thanked reminded inful and , he had jceiviug a to justify 1 her; all id Julius, e not con- umb grief : of a rec- ibosom his ip of balm UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. I43 riconoscenza gli restituirono la vita. Una profonda tnstezza, una malattia di languore succedette ai suoi dehranti transpoi-ti; senza volere e senza resistenza si lasci6 condurre in campagna dove seeondo 1' opinio- nedei raedici, 1' aria pih pura e pi{i vivace gli restitui- rebbe 1' energia, e la vista di nuovi oggetti scancelle- rebbe poco a poco i ricordi della tristissima avventura. Unitamente alia niadre ed alia cugina ei parti pei din- torni di Lione. Fuwi un momento in cui si penso di farlo accompagnare dal signor Saint-Gilles; ma la sua preseuza era incresciosa a Giulio, il quale fermanente credeva essere 1' anonima lettera un suo operato, ab- benche nel profondo del [suo cuore lo ringraziass'e di averlo illuminato. Tutto quanto gli ricordava 1' infame tradimento gU cagionava una nociva e penosa impres- sione., Foi-s' cgU segretamente erasi lusingato di veder giungere una lettera di Fanny, nella quale ella tentasse di giu.itilicarsi. Pcro egli non ne aveva rice- vuto alcuna notizia; tutti ooloro che lo avvicinavano rimanevano silenziosi,e Giulio arrossendo e vero-oo-nan- dosi della sua debolezza non ardiva eonfidarsi in nes- suno dei suoi amici. In tal maniera ei lascio Parigi concentrando in se stesso il muto dolore che lo rodeva, credendosi troppo offeso per pensare ad una riconciliazione ed essendo ancora troppo amoroso per sfogare il suo dolore nel seno di altri. Ogni ora pero che passa vei-sa una goccia di bal- ae a sMl i awga aMa! Amojs t jmimif ! t . mm'Ji i i^*iim ' ..'j iMmuauumm 144 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. into the moat painful wound, and every day which dies takes away one of the thorns which make the heart bleed. During the first few months passed, in the country, Julius felt no sensible improvement. The days were excessively hot and the sultry nights were too oppressive for his feeble constitution. The flow- ers, which were in all their beauty, their perfumes, the golden fruits of the earth, the plains covered with verdure, the thick foliage of the woods, that powerful germ of life which abundantly circulated in nature, all these beauties of the sky and the earth oppressed him aa a stinging irony, as a complete contrast with the desolation and the dryness of his soul, in which nothing grew except a bitter agony which he persisted in keeping hidden. However, little by little, flowers withered, autumn appeared with its train of shadows and air filled with dew, with its pule sun shining through fogs as a smile through tears. Julius felt that intense grief partially dispelled. The sadness and mourning of the objects which surrounded him harmonized with his own siulntss and invited him to confidences. His solitary walks were replaced by others with his mother and Adele de Launay, and between the latter and himself a greater intimacy began. The woman who had once foreseen his desires, who had shaiod his hopes, ought she not naturally to be the tiiut to console him ? Only with her he dared to speak mm day which make the 8 passed, in nicnt. The lights were The flow- perfumes, )vered with it powerful in nature, 1 oppressed ntrast with 1, in which le persisted ttle, flowers of shadows un shining Julius felt 'he sadness (unded him rited him to others with between the legan. The es, who had y to be the red to speak UNA LF/rrERA ANONIMA, 145 same suUe ferite le piii viv«, ogni giorao che muore strappa una delle spine che fanuo sanguiuaro il cuore. Nel corso dei primi mesi passati alia campagna Giulio non esperimentce jus- on the 'kward h both n UNA T.KTTKRA ANONIMA. 1*^ aveii riprcfo le sue abitudini; liuamente andava tla lui e docile alle pivghiore d' Adcle evituva sempre di parlare del passato. Ai lavori che usualmente occnpavano il signer Va- labert se n' erano aggiunti altii, assiwti di faniiglia, esanii di titoli di snccessione, copie di lettere ed altn documenti. Egli aveva p-rcio tlato ordine che gh venisse cercato un uomo one^o e sicuro nl quale po- tesse essev contidato un poeo di lavoro, e siccome di- cemmo sul principio di questo capitolo. sua moghe era venuta ad annunziargli 1' arrivo di .luoll' uomo. Alia domanda che gli era stata fatta. "Vuoi tu n- ceverlo?" Valabert avea risposto con un affermativo cenno del capo. " Caro," riprese sua moglie, " vuoi tu permcttermi di rimanere presente "i " " Scnza dubbio, ma che mai puo far nascere in te questo desiderio ? Si tratta solo di affari, cifre, docu- menti e secondo ogni probability la conversazione sa- rk delle piu monotone." " Parlai un momento alia persona che ti h stata in- dirizzata, e se non fo errore dev' essere un originale pieno d' innocent! manie." ^^ " Benone, giudicane tu stessa; si faccia entrare. Un vecchio presentossi e la sua comparsa giustific6 le prevision! dcUa signora Valabert. Giunto suUa sotrlia della porta salut6 in una maniera goffii e.con esagerazione. CoUe due man! avea preso un vecchio ^ 1 1 liMitfiTinwiiiw » '** AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. hantk he removed an old hat, the edges of which were brok.n, an 1 by a hasty movement of his head in bending ii t . (he knees, he had cansed to descend over his forehead the torn edge of a dirty silken skull, cap. As If this ridiculous salutation were not enouc^h lie repeated it three times at equal intervals, each time advancing two steps, and without perceiving that Mrs Vttlabert and her husband were making useless cffoits to restrain their laughter. As soon as the poor man had ended his drills, he raised hinus.lf up, casting around timidand humble glances. Suddenly his face assumed an expression of astonishment, and he stood before Valabert with open mouth and distended eyes. Ade e examined this inexplicable pantomime, when exited : "^'^ "*"""^ *" '^"^^^^ «--' "Ternisien!" "Mr. Valabert!" answeredtheex-professor. -Howl you have had the kindness to remember myfZl Have you not entirely forgotten him who taught yl the prmcip es of an art which is now spurned and of which perhaps I am the last representative ? The t-es were very different when I used to come to SrTvedT • " '' ""T' '''-"^ -^-" - we^e Sr / i^'^.^'^ber you always because you weie kmd and affectionate to your professor. I W pai-don, madam, for thus speaking i^n your present^ >f which his head descend en skull, enough, ach time lat Mrs. a effoila jor man casting his face le stood !d eyes. B, when ) times, "How! r face? ;ht you and of I The >me to 3 your I saw le you I beg sence, DNA LRTTEKA ANONIMA. 158 cappello (Vi cui gh orli eruno rotti od il rapido movi- mcnto (ho aveva imprcsso alia sua testa pit;p;rtndola fino ai ginocchi aveva fatto scendero suUa sua fronte la nappii 'ogora di uno sporco berrcttino di seta nera. Quasi chc ([uel ridicolo saluto non foHso surticiente, egU lo ripcti) per ben tro volte ad intervalli eguali, ogni-volta avanzando due passi senz' accorgcrsi che la signora Valabert e suo marito facovano sfor/i inft- niti per trattenin-e lo risa. Quando il pover' uomo ebbe finito i suoi caercizii, si diizzo girando intorilo timido ed umili occhiate. Di botto perc) la sua tisio- nomia prcse un' espressione di sorpresa o ristette da- vanli Valabert colht bocca spalancata e gli occhi aperti. Adele esaminava quest' inesplicabile panto- niiraa, allorche il pensicro di suo marito risalendo a tiunpi Jissai lontani : " Ternisien ! " C9clam6. "11 signor Valabert 1 '* rispose 1' ex pi-ofessore. ♦' Come ! Avete avuto la bontA di raffigurarmi 1 Non avete interamente dimenticato colui che v' in8egn6 i principii dj un' arte die oggi vien disprezzata, e della quale forse sono 1' ultimo rappresentante? Era ben diflerente il tempo in cui io venivaadarvi lezioninella via Sant' Onorato, nclla casa abitata dal vostro signor padre. ?ono ormai dieciotto anni e sempre mi sov- venni di voi, pi che eravate buoi.o ed affezionato verso il vostro professore. Vi domandoscusa, ei^nora, tie parlo cosi, in vostra presenza, invece di aspettare - i|l|> W i ili i f i ' i - j lt lll iLJiaiui ii iif i 'iM l f iii ir ii l i l il li' ii l iiii ^^'^ AN ANONTMOUB LETTKR. instead of waiting the permission of your husJjand, hut thinking of that time, I seem to become younger. Look here, madam, you must not piiy attention to my dre.j8. This morning, in order to come to you, I have brushed and darned these rags as Iwst I coidd, but they, I know very well, are old and in bad shape. On entoring I felt ashamed, and if you hud not bc«>n present, I am almost sure your servants would have thrown me out like a b«!ggar. Then 1 became con- tused and made very humble salutations that I might be forgiven my presence and intrusion in these rich, splendid apartments. Once I, too, knew how Ut present myself properly, madam, and 1 have punished many young ladies, rich and beautiful like yourself." Adele nulled kindly, which finally put Ternisien at his ease. "Truly," replied Julius, "I am happy and glad to meet you again. " "And I, too," answered Ternisien. "Well, I can see you are not changed ; always good and without pride. As you take away all my embarrassment, I shall ask permission to sit near the fire while you explain how I may serve you. It is long since I have seen a fire in my room, excepting the blaze of the candle, and that only when, on account of economy I do not go to bed at twilight." So saying Ternisien took a chair and seating him- self without ceremony, totally forgetful of manners, ■iP huHhand, younger. «ntion to to you, I 1 1 could, lul shape, not been uld have ame con- 1 1 might lese rich, how to punished ourself. " nisien at glad to ill, I can without wsment, hile you e I have i of the conomy, og him- lanners. UNA T-KTTEKA ANONTMA. 155 gli ordlni del vcwtro signor spo«o, ma pensnndo a quel tempo rai Honto ringiovinire. Vedcte. nignora, non birtogna por niento alia uianioia con cui vmlo vcHtito. Questa mattiiia, i)er vt-niro du vol ho npa/zolato e pu- liU) pill che potei (luenti cenci, niu il tiitto, Ioho t)cne, h niolto vecchio ed in pe^^Hlnio stato. Eiitiando piovava vergogna, e He non vi tiovavate hV prcsente, i vostri servitori mi avr(a)bcro caeciato via al pari di U!i aceat- tono. AUora mi sono confuwo, ho fatto degl' inchini vili, vilissinii, penlu- mi veni«se perdouata la prcaonza I'intrusione in quesii ricchi e splendiili appartamenti. In allri tempi, lo pure sapeva presentarmi convene- volmente,o »ignora,ed ho sgridato e posto in penitenza signorine belle e ricche al par di vol." A dele sorriae con una tal' aria di boutA che fin\ di riasf^ieurare Ternisien. " In veritA, riprese Giulio, sono felice e contento di I'itrovarvi." " E(i io pure," rispose questi. " Via, non siete cam- biato; sempnj buono e senza -^uperbia. Giacche mi togliete la soggezione, mentre mi spiegherete in che cosa possa servirvi, vi domandero il permessodi seder- mi presso il f uoco. Da tanto tempo in casa mia non ho visto altro ftioco che quello della candela seppure per cagion d' econouiia noii mi vado a corituro sull' im- brunire." E nel cosi parhtre, Ternisien presauna sedia, e sedu- tovifli senza cerimonie intieramente dimentico dell' eti- .iaatiaigsai; ■frifgini-oHaBni ^56 AH ANONYMOUS LETTER. extended his feet on the fender, while, with his two elbows resting on his knees, he stretched out his meagre and wrinkled hands toward the fire. Julius Valabert, who found his professor as he had left him, simple and full of kindness, was gazing at him with true pleasure. "Poor Ternisien !" he said to him. "I see that you have not been happy, but as you remember me, why have you not called on me i In every case, you would have been kindly received." "Yes, perhaps I was wrong; but you, used to riches, know only one side of almsgiving. To give, when one wishes it and affords it, is very easy, but to ask is more difficult." "After all, I tiiank chance that has at last united us again. Here is some work for a few weeks, and I hope you wiU not refuse that 1 shall fix the price myself." "We will fix it together. The little talent which I have is completely at your disposal.*' "Ycu, perhaps, live near here, as I had ordered that before looking elsewhere they should search in our ward." "Yes, I live in a little room at No. 4 Furstemberff street." ^ Teniisien did not perceive the profound impression his answer produced on Julius and his wife. A pause of a few minutes followed, taking advantage of which h his two I out hiij as he had guzing at that yon me, why ou would used to To give, jasy, but st united ks, and I ;he price nt which ordered earch in temberg pression A pause )£ which UNA LKITKRA ANON IMA. 157 chetta allungo i piedi sugli alari, mentre che coi due gomiti appoggiati sulle ginocchia avvicino al fuoco le sue scarne mani. Giulio Valabert che ritrovava il suo professore quale lo aveva lasciato semplice e pieno di bononiia, 1' osservava con vero piacere. "Mio povero Ternisien," gli disse, " vedo bene che non siete stato felice. Ma, poiche vi ricordavate di me perchfe nou siete venuto a trovarmi ? In ogni modo sareste stato sempre ben ricevuto. " "Si, forse ho avuto torto. Ma voi uso alia ri- chezza conoscete un lato solo dell' elemosina. 11 dare quando si vuole e quando si pu6, e cosa facile; il do- mandai'e pero e cosa molto piu malagevole." "In somma ringrazio 1' azzardo che ci ha riuniti. Ecco del lavoro per qualohe settimana, e spero non riiiuterete di farvene fissart il prezzo da me." "Lo fisseremo insieme. II poco talento che mi rimane h completamente a vostra disposizione." " Abitate, forse, qui vicino, giacche prima che ne- gli altri quartieri aveva ordlnato si facesse ricercii qui nel proprio." " Si, occupo una cameretta al numero quattro della via Furstemberg. " Ternisien non die mente alia profonda impressione che la sua risposta aveva prodotto su Giulio e la sua consorte. Ne successe un breve silonzio di pochi mi- nuti profittando dei quali Valabert ed Adele su cui que- ll} if I ' # I 158 AN ANONYMOUS LETl'EK. Valabert and Adele, in whom these words had awak- ened the same remembrances, exchanged between themselves furtive glances, "Lat us see, Mr. Julius, how I can serve you." Valabert placed before the eyes of Ternisien a file of papers which were to be copied. Having agreed upon the price, Ternisien was ready to depart, but Julius detained him. He feared to question him, and at the same time he wished that he would speak. Those two words, "Furstemberg street," resounded in his ears. If his wife had been absent, ho would have directly questioned his old professor, who, lodg- ing in the same house where he had ceased to go, would perhaps have been able to explain Avhat to iiim had remained a mystery. The presence of Adele, who seemed very little disposed to leave, obliged Julius to take a round-about turn of words. "What have you followed during the last few years ? " "A ti-ade which did not suit me," answered Terni- sien. "I had lost my professorship at the Univer- sity, my pupils had left me, although I was still capa- ble of teaching. Certainly my hand wsis heavier, but the principles, you know well, were good, and expe- rience supplies the lack of the happy liveliness of youth. However, all this was of no use ; I was oblige d to resign and become a public writer. For some years I M'orked dissatistied with my vocation. Often 1 had 'aOMMu. ,-.,„.mr.-- 3 ha^l awak- jd between ve you." nisien a file v'mg agreed depart, but estion him, ould speals, ' resounded ;, he would , who, lodg- ised to go, k'hat to him > of Adele, re, obliged le last few ered Terni- he ITniver- s still oapa- ieaviev, but , and expe- veliness of vaa oblige d some years )ften 1 had UNA IJJTTERA ANONUIA. 169 8te parole avevano risvegliato gli stessi ricordi, viceu- devolment 'i " "Si," rispose questi, che assorto intieramente nel racconto di Ternisien non osservava piii sua moglie, e ehe riprese : " Come questa lettera aveva potuto impressionare il vostro spirito in siffattjt maniera da decidervi a pren- dere una simile risoluzione ? " "Perch^ quella lettera poteva compromettere mol- tissimo o fors' anche uccidere una persona innoceute; come del pari poteva avvertime un' altra, smasche- rando la piu nera perfidia." "Perche dunque," interruppe la signora Valabert, che sul volto del marito indovinava i sentiment! ch' egli sforzavasi di nascondere, "perch^ non accoglieste que- sta aeconda ipotesi tanto probabile quanto la pi, ma ? " Ternisien alzo gli occhi alcielo.ed emiae un pro- fondo sospiro. -. " iaiit* ^^^ AN ANONYMOUS LKTTER. "You are right, madam, then I could, but to- day " "To-day ? " repeated Julius. "I cannot any more. My fear was a presentiment. Alas I It was goon resized in the most painful and cruel manner." "Of whom did that letter speak ? » "Of a young lady." ^' And to whom was it addressed ? " "I was never able to loarn. The boy who brouffht the letter to be copied had ordei-s to have the address written by another hand, and was unwilling to tell me whether he had received these ordei-s from a gen- tloman or a lady. Such a great mystery troubled me. This was not the first time that I had felt scruples about letters of that sort, but they had never made such an impression upon me, and I reproached my- self continually with an action so simple and jiatural belonging to my vocation, as if I had committed a crime. At that time they were making objections to my remaining any longer in the court of the Holy Chapel. I left the shop and rented, at No. 4 Fuj«t- emberg street, a little room vacated by an old woman The first two nights passed in this, my new lodging were calm and silent, but in the midst of the third one 1 was awakened by sighs and smothered moans and from time to time by distressful cries, the effecls of pain. The foUowing day it was said to me that d, but to- sentiment, liuful and brouffht le address fig to tell )m a gen- ibled me. scruples v^er made 3hed my- l.jiatural linitted a ictions to he Holy 4 Fm«t- woman. lodging, he third 1 moans, le eflfecls me that UNA LETTEBA ANONIMA. 168 "Siete nel vero, signora, alloii* lo potcva, per6 oggi . . . . " • "Oggi?" ripetfeGiuUo. "Nol posso piu. II mio timore era un prpsenti- mento. Ahime \ presto questo si realizzt) nella piu penosa e crudele manicra." " Di chi dunque parlava quella lettera ? '* " Di una giovinetta." "Edachieradiretta?" " Non ho mai potuto saperlo. II ragazzo che porto la lettera per farla copiare aveva ordine di far scrivere da altri P indirizzo, e nemmeno voile dirmi, so avesse ricevuto questi ordini da un uomo,ovvero da una don- na. Un cosigranmistero m' inquietava. NoneragiA la prima volta che scrupoli di tal sortaintorno a lettere di simile natura mi avessero tormentato, ma mai mi avevano impressionato si fattamente e sempre mi rim- proverava quell' atto cos! semplice e cosi naturale della mia professione, quasi avessi commessa una mal'azi^ne. In quel tempo appunto mi si facevano obiezioni per lasciarmi piii a lungo nella corte della Santa Cappella. Ab.bandonai la mia bottega ed affittai al numero quat- tro della via Furstemberg una caraeretta lasciata da una vecehia. Lo due prime notti passate in qncsto mio nuovo alloggio furono calme e silenziose, ma nol bel mezzo della terza fui svegliato da gemiti, da la- ment! sofibcati e di tratto in tratto da forti grida strap- pate al dolore. L' indomani mi venne detto che 1' ap- \m^ ilv * AN ANONYMOUS LETTER, the little apartment near tb. mom I occupied was in. habited by a young lady at the point of death. "A few days had passed when one day, retuming home at about three o'clock, I was surprised to see the door of the said apartment wide open. I looked into the fii-st room, -nobody was there,-no one in the second,~everywhere the same dreadful silence. I entered the last room, and there, lying insensible on her bed, I saw a young woman whose features, al- though alt. -d by protracted illness, showed that she must have been beautiful when she was happy. "1 followed the first impulse of pity. I replaced on the pillow the head which hung off the bed 1 caused her to inhale from a smelling bottle which I found on the mantel and tried to restore her to con- sciousness. When she opened her eym, ashamed to be alone in a room with a young woman, I apolo- gized and hurriedly retired. Th.e porter, whom I questioned, told me that on the same day her servant had left her. Without inquiring what were her means, I ran for and brought with me a nurse to watch over her. Happily, there was some gold in her house. Miss Fanny Dusmenil was her name; I had forgotten to mer.tion it before." At tiaese w(H-ds Julius rose. Ternisien, interrupt- ing his uMrative, saw him, pale, subdued, and his face ied was in- tith. returning I to see the ooked Into >ne in the lilence. I ensible on iittires, al- 1 that she py- [ replaced } bed. 1 I which I er to con- lamed to I apolo- whora I r servant k^ere her nurse to gold in name; I iterrupt- his face UNA LESTTEKA ANONIMA. 166 partamento attiguo alia stanza da me occupata era abitato dn una giovin donna ohe trovavasi in pericolo di morte. Erano trascorsi varii giomi, quando un d\ rien- trando a casa verso le tre dopopranzo fui sorpreso dal vedere la porta dell' anzidetto appartamento tutta spa- lancata. Guardai nella prima camera, non v' era al- cuno, nessuno nella seconda, dapertutto lo stesso spa- ventoso silenzio. Penctrai cos\ nell' ultima stanza, e ]k svenuta sul letto vidi una signorina di cui le fattez/.e. abbenche alterate dn lunganialattia mostravano ancora aver dovuto essere bellissirae quand' essa era felice. Detti retta al mio primo movimento di pietA. Ri- posi sul guanciale la testa che penzolava fuori dal letto, le feci respirare una bottiglia che trovai sulcam- minetto e cercai di rianimarla. Allorquando ella apr\ gli occhi, mi vergognai di trovarmi cosl da solo a solo con una giovine, ie presentai le mie scuse e mi ritirai precipitosamente. La portinaia da me interrogata, mi disse, che lo stesso giomo la sua serva 1' avea ab- liandonata. Senz' informarmi quali potessero essere le sue risorse corsi a cercare e meco condussi un' assi- stente per vegliare ai suoi bisogni. Fortunatamente in casa vi era dcU' oro. La signorina Fanny Dusme- uil, che cosi essa si chiamava, mi era dimenticato di dirvelo...." A questi detti Giullo si alz6. Temisien inten-om- pcndo il suo racconto, lo vide pallido, abbattuio e col ^^6 AN ANONYMOUS LETTKR, wet with tears. Julius turned toward his wife, and see- ing her trcnihling with a profound grief pictured in her face, going near to her, took her hand, saying : " Adcle, my tears, which were flowing without my own will, are an oflense to you. Please retire intu your own apartments, 1 entn-at you, and forgive me." She lowered hor head and went away, saying in u low voice, but with an energetic tone of despair : " Well, 1 know that you yet love her." Ternisien had risen completely confounded, and when, after the scene which had taken place, he found himself alone with Julius, he no longer knew whether he ought to remain silent or to continue. Valabert, now free from restraint, came to him and inquired : "Is she dead? Is it true?" "Yes." "And her child?" "Dead also, liefore the mother, know ? " "I know; what matters the rest to you i And tell me, was she calunmiated i " "Yes." "Who told you?" "Herself, and then I have other irrefutable proof " "What is it?" ^ "Listen. Often, in day time, I used to inquire about her health. Her agony lasted long and I had time to But how do you Sii£fSr'-r'"'rr;airffBaar! fo, and see- )ictured in d, saying : without my retire int(» •give me." tying in u pair : Kled, and place, he ger knew continue, iiim and 7 do you And tell I proof." re about [ time to tTNA LETTKRA ANONIMA. 1^7 viso inondato di liigrime. (Jiuliii si volso verso la sua consorte e scorgcndola troniant^N con un prot'ondo do- lore dipinto 8ul volto, avvicinatosfle le preso la niano dicendr " A(i' If. il pianto cho irroni])e senza la niia volonf!* 6 nil r vol. Escite, ritiratevi, ve ne pret..* E 11 capo e sottovoce ma coll' onorgia dclla dippci in , r i])re8o: " Ben io sapi \ a irhe 1' amavate ancora." Ternisien si era alzato tutto iutcrdctto cd allorclife dopo la Hceiia die aveva avuto luogo, si trovo solo a Holo con (Tiulio,piu non sapova se dovesse tacere o con- tinuare la nsirrativa. Valabert oruiai libero venno a lui, c : "Essa h morta. non e vero I " "Si." "Edilfiglio?" '' riue, morto prima della niadrc; ma come sapete?" *' Lo so, che t' impoi-ta il rosto ? " E dimmi, era essa stata calunniata i " "Si." "Chi teldisse?" "Ella stessa e ne posseggo altresi un'altra irrecusa- bile prova." "Quale?" " Ascoltatemi. Spesse volte nel corso del d\ m' in- foi-mava della sua salute. La sua agonia fu lunga, ed ebbi il tempo di cattivarmi la sua fiducia. Io pas 1*58 AN ANONYMOIIH LKTTKR. win her r(»nli(k'n{'(\ I used to pass days »»nd nights at her bedsiile, nnd I caivd for her as if I ■ l)ceii her fatlier. 8ho narrated to me her story. . !.i told me how, on the (hiy preceding her marriage, her hiver had come like u raging maniac; how, crediting an anonymous letter, he had accused her. Fancy my surprise and consternation when, handing me that letter, I recognized the one I had copied. She sworo that notwithstanding appearances which seemed to condemn her, she was innocent; and 1, who had a wron;,' to repair, hastened to ask the name of \ \m who had l)een deceived by such an infamous denui ution, ond who would probably have time to acknowledge and repair his fault. «ho obstinately refused to tell it. 'Iwish,' she said, 'that this fearful misfortune might have been delayed a few months, that my child could have been born alive, and then I would have decided myself to beg on his behalf the pity of the futher; but now I am alone and near to death, of what use will it be to importune him i Although for me, who loved him so much, his forgetfulness may be painful, I prefer to let him forget, rather than perhaps to awaken in him a useless remorse by letting him know how I am dying.' Her strength visibly left her. One evening, the nurse and 1 were at her bed- side awaiting the fatal moment. For more than an hour she had not spoken, I have always retained the minutest details of that last evening, and a conmion * !-f^-' »\nd nights I i..: : bt'eii i^h-i told 0, hor Idvcr •editing an Fancy my ^ niti that She Hworo sceruL'tl to ^ho had a i lini who lun ution, inowledge Hed to tell nisfortune t my child [»uld have ity of the death, of hough for «8 may be n perhaps tting him sibly left ; her bed- B than an ained the common "^^^0*f^s^^^mM *J ' , ' ^i}WJ^ ^^ f*.*r,! IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I bilM 12.5 ■^ Uii 12.2 ^ 144 "^ 1.8 L25 yiHU 11.6 f,' Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716)872-4503 CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute Cor Historical MIcroreproductlons / Instltut Canadian de microireproductlons historiques UNA LETTERA ANONTMA. 169 sava i giomi e le uotti al capezzale del suo letto e ne presi cura come se le fossi stato padre. Essa mi rac- cont6 la sua storia. Mi disse; come la vigilia del gior- nofisaato per le nozze, il suo promesso fosse entrato da lei furioso maniaco ; come prestando fede ad una lettera anonima 1' avesse accusata. Immaginate la mia sorpresa ed il mio turbamento allorchfe porgen- domi a leggere quella lettera riconobbi la stessa die mi si era fatta copiare. Mi giuro che a dispetto di tutte le apparenze che sembravano condannarla essa era innocente ed io che aveva un torto da riparare mi aflfrettai di domandarle il nome di colui ch' era stato ingannato da cos\ infame denunzia, chh forse egli avrebbe ancora potuto riconoscere e riparare il male. Essa ostinatamente si rifiut6 a dirmelo. « Avrei vo- luto,' ella disse, * che questa terribile disgrazia fosse stata ritardata di qualche mese: avrei voluto che mio figlio fosse escito dal mio seno in vita, ed allora mi sa- rei decisa d' implorare per lui la pieti del padre; ma adesso sono sola, vicina a morte, a che importunarlo ? Abbenchfe per me che 1' ho tanto amato possa riescire doloroso il suo oblio, preferisco lasciarglielo, anziche procuravgli un rimorso inuiile rammentandogli ch' io mi muoio.' Le sue forze ine.ensibilmente 1' abbando- navano. Una sera 1' aasistente ed io ci trovavamo presso il suo letto aspettando il fatale momento. Da piii di un' ora non aveva parlato. Ho sempre presenti i menomi dettagli di quell' ultima sera ed un fatto *•* AN ANONYMOUS liETTBR. and childish fact, to which death has imparted a lugu- brious and dreadful character, will never be blotted from my memory. Near the head of the table a can dJe was burning. I tried to increase the light, but as my eyes were darltened with tears and my hand trembled, I extinguished the candle and we were phinged into darkness. 'It is, perhaps, the eternal night, she uttered with feeble voice. These were the last words she pronounced." Julius had hidden his face in his hands and tears flowed through his fingers. Suddenly, as if he would have kept a tloubt for his only excuse, he approached lernisien and said to him : "You told me that they had calumniated her, but you did not give me the proof, which you say is in-e- rutable." "She had already justified herself in having re- ceived a young man. What condemned her was a ring which she was accused of having given as a love token to her suitor. How it had disappeared she was not able to explain. Well, it had beea stolen by her servant a certain Marion, bribed with gold to steal this rmg from the seoretmre. The same day that, for the first time. I entered Fanny's room, Mai-ion, over- powered by remorse, had gone, after having made a confession of the crime without naming the person who had induced her to commit it. She had placed Bugh a written confession on the bed of her mistress arted a lugu- • be blotted table a can- light, but as d my hand id we were the eternal ese were the is and tears if he would approached ed her, but say is in-e- faaving re- 1 her was a en aa a love red she was olen by her >ld to steal »y that, for U'ion, over- ing made a the person had placed ler mistress UNA LUXTERA AMONIMA. Itl pueiile e comune al quale la morte ha impresso un carattere lugubre e spaventevole mai si scancelleri dalla mia monte. Una sola candela bruciava sulla ta« vola accanto al letto. VoUi rialzarne 1' indebolita luce; ma siccorae i miei occhi erano ottenebrati dalle lasrrirae, e siccome la mia mano tremava ; cosi estinsi il lumo e rimanemmo nell' oscuritil, 'Fors' h quosta la notte eterna?' mornioro con voce tioca. Ecco le ultimo parole ch' ella pronunzio." Giulio avea nascosto il vieo nelle mani e le sue lagri- me scorrevano a traverso le dita. All' improvviso, quasi avesse voluto conservare un dubbio sua unica scusa, s' avvicin6 a Teruisien, dicendogli : "Mi asseriste che 1' aveano calunniata, ma non mi daste la prova che voi dite incontrastabile." "Gi^ erusi giustificata di aver ricevuto quel gio- vine. Ci6 che la perdette f u un anello che le s' incol- pava di aver dato qual pegno d' amore al suo antico amante. Come quest' anello fosse scomparso ella stessa non poteva rendersene conto. Ebbene! Era stato rubato dalla donna che la serviva, una certa Marianna compra a prezzo d' oro per sottrarre quell' anello da un cassetto del secretaire. II giorno stesso nel quale per la prima volta io era entrato nella stanza di Fanny, Marianna era partita dopo averle lasciata scritta la sua confessione,senza nominare la persona che V avea persuasa a commettere quel delitto. Marianna avea deposto quello scritto sul letto della padrona smm^smsimemm^^ !5WS??SW» 172 AK ANONYMOUS LETTEB. while she was asleep, not having had the courage to accuse hereelf or to ask fcrgiveness. Fanny refused to search for her. Reading thia letter, she had fainted, alone, without help, and chance brought me there. I saw that confession." "Enough, enough I" said Julius, "I received that anonymous lettf^r. Fanny is dead,— I murdered her. Who, then, around me, has plotted such a barbureup scheme ? Did Fanny confide it to you ? " "She named no one. She only spoke to me of propositions made to her by a friend of her lover's family." " SaintGilles I Ah ! him, him !— my mother's con- fidant ! Must I believe that they acted in concert, and that after having given her consent to it? Oh I no, no 1 he acted alone. Now I remember what he used to tell me. Him, him alone, I accuse." "If you were calmer," said Temisien, "I Mould give you the proof you need— the copy of the letter." " Have you it ? " " I have kept it The boy who brought it to me had received the order to destroy it, but as he did not know how to read, T, instead of the copy, tore up an- other piece of paper, without his noticing the substi- tution. This copy must be at home." "To-morrow you will bring it to me; no, even to- night now 1 need it. Let us go I " 3 courage to nny refused bad fainted, k me there. eceivcd that irdered her. a barbureuf) :e to me of her lover'a lother's con- in concert, it? Oh I >er what he e." " I would the letter." ht it to me ' he did not tore up an- the substi- o, even to- UNA LETTEKA ANONIMA. 178 nel tempo oh' esaa dormiva, non avendo avuto 11 co- raggio dl accusarsi e domandarh perdono di viva vo- ce. Fanny non voile che si facessero ricerche di lei." Leggendo quella Icttera si era svenuta, sola, scn/a soccorso, se 1' azzardo non mi avesse condotto IL Questa confessione io 1' ho veduta." " Basta, basta ! " grido Giulio. Quella lettera io la ricevetti. Fanny h morta, e son io che l' uccisi. Chi dunque, intorno a me ordi questa barbara tramai Fanny ve Io ha foi-se detto ? " " Essa non nomin6 alcuno. Spesso pero mi parlo di tentativi fatti presso di, lei da un simco della fami- glia del suo amante." " Saint-Gilles ! Ah ! Lui, lui! 11 confidente di mia mudre ! Converrik. ch' Io credache 11 consenso ch' essa mi aveva d to .... Oh I no, no ! Egll ag\ da sh. Ades- BO mi sovvengo dei discorsl che in quel tempo egll Boleva tenermi. Lui, lui, solo accuso." "Se foste piii calmo," disse Ternisien, "vi dai-ei la prova che vl manca, la brutta copia della lettera." "L' avete vol?" "Io la conaervai. II ragazzo che me la povtb aveva ordine di farla lacerare, ma slccome egli non sapeva leggere, Io invece strappal un altro pe:!zo di carta senza ch' egli si accorgesse di questa sostituzlone. Questa brutta copia dev' essere a casa." " Domanl me la porterete, anzi, no, questa sera. ... adesso .... Ne ho bisogno, partiamo I " 18 ' ' w ' .^MiWUMmwMiiiwmwwJi.iw'-i'' ^7* AN ANONYMOUS LKTTER. Noticing the convulsive joy which spioiid over tho features of Julius, Ternisien repented of having con- rided such a thing to him. "It is difficult to find it immediately; it is neces- sary that I should search for it. Perhaps it exists no longer. However, by no means will I give it to you unless you first tell me for what purpose you intend to use it." "I would have a proof, nothing else." replied Ju- lius "a proof which would give me the right to spurn the author of that letter." "All right; 1 shall leave you now, and to-morrow will bring it to you. I hope to find it " Evening had arrived. Ternisien took leave of Julius and returned to his room very much confused. He had no trouble to find tho letter. He thought it right to take precautions against the youth's anger, and his peaceful character made him believe contempt to be a sufficient vengeance. Valabert, who could not believe in such simplicity, exclaimed : " He will not give me this proof, but do I really need it?" ,An hour afterward, a servant went out fi-om his pal- ace with thl-eo letters. Two of them were addressed to friends of Julius, the third to Saint-Gillea. fad over the having con- it is neccH- I it exists no vo it to you ! you intend replied Ju- tUe right to i to-niorrovv ik leave of h confused. ! thought it uth's anger, ve contempt who could do I really •om his pal- 3 addressed ea. UNA LETTEHA ANONIMA. 176 Rimarcandola gioia eonviilsa che sconiponova i line- ament! di Giulio, Ternisieu si pent\ di avergli fatta quella coniidenza. " Mi sari difficile di trovarla, lA, su due piedi, biso- gnertl ch' io la cerchi .... Foi-se piu non esistc Del resto non ve la con8egner6 senza prima conoscere r uso a cui la destinate." "Desidero una prova, nulla piti," riprese Giulio, " una prova la quale mi dia il diritto di disprezitare 1' autore di quell' anonima lettera." " Meno male ; vi lascio e domattina ve la portero. Spero di trovarla." La sera era giunta. Teniisien si separi da Giulio, e tutto frastornato ritorn6 nella sua cameretta. Non era aft'atto imbarazzato di ritrovni'e lo scritto fatulo. Aveva creduto bene di prendere le sue precauzioni eontro 1' ira del giovine, ed il suo pacitico carattere facevagli considerare lo sprezzo quale sufticiente ven- detta. Valabert incredulo a tanta sempliciti\ rimasto solo, esclam6 : " Egli non mi dard quella prova ; pe^o ne ho io ditvvei'o bisogno?" Un' era dopo un servo munito di due lettere esciva dal palazzo Valabert. Due delle lettere erano dirette a due amici di Giulio, la terza a Saint-Gilles. Jlil i 17ft ▲M ANONYMOUS UCTTEB. VI. THE REVERSE OF THE CARDS. Nearly twenty minutes after Ternision had entered his room, he heard a knock at his door. This noise interrupted the search lie was already making among a bundle of papers to find the autograph he had prom- ised to Julius the following day. As he did not ex- pect visitors, and as in his preoccupation he had not heard the front door shut, so at first he thought the noise was caused by the wind swinging an open win- dow in the stairway, and, thei-efore, without further notice, he pursued his work. After a moment, he thought he heard a friction which ascended and de- scended along the door as if produced by a hand which searched in the darkness for the string of a bell, a thing completely unknown among Ternisien's furniture. The knocking was repeated a little stronger and with greater energy. "Who is there and what do you want?" asked Ternisien. He received no answer, but the knocking was repeated. "Come again to-morrow," said the good man, alarmed at such persistency, and fearing to be the victim of some snare, "Come agiiin to-morrow ; I am alieady in bed and have no light." UNA LRTTEHA ANON IMA. 177 D8. lad entered This noise ing among I Iind prom- did not ex- he hud not lought the open win- jut further loment, he !(i and de- >y a hand string of a Fernisien's unger and t?" asked ) knocking ood man, to be the low ; I am VL IL ROVESCIO DELLE CARTE. Torn in ion era riontrato nelle sue stuDzu uppcna da circa venti minuti, alloroh^ ud\ piochiaro dolcoment*) allu sua |X)rta. Questo rumoi-e inten-uppe le ricerche ch' egli giA faceva in mezzo ad un muccliio di carte per ritrovare 1' autografo che i' indomani avea pro- messo di oonsegnure al signor Valabert Siccome ei non attcndeva visite, e siccome nelle sue preoccupazioni non aveva udito poco prima chiudersi la porta deila via, cosi immagin6 che fosse il vento che netlascaiinatafucesse battere »iualche linestra apcrta, e si ripose a cercare. Pussato im uccondo gli sembro di ndire un sordo stropiccio che saliva e scepdeva lun- go r asse deir uscio come prodotto da mano che al r oscuro cercasse la corda di un campanello, oggetto Boonosciuto f ra le masserizie di Temisien. Una seconda iiata venne bussato un poco piii forte e con maggiore energia. "Chi e la? che cosa voletei" domand6 TemiMen. Non ricevette risposta, ma di bel nuovo venne pio- chiato. "Ritornnte domani," disse il buon' uomo, inquieto di una simile insistenza, e teniendo, ove aprisse, di cader vittima di qualche tranello j " ritomate domani, sono gi^ in letto." m 1 78 AN ANONYMOUS rreath«5 at ease, the old professor uttered an exclamation of siu-prise on observing the change which a few hours had produced in her features. "Close the door," said she. Before obeying, Ternisien cast a glance at the staircase. .. "Alone? you are alone, madam ! " •« Nobody knows nor ought to know of my visit to your house. Swear to me, sir, that if you should be questioned, you will not reveal that I came here.'* "Madam," replied Ternisien, still more amazed Uy the visit and by the mystery that this lady put in it, "Madam, it is not customary for me to pledge my- self so easily to such oaths, which sometimes become painful and difficult to keep. When you will have the kindness to explain the causes which brought you here, I will try to pledge you the promise you ask." oh wjw sppn words, t tind trem- (nn tho por- to open tho •oom. She , Hiui when d professor serving tho ;ed in her ice at the f my visit l^ou should irae here." amazed l»y ' put in it, ledge rav- es become II have the ought you you ask." UNA I.KTTKIIA ANONlMA. ItO Di>iessuno sa, ne deve sapere la mia venuta in vostra casa. Giurateiui signoro, che se siete interrogate), nou palesereto ch' io sia qui venuta." "Signora," riprese Ternisien, di piii in piu sorpreso della visita, e del mistero die quella donna vi poneva, "signora non e mia abitudine d' impegnarmi alia leg- giera in simili giuramenti che qualche volta riescono penosi e difticili a mantenere. Alloniuimdo avrelo avuto la bont^, di spiegarmi il motivo che qui vi trasse. vi faro la domandata promesaa." 1^^ AN ANONTMOUS LETTER. "I undei-staud your prudence, but have no fear; the secret I ask is more necessary to me than to you. Be yourself the judge." She cast her eyes around the room, and, after a few minutes, added : "Here we must talk low, must we not^ Others can hear what is said." " Yes, madam, it was in this same room that, with- out caring for it, I heard the -smothered moans of the unhappy Fanny. You were not in the parlor when I finished the narration of that very sad story ? " "Yes, yes," interrupted Adele with an abrupt and agitated tone of voice, "I know that that Fannv is dead." "After my departure, Mr.Valabert had the time to tell you ? " "I have not seen him since." "Yet he is ignorant that you have come to visit me ?" "He is." "But, madam, if this evening he should discover your absence ? " "This evening? O, this evening he will not think of what I may have done. Now he does not think of me any more I " In spite of his want of penetration and his absolute ignorance of passion, Teraisien began to guess the secret giief which thus changed the features of Mrs. Vairibert and gave to her eyes that insane expression ve no fear; ;han to you. ind, after a )t f Others I that, with- loans of the >arlor when ory?" abrupt and t Fanny is the time to > visit me ?*' d discover 3 will not le does not is absolute guess the 5S of Mrs. expression tJNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 181 "Capisco la vostra prudenza, ma siate senza timore, la discrezione ch' esigo h piii necessaria per me che voi. Giudicatene." Volse gli occhi intomo alia camera, e dopo qualche instiinte di silenzio aggiunse : " Qui bisogna parlare a voce bassa n' e vero? Ac- canto si puo bene udire tutto quello che qui si dice. " "Si, signora, fu da quesbi stessa camera che senza voler ascoltai'e, udii i soffocati gemiti della disgra- ziata Fanny. Voi non eravate piu presente quando tinii di raccontare a vostro marito queila tristissima istoria." "Si, si," interruppe con voce breve ed agitata, " queila Fanny e morta lo so." "Dopo la mia partenza, il signor Valabert, ebbc 11 tempo di raccontarvi . . . . " "Nonlo vidi." ," Ignora egli che voi siete qui venuta a visitarmi ? " •'Loignora." " Ma, signora, se qucsta sera si accorge della vostra assenzal " " Questa sera ! . . . . o questa sera egli non penserA ad infurmarsi di quanto posso aver fatto. In questo mo- mento ei piii non pensa a me." Malgrado la sua minima naturale penetrazione e la sua assoluta ignoranza delle passioni, Ternisien comin- ciava ad indovinare qual secreto dolore alterasse in tal guisa il viso della signora Valabert, e dasse ai suoi I , 1^ ■ I 182 AK AJiONVMOUS LETTEtt. and to her voice that strange inflection. He recol- lected the tears Valabert had not been able to hide from her, and with what words he had entreated her .to retire. Jealou-^y was gnawing her heart, but he could not yet guess the motive which had brought her to his lodgings. She motioned him to sit down beside her. "Have you kept thecopy of thatanonymous letter?" Tcmisien stared at her with astonishment, not know- ing whether she was questioning, or affirming a fact well known to her. '* Tou have kept it," she continued ; " to-morrow you are going to give it to my Imshand. Do not try to deny it ; from the next room I heard all, I know all. Even when your voice or his had not reached me, my gaze would have pierced through the thick- ness of the walls and guessed your words from the simple movement of your lips. You must give me the copy of that letter." " Madam, 1 promised to give it to your husband." *' ToTiim or to me, what matters it to you il " " If you are here with his consent." ' "To-morrow you will write him that you have lost that paper, and he will believe it. Have you not already made its existence doubtful?" *' Indeed, I fear I have told the truth." I. He recol- able to hide intreated her leart, but he had brought ler. mous letter?" nt, not know- rming a fact '* to-morrow Do not try I all, I know not reached fh the thick- ds from the ust give me ir husband." ^ou il » ou have lost ve you not UNA LETTERA ANOmMA. 1*8 occhi quell' eepressiono di foilia or^ alia sua voce quel- la strana infleesione. Si ricordava dalle lagrimc ohe il signer Valabert non aveva potuto nascondere in sua presenza e con quali parole ei 1' avesse preg^ta di ritirarsi. La gelosia doveva mordere il suo cuore, ma non poteva ancora comprendere qual motivo potesse averla condotta in sua casa. Ella gli fe' cenno di sedersi accanto a lei. " Avete conservata la brutta copia di quell' anoni- ma lettera ? " Ternisien la guard6 sbalordito, non arrivando a ca- pire se ella intendesse d' inteiTogare, ovvero affer- masse un fatto del quale fosse sicura. "Voir avete conservata," ella riprese, "Domani dovete darla a mio marito. Non provate di negarlo. Dalla camera attigua udii tutto, so tutto. Quand' an- che la vostra voce e la sua non fossero giunte alle mie orecchie, i miei sguardi avrebbero attraversato la spessezza dei muri ed avrebbero indovinato le parole dal solo movimento delle vostre labbra. Bisogna the mi consegniate la copia di quella lettera." " Signora ho promesso di darla avostro marito." " A lui, owero a me che cosa importa r* *'Se siete qui col suo consenso " " Domani gli scriverete che 1' avete smarrita ed cgli vi creder^ Forse non gliene avete gi^ messo in dub- bio l' esistenza ? " " Temo infatti di aver detto ii vero.'* 184 AN ANONTMOU8 LETTFB. "No; at the beginning you quite assented that it was yet in your hands, and already you have begun tlie search. I will have that copy. Give it to me, sir; sell it to me, ask for it whatever price you will ; you are poor and I can enrich you. " Speaking so rapidly as not to leave him time to answer, she had opened her satchel. Then she added : " Here are four bills of a thou- sand francs each ; these are not enough ? 1 know it this is what 1 had in the casket. I will give more, much mure ; I will treble the sum twenty thousand francs and then I have jewels here, take." Her color, before pale, had animated, her hands with a movement so rapid as hardly to be followed by the eyes, emptied the satchel. A pearl necklace, pi-e- cious stones, diamonds, rings, her own ear-rings, in the twinkling of an eye, were thrown upon the knees of Temisien. The poor man, astounded, contemplated her. On the flaps of his ragged coat was a sum tenfold larger than he had before possessed in all his life-time, and this unexpected fortune was given him without reck- oning; yes, it was his own. It was enough that he should extend his arm and shut his hands to become the master of it. But such were not the thoughts in Temisien's mind. Between the wealth he had never known and the misery which was shortenmg his life nted that it have begun ve it to me, tse you will ; lim time to of a thou- 1 know I will give I twenty 2ls here, , her hands followed by cklace, pi-e- »ar-rings, in n the knees d her. On ifold larger :e-time, and ithout reck- igh that he ) to become thoughts in ) had never mg his life UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 186 'No, Bul bel prinoipio asseriste come si trovasse ancora in vostro possesso, e g\k avcte cominciato a oercarla. Voglio la copia di quella lettera, datemela signore, vendetemela, domandate il prezzo ch' esigete, siete povero ed io posso amcchirvi." Farlando con tanta rapidity da non lasciargli tempo di rispondere essa aveva aperto la sua borsa. "Prendete," aggiunse, "ecco quattro biglietti da mille lire, non bastano....lo so bene .... quest' e quunto aveva neUo scrigno. Ve ne dar6 dippiu, molto dippiii triplicher6 la somma .... ventimila lire . . . . e poi ho delle gioie. . . .prendete." II Buo colorito, dapprima cos! pallido,si era animate, i suoi oc^hi scinti lavano, le sue mani con un movi- mento cosi rapido da potere appena essere seguito da- gli occhi, vuotavano il contenuto del sacchetto. Una coUana di perle, delle pietre preziose, diamanti, anelli, finanche gli orecchini in un batter d' occhio caddero suUe ginocchia di Ternisien. II pover' uomo la contemplava attonito. Jjh suUe falde del suo lacero abito trovavasi una somma dieci volte pill considerabile dell' assieme del danaro ch' egli aveva posseduto nel corso della sua vita, o quella non sperata fortuna gli vehiva data senza contare, era sua. Bastava solo ch' egli stendesse, chiudesse la mano per diventame possessore. Ma questo pensiero non occu- pava la mente di Ternisien. Fra la ricchezza ch' egli mai aveva conosciuto, e la miseria che raccorciava la i i.H.n ii|iii i W'WI»?jgWHI 186 AN ANONYMOUS LKTTKR. in that honest heart, was no place for speculalion, how- ever excusable it might be. With trembling voice and tears in his eyes, he iddressed Mrs. Valabeil; : " Are you, then, very unhappy i " "Yes, very mihappy," she answered, "and it is in your power that I may be so no longer ; you can give mo peace and insure my happiness. Do you accept it, then?" " The recital of that story has awakened in your husband the remembrance of a former love. Is it not true ? I ought to have perceived this and bi'oken it off when he entreated you to go out of the room; I ought not to have re-opened a wound yet unhealed. You must forgive me, madam, the evil that J have unwillingly caused you. I had present in my mem- ory the death of that poor woman, who was an angel of virtue,— I could swear it, — and who has been so falsely calumniated. If you had known her as I did, if you had heard her protest her innocence, you would not have required this irrefutable proof to have been coavinced of it. But forgive me, madam, if I again afflict you in speaking of her, and forget what 1 learned but a few minutes ago, namely, that love is jealous of a rival who does not even exist any more. You are afraid that your husband would become at- tached to that souvenir, and that at your side he woultl remember her whom he loved. How the possession of that letter could make you happy is what I am HilHlion, how- mbling voice Valabeil; : "and it is in you can give 3 you accept )ned in your love. Is it ) and bi'oken the room; I et unhealed. that J have in my mem- vas an angel has l)een so her as I did, 3, you would :o have been n, if I again •get what 1 that love is t any more. become at- de he would i possession what I am UNA liETTKRA ANONIMA. IS? sua veochiaia in quel cuore onesto e 8empli<^o uon cravi accesso ad un' idea di spcculazione, per quunto scusabile essa avrebbe potuto esscre. Egli con voce commossa e colle lagrimo agli oct-hi si dirosse alln signora Valabert. " Siete dunque molto infelico, signora?" "Si, infelicissima," ensa risposf, "da vol dipendc che io pill non lo sia, voi potote r< stituirmi il riposo eel assiciurare la mia felicitd. Accettate, signore ? " "II racconto di quest' avventura ha risvegliato in vostro marito il ricordo di un antico amore, non e cgli vero 1 Avrei dovuto accorgermene ed intcrrom- perlo allorchfe egli vi prog(*) di uscire, avrei dovuto non aprire qxiella ferita quasi cicatrizzata. Bisogna perdo- narnii il male che involontarianiente vi ho procuruto : aveva presente alia memoria lu niorte di quel la povcra donna oh' era un angelo di virtu, posso giurarle, e ch' h stata cosi indegnamente calunniata. Se voi 1' aveste conosciuta alpai'i di me, se voi I' aveste udita prote- stare della sua innocenza, per esserne convinto non avreste avuto bisogno di questa invcusabile prova. Ma, perdono signora, se di bcl nuovo vi affliggo parlan- dovi di lei, e se dimentico ci6 che solo da pochi minuti injparai, che cioe, 1' ainore h geloso eziandio di una I'ivale che piii non esiste. Voi temete che vostro mjir rito si affezioni a questo ricordo, che al vostro tianco, presso di voi, ramraenti colei che am6. In qual modo per6 11 possesso di questa lettera possa rendervi felice -- wi i atjawiJiJiiia, ' -.--. 188 AN ANONTMOUS LETTEB. not able to understand. What interest causes you to wish so ardently for it as to be ready to purchase it with your whole fortune? " Because Adele had not a satisfactory answer ready, or because the emotion by which she was agitated was too strong, she remained silent. Terni'ien continued : " When I saw that Mr. Julius wished for that letter, I immediately told him that perhaps it would be im- possible for me to find it, because I was afraid that, recognizing the handwriting, he would have gone to ask satisfaction of him who had written it. He has re-assured me. What ought I to suppose, now that I see you troubled by such a fear ? " "Well, yes, I fear that he may expose his life," answered Adele, as if the last words of Ternisien had given her the excuse she had been searching for. "Your friendship for him has surmised the misfor- tune which my love tries to prevent That is why I came here at this late hour, and why I beg you not to speak to any one of my visit. I know,— do not ask how I know,— the pereon who wrote that letter; my husband, too, will recognize the handwriting; they will fight, be sure of it; perhaps he will be killed. Twice I will lose him on account of that unhappy woman. Give me that letter ^let me destroy that proof and when he has only simple suspicions- when the gu..cy one is able to deny, and, theinfore,' U ; causes yoii r to purchase nswer ready, was agitated >r that letter, rould be im- afraid that, lave gone to it. He has se, now that >8e his life," ernisien had irching for. the misfor- lat is why I ?you not to -do not a8l( t letter; my iting; they killed. »t unhappy iestroy that suspicions ; I, therefore, UNA LETTERA ANONIMA. 189 h quanto io non so comprundore. Quale intereuHe po88a Hpingervi adesso a coal ardentoniente deHiderarlti da esHore prunta a pagarla coUa vostra intera fortunu i" Sia che Adele non avesse presente una risposta, 8o- di.sfacente, sia che I'emozione dalla quale essa era agi- tata fosse troppoviolenta,ella riniiiiie suiiisa rispondcre. Ternisien continu6 : " Allnrchfe vidi che il signor Giulio desiderava quo- sta copia, subito gli di»si che forse sarebbe stato iin- posaibile di ritrovarla, giacch^ temei ch' egli ricono- sceudo la calligrafia si rocasse a domandare sodJHfa- zione a colui che V aveva scritta. Egli mi riauai- curo. Che cosa debb' io immaginare adeaso che vi vedo agitata da tanto spavento il" " Ebbene, si, temo ch' egli esponga la sua vita," rispose Adele, quasi le ultime parole di Ternisien le avesscro offerto la scusa ch' ella cercava. La vo- stra amicizia per iui ha indovinato la disgrazia che il mio amore cerca di prevenire. Ecco perohe, signore, eon V ;nuta qui sola a quest' oraavanzata, e perche vi domando di non parlare ad alcuno della mia visita. Io so, non mi chiedete come Io sappia, chi ha scritto caella lettera; mio marito pure riconoscer^ la scrittura, ji batter^, siatene sicuro; forse sar^ ucciso .... due volte Io pei'der6 a cagione di quella disgraziata donna. Datemi quella lettera ch' io distrugga quella prova ed allorch^ egli non uvrk pih. che semplici so- vpetti, itUurche il colpevole potrik negare e cosi rifiu- M ^ 190 AN ANONYMOUS LETrKK. refuse to fight, then I will bo happy or at Iea«t at enae al)out my husband's life. Thib lottwr, 1 aak for it uiwn my knoef " "Rise, madam," said Ternisien. •• I am too sorry for all that has happened not to give you back your tranquillity. The oath you ask from me, I give you willingly. I will hide your visit from Mr. Valabort, but take this money again, take back these jewels ; I will not accept them. In returning you this letter, I intend only to repair a wrong done and not to give you back a proof." In so speaking, Ternisien returned to Mrs. Valsr bert the bills and jewels she had handed him. He went to the table on which some papei-s were scat- tered, searched a little and afterwards returned to- wards Adole. Seeing the yellow paper he had in his hands, she jumped and seized it with a convulsive movement. While she was reading, a strange change was taking place in her, a change which only the wish to prevent a challenge by destroying that proof could not justify to eyes more expert than those of Terni- sien. In her joy was something of frenzy. One would have said that of the two opposite natures ex- isting in her, the most violent — for a long time bridled by an iron will— had finally buret forth and removed all obstacles — overflowed by hfer violent pas- sions. Her features, the miiTor of a new soul, seemed "^!l lea«t at eiue . utik for it joo sorry for buck your , I give you r. Vulnbert, 86 jewels ; 1 this letter, I not to give Mrs. Valtt- 1 bim. He i were scut- 'eturned to- e had in his i convulsive mge change ily the wish proof could Be of Terni- enzy. One natures ex- long time t foi-th and violent pas- oul, seemed UNA LETTRRA ANONIMA. 191 tare il duello, allora sar6 felice. o almeno tranquilla sulla vita di mio marito. Quella letteru, ve la do- mando in ginocchio." "Alzatevi, signora," dme Ternision.' " Sono troppo dispiaciuto di quanto h uccaduto per non restituirvi il riposo. II giuramento che mi richiedote, ve lo do di buon core, nusconderi) al Hignor Valaliert la visita du voi fattami ; ma riprendete questo danuro, riprendete queste gioie, non le accettin-o. Restituendovi la lettora intendo riparare un torto e non gid restituirvi una prova." Cosi parlundo Ternisien rlmetteva alia signora Va- ifibei't i biglietti e le gioie eh' essa aveva poaate su lui. Si alz6, si diresse vei-so la tavola dov' erano Mparse le carte, cerco un poco e poscia ritorn^ verso Adele. Nello scorgere il foglio gialliccio ch' egli teneva nelle mani, esse fece un salto e se ne impadroni con un moto convulsivo. Mentre lo leggeva, si ope- rava m lei uno strano cambiameuto che ad occhi pid esperti di Ternisien sarebbe ^stato insufficientemente spiegato dal solo desiderio d' impediro nii duello di- struggendo quella prov& Nella gioia vi era mesco- latu un non so che di frenetico. Si sarebbe detto che delle due opposte nature che in lei si rimarcavano la piii violenta, g\k pria tenuta in f reno da una ferrea vo- lontd, alia fine scoppiava, e, tolto ogni ostacolo,strari- pava coUe sue passioni ardenti e terribili. I suoi linea- uenti, specchi di una nuov' anima sembravano avere *■■.- ^^2 AN ANONYMOUS LBTIKK. to have assumed another character. She was no more the timid, submitting, resigned, suppliant woman, but a Iion<'88 whicli roared whil«i dcvotiriijg her prey. As if her hands wore not sufficient, she tore the slieet with her teeth, and then, gathering up the pieces, burned them in tiie flame of the candle, one by one. In proportion as they were consumed, lieic eyes shone and followed the writhings of the flume as if they were the sufl'erings of an agonized victim. As soon as the lire had devoured all, she dispei-sed tho blackened ashes which flew around her with a {)uft". "Nothing more," she cried. " Behold every trace has disappeared! This letter never existed. 1 am saved, — saved I In her delirious joy, she twisted her hands, laughing and crying at the same time. She thfew hei-self up(m the neck of Temisien before he was ablo to express his wonder at such foolish joy. ' ' To you I owe my happiness, " she replied ; "I will never forget it. You refuse my gifts, but come to see me, sir ; as 1 have told you, my fortune is yours. I have your word that you will be discreet; is it not so 'i Good-bye. Do not accompany me ; I will find my way. The important thing is that I do not stay here any longer." She opened the door, rushed to the staircase, and, despite the darkness, so nimble were her steps that Ternisien scarcely heard the noise. The street door uh no more lit woiiiiin, ,' hr-r pn-y. 'c tht) ulu'ut the pieccH, )ne by one. oyew Hhone f they were 30(>n OB the I bhiukened every trace ed. 1 am Is, laughing oi-sulf upon to expre»8 3d; "Iwill ;ome to see I yours. 1 s it not so 'i II find my t stiiy here rcase, and, ' steps that itreet door UNA LBTTKHA AMONIUA. t98 asHimto un nltro cariittere. Son era piii In donna timidn e HottonicHsa, rassegnatii e Huppliclu^vole, era uualeoneHna (ihoruggiva divorando la prida. Quiwi che le Huemani non fossero state Hiittirionti, essu strapjm il foglio coi denti e quindi, riunendoue i pe/zctti, li l)ru- cio alia candela I'uno dopo Taltro. A misura che I'ssi si consumavano i stioi sguardi brillavano e tenevano die- troalprogrcssodelle tiaininecoinc foasoroi patimonti e le softerenze di una vittimu ugoni/zante. Quando il fuoco ebbe tutto divorato, twsa con un soffio disperse quelle ceneri annerite che voiurono intorno u lei. "Pill nulla!" grido, "ecco sparita ogni traccial Questa lettera non esist^ gianimai. Salvata ! Suno salva 1 " Nella sua delirnnte gioia si toroeva lemani ridendo e piangendo al tempo stesso. Si "^etto al coUo di Temi- sien prima che questi potosse e iprimere la sua sorpresa per una cos\ insensata allogria. "A voi debbo la mia feliciUi, riprese, mai lo dimen- ticher6, Voi avete ricusato i miei doni, ma ritornate a|vedermi, signorc, ve 1' ho gid dotto, la mia fortuna vi appartiene. Ho la rostra parola, sarete discreto non e vero? A rivedenii A rivederci Non mi ac- compagnate. 8apr6 guidarmi. L' importtmte e ch' io non mi tratteaga qui piii a lungo," Essa apri 1' uscio, si slancio per le scale, e malgrado r oscurit4 tale era la leggerezza del sun passo che Ter- nisien appena udivane il rumore. La porta della ^^ mmmtrntmimtK s».m 194 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. was shut, Teraisien placed himself at the window and by the uncertain light of a street lamp saw her turning a corner through the snow. For some time the old professor remained thunder- struck at what had happened. A thousand different ideas whirled in his poor head. The thought of evil was the last one which could enter his mind, but, upon thinking of the offers he had refused, it seemed to him that if he had accepted them it would have been a heavy burden on his conscience, and that he would have been obliged to return the gifts. He wrote to Mr. Valabert that all his researches had been useless ; that for a long time he had kept that paper, but that it ex- isted no longer. Then he went to bed, but was unable either to sleep or to banish the suspicions which in- cessantly presented themselves to his mind. Mre. Valabert had returned home without having been even inquired for by her husband in her absence. During the night, no noise troubled the quietness of the house. At dawn the following morning, Julius arose from the table where he had spent the whole night in writing. He re-read and sealed some letters. A very long one was addressed to his wife; another, which also contained several pages, was to be given to the notary who had his fortune, and contained his last depositions. i Jwiiwim t "1^ indow and ler turning d thunder- id different ght of evil , but, upon aed to him ive been a he would rote to Mr. ieless; that that it ex- vaa unable which in- ut having sr absence, lietness of ng, Julius the whole nae letters. ; another, ' be given fcained his UNA LRTTERA ANONIMA. 19<5 strada si chiuse, Ternisien s' affaccio alia finestva ed a traverse la neve, all' incerta luce del fanaie egli la vide girare 1' angolo della via. II vecchio professore re9t6 qualche tempo come stor- dito di quanto era accaduto. Mille confuse idee vol- teo-giavano nella sua mente. II pensiero del male era r ultimo che il suo cervello potesse accogliere, nulla- meno riandundo le offerte da lui rifiutate, gli sembra- va ch' ove le avesse accettate sarebl>ero state un pe- sante fardello suUa sua coscienza e ch' egli sarebbe stato costretto di restituire quel doni. Scrisbe al si- gnor Valabert, qualmentc egli avesse serbato quella carta per lungo tempo e qualmente non gli fosse stato piti possibile di trovarla. Si corico poscia e non gli riesc\ di conciliarsi il sonno, nh di allontanare i sospetti che continuatamente si presentavano al suo spirito. La signora Valabert era rientrata senza che suo marito avesse pensato a domandarla. Nella notte nes- sun rumore turb6 la quiete di quella casa. L' indo- mani alio spuntar del sole Giulio si alzo dal tavolino dove dopo, ricevuto le risposte alle lettere da lui in- viate poco innanzi aveva passata la notte a scrivere. Egli rilesse e sigill6 alcune lettere, una lunghissi- ma diretta a sua moglie, un'altra che pure forma- va varie pagine doveva essere consegnata al notaio, presso il quale trovavansi tutti i titoli di sua propriety, e conteneva le sue ultime disposizioni testamentarie. )«»«criattM»asti«EWS«?!».m«««»tS5'«^5»V5!ffir»^ 1^^ AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. His wife's room was separated from his own by a smaller one, the door of which opened between the two divisions of the library. He directed his steps to that side, and listened for a few minutes. All around was still. "She is asleep," he said; "I can go out, and if Heaven is just I shall return here without troubling her rest. In two hours all will be ended. He or I. Let me go." He wrapped himself in a clojik, took a box which contained the pistols, and softly turned the key in the lock. At the same time, the door opened from the out- side and Julius found himself face to face with his wife, pale, troubled and with a countenance which tes- tified that she, too, had been awake all night Surprise made Julius draw back. Adele entered, shut the cabinet door violently and, without asking or giving explanations, took the cloak and snatched the pistol -box from her husband's hands. ' ' You were going out to fight, " she said. Julius, scarcely recovered from his emotion, replied : "I must be second for a friend. These pistols are for him. Adele, do not be afraid, but let me go. " "Oh! you cannot deceive me," she said; "you go to fight." "Adele!" "No useless words 1 no false oaths ! You are going to fight." "To tight? Why? and against whom? » .- ^ ^..-;« ^-JTiftTk^iaRV**. 'jfi,iimi^Aifi^'^--Sv!' 1 lis own by a between the I his steps to All around can go out, ere without II be ended, liraself in a pistols, and 3m the ent- ice with his e which tes- ?ht. ele entered, it asking or latched the )n, replied : pistols are tne go. " lid; "you I are going WIA LETrERA ANONIMA. 197 La onmera d! sua moglie era separata dalla sua solo da una caraerd:ta, di cui la porta si apriva fra i due coi'pi della iibreria^ei si divesse verso quella parte e per qual- che tempo porse 1' oreochlo. Tutto era calmo, "Dorme," ei disse, "posso uscire, e se il cielo h giusto rientrare qui senza turbare il suo sonno. In due ore tutto san\ finito; io o lui. Audiamo." Si avvolse in un mantello prese una scatola che con- teneva le pistole e dolcemente gir6 la chiave nella ser- ratura. Nel tempo stesso la porta si apri dal di fuori e Giulio si trovo in presenza di sua moglie, pallida stravolta ed in tale disordine che attestava bene essere ella pure rimasta tutta la notte senzu dormire. La sorpresa fece indietreggiare Giulio. Adele en- tro, richiuse violentemente la porta del gabinctto e senza pronunziare una parola, senza domandare una spiegazione, tolse il mantello e strappu dalle mani di Giulio la scatola delle pistole. ■' Voi uscivatc per andar a batteni," gli dissc. Giulio a stento rimesso dall' emozione, rispose : "Questa mattina debbo fare da padrino ad uuo dei miei amici. Queste pistole sono per lui. Adele non temete e lasciate ch' io parte." " Ahtu non m' ingannerai, tu vai a batterti." "Adele!" "Tregua a parole inutili, tregua a bugiardi giura- menti." " Battermi ! e peroh^ ! e contro chi t " 198 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. "Against whom? Against him who wrote that anonymous letter and whom you think you know. Why< Because you wish to avenge her death of whom you have always thought. I know it, 1 tell you. Does the heart need to be taught that it is for- saken i Does jealousy need to be enlightened ? Did I not see you yesterday, while that man was speaking, forget that I was there,—!, a poor, forsaken woman, —and only recollect it to pray me not to trouble your grief with my presence? And because I retired you thought I had not heard your sobs, or the question you asked, or the resolution you made ? Julius, dare you repeat to me that you are not going to fight?" He turned his eyes toward her, and making an effort, he replied with a grave and slow voice : "Adele, it has always been my fate to put to a trial your inex- haustible kindness, which made an angel of you. Once, you alone rendered justice to that woman whom you now detest on account of the title of my wife. Later, when I was very near dying, you again consoled me ; for almost two years you surrounded me with attentions, and I swear to you, without that unforeseen revelation which threw me suddenly into the past, no moaning, or sorrow, or remembrance would have taken place in my heart. Try to find in that virtue which no other woman equally possesses, the necessaiy strength to bear this last blow. Yes, I will no longer ^y-'-inAkesi^ax:'-. 10 wrote that ik you know, her death of :now it, 1 tell that it is for- itened ? Did waa speaking, akon woman, trouble your I retired you the question Julius, dare to fight?" [ making an ice: "Adele, al your inex- igel of you. ^oman whom of my wife, ^ain consoled led me with t unforeseen the past, no would have I that virtue lie necessaiy 11 no longer DMA LETTBRA AMONIMA. 100 " Contro fihi ? contro oolui che altruvolta scrisse quel- la lettera anomma ohe tu presumi conoscere. Percht' ? Perch^ vaoi vendicare la morte di quella donna alia quale hai sempre pensato. lo lo so, ti dico, il cuore ka forse hisogno che gli si spieghi 1' abbandono 'i La gelosia ha forse bisogno di venire illuminata? Non ti ho forae veduto ieri, mentre quell' uomo parlava, di menticare ch' io fossi presente, io, povei*a, abbando- nata e solo ricordartene per pregiu'ini di non distur- bare coUa mia presenza il tuo doloi'e? E perch^ io mi ritirai, tu pensi ch' io non abbia udito i tuoi pianti, n^ la domajida che facosti, nh la risoluzione che prendesti? Giulio oserai ancora ripetermi che tu non vai a batterti ? " Egli volse gli occhi e faccndosi forza. " Adele ! " riprese con voce lenta e gi-ave, " fu sem- pre mia fatalitsV di mettere a prova quell' inesauribile bont^ che fanno di voi un angelo. Gi^ tempo, voi sola rendeste giustizia a colei che a cagione del vostro titolo di mia consorte oggi voi detestate. Pid tardi quando poco manc6 ch' io soccombessi, voi ancora mi conso- iaste ; da quasi due anni voi mi circondaste di pre- miue, di attenzioni, e ve lo giuro, senza questa impre- veduta rivelazione che mi ha gettato violentemente nel passato, nessun lamento, o dispiacere, o ricordo si sa- rebbero f atto strada nel mio cuore. Trovate in quella virtvi che nessun' altra donna possedette 1' eguale la forza necessaria per soppoi*tare quest' ultimo colpo. 200 AN ANONYMOUS LEITEK. deceive you. I go to fight. It is not a question of love, as no vengeance can give life again to her who no longer exists, but the infamous person who calumni- att>d the woman you yourself once defended, must re- ceive the price of his falsehood. To-day, tomorrow, twenty years from now, so long as my hand can hold a sword or direct a ball through the heart of an ad- versary, I will demand satisfaction for that vile con- duct ; I will avenge Fanny's death. I wished to avoid meeting you, Adele ; I feared your tears, your pains, your reproaches, but my last thoughts were for you. There, on the mantel piece, is a letter 1 wrote you, in which I bade you the last farewell. Receive it now, since a fatal chance has brought you across my path, and do not try to detjiin me. My resolution is taken. It is a reparation that I owe her; and in risking my life, I expiate, in my opinion, my credulity and the eiTor I ought to have repulsed far from me." Adele had remained before him dumb, with a fixed gaze and clasped hands, but when she saw that he again prepared to leave, she seized him violently by the arm, and exclaimed with an accent of subdued rage: "Then 1 must again resign myself to be patient? This everlasting duty I For others, the passion, the heart which burns and confides itself— for ne, the coldness of marble. No, no I this must not be so ! He asks me for another virtue, while I O God I «tion of love, her who no vho calunini- ed, must re- to-morrow, and can hold *rt of an ad- hat vile con- hed to avoid your pains, ere for you. rote you, in seive it now, )8s my path, ion is taken. 1 risking my lity and the le." with a fixed saw that he nolently by of subdued be patient ? passion, the for ne, the not be so ! — OGod! UNA LBTTERA ANONIMA. 201 Si, non voglio ingannarvi piti a lungo. vado a bat- termi. Non trattasi gi4 di amore, dacch^ nessuna vendetta pu6 ridonare alia vita colei che piii non esiste, ma 1' infame che 'calunni6 la donna che voi stessa difen- deste, deve ricevere il premio delle sue bugle. Oggi, domani, di qui a venti anni, finch^ il mio braccio po- trA sostenere una spada, o dirigere una palla al cuore di un avversario, io domander^ sodisfaziont di questo vigliacco procedere, e cercher6 di vendicare la morte di Fanny. Bramava evitare di vedervi, Adele, temeva le vostre lagrime, il vostro dolore ed i vostri rimpro- veri, ma i miei ultimi pensieri erano diretti a voi. L4 8ul cammino h una lettera ch' io vi dirigeva nella qua- le vi f aceva i miei addii. Prendetela giacche un f unesto azzardo vi pose sul mio passaggio, n^ cercate di tratte- nermi. La mia risoluzione h presa. E' una ripara- zione che le devo, e rischiando la mia vita espio ai miei occhi la mia credulitA e 1' errore che avrei dovuto respingere." Adele era rimasta dinnanzi a lui, muta, Io sguardo fisso e le mani unite; per6 allorch^ vide ch' egli di bel nuovo si disponeva ad uscire Io afferr6 violentemente pel braccio. " Dunque," grid6 con accento di concentrata rab- bia, ''bisogna che mi rassegni di bel nuovo? Aver pazienza ? Ecco il mio eterno dovere ! Ad altri le pa8sioni,il cuore che avvampa e che si confida, a me la freddezza e 1' insensibilitS del marmo I No, no I Non -.- ni 'j— Mjiiliiihi 202 AN ANONYMOUS LETTEB. I beg thee to restrain the passion which was ready to overflow. Let not the secret of ray heart come to my li|)H. Seal my mouth, I beseech thee, and restrain my voice b^sfore it shall narrate what I know. Let this blindness which betrays me depart from me, and give me back my former strong will." " Adele, what do you mean to say I" asked Julius, " Whence this delirium ?" " Must I even explain to you the cause of my grief? Do you think to deceive me 'i Was that woman, then, so beautiful that the simple remembrance of her is stronger than your love for me 'i In what way did she love to love you more than I do t You do not know, Julius, how I love you. You have only known in mo a timid, reserved woman, whom a simple glance was sufficient to make happy, but I was waiting only for f> single impassioned word, for a waiw caress, to attach myself to you, to love you — not as a wife, but as a lover. Oh! tell me that you were ignorant of those transports, of those secret desires, of that love which dare not burst forth, but which to-day made me fall at your feet, confounded, suppliant, mad ? You will not go v,ina non il cuore. Fin dal giorno i>r('fedcnto (piest' ultimo era stato dato al riconlo di Fanny. Sfioltosi dalle strette dl sua nio- glie fece qualche passo per escire. "Cosi, partite, mi lasciatei Quanto vi ho detto fi inutile per tratlenervi ? " " Uisofinu elf io vada." '* Non rientrerctc qui ohe vendicato o morto?" "Appuntol" *'E nella vostra assenza, io die so tutto piango- rh, mi strappero i capelli dal doloro mi percuott-ro la fronto contro il muro. E tutto questo non vale a trattenervi. Li\, sul terreno, di fronte all' avvei"surio nulla vi commuoverA, o vi fanV battero il cuore, o tre- mare la mano. Ecco cio che mi h riserbato. Voi, se ritornerete, ritornerete [ler piangere al mio lianco, op- pure mi verrete condotto cadavere, o morente, <'he do- yri) curare, e di cui di liel nuovo prolunghero la vita per udirvi ripetere il nomo di Fanny Oli I vediito Giulio ! voi non Haj)ete cio che mi fate fare .... non sa- peto che mi rendcto folic I che vorrei vcdervl morto 13 •##*' S'^*^ AN ANONYMOU8 I.KTrKK. alive? But you will lot deptiit from lienoo- -you will not liplit. Who is your mlvorinry ? Who killed your heh>vp(l i Suint-GilleH ; is it not bo I " '* Who olso could have d(»no it I " *' And if he n-fuHon to fight i " •' H« will not rot'uso ; 1 have his answer already." "HisHHrtwor to an insulting h'ttor. Yet one docs not risk his life for an insult that could be repuiri'd. If ho refiuses to fight; if he tells you that he did not write that letter ( " "I will tell him that he iei a coward; I will take him l»y the throat with one hand and with the other I will slap his face." '* But then, i>erhaps, he will kill you ; and yet he did not write that letter." " Who did, then i" "Some one that you cannot strike some one that does not wish for your death." '' Adele ! " "Some one who emlmices ycmr feet ; a woman whom jealousy made guilty, and who speaks now on account of the fear of losing you. It was 1, Julius." ♦'You?" At such a fearful revelation, Julius ramained as if stricken by a thunderl>olt. " Youf" he i-epeated, after a few minutes. "Yes, /," she answered, trying to seize his hands, which he drew l>aek. He was looking at her with ' -^«a^a ? ii. i tfja ^ A W =^> r^H^M^^ifi^^Sai^U^ moe- -you my ? Who lot so I" Br alrendy." 'et one rtowi be repaired. : he did not I will tiike the other I ind yet - some one ; a M'oninn tikii now on 1 1, Julius." mined as if ites. ' his hands, it her with UNA l.KrrKKA ANOMMA. 107 an/ich^ vivo. Mh voi nor eAcii-ete di qui .... non vi batterete. . . .Chi e il voutro avvcrsario^ Chi hu ucci* 10 la vostra dilcttai Saint-Ciilles uon e veroC *'Clii iiltri ttvrehlMS potuto fiu-lo < " "■ K s' ogii ritiuta di battfi-si i " *' Ki non ritiuteru, ho giu la sua rispoHta.* " La sua risposta ad una letttu'a uisultante? Non si riHcliia !a vita per un insulto che p o ripararsi. Se ri- ticritto qiiellu render6 pel coUo • 'iati'eggero." eppure, egli non fiiita di baltei'si, se vi dirAchun'o *■ k'lU'ra file fareto voi ?" " Oli diro ch' 6 un vil con uno iiiano, mentre col ai " Ma allora fowe vi iif u. ha scritta quella I'tttera. " "Chi dunqueC *'Quak-he(hino che tu non puoi colpire. ...qual- cheduno che non de»idera la tua morte." '' Adele ! " " Qualcheduno che nbbraccia le tue ginocchia, una donna che la gelosia rese delittuosa e che la paiu-ti di perderti oggi fa parlare. Fui io Giullo." ii Voi ! " A questa terribii? rivelazione Giulio,resto come col- pitc) da folmine. " Voi '( " rlpete dopo un momento di silenzio. " Si, io," rispose, cercando tli prendergli la mano ch' ei vitrasse. La vimirava con stupore e con spu- veuto. Era preso dt\ vcrtigini net misurare quella r 208 AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. amnstement and terror. He wius taken with dizziness in measuring that profound falsity and the abj^sses of that heart,— a burning volcano covered with snow. Finally he exclaimed: "What had that poor thing done to you ? Oh ! if you have spoken the truth, do not approach me henceforth. I would feel only pity for you, but you excite my horror." " Julius, you ask what she had done to me ? But I loved you from the firet day I saw you, andshe also loved you. Do not ask me how I happened to be- come acquainted with Ernest's visits. I was jealous, and gold bought me all secrets I wished to know. It was I that caused the letter to be copied with all the precautions Ternisien narrated. Yesterday I received from him and burned the paper written by my hand. I bought Marion, and for me she stole the ring whose disappearance was to serve as a proof against Fanny. That is what I did, and it seems a dream. I cannot believe it myself. My reason is wandering, my head is feeble as my body. ^Why have I spoken ? Oh ! yes, 1 remember because you were to light with Saint- Giiles ; because you were going to risk your life and I desired to save you." " Have you yet that ring which Marion gave you ? Answer, answer ! Give it to me 1 " "1 have it no more." " Give it to me ! " he repeated with a fearful voice. She staggered bsick, extending her arm toward him. am matm ' '•jiiffltii WifflBjf'i vith dizziness ;he ab^'sses of 1 with snow, it poor thing the truth, do eel only pity to me ? Bnt , and she also )pened to be- was jealous, to know. It I with all the ay I received by my hand, e ring whose ;ainst Fanny. 1. I cannot ing, my head >oken ? Oh ! it with Saint- your life and m gave you ? 'earftil voice. I toward him. UNA LETTBRA ANONIMA. 20!) profondri dissiniulazione e gli abissi di quel cuore, vul- cano araente coperto di neve. Finalmente eschiuio : " Che cosa vi avea fatto la poveretta ? Ah i so, avete detto il vero, piii non vi avvicinate a me. Vor- rei provar per voi solo della pieti, ma voi mi destato orrore." *'Giulio, mi domandate che cosa mi avesse futto? Ma io vi amava tin dal giorno che vi vidi, ed e^sa pure vi amuva. Non domandatemi come arrivassi a cono-. scere le visite di Ernesto, era gelosa e 1' oro mi ven- deva i segreti di cui agognava la conoscenza. Fui io che feci scrivere la lettera con tutte quelle precauzioni che Ternisien vi ha narrato. lei-sera ricevei da lui e strappai la copia scritta di mio pugno. Io sedussi Marianna ed essa per me rubo 1' anelio di cui la dispa- riziooe. dove\a servire di prova contro Fanny. E«'co quello -che feci e cio mi sembra un sogno. Io Btessa non arrivo a prcstarvi fede. La mia ragione si smnrrisce, la mia testa e dobole al pari del corpo Perche ho io parlato ? Ah ! si, mel ricordo, perch^ dovevate battervi con Saint-Gillee. Fu perche anda- vate a I'ischiare la vita ed io voleva salvarvi. "Quell' anelio che vi fu dato da Marianna Io avete voiancora? Rispondetemi, datemelo." "Pill non Io posseggo." " Datemelo," ripiglio Giulio con voce terribile. Ella indietreggio traballando e atendendo le braccia ¥01*80 di lui. ■^msjM T 210 AN ANONYMOUS LETTEK. "Julius," she replied, "I have that ring no more. Your looks affright me; your voice makes me tremble. Have you no pity for me ? " *'Had you pity for her?" "Always HER I" ''Do you not ramembur that she is dead, and died muixlered by you? Pity for you I Never!" "• I, too, have suffered. Was I not jealous ? Am I not yet so ? Have I not suffered when the victim of a love which could cause me to lose all modesty i I saw you going out to meet her. Have I not silently concealed my tears ? Have I not sighed every night ? Mute and insensible in appearance, have I not stag- gered at the noise of your footsteps, at the sound of your voice, and when your hand touched mine? And during two years what has been my lot ? By day Fanny occupies your thoughts, and often even at night in your dreams I have heard her name. Did I complain ? And to-day, because the fear of losing you has made me speak, fool that I was, you reject me without pity. Your eyes have not a single tear for my sufferings, your heart has not an excuse for my fault She could have died; she I you had loved her. What will become of me if you will not see me any more? A word only, for pity; not a word of love. Now you cannot speak it ; I know it, and yet you would make me so happy. No, no! it is not that which I ask of you. Only let fall a l(M)k upon ring no more, es me tremble. lend, and died rer ?'» iealoas / Am I the victim of modesty ? I I not silently I every night? ^e I not stag- the sound of Imine? And lot? By day iften even at lame. Did I 3ar of losing CB, you reject a single tear m excuse for ou had loved II not see me no della vostra voce,e quando la vostra mano tocca- va la mia ? E da due anni a questa paile quale si fu il mio destino ? Di giorno Fanny oticupa i vostri pen- sieri; spesso anche di notte ho sorpreso il suo nome nei vostri sogni. Mi sono io lamentata i Ed oggi perch^ 11 timore di perdervi mi fece parlai-e, foUe che fui, voi mi respingete senza piet4. I vostri occhi non hanno una lagrima pei miei patimenti, il vostro cuora non una scusa per la mia colpa. Essa pot^ morire. Essa ! voi 1' avcvate amata, ma che cosa sarA di me se non voiTete piii vedcrmi? Una parola, Giulio, una parola di grazia, non ur?a parola d' amore, adesso tu non puoi piii proferirhi. lo so, eppure mi faresti cos) felico ! Ma, no, non e tlo che ti domimdo. Lascia J 212 AN ANONVMOU8 LETIKK. me 119 formerly, as yesterday, and I will leave yoci in peace. You will think of her, you will cry for her, and I — w^'en your eyes shall lie dry, I will return to you, I will kneel and ask your pardon. Oh ! my head burns. A word, only a word, or I shall die ! " She had approached him; he pushed her hack again. " Infamous one ! " he exclaimed, " if you yet have it, give me that ring." " What will you do with it I " she asked, raising her head and regaining an energy inspired by despair. " 1 would in your presence cover it with kisses and let you know once again, liefore we part, how I love her who had it." "To part? Oh ! Julius, you defy me? you believe me feeble and under your feet. To separate ? But I am your wife and will follow you everywhere. What will you say to obtain that separation? That fur jealousy 1 nmrdered your mistress ? And the proof, where is it? That letter was destroyed. I will answer that you were lying. Ah ! you are with- out pity for me ; you will punish me for my love for you with the remembrance you keep of the other, and then forsake me. Well, then 1 As your wife I claim my right to remain with you; I will never leave you. Do you undei-stand ?" "Madam, we shall not see each other again.' ^"mmmmm m I leave yo«i ciy for hor, II rehirn to )h ! my head die!" buck again, ou yet have , raising her despair, h kisscis and how I love you believe irate? But verywhere. on ? That And the jtroyed. I u are with- ny love for the other, our wife I aever leave rain.' UNA LRTTERA ANONIMA. 213 ■!>lo cridcre su me un' occhiata come prima, come iori ancora, ed i<> ti lascio. Tu penserai a lei, tu la pian- gcutti ed io quando i tuoi occhi saranno asciugati, ritornero viiino a te, m' inginocchiero e ti domander6 porclono. Oh ! la testa mi brucia. Una sola parola, od io mi muoio ! " Essa Bi era recato vicina a Giulio. Egli la re- spinse. *'InfameI" esclam6, "se ancora Io avote datemi quell' anello." "Che cosa volete fame?" domandt) alzando la testa, e riprendendo un' energia inspirata dalhi dispe- razione. •' Vorrei in vostra presenza coprirlo di baci farvi vedere una volta ancora prima di separarci, quanto io ami colei che Io ha portato." " Separarci i Ah, Giulio! voi mi stidute? Voi mi credete debole e caduta sotto i piedi i Separarci ? Ma io sono vostni moglie e vi soguiro dajiertutto. Che cosa direte per ottenere questa separazione ? Che per gelosia uccisi la vostr' amante. E la prova dov' e i Quella letteiu fu distrutta. Risponder6 che mentite. Ah, voi siete senza piet& ! Voi volete punirmi dei mio amore per voi col ricordo che conservate dell' altra, ed in seguito allontanarmi. Ebbene! Moglie roclamo il mio diritto di rimanere presso di voi. Io piu non vi lascero, mi cap'te ? " " , '•Signora, noi f 'i non ci vedreuio," : iaSM^nnmuiMMtii 214 AN ANONYMOUS LETTEK. " We will see each other every diiy. Every day 1 will importune you with my presence, with my love, with my distress and my jealousies." " Be silent, madam, be silent ! " "No, I will not ; neit{ier to-day nor to-morrow. Ah! you believe you have suffei-ed by having lost your darling while another woman whose reason you have destroyed only receives fmm you the epithet of infa- mous and the threat of a separation. No, no 1 We are united to each other, and we will not be parted. Our existence will be a hell, but I am used to suffer- ing, and I accept my lot." Out of her mind, almost mad, she had taken the arm of her husband, whose rage had been increased by such foolish provocation. A fearful expi-ession of contempt and hatred shone in his eyes. The door of the room opened with violence, and at the same time three gentlemen entered. Julius made a last effort, and as he had not seen the presence of the others, raised his hand at his wife. She bent and fell, half fainting under the blow. "Gentlemen," said he, "the hour I appointed for our meeting is past. Without doubt you come to search for me. M. Saint-Gilles, I would not have delayed presenting my excuses to you and praying you to forget the letter I had addressed you. You Clin see the motive of my